"Tech" Thread: Blu Ray, HD-DVD, Video Games, HDTV

[mkaroly]

I finally bought an X-Box 360 and have been slowly playing ELDER SCROLLS IV: OBLIVION....outstanding game. The graphics are absolutely amazing....next up, HALO 3....

Michael are you on XBOX LIVE? What is your gamertag ID?

You made the right call my friend.

BTW Sony's hyped PS3 "price drop" is nothing but an inventory firesale to dump the models they have. As soon as that unsold stock is depleted the price goes back up again. What an E3 showing they had!

I have not joined up with X-Box Live. The reason is that with school taking up the majority of time at home (when I'm not working), I do not need the temptation of being able to play on-line (or feeling guilty for spending the money and NOT playing on-line)...lol...I would love to join at some point, but right now would be bad....very bad (for my school grades).

I am very happy with the purchase though- I never wanted a PS3 and the Wii system really never appealed to me (though I've heard great things about it). I am looking forward to buying a football game for the X-Box 360, though. I have had Madden for X-Box in the past as well as ESPN 2K2 Football. Both were good, though I did prefer the 2K2 version over Madden (maybe that's because I am a HORRIBLE video game football player). My friends at work are geeked up about Madden '08- they are hard-core football gamers and so if they give something the thumbs up I know it's worth getting.

All I'm really looking forward to is HALO 3....OBLIVION is going to take me years to play, so I'll get my money's worth out of that game alone. Once HALO 3 comes, you won't be able to get me out of the basement...lol...

[AndyDursin]

Nice Michael, I understand that.

BTW if you need a pre-order I highly recommend Liongames.com. They have HALO 3 for $39 plus shipping, I've used them before and have had good experiences.

[Eric W.]

I finally bought an X-Box 360 and have been slowly playing ELDER SCROLLS IV: OBLIVION....outstanding game. The graphics are absolutely amazing....next up, HALO 3....

Michael are you on XBOX LIVE? What is your gamertag ID?

You made the right call my friend.

BTW Sony's hyped PS3 "price drop" is nothing but an inventory firesale to dump the models they have. As soon as that unsold stock is depleted the price goes back up again. What an E3 showing they had!

I have not joined up with X-Box Live. The reason is that with school taking up the majority of time at home (when I'm not working), I do not need the temptation of being able to play on-line (or feeling guilty for spending the money and NOT playing on-line)...lol...I would love to join at some point, but right now would be bad....very bad (for my school grades).

I am very happy with the purchase though- I never wanted a PS3 and the Wii system really never appealed to me (though I've heard great things about it). I am looking forward to buying a football game for the X-Box 360, though. I have had Madden for X-Box in the past as well as ESPN 2K2 Football. Both were good, though I did prefer the 2K2 version over Madden (maybe that's because I am a HORRIBLE video game football player). My friends at work are geeked up about Madden '08- they are hard-core football gamers and so if they give something the thumbs up I know it's worth getting.

All I'm really looking forward to is HALO 3....OBLIVION is going to take me years to play, so I'll get my money's worth out of that game alone. Once HALO 3 comes, you won't be able to get me out of the basement...lol...

Load up on all the football games for the 360. All of 'em!

[AndyDursin]

1up.com gave NCAA an 8.2 out of 10 (though EA refused to send them the Ps3 version).

On the down side ALL-PRO only mustered a 6.5, so I'd definitely not advise a purchase on that one.

[Eric W.]

1up.com gave NCAA an 8.2 out of 10 (though EA refused to send them the Ps3 version).

Actually, they gave it an 8.5. That other number is the cycling and ever changing reader average.

On the down side ALL-PRO only mustered a 6.5, so I'd definitely not advise a purchase on that one.

Where the hell are the reviews for big time titles like these? They're sure trickling out awfully slowly.

It is always a bad sign when you have a publisher deliberately hold a title like EA did there with their PS3 version of NCAA 2008 for 1up.

Right now I have that version and my only complaint with it is that it seems...slow and the usual crisp responsiveness that I'm used to with these games just isn't there for me.

Keep in mind: I'm used to playing these games on PS controllers anyways, so for me to not "feel at home" on one of these is strange. It looks good. It sounds good, but it feels slow and it's almost like there's a very subtle lag in place, not even a full second's worth but enough that I know it's cost me on several plays that it normally would not.

I've played these games on Xbox systems and PS systems and I've never experienced something like this before.

I'm suspecting that MAYBE this is where that fps issue might come in.

I ran into several people yesterday who said they had played both 360 and PS3 versions of NCAA 2008 and they were surprised how much "faster and smoother" the 360 version is. The 1up review would more or less seem to reinforce that concept.

Ideally, I'd like to compare both myself just for laughs.

The 2k8 game has fun gameplay but lacking in features. It feels more like an audition piece then a full, real game. I think people would be way more forgiving if this game were $39.99 instead of $60, which is a joke.

