Nerd Rating

Category: News

  • The Good, The Bad And The Random Of The PS4 Ultimate FAQ

    Photo courtesy news.softpedia.com
    Photo courtesy news.softpedia.com

    With the Playstation 4 only a few weeks from release, Sony has posted what they call the “Ultimate FAQ” about their next-gen console. Let’s take a look at the details in three handy categories for you fine people.

    The Good

    -The Playstation 4 will release on November 15th in North America for $399.99.

    -HDMI cable included (at last)

    -PS4 is designed with an internal power supply, so it does not have an external
    “power brick.”

    -PS4 is capable of 10x the processing power of the PS3 system. The system
    features an optimized design featuring a unified 8GB of high-speed GDDR5 RAM, an
    eight core X86 CPU, and a powerful graphics processor.

    -The majority of new features that have been announced will be available when PS4
    launches. These features include background downloads, cross-game voice chat,
    transitioning to a network based on real-world friends, and live streaming
    gameplay footage via Ustream and Twitch.

    -PS4 supports up to 2,000 online friends, an expansion of the 100 friends limit
    for the PS3 system.

    -You can continue to play a game as a patch is downloading.

    – One PS Plus membership will continue to grant benefits for your PS3 and PS Vita
    system, even after you pick up a PS4.

    -You can use content you’ve purchased on up to two PS4 systems simultaneously —
    simply sign into a friends’ PS4, and the content you’ve purchased will be
    available as long as you remain signed in.

    The Bad

    -The PS4 will not support an external hard drive.  PS4 is equipped with a 5400 RPM SATA II hard drive. Users can choose to install
    a new hard drive so long as it complies with these standards, is no thicker than
    9.5mm, and is larger than 160GB.

    -Support for high-resolution 4K output for still images and movie content is in consideration, but there are no further details to share at this time. PS4 does not currently support 4K output for games.

    -PS4 will not support Dynamic Themes as they currently exist on the PS3 system.

    -We strongly recommend that Remote Play be used within the same WiFi network
    where PS4 is connected. Remote Play may or may not work over a wide area network.

    -You can not share your captured videos on YouTube.

    The Random

    -What’s in the box? Playstation 4 console, Dualshock 4 controller, micro USB cable for charging controller, mono headset for voice chat, power cable and HDMI cable.

    -Input/ Output ports: HDMI OUT, DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL AUDIO), Ethernet, two USB 3.0 ports, and an
    auxiliary connector reserved for PlayStation Camera. PS4 also features
    integrated 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi for wireless internet connectivity and Bluetooth
    2.1 for DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller connectivity.

    -PS4 can be used in the horizontal or vertical position. In North America,
    vertical stands for PS4 will be released by partners as officially licensed
    program products during PS4’s launch window.

    -Blu-Ray and DVD playback with PS4 (duh). No audio CD capability.

    -PS4 supports up to four DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controllers at one time.

    -Remote Play will work best when the PS Vita system is located within the same WiFi network where PS4 is connected. We also recommend that PS4 be connected to the local area network via an Ethernet cable, that a router suitable for gaming be used and that the PS Vita system be within close proximity of the WiFi access point so that the connection is free of interference.

     

  • *UPDATED* Assassin’s Creed IV “Online” Pass

    assassin-s-creed-iv-black-flag-playstation-4-ps4-1374521568-058

    Update: Thanks to the hard work of nose-to-the-ground game journalists – and MASSIVE consumer outcry – Ubisoft is discontinuing the Uplay Passport system in its entirety. Assassin’s Creed IV will be the last title to utilize it, and the company is changing the price for the item to “free” on all applicable marketplaces. Enjoy this one, folks. Cheers, Ubisoft.

    Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag launched yesterday to moderate reviews; this particular gamer won’t get to play it until I actually have an Xbox One and Beth has finished it and possibly all of the extra content. Once it does roll around to me, however, it turns out I’ll have to shell out a little more than expected.

