IGN should be blown up and shit on!

IGN has just released their review for Saints Row 2 and while shielding themselves with a numerical score of 8.2, you can feel the fanboy hate in the text! They actually start of the review with an insult.

Thankfully this is one imitator that turns out to be much more than a straight carbon copy.

Holy shit on a stick! Are these fucktards for real? While they do point out the games quality's you can almost feel a certain fanboyish anger wanting to unleash and rip the game apart, yet its held back in hope of earning credibility. The review surprisingly reads like a professional review instead of a dipshit fanboy rant like IGN's GTA 4 review. Imagine that. Its no secret to anyone that reviewers are looking for shit to dock points on in the game but frankly not having a clear understanding of how shit is done and making up flat out lies is just going too far.

Character models and environments aren't as detailed as they could be, the framerate drops every so often (with a v-sync option included), and the collision detection is wonky at best. I constantly got pedestrians stuck in the grill of my car (no joke) or sometimes even stuck inside my car.

Fact Saints row 1 and 2's character models flat out put GTA 4's to fucking shame! This is not an opinion, looking at "in game" character screen shots prove this. Playing both games with a secure mind proves this. Volition does not hide their smeared shitty textures with dark shading, its all in the open and looks good. Its dark when it is suppose to be dark and light when it is suppose to be light. Instead of having certain parts of the environment in an infinite darkness to hide laziness. Framerate might drop when the shit really hits the fan but this is the case with any game, yes IGN even you're god GTA 4. Collision detection is also a case with these and most other games, as far as pedestrian being in your car stuck that happens from running them over, they will occasionally fly through your windshield( havoks ), ya know if you hit em just right with a truck they will land in the bed to. It takes time for them to disappear( hows that for realism ) so to a retard it may seem they are "stuck", but something tells me if they would have disappeared immediately it would have been on IGN's list of cons.

While driving on the streets you'll also notice a good bit of draw-in and fade that includes cars that downright disappear in some places. I've been chasing people on a hitman mission and had their car completely disappear from sight and radar. Not cool.

Wasn't cool when it happened in GTA 4 either but that detail somehow escaped IGN's GTA 4 review. Curious? Again, this is a small problem that can and rarely does happen in sandbox games.

Saints Row 2 isn't a GTA killer.

It was never touted as one asshole! My whole problem is IGN apparently hires "special" 12 year olds to write reviews. Constantly comparing one game in a genre to what "you" consider and think should be the "only" fucking game in the genre only reassures me of your stupidity and lack of professionalism. IGN, shut down for one month and learn all you can about gaming history, because frankly your current knowledge is fucking childishly ignorant and downright embarrassing. I realize you've had Saints row 2's score set in stone since its announcement and the fact that if you scored it too close to your god game a certain publisher would raise an eyebrow and wonder what the hell they paid you for.

Review the game on its own merits, don't write a legit review for one game that you secretly are bias against and then write a review that reads like fanboy rant for a game that you are bias for....or paid for, corruption is a sign of weakness. Don't tout one game as a *insert other game name here* killer, then say it isn't in your review. Thankfully the gamers will know if its right for them or not, but unfortunately there are lots of retarded sheep that will go on your bias unintelligent opinions and its unfortunate we can't just shoot stupid people.

I don't expect gamespot or 1up to do any better nor do I hope for them to.

Saints row, SOLO!

Another SR/GTA related article emerges and only confirms that retards are still working in the gaming media.

http://kotaku.com/5045039/saints-row-2-shakes-its-gta-roots

I really find the article disrespectful. The industry is always comparing SR to GTA like a bunch of clueless retards. They turn it into a competition like moronic fanboy dipshits. "Saints Row 2 Shakes Its GTA Roots"......WTF. Why are there no articles on halo and every other goddamn FPS shaking their doom and quake roots. Why no articles on GTA shaking its driver, syndicate wars, shadowrun, etc, etc, etc roots? Because its unprofessional and fucking stupid to constantly compare. It would be like movie critics comparing EVERY horror movie to the very first big successful horror movie. No film critic would risk looking like a fool in that regard. Yet gaming journalist etc, have no problems looking foolish, with lack of any coherent oversight from their employers who can blame them? I can! Why is it that only GTA must garner god like status amongst morons who seem to think GTA should be the only game in its genre or the only game in history to the extreme? Maybe because the majority of the gaming media remember GTA 3 as the summer after their pubic hair sprouted forth.

For some reason they only deem shitty articles like this appropriate for any game that falls into the same genre that GTA "kickstarted". You'll never read any reviews or articles comparing HALO to Wolfenstien, doom or quake nor will you see any comparing god of war to the countless games it borrowed from. reviewers and journalist who CONSTANTLY compare SR 1 or 2 to GTA only reassure me that their are complete goddamn idiots working in the gaming media industry and they are no better then the children who bicker over these games on message boards.

Open memo to gaming media, "Stop looking like a bunch of unprofessional retarded monkeys fucking a football"!

Japan developer restrained by Americas burden?

When CAPCOM first released info and screenshots of RESIDENT EVIL 5 there was an excitement by millions of fans that were over joyed with the info. But, there were some who were not excited and downright mad. Why? Because the story of RE 5 takes in place in Africa, where the zombie and not so much zombie enemies are BLACK. Black people in Africa, imagine that. The character you play as is long standing in the RE universe, who happens to be white, oh noes! As with any RE game he( the player ) will be shooting zombies, who happen to be black.....in Africa. As usual this info was followed by crying & pouting, it was deemed racist as racist( lets be real ) black groups yelled high into the heavens.So now it seems that not only must America cater to the cry babies as usual, but apparently so now must Japan. We are going global people!

