Its an absolute shame that Persona 4 Golden has absolutely no traffic on this site. One of the best games on the Vita, and we are up to 4 posts.

<sigh>

I hate how the wii u has that stupid in-game animation that prompts you to look down at the handheld screen. nothing like playing a horror game, and a Nintendo 'bobble head' appears on the center of the screen, instructing you to look in your hands. Talk about an immersion killer.

Best.game.ever.

I'm a Persona whore, so YMMV. But this is the definitive version.

Steam pre-load is up, and that is a good thing:

Holy crap! I was thinking of getting this for the 360, I wonder if it comes on multiple disks?

I believe the game comes on one disk, but I've seen a few comparison playthroughs on Youtube, and the console version is still very respectable. I'd equate it to Witcher 2 or Metro 2033 on the console. They did a great job keeping up with the PC versions in both of those titles. I was also happy to see that the console version of Hitman managed to keep almost the same number of NPCs on the screen as the PC version, in high density places like the dance club.

I'm a big fan of RPGs, so the longer gameplay makes it a little easier to justify buying those games at a higher price.  The same is true of strategy games. But Call of Duty, Halo, Need for Speed, etc, are the types of games that I always wait for a price drop. Since multiplayer isn't my thing, I can no longer justify $50-60 price tags for 6 hours of gameplay.

The "problem" with PC gaming is that Steam has conditioned me to a point where I now feel like I'm simply pissing money away if I don't wait for a sale extravaganza. To the dismay of many developers, I'm guessing this is a growing trend. I don't have quite this same urge to wait with console games, even though their prices drop reasonably fast. I think part of that is because console games rarely fall to the obscenely low prices you see for PC games.

I'm trying very hard to change my collector habits to only Strategy and RPG games. There is always a bigger and better Call of Duty or Gears of War-esque game on the horizon.

I'm curious how many of you here play and churn games vs those of you that also build up a 'library' of your favorite titles.  My friend falls into the former category. He either grabs the game from Redbox, or buys it from Gamestop and quickly plays through it and returns it for the highest trade-in value.

I tend to collect games, but my backlog is so high that I'll usually wait until they hit the $30 price point, and then I'll add it to my library. If its a game I truly want to support (the new XCOM, for example) I'll buy on the release date. I'm not really sure WHY I collect these games, however. I keep telling myself I'll go back and play them, but invariably I never do. There is just too much new content coming out that always keeps me occupied. But I somehow cling to this romanticized idea of returning to these previous games for a trip down memory lane.

Anyway, I guess my point is that I'm a collector, but I really shouldn't be one. I'm just too busy, I have too much of a backlog, and something great is always around the corner. What about you?

Bam!  My review is up:

http://www.gamingtrend.com/game_reviews/hitman-absolution-is-the-best-hitman-yet/

90/100

You made the point "Save system supports careful gameplay – balances progress without harsh punishment". What if your gameplay isn't that careful? Say, if you wander about a bit on the map, trying different approaches? Do you end up at the very beginning of the level each time?

Well, you can use the one save point however you wish, but you can only activate it when guards aren't on high alert.  If you want to slaughter everyone on the level wholesale and you die, yea, you'll end up at the beginning of the level.  If you kill half and save, well, then you'll end up there.  

Excellent Review! This will be the first Hitman game I've ever played. I love the stealth genre, and have worked my way through Deus Ex, Metal Gear, Dishonored and Splinter Cell. I'm hoping this game lives up to the hype. People on a few forums have been bashing it relentlessly for straying from the 'hardcore' design school, but from your review it sounds like the developers did a good job creating difficulty levels for ALL gamers. Nothing wrong with that.

Very happy to see the inclusion of adjustable difficulty. On more than a few games I never would have seen the ending if it wasn't for that feature. I love playing on 'difficult' normally, but sometimes that can make specific bosses an absolute grind and chore to pass.

[Uncharted]

If you like Uncharted on the consoles, grab the Vita version. It is excellent.

Persona 4 is due out this month. That is a must have for RPG fans.

New Little King's Story is great if you enjoyed the 1st game on the Wii.

Looks like Tom Chick figured out how to drive up the hits this week....

I'm not going to link to it- you all likely know where to go.

I can pinpoint the exact moment he stopped playing the campaign. It's pathetic.

yeah, I don't understand his score of 1 star. That equates to 20%, which to me would be a game that is inherently broken or completely buggy and unfinished. I haven't played Halo 4, but I'm certain it has amazing graphics, competent controls, a relatively long single player mode, coupled with strong multiplayer aspects, wrapped up in mostly bug-free gaming. How can that possibly equate to 1 star? I can see a 2.5 or 3 stars, but ONE? My first inclination was shaking the tree just because he wanted to generate some buzz.

