Crimson Desert on (base) PS5. Only played a few hours but am so far enjoying it. Have to say that I disagree with most of the criticisms levelled at the game thus far. Controls - apart from having to adapt to using X to run (and this is far from the first game to do this) Iāve not really had any issues. Graphics - some have called the graphics āroughā on base PS5. Iāve been playing in quality mode and think it looks great. Another criticism was that the opening hours - one person said 8! - were terrible. I donāt agree with this either - Iām having fun. Iām still really early in the game obviously so my opinions may change, but theyāre my thoughts so far. Ultimately people need to play it for themselves and make up their own mind.
If I can drag myself away from CD, Iām also playing Xenoblade Chronicles X DE on Switch 2, and Absolum (PS5).
Alongside Crimson Desert, Iām also currently playing Xenoblade Chronicles X on Switch 2, and the jump button in that is ZR! PS5 equivalent would probably be R2. Not every game has the same cookie cutter controls. Yes itās a little inconvenient, but you just have to rewire your brain. To be honest, after hearing people say CD has the āworst controls everā I was expecting a lot worse than what they actually are.
Iāve read so many different opinions over base PS5 graphics. One person on YouTube said theyāve been playing in quality mode and thought it looked good. He also said that he felt no need to switch to performance mode. I downloaded it last night, so will find out for myself tonight š¬
Your article says itās a āuniversal toggleā, which can be applied to compatible games. Does this mean it works with ALL PS5 games, or just ones that have been patched to work with the Pro? š¤ I donāt own a PS5 Pro yet, but am considering getting one (possibly even tomorrow if Crimson Desert gets great reviews).
All we need now is a verdict on the actual gameplay. Letās hope Pearl abyss stick the landing and itās not a complete jankfest! Canāt wait for the reviews tomorrowā¦
The problem I have is that of the games showcased with PSSR 2 Iāve either 1) Already played and finished, or 2) Iām simply not interested in them. I rarely replay games. So it will only really benefit me in games going forward. So this year that could be Crimson Desert, Wolverine, GTA 6 and some others. Not sure this is enough to justify the Ā£700 outlay.
Iāve come close to buying a PS5 Pro a few times, but always pull back at the last minute. Iām not a huge Resident Evil fan so havenāt bought Requiem, but Crimson Desert may convince me to get one š¤
They could silence all the naysayers by just showing us console footage, and I mean base consoles, not just PS5 Pro. After the Cyberpunk 2077 launch debacle people have every right to be sceptical.
PSSR 2.0 coupled with Crimson Desert might just persuade me to get a Pro. Oh, and GTA 6 of course š Also, the rumours of PS6 being delayed means the Pro will have a longer shelf life. All these factors are making the Pro an increasingly attractive purchase.
I played (and finished) this on Xbox last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was easily in my top 5 games of 2025. Exploration is fun and often rewarded, so check every nook and cranny! Combat is great and you can really mix it up with your choice of weapons. I spent the majority of my play through using a wand in one hand for spells, and an axe in the other. Great fun.
Itās starting to sound more and more like the Zelda titles BOTW and TOTK - not technically āsoulslikeā games but can still offer a robust challenge.
@Oram77 Thanks for the suggestions, though tbh many of the games you listed Iāve already played and finished, with little appetite to revisit them. Saying that, Iāve heard AC Shadows looks amazing on the Pro, and I havenāt yet finished that game.
I hope we get some PS5/Pro gameplay footage before the release date. Iām worried we have another Cyberpunk 2077 on our hands, though Iām happy to be proven wrong. This game, and GTA 6, may actually convince me to get the Pro š¤
It will be interesting to see if itās just a visual upgrade, or whether theyāve actually tinkered with any of the gameās mechanics to bring it more in line with the sequel š¤
@SteveJaye @Northern_munkey @VeganH @graymamba @somnambulance @species Thanks for all the suggestions! I have played several of those recommended, especially The Division games and Titanfall 2, but thereās a few there Iāve yet to play, so thanks.
It doesnāt make sense to cancel something that was so far along. I could understand if it was still early in development, but this is just throwing money down the drain.
