That’s almost it for the PS4,
some cool tech on the way
A new controller, camera too,
and some new games to play.
I’ll post more vids later to-day
I’m just about to drop
Expect more Sony stuff to see
(your eyes, they just may pop!)
McFarlane Toys has been invaded by Ubisoft’s kooky Rabbids and after a fierce battle, this seems to be le result: a bunch of goofy Rabbids toys you probably don’t want around your home because they’ll come to life while you’re asleep and wreck your stuff up good. Don’t say I didn’t warn you, but if you do decide to buy these homely (but nefariously stupid and crafty) critters, lock them up in a glass case like the one you see in these pics. That’s recommended by the rep at the booth, by the way – I heard he had one in the hotel room he was staying at the first night of the show and the entire mini-bar was gone when he woke up! Evil, I say… eeeeeeeeevil!
OK, I initially ignored the first Rabbids Preppers video because I thought it was yet ANOTHER game in production featuring those wacky alien lagomorphs and I figured I may as well wait for some actual gameplay footage before commenting. Then this second video pops up in my inbox and I decide to check it out. Well, that was definitely a good thing (and even better because we’re all around to watch it, right?). I suppose those who STILL believe in some sort of doomsday won’t be amused at all, but I think it’s time for less paranoia and more enjoying of life whenever possible. Ha – even when they’re being perfectly silly, Ubisoft still manages to make me think slightly more profoundly.
Thanks to having so many other games to play through this month, I know I won’t get around to playing Far Cry 3 until next year. However, from what I’ve seen so far (a friend has it and is having a total blast), I’m going to be REALLY busy in Crytek’s massive open-world shooter. I spent an hour or so watching someone play and it looks as if the game allows you to do what you want on those islands outside the main story line (a great thing). Sure, you’re still killing men and animals by the boatload, but the story sections are compelling from the beginning and you can get your character’s motivations and grasp his rather insane situation thanks to some excellent writing and motion captured performances. Hmmmm… maybe I’ll skip a few games and pick this up sooner than later after all… we shall see.
With all the big games hitting this month for other consoles, it’s actually going to be Nintendo’s big Wii U launch that will probably be key to a huge part of this year’s holiday sales successes or failures. The system has a number of solid-looking launch titles from first and third parties with more on the way in enough different genres that almost all bases are covered. Granted, there are a few things that could spoil Nintendo’s financial fun from idiot speculators dooming the console prematurely to families simply not having more money to spend of a new system this holiday season in favor of buying cheaper Wii games or even another console. I know for a fact that NO ONE with half a brain will be buying a tablet or other device OVER a console, despite the fever dreams of those in the mobile industry sitting on the cheap games bubble about to burst and take a lot of them down to reality sooner than later. People want dedicated consoles because they want to play games that aren’t all short bits of pay to play addiction or clear clones of other successful casual games. That and hell, Mario isn’t coming to iOS or Android any time soon and Nintendo has him and a few other classic characters you won’t see anywhere else but on a Nintendo system (which is how fans prefer it). As always, we shall see what’s what soon enough – I think the console will indeed do well, but Nintendo needs to get people used to paying a premium for a replacement controller (the one thing that will make some rethink a Wii U purchase down the road)…
Hmmm, let’s see now: side story to one of the biggest AAA games of the year, a strong female lead with a compelling back story, a deep plot that could resonate on a few levels for those of us who love compelling single player experiences, some truly stunning visuals and oh, so much more. Yeah, that sounds like something I’m interested in. Ubisoft and Sony think so too, which is why they’re doing it up with a really nice bundle that includes a nice white Vita. I already have a Vita, so I won’t be snapping this up, but I think YOU should, as the handheld is finally getting more and better games worth an absolute buy.
Is Ubisoft’s upcoming portable side story the best PS Vita game to date? Well, I’m not (that) psychic, but it sure looks like a prime contender. Check out this latest behind the scenes look at what’s definitely a game worth playing on Sony’s handheld. The system may be struggling a bit these days, but this could be one of those titles that becomes a system seller, killer app, must-play and so forth and so on. Hey, all that hard work here HAS to get some appreciation, I say…
In case you missed it earlier, here you go, the press event in its entirety. Pull up a seat, put on that gamer grin and check out all the new software and services coming your way through the Wii U. There’s a lot of stuff left unanswered on a few fronts, but I’m betting even the nayest of the naysayers will be silenced as all is revealed over time. The only thing that concerns me is I understand that new touch screen GamePad won’t be sold separately. This means that Nintendo is eating a LOT of that cost for the console and yes, you’d better be REALLY careful with that new controller….
Amusingly enough, no sooner than I post that Wii U article below, I get an email with a complete launch/launch window listing. For those not swimming in gaming lingo, the term “launch window” is a rather broad one that includes games on the way within a few months of a console’s release. In this case, the Wii U launch window is defined as the period beginning Nov. 18, 2012, and ending March 31, 2013. Also note that this list doesn’t include a few titles shows as just in development (Bayonetta, for example).
Got it? Good! Now onto the GAMES! Er, List! Games list that is. As in, it’s below the jump.
Let’s keep it simple: The Wii U is coming. North American launch date: November 18 (Europe, you’re up November 30). Two different models: $299 for a Basic white system: a console with 8GB of memory, one GamePad, AC adapter, sensor bar, and HDMI Cable. $349 nets you a black console with all of the above, but 32GB of memory, a copy of Nintendo Land and to push digital a bit more, a promotion that allows buyers of the more expensive system access to a rebate system for purchases made online. Guess which one I’m recommending. Bet on black, kids. YES, the console is indeed backward compatible with current Wii titles (but forget about GameCube functionality, something missing since the Wii was streamlined into its current incarnation). WIll the console support standard RCA jacks for those who still aren’t set up for HD? Probably, but I’d imagine you’d want to poke around Nintendo’s site to double check (use the first link above, of course)
There’s also TVii, a function I personally will never use, but one Nintendo is targeting at those millions of more connected users and consumers who love watching their favorite shows in a more social manner (I call it “Distracted Viewing” but hey, people seem to love doing this, sooo…):
Anyway, there will be a raft of games on the way from the launch onward, notably some amazing exclusives as well as titles Nintendo-only fans will be thrilled to see- but those (well, SOME of them) are below the jump…
"DESTROY ALL FANBOYS!" 