This will most likely be the first game I buy in 2023. Nioh II is excellent and this looks to be shaping up wonderfully. I love how fast paced this is.
@Porco Yeah, I’m definitely open to being wrong in this as well, I just don’t see the way it’s been done as a problem and think the whole thing fuels this unwarranted hate towards Druckmann that seems to spread rapidly around gaming circles left unchecked. We can at least agree that Straley should have been mentioned or thanked or something somewhere along the way. Seems like the right thing to do.
@Porco The Last of Us was a collaborative creation by Naughty Dog. Druckmann is credited as writer and Straley is credited as game director. There is no discrepancy with this the way the credits have been doled out for the show. Should Straley be credited in American Dreams? Should Anthony Newman and Kurt Margenau be credited in the show’s inevitable season 2? Further, should Mazin then be credited in any future games that happen to lift something from the show? It all gets a bit messy. I agree that, on a personal level, a mention in some capacity of Straley was the least that could be done here, but I really don’t see how he’s entitled to have his name front and centre on this particular production.
With the information we have, it appears to me that credits have been given appropriately. Credit for the game is rightfully given to Naughty Dog via “based on the the Playstation Studios video game by Naughty Dog and written by Neil Druckmann”. Credit for the show is rightfully given to the showrunners, which include Mr. Druckmann. I don’t see how Mr. Straley is entitled to a credit on this production, though a shout out or special thanks would certainly have been a nice show of appreciation. The fact that the show is currently sitting at 99% on Rotten Tomatoes and Mr. Straley recently starting up his own game company after an extended absence from game development gives the optics of sour grapes. Who really knows what’s gone on though.
@NEStalgia 😂 …Chris Judge…yeah, I’m finding it hard to get through all the games these days. I’ve been thinking of picking up a Series X for the likes of Starfield and whatever else eventually comes down the pipeline from that deal, but with PSVR 2 on its way, well, it’s getting a bit hard to realize all of my gaming ambitions. Anyway, hopefully Elden Ring sticks the landing with you. I thought it was one of the best games I’ve played. BotW 2 should be a safe bet so here’s hoping you enjoy that too!
The Last Faith, Oxenfree II, Pacific Drive and Viewfinder jump out at me from this list but I’m most looking forward to Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, if it’s ‘indie’ enough.
@NEStalgia For what it’s worth, I’d say that Ragnarok comes much closer to, and arguably exceeds, the bombast of the original trilogy at times. When the rubber hits the road, I prefer my action games in the flavour of something like Nioh II, but I really did enjoy Ragnarok and think it’s a great game.
They all have their place, but I defaulted to the axe more often than not. I will say that getting the spear was one of my favourite sections of the game. Riding the lift to the basement with Sindri and the bit with the mermaid were such memorable and great bookending moments.
@NEStalgia In this case, I think Ragnarok is both, really. I never felt that its cinematic endeavours ever took away from its ‘game’ side or vice-versa, and were integrated into a pretty satisfying whole. It’s not my personal pick of the year but I can’t deny the great time I had playing it or the great game that it is. I mean, it’s very ‘gamey’, isn’t it? Moreso than some of Sony’s other first party output. My only real niggles with it are some overly confusing environments to navigate (especially in achieving the platinum), and what I personally thought was a step in the wrong direction when it came to equipment and upgrading. I don’t know, man, it’s a pretty great game.
This game knocked so much out of the park. What really stands out to me is its genuinely intelligent script, truly outstanding performances, clever usage of the ‘one shot’ camera and stellar boss fights. An exceptional game and most importantly, a satisfying conclusion to 2018’s GoW.
Maybe I’m mistaken but I always perceived Horizon Forbidden West’s reception as fairly mixed, at least around these parts. For me, I’ve put over 50 hours into it and, after what I thought was a very strong start, it’s lost its special sauce somewhere along the way. I truly hope I come around to it again.
I enjoyed the last stretch of Elden Ring. The Haligtree was probably my overall favourite area of the game. With that said, I can understand how some people would view it as more of a plateau than a climax.