    As most of you are aware, online passes are a “thing” now, and Ubisoft’s particular version is the Uplay Passport, which was first introduced to this series with Assassin’s Creed 3. I’m not actually against passes in most situations; I tend to buy games new, and games that have a multiplayer component that my group is interested in require that we all have copies anyway. I’m also on board with “pre-order bonuses;” again, I tend to buy games new, on release day, and Amazon doesn’t charge you for having a game reserved until it actually ships.

    Yesterday, however, it came to light that Ubisoft has crossed a line into new territory: Within Black Flag, there is a mechanic that involves you taking over enemy ships and adding them to your fleet. It’s essentially this game’s version of Ezio’s brotherhood and Conner’s homestead; your fleet earns you money and items, and can be sent on missions from a map in your cabin.

    If you don’t have an active Uplay Passport, this mechanic is disabled. This single player mechanic.

    Ubisoft’s excuse for this is that your can link your fleet with those of your friends, and even send each other assistance across missions. According to their logic, this constitutes a “multiplayer component” and falls under the guidelines for their online pass system. In my opinion, this is a pathetic attempt to spin the truth: They have decided to spearhead the push to block content for solo players who have bought the game used, or are borrowing it from a friend.

    Why does bother me? Because, with wholly single-player experiences, Beth and I have begun only purchasing a single copy and splitting the cost. Dishonored, Sleeping Dogs, Remember Me, Assassin’s Creed 3; one copy between us in each instance. I’ve barely played AC 3, but what I have played was not hindered at all by my lack of the Uplay Passport, because I will never play that game online. There are also a few instances where only one of us could get the pre-order items, but again, those don’t tend to be big losses; whoever was more interested in the game took the bonus, and the other one just didn’t worry about it.

    When I eventually get to play AC IV, however, I won’t be able to access the fleet meta-game at all unless I pay Ubisoft another $10. Oh, and I’ll probably get to do it again when Watchdogs eventually comes out, because unless we see definitive proof that its multiplayer component is worthwhile, only one copy of that will be purchased as well.

    Congratulations, Ubisoft. I have been a die-hard fan of yours since Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. I genuinely liked the first Assassin’s Creed, repetitive missions and all. I know this trend won’t stop with you; hell, Capcom and EA have been charging people for access to content on the disc under the guise of “DLC” for years. I can’t it explain it, but this feels different, and I’m disappointed in you for it.

    At what point did the $60+ we pay for games not become enough? I’m not a GameStop kind of guy; I don’t buy into their “Reserve / Trade-In / Used” system, and it bothered me so much when I worked there that they fired me over it. I pre-ordered the collector’s edition of Black Flag the day it went up on Amazon, along with the hardbound strategy guide. Doesn’t matter! $10 more or else!

    I guess maybe Ubisoft is just reacting to a changing marketplace, same as the rest of the industry? I’ve got no problem railing against used games, either… But this isn’t a used game! I’m buying it new! It infuriates me that just because my girlfriend and I both want to play it…

    I’m rambling now. I apologize. I’m angry, and by damn, I hope you are too.

     

  • Nintendo Reports Wii U Sales. There Is No Good News

    Photo courtesy geek.com
    Photo courtesy geek.com

    It appears the Wii U price drop had a positive affect on the console’s sales but not enough to really make a difference. Nintendo says the struggling console sold 300,000 units in the last quarter which is an almost 50% rise from the previous quarter sales of 160,000.

    Nintendo dropped the price of the Wii U to $299.99 and focused on only selling the deluxe model and it is still not the push the console needed. Total Wii U sales sit at just under 4 million consoles and is going to need a miracle to reach the 9 million Nintendo forecasted to sell before the end of the year.

    Super Mario 3D World is the only big release of the holiday season after Donkey Kong was delayed into 2014. Mario Kart 8 will not release until April 2014 and Smash Bros. won’t see shelves until holiday next year. With horrible sales there is no use in hoping for third party support especially with next-gen consoles a few weeks away.

    Nintendo is offering different bundles to push sales including one with Skylanders: Swap Force and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.

    This hurts as a lifelong Nintendo fan. I have yet to buy a Wii U because I still see no value in paying $300 for it. I have bought every Nintendo console but won’t think of getting one until it hits $199 which is what I was hoping would happen with the price cut a few months ago. I felt Nintendo needed to do like they did with the 3DS and just cut it way down to get sales moving. Alas, it did not happen and the Wii U looks like a defunct console as it heads to its first birthday.

