You guys have any burning questions? About anything? This is Ask Me Stuff, which does exactly what it says on the tin. Leave me a question in the comments below and I’ll endeavour to answer it before the day is out.
And for those who keep asking about what happened to the “Head slam” image, I think the file became corrupt and none of us know how to fix it short of bashing our fists into the keyboard in hope that magic happens. Well, I sure did break a keyboard! Well, we sure still don’t have a head slam picture!
Trjn
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 10:41 AMWhat are your thoughts on Penny Arcade poaching Ben Kuchera from Ars Technica and starting their own news section?
Details here for those that haven’t heard this story.
I personally think that it’s a brilliant use of their brand and resources to try and raise the bar.
Tracey Lien
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 10:57 AMI suppose that means more jobs are being created and more opportunities will be available, so that’s neat! I’d be interested to see what he does with the PennyArcade news section — will definitely keep an eye on it.
Effluvium Boy
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 10:42 AMWho would win in a fight between Snake and Sam Fisher (No active camo)?
Tracey Lien
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 10:54 AMSnake. That bro was engineered for this shit, yo.
Wynstyn
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 10:55 AMAre there cardboard boxes?
Benny
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 10:58 AMSam Fisher is pretty boss, but Snake was mentored by The Boss. Snake with CQC FTW.
Angered Catfish
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 10:42 AMHave you ever played a game you missed out on years after it was released and still enjoyed it? I’m asking cause I’[m playing through Final Fantasy VII and Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines and I’m enjoying both!
Tracey Lien
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:00 AMYes! I almost never play a game on release because I don’t feel that sense of urgency. If a game is really so incredible, it should have longevity that goes beyond, say, 300 days, you know?
I recently played FreQuency, a Harmonix game that was released back in 2001. Back in 2001 I recall only having a handful of games on my PS1 and, being 12 at the time, I did not have money to buy more. So, 10 years on, I played FreQuency for the first time over the weekend and it was awesome!
I also didn’t start playing Lumines until two years after its release and it is currently one of my favourite games in the world. If a game is any good it should be able to stand the test of time. Think of books — no one says Moby Dick is “too dated” to be good. ;)
masha2932
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 12:39 PMI agree completely with Tracy. Games should have a long staying presence. I recently bought war of the monsters on PS2 and I loved it. It might look old but it plays great especially in split screen.
A games’ longevity is also another reason I prefer singleplayer experiences compared to multiplayer games.
lambogirl99
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:01 AMI picked up KOTOR during the Steam Sale, and am enjoying it immensely. :D
The Cracks
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:41 AMKotOR will never get old. I love it.
SWTOR is also freaking awesome.
lambogirl99
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 10:46 AMIs my new handle somewhat disturbing? :P
Tracey Lien
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:01 AMNo I totally dig it.
lambogirl99
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:13 AMGood to hear!
Also, did Sughly send you that thing, or do I have to chase him down over it? :P
Tracey Lien
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 1:17 PMI have received no deliveries from Sughly regarding this!
Benny
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 10:53 AMWhat’s the weather like where you are?
Tracey Lien
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:02 AMThe Bureau of Meteorology says 27 degrees with chance of showers, although in this air-conditioned room everything feels like 23 degrees with a chance of nothing.
Sam
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 10:54 AMPre order Kingdoms of Amalur for PC or PS3?
(ignoring that the right answer is PC)
Tracey Lien
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:03 AMYou can pre-order whatever you want! You might want to pre-order it for PC! You might not!
Tristan Damen
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:00 AMAre you picking up a Vita at launch?
Tracey Lien
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:05 AMNope! The launch line-up doesn’t interest me (except for the re-makes of a few games that I already own on other platforms) and I would wait for a price cut before I consider buying, because there is ALWAYS a price cut and I am frugal.
Tristan Damen
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:24 AMFair enough. I’m pretty impulsive when it comes to new hardware so I’ll be there on day one. While I wouldn’t say it’s the best launch ever, it looks quite a bit more promising than that of the 3DS.
I have a predilection for portable fighting games, so the prospect of playing Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3 and Street Fighter X Tekken within about of month of launch is terribly, almost judgement-impairingly exciting!
Effluvium Boy
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:56 AMYeah, my frugality and my impulsiveness are locked in battle over the Vita.
I really want one at launch, but I really don’t want to get ripped off.
Tristan Damen
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 12:20 PMIn that case, I’ll let you know how I went:
*Pre-ordered the Wifi model from GAME (AU) which comes bundled with a copy of Ridge Racer for $349
*Pre-ordered 4 games from Amazon for $193 US (including 2-5 day priority shipping): Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3, Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Lumines and Everybody’s Golf. The AU RRP of these games is around $260.
