東西 | dongxi

Last week’s iPad announcement snuck in a few swings at the gaming console market. “This new device has more memory and higher screen resolution than an Xbox 360 or PS3,” said Epic Games president Mike Capps. Is the iPad really a threat to the gaming industry as we know it? Not quite. At least, not yet. That being said, let’s look at a few of the arguments from the Apple fan camp, specifically from Matt Peckham’s Techland article on TIME titled “7 Reasons Apple’s New iPad Could Replace Your Games Console.”

1. It’s powerful enough. Yes, the iPad’s new A5X processor is definitely stepping up the game for tablets. Still, comparing it to six to seven year old consoles is a bit misleading. It’s clear that both the Xbox 360 and PS3 are towards the end of their life cycle. With a rumored next-gen Xbox in the works for this year’s E3, let’s wait and see how the new iPad stacks against the specs of a 2012 video game console before drawing true comparisons.
2. Speaking of, the new iPad one-ups the PS3 and Xbox 360 in onscreen pixels. While the new retina display will be a big point of differentiation for the new iPad, the hype behind it is a bit overblown. Gamers aren’t exactly rioting over the lack of high pixel resolution. In fact, it’s been quite the opposite. Games like Uncharted 3 and Batman: Arkham City have continued to dazzle and impress gamers all around. Sure the iPad display has a higher pixel density, but it’s limited to the 9.7” screen. When gaming at home, it’s the pixels on the TV that count.
   

   A lack of pixels was the last thing I thought of when I saw this game

3. Hello instant, massive, multi-demographic games library. The iOS games library, though vast, is still few and far between for the serious gamer. Sure, my parents can stay occupied for hours on Angry Birds and Sudoku, but even the most “hardcore” of games on iOS still have a long way to go to replace the console gaming experience. Console games still outscore their iOS counterparts on Metacritic. While Mass Effect 3 is scoring in the high 90s, Mass Effect Infiltrator currently scores a 67. At best, we’re seeing 16-bit era ports and simplified versions of current console games on the App Store. Rage HD is an on-rails “shooter.” Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies is a spin-off of a side game from the Black Ops franchise. Neither of these games come close to the full games found on consoles. As fancy as the screen may be, the iPad still has a long way to go to recreate the depth, gameplay experience, and longevity that console games offer.
   

   Not quite 1:1 yet

4. iOS games cost peanuts next to console game prices. Comparing an iOS game price to a console game price is like comparing a candy bar to a meal at a steakhouse. Sure, there’s plenty of 99 cent games, but most of them last a few hours at best. Even the more expensive “hardcore” games on iOS are extremely simplified or are stripped down versions of the console game. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that the Apple app ecosystem has led to terrible freemium models where gameplay is completely stripped away and replaced with money farming and level capping schemes. EA’s new game “The Simpsons: Tapped Out” takes hours and days just to advance one level unless one is willing to spend real money for the extremely hard to come by donut currency. “Fun” is not quite the word I would use to describe the game.
   

   Waiting 8 hours or having to pay is NOT gaming

5. You can take it with you. I’m a big fan of the iPad for its portability but to use it as an argument against the PS3 and Xbox 360 is a bit unfair. One was specifically built for portability, the other is meant for home use. However, even when stacked against the 3DS and PlayStation Vita, the iPad still falls short in providing the gameplay experience. iPad games are great when waiting at the doctor’s office or when taking the bus, but I have yet to encounter a game on iOS that has gotten me as engrossed and engaged as Uncharted on the Vita or Resident Evil: Revelations on the 3DS.
   

   Uncharted on the PlayStation Vita

6. It’s a lot more than just a game console. Again, the iPad just isn’t there for gaming. It’s like an all-in-one fax-printer-copier. It can do many things including gaming, but when you’re talking about the hardcore gaming audience that wants that true gaming experience, Angry Birds HD just doesn’t cut it. I enjoy the iPad for doing all the things it does, but the overlap between the iPad and gaming consoles isn’t quite there where one replaces the other. In fact, even the overlap is debatable. While both the iPad and gaming consoles can play movies and Netflix, the experience is completely different between the two. While one can certainly attach the iPad to the TV, personally speaking, I’ve seen the iPad movie experience more for when one is on the go or outside the living room. The gaming consoles (set-top box) bring the movie experience to the couch at home.
7. It’ll eventually stream video wireless to your TV and support gamepads. The first half of the statement goes to the above point – until we see that wireless stream, the iPad won’t supplant the set-top box. Even if it does gain the ability, if the iPad is indeed replacing the home computer, will users even want to give up iPad functionality (browsing, chatting, etc.) to stream a movie? It seems that one of the iPad’s biggest draws is the ability to multitask while at home. As for gamepads, it would be hard to imagine Apple standing behind such a peripheral when even the stylus has been vilified by the Cupertino company. There are a few peripherals in development, but to see anything of substance, there would have to be a much bigger collaboration between game developers and these manufacturers.
   

