Tag: Talking Point - Page 21
Talking Point Are Indie Games Enough to Save the PlayStation Vita?
Little wonders
Sony has spent the past couple of months really pushing the PlayStation Vita as a haven for cult games. In the last few days alone, we’ve seen Limbo, The Walking Dead, and Divekick added to the platform’s release schedule, while Thomas Was Alone,
Talking Point Why inFAMOUS: Second Son Shouldn't Be a PS4 Launch Game
Put those superpowers on hold
Sucker Punch is supposedly planning to cough up inFAMOUS: Second Son in time for the PlayStation 4’s launch later this year. While the Bellevue-based studio failed to cite a timeline during its dramatic portion of last month’s PlayStation Meeting press conference, a couple of
Talking Point Should Beyond: Two Souls Be a PlayStation 4 Game?
Thinking beyond the current generation
Quantic Dream sure knows how to get our attention. The Parisian developer famous for its work on Fahrenheit and Heavy Rain rewarded our extended patience with a brief glimpse behind the curtain at PlayStation 3 swansong Beyond: Two Souls this week, revealing enough narrative tidbits to leave our taste buds...
Talking Point Is Time Gaming's Greatest Handicap?
Tick tock
Look at your game collection, and then back at this article. Hidden in that bad Old Spice parody is an opportunity for you to make an observation – how many titles do you have sealed, wrapped, or placed in a separate pile tagged with the imaginary label ‘backlog’? If you’re anything like us, you’d probably struggle to count the...
Talking Point Has the PS4's Lack of Backward Compatibility Affected Your PS3 Purchases?
Lingering doubt
Sony was fairly clear about the state of PlayStation 4 backward compatibility during last month’s PlayStation Meeting. While revered Gaikai gaffer David Perry had already alluded to the lack of native PlayStation 3 support during his portion of the press conference, Worldwide Studios president
Talking Point Why Sony Was Smart to Announce the PS4 First
Playing its cards right
Current Sony CEO, former PlayStation president, and lifelong Ridge Racer superfan Kaz Hirai is a smart man. In an interview with British newspaper The Times in late January, the executive offered a tidbit regarding the PlayStation 4 that threw everyone – including ourselves – off the scent. "Why go first when your...
Talking Point Will PlayStation Home Survive the Transition to PS4?
Dancing into the next generation
The word ‘social’ cropped up a lot during Sony’s big PlayStation 4 coming out party late last month, but we’re still yet to learn how PlayStation Home will be integrated into the next generation platform – if, indeed, it will be incorporated at all. The virtual world was Sony’s big bet on casual gaming...
Talking Point Will You Use the PlayStation 4's Video Sharing Features?
Next generation gimmick
Sony went out of its way to sell the PlayStation 4 as a social platform during last month’s PlayStation Meeting press conference. It described in painstaking detail the manner in which you’ll be able to save screenshots to the PlayStation Network, watch videos recorded by your friends, and even share your own personal...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Two
Saturday (and Sunday) night
Has it been two weeks already? It certainly doesn’t feel like it, but the calendar never lies. As promised earlier in the month, we’re back to recap all of the games that are vying for our attention this weekend. But this isn’t all about us – we want to know what’s going to be flirting with your console’s disc...
Talking Point Are 'Game Over' Screens a Relic Best Left in the Past?
Try again
The threat of failure in games is a foundation that’s existed as long as the industry itself. Ever since the days of Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and more, the idea that you can ‘lose’ at a title is something that we’ve come to expect. But while this mechanic was originally conceived as a means to conclude sessions and ultimately...
Talking Point Should God of War Follow in the Footsteps of Assassin's Creed?
Mixing up mythologies
God of War finds itself in a challenging spot. The savage series remains one of Sony’s most popular first-party products, but it’s starting to suffer from franchise fatigue. The reception to the recently released God of War: Ascension evidences as much – it’s far from a bad game, but the review sc
Talking Point Do We Pay Too Much Attention to Review Scores?
Magic numbers
The review embargo for God of War: Ascension lifted yesterday, prompting a cavalcade of forum posts regarding the status of Sony Santa Monica’s savage Spartan series. The title scored lower than previous entries, resulting in a Metacritic rating of 79 at the time of writing. According to the aggregate’s scale, that number suggests...
Talking Point Is Sony Putting Too Much Faith in the Killzone Franchise?