  • Titanfall Confirmed as 100% Microsoft Exclusive *Updated*

    titanfall-gamescom

    Exclusives are nothing new to the game industry, but recent years have seen developers and publishers opting for time-limited exclusivity contracts: A title – or even extra content – starts out on only one system, but eventually moves to all platforms. When Titanfall showed up with only Xbox 360, Xbox One and PC versions announce, everyone assumed the PlayStation 4 version would show up in time.

    According to recent press, however, the first game from Respawn Entertainment – made up largely of veteran Call of Duty developers from Infinity Ward – will bring it’s high-octane mech-driven action to Microsoft platforms only, forever and always. The developer cites Microsoft’s cloud and dedicated server support as essential to having the game run correctly.

    According to Jon Shiring, an engineer for the developer, ““Microsoft realized that player-hosted servers are actually holding back online gaming and that this is something that they could help solve, and ran full-speed with this idea. So they built this powerful system to let us create all sorts of tasks that they will run for us, and it can scale up and down automatically as players come and go.”

    This news is a potential game-changer as we approach the launch of each new console, considering the pedigree that Respawn carries. The gameplay footage for Titanfall is arguably the most unique thing to emerge from the ever-growing sea of first-person shooters in recent years. I’ll readily admit that Titanfall holds my interest considerably more than even Bungie’s Destiny, based on what we’ve seen so far.

    Personally, I think there was probably also a substantial amount of money involved, techno-babble aside. I agree that Microsoft offers the better option as far as online multiplayer support; “free” games help ease the cost of PlayStation Plus, but they don’t counter Xbox Live’s superiority in letting people play together. While we’ve already seen the footage of “Halo 5,” I think Microsoft understands that they need a franchise that is decidedly Next-Gen; Xbox One needed its Halo: Combat Evolved or Gears of War to set the stage.

    Here’s hoping Titanfall delivers come March 14.

    UPDATE: Both Respawn and EA have attempted to clarify statements from yesterday, and have possibly succeeded in making it all more convoluted. The main point that seems to keep coming up is that the exclusivity does NOT apply to all future Titanfall titles, as was widely reported; it is only the current title that is guaranteed to Microsoft. This definitely changes things down the line, but doesn’t influence the fact that Microsoft has secured a key piece in swaying people about what console to buy over the next six months.

  • Review Roundup: Battlefield 4

    Photo courtesy t3.com
    Photo courtesy t3.com

    EA will once again take on Call of Duty this year with Battlefield 4. While the shooter has never come close to taking over the throne from Activision’s giant, it has its own niche in the FPS world. Battlefield 3 was forgettable it we are being honest. The multiplayer was decent and the story was…well I am pretty sure it involved words written in crayon on construction paper. Has DICE been able to make a more well crafted experience this time around? God I hope so because they are developing Star Wars: Battlefront and they better not screw it up.

    Reviews, go!

    IGN– 8/10

    Single player- “Its campaign is an obnoxious assault of explosions, blood, profanity, and anger wrapped in an apparent parody of a first-person shooter. In five hours, Battlefield 4 hits on almost every predictable cliché expected: Tank mission, boat mission, stealth mission, jailbreak, sewers, sudden but inevitable betrayal, dastardly Russians, defying orders, and, of course, a torture sequence.”

    Multiplayer- “Where Battlefield 4 most brilliantly distances Battlefield 3 is in its map design. The best Battlefield maps are challenging and satisfying, demanding you take advantage of everything at your disposal, and Battlefield 4 does this extremely well.”

    Kotaku– Not Yet

    Single Player- “Occasionally in Battlefield 4’s solo campaign you’ll meet some variance. Jump out of a plane to land on a ship, ready to attack immediately after landing. Ride a speedboat while shooting down those of the enemies’. Hike around that quintessential snow level. You know the sort of thing if you’ve ever played any shooter ever.”

