MotorStorm Delayed; Flow Dated [Archive]

bapenguin

01-18-2007, 08:05 PM

According to IGN (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/756/756701p1.html), Motorstorm for the PS3 has been delayed from late February to a Spring release date. Sony commented and said it should be out sometime in March, though they couldn't comment on a specific date.

IGN (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/756/756332p1.html) also has the scoop that flOw, originally schedule for a January release on the Playstation Store has now been dated for the end of February. Expect a trailer to hit the store in its place sometime near the end of January.

Sandman

01-18-2007, 08:08 PM

In other news...you can get the import version of Motorstorm now....and it totally kicks ass. Just no online.

Oh and bap....it's not Motostorm.

Vanthar

01-18-2007, 08:12 PM

That sucks as I was looking forward to both of these titles. I hope they get some extra polish because of this.

Sandman

01-18-2007, 08:12 PM

Oh and I'm still giving away my import copy of Motorstorm whenever I'm done with it.

EGO

01-18-2007, 08:14 PM

fl0w is a cool game, as far as free Flash games go. I hope they've made some significant improvements for the PS3 to be charging people for it.

karak

01-18-2007, 08:15 PM

Good. They need to make it amazing simply amazing to get many people to give it a chance after the crasho-ramma that was their koisk system. I am excited for more depth in this as well

Venkman

01-18-2007, 08:18 PM

Good. They need to make it amazing simply amazing to get many people to give it a chance after the crasho-ramma that was their koisk system. I am excited for more depth in this as well

The kiosks are supposed to crash, remember?

Granted, at my local Best Buy, all of the kiosks were broken (XBox 360, PS3, Xbox) except for the videos of the wii, and guitar hero (the game worked but the controller was broken).

xBBx

01-18-2007, 08:31 PM

What's MotoStorm? Sounds like it might be a rip-off of MotorStorm ;)

jadkins555

01-18-2007, 08:41 PM

Maybe they delayed MotorStorm to try to add 1080p support?

rein

01-18-2007, 08:44 PM

I want me some flOw damn it. :mad:

As Sandman said, MotorStorm is pretty kick ass as is. I am hoping they are taking their time to deliver a lag free online experience. This game is going to be great online. This is one of those few racing games where crashing an opponent is going to play a big part. I can't wait to nudge some of you into a rock or off of a cliff. ;)

Sazime

01-18-2007, 08:46 PM

Maybe they delayed MotorStorm to try to add 1080p support?
I highly doubt it. It's funny, back last November or December OPSM stated it would be 1080p at 60fps, then retracted it and said it would be 720p at 30fps. Since then, it's been up and down the rumor mill. Why can't people just be happy with one set of facts?

Sandman

01-18-2007, 08:49 PM

You know whats really fun in Motorstorm....riding a bike on one of the all classes races and looking behind you to see one of the big ass RV like big rigs coming up behind you. Reminds me of that first scene from Serenity where they are being chased by Reavers in that small land traveling thing.

Kelegacy

01-18-2007, 08:56 PM

I saw a guy playing MotoStorm in Circuit City today. Holy fuckin' shit. I don't think I've ever seen such a beautiful racer.

karak

01-18-2007, 09:00 PM

wish I had seen that version of the game.

Disgustipated

01-18-2007, 09:25 PM

Everytime Sony delays something I shake my head and sigh. It's gonna be a bad first year for El Sonyo.

Camtron

01-18-2007, 10:15 PM

maybe it's just me being in gamestop every other day talking, but I thought Motorstorm was due in March anyways?

Johan

01-18-2007, 10:38 PM

In other news...you can get the import version of Motorstorm now....and it totally kicks ass. Just no online.

Full disclosure: NO MULTIPLAYER AT ALL on the Japanese version. Not even split-screen.

Ridiculous for a racing game.

Sazime

01-18-2007, 10:42 PM

Full disclosure: NO MULTIPLAYER AT ALL on the Japanese version. Not even split-screen.

Ridiculous for a racing game.
I've never played any racing game I own anything but single player.

Sandman

01-18-2007, 10:53 PM

Full disclosure: NO MULTIPLAYER AT ALL on the Japanese version. Not even split-screen.

Ridiculous for a racing game.

