Despite lots of noise to the contrary, it appears Sony isn’t prepared to give up on hardware just yet. Conventional consoles have had a place in living rooms for the last 30 years, so it’s reassuring to hear from Mark Cerny of Sony that the next PlayStation will be a high-end gaming machine, not a streaming service.
PlayStation 5 Details
Loading Times
One of the first things Cerny made clear during the showcase of the new PlayStation’s tech is that loading times will be a thing of the past. The preliminary guesses on the specs hold that the PS5 (which Sony hasn’t referred to as anything but “next-gen PlayStation”) will have a solid-state drive. Guesses hold that the SSD will have an impressive 256GB storage.
SSDs are notoriously expensive, but they offer a lot of great benefits that hard drives don’t. SSDs have notably faster loading times, bring up textures and maps with insane speed. Unlike hard drives, SSDs don’t have moving parts, making them less likely to wear out over time than traditional discs.
Other Specs
While every console generation is expected to have marked increases in tech under the hood, the next-gen PlayStation is set to bring brand new architecture to the living room. The preliminary specs show impressive pieces of hardware under the hood.
The CPU will be running eight cores of AMD’s new 7nm Zen 2 microarchitecture. The CPU itself will be of AMD’s Ryzen product line. Meanwhile, the GPU will be a custom Radeon Navi processor capable of advanced ray tracing. This will mark the first time ray tracing is available in a home console.
Other Notes
The next-gen PlayStation will support backward compatibility, making it a notably better investment than the PS4 or PS3 were at their launch. Neither of the prior PlayStation iterations had long-term support for backwards compatibility, largely invalidating existing game collections.
The system isn’t expected to hit store shelves until 2020. However, that would mean a markedly faster console cycle than some people were expecting. As of yet, we don’t know how much the system will cost. However, with the high-end specs, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the system at $600.
Sony recently unveiled plans to release a PlayStation Classic mini console. This is a clear follow-up to Nintendo’s highly successful mini consoles, the NES and SNES Classic. Much like those systems, the PlayStation classic is a plug-and-play console that is pre-loaded with games. While five games have already been announced (Final Fantasy VII, Jumping Flash, Ridge Racer Type 4, Tekken 3, and Wild Arms) there are set to be twenty. Today, to keep the excitement going, we’re counting down the top ten games we want to see join the lineup!
Back in the 90’s, hardcore lovers of all things racing had Gran Turismo. This one is remembered as one of the first games that looked realistic in its depiction of vehicles. Driving mechanics are smooth, responsive and realistic. When it came to driving sims, Gran Turismo 2 was the best. This one needs to be included just due to how influential it was. It largely sold people on the idea of the PlayStation as a serious system, not just a toy.
Another excellent second instalment, Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 is one of the finest skating games ever. Really, when you can manual anywhere, nosegrind rails and nail kickflips, what’s not to love? This game also featured a surprisingly robust park editor. Many an hour was wiled away just tearing up the skate park in this game. Video games and skateboarding go together like chocolate and peanut butter.
After Final Fantasy VII and VIII explored more futuristic worlds, fans were eager for a return to fantasy. Square delivered with the excellent Final Fantasy IX, a high-fantasy adventure set in the land of Gaia. The large cast of characters, deep mechanics and throwback theme make the game highly memorable. In a lot of ways, IX is the definitive medieval Final Fantasy.
7. Oddworld: Abe’s Exodus
Photo Credit: The Cheap Ferret
Engaging, touching and darkly beautiful, Oddworld lives up to its name. This 2D platformer is superficially ugly, with gross amphibian monsters populating its world. Its themes of freedom, love and liberation, however, elevate it beyond its nasty visuals. In fact, the counterpoint between appearances and soul form the backbone of the plot. This one needs an inclusion, as it was a huge moment in video game storytelling.
