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Backwards Compatibility on PS3 Wrap Up
PS3 + Joystiq + Kotaku + Comments + Blog + PS3 Fanboy
10.08.2007 at 8:47 pm
If you haven’t read the news the new 40gb PS3 sku has had the backwards compatibility completely removed from it. This has, of course, set off a good amount of blogging and commenting. Here is a wrap up from the last few days.
On October 5th at 2:00PM PS3 Fanboy’s Chris Powell posted:
“Now that Sony has finally come clean and announced its new 40GB PlayStation 3, it’s got some “splaining to do.” The biggest issue on most gamer’s minds is why Sony decided to cut the backwards compatibility feature that linked the PS3 with the PlayStation consoles that came before it.
SCEE managing director Ray Maguire said Sony will use the money it dedicated towards backwards compatibility to invest in new games or to perhaps lower prices so more gamers can afford to buy a PS3. “It was a big decision, and we know it is a very emotive subject as lots of people think that backwards compatibility is high on the agenda and yet few really use it,” he said.
We’re not sure how Maguire came to this conclusion, but the PS3’s backwards compatibility feature is always one that we’ve appreciated for a long time. With Sony’s commitment to a 10-year life span of its hardware and games still being published for last generation’s console, it seems like an odd choice to “cut the cord” at this point.”
Selected Comments from the post
“If you really want to have BC fork out a 100 euro more and you have it. As well as an extra controller and 2 games. Better deal than the 400 euro consoel if you ask me. Spin it all you like but the fact remains the PS3 just dropped 200 euros in price from 600 to 400 euros.”
“”…that backwards compatibility is high on the agenda and yet few really use it,”
Is this guy for real?! What other games beside Heavenly Sword, Resistance and Warhawk are out here that gamers play on their PS3? I dare you to name one.
This, by far, is the absolute worst explanation I’ve heard this year from any executive. I’m speechless”
“I think it’s a load of crap too. Seems like they’re just punishing the consumer for not buying the more expensive version. Kind of like how Intel apparently used to sell the same processor, but underclocked to different speeds at different prices - it costs the same for them regardless.
But I also think people make too big of a deal out of backwards compatibility. I mean, I love games, but how many games for the PS2 have you played (for however many YEARS at this point) that you STILL feel the need to play? I would definitely buy a non-BC PS3 if it’d save me money.”
“man who cares if it isnt b/c? KEEP UR OLD PS2 MINE WORKS FINE AFTER 4 YEARS… i don’t mind there’s no bc in this new 40gig model and others shouldn’t care either. i even have my original ps hooked up even though i don’t play it. so who gives a crap if there’s no b/c?! sheesh… lmao :)”
“I’m really glad I bought my PS3 when I did. Backwards compatibility is what I use my PS3 for the most. I own several PS3 titles, but I have a huge library of PS2 games and a bunch of PS games that I still play, alot. I retired my PS2 when I bought my PS3 last January. The only exception was Guitar Hero, but I finally got an adapter that works and I gave my PS2 to our niece and nephew.
I don’t want to have a bunch of consoles hooked up if I don’t have to. Sony said pre-launch that the PS3 would be fully backwards compatible. But it seems only if you bought the it early when it had a higher price tag.”
On October 5th at 4:55PM Joystiq’s Alexander Sliwinski posted:
“In separate interviews today both Sony UK boss Ray Maguire and Sony Europe spokesman Nick Sharples spoke about how the 40GB PS3 lacking backwards compatibility is fine. How is it fine? Maguire tells Eurogamer that by this Christmas the PS3 will have a whopping 65 games and so they feel “there’s sufficient choice in the marketplace and that we’re still better off using that money that we’d put into backwards compatibility in either investing in new games or using that money to help support bringing the price down.” Meanwhile, Sharples tells GameDaily, “We have made clear on many occasions that our priority is on developing innovative new features and services for PS3 and not on backwards compatibility.”
We really hate to do this, but we swear Sony must honestly think consumers and the press have the memories of goldfish. Let’s just take it back to the PlayStation brand for two seconds. Sony’s own Phil Harrison clearly and distinctly said in a 2006 interview with GamePro, “Backwards compatibility, as you know from PlayStation One and PlayStation 2, is a core value of what we believe we should offer. And access to the library of content people have created, bought for themselves, and accumulated over the years is necessary to create a format. PlayStation is a format meaning that it transcends many devices — PSOne, PS2, and now PS3.” A little over a year and “core values” go right out the window. Who needs backwards compatibility anyway when you’ve got 65 games to sell?”
Selected Comments from the post
“Ken Kutaragi:
“the PS3 will feature backwards compatibility with PS and PS2 games from day one. I’m emphasizing this because, from what I hear, there are some platforms that haven’t been able to completely do this. It’s costly in terms of hardware, but we’d rather invest firmly on compatibility from the beginning, rather than to have issues later on.”
Kinda hard to weasel out now?”
“Did Nintendo ever say that the SNES, N64 and GC would be backwards compatible with anything?NEVER.Did Microsoft say that backwards compatibility was a primary concern, and a core value for the brand?NEVER.