Hopes and Helghast
Let’s be brutally honest: Killzone has never quite reached its true potential. Despite the media pegging the original sci-fi shooter as Sony’s answer to Master Chief, the Guerrilla Games developed first-person franchise has struggled to appeal outside of its core community, garnering a vocal fanbase sans the mainstream appeal...
Talking Point How Important Is 'Plug and Play' to the PlayStation 4?
Working in perfect harmony
Consoles are getting more and more complex. There was a time when we expected our favourite system to play games and little else – but now we demand video streaming, direct communication with our friends, network-wide achievements, and more. Sony’s current flagship console, the PlayStation 3, wasn’t designed with...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue One
Games, games, games
In a move that’s absolutely not inspired by our friends over at Nintendo Life, we’ve decided to run a bi-weekly feature dedicated to what we’re playing over the weekend. In the acres of white space beneath this hastily penned introduction, you’ll find recaps of what we're doing over the next two days. But this isn’t all...
Talking Point Does It Really Matter That Sony Didn't Reveal the PS4's Hardware This Week?
Keeping secrets
It’s been dubbed the ‘invisible’ console. Technology enthusiasts expecting an Apple-esque presentation during Sony’s widely publicised PlayStation Meeting left this week’s event disappointed when the PlayStation 4 – the actual console, to be precise – failed to materialise, and demonstrate
Talking Point Who Will Be Responsible for Revealing the PlayStation 4?
Crowning glory
You’ve all seen the images of Sony Computer Entertainment founder Ken Kutaragi clinging proudly to the shiny chassis of an early PlayStation 3. Way back in 2005, the responsibility of revealing Sony’s next generation system fell at the feet of the former SCE president. But with the luminary’s status within the company now...
Talking Point What PS4 Games Will Be Announced During Sony's PlayStation Meeting?
Guessing games
At the end of the day, it’s all about the games. Sony may be planning to quench our thirst for new hardware with torrents of tech specs and refreshed controller designs, but tomorrow’s hotly anticipated PlayStation Meeting will be
Talking Point How Will the PS3 and Vita Factor into This Week's PlayStation Meeting?
Going concerns
All eyes are on the PlayStation 4 this week. Sony’s widely publicised PlayStation Meeting is set to take place on 20th February, where we’ll almost certainly get our first glimpse at the platform holder’s next generation console. But while the emphasis has been very much on the future for the last couple of weeks, we can’t...
Talking Point How Important Are Motion Controls to the PS4?
Move it
It wasn’t so long ago that the industry was obsessed with motion controls. Believe it or not, PlayStation Move and Kinect were the key topics of discussion in 2010, with both Sony and Microsoft locked in battle over the affection of the casual gamer. But while the PlayStation 3’s saucily shaped solution never quite managed to match the...
Talking Point Why Gaikai Is Paramount to PlayStation's Future
Streaming solutions
Sony’s not enjoyed much financial success lately. The company has been bleeding money for years, primarily due to its diminished relevance in the consumer electronics sector. Where the Japanese giant was once considered the market leader, it’s been outmuscled by more versatile competitors such as Apple, Samsung, and even LG...
Talking Point How Will the PS4's Controller Change the Way That We Play?
Input innovations
If anything was going to leak, it was always going to be the controller. Speculation regarding the PlayStation 4’s refreshed input device has been mounting over the past couple of weeks, with the rumours culminating in last night’s leaked image. Sources have since confirmed that th
Talking Point What Will the Next PlayStation Be Called?
Name games
The number four is unlucky in Japan. The figure is pronounced “shi” in the land of the rising sun, which is the same as the word for death. As a result, many hospitals prefer to ignore the digit, skipping the integer when naming room and floor numbers. Furthermore, there are no seats with the numeral on passenger planes of the All...
Talking Point Could the Current Xbox Rumours Work in the PS4's Favour?
Speculation wars
You probably shouldn’t believe everything that you read online. We’re in what’s commonly referred to in other industries as the ‘silly season’ right now, an exciting period of speculation where even the most ridiculous rumours take on heightened meanings. With new next generation platforms looming, everyone wants a piece...
Talking Point What's the Problem with PlayStation Marketing?
Creating buzz
Everything seems to go wrong when you’re going through a rough patch. Sony learned this lesson in the hardest way possible with the launch of the PlayStation 3. “The next-generation doesn’t start until we say so,” former PlayStation president Kaz Hirai declared. But the promise of great things wasn’t enough to make up for the...
