From a monetary standpoint, I can appreciate the way Sony's heavy-hitter lineup is staggered (which probably wasn't intentional, but I'm not complaining):

May: Singstar
June: MGS 4
July: Soul Calibur IV
August: Madden
September: Socom: Confrontation / Star Wars: The Force Unleashed / Silent Hill: Homecoming
October: LittleBigPlanet
November: Resistence 2

Big World

Halo killer? Doubtful.

Brown shaded GOTY? Definitely :)

☆Y2Jason☆

now will my '08 purchases continue to dwindle while my '09 purchases grow?

kneehighspy

Go Team Venture

I agree that a game like LBP *can* widen the PS3s audience - but even at $399, not by much. There's no casual gamer willing to spend that much just because of LittleBigPlanet. I think people take that game a little wrong. To me, it's a game for the core gamer. I don't think it has pick up and play abilities as much as, say, Mario Kart, where Nintendo successfully merged mainstream with core gaming (the core gamer left behind a little if you ask me). LBP just doesn't fit the scheme.
It may look simple, but I'm pretty sure it's as mainstream as echochrome - not very much. After all, doesn't the fact that you like/want the game so much make you wonder? I mean, we're all core gamers here on Kotaku. We don't like Cooking Mama ;)

Now I do agree that LBP can pull in undecided PS2 owners. But so can, and will, MGS4, Resistance 2, FF, Killzone 2 and HAZE (Free Radical fame). But that, according to me, is not to be considered the wider audience. That's PlayStations fanbase. These guys won't care if LBP comes out in Autumn (=Fall) or Spring. They buy the PS3 as soon as "their" game is on the shelf. You know, the gamer who is above all this release schedule, backwards compatibility, frames per second and exclusivity stuff. The one that buys a console to play and enjoy, buys a console that has his favourite games on it.

I can tell you for one thing that one of my mates was *crazy* about GTA IV. Didn't care that it was on the 360. PS was his console always and it stayed like that. I eventually got him to buy the PS3 a bit earlier because I showed him Uncharted and a couple of other games, but man he loves his GTA IV.

There's an awful lot of people who are like that and wait for what they consider their game on their platform who will run out to stores and pick up their console with their game and are happy. If that is one year down the road, two years or next month - it's all the same to them.

But this argument can go on forever. I just think that delays these days are paid waaaaaay too much attention. Back in the day without anything like a gaming newssite we didn't even know what games were exclusive and what games weren't. I think the Internet and the gaming coverage you see is adding a great deal of pressure to every console maker as people are ranting about delays, 5% less resolution, 1.3 more FPS on average, and so on and forth.

Anyway, that should be it for now. I don't think you are trolling anymore. I think your original post was however.

Candlejack

Ulquiorra Schiffer

I understand that the Metal Gear Solid bundle sells well, but I think you run into some problems trying to compare it to the Halo bundle. For one, the Halo themed Xbox wasn't the most -- how shall we say? -- handsome of consoles. The fugly green color didn't even appeal to fans of the series.

I think the Metal Gear bundle is a much better value, because not only is it aethestically pleasing, but I believe it comes with one of the new vibrating controllers, which is an appealing bonus. Overall, it's a nice looking console and a good value, considering the hardware extras. Sure, I can see why that bundle would sell well.

But to say that Halo 3 didn't push Xbox 360 consoles simply because of low special edition fugly Halo green-console sales, is not completely accurate. And to assume that Metal Gear solid will push a lot of PS3s simply because the limited edition Metal Gear Solid bundle is doing well with its target audience, doesn't necessarily mean that MGS will push a lot of consoles overall.

In terms of the Too Human and Fable 2 argument, sure, delays can sometimes result in a better game, but sometimes delays are the result of poor planning and execution. Even after all of the delays, I'm not convinced Too Human is going to be a winner. I'm just not convinced -- Yes, I criticize Xbox 360 games equally. The character customization may be interesting, but the graphic's engine and gameplay look a little questionable.

But my argument here is more centered around the importance of Little Big Planet to the PS3. I think it's a game that could widen the appeal of the PS3.

A lot of people are excited about it, because of its creativity and innovation. However, from the standpoint of many people, including me, the concern is that the PS3 needs more exclusives to warrant a purchase. Because it got into the game later, it really needs to differentiate itself from Xbox 360 in order to be competitive.

Even before Halo 3 came out, a lot of people made the decision to buy an Xbox 360 because of titles like Gears of War and Oblivion.

PS3 needs its heavy-hitting games to come out soon so that it can convince people that there is a true reason to go out and buy one, besides the fact that its a Blu-Ray player. Because honestly, that is what I think has been PS3's biggest sales point coming into this year.

People have been going out and buying new LCD TV's and getting a good bundle deal with a PS3. I think that has driven a lot of PS3 sales over Christmas and during the course of this year.

