@Balaam_ I genuinely back this. I think it makes sense that Sony have avoided pushing any kind of remaster to this point, or even 60fps patch, due to full investment in a 'from-the-ground-up' remake.
Also, Bluepoint have been incredibly quiet since Sony's acquisition of them...
How accessible is this game for people who are completely cold/new to the ATLUS portfolio? I've never played the Persona/SMT titles, but Metaphor has really piqued my interest.
I'd never played a CRPG until last year (BG3) so I am definitely open to new genres.
But equally, I'm conscious that the game might take for granted that the player is reasonably fluent with other ATLUS mechanics/systems?
Finally in the mood to begin Divinity: Original Sin 2…. Which has been in the Switch backlog for some time. I played BG3 last year, and adored it, so I’m really keen to get stuck into Larian’s predecessor game. Just yesterday I picked up D:OS2 on SteamDeck also, so I can double-dip on Switch and Deck thanks to cross-save functionality (I prefer to travel with Switch, as it’s a lot lighter with better battery- but at home I’d choose Deck due to optimisation and better graphical fidelity)
On the side, I’m playing MH World…. Mainly due to all the hype for Wilds! I put 800hrs into Rise, and am so far loving World. Very different, and IMO not quite as fun as Rise… but I’m still in Low Rank, so many of the new/DLC mechanics haven’t opened up yet. Hitting a GS True Charge Slash remains as satisfying as ever, albeit I still whiff 90% of them!!
So refreshing to see something a bit more niche, and a potential resurgence of a 'genre long-since forgotten'?!
As much as I adore the likes of Elden Ring, Hades etc... the gaming market right now seems to be over-saturated with Souls-like and Rogue titles, alongside Metroidvanias. Nothing wrong with those games, and I personally enjoy them all, but I also want to 'see something new'!
Nintendo seems to be the only contender in "the big 3" that still focusses on 3d platformers, so I'm delighted to see Sony back in the game also. Hopefully AB sells well.... could lead to a new Croc? Spyro? .... Jak?!
I like the series, and have very fond memories of 'Secret' on the SNES as a kid... maybe even my favorite SNES game ever actually. I also played the Trials remake on Switch during the pandemic, and had a good time with it.
Perhaps I've outgrown the series (or even the genre?) but nothing about this game 'excites' me. It looks to be the definition of a solid 7/10 game, but I just can't justify the time (or expense) during a period of other great releases.
@PeakUnagi I know right? I'm definitely not crapping on those other games I mentioned, as 'objectively' they are a pool of amazing games (Especially Ghost) - but I really do feel that the industry in general needs to branch out more into other genres.
I love Elden Ring as much as the next guy/girl, but it seems nearly every other release these days is a souls-esque title... or developers are trying to chase that Fortnite/battle-royal secret sauce.
3D Platformers were such a popular genre at a point in time, and only Nintendo seems to commit to them in earnest still? Astro-bot landing well could reignite the genre? Might lead to a new Croc...!
I really would like to see this title review well, and also sell well.
I commend Sony for stepping out into this arena, and looking to push a AAA 3d-platformer title - and a solid effort from the looks of things.
I am not contesting the quality of games like HFW, GoW:R, Ghost Tsushima, Uncharted etc etc... but its great to see Sony rumble in an arean that has previously been governed by Nintendo with the likes of Mario/Kirky etc.
So far, Astro looks to be of a similar quality to the 3D-Mario efforts... which is fantastic.
@DamzFX Great to hear your take on it, and please believe me that I am hugely supportive of the cultural impact/narrative of this game - and genuinely a pleasure to hear that it is 'doing justice' to the broader story at play.
For reference, I am UK British - so I can certainly appreciate the impetus of the cultural rhetoric... albeit I cannot really yield the fruits of this in regards to my own experience.
Objectively, this is definitely a solid game - but for me it just missed short of being 'great'... namely due to I felt it lacked a decisive identity. It felt very much a 'sum of parts' - part GoW / part Souls...
I felt like it was a perfectly tasty meal, but I had experienced all the core ingredients individually before - and served better! I liked a lot about it, but it lacked the X-Factor (for me) that its inspirations have (GoW / Souls / Nioh etc)
Looks incredible, but I do fear I'll miss the features added in Rise...
Currently playing World for the first time, after ploughing 800hrs into Rise (Achieving AR300 level, then put it down)
As a GS Main, I am really really missing my Power Sheathe, Surge Slash Combo, Hunting Edge etc. Feels strange to be fully reliant on TCS only, and I am definitely missing the wirebug mobility. World is absolutely gorgeous though, and maybe slightly more immersive than Rise.
@Stragen8 I completely agree - a full-scale 'from the ground up' remake of Bloodborne as a PS6 launch title would be a huge system-seller.
People are crying out for something like this, and Sony's exclusivity over the game would make it such a valuable IP to have during the next console 'war' (assuming XBox doesn't just become a GamePass ecosystem...!)
