Everything to do with our favourite pastime! Reviews, recommendations, sells/swaps, problems etc. Whether they are on the latest consoles, arcade or retro classics. It's not the winning or losing, we came to play!
Misfit wrote:I want you to be right, but where is there to go other than more realistic?
It's just a new graphics card in your PC.
Off the top of my head: AI that doesn't suck. Story-based games not being constantly utter shite. Better physics.
It's not just a new GPU, it's a new CPU, increased (faster) RAM etc.
I love some pieces of the gen we've just had and how that's following into the new gen (cross-platform MP I'm looking at you) but cross-gen by its very definition means a game will only ever be a shinier version of a game that could already exist. There can be no new features that genuinely make benefit of the new hardware. And if that's the case, why would I buy a new machine?
There was a really prominent example last time we did this: Shadow of Mordor. Released on PS3/360 and for XO/PS4. The game's biggest new feature that hadn't really been done before was the Nemesis system, where the enemies would learn and adapt to your play style. That feature was entirely missing on the previous gen versions. It wasn't that it was watered down, rather it simply didn't exist.
So yeah, the bulk of this gen has been diluted (at this current time) to a GPU and HDD upgrade. And that's nice, it's absolutely OK to want to play older games in a shinier fashion. But the idea that new games are coming out or being developed that are automatically hamstrung by needing to work on the prior gen.... that's not why I'd ever buy a new console.
I think the majority will still be cross platform. Games that will take advantage are just too expensive to produce to ignore the existing userbase in the current climate.
But hopefully, they will do as your example, build more into the next-gen version to make it worth the move.
Posted this in the VR thread, but worth mentioning here too...
With Giles talking Moose Life on the PS4 I thought I'd check out the state of play of PSVR on the PS5.
As I thought there were indications it was being dropped I was a little concerned the PS4 Pro would have to stick around for longer (it probably will anyway, and I have to admit I've not touched PSVR since getting a Quest), but the good news is it works!
You get the same improvements as the PS4 Pro version, nothing more at this time but maybe there will be patches/enhanced PS5 versions in the future?
It won't work with the new controller, so you'll still need your dual shock and move controllers, but it's likely you'll have both if you have PSVR - AND you'll need a camera adaptor to plug in the PS4 camera (the PS5 camera won't work).
The good news is Sony is giving them away free! Just use the links below. You will need the serial number off the back of the VR processor unit.
Misfit wrote:Well from what I'm reading Cyberpunk is pretty much a next-gen only game.
Whilst it works on the PS4 and Xbox One, it doesn't sound like you'd want to play it on them!
Indeed...Although it just runs at a better framerate on the more powerful hardware. XSX and PS5 just run it in backward compatible mode so just same game running at 60fps or thereabouts.
There is apparently a next gen update due to be delivered at some point next year that will take advantage of the extra processing grunt the new machines offer. Shame really as this would have been an ideal showcase game for the new hardware.
All just goes to show that the hardware was released far too early - hey ho. At least my shiny new box loads things much quicker and everything runs that bit smoother. Also it was a bit cheaper than a new PC - although probably wouldn't have been able to build one anyway given the shortage of pretty much everything at the moment. Plenty of stuff on eBay though grumble grumble!
A light that burns twice as bright burns half as long.
Steam/Xbox/PSN User Name: CypherQ Switch - 8177-9514-5116
Did anyone get excited by Sony's State of Play event?
I've not checked it out yet, but did pick up on the fact the next Abe Oddysey game will be out on PS PLUS day one, which is nice, and the trailer for Deathloop looks very stylish. Love the Bond-like theme tune. Could be an interesting release as it's an exclusive to the PS5 (presumably time-limited?), but it's a Bethesda game. Which means it's Microsoft!
Yeah, I watched, but would struggle to say I was excited. Returnal and Kena both look very nice. I'm a bit annoyed Squenix are doing a pumped-up version of FFVII Remastered before fixing the PS4 version's crappy textures and bugs.
Watched it last night hoping something would convince me I need to get a PS5. Lots of cross gen there and few PS5 exclusives. Which is fine I guess given how early it is.
Also noticed that GT7 has been pushed back until 2022 and Sony are disbanding Japan Studio which is really sad news. One of the reasons I ended up always buying a Playstation console was to play a new TeamIco game. Still chappie who made the Ico games has partnered with Epic so his next game will be on PC. So guess its Sony's loss.
