Playstation 5 Console Discussion

[killthenet]

I don't think Herman Hulst is very good at his job

[Hero-of-Time]

Looks like Sony is sniffing around Kadokawa.

Quote

NEW YORK/TOKYO, Nov 19 (Reuters) - Sony is in talks to acquire Kadokawa, the Japanese media powerhouse behind the "Elden Ring" game, two sources familiar with the matter said, as the technology giant looks to add to its entertainment portfolio.

The talks between the two sides are ongoing and, if successful, a deal could be signed in the coming weeks, the sources said.

Sony declined to comment. Kadokawa said it cannot comment.

 

[Dcubed]

Sony really are going for that anime monopoly huh?

This really shouldn’t be allowed when they already control so much of the anime industry as it is.  Never mind the ramifications on the game industry (most notably From Software and Spike Chunsoft), Kadokawa are a huge Japanese media conglomerate in their own right.

[Hero-of-Time]

21 minutes ago, Dcubed said:

Sony really are going for that anime monopoly huh?

This really shouldn’t be allowed when they already control so much of the anime industry as it is.  

I'd be very surprised if it is allowed to go ahead for the very reason you said. They own a lot of that market already and so would they even be allowed to purchase even more of it?

[Hero-of-Time]

This rumour has popped up about the acquisition.

Quote

For those who don't know, Kakao has been rapidly buying up Kadokawa's shares over the past year and there are signs of a potential takeover. If they're negotiating a buyout with Sony, it's likely so they remain Japanese owned. That's also why regulators won't interfere. 

 

[Hero-of-Time]

Huge update for Portal owners.

Quote

Just over a year ago, we launched our first dedicated remote play device, PlayStation Portal remote player, with an aspiration to deliver a console-quality gaming experience on a handheld device. PS Portal was an ambitious product for us, and we have been delighted by the positive response from our fans and to see that our vision has resonated with the community.

Today we're pleased to announce a new system software update for PS Portal that will begin releasing starting later today (Europe release begins Wednesday), which will introduce refinements in the audio experience, including:

Speaker audio output adjustment to make the volume lower when the audio level is set to minimum
You will now be able to adjust settings of your PlayStation Link device from the PS Portal Settings menu, allowing you to optimize the volume and sidetone volume.

This update will also include a beta version of a new feature that many fans have been asking for – support for cloud streaming on PS Portal. When the update is live, PlayStation Plus Premium members will be able to participate in a beta for cloud streaming on PS Portal, allowing select PS5 games in the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog* to be streamed directly from our servers, even without a PS5 console.

Since Cloud Streaming (Beta) on PS Portal is still an experimental offering, the features available during the beta period may change over time and may not reflect the final experience.

Features available during the Beta
Stream select PS5 games in the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog
Over 120 PS5 games from the PS Plus Game Catalog, including Dave the Diver, Ghost of Tsushima, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Monster Hunter Rise, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, will be accessible on PS Portal via cloud streaming*

Streaming up to 1080p/60fps**
DualSense wireless controller features, including haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, speakers, touchpad (emulated on the touch screen for PS Portal), and motion sensor***

PlayStation Plus Cloud storage
Save data and game progress can be stored up to 100GB and will be automatically synced with your PS5 console, making it easy to switch seamlessly between local and streaming gameplay, and between multiple devices.
Cloud Streaming (Beta) for PS Portal will be available through the PlayStation Plus Premium plan, which is offered in the following locations:

It no longer being tethered to the PS5 will be a bit of a game changer for a lot of Portal owners.

[bob]

Does that mean you can buy one without owning a PS5 and play PS5 games via the cloud? 

Would be pretty cool if it wasn't $160 a year.

[Hero-of-Time]

On 11/19/2024 at 6:52 AM, Hero-of-Time said:

Looks like Sony is sniffing around Kadokawa.

Looks like their interest is legit.

 

[Hero-of-Time]

8 hours ago, bob said:

Does that mean you can buy one without owning a PS5 and play PS5 games via the cloud? 

Would be pretty cool if it wasn't $160 a year.

