Push Rewind

After a couple of slow weeks in the PlayStation Nation, this was a humdinger – especially for the PlayStation 4. Hotly anticipated firmware update v2.00 rolled out earlier in the week, and we had you covered every step of the way – even with the inevitable Rest Mode error that still hasn’t been addressed. It wasn’t all about Sony’s next-gen machine, though, as Freedom Wars launched on the Vita, and we brought you our verdict on the Japan Studio release. Here’s everything that happened over the past seven days.

Pr 1 2

Reviews

Freedom Wars - 7/10

Freedom Wars is a solid action RPG that's put behind bars by a slew of elements that end up lacking. While none of these flaws ruin the experience, they definitely put a dampener on some of the game's best qualities, such as its deliciously dystopian premise and intense boss battles. Although it doesn't deserve total freedom, this year's biggest Vita title certainly shouldn't be subjected to a life of servitude either.

Lords of the Fallen - 7/10

Despite the dull plot, basic character design, and occasional buggy boss fights, the overall mood of Lords of the Fallen is fantastic – even if you’re forced to play it alone. The punishing difficulty may not please everyone, but fans of the Souls series should definitely consider taking a swing at the Rhogar. Those looking for a quick and easy adventure should duck and roll elsewhere, though, as this game will test your patience, skills, and dedication.

Other Reviews

Pr 1 3

Features

Feature: How Has the PS4 Fared in Its First Year?

It’s been a funny first year for the PlayStation 4. Sony’s next-gen format has smashed sales records all over the globe, but the positivity that punctuated the platform’s launch has been replaced by an air of unrest over the past few weeks. The question is: has the system’s success paved the way for the fickle to pick fault, or is the manufacturer really starting to burn through its early goodwill? With its first year anniversary rapidly approaching, we’ve decided to take a look at the pros and cons from the console’s life so far – in school report form, of course.

Round Up: Your Ultimate Guide to PS4 Firmware Update 2.00

The release of PlayStation 4 firmware update v2.00 had a bit of everything: drama, excitement, and, of course, a spot of PlayStation Network downtime. Still, with the good ship Sony well and truly steadied, and all of our tutorials penned, we figured that we should milk this mahoosive operating system overhaul with one last article. Please forgive us, then, regular readers, as we’re about to round up everything that you need to know about today’s big software refresh.

Other Features

Guides

Push Scare

Pr 1 4

News

November's PS Plus Offering Is an Indie Game Extravaganza

Those of you that wretch at the prospect of games made by teams that number in the tens rather than the thousands may want to divert your attention, as November’s big PlayStation Plus update is something of an indie extravaganza. Sony has seemingly released its promotional trailer for the latest update a little early, and it includes games such as The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth and Steamworld Dig.

Why Is Sony Taking So Long to Release PS4 Firmware Updates?

The firmware narrative has most certainly changed this generation. We remember the web being ablaze with complaints whenever Sony rolled out an update for the PlayStation 3, but right now it’s being chastised for not doing exactly that with the PlayStation 4. Given that Microsoft has been deploying monthly updates for the Xbox One, the Japanese giant is starting to look like it’s falling behind – but the firm claims that that’s only because it’s been listening to your feedback.

These Are the Things You'll Be Able to Do in Grand Theft Auto V PS4 That You Can't on PS3

Grand Theft Auto V maker Rockstar’s not exactly known for making things easy on itself. While other developers settle for simple sandboxes, the world renowned outfit tends to stuff its open worlds full of the teensiest details, allowing you to spend literally months finding everything. Don’t expect the upcoming PlayStation 4 port of its most recent sandbox smash to be simple, then, as the company has revealed all of the extras that will be exclusive to those returning to the next-gen release.

Wookie Here! Star Wars: Battlefront Blasts onto PS4 Next Holiday

Battlefield developer DICE’s long-awaited Star Wars: Battlefront reboot will steer its X-Wing onto the PlayStation 4 next holiday, publisher EA Games has announced. The company declared the tidbit on Twitter, shortly after Australian gaffer Andrew Wilson shared the news with investors as part of a financial meeting. Apparently, everyone was over Naboo.

PS4's Free DriveClub: PS Plus Edition Has Been Put 'On Hold'

DriveClub’s disastrous launch is still ongoing. Despite the game showing signs of improvement a week or so ago, we were a bit optimistic expecting the PlayStation 4 exclusive racer’s free PlayStation Plus trial to release this month. Indeed, the retail version appears to have hit a brick wall of late – even Evolution Studios seems sick of writing samey update messages on Facebook – and it’s clear that, three weeks on, there’s going to be no quick fix for the title’s self-destructive tailspin.

Other Noteworthy News

Video of the Week

Gawp at Final Fantasy XV's Gorgeous PS4 Powered Open World

You wait years for a glimpse of Final Fantasy XV, and then Square Enix starts dropping gameplay clips like they’re going out of fashion. This latest ten minute demo was revealed as part of an hour-long video posted to the publisher’s YouTube channel, and shows Noctis and crew scaling the release’s enormous open world.