Zzzz. Wha? Did I fall asleep again? Oy, now I'm really late on E3.
But before I go down that path, there is a bit of bad news. A few days ago, it was announced that Atlus's parent company, Index Holdings, has filed for bankruptcy.
Atlus’ parent company Index Holdings has declared bankruptcy at Tokyo District Court.
The company, which bought Atlus in 2006, is 24.5 billion yen in debt, which is roughlyt USD $250 million or GBP £160 million.
President Yoshimi Ochiai and Chairman Masami Ochiai intend to resign.
The Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission of Japan have
been investigating the company for allegedly improper accounting via
fictitious transactions, specifically under the suspicious of
exaggerating revenues using round-trip transactions.
Meanwhile, Atlus Japan said everything is still on track with their upcoming game releases. Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl was released today in Japan, and Dragon’s Crown is due out on July 25.
A real bummer, isn't it? While we praise the company for the games it puts out, its parent company is getting slammed hard, financial wise.
But now, onto the losers of E3: Sony and Nintendo. I mean, what is so great about two Japanese companies when an American company is on the verge of owning these two next generation? It's not like the Playstation 4 was priced at Three Hundred and Ninety Nine Dollars.
Sony has finally revealed release information about its PlayStation 4 console: that it plays used, lent or rented games with no restrictions
and its price: $399. That translates to 399 euros, and £349 where
applicable, or if you missed it, $100, 100 euros and £70 less than what
Microsoft just announced for the Xbox One.
There's no specific release date or month yet, just "this holiday
season" in the US and Europe. The official spec list confirms that for
four bills, you get the system, a controller, USB, HDMI and power cables
-- but no PlayStation 4 Eye.
SON OF A*CENSORED*
But I'm not here to panic. They don't have as many interesting titles as X-Box One.
FINAL FANTASY XV? AND KINGDOM HEARTS 3? Is this some kind of joke?
No, I am not gonna fall for this. I heard these games are coming to the X-Box One. The One is better than the Four. The One is better than the Four
Perhaps the biggest news post-console reveal here at Sony's E3 presser: the PS4
will play used games without any restrictions or authentication. In
broader terms, that means that when you purchase physical media, that
disc can then be traded-in at retailers like GameStop, lent / sold to
friends or kept forever as part of your enduring library. What's more,
unlike Microsoft's controversial Xbox One 24-hour offline gaming window, PS4 owners will not
have to connect to the internet in order to continue playing games.
Effectively, that makes the PS4 fully playable offline; it also arguably
hands the E3 2013 crown to Sony. For a brief instructional (and
intentionally cheeky) demo on how this used game process works, check
out Sony's homemade video after the break.
Arrgh. This has got to be a sick joke. I'm already upset over Microsoft abandoning its DRM. What is Sony doing here?
But there is something at least good coming out of this.
Sony is delivering mixed blessings here at E3: while it's more than willing to avoid DRM on the PlayStation 4,
it just echoed Microsoft's approach to multiplayer services. You'll now
need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online. That may be a
small price to pay when both Plus and the PS4 itself are cheaper than Xbox Live and the Xbox One, but it's an unfortunate extra cost for those used to getting their multiplayer gaming for free.
Hah. Eat that free online gaming. You want to play online? You gotta pay yer fee.
But what about Nintendo? I bet they don't have anything worthwhile. And don't say Super Mario 3D World or Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. Those two don't count. At least give me something worth while.
Wait. Is that Bayonetta? I thought she was Microsoft forever. WHAT'S GOING ON HERE?
Okay. Calm down. Calm down. Everything will be alright. They can't hit me even worse than that.
A Transformation-like Gundam-style RPG from MONOLITH SOFTWARE?" What is this? What's going on here?
Don't worry. It's going to go away. At least they can't surprise me with Smash Bros and put Mega Man into it.
.....
