2013. Next year. That’s when the latest rumours for the next generation of consoles are marking the calendar. Think about that for a second – if the stories are correct, we could be getting our hands on the PS4 and Xbox Next (or whatever they’re called) any time from between eight months to about twenty, with many still thinking that E3 this year will see some kind of unveiling from both Sony and Microsoft, even if it’s just a taster.
It doesn’t really matter what they end up being called – marketing and branding aside – what matters is what they’ll do, and what they’re capable of. In terms of visuals, it’s clear that this current generation can’t really handle full HD, let alone 3D, without plenty of sacrifices, so hopefully whatever the manufacturers are working on will mean 1080p at 60fps before they start worrying about any other fancy technology.
But it’s not the boost in graphics that I’m most desperate for. I’m a keen believer that Halo is the best first person shooter ever made because of one thing: the AI. Running around blasting dumb enemies means nothing to me, but with Halo I always admired what Bungie had done with the squad intelligence and pack mentality, and the Elites – on the harder levels – felt like equals rather than bullet sponges.
If the next-gen can up the immersion this way – making things smarter rather than simply just prettier, I’ll be happy.
But there’s more to consider here – the latest on both new machines suggest that pre-owned games will be considerably crippled and, in the case of Orbis (the current codename for PS4) it sounds like backwards compatibility will also be out of the window, meaning that all your PS3 games (both on disk and digital download) won’t work going forward. You’ll have to keep hold of your current console, basically, and that won’t please many.
Of course, all this is just rumour at this stage, regardless of the sources. Even if elements are true, nobody knows for sure about what’s going to change right up until the machines are formally announced – but whilst the contents of the technical specs seem to differ from story to story, one thing seems to remain fairly constant: the date. I’d be hugely surprised if we don’t get our hands on them both next year.
But is that too soon?
stueeeee
I’m certainly not ready for a next generation, money wise and game wise. ive still loads of ps3 games to finish which would mean backwards compatibility would mean quite a bit. Not to mention i have all my music and pictures stored on the ps3….
Sympozium
I already hate the current games thats out.. Mass Effect, Call of Duty, Uncharted and Saints Row etc, etc so you know I hope each console is kind to the ones that are actually look exciting to play… like more good RPGs or rather more less generic but meh I’d probably stick with the Vita and wait and see how the PS4 goes in the beginning.
bigbaldwolf
I’m not sure about the next gen consoles. If they won’t let you played used or boorowed games then no. If there is no BC then no. I am more than happy with the visuals from this gen and there are a lot of really good looking games. I spend more time on games like disgaea then I do on games like uncharted and there is a massive difference there but the gameplay in Disgaea keeps me coming back. Oh and 3D doesn’t interest me either. Don’t want it and don’t care about it.
SH Number 7/Mini-Lipscombe
I agree with what you said, I very much want better AI as the main focus, but full HD would be nice.
cam the man
Same here. For a fifth generation game the AI in the current GT game is shocking.
djhsecondnature
Very much so. Been ready for a while and disappointed that it won’t be out this year.
seedaripper1973
Day one (as with any new gadget)
Origami Killer
Too early for me. I still think the PS3 has some more life left in it
BigCheese
Backward compatability is a must for me to want a new Playstation as early as next year. I hope the next gen inspires more than just Call of Dutys and RPGs, the lack of variety in unique, AAA games is saddening and I’m bored of my entire game shelf. Apart from The Last of Us and GTA V I’m only looking forward to FIFA 13 in the future!
BigCheese
I am a complete liar, I also am looking forward to the new Rainbow Six, Hitman and Sly Cooper games.
Origami Killer
Find it contradictory as you say FIFA 13 :P
MICKY17
I can’t wait for PS4. Hopefully I will be in a financially viable place in life when it comes out but would like it to be sooner rather than later.