This game is so bare bones but I still love playing it a few times a week with a couple friends. The mix of skill and horrendous (but hilarious) plays at times is great even though there's no progression and very limited stats.
@saffeqwe Look past the number. Ratings are a relic and unfortunately still needed, but reading this review lays out very clearly whether you will like this game or not. For me, as I just played the main game on plus, I'm going to pass as I need more of the story elements.
This is a topic that has a lot of nuance to it, but I would like to see games account for offline play where they are integrating online into the menus. For example, I am playing a lot of PGA 2k25 which is a great game, but if the servers are offline, I can't play the single player career mode. Those common situations need to be accounted for separately than online service games.
Might check this out as a friend is praising it. I wonder why games like this don't implement some positive boost for completing passes or otherwise rewarding good team play?
I'm a bit of an outlier in that Act II is turning into a real slog. I felt like the game in the first act had so much going on and then nothing. Having to push myself to play it a couple times a week even though I enjoy the combat.
I suspect feelings on this will vary a lot based on what you are looking for in a racer. As a carPG that I can enjoy while turning my brain off, I find it scratches the itch for me much better than GT7, but I can also see where the bloat would turn others off.
I might downgrade because like many others, I just don't have the time to keep up with a subscription, but I do enjoy getting a few games a year from it. Not too concerned about the cost as this is my only hobby that really costs anything.
One odd thing I've noticed is these games stay at the top of "new games by release" a week+ after they released, despite newer games being listed after them. Not sure how that happens, but it's annoying.
I like to do everything on a trophy list, and I average about 2 hours a day when you factor in days I play online games instead. So if a game can keep my interest, it's going to take about 3 weeks for a 40-hour game, and a couple months for an 80-hour game.
As a result, I often fall off most RPGs by either the 20 or 30 hour mark and start playing other games.
I have no opinion on the news piece of this article or Horizon, but this should be an editorial. The solution is actually in the content of article "if it bothers you, ignore it."
Having a great time with it so far. I liked XI, but this is really giving me the cozy vibe the series is known for. Just curling up on the couch with my portal and making my way through the world.
I've only put about an hour into this, but so far so good. There is definitely a lot of info on the screen, but none of it seems too difficult to grasp based on similar games. Looking forward to more, and I like what @Hyena_socks is saying about unlocks.
Technically I have a little more time for gaming, but it's not specifically because of summer as much as a drop-off in watching hockey which competes for gaming time in other parts of the year.
Really enjoying this so far. The quick save option, while common now, is awesome to step away from the longer fights. I actually saved last night at a post-battle story mid-conversation.
Game is a 7/10 on PureXbox and an 81 on Metacritic. This take sounds hyperbolic to me, but if I ever want to play it, I'll wait for it on PS5 or play it somewhere else.
The store is so rough. I check almost daily for new releases and between the amount of trash games and games from 3 weeks ago that for some reason are still showing as the newest, I can only imagine how many titles are missed or overlooked that would be purchased. Even removing the weekly blog on new titles was a step backwards a few years ago.
As I play more and more games, I've started appreciating great UI and responsive controls. They've certainly figured both out with the Persona series. Even the audio cues that go with actions in the game have a pleasing sound to them.
@danzoEX Nah, I am looking forward to it. I love all kinds of tactical turn-based games. I'm bummed about the story, but actually prefer a more straightforward experience without all the social links that make the base games great.
I'm keeping an eye on this once more people have it. I like the larger screen as my phone is too small to play a lot of games, and I don't have a tablet or a need for one. I think if it was $100-150 I'd jump right in.
The other thing I question somewhat is how long this will be supported. I haven't seen any discussion about whether this would be supported in the future for PS6 — probably too early to say.
Happy for those who are interested, but this is too late for me. I finished most of the game, but I feel like I'd have to restart to really get up to speed and there are too many other games.
Comments 105
Re: Mini Review: Ball X Pit (PS5) - A Fiendishly Compelling Mix of Vampire Survivors and Breakout
@commentlife Agreed. Put in about an hour tonight.
Re: After Finally Adding Crossplay, Rematch Is Coming to Physical Retail in November
This game is so bare bones but I still love playing it a few times a week with a couple friends. The mix of skill and horrendous (but hilarious) plays at times is great even though there's no progression and very limited stats.
Re: Promise Mascot Agency Adds New Features, Challenges, More in Huge Free Update on PS5
Really enjoyed platinuming this one.
Re: Wheel World (PS5) - Open World Cycling Sim Is a Joy When It Isn't Chugging Along
Hate to see a game like this have performance issues. I'll check it out after some patches.
Re: RoboCop: Rogue City - Unfinished Business (PS5) - Standalone Mini-Sequel Just Misses the Mark
@saffeqwe Look past the number. Ratings are a relic and unfortunately still needed, but reading this review lays out very clearly whether you will like this game or not. For me, as I just played the main game on plus, I'm going to pass as I need more of the story elements.
Re: PS5, PS4 Finally Gets More Picross, with a Hatsune Miku Flavour
Fun note — There's an obvious error in the puzzle image included on the 4 across/2-11 vertical row/column.
