Comments 227

Re: This PS5 Ad Isn't Going to Make Stock Any Easier to Find

xDD90x

Excellent Ad!

My only critique is the part when the words "Backwards compatibility" appear followed a few seconds later by "Play 4000+ PS4 games on PS5". Would have been preferable if that first caption read "PS4 Backwards Compatibility" since that is the full extent of the support.

Re: Nintendo Wii Exclusive Sonic Colors Could Be Lighting Up PS4

xDD90x

I missed this game when it first released and I finally got around to playing a few months ago. I just couldn't play passed the first few levels. The graphics were too dated and I found control and movement to be a bit clunky. This is coming from a lifelong sonic fan. I thought the soundtrack was great, though.

I was genuinely surprised that I couldn't enjoy it since I've heard great things about it and it is often compared to Sonic Generations, which I loved. Especially since I play older games regularly and can usually adjust to them.

Maybe some updated graphics and controls will change my mind.

Re: Talking Point: Would You Buy a PS1, PS2, or PS3 Emulator for PS5?

xDD90x

@deathaxe Well GOG is DRM free, so that's not really comparable; it's more understandable that publishers would have concerns over piracy there. We're talking about closed consoles and old games. These same publishers are already selling their last 8 years worth of releases on PlayStation Store. There's just no reason to believe they wouldn't want to offer their legacy catalog on PlayStation when they're already doing the same on Xbox.

Re: Talking Point: Would You Buy a PS1, PS2, or PS3 Emulator for PS5?

xDD90x

I don't really see the sense in this approach.

Why would so many publishers want their legacy games available for sale on Xbox, but not on PlayStation? They would certainly license to PlayStation if Sony offered the feature. All they have to do is submit the games and pricing to Sony and Sony must do the rest, like Microsoft does. The platform holders then earn a commission off each digital game copy sold. Sony can't lock the emulators behind a paywall. Charging users for a feature that their competitor offers for free would generate more negative buzz than not supporting the feature at all.

Microsoft has a team dedicated to back compat and they do all the testing themselves. In fact, to ensure the best experience possible, each game is packaged in an optimized version of their emulator (as opposed to one master emulator that runs all games), which they modify for each title (actually, Sony took this approach for PS2 on PS4). This is the reason why there are still many older Xbox titles that are not supported; they must evaluate whether enough people are interested in playing a game for all this work to be worthwhile. And even if Sony were to go with the master emulator method, testing for each title and maintenance is still required.

This explains why Sony is unlikely to take the same approach; it simply isn't worth it for them. Unlike Microsoft, Sony's pockets aren't overflowing with near-infinite streams of cash. Let's not forget that the corporation was a sinking ship financially only a few years ago. They have become a much leaner company since their recovery. As such, they're not likely to make such a significant investment in a back compat team when it may not be all that profitable, especially when they're already the market leader.

Believe me, this situation upsets me more than most, but it's the reality, unfortunately.

Re: PS3, PS Vita, and PSP Online Stores to Close This Summer, Says New Report

xDD90x

This is really upsetting. I still buy PS Vita and even PS3 games from time to time. Still have a few games on my wishlist. It was frustrating enough already that we can't shop for these games on the web store.

I wonder if games that support cross-buy between PS4 and Vita will still provide entitlement for both versions. Hope they run a big sale before the end.

Re: Poll: What Free PS4 Games Are You Most Excited to Play?

xDD90x

@Nem I think you completely misunderstood my comment.
I was responding to a question about updating PS4 games to utilize PSVR 2, i.e. PS5 hardware. So I extrapolated from what developers have stated about PS5's back compat implementation and its limitations that updating PS4 software to utilize hardware designed specifically for PS5 is not currently possible. I mentioned Xbox incidentally to show that this is possible on that device. The two implementations are indeed very different. Check out NX Gamer on youtube; he has done in depth analysis on this topic.

