Joystiq hands-on: Cash Money Chaos (PS3)
Some of the smaller games at last week's Sony Gamer's Day interested me most; I'm always a sucker for a fun game idea over flashy graphics. Maybe developers with smaller budgets solve problems with creativity instead of money.
The day's initial presentation featured a quick glimpse into Criminal Crackdown, created by David Jaffe and his team. He described the game as a cross between basketball and a demolition derby; players drive around cell-shaded levels trying to pick up the criminal and deliver him to jail. If an opponent's paddy-wagon holds the criminal, another player can attack them, stealing the criminal.
Criminal Crackdown looked like a fun game to download and play with friends, but it wasn't available to try. Instead, another downloadable title, Cash Money Chaos, caught my attention. This quirky title felt fresh, even with its close resemblance to Smash TV. The Sony rep showing the game wouldn't draw the comparison himself, but he wasn't surprised when I made the Smash TV connection.
Cash Money tossed me into a pit to dispatch never-ending groups of attackers. The overhead perspective gave a big view of the brightly-colored baddies; every time I shot one, splotches of blood and piles of money spilled out. Initially, the blood made me uncomfortable; it didn't seem to fit the fun-house atmosphere. However, I quickly overlooked it and concentrated on the mounds of cash, like a true patriot.
Cash Money -- like Smash TV and others -- uses the left thumb-stick to move, while the right one shoots in any direction. These basic controls make no use of the buttons or tilt mechanics. The only shooting variety comes from collecting power-ups; I found a shotgun, rocket launcher, and other upgrades.
Game enemies spilled out from doors in the sides of the room. Often nonsensical, these creatures bounced at me in groups; if one of them touched me, I died. The game maintained a good balance without frustrating me, capturing that sense that if I played just one more time, I'd do better.
The good production values also held my interest. Cash Money is clearly a simple game, but it looked clean even with a lot of chaotic action. This was one of the only games at the event where I noticed the sound production; the game lacked variety in sounds, but the bouncing enemy effects and gun blasts fit well. Every time I restarted after dying, the studio audience shouted, "Cash ... money ... chaos," to pump me up. These sound effects maintained a wink throughout the game; I was refreshed to find a title that didn't take itself too seriously.
Cash Money will be downloadable with the PS3 launch. Sony didn't announce specific pricing, other than anticipating that all downloadable games will cost $15 or less.
In interesting move, a PSP version of the game will be released in February. Until then, the PS3 game will be single-player only. When the portable version is released, the PS3 game will be updated to support multiplayer matches between any combination of the platforms.
Cash Money Chaos should be a fun, quick title that emphasizes gameplay and clean production over epic environments and graphic details. While any console needs both types of games, I'm glad that the PS3 has Cash Money and other gameplay-first titles ready for launch.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jnick @ Oct 26th 2006 8:18AM
I'd like to see Loco Roco on PS3 as the tilt-mechanics would suit it down to a tee.
Jeff @ Oct 26th 2006 8:29AM
Cash Money Chaos = Smash TV?
Steven @ Oct 26th 2006 8:30AM
That sounds like a direct rip off of Smash TV. The only difference to me sounds like there's no prizes to pick up.
Same cash after killing enemies, same old enemies come from one direction, etc. etc.
Nothing new here. *yawn*
bobeotm @ Oct 26th 2006 8:35AM
I love the idea of this being a cross platform game, wher ps3 players will be able to play against psp players. Sony seems a little more serious about bringing the two systems together. And when you hear what the ps3 has and the psp doesnt, you see the two were made to compliment eachother. For instance, ther is not large internal storage because it seems to be that sony wanted the ps3 to act as the media storage center that can be accessed from anywhere.
I will probably pick up resistance, and give some of the downloadable stuff a try. Sony also said a Motorstorm demo will be available for download at launch.
Eric Von Shpeel @ Oct 26th 2006 8:52AM
multi platform connectivity?! SHWEET!
JimmyHACK @ Oct 26th 2006 9:00AM
"I'm always a sucker for a fun game idea over flashy graphics."
ya every joystiqer jumped on this bandwagon about 6 months ago at e3 with the wii....
anyways, look like there will be plenty of good small game on the PS Store
Evan @ Oct 26th 2006 9:04AM
Bright, colorful 2D graphics? They must be kiddie games!
The Intangible Fact @ Oct 26th 2006 9:09AM
This really shows the power of the PS3....
I can't wait to dish out $600....
