Shellcore

... Thinking how I could live without R9 by my side

Sounded clear to me. Four games coming now. More coming. However, all first party games on Xbox first, day 1 Gamepass and only go multiplat (team blue and red) after a year and/or when their growth/sales have plateaued.

I just resubbed for essential from essential with 25% discount with a month left.

Edit: Just want to add that I don't think stacking is a thing anymore at sale price. If you have more then a year left on your subscription, you will be unable to add at the sale price.

@Oz_Momotaro I think its because you have over 12 months left. I was able to resub with a month left at the sale price. Essential to essential.

Thanks for the heads up. Downloading now 👍

I'm quietly hoping for a new IP that could be Sony's answer to Elder Scrolls or Fable. Something a little more considered and less action orientated. Whilst your predictions are realistic, I can't get excited for more of the same.

Same as TLOU factions, but at least the NPCs didnt mention it.

@Northern_munkey It's healthy to laugh at yourself from time to time.

The worst thing for me was the change back to vertical trophy lists. Got used to the horizontal left to right. Going back seems a little old fashioned. I'll get over it though, with time.

Been working my way through Maneater. Enjoyable, simple fun. Bit tick boxy, but sometimes I find that therapeutic.

I absolutely see the appeal in going all digital, however I am mostly physical for now.

Just received my harvest edition of Sakuna: Rice and Ruin through the post with 3 CD soundtrack, 120 + page artbook and poster. The extra level of care in the product and elevation of the whole experience is worth the small inconvenience. As time goes on, the more it seems like disc is the vinyl of the game world.

The standard edition is the same price digital/physical (amazon) at time of posting.

Next step, a shower that turns your waste into BT effective weaponry.

I really don't like the name. Sounds so generic at this point with Titanfall, Greedfall, Skyfall...

@Flaming_Kaiser I was going to suggest this. Reduce to CD case size to save on materials and weight etc...

@thefirst I will bear that in mind when I try to do that trophy. The game prompts you to give them a friendly welcome in the tips section..and you sock them one haha! I still don't understand how to gift porters. Don't feel that was really explained properly.

@BarefootBowser The way I see it, there are many Porters (some of the NPC porters you can see strolling around), however only "your" Sam carries the Q-PID to link up the network. Aside from a couple of fourth wall breaking nods, it tends to make sense to me. Even the NPC porters send likes for structures that they use.

@clvr I didn't know that so apologies if offense was taken. To be fair, there are plenty of old English names that would have been just as bad.

This art style resonates with me. Little hesitant in getting hyped as the devs past efforts haven't been very inspiring. Will keep an open mind!

Edit: Please change the name though. It's really bad.

@kyleforrester87 Could be Hojo's lab. More in tune with a mad scientist resident evil-esque feel .

Think they need to partner up with another studio to freshen things up a little. Thinking COD + Rabbids WW2 Battle!

@Sinton Agreed. Two tier system would be great. It could then open up conversations for a third tier to include Playstation Now for gamers that want that service as well.

I understand the disappointment. We have been trained to expect at least one bigger budget title. Receiving two indies, no matter how good they are, will sting the majority of users who don't really care for walking simulators and party games.

Oh dear. The rumour was true.

@Kanji-Tatsumi Sure I saw someone comment on the other thread regarding games below 5 dollars that this was the case. Will amend my comment.

Doesnt seem right to me as Edith Finch is on at a couple of quid in the sale. Plus, two small games aren't going to garner much good will at all regardless of their quality.

Edit: Bought to my attention that the above pricing isn't correct. Thought I'd saw someone highlight this on the sale thread. Apologies.

Waiting on reviews for this one. The horde tech looks great. Just would like to know if there is a good game supporting it.

In addition to the above, I also hope it doesn't follow my own personal storyline - baiting mobs on death march, giving up and playing Gwent for hours.

@Octane Cerny is on it I'm sure with PS5 reveal just around the corner.

I noticed a couple of these bugs - the boss loot and receiving other players loot pick-ups. A little irritating, but happy with the removal of the forge loading screen and the Elysian chests that give out all cosmetics (minus armour) for free. 161 items I believe. There are a lot of articles on the misteps - none on how the MTX are possibly some of the most gamer friendly going at this point in the Triple A GaaS scene. Still a lot of fun.

Will wait on the reviews for this one. The cars look imaginative - yet the tracks look a little formulaic. The trackside detail and general atmosphere seems nice though.

