Comments 211

Re: Divinity Dev's Comments on Generative AI Trigger a Total Social Media Sh*tstorm

NieR_Dark

@Burnish1619 Don’t worry I never thought you were baiting… I guess when it’s something close to home you have to stick up for yourself. Haha.

Value is guess is subjective, when it comes to games in particular, there are so many elements at play, design, gameplay, music, voice acting, world building etc, and obviously certain people are always going to take more notice of a certain aspect of a game, because that’s where their interests lie. Personally that design / art element I hold near the top of that list, and I want that to stay in the hands of people who really care and put their blood, sweat and tears into something over a computer which is just mimicking what those aforementioned people worked so hard to achieve.

When it comes to it being a knee-jerk reaction, I’m not entirely sure that’s true, but I can totally see why some might think that. For some of us watching AI creep in the past few years has been like watching a car crash in slow motion, internally we’ve been talking about it for a long time, but obviously right now it’s the hot topic, so I get that fatigue even discussing it can sink in.

I’m just glad the discussion is out there. At the end of the day we all just want to play cool games 🙂

Re: Divinity Dev's Comments on Generative AI Trigger a Total Social Media Sh*tstorm

NieR_Dark

@Burnish1619 Okay, I’ll bite. While this maybe true for a very small handful of people, taking it in relation to this article and talking specifically about media/games (which is all I can really talk about because it’s the only sector I’ve ever worked in), the jobs are far from “cushy”. Most folks do these jobs because it’s something they care about and love. More than most of the time the money is not overly paid, the hours are exhausting and the stress which comes with crunches / deadlines etc are sometimes off the charts.

I’m not at all saying people in other jobs don’t have those same pressures / worries, but I think broadly calling all of those jobs “cushy” is a tad unfair.

Re: Divinity Dev's Comments on Generative AI Trigger a Total Social Media Sh*tstorm

NieR_Dark

While AI outrage online may seem boring to some, unfortunately the concern is very real, and in my opinion for what it’s worth (probably not much 😄), what Larian are doing here is a slippery slope, and if I had it my way I’d be cutting the head off the snake now.

I’ve worked in media my whole life (film and tv rather than games) and in the past few years it’s very clear that AI is coming to replace human hands (we even had to do a “course” to help us get to grips with AI so we could see how useful it would be in our day-to-day working life… looking back on it now I’m pretty sure it was the other way around, and it was us training the AI to do our jobs). The worry is real for job security, and we feel it every day.
More directly to this article, I have a friend who works in concept art, and this exact issue has been a problem for a good while now. They’ve said how depressing it can be that rather than being able to explore ideas themselves, their briefs are now sometimes, here’s an AI generated image of what we want, basically just re-do this so we can claim copyright on it, which is pretty ghastly if you ask me.

I know AI isn’t going anywhere and we all have to adapt, and yeah, I’m openly biased on this one. But I also have my own place in this fight, minor as it is, so I hope Sarah and John Connor get their ass in gear and destroy it soon 😄

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 606

NieR_Dark

Although I’ll try and vary it up a bit, who am I kidding? It’ll be Arc Raiders! I also have Katamari Reroll downloaded to satisfy my Japanese gaming itch… never played any of the katamari games so quite looking forward to that.

Have a blast everyone… and if you see me Raiding Arcs, please “don’t shoot!”

Re: At Least One Publisher Still Strongly Supports PSVR2

NieR_Dark

There’s been some incredible games released for PSVR2 this year, it’s a shame a lot of the major news site (pushsquare included) really seem to have it in for the headset, you rarely read anything positive (even this article headline reads as a negative, despite the fact it’s 5 games being announced), and yet fail to cover games that are highly praised when released, such as Arken Age, Legendary Tales, Into the Radius etc…

As I’ve said before, I get that VR is a niche and will never be for everyone, just a shame the places that could be pushing it don’t even want to seem to give it a fighting chance.

Still… I’m still loving my time with the headset, and always good to see a bit of love in comments on the rare occasion it gets it chance to be in the spotlight 😄

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 604

NieR_Dark

Midway through my NG+ playthrough of Fate/Samurai to get all the digressions and endings. This game has been such a surprise, absolutely loved my time with it.

And it’s spooky month so started Silent Hill 2 (much tougher than I remember from when I was a teenager playing it on PS2… maybe my reflexes were better back then 😄), but with this and Fate/Samurai, PS plus has actually been worth it last few months.

Also, in small doses braving Madison VR, but holy hell that is intense. It takes a lot to spook me, but there have been cases I’ve actually closed my eyes, and one point I almost ripped the headset off my head… that is some scary stuff, but… ‘tis the season!

Have fun everyone!

Re: PS5 Soulslike Code Vein 2 Couldn't Be More Anime If It Tried

NieR_Dark

I really enjoyed the first one, it is a soulslike, but pretty forgiving. I played it over the Christmas period a few years back, so always associated Code Vein with Christmas for some reason… I don’t think they intended that 😄. This looks like a big step up, and love those over the top boss deigns!

In all honesty I’d be happy if they toned down the soulslike features even more and went more hack and slash with it (which the first trailer semi hinted at?) either way I’ll be there!

