Circumstances have made this week deadly negative on Push Square, so we’re looking to inject a little more positivity into proceedings by remembering the PlayStation 4’s launch. It’s been 12 months since Sony dropped its next-gen system onto store shelves in North America, and we’ve decided to bring our team together in order to take a look back at some of our memories from that occasion. Of course, as with anything on this site, we don’t want this to be a one-way conversation, so we want to hear your stories in the comments section, too. Did you go to a midnight launch? Which game did you play first? Have you had to scrimp and save to get your system? Let us know.
Sammy Barker, Editor
I was lucky enough to get my PS4 a little while before the European launch, so I was pretty much in sync with the North American release. However, my memory of 15th November is very much getting up at around 04:00AM UK time in order to report on the All Access event. Geoff Keighley had been hyping up new announcements all week, and, of course, they didn’t amount to much – even if we did get confirmation of the next Uncharted game.
As for the system itself, I was understandably excited during the setup process of the new machine – but that promptly turned to panic. I distinctly remember the console freezing during the firmware update procedure, but fortunately, after a reboot, all was well. The first game I loaded up was Killzone: Shadow Fall, and I remember showing the opening stages of the first mission to family and friends several times over in order to see their reactions.
Despite lots of discussion about diminishing returns at the time, pretty much everyone was impressed; in fact, only my Mum mentioned that it looked “exactly the same as all of the other ones”. She must have been using her crystal ball again, as that’s pretty much what all of the yet-to-be-released reviews said as well.
Kell Andersen, News Reporter
I started writing for Push Square a fortnight before the PS4 launched. In other words, I joined during arguably the busiest and most exciting month in the site's history. With that said, I didn't get the system until a month later, as its unprecedented demand meant that Australian store shelves were woefully understocked. This made the wait almost unbearable, but at the same time, meant that the payoff was so much sweeter.
The first game that I played on my shiny new black box was Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, and to this day, it is still one of my favourite experiences on the console. I remember the opening scene, in which you explore a vast and secluded jungle; deftly leaping from tree to tree, as an orange sun sets in the background. It was the sort of new and interesting experience that I had been hoping for when I bought Sony's new console, and it was the sort of experience that I would continue to have as the months wore on. I like the PS4. I like it a lot.
Nicola Hayden, News Reporter
While I may have not been able to afford a PS4 until closer to its birthday, I still have good memories of that monumental period: I visited my local game store for a special preview night fuelled entirely by free chocolate, cola, and pizza. Even though I attended by myself, it truly felt like the event was for the players, as everyone came together regardless of gender and age to share their first experience of next-gen.
I distinctly remember huddling around watching others try titles, as there was obviously not time to play everything on show. I remember the laughs from the crowd as I got married in Octodad by smacking my bride in the face with her ring. I remember the rage of one guy after dying repeatedly seconds after a checkpoint in Knack. I remember the sounds of disappointment from behind me as I missed the final jump in the Contrast demo and had to start the puzzle again from scratch – and the round of applause when I finally made it.
For me, my memory of the PS4 launch is how it brought gamers together – and it continues to do that for me today. Whether it be playing Dynasty Warriors 8: Extreme Legends in co-op or watching someone stream Dream C Club on Twitch from Japan, the next-gen Sony experience has gotten stronger because of its dedicated community.
Joey Thurmond, Reviewer
Before I even had my PS4, I already had the games that I wanted. The US retail store Target, for some strange reason, was selling PS4 titles a couple of days before the system came out with a Buy 2, Get 1 free deal – who could pass on that? I drove over to the closest one in the cold night and was lucky that they had what I came for: Knack, Battlefield 4, and Killzone: Shadow Fall. It wasn't until several days later that the console’s launch came, and while I didn't go to the midnight launch (not really my kind of thing), I walked out of my local GameStop in the afternoon with a huge grin on my face, safely secured the PS4 in the back of my car, and drove home as fast as the law would allow me.
The sleek console was so incredible to look at as I pulled it out of the box later on, and the controller was better than I could have imagined; I've used the DualShock since childhood, so when I laid my hands on the fourth iteration, I was shocked at how much that I loved it. The best part about turning the PS4 on was hearing the ethereal main menu music, though, which really captures the beauty and power of the console – I must have listened to it for several minutes!
When I popped in my three games, Battlefield 4 and Shadow Fall's opening moments blew my mind with their graphics, and Knack was a nostalgic throwback of pure fun that was a nice counter to the serious shooters. Although the games turned out to show their flaws over time, I knew that this was only the beginning of the next generation. A year later, I'd say that Sony has met those expectations decently, but give the PS4 one more, and it'll be a must-have console that lives up to its name and motto of being "for the players”.
Marcello Apostolico, Reviewer
Exactly one year ago today, I remember heading over to Best Buy with my girlfriend to pick up Sony's latest console; I took the day off from work just so that I could bask in the glory of gaming on the PS4. On launch day, I picked up Killzone: Shadow Fall, Knack (which I thought was a great game, and was also my very first review on Push Square), and my girlfriend bought me LEGO Marvel Super Heroes as an early Christmas gift (which was my second review on Push Square). Upon booting up the system, the very first game I fired up was actually Resogun, and what a phenomenal game that was (and still is). The PS4 has seen a fairly solid first year for the most part, and it shall only get better, as we all know that greatness awaits.
