The last few weeks I’ve been asking people whether they were looking forward to the Vita at all. Obviously that time has passed, so the question now is: have you got a Vita, and how are you enjoying it?
Yep, I got one on release day.
I’m really impressed – I didn’t think I’d like the interface since I’m a big fan of XMB, but I’m happy to be proved wrong. And also I didn’t think touch screen would suit a console but its so much easier to navigate the menus. The actual buttons are pretty small and most of us are used to smart phones with touch screens now. Uncharted: Golden Abyss is also proof that touch screen technology has a place in console gaming, at least with handhelds.
It’s also great to check PSN message on the move!
Oh, did you get the 3G model too?
Yes I did – although I’ve not touched Wipeout 2048 or the £5 credit I put on… a fiver for 250Mb is expensive. But maybe one day I’ll have no Wi-Fi access and have just earned a hard trophy in some remote location, then the 3G trophy sync will come into its own!
Yeah, a 3G trophy sync after getting that Platinum and then wandering into a patch of quicksand! That’d be pretty important, right?
One’s legacy is important.
Breaking news – email says PS+ get Journey early… Woohoo!
[This interview was performed over a week ago, for your information – Tef]
It’s early in the US, the last I saw. The EU will probably get the same, though. You’re excited for it, I take it?
Yes, I am – for the first time ever I ignored a review. This game seems like it needs to be experienced first hand, and the less known about it the better.
I too haven’t read the review. I find myself preferring to go into a game without knowing much about them these days. The beta for Journey was great, though. Did you have a quick go with that?
I wasn’t fortunate enough to try it, no. And I wasn’t too keen on Flower – although I appreciated it. But Journey looks great, I like the idea of random encounters with other players – and the exploration. That was one of the initial appeals of FF7 for me.
Well, by the sounds of it, you’re in for a treat. The random encounters are an interesting move, certainly. I can’t remember if I had a random buddy in the beta.
Its probably my most anticipated game this year, and maybe Dead Space 3 or Dead Space Vita, if released in 2012.
Those will all be very high up on many people’s wish lists.
Oh, that makes me feel fairly generic…
Well if it’s any consolation, I’m also sure you’re still in the minority, what with GTA5, CoD: Black Ops 2, AC3 and plenty more besides!
I feel better already. I’m still sore about how badly Black Ops MP ran, maybe 20fps at best – terrible! And gun sounds made by school children. I will no doubt get GTA5, though.
Lots to choose from. Not sure how much I’ll be getting, though. I feel that we could probably ramble on quite a bit more about games in all shapes and sizes, but it’s time to ask: how did you first come across TSA?
It was actually for selfish reasons, I heard you were giving away a codes for a Heavy Rain demo. Or there was some kind of Heavy Rain puzzle you had to complete and TSA (as always) had the answers! I actually only signed up in February last year but prior to that I occassionally checked the site. Now I’m an addict, which you may have guessed.
I like the mature crowd, people willing to help, that kind of thing.
Indeed, I’ve just looked you up, and you’ve been a member for 1 year, 1 month and 1 leap day, at the time of writing. Have you got any front page features that you’ve enjoyed in your trio of 1s here?
I like the What We Played and WeView features. Its interesting to hear about what you guys, and fellow members play, and their respective opinions.
Who have you really got along with on TSA? Are there any chaps you’d like to give a firm shake of the hand and discuss games over a pint one day?
Well, if they’re buying: Origami Killer, Forrest, freezebug2, Crazy_Del, mcphatty, Rocket.
I’d be happy to have a beverage with any of the guys I’ve played games with. It couldn’t be before Sunday as its someone’s 18th birthday (legal and all). Del would probably already be in the pub. I imagine Forrest to be very wise, he always seems very articulate with his responses. Eldave0 seems to like What We Played as much as me. McProley is my best mate, so he’d come too!
Sorry if I missed anyone!
Haha, and who would you be prepared to buy a drink for?
I’m not afraid to put my hand in my pocket. I’m a sucker for a round of sambuca (black, obviously). So everyone, but they don’t get to choose!
Sounds like it’ll be quite a night!
I have been known to have a few mad ones. Wanna come?
Sure. Why not?
Gaming is a good hangover cure.
I dispute that. Bright, flashing lights, staring at a screen for a few hours and often loud sound effects? That’s just going to induce more pain.
I seem to be immune to that, with 20 years experience and all. Plus being a dad and husband I have to grab my gaming when I can! I don’t get to choose anymore. Gone are the 9-hour Fallout sessions.
Indeed. I assume you don’t get much time to yourself outside of TSA and gaming, with a wife and kid?
Not as much as my backlog requires, but I don’t do too badly. Three evenings a week when my wife works, then here-and-there when I can. My son Felix is a lot of fun though, so I don’t feel like I’m missing out!
I see you passed the naming pain on a generation, and gave your son a cat’s name!
We get the cat reference a lot, but I think it’s cool. Got the inspiration from one of the Basement Jaxx members, plus it means “Lucky” – and we certainly are.
Sadly he’s too young to game, but Daddy has one hell of a gaming collection to pass on to him. I still have all my DS, PSone, PS2 and PS3 consoles and games. I never sell anything and keep everything mint with a lot of Special/Limited Editions.
I’ve really enjoyed our somewhat rambling chat today, but it’s getting a bit late, so I feel it’s time to bring this to a close with the usual, oft dreaded question. Snog, Civil Partnership, Smother and Shark Attack the four OMM Podcast hosts Peter, Lewis, Kris and Kev?
OK, firstly I must apologise for not ever listening to a podcast, something I intend to put right. So, naturally, I’m going to associate these people with people I’ve met of the same name, and decide that way.
So, Snog Kev, Civil Partnership Kris, smother Peter and Shark Attack Lewis. At least the guys can know it wasn’t personal.
Well, we can’t all be perfect. At least you tried! It’s been a pleasure talking to you, but now that it’s time to end, do you have any final words for the readers that made it this far?
Well thanks for reading this far. And if I’ve ever upset anyone with my comments, please don’t hold it against me. I mean no harm!
Thanks again to Youles for coming along and doing this interview. See you all next week.
gazzagb
Couldn’t agree more with you about Blops 2, I just don’t have faith in Treyarch any more even though they produced some of the awesome WW2 games, the game mechanics in Blops was awful. Plus, their story telling isn’t as good as IW’s. Nice to meet you too!
Youles
I didn’t mind the story in WaW or Blops but the MP didn’t not run well. I just hope the next game isn’t a direct port! :(
gazzagb
Loved WaW SP, but just didn’t get on with the Blops SP, didn’t have a clue what was going on with the interrogation scenes which just left me confused.
Death_In_Flamez
I’d think I’d go as far to say as after this whole Strict false NAT type issue I’ve lost all faith in COD as a franchise….lovely to meet you Youles also :P
Youles
Thanks mate! :)
Origami Killer
Great interview :) How are you finding Journey now btw? im guessing you have downloaded it :P
Also completely legal for me to have a drink now lol, thanks for the mention.
Youles
Journey is great, I actually only fired it up for the first time this morning!
Origami Killer
I just want somebody to say its bad!:P Otherwise Ill have to get it sooner or later to try it out for myself.
Mike
For me it’s ‘meh’. I much prefer Flower. I didn’t read anything for it before playing it and when I played through it and finished I just though ‘Wait, what?’. It’s a beautiful looking game with calming effects – which the developer always tries to produce for their games but I just couldn’t help comparing it to Flower and thinking I preferred that instead.
7/10 for me I think.
Origami Killer
Dont need to buy it now XD
Mike
Haha, the all-knowing, all-powerful Mike has made your decision? :P
I’m not saying it’s a bad game, but for me personally, it isn’t a 10 I’m afraid.
A well made game but replay-ability is seriously lacking imo
Origami Killer
haha, yeah, that was all I needed for me to say “Im going to give it a miss now” :)
Youles
The game is gorgeous and unique, but not sure it’s worth a 10/10 yet…but I’ve not finished it.
Roynaldo
Nice to meet you descendant of Santy Claus :)
Youles
Likewise! :) Sadly none of my relatives are elves though.
freezebug2
Great guy, and knows how to handle a Dualshock….what more do you want?
:P
Had great fun with the Friday co-op sessions with a great result, after the Shuttle eventually contacted Houston (got mic’s working :P)
I’m afraid that I couldn’t have a pint with you mate, it’d have to be Pop for me or a ladies drink (Yahoo and lemonade?) as I new year resolutioned the drink back in Jan 2011 {:O
Youles
Thanks for the kind words….and impressive self control with the drink!! ;)
tonycawley
Good to meet you youles, you seem to get some good gaming in considering you’ve got a new kid. I seriously struggle and mine is 2 years old now. I’m online when I can be but struggle to pre-arrange anything.
Youles
Well I’m luck that the wife works 3 evenings a week :)
Also, he’s only just woken from a 3-hour nap! It’s gonna be tough when he stops sleeping during the day, lol!
Taylor Made
Lol you usually get emails starting with ‘Mrs’ lol that had me in tears.
I feel like I now know my new psn buddy, we have to kick it sometime on a game of peace walker or something
Youles
If people have emailed me “Mrs” at work, then call the office, I put on my most manly voice possible! Not sure whether this is to embarrass them, or to make myself feel better after having my gender incorrectly presumed?!
Indeed, we should organise something through the Peace Walker thread in the Meets forum! ;)
KeRaSh
That’s nothing. When I was younger random people on the phone thought they were speaking to my mother when I picked up the phone… :D
Youles
Ha ha…so long as you don’t get it too much these days! ;)
KeRaSh
Luckily I’m past that. :D
Youles
Thanks Teflon btw, I enjoyed our chat. Love the GameBoy pictures amongst the text – that takes me back! Links Awakening really was fantastic!
teflon
You’re more than welcome! :)
aerobes
I was pleased to see Links Awakening mentioned. Amazing game and my favourite on the Gameboy at the time along with Kirby’s Dream Land.
Youles
Glad someoneelse appreciates it too – it’s an incredible game, even by today’s standards, which considering how old it now is, is saying something!
I didn’t play Kirby but Wario 4 (or was it Mario Land 4, Wario Land, or something like that) was a good GameBoy game!!
TSBonyman
That was agood read, nice to find out a bit about you Youles.
I use the controller keyboard too. I’ve gotten so used to the extra weight that whenever i swap a DS3 mid-game, i’ll often transfer the keyboard onto the newly charged DS3 because it feels too light. Damn clumsy design but probably the most useful PS3 accessory i own.! :)
Youles
Thanks! I do exactly the same thing, I even managed to pick up a second keyboard for £7.99 for my other DS3, so no need to swap, lol!
McProley
Pleasure to meet you sir! *tips hat*
Youles
Afternoon squire.
Forrest_01
I get the feeling that these two may already know each other! ;)