6. Wipeout XL
Photo Credit: Moby Games
Wipeout is (rightly) considered “Sony’s F-Zero,” and it is a blast. Blisteringly-fast futuristic cars race along gorgeous, futuristic tracks in this trippy game. Sleek, sexy and everything a racing game should be, Wipeout was a huge shift for racing games. Showcasing just how fast you could make a game, Wipeout earned ample attention upon release. As a moment in history, it deserves a spot on the PlayStation Classic.
Really any of the Spyro games would make a great addition to the PlayStation Classic. We do wonder if the imminent release of the remastered trilogy could put a damper on its inclusion, though. However, if only one can be included, the second one largely hit the sweet spot. This fun 3D platformer sees you controlling a cute purple dragon. Spyro can’t really fly, but he can headbutt people and breath fire! This one deserves an inclusion due to how influential he was as a PlayStation mascot.
4. Resident Evil 2
Photo Credit: US Gamer
The PlayStation had a very large number of awesome sequels. Gran Turismo 2, Spyro 2, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2, the list goes on and on. None quite match up to how huge a jump Resident Evil 2 was from its predecessor. In this game, you control Leon Kennedy during his first day as a STARS agent in Racoon City. The ill-fated day culminates in a full-scale zombie outbreak. Leon has to fight for his very life as the city goes to hell around him. Tense, gripping and revolutionary for the horror genre, Resident Evil 2 brought the goods.
Nintendo and Sega fought bitterly for a decade over who had the better mascot, Mario or Sonic. Then, Sony chimed in with Crash Bandicoot. The goofy, fun-loving marsupial starred in a ton of games on the PlayStation in the late 90’s. Really, any of his platforming adventures would be fun to have on the PlayStation classic. However, much like Spyro, Crash has a remastered trilogy on store shelves, so he might not get as much attention as more obscure PS1 titles.
This is it: the game that introduced the world to Hideo Kojima’s weird and wonderful storytelling. Metal Gear Solid is equal parts Escape from New York and James Bond, with a healthy dash of anime-style villains. This sneaky, actiony romp was a massive hit for Sony, and kicked off a huge franchise. If this one doesn’t come with the PlayStation Classic, we’ll eat our shoes.
The very finest PlayStation game, and a serious contender for best game ever, is Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. In this amazing reinvention of the Castlevania series, you control Alucard, Dracula’s angsty kid. Alucard wants to stop his dad’s evil deeds, so he sets off into Drac’s castle. The branching, intersecting castle map and ample power-ups led to this game being referred to as “Metroid-vania.” That’s not too far from the truth, and the entire Castlevania series follow suit in years to come.
Put simply, this is the game that has to be included with the PlayStation Classic. Not including this would be like leaving Secret of Mana out of the SNES Classic! Wait, they did that? They seriously didn’t have SoM in the SNES Classic? Well, looks like Alucard’s not coming to the PS1 Classic after all, gang.
In an interesting example of history repeating itself, Sony is once again following in Nintendo’s footsteps. After the mega-successful NES Classic Mini and SNES Classic Mini, Sony is releasing their own PlayStation classic. This move makes a ton of sense, actually: the PlayStation has a deep, awesome library of games. Sony announced the console yesterday, as well as release details. Read on to find out more!
Sony
PlayStation Classic Release Info
The console, which was just announced, will be released on December 3rd. When it comes out, it’ll be retailing for $100. That might sound a bit steep, but depending on the games included, it may well be worth it. For one, the system comes with two controllers! Oddly, the controllers are original PlayStation controllers, instead of DualShock. We suppose Sony is really banking on the nostalgia factor, here!
The system will have a similar “limited release” window, much like the Nintendo Classic Systems before it. That is to say: if you have any interest in grabbing one of these, you might want to preorder it. When the first wave of NES Classics sold out, it was quite difficult to find them for a decent price.
Announced Games
They’ve already announced five of the games that will be included with the system. Final Fantasy VII, Jumping Flash, Ridge Racer Type 4, Tekken 3 and Wild Arms will be available on the system. We’d be surprised it games like Spyro, Crash Bandicoot and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night don’t make the cut, too.
