Comments 2,733

Re: Halo: Combat Evolved Remake Could Be the Final Frontier for Xbox on PS5

Rich33

UE5 hybrid engine is a(nother) disaster waiting to happen.

Plus, Im sorry, no matter what old catalogue games they release, I wont be believing that Xbox truly is multiformat until EVERY game is released simultaneously on PS consoles (with excellent Pro enhancements).
Only then will I take them seriously; but about a week ago there was an article about them releasing a new game on their own consoles 1st.

Re: Poll: Are You Playing Ghost of Yotei?

Rich33

Played a few hours today and very pleased so far - I was on the fence purely based on the fact that GoT didn't really click with me.

GoY has started well, and the graphics - playing on the 60fps Pro RT mode - are excellent.

After the linear prologue I went and explored a bit, but have been picking up rumours and exposition about the main story even while not directly following it, which has worked well.

Re: Sounds Like Sony May Finally Be Starting to Wind Down PS4 Support

Rich33

@Ricky-Spanish
Have to agree with @Northern_munkey in that I would wait for a low price PS5 sale - I doubt many future Exclusives will launch on PS4, and there are a few really good ones (eg Astro) which already aren't on PS4.

If your really set on PS4 it really comes down to how much the price difference is. The PS4 Pro was a good machine, but I still maintain having had and played them all extensively, that PS5 Pro is a much bigger enhancement over PS5 than PS4 Pro was over PS4.
Nb If you only have a 1080 TV for this console, there is no point in the PS4 Pro.

Re: Ghost of Yotei Gets a Near Perfect Score in Japan's Most Famous Gaming Magazine

Rich33

@Th3solution
Thankfully, there are very few games that I have bounced off so badly ive considered them a waste of money, though there are a couple - more likely I think "it was OK, but nothing special". And probably more games I have taken a 'punt' on (providing they are technically sound), that I have really enjoyed.
Hope you enjoy it too if you decide to play it.

Re: Silent Hill 2's Overdue PS5 Pro Fixes Now in Konami's Hands

Rich33

(If I remember correctly they removed the problem on SH2's performance mode, but its still present on the quality mode, and the game just isn't really enhanced that much in performance mode. They have then repeated the same mistakes in all of SHF's modes.)

I definitely wont be buying any of these games until they make proper Pro Enhancements.
Thats not a great loss given the number of games competing for my time and money - I will give those to the decent developers who do make very significant Pro enhancements to their games eg GoY.

Re: Ghost of Yotei Gets a Near Perfect Score in Japan's Most Famous Gaming Magazine

Rich33

@Th3solution
I couldn't fully explain what it was - GoY just sounded and looked better than I remembered for GoT - im not trying to overly knock that game either, and it certainly was not a bad game, but for some reason it just didn't click with me (though I would argue it was overhyped by some).

One element I can explain is that GoT looked very blurry/muddy despite the nice art direction - they really seem to have solved that for GoY.
I know thats also down to better hardware, but we also have the increase to 60fps, and Im comparing GoT to games of its time, and GoY to games of its, but again, maybe its just me.

I know what you mean by the 'revenge' story - I just hope this is a case of being quite vague to prevent spoilers.

Re: PS Plus Looks Better Than Ever After New Xbox Game Pass Price Rises

Rich33

This price increase is not surprising given the state of the Xbox platform as a whole - I mean, since they started putting exclusives on PS5 the sales of Xbox consoles have dropped off a cliff, and you see more and more comments of people selling their Xbox consoles.

The Day 1 part of GP was unsustainable anyway imo, particularly after the Activision acquisition, and these price raises help prove that - but the stagnant growth of their platform has not helped.

Re: Ghost of Yotei Gets a Near Perfect Score in Japan's Most Famous Gaming Magazine

Rich33

@Oram77
I wonder how many of these people calling for a boycott here, would support / call for a boycott of the company they personally work for, and which would cause said company to go out of business leading to them being put out of work, based purely on the personal opinions of a single member of staff that airs these opinions publicly.

Im not even getting into what was said / not said in this case - that is irrelevant to the point I am making.

We have all worked with people whose personal opinions we have disagreed with.

Re: Ghost of Yotei Gets a Near Perfect Score in Japan's Most Famous Gaming Magazine

Rich33

@Pat_trick
The content of Hogwarts Legacy was generally positive, and clearly the devs had distanced themselves from the authors and their published views. I would even go as far to say it handled these elements better than most games do, in a sincere way, with subtlety and context, but without unnecessary labelling.

