...isn't 1,000 pages of story. It is the story, all the associated game text, all the content for the various websites and any other supporting marketing and promo material.
Because FRD chose to have one person (Rob Yescombe) manage all the scripting during development, they've ensured everything to do with the game has a common message, look and feel - a good move if you ask me.
...but trust me, the length of the single-player experience is not a big deal.
Why?
One - you can play it all through again in co-op mode with a mate, or up to four people online (and the experience changes each time)
Two - it's as emotional an experience as CoD4, so you don't want it to go on too long or you'll miss a lot of the impact of the story.
We've played Haze - a lot - and it is very, very good.
We then sat down with our spreadsheet and worked out that, according to pure maths, it is approximately 1056% better than Timeshift.*
*Please note that 34.56% of all statistics are completely fabricated.
In the UK and the US, the 360 version sold around 55-60% of total GTA units.
Across Europe (excluding UK figures) it was the other way around, with the PS3 pushing 60% of the GTA sales.
Worldwide, it is about 50/50 when averaged out.
Given the 360 has basically double the install base of the PS3, the attach rate of the PS3 version is double that of the 360.
The Ape Quest Starter Pack is a demo of the full game, without a doubt. Considering the tripe we had at the start of this year, this is a good update - and word is that each week is going to get better as time progresses. I personally think SCEE are starting to hit their stride...
I think you have a point there. We've been trying to work out why MGS4 has been No. 1 since we started doing these charts with GameFlirt, because we would certainly buy rather than rent it. MGS has always been one of those games that is just that little bit harder to get into for the average gamer, so maybe that's the reason.
Story updated.
The Variety Pack wasn't there initially, but has now appeared.
Custom Soundtracks is a feature of the Cagney update, which is the next one to hit both the PS3 and the Xbox 360.
Cagney will be launched around the end of June, rather than July. Davis, the update after that, is possibly available end of July, although that is not set in stone.
As well as the Custom Soundtracks, Cagney brings a new audio pack with remixed music, new sounds and updated engine noises and even a siren for the police cars. When you're reading the story,...
...and Novastrike is shaping up to be a nice title. Looking forward to seeing the finished article...
@Fishy - understood... I just wanted to make sure because the guys at Criterion are doing probably more for the Burnout community than most developers are for their titles...
@Ghoul - indeed, the motorbikes are not free. Most of the content in the story is free however, and that was the point I was making...
Shouldn't have been approved - http://www.n4g.com/ps3/News...
...and you'll realise just how much of what was announced today is coming for free from Criterion.
...only the EUR price is 439 according to the press release, which translates to £350 at today's rate. Which is a little odd since the story above clearly says £319 RRP - Britain usually gets kicked in the chops the other way around on pricing.
I see GAME are definitely doing it for £319 in the UK (source: http://snipurl.com/gta4b_ps... so I wonder why Europe get to pay more...
...that particular line in our story was an example of 'irony', which apparently, much like a World Series where you actually invite people from other countries or gun control, you don't have in the US! :-)
'Being screwed' implies you're losing money.
The PSN is free. Home will be free. All the brilliant firmware updates we've had already that add extra functions - free.
How precisely is Sony screwing you?
Releasing a product that doesn't work and locking up your PS3 all the time might count as screwing you - do you want that, or would you prefer to wait for a free product that actually works properly?
Here's what we think at PS3 Attitude - http://www.ps3attitude.com/...
"With the various issues Konami have had supporting an open beta for Metal Gear Online, we personally feel that although it is disappointing not to get our hands on Home earlier, we'd prefer to wait for something that will work when we try it."
...this is a no-brainer.
http://www.ps3attitude.com/...
But I guess we'll find out in less than 58 hours.
...and New Zealand too, they'll be getting an edited version of GTA: IV. When I say 'edited', I mean 'censored'.
Australia doesn't have an 18+ rating available in their legislation for games (unlike movies, magazines and other media), so all games must be rated lower than that or face being banned.
There are lots of benefits for publishers, retail outlets and distributors as it helps them all with their supply-chain management.
In the UK, this benefit is passed on to the customer by many retailers as they offer bonuses for pre-ordering.
For example, GAME UK will give you double the reward points on their loyalty card, so you can save more money on future purchases than you would have.
Pre-ordering is here to stay and it's a worthwhile exercise. And...
...didn't really demo a full XMB. It was more like a menu that allowed you to send stuff from your phone to your Home space.
e.g. sending a picture to a frame on the wall of your Home apartment whilst you're on the move.
This is the first video indicating a full XMB interface for Sony Ericsson phones...