   Project Fiona from Razer

While I’m a big fan of the iPad and happily use it every day, it still has a long way to go before it replaces game consoles, at least for the moderate to hardcore gamer. When it comes to more casual games, like those found on the Wii, there’s definitely an argument to be had on whether or not the iPhone/iPad has cut into Nintendo’s market. That being said, Microsoft and Sony should take note. As the industry continues to change, the market five years from now will continue to evolve. As for 2012 and 2013, I’ll stick to my PlayStations and Xboxes for true gaming.

The Electronic Entertainment Expo kicked off some of the hottest upcoming games at the Los Angeles Convention Center last week. So who were the big winners?

1. Sony: When it came down to the big three, Sony’s press conference comes out on top. Not only did it focus on games for the (hardcore) gamer audience, but their announcements were focused on the near future, compared to Nintendo’s slate of TBD game. While nothing came as much of a surprise, the PS Vita and schedule of triple-A games edges Sony as this year’s winner.

Wii U

2. Kinect: Microsoft’s press conference was all about their Kinect peripheral. Not only will games like Mass Effect 3 and Ghost Recon integrate gameplay with the motion/voice sensor, the Kinect is expanding into home use, including Bing search and live TV watching. Essentially Microsoft is looking to make the Xbox THE home entertainment system.

3. Super Mario 3DS: Best described as a hybrid of Suoer Mario Bros. 3 and Mario 64, this game returns to it’s roots that made the 8-bit games so great. A modified Tanooki suit returns along with a 2D-3D mix of gameplay.

4. Battlefield 3: While CoD made big waves at the Microsoft conference, little was seen on the show floor itself. EA’s Battlefield 3 offered games an alternative to the popular shooter franchise with impressive visuals and exciting gameplay.

5. Street Fighter X Tekken: If you’re a fighter fan, this game brings the classic “Street Fighter versus Tekken” argument back to the forefront. While the feel of the game replicates the feel of classic games, this game does offer tweaks that’ll keep both Street Fighter and Tekken fans on their toes.

Street Fighter X Tekken Booth

6. Batman: Arkham City: This game will have a lot to live up to, but it’s so far looking great. With a much larger and expanded world (or city) to explore, this next Batman sequel looks to build upon the various features that made Batman: Arkham Asylum such a hit.

7. Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster: While not the gamer’s game, this title is slated to be a big seller. The image of one’s child having fun  interacting with Elmo and Cookie Monster is enough to get many parents ready to run out for this game. Using the Kinect, kids are able to directly connect with the various mini-games and interations.

Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster

8. Bioshock Infinite: Though still months away, the momentum continues to build for the next installment in the Bioshock franchise. Set in the aerial city of Columbia, you battle steampunk opponents while unraveling the mystery of this floating dystopia.

9. Tomb Raider: Gone are the jagged polygons. Taking cues from Uncharted, this game will be much darker, grittier, and realistic than previous installments. In an extended trailer, Lara was chained and strapped in a mysterious cave, only to fall onto a sharp spike as she attempted her escape. It definitely looked painful. Fortunately, This game, however, looks far more like pure fun instead.

10. Playstation Vita: Despite doubts in the future of handheld dedicated gaming systems, Sony’s Playstation Vita does hold promise. Sony seems to get most of it right this time: crisp screen, dual analog controls, promising gaming lineup (Uncharted, Little Big Planet, Street Fighter X Tekken), fair price of $250, and even region-free support. It’s definitely going to pose a big challenge to the Nintendo 3DS. While the introduction of smartphones and tablets have challenged dedicated handheld gaming platforms, the Vita may just have what it takes to be a winner among the hardcore gaming market.

PS Vita Booth

While Nintendo has now confirmed the development of a next-gen, post-Wii platform (code named “Project Cafe”), not much is actually known. There are plenty of rumors though, varying with anonymous sources claiming HD graphics, backwards compatibility, and even a system more powerful the Xbox 360 and PS3. A playable build will be available at E3 – until then, we can only speculate.