In other news enjoying Dirt 5 and Wreckfest on Xbox at the moment... good fun. Glad I didn't buy Dirt 5 for full release price as I would have been a little disappointed but its not a bad game at all lots of fun - although a little to easy I think as I'm no driving ninja but always seems to hit first and maintain a 10second lead by the end of the race. Need to look at the difficulty level I think! If you've not played it yet think a cross between Motostorm/DriveClub and you are about there.
A light that burns twice as bright burns half as long.
Steam/Xbox/PSN User Name: CypherQ Switch - 8177-9514-5116
MattyP wrote:In other news enjoying Dirt 5 and Wreckfest on Xbox at the moment... good fun. Glad I didn't buy Dirt 5 for full release price as I would have been a little disappointed but its not a bad game at all lots of fun - although a little to easy I think as I'm no driving ninja but always seems to hit first and maintain a 10second lead by the end of the race. Need to look at the difficulty level I think! If you've not played it yet think a cross between Motostorm/DriveClub and you are about there.
I've held off on Dirt as there's so much other stuff to play, describing it as "a cross between Motostorm/DriveClub" might have just sold it to me though
It's the start of Bethesda time on Game Pass. Hitting today are a lot of their titles (although the headline 20 is a bit much as some are already there. But a lot on PC and cloud too now).
Dishonored Definitive Edition (Console, PC, Cloud)
This complete compilation includes Dishonored, winner of over 100 Game of Year awards, as well as all of its additional content – Dunwall City Trials, The Knife of Dunwall, The Brigmore Witches and Void Walker’s Arsenal.
Dishonored 2 (Console, PC, Cloud)
Reprise your role as a supernatural assassin in Dishonored 2 – the next chapter in the award-winning saga by Arkane Studios. Play your way in a world where mysticism and industry collide. How will you combine your character’s unique set of powers, weapons and gadgets to eliminate your enemies?
DOOM (1993) (Console, PC, Cloud)
Doom introduced millions of gamers to the fast-paced, white-knuckle, demon-slaying action the franchise is known for. Relive the birth of the first-person shooter and experience the demon-blasting fun that popularized the genre. Doom includes Episode IV: Thy Flesh Consumed, with 9 additional action-packed levels and split-screen 4-player deathmatch and co-op.
DOOM II (Console, PC, Cloud)
Bring your trusty Super Shotgun and an arsenal of classic Doom weapons to bear against deadlier demons and the infamous boss, the Icon of Sin. Doom II includes The Master Levels for Doom II with 20 additional levels, as well as split-screen 4 player co-op and multiplayer.
DOOM 3 (Console, PC, Cloud)
Battle your way through a demon-infested facility before entering the abyss to battle Hell’s mightiest warrior – and put an end to the invasion. Doom 3 includes both campaign expansions – Resurrection of Evil and The Lost Mission.
DOOM 64 (Console, PC, Cloud)
Battle armies of demons in your crusade to hunt down the Mother Demon and stop Hell’s invasion. As you fight through more than 30 action-packed levels, be on the lookout for enhanced weapons and secrets to help you put an end to the demonic threat.
DOOM Eternal (Console, PC, Cloud)
Hell’s armies have invaded Earth. Become the Slayer in an epic single-player campaign to conquer demons across dimensions and stop the final destruction of humanity. Experience the ultimate combination of speed and power in Doom Eternal – the next leap in push-forward, first-person combat. The only thing they fear… is you.
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (Console, PC)
An epic, open-ended single-player RPG, Morrowind allows you to play any kind of character imaginable. You can choose to follow the main storyline and find the source of the evil blight that plagues the land, or set off on your own to explore strange locations and develop your character.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Console, PC)
Step inside the most richly detailed and vibrant game-world ever created. With a powerful combination of freeform gameplay and unprecedented graphics, you can unravel the main quest at your own pace or explore the vast world and find your own challenges.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition (Console, PC, Cloud)
Winner of more than 200 Game of the Year Awards, the Skyrim Special Edition includes the game and add-ons with all-new features like remastered art and effects, volumetric god rays, dynamic depth of field, and more. Also bring the power of mods to consoles. New quests, environments, characters, dialogue, armor, weapons and more – with Mods, there are no limits to what you can experience.
The Elder Scrolls Online (Cloud, Console)
Experience the award-winning story in a persistent Elder Scrolls world. Embark on an adventure that lets you play your way, go anywhere at any level. Battle, craft, steal, siege, explore and more.
