I downloaded the beta very nonchalantly, only to be floored with what Cambridge Studios has achieved with this release. I promptly went and dropped a preorder on it and your review is only making the wait until Tuesday just that much more difficult. It's pretty bad when you're ready for the weekend to be over and it hasn't even gotten here yet!
@get2sammyb From what I gathered, Atlus was a bit disappointed that the cross-buy wasn't implemented, for whatever reason.
I've got it on both consoles (thanks to Atlus ) and while I absolutely love it on the Vita, the online is just so amazing on the PS3. It's so intense and well, a bit crazy, that I have to give it the edge over the Vita version, which has it's merits, as Ron stated, with the touchscreen controls and the simple fact that it is portable.
Buy it on one, or both, it doesn't matter - just make sure that you buy it. Haha
I loved this game on the Vita, but the online multiplayer on the PS3 version is simply not to be missed. It would have been awesome had Atlus been able to get the cross-buy enabled for it, especially seeing how the cross-save ability is already there and working perfectly.
Vita needs exclusive software to get it selling like it should. If Sony is banking on Remote Play to save this console, I think it has another rude awakening moment coming in the very near future.
It's a dang shame that Sony has left this incredible piece of hardware to sit and collect dust like it currently is. Killzone will be great, but the exclusive line-up of games for the console is far too small.
@get2sammyb Sorry, I actually meant to completely agree with you talking point too! I do think that bundling it with the PS4 would be a sure fire way to get this handheld's install base climbing in the right direction.
As for the install base of the Vita, that does fall on Sony to fix, in my opinion. It has poorly supported the console, outside of a very few "great" games and has left it barren first party wise for far too long. Sure, Killzone is on the way, as well as Tearaway, but two or three games doesn't equate to a full turn around - one only has to turn an eye to the Wii U to see this.
Vita is an amazing handheld. It is a dang shame that Sony produced such an incredible device only to leave it dry for so long now. I'm very disappointed in Sony on this front.
@get2sammyb And that is because of the lack of games. Indie games are fantastic, but digital titles don't sit on retail shelves and portable versions of big console titles are more or less considered to be "companion" games to a lot of people - unless your Nintendo, of course.
Vita needs AAA exclusive titles that make the system an absolute 'must-have' console. It also needs a lot more third party support, in the likes of exclusive RPGs from Square Enix and other top companies. Sony, on the other hand, needs to put Gran Turismo on the console real quick like.
@Jaz007 Yes, it can indeed, but I think the differences will be marginal at best. The PS4 and the Xbox One will very likely be just as the PS3 and Xbox 360 are today. If you really care about power - get a gaming PC!
OK, not being a pain here, but just a few minor flaws in your piece Sammy (sorry bro).
Developers having less RAM is not in any way a, "blessing in disguise." A restriction is a restriction and a so called, "blessing in disguise" would be Sony sneaking in an additional .5 GB of RAM, that will open up another .5GB of RAM as the system streamlines. More is better in this business - not a restriction. I see where you were going with that sentiment, but I have to admit that I think that's a weak argument.
The PS3 actually has 512 MB of RAM. The Cell Processor uses 256MB XDR RAM, which is amazingly fast and is completely shareable. Then the GPU has another 256MB of GDDR3 (RSX) RAM.
The key point with the PS3 is that it doesn't need much RAM, because the Cell Processor computes so rapidly that it doesn't need to store much random memory - remember, RAM is (in part) where information is placed while the CPU is computing other things. Developers are used to needing to utilize RAM and weren't used to information being processed so rapidly (this completely changed typical development cycles), which is the main reason that the PS3 struggled so badly with developers in the early days of its lifestyle.
Without the Cell Processor, there is most likely no way that The Last of Us could run on a mere 256 MB of RAM. In fact, saying that it runs on merely that is not a factual statement, because of the architecture of the PS3.
Hate to be a stickler mate, but as they say: "them's the beans."
EDIT: Also, I'd like to point out that Sony could jam 32 GB of RAM into the PS4, but a CPU can only compute so much information. At some point, you can indeed have too much RAM. Is it 8GB though? I think that is doubtful.
