@LowDefAl Agreed. I think it does matter for some older games to know the raw output of the GPU. I can get Alien Isolation to run above 500fps if I turn off V-Sync. But, yeah, with AI taking the helm for a lot of games, hardware can essentially "punch above its weight".
If I crank Alan Wake 2 all the way up and keep things native without any frame generation at all...the framerate is basically 30fps in Cauldron Lake (and like 40s in other areas). AI is basically doing most of the work keeping things feeling above 60fps and looking 1440p.
Technically, AMD GPUs have better rasterization than Nvidia cards for lower cost. But because of the AI capabilities in Nvidia cards, it just ends up being better for games.
I bet the Switch 2 will look better than Series S simply because it will probably have Nvidia upscaling technology under the hood - which is the Gold Standard for AI technology for gaming.
Even if the Switch 2 can still only do 1080p internally docked, my guess is DLSS will be available (and probably be better than PC given its bare metal access) and will output 4K just fine.
Nice designs. I know some people have redoing their versions with more sexualized women (because...of course...internet), but you can still make non-sexualized versions without looking boring.
This artist achieved that!
It's called being "flashy" without relying on titillation (not that there is anything wrong with sexy outfits, but clearly the developers wanted to avoid it).
@OldGamer999 Well, having switched to PC from XSX and PS5, I can tell you that AI enabled upscaling is really, really good!
So, PSSR will make it will look a lot cleaner on your TV since it will be imperceptible from running at native resolution when being passed to your TV and won't have the typical upscaling softness associated with TV upscaling.
But, agreed, it's an incredibly expensive upgrade for such a small benefit.
I scoffed at the idea of using DLSS when I first got it (I'd just dial back some settings to achieve at least 60fps at native resolution), but I use it all the time now if it means being able to run at significantly higher visual settings and/or framerate beyond consoles - heck even for games that run above 60fps at native resolution I will still use it. Just for reference, my GPU is a 4070 Super (so kind of upper-mid Tier class card)
My monitor is G-sync 1440p/165Hz, so even "Quality" DLSS is sub 1080p internally, but I still notice more details on games on my PC than I do on my 4K TV (Lords of the Fallen looks absolutely insane on PC compared to PS5 - and runs at like 80-90fps with DLSS Quality mode and Ultra settings - with no Frame Generation).
Things like Nivida Reflex help too as games like Wukong that rely on Frame Generation from like internal 40-ish fps still feel perfectly fine with a Gamepad. I don't play competitive games, so playing with a Gamepad is perfectly fine for me.
I can play Alan Wake 2 completely cranked up with DLSS Balanced and Frame Generation and get like 60 - 70 fps in the Cauldron Lake area (heaviest part of game) and well above 80 fps in other areas and it feels no different than playing on the Series X from a controller response perspective.
I hate to use the PC as a comparison, but since the Pro does have DLSS/XeSS-like features with AI, it is worth noting just how powerful the technology can be (even though the Nvidia 4070 Super is technically a 35 TFLOP GPU and the PS5 Pro being 45% faster means it's about 15TFLOPs...as if TFLOPS even matter anymore with the birth of AI being used to assist with image quality).
@OldGamer999 Of course it's all "smoke and mirrors". Even people with uber-PCs using Nvidia 4090 cards will rely on DLSS for a 4K output.
Native resolution doesn't matter as long as the AI upscaling is good and the internal resolution isn't being stretched more than it should. All Sony needs is enough power to get games to internally at 1440 or 1080 (but absolutely no less).
It would be nice to know what each game gets as the added benefit - specifically.
Like, the only thing we know is that GT7 gets real-time RT during gameplay.
The "sizzle reel" Sony did at the end of the presentation didn't help because YouTube compression is terrible and everything pretty much looked the same.
I know it's early days as Sony only just now lifted the curtain, but it would be nice to know how each game will benefit.
It's not even that I want the system - I am just a tech junkie who loves to know the ins and outs of new technology.
I don't see this one selling too well at that price point and no physical drive - especially as this is aimed at enthusiasts (who happen to also want physical media).
There is so much charm! Image quality is absolutely pristine! There are so many nooks and crannies to look for in each level to collect everything! The music score is fantastic!
I wanted to like Destiny, but by the time I got around to giving it a try there was so much lore that has come and gone that it didn't even seem worth getting into it.
@PegasusActual93 I know real guns have intricacies, I just didn't realize anyone actually bothered with them in Call of Duty because when I played it (badly and only for like an hour because I hate multiplayer games), gun choice didn't seem to matter beyond pistol means constantly pressing shoot, machine gun meant hold down shoot, and shotgun is for close range.