Talking Point Could 2013 Be PlayStation's Best Ever Year?
Great expectations
Throughout the uncharacteristically barren first-party release schedule of 2012, it always felt like Sony’s attention was elsewhere. Twisted Metal, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, and Starhawk were all strong releases, but they felt like disposable distractions designed to fill the time ahead of the looming onslaught of...
Talking Point Killzone: Mercenary Concludes a Killer Week for PS Vita
Back in the zone
It’s not been the best first year for the PlayStation Vita. Shunned in its home territory and disregarded overseas, the powerful portable has struggled to secure a foothold in the brutal video game market. But there have been signs this week that the system is not dead and buried yet, and while there’s still a long road ahead...
Talking Point Will God of War's Super Bowl Commercial Score a Touchdown with Consumers?
Mass market
Update: Since publishing this story it's emerged that the God of War: Ascension commercial will only be shown during the Super Bowl's online stream. Last year the show attracted more than 2 million viewers, which is a far cry from the numbers of the conventional broadcast. Obviously, that lessens the impact of the discussion within –...
Talking Point What if the PS4 Is Not Backward Compatible?
Legacy support
It’s ironic that Sony has had such a tumultuous time with backward compatibility of late. In the transition from the PSone to the PlayStation 2, the platform holder essentially set the expectation for the feature moving forwards – but it hasn’t always managed to uphold that standard in recent years. Initial models of the...
Talking Point What's the Big Deal with Microtransactions?
Spend a penny
Dead Space 3 will allow you to enhance your arsenal in a more efficient manner by spending real money. As reported earlier today, if you lack the sufficient salvage for a specific upgrade, the game will direct you to the PlayStation Store where you’ll be able to purchase more for an undisclosed fee. Apparently, there will be a range...
Talking Point Is It Time to Say Goodbye to the DualShock?
Changes are taking place
Sony is supposedly planning to ditch the DualShock controller with the release of its impending next generation console, the PlayStation 4. The iconic input device, with its pointed handles and symmetrical analogue sticks, has been a pivotal part of Sony’s gaming ecosystem since its original release in 1997. But is it time...
Talking Point Are Collector's Editions a Waste of Money?
Bobby dazzlers
Collector’s editions are a relatively new phenomenon. They only came into fashion about ten years ago, rewarding franchise fans with steelbook cases and behind the scenes footage of their favourite games. Since their humble origins, package sizes and price tags have increased, as publishers go in pursuit of additional profits from...
Talking Point Does It Matter if the PS3 Overtakes the Xbox 360?
Console combat
According to sales estimates released by the International Data Corporation earlier this week, the PlayStation 3 is now the second-best selling console of the generation. The research firm predicts that Sony surpassed the Xbox 360 in global shipment figures this December, putting the platform ahead of Microsoft’s machine for the...
Talking Point Does the PS4 Need 4K Resolution?
A question of perspective
As expected, Sony’s CES press conference focused heavily on 4K resolution. Like 3D before it, the manufacturer spent the majority of its showcase demonstrating a new line of Bravia televisions that will attempt to drive the standardisation of the burgeoning format. The company also touched upon re-mastered Blu-rays, video...
Talking Point Why the PlayStation 4 Won't Block Used Games
Keep calm and carry on
Sony likes to patent a lot of things. The manufacturer is so trigger-happy with its technology registrations that we could probably dedicate the entirety of our editorial output to the innumerable crazy ideas that the company has. The reason that we don’t is because ideas aren’t nearly as interesting as final products, and...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Christmas?
Play another day
Now that the chaos of Christmas Day is finally over, you can lean into the most enjoyable part of the season: the aftermath. Assuming you’ve done the sensible thing and avoided the Boxing Day sales, you should have the rest of the week to sit back and enjoy some quality time with your PlayStation 3 and Vita. Before we ask what...
Talking Point Could 2013 Be the PlayStation 3's Biggest Year Yet?
On autopilot
It hasn’t exactly been a banner year for the PlayStation 3. The system’s trundled along, there’s no doubt about that – but from a first-party perspective, the past twelve months have been all about treading water. A quick glance at the console’s upcoming release schedule e
Talking Point Should Sony Release Less Exclusive Games?
