@Kienda It may also be worth noting, especially if you’re looking to platinum the game, that Final Fantasy (hard) mode is unlocked after completing the game and is a platinum requirement. I’m not sure how the DLC works as I haven’t played through it yet (I’m waiting for the second instalment to release) but it might be worth playing through it now and then doing a complete run in Final Fantasy mode. Personally, FF mode felt like a much better balance than my first run and really allows the combat system to shine. It’s a real shame it has to be unlocked.
I wasn’t able to get into 13 Sentinels as I’d hoped but this medieval fantasy setting and a system somewhat resembling FFXII’s gambit system has me incredibly intrigued. Think I’ll give the demo a spin. Can’t deny that art style!
Beyond narrative implications, it’s cool that the bond system will directly affect gameplay as well, potentially creating either a synergy or an incongruence between play style and ideology. Love what I’m seeing, though I share some of the trepidation here that a reskinned Nioh would be a disappointment. I’d be as happy as the next Nioh fan for Nioh with a wing suit but I am ultimately hoping for more from this. Mostly, I’d like to see how the open world ties everything together as that’s the big unknown for me based on the developer’s output.
Interestingly, the criticisms raised in the Push Square review seem to be pretty universal across the board. The final score boils down to how much these issues grate on a personal level. By all accounts, it sounds like a great game.
Sounds like a win some/lose some situation. Thankfully, my biggest gripes with Remake seem to have been addressed. Really looking forward to playing this at some point but I’m not feeling compelled to jump at it. Nostalgia is a very minor factor for me here. Thanks for the informative review!
Elden Ring remains one of the best games I’ve ever played. Based on this incredible trailer, it looks to be getting even better. June can’t come soon enough!
@render This is exactly what the messaging is! I see no other way to take it. Doesn’t matter how it gets dressed up, at the macro level it’s the most corporate mindset imaginable.
I had my issues with Alan Wake II but I’m glad to hear it appears to be selling well for Remedy. It needs to, as it was their most expensive game to date and was funded by Epic. Whatever gets Control 2 out the door is a big win in my book.
Yeah, that really was strange. Can’t shake the feeling that this was initially meant to be something different than what it ended up being. Probably the most bizarre bit to me is when Mr. Spencer went off about how much Xbox has grown and how important growth is to then point out how the industry has not grown, basically painting out the fact that they have been buying up the industry, confirming that’s their strategy going forward while creating the picture that they’re the industry’s saving grace, even referencing layoffs. Weird.
Seems totally believable to me, probably in a more, “Let’s test the waters for a potential release with all likelihood pointing to not” kind of way. It’s much more believable to me that the director’s comments are less the direct cause of this all and more one shining example of precisely why Sony would choose not to release the game in Korea in the first place.
Corporatism at its most insultingly garish. To think, there’s people actually upset with Sony for independently forging partnerships with studios to release new I.P. instead of gobbling them and their groups up while also giving their first party teams apt time to develop their projects.
This is very unfortunate. Probably the best move for the time being. In shining a light on this, perhaps some level heads can use this situation to forge a mutual path forward. Human history is full of atrocities committed by controversial figures. No country, culture, creed or race is immune. It is so important to study, discuss and represent history in all of its ugly and human truth.
The attached article is a pretty good read. More than anything, it confirms yet again that there’s no easy fix for the issues in the industry and no one thing to point to. As usual, reality is complicated.
@__jamiie Yep! Buy market share and have deep enough pockets to set the pace. Whatever happens, it’ll be interesting to see where things go in the coming week.
@Sakai Thanks for the link! I’ve spoken too strongly by referring to Xbox as a liability. The fact remains, based on my understanding of the article, Microsoft paid out of pocket $440 million in losses for $7.1 billion in revenue per quarter after their $69 billion acquisition meaning at the current revenue level, their looking at about 3-4 years before they recoup the purchase price in revenue, not profit, on that deal alone. A disturbing trend of their gsming division buying their revenue with a $440 million dollar loss. That doesn’t translate to money in shareholders pockets outside of mere capital appreciation. That’s not paying the piper.