I did state that PS4 games work with PSVR on PS5, which is simply a fact. And as I acknowledged, it's not out of the question that PSVR 2 will be compatible with games designed for the original, but I am pretty confident it won't be. If I end up being wrong, I'll be sure to come back and admit it here.

Re: Poll: What Free PS4 Games Are You Most Excited to Play?

xDD90x

@DeepSpace5D I don't think so because PS5's backwards compatibility seems very limited.

Developers have explained that PS4 versions of games can't utilize PS5 hardware, e.g. Rocket League can't run above 60fps via back compat even though PS5 supports up to 120hz. The games aren't "aware" that they're running on different hardware. The games that have received patches with enhancements simply allow for unlocked frame rate or dynamic resolution scaling, so they're basically unleashed due to the overhead of extra compute power.

Contrast this with Xbox's back compat solution which does allow for old games to be patched so they can utilize new hardware (software is in Microsoft's DNA while hardware is in Sony's, so we see this reflected in their strengths and weaknesses respectively).

So I can't say 100% for sure, but I doubt PS4 games could be patched to enable the use of PSVR 2, unfortunately.

Re: Poll: What Free PS4 Games Are You Most Excited to Play?

xDD90x

@DeepSpace5D
I think it's very unlikely PSVR 2 will be backwards compatible because they would have to somehow emulate the old tracking system through the new one which utilizes a very different method and tech. The games are still playable on PS5, but you'll need to continue using PSVR 1 to play them. I imagine we'll see a few of the more popular titles get native ports for PS5/PSVR 2, however.

Re: Seven Year Old PS4 Game Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends Complete Edition Gets PS5 Compatibility Patch

xDD90x

I hope Sony will continue to improve backwards compatibility on PS5 to address issues that some games have. Because if it is left to the developers to patch them it's unlikely that will happen. I wouldn't be surprised if this is the only case.

I would rather not need to keep my PS4 hooked up should I ever want to play Assassin's Creed Syndicate or the Batman Arkham collection–two other titles that exhibit errors when running on PS5.

Re: Poll: What Other First-Party PS4 Game Needs a PS5 Update?

xDD90x

I was of the minority who voted for The Last Guardian. I did so simply because it's one of those titles that is already enhanced when running the unpatched versions from the disc, so it should be minimal work to update it.

Death Stranding is a similar situation since the game can achieve 60fps on even weak PCs.

Otherwise, the Uncharteds really deserve a patch to allow 60fps, bringing parity with the ND Collection. Especially because we know the game can support it since it already does in multiplayer.

Shadows of The Colossus would be great at 4K/60 too. Of course Bloodborne is an obvious pick, but I'm not sure how realistic that is considering its age. While Horizon would also be welcome, but I'm pretty sure Guerilla has mentioned that the game was designed specifically for 30fps, but maybe that was before the PC version was planned.

Finally, TLoU 2 is another obvious pick, but I'm pretty confident that a native PS5 port is in the works, so I wouldn't waste my vote on a patch.

I think for many of these titles it could be a simple matter of unlocking the frame rate. Most already have enhanced resolution for PS4 Pro.

Re: Soapbox: PS5 Backwards Compatibility Has Kept Me Glued to My Next-Gen Console

xDD90x

I just wish PlayStation would commit to patching a few more SIE-published titles to take advantage of the PS5's extra power. I'd rather not play unpatched versions of GOW and The Last Guardian to run them at 4K/60fps. Death Stranding and Shadow of the Colossus are a couple more great candidates for a patch. I omitted Bloodborne and Horizon since those are older, so that might be asking for too much. And it's likely TLOU 2 will receive a native port. As for 3rd-party, I'd love to see Jedi: Fallen Order.

I mean, how much work would this require?

Re: PS3 Gets a Surprise Firmware Update, Available to Download Now

xDD90x

I still have my PS3 hooked up and play it on occasion, but my Dualshock 3s are starting to fail. All analog stick related. The older controller's sticks are very loose and the newer one had really bad drift issues. I opened it up to try to fix it, but now it doesn't work at all.

