'Rise of the Tomb Raider' just a timed exclusive to Xbox One?

The biggest reveal at Gamescom was the announcement of Rise of Tomb Raider coming exclusively to the Xbox One during the 2015 holiday season. But is it really going to be real exclusive, or a timed exclusive?

Twinfinite author Garrett Gault discusses why it's going to be the latter. While Titanfall was the exception to the rule, Gault believes that third party companies are foolish not to release their products on multiple platforms. In the same vein to Mass Effect, we will see the sequel to the Tomb Raider reboot on PlayStation 4 in some form.

In many cases we will see the first game in a franchise be exclusive to one platform, only for the success of that first game to lead the third party publisher to expand to as many places as possible to make the most capital they can.  One of the biggest franchises in recent memory that saw a shift similar to this was Mass Effect. The first two entries of the trilogy were Microsoft exclusives (the first debuting only for 360, with the second debuting for Windows and 360), only for the third game to release simultaneously on PS3, 360, and PC, along with a retroactive re-release of the first two games in a collection of the entire series for multiple platforms.

While Square Enix is going a different route with Tomb Raider, it doesn't matter. Eventually whatever money Microsoft paid for exclusivity won't matter once the contract is up.

This can only mean that Microsoft offered them a serious amount of money, but I still think that, whatever contract has been drawn between Microsoft and Square Enix, that contract will eventually expire. When that happens, expect Square Enix to reopen the series to multiple platforms, assuming Rise of the Tomb Raidermaintain’s the quality of the 2013 reboot. 

The article is completely spot on. Square Enix is the same company that throws in a bunch of money to their games, and when their games sell millions of copies they still consider it a failure. There's such a high benchmark that Square Enix places on their games and there's no way, reasonably, that it can reach its goal. Over four million copies and the game is a failure? Really?

In the same token, Square Enix isn't abandoning the Tomb Raider franchise on PlayStation. The reboot roughly sold half a million copies more on PS3 and obviously the franchise's main games have been featured on PlayStaton hardware.

Square Enix, the same guys who said the 4 million plus reboot of the franchise was a failure is going to completely abandon hardware that can give them at least two million more copies through the door? Forget it. Microsoft just ponied up because its their alternate tactic to compete with Sony.

Gamers are now faced with a decision. Either get the Xbox One to get the game immediately, or stick to plucking away at your backlog of video games and play it on your PS4 in about a year.

Photo from Destructoid

Sony Flash Sale includes Gran Turismo 6, Killzone Shadow Fall, and more

Sony announced a Flash Sale on Wednesday that includes popular, brand new titles on all of their platforms.

Here's the list from the PlayStation Blog, and all games on sale are available now at the PlayStation Store. Note: The Flash Sale ends on Friday. PlayStation Plus is not required for these prices:

PS4

• Injustice: Gods Among Us (Ultimate Edition) - $34.99
• Killzone Shadow Fall - $41.99
• Knack - $41.99
• Super Motherload - $7.49 (Cross-buy)
• Contrast - $7.49

PS3

• Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag - $41.99
• Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag (Gold Edition) - $55.99
• Gran Turismo 6 - $41.99
• Madden NFL 25 - $41.99
• Injustice: Gods Among Us (Ultimate Edition) - $34.99
• Super Motherload - $7.49 (Cross-buy)
• Contrast - $7.49

Vita

• Injustice: Gods Among Us (Ultimate Edition) - $20.99
• FIFA 13 - $13.99

Honestly, there aren't that good of deals on this list. Knack and Killzone are found on Amazon two dollars cheaper (including digitally), Madden 25 will soon see a complete drop-off in price, and we've seen Assassin's Creed IV hit $35 or less already in multiple sales.

The only thing I see is either picking up Injustice or Super Motherload on the PS4, grabbing Gran Turismo 6, or picking up Contrast at half off.

Microsoft locks up 'Gears of War' franchise

Gears of War won't make an appearance to PlayStation anytime soon after Microsoft secured the franchise in an announcment made Monday morning.