My opinion of COD is not very positive - and this doesn't change my thoughts on COD as a whole - I was just surprised the developers actually take time to consider "real world" weapon performance.
I turned my Trophy notifications off and I can say it's so nice to not have game moments ruined by a system notification.
It also made me realize all the stupid collect-a-thons truly are the dumbest thing on the planet.
Nintendo had it right in Breath of the Wild for awarding literal poop to players who wasted their lives collecting all of the Korok Seeds.
Now, I certainly don't mind if a game pads length with things to do, but most make it all feel like a chore list than actually something engaging and fun.
100% a Mario game is a lot more fun than collecting trinkets in carefully (or not so carefully) hidden areas around a map.
Spoiler alert: I hate Trophies/Achievements.
That being said, I do have a few Platinums on my profile - but that was because I found the gameplay loop to getting those Trophies engaging that I actually wanted to do everything the game had to offer. It had nothing to do with the Trophy itself as much as I was just enjoying the game to its fullest.
@UltimateOtaku91 Not a fair comparison when PS3 sold 87.4 million. So being around 8 - 9 million falls in line with the typical 10 - 20% makeup of a consoles “core” gamers.
PS4 has probably about 40 million more units sold so having 12+ million for a game is much easier to achieve.
I think what Sony should learn from Astro Bot is that there is room for Sony to embrace both the cinematic third-person action titles that people love AND the more light-hearted “fun” games that actually make people smile. All seem to be represented in Astro Bot and all are looked at fondly.
Whether it’s new IP or a revival of a beloved classic, there is always room for smaller titles that appeal to more people than just those interested in cinematic experiences and also cost less to make!
The problem Sony has is that it’s latched on to cinematic and forgot about just having fun.
Nintendo may have mascots and turn-to
IP, but it’s not afraid to play with the formula of those IPs - even to the point of letting 3rd parties doing something with it (Mario + Rabbids, Minecraft Packs, Hyrule Warriors, etc.).
That being said, it has been a while since Nintendo released a new original IP. I want to say Splatoon was the last new IP that took off. ARMs had potential, but seemed to die off after support ended.
@PuppetMaster I thought that was an odd statement given that Sony is releasing a game that is an homage to Sony's history - including a wealth of first-party IP.
Off the top of my head, I have compiled a list of IP that Sony has at its disposal:
Demon's Souls
Bloodborne
God of War
Ghost of Tsushima
Ratchet & Clank
Jak & Daxter
Sly Cooper
Horizon
Days Gone
Death Stranding
Gravity Rush
Uncharted
The Last of Us
Ape Escape
Parappa the Rapper
LocoRoco
Ico-verse Games
Legend of Dragoon
Legend of Legaia
Knack
Wild Arms
Alundra
Dark Cloud
Rule of Rose
Folklore
Siren
I am sure there are a ton I am missing. But to say Sony doesn't have the IP is just strange. The company could absolutely breathe new life into dormant series.
@ArcadeHeroes I'd take it a bit further and say that it should also signal that quality single-player games that don't cost the GDP of some countries to develop are still a viable option as long as those games are carefully crafted and charming!
Not everything needs to be akin to a Hollywood blockbuster. It just needs to be fun and polished right out of the gate.
I have slowly lost interest in the game (and I am only in Chapter 2). It was cool at first, but the whole "boss rush" nature of it is starting to get old.
I still fire it up from time to time, but my hype has dissipated, and I find myself going back to older games instead.
Congrats on its success though! It's not a bad game at all (it's very good), it's just not gelling with my right now.
@NEStalgia I guess if you care about figuring out all the upgrade combos for weapons/items, how to unlock new stages, characters, etc. then it's something you will play over and over again.
If you don't care, then I understand. It doesn't seem like much at all.
I think what it really boils down to is that this game, unlike most modern games out there, uses that old-school system of actually unlocking content through figuring things out rather than just paying for it.
If all you are doing is running around and killing stuff, you are doing it wrong. There are things to find in the levels. Surviving 30 minutes is only one aspect of the game.
There is stuff to unlock for surviving with X character. There is stuff to unlock for finding Y in the level. Etc. etc.
Getting past that initial Garden Stage, I felt, was the biggest hurdle. If you only see that and nothing else, yeah, it can get tedious.
Again, I am not convincing people to like the game, just showing that there is A LOT more to the game than running around and killing waves of enemies.
I was one of those who played it for like 20 minutes and didn't see the appeal...until I went online and found out exactly just how much there is to do and holy cow!
From then on, it became "just one more round", "I'll stop when I get [x]", "I really want to get [x] amount of money so I can buy [y]".
It really does have a lot of depth to it as long as you stick it out. What people may not realize is there actually is an ending to the game - but even after you see it, there is ton more to do!
