Ubisoft E3 2017 Press Conference Recap

Ubisoft E3 2017 Press Conference Recap

Ubisoft's annual E3 press conference has concluded, and during the presentation the publisher showed off a bunch of new footage from its upcoming games and some surprises 

(Here is the full Conference)

First was up

Mario & Rabbids: Kingdom Battle

August 29th 2017

Miyamoto showed up at E3 on the Ubisoft stage to talk about the new game.

Miyamoto said wanted to do the crossover between the Rabbids and Mario Land

It's been in development for 3 years.. It's a tactical Mario Adventure vary XCOM like!

The Mushroom Kingdom has been torn apart by a mysterious vortex, transporting the chaotic Rabbids into this once peaceful land. To restore order, Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Yoshi must team up with a whole new crew: four Rabbids heroes! Together, they will battle with weapons through four worlds filled with combat, puzzles, and unpredictable enemies. Coming out 

Next up was more info on 

Assassin's Creed: Origins

Discover the mysteries of Ancient Egypt and explore the birthplace of the Assassin's Brotherhood. Assassin's Creed Origins is available October 27.

Next was The Crew 2

(With planes!)

Sign Up for Beta Access: http://ubi.li/ew93c

In The Crew® 2, celebrate the American Motorsports spirit as you explore and dominate the land, air, and sea of the United States in one of the most exhilarating open worlds ever created. With a wide variety of exotic cars, bikes, boats, and planes to choose from, experience the unbridled thrill and adrenaline-pumping excitement of competing across the entire USA as you test your skills in a wide range of driving disciplines.

Next up was

 South Park: The Fractured But Whole

Ubisoft showed a new trailer for South Park: The Fractured But Whole,

In the new trailer South Park Pokes Fun At Bad X-Men Movies which is coming October 17.

But that wasn't it for South Park!

South Park: Phone Destroyer

From South Park Digital Studios comes a real-time battle game like nothing you’ve ever experienced before! Take on Cartman, Kenny, Stan and Kyle in all out mobile mayhem!

South Park: Phone Destroyer brings you iconic South Park characters, action packed real-time strategy, exploding PvP battles, trademark South Park humor and collectible cards in a perfect mix that’s spicier than Cartman’s chili con carne.

Assemble the ultimate team of cowboys, wizards, cyborgs and more and get ready to crush your opponent!

All those countless hours spent on your phone have been preparing you for this moment.

Fulfill your destiny and become… THE ULTIMATE PHONE DESTROYER!

Next up was 

a new IP

Skull and Bones

Sail the high seas of Skull and Bones, an online naval open world game set during the Golden Age of Piracy in the exotic and untamed frontier of the Indian Ocean.

What we know so far about Skull and Bones:

It is the Golden Age of Piracy. Renegade captains command the most powerful weapons on Earth: warships. You are a pirate captain who has refused the king’s pardon and sailed from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, an untamed frontier full of lavish riches. However, these waters are also a battleground where far-reaching colonial empires, powerful trading corporations, and ruthless pirate gangs clash. In order to survive, you will have to build a lethal fleet, prey upon lucrative trade routes, and ally with other pirates in your endless struggle for supremacy.

Dominate a Dangerous Open Ocean:

A shared open world that reacts as you plunder rich trade routes

Customize Your Pirate Experience:

Choose your captain, recruit your crew and build deadly ships

Naval Combat Redefined:

Use your weapons, spyglass and even the wind to stalk and destroy your prey

Play Solo or Coop:

Raid the Hunting Grounds alone or group with other players to hunt larger prey

Explosive Multiplayer:

Enter the Disputed Waters and fight for supremacy in a variety of game modes

Available Fall 2018 on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.

Next was 

Transference a new VR Game

(with Elijah Wood)

Transference is a psychological thriller and the first game collaboration between SpectreVision and Ubisoft. Bridging the gap between movies and games, we invite you to lose yourself in the destructive tale of a man’s obsession as you explore his digitally recreated memories.

Experience the limits of techno-psychology and escape a maze-like puzzle concealing a corrupted truth. Get projected into the digital consciousness of troubled case subjects and maybe you will influence their fate.

The game will be available spring 2018 in VR and traditional platforms: PSVR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, PS4, Xbox One and PC.

