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Jaffe reviews the reviews of Calling All Cars
David Jaffe plays by his own rules, mister. So don't think you can go around town giving a 6.7 to Calling All Cars and he won't have anything to say about it. Because he totally will. In an admittedly pretty even-tempered blog response to Gamespot's middle-of-the-road score, Jaffe tries to explain why he thinks the problems that the site has with the game (lack of content, etc.) aren't really that big a deal.Jaffe's real beef is with the criteria by which his $10 game is being judged. He says he wanted to create "a trash talking fun ass time with your buddies," and feels like it's that goal on which the review should be based. (Surprising no one, Jaffe feels the game is between an 8 and 10 in this category.) But in the same breath (or is that keystroke?) he goes on to admit that it may not be fair for him to ask that. The post continues as an interesting, slightly schizophrenic, view into how a developer deals with watching their baby enter the world. Go ahead Dave, wear that heart on your sleeve, we still think you're a maverick. ... A maverick of caring.
New Gears of War maps hit this Thursday
Take heart, Gears of War fans and Gary Jules, you're finally going to be able to do something about "worn-out places" when a pack of four new multiplayer maps for the game drops this Thursday on Xbox Live. The "worn-out faces"? Still entirely your problem.For 800 points ($10) you'll get the "Hidden Fronts" pack, which includes "Bullet Marsh" (a Kryll-infested swamp), "Garden" (an overgrown conservatory), "Process" (an Imulsion processing plant) and "Subway" (piece it together). They're not free like Epic wanted right now, but that'll be rectified if you download after Sept. 3, when they'll become a free download, Halo 2 style. So, will you be waiting, or will you be wearing out the places with the rest of us?%Gallery-2901%
Initial Review Roundup - Calling All Cars!
After delay after delay, Calling all Cars! has finally gone gold and the initial rounds of reviews have started to trickle in. Gamespot, 1up, and IGN have all weighed in on David Jaffe's 'casual' follow-up to God of War, and the response has been... interesting. IGN gave it an 8.5, stating that "Calling All Cars is Sony's first truly original, must-have title on the PlayStation Network, and it bests just about everything there is to be found on Microsoft's online arcade center." 1up gave it an 8.0, calling it "a chaotic successor to the likes of R.C. Pro-Am and Super Off Road that's easy on the wallet, and it's also among the best examples of how the concept of downloadable content should be used." And then there's Gamespot. Gamespot gave it a 6.7. They said it was a "frantic good time that's cut short by a serious lack of content." They dinged the gameplay for being too random and luck based, and practically rioted over the inclusion of only four maps, saying "that it feels more like a demo than a full game." As you can see, there is some interesting contrast in reviews between the 'big three' gaming sites. Unfortunately, we cannot really give a rebuttal at this point, since us mere mortals will not be able to get our grubby little hands onto it until next Thursday. Conveniently though, David Jaffe has posted a rebuttal for us! It is a surprisingly thoughtful critique of the Gamespot review and game reviewers in general. Check it out, I highly recommend it:(P.S.: First post!)
Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus coming this fall
We've been hearing some details on it for a few months, now Sega has finally gotten around to announcing Phantasy Star Universe expansion Ambition of the Illuminus, and all we can say is wow ... that's really an impressive title. We're not all PSU fans here at Joystiq HQ, so the new missions, cities and enemies don't do a whole lot for most of us. But when we see a title like that, we sit up and take notice.That's not to say it doesn't seem like there's a lot of new stuff here for fans. You've got some new classes, as well as new weapon types like the Madoog, Shadoog and Whip. The expansion also adds new Photon Arts, which still sound suspiciously like the title of a Journey album. Speaking of titles: ... Ambition of the Illuminus ... yep, still awesome. There are also new facial features, hair styles and body types for your character, which is a good thing; if you're going to be playing a game with a title like that, you need to be looking fine. Those playing on Xbox 360 download the new stuff this fall, those on PC and PS2 will have to buy a standalone disc. We don't know how much any of that will cost, but what wouldn't you pay to be able to say aloud that you're playing Ambition of the Illuminus? Can you really put a price on that?
