It is a fact of getting older that eventually our favorite uncles, cherished grandpas, and even beloved parents go a little nuts as they get on in years. Luckily when this happens in the video game world we don’t end up with ridiculous family drama, but some wacky and wild games appearing on our past-its-prime system of choice. Since the dawn of the PS2 each PlayStation system has had a period when new games and titles were releasing for the previous generation of systems, while the new machine was trying to get up to speed. For example, Rockstar published The Italian Job on the original PlayStation months after they unleashed Grand Theft Auto III on an unknowing public via PlayStation 2 or God of War 2, which led the PlayStation 2 charge in 2007 as the PS3 gained traction. While those are examples of high profile games that bled into a new generation on past hardware, more interesting to me is the spectrum of truly weird titles that get released during this same stage in a console’s lifecycle – the “crazy old man” phase. As a hardware generation draws to a close the retail price of the system drops, which increases the number of people that have their hands on it, development costs also decrease as teams become more familiar with the system’s infrastructure and publishers are more willing to take risks on crazy, one-off titles, generally from Japan. Scanning across my shelf I’m greeted by titles that range from the ridiculously over the top God Hand to the incredibly cute, but satisfying 2D RTS GrimGrimoire. Most unexpectedly a few series have carved out a niche in the Crazy Old Man phase of a console most notably the Persona series. Here is something you may not have realized but every mainline Persona game beside the original Revelations: Persona, was originally released on past generation hardware. Here are the stats Persona 2: Eternal Punishment was released in North America a month after the PS2 launched and Persona 3 and 4 were released a year and two years, respectively, after the PS3 launched. So even with the looming shadow of a new console on the market great games can still find their audience.

Another aspect of an aged console is the ability to repackage compilations. A system staring at the Crazy Old Man in the mirror often decides ends up playing host to entries in its famous franchises bundled together or even collections of previous titles in a famous series. Don’t forget that at one time every mainline Final Fantasy game released until that point, except for FF3, was available on the PlayStation. That’s FF I, II, and IV through IX, which takes a bit of a time investment to get through. For this bit of insanity we must thank the likes of Final Fantasy Chronicles, released in 2001, and Final Fantasy Origins, from 2003. A system in the Crazy Old Man phase won’t just give you the weird and wild, but also offer a history lesson if you pay attention.

What I’m curious about now is how does this bode for the ailing PSP? With the announcement of a Growlanser game coming to PSP this year does this signal the PSP is about to enter the Crazy Old Man phase? Will we see the wacky and wild diversity of past Sony platforms repeat themselves on the PSP? Do fans want to see crazy compilations or are we ready to move on to the Vita and bigger and better things in the future?

A system’s senility is often considered a bad thing, with no more big name games on the horizon it is left to take up shelf space at retro game stores and/or old school gaming conventions. But don’t forget that in a system’s last gasps it will often offer pearls of wisdom, or more likely games of whimsy, that we would do well not to miss.

Following a whole week of worries for THQ, NASDAQ is now piling-on some more misery.

The publisher has been told they could well face being de-listed from the stock exchange this summer.

This comes after the shares in THQ have not been higher than $1 at any time in the past 30 days. In order to keep their place, they must ensure it tops $1 for 10 consecutive days.

THQ have until July 23rd (180 days) to make this happen. If not, the troubles will just keep getting worse for the California-based company.

THQ have had an interesting week to say the very least. Starting with strong rumours of a sale and culminating in a slew of layoffs, the past few days have just been a steady drip-feed of news based on the publisher. So here it all is:

Towards the beginning of the week, a flurry of talk began to emanate around the publisher, claiming they were ready to sell up. Various sources in the industry claimed they were so cash-strapped and desperate to sell, that the entire 2014 line-up of games was being cancelled. Their much-hyped Warhammer MMO project also looked to be dead.

48 hours on, THQ issued a statement on a new business strategy – leaving the kids market. They were keen to point out that the company will continue to produce top games, but it sounded a lot like your typical positive PR spin. One telling sentence though; “THQ will be a more streamlined organization focused only on our strongest franchises“.