E-Roc @ Oct 26th 2006 9:12AM
If you have not played it, Crimsonland is a GREAT game for the PC that is similar to this with very addicting gameplay!
Chris Lawton @ Oct 26th 2006 9:21AM
Come on guys, I doubt they're going to use this game to sell the system. This is kind of like Geometry Wars. Just a fun little game you can download if it's your thing.
I personally loved SmashTV and sank countless quarters into it. This sort of thing appeals to me.
That being said, I won't be getting a PS3, so I won't be getting this game. But I wish everyone who does a lot of fun with it.
Psaakyrn @ Oct 26th 2006 9:30AM
What I'm most concerned about is the fact that it's single player until Feb. I doubt this game has any significant replay value outside of multiplayer, and that lack of it till then reduces it's overall value.
My second concern is that it has overwhelming senseless violence. Didn't the developers get the post-it note that overwhelming senseless violence is outdated? If they didn't have blood and gore (which imho is easily done) it would easily fit into the "E" bracket, but now it'll either go into "T" or even "M". (And if it doesn't go to "T" despite this violence, I can foresee an angry lawyer going apeshit crazy..) (not that that ever stopped him)
MosquitoControl @ Oct 26th 2006 9:43AM
If ANYONE can explain to me why XBLA doesn't have a four-player game of this style yet...
Hell, we keep getting single player ones.
I'd kill to be able to sit down with my two housemates and play a simple, relaxing game of Smash TV. But only two of us can do it (not to mention, being a coin-op game, it gets repetitive.)
C'mon, Geometry Wars II needs to be co-op.
OtakuCODE @ Oct 26th 2006 9:46AM
"Initially, the blood made me uncomfortable; it didn't seem to fit the fun-house atmosphere. However, I quickly overlooked it and concentrated on the mounds of cash, like a true patriot."
Actually, like a true gamer. This is why gamers are better at distinguishing games from reality than non-gamers. In order to progress in the game, you must grasp not the imagery, story, etc of the game, you have to grasp the abstract mechanics. The "blood" (which is just some red pixels) disappears in your mind because it is entirely irrelevant. This doesn't affect your perception of reality because in reality, blood means something. It's not something your brain can just 'throw away'.
SALvation @ Oct 26th 2006 9:46AM
Please give this game co-op over Playstation Network and I'll buy it instantly.
Oro @ Oct 26th 2006 9:47AM
I'm starting to think that the people that read video game blogs hate every single video game.
Regarding Cash Money Chaos: "Yeah, like that justifies a $600 console"
Regarding Geometry Wars: "Yeah right, like that justifies a $400 console"
Regarding Wii Sports or Super Mario Bros.: "Yeah right, like that justifies a $250 console"
I'd like to see an actual updated version of Super Smash TV as a downloadable on one of the next gen consoles. That game was awesome. Big money, big prizes! Every year, the description for reality TV shows sound more and more like the plot for the game.
My memory is failing me. Didn't Super Smash TV have blood? Not gratuitous or anything, but it was there, right?
Core_12 @ Oct 26th 2006 10:06AM
Super Smash TV had blood, although it was just a quick splash when you shot an enemy.
Oh man... Super Smash TV. Two controllers. Pwnage.
The Intangible Fact @ Oct 26th 2006 10:15AM
////////////
I'/m done with the sarcasm. This looks like an alright game. I need only just a little bit more incentive to buy a PS3. Keep the news comming.
@ Oct 26th 2006 10:28AM
Why do xbots keep saying that oh this game isnt worth $600/500... its like buying a car driving it home and saying "oh, that drive home wasnt worth 50k" .. you guys need to shut the f*ck up .
hank @ Oct 26th 2006 10:40AM
Looks fun, for a bit. Like the PSP/PS3 mix idea. Worth $15? Not sure...
jron @ Oct 26th 2006 10:43AM
i think you need to stfu. 12 year old cry baby.
The Intangible Fact @ Oct 26th 2006 10:43AM
You shouldn't buy a system just because of one game. I need multiple reasons before I toss away my hard earned money. Unless your a Nintendo fan.
crono141 @ Oct 26th 2006 10:50AM
Wait, console connectivity with the same company's handheld? Where have I heard THAT before...
*COUGHgbacubeCOUGH*
CaptNink @ Oct 26th 2006 10:52AM
I admint, both games sound like great fun. It's great that Sony, like MS, is embracing indie games and developers. Hopefully it won't stop with these two games.