But for many other people, who didn't immedietly buy one as a replacement for their PS2 or as a bundle with a brand new flat-screen television, there is some feeling that these exclusives need to arrive soon in order to warrant the purchase.

I have my Xbox 360, now I need a true reason to buy a PS3.

Anyway, that's my point. If it makes me look like an idiot troll, I apologize.

DugDawg

Too Human, I just can't help but like. The art direction and characters seem wonderful to me. I'd love to play it.

BTW, you should create a European account on the PS3 and check out the store to download the HAZE demo. It's awesome ;)

Candlejack

enewtabie(Future LittleBigPlanet Master Creationist)

Candlejack

Hylian

@azurai: They do this to try to appear more 'cinematic'. The washed out colors with bloom and usually a dominate tinting to the color palette is fairly common in movies. Minority Report, A.i., Children of Men, 300, Beuwulf, etc etc...

Turok and Jericho seemed to do things differently. careful what you wish for?

Ehardergardens

HAZE, to me, is a different story. You've got to play it to know what I mean. By just looking at gameplay, it's pretty and that's about it. Trust me on this one.

Other than that, I tend to agree that people buy consoles for more than one game - but MGS4 will still move more consoles than previously anticipated. People may not buy it solely for that game and with Resistance 2, LBP etc. in mind, but MGS4 is clearly the entry point.

Anyhow I wasn't excited when I didn't have a PS3 for Resistance and I didn't overly enjoy it when I had one. But the public opinion is that it was great and for a launch title it surely was.

But to me, as somebody who is used to Half Life, Doom and Quake on the PC, Resistance is one in a million. The only reason I'm defending Killzone 2 and Resistance 2 at this point is that people are judging the game prematurely and saying it won't impact console sales when these games are aiming at the Q4 2008 window. Dumb.

Candlejack

A lot of you seem to have dismissed it as 'just another shooter' (which is fair enough, as when it was first shown, that's what it looked like).

Look into the nectar and the effect it has on each side, and you come up with some potentially interesting gameplay elements.

Silent_Shark

Ragna Rock

enewtabie(Future LittleBigPlanet Master Creationist)

No single game pushes consoles that well, no matter how good. It influences, but many people will buy a console for one game they want, FOLLOWED by games that are on the system or will be on the system that they will definitely be buying.

Halo 3 sold September 25th, NPD figures come at the end of the month, not entirely fair assessment to say it didn't do anything. It was the biggest launch in media history. But yes you're right it didn't move a whole lot of systems either, because once again most people buy consoles for 5+ games, not one. If people weren't convinced before Halo 3, most likely they weren't going to be after.

I'm really a PC player, but I do own a 360 and wii, but I have to say, I am not convinced about Too Human at all, at first I was psyched but now age is hitting it and it really does not look good. I fear lots of the playstation games are getting this sort of strike against them because they have been delayed by too much.

I don't blame DugDawg for his views, and honestly I think he's quite objective. He didn't bash the games, he remarked on the concerns of them.

I have not seen any single person who does not own a ps3 that was psyched for Resistance. I'm sure it's a fun game but it doesn't have the hype that you think it does, and hype is very important to sales. Killzone 2 definitely is generating hype (and I'm sure it will be great, but I'm always skeptical about every game) but as I said, time really hurts games, and I know development time is important but you got to release the end product. And even when Haze was going "to be for the 360" I still thought it was painfully generic of a shooter. Looks nothing short of linearity and dullness. (then again, I'm a guy who calls Halo somewhat generic too)

Covert_Knight

I was about to say "ly"? I started to think actually games that had "ly" as initials lol...

Elemence

Ulquiorra Schiffer

Ulquiorra Schiffer

Besides, you clearly are misinformed. MGS4 ships with the MGO starter pack and you have the option to purchase more maps later on.

What has LBP to do with Too Human and Fable 2? Simple. Those games aren't here yet either and I still think they are going to be great games. They were pushed back a lot, especially Too Human. Does that mean people won't like them, or that they won't impact console sales when they are out on the platform?

Tell you what. The average consumer doesn't care when what is delayed. As soon as the game hits shelves, they pick up the console for it. That's how it always worked and it still does.

@DaPress: I see what you mean. I agree. I'm just happy that since the launch of GTA IV, more awesomeness will come rolling in every month again.

I just checked out HAZE by the way. Single & Coop. This game plays amazing for a first person shooter. The atmosphere and music are great and I got to be honest here, the ending of the demo left me wanting to play the next level. The leveldesign was great. Nectar administering is as cool as expected. Gameplay is fun and the gunfights are exciting.

Must buy territory achieved :P Can't wait for the 22nd.

