Mercenaries 2 on Xbox 360 ... PC & PS2 (this time it's official)
Why was it such a big secret? That's about the only question Pandemic senior producer Jonathan Zamkoff wasn't asked in a lengthy Mercenaries 2 tell-all hosted by IGN. Rumblings, reports, and recordings were the evidence leading up to today's confession: Mercs 2 is on Xbox 360 -- and oh, by the way, PC and PlayStation 2. "So here's the scoop. We are shooting for true feature parity on the PS3, 360, and PC. There will be small visual differences on those consoles due to platform specific texture compression algorithms and other platform-specific graphics implementation, but to the end-user the game experience will be nearly identical," explained Zamkoff. "For the PS2 we are taking a different tact. We're working extremely closely with Pi studios ... They are using the Mercs 1 core engine and toolchain, coupled with modified Mercs 2 assets to create the Mercs 2 PS2 version."
The big addition to Mercs 2 is online co-op, which will be nixed from the PS2 version, but intact on PS3. "We have no intention to provide one feature for one system that the other one doesn't have. So, yes, both [Xbox 360 & PS3] will have cooperative multiplayer -- online cooperative multiplayer," confirmed Zamkoff, adding, "We started from scratch to program for the multiprocessors on both machines. They were both in mind when we were writing the text, so we didn't want to create a PS3 engine, which was and has been, and is, our lead SKU, but we didn't want to ignore the Xbox 360. Even though we're just now announcing the 360 version, we have been working on it for quite some time ... In terms of timing, both games are within a week of each other in development." Pandemic is tentatively set on a fall 2007 release.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Joe @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:04AM
Smart move Sony you lost another game.
Sony Really is smart.
Jay @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:06AM
Holy CRAP!!! Mercenaries 2 is coming out on the 360!?!?! But, I bought a PS3 just because it was an exclusive!!! There were no clues ... no hints ... it would be out for the 360! No one had any idea!
Note: this is sarcasm directed at Pandemic.
bmac @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:09AM
Holy shit, sony lost another game!
Oh wait, no... the developer decided to go after a bigger market. Actually, Sony gained another version. Huh, look at that, money is making business decisions.
RYAN @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:11AM
lol who wants to place bets on the ps3 versus ps2 version. I'll bet 50 bucks ps2 version sells more copies.
Matt @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:13AM
Nice. As much as I'm loving Crackdown, I sometimes find myself longing for some of the deeper gameplay elements of Mercs. If only someone could combine the best aspects of the two games, I would be in sandbox heaven.
jason @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:14AM
"lol who wants to place bets on the ps3 versus ps2 version. I'll bet 50 bucks ps2 version sells more copies." - RYAN
ha, i know I'm down for the PS2 version.
RYAN @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:18AM
THEY LOST AN EXCLUSIVE. it just wasn't made official until today. With the ps3 a veritable sinking ship, losing exclusive titles isn't really the best way to keep it afloat. And it doesn't matter that they've gained the ps2 version. The ps3 is the machine everyone's worried about. NOW people with ps2 that were debating upgrading for the ps3 don't even have to do THAT. The ps3 is fucking doomed. It would take a miracle at this point (or a free console) to sway me and many gamers to owning the ps3.
X @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:19AM
Why do people try so hard to defend Sony. . . .
Just let it go. Let's face it, MS is going to kick ass this go-around :)
Digi Smalls @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:19AM
wait murph,
didn't you swear to us mercs2 would never see the 360? i remember asking what you'd say when it happened, guess now we know. kinda disappointing.
and for the record, sony lost another exclusive for the PS3. trying to turn this news into a sony win because of the PS2 version is pretty limp.
.
Tadioku @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:20AM
"lol who wants to place bets on the ps3 versus ps2 version. I'll bet 50 bucks ps2 version sells more copies."
are seriously that mentally challenged? there are millions of PS2s out there way more then any Wiis, 360 and PS3s combined of course its gonna sell more on the PS2 and thats the reason they are putting it there.
Mikeo @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:20AM
*yawn*
*brings popcorn to the fray*
Well, one more good game to the already cluttered PC and 360 '07 schedules.
