PS4 to Stream PS3 Games Through Gaikai?

The latest PlayStation 4 rumor is that Sony’s upcoming console will stream PlayStation 3 games using Gaikai technology. Some of you will recall that Sony Computer Entertainment purchased Gaikai in July 2012. The Wall Street Journal broke the story, noting that the streaming service will likely be used only for old games. That isn’t to say that new games won’t be available digitally; those will likely require a full download, rather than streaming.

For those of you with large PlayStation 3 videogame libraries, the news is probably disconcerting. The PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 offered backwards compatibility with games from the previous generation. Some pundits believe that the PlayStation 4 will not, since it uses a considerably different AMD architecture and many presume that it won’t include a second chipset to support old games (especially if that $400 price point rumor is on the mark).

The answers to numerous PlayStation 4 questions will (again, presumably) be answered on February 20, when Sony has its big press event. Until then, let’s have fun with the WSJ rumor. What do you think of streaming PS3 games on the new console? Is not having PS3 backwards compatibility a deal-breaker for any of you? Also, can you feel that? That’s the heat from the flames of a brewing console war. Fore!!!

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God of War: Ascensions Mo-Cap Feature

Sony Computer Entertainment American posted a sweet video on the motion-capture sessions for God of War: Ascension. The clip features developers, actors, directors, and writers from the game. It’s a great behind-the-scenes look at what goes into the cutscenes of a big-budget videogame. You’ll get to see the actors play out a scene and see how the game’s animators use the performance. The only puzzling thing about the video is that actress Jennifer Hale found the mo-cap suit — you know, the black jumpsuit with all those little balls — funny. Dang…that’s what I wear for sleeping.

Anyway, check out the vid and let me know what you think (please!).

Bungie Destiny Details Coming February 17

Bungie has announced that new details on its upcoming game, Destiny, will be unveiled on February 17, 2013. The game is a space shooter purported to have a deep and fleshed out universe (you know, for sequel purposes). The news was announced on Destiny’s social media pages. Here are the links to the game’s official pages so that you can follow it using the social media service that tickles your fancy:

As for the game itself, isn’t it crazy that Bungie is developing a space shooter?!? Just kidding…. Seriously though, are you amped for the company’s next action game? Do you think it can reach Halo-like heights? What do you expect and what do you want from Destiny? Kindly share your feelings (like a Care Bear) in the comments section!

(For the record, I think “Bootylicious” should be the game’s official song, because I don’t think you’re ready for this jelly.)

This Week’s Videogames Releases

Sega’s Aliens: Colonial Marines is this week’s big videogame release. People love space shooters. People love Aliens. Ergo, this game has a lot of people amped. In other Sega news, Sonic and pals drive through multiple console systems in Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed. The cover of the game has Sonic in a race car. I’m pretty sure he can run faster than a car, so I don’t know why he’s in it, but the kids seem to love it.

So, any of you picking up new games this week?

This Week’s Videogame Releases

There are a bunch of videogame goodies available for your consumption this week. Sly Cooper makes his long-awaited return in Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time. As a mark for the series and the character, I’m really looking forward to that one. Dead Space 3 has some fans excited, though others are concerned about the latest installment being more about action than survival-horror. 3DS fans looking for a good RPG should be pleased as punch with Fire Emblem Awakening. Last, but not least, is a game that’s perfect for fans of fighting and manga: Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage 2.

Any of you picking up new games this week?

PlayStation 4 Being Announced on February 20?

Sony Computer Entertainment America released a teaser video for an event on February 20, 2013. Most pundits expect the company to unveil the first details on the PlayStation 4 console. What do you think? What do you want from Sony and its next console? In honor of those silly flame wars we used to enjoy together on G4tv’s The Feed, “Fore!!!” Continue reading “PlayStation 4 Being Announced on February 20?”

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII Screens

Here’s a fresh batch of screens and artwork from the upcoming Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. Set for a Fall 2013 release, this RPG brings the FFXIII heroine back in an all-new adventure. Director Motomu Toriyama claims that the game will be, “the most complete and polished in the Final Fantasy series.” While I can’t comment on that lofty claim (yet), what I do know is that Lightning is back in black…and several other costumes. While she’s the star of the show and the only playable character, FFXIII fans will be pleased to know that Hope Estheim and Snow Villiers will apear in supporting roles.

As a mark for the series and someone that enjoyed XIII/XIII-2 more than most, of course I’m going to play this game. How about you guys and gals? Are you interested in jumping back into the world of Final Fantasy XIII? Or are you done with the series?

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This Week’s Videogame Releases

Anime fans in the U.S. have been anxiously awaiting the release of Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch and the game lands this week! Ni no Kuni comes from developer Level-5 and the legendary Studio Ghibli. I’m curious to see if the millions of people that love Studio Ghibli movies will pick up the game. Although I didn’t write the “new releases” post last week, I wanted to mention the new Devil May Cry. This time around, Capcom has entrusted the franchise to the capable hands of Ninja Theory. The developer has its share of fans, thanks to games like Heavenly Sword and Enslaved. The reviews have been great so far and I’m hoping that Ninja Theory gets to play around with more OPP franchises. Perhaps the company can go into the business of resuscitating stale videogame franchises.

Any of you picking up new games this week?

NPD Group’s Top 10 Games of 2012

After 12 months of heated battle, the results are in! Here are the 10 best-selling videogames according to the NPD Group. This list counts for console games sold at retail in the United States.

  1. Call of Duty: Black Ops II
  2. Madden NFL 13
  3. Halo 4
  4. Assassin’s Creed III
  5. Just Dance 4
  6. NBA 2K13
  7. Borderlands 2
  8. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
  9. LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
  10. FIFA Soccer 13

There are several fascinating takeaways here. First, it’s awfully impressive that there are two Call of Duty games on the list, which is a testament to the franchise’s immense and enduring popularity. LEGO Batman 2 is one of the few videogames that stars Hawkgirl, proving once again that Hawkgirl equals mad sales. I was happy to see Borderlands 2 on the list. Remember when a prominent videogame analyst said the original was “sent to die”? If videogame series could talk, Borderlands would be saying, “How do you like dem apples, Pachter!!!” (Just kidding, Michael.)

Did America’s most popular videogames pan out the way you thought they would? Please leave a comment with your thoughts on NPD’s top 10 of 2012.

Today’s Poll: Predict the 2013 Console Business

2012 was a rough year for the console gaming business. A lot of people believe that mobile devices and the vast improvement in the quality of mobile games are the key reasons for the decline in console game sales. Others believe that the current generation is simply long in the tooth and new hardware is needed to kickstart the console business. Some believe that the three major console companies haven’t done enough with digital distribution and relying on the boxed-disc model has hurt sales. Whatever the reason, sales figures are down and there are a lot of questions about console gaming heading into 2013.

How do you think things will pan out? Will console game sales roar back? Will sales continue to decline? Or will things remain about the same. Please vote in today’s poll and expand on your answer in the comments section.

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