@Uromastryx I would argue that there is a pretty big difference between "clapping like sheep" and recognizing that a sequel to a successful game is going to build on what made the original successful. Some folks around the internet don't seem to understand this.
My main point, however, is the insanity of strong conclusions either way based on 20 minutes of out of context gameplay. I have all the different consoles. I don't care if this is Sony first party. If I play it and its bad, I'll criticize it. If it reviews badly, I'll criticize it. What I won't do is render final immovable judgement based on a glorified trailer-especially with the track record of Sucker Punch.
The internet is becoming a not good place to discuss games. You say things like: "Maybe we should wait until someone plays the thing", and suddenly the internet brands you as a mindless sheep. We are living in strange times.
@lazarus11 I agree. I am reading around the internet, and I donât know why some people were expecting a hugely different game from the highly successful and beloved first one.
âSequel to fantastic game does many of the same things and is the same kind of game. Shocking news at 11.â
@AlexPorto Everyone is absolutely entitled to their opinion, but I get exhausted by the strong reactions to every game from the bits of gameplay we see before release.
I go all over the internet and see: âI was SUPER hyped for this game, but based on this snippet I hate it and will never play it!!!!!â I just sincerely doubt that kind of sentiment. If this small gameplay sample turned a person, they were not on board with this game to start with.
It is not some huge revelation that GOY is going to be an open world game with a checklist that has touches that invigorate that formula. GOT did the exact same thing. We are getting a sequel to that game-it is expected. There was not a huge graphical leap between PS4 and PS5. This game looks completely on par with this entire generation.
I am really looking forward to the game, but 20 minutes of gameplay from a 50 plus hour game would have a hard time changing my mind one way or the other.
I like this community, but I have said it here before: discussion of games in the internet age is getting tiresome. People form such strong and outspoken opinions when no reviewer or player has even had a chance to play the dang game. It is silly.
@iPaud Supergiant is an amazing studio. All their games are great-they just donât miss. But I think I have things reversed from most people. Pyre is my favorite game from them (I canât get enough of the music, the great characters, and that world, and the magic soccer like game is really fun), and Hades is my least favorite (It is still great-just not my favorite style of game).
All this to say: I think you are in for a treat with Pyre!
Doom the Dark Ages for me. It is really fun. But man, my reflexes are not what they used to be. Sometimes a demon hits me, and I respond two days later! đ
@get2sammyb This really speaks to me. I have been gaming since Atari 2600, and it would not be uncommon for me to only have 1-2 games to play a year for most of my childhood. And I had all the time in the world.
Now there are so many games, I have access to them all....and no time to play! I keep telling my wife I am going to take a video game sabbatical one of these years..........
I am so mixed on this, having been a subscriber from almost the beginning:
1.I think we pay more than we should for what we actually get;
2.Related to that is I really like playing online and having cloud saves, but that stuff should be free and a benefit of the ecosystem in an ideal world;
3. I actually enjoy the monthly essential tier games, as they often lead me to games I want to try but wouldn't buy or didn't know about. I have discovered some really great games through Plus. I sometimes subscribe to the higher tiers, but I don't find myself using them very much. I don't want to structure my game time around when games might leave;
4.I do think PS is generally overcharging us for this service. But I have really enjoyed it over the years, and I keep resubscribing.
I am going to be honest with yâall: I needed something lighter after Expedition 33. It is a brilliant game, but it is relentlessly grim, and that ending really sticks with you. Plus some of the bosses were punishing, even on normal.
So I am playing Sand Land based on the anime. You drive around blasting things in the vehicles you build while clearing the fog of the map and collecting everything in sight. Combat is pretty laid back even on hard, the vehicles are cool, and the characters are a fun hang. And the art style is fantastic.
Not a GOTY contender, but I am having a really good time. Sometimes the right game just comes along at the right time!
1.This is a very good game that did not deserve the hate it received. However, It is not as good as the first one or Left Behind.
2.The game tells a very compelling story about the cycle of violence. That story needed editing, and dragged on a little too long. The gameplay is great.
3. At the end of the day, as good as the game was, I think Naughty Dog made a mistake not making a game focused on the bond between Joel and Ellie and continuing their journey together. There was a lot more interesting story to tell there after the end of the first game, and it is what fans wanted in a sequel. Again: TLOU2 is no doubt a good game. But they could have made a good sequel that pleased their fans a lot more. There was story to tell that they veered away from.
