Official Thread of RUMOR, Hearsay, and Speculation..

[Epix]

The idea here is to keep official news in they're respective thread but giving you guys a place to feel free to discuss the "not so official" information. Here's the rules. Every piece of information (credible or not so much) is fair game. Feel free to post that your brother's roommate's barber told him a FF7 remake is coming this Christmas. Feel free to post any predictions you may have about the future of Playstation gaming (no matter how outlandish they may be). Basically, just FEEL FREE!

I'll start it off with a post made on the gametrailers forum in regards to 2009 blockbuster game coming for the PS3. What could it be?

So what else was I shown? Well, I was shown a trailer for a game not due out till 2009 but was sworn to absolute secrecy. Apparently, Sony just wanted to give a glimpse of what the console will be capable of. In fact, the game is such a secret that when I mentioned the game to Phil Harrison last week he was unsure at first whether even to admit the title existed. When I explained I had been shown it under strict Non Disclosure Agreement terms he looked relieved. I don't mean to be a tease - all I can say is that I was left speechless. If the footage I was shown truly is "in game", as told to me by the Sony PR people, then we could be on the brink of a step change in what games consoles are capable of in terms of story-telling and immersion.http://forums.gametrailers.com/showthread.php?t=321615

[LaLiLuLeLo]

Yes, let all rumors be aggregated here.

[drakkar]

What of this gamesblow guy? Any consensus as to bull or not? (Seems he had a rocky GDC)

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=145154342

[B Dizzle]

in-game xmb currently being tested.

software b/c currently being tested.

[Sephiroth_VII]

This is interesting as well:

Analyst expects EA hostile takeover of Take-Two
Michael Pachter says proposed acquisition is happening whether Grand Theft Auto IV publisher likes it or not, believes sports domination is the driving force behind it.
By Brendan Sinclair, GameSpot
Posted Feb 24, 2008 4:30 pm PT

Earlier today, Electronic Arts went public with the news that it had offered to acquire Take-Two Interactive for nearly $2 billion--and that Take-Two management had turned the offer down. EA's offer broke down to $26 per share for Take-Two, a 64 percent premium over the stock's price of $15.83 at the time the offer was made.

Speaking with GameSpot today, Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter questioned Take-Two's judgment in turning down the deal.

"The share price on Friday tells you that investors think the share price is $17. So an offer of $26 by definition is more than adequate," Pachter said. "And if the only argument management makes is that they have a turnaround plan and to give them time...It could take two or three years for them to get [the stock price] to that same $26. Who in their right mind thinks $26 three years from now is better than $26 today? This is a bird in the hand."

Despite the rebuff, Pachter predicted the acquisition will happen one way or the other. If the board of directors won't sell the company, he said EA can perform a hostile takeover, buying up enough shares on the open market to gain control of the company and show the current management team the door.

"By going public, EA is telling you, 'This deal is happening.' The only way you can credibly reject the deal is if there's a better one behind it," Pachter said. "I don't see how anyone can afford to pay this much or more for the stock."

More so than Take-Two's hit properties like Grand Theft Auto IV and BioShock, Pachter believe sports are the driving motivation behind the deal, and a main reason he doesn't expect other acquiring suitors to come calling. The economic advantages of eliminating 2K Sports--EA Sports' primary competitor in the market--are so great that they could pay for the $2 billion deal on their own, Pachter said.

"There's only one company that can make sense out of an acquisition of Take-Two, and that's EA," Pachter said. "For anyone else to buy Take-Two, they'd have to decide either to bloody themselves competing in sports against EA, or shut down the sports business and give up. Either way, there aren't many people who are going to pay a premium for the right to engage with EA or shut down that business."

One question mark about an acquisition of Take-Two is how much of the company can actually be transferred to EA. Pachter said key development personal like Firaxis' Sid Meier, 2K Boston's Ken Levine, and Rockstar's Sam and Dan Houser likely have change-of-control clauses in their contracts that would allow them to jump ship if ownership of the business changes hands.

"If any of the people under employment contracts with Take-Two have lawyers who are worth anything, there are change-of-control provisions," Pachter said. "They all should have that, but I don't think this deal is about retention of employees. With the [possible] exception of the Rockstar North guys, I think all of the [contracted] employees at Take-Two would actually welcome working for EA. I think Sid Meier would love to see Civilization have broader distribution and more focused marketing, and EA is really good at both."
Source (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6186640.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=newstop&tag=newstop;title;1)

[LaLiLuLeLo]

FUCK. It just now occurred to me after reading that, if they bought Take Two then the whole 2k Sports line is gone, which means it'll be at least another generation before we see anyone legitimately competing with EA on the sports front at all. They'll just put out crappy Madden titles, every year, one after the other. Oh god, the world just turned a whole lot bleaker.

[KRA]

how about not one big difficult to read thread about rumors but if there is a rumor just put '[RUMOR]' in thread title :) ?

[Sephiroth_VII]

FUCK. It just now occurred to me after reading that, if they bought Take Two then the whole 2k Sports line is gone, which means it'll be at least another generation before we see anyone legitimately competing with EA on the sports front at all. They'll just put out crappy Madden titles, every year, one after the other. Oh god, the world just turned a whole lot bleaker.

EXACTLY. EA can't be allowed to acquire Take2. Can't WTO intervene here, like how they're keeping MS from buying more Apple shares?

[Fillibuster]

Good God they have to be stopped. I'm waiting for that damn NFL contract to expire so I can play a good football game for the first time since NFL 2k5

[LaLiLuLeLo]

EXACTLY. EA can't be allowed to acquire Take2. Can't WTO intervene here, like how they're keeping MS from buying more Apple shares?

Is there anyway we can contact them? They probably aren't even paying attention.

[Raitei]

Well as long as konami doesnt go, im cool. never bough madden, but i'd be annoyed if there was no more pes (as mediocre as it may become)

[Epix]

Rumor has it that Ready at Dawn could be developing Jak for the PS3.

[Matt]

Rumor has it that Ready at Dawn could be developing Jak for the PS3.

What are ND gonna be doing then?

[Raitei]

making uncharted 2.....


obviously

[Matt]

Well they should make J&D too!

Lazy buggers :P

[cliffbo]

close all the other threads and just leave this one

[AC!D]

FUCK. It just now occurred to me after reading that, if they bought Take Two then the whole 2k Sports line is gone, which means it'll be at least another generation before we see anyone legitimately competing with EA on the sports front at all. They'll just put out crappy Madden titles, every year, one after the other. Oh god, the world just turned a whole lot bleaker.

I dunno about that personally i think it would give Sony an Opportunity here.
They already have the best baseball game MLB the show and if they could just improve their basketball game. Then start making 2 new franchises from scratch to compete against Madden and FIFA/PRO EVO although the last one probably isnt necessary with Pro evo on the market. This will of course be good in the long run but in the short run i guess it will suck.

[Coded-Dude]

I heard the PS3 can second as a George Foreman grill with the next F/W update........ :shrug:
http://www.freakware.de/news/ps3-grill.jpg

[cliffbo]

I heard the PS3 can second as a George Foreman grill with the next F/W update........ :shrug:
http://www.freakware.de/news/ps3-grill.jpg

also:

http://askbobrankin.com/trojan-horse.jpg

aaaaaa... the good old days... now:

http://www.lifespy.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/bluray.jpg

[Lucid Delusion]

You know I would think that if EA took over Take-Two that we would basically merge that 2K Sports division in with their own. I'm sure the team could bring some refreshing ideas to the Madden franchise.

[bilbobob007]

Hey Cliffbo! i got a an uncle who tells dirty jokes called ray! He looks a bit like that horse too.

I got an idea for the madden franchise. Turn it into a FPS. Now thats fresh.

Also the reflective face on my PS3, (see thread about phil leaving), says that the secret hush hush game that will shock the world in 09 is in fact RIIIIIIIIDDDGE RAAAAAACCCCERRRRR! 24

[AC!D]

Home to launch on 20th March. I have no idea where this website timer counting down to the launch of home came from but take it with a grain of salt for now.

http://www.ripten.com/2008/02/25/playstation-home-released-march-20th/

[Fillibuster]

refreshing ideas to the Madden franchise.

