@XboxTheBestBox well obviously, you have a view 😂
And if it was simple as MS will have access to ‘best in class’ games - it could be as you suggest. But in reality, Microsoft have made some some shocking decisions this gen in hardware, software and QAA processes (what on earth happened with Redfall? That game out between GoW: Ragnorok and ToTK: those are the standards expected from top tier publishers) - to catch up, Microsoft need to make far better strategic decisions in future to compete. They can buy all the games/publishers they want but high quality dev culture and talent needs to be harnessed in the right way. You need to check where games are at, for starters (again Redfall). So many game delays and incomplete features…Their hardware strategy has bombed (basically because it is evident that they have an inferior product to the PS5; Series X has power but no games to show it nor PSVR2 or a Dual Sense etc), gamepass has got more expensive but not necessarily better, and
all those ABK/Bethesda games will have to run on a Series S, whilst Sony can push the frontiers with the PS5 Pro et al.
I hope Microsoft does improve as it is needed for the industry but I’m coming to the view that Phil Spencer (and his team) need to be moved on for that to happen.
They are selling so, so well: even with three positive Xbox showcases (although no real triple aaa games), Starfield and Gamepass, none of it is making a dent in PS5 sales - and Sony don’t even have many games out this year…
And fair play to Sony: I think they have improved every aspect of their offering from last gen. Hardware is superb and clearly superior to the series S (which isn’t fair on the S but as it has proven to be as popular as the X, consumers are now making that comparison between the PS5 and Series S more and more), decent optionals like PSVR and Q-Lite (upcoming), the dual sense is excellent, a digital and cheaper PS5 with no loss of software parity. I bought a PS3 (and own a PS4) recently for retro gaming purposes and man, the PS5 is miles ahead of the PS4 (and where Sony were before). Successful TV shows and movies. PS Plus has really improved; and their first party games have been excellent and high quality. Even 4K streaming is round the corner - how they have beat Microsoft there man, I have no idea…
Would like more ambition from Sony though, I do think they are playing it a little too safe at times? A lot of sequels and some new projects would be good to see.
@Max_the_German could not see banks supporting either Sony or Nintendo making acquisitions that size (ABK has a higher market cap than Nintendo, for instance). The market cap represents what the market assesses your value as - whether you have money saved doesn’t mean you can buy way over your cap limit. Nintendo allegedly do have a lot of saved (I don’t know how much, and no one does really), but I think they just want to sit on it and don’t seem too interested in acquisitions anyway. Also, they wouldn’t buy ABK because Nintendo would look at others way closer to them (probably Japanese devs/publishers - Square or someone like that?).
Sony, I don’t know. They seem to have money for acquisitions (maybe $5bill or so) but there is a limit on it (and Sony don’t just do gaming mergers there are also about other parts of the business): that money is for the whole business as well. No one likes because people want silly massive deals that will never happen but buying companies early and adding value is good strategy for Sony and has really worked out.
@Max_the_German sorry, but I’m not sure if that is accurate. Nintendo’s market cap is $55b; Sony (as a whole) is about $104b. Of course Sony are a larger company, they do more than gaming etc, (with all the electronics hardware they do). Not that it matters when compared to Microsoft anyway.
Neither Sony or Nintendo could ever afford ABK or anything that size - big tech companies like Microsoft are trillion dollar companies that can, and are in a completely different ball game. Tencent possibly could though. This is why Sony/Nintendo acquire smaller dev teams who are often starting out. The Bungie acquisition is the largest Sony have done and to my knowledge, I don’t think Nintendo have acquired a company that size either.
@GamingFan4Lyf yeah, it could be a possibility. But again, just think of how much money people have invested into the PlayStation eco-system over so many years? Personally, I would probably buy a PlayStation for that alone: access to old titles. And that audience will be humongous by the end of the gen: well over 200 million by the time the PS5 is done (which is like most of the console market). Catching up a little? Maybe. But the timing of Sony’s success has really helped them.
Microsoft could catch-up with good games but it won’t be ‘fable’ or ‘perfect dark’ et al, it will be ‘elder scrolls’ or blizzard-acti games (which a lot of people will buy on PC anyway). But the underlying sales figures of the consoles as it stands emphasise just what a big swing would have to occur to get ahead of PlayStation next gen. And the PlayStation games are likely coming mate, they are just being worked on and will be announced when ready. Sony are keeping their powder dry; that’s all. You don’t abandon strategies that your historical success is based on overnight.
Microsoft could become a secondary system - it is interesting but that’s probably not where they want to be at all. Sony do well because they appeal to casual gamers who only have time for one eco-system/console (players who play and like FIFA, call of duty, Genshin, rocket league etc). That’s what the acquisitions are about, getting that audience over to Microsoft as the place to play games (wherever that is console or a Microsoft PC platform). Sony are basically the Apple of gaming at the moment.
You know, I’m not sure the dial is going to move so much to Microsoft late gen, simply because of the digitalisation of gaming libraries - next gen (after 2027/8 or so?), Sony will have dominated two generations where people have bought digital games since 2010: man, it is going to take some mighty moves for that to shift, and it is going to take a long while from now. And it’s not as if PlayStation have got complacent either, or will sit there and not respond?
Ultimately, I think Microsoft are entering the PC space now much more, and will downplay the console side of it. That will work well with them but essentially both PlayStation and Microsoft will be in different parts of the market.
Loved Quake 2 on the PS1 - was one of my favourite games of that era actually. Very cool, very much enjoying all these PS1 games coming back onto my PS5.
With how large the PS5 audience is now (and growing), I think we will see some Bethesda titles popping up on PS5, if I am honest - especially remasters.
I thought it was technically excellent. It felt like a proper PS5 experience. And overall, super enjoyable - a lot of cut scenes though and I wanted to actually play the game a lot more. The combat was solid; not as chaotic as it looks on the trailers but I was desperate for some kind of dodge/roll (eg soulsborne/FF7 remake), I hope there is more variety in the combat a bit.
Not sure if I liked the darker tone of it entirely: it’s fine but I think prefer FF7 etc
But I played for two hours straight and was just engrossed the whole time, and I think I will buy it once I have saved enough.
I’m not entirely surprised. All anecdotal but I get the sense that a lot of gamers are older now (or at least in comparison to the 90s and 2000s), and that mean time becomes a bigger issue. Enthusiasts love these services but if you play 5 to 10 hours a week or so, they become harder to justify. It is probably better just buying and playing the game you like.
I’ve not renewed my PS sub recently (and have cut Spotify as well) in favour of just putting away £15 away each month to spend on stuff I like. Just makes more sense for how I consume stuff.
I think this will be the first time I don’t sign up to PS Plus for the year. I added up the backlog; 100 games across PlayStation, Switch, Steam and Xbox. It just seems silly to spend unnecessarily when I have plenty of games to play. But for those that are; ShopTo do good deals on PSN cards, you can get PS Plus Premium down to about £65 (which makes it £5.50 per month). It is very worth it at that price.
That last showcase didn’t indicate to me that Sony will have any good games coming to PS Plus from their first party if I’m honest: God of War: Ragnorok is the one now. And if they do, I’ll just grab a month of it. If they had brought the PS1 games regularly, I would have signed up in a heartbeat.
