Latest Features
Round Up Hotline Miami 2 Reviews Dial the Right Number
Number games
Dennaton Games' flashy Hotline Miami sequel may bear the subtitle Wrong Number, but there's clearly nothing wrong with the follow-up's review scores. Indeed, while March is packed to the brim with blockbusters, it's the indie titles that are taking all of the plaudits, as the murder-'em-up attracts a bevy of big scores. We've been put...
Push Rewind PS4 Firmware Updates, Helldivers, and Project Morpheus
Born to try
The big Game Developers Conference in San Francisco this week marked the start of the busy conventions season – and, sadly, we won't get a breather until PlayStation Experience is over in December. Still, this does mean that there's lots of exciting news ahead, and Sony kicked things off with new Project Morpheus details. The highlight...
Video Watch As We Recap February 2015's Best PS4, PS3, and Vita Games
Dark days
February 2015 may have been quite literally the worst month in PlayStation history, but that's not stopped us from pumping out another recap video. Watch on as we crown Dragon Ball XenoVerse, and also break a bit of bad news to Sir Galahad and crew. He didn't take it particularly well, we're afraid to say. Oh well, remember to push that...
Feature 11 Games We Want to Play with PS4's Virtual Reality Headset
Morph than meets the eye
Republished on Sunday, 8th March 2015: We're bringing this feature back out of the archives following a big week for Project Morpheus at the Game Developers Conference. The original text follows. Originally published on Saturday, 22nd March 2014: Project Morpheus has been officially unveiled, and judging by the first batch...
Round Up Final Fantasy XV PS4 Demo Impressions Hit the Highway
Emo cid
We tend to reserve Round Ups for reviews, but we reckon that Final Fantasy XV's hotly anticipated Episode Duscae demo is just about deserving of a recap – especially seeing as some esteemed members of the press have been able to play through a chunk of it ahead of its release later this month. We'll, of course, bring you our own...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 59
Sod's law
And we're back with another edition of WAYP. It's a short and sweet entry this time (it's been one helluva week), but sometimes the best things come in small packages – at least, that's what this author is always telling himself. With the weekend here, you may be pondering whether to go outside – shopping, travelling, hiking, etc...
Talking Point Is This the End for the PlayStation 3?
This isn't living
In just over eight months' time, the PlayStation 3 will turn nine. Sony's always made a point of stressing that it will support its home consoles for at least ten years apiece, and it's not going to break that promise with its previous generation behemoth. But with publishers starting to focus solely on new formats like the...
Round Up Zombie Army Trilogy PS4 Reviews Rise from Their Grave
You did Nazi this one coming
There are games like Journey and The Last of Us, which attempt to challenge us emotionally – but sometimes you just want to embed bullets in rotten flesh. Zombie Army Trilogy, a PlayStation 4 compilation of Rebellion's undead-'em-up, has shuffled onto Sony's next-gen system this week, and promises to make the hunt for...
Game of the Month February 2015
Stupid game names, robots, Goku, and pottery
February's always an interesting month. We begin to see titles trickling through into the market, signalling the start of the inevitable spring rush that's on its way – either that, or these games are just desperate to avoid being crushed by the encroaching onslaught. Regardless of their reasons for...
Reaction Project Morpheus Seems Impressive, But Also a Hard Sell
Hot and cold
After a year of token statements without much substance, we suppose that it made sense for Sony to return to the scene of its virtual reality reveal with new information about Project Morpheus. Speaking as part of a private press conference at the Game Developers Conference this week, the Japanese giant announced that its ambitious...
Feature What Project Morpheus Games Has Sony Brought to GDC 2015?
That future feeling
Sony brought an updated Project Morpheus to the Game Developers Conference this week, and it sounds like a vast improvement. In addition to a new OLED screen – of which is larger, clearer, and more responsive than ever before – the overhauled headset's also packing a trio of additional lights, ensuring enhanced positional...
Feature What Are March 2015's Free PlayStation Plus Games?
New 'N' Tasty
After days of rumour, speculation, and Fred Dutton stalking, Sony has finally revealed March's roster of free PlayStation Plus games. If the drama leading up to the reveal wasn't riveting enough, there's plenty in the selection, too, as a borked European PlayStation Blog URL suggests that we were getting Dishonored originally. Either...
Out This Week Helldivers, OlliOlli 2, Oreshika, Zombie Army Trilogy
Too much to take
Busy, busy, busy – but Out This Week is (relatively) on time. After a couple of quiet weeks, the video game industry has opted to pack everything into a single week, with the Game Developers Conference, a special Project Morpheus event, and more new releases than we care to count all dropping at once. Fortunately, we thrive under...