@get2sammyb RAM is absolutely the key factor at play between the Xbox One and the PS4, and if the PS4 is indeed lacking that .5 GB of RAM, it puts it ever closer to the Xbox One from a hardware perspective.
But here is the thing that most people seem to not get: no third party publisher is going to outperform on one of these consoles over the other. If they did, they would be at risk of severely damaging a business relationship - losing the revenue stream from a major platform (excluding Nintendo) runs the possibility of a loss well into the billions of dollars.
So yes, the arguments are nothing short of 'hot air.' Let's just say that, err... ... ... the PS4 is much preferred by, err... some... yeah; take that for what you can make of it.
This is a great move for the industry itself. Sony didn't need to dominate the next generation of the home console sector so easily - the end result of this is gamer's getting 'lesser' games. Competition is what drives our industry forward - not one company dominating the other (excluding Apple, of course).
Microsoft's Xbox has become a trademark of sorts for Western gaming as a whole, which is why it has, and remains to be the dominate console in the States. Seeing Microsoft's policies it wanted to implement with the Xbox One was disheartening. Not only were they anti-consumer, but they risked damaging consumer confidence in digital media in the gaming sector as well.
Personally, I have little faith in Microsoft these days. Windows Vista was a nightmare and Windows 8 is as well. It's corporate strong arm used against small independent developers - $40k USD to patch an XBLA game for Indies! - and it ongoing arrogance simply rubs me the wrong way. I get so tired of hearing Microsoft tell me how it is "innovating" and "revolutionizing" - I'll make that judgement for myself.
I've gotten off of Windows near completely, by swapping to Apple and Google (Chromebook), leaving only one laptop running Windows 7. I've long since rid myself of an Xbox 360, after multiple RRODs. The Xbox 360 is a fantastic console - I will never deny this! - but until the Xbox One finds itself a nice catalog of "must have" games (and a price drop), I will not be investing in anything Microsoft.
My 3DS XL will continue to be my primary gaming console for the foreseeable future.
Very good article Sammy, even though I have to respectfully disagree with you in regards to the talking points. I personally thought that Sony did a fantastic job with its conference in regards to its pacing. The speech segments were targeted and brief, and no single game got overplayed - Sony's brick wall moment that was Wonderbook from during last year's conference or Nintendo's terrible presentation of Nintendo Land.
When Jack Tretton came on-stage this year and immediately humbled himself (and PlayStation as a whole division) to those who keep him in the position that he is in, that wasn't only honest, it was intentional. From the start of the conference to the end, it was blatantly obvious that this entire conference's tone was intentional and I'll point out a few key points for better understanding.
For starters, well, I've already mentioned it: Sony made it obvious that it knows that the gamers are what keeps PlayStation going. Secondly (and most importantly), throughout the entire conference we didn't hear Sony telling us how "innovative," "ground-breaking," "revolutionary," "magical," or any other enlightening words overused that are intended to set Sony up on a higher level, like we saw with Microsoft's conference and Xbox One unveil. This creates a disconnect between the company and the consumer; belittling the consumer, instead of the consumer seeing the product and deciding for themselves.
Games, games and more games. The conference was long and there were a lot of games shown off. Very few got in-depth presentations, but that was because of the time limitations. Most of them were third party, but this was another intentional part on Sony too - it shows the faith that developers/publishers have in the PS4; a stark contrast to both Microsoft and Nintendo right now.
Sony could have talked up the new PlayStation Eye, the DualShock 4 controller, PlayStation Move, and all the new casual titles it has on the way. But it didn't. Why? Because it wanted the world to see that it knows that the core gamers already understand that these things will be available on the PS4,and that Sony knows that the only way it will continue to thrive in this dynamic market is to support its core fan base first and foremost; Again, a stark contrast to what both Microsoft and Nintendo are currently doing.
I'm going to sound like a jerk here (and this isn't aimed at your Sammy), but while gamers do indeed want to see nothing but games in these conferences - it's time that gamers start getting involved with this industry, it is time that they start listening to a bit of what these guys talk about on-stage. These console are becoming extremely complex and the install price is quite high - we need to be briefed on these consoles and most importantly, we need an understanding of what the platform holder's desires are within the industry with these consoles that we are investing in.