@Jey887 😂 Fair enough! The reality is though, folks who value money value every cent. Capital appreciation eventually disappears if future cash flows don’t materialize. On the balance sheet, a liability is a liability regardless of what lipstick it wears, and with the money that’s recently been spent, I suspect the Xbox brand is becoming a mighty big one if they don’t start generating some offsetting cash flow. To stick with the metaphor, the piper has already been stealing the townspeople’s children (shuttered studios and layoffs), so the writing’s on the wall.
There are a number of Xbox exclusives I’d love play so of course I’d welcome them on PlayStation with no strings attached but I’m not convinced of that yet. Just waiting to see how this all shakes out before I know how I feel about it all.
Kojima’s been working to meld the two mediums since MGS. He says himself this will be a culmination of his life’s work. It looks to have a ridiculous amount of support, from every conceivable angle. Yeah, I’m excited.
A proper look at Rise of the Ronin would leave me personally more than satisfied. I’d be excited to see more from Death Stranding 2 and Silent Hill 2. Dream scenario would give us a peek at whatever Santa Monica Studio has been cooking up in God of War’s shadow.
Have a lot I’d like to buy but of course some decisions are going to have to be made. Oddly enough, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake is pretty high up on my list, followed by Rise of the Ronin. After that it’s not a matter of if but when I’ll get to the likes of Dragons Dogma, Final Fantasy, Prince of Persia…
“Upgrading it levels up your Livability meter, which improves Ichiban's health on the island…” This is cool. I appreciate when games mechanically tie their side content to their main content like this. Hope it works well. I might attempt to get into this franchise one day.
Though it certainly can, reaching for the stars and attempting to innovate doesn’t automatically equal a great end product. Spider-Man 2 is a great game because it works as intended, contains hours of well executed fun, looks gorgeous and tells a rock solid story. It’s quality entertainment. Number 1 in this particular year? A bit of a stretch but not like it’s completely undeserving.
@Deoxyr1bose ‘Hymn of the Penitent’ has to be one of the most hauntingly epic final boss tunes I’ve heard. It so effectively captures the thematic weight of a climactic final confrontation. Just awesome
Can’t say I agree with Final Fantasy XVI not even breaking the top 10 but then I haven’t played everything on the list. I do believe Soken achieved some stunningly rich, beautifully emotive and elaborate compositions with his score though and was a huge part of the game’s identity.
Resident Evil 4 Remakes pacing, polish and overall balance are what make it next level for me. Add to that its pitch perfect tone, incredible setting and gunplay that just feels great in every situation and you’ve got a towering achievement within the genre. If only a certain boss fight could be slightly reworked, this would be a perfect game in my mind.
Just wrapped my play through and, yeah, it’s an audio/visual triumph. I just wish actually playing it was a smoother experience. Glad to see something that swings for the fences actually resonate with people though! Im really curious to see what Remedy does next.
Comments 1,358
Re: Second Final Fantasy 16 DLC Set to Be Revealed Next Month
@Kienda It may also be worth noting, especially if you’re looking to platinum the game, that Final Fantasy (hard) mode is unlocked after completing the game and is a platinum requirement. I’m not sure how the DLC works as I haven’t played through it yet (I’m waiting for the second instalment to release) but it might be worth playing through it now and then doing a complete run in Final Fantasy mode. Personally, FF mode felt like a much better balance than my first run and really allows the combat system to shine. It’s a real shame it has to be unlocked.
Re: Random: Our Twitter Timeline Is All Tifa from Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth on PS5 Right Now
Hope Cloud likes giving back massages. Tifa’s gonna need a lot of ‘em.
Re: Hands On: Unicorn Overlord Has the Potential to Be One of 2024's Best RPGs
I wasn’t able to get into 13 Sentinels as I’d hoped but this medieval fantasy setting and a system somewhat resembling FFXII’s gambit system has me incredibly intrigued. Think I’ll give the demo a spin. Can’t deny that art style!
