Comments 2,979

Re: Sony's Live Service Push 'No Joke', A Lot of People Working on Horizon Online

somnambulance

Everyone in here is saying Sony doesn’t have a mascot like Ratchet and Clank wouldn’t be perfect for that role, or, even better, Astro Bot now. I don’t think Sony is trying to make Aloy the mascot, in the way I don’t think they’re trying to make Kratos one. Aloy and Kratos are just iconic characters. Sony sees the sales of Horizon and wants more money to shift from the franchise. Makes sense. Sales=people interested. A Horizon online like GTA online makes sense. Not sure I’d play it or not, but I’d check it out. Gameplay and setting are the strongest aspects of Horizon. The narrative and characters are the weaker points, so I think the series lends itself well to story sensing rather than story telling in the mechanic of a live service title. “Make your own story in the world of Horizon” is certainly a good selling point.

Re: Death Stranding 2 PS5 Will 'Come Out Next Year', Crazy Photo Mode Revealed

somnambulance

@Americansamurai1 There’s a couple games more interesting to me than GTA6 currently slated next year, Death Stranding 2 chief among them. Ghost of Yotei and Metroid Prime 4 top it for me too. If Judas ends up launching in 2025, that’s a bigger game for me as well.

I dunno. I’m sort of nervous GTA6 will disrupt the industry in the wrong ways by increasing the pricing of games as well. Way back when GTA5 launched, Bioshock Infinite beat it for my personal GotY that year too. But paring down to just DS2 vs GTA6, I know that DS2 will be more unique and feature things that appeal to me more from a narrative and setting aspect. DS1 is my favorite game of all time, after all. My taste has changed a lot since GTA5. I don’t really play violence simulators as often now.

Re: Fans Appear to Be Coming Around to PS5 Pro

somnambulance

Realistically, if I was living in my parents house and gaming as my only pastime and had little financial worry, I’d have a big, fancy TV and definitely would’ve preordered the PS5 Pro.

But as it is, that I’m in my 30s with a family, mortgage, two cars, etc, I have other things to accumulate debt for. At this point, I regret buying an Xbox this generation because it just sort of collects dust. Not throwing shade on Xbox because I did like the brand in the past, but I haven’t used mine in almost a year now. Gaming is getting to be a more and more expensive hobby with continued inflation, so I’m grateful for what I have because I’d struggle to buy a base PS5 right now.

Re: Kojima's Next Big PlayStation Game Physint Will Take Some Time to Complete

somnambulance

Death Stranding 2 is my most anticipated title of all time. Whatever Kojima is doing, I have full faith in the game. In my opinion, he’s made more 10/10 games than any other game maker, and has never released a game below a 9/10. Even if he decides to go back to Zone of the Enders or something totally left field, I’m there for it. I hope we get to see both DS2 and OD in 2025.

Re: With Timing Being Everything, French Union Calls on Ubisoft Workers to Strike

somnambulance

@Chupa_loyzer If Ubisoft enabled a work from home ordinance and allowed their employees to move wherever they pleased and acknowledged that their employees did so, it would be unjust for them to require them to return back to the office. If they facilitated this as their business culture and revoked it, it certainly would cause the loss of many jobs through silent layoffs and would certainly impact the morale of staff remaining. While I would not feel going to my office is an unjust practice in my case (as I spend 50+ hours a week there these days), if this has been the culture and the staff at large feels it will disrupt labor significantly, it is unjust for them.

Re: With Timing Being Everything, French Union Calls on Ubisoft Workers to Strike

somnambulance

As an American reading the comments, I come away from this as very jealous of my friends in Europe. The American approach to work is very cut throat and, in this particular economy, has grown very hostile. Theres layoffs left and right, storefronts closing down everywhere, and inflation is consistent whereas raises are not. Our political system is based on the idea that there is constant scarcity and both parties play on the paranoia that there will be less opportunity while also promising more opportunity in process.