Not saying people who don't like the game are in the wrong, but I would say that the game is more than meets the eye.
I still play it on Game Pass from time to time (first on Series X and now on PC), but the cost of admission is worth it.
There are so many secrets to find and things to unlock it’s crazy how much is packed into a seemingly small package.
It’s hard to put down.
The only thing that shocked me about the game is how it didn’t get a cease & desist order from Konami because the nods to Castlevania are almost too on the nose.
@Malaise I think the thing is that GTA used to be an exaggeration of society - a total parody to the point that it was easy to not take seriously and just enjoy the ridiculousness of it all!
However, the behaviors of society portrayed in the GTA 6 trailer are much more of a reflection of reality that it's simply embarrassing - like, even if it was all meant to be an exaggeration, it was all entire plausible behavior in this social media-obsessed world (especially here in the US).
@get2sammyb "This is why the GTA 6 example is interesting because you absolutely will get millions and millions and millions of people ready to pay extra to play it "early"."
This is the saddest commentary of modern society I have ever seen. I seriously felt dumber watching that GTA 6 trailer and the fact people will clamor to play it makes me die a little bit inside.
Spoiler: At 43 years old, I feel like GTA isn't for me. It was kind of cool when I was younger as it was pushing boundaries in a gamescape where mature content was scarce. Now it just seems so ridiculous.
@rjejr It's a tough call when we don't know the specifics of the deal Square Enix made with NetEase to contract Ouka Studios to work on the game.
It's possible that NetEase flow of money was only for the development costs of the game (plus overhead) so only Square Enix (as the publisher) gets the sales dollar. But, it's also possible NetEase takes a small cut for every sale. I guess we'll never know.
@Czar_Khastik Wow, an actual serious comment from you. Is it a full moon or something?!
I wonder if Square Enix was made aware of this. It certainly sounds like it was something in the works and the parent company was just waiting to finish contractual obligations.
I hope the developers land on their feet. Such a shame.
@jrt87 So, I will say Square Enix did do a patch for the game to mark side quests that are actually relevant to story/unlock features over side quests that really only provide EXP and some materials. So, you could ignore the fluff and focus on only the important stuff.
Unfortunately for me, those came AFTER I did all possible quests in the game (so I was basically at the end of the game).
The game was fun, but it it's more like God of War than Final Fantasy and the writers added a lot of the "F-word" for no reason other than to be edgy.
Some of the world lore is pretty sad and messed up, but the overarching storyline is basic Final Fantasy fare (not that there is anything bad about it, just doesn't break any new ground).
The highlights of the game are the spectacle Eikon battles and cutscenes, not really the in-between. For me, it was a good game, but not an amazing GOTY-contender that I expected based on comments about the game.
There was a news article on PureXbox either a few days ago or last week that said the game is delayed due to a memory leak found during the QA checks and couldn’t pass certification for release on the console.
Why would anyone lie about that when that’s not even something that looks bad for Microsoft?
The developer is trying to get it out but can’t pass what it needs to pass to get the green light. 🤷♂️
UPDATE: This information didn’t come from any official source just another claim from a so-called “leaker”. Though it’s a heck of a lot more credible than whatever this person is claiming.
"If you have Warzone and Modern Warfare 3 already installed and fully updated, you'll receive a patch to the Call of Duty app to access the beta"
In other words, the game is essentially glorified DLC! 😂
Also, the fact Loading Screens are actual in-game rewards is just insane. Like, have they really run out of character/weapon customization ideas and moved on to loading screens?!
Seeing as how I am transitioning to PC (pretty much fully replaced my Xbox), I'd love for this game to come to PC!
That being said, I do have the PS5 version pre-ordered because this game looks too good to wait for (plus my daughter loves Astro's Playroom so it's something we can play together on a comfortable couch instead of huddling around a PC monitor).
While I didn't click the "double dip option" it would definitely be on the table if the game lives up to the hype (admittedly I'd wait for it to hit like a Steam sale or something since I already paid full price once).
Except for the large-scale Legend of Zelda titles, Nintendo doesn't spend nearly as much on games and turns out amazing titles regularly - proving that you don't need to spend eye-watering amounts to make a great game.
The problem is that Sony decided it wanted its games to be "summer blockbuster movies" with the budget to boot and got rid of the games that Nintendo still makes.
I bet Astro Bot didn't cost hundreds of millions of dollars and I bet it will be one of Sony's most memorable games this generation!
Bloodborne was a great game, but the rabid obsession with it is somewhat ridiculous.
I certainly wouldn't say no to a sequel or a remake, but even PS4 emulation thrives off of ensuring that Bloodborne is playable - a vast majority of videos you find regarding PS4 emulation focus on showing Bloodborne.
