Odds/Ends for 3/3
March 3rd, 2008 at 1:22 pm
This is supposed to be a pretty busy week for me, so naturally I woke up this morning with a sore throat that’s rapidly spinning out into some kind of sinus thing. Perfect!
Anyway, this week is a pretty good one for new releases, and expect things to pick up from here as we make our way to the end of the first quarter of the year. I’m excited for Bully, even though I played it back when it first came to the PS2. It’s just a neat game, and I’m looking forward to playing through it again.
I’m also weirdly excited about Army of Two. Though I haven’t seen much of it lately, it always looked promising, and like it had a weird sense of humor to it. I’m hoping that’ll come across in the full game, and that it wasn’t something that was created specifically for the trailers.
This week is the week for new baseball games, if that’s your thing, and God of War PSP is also due out, too.
So yesterday I went out shopping for some new wireless hardware. Though I wanted an access point, I ended up going with a router. Up until now I’ve preferred that my devices all have real, assigned IPs. Now they’re all internal, router IPs. Weird, but it works just the same, and port forwarding has become much easier to set up than it was the last time I tried it.
I ended up getting a D-Link DIR-655 because I wanted something that’d support 802.11n. Then, of course, I realized that I wanted to use my DS (it didn’t work with my last wireless device), and the DS only supports WEP encryption. The N specification doesn’t allow for WEP, so I’m forced to run it at slower G speeds, at least until I get bored of playing DS games online and decide to switch it. I’m surprised to see there are people out there playing stuff like Ultimate Mortal Kombat and Clubhouse Games this far past release.
While I was out buying stuff, I stopped by the local CompUSA. In case you hadn’t heard, they’re shutting down most, if not all of their retail stores. Yesterday was the last day that the one near me was open, so I figured I’d check there, just in case they still had any decent wireless gear left. They didn’t, but they had a few Xbox 360 games at 90% off. I picked up FlatOut: UC, March Madness 07, College Hoops 07, and NCAA Football 07 all for around six bucks apiece. Not bad, though I later discovered that I already owned a copy of March Madness 07. Oh well. FlatOut seems OK.
Oh, and of course, no game-related talk would be complete without mentioning that Smash Bros. is out in less than a week. The official release date is on a Sunday, which probably means most retailers will have copies no later than Friday. Anyone want to take some bets on how many street date breaks we’ll see before the weekend?
March 3rd, 2008 at 1:27 pm
what are you doing this week??
March 3rd, 2008 at 1:32 pm
What is the benefit to buying old, mediocre games? What type of enjoyment do you get from that? Also, first to comment? Woot!!!
March 3rd, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Is there a podcast today, or was that just a 2 time deal?
March 3rd, 2008 at 1:34 pm
There aren’t many people playing flatout online, if you ever want a game send me a message - my gamertags the same as my name on this.
March 3rd, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Glad to hear you went with the D-link. They’ve always done well for me.
March 3rd, 2008 at 2:02 pm
im really looking forward to Army of Two. For what ever reason Gamefly won’t ship it until the 6th. I’m guessing EA has some sort of contract or something that doesn’t let Gamefly rent out they’re games until a few days after its been on store shelfs. I say this because Burnout was the same way it was available to rent after 3 days past the ship date. Guess they want me to crack under the pressure of 3 days and break down and buy the damn thing.
March 3rd, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Nice to hear you’ve reimplemented your wireless set with the aid of the D-Link which does a pretty good job utilizing things without a hassle.
March 3rd, 2008 at 2:18 pm
friday is my bet but around here sunday for me
March 3rd, 2008 at 2:22 pm
I’m sitting here feverishly waiting for Army of Two, i just cant wait for that game. I’ve always had a special spot for Flatout, since the very beginning…shame its just OK for you.
March 3rd, 2008 at 2:23 pm
90% off thats good savings!
March 3rd, 2008 at 2:23 pm
I’m skeptical about Army of Two. I’m not sure why…perhaps it’s that it makes a lot of sense for so many people to buy it. Ive been getting vibes from the media that it’s a mix between GoW and GRAW in both gameplay and looks. I’ll be waiting for a reputable thumbs up.
March 3rd, 2008 at 2:43 pm
I’m actually thinking that the street date for SSBB could be broken tomorrow because of retailers thinking that it’s the usual Tuesday release.
March 3rd, 2008 at 3:00 pm
There’s already been a street date break for Brawl. A few Sears were selling it early, and it was available on the site for about ten minutes before they took it down.
I hope I manage to catch someplace selling it early tomorrow, though. I’ll be calling around in hopes of grabbing a copy or two. Bonus points if they give it to me with a big “DO NOT SELL UNTIL 3/9/07″ sticker on the side. I would never open it then.
March 3rd, 2008 at 3:14 pm
I work in the electronics department at K-Mart, and because I’m on vacation I guarantee one of the other guys (who aren’t gamers) are going to end up putting Smash Bros. out early, even when it says do not put out until 03/09/08 on the side of the shipping box.
March 3rd, 2008 at 3:17 pm
I guess I need to head over to my local CompUSA and hope that they haven’t already shut down. Getting 90% off games or hopefully movies would be a great way to stock up on some that I have been hesitant on getting so far.
March 3rd, 2008 at 3:21 pm
I’m gonna go with three street breaks. Wal-Mart, Toys R Us and GameStop.
March 3rd, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Huh I should have thought to hit the CompUSA that was near to me for massive savings.
