Weekend is preordained on JRPGs. Picking this up tomorrow with a continued awe of Metaphor on the side. What an incredible year for games, goodness, I dare say it’s as strong as last year, especially if this is your genre. Very glad gaming is a passion of ours… even with stinkers that release every year. Can’t wait to play this, happy adventuring everyone!
@ShogunRok Thanks for the review! I want to pick up now, but am concerned about your thoughts on the dungeon design, as it’s something I’ve loved about previous Persona games (especially 5R). Are there some dungeons that you found enjoyable? Would you say the rest of the game outshines this issue?
Am content! A nice start with Astro, a banger finish with Ghost, and a few announcements in between that piqued my interest such as Hell Is Us, Lunar, Kain, and Hitman VR.
@ButterySmooth30FPS this isn’t comparable at all? Portal was an accessory device (which you need a PS5 for) not meant to make a profit, and this is an upgraded console price-hiked to heaven without a key feature that millions of consumers prefer to have, the disk drive. Yes, you might be right that it will sell, but that’s not a good thing.
@Enuo I can corroborate this. I also have a source that affirms timed exclusivity on the title until the next Nintendo console launches, where it will be available alongside PC. No Xbox I’m afraid, according to said source 😞
That is awesome, I’ve watched a couple fights on streams and seems a certified banger sans performance issues. I’d have grabbed it Day One myself but am waiting on Astrobot and Zelda, can only spend so much for first day releases 😭 but will absolutely buy this later on a deal after patches.
@Steel76 I can appreciate this, and would imagine you’re not alone. I’m assuming there will be an option for you to adjust this if you’re looking to play without these blur effects (I think FF16 did too if I’m not mistaken?).
For some of us, I think these effects add a sense of thrill and simulation to intense combat, I personally become more immersed as a result. But totally understand not everyone does…. Hopefully there’s something in settings or accessibility to tweak in the game if you’re interested in playing
Just started playing with a friend a couple weeks ago, so I can’t comment on specifics from this expansion. Overall impressions so far though, game is an absolute blast, and this is coming from someone who hasn’t played a game like this in years. It’s great to have a game I can look forward to playing with others on weekends again 😎
Started last night, proper From dlc in that you’re immediately thrown into an even less forgiving world. Very difficult, but loving it. Music too is evocative as in the original title, aura permeates a kind of quiet, troubled world. Too early to say much, but so far it’s exactly what I wanted and I’ve the whole weekend to fully enjoy it.
Yeah I need more info on that performance/fidelity option too. I was defaulting to the Switch version, but would happily reconsider if PS5 has a noticeable optimization when playing. I bought Octo 2 on PlayStation and didn’t seem to miss the handheld experience (I play Switch 90% undocked), so I may try this one with PS5 too.
I’m in that camp, it’s time. Xbox had a stellar show, and though we know “games are cooking” at PS Studios, the ball seems to be in Sony’s court now. Microsoft has confirmed they’re all in for gaming, and that fans have a lot to look forward to from them. Here’s hoping the PlayStation showcase (if it’s happening in September) can match it. There’s no need to console war on any of this either! We all won today as gamers, and will win more if Sony knock it out of the park with their next show just like Xbox did today.
@UltimateOtaku91 Nah, just enjoy yourself. As much as I dislike Geoff, the ads, and his business entourage (that sit on the board with him), this festival is one of the best ways devs can share their projects. They usually start and end with something noteworthy, so there’s always a couple games to look forward to after it’s over. Have fun!
Not much? Not pessimistic, but I don’t see us getting major news with Keighley. I’m of the opinion that a September showcase is likely so we’ll only get a sprinkling of PS announcements. Lego Horizon, a remaster of some sort, and maybe Spiderman 2 dlc. No hardware reveal yet. And that’s okay! Astro Bot is coming later and we likely have bigger announcements in the latter half of 2024.
@Fishmasterflex96 I’d wager Sony is hoping Marathon can pull PC players into the PS environment, and could see franchise collaboration of Sony titles with Marathon’s content. Bungie, yes, is meant to provide guidance on Live Service development as you say, but Sony still reaps the revenue on their future projects. I could see them (Sony) using this opportunity to glamorize their own IPs within the game if it really takes off.
@Americansamurai1 that would be awesome, but I just can’t see it at a SOP. Major game reveals always occur in a showcase, as did the Ragnarok announcement you mentioned. However, playing devil’s advocate with myself, there could be some inner-business strategy shifts where a state of play takes on a bigger role in promoting their first party titles. So…. Maybe this state of play communicates that moving forward, it will be a bigger deal and use a Ghost 2 teaser as a means of communicating said shift.