I am torn here. I really do think smaller games with smaller budget is what the industry we love needs.
But....if there is any game series that maybe should not go this route, GOW might be it. Those games are so reliant on scale and spectacle. It might be the one series you resist toning down.
I'll play it, but I would not be as excited for this. I would be eager for them to prove me wrong!
I didnât like the scene either, but didnât they let her go because the big attack was starting on their village and they wanted to get back there to defend it? They dropped everything to get back to their home?
I donât love the explanation or the scene, but I think it was explained-I could be mistaken. I think the idea is they had more important things to worry about than Ellie. It was not executed well.
@Lonejester I think everyone understands this. And I am one that makes the case for your argument, as I just posted that I am going to roll my eyes and renew anyway.
The issue is that many businesses for the entire history of capitalism have rewarded the loyalty of longstanding customers in various ways. Not out of the goodness of their hearts, but because customer retention and a reputation for good customer service mean something in the market.
I think it is a valid discussion whether it is a good decision in the long term for Sony to not take better care of existing customers. A lot of people like me will just renew, but some won't. And it may impact how people feel about it going forward.
This continues to be not great. I have been a Plus member since almost the beginning. I am not going to spend a lot of time lamenting the couple of bucks this boils down to, but it is not a great way to encourage loyal customers to retain your service.
My family has a longstanding tradition of renewing my Plus subscription for Father's Day, so whatevs. But Sony should do better.
@joeyflannel I have heard nothing about where the show is going so I am just speculating, but I bet we spend a big portion of the time from Abby's perspective in Season 3.
I went into the second season prepared to be disappointed in comparison to the game, because the structure of the game doesn't really fit well into a regular TV series structure, or any kind of passive media really. There is a part of the review that talks about how one of the best parts of the game is being able to put things in new contexts as you play through it. Play through it being the operative phrase.
The show could be doing a much better job of not saying the quiet part out loud all of the time. But it is inevitable that the season was going to be more blunt, because the story is being expressed to people sitting back on their couches instead of scouring every corner of the environment in Ellie or Abby's shoes as gamers were in TLOU2.
It doesn't mean that a tv series can't make subtle connections (Andor just gave us a really good example of a series doing this). I am just saying that people passively watching have different expectations, and laying out the story in a more straightforward manner was always to be expected.
I told my wife when Season 1 was announced that the first season was going to be acclaimed and the second season was going to be more challenging for people. Not just because of what happened to Joel (also not the norm for television), but because the structure is not what TV viewers are generally accustomed to. It was always going to be either too straightforward compared to the game, or too disjointed for normal TV structure. I am still enjoying the show, but not as much as the game. And I am not at all surprised Season 2 is not getting the same flowers as Season 1. Part 2 was great for a game, challenging to put on TV.
It makes me sad that actors and people in the public eye have to deal with haters for just doing their jobs. It is all just so stupid and ridiculous and unnecessary.
I, for one, cannot wait to play Naughty Dog's next adventure, and will be there day one.
I am playing Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii and having a great time. I have certainly played better games, but it is hard to remember the last game where I had more fun!
Who knew that pirates would be the perfect vehicle for the absurd spirit the series is known for?
@AhmadSumadi This was my Mom-not a gamer, but loves the show. She sent me a text after the episode that just said: âNooooooo!â. I felt bad-I knew what was going to happen and could at least brace myself!
My wife is also not a gamer, also loves the show, but was on a trip and has not caught up yet. Very interested to see what she thinks. Also advised her not to talk to my Mom for a few days to avoid spoilers. đ
@Shepherd_Tallon This was the only moment of a tense episode that brought a smile to my face! I have two big protective German Shepards, and I was like: Good dogs!
@idiotthechef This is a really interesting point that I hadnât thought of, so thank you. I am not sure I agree with it, but something to ponder. I am being vague to avoid spoilers, but my initial thought is that the people of Jackson are a lot more important than the city of Jackson when it comes to the issue you raise. I guess weâll see what they do.
@lindos Joel killed her father. The story over two games is about the cycle of violence, including revenge. What about her motivations doesnât make sense? Or is it the way the show put her in that position bothering you? Not trying to be argumentative, genuinely curious as to your point.