I think it’s great that Ubisoft employees have the ability to strike against unjust practices and I’m glad they are doing this. Billion dollar companies, by virtue of the money they generate, must provide good working conditions for their employees. Even though, as an American, I do think their requests are odd, given that most of us just worked through Covid in offices, but, hey, it’s where they’re at! Great they had that and great they like it better! It’s a shame employers don’t read the studies on how to make people more productive typically, and prefer their employees be paranoid of loss instead!

Re: Slitterhead Is the Siren Successor for PS5, PS4 You've Been Craving

somnambulance

@DonJorginho I feel exactly the same. The only other game that comes to mind is Ghostwire, which was far more a generic action game that I ever expected. I don’t even know what I wanted out of this one either, but right now it looks like a modern rendition of the janky PS3 era off-kilter action games. That’s fine. I like those. But I didn’t want Slitterhead to be one of those. Again, not sure what I wanted it to be, maybe I just wanted it to seem more modern, but I was ready to preorder this two years ago and now I think I’ll wait for a good sale.

Re: Talking Point: What Was Your Favourite PS5 Game from State of Play September 2024?

somnambulance

Can’t vote for Alan Wake dlc? That is my authentic second place

Ghost is the clear winner, and honestly nothing else comes close.

Astro Bot DLC in second for me on the list because I need more Astro Bot.

Dino Crisis would be next if it was an option, but I voted Soul Reaver since it was an option, and then I’m casually interested in the Lunar Remaster about as much as Soul Reaver. I voted Soul Reaver though because I hope sales could generate a new game. I’m honestly not interested in much else from the SoP.

Re: Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater Looks Sublime on PS5

somnambulance

I feel a bit sad that a “fiercely loyal” remake looks more interesting to me than most new games. I mean, I love MGS, so I’m excited to replay MGS3 with new paint, but right now the only games I’m more excited about next year are Death Stranding 2 and Ghost 2 now. Man, do I wish there was a new MGS on the way.

Also, absolutely awful for Kojima’s name to be removed from this. He built the bones. I hope his name is in the credits somewhere and gets a paycheck from Konami for this remake.

Re: Ubisoft Board Orders Internal Investigation and Review into Company's Financial Woes

somnambulance

Following the delay and announcement of Ghost 2, I cancelled my Shadows preorder. If the game launched in November, I’d have all winter to tackle it, but now… who knows what else may release early in 2025? And why burn out on the samurai genre before a potential classic? I don’t hate Ubisoft like most people, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see why people feel distant from the brand. Prince of Persia is one of my favorite games this year, but that doesn’t stop it from being a baffling release that happened years too late after the brand recognition for the IP faded (and the marketing for the game was questionable too). 20 years ago though, Ubisoft was considered one of the better large publishers, so they could rebound. They’ve got the resources to restructure.

Re: The Biggest PS5, PS4 Winners from a Humongous State of Play

somnambulance

For me, Ghost was the clear winner. Outside that, Astro Bot and Alan Wake DLC will be nice to have, and Dino Crisis, Lunar, and the Blood Omen titles are good to see, so I guess old games are a winner too.

The losers to me, though, is the live service initiative. Not even a whimper on Concord or any of those titles is sort of strange. I wonder if Sony is going to silently abandon those games. The 2025 lineup is another loser. Ghost is good (and so is DS2, which is probably on hold for its own showcase Sunday), but it’s looking like we’ll have another year of sparseness and secrecy with the lineup, padded with old games being peddled to keep dedicated gamers engaged.

I dunno. Call me old fashioned, but having awareness of the release slate months in advance was nice.

Re: Round Up: What Was Announced During Sony's State of Play Livestream for September 2024?

somnambulance

More excited about old games than new ones except for Ghost. Ghost and DS2, provided they both launch next year, is pretty solid on the first party front for me. Both are more exciting that GTA6 in my estimation.

Really surprised we saw nothing of the Live Service line-up, perhaps Sony is cutting their losses there. The overall showcase was ok, but Dino Crisis and Blood Omen being more exciting to me than most new games sort of shows where I’m at.