Available Spring 2018

Next up was dancing Sub-Zero's

Just Dance 2018

Not much to say about this but I did noticed that it said it was coming out for Wii (Not Wii U), Switch, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

Next up was 

Starlink: Battle For Atlus

(No Man's Sky Ubisoft Edition)

What we know

In Starlink: Battle for Atlas, you’re part of a group of heroic interstellar pilots, dedicated to free the Atlas star system from the Forgotten Legends, an evil robot force. Starlink: Battle for Atlas offers a whole new gameplay experience: build your own modular Starship model, mount it on your controller, and take part in epic space combats. Equip your model with different parts and your Starship changes in game in real time. Assemble your fleet, mix and match your pilots, Starships and weapons to create your own play style and defeat the enemy.

Next was 

Steep: Road to the Olympics Expansion

Get a look at the very first full Expansion to the world of Steep, featuring the new real-world sports like halfpipe, slalom, and skicross! 

Steep Road to the Olympics will be available just ahead of the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang Korea in February 2018.

Available December 5, 2017.

Next up was 

Far Cry 5

(Some Gameplay was showed as well)

Far Cry comes to America in the latest installment of the award-winning franchise.

Welcome to Hope County, Montana. When your arrival incites the cult to violently seize control of the region, you must rise up and spark the fires of resistance to liberate a besieged community.

And last but not least

 Was

Beyond Good & Evil 2 

(Only 14 years after the first)

Here's what we know so far about Beyond Good and Evil 2:

Journey to System 3, for the prequel to one of Ubisoft’s most beloved games! Fight alongside unforgettable characters in a stunning new solar system, as you struggle for freedom and the right to determine your own fate among the stars. Play the adventure by yourself or with friends in a vast and seamless online playground.

Beyond Good and Evil 2 is the spiritual successor to the cult classic, a prequel that will transport players into a profoundly multicultural world, capturing the spirit of the original with grandiose decors and intense dramas that play out across a vast universe. Through the Space Monkey Program, Ubisoft Montpellier will be developing the game alongside its community of fans.

System 3 has become the center of interstellar trade and colonization in the Milky Way of the 24th century, thanks to the creation of Hybrid slaves. While private enterprises fight over resources and power, the first colonists weave together the rich and diverse spiritual and cultural heritages of Old Earth to give meaning to their existence. In this new era of piracy, we will rise from lowly pirate to legendary captain at the helm of massive star-faring vessels, adventuring alongside crews of colorful characters to fight for freedom and the right to determine our own fate among the stars!

Bethesda E3 Press Conference 2017 Recap

 Bethesda E3 Press Conference 2017 

Re-Crap..

Bethesda was the last publisher to take the stage at E3 on Sunday with what was supposed to be an hour long press conference (So we thought) that only lasted 38 minutes..

(ok I won't talk about bad about Bethesda.. I won't talk bad about Bethesda.. Maybe if I say it enough times it'll come true?!)

So the show opened with a video montage of the devlopers kids, talking about how their parents make games (Cool)

(This is the full press Conference)

After that was the VR portion of the Conference

with DOOM VFR being shown

DOOM VFR is a new virtual reality game from legendary developer id Software, coming to PlayStation VR and VIVE platforms. Learn more at https://beth.games/2r8KTXq

Next up was Fallout 4 VR

Experience Fallout like never before, with Fallout 4 VR, coming October.

Next up was 

The Elder Scrolls Online 

(Yes they actually showed a trailer for a game that's already out)

Next up was the Creation Club 

(Yes Paying for mods)

"Your favorite worlds just got a little bit bigger. Creation Club is a collection of all-new content for both Fallout 4 and Skyrim. It features new items, abilities, and gameplay created by Bethesda Games Studios and outside development partners including the best community creators. Creation Club content is fully curated and compatible with the main game and official add-ons." Learn more at https://beth.games/2racaNc

Creation Club will be available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC later this summer

Next up was

The Elder Scrolls Legends — Heroes of Skyrim

This brand-new set of over 150 cards will include new mechanics like Shouts, familiar characters, and, of course, dragons… lots of dragons. Heroes of Skyrim will be available on June 29 on all platforms.

(Bethesda-Land)

Next up was

The Elder Scrolls Skyrim Switch

(Link?.. Is that you?!)