I’m not saying you’re wrong, it just doesn’t follow Sony’s historical pattern for these shows, so I think anyone expecting something like Wolverine and GoT 2 (I’m seeing loads of these predictions online already) will have to wait for another time. More than willing to be surprised 😎
@Americansamurai1 I think Ghost 2 isn’t ready to show yet, seems the focus will be on first party games releasing just this year. Concord and Astro would be the only ones I’m expecting to see, but who knows… maybe there’s “one more thing” for fireworks.
Not a showcase, but that’s alright. We’re getting other big shows in June and the announcement confirms first party updates. Looking forward to tomorrow!
@Grumblevolcano Geoff’s scheduling strategy doesn’t actually surprise me, as he’s been wanting his show to replace E3 for years. Basically, he wants those of us not working/studying for the weekend to give him the summer fever attention for games 👀 something E3 fulfilled before.
As for PlayStation, I’m not sure if they view Friday as a placeholder for bad news in spite of their history (as you say) sharing bummers then. What we can definitely agree on is that Sony is cutting it close in communicating with us whether a major show is coming.
@Grumblevolcano I think there’s still time, I believe they’ve announced a showcase 5 or 6 days prior to the event itself before, meaning next Wednesday/Thursday could be slotted. I would say if nothing is shared by Sony after tomorrow, then Summer 2024 is a no go for a major show.
The last showcase was just confusing… it presented itself as the future of PlayStation being Live Service focused with some first party basis, which is not what many of us fans want. This upcoming show, if it’s happening, has to flip that script. You can (actually) show us Concord and Fairgames, that’s fine, but bombard us with updates from your internal studios, not just 1 or 2. And above all… surprise us. Maybe a tall order, but it’s overdue for Sony to show their hand and imbue us again with the reason for why we invested in this gen to begin with - their games. They can do it… they’ve found a way every PlayStation gen so far.
Sony is the only one left to announce a show for the summer. Even in spite of an underwhelming show last year, I’m excited even at the possibility of another. Here’s hoping to one happening, and a much better one at that this year 😎
@RicebinBernacky Agreed, I imagine that’s what they meant, I see why that could be unclear. Here’s hoping this is true and we see it soon (it’s rumoured to be open world, so I’m extremely curious to see if this is the case)
@RicebinBernacky I think imminent refers to the announcement drop, as we’re entering summer show time and Sony has a history of revealing big Capcom titles (further hinting at a May show coming soon, hence “imminent”).
@felip Indeed! As much as I enjoy Sony template games, these two studios (maybe also housemarque and MM) seem to be the most promising for delivering titles that can shine in uniqueness.
Very sad to read about the padding and side quests. I’ve all but absolutely lost patience with these issues in rpgs - extending gameplay time in order to hit the reward flow of my brain at the cost of a game’s substance. I felt this a lot with games like FF16 and Fire Emblem Engage, where the strengths shine but anchor beneath their potential because of frustrating busywork. I’m a tad more cautious about my purchase next week, but I’ll read a few more reviews before making my mind. And of course, happy for those excited I still am extremely interested despite my concern.
This is wonderful! I play Xbox on PC, so I didn’t have an option for a physical version of Pentiment. Do I go Switch or Ps5? 🤔 either way, very nice news.
@Olmaz not hyperbole, have done in the past. This is how I decompress, and once in a while I make a little vacation out of it. Why not? Life’s short, enjoy it when you can
Edit: the Nordic spa mention is also not hyperbole, I actually did this last time and was an amazing mix to my time off. Try it! Throw in a good massage or something for your next gaming weekend.
Cannot wait 🤩 I hope to see what they’ve done with Torrent. New abilities, mobility options? Otherwise, crazy curious about environments, enemy types, and a glimpse at boss encounters.
@Ralizah It may very well be the case here that Nintendo takes care of my wants in game direction that Sony is seemingly shifting away from as well. I'm not ready to jump ship yet, as Astro's Playroom, Returnal, And Demon's Souls show to me as a fan that there's some good life yet remaining. But in a few years we may be having a different conversation. I already have warmed up to a number of JRPG titles I never touched years ago because I passed on certain systems, notably the 3DS. Incredible games, many of which rest in the spirit that Nintendo is permeating its library with... a recent development for me! As I picked one up during covid and have slowly built a catalog of must-haves. So I'm keeping a close eye on their ventures in addition to hoping that Sony can retrieve their ways as a game company.
Regardless, seems we have different tastes as we've shared regarding older system gens, and that's great. For the record, I did have a Gamecube and loved it. Was primarily a multiplayer machine for me, but it did also have both my favorite Zelda (WW) and Metroid (Prime) games in their respective series. RE4 was also a marvel. So I can totally see how this would have been someone's preferred platform back in the 2000s, mine just was the PS2 because their games spoke to me in a way that was special. And so for the final time, to stress, this is what I want Sony to recognize as their benchmark for when "Greatness Awaits" was a mantra that they lived by, not just marketed.