Great list! God of War Ragnarok is an incredible game and an epic conclusion to the Norse arc. The only things holding it back from an easy top spot on my personal list is Elden Ring’s awesomeness and what I thought were a few overly confusing environments to navigate and a step in the wrong direction in its upgrade economy.
This is my personal game of the year. It’s not very often I can say, with a straight face, that I truly believe that a game has made me a better person, with a healthier outlook on life than I had going in but here we are. A phenomenal experience and a shining light within the medium. Thank you From Software.
I’d like to finish up Steelrising, which has been a solid souls-like but in its last quarter has turned into a very talky side questing rpg…not quite what I was expecting but I’m digging it. Happy New Year!
@AnnetteM The one that clearly springs to mind from recent memory for me is Biomutant. Almost every aspect of it feels half-baked yet I put well over 50 hours into it and enjoyed every minute. Kind of like an untoasted pop tart. It’s not what it could or should be and there’s far more nourishing options out there but it’s got icing and makes me smile.
I’ve put this on ice twice now and it’s a bit of an odd thing as I’ve enjoyed my time with it. I do plan to finish it but something about this instalment keeps reminding me that the greatest draw of the first for me was unraveling the overarching mystery of what happened to the world and without that thread, it all feels a little less interesting. With that said, this is still an excellent game on many levels.
@CJD87 I absolutely loved Inscryption. You’re right to go in as blind as possible, and be ready to go with the flow in order to see it to the end. A very memorable and enjoyable experience.
I thought it was an enjoyable watch though still far too long - but these things always are. Still, this show felt like progress in a positive direction.
The thing is, there’s no right or wrong here and none of us have any idea what problems, meetings, missed deadlines, family dynamics, work relationships, messages and struggles packed the powder keg behind his words. He obviously feels this way for a reason and for folks to be so quick to invalidate his lived experience simply because they don’t agree with his point of view or choice of words does nothing but create more division and anger. Let him be pissed. He’ll figure out the rest as he goes just like the rest of us.
@theMEGAniggle yeah, my favourite part of the experience was just existing in this ancient world that has mostly been left to my imagination. I’m hoping to start Odyssey sometime next year!
I just recently played through this for the first time. It was an excellent reintroduction to the series for me. I personally felt the gameplay and mission structure stretched pretty thin by the last quarter and I was never able to fully invest in the greater assassins/templars/Abstergo stuff but Ubisoft have crafted a beautifully realized and memorable journey through Ptolemaic Egypt fronted by a pretty great leading duo.
Generally speaking, awareness, education and discussion are far more effective tools when dealing with content concerns than the counter productive creation of forbidden fruit that outright censorship perpetuates. Surely there are specific instances in which censorship is an effective means of protection, I’m just not entirely convinced this is it. But then, I have no finger on the pulse of Japanese culture…
There has always been a certain special something to God of War’s combat animation to me. One of the things that attracted me to the series from day. I’m glad to see it remain a focus for the team. Can’t wait to face all of these new enemies!
@Ravix It would be nice to jump right in with my fully armoured/upgraded and rune-slotted Kratos, but surely there will be some kind of paring back on that front. I can’t imagine jumping into the ring with a Valkyrie Queen equivalent out of the start menu. I would absolutely welcome everything you’ve mentioned though! A deeper and more varied status ailment system could be very cool.
@Ward_ting Okay, so I did a bit of reading…sounds like you’re right in that I’m locked to a lower resolution utilizing this mode with an HDMI 2.0 display. This article explains it pretty well. Thanks for helping me clear that up!
@Ward_ting I don’t think it’s quite the same thing. My T.V doesn’t support HDMI 2.1, yet I can still run that mode in FW and RA, where it’s not a requirement. I’m a little confused about the wording to be honest.
Sounds awesome! I do wonder how Kratos’ abilities will be balanced at the beginning of the game. The franchise go-to of angry Gods stripping him of his powers seems a little tired at this point…
By all accounts this seems to have been a well managed project with a clear vision and strong team at the helm. I’m really looking forward to seeing what they’ve cooked up.