I am not surprised about Premium, it can get be obtained for a lot less than 95 quid (and you may as well get it if it is not much more than Extra). I paid 63 quid for a yearly round of PS plus premium and I bet many people have done similar: got it on a deal using discounted psn cards.
95 quid - I’m not sure I would pay that - but for 63 overall, it has been amazing value. I’ve played a ton of the PS1 games - especially loved Syphon Filter, Legend of Dragoon and Ridge Racer Type 4, and many of the demo’s too.
@Octane agreed. Imagine if Sony went full on day and date games on PS Plus - with both MS and Sony doing it, game sales would fall through the floor. And you are right, I own a series S and check out what is happening with MS, and it feels that audience is now just expecting through gamepass. And get annoyed when things don’t turn up there.
I think they need to make ownership more of a thing; e.g. if I have bought a game early and spent full price - could I get subsequent DLC at a reduced price, or even for free? They never will, people are buying a lot of games on the PS5 (lol I know this would never happen) but maybe Sony should be thinking in those terms a little if the trend to subs/cloud gaming does take-off? They stand to lose a lot if people stop buying games in future.
It’s fine, we all get carried away mate (and we all do it). Oh absolutely - that’s why I was quite happy to drop £70 on a new game I really want to play. I don’t mind it being on there after a year or so on PS Plus, more I think it would good if Sony were a little more upfront so folk could make choices?
I agree: I worry that sub services are getting a little too good value and it makes a little bit of a two tier system-basically in that gamers that buy games quickly become a little disadvantaged. And it’s not great for devs either.
It’s fine, we all get carried away mate (and we all do it). Oh absolutely - that’s why I was quite happy to drop £70 on a new game I really want to play. I don’t mind it being on there after a year or so on PS Plus, more I think it would good if Sony were a little more upfront so folk could make choices?
I agree: I worry that sub services are getting a little too good value and it makes a little bit of a two tier system-basically in that gamers that buy games quickly become a little disadvantaged. And it’s not great for devs either.
@TommyNL I’m not going to argue or respond to abuse. Calling someone else pathetic because they don’t have the same view as you says is not appropriate, and says much more about you than ever will about me.
@WallyWest because they haven’t been upfront about when the game enters into a sub. Because they are inconsistent in how they do it; lol I’m very happy with HFW, it is a great game but that’s irrelevant in many ways as I would have waited if Sony had a consistent, clearer and transparent process when it came to when games get added to a sub. Put it like this: HFW cost £70 and my PS plus costs me £5.25 per month (amazon discounted rate): basically I don’t know if that is fair on folk who buy games straight away (for whatever reason?). Yet the developers rely on people buying games early and a year is not that long in a lifetime for a triple AAA game like HFW.
Anyway, I’m not really interested in arguing so don’t bother if that is what you are after.
@danlk1ng Yeah but this is problem though isn’t it? Like fans just defend these company through anything (not you at all). And actually, I think transparency is important. Where I think it is a bit dodgy personally because in comparison to gamepass or even Nintendo online, it’s very straightforward- you can plan to purchase a product or not but at least you are doing so knowing full well if that game is going to be added to some type of service (or not). That is not the case with PS Plus at all - it is a mystery box, which suits Sony. And considering they raised prices to £70, which was already egregious as it is - that lack of transparency is something I find problematic. And why I’ll stop buying their games if that’s how they want to play it.
I don’t have a physical PS5: and because of stock constraints I couldn’t get the disc-based one so again: it’s not relevant to me if it is cheaper elsewhere (and even then, the cheapest option would be to wait for PS Plus).
@WallyWest same here, I never buy new games but I loved HZD and made the exception. I’m a patient gamer all the way but it’s a little cheeky from Sony I think overall.
@danlk1ng well you are not me and I am not you. I spend a small amount on new games personally over a year - I could do a lot with £70 - I loved HFW but as I say, like I would have waited if I had known it is coming out on PS Plus, and I may do the same with all their exclusive games.
I know 365 days is a long time but it makes me question whether I should just wait in future. It is the lack of transparency about it that makes it slightly dodgy. Sony are unpredictable and haven’t articulated to consumers what they are planning with first party games: now it is a year (and some games get missed entirely). It adds a risk to buying any new game, and these games are £70 - that’s a lot of money right now to folk.
It is a great lineup but I’ll be slightly annoyed if HFW is added on so early if I’m honest, why spend £70 on a game for it be added a year later to ps plus? If I had known that, I may have held off buying it on release. Ratchet would make more sense I think, it came out in 2021.
Somewhat wondering if it is worth getting God of War: Ragnorok now, is it just going to be added later this year or something? I don’t know: these services are a little frustrating at times.
But by that same argument: no game can be poor or criticised because it becomes a case of those subjective approaches (and it’s invalidates someone else’ perspective when they are just saying: I didn’t like this thing about this other thing). People critique games all the time - and they are allowed to do the same about soulsborne as they do any other game (but obviously, respectfully). By saying: you didn’t approach it right, it comes off more personal and it’s someone’s fault they didn’t enjoy the game.
Nah it’s fine, I don’t mean to be awkward or have a go at you. It is more just; this year: all I’ve heard is how good ER is: and I didn’t find that at all. People are allowed to articulate that without being told they are wrong for having that view, I guess? The real soulsborne community is pretty chill and helpful; and are prepared to critique the games without worrying too much, y’know?
This is a really good article that is balanced and explains why some one does not like a game (that other players have liked). It is respectful, logical and generally pointing out things about ER that have been a little overlooked. Many agree with it whilst others see it differently. It is also respectful of ER and the people who like it.
First 100 posts: nice chat; people being cool and respectful.
100+ we start getting people twisting arguments and saying people are upset about difficulty (which no one is talking about. The op is making a comparison to Bloodborne: which is a harder game in some ways because you have to master weapons and styles early on. ER allows magic builds to dominate too easily in my view). Whilst others say: ‘well, you didn’t approach it in the right way, that’s why ER wasn’t right for you’
😂 what? People can have a different take on a game with reasonable points about why they didn’t like it. It doesn’t impact your enjoyment nor change your experience. Even Soulsborne veterans have pointed out minor problems with ER. It’s okay; no one is taking your favourite game from you, chill.
@rykofant see: this is exactly it. This over defensive mentality about ER. I have completed Bloodborne and Dark Souls; Salt and Sacrifice etc. I just don’t think ER is quite as good as others (I’ve already said why and I’m not really making arguments about difficulty). It is not that; I think ER simply isn’t as good as other Soulsborne game. I even go out my way to make it clear it has brilliant things about it but some of the design choices don’t work as well (namely, by going open world, it loses some of that focus that other Soulsborne games have).
And who are you to say whether these games are for anyone or not? Lol; I adore soulsborne games but this one disappointed me a little. Lol ‘suck at Soulsborne games’: the (op and I) has likely played all the others. Arrogance of some gamers man; you don’t get to say my experience is invalid because you disagree with it.
Some people simply need to be respectful of others that have different views.
@ErrantRob oh really? I’ll check out the Reddit page dude. It is cool to see some balance re: Elden Ring (and I’m talking about the critical consensus, I guess?). It is a great game though; I kinda see it like From Softwares equivalent of a ‘double’ album.