@Ralizah I suppose we just agree to disagree, no problem. I would throw in the games I mentioned and a number of other PS titles to the legendary tier you mention apart from the GTAs and MGSs that are discussed. It definitely was not a case of adding 'not bad to good' titles but some seriously high quality content that rivaled competitor output, including a few of the greatest ever. I just think a lot of people forget how enjoyable and ahead of their time 1st party games were on the PS2. They're some of the best you can play, even today. I'm actually in a phase at the moment where I'm replaying the Jak and Ratchet games (it's why they keep getting mentioned) and I'm astounded at what they accomplished in the early 2000s. Not to mention, they're still a blast even now, a breath of fresh air away from modern gaming. Perhaps it's that Xbox did wonders with backwards compat and that Nintendo actually treats old properties with care as we've seen in the Switch gen that overshadows Sony's old content in how they've left their gems in the shadows. My view of course... wish Sony wouldn't sleep on what they have.
A partially lapsed Sony fan? I like that. If Sony doesn't recover from this strange spell they're in for this generation, I'm going to steal that label from you lol.
@Ralizah I would still dispute this, respectfully of course. GTA indeed is remembered for its ground breaking open world mechanics and pushed out many consoles with Sony's tied in marketing. If we approached a random on the street who played a PS2 in those days, yes, good chance they'd mention San Andreas or Vice City as a fond memory of the console. There's also a good chance they'd add GT as you mentioned, maybe GoW or Jak 2.
What seems to be implicit in your argument (and feel free to correct) is that it's only a platform like Nintendo that's sought after for its first-party content, and that it's the only platform capable of innovating in various genre spaces. While I would agree that is the case today with the Switch vs PS5, I don't think it was so with the PS2. Jak and Daxter innovated in action-adventure scales and animation, and Shadow Of The Colossus basically pioneered spectacle fights that awe us in current projects like Nier or a FromSoft title. This is what I mean by being remembered, PS first party games were in the ring moving the industry forward just like Nintendo and to some degree, Xbox. It's these experiences that fans remember and carry with them today, myself included.
The reason I'm standing firm in this is because, in light of the article, it's clear Sony is capable of doing what Nintendo is now doing with Switch. Excellent, innovative first party titles, and a seemingly never-ending third party roster of games to enjoy alongside them. I've actually said in the past that the Switch IS the PS2 of this era - it provides anything you could want for a gaming experience with its astounding library.
I don't want to rant too much, and I don't want to speak past you as we may ultimately be in agreement, but I just don't understand why people think PS2 is basically a 3rd party machine in essence - and don't even get me started on the 'DVD Player' shtick people throw around - when just about any content creator you can find online that is passionate about video games remarks on the titles I mentioned, not just GTA or FF. And that's what I want from Sony... get the best of both worlds like they once did. It's too late for this gen it seems given these games are somewhat far along in development, but hopefully they get their act together in PS6 and completely stomp us with quality like the good old days.
@Ralizah PS2 isn’t primarily loved for its first party? It’s very fondly remembered by fans for its output of internally developed content, not to mention franchises began there that we still play today. I’d much rather play Up Your Arsenal or Sly than Mario Sunshine, and I don’t think that’s controversial to say. The games on PS2 were amazing.
PS1 no doubt was a 3rd party machine with sprinkles of their own IP, but PS2 provided everything, including loads of great first party content.
Excited for this. It looks a bit like the progression system is a shake-up of FE class progress, borrowing bits of development mechanics from other series. A key title I’m watching closely along with Rise of the Ronin for March releases!
@Digital_Nomad it’s honestly at the point where I may need to take another break from these sites. Comments are spiralling on all sister portals, wild to the point of tribalistic toxicity… well, worse than the usual sort. It’s very sad, as I engage in these sites to enjoy game discussion and to offer criticisms on a constructive level. This is just console war nonsense at its finest, and I wish some of our fellow gamers here could get a grip.
@Nepp67 I’m not too worried about that, as multiple outlets have had extensive access to the game and are speaking positively about it in their previews. It’s a total blast apparently. I also don’t care much about metacritic or review scores… just don’t, haven’t for a long time. I get your point though, that review codes are associated with getting the actual reviews in a timely manner which allows us to evaluate if the game is for us or not. Hopefully we’ll get some reviews as the game comes out.
I really hope this game is well taken care of moving forward, as it has so much promise. It could honestly be PS’s Splatoon if it’s well invested in and responds effectively to player feedback. I truly believe there’s potential here for years to come if Sony doesn’t turn a blind eye to this studio, I love what I’m seeing.