It should also be noted that the japanese don't care much for any racing game if it doesn't start with a Ridge and end with a Racer. Maybe if it starts with a Gran and ends with a Mo.

Psykoboy2

01-18-2007, 10:55 PM

I've never played any racing game I own anything but single player.

Damn dude....get Burnout Revenge then.

Siraris

01-18-2007, 10:59 PM

Strange that they'd delay it in the US til March. I mean it's definitely coming out then since it needs to be a launch title in Europe. Maybe it's a logistics thing with producing/shipping, or they are adding in something cool. I don't particularly care, as I'd rather wait an extra month for the game to be solid than have it ship in February and perhaps have some issues. Just seems silly to complain about a delay like that.

I guess there is a big announcement for early next week on everything Europe launch, so hopefully we'll find out then. Sony really needs to put out some big stuff in the coming months.

Disgustipated

01-18-2007, 11:22 PM

Damn dude....get Burnout Revenge then.

Agreed, Burnout Revenge for 360 is fucking awesome.

Kefkataran

01-18-2007, 11:57 PM

I saw a guy playing MotoStorm in Circuit City today. Holy fuckin' shit. I don't think I've ever seen such a beautiful racer.

This is what I posted in a thread earlier! It's really an insanely gorgeous game.

Also, the delay is depressing, but just means more money I don't need to spend on my PS3 for longer. *shrug* Then again, I always thought the release date was March-ish.

Sazime

01-18-2007, 11:58 PM

Ok, let me clarify. I do not play console games online at all.

Kefkataran

01-19-2007, 12:00 AM

I also don't play racers (or console games in general) online much, but I'll definitely look forward to testing Motorstorm's to see if it's as nice and smooth as Resistance.

MasterKwan

01-19-2007, 12:44 AM

The updated demo of this, you can download for the PS3 now is far better than the Kiosk version. Damn if the kiosk version frame rates didn't give me a headache.

Kefkataran

01-19-2007, 02:28 AM

The updated demo of this, you can download for the PS3 now is far better than the Kiosk version. Damn if the kiosk version frame rates didn't give me a headache.

That updated version is the one I was talking about.

Gorvi

01-19-2007, 02:44 AM

Well, it's only a delay of a few weeks, but it still sucks. We know the game itself was complete and running fine last month when it shipped to Japan, so now it should all be about adding online modes and extras. Hopefully.

TKO

01-19-2007, 06:51 AM

Bugsplatter

01-19-2007, 07:32 AM

Johan

01-19-2007, 07:39 AM

eh? I don't get why people are wanting it to come out now, as is. From what I'd heard, it just has *one* *mode*: the full tournament. No practice, no single race, no multiplayer (let alone any of the other modes possible.) The Japanese release sounds like a beta. I *want* them to take some time with the western release. Then it might feel complete.

It puzzles me really. How could they have developed and tested that game without any single race and practice modes? How could they not have the resources or desire to add a couple of menu items?

That's what I've wondered. The game, as it is in the Japanese version, sounds so unbelievably crippled in terms of gameplay options (not graphics, basic controls, framerate...but gameplay options)...it surprises me that the Japanese market would be okay with that for a racer.

What are the sales for the title like in Japan? Anyone know? Any Japanese reviews and/or complaints/compliments for the gameplay options?

Any solid word on what exact multiplayer components will be included in the U.S. version?

I think it's virtually always better to delay a title to improve it, rather than release and risk ruining the experience and sales. Bean counters might disagree (cost overruns on development budgets), but that's my opinion.

tayaya

01-19-2007, 08:22 AM

Say what you will about the Japanese version and its lack of features, but honestly the only feature it's missing is multiplayer, which isn't really all that important to me. I've been very happy witht he Japanese version of the game. It's tough as nails when you get to about ticket 15 and between that and AC4 i've been spending a LOT of time with my PS3.

The US version's not going to have split-screen either according to the latest from the developer (forgot if I read that in EGM or on IGN).

If they add something to the US version that Japan doesn't get in the form of a patch (in the same article they DID say they can add features via downloads), then I'll probably buy it too. If I had to ask for anything, I'd say another 3 or 4 tracks would make it perfect as there are only 8. Granted they're amazing, but yeah.... 21 tickets of 3-4 events each spread out over 8 tracks... gets a little repetitive! At least they change the time of day and the differences in lighting are spectacular.