I was surprised to learn how difficult it is to get a new PS3 compatible gamepad. New DS3s on ebay are mostly fake and the third party options are just not good. I bought the GameSir G4s which works great on mobile, but on PS3 there's noticably increased input lag. I could use a Dualshock 4, but then I have to sacrifice rumble. And who knows how much longer this console is going to last. As it is, this unit replaced my launch system which died of ylod (was a sad day when I had to trade it + $100 to Sony for the Slim model).

This is just another example of why backwards compatibility is important.

Re: Soapbox: I've Missed the Feeling of Having a Backlog

xDD90x

I've had a backlog since 2008 and it just keeps compounding with every passing year. I try to play games in chronological order according to year of release with a few exceptions. I'm about 4 years behind in terms of modern releases. I also have a backlog of retro games and PC/Xbox titles that I've postponed playing until I get a gaming PC someday. Don't even get be started with Nintendo. Their game prices have dissuaded me from having a Switch backlog, let alone the console itself. On the bright side, I probably pay < $15 per game on average.

Here's what I played within this past year:
Titanfall 2
Sonic 4: Episode 2 (PS3)
Batman: Arkham Knight
Uncharted 4
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
Infamous: First Light
The Last Guardian
Metro 2033 Redux
Knack
Rise of The Tomb Raider
Batman: Arkham VR
Dishonored Definitive Edition (playing)

Re: Sony Designed PS5's Biggest Feature Around Thriving Single Player Games

xDD90x

I wish game developers would include a feature to help players quickly re-familiarize themselves with the game's controls and systems. I'm thinking of games such as The Witcher, Assassin's creed, Metal Gear, and even Batman, which all have complex controls and gameplay mechanics.

I often find myself wanting to go back and play those titles, but I dread relearning how to play. It could be like the tutorial missions in older games, but more focused and quicker to complete. Something similar to the training modes in Mortal Kombat. Assassin's creed Unity had something as well. But I'm envisioning more of a comprehensive refresher course of sorts that covers everything and could be completed in 5 to 10 minutes.

Re: PS5's Hidden Web Browser Can Be Used if You Know How

xDD90x

The only time I use the web browser on PS4 is with the 'Search Internet' feature for trophies. I find it very convenient to get help with a trophy in just a few clicks and on the same screen I'm playing on. I doubt this will ever be on PS5 since this would compete with the new Game Help feature, which by the way is of no help to non-Plus subscribers like myself.

Re: EA Details Inconsistent Next-Gen Upgrades for PS4 Games

xDD90x

@PeterN80 That's referring to the signal that the PS5 outputs over HDMI. It can still run games at 1440p. They just won't output at that res on a 1440p monitor. It will be upscaled from 1080p. And on a 4K display this game will upscale to 2160p even though its internal res is half of that.

Re: EA Details Inconsistent Next-Gen Upgrades for PS4 Games

xDD90x

It's disappointing that Jedi Fallen Order isn't on this list. Even a patch that just allows 60fps at higher res would be welcome.

Unless the game's uncapped fram rate setting already runs at boosted res unlike other games that cap it at 1080p in this mode. Can anyone confirm?

Re: PS5's Limited SSD Storage Space Cannot Be Upgraded at Launch

xDD90x

@JoshuaTChandler This.
I'm almost certain Sony has said that PS5 games can indeed be stored on an external drive, but they would need to be transferred to the internal drive in order to be played.

This will be much faster than re-downloading games and will be beneficial to those like myself who's ISP imposes a monthly data cap.

Re: Sony Informing Users of New PS Store on Web and Mobile, Launching This Month

xDD90x

It was upsetting enough that they're needlessly removing PS3, PSP and Vita content since a simple solution to remove clutter would be to filter out that content by default and provide a function for users to toggle them back in.
But the removal of the wishlist is just deplorable. What online store doesn't have a wishlist in today's day and age? This is a standard feature that likely increases sales. I know I personally have used it almost exclusively to make my purchases. I buy many dozens of games over a console's lifecycle, but I can't afford to buy them at full price, so I add them to my wishlist and when PlayStation runs a sale, I simply scan through my wishlist to see if any are included. I've made nearly all of my PS Store purchases this way. I currently have over 70 games in my wishlist.

