Tag Archives: Playstation

May 24, 2013 · 10:36

Spin dryers by Microsoft

Some might have heard the news and some might not. Microsoft will be launching their new console by the end of this year. Sony will come with one too, but about that more at a later time.

So, I did watch the presentation, and it is not unlike an American based company to take on so much more than they are likely to chew when they go up against a population of gamers. This has been proven in several occasions and as such this moment was no different.

The new system is called Xbox One (sounds like a Star Wars episode copy).

This system is supposed to be the new revelations that evangelical gamers will pray too. Yet, this is no longer a gaming console. They now call it an all in one entertainment system.

It is a fair step to extend boundaries. Any business minded person will do that whenever possible. Yet, at this time, with the current available information, many wonder why things were not thought through on many levels is slightly baffling.

Even though Microsoft is releasing information on many planes, I would be in remiss if I did not mention that Gamespot (www.gamespot.com) is a massive centre player when it comes to console information, so they are an important source of information for all readers.

There is one part where Microsoft is right, and it is only fair I mention it. Microsoft’s Don Mattrick stated “If you’re backwards compatible, you’re really backwards.” I grant him that one. Even if I was opposed in the past, in combination with statements made from those who made the ‘promise’ at that point (a promise both Microsoft and Sony royally broke). Where we saw the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 to be required to be backwards compatible to PlayStation 2 and Xbox, is just not realistic to expect at this time. So, as such, I will agree on that, even if several gamers might not agree with me.

My first issue is with the hardware that is central to the new Xbox One. If this is supposed to be an all in one entertainment solution, always connected, always cloud ready for downloading of Movies, TV, Games and so on, then whomever lacked the synapses to decide on a 500 Gb drive had clearly been watching a little too many Xbox-Files (like the TV series from the 90’s with Box Mulder and Data Scully). Then 500 Gb would then have been mucho alien. Now, the difference between 500 Gb and 1 Tb is about $20, so when they state it cannot be upgraded, in a time when we are all overloaded with data, we should start asking serious questions. Their statement that we can add a USB3 drive just does not hold water. Consider that they called it an all-in-one entertainment system; consider that a Blue-Ray can contain up to 50 Gb and consider that the operating system and temporary files for this system takes up some space too. Then this system has space for 9 movies in high res (worst case scenario). Even less if we consider the need for our music on MP3, out private photo collection(s) and a few games, then this drive will be choc-a-block stuffed full really quickly.

In opposition, as a start, I might not object to a 500 Gb start. Yet, the non-upgrade limit means that we will need extra external drives; so in addition needing power, needing cables and one young player accidently yanking the wrong cable might make things go wrong fast. This is also the first of many points where your internet data plan will cut in (or cut out might be a better phrase). You see, data plans cost money, and considering the plans some are on now, then the added changes would also mean you might on average pay $30 a month extra to keep being online. So that goes towards $400 in extra costs each year (not including the annual fee for Xbox live). Mind you, this is the INCREASE, not the bare cost. In some cases some would go from $69 to $99 a month. That should go over well with the millions of students all over the globe who are already in dire need just to make ends meet. If you think that this is an exaggeration. Think again. The system that now boasts on 3D gaming possibilities will need data to get this all rolling out. So either you accept time for a dozen DVD’s to install, or you’ll have to get to the cloud. In addition, they might offer the ‘normal’ version on 1-2 DVD’s and the rest needs downloading. This is a bigger deal then you realise. For example, consider the option of starting World of Warcraft on the PC as a new gamer. It is really nice that they offer it for free to new gamers to try. I am honest; it is a really nice gesture. Yet the initial download is 22 Gb. For some that is almost half their monthly download allowance. The second part of their entertainment boast is that they will support 4K. 4K is a resolution for TV meaning 4000 pixels per line. In all fairness there was a mention that this is for photos and movies only, not for games, yet, the 4K trailer of Spiderman (trailer, not movie) was said to need almost 500 Gb. That much for a 3 minute trailer? Is anyone waking up considering the ridiculous limitation of a 500 Gb hard drive?