I think a lot of people will buy it digitally anyway, so they can preload it. Letās face it, itās gonna be a BIG game, so having it downloaded and ready to go on day 1 will be very appealing to a lot of players.
It looks amazing, almost too good. Iām more worried about performance on consoles š³ Going gold almost 2 months before release is hopefully a good sign though, meaning they can use this window to fully optimise it for the inevitable day 1 patch.
I played this on Series X and highly recommend it, itās in my top 5 games of 2025. The combat is great and very flexible - eg you can have an axe in one hand and a wand in the other! Also, exploring the world is a joy, and going off the beaten path is often rewarded. I finished the game ages ago, but am looking forward to NG+.
Iāve played through the game twice now, which is something I rarely do. I played it when it first came out, and tbh I never found the bugs that bad. Then I played through it again when the 2.0 version and Phantom Liberty DLC dropped. I think they created an amazing futuristic open world, one that I still sometimes go back to despite having completed it. I canāt wait for the sequel.
I own the original Xbox 360 disc, which apparently thereās no free upgrade path for š” from what videos Iāve seen Iām certainly not coughing up Ā£50 or even the Ā£25 sale price for it.
These devs were punching well above their weight for such a small team. I really enjoyed The Ascent and it looked amazing. Looking forward to this announcement š¤
Last time I tried to get back into Destiny 2 I was just overwhelmed by all the different currencies and systems š³ the onboarding for lapsed or even new players could definitely be improved. The actually gunplay was amazing and some of the best in class.
I still havenāt finished the game yet, though am now in the final region - Oshima coast. Itās great that NG+ will be available sooner rather than later. I hate it when they add NG+ ages later by which time youāve long finished the game and have forgotten all the controls š So when I finish it soon, I now have the option of diving straight into NG+.
I think what I might start doing is have my sub expire just before Black Friday every year, that way I can then renew at a lower rate. Is there a downside to having small gaps in your membership, even if only a few days? Not as far as I can tell š¤
Ghost of YÅtei Around 60 hours in and have only just killed the third of the YÅtei six! The outer worlds 2 I never really got into the first game, but after a slow start the sequel is growing on me. Have just spent half the morning trying to sneak into the Vox relay stationā¦and now Iām in! EA FC26 This is the first FIFA/FC game Iāve bought in years. After hearing about the āauthenticā mode of play I decided to play the trial and then subsequently bought the game. I still think there are defending and AI issues (I only play offline, in career mode) but on the whole Iām enjoying it. Lumines arise Bought and downloaded, and hope to give it a proper play over the weekend. Winter burrow Just started playing this on Gamepass. I don't usually do survival games, but this is a ācozyā survival game, and itās hard not to fall for itās charms š
Comments 1,602
Re: Crimson Desert Dev to Patch PS5 RPG's 'Uncomfortable' Controls
Not had much of an issue myself, other than I keep crouching when I meant to run š good to see the devs are reacting quickly to player feedback.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 625
Crimson Desert on (base) PS5. Only played a few hours but am so far enjoying it. Have to say that I disagree with most of the criticisms levelled at the game thus far. Controls - apart from having to adapt to using X to run (and this is far from the first game to do this) Iāve not really had any issues. Graphics - some have called the graphics āroughā on base PS5. Iāve been playing in quality mode and think it looks great. Another criticism was that the opening hours - one person said 8! - were terrible. I donāt agree with this either - Iām having fun. Iām still really early in the game obviously so my opinions may change, but theyāre my thoughts so far. Ultimately people need to play it for themselves and make up their own mind.
If I can drag myself away from CD, Iām also playing Xenoblade Chronicles X DE on Switch 2, and Absolum (PS5).
Re: Hands On: Crimson Desert Runs Well Enough on PS5 Pro, But What About That Intro?
Alongside Crimson Desert, Iām also currently playing Xenoblade Chronicles X on Switch 2, and the jump button in that is ZR! PS5 equivalent would probably be R2. Not every game has the same cookie cutter controls. Yes itās a little inconvenient, but you just have to rewire your brain. To be honest, after hearing people say CD has the āworst controls everā I was expecting a lot worse than what they actually are.
