Comments 253

Re: The Quarry (PS5) - Maybe Until Dawn Was Just a Fluke

Matthewnh

I haven’t played the game yet, so I cannot comment on the game itself.

Yes, I will admit the review seems rather harsh - but Liam seems to be making valid criticism, and has good reasons for his “average” review. Plus, that’s his job.

I also think that PushSquare reviews are fairly accurate. Otherwise I would not be a regular visitor.

That said, I will probably give this game a go - because I enjoyed Until Dawn so much. That is probably the opinion of most readers here, too.

But, can’t say we were not warned.

Re: Poll: Will You Buy The Last of Us: Part I?

Matthewnh

I completed the PS3 version several times. I also completed the PS4 remaster a few times, too.

I will definitely buy the PS5 remaster-remaster.

Maybe I am a sucker. Perhaps I am just a glutton for punishment.

But mostly I just want to see what Naughty Dog are capable of with new hardware.

And my copy of Part II has NEVER worked on the PS5, so I will buy that again, too.

Do you think that they release some kind of Collection/Double Pack edition?

Re: Hands On: Assassin's Creed Origins PS5 Patch Reminds Us That It's One of the Series' Best Games

Matthewnh

I love Assassins Creed Origins.

It is one the best open world games, in my opinion. The attention to detail is amazing. And (having read a lot about ancient Egypt) it seems to be practically historically accurate, too.

It seems fair comment to say that the world is half empty. But Upper Egypt is mostly empty, it is the desert, after all.

I never did play either Odyssey or Valhalla, because neither of those two appealed to me, after the Egyptian setting.

Currently replaying it, now.

Re: Video: Is It Time to Leave Last-Gen Behind?

Matthewnh

I think developers will probably stop producing PS4 software shortly after they realise how to tap the full potential of the PS5. And that won’t happen for a while yet.

Is there anything out right now that shows what the PS5 (or the Series X, for that matter) is truly capable of? Something utterly ground-breaking?

If so, then I haven’t heard about it.
And we won’t hear about it for as long as consumers are happy with current-gen (PS5) versions of GTAV or the Witcher 3.

How many PS5 games are there that just cannot run on a PS4?

Oh, right…Cyberpunk.

Re: Rumour: BioWare May Have Just Confirmed the Return of Commander Shepard in the New Mass Effect

Matthewnh

Actually the final line of this article sort of sums up my feelings.

Despite your player choices seeming more or less incidental - I did not think that ME:Andromeda was all that bad. Most of the “hate” directed at Andromeda was probably because they actually tried something new.

But how much faith have we got left in Bioware, though?
After Anthem?
After most of their writers seem to have left?

Please, I anxiously await both a new Mass Effect, and Dragon Age 4.

But, please, don’t screw this up.

Re: Rumour: BioWare May Have Just Confirmed the Return of Commander Shepard in the New Mass Effect

Matthewnh

@RevGaming

The first Mass Effect is definitely shoddy by modern standards. If it had had a PS release, then yes, it probably would have been a PS2 game. It only released on PS3 when the trilogy version first came out.

Mass Effect 2 was the first to release on PlayStation. And the gameplay is light years ahead of the original.

Doing the Feros (ExoGeni) mission I once got the Mako wedged under a bridge. Had to start the whole mission from scratch.

I am willing to forgive the first game it’s flaws - simply because of the story and the characters. Which is probably some of the very best in all of gaming.

Mordin : “I am the very model of a scientist salarian!”

Re: Pay for PS5, PS4 Platinum Trophies Is Rampant on PS Store Right Now

Matthewnh

I think that my very first Platinum trophy was for the original Uncharted - Drake’s Fortune, on the PS3.

At least that felt like a real achievement. Still not sure how I had the patience for crushing difficulty.

And that is the point. Unlocking trophies is rewarding, sure, but you should feel like you have actually achieved something.

If you haven’t been challenged in the process - then are you not really just cheating? And even worse, the only person you are cheating is yourself.

I’m not really a great trophy hunter anyway.

That said, has anyone else played “Lake”?. It’s laidback and overall a lot of fun. Something a little bit different. There is a sort of “Twin Peaks” atmosphere to it. Point is, there are 12 trophies - Including a platinum. It took about a day-and-a-half overall.

Re: Skull & Bones Finally Resurfaces Thanks to Leaked Gameplay Footage

Matthewnh

I have been looking forward to this ever since it was first announced - years ago, now.

I have wanted a high seas pirate adventure game for a long time. Let’s hope that they don’t mess this up.

(Uncharted 4 doesn’t count. It’s brilliant, naturally. But the wrong sort of adventure).

I had Sid Meier’s Pirates, on the Amiga. showing my age bit now.

If they are able to recreate the 16th century Spanish Main, with the level of detail of something like Assassins Creed Origins, I would be in my element.

Re: Mini Review: Lake (PS5) - Mail Sim Stuck Between First and Second Class

Matthewnh

I got this a few days ago.
Haven’t noticed any real glitches.

It has a nice laid-back feel to it.
Especially considering there is eventually an “autopilot” so you don’t even need to drive.

