The 2009 Video Game Thread

[RainMaker]

So anymore feedback on the Batman game? I'm really tempted to pick it up.

[samifan24]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

So anymore feedback on the Batman game? I'm really tempted to pick it up.

I don't have it but it seems like one of those games that you beat and never touch again. I played the demo and really enjoyed it but how much re-playability can a title like this really have?

[MJ4H]

Professor Leyton tonight! Impressions coming soon.

[samifan24]

Originally Posted by MJ4H

Professor Leyton tonight! Impressions coming soon.

I liked the first one a lot, although I thought it was pretty hard, and I beat the game only to turn on the DS one day and discover that my saved game had somehow become corrupted. I lost all my progress (really I just lost all the extras that come from beating the game).

[MJ4H]

My wife was hard-core into the first one and has been drooling for #2 since it was hinted at. She's already tried to buy it today but gamestop said it wouldn't be in till later. She's going later.

[Ironhead]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

So anymore feedback on the Batman game? I'm really tempted to pick it up.

I rented it today. I should have some impressions tomorrow night.

[General Mike]

I got the new Prof. Layton today. So far so good.

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

So anymore feedback on the Batman game? I'm really tempted to pick it up.

IGN HD Video Review

YouTube - Batman: Arkham Asylum Review

I'll have some tomorrow as I'm going to pick this one up!

[Qwikshot]

I got Arkham, and I was sucked in.

I don't think that it's too deep, but I'm having a lot of fun playing it. The characters are really well defined and the atmosphere is creepy (not as creepy as Dead Space, but I think I've only scratched the surface).

I did my first trade away and parted with 5 games, and got Arkham for 27 bucks...it should keep me busy and give me a breather when I get frustrated with Madden 2010.

[SnowMan]

Is the PS3 a full-featured Blu-Ray player? 1080p hdmi output, audio options and the like? Tempted with the price drop (nice work Sony, you got me!), considering some of the exclusive games look pretty good.

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by SnowMan

Is the PS3 a full-featured Blu-Ray player? 1080p hdmi output, audio options and the like? Tempted with the price drop (nice work Sony, you got me!), considering some of the exclusive games look pretty good.

Yep, and it's one of the better ones on the market.

[Flasch186]

i love mine AND they sent me an autographed MBBF postcard (I KID!)

seriously though, love mine and i use it 90% as a player and not gaming.

[Ironhead]

Got a good 4 or 5 hours in with Batman the past two days. It definitely has me sucked in and wanting more.

The game has a lot of atmosphere. There have been a couple of really creepy moments so far. You definitely feel like you are in Batman's world. Really enjoying the storyline so far too.

As Qwikshot said the characters are very well defined. While I never read the comics I watched the animated series pretty religiously in the 90s. The characters seem pretty true to what I can remember from that series - it helps that many of the voice actors are the same.

The fighting system is simple but incredibly fun. I have spent much more time exploring than I have fighting people so far. The gameplay requires a little strategy - you are Batman after all.

My biggest gripe is that the camera can be a little disorienting at times. I feel like it is just slightly too zoomed in. It can make it hard to really take in the surroundings which is important in the game.

Really enjoying it so far. I have a feeling by the time I finish the game it will end up in my top 5 list for the 360. That being said given how short the game is supposed to be (maybe 10 to 12 hours) and the fact that I don't think I would play through the story mode more than once it still falls in my rental category.

[SnowMan]

Originally Posted by dawgfan

Yep, and it's one of the better ones on the market.

Originally Posted by Flasch186

seriously though, love mine and i use it 90% as a player and not gaming.

Thanks, may have to look into this for an early holiday gift.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by SnowMan

Is the PS3 a full-featured Blu-Ray player? 1080p hdmi output, audio options and the like? Tempted with the price drop (nice work Sony, you got me!), considering some of the exclusive games look pretty good.

You may not have seen it in the other thread, but I mentioned that I bought a Slim yesterday mainly for that purpose. If it's not the best BR player, it's certainly top 3. Fully upgradable and the new Slim version has additional audio options that the old PS3 did not have.