    Multiplayer- “You can destroy levees and flood part of the map, forcing everyone to swim. You’ll block off paths and create new ones. Battlefield has always been a playground of death, and now DICE has given you even more play-doh to work with.”

    Game Informer– 8.75/10

    Single Player- ” The story culminates with a choice-driven ending, but given my lack of attachment to the characters I hardly felt engaged enough to weigh my options seriously. Thankfully, the campaign is short, clocking in at roughly five hours.”

    Multiplayer- “No matter what mode or class you are playing, you continually earn rewards thanks to the deep and varied progression system featured in Battlefield 4. The variety is staggering, with more types of sights, grips, knives, rocket launchers, and camo than any previous Battlefield game. Some are unlocked by ranking up your class or weapon, and others can be acquired at random in a Battlepack, which you receive roughly every three levels.”

    Videogamer– 9/10

    Single Player- “The campaign is one of Battlefield’s best, too, and though DICE continues to stray a little too far into ‘loud and dumb’ COD territory rather than make the most of its large-scale, all-out war heritage, the explosive set pieces offer just enough to keep players entertained throughout the 5 hour experience.”

    Multiplayer- “Unlike Battlefield 3, multiplayer appears to be launching in a finely tuned state, with a major balancing overhaul providing a mechanically-solid framework. Though weapon unlocks and upgrades still require a healthy time investment, early balancing issues are sidestepped by providing newcomers with a decent armoury, while vehicle weapon spamming has been restricted by a new cooldown-based ammo counter.”

    Gamespot– 8/10

    Single Player- “But Battlefield is about more than just multiplayer these days, and the single-player campaign in BF4 also has some exciting moments. These are sequences that channel the freedom and variety of multiplayer; the levels spent mostly in corridors and in close-quarters combat are more frequent, however, and not nearly as enjoyable.”

    Multiplayer- “Fortunately, the online stage is expertly set for some exhilarating moments. One of the best new things about BF4 is Obliteration mode, in which two teams fight to gain control of a bomb and use it to blow up three enemy positions. Unlike returning standby Conquest mode, in which the battle ebbs and flows between a handful of set positions, Obliteration boasts conflict zones that can change in a flash with the timely use of land, air, and sea vehicles.”

     

  • The Walking Dead: Season Two Continues Clementine’s Story. Thank You, Telltale

    Photo courtesy kotaku.com
    Photo courtesy kotaku.com

     

    Telltale Games has just released the first trailer for The Walking Dead: Season Two and we now will be able to take control of Clementine in her journey to survive. Fans of Season One will recognize some environments shown as well as Lee’s haunting voice. Why you gotta hit me in the feels Telltale?

    No release date was given for Season Two but we may see Episode One before the end of the year.

  • Hey! Buy Games! October 27- November 3, 2014

    Photo courtesy cinemablend.com
    Photo courtesy cinemablend.com

    It is the biggest release week of the year so far for video games. Pirate lovers, military shooters and wrestling fans all have reason to be excited this week. It is officially the biggest time of the year for gaming. Who is excited?

    Oh and there is another Sonic game also.

    October 29th

    [amazon_link id=”B00BXE4KVM” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Battlefield 4[/amazon_link] (360, PS3)

    [amazon_link id=”B00BMFIXKQ” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Assassin’s Creed IV[/amazon_link] (360 PS3, Wii U)

    [amazon_link id=”B00CMC6HCY” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]WWE 2K14[/amazon_link] (360, PS3)

    [amazon_link id=”B00D41GCVS” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Sonic Lost World[/amazon_link] (Wii U, 3DS)

    [amazon_link id=”B00DWXV1B4″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Angry Birds Star Wars[/amazon_link] (360, PS3, Wii, Wii U, Vita, 3DS)

    [amazon_link id=”B00CSLIYTI” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Pac Man and the Ghostly Adventures[/amazon_link] (360, PS3, Wii U, Vita, 3DS)

    October 31st

    [amazon_link id=”B00BPF528E” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Sniper Elite: Nazi Zombie Army 2[/amazon_link] (PC)

  • Review Roundup: Assassin’s Creed IV

    Photo courtesy hdwallpapers.in
    Photo courtesy hdwallpapers.in

    Time to set sail on the high seas today with the release of [amazon_link id=”B00BMFIXKQ” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Assassin’s Creed IV[/amazon_link]. People are understandably excited about the next entry in the franchise, including me, even though Assassin’s Creed III left a bad taste in many people’s mouths with its excessive hand-holding and feeling like they were never truly in control of their character. Can the pirate themed adventure set the series on a new course or is it just more of the same?

