Alan Wake gets major overhaul and $299 PS3 available now in bundle form
In today’s video game news round up, a Remedy rep hints that the PC version of Alan Wake could be coming out after the Xbox 360 version. In addition, Alan Wake may be getting a massive makeover. Also, the super PS3 bundle is currently available at Best Buy now.
As many of you already know, Alan Wake is one of my top picks for the most anticipated Xbox 360 title of next year. The game has gone through a dramatic incarnation similarly to the awesome way Splinter Cell: Conviction has. Alan Wake was originally supposed to be an open world GTA-style game, but the developers have indicated that the game will be more linear now. I actually feel that this is a good move as horror/thriller games play much better with a tighter linear story. The game received a nice graphics update over the past two years as well.
Before
After
According to Gamerzine, Sam Järvi of Remedy indicated recently that Alan Wake will not end with the retail release of the game in Spring 2010. The game will be part of the first season and there will be more seasons to come thereafter, which is excellent news for Alan Wake fans. It seems like Remedy is aiming for a similar episodic approach Alone in the Dark took.
Also, a Remedy rep indicated on the official forums that the PC version of the game will most likely come out after the Xbox 360 version. Apparently, developers at the studio will be heads down working on the getting the 360 version of the game out the door in time. The studio will shift focus on getting the PC version out after the launch of the 360 version.
In other news, the super PS3 bundle I talked about earlier this week has officially come out at Best Buy (here). As I mentioned, this is a fantastic deal as Sony never releases a bundle for the same price as the standard standalone PS3 model. With two PS3 hardcore must have AAA games, Killzone 2 and Metal Gear Solid 4, bundled for the same price as a standard PS3, this seems like the perfect time to pick one up.
This bundle probably would not appeal to the casual gamer if they have no intention of picking up either of the games. However, for those planning on picking up KZ2 and MGS4 eventually anyway, you would be technically buying the PS3 for $299. If you were on the fence before because of the price, there really isn’t any reason not to pick up a PS3 now.
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103 Responses to “Alan Wake gets major overhaul and $299 PS3 available now in bundle form”
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July 8th, 2009
the games that could of used the whole 2 years of graphic updates would be “cough” halo 3 and fable 2 but ms is just milking the xbot…
July 8th, 2009
Wanna try that again kevo?
July 8th, 2009
Ugh, episodic content. Aka – ‘we want to slowly bleed your wallets’.
July 8th, 2009
“$299 PS3 available now in bundle form” – Come on Mike, even the PS3 boys here are saying that you’re stretching with the ‘$299′ stuff.
July 8th, 2009
im just sayin they were rushed but they’ll make more
July 8th, 2009
and more
July 8th, 2009
I’m sorry, but the only reason I’m not buying it is because I want the *Limited Edition* of Metal Gear Solid 4.
It’s a stupid reason, but it is a reason.
As for Alan Wake: I thought the open world idea was cooler.
July 8th, 2009
what ever happened to the billion MMO that where coming out this year for both systems? i got an itch that needs scratching dammit (down harry…)
July 8th, 2009
id get this if i was on the fence like all u humpty dumpty’s lol but i got the shitty 40 gig model
July 8th, 2009
What is this?
Reduced to posting up an out and out misleading ad for a thread title now Mike?
(love the little ‘?’ getting it’s run out to make everything ok)
Try telling them to keep the games and see just how about as far from ‘effective’ reality that PS3 is @ $299.
The bundle might well be a decent one but it’s still $399.
(and we await news as to what the next PS3 SKU is going to sell for.
This just looks like stock-clearance to me)
July 8th, 2009
HH said: “(and we await news as to what the next PS3 SKU is going to sell for.
This just looks like stock-clearance to me)”
Exactly what ms has done before. Don’t understand what your whinging about.
Xbox360 Pro that went from the 20gig version to the 60gig version
Xbox360 Core to arcade.
Don’t have me call you a hypocrite again.
I do agree, it is still a $399 system.
July 8th, 2009
You seem determined not to get this.
Microsoft did indeed replace SKUs (and that has never been my point in this) but they did not slot in the new SKU at the old model’s (pre price cut) price.
Sony have done this with the PS3.
So the price cut is really just stock-clearance before returning to the usual & existing price point.
The 160gb PS3 is currently $499.
My bet is that after the stocks of the 80gb model are sufficiently run down, thanks to this bundle helping things along, there will be the “massive” (© every PS3 fanzine outlet going) price cut from $499 down to $399.
Which is where we are now.
Microsoft have never pulled that stunt.
(oh, not forgetting the cost of that HDD every PS3 owner seems to swap at the earliest opportunity)
There’s nothing ‘hypocrite’ about it and you’re continuing & laughable desire to throw dumb names around says it all.
July 8th, 2009
“Microsoft did indeed replace SKUs (and that has never been my point in this) but they did not slot in the new SKU at the old model’s (pre price cut) price.”