(This is their press release) 

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim for the Nintendo Switch includes all-new gameplay features like motion controls for combat and lockpicking, outfits and gear from The Legend of Zelda. Take down enemies with the Master Sword, protect yourself with the Hylian Shield or look heroic in the Champion’s Tunic. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim for the Nintendo Switch also includes all official add-ons: Dawnguard, Hearthfire and Dragonborn. Plus tap other compatible amiibo to gain additional loot including those from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild series, 30th Anniversary - The Legend of Zelda series, Super Smash Bros. series, and The Legend of Zelda series.

Next up was

Dishonored: Death of the Outsider

The notorious Billie Lurk makes her return in Dishonored: Death of the Outsider. Reuniting with her mentor

Dishonored: Death of the Outsider will be available on September 15, 2017 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

Next was Quake Champions

The Beta is now open, this will be especially helpful if you plan on taking part in the just announced Quake World Championships happening at this year’s QuakeCon! With a $1 million prize pool, players will need to bring their best in order to win big.

Play the beta now by grabbing your code at Quake.com: https://beth.games/2p2okme

Next was

 The Evil Within 2

You are Detective Sebastian Castellanos and at your lowest point. But when given a chance to save your daughter, you must enter a world filled with nightmares and discover the dark origins of a once-idyllic town to bring her back. Horrifying threats emerge from every corner as the world twists and warps around you. Will you face adversity head on with weapons and traps, or sneak through the shadows to survive? This is your one chance at redemption, and the only way out is in.

The Evil Within 2 releases worldwide Friday the 13th, October 2017 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

And last but not least was 

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus is the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed first-person shooter, Wolfenstein: The New Order developed by the award-winning studio MachineGames.

An exhilarating adventure brought to life by the industry-leading id Tech 6, Wolfenstein II sends players to Nazi-controlled America on a mission to recruit the boldest resistance leaders left. Fight the Nazis in iconic locations such as small-town Roswell, New Mexico, the flooded streets of New Orleans, and a post-nuclear Manhattan. 

Equip an arsenal of badass guns, and unleash new abilities to blast your way through legions of advanced Nazi soldiers, cyborgs, and über soldiers in this definitive first-person shooter.

America, 1961. Your assassination of Nazi General Deathshead was a short-lived victory. Despite the setback, the Nazis maintain their stranglehold on the world. 

You are BJ Blazkowicz, aka “Terror-Billy,” member of the Resistance, scourge of the Nazi empire, and humanity’s last hope for liberty. Only you have the guts, guns, and gumption to return stateside, kill every Nazi in sight, and spark the second American Revolution.

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus will release on October 27, 2017 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.

Microsoft E3 Press Conference 2017 Recap

Microsoft E3 Press Conference 2017 Recap

Microsoft's E3 2017 press conference showed off a massive list of 42 games, including 22 with some form of Xbox One console exclusivity. The line-up included a mix of big new AAA franchises, sequels, and smaller games.

First up was the reveal of the Project Scorpio 

(Xbox One X)  

Project Scorpio's official name is the Xbox One X. Kareem Choudhry, Head of Xbox Software Engineering, took the stage to talk Xbox One X specs, compatibility, features, the Scorpio engine, and the release date.

The Xbox One X launches worldwide on November 7, 2017 for $499.

Original Xbox (The OG Disc will work) backward compatibility and free 4K updates

Perhaps one of the biggest announcements was that the Xbox backward compatibility program is expanding to original Xbox titles later this year. Old Xbox games will get a performance boost on new consoles. (Update) You will be able to link! Your Xbox One X and 360 and Xbox OG for lain play! 

According to Phil Spencer, 4K updates for 30 Xbox One games, including Gears of War 4, Forza Horizon 3, Killer Instinct, Halo Wars 2, Minecraft, and third-party titles like Resident Evil 7 and Rocket League, will also be available for free.

Next up was 

Forza Motorsport 7 

Microsoft has announced Forza Motorsport 7 at its E3 2017 press conference, and it'll be available on October 3 for Xbox One and Windows PC with over 700 cars.

Next up was a nice surprise 

Metro Exodus 

 The Xbox One X. A follow-up to Metro: Last Light, Metro Exodus is coming in 2018

Next up was my personal favorite

Assassin's Creed Origins 

Journey into Ancient Egypt, the most mysterious place in history, during a crucial period that will shape the world. Discover the secrets behind the Great Pyramids, forgotten myths, the last pharaohs, and – engraved in long-lost hieroglyphics – the origin story of the Assassin’s Brotherhood.