Candlejack

If Guerilla does this right, and promote it better, this could be a good game. Why do I say that? Killzone isn't very big. If this game is bigger, good Guerilla, but if it's not, bye Guerilla.

KK

You say I'm being a troll? How so? I listed the games I feel have a lot of potential, but the fact remains, these games keep getting pushed further and further back. That isn't trolling. It's the truth. In terms of Fable and Too Human, what do those games have to do with Little Big Planet? Sorry, but if my arguments are stupid, what does that make yours?

DugDawg

Banhammer cleanup on aisle "Sonovius".

Banhammer cleanup on aisle "Sonovius".

I liked Killzone 1 and think the combat still holds up as fun. The weapons were very lovingly done.
I liked the style and the more mature plot, rather than fighting silly multicolored muppety aliens.

Definitely had some flaws and animation bugs, and wasn't nearly as amazing as was hyped to be.

I haven't been that impressed by liberation so far, but the perspective just isn't my thing.

I'll wait till KZ2 is out and playable before I judge it.

Ehardergardens

I really wish Sony Fanboys would get their heads out of there asses...This company deserves little praise...in this next gen...Their online sucks compared to XBL, and this system is riddled with Delays...FFXIII? I doubt it'll be out in 09 considering they can't get a working Demo pushed out...Metal Gear Online was the biggest disappointment for me thus far in this PS3 year...I know its a beta but the gameplay is terrible...I mean I know MGS4 wont be anywhere near MGO...Im truly looking forward to MGS4...always been a fan of Kojima and his work...Killzone 1 didnt do it for me at all I thought it was overhyped and when it came out that excitement led to disappointment...Resistance? Never played the first one but I'm planning on giving the second one a chance...GT5 Prologue? Single player is fun but its garbage online, I cant even play with my friends...Any game that comes out on both PS3 and 360 I just buy for the 360 for Achievements and XBL...

Please Sony I stuck with you from PS1-2's lifespan...No offense but your fuckin' up....

Elemence

Damn!

yashichi8bit

noliferuin (PSN+XBL)

enewtabie(Future LittleBigPlanet Master Creationist)

Infallible

*Train slows into a stop*

KM91

Ironically, the late releases of games like Oblivion (which I'd definitely call an epic game) on the PS3 have been a nice way to tide over some less patient people.

All I'm saying is you don't sit in a position of starting a year behind your competitor with what is arguably a weaker opening slate of games and say it makes sense to delay big titles going forward so they don't rub against each other in holiday sales.

DaPress

I take your point, however I cannot agree anymore that there is too *little* on the PS3. That was true in 2007, but for me it now is a thing of waiting for the huge, epic games to roll in. I've got the variety I wanted so far, just not the BIIIIIIIIG games like MGS4 and Final Fantasy, if you catch my drift. By no means is there too little to play.

Candlejack

Umm...Halo is still one of the most played XBL titles, it hasn't lost popularity at all...

Elemence

Then we can stop waiting for those two games a well.

ArcaneDevice

ca$h

I undestand you disagree, but let's keep it civil. The guy wasn't attacking the PS3, just stating his opinions -- to which, I think you forget, he's just as entitled as you are.

Your rabid vitriole aside, I agree with some of what you said, but I do not agree with one -- that delaying KZ2 makes sense.

The concept of wallet fatigue doesn't apply to discretionary purchases like this one unless much larger quantities of product are concerned, ie. 10 games instead of two that a customer might be looking to purchase.

Also remember that the most common complaint of PS3 owners is that there's very little to play on the system.

That means there's pent up demand, not wallet fatigue. Er go, R2 and KZ2 should both get pushed out ASAP if Sony is looking to use them to push console sales.

DaPress

It gives them more time to polish up the game. Maybe do something about the terrible ai I keep hearing about from my former sm.

ManjiKengo

DaPress

Of course, that is a European date, so who knows...the American version might still hit X-mas time.

If they are going into 2009, I recommend they wait until March so gamers are hungry again to spend money.

sascha23

megaStryke

ohhello

For the record, and I'm honestly not flaming here, but Little Big Planet could be getting a bit too much hype. This is Media Molecule's FIRST game, even though they are filled with a staff of former Lionhead employees. I suggest reeling in expectations a bit because this game could be decent-to-good and end up a huge disappointment to people expecting "The Next Big Thing" ...

DARTH_TIGRIS

KEELr

ShirtGuyDom

Sonovius

Killzone has never been even remotely close to A status....let alone AAA.

Marasai

slickchris7777

Don't judge HAZE before you played it. I'm downloading the demo right now and I will soon give my input on that.

Killzone 2, however, could be a real winner, but here come more delays.