Ya know what? I think I'm gonna go sulk in a corner and cry on how Nintendo and Sony are picking on Microsoft with all this.
Works Cited:
Gematsu
PS4 E3 2013 information
Nintendo Direct E3 2013 info at Engadget
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Microsoft: From E3 to now
Last week Monday, Microsoft talked more about the X-Box One and the system that will unite gaming under one DRM roof. I mean, how much will this system cost?
Despite Microsoft's enthusiasm for its next-generation console, one important piece was missing from its Xbox One announcement last month: the console's price. Luckily, the company's E3 press event presented the firm with the perfect time to remedy the mistake: the Xbox One will sell for $499 in the US, 499 euros in Europe, and £429 in the UK when it launches this November. The console will be rolling out to 21 countries in all, so let the countdown to launch day begin!
499 US Dollars. Alot cheaper than when the PS3 released at 599 US Dollars. Woot. We're better than Playstation 3.
But it's not just that cost, but also where it will be available....
Microsoft has now provided a full list of those 21 countries: United States, France, Netherlands, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Mexico, Spain, Russia, Brazil, Italy, Sweden, Australia, Ireland, Norway, New Zealand, Belgium, Finland, United Kingdom, Austria, Denmark
Guess what Japan: YOU DON'T GET AN X-BOX ONE!
But what great games did the X-Box One get? Well from games like Metal Gear Solid V, to the next Halo, Microsoft is providing high quality games as long as you keep phoning home.
Who cares if this game is also coming to the 360, PS3 and PS4. Heck, it should be only on that console if you want to play.
Seems there's no putting down Master Chief.
But the biggest surprise is the return of an old fighting franchise to compete against both Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. That's right, I'm talking about Killer Instinct
The game itself will go free to play and will offer Jago available right off the bat. So I hope you got your card ready since there will be NO Microsoft points. I mean, who needs those other has-been fighting franchises? They never made any sense compared to Killer Instinct.
But that's not all. Wanna create your own games? Leave it to the Smartglass enabled, needs Kinect Project Spark
You can go ahead and wipe Angry Birds off since you can create a better and Angrier Birds.
BTW. Ignore anyone saying that this game is also coming to PC and the 360. Because this is X-Box One only
I mean, why are they claiming it's also for the 360 and PC? The 360 is outdated trash and the PC? I wouldn't use that for games if I can't use the One controller to rule all.
And that's it for the X-Box One. I can assure to you that happy days are ahead for Microsoft
You told us how much you loved the flexibility you have today with games delivered on disc. The ability to lend, share, and resell these games at your discretion is of incredible importance to you. Also important to you is the freedom to play offline, for any length of time, anywhere in the world.
So, today I am announcing the following changes to Xbox One and how you can play, share, lend, and resell your games exactly as you do today on Xbox 360. Here is what that means:
An internet connection will not be required to play offline Xbox One games – After a one-time system set-up with a new Xbox One, you can play any disc based game without ever connecting online again. There is no 24 hour connection requirement and you can take your Xbox One anywhere you want and play your games, just like on Xbox 360.
Trade-in, lend, resell, gift, and rent disc based games just like you do today – There will be no limitations to using and sharing games, it will work just as it does today on Xbox 360.
In addition to buying a disc from a retailer, you can also download games from Xbox Live on day of release. If you choose to download your games, you will be able to play them offline just like you do today. Xbox One games will be playable on any Xbox One console -- there will be no regional restrictions.
These changes will impact some of the scenarios we previously announced for Xbox One. The sharing of games will work as it does today, you will simply share the disc. Downloaded titles cannot be shared or resold. Also, similar to today, playing disc based games will require that the disc be in the tray.
......
You were suppose to be the One console future where you held us all in the palm of your hands.
Excuse me, while I go weep in the corner.
