Brutal Legend [PS3] - It Kinda Rocked And Kinda Didn't

Decapitatiooooooooooon! Sorry, I just had to say that. For the past year and a half, Tim Shafer appeared to be promoted from game enthusiast's favorite idol to publicly awkward gaming icon. We want to root for people like Shafer and the creative minds at Double-Fine Studios. Brutal Legend was Shafer's baby -- and it shows. His game had the makings of a dark horse hit. On the surface, this was a game that is rife with witty one-liners from Jack Black and friends, metal infused and inspired ... everything, but with an unexpected real-time strategy underbelly. On the PS3, Brutal Legend has issues graphically, the online-multiplayer is -- at times -- has more than what the mode is worth. Unfortunately, there are a couple of key ingredients that keep Brutal Legend from being a full-fledged enjoyable experience.

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The PS3 Slim Is Currently The Ugliest Next Gen Console

Watch as Joystiq's very own Randy Nelson unbox the recently announced PS3 Slim [as of yesterday at least].  We know that on the 'inside' the PS3 is a beast of a machine [that unfortunately can't play PS2 games anymore], but as far as aesthetic design, this console iteration looks to be hand crafted by someone with the vision of a Steve Wonder or possibly a Ray Charles type.  The previous 'bulky' version of the PS3 wasn't the most convienient design, but at least it was...you know...eye catching.

One of the more odd comparisons in the clip is when Randy decides to compare the PS2 Slim with this Ugly Betty of a machine.  I think the most surprising thing about the new PS3 Slim is not only is it not as 'slim' as most people [or at least I] was hoping it would be, but the whole 'standing it on its side'-thing...not really that convienient.  Better shell out an extra $10 or $15 for that stable stand.

Pros: It's no longer a dust/fingerprint magnet. Con: Look at it.

The E3 Trailer Brog. [Updated 6-5!]

 

With compliments from Joystiq.com and my non-willingness to get 8 hours of sleep.  I've made a brog dedicated to the trailers and videos released from the major companies at E3.  As of right now I have: Microsoft, EA, and Ubisoft's releases below.  Later on tonight I'll be updating this brog with Sony and Nintendo's extravaganza of wankerdom.  Sorry, I'm kinda sullied on going to E3 now.  So glad to watch the live stream. It just seems like one of the worst kind of marketing cavalcades anyone could attend.  Example: Did you see the Ubisoft press conference? No human should have to endure that for a two minute game trailer sequel.

I've sectioned off the Weird Stuff, The Multiplatform titles and The Exclusives.  Let's start this off with what I think the biggest trailer of E3 2009...

***Update [6-3-09]: Well folks that should just about do it! I updated all the video I could find [from Joystiq] and all of the major announcements, barring a couple handheld gems, should be below!***

[more after the jump]

Star Wars: Old Republic [PC?/360?/PS3?]. I said it once I'll say it again...I'm not into MMO's, but this trailer is pure crack. I didn't see which consoles SW:OR is being developed, but one can only assume it is coming out for PC. It would be interesting to see a big branded MMO go to console.  Let's see how this one pans out...

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PS3 Yellow Lights Of Death: "Something To Keep An Eye On"

In this hustle and bustle age of worky work...I like to relax. Several forms of entertainment, from poker on riverboats, the occasional shootout at various Western re-inactment locales, but when asked; I relax with the occasional video game.

Seeing as I am a new owner of the PS3 [60 gig - back compat model] thanks to the mighty ebay, I still cannot help to be skeptical. I have had a Dell for about four or five years without any motherboard malfunctions...and even with the occasional harddrive crapping out...never had the need to replace my entire computer. How is it possible, that the more sophisiticated our hardware becomes, the higher chance of hardware failure occurs?

After the jump, I'll link a story to an unfortunate Playstation 3 user, Guesty 81, who had his PS3 die on him by simply updating his machine.  What an age we live in indeed.

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GDC '09: God Of War III Leaked footage

Hey...remember, you didn't hear this from me, but this looks like this could be future crack!  I like the zombie head in front of the camera. He can't quit seem to move any other muscle. Should have gotten a front shot of him drooling on himself.

Are Controls Hindering Console Gaming?

Oh word? Mah Berd.

Blog Critics just twittered me an interesting article on the pros and cons of the controls of console gaming. It proposes some interesting questions. It's all very interesting

[i dared someone today that I'd over use the word interesting within three sentences]

What Discourages Me Most About Buying A PS3.

"Thank yous" to Leigh Alexander of Gamasutra, she [and the Onion] have helped me narrow down what my big issue is with the PS3.  This video is clearly an exaggerated belief for what non-, or even anti-PS3 savages believe.  It is high-end. The PS3 has a bevy of functionality...so why haven't I bought it yet?

Video: Killzone 2 Game Intro

Source: Joystiq [Ultrastiq]

It may be one big cut scene and you don't see anything even remotely 'in-game' related, but I can't help but say "Wow".  Isn't it something? 10 years ago I wouldn't have thought games would have made it to this point [evoking emotion through a visual context].  It really is quite amazing.

[and I just browned my pants]