The latest issue of the Official Playstation Magazine( UK ) states that CAPCOM is now adding more white enemies, because apparently shooting ONLY white zombies in the previous nine RE games was not enough and killing only SPANISH people in RE 4 certainly drew out no goddamn crybabies. BUT now the zombies are black there is a huge racial issue to where the crybabies claim RE 5 represents being black as a disease. WOW!

“…gunning down mobs of angry Africans could be ’subtly racist’…It’s not just that these zombies are black, but that the uninfected black villagers are zombie-like too,”

“See all those spooky shots of the villagers before they get infected? It’s as if race itself were a disease. The white protagonist has to fight back or be infected.”


It is amazing how dip shits who claim not to be racist can turn anything into a race issue and are the only ones bitching about racism. Instead of these groups being a burden and a goddamn crybaby that must be tended too at ALL times that give non racist black people a bad name, how about growing up and realize its just entertainment and not everyone thinks on your selective level. The fact that CAPCOM would even cater to these groups or a small minority of gamers is pathetic, grow some balls and tell em where to stick it. If they try to sue you, counter sue them for trying to infringe on your rights and artistic expression! Point is CAPCOM you can NEVER satisfy these kind of groups or people, the same way you couldn't satisfy the KKK if they pouted about the past RE titles or Hugo Chavez if he bitched about RE 4. Theres no point in trying to be politically correct because frankly they've found their new 15 minute spotlight and will not let go. These developers need to grow some balls instead of bending over for some assholes who think their entitled to the world on a gold platter!

Pity 10's?

Not that I have ever taken IGN or Gamespot seriously with their game reviews but they at least have always been able to maintain some form of integrity. Until now! GTA 4 was one of the most hyped games maybe only second to Metal gear solid 4, but it had an explosive launch, good sales and good reviews . IGN gave the game a 10 and the edge to the the PS3( which was later disproved that the PS3 version had any edge ), the review read like a fanboy rant instead of a secure professional unbiased opinion. IGN could not very well give the PS3 version a 10 and score the 360 version lower, so they did what all childish fanboys do, they praised the PS3 version and downplayed the 360 version. Gamespot( GS ) initial review I believe was 9.5, but was literally taken down and changed to a 10 in a matter of hours. That alone should be a red flag to gamers everywhere. Now some could argue that there are other sites that gave this game a 10 and thats true. But those are we call bitch sites, because they feed off the two bigger ones for their info. Funny thing is IGN & GS really do dictate peoples decisions on a level that would make the Stepford wives cry. On some levels its funny as hell that someone could be so goddamn gullible and impressionable that whether they like the game or not they consciously force themselves to because of the scores. On another level its sad because these are the people who will one day join a suicide cult.

The whole GTA 4 10/10 was a fishy thing in itself, but low and behold the release of MGS 4 and IGN and GS are handing out 10's yet again! MGS 4 is probably the biggest game the PS3 has until the next FF of god of war. IGN's review yet again read like a dipshit fanboy rant instead of a professional objective written review. GS has Konami ad' all over the goddamn place( nuff said ) and David Hayter is predicting a 360 port, its a mad world indeed.

But one has to wonder if these games are deserving of the notorious 10/10. Having played both games I would say ohhhh hellll no! GTA 4 is entertaining for a short while but is severely lacking and become a chore. MGS 4 is entertaining much in the way that previous installments were but far from a 10. Neither game is bad in fact both deserve a high score. But its almost like IGN and GS gave these titles pity 10's because one is SONY's flagship title and there is no way in hell they could let it fail with the hype surrounding it and the other is a multiplat game that MANY believe was/is a SONY title that should have stayed with SONY. I mean do the math, all PS3 exclusive big gun titles till now have failed miserably in content and reviews, yet the 360 big gun titles have prospered. One has to wonder if IGN & GS are being charitable to SONY with titles that even if they sucked fat infected rhinoceros balls theres no way they would have scored them differently?

Saints row 2's new trailer, making fanboys world wide pout!

The release of GTA 4 has come and went, many have and continue to enjoy the game and many don't. Volition the developers of Saints row 1 have released a new trailer for Saints row 2, which undeniably takes shots at GTA 4's "monotonous" activities. And you know what.....its funny as hell. The trailers for SR 2 looks insanely fun and has me gritting my teeth with anticipation. Although Volitions trailer is in good fun, many have begun a massive worldwide pout fest. At first it was just fanboys on random message boards but now its starting to show up in the so called gaming media. Analyst Mike Hickey says:

Mike Hickey says that, "The trailer directly attacks Grand Theft Auto IV in game content, an unusually pompous position in our view, considering GTA IV is estimated to be the highest grossing 1st week entertainment release of all time - and is currently the highest quality scored game on both the Xbox 360 and PS3 according to Metacritic.com."

Mike fails to mention ALL the times in which R* has insulted other games in this genre. Frankly to me it seems most think "how dare volition" but turn a blind eye to R* previous insults on other venture by developers into this genre. Personally I think the hype has gone to R* head, but in all honestly their going to get a helluva reality check come October. How's that for realism.

My good buddy who is yet once again special ed. spelling champion of the month Chris Stead( look for my other article on this dipshit ) has yet again made a desperate attempt with yet another lame ass "mistake" article. He cites GTA 4's "realism"( you know, the realism in shooting someone point blank with a shotgun only to see a poof red smoke, like in real life) and life like city( really) as being immersing and that Volition hasn't worked this out for SR 2. He says that the new SR2 trailer only identifies what makes GTA 4 so fuckin awesome and thats why GTA 4 got 10's across the board.