Re: Crimson Desert Looks 'Rough' on Base PS5, Here's 25 Minutes of Direct Capture Footage
Iāve read so many different opinions over base PS5 graphics. One person on YouTube said theyāve been playing in quality mode and thought it looked good. He also said that he felt no need to switch to performance mode. I downloaded it last night, so will find out for myself tonight š¬
Re: 'This Is Finally Living Up to Its Promise': PS5 Pro Owners Thrilled with PSSR 2 Upgrade
@DennisReynolds @Voltan thanks guys š
Re: 'This Is Finally Living Up to Its Promise': PS5 Pro Owners Thrilled with PSSR 2 Upgrade
Your article says itās a āuniversal toggleā, which can be applied to compatible games. Does this mean it works with ALL PS5 games, or just ones that have been patched to work with the Pro? š¤ I donāt own a PS5 Pro yet, but am considering getting one (possibly even tomorrow if Crimson Desert gets great reviews).
Re: Here Is Crimson Desert Gameplay on Base PS5
All we need now is a verdict on the actual gameplay. Letās hope Pearl abyss stick the landing and itās not a complete jankfest! Canāt wait for the reviews tomorrowā¦
Re: 'An Even Smoother Experience': Developers Chime in on PS5 Pro's PSSR 2 Update
The problem I have is that of the games showcased with PSSR 2 Iāve either 1) Already played and finished, or 2) Iām simply not interested in them. I rarely replay games. So it will only really benefit me in games going forward. So this year that could be Crimson Desert, Wolverine, GTA 6 and some others. Not sure this is enough to justify the Ā£700 outlay.
Re: Crimson Desert PS5 Trophies Leak, and They're Basically Nonsensical
The trophies leaked before any base console footage š
Re: Crimson Desert Release Times: When Can You Start Playing?
ā The rumour is that no console review codes have been distributed, with access only offered on PCā
Yes, I know DF have had access to PS5 Pro code, but the lack of ANY base console codes being sent out is a š©to me. Don't get me wrong, I really hope the game turns out to be great, but Iām definitely waiting for reviews being ordering.
Re: First Crimson Desert PS5 Pro Analysis Calls It 'A Phenomenal Experience'
Ngl, if thereās one game that will convince me to get a Pro other than GTA 6, itās this.
Re: PS5 Pro Sales Explode on the Back of PSSR 2 Hype, System Sells Out in Some Stores
Iāve come close to buying a PS5 Pro a few times, but always pull back at the last minute. Iām not a huge Resident Evil fan so havenāt bought Requiem, but Crimson Desert may convince me to get one š¤
Re: 'We're Not Hiding Anything': Crimson Desert Dev 'Sick' of Claims Around No PS5 Footage
They could silence all the naysayers by just showing us console footage, and I mean base consoles, not just PS5 Pro. After the Cyberpunk 2077 launch debacle people have every right to be sceptical.
Re: Rumour: GTA 6 Pre-Orders Incoming as Game IDs Are Finally Added to PS5 Database
Iāll wait for reviews first. Too many red flags š
Re: Crimson Desert Tech Analysis Raises More Questions About PS5 Performance
This has Cyberpunk 2077 vibes written all over it š³
Re: Sony Confirms Big PS5 Pro Upgrade Is Out in March, Better PSSR Upscaler
In time for Crimson Desert? š¤
Re: PS5 Pro Upgrade Details Spotted, as Sony Patents PSSR 2.0 Tech
PSSR 2.0 coupled with Crimson Desert might just persuade me to get a Pro. Oh, and GTA 6 of course š Also, the rumours of PS6 being delayed means the Pro will have a longer shelf life. All these factors are making the Pro an increasingly attractive purchase.
Re: Tokyo Xtreme Racer on PS5 Will Have Bonus Features and Content Not Found in PC Version
I know hardly anything about this game. Is it an arcade racer? Is it circuits or open world?