Realistically, we are not ready for 4K resolution, as this goes beyond the ability of Blu-Ray, which of course makes me wonder why the 4K mention was such an effort? 3D is more and more added to the consumer’s home, yet at this point, we see an unbalanced situation between the offered hypes and the offered hardware. Not a good thing Microsoft!

So let us take a gander in the second division of MS issues (This applies to Sony too by the way). This new-gaming wave seems to cross several borders. What is advertised as new gaming, what others call entertainment, what few see and should see as the end of privacy! Microsoft is now offering a solution that is always on, always connected and remembering and learning from you all the time. Most laws are not ready.

The one thing that we hold dear, that we protect, we seem to give away when playing a game.

The new systems are all about data collecting. They call it ‘trending’, it is in reality a ‘personalised’ form of mass-advertisement. The abundance of hype created whilst stating interaction through the cloud is in fact nothing less than a new form of data collection as Skype, TV, movies and your choice of gaming is at all times stored and saved on the cloud. A system that interacts as per now on multiple levels, unhindered by privacy laws as we surrender to that extra little ‘benefit’ where we forget that others get access too.

Their on-line system is now getting grown from the initial 15000 servers now that Xbox 360 uses, to 300,000 servers from the moment the next Xbox is launched. It is a 2,000% growth in data collection and over 200,000% storage capacity. If foundations of business are set to return-on-investment, then ask yourself why a gaming system requires that level of growth. Intellectual property that is no longer bought, but rented on a temporary basis as the cloud keeps what we buy, yet we will pay more per hour and hand over our identity in the process.

Most laws are not ready, with these new systems starting to get pushed out as per this year. Consider this; the presentation had a quote in relation to the collected information “Game developers can take advantage of our data centres“, is anyone else getting access?

As Justice continues a losing battle against cybercrime, corporate entertainment is about to hand the keys over to a group that can really use all that input. Should you consider that this would not happen, then remember how Sony lost the security of a few million accounts which included credit card information, affecting many in Australia. When this level of collection happens, when consumers connect devices, then consider the added interest cybercrime will get as many will want these amounts of data for several reasons and most laws are not ready.

In less than 6 months we will see a new age where many willingly, unaware of the consequences will give out their details, their personality and their identity to a data cloud where we can all be statistically weighted. The haves and have nots will see their private lives classified into moments of targeting, some of it likely questionable. The laws are not ready, the justice system is not ready and law enforcement is not even close to ready.

So we are faced with the cloud, space and privacy. Consider that the new console was announced to be cheaper than the 360 initially was. Consider that Microsoft is adding hundreds of thousands of servers. Then consider that thy need to make a profit. So how will this happen? More important what extra costs will you the consumer get when their marketing will start making statements like the one we heard when the 360 was about to be launched “Each console has a variety of games. Most games released on the original Xbox are backwards compatible and can be played directly on its successor, Xbox 360” This did not pan out so well. Sony was just as bad, if not worse as millions signed up for the PlayStation 3, selling (or trading in) their PlayStation 2, only to learn that this backward compatibility was not ever working correctly.

Now, as stated earlier, the new consoles will NOT be backward compatible, yet Marketing is making all kinds of statements again. The Telegraph reported in (Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/Xbox/10075540/Xbox-One-gamer-backlash-over-fee-for-pre-owned-titles.html) that gamers will see a fee coming their way when they are playing pre-owned titles. How fun is that? I admit, I am not yet aware what Sony does, yet this could tip the scales in a major way. I all honesty Microsoft Marketing did state that there will be pre-owned possibilities, yet they have not officially stated how this EXACTLY will play out, so we await clarity by Microsoft (be really really patient)

Personally I am on the fence in this regard. I never liked pre-owned games. And as such it never really hit me. When we look at off line gaming, my thoughts are that this is none of Microsoft’s business. If I give a game I am done with to a niece, a nephew, or even the neighbours so their kids can play a game without having to pay for it, then so what? I do agree with Microsoft that the one who buys the game gets access to on-line gaming. If someone else wants to go on-line, then they should by an access pass for the on-line part. They reserved the gaming server for me the buyer, the next person will need to pay for that service. So off line gaming, patching and so on, they should stay away from charging. That is my personal view.