Whilst perhaps not providing a massive endgame, judged as a game in general I am really enjoying it. Granted the endgame consists of randomised contracts, three strongholds and freeplay at this point - however the journey to get there and the fact you have four javelins to level means there is plenty to get on with. Never mind the exhaustive challenges and trophies. Been playing for a month and still not seen everything this game has to offer.

Phew. Was getting worried that we weren't going to receive our daily ANTHEM bashing article.

Its all in the name. If they go with something like the Google Noodle - I'm in regardless.

@GADG3Tx87 I share the same preference for physical. I rarely sell my games and keep them just in case I wish to replay in the future (which never happens). However, these types of games will just be a paperweight - and a rubbish one at that once the servers close. Makes digital much more appealing.

@KALofKRYPTON Argh..now I cant unsee it! I was convinced this was the one....now its been ruined. Cheers for that.

I really like the look of this one. After over five years, I may be in the market for a new controller as the X button has pretty much disintegrated after RDR2.

@Splat Same. I consistently get 1-2 on every Stronghold run. Many of the people complaining already have all masterworks and are looking for better rolls on inscriptions. So complaining on the probability that (masterwork/legendary drops x weapon/item that they use x better inscription than current). With those odds, no wonder the grind seems insurmountable. Meanwhile, others are just enjoying the game.

I have been playing this exclusively since launch and it is a fun game. Most of the technical glitches have been ironed out and the loot issues seem to effect only people who have ragged this game for 80+ hours. Yes, it should cater for them, but for balance, as a person with a full time job and other commitments - it is still very much entertaining. Perspective and presenting both sides may very well help this game. Can't help thinking that this constant reporting on meta issues on Reddit will actually become a self-fulfilling prophecy with regards to the game failing.

Finished the story and polishing up on the agent missions before diving into the Strongholds this weekend. Having a great time so far, but have yet to really begin the endgame. I haven't encountered the crash error, but sure sucks for those that have. Glad its being resolved soon.

@Flaming_Kaiser I am enjoying it. As you hate live service games, I understand why you may not like it.

The world and combat are excellent once you understand the combos and make use of the hovering/evade movements. Conversations can be dull and still crashes out at the end of some missions. Loading screens are still too long. Basically, mostly technical issues. The game itself is good imo. A solid 7.

Still enjoying the game. Been playing nearly a week and not finished the story and at level 20. Playing online is smooth going and the loading screens are my only issue at this point. Haven't even touched end game and already had lots of fun. I understand many of the complaints, but there is a great game waiting to be built upon here!

Really enjoying it and had no issues with errors or crashes since Saturday. Matchmaking clean and moment to moment gameplay is excellent. Load screens not great, but that's about the only negative thing I can say about it. Not sure what people's expectations were, but this delivers on everything that was promised.

@Octane It's a sad state of affairs. That's for sure. EA's expectations for a new IP, particularly one which didn't end up reviewing well, are a massive over-assumption. Surprised Destiny didn't do more digitally to be fair.

Trying not to sound like I'm defending ANTHEM too much, but a physical copy would have the sole function of a door wedge in the future, so digital makes the most sense with the low/no resale value after time. Certainly bought mine digitally.

A shame as I am enjoying it a lot, so would like to see it do well so it continues to be supported. It is what it is, I guess.

Would love a sequel. Make it happen Sony! Bit strange to be sending things like this so long after the fact. Probably just a bit of fun, but spontaneously making and producing this and sending it doesn't seem like a normal thing to do for a business...

@JJ2 All of the things I mentioned are what would/wouldn't drive someone to buy a console so completely relevant. I want people to be interested in other boxes as it means there is something about them that their current box isn't doing. The fact that this largely isn't happening is disappointing. It's not about revelling in the fact that Sony is outperforming Microsoft, its identifying why that is the case. Completely relevant for the games market in general, hence this is exactly the kind of content we need on gaming sites. Discussion is healthy. Don't be put off by the hypothesis.

@JJ2 It's absolutely relevant as Sony's main competitor in this space. The innovation through competition, the recent acquisition of developers, the state of first party across consoles. I can't really see how this could be any MORE relevant. What Microsoft does can directly influence what Sony does....so if Microsoft doesn't do much at all...well...

Have the day booked off work for Anthem in the day and a beer festival in the early evening. Going to be a good Friday!