It is good fun, without being too demanding.

There is also an easy platinum trophy (for those people who care about such things). It must have been easy if even I can do it.

Re: Unannounced Remake Project Added to Naughty Dog Employee's Resume

Matthewnh

I would just like a copy of TLOU Part 2, that actually works on my PS5. Is that too much to ask?

Is it just me?
I have bought two different copies on disc.
They both installed properly, but neither of them will actually play.

“Something went wrong”.

Although, that said, I think I really would prefer an updated version of the original game at this point.

Trying to re-install TLOU2 on PS5, just now, as I type this. Out of curiosity.

And sure enough - black-and-white picture of “Angry Ellie”, fades to black.
And then……. Nothing.

Re: Video: How to Change PS5 Cover Plates

Matthewnh

I had to remove - and reapply - my PS5 faceplate recently.
I installed an SSD into the expansion slot.

It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I was a bit nervous at first, but it came loose eventually. I thought the plate might break at first.

If anything, putting it back on was harder. Making sure that it stayed on.

If I was ever to change the faceplate, I would get a black one - because I just think it would look cool. But I have got used to the white panels now.

And every single other piece of AV hardware I have is also black - so it’s actually nice that the PS5 stands out from the crowd.

Plus, they show up the dust - so I do have to actually clean it occasionally.

Re: Poll: Will You Buy Hogwarts Legacy?

Matthewnh

I have been looking forward to Hogwarts Legacy since the very first announcement.

I worked in a cinema, when the first film came out - and it was complete mayhem. Always enjoyed the Harry Potter movies, but I did not read the books until much later on.

I consider myself a huge HP fan, even now I am in my forties.

But I agree with some of the comments, that I have little interest in playing a character as a Gryffindor - seems a little too safe, and well …boring.

Either a Ravenclaw, (like Luna Lovegood) or a Hufflepuff (like Newt Scamander) seems better.

But I suppose that will be up to the Sorting Hat.

Re: Poll: What Review Score Would You Give Horizon Forbidden West?

Matthewnh

I read through my previous comment, and realised I didn’t actually leave a score.

It has to be a 10/10 from me.

Having just finished it, and I immediately want to start all over again. The world is so vivid and fully-realised that I don’t want to leave.

For reference I would give Zero Dawn an 8.

Re: Poll: What Review Score Would You Give Horizon Forbidden West?

Matthewnh

Excellent game. Finished it yesterday.

Waiting for them to add a New Game Plus.

I must admit it took me AGES to get familiar with the grappling hook (sorry, the uh… pull-caster). Doing one mission, I kept on falling in the water again and again. You know the one.

Had to basically start the game over again, but once I did it all just fell into place.

I didn’t play Machine Strike, or do much of the hunting grounds, but covered everything else I could find.

The bit I probably enjoyed the most was actually seeing Talanah again. And Plainsong is just gorgeous. And being able to fly the Sunwing.

I liked how the story seems to “tie up loose ends” was great.

Will definitely play it again soon.

Re: Sony Rolling Out PS5 Internal SSD Access in Next Beta Update

Matthewnh

@Voltan

You are right.
It was far easier than I thought it would be. Followed the instructions on PlayStation.com.

Found the correct screwdriver, packaged with my speaker stands.
It took only five minutes to install, and then it was up-and-running.
In truth, the only difficult part was removing the faceplate to begin with.

I bought the WD Black 2TB SSD.
And it sure is fast.

Re: Fans Lament GTA Trilogy PS5, PS4 Secrecy

Matthewnh

What is that saying -“Nostalgia is not what it used to be”.

I would sooner have a modern updated version of GTA V.
Let us consider that “V” was first release for the PS3. Way back in 2013.

I suddenly feel very old.

Re: Soapbox: Some Games Assume You Know How to Play Them, and It's Kinda Weird

Matthewnh

I agree with the majority of the comments. Some games sort of “assume” that you know what to do.
And there some degree of elitism and snobbery involved in this too.
But we all have to learn how to play at some point. We all have to start somewhere.

I remember my friend struggling with Uncharted on the PS3 - moving the player, moving the camera, aiming, shooting, crouching - all at the same time. I think she was probably only familiar with games like Mario.

I think that a certain degree of “hand-holding” is probably a good idea for everyone, even a basic tutorial.

That said, the first time I set up my Xbox One, I couldn’t even turn it on. I checked all the plugs and cables, and still nothing happened. I found what looked like the on switch, but it wouldn’t work. I only realised later to keep my finger on the button - it then sprang into life. That was a relief.

I probably look like a fool now, but we all learn through practice and experience.

Re: Video: Are People Still Playing PS3 Games Online in 2021?

Matthewnh

Haven’t kept any of my old consoles, so no - not playing PS3 multiplayer games.

Not playing PS3 games at all.
Even traded in my PS4 Pro, once I got a PS5.

Sure I still have loads of PS4 games and about half-a-dozen games for the 360. Not sure if they even work on the series X.

Played through Mirrors Edge again recently, after playing Catalyst.
But it is surprising just how many of my games are remasters of older games.

Kept playing the original Mass Effect games up until the Legendary Edition arrived.

