RipTen Videogame Blog » E3

Total PS3 Sales Close to Xbox 360 But Gap May Widen

Michael Futter — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 21:00:04 +0000

While it’s probably unfair to assume that no one wants the next generation of consoles right now, it’s undeniable that the majority of gamers are still quite content with their Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Recently, Sony hinted that they would be the last to reveal their plans for the next generation system (presumably named the PlayStation 4), with Microsoft being demure about what they would be bringing to E3 in early June.

The first Thursday of the month is typically “earnings call day,” and Sony revealed that their total PlayStation 3 sales have now reached 47.9 million units, compared to the Xbox 360′s 50 million units (as disclosed during Microsoft’s final CES keynote). While the numbers seem fairly close, it’s important to look at the trends.

In the quarter ending December 31, 2011, Sony moved 6.3 million PlayStation 3 units. This is down .2 million from the same period last year. In contrast, Microsoft is boasting 2.7 million Xbox 360s sold in the same period which is up a monster 70% over last year. The Kinect, which has disappointed core gamers but, clearly, found a place with the younger and casual markets, saw sales of 2.4 million and throttled past the overall 10 million unit mark. Microsoft continues to see growth, where Sony’s sales of gaming hardware has stagnated and shrunk.

There are some factors that might help explain away a portion of the sales figures, but nothing terribly significant. Microsoft is likely seeing a portion of sales from users replacing out-of-warranty, red ringed 360 consoles. On the flip side, Sony is experiencing very weak PSP sales as the Vita launched, though too softly, in Asia and will be in other major territories in a matter of weeks. Sony can turn the ship around with some clever marketing and bundles that tie a complete Vita experience to owning a PS3 (and vice versa).

Put up alongside Microsoft likely showing something about the next Xbox at E3 and Sony vehemently denying that they will match, one has to wonder if the positions should be reversed. Clearly, Microsoft knows that there is a lot of life left in the 360 whereas Sony might have too much faith in the PS3. With E3 quickly coming upon us, we’ll have all the news you can handle soon.

Iwata: Not All Wii U Games Have to be in HD

Sam Naylor — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:00:27 +0000

Speaking to investors, Nintendo‘s President Satoru Iwata has said that not all Wii U games have to be in full HD.

When asked about development for the Wii U, Iwata said:

Looking at the software for home console systems, there are certainly the software titles for which very rich graphics must be reproduced on HD displays… But we do not think that any and all the software must be created in that fashion.

He went on:

Rather, we have to create the dynamic range of appeals that the consumers can appreciate… As we will showcase the Wii U at E3 in June this year, the detailed announcements must wait until then, but we are aiming to make a system which shall not be forced into competing with the others where the contenders can fight only with massive developer resources and long development times as their weapons.

Iwata made it clear that titles like The Legend of Zelda will be treated to full HD, as the fans will expect it of them at this point. Still, it seems very odd that in this day and age there would still be issues with making every game in HD. You would think they’ve got it sorted by now- though maybe Nintendo doesn’t have as much practice as the other developers.

Via [Gamingbolt]

Edit: I realise how this looks- thanks to some snide comments below- and think I should clarify. When I wrote “HD” I was referring to high definition as a concept, rather than a screen resolution (i.e 720p, 1080p)- you can read for yourself in the quoted sections what Iwata means. I understand that my writing could be clearer on this occasion, and seek to improve at any opportunity. I’ll leave the post as it is for history’s sake.

Sony Denies PS4 E3 2012 Announcement, How Much Longer Must We Wait?

Drake Hess — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:55:24 +0000

Recent rumors be damned! While talking with CVG at a Vita launch event, Sony Computer Entertainment President, Andrew House, said that the company was planning a new console announcement for E3 2012. He then commented on the longevity of the PS2 to illustrate the fundamental differences between their logic and that of their competition.

“I don’t think we’re contemplating talking about anything to do with future console iterations at this point … one thing I always point to is that, somewhat in contrast to our major competitors, we have, particularly with PS2, managed the length of the lifecycle and ensured its profitability for our publishing partners for a much longer lifecycle than has been true of the competition.”

