Sacred Symbols, Episode 46: All the Rage

I'll check it out, thank you!

Colin Moriarty

No, that's not it.

Colin Moriarty

It's surprising, but as I said on the show, I think it's Sony accepting the financial reality of staying on the sidelines. Their 30% cuts through anything running natively through their network. At some point (probably from the very beginning, in reality), it was stupid for them to stop this from coming to PSN.

Colin Moriarty

I'm hearing good things. Looking forward to playing it when I can find the time, and get through a few other things first.

Colin Moriarty

Sony never buys a studio before working with it first, usually multiple times. Second party, on the other hand, is always a tantalizing option. Though I think the major asymmetric game (of sorts) is actually gonna be first party.

Colin Moriarty

That's what she said.

Colin Moriarty

Phew.

Colin Moriarty

I respect your position, but while you're speaking with your wallet, the market at large is speaking with its wallet, too. I struggle with this argument of something being predatory, versus bad game design. The former is a serious charge; the latter is something that needs to be weeded out of the market, and will be as these different genres settle, and winners emerge.

Colin Moriarty

Oh I totally agree. I just meant in the PSM I remember reading it was presented a small news brief. If memory serves me correctly. But yes, that'd be huge and I'd be all in!

Nate McKinney

That sounds super interesting, I'll have to check it out. Thanks!

Colin Moriarty

No. I heard games LIKE this were coming from second party, but never heard a name. This isn't the game I'm hearing about.

Colin Moriarty

If the creative director of Final Fantasy said Square was going to remake Final Fantasy 7, 8, and 9, it would be one of the biggest (if not the biggest) news story of the entire year. True then and now!

Colin Moriarty

I can't say I notice that in the conversation, but I'm sorry that it's coming across that way to you.

Colin Moriarty

It'll be a cold day in hell when we get another Tokyo Jungle, as wonderful as that would be.

Colin Moriarty

I'm glad I wasn't the only one.

Colin Moriarty

Well, you can't.

Colin Moriarty

The episodes will always be as long as they need to be! I promise.

Colin Moriarty

It's on my radar, but certainly not something I'm looking forward to playing at this point.

Colin Moriarty

I really do think playtesting has yielded results indicating that the hold mechanic adds something satisfying while also doubling as a failsafe.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you. <3

Colin Moriarty

Hey Colin, on this episode you mentioned how well-designed Hitman was. I just wanted to recommend a YouTube channel called Game Maker's Toolkit, all about how games are designed. I find it to be really interesting, and most notably to why I bring this up, the video "The Making of Hitman 2's Miami Level". Thanks for all your hard work.

Rick Lewis

Colin, I was just curious if the 2nd party unrevealed game you’ve mentioned a few times in the past is the predator game that was revealed, or if were still awaiting a reveal

John Lynch

You talked about EA access coming to ps4, I remember back in the day doubting if it ever would. i'm mostly an xbox gamer and i use EA access, i want to say that all the EA games come to it. anthem will probably come to it soon. it has a lot of 360 games, (dead space trilogy, battlefield games, hell even bejeweled) so i feel like the ps4 version will have the least content of the three. origin access, i just checked has so many more games than even ea access on x1. you should maybe check it out, i know you like some sports games and they usually make it on there around 6-8 months after it comes out.

B00ch

I like level headed disagreements/discussion. Keeps us sharp and we learn through them IMO anyway... 😉

BettyAnn Moriarty

I’ve compiled a bunch of footage while playing A Plague Tale and I think I’m going to use it as my next video review project. Similar to the reason I made my Yakuza 0 review, Plague Tale is very good, but probably not going to be up everyone’s alley, so it’s tough to give any kind of blanket recommendation on. It definitely does take cues from games like The Last of Us and God of War, but with a heavy focus on simple stealth, linear pathways and narrative. It’s a good length too, not super short but also not so long that it’ll take up too much of your time.

Marc Boggio

If Sony really wants to get a studio that could make them an amazing asymmetrical multiplayer game they should look at acquiring or doing a 2nd game deal with Behavior Interactive, the guys who made Dead by Daylight. It’s arguably the most successful asymmetric game and the player base is huge.