This was followed by talk of how well Saint’s Row is doing, so basically they’re now cutting costs by only concentrating on their one money-making series. All their eggs are most definitely in one basket (that basket also containing a few fart grenades, octopus launchers and “adult toys” of course…) so expect to see a lot more of the franchise, in a kind of Tony Hawk/Guitar Hero/Call of Duty type deal.

Finally, THQ had this to say yesterday:

“THQ confirms a reduction in force to the company’s administration and publishing organization. As recently announced, the company is exiting the kids’ licensed games category, and is focusing on its core game franchises and developing its digital initiatives.”

The number of layoffs weren’t confirmed, but as always, it’s sad to see people lose their jobs in this industry – we hope they’ll land on their feet working under another publisher quite soon. This news also comes after 30 cuts were made last month, from the relatively new uDraw team. Related to the subject of ex-employees, a team of them wrote to THQ regarding the senior management. They claimed four executives (one of which being the CEO) were “underqualified” and the layoffs were due to “chronic and constant mismanagement”.

Strong words, and understandably so from their position. As for THQ though, it looks like worrying times ahead. We’ll certainly see in the next year or so whether the aforementioned Saint’s Row, along with franchises like WWE and UFC, can save them. Or, one of the big players in the gaming industry being taken away by the recession. Only time will tell, but hopefully, they can go back to the drawing board (maybe even use a uDraw) and come up with a few new IP’s to improve their fortunes in 2012.

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[sources: Edge, CVG, GameInformer]

This latest community thoughts feature was suggested by Derek (a.k.a Beaver6622). He’d like to know what the PSNation community would pass on as their personal pieces of gaming advice. For example, Derek offers this:

“Mine would be finish a game you enjoy then move on.  Don’t let the game sit there on the shelf staring daggers at you waiting for you to finish it.”

To get involved, all you have to do is email you opinions to podcast@psnation.org – including “Gaming Tips” in the subject header. A post with all of your feedback will then be published on the site in around a week or so.

Also, if you’d like to submit ideas for a future community thoughts article, you can let us know via the same address.

David Jaffe, Co-Director of the new Twisted Metal and co-founder of Eat Sleep Play, announced via a video posted on the PlayStation blog that Sony will be including a special voucher with the first run copies of the upcoming Twisted Metal title (due out on the PS3 Valentine’s Day 2012). The voucher will include a full copy of Twisted Metal Black which was originally released on the PS2.

Mr. Jaffe indicated in his video that he wanted new fans of the series to be able to see where the game’s characters came from and to fill in some of those back stories. Those of you who may have missed Twisted Metal Black are in for a pleasant surprise because the game is fantastic. I still spin my copy every couple months and it has held up well all these years.

So the big question that I see drawing near is how we’re going to be able to spend time with our valentines while also managing a few hours with the new Twisted Metal when it releases on Valentine’s Day. I’m already devising a plan. Any suggestions?

Thanks to everyone who participated in this latest community thoughts feature. There were a few common themes in your choices – a lot of love for Gran Turismo 5, as well as the GTA series and some sports titles. Without further ado, here are your submissions:

The man who instigated this particular topic, Dave from Scotland:

FIFA 12, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Final Fantasy 7, Skyrim and Batman: Arkham City.

Derek Hoff:

5. Gran Turismo 5 with a good Racing Wheel.  I never seem to have enough racing with this game.  I can play for 2 races or play for 2 hours at a moment’s notice.

4.  NHL 12 with a brick and mortar friend.  I have played every game since ’94.  Every. Single. One.

3.  Grand Theft Auto IV.  Played every one since the first one on PSone.

2.  CoD 4: Modern Warfare.  In my opinion, the best CoD game.  I just need some online multiplayer and I’m set.

1.  Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal.  By far one of my favorite series and one of the top, if not my favorite, game of all time.  It had everything: Humor, Action, Great Story, Solid Gameplay, the whole lot.  It’s the only reason I still have my PS2.

Brambler (on PSN):

To me, sports games have the most longevity, so I would take: Madden 12, MLB 11 The Show, NHL 12, then Gran Turismo 5 and Rock Band.

Marty:

The answer is 2 fold. It has to be. The main question being “Does the island have internet?”

I would take Star Wars: The Old Republic, Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition, Diablo 3, League of Legends (Or some other DotA style game) and Guild Wars 2.

