Latest Features
Interview A Chat About Furi, One of PS4's Most Promising Action Games
The fast and the Furious
Regular readers will know that we've got high hopes for Furi, an upcoming PlayStation 4 action title from independent developer The Game Bakers. Featuring an eye-catching visual style, blistering combat, and one hell of a soundtrack, the release is set to get your pulse pounding when it launches later this year. We caught up...
Soapbox Scale Is PlayStation VR's True Game Changer
Sammy says bigger is always better
"Shut up about virtual reality already, Sammy," you're probably all screaming at your screens. Sorry, I have been a bit pushy, haven't I? But in my defence, I keep writing about PlayStation VR because I'm genuinely excited about it. No one's paying me to talk about it. I haven't been instructed by my bosses to...
Push Share What PS4 Screenshots Have You Been Sharing? - Issue 10
The big 1-0
Our tenth issue of Push Share is quite possibly our smallest instalment yet - presumably because our writers are out, you know, living their lives - but don't let that put you off, as we've still got several lovely PlayStation 4 screenshots for you to peruse. Video editor Ben Potter won the vote last time around with his suggestive...
DLC Review Exploring a Genius Mind with Naruto Storm 4's DLC Pack 1
Shik-ing it up
Shikamaru Nara is arguably one of Naruto's more interesting characters. A genius with a lazy streak, he's been a part of Masashi Kisimoto's work since the early days of the original manga – and now he's the star of Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4's first slice of downloadable content. DLC Pack 1 adds a whole new scenario...
Feature 5 PlayStation VR Games That Have Us Hella Hyped
Full reactive eyes entertainment
Now that PlayStation VR's been dated and priced, it's up to Sony to prove to the sceptics among you that you absolutely need one of its hyped headsets on launch day. And while it'll no doubt attempt to prove the peripheral's worth to many of you by taking the hardware on tour, it's the device's launch line-up that's...
First Impressions Battlezone on PlayStation VR Will Blow Your Mind
Tank you very much
Holy moly, virtual reality is truly mind blowing stuff. We were recently invited out to legendary developer Rebellion's headquarters to get some eyes-on time with Battlezone on PlayStation VR – and we've talked about little else since. This is only phase one for the fledging medium's return to the mainstream, and already it's...
First Impressions Sniper Elite 4 on PS4 Seems On Target Yet Again
Murder in the Mediterranean
For many, Rebellion's successful Sniper Elite series is a gaming guilty pleasure. Seasoned soldier Karl Fairburne has been busting balls since the heady days of the PlayStation 2, and now finds himself slinking into battle for a fourth time. Continuing the property's theme of depicting unexpected but engaging World War II...
Reaction PlayStation VR Clears the Price Hurdle Cleanly
Sony now needs to get people to try the promising tech
PlayStation boss Andrew House didn't beat around the bush at Sony's planned PlayStation VR press conference in San Francisco earlier today. In a presentation that lasted 30 minutes, the Welshman very quickly discussed the platform holder's commitment to innovation, before confirming that its...
Guide Will Sony's PlayStation VR Press Event at GDC 2016 Be Livestreamed?
Plus, what time does it start and what should you expect?
Sony's holding a PlayStation VR press event in San Francisco today – though you may be forgiven for not being in the know. Unlike the platform holder's usual presentations, this one actually leaked via IGN. But will the event get a livestream? What time should you be keeping an eye out for...
Guide The Division PS4 - Skills, Talents, Stats, and Perks Explained
Understand the shooter's many systems
Getting to grips with The Division takes more mental fortitude than a medical professional performing brain surgery. For all of the advantages so very obviously present in Ubisoft's post-pandemic role-playing release, the early hours of the game can be mind numbing, as developer Massive unloads intel like it's...
Reaction Will Sony Enable Cross-Network Play on PS4? Well, It Already Does
Building bridges
Microsoft's always been good at making headlines – and it usually opts to do so when this author's out of the office. It announced today that it will be enabling cross-network play on the Xbox One, a bold new direction from the Redmond manufacturer that… Well, puts yet another of its policies in line with the PlayStation 4...
Push Rewind The Division, Hitman PS4, and Uncharted 4
The big guns
This was a big week for new releases, with both The Division and Hitman arriving on the PlayStation 4. Just like the rest of the press, we weren't able to get our hands on Ubisoft Massive's Manhattan-based shooter until launch day, so those waiting for a review can anticipate one once we've fully put it through its paces. You'll find...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 109
Growing pains
And thus marks the end to a clumsy week, where your humble host has messed up his elbow and pulled a muscle in his neck. The weekend brings the promise of rest and relaxation – or at least it would if we didn't have a handful of previews to write ahead of their embargo lifting next week. FML. Sammy Barker, Editor: I've barely...