Re: PS5, PS4 Finally Gets More Picross, with a Hatsune Miku Flavour
@Balosi I've been playing Logiart Grimoire this week and it's decent. There's a minor fusion gameplay element, but it's mostly just puzzles.
Re: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Story Leaves The Last of Us Director 'In Awe'
Classy setup he's got there.
Re: Industry Body Representing Publishers Like PlayStation Says Stop Killing Games' Proposals Would Be 'Prohibitively Expensive'
This is a topic that has a lot of nuance to it, but I would like to see games account for offline play where they are integrating online into the menus. For example, I am playing a lot of PGA 2k25 which is a great game, but if the servers are offline, I can't play the single player career mode. Those common situations need to be accounted for separately than online service games.
Re: Mini Review: Rematch (PS5) - Fun, Fresh Football Game Holds Huge Potential
Might check this out as a friend is praising it. I wonder why games like this don't implement some positive boost for completing passes or otherwise rewarding good team play?
Re: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Patch 1.3.0 Makes Big Balance and Difficulty Adjustments
I'm a bit of an outlier in that Act II is turning into a real slog. I felt like the game in the first act had so much going on and then nothing. Having to push myself to play it a couple times a week even though I enjoy the combat.
Re: These 9+ New PS5, PS4 Games Are Coming Out Next Week (9th-15th June)
What a surprise drop for Star Trucker!
Re: EA Sports College Football 26 Will Build Upon the Best-Selling US Sports Game Ever
I played 10+ seasons last year but I think I'll pass until they figure out a way to carry over progress. Not really interested in starting over.
Re: Poll: Vote for Your PS5 Game of the Month (May 2025)
Fantasy Life. It caught me by surprise but its focus on tasks has pulled me in more than other similar games that are more open ended.
Re: Forza Horizon 5 Update Available Now, Includes Several PS5-Specific Fixes
I had two random crashes on cut scenes early on but flawless otherwise for about 20+ hours.
Re: Forza Horizon 5 (PS5) - Xbox Had the Best Open World Racer All This Time
I suspect feelings on this will vary a lot based on what you are looking for in a racer. As a carPG that I can enjoy while turning my brain off, I find it scratches the itch for me much better than GT7, but I can also see where the bloat would turn others off.
Re: These 17+ New PS5, PS4 Games Are Coming Out Next Week (14th-20th April)
Thanks for these articles. Very helpful to find new games.
Re: The 'Dark Souls of Climbing' Cairn Ascends PS5 in 2025
I'm on board for this.
Re: PS Plus Members Are Upgrading to Higher Tiers on PS5, PS4
I might downgrade because like many others, I just don't have the time to keep up with a subscription, but I do enjoy getting a few games a year from it. Not too concerned about the cost as this is my only hobby that really costs anything.
Re: Sony Quietly Pulls 'Eslop' Titles in Face of Mounting Pressure
One odd thing I've noticed is these games stay at the top of "new games by release" a week+ after they released, despite newer games being listed after them. Not sure how that happens, but it's annoying.
Re: Game of the Month: Vote for Your Favourite PS5 Game of January 2025
Actually didn't play anything new this month. December is usually my backlog time, and it's carried over to January which is not a bad thing.
I've knocked out:
The Thaumaturge (my favorite game of the last year)
Thirsty Suitors
Right & Down
Lake
and am working on:
Unicorn Overlord
Roots of Pacha
Weird West
Re: Poll: How Long Does It Take You to Beat a Big RPG?
I like to do everything on a trophy list, and I average about 2 hours a day when you factor in days I play online games instead. So if a game can keep my interest, it's going to take about 3 weeks for a 40-hour game, and a couple months for an 80-hour game.
As a result, I often fall off most RPGs by either the 20 or 30 hour mark and start playing other games.
Re: Dragon Age: The Veilguard Failed Because It Wasn't Live Service, EA CEO Seems to Suggest
@AlexPorto Great point and hilarious timing with KCD II's release.
Re: Firaxis Unveils Civilization 7 Content Roadmap for 2025 and Beyond
I have a passing interest. Played a little of the last Civ game, but all the content drip makes me want to wait for a complete edition.
Re: Tactical Trilogy Concludes with Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 on PS5, PS4
Yeah I enjoyed the first one last year, but never got to the sequel because it looked so similar. Fun game though.
Re: Vampire Action Game V Rising Claims 5 Million Victims and Counting
I got turned off by the camera controls, but it's been creeping back into my thoughts lately, so I might give it another go.
Re: Horizon Hatred Simmers Once More As Sony Announces Movie Adaptation
I have no opinion on the news piece of this article or Horizon, but this should be an editorial. The solution is actually in the content of article "if it bothers you, ignore it."
Re: Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake Ships 2 Million Worldwide, Japan Accounts for at Least Half
Having a great time with it so far. I liked XI, but this is really giving me the cozy vibe the series is known for. Just curling up on the couch with my portal and making my way through the world.
Re: Poll: What Review Score Would You Give LEGO Horizon Adventures?