I’m a bit torn on the micro transaction front as I actually like the idea of being financially choosy with which content to engage in this universe. Disney has become a vast sea of I.P. after all. I’m not sure if it exists already or not, but it’d be nice if there was a tracking system in place for all free to play games that tally all purchases, allowing the user to easily view how much they’ve spent on the game.
This whole Infinity business has me rather intrigued. Playing as your own character through your own animus opens up the potential for some truly interesting modern day interactions. Perhaps something a little more 4th wall breaking…
@ShadowofSparta I’m not very familiar with anime and have never heard of Studio Trigger until now so this will be a first for me! Looking forward to it.
I’ve finally started Horizon Forbidden West. At this point I’m still completely mesmerized by just how pretty it all is so my first impressions aren’t particularly balanced. Hope to have it wrapped up in time for Ragnarok. Beyond that, I’ll continue to chip away at Gran Turismo 7, Crash 4 and The Delicious Last Course. Happy gaming!
Thanks for the video! I’m not really sure how much clearer we can make things here. Naughty Dog made a thing, and now it’s up to everyone to decide if their hard-earned cash is worth purchasing that thing. It’s really that simple. Hopefully the pitchforks can be put away now. Personally, I’m looking forward to a sale.
Comments 1,358
Re: Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty Goes Hard in 17 Minutes of High-Level Gameplay
This will most likely be the first game I buy in 2023. Nioh II is excellent and this looks to be shaping up wonderfully. I love how fast paced this is.
Re: Bruce Straley Wasn't Credited in HBO's The Last of Us, Calls for Unionization
@Porco Thanks for that! For me personally, and for as much as I can glean from this piece, it solidifies my position on the matter. Cheers!
Re: Bruce Straley Wasn't Credited in HBO's The Last of Us, Calls for Unionization
@Porco Yeah, I’m definitely open to being wrong in this as well, I just don’t see the way it’s been done as a problem and think the whole thing fuels this unwarranted hate towards Druckmann that seems to spread rapidly around gaming circles left unchecked. We can at least agree that Straley should have been mentioned or thanked or something somewhere along the way. Seems like the right thing to do.
Re: Bruce Straley Wasn't Credited in HBO's The Last of Us, Calls for Unionization
@Porco The Last of Us was a collaborative creation by Naughty Dog. Druckmann is credited as writer and Straley is credited as game director. There is no discrepancy with this the way the credits have been doled out for the show. Should Straley be credited in American Dreams? Should Anthony Newman and Kurt Margenau be credited in the show’s inevitable season 2? Further, should Mazin then be credited in any future games that happen to lift something from the show? It all gets a bit messy. I agree that, on a personal level, a mention in some capacity of Straley was the least that could be done here, but I really don’t see how he’s entitled to have his name front and centre on this particular production.
Re: Bruce Straley Wasn't Credited in HBO's The Last of Us, Calls for Unionization
With the information we have, it appears to me that credits have been given appropriately. Credit for the game is rightfully given to Naughty Dog via “based on the the Playstation Studios video game by Naughty Dog and written by Neil Druckmann”. Credit for the show is rightfully given to the showrunners, which include Mr. Druckmann. I don’t see how Mr. Straley is entitled to a credit on this production, though a shout out or special thanks would certainly have been a nice show of appreciation. The fact that the show is currently sitting at 99% on Rotten Tomatoes and Mr. Straley recently starting up his own game company after an extended absence from game development gives the optics of sour grapes. Who really knows what’s gone on though.
Re: Game of the Year: #1 - God of War Ragnarok
@NEStalgia 😂 …Chris Judge…yeah, I’m finding it hard to get through all the games these days. I’ve been thinking of picking up a Series X for the likes of Starfield and whatever else eventually comes down the pipeline from that deal, but with PSVR 2 on its way, well, it’s getting a bit hard to realize all of my gaming ambitions. Anyway, hopefully Elden Ring sticks the landing with you. I thought it was one of the best games I’ve played. BotW 2 should be a safe bet so here’s hoping you enjoy that too!