I guess I don't get why Bloodborne in particular stands out so much.
I thought maybe it had something to do with the game never branching out beyond PlayStation, but Demon's Souls doesn't garner as much attention as Bloodborne.
@UltimateOtaku91 @cburg I'll enjoy this on PC via Game Pass and have access to full ray-tracing! So it will be Microsoft Windows that provides the "best way to play".
But I do hope everyone enjoys it on whatever platform they chose/can afford. We're all winners!👍
Comments 2,366
Re: All PS5 Pro Compatible Games
@LowDefAl Agreed. I think it does matter for some older games to know the raw output of the GPU. I can get Alien Isolation to run above 500fps if I turn off V-Sync. But, yeah, with AI taking the helm for a lot of games, hardware can essentially "punch above its weight".
If I crank Alan Wake 2 all the way up and keep things native without any frame generation at all...the framerate is basically 30fps in Cauldron Lake (and like 40s in other areas). AI is basically doing most of the work keeping things feeling above 60fps and looking 1440p.
Technically, AMD GPUs have better rasterization than Nvidia cards for lower cost. But because of the AI capabilities in Nvidia cards, it just ends up being better for games.
I bet the Switch 2 will look better than Series S simply because it will probably have Nvidia upscaling technology under the hood - which is the Gold Standard for AI technology for gaming.
Even if the Switch 2 can still only do 1080p internally docked, my guess is DLSS will be available (and probably be better than PC given its bare metal access) and will output 4K just fine.
Re: Freelance Artist Attempts to Redesign PS5, PC Flop Concord's Cast
Nice designs. I know some people have redoing their versions with more sexualized women (because...of course...internet), but you can still make non-sexualized versions without looking boring.
This artist achieved that!
It's called being "flashy" without relying on titillation (not that there is anything wrong with sexy outfits, but clearly the developers wanted to avoid it).
The Hawaiian shirt on the robot is great!
Re: All PS5 Pro Compatible Games
@OldGamer999 Well, having switched to PC from XSX and PS5, I can tell you that AI enabled upscaling is really, really good!
So, PSSR will make it will look a lot cleaner on your TV since it will be imperceptible from running at native resolution when being passed to your TV and won't have the typical upscaling softness associated with TV upscaling.
But, agreed, it's an incredibly expensive upgrade for such a small benefit.
I scoffed at the idea of using DLSS when I first got it (I'd just dial back some settings to achieve at least 60fps at native resolution), but I use it all the time now if it means being able to run at significantly higher visual settings and/or framerate beyond consoles - heck even for games that run above 60fps at native resolution I will still use it. Just for reference, my GPU is a 4070 Super (so kind of upper-mid Tier class card)
My monitor is G-sync 1440p/165Hz, so even "Quality" DLSS is sub 1080p internally, but I still notice more details on games on my PC than I do on my 4K TV (Lords of the Fallen looks absolutely insane on PC compared to PS5 - and runs at like 80-90fps with DLSS Quality mode and Ultra settings - with no Frame Generation).
Things like Nivida Reflex help too as games like Wukong that rely on Frame Generation from like internal 40-ish fps still feel perfectly fine with a Gamepad. I don't play competitive games, so playing with a Gamepad is perfectly fine for me.
I can play Alan Wake 2 completely cranked up with DLSS Balanced and Frame Generation and get like 60 - 70 fps in the Cauldron Lake area (heaviest part of game) and well above 80 fps in other areas and it feels no different than playing on the Series X from a controller response perspective.
I hate to use the PC as a comparison, but since the Pro does have DLSS/XeSS-like features with AI, it is worth noting just how powerful the technology can be (even though the Nvidia 4070 Super is technically a 35 TFLOP GPU and the PS5 Pro being 45% faster means it's about 15TFLOPs...as if TFLOPS even matter anymore with the birth of AI being used to assist with image quality).
Re: PS5 Pro Can Run PS4 Games Better Via Improved Backwards Compatibility
Translation:
Re: All PS5 Pro Compatible Games
@Sanquine Oooo, does that mean Sony can put the 8K Logo back on the box?! 😂
Re: All PS5 Pro Compatible Games
@OldGamer999 Of course it's all "smoke and mirrors". Even people with uber-PCs using Nvidia 4090 cards will rely on DLSS for a 4K output.
Native resolution doesn't matter as long as the AI upscaling is good and the internal resolution isn't being stretched more than it should. All Sony needs is enough power to get games to internally at 1440 or 1080 (but absolutely no less).
Re: All PS5 Pro Compatible Games
It would be nice to know what each game gets as the added benefit - specifically.
Like, the only thing we know is that GT7 gets real-time RT during gameplay.