Liar or naive ……
The replacement 360 sku’s were sold at the “old” (higher) price where as, the “soon to be superseeded” sku’s were price cut to make way for the new model. I know, because I considered an core model when they slashed the price to make way for the new arcade model which later released back at the normal price. Thats why I didn’t buy it, i missed out on the cut price core sale and got lumped with the re-hashed “old” core price for the new arcade.
The same thing happened when I did actually get the 360Pro 60gig, that superceeded the 20gig model (I got around it by waiting for it later “price reduced” model)
You are soooo blind that your beloved MS can do no wrong. Grow up Hypocrite. The same tricks are played by all the companies.
Determined not to get it….. damn straight. It is false. Plain and simple.
July 8th, 2009
Anyways, this has been done to death and I am confident that everyone here (that is fair and not one eyed) knows that ms has done the same that you are accusing sony of (that they haven’t even done yet, mind you)
So, I bid you goodbye, to live in your little hate filled fantasy world and to await your come back with something entirely witty and new ??? NOT
July 8th, 2009
I dont know Spidey……
when I think of integrity, I think of Microshaft
July 8th, 2009
LMAO
Pathetic.
Given that the Xbox has seen several – large – price cuts to date whereas Sony & the PS3 are still the subject of pleading for a decent one you’re whinging makes no sense.
If you mistimed your purchase that’s your problem, although it does help to explain how come you only ever come in like this to cry your eyes out, gurn and wet your panties over someone commenting adversly on your dearly beloved Sony, PS3 & Blu-ray.
So go ahead, you carry on seeing real emotion in comment about CE products if you like, but it’s you that is applying that sort of ludicrous projection though, not me.
They are not terms I use for myself in any of trhis at all.
‘Hate’ away, if you must.
I shall continue to enjoy laughing at your ‘fair and balanced’ (about as fair & balanced as Fox news) comments.
You ridiculously creepy sad stalking fanboy.
July 8th, 2009
HH – I’m not the one getting “Ragey” about it. I state facts, you get emotional without offering anything real to refute them.
You call me pathetic and “love my dearly beloved sony”, yet I have shown openly that I support both formats and you laugh at my “fair and balanced” when not once in the entire time in coming to this site have you offered a fair comment to the other side of the fence. i have also given my fair share of criticism to sony as well.
Admit it, you are hopeless ms fanboy !!! We all see it, except you.
Resorting to petty pre-school taunts of “go cry your eyes out” And the masterpiece come back rhetoric of yours “Im not, but you are”. Excellent debating skilz there buddy.
You said: “Given that the Xbox has seen several – large – price cuts to date whereas Sony & the PS3 are still the subject of pleading for a decent one you’re whinging makes no sense.”
Ummm. I’m not whinging about sony, YOU ARE. Great paragraph though, pure excellence.
So I “mistimed” my purchase …. sooooo you are now admitting that ms has done the exact same thing, that your accusing sony of doing, in the future (but have code named it “mistimed”) At last, only taken you 2 full threads and petty childish name calling for you to do full circle.
You said: “ridiculously creepy sad stalking fanboy” I think your just upset that someone is calling you out on your bulls%^t and taking you to task about it.
Hilariously, pathetic, laughable projectionist me …. Oh dear
July 8th, 2009
Oh and just in case anyone was wondering here’s the Xbox 360’s (US) pricing history –
“The Xbox 360 Premium and Core Units launch
Xbox 360 Premium (20GB) – $399.99
Xbox 360 Core (no HD) – $299.99
April 29, 2007
The Xbox 360 Elite Console (120GB) launches
- Xbox 360 Elite (120GB) – $479.99
August 6, 2007
$50 price cut for Xbox 360 Premium. The Xbox 360 Elite is reduced by $30.
Xbox 360 Core units are discounted by $20.
- Xbox 360 Premium (20GB) – $349.99
- Xbox 360 Core – $279.99
- Xbox 360 Elite – $449.99
October 27, 2007
The Xbox 360 Arcade is announced.
This effectively replaces the original Xbox 360 Core units and includes a disk w/ 5 Xbox LIVE Arcade games and a 256MB memory card.
- Xbox 360 Arcade – $279.99
h**p://www.xboxliveclans.com/xbox-360-news/4553-history-xbox-360-price-cuts-usa.html
Then they brought out the 60gb model to replace the 20gb version -
“Microsoft on Sunday introduced a new addition to its line of Xbox 360 video game consoles — a model that features 60 GB of storage and a $349 price tag.”
Oh, and it is true, from the 13th of July until the 3rd of Sept (a whole month and a half) Microsoft did clkear stocks of the 20gb model @ $299 v the 60gb model @ $349.
Then on the 3rd of Sept they cut the price of the 60gb to its present level of $299.
h**p://360-deals.com/blogs/cheap-xbox-360-news/archive/2008/09/03/xbox_360_price_cut_history.aspx
A whopping month and a half, no wonder hardly anyone noticed it – except Spidey of course, who obviously managed to get all bitter about missing out.