Microsoft Game Studios vice president Phil Spencer announced on the Xbox News website (via Examiner) that it was important to lock up GOW for their fans.

It all comes back to our commitment to Xbox fans. The “Gears of War” franchise has a very strong, passionate and valued fan base on Xbox. Over twenty-two million units have been sold across all “Gears of War” titles worldwide, grossing over $1B dollars (US). This franchise, and these fans, are part of the soul of Xbox. By acquiring this franchise, Microsoft Studios will continue to offer them more of their favorite games and entertainment experiences from the “Gears of War” universe.

Epic Games formerly developed the franchise, but that will now move to Black Tusk Studios, formerly known as Microsoft Vancouver. Cliff Bleszinski, former head man over at Epic Games and the original creator of the series, won't be involved with this project.

Spencer also had thoughts of creating an RTS-style game with the GOW franchise, similar to what they did with Halo Wars.

GIF: Watch all variations of the PlayStation controller at once

Thanks to a GIF created by GadgetLove that shows the evolution of both PlayStation and Xbox controllers, we can compare and contrast the different philosophies both Sony and Microsoft had on how gamers control what they play.

Above, the GIF shows the PlayStation controller back on the PS1 to the latest DualShock 4. In general, the four main buttons on the right side have never changed form. The placement remains uniform with the same amount of space between buttons.

That's different than the Xbox, which features a different button layout in each generation.

The directional pad had few changes, but the biggest upgrade was the length of the DS4's d-pad. Obviously, the biggest and most dramatic change was the implementing the two analog sticks at the bottom. Along with adding rumble, these controllers have been known as the DualShock controllers, and are numbered according to the console they're on.

Also of note, Sony abandoned the white color of their original PS1 and have remained with the traditional black, sleek style as the standard.

Not pictured unfortunately is the evolution of the shoulder buttons. These have all changed throughout each generation, with the DS3's bottom buttons being pressure-sensitive. With the lack of an actual trigger button, most first-person shooters action games use "R1" as the default action button.

Image credit: GadgetLove

Sony CEO: PlayStation 4 "Appeals to Video Gamers"

Microsoft can showcase their new console as an all-in-one entertainment box, but that's not where Sony is modeling the PlayStation 4.

Kazuo Hirai, the company's CEO, said during the D11 conference on Thursday that the PlayStation 4 is made for the gamers first.

"The most important thing we need to make sure we do at least initially is that we all agree and understand that the PS4 is a great video game console that appeals to video gamers," Hirai said at the D11 conference Thursday, according to AllThingsD's Ina Fried. "If we miss that part than I don't think we get the initial establishment of the console."

The PS4, set to come out this fall, will have non-game applications, Hirai added. But the company won't highlight those at launch, Hirai said.

Needless to say, don't expect too many more apps that what the PlayStation 3 is already doing right now. Obviously, the standard video-on-demand services like Netflix and Hulu will be there along with sports subscription services like MLB.TV and NFL Sunday Ticket. But the whole aspect of watching cable or satellite TV through the PlayStation 4 will not be happening.

It's an approach that Sony will need to take and bet with as the next generation of consoles are released. The PS3 has been a niche and despite some great exclusive content on the system, it's not grabbing the attention of gamers that are connected to their Call of Duty or sports buddies on the Xbox 360.

Perhaps Sony can attract those that are opposed to the direction that Microsoft is taking. This is a good first step in doing so.

[Source: CNET]

[Photo source: Flickr/Colony of Gamers]

How Does NFL Sunday Ticket Work with Madden NFL 25 Anniversary Edition?

The Amazon exclusive of Madden 25's Anniversary Edition will include a hefty price tag of $99 with NFL Sunday Ticket for free this season. Some might question how it's possible with the premier sports subscription exclusive to DirecTV, but it's designed to get even more people to sign up for the satellite service - and get locked into a contract.