1.I agree with the review about the whole show really-it is compelling television (this episode included), but it is not the equal of playing either game. I was surprised how much that moment with Joel still hurt all these years later.
2.I am very surprised the show went there this early. Lots of ways they could have stretched it out, and I was sure they would. TLOU2 is a great game, but told in a lot of ways that donât fit neatly into a TV series. The choices they make to make that fit are going to be so interesting.
3.I thought the attack on Jackson was a great sequence. My main complaint about season one (that I heard a lot from others) is that there were not enough infected outside of one episode. They didnât even feel like a threat, which really diluted the stakes of the choice at the end IMO. The attack sure did take care of that right away.
@NotTelevision I would say it is not very comparable to those games. There is some punching (with those great Indy punch sound effects), and some shooting. But really, this game wants you to play stealth. If you make much noise or attract more than one or two guards, you usually die in the game. Mostly you go around hitting folks with various objects from the shadows.
That is some good fun, and there are a couple of levels that put variations on the formula and are a little more action based than the more open areas. But the stealth gets repetitive, and that is what the game really wants you to do.
I still enjoyed it a lot, but combat was not the strongest partâŚâŚ.
I played this on Gamepass and had a great time. I think this review nails it-the game play IS shallow, no getting around it, especially the combat. If you do not care about Indiana Jones, there are better adventure/puzzle games out there to play.
However: If you are an Indy fan like me, this is not to be missed. Machine games got the world of Indiana Jones perfect. It feels like being in one of the movies. And it has the best Indiana Jones story this century, hands down. It would have fit right in with the likes of Raiders or Last Crusade.
I also agree about doing the side quests. I did not get all the collectibles because the gameplay in all those open spaces gets old. But I did all the side missions-they add a lot to the story.
This is also one of the last Tony Todd performances we get to enjoy, another reason to play this thing!
I finished Atomfall last night. It is worth playing, but I wish I liked it more than I do. The premise and exploration are top notch, but the combat and movement are not great. Those things really start to drag on the game as you get into harder areas. I was ready for it to be over when the credits rolled.
Sadly, work commitments will leave almost no time for gaming from Monday until next weekend. I need a short game I can complete or just enjoy Saturday and Sunday. Maybe now is when I finally get to New Tales From the Borderlands? Or finally give Ballatro a spin?
@Kramlar I agree completely that it isnât confirmed from the language you posted. Just as a comfort, I note that Supergiant used this exact same language in this exact same situation when Hades was in early access. It ended up on PS5 shortly after launch.
As you said, nothing guaranteed, but I would be shocked if we werenât playing this on PS5 relatively soon.
@Ichiban Sandland will obviously be a PS Plus title. I bought it. I am on quite the roll of owning the Essential tier titles these daysâŚ..đđđ
Atomfall for me. I like it so far. The atmosphere is great and my favorite part of open world games is exploring, which is clearly the key to this game. A few hours in, I will say that I am solving a bunch of leads, but it just feels like I am wandering around. Again, I am enjoying the exploration, I hope I manage to create more focus to my wandering at some point. But I am intrigued.
From the staff section: Everything or Nothing is a game I have not thought about in such a long time! It has been years and years since I played it, but I remember having fun, and thinking that the music, acting and production was way better than I expected (for the time at least). I would love to know how it holds up today. I know there are soooo many modern games to review, but I think a Push Square feature reviewing some old games with some fresh eyes would be fun!
Third month in a row I have had the featured game. But RoboCop is great-especially if you grew up in that era and have some nostalgia for the character.
I got to the final battle in Avowed late last night, but wanted to see the end of the game fresh so will finish that today. Good game! Next is Star Citizen 2. And watching a lot of college basketball.
I am tempted to purchase Shadows-it sounds great. But I am short on time at the moment. I will get it eventually. I am thinking it would be perfect for when I get time off for Christmas holidays.
This sounds really fun. It will be a while before I get to it-not only is my backlog shamefully huge, but Ghost, the upcoming Ghost, and Rise of the Ronin have satisfied my desire for this kind of game in this setting very recently. But get to it eventually I shall!
I also want to say how thankful I am for the great reviews here and on Pure Xbox too. They are always well written, and always helpful. The work is appreciated-thanks!
This looks great. And Children of Morta was also great. So I am def. checking this out.