Supporting the statements made by his colleague, Sony Corporation Representative Corporate Executive Officer and Executive Deputy President, Kaz Hirai, shared the following with press at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES):

“I’ve always said a 10-year life cycle for PS3, and there is no reason to go away from that.”

Simple math tells us that we are probably not going to be able to get our hands on a PS4 until 2016, but simple logic tells us that hype building machine will start well before then, so while we may not hear anything about PS4 at this year’s E3, the real announcement can’t be that far away.

E3 2012 Early Registration Has Begun

Chad Lakkis — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:51:44 +0000

Early registration for the 8th wonder of the gaming world, also known as 2012 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), has begun.

Just how much will it cost to traverse the halls of the three day event? Well, if you dip into your pocket right now you’re looking at $795 with early registration … wait until April 24 to get in on the extraveganza and the price double jumps two bills up to $995. That’s a big meat-a-ball!

Is it worth your time? Better yet, is it worth your dime? We’re most likely looking at a large playable lineup for the Wii U, possible new system announcements from Microsoft and Sony, a saucy sampling of fully nude booth babes, crack cocaine as far as the eye can see, and creamy rivers of chocolate pudding. One can only dream.

My fat man feet are already in motion, pouncing like cheetahs in heat across the virtual treadmill that spins through my head. You can bet your candy ass I’ll be ready for all the huffing, puffing, … and even the occasional walking I’ll to have to do.

So pocket your cash, and tune into our coverage of the event. Your feet and wallet will thank you.

Follow me on Twitter @themadgamer or shoot me an email at chad@ripten.com.

Hitman Absolution Gameplay Teaser Teases Gameplay

Dave Oshry — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:30:45 +0000

What?! You come up with a more creative headline!!

This is the first time that this Hitman Absolution gameplay has been seen by anyone other than the press back at E3. I’ve seen the full demo, and it’s rather awesome.

You’ll get to see the whole thing soon, but until then, enjoy the tease!

Metro: Last Light E3 Gameplay Parts 1-3 in HD

Dave Oshry — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 05:00:30 +0000

In case you hadn’t heard, we gave Metro: Last Light an award for best visuals back at E3.

Well, now you can really see why.

Behold parts 1-3 of the very gameplay demo that we saw back in June.

Stay tuned to RipTen for continued coverage of Metro: Last Light and all your post apocalyptic graphical amazement.

Jaffe Releases Glorious Stick Figure Concept Art For Twisted Metal

Dave Oshry — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:01:05 +0000

David Jaffe is many things, but an artist is not one of them. One of the bosses in the upcoming Twisted Metal is known as the Iron Maiden \m/ and when lord Jaffe was conceptualizing the boss, he drew up some…. “rough” designs of what he wanted the boss to look like and how the fight should play out.

Behold!!

Glorious indeed.

I actually fought this bitch at E3 and the fight pretty much played out just like that. Lots of driving around and pew pew lazors. Here’s what Jaffe had to say about his awesome sketches:

Core concept? CHECK! Some of her rough gameplay represented (that Scott, Kellan, and I fleshed out LOTS more at LAST year’s Comic Con)? CHECK! Visual execution above a 5 year old ‘s art talent level? OH HELLS NO! Thank God I work with a super talented team! :)

Stay tuned to RipTen for more on Twisted Metal, David Jaffe and stick figure boss art and also be sure to check out some actual footage of the Iron Maiden from the E3 trailer below:

Microsoft Releases Forza 4′s E3 Kanye West Trailer

Garrett Hartman — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:41:11 +0000

Microsoft has released their Forza Motorsport 4 E3 trailer which features amazing cars in stunning graphic detail to Kanye West’s song “Power”.

Among the features Turn 10 teases in this trailer is Kinect compatibility. If you missed it during E3, now is the perfect time to catch it below.

What Would It Be Like If The Wii U Had Achievements?

Chris Carlson — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:00:34 +0000

Nintendo has already said much about their next console at E3 this year. They’ve mentioned the controller, the features and the games… but what about achievements? What would happen if the Wii U obtained achievements, what would they look and be like? We’re here to show you.