Marvel Ultimate Alliance content on Live ... no, seriously
After being announced two weeks ago with prices and everything, then promptly disappearing, three content packs for Marvel Ultimate Alliance have finally, actually made their way to the Xbox Live Marketplace. The packs are still the same stuff as before Nightcrawler BAMF-ed the whole team to Aruba for two weeks of fun in the sun: 500 MS Points will get you the Hero Pack of Cyclops, Nightcrawler, Hawkeye and The Incredible Hulk or the Villain Pack of Venom, Doctor Doom, Magneto and Sabertooth. The description also says not to buy the packs if you've bought Marvel Ultimate Alliance: Gold Edition (due out next month) because these characters are already in there. So keep that in mind.For those of you who are buying though, there's a third option, and one we'd love to see other DLC feature: A bargain pack, which gives you all the heroes and villains for the value price of 800 points. No, it's not a huge difference, but it is nice. Now, just give us our Spider-Ham, NFL Superpro and Matthew Lesko pack, and we can die happy. You can watch a trailer featuring all the new content after the break.
Screenshot gives glimpse into Crackdown's future
Yeah, you like that? You like that image? You know what that is? ... No, we don't either. Well, we know it's from upcoming Crackdown-loadable content. But we were actually hoping you could shed some more light on it. "Agent G," a staffer for developer Realtime Worlds, let the image slip on the official forums for the game, saying it was a look at a new game type and a new sort of vehicle that would be available "soon." The mysterious image depicts what appears to be four dune buggies jockeying for position. We've previously learned that Realtime has created competitive modes and racing would seem to be a good fit. It's not exactly the aircraft the developer has hinted at (unless that aerial buggy is some sort of oddly-designed helicopter) but we'll take it. Anyway, those are our thoughts. Do you Crackheads have any theories?[via Gamespot]
Rumor: Are these the next Guitar Hero DLC packs?
We don't really know if the list of three new song packs for Guitar Hero II reported by HarmonixFans.com is on the level. They look logical enough to us, but we also don't have access to the mysterious "Microsoft certification documents" from which the information was reportedly taken. So, take it with a grain of cliché, but here's the list:Pack 1: "Cowboys From Hell," "I Love Rock & Roll," "Cochise" Pack 2: "Godzilla," "I Wanna Be Sedated," "Sharp Dressed Man" Pack 3: "Iron Man," "Take Me Out," "Smoke on the Water" The thing that makes this list harder to dismiss is that this same site had a list of the first packs of GH songs before they were released to the public, and HarmonixFans says this latest tidbit is from the same source. Of course, they also qualify that the last batch of songs was on PartnerNet when they reported it and this one isn't. So, feel free to discuss the relative merits of the songs, just don't go buy $24,000 of MS points (or whatever they cost) in anticipation.[via Xbox 360 Fanboy]
New Rainbox Six: Vegas content now Live
This has been a terrible week for significant others. Not only were their loved ones drawn away from designated "snuggle time" by two delicious new maps for Halo 2, but now they'll have to contend with new DLC for Rainbow 6: Vegas. Yes, the Player's Pack Red Edition ... the one announced two months ago. There was also a freebie auto-update released for the game, which you can read about here. In case you didn't hear before, the 800-point pack includes two new game modes: Assasination (Team 1: Let's kill that guy! Team 2: You'd better not!) and Total Conquest, which is King of the Hills (not you, Jordan Eubanks) with three spots teams need to control. There are also three fresh maps and two remixes, but you wouldn't know that from reading the dashboard description, which just says there are "brand new maps." A small request to companies releasing DLC for purchase: Please let us know what we are buying. Anyway, you know now, so go, buy with confidence. Or, you know, don't. He/she misses you.%Gallery-1642%
Worms theme and audio DLC announced
Over on the Team 17 forums they've announced new downloadable content for XBLA title Worms. The downloadable content will be a dozen or so theme and audio packs that will include updated backgrounds and audio commentary for your worms to rumble in. It has been confirmed that the Space Theme and Audio pack will be free for download, but we are not sure of the other pack's cost or if they will be free too. Also confirmed is a Worms gamer picture set and theme. But all this new content will be a long time coming, because Team 17 is currently putting their efforts into a patch that'll help make the game all the more sparkly. Speech, themes, and audio ... what more could a Worms fan want (other than every Worms weapon ever created)? [Thanks, Boff]
Fans revolt! GH II DLC is just too spendy
Yesterday, the first batch of downloadable content for Guitar Hero II released onto the XBLM with a very negative reception from fans. Red Octane released three packs to the Marketplace each containing three songs from Guitar Hero and costing 500 Microsoft points ($6.25 US) each. And there in lies the problem ... this content is expensive! The negative buzz surrounding the new tracks has not only spilled onto Major Nelson's website sparking a 560+ comment debate, but inspired angry fans to take action. Enter an online petition aimed at getting Red Octane and Microsoft's attention to do something about the over priced DLC. The online petition has gained a bunch of steam racking up over 3,600 signatures and is sure to gain more throughout the next few days. Will Red Octane respond to fan's anger towards the DLC's pricing scheme, or will they simply turn a blind eye? Well, there's only one way to find out. If you don't agree with the pricing for Guitar Hero II's new DLC and are willing to boycott any such purchase until the price comes down, then sign the online petition. If it's one thing we've learned in the past few weeks it's that sometimes those online petitions actually do work.[Thanks, MightyHealthy]