Sorry, but if you find going bowling, watching T.V within the game on your T.V, going to a lame ass cabaret or comedy club "awesome" then you are a pathetic ass sheep who impresses way to goddamn easily! Seriously there is NOTHING awesome about micromanaging those pathetic ass activities with "in-game friends". Unfortunately the reason GTA 4 received 10's is for different reasons then what Mr. Stead and other dipshit fanboys want to think. But the blatant truth is R* dropped the ever lovin shit out of the ball, taking the series in a different flawed direction, Volition has every right to poke fun. SR 2 looks to be insanely fun, though now the new war cry of dipshit GTA drones is "its not realistic" well ya know what Jerrys kids neither is GTA 4. Realism is an excuse R* gave to explain shitty programming and lack of effort!

Gotta question IGN, egm & 1ups credibility ?

Oh noes XBOT doing damage control!!!!! That should save some kids time. The recent article I posted about IGN's GTA 4 review questioned IGN's and Hilary Goldstein's credibility. To add more fuel to the fire it seems the PS3 version does not have an edge such as IGN, egm & 1up claimed. According to joystiq.com the PS3 version is running in 630p to where the 360 is running in 720p. http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/ps3-grand-theft-auto-iv-is-640p-nobody-cares/

Before you start hunting for your fancy pitchfork, let us remind you that until 17 seconds ago this problem didn't bother you at all. And because of some of the processing effects, some people even insist that the PS3 version looks better to them! But hey, if you need something to get angry about, far be it from us to take that from you.

Well apparently judging by recent message boards joystiq this bothers a few people. Lots of PS3 fans are bitching about the graphics and honestly are not seeing this edge IGN, EGM, & 1UP did. It would also appear that the PS3 version does not have AA( anti aliasing ) just blur, which explains why objects in focus look jagged compared to the smooth look of the 360 version. But not only is the 360 version running at a higher resolution with better AA but its doing so with a better frame rate according to kotaku.com http://kotaku.com/384422/which-version-of-gta-iv-should-you-buy-we-compare-the-ps3-and-360-versions

Frame Rate
The Grand Theft Auto series has never been synonymous with a rock solid frame rate, something it generally seems to get a pass for. While GTA IV is smoother in general than it's predecessors, it can expectedly suffer during chaos. The Xbox 360 version seemed capable of achieving a smoother frame rate, peaking higher in certain circumstances, such as in confined spaces or during light traffic, but both versions seemed to regularly run at a similar clip.

This doesn't mean people who bought the PS3 version are enjoying it any less or that "TEH OMG TEH 360 VERSION IS SUPERIOR" either. It just mean some big gaming news sites just dropped the ball on their credibility, but it will get over looked by fans everywhere much as it usually does. Fact is these review sites for some reason or another just did not want this one multiplat game to be better on the 360, so they lied for lack of a better word and its come full circle to bight them in their bias ass.

Follow up:
Gametrailers has released a comparison video showing the difference between the two and frankly one now has to wonder even more about IGN, EGM, & 1up giving the edge to the PS3, though the reason is becoming quit clear. http://www.gametrailers.com/player/33470.html#comments_top

IGN's biggest SONY fanboy reviews GTA 4.

Although IGN gave the game a perfect 10( as if that wasn't enough to show their impartial ability to actually being secure enough to review a game past fanboy logic ), they did so while taking a cheap shots at the 360 version of the game. It completely baffles me why IGN would allow Hilary Goldstein to review such a momentous game? He has proved on more then one occasion he is against MICROSOFT and all for SONY. IGN itself has a podcast called "three red rings" which is a direct shot at the 360, which would explain why they let Hilary review the game( which no longer leave me baffled ). Follow the link to see Hilary in action. http://gamersvue.wordpress.com/2008/02/07/hilary-goldstein-ign-360-editor-bashes-xbox-360/

The PS3 version has "less aliasing" (a plus) while the Xbox 360 version has a "brighter picture and more vibrant colors.

Apparently IGN and Hilary have an agenda. ROCKSTAR has stated since the start that both versions of the game are identical. Yet Hilary apparently has genetic freak X-man eyes because he is the only one who can see these "mythical" differences in the two games. Fans have a strong reason to question this mans reviews and even more so question IGN's professionalism. Throughout Hilary's review he praised the game like a brain dead fanboy while throwing out subtle and not so subtle shots at the 360 version.

For those wanting to know which version looks better, the edge goes to the PS3. The textures and framerate are comparable, but the PS3 has far less pop-in. The 360 has richer colors, but the PS3 has better anti-aliasing making it look a little cleaner. Because GTA IV can preload onto the PS3 hard drive, the in-game loads are faster. Don't worry Xbox owners, the load times are rarely more than 30 seconds and don't occur very often. The slight visual edge goes to PS3, but the 360 is no slouch. Either version will do you proud.

His statement above he is simply "trying" to hide his bias against the 360, basically covering his ass. Throughout the review he throws out these remarks and anytime it seems like he's giving props to the 360 version, he takes it away by proclaiming the PS3 does something better. This guy is seriously delusional. But many PS3 fans have grasped onto his statements like flies to shit, its sad really. The only argumentative proof that dip shit fanboys have to "claim" their version is better is comments from another dip shit fanboy in a higher position.

While GTA IV is pushing the PS3 and 360 to the limit, it also runs amazingly well. Sure, there are framerate hitches here and there and (particularly on 360) there is some texture pop-in, but it actually runs better than I expected.

^ Case & point. I'm not declaring the 360 version is superior nor am I saying the PS3 version is, but frankly ING has no credibility and have a serious agenda, or SONY signed check, or both. You also have to question if the 360 version will get a fair shake by any site. After all their are many and I mean many who feel GTA should only be on the PS3, and these people are the ones working at these sites. Put honestly SONY needs GTA 4 to be more successful on the PS3, what better way to drive sales then to grease a few sites and their reviewers to proclaim PS3 superiority. Hilary Goldtein should never have been allowed to review this game, hell IGN should have never been allowed to even touch it. Hilary is a complete biased asshole only overshadowed by the dip shits who hold his leash and apparently knows more about the games then the developers themselves.