WiiChevo’s - (We-cheev-ohs)

Yup that’s right. The unofficial name for my Wii U achievement presentation. I could have just went with Wii Achievements, or Wii Trophies but that’s too easy. I’m going to take it a step further. I started with a name, but now I’m going to show you what it would be like if the Wii U had achievements. Could you imagine playing the next Zelda and when you reach a point in the game you see this?

Yes I'm still on that joke.

Similar to the 360′s achievement system, you see a pop up message with the name of the WiiChevo and stars. Yes stars. Every time you think of Nintendo you think of one character. Mario, and Mario has a ridiculous, stupid amount of stars everywhere. So why not implement a star system? Each WiiChevo is tied to a number of stars, the maximum being 3 stars. As you progress through each Wii U game you can obtain a total of 50 stars per game, similar to how 360 has a maximum of 1000G per game. You’re probably thinking, “Why does this matter? Who’s going to see this?”. So, I present you with this. The Wii U…. err Mii U Gamer Card thingy.

Wii U, Mii U, Pee U, Card Thingy

This would be the card you could share with your friends online, Nintendo forums etc. You have your “Wii U Picture” in the top left, followed by the number of total stars you’ve earned across all Nintendo games. On the far right is your last 4 played games. Below that is a quote you can set to describe yourself, and at the bottom of course is your Wii U Tag, or whatever Nintendo plans to call it. Now, of course one thing you do when browsing your collection of Achievements/Trophies is look at the nice little thumbnail picture it brings with each one. Since this entire article is about Wii U having achievements, I think it’s time I share a few that I’ve came up with myself.

What do you think? Could Nintendo really pull off some kind of achievement system for the Wii U? More importantly would it make you play games just for WiiChevo’s?

Face it, people love these things. It’s an addiction. Gamers will buy the shittiest game on the planet just so they can complete it in a few hours to get 1000G. If you’re the type of person who hates Achievements or Trophies, it’s possible you won’t have to worry with Nintendo, I’m just speculating, conceptualizing and having some fun. Just don’t expect Microsoft or Sony to give up on these things so easily.

Meanwhile, feel free to make up your own WiiCheveo’s and share them in the comment section.

Duke Nukem Forever Chews Bubblegum – Serious Sam 3 Kicks Ass (Hands On)

Stephanie Gutowski — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 22:30:53 +0000

I approached the E3 demo of Serious Sam 3: BFE as a complete neophyte to the series, having known the game by word of mouth alone. Shortly after meeting with Croteam, I discovered that my perception of what Serious Sam was had been wrong. So, so wrong. I could not have foreseen the massive funsplosion that would erupt before me.

My guide sat me down in front of the computer and, after a quick controls tutorial, set me loose upon the ravaged streets of wherever the hell I was. I remembered vaguely screenshots of a dated game, set in war-torn Egypt and rubble-strewn streets- memories of an old game, but not this. What I saw completely blew those old mental snapshots away. This game looks good and the devs at Croteam have obviously toiled to make it stand up among its peers in the current generation of PC standards. There are a confirmed total of twelve weapons and buildings are indeed destructible- players can use the crumbling terrain to their advantage. I started off by ripping the eyeball clear out of a gnaar with my hands, which resulted in one of the most satisfying kills I’ve ever experienced in a game.

Yeah, I killed this. With my FISTS.

It’s easy prey for Sam considering all the other wonderful horrors that have invaded Earth. The old adversaries are back with face-lifts, looking just as grotesque and unexpectedly hilarious as ever. The level I played through was filled with wide streets and hordes of aliens and I wished in that moment that I could have experienced the fourteen-player co-op for myself. The game is clearly designed to be played with friends and with good reason: while annihilating wave after wave of headless bombers is a blast, it just seems like it’d be even more fun with a few friends online to take part in the rampant carnage. This isn’t to say that having a solo romp through through this war-torn world isn’t enjoyable- on the contrary, I was laughing out loud after I found a shotgun and discovered that I never tired of felling one bomber after another. There’s something disgustingly rewarding about building a pile of bodies in Serious Sam 3. The chorus of screams that signal each Headless Bomber bum-rush is beautiful- even more so when accompanied by the chk-chk-BOOM of a shotgun.