Those games will absolutely give you the most “bang for your buck” in terms of longevity but require internet. I was deployed in Iraq once upon a time and I know what it’s like to be sitting in the middle of the desert for weeks at a time with nothing to do.

We got a new team member who had Diablo 2 on his laptop… That game was so engrossing and so chalk full of things to do I played for weeks and never got bored. However, now I have trouble going back to it but it was a great game that helped me stay sane for a long time…

Also the ability to socialize in MMO’s or DotA games is a big deal as well.  Chatting about anything from cars to girls, food, weather, sports is a regular thing in those games. Would help me stay sane if I were on a desert island.

No internet makes it a much harder choice. Am I by myself or do I have a friend who wrecked with me? I will assume by myself.

In such a case you need longevity of single player. Skyrim, Diablo 2 with expansions, Legend of Zelda promo disc (came with Legend of Zelda, Adventures of Link, Ocarina of time, Majora’s Mask on 1 disc), Minecraft and probably some shooter with really good BOTS like Unreal Tournament 3…

The thing is not a single one of the games on either of those lists even comes close to my “top 5″ games ever…

Gary (Zafri on PSN):

Gran Turismo 5 – Could be any of the GT games but this for me is the best one. Hours of gameplay, particularly the endurance events (two 24 hour races might actually happen then). Plus creating your perfect garage of cars (in the right colours) takes time.

Skyrim – Even though I’m not much into the combat in this game I could spend forever exploring the wilderness and returning my spoils to a town to craft into items.

Just (Josh) Cause 2 – I’m sure the obvious choice for a sandbox game on this list would be GTA: San Andreas but for me JC2 would keep me going longer, plus being on a desert island with this is probably the only way I would get to platinum it!

Civilisation Revolution – Probably not the best iteration of the game but it has filled more of my gaming hours on PS3 than most games and I’ve never gotten bored of it.

Final Fantasy 7 – Not only is this my favourite game of all time but it also fills hours with all the side quests and extras you can do. Even if I finished it I would have no problem starting again straight away, I love it that much!

Hannah:

1. FIFA 12
2. NHL 12
3. GTA IV
4. Red Dead Redemption
5. Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy

L. Scott Boyes:

1. Goldeneye – N64

2. Lego Star Wars Complete Saga – PS3

3. Grand Theft Auto Chinatown Wars – PSP

4. Star Wars Battlefront 2 – PS2

5. Gran Turismo 5 – PS3

GregHorrorShow (PSN & Twitter):

My picks for the Desert Island would have to be the biggest games out there, the ones that don’t necessarily ’end.’

- Skyrim

- Fallout 3

These two just because of the sheer size of them and the fact that you could roam around endlessly even when you’ve finished the game.

- Red Dead Redemption

Again, taking one game that a) I’d love to play through again and b) can carry on after you’ve finished it.

- GTA IV

There is so much to do in GTA IV that you could spend ages getting involved in all the ‘friend’ metagames as well as missions and general messing around.

- FIFA 12

And finally some sport – with a career mode and various other modes this would last for ages before getting boring.

Pablo (emiru69 on PSN):

1. Little Big Planet, I think this game will be perfect in a Desert Island. Finally I might able to create a game that doesn’t look like is made by a 6 year-old.

2. ModNation Racers, see above answer.

3. Gran Turismo 5. With so many cars to collect and my terrible skills at driving this game will give me years of fun.

4. Uncharted 3. I added this game to the list because all the treasures and medals. I’m starting to think that the only way that I will ever get all this is if I actually get lost in a Desert Island!

5. mini: Where is my Heart? I really like this game but I’m just terrible at it; If I’m alone in a Desert Island I might find a way of stop dying every 3 seconds.

I was going to put Skyrim but I have to say I’m already getting really tired of dragons popping every 20 yards. Also if I don’t bring the game with me to the Island by time I go back to civilization the bugs might got fixed by then ^_^. I was going to add DC Universe Online but I think the Internet Connection in the Island is going to be terrible so I don’t think it will be a good choice.

Edward:

1.) Skyrim / Pretty self explanatory, the size of the game will give me plenty of time to enjoy it.

2.) Battlefield 3 / Hours upon hours of gameplay!