So here we are, Microsoft marketing spinning their party lines fast enough to get your clothes dry, it does however gives more and more pause to the quality of gaming we have to look forward to. This is how I currently see the gamers market go backwards. A business approach to a consumer world, pushing through all kinds of idea’s the youthful player never signed up for.

So Microsoft calls it an entertainment system. Entertainment? For who?

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March 5, 2013 · 18:50

Tomb Raider, A game the wrong way round.

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This is for those who play/played games (on a console or PC). I have been involved in the gaming industry for a long time. I have tested them, reviewed them and been in contact with original game creators since 1989. No matter who we applaud for whatever game started what, there is no denying a basic fact. When Sony released the first PlayStation the world of gaming changed forever.

This console came in the beginning with a minimum amount of games; however gaming changed forever one year after the PlayStation was released when a game named Tomb Raider was released. This game was in no uncertain terms the pinnacle of gaming in many ways. It was puzzling, Action, exploring and extremely exciting. It had 4 area’s comprising of 18 levels. It was a massive game filled with so many things that replaying was essential. The game that followed was even bigger and more challenging. I reckon it took no less than 3 weeks to get through either game. I was mesmerised. It was there for a shock that I got through this new game for almost 90% in just two days.

The new Tomb Raider is served like an expensive meal. Nice plate, exquisite display of eatable items, but a nice plate does not necessarily leave you filled and in this case it leaves you hungry soon after dinner. The game is rocky in several places. It is repetitive; at times it has the same shock effect again and again and at times too cinematographic where you must push a button at the exact time.

So, what are the good parts?

Yes, they had so much to work with. Enough so, that I am very concerned on how this was messed up to that extent. The premise that it is on ONE island was pretty brilliant, the idea of a Tomb Raider zero is pretty decent and one thing MUST be stated at the very beginning is that the graphics are UNREAL! That is the one part that is beyond exceptional. The graphics show utter perfection. Especially when you get to a level called coastal base, you have no idea what you are in for. The graphical part of the game is without a doubt utterly perfect. To give you a little more, this is from the same house that brought Deus Ex. A game that brought several times the satisfaction this game brings. Square Enix is a house that has a high quality established name, so what went wrong? WHY is this game so mediocre in my mind?

Let us take a look at the first level. It is decent and a good introduction to this game. It gives the person a way to control and move through the introduction. In the end of this short run we will have seen how easy the game is controlled and that is what any good introduction does. From there we stop at our first camp. The camps are important and it is a good way to progress and safe a game. All that is fine. Next we get to get the bow and do a little hunting. Soon thereafter you will get a first feel on how good the game might be. You as a gamer will quickly become hungry for more. After a day, when you see your progress you realise that overall this game could have been a lot more, and it is without a doubt way too small. The indication that ‘downloaded’ tombs are coming might not even be a consolation, especially if those tombs cost extra (unknown at this time whether it will cost). I do not know whether the failing is due to timing, due to marketing or just a lack of creativity. The art and graphics are so amazing that the third option is not likely the case.

Levels are overall not that bad and the hidden tombs are nice. The change that the entire game plays on One Island gives the game a good feel, and soon the story will narrate into a supernatural field that is well known and a source of fame for the Tomb Raider series. So, the elements of a great Tomb Raider game are definitely there. However, some levels could have been a lot larger, making the game a lot more and especially longer challenging. I reckon that this is one of the two great flaws in this game. The game does have many decent sides, again, it tends to get repetitive when Lara is dumped in the deep end, suddenly surrounded by overwhelming forces and then the fight starts again. I can understand that approach to happen once or twice, but it happens too often, I would state that this is a big No in my book. This repetition becomes tedious after a while. This is odd way to go, because the approach with stealth kills with a bow is actually a very nice twist for the player. In addition we soon have an idea who is two-timing us, so the average gamer will not get too much of a surprise.