Reading people's impressions of the update, that does seem to the case.

I suppose it could be worth it depending on what games eventually come to the service. If it allows a person to play all their digital games then that would be great but if it's tied to what's only available on PS+ then it becomes a bit limited.

I've still no interest in it be it's certainly a cool update.

[Jimbob]

18 hours ago, Hero-of-Time said:

Reading people's impressions of the update, that does seem to the case.

I suppose it could be worth it depending on what games eventually come to the service. If it allows a person to play all their digital games then that would be great but if it's tied to what's only available on PS+ then it becomes a bit limited.

I've still no interest in it be it's certainly a cool update.

Seems that way.  Mystic tested the Cloud features on a video the other day, was some input latency (but the Cloud streaming is in beta stage still, so to be expected).

It's powering through now with Xbox now offering more Cloud gaming options for already owned games (50 at the moment).

Maybe one of these days, you won't even need a PlayStation console, just a Portal (or a version of it)

[Hero-of-Time]

As per tradition, the BF sales have started and so it was time for my yearly spending spree and pick up some games that I've been waiting to drop in price.

Never played an SMT game before (3DS one has been sat on the shelf for years) and figured I would give the new one a whirl. It was only £15 at Smyths.

Jurassic Park collection I've mainly bought for the Mega Drive and SNES versions of the game. I have fond memories of playing both as a kid.

Helldivers II is one I've been interested in since it launched but never got around to playing it. With it being £20, as well as all the awards it won at the Golden Joystick, I figured I would give it a go.

Sonic, Outlaws, Metaphor and Steller Blade were ones I knew would drop in price during this sale and was happy to wait for this to happen. 

Having played and loved Star Ocean First Departure R this year, I was more than happy to give the sequel a chance. Shame that the first game never got a physical release.

This year has been nuts for releases. There are still games like DBZ, Silent Hill, Dead Rising, Lego Horizon Adventures and Warhammer 40K that I would like to buy and play but they have yet to be discounted.

[Ike]

8 hours ago, Hero-of-Time said:

As per tradition, the BF sales have started and so it was time for my yearly spending spree and pick up some games that I've been waiting to drop in price.

 

The PS5 version of Sonic Gens is £28 on Amazon. Shadow's story is more demanding so the PS5 version runs better.

[Hero-of-Time]

5 minutes ago, Ike said:

The PS5 version of Sonic Gens is £28 on Amazon. Shadow's story is more demanding so the PS5 version runs better.

If the PS4 version comes with a free PS5 version then I usually go with that. Two for one price and it comes in handy if I decide to do 2 playthroughs and go for a double platinum.

[Ike]

3 minutes ago, Hero-of-Time said:

If the PS4 version comes with a free PS5 version then I usually go with that. Two for one price and it comes in handy if I decide to do 2 playthroughs and go for a double platinum.

Ah, I should have zoomed in and seen that on the cover.  

Wasn't aware they still did that.

I keep forgetting I bought Sand Land. Really should get round to it.

[Hero-of-Time]

Just now, Ike said:

Ah, I should have zoomed in and seen that on the cover.  

Wasn't aware they still did that.

Yeah, most 3rd party games do. It's why I bought the PS4 version of Turtles as well and continue to purchase Yakuza games for my PS4.

[Hero-of-Time]

Shu is leaving Sony/PlayStation.
 

Quote

SID: Happy to have you, we're going to do a lot of catching up. But I heard you had some news for us here today?

SHU: Yes, I have an announcement to make. I'm leaving Sony Interactive Entertainment on January 15 2025… it's like announcing the launch date of a new game, [something] I haven't done for a long time [laughs].

SID: You've been with Sony Interactive for so long. What's guiding the decision and the timing?

SHU: I've been with PlayStation from the beginning, and this is my 31st year with PlayStation. And when I hit 30 years, I was thinking, hmm, it may be about time for me to move on. You know, the company's been doing great. I love PS5, I love the games that are coming out on this platform. And we have new generations of management who I respect and admire. And I'm so excited for the future of PlayStation.

So you know, PlayStation is in really good hands. I thought, okay, this is my time.