I'm just curious if you guys who are using it really like the Metro/box interface, and if you are using it on a touch screen.  I tried the customer preview a while back and really did not like it at all; I just jumped to the desktop as soon as I could.  This was not on a touch screen though.  Also in terms of new/better features, are there specific ones that would be good even if you only used the desktop interface?

I'm using it on a full-blown i5 powered Samsung touch screen slate, and I think it is marvelous. Great cloud support. They are really going all out on a seamless look between Windows 8 PC, Windows 8 phones, and Xbox. Smartglass is very cool, along with Xbox music. In particular, Xbox music allows for free streaming of their entire archive of 350,000 songs.  A subscription garners you extra bonuses. But overall, it simply feels and acts like a "shell" placed over Windows 7. But a very well designed shell. If it wasn't for its exclusive games, I could easily see myself discarding the ipad.


On the desktop side I haven't noticed much change, but I haven't dug deep. Many of my programs now use between 5-25% less resources, however.

Play with headphones! You MUST play with HEADPHONESSSSSS!!!!!

1) you must have one REAL point in the skill (and a cool thing in B2 is when you look at the skill, it will tell you there are bonus points you are not receiving...don't think the first had that)

2) yes, afaik. The first game was like that. You should see the higher level reflected in the skill effect info.

Thanks. Didn't realize it told you about bonuses you aren't receiving.

I've got a few question about the perks such as Metal Storm, Duty Calls, Impact, etc. Certain mods give you a +1 or higher bonus to these perks, but I'm uncertain about two aspects:

1) Do you need to have first unlocked and spent points on a perk such as Metal Storm before the bonus mods will work? In other words, can I still get the +2 to my impact skill if I haven't placed skill points into that tree yet?

2) Skills go up to level 5. If I'm already at Sentry level 5, and then get a +2 Sentry mod, does that aggregate to a +7 and go above the normal skill limit?


Thanks!

This game is exceptional. If you enjoyed 999, you simply must purchase Zero Escape. So far I'm enjoying it as much as the first title, and the production values are much higher. It is a brilliant addition to the Vita library.

I tried the 3DS and Vita version. The Vita version is superior. You also avoid the game-killing bugs found in the 3DS version, that corrupt your save file.

I upgraded to Windows 8 on my Samsung Series 7 slate late last evening via the $40 upgrade. A few general thoughts:

-upgrading was simple and flawless. Everything carried over properly and I've had absolutely no conflicts or issues moving up from Win7 Professional.

-My legacy programs all appear to be working properly and in many cases they are using less system resources. For example, Media Player Classic Home Cinema is now using 12% less resources when playing 1080p MKV video.

-You can immediately switch back to the "old" Windows 7 desktop screen via a massive button located prominently on the Win8 start screen. So I'm not sure why so many people are gnashing their teeth over the lack of a normal desktop. But....the desktop appears to be slightly more difficult to use, as the "Start" button is now gone. So I'm still trying to determine how to quickly open programs via the standard desktop now, without going into Explorer, or pinning them to the task bar.

-Navigation is as fluid as the ipad. Swiping is very responsive, and jumping between programs shows no delay or stuttering.

-The new app store is easy to use, but still lacks for true content. Hulu, Netflix, and Kindle are all available, so I'm happy. The apps also seem to be getting added at a fairly quick pace.


Overall I'm happy with the upgrade, and for my tablet it was a good decision.




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I'm really enjoying The Last Story, but much like Xenoblade Chronicles, I keep wishing the game had been released on the 360 or PS3. The art direction is good, but the graphics are simply godawful on 60" plasma TV. I actually dropped down and started playing it on my 24" LCD, where the smaller screen makes things bearable. The Wii U can't get here soon enough.

Anyway, there isn't much depth to the battle system or RPG elements, but the story and cast of characters keep things entertaining.

I'm buying both the PC version and the 360 version. Enjoyed the demo and want to support further development of games like this. Give us Terror From The Deep next!

Having said that, I'm very disappointed that there won't be any maps where your home base is attacked. I absolutely loved the need to defend your headquarters in the original game. It added an extra level of tension when you realized the aliens were absolutely willing and able to bring the fight to your doorstep.

If the Vita dies, its because there are a couple hundred topics, across multiple forums, all lamenting the death of the Vita. This stops potential new customers from buying, and skittish publishers from getting on board. Self-fullfilling prophecy.

This game is great, everyone should at the very least check out the trial.

Agreed.  Great art style, fun gameplay and you can play it how it suits you.  Really digging this and am amazed it isn't getting more love from MS itself.  This should have been the headliner for the summer promo.