3.) Modern Warfare 3 / Same as BF 3

4.) Final Fantasy 6 / I can play this game non-stop for years it’s just such a great game!

5.) Gran Turismo 5 / Need an awesome racing game to play after I’m bored with everything else!

George:

Rayman (PSone), a game to this day I have not completed , loads of time to waste.

Tetris , highscores? Thank you!

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, the greatest story arc to date , this may not be the best Metal Gear but the longevity it brilliant.

Dead Island, not my cup of tea , but when I’m all alone at least I know someone is having it worse.

Street Fighter Alpha Max on my PSP, I have a island to myself to master my HADOKEN!

And last but not least, Chazz H:

UNCHARTED 3 is a must, because of the amazing story and brilliant graphics. If this desert Island has broadband then the online would keep me going for ages.

JUST CAUSE 2 seeing as (like Josh) I got the platinum in this game but still have tons to do. However I think I would have to start a new game so it would last longer, but not delete the other saved games…that would be crazy.

GTA IV because I can get lost in that game world for days.

RESIDENT EVIL 4: Wii EDITION because it’s one of the best games of all time.

RED DEAD REDEMPTION so I would have a good reason to play that game again.

I hope you enjoyed reading everybody’s choices and be sure to look for a new community thoughts topic over the coming days. As ever, if you have a suggestion for a future discussion, let us know on podcast@psnation.org .

This edition of Community Thoughts was inspired by a listener – Dave, in Scotland – who came up with the topic of desert island games.

That means the 5 games (any format) that you would take if you were sent off to a desert island. Rather than necessarily choosing the 5 “best” games, you’ll obviously need to think about longevity as well.

As always, this article relies on YOU taking part, so please get involved. To do so, you need to send your choices (along with some reasons if you can) to podcast@psnation.org – putting “Desert Island” in the subject header. Your opinions will then be compiled and uploaded to the site for everyone to see, in around a weeks time.

Sequels. Every other game nowadays is a sequel. Just look at the past couple of weeks: Batman, Uncharted, Battlefield, Elder Scrolls – then of course, you have the yearly iterations of games like Call of Duty, Assassins Creed, Need For Speed, FIFA, Madden, the list goes on and on.

So here’s what we want to know this week: is more of the same a good thing?

If these titles have already redefined their particular genres and some nearing perfection, surely to have a similar experience will be great, no? If the first one was so enjoyable, this one will be too, right? Or should developers not rest on their laurels and be pushing the limits? If we’re paying another $60, can we expect them to take risks and drastically reinvent themselves?

As always, it’s very easy to contribute – all you need to do is e-mail us with your opinions, as much or little as you’d like. The address you need to know is podcast@psnation.org (clearly stating “Sequels” in the subject header). Simple as that.

We look forward to your thoughts, and be sure to check back next Friday to see everybody’s opinions on the hot topic.

Apologies for the wait guys, better late than never I suppose. We got quite a few good responses and enjoyable stories for this one; it seems skipping work and school to play games is only natural for us gamers. Take a look at the responses below.

Howler_2007:

I have pulled a sick day one time when Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 came out.  I don’t think it was overall worth it, but when you have been waiting for the game for so you just have to.  That particular day I missed out on some classes at college but since there were no exams or anything there were no big issues.  Save to say everyone gets caught especially when its a major franchise, for the mere fact everybody takes the day off to play the game.  In addition to that I have pulled all nighters where I go to class the next morning regardless, but without energy drink that wouldn’t be possible.

Daniel Elkins:

I bought Final Fantasy XIII when I was a wee-lad searching for a nice, long RPG with bright-eyed hope!  Well, I beat it, got tired of it and traded it in at Gamestop (got me a new Bluetooth headset for $30).  What does that have to do with anything?  Well, couple months later I felt compelled to add another platinum trophy to my internet ego, so I borrowed the game from a friend one July night and set to work.  Eventually, it was August.  For a good, solid month I played FF XIII just grinding out levels and loot.  Now, in this whole time I never left my house to go enjoy life.  And it wasn’t even like I was enjoying myself.  It eventually got down to the point where I wasn’t going to let this game beat me!  What do you mean this item I need 6 of has a 5% drop rate?  What do you mean I have to get a perfect score on the hardest boss battle in the game?  Well, I stood my ground and conquered it in the end!  While not exactly calling out sick from work, I felt this was comparable.  So you may ask, in the end, was it worth it?  &%#$ (edited for the children) no!  And having just re-bought Demon’s Souls after a similar, albeit worse situation, I feel this same scenario happening again.