I did see a press release yesterday that said Madden will have 60fps after all on all systems. That's fine, but it still doesn't help me and others out with this PS3 version of NCAA 2008.

It's partly EA's fault and it's mostly Sony's fault for being arrogant "We did it with our titles so you should too!!!" and not meeting these developers at least halfway on this.

OF COURSE Sony could get 60fps and all that on their first party title. Who knows their own hardware better than they do?

</rant>

Anyways, I can tell that this NCAA 2008 is a hell of a game, but I am going to be trying like mad to compare both versions ASAP.


Now here's a joke: 1up gave the PS2 version of NCAA 2008 a 9/10, a better score than the next versions.

What a rub. Unfortuneately, they don't bother to really compare current/last gen to next gen versions to explain the score difference. Hopefully Gamespot, IGN, and the others will.

[AndyDursin]

What skill level are you playing on Eric? I find All-American with default sliders to just be way too difficult this year, passing is almost impossible with the defensive AI.

I would hate to have to go down to Varsity (oh the shame! lol) but I don't like how the game is balanced on the computer side of things. From what I've read, even changing the sliders on AA really won't help.

[Eric W.]

What skill level are you playing on Eric? I find All-American with default sliders to just be way too difficult this year, passing is almost impossible with the defensive AI.

Varsity. Varsity is usually my sweet spot in these games and I'll adjust sliders after that.

Regardless of platform (except maybe PS2) I see a lot of complaints from people about difficulties passing (especially deep passing) and some other gameplay issues with DB's and things that just shouldn't be.

I've gotten more used to this PS3 version. It's solid...it's just a bit slower than I'd like.

What I usually end up doing is I'll go into the AI menu and max out the AI for me to 100 percent on offense, defense, and special teams. This greatly reduces what I feel are usually unfair and stupid things that some of my players just shouldn't be doing.

From there, if I start feeling things get too easy, I'll turn the difficulty up to All American or I'll stay at Varsity and start slowly turning the CPU's AI up to around 65 or 70.

I would hate to have to go down to Varsity (oh the shame! lol) but I don't like how the game is balanced on the computer side of things. From what I've read, even changing the sliders on AA really won't help.

You're right. It's not just you, believe me and it's an issue that plagues all versions of the game except again, maybe the PS2 version.

Turn the human player AI sliders all the way up to 100 and see how that works for you.

[AndyDursin]

Yeah I agree Eric, people say the PS2 and Xbox 1 versions play better, but I do like a lot of the new elements to the 360 version (the graphics, flow, and replays...plus ESPN Radio updates!).

I am going to try default Varsity next time I have a chance to get some "quality time" in (probably tomorrow). I'll see how it goes -- is it too easy on default Varsity?

I'm used to the old days of EA when you could put default All-American on and everything would be fine...but alas that was NCAA 2004 (my favorite version of the whole franchise), and it looks to me like things have gotten a whole lot harder over the years.

Passing is just wholly unrealistic on AA, it drives me crazy!

[Eric W.]

Yeah I agree Eric, people say the PS2 and Xbox 1 versions play better, but I do like a lot of the new elements to the 360 version (the graphics, flow, and replays...plus ESPN Radio updates!).

Maybe you can tell me this:

On your 360, are you seeing your framerates stay somewhat stable and consistent?

You really should be pretty happy if you're getting near or at a consistent 60fps in game.

I am going to try default Varsity next time I have a chance to get some "quality time" in (probably tomorrow). I'll see how it goes -- is it too easy on default Varsity?

That's always been my sweet spot that I work off of for a while.

I'm used to the old days of EA when you could put default All-American on and everything would be fine...but alas that was NCAA 2004 (my favorite version of the whole franchise), and it looks to me like things have gotten a whole lot harder over the years.

Indeed.

Passing is just wholly unrealistic on AA, it drives me crazy!

What do you mean? Just too difficult?



http://forums.ea.com/mboards/forum.jspa ... 22&start=0

^^ 360

Some complaints like yours.

http://forums.ea.com/mboards/forum.jspa?forumID=3923

^^ PS3. This area is far worse for complaints thanks to the 30 fps.

[AndyDursin]

What do you mean? Just too difficult?

WAY too difficult. Even guys who look like they're open, and you try and throw a "lob", the AI's DBs just frantically get back and make plays. It's lame.

[Eric W.]

What do you mean? Just too difficult?

WAY too difficult. Even guys who look like they're open, and you try and throw a "lob", the AI's DBs just frantically get back and make plays. It's lame.

You'll see one guy on that EA forum made a thread about that.

Turn your player sliders all the way up to 100 on all sides of the ball and see if going down to Varisty helps.

That's where I'm playing at right now and it seems decent enough even though I'm running at only 30fps.

I'd consider getting a 360 for the third time and the games on that if I didn't think my chances of getting a lemon were so high.


If you're staying at AA for better achievments then take the CPU AI down to about 35-40. Your AI needs to get maxed out no matter what, first and foremost.