:spit:

[Sephiroth_VII]

You know I would think that if EA took over Take-Two that we would basically merge that 2K Sports division in with their own. I'm sure the team could bring some refreshing ideas to the Madden franchise.

:lol:

[LiquidEagle]

Tiburon could definitely learn a lot from Visual Concepts :)

[Epix]

Rumor, for now:

According to sources there, the PlayStation Store is finally getting a graphical user interface overhaul, one planned to arrive alongside Gran Tourismo 5 Prologue on April 15. The revamp of the PlayStation Store is said to give it a look more in tune with the SingStore, which is already accessible from the PlayStation 3 version of SingStar.

Details were light on the change, but beyond a coat of paint, word was that navigation would change to a series of icons running along the bottom of the interface. We don't have official confirmation on this one yet, so consider it rumor for now.http://kotaku.com/360944/playstation-store-getting-overhauled-in-april


Singstar Interface Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5YScW9V460

[Matt]

What does the SingStore look like?

Edit: Nevermind, there's one on that link :doh:

Looks pretty cool. I don't mind the layout of the store at the moment to be honest.

[cliffbo]

nice find!

[GTAce]

Would be nice...

[cliffbo]

What does the SingStore look like?

Edit: Nevermind, there's one on that link :doh:

http://www.joystiq.com/media/2006/05/DSC_2191.JPG

http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/816/816616/singstar-20070829100405690-000.jpg

[jaxmkii]

what i dont like about the PSN store is how everything dissapers after a while. it never goes beyond 3 pages. i tryed to show my dad home but the files where gone.

[LaLiLuLeLo]

I'm pretty sure everything is archived, Jaxmkii you just gotta look for it. Could be wrong, but I'm almost certain.

[cliffbo]

what i dont like about the PSN store is how everything dissapers after a while. it never goes beyond 3 pages. i tryed to show my dad home but the files where gone.

are you sure?! why would they do that? new users need access to everything... perhaps this is why some new adopters are complaining about what's on there

[Matt]

The first 3 pages are the most recent updates.

Everything else you can find by clicking on those tabs (demos, videos etc.)

[GTAce]

You can download everything neverthless how old except stuff like the GT5P and HSG demos.
Jax youre just under the "recent" category.

[LaLiLuLeLo]

As I thought!

[Epix]

I really hope this turns out true. The current Store just seems very archaic.

[Red_Eyes]

http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/rdonlyres/3B943F8C-DBE2-4FF5-B024-EBCDD04B52C0/14462/pause.jpg
In game XMB

Ready to go... Sony's just holding it back. They're not sure when to announce it or even if to announce it. They're probably just going to be slipping it into a "slight" update and that'll be that.

More often than not they'll make little reference to it. I could be wrong, but who knows. "shrugs"

With that said... Look for it this week to next week. The last few store updates have been depressing and Sony has to position that momentum just right.

In game XMB is a shoe in for the next week. Remember my prediction here, folks. I'd love to be more dead on but right now even hinting that I know something is getting me heat.

From GameBlows, but who knows? Take it however you like.

[GTAce]

I miss the OFFICIAL PlayStation Network logo so its most likely a fake.

[Xclusion]

wheres the friends tab
GameBlows is going crazy with the rumors

[frosty]

and... who the hell wants to watch videos during gameplay?

[LaLiLuLeLo]

Is that a gameinformer watermark on that 'screenshot'?

[Jay Gee]

Fake screenshot is faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaake.

[aclar00]

Good God they have to be stopped. I'm waiting for that damn NFL contract to expire so I can play a good football game for the first time since NFL 2k5


Didn't they just extend that contract again?

[Jay Gee]

Yup.

[KnightRiderX]

WOW how fake can that get. Is that a gamerscore to the top right of the screen?

FAAAAAKEEEEE!!!

[section]

I heard HD-DVD is losing the format war. Is there any legit sources for that?




j/k


But I also heard that MS is buying Epic for a billion. What happens to possible future PS3 optimizations for Unreal Engine 3 after that?

[GTShotoKen]

I think Epic is making too much profit to be bought by a larger company right now. There also the fact that Microsoft isn't going to spend $1 billion dollars on a game studio.

[LiquidEagle]

:laugh: that is the single "fakest" screen-cap I've ever seen...

[section]

I think Epic is making too much profit to be bought by a larger company right now. There also the fact that Microsoft isn't going to spend $1 billion dollars on a game studio.How does it affect if the company is sold when it's making the most profit in its history? It goes for bigger load of dollars but if the amount is large enough they usually say "sold".

And I'm willing to bet they would spend 1 billion $ in a company which has brought them their biggest title of the late. Halo is so yesterday for them y'know :)

[Sephiroth_VII]

Fake, fake, and.... fake.

It's the worst fake I've ever seen, lol! Watermarked and all :duh:
Fake screenshot is faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaake.

Longcat is loooooooooooooooooong!

[NeoPlayStation]

Exclusive Screen of Shadow of the Colossus 2

By Fel Martins
Posted on Feb 28, 2008

Our secret agent managed to extract massive amounts of awesome in the form of 8 days info but s/he also managed to snag a screen for Shadow of the Colossus 2, the one of two new titles that's being developed by Sony's Team Ico studio.

There seems to be a green, arachnid-esque colossi on the right that was blurred out intentionally by the developer. (Or by our spy, who knows.) But the real treat is the picturesque desert scene. Enjoy.

http://www.ps3informer.com/playstation-3/images/SoC2LEAK.jpg

http://www.ps3informer.com/playstation-3/news/exclusive-screen-of-shadow-of-the-colossus-2-008750.php

Probably fake.

[VG Aficionado]

That's completely fake.

[Epix]

Lol at the landscape photograph with strange blurry spider. :lol:

[Matt]

Looks like the Motorstorm cameraman got attacked by a black widow.

[LaLiLuLeLo]

Man, that's just....did you post that as a joke or what?

[cliffbo]

and... who the hell wants to watch videos during gameplay?

who the hell wants to type while you're racing?

[Epix]

Blog RUMOR:

A Jeux-France blog says Capcom told the european press that SFIV will be released only in PS3 next 12th June. Does it mean it will be PS3 exclusive? I personally doubt it. But a time limited exclusive would be possible.
http://www.jeux-france.com/Blog_Gamerps3

[Diresu]

Blog RUMOR:


http://www.jeux-france.com/Blog_Gamerps3

Considering that this would go completely against CAPCOM's strategy this gen I seriousy doubt this.

[LaLiLuLeLo]

It'll be exclusive until it isn't. :P That's their strategy period.

[TEEDA]

Surfer Girl: mystery PS3 title which impressed BBC is Heavy Rain

BBC recently got first dibs on a very impressive video game on the Sony PlayStation 3 which was described as "a step change in what games consoles are capable of in terms of story-telling and immersion." According to the popular insider Surfer Girl, however, that demo was of a title we're very familiar with.

"I am fairly certain this is Quantic Dream's Heavy Rain," said Surfer Girl. Aside from its astounding visuals and advanced motion capture which promise to bring very realistic acting similar to that of class A actors' actual performances, Surfer Girl gave merit to the characters' idiosyncrasies and the game's superb writing. Surfer Girl explained:

[Characters in Heavy Rain] may hesitate before the speak (sic), and most importantly, they look and behave in a realistic, convincing manner unlike any other that I have seen in a game. There is a discernible depth that will create an attachment from the player far greater than the typical cardboard avatar.

The trailer in question which BBC saw behind closed doors, according to Surfer Girl, was pure in-game footage that isn't far from what has been previously shown. Heavy Rain is said to follow Quantic Dream's mantra of telling an interactive story, much akin to Omikron and Fahrenheit (Indigo Phrophecy).