Everything is a little murky though - here's how to get NFLST straight from the product description:

However, EA Sports' Senior Director of Marketing, Anthony Stevenson, posted on Twitter that it's not necessary to even subscribe to the satellite service.

@cavemangamer @whoisdo true, but with this offer you don't need to be a directv subscriber. You can access Sunday Ticket digitally.
— Anthony Stevenson (@EAnthonyS) May 18, 2013

Stevenson went on to explain that every copy of the Madden NFL 25 AE will include a code to access NFLST on computers and mobile devices.

This isn't the first time that people could use NFL Sunday Ticket without DirecTV. PlayStation 3 owners could buy the package for $300.

While it makes sense to give people the option to use a code and activate the package as an alternate method, what doesn't make sense is why people would even activate it with DirecTV. Anybody that does needs to know that activating it through the satellite service locks that person in for a two-year contract - and purchasing NFL Sunday Ticket next season at full price.

For people who are on the fence of getting DirecTV, this deal is a no-brainer. They have to lock into a two-year agreement anyway, and getting $10 a month off of the service will serve as a discount to the subscription next season.

Those that have DirecTV or are not planning to subscribe shouldn't take advantage if the code comes with every copy. Nothing matches the quality of a satellite feed going to a big screen TV for games, the PlayStation 3 has damn good streaming quality through Netflix and MLB.TV, which I own. While I cannot attest that's the same for the NFLST app on PS3, it would be a lot better than trying to stream games through a website hosted off-shore that illegally shows them.

The future of NFL Sunday Ticket exclusive to DirecTV is also up in the air. Why be locked into subscribing with the satellite service if NFLST moves on to a special online offer for a cheaper price?

My situation is also unique. Living in an apartment wired with DirecTV is fantastic, but I cannot lock into a 2-year agreement. Who knows if I will live in this apartment for another year, and one of us will need to use a mobile device anyway as both my girlfriend and I need to watch the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers, respectively.

More on how we'll probably break up in September later.

Whatever case people fall in, they need to know what's going to happen before pulling the trigger on signing with DirecTV or opting to use the code. My question is why DirecTV would even allow for a code in this deal when streaming a game is good enough for most people AND that option wouldn't get anyone locked into a contract?

[1st photo credit: Flickr/mediummike]
[2nd photo credit: Flickr/modenadude]

Killzone: Mercenary Release Date Pushed Forward

Sony's push for more PlayStation Vita content continues with announcing one of their major titles being released one week earlier.

Killzone: Mercenary is now set for a September 10th release date in North America on the Vita. Preorder content includes a double XP boost for 48 hours in multiplayer, similar to Killzone 3's release, and enough bonus money to buy another weapon before playing multiplayer.

After a disastrous start to the first-person shooter genre on the Vita, K:M has a lot to live up to. Both of last year's releases, Resistance: Burning Skies and Call of Duty: Black Ops - Declassified, were failures on the handheld.

Resistance failed with boring gameplay and a quick single-player campaign, basically "Resistance Lite" on the go with a playable multiplayer. COD was worse and failed at everything, most of it feeling like a rushed project.

With the handheld receiving more push by Sony, bigger franchises need to succeed and separate Vita from a typical Android mobile device. There's nothing wrong with the indie gaming push; it feels great to play those games with actual buttons. But casual consumers won't consider purchasing a separate $200-plus device to play games that can also be done on their smartphones.

[Source: PlayStation Blog]

Atomic Ninjas Coming to PlayStation Network this Summer

The indie gaming surge continues on PlayStation with the announcement of an exclusive title coming to both PlayStation 3 and Vita next season.

Grip Games will be releasing their latest game, Atomic Ninjas, this fall. Here's a description directly from Jakup Mikyska, CEO of Grip Games, on the PlayStation Blog:

So, what’s this all about, you ask? Atomic Ninjas is 2.5D multiplayer platformer with ninjas. You will control super-powered ninjas in frantic online matches against other players, with tons of charm and humor. If the Fat Princess and Crash Commando had a child, it would be Atomic Ninjas (though the idea is a bit disturbing, no?).