ING's bias for SONY is not unfounded. Its rumored ROCKSTAR will be using Gamespy's servers for the PS3 version of the game, gamespy and IGN are merged. Lot of avenues to take there.

As for what Sony is doing to prepare—their fate lies in the hands of Rockstar (who rumor has it is actually using Gamespy's servers). Because they don't offer a backend to host games like Xbox LIVE, they avoid the headache for a trade-off of a little risk, and almost no say in fixing potential problems that may arise.

http://kotaku.com/383885/xbox-live-preps-for-gta-iv-server-riot

GTA 4 will be an awesome game on either system but for those of you using Hilary's remarks as a point for your " my version is better" argument, seriously get a goddamn clue! To think this game would be shitty on either system is wishful thinking on both sides of the field and it surely doesn't help when you have a MAN named Hilary instigating.


FOLLOW UP: http://ps3.ign.com/articles/869/869564p1.html

At 43:30 they say that the ps3 has less pop in and that the 360 is running at a higher resolution but has more pop in.

Yeah, very credible review, now running damage control.

Michael Pachter should be fired.

For months now PS3 fans( the really stupid ones ) proclaimed that the PS3 version of GTA 4 would come with the "exclusive" XBOX 360 Down loadable content( DLC ) already on the disk. Smarter PS3 fans knew this to be untrue, hell anyone the intelligence of rock knew this to be untrue. Well our good pal the over paid guesser Michael Pachter is at it again, though this time I think he is completely gone retarded! Michael Pachter is now saying that each version of GTA 4 will be different and that the PS3 version will have MICROSOFT's $50million dollar exclusive DLC already on the disk and will be longer with extra songs & extra side missions.

analyst Michael Pachter, tells about how he was told/heard that both versions of the upcoming GTA4 for multiple platforms will have differences between each version, he predicts possibly the PS3 version may be longer and have the 360's content already on the disc.

Possibly extra sound tracks (Radio stations), extra side missions, or even little differences like posters on the wall. Like the trailer contains a poster that has a phone that was called the "Nano 360"

This really has to take the cake on this mans credibility only a goddamn moron would think this to be true. See the podcast here: http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21337.html?type=flv

The man claims that he was told this to be true. Really! I've read this shit all over Internet forums since it was known MICROSOFT had exclusive DLC. Mr. Pachter should definitely know better then to spew such moronic delusional fanboy rhetoric. I really want to know why the gaming industry continues to humor this idiot? Although this is old, I myself just learned of it and needed to vent.

GTA 4 advertising only for the XBOX 360.

Advertising for the juggernaut game that is GTA 4 is starting to flood out. The first ad's out in the U.K look as if the game will only be advertising for the 360. Its likely this could be part of Microsofts DLC deal?

http://darkzero.co.uk/asset/2008/04/gtaadvertfirst_news1.jpg

The ad also mentions the DLC will be arriving "exclusively" on the 360 in Autmun 2008. Single system advertising can affect sales in a huge way, this is a pretty devastating blow against SONY( cheap shot at Chris Stead ) but we will have to wait and see the end results.

Chris Stead panicking for SONY and the PS3

Its bad enough when you have legitimate gaming news sites taking sides between MS & SONY, but when 13yr olds start buying domains and creating "gaming news" sites just to have an outlet for their insecurities it gets downright pretty goddamn pathetic. One such primary example is the low end site gameplayer.com which appears to be run by one Chris Stead. Chris has written two articles of pure stupidity that on any level probably makes you dumber after reading them. Both articles deal with....you guessed it, Grand Theft Auto 4. In the first article Titled "Microsoft in GTA 4 panic" Chris faults microsoft for their marketing strategy( buying EEDLC for $50million dollars ) as being desperate and panicking yet praised SONY's marketing strategy as being professional and smart.

Microsoft is shitting itself. The console war has been raging hard for over two years, and it is all set to come to a head on April 29th. The day GTA IV releases. At that moment Microsoft could lose the fight… and they know it!

They don’t care which format has the best games, offers the superior online service, or has the more proficient hardware. They see GTA, and they think PlayStation.

We heard something the other day, a line of dialogue that must scare Microsoft to death. It came from the mouth of a twenty something electrician as he installed a car stereo for a mate. He said “I bought my PS3 to play GTA IV”.

And they’re not going to: it was a waste of money. They spent 50 million clams on something only gamers are likely to understand or appreciate, the audience they don’t need to reach. Your casual gaming fan probably won’t even connect their console to the Net, and just as few will even have a basic understanding of the concept of DLC, or episodic content

The we’ll-pay-you-to-opt-for-the-Xbox 360 option. You would have heard over the last few days that if you pre-order the XBOX 360 version from selected retailers across the country, Microsoft will hand you 500 Microsoft Points. They’ll give you $8.25. It’s an act that reeks of desperation, masquerading as a generous gesture.