MeatSpin11

I'm totally ok with this podcast lasting 2 hours. Honestly, the longer the better

In case anyone was curious about the article Chris mentioned, truly a bizarre take...https://www.polygon.com/2019/5/13/18617783/rage-2-impressions-characters-enemies-mutants

David Kramme

I listened to the podcast yesterday but I have some things to say because I disagree with you, Colin. Look on the topic of microtransactions and lootboxes, Colin these things are predatory as fuck and they should NOT exist. We dont need any goverment regulating them, but the problem is that I also dont trust the industry to self-regulate, this will keep on happening as long as people buy the games and the microtransactions, it is ruining the industry because when you have the possibility of making such an obscene ammount of money you build games around that concept, your game is going to have artificial grind like AC Odyssey and it is going to suck. I vote with my wallet, if a game HAS microtransactions I buy it used from someone else so the publisher doesnt get my money at all, sorry for the studio if they get a cut of the profits, but thats what I do, and I dont ever buy any microtransactions, how about you give me a whole fucking game instead? And also, day one DLC? NO. Sorry man, I just dont see how any of these things should exist.

Great show Colin and Chris! Loved the talk about the Tom Clancy novels especially, I've been reading his books since I was 9 years old and have gone through Red Storm Rising at least 6 or 7 times, and multiple times for the rest of his main line novels. Another one you may enjoy from that same era is Red Phoenix by Larry Bond, tells the story of a second Korean War, really well done.

Bryan Finck

I remember reading that FF7, 8 and 9 remake story. Calling it a "story" is generous, I guess. It was a blurb in an issue of I think...PSM? Maybe. I remember the distinct moment reading that and getting really psyched. Damn you Square, damn you

Nate McKinney

I totally wrote in about the Predator game haha. (It's ok, I forgive you) I was wondering if it was the unannounced exclusive you've alluded to a few times recently, or is there still something we haven't seen waiting in the wings?

Nate McKinney

Why does Chris constantly interrupt/talk over you and not let you finish speaking? 🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️

Brandon Soto

Just a quick note on Away, I was absolutely convinced it was going to turn out to be Tokyo Jungle 2, and I was pumped. I am unreasonably disappointed.

Jayce Tamulevich

My boner hit the table too, Colin

GameSimp

Shoutouts to Colin who asked the question about art and estethics. Highlight of the episode for me apart from 'you can't drop things off a planet' #powerful

tejotl

Really enjoyed the longer episode this week, it’s nice to get one every once in a while. 😁

Anthony Gigi

Bod sledding enthusiast. Nice. A Crimson Chin reference. lol I kinda forgot alt porn existed so thanks for that. 😄 Thanks for taking my Breakpoint question. It was interesting hearing your take on it. I guess my playstyle is different but I wish they would’ve at least given you the option with the AI squad. Maybe it’ll play fine solo and more like The Division as you mentioned but I need to see the single player options in play before I decide if I’m gonna jump in.

NeO JD

I always assumed the button holding mechanic was designed for mistakes as well, but never thought about how satisfying it is until you mentioned it. The division 2 is nothing but holding buttons to do anything, but it feels good all the time.

bk200jj

1. It's insane how much I see eye to eye with you on the FF series. I had the same arc with 7. Used to diss it because the Madden bros all of a sudden were into my favorite series and I wasnt having it. Didn't break down and play it until 2010. 2. Love the long episodes. Keep the tangents coming. 3. Thumbs up to not immediately jumping into the patrons at the Producer level or higher - I like that you give credit where credit is due! Keep it up, gents...

Jordan Falduto

He had fun. =D

Colin Moriarty

Well then Fortnite does have lootboxes...? LOL.

Colin Moriarty

We had no intention of going that long. Just goes to show you that I mean what I say when I say "it'll be as long as it needs to be." =D

Colin Moriarty

I don't know how much more of ProJared's penis I can take.

Colin Moriarty

LOL.

Colin Moriarty

Super cool game. Glad I played it.

Colin Moriarty

I'm excited you're excited!

Colin Moriarty

<3

Colin Moriarty

Thank you. You have impeccable taste.

Colin Moriarty

You are very passionate about PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale.

Colin Moriarty

Skeet Ulrich 4ever.

Colin Moriarty

Too late, William. You'll now forever be known as the person who had too-high expectations. I'm sorry.

Colin Moriarty

Eh. But as good as US?!

Colin Moriarty

You could listen to it four times.

Colin Moriarty

Thing is, I believe it.

Colin Moriarty

What about me?!

Colin Moriarty

I love Bar Sinister! hahaha I wish I would have seen Chris's interaction there. lmao

DB Cooper

Just FYI fortnite has no loot boxes. Fortnite sells skins though. Except there pve game mode, but nobody plays that.