In all honestly, I love the glitz and glamour of E3, but I also want to start getting keynotes from these platform holders as well, where we get to see these consoles functioning in a much more intimate setting - gamers can go back to playing their video games - and us industry types can get a much better understanding of the consoles, and what possibilities they hold over the next 5-10 years.
It's great to see that you're putting up tough criticism here on a Sony fan site, Sammy! Keep up the fantastic work mate!
I wiped the 1.01 Update and am about to start the game up - I'll keep you guys informed if this keeps me from getting the bug or not. I do know that this will keep my playtime offline for the time being, which isn't an issue for me.
Transistor is one of my most anticipated titles... Ever!
Sammy, you totally forgot to add Ray's the Dead to this list too. I've played it - it's going to be an amazing title, that I'm stoked to see that it is now a PS4 exclusive.
Sony has this next generation of the "gaming" industry sitting right in front of itself for the taking if it plays its cards correctly. Microsoft is clearly wanting to play more of a back-seat role with the Xbox One, much like Apple does with its platforms. Sony has the perfect opportunity to win over the vast majority of the gaming community with the PlayStation 4, which will only be done if it does just as you say Sammy, by showcasing what gamers truly want: games.
Don't be surprised if the Xbox One does win over the mainstream audience and outsells the PlayStation 4 in worldwide install units, because of its non-gaming entertainment offerings. Even if it does, Sony can still retain the gaming community by keeping the games flowing.
@Sanquine If you like indie games, then Ouya is a good investment. At the moment, there isn't too much available on the service, but it will grow. Ouya can be preordered through a variety of retailers (Amazon, Best Buy, etc.), or you can preorder it off of the Ouya site itself.
@Gamer83 I wish I had the time to play games through multiple times, but I don't even have the time to play through the games I already own once, as it is. Haha
I can definitely see how this could be lacking on home consoles, but played on the 3DS with the lights out and a good set of headphones on - especially without the Circle Pad Pro attachment, to limit the controls (like they should be) - Revelations is bloody brilliant!
I'm still whipping and slashing my way through the towers of Pandora's Tower (Wii) and absolutely loving it. At some point though, I do plan to get through the FUSE demo today, as well.
@Mike Enjoy! Ni No Kuni is fantastic and a pure joy to play.
My predictions: Gran Turismo HD Collection for PS3, PSone titles released on PSN, Gran Turismo (PSP) released on PSN for Vita and glorious reveal trailer for Gran Turismo 6 for the PS4.
@Ginkgo Even though I'm in the US, I'm the editor for a site that is based out of Australia. I've learned a few things about Aussies in the past year and that is that they are dang fine journalist (all sectors) and that gaming is an extremely expensive hobby in Australia. I had absolutely no idea just how expensive the hardware cost were there!
@Paranoimia Oh, you know I have a Vita. In fact, I didn't buy my Vita on day one, I paid $60 bucks extra to get it a week early! Haha
But with what I was referring to was from an industry minded perspective - the angle that I typically write/think in. Here on a "PlayStation" fan site that statement does indeed sound off a bit, but when you look at the gaming consumers as a whole - not the gaming 'community' alone - bias and preference takes no precedent. Sales numbers are concrete proof that 3DS is preferred over the the Vita. I'll break this down for you a bit more:
If you look at both the Wii U (current) and the 3DS before its price reduction, the hardcore Nintendo fan base support is a handful of million deep. This gives a rough idea of the loyal Nintendo fans who will purchase anything "Nintendo," regardless of cost. Vita (current) shows us the exact same thing, because it is still priced outside of the mainstream consumers' pocketbooks. When you take away the bias/preference you will see that all three of these consoles are similar in nature and none of the the numbers are supportive a console itself.
The 3DS' price reduction and influx of game releases landed it in the appropriate price range for the mainstream audience to start buying, which continues to grow as word of mouth and market share continually climbs higher. If you remember, the 3DS was getting worse press than the Vita, because the 3DS was thought to be damaging to gamers' eyes.
