856 - 06/25/23 Bobby Blackwolf Show - Final Fantasy XVI Early Impressions, FTC Injunction On MS-ATVI Merger
- Final Fantasy XVI is out! And I have some early spoiler-free impressions. I talk about the gameplay, story, and a surprising take on the diversity issue surrounding the game.
- E3 has been cancelled in 2024 and 2025...At least in Los Angeles. Doesn't mean it won't happen elsewhere, but let's be honest, it's not very likely.
- The FTC has sued to block the Microsoft-Activision merger, and the trial has started.
- In emails released to the court, Sony said that they'd be okay and that they knew from the beginning it wasn't about exclusivity.
- Sony testified that they would withhold PS6 devkits from Activision if there is a merger, meaning that Activision games would not be able to use PS6 specific features. (They already do not provide PS5 devkits to Mojang, which is why there is not a Minecraft version natively on PS5.)
- Then we talk to Rob about Final Fantasy XVI and how the music in it is at least one of the final music packs for Theatrhythm: Final Bar Line.
Download the MP3! - 28MB, 59 minutes 16 seconds
DarkTetsuya
7/22/2023 4:38 PM
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But man, I am SO glad that I did! the game opens up with a difficulty select (you CAN set it on bobby blackwolf mode! haven't had much trouble beating the CPU in this mode.) then the usual character creator, and next you get the introduction to the game's various events from the hostess.
In what is probably the coolest in-game transition I've ever seen, she'll give a description of each event type with a brief preview clip... and then you're given control as the race starts. at first it hit me like 'whoa wait we're starting?!' but I thought it was a cool effect.
There were a few different playlist types in the beta, my personal favorite being the 'Japan' playlist. If you were a big fan of playing Initial D or Wangan Midnight in the arcades, this is the playlist for you. it hits all the Japanese car culture stuff from drag raciing, drifting, even the touge battles. Honestly haven't had this much fun drifting since NFS carbon!
There's even a playlist dedicated to cars through the ages, going all the way back to the 50s up through the 80s. some of the missions here were interesting they give you a photograph of a landmark and a turnoff point and you have to find it without GPS! a pretty fun change of pace from straight up races, although there were a couple of those in this playlist as well. all set to an era-appropriate soundtrack.
one of the neatest parts I found was during the races in each section you get imparted bits of history and car trivia, little 'did you know?' types of tidbits relating to the history of the cars and car culture in each event.
Honestly I'm legit surprised how much the closed beta has sold me on this one. the mrs. bought me NFS unbound earlier in the year but I found even on easiest it was WAY too hard, luckily I'm not having that issue with motorfest,
I did browse the shop to see what kinda vehicles the game offered... even the beta list was quite massive, and apparently you get motorcycles, planes and even boats! and unlike NFS as of late, toyota's actually in this one.
I didn't touch much of the online but even without that part of it (which seems separate to the playlist stuff anyway so no worries there) I'm having a lot of fun with it!
So if you're looking for something to tide you over between forza (or Gran Turismo) games I'd recommend looking this one up!