Push Rewind

From Software’s sinister sequel Dark Souls II dominated this week on Push Square, with our review drawing plenty of attention earlier in the week. We followed up our appraisal with an exhaustive guide, outlining how to get started in the shadowy world of Drangleic. Elsewhere, the PlayStation Store was a topic of much discussion over the past few days, as Sony failed to hit North America’s ordinary update window by some margin. Let’s hope that things run a little smoother this coming Tuesday.

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Reviews

Dark Souls II - 9/10

While it may not always feel fair, you’ll be hard pressed to find a game that’s as intense and rewarding as Dark Souls II. The astonishingly deep combat, huge world, unique multiplayer, and amazing overall ambience combine here to create a phenomenal experience. It requires a heavy amount of investment to truly appreciate, but those who put in the effort will fall in love with this torturous title. It’s Stockholm syndrome at its finest.

Thief - 5/10

Thief is by no means an awful game, but it is a thoroughly disappointing one. By introducing a customisable difficulty setting, the developer has attempted to placate stealth veterans, but the restrictive level design, poor combat, and lack of polish make it a difficult title to really recommend. There are glimmers of outstanding moments on occasion here, but sadly the overall affair is criminally mundane.

Other Reviews

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Features

Guide: Finding Your Feet in the Brutal World of Dark Souls II

Few video game experiences are as unforgiving and obtuse as From Software's Souls series. A franchise which can chart its lineage back to the equally tricky King's Field titles, Demon's Souls, Dark Souls and the recently-released sequel Dark Souls II are games that make very few concessions to the player; in this era of hand-holding tutorials, 'Super Guides', and instant restarts from nearby checkpoints, these games are unfriendly, unfeeling and unrelenting — yet playing them is one of the most rewarding experiences that you'll find in the realm of interactive entertainment.

Hands On: Scouting Out Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes on PS4

You’re no doubt sick and tired of reading about Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes’ running time, so we thought that we’d give you a break from that line of discussion, and focus on the actual game for a change. Having recently had a chance to go hands-on with Hideo Kojima’s gorgeous next-gen debut, we’ve compiled our impressions in video form for your night-vision goggled eyes to devour.

Other Features

PlayStation Store

News

North American PlayStation Store Update Delay May Give You Withdrawal Symptoms

Sony’s suite of systems should come with a health warning for jittery types like this nail-biting editor. Not content with keeping us up at night due to that dreadfully inconsistent new PlayStation 3 box design, the company has now utterly destroyed our usual routine by delaying the North American PlayStation Store update by quite a significant period. This doesn’t sit well with us.

Sources Suggest PS4's Virtual Reality Headset Stomps All Over Oculus Rift

Oculus Rift may be the biggest name in virtual reality right now, but sources suggest that Sony is poised to steal the upstart’s thunder at GDC next week. EDGE magazine reports that select third-party developers already have access to the PlayStation 4’s currently unannounced headset – and it’s significantly superior to the first incarnation of the abovementioned outfit’s interactive goggles.

Here's How Much You May Have to Pay on PlayStation Now

Sony's broadcast partner in crime Gaikai recently updated the history page on its website, and a new image has surfaced that may give us some insight into the devious duo's plans. The shot shows what a potential storefront may look like on the pair's proposed streaming solution, PlayStation Now. More interesting, though, are the prices included for the outright purchase of several games.

Sony: We're Willing to Eat Costs to Create Great Games

It’s been a while since Evolution Studios honked its horn at DriveClub, prompting some to ponder what’s going on with the PlayStation 4 exclusive game. Sceptics speculate that the delayed title may be parked in development hell, while other optimists argue that it could factor into the platform holder’s rumoured virtual reality push. Either way, SCEA executive Scott Rohde believes that the company just wants to make a really great game.

Sony's PS4 Indie Launch Parity Clause Is More Parody

Microsoft’s holding a gun to the heads of indie developers, forcing them to deploy their wares on the Xbox One at the same time as other systems or forget releasing them on the format at all. This means that smaller studios without the bandwidth to produce multiple versions of their titles at once may be forced to launch on the PlayStation 4 at a later date – a bullying tactic which has rightfully drawn plenty of bad press over the past few weeks.

Other Noteworthy News

Video of the Week

Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster Trailer Takes You to An Otherworld

Over the past few years, we've been cruelly teased with graphical comparisons and trailers galore for the anticipated Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita. However, if none of those have gotten your juices flowing, then this latest clip should succeed in sending a shiver down your spine.