EfYI

After a big acquisition this looks and sounds so cynical. What lame lines Phil Spencer dust off for the media.

After offering years of game pass to Xbox-owners for virtually free, I thought they would simply let their deep pockets carry their business and customers through the worst of it. Quite funny how a seemingly xbox-owning user suddenly drops a one liner explaining how natural this is. You gotta laugh.

I personally could see a GTA V Online-esque multiplayer mode.

But I would rather that they invest into a living, breathing world with plenty of well-thought out content. A world with the same plethora of hidden gems and Easter eggs riddled over the city.

No matter what, I am blown away by CDPR's work.

Ideas: Give me wall-running and sword dueling mechanics (and make it so that you can parry with anything even a rifle, but more clumsily and difficult of course).

Gun play could also be tweaked a bit for the better. And maybe the netrunning should be toned a bit down in combat as it becomes a bit easy in the end. Or maybe it is as it should be, idk.

The mention of Tekken takes me back to my childhood. Tekken 3 was amazing. But is this game even better?

Meaning is this Tekken the best of all time, or would Tekken 3 still stand as the seminal entry!?

This is now officially on my radar. Nice review!

The RPGs like Tecnomancer and Elex 1+2 are games I really wanted to like and started playing. They are known to be "eurojanky" but especially Elex felt pretty good to play in the hour or so I tried it.

It seemed to have some depth to it as well. But I think other, bigger titles pulled me away from this tasty jank food.

I'll probably return to this franchise if we get a multiplayer mode in the next installment, or if I am interested in the new story line. I had enough of Abby, so if she's in it, I will pass up the opportunity.

I learnt my lesson about going in blind with TLOU2. I will most probably read from previews, reviews or even from spoilers if I will like the story. For some, the story has such a huge impact for how we rate the overall experience.

I tried examining the stills to see if I could spot a difference. Funnily enough, I couldn't. Also, I have gathered that GOW's rogue lite mode is better than TLOU2's, that DLC is also free by the way. However, the comparison need not detract too much for the overall package found here.

I will personally skip this upgrade. Not for me.

What a sham! A streaming screen!? It won't work when driving for the kids in the backseat, because I am sure the signal has to be stable.

I could see a use case if it was an actual PS5, but they're actually skimping on a damn PS5😂😂😂 Are brakes like the disc where you have to buy them separately!?

And to think I ordered 1 of these! I'll scrap 'em on arrival.

This car is a huge failure already, congratulations 🥳🎉👏. Maybe someone can tell me why I am wrong.

Please, SONY just stop yourself and turn a page. We need management who isn't asleep behind the wheels. They're spending money like a 6-year-old in 30-something-body.

I had an amazing time as manly V romancing Panam. My main V was my first female character who romanced Judy, and boy those woman are different! Like two different species. I like Judy the most, but my male Alt-V can't deny her raw beauty.

So I am chartering every last bit of the ocean that is Cyberpunk. I will try and do absolutely everything including glitching in to get the DAMN egg. After this, I will sunset this near-GOAT of a game and go for Gate 3. And VR this weekend maybe too .. too little time too much work to be done.

Thanks for the thought-provoking content.

I felt like 2023 cemented my assertions that PlayStation in recent times have made more mistakes than good decions. And so 2024 will correct some.

• Haven, Jade and Failgame$ are shut down, shot down and kicked to the curb, only to be two-tapped again for good measure. Thus correcting the perhaps most baffling decision in PS management, one that stretched the budgets too far and wide and cost other studios their lives or reductions in staff.
• Bend will open the lid and blow fumes our way. It IS a new IP but also hints will be given that Days Gone 2 is somewhere on the horizon.
• PS5 Pro will be announced for mid-2025 or later, because the span of a console has been so prolonged as we see with the PS4.
• SONY will quietly pursue the iterative process in both software and hardware. Most interestingly, we will see improvements on the hardware-side with new controllers with more battery life, the portal will be revealed to getting an update sometime down the line enabling some games to be stored on the device as a fledgling new approach coming off the success of handhelds in general.
• Capcom, Atlus and Square-Enix will reign supreme and release great games that score well. However, Konami will fumble, stumble and bumble their way through 2024, being the alcohol-riddled ex to Kojima.
• PlayStation will sell well, and keep quiet. Reeling from M$'s acquisitions, the major leaks of 2023, failed GaaS-push and an overly populated gaming world, they will find new footing and that will affect the development in first party studios resulting in a much more appealing slate of releases that will be drop-fed according to the actual level of game congestation on the consumer highway. The media will cry about their silence and 'lack of content' but that seems to be their jobs at this point. SONY's recent promotional video will contain much of what is actually released this year except for.....
• PSVR2-games will release and be announced. The user base will grow and is helped by PlayStation's (and Capcom's) plans to develop hybrid-capable games. The strategy will be to present the portal and the PSVR 2 as 'screens' that extend the PS5 experience. But pSVR2 will also be the place of true innovation in gaming.
• Sammy Barker will not leave his appartment due to actual whale-issues relating to both his size and wallet, as he also is getting high off his own supply of Gacha-crack he is pushing for a Chinese commision of their dear-to-pay products flying off their digital shelves.
• Robert Ramsey will have a "Succeeding you, father-moment" worthy of Warcraft 3 in that other people than he will cast lavish praise on his person on account of exquisite taste within the gaming medium as a whole, and he'll be offered a more prestigious role at Push Square or even bigger fish like Press Ex. Unfortunately, he'll be so busy playing a genuine banger of an RPG, he'll miss the offer entirely, none the wiser.
• Liam will fall madly, deeply and truly in love with playing PSVR2 due to a tragic accident involving experimental, non-desolvable super glue. He will continue to perceive the world in black and white as he always has, and esthetically he'll give off a very cyberpunk/Maelstromish vibe in terms of his looks.

Incredible how the Switch across its different version sold DOUBLE the amount than PS5.

Honestly, I just don't get how popular those handhelds are and how SONY's BEST response is one streaming device WITHOUT any capability of storing (simpler) games. Somehow there ought to be a handheld model capable of running PS5-games in a worse version offline which could then synchronize with the overall system when entering a trusted WIFI-network. I wonder if there will be something like this in the future.

I have said this so many times, especially with the WEIRD criticism thrown at PSVR2 there are so many games that I cannot keep up.

The only reason these game journalists have for criticizing is because they rush through games and don't enjoy them like I can. They also WANT the news served on a platter: Take Sacred Symbols whose talking heads I really like, they sound like PIRANHAS when talking about the ethics of covering the massive data leak of Insomniac as if their job is to go through criminal content and aiding and abetting data criminals and competitor's agendas. They get it wrong once in a while, but they are also attacking others for having a sense of ethics in a time where data piracy only will become more prevalent.

@PinderSchloss

You're are going to have to try harder than that!

Also, unrelated, you're finished, I have a specific set of skills and I will find you and lecture you and you'll be bored to death in under 5 minutes.

attack-rushes from its hill

@NeonPizza

Sounds like a lousy system, to be honest. Are you an owner because of the adult entertainment?

I am adding the Irony Attached-edit. Have you tried Asgard 2 or whatever the name is?

I like the sound of this review. I am wondering which is best Vertigo 2, Synapse or Arizona 2... hmm
.

As a kind of Netflix-service I think RE2, TT: Wonderlands and Vampire Masquerade seems quite alluring. Mind you I haven't tried them and are also happy to see my subscription end. I kinda don't have an actively desired backlog of titles even though I have been stockpiling essentials for years.

So, it is sort of 'goodbye and good riddance' to plus. However, I wonder what it will take to bring me back to the subscription-fold. Probably an empty backlog.

@Northern_munkey

I am not too sure about that. Might you find a credible source, and I will take a glance at it, though.

Actors and Devs will take their money and their praise with one hand and then write complaints about anything else with the other, it seems. They are paid very good money and get to become Class-A citizens, so to some extent they have to take criticism constructively. The articles state that the Mary Jane-actress was contacted by a fan and she called it stalking... In another, about Borderlands, the Dev/writer resented that people gave him pointers or expressed their views on where the story could go. I don't how... if maybe they should check their privilege against what they have to endure...

Meanwhile, I would encourage people to take their discourse to more appropriate venues.

The sociologist A. Giddens explains that time and space (the normal barriers between actors and consumers) are not actual constraints any more because of the digitalization that has happened.

It should perhaps be a criminal offense to write messages of hate designed to make people only feel negative feelings. I fully get how important free speech is, but somehow actors and game Devs get too much of that. Either the terms of service or the laws of the world need to impact offenders and there needs to be enough resources to persecute offenders.

Writing posts about not wanting hate is simply not enough in this day and age.

@Carlos82
@Splat

1. In fiction, there is a 'contract' between the fiction and the consumer. The consumer takes a leap of faith to 'follow' the narrative's logic. Now, many people are for example upset about the way Neil strained that contract by having Joel act as a careless, stupid person only to be treated to a scene of absolute death porn. And yes, as a beloved character (whose determination to protect many admired) that sort of broke the contract for many.

2. People who harrass actors or writers DIRECTLY... kind of are nut jobs. I almost forget that people ACTUALLY write to them wanting them to feel negative feelings. We need better laws to enforce a sort of higher moral standard.

3. I don't know why I chose TLOU2-criticism and Days Gone-fandom as little hills, I am ready to die on. Maybe I actually think my desires as a LONG time PlayStation fan somehow should matter to them. Hah, the very absurd notion of that! Someone listening to their core user base...

I don't really care that much about State of Plays as they are primarily standard game marketing.

I have seen them, but everyone gets disappointed and the conversation is always negative with only a few sun rays among it.
.
As per new announcements from 1st parties, that is not the goal of SoPs. Most people realize now that most of the studios has been mishandled to a degree and as an example NOBODY cares about Failgame$ except for me who just want to get rid of the sham studio Haven. If there ever was a studio worth downsizing to zero, this'd be it. If the next State of Play simply announced that Uncle Phil would throw Jade Raymond out of the mansion, I'd rate it highly. Also, if that Dutch crook who swindled himself to funding and exposure with 'game demos' was publicly indicted that'd be a real hootenanny. Last but not least, Neil Druckmann changing jobs to TV would be a triple whammy of good news for the future.

The only real news coming from Sony is data leaks which are a bitter fruit indeed. I didn't want to hear what would invariably be said (from all manners of media dripfeeding a ravenous audience).

I will be perfectly honest: I love this. I loved Succession too, so for me this is one of the most brilliant pieces of (meta) marketing I have ever witnessed. I remember most of these moments as I watched them with sore thumbs and a youthful understanding that Heihachi is somewhat of a dick.

But, I am not surprised to see Brian Cox market Tekken, afterall I was the only one to expect the Spanish Inquisition to happen.

Seems like an easy job.

She can call a developer making an archer game, suggest the rumble feature and then kick up her feet.

@CharlieChooChoo

You lost me? I used "trick" in a soft/joking way on account of it being a recent game, but I don't know what I should google...

@CharlieChooChoo

Let's say you are right. It ain't tricking.

I was triggered by the announcement, but it makes good sense.

• It is brought up to best quality for new owners and people interested in getting every drop of juice out of the graphics
• The ND developers are learning how and creating assets for whatever comes next
• It 'tricks' another 10 dollars out of many people
• Maybe it even gets the scrapped multiplayer its time to shine as a singleplayer experience (and could still morph into factions 2 bundled with the next one

I won't get it personally. Haven't been interested in the update for TLOU1, as seminal as that one is.

Ah, I see you are both a gentleman and a scholar. I sense, however, you are of the the technical pedigree. But I digress and I have to say "No, sir."

Only a seminal game implies that - making it a pinnacle of the art form. A masterpiece simply means that it is masterfully constructed and holds a special place for enough consumers of art. There can be no doubt that subjectively it can be revered and refuted at the same time whilst still living up to that label.

A masterpiece of technical merit it is, in my opinion, and to some it is a very, very satisfying story that fits the mold of what many seek in playing games (a blockbuster, but not an absolute highlight of narratological skill, perhaps).

Cyberpunk and Phantom Liberty as a package gets my HIGHEST level of praise.

I can't see a reality where you'd be disappointed with your decision to play/buy this game.

Get yourselves a copy👍

Especially if you are struggling with the gacha-addiction @sammybarker , save yourself and try a real game without any PLEASE WHALE-mechanics.

@AndroidBango

I highly doubt your credibility. Who are you to tell me otherwise? Age, level of education, etc!? This comment always scares away the crows, so I know you won't answer.

Of course, at the end of the day it's subjective, but I had SO MUCH fun that I throw the label of masterpiece on to this.

TLOU2 is amazingly beautiful, tense, and Metal Gear in how it stalks its prey, yes. And then it flips when the monsters are alerted, both men and dead by the way. That's why they HAVE to fold their work on multiplayer into a release sometime in the future.

But I prefer the story of Days Gone especially because you are like a detective finding out what's happening in the world around you. Going into a nest is terrifying. I remember having to go into some natural caves, that was intense.

Sammy has another subtle attempt at pushing Gacha-crack. Well done, class act pimping. Apropos, I wonder what will become of Haven, now that Jim Ryan invests all his time into his cats...

@MrGilly69

A man can hope. Nobody has any idea what is going on with this game.

Whenever I hear PS4 I get disinterested.

Game design is held back. Good luck, though.

My 2024 is shaping up to be well entertaining. I have stocked up on VR games and have my backlog as well.

NEW arrivals that I'm hoping do well:

• Star Wars: Outlaws
• FF7: Rebirth
• Dragon's Dogma
• Kingdom Come 2 👑👑👑

Backlog of owned games:
Green Hell
GT7
RE8+4 in that order
Saint and Sinners Part 1
Paper Beasts
Pistol Whip
Horizon: Forbidden West
Baldur's Gate 3
Cyberpunk will also be heavily rotated

Wanted:
Star Wars: Survivor
GOW: Ragnarok
Spider-Man 2

I don't think gaming life could get any better, except if somehow Factions 2 emerges from Neil's dark holes.

@Deityjester

On pushsquare there are so many goody-twoshoes who were told that TLOU2 was great so they internalized it and shat on anyone who preferred Days Gone. But the truth is that Days Gone was a masterpiece shot down by media and their little fanboys.

Now, their resolve is all but gone and Days Gone's legacy matches any game on PS4. This is the exact opposite of what these whimps were saying at the time. I'd take the fight to their doorstep any day, and I'll be the one knocking✊

If SONY is awake, they'd know that Days Gone has to get a sequel.

@riceNpea

Arcade? I thought the narrative in Days Gone was miles better. Because, TLOU2 was a game about ***** on people and calling it art.

I am CONFIDENT that trading down Days Gone for TLOU2, sinking the sequel and firing creatives are dumb moves belonging to a creatively bankrupt management who went for GAAS-games that are going to fail maybe even before hitting the ground.

TLOU3 will have a fully cooked Factions 2, so that cut is okay. Failgame$ will be cancelled and SONY will cut funding from Jade, I think. Concord will happen and have a life that does not offer anything tremendous to the bottom-line of SONY. There are probably others I'm forgetting, which means they'll eek out a miserable existence. But here is my head on the chopping block:

Therefore, I think this new game IS IN FACT Days Gone 2 or Open World, Zombie game the "new IP" with recognisable villainous entity. I will follow that helicopter ANYWHERE and die on that hill.

I will definitely say this year was the best in gaming. Mostly because I have no idea what other year would offer the same variety and quality compared to this year.

But also, it is probably the year with most rotten business models thriving and addicted people hooked on gaming chronic.

We have game passes, skins, micro DLC, loot crates, "gacha" (loot crates?), and I am sure I am forgetting something. How many people are spending extra money I their games chasing something? 🤑

Great list! Am happy to see the omission of soulless gacha, Gaas and souls-developers all of which I just don't understand.