Solid 7 as some the people above me. It's a lot of fun to pop in for a couple levels, but I wish there was a little more content/depth.
Re: Pacific Drive's Latest PS5 Update Lets You Tinker with Wide Range of Difficulty Options
This was a game I needed 60 FPS in, so I put it down. Pretty sure they have added it since, so I'd like to get back to it.
Re: Mini Review: Monster Train (PS5) - Another Addictive Card Game for the Deck
I've only put about an hour into this, but so far so good. There is definitely a lot of info on the screen, but none of it seems too difficult to grasp based on similar games. Looking forward to more, and I like what @Hyena_socks is saying about unlocks.
Re: Poll: What Are Your Summer Gaming Habits?
Technically I have a little more time for gaming, but it's not specifically because of summer as much as a drop-off in watching hockey which competes for gaming time in other parts of the year.
Re: Jeanne d'Arc (PS5) - Long Awaited Strategy RPG Remains Divine
Really enjoying this so far. The quick save option, while common now, is awesome to step away from the longer fights. I actually saved last night at a post-battle story mid-conversation.
Re: Interview: Why SMT 5: Vengeance Devs Decided to Revisit the RPG and Bring It to PS5, PS4 Players
Need to find the time for this one, but I will pick it up.
Re: Soapbox: Once a PS4 Console Exclusive, PS5 Players Are Missing a Visual Stunner in Hellblade 2
Game is a 7/10 on PureXbox and an 81 on Metacritic. This take sounds hyperbolic to me, but if I ever want to play it, I'll wait for it on PS5 or play it somewhere else.
Re: Whimsical Chibi RPG WitchSpring R Casts a Spell on PS5 This August
Appears to be turn-based, so that has my interest.
Re: Talking Point: What's Next for Xbox Games on PS5, PS4?
I bought:
Pentiment - Awesome
Grounded - Playing with friends, awesome
Hi-Fi Rush - In my backlog
I hope they bring more as there are some really good games I'd play on the PS platform. Made it a point to speak with my wallet.
Re: Poll: Are You Playing Hi-Fi Rush?
I bought it but not sure when I will start it.
Re: Smash Hit Indie Roguelike Balatro Has Sold Half a Million Copies in 10 Days
Really enjoying it and it's something I play on Portal a good bit as well. I've only made it to the 8th ante once, but I'm having a good time with it.
Re: Pacific Drive (PS5) - The Car Is the Reasonably Priced Star of Deep, Dense Survival Game
@R_Ryder Average does not mean median. No site reviews all games released, so you can't assume an average score would be the most common.
Re: Feature: Indie Publisher Neon Doctrine on the Importance of Culture and Improvements to the PS Store
The store is so rough. I check almost daily for new releases and between the amount of trash games and games from 3 weeks ago that for some reason are still showing as the newest, I can only imagine how many titles are missed or overlooked that would be purchased. Even removing the weekly blog on new titles was a step backwards a few years ago.
Re: Persona 3 Reload's Sexy UI Result of Retaining Key Staff, Says Atlus
As I play more and more games, I've started appreciating great UI and responsive controls. They've certainly figured both out with the Persona series. Even the audio cues that go with actions in the game have a pleasing sound to them.
Re: Granblue Fantasy: Relink (PS5) - Fantastic Action RPG Finally Takes to the Skies
Good review — sounds fun but something I want to wait a little bit for as I play through Like a Dragon and potentially P3 Reload.
Re: Learn How to Survive Pacific Drive with Developer-Led Gameplay on PS5
Not even going to watch this as I'm already in.
Re: SnowRunner Follow-Up Expeditions Gets Adventurous with New Overview Trailer
Probably day 1 for me. I loved Snowrunner even if it was a bit too hardcore for me. This different approach to missions has me intrigued.
Re: SteamWorld Build (PS5) - A Steam-Fresh Take on the City-Building Genre
Good review. I usually don't have the time/patience for deeper city building games but love the concept, so I might check this out.
Re: Magical PS5 FPS Immortals of Aveum Is Probably Coming to PS Plus at Some Point
@DonkeyFantasy They already know how many copies are sold.
Re: Persona 5 Tactica (PS5) - Quality Combat Sends the Phantom Thieves Out in Style... Hopefully
@danzoEX Nah, I am looking forward to it. I love all kinds of tactical turn-based games. I'm bummed about the story, but actually prefer a more straightforward experience without all the social links that make the base games great.
Re: Hardware Review: PS Portal Is the Perfect PS5 Companion (For Some)
I'm keeping an eye on this once more people have it. I like the larger screen as my phone is too small to play a lot of games, and I don't have a tablet or a need for one. I think if it was $100-150 I'd jump right in.
The other thing I question somewhat is how long this will be supported. I haven't seen any discussion about whether this would be supported in the future for PS6 — probably too early to say.
Re: Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn (PS5) - Solid Expansion Treads Very Familiar Territory
Happy for those who are interested, but this is too late for me. I finished most of the game, but I feel like I'd have to restart to really get up to speed and there are too many other games.