The people who attacked it (including those who excluded it from game awards etc), REALLY needed to take a breath and look at the actual games content.

I see parallels with GOY - people attacking due to something that has no bearing on the content of the game.

Re: 'If This Doesn't Sell, There Won't Be a Next One': Dynasty Warriors 3 Remake Producer Asks for Support

Rich33

@StitchJones
Yes, its bad we have to ask "its not UE5, is it?" - and everyone seems in the same boat here.

Couldn't even guess how low the framerate would go with UE5 trying to render the number of enemies on screen that DWO does - it would likely be single figures... but as I say, I think I read they are sticking to the DWO engine which imo works - I think they did well, particularly on Pro, with how insane the gameplay can get in terms of moving enemy units. They used a few tricks* to lower CPU useage too I believe.

Unsure if W4 will release this gen or next, but PS5 is going to seriously struggle imo. If PS6 is already out, they may be able to get away with max 30fps on base PS5, maybe...

Edit * - I mean this is a positive sense, as it was good planning.

Re: 'If This Doesn't Sell, There Won't Be a Next One': Dynasty Warriors 3 Remake Producer Asks for Support

Rich33

@StitchJones
I think I read somewhere that its using the same engine as DW Origins, which runs well.

DWO:
If I remember correctly (I only played on Pro), it does have some minor fps dips to 55fps on base PS5 Performance mode, but can run a fair bit higher at other times (if you have a 120hz TV), and generally its OK.

Pro sees a very big increase, and reaches 70-100fps in the higher res Graphics mode, again if you you have 120hz.

Its not the prettiest game (or the worst looking), but then you have to appreciate what it is trying to do and keep to good framerate - I played DWO at release on Pro and was pleased.

Its possible it used UE4, but im not sure.

Re: 'If This Doesn't Sell, There Won't Be a Next One': Dynasty Warriors 3 Remake Producer Asks for Support

Rich33

@Enuo
I agree - I used to like the games, but got bored of the cycle of having to play for hours to upgrade a character only to unlock better characters, then start back at the beginning with them.
Origins bought me back to the series, and gave them a very solid point to improve upon - a character creator, and more choice / depth over individual moves and combos for example for that character (as opposed to just a change of weapons). That said, I did like the character/story arc.
After playing Origins, im just not sure I have any interest in going back. Plus, I though Origins sold very well considering.

Re: Rumour: New PS5 DualSense Controller Will Feature a Removable Battery

Rich33

Having worn out 3 controllers (at least) this gen through normal use killing the batteries, and only 1 showing any signs of other issues even after all those hours, this seems a very good idea.
Rechargeable batteries do not last for ever, and with stick drift issues reduced this gen (last gen nearly all my controllers failed because of this), this seems the next logical step.

Re: Too Scared to Play Silent Hill F? You Could Consider Reading It Instead

Rich33

@Oram77
So whats the problem supoosed to be?

My only real issue, after reviews etc was the low effort they put into the Pro version - if they fix that, then I will likely buy at a later date (though I suspect they are waiting for the new PSSR early next year).

In their review here they mentioned hitching during combat, thinking it was framerate based - DF didn't mention it, but it was evident from watching their video - is it a weird intended effect or just an issue they need to sort?

Re: Ghost of Yotei (PS5) - The Greatest Sucker Punch Game Ever

Rich33

@T-Bone09
I had GOT and it wasn't my favourite game.
GOY has been a hard sell to me because of that - but they have managed it.

On the visuals front, looking at footage from GOT (PS4 Pro) against GOY (on PS5 Pro), the visual update does look impressive. As well as GOY obviously running at 60fps, it has a clarity to the image that just wasn't there with GOT (something I remember being an issue back when I played it).

I also think some of the negativity you are seeing is because of 'other' reasons, that I wont detail here. Lets just say there are a couple of articles here on PS relating to Sucker Punch a couple of weeks ago.
I personally have no interest in these arguments as I tend to look at games content.
You also have some that aren't pleased the main character from the last game isn't the main character here.

Re: Ghost of Yotei (PS5) - The Greatest Sucker Punch Game Ever

Rich33

@Fatewalker
Im sorry, I still dont see PC as the answer, at the moment.
You only need to see the amount of people giving up on PC on these forums, and the reasons why, to see its not there.... yet.

The graphics options part is becoming closer to reality on console, particularly Pro - though I would like it to go further obviously.
You also have the problem, that even on the most powerful PC rigs, some games (particularly UE5) still have issues that graphics settings cant solve.

