When is MS going to allow gifting on Live? There has been times that I've wanted to get someone an Live Arcade game but didn't want to sneak into their house at night to buy it on their console.
@waywardchemist: I've done that a couple times, but that's mostly limited to games. If I want to buy a Beatles album for someone for BRB, or a dumb helmet for someone's Avatar, there's really no way to do it that I'm aware of.
@Mike Newlad: You make a very valid point. It also helps that bundles are great values. But I could totally see it being people buying consoles for themselves.
Still have a little tough time believing most people's partners and parents can spend 300+ dollars on a gift for anyone. But that's just cause I lack the funds to be most people.
@xxXX_Insanities_Birth_XXxx: I don't know personally, but I have read in reviews it (360 version) has lower rez textures.
I have Dragon Age for the PC, and it looks and plays great. My neighbor has it for his PS3, and he let me bring the game over to check out. I don't like the fact that you can't pull back to see your battles, and it looks nothing close to the PC version. Glad I didn't buy the console version.
@xxXX_Insanities_Birth_XXxx: If you read some reviews, I think the consensus is the 360 version has lower rez textures, but has higher, more consistant framerates relative to the PS3.
I don't know, it felt like they just clumped a random patch of the highest-rated games this year. They didn't even mention Arkham Asylum! And WET? WET was positively awful!
@DukeOfPwn: The article does disclaim this by saying that "just because [a game is] on this list doesn't mean that [Kotaku is saying that one] should get it," but by the same token, if Kotaku themselves condemned the game not just for aesthetic reasons but technical reasons (camera and controls), then there -may- be a little less "well-someone-might-like-it" room to negotiate. I could be wrong, though.
@laikapants: I agree, Batman AA is a fantastic game and should have been included in both lists. I play it on the PC and with PhysX on high, it looks amazing.
It's one of my favorite games of the year. Right up there with Uncharted 2 (even though I have only rented it and played part way through).
@homernoy: Arkham Asylum was my favourite game this year. Anyone even remotely interested in the Batman comics/mythology will spend countless hours playing it. Best piece of fan service ever, and for everyone else it's the closest thing to the joys of beat-em-up action since Streets of Rage II. Christ, was that really 16 years ago?? :-S
How is the PC version, by the way? Can't imagine what it plays like without a pad...
@dubculture: Very good combat. Believe it or not, I feel the gamepad slows me down. With the keyboard, you can tap the keys so fast to change directions and change type of attack it's unbelievable.
I love Batman comics as well, or used to. I haven't read one in years, but greatly appreciate the character, and the history so this game has that little something special. I really like being Batman, in this game, more than any other game character I have ever played. I just can't help but smile during a fight with the bad guys.
Well, there was Bring Down the Sky, that was this year, right?
I got through Pinnacle Station, but only on the one playthrough - can't see me doing it again without being bored to tears. I guess it depends what you use it for as to whether or not it's worth it.
For me, as a Bioware fangirl, DA:O will be up there on my list of 2009 aceness, far above ME dlc (despite my preference for a sci-fi setting over a fantasy one).
I was wondering about Dragon Age. I was hoping that the "dark-and-edgy" variant of a fantasy setting wouldn't come across as more clumsy or overdone than truly "mature."
@dracosummoner: I'll admit, I don't have a great deal of fantasy rpg experience to judge it against. I couldn't get past a couple of hours play of Oblivion, but Dragon Age seems more relevant, somehow.
Okay, that sounds stupid - perhaps by relevant I do mean 'mature'. I'm 31, relatively new to latest generation gaming, and I feel more able to connect with the Bioware games I've played so far. That's not to say Dragon Age isn't without its problems and niggles (and I don't mean in terms of graphic handling on the xbox - I'm fine with that), but the world and story certainly feels more fleshed out and 'grown up' (for fear of sounding patronising) than I'd have expected from a fantasy rpg.
Like I say, maybe that's just my lack of experience showing?
Oh, that sounds fine. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't a bunch of language and sex shoehorned in, but I suppose I should know BioWare better than that.
I love Bethesda RPGs to death, but I also enjoy Bioware's games. I am planning on at least renting Dragon Age at some point (right now I have other games I'm planning to purchase in the near future).
@dracosummoner: It can feel like you're pursuing the relevant dialogue tree to get someone in the sack, but at the same time, you can immerse yourself in the rp and not do that too. Plus, once you have started a relationship with a character (if you choose to), there are emotional repercussions, to varying degrees. That appeals to the mushy side of me.