Project Cafe Mock by IGN

Still, does Nintendo have what it takes to hold its place in the console wars? It may take some drastic shifting in strategy. Here are some strategies Nintendo needs to take to win things back.

Focus Less on Casual, Back to Hardcore: While there’s no debate on the success of the Wii (and DS), Nintendo has also pigeoned themselves into a difficult situation. Casual gamers were a relatively untapped market that Nintendo capitalized on, blowing away expectations and critics when the Wii first came out. However, these same casual gamers have now moved on to other platforms, finding very little need for loyalty to any one source of entertainment. Cheaper alternatives such as Facebook, Zynga, and smartphone games (Angry Birds) have stolen the spotlight. Microsoft as well has been chipping away at Nintendo’s base of family gamers with additions like the Kinect. While expanding out to the casual market can help increase revenues, it can’t be done at the cost of the hardcore gamers. At the end, it’s the latter that will be much more brand-loyal and stable as consumers.

Graphics Matter: Graphics doesn’t have to come at the cost of gameplay quality – take Uncharted 2, Crysis, and Batman: Arkham Asylum for example. Truth is, graphics and power do matter. Consumers have demonstrated this with their wallets. In addition, the Wii lost out to many of the top selling (third party) games. Aside from the top franchises like Guitar Hero or Madden, developers often didn’t have the resources to make a Wii-specific version. Likewise for consumers, it’s hard to argue in paying an additional $40-$60 for a lower powered version of the same game found on a PS3 or XBOX 360 (e.g Madden, Call of Duty, etc.).

Uncharted 2 for the PS3 - Pretty and fun!

Less Gimmicks, More Gameplay: Nintendo products have been primarily focused on gimmicks. Perhaps it’s that they can’t compete on the graphics or power front against companies like Microsoft and Sony. The DS did find popularity with the double screen – it was something new and different that was worth playing. The Wii followed up with motion controls. Now we have the 3DS with 3D. Still, even the Wii’s motion control has lost its appeal, especially with the Kinect. Don’t get me wrong, innovation is incredibly important, but it’s important to focus on ways to enhance the gameplay experience, rather than capitalize on a trend or find a way to sell additional hardware. Yes, the Wii made quite the splash, but today it’s most likely collecting dust on a shelf, taken out only for group events and parties (the modern day board game).

Third Party Support: What’s saved Nintendo thus far is their library of franchises and IPs. From Mario to Zelda, gamers are willing to dish out money just to play the latest iteration of these games. Yet, it’s also been this narrow focus that has shunned away third party developers that have found little to no support with Nintendo. Since the 8 and 16-bit era, new franchises and IPs have taken hold of the gaming community. Titles like Call of Duty have claimed top rankings in units sold – it’s important for Nintendo to make their next console a gaming device that extends past their own branded titles. You can only milk the Mario Kart and Smash Bros. franchise for so long before it gets old.

Nintendo's going to need full support (and better looking games).

More Than Just Gaming: Nintendo was firm to establish that the Wii was to be a pure gaming system, but today’s system has to be more than just that. Even Nintendo eventually took in Netflix. In this day in age, no man (or system) can be an island. Users want a way to consume content on their devices, whether it be video, music, photos, etc. If Nintendo really wants to stir things up, it needs to find deals with partners like Hulu, Pandora, Apple iTunes, Twitter, and Facebook (for starters). The idea is to keep the device on as long as possible. People are lazy and that extra step of swapping TV inputs can make a drastic difference in capturing that market share. Word of caution though – these integrations have to be done well. Even today, PS3 supposed Facebook “integration” is nothing short of a bad joke.

Fix Multiplayer: Online gaming has never been as popular as it is now. First things, Nintendo’s friend code system has to go. It was overly complicated and amazingly annoying to input. Friends lists, cross game chats, avatars, and support for online games will be crucial for the next round in gaming. Multiplayer also locks people into specific consoles. As Sony discovered, coming late to the market (with the PS3) cost them several new consumers that went Xbox, as their friends were already buying games on that platform. Multiplayer done right can lead to a snowballing network effect to increase market share.

Multiplayer needs and overhaul in the next system.

This next era will be an incredibly vital point in Nintendo’s history. This could be the make or break year for Nintendo. If it fails to (re-)capture gamers, we may end up with Mario games on Playstation and Xbox (just like another popular 90s icon known for its speed and blue colors). Can Nintendo make it? Perhaps. It’s not too late… yet. Will it? Only time will tell.

With the Playbook slated to release this week, will you be among the first to line up? If you don’t have a Blackberry, you might want to think twice. Jordan Nardick chimes in his thoughts as well while we give out the important PSA to changing your passwords.