Nathan Michalik, Reviewer
My PlayStation launch day experience was, honestly, fairly typical. Like many others, I was to call off work ahead of time – but unfortunately, I spent the entire day waiting for my package to arrive, and subsequently wore myself out. The first thing that I forced myself to do was upgrade the hard drive as soon as it did show up, and then I spent the entire evening slaughtering the Helghast in Killzone: Shadow Fall – I probably stayed up until about 04:00AM streaming the campaign.
Sadly, by the time that I was ready to try some other launch titles, I passed out on the couch. The system’s since become a part of my daily life, though; whether I’m watching Netflix during lunch or playing Final Fantasy XIV with friends to do our daily quests, it’s quickly established itself in my household.
Simon Fitzgerald, Reviewer
The PS4 launch was a very exciting time for me, as I’d enjoyed my time with the PS3, but I was dying to get my hands on Sony’s mystical new box. There were a few choices to pick from, and I went for the Mega Bundle. This included the console, two DualShock 4 controllers, the PlayStation Camera, and Killzone: Shadow Fall. Upon launch day, I ran home like an excitable puppy to see the big box in my living room. I unpacked it, and the first game that I played was actually The Playroom.
I found this a great demonstration of all of the things that the console can do, but I quickly turned my attention to Killzone: Shadow Fall, and gawped at its graphics. All in all, I had a really great day, and I’m still really excited to see what’s around the corner for the PS4.
What are your memories of the PS4's launch? Which games did you play first? What were your first impressions of the DualShock 4? Reminisce with us in the comments section below.
Comments 28
Knack and it was actually fun
I received my console a few days after the launch here in the UK. I bought the mega pack bundle, which included FIFA 14, Killzone: Shadow Fall, an extra DS4 and the PlayStation Camera. A short while after, I bought Black Flag, which I really enjoyed. Unfortunately, I just couldn't get into Killzone's multiplayer, despite enjoying the campaign. The lack of a progression system and levelling up killed it for me, as I never felt as though I was working toward something.
None, first have to go first base with mY Wii U ( install)! Will get it when bloodborn releases.
Finding out that my delivery was being handled by Yodel. So fear. Fear and waiting.
Then Killzone. And joy 😂
OK PS4 was sold out here at launch and at Christmas. After that I had no money. I got one in late February so I missed the launch hype. I have played a lot of games but there is no easy way to persuade someone that the 400 euros are justified. Personal favourites are Metal Gear, Injustice, Contrast, Tomb Raider and Drive Club (I play solo). From the launch games I have recently got Knack. I haven't tried it yet.
I didn't manage a pre order so I spent launch night trying to find a PS4 off the shelf, managed to bag me one at around 7 am, it was a cold wet night and then I spent the day playing Killzone, black flag and Fifa. Its the first console I ever bothered to get on launch.
@KALofKRYPTON ha ha, yodel - courier cum bookmakers
@Bad-MuthaAdebis That's an awesome little story. We milked the stock shortages for about a month on this site - great times.
One amazing little story I have in early December was travelling home on a train one evening, and the person sitting next to me was looking for PS4 stock on a tablet - and ended up clicking on an article I'd written. Blew my mind.
Of course, being a Brit, I never said anything.
My launch memory was marred with my electronic store's ineptness. They allegedly sold my paid-in-full PS4 to someone who has my name. To be fair, It's a fairly common fore/surname combo, so I had an inkling of understanding, but it didn't nothing to satiate my disappointment, especially after they called all the stores in the area and told me they might not have anymore stock from 1-3 months!
Though to make up for it, they did get corporate on the phone and I ended up walking out with a Playstation Camera, DS4, a year of PS+ and a $200 credit. That's in addition to my console that I would be receiving eventually! I ended up getting my Playstation sometime after the New Year and it was glorious. Fast forward to the present, it's kind of collecting dust, as I've been gaming on my XB1 and U more, but I plan on breaking it out soon to finally try some of the new features!
I remember preordering the PS4 back after that awesome E3 announcement. I paid it off little by little so that when the day arrived I could just pick up the system and game. I had to work that day as 3 other of my co-workers requested the day off so they could get their PS4s and play all day long. That was the longest day of work for me ever lol. At 5 o'clock I punched out and drove over to Gamestop immediately, went in got my PS4 and Assassin's Creed IV and ran home to start it, I think that was the fastest I ever went into a Gamestop and left lol. Lucky for me I had the next two days off from work so I spent the night playing AC IV, Resogun and Contrast as well as the next 2 days. It was then that I was glad that I came back to the PS family.
I got the system day one, but was put off by Killzone, so I actually didn't get to really enjoy my first game until Tomb Raider a month later. But it was worth it.
My ps4 launch memories were that I couldn't get one till February:(
First thing I did was fire up Killzone and loved it, then I hit a little rezogun and when I looked away from the PS4 realized it was 9 a.m. was a good night and early morning.
