By Lorin Baumgarten

On this week’s episode of EpicBatleCry, the hosts talked quite a bit about game delays. As you know this is a favorite topic of mine and, therefore, you might be expecting me to write about it this week. Well, I will not. Although – I will say that I still can’t figure out why an industry that makes more money than the music industry and is creeping up on film still cannot seem to manage what the other two forms of entertainment mastered long ago: schedules. I mean, didn’t we all learn about schedules and managing expectations and fulfilling commitments in some intro class in high school? I mean seriously, gaming industry, get your sh*# together when it comes to…wait a minute, wait a minute. I said that I am not going to write about this topic this week, didn’t I?. Sorry. I got a little caught up there. What I dowant to discuss this week is a topic DK brought up on the show in the context of Mass Effect 2, but is an even more interesting question when extrapolated out to the industry in general. That question is: are games being dumbed down and/or diluted in order to appeal to the masses and , if so, are they losing quality and merit because of it?

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So this week on the ‘Axe we’re following up on the triumphant release of God of War III with a look at the games that ACTUALLY DELIVERED THE GOODS amidst a sea of hype and lofty expectations. So far we’ve gotten some great feedback and we’ll be highlighting a new Member BattleCry each day here on EpicBattleAxe.com. We’re gonna kick things off though with a look back at the highly-anticipated release of MGS4 from the perspective on one Mr. SuPaFrEaK…The game obviously was built up quite a bit before its eventual launch, but the fact that most fans were actually satisfied with what it offered speaks volumes about just how solid this franchise really is.

Anyway, hit the jump, check out the MBC, and chime in with YOUR thoughts below.
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At the signal, prepare to unleash hell; its time for another edition of EpicBattleCry! In this week’s skirmish we discuss Alpha Protocol (now that its been officially dated), Brutal Legend being cancelled for the Wii, the rumors that Uncharted is headed for the PSP, and the news that World of Warcraft players will soon be able to switch factions.

In today’s main course, we talk about the state of affairs in stealth gaming. With core franchises moving in a more action oriented direction, what’s become of the beloved sneaking genre. Next up, we open Pandora’s box and diss on whether or not gamers are getting pumped at retail by higher prices and exclusive DLC.

The Battle Cry of the Week goes to the ScrewAttack Gaming Convention, the Metroid Prime triology art book, the Gamestop pre-order exclusive demo for Uncharted 2 multiplayer, and InstantAction.com for serving up fun, browser-based gaming.

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Konami has send word that Hideo Kojima’s award-winning Metal Gear Solid 4 Guns of the Patriots Greatest Hits Edition has shipped to retail stores nationwide. A PS3 exclusive, the newest addition to the Greatest Hits collection is available for the new low price of $29.99. The Greatest Hits Edition also includes Metal Gear Online. This may be more Metal Gear than most mortal men can handle, but you…no…you’re special.

So, what are you waiting for? If you haven’t played this game yet…GO GET IT!

In this week’s skirmish we peek under the hood of the latest firmware updates for the PS3 and PSP, repudiate the on again/off again Xbox 360 port of MGS4, get ready to believe Dan Aykroyd’s scoop on the Ghostbusters game, and take a fresh look at gaming on Apple’s latest Macbook.

PLUS! The Battle Cry of the week goes to gaming on the iPhone/iPod Touch, lambasting the new IP czar created by the PRO-IP act, and keeping an eye on Bioware’s port of Dragon Age to next gen consoles.

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