Assassin's Creed Origins Will be released October 27 2017

For the last four years, the team behind the acclaimed Assassin’s Creed® IV Black Flag® has been focused on crafting a new beginning for the franchise. Fight in a completely new way where you transition seamlessly between unique ranged and melee weapons, and take on multiple enemies at once. Choose your Assassin skills while exploring the full country of Ancient Egypt, engaging in multiple quests and gripping stories along a journey that will change civilization.

Next up was State of Decay 2 trailer and release window

Microsoft first announced State of Decay 2 in June 2016. This zombie-infested sequel is slated to launch on Xbox One and PC in spring 2018.

Next was The Darwin Project 

The Darwin Project is reinventing the battle royale sub-genre. It challenges players to survive the cold and fight to the death in a treacherous, snow-covered arena. In the Darwin Project the environment is as dangerous as the players themselves.

Next up was PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds!

Xbox One console launch exclusive will be coming out later this year.

Next up was a new Dragon Ball game! 

Dragon Ball Fighter Z

Not a lot of info was shared.. Really it was just this trailer

Next up was Minecraft 2! (ok not really) but new Minecraft Cross Platform Play and more

Mojang has announced a new update coming to Minecraft this summer, that will unify the Nintendo Switch and Xbox One with mobile and Windows 10 PC versions of the game.

The Better Together update will bring these two platforms into the Bedrock Engine family for the game, an engine designed for cross-platform play. Players across Switch, Xbox One, Windows, and mobile devices can play together. That means cross-console play will be available for players between Microsoft and Nintendo consoles. Saved data, purchased content, and world progress will transfer over from the older versions of the game to the new one.

When it comes to platform specific content, such as the Switch and Wii U Super Mario Mash-Up Pack, a representative for the Minecraft team said “We are still working out [if platform-specific content will be available to a player on all platforms] and hope to have more details on that as we get closer to launch.”

Minecraft will also get a 4K update this fall, as will the Super Duper Graphics Pack.

The Minecraft team is also looking into including the PlayStation 4 as part of this shared, cross-platform ecosystem for Minecraft, but has nothing to announce regarding concrete plans at this time (BY JONATHON DORNBUSH)

Next up was Black Desert 

The PC MMORPG, is headed to Xbox One in early 2018.

Next up The Last Night 

was revealed in a new trailer

Xbox One console launch exclusive. The Last Night lets you explore a two-dimensional cyberpunk open world, built with four unique districts each with distinct architecture, cultures and industries. Experience action and infiltration gameplay in the great tradition of cinematic platformers and travel between districts using taxis, ferries, or monorail while trying to keep a low profile and remain undetected. Meet a diverse, inclusive cast of complex characters to interact with through meaningful, branching dialogue and enjoy varied gameplay such as driving down epic highways, flying drones, and hacking droids to do your dirty work

Next was The Artful Escape 

Xbox One console launch exclusive. The Artful Escape of Francis Vendetti is a video game about great expectations, famous folk singers, lingering shadows, space Gods, hallucinogens, individuality, reptile shops, and wild imaginations. It's an action, adventure, exploration, narrative driven, musical-laser-light-battle kind of game and is the debut of release from Beethoven & Dinosaur.

Are you still with us?! 

Next up was Code Vein

Code Vein, Bandai Namco's dystopian, vampire-themed action RPG, is headed to Xbox One in 2018.

Next we got Sea of Thieves gameplay reveal

Xbox One and Windows 10 exclusive. Shipwrecks and skirmishes, skeletons and storms: join us on this voyage across the Sea of Thieves for a taste of the treasure hunting adventures that lie ahead!

Next up Tacoma gets a release date

August 2nd

Next was Super Lucky's Tale

Xbox One console exclusive. "Super Lucky's Tale" is a playground platformer for all ages. Join Lucky, the ever-optimistic, energetic, and lovable hero on his quest to find his inner strength and help his beloved sister rescue the Book of Ages from Jinx. Jinx, the scheming and mysterious villain, is trying to reshape the world...but for what reason?

Official announce trailer for Super Lucky’s Tale. Coming November 7, 2017. Super Lucky’s Tale is a 4K UHD, Xbox One X Enhanced, Xbox Play Anywhere title.

Next Cuphead finally gets a release date

September 29 on Xbox One and PC.

Xbox One console exclusive also coming to Windows 10. Cuphead is a classic run and gun action game heavily focused on boss battles. Inspired by cartoons of the 1930s.