Absolutely agree. This is the best release of the year so far on their service, and I saw Microsoft Studios on the splash screen. you would think they would be pumping this title up.

Awesome! Thanks Bullwinkle! This looks fantastic and it wasn't even on my radar. Any idea how long the game lasts?

Fail. The port to ios is out.

It's $20
It's not universal.

So much for TWEWY in all it's iPad glory....

sorry, already played through it!

Played for about 4 hours. The game is not for me. It comes complete, and is in excellent condition. Will ship with delivery confirmation. Looking for the following games, also in "Like New" condition:

360:

Darksiders 2
Max Payne 3

I myself am stuck at the Club Bam Bam mission. I can't get past it . And there are no unlocked police missions left to attempt, so I'll play around with the game some more but then it's back to the store for a trade-in .

On a happier note, I did lay my hands on a sub-machine gun and for a while I was raising hell and grabbing lock boxes like nobody's business ... till I ran out of ammo

I had the exact same problem, and the checkpoints on that mission suck! I finally got through it by:

1. Getting power ups from vendors for increased protection, life bar regeneration, and increased "heat" meter. (can't remember what they call it in the game)
2. immediately after the bouncers quick time event, just jump over the railing down to the first floor. you can avoid fighting them altogether.
3. Disarm the guy with the knife and use it.
4. Wait for your health bar to regenerate before entering the bathroom. That grappler can do massive damage.

I'm really not liking the combat as much as Batman, as it seems to be ALOT less forgiving during quick-time events. For example, I keep hitting "B" but the grappler still hits me for big damage. combos also seem harder to pull off.

If the fights in later parts of the game have more stages and enemies than club Bam-Bam, I may call it a day. That sequence had about 30 guys to take out. right now I'm trying to increase my health via shrines.

I'll chime in as one of the people who is simply not enjoying the game yet. I'm having some difficulty with the melee combat, and the checkpoints are horrendous. There is nothing worse than fighting through 3 waves of enemies, getting killed by the last one or two of them, and being sent a significant way back. Plus, any power-ups you bought are lost when you replay the checkpoint. So if you had increased attack and decreased damage power-ups, they are gone when you need to reload a checkpoint. NOT cool.

I've also not seen any really interesting characters or character development yet. I've only played the first few cop missions, and up to Club Bam-Bam. But nothing really stands out.

I agree with your first comment, but not the second.  The character development is on par with this type of sandbox game.  It's one of the reasons I keep playing it.

I like it despite my frustration with the combat.  I'm at the same spot you are, BTW.

I agree that the development is about on par with other games. I was anticipating something a little more colorful, similar to the characters in GTA Chinatown. I guess it would be more correct to say that the dialogue is rather bland, and that diminishes my interest in the characters. I'll give it a few more missions and see if the combat clicks.

I'll chime in as one of the people who is simply not enjoying the game yet. I'm having some difficulty with the melee combat, and the checkpoints are horrendous. There is nothing worse than fighting through 3 waves of enemies, getting killed by the last one or two of them, and being sent a significant way back. Plus, any power-ups you bought are lost when you replay the checkpoint. So if you had increased attack and decreased damage power-ups, they are gone when you need to reload a checkpoint. NOT cool.

I've also not seen any really interesting characters or character development yet. I've only played the first few cop missions, and up to Club Bam-Bam. But nothing really stands out.

(360) Dragon's Dogma and/or Silent Hill DownPour for trade. Mint Condition. Looking for "like new" copies of:

360:

Spec Ops: The Line
Max Payne 3

We're going out on Sunday, so I guess I'll learn more then. I do think there may be an element of cat-and-mouse involved on her side, but I guess I can't fault her for that. As I mentioned in my original post, I'm just trying to determine what the hell is going on based upon her mixed signals.  

Is this the same girl from the other thread? If so, wouldn't the Sunday outing have given you a better idea of her motive?

Nah, different girl. But it does seem like EVERY girl I know refuses to give a straight answer. I just had a conversation with one of my female friends yesterday about how woman should just tell a man "no", instead of being nice and unintentionally leading him on. She insisted that woman just felt bad about hurting guys feelings (especially if they see the guy every day) and they always felt the need to let guys down gently.....over time. You know, let things die out longitudinally. I told her this is exactly what guys hate about women. Trying to let a guy down gently often comes across as a mixed signal where the guy thinks he still has a chance.