Telefrog

01-19-2007, 09:41 AM

Jesus. The more you guys write about this game, the worse it sounds. Seriously. Stop trying to help it by discussing it's super-beautiful graphics and no-option gameplay.

EGO

01-19-2007, 11:07 AM

I also don't play racers (or console games in general) online much, but I'll definitely look forward to testing Motorstorm's to see if it's as nice and smooth as Resistance.

As previously stated... GO GET BURNOUT REVENGE for X360 and it'll change your mind. The way it tracks rivals, the visceralness, the smack talk, the layers of strategy (which surprised me). Burnout Revenge not only converted me into liking Burnout4 (Burnout3 was the best), it converted me into playing on-line console games, period.

fitbabits

01-19-2007, 11:34 AM

Sandman

01-19-2007, 11:39 AM

Can't say I've been overly impressed (actually, impressed at all) with what I've seen and played of MotorStorm. The graphics don't look that special to me - they look like the old 'post a photographic image in the background and move it around to make it seem like the vehicle is moving' trick is being used. As for the gameplay, it was all but non-existent in the versions I've played.

You need to play the import version....you couldn't be more wrong.

Kefkataran

01-19-2007, 12:40 PM

Jesus. The more you guys write about this game, the worse it sounds. Seriously. Stop trying to help it by discussing it's super-beautiful graphics and no-option gameplay.

Don't like when people are enjoying and/or excited about a game you aren't, huh?

As previously stated... GO GET BURNOUT REVENGE for X360 and it'll change your mind. The way it tracks rivals, the visceralness, the smack talk, the layers of strategy (which surprised me). Burnout Revenge not only converted me into liking Burnout4 (Burnout3 was the best), it converted me into playing on-line console games, period.

BURNOUT REVENGE for X360 WAS ONE OF THE FIRST GAMES I BOUGHT FOR MY 360. Guess what? It didn't change my mind. I played it online a bit, enjoyed when I did, but meh.

Can't say I've been overly impressed (actually, impressed at all) with what I've seen and played of MotorStorm. The graphics don't look that special to me - they look like the old 'post a photographic image in the background and move it around to make it seem like the vehicle is moving' trick is being used. As for the gameplay, it was all but non-existent in the versions I've played.

With all apologies, you're dead wrong on both the graphics and gameplay.

Sandman

01-19-2007, 12:43 PM

fits, if you owned a PS3 I would send you my copy of the Motorstorm import to help prove you wrong.

Johan

01-19-2007, 12:43 PM

fitbabits

01-19-2007, 12:47 PM

With all apologies, you're dead wrong on both the graphics and gameplay.
How can I be "dead wrong"? It's a personal opinion based on my time with the game.

Kefkataran

01-19-2007, 12:51 PM

Still wondering if anyone knows about sales of the title in Japan (as a percentage of the installed PS3 base...since the base is a bit small right now, overall sales will obviously be lower, which is understandable), and what multiplayer/online components are confirmed to be included for the NA version.

Nothing solid, but I hear it hasn't sold well. From what I hear, Japanese gamers aren't big racing fans and it was also, you know, gimped.

How can I be "dead wrong"? It's a personal opinion based on my time with the game.

And it's an incorrect one. The graphical beauty of the game has nothing to do with the backgrounds (which is, if anything, the least impressive part) and everything to do with the actual vehicles and courses. And how is the gameplay any more absent than in any racing game? It's a racing game... you race... boom, gameplay.

fitbabits

01-19-2007, 12:55 PM

And it's an incorrect one. The graphical beauty of the game has nothing to do with the backgrounds (which is, if anything, the least impressive part) and everything to do with the actual vehicles and courses. And how is the gameplay any more absent than in any racing game? It's a racing game... you race... boom, gameplay.
How can a personal opinion, which is based on time spent playing the game, be "dead wrong", though? I had no fun playing the demo - are you going to tell me I'm "dead wrong" with that as well and that I did have fun? Look, I just don't find the game all that appealing after playing the demo several times. I'm glad you do.

Johan

01-19-2007, 12:56 PM

Nothing solid, but I hear it hasn't sold well. From what I hear, Japanese gamers aren't big racing fans and it was also, you know, gimped.