And what of Sony? By comparison, they haven’t spent a cent on episodic content, nor handed out cash. They’ve got a much better way of ensuring that the millions of casual gamers that fell in love with their brand last generation remain true to their cause. Free online for everyone, and a deal where you get one of those new-fangled HD Sony Bravia TVs with your PS3. That’s called experience

You can see from the few pieces above this guy is seriously scared that his chosen console won't succeed. The argument he makes is beyond laughable and should be passed around on 420 so the weed heads have a starting point. It truly is funny just to see lengths some insecure fanboys will go. I wrote a similar article about SONY but mine was more about SONY being arrogant assholes then being desperate or panicking. However as much as many feel my article may be one sided it pails on every level in comparison to Chris Steads moronic grasping articles. His second article is titled "Rockstar screws Microsoft on GTA 4, April looking good for SONY", it really is amazing the level of insecurity and stupidity that can exist in one person. He outlines that because SONY struck a deal with Rockstar to bundle GTA 4 with the PS3 in Europe( where it really matters......) that Microsoft is now doomed and Rockstar has screwed them. Wow! Maybe Chris would like to explain why there are more pre orders for the 360 version?

As you have no doubt read, it has come to light that a new version of the PS3 will be made available in time for the launch of GTA IV. It is the 40GB model of the console, but it comes bundled with GTA IV. This is a big, big deal. Especially as the package doesn’t cost any more money than the unbundled version of the console.

This is a massive blow for Microsoft, who has already lowered the Xbox 360’s price point in Europe, and paid US$50 million for downloadable content in an attempt to lure the 12 million-odd PS2 owning GTA fans away from the Sony brand.

I guess the Internet's a beautiful thing where any asshole with an agenda can make a point( take me for example ). But when its done on such a level as above it really is sadly pathetic, even more so that he tries to mask the site out as a legitimate gaming news/media site when its just a low end insecure outlet trying to generate traffic. Chris Stead is defiantly panicking for SONY and the PS3, which truthfully he doesn't need to both systems will prosper from GTA 4. But apparently Chris can't stand that Microsoft got the better end of the deal, I mean seriously you are going to argue that a bundle is a devastating blow to "EXCLUSIVE EPISODIC DOWN LOADABLE CONTENT".......someone call Corky and inform him he no longer holds the title "Stupidest person in the world".

The PS3's equivalent to the 360's RROD.

The 360 has been beaten by SONY fanboys, one side journalist and pissed off gamers for a while now about the dreaded red ring of death( RROD ) problems that happen in some XBOX 360's. However they turn a blind eye to the fact that Microsoft stands behind their product by fixing the 360 for completely free even if there is no warranty. Now it seems there may be a new wide spread problem for the PS3 on the horizon which would take away its title of being a stable machine( which it is ). The problem thats rearing its ugly head is an error code "80010514" which relates to a faulty sector on the harddrive and firmware installation. Apparently your PS3 will need replacing if the error occurs so now might be a good time to buy the extended warranty if you haven't already because it would more then likely take a severe widespread problem( even more so then the 360's RROD ) and SONY being dragged to court before they would even admit the problem or do anything at their expense to help the customer( if history teaches us anything ).

http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=131209

This is why I have never liked the idea of SONY using firmware updates for the PS3, whether people admit it or not they are temperamental and can easily turn your nice PS3 into a big ass paperweight.

SONY panicking?

You hear that crying on the other side of the playground? Its not Microsoft. It seems SONY doesn't like the idea that the winning of blu-ray did not automatically catapult them to the number one position in the gaming console wars or that while they were dicking around with greasing retailers to solely support blu-ray Microsoft was acquiring sweet deals on the gaming side of things. Now that blu-ray has won the format war SONY can focus on gaming.....but it might be too little too late?

One of the main example here is Grand Theft Auto 4( GTA 4 ). For those of you who don't know, GTA is probably the biggest/most popular game there is amongst casual consumers and hardcore gamers. The series is credited with launching the PS2 into super stardom, so much so that SONY took notice and struck a deal with Rockstar to delay each GTA title of last gen for the XBOX by six months. Things are different this time around with Microsoft acquiring exclusive episodic down loadable content( EEDLC ) while SONY sat on their asses expecting Rockstar to remain loyal. I don't need to tell you how arrogant or stupid that is. But regardless, reality is setting in for SONY on all fronts and they are scrambling!

Recently SONY exec Scott Steinberg gave an interview where he tried his best to downplay the 360's GTA 4 EEDLC. http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/sony-exec-downplays-xbox-360-gta-iv-dlc/

Steinberg believes anyone who's played GTA: San Andreas knows there's plenty to do in a GTA game without adding extra content, but he really drives the point home with a zinger saying Microsoft "spent the GNP of several small Latin American countries to get that [content].

Very laughable and foolish on Steinbergs part. Maybe he should have explained while DLC( something that ADDS to the actual game) isn't important packing the game with your system in the form of a new bundle is? It would appear that the only deal SONY could manage to get with Rockstar after snubbing their noses at them was to be able to bundle GTA 4 with the PS3 in Europe. Its an act of desperation by SONY to now try to sway their fanbase to buy a PS3 for games and not movies or an act to hopefully tip the scale since preorders are double on the 360 compared to PS3. Maybe they should give away more T.Vs for every PS3 sold?. SONY's trying their damnedest but it doesn't seem to be working.

In the latest circus of desperation SONY's VP of product marketing Scott Steinberg( don't ya just love this clown ) was recently interviewed by Gamepro where he basically says Microsoft has blown their chance at beating SONY this gen. Maybe someone should by this moron a clue, Microsft has been beating the shit out of SONY this gen plan & simple! SONY's arrogants and desperation know no bounds I guess?
http://gamer.blorge.com/2008/04/07/sony-claims-ms-has-blown-it-already-ps3-to-beat-xbox-360/

“I think [the Blu-ray win] is a huge momentum builder for us and I think it is part of why we believe 2008 is going to be a monster year for the PS3. When you incorporate games like Gran Turismo 5, Metal Gear Solid 4, Little Big Planet, and Resistance 2…there will a great mixture of new IP and proven PlayStation brands.”