The "sizzle reel" Sony did at the end of the presentation didn't help because YouTube compression is terrible and everything pretty much looked the same.
I know it's early days as Sony only just now lifted the curtain, but it would be nice to know how each game will benefit.
It's not even that I want the system - I am just a tech junkie who loves to know the ins and outs of new technology.
Re: PS5 Pro Announced, Costs $700 and Out in November
I'll stick with what I have, thanks!
I don't see this one selling too well at that price point and no physical drive - especially as this is aimed at enthusiasts (who happen to also want physical media).
Re: Astro Bot PS5 Sales 'Aren't Huge' in UK, But There's Still Hope
@McTwist This game is worth the $70 IMHO.
There is so much charm! Image quality is absolutely pristine! There are so many nooks and crannies to look for in each level to collect everything! The music score is fantastic!
This is joy in its purest form!
Plus, it's completely polished on Day 1.
Re: Bungie Commits to Destiny 2 DLC and Support Through 2026
I wanted to like Destiny, but by the time I got around to giving it a try there was so much lore that has come and gone that it didn't even seem worth getting into it.
Re: PS5 Pro Showcase Set for Tomorrow, Hosted by Mark Cerny
While I won't get a PS5 Pro, I am at least curious about the hardware. I will definitely tune in.
Re: Black Ops 6 Nerfs Its Best Weapon for Second PS5, PS4 Beta Weekend
@PegasusActual93 I know real guns have intricacies, I just didn't realize anyone actually bothered with them in Call of Duty because when I played it (badly and only for like an hour because I hate multiplayer games), gun choice didn't seem to matter beyond pistol means constantly pressing shoot, machine gun meant hold down shoot, and shotgun is for close range.
My opinion of COD is not very positive - and this doesn't change my thoughts on COD as a whole - I was just surprised the developers actually take time to consider "real world" weapon performance.
Re: Poll: Are You Playing Astro Bot?
Still waiting on my copy to arrive from Amazon.
I can't wait to play it, though!
Re: Gallery: Astro Bot Has the Best PS5 Controller Design Yet
It would have been pretty epic of those eyes were actually animated when playing Astro Bot.
Still, a pretty cute design! I won't get one, but I like it.
Re: Soapbox: I Spent 3 Days with the Concord Trophy Hunters Who Dedicated Their Lives to Unlocking the PS5, PC Platinum
I turned my Trophy notifications off and I can say it's so nice to not have game moments ruined by a system notification.
It also made me realize all the stupid collect-a-thons truly are the dumbest thing on the planet.
Nintendo had it right in Breath of the Wild for awarding literal poop to players who wasted their lives collecting all of the Korok Seeds.
Now, I certainly don't mind if a game pads length with things to do, but most make it all feel like a chore list than actually something engaging and fun.
100% a Mario game is a lot more fun than collecting trinkets in carefully (or not so carefully) hidden areas around a map.
Spoiler alert: I hate Trophies/Achievements.
That being said, I do have a few Platinums on my profile - but that was because I found the gameplay loop to getting those Trophies engaging that I actually wanted to do everything the game had to offer. It had nothing to do with the Trophy itself as much as I was just enjoying the game to its fullest.
Re: PS5, PC Disaster Concord Is Now Officially Offline Indefinitely
@get2sammyb Fatality!
Re: Black Ops 6 Nerfs Its Best Weapon for Second PS5, PS4 Beta Weekend
Wow, who knew weapons in Call of Duty actually had this much thought to them?!
Here I thought it was all just "pew pew pew" until opponent dies and gets tea-bagged.
Re: Astro's Playroom Is Having a Party Inside Your PS5 Right Now
Truly adorable!
The countdown in Robotese is the cutest thing!
Re: Soapbox: Astro Bot PS5 Is Not a Graveyard, It's a Joyful Demonstration of Sony's Unique Ability to Reinvent Itself
@UltimateOtaku91 All the disillusioned Xbox players who switched after the botched X1 release decided to go “all in” on PlayStation, I guess.
Or perhaps just a change in attitude towards gaming as a whole.
Who knows? It is an interesting shift, though.
Re: Soapbox: Astro Bot PS5 Is Not a Graveyard, It's a Joyful Demonstration of Sony's Unique Ability to Reinvent Itself
@UltimateOtaku91 2-3 million? That surprises me given the way people talk about the games!
I was more of a PC gamer during this particular generation. I owned a PS3 and had a few games, but I wasn’t big on the system.
I think the only games I have left for my PS3 are MGS4, Resistance, and Ico/Shadow of the Colossus Collection.