Attention seekers
If variety is the spice of life, then the PlayStation 3 is a particularly posh brand of pepper. Arguably more than any other platform holder over the past five years, Sony has provided its system with a stream of high quality content. From big-budget blockbusters like Heavy Rain and Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, to smaller...
Talking Point What Went Wrong with PlayStation All-Stars?
Worse for wear
PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale is an excellent game. It may lack polish in areas – the menus in particular are some of the worst we’ve ever seen – but the core gameplay is superb. Developer SuperBot Entertainment clearly invested a lot of time into making each character’s fighting style unique, and it
Talking Point Does the PS4 Need to Do More Than Push Polygons?
Generation game
Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aime reckons that Sony will need to do more than manufacture cutting edge technology in order to compete with the Wii U. The executive was responding to a query regarding the longevity of the recently released platform once the next generation console eventually arrives. “In the end, our...
Talking Point Why Now Is the Right Time for the PlayStation Store Overhaul
Shopping spree
“Why now?” commented the chorus of critics following the announcement of Sony’s widely publicised PlayStation Store refresh earlier today. With the next-generation popularly predicted to kick-start in late 2013, the imminent arrival of the new storefront may seem somewhat mistimed – but it could also indicate that the...
Talking Point Why Sony Won't Be Too Worried About the Wii U
Here comes a new challenger
They’d never admit it, but the upper-executives at Sony Computer Entertainment were no doubt glued to Nintendo’s pre-release Wii U press conferences last week. After a disappointing E3 showing, the competitor pulled out all the stops to convince consumers its latest platform is worth paying attention to – and...
Talking Point What Grand Theft Auto Can Learn from Sleeping Dogs
Chinatown wars
Grand Theft Auto IV is the undisputed king of the open world crime drama, but it’s not perfect. The game’s vibrant city setting and unorthodox cast set it apart from the genre’s many pretenders, but also help to hide its numerous gameplay flaws. The recently released Sleeping Dogs may not be able to topple its progenitor’s...
Talking Point Could Apps Transform Vita's Fortunes?
Or are they an unnecessary distraction from the console's primary function?
As much as it pains us to admit it, the PlayStation Vita isn't in the best shape at present. The console is struggling to convince players that it is worth its lofty price point, and rivals such as Nintendo's 3DS and smartphone platforms like iOS and Android are stealing...
Talking Point The Trouble with Trophies
Status symbols
Love them or loathe them, Trophies have become an important part of the PlayStation experience. Introduced in mid-2008 to muted fanfare, the digital trinkets have bloated in popularity over the past four years, promoting dedicated online communities and even minor gaming celebrities. But while the rewards look certain to play a...
Talking Point Sony's Gaikai Acquisition Hints at a Bright Future
Blue sky thinking
One recurring criticism has noticeably been fired at Sony throughout the entire span of this console generation; that the Japanese manufacturer has forgotten how to lead. The once thoughtful electronics giant responsible for innovations such as the Walkman and PlayStation has arguably spent too long in its competitor’s shadows...
Talking Point E3 2012 is Vital for Vita
Let the games begin
This time last year, PS Vita was known as NGP and everyone on the web was buzzing. Here we are on the verge of E3 2012, and Vita needs another big show to ignite its sales for the rest of the year. We've already talked about what we expect from Sony at E3, and while PS3 will have some great games on display — everyone is...
Talking Point Why 2012 is PS3's Most Mainstream Year Yet
Moving in a new direction
Subtract the upcoming God of War: Ascension and The Last of Us from the equation, and 2012 is looking like PS3’s most mainstream year yet. Sure, the likes of Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time and PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale have crossover appeal (they are evidently designed with nostalgia in mind) but
Feature Understanding the Niche - Ninja Gaiden III
Cutting deeper for a better understanding
Ninja Gaiden III recently sliced its way to store shelves with much hype and anticipation from long-time fans, but developer Team Ninja’s hopes to release a Ninja Gaiden title with mass market appeal unintentionally cut right through the hearts of its core fanbase that’s supported the studio for nearly a...
Feature Why We're Excited About PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale
Playing favourites
The existence of a mascot mash-up featuring characters from the PlayStation universe was always going to be controversial. Let's not be coy about it: this is a concept that Nintendo's already perfected across numerous iterations of the Super Smash Bros. series. Add to that the simple fact that characters such as Sweet Tooth and...
