Latest Talking Point - Page 15
February2013
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...
January2013
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...
December2012
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
November2012
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...
October2012
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...
September2012
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...
August2012
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...
July2012
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...
June2012
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...
May2012
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
Talking Point Why Vita Criticisms Are Premature
Hold your horses
The video game industry has a very selective memory. With each new platform launch we're inundated with the same old comments regarding software library, price and more. Indeed, the current reaction to the PlayStation Vita’s not-stellar-but-not-terrible launch sales figures is reminiscent of conversation from 12 months ago. Back...
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...
April2012
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...
Talking Point Does Vita Really Need Online Multiplayer Games?
Mismatch
Online multiplayer has become a key component of gaming over the past ten years. Social platforms such as PlayStation Network have paved the way for connected experiences impossible on systems of old, and driven emerging brands such as Call of Duty to the top of the charts. And yet, while those experiences have thrived on static platforms...
Feature Should Games Find Inspiration in Television?
Suitable for broadcast
The video game industry has been infatuated with cinema for years. The obsession stretches back to the late 1980s, if not earlier. Titles like Prince of Persia scattered cinematic setpieces throughout: leaps of faith into nothingness, climactic battles upon crumbling bridges. There was delight when SEGA's Mega CD allowed the...
February2012
Talking Point What Has Sony Learnt for Vita's Launch?
Alright on launch night?
The last time Sony launched a console, it didn’t quite go as swimmingly as desired. Now more than ever, with overall company losses of €2.2bn predicted for the latest financial year and a recent downgrading of its credit rating from financial agency Standards & Poor to BBB+, the Tokyo-based company needs to pull...
Talking Point Do We Need PlayStation 4 Yet?
The future is... when?
Recently we looked at The Future of PlayStation, and if there's one topic constantly hammering itself to the top of news sites it's which new home consoles might appear at the 2012 E3 Expo. We know that a new console from Microsoft is a possibility and Nintendo’s Wii U is a definite, but Sony has previously stated many times...
Talking Point Your PlayStation Vita First Edition Bundles
Welcome to the family!
PlayStation Vita's First Edition Bundle just hit North America yesterday, and loads of you have been out getting your hands on them early and telling us about it. Followers of the Push Square Twitter have been sending us photos of their purchases, and we wanted to show off some of your day one swag. Without further ado,...
Talking Point Sony's Bold Move with Vita First Edition Bundle
Genius or madness?
Today's a big day: Sony’s latest plunge into handheld gaming, the technologically brilliant Vita, is out now. Well, sort of. It’s available in the U.S. and Canada for those who pre-ordered the First Edition Bundle, only available from selected retailers. For gamers who are keen enough, and willing to pay a premium price, they...
August2011
Talking Point Could Vita's Delay Have Beneficial Results?
Part three: The Plus Points
We’ve been discussing Vita’s delay here at VitaGamr with our previous Talking Points: Why PlayStation Push Vita to 2012? and How Much Will Missing Christmas Hurt Vita? articles, but there's another side of this debate: could there be any benefits to Vita being delayed to 2012? It’s quite obvious that Vita will miss...
Talking Point How Much Will Missing Christmas Hurt Vita?
Part two: The Risk
To say that Nintendo has pretty much dominated the portable gaming market for the better part of two decades would be a bit of an understatement. Its Game Boy line of systems sold millions upon millions of units, and Nintendo DS became the best-selling portable console of all time. So it would be easy to assume that the follow-up...
May2011
Talking Point Will Sony Move Gamers Again at E3 2011?
Crystal balls on stun
Sony’s E3 presentation is less than three weeks away, and even though PSN is coming back online the looming issues still weigh heavy on gamers' minds, and the company definitely needs to pull out all the stops at E3 to regain its lost momentum. PlayStation Move’s first eight months on the market have proven successful and...
April2011
Talking Point The Impact of the PlayStation Network Disaster
Where do we go from here?
The recent attack on PlayStation Network has made headlines around the world, even reaching the US Senate as players, analysts and politicians come to terms with what has happened. Here's a quick recap: Sunday 17th April to Tuesday 19th April PlayStation Network is the victim of an "illegal and unauthorised...
March2011
Talking Point Should Move Controls Become the FPS Standard?
Can you go back to twin sticks?
There's been plenty of praise given to Killzone 3's PlayStation Move controls: precise and engaging, they help to take Guerilla Games' sci-fi shooter into the upper reaches of PlayStation 3 titles. Having spent major time with both control methods here at Movemodo, there's no doubt which scheme has the upper hand when...
January2011
News Sony's Next Generation Portable is PlayStation Move On the Go
Machine contains identical motion sensors
Sony's Next Generation Portable (NGP) is the successor to PlayStation Portable, and with an impressive feature set including a quad-core processor, 5" OLED screen and games including Uncharted, Killzone, Call of Duty and more. Unveiled in Japan this morning, it's already ignited the gaming media with...
December2010
Talking Point The Games You Want Patched for Move
Have your say
Sony's Peter Seybold recently hinted that more PS3 games may get Move-enabling patches, something that naturally got us thinking: what would you want to see updated for Move? Here's just a couple of our choices. Modnation Racers: The cutesy creative racer is a great demonstration of what PlayStation Network can do, but we can't help...
Talking Point Why PlayStation Move Needs Uncharted 3
Naughty Dog holds the controller's future
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is real, announced by Sony for a release in 2011, most likely around Christmas time. Playable in stereoscopic 3D, its duck-and-cover gunplay would be a perfect fit for PlayStation Move yet the announcement makes no mention of Move support. It's Got Form: Forget the huge number...
November2010
Talking Point What Improvements Would You Make to Move?
Imagine Sony's listening...
Capcom's boss David Reeves recently spoke about an evolved Move for PlayStation 4, which got us thinking: what improvements would you like to see in the Move? Here's a few ideas off the top of our glowing blue heads. Improved PlayStation Eye: The Move itself may be a nifty piece of kit, but the PlayStation Eye camera...
October2010
What do we make of it?
On September 17th, PlayStation Move launched across Europe with a fairly wide range of titles: EyePet: Move Edition showed the controller's cute side, but Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition catered to core gamers too. Now we've had a month in Move's company, it's a good time to take stock of the controller's impact and its future...
September2010
Talking Point Can Move Conquer Kinect in the Long Run?
Who will emerge on top of the HD motion wars?
PlayStation Move has been around for a week now and, if user feedback and technological reviews are anything to go by, has impressed a great deal of people with its versatility and accuracy, if perhaps not its software line-up. The response from the majority of users is the fidelity of motion is far in...