Re: Palworld Announced for PS5, and It's Out Today

somnambulance

One of the most overrated games all year. It’s a pretty basic survival game with solid graphics and character designs obviously ripped off other sources (and it’s not just Pokemon). The excitement to support this one baffles me. I got a good 20-ish hours into it on Xbox and it’s ok at best. Once the novelty wears off, it’s so similar to so many other games, and the novelty is even in its reference to other games.

Re: Don't Nod 'Disappointed' by Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, Jusant Sales

somnambulance

I bought them both. Love Dontnod. Bought Banishers at launch and still haven’t played it, not sure why. I have a hard time staying up late to play the games too scary for my kids perhaps? I played through Jusant at launch though. Really unique game. I’m definitely buying Lost Records Day 1. Can’t wait for it! Sad they delayed it to avoid competing against LiS.

Re: What Time Is PlayStation's State of Play?

somnambulance

Since PlayStation seems so dedicated to the cause of remastering games, Vib-Ribbon please.

Hopefully preorders open on Death Stranding and RE9 gets announced. I’m honestly expecting nothing though. If those two things happen, it’s exceeding my expectations. I’m practically expecting a smorgasbord of GAAS and remasters and potentially Marvel games, given the last two years of showcases and way the news cycle has been going this year. Fairgame$ and Marathon must certainly be ready to be sent out to die by now, right?

I hope I’m wrong. Astro Bot proves good things can happen.

Re: State of Play Confirmed for Tomorrow, 20+ PS5, PSVR2 Games Included

somnambulance

Just let me preorder Death Stranding 2. That’s literally all I expect right now from Sony.

There’s rumors of RE9, but let’s be real: those rumors were circulating for Summer Games Fest too.

I’m going into this State of Play expecting to o be disappointed because then hopefully I can be surprised if something good is announced

Re: Rumour: PS6 Could Span a Console and Handheld Device

somnambulance

It’d be great if, you know, we actually got some more first party games this generation before we get to the next one.

Hate to say I’m not interested in a next generation right now, but yeah… sort of feels like the next generation will need to instill confidence it’s not a Remasterstation 6. Astro Bot got me excited for games again after a while, but it also reminded me of how many games happened in the past compared to today.

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 547

somnambulance

Astro Bot continues to be my go to, as I’ve not had much game time, so I just “help my son” when he wants to watch me play… and we’re using my save data, which is nearly complete now, rather than his, so who is helping who now? Anyway, I’m really close to having all bots and puzzle pieces, so that may happen this weekend.
Elsewhere, I’d like to play more Mr Mosquito and Skygunner. Talk about the best month of PS+ ever to have those two launch at once. I’ve yet to start Plucky Squire too, and I want to. Maybe this weekend?
I’m in no rush with games, as I had to buy a new car as an emergency (as a trade in) and my wife needed a new one too, so we collaboratively did the responsible thing. Now, I will have to rely on my preorders for the rest of the year, which means goodbye future Switch games as Zelda still isn’t even on Amazon to preorder. The insanity, am I right? So it’s looking like I’ve got four or five PS games for the rest of the year, which is plenty, but… man… maybe I can make an exception for Zelda, right? What’s money anyway? Who needs it? Maybe I can figure out a side hustle?

Re: Rumour: Days Gone PS5 Remaster Speculation Starts to Spread

somnambulance

Oof. This would be a bummer of a remaster announcement to me. I know plenty of people that liked Days Gone, but I could not for the life of me get into it. One of the weaker entries in the Sony first party catalog. After playing Astro Bot though, there’s so many other games I’d like to see get remakes and remasters!

Re: Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero Reveals Full 182 Character Roster Ahead of Next Month's PS5 Release

somnambulance

I can’t wait to see how this game manages the canon/nom-canon storyline in Dragon Ball. This is no doubt going to have all the convoluted things that we loved about the PS2 era and I am so excited for that.

I’d also love to read the list of characters. That image shows a lot, but it’s hard to tell.