There's no acceptable reason for this other than if they're removing it temporarily for technical reasons and will implement a new version in the future. But if that's the case, they should comminate this to their users.

I'm normally not one to complain about the decisions platform holders make, but this one is just unreasonable and beyond upsetting.

Re: Ghost of Tsushima Supports 60 Frames-Per-Second on PS5, Better Load Times

xDD90x

Can someone please confirm the details of these unlocked frame rate settings? Is there already a setting for this in the current version, or will this be part of a future patch.

Is it like infamous first light where performance mode and frame rate are two independent settings? Or is it like Rise of the Tomb Raider where it's either 4k/30 or 1080p/unlocked? I would like to know for GOW as well.

I ask because PS5 should be able to run PS4 titles at full 4K/60fps, so it would be disappointing if the only way to play at 60fps would be at 1080p.

I'm happy with insomniac's decision to do a full remaster for PS5 and feel it's worth paying for. But for the many other titles from other devs, I hope they at least offer patches to enhance the visuals for PS5. Even if it's just res/fps boosts.

Re: Sony Launching New PS Store on Web and Mobile This Month

xDD90x

This is a bit upsetting. While I rarely use my PS3, I still have a few games in my wishlist that are exclusive to that console. I rely on the web store to purchase PS3 games because the native app crashes the system 90% of the time. Then I can download them from purchase history under account settings. Now I'll have to go through my wishlist and record all the PS3 (and Vita) games onto another list and risk crashing the console when I eventually try to make a purchase.

I get the need to clean up the store, but I can't help but feel there is a way to accomplish that without this compromise.

If Sony doesn't want to invest in PS3 backward compatibility, then at least don't make those games even more inconvenient to play than they already are.

Re: Sony Confirms Spider-Man PS5 Remaster Is Not a Free Upgrade

xDD90x

This is kind of disappointing... I mean, on one hand they deserve to be paid for the additional work they did to enhance the game, but on the other hand, the competition is doing the same at no additional charge with Gears 5, among other titles. The least they could do is offer a discounted paid upgrade path. But to not even offer the title as a standalone?! That's just taking it too far...

Re: Sony Confirms Spider-Man PS5 Remaster Is Not a Free Upgrade

xDD90x

@michaelf Count me as number 2 of the 6. My copy is still sealed on my shelf since November. This is despite this game being my most anticipated one ever. I'm still playing through the backlog; currently up to 2016, so was getting close to this 2018 title. Now, I'm just going to wait until I get a PS5 to play the remaster. Anyway, I have a big enough backlog to tie me over and I want to experience this game in all its glory. I'll probably sell my PS4 copy along with my PS4 Pro once I can confirm that I won't lose anything in the transition to PS5.

Re: Fans Want to Know if They Can Upgrade from PS4 to Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered on PS5

xDD90x

I'm glad to see a post about this because it's been stressing me out. Even before Spiderman 2018 was announced, Insomniac has been my favorite developer and a quality Spiderman game was my dream game. So it will probably be shocking to hear that I still haven't played it yet, despite owning the complete addition since November (couldn't resist at $15). I just don't have the time to play like I used to and the backlog is real. I'm not going to be getting a PS5 in its first year, so now my debate is whether I should hold off until I eventually get one to play the enhanced version. And if I do, will I have to buy it again even though my PS4 version is still on my shelf sealed.

I think the answer is obvious though: Since most people who pick up Miles Morales already own the original, if the upgrade was free there wouldn't be any incentive to buy the ultimate edition. So it's definitely not going to be free. However, it would be great if Sony offered a paid upgrade at a reduced price for owners of the PS4 version.