July 8th, 2009
I wouldn’t mind Spidey but you’re not even amusing with it.
In fact I do back up my comments, you just name-call (and laughably when called on it resort to ‘no, you do’ taunts).
You got me over one and a bit months.
We’ll see how long Sony keep the new SKU at the old price
(they did it before and for a hell of a lot longer than a barely noticeable month and a bit).
July 8th, 2009
It seems I’m being moderated now, thankls for that TB.
My last comment makes no sense without the lst of US Xbox pricing I gave in the comment before it.
The only time Microsoft did what you claim is from 13th July 2008 – 3rd of Sept 2008.
1 and a bit months.
No wonder Spideydog got so peeved about missing out.
July 8th, 2009
Oh and it was for a whole (’massive’?) $50.
July 8th, 2009
You said: “In fact I do back up my comments, you just name-call (and laughably when called on it resort to ‘no, you do’ taunts).”
Ahhh, you just did what I accused you of – thanks for proving my point. You make it tooo easy.
Back on topic: I must live in a closet or something …. what the hell is Alan Wake ?? Is this a highly anticipated game? Or is it just not publicized all that much? I’ve heard bugger all about it!
In regard to the PS3 deal …. I don’t really see that much “new” potential customers to the ps3 coming over just because KZ2 and MGS4 is thrown in. I still think they will need a better console price before console/game packages will entice new purchasers.
July 8th, 2009
LMAO
Howard Stringer’s latest (and this to the financial markets, not some fanzine nonsense) -
“Sony Corp. Chief Executive Officer Howard Stringer spurned calls by Activision Blizzard Inc., the world’s largest video-game publisher, to cut prices of the PlayStation 3 because the $400 console is unprofitable.
“I lose money on every PlayStation I make.”
h**p://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601101&sid=arABB6Q8eodU
Well, there we are, no price cuts coming and the PS3 is still not in profit v it’s manufacturing costs.
Intersting.
July 8th, 2009
Maybe Stringer’s a “hater” for saying all that?
lol
July 8th, 2009
So that would suggest to me that the $299 deal is free games with a normal price ps3, not a cheaper ps3 with subsidised games.
I suppose it would depend on whether it is Sony management “smoke and mirrors” too?
July 8th, 2009
“Back on topic: I must live in a closet or something …. what the hell is Alan Wake ?? Is this a highly anticipated game? Or is it just not publicized all that much? I’ve heard bugger all about it!”
Alan wake is the game that gets thrown back in xbots faces whenever they have the nerve to talk about the time it takes for some ps3 games to come out.
Alan Wake (along with Huxley) was announced in 2005 E3.
Its a survival horror game made by a pretty good developer (Remedy). That should be enough to guarantee and great game but this gen that doesnt seem to always be the case. (Haze, Lair, Too Human)
Although if it is good the PC version should be graphically better and $20-30 cheaper.
July 8th, 2009
Hate to say but M$ has done the same, even with their HHDs.
but anyways why is Happy complaining about the PS3 bundle. is not like he’s going to get one.
there is a difference between a “fanboy” and a “gamer” and Happyhockum is truly a fanboy.
July 8th, 2009
Thanks phranctoast. I will have to have closer look at it. As I said, I’ve heard bugger all about it. If it’s been in development that long, tis probably why I hadn’t heard much.
July 8th, 2009
Things must be looking bad for the PS3 fanboys, Roca’s come in to give a, what was it, oh yeah, a ‘reach-around’.
Chins up lads, you might as well seeing as there’ll be nothing but occasional bundles for some time yet.
PS3rd well and truly.
But remember not too long to go, 2015, the year of the PS3!
LMAO
July 8th, 2009
Spideydog:
“So that would suggest to me that the $299 deal is free games with a normal price ps3, not a cheaper ps3 with subsidised games”.
Yeah, so it’s a $399 deal.
$299 nothing.
July 8th, 2009
at least we get good bundles, lets take a look at the previous x360 bundles:
- Lego Indiana Jones/ Kung Fu Panda Bunlde
- Marvel Ultimate Alliance/ Forza 2
- Sega Superstar Tennis/ Xbox Live Arcade Games
- Halo 3/ Fable 2
What I see there is a whole bunch of crap
July 8th, 2009
Typo, I meant $399.
HH said: “Roca’s come in to give a, what was it, oh yeah, a ‘reach-around’”
Im not, but you are” rears it’s ugly head again HH. Will you come up with some original material or just use everyone else’s?
July 8th, 2009
Na, I thought it was far better giving you back your own embarrassing jibe that time.
July 8th, 2009
The only person it embarrassed, was you. And then to try and re-use is equally embarrassing. You really need to stop posting….You are just shooting yourself in the foot.
July 8th, 2009
he is becoming another Kev
July 8th, 2009
I did try to deflect his rage and get back on topic …..
July 8th, 2009
just ignore him
im surprise he hasnt talk about bluray players yet.
July 8th, 2009
Spideydog:
“The only person it embarrassed, was you.”