While we weren’t able to use all of the weapons, we did get a feel for the minigun, a double-barreled shotgun, a sawed-off, and perhaps the most under-appreciated weapon of all time, the cannon. Pull the trigger and you’ll release a rolling cannonball the size of Indiana Jone’s boulder nemesis that explodes upon contact. I could just imagine the mayhem my friends and I would unleash on that map with those. Especially on some of the multi-player modes. Croteam confirmed the inclusion of good ole’ fashion versus scenarios in addition to the co-op, promising games like capture the flag, death match, and a survival mode.

If it's ugly, kill it.

The highlight of my experience came when I was cornered in a blown-out hut in the middle of a desert oasis. All of a sudden, the horizon darkened and I could hear the telltale screams of an impending shotgun-to-the-face killfest. I backed up into a corner as dozens and dozens of bombers got all up in my business. Meanwhile, the devs are over my shoulder, coaching, “Strafe! Strafe!!” But I was all about running backwards or standing still- which proved to be just as effective, despite the few close calls I lived through. One by one, they went down, but the flood seemed endless; I didn’t want it to end. Until I ran out of shells.

Still, the fun and frenzied, panic-inducing storms of monsters never dissuaded me. The game can overwhelm you with ridiculous odds, but it never for a second lets you believe that you can’t come out on top. If you’ve got the guts and the guns, you’ll survive. You’ll run for your life, you’ll be outnumbered, and you’ll feel like chaos itself has manifested around you. But you’ll love every second of it.

Aww... they're just playing.

Croteam wants players to have that signature Serious Sam experience with old enemies and weapons, but it also plans on introducing new baddies and bigger guns. It’s still the game you love at its core, but with new tricks and trappings. This game feels great, controls well, and has an awesome soundtrack to accompany the hours of ass-whooping that lay ahead. While it may be light on story, the gameplay more than makes up for it. Bottom line, the game is fun. Frankly, I couldn’t give less of a damn about Duke Nukem Forever- Serious Sam 3 has my attention this summer. Duke can chew all the bubblegum he wants- Sam’s going to kick his ass anyway.

I want this game and I want it now, but Croteam tells me it’s not due out until later this summer. Until then, have a trailer:

E3 2011: Wii Games won’t be Upscaled on Wii U

Sam Naylor — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 16:40:40 +0000

The Wii U may be fully backwards compatible with Wii games but they won’t be upscaled on your HDTV.

Mark Franklin, head of Nintendo‘s public relations, told Giant Bomb that Wii games will play the same as they did on a Wii, with no upscaling. Seems a little odd for Nintendo to omit, but Nintendo’s recent track record with keeping up with HD technology hasn’t exactly been brilliant.

E3 2011: Star Wars: The Old Republic “Return” Cinematic Game Intro

Murray Hibble — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 08:16:38 +0000

We’ve recently seen a swag of trailers for BioWare’s upcoming Star Wars epic but it’s their E3 trailers that are so special, and this one is no different.

Words don’t cut it from here, just feast your eyes on this incredible opening cinematic from the game and start doing your budget to make sure you can afford the monthly sub.

Star Wars: The Old Republic is a PC exclusive and is due in October this year.

E3 2011: New Dead Island Screenshots Show the First Multiplayer Action

Matthew Sims — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:39:51 +0000

It’s no secret that we here at Ripten are hyped for Dead Island. We’ve seen everything from gameplay videos to screenshots but we haven’t seen anything from the multiplayer aspect of the game, until now.

The screenshots take place in the City portion of Banoi City, which is a part of the island we haven’t seen before.

Enjoy the screens and stay tuned to Ripten for our continuing coverage of E3.