Bluepoint could already be working on this in theory? Been very quiet since Sony's buyout of BP, so fingers crossed
Delighted for this. I played it originally maybe 20ish years ago... so can't remember any puzzles (or solutions) which is great, so I'll essentially be going back in 'cold'.
Hate to say this, but I bounced off this game completely…. And actually just returned/refunded via Steam.
Objectively I can appreciate its solid enough, but it just doesn’t seem to understand ‘what it is’? Not quite a Soulslike, but not quite a RPG either…. Far too linear to be considered open-roaming, yet still includes branching paths? A skill tree system that is somewhat convoluted?
It seemed a bit like someone created a mix of Ghost of Tsushima, Bloodborne and Nioh? For me it just lacked an actually identity, and seems a bit unsure of what it’s going for.
I heard someone recently weigh it up against Lies of P - which is certainly somewhat derivative, but clearly understands what it is and what’s it’s going for.
I’m glad that BMW is landing well, but it didn’t do it for me at all
I really really hope this is good, and just wish the PR-machine would ‘take a breath’ before spilling more information. A release date, alongside more gameplay footage and/or a proper trailer, would be highly welcome.
In the wake of BG3 and Elden Ring, there still exists a huge appetite for high fantasy games & settings… i sincerely hope this can measure up
I haven’t ever played the series, but am well ready for someone a bit new
I’m honestly good with this. I think From struggled a bit with the open-world nature of the DLC, and working to populate it efficiently with adequate rewards (cookbooks…!)
A more linear experience would be welcomed by me, even to the extent of something completely streamlined like Lies of P.
From did it well with Sekiro I think, which in essence is quite linear… albeit later game has branching paths, giving some player agency in regards to what order to tackle which task etc
I’d like to see their take on Souls gunplay, maybe leaning into Remnant/Surge style tropes. Armored Core meets Dark Souls…?
But ultimately I’m glad that ER2 isn’t the next project.
@colonelkilgore Absolutely on the cards, another Bluepoint special - likely to tie in also with the forthcoming movie/TV tie-in… in typical Sony fashion!
As much as a 60FPS patch and up-scale would be great, I’d rather the resources were ploughed into a full scale remake- imagine how awesome it’ll be as a PS6 poster child!
Good on Kai though for using his platform to spread awareness. I’m certainly not his target demographic, nor am I fully aware of what he does, but I understand he has significant reach via social platforms…. And anyone that preaches BB is OK by me!
I'm not sick of the genre per se.... but I am sick of how over-saturated the market is with very average (or below average) games that fall within this bracket.
The quality seems to be far outweighed by quantity, with so many souls-like games striving for greatness - but instead ending up as quite forgettable.
It doesn't help that FromSoft have set the highest of standards also, making it difficulties for other devs to stand out in the crowd.
I'll certainly gives Lies of P its due though - a remarkable effort, and could easily be mistaken for an item in From's portfolio
@Dragoon1994 I know right! Insane but worthwhile, absolutely one of the best games I have ever played in my life. Totally not my 'usual thing' either... but it just engrossed me absolutely from start to end.
I played it on Steamdeck, but my 256GB LCD couldn't even download onto the SSD - because it requires an additional ~100GB 'placeholder' space on top of the needed actual game-space of 160GB!
@DennisReynolds I have to agree there, and it is absurd that AS hasn't had a win... let alone a nomination.
His portrayal of Homelander is genuinely a terrific showcase of acting - how he can flip between childish vulnerability and absolute menace is something to be seen!
I know that The Boys likes to wear its political opinions on its sleeve (moreso than ever in S4...) and wonder if this is partly to blame for the snubbing? But for sure, it is a crime this guy hasn't beeen formally recognised in that forum.
Delighted for Goggins btw, who has been a favorite actor of mine for over a decade.
For framing - I adore FromSoft, with Sekiro being in my top5 'Games of All Time' list. I've beaten most of their games, obtaining platinum trophies for DeS and Elden Ring base game. ER was also my personal GOTY for 2022.
This DLC though, and the difficulty curve..... feels strange? It took a while to dawn on me that the key to survival is essentially getting as many 'early-DLC' scadutree fragments as possible, to essentially boost damage-dealt and recede damage-received.
Once you get your fragment level to ~10-12, then many of the games enemies and bosses are absolutely manageable. Before this stage though, the game is near impossible... or at least it was for me!
I appreciate that From have tried something new here, and they definitely needed some measure to prevent level 500 players steamrolling the DLC, but something about it doesn't quite click for me. I am not getting the same satisfaction from beating bosses as I would in say... Sekiro. Instead in Erdtree I feel I am now winning thank to 'finding enough collectables in open world to boost survival'. Whereby in Sekrio, which is very hard btw, the game mechanics seem a lot fairer in challenging you to get better with the tools provided (but never being obnoxiously difficult for the sake of it).