As most Vita games are available in the States a week before here, they should arrive on/around the launch date. The pre-ordered games are also subject to the Amazon price beat guarantee. If the prices drop before they’re shipped, I get the cheaper option. Hope that helps/gives ou some ideas.
Effluvium Boy
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 12:31 PMMany Tanks
http://bit.ly/8RkhGC
Tristan Damen
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 12:42 PMLAWLZ!!!
Wynstyn
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:01 AMWhat non-sequel (or prequel) games are you looking forward to the most this year?
Tracey Lien
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:09 AMI’m not sure if this counts because I received early access to this game back in November… ZiGGURAT for the iPhone. I think I might write something about it because I have played so much of it since getting access to an early build and I really cannot wait for it to be released so that everyone else can play it.
I *think* it comes out in the next few weeks. I would love to be able to compare scores with people once it’s out!
I’m looking forward to Fez and if Antichamber is out this year I’d also be keen to see how it turns out. As for bigger releases I… haven’t really thought about it.
Stevorooni
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:10 AMHeadslam image – http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/Stevorooni/500x_headslam.jpg
Courtesy of the wayback machine.
James Mac
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 12:18 PMGoing to have to get a few more uses out of it before the new image comes from SW:TOR, or Amalur, or ME3.
Tracey Lien
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 1:40 PMmerci buckets!
NotAbbott
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:11 AMWhat are your thoughts on this excellent 3pt exchange, ragarding game ‘criticism; and the state of reviews, between Patrick Klepek and Manveer Heir at GB – http://bit.ly/ySIlf3 ?
Many salient points made by both parties, and I feel as though it is merely a matter of time.
NotAbbott
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:13 AMEr, not sure what the hell I was doing. Too many trains of thought!
It is only a matter of time… before game criticism reaches the upper echelons, and matures to a level that can sustain and properly appreciate said criticism.
That is still a compromise, as it seems a change to a solid 5 point scale would be great also!
Aidan
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:14 AMYeah, I really enjoyed that exchange.
Aidan
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:12 AMHave you considered headslamming the keyboard?
Generic question, but I don’t think I’ve asked it yet: which game are you most looking forward to in 2012?
Pixel the Ferret Viking
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:13 AMthoughts on getting that Statue erected in Chuloopa the benevolents name?
or a religion? surely something is in the works right? RIGHT?
lambogirl99
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:18 AMHow about a 6ft cardboard cutout of this? http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb449/lamboman007/LoopsMarine.png
I checked, it would only cost $100 :P
Pixel the Ferret Viking
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:21 AMZOMG THAT’S PERFECT…. and when we get bored we can start fleshing it out with paper-mache :D
James Mac
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 12:25 PMI’ll be in on that.
Freeze S. Preston Icequire
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:16 AMWhat do you make of these rumours that Khloe may not be a Kardashian?
Tracey Lien
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 1:20 PMThere certainly does appear to be a genetic inconsistency there! Is it possible that Khloe only looks like a giant because Kim and Kourtney are so short? They do seem pretty short! Could it also be possible that Kourtney is, in fact, not a Kardashian because she seems so level-headed compared to the rest of her family? Will Kim get married again? When will Khloe have Lamar’s baby? WIll Kourtney talk to Scott about his alcoholism? Find out on next week’s episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
shrynx
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:31 AMIf I’ve finished a play-through of Mass Effect 2, but have a save from about 3/4s through the game, will picking up from the old save and playing through to the end over-write the original ending? Or will it save as a separate career?
James Mac
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 12:24 PMNo, it’ll be a different carreer.
shrynx
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 12:59 PMCheers!
MrTaco
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:33 AMGoing to Insert Coins #3 tomorrow night?
Tracey Lien
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 1:23 PMNope!
Sir.Sam
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:33 AMI know this may be a silly question but will the next Max Payne be linear or sandbox. The other games in the series are linear but it is Rockstar the king of sandboxes. I can’t seem to find a straight answer anywhere.
Tracey Lien
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 1:47 PMI am reading this press release right here and… it doesn’t tell me. :-/
Angered Catfish
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 2:03 PMIt’s linear, there are interviews where Rockstar have said they are able to create more intense levels since it’s not a sandbox title and it’s faithful to the original games.The levels may be bigger than the original 2, but not sandboxy.
PrettyTones
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:40 AMHow much should I spend on an engagement ring?
James Mac
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 12:22 PMI always heared it as 1 third of your annual salary… which is an ungodly amount of money, but there you go.
Tracey Lien
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 1:22 PMBuy a bag of Burger Rings. There should be one in there that fits her finger perfectly.
