The big news this week was the leak of some tangible details about the PS4K (or whatever you want to call it). With it likely to be launching later this year, perhaps alongside Playstation VR, how many of you will be looking to get your hands on one? And do you think Microsoft, already behind with the underpowered Xbox One, will be forced to release a better console too?
Put on your Michael Pachter analyst thinking caps, and let me know what you think as we start this week’s Community Round-Up!
Let’s start with the reviews, and if you’re a fan of the number 8, you’ve come to the right place my friend. We had 4 games earning an 8/10, all sharing the top step on our podium this week.
Aran brought us The Collider 2, a fast-paced space ship racing game perfect for short blasts, along with the “charming and colourful” Stories: The Path of Destinies. He describes it as being similar to a choose your own adventure books, which naturally lends itself to having a great deal of replayability.
Next, Star Fox Guard, described as “fun and frantic” by Dom was our third 8/10, while The Banner Saga 2 is the tactical RPG perfect for newcomers and fans of the first game according to Miguel who enjoyed the game.
Dropping our first point now and Yo-Kai Watch, which is taking Japan by storm, is one for little ‘uns to enjoy with its 7/10 from Dave. Our second Star Fox game of the week, Star Fox Zero, came in with a 6/10 from Dom who particularly enjoyed the Arwing space combat, but felt let down by the basic graphics and Walker sections.
Pang Adventures is a modernised version of the SNES game, Super Pang, however Jim felt that the “stunted and regressive gameplay” meant it was worthy of a mere 3/10. Our last review came from Dom, who looked at the Prif Freedom 1 Chat headset. With good audio quality and a comfortable design, the headset is easily recommended for it’s value for money.
From the previews, Kris brought us three more games he enjoyed at Rezzed, including Frozen Synapse 2, Black The Fall and Seraph, while he also had a more detailed look at event[0], a sci-fi game where you can chat with an AI computer as you solve complex puzzles.
Previews for God Eater Resurrection, alongside God Eater 2: Rage Burst, were delivered by Aran who thought fans Monster Hunter and Freedom Wars would enjoy, while Stefan looked at Episode 2 of Hitman. This episode, set in Italy, is “much bigger and better” and will be released this week for owners.
Elsewhere, Dave looked at the Wasteland Workshop for Fallout 4, which adds more things you can build in your base, as Matt went hands on with the Gears of War 4 Beta ahead of it’s open beta on Monday.
Cliff Bleszinski’s upcoming game, LawBreakers, is a fast paced FPS with an interesting twist: you can manipulate gravity. It looks great as you can see in Tef’s video, and he carried out an insightful interview with Cliffy B himself, where he talked about the game and the industry as a whole, including VR and eSports.
From the Blogs, Dom took time to reflect over the Xbox 360’s life, delving into the highs and lows following the news that Microsoft were discontinuing the console. Meanwhile, Tef looked at The Division’s Incursions update, and explained why he is ultimately disappointed with it, but had a lot more fun trying to hold an interview while playing the new Black Ops 3 Zombies map.
Last weekend’s Chronicle focused on the good news that Codemasters were taking Evolution Studios under their wing, and also the less than perfect launches the new VR headsets are having.
Finishing up, Kris was joined on Episode 217 of the Podcast by Dave and Peter (aka colossalblue), while the Queen wasn’t the only one to celebrate a birthday this week as What We Played hit #250!
Time to open up the Forums and have a look!
- Carrot finds a cool glitch in Plants vs Zombies
- And SpikeyMikey wonders if anyone is selling a copy of FF13 Lightning Returns on PS3
Well, that’s it for another Round up. I’ll see you again soon, bye!
Avenger
There have already been rumours of a new Xbox One console, although it’s hard to say whether it’ll be a refit or an upgraded model, but there’s definitely a distinctly different model in the works according to certain sources.
I’d certainly buy a neo PS4 given the option and extra money, but I’d be concerned about it being a Sony fad, an elite model that might fade out if it doesn’t prove popular with customers and devs. Not that being stuck with a more powerful PS4 is a bad thing as such.
gazzagb
But didn’t Major Nelson say that it would be bad to split the user base and have a new console mid cycle? I know MS are probably working on an upgraded console, but it will be interesting if they decide to match the PS4 / PS4k, or better it.
Avenger
I’ve no idea what’s been said in that regard, but it’s highly possible the new model is just a refit, nothing more. Apparently the various patents and filings have an end date near E3 territory, which suggests it’s just a new model that’ll get pushed out fast after announcement, as per MS’s previous refits.
I’ve a feeling E3 could get interesting whichever way it goes.
hornet1990
It is a difficult one, and a move that could backfire. Take myself; I hate not having the best gear, but am currently loathe to payout for a neo. Unlike my PS3 I really don’t feel that I’ve had value for money from my investment in the 4 era yet, so why would I double it (by buying a neo) for what is a relatively minor perf jump?
I have though been looking at getting an xbone, but if MS do release a neo equivalent spec (or better) update why wouldn’t I get one of those instead and switch my multi-platform gaming to it? Thus leaving my PS4 core for the few exclusives that interest me, at least until such time they start being the poor relation – which may happen in time if they switch over to neo’s as the main production model.
Either way I’m holding onto my pennies for now and am watching with interest to see how this story develops…
ron_mcphatty
Shame that MS didn’t bag the code name Neo, ‘The One’, I suppose there’s plenty of choices left though, Harry Potter, Anakin Skywalker, Jeses…
Avenger, when upgrading you’ve surely got to factor in the money you’ll make selling your original console? I was only £25 out of pocket going from PS3 Launch to Slim so to me a PS4K is really appealing, mostly for the inevitably better longevity, quietness and the few extra features a new model brings.
ron_mcphatty
Jesus!! Bloody autocorrect!!