[Mustang]

Originally Posted by Qwikshot

(not as creepy as Dead Space, but I think I've only scratched the surface).

I'm currently playing Dead Space.. there are a few spots I've jumped at.

[Qwikshot]

Originally Posted by Mustang

I'm currently playing Dead Space.. there are a few spots I've jumped at.

Oh I agree completely, my fiance had great trouble staying in the room when I played that game.

I basically shot every body in the room, that solved a lot of problems.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Qwikshot

Oh I agree completely, my fiance had great trouble staying in the room when I played that game.

I basically shot every body in the room, that solved a lot of problems.

I think I'll have to play this game now solely based on your last comment. Funny stuff.

[Mustang]

Originally Posted by Qwikshot

I basically shot every body in the room, that solved a lot of problems.

*L*

I think I do the same thing. Dead body on the floor? Thing ain't popping up on me so, needs a few rounds in it.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Mustang

*L*

I think I do the same thing. Dead body on the floor? Thing ain't popping up on me so, needs a few rounds in it.

Just curious. I know some of the Resident Evil games are severely restrictive in regards to ammo available, which keeps you from doing something like what you mention above. I take it that this game is not that way?

[Mustang]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Just curious. I know some of the Resident Evil games are severely restrictive in regards to ammo available, which keeps you from doing something like what you mention above. I take it that this game is not that way?

I think the ammo is balanced between too much and not enough. You don't have an endless supply and I've run out a few times given that you have to target the limbs to stop the baddies in the game. I don't shot everything on the ground, just anything dead that looks 'suspicious'.

[Kodos]

You don't have a bat or something to thump them with?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Kodos

You don't have a bat or something to thump them with?

The visual of this comment was nearly as funny as the thought of Quikshot running around shooting at dead bodies.

[samifan24]

Originally Posted by Kodos

You don't have a bat or something to thump them with?

No and it wouldn't do you much good because you need something sharp to hack off their limbs because that's the only way to kill them.

(oh how I wish we still had QotM)

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

So anymore feedback on the Batman game? I'm really tempted to pick it up.

Originally Posted by Ironhead

Got a good 4 or 5 hours in with Batman the past two days. It definitely has me sucked in and wanting more.

The game has a lot of atmosphere. There have been a couple of really creepy moments so far. You definitely feel like you are in Batman's world. Really enjoying the storyline so far too.

As Qwikshot said the characters are very well defined. While I never read the comics I watched the animated series pretty religiously in the 90s. The characters seem pretty true to what I can remember from that series - it helps that many of the voice actors are the same.

The fighting system is simple but incredibly fun. I have spent much more time exploring than I have fighting people so far. The gameplay requires a little strategy - you are Batman after all.

My biggest gripe is that the camera can be a little disorienting at times. I feel like it is just slightly too zoomed in. It can make it hard to really take in the surroundings which is important in the game.

Really enjoying it so far. I have a feeling by the time I finish the game it will end up in my top 5 list for the 360. That being said given how short the game is supposed to be (maybe 10 to 12 hours) and the fact that I don't think I would play through the story mode more than once it still falls in my rental category.

I agree with most of what Ironhead said. I picked this up during my lunch break yesterday and it has completely engrossed me. I'm going to take a break soon, only because I want to make it last. If you are a fan of Batman, this is a must rent at least. I think it is probably going to be worth buying as the gameplay is so good, that I can see myself playing through it twice, plus trying out the various challenge modes.

As far as the camera, I don't mind it at all, I think it's fairly representative of the difficulty of seeing behind you at all times and I think it emphasizes the need to get to high ground at times and use your detective vision to scan ahead. Speaking of which, I love how the detective vision is done. Makes the stealth play fun for me. I also think this is going to make my top 5 list for my 360 and so far it is the game of the year for me.

[Calis]

Rented Arkham Asylum myself and have been playing it the past couple nights. I'm really enjoying it. I'm a pretty big Batman fan so I might be biased, but it is definitely a must play for anyone who is a fan. I tend to play mostly strategy and sports games lately, but loving this one.