I do wonder how From could have done things differently in terms of scaling? Maybe having a minimum and maximum entry level for DLC, perhaps level 100-150? And if you're over levelled, say level 200, the player would need to choose 50 levels to recede from stats of their choice? (DLC only)
Would be curious to see how others thing the gating could have been improved. For me, the DLC is definitely ticking all my boxes with expectation... aside from the difficulty/scaling management, which isn't landing at all. I do genuinely appreciate From have tried something, but do feel there could have been a better way to manage this?
The discourse being overwhelmingly negative in this regard is a bit unfair to From though - and perhaps representative of now having a whole new 'more mainstream' audience, who aren't acquainted with previous games DLC offerings and the expectation of challenge
@LiamCroft Great write up... and very jealous! Counting the days, really looking forward to this.
A couple of questions - can you take the new DLC weapons/talismans/ashes back into the base game? Or can they only be used in the DLC area?
And how could this influence matchmaking/co-op in base game? Would using a DLC weapon in base game prevent you from matching with others who have not purchased the DLC?
Delighted to see this, and great to see that some elements from Rise appear to have been incorporated (thank God that GS still has a counter...!)
I wish they would really work though to tone down the 'story' elements - which now seem to have dived into full Marvel/snark mode! I'm nitpicking though, genuinely looking forward to this.
Mixed feelings, but honestly I feel that these SoP showcases always seem to miss the 'key objective' = show gamers why they should own a Playstation!
Astrobot aside, many of the games presented will be multi-platform - and we really seem to be lacking exciting new IP from Sony. Insomniac seem to have been clipped into becoming 'the Marvel machine' and Naughty Dog are perhaps now tied in to TLoU franchising/sequels thanks to the success of the HBO show. Sucker Punch nowhere to be seen...?
And what of the more exciting acquisitions such as Housemarque (Returnal) and Bluepoint (DeS remake)... what are these studios working on? Both the aforementioned games were highlights of my PS5 time, and I'd be delighted to know/see what is coming next.
Instead we see Sony (alongside others) trying to chase live-service models and F2P concepts, whilst doubling down on remakes/remasters.
2024 has been a weak year for gaming in general IMO. I am looking forward to Erdtree later, but nothing else is grabbing me. Saying that though, I have enjoyed the new PoP game + Baltro + Animal Well. Hades 2 (EA) is also pretty great
On Steamdeck - currently just wrapped my NG playthrough on Elden Ring, ready for DLC incoming Got a dual Bloodhound Fang quality build all set, capping at level 160, and got 100% achievements. This was my second playthrough (first was PS5 on launch) and I pretty much steamrolled it in 55hrs.... 'eyes on the prize'. Can't wait for Erdtree
Having a cleanse now and playing "Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis" (classic Lucasarts adventure game), then moving on to Hades 2!
@nessisonett I actually remember the launch weeks really well, and such great memories. Everyone discovering everything collectively was incredibly, and as you say - the different experiences of each player etc! In future, and whenever feasible, I would always want to play FS games (and DLC) on 'Day 1' and try to emulate that feeling again. Assuming you're day 1 for Erdtree? Will you be using a NG build or NG+?
After getting the platinum, and selling my PS5 thereafter, I re-purchased on SteamDeck and just last week managed to complete the game again.... ready for the DLC! ER runs amazingly well on deck, and was great to revisit after a couple of years away.
Found a good sub-reddit "Patches Emporium" that facilitates trading across all platforms. Managed to get a second Bloodhound Fang (in exchange for me giving away a Rivers of Blood). Now I have full +10 Powerstancing dual Bloodhound Fangs, and feel unstoppable!
Finally completed my (2nd) NG journey in Elden Ring, preparing for the DLC landing next month. I'd initially played at launch on PS5, attaining the platinum trophy, and then hadn't revisited the game since....
Picked ER up again on Steamdeck, and as this is now my primary means of gaming, I started a new run. 55hrs later, managed to get 100% achievements and a character at lv144. Going to pick up a few enhancements to support my build, potentially a quick re-spec also, and then lay the game to rest until next month.
This weekend I plan to tackle Animal Well as a 'palette-cleanser' game, and really looking forward to seeing what all the hype is about? I saw on Metacritic that AW is the 2nd highest reviewed game this year... even just above the mighty Balatro at #3 (!)
If I can push through Animal Well quickly, it will then finally be time for Hades 2 on early access - which I'm remarkably excited about
I'm absolutely fine with this - and think that there seems to be a real confidence from FromSoftware in this release. Judging from their DLC track-record, this is probably as close to a 'sure thing' as we will see in 2024.
I like the fact that they also won't have dev teams tied into the 'franchising' of Elden Ring (multiple expansions etc) and instead can focus on other projects.
Just need me some Sekiro DLC now... or (dare I whisper it) Sekiro 2?!