Naaa, you just wish, all too clearly.
Just like your pathetic insistance that there is any ‘rage’ here is very sad and tedious.
I suspect you’re projecting again…..but undoubtedly you and Roca the Ivan alter-ego can sit & keep each other interested agreeing with each other all day about this.
Good luck with that.
The only on-topic issue here is Mike’s ridiculous claim that the PS3 is available for $299 when in fact you have to cough up $399.
But have fun trying to slide this off to something else.
July 8th, 2009
This is turning into The Happy and Spidey Show.
July 8th, 2009
What can I say CAD?
The boy’s in love and just can’t help but leap in screaming for attention every time I post.
It’s pretty sad really but some are just that way.
July 8th, 2009
I said: “So that would suggest to me that the $299 deal is free games with a normal price ps3, not a cheaper ps3 with subsidised games.
I suppose it would depend on whether it is Sony management “smoke and mirrors” too?”
Apart from the $299 typo, that was a pretty negative comment towards Sony, so there was clearly no “trying to slide this off to something else”. So I have CLEARLY proven you WRONG again.
At least three times alone in this thread, I have proven you have contradicted yourself. Is there a point where you are going to choose to stop embarrassing yourself?
July 8th, 2009
“This is turning into The Happy and Spidey Show.”
Too late.
July 8th, 2009
He’s Never not contradicted himself!!!
July 8th, 2009
“I considered an core model when they slashed the price to make way for the new arcade model which later released back at the normal price. Thats why I didn’t buy it, i missed out on the cut price core sale and got lumped with the re-hashed “old” core price for the new arcade.
The same thing happened when I did actually get the 360Pro 60gig, that superceeded the 20gig model (I got around it by waiting for it later “price reduced” model)”
Spidey that is not correct. The Core and the Arcade is the same console. It’s just a name change and it came packed with arcade games much like core did. Microsoft was just trying to appeal to the casual market by changing the name. In fact the Pro was also packed with arcade games too when the Core was around. I know this because my 360 came with it and you can always tell which game came packaged because at the used game stores you can find plenty of copies. As for the 60gig it was released at the same price as the 20gig but the 20 gig was discounted cheaper then the Arcade. That’s the facts dude.
July 8th, 2009
he didnt comprehended you comment
July 8th, 2009
Arcade and the Core are two different Sku, if you dont believe me then go buy them both and check the Sku on the back.
July 8th, 2009
CAD: “As for the 60gig it was released at the same price as the 20gig but the 20 gig was discounted cheaper then the Arcade”
Thats the point I have been making … The new console stays at the “old” price while the old is heavily discounted to make way for the new … So you just backed up my argument ??
Sorry CAD, you are wrong with the arcade and core … there were many differences other than just “name change and arcade games bundled: Here are each of them listed
The Xbox 360 Core (discontinued)[13] was an entry level Xbox 360. The “Core” is no longer produced, having been replaced by the Xbox 360 Arcade.[11] It was not originally available in Japan, but was later released on November 2, 2006.[14] The Core system came bundled with composite video cables, capable of only SDTV resolutions, but newer models with lot number 0728 or greater have an HDMI 1.2 output. The Core may output HD signals up to 1080p when connected to separately sold HDMI, Component, or VGA cables. It may also utilize a separately sold 20, 60 or 120 GB hard drive. Unlike all other SKUs, it shipped with a wired version of the Xbox 360 controller, instead of the wireless version found in other SKUs.
Xbox 360 Arcade
The Xbox 360 Arcade[15] is the entry level for the Xbox 360. On October 23, it replaced the “Xbox 360 Core” and maintained the price of $279.99.[16] It was publicly revealed (though it was available in stores far earlier)[15] by Microsoft’s president of Entertainment Devices division Robbie Bach to the Financial Times on October 18, 2007,[17] and officially announced on October 22, 2007.[12] It includes a wireless controller, composite AV cable, HDMI 1.2 output, an internal 256 MB memory chip [18] (units released prior to fall 2008 included a 256 MB memory unit), and 5 Xbox Live Arcade titles:[19] Boom Boom Rocket, Feeding Frenzy, Luxor 2, Pac-Man Championship Edition, and Uno on a single disk, which also includes a “Welcome Video” and several game trailers/demos.[20] Holiday 2008 consoles were bundled with Sega Superstars Tennis.[21] With the September 4th, 2008 price cuts, the Arcade fell from $279 to $199.[22]
So there you have it, heaps more features and the new model retained the “old” price and the Core was heavily discounted to make way for the new. Again proving HH wrong.
Thats facts dude.
July 8th, 2009
Here is what happened –
“The Xbox 360 Premium and Core Units launch
Xbox 360 Premium (20GB) – $399.99
Xbox 360 Core (no HD) – $299.99
April 29, 2007
The Xbox 360 Elite Console (120GB) launches
- Xbox 360 Elite (120GB) – $479.99
August 6, 2007
$50 price cut for Xbox 360 Premium.