Killzone 2 could be a winner or it could be a major fuckup, but do we really care at this point? The 2008 release of it wasn't exactly seen as a console pusher anyway and launching both K2 and R2 into the same window is stupid from a business perspective. This is a delay that makes sense. If this game is scheduled for 2009 then people will just get more excited for it around Christmas.

Resistance 2 will likely appeal to PS3's existing base, but I don't think it's a game people will be buying PS3's for.

Bull. Shit. People are more excited for that game than LBP and Killzone2 together, speaking not only PS3 owners here.

Little Big Planet -- from my standpoint -- is a fantastic looking title that could really gain widespread appeal, but it needs to drop sooner.

Why? Because Too Human or Fable 2 haven't been pushed back ages on their own? Do you want a mediocre game that doesn't deliver or a game that takes 3 months longer and rocks your socks off?

Seriously, GET REAL. Now. You're one of the worst and most stupid trolls I've seen in a long time.

Candlejack

Aurvant

Anyone's guess is good at this point.Even Square doesn't know

[www.square-enix.com]

Usually it takes Square 5-6 years per FF, added to the fact they are working with a new development engine and are working on a new (and often hard to code upon) system in the PS3. I'd expect delays verse on time given those conditions on the speculated date of Q4 09

huginn

Power to the Helghast!

KirbySS

DataScream

jihadjoe343

All this trashtalk I've been hearing from Sony fans, yet many of PS3's biggest games keep getting pushed further and further back, spilling into 2009 and beyond -- not to mention "Home," which just continues to be something of an embarrassment, and in all likelihood, not that appealing, when all you want to do is play your games, not play the equivalent of "Second Life."

Sony needs to really start delivering, because Xbox 360 already has a head start, and the delays to PS3's most anticipated titles aren't helping.

Metal Gear Solid will be dropping soon, but I'm not sure how many consoles this game will push. As a single-player, stealth-action title, it doesn't share the same market appeal as a game like GTA IV or Halo.

Killzone 2, however, could be a real winner, but here come more delays.

And I don't expect Haze to be anything extraordinary. A bunch of dudes painted in bright yellow, high of happy drugs, fighting guerillas in camouflage -- gee, guess who wins?

Resistance 2 will likely appeal to PS3's existing base, but I don't think it's a game people will be buying PS3's for.

Little Big Planet -- from my standpoint -- is a fantastic looking title that could really gain widespread appeal, but it needs to drop sooner.

Part of me wants to buy a PS3, but I still need more justification -- i.e., more of these exclusives now!

DugDawg

Not saying it won't be any good, but I can see how people are that excited over it.

Mal-Content

Ulquiorra Schiffer

Hell, anything-killer sounds silly.

Watch out guys, Blinx the time sweeper is a Mario killer.

ohhello

Snappywave

anyway, i, as im sure opther are, am getting tired of seeing games years before they release. killzone 2, little big planet, ff 13, mgs4, even prototype.

sitsalot

Do you have a source for FF not making 2009 or are you just pulling stuff out of your ass?

Sparx

Awesome.

edhe (xbl)

GoW could be Q4 09 but it's too soon... FF13 has no shot at a 09 release. Twisted Metal isn't a AAA title based on hype at this point but looks good for 09.

GT5 is a who knows release given how we're not sure if we are getting the buyible demo next month or not.

Other titles like the next RaC and or Uncharted 2 games are also unconfirmed but 'rumored'

I'm not worried that sony will have the AAA titles, but 09 might be a shallow year.

huginn

Nature of the beast I guess.

enewtabie(Future LittleBigPlanet Master Creationist)

Elemence

Ulquiorra Schiffer

Can't wait until I hear more about Infamous.

PapaBear434

Yeah, but I always find it very disturbing that if people don't hear something new about a game every month they automatically go into a frenzy and start speculating delays and such. Are we so damn bored that companies aren't allowed to keep secrets?

Sparx

enewtabie(Future LittleBigPlanet Master Creationist)

thegunshow

Final Fantasy in 2009?

That must be some fantasy you got going on over there...heh

Vecha

I doubt either of those last 2 get there but at the very least:

KZ2
FFXIII/vsXIII
Twisted Metal 5
GoW3
GT5
Uncharted 2

Sparx

ghnvt

steliosco

ChimDeathmonkey

steliosco

only AAA title? Maybe you should check again

Sparx

stoneagedan

pot3ntial2suck

2008.. er.. 2009 BITCHES!

WatershipDown

Hope it's good!

huginn

Its like all those most awaited games are lined up at equal intervals to have proper dosages of gaming :D

Reetesh

enewtabie(Future LittleBigPlanet Master Creationist)

AndrewG009

MSUSteve

I never did finish Halo 3, just stopped playing after the second level since no one wanted to co-op and never touched it since then. Then again, I never played Halo 1 or 2, all I got was Madden in college.

Fyren

AkirasCrow

Sparx