It hit me like a brick that 'Shadow of the Erd Tree' will now be released in <2months... so time to get back into Elden Ring, in preparation for being DLC-ready.
I originally played on PS5 at launch, getting the platinum trophy, but am now starting up a new playthrough on SteamDeck. Runs pretty well on handheld, 30FPS fairly stable with a couple minor dips - very playable though.
Just got through Stormveil castle, and considering my next move..
Perhaps only a matter of time until we see a live-action Baldurs brought to the small and/or large screen? Following on from the success stories of Fallout/TLoU... surely this is a case of "when" instead of "if"?
Assuming this does happen, it would be incredible to see Neil play the role. He really brought Astarian to life, and seems genuinely enthused regarding the part he got to play in BG3
Bluepoint have been incredibly quiet since Sony's acquisition, and if anyone if likely to be commissioned for the (surely inevitable remake) then it will be them.
I believe that the PS6 launch will have Bloodborne remake as an exclusive, similar to how DeS was launched with PS5. This timeline would then also coincide with the Bloodborne movie, still early in development.
Sony had great success in TLoU remake and TV show 'trading off' one another, and likely will seek to emulate a similar level of buzz with Bloodborne.
This would also make sense as to why there is still no 60fps patch available etc... no point in providing a 'halfway house' when a full scale remake is in play.
It is coming for sure, but we will have to wait I reckon
On a separate note, I'm really glad to see that Rebirth has landed well with critics.... with the only real criticism pertaining to excess bloat/padding (the issue I had with Remake).
Delighted to see IX got the hotspot, this is actually my personal favorite. VIII is also a great game, although I appreciate somewhat contentious due to having the impossible act of following VII!
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Re: Bloodborne Server Maintenence Scheduled for PlayStation's 30th Anniversary
@Balaam_ I genuinely back this. I think it makes sense that Sony have avoided pushing any kind of remaster to this point, or even 60fps patch, due to full investment in a 'from-the-ground-up' remake.
Also, Bluepoint have been incredibly quiet since Sony's acquisition of them...
Re: PlayStation's Dual CEO Setup Has 'Opportunities and Risks'
Why not, it worked out great for Kendall and Roman...
Re: Metaphor: ReFantazio (PS5) - Brilliant, Memorable RPG Is One of Atlus' Finest Works
How accessible is this game for people who are completely cold/new to the ATLUS portfolio? I've never played the Persona/SMT titles, but Metaphor has really piqued my interest.
I'd never played a CRPG until last year (BG3) so I am definitely open to new genres.
But equally, I'm conscious that the game might take for granted that the player is reasonably fluent with other ATLUS mechanics/systems?
Re: Gorgeous Metroidvania Nine Sols Will Ease the Wait for Silksong on PS5, PS4 in November
It genuinely is great.
If Salt & Sanctuary is "2D Dark Souls", then Nine Sols is very much "2D Sekiro". One of the best games I've played this year.
Re: Feature: PS5 Pro's Been Clowned on By the Entire Internet, and the Memes Will Make You Laugh
I actually quite enjoy Geoff K, but the boot licking meme is pretty spot on… got to love him
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 545
Finally in the mood to begin Divinity: Original Sin 2…. Which has been in the Switch backlog for some time. I played BG3 last year, and adored it, so I’m really keen to get stuck into Larian’s predecessor game. Just yesterday I picked up D:OS2 on SteamDeck also, so I can double-dip on Switch and Deck thanks to cross-save functionality (I prefer to travel with Switch, as it’s a lot lighter with better battery- but at home I’d choose Deck due to optimisation and better graphical fidelity)
On the side, I’m playing MH World…. Mainly due to all the hype for Wilds! I put 800hrs into Rise, and am so far loving World. Very different, and IMO not quite as fun as Rise… but I’m still in Low Rank, so many of the new/DLC mechanics haven’t opened up yet. Hitting a GS True Charge Slash remains as satisfying as ever, albeit I still whiff 90% of them!!
Re: Astro Bot (PS5) - One of the Greatest PlayStation Platformers of All Time
So refreshing to see something a bit more niche, and a potential resurgence of a 'genre long-since forgotten'?!
As much as I adore the likes of Elden Ring, Hades etc... the gaming market right now seems to be over-saturated with Souls-like and Rogue titles, alongside Metroidvanias. Nothing wrong with those games, and I personally enjoy them all, but I also want to 'see something new'!
Nintendo seems to be the only contender in "the big 3" that still focusses on 3d platformers, so I'm delighted to see Sony back in the game also. Hopefully AB sells well.... could lead to a new Croc? Spyro? .... Jak?!
Re: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater Social Media Channels Get New 25th Anniversary Branding
THUG remake would really float my boat...
Or, how about a new THPS game entirely?!
Re: Poll: Are You Playing Visions of Mana?