It is full of brilliant and interesting things but very bloated. And I think yeah, more time would have helped. You can see that from the cut NPC quest lines and just the extent of the bosses that have needed tweaking after release (quite seriously at times). More time could have meant some better bosses later on too, I think.
You have nailed my experience with it too. It’s clearly an excellent game but it does have some overlooked flaws (and the soulsborne community don’t care for them, if I’m honest. It kinda feels like it is not allowed to be critiqued at times). I felt the imbalance in terms of the difficulty made things frustrating at times; there is a lot of trading in the boss encounters (even soulsborne vets were saying that combo’s take too long and some of the boss AI just can’t deal with magic builds). The thing that stopped me playing were repeated enemies (and repeated boss encounters - I would be happy to never see one of those stone cat things or tree monster types ever again).
It is brilliant though - they nailed the exploration and there so many fun builds to play with. But it was not quite the revolutionary game it will now be painted as. In terms of sparse open worlders like this: it owes a lot to both Shadow of the Colossus and BOTW. In terms of Soulsborne: I think Sekiro, Bloodborne and Dark Souls 1 all nail the ‘Metroidvania Zelda’ vibe much more: they are more cohesive and focused than Elden Ring (I also think ER is overly big: hence repetitive enemies and bosses).
I think Bloodborne is a masterpiece, man. It has it all: brooding atmosphere, enemy variety and combat, pace and balance, absorbing and meaningful story telling and the best boss battles they have ever done. It is unlikely they will ever do anything as good in my view.
@themuckman well my logic and my approach is my own: and playing older games: it is just part of it so no, it does not bother me so much (because I adjust expectations based on what I’m playing). And actually some games still will be PAL as they won’t be able to get NSCT versions for all of them. So not entirely moot.
Lol and if it doesn’t bother you: why are you even talking about it? I am a retro gamer first and foremost so I’m chill about it. And if you like modern stuff: it may bother you more. Preferences, my friend. All it is.
@themuckman 😂 so, out of the many millions of PAL games sold to millions of people in Europe-are you saying all of those folk had bad experiences? That those experiences don’t matter? I’m sure hardcore fans may have imported but most people clearly played and enjoyed PAL versions, and just got on with it.
Anything can be called poor by modern standards. And it would be great to get the 30fps versions now but not the end of the world if not. Kinda sad that people just don’t take something for what it is.
@Sundown91 yeah it’s just not the end of the world y’know? I think when a game is older or has lower FPS, it is better to make the best of it and have fun with what you have? 60mhz would be nice but I’m guessing licensing/language issues have stopped it.
I genuinely wonder how modern gamers would deal with gaming back in the 80s and 90s? I love Digital Foundry and I get people want the optimum experience but if its not possible, it doesn’t negate all other forms of fun.
I have premium until Nov: so looking at it all so far. I’d say it is decent first offering from Sony. Yes, NSTCC versions would be better but these PAL games are literally what I grew up playing, it’s fine for me. And it would be great if there were more PS1 classics day 1 but gamepass shows how important monthly refreshments are. PS Now had 700 games available and no one cared about it. More games will be added, and it will improve over time.
All those PS5 games though on Extra: it is insane value. I am starting on Spiderman:MM, Syphon Filter and Resi 1 (still so good). I already own both of them so it’s just great to have ps1 games on a huge TV again.
Anyway, (enough of the arguments re: exclusivity), this is super exciting. Rebirth is also going to be huge if they properly re-create the same narrative from disc 1.
Cosmo canyon: I just can’t wait to see what they do with that
@GorosBat I was with you until your edit. Sony can’t buy publishers the way Microsoft can - they have to do stuff like this now, as its the only way to compete.
I do agree that it is wrong as FF7 is a big event game that everyone should have the chance to play. But it is also synonymous with the PlayStation historically, and Sony have evidently helped with marketing/funding.
And at least it has made it to PC/Steam. When a company is bought/acquired like Bethesda, those games often go nowhere else (even if they have historically been multi platform).
Microsoft buying entire publishers is way worse because it stops all games going multi platform.
I know it is easy to say: this is bad etc. But the reason they do it is because it works: they’ve been doing dlc pre-orders for years like this because it influences decisions in terms of platform/choice of console.
We may not like it; but until people stop being influenced by this stuff, it will likely carry on.
It is a wait and see at this point. We don't know the full line-up yet and we may see patches released to improve emulation in time. I don't mind PAL versions so much - they are what I grew up playing afterall. We'll have to see what happens with Premium (and just what games they can get hold of to put on there). I think if they had launched with more popular PS1 titles, it would be fine - Metal Gear, Wipeout 2097, Gran Turismo, Silent Hill, Tony Hawks etc - Premium wont work if they don't get games of that calibre/popularity: it is essentially a fun nostalgia trip for gamers - and they need to tap into that. But lets see, early days yet. Trials could be good: if they were able to launch new games with that (including third party games - they would have a slight/slimmed down rival to 'day and date' games via gamepass?).
The value here is in PS Extra. Demon Souls, Returnal, Spiderman, GoT and Death Stranding alone - that would cost way over £200 (and that's pre-owned; new it would be closer to £300). And then there is Guardians of the Galaxy and all those Ubisoft games: Assassins Creed: Valhallah etc. Its brilliant value for £83. For PS5 owners, it is a no-brainer.
@get2sammyb Can I just ask? Does this mean all previous purchases made on ps vita or ps3 of PS1 games will be honoured?
There seems to be some confusion because I’m not sure if it is saying all previous ps classic purchases will be available or just the ones that ps plus covers? Presumably (and hopefully) it includes all previous purchases (as why not? The emulator must be able to play them?)
Basically: I think what is so exciting about it is that they may have brought back/added a new ps classic store front, where ps1, psp games will be available. Hopefully anyway. That’s huge if that what this is.
@Milktastrophe yeah: I get people (modern gamers, perhaps) want trophies because they are used to it. But I think here: some of these PS1 games may not be playable without looking at the controls/save states (we are talking about some games that are approaching 25 years old that relied on memory cards). It is a question of priorities and resources: if Sony can do it all, ace. But I imagine they will need to get these games simply playable before adding in extra's like trophy support.
I've played Syphon on my Vita and the PS classic and its okay, but analogue support would be one thing they would need to look at, I think.
@Apfelschteiner already said, but I think for me: I find once I’m happy to move on: I would rather do that than play side content/chasing trophies (unless the game is exceptionally good-and even then: I’m playing for the game, not the trophy). And I really don’t care what anyone thinks of me in terms of gaming 😂
@Milktastrophe well that’s cool but I’m not a fan of them (lol and that’s okay: I’m not saying anything about anyone else). And it’s relevant because Sony should be looking at controls and save states more than trophies for PS1 games.
But as you asked: I find trophies makes me carrying on playing content I’m not interested in. If I’ve done the story and side-missions etc, I want to move onto the next game.
Could not care less about trophies: it is quite frankly why I love the Switch - just about the games. Achievements on Xbox is cool (because you can get reward points and cash ultimately) but I don't get trophies at all really.
I hope we get 'save' systems though: because those PS1 games need something like that. And any framerate improvements but we'll see: Sony probably won't.
This is great news overall though: like Syphon Filter was a great series and I'll happily play these games again. If this is the type of thing they are aiming for premium, it bodes well.