[AndyDursin]

Varisty is still tough! But at least I'm not throwing as many INT's, so I'll fiddle around with it but i feel better about it.

BTW this is from a video game blog I frequent...

2. Got NCAA and APF for the 360. The graphical difference between the PS3 and 360 is *HUGE*. The 60fps vs 30fps argument is game over for PS3.

He did say the speed is too fast on the 360 by comparison, though I think he ought to try an easier skill level

[Eric W.]

Varisty is still tough! But at least I'm not throwing as many INT's, so I'll fiddle around with it but i feel better about it.

Yeah.

I've laughed at some fanboys who keep taunting people with stuff like: "You just suck at this game and that's why you're whining because it's more realistic" blah blah blah.

Hardly.

BTW this is from a video game blog I frequent...

2. Got NCAA and APF for the 360. The graphical difference between the PS3 and 360 is *HUGE*.

No it's not. I've played both versions.

The 60fps vs 30fps argument is game over for PS3.

Which blog was this? He exaggerates. I suspect whoever said that is probably a 360 fanboy declaring such grandiose doom and gloom for the PS3 like that.

Too much hyperbole.


The graphics are pretty much the same. All the 360 has going for it is (and this is still important): It's smoother, faster, and a bit more responsive. It's a better game on the 360 but not anywhere close to an extreme difference like that blogger suggests.



I think IGN got it right the most.

They gave the PS3 a 7.8 and the 360 version an 8.0. When you read their reviews for those two you get a pretty clear idea of what's happened. If anything, they were nicer than I would be. I'd give the PS3 version close to a 7.5 and the 360 version at an 8. There's a difference but it's not this cataclysmic and earth shattering one like your blogger tried to hype up. It's just not true at all. You can read any number of other reviews off of the major gamesites and see that none of them are reinforcing that kind of hype.


On both platforms, the game has some issues and some flaws.

The stuff that you, me, and a bunch of others are complaining about regardless of platform are what kept this game from being the 9/10 or so that it could have been.

I can't give it higher than an 8 under even the best circumstances as is.

He did say the speed is too fast on the 360 by comparison,

Too fast?! No way! It's at the speed it's SUPPOSED to be at!

What I'm wondering about, past the usual Xbox360 hardware bugaboos, is I have seen some 360 owners complain about inconsistent frame rates and drops.

At least I'll say this on the PS3: It may be slower than I like, but it's steady and consistent.

I think he ought to try an easier skill level

Seriously.

The 360 version is not "too fast" at all. That's two ridiculous and false comments he made now in that one blog session.

I think you need to find better sources to go to, Andy.


http://www.maddenmania.com/forums/index.php

^^ This has been a great place for tips and even rosters.


You know what's funny and kind of sad? If you go to www.gamerankings.com and look these games up...the PS2 version has the highest scores and average going for it.

Go figure.

[AndyDursin]

The guy's rant may be totally inaccurate but he is most definitely not a 360 "fanboy" at all. He even owns a PS3 and the three guys on this site all write for Gameshark and a couple of other places.

http://sportsgamer.blogspot.com/

I'm sure you're right, though, it's only a minor issue and the game itself is the same across the 360 and PS3 in terms of how it plays -- and the glitches it has.

I'm looking forward to trying to tweak the settings later but I have three piles of DVDs to analyze so it may have to wait a few days

[Eric W.]

The guy's rant may be totally inaccurate but he is most definitely not a 360 "fanboy" at all. He even owns a PS3 and the three guys on this site all write for Gameshark and a couple of other places.

http://sportsgamer.blogspot.com/

I'm sure you're right, though, it's only a minor issue and the game itself is the same across the 360 and PS3 in terms of how it plays -- and the glitches it has.

To be fair: The stuff I've seen from PS3 fanboys has been arguably even worse and more annoying.

Remember this?:
http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3160709

Right now this is still the most current piece out there from any mainstream source. Unfortuneately, they're 2/2 for right now.

And yet I've seen some of these PS3 die hard fanboys make a bunch of pathetic apologisms and wishy washy excuses to try and get around the fac that, sorry, the PS3 was screwed over this year. Bottom line.

No the game isn't better and more realistic slowed down like that.

No, it's not 10/10 and the best of all time just because it's on a BD disc and is on PS3 hardware.

All EA (and 2k) did weremake a pretty good 360 game and did a lazy port of it to the PS3. End of story. No excuses. No if, ands, or buts.

I'm looking forward to trying to tweak the settings later but I have three piles of DVDs to analyze so it may have to wait a few days

I may even take it down to Freshman for laughs today just to see what happens.

I suspect I'll stay at Varsity, keep the player AI maxed out on all sides of the ball, and fool around with the CPU's sliders some more.

In past games, I've never had to turn the CPU's AI down below 50, but I may have to for the first time ever. Maybe bring the INT down to about 35 or 40?...