What is that? This is unconfirmed, but it’s reportedly the full world map for Grand Theft Auto V from the strategy guide. It clearly shows a good amount of territory, but we need a little scale don’t we?
That black overlay is supposedly the entire playable map from GTA IV. Again, this is unconfirmed, but this does seem to mesh with the scale Rockstar has been hyping for the game. I don’t know why I’m even worrying about it right now. The game is out on Tuesday. But if you simply cannot wait to submerge yourself in Rockstar’s satirical world then head on over to Lifeinvader.com, the GTA version of Facebook. The parody social network site features companies and characters you’ll actually meet in the game. The site itself is also featured in the game. Is that meta?
For me, few things in life can inspire equal feelings of both nostalgia and blind rage. One of those things is Lemmings, a game I absolutely loved when I was a teenager – at least until I hit the scenarios I am convinced are unbeatable. Since that time there have been countless sequels, remasters, re-releases, etc. I have considered buying every one of them, but have held off. The newest temptation is Lemmings Touch, announced by d3t this week for the PlayStation Vita. Unfortunately, an announcement is all the detail we’ve really got. d3t is the same company that made the PS Mobile version and they’re promising the usual stuff: gorgeous backgrounds, new Lemming functions, new touch controls, etc. No word yet on a release date or cost.
As reported on Tuesday, Sony has announced the Vita TV. This odd little device is basically a home console version of the handheld that also did not seem to have any built-in market. SCE President Andrew House has clarified that it’s not designed to fit the existing market. Rather, their goal is to provide a low-priced option in an entirely new market for consoles, China. The Chinese government banned gaming consoles in 2000 but the tide seems be turning. Sony fully expects the ban to be lifted soon and they are poised to get the Vita TV into homes as an ice-breaker for their complete line of products. They also plan to push the device in Japan hoping to niche into another market, as “there is no leading company in Japan’s video streaming market.” In light of this, House clarified that the device is not intended for the European and U.S. markets, nor is there a plan to release it in those areas.
It didn’t take long after the announcement of the Xbox One for internet commenters to immediately re-dub it the Xbone. For some this was an immediate epithet, while others simply see it as a hilarious but easy to type nickname. Personally, I prefer XB1. Well, Microsoft has responded to fan feedback in their policies for the machine, and they’re obviously still listening when it comes to common moniker. The company recently purchased the domain name xbone.com. Major Nelson, Xbox Live’s Director of Programming, doesn’t care for the name, saying “it disrespects the teams that have put in thousands of hours (already) into the development of the product.” Still, better they buy the thing that let someone else do it. It doesn’t seem to go anywhere, but at least it’s not being used for nefarious purposes. Funnily enough, when I tried the site it just gave me Bing search results and suggested I also try “Xbox One Terrible” as a search term. Shouldn’t your own product being filtering insults of your other products?
Anyone trying to buy games on XBLA over the last couple days has probably noticed something unusual. About 75% of the games normally available have suddenly disappeared. Not to worry, Microsoft is aware of the issue and has been working to get it corrected. Everything should be back to normal shortly.
Lionhead Studios’ Fable Anniversary has been delayed. Originally slated for Holiday 2013, it is not set for February 2014. As usual, this delay is to “give you, the fans, the best game possible.”
It’s been a while since I’ve soapboxed in VGQH. Maybe not long enough for some of you, which is why it’s at the end. Feel free to scroll past this diatribe and click on the next story. Sony Computer Entertainment America President Jack Tretton recently had an interview with Fox in which he highlighted “three key advantages” their PlayStation 4 have over the competition. According to Tretton, “[They’ve] got the most powerful machine on the market; $100 cheaper than our competition; and most importantly, the biggest, most diverse exclusive line-up of any platform ever launched, and that’s what’s really going to drive the sales for us in the long term.” To quote Obi-Wan Kenobi, this may all be true “from a certain point of view.” But it’s also debatable and a questionable tactic. Point 1: “the most powerful machine on the market.” Actually Jack, I’m giving you this one. I’m no techie and I’m sure you can probably “prove” this with some statistic or another. Point 2: “$100 cheaper than our competition.” I’d be a bit insulted by this if I’m Nintendo. You know, the makers of the WiiU, the console that started $100 cheaper than your PS4 (and just got a price drop)? Point 3: “the biggest, most diverse exclusive line-up of any platform ever launched.” Let’s be clear that I’m a Sony fanboy. I’ve loved the PlayStation brand since I first played it. I’m going to say flat out that I think the XB1 launch line-up is just as good, though possibly less diverse. I’d say the PS2 launch was more diverse, though maybe not bigger. The 360 launch was pretty impressive. This is an unqualifiable statement you make when you’re nervous. I appreciate Jack doing his job as a pitchman, but this is the wrong approach. We’re past the point of trying to denigrate your competition. Pitch your product, Jack. If it’s good, people will buy it. Do you really want to inspire someone to look at the launch line-ups? What if they like online FPS? You’re going to lose that audience from an objective standpoint. Do you really want them looking at prices? Because they’ll be seeing ads in the next few days showing a “next-gen” console that’s already available for $150 less – one for which they may already have extra controllers. This isn’t politics Jack. Run a clean campaign and enjoy the profits you’ve earned.