The Xbox 360 Elite is reduced by $30.
Xbox 360 Core units are discounted by $20.
- Xbox 360 Premium (20GB) – $349.99
- Xbox 360 Core – $279.99
- Xbox 360 Elite – $449.99
October 27, 2007
The Xbox 360 Arcade is announced.
This effectively replaces the original Xbox 360 Core units and includes a disk w/ 5 Xbox LIVE Arcade games and a 256MB memory card.
- Xbox 360 Arcade – $279.99
Then they brought out the 60gb model to replace the 20gb version with the 20gb’s old $349 price tag.”
Oh, and it is true, from the 13th of July until the 3rd of Sept (a whole month and a half) Microsoft did clkear stocks of the 20gb model @ $299 v the 60gb model @ $349.
Then on the 3rd of Sept they cut the prices across the board and the 60gb fell to its present level of $299.
So, a whopping month and a half where the 20gb was discounted and the 60gb sold for the 20gb model’s old price, no wonder hardly anyone noticed it – except Spidey of course, who obviously managed to get all bitter about missing out.
July 8th, 2009
Happy….
whats the overall point that you’re trying to get out? When the smokescreen clears what are you trying to accomplish?
Are you somehow trying to prove that Sony screws their customer base while MS does not?
I don’t beleive anyone here considers the ps3 as a $299 console, but rather a $399 console with two free games.
July 8th, 2009
OK so what is wrong with that. Even through I think there are a few holes in the story but your mostly correct I think But I’m just to sick to process all that right now. I’m too sick to even remember what happened when Sony changed over. I’m bowing out for now the mind is too cloudy.
July 8th, 2009
‘This is turning into The Happy and Spidey Show.’
Heeheehee. I was so going to post that
July 8th, 2009
Wow. I never thought I’d see the day when CAD’s posts were the ones I turn to for a nice, refreshing change of pace…
-Arvis
July 8th, 2009
funny though Mr. ferro, your laying your marketing skills on pretty thick but in a nice way
July 8th, 2009
I see it as a $499 value for $399.
July 8th, 2009
What’s especially ’skillful’ about posting up a fake & misleading price?
July 8th, 2009
True
July 8th, 2009
Yep. In that other “story” that Master Ferro wrote I was able to use his logic and find a technically $50 Xbox 360 60gb Pro.
All this time I wasted in clown college, I could have been a marketing dynamo, not just a dynamo in the sack.
July 8th, 2009
When you can get it hard.
July 8th, 2009
So as ivan has strangely disappeared with his non stop trolling out pops another troll on this site…………..i think we all know who it is
July 8th, 2009
I hate how this site is ruined by fucking morons shouting down every post with nonsense. It is quite clear the ps3 console sells at $399.
The same thing happens when the monthly sales figures are released. PS3 comes behind wii and xbox. Mike adds some irrelevant anti xbox comment with the notorious question mark at the end and then just watch all the ps3 fanboys attack the xbox and how it’s a rip off piece of shit with crap games and the only reason it’s doing so well is because my “friend” had an xbox but he got the RROD and had to buy 15 more because it kept happening…..bla bla bla and 5 is his friends are actually on their 20th
July 8th, 2009
You know only 30 people in the world own 360’s right? They’ve each just experienced just shy of a million RRoD’s (all outside of the grace period).
I’m sorry I couldn’t resist.
The CONman has a point, but lets not forget all the attacks from 360 fanboys too.
No one is a saint here
July 8th, 2009
“I hate how this site is ruined by fucking morons shouting down every post with nonsense.”
My sentiments exactaly Con. It’s pretty ironic coming from you however.
July 8th, 2009
CON said: “I hate how this site is ruined by fucking morons shouting down every post with nonsense. It is quite clear the ps3 console sells at $399.”
Not one person on this site has disputed that fact CON …. so what the hell are you talking about. You obviously have no idea what the whole argument has been about.
July 8th, 2009
HH said: “Oh, and it is true, from the 13th of July until the 3rd of Sept (a whole month and a half) Microsoft did clkear stocks of the 20gb model @ $299 v the 60gb model @ $349.”
Hazaar …. If you had of admitted that in the first place, this whole argument would have been moot.
July 9th, 2009
Ferro’s the only person who’s calling it a $299 PS3. Even the Sony fanboys are calling bullshit on that.
July 9th, 2009
True Dat
July 9th, 2009
@harry,
Not sure whats difficult to understand, all I’m saying is if your a hardcore gamer waiting for the PS3 price to drop, then there is really no need to wait as buying the bundle is semantically the same as buying the PS3 for $299.
Because there is no difference in buying the PS3 for $299 and paying for KZ2 and MGS4 separately.
If your a casual gamer and would never ever buy KZ2 or MGS4 then its not that great of a deal. I believe I say all of this in the story, not sure why I am explaining this easy to understand concept again.