Re: 20 PS5, PS4 Indie Games to Look Forward to in 2023
The Last Faith, Oxenfree II, Pacific Drive and Viewfinder jump out at me from this list but I’m most looking forward to Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, if it’s ‘indie’ enough.
Re: Game of the Year: #1 - God of War Ragnarok
@NEStalgia For what it’s worth, I’d say that Ragnarok comes much closer to, and arguably exceeds, the bombast of the original trilogy at times. When the rubber hits the road, I prefer my action games in the flavour of something like Nioh II, but I really did enjoy Ragnarok and think it’s a great game.
Re: Game of the Year: Annette's Top 5 PS5, PS4 Games of 2022
@Niktaw Yeah, I thought the gameplay loop of exploring, fighting, looting and crafting worked really well and the world was beautiful.
Re: Poll: What's Your Favourite God of War Ragnarok Weapon?
They all have their place, but I defaulted to the axe more often than not. I will say that getting the spear was one of my favourite sections of the game. Riding the lift to the basement with Sindri and the bit with the mermaid were such memorable and great bookending moments.
Re: Game of the Year: #1 - God of War Ragnarok
@NEStalgia In this case, I think Ragnarok is both, really. I never felt that its cinematic endeavours ever took away from its ‘game’ side or vice-versa, and were integrated into a pretty satisfying whole. It’s not my personal pick of the year but I can’t deny the great time I had playing it or the great game that it is. I mean, it’s very ‘gamey’, isn’t it? Moreso than some of Sony’s other first party output. My only real niggles with it are some overly confusing environments to navigate (especially in achieving the platinum), and what I personally thought was a step in the wrong direction when it came to equipment and upgrading. I don’t know, man, it’s a pretty great game.
Re: Game of the Year: #1 - God of War Ragnarok
This game knocked so much out of the park. What really stands out to me is its genuinely intelligent script, truly outstanding performances, clever usage of the ‘one shot’ camera and stellar boss fights. An exceptional game and most importantly, a satisfying conclusion to 2018’s GoW.
Re: Wishing You a Happy New Year from the Push Square Team
Y’all should be proud of what you’ve built here. Happy New Year! Gonna be a good one for gaming.
Re: Game of the Year: Sammy's Top 5 PS5, PS4 Games of 2022
Maybe I’m mistaken but I always perceived Horizon Forbidden West’s reception as fairly mixed, at least around these parts. For me, I’ve put over 50 hours into it and, after what I thought was a very strong start, it’s lost its special sauce somewhere along the way. I truly hope I come around to it again.
I enjoyed the last stretch of Elden Ring. The Haligtree was probably my overall favourite area of the game. With that said, I can understand how some people would view it as more of a plateau than a climax.
Great list! God of War Ragnarok is an incredible game and an epic conclusion to the Norse arc. The only things holding it back from an easy top spot on my personal list is Elden Ring’s awesomeness and what I thought were a few overly confusing environments to navigate and a step in the wrong direction in its upgrade economy.
Re: Game of the Year: #2 - Elden Ring
This is my personal game of the year. It’s not very often I can say, with a straight face, that I truly believe that a game has made me a better person, with a healthier outlook on life than I had going in but here we are. A phenomenal experience and a shining light within the medium. Thank you From Software.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - New Year 2023 Edition
I’d like to finish up Steelrising, which has been a solid souls-like but in its last quarter has turned into a very talky side questing rpg…not quite what I was expecting but I’m digging it. Happy New Year!
Re: Game of the Year: Annette's Top 5 PS5, PS4 Games of 2022
@AnnetteM The one that clearly springs to mind from recent memory for me is Biomutant. Almost every aspect of it feels half-baked yet I put well over 50 hours into it and enjoyed every minute. Kind of like an untoasted pop tart. It’s not what it could or should be and there’s far more nourishing options out there but it’s got icing and makes me smile.
Re: Game of the Year: #3 - Horizon Forbidden West
I’ve put this on ice twice now and it’s a bit of an odd thing as I’ve enjoyed my time with it. I do plan to finish it but something about this instalment keeps reminding me that the greatest draw of the first for me was unraveling the overarching mystery of what happened to the world and without that thread, it all feels a little less interesting. With that said, this is still an excellent game on many levels.