Re: Soapbox: Astro Bot PS5 Is Not a Graveyard, It's a Joyful Demonstration of Sony's Unique Ability to Reinvent Itself
@UltimateOtaku91 Not a fair comparison when PS3 sold 87.4 million. So being around 8 - 9 million falls in line with the typical 10 - 20% makeup of a consoles “core” gamers.
PS4 has probably about 40 million more units sold so having 12+ million for a game is much easier to achieve.
Re: Soapbox: Astro Bot PS5 Is Not a Graveyard, It's a Joyful Demonstration of Sony's Unique Ability to Reinvent Itself
I think what Sony should learn from Astro Bot is that there is room for Sony to embrace both the cinematic third-person action titles that people love AND the more light-hearted “fun” games that actually make people smile. All seem to be represented in Astro Bot and all are looked at fondly.
Whether it’s new IP or a revival of a beloved classic, there is always room for smaller titles that appeal to more people than just those interested in cinematic experiences and also cost less to make!
The problem Sony has is that it’s latched on to cinematic and forgot about just having fun.
Nintendo may have mascots and turn-to
IP, but it’s not afraid to play with the formula of those IPs - even to the point of letting 3rd parties doing something with it (Mario + Rabbids, Minecraft Packs, Hyrule Warriors, etc.).
That being said, it has been a while since Nintendo released a new original IP. I want to say Splatoon was the last new IP that took off. ARMs had potential, but seemed to die off after support ended.
Re: PlayStation to Mark 30th Anniversary with New Gran Turismo Demo, Merch, Soundtracks
@PuppetMaster I thought that was an odd statement given that Sony is releasing a game that is an homage to Sony's history - including a wealth of first-party IP.
Off the top of my head, I have compiled a list of IP that Sony has at its disposal:
Demon's Souls
Bloodborne
God of War
Ghost of Tsushima
Ratchet & Clank
Jak & Daxter
Sly Cooper
Horizon
Days Gone
Death Stranding
Gravity Rush
Uncharted
The Last of Us
Ape Escape
Parappa the Rapper
LocoRoco
Ico-verse Games
Legend of Dragoon
Legend of Legaia
Knack
Wild Arms
Alundra
Dark Cloud
Rule of Rose
Folklore
Siren
I am sure there are a ton I am missing. But to say Sony doesn't have the IP is just strange. The company could absolutely breathe new life into dormant series.
Re: Astro Bot PS5 Is the Best Game of the Year So Far
@ArcadeHeroes I'd take it a bit further and say that it should also signal that quality single-player games that don't cost the GDP of some countries to develop are still a viable option as long as those games are carefully crafted and charming!
Not everything needs to be akin to a Hollywood blockbuster. It just needs to be fun and polished right out of the gate.
Re: Black Myth: Wukong's Sales Top 18 Million in Two Weeks on PS5, PC
I have slowly lost interest in the game (and I am only in Chapter 2). It was cool at first, but the whole "boss rush" nature of it is starting to get old.
I still fire it up from time to time, but my hype has dissipated, and I find myself going back to older games instead.
Congrats on its success though! It's not a bad game at all (it's very good), it's just not gelling with my right now.
Re: Astro Bot (PS5) - One of the Greatest PlayStation Platformers of All Time
See Sony - not everything needs to cost hundreds of millions of dollars in motion capture, voice acting, and script writing.
Sometimes just pure gaming joy is enough.
Nintendo does it all the time and pretty much everything that company produces turns a profit of some kind.
Re: Interview: Father of Final Fantasy Hironobu Sakaguchi on Fantasian Neo Dimension, and His Return to PlayStation
@Leon_93 Lost Odyssey is a masterpiece - it did Final Fantasy so much better than Final Fantasy XIII.
It’s also an emotional rollercoaster!
Blue Dragon is great, too, in it’s own right, but Lost Odyssey is the highlight of those two releases.
I am so glad they are still purchasable and playable on Series consoles because modern audiences deserve to play those games.
I have no idea who owns those games, but it would be nice to see like HD Remasters or something get a multi-platform release.
Re: Minecraft's Weird Live Action Movie Is Going to Be Massive, Isn't It?
@rjejr I remember seeing the South Park movie in theaters (yes, I am dating myself here) and people actually brought their kids. 🤦♂️
Re: PS5's Most Addictive Game Gets a Two-Hour PS Plus Premium Trial
@NEStalgia I guess if you care about figuring out all the upgrade combos for weapons/items, how to unlock new stages, characters, etc. then it's something you will play over and over again.
If you don't care, then I understand. It doesn't seem like much at all.
I think what it really boils down to is that this game, unlike most modern games out there, uses that old-school system of actually unlocking content through figuring things out rather than just paying for it.
If all you are doing is running around and killing stuff, you are doing it wrong. There are things to find in the levels. Surviving 30 minutes is only one aspect of the game.