Steve (GreenMekon):

I had a back operation last year and was off work for 2 months. I basically laid on my sofa in my lounge and played games for 2 months, it was awesome. I took last weds off for UC3 and I am sure I have had a sick day for a game in the past.

SegaSlave:

This is a real throw back but I always think back and smile.

When Super Mario 3 came out my mom let me skip school, I think I was in the 3rd or 4th grade. She took me to toys R us to buy it I remember we got there right as they opened and I was the only kid in the store. I played the entire day then went out to the bus stop to tell my friends and we all ran back to my house to play for hours and hours.

DSonicX:

I called in sick once playing zelda:wind waker till 6am and I started work at 7am. I rang in then carried on playing, and another time my friend and me hammered the first Pro Evo till 5am but we got an hour and a half’s sleep then went work – that was a long day. Ha ha.

ChazzH69:

Well, unless you’re a doctor or air-traffic controller it’s an excellent thing to do. Not with every game and only on the odd occasion.

The only game I’ve considered doing it for this year was Uncharted 3, but was able to get someone to cover my shift so didn’t need to.

PSNation writer Rey:

My greatest achievement was the following:  On the day that Phantasy Star 4 came out on Genesis, I took off from all classes.  The night before, I took my girlfriend to a huge dinner, bought her roses and an angel from Hallmark store.  I told her that the following day I would be completely unavailable.  I picked up the game and didn’t leave my dorm room for 28 hours.  I beat Phantasy Star 4 in one sitting.

Krit Unhawat:

Yes I have done it multiple times. But my most memorable one that I can’t even forget until today. It was for Dragon Quest IV. Many years ago back when I was in Thailand, I took the money that I was supposed to pay for my special Saturday school to buy Dragon Quest IV. Since I didn’t pay for it, I couldn’t attend the class. So I had to skip the special classes for the whole semester. And unlike the US, a semester over there = 6 months. Every single Saturday I had to pretend to go to class, but had to find somewhere to go. Was that worth it? I don’t know, I beat DQ4 from the beginning to end 20+ times. And until today, I have never got caught yet, not from my parents anyway.

Eldarto shows the unfortunate consequences:

I did it for Battlefield Bad Company and actually ended up losing my job.
Wasn’t worth it at the time but I have a better job now so it’s all good.

Derek/Beaver6622:

The closest I came to taking a sick day was while driving around for work I stopped at a BestBuy got GTA4 went home for “lunch” and never went back to work.  Boss man didn’t like that too much.  Had to work that Saturday.  Still was worth it cause I got overtime.

Richard Ball:

Yes, I’ve done it before but kind of. I told my boss I needed a day off for some family stuff but didn’t get too much into details of “family stuff” . It was for SOCOM: Combined Assault. Stupidly, it didn’t come out the on Tuesday but the next day on Wednesday. I ended up buying NFS: Most Wanted and played that all day.

Conrad Lawrence:

I have, several times, but not since the early nineties. Super Star Wars/Empire Strikes Back, Flashback, Shining Force 1 & 2, Rebel Assault, Tie Fighter, Wing Commander (SNES), Starfox and of course MORTAL MONDAY!

And finally, a superb extract from Derek (Dekeglyph)’s award-winning sick day novel, available at all good retailers:

“Cough, cough” you croak into the phone, “I’m too sick for work today!” sneeze, sniffle, phlegm clear.  Yup we all know the drill.  Our best acting is done on the phone, hoping it rings straight to the answering machine.  We practice in our head at least a half dozen times before calling, as the phone rings we brace for the moment of truth….and….success!!