“I think these factors are timed perfectly because our competition has already leveraged all their big assets in the first couple of years and may have punched themselves out of the fight. We are the [HD movie] standard and now we have the creativity and the products, so I think that formula is going to drive consumers to the PS3.”

To give an interview where not only do you make some bullshit claim but at the same time make yourself look completely mentally challenged takes real skill that only SONY knows about just take a look at some of their former president Ken Kutaragi's past quotes.

"I believe we made the most beautiful thing in the world. Nobody would criticize a renowned architect's blueprint that the position of the gate is wrong. Its the same as that."


"The playstation 3 is not a game machine. We've never once called it a game machine."

"The XBOX 360 is more of an XBOX 1.5 than a next generation console."

"[PS3] is for consumers to think to themselves 'I will work more hours to buy one'. We want people to feel that they want it, irrespective of anything else".

"You can communicate to a new cybercity. This will be the ideal home server. Did you see the movie 'the Matrix'? Same interface. Starting next year you can jack into the matrix".

The list goes on. SONY has definitely got things on lockdown on the movie side of things but may have blown any chance they had at locking down the gaming side. They need to deliver on the games and give the PR spin a rest, every big title SONY has touted and hyped at the expense of the competition has came & went and done absolutely shit for the PS3. The better get with the program but whether they do or don't acting like a little pissed of kid who just realized he doesn't own the G.I Joe with the kung fu grip like the other kids does not help their image. SONY is not a bad company, but they need to lay to rest the political mud slinging.

Michael Pachter, professional videogame analyst, or overpaid guesser?

Michael Pachter for those of you who don't know is an analyst for Wedbush Morgan securities. He is someone who takes bits and pieces of info and guesses the outcome or reasoning. In simpler terms he's a glorified guesser. He is much like an over hyped piece of shit game in its marketing campaign that ultimately fails to deliver. He's made quite a little cozy position "predicting" the videogame industry and their are many who humor him in his effort to do so. Frankly I would never go after a n analyst of this or any type, but Patcher is somewhat of a celeb at this biz and has dropped the shit out of the ball on his credibility.

On March 12th Pacther released his research note that stated GRAND THEFT AUTO 4(GTA) would sell nine million copies during the fiscal year and that six million of those copies would be sold to 360 owners.http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/gta-iv-could-sell-over-9m-this-year-says-pachter/?biz=

Of course 360 fanboys were thrilled by this "guess" and PS3 fanboys called Pacther non credible among other things. Pacther has now said GTA 4 will sell more on the PS3 in the long run because of brand loyalty.
http://www.gametrailers.com/bonusround.php?ep=20

Now the table have turned between the 360 and PS3 fanboys, ironic. But the bigger picture here is Pacther quickly changing his tune, but with skill mind you. He says the PS3 will sell more in the "long run" because of brand loyalty. By wording it like that he thinks his credibility will stay true.....he's wrong. The time between his two comments are suspiciously close, and no analyst would pull such a screw job. SONY is on ends with the impending lease of GTA 4 and it would not be beneath them to grease Pacther. Not sure about anyone else but I know a bullshitter doing damage control when I see it. His argument for his new "research" is brand loyalty, which anyone with a third grade education can tell you doesn't and hasn't meant shit for SONY this gen. The people waiting in the wings to buy either console are not waiting on GTA 4, they already know that the game is coming out on both platforms on the same day. So what are these mythical brand loyal people waiting on then? To make sure the game is actually coming out on the PS3? I know I'm not the only one who sees just how retarded that sounds. People who haven't bought either system are not waiting on a game they KNOW is coming to the system that according to Pacther they are loyal to. They are waiting on both systems to become more affordable for them, simple as that, Pacther and the crushed fanboys can spin it anyway they want.

Pacther is a glorified paid guesser nothing more. But because of the glorified position he is in, he can manipulate the masses. You either need to be smart enough to see pass the bullshit or be another mindless follower.

GTA 4, no confirmed Down loadable content on the PS3.

It has been known for a while now that the XBOX 360 version of GTA 4 will receive two episodic down loadable content(DLC) packs, it is also known that Microsoft paid $50million dollars for the DLC. Nobody knows the deal of if its just for those two packs or all DLC in general. SONY affiliates and low end gaming news websites have been speculating and falsely claiming the PS3 will get its own DLC as well. While SONY downplays the idea of DLC.

http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=129379

You would think instead of trying to downplay the EEDLC that Microsoft has secured and preaching the mythical brand loyalty that will boost their sales, they would take time to talk about or HINT at all this mythical DLC that the PS3 is supposedly getting. Even if part of Microsofts deal states SONY can't mention if they will or won't get DLC that doesn't mean they can't drop obvious hints. No, instead they will downplay DLC, preach about mythic brand loyalty, and talk about two irrelevant games that are their system movers....but no hints.Curious.

Its far too easy to claim something that is false, many brain dead people will eat it up but these low end "gaming news" site and magazines need something to generate traffic, the best are the sites that use the magazines as their source. But when they say "ROCKSTAR told us", "THEY said" or the very popular "our inside source" most people should be smart enough to know that its complete bullshit, however many won't. The grasping few will proclaim it as "confirmed fact" and continue to make themselves look even more foolish. Its ok for them to spread such bullshit because there isn't a law against bullshitting, so thats why they can get away with it. Some of these sites & magazines are clever in the way they word something, its simply trickery. IF the PS3 was getting "any" kind of DLC SONY would be preaching it loudly much like Microsoft has but neither ROCKSTAR nor SONY have confirmed any DLC for the PS3, that could be because (A). Its in the Microsoft contract that they can't mention it until after a set time or (B). Microsoft does have all the DLC exclusive and SONY has deal with ROCKSTAR to not confirm or deny if the PS3 has any DLC until after the release for fear of deterring sales. Its all speculation as of now. The PS3 "might" get some DLC and it might not, but as of now there are no confirmations from any identifiable ROCKSTAR employee being quoted "directly". I challenge anyone to find where a ROCKSTAR employee was quoted "directly" confirming DLC for the PS3. The XBOX 360 is the only one who has EDLC confirmed and it is said that the content will be sizable.