All those same elements are in Elden Ring. There is repeated side content: catacombs (that are all the same with similar bosses and layouts; there are urdtrees- with the same bosses; there are map markers that open up more of the map; there are bandit camps and travelling parties to attack: again pretty similar throughout). I mean it’s more disguised but if you play open world games a lot, it’s all the same tricks.
In all fairness to HFW: tallnecks take the ‘tower’ thing and push it in really interesting ways: they move round and involve multi-stage sequences including traversal, puzzle and combat: and they are often spectacular to do and are varied from each other. Cauldrons are some of the brilliant side content I’ve ever seen in a game: and again, huge variation and always worth exploring (I got sick of the catacombs in ER a little). Traversal in HFW is way more varied, especially underwater, just amazing to experience. I like AC: Valhallah: it is solid but it doesn’t do anything like that. The RPG system is not light either: I love that you have to take down enemies in correct way to get high end items for crafting. Elegant game design that loops combat to RPG mechanics and provides incentives to master the mechanics. It’s top stuff.
Both are excellent games though but we shouldn’t reduce them at all. Saying HFW is just an Ubi open world reduces what it does in the same way that saying that Soulsborne games are just all about hardness and nothing else (when they are so much more that). Peace, my friend, people can enjoy different games.
Horizon: for once, I have bought new games including Elden Ring and GT7. And Horizon is a much more balanced and varied experience than others. ER is ace, but there is a lot of repeated enemies man, bosses and locations, and the camera on larger enemies is just messy. Towards the end of ER, it becomes quite imbalanced in terms of difficulty as well (even soulsborne vets are saying bosses have been sped up to have longer, unpredictable combos whilst the player is trapped in Dark Souls moveset). Essentially, it forces players into broken builds such as ridiculously over-powered mimic tears and magic builds. I loved it and ER is fantastic and the world is a joy to explore but it’s not without some flaws (never mind the probs on PC).
HFW is so well balanced. You feel in the right place at the right time. The combat is ferocious, and flows so well: the combat wheel on that game is so well designed, you can craft, find items on the battlefield, dodge attacks, fire back-all in a manner of seconds. No other game does this so well. It takes the essence of Monster Hunter and ramps it up (there is no game that comes close to it in terms of open-world combat at all: even Elden Ring). Enemy variety is spot on, RPG mechanics and systems are weaved into crafting (eg taking out enemies in certain ways to get key items m, which then improve weapons and armour). It does subtle things with exploration: move to a question mark and you can find anything: new enemies, high level enemies, puzzles, combat, relics of older world, cool landmarks, cauldrons - some of the side content in HFW is actually better than other games main content. It looks amazing, animations are top, traversal is interesting and varied now (taking good inspiration from BOTW but it’s still Horizon) and underwater sections are like nothing I’ve ever seen in a game before. It’s story could be better in my view, just preferred HZD but it’s still an epic, fun time. Yeah Horizon takes it, for me.
GT7, third. But we all know GOTY is silly, right? Just enjoy the games.
@WallyWest that’s not entirely true. It comes in cheaper than GPU over the year (£8.32 per month actually versus £10.99 for GPU) and there are is bigger and deeper library in the 700+ games being offered (although we dont know for sure yet). It is not as good as GPU in that it doesn’t have immediate first party games but newish ps5 games like Returnal and Spiderman: MM make it competitive. And if those classic ps1, ps2 and psp games are the right ones, that’s a really cool offer for old school gamers. Also, the mid-tier is a new brainier for PS5 owners as it means you don’t need to spend £70. It’s solid overall, even compared to GPU.
Wipeout 2048 WRC4 (such a good rally game) Gravity Rush (guessing I’ve missed that because it is an essential game for the Vita) Rogue legacy Salt and Sanctuary Tearaway
Most people don’t even have a 4K TV, never mind a TV that can use VRR. Most people don’t care because it is not an issue that impacts them. I’d much rather PS5 games hit 60fps - which they do all the time. Sony have got things they need to do but this isn’t one of them - at least not immediately.
Just console war nonsense really. A lot of this is fuelled by people pointing at apparent deficiencies of different platforms and making things into larger deals than they really are.
I am hugely excited about GT7 - and worth remembering GT is still Sony’s most commercially successful series by some way. I know racing games aren’t seen the way they used to be but this is hugely exciting for millions of racing fans.
It’s weird man: I don’t care about Microsoft and potential Sony acquisitions. I just want to get excited about a game I’ve always loved.
Also worth mentioning: if you look at where Sony make money, it’s in selling games and hardware. Ps plus and ps now come a pretty distant third. This is also why ps plus won’t always be as good as it could be: they don’t make the bulk of their cash off these type of services.
It is a bad month but I don’t know overall ps plus is great value (especially the ps plus collection). And it is probably more to do Spartacus coming later year and HFW coming out this month (and Sony wanting the attention on that?)
Overall, there are so many games on ps plus that if you have had it for a little while, it is like there will be something to play.
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Re: PS5 Sales Surge a Frankly Flabbergasting 244% in Europe
@XboxTheBestBox well obviously, you have a view 😂
And if it was simple as MS will have access to ‘best in class’ games - it could be as you suggest. But in reality, Microsoft have made some some shocking decisions this gen in hardware, software and QAA processes (what on earth happened with Redfall? That game out between GoW: Ragnorok and ToTK: those are the standards expected from top tier publishers) - to catch up, Microsoft need to make far better strategic decisions in future to compete. They can buy all the games/publishers they want but high quality dev culture and talent needs to be harnessed in the right way. You need to check where games are at, for starters (again Redfall). So many game delays and incomplete features…Their hardware strategy has bombed (basically because it is evident that they have an inferior product to the PS5; Series X has power but no games to show it nor PSVR2 or a Dual Sense etc), gamepass has got more expensive but not necessarily better, and
all those ABK/Bethesda games will have to run on a Series S, whilst Sony can push the frontiers with the PS5 Pro et al.
I hope Microsoft does improve as it is needed for the industry but I’m coming to the view that Phil Spencer (and his team) need to be moved on for that to happen.
Re: PS5 Sales Surge a Frankly Flabbergasting 244% in Europe
They are selling so, so well: even with three positive Xbox showcases (although no real triple aaa games), Starfield and Gamepass, none of it is making a dent in PS5 sales - and Sony don’t even have many games out this year…
And fair play to Sony: I think they have improved every aspect of their offering from last gen. Hardware is superb and clearly superior to the series S (which isn’t fair on the S but as it has proven to be as popular as the X, consumers are now making that comparison between the PS5 and Series S more and more), decent optionals like PSVR and Q-Lite (upcoming), the dual sense is excellent, a digital and cheaper PS5 with no loss of software parity. I bought a PS3 (and own a PS4) recently for retro gaming purposes and man, the PS5 is miles ahead of the PS4 (and where Sony were before). Successful TV shows and movies. PS Plus has really improved; and their first party games have been excellent and high quality. Even 4K streaming is round the corner - how they have beat Microsoft there man, I have no idea…
Would like more ambition from Sony though, I do think they are playing it a little too safe at times? A lot of sequels and some new projects would be good to see.