Did Sony say that BC was a primary concern, and a core value for the brand? YES.”
“sony themselves said they would be 100% backwards compatible. they set the standard for themselves, and now they’re breaking that promise a year later”
“Sony should have just kept their mouths shut after announcing this detriment to their brand value. To make things worse, they put out a figure of “65 games” for people to buy for the PS3. 65 PS3 games available isn’t something to be proud of, especially with a back-library of thousands of PS and PS2 games that they just made UNavailable to the system.
Sure, they found a way to drive their cost down. But it’s at the cost of their consumer’s understanding of the PS3. Multiple SKUs is bad enough (lookin at MS too!) to confuse the customers. But when you take away a /strength/ of, not only a product, but a whole brand, you’re just asking for a world of hurt.”
“Maybe the people are upset because you Sony, told that the PS3 will be %100 backward compatible from day one, bashing the 360.”
“People wanted a lower price. Sony is doing things according to what the consumers were demanding. When they made their original statement they thought that people would see what a good deal the PS3 is since it comes with a blu-ray drive, full b/c, free online etc…..BUT not everyone saw that. Sony had to change their strategy. That is exactly what is going on….because you guys obviously didn’t appreciate what they ever doing before.”
On October 5th at 7:20PM Kotaku’s Michael Mcwhertor posted:
“By now, we’re all aware of the price drop and feature drop of the PLAYSTATION 3 in Europe, resulting in a gimped 40GB model of the console. So why, exactly, was backwards compatibility dropped from the PS3? What was once a “core value” and “necessary” according to Sony Computer Entertainment’s Phil Harrison—not to mention a boastful talking point when asked about the Xbox 360’s BC— is now clearly not at all necessary, with the company’s priorities on “developing innovative new features and services for PS3 and not on backwards compatibility.”
Yeah, we get it. There’s an opportunity to save a couple bucks. But why remove the PlayStation 2 chipset altogether, after investing in software emulation and eliminating hundreds of titles from the PS3 library? According to an interview with SCEE reps at GamesIndustry BIZ a “reduced emphasis placed on this feature amongst later purchasers of PS3, as well as the availability of a more extensive line-up of PS3 specific titles” is the reason the company is nixing the once promised support.
Plus, they’ve got 65 PS3 titles ready for the holidays.
Solution? Buy the 60GB (while they’re still available), natch. This is the one time as an early hardware adopter that I don’t feel screwed over. Off to hug my Emotion Engine!”
Selected Comments from the post
“So in other words, they needed PS2 support to get the PS3 ball rolling, and now that they actually have games out they are removing it to make PS3s cheaper for everyone else? Actually, that sounds reasonable.”
“I for one don’t care about BC, I have a PS2 which I used to play my PS2 games (funnily enough) now I just want a PS3 I can afford.”
“If by reasonable you mean screwing over anyone that buys that then yes, it’s reasonable. Personally, if and when I do get a PS3 I would really rather not have to have my PS2 crammed in my already overcrowded entertainments center as well. This is pretty much just a giant slap in the face by Sony. Thanks guys.”
“I have to agree, Sony is certainly being two-faced about BC. I mean all the stuff they about how MS couldn’t have all the titles, blah blah blah. Look where they’re at now. Sad, Sony, very SAD.”
“Who cares? If you want the backward compatibility, go get the slightly more expensive unit. If you don’t care and want to save a C-note, go get the cheaper version.”
“I haven’t been interested in the PS3 at all until I saw some footage from MGS4 and I realized how much I really want it. Iv been getting increasingly interested in buying one. I currently own a regular PS2 so I could look past the backwards computability being dropped. I might actually end up picking up a PS3 this winter.”
“Normally, I’d piss and moan about this whole thing with the best of them, but this is the one time someone has removed a feature from their product and I really… don’t give a shit.
Call me a Never-Nervous-Pervis, but it seems to me that if you want Backwards Compatibility, you’ll still have that option. For those of us who are more frugal, and care not for the luxuries of playing the games of generations past, then there’ s a PlayStation 3 tailor-made for you. It’s got all the high-tech niceties of it’s high-end counterpart (Bluetooth, Blu-Ray, WiFi, expandable HDD) without a feature that I would argue 20% of its owners use. Dumbass move by Sony? Maybe. The best move they’ve made so far? That’s where my money is.”
On October 6th at 2:55PM Joystiq’s Ross Miller posted:
“Due to popular demand from a previous editorial (this is a blog, after all, and editorializing does happen from time to time), we thought it best to clarify further why, exactly, we feel Sony’s move to drop backwards compatibility from the 40GB PAL model was at best misguided and at worst cruel to its consumer base.
First off, the cost to Sony for including the software emulation is very minimal. Though some people have cited the Emotion Engine and Graphics Synthesizer, the combo chip was removed from the PAL design in late February 2007 and cost an estimated $27. Essentially, the software emulation has been running entirely on PS3 hardware for the full extent of its tenure in the PAL region. So that $27 that Sony is presumably saving by not using software backwards compatibility is misinformed.
