NOTE: This is an article that I posted on GameNewser in response to Jim Sterling's ridiculous article. I had tried to get it on N4G, though it failed it (conspiracy theorists commence attack now). Thus, here is the original article. You can also view the article and comment on it without restrictions here.
Recently, Destructoid did a rather damning editorial (or at least its lightning rod of controversy and hate that is Jim Sterling) about Sony fanboys being the worst bunch of fanboys. We disagree with him on a practical point (they're all annoying). However, Jim seems to want to do the classic mistakes that actually made us cringe worse than the BBC's Watchdog piece on the PS3 "YLoD". He made it seem as though no one was ever allowed to call him out on any of his opinions, he mistakes the reasons behind some outrages of the "fanboys", and finally...
...he uses the term "Sony Defense Force" to describe them (the biggest mistake he has made yet).
First, let's start out with this: he has every right to his opinions, and we're not ever going to say that he doesn't have any right to express it. But at least do it in a way that shows that you know what it is you're talking about, even when you're parodying the viewpoint (which, from his follow up comments in the comment section, we doubt he's just joking about these opinions).
We first examine that Jim said that Sony fanboys rage the most about things. In fact, this is the entire basis of the opinion. They petitioned about losing once-exclusive franchises, and whine about subpar reviews of hyped games, something that is claimed to be untrue about the other sides, and that 360 fanboys didn't get as upset about losing exclusivity towards games like Bioshock and Castle Crashers.
However, the thing about the exclusivity that he never did mention is how 360 fanboys tend to use the "loss" as a weapon. Where do you think the "have fun playing the sloppy seconds" saying came from? You know they are already going to say this about Star Ocean: The Last Hope. In fact, on N4G, they have already done so. Oh, and they suddenly have criticisms about the game. They suddenly use the "multiplatforms are better on the 360" argument. How is this, to Jim Sterling, NOT worthy to be brought up? Maybe because he didn't think it fit what he was talking about.
And about the petitions: Does anyone have any idea just what they were concerned about? For one, does anyone remember the controversy about just HOW Microsoft were scoring these exclusives? After the whole thing about how they scored the GTA4 episodes, it became a concern that Microsoft were not getting any of the game legitimately. Fair or not, they were being accused (and probably rightfully so) of taking "give it to us, only/too" money that Microsoft was giving. Capcom was also taken to task for the 20-minute install that it gave the PS3 version of DMC4 that has yet to be resolved (something that Jim doesn't bring up). As for SE and FF13, Jim never remembers the promises that SE made about wanting to keep the game a PS3 exclusive, do they? The issue was that Square Enix was giving the 36o (among other consoles) game after game after game (and the 360 being the testing grounds for new games) while not releasing a PS3 game until 2009. The FF13 announcement angered many on the PS3 side because of the many broken promises, and then lying about things time after time again.
Which brings up another point that Jim never brought up: the "gimping" of the games. Many are not as angry about the game going multiplat from only PS3 to the 360-also as they are about the fear that the PS3 version would suffer as a result of the multiplatform bug. Graphics, sound, and some things about the gameplay may suffer because quality "needs" to be identical on both platforms, and since some gamers have accused the 360's mediums of holding technical progress back, there are legit concerns about if the PS3 version, to make sure that they don't get any better of a version than the 360 gamers will, hold that back tech-wise, as well. Jim fails to bring this up, either.
He also brings up the Prototype vs. Infamous battle. Jim said:
"For a more home-grown example, let's look at the notorious Prototype versus inFAMOUS debate. This debate was not about which game was better. Sure, that's how it started, but it somehow managed to turn into yet another battlefield of the console war, through some serious leaps in logic instigated by the Sony crowd. Apparently, if you like Prototype more than inFAMOUS, you like the Xbox 360 more than the PS3."Actually, while we haven't played Prototype, we can say that those that have played inFAMOUS have reasons to brag. It's an all around good game that delivers on almost every aspect, and we hope that Sucker Punch will not forget to expand the experience in some way.
"As a matter of fact, that PlayStation Lifestyle article is not the only fan site to ever respond to my work. PSX Extreme and PSU are among other Sony-oriented blogs that have felt the need to accuse me of "bias" or question me for questioning the unquestionable Sony. So far I am yet to see a Microsoft fan site pull a similar stunt. It simply doesn't seem to happen, does it?"In case anyone is wondering WHICH PSLS article Jim was referring to, here it is, and here is the "PS3-shipping" article that Sterling is trying to pass off as such (according to the PSLS article).
"I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, and if you're reading this and are currently angry or offended by any of the statements, you're only going to prove just how correct I am."This only PROVES our point. Why are we not allowed to express criticism to
[Editor's Note: We're not just a (rad) news site -- we also publish opinions/editorials from our community & employees like this one, though be aware it may not jive with the opinions of Destructoid as a whole, or how our moms raised us. Want to post your own article in response? Publish it now on our community blogs.]But if you disagree with the article in any way, you prove him right? How fair is that?
There is only one answer: The Sony Defense Force is by far the most aggressive, the most obnoxious and, of course, the most defensive. Let's look at some evidence.This is what WE'RE offended at, and no, us being offended does NOT make him right, but rather a damned fool. You 360 fanboys who use this, too, should also take note.