Meanwhile, in the same blog post, Surfer Girl expressed confidence that Rockstar will remain fully owned by Take-Two Interactive. The insider believes that even if Grand Theft Auto masterminds Sam and Dan Houser leave the development company following Terry Donovan's departure, others won't follow.

[venomv]

I doubt that, it has always seemed to be a completely un-announced game, the only way that would make sense to me is if the name of Heavy Rain has changed.

[Jay Gee]

It can't be "super secret" if the masses are already privy to it. Try again, SurferGirl.

[Zer0-Sum]

If SF4 was exclusive that would be cold to the 360. But oh well, we own PS3's. :p

I doubt that it is exclusive though...

And if Heavy Rain is the "super secret" game, that is retarded. So I think this SurferGirl is way off base on this one. It is something else. People are just grasping for straws here.

[Epix]

White PS3's on US store shelves right now?

http://kotaku.com/362127/white-ps3-due-in-march

[Epix]

On the back of the "Chains of Olympus" manual.

9580

[Jay Gee]

I smell a shop. A very good one, but a shop nonetheless.

[Derrick Barra]

Shopped, plain and simple.

[Zer0-Sum]

I smell BS too. But it would the ultra awesome if it were not.

Is God of War 3 the "super secret" game?

[AC!D]

How the hell would an idiot at the BBC know anyway weather the game was announced previously or not anyway?
Therefore I would have to go with Heavy rain also as my first guess.

[Zer0-Sum]

How the hell would an idiot at the BBC know anyway weather the game was announced previously or not anyway?
Therefore I would have to go with Heavy rain also as my first guess.

Because the people who showed it to the BBC reporter told him it was previously unannounced and that is was so secret he had to sign an NDA(non-disclosure agreement) before they showed it to him.. That does not sound like Heavy Rain as we all know about it. He can get sued if he tells anyone what it is and they find out.

[Epix]

Does anyone have a link to those PS Eye tech demo vids showing developers drawing bananas and tanks that were being scanned in by the PS3?

[VG Aficionado]

It can be found somewhere in the US PS blog. I can't look for it right now :(

[TEEDA]

Does anyone have a link to those PS Eye tech demo vids showing developers drawing bananas and tanks that were being scanned in by the PS3?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNRfyQeFWSs

[Raitei]

also.. people working for bbc tend not to be idiots. What with it being one of (if not the) largest news sources in the world. Also, mostly reliable.

So what else was I shown? Well, I was shown a trailer for a game not due out till 2009 but was sworn to absolute secrecy. Apparently, Sony just wanted to give a glimpse of what the console will be capable of.

In fact, the game is such a secret that when I mentioned the game to Phil Harrison last week he was unsure at first whether even to admit the title existed. When I explained I had been shown it under strict Non Disclosure Agreement terms he looked relieved.

I don't mean to be a tease - all I can say is that I was left speechless. If the footage I was shown truly is "in game", as told to me by the Sony PR people, then we could be on the brink of a step change in what games consoles are capable of in terms of story-telling and immersion.

And there I'll leave it. Feel free to speculate on what I was shown. I cannot, of course, confirm or deny what it was....

It could well be heavenly rain.. because nowhere does he say its a new, unnanounced title.

[Segitz]

also.. people working for bbc tend not to be idiots. What with it being one of (if not the) largest news sources in the world. Also, mostly reliable.

Actually, they are, more often than not, I am afraid...

Remember, when Halo 3 launched and they showed Killzone 2 :D

This is a hiccup, that CANNOT happen, if one is "briefed"

[Epix]

http://onaxis.blogspot.com/2008/03/p...coming-to.html


The latest issue of UK magazine, PSW, features an article stating that "it's no secret Crysis is coming to PS3". They explain the upcoming PlayStation 3 version will have aspects of the sequel, and is not a direct port. Let's take a look at the article.

"First up, we have Crysis. Now it's no secret that Crysis is coming to PS3 this year. The excitable, hard-worked coders over at Crytek have said as much in many interviews - they've even produced a new, multi-platform engine in readiness - but the real juice here is that it won't be a straight conversion of the PC game. We understand PS3 Crysis will be an almost 50% new game, with many of the original games staff taken off PC Crysis months before release to begin to work on Crysis 2 and a port to PS3 that will include aspects of the sequel - but a new structure, environments, weapons and enemies will feature on PS3. This should be one of the year's biggest console shooters."

[Jay Gee]

Crysis AND Killzone 2 on mah PS3!?!?!
*squeals*

[jaxmkii]

Crysis AND Killzone 2 on mah PS3!?!?!
*squeals*

*joins squeal*

[Sephiroth_VII]

*joins squeal*

[LaLiLuLeLo]

Eeeeeeeeee!!!

[Zer0-Sum]

I just MIGHT have to buy Crysis again for the PS3, maybe. It depends on how much they add. But then again it sounds like some weird mutation between Crysis 1 and the up coming Crysis 2. Crysis 2, as if the ending did not lead directly to Crysis 2. Mostly I just want Crysis 2. I want to go kick some more alien ass.

But KillZone 2? Oh hells yes. That can't come fast enough man.

[KnightRiderX]

New CoD4 Maps

http://bigmacky.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/map11.jpg

At long last, some new multiplayer maps will be made available soon for Call Of Duty 4. The first (rumoured) map named ‘Broadcast’ will be taken from the TV station level and will feature intense indoor close-quarter action. Let’s hope it comes as a free download. Infinity Ward, are you listening? Keyword is free. Hit the link for images of the other 2 maps.


The second (rumoured) map ‘Dusk’ appears to be from a little earlier in the level before you enter the TV station. It looks similar to one of the current maps already available.

http://bigmacky.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/map2.jpg

The third (rumoured) map ‘Hill’ will be familiar from the single player campaign as you play it both stealthily at night and then again in a mad dash up and then back down the hill to the helicopter LZ for your extraction.

http://bigmacky.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/map3.jpg

Source (http://bigmacky.wordpress.com/2008/02/21/new-maps-for-cod4/)

[Epix]

Should be cool maps if true.

[LiquidEagle]

That last map looks fucking sweet!!

[Matt]

Crysis AND Killzone 2 on mah PS3!?!?!
*squeals*

Dunno why everybody loves Crysis so much. Apart from the graphics, it's a pretty average game. I would've been pissed off if I had spent so much to upgrade my PC for that game.

[Diresu]

Dunno why everybody loves Crysis so much. Apart from the graphics, it's a pretty average game. I would've been pissed off if I had spent so much to upgrade my PC for that game.

Wow my thoughts exactly. Only thing I see Crysis to be good for is a PC benchmark tool.

[VG Aficionado]

Dunno why everybody loves Crysis so much. Apart from the graphics, it's a pretty average game. I would've been pissed off if I had spent so much to upgrade my PC for that game.

I found it quite disappointing on most aspects, and I didn't find the graphics all that amazing running on high settings.

[Matt]

I found it quite disappointing on most aspects, and I didn't find the graphics all that amazing running on high settings.

I guess when the frame rate is chugging along so slowly, you have a loooooong time to look at the graphics.

[NeoPlayStation]

5. Sony looking out to acquire a real big studio in the near future, Philly's departure sets the tone for this industry gig.

http://www.gameguru.in/features/2008/04/crysis-for-ps3-and-360-gears-of-war-2-shown-realtime-bioshock-2-staying-ms-exclusive-rumor-101-and-facts/

[VG Aficionado]

I guess when the frame rate is chugging along so slowly, you have a loooooong time to look at the graphics.

I actually run it at a smooth frame rate and while some details are quite amazing, things like the overly aggressive LOD and inconsistently detailed environments always disappointed me.

[Jasonps3]

Ninja Theory's Heavenly Sword 2 details being discussed in FGD

It is almost a given that the PlayStation 3 exclusive Heavenly Sword will come with a sequel, especially after developer Ninja Theory has made it clear that they are actually planning to make a trilogy based on the title.