The combat couldn't be any slicker imo. I haven't got tired yet of finding a perch, glide kicking a guy down from that, maybe throwing a triple batarang attack to knock down three and then go to work. The flow of the combat is extremely well done and very cinematic. Really makes you feel like you're controlling a master of hand to hand and not spamming button mashes. It might be too simple for some though.

There could be complaints about the game basically revolving around finding one grate and crawling into a room to find another. Definitely spend a lot of time breaking down grates. It's not bothering me though. Having a fun time following the story, hunting for the Riddler trophies, and looking for those audio interviews with the bad guys. Awesome voice acting also. Graphically it's nice, but I wish they didn't have to roid everyone out. Gordon looks like they ripped him out of Gears of War. Not a big deal though.

Apparently 'ole Arkham was a fan of Gargoyles as well.

Definitely the best licensed superhero game I've played(Freedom Force still wins out for best comic-based game).

I've been playing on 360 but I might end up buying it on PS3 to try the joker rooms, as it sounds like they really put a decent amount of work into it.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Calis

Definitely the best licensed superhero game I've played(Freedom Force still wins out for best comic-based game).

I've been playing on 360 but I might end up buying it on PS3 to try the joker rooms, as it sounds like they really put a decent amount of work into it.

Agreed that is clearly the best licensed superhero game I've ever played. I loved Freedom Force as well. Anyone know if they are working on any further sequels to Freedom Force? I remember the 1st sequel and was surprised that no others ever came out.

[RainMaker]

I think I'll pick it up. Will tide me over till the 1st patch comes out for Madden.

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Agreed that is clearly the best licensed superhero game I've ever played. I loved Freedom Force as well. Anyone know if they are working on any further sequels to Freedom Force? I remember the 1st sequel and was surprised that no others ever came out.

No plans to make a new Freedom Force game that I know of. However, there's a rumor that the developer (2K Boston) is working a new X-Com game.

[Calis]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Agreed that is clearly the best licensed superhero game I've ever played. I loved Freedom Force as well. Anyone know if they are working on any further sequels to Freedom Force? I remember the 1st sequel and was surprised that no others ever came out.

Yeah one of my favorite series of all-time. There were some great mods put out by the community as well to bring in DC/Marvel heroes. Good times.

Yeah, as said there are no plans and I'd be surprised if it ever happens. I've heard Ken Levine on podcasts and apparently the games sold horrendously. I remember one time he was on the Games for Windows podcast a few years back and they mocked him because the Freedom Force cover they put out was the lowest selling issue of all-time for them.

Definitely an overlooked gem.

[SnowMan]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

I think I'll pick it up. Will tide me over till the 1st patch comes out for Madden.

Any word on this yet?

As far as Batman goes, I'm enjoying it a lot. My obsessive completionist side comes out trying to find all the crazy riddler puzzles and the story and atmostphere are very well done.

[Eaglesfan27]

No word on the patch as of yesterday. Apparently, the developers delayed the 1st patch to squeeze in a few fixes such as the holding on field goals.

[RainMaker]

If it's out by the start of the season I'll be happy.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by SnowMan

Any word on this yet?

As far as Batman goes, I'm enjoying it a lot. My obsessive completionist side comes out trying to find all the crazy riddler puzzles and the story and atmostphere are very well done.

Same here. With my search for all of the puzzles and other extras I'm quite positive this game is going to get much more than 10-12 hours out of me on the 1st run through. Speaking of which, I'm hoping someone can help me with the following riddle in the Arkham East area - "Gotham's greatest family towers over the City". I believe I know the right location, but I'm having a heck of a time figuring out the right place/angle to use for the environment analysis:

Spoiler

I'm assuming this means the highest tower in that area which is just over the mansion and has the clock faces on the north and west sides with statues over the clocks. I'm assuming I have to snap a shot of the statues, but I've tried every angle from up close and afar with no luck. Anyone know where I need to be to take that shot? Or am I guessing wrong on the solution?