Your individual list's nr# 1 is ... checks notes Honky Gacha!? What the literal hell is that for a choice of game😑 I mean... Time you enjoyed wasting isn't a waste, but this must be the lowest brow possible. A game designed to create addiction and profit (I got that from the gacha label and your admittance to whaling).

In other news, the editor of PushSquare recommends cocaine. Start with small doses then scale up as per your needs.

📝Write it down, kids. A little bit of crack gacha never hurt you. Only your family🥰

A big fine. I don't know why third parties cannot buy licensing? I wonder how on earth Le french ClownieConcurrence allowed Windows to buy Call of Doodles when they are this keen on allowing third party software.

Bribes are the only answer.

@Tecinthebrain

The mental gymnastics you pulled to deliver this argument/comeback is comedy gold. Don't give up! You're winning👍👏

I am genuinely looking down upon everyone upset about this. Also, I am laughing, because I know how deeply injured you are and these salty tears are just icing on the cake.

The game of the year-series of articles has been entertaining. I would pay for you guys putting my game of the year on top: Cyberpunk. But congrats to Larian and Insomniac for taking this very prestigious award that is worth billions of internet points and broken gamer hearts.

The individual lists are there to provide content and give lesser known games a chance in a coveted spotlight, I have to say that Robert Ramsey makes the rest of the crew look like clowns coming out of a car, though😂 (Fun intended)

@ShogunRok

I was thinking that this Robert Ramsey character is the only sane person - getting nr 1 and nr 2 right is an awesome achievement.

(I almost missed the fact RR commented on this himself and thought his colleague called himself and others an idiot😂)

2023 is a seminal gaming year. There are sooo many BANGERS I've slept on because of ALL the good games I'm already playing.

I haven't even considered buying GOW: Ragnarok, Spider-Man 2, Final Fantasy 16, Alan Wake 2, even last year's Elden Ring. Then there's more niche games like the Alien Strategy game and some highly praised CRPG's.

My backlog is through the roof:
Forbidden West, GT7, RE 8+4, a handful of VR titles are stand outs.

I will be letting go of PS Plus altogether. And I don't think SONY is unhappy with that. I like to stockpile and try a little. They probably have to pay for every game I try, making it a zero sum game for them.

🎵There are just too many games🎵

My game of the year is Cyberpunk 2.0
DLC of the year is Phantom Liberty
Best ongoing game is Cyberpunk.
Best game soundtrack, you've guessed it.

Next in line: VR Gran Turismo 7 and Baldur's Gate III.

They took up much of my time. In 2024, I want to:

Finish VR RE Village - I couldn't progress after arriving in the castle. Apparently there is a book with a key to a door I need to "examine"? Can anybody confirm?

• Start VR: RE 4.

Play: (Bought VR on sale to support it)
VR Green Hell.
Baldur's Gate III
Paper Beasts
Pistol Whip
I have the game Hubris, but I didn't buy it. It is ready to download. Mysterious business indeed.

You cannot deny the multiplayer aspect.

In EA FC, people come over to play with you. Your friends actually bother visiting you. In between, you play to get better, so that you thrash your friends.

//Captain Obvious, I know.

With Call of Duty, it is our lizard brain that wants to dominate other males that kick in . You only play in groups if it heightens your odds. Friends leave friends behind if they aren't good. It is a toxic wasteland of masculinity.

I am completely baffled by this list. Well done!

Edited because, apparently somebody had to get moderated.

Well done in the sense it is fun to hear about Dusk for the first time. The picture looks like it is PS1 era graphics and game design. Utterly mysterious in a good way.

@KundaliniRising333

The objective scrreeeeechhh, music stops playing... Okay, so I don't need to argue any further if you are claiming objectivity itself as an argument.

The game BUILDs on the original. It is better, subjectively, for so many people, including the staff at hand.

Are people overlooking the fact that the entire team of reviewers are rating Spiderman 2 higher than a single reviewer who also scored it too low? On the other hand, Alan Wake 2 probably scored a bit higher than maybe it should. So it is two 9's competing.

@LiamCroft
You are wrong. You go love that game.

I left it in Act 1 to play Cyberpunk. Will come back to my gate.