Next up was Crackdown 3

Coming out November 7

Xbox One and Windows 10 exclusive. CRACKDOWN 3 OFFICIAL E3 2017 TRAILER. Step up your BOOM! Suit up and throw down as a superpowered agent on a mission to take back the city. Terry Crews as Commander Jaxon wants you to join in on the open world mayhem, dropping November 7, 2017.

Next Ashen was revealed for Xbox One

Xbox One console launch exclusive. Ashen is an action role-playing game is about a wanderer in search of a place to call home. There is no sun, and the only natural light comes from eruptions that cover the land in ash. This is a world where nothing lasts, no matter how tightly you cling to it. At its core, Ashen is about forging relationships. Players can guide those they trust to their camp — together, you might just stand a chance.

Almost done! Hang in there

Life Is Strange: Before the Storm 

releasing August 31, 2017.

Not a lot of info was given

Next was Deep Rock Galactic

Xbox One console launch exclusive. In Deep Rock Galactic, join a team of badass space dwarves in this stylish one to four player co-op first-person shooter. Fight, dig and explore your way through enormous procedurally generated cave systems, uncover the riches, and make it out alive.

Next was another nice surprise 

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Xbox One and Windows 10 exclusive. From the creators of the multi-award winning "Ori and the Blind Forest" comes the highly anticipated sequel: "Ori and the Will of the Wisps.” Embark on an all new adventure to discover the mysteries beyond the forest of Nibel, uncover the hidden truths of those lost, and unravel Ori's true destiny.

Next was Xbox @ID

And Last but not least 

Anthem gameplay demo was revealed

In Anthem, a new shared-world action-RPG from EA's BioWare studio, team up with friends as Freelancers—the bold few with the courage to leave civilization behind and explore a landscape of primeval beauty.

Wield an arsenal of Javelin exosuits, each equipped with unique weapons and abilities. Band together with friends, confront the dangers you find, and grow in power with every step. 

EA Play 2017 E3 coverage

Electronic Arts kicked off E3 2017 with a Saturday press conference. EA showed some some Star Wars, some sports, some car chases, and a brand-new game from BioWare called Anthem Follow @tgtRick on twitter to for up-to-the-minute live coverage


First up NFL Madden 18 and for the first time in 29 years gets a real story mode called The Long Shot. Check out the trailer below

Next up was Fifa 18


We got a reveal trailer showing off their new animations and signature moves, which aim to make each team feel more distinct and closer to its real-life counterpart. Like Madden 18, the game will have a story mode (Hunter Returns) , which can be played in co-op with a friend and will allow you to import your Fifa 17 character.

No Switch version was talked about

Next up was Battlefield 1: In The Name of the Tsar

This year we will Get Night Maps And A Russian Expansion

The already wildly popular shooter Battlefield 1 is getting two night maps, which debut this summer. Because Battlefield 1 wasn’t chaotic enough. They also announced In The Name of the Tsar, an expansion that will add new maps from World War 1's eastern front. The expansion will add six new maps featuring the Russian army along with “the iconic women’s battalion of death.” That expansion hits in September. Lastly, they teased a new small-squad competitive mode, saying they’ll share more details at Gamescom in August.

Next up was the new Fast and the Furious game! Wait.. Um.. We mean the new Need for Speed: Payback..

What we learned of the Story wise.

The crew (Tyler, Jess and Mac) have learned that The House are transporting a car equipped with a new piece of technology that may be a key component in bringing them down. This calls for one thing: acquire the car, get hold of the tech and dent The House's plans. The Highway Heist is one of the set piece moments that takes place within *Need for Speed *Payback's single player campaign which follows the story of Tyler, Jess and Mac as they set out to bring down The House. Here's a gameplay trailer

Next up was NBA Live 18.. Yes after 2 years it's back

NBA Live 18 will combine street ball with NBA tournament play.. That's really all we know so far.

Next up was a nice surprise 

A Way Out

EA will also be publishing a new game called A Way Out, which is being made by the people behind Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. It’s a cinematic prison break game where you control one of two unlikely partners thrown together in a common cause. The game is built entirely as a co-op experience, meaning you can’t play it solo,

Next up was BioWare’s New Game Anthem.

We also got a teaser for Anthem, a brand new series from BioWare. It looks like a sci-fi game with lush environments, big monsters and characters who wear suits of power armor. And that was it! EA says it’ll they’ll share more at the Microsoft press conference tomorrow.