Many will simply dismiss the above post because its a blog and turn a blind eye to the valid points I've made. But when in such desperation you tend to ignore the fine print.

EA the new age NAZI'S.

EA is something once mentioned on any gaming forum on the net creates anarchy amongst the gamers, getting them all riled up and ready to start a lynch mob, and with good reason. EA put bluntly are the NAZI'S of the gaming industry. Much like peasant villagers, gamers protest loudly their discontent when EA wants to buy/ hostilely takeover a developer or publisher. Just like peasant villagers, gamers can do nothing but sit by and watch as EA marches down the street( metaphorical ) after invading a developer or publisher. Sure the invaded parties all "act" happy about the deal and proclaim their praise for EA. But thats what prisoners do...act happy when they are told to. The bad thing is unlike the Nazi's EA can't be defeated, they are an unbeatable foe. It wouldn't be so bad if EA would put out a quality product from one of these captured properties, but they won't they will simply milk and ultimately destroy. Then move on to the next one.

The recent country( metaphorically ) EA is determined to invade is Take-Two which they would also acquire ROCKSTAR the developers of the immensely popular GRAND THEFT AUTO in the process. EA offered Take-Two an all cash merger of about $2 billion dollars. Take-Two's board rejected the offer which in turn( like a spoiled bratty kid who didn't get what they wanted ) EA made their offer public to the share holders hoping to entice them.

"Our all-cash proposal is a unique opportunity for Take-Two shareholders to realize immediate value at a substantial premium, while creating long-term value for EA shareholders. Take-Two's game designers would also benefit from EA's financial resources, stable, game-focused management team, and strong global publishing capabilities. ... There can be no certainty that in the future EA or any other buyer would pay the same high premium we are offering today."

Have you ever smelled such horse shit? The fact is EA wants in cheap before the launch of Grand Theft Auto 4 to capitalize their profit, while monopolizing the licensed sports game rights and then destroying whats left of Take-Two. After the launch of GTA 4 Take-Two shares are likely to spike, which means EA would have to pay more, which is bad for EA no matter how many billions of dollars they have. Sure, if EA managed to buy Take-Two before GTA 4's release they would baby feed Take-Two and ROCKSTAR until the launch of GTA 4 but after that, they would fire off the talent or force most into quiting because EA will refuse to pay them what they are worth and what they are use to making.

"Dear Strauss," Riccitiello wrote in the February 19 letter, "I am disappointed that you have rejected Electronic Arts' $25 per share cash offer to acquire Take-Two Interactive Software...and declined to engage in the friendly negotiations we proposed. We continue to believe that an acquisition of Take-Two by EA is in the best interests of your shareholders, employees and other constituents, and we remain interested in acquiring Take-Two. So to further demonstrate our seriousness and encourage you to move forward now, I am writing to increase EA's offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Take-Two to $26 per share in cash."

By making their letter and their offer public EA has put the "guns" on Take-Two to accept a premium offer over their share price. Their alternative is a hinted at is shareholder lawsuit against Take-Two's management if they refuse. A deal like that would make Hitler cry. Its no loss for EA they just want the damn name and the property, they'll fill the offices with their in house slaves. Outside of utterly destroying the GTA franchise they will hold a complete monopoly over sports games which is EA's second primary goal. Making it virtually impossible for any other developer or publisher to produce a licensed sport title. Funny how mainstream gaming news outlets overlook this info. They are a destroyer of companies. With the recent "shady" acquisition of BIOWARE we can only hope there may be one last good game from them, not sure about you but I'm not keen on playing MASS EFFECT 2 or KOTOR 3 to a soundtrack of 100 hip hop songs. Sadly BIOWARE'S days are numbered and its a crying shame.

They are a plague on the gaming industry and the only people who will tell you that are gamers. Not some assclown who is paid to type a predetermined outlined transcript or a piss ant TV gaming journalist. Sure the casual sports gamer would disagree, but what do you expect they've been mind screwed into buying mediocre updated sports games every year from EA, which fuels the machine. If the gaming industry ever crashes again you can bet a large part will be due to EA.

The blu-ray hype.

I'll keep this short. SONY's ushering in of blu-ray pissed many off, mainly supporters of HD-DVD. But SONY proclaimed blu-ray as the holy grail of disc. While there is nothing wrong with blu-ray itself it has caused a retard race amongst SONY developers. The developers of LAIR, HEAVENLY SWORD, and Resistance all shouted loudly that ONLY on blu-ray could there games be done. The hype ball was started. The orders were passed down from SONY to these developers "fill the space", and they did. Lots of uncompressed material and buffers, and bam you have a 20gb game or bigger. Lair has about 4 1/2hrs of gameplay, Heavenly sword has 6hrs, and resistance has about 9 -11hrs. Resistance is about what the average game last, Lair and HS are embarrassments for games, yet they needed blu-ray.

The latest developer to start the blu-ray hype train up is Hideo Kojima developer of the METAL GEAR SOLID series. Hideo is actually claiming blu-ray( 50gb of storage space most games even next gen games don't even reach 9gb ) is not big enough for MGS 4. Now unlike other site who are kissing Hideo's ass I'm calling bullshit on him, MGS is SONY's supposed savior, its their flagship title for the PS3. There is no doubt that this is publicity stunt by Hideo & SONY to severly over hype MGS4. But good god talk about overkill, a little hype is good to sell your product. I have to believe its a publicity stunt to help push blu-ray even more its either that or Hideo's mind has gone the way of the Mayans.