Regarding PS One titles, Sony has told GameSpot that they will be compatible, which is a good sign. But why not extend those compatibility options to the PS2 library? As previously denoted, that software in its present form runs fine on PS3 hardware.
There has also been discussion about choice. For this, we want to remind the readers that the 40GB is currently only coming out in Europe, where their only other option is the soon-to-be-dropped (reaffirmed in a line from their recent press release) 60GB version. The 80GB model is not coming to PAL territories.
But perhaps it is a cost-cutting hardware issue that no one has seen. If that’s the case, then Sony would be wise to say so, instead of highlighting the 65 PS3 titles reportedly able to justify the loss or downplaying the importance of backwards compatibility when, as recently as 2006 Sony’s Phil Harrison said that “backwards compatibility, as you know from PlayStation One and PlayStation 2, is a core value of what we believe we should offer. And access to the library of content people have created, bought for themselves, and accumulated over the years is necessary to create a format. PlayStation is a format meaning that it transcends many devices — PSOne, PS2 and now PS3.”
Could the software be offered later as a download? That’s a possibility, although it would beg the question why the company couldn’t have added it originally (barring issues over the non-presence of the PS2 graphics synthesizer chip), as well as if that compatibility software would be provided for a nominal fee.
As it stands, no hardware deterrent has been revealed, and the public relations are doing nothing to remedy that error. Does adding the software during the production of the unit, particularly when other software like the operating system is being uploaded, cost that much more? We don’t see it, and we’re grasping at straws trying to find a reason for it. (Other than diverting PAL gamers’ money from buying last-gen software to new-gen offerings.)
So what’s the big deal - why does the backwards compatibility matter? The previously-mentioned “core value” quote from Phil Harrison best sums it up, that with the PS3 we are buying into the PlayStation brand and all that it entails. Gamers who pick up the 40GB model have lost access to over 8,000 titles - many of them the best gaming has to offer. The elephant in the room is that Sony could ween out backwards compatibility from all its available models over all regions. Should you care? We think so.
Update: With some help from Engadget Japan’s Ittousai, we have found diagrams indicating the switch from Emotion Engine + Graphic Synthesizer chip to just a graphics synthesizer chip, implying the software emulation was partially hardware-supported (as noted by many commenters). If that’s the case, then, the ability to download emulation software later may not be possible. We don’t want to spread misinformation, so for further clarification we have contacted Sony for a definitive answer.
Regardless, the loss of backwards compatibility marks a paradigm shift in the PlayStation branding. If you buy a PS3, your connection to the previous generation - one that saw Sony reign mightily in the realm of console gaming - is severed. Does the cost of branding outweigh the financial benefit of losing a graphics chip?”
On October 8th at 4:30PM PS3 Fanboy’s Andrew Yoon posted:
“Many people assumed that the PS3 was software emulating PS2 games, ever since the release of the 80GB model. That system removed the Emotion Engine from the hardware, and required Sony to implement a backwards compatibility solution that involved emulation. Many, including Joystiq, wondered why the new 40GB model couldn’t do the same.
SCEE’s Nick Sharples sent a technical explanation as to why the new 40GB model loses support for PS2 games. “Backwards compatibility for PS2 titles is largely made possible through the use of actual semiconductors, supported by the PS3 system software. The 20GB and 60GB PS3 models launched in Japan and the USA were equipped with both the PS2 Emotion Engine and Graphics Synthesiser chips and we could therefore guarantee over 90% backwards compatibility for PS2 titles.
“The 60GB model launched in Europe was a new model (shared with the 80GB model launched subsequently in USA) which contains only a modified version of the Graphics Synthesiser chip from the PS2 and not the Emotion Engine chip. The European launch model therefore used a combination of software and the modified version of the PS2 Graphics Synthesiser chip to deliver backwards compatibility for PS2 titles. As a result the percentage of backwards compatible PS2 titles was slightly reduced.
“The 40GB model, to be launched in Europe on 10th October, is a new model and is not equipped with any of the semi conductors from the PS2, and backwards compatibility would therefore have to be achieved by software emulation alone.” Because each game would have to be individually emulated (much like on the Xbox 360), Sony decided that an effort like that would be much too costly, and opted to remove BC support from the 40GB system entirely. That decision has not only produced a cheaper system for Sony to manufacture, but for consumers to buy as well.”
Selected Comments from the post
“If people really wanted BC support then they should have brought the 60/80gb models, they carnt really say it was never available
This is quite clever really, SONY released the BC support in early models for the true fans, who would pay alot to get a PS3 (like me).
And then they release a cheaper model, with less features for the more mainstream, casual audience.
Good tactic SONY :D”
“That makes sense to me. I guess if you’re trying to reduce the price of your system in order to compete, I understand the reasoning. I’m just glad that I bought the 60 Gig with the Emotion Chip.”
“Many of us have been saying this was the case since BC was announced as removed. But with anything Sony these days 10 more people spout out how “the end is nigh!”.”