Works Cited:
Engadget E3 2013 Microsoft Links
Xbox.com
Despite Microsoft's enthusiasm for its next-generation console, one important piece was missing from its Xbox One announcement last month: the console's price. Luckily, the company's E3 press event presented the firm with the perfect time to remedy the mistake: the Xbox One will sell for $499 in the US, 499 euros in Europe, and £429 in the UK when it launches this November. The console will be rolling out to 21 countries in all, so let the countdown to launch day begin!
499 US Dollars. Alot cheaper than when the PS3 released at 599 US Dollars. Woot. We're better than Playstation 3.
But it's not just that cost, but also where it will be available....
Microsoft has now provided a full list of those 21 countries: United States, France, Netherlands, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Mexico, Spain, Russia, Brazil, Italy, Sweden, Australia, Ireland, Norway, New Zealand, Belgium, Finland, United Kingdom, Austria, Denmark
Guess what Japan: YOU DON'T GET AN X-BOX ONE!
But what great games did the X-Box One get? Well from games like Metal Gear Solid V, to the next Halo, Microsoft is providing high quality games as long as you keep phoning home.
Who cares if this game is also coming to the 360, PS3 and PS4. Heck, it should be only on that console if you want to play.
Seems there's no putting down Master Chief.
But the biggest surprise is the return of an old fighting franchise to compete against both Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. That's right, I'm talking about Killer Instinct
The game itself will go free to play and will offer Jago available right off the bat. So I hope you got your card ready since there will be NO Microsoft points. I mean, who needs those other has-been fighting franchises? They never made any sense compared to Killer Instinct.
But that's not all. Wanna create your own games? Leave it to the Smartglass enabled, needs Kinect Project Spark
You can go ahead and wipe Angry Birds off since you can create a better and Angrier Birds.
BTW. Ignore anyone saying that this game is also coming to PC and the 360. Because this is X-Box One only
I mean, why are they claiming it's also for the 360 and PC? The 360 is outdated trash and the PC? I wouldn't use that for games if I can't use the One controller to rule all.
And that's it for the X-Box One. I can assure to you that happy days are ahead for Microsoft
You told us how much you loved the flexibility you have today with games delivered on disc. The ability to lend, share, and resell these games at your discretion is of incredible importance to you. Also important to you is the freedom to play offline, for any length of time, anywhere in the world.
So, today I am announcing the following changes to Xbox One and how you can play, share, lend, and resell your games exactly as you do today on Xbox 360. Here is what that means:
An internet connection will not be required to play offline Xbox One games – After a one-time system set-up with a new Xbox One, you can play any disc based game without ever connecting online again. There is no 24 hour connection requirement and you can take your Xbox One anywhere you want and play your games, just like on Xbox 360.
Trade-in, lend, resell, gift, and rent disc based games just like you do today – There will be no limitations to using and sharing games, it will work just as it does today on Xbox 360.
In addition to buying a disc from a retailer, you can also download games from Xbox Live on day of release. If you choose to download your games, you will be able to play them offline just like you do today. Xbox One games will be playable on any Xbox One console -- there will be no regional restrictions.
These changes will impact some of the scenarios we previously announced for Xbox One. The sharing of games will work as it does today, you will simply share the disc. Downloaded titles cannot be shared or resold. Also, similar to today, playing disc based games will require that the disc be in the tray.
......
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
You were suppose to be the One console future where you held us all in the palm of your hands.
Excuse me, while I go weep in the corner.
Works Cited:
Engadget E3 2013 Microsoft Links
Xbox.com
Friday, June 7, 2013
April NPD 2013: The Calm before the storm
Folks, E3 is just around the corner. Can you smell that new era smell? Smells alot like greenbacks. In a few days, Microsoft will be talking about the Always-on X-Box One and why it will dominate a market of non-DRMed systems.
But before we do that, we better get down to the doom and gloom that is the NPD. Actually, there is a small bright spot.
At number 10, MLB 13: The Show from Sony for the PS3 and Vita. Baseball at its finest.