Re: PS5's Meteoric Rise Underlined by Staggering German Sales Graph
@Max_the_German could not see banks supporting either Sony or Nintendo making acquisitions that size (ABK has a higher market cap than Nintendo, for instance). The market cap represents what the market assesses your value as - whether you have money saved doesn’t mean you can buy way over your cap limit. Nintendo allegedly do have a lot of saved (I don’t know how much, and no one does really), but I think they just want to sit on it and don’t seem too interested in acquisitions anyway. Also, they wouldn’t buy ABK because Nintendo would look at others way closer to them (probably Japanese devs/publishers - Square or someone like that?).
Sony, I don’t know. They seem to have money for acquisitions (maybe $5bill or so) but there is a limit on it (and Sony don’t just do gaming mergers there are also about other parts of the business): that money is for the whole business as well. No one likes because people want silly massive deals that will never happen but buying companies early and adding value is good strategy for Sony and has really worked out.
Re: PS5's Meteoric Rise Underlined by Staggering German Sales Graph
@Max_the_German sorry, but I’m not sure if that is accurate. Nintendo’s market cap is $55b; Sony (as a whole) is about $104b. Of course Sony are a larger company, they do more than gaming etc, (with all the electronics hardware they do). Not that it matters when compared to Microsoft anyway.
Neither Sony or Nintendo could ever afford ABK or anything that size - big tech companies like Microsoft are trillion dollar companies that can, and are in a completely different ball game. Tencent possibly could though. This is why Sony/Nintendo acquire smaller dev teams who are often starting out. The Bungie acquisition is the largest Sony have done and to my knowledge, I don’t think Nintendo have acquired a company that size either.
Re: Looks Like Quake 2 Will Target PS5, PS4 Later This Month
@GamingFan4Lyf yeah, it could be a possibility. But again, just think of how much money people have invested into the PlayStation eco-system over so many years? Personally, I would probably buy a PlayStation for that alone: access to old titles. And that audience will be humongous by the end of the gen: well over 200 million by the time the PS5 is done (which is like most of the console market). Catching up a little? Maybe. But the timing of Sony’s success has really helped them.
Microsoft could catch-up with good games but it won’t be ‘fable’ or ‘perfect dark’ et al, it will be ‘elder scrolls’ or blizzard-acti games (which a lot of people will buy on PC anyway). But the underlying sales figures of the consoles as it stands emphasise just what a big swing would have to occur to get ahead of PlayStation next gen. And the PlayStation games are likely coming mate, they are just being worked on and will be announced when ready. Sony are keeping their powder dry; that’s all. You don’t abandon strategies that your historical success is based on overnight.
Microsoft could become a secondary system - it is interesting but that’s probably not where they want to be at all. Sony do well because they appeal to casual gamers who only have time for one eco-system/console (players who play and like FIFA, call of duty, Genshin, rocket league etc). That’s what the acquisitions are about, getting that audience over to Microsoft as the place to play games (wherever that is console or a Microsoft PC platform). Sony are basically the Apple of gaming at the moment.
Re: Looks Like Quake 2 Will Target PS5, PS4 Later This Month
@Bentleyma it has a wicked multiplayer - the split screen was excellent. I was deadly with the railgun.
Re: Looks Like Quake 2 Will Target PS5, PS4 Later This Month
@GamingFan4Lyf good points. Agreed.
You know, I’m not sure the dial is going to move so much to Microsoft late gen, simply because of the digitalisation of gaming libraries - next gen (after 2027/8 or so?), Sony will have dominated two generations where people have bought digital games since 2010: man, it is going to take some mighty moves for that to shift, and it is going to take a long while from now. And it’s not as if PlayStation have got complacent either, or will sit there and not respond?
Ultimately, I think Microsoft are entering the PC space now much more, and will downplay the console side of it. That will work well with them but essentially both PlayStation and Microsoft will be in different parts of the market.
Re: Looks Like Quake 2 Will Target PS5, PS4 Later This Month
Loved Quake 2 on the PS1 - was one of my favourite games of that era actually. Very cool, very much enjoying all these PS1 games coming back onto my PS5.
With how large the PS5 audience is now (and growing), I think we will see some Bethesda titles popping up on PS5, if I am honest - especially remasters.
Re: Poll: What Do You Think of the Final Fantasy 16 PS5 Demo?
I thought it was technically excellent. It felt like a proper PS5 experience. And overall, super enjoyable - a lot of cut scenes though and I wanted to actually play the game a lot more. The combat was solid; not as chaotic as it looks on the trailers but I was desperate for some kind of dodge/roll (eg soulsborne/FF7 remake), I hope there is more variety in the combat a bit.
Not sure if I liked the darker tone of it entirely: it’s fine but I think prefer FF7 etc
But I played for two hours straight and was just engrossed the whole time, and I think I will buy it once I have saved enough.
Re: PS Plus, Game Pass Subscription Growth Has Totally Stalled in USA
I’m not entirely surprised. All anecdotal but I get the sense that a lot of gamers are older now (or at least in comparison to the 90s and 2000s), and that mean time becomes a bigger issue. Enthusiasts love these services but if you play 5 to 10 hours a week or so, they become harder to justify. It is probably better just buying and playing the game you like.
I’ve not renewed my PS sub recently (and have cut Spotify as well) in favour of just putting away £15 away each month to spend on stuff I like. Just makes more sense for how I consume stuff.
Re: Sony's Huge PS Store Days of Play Sale Is Live Now, Get the Best PS5, PS4 Deals Here
I think this will be the first time I don’t sign up to PS Plus for the year. I added up the backlog; 100 games across PlayStation, Switch, Steam and Xbox. It just seems silly to spend unnecessarily when I have plenty of games to play. But for those that are; ShopTo do good deals on PSN cards, you can get PS Plus Premium down to about £65 (which makes it £5.50 per month). It is very worth it at that price.
That last showcase didn’t indicate to me that Sony will have any good games coming to PS Plus from their first party if I’m honest: God of War: Ragnorok is the one now. And if they do, I’ll just grab a month of it. If they had brought the PS1 games regularly, I would have signed up in a heartbeat.
Re: PS Plus Premium More Popular Than Extra, 30% of Subscribers Upgraded
I am not surprised about Premium, it can get be obtained for a lot less than 95 quid (and you may as well get it if it is not much more than Extra). I paid 63 quid for a yearly round of PS plus premium and I bet many people have done similar: got it on a deal using discounted psn cards.
95 quid - I’m not sure I would pay that - but for 63 overall, it has been amazing value. I’ve played a ton of the PS1 games - especially loved Syphon Filter, Legend of Dragoon and Ridge Racer Type 4, and many of the demo’s too.
Re: 17 More PS Plus Extra, Premium Games Coming in Best Update Yet
@karlhendrikse lol and that makes okay? I think we are allowed to expect more, personally.
Re: PS Plus Extra, Premium Get 17 More Games Next Week
@Octane agreed. Imagine if Sony went full on day and date games on PS Plus - with both MS and Sony doing it, game sales would fall through the floor. And you are right, I own a series S and check out what is happening with MS, and it feels that audience is now just expecting through gamepass. And get annoyed when things don’t turn up there.
I think they need to make ownership more of a thing; e.g. if I have bought a game early and spent full price - could I get subsequent DLC at a reduced price, or even for free? They never will, people are buying a lot of games on the PS5 (lol I know this would never happen) but maybe Sony should be thinking in those terms a little if the trend to subs/cloud gaming does take-off? They stand to lose a lot if people stop buying games in future.