Calling in sick for reasons other than being legitimately sick is not something new.  I know and have joined in on several “I’m sick” days to play in a sports tournament, get a free day with a loved one, or just some much needed r&r from the grind of work.  In today’s day in age with life being compressed into evenings and weekends, many of us find it difficult to set aside some solid “me” time.  With family, house, work, friends etc. filling our lives we end up reducing our private “me” time.  Now don’t get me wrong I love hanging with friends, family, fiancée and playing sports, but every so often I do crave the pale glow of a TV screen on my face.

About 4 years ago I was afflicted with the “WOW” bug (World of WarCraft).  I caught it at a time between my contract work so I essentially had every hour of every day to dedicate to it.  I got used to playing as much as I wanted every day so when worked started up again in the spring… well 5 days between gaming sessions just wasn’t working out.  I found myself looking to wean my addiction by setting up some 4 day works weeks, taking a sick day here and there, usually tagging it onto the weekend.  Which if you’re going to do I highly recommend making the Friday a sick day rather than Monday.  ”Develop” symptoms Thursday and call in sick Friday, if you play the Monday sick game it looks suspiciously like a hang-over excuse.  After the few times of burning sick days for WOW I realized the game had taken over, it was a drug that needed purged.  I went cold turkey and ended my WOW dependency.

It didn’t take long for another game to find its way into my psyche. In the time that had passed I found out some new terms.  My favourite being “personal day!”  I had work two back to back (19 on 2 off) schedules and decided enough was enough and took my allowed personal day, which counted as a sick day.  What an awesome term!  You have to love working for the government.  Needless to say I enjoyed my time beating R&C Weapons of M.D. and Uncharted 1 and partaking in some after hours beverages with my breakfast

A job change back to the private sector and “personal day” was available anymore.  I soon found the “sick” excuse was back in my books.  I recently was legitimately sick.  Not so sick that I couldn’t actually work but following the new work policy of not bringing a severe cold to work I called in sick and spent my day playing League of Legends (PC). It was fun, relaxing and filled that gaming void.

Speaking of the gaming void I believe everyone has an inherent video game fuel tank, except our everyday lives drain it and games fill it.  When you play for an extended period of time it fills up.  As you go through days of no video games the tank starts to drain, the lower the tank gets the more urgent and necessary the need to fill it is.  Hence, when people get really low they’ll even settle for playing minesweeper at work just to put a few drops into the tank.

Currently my tank is quite full.  I have been able to game about 1 hr per day so I’m able to maintain my video game tank levels (i.e. topping it up each night).  So even though I have recently purchased R&C All 4 One and Uncharted 3 I don’t have that burning desire to play endlessly and beat them immediately.  I love the games immensely but with my video game tank full I can handle the slow grind to beating them instead of requiring the 1 day marathon.

What I personally get out of trading in a sick day to play is that when I get home my “life” isn’t there.  Family & friends are all at work so I have the free time to relax and just play my heart out.  It’s not advancing through the game that gets my heart singing but just the free uninterrupted time to play.  It always puts me in a better mood and gives me the video game injection I need.  It might be scary to say, but when the video game tank is low a little “bow chicka wow wow” isn’t as tempting as normal.  Tossing a wrench at a robot in R&C or hanging from a cliff in UC3 seems more entertaining. Yikes!  Yes I just said that!  I guarantee many of you have said “just after this level babe!”  So don’t be givin’ me the evil eye

From the view of a supervisor I may have frowned on learning the true excuse why someone was sick but I always held myself back from saying anything.  Each employee only has so many sick days and if they wish to burn them on games, friends, sports, tv, etc. so be it.  They’ll pay the price when they’re legitimately sick

All in all I say do it, enjoy it, but do NOT get caught! You might be the ‘lucky’ guy with that “not so cool” boss who deems it an abuses of the system. This then leads to them asking for a doctor’s note as sick proof and when that happens you’ve just ruined it for us all!

Following last week’s hot topic on GTA, this week’s subject spawned from the release of Uncharted 3. We want to know your opinions and anecdotes on taking a sick day for a game’s release. Here are some examples of what you could talk about:

• Have you ever done it?
• If so, what game was it for?
• Was it worth it?
• What did you get out of? (work, school, an important event etc.)
• Ever been caught?

We’d love to hear your stories and they’ll be published on the site early next week. Just like last time, to get involved all you have to do is send your submissions to podcast@psnation.org (be sure to state “Sick Day” in the subject header).