“As long as they offer both BC and non-BC systems, i dont see what ppl are crying about. If BC is that important to you then you can pay the normal price for it.. ppl who dont care for BC get to save $100.”
“I agree. If people don’t like it, they won’t buy it. I own a ton of PS2 games so I’m glad I went with the 60Gb model. Now my poor friend who doesn’t have a PS2 (I know, poor misguided soul) can get in on the PS3 action without spending $$$ on stuff he doesn’t need.”
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Zelda DS - Where are you?
Comments + DS Fanboy + Zelda
10.04.2007 at 11:45 am
DS Fanboy is wanting to know how goes the Zelda playing.
Comment Sample From DS Fanboy
“I’m not far into it, finished the Fire temple and the subsequent Ocean king Run-from-the-phantoms temple thingy, but so far I’m lovin it. It tends to feel more casual than otherwise, but it certainly has plenty of Zelda-esque moments. The dungeons are short, if the Fire dungeon is any example, and the bosses too easy, But still sweet, and impart that small feeling of accomplishment most Zelda fans are familiar with.
I love and hate the sailing aspect. I’m one of the few who adored the free-roaming, huge, expansive sailing bits, and am disappointed it’s so cut-down, yet feel it still has that yummy freedom feeling still attached. :D
Multiplayer grows on you, at first it feels slightly unsubstantial, then after acouple bouts you realize it’s just sorta like chess, it’s simple yet addictive, and coming back to it after a couple hours away isn’t so hard.
It’s a quintessential DS game IMO. Zelda fan or otherwise this game is the best single player game out for the DS, and giving it the cold-shoulder just because it’s a casual zelda is morose. If you can come into this game expecting no more than it offers you will love it, it easily can stand on it’s own merits.
Thumbs up peoples!”
“I’ve never really been a big Zelda fan….don’t hate….but I picked this up, and I’m having a blast with it. So Far I’ve defeated two dungeons, Fire and Wind. This game is awesome…although the wussy noisy Link makes when he attacks could be improved on :-)”
“My favorite thing about this installment is the level of detail they went into on the little things, like when Link opens a chest and it’s empty, and the usual “you got something!” chime sounds almost like someone pulled the needle off the record. That, plus some other very comical moments in the dialog (and Link’s physical reactions to the dialog) really put this one at the top of my list.
Oh yeah, and you can shoot the annoying seagulls with the boat’s cannon!
The only thing that frustrates me is the rolling attack. I find it difficult to do and end up trying over and over again. Anyone else having this problem? Anyone wanna YouTube themselves properly executing the rolling attack? :D”
“I am enjoying PH so much right now, I am taking it slowly (mostly because I have so many actual things to do) but I know that it is up there with my favorites. I really love the old school top down vibe and the puzzles, etc. Great game, full of expression.”
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MS Drops Big Cash
Xbox360 + PS3 + Kotaku + Fanboys + Comments + Microsoft
06.18.2007 at 9:54 am
Kotaku is reporting that the amount dropped on exclusive GTA content is $50,000,000. That’s a pretty good sum but more fun to us is the good ol’ fashion fanboy slug feast that ensues.
“I can’t imagine this will have a big impact on the PS3 version, most people probably won’t download it anyway. Wasted money.”
“It’s a lot of money, but if MS are certain it will help convince people into buying a 360 instead of a PS3 then it could be money well spent. And if it works they likely won’t have to pay for any more exclusives as they will have such a large install base everyone will want to be publishing on 360.”
“Yeah Rusty, most people wont download it anyway, I mean who the hell “downloads” ANYTHING nowadays!? heh heh heh (sigh).”
“Hahaha. Yah. ’cause if it’s anything people hate, it’s more content for one of the most successful franchises in gaming history. You’re right. Nobody’s interested.”
“lol, Microshit is so desperate.”
“lol, Sony fapboys are so desperate.”
“No not really. Our console happens to be future-proof. The Xbox 360 is going to be a huge fiasco just like its predecessor. If you, despite this 50 million dollar move, don’t get it, that’s your problem.”
“It’ll get better for Sony’s part soon. Sony has basically won the HD format war now as well. Prepare for onslaught, Microshit losers”
“Oh cry about it, I don’t care much about how YOUR “war” will be going, I’ll be enjoying the good content of all three brands, thank you.”
“Our console? Hahahaha. God, that’s rich. So very desperate to belong. Our console happens to be future-proof. Incidentally also present-proof, past-proof, sale-proof, profit-proof and reasonable-price-proof.”
It pretty much goes on like that for while. It’s a pretty good shot-out.
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David Jaffe Report
Comments + Blog
05.02.2007 at 10:15 am
Jaffe goes silent, goes off and then PSs.
The Going Silent
“But for the time being, I’m going to go dark. My stylings have upset some folks within the biz I care very much about and that I can not live with. For me, it’s always been silly, stupid fun…you know, giving what I get, talking like alot of folks on geeky message boards do, trash talking,etc. But I guess some folks have taken it to heart and that’s not cool for me. End of the day, even the folks who spew much venom my way, I probably would like very much in real life. As I’ve said before, we’re all geeks and if you can’t get along with a fellow geek, then what’s the point.”