Simon Payne

Another great episode. I enjoyed the longer length too. Very intrigued by the Predator game since they worked on the Friday the 13th game. Was so much fun, even when it was broken. I was trying to rack my brain over what Playstation character I would like to see in Smash if Sony was feeling nice enough to play with Nintendo but they already have my #1 in Solid Snake. I guess my next wish would be Raziel or Kain from Legacy of Kain series even though they're not Sony exclusive.

Barrett Boswell

A little disappointed that Projared's penis wasn't discussed but that's ok, I still enjoyed the episode.

Jose Horrach

“Last of us with sugar gliders” lmao

Caleb Peacock

Woo 2 hour episode! Glad you liked VA-11 HALL-A Colin, really special game.

Tanner Brant

I'm ridiculous hyped for The Predator game! As well as John Wick and Ghost Recon: Breakpoint so far since they got the actor Jon Bernthal to play the antagonist.

Marcus Brown

Great episode. And Kotaku is the worst.

Keith W

Honestly the one podcast i look forward to the most every week. 👍🏽👍🏽

Jeff Caseres

As the resident PlayStation All-Stars expert (and dreamer of the sequel) I feel the need to weigh in on this urgent issue (get ready for the essay) I have to disagree with your stance on whether or not a PlayStation All-Stars 2 should happen. You said that Smash Bros. encapsulates Nintendo and I agree. It’s a love letter to Nintendo fans which so much care, love but most importantly production value and resources. I’m someone who loved the original game, went on forums constantly and ate up any coverage. One of the main problems with PSAS was that it did not feel like a love letter to fans. The roster was decent but small. The first party cast was great minus Evil Cole. The choice for third party characters was odd since Heihachi was the only one that made sense due to Tekken’s legacy with PlayStation. Raiden and Dante would have been good choices but they were the Revengeance and DmC versions, and Big Daddy and Isaac Clarke really have no big significance to PlayStation since their inclusions felt like advertisements for Bioshock Infinite and Dead Space 3. What they need to do is appeal to hardcore PlayStation fans. People keep saying that PlayStation characters aren’t memorable but that isn’t true at all. Kratos, Nathan Drake, Sackboy, Ratchet, Sly Cooper, Aloy among others are well known enough to carry their own crossover game. They just need to put in the love in care that Masahiro Sakurai does for Smash Bros. It’s not like Olimar, or any of the 24 Fire Emblem characters are well known or iconic exactly. Sony really needs to understand that its fans do actually care about their franchises and characters, and for them not to try again I feel is a wasted opportunity. Especially now since back in 2012 Sony was not in the best shape compared to where they are now. Stronger relationships with 3rd parties could mean more 3rd party characters that are actually significant to PlayStation like Crash and Spyro (which are more likely to be in a PSAS2 due to their remasters) Lara Croft, Monokuma, and even Spider-Man. I could go on and on, but I just want to emphasize that there still could be a market for this kind of game. I still see requests from people that want to see their favorite PS characters duke it out against eachother and offer a nice love letter for PlayStation fans, since Sony does have a rich history. They might move on from their franchises a lot, but that doesn’t mean the fans do not remember them. Just my two cents sorry for the essay. P.S. no Chris the roster wasn't just "dudes". It was actually quite diverse with Ratchet, Sly, Big Daddy, Toro, Parappa, Kat, Fat Princess, Sackboy, Nariko, Sir Dan etc. And for the sequel (if it happens) they will definitely add more "dudes" like the Bloodborne Hunter and Gabe Logan, but they will absolutely add more female characters and anthropomorphized characters like Crash, Spyro, Abe, Lara Croft, Aloy, 2B (Nier), and our holy savior Knack. P.P.S. I actually remember talking to some former devs of Superbot, and they revealed that Tomba was in the works (which is another great retro choice for old school PS1 gamers) and Ryu Hayabusa. Shame what could have been, only if Sony actually cared about this game more instead of treating it like some red headed stepchild with a budget that is equivalent to a $20 psn game /s.

Real Radec

I introduced my brother to Jericho after I watched a few episodes. He was hooked to the point where he bought the blue rays years later. He loves that show. Agreed the post apocalyptic games are over saturated now

Kenneth Oms

Ryan Russilo and Bill Simmons. Pretty good podcasting duo

Andrew

If only this was 6 hours long to get me through the rest of my work day

James Galos

Chris "I go to funerals of people I don't know" Ray Gun.

Excellent episode Chris!!

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