Despite that, it is still amazing to know the different strategies being employed by Ninja Theory to make Heavenly Sword 2 better than the original. Over on Kotaku, one tipster has revealed that the developer employed the services of Chatter Inc. to conduct a focused group discussion or FGD.

The tipster added that that questions compared and contrast Heavenly Sword with other games such as Prince of Persia, God of War, and Ninja Gaiden. Emphases were given to cut scenes, gameplay mechanics, and general impressions.

Quite curiously, the tipster also shared some of the questions they were given. The questions give us a glimpse of where the Heavenly Sword franchise is going in the next installment. Take a look at this list:

Heavenly Sword 2 will take place 10 years after the events in Heavenly Sword 1
The main character will be a male with martial arts background
The main character will be Kai, but she will be a more mature woman.
The game will require you to master different martial arts styles before retrieving the heavenly sword
The game will, instead of button mashing, have controls that utilize an analog stick to go through weapons.
The game will have downloadable weapons, characters, and enemies to customize your experience.
The game will be more interactive with the environment.
The game will have you on a storyline with replayable missions, as opposed to an open world.
Pretty interesting, eh? But of course, Sony and Ninja Theory didn't comment on the said FGD. Just keep checking back here at QJ.NET in case we pick up something new for the game.


http://ps3.qj.net/Ninja-Theory-s-Heavenly-Sword-2-details-being-discussed-in-FGD/pg/49/aid/115184

[TEEDA]

Heavenly Sword 2 will take place 10 years after the events in Heavenly Sword 1

The main character will be a male with martial arts background

The game will require you to master different martial arts styles before retrieving the heavenly sword

The game will, instead of button mashing, have controls that utilize an analog stick to go through weapons. ( if similar to Jet Li : Rise to Honnor why not ? )

The game will be more interactive with the environment.


Kay , this are the features I would be agree to implement.

[NeoPlayStation]

Very good if true.

[cliffbo]

http://www.gameguru.in/features/2008/04/crysis-for-ps3-and-360-gears-of-war-2-shown-realtime-bioshock-2-staying-ms-exclusive-rumor-101-and-facts/

i've put this in the Phil thread ;). good find and very interesting rumour

[Zer0-Sum]

Ars Technica's write up on Heavenly Sword 2 rumors:

Rumors begin to swirl around possible Heavenly Sword sequel

By Ben Kuchera | Published: March 05, 2008 - 10:26AM CT

Heavenly Sword was a rewarding, if also very short, game. It remains one of the PlayStation 3's best exclusive titles, with some great cut-scenes, interesting characters, and tense game play. Kotaku is now reporting that they have received some information from a tipster who was in a focus group to discuss Heavenly Sword 2. While we should take this information with a grain of salt, here is the list of things that group members were asked to give their opinions on:

1. Heavenly Sword 2 will take place 10 years after the events in Heavenly Sword 1
2. The main character will be a male with martial arts background
3. The main character will be Kai, but she will be a more mature woman.
4. The game will require you to master different martial arts styles before retrieving the heavenly sword
5. The game will, instead of button mashing, have controls that utilize an analog stick to go through weapons.
6. The game will have downloadable weapons, characters, and enemies to customize your experience.
7. The game will be more interactive with the environment
8. The game will have you on a storyline with replayable missions, as opposed to an open world

It would be great to see Kai take a more front and center role in the next game. She was a fun and spirited character in the first game, and it would be great for fans of Heavenly Sword to see what kind of woman she grew up to be. There may be a male character as well as Kai, since the first game featured levels that let you play as both Nariko and Kai.

Although Heavenly Sword may not have been a runaway success, it's certainly worth your time to go back and play, especially since you can finish the title in a few leisurely sittings. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled for more information on the possible sequels.

http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2008/03/05/rumors-begin-to-swirl-around-possible-heavenly-sword-sequel

Seems like more conformation of the info going around. But my big question to Ninja Theory, will you have a JUMP BUTTON????

[Segitz]

Ars Technica's write up on Heavenly Sword 2 rumors:



http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2008/03/05/rumors-begin-to-swirl-around-possible-heavenly-sword-sequel

Seems like more conformation of the info going around. But my big question to Ninja Theory, will you have a JUMP BUTTON????

Oh well... Now it really is God of War with less gore...

They should however plan it, so they don't coincide for at least half a year to a year! (And hopefully, GoW3 comes "sooner"... I just prefer it)

[dendj55]

"Microsoft is in talks with Sony about the possibility of adding Blu-ray technology to Xbox 360, reports the Financial Times.

Speaking at a media dinner, Sony Electronics US president Stan Glasgow said the company is in talks with both Microsoft and Apple to add Blu-ray drives to their hardware.

Both companies have been mostly focused on digital delivery of high-definition content, Microsoft with Xbox Live Marketplace and Apple with iTunes.

Notes the Times:

A Blu-ray drive in a 360 would make Microsoft more competitive with the PS3, but it would also mean extra revenues for Sony’s electronics division. It would also add further cost to the 360, meaning a premium edition of the console could be necessary. A Blu-ray drive could be incorporated in its top-of-the-range Elite Xbox, or Microsoft could again offer a drive as a plug-in peripheral.

It could certainly happen, and Microsoft probably wouldn't mind paying Sony some money if it meant they could, at least in consumers' minds, take a bit away from what is Sony's biggest competitive advantage with PlayStation 3.

And yet I don't see it happening this generation. I imagine Blu-ray might be a better choice for Xbox 720." source (http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/03/sony-microsoft.html)

Again, sorry if this is not the thread for this... IMO it is rumor/hearsay

[LiquidEagle]

I don't think it will ever be an internal feature, so if MS were to ever go with a Blu Ray drive, my guess is it would definitely be an external thing.

[Matt]

I just can't see it happening IMO. Stranger things have happened though.

[Black Dragon37]

Sony would have to consider if a Blu-ray add-on for the Xbox 360 would be an obstacle to the PS3s rise.

Also, Microsoft didn't support Blu-ray because it uses Java. If they go ahead and make a Blu-ray add-on they'd just be competing with their video marketplace.

[Red_Eyes]

So for every 360 with BluRay Microsoft sells, Microsoft loses money on the sell while Sony gains money from the sell? Sounds too good to be true.

Edit:Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer confirmed that the company is working with Sony to add Blu-ray support for its products. "We've already been working on, for example, in Windows, device driver support for Blu-ray drives and the like, and I think the world moves on," Ballmer said. "Toshiba has moved on. We've moved on, and we'll support Blu-ray in ways that make sense." No mention of a Xbox 360 add-on has been mentioned.

http://www.the-magicbox.com/gaming.htm

[Epix]

Someone claiming to be a developer sent this to Kotaku regarding the new PSN Interface:

http://i28.tinypic.com/es7mhf.jpg

[VG Aficionado]

The Home beta alone makes it feel fake.

[Leedogg]

I don't know VG, I kinda like it.

[Matt]

Even if it is fake, it looks nice.

[Kiosko]

It looks very nice. I guess we will have to wait in see.

[Nameless]

Not bad...

[Sephiroth_VII]

Good shop.

[Raitei]

dont like.... its not much of an improvement imo... just looks like a reshaped psn

[LiquidEagle]

If they do anything to improve it, I hope they don't leave us still using Standard Definition in the dust... the HD store already looks loads better :-/

[saud264]

content is more important than interface

[Epix]

Kojima working on new IP. What could it be?
March 11, 2008 - Metal Gear Solid 4 will bring an end to the Solid Snake line of Metal Gear games. But, just in case you've heard rumors to the otherwise, it won't bring an end to series creator Hideo Kojima.

Speaking with Japan's Nikkei BP website, Konami president Fumiaki Tanaka revealed that Kojima is working on the concept for a new game outside of the Metal Gear universe. Pressed further on this mystery title, or possibly titles, Tanaka said that he couldn't reveal anything at this point and that a formal announcement won't be coming this year. Instead, we can probably look forward to hearing something after Kojima has written the new title's scenario, which won't happen until after MGS4 has been released and Metal Gear Online has been given a major push.