However, at my age my reflexes arenât exactly âhoned to a razorâs edgeâ. They are honed to likeâŚâŚa pillowâs edge? A boss strikes and I react five days laterâŚâŚ đ
I know this is not a popular take, but I really enjoyed Starfield. I think Bethesda marketed it as some sort of cross between a deep RPG and No Manâs Sky, which was a big mistake. It was absolutely not the game they implied. It is also one of the worst games at onboarding players I have ever seen. There is a lot thrown at you in the opening hours that isnât fun, and it is really not comfortable.
ButâŚâŚthere are some really good questlines in here. The pirate one is one of my favorites in years. The UCL questline has a great horror vibe. There are some individual sci-fi themed quests that had some really interesting choices and mechanics.
I was not looking for galaxy spanning exploration, or great base and ship building (although I enjoyed building a fleet of ships I captured). I was looking for some interesting questlines with a space skin, and that is what I got. So I was happy. I understand why others are not, especially since the advertising for the game leaned on the elements of it that were under baked.
@OldSchoolHeel I think and hope you will be pleased. A lot of people liked DAI, and no offense to them, but I found that game incredibly boring. I gave it a good 30 hours too, it just never clicked with me.
Like you, I wasnât even going to check out DAV as a result, but I am glad I did. I found both the combat and the characters much more compelling than Inquisition.
Comments 899
Re: 'It's Not About Checking Off a Map, It's About Engaging with What Excites You': Ghost of Yotei PS5 Gameplay Stuns
@Uromastryx I get it, and I want to be clear that the frustration I am voicing here is about the wider Internet conversation, not this conversation.
I hope you and I both enjoy this when it comes out! If not, I am sure we will not be alone in our disappointment. đ
Re: 'It's Not About Checking Off a Map, It's About Engaging with What Excites You': Ghost of Yotei PS5 Gameplay Stuns
@Uromastryx I would argue that there is a pretty big difference between "clapping like sheep" and recognizing that a sequel to a successful game is going to build on what made the original successful. Some folks around the internet don't seem to understand this.
My main point, however, is the insanity of strong conclusions either way based on 20 minutes of out of context gameplay. I have all the different consoles. I don't care if this is Sony first party. If I play it and its bad, I'll criticize it. If it reviews badly, I'll criticize it. What I won't do is render final immovable judgement based on a glorified trailer-especially with the track record of Sucker Punch.
The internet is becoming a not good place to discuss games. You say things like: "Maybe we should wait until someone plays the thing", and suddenly the internet brands you as a mindless sheep. We are living in strange times.
Re: 'It's Not About Checking Off a Map, It's About Engaging with What Excites You': Ghost of Yotei PS5 Gameplay Stuns
@lazarus11 I agree. I am reading around the internet, and I donât know why some people were expecting a hugely different game from the highly successful and beloved first one.
âSequel to fantastic game does many of the same things and is the same kind of game. Shocking news at 11.â
Re: 'It's Not About Checking Off a Map, It's About Engaging with What Excites You': Ghost of Yotei PS5 Gameplay Stuns
@AlexPorto Everyone is absolutely entitled to their opinion, but I get exhausted by the strong reactions to every game from the bits of gameplay we see before release.
I go all over the internet and see: âI was SUPER hyped for this game, but based on this snippet I hate it and will never play it!!!!!â I just sincerely doubt that kind of sentiment. If this small gameplay sample turned a person, they were not on board with this game to start with.
It is not some huge revelation that GOY is going to be an open world game with a checklist that has touches that invigorate that formula. GOT did the exact same thing. We are getting a sequel to that game-it is expected. There was not a huge graphical leap between PS4 and PS5. This game looks completely on par with this entire generation.
I am really looking forward to the game, but 20 minutes of gameplay from a 50 plus hour game would have a hard time changing my mind one way or the other.
I like this community, but I have said it here before: discussion of games in the internet age is getting tiresome. People form such strong and outspoken opinions when no reviewer or player has even had a chance to play the dang game. It is silly.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 588
@iPaud Supergiant is an amazing studio. All their games are great-they just donât miss. But I think I have things reversed from most people. Pyre is my favorite game from them (I canât get enough of the music, the great characters, and that world, and the magic soccer like game is really fun), and Hades is my least favorite (It is still great-just not my favorite style of game).