Re: We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas!!!
Re: Poll: What Is Your PS5, PS4 Game of the Year 2022?
Yeah, it’s been a great year for me as well. I’ve got The Ascent sitting in my backlog along with A Plague Tale Requiem. Can’t wait to play them!
Re: Poll: What Is Your PS5, PS4 Game of the Year 2022?
@ReadySlayerOne Yeah, it’s pretty special, isn’t it? I also really enjoyed GoWR. Been a great year for games!
Re: Poll: What Is Your PS5, PS4 Game of the Year 2022?
Elden Ring remains one of the greatest gaming experiences I’ve ever had. Lots of amazing games this year but nothing really compares for me.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 456
@CJD87 I absolutely loved Inscryption. You’re right to go in as blind as possible, and be ready to go with the flow in order to see it to the end. A very memorable and enjoyable experience.
Re: Poll: How Would You Rate The Game Awards 2022?
I thought it was an enjoyable watch though still far too long - but these things always are. Still, this show felt like progress in a positive direction.
Re: Days Gone Director Blames Woke Reviewers, Programmers for Critical Reception
The thing is, there’s no right or wrong here and none of us have any idea what problems, meetings, missed deadlines, family dynamics, work relationships, messages and struggles packed the powder keg behind his words. He obviously feels this way for a reason and for folks to be so quick to invalidate his lived experience simply because they don’t agree with his point of view or choice of words does nothing but create more division and anger. Let him be pissed. He’ll figure out the rest as he goes just like the rest of us.
Re: Days Gone Director Blames Woke Reviewers, Programmers for Critical Reception
@JudgeDredd Top tier comment here.
Re: Amnesia: The Bunker Is a More Open-Ended Survival Horror Adventure
I’d personally love to see Frictional move on from Amnesia but I’ll also be there to see how this one turned out. Rebirth had some brilliant moments.
Re: God of War Ragnarok (PS5) - A Dazzling Crown Jewel in Sony's Catalogue
Absolutely cannot wait! Thanks for the review (and that lovely second opinion bit).
Re: Assassin's Creed Origins Is Five Years Old Today
@theMEGAniggle yeah, my favourite part of the experience was just existing in this ancient world that has mostly been left to my imagination. I’m hoping to start Odyssey sometime next year!
Re: Assassin's Creed Origins Is Five Years Old Today
I just recently played through this for the first time. It was an excellent reintroduction to the series for me. I personally felt the gameplay and mission structure stretched pretty thin by the last quarter and I was never able to fully invest in the greater assassins/templars/Abstergo stuff but Ubisoft have crafted a beautifully realized and memorable journey through Ptolemaic Egypt fronted by a pretty great leading duo.
Re: The Callisto Protocol Cancels Japanese Release After Refusing to Censor Violence
Generally speaking, awareness, education and discussion are far more effective tools when dealing with content concerns than the counter productive creation of forbidden fruit that outright censorship perpetuates. Surely there are specific instances in which censorship is an effective means of protection, I’m just not entirely convinced this is it. But then, I have no finger on the pulse of Japanese culture…
Re: Rumour: PS Plus Essential PS5, PS4 Games for November 2022 Leaked Early
Nioh 2 is one of the best action games I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing. What a steal if true.
Re: God of War Ragnarok Goes In-Depth on Combat with New Gameplay
There has always been a certain special something to God of War’s combat animation to me. One of the things that attracted me to the series from day. I’m glad to see it remain a focus for the team. Can’t wait to face all of these new enemies!
Re: Hands On: God of War Ragnarok on PS5, PS4 Is PlayStation At Its Pomp
@Ravix It would be nice to jump right in with my fully armoured/upgraded and rune-slotted Kratos, but surely there will be some kind of paring back on that front. I can’t imagine jumping into the ring with a Valkyrie Queen equivalent out of the start menu. I would absolutely welcome everything you’ve mentioned though! A deeper and more varied status ailment system could be very cool.