In other Metal Gear Solid 4 news, Tanaka revealed to the site that Konami expects sales to be similar to past titles. While the sales focus is on the European and North American markets, the company is aiming for sales of one million in Japan alone. Nikkei pointed out to Tanaka that the PS3 hardware has yet to hit the two million mark in Japan, to which Tanaka noted that many users are waiting for MGS4 to buy a PS3. He also feels that because a number of major PS3 titles from other companies will be released before MGS4, the system's userbase total will rise.

Outside of Metal Gear, Tanaka shared a few insights into Konami's development plans as a whole. The company will be releasing remakes of more classic titles and tapping into more classic franchises in the future. Although Tanaka wouldn't get into specifics, he did suggest that download services like Wii Ware could play a role in this effort.

I hope its that zombie PSN game Kojima was talking about a while back. That would be cool.

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/858/858436p1.html

[TEEDA]

a new concept ? nooooooooo

three Letters : Z .O .E " 3 "
meh !

[Red_Eyes]

Codename: Zombie MMO.

[AC!D]

New Killzone 2 trailer coming soon?

http://www.psu.com/New-Killzone-2-trailer-coming-soon-News--a0003032-p0.php

[TEEDA]

Would be awesome to have Konami working with Capcom to make a new IP.
Just like Namco did with Capcom for Namco X capcom.

[EvilTaru]

Right now I would rather have Konami stay away from Capcom when it's currently being run by Inafune, making games that might be commercially successful right now for whatever strange reason but many of them fundamentally flawed.

[frosty]

considering that there is more to this thread than simply making an announcement about a possible announcement, I'll let it stay. However, from now on keep in mind that requirement when making new threads. I am all about speculation, but making a thread just to say "sony MIGHT say something!" is totally pointless.

[cliffbo]

considering that there is more to this thread than simply making an announcement about a possible announcement, I'll let it stay. However, from now on keep in mind that requirement when making new threads. I am all about speculation, but making a thread just to say "sony MIGHT say something!" is totally pointless.

fair enough, Frosty :)

[Epix]

Resistance 2 on 50GB BD!?

Gametrailers.com just posted the long version of GTTV Scott Steinberg interview, and at 8:38, when talking about Resistance 2 he says:
"It's about a 50Gig game too [...] Only on Bluray"
HD: http://www.gametrailers.com/player/32037.html
SD: http://www.gametrailers.com/player/32038.html

[Xclusion]

dont like.... its not much of an improvement imo... just looks like a reshaped psn

What are you expecting from the store update?

[NeoPlayStation]

Some new L.A. Noire info:

* Team Bondi's goal is to have every NPC in the city feature a distinct personality and different knowledge sets
* The game is not being funded by Sony, who dropped the title (Phil Harrison and Brendan McNamara can't stand each other, McNamara & Company's tendency to miss milestones did not help either, but had very little to do with Phil's decision), there is nothing stopping a 360 release.
* The amount of music in the primarily jazz soundtrack is "comparable to GTA."
* The detecting mechanics are described as "an analysisfest" to which reaction has been polarizing, one calling the detective elements "fatally boring" and another remarking that the mechanics are "absolutely innovative." The former dubs the game "Assassin's Creed: Noir Edition" and the latter went on about "investigating the social structure of 1947 Los Angeles."
* Finally, information about at least some of the crimes you will be investigate in the game can be found here (http://1947project.blogspot.com/)

From Surfer Girl (http://softrockhallelujah.blogspot.com/2008/03/i-am-big-its-pictures-that-got-small.html), so take it with a grain of salt.

[VG Aficionado]

The May issue of EGM is in the can and on its way to subscribers, and you know what that means: more juicy rumors from the masked lips of Quartermann. Let's take a look at what's happening in the shady underbelly of gaming this month:

Did you love Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction as much as we did? If so, you should be excited to hear that Insomniac is working on a sequel much sooner than we'd expected -- in the form of a downloadable PlayStation Network game! We heard further evidence of this earlier this week, so just consider the respectable word of Q-mann further fuel to the fire.From 1up. Remember that something is in the works as shown in the leaked PSN schedule!

[LiquidEagle]

Too bad "Q-mann" is wrong most of the time...

[cliffbo]

looks like Ratchet Quest for Booty is a downloadable PSN game

[VG Aficionado]

looks like Ratchet Quest for Booty is a downloadable PSN game

Already posted. I'm going to move this to the rumor thread.

[cliffbo]

oh, so you've put everything in the rumour thread... when there are ten rumours at least it's going to be fun watching all the conversations overlap and eventually die. why not put everything in this thread? that would be fun! no need to post something about RAC, put it here instead. anything about GTA, don't put it there, put it here, anything about FF, don't put it in the FF thread, put it here LOLOL...

[VG Aficionado]

You can post R&C rumors in the R&C thread, but you posted them in a thread where it didn't belong. Not only that, but that thread wasn't substantiated either. Unsubstantiated rumors don't deserve new threads.

[cliffbo]

frosty said it was okay to have the thread i started about Sony at E3. you've now put it here. i know why of course.

[VG Aficionado]

Do not insinuate what's false, that attitude won't be tolerated. A thread with a title like "Possible E3 announcement from Sony" is absolutely pointless. Create a properly titled thread with content that warrants substantial discussion, otherwise post it here. And do not make offtopic and/or pointless posts on purpose, they will be deleted.

[cliffbo]

why hold grudges VG?

[VG Aficionado]

I told you to keep posting on topic, or the posts will be deleted. If you can't understand that we're not here to talk about PS3 related subjects, you have a problem, not me.

[cliffbo]

I told you to keep posting on topic, or the posts will be deleted. If you can't understand that we're not here to talk about PS3 related subjects, you have a problem, not me.

:) i think we know what this is about VG. i don't think this thread is a good idea myself... but it's here and there's nothing i can do about it. i can't see how you can debate properly about many subjects in one thread though. why not put the PS3 thread here too... see what i mean. and try asking, not telling, it's far more polite :)

[VG Aficionado]

That's not how things are, don't spin the facts. There aren't so many unsubstantiated rumors going on that we would get lost discussing them all, and those that are substantiated can deserve their own threads. This is the place to talk about things that don't have proper evidence that warrants interesting discussion.

I can agree that the leaked PSN list is genuine and can deserve a thread. Feel free to post the leaked PSN list in a new thread again, but don't title it like "Possible Sony announcement at E3", or at the very least I'll have to edit it.

[cliffbo]

well just reinstate the thread as it was and edit the title.

[VG Aficionado]

Happy now? (http://forums.e-mpire.com/showthread.php?t=84814)

[Raitei]

christ... my parents argue less than you two :P

[VG Aficionado]

I don't argue. I just have to reply to arguments :-|

[supagohan]

wat.
when did VG become a mod?

[VG Aficionado]

I killed a mod and ate his heart, thus obtaining his powers. I also drank his blood for visual impact.

[Matt]

Was it really that bad having those seperate threads for rumours?

[AC!D]

New Resident Evil 5 info in next Famitsu. If some of the posters on this forum who can read Japanese could please keep an eye out for this when the new Famitsu comes out on the 28th of March that would be great and Thanks!

http://www.psu.com/New-Resident-Evil-5-info-in-next-Famitsu-News--a0003156-p0.php

[TEEDA]

EGM #228, May 2008: SOCOM hits the PS3, BioWare's Sonic RPG revealed


In this Issue

- SOCOM cover story.
- Feature on downloadable games.
- Small feature on recycled game ideas.
- Previews: 50 Cent II, Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood, GTA IV multiplayer, Fallout 3, Motorstorm 2.

Rumors

- Insomniac is building a downloadable expansion sequel to Tools of Destruction.
- Tecmo Bowl coming to both the Wii and DS.
- Disney asked Warren Spector to create a Mickey Mouse Mario-killer.
- Sony Liverpool is making a "stunning" action game called The Protector.
- Gears 2's multiplayer will feature 5-on-5 and a new camera angle.
- Traveler's Tales to make games (plural) based on live-action Akira movie.
- Home beta coming in the spring.