Guide Helldivers PS4, PS3, PlayStation Vita Hints and Tips for Killing Alien Scum
Just dropping in
As we wrote in our review, Helldivers is a great downloadable game. Taking the fight to aliens across a multitude of different planets, there's little more satisfying than taking chunks out of big beasties with a barrage of bullets. Sadly, not everyone can adapt to the life of a Helldiver so easily. Starting out can be tough, even...
Push Rewind Dragon Ball XenoVerse, March PlayStation Plus Delays, Spring Fever
On fire
And so an absolutely enormous week on Push Square comes to a close. There were tons of highlights this time, but Dragon Ball XenoVerse and the ongoing PlayStation Plus saga have to come out on top. For those out of the loop on the latter story, Sony's still yet to announce March's big Instant Game Collection update – despite the new month...
These Are the Players A Conversation with YouTube Game Reviewer Caddicarus
Caddick addict
Here at Push Square Towers, we're constantly blithering on about the most famous game developers and designers, but there's always been a hole in our coverage: the players. We're talking about the fans – the people that love the brand as much as we do. Ultimately, we're referring to folk just like you. In this new series, we'll be...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 58
A big one
And so marks the end of another long week. With the weather looking dismal – certainly in our neck of the woods, at least – video games seem like the perfect antidote for your winter blues. The big question is: what will you be playing this time around? Fortunately, we have a column designed to get to the bottom of just that. Sammy...
Guide Dragon Ball XenoVerse PS4, PS3 Tips for Being a Better Brawler
No anti-gravity training required
It can be tough being a Dragon Ball fan, can't it? Not every licensed game's good enough to scratch that insatiable itch for Akira Toriyama's action packed creation, but thankfully, while not perfect, Dragon Ball XenoVerse is actually pretty great. As such, we're sure that many of you have already rushed out and...
Interview We Talk Tactics with the Producer of Dynasty Warriors
Cultural differences, future crossovers, and the Western fanbase
Dynasty Warriors is one of those franchises that has an incredibly loyal Western fanbase, but will likely never replicate the success it enjoys in its native Japan overseas. As such, it's not often that we hear from the people behind the long running hack-and-slash series, but we've...
Feature What Do You Mean You've Never Played... Breath of Fire IV?
Split personality
Another PSone game that was released around the same time that the PlayStation 2 hit store shelves, Breath of Fire IV got a little lost among the initial transition. And that's a real shame, because we reckon that Capcom's final numbered Breath of Fire title is right up there with the best role-playing games on Sony's first...
First Impressions Is Resident Evil: Revelations 2 Rotten or Ripe on PS4?
Claire's accessories
Resident Evil: Revelations faced a tough test when we reviewed it on the PlayStation 3 a couple of years ago. At the time of its release in May 2013, this author had already played a meaty chunk of The Last of Us, and Jill Valentine's oceanic romp failed to really live up. In hindsight, it was perhaps a little unfair to expect...
Out This Week Dragon Ball XenoVerse, Resident Evil: Revelations 2, Dynasty Warriors 8: Empires
Over 9,000
This edition of Out This Week may be fashionably late again, but boy are we bringing the heat. Well, technically, we're not bringing anything – but, er, what we're trying to say is that a lot of good games are due out over the coming days. These include Dragon Ball XenoVerse, Resident Evil: Revelations 2, and more. It's also worth...
Interview We Cross-Examine Danganronpa's Producer in Lightning Fast Time
Under pressure
Interviews are something that we're trying to do more of here on Push Square. Hearing directly from the personalities behind our favourite games is always going to make for an interesting read, but unfortunately, we don't always get a lot of time. In this instance, we managed to pin down Danganronpa producer Yoshinori Terasawa just...
Round Up Resident Evil: Revelations 2 PS4 Reviews Are a Sight for Sore Eyes
You've got Redfield on you
With so many games adopting different pricing models and release structures these days, it's becoming increasingly difficult to figure out a review strategy that makes sense. Resident Evil: Revelations 2 really takes the biscuit, though, launching on a disc in March – but also as part of four weekly episodes on the...
Opinion How Reviews Can Colour a Game's Reception
Good and bad
There's a growing sentiment among the gaming press that sites like this one are an outdated concept. Apparently, people no longer want to read a considered critique of a game – they'd rather watch a playthrough on YouTube or Twitch, with some commentary from a popular personality. It's something that's constantly on this author's...