March 3rd, 2008 at 4:38 pm
I’ve been tempted by Flatout UC several times, but never actually picked it up. Its quite cheape here in the UK, but not as cheap as you managed to find it for.
Also, off-topic - are you doing a podcast with Ryan this week. I’ve loved your previous two episodes and am really looking forward to the next one.
Keep up the good work Jeff.
March 3rd, 2008 at 5:10 pm
I liked FlatOut, It’s one of those racing games that are challenging and fun at the same time.
As for the wireless routers, I don’t trust Dlink. I already own a Dlink router but I’m not satisfied. I’ll probably replace it with a “Netgear” or a “3COM office connect” in a few weeks. I just need to check if the Netgear one supports DynDNS (a must for me).
March 3rd, 2008 at 5:37 pm
I’m very excited for Army of Two and the delay looks to have really paid off (it looks much better now)
As for Gamefly, Jackel, they always are a couple days later, probably to secure a big shipment and get all the discs ready to ship out on that one day. I’ve read things about Netflix operation and apparently they have some special techniques no other similar services have. They have a ton more shipping centers, which gives them an advantage, but they do process things more quickly.
March 3rd, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Bully was a fun game, I highly recommend it for anyone who hasn’t played it yet
March 3rd, 2008 at 7:09 pm
The sore throat, thats how it starts man, next thing you know you’re laid out on the couch with the flu. It happened to me in the middle of january, it was one of the most miserable overpowering colds/flu i’ve ever had, literally took me 3 weeks to shake it. And goddam pollen allergies flared up at the end, and now it feels like i’ve been sick for 5 weeks.
March 3rd, 2008 at 7:41 pm
d-link blows.
March 3rd, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Actually, one retailer already broke the street date in my country.
“Liverpool” (That’s the store)
March 3rd, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Am I the only person that doesn’t really care about Smash Bros, Condemmed 2 comes out the same week as SSBB and I’m going to be picking that up instead.
March 3rd, 2008 at 10:47 pm
This doesn’t have much to do with your recent post. I recently saw your interview on G4. I know it’s a bit late, but I’ve been working a lot lately. So haven’t had
too much time to spend on the internet.
I have nothing against games getting new and innovative.
I do think it’s important for games to evolve, and bring new exciting gameplay.Also I see nothing wrong with games that don’t do this.
Lost Odyssey for example I personally really enjoyed this game. It takes be back to the days for the PS era. I grew up playing RPG’s on the snes and PS, and would love to see more games like this in the future.
But this game’s received a lot of flak for not being new and innovative in reviews.The game isn’t perfect, and I’m not a fanboy getting pissy that everyone doesn’t love this game.
I understand why some people don’t like it. They want something new and theres nothing wrong with that. I just don’t see why every game made has to bring something new to it’s respected genre.
I believe there is an audience of gamers out there like me. That enjoy games like Lost oddssey. Because they embody the games we loved to play in the past.
I just wanted to put my two cents in on this topic,and
give the perspective of someone who doesn’t mind if every game made isn’t new and innovative.
That being said take it easy and I hope Street fight IV rocks. I haven’t been able to find many people on Capcom vs Snk 2 or Street Fighter Anniversary Collection. In ages and I need my Street fighter fix!
March 4th, 2008 at 12:40 am
wow, your blogs have been starting off negatively lately
March 4th, 2008 at 12:41 am
Jeff Gerstmann to me is a religion,
amd http://blog.jeffgerstmann.net/ is the shit.
ZING!
March 4th, 2008 at 3:23 am
Hi Jeff,
I know this comment has nothing to do with this post, but i had to let you in on this please read on.
The Pod Cast is excellent.
I listened to the show last week and had to comment on the fav controller issue. I have a PS3 and had!!! to agree with Ryan’s comment regarding the triggers, but i found a solution that i think you will like. Here in the UK there is a magazine called PSM3 and at times give away free gifts with the mag. This time they gave away clip on triggers for your controller!!!. They were so good that i bought 3 more copies so i could attach the triggers to all my controllers. the company that makes the triggers are called Gioteck “Real Triggers” but unfortunatly the website is not finished and only has a support email address. i have taken some photos of the triggers attached to a controller and the package with the instructions if you want them. My email address is attached. Let me know if you want them and i will send them to you. Keep up the excellent work
March 4th, 2008 at 4:36 am
Get one of those USB Nintendo Wifi sticks, and plug it in only when you want to go online with the DS…
Then you can use your router in “N” mode.
March 4th, 2008 at 4:47 am
red5112 Said:
March 3rd, 2008 at 9:49 pm
“Am I the only person that doesn’t really care about Smash Bros.”
Yes, you’re probably the only one. Live with it.
March 4th, 2008 at 5:13 am
Be careful with WEP encryption for your router. It is not extremely difficult for someone to crack and end up on your network. I can’t believe Nintendo hasn’t come out with something better yet that WEP for the DS.
March 4th, 2008 at 8:05 am
That was the shit! Thanks Jeff
March 4th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Flatout is no Burnout, but it’s fun all the same. The rubber band AI is ridiculous to the point of insanity.
Rag doll bowling never gets old though.
March 4th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Welcome to the wonderful world of network routing ;).
March 4th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
SSBB…..sigh…..no change….same old nintendo. Way to ship another one guys.
March 4th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
I’m pretty sure that Gamestop usually doesn’t break street dates on their stuff. If it was a typo for K-Mart, Joe, that would seem about right.
March 4th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
NEED MORE PODCAST!!!!!…. AND POINTS!