All this to say: I think you are in for a treat with Pyre!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 588
Doom the Dark Ages for me. It is really fun. But man, my reflexes are not what they used to be. Sometimes a demon hits me, and I respond two days later! đ
Have a good weekend everyone!
Re: Mini Review: Into the Restless Ruins (PS5) - An Inventive Spin on Roguelike Dungeon Crawling
Looks cool! Had not heard of this one, so thanks for putting it on my radar!
That is what I really like about PS-I find out about a lot of interesting games here. Thanks again!
Re: July 2025's PS Plus Essential Games Available to Download Now
âFight, Slaughter and Climbâ would be a good name for a platformer brawler.
Re: Poll: 15 Years of PS Plus - What Do You Think of Sony's Subscription Service?
@get2sammyb This really speaks to me. I have been gaming since Atari 2600, and it would not be uncommon for me to only have 1-2 games to play a year for most of my childhood. And I had all the time in the world.
Now there are so many games, I have access to them all....and no time to play! I keep telling my wife I am going to take a video game sabbatical one of these years..........
Re: Poll: 15 Years of PS Plus - What Do You Think of Sony's Subscription Service?
I am so mixed on this, having been a subscriber from almost the beginning:
1.I think we pay more than we should for what we actually get;
2.Related to that is I really like playing online and having cloud saves, but that stuff should be free and a benefit of the ecosystem in an ideal world;
3. I actually enjoy the monthly essential tier games, as they often lead me to games I want to try but wouldn't buy or didn't know about. I have discovered some really great games through Plus. I sometimes subscribe to the higher tiers, but I don't find myself using them very much. I don't want to structure my game time around when games might leave;
4.I do think PS is generally overcharging us for this service. But I have really enjoyed it over the years, and I keep resubscribing.
Re: Preview: Don't Sleep on Capcom's Pragmata, the Most Inventive PS5 Shooter in Years
Hype Intensifying!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 586
I am going to be honest with yâall: I needed something lighter after Expedition 33. It is a brilliant game, but it is relentlessly grim, and that ending really sticks with you. Plus some of the bosses were punishing, even on normal.
So I am playing Sand Land based on the anime. You drive around blasting things in the vehicles you build while clearing the fog of the map and collecting everything in sight. Combat is pretty laid back even on hard, the vehicles are cool, and the characters are a fun hang. And the art style is fantastic.
Not a GOTY contender, but I am having a really good time. Sometimes the right game just comes along at the right time!
Re: Poll: How Do You Feel About The Last of Us Part 2, 5 Years Later?
1.This is a very good game that did not deserve the hate it received. However, It is not as good as the first one or Left Behind.
2.The game tells a very compelling story about the cycle of violence. That story needed editing, and dragged on a little too long. The gameplay is great.
3. At the end of the day, as good as the game was, I think Naughty Dog made a mistake not making a game focused on the bond between Joel and Ellie and continuing their journey together. There was a lot more interesting story to tell there after the end of the first game, and it is what fans wanted in a sequel. Again: TLOU2 is no doubt a good game. But they could have made a good sequel that pleased their fans a lot more. There was story to tell that they veered away from.
Re: FBC: Firebreak (PS5) - PS Plus Shooter Proves Remedy Should Have Stayed in Its Lane
"wish you had been playing Control 2 instead".
This. I was always going to pass on this, because I knew this would be my reaction no matter what.
I will be there with bells on for Control 2 though.
Re: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Teases Big Improvements for Future Updates
I just finished this over the weekend. Great game. The conclusion of this one is going to stick with me for a long time.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 584
Still playing Expedition 33. Just got to Act 3.
Great game. The hype is real.
Re: Rumour: Greek God of War Game Is a 2.5D Metroidvania
I am torn here. I really do think smaller games with smaller budget is what the industry we love needs.
But....if there is any game series that maybe should not go this route, GOW might be it. Those games are so reliant on scale and spectacle. It might be the one series you resist toning down.
I'll play it, but I would not be as excited for this. I would be eager for them to prove me wrong!
Re: The Last of Us Season 2's Strangest Scene Was Cut from the Game
I didnât like the scene either, but didnât they let her go because the big attack was starting on their village and they wanted to get back there to defend it? They dropped everything to get back to their home?
I donât love the explanation or the scene, but I think it was explained-I could be mistaken. I think the idea is they had more important things to worry about than Ellie. It was not executed well.