And, man, Ultra Ego Veggie, Black Freeza, and Moro for dlc please

Re: Fresh Marathon Details Cover Heroes, Pricing, and Bungie's Silence

somnambulance

If Marathon wasn’t converted to be a “hero shooter,” I’d be more interested. I like the overall aesthetic of what we’ve seen, but I suspect this one will flop, same as Fairgame$ will. The live service push Sony is doing gets frankly more baffling by the day. I understand they want their live service games to be a “premium product” in comparison to their F2P peers, but you need robust games to justify a price point. Even CoD realized they needed a campaign to charge for a $60 package. I think that, largely, the industry has move past the live service model as we currently know it. In a world where The Finals is failing, despite its innovations and doing most things that would appear to be right, it’s clear that the current big GAAS ARE the market. I don’t see why some of these games don’t go back to the campaign + mp formula, which was a format that seemed to work. The campaign usually functions as a glorified tutorial that gets you invested in the characters. Seems so obvious that things were working and a few anomalies disrupted things for a new market that is largely complacent now as well.

Re: PS5 Exclusives Final Fantasy 16, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Failed to Meet Expectations

somnambulance

They didn’t fail to meet my expectations. I’d give both games a 10. Loved them both A LOT. Both would be top 5 for this generation for me, probably at the #1 and #3 spot, honestly. These are the games I dreamed about existing when I was a child playing FF4 and 6, essentially. I’m an outlier though because I’ve honestly really enjoyed Square the past decade. Final Fantasy, Triangle Strategy, Octopath, etc… To me, you’ve got a top developer with that kind of line-up.

Re: Horizon Zero Dawn's PS5, PC Remaster Is Very Much the Real Deal

somnambulance

If it’s a $10 upgrade then I’ll probably get it, but otherwise this would be another totally useless move by a Sony that seems hellbent on NOT listening to their customers. I could see the Lego game outselling a nothing but new paint remaster if it’s a full price remaster. Sony’s going to have to learn the hard way with bombs like Concord and inevitably the Until Dawn remake.

Re: PS5's Astro Bot the USA's Second Best-Selling Game in Its First Week

somnambulance

I feel like fear that Astro flopped is largely based in the fact that we’ve had so few “hits” this year. Almost every big game released this year hit at #1, so seeing that it’s in #2 sounds weaker than it might’ve sounded in other circumstances. It’s competing against a game that would make massive sales just by existing though, as sports games typically do. Seems like Astro has had a strong start and word of mouth may very well keep the hype coming. I’d love to see Astro become THE holiday title this year.

Re: Suda 51 Says 'Everyone Cares Too Much About Metacritic Scores'

somnambulance

I totally agree, even if a lot of my favorite games have reviewed very well. I think there’s a certain bit of judging a book by its cover that is missing these days and also a bit of word of mouth that’s missing nowadays. Plenty of games that had average-poor reviews at launch generations ago are considered classics now too. It certainly feels like gamers are now lumped into two parties now: Metacritic gamers and live service gamers. There is still a “blockbuster gamer” class, but it’s winnowing as sentiment against publishers like Ubisoft, EA, and Activision has been largely negative the last few years. I miss the ignorant years a bit. Those times were just about what games felt like your games rather than what is collectively, universally applauded.

I’ll admit I’m guilty of abiding by Metacritic score for a while during my tenure as a gamer, but now I largely follow Pushsquare, Happy Console Gamer, and Electric Playground, and even with those ones, I’m sort of aware of where our biases differ and I just sorta buy what I’m going to buy. Reviews help when I’m on the fence

Re: Poll: Are You Happy with Your PS Plus Extra, Premium Games for September 2024?

somnambulance

This is honestly a fantastic selection. Plucky Squire was going to be a day 1 for me. I’ve been on the fence about Under the Waves and Chernobylite. Night in the Woods and Road 96 are fun curios. And, man, Skygunner and Mr Mosquito launching together is just perfect. It makes me excited for what other deep cuts Sony might actually be thinking about. It gives me faith that Astro Bot is more of a Sony vision than we realized. I’m totally satisfied. In fact, I resubbed to Premium from Essential on the strength of this line-up. It might honestly be the happiest I’ve been with a month with the service.

Vib Ribbon and Um Jammer Lammy soon please?

(and I’m still praying for a Mega Man Legends drop, but the weirdness of this line up makes me feel like anything is possible)