RYAN @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:22AM
yeah tadioku, and by sending it to ps2 now they are cutting out those ps2 owners that were upgrading for merc 2. It puts more money in their pocket in the short term, but hurts their long term revenue with lower ps3 sales. STUPID ASS MOVE.
Metalmurphy @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:24AM
Go check your comments again Digi Smalls
I said only the PS3 version is annnouced and a 360 is likely since it was reported by a dev on the forums. I never said a 360 version wouldn't exist, i never doubted that it would for that mater. And thats exactly my point, they never lost it cause they never had it exclusively.
Oh and to you saying the PS3 is doomed... do you really believe that? You mean it doesn't matter that the PS3 launch outsold (and for another month) the 360 launch? It doesn't matter if the gap is getting shorter each month? It doesn't matter that a 2 month expensive console, with little games, sold almost the same as a 1 year old mature and cheaper console with tons of games? It doesn't matter that it hasn't been released in europe where the PS brand is stronger?...
Wake up fools...
ss @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:26AM
Holy fudge.
The PS3 lost another exclusive?
Damn...
Vidikron @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:31AM
Hot damn... Mercenaries was an AWESOME game. I get excited every time news comes out about the game. I have put many hours into Crackdown the past two days and playing cop-op is fantastic. The thought of Mercenaries 2 featuring co-op makes me giddy.
Anyway, would you guys please knock it off with the 'PS3 lost and exclusive' BS. We all knew this was in the works. Mercenaries was on the the XBox so why wouldn't Mercenaries 2 be on the 360??
And, no, putting Mercenaries 2 on the PS2 is not a bad move. Selling a game to the largest console install base is never a bad move. Also, the argument that it will prevent people from upgrading to a PS3 just doesn't hold water. I'm sure it might prevent a few people from upgrading, but it's just as likely to prevent someone from upgrading to a 360 as PS3.
Sloar @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:36AM
@murph
Are you for real? Did you see the last NPD numbers? How can you honestly claim that the "gap is getting shorter each month" when the 360 outsold the PS3? I'm not a fanboy, but that was the most ridiculous comment I've seen in a long time. Maybe you should stay awake more in your remedial math class.
Psaakyrn @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:38AM
to #12 RYAN
How does this affect Pandemic's long term revenue at all? You make it sound as if SOE is the publisher..
BillyBastion @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:38AM
this would be cool if crackdown doesnt already do what mercs wants to do, but better and in a more fun fashion...
crackdown ftw!
Hater @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:39AM
But what about the Wii version?!?!?!
RYAN @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:42AM
at #18 Psaakryn
that wasn't directed at the developer, but the effect it is going to have on the ps3. That was a misdirected comment on my part. However the develepors choice to port to ps2 as well IS going to hurt the ps3. There's no denying it. Every ps2 owner that would have potentially upgraded based solely on Mercs 2 will now keep their ps2. I know I will!
RYAN @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:43AM
20. But what about the Wii version?!?!?!
okay not even I am a big enough fanboy to think this game would be good on the wii.
Crono @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:44AM
I've said it once, and I'll say it again because its worth repeating:
"Many a fanboy was roasted in the belly of the Sloar that day, I tell you!"
Dave @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:44AM
"Oh and to you saying the PS3 is doomed... do you really believe that? You mean it doesn't matter that the PS3 launch outsold (and for another month) the 360 launch?"
That claim is factual--but misleading. The number of consoles Sony put up for reservation at launch was greater. The 360 maxed out on available pre-orders at launch.
Andrew @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:44AM
dunt dunt dun, another PS3 exclusive bites the dust, ahh!
Myke @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:46AM
Perception: PS3 is loosing a major exclusive title and it's a sign of things to come!!!!
Reality: Nobody was buying a PS3 for THIS game anyway and anyone who was planning on purchasing it for the PS3 will still purchase it. The devs are merely adding a little extra CHING to thier pockets, thats all.
Note: I own a Wii and a 360
Baby21 @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:51AM
Eh It wasn't exclusive to PS3 in the first place.
The first one was out PS2 and Xbox same time
What up with the pile of wankers around in the joystiq.
Hater @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:51AM
Easy does it there folks.
Nobody on these boards has a sense of humor...