Push Rewind The Order: 1886, PS4 Firmware Updates, and Dragon Ball Xenoverse
Better late than never
Finally. After several slow weeks in the PlayStation Nation, the New Year finally feels underway. This was an action packed seven days at Push Square Towers, as we penned tons of reviews, conducted a couple of interviews, and reported on lots of interesting news. Don't worry if you missed anything, because we've compiled all...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 57
Hobnobs
It's a brief WAYP this week, as everyone at Push Square Towers is too busy actually enjoying their weekends to talk about it. This editor may have to resort to new tactics to encourage further engagement – perhaps the promise of office Hobnobs will do the job? We shall see. Sammy Barker, Editor: It's a mixture of all sorts for me this...
Guide The Order: 1886 PS4 Trophy Guide & Road Map
Tip of the hat
The Order: 1886 has its fair share of problems, but if you're a fan of story-focused games, then you may yet wring some enjoyment out of Ready at Dawn's alternate history affair. The good news for Trophy hunters is that the PlayStation 4 exclusive's Platinum pot is blissfully easy to obtain, with all of the trinkets available in a...
Feature Four Ways Ready at Dawn Could Make a Much Better The Order: 1886 Sequel for PS4
Rebuilding London
No one wanted The Order: 1886 to succeed more than this author. If you go back and listen to our EGX 2014 discussion, you'll hear your humble host staunchly defend Ready at Dawn's alternate history escapade after an early hands-on demo failed to live up to the expectations of some members in the Push Square team. Reviewing the...
Round Up The Order: 1886 PS4 Reviews Fail to Make History
Not in the way intended, anyway
The writing's been on the wall for a little while now, but with our hands tied by a publisher imposed embargo, we haven't been able to say a whole lot about The Order: 1886 – until now. Fortunately, we can finally tell you that, despite being one of the most visually impressive releases ever made, Ready at Dawn's...
Feature What Do You Mean You've Never Played... Rogue Galaxy?
A rogue's legacy
What was then Japanese developer Level-5's biggest ever project, Rogue Galaxy remains a brilliant action role-playing game. A sci-fi tale of adventure, space pirates, and, of course, an evil empire, it's full of memorable characters, boasts a great battle system, and is set across some gorgeously diverse locales. As far as RPG...
Out This Week The Order: 1886, Dead or Alive 5 PS4, Q*Bert Rebooted
Antique action
Ah, another belated edition of Out This Week – will we ever publish this column on time? While you ponder that, we'll move swiftly on and point out that this week is a real humdinger, especially if you're a PlayStation 4 owner. Highlights include The Order: 1886 and Dead or Alive 5: Last Round, but there's something for everyone...
Interview We Compare Power Levels with the Producer of Dragon Ball Xenoverse
Development, new storylines, and Dragon Ball's future
Dragon Ball Xenoverse is now approaching its 27th February release date at supersonic speeds, and it's safe to say that we haven't seen a Dragon Ball game drum up this much hype in quite some time. The upcoming brawler takes the fight online with an MMO-like structure where you can team up with...
Talking Point How Important Is Game Length?
Time to find out
The Order: 1886 has caused a bit of a kerfuffle this weekend for supposedly being short, but how much does game length really matter? Some would argue that there's no point in spending money on a release that can be wrapped up in an evening or two, but many of us simply don't have the time to work through a 100 hour epic. It's a...
Push Rewind Upcoming PS4 Games, Evolve, and Valentine's Day
Some killer, plenty of filler
It's been another relatively quiet week in the PlayStation Nation, which marks a rare two in a row. This appears to be the calm before the storm, however, as every scribe at Push Square Towers is currently staring wide-eyed at the forthcoming review abyss. Enjoy the silence. Reviews: Apotheon - 8/10 Apotheon is not...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 56
The power of love
Today is Valentine's Day, which means that you're either going to be very happy, very sad – or completely indifferent. Fortunately, whichever camp you fall into, there are always video games, and, regardless of special occasions, we're here to bring you your regularly scheduled dose of WAYP. In truth, this author has nothing...
Interview We Bang Drums with the Developer of Vita's Addictive Rhythm Game Jungle Rumble
Indies, the industry, inspiration, and Sony
Out now on the North American PlayStation Store and coming soon to Europe, the delightfully named Jungle Rumble: Freedom, Happiness, and Bananas is an addictive rhythm title that sees you tapping your PlayStation Vita's screen in order to make cute little monkeys move. If you've been itching for something...