So everyone thinks "A"? I really need to stop ruminating over things. Its sunk my battleship more than once......but I guess its easy to fall into that trap when you like someone. Now I need to start grooming myself for her return! 1 push up....2 push ups.....pizza break.....

seeing that on my Phone i would say A,and have a giddy smile on my face for the rest of the week

but i can see where you are coming from if she thinks you two are Thick as Thieves..but i think A is the most likely still,especially how she kept you hanging there at the end...that's what women do!!


Just..er...don't do anything about it until some more people agree with me,Okay?

Yeah, my initial reaction was giddiness. But I have this curse. Over-analyzing the sh!t out of everything. Then I suddenly came up with the 2nd translation.

Ah, texting. Nothing better than a vague text that can be viewed through different prisms.

A girl that I'm attracted to had long, beautiful hair until yesterday. Abruptly, she decided to cut it down to shoulder length, which dramatically changed her look. Needless to say, some of the guys at work let her have it with both barrels. One particular guy (Mike) was especially sarcastic, and I thought her feelings were slightly hurt. Now, Mike and I are not friends, but we do talk on a regular basis. She and I text several times a week, and I sent her a message saying she shouldn't be concerned about what he said. The exact text was:

"Don't listen to Mike about your appearance. His taste is impaired."

She responded by saying:

"Of all the people who speak to me, I care least of all about what Michael has to say. You on the other hand....."


And that was her entire text.


Would you take that message as:

A) She doesn't care about what Michael thinks, but she DOES care about my opinion.

or

B)  She doesn't care about what Michael thinks, but she believes that I DO care what he says.  (as in "on the other hand I believe you care too much about what Mike thinks")


I would simply ask her to clarify this, but she left her phone sitting in her cubicle at work and she is out of town until Tuesday. So now it is a strange and minor curiosity that I can't get out of my head. And Tuesday is a long way off. So how would you translate that text? And BTW, our relationship would best be described "friends at work", but I'm working on changing that.  So, in a small sense this text has some weight. Option A would mean that there may be a spark of interest on her side also. Option B would basically mean she thinks that I spend too much time talking to jerks.  

I'm really looking forward to Persona 4 on the Vita.

RoF was awesome, but the learning curve is steep. WKC2 sucked. It was far too generic. I've have Xenoblade Chronicles, but haven't played it much.

I was also pleasantly surprised by Magna Carta 2. Be forewarned the first hour or two are very generic and not representative of the entire game.

supposed pics of the rumored new model.  looks like they made it ribbed.

Really ugly.  

The ribbed feature is for her enjoyment, not yours.

Perhaps I'm alone in this, but the reason I post less frequently is due to my backlog. Becoming a full-blooded post-college adult has restricted my gaming time to where I'm waaay behind the curve on new releases. So when forum activity picked up on that shiny new Mass Effect 3, I was busy beginning Mass Effect 2. Thus I have nothing to contribute to any new release topics, unless it is a game I've been absolutely on pins and needles to play.

[No spoilers, I promise.  Just sharing my emotional reaction to the story ending.  If you don't even want to see that, please move along  ]

F**k yeah, now that's how you end a story!  Damn that was cool.  And there's even more content post story!  Like an entire DLC worth of post-game content...and that's not even considering New Game+.  Well done Capcom.  One of the best games I've played this generation, and I'm not ready to stop playing.  More post game stuff, and then new game+.     

Has anyone purchased the DLC for quests and weapons, and determined if they are worthwhile?

Had a cyclops jump off a cliff when it saw me coming. Died and I got the experience.

Was very funny.

I had something similar happen. I was in an underground catacomb, and a cyclops rushed me. I jumped out of the way and it plummeted to its death, over the side of the ledge. Awesome!

The coolest thing that has happened to me so far is when a griffin landed in front of me, snapped me up in its beak, tossed me into the air, and then swooped up and killed me while I was airborne!

Wow! That video footage of Watch Dogs was damned impressive. I hope the storyline is good.

I found the mechanics in Conviction to be better than any other entry. I hope they continue down that path with the new game.

I'm still enjoying the game, but some of the shine has worn off. A few glaring negatives:

-not enough storyline
-bland quests, most of which are of the "fetch" or "kill 50 rats" variety
-enemies respawn in the exact same places
-not nearly enough armor and weapon variation. I've only upgraded my attire three times in 24 levels.

However, the positives still weigh in heavily:

+excellent sense of exploration, especially at nightime
+pawn system
+visceral edge to the combat

My friend is playing Dragon's Dogma, and his main pawn is level 38. He named this NPC after his girlfriend. He just learned today that his girlfriend has been cheating on him. Now when he loads up his game, he sees the name "Isabel" everywhere. To make matters worse, the in-game character even looks similar to his her!  He doesn't want to start the entire game over again, but seeing her name is driving him C-R-A-Z-Y!!