Hardware Review Hori Real Arcade Pro 4 Kai - Stick Joy
King of the Kontrollers
Capcom may have slightly fumbled the launch of Street Fighter V, but there's no denying that the title is a formidable addition to the company's long and proud lineage in a genre that it has arguably dominated since the early 90s. However, as any truly dedicated player will tell you over and over, the interface you use to...
Soapbox Why Action Henk and Broforce Have Me Hooked
Sam Brooke is enamoured with March's PS4 indie arrivals
I admit it – I have a big soft spot for indie games. Call me weird, but I can't get enough of these low-budget beauties because they're forced to innovate using the limited resources that they have and can create genius new mechanics, or simply refine existing systems to perfection. Anyway,...
Podcast Episode 2 - The Return
Guess who's back?
So, a little over a week ago, Ben Potter and myself posted the very first Push Square Podcast, which you can listen to here if you haven't already. You guys seemed to like it and the feedback received has been fantastically positive, for which we're incredibly grateful. Mushy stuff aside, the podcast has been formall
Hands On The Division's a Clinical But Compelling PS4 Shooter
Empire elated?
Hit making is really, really hard. Pop stars like Katy Perry and Justin Bieber may very well have raw talent, but it's down to their respective record labels to extract that in order to turn them into superstars. And it takes a team of incredibly intelligent people – writers, stylists, producers, engineers, choreographers,...
Video Top 4 PlayStation Games - February 2016
Urgh
I've had enough. From now on, Ramsey is not allowed to compile Game of the Month – and he's definitely not allowed to vote. Just look at February's line-up – it's a freakin' weeaboo's wet dream. I'm not having it anymore, I'm sorry…
Live Watch As We Go Hands On with The Division on PS4
Made it to Manhattan
The Division is out now on the PlayStation 4 – well, in Europe at least. To celebrate that fact, we're putting the game through its paces live on our YouTube channel now. If you're not able to watch right now, then you'll find an archive of the stream embedded for posterity above.
Poll How Much Will PlayStation VR Cost?
Predict the financial damage
Yes, we're recycling an old topic – but it does feel like the right moment to revisit the PlayStation VR pricing saga. Sony's announced that it will be holding a press event during the Game Developers Conference next week, and it's likely to contain pricing and release date details on its wow-inducing wearable...
Push Rewind No Man's Sky, PS4 Firmware Update 3.50, Uncharted 4 Delay
Heavy Rain PS4 review, podcast, and more
And thus concludes a pretty packed week in the PlayStation Nation, where we finally got some hands-on time with No Man's Sky, witnessed another Uncharted 4: A Thief's End delay, and finally got some firm information on PlayStation 4 firmware update v3.50. You may need a lie down after this week's Push Rewind...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 108
The big question
A week of experimentation concludes with something very familiar – it's WAYP time. For those of you who are near – we could probably use a recap every over 100 issues – this is the article where we all come together to discuss what we're planning to play over the course of the weekend. Are you sitting comfortably? Then let's...
Soapbox Why Do We Treat Gaming Like a Chore?
Work, work, work
I've got to finish it otherwise I'll never clear my backlog. Recognise that? In this instance, 'it' doesn't refer to an important project or a piece of school work – but a game instead. Some of you won't have uttered a sentence like that, but I'd wager that there'll be more of you that have than haven't. The fact is that many of...
Push Share What PS4 Screenshots Have You Been Sharing? - Issue 9
Sharing the love
We're only on Issue 9 of bi-weekly feature Push Share, but writing this cheeky little introduction is already becoming difficult. Reviewer Simon Fitzgerald won the majority of votes last time thanks to his questionable Fallout 4 pic, but who will take the crown this week? As always, we've got a selection of rad, hip, and cool...
Game of the Month Top 4 PlayStation Games of February 2016
Zombies, anime, street fighters, and monsters of a digital kind
February's Game of the Month vote wasn't an easy one, as three separate titles found themselves tied for our prestigious award at one point – but we got there in the end. While the month itself won't be remembered for its blockbuster releases, it's safe to say that it was actually a...