E3 2011: Sony Announces Move Support and PSVita Version of Bioshock Infinite

Matthew Sims — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 01:37:56 +0000

You read that correctly. Sony and Ken Levine confirmed at their keynote at E3 that the latest installment of Bioshock will feature Move support. Not only that but Ken Levine hinted that it is very likely that Bioshock Infinite will be on the NGP in one form or another.

That’s some pretty cool stuff. As an additional bonus, PS3 copies of Bioshock Infinite will come with a copy of the original Bioshock on the same Blu-Ray. Not a bad deal at all.

Stay tuned to Ripten as we continue our E3 coverage all this week.

E3 2011: Star Wars: The Old Republic Thrilling New Trailer

Garrett Hartman — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 20:49:54 +0000

The Force is powerful and like with many things in life there is both a Good side and a Dark Side. Check out this exciting new E3 Trailer from EA for Star Wars: The Old Republic.

More GTA V Information Surfaces

Aaron Alexander — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 12:09:25 +0000

For today’s edition of “GTA V” rumors, RipTen is pleased to present a brand new image regarding the unannounced Grand Theft Auto sequel. An image posted on the Neogaf forum would indicate that retailers are preparing to stock “GTA V” for both Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3;

Please note that "GTA V" is also listed for the PlayStation 3.

If the image is indeed legit, we could see a hint, or perhaps a full disclosure at this years e3, just days away! RipTen has a full fledged team covering the event, so if it’s announced, make sure to check back for all the details regarding this somewhat mythical game.

Via Neogaf

Gearbox and Sega Set to Deploy Aliens: Colonial Marines (Screens / Trailer)

Matthew Sims — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 22:00:00 +0000

Earlier today, Sega and Gearbox announced that the next installment in the Aliens video game franchise will hit store shelves in Spring 2012. The game is set to be a first person shooter that puts you in the boots of a highly trained marine as you lead a squad against the Xenomorphs. Sega and Gearbox are apparently very excited for this partnership.

“To Gearbox Software and its peers throughout the industry, ALIENS is one of the most influential science fiction properties of all time,” said Randy Pitchford, President of Gearbox Software. “Aliens: Colonial Marines, designed as an interactive successor to the landmark films from Twentieth Century Fox, is a dream project about which our studio is deeply committed and passionate.”

“Aliens: Colonial Marines will be THE definitive ALIENS gaming experience,” said Gary Knight, Senior Vice President of Marketing at SEGA Europe and SEGA of America. “Gearbox Software are doing a brilliant job translating the thrill and horror that ALIENS stands for into an action-packed shooter experience with co-operative gameplay at its core.”

Gary Rosenfeld, Senior Vice President of New Media for Fox Consumer Products added, “It’s no easy task to take on one of the most influential films of all-time, but SEGA and Gearbox are not going to disappoint. This game will be a must-have for fans of the ALIENS franchise and gamers around the globe.”

The title will take place on board an abandoned spaceship, the U.S.S. Sulaco, and try to discover what transpired aboard the derelict vessel. You must lead your squad of elite marines as you slowly uncover the truth that all of humanity is in peril.

Enjoy this fresh batch of screens and the trailer, and we’ll deliver more information when Ripten is in L.A. for E3 2011 next week.

The King Nintendo Fanboy’s E3 2011 DS Predictions

Justin Berube — Sun, 29 May 2011 14:30:33 +0000

Trying to predict Nintendo’s E3 plans is usually impossible. Everyone knows Nintendo is very secretive and keeps their lips unusually tight regarding unannounced titles. With that said it’s still possible to make some educated guesses on what Nintendo is planning to showcase at the show.

Nintendo 3DS Predictions

Nintendo Wii Predictions

Project Cafe Predictions

Nintendo DS

Many are claiming that the Nintendo DS is a dead platform, but I really don’t think that Nintendo is ready to let this popular device die just yet. In fact, I think they will show off a few titles for their older portable to cater to the large user base that still doesn’t have a 3DS.

Atsumete! Kirby
Probability: 80%

The new Kirby game, which Nintendo has announced for a Japanese release several months ago, will likely be announced for a North American release at E3 2011. A game like this shouldn’t be too hard to localize and I see no reason why Nintendo of America would just skip over this title.