July 9th, 2009
get em mike…and he’s about due for a snack lol
July 9th, 2009
I see your point Mike and it’s fair enough. But of your own admission, the deal is only really good for those without a ps3 and were planning on buying both KZ2 and MGS4 with their ps3 console purchase. The population fitting into that crowd, I think would be quite small unfortunately.
July 9th, 2009
@Spidey,
you guys probably already know this but I could care less about the casual market. As a hardcore gamer myself I see things from that perspective.
If I was an Xbox 360, PC, PS2 hardcore gamer sitting on the fence cursing Sony for not dropping the price – this bundle would be the absolute answer.
Its coming with hardcore games 99% of the hardcore gamers would pick up anyway, because they sure as hell won’t be taking the sucker home with no games.
I don’t care about the casual market or whether this bundle will cater to a smaller hardcore base. All I’m saying is its a friggn’ good deal man.
July 9th, 2009
agreed with mike… 400 dollars made me want a ps3 sitting on my sharp ass fence post and i think this will/should do the same to others considering its 400 dollars…speacially ps2 owners of course…would be awesome to see sales spark once again… scratch that, just spark sales. eager to wait and see
July 9th, 2009
“I don’t care about the casual market or whether this bundle will cater to a smaller hardcore base. All I’m saying is its a friggn’ good deal man.”
Ok, ok, ok – Mikey … we have a new Mr RAGE. Just jokin buddy. I’m with you, stuff the casual market. Be interesting to see if there is any difference in sales figures after a couple of months or so.
July 9th, 2009
All it is is a PS3 with 2 good games thrown in. It’s not a $299 PS3 by any stretch of the imagination.
July 9th, 2009
Well I like to consider myself in the hardcore market (and with games also) and I would not have any interest in those games if I bought a PS3. I am not into espionage/spy movies (hahaha), and I have played Killzone 2 already and was a little underwhelmed after the graphics wore off.
Now if they gave you the choice of any 2 games, hey I might be interested. But if I were living in the states and bought this, I would be buying a PS3 and 2 games that I didn’t really want.
July 9th, 2009
A PS3 bundle for $434.99 (with tax) is still a $434.99 PS3 as I would have rented these games anyway due to their short play times. I suppose I could resell the games, but due to the bundling after effects I will likely get less money back for them than normal, maybe $15-$20 apiece on EBay if lucky. So, “technically” it still runs about $400.
I have to agree with Spidey here, this isn’t going to entice a great deal of new purchasers (hardcore or casual) in the middle of a recession, especially when the price of entry is still twice as much as the main competition which is just as good if not better when it comes to playing games and serving as an entertainment hub.
Still it is a good move on Sony’s part to try and sell it’s two most expensive exclusives that are doing worse in sales than Assassin’s Creed and Lost Planet respectively on the 360. If Sony can’t sell enough PS3’s and their two main multimillion dollar investments separately maybe they can do so when bundled to together? Can’t hurt.
In the meantime those who have been through several game generations (6 here that I can remember) know this is just a sign of another price drop and redesign soon to come, and most likely before the end of the year. Better to wait for me, especially with a slew of games to play already on the 360. With even some of the new third party releases still said to play better on it, and the rest practically the same, it just makes sense for those who don’t care to throw around $400+ for a needless purchase.
July 9th, 2009
Looks to me like a little desperation creeping in and it now sounds to me like they are up a certain wiffy brown creek CarlB.
If Stringer is right and they still lose money on every PS3 they sell (which ought not be so difficult to work out) then giving away 2 of their biggest titles must also be merely extra pain for them.
These are usually $50 games so that’s total loss on the games and at $399 they are still losing money on the PS3 unit itself.
3yrs in that looks terrible.
July 9th, 2009
Looks to me like a little desperation creeping in and it now sounds to me like they are up a certain wiffy brown creek CarlB.
If Stringer is right and they still lose money on every PS3 they sell (which ought not be so difficult to work out) then giving away 2 of their biggest titles must also be merely extra pain for them.
These are usually $50 games so that’s total loss on the games and at $399 they are still losing money on the PS3 unit itself.
3yrs in that looks terrible.
July 9th, 2009
Looks to me like a little desperation creeping in and it now sounds to me like they are up a certain wiffy brown creek CarlB.
If Stringer is right and they still lose money on every PS3 they sell (which ought not be so difficult to work out) then giving away 2 of their biggest titles must also be merely extra pain for them.
These are usually $50 games so that’s total loss on the games and at $399 they are still losing money on the PS3 unit itself.
3yrs in that looks terrible.
July 9th, 2009
Ooops, sorry for the double post.
July 9th, 2009
triple even (wtf happened there?)
July 9th, 2009
Maybe the web even knows your points are weak and they need to be made 3 times ….
Don’t get ya knickers in a twist, I’m just joking
July 9th, 2009
CarlB:
“I would have rented these games anyway due to their short play times.”