Re: Alan Wake Remastered Gameplay Is Looking Fire in 4K

Matthewnh

Finally began playing the original version recently. It had been bundled with “Quantum Break” on the Xbox as a freebie.

The game is good, but the graphics didn’t look that good. I found the general look of it too dark to actually see what was going on sometimes.

I had a very strong “Silent Hill” vibe though. Very creepy. A “fresh coat of paint” will be nice too.

Surprised it will actually be on the PS5 at all.

Re: New PS5 Firmware Update Out for Everyone Tomorrow, Includes Internal SSD Support

Matthewnh

Looks very nice so far.
Installed it just now, and presently exploring the new features.

The 3D audio doesn’t worry me too much, as my sound outputs from my 5.1.2 amplifier. Dolby Atmos or DTS:X support would be nice, but maybe next time.

The first thing I shall do is re-install the Last Of Us Part II - and see if actually works now. it has NEVER worked on my PS5 - “Something went wrong” is really vague.

Re: Poll: Did You Buy Tales of Arise?

Matthewnh

Will get this in about two weeks, once I have been paid.
Looks great.
Never played one of these games before, not even touched the demo - but going solely by reviews and other comments - it looks brilliant.
I will get it.

Pre-ordered Kena, though.
Looking forward to that one, too.

Re: Fans Want Sony to Reconsider Horizon Forbidden West's PS4 to PS5 Upgrade

Matthewnh

This might not be the best solution, but how about if every PS5 game was also packaged with the PS4 game included?

At the price of the regular PS5 game (seventy pounds or so).

That way, players could decide which version to use, and have the game ready if they have not yet been lucky enough to acquire the shiny new PS5.

This is how it presently works with movies - every single movie on 4K Blu-ray also seems to include the Blu-ray (HD version) for free.

It would increase sales, and possibly force prices down a bit - and stop customers having to “double-dip” or even stop players having make a choice of one version over another.

But some people seem unreasonable, and want to “have their cake and eat it, too”

If I buy a film on Blu-ray, I would not expect the 4K version for free, nor would I expect to get a free upgrade of a PS4 game on PS5.

I am grateful that several developers have chosen to upgrade their games to the new hardware for free - considering the cost, in time and effort and manpower involved.

I currently only own five games for the PS5, and three of these games are ones I had on the PS4 (Judgment, Ghost, and Spider-Man)

People complain that’s it is expensive to upgrade games from last gen to the new gen - but playing those three games again, it is totally worth the money.

I haven’t been able to play the Last of Us Part II on the PS5 yet, as it does not seem to work - and crashes my console.

Re: Sony Will Make You Pay Extra to Upgrade Horizon Forbidden West from PS4 to PS5

Matthewnh

Look, it’s perfectly simple.
You get what you pay for.
If you want something - pay for it.

I will buy Horizon FW on the PS5, and it will undoubtedly be awesome. Because I want a game that will take full advantage of my shiny new console. And knowing just how good the other game was.

Yes, Guerrilla gave us all a FREE upgrade of Horizon ZD, and we should be grateful for that. They didn’t have to, nor should we (as consumers) be entitled to it.

Instead of counting ourselves lucky, people moan about not getting stuff for free - stuff that nobody has to give them, because doing so is expensive.

Owners of the PS5 (myself included) should all count ourselves lucky that we have managed to get hold of the console AT ALL.

We should not be moaning that software developers except us to actually pay for the games, too.

I fear that if this “entitled” attitude persists then developers will just stop making PS5 games - and nobody wants that, right?

If you want to play Horizon Forbidden West on the PS5 when it comes out, then buy the PS5 version - and please don’t try and argue that it won’t be value for money.

Sorry for the rant, I will now shut up for a while.

Re: Kena: Bridge of Spirits Takes Two Seconds to Boot on PS5

Matthewnh

I was playing Ratchet and Clank, five seconds after putting the disc in the PS5. Not just loaded at a menu, but actually playing from the latest checkpoint.

So yeah, game loading times seem to be a thing of the past. Can’t say the same for install times, however.

As far as Kena: Bridge of Spirits goes, I am totally looking forward to this one. Looks great.

I have a feeling it might be download only, or will there be a disc version later, maybe?

Re: PS5 Hits 10 Million Sales, Is the Fastest-Selling PlayStation Console Ever

Matthewnh

It is not actually “Impossible to buy one”.

Just difficult. I am pretty sure they are all being sold just as fast as they can build them. Which just goes to show how popular they are, and how good it is.

There are some great new exclusives, yes. But those will still be available in six months time.

With the exception of Returnal, and Rift Apart - all of the great games for it are remakes of PS4 games.

Just save up your money in the meantime, and have patience.

It will be worth the wait.

Re: Dragon Age 4 on Track for 2023 Release, Says Report

Matthewnh

@BadMuthaAdebisi

10 years.
Inquisition was released 2014, so yes. But it should be worth the wait. I say that in hopeful expectation.

Let’s all just try to forget that “anthem” ever happened.

In my eyes, BioWare (such as it is now) have sort of redeemed themselves with the Mass Effect Legendary Edition.