I like the series, and have very fond memories of 'Secret' on the SNES as a kid... maybe even my favorite SNES game ever actually. I also played the Trials remake on Switch during the pandemic, and had a good time with it.
Perhaps I've outgrown the series (or even the genre?) but nothing about this game 'excites' me. It looks to be the definition of a solid 7/10 game, but I just can't justify the time (or expense) during a period of other great releases.
Re: Astro Bot 2 Hinted at in PS5 Platinum Trophy Description
@PeakUnagi I know right? I'm definitely not crapping on those other games I mentioned, as 'objectively' they are a pool of amazing games (Especially Ghost) - but I really do feel that the industry in general needs to branch out more into other genres.
I love Elden Ring as much as the next guy/girl, but it seems nearly every other release these days is a souls-esque title... or developers are trying to chase that Fortnite/battle-royal secret sauce.
3D Platformers were such a popular genre at a point in time, and only Nintendo seems to commit to them in earnest still? Astro-bot landing well could reignite the genre? Might lead to a new Croc...!
Re: Astro Bot 2 Hinted at in PS5 Platinum Trophy Description
I really would like to see this title review well, and also sell well.
I commend Sony for stepping out into this arena, and looking to push a AAA 3d-platformer title - and a solid effort from the looks of things.
I am not contesting the quality of games like HFW, GoW:R, Ghost Tsushima, Uncharted etc etc... but its great to see Sony rumble in an arean that has previously been governed by Nintendo with the likes of Mario/Kirky etc.
So far, Astro looks to be of a similar quality to the 3D-Mario efforts... which is fantastic.
Fingers crossed it lands well!
Re: Poll: What Review Score Would You Give Black Myth: Wukong?
@DamzFX Great to hear your take on it, and please believe me that I am hugely supportive of the cultural impact/narrative of this game - and genuinely a pleasure to hear that it is 'doing justice' to the broader story at play.
For reference, I am UK British - so I can certainly appreciate the impetus of the cultural rhetoric... albeit I cannot really yield the fruits of this in regards to my own experience.
Objectively, this is definitely a solid game - but for me it just missed short of being 'great'... namely due to I felt it lacked a decisive identity. It felt very much a 'sum of parts' - part GoW / part Souls...
I felt like it was a perfectly tasty meal, but I had experienced all the core ingredients individually before - and served better! I liked a lot about it, but it lacked the X-Factor (for me) that its inspirations have (GoW / Souls / Nioh etc)
Re: Preview: Monster Hunter Wilds on PS5 Feels Like Another Generational Leap Forward for the Iconic Franchise
Looks incredible, but I do fear I'll miss the features added in Rise...
Currently playing World for the first time, after ploughing 800hrs into Rise (Achieving AR300 level, then put it down)
As a GS Main, I am really really missing my Power Sheathe, Surge Slash Combo, Hunting Edge etc. Feels strange to be fully reliant on TCS only, and I am definitely missing the wirebug mobility. World is absolutely gorgeous though, and maybe slightly more immersive than Rise.
Rise set a high benchmark for me though!
Re: Poll: What Review Score Would You Give Black Myth: Wukong?
7/10 for me, a good game absolutely.... but it failed to make a lasting impression (for me anyway).
Re: Visions of Mana (PS5) - Classic RPG Series Returns with Good But Flawed Intentions
I enjoy this series, and have fond memories of playing the Trials of Mana remake (on Switch) during the Pandemic.
However, in an era of truly excellent games to play... I'm not sure if this one has a space in my backlog right now.
I fear it will be overshadowed by Black Myth also.
Maybe a sale pickup, but definitely not desperate
Re: A New Day, a New Bloodborne PS5 Rumour
@Stragen8 I completely agree - a full-scale 'from the ground up' remake of Bloodborne as a PS6 launch title would be a huge system-seller.
People are crying out for something like this, and Sony's exclusivity over the game would make it such a valuable IP to have during the next console 'war' (assuming XBox doesn't just become a GamePass ecosystem...!)
Bluepoint could already be working on this in theory? Been very quiet since Sony's buyout of BP, so fingers crossed
Re: Preview: Broken Sword Is Back in the Most Passionate Remaster Possible
Delighted for this. I played it originally maybe 20ish years ago... so can't remember any puzzles (or solutions) which is great, so I'll essentially be going back in 'cold'.
Day1 for me
Re: Black Myth: Wukong (PS5) - A Spectacularly Creative Action Romp
Hate to say this, but I bounced off this game completely…. And actually just returned/refunded via Steam.
Objectively I can appreciate its solid enough, but it just doesn’t seem to understand ‘what it is’? Not quite a Soulslike, but not quite a RPG either…. Far too linear to be considered open-roaming, yet still includes branching paths? A skill tree system that is somewhat convoluted?
It seemed a bit like someone created a mix of Ghost of Tsushima, Bloodborne and Nioh? For me it just lacked an actually identity, and seems a bit unsure of what it’s going for.