Being able to repeatedly shag Zev/Alistair/Leliana, reload and do it again appeals to the bored, dirty housewife side of me ;)
Thanks for that advice. I just purchased Mass Effect earlier today as part of Gamestop's post-Thanksgiving three-used-games-for-two sale. I won't have time to play that game or the other two I bought until the semester is over (three weeks), but I had no guarantee that Gamestop would repeat the sale at Christmas time.
I'm excited about playing Mass Effect. I loved both of the novels.
@dracosummoner: You've read the novels but not played the game? Wow. I've done it the other way around. You're in for a treat (hopefully).
The novels and comics are on my list of things to do over Christmas to stop me feeling completely on edge as the release date for ME2 inches (very slowly) closer!
fuck this is another game I got to get, but the bad part is this is one of those racing games where you really NEED A WHEEL to be able to enjoy it to the fullest.
Seriously do not need to fill my place with more crap than it already has... but man the game is just so awesome looking and my friends are bugging the shit out of me to get it. #forzamotorsport3
@Witzbold: They improved the controller controls a lot. You will be fine with out the wheel. It feels so much better the Forza 2.
The longer you take to buy it the more cars your friend will have bought and tease you :P #forzamotorsport3
@Witzbold: You don't need a wheel to enjoy it. It would enhance the game, but you don't need it. Just like you don't need a 60 inch Plasma. It would be nice, but not necessary. #forzamotorsport3
@Witzbold: Be consoled in the knowledge that, if you get it and then get a wheel later, you will still love it. I find it simply amazing even with the controller. It's not ideal perhaps, but your experience will not be hurting for it. #forzamotorsport3
I love how the very very very obvious marketing ploy is resulting in free cars for my current favorite console game. Sadly . . . it's working. I'm going to be in the market for a RWD sports coupe in the next year, and the Genesis is looking very promising (mostly because Nissan canned the Silvia and who knows when they're bringing it back). #forzamotorsport3
@gtc: but dont forget ab0ut the toybaru ft-86! The joint venture with Subaru and Toyota is on and poppin!
I tried to get excited by the genesis, but something about the car just doesn't click with me. Its nice and all, but still... Maybe I'm a brand snob, but seeing as I drive an 87 acura integra (turbo charged) for the last 10 years, I doubt that's the case. :p #forzamotorsport3
@kablammyman: Oh absolutely. I'm very excited about the FT-86. The big thing is going to be who's got their car out when I'm ready to buy in a year (or very close to coming out). If all three are, it's going Nissan - Toyota - Hyundai for priority. #forzamotorsport3
Nice, though I already have the skins. I did get the game because it had the GenCoupe in it while no others do yet... but it'd be kinda cool if they added the 2.0L Turbo version too some time. #forzamotorsport3
@fuchikoma: Sweet! I'm not big into car games so I didn't know if any of them had the Gen Coupes yet. I just bought one in real life though, so I might give Forza a rent just to mess around with the Genesis in it. #forzamotorsport3
@liquid_kore: Same here... I have the 2.0T GT (much like the American "track" model.)
They only have the V6 in the games, but the chassis/suspension handles much as you'd expect, and continues to be manageable after its power is pushed WAY up (it starts as a "D" class car and I'm taking it through "A" class right now...) #forzamotorsport3
@Techno-Atom: Make a virtual comment in an online space about real money in a virtual world for digital cars, and nobody will be reading this comment in 10 minutes from now probably.
If you don't think DLC is worth the money, then why would you think your virtual two cents is worth anything? #forzamotorsport3
I'm quite enjoying this game (and I haven't enjoyed a racing sim since the first Gran Turismo) and a few new cars is always good.
Although I can't say I'm a fan of that Hyundai nor the new Ferrari nor the Audi...
I also don't like how the game still chooses to display the VIP Club cars that were a pre-order exclusive and, therefore, unobtainable. Dirty teases, they are! #forzamotorsport3
11/26/09
McWhertor, I sentence you to fifty lashes with a wet noodle, to be executed by a fat chick with a tramp stamp wearing a super woman costume.
EDIT: Speeling
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How about a PS3 so they can raid all the cheap games on the market for the next year?
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N+ (sure it's been out years but it's still one of the best games on the market and it never gets coverage)
Street Fighter IV was defo one of the better ones missing from the list. Other than that, I am struggling.
Still though, that's a rather impressive list of games (providing you pay out for xbox live, otherwise most of them are gonna be a big let down)
It's just a shame so many got delayed like Splinter Cell, man I can't wait for that game.
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Either way, it was a joke but if it wasn't, why do you think console sales are at their highest across the Christmas period?
Must be a bunch of people buying it for themselves right?
11/26/09
Still have a little tough time believing most people's partners and parents can spend 300+ dollars on a gift for anyone. But that's just cause I lack the funds to be most people.
