A couple of weeks ago, X-Play got an exclusive look at the Duel Mode in the Wii version of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. It seemed like a ton of fun, and I figured that while it wouldn’t be as awesome to swing around a lightsaber with two analog sticks, it’d still be plenty satisfying. Unfortunately, LucasArts has announced that the HD current-gen (yeah, I said it) versions of the game — i.e., the PS3 and 360 versions — will not have any multiplayer component.
According to a LucasArts spokesman, the “reason” for the lack of a multiplayer mode on the PS3 and 360 is … because one exists in the Wii, PSP, and DS versions (it’s Wi-Fi on the handhelds, of course). Wait...WHAT? Apparently, they believe that it’s better to give no explanation at all than to try and give even a bullsh*t PR answer. Frankly, I just find that infuriating, but you be the judge:
To be specific, there's no multiplayer in the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions, because there is on the Wii, PSP, and DS. As far as specific reasons are concerned, we don't really like to get into the reasons why we don't do things because I don't think there's really a satisfactory answer that people would really be happy with. So, there isn't multiplayer and that's kind of how it is...
I’m just waiting for the next edition of Webster’s Dictionary to feature this statement as a definition of the word “lame”. Hell, I would’ve been happy if he’d said something like, “We were originally working on a PS3/360 multiplayer mode, but had to scrap those plans due to time constraints.” But as it stands, we’ve got nothing; instead, we’ll have to pick up the Wii/DS/PSP versions or forever lament the inability to recreate the Obi-Wan/Vader fight from Revenge of the Sith.
[Via PSX Extreme – thanks, Jonathan!]
Contest:
12:44 PM on 05.16.2008
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Actually, Star Wars games a boring, and I could live my life with out ever hearing anything more about Star Wars for as long as I live.
Why would they do this whole niche/unique system thing? The PSP gets duels and historic battles, the wii has the crazy motion sensor, the DS has the stylus. Gimmicky.... do they really expect us to buy a copy of this game for each of my systems so I can experience all the features they should have put into the game regardless of system?
LUCASARTS should just go back to doing point-and-click adventure games and Rebel Assault. Bring back FULL THROTTLE!! Let vader die for god's sake.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA *breathe* AAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
They prove that they know what some of their fans want. For example myself, as well as several other million fans who will purchase the Wii, PSP and DS versions.
im lazy to buy their games.
I'm so pissed off at that...
SALE.
I'm still buying it. But this means I'll probably trade it in when I'm done.
No multiplayer is so last-gen. :P
Multiplayer whores need to chill the fuck out. This is a single player game. Always has been.
Agree.
@ Daynger777
Agree.
also, Vader
I don't really buy Star Wars games for multiplayer anyway, though I must say the Wii's MP mode looks awesome. (I mean, Mara Jade vs. Mace Windu? FUCK YEAH.)
um...who decided this pinhead should be a spokesperson? someone needs to go to pr 101 class. what a douchebag way to handle this. yes folks, take your money elsewhere. i'll wipe my ass with the $60 first before i give it to georgie porgie.
Not buying this game because it doesn't have multiplayer is like not buying God of War because it has no multiplayer.
This game just went from buy to rent.
Also, his comments might sound prickish, but would you rather be lied to? Fed some false information, like a politician would do, just to make you feel better? Sure he could have been more tactful but at least he was honest.
Seriously, what a dick bag.
Yes you are. When this comes out you will forget all about the multiplayer, or post a C-Blog saying "Yeah, no multiplayer sucks, but the game rocks!", so don't even try to be a tough ass and say you're boycotting TFU.
Frankly, you all lack the willpower.
Maybe if the Wii version is fun, I'll pick it up. But .. FAIL, YOU DID.
Well said. Very well said. And not just God of War, also BioShock, Mass Effect, Okami, every Zelda game, etc. I only have a Wii so will be getting that version anyway, but some games don't HAVE to have a multi-player component to be good.
I don’t know if this is a ploy on LucasArts’ part to try and increase the sales of the Wii/PSP/DS versions, or if they just wanted to keep the HD versions all about the single-player mode. Either way, I’m probably still going to buy it (assuming the campaign is long enough and good enough to warrant a purchase), but knowing that Wii/PSP/DS owners are getting something (desirable) that I’m not is going to annoy me.
Cry some more please, it gives me pleasure, the 360 and PS3 versions will still look WAY better and probably control better.
The difference there though is that:
A] the Rock Band/Guitar Hero stuff is DLC + you really shouldn't expect any solid DLC on the Wii.
B] that DLC was left out due to technical reasons
This Force Unleashed stuff could easily be implemented into the PS3/X360 versions (I'm talking technically) so why not? Obviously it's because they want the "lesser" versions to have something extra but when it comes to whole modes that could be on the other versions (and we're talking games that are going to release simultaneously) it just pisses off the people who are left out. It's the same reason why I hate that Darth Vader and Yoda are console exclusive in SC4. Just make all the versions as identical as possible to the best of each console's ability.
Soul Calibur 4 has Star Wars characters for PS3/360.
Two Star Wars themed multiplayer's or Namco gives LucasArts a non descript briefcase full of cash. LA forgets all about Multiplayer for PS3/360.
I've heard to this, "it's being done on this platform so it should be easy to port it to this other one" argument a lot and the fact is, unless you've personally worked on all three platforms, there's no way you can possibly back up that claim. From what I've read, developing games for the 360, the PS3 and the Wii are completely different. It's like developing a program to work on a Mac and then taking the exact code and then telling it to work on a Windows machine. It doesn't work that way, it's not cut and paste.
Also, programming aside, there's always the possibility that the multiplayer mode sucks hardcore ass and they decided to give it to the Wii to offer a little bit of an incentive to buy it over the much more polished, shiny versions on the PS3 and 360. Which may get their own exclusive content as well for all we know.
Exactly!
"Basically we needed a way to still be able to sell copies on the wii psp and ds despite their obvious lack of processing power so we made this little gimmick up to balance out sales... so wii gets to wave their little remotes around in duel mode and 360 owners can get their silly achievements in a smoother sharper environment."