"Positive reviews were criticized just as much as negative ones by the Sony Defense Force..."Once more, the term Sony Defense Force (SDF), which many 360 fanboys on N4G use to insult those that call them out in the Gamer Zone of the comment sections without consequence despite it being ruled against the GZ rules, is used. If none of you remember, and it's apparent that Jim Sterling needs a reminder, the term SDF was made by a site that was actually proven to be run by Rob Foor, the owner of Wii60. Foor apparently has too much time on his hands, and created a site which, despite the Whois records for both domains showing VERY similar listings, he still, to this day, even after two YEARS of us knowing, denies having anything to do with the site. It was a site made to make fun of anyone who likes the PS3, and it was HIS view of what PS3 gamers thought about the games and the systems. It is fueled by the most ridiculous claims ever, and made to look like that PS3 fanboys even MADE any of the claims. 360 fanboys took the bait (whether or not they knew the truth, we don't think they cared) and ran with it.
""360 doesnt draw me in with their exclusives. I'm no fanboy but the ps3 exclusives do seem more interesting to me. plus the cost of the system and all the features it has are definitely an advantage for me."The second:
I agree with you. My favorite system is dictated by which has the better looking games at any given time. Right now my favorite system is the PS3. This article certainly isn't about the PlayStation 3. I love the physical products themselves, I just have a problem with the dips in charge of the systems, and the rabid fanboys surrounding them."
""Ugh.... does this guy EVER get tired of shitting on the PS3?"And the third, lengthy one:
Proven right within the first four comments.
New world record GET!"
"You bring up an interesting point about the "level" of exclusives, but I really wouldn't argue that Devil May Cry is quite on the same level as Final Fantasy or even Gears of War. It was a case of people worried that their one big exclusive at the time was going multiplat. Just look at the fear Sony fanboys have of "losing" MGS4 as well. The denial and rage that happens when you even *suggest* the possibility of MGS4 on a 360, even a year on, is huge.The last one is the worst one, because not only does he call someone an idiot, but he gets the fact wrong: Square Enix kept delaying the game. Jim acts as though the release date was ALWAYS 2010. And it doesn't sound like he was joking about that, either.
As for this point: "Also you mention people buying 360s to play Tales of Vesperia and then getting slapped in the face, but you don't mention people buying PS3s to play FFXIII and then getting slapped in the face. "
There is a MASSIVE difference between the two. Tales of Vesperia PS3 was announced AFTER people had bought their Xbox 360s. They bought the 360, bought an inferior version of the game, and then got screwed over. The 360 version of FFXIII was announced before either version released, so people have time to make a decision. They've not been screwed as badly as they would've been if the 360 version was announced AFTER the PS3 release, with additional content added.
What's more, if you bought a PS3 purely for FF XIII *before* E3 2008, you're officially a f*cking idiot. Who'd do that? Who'd buy a system for a game that was four years away from release? No sympathy at all for someone like that."
Hideo Kojima once again proves to be a singular creative force in the video game industry, crafting a sequel in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach that is not just essential for fans of the first game, but an essential experience for all gamers.
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition has arrived for $399.99, but we wonder if it was really needed or just a simple cash-in.
We're talking about a limited edition item here, and by definition, those aren’t exactly 'needed'. But when you look at what’s included, the controller, the strap, and a few months of Game Pass, it actually turns out to be a surprisingly good deal.
What’s weird is that this is a VR headset branded with Xbox, a platform that doesn’t even support VR. And Xbox is part of Microsoft, a company that more or less walked away from all of its VR efforts. Yet somehow, this ends up being the best value available for a VR headset. If you're looking to get into VR, unless you're buying used, it’s hard to find anything that offers more for the price.
Nope, wasn't need, but It's another incentive to try GP, and retain increase or maintain subs.
It lends to the "Everything is an Xbox" marketing they have going on...if it has a screen, it's a Xbox.
I don't see the harm here, it's a limited item...shit MS and Sony have Sneaker deals as well, are those necessary? Nope, but if you like PS or Xbox, or are a collector of limited edition of stuff then, why not?
Here's more information about the fan favorite Dynasty Mode for EA SPORTS College Football 26 and that time is now here!
As soon as the sony fanboys quit acting like babies. Seriously, go to any random gaming website and check out the comment section to their ODST review. Pure insanity.
A fanboy calling out Sony fanboys.
Pot calling the kettle black.
You can not reason with a fanboy.
But what's amazing is how many fanboys there are writing articles for video game websites. -_-"
It's blatantly obvious that the SDF site is just a parody of Sony fanboys. The term itself implies that you think Sony's worthy of being criticised & defended; it's a term only used by fanboys of the other camp.
Look at the comment section in an Uncharted 2 review. Now look at the comment section in an Halo: ODST review. Notice the difference?
Let me help you.
Uncharted 2 IGN review - http://www.n4g.com/ps3/News...
Halo: ODST IGN review - http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/...
In the Uncharted 2 review you will find Sony fanboys saying that 9.5/10 is too low of a score for UC2(insanity?) and in the ODST review you will find Sony fanboys saying that UC2 deserved a higher score than 9.5/10. And that Halo is overrated of course.
You may also notice that the open zone is clearly dominated by Sony fanboys saying all kinds of childish things.
Im sorry Darkpower, but this elaborate blog only further proves the point that you're hurt by the fact that Jim Sterling called you and your crew out. By reacting this way, you're basically calling yourself a fanboy.
The great part about his article, is that most people can identify Sony fanboys. They all act in the same defensive manner. There isn't really a running trait with a 360 fanboy.
Overall, you have just confirmed your bias to everyone that has read this. A lot of people agree with Jim's article, and it's not just the 360 fanboys. Fanboys in general are a nasty breed, and the Sony kind are the absolute worst.