 

Edited November 27 by Hero-of-Time

[Dcubed]

34 minutes ago, Hero-of-Time said:

Shu is leaving Sony/PlayStation.
 

 

Damn.  End of an era…

Even though he’s kind of been in very much a background role these last few years, that’s still a big loss for PlayStation.

Wonder where he’s going next?

[Hero-of-Time]

49 minutes ago, Dcubed said:

Damn.  End of an era…

Even though he’s kind of been in very much a background role these last few years, that’s still a big loss for PlayStation.

Wonder where he’s going next?

He was the last remaining personality in the company that gave PlayStation a human touch. It's very much all dry and corporate now.

[Hero-of-Time]

More chatter about the acquisition from Push Square.

Quote

One of the biggest stories in games right now is Sony's potential acquisition of Kadokawa Corporation. In a new report from Bloomberg, it's claimed that the two companies have been in talks about a buyout for years.

According to the report, the pair has been back and forth on a deal for a long time, with the main issue relating to the extent of Sony's purchase. Kadokawa apparently wants Sony to purchase the entire company or not at all, while the tech giant has attempted to be more selective, only looking to secure its business in anime and video games.

Now, though, it seems the corporations are closer than ever on getting a deal done. Kadokawa recently confirmed it had received a letter of intent from Sony to acquire the business.

Kadokawa Corp is a huge force in Japanese entertainment, publishing a significant amount in the realms of comics, books, anime, and games. Notably, it's the parent company of FromSoftware, known for its highly acclaimed action RPGs like Dark Souls and Elden Ring.

Apparently, the company has received interest from various potential buyers, such as Microsoft, Tencent, and Kakao. Tsuguhiko Kadokawa, a founding member who was against a takeover, is no longer in the picture, and the publicly-traded company is now better positioned for a buyout.

Sounds like they are looking/wanting to sell. Microsoft wanting to snap them up doesn't surprise me at all.

[Happenstance]

 

[Julius]

New feature update available.

Download and restart, like, now - don't go asking any questions 

 

Just...chills.

Also we kind of get themes now?!

And generation-specific sound effects?!?! 

Can we keep these please?!

Edited Monday at 03:32 PM by Julius

[Hero-of-Time]

That anniversary trailer was great. 

6 minutes ago, Julius said:

New feature update available.

Download and restart, like, now - don't go asking any questions 

  Reveal hidden contents

Just...chills.

Also we kind of get themes now?!

And generation-specific sound effects?!?! 

Can we keep these please?!

I just got the update but didn't bother restarting. I was kicking off because it was yet another update for the console. Yeah, I'll allow this.

[Julius]

Which of the 30th anniversary themes has everyone settled on using? 

After toying around with all of them there was only one real choice for me:

(PS2 ofc)

With the 30th anniversary upon us, curious if anyone's got some interesting memories to share, or perhaps a ranking of the PlayStation consoles – not necessarily by library, but by what they mean to you? 

For me I think it would be:

1. PS2 - the first console I bought myself not too long before the PS3 kicked off, so many great games played at the time and so many games originally released on it which I've played through remasters or ports on other consoles since over the years. 

2. PS4 - my love for the games may have started elsewhere in flashes before getting the PS4, but this is the console which really awakened my passion for the medium. And what a console to help you fall in love with a new medium it was. 

3. PS1 - where it all began for me. I was really young when I played the PS1 back in the day, and so memories of the console are loose, but what I remember I remember very strongly. Much simpler times. Like the PS2, so many games I couldn't play at the time I've got my hands on some other way since and the brilliance of the system still shines through. 

4. PS3 - simply because it's the only one I didn't have during or around its generation cycle, you may remember I didn't pick one up until just before COVID lockdown settled in back in March 2020. What I've played on it I've loved, but it definitely shows its age at times. 

5. Vita - wrong place, wrong time. Vita may be life but picking one up as an adult who prefers to play on a TV or monitor...it was always a tough sell. Especially with how many games have either been ported to console or how many stupidly haven't been. I simply haven't played it enough - or enough of its library - to grow a level of attachment to it. First console I imported from abroad, though, and damn does it feel so premium in the hand. 