The Going Off
TO THE LAME ASS WEBSITE THAT SHALL GO UNNAMED- Fuck you, guys. Go fuck yourselves. What other developer makes a fucking change to a game when a review (IGN’s in this case) has a good, valid point and is willing to open the fucking code up at the risk of more bugs to make the game better? Amazing.But hey, you guys are great, you guys rock. I hope Kotaku fucking puts your ass out of business, wanna be fucktards. And if you were actual journalists you would have read the motherfucking quote I posted on NEOGAF where I said because of the two bugs we needed to fix (not because I was afraid of the bargin bin) we had a window of opp. to fix the magnet problem. Assholes…total fucking assholes.
The PS
“oh and JUST to make it CLEAR since it doesn’t seem to be: I like GAMESPOT, have respect for them, always have. Hell I pay for the damn thing every year. I don’t agree with the review but I’ve always dug the folks over there and continue to do so. Hope they will like our next game alot more!”
The Comments
“Peace out man. Nice of you to have this blog in the first place so thanks. I cant wait to kick some ass on CAC.”
“good luck with CAC! i’ll be playing you online. keep making good games like you have proven yourself capable of in the past.”
“So much for a small stress-free game completed in 8-10 months. I don’t remember god of war stirring up this much controversy before it came out. the reality is no one WANTS to play a bad game, let alone review a bad game. so it’s not their problem, it’s yours.”
“I feel sorry for you guys - who really know your shit - when you end up at the mercy of a bunch of Gen-X idiots who do nothing but sit in an office and play games all day, every day. As time goes by, the more I realize I can barely trust *any* professional reviewers. The message boards are the judge nowadays, and VG mags/sites are just a place to get screen shots”
“Couldn’t blame you for taking a break. I’ll look forward to more entries in the future, especially those related to the industry and about any games you guys are working on.”
“I have never seen so many stupid people posting messages about a topic in my life. Most of the news websites you get when searching google news (kotaku, joystiq, etc) post 1 quote and then these stupid people come out of nowhere bashing stuff. joystiq only posts one review, kotaku claims you’re just whining, and then the stupid people go nuts. It’s ridiculous.
Thank you, Jaffe, for being one of the few developers that blogs and actually speaks your mind. The media seems to act like it should be the only one that tells fans what to think, and that any person that speaks their mind about something in this industry just gets berated for it. They are generally irresponsible because they are going for more hits for their site, which I understand, but it’s not exactly solid journalism (not to mention they all copy each other and seem to cite each other instead of the original source half the time and then leave their interpretations incomplete…but I digress). It’s hard to avoid but I hope it continues to be worth it for you.
I’ve found you to be quite intelligent and I think you admitted that your biggest problem is that you can’t shut your mind off (Bonus Round). I say just keep going with it and continue to speak your mind. That’s easy for me to say since I’m not the one getting bashed by idiots, but it just seems that fans are craving more of what you do from developers (except for stupid people telling you to shut up as if you speaking your mind somehow offends them and they can’t just ignore you).
The fact remains, though, that the game is getting good reviews despite what some sites would lead you to believe. I think in the end most of the attention will be positive after the game comes out. I’m glad the game will be even better due to some of the positive criticism received thus far (and still positive reviews given).
I look forward to your future projects.”
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GameSpot / PS3 Bias - Calling All Cars Edition
PS3 + Review + GameSpot + Fanboys + Comments
04.29.2007 at 8:31 am
GameSpot’s most recent PS3 atrocity concerns the review for David Jaffe’s Calling All Cars which at 6.7 clocked in a number of ‘review points’ below IGN’s 8.5 and 1up’s 8.0. The disparity in score was so eye opening that it even prompted a rebuttal from David Jaffe himself.
“The first two I can live with, they feel fair and make sense. I am very, very proud of those reviews. Although, I have to say, when I hear the 1up guys on the podcast saying the game is the best on PSN AND saying that it’s closing in on being one of the top 3 download games out there, it does seem 8 is a bit low…but what the hell…8 is good in my book, so thank you guys!
I’m not so keen on the GAMESPOT review, and who would be? It simply feels unfair and simply wrong. Granted, why would I not say that? I am the director of the game they are saying is simply ‘fair’. So take my opinion with a grain of salt.”
Here are some comments taken from his blog.
“does anyone even take that site serious? but im still gettin CAC. and the 1up yours guys fuckin loved your game. they made me wana play it even more. and i usually dont even like them.”
“I agree, Gamespot’s score is really unfair in almost every aspect. It seems as if they reviewed it like a full blown $60 retail game. When compared to other downloadable games, CAC should not(IMO) be lower than an 8. The game is a lot of fun(from what I have seen/read), and that is what’s important.”
“If nothing else, this review controversey will help to get more people interested in your game :) But I do agree that Gamespot’s review is a joke, look at a game like Counter-strike, everyone only plays on 3-4 maps anyways!”