Re: Your Allies Will Determine Your Playstyle in PS5 Exclusive Rise of the Ronin
Beyond narrative implications, it’s cool that the bond system will directly affect gameplay as well, potentially creating either a synergy or an incongruence between play style and ideology. Love what I’m seeing, though I share some of the trepidation here that a reskinned Nioh would be a disappointment. I’d be as happy as the next Nioh fan for Nioh with a wing suit but I am ultimately hoping for more from this. Mostly, I’d like to see how the open world ties everything together as that’s the big unknown for me based on the developer’s output.
Re: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Becomes the Second Highest-Rated Final Fantasy Game of All Time
Interestingly, the criticisms raised in the Push Square review seem to be pretty universal across the board. The final score boils down to how much these issues grate on a personal level. By all accounts, it sounds like a great game.
Re: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PS5) - Strong Sequel Seeks a New Direction
Sounds like a win some/lose some situation. Thankfully, my biggest gripes with Remake seem to have been addressed. Really looking forward to playing this at some point but I’m not feeling compelled to jump at it. Nostalgia is a very minor factor for me here. Thanks for the informative review!
Re: Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Out for PS5, PS4 on 21st June 2024
Elden Ring remains one of the best games I’ve ever played. Based on this incredible trailer, it looks to be getting even better. June can’t come soon enough!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 516
Trying really hard to ignore all of the amazing new releases and move through my backlog by trying really hard to keep my age down in Sifu.
Re: Xbox's 'Everywhere' Future Outlined in Company Memo from Phil Spencer
@render This is exactly what the messaging is! I see no other way to take it. Doesn’t matter how it gets dressed up, at the macro level it’s the most corporate mindset imaginable.
Re: Without a Physical PS5 Release, Alan Wake 2 Is Still Remedy's Fastest Selling Game
I had my issues with Alan Wake II but I’m glad to hear it appears to be selling well for Remedy. It needs to, as it was their most expensive game to date and was funded by Epic. Whatever gets Control 2 out the door is a big win in my book.
Re: Xbox Is Bringing Four Exclusives to PS5, But It Won't Say Which
Yeah, that really was strange. Can’t shake the feeling that this was initially meant to be something different than what it ended up being. Probably the most bizarre bit to me is when Mr. Spencer went off about how much Xbox has grown and how important growth is to then point out how the industry has not grown, basically painting out the fact that they have been buying up the industry, confirming that’s their strategy going forward while creating the picture that they’re the industry’s saving grace, even referencing layoffs. Weird.
Re: Sony Refutes Rise of the Ronin Korean Cancellation Claims, Says It Was Never Announced
Seems totally believable to me, probably in a more, “Let’s test the waters for a potential release with all likelihood pointing to not” kind of way. It’s much more believable to me that the director’s comments are less the direct cause of this all and more one shining example of precisely why Sony would choose not to release the game in Korea in the first place.
Re: Looks Like This Is the New Lara Croft in PS5's Next Tomb Raider
She looks badass, as Lara should.
Re: Embracer Layoffs Total Nearly 1,400 So Far, 29 Unannounced Games Cancelled
Corporatism at its most insultingly garish. To think, there’s people actually upset with Sony for independently forging partnerships with studios to release new I.P. instead of gobbling them and their groups up while also giving their first party teams apt time to develop their projects.
Re: Rise of the Ronin's Korean Release Cancelled Following Commentary Controversy
This is very unfortunate. Probably the best move for the time being. In shining a light on this, perhaps some level heads can use this situation to forge a mutual path forward. Human history is full of atrocities committed by controversial figures. No country, culture, creed or race is immune. It is so important to study, discuss and represent history in all of its ugly and human truth.
Re: Immortals of Aveum Cost $125 Million, Branded a 'Truly Awful Idea'
The attached article is a pretty good read. More than anything, it confirms yet again that there’s no easy fix for the issues in the industry and no one thing to point to. As usual, reality is complicated.
Re: Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden (PS5) - Storytelling Great Has Gameplay to Match
This wasn’t really on my radar but I’ll definitely be checking it out now, after a couple patches. Thanks for the detailed review!