If Sony dont excel themselves next gen with PS6, but PC bridges the gap towards console simplicity 'straight out of the box', then that will be a different matter, as I have said.

Personally, I hope Sony get their heads out of their you-know-whats to see PC as a potential threat.
Maybe, if they do they will start to consider other strategies when it comes to game engines eg working to ensure UE5 opimises very well with PS6, or licensing some of their engines out for PS6 games.

Re: Ghost of Yotei (PS5) - The Greatest Sucker Punch Game Ever

Rich33

@Fatewalker
I agree with a number of your points (not the annual sub for online gaming though - that just cancels out with some of the additional costs on PC), but PC gaming comes with a number of hassles intrinsic to the platform.

The conversation started out of the quite frankly grim comparison between really good engines like Ghost of Yotei uses (which isn't even Sony's best by a way), and some of the 3rd party offerings we have seen lately, particularly UE5 based.

My point was that Sony may not be able to afford similar issues next gen, as PS6 finds itself in an odd position.

  • 30fps is realistically out - the PS5, PS6 Handheld, and Switch2 will all be sitting in this area, and the PS6 is likely to be far more expensive.
  • 60fps will only be marketable if performance issues are a thing of the past on PS6, and you can see a generational leap between PS5 Pro and PS6.
    But that only happens if 3rd parties can/do ensure it does - you already have the situation where Sony's games look and run what seems to be a generation apart from a lot of 3rd party games. What if 3rd party PS6 games don't look and run better than Sony 1st party PS5 Pro games - that makes a bit of a marketing disaster for PS6.
  • 90fps plus is the point at which a PS6 could be sold without console competition (ie the biggest change from PS4 to PS5 was 30fps to 60fps). But just how powerful will it be, and how many people actually own HDMI2.1 120hz TVs?

If the PS6 does not impress people with 3rd party software, they may well not upgrade from PS5/Pro.

Then my point was what if a 'PC in a box' arrives with significant performance above PS6 - this could become very tempting to people wanting more than PS5/Pro, but not convinced by PS6, but ONLY if:

  • The intrinsic hassles that affects PC gaming can be addressed - and to be clear, in a couple of years time I believe we will be well on the way, particularly with pre-built machines. A 'light' OS will be needed, but Im sure they are on the way too.
  • They are designed to connect directly to Living room TVs (as well as monitors), straight out of the box, and get the most out of them. This point would be essential for me.
  • The true outlay cost is visible and isn't too high. (I will add here that all those "I can build a PS5 Pro equivalent PC for less than a PS5 Pro" videos/articles are the best way to get peoples backs up - as they invariably do not start from scratch, using all new parts, or include everything).

I think its going to be an interesting generation.

Of course, Sony do have 1 thing that they could announce that could upend all of this - a PS6 Pro that is far more powerful than PS6, available AT launch. Even if its pretty costly.

NB PC as a platform also need to do something serious about cheating - all the people I know who play MP, disable crossplay with PC because of it - you only need 1 per game.

Re: Publisher EA Poised to Go Private as 'Advanced Talks' of $50 Billion Buyout Emerge

Rich33

@Oz_Who_Dat_Dare
Im sure the question "well, why do you still buy from X" could legitimately be asked, but this one would just be one step too far (and as I said on another recent thread, I don't want to give a mod a headache).

What I can say is that I try to buy games based on their content / messaging, not on unrelated opinions of members of the dev teams etc (eg Hogwarts Legacy where the content was the opposite of the authors publicised views, and GOY), but I know that this buyout would likely incorporate certain intentional messaging in the games.

Re: Ghost of Yotei (PS5) - The Greatest Sucker Punch Game Ever

Rich33

@StitchJones
For some it will be - particularly if we are (as I believe we will be in a couple of years time) on the cusp of multiple 'PCs in a box'.
For some it wont be an alternative, and some of them may hold fast to PS5/Pro's.

My point is that Sony may find themselves sandwiched between Switch 2, their own PS5, and PC, with a lack of clear definition as to the benefits of PS6 if third party software does not reach the standard I described.

That may compel Sony to act - otherwise, im not sure PS6 will take off like PS5 did, and their market share will start to degrade from all sides.
The worst thing that can happen is people starting to believe that it "doesn't matter how good PS6 is, if devs aren't going to utilise it properly".

But, we do know Sony is at their best when their market share is in danger.

Re: Ghost of Yotei (PS5) - The Greatest Sucker Punch Game Ever

Rich33

@StitchJones
As RTX5090 set ups still have some issues, im not holding out hope.