I'm wondering about solid numbers. Do I sense some sarcasm? I'm genuinely curious. I know it won't be a huge number; hell, it shouldn't be, since there aren't that many PS3's out yet in just a few months. Still, as a percentage of the installed base, it would be interesting to me.

And it is gimped, that's true. That's why I'm interested in what confirmed features are in the NA version. :)

Curiosity!!!

Sandman

01-19-2007, 12:57 PM

fitbabits

01-19-2007, 01:01 PM

We all know there are several versions of the demo out there and the import version is better than the best of them. Give the retail version a shot when you get the chance.
Oh, I will, but I take exception to people telling me my personal opinion is "dead wrong" when it's just that - a personal opinion. I'm not about to slam anyone for saying something doesn't appeal to them after they've played it and formed an opinion on it. People like or dislike things based on any number of reasons, but I'm basing my opinion of MotorStorm on the fact that what I've played doesn't appeal to me.

Johan

01-19-2007, 01:30 PM

I may be just talking to myself here (yes, I am a bit wonky/crazy), but I found news (I went looking for myself) that said Motorstorm was the number-one selling PS3 title in Japan.

That is good news at least.

Here (http://ps3.qj.net/category/MotorStorm/cid/236)I found the following (can't vouch for it, but I was interested):

* Yes, there will be online VOICE chat during online dust races. Evolution says you can use USB and Bluetooth headsets. Currently, it's for 12 foul-mouthed, achy-breaky players... they're hoping for sixteen but the devs "can't commit to that right now."
* There are currently no plans for split-screen (which this writer wished was at least in the demo), due to the complexity required to render two gameplay experiences in one screen. But guess what? "unless we get an overwhelming demand... the beauty of online consoles is that the game can change... and we can sit down with SCEE and say, 'Let's offer this for download – the fans want it'."
* Regarding the lack of online in Japanese MotorStorms: Evo's Matt Southern revealed that, when talking to the Japanese localizers for the game, that this sort of thing is actually quite normal with them. They're used to "new iterations of the game" coming after launch, whereas Western audiences prefer the complete package out of the box.
* Download Part Deux! A reader asked if there could or would be a "Replay Feature" in the game with full camera controls. Says Evo, "Not for the boxed launch, but as ever we’ll see what is being demanded by fans when we start to offer download packs."
* They didn't miss rumble while making MotorStorm: "because we were heavily influenced by film in the making of MotorStorm and it has been proven many times over that you can achieve immersion without rumble." (... define Irony: Immersion without rumble...)
* Finally, Blu-Ray. Evolution did compress game data to save space and loading times, but still "the sheer size of top-quality high definition data necessitates something like Blu-ray."

Interesting to me at least! :o

Hemalin

01-19-2007, 01:41 PM

Sounds like they are really interested in supporting the game after it is launched. Hopefully micropayments won't be too bad.

Kelegacy

01-19-2007, 03:33 PM

Can't say I've been overly impressed (actually, impressed at all) with what I've seen and played of MotorStorm. The graphics don't look that special to me - they look like the old 'post a photographic image in the background and move it around to make it seem like the vehicle is moving' trick is being used. As for the gameplay, it was all but non-existent in the versions I've played.
What? I'm not a graphics whore, but I really dig the beauty of Motorstorm. The gameplay might suck (I haven't played it, just stood and stared as some other guy did) but the visuals certainly are no slouch.

Kefkataran

01-19-2007, 03:48 PM

How can a personal opinion, which is based on time spent playing the game, be "dead wrong", though? I had no fun playing the demo - are you going to tell me I'm "dead wrong" with that as well and that I did have fun? Look, I just don't find the game all that appealing after playing the demo several times. I'm glad you do.

I'm going to say you're dead wrong if your supposed reasons are that: a.) the gameplay isn't there and b.) the graphics aren't actually that good. Because both of those are, indeed, wrong. Now if the gameplay simply wasn't compelling enough for you or didn't gel with you for some specific reasons, obviously that's a matter of opinion and makes sense. But your stated reasons don't really.

I'm wondering about solid numbers. Do I sense some sarcasm? I'm genuinely curious. I know it won't be a huge number; hell, it shouldn't be, since there aren't that many PS3's out yet in just a few months. Still, as a percentage of the installed base, it would be interesting to me.