Re: PS Plus Subscription Sale Takes 33% Off, But There's a Big Catch
@Lonejester I think everyone understands this. And I am one that makes the case for your argument, as I just posted that I am going to roll my eyes and renew anyway.
The issue is that many businesses for the entire history of capitalism have rewarded the loyalty of longstanding customers in various ways. Not out of the goodness of their hearts, but because customer retention and a reputation for good customer service mean something in the market.
I think it is a valid discussion whether it is a good decision in the long term for Sony to not take better care of existing customers. A lot of people like me will just renew, but some won't. And it may impact how people feel about it going forward.
Re: PS Plus Subscription Sale Takes 33% Off, But There's a Big Catch
This continues to be not great. I have been a Plus member since almost the beginning. I am not going to spend a lot of time lamenting the couple of bucks this boils down to, but it is not a great way to encourage loyal customers to retain your service.
My family has a longstanding tradition of renewing my Plus subscription for Father's Day, so whatevs. But Sony should do better.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 582
I donât Platinum games terribly often, but I got the one for Yakuza Pirates in Hawaii. Because the entire game was incredibly damn fun.
On to Expedition 33 during this three day weekend. Canât wait.
Re: TV Show Review: The Last Of Us (HBO) Season 2 Episode 6 - Robbing the Story of Its Genius
@joeyflannel I have heard nothing about where the show is going so I am just speculating, but I bet we spend a big portion of the time from Abby's perspective in Season 3.
Re: TV Show Review: The Last Of Us (HBO) Season 2 Episode 6 - Robbing the Story of Its Genius
I went into the second season prepared to be disappointed in comparison to the game, because the structure of the game doesn't really fit well into a regular TV series structure, or any kind of passive media really. There is a part of the review that talks about how one of the best parts of the game is being able to put things in new contexts as you play through it. Play through it being the operative phrase.
The show could be doing a much better job of not saying the quiet part out loud all of the time. But it is inevitable that the season was going to be more blunt, because the story is being expressed to people sitting back on their couches instead of scouring every corner of the environment in Ellie or Abby's shoes as gamers were in TLOU2.
It doesn't mean that a tv series can't make subtle connections (Andor just gave us a really good example of a series doing this). I am just saying that people passively watching have different expectations, and laying out the story in a more straightforward manner was always to be expected.
I told my wife when Season 1 was announced that the first season was going to be acclaimed and the second season was going to be more challenging for people. Not just because of what happened to Joel (also not the norm for television), but because the structure is not what TV viewers are generally accustomed to. It was always going to be either too straightforward compared to the game, or too disjointed for normal TV structure. I am still enjoying the show, but not as much as the game. And I am not at all surprised Season 2 is not getting the same flowers as Season 1. Part 2 was great for a game, challenging to put on TV.
Re: Intergalactic PS5 Star 'Bootcamp-ing' with Neil Druckmann to Ignore the Haters
It makes me sad that actors and people in the public eye have to deal with haters for just doing their jobs. It is all just so stupid and ridiculous and unnecessary.
I, for one, cannot wait to play Naughty Dog's next adventure, and will be there day one.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 580
I am playing Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii and having a great time. I have certainly played better games, but it is hard to remember the last game where I had more fun!
Who knew that pirates would be the perfect vehicle for the absurd spirit the series is known for?
Re: RoboCop: Rogue City's Expansion Gameplay Is All Action, and We Ain't Complaining
âCrotch-Combusting Carnageâ was not a phrase I expected to see anywhere today. But it fits the game well, so no notes! đ
I had so much fun with Rogue City, so definitely checking this out.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 578
@lazarus11 I was just telling a friend yesterday that I really hope there is a South of Midnight sequel. I would be there Day 1!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 578
During the latest PS Store sale, I caved and bought Pirate Yakuza. Having a great time with it so far.
Over on Xbox, I finished up South of Midnight. It is a fantastic game. When it inevitably makes its way to PS5, I highly recommend it.
Re: TV Show Review: The Last of Us (HBO) Season 2 Episode 2 - More Birdie Than Hole in One
@AhmadSumadi This was my Mom-not a gamer, but loves the show. She sent me a text after the episode that just said: âNooooooo!â. I felt bad-I knew what was going to happen and could at least brace myself!