I heard someone recently weigh it up against Lies of P - which is certainly somewhat derivative, but clearly understands what it is and what’s it’s going for.
I’m glad that BMW is landing well, but it didn’t do it for me at all
Re: Poll: Rate Your Favourite PS5 Roguelike Games
@hypnotoad x 2 Returnal
Such a showcase game for the PS5 to this day.
Re: Dragon Age: The Veilguard Opening Will Make Inquisition's Finale Look 'Like a Minor Inconvenience'
I really really hope this is good, and just wish the PR-machine would ‘take a breath’ before spilling more information. A release date, alongside more gameplay footage and/or a proper trailer, would be highly welcome.
In the wake of BG3 and Elden Ring, there still exists a huge appetite for high fantasy games & settings… i sincerely hope this can measure up
I haven’t ever played the series, but am well ready for someone a bit new
Re: Elden Ring 'Really the Limit' for How Large FromSoftware's Games Can Be
I’m honestly good with this. I think From struggled a bit with the open-world nature of the DLC, and working to populate it efficiently with adequate rewards (cookbooks…!)
A more linear experience would be welcomed by me, even to the extent of something completely streamlined like Lies of P.
From did it well with Sekiro I think, which in essence is quite linear… albeit later game has branching paths, giving some player agency in regards to what order to tackle which task etc
I’d like to see their take on Souls gunplay, maybe leaning into Remnant/Surge style tropes. Armored Core meets Dark Souls…?
But ultimately I’m glad that ER2 isn’t the next project.
Re: Streaming Superstar Kai Cenat Campaigns for Bloodborne on PS5, PC
@Mikey856 I genuinely think it is on the cards. The movie being early in development is such a 'green light' for me on this one...
PS6 Launch title, tied with movie release, developed by Bluepoint. Limited/timed exclusive on PS, before a port to PC later down the line.
That would absolutely print money, especially if Elden Ring was referenced in the marketing material.
Re: Streaming Superstar Kai Cenat Campaigns for Bloodborne on PS5, PC
@colonelkilgore
Absolutely on the cards, another Bluepoint special - likely to tie in also with the forthcoming movie/TV tie-in… in typical Sony fashion!
As much as a 60FPS patch and up-scale would be great, I’d rather the resources were ploughed into a full scale remake- imagine how awesome it’ll be as a PS6 poster child!
Good on Kai though for using his platform to spread awareness. I’m certainly not his target demographic, nor am I fully aware of what he does, but I understand he has significant reach via social platforms…. And anyone that preaches BB is OK by me!
Re: Ghost of Tsushima Now Considered a Major Influence for Big Open World Games
@TicklefistCP same, I always thought of Ghost as "a rich man's Ubisoft experience"
Re: Poll: Are You Sick of Soulslike Games?
I'm not sick of the genre per se.... but I am sick of how over-saturated the market is with very average (or below average) games that fall within this bracket.
The quality seems to be far outweighed by quantity, with so many souls-like games striving for greatness - but instead ending up as quite forgettable.
It doesn't help that FromSoft have set the highest of standards also, making it difficulties for other devs to stand out in the crowd.
I'll certainly gives Lies of P its due though - a remarkable effort, and could easily be mistaken for an item in From's portfolio
Re: Baldur's Gate 3's Big Patch 7 Delayed, Highlights Teased
@Dragoon1994 I know right! Insane but worthwhile, absolutely one of the best games I have ever played in my life. Totally not my 'usual thing' either... but it just engrossed me absolutely from start to end.
Re: UK Sales Charts: Prince of Persia, Cyberpunk Jump Back into Top 10
PoP is well worth the admission price at 50% off.... great game.
Re: Baldur's Gate 3's Big Patch 7 Delayed, Highlights Teased
@Dragoon1994 I feel you...
I played it on Steamdeck, but my 256GB LCD couldn't even download onto the SSD - because it requires an additional ~100GB 'placeholder' space on top of the needed actual game-space of 160GB!
Had to grab a 512GB SD Card.
It is such a cool game though, really excellent.
Re: Baldur's Gate 3's Big Patch 7 Delayed, Highlights Teased
@Dragoon1994 I think around ~160 GB give or take
Re: Amazon's Excellent Fallout TV Adaptation Up for 16 Emmy Awards
@DennisReynolds I have to agree there, and it is absurd that AS hasn't had a win... let alone a nomination.
His portrayal of Homelander is genuinely a terrific showcase of acting - how he can flip between childish vulnerability and absolute menace is something to be seen!
I know that The Boys likes to wear its political opinions on its sleeve (moreso than ever in S4...) and wonder if this is partly to blame for the snubbing? But for sure, it is a crime this guy hasn't beeen formally recognised in that forum.
Delighted for Goggins btw, who has been a favorite actor of mine for over a decade.
Re: Poll: Can a Game's Brutal Difficulty Put You Off Playing It?