It isn't an all-out brawl that involves ninjas trying to kill each other with swords. Atomic Ninjas will involve strategy to beat your opponent via use of the environment. The blog details different traps and falling objects can be used to defeat your opponent.

A variety of modes will be available, making players choose between working individual or as a team in each of them. There doesn't seem to be any sort of story mode, but there is an option to play single-player offline with bots instead of the main multiplayer. Multiple players can play at one time on the same console with split-screen.

In the same vein as Grip Games other projects, like Fat Princess, the game will feature slapstick humor along with a vivid look to the game. Personality and fun will be its biggest selling point, not so much the technical specifications.

Atomic Ninjas will be released this Summer with no exact date announced. Even though it wasn't announced, the game looks to be cross-play between the PS3 and Vita.

[Photo credit: Flickr/Nuno Luciano]

God of War: Ascension Drops to $40

The fourth iteration of the God of War series on the PlayStation 3 has officially dropped to $40. 

Sony announced the price slash of God of War: Ascension by $20 this week. It doesn't come as much of a surprise considering it's been seen around that price at places like Amazon since late April. 

The game has also not been a great seller for the console, prompting in discounts. Last month, the retail price for the PS3 GOW: Ascension Legacy Bundle dropped to $300. Included with the game is the GOW Collection that features all five other games (including two from PlayStation Portable), a 500 gigabyte hard drive, and a 30-day free trial of PlayStation Plus. 

GOW: Ascension is officially the seventh installment of the entire GOW series. It serves as the prequel in the series and contains the story of Kratos being held captive of the three Furies once he abandons Ares. Ares previously tricked Kratos into killing his wife and child. 

The exclusive third-person hack-and-slash received above average reviews; GameRankings averages 79.45 percent. Popular gaming sites are exactly in that range with a 7.8 at IGN an 8 at GameSpot out of 10. 

For those still not wanting to drop the money for GOW: Ascension, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the game drop to $30 or less during the fall and holiday season.

[Photo credit: Flickr/Vincent Lee]

Gran Turismo 6 Set for Holiday Release on PlayStation 3 (Trailer)

Sony's most successful franchise on the PlayStation will receive a second release on the current-gen console.

Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi, along with Sony and Polyphony Digital, officially announced Gran Turismo 6 will be released this Holiday season for the PlayStation 3. The announcement was made at the Silverstone Circuit today, holding an anniversary celebration over 15 years of GT.

From the official PlayStation blog, the new game will feature a new engine and a focus on "increased social and community functions." Seven new locations with 71 new layouts will be available, along with over 1,200 cars to select from. All the cars and tracks from the previous GT will be included in this game.

Rumor spread back in late April that the game had a release date of November 28th with PS3 box art.

Here's an official quote from Yamauchi on the blog:

“It is amazing to think that it is 15 years since we first released Gran Turismo,” said Kazunori Yamauchi, during the announcement at Silverstone Circuit. “Things have changed a lot since then and now Gran Turismo 6 is a further evolution of my dream. We’re pleased to deliver GT 6 to PlayStation 3 as we have a very loyal community on that platform. However, we have refactored the game to make it very flexible and expandable, with a view to making many future developments.

“I am very pleased with everything about the new game and the new additions, but the launch will only be the beginning for GT6. The game will continue to develop throughout its life. I already have many ideas for things I want to achieve in the next 15 years of Gran Turismo!”

No mention of a release on the next-gen console, PlayStation 4, or a version or cross-play on the PlayStation Vita was announced. More information will be released at E3 this summer and on the official website.

Here's a trailer of the new game:

Considering this is one of Sony's heavyweights, and the mention of increased connectivity, it would be surprising not to see some sort of release on the Vita or PS4.

[Photo credit: Flickr/razaonetwo]