What was good is in some levels there is a running need to jump, climb and skip in a cinematographic approach. This is not bad, but it again happens too often and then it is all about timing the button correctly, or to shoot the right obstacles. 2-3 might be nice, but it happens slightly too often with too many cut scenes.

What could have been done better? Larger playing levels are a definite! 2 of them, like the Coastal area and the climb to the monastery are sizeable area’s to see. However, getting through the levels is at times slightly too fast. If we look at places like the Research Station, we see a place that was way too small. Even additional puzzles in all areas would have been a good thing. Additional levels and depths as well as puzzles to get through the hidden tombs would have given this game additional weight; those additions would have dramatically driven the score of the game. In one weekend I got up to the final temple, and most areas were 100% completed.

I am a decent gamer, but not a great one. I am certain several gamers could have done the same game 1-2 hours quicker on the highest setting, which again is shown in my low score. The hidden tombs are a fun idea; however, for the most each one has one small puzzle and not a challenging one at that. Only the fishery tomb is slightly challenging at first. But all levels do show utter perfection in its graphical and artistic environment. That makes it all so upsetting.

I would rate this game a 7.5 out of 10. With a little more effort it could have been an easy 9.4 out of 10. Which begs the question, why the failing effort? Tomb Raider, of all games should be better than this in my mind. The second question is how the critics came to a score so high, way higher then it currently deserves.

Important that this review is based on the single player ONLY! This game has an additional multi-player option which was not tested.

 

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February 22, 2013 · 15:01

They’re consoles, but not as we know them!

Have you been looking forward to the Hype start of the PlayStation 4 yesterday? I was not. I did not waste time waiting for some stream to start with all the other people who were waiting to be the first to know. Millions of viewers and all were watching the same stream at the same time. I was not. Don’t get me wrong. I love games as much, if not more than the average player. But to quote Mr William Shatner in a very appropriate manner: ‘Get a life!’

So, when I looked at some of the details after the first wave, I had an option to sift through the information, and a few very scary thoughts were starting to form. The steps taken are very very appropriate (from the viewpoint by Sony), yet, we are about to get an entirely new wave of revenue driven groups, and before too long, it will cost you!
This might even more then you bargained for and there might be little to no chance to avoid it with all impending consequences. What am I talking about? Let me explain!

First the mundane stuff:

It is mentioned to have eight cores and an enhanced PC GPU. This system will work at speeds approaching 2 Teraflops. There is a lot more, but the issue is set in the next part I mention: “PS4 to include cloud and game live-streaming functionality; focus on social networking; global Gaikai network rollout.” (Source: Gamespot).

Am I just spouting out some facts? Perhaps, however, consider that managing multi core processor systems are a lot harder than most people realise. However, inserting code that accesses non-used, or less used processors is hard, but when active, they can remain undetected for a long time. Now add the thought that such malignant code is added through the DLC that is added to the game and we have a silent data screamer. This is the other less known side of anti-viral solutions. Data viruses are almost impossible to track, unless you track EVERY process, which slows down any system scanned.

Its opponent, the new XBox720 is still a question mark. There are loads of rumours, however, no real facts. It is however very likely that the Social Networking issue will be included. This is going to be the real problem.
This step was unavoidable.
Let’s face it, Facebook changed the world forever! However, if we take into account the shadier side of social networking (aka cyber criminals) then you might begin to realise that your goose could be cooked. We are not talking about an account that gets hacked. No, that would be too simple. For this part, we need to take an additional look back towards last October where insurers were mentioning that mentioning absences on social media might have consequences.
In December 2012 the insurance council of Australia made this quote: “The insurance industry is urging holidaymakers to keep their travel plans off social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to reduce the risk of burglary over Christmas”. This is actually late in the game as the British Insurance Age wrote this in June of 2012: “Social media-savvy young people could represent an emerging market for on-line risk insurance cover, according to research conducted by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)” So, here we can pretty much replace the words ‘emerging market’ for ‘additional costs’.