“That’s some poor journalism. I mean really, you can’t just apply the same standard to every game up for review and have it be a good (or fair) indicator of quality. You wouldn’t judge a kid’s game the same way you would judge GOW, they’ve got completely different aims. So it is with CaC. You’ve said a gazillion times that you’re not out to make another GOW, that you intended CaC to be a fun pick-up game you can play with friends. It seems Gamespot completely ignored that, and that’s a shame. For being who they are, as a prominent gaming website, they should have done a lot more digging on the history and intent of CaC, but they didn’t. It is unfortunate that your game had to come under fire from that type of rigid mentality, but I don’t think that one clearly uninformed and apathetic opinion is going to bring you down.”
This isn’t the first time GameSpot has low balled a PS3 game. Matter of fact it’s been an ongoing trend since the PS3 launched. So much so that they now ban their own readers from even mentioning a “bias” on their forums.
“Complain about “teh bias!”. You’re entitled to disagree with a review on Gamespot or any other site. You can even post your own score and/or review on Gamespot. What has gotten out of hand are the fits being thrown about some sort of anti Sony bias, or even more ridiculous the fits / conspiracy theories about Microsoft owning Gamespot. They don’t, it’s a fact. Hard to imagine folks believe this stuff with no proof.
Anyway the screaming and whaling has at times gotten out of hand to the point that the PlayStation 3 forum sometimes is more of a pout fest rather than a forum to discuss the PlayStation 3 and related games. The Playstation 3 forum is here for folks to talk about the Playstation 3, and related games, not a fanboy support group. As such threads about “OMG the bias!” and such are not allowed. ”
Nice to know that instead of backing up their reviews they simply ban the topic.
Anyway, here are comments from a post on GameSpot entitled “Ouch! Calling All Cars.” which I assume will lead to the banning of many users and the closing of the thread.
“They said the game is short on content but they seem to ignore the fact that this is a $10 (or less?) arcade title. They gave a game like Geometry Wars for the 360 an 8.2 and it is actually an even shorter game than Calling All Cars. I don’t understand there scoring on this title at all.”
“Why does GS’ review not surpriise me? Jaffe mentioned just this sort of attitude in a recent interview. Today’s gamers are too concerned about having more of everything: more weapons, more maps, more cars, more everything. No one focuses on the quality of what’s there anymore. Moreover, GS seems to have blatantly ignored the fact that this is a $10 downloadable multiplayer game. If you end up playing the same 4 maps 1000s of times online and end up having a blast, why would you need more? At least IGN and 1UP got it right.”
“You know Im starting to believe that had this game been released on the 360 the reviewers would have been drueling all over it. Sorry to say but I actally believe there is some bias reflected in this review. I normally dont by into the whole bias thing but with all the things that the other reviews say as opposed to what GS says, Im gonna say GS is wrong about this one, and yes Im gonna play the bias card, and the mods can shove off if they dont like it.”
“No one who comes here regularly is surprised of course. I value GS’s reviews for exclusive PS3 games as much as I value used toilet paper.”
“If everyone else says its good and one idiot (Im looking at you GS) says its bad should we believe the one voice thats different? NO. I think this will be a lot of fun and cant wait to play it. And the reviewer clearly missed the mark here, but I wont let that stop me from playing it.”
“Becuase GS isnt staffed by Journalists. They’re just jerks with an agenda.”
So what’s up with GameSpot? Are they bias? Are they trying to be hard hitting? Are they trying to drum up controversy in order to gain hits? Why the large disparity in scores?
Special Note: GameSpot, if your trying to bring in hits through controversy you should really check these guys out. They’re the masters at having horrible reviews to start controversy.
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My Favorite Comments of the Day (Punch-Out)
Joystiq + Comments
04.16.2007 at 7:40 pm
While checking out sites I came upon these two comments on Joystiq discussing the release of Punch Out. Definitely my favorite of the day.
“We probably didn’t get Mike Tyson’s for two reasons…1. Nintendo no longer has the rights to the Mike Tyson name. 2. Nintendo no longer wishes to associate themselves with a wife beating/raping abusive exconvict who was permanently banned from professional boxing for biting a fellow competitors fucking ear off. Keep in mind, number 2 is mere theory.”
“Does this mean we won’t be seeing Namco’s re-release of Pacman Jones’ World? Dammit.”
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New Gaming Site Uses Cheap Shock Factor to Gain Hits
Kotaku + Comments + Action Button + Wired
04.10.2007 at 8:24 am
Both Kotaku and Wired have posted links to the new review site Action Button. The author claims to be creating the “Pitchforkmedia.com” of videogames but mostly comes off as being “controversial” for the sake of getting hits.
Check out the Kotaku comments for the word on the street.
“This site is no different from any other review site. It’s just some guy ramming his opinion down readers’ throats as though it’s fact and attaching a number at the end like that’s meant to mean something. The only difference is that the reviewer is more of an arrogant prick than the guys on IGN or Gamespot.”