Review Scores - Wii
Super Smash Bros. Brawl: A, A-, A- [Game of the Month]
Okami: A, B+, A
Opoona: C, C+, C+

Review Scores - Xbox 360/PS3
Pro Evolution Soccer 2008: C+, B-, B-
Dark Sector: B, B, B-
Army of Two: B-, B, B

Review Scores - Playstation 3
Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds: B, B, B-

Review Scores - Xbox 360
Universe at War: Earth Assault: B+, C+, B
Frontlines: Fuel of War: C+, B-, B-

Review Scores - Nintendo DS
Lost in Blue 3: B-, C, D+
The World Ends With You: A-, B, A-
Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer: B+, A, B

Review Scores - Playstation Portable
Wild Arms XF: C-, B-, B



Coming in the June 2008 Issue

- Feature on the "sweetest" game you haven't heard of yet, including Capcom's Dark Void.
- Why haven't console MMO's taken off? EGM talks with developers about it.
- Infamous, Metal Gear Solid 4, Project Origin, Battle Fantasia.
- Reviews: Grand Theft Auto IV, Boom Blox, Midnight Club: Los Angles.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sonic RPG details:

- Random battles, turn-based (think Super Mario RPG on the SNES).
- Allocatable skill points.
- Branching dialog paths.
- Dialog choice is very much like Mas Effect where you select a mood (in this case, an emoticon) instead of straight text.
- Core story has a single outcome.
- Visuals: Looks like "Sonic 3D Blast done right."

[Sephiroth_VII]

- Insomniac is building a downloadable expansion sequel to Tools of Destruction.
- Tecmo Bowl coming to both the Wii and DS.
- Disney asked Warren Spector to create a Mickey Mouse Mario-killer.
- Sony Liverpool is making a "stunning" action game called The Protector.
- Gears 2's multiplayer will feature 5-on-5 and a new camera angle.
- Traveler's Tales to make games (plural) based on live-action Akira movie.
- Home beta coming in the spring
Travellers Tales had better not fuck up the AKIRA games...

[VG Aficionado]

Hmmm... The Protector. Nice previews: MGS4, MotorStorm 2, Infamous, Dark Void...

[TEEDA]

Mhmm yeah the protector...Sounds familiar to me lol, I think there's a movie with Show Yun Fat with the same name.
I would love to see a similar game to Jet li rise to honnor which was released for PS2 it was a good game, not excellent but good. The battle system was interesting.

I m interested in Infamous as well.

[Segitz]

Mhmm yeah the protector...Sounds familiar to me lol, I think there's a movie with Show Yun Fat with the same name.
I would love to see a similar game to Jet li rise to honnor which was released for PS2 it was a good game, not excellent but good. The battle system was interesting.

I m interested in Infamous as well.

Yeah, and one with Tony Jaa... there's one fighting scene in that movie... That's really impressive, as it is 4 minutes long and done in one shot^^ The rest of the movie isn't that good, tbh (Ong Bak is better)



And yeah, why aren't there more MMOs on consoles? One thing would be the standard controller... WoW would not be suited at all onto one of those. I never played FFXI, so I can't tell about that one (and it was released on PS2 first, but never in Europe, only PC here) really.

[Kiosko]

I'll look forward to The Protector, MGS4,Fallout 3, "The sweetest game you never heard of", Akira(LEGO?),and The Infamous previews. I get this magazine for free.

[amuront]

New PS3 bluetooth profile coming soon?
https://www.bluetooth.org/tpg/QLI_viewQDL.cfm?qid=13931
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/8283/ps3btft8.th.jpg (http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/8283/ps3btft8.jpg)

I have no idea if this is firmware related or hardware (the newly registered FCC ID) related. Maybe someone can do some proper investigation.

[Segitz]

New PS3 bluetooth profile coming soon?
https://www.bluetooth.org/tpg/QLI_viewQDL.cfm?qid=13931
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/8283/ps3btft8.th.jpg (http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/8283/ps3btft8.jpg)

I have no idea if this is firmware related or hardware (the newly registered FCC ID) related. Maybe someone can do some proper investigation.

YES!!!! A2DP would ROCK so much! I have a quite good stereo BT headset and only using it for chatting is a bit of an overkill. I use my headset for PC gaming too, which rocks. But I need to get a new one anyways, because it is too big for using it "on the road". There's a Sony one, where you can use normal 3.5mm jack earphones for ~35€ at Amazon.

[Epix]

YES!!!! A2DP would ROCK so much! I have a quite good stereo BT headset and only using it for chatting is a bit of an overkill. I use my headset for PC gaming too, which rocks. But I need to get a new one anyways, because it is too big for using it "on the road". There's a Sony one, where you can use normal 3.5mm jack earphones for ~35€ at Amazon.
I believe it is related to the latest FCC filing. Bluetooth update along with another WiFi improvement.

[VG Aficionado]

Stereo output through Bluetooth? I want that now :) I wonder if it'll work in-game though.

[Diresu]

One of my friends just called me and said that an artist friend of his entered a contest to design the box art for a FFVII remake for PS3 and PSP. They also asked him to make the manual etc...so it seems it will indeed happen. The guy is a professional artists and a valid source. He posted one of his cover sketches on deviant art and has a lot more information he got from SE that he cannot disclose.


http://x-clc-x.deviantart.com/art/FFVII-cover-art-freelance-82550412
http://fc03.deviantart.com/fs28/i/2008/102/c/6/FFVII_cover_art_freelance_by_x_Clc_x.jpg

[Kiosko]

That is a very nice cover. If this ends up happening, I hope they use it.

[VG Aficionado]

I don't want to get my hopes up, but of course I'd love it to happen. And so would many, many others.

[Diresu]

^I think its inevitable...just a matter of when.

[curryking1]

Ya... when makes more sense than anything. When is just so damn ambiguous lol.

I just seriously want them to preserve the art style of the original game. The characters I don't mind if they are FMV of the game or the CG of the movie, but the backgrounds and colours better for ***k's sake be the game's style.

And keep the same gameplay. For the love of god keep the gameplay. I don't know what I would do if FF VII wasn't playing like it originally was.

They can add materia and whatnot but don't change the core, please don't ever change the core!

[Matt]

When you say keep the style, do you mean keeping the "my arms are 10x bigger than the rest of my body parts" look? :P

[yoshaw]

No he probably means the turn based combat mechanic in FFVII.

Correct, curry? If yes.....

You punk!!! :mad: FFXII makes FFVII game mechanic feel ancient history. I don't think I can ever play a turn based RPG after having a thorough go with FFXII. Wait, I mean not literally when I say can't play turn based since FFXII was also turn-based but the way enemies are on the screen and not some randomly appeared out of ether creatures. I'll take that 'what I see is what I fight' game mechanic over FFVII's random one any day.

[Matt]

He was talking about the art style.

Anyway, I doubt there's a LOT you could modify with the whole turn-based combat scheme really.

[yoshaw]

Yea, I knew that. I just wanted to use Curry as a bait to say what I wanted to say:evillaugh:

Ya'll hear me punks! Don't seek old FFVII mechanics. Ask for FFXII's updated gameplay. It rocks the FF franchise like nothing before it. Now that I think of it, I guess I'm just crying wolf here. FFXIII is scheduled to have FFXII's mechanic while updated to suit for next-gen. Meaning even more on the spot action.

[jaxmkii]

FFXII had the best game play IMO

[Matt]

I haven't played a FF since IX, so I dunno what's been changed. What's different?

[yoshaw]

Seriously?! I suggest you invest in FFXII right away. A great game once you get the hang of it. Pretty easy for anyone remotely familiar with RPG's n stuff. Get it asap. You won't regret it. I guarantee it(not)

[Matt]

I went off of RPGs for a while, but I've been thinking about trying some out again. I think there's a cheap copy of XII at work, so I may try it out.