My wife is also not a gamer, also loves the show, but was on a trip and has not caught up yet. Very interested to see what she thinks. Also advised her not to talk to my Mom for a few days to avoid spoilers. đ
Re: TV Show Review: The Last of Us (HBO) Season 2 Episode 2 - More Birdie Than Hole in One
@Shepherd_Tallon This was the only moment of a tense episode that brought a smile to my face! I have two big protective German Shepards, and I was like: Good dogs!
Re: TV Show Review: The Last of Us (HBO) Season 2 Episode 2 - More Birdie Than Hole in One
@idiotthechef This is a really interesting point that I hadnât thought of, so thank you. I am not sure I agree with it, but something to ponder. I am being vague to avoid spoilers, but my initial thought is that the people of Jackson are a lot more important than the city of Jackson when it comes to the issue you raise. I guess weâll see what they do.
Re: TV Show Review: The Last of Us (HBO) Season 2 Episode 2 - More Birdie Than Hole in One
@lindos Joel killed her father. The story over two games is about the cycle of violence, including revenge. What about her motivations doesnât make sense? Or is it the way the show put her in that position bothering you? Not trying to be argumentative, genuinely curious as to your point.
Re: TV Show Review: The Last of Us (HBO) Season 2 Episode 2 - More Birdie Than Hole in One
1.I agree with the review about the whole show really-it is compelling television (this episode included), but it is not the equal of playing either game. I was surprised how much that moment with Joel still hurt all these years later.
2.I am very surprised the show went there this early. Lots of ways they could have stretched it out, and I was sure they would. TLOU2 is a great game, but told in a lot of ways that donât fit neatly into a TV series. The choices they make to make that fit are going to be so interesting.
3.I thought the attack on Jackson was a great sequence. My main complaint about season one (that I heard a lot from others) is that there were not enough infected outside of one episode. They didnât even feel like a threat, which really diluted the stakes of the choice at the end IMO. The attack sure did take care of that right away.
Eager to see more.
Re: Shuhei Yoshida's Played 'So Many Versions' of Ghost of Yotei, and It's 'Always Felt Great'
Ghost of Yotei is the game I am most excited about this year. Canât wait.
Re: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (PS5) - Globe-Trotting Adventure Just Got Even Better on PS5
@NotTelevision I would say it is not very comparable to those games. There is some punching (with those great Indy punch sound effects), and some shooting. But really, this game wants you to play stealth. If you make much noise or attract more than one or two guards, you usually die in the game. Mostly you go around hitting folks with various objects from the shadows.
That is some good fun, and there are a couple of levels that put variations on the formula and are a little more action based than the more open areas. But the stealth gets repetitive, and that is what the game really wants you to do.
I still enjoyed it a lot, but combat was not the strongest partâŚâŚ.
Re: Star Wars Zero Company Is Respawn's Turn-Based Tactics Game, Full Reveal This Weekend
@CKFilms You will be watching its career with great interest?
I am also interested, for the same reasons!
Re: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (PS5) - Globe-Trotting Adventure Just Got Even Better on PS5
I played this on Gamepass and had a great time. I think this review nails it-the game play IS shallow, no getting around it, especially the combat. If you do not care about Indiana Jones, there are better adventure/puzzle games out there to play.
However: If you are an Indy fan like me, this is not to be missed. Machine games got the world of Indiana Jones perfect. It feels like being in one of the movies. And it has the best Indiana Jones story this century, hands down. It would have fit right in with the likes of Raiders or Last Crusade.
I also agree about doing the side quests. I did not get all the collectibles because the gameplay in all those open spaces gets old. But I did all the side missions-they add a lot to the story.
This is also one of the last Tony Todd performances we get to enjoy, another reason to play this thing!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 575
I finished Atomfall last night. It is worth playing, but I wish I liked it more than I do. The premise and exploration are top notch, but the combat and movement are not great. Those things really start to drag on the game as you get into harder areas. I was ready for it to be over when the credits rolled.
Sadly, work commitments will leave almost no time for gaming from Monday until next weekend. I need a short game I can complete or just enjoy Saturday and Sunday. Maybe now is when I finally get to New Tales From the Borderlands? Or finally give Ballatro a spin?
Re: Switch 2 Coughs Up for Timed Hades 2 Console Exclusivity, Coming to PS5 Later
@Kramlar I agree completely that it isnât confirmed from the language you posted. Just as a comfort, I note that Supergiant used this exact same language in this exact same situation when Hades was in early access. It ended up on PS5 shortly after launch.