No sarcasm at all, and if I had some more time I'd try to look up solid numbers for ya.

What? I'm not a graphics whore, but I really dig the beauty of Motorstorm. The gameplay might suck (I haven't played it, just stood and stared as some other guy did) but the visuals certainly are no slouch.

IMO, the gameplay's pretty fun. Basic racing stuff, but enjoyable. One interesting choice, is that they've really cut down on excess HUD stuff in order to free up the screen for the gorgeous graphics. There's not even a speedometer, just your boost meter. Makes for some interesting races. The motion controls, though, as with Excite Truck on the Wii, seem to take some intense getting used to. I can tell they might be fun, though.

BlackPete

01-19-2007, 04:04 PM

I'm going to say you're dead wrong if your supposed reasons are that: a.) the gameplay isn't there and b.) the graphics aren't actually that good. Because both of those are, indeed, wrong. Now if the gameplay simply wasn't compelling enough for you or didn't gel with you for some specific reasons, obviously that's a matter of opinion and makes sense. But your stated reasons don't really.

To be fair, those are subjective opinions. It's entirely possible that a game's graphics may be gorgeous to one person, and be shitty to another person. A good example is WoW graphics -- people either loved or hate it. Or EQ2 -- so realistic that everything looks plastic and fake.

The demo... it was underwhelming at best. I just went a few laps and it felt pretty average. Graphics was kinda nice but nothing mindblowing.

Kefkataran

01-19-2007, 04:09 PM

To be fair, those are subjective opinions. It's entirely possible that a game's graphics may be gorgeous to one person, and be shitty to another person. A good example is WoW graphics -- people either loved or hate it. Or EQ2 -- so realistic that everything looks plastic and fake.

The demo... it was underwhelming at best. I just went a few laps and it felt pretty average. Graphics was kinda nice but nothing mindblowing.

Okay. I've spent a good hour or two on the demo and find it well above average.

I realize how good the graphics are is somewhat subjective, but you're talking more about whether or not people like the style. Trying to say that the graphics in a game like Motorstorm are bad or below average is ridiculous. Even if you don't like the *style*, the graphics are still undeniably strong.

BlackPete

01-19-2007, 05:33 PM

I realize how good the graphics are is somewhat subjective, but you're talking more about whether or not people like the style. Trying to say that the graphics in a game like Motorstorm are bad or below average is ridiculous. Even if you don't like the *style*, the graphics are still undeniably strong.

I actually disagree. There's too much specular highlights on the vehicles, and the reflections are too "clean". Backgrounds and ground textures are fairly low quality -- which wouldn't be an issue if you're driving so fast that they just blur by... which they don't.

End result is that the game looks like it's trying too hard to be pretty but ends up overdoing it.

And that's my subjective opinion :D

Kefkataran

01-19-2007, 05:36 PM

I actually disagree. There's too much specular highlights on the vehicles, and the reflections are too "clean". Backgrounds and ground textures are fairly low quality -- which wouldn't be an issue if you're driving so fast that they just blur by... which they don't.

End result is that the game looks like it's trying too hard to be pretty but ends up overdoing it.

And that's my subjective opinion :D

Fair enough. I appreciate you taking the time to explain why you feel that way in a way that makes sense. But I mantain that you're saying you don't like it stylistically. In terms of pure graphical power, I still think it's very hard to deny that the game pulls it off moreso than most other games of the new generation so far (with a few obvious exceptions).

Either way, it's no big deal. There's not going to be any convincing those PS3 haters that even the most beautiful of PS3 games look good.

Sandman

01-19-2007, 05:41 PM

Either way, it's no big deal. There's not going to be any convincing those PS3 haters that even the most beautiful of PS3 games look good.

They will be singing a different tune when FFXIII and MGS4 come out. Then all of us that already have PS3s will be able to laugh at them as they flock to the stores to buy the system and game.

Kefkataran

01-19-2007, 05:48 PM

They will be singing a different tune when FFXIII and MGS4 come out. Then all of us that already have PS3s will be able to laugh at them as they flock to the stores to buy the system and game.