If there is one thing that the recent trends have taught us, it is that brand loyalty will no longer support a console - these companies have to acquire the mainstream audience, there's simply no way around it. The mobile market is taking an enormous amount of the gaming industry's capital into its sector and pulling the multitude of million of casual gamers right along with it. While hardcore gamers typically think along the lines of, "good riddance," the more money that stays in the dedicated gaming sector, the brighter its future is.
The next decade is going to be interested to watch unfold!
For "PlayStation fans" that own both a Vita and a PS3, the ability to take PS3 games on the go is in no way a hindrance. But to anyone who doesn't own a Vita and isn't currently prospecting the purchase of a Vita in the near future, the simple fact that the majority of the titles available for the console are also available on the PS3 is absolutely a hindrance to the console. Why would/should anyone buy an expensive handheld console to take the exact same games you already own with you, when you can purchase a 3DS and get a vast quantity of excellent first and third party exclusive titles for it at a significantly lesser install cost, especially when you factor in the cost of the proprietary memory cards?
I enjoy my Vita just as much as the next guy, but the lack of support - and lacklustre past support - for this console from Sony itself is worrisome, in my opinion. Vita needs first party exclusives to get it selling, not ports of PS3 titles. Either Sony gives people a reason to start buying the handheld, or we are going to see even more third party and Indie support dwindle away for it. There's absolutely too much competition in the gaming industry these days with the mobile industry's recent explosion to let the Vita sit stagnant like it currently is.
Comments 1,032
Re: Review: Killzone: Mercenary (PlayStation Vita)
Great review Sammy-boy!
I downloaded the beta very nonchalantly, only to be floored with what Cambridge Studios has achieved with this release. I promptly went and dropped a preorder on it and your review is only making the wait until Tuesday just that much more difficult. It's pretty bad when you're ready for the weekend to be over and it hasn't even gotten here yet!
Re: Review: Dragon's Crown (PlayStation Vita)
@get2sammyb From what I gathered, Atlus was a bit disappointed that the cross-buy wasn't implemented, for whatever reason.
I've got it on both consoles (thanks to Atlus ) and while I absolutely love it on the Vita, the online is just so amazing on the PS3. It's so intense and well, a bit crazy, that I have to give it the edge over the Vita version, which has it's merits, as Ron stated, with the touchscreen controls and the simple fact that it is portable.
Buy it on one, or both, it doesn't matter - just make sure that you buy it. Haha
Re: Feature: Eight PS4 Titles That You'll Be Able to Play for Free This Year
I like free games!
Re: Review: Dragon's Crown (PlayStation Vita)
Great review Ron!
I loved this game on the Vita, but the online multiplayer on the PS3 version is simply not to be missed. It would have been awesome had Atlus been able to get the cross-buy enabled for it, especially seeing how the cross-save ability is already there and working perfectly.
Re: Feature: Sony's GamesCom 2013 Showcase - Did It Meet Our Expectations?
I don't set expectations, but the vast amount of indie love shown in the conference made me one very happy dude, indeed.
Re: GamesCom 2013: This Is the Launch Window Lineup for the PS4
Driveclub and Battlefield 4 it is for me.
Re: Rumour: Duke Nukem 3D: Megaton Edition Chewing Gum on Vita
I'll buy this the day it releases!
Re: Talking Point: Could PS4 Streaming Impact Native Vita Development?
Vita needs exclusive software to get it selling like it should. If Sony is banking on Remote Play to save this console, I think it has another rude awakening moment coming in the very near future.
It's a dang shame that Sony has left this incredible piece of hardware to sit and collect dust like it currently is. Killzone will be great, but the exclusive line-up of games for the console is far too small.
Re: Talking Point: Would You Buy a $500 PS4 and Vita Bundle?
@get2sammyb Sorry, I actually meant to completely agree with you talking point too! I do think that bundling it with the PS4 would be a sure fire way to get this handheld's install base climbing in the right direction.
As for the install base of the Vita, that does fall on Sony to fix, in my opinion. It has poorly supported the console, outside of a very few "great" games and has left it barren first party wise for far too long. Sure, Killzone is on the way, as well as Tearaway, but two or three games doesn't equate to a full turn around - one only has to turn an eye to the Wii U to see this.