@SeaDaVie I loved Scarlet Nexus as well! Hoping we do get a sequel. I am a bit of a sucker for these kind of games. Fate/Samurai on PS Plus Extra is scratching the itch for now if you haven’t tried that one, it’s a good’un 🙂

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 601

NieR_Dark

I’m playing a certain samurai sword play game, of course, I’m talking about… Fate / Samurai (I will get around to Ghost of Yotei, funds just aren’t allowing it this month 😄)

In all seriousness though, Fate / Samurai dropped quite quietly on PS Extra a month or so back and it’s a genuine hidden gem, I’m having a really good time with it. If you have seen the anime it definitely does a great job of capturing that tone, but I’m fairly confident it’d work just as well going in blind (it explains everything and is set many years before the anime takes place, so is totally standalone). It can be a bit talky in places, but the combat is a hell of a lot of fun, especially when you’re able to start switching characters. Highly recommend for anyone on the look out to fill the gap in between buying / playing something 🙂

Have a good weekend folks!

Re: Preview: We Played Anime Open World Ananta, and It Could Change Everything

NieR_Dark

I’ve never been into the Gacha game, but if anything I’ll more than likely at least give this one a go. On paper it should be a lot of fun, but time will tell.

In terms of the animations, especially Insomniac related, is there a chance with Sony’s backing Insomniac shared (or maybe sold) the animations etc? I have no idea as to the ins and outs of the gaming industry, but if it gives insomniac a cash boost and allows these guys to speed up development, maybe not out of the question? (And takes away any chance of any potential lawsuits 😄)

Re: Saros Launches Exclusively on PS5 in March 2026, and It Looks Fantastic in First Gameplay

NieR_Dark

@Lowdefal It’s a hard thing to pin point, but it’s kind of the same issue I have with most modern British movies / TV, everything just sounds really forced and far too pronounced (also the fact FF16 had the voice of Chris Finch from The Office, that was far too jarring 😄)

I don’t know, maybe it’s too close to home. I hear enough English accents everyday, when I play a game I want to be transported somewhere else. As I said, this is very much a “me” problem, I’m not saying it’s bad… just not to my personal taste.

Re: Saros Launches Exclusively on PS5 in March 2026, and It Looks Fantastic in First Gameplay

NieR_Dark

Very peculiar. I wasn’t overblown with Returnal, but it’s a game I really wish I liked, and I will go back to give another whirl.

This, (and admittedly as a Brit this is a personal preference), I hated the voice acting in the trailer (but I couldn’t play FF16 in English for the same reason, this very much is a me problem)… however the combat looked… okay…

Honestly wasn’t until the big boss reveal and the footage after I was into it, so very much a we’ll see for me for now.

Re: Sony's Still Not Doing Anything with Bloodborne, It's Claimed

NieR_Dark

I played this again fairly recently, and personally for me even at 30fps it still looked and played great. IF they ever did anything, I’d much rather a sequel than a remake.

But for now FromSoftware, just gimme a new Amored Core game (or at least a big DLC pack for Fires of Rubicon) to tide me over until the next big reveal.

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 597

NieR_Dark

Wrapping up (I think) the final missions on Slitterhead… last week I said I’d struggle to recommend the game, this week a different story. It’s an easy recommendation, especially if you’re a fan of retro horror games. I’ve on the quiet kind of fallen in love with this flawed but totally unique game 😀.

All with a bit of Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition on Switch. First time playing a Xenoblade game and absolutely loving it.

Have fun all!

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 596

NieR_Dark

Picked up Slitterhead in the sale last week, so continuing my very bizarre journey through that. Oddly having a really good time with this one. Not sure I could actually recommend it to anyone, it’s definitely not without its issues, but there’s a very odd, unique charm to the game I can’t quite put my finger on 😄

Have fun folks!

Re: Metal Gear Solid Delta Patch Promised, But No Mention of PS5 Performance Improvements

NieR_Dark

Crazy that as games have shot up in price they’re increasingly released in such a terrible state. Buying a game on a console shouldn’t be the case where you have to Google if it plays okay, especially not at £70 a pop. Playing a game day one should be exciting, not met with worry it’ll play terribly, sad it’s become so normalised.

It’s semi done me a favour, I can’t wait to get stuck into this further down the line when it’s as it should be, but for now I’ll dive into the backlog instead.

Re: Trails in the Sky PS5 Remake Reportedly Double the Length of Original Game

NieR_Dark

I started this on my old laptop a couple years back to start Trails as a series (was never sure where I could comfortably jump in). I think I got really close to the end when my laptop finally died on me. I had a great time with it though, and it’s been long enough to start from scratch without it feeling too similar, so this should make it feel extra fresh! I wonder if they’re re-recording the music? I loved the main theme.

Re: Keep an Eye on ENDS, a GTA-Inspired Sandbox RPG Set in London

NieR_Dark

Their heart seems to be in the right place, so really hope it works out well for them. Personally I think this is a pass for me… anytime I have to go into London these days I’m counting down the hours until I can get out again, so the idea of spending gaming time there as well fills my stomach with utter dread 😄

Re: Pinhead Is Back! Single Player Hellraiser Horror Revealed for PS5

NieR_Dark

Holy hell! That looks unexpectedly good, Barker involved, single player AND with Bradley back as the voice! This is some of the most exciting Hellraiser news in years!