Feature What Do You Mean You've Never Played... Dragon's Dogma?
Flamin' heck
Capcom is one of those companies that people like to shout about – usually in a fit of rage – but we'd be mad to forget about one of its best original properties in years: Dragon's Dogma. Released on the PlayStation 3, the title is a bit like a Japanese take on open world, Western role-playing games. It's got just about everything...
Preview The PS4 Exclusives of 2015 - Tearaway Unfolded
Cut from the same sheet
Tearaway should have been the PlayStation Vita's signature game. Designed from the ground up for Sony's pocketable platform, Media Molecule's chirpy platformer not only made use of every single input on the system – but it also ensured that they actually added something to the experience. This is something of a rarity –...
Talking Point Do Review Scores Have a Future?
Number games
After an incredible 15 years – and more 8/10 jokes than we care to count – Eurogamer.net has dropped review scores. It's not the first site to do so – both Kotaku and Joystiq (RIP) ditched numbers and stars a while ago – but the news seems significant this time because our buddies from Brighton operate a more traditional...
Out This Week Evolve, Super Stardust Ultra, Chivalry
Monster munch
We don't know about you, but it feels like we're still easing our way into 2015. While there have been a fair few big releases between Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell and Dying Light, there hasn't been a whole lot to shout about. That's all set to change as we limp towards the end of the fiscal year, though, with publishers preparing to...
Feature 10 Japanese Games That Have Us Hyped in 2015
Dreams of the East
2015 is looking like a pretty good year for games from the East, especially with Japanese developers now turning their attention to the PlayStation 4. Whether you're a fan of manga and anime adaptations or role-playing games, there's quite a bit of excitement to go around, although we do need to point out one thing before we...
Round Up Evolve PS4 Reviews Tread Very, Very Lightly
But is Turtle Rock's latest still beastly?
In a way, we can't help but feel sorry for Evolve. While it doesn't sound like the Turtle Rock shooter's going to have any crippling problems – of a technical nature, anyway – the four-versus-one affair has, in many ways, taken the fall for the failings of so many of last year's big games. The majority...
Push Rewind Persona 5, The Order: 1886 Overload, and Sony Online Entertainment
Lips are movin'
It's been a bit of a strange week here at Push Square Towers. While we've pumped out more articles than BuzzFeed, it doesn't feel like there's much to recap. In other words: the past seven days in the PlayStation Nation have been little more than filler, but we suppose that that's a welcome reminder that 2015 has barely got started...
Video Watch As We Recap January 2015's Best PS4, PS3, and Vita Games
January blues
Who missed me? Aw, look at that, you've all gone shy... And quiet... And have started walking in the wrong bloody direction! C'mon back precious eyes, because if we don't get 500 views on this Game of the Month clip then this video editor has a noose around his neck, and let me tell you, he's darn well not afraid to use it. There'll be...
Talking Point Has Persona 5's Gameplay Trailer Dulled Your Excitement for Final Fantasy XV?
Persona-lly speaking
Some wouldn't like to admit it, but it's not often that a Japanese role-playing game has the weight to make waves in the current climate of our industry – at least, not here in the West. But of course, like everything in life, when something good is destined to come along, it all comes at once. After almost a decade of as...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 55
Wayne to go
There's a brilliant little application on the BBC website which allows you to track just how much professional footballers (of the non-American variety) earn. This author thought that it would be fun to see how much Manchester United and England player Wayne Rooney earns during the time that it takes to publish a weekly edition of WAYP...
Soapbox Why We Need More Grounded Games
Sammy Barker's sick of the surreal
I did something that I don't usually do last night: I cancelled my late night session at the Push Square coal face in order to finish Life Is Strange. The debut episode in DONTNOD's episodic escapade has received a mixed reception from critics, with some lauding it as a minor masterpiece, while others try not to...
Preview The PS4 Exclusives of 2015 - Until Dawn
#Hilarious
We all have our guilty pleasures, and Until Dawn is fast becoming this author's. Supermassive Games' slasher title has been in production for what feels like an eternity, with its roots dating all the way back to the PlayStation Move boom of 2012. At the time, the platform holder promised that the title would offer a teen horror twist on...
Game of the Month January 2015
And so it begins
2015's first month didn't provide that much to write home about, but that didn't stop our internal staff vote from being a very close affair. Contrary to popular opinion, zombies haven't quite gone out of date yet, as two horror titles featured on our shortlist, while two never-before-seen-on-PlayStation remasters entered the...