There is stuff to unlock for surviving with X character. There is stuff to unlock for finding Y in the level. Etc. etc.
Getting past that initial Garden Stage, I felt, was the biggest hurdle. If you only see that and nothing else, yeah, it can get tedious.
Again, I am not convincing people to like the game, just showing that there is A LOT more to the game than running around and killing waves of enemies.
I think that is what appeals to people.
Re: Outer Wilds PS5 Physical Edition Ships with Wrong Version on Disc
"but players who can provide proof of purchase will be issued a voucher to redeem it as DLC"
Completed nullifying the reason people wanted a physical version.
I guess it's better than nothing.
Re: PS5's Most Addictive Game Gets a Two-Hour PS Plus Premium Trial
I was one of those who played it for like 20 minutes and didn't see the appeal...until I went online and found out exactly just how much there is to do and holy cow!
From then on, it became "just one more round", "I'll stop when I get [x]", "I really want to get [x] amount of money so I can buy [y]".
It really does have a lot of depth to it as long as you stick it out. What people may not realize is there actually is an ending to the game - but even after you see it, there is ton more to do!
Not saying people who don't like the game are in the wrong, but I would say that the game is more than meets the eye.
I still play it on Game Pass from time to time (first on Series X and now on PC), but the cost of admission is worth it.
Re: Mini Review: Vampire Survivors (PS5) - Indie Icon Should Come with a Health Warning
This game is such a gem!
There are so many secrets to find and things to unlock it’s crazy how much is packed into a seemingly small package.
It’s hard to put down.
The only thing that shocked me about the game is how it didn’t get a cease & desist order from Konami because the nods to Castlevania are almost too on the nose.
Re: Final Fantasy 16 Was Temporarily Free on PS Plus Extra, Premium
@Nepp67 Clive says it over and over again in the prologue at one point.
No, it’s certainly not as rampant as something like GTA, but it’s definitely there and it always felt tacked on for the sake of having mature content.
Re: How Much Would You Pay for Your PS5 Games? Dev Says Industry Is Waiting for GTA 6 to Hike Prices
@Malaise I think the thing is that GTA used to be an exaggeration of society - a total parody to the point that it was easy to not take seriously and just enjoy the ridiculousness of it all!
However, the behaviors of society portrayed in the GTA 6 trailer are much more of a reflection of reality that it's simply embarrassing - like, even if it was all meant to be an exaggeration, it was all entire plausible behavior in this social media-obsessed world (especially here in the US).
Re: How Much Would You Pay for Your PS5 Games? Dev Says Industry Is Waiting for GTA 6 to Hike Prices
@get2sammyb "This is why the GTA 6 example is interesting because you absolutely will get millions and millions and millions of people ready to pay extra to play it "early"."
This is the saddest commentary of modern society I have ever seen. I seriously felt dumber watching that GTA 6 trailer and the fact people will clamor to play it makes me die a little bit inside.
Spoiler: At 43 years old, I feel like GTA isn't for me. It was kind of cool when I was younger as it was pushing boundaries in a gamescape where mature content was scarce. Now it just seems so ridiculous.
Bottom Line: Get off my lawn! 😂
Re: Visions of Mana Dev Basically Shut Down Just as the RPG Releases
@Czar_Khastik Kind of sad when even sarcasm looses its luster over stuff like this.
Re: Preview: Cairn PS5 Proves Much More Impressive Than Just a Realistic Version of Only Up
Visually, this reminds me of a Xenoblade Chronicles game.
Seems interesting though.
Re: Visions of Mana Dev Basically Shut Down Just as the RPG Releases
@rjejr It's a tough call when we don't know the specifics of the deal Square Enix made with NetEase to contract Ouka Studios to work on the game.
It's possible that NetEase flow of money was only for the development costs of the game (plus overhead) so only Square Enix (as the publisher) gets the sales dollar. But, it's also possible NetEase takes a small cut for every sale. I guess we'll never know.
Decisions, decisions!
Re: Visions of Mana Dev Basically Shut Down Just as the RPG Releases
@Czar_Khastik Wow, an actual serious comment from you. Is it a full moon or something?!
I wonder if Square Enix was made aware of this. It certainly sounds like it was something in the works and the parent company was just waiting to finish contractual obligations.
I hope the developers land on their feet. Such a shame.
Re: Final Fantasy 16 Was Temporarily Free on PS Plus Extra, Premium
@jrt87 So, I will say Square Enix did do a patch for the game to mark side quests that are actually relevant to story/unlock features over side quests that really only provide EXP and some materials. So, you could ignore the fluff and focus on only the important stuff.