Being greedy, id love for this to come to PSVR2! Seeing the cenobites in VR would be terrifying and as it’s a first person maybe not entirely out of the question! But either way, this one’s already got its hooks in.

Re: Dark Souls, Elden Ring Dev May Have Another New Game for 2026

NieR_Dark

I would absolutely love another Armored Core game! Armored Core VI was one of the most underrated games of that year in my humble opinion (and man was that soundtrack a killer!)
Was my first entry to Armored Core, and definitely left me wanting more!

Whatever it is, to echo others, I really hope this is a more single player oriented game. Other than leaving absolutely hilarious messages on the ground*, I like my from software games solo.

*I am yet to actually leave a message deemed hilarious.

Re: PS Stars Program Marks Its Eventual Shut Down with One Last Collectible

NieR_Dark

Still find this whole thing very odd. Feels like an idea which 3 years in never got out of its trial run. Digital collectibles I could live without, but the points were a nice little bonus, and did make me use the PS Store perhaps more than I would have otherwise. Their loss I guess.
What with my local GAME store shutting down end of August, guess I’ll have to rely on my Nectar points in Argos for my occasional video game discounts now. Very peculiar times.

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 586

NieR_Dark

After being very unsure, I caved and picked up Nightreign (using my Nectar points… go groceries paying for my games!) and gotta say… very pleasantly surprised! Actually having way more fun than I thought I would. I’m not really an online gamer, so was naturally a bit worried, but playing with randoms, although a little hit and miss has been fun!

That being said, I don’t know anyone that plays it, so if anyone does want some casual rounds please do let me know, I’m sure it’s easier to actually talk to people 😄.

Other than that, will be continuing to explore Into the Radius on PSVR2, and maybe even start the second Uncharted game. All while hiding away from that infernal heat here in the UK.

Have fun all!

Re: Talking Point: Is It Officially Game Over for PSVR2?

NieR_Dark

Personally I love VR… I picked mine up about a year ago, and still love jumping into it very regularly. I totally get it’s not for everyone and being honest, it’s always going to be a slightly niche side of gaming… but that’s fine!

For me, without sounding cliche, it’s been like rediscovering games again. I’ve been so used to how games play, the format… even the controls of games, and VR has flipped all of that on its head (no pun intended), and even though I suck at most of them still a year in (I still panic reloading weapons during shooting games 😄), I just love having a new way to play and experience them, and at times it can be genuinely exciting / shocking / scary (I’m a big horror fan and even still I get a little nervous in certain horror games).

While I do wish Sony would support it more with first party titles, they clearly are pouring some money into it behind the scenes. Games like the Resident Evil series, GT7 and even recently Hitman wouldn’t have worked on VR editions without some incentive, and at this point I can’t imagine sales are it 😄.

I’m remaining cautiously optimistic, but even if it’s inventive indie and AA titles I have to look forward to from here on out, that’s cool too!

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 583

NieR_Dark

Battling through the last DLC of Dark Souls 3, then I’ve officially finished all of the From Software Soulsborne’s… although I’m not expecting a pushover so maybe 2 weekends for them! 😄

Thinking of picking up Into The Radius in the Sale and jumping into that to break things up.
…and maybe even brave the outside for a bit.

Have fun all!

Re: Poll: Do You Care About the Death of PS Stars?

NieR_Dark

Very bizarre move. I said this when they stopped rewarding us for the subscriptions, but having that little £5 credit every now and then actually made me grab a game off the PS Store, and always spend on top of that, when I probably wouldn’t have otherwise bought a thing. So I’ll probably end up buying less from them direct and sticking to physical copies. Hopefully they’ll bring something in its place…but as the poll says… not hopeful.

Re: Random: These PlayStation Gashapons Play Each Console's Start-Up Sound

NieR_Dark

Going to Japan from the UK in 9 weeks (not that I’m counting 😄), will be my first time in Japan and I genuinely can’t wait.

A little scared how much I’m going to spend on buying things , but this is most definitely added to the list!

Also the NieR 15th anniversary exhibition by pure chance opens while I’m there… excitement levels are officially off the charts! 😁

Re: PS5, PS4 Fans Baffled by Sony's Decision to Promote Shovelware

NieR_Dark

I very much doubt any of these games get advertising without at least paying Sony something to “promote” the title first. In which case it’s probably pot luck who see’s them… and maybe they’re hoping it gets some traction and people who see them talk about it like we’re doing now (not a dig at this article, just what I’d do should I ever find myself making shovelware tripe 😄)

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 570

NieR_Dark

Few trophies to hunt on the first Uncharted before jumping over to the second game. The killing 75 people before dying one is really irritating me, mainly because I always die at some random platforming jump 😄. Really enjoyed the game though.

Also jumped back into Elden Ring, with Freedom Wars and yet another playthrough of NieR: Automata on the side (it was its birthday! That’s the excuse!)

Have fun everyone!