KZ2 and MGS4 story mode are longer than Gears of War 2 and Halo 3. so basically Your are saying the 2 biggest games on the 360 are “rent games”
and as far as i know both Killzone 2 and MGS4 are the best looking game of this gen until Uncharted 2, God of War and Gran Turismo come out
July 9th, 2009
Happy why are you so concern about Sony losing money on every PS3 unit.
is not like its affecting you or anybody else in here. that’s model to lose money at the beggining. The PS2 selling at a loss for like 3-4 years and look where is at right now.
July 9th, 2009
I couldn’t care less Roca.
I just find it funny that after all the flannel, heat and noise from the PS3 faithful it’s turning to sh*te and the excuses are being exhausted.
July 9th, 2009
^
What are you on about Happy? PS3 turning to shite? Last I heard their software sales are up like 90% over last year. Sure they are not breaking any records, but I hardly think they are going to pull the plug on the PS3 anytime soon! Or are you talking about the PS3 fanboys dreams of PS3 being the best selling system ever turing to shite? If it’s that then yeah, I agree with you there! PS3, as great as a system as I think it is, is just not going to be near as great a success as Sony wants it to be. Sony got served a huge piece of humble pie this gen, think it’s time for them to start eating it! lol
July 9th, 2009
Knighthawk
We are in agreement.
July 9th, 2009
you should be in agreement that the x360 is not far behind the PS3 and is NOT going to be the best selling system ever. they are locked in a battle for this gen, console sales wont matter. as we all know the DS sells better than the PSP but the the PSP is still going strong and it is far from being out of the gaming business, so PS3rd or not it still going to give xbot fangirls like you a hard time.
specially since PS3rd is getting the best looking games
July 9th, 2009
Roca, you’re right, I will rent Halo 3 and Gears of War 2, but many more have and will continue to buy them because these have reached worldwide levels of competition.
As for graphics, one of the games I’m having a great time playing through now, and spending lots of time to complete all the content in, is Fable 2. I’m glad I didn’t have to wait for it for to become some graphic showcase for the system, as the game is fun now.
1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3170860
If I ever want to get superior graphics I’ll get a gaming pc. But it’s funny how so many people are still having fun with WoW, also graphically inferior.
July 9th, 2009
To be fair, games like wow that look crap can still hog your system just because of the sheer numbers of characters/monsters on screen etc.
BUT, I do agree! Counter-Strike(not source) is another example of an old game thats still kicking because people just really enjoy it.
As for fable 2, very fun game. I wish the combat was a little bit more complex (i just kept spamming the same magic over and over during big rumbles and it always worked), but its still fun all round.
July 10th, 2009
Oh yeah. “Technically” Netflix HD and SD streaming is “free” to all prior Netflix and Gold subscribers, as it was added at no extra charge to them. “Technically” it saves them money over what they were paying before if they utilize the service as they can downgrade from 2 or more dvd/blu-rays at a time to 1 at a time with unlimited streaming.
July 10th, 2009
And the same can be said for those who already owned online-enabled Bravia sets sometime later this fall.
news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10282740-1.html
July 10th, 2009
well PERSONALLY i can careless about Netflix as i have a TV just for gaming and another for everything else. I dont Want ppl watching movies while i want to play my games. but that just me. you seem to be enjoying it and thats fine.
July 10th, 2009
No worries, to each his own. Does your TV for everything else happen to be a online-enabled Bravia? If so you would likely to be able to get a free trial on it later this year.
July 13th, 2009
I will like to try it if it has bluray quality.
July 13th, 2009
@Ivan
You might as well have said:
I would like to try a Yugo if it will drive like an Audi.
Of course it won’t be BD quality. Unless you have a guaranteed 40MB/s connection (thats 320Mb/s, the standard rating system that ISPs use for bigger numbers to advertise – 1MB/s = 8Mb/s) there is no way to stream BD quality without a massive buffer AND a massive wait time.
If you have the best of the best (read: super expensive) 100Mb/s (12.5 MB/s) connection, and are viewing a true BD quality stream, then the movie would have to be over 2/3rds complete in the buffer on your player before you could start watching the movie. Any sooner and the buffer would run out before the end of the movie.
Now, I am ignoring video compression methods which can drastically reduce the size of the file, while maintaining Resolution and frame rates. But this wouldn’t be true BD quality, would it? I know that I prefer to view BD movies as compared to a quality compressed rip, as I notice the difference on my 46″ Sharp Aquos 1080p. But i find the difference acceptable for the trade off in having all my movies on my HTPC.
That very expensive 100Mb/s internet connection could theoretically provide enough bandwidth for live streaming of those high quality 1080p rips (8-12gbs or so) if that connection could be trusted to provide that sort of throughput. There is an undeniable gap between an ISPs claimed bandwidth, and real world performance, but that is a different can of worms, that varies from country to country.
July 13th, 2009
You wouldn’t even give it a trial if it was available? So roca, your saying every show you watch must have blu-ray quality, or you simply refuse to watch it, even if you haven’t seen it before, even if it is dvd quality or better?