Re: God of War Ragnarok on PS5 Runs at Up to 120fps, Four Graphics Modes
@Ward_ting Okay, so I did a bit of reading…sounds like you’re right in that I’m locked to a lower resolution utilizing this mode with an HDMI 2.0 display. This article explains it pretty well. Thanks for helping me clear that up!
https://www.eurogamer.net/digitalfoundry-2021-why-ratchet-and-clank-rift-aparts-40fps-fidelity-mode-is-a-potential-game-changer
Re: God of War Ragnarok on PS5 Runs at Up to 120fps, Four Graphics Modes
@Ward_ting I don’t think it’s quite the same thing. My T.V doesn’t support HDMI 2.1, yet I can still run that mode in FW and RA, where it’s not a requirement. I’m a little confused about the wording to be honest.
Re: God of War Ragnarok on PS5 Runs at Up to 120fps, Four Graphics Modes
I was hoping for a 40fps 120Hz mode…maybe it’ll come a little later like it did with Rift Apart and Forbidden West.
Re: Hands On: God of War Ragnarok on PS5, PS4 Is PlayStation At Its Pomp
Sounds awesome! I do wonder how Kratos’ abilities will be balanced at the beginning of the game. The franchise go-to of angry Gods stripping him of his powers seems a little tired at this point…
Re: God of War Ragnarok Over 100GB on PS4, But 20GB Smaller on PS5
That’s a lot of trolls.
Re: Final Fantasy 16 Development Now in the 'Home Stretch', on Schedule for Summer 2023
By all accounts this seems to have been a well managed project with a clear vision and strong team at the helm. I’m really looking forward to seeing what they’ve cooked up.
Re: Reaction: Sony's Struck State of Play Gold Not Once, But Twice in a Row
Less talk/more walk is always a more satisfying endgame. Hope Sony keeps it up.
Re: Sonic Frontiers Goes Super Sonic in Latest Gameplay Trailer
My kids are unbelievably excited for this and by extension, so am I.
Re: Disney Dreamlight Valley (PS5) - An Irresistibly Charming Life Sim
I’m a bit torn on the micro transaction front as I actually like the idea of being financially choosy with which content to engage in this universe. Disney has become a vast sea of I.P. after all. I’m not sure if it exists already or not, but it’d be nice if there was a tracking system in place for all free to play games that tally all purchases, allowing the user to easily view how much they’ve spent on the game.
Re: Assassin's Creed's Modern Day Storyline Will Be Relegated to Infinity, the New Series Hub
This whole Infinity business has me rather intrigued. Playing as your own character through your own animus opens up the potential for some truly interesting modern day interactions. Perhaps something a little more 4th wall breaking…
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 443
The excellent Horizon Forbidden West and the bizarre Inscryption. I’d really like to play Steelrising but it’ll have to wait. Happy gaming!
Re: CDPR Confirms New Cyberpunk 2077 Update, Info Coming Next Week
@ShadowofSparta I’m not very familiar with anime and have never heard of Studio Trigger until now so this will be a first for me! Looking forward to it.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 442
I’ve finally started Horizon Forbidden West. At this point I’m still completely mesmerized by just how pretty it all is so my first impressions aren’t particularly balanced. Hope to have it wrapped up in time for Ragnarok. Beyond that, I’ll continue to chip away at Gran Turismo 7, Crash 4 and The Delicious Last Course. Happy gaming!
Re: Mini Review: Inscryption (PS5) - The Most Unique Game You Will Play All Year
This sounds far too interesting to pass up. Thanks for the review!
Re: Cyberpunk 2077 News Incoming as CDPR Announces Night City Wire Broadcast
I enjoyed the base game immensely and have been eagerly anticipating DLC. The anime looks interesting also.
Re: Video: 30 Facts You Need to Know About The Last Of Us Remake on PS5
Thanks for the video! I’m not really sure how much clearer we can make things here. Naughty Dog made a thing, and now it’s up to everyone to decide if their hard-earned cash is worth purchasing that thing. It’s really that simple. Hopefully the pitchforks can be put away now. Personally, I’m looking forward to a sale.