I'm not that concerned about it. People are right to point out the problems with the PS3, but it's so overstated on Evil Avatar (and several other online locations) that it gets rather annoying, especially when people are so in love with their own masturbatory hate of Sony that they refuse to acknowledge when a PS3 exclusive looks good or is fun to play.

(And I'm not saying that's specifically what happened in this thread at all, really.)

cp#

01-19-2007, 06:01 PM

Flow has really pretty graphics on the PS3 but the flash game has no depth at all, it isn't even that fun

BlackPete

01-19-2007, 06:02 PM

Fair enough. I appreciate you taking the time to explain why you feel that way in a way that makes sense. But I mantain that you're saying you don't like it stylistically. In terms of pure graphical power, I still think it's very hard to deny that the game pulls it off moreso than most other games of the new generation so far (with a few obvious exceptions).

I'm not sure if I fully understand what your definition of "strong graphics" is then. Do you mean the number of polygons? The resolution? Where do you separate the style from "pure graphical power"?

For example, Okami is a last-gen PS2 game, yet I found it to be more visually stunning than most 360/PS3/Wii games so far. Ditto for FFXII.

On the flip side, you could technically argue that Everquest 2 is a game that's graphically strong, and yet it looks like shit (IMHO).

Mind you, I'm not just saying this because Motorstorm is a PS3 game. I'll criticize any game on their own merits, not because of the platform it came out on.

Kefkataran

01-19-2007, 06:16 PM

For example, Okami is a last-gen PS2 game, yet I found it to be more visually stunning than most 360/PS3/Wii games so far. Ditto for FFXII.

I totally agree with those, but those examples are better looking because they're better-looking stylistically. And I agree, Everquest 2 is a GREAT example of a game that (at the time) had very powerful graphics but stylistically was shit. I definitely think arguing that Motorstorm looks like shit stylistically is crazy, though. But yeah, I can tell your beefs with Motorstorm are valid and not just cause it's a PS3 title. As I said, I appreciate you explaining them.

Johan

01-19-2007, 06:19 PM

It's number one in Japan for the PS3...it must be doing something at least a little (if not a lot) right.

I was surprised to read that Japanese gamers are (supposedly, according to the article I quoted) fairly accustomed to successive versions of games, and hence an early version without many features is expected and acceptable, as the features are added later. Frankly, I thought it quite mockable that such was the condition of Motorstorm in Japan, but it seems that's not uncommon over there??!!

And it sounds like they're adding a lot for the NA release, though I'm surprised split-screen is supposedly so difficult...

BlackPete

01-19-2007, 06:47 PM

And it sounds like they're adding a lot for the NA release, though I'm surprised split-screen is supposedly so difficult...

It's difficult because... hmm... to keep the technical explanation short (and cuz I'm cooking dinner), for a split-screen game, you're basically drawing two screens from different viewports every frame, so you're basically doubling the number of render passes and polygon sorting, etc, etc. Usually the solution is to cut down on graphical quality in split-screen games to keep up the FPS.

I'd actually be impressed if they pulled this off without cutting anything or reducing graphical quality (asides from maybe texture sizes...)

Johan

01-19-2007, 06:52 PM

It's difficult because... hmm... to keep the technical explanation short (and cuz I'm cooking dinner), for a split-screen game, you're basically drawing two screens from different viewports every frame, so you're basically doubling the number of render passes and polygon sorting, etc, etc. Usually the solution is to cut down on graphical quality in split-screen games to keep up the FPS.

I'd actually be impressed if they pulled this off without cutting anything or reducing graphical quality (asides from maybe texture sizes...)

Thank you for explaining that without exposing the fact that I'm absolutely clueless when it comes to programming, render passes, polygon sorting, etc.! I appreciate it.

Oh hell...I guess I just exposed my own stupidity myself, didn't I? I can understand why split-screen is difficult now, at least! Thanks. :)

BlackPete

01-19-2007, 07:11 PM

Thank you for explaining that without exposing the fact that I'm absolutely clueless when it comes to programming, render passes, polygon sorting, etc.! I appreciate it.

Oh hell...I guess I just exposed my own stupidity myself, didn't I? I can understand why split-screen is difficult now, at least! Thanks. :)

;) No problem dude! To be honest I have to keep reminding myself of how things work otherwise I'll be yet another grumpy clueless old man :o

If that should ever happen, I'd have to move into... shudder... management.