Re: Xbox Has Allegedly Insisted It Won't Stop Making Consoles, As PS5 Port Rumours Mount
@__jamiie Yep! Buy market share and have deep enough pockets to set the pace. Whatever happens, it’ll be interesting to see where things go in the coming week.
Re: Xbox Has Allegedly Insisted It Won't Stop Making Consoles, As PS5 Port Rumours Mount
@Sakai Thanks for the link! I’ve spoken too strongly by referring to Xbox as a liability. The fact remains, based on my understanding of the article, Microsoft paid out of pocket $440 million in losses for $7.1 billion in revenue per quarter after their $69 billion acquisition meaning at the current revenue level, their looking at about 3-4 years before they recoup the purchase price in revenue, not profit, on that deal alone. A disturbing trend of their gsming division buying their revenue with a $440 million dollar loss. That doesn’t translate to money in shareholders pockets outside of mere capital appreciation. That’s not paying the piper.
Edit: adjusted a calculation!
Re: Xbox Has Allegedly Insisted It Won't Stop Making Consoles, As PS5 Port Rumours Mount
@Jey887 😂 Fair enough! The reality is though, folks who value money value every cent. Capital appreciation eventually disappears if future cash flows don’t materialize. On the balance sheet, a liability is a liability regardless of what lipstick it wears, and with the money that’s recently been spent, I suspect the Xbox brand is becoming a mighty big one if they don’t start generating some offsetting cash flow. To stick with the metaphor, the piper has already been stealing the townspeople’s children (shuttered studios and layoffs), so the writing’s on the wall.
Re: Xbox Has Allegedly Insisted It Won't Stop Making Consoles, As PS5 Port Rumours Mount
All I can say concerning this whole situation is that you don’t throw around $69 billion without having to, in one way or another, pay the piper.
Re: Glimpse Rise of the Ronin's PS5-Powered Depiction of 1800s Japan
Looks to be shaping up nicely! Great accompanying blog post as well. Can not wait.
Re: Poll: How Do You Feel About All of the Xbox Multiplatform Rumours?
There are a number of Xbox exclusives I’d love play so of course I’d welcome them on PlayStation with no strings attached but I’m not convinced of that yet. Just waiting to see how this all shakes out before I know how I feel about it all.
Re: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's Huge PS5 Demo Out Now, Junon Update Coming Before Full Release
Downloading it right now! I was going to hold off on this one as I work through my backlog but if the demo sways me, well, ya know.
Re: Fantastic PS5, PS4 Action Game Sifu Teases 'Quite a Few Surprises' Ahead of Second Anniversary
This is sitting near the top of my backlog. Might be time to go for it!
Re: Looks Like Netflix Exclusive Valiant Hearts Sequel Is Coming Home to PS4
So glad to hear this!
Re: Rise of the Ronin PS5 Gets Gameplay Deep Dive at Sony's State of Play
Honestly, I was hoping for a little more depth from the showing but still, the game looks great. Can’t wait!
Re: Sony Partners with Hideo Kojima on Physint, Basically Sounds Like a Metal Gear Successor
Kojima’s been working to meld the two mediums since MGS. He says himself this will be a culmination of his life’s work. It looks to have a ridiculous amount of support, from every conceivable angle. Yeah, I’m excited.
Re: Poll: How Would You Rate the Latest State of Play Showcase?
If that’s not an excellent State of Play, I don’t know what is.
Re: PS Plus Essential Games for February 2024 Announced
I really enjoyed Steelrising. Found it to be an interesting mix between a soulslike and an RPG. Well worth a try for free!
Re: Resident Evil 4 Remake Sells 6.48 Million Units to Become the Series' Fastest-Selling Game
Well deserved! These remakes have been great. Just wrapped up Separate Ways and thought it was a fantastic addition to an already amazing game.
Re: Talking Point: What Can We Expect in the Next State of Play Show?
A proper look at Rise of the Ronin would leave me personally more than satisfied. I’d be excited to see more from Death Stranding 2 and Silent Hill 2. Dream scenario would give us a peek at whatever Santa Monica Studio has been cooking up in God of War’s shadow.
Re: Remedy and Rockstar's Logos Both Use an 'R', and Take-Two Can't Tell the Difference
The mixup is totally understandable…if you’re three sheets to the wind.