July 14th, 2009
I don’t watch DVD’s anymore. If there is a movie I want to see, I will always see if there is a BD release (usually always there is)
DVD quality now looks pixelated and horrible.
I won’t REFUSE to watch something less than BD quality, but will always look for and get, if there is BD available.
July 14th, 2009
Documentaries, TV shows, older movies, etc. there’s no real need for 1080p (esp as many shows have yet to be converted or made available in that res). Regardless, 1080p is now widely available (about 50% of the owning market from what I hear) via download vice BD. For those who cannot afford broadband (and even those who can), I would venture to say DVD quality or better is more than adequate for the majority of their viewing.
After all, what is more important, the meaning of the show, or a few pixels that you would only notice a slight difference if you were looking closely. For those few who can afford a top of the line HDTV and BD player and to buy BD discs, sure, they will quibble and snob over the fine line between upgraded DVD and BD, but for the majority, I would say they could care less.
In any case, the likelihood that those who would notice and truly care about the difference would have the option and prefer to download 1080p unlimited vice drm bd is probable.
For those who have to consume and physically “own” their media, BD will be a comfort, but soon replaced with dd, as reel w/vc, vc w/dvd, dvd w/bd, etc. Extras will likely be the only reason people stick with DVD/BD in the near future, but even these can be incorporated for a reasonable price via dd. If BD isn’t obsolete and the way of past thinking yet, it soon will be in just a few years time.
July 14th, 2009
Your going to need to get the “rest of the world” to catch up m8 before your goal of DD world domination will come to fruition.
Carl, I am far from “rich” and don’t “quibble and snob” in regard to quality. Whether you like to admit it or not, the difference between DVD and BD is massive. Nor do I have a “top of the line” HDTV. The difference between us might be, I’m not a movie nut, but the movies that I do get into and really like watching (transformers) I like to watch in a good format that I have now come accustomed to. I pose the question, Would you watch VHS after getting a DVD player? I think not. Just because I want and prefer to watch BD quality over DVD is not snobbish. I have just moved up and have become accustomed to the quality
After the initial outlay for BD, I am now paying equivalent to what I did when I first got DVD.
You need to get out this bubble you live in, that the majority of the world has internet speed and quality that you seem to have. It is only a small percentage of the world that has a quality good enough to even start thinking about DD coming to the forefront and will be a looooong time before everyone else gets to that stage, I would suggest.
July 14th, 2009
“your goal of DD world domination”
? Sorry, none such here. I don’t need the rest of the world to catch up though, as I am happily enjoying dd content now, and that amount will only increase exponentially in the very near future. Cheers.
July 14th, 2009
I agree that DD isn’t the end of physical media, blu ray killer and santa all wrapped in one.
But I have to say, I’m with carl on the enjoyment front. I haven’t purchased a boxed PC game in for-fookin-ever. The last ps3 game i purchased (bf1943) was DD. Oh, and fuck Sony for not letting my buy blu ray shit in Canada via PSN. Go fuck yourself Sony, ill continue to download BR rips.
I understand that hard drive space IS an issue, but you have to wonder about the size of drives included in the next generation of machines. A ‘cheap’ 500GB drive could store plenty of games and media.
As for the whole internet thing. I agree. There will always be the need for boxed games and therefore the need to keep the stores that sell them happy. Its a tricky line for everyone to walk I suppose.
July 14th, 2009
CarlB said: “your goal of DD world domination”
? Sorry, none such here. I don’t need the rest of the world to catch up though, as I am happily enjoying dd content now, and that amount will only increase exponentially in the very near future. Cheers.”
m8, the world domination remark was sarcasm, a little bit of humor !!. As for the rest of it, I know you are enjoying your content now, that wasn’t my point. My point was, for DD and streaming to take over as the no1 “format” the “rest of the world” needs to be at the apparent standard that you enjoy carl.
July 15th, 2009
Sorry spidey that I cannot always separate your sarcasm and “humor” from seriousness. My bad and serious shortcoming. Please forgive the misunderstanding.
In the meantime, I only believe the millions that currently enjoy dd will only increase in numbers over time (to the detriment of what could have been future disc sales -bd or otherwise), and I never claimed it was currently the “no1 ‘format’” now, just that it was the preferable format for myself, and I do not believe I am alone (as SW here confirms with his last purchase).
I agree with SW, BD w/DRM is inferior to unlimited downloads via dd. Of course, some titles now can only be experienced via disc, which is why I personally will continue to rent until they are made available via a more flexible, more long lasting (given unlimited downloads from the source like what is currently available via XBL), and likely less expensive dd.
In defining terms for the discussion, “near future” to me means sometime within the next ten to fifteen years, not the next two to five. In this line of thinking, at least for those in developed countries, I believe bd is just another temporary format, and, as such, not worthy of investing hundreds, or perhaps for many, even thousands of dollars in to “own” at initial retail price (vice renting and/or buying at deep discount and still being able to play the entire game), when it is most likely the same media will be available for a fraction of the price via dd within the decade, if it is not already.