There has been the odd wild story on how a person tagged in a photo on Facebook through their smart-phone was enough for burglars to know that a house was empty. Now we add Social media to a gaming console? I could go for the kids and computers next, however, the bulk of gamers on systems like that are likely to be adults. Being adults does not mean that they are in ample supply of Common Cyber Sense. Let’s face it; loads of advanced users tend to lack such skills. In addition, we will now have to contend with consoles in need of Anti-Viral Software (to thwart Social media Cybercrime) and a league of other issues.
Let’s mention the issues that Sony had in the past with their hacked databases. Should we wait for the first time loads of credit cards go into some auto-donation mode? (With cybercriminals as the designated benefactor). I am not kidding! Yes, you will hear on the amount of safety Sony has, and the people will be perfectly safe. Spokespeople and Marketing spins will all make the case that we are all perfectly safe. So, let me remind you, or if you did not know inform you that in April 2011 the information of 77 million account holders were stolen from the Sony network. On May 4th of that year Sony confirmed that personal identifiable information was stolen.
Now they want to add their console to social media?
How long until the insurance company wants additional policies? How long until the insurance company decides that ‘it’ is not covered? Who will pay then? Sony? Or will they say “Oops! We so Sorry!” and leave you hanging with the consequences of the event.
I am not having a go at Sony here (even though it sounds like it).
There are several factors that should be seen as hazardous to the gaming health if those new console owners continue in an on-line/cloud gaming experience. First of all, cyber laws are shaky on several levels, especially when foreign criminals are involved (finding them is often a near impossibility). There is evidence on several levels that most of us are not ready for this level of integrated social media. Not because we do not want to, but because our systems can be invaded on many levels at several points. This is the consequence of evolution and people going to the edge of new technologies. At some point it becomes a clear that adding more and more is becoming counter-productive.
Then there is the part of additional revenue. Sony and Microsoft want all these sides to social media, for the simple reason that all that information is worth a massive amount of money. ‘free’ data, all there waiting to get scooped up by the container load. Would we get paid for this? Very likely not! How long until a non-adult gets to click ‘yes’ on an option so he/she gets it for free? Who is then liable when things go wrong? (When they go wrong, not if they go wrong!).
These are all the dangers of social media on the internet. Then finally there is their mention of Cloud gaming. Another new Hype that will be added for gamers. Yet, there are several levels of dangers. This is not just something I am claiming. Several exports on this field from data providers to the technology providers at Cisco make mention of this. They are warning us on levels of dangers when it comes to Cloud issues. So, the cloud, especially with data at rest will need several levels of monitoring and all this takes resources. So, how will we be charged for those? You can bet your house on the dangers that ‘free’ options there will come at a much higher price down the road and not unlike Facebook, should you stop gaming, then what will happen to the data?
The weird part is that most of these issues belong in medium to large sized companies with able IT coverage. Not in the average household where the IT expert is 11 and has a Nintendo 3DS!
Should you consider this and wonder how much time you have. Well, this console is to be released in 2013 and disaster could strike in 10 months, 10 days and 10 hours from now. Questions need to be asked, and those who protect the gamers (read citizens with a console) need to realise now that ALL data can be gotten to by cyber criminals, and in many commonwealth nations the law and the law enforcers are not up to scrap within that timeframe.
My biggest issue?
A device meant for entertainment is thrust into a grey area of legislation for the benefit of massive amounts of revenue. The moment our personal data goes somewhere else, those who enabled this in the first place will likely pass the buck to an area of non-accountability.

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