Re: PS Plus Extra, Premium Get 17 More Games Next Week
@TommyNL
It’s fine, we all get carried away mate (and we all do it). Oh absolutely - that’s why I was quite happy to drop £70 on a new game I really want to play. I don’t mind it being on there after a year or so on PS Plus, more I think it would good if Sony were a little more upfront so folk could make choices?
I agree: I worry that sub services are getting a little too good value and it makes a little bit of a two tier system-basically in that gamers that buy games quickly become a little disadvantaged. And it’s not great for devs either.
Re: PS Plus Extra, Premium Get 17 More Games Next Week
It’s fine, we all get carried away mate (and we all do it). Oh absolutely - that’s why I was quite happy to drop £70 on a new game I really want to play. I don’t mind it being on there after a year or so on PS Plus, more I think it would good if Sony were a little more upfront so folk could make choices?
I agree: I worry that sub services are getting a little too good value and it makes a little bit of a two tier system-basically in that gamers that buy games quickly become a little disadvantaged. And it’s not great for devs either.
Re: PS Plus Extra, Premium Get 17 More Games Next Week
@TommyNL I’m not going to argue or respond to abuse. Calling someone else pathetic because they don’t have the same view as you says is not appropriate, and says much more about you than ever will about me.
Re: Rumour: PS Plus Extra, Premium Games for February 2023 Possibly Leaked Early
@WallyWest because they haven’t been upfront about when the game enters into a sub. Because they are inconsistent in how they do it; lol I’m very happy with HFW, it is a great game but that’s irrelevant in many ways as I would have waited if Sony had a consistent, clearer and transparent process when it came to when games get added to a sub. Put it like this: HFW cost £70 and my PS plus costs me £5.25 per month (amazon discounted rate): basically I don’t know if that is fair on folk who buy games straight away (for whatever reason?). Yet the developers rely on people buying games early and a year is not that long in a lifetime for a triple AAA game like HFW.
Anyway, I’m not really interested in arguing so don’t bother if that is what you are after.
Re: Rumour: PS Plus Extra, Premium Games for February 2023 Possibly Leaked Early
@danlk1ng Yeah but this is problem though isn’t it? Like fans just defend these company through anything (not you at all). And actually, I think transparency is important. Where I think it is a bit dodgy personally because in comparison to gamepass or even Nintendo online, it’s very straightforward- you can plan to purchase a product or not but at least you are doing so knowing full well if that game is going to be added to some type of service (or not). That is not the case with PS Plus at all - it is a mystery box, which suits Sony. And considering they raised prices to £70, which was already egregious as it is - that lack of transparency is something I find problematic. And why I’ll stop buying their games if that’s how they want to play it.
I don’t have a physical PS5: and because of stock constraints I couldn’t get the disc-based one so again: it’s not relevant to me if it is cheaper elsewhere (and even then, the cheapest option would be to wait for PS Plus).
@WallyWest same here, I never buy new games but I loved HZD and made the exception. I’m a patient gamer all the way but it’s a little cheeky from Sony I think overall.
Re: Rumour: PS Plus Extra, Premium Games for February 2023 Possibly Leaked Early
@danlk1ng well you are not me and I am not you. I spend a small amount on new games personally over a year - I could do a lot with £70 - I loved HFW but as I say, like I would have waited if I had known it is coming out on PS Plus, and I may do the same with all their exclusive games.
Re: Rumour: PS Plus Extra, Premium Games for February 2023 Possibly Leaked Early
I know 365 days is a long time but it makes me question whether I should just wait in future. It is the lack of transparency about it that makes it slightly dodgy. Sony are unpredictable and haven’t articulated to consumers what they are planning with first party games: now it is a year (and some games get missed entirely). It adds a risk to buying any new game, and these games are £70 - that’s a lot of money right now to folk.
Re: Rumour: PS Plus Extra, Premium Games for February 2023 Possibly Leaked Early
It is a great lineup but I’ll be slightly annoyed if HFW is added on so early if I’m honest, why spend £70 on a game for it be added a year later to ps plus? If I had known that, I may have held off buying it on release. Ratchet would make more sense I think, it came out in 2021.
Somewhat wondering if it is worth getting God of War: Ragnorok now, is it just going to be added later this year or something? I don’t know: these services are a little frustrating at times.
Re: Soapbox: I Tried So Hard to Like Elden Ring, But I Just Couldn’t Do It
But by that same argument: no game can be poor or criticised because it becomes a case of those subjective approaches (and it’s invalidates someone else’ perspective when they are just saying: I didn’t like this thing about this other thing). People critique games all the time - and they are allowed to do the same about soulsborne as they do any other game (but obviously, respectfully). By saying: you didn’t approach it right, it comes off more personal and it’s someone’s fault they didn’t enjoy the game.
Nah it’s fine, I don’t mean to be awkward or have a go at you. It is more just; this year: all I’ve heard is how good ER is: and I didn’t find that at all. People are allowed to articulate that without being told they are wrong for having that view, I guess? The real soulsborne community is pretty chill and helpful; and are prepared to critique the games without worrying too much, y’know?
Re: Soapbox: I Tried So Hard to Like Elden Ring, But I Just Couldn’t Do It
This is a really good article that is balanced and explains why some one does not like a game (that other players have liked). It is respectful, logical and generally pointing out things about ER that have been a little overlooked. Many agree with it whilst others see it differently. It is also respectful of ER and the people who like it.
First 100 posts: nice chat; people being cool and respectful.
100+ we start getting people twisting arguments and saying people are upset about difficulty (which no one is talking about. The op is making a comparison to Bloodborne: which is a harder game in some ways because you have to master weapons and styles early on. ER allows magic builds to dominate too easily in my view). Whilst others say: ‘well, you didn’t approach it in the right way, that’s why ER wasn’t right for you’
😂 what? People can have a different take on a game with reasonable points about why they didn’t like it. It doesn’t impact your enjoyment nor change your experience. Even Soulsborne veterans have pointed out minor problems with ER. It’s okay; no one is taking your favourite game from you, chill.
Re: Soapbox: I Tried So Hard to Like Elden Ring, But I Just Couldn’t Do It
@rykofant see: this is exactly it. This over defensive mentality about ER. I have completed Bloodborne and Dark Souls; Salt and Sacrifice etc. I just don’t think ER is quite as good as others (I’ve already said why and I’m not really making arguments about difficulty). It is not that; I think ER simply isn’t as good as other Soulsborne game. I even go out my way to make it clear it has brilliant things about it but some of the design choices don’t work as well (namely, by going open world, it loses some of that focus that other Soulsborne games have).
And who are you to say whether these games are for anyone or not? Lol; I adore soulsborne games but this one disappointed me a little. Lol ‘suck at Soulsborne games’: the (op and I) has likely played all the others. Arrogance of some gamers man; you don’t get to say my experience is invalid because you disagree with it.
Some people simply need to be respectful of others that have different views.
Re: Best RPGs on PS Plus
Nice. I like this list! PSOne, PS3, PS4 and PS5 games in the top 10; Demons Souls and Bloodborne up there. FF7 number 1 (as it should be).