“While I applaud their conviction to give over-hyped games bad scores, I just can’t read those reviews. They’re verbose, meandering rubbish that says virtually nothing about the game itself and instead just serves to let the self-important writer talk about himself for 10 paragraphs. I expected the self-indulgence would stop and the review would start after a few paragraphs but instead it just goes on and on and by the end you’re left with no insight into what the game is like. I think I’d sooner read an IGN review.”
“So basically this is him being a troll and bashing good games for hits? Lovely.”
“Tim Rogers is a twat. I’m not just saying that to be provocative; I can back it up with hard scientific evidence gleaned from his insufferably smug column in that awful rag GamesTM.”
“Q: How do you get attention and hits to your new site? A: Do something “provocative” like give a game everyone likes a score of zero. Looks like everyone is falling for it hook, line, and sinker!”
“I read a few of them and I wouldn’t say he’s being all that critical of games he actually likes, which seem to amount to sandbox games. I was eager to read his Twilight Princess review, because I thought there were fundamentals that where wrong in the game that everyone I’ve talked to have overlooked. However, his review is really just a complaint about Zelda gameplay in general, doing oddjobs for people (most of which are optimal) and advancing in a basically linear fashion. And to confuse matters, he has a line in there that states “You should have bought Wind Waker, at least it made some honest mistakes.” That’s all he says about Wind Waker, and frankly I don’t see how his problems with ZTP don’t translate directly to problems with ZWW. If I wrote a purposefully critical review of ZTP, it would sound nothing like his, and it would pull from the previous two games. So that said, I think his site is just about pushing peoples buttons, and not about being constructive.”
“Well, opinions are like assholes, everyone has one. A o/4 for god of war2? That’s just silly. It seems that was the poor game to be the sacrificial lamb so that people would come to the site to see what these extreme cool guys were doing.”
“Wow. That site is ridiculous. I was fully ready and willing to offer up a chance for this site to present an opinion that I hadn’t considered, in a concise manner as to actually make sense.
What came after reading the Twilight Princess review was a sense of confusion and the interest of having the time I wasted returned to me. No, there isn’t so much as a bit of compelling point to it, it’s the same dogmatic diatribe that’s the major basis of today’s gamers; we need ‘bigger’, ‘better’, ‘prettier’, and lest I forget, ‘multiplayer’. Or else the game is terrible. I wish I could say I wasn’t surprised. Myself, I am almost finished with the Forest Temple; but the game has provided me more enjoyment for my money than many games I’ve played recently. And while this is certainly just my opinion, and I also wouldn’t say it’s perfect (nothing ever is) I am really going to have to echo the sentiments of earlier posters: speaking negatively for the point of getting people angry. Bottom line: Unless you’re as much of a sycophant as any of their reviewers, the site just isn’t worth the time.”
“I think the site is great cause it offers something different than the usual game reviews. I think the GoWII review was great.”
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Elite 360. Fanboy Reactions and Information
Xbox360 + Joystiq + Kotaku + Comments + PS3 Fanboy + Destructoid
03.28.2007 at 6:42 pm
The elite has been announced, revealed, birthed and smacked on the butt.
We’ll start off with some Elite information. Over at GameSpot you’ll find a run down on the Elite including a feature comparison of each of the 3 Xbox SKUs and at 1up you’ll discover their ‘Better Value?’ write up.
And no OMG announcement would be complete without the run down of fanboy comments.
“Wait so with a wifi ($100) that’s 580 bux. oh for another 20 bux i can get a ps3 with bluray+gigabit lab+wireless+media readers?”
“what a bunch of whiners. Nothing can please you whiney brats. Don’t like it, don’t buy it. I’m happy to have options though. I’m betting a price drop for the premium and core tomorrow.”
“I think Microsoft is right, digital distribution is the way high-definition content is going. Certainly many like having the physical product, but… many more I think will enjoy just being able to download it and watch it and many other shows without having to even touch a disc. The 120GB hard drive is a definate improvement, but is still rather pricey. But… still a better deal than the 20GB hard drive, per GB… 8) I’m certainly interested in the possibilities of IPTV also; ‘be interesting to see how that works.”
“Damm you guys don’t get it. Since the PS3 is not really offering the 500$ unit as much and pushing the 60gb for 600$ more. A person wanting buy a console will still say.. WOW for 80$ more I get 6 times more HD space of xbox or twice the PS3 space + I get a HDMI cable.? Or should I get the 600$ PS3 + a 80$ Hdmi cable.? This is just a opinion after hearing less and less retailers are offering the 20gb ps3. For my brother who’s been waiting to see what the new xbox would offer he just decided to buy it now cause just 1 month ago he would of only gotten a 20gb xbox.”
“Wow, nickel-and-diming galore. Go on, Xbots, go on. Just don’t complain when you spend more then the PS3 for fewer features”
“Well, at least it comes with the HDMI cables.”
“an upgrade offer would be nice….”
Xbox 360 Fanboy
http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2007/03/28/its-official-xbox-360-elite-with-hdmi-and-120gb-hdd/
“Damn, Anyone know how much you can get for the 360 if you went gamestop and traded it in?”