Vita is an amazing handheld. It is a dang shame that Sony produced such an incredible device only to leave it dry for so long now. I'm very disappointed in Sony on this front.
Re: Talking Point: Would You Buy a $500 PS4 and Vita Bundle?
@get2sammyb And that is because of the lack of games. Indie games are fantastic, but digital titles don't sit on retail shelves and portable versions of big console titles are more or less considered to be "companion" games to a lot of people - unless your Nintendo, of course.
Vita needs AAA exclusive titles that make the system an absolute 'must-have' console. It also needs a lot more third party support, in the likes of exclusive RPGs from Square Enix and other top companies. Sony, on the other hand, needs to put Gran Turismo on the console real quick like.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Ten
Something REALLY fun.
Re: Round Up: We've Played a Ton of PS4 Games, Read Our Thoughts
I can't wait to get on that Battlefield 4!
Re: Reaction: Why You Should Stop Bleating About the PS4's RAM
@Visiblemode The cap right now is somewhere around 4 GB. The reason for this is because PC users out there are still using 32 and 64-bit OS systems.
Re: So, That PlayStation 4 RAM Saga Is Still Rolling
@Jaz007 Yes, it can indeed, but I think the differences will be marginal at best. The PS4 and the Xbox One will very likely be just as the PS3 and Xbox 360 are today. If you really care about power - get a gaming PC!
Re: Reaction: Why You Should Stop Bleating About the PS4's RAM
OK, not being a pain here, but just a few minor flaws in your piece Sammy (sorry bro).
The key point with the PS3 is that it doesn't need much RAM, because the Cell Processor computes so rapidly that it doesn't need to store much random memory - remember, RAM is (in part) where information is placed while the CPU is computing other things. Developers are used to needing to utilize RAM and weren't used to information being processed so rapidly (this completely changed typical development cycles), which is the main reason that the PS3 struggled so badly with developers in the early days of its lifestyle.
Without the Cell Processor, there is most likely no way that The Last of Us could run on a mere 256 MB of RAM. In fact, saying that it runs on merely that is not a factual statement, because of the architecture of the PS3.
Hate to be a stickler mate, but as they say: "them's the beans."
EDIT: Also, I'd like to point out that Sony could jam 32 GB of RAM into the PS4, but a CPU can only compute so much information. At some point, you can indeed have too much RAM. Is it 8GB though? I think that is doubtful.
Re: So, That PlayStation 4 RAM Saga Is Still Rolling
@get2sammyb RAM is absolutely the key factor at play between the Xbox One and the PS4, and if the PS4 is indeed lacking that .5 GB of RAM, it puts it ever closer to the Xbox One from a hardware perspective.
But here is the thing that most people seem to not get: no third party publisher is going to outperform on one of these consoles over the other. If they did, they would be at risk of severely damaging a business relationship - losing the revenue stream from a major platform (excluding Nintendo) runs the possibility of a loss well into the billions of dollars.
So yes, the arguments are nothing short of 'hot air.' Let's just say that, err... ... ... the PS4 is much preferred by, err... some... yeah; take that for what you can make of it.
Re: Review: Stealth Inc: A Clone in the Dark (PlayStation Network)
"with a name too crude to be published here"
Hehe, @get2sammyb, you should fill in ole Greg on what Push Square was like before we integrated it!
Awesome review Greg!
Re: Review: Dynasty Warriors 8 (PlayStation 3)
But I'm still playing Warriors Orochi 3!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Nine
@get2sammyb Yes, it is actually quite good indeed. It isn't perfect, but it is well worth giving a look at.
I've been toying with Puzzle and Dragons (iOS), Joe Danger Touch (iOS), Animal Crossing: New Leaf (3DS) and Battlefield 3 (PS3) this weekend.
Re: Here's the Grand Theft Auto V Gameplay Trailer You've Been Waiting For
@get2sammyb I believe that I will be spending my cash on it! Haha
Re: Talking Point: What Does Microsoft's Massive Xbox One-Eighty Mean for PS4?
This is a great move for the industry itself. Sony didn't need to dominate the next generation of the home console sector so easily - the end result of this is gamer's getting 'lesser' games. Competition is what drives our industry forward - not one company dominating the other (excluding Apple, of course).
