Ask X3F: Troubled Too Human edition

Ask X3F returns this week with a new batch of reader questions and blogger answer. This week, we revisit profile login problems, Too Human trepidation, Halo spin-offs, and GTAIV sales numbers. That's really about it for this week, actually. What can we say, we're all tuckered out from covering Microsoft's Gamers' Day. Find your latest Q's and A's after the break.

Got a question for Ask X3F? Maybe you have a story or some information you'd like to share? Send it all to ask [at] xbox360fanboy [dawt] com.

I hate to keep asking this question with no response but here goes, its a simple one I would assume. Why can I not log into my profile on your site, add a photo etc? I use the same password I use to post yet it says invalid password everytime...

Kevin :)

Kevin, the reason we haven't answered this question is probably because we answered it back in March (yes, we realize it's been a problem for a while) in Ask X3F: Return of the (Li'l) Chief. It's actually the very first question answered, so go check it out.

The long and short of it is that you have to sign in from a different part of the Joystiq network (or any Weblogs Inc. site for that matter).

Hello X3F! I have a problem because I'm quite confused about some of Microsoft's upcoming first party block buster titles from their number one franchise, Halo. I realize that Peter Jackson is working on some mysterious Halo project that people know little about, but I also seem to remember people talking about a game titled: Halo Chronicles, as well as another game that would be episodic in nature while being in the Halo universe. Are all these the same game or are some of them just my imagination?

Also, with regards to Bungie's next project. They specifically said it's going to be something "completely different". To me that sounds like it's not going to involve the Halo Universe at all. I seem to remember you guys insinuating that it would. I was wondering what your thoughts on this were, or if you had any insider info.

Thanks for your time,

Mike
GT: Earth Bound Era

Insider info? No. Specious speculation? Yes. It's hard to say exactly how many Halo games are in the works. The ones we know about for sure are Halo Wars and Peter Jackson's Halo Project. We also know that Jackson's project will be episodic. Beyond that, we don't know anything about Jackson's project at all. It and Halo Chronicles (if that even exists) could be one and the same. Some speculate that Jackson's project is an FPS MMO. There were also rumors circulating during Halo 3's development that Bungie's was working on another Halo game completely unrelated to Halo Wars or Peter Jackson. There are yet more (more recent) rumors that suggest Bungie's next project is actually a prequel. Said rumors do not conclude whether or not this prequel is related to Peter Jackson's project. Confused yet?

So, yeah, whatever Bungie is up to, it's currently a mystery wrapped in an enigma wrapped in bacon, covered in batter, and then deep-fried. We're willing to bet that we'll have a better idea of whatever this delicious, greasy mess is by the time E3 rolls around. Will it be related to Halo? Given that the Halo name is more or less a license to print money, the likelihood is high.

Dear X3F,

Hey Guys,

So, I have been following this game called Too Human, maybe you've heard of it. I am really looking forward to it and get enough news about it. An action/RPG title about Norse Gods and technologically advanced creatures it right up my alley as a hardcore nerd, I mean gamer.

My question is, why does everyone seem to be so down on it. All comment posts, and forum posts I see from other gamers are all negative. Is this game gonna be as good as it looks, or will it be a disappointment because it has taken so long to get out, IMO that can only make it better.

Thanks for your time,

GT: PhilipJFryrish

That, dear sir, is the million dollar question. There are a few reasons to be down on Too Human, some logical and other psychological. Psychological first: it's easier and safer to be down on it. Too Human has been in development for so long that raising one's hopes is a dangerous proposition. It's much easier to be pleasantly surprised by a good game than to be let down by a bad one.

Now the logical: Speaking from personal experience, there are a few of things to be nervous about when it comes to Too Human. Of particular note is the recent revelation that the game apparently won't support more than two players co-operatively. Given the dungeon crawling nature of the game (think Diablo), that doesn't make a lot of sense. Perhaps most worrisome, though, is the controls. Plain and simple, they will be divisive. Pointing the right stick to control attacks is something that hasn't really worked in 3D action games before.

Having said all that, my time spent with the game at GDC08 was enjoyable. The experience wasn't perfect, but it was definitely compelling (especially the storyline and mythos behind the game). It's also definitely worth noting that Silicon Knights has a great track record. I'm confident that Too Human will be a good game, and I'm looking forward to it. I'm just not sure if it will be a great game. I really hope it will be, though.

so i keep reading that gta IV has outsold halo 3 like crazy. well obviously a game thats released on two major consoles would outsell a game only released on one. So, can you tell me how much it sold JUST on xbox 360? GTA IV is certainly a wonderful game, and deserves to rank high (perfect 10 im not sure about tho) so im really just wondering, no one seems to look at it that way. Thanx so much. Love the site.

-XLockStockX

We're all waiting on the numbers and, believe us, you'll know when we do. At the very least, we'll post the NPD numbers for North America when they're released later this month. For what it's worth, GameStop reports that the 360 version outsold the PS3 version nearly 2-to-1, while the race was much tighter in the UK.

That's it for this week, folks. Keep sending your questions to: ask [at] xbox360fanboy [dawt] com.