Battle & Get! Pokémon Typing DS
Probability: 40%

This Pokémon title, which comes with a wireless keyboard, is all about teaching the player how to type. I’m honestly not sure if this game will be released outside of Japan due to the fact that localizing this title may be tricky.

There is probably a market for it though, so there is a chance it will be on display at E3 2011. I’m sure parents would love to have their kids do something a bit more educational in regards to Pokémon.

Professor Layton and the Last Specter
Probability: 70%

I’m still not convinced that Nintendo will be localizing this particular title. From my understanding, Level-5, the developer of the Professor Layton series, wants to start localizing their games for themselves. Still, the Layton series could still be published by Nintendo, but only time will tell.

Regardless of the situation I would love to see Nintendo localize the fourth Layton game and it will likely be seen, regardless of the publisher, at E3 2011.

This may be the last E3 for any significant Nintendo DS titles. Luckily fans of the platform have a few more solid titles that they could hope for. Maybe Nintendo will also surprise fans by announcing plans to localize some previously unreleased titles outside of Japan. E3 2011 can’t come soon enough! I’ll see you there!

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Want to stay up to date on the latest Nintendo news, information, editorials, and more? Follow me on Twitter @KingNintendoFan or Like Me on Facebook. Be sure to let me know what you think about my E3 2011 predictions!

Is Darksiders 2 Set For An E3 and Game Informer Media Blowout?

Murray Hibble — Sun, 29 May 2011 11:32:54 +0000

We still don’t know much about Darksiders 2, but it looks like we may soon.

So far, all we know is that, it’s coming, it will feature a new protagonist, and it will take place at the same time as the original game (there’s only one apocalypse)

Anyhow, a possible tease regarding the sequel to the 2010 THQ and Vigil Games cult hit Darksiders has been discovered after Danny Bilson, an Executive Vice-President at THQ, and Darksiders media whore, made the following comment on Twitter.

This on its own isn’t special until you consider the following tweet, made by Game Informer magazine’s Chief Editor Andy McNamara, re-tweeted by Bilson a day earlier.

Why else would THQ be retweeting a GI cover announcement? Relic’s Space Marines is on the horizon but as an untested property it’s unlikely to be featured in such a prominent way. Other possible THQ publications to feature are Volition’s Red Faction: Armaggedon (but it’s way too close to release) and the recently announced Saints Row: The Third (also from Volition).

What really sells this as a Darksiders 2 teaser though is Andy’s cry about the cover art being amazing. Famed comic artist Joe Mad is the series creative director who brought an uncanny and psychotic visual flair to the title. Surely it is his talent that has elicited such an enthusiastic response.

So we’re gonna call it now: the next Game Informer will feature Darksiders 2 and will have an awesome cover drawn by Joe Mad himself.

Our own Chad Lakkis loved Darksiders and the whole RipTen team are eager to get our hands on more War and his horsemen buddies. Stay tuned to RipTen’s E3 coverage as our intrepid news-hounds bring you up to the minute reports on all the action.

Relax Guys, Sony’s E3 Press Conference Is Only 1.5 Hours

Dave Oshry — Fri, 27 May 2011 03:28:59 +0000

When the original invites went out for Sony’s E3 press event, many a head turned when they saw that the event would span over five hours.

However, it seems as if most of that time will be spent partying and playing games, not sitting in an auditorium watching Kaz Hirai tout RIIIIDGE RAAAACER on the NGP.

Here’s the breakdown of the event:

3:30-5pm: Pre-show reception with world renowned DJs and LAs best food trucks including Empanadarama

5-6:30pm: Press Conference

6:30-8pm: Hands on time with almost all of the press conference content on over 120 PS3 and NGP kiosks.

8-9:30pm: Special performance

So, no need for blankets and pillows guys – just come for the empanadas and stay for the gaming.

Want to know what it’s like inside? Don’t worry, we’re live blogging the whole thing and I’ll likely be tweeting my ass off as DJ Kaz does his thing.

Stay tuned.