Microsoft's Xbox has become a trademark of sorts for Western gaming as a whole, which is why it has, and remains to be the dominate console in the States. Seeing Microsoft's policies it wanted to implement with the Xbox One was disheartening. Not only were they anti-consumer, but they risked damaging consumer confidence in digital media in the gaming sector as well.
Personally, I have little faith in Microsoft these days. Windows Vista was a nightmare and Windows 8 is as well. It's corporate strong arm used against small independent developers - $40k USD to patch an XBLA game for Indies! - and it ongoing arrogance simply rubs me the wrong way. I get so tired of hearing Microsoft tell me how it is "innovating" and "revolutionizing" - I'll make that judgement for myself.
I've gotten off of Windows near completely, by swapping to Apple and Google (Chromebook), leaving only one laptop running Windows 7. I've long since rid myself of an Xbox 360, after multiple RRODs. The Xbox 360 is a fantastic console - I will never deny this! - but until the Xbox One finds itself a nice catalog of "must have" games (and a price drop), I will not be investing in anything Microsoft.
My 3DS XL will continue to be my primary gaming console for the foreseeable future.
Re: Reaction: There Is One Thing That Sony Could Learn from Microsoft at E3 2013
Very good article Sammy, even though I have to respectfully disagree with you in regards to the talking points. I personally thought that Sony did a fantastic job with its conference in regards to its pacing. The speech segments were targeted and brief, and no single game got overplayed - Sony's brick wall moment that was Wonderbook from during last year's conference or Nintendo's terrible presentation of Nintendo Land.
When Jack Tretton came on-stage this year and immediately humbled himself (and PlayStation as a whole division) to those who keep him in the position that he is in, that wasn't only honest, it was intentional. From the start of the conference to the end, it was blatantly obvious that this entire conference's tone was intentional and I'll point out a few key points for better understanding.
For starters, well, I've already mentioned it: Sony made it obvious that it knows that the gamers are what keeps PlayStation going. Secondly (and most importantly), throughout the entire conference we didn't hear Sony telling us how "innovative," "ground-breaking," "revolutionary," "magical," or any other enlightening words overused that are intended to set Sony up on a higher level, like we saw with Microsoft's conference and Xbox One unveil. This creates a disconnect between the company and the consumer; belittling the consumer, instead of the consumer seeing the product and deciding for themselves.
Games, games and more games. The conference was long and there were a lot of games shown off. Very few got in-depth presentations, but that was because of the time limitations. Most of them were third party, but this was another intentional part on Sony too - it shows the faith that developers/publishers have in the PS4; a stark contrast to both Microsoft and Nintendo right now.
Sony could have talked up the new PlayStation Eye, the DualShock 4 controller, PlayStation Move, and all the new casual titles it has on the way. But it didn't. Why? Because it wanted the world to see that it knows that the core gamers already understand that these things will be available on the PS4,and that Sony knows that the only way it will continue to thrive in this dynamic market is to support its core fan base first and foremost; Again, a stark contrast to what both Microsoft and Nintendo are currently doing.
I'm going to sound like a jerk here (and this isn't aimed at your Sammy), but while gamers do indeed want to see nothing but games in these conferences - it's time that gamers start getting involved with this industry, it is time that they start listening to a bit of what these guys talk about on-stage. These console are becoming extremely complex and the install price is quite high - we need to be briefed on these consoles and most importantly, we need an understanding of what the platform holder's desires are within the industry with these consoles that we are investing in.
In all honestly, I love the glitz and glamour of E3, but I also want to start getting keynotes from these platform holders as well, where we get to see these consoles functioning in a much more intimate setting - gamers can go back to playing their video games - and us industry types can get a much better understanding of the consoles, and what possibilities they hold over the next 5-10 years.
It's great to see that you're putting up tough criticism here on a Sony fan site, Sammy! Keep up the fantastic work mate!
Re: E3 2013: Polyphony Won't Keep You Waiting for Gran Turismo 6 on PS4
I'd much rather have Gran Turismo (PSP) on the Vita, than Gran Turismo 6 on PS4. Just sayin'.