I'm really on the fence regarding this topic.
For framing - I adore FromSoft, with Sekiro being in my top5 'Games of All Time' list. I've beaten most of their games, obtaining platinum trophies for DeS and Elden Ring base game. ER was also my personal GOTY for 2022.
This DLC though, and the difficulty curve..... feels strange? It took a while to dawn on me that the key to survival is essentially getting as many 'early-DLC' scadutree fragments as possible, to essentially boost damage-dealt and recede damage-received.
Once you get your fragment level to ~10-12, then many of the games enemies and bosses are absolutely manageable. Before this stage though, the game is near impossible... or at least it was for me!
I appreciate that From have tried something new here, and they definitely needed some measure to prevent level 500 players steamrolling the DLC, but something about it doesn't quite click for me. I am not getting the same satisfaction from beating bosses as I would in say... Sekiro. Instead in Erdtree I feel I am now winning thank to 'finding enough collectables in open world to boost survival'. Whereby in Sekrio, which is very hard btw, the game mechanics seem a lot fairer in challenging you to get better with the tools provided (but never being obnoxiously difficult for the sake of it).
I do wonder how From could have done things differently in terms of scaling? Maybe having a minimum and maximum entry level for DLC, perhaps level 100-150? And if you're over levelled, say level 200, the player would need to choose 50 levels to recede from stats of their choice? (DLC only)
Would be curious to see how others thing the gating could have been improved. For me, the DLC is definitely ticking all my boxes with expectation... aside from the difficulty/scaling management, which isn't landing at all. I do genuinely appreciate From have tried something, but do feel there could have been a better way to manage this?
The discourse being overwhelmingly negative in this regard is a bit unfair to From though - and perhaps representative of now having a whole new 'more mainstream' audience, who aren't acquainted with previous games DLC offerings and the expectation of challenge
Re: The Witcher Congratulates Elden Ring's DLC Triumph with Awesome Artwork
This is really cool, and fair play to CDPR here. Loving Erdtree so far, great to see another industry behemoth salute FromSoft for their stellar work.
Re: Preview: Elden Ring Promises a DLC Masterclass in Shadow of the Erdtree
@LiamCroft Great write up... and very jealous! Counting the days, really looking forward to this.
A couple of questions - can you take the new DLC weapons/talismans/ashes back into the base game? Or can they only be used in the DLC area?
And how could this influence matchmaking/co-op in base game? Would using a DLC weapon in base game prevent you from matching with others who have not purchased the DLC?
Re: Monster Hunter Wilds Is Making Some Big Changes as Capcom Drops First Gameplay Details
Delighted to see this, and great to see that some elements from Rise appear to have been incorporated (thank God that GS still has a counter...!)
I wish they would really work though to tone down the 'story' elements - which now seem to have dived into full Marvel/snark mode! I'm nitpicking though, genuinely looking forward to this.
Re: Poll: What Did You Think of Sony's State of Play for May 2024?
Mixed feelings, but honestly I feel that these SoP showcases always seem to miss the 'key objective' = show gamers why they should own a Playstation!
Astrobot aside, many of the games presented will be multi-platform - and we really seem to be lacking exciting new IP from Sony. Insomniac seem to have been clipped into becoming 'the Marvel machine' and Naughty Dog are perhaps now tied in to TLoU franchising/sequels thanks to the success of the HBO show. Sucker Punch nowhere to be seen...?
And what of the more exciting acquisitions such as Housemarque (Returnal) and Bluepoint (DeS remake)... what are these studios working on? Both the aforementioned games were highlights of my PS5 time, and I'd be delighted to know/see what is coming next.
Instead we see Sony (alongside others) trying to chase live-service models and F2P concepts, whilst doubling down on remakes/remasters.
2024 has been a weak year for gaming in general IMO. I am looking forward to Erdtree later, but nothing else is grabbing me. Saying that though, I have enjoyed the new PoP game + Baltro + Animal Well. Hades 2 (EA) is also pretty great
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 530
On Steamdeck - currently just wrapped my NG playthrough on Elden Ring, ready for DLC incoming Got a dual Bloodhound Fang quality build all set, capping at level 160, and got 100% achievements. This was my second playthrough (first was PS5 on launch) and I pretty much steamrolled it in 55hrs.... 'eyes on the prize'. Can't wait for Erdtree
Having a cleanse now and playing "Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis" (classic Lucasarts adventure game), then moving on to Hades 2!
Re: Story Is the Focus of New Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Trailer
@nessisonett Fair play mate... the Erdtree will be waiting for you Tarnished! Stay well
Re: Story Is the Focus of New Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Trailer
@nessisonett I actually remember the launch weeks really well, and such great memories. Everyone discovering everything collectively was incredibly, and as you say - the different experiences of each player etc!
In future, and whenever feasible, I would always want to play FS games (and DLC) on 'Day 1' and try to emulate that feeling again.