[SirFozzie]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Same here. With my search for all of the puzzles and other extras I'm quite positive this game is going to get much more than 10-12 hours out of me on the 1st run through. Speaking of which, I'm hoping someone can help me with the following riddle in the Arkham East area - "Gotham's greatest family towers over the City". I believe I know the right location, but I'm having a heck of a time figuring out the right place/angle to use for the environment analysis:

Spoiler

I'm assuming this means the highest tower in that area which is just over the mansion and has the clock faces on the north and west sides with statues over the clocks. I'm assuming I have to snap a shot of the statues, but I've tried every angle from up close and afar with no luck. Anyone know where I need to be to take that shot? Or am I guessing wrong on the solution?

Spoiler

From a video walkthrough I saw, you're not right.. you have to be on the top of the tower, and look outwards toward Gotham City. Look for the Wayne Enterprises tower.

(I don't have the game, was just watching a video "Let's Play"

[Eaglesfan27]

Thanks Fozzie. Didn't want to read/watch a walkthrough and risk seeing clues to other riddles.

[Malificent]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

Spoiler

From a video walkthrough I saw, you're not right.. you have to be on the top of the tower, and look outwards toward Gotham City. Look for the Wayne Enterprises tower.

(I don't have the game, was just watching a video "Let's Play"

Spoiler

You don't even need to be on the tower - there are multiple spots you can see the Wayne Enterprises tower from and the zoom capability is your friend.

This game is so many shades of awesome. Easily my game of the year so far.

[Eaglesfan27]

One other question. Does anyone know if you can eventually get back into the intensive treatment area after you leave it? I'm assuming so as there was at least one or two things that were completely inaccessible in there without upgrades, but I just want to make sure before I get too far ahead as I forgot to do some of the riddles in there.

[Calis]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

One other question. Does anyone know if you can eventually get back into the intensive treatment area after you leave it? I'm assuming so as there was at least one or two things that were completely inaccessible in there without upgrades, but I just want to make sure before I get too far ahead as I forgot to do some of the riddles in there.

Yep, I assume I'm just a little further than you. I just left there and ended up circling around to go back in. I think you can come and go.

I think I read somewhere that when the game is over you can actually free roam a bit and catch anything you missed, so I wouldn't worry too much. I'm behind on a lot of the riddles myself, some of them are pretty tricky. Really enjoying them.

[stevew]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

Spoiler

From a video walkthrough I saw, you're not right.. you have to be on the top of the tower, and look outwards toward Gotham City. Look for the Wayne Enterprises tower.

(I don't have the game, was just watching a video "Let's Play"

heh-that was my guess and I haven't even thought about getting the game yet.

[stevew]

Has there ever been a game like Fallout3 or GTA where you're a superhero? If not, that really needs to happen.

I guess it'd be a single player City of Heroes. If done correctly, though, it'd be fuckin amazing. Like have a variety of mentors throughout the game available. Depending on which one you latch onto, you develop your powers.

Also numerous random traumas that could effect what type of character/villian you become.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by stevew

heh-that was my guess and I haven't even thought about getting the game yet.

Yeah, in retrospect, that should have been much easier than it was.

[MizzouRah]

I woke up this morning with an itch to play some more Batman!

[Ironhead]

I rented Batman on Tuesday and finished the story mode mid-day on Saturday. I definitely didn't rush through it either as I solved at least 3/4 of the Riddler puzzles. If I had the money to blow I would love to own the game if only to finish all of the riddles and occasionally get some fighting in. For gamers on a budget I would say definitely rent the game and enjoy it as much as possible while you have it.

Overall just a really fun game. I wish the story would have gone in a slightly different direction but I still think it is one of the 5 best Xbox 360 games I have played.

Some of my Likes and dislikes about the game, in no particular order:

Spoiler

Likes:
1. Scarecrow Encounters - These were awesome. Especially the first one in the morgue really freaked me out. The intricacy of the level design and artwork in some of the Scarecrow parts was amazing.

2. Riddler Puzzles - This was just a great idea. It was just a really nice way to bring the entire Batman universe into the game. There were many times when I would solve a riddle and get a new character bio. I would just be like, "Oh damn! I remember that villain!" The coolest was realizing it was Clayface who was impersonating the warden behind glass.