Crackdown updates include new multiplayer modes, 'gang reset' option
With a pint of Guinness in his (virtual) belly, Crackdown producer Phil Wilson reluctantly braved a swarm of fanboys eager to squeeze his brain empty of downloadable content details. Wilson's tight-lipped policy didn't last long, and he was quickly charmed by the Eurogamer forum rats, already dropping hints in his first response (a question about aircraft): "airborne antics [are] definitely not off the table going forward." What we know is that Realtime Worlds has created several competitive multiplayer modes, with one being optionally cooperative. Apparently, one of the modes was inspired by a user-created video posted online (GASP, Game 3.0 on Xbox 360?!). Wilson suggested that the creators would "eventually" be credited for the idea, adding that many of the videos popping up on YouTube (particularly this one) had impressed the development team. The new modes will likely be limited to two players, though Wilson teased that "the prospect of mass co-op is definitely an exciting one." Wilson also confirmed that a free update will include a 'reset gangs' option, eliminating the frustrating need to delete the game data (or your Gamertag) from the hard drive in order to start over. Wilson apologized for the oversight and added, "while I'm spilling beans, there's also another great mode that I'm pretty sure is also kinda what you're asking for but a whole lot more -- so I hope that goes some way towards compensation." Could you be anymore vague?
Wipeout Pulse gets custom soundtracks & Infrastructure
As we revealed earlier, Wipeout Pulse is heading to PSP. This sequel to Wipeout Pure will feature a number of enhancements over the previous iteration of the series: Pulse will feature 24 new tracks. Licensed music from Mason, Loco Dice and Stanton Warriors. Multiplayer via Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure Eight new teams, including "EG-X". New "Mag-strip" feature allows ships to magnetically stick to tracks. This will allow certain tracks to feature loops, 90 degree plummets, and other mind-destroying tricks. Custom soundtracks allow playback of MP3s stored on Memory Stick. Photo Mode captures in-game screenshots. Like Wipeout Pure, the game will feature downloadable content, such as new tracks and songs, immediately after release. Check out Eurogamer for screenshots of this hotly anticipated sequel. The game will hit Europe this September.
Possible Crackdown DLC details
A tipster on the MSXbox World forums claims to have some details about the upcoming downloadable content for Crackdown. Some of these details aren't exactly new. For instance, the content should include the missing 100 achievement points and it should be free (according to recent policy changes, it has to be free, actually). There are, however, some things we hadn't heard yet. For example, the content is likely to include several new gameplay elements including vehicle impounding, street races with AI controlled cars, new equipment, new agent skins, and new mini-games. Unfortunately, all we have to go on is that the MSXbox World tipster has a reliable -- yet unnamed -- source for this info. So, for the moment, we'll take it with a grain of salt. Would you be interested in these supposed new features? Would you like to see anything else added to Crackdown?
More Resistance in April, episodic content on the menu
Fast-forwarding through another Phil Harrison interview, we smack into some meaningful chatter. When pressed about future content for Resistance, Harrison busts out a tantalizing reply: "we have some really, really cool things that will be extending the story, extending the locations, some brand new content, starting in April. So if that works well and is well-received by the audience, then that will keep the engagement with game going between now and should there be a sequel at some point in the future." (For the record, Insomniac's Ted Price has already confirmed the obvious; Resistance is a franchise, with a sequel likely already in early development stages.) What Harrison seems to suggest though, is some degree of episodic content bridging the first game and apparent sequel. Adding multiplayer maps and modes is the tired standard, but actually building upon the single-player narrative with downloadable content would represent a significant step forward for PlayStation Network -- and keep Resistance holding down the console that's sure to let loose sooner or later.
Arm your Battlestations with DLC
Eidos' Battlestations: Midway is getting a boost in content in March. The 600 MS points pack will come with a new single player mission, multiplayer map, and 5 new vehicles for you to use. Hmm, wouldn't new vehicles give players a potential advantage in online matches. As such, shouldn't the vehicles be free? Two ways around this would be making the vehicles only available for use in the new maps, or releasing a separate pack with just the vehicles for free to level the playing field. None the less, we know Scott Strickland absolutely loves the multiplayer in the game, and will be all over the content. Also, as an added bonus we have a video of the new mission for you after the break.