11/26/09
11/26/09
I have Dragon Age for the PC, and it looks and plays great. My neighbor has it for his PS3, and he let me bring the game over to check out. I don't like the fact that you can't pull back to see your battles, and it looks nothing close to the PC version. Glad I didn't buy the console version.
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[kotaku.com]
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It's one of my favorite games of the year. Right up there with Uncharted 2 (even though I have only rented it and played part way through).
11/26/09
How is the PC version, by the way? Can't imagine what it plays like without a pad...
11/26/09
I love Batman comics as well, or used to. I haven't read one in years, but greatly appreciate the character, and the history so this game has that little something special. I really like being Batman, in this game, more than any other game character I have ever played. I just can't help but smile during a fight with the bad guys.
11/26/09
11/26/09
Well, there was Bring Down the Sky, that was this year, right?
I got through Pinnacle Station, but only on the one playthrough - can't see me doing it again without being bored to tears. I guess it depends what you use it for as to whether or not it's worth it.
For me, as a Bioware fangirl, DA:O will be up there on my list of 2009 aceness, far above ME dlc (despite my preference for a sci-fi setting over a fantasy one).
11/26/09
I was wondering about Dragon Age. I was hoping that the "dark-and-edgy" variant of a fantasy setting wouldn't come across as more clumsy or overdone than truly "mature."
11/27/09
Okay, that sounds stupid - perhaps by relevant I do mean 'mature'. I'm 31, relatively new to latest generation gaming, and I feel more able to connect with the Bioware games I've played so far. That's not to say Dragon Age isn't without its problems and niggles (and I don't mean in terms of graphic handling on the xbox - I'm fine with that), but the world and story certainly feels more fleshed out and 'grown up' (for fear of sounding patronising) than I'd have expected from a fantasy rpg.
Like I say, maybe that's just my lack of experience showing?
11/27/09
Oh, that sounds fine. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't a bunch of language and sex shoehorned in, but I suppose I should know BioWare better than that.
I love Bethesda RPGs to death, but I also enjoy Bioware's games. I am planning on at least renting Dragon Age at some point (right now I have other games I'm planning to purchase in the near future).
11/29/09
Being able to repeatedly shag Zev/Alistair/Leliana, reload and do it again appeals to the bored, dirty housewife side of me ;)
11/29/09
Thanks for that advice. I just purchased Mass Effect earlier today as part of Gamestop's post-Thanksgiving three-used-games-for-two sale. I won't have time to play that game or the other two I bought until the semester is over (three weeks), but I had no guarantee that Gamestop would repeat the sale at Christmas time.
I'm excited about playing Mass Effect. I loved both of the novels.
11/30/09
The novels and comics are on my list of things to do over Christmas to stop me feeling completely on edge as the release date for ME2 inches (very slowly) closer!
11/26/09
Also, Dragon Age? On X360?
Otherwise .. huge list is huge. o_o
11/26/09
It also reminded me I need to get my 360 repaired and pick up KOF.
11/26/09
PC has no games at all
Not a single one
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speaking of which, where the hell is BlazBlue?
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11/17/09
Seriously do not need to fill my place with more crap than it already has... but man the game is just so awesome looking and my friends are bugging the shit out of me to get it. #forzamotorsport3
11/17/09
Now I'm bugging you too. #forzamotorsport3
11/17/09
The longer you take to buy it the more cars your friend will have bought and tease you :P #forzamotorsport3
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I tried to get excited by the genesis, but something about the car just doesn't click with me. Its nice and all, but still... Maybe I'm a brand snob, but seeing as I drive an 87 acura integra (turbo charged) for the last 10 years, I doubt that's the case. :p #forzamotorsport3
11/17/09
this! in spades! #forzamotorsport3
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They only have the V6 in the games, but the chassis/suspension handles much as you'd expect, and continues to be manageable after its power is pushed WAY up (it starts as a "D" class car and I'm taking it through "A" class right now...) #forzamotorsport3
11/17/09
11/17/09
If you don't think DLC is worth the money, then why would you think your virtual two cents is worth anything? #forzamotorsport3
11/17/09
I'll think wise and save this possible spending towards an actual Ferrari 458! Thanks for the heads-up!
11/17/09
See...cause Hyundais come with a 10 year warranty....geez, do I have to explain everything around here?? #forzamotorsport3
11/17/09
Although I can't say I'm a fan of that Hyundai nor the new Ferrari nor the Audi...
I also don't like how the game still chooses to display the VIP Club cars that were a pre-order exclusive and, therefore, unobtainable. Dirty teases, they are! #forzamotorsport3