Playbook vs iPad

Don’t forget to subscribe to us on iTunes with the link below and follow us on Twitter (Derrick at @derrickc82, Jordan at @ASUdesigner. Leave a comment and check out the links to the show on the blog post.

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Show Links

Playbook Initial Reviews: http://reviews.cnet.com/tablets/blackberry-playbook-16gb/4505-3126_7-34185051.html#reviewPage1

Ad-Supported Kindle for $114: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004HFS6Z0/ref=tsm_1_fb_kin_kdev_20110411

Android Skype Bug: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2383639,00.asp

Verizon iPhone vs AT&T iPhone: http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/04/05/verizon_iphone_4_owners_report_fewer_dropped_calls_than_att.html

iPhone 5 Delay: http://www.pcworld.com/article/224863/analyst_apple_iphone_5_may_slip_to_next_year.html/

Nintendo Rumored Next-Gen Console: http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/04/14/new-nintendo-console-at-e3.aspx

App of the Week

WatchESPN
iOS: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/watchespn/id429009175?mt=8

Following the Wii, both Sony and Microsoft have begun making their moves (no pun intended) into motion gaming. Though the two gaming giants have taken very different directions, ultimately gamers are still left wondering, is it worth it?

Let’s start with the basics. Sony with the “Move” takes a cue from the Wii, offering handheld devices that are tracked with the Playstation Eye (a camera connected to the PS3). The Move, however, offers much more precision and 1:1 movement tracking. No longer can one get away with a simple wrist flick for a tennis game. On the other side, Microsoft’s Kinect extension requires no additional peripherals aside from the camera mount. The camera itself has the ability to recognize faces as well as body moments. With the XBOX, the person IS the controller, where movements are tracked and translated into the game.

So which of the two should one get? It depends. Assuming one owns both systems, the Move and Kinect currently offer very different experiences.

Kinect BundleSource: Microsoft

For the hardcore gamer, the Move currently is the stronger contender. Though most gamers may already own a Wii, Sony’s point of differentiation is in the games. Whereas the Wii has been plagued with countless cheap party games, Sony has placed restrictions in attempts to ensure that the motion controls are not as gimmicky. Coupled with the PS3, hopes are high for A-level games to utilize the motion controls for a more in-depth experience. Upcoming titles such as Socom 4 have been announced, while older games, such as Resident Evil 5 and Heavy Rain have been updated to integrate with the Move. Until there is a radical shift in the way games are designed, complex games (including first person shooters) often require buttons and precision, which is much harder with the Kinect. While Sony has revamped what is now considered an old formula, the improvements look promising for those who are looking to game.

Playstation MoveSource: MTV

Kinect, on the other hand, has become the new Wii. Removing the controller entirely, the Kinect, like the Wii, is looking to get people off their couches and to turn their living rooms into exercise rooms, dance floors, and family game rooms. Microsoft’s strategy is geared much more at the casual market. With games like Dance Central and Kinectimals, the XBOX is now something for the mom, dad, and little sister. While this path includes the risk of turning the Kinect into another dust-collecting item on the self (like the Wii), Microsoft has taken steps to keep their product fresh. Like the PS3, the XBOX has become a media hub with services like Netflix and ESPN integrated into the console. With the Kinect, users can walk in and automatically be recognized and logged in (via the camera) and use their voice and hands to make their selections (No more wasted hours looking for the remote!). It’s definitely a revolutionary step that may lead the wave of change in our living rooms, as the iPhone has changed the way we use our phones. The Kinect is the way to go for those looking to get friends and family active and involved in the XBOX experience.

Microsoft KinectSource: Microsoft

Playstation Move BundleSource: Sony

Both devices offer exciting new experiences, although for very different audiences.  Of course, neither one comes cheap. The Move starts off with the $100 Move package, which bundles in the camera, one Move controller, and their version of Wii Sports. Each additional controller costs about $50 which can certainly add up. Kinect costs $150 but there are no additional costs. However, the Kinect requires approximately six to eight feet of space, which in a college dorm or urban apartment, may be hard to come by. Ultimately, while both look promising, it will be their catalog of games (and third party support) that will determine the success of these products. Unless there’s extra cash lying around or the immediate offerings are enough of a sell, it doesn’t hurt to wait a little longer to see how both products move (pun intended).