Very nice touch at the end, especially after what I thought was a long-winded Kojima homage (DS2 looks great, but goodness that trailer dragged). Gives us fans a bit more to chew before we get hammered with game releases. Solid show overall!
Tell us what your first party studios are doing, how you’re improving the sub services (in other words, justifying the price hike), and begin caring about the fan base in general. Throw in what FromSoft is doing with you as well for good measure. That is all.
I just got home and am catching up on these announcements… what is going on with Sega?? Wow! Lots of good stuff to me for announcements but I think I’m giving them the ultimate thumbs up, very excited for these projects. Valhalla, MH, and Ronin all look great too, glad PS had a few things here tonight.
I have no expectations regarding games for tomorrow, and don't mean that in a form of slight. I accepted a while ago that Sony is taking the L on first party announcements this year, so the third party and indie focus is no surprise. They're getting consoles out like wildfire, and can show their studio's work closer to launch as their hardware sales grow. It makes sense (from a business perspective, not for us fans).
What I DO expect is to get some update on the service as a result of that price hike... I'm biting the same bait as Grubb that Sony will reason this with a major update of some sort. If not, then that's a bad taste left for me and I'll be cancelling next month. They need to demonstrate something.
As for what games might show up? Rebirth, Stellar Blade, and Little Devil Inside seem likely, Silent Hill maybe, and wildcards like FF Tactics (at Nintendo Direct would be really cool too) or even the fabled FF9 Remake would be amazing. But again, no expectations on any of these. We'll see
Just finished FF16 and am downloading this as we speak. I want to play Starfield, but I think I’ll wait as I’m an enormous fan of Larian Studios and there will be some fun mods down the road for Bethesda’s big game. Tough choice… but I’m ready to get sucked into Baldur’s Gate 3 the next while
Adore the first game, this has been in my top five anticipated for 2023. For those who’ve yet to play the first one… you’re in for a spellbound experience. Cannot wait to play this!
About a 9, so many high points and with incredible cinematic pieces. Music and combat are sublime, it’s only the side quests that falter along with performance. It’s up there with TOTK this year so far for me.
Comments 101
Re: Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake (PS5) - A Timeless RPG, and a Gorgeous Nostalgia Trip
Weekend is preordained on JRPGs. Picking this up tomorrow with a continued awe of Metaphor on the side. What an incredible year for games, goodness, I dare say it’s as strong as last year, especially if this is your genre. Very glad gaming is a passion of ours… even with stinkers that release every year. Can’t wait to play this, happy adventuring everyone!
Re: Metaphor: ReFantazio (PS5) - Brilliant, Memorable RPG Is One of Atlus' Finest Works
@ShogunRok Thanks for the review! I want to pick up now, but am concerned about your thoughts on the dungeon design, as it’s something I’ve loved about previous Persona games (especially 5R). Are there some dungeons that you found enjoyable? Would you say the rest of the game outshines this issue?
Thanks again
Re: The Biggest PS5, PS4 Winners from a Humongous State of Play
Am content! A nice start with Astro, a banger finish with Ghost, and a few announcements in between that piqued my interest such as Hell Is Us, Lunar, Kain, and Hitman VR.
Solid show, I’m happy with what was shown.
Re: Despite Price Point, Analyst Firm Expects PS5 Pro to Sell Like PS4 Pro
@ButterySmooth30FPS this isn’t comparable at all? Portal was an accessory device (which you need a PS5 for) not meant to make a profit, and this is an upgraded console price-hiked to heaven without a key feature that millions of consumers prefer to have, the disk drive. Yes, you might be right that it will sell, but that’s not a good thing.
Re: Let the Astro Bot PS5 Launch Trailer Tide You Over Until Release
@Enuo I can corroborate this. I also have a source that affirms timed exclusivity on the title until the next Nintendo console launches, where it will be available alongside PC. No Xbox I’m afraid, according to said source 😞
Re: Cult Classic Platformer Croc: Legend of the Gobbos Getting the Remaster Treatment
@riceNpea I was thinking this too! If they’re back, then… time to revive the cancelled project?
Re: Cult Classic Platformer Croc: Legend of the Gobbos Getting the Remaster Treatment
NO. What?? Yes, I’m excited! My childhood remastered, let’s go!
Re: Workers at Greedfall, Steelrising Dev Spiders Are Striking, Calling Out Nacon in Public Letter
The French doing as they do, bless them.
Amour et soutien aux travailleurs, c’est parti!
Re: Black Myth: Wukong Has Sold an Astonishing 10 Million Copies in Three Days on PS5, PC
That is awesome, I’ve watched a couple fights on streams and seems a certified banger sans performance issues. I’d have grabbed it Day One myself but am waiting on Astrobot and Zelda, can only spend so much for first day releases 😭 but will absolutely buy this later on a deal after patches.