Re: Overlooked Action RPG Fate/Samurai Remnant Now Has a Playable Demo on PS5, PS4
Perfect! I’ve had my eye on this after reading the very well written review on this very site so I’ve got no excuse to not give it a go now.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 511
Hoping some Lies of P can help take the sting out from freezing my (insert body part here) off.
Re: 30 PS5, PS4 Indie Games to Watch Out for in 2024
I’m hoping Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn finally releases this year. Sword of the Sea has huge potential as do Pacific Drive and Harold Halibut.
Re: Poll: Which PS5 Games are You Buying in Early 2024's Ridiculous Release Schedule?
@Th3solution Yeah, it’s one of my favourites! To the point where I’ll shamelessly re-buy it 😂
Re: Poll: Which PS5 Games are You Buying in Early 2024's Ridiculous Release Schedule?
Have a lot I’d like to buy but of course some decisions are going to have to be made. Oddly enough, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake is pretty high up on my list, followed by Rise of the Ronin. After that it’s not a matter of if but when I’ll get to the likes of Dragons Dogma, Final Fantasy, Prince of Persia…
Re: Preview: Animal Crossing on PS5, PS4 Made a Reality in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
“Upgrading it levels up your Livability meter, which improves Ichiban's health on the island…” This is cool. I appreciate when games mechanically tie their side content to their main content like this. Hope it works well. I might attempt to get into this franchise one day.
Re: Dragon's Dogma 2 Gets 18 Minutes of New, 4K Character Class Gameplay on PS5
Looks so awesome!
Re: Poll: Was 2023 One of the Best Ever Years for New Game Releases?
Amazing year! No year has had quite the same impact for me personally as 2004 but this is an undeniably exciting time for gamers.
Re: Game of the Year: #1 - Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Though it certainly can, reaching for the stars and attempting to innovate doesn’t automatically equal a great end product. Spider-Man 2 is a great game because it works as intended, contains hours of well executed fun, looks gorgeous and tells a rock solid story. It’s quality entertainment. Number 1 in this particular year? A bit of a stretch but not like it’s completely undeserving.
Re: Happy New Year from the Push Square Team
Happy New Year! Think it’s gonna be another good one on the gaming front.
Re: Game of the Year: Robert's Top 5 PS5, PS4 Games of 2023
I’m so tempted to bite the bullet on Fate/Samurai Remnant. Not my usual fare but it sure sounds interesting.
Re: Game of the Year: #2 - Baldur's Gate 3
By all accounts this looks incredible. Hope I can give it the time that it deserves one day.
Re: Game of the Year: Top 10 PS5, PS4 Soundtracks of 2023
@Deoxyr1bose ‘Hymn of the Penitent’ has to be one of the most hauntingly epic final boss tunes I’ve heard. It so effectively captures the thematic weight of a climactic final confrontation. Just awesome
Re: Game of the Year: Top 10 PS5, PS4 Soundtracks of 2023
Can’t say I agree with Final Fantasy XVI not even breaking the top 10 but then I haven’t played everything on the list. I do believe Soken achieved some stunningly rich, beautifully emotive and elaborate compositions with his score though and was a huge part of the game’s identity.
The original music in Alan Wake II is phenomenal.
Re: Game of the Year: Best PS5, PS4 DLC of 2023
I recently nabbed Separate Ways so I’m looking forward to that. Phantom Liberty is a knockout and, along with 2.0, elevates Cyberpunk to greatness.
Re: Game of the Year: #3 - Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4 Remakes pacing, polish and overall balance are what make it next level for me. Add to that its pitch perfect tone, incredible setting and gunplay that just feels great in every situation and you’ve got a towering achievement within the genre. If only a certain boss fight could be slightly reworked, this would be a perfect game in my mind.
Re: Game of the Year: #4 - Alan Wake 2
Just wrapped my play through and, yeah, it’s an audio/visual triumph. I just wish actually playing it was a smoother experience. Glad to see something that swings for the fences actually resonate with people though! Im really curious to see what Remedy does next.