3. Combat - stayed really fresh all the way to the end. The combat system is so simple but requires great timing and focus to really put together long freelow combos. When you pull one of these off the resulting badass feeling is really cool.

4. Voice Acting - Just a really great job by the entire cast. There were some real laugh out loud moments with some Joker's comments over the intercom system.


Dislikes:
1. Titan storyline - While not a complete disappointment, why is it that these things always seem to devolve into mutated monsters? I would have loved for the story to go into a different path.

2. Killer Croc - An eventual encounter with Croc was built up from the very opening scenes of the game. I was always on edge that he was going to burst through a wall and surprise the hell out of me. Especially after he pressed his face against the door down in the sewers. When you finally go into his lair he just seemed a little too easy to take down. I just felt they could have done a lot more here.

[rowech]

Can the Rock Band games be played with the guitars from Guitar Hero? I haven't purchased the Rock Band set of guitars/drums/mic but would like to buy the Beatles Rock Band game if I could at least play the guitar parts with my Guitar Hero guitars. (I have two)

[spleen1015]

On the 360, GH guitars work with RB.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by stevew

Has there ever been a game like Fallout3 or GTA where you're a superhero? If not, that really needs to happen.

I guess it'd be a single player City of Heroes. If done correctly, though, it'd be fuckin amazing. Like have a variety of mentors throughout the game available. Depending on which one you latch onto, you develop your powers.

Also numerous random traumas that could effect what type of character/villian you become.

inFamous on the PS3 is kind of like that. You're a superhero of sorts that can choose good or bad actions which effect your abilities and how people treat you. It's open ended and the mission structure is similar to GTA. Sort of like Fallout 3 as you gain experience points that allows you to upgrade abilities.

[Voo]

Originally Posted by rowech

Can the Rock Band games be played with the guitars from Guitar Hero? I haven't purchased the Rock Band set of guitars/drums/mic but would like to buy the Beatles Rock Band game if I could at least play the guitar parts with my Guitar Hero guitars. (I have two)

Instrument Compatibility // Rock Band®

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by spleen1015

On the 360, GH guitars work with RB.

It works on the PS3 as well. It was patched a few months ago.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Nice little surprise here. A full upgrade of God of War I and II for the PS3 on one BR disc. MSRP of $39.99.

God of War Collection – Blu-ray Disc Compilation Available This Holiday Season! – PlayStation.Blog

SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA ANNOUNCES
GOD OF WAR® COLLECTION, A NEW COMPILATION OFFERING FOR PLAYSTATION®3
Exclusive God of War® and God of War® II Blu-ray Disc Compilation
Available This Holiday Season

FOSTER CITY, Calif., September 1, 2009 – Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced today a new and exclusive PlayStation®3 (PS3™) offering for the critically acclaimed God of War® franchise, God of War® Collection. Scheduled for release this holiday season, God of War Collection will feature reworked versions of both God of War® and God of War® II on a single Blu-ray Disc™ at full 1280 x 720 resolution. Both critically acclaimed games, which were originally developed for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, have been remastered with anti-aliased graphics running at 60 frames per second for a smooth gameplay experience on the PS3 system. Additionally, the Blu-ray Disc compilation will bring PlayStation®Network (PSN) trophy support to the franchise for the first time (included for both games). God of War Collection offers substantial value to PS3 consumers, the compilation of both best-selling games costing just $39.99 MSRP.

Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment, Santa Monica Studio, the God of War series brings epic mythological battles to life with stunning graphics and an elaborate plot that puts Kratos, the triology’s main character, at the center of carnage and destruction as he seeks revenge against the Gods who have betrayed him. God of War® III is scheduled for release exclusively on the PS3 in March 2010.

“We are excited today to announce God of War Collection,” said Scott Rohde, vice president, Worldwide Studios America. “Our fans spoke and we listened; thanks to our partnership with Bluepoint Games, fans and newcomers to the series can experience the epic God of War and God of War II saga in stunning 720p on PS3. This Blu-ray Disc compilation brings Kratos to PS3 even earlier than expected.”