It showcases PS Plus (and it’s depth of catalogues quite well). Bring on Legend of Dragoon and Vagrant Story.
Re: Soapbox: I Tried So Hard to Like Elden Ring, But I Just Couldn’t Do It
@ErrantRob oh really? I’ll check out the Reddit page dude. It is cool to see some balance re: Elden Ring (and I’m talking about the critical consensus, I guess?). It is a great game though; I kinda see it like From Softwares equivalent of a ‘double’ album.
It is full of brilliant and interesting things but very bloated. And I think yeah, more time would have helped. You can see that from the cut NPC quest lines and just the extent of the bosses that have needed tweaking after release (quite seriously at times). More time could have meant some better bosses later on too, I think.
Re: Soapbox: I Tried So Hard To Like Elden Ring, But I Just Couldn’t Do It
You have nailed my experience with it too. It’s clearly an excellent game but it does have some overlooked flaws (and the soulsborne community don’t care for them, if I’m honest. It kinda feels like it is not allowed to be critiqued at times). I felt the imbalance in terms of the difficulty made things frustrating at times; there is a lot of trading in the boss encounters (even soulsborne vets were saying that combo’s take too long and some of the boss AI just can’t deal with magic builds). The thing that stopped me playing were repeated enemies (and repeated boss encounters - I would be happy to never see one of those stone cat things or tree monster types ever again).
It is brilliant though - they nailed the exploration and there so many fun builds to play with. But it was not quite the revolutionary game it will now be painted as. In terms of sparse open worlders like this: it owes a lot to both Shadow of the Colossus and BOTW. In terms of Soulsborne: I think Sekiro, Bloodborne and Dark Souls 1 all nail the ‘Metroidvania Zelda’ vibe much more: they are more cohesive and focused than Elden Ring (I also think ER is overly big: hence repetitive enemies and bosses).
I think Bloodborne is a masterpiece, man. It has it all: brooding atmosphere, enemy variety and combat, pace and balance, absorbing and meaningful story telling and the best boss battles they have ever done. It is unlikely they will ever do anything as good in my view.
Re: PS Plus Extra, Premium Now Live in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand
@themuckman well my logic and my approach is my own: and playing older games: it is just part of it so no, it does not bother me so much (because I adjust expectations based on what I’m playing). And actually some games still will be PAL as they won’t be able to get NSCT versions for all of them. So not entirely moot.
Lol and if it doesn’t bother you: why are you even talking about it? I am a retro gamer first and foremost so I’m chill about it. And if you like modern stuff: it may bother you more. Preferences, my friend. All it is.
Re: PS Plus Extra, Premium Now Live in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand
@themuckman 😂 so, out of the many millions of PAL games sold to millions of people in Europe-are you saying all of those folk had bad experiences? That those experiences don’t matter? I’m sure hardcore fans may have imported but most people clearly played and enjoyed PAL versions, and just got on with it.
Anything can be called poor by modern standards. And it would be great to get the 30fps versions now but not the end of the world if not. Kinda sad that people just don’t take something for what it is.
Re: PS Plus Extra, Premium Now Live in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand
@Sundown91 yeah it’s just not the end of the world y’know? I think when a game is older or has lower FPS, it is better to make the best of it and have fun with what you have? 60mhz would be nice but I’m guessing licensing/language issues have stopped it.
I genuinely wonder how modern gamers would deal with gaming back in the 80s and 90s? I love Digital Foundry and I get people want the optimum experience but if its not possible, it doesn’t negate all other forms of fun.
Re: PS Plus Extra, Premium Now Live in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand
I have premium until Nov: so looking at it all so far. I’d say it is decent first offering from Sony. Yes, NSTCC versions would be better but these PAL games are literally what I grew up playing, it’s fine for me. And it would be great if there were more PS1 classics day 1 but gamepass shows how important monthly refreshments are. PS Now had 700 games available and no one cared about it. More games will be added, and it will improve over time.
All those PS5 games though on Extra: it is insane value. I am starting on Spiderman:MM, Syphon Filter and Resi 1 (still so good). I already own both of them so it’s just great to have ps1 games on a huge TV again.
Re: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Is Remake 2, PS5 Exclusive, Out Winter 2023
Anyway, (enough of the arguments re: exclusivity), this is super exciting. Rebirth is also going to be huge if they properly re-create the same narrative from disc 1.
Cosmo canyon: I just can’t wait to see what they do with that
Re: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Is Remake 2, PS5 Exclusive, Out Winter 2023
@GorosBat I was with you until your edit. Sony can’t buy publishers the way Microsoft can - they have to do stuff like this now, as its the only way to compete.
I do agree that it is wrong as FF7 is a big event game that everyone should have the chance to play. But it is also synonymous with the PlayStation historically, and Sony have evidently helped with marketing/funding.
And at least it has made it to PC/Steam. When a company is bought/acquired like Bethesda, those games often go nowhere else (even if they have historically been multi platform).
Microsoft buying entire publishers is way worse because it stops all games going multi platform.
Re: The Callisto Protocol Will Have Exclusive PlayStation Content at Launch
I know it is easy to say: this is bad etc. But the reason they do it is because it works: they’ve been doing dlc pre-orders for years like this because it influences decisions in terms of platform/choice of console.
We may not like it; but until people stop being influenced by this stuff, it will likely carry on.
Re: Take a Full Tour of the New PS Plus Tiers
It is a wait and see at this point. We don't know the full line-up yet and we may see patches released to improve emulation in time. I don't mind PAL versions so much - they are what I grew up playing afterall. We'll have to see what happens with Premium (and just what games they can get hold of to put on there). I think if they had launched with more popular PS1 titles, it would be fine - Metal Gear, Wipeout 2097, Gran Turismo, Silent Hill, Tony Hawks etc - Premium wont work if they don't get games of that calibre/popularity: it is essentially a fun nostalgia trip for gamers - and they need to tap into that. But lets see, early days yet. Trials could be good: if they were able to launch new games with that (including third party games - they would have a slight/slimmed down rival to 'day and date' games via gamepass?).
The value here is in PS Extra. Demon Souls, Returnal, Spiderman, GoT and Death Stranding alone - that would cost way over £200 (and that's pre-owned; new it would be closer to £300). And then there is Guardians of the Galaxy and all those Ubisoft games: Assassins Creed: Valhallah etc. Its brilliant value for £83. For PS5 owners, it is a no-brainer.
Re: You May Already Own Some of the Retro PS Plus Titles
@get2sammyb Can I just ask? Does this mean all previous purchases made on ps vita or ps3 of PS1 games will be honoured?
There seems to be some confusion because I’m not sure if it is saying all previous ps classic purchases will be available or just the ones that ps plus covers? Presumably (and hopefully) it includes all previous purchases (as why not? The emulator must be able to play them?)
Basically: I think what is so exciting about it is that they may have brought back/added a new ps classic store front, where ps1, psp games will be available. Hopefully anyway. That’s huge if that what this is.
Re: Poll: What Do You Expect from Retro PlayStation Games on PS5, PS4?
They need to look at controls as well: some of those games will need mappable controls and even input collaboration.