@get2sammyb I walked to a couple of stores in the early hours, cold, wet and in some pretty grubby parts of Manchester. Apparently at an ASDA a whole bunch of chavs started getting rowdy, there were only a handful of PS4 consoles in store, they didn't even open until 6 AM so they had to hand out tickets early on. Walking home disappointed I tried ordering one to collect from John Lewis but their store is impossible to use with a phone, it doesn't matter if you request desktop web version as it throws you out at the checkout. Tesco online stock disappeared pretty quick so I got home and had a nap, woke up at 7am and noticed Argos had released stock to order, snapped up a Killzone bundle. Funny thing was that people were waiting outside Argos all night despite the fact that Argos isn't an off the shelf store, its entirely an online ordering store, even if you go in store you have to order via a computer, so while they were stood outside all night people at home were ordering the stores stock, those silly people were pretty peeved, oh well.
I picked my mom up at the airport at 11:30 so she let me swing by Best Buy at midnight to pick up my console.. While we were in line with many other people she started saying very embarrassing stuff and NOT using her inside voice. She said stuff like "how many of the guys in this line do you think ACTUALLY have a girlfriend?" Yea, it sucked.. But I got home and plugging in the new hardware was worth the trouble
I had heard people were bricking their systems by not plugging the power cable in straight at the back of the PS4, so I remember that being unnecessarily stressful. I had calzone and Killzone with my roommate and remember telling him, "this disgusting calzone is better than Killzone" (although Shadowfall would go to be my favorite multiplayer FPS aside from Counterstrike). Neither of us thought the game looked very good or did anything impressive, and I went to bed with some big buyer's remorse (since I've never bought a console at launch).
I have no exciting stories to relate regarding the PS4 launch, but here's a fun fact: In over thirty years as a gamer, the PS4 is only the second console I've purchased on launch day and the first since the Sega Dreamcast.
All I remember was the fake applause during the Japanese launch...
My memory is getting home and having to wait 3 or 4 hours before I could connect to download updates, which I wanted to do before playing games. Yup, one of those first world problems. I've accepted this is what the industry is now but damn if I don't miss the days of getting home with my brand new console and a few games, setting it up and getting into playing within 10 minutes tops. Now you have to download this update, then that update, then a day-one patch that 'fixes' something but breaks something else. I also miss the focus on a good, old-fashioned offline single player campaign. I've become the old man shouting get off my lawn but in a lot of ways this digital era is as annoying as it can be convenient. Works both ways, I do like having access to a game right away though if Sony or MS is feeling generous enough to do a nice digital sale. The 16-bit and PS2 eras will always be the best for me though.
Checking Amazon every single day, sometimes multiple times a day, from mid-August hoping for confirmation that I'd snagged a launch day delivery date.
Getting a text from Mrs Cat on November 29th that the PS4 had been delivered.
Rushing home from the cat food factory to lovingly unbox it, marvel at its angular tinyness, turn it on, fiddle around with the settings and... play Resogun for 20 minutes.
Then turned it off, went back to playing GTA V on the PS3, and barely touched it again till Wolfenstein came out.
My memory of launch was similar to SuperCat. Constantly being on the Amazon forums seeing trying to find out what the hell was going on. Consoles were being sent and lost and not arriving. It was total chaos. I was lucky, at first mine went missing and then mysteriously arrived the following day after launch.
I got the mega bundle. Then of course there was the nerves of connecting it up and praying it would work ok, which thankfully it did.
I got FIFA 14, Black Flag, Knack and Killzone with it. I enjoyed Black Flag the most,
But to sum up, my memory can be summed up in one word, STRESS. Thanks Amazon.
My memories of the launch started 7 days early due to getting Assassains Creed IV for my birthday on the 26th Nov but no PS4 due to the European launch being a week later!!. Cue seven days of patiently waiting and looking at a shiny game case!
Launch day itself I had agreed to help out at work!, but my kind neighbours son took delivery of my PS4, you should of seen his face when I told him what was in the box!!
I went for the mega bundle...work wouldnt hive me the day of so i made my misses stay home and wait for it...after work finished 10pm i got home and played resogun for 5 hours straight...its still 1 of my favourite all time games the sound track is out of this world
My brother got the PS4 and COD Ghosts. Didn't like it and sold it for a PS3. He thought the new service was a turnoff and didn't like the launch software.
@Gamer83 I will admit the updates and the day one patches are so annoyingly constant that its starting to get pathetic.
Really wanting to get one, finding every where was sold out.And ending up getting one with Second Son and Metal Gear Solid in March.
My biggest memory was being the most enthusiastic person at the Gamestop I was at!!! And bring nervous as hell to tap the power button!!.....hoping that everything wood start up fine!!! I checked the connections 3 times and accidentally turned it on and found I was worrying for nothing lol!!!XD took sooo many pics of the setup!!!!
I don't own a PS4 yet, hopefully before Christmas 2015 but I'm not getting my hopes up.
I do remember being very hyped on launch day though .
great article , enjoying reading the comments .
great article , enjoying reading the comments .
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