Joy and cheers to those playing it this weekend!
Re: Black Myth: Wukong Builds the Hype with Stunning Final Trailer
@Steel76 I can appreciate this, and would imagine you’re not alone. I’m assuming there will be an option for you to adjust this if you’re looking to play without these blur effects (I think FF16 did too if I’m not mistaken?).
For some of us, I think these effects add a sense of thrill and simulation to intense combat, I personally become more immersed as a result. But totally understand not everyone does…. Hopefully there’s something in settings or accessibility to tweak in the game if you’re interested in playing
Re: Poll: Are You Playing Helldivers 2: Escalation of Freedom?
Just started playing with a friend a couple weeks ago, so I can’t comment on specifics from this expansion. Overall impressions so far though, game is an absolute blast, and this is coming from someone who hasn’t played a game like this in years. It’s great to have a game I can look forward to playing with others on weekends again 😎
Re: Poll: Are You Playing Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree?
@Nepp67 i would much rather be “stuck” in Santorini for vacation than playing new game content 😂 have fun out there! The Greek islands are immaculate.
Re: Poll: Are You Playing Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree?
Started last night, proper From dlc in that you’re immediately thrown into an even less forgiving world. Very difficult, but loving it. Music too is evocative as in the original title, aura permeates a kind of quiet, troubled world. Too early to say much, but so far it’s exactly what I wanted and I’ve the whole weekend to fully enjoy it.
Re: Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake Has a 'Revised' Story, PS5 Performance Mode, and New Difficulty Levels
Yeah I need more info on that performance/fidelity option too. I was defaulting to the Switch version, but would happily reconsider if PS5 has a noticeable optimization when playing. I bought Octo 2 on PlayStation and didn’t seem to miss the handheld experience (I play Switch 90% undocked), so I may try this one with PS5 too.
Re: PS5 Fans Beg Sony for a More Fulfilling Livestream in the Aftermath of Xbox Show
I’m in that camp, it’s time. Xbox had a stellar show, and though we know “games are cooking” at PS Studios, the ball seems to be in Sony’s court now. Microsoft has confirmed they’re all in for gaming, and that fans have a lot to look forward to from them. Here’s hoping the PlayStation showcase (if it’s happening in September) can match it. There’s no need to console war on any of this either! We all won today as gamers, and will win more if Sony knock it out of the park with their next show just like Xbox did today.
Re: Rumour: LEGO Horizon Adventures Is a PS5, PC Game from Day One, Reveal at Summer Game Fest Tomorrow
@UltimateOtaku91 Nah, just enjoy yourself. As much as I dislike Geoff, the ads, and his business entourage (that sit on the board with him), this festival is one of the best ways devs can share their projects. They usually start and end with something noteworthy, so there’s always a couple games to look forward to after it’s over. Have fun!
Re: Talking Point: What Are Your PS5 Predictions for Summer Game Fest 2024?
Not much? Not pessimistic, but I don’t see us getting major news with Keighley. I’m of the opinion that a September showcase is likely so we’ll only get a sprinkling of PS announcements. Lego Horizon, a remaster of some sort, and maybe Spiderman 2 dlc. No hardware reveal yet. And that’s okay! Astro Bot is coming later and we likely have bigger announcements in the latter half of 2024.
Re: Don't Worry, Sony's Most Recognisable Studios Are Still Focused on Single Player PS5 Games
@Fishmasterflex96 I’d wager Sony is hoping Marathon can pull PC players into the PS environment, and could see franchise collaboration of Sony titles with Marathon’s content. Bungie, yes, is meant to provide guidance on Live Service development as you say, but Sony still reaps the revenue on their future projects. I could see them (Sony) using this opportunity to glamorize their own IPs within the game if it really takes off.
Re: When Is PlayStation's State of Play?
@Americansamurai1 that would be awesome, but I just can’t see it at a SOP. Major game reveals always occur in a showcase, as did the Ragnarok announcement you mentioned. However, playing devil’s advocate with myself, there could be some inner-business strategy shifts where a state of play takes on a bigger role in promoting their first party titles. So…. Maybe this state of play communicates that moving forward, it will be a bigger deal and use a Ghost 2 teaser as a means of communicating said shift.
I’m not saying you’re wrong, it just doesn’t follow Sony’s historical pattern for these shows, so I think anyone expecting something like Wolverine and GoT 2 (I’m seeing loads of these predictions online already) will have to wait for another time. More than willing to be surprised 😎
Re: When Is PlayStation's State of Play?
@Americansamurai1 I think Ghost 2 isn’t ready to show yet, seems the focus will be on first party games releasing just this year. Concord and Astro would be the only ones I’m expecting to see, but who knows… maybe there’s “one more thing” for fireworks.
Re: State of Play Officially Confirmed for 30th May, Updates on PS5, PSVR2 Games
Not a showcase, but that’s alright. We’re getting other big shows in June and the announcement confirms first party updates. Looking forward to tomorrow!
Re: Poll: Will the Rumoured PlayStation Showcase Be Announced Soon?
@Grumblevolcano Geoff’s scheduling strategy doesn’t actually surprise me, as he’s been wanting his show to replace E3 for years. Basically, he wants those of us not working/studying for the weekend to give him the summer fever attention for games 👀 something E3 fulfilled before.
As for PlayStation, I’m not sure if they view Friday as a placeholder for bad news in spite of their history (as you say) sharing bummers then. What we can definitely agree on is that Sony is cutting it close in communicating with us whether a major show is coming.
Re: Poll: Will the Rumoured PlayStation Showcase Be Announced Soon?
@Grumblevolcano I think there’s still time, I believe they’ve announced a showcase 5 or 6 days prior to the event itself before, meaning next Wednesday/Thursday could be slotted. I would say if nothing is shared by Sony after tomorrow, then Summer 2024 is a no go for a major show.
Re: Feature: Revisiting PlayStation Showcase 2023, an Event Sony Must Improve Upon
The last showcase was just confusing… it presented itself as the future of PlayStation being Live Service focused with some first party basis, which is not what many of us fans want. This upcoming show, if it’s happening, has to flip that script. You can (actually) show us Concord and Fairgames, that’s fine, but bombard us with updates from your internal studios, not just 1 or 2. And above all… surprise us. Maybe a tall order, but it’s overdue for Sony to show their hand and imbue us again with the reason for why we invested in this gen to begin with - their games. They can do it… they’ve found a way every PlayStation gen so far.
Re: It Really Sounds Like the Next Glut of Big PS5 Reveals Is Coming Soon
Sony is the only one left to announce a show for the summer. Even in spite of an underwhelming show last year, I’m excited even at the possibility of another. Here’s hoping to one happening, and a much better one at that this year 😎
Re: Rumour: Resident Evil 9 Reveal and Release Imminent, Out in January
@RicebinBernacky Agreed, I imagine that’s what they meant, I see why that could be unclear. Here’s hoping this is true and we see it soon (it’s rumoured to be open world, so I’m extremely curious to see if this is the case)
Re: Rumour: Resident Evil 9 Reveal and Release Imminent, Out in January
@RicebinBernacky I think imminent refers to the announcement drop, as we’re entering summer show time and Sony has a history of revealing big Capcom titles (further hinting at a May show coming soon, hence “imminent”).
Re: PlayStation Studios: All Sony First-Party Developers and What They're Working On
@felip Indeed! As much as I enjoy Sony template games, these two studios (maybe also housemarque and MM) seem to be the most promising for delivering titles that can shine in uniqueness.
Re: Poll: Are You Playing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth?
@Nei games are great but taking care of yourself is always number one. Rebirth will be there when you’re back. Hope all goes well 🙏
Re: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PS5) - Strong Sequel Seeks a New Direction
Very sad to read about the padding and side quests. I’ve all but absolutely lost patience with these issues in rpgs - extending gameplay time in order to hit the reward flow of my brain at the cost of a game’s substance. I felt this a lot with games like FF16 and Fire Emblem Engage, where the strengths shine but anchor beneath their potential because of frustrating busywork. I’m a tad more cautious about my purchase next week, but I’ll read a few more reviews before making my mind. And of course, happy for those excited I still am extremely interested despite my concern.
Re: Pentiment and Hi-Fi Rush Treated to Physical PS5 Versions by Limited Run Games
This is wonderful! I play Xbox on PC, so I didn’t have an option for a physical version of Pentiment. Do I go Switch or Ps5? 🤔 either way, very nice news.
Re: Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Out for PS5, PS4 on 21st June 2024
@Olmaz not hyperbole, have done in the past. This is how I decompress, and once in a while I make a little vacation out of it. Why not? Life’s short, enjoy it when you can
Edit: the Nordic spa mention is also not hyperbole, I actually did this last time and was an amazing mix to my time off. Try it! Throw in a good massage or something for your next gaming weekend.
Re: Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Out for PS5, PS4 on 21st June 2024
Long weekend booked. I remember taking vacation during the Elden Ring release, coupling it with a Nordic spa day. Methinks I’ll do just that again
Re: Elden Ring DLC Reveal Trailer Debuts in Less Than 24 Hours
Cannot wait 🤩 I hope to see what they’ve done with Torrent. New abilities, mobility options? Otherwise, crazy curious about environments, enemy types, and a glimpse at boss encounters.
Re: Sony Predicts Slide in PS5 Sales with No Major Existing IPs Planned Before March 2025
@Ralizah It may very well be the case here that Nintendo takes care of my wants in game direction that Sony is seemingly shifting away from as well. I'm not ready to jump ship yet, as Astro's Playroom, Returnal, And Demon's Souls show to me as a fan that there's some good life yet remaining. But in a few years we may be having a different conversation. I already have warmed up to a number of JRPG titles I never touched years ago because I passed on certain systems, notably the 3DS. Incredible games, many of which rest in the spirit that Nintendo is permeating its library with... a recent development for me! As I picked one up during covid and have slowly built a catalog of must-haves. So I'm keeping a close eye on their ventures in addition to hoping that Sony can retrieve their ways as a game company.
Regardless, seems we have different tastes as we've shared regarding older system gens, and that's great. For the record, I did have a Gamecube and loved it. Was primarily a multiplayer machine for me, but it did also have both my favorite Zelda (WW) and Metroid (Prime) games in their respective series. RE4 was also a marvel. So I can totally see how this would have been someone's preferred platform back in the 2000s, mine just was the PS2 because their games spoke to me in a way that was special. And so for the final time, to stress, this is what I want Sony to recognize as their benchmark for when "Greatness Awaits" was a mantra that they lived by, not just marketed.
Re: Sony Predicts Slide in PS5 Sales with No Major Existing IPs Planned Before March 2025
@Ralizah I suppose we just agree to disagree, no problem. I would throw in the games I mentioned and a number of other PS titles to the legendary tier you mention apart from the GTAs and MGSs that are discussed. It definitely was not a case of adding 'not bad to good' titles but some seriously high quality content that rivaled competitor output, including a few of the greatest ever. I just think a lot of people forget how enjoyable and ahead of their time 1st party games were on the PS2. They're some of the best you can play, even today. I'm actually in a phase at the moment where I'm replaying the Jak and Ratchet games (it's why they keep getting mentioned) and I'm astounded at what they accomplished in the early 2000s. Not to mention, they're still a blast even now, a breath of fresh air away from modern gaming. Perhaps it's that Xbox did wonders with backwards compat and that Nintendo actually treats old properties with care as we've seen in the Switch gen that overshadows Sony's old content in how they've left their gems in the shadows. My view of course... wish Sony wouldn't sleep on what they have.
A partially lapsed Sony fan? I like that. If Sony doesn't recover from this strange spell they're in for this generation, I'm going to steal that label from you lol.
Re: Sony Predicts Slide in PS5 Sales with No Major Existing IPs Planned Before March 2025
@Ralizah I would still dispute this, respectfully of course. GTA indeed is remembered for its ground breaking open world mechanics and pushed out many consoles with Sony's tied in marketing. If we approached a random on the street who played a PS2 in those days, yes, good chance they'd mention San Andreas or Vice City as a fond memory of the console. There's also a good chance they'd add GT as you mentioned, maybe GoW or Jak 2.
What seems to be implicit in your argument (and feel free to correct) is that it's only a platform like Nintendo that's sought after for its first-party content, and that it's the only platform capable of innovating in various genre spaces. While I would agree that is the case today with the Switch vs PS5, I don't think it was so with the PS2. Jak and Daxter innovated in action-adventure scales and animation, and Shadow Of The Colossus basically pioneered spectacle fights that awe us in current projects like Nier or a FromSoft title. This is what I mean by being remembered, PS first party games were in the ring moving the industry forward just like Nintendo and to some degree, Xbox. It's these experiences that fans remember and carry with them today, myself included.
The reason I'm standing firm in this is because, in light of the article, it's clear Sony is capable of doing what Nintendo is now doing with Switch. Excellent, innovative first party titles, and a seemingly never-ending third party roster of games to enjoy alongside them. I've actually said in the past that the Switch IS the PS2 of this era - it provides anything you could want for a gaming experience with its astounding library.
I don't want to rant too much, and I don't want to speak past you as we may ultimately be in agreement, but I just don't understand why people think PS2 is basically a 3rd party machine in essence - and don't even get me started on the 'DVD Player' shtick people throw around - when just about any content creator you can find online that is passionate about video games remarks on the titles I mentioned, not just GTA or FF. And that's what I want from Sony... get the best of both worlds like they once did. It's too late for this gen it seems given these games are somewhat far along in development, but hopefully they get their act together in PS6 and completely stomp us with quality like the good old days.
Re: Sony Predicts Slide in PS5 Sales with No Major Existing IPs Planned Before March 2025
@Ralizah PS2 isn’t primarily loved for its first party? It’s very fondly remembered by fans for its output of internally developed content, not to mention franchises began there that we still play today. I’d much rather play Up Your Arsenal or Sly than Mario Sunshine, and I don’t think that’s controversial to say. The games on PS2 were amazing.