Re: The Last of Us' Autosave Glitch Has Been Squashed Like a Bug
@irken004 I'd think that that is just the PS3 - what games doesn't freeze up the entire system at some point?
Re: The Last of Us' Autosave Bug Is Worse Than the Infected
@catcher82611 Thanks for that mate!
I've been playing offline without an issue, so far. I guess it's time to head back out of the game to download the patch again and get back at it.
Re: The Last of Us' Autosave Bug Is Worse Than the Infected
@RetryAgainEric That's what I'm currently doing. I've been held up in a phone call, but I plan to keep updating here to see if it works or not.
Re: The Last of Us' Autosave Bug Is Worse Than the Infected
I wiped the 1.01 Update and am about to start the game up - I'll keep you guys informed if this keeps me from getting the bug or not. I do know that this will keep my playtime offline for the time being, which isn't an issue for me.
Re: Feature: Eight New PS4 Indie Games That Should Be On Your Radar
@get2sammyb I've got a preview published already too, if you're interested. You know where to find it.
I just wish I knew how few minutes it was between the conference ending and my preorder secured. It wasn't many, that was for sure. Haha
Re: Store Update: 11th June 2013 (North America)
@get2sammyb @JayArr I know - right? I'm dying to get my hands on it myself! Haha
Re: Feature: Eight New PS4 Indie Games That Should Be On Your Radar
Transistor is one of my most anticipated titles... Ever!
Sammy, you totally forgot to add Ray's the Dead to this list too. I've played it - it's going to be an amazing title, that I'm stoked to see that it is now a PS4 exclusive.
Re: Review: The Last of Us (PlayStation 3)
So what you're saying is - it is a good game?
Re: Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate Adopts a Freemium Model on PS3
Yet another reason why Tecmo Koei remains to make money why so many others are losing.
Re: Feature: Five Things That Sony Should and Shouldn't Do at E3 2013
Sony has this next generation of the "gaming" industry sitting right in front of itself for the taking if it plays its cards correctly. Microsoft is clearly wanting to play more of a back-seat role with the Xbox One, much like Apple does with its platforms. Sony has the perfect opportunity to win over the vast majority of the gaming community with the PlayStation 4, which will only be done if it does just as you say Sammy, by showcasing what gamers truly want: games.
Don't be surprised if the Xbox One does win over the mainstream audience and outsells the PlayStation 4 in worldwide install units, because of its non-gaming entertainment offerings. Even if it does, Sony can still retain the gaming community by keeping the games flowing.
Re: Microsoft Praises Sony's Efforts in the Digital Domain
It is nice to see corporate figureheads paying respects to their competitors.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Six
@Sanquine If you like indie games, then Ouya is a good investment. At the moment, there isn't too much available on the service, but it will grow. Ouya can be preordered through a variety of retailers (Amazon, Best Buy, etc.), or you can preorder it off of the Ouya site itself.
Re: Review: Resident Evil: Revelations (PlayStation 3)
@Gamer83 I wish I had the time to play games through multiple times, but I don't even have the time to play through the games I already own once, as it is. Haha
Re: Review: Resident Evil: Revelations (PlayStation 3)
Great review Sammy.
I can definitely see how this could be lacking on home consoles, but played on the 3DS with the lights out and a good set of headphones on - especially without the Circle Pad Pro attachment, to limit the controls (like they should be) - Revelations is bloody brilliant!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Six
Umm... I played Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D and a whole lot of Ouya this past weekend.
Re: Sony Suggests Vita Sales Forecast May Be a Worst Case Scenario
It is such a fantastic handheld to be doing so badly on the market.
Re: Knack Will Be Hopping onto the PlayStation 4 in Time for Launch
I'm a big fan of the classic PSone titles, and Knack and Drive Club are the two titles that I will buy a PS4 for on day one.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Five
I'm still whipping and slashing my way through the towers of Pandora's Tower (Wii) and absolutely loving it. At some point though, I do plan to get through the FUSE demo today, as well.
@Mike Enjoy! Ni No Kuni is fantastic and a pure joy to play.
Re: DriveClub Will Occupy a Different Space on PS4 to Gran Turismo
Can. Not. Wait!