“I am a big MS fan*, but this was a stupid move. The right move would have been to drop the core move the premium price to 299 and sell the Elite for 399″
“Sooo, people bitch about not having HDMI and a bigger HDD, MS actually gives it to them, and people are still bitching? Wow. Seriously, if you didn’t expect it to cost more, you’re stupid. And with the 20 gig HDD going for $100 already, what did you expect? I didn’t realize that somehow MS went into everyone’s homes and disabled featues on current X360s; that what it seems like for some of the complainers, since that’s the only way MS could screw current owners.”
“Yeah Kudos for MS for making such an idiotic move… Seriously though.. if they included HDDVD and built in WIFI and REMAINED at 480 then its kinda a critical blow to PS3… This deal is better than PS3 20gig version though but no where near the 60gig version”
“I just bought a 360 like 3 months ago…. its definitely not worth it to get the elite, its not all that different to make me want to run to get the elite. if it had HD-DVD maybe. I dont consider this a competator to the PS3 what so ever. 120 gig hard drive? so what? thats pointless. Especially when you can get that separate.”
“You shouldn’t have to re-buy your console. It defeats the purpose. At least I can drop an size hard drive into my PS3 at a REASONABLE price.”
“MS isn’t saying 10 million people have to re-buy a console. Sony didn’t ask PS2 owners to re-buy the slim PS2 with integrated ethernet. They same reason Apple didn’t ask 60gig owners to re-buy the 80 gig. People, please stop talking about this. I own a premium 360 and i will never need a 20gig hard drive. However, a lot of people have taken advantage of the new television and movie downloads on Xbox Live.”
So what does everyone think? Personally, I’m out of HDMI inputs.
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More Bad Press for the PS3
PS3 + Joystiq + Kotaku + Comments
03.21.2007 at 8:01 am
USA Today has added more bad press for the PS3. After taking a look at the recent NPD sales numbers USA Today has pointed out that “Despite the buildup and hype around its arrival in November, the PS3 has been outsold so far — at a rate of almost 2-to-1 — by the Nintendo Wii.” Newsweek’s N’Gai Croal added, “The PS3 is sucking wind right now. Price is a factor. Some of the negative buzz is a factor. Some of the FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt) is a factor. And the lack of a large number of triple-A software titles is a factor.”
Once again here are some our favorite comments concerning the article.
PLEASE NOTE: If we post your comment it does not mean you’re a horrible person or that we hate you. It simply means we enjoyed your comment.
“Sensationalism. It’s far too early to count sony out.”
“I don’t know why I didn’t see this coming. The days before a European launch, some serious 360 news drops (exclusives jumping ship, New SKU). MS plays dirty!”
“OMF ANTI-SONY!!!!11one! The writing’s on the wall guys. And the internet, and in magazines, and in newspapers and in…”
“I wonder where all this negative press comes from? I absolutely love mine. It was worth the price. I have not tried all the games, but I love the ones I bought. I’ve only had it 2 weeks now. Good thing I didn’t listen to all the Sony bashing and made my own choice. A wise choice it was IMO.
“”What can I say? It’s been a great week for XBox fans!” I am a videogame fan. Every week is good for me.”
“People that don’t have Playstation 3: Its Sucks! People that own Playstation 3: It Pwns!”
“I still think its way to early to pass judgement, too. The PS3 has had one of the rockiest launches I’ve seen in a long time, but at least its showing signs of improving. I have to admit though, there isn’t anything currently available (or will be available when it finally launches in the UK) that would make me buy the system just yet - its just too expensive for whats available right now. Littlebigplanet, MGS, FFXIII and the Home system are all showing great promise, but they seem more than a little ways off yet.”
“I don’t think having a home and one game can count as turning it around. Not after the huge amount of damage done. Not to mention DMC 4 just left as well. So they gained an exclusive (which will probably be popular with hardcore gamers only, none of casual friends even know of its existance) and lost a exclusive. Losing DMC4 has actually made one of my friends say if MGS4 also moves to the 360 then he will get a 360 instead of a ps3. For me personally sony would have to do something really amazing to make things good again. I really can’t even begin to imagine what it would be either as they seem to be losing games not gaining them.”
“I don’t really see this article as saying the ps3 is doomed, nor are they declaring a victor in this console generation. Really, Sony should be happy people aren’t buying the console. We who have bought the console have to come to terms with the fact that there’’s nothing to play on the damned thing. And that means Sony’s not making any money on games, only taking a loss on each console sold. It’s better for Sony if fewer people buy the console right now.”
“PS3 is far from dieing. Once the price drops and some huge titles come out, there will be more PS3s out there. The only reason the Wii is selling now is because of it’s gimmick and price.”
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Kotaku’s Blacklisting Relived via Comments
Kotaku + Fanboys + Sony + Comments
03.02.2007 at 6:59 am
Kotaku has posted a page of comments concerning their amazing Thursday.
“Companies can do what they want with journos - invite them or not, feed them information or not, give them hardware or not. What they cannot do is expect any journo worth their salt to yield to their demands. I think the very attempt of trying to influence a story is unethical, and I think Sony stepped over the line on this.”
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