At number 09, Lego City Undercover: The Chase Begins by Nintendo and Traveler's Tales for the 3DS. Any change of Chase becoming apart of Smash Bros 4 by any chance?
At number 08, Skylanders Giants by Activision Blizzard for the Wii, 360, PS3, 3DS and Wii U. At 5 O'Clock, Spyro the Dragon on trial for Asheep and Battering Ram.
At number 07, NBA 2K13 from 2Kgames for the 360, PS3, Wii, Wii U, PCP and PC. Bet Michael Jordan can't dunk this
At number 06, Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon from Nintendo for the 3DS. Who needs the Real Ghostbusters when you have Luigi?
At number 05: Defiance from Trion worlds for the 360, PS3 and PC. Perhaps one of the most open of games out there.
At number 04: Call of Duty: Black Ops II from Activision Blizzard for the 360, PS3, PC and Wii U. No dogs allowed on this game.
At number 03: Bioshock Infinite from 2K games for the 360, PS3 and PC. Somehow, I do miss the days of Rapture
At number 02: Dead Island: Riptide from Deep Silver for the 360, PS3 and PC. You do look good on the barbeque.
And finally at number 01: Injustice: Gods Among Us from Warner Bros for the 360, PS3, and Wii U. Now we can answer on who the better hero is: The Flash or Green Lantern
But overall, game sales are down that month and even more so, there is barely any new games that made the list with Injustice serving as the bright point.
Now there is good news and bad news. The good news is, the X-Box 360 is number 1 again for the 21st consecutive month in a row. But the bad news?
Only 130K units sold. A huge drop with the 3DS right behind it.
The PS3 is rumored to have sold even less than that. And the Wii U, down at around 37K. The biggest loser is the PS vita, which sold even less than 20K.
It's a dire market. Does May bring better sales? Stay tuned.
Works Cited:
NeoGAF
But before we do that, we better get down to the doom and gloom that is the NPD. Actually, there is a small bright spot.
At number 10, MLB 13: The Show from Sony for the PS3 and Vita. Baseball at its finest.
At number 09, Lego City Undercover: The Chase Begins by Nintendo and Traveler's Tales for the 3DS. Any change of Chase becoming apart of Smash Bros 4 by any chance?
At number 08, Skylanders Giants by Activision Blizzard for the Wii, 360, PS3, 3DS and Wii U. At 5 O'Clock, Spyro the Dragon on trial for Asheep and Battering Ram.
At number 07, NBA 2K13 from 2Kgames for the 360, PS3, Wii, Wii U, PCP and PC. Bet Michael Jordan can't dunk this
At number 06, Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon from Nintendo for the 3DS. Who needs the Real Ghostbusters when you have Luigi?
At number 05: Defiance from Trion worlds for the 360, PS3 and PC. Perhaps one of the most open of games out there.
At number 04: Call of Duty: Black Ops II from Activision Blizzard for the 360, PS3, PC and Wii U. No dogs allowed on this game.
At number 03: Bioshock Infinite from 2K games for the 360, PS3 and PC. Somehow, I do miss the days of Rapture
At number 02: Dead Island: Riptide from Deep Silver for the 360, PS3 and PC. You do look good on the barbeque.
And finally at number 01: Injustice: Gods Among Us from Warner Bros for the 360, PS3, and Wii U. Now we can answer on who the better hero is: The Flash or Green Lantern
But overall, game sales are down that month and even more so, there is barely any new games that made the list with Injustice serving as the bright point.
Now there is good news and bad news. The good news is, the X-Box 360 is number 1 again for the 21st consecutive month in a row. But the bad news?
Only 130K units sold. A huge drop with the 3DS right behind it.
The PS3 is rumored to have sold even less than that. And the Wii U, down at around 37K. The biggest loser is the PS vita, which sold even less than 20K.
It's a dire market. Does May bring better sales? Stay tuned.
Works Cited:
NeoGAF
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