And last but not least was Star Wars: Battlefront II

EA dedicated the entire back half of their show to Star Wars: Battlefront II, focusing mostly on multiplayer, which will span all eras of Star Wars. All post-release multiplayer add-ons will be free this time around, meaning that everyone will be able to keep playing the game “for years to come,” according to presenter Janina Gavankar. (Gavankar, who plays the main character in Battlefront II’s single player)

They then showed a bunch of live multiplayer gameplay set on a map on Naboo. EA says the game will have more vehicles, more customization, more abilities, more classes, and more options in general. They also say they’ve fine-tuned the gunplay so that everything feels better than it did in the first game.

And that is it from EA. Tell us what you think over on twitter @TgtPodcast and follow @TgtRick for live coverage

Final Fantasy XV: An Unfortunate Series of Events - Review

Final Fantasy XV: An Unfortunate Series of Events

RYAN SMITH·WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

Spiky haired protagonist wielding impossibly heavy weapons? Check. Giant bird like creatures that come in (almost) every color? Check. Amazing Musical Score with one random off putting song thrown in at the wrong moment? Check. Effeminate main antagonist that leads you by the nose up until the final confrontation? Check. Yep, It’s a Final Fantasy. Final Fantasy XV is a game that I have personally waited for since it’s original announcement back in 2006, a game that I have been patiently (i.e. Impatiently) watching and waiting for. And given the huge amount of personal hype I had for this game, my initial fear was that I would be disappointed. While I’ll admit that this game is NOT the product of 10 years of development that many people would have liked (It’s shifted much since it’s original conception and has had countless re-writes and staff changes) It stands as an introduction of a new era of Final Fantasy games. And on it’s own is a very good title. CHARACTERS: A Final Fantasy is only as good as it’s characters allow it to be. And FFXV does an amazing job at creating characters that feel.... Human... for lack of a better word. Over the span of the story, the Four main characters continuously grow and change as a result of the events that happen. The dialog is natural and makes sense, even at times you see the characters quarrel over misunderstandings that feel realistic and meaningful to those characters. Prompto, the “Comic relief character” probably has one of the deepest backgrounds of any of the characters on the roster and his whole personality is based off of experiences in his backstory, giving his comments an added weight and strength given the dark substance of the main story. Gladiolus, the Muscular bodyguard is often seen reading and his harsh way of dealing with things is usually seated with a good hearted attempt to push the young prince in the right direction, and Ignis, The final character of your entourage is set up to make sure that Noctis is prepared to take his place as the King when it is his time. These lines eventually blur, causing their initial purpose to blend into a group of friends rather then people merely there to assist Noctis. A group of people whose main intent is to take care of each other. The development of these characters as a whole is nothing short of amazing and I only wished that it would have been fleshed out even more. It should also be noted that to fully appreciate the characters and even some of the story of the game it is recommended to watch the CGI Movie Kingsglaive as well as the Anime Brotherhood: Final Fantasy. While not required, it certainly adds to the appreciation of the game. WORLDBUILDING: The World of Eos that FFXV takes place in is absolutely beautiful to behold. Blending modern realism with stylized fantasy works to the games credit. The few cities that you visit throughout your time in the game are bustling with people and makes you feel as though this world is alive. Special note has been given to make long time fans feel a sense of nostalgia, whether it be in the form of full FF soundtracks that can be listened to while in the field or in the car, the presence of FF staples such as Cactaurs, Tonberries, Behemoths, to the constant references to days of FF past. Even more subtle cues such as A Meteor burning in the world that sits upon the back of a Titan that the world summoned to protect it, A Thermal Plant that suspiciously resembles the Mako Reactors of FFVII etc. etc. the world is full of those nods, which hit me directly in the feels. During the daylight hours early on, you have free reign to do what you would like. While there are obstacles in place that keep you limited in where you can go initially the world is yours to explore. Nighttime is a different story, Very powerful creatures called Daemons roam the landscape at night and any would be adventurer caught out past dusk is placed in peril. To overcome this, campsites are spread generously throughout the world for your party to wait out the night (This also allows you to level up and eat stat boosting meals for the next day provided you have the ingredients. More on that later.) The world feels real, Vehicles drive the long strips of highway during the day, Weather happens in real time and people react to it accordingly for the most part. The numerous nooks and crannies offer hidden caches of loot waiting to be uncovered or secrets to be found. The beasts of the world react as real animals would and can be observed or killed for their unique drops (Generally in the form of various steaks for consumption). While initially limited to the car or foot, you also have other means of traversal at your disposal including fast travel, Chocobos, an upgrade that allows your vehicle to fly, and a time traveling mechanic that comes into play late in the story (While not fully explained it makes more sense then you’d think.) Speaking of the car, it should be noted that the driving system is not like what you would expect as the driving in FFXV is a very “On Rails” experience. You can swerve the car slightly when in direct control but the car remains on the road at all times with only limited input being available to you (Forward, reverse, turn if there’s the option of a split path, park.) leaving me personally to just pick a map point and let one of my companions do the driving for me which felt like the appropriate thing to do. While exploring the sprawling open world is one thing, exploring the depths of the games many dungeons can be a headache, close quarters battles in enclosed spaces make the camera phase through walls, enemies, anything and everything, the layout can be confusing and the map does little to nothing to help matters. Rather then intricate most dungeons feel like an attempt to make exploration as difficult as possible to pad the total length of time that it takes to clear them with little payoff most of the time. THE STORY: FFXV has an incredible story with even more potential, The only problem comes in the way that the story is told. This is a story about Noctis and his friends, and the developers treat it as such. In this regard, you may come across a character that is integral to the story in some shape or form only to have them completely disappear from the narrative entirely, only resurfacing through radio reports or your party overhearing citizens talking about the characters fate. This creates a very divisive feeling in me. On one hand that is an incredibly realistic way of dealing with things. A person going on their way never to