    Here are what the first review are saying:

    IGN– 8.5/10

    “Black Flag learns from AC 3’s initial 10 hours of banal hand-holding by immediately throwing you into the action. After a lean and exhilarating opening mission that places you in the blood-soaked boots of Connor’s much livelier and more likeable grandfather Edward Kenway, the world blossoms and allows you to explore its vast uncharted waters. The size of the world is staggering, and the fact that it’s absolutely brimming with fun and rewarding activities made me want to get lost as possible as I traveled from point A to point B.”

    Videogamer– 7/10

    “On land, it’s (literally) the same old Creed. There’s a certain compulsive appeal to it of course, just like Ezio’s trilogy; you’ll want to collect the seemingly inexhaustible amount of things on offer, even if you know that what you’re doing isn’t technically good or even interesting. You just don’t care; it’s the gaming equivalent of fast food. “

    Polygon– 7.5/10

    “This change makes the best part of Assassin’s Creed 3 — the sailing and ship-to-ship combat — much better. Out on the ocean, Assassin’s Creed 4 is unlike any game I’ve ever played. Even the basic act of sailing the Jackdaw was gratifying as I called out commands to my crew, adjusting sails and angle to head off storms or enemy fleets, or shouting for full sail to ram an unsuspecting merchant ship.”

    Kotaku– YES

    “I found myself excited to return to the Caribbean because, well, the game is a great deal of fun to play. Black Flag is the most mechanically assured, sturdily designed game in the series. Everything works in concert much more harmoniously than it has in past games, particularly the rough-around-the-edges-and-middle Assassin’s Creed III. Inventory management, aiming, sneaking and sword-fighting all feel more of a piece than they yet have.”

    Gamespot– 9/10

    “Despite the presence of pirates and scoundrels, the world of Black Flag is a consistently gorgeous one. The Assassin’s Creed series has always had a knack for establishing an engrossing sense of place in its dense urban landscapes, and Ubisoft hasn’t missed a step in applying that same level of craftsmanship toward the islands and jungles of the Caribbean.”

    Game Informer– 8.25/10

    “Despite my issues with the paths that are laid out before you, Black Flag is great fun when you let your impulses guide you.  Whether you want to hunt animals or unearth Mayan relics, it caters to obsessive gamers with a multitude of objectives to cross off the checklist. Plus, so many different activities are available that I could hardly sail between destinations without getting sidetracked three or four times on the way.”

  • Telltale Teases The Walking Dead Season 2 Info

    walking_dead_season_2

    We will know more about Telltale Games The Walking Dead Season 2 on October 29th at 3PM EST. That’s tomorrow by the way. The developer tweeted the image above of Clementine’s hat with a message that said “keep that hair short”.

    The Walking Dead Season 1 won many Game of the Year Awards and for good reason. It was one of the best stories told in gaming and even I had to hold back some tears when finishing the game. You would have thought someone told me there was no bacon. It really was bad.

  • Xbox One Invites You To Have Fun With Titans, Zombies And Zachary Quinto In New Commercial

    Photo courtesy allgamesbeta.com
    Photo courtesy allgamesbeta.com

    Where was this thinking earlier this year when Microsoft was shooting themselves in the foot while running on broken glass with their inability to market the Xbox One? They have righted the course since then and this commercial hits all the right notes for the system. Titanfall, Dead Rising 3, Ryse and Forza are represented well and you even have a Zachary Quinto appearance with an woman eerily reminiscent of Penelope Cruz.

    Good job Microsoft.

    [amazon_link id=”B00CMQTVMI” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Xbox One[/amazon_link] releases on November 22nd.

    http://youtu.be/_1mfIg1I3zE