Cinematics coming from Square Enix is still quite immpressive

As much as all the confusion towards Final Fantasy XIII-2 or even the current status of the series, Square Enix still proves that they can still produce amazing CG videos. They just released a new trailer and it's a perfect example if what I'm talking about.

I was a fan of the Final Fantasy series back in the day but when they started releasing games such as Final Fantasy X-2, Final Fantasy XII and their latest entry Final Fantasy XIII, well let's just say I lost hope of ever getting hyped for a Final Fantasy game. This sequel to the linear Final Fantasy XIII is said to be the game that the first one should have been. Will this game be a better game as the first? it might come out that way since what was missing in the first is now present(towns, shops, exploration in general).

If you want a clear idea on what's going on check out the story trailer, but I think you'll even more confused.

Final Fantasy XIII-2 is only months away. The game will be out in Japan on December 15, while the US version will be out on January 31 2012 for Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

Playstation 3 version of Skyrim having framerate drops, leaving it unplayable

Skyrim is such an amazing game that we forget who made it. Bethesda has  always been known for a game developer to have tons of glitches and issues that leaves the game close to unplayable on a day one release. It's inevitable with Bethesda games. Remember when you first played Fallout 3? or even Fallout: New Vegas?! Not the smoothest I bet. Well as much as everybody loving the latest Elder Scrolls, the Playstation 3 version of Skyrim is showing some unplayable framerate drops and freezes after the 25 hour mark.

I'm currently playing Skyrim on my Xbox 360 and while I do experience some framerate drops and crashes, the Playstation 3 is experiencing it to a point where it can be unbearable. Arlie is playing the game on the Playstation 3 and is experiencing these broken issues first hand, and we are both midway into the game.

Why only now?

Why was this not addressed on release? well because it only occurs when you're somewhat midway into the game. The problem  could be coming from two sources: The size of each save file or The required installation in your Playstation system. In regards to the save files, we noticed that as you progress into the game, your file size get's bigger and bigger. This is seen in both the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

The starting save file during the start of the game starts at a whopping 2mb, that's already big for a save file. Both Arlie and I are past the 60 hour mark and our latest save files are currently at 9mb each save. NINE. I usually have around 5 saves in a game like this, so with all the autosaves and manuals save I have, my saves in total is around 81mb. This could be the source of the frame rate drops, especially the horrible ones experienced on the Playstation 3. Here's an example of what Playstation 3 owners are experiencing.

That's unplayable for me. Another possible reason for these frame drops is the installation done on your PS3. Arlie tried re-installing and noticed improvements by doing this, but after a few hours of playing the issue starts to surface yet again. Another remedy that might help is deactivating the auto saves in the game. By default, the game auto saves each time you travel, rest, and hit the menu screen after 30 minutes(can be specified). Turning it off and reducing the file size might help with the frame drop issues.

Here's another example of the horrible lag in the Playstation 3. Arlie recorded the video himself.

Playstation 3 isn't the way to go when thinking about playing Skyrim... for now. Your best bet will be on the PC if your PC can handle it. The 360 is the next best thing but still has those Frame rate drops and freezes, but is rare not compared to the PS3. The Xbox 360 version also has that installation bug that gives low resolution textures if you install the game in your HDD. Best way around that one is to not install it at all(thank god it's an option).

Is there a patch coming? yes. Bethesda has announced that the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 1.2 patch have been submitted for certification and will be up a week after thanksgiving, meaning the patch is still a week away. Hopefully this patch covers all this issues that prevent us from enjoying this awesome game. Any PS3 owners experiencing this too?

Max Payne 3 Special Edition announced

 

Rockstar Games just announced the contents of their Special Edition for Max Payne 3. It will be priced at $99.99 in the US and can be pre-purchased only from November 21 to January 15.

No word yet if this Special Edition will be accessible outside the US, but since the Special Edition is only for pre-purchase, chances are slim. Sad I know, contents are pretty sweet too if you're into the whole collecting video game statues and all.

The Special Edition will include:

• A Copy of Max Payne 3
• 10" tall Collectible Max Payne Statue created in a collaboration between TriForce and Rockstar Games.
• Series of game-inspired Original Still Life Art Prints that depict some of Max Payne's inner demons and vices.
• Copper and brass-plated iron, bullet-shaped Bullet Keychain featuring a screw-off back.
• Classic Multiplayer Character Pack of eight playable multiplayer characters for Max Payne 3 Multiplayer, including fan favorites  from the original Max Payne and Max Payne 2 like Max Payne from Max Payne 2, Mona Sax and Vladimir Lem.
• Disorderly Conduct Multiplayer Weapons Pack for Max Payne 3 Multiplayer that includes the Hammerhead Auto Shotgun, 69 Grenade Launcher and Molotov Cocktail.
• Max Payne 3 Official Soundtrack featuring the game's instrumental score.

A decent package for those hardcore fans. Max Payne 3 will be out next year on March for the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.

[Source: Gematsu]

A little late to the party - Migoy finally gets a PS3

That's right folks. It finally happened. I now own a PS3. Funny thing, I bought it on the day of the PS3's launch that happened 5 years ago. Happy birthday PS3.

Meet Ziggy, yes I just named my PS3. Ziggy is a PS3 Slim with a 320 gigabyte hard drive in it. I got this bad boy at Mr. Dynamic which can be found at the 3rd floor of Greenhills Vira Mall for P13,400 cash price (14.300 credit price). It was a good choice to get the PS3 there as they were kind enough to test the system for me on the spot and update it to the latest firmware from Sony. Net has been janky all week at home so it's good that it got updated right then and there.

First game I got for Ziggy is Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3. This one I got at Datablitz and they threw in a free poster which is proudly posted on my wall as I haven't had a video game poster, or any poster for that matter, for a long long time.

Also got a $20 PSN card because Castlevania: Harmony of Despair was ported to PSN back in September and was something that I've been wanting since Symphony of the Night, a multiplayer 2D Castlevania game.

I wish I had more money to shell out for awesome games that have come out these past few months like Saints Row The Third, Batman Arkham City, Battlefield 3, etc. But hey, it's the holiday season, I might get lucky in the free video games department.

Next thing to save up for, an HDTV!

How good is your aim in Skyrim?

Ok, been very busy lately so haven't been posting as much, and all the extra time I get goes to Skyrim. Thanks to that I'm currently 60+ hours in with now at least 3 holds explored(4 more to go). To celebrate me placing 60 hours into the game, let's take a look the best headshot you'll ever see in Skyrim.

Saw this yesterday and I've been trying to imitate it myself, so far no luck. You think you can beat this awesome headshot or at least do it yourself?

What's awesome is, he just did that amazing headshot to the most annoying character you'll experience in Skyrim too. A priest literally shouting his beliefs. There are more headshots but I believe this headshot is clearly the best one.