Splinter Cell 'spy girl' a Double Agent, on PS3 & 360
Ubisoft has clarified that the Splinter Cell: Double Agent 'spy girl' multiplayer skin will be available for both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game. The skin will be included in the PS3 release (scheduled for March), along with a pair of new multiplayer maps and additional co-op challenges. Xbox 360 players will be able to download the skin through an upcoming Xbox Live Marketplace offer. Ubisoft has yet to confirm the new maps and co-op challenges for Xbox 360, or publicize whether or not the spy girl skin (and any additional content) will be free to download. Given that Microsoft has already invested so much in the franchise, securing a console-exclusive deal for the next Splinter Cell game, our guess is that any new Double Agent content featured in the PS3 version will be eventually offered on Xbox 360 -- for a price. [Via Eurogamer]
WipEout sequels on PS3, PSP inspiring PlayStation Network growth
Speaking with SCE Liverpool, Develop magazine has seemingly uncovered news of a pair of WipEout installments bound for PlayStation 3 and PSP. The unsurprising revelation has been tied to Sony's downloadable content strategy. Liverpool's WipEout Pure showed promise, registering more than 800,000 downloads of add-on content, but subsequent Sony efforts have failed to follow suit. Liverpool plans to pick up the slack with upcoming versions of WipEout. "Downloadable content helped keep [WipEout Pure] on the shelf and encouraged people to not trade the game in," explained development director Clemens Wangerin, adding, "Being able to cater to a much finer resolution of gamers' tastes and maybe create more byte-sized or customizable gaming is a massive advantage." Sounds like Sony's starting to understand the importance of PlayStation Network. [Via CVG]
Wipeout comes to an end in Japan
Wipeout: Pure is one of my favorite games on the PSP. The great graphics, music and gameplay were fantastic, but the incredible amount of downloadable content is what made it one of the best games on the handheld. For months after the game's launch, we were presented with tons of new tracks and ships, essentially doubling the length of the game for free, making it one of the greatest values on the system (especially at Greatest Hits price). While the team has gone quiet since the last update, it appears that Sony is officially announcing the end of downloads... in Japan, at least. It's a little sad to know that there will most likely never be downloads again for Wipeout: Pure, but hopefully that means that the team is working on what I really want now: a sequel. [Via PSP-Vault]
GRAW backlash: "1200 MS Points? Kiss my ass"
That low, droning whine you hear is the predictable response to the price of the Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter's Chapter 2 Expansion pack, now available for download on Marketplace. Here's what you get for 1200 MS Points: Continuation of the multiplayer Co-op campaign with 4 all-new missions in Chapter 2 8 revisited, relit multiplayer Adversarial maps 2 all-new game types with 1 new game mode – Team Battle 2 new camouflage patterns 4 new character customization faces 5 new weapons Holy crap! 1200 MS Points! That's 171.75 Pesos, 576.453 Thai Baht or $15 American Dollars, the most expensive downloadable content we've seen so far. I think your level of acceptance/disgust with Ubisoft's Ghost gouging depends on whether you convince yourself this content is a true expansion pack ( the kind you used to pay $20 or $30 on an old-fashioned disc) or glorified horse armour. Team Xbox's hands-on will help you make up your mind. Of course, some people over at Major Nelson's complaint repository already have. Sample quote: "1200 MS Points? Kiss my ass." How many people will be shelling out for this relatively expensive expansion? Also, can somebody tell me what the PC people are getting for free? [Thanks Andy]
Sneak Peek at GRAW DLC [update 1]
Xboxyde has scored a handful of screenshots from the upcoming GRAW XBL content. The screens feature some of the new co-op campaign maps as well as some new equipment. The content will be released later this month and features "12 additional maps designed for Live multiplayer play, four new missions that extend the co-op campaign through Nicaragua, new game types (Team Blind Siege and Team Battle), more camouflage customisation options and five new weapons." Xboxyde also mentions that they are accepting questions for an upcoming interview with the GRAW team. If you have any burning questions for the team, you may submit them in the Xboxyde forum. If anything else is burning, I'd suggest you see a doctor. If -- on the other hand -- you'd like to see more screens, click the read link below. [update: removed (sic) from 'customisation' on account of it being the Queen's English.]