PSP - never owned one...

Jury, of course, is still out for the PS5. But with half the generation gone at this point? I feel like there have been great games but not nearly enough of them, and I am still playing PS4 games in the best way possible more than I am current gen games. Second half of the PS4 generation was where it really sang, though, so I'm not about to give up hope on it just yet. 

Happy 30th PS, and here's to 30 more 

[drahkon]

8 hours ago, Julius said:

With the 30th anniversary upon us, curious if anyone's got some interesting memories to share, or perhaps a ranking of the PlayStation consoles – not necessarily by library, but by what they mean to you? 

Don't wanna do a ranking, because I'm a lazy sob, but:

The PS1 is probably the one that changed gaming for me. It was the first console (+ game) I bought with my own hard-earned money I saved from my allowance back in 1998.
I saved for quite a long time and once I had the cash ready, my parents took me to a local store only to find out that it had a "buy a PS1 and get Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped for free" available. Lucky me

I've also told this story a few times: with the PS1 I've bought/played my first Final Fantasy (IX) game and have been in love with the series ever since

[Hero-of-Time]

I just went with the standard 30th anniversary theme. 

I'll write about a couple of the consoles here and maybe a few more later on, if time allows.

PS2

I didn't buy one at launch but instead waited for a few games (Onimusha, Escape From Monkey Island, The Bouncer, Gran Turismo 3) to be released. I think all of these arrived the June and July of 2001. I then went to Charlies (independent game store that used to be in Newcastle) and snapped up the console and all of these games. I played the hell out of all of them and GT3 was often talked about amongst the lads at my place of work at the time.

Later in the year, Jak and Daxter, Devil May Cry, Simpsons Road Rage, Tony Hawk's 3 and Grand Theft Auto 3 were released. It was a hell of a winter line up.

The original Jak and Daxter remains one of my favourite platformers of all time and solidified my love of Naughty Dog. They had managed to combine the colourful platforming of Nintendo games but added some great characters, voice acting and story to the mix. It was a generation where the PS platform outdone Nintendo when it came to platformers. Both this and Ratchet and clank were miles above Mario Sunshine, which was ultimately a disappointment. 

Grand Theft Auto 3, that game was a cultural phenomenon and went on to shape many games in the industry. At the time, I had played nothing like it and to this day it still remains a magical game. I played and platinumed it a couple of years ago on the PS4 and even though the controls are very clunky by today's standards, the game has a very special place in my heart. 

Tony Hawk's 3 is a hell of a game and it's still my favourite in the franchise. I never owned any of the first 2 games but only had the demo from the Official PlayStation Magazine. I played this game so much and spent ages unlocking everything the game had to offer. This meant playing through the whole thing multiple times with each of the characters. For me, this is where the series peaked and even though I played a few other entries after this one, they never felt the same.

The Simpsons Road Rage was a weird one. Yeah, it was a licensed game but it was stupidly fun. Driving around Springfield, learning the map and hearing all of the sound clips/voices from the show made for a great time. I actually preferred this to both Crazy Taxi and Hit and Run.

The following year seen the release Metal Gear Solid 2 and Final Fantasy X. These are two games brought the hype to a whole new level. 

While not my favourite in the series, Metal Gear Solid 2 was something very special. With the rise of the internet and AI, the message it tells has only got better with age. The fact that Kojima was able to do the old switcharoo with the main character was an amazing thing to pull off. This is something that would be very difficult to do now, what the internet being a far bigger place and people loving to spoil things for everyone else. The game was probably the first bit of software to really show what the PS2 could do. I remember watching trailers over and over again, just being in awe of the graphics and the theme tune, which sadly the can no longer use.

This was the game that many people, myself included, bought Zone of the Enders for.  

Final Fantasy X was another game where my hype was through the roof and the game certainly lived up to the hype. It's still one of my favourites in the franchise. I know a lot of people didn't care for how linear it was but it's something that never bothered me. I loved the pilgrimage/journey that all of the cast went on and the themes of the game have certainly resonated with me more as time has gone by. A lot of the religious themes were kinda of lost on me when I played this a youngster but playing it again when the PS4 remaster arrived, things hit a lot harder and made more sense. 