Kojima : I am not satisfied with the quality yet, however…there isn’t enough space.
Interviewer: Not enough space on Blu-ray?
Kojima: Yes. [laughter] Not enough space.

This is not a harp on blu-ray. Blu-ray can be good for games, but only if its used efficiently and not as some moronic pissing contest.

G4 the further decline of stupidity.

I was an avid fan of Tech tv, they had many quality programs that favored information over comedic scripts and sexual overtones. Tech tv would later be sold to G4, who's primary goal was to out MTV, MTV. At the start( the golden years ) G4 had some very good shows such as Judgment day, pulse, & filter to name a few. Many of the shows provided good info on the gaming biz as a whole, with host and writers who were more inclined to keep people updated rather then making them laugh or reporting on completely irrelevant shit. Those days are long gone and now we are left with scripted half ass sitcoms trying to masquerade as news or review shows, and reruns of programs no one ever cared about when they were new. Absurd shows from across the way now fill most spots on the network.

Attack of the show( AOTS ) had some promise at the start until the morons who run G4 decided it wasn't hip or sexy enough. So the cast was overhauled to aspiring actors & actress's who can read from a cue card and well ACT like they have a clue as to what the hell they are talking about. The abundance of ignorance that the host of AOTS portray during their hour slot is beyond sad and sometimes makes me feel embarrassed for these actors. Especially when they try so desperately to mix humor and sexual overtones into the mix. Not to mention the total mismatching or miscasting of the host's, you have Kevin Pereira a PC nerd gone wrong, this guy seriously looks like someone who possibly might spend his off hours outside of local playgrounds. On the female side of the cast we have Olivia Munn an aspiring actress who wears push-up bra's 8 times to small which would explain why her head always looks like its about to explode and her facial movement is very restricted, then theres Kristin Holt a former American Idol.....nuff said.

The next show we have is X play, a supposed game review/news show. Adam Sessler has been doing this show since it was titled Extended play and then he wasn't bad, he did his job. But management changed and cue cards changed, shit happens. He has always looked like he is a day away from retiring, but he goes on, unlike his hair. For the cream of the crop we have his co host Morgan Webb, I'm sorry but whoever thought this girl was camera friendly needs to be hit 7 or 8 times in the head with a tire iron. Not mention her voice......I've heard cats **** with more harmony. Outside the insults, much like AOTS X play favors comedic scripts focused more on making stupid ass jokes rather than giving a good coherent assessment on what ever game they claim to be reviewing.

Beyond my childish insults of the "characters" of these shows the fact remains that none of them even do their job well. A lot of that could be blamed on the writers, but be clear when you hire an actor you know right off, they either got it or they don't. When either of the shows interview a developer its the worse, they are far more concerned with kissing ass and getting greased then asking legitimate questions like "why would you release a game in such bad shape". G4 apparently only care about reaching the kids....the "hip" kids, but I'm not exactly clear on how they plan to do that with reruns of cops. I understand that as a company such as G4 needs to reach an audience, but they are absolutely clueless on who they are trying to reach, without a doubt G4 is the most unstable disoriented Television network I have ever had the displeasure of viewing.

They put polls on their site to see what fans would like to see and to take suggestions, then they totally ignore the results. Hell, they want even allow you to criticize, debate, or question any of their host on their forums anymore, doing so will result in suspensions and bans. I'm still waiting to see if they try to create their own TRL, with Kristin Holt hosting that train wreck. We can only hope G4 will eventually get their act together or another network will start up. Its sad that most gamers and PC enthusiast have nowhere else to turn on TV for the info they want and are subjected to the stupidity that is G4.

Does Saints row 2 have a chance on its own?

With the impending release of GTA 4 around the corner much is being kept very quiet about the sequel to possibly the best street gang themed game. Saints row 1 was the first crime sandbox genre game ushered into next gen exclusively on the XBOX 360. While the moronic many proclaimed it a clone or a ripoff the secure few played and enjoyed the hell out of it. Its campy storyline and its chaotic gameplay elements provided hours of enjoyment for those willing to try it. But it was not only labeled a clone or ripoff by kids who have no understanding of genres or gaming history, but also by "supposedly" pro gaming journalist and T.V personality's. Saints row 1 wasn't really given a fair shake by these "supposedly" pro gaming journalist. In fact many of them found it hard to review the game on its own merits w/o bringing up GTA. Which only tells me that apparently the stupid kids who don't understand genre's or gaming history are now stupid adults who still haven't learned.

The sad part about all this is that the bigger gaming news companies are the guilty of this the most. Nate Ahearn of IGN said this in his preview for Saints row 2,
"Its not easy for a company to make an open-world game that stands totally separate from the titan that is grand theft auto. THQ went the opposite direction of other companies and decided to make their first entry into the free-roaming gangster genre what was essentially reskinned GTA"

He acknowledges the free roaming gangster genre as such, but continues to contradict his intelligence. I guess its good many of these journalist were just a glimmer in their dads eye when gaming first started getting some attention. Its not about saints row being a flop it isn't, in fact according to VG Chartz it has sold over 1.7million copies, its not about Saints row 2 being a flop, chances are it will not. Its about these so called journalist dealing with the game on its own merits, and getting their heads out of their ass. You really have to wonder if any of these people have a clear cut understanding to what exactly a genre is and how it is built. Although Saints row 2 is sounding very promising the stupidity parade that is "pro" gaming news is already marching to the same ignorant beat they marched to before the release of the first Saints row.