As you said, nothing guaranteed, but I would be shocked if we werenât playing this on PS5 relatively soon.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 574
@Ichiban Sandland will obviously be a PS Plus title. I bought it. I am on quite the roll of owning the Essential tier titles these daysâŚ..đđđ
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 574
Atomfall for me. I like it so far. The atmosphere is great and my favorite part of open world games is exploring, which is clearly the key to this game. A few hours in, I will say that I am solving a bunch of leads, but it just feels like I am wandering around. Again, I am enjoying the exploration, I hope I manage to create more focus to my wandering at some point. But I am intrigued.
From the staff section: Everything or Nothing is a game I have not thought about in such a long time! It has been years and years since I played it, but I remember having fun, and thinking that the music, acting and production was way better than I expected (for the time at least). I would love to know how it holds up today. I know there are soooo many modern games to review, but I think a Push Square feature reviewing some old games with some fresh eyes would be fun!
Re: Marvel Cosmic Invasion Is Your Next Must Play PS5, PS4 Beat-'em-Up
Take my money. Just take my whole wallet.
Re: PS Plus Essential Games for April 2025 Announced
Third month in a row I have had the featured game. But RoboCop is great-especially if you grew up in that era and have some nostalgia for the character.
The developers got the world of RoboCop perfect.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 573
I got to the final battle in Avowed late last night, but wanted to see the end of the game fresh so will finish that today. Good game! Next is Star Citizen 2. And watching a lot of college basketball.
I am tempted to purchase Shadows-it sounds great. But I am short on time at the moment. I will get it eventually. I am thinking it would be perfect for when I get time off for Christmas holidays.
Re: Assassin's Creed Shadows (PS5) - Striking Open World RPG Is a Real Cut Above
This sounds really fun. It will be a while before I get to it-not only is my backlog shamefully huge, but Ghost, the upcoming Ghost, and Rise of the Ronin have satisfied my desire for this kind of game in this setting very recently. But get to it eventually I shall!
I also want to say how thankful I am for the great reviews here and on Pure Xbox too. They are always well written, and always helpful. The work is appreciated-thanks!
Re: Post-Apocalyptic Pixel Adventure Vessels of Decay Makes Its Way to PS5, PS4
This looks great. And Children of Morta was also great. So I am def. checking this out.
However, at my age my reflexes arenât exactly âhoned to a razorâs edgeâ. They are honed to likeâŚâŚa pillowâs edge? A boss strikes and I react five days laterâŚâŚ đ
Re: Ex-Xbox System Seller Starfield Edges Ever Closer to PS5
I know this is not a popular take, but I really enjoyed Starfield. I think Bethesda marketed it as some sort of cross between a deep RPG and No Manâs Sky, which was a big mistake. It was absolutely not the game they implied. It is also one of the worst games at onboarding players I have ever seen. There is a lot thrown at you in the opening hours that isnât fun, and it is really not comfortable.
ButâŚâŚthere are some really good questlines in here. The pirate one is one of my favorites in years. The UCL questline has a great horror vibe. There are some individual sci-fi themed quests that had some really interesting choices and mechanics.
I was not looking for galaxy spanning exploration, or great base and ship building (although I enjoyed building a fleet of ships I captured). I was looking for some interesting questlines with a space skin, and that is what I got. So I was happy. I understand why others are not, especially since the advertising for the game leaned on the elements of it that were under baked.
Re: Poll: Are You Happy with Your PS Plus Essential Games for March 2025?
@Steeleye50 I agree. As I mentioned above, I gave DAI a lot of hours. I really wanted to like it. But I was really bored the entire time.
I am glad for the folks that liked DAI, but it was not for me.
Re: Poll: Are You Happy with Your PS Plus Essential Games for March 2025?
@OldSchoolHeel I think and hope you will be pleased. A lot of people liked DAI, and no offense to them, but I found that game incredibly boring. I gave it a good 30 hours too, it just never clicked with me.
Like you, I wasnât even going to check out DAV as a result, but I am glad I did. I found both the combat and the characters much more compelling than Inquisition.
Re: Poll: Are You Happy with Your PS Plus Essential Games for March 2025?
@OldSchoolHeel I really disliked Inquisition. I really enjoyed Veilguard.