be seen or heard from again happens all the time in reality, leaving those who knew them to wonder what became of them. In video games however, us as the player generally want to see the payoff of getting to know these characters regardless of their fate, This makes you feel like there are events going on in the game that we as the player are being excluded from. This is not just relegated to side characters unfortunately either as many of the main characters (including the main four) have events that leave them mentally and physically changed, events that the player does not get to partake in. (Episodic DLC in the season pass anyone?) Even the main story gets hit with major gaps that simply should not be there, leaving you, the player to piece together the overarching events into an understanding to move forward. This has led many people to feel that the story is convoluted, it really isn’t, you just have to understand that you are witnessing these events as an individual, as Noctis, rather then being fed the world’s exposition that we as gamers are generally accustomed to. While touting a vast open world, you should also be aware that this game also narrows exponentially in the final five chapters (The game is fifteen chapters long) moving away from the open world and focusing solely on climaxing the story and bringing it to a close. I have seen many reviews bash this fact but having played it myself I feel that it makes sense. The game wants you to focus on the narrative, to limit the distractions and feel invested as the game pushes headfirst towards it’s closing moments in spectacular fashion. If this isn’t your thing, the game does give you the ability to “Shift” back to an earlier point in the timeline to continue your open world adventuring. The only thing that hampers this for me is in the fact that these “chapters” feel severely rushed, with an occasion or two where a single event is used to fill a “chapter”. I feel that if the game is going to narrow to focus on narrative, it should really flesh out that narrative if it’s taking so much away. If you can understand and accept that this is a character driven story told ONLY from the viewpoint of a single character and that there are going to be events that you do not fully understand (A great deal is explained in the late game and exposition is given through books/sidequests if you take the time to seek them out) then it should not pose a problem as the overall story, despite it’s pacing and gaps, is one of the best the company has given us in years. COMBAT/LEVELING: Combat in FFXV is fast paced and performs in real time, trying it’s best to emulate the cinematic elements of Final Fantasy Advent Children and Kingsglaive appropriately, for the most part, this is very successful, and while some QTEs are present, a majority of the action that happens on screen is a direct result of your input. Combat falls into the “Easy to Learn, hard to master” field of logic, with A single button dedicated to blocking/evading and another to attacking. Holding the Evade button will cause Noctis to “Phase” through attacks, receiving no damage with the cost of MP, this can be held to block consecutive attacks as long as there is enough MP remaining. The attack button works in kind, rather then falling into the habit of button mashing, the game is programmed for you to hold down the attack button, causing Noctis to fire off into a continuous attack chain. While this fast paced execution of gameplay is generally amazing, the game also suffers from “Sonic Syndrome” in the fact that the action on the screen is sometimes a bit much for the in game camera to keep up with, causing it to spin around and glitch on a far too frequent basis. But when it can keep up it (Locking on to enemies helps if there’s not a large number on screen) it works incredibly well. And while this game excels in giving some amazing moments of battle, a couple of nitpicks hamper the experience. Button presses are not as intuitive as they should be, I feel like I have pretty decent reflexes, given that fact I found it frustrating to find my character thrown across the field even when my finger was firmly pressed to the evade button. This made me pay more attention and realize that in battle, the game is ruled by it’s animations. If you are in the middle of an elaborate attack animation, you cannot evade or defend until the animation finishes, leaving moments where your fingers were fast enough to block that attack, but your character insists on finishing his backflip first. this in itself forces you to pay more attention to the enemy (Which is not a bad thing in itself but can lead to some frustrating moments when you come across a swarms of enemies with quick attack patterns) and act accordingly. Leveling up is another matter. During your adventures you accumulate EXP and AP, EXP will cause you to level up, raising your base stats to make you more adept at fighting. AP, or Ascension Points, allow you to purchase abilities and upgrades on a grid based system (Similar to Final Fantasy X’s Sphere Grid) but feel inconsequential until multiple upgrades are added with too many “filler” nodes. Levels are also hit and miss since you rarely feel like you have become more powerful with levels. Power primarily enhances through gear and food buffs. EXP is put towards your character whenever you enter camp or rest in a lodging, at this time you also can choose to cook any food that you have a recipe for if you have the ingredients to do so, Food gives you beneficial and substantial boosts for the coming day including HP, Attack, and status resistances. OVERSIGHTS: As a Final Fantasy fan, a couple of things stood out to me that I wish could have been more fleshed out or features that should have been integrated that simply weren’t. First, Chocobos. While the Chocobos are included and actually have a decent chunk of content given to them, I still wish that the they weren’t simply relegated to using for Racing or General mounts. I wish a breeding system could have been implemented. I mean, The overworld can obviously sustain having a flying car, Why can’t we raise some chocobos to traverse the world the way that they used to? Speaking of Flying Cars, the Regalia, Your vehicle for the heft of the game, eventually gets an upgrade to allow flight of the world map, however this, (As well as ultimate weapons) does not unlock until after the base game has been completed. While this makes sense given the storyline, it still greatly limits the enjoyment of having the experience as many people will already be starting the think about their “next game” after the credits roll. Pushing off big features that are unlocked during the story for most games in the genre and placing an “End game content” label on them is not a good way to pad a game’s end game when the only true thing to do after the credits roll is the optional Admantoise boss battle and a few after game questlines (Mostly for ultimate weapons/accessories) In Conclusion, FFXV is not a perfect game, It’s not the BEST Final Fantasy even, and it’s not without it’s flaws. But it is a great game, with a great story, and great characters that will stick with you if you can look past the fact that it’s called Final Fantasy and see through your expectations. Story: Amazing but glaring plot holes and some rushed events hinder the experience. Characters: If you take the time to invest in them, this cast of 4 will come to life. Gameplay: Limited growth/leveling system leaves you feeling lacking. Length: Main Storyline runs about 30-40 hours. Replayability: Determinant on your enjoyment.