[curryking1]

Noooo!!!! :cry2:

I'm purist with my favourite and classic games... I'm sorry :(

yoshaw you are evil! But I'm not that bent on purity for purities sake. ;)

I'm open to the other styles, but I think I'm pretty sure I'd really like it to stay preserved in it's golden state :P

I love FF XII. I think it has by far the best gameplay too. It's actually addictive. In many ways it's the most amazing RPG ever honestly.

But if I play my FF VII, I want it in the same scheme I played it in back then.

If not, I'll still get it, but I want the cumulative experience to remain the same you know? If they can 'make it better,' by all means... but I have little faith in that sort of thing to improve a classic.

If they opt for the FF XII or neo-FF XII material.. I wouldn't mind either though to be honest. With either I would be happy, I'm just not sure which one I would prefer. I think I lean on the 'keep the classic style' approach.

When you say keep the style, do you mean keeping the "my arms are 10x bigger than the rest of my body parts" look? :P

Lol! No no :P

I meant the FMV graphics style. And also the turn based style. I think I mentioned them separately in the last post, or at least I tried to lol.

I went off of RPGs for a while, but I've been thinking about trying some out again. I think there's a cheap copy of XII at work, so I may try it out.

Dude, you'll love it. Seriously. It's really honestly the most supremely well crafted RPG experience ever. It's simply stunning how well made the game is.

And the gameplay like we've all probably said... spectacular. Absolutely spectacular.

P.S. But if there's an option to switch back and forth use the block arms guys too (but madly antialiased and at high res! :D) that'd be cool too. Just for nostalgic factor though. I'd use the improved models while I play most likely lol. :P

P.P.S. But one thing I DO NOT WANT is Crisis Core's gameplay. That is all. No randomized limit breaks and summoning and whatever. I prefer to keep the materia system from FF VII quite intact. That was such a beautiful system it was actually ridiculous.

[curryking1]

Ok.... double post...

But I think this is really important as a point of discussion.

I really, really think the cover art should remain the same.

Update the graphics of the boxart with the new Midgar and Cloud models... but the box art cover... I don't think I'll change my mind on this..... has got to be the exact same.

The NTSC FF VII cover is one of the most, if not the most, beautiful and inspired scenes in gaming in my opinion. It exudes wonderment and it completely eclipses any other attempt on summarizing the game in one image.

[LaLiLuLeLo]

Ok.... double post...

But I think this is really important as a point of discussion.

I really, really think the cover art should remain the same.

Update the graphics of the boxart with the new Midgar and Cloud models... but the box art cover... I don't think I'll change my mind on this..... has got to be the exact same.

The NTSC FF VII cover is one of the most, if not the most, beautiful and inspired scenes in gaming in my opinion. It exudes wonderment and it completely eclipses any other attempt on summarizing the game in one image.

QFT. FF7 box art is the best.

[Z]

FF12 has the best gameplay. in fact, if they go back for future FF games, they will feel very boring and repetitive. they should've automated basic commands a long time ago. it also has the best visuals and details in an game on the system- comparative to diversity and size. it has fantastic CG, but unlike past FF games, they are extremely short and very, very few.

but the game has nothing else. this is the first FF that didn't have memorable music. seriously, not one freaking sound track?! the most idiotic, silly and empty characters. I wouldn't even call them characters. I would just call them cut-offs or rocks.

I still say FF10 was the best since it had a fantastic and emotional story along with amazing CG and music. I wish FF13 will take over that crown.

for a quick comparison, just look at wallpapers and things like that of FF10 and FF12 to see what I am talking about. also, I don't consider FF9 as an entry. I hate that art style.

[LaLiLuLeLo]

FF9 tried so hard to not be 7 or 8 that it ended up, despite still being a good game, just not being nearly as awesome as either.

[curryking1]

Final Fantasy X's ending was *this close* to perfection. Amazing. If it just stopped right at the part where Yuna was whistling... it would've been the greatest videogame ending forever... or as far as one could see...

but the game has nothing else. this is the first FF that didn't have memorable music. seriously, not one freaking sound track?! the most idiotic, silly and empty characters. I wouldn't even call them characters. I would just call them cut-offs or rocks.

Trust me on this... listen to the soundtrack. FF XII has insanely good music. If anything the sheer quantity of stuff going on and the wonderment of the special effects and graphics and relatively lowly placed volume of the music distracts one from actually enjoying it as a piece in the foreground.

When you get to epic scenes in the game.. listen for the music. It's hard when the pace of the game is so spontaneous and action packed... but trust me. Amazing soundtrack.

There is no Liberi Fatali, Opening Bombing Mission, Suteki Da Ne, or Loss of Me or a few select elite pieces from Final Fantasy VII to X, I will give you that.

But the orchestral pieces are simply astounding. You will remember them if you listen to them. The only way to not remember these epic pieces is because the most viciously demanding and powerful ones are used for short, climactic scenes which have what's literally happening on screen overwhelming the sense, holding all music to the background (appropriate for the themes that apply that there is no single focal character but an undertone to represent the whole of Ivalice's struggle).

For example... listen to Challenging the Empire. I have no idea in what scenes for sure it plays in... but it is an epic tone.

Do not badmouth Final Fantasy XII's music unless you've listened to it thoroughly, bank on it. One of the most notable pieces is in the very ending of the game and is a tribute to everything FF XII and it's story represents - Syphonic Poem - Hope.

If you can listen to Symphonic Poem - Hope with an attentive ear, and then tell me FF XII has no memorable music, I will not trouble you at all on this topic.

--

Also... hollow characters... I kind of get the feeling that the developers were not exactly finished with the characters. From the Limited Edition Bonus Disc, there are some hints of FMVs that were non-existant in the game. It kind of hints that they simply weren't able to expand enough on every character as much as they wanted to.

However, this game was about having not a relationship/multiple relationships between two focal characters like VII, VIII, or IX. This game was about a struggle on the whole. The point was to deliver a lovable cast who you wanted to succeed and who you felt deserved to succeed and who appeared like a fantastical and mystical family that only a Final Fantasy can produce.

In that way... the character development and choreography and cinematography was put to epic and wonderful use.

Aside - Side characters and antagonists were weakly developed though, I will commit that much.

FF9 tried so hard to not be 7 or 8 that it ended up, despite still being a good game, just not being nearly as awesome as either.

Damn! Why don't you like FF IX! Lol j/k, I get you ;)

It does have it's cute charm beautifully sung though... I think that's why I respond so strongly with it... I love cute.

[Xclusion]

Woah yo missed out on FFX that game is second next to FFVII in my eyes. I'm currently playing FFXIII so I'll reserve my judgment on that till i'm finished.

[yoshaw]

I'm currently playing FFXIII so I'll reserve my judgment on that till i'm finished.

You're playing FFXIII ???? 0_0 OMG, where j00 leeb. I keeeel you n grab me early copy of this pwnsome game. muahaha :tardbang:

[Diresu]

Seriously?! I suggest you invest in FFXII right away. A great game once you get the hang of it. Pretty easy for anyone remotely familiar with RPG's n stuff. Get it asap. You won't regret it. I guarantee it(not)

I have to disagree here at least on the gameplay aspect. I hated the real time fighting system. I am a firm believer that real time battle systems don't work unless you only have one character to control ala Crisis Core. I hate leaving control of my party to the AI. Give me turn based over it any day. Also, i got 60 hours into FF12 and then it dawned on me..all my characters are exact copies of each other. The skill board was nowhere near as good as the sphere grid from X. I want to try the International re-release of ff12 to see how they changed it because I had to stop playing the game mainly because the character progression stopped and everyone had same skills etc. So far FF12 is the only final fantasy game that I never finished and in that sense my least favorite one. Nowhere close to 7 8 or 10 as a whole package.

[yoshaw]

In FFXII, I'm hoping you already know that you can control your party members whenever you want. And there is a battle option where you can decide whether to shell it out oldskool like turn-based combat or realtime, on the go always active fights. Just saying to remind the system is there. Ofcourse it may not bode well with some users, that's understandable if you're one of them.