Re: Sony to Celebrate 15 Years of Gran Turismo, Reveal the Future of the Brand
@get2sammyb Yeah, me too! Haha
Re: Sony to Celebrate 15 Years of Gran Turismo, Reveal the Future of the Brand
My predictions: Gran Turismo HD Collection for PS3, PSone titles released on PSN, Gran Turismo (PSP) released on PSN for Vita and glorious reveal trailer for Gran Turismo 6 for the PS4.
Re: Review: Deadly Premonition: The Director's Cut (PlayStation 3)
I've got to get my hands on this! This game just has my name written all over it!
Re: Talking Point: Are Cross Platform Games a Help or a Hindrance to the Vita?
@Ginkgo Even though I'm in the US, I'm the editor for a site that is based out of Australia. I've learned a few things about Aussies in the past year and that is that they are dang fine journalist (all sectors) and that gaming is an extremely expensive hobby in Australia. I had absolutely no idea just how expensive the hardware cost were there!
Re: Feature: Eight Exciting Indie Titles to Anticipate on PS3, Vita, and PS4
Where is the vote button for "All of them"?
Re: Talking Point: Are Cross Platform Games a Help or a Hindrance to the Vita?
@Paranoimia Oh, you know I have a Vita. In fact, I didn't buy my Vita on day one, I paid $60 bucks extra to get it a week early! Haha
But with what I was referring to was from an industry minded perspective - the angle that I typically write/think in. Here on a "PlayStation" fan site that statement does indeed sound off a bit, but when you look at the gaming consumers as a whole - not the gaming 'community' alone - bias and preference takes no precedent. Sales numbers are concrete proof that 3DS is preferred over the the Vita. I'll break this down for you a bit more:
If you look at both the Wii U (current) and the 3DS before its price reduction, the hardcore Nintendo fan base support is a handful of million deep. This gives a rough idea of the loyal Nintendo fans who will purchase anything "Nintendo," regardless of cost. Vita (current) shows us the exact same thing, because it is still priced outside of the mainstream consumers' pocketbooks. When you take away the bias/preference you will see that all three of these consoles are similar in nature and none of the the numbers are supportive a console itself.
The 3DS' price reduction and influx of game releases landed it in the appropriate price range for the mainstream audience to start buying, which continues to grow as word of mouth and market share continually climbs higher. If you remember, the 3DS was getting worse press than the Vita, because the 3DS was thought to be damaging to gamers' eyes.
If there is one thing that the recent trends have taught us, it is that brand loyalty will no longer support a console - these companies have to acquire the mainstream audience, there's simply no way around it. The mobile market is taking an enormous amount of the gaming industry's capital into its sector and pulling the multitude of million of casual gamers right along with it. While hardcore gamers typically think along the lines of, "good riddance," the more money that stays in the dedicated gaming sector, the brighter its future is.
The next decade is going to be interested to watch unfold!
Re: Talking Point: Are Cross Platform Games a Help or a Hindrance to the Vita?
@get2sammyb Yep. Existing owners will indeed (or most likely) sacrifice the cash for it, but I don't see it being a "system seller" either.
Re: Talking Point: Are Cross Platform Games a Help or a Hindrance to the Vita?
For "PlayStation fans" that own both a Vita and a PS3, the ability to take PS3 games on the go is in no way a hindrance. But to anyone who doesn't own a Vita and isn't currently prospecting the purchase of a Vita in the near future, the simple fact that the majority of the titles available for the console are also available on the PS3 is absolutely a hindrance to the console. Why would/should anyone buy an expensive handheld console to take the exact same games you already own with you, when you can purchase a 3DS and get a vast quantity of excellent first and third party exclusive titles for it at a significantly lesser install cost, especially when you factor in the cost of the proprietary memory cards?
I enjoy my Vita just as much as the next guy, but the lack of support - and lacklustre past support - for this console from Sony itself is worrisome, in my opinion. Vita needs first party exclusives to get it selling, not ports of PS3 titles. Either Sony gives people a reason to start buying the handheld, or we are going to see even more third party and Indie support dwindle away for it. There's absolutely too much competition in the gaming industry these days with the mobile industry's recent explosion to let the Vita sit stagnant like it currently is.