Re: God of War: Sons of Sparta (PS5) - Series' Boldest Bet Is Also Its Slowest Burn
They should have shadow dropped it straight onto PS+
Re: Avowed (PS5) - Overlooked Xbox RPG Arrives with Some Big Upgrades
I played (and finished) this on Xbox last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was easily in my top 5 games of 2025. Exploration is fun and often rewarded, so check every nook and cranny! Combat is great and you can really mix it up with your choice of weapons. I spent the majority of my play through using a wand in one hand for spells, and an axe in the other. Great fun.
Re: Don't Expect Crimson Desert to Be Easy, PS5 Open Worlder Won't Have Difficulty Options at Launch
Itās starting to sound more and more like the Zelda titles BOTW and TOTK - not technically āsoulslikeā games but can still offer a robust challenge.
Re: Crimson Desert PS5 Is Also a Full-On Life Sim Game, Last Deep Dive Video Reveals
@Oram77 Thanks for the suggestions, though tbh many of the games you listed Iāve already played and finished, with little appetite to revisit them. Saying that, Iāve heard AC Shadows looks amazing on the Pro, and I havenāt yet finished that game.
Re: Crimson Desert PS5 Is Also a Full-On Life Sim Game, Last Deep Dive Video Reveals
I hope we get some PS5/Pro gameplay footage before the release date. Iām worried we have another Cyberpunk 2077 on our hands, though Iām happy to be proven wrong. This game, and GTA 6, may actually convince me to get the Pro š¤
Re: PS5 Open Worlder Crimson Desert Seems Destined to Be a Hit, Tops 2 Million Wishlists
This could either be one of the best games of the year, or the biggest disappointment š³
Re: Rumour: Kingdom Come: Deliverance PS5 Version to Release Within a Week or So
It will be interesting to see if itās just a visual upgrade, or whether theyāve actually tinkered with any of the gameās mechanics to bring it more in line with the sequel š¤
Re: Highguard (PS5) - Jack of All Trades PS5 Shooter Is Fine
@SteveJaye @Northern_munkey @VeganH @graymamba @somnambulance @species Thanks for all the suggestions! I have played several of those recommended, especially The Division games and Titanfall 2, but thereās a few there Iāve yet to play, so thanks.
Re: Highguard (PS5) - Jack of All Trades PS5 Shooter Is Fine
Slightly off topic, but can anyone recommend a good PvE shooter?
Re: 'Everything Had Been Going Smoothly': Prince of Persia PS5 Remake Actress Found Out About Cancellation from Family
It doesnāt make sense to cancel something that was so far along. I could understand if it was still early in development, but this is just throwing money down the drain.
Re: Rumour: GTA 6 Might Not Launch Physically at First to Avoid Leaks
I think a lot of people will buy it digitally anyway, so they can preload it. Letās face it, itās gonna be a BIG game, so having it downloaded and ready to go on day 1 will be very appealing to a lot of players.
Re: Classic Assassin's Creed Games Could Get 60FPS PS5 Upgrades Next
@Midnyte-Monkey This is one of the most requested titles for a 60fps patch from Ubisoft - surely it must be on the cards š¤
Re: Classic Assassin's Creed Games Could Get 60FPS PS5 Upgrades Next
If Unity gets a 60fps patch AND a resolution bump, Iāll be happy š
Re: Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Remake Reportedly Delayed by Up to a Year
Have Ubisoft got anything coming out in the near future, or even in 2026? š¤
Re: Crimson Desert Goes Gold, Ambitious PS5 Open Worlder Locks in March Release Date
It looks amazing, almost too good. Iām more worried about performance on consoles š³ Going gold almost 2 months before release is hopefully a good sign though, meaning they can use this window to fully optimise it for the inevitable day 1 patch.
Re: Xbox's Avowed Will Be $20 Cheaper When It Launches on PS5
@naruball I guess the point is that even though it came out a year ago on Xbox, the game is NEW to the PS5. When it was new on Xbox it was $20 more.