Live By Zeus' Beard! Watch Us Play SMITE on PS4
MOBA madness
We're goin' friggin' mental here at the figurative Push Square Towers, rolling out podcasts and video clips shot straight from… Well, Sammy's kitchen. But why stop there? We'll be streaming SMITE gameplay live on our YouTube channel this evening, so check back at 21:00PM UK time to watch him play. Don't worry if you can't catch the...
Hands On PS4's No Man's Sky Is Gorgeous, Ginormous, and Potentially Great
Thirty minutes in Hello Games' galaxy
Like all of the best brainiacs, the friendly folks at Hello Games are utterly insane. There's a mad glimmer in studio co-founder Sean Murray's eye as he explains that he's no longer able to see textured terrain in No Man's Sky without the mathematics shaping it. The amiable programmer – appearing endearingly...
Push Square Podcast is born
You spoke – and we listened. We're very happy to announce the birth of the Push Square Podcast, hosted by our resident duo of Bens. Ben Potter, who you'll certainly recognise from our video section – the basket case responsible for our cracking Game of the Month flicks – and Ben Tarrant, who's been reviewing with us...
Poll Are You Happy with PS4 Firmware Update 3.50?
Yay or nay?
Sony detailed PlayStation 4 firmware update v3.50 this week, revealing its codename – Musashi, for those curious – and the list of features that it will introduce. Chief among them is the ability to turn on friend notifications and appear offline – but it also includes improved party functionality, better event scheduling, support...
Feature 5 Things We Know About Murderous PS4 RPG Vampyr
London's bleeding
We first heard about Vampyr back at the beginning of last year, and truth be told, we've heard bugger all since. However, thanks to a glut of new information that's spread across the web like an outbreak of vampirism, we've finally got our hands on some semi-decent details. We're thankful, too, because French developer DONTNOD's...
Talking Point Why Did We All Tune Out of PlayStation TV?
Change the channel
When the PlayStation TV was announced, this author was on holiday. It was poor editorial director Damien McFerran that was left to man the fort during an explosive Tokyo Game Show press conference, which also played host to the reveal of the PlayStation Vita Slim. It was big, big news at the time, with
Push Rewind Uncharted 4, PlayStation Plus Freebies, Far Cry Primal
For Drake's sake
Ooh boy, the highlight this week has to be that Uncharted 4: A Thief's End trailer, doesn't it? Even ignoring the hullabaloo regarding the place holder art, Naughty Dog's latest practically sizzled in its latest story clip. Other highlights this time include the latest PlayStation Plus line-up, and several big reviews – Far Cry...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 107
Just dance
It's the weekend, which means that it's time to dig out your Little Mix CD and start dancing like it's 2016. Or you could just switch on your PlayStation 4 and sit down with some games, which is what we'll be doing. Everyone's got two left feet here at Push Square Towers, y'see. Sammy Barker, Editor: I can't talk about what I'll be...
Hardware Review How to Extend Your PS4 Controller's Battery Life
Never stop playing
Longevity isn't exactly the DualShock 4's favourite word. Sony's latest controller may be the most comfortable that it's ever made, but if it was on a Duracell commercial, it would be one of those knock-off bunnies on its haunches staring longingly at the cotton tails of its supercharged counterparts. The PowerPak 1, an ergonomic...
Talking Point Do You Fast Travel in Open World Games?
Quick trip or epic voyage
There are those that fast travel, and those that don't. Raised voices broke out in Push Square Towers this week when Robert Ramsey revealed that he walks everywhere in Fallout 4. This led to Sammy Barker using words that can't be repeated on these hallowed pages. The result: a poll to the death to determine who the real...
Book Review Console Wars - A Sony, Nintendo, and SEGA Love Triangle
Serious business
Console wars have a bad name. We're not condoning the craziness that occurs on social media and message boards from time to time, but there's a competitive edge to any industry that can be entertaining when viewed from the inside – and video games are no different. Console Wars, a fly-on-the-wall insight into the skirmish for...
Feature Happy 4th Birthday, PlayStation Vita
Yes, it's still here
Four years ago today, on the 22nd February 2012, Sony bestowed upon the Western world its newest handheld gaming system: the PlayStation Vita. Originally marketed as something of a home console in the palm of your hands, it's safe to say that the sleek little machine hasn't quite lived up to its potential - but for once, we're...