Re: Syphon Filter Games Rated, Likely for PS Plus Premium
@Milktastrophe yeah: I get people (modern gamers, perhaps) want trophies because they are used to it. But I think here: some of these PS1 games may not be playable without looking at the controls/save states (we are talking about some games that are approaching 25 years old that relied on memory cards). It is a question of priorities and resources: if Sony can do it all, ace. But I imagine they will need to get these games simply playable before adding in extra's like trophy support.
I've played Syphon on my Vita and the PS classic and its okay, but analogue support would be one thing they would need to look at, I think.
Re: Syphon Filter Games Rated, Likely for PS Plus Premium
@Apfelschteiner already said, but I think for me: I find once I’m happy to move on: I would rather do that than play side content/chasing trophies (unless the game is exceptionally good-and even then: I’m playing for the game, not the trophy). And I really don’t care what anyone thinks of me in terms of gaming 😂
But each to their own etc
Re: Syphon Filter Games Rated, Likely for PS Plus Premium
@Milktastrophe well that’s cool but I’m not a fan of them (lol and that’s okay: I’m not saying anything about anyone else). And it’s relevant because Sony should be looking at controls and save states more than trophies for PS1 games.
But as you asked: I find trophies makes me carrying on playing content I’m not interested in. If I’ve done the story and side-missions etc, I want to move onto the next game.
Re: Syphon Filter Games Rated, Likely for PS Plus Premium
Could not care less about trophies: it is quite frankly why I love the Switch - just about the games. Achievements on Xbox is cool (because you can get reward points and cash ultimately) but I don't get trophies at all really.
I hope we get 'save' systems though: because those PS1 games need something like that. And any framerate improvements but we'll see: Sony probably won't.
This is great news overall though: like Syphon Filter was a great series and I'll happily play these games again. If this is the type of thing they are aiming for premium, it bodes well.
Re: Poll: What's Your PS5, PS4 Game of the Year So Far?
@wallywest
All those same elements are in Elden Ring. There is repeated side content: catacombs (that are all the same with similar bosses and layouts; there are urdtrees- with the same bosses; there are map markers that open up more of the map; there are bandit camps and travelling parties to attack: again pretty similar throughout). I mean it’s more disguised but if you play open world games a lot, it’s all the same tricks.
In all fairness to HFW: tallnecks take the ‘tower’ thing and push it in really interesting ways: they move round and involve multi-stage sequences including traversal, puzzle and combat: and they are often spectacular to do and are varied from each other. Cauldrons are some of the brilliant side content I’ve ever seen in a game: and again, huge variation and always worth exploring (I got sick of the catacombs in ER a little). Traversal in HFW is way more varied, especially underwater, just amazing to experience. I like AC: Valhallah: it is solid but it doesn’t do anything like that. The RPG system is not light either: I love that you have to take down enemies in correct way to get high end items for crafting. Elegant game design that loops combat to RPG mechanics and provides incentives to master the mechanics. It’s top stuff.
Both are excellent games though but we shouldn’t reduce them at all. Saying HFW is just an Ubi open world reduces what it does in the same way that saying that Soulsborne games are just all about hardness and nothing else (when they are so much more that). Peace, my friend, people can enjoy different games.
Re: Poll: What's Your PS5, PS4 Game of the Year So Far?
Horizon: for once, I have bought new games including Elden Ring and GT7. And Horizon is a much more balanced and varied experience than others. ER is ace, but there is a lot of repeated enemies man, bosses and locations, and the camera on larger enemies is just messy. Towards the end of ER, it becomes quite imbalanced in terms of difficulty as well (even soulsborne vets are saying bosses have been sped up to have longer, unpredictable combos whilst the player is trapped in Dark Souls moveset). Essentially, it forces players into broken builds such as ridiculously over-powered mimic tears and magic builds. I loved it and ER is fantastic and the world is a joy to explore but it’s not without some flaws (never mind the probs on PC).
HFW is so well balanced. You feel in the right place at the right time. The combat is ferocious, and flows so well: the combat wheel on that game is so well designed, you can craft, find items on the battlefield, dodge attacks, fire back-all in a manner of seconds. No other game does this so well. It takes the essence of Monster Hunter and ramps it up (there is no game that comes close to it in terms of open-world combat at all: even Elden Ring). Enemy variety is spot on, RPG mechanics and systems are weaved into crafting (eg taking out enemies in certain ways to get key items m, which then improve weapons and armour). It does subtle things with exploration: move to a question mark and you can find anything: new enemies, high level enemies, puzzles, combat, relics of older world, cool landmarks, cauldrons - some of the side content in HFW is actually better than other games main content. It looks amazing, animations are top, traversal is interesting and varied now (taking good inspiration from BOTW but it’s still Horizon) and underwater sections are like nothing I’ve ever seen in a game before. It’s story could be better in my view, just preferred HZD but it’s still an epic, fun time. Yeah Horizon takes it, for me.
GT7, third. But we all know GOTY is silly, right? Just enjoy the games.
Re: Reaction: PS Plus, PS Now's Makeover a Necessary and Positive Step for Sony
@WallyWest that’s not entirely true. It comes in cheaper than GPU over the year (£8.32 per month actually versus £10.99 for GPU) and there are is bigger and deeper library in the 700+ games being offered (although we dont know for sure yet). It is not as good as GPU in that it doesn’t have immediate first party games but newish ps5 games like Returnal and Spiderman: MM make it competitive. And if those classic ps1, ps2 and psp games are the right ones, that’s a really cool offer for old school gamers. Also, the mid-tier is a new brainier for PS5 owners as it means you don’t need to spend £70. It’s solid overall, even compared to GPU.
Re: Best PS Vita Games
Great list, personally would also have:
Wipeout 2048
WRC4 (such a good rally game)
Gravity Rush (guessing I’ve missed that because it is an essential game for the Vita)
Rogue legacy
Salt and Sanctuary
Tearaway
Re: PS5 Owners Ponder What Sony Is Playing At with VRR
Most people don’t even have a 4K TV, never mind a TV that can use VRR. Most people don’t care because it is not an issue that impacts them. I’d much rather PS5 games hit 60fps - which they do all the time. Sony have got things they need to do but this isn’t one of them - at least not immediately.
Just console war nonsense really. A lot of this is fuelled by people pointing at apparent deficiencies of different platforms and making things into larger deals than they really are.
Re: State of Play Announced, Featuring 30 Minutes of Gran Turismo 7 PS5 Gameplay
I am hugely excited about GT7 - and worth remembering GT is still Sony’s most commercially successful series by some way. I know racing games aren’t seen the way they used to be but this is hugely exciting for millions of racing fans.
It’s weird man: I don’t care about Microsoft and potential Sony acquisitions. I just want to get excited about a game I’ve always loved.
Re: Reaction: We Need to Talk About Tiny Tina on PS Plus
Also worth mentioning: if you look at where Sony make money, it’s in selling games and hardware. Ps plus and ps now come a pretty distant third. This is also why ps plus won’t always be as good as it could be: they don’t make the bulk of their cash off these type of services.
Re: Reaction: We Need to Talk About Tiny Tina on PS Plus
It is a bad month but I don’t know overall ps plus is great value (especially the ps plus collection). And it is probably more to do Spartacus coming later year and HFW coming out this month (and Sony wanting the attention on that?)
Overall, there are so many games on ps plus that if you have had it for a little while, it is like there will be something to play.