:)
Azurite @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:53AM
Amusing that when exclusives are announced the usual reaction is "Who'll buy a PS3 for just that one game" and note, this is said pretty much every time.
A lot of people with a PS3 owning just one exclusive game of many, of course, logic at its best.
And now I see people complain about people buying a PS3 just for this game!
Irony at its best.
Matt @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:54AM
@ BillyBastion
I love Crackdown, but there are a lot of things in Mercs that Crackdown doesn't do. The sheer variety of vehicles and weapons, the whole financial approach to how to supply your weapons, the balancing loyalties between the different factions, and the incentives to not just kill your enemies but capture them are just a few. They're different games and each has it's own strengths and weaknesses. I do, however, think that Merc's subtitle, Playground of Destruction, would fit much better with Crackdown.
Jake @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:56AM
Wow. Can't we just all be happy that everyone gets the game. I like that they went ground up on different platforms, rather than going lowest common denominator on everything and porting it across. They should all be about the same quality.
Sony didn't lose this game, either. It wasn't ever really exclusive. Also, the PS3 still gets the game, it is just that the 360 and PC and PS2 do as well.
RYAN @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:59AM
i don't know, i'm just really struggling to understand why anyone wants this machine. There is absolutely NOTHING compelling me to lost 600 dollars plus games etc. on this thing. I love my ps2. I love my wii. I just can't for the life of me see the draw you all find in this piece of hardware. "well in 2-5 years it will blow everything away". So......why not buy it when it's proven itself? The only thing it's done now is proven a shitty launch, proven to have mostly shitty games out for it that you can play elsewhere anyways, and proven that it can ask lots of money for unproven technology. I haven't seen a single damned blu-ray commercial or product available anywhere. They obviously don't have their marketing dept working effectively, as I am highly active on the net and in local retailers....yet NO blu-ray exposure at all hardy. WHAT ARE THEY DOING? and WHY ARE YOU FALLING FOR IT?
rfom @ Feb 22nd 2007 11:59AM
Yawn! Was this one of the worst kept secrets ever? But it highlights something curious about xbots. When there was rumour of Bioshock on PS3 - PS3 fans were happy at the thought of being able to play a good game - but you see hardly any such joy from xbots. All that you see is the sheer hatred towards PS3 - PS3 lost another exclusive, its doomed, etc. You can see this pretty clearly on the MGS4 runour page - almost all xbots have no interest in one of the greatest series ever, most of them would obviosuly play an average and mindless shooter, they were simply gleeful at the though of the harm it would do the PS3. Pretty perverted people i guess!!
iceatcs @ Feb 22nd 2007 12:01PM
I am so happy cos it will coming PS3 :)
I thought it will only up to PS2.
Digi Smalls @ Feb 22nd 2007 12:03PM
murph, you doubted its existence after pandemic had 360 dev kits in their video. you were the first to post and dismiss this obvious clue that everyone got except you.
http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/01/ea-to-publish-mercenaries-2-still-ps3-only/
your arguments about sales is just as weak. the PS3 is still launching, you shouldn't expect that kind of sales a year later. 10 million people already have a 360.
PS3 sales are already down in homefield japan, you really expect europe to do so much better?
.
uh_oh @ Feb 22nd 2007 12:05PM
That was because they were trying to get some dough from sony so they could have it timed-exclusive. Oh wellz, I didn't care for the first game and I won't buy this one.
Digi Smalls @ Feb 22nd 2007 12:08PM
murph, i'm assuming you meant worldwide w/japan right? because 360 did outsell PS3 here in the US a year later.
DBX00 @ Feb 22nd 2007 12:10PM
*As I'm playing Virtual Fighter 5* Mercs on XBOX360, PS2, and PC...cool, more power to them...
- I don't know why so many people expect children to act like adults. Children want to feel like they are on the winning side, when in the real world it is never as simple as one winner and one loser. The PS3 is doing fine and will continue to do fine; Sales in North America match the XBOX 360 (in a game drought), sales in Asia exceed XBOX 360 by leaps and bounds, sales in Europe will surpass XBOX 360...The real question is whether the Wii will win this generation or will the lack of softaware doom the console.
Baby21 @ Feb 22nd 2007 12:13PM
Well Europe more likely will have a very good launch since there is quite lotta of 360 on stock because it has been quite slow sell in the winter because of Wii and saving up for PS3.
I'm working in Tesco, and we have to reduce the 360 price bit to get rid of the stock cos the main warehouse want to send more to the locals but many cannot hold more. It was a big brake on this moment for 360 but it will be back on track when Halo 3 and other good games coming up.
I'm buying PS3 because I have Wii and 360. It is better to argue with my brain rather than with any fanboys.
LongshotX @ Feb 22nd 2007 12:14PM
How is the Xbox 360 in a game drought?
AirIntake @ Feb 22nd 2007 12:15PM
"sales in Europe will surpass XBOX 360"
You must have psychic powers. You should really use them for more important things though.
Jake @ Feb 22nd 2007 12:20PM
@41
It almost certainly will, though. Like 99% sure it will, at least out of the gate. Sony dominated Europe more than any other region last gen.
Sheppy @ Feb 22nd 2007 12:27PM
Who cares, the PS3 version will OWN the 360 version plain and simple. The is where the power of the cell gets unleashed to kick MS's ass all over the room.
This was developed for PS3 so it'll have to be dumbed down for the 360 and then we'll see who gets the shaft on a port this time.
Baby21 @ Feb 22nd 2007 12:30PM
"sales in Europe will surpass XBOX 360"
Judging it from my work - Tesco
We have been quoted many time when the preorder out for PS3 far many than Wii and 360. But I won't count it too much because it is only one store.
Digi Smalls @ Feb 22nd 2007 12:30PM
DBX - love how you perfectly preface your own state of mind right before you go trying to turn this into a Wii conversation.
i'm played VF5 on my PS3 for like an hour (only my second PS3 game..yay). after that crazy installation, using the sixaxis, and realizing it will never be online i realized i probably should have waited for the 360 version coming in 6 months and see what they add.
went right back to Crackdown. surprsing but thats really a game worth bragging about, and unlike VF5 and now Mercenaries, it's an actual EXCLUSIVE.
.
Mogul218 @ Feb 22nd 2007 12:31PM
murph, you doubted its existence after pandemic had 360 dev kits in their video. you were the first to post and dismiss this obvious clue that everyone got except you.
PWNED!!!!
AirIntake @ Feb 22nd 2007 12:32PM
@42
You're saying that the PS3 during Europe launch will sell more than the Xbox 360 during the same time? Well no shit. What about after the launch?
Jason @ Feb 22nd 2007 12:33PM
Metalmurphy, you have been owned and humiliated... How does the crow taste? Humble pie? Cock in the ass?
"OMG! 360 controllers on a game studio that does many other games! Not to mention the video blogs show they love playing Halo on the 360! That so means its comming for the 360!!!!
lol..."
LOL indeed, sucker, LOL indeed.
Vidikron @ Feb 22nd 2007 12:33PM
@43
Wow... that's a bold statement. Thus far the PS3 hasn't proven to be graphically superior to 360 in any way. Given the vast superiority of Live I fully expect the online experience to be better on the 360. If the games are graphically similar I'll be buying the 360 for that alone. Live is far and away more intuitive. The global friends list makes everything much easier to use. Plus, that's where all my friends are as none of them even own PS3s yet.
Psaakyrn @ Feb 22nd 2007 12:34PM
to #42 Jake
But that time Sony didn't have 3 relevant competing products, one of which has a tendency of having better non-exclusives (aka XBox 360 games being graphically better than PS3 games of the same game), and the other being far cheaper (aka Wii).
Not saying that the case would be otherwise, and that it's still quite likely that PS3 would at least sell more than the rest on the first month, but whether that sale boost is sustainable is questionable, without notable games to back it up.
Dolla Dolla @ Feb 22nd 2007 12:36PM
@Sheppy
Actually, a quote from the post says: "We started from scratch to program for the multiprocessors on both machines."
So, this is a good game to gauge the difference in visuals/AI/physics, since both are being programmed from the ground up, rather than ported. It's obvious a game built for the 360 and ported to the PS3 will look better on the 360, and a game built for the PS3 and ported to the 360 will look better on the PS3. This game's development sounds like no porting is involved.