To me, this is the beauty of FFXII. It caters to new and old fans alike. Oldies like me can stick with the turn-based combat and control characters whenever I wish or always. Whereas newbies to FF can simply put gambits on and let AI handle other characters while I do realtime battles on my own.

I disagree about the FFX sphere being superior. No it wasn't to me. I'd prefer Materia system over this any day. FFVIII had a better leveling layout than FFX IMO.

Doesn't mean I got zero gripes with the game. It's just its pro's outweigh the con's for me to not care at all.

[Diresu]

In FFXII, I'm hoping you already know that you can control your party members whenever you want. And there is a battle option where you can decide whether to shell it out oldskool like turn-based combat or realtime, on the go always active fights. Just saying to remind the system is there. Ofcourse it may not bode well with some users, that's understandable if you're one of them.

To me, this is the beauty of FFXII. It caters to new and old fans alike. Oldies like me can stick with the turn-based combat and control characters whenever I wish or always. Whereas newbies to FF can simply put gambits on and let AI handle other characters while I do realtime battles on my own.

I disagree about the FFX sphere being superior. No it wasn't to me. I'd prefer Materia system over this any day. FFVIII had a better leveling layout than FFX IMO.


Doesn't mean I got zero gripes with the game. It's just its pro's outweigh the con's for me to not care at all.

Eh, the option to make it turn based was not exactly that helpful to me. FFX to me was turn based perfection. Fluid, deep and fun. The sphere grid was large enough to make each character unique and different where the system in FF12 was to limiting. Personally If i had to go with any of the FF's systems it would be VIII. Loved the draw system and the depth it offered. Some of my other gripes were the essentially useless summons in 12 (FFX handled it well though my ideal way to use summons is a supermove ala 7 and 8.) The limit breaks were very generic and meh...The special effects on spells and stuff had to obviously be toned down and lacked flare as in previous FF games because they had to work with the battle system etc. It just didn't appeal to me as much as the previous ff games in any sense but the story. To give you some perspective 8 is by far my favorite followed by 10 then 7. I will try 12 again at some point because I want to finish it..but it just didn't come together as a whole package like the previous FF games (minus 9 which i disliked mainly due to the art style).

[Z]

the main FF12 theme song is Hope. I couldn't even notice that. can anyone link me to a Youtube video playing it? if the main melody is that unnoticeable, my God they dropped the ball really bad in that department this time.

[curryking1]

The main theme is not Hope. Hope is overarching theme for the conclusion that runs in the credits.

The main theme is the Final Fantasy. It's not the typical Final Fantasy tune, it's a completely different piece like each game has it's own main theme. I believe it plays when you click on Load Game.

Symphonic Poem - Hope is the tune played at the ending credits while art is played in a slideshow in the background.

Aside - Loop Demo is the typical Final Fantasy tune from Final Fantasy XII which is reimagined for each game btw. Loop Demo plays as the intro before you press anything I think.

[Sephiroth_VII]

The main theme has always been remixes of Final Fantasy, first featured after the first quest in FF1 :)

[curryking1]

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaa..... not really. It's not the main theme for many of the Final Fantasy games.

It's been used as a prelude or an after credits tune. Or even easter eggs.

Final Fantasy VII Main Theme - The Main Theme of Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII Final Fantasy mix - Prelude

Final Fantasy VIII Main Theme - Liberi Fatali (...although FF VIII has the widest set of major pieces that may fit, or maybe even not fit, the criteria for a theme song)
Final Fantasy VIII Final Fantasy remix - Unsure, I believe it's main possible use was replaced by Overture which plays at the opening title

Final Fantasy IX Main Theme - The Place I'll Return to Someday
Final Fantasy IX Final Fantasy remix - Unsure

Final Fantasy X Main Theme - To Zanarkand
Final Fantasy X Final Fantasy remix - Prelude

Final Fantasy XII Main Theme - Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy XII Final Fantasy remix - Loop Demo

The credits of a few of the modern Final Fantasy games have a few commonalities btw. For example, if you listen to the Final Fantasy VII and VIII Staff Roll and latter half of Ending Theme respectively (both used as ending credit themes) there are a lot of common orchestral pieces (no they are not prelude).

[Sephiroth_VII]

Okay, okay, but as far as I know, Final Fantasy has always been there in some form.

[FantasyGhost]

Heavenly Sword 2, XMB and more rumours from the Official Magazine

By now we should know that the PlayStation Official Magazine is out, and the big news is its review for Grand Theft Auto 4 (perfect score I might add). However their rumour machine, featuring ‘Insider whispers’, also provides interesting reading:

- Want more on the Playstation store? Well bite size episodic gaming will hit “before the end of the year”

- Heavenly Sword 2 will feature a male lead and will take place ten years after the original (as long as Kai is still involved and we are still able to play ‘twing-twang’).

- XMB functionality in-game – in time for summer!

- Ready at Dawn, the now expert PSP developer, is now working on a PS3 game

- I’ll just quote this one: “The bizarre Linger In Shadows, complete with flying dogs and deadly black smoke, will be a PSN download”http://www.pslegion.com/news/heavenly-sword-2-xmb-and-more-rumours-official-magazine

[Sephiroth_VII]

- XMB functionality in-game – in time for summer!

We already knew that, but it's nice to hear it from several sources.

[Kiosko]

Yeah and I already was expecting a HS2 and RAD PS3 project. The Linger in the Shadows tidbit it nice!

[yoshaw]

Ready at Dawn, the now expert PSP developer, is now working on a PS3 game

This tidbit is WORTH everything!!

Ready at Dawn is a great developer. Can't wait to see what they're gonna bring to the Godzilla console.

[LaLiLuLeLo]

Need... HS2......it MUST BE DONE!!!!

[TEEDA]

Need... HS2......it MUST BE DONE!!!!

Agreed. I think they are certainly pre designing the game. should certainly have first infos this autumn, or next year.

I read that there Guerilla planned a sequel to Shelshock' Nam too for next gen consoles. But it will be more gory and should concentrate on a more msychologic game rather a shooter.

[curryking1]

Ok this is random, but I was wrong about the theme in FF XII. It's not the tune called Final Fantasy. It's called Presentation a.k.a. Theme of Final Fantasy XII.

I believe it's the first tune played in the intro before the war finally actually begins in Rabanastre.

The tune called Final Fantasy from FF XII is kind of like the Overture from FF VIII.

Edit - Damn I did it wrong again. Theme of Final Fantasy XII/Presentation... no idea when it is played. Maybe in the credits. Loop Demo is a mini version of it pretty much.

Edit 2 - ***k. Nevermind. It's Loop Demo then Final Fantasy (FF XII version that is not the typical FF tune) at the beginning. Then the Opening Movie = opening movie song.... and then in the somewhere in the credits Theme of Final Fantasy XII which is a longer version of the Loop Demo.

Ok I have satisfied myself. :)

[Epix]

http://deco-01.slide.com/r/1/151/dl/ILNkMInzoz_EGEk7gjpbg3kQVx-BfqCL/item (http://item.slide.com/r/1/151/i/ILNkMInzoz_EGEk7gjpbg3kQVx-BfqCL/)
A well-known russian site posted information about a new PSP metal gear title to be unveiled at E3 by KONAMI yesterday:

The game is titled METAL GEAR 3: REVOLVER OCELOT and it takes place between MGS: PORTABLE OPS and METAL GEAR 2: SOLID SNAKE. It will feature some scenes from the original METAL GEAR.

The game uses a recruitment system similar to MGS:smileytongue:O and the main character is REVOLVER OCELOT, looking similar to both MGS3 and MGS1 .BIG BOSS is not a playable character, but appears sometimes during the cutscenes supervising the construction of outer heaven.

No more info was revealed but i am sure we'll hear more at E3http://starsniper.boom.ru/preview/39526/metalgear3/index.html

[Passive]

http://forums.e-mpire.com/showthread.php?t=86374

:P