Assuming you're day 1 for Erdtree? Will you be using a NG build or NG+?
Re: Baldur's Gate 3 Devs Felt 'Incredible Pressure' Starting Work on 'Very Ambitious' New RPG
D:OS 3? Or something completely new?
Very excited for 'what comes next' from Larian - and have full confidence in their ambition and workmanship.
Re: Story Is the Focus of New Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Trailer
After getting the platinum, and selling my PS5 thereafter, I re-purchased on SteamDeck and just last week managed to complete the game again.... ready for the DLC!
ER runs amazingly well on deck, and was great to revisit after a couple of years away.
Found a good sub-reddit "Patches Emporium" that facilitates trading across all platforms. Managed to get a second Bloodhound Fang (in exchange for me giving away a Rivers of Blood). Now I have full +10 Powerstancing dual Bloodhound Fangs, and feel unstoppable!
Can't wait for next month
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 529
Finally completed my (2nd) NG journey in Elden Ring, preparing for the DLC landing next month. I'd initially played at launch on PS5, attaining the platinum trophy, and then hadn't revisited the game since....
Picked ER up again on Steamdeck, and as this is now my primary means of gaming, I started a new run. 55hrs later, managed to get 100% achievements and a character at lv144. Going to pick up a few enhancements to support my build, potentially a quick re-spec also, and then lay the game to rest until next month.
This weekend I plan to tackle Animal Well as a 'palette-cleanser' game, and really looking forward to seeing what all the hype is about? I saw on Metacritic that AW is the 2nd highest reviewed game this year... even just above the mighty Balatro at #3 (!)
If I can push through Animal Well quickly, it will then finally be time for Hades 2 on early access - which I'm remarkably excited about
Re: Shadow of the Erdtree 'First and Last' Elden Ring DLC, Miyazaki Confirms
I'm absolutely fine with this - and think that there seems to be a real confidence from FromSoftware in this release. Judging from their DLC track-record, this is probably as close to a 'sure thing' as we will see in 2024.
I like the fact that they also won't have dev teams tied into the 'franchising' of Elden Ring (multiple expansions etc) and instead can focus on other projects.
Just need me some Sekiro DLC now... or (dare I whisper it) Sekiro 2?!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 526
It hit me like a brick that 'Shadow of the Erd Tree' will now be released in <2months... so time to get back into Elden Ring, in preparation for being DLC-ready.
I originally played on PS5 at launch, getting the platinum trophy, but am now starting up a new playthrough on SteamDeck. Runs pretty well on handheld, 30FPS fairly stable with a couple minor dips - very playable though.
Just got through Stormveil castle, and considering my next move..
Re: Astarion Actor 'Isn't Done' with Character, Despite Larian Leaving Baldur's Gate 3 Behind
@Jaz007 That's a good shout, and maybe throw in some cameos from the other party members at various points - but keep the focus on Astarian.
Re: Astarion Actor 'Isn't Done' with Character, Despite Larian Leaving Baldur's Gate 3 Behind
Perhaps only a matter of time until we see a live-action Baldurs brought to the small and/or large screen? Following on from the success stories of Fallout/TLoU... surely this is a case of "when" instead of "if"?
Assuming this does happen, it would be incredible to see Neil play the role. He really brought Astarian to life, and seems genuinely enthused regarding the part he got to play in BG3
Re: Sony Polls Players on Favourite Games That Aren't Bloodborne
Here's a take...
Bluepoint have been incredibly quiet since Sony's acquisition, and if anyone if likely to be commissioned for the (surely inevitable remake) then it will be them.
I believe that the PS6 launch will have Bloodborne remake as an exclusive, similar to how DeS was launched with PS5. This timeline would then also coincide with the Bloodborne movie, still early in development.
Sony had great success in TLoU remake and TV show 'trading off' one another, and likely will seek to emulate a similar level of buzz with Bloodborne.
This would also make sense as to why there is still no 60fps patch available etc... no point in providing a 'halfway house' when a full scale remake is in play.
It is coming for sure, but we will have to wait I reckon
Re: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Becomes the Second Highest-Rated Final Fantasy Game of All Time
On a separate note, I'm really glad to see that Rebirth has landed well with critics.... with the only real criticism pertaining to excess bloat/padding (the issue I had with Remake).
Re: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Becomes the Second Highest-Rated Final Fantasy Game of All Time
@breakneck Looks like author has updated now... I was in shock ha!
Re: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Becomes the Second Highest-Rated Final Fantasy Game of All Time
@breakneck Thanks, weird - it definitely wasn't there earlier!
Re: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Becomes the Second Highest-Rated Final Fantasy Game of All Time
Strange that the OG7 doesn't place in top 10?
Delighted to see IX got the hotspot, this is actually my personal favorite. VIII is also a great game, although I appreciate somewhat contentious due to having the impossible act of following VII!