PS1 no doubt was a 3rd party machine with sprinkles of their own IP, but PS2 provided everything, including loads of great first party content.
Re: Unicorn Overlord Reveals Fire Emblem-Esque Character Class Promotions
Excited for this. It looks a bit like the progression system is a shake-up of FE class progress, borrowing bits of development mechanics from other series. A key title I’m watching closely along with Rise of the Ronin for March releases!
Re: Poll: How Do You Feel About All of the Xbox Multiplatform Rumours?
@Digital_Nomad it’s honestly at the point where I may need to take another break from these sites. Comments are spiralling on all sister portals, wild to the point of tribalistic toxicity… well, worse than the usual sort. It’s very sad, as I engage in these sites to enjoy game discussion and to offer criticisms on a constructive level. This is just console war nonsense at its finest, and I wish some of our fellow gamers here could get a grip.
Re: Helldivers 2 Outlines the Story So Far in Stylish Trailer, Confirms Post-Launch Updates
@Nepp67 I’m not too worried about that, as multiple outlets have had extensive access to the game and are speaking positively about it in their previews. It’s a total blast apparently. I also don’t care much about metacritic or review scores… just don’t, haven’t for a long time. I get your point though, that review codes are associated with getting the actual reviews in a timely manner which allows us to evaluate if the game is for us or not. Hopefully we’ll get some reviews as the game comes out.
Re: Helldivers 2 Outlines the Story So Far in Stylish Trailer, Confirms Post-Launch Updates
I really hope this game is well taken care of moving forward, as it has so much promise. It could honestly be PS’s Splatoon if it’s well invested in and responds effectively to player feedback. I truly believe there’s potential here for years to come if Sony doesn’t turn a blind eye to this studio, I love what I’m seeing.
Also, great trailer, I laughed 😂
Re: Another PlayStation State of Play Broadcast Announced for Next Week, Featuring Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Very nice touch at the end, especially after what I thought was a long-winded Kojima homage (DS2 looks great, but goodness that trailer dragged). Gives us fans a bit more to chew before we get hammered with game releases. Solid show overall!
Re: Talking Point: What Do You Want from Sony and PlayStation in 2024?
Tell us what your first party studios are doing, how you’re improving the sub services (in other words, justifying the price hike), and begin caring about the fan base in general. Throw in what FromSoft is doing with you as well for good measure. That is all.
Re: What Was Announced at The Game Awards 2023?
I just got home and am catching up on these announcements… what is going on with Sega?? Wow! Lots of good stuff to me for announcements but I think I’m giving them the ultimate thumbs up, very excited for these projects. Valhalla, MH, and Ronin all look great too, glad PS had a few things here tonight.
Re: Pretty Tactical RPG Unicorn Overlord Announced for PS5, PS4
Very cool, was a highlight of the Direct for me. Looks to be in good hands too
Re: State of Play Livestream Revealed for Thursday, a Focus on Indie and Third-Party Games
I have no expectations regarding games for tomorrow, and don't mean that in a form of slight. I accepted a while ago that Sony is taking the L on first party announcements this year, so the third party and indie focus is no surprise. They're getting consoles out like wildfire, and can show their studio's work closer to launch as their hardware sales grow. It makes sense (from a business perspective, not for us fans).
What I DO expect is to get some update on the service as a result of that price hike... I'm biting the same bait as Grubb that Sony will reason this with a major update of some sort. If not, then that's a bad taste left for me and I'll be cancelling next month. They need to demonstrate something.
As for what games might show up? Rebirth, Stellar Blade, and Little Devil Inside seem likely, Silent Hill maybe, and wildcards like FF Tactics (at Nintendo Direct would be really cool too) or even the fabled FF9 Remake would be amazing. But again, no expectations on any of these. We'll see
Re: Poll: Did You Buy Baldur's Gate 3?
Just finished FF16 and am downloading this as we speak. I want to play Starfield, but I think I’ll wait as I’m an enormous fan of Larian Studios and there will be some fun mods down the road for Bethesda’s big game. Tough choice… but I’m ready to get sucked into Baldur’s Gate 3 the next while
Re: Blasphemous 2 (PS5) - A Marvellously Macabre Metroidvania
Adore the first game, this has been in my top five anticipated for 2023. For those who’ve yet to play the first one… you’re in for a spellbound experience. Cannot wait to play this!
Re: Poll: What Review Score Would You Give Final Fantasy 16?
About a 9, so many high points and with incredible cinematic pieces. Music and combat are sublime, it’s only the side quests that falter along with performance. It’s up there with TOTK this year so far for me.