Supino @ Oct 26th 2006 10:57AM
Didn't they make a Lemmings 2 remake also, as a downloadable game? That i want. And if I can plug in a USB mouse, ace..
J.Goodwin @ Oct 26th 2006 10:58AM
Is this an indie game? No, this game is by SOE.
This is another example of Sony internal teams remaking existing games and changing the titles so that they can cut out the Midway man...uh, Middle Man.
jron @ Oct 26th 2006 10:59AM
The Intangible Fact,
You're right. If you are a nintendo fan then the wii's virtual console is like a wet dream come true and probably makes the console worth more than $250 to them.
I think people (mostly whinny spoiled little fanboys) are looking at this from the wrong perspective. It’s not that a $10 game is worth $250-$600 to play, it’s that is it worth $10 to play if you already have the console. Geometry Wars was not worth me spending $400 on a 360, but it was well worth the $5 or $10.
crono141 @ Oct 26th 2006 11:00AM
"You shouldn't buy a system just because of one game. I need multiple reasons before I toss away my hard earned money. Unless your a Nintendo fan."
Nope, even then. I plan on getting a Wii because almost the ENTIRE LAUNCH LIBRARY are games I want.
The Intangible Fact @ Oct 26th 2006 11:16AM
The Nintendo Archive of Old Games is my main reason.
Shit $5 for Mario 3, Battletoads, TMNT 3, Boogerman & MK it's worth it. I know people will say well i've had those emulated on my pc for years and my answer is....don't care. I have nostalgia when thinking about the old sega & nintendo games.
MosquitoControl @ Oct 26th 2006 11:28AM
If they give this damn game 4 player single-system co-op it's worth $200 to me.
Which means that, when the PS3 falls to $400 I'd start thinking seriously about it.
SSpectre @ Oct 26th 2006 11:38AM
No one yelling "Big monneeeyyy!!! Big Prizeees!!!"?
No thanks.
Fonfonho @ Oct 26th 2006 12:50PM
I wouldn´t pay $500 bucks to play games that can be easily played on DS, Wii or XBLA, for a lower entry price.
What makes someone pay the high price tag of the PS3 is the hope of high detail graphics. If you tends to prefer better gameplay I am almost certain that will go for another console.
Steve @ Oct 26th 2006 12:53PM
Basically, this game sounds like the exact same thing as smash tv. But, that is very good. I have smash tv. Me and a friend can play through it in about 40 minutes. Hopefully it is as much like smash tv as they make it sound, so that people who buy a ps3 have a good game too.
smash tv, left joystick move
cash money chaos, left joystick to move
smash tv, top view
cash money chaos, top view
smash tv, streams of enimies try to kill you by touching you
cash money chaos, streams of enimies try to kill you by touching you
smash tv, you pick up new weapons
cash money chaos, you pick up new weapons
smash tv, right joystick aims weapon
cash money chaos, right joystick aims weapon
smash tv, at beginning host says "Big money, big prizes, I love it!"
cash money chaos, at beginning of new life voice says "Cash, money, chaos!"
smash tv, $5.00
cash money chaos, $5.00-$15.00
sounds good.
Joe Dodson @ Oct 26th 2006 2:16PM
I can't believe you just wrote a thousand words about this game. I also can't imagine I'd feel good playing SmashTV on a system I just spent an entire paycheck on. But that's just me.
anonymous @ Oct 26th 2006 2:33PM
I'm not 100% sure but isn't the PSP version of the game is Cash Money Chaos and the PS3 version is called Cash Carnage Chaos?
Player1 @ Oct 27th 2006 10:02AM
I wish there was some coverage of some PS3 games that were DIFFERENT than what's out on 360. We've seen Resistance Fall of Man (Call of Duty + Halo), Geometry Wars/Mutant Storm clones, and this Smash TV clone. Sony needs to maybe push the things out there that are different which I assume Flow is, but there has been no coverage of it. It's like they are just copying the 360 formula. "Next gen starts when we say it does" my ass.
cat dirt @ Nov 16th 2006 5:19PM
it's now called cash guns chaos, not cash carnage chaos. it costs $7.99. it features a soundtrack from some indpendent san diego punk bands- the bands are cool: fifty on their heels(cat dirt records), the power chords(mean buzz), atoms(unsigned), heartaches and sultans(swami). maybe the cool thing about this game will be the music? costs as much as an itunes download. ok- that's all from me.