Given that the 25th anniversary of the PS1’s release is coming next year, this is a great time to commemorate its place in gaming history. The console was a smash hit when it launched in 1994, bringing with it a wave of great-looking, 3D games. As Sony’s entry into the gaming industry, the system has had huge impact on the face of gaming.
For Now…
While the system won’t launch until the end of the year, we’re pretty excited to see what other games will be included. Sony has stated that the lineup will be revealed as we get closer to the launch. In the meantime, check back with us for updates! We’ll also be running an article on which classic PlayStation games we’d like to see included with the system. Stay posted!
Its that video game-glastic time of the year were we get a glimps of the future of our obsession. gaming. This year the E3 conference is slated for a slew of great and exciting news, loaded with games and consoles to set our hearts and minds racing like the first time we played Donkey Kong. Lets take a look at whats up
E3 Conference Schedule
Saturday, June 9
Electronic Arts — 11 a.m. PT (2 p.m. ET)
Sunday, June 10
Microsoft — 1 p.m. PT (4 p.m. ET)
Bethesda — 6:30 p.m. PT (9:30 p.m. ET)
Monday, June 11
Square Enix — 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET)
Ubisoft — 1 p.m. PT (4 p.m. ET)
PC Gaming Show — 3 p.m. PT (6 p.m. ET)
Sony — 6 p.m. PT (9 p.m. ET)
Tuesday, June 12
Nintendo (livestream only) — 9 a.m.
For us Fanboys If you are in L.A. you can head down to the L.A. Convention center and for $250 hang out all weekend with a 3 day E3 conference pass. The general pass for people in the games industry is free.
What We Are Expecting at E3
Consoles.. Both the Xbox one and PlayStation 4 are 5 years old now. They got some upgrades and tweaks in the past year but we need a step forward. usually we get an announcement 18 months before a commercial release of a big box console. This means Both Sony and Microsoft vould announce a new console in development at the E3 for Q4 2019 release. Seems plausible. At the very least a price slash on the current line up is due.
Nintendo is riding high on the success of the Switch console. At the E3 conference 2018, we may get to hear about a purported new Star Fox game, a possible Fortnite port, and more details on the next version of Super Smash Bros.
Games: Rocksteady
There are a few we are waiting and looking out for. Rocksteady is the developer Im most interested in hearing from. They have been tightliped about a game for a few years now, but speculations have it being a Superman game in the mode of the Arkham series. We may even have a possible title leak. Superman: Worlds Finest… Mind blown, ill put my vacation request in now and start stocking up on hot pockets, I wont be leaving the house for at least a week.
“World’s Finest” isn’t just a cool subtitle. Those two words together carry a lot of weight, going back several decades in DC Comics history. World’s Finest is the tag team moniker used to describe Superman and Batman when they work together, and has been the title for several volumes of comic book issues.
We are most likely going to see game announcements for Hitman 2, Gears of War 5 and Crackdown 3
EA
EA is looking to make a big splash this year. They are arriving early for their own pregame rally. EA has already confirmed that, as you’d expect, fans will get the chance to see and play the latest EA Sports titles such as Madden 19, FIFA 19, NHL 19 and NBA Live 19, and that the new Battlefield game will make an appearance though we still don’t know anything about what the game will actually involve.
We also have a solid rumor that the MLB is coming back to EA. I would love to see them bring back Triple Play Baseball..
Cyberpunk
CD Projekt RED’s Cyberpunk 2077 has been a white whale of ours for a better part of the decade. Since the game’s 2012 reveal, the studio has gone on relative radio silence regarding the project, instead (and understandably) focusing on The Witcher 3. However, now that Geralt’s story is done, it finally seems like it’s time for Cyberpunk 2077 to come out of hibernation.
The Final Thought
Im still giddy at the thought of a Superman game.. Im super excited for this weekend, I’ve played video games for 35 years. I don’t have any hobbies or interest that can make that claim so its nice to see a big extravaganza involving my oldest hobby.