I can't talk about Final Fantasy X without mentioned one of my favourite bits of videogame music ever created.

 

 

The piece is so moving and the way it is used in the game is just perfection. I often toy with the idea of having it as my funeral song. Morbid thought, I know. 

Those were just a handful of titles that shaped the PS2 for me. Worth mentioning though is the backwards compatibility. Any console that allows for a previous generation's games to be played gives it a massive boost in my eyes. The PS1 had an amazing library of games and having that available on the PS2 was just the cherry on top of a very sweet cake. Oh, and it being a DVD player was also a fantastic addition. The Switch will eventually take it's sales crown but the PS2 will always be king to me.

PS4

It's 11 years since the release of this console and I'm still playing on the thing. Yet again, it's a console that I didn't buy at launch but it went on to be one of my favourite consoles ever and has smoked every console since. It was the generation where Sony came back swinging and hit all of the right notes. Microsoft will never forget this...

It was console that was priced right, powerful enough, appealed to pretty much every developer, easy to develop for and had an abundance of games, both exclusive and 3rd party. I don't think there has been a console where I've played so many games on it.  It was also where I went all in on trophies, after leaving the Xbox/achievements ecosystem behind me. I dabbled on the PS3 but here is where I truly got into it. 

This is the console that really saw Japanese developers get back in the swing of things. The 360/PS3 generation was a mess when it came to releasing JRPGs and they were few and far between. The PS4 really correctly this probably and done so in an amazing fashion. Dragon Quest XI, Persona 5, Final Fantasy XV, Kingdom Hearts 3, Tales of Berseria, Dragon Quest Builders, World of Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts Collection, Final Fantasy Pixel Collection, Nier: Automata, Valkyria Chronicles, Trails of Mana, Final Fantasy VII: Remake....not to mention the PS Classics range that seen the likes of Wild Arms and Legend of Dragoon getting released. It was fantastic to see the revival of this genre on home consoles.

The Yakuza franchise had been around for some time but it never really hit it big. The release of Yakuza 0 on the PS4 changed that. The game quickly found success and with it, the entire franchise was eventually made available to the PS4. It took me a couple of attempts to get into the series but once it clicked, It has now become one of my favourite gaming series ever. The story, characters and writing and unlike anything that the rest of the industry puts out and the franchise only seems to get stronger with each new release. You would think that they would have ran out of idea by now but this isn't the case at all.

The PS4 seen the return of Monster Hunter on a PlayStation platform. The franchise had finally come home. I had endured years of the series being stuck on handhelds and underpowered hardware and I had been screaming for ages that it would do stupid numbers if it returned back to a home console. Thankfully, this finally happened with the release of Monster Hunter World and it paid off MASSIVELY for Capcom. The game has went on to sell over 20 million units and another 7 million with the Iceborne expansion. It had proved that there was indeed a huge market on consoles and PC just waiting to jump into the franchise and the game delivered on every front. I'm eager for the release of Wilds to see just how that fares and if the series is still attractive to the console userbase.

Another series which I fell in love with on the PS4 were the FromSoftware games. Bloodborne was my first attempt at getting into the Souls games and I took to it very quickly. Years of playing Monster Hunter and grinding in JRPGs pretty much were all the training I needed when it came to playing these games. After Bloodborne, I eventually played Dark Souls 1, 2 and 3, Sekiro and Elden Ring. All of these games have certain things in common but also feel very unique. Each of them were a fantastic experience to go through and really pushed me as a gamer. A lot of games are quite forgiving these days and that's fine because it does make them more accessible to a wider audience but it's great to see a developer who stood by their ideas and simply told people to get better in order to progress. I'll say again what I've said over the years, the games aren't really brutally difficult. It's more about patience more than anything else.

Yeah, 11 years on and still going strong. I could probably not buy any games for a year, stop playing my other consoles and still not catch up with PS4 games. Insane.