Unfortunately for me, those came AFTER I did all possible quests in the game (so I was basically at the end of the game).
The game was fun, but it it's more like God of War than Final Fantasy and the writers added a lot of the "F-word" for no reason other than to be edgy.
Some of the world lore is pretty sad and messed up, but the overarching storyline is basic Final Fantasy fare (not that there is anything bad about it, just doesn't break any new ground).
The highlights of the game are the spectacle Eikon battles and cutscenes, not really the in-between. For me, it was a good game, but not an amazing GOTY-contender that I expected based on comments about the game.
I honestly preferred FF15.
Re: Sony Accused of Signing Secret PS5 Console Exclusivity Agreement with Black Myth: Wukong
There was a news article on PureXbox either a few days ago or last week that said the game is delayed due to a memory leak found during the QA checks and couldn’t pass certification for release on the console.
Why would anyone lie about that when that’s not even something that looks bad for Microsoft?
The developer is trying to get it out but can’t pass what it needs to pass to get the green light. 🤷♂️
UPDATE: This information didn’t come from any official source just another claim from a so-called “leaker”. Though it’s a heck of a lot more credible than whatever this person is claiming.
Re: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Beta: Start Times, How to Access, and Rewards
"If you have Warzone and Modern Warfare 3 already installed and fully updated, you'll receive a patch to the Call of Duty app to access the beta"
In other words, the game is essentially glorified DLC! 😂
Also, the fact Loading Screens are actual in-game rewards is just insane. Like, have they really run out of character/weapon customization ideas and moved on to loading screens?!
Re: Do You Want Astro Bot on PC? Creative Director Wants to Know
Seeing as how I am transitioning to PC (pretty much fully replaced my Xbox), I'd love for this game to come to PC!
That being said, I do have the PS5 version pre-ordered because this game looks too good to wait for (plus my daughter loves Astro's Playroom so it's something we can play together on a comfortable couch instead of huddling around a PC monitor).
While I didn't click the "double dip option" it would definitely be on the table if the game lives up to the hype (admittedly I'd wait for it to hit like a Steam sale or something since I already paid full price once).
Re: Talking Point: Can PS5, PC Shooter Concord Be Saved?
@RBMango Totally agree with that sentiment.
Except for the large-scale Legend of Zelda titles, Nintendo doesn't spend nearly as much on games and turns out amazing titles regularly - proving that you don't need to spend eye-watering amounts to make a great game.
The problem is that Sony decided it wanted its games to be "summer blockbuster movies" with the budget to boot and got rid of the games that Nintendo still makes.
I bet Astro Bot didn't cost hundreds of millions of dollars and I bet it will be one of Sony's most memorable games this generation!
Re: Capcom Fighting Collection 2 Is the PS4 Compilation of Your Dreams
Should have called this the NAOMI collection. Well, except Capcom Fighting Evolution (which was Namco System 246-based).
Great set of games!
Re: A New Day, a New Bloodborne PS5 Rumour
Bloodborne was a great game, but the rabid obsession with it is somewhat ridiculous.
I certainly wouldn't say no to a sequel or a remake, but even PS4 emulation thrives off of ensuring that Bloodborne is playable - a vast majority of videos you find regarding PS4 emulation focus on showing Bloodborne.
I guess I don't get why Bloodborne in particular stands out so much.
I thought maybe it had something to do with the game never branching out beyond PlayStation, but Demon's Souls doesn't garner as much attention as Bloodborne.
Re: Random: The Inevitable Black Myth: Wukong Goku Mods Have Arrived
@DennisReynolds I was expecting Thomas the Tank Engine to come first.
Re: Yep, Indiana Jones' PS5 Trailer Just Got Uploaded to the PlayStation Channel
@UltimateOtaku91 @cburg I'll enjoy this on PC via Game Pass and have access to full ray-tracing! So it will be Microsoft Windows that provides the "best way to play".
But I do hope everyone enjoys it on whatever platform they chose/can afford. We're all winners!👍
Re: Here's Your First Look at Call of Duty: Black Ops 6's Chaotic Competitive PS5, PS4 Multiplayer
@MFTWrecks I also find it hilarious when storyline and lore is attached to "Seasons" and there are actual trailers created for it.
I can guarantee you that none of the people main people playing care one bit. It just feels like extra advertising that isn't necessary.
Re: Here's Your First Look at Call of Duty: Black Ops 6's Chaotic Competitive PS5, PS4 Multiplayer
Why do they show all this cinematic stuff for the multi-player review when it's not even close to how multi-player looks?!
We all know it looks like people running 2 steps, scoping, running 2 steps, scoping, run 2 steps, scoping. Jumping a few times. Scoping.
Basically, triggering epilepsy as much as possible.