James Mac
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 5:45 PMA lady with simple tastes… you are going to make some man very happy one day.
Huntsman
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 1:27 PMYeah i though it was either a third or 3 months worth. But i guessit depends on how much you earn.
Femto
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 4:04 PMYou could go to Hong Kong for a short holiday and pick up a good quality ring for alot cheaper than AUS (but you will find they are mostly white gold). I think about $2500 min if you are buying a new ring in AUS. If you are low on cash you could always buy a second hand ring remove the stone and get it reset in a modern design band. hope this helps and good luck!
Crazyguy1990
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:42 AMHave you been watching the tennis?
Tracey Lien
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 1:23 PMI do not enjoy The Sports.
Nuddy
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:43 AMdo you have any irrational fears? Snakes? Spiders? Clowns?
Effluvium Boy
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:54 AMI found out the other day that a friend of mine has an irrational fear of cotton wool.
Completely freaks him out.
Pixel the Ferret Viking
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:57 AMyeah i had a mate with similar issues….
something about the consistency and the lack of sound when you do stuff with it such as ripping it apart sends him completely mental
Tracey Lien
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 1:18 PMCaterpillars.
Nuddy
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 5:17 PMCaterpillers.. fair enough. Especially the little hairy ones.
A mate of mine has an issue with polystyrene.. freak.
redartifice
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:44 AMI loved the article on the FBI training aids, I thought that was really informative!
You may have already seen this, but did you know that a company has made an interactive model of our next-gen landing ships in Cryengine?
Tracey Lien
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 1:44 PMNo, I did not know this!
redartifice
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 2:52 PMhttp://www.defence.gov.au/minister/Claretpl.cfm?CurrentId=11969 is the original release from the former minister for Defence Industries.
Ruffleberg
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 1:18 PMYo Tracey, if a game has been banned before, can it be resubmitted as a different edition and be released? For example MK is getting a GOTY edition next month, can they resubmit?
I know what some banned movies have been overturned in Australia when they came out to DVD because the extra features gave the material that got them banned in the first place some more context.
Tracey Lien
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 1:29 PMSomething must have been changed in order for it to be re-submitted. So with MK GOTY, a name change wouldn’t be enough. They might need to change the colour of the costumes, or add DLC, or provide additional level/costume packs and other extra features. The changes can be minor, but there has to be a change within the game because the same game cannot be classified twice.
Fenixius
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 1:19 PMWhat is Kotaku’s stance on SOPA/PIPA? What can Australians do about those oppressive bills?
Tracey Lien
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 1:43 PMTo my knowledge, there is not a lot that we can do directly because it is all happening in America (even though the passing of SOPA could potentially affect Australian sites). I think the best thing to do is convince Americans to voice their concerns to their government representations so that they are heard when Congress meets. I am not sure how effective it would be for an Australian to go directly to US politicians because SOPA is, in their eyes, about protecting American businesses and Americans.
Raising awareness is the best thing you can do in any oppressive situation.
As for Kotaku AU, we don’t know enough about it to give a confident response.
El Kapitan
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 2:14 PMA lot of the active Anti-SOPA stuff that i’ve seen has come from Riot Games, and one of their legal guys did an AMA on Reddit, and said that the most effective thing that international people can do is talk to your American friends, get them interested in the bill by telling them that what it will do to the internet, and ask them to write their congressman.
There is also a petition that people outside America can sign. I don’t have the link right now, and am at work, so I can’t really go through Reddit to find it, but if you look up the Riot Games AMA on Reddit, i’m sure the link will be posted a few times throughout that.
Sesshomaru
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 1:44 PMI have a burning question!!! Burning. So the Last Story and Pandora’s Tower (both Wii games) have both been rated for an Australian release however I can’t find any info other than that. It’s like a void!! No one has heard of them, anywhere. The Last Story is due out in Europe on the 24th of February and I can’t even find that listed on an online store. Help, someone!!!
HotDamn!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 2:17 PMWill Syndicate (2012) be worth sneaking into the country?
Tracey Lien
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 3:01 PMI have never played it, so I do not know!
HotDamn!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 3:27 PMThis is true, since it’s been banned here. Guess it was a silly question to begin with. Maybe Kotaku US could help me? Hahaaaaa…….no.
Boomzzilla
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 2:21 PMWhat’s with the new shopstyle advertisments on the site, for weeks I’ve been getting constant ads telling me to buy a $2500 Burberry trenchcoat in the middle of summer, also would I look good in mentioned trenchcoat?
Tracey Lien
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 3:02 PMOh, that’s an in-house ad. ShopStyle is one of our sister sites so they sometimes have an ad there. *shrug*