Push Rewind Street Fighter V, PS4 Firmware Update Betas, Hideo Kojima's Next Game
Rise up
One game's hogged the headlines this week: Street Fighter V. We thought that the fighter was absolutely wonderful in our review, but it's also come under heavy fire for its lack of single player content. Elsewhere this week, we got some updates on Hideo Kojima's new game, Bethesda teased a Fallout 4 secret that's yet to be found, and we...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 106
Weekend fighters
Want to know what the worst thing about the weekend is? Trying to come up with an introduction to WAYP. Y'know, this author's seriously considering concocting a copy and paste intro that can be recycled every week. For now, though, we'll simply make a passing comment about the weather – it's a bit drizzly here in the UK. Sammy...
Push Share What PS4 Screenshots Have You Been Sharing? - Issue 8
Now with added photo contest
Push Share is supposed to be a bi-weekly feature, but this humble editor went and screwed up last Friday by totally forgetting all about it. Absolutely unforgivable, we know, but at least we're back on track this week with some fresh PlayStation 4 screenshots. What's more, to make up for our disgusting blunder, we're...
Round Up Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 PS4 Reviews Start to Sprout
Green, green grass of dope
Critics have started slathering fertiliser on top of their Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 reviews, and we're starting to see the fruits of their labour. A handful of American sites have published reviews for the under-the-radar floral-based foray today, and because we haven't got our copy yet, we've planted them...
Site News Our Forum Wants to Find Your Favourite Ever PlayStation Game
Time to vote
Organisational idol themcnoisy is back with another awesome forum contest, with the objective this time to determine the greatest PlayStation game of all time. There'll be a slew of rounds, contests, and battles before the ultimate winner is crowned, with the prologue stage well underway as we write. You've got until 29th February to...
Soapbox Street Fighter V's PS4 Launch Has Been a Bummer
And it could have been so easily avoided
God, I love Street Fighter V. I'm about as good at it as I am guitar – which is to say that I know the major chords, but you can stick your pentatonic scales up your arse – but, like performing a very average rendition of Wonderwall, I'm thoroughly enjoying exploring the basics of Capcom's latest. Cammy's...
Feature 5 Firmware Updates the PS4 Desperately Needs in 2016
Sort it out, Sony
Republished on Wednesday, 17th February 2016: We're bringing this feature back from the archives following the news that Sony is about to beta test PS4 firmware update v3.50. The original text follows. Originally published on Tuesday, 5th January 2016: Pipe down at the back – the PlayStation 4 certainly isn't a turd in its...
Feature A Brief History of Virtual Reality
Alex Boz tours the '90s VR graveyard
With the Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR well and truly on the way to our living rooms, virtual reality (VR) is the biggest news in gaming right now. But let's rewind the clock some two and a half decades, back when Sony was working on the Nintendo Play Station and the inventor of the Oculus Rift, Palmer Luckey,...
Guide Mastering the Basics in Street Fighter V on PS4
Follow your fist
Street Fighter V is finally here, and we think that the game's easier to learn than ever. This is great news for those who've always wanted to leap into the genre, but it can still be daunting, and sometimes, asking for advice – even with the best will in the world – can simply make things more confusing. The best fighting...
Feature What Modes Do You Actually Get in Street Fighter V on PS4?
Also, a quick content roadmap
For our money, Street Fighter V is easily the best brawler on the PlayStation 4 – and it may just be one of the greatest fighting games ever made. The sequel's peerless ability to fuse accessibility with tournament tier depth is its true strength, but it does come with a caveat: the single player experience, in its...
Round Up Street Fighter V PS4 Reviews Rise Up
Round one
It's time to rise up and be counted, as Street Fighter V is almost here. The latest entry in Capcom's uber-popular punch-up property is being pitched as a sort of pseudo-service, and phase one rolls out this week, exclusively on the PlayStation 4 and PC. But with a lack of single player content threatening to steal the series' championship...
Feature An Introduction to Street Fighter V's F.A.N.G.
Fangs very much
F.A.N.G. – now forever referred to as Fang, thanks – was the final character revealed for Street Fighter V's release. Not many people know a great deal about the lanky weirdo, as he hasn't been available during any beta tests, so allow us to shine a light on Bison's newest sycophant. First thing's first: Fang's really going to...
First Impressions Hitman PS4 Brings the Franchise Back to Its Golden Years
Our thoughts from the beta
It's safe to say that a lot of people were feeling quite nervous about the annoyingly named Hitman. Its episodic release schedule worried many people, and tensions were high after the disappointing Hitman: Absolution – would Square Enix mess up again? After playing the beta for many hours, however, it seems that there's...