-Ryan Smith

15 years ago the PlayStation 2 was released. Let's take a look back!

15 years ago today (October 26th 2000) the PlayStation 2 was released in the US. So we here at The Gamers Talk, thought it would be fun to take a look back at some of the greatest PlayStation 2 Commercials!

First let's start with some of the best PlayStation 2 Commercials

(1)

Get yourself ready for that PlayStation Tan..

(2)

99 Red Balloons.. Go by?

(3)

I think I'm turning Japanese?! I really think so..

Now we get to the weird and creepy side of things!

(4)

Huh.. Day Z was all over a PS2?! 

(5)

I have no words..

(6)

Um.. yeah the third place to play.. 

(7)

Not today bro! 

(8)

I'll be back.. looking for a puzzle piece.

(9)

Wait? What!

(10)

It's like the Safari Zone in real life.. Quick throw a rock! 

And last but not least  

(11)

The PlayStation 9! 

So there you go. Sony had some pretty weird and memorable commercials for the PlayStation 2 and well I'm still not sure what the heck number 6 and number 11 are about.. I do know I need to work on my PlayStation tan. 

Thanks for talking the time out of your Monday to read and watch we hope you enjoyed. Let us know what your favorite one was and what was your favorite PS2 Game? @TgTPodcast 

~Rick @tgtRick