The Evil Within (Console, PC, Cloud)
Experience a disturbing reality as you try to break free from warped machinations. With limited resources at your disposal, you’ll fight for survival and experience profound fear in this perfect blend of horror and action. Defeat insurmountable terror and experience the ultimate thrill by discovering The Evil Within.
Fallout 4 (Console, PC, Cloud)
As the sole survivor of Vault 111, you enter a world destroyed by nuclear war. Every second is a fight for survival, and every choice is yours. Only you can rebuild and determine the fate of the Wasteland. Welcome home.
Fallout 76 (Console, PC, Cloud)
Steel Dawn is the first chapter in the new Brotherhood of Steel questline, free for Fallout 76 players. Visit settlements populated with new NPCs and unlock powerful weapons and armor from the Brotherhood arsenal. Join in their mission to rebuild society and aid in securing valuable technology.
Fallout: New Vegas (Console)
Welcome to New Vegas. It’s the kind of town where you dig your own grave prior to being shot in the head… and that’s before things really get ugly. It’s a town of dreamers and desperados being torn apart by warring factions vying for complete control of this desert oasis.
Prey (Console, PC, Cloud)
Good morning, Morgan. Prey joins the Xbox Game Pass library tomorrow, taking you from the comfort of your home to the treacherous depths of space. As Morgan Yu, you’ll have to use your wits, weapons and strange powers to fight the alien threat that has overtaken the Talos I space station. Explore the station, upgrade your skills and abilities, and uncover the secrets of Talos I and the dangers within.
RAGE 2 (Console, PC, Cloud)
Dive headfirst into a dystopian world devoid of society, law, and order. Rage 2 brings together two studio powerhouses – Avalanche Studios, masters of open world insanity, and id Software, creators of the first-person shooter – to deliver a carnival of carnage where you can go anywhere, shoot anything, and explode everything.
Wolfenstein: The New Order (Console, PC, Cloud)
Wolfenstein sends players across Europe on a personal mission to bring down the fascist war machine. With the help of a small group of resistance fighters, infiltrate their most heavily guarded facilities, battle high-tech legions, and take control of super-weapons that have conquered the earth – and beyond.
Wolfenstein: The Old Blood (Console, PC, Cloud)
The year is 1946 and the Nazis are on the brink of winning World War II. In an effort to turn the tide in the allies’ favor, B.J. Blazkowicz must embark on an epic, two-part mission deep within Bavaria…
Wolfenstein: Youngblood (Console, PC, Cloud)
Set 19 years after the events of Wolfenstein II, BJ Blazkowicz’s twin daughters, Jess and Soph Blazkowicz — after years of training from their battle-hardened father — are forced into action. Team up with a friend to level up, explore, and complete missions to unlock abilities that compliment your playstyle.
Misfit wrote:It's the start of Bethesda time on Game Pass. Hitting today are a lot of their titles (although the headline 20 is a bit much as some are already there. But a lot on PC and cloud too now).
<Snip>
There are some seriously great games there if you haven't already played them (Fallout 76 is the only one I haven't played...I'm wasting my life playing videogames!).
I kind of felt this already with the recent Elder Scrolls and Fallout games, but seeing the other series listed like that highlights how most are on a steady decline. Some good series though so I hope the MS cash helps revive them.
Misfit wrote:It's the start of Bethesda time on Game Pass. Hitting today are a lot of their titles (although the headline 20 is a bit much as some are already there. But a lot on PC and cloud too now).
Huh - I never really had an opinion of Bethesda but seeing all those games listed out reminds me why. They've managed to straddle a narrow direction of gaming since the 90s that has constantly failed to grab me. Ultra-violent shooters, Deus Ex-esque "choice" shooters and RPGs that don't make any narrative sense. I respect their commitment in their attempt to keep 90s-era PC gaming going but man, $7.5 billion seems like a *lot* for what they offer into Game Pass
And yet when I look down that list to any of the ones I haven’t already played about 5+ years ago, there’s nothing I actually want to try
Naturally of course the fanboys are totally losing their collective shit on both sides about all of this. Totally predictable.
My personal feeling is that these sort of big buyouts by anyone are not ultimately good for the average gamer. I’m not going to buy an XboxSX1X (or whatever they’ve labeled their latest console as this week) especially, so I just miss out. But then MS miss out on my cash. If my Middle of the range PC can handle it then yay. Otherwise, boooo.
Just use the links below. You will need the serial number off the back of the VR processor unit.