But Sony may eventually be forced to act.
If, as is almost certain, cross gen is even longer next gen, and they release a handheld with less power than a PS5 where does PS6 fit in a scale?

Low visual quality / 30fps : Switch 2

OK visual quality / 30fps : PS6 handheld

Higher visual quality at 30fps OR Low visual quality at 60fps (with issues) : PS5

High visual quality at 60fps (perfect performance) OR Decent visual quality at 120fps (and maybe a mid range at 90fps using VRR) : PS6

But what if devs don't keep to this for PS6, and there continues to be performance issues - it makes PS6 pointless, and PC becomes the only alternative if someone wants better than a PS5 Pro can acheive.

Re: The Last of Us 2 Is Now Available on PS Plus Extra on PS5, PS4

Rich33

@Northern_munkey
Such is the fun of online or text conversations - im sure I have written things that have been misinterpreted (particularly my humour), as have a lot of us who post regularly. I know Mr/Miss Khastik** (I think thats the right spelling they use) has been misinterpreted several times, despite their username.*

Unfortunately you also see the darker side - those people who spew hate, or regurgitate rubbish and dont listen / won't/can't discuss, yet often wouldn't say the same things if they were offline / weren't anonymous! (But for anyone reading, I am not talking about people who 'open up' in a positive way because of anonymity).

I also try my best not to give mods headaches as to whether something is too off topic / inappropriate etc (and try not to ask others to do the same, which can be difficult).

Edit * Though you could not misinterpret the original post (now deleted) which I was responding to...
Edit2 ** Got the spelling wrong lol.

Re: Ghost of Yotei (PS5) - The Greatest Sucker Punch Game Ever

Rich33

@StitchJones
Its certainly a messy situation - in the early days, if I was a dev, and I didn't have the option of a proprietary engine, no way would I be wanting to use an unproven UE5 - I would have stuck with the tried and tested UE4.

One element I have read but have no idea how true it is, is that using the more resource hungry parts of UE5 saves devs time - but its now clear they shouldn't be using these functions on current gen consoles as they are too resource hungry - so why are they still being used in some cases?

But QA testing and optimisation by devs is also to blame - just look at the MGSD example on Pro (game struggling on PS5 so turned up visuals further), and Borderlands 4 on PS5 (how did they not see the issue during testing, or did they and released anyway?).

GOY looks and performs so much better for using an in house engine, and has amazing scalability for Pro. And its not even one of Sony's best engines eg Insomniac's / Decima.

Re: The Last of Us 2 Is Now Available on PS Plus Extra on PS5, PS4

Rich33

@Northern_munkey
The trouble is, I dont necessarily think some of what you are talking about is what I would still call 'woke' - anything taken to an extreme can turn negative in the end - as an unrelated example, admiration is no longer admiration if it becomes stalking.

The context of my original comment/reply is difficult to see now as the original comment I was replying to has been deleted, but mine was a reply to a comment portraying the series as bad purely because it was 'woke'. If the series has issues, that is not one of them.

I have not read what the actress said in the case you mention - I always try to* work by the theory that I look at the game in question, not the viewpoint of any individual involved in its development.
I will use the Hogwarts Legacy example, as another example I could use is a bit too recent - the Sirona character and any messaging I saw in the game was handled well, and was purely positive, often done without unnecessary labelling. Given this, 'the author's personal views should not have been brought into conversations about the game, as they had no bearing on the game or its content - In fact, the opposite was true.

Edit: *added "try to" as its not always easy.

Re: The Last of Us 2 Is Now Available on PS Plus Extra on PS5, PS4

Rich33

@Snick27
Woke is a good thing.
It helps people to understand different people, and that people are naturally different.
It helps those in minority groups feel included - which should be the case everywhere, but is something the human race has been, and still is very bad at.
It also helps remove fear barriers, on all sides - as most fear is derived from ignorance or non-understanding.

When the human race as a whole accepts people for who they are, not what 'category' they fit into, the world will be a better place.

Re: Revised PS5 Pro Model Reportedly Coming Soon in Europe, But Don't Expect Much

Rich33

@TheArt
Im not the biggest fan of the series consoles design - but I did like the old 360. I think when it comes to PS5/Pro/Slim I like the completely non-boxy design, and the integration of the grey (PS1 reminiscent) covers.
I always lay mine horizontal, so maybe that affects my view (no pun intended), and I do have plenty of space so that probably helps.

When I first got my Pro out of the box, I was pleasantly surprised by the sleeker design - as oppsed to the original - but im sure this applies to the slim as well.