We got a packed house today as Aric Mellott and Joshua Caleb join us to talk about the new Windows Phone 7. Can Microsoft pull it off amidst a seemingly cluttered smartphone marketplace? Speaking of cluttered, I had to pack a ton of books the other day; they definitely add up. Is it time to give up the good ol’ paper-bound book? With so many e-book stores, which one do I choose?

Source: Apple

Apple announces their new Macbook Air – what is it exactly and should I choose that over an iPad, netbook, or notebook? Find out all this and more on this week’s Gigawhat!

Don’t forget to subscribe to us on iTunes with the link below and follow us on Twitter (Derrick at @derrickc82, Iyaz at @iyaz, Joshua at @JoshuaCaleb75, and Aric at @phatemokid).  Leave a comment and check out the links to the show on the blog post at dxstuff.com.

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Show Links

Windows Phone 7: http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/11/windows-phone-7-launch-guide/

Verizon iPad+ MiFi: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20019716-17.html

eBooks: http://www.tuaw.com/2010/10/14/the-ibookstore-six-months-after-launch-one-big-failure/

Macbook Air: http://www.apple.com/macbookair/

Sprint 4G Rollout: http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/18/sprint-promises-wimax-in-nyc-on-november-1-la-on-december-1-an/

Netflix Update to PS3 and Wii: http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/14/netflix-on-ps3-goes-disc-free-gets-1080i-streaming-and-5-1-surr/

App of the Week

Winamp: http://www.androidcentral.com/hands-winamp-android-great-music-app-easy-wireless-syncing

On our second show, we (@iyaz & @derrickc82) give our two cents on this week’s video game convention, E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo), including our favorite picks and thoughts on the show’s winners and losers.

And like any good train wreck, we can’t help but look at the latest disaster from AT&T-Apple; when will Apple finally call it off with AT&T and find someone who can actually treat her right? And when can we finally expect to get our darn iPhone 4s? Finally, we examine Verizon’s thoughts of moving away from unlimited data plans and discuss what that means for the everyday consumer.

We still don’t have a title for the show but we’re open to suggestions. Leave us a comment and if your title gets picked… well… we’ll either send you a pic of my EVO or a tuna sandwich, your choice!

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Story Links

E3: http://e3.ign.com/

Microsoft Kinect:  http://e3.gamespot.com/story/6266481/kinect-what-you-need-to-know

Playstation Move:  http://e3.gamespot.com/story/6266516/playstation-move-what-you-need-to-know

Mario Sports: http://wii.nintendolife.com/news/2010/06/e3_2010_mario_sports_mix_coming_next_year

iPhone Pre-Order Delays: http://gizmodo.com/5565259/iphone-4-delayed-again-now-july-14th

AT&T Cancels iPhone Orders: http://gizmodo.com/5567907/att-randomly-cancelling-iphone-4-pre+orders

Verizon Considers Tiered Pricing: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-06-17/verizon-may-follow-at-t-s-iphone-to-tiered-pricing-update1-.html

With the main press conferences all said and done, gamers were out at full force hitting the floors across the Los Angeles Convention Center. The line for Nintendo’s 3DS wrapped several times around the Nintendo booth; hundreds waited on line for other  games as well, including Assassin’s Creed, Mortal Kombat, Killzone 3, Marvel vs Capcom 3 and Microsoft’s Kinect.

Mortal Kombat, slated for 2011 was definitely a surprise hit; the game returns to its roots, with all the blood and gore you come to expect from a franchise that led the controversy in video game violence. The demo only listed a few characters, including Scorpion, Reptile, Kung Lao, Mileena, Johnny Cage, Sub-Zero and Stryker. A few of the stages available were beautiful re-imaginations of classic Mortal Kombat stages included the Pit and the Living Forest. The gameplay was great. The moves and character switching (for tag team matches) were smooth. Responding to feedback from fans, the game brings back the violence and gore. One nice detail was the deterioration of characters as they fought; by the time the match ends, your character is bruised and bloodied up. The game is slated for release from NetherRealm Studios / WBIE for the Xbox 360 and PS3 in 2011.

Sony’s new motion control, the Playstation Move, required far more effort than the Wii. Whereas one was able to get away with wrist flicks in Wii Sports Tennis, the Move requires actual full swings and moves, as the camera tracks movement 1:1. It’s not just the motion that’s need too however, for the fighting game, full powered, full speed swings are required as well. Swinging your arm lightly will just make your character flail his arms. Within two rounds, I was definitely working up a sweat. It was fun, though, as tiring as it was. The Move is slated for release in the U.S. on September 19th.

Here’s a few more pics from Day 2 at E3: