Q Attack, Round 25 - Is it Time to Leave Legacy Consoles Behind?

With so many games being developed for current gen consoles, their legacy counterparts have seemed to have taken a hit in terms of quality. Is it time for gamers to unplug their legacy consoles and make the switch to current gen or is there still life in these older machines? Tiger and Rabbit weigh the options and debate whether it's time to pull the plug.

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Rabbit: I think I'm going to get Persona 5 on PS3 and PS4.

Tiger: Isn't that a waste of money getting the same game on two different platforms?

Rabbit: But I want to support Atlus.

Tiger: You should just get it for the PS4 then, I've made the switch. Especially now when a lot of the games are being developed for the current gen consoles first.

Rabbit: But there are games that you bought the PS3 and Vita versions, like Steins;Gate.

Tiger: That's different though, the Vita is portable so it makes sense to get a version for it. As for the PS3 copy of Steins;Gate, I mostly got that because the Vita limited edition was delayed and I didn't want to wait to play it.

Rabbit: Yet you still haven't played either version.

Tiger: *sighs* Yup.

Rabbit: I don't know, I really like playing games on my PS3 versus on the PS4.

Tiger: Maybe it's because you're just so familiar with the PS3. I know it took me a little time to get used to the PS4 and its operating system let alone the DS4.

Rabbit: The DS4 is so big! And the battery dies so quickly. I much prefer the DS3.

Tiger: I still think you get a better experience on the PS4 versus the PS3. Games generally look better, load faster, and just run smoother.

Rabbit: That's not always the case though. Dragon Age Inquisition didn't look that much better and Destiny didn't seem to load any faster than on PS3.

Tiger: Both of those games came out pretty early in the current gen cycle and I'm sure were being developed for both consoles simultaneously. Look at Call of Duty: Black Ops 3-

Rabbit: Really?

Tiger: Yes, really.

Rabbit:You're going to taint our blog with CoD Talk?

Tiger: Bear with me here.

Rabbit: I'm a rabbit.

Tiger: You know... Never mind, it's futile.

Rabbit: ^grins^

Tiger: The legacy versions of that game won't have a singleplayer campaign and a few other features that the current gen versions have.

Rabbit: That sucks if you're a fan of those games. I know people don't play CoD for the singleplayer but the campaigns are pretty good. Do you at least get a discount if you buy it on the PS3?

Tiger: You do, they're pricing it at $49.99 on PS3.

Rabbit: Wait, they're basically saying that the singleplayer campaign is only worth ten bucks?

Tiger: I know, it's kind of crazy. I feel bad for the people who worked on that campaign.

Rabbit: ^deep voice^ “We appreciate your hard work these past few years but feel that what you did is only worth $10 and we aren't even going to put it in every game!”

Tiger: That's harsh man, that's harsh. Do you think they'll ever do a multiplayer only CoD?

Rabbit: I could see that happening. I know a lot of people only play it for the MP. I wouldn't want games to get into that trend though but I guess we already have that with Destiny.

Tiger: Technically, you can solo Destiny but you do have to be online to play it.

Rabbit: That's another stupid thing about this generation, I hate having to play online when I'm not playing online!

Tiger: That doesn't bother me too much but I'm not as big of a social recluse as you are.

Rabbit: ^sticks out tongue^ Says the kitty who avoids ever leaving the house.

Tiger: I think we're getting off topic. While there are still a lot of great games out there for the legacy consoles, when it comes to the new releases, I think it's time to start focusing on current gen.

Rabbit: I still play my PS3 a lot though. There are so many good games I have in my backlog that need my attention. And while I enjoy my PS4, I just don't feel like there are enough high quality games to take over as my ichiban console.

Tiger: Heck, we still have our PS2s and PS1s plugged in.

Rabbit: Exactly. It took me a long time to switch from PS2 to PS3 and I think it will take even longer for me to make the jump to playing games solely on PS4. While the PS3 had a lot of issues, for me, it's still one of my favorite consoles and I'm not ready to box it up just yet.

Tiger: It's not time to say goodbye to our legacy consoles yet?

Rabbit: Definitely not. I believe the PS3 and other legacy consoles have so much to offer. There are still good games being made for both generations so everyone can enjoy the experience. I couldn't imagine unplugging my PS2 let alone not playing my PS3 anymore. I enjoy my time with the PS4 but right now, there just aren't enough games that I like for the system. I feel as if a lot of the games are good but not great on the PS4 and while it has a lot of games, many are DL games that don't have the robust story or quality I'm looking for. I'm just not ready to completely make the switch to the PS4 so I'll continue buying games for PS3.

Tiger: I disagree with you. If you have the choice between getting a game on PS4 and PS3, you should get it for the PS4. You just get a better experience nowadays on the PS4. The graphics are gorgeous and games run better on the system. Plus, I actually enjoy a lot of the extra features such as sharing and the ease of streaming on the PS4. I do agree that this current gen's offering of games is on the sparse side but that will get better with time. I still play my PS3 and I'm not going to unplug it but I won't be buying any more games for it if they're out on PS4 as well. If you have the new tech, you might as well use it.

Rabbit: You and your newfandangle gizmos.

Tiger: You are so slow to adopt new technology. I remember you were still buying VHS tapes when we had a DVD player. I could not comprehend why you'd do that!

Rabbit: I love my VHS player! I still have it and it's plugged in!

Is it Time to Leave Legacy Consoles Behind?
Tiger     vs     Rabbit

Random Happy Time, 32 O'Clock - Legacy of the Vita!

After discussing current and legacy generation consoles, Tiger and Rabbit contemplate where the Vita stands. Is it dead or has the little console that could seen a resurgence. Find out in this edition of Random Happy Time!

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Rabbit: Is the Vita considered legacy?

Tiger: According to some at Sony it is. (´＿｀。)

Rabbit: I still think of it as being an active console, I mean I picked up more new release Vita games than I did PS4 games this year.

Tiger: You and your otome games.

Rabbit: ^sticks out tongue^ Not all of them were otome games; many were rhythm or straight NVL games.

Tiger: *shakes head*

Rabbit: Hey, I love them!

Tiger: The Vita still has life in it, just a very niche sort of life.

Rabbit: It is true, if you aren't into Japanese games or... Japanese games you are kind of sorry out of luck.

Tiger: Luckily for us, we enjoy those kinds of games.

Rabbit: I wish Sony would support it more with their first party studios but it sounds like that's never going to happen. (ーー;)

Tiger: (ㄒoㄒ) I love the Vita so it's too bad we probably won't get another Uncharted or Killzone on it.

Rabbit: If Vita is legacy what would you call PlayStation VR? Current gen just doesn't sound right.

Tiger: (✖╭╮✖) How about “going into the closet like PS Move gen?”

Rabbit: That's way too long and way too mean.

Tiger: You know it's true. That thing is going nowhere and fast.

Rabbit: But you're still going to get one?

Tiger: *sighs* Yes. ( ；｀ヘ´)

Rabbit: And you say I waste money.

Tiger: You waste it more than I do!

Rabbit: o(〃＾▽＾〃)o We also want to wish everyone a happy holiday season! Hope this time is filled with amazing wonders and zero snow!

Tiger: That’s your wish.

Rabbit: Well, what’s yours then?

Tiger: I wish that our readers have a happy New Year.

Rabbit: You’re excited for 2016, aren’t you?

Tiger: Oh yes, I love even years. That means we have the Olympics! I love sporting events, it will be fun. We’re still planning a trip to EVO too, though I’m not sure if we’ll be able to pull it off. (─‿‿─)

Rabbit: I kind of want to do PAX Prime again.

Tiger: That would be fun too. Decisions, decisions.

Rabbit: I guess we’ll have to wait and see what the new year brings us.

Tiger: Hopefully, a few more readers.

Tiger & Rabbit: Thanks for being with us Qgers and Qbbits! We hope to see you next year too! ＼（＾∀＾）メ（＾∀＾）ノ

Q Attack, Round 24 - Would You Pay to See a Vocaloid Live in Concert?

Tiger and Rabbit are back in action as they discuss Vocaloids singing at live concerts with live bands. While Hatsune Miku and friends have never appeared in the State Tiger and Rabbit live in, if she did, would they be willing to attend? Is a live concert really any different from a recorded track when the vocalist is a synthetic computer program? Find out in this episode of Q Attack.

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Rabbit: I finally remembered the question I wanted to ask when we talked about Vocaloids a few posts ago.

Tiger: About time, so what was it?

Rabbit: Would you pay to see a Vocaloid live in concert? Would it really be worth it?

Tiger: Interesting, what brought this on?

Rabbit: Well, we’ve purchased a few of the BD concerts, Hatsune Miku Live Party 2013 in Kansai and Mikunopolis in Los Angeles. They’re fun to watch and I’ve always wondered what it would be like to go see her in person. Well, you know what I mean.

Tiger: We’ve seen a few live performances of both classical and popular music. I gotta say, I prefer seeing classical live. I’m not one for mosh pits.

Rabbit: Stereopony was awesome when we saw them! They had so much energy.

Tiger: Yeah, they were fun to go see. But I guess it would depend on which Vocaloids were going to sing at the concert. As much as we love our favorites like Kagamine Rin and Len, they are kind of old now. Especially when you look at popularity polls, Hatsune Miku has even dropped out of top three standings.

Rabbit: Yeah, but she’s also a classic. She may just be the Cher of Vocaloids.

Tiger: Didn’t a critic once say that after a nuclear apocalypse, the only things left on earth would be cockroaches and Cher?

Rabbit: Something like that.

Tiger: Just a point of order, we don’t listen to Cher. I don’t even know why you brought her up.

Rabbit: Anyway, Mikunopolis in Los Angeles was the first concert recording we ever saw and some of the first live Vocaloid music we heard. It was recorded at Anime Expo 2011 when Hatsune Miku made her first appearance in the United States. She and the others were accompanied by The 39’s, a live band.

Tiger: It must be hard playing with a recording; it leaves you very little room for mistakes. Probably why they are professionals but I wonder what they think of it all. It’s a little strange, don’t you think?

Rabbit: At least she’ll never go full on diva on them at rehearsals.

Tiger: *laughs*

Rabbit: At Anime Expo, classic songs like World is Mine by Ryo from Supercell and Romeo and Cinderella by doriko were performed.

Tiger: One of my favorite Len songs, Butterfly on Your Right Shoulder by Nori-P, was also showcased.

Rabbit: Rin also sang Meltdown (Nuclear Fushion) by iroha.

Tiger: I have to admit that the live version sounds so much better to me than the one you find in Project DIVA f 2nd. The live instruments bring a kind of weight to the music, I really love the sound.

Rabbit: Megurine Luka also sings her classic, Just Be Friends by Dixie Flatline.

Tiger: *groans*

Rabbit: What’s your problem?

Tiger: They always make her sing that. I realize it’s a popular song but out of the big Crypton stars, I think Luka has the best voice yet they never utilize it. Same thing with Len, he didn’t even get a solo song.

Rabbit: Well, it is named after Hatsune Miku so it’s understandable that she gets the bulk of the spotlight. Same with Hatsune Miku Live Party 2013 in Kansai. This time MKP39 backed up Miku and the others. Plus, appearances from KAITO and MEIKO were featured.

Tiger: Thousand Year Solo by yanagi-P and Piano x Forte x Scandal by OSTER project were notable inclusions. KAITO is okay but I love MEIKO, even though she’s from an older generation, I still like her sound.

Rabbit: Senbonzakura by Kurousa-P was a big crowd pleaser. I read that it was the #1 karaoke song amongst teens last year.

Tiger: As for what you actually see at these concerts, they use mirrors, smoke, and some pretty cool projectors to make Hatsune Miku and company appear on stage. Some of the staging looks better than others. I know in the LA show, you could see the reflection of the audience which was distracting. Kansai looked a lot better and they also seemed to have a larger stage to work with. I don’t recall seeing a strings section with the Kansai band though, I would want to go to a concert that has a least a few strings.

Rabbit: So would you pay to see Hatsune Miku live in concert?

Tiger: Probably not. While I do enjoy the music, I’d rather spend my money on a real musical experience like A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Now, if it was a Kagamine Len concert, I might change my mind, but it doesn’t really appeal to me. It’s a novelty that would be fun to see but I’m not going out of my way for it. Plus, you’d have to be there with a bunch of other people jumping and dancing and waving blow sticks that look like bunching onions in your face. I like dressing up in formal wear, going to a fancy restaurant, and then sitting to enjoy my music.

Rabbit: You’re just lazy and you sound like one of those classical music snobs.

Tiger: I can’t help it; I was trained by those snobs. Actually, they were really nice people, but they did instill in me a deeper appreciation of classical music and music in general. This is a good time to plug one of my favorite podcasts – Learning to Listen by Emily Reese. If you want to learn more about classical music from a non-snob classical music lover, she’s the one to listen to. She also does a great podcast about video game music called Top Score.

Rabbit: You know, you always get mad at me for hijacking our conversations but you just did it too! Now get back on your segway and segue back to the topic at hand!

Tiger: Point of order, you were the one that pulled me off topic. Its okay, I’m pretty much done. My answer is a big fat no, though I’d go with you if you asked.

Rabbit: Maybe I don’t want to go with you. Maybe I’ll go with Martin.

Tiger: It would be cheaper to go with him. So I take it you would pay to see Hatsune Miku?

Rabbit: In a heartbeat! I think it would be pretty special to see her perform live. To hear the band and share the experience with other fans, I couldn’t imagine a better time. Plus, it’d be neat to see the Vocaloids in all their different costumes. I wonder how they change so fast? I would definitely appreciate the opportunity to attend though I’m not sure if I’ll ever get the chance. She doesn’t seem to come up this way but if she did, I’d buy tickets in a heartbeat. I want to get that onion glow stick just so I can mess with you.

Tiger: *shakes head* You’re hopeless.

Would You Pay to See a Vocaloid Live in Concert?
Tiger     vs     Rabbit

Random Happy Time, 31 O'Clock - Best Concert Ever!

Tiger and Rabbit discuss which musical artists they would love to see in concert. From deceased composers to contemporary pop stars, these furry compatriots chat about their favorite musicians.

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Rabbit: If you could see anyone in concert, living or dead, who would it be?

Tiger: Clara Wieck Schumann for sure.

Rabbit: I’d go for the Grateful Dead.

Tiger: Really? I thought you would’ve picked Boston or Cream.

Rabbit: Ooh, how about Megadeath? (ﾉ> ◇ <)ﾉ♪

Tiger: Uh, no thank you. I’d rather see Keane or The Decemberists if I chose a contemporary group. Oh I know! The Ink Spots or Lady Day, yeah, now I would kill for tickets to see them play live.

Rabbit: ♪(┌・。・)┌ I want to see Rabu Raibu! in concert!

Tiger: As long as Nico doesn't get a solo.

Rabbit: ^makes bunny ears with fingers^ Nico! Nico! Nii! ૮⍝◜•˕̮•◝⍝ა

Tiger: ヽ(#`Д´)ﾉ

Rabbit: So violent. I’d love to see Kujikawa Rise live.

Tiger: *shakes head*

Rabbit: Or at least see the Persona 3 musical. They've also done stage shows for Danganronpa as well.

Tiger: (((*°▽°*)八(*°▽°*)))♪ I’d definitely join you for that, seeing a maniacal teddy bear serial killer on stage would make my day. What about recent Broadway shows?

Rabbit: Spider-Man!

Tiger: How about no, I heard that was a terrible show. （；¬＿¬)

Rabbit: From all the injuries to special effects malfunctioning; I did hear it was an absolute mess.

Tiger: It also looks amazingly stupid.

Rabbit: How about Wicked then?

Tiger: We've already seen that one. (－‸ლ)

Rabbit: We poor unfortunate souls!

Tiger: Wrong one.

Rabbit: What?

Tiger: You want something like “my precious!”

Rabbit: That doesn’t sound right either…

Tiger: "Pretties?" I’m pretty sure it was "pretties." I know there are monkeys in it.

Rabbit: ^singing^ Hey, hey we’re the monkeys! And people say we monkey around!

Tiger: Okay, that’s enough, you’re reaching now.

Rabbit: ( ･᷄ㅂ･᷅ ) But I was just getting started.