Re: Xbox Exclusive RPG Avowed Is Coming to PS5 in February with Major New Features
I played this on Series X and highly recommend it, itās in my top 5 games of 2025. The combat is great and very flexible - eg you can have an axe in one hand and a wand in the other! Also, exploring the world is a joy, and going off the beaten path is often rewarded. I finished the game ages ago, but am looking forward to NG+.
Re: The Witcher 3 Really Could Be Getting a New Expansion on PS5 in 2026
Iām soooooooooo up for this!
Re: Poll: How Would You Rate Cyberpunk 2077, 5 Years Later?
Iāve played through the game twice now, which is something I rarely do. I played it when it first came out, and tbh I never found the bugs that bad. Then I played through it again when the 2.0 version and Phantom Liberty DLC dropped. I think they created an amazing futuristic open world, one that I still sometimes go back to despite having completed it. I canāt wait for the sequel.
Re: Netflix Says Warner Bros Games Doesn't Hold 'Any Value' in $82 Billion Acquisition
For that comment alone, I hope Paramount win out š
Re: Red Dead Redemption PS5 Another Subpar Re-Release from Rockstar
I own the original Xbox 360 disc, which apparently thereās no free upgrade path for š” from what videos Iāve seen Iām certainly not coughing up Ā£50 or even the Ā£25 sale price for it.
Re: Random: Hideo Kojima Cast in Japanese Version of the Wildly Popular Zootopia 2
Biggest animated movie opening of all time?!? Considering all of Disney and Pixarās output thats no mean feat šš
Re: The Ascent Dev to Announce Its Next Game at The Game Awards
These devs were punching well above their weight for such a small team. I really enjoyed The Ascent and it looked amazing. Looking forward to this announcement š¤
Re: The Witcher Dev Still Wants to Release Ciri's Whole Trilogy Within Six Years
Not gonna happen š¤·š»āāļø
Re: Ahead of Renegades Launch, Destiny 2 Dev Explains New Approach to Expansions
Last time I tried to get back into Destiny 2 I was just overwhelmed by all the different currencies and systems š³ the onboarding for lapsed or even new players could definitely be improved. The actually gunplay was amazing and some of the best in class.
Re: You Could Be Playing the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time PS5 Remake in a Few Weeks
Even better would be a shadow drop straight after the game awards!
Re: Quick Thinking from Sony Should Shield PS5 from RAM Shortages for Now
I hope these issues are resolved by the time PS6 goes into production š¤
Re: Huge Ghost of Yotei PS5 Patch Drops Next Week, Adds New Game+, Items, and More
I still havenāt finished the game yet, though am now in the final region - Oshima coast. Itās great that NG+ will be available sooner rather than later. I hate it when they add NG+ ages later by which time youāve long finished the game and have forgotten all the controls š So when I finish it soon, I now have the option of diving straight into NG+.
Re: PS Plus Gets a Decent Black Friday Discount, But There's a Catch for Existing Members
I think what I might start doing is have my sub expire just before Black Friday every year, that way I can then renew at a lower rate. Is there a downside to having small gaps in your membership, even if only a few days? Not as far as I can tell š¤
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 607
Ghost of YÅtei Around 60 hours in and have only just killed the third of the YÅtei six!
The outer worlds 2 I never really got into the first game, but after a slow start the sequel is growing on me. Have just spent half the morning trying to sneak into the Vox relay stationā¦and now Iām in!
EA FC26 This is the first FIFA/FC game Iāve bought in years. After hearing about the āauthenticā mode of play I decided to play the trial and then subsequently bought the game. I still think there are defending and AI issues (I only play offline, in career mode) but on the whole Iām enjoying it.
Lumines arise Bought and downloaded, and hope to give it a proper play over the weekend.
Winter burrow Just started playing this on Gamepass. I don't usually do survival games, but this is a ācozyā survival game, and itās hard not to fall for itās charms š
Re: Study Claims Physical PS5 Games Are 100 Times Worse for the Planet Than Digital Downloads
Was the research sponsored by Sony? š
Re: Poll: Vote for Your PS5 Game of the Month (October 2025)
Ghost of YÅtei, and itās not even close.