The Eve of the Next Generation

With today being the eve of the first "real" next generation console, I figured that now was the time to type up a post concerning my thoughts on the PlayStation 4.

I figure that most of you reading this know well about the PS4 already, but let me give you the TL;DR version. The PS4 runs on x86 architecture (PC) hardware rather than the PS3's cell processor (which makes it easier to develop on), has more RAM, better graphics, etc. You might wonder on why I chose a PlayStation console this time around. Was it because Microsoft screwed up E3 so bad? No. I just prefer Sony's exclusives more than Microsoft's this time around. Lastly, I just think that the console is a better value. Even though online play now has a fee, I've already gotten several dozen games for free on Sony's PlayStation Plus service. In all honesty, Sony's camp this time around just seems like a no brainer compared to Microsoft's obsessive buying habits with games and its huge focus on entertainment rather than games.

The PS4 at launch barely has any first party games. I'm fine with that. Looking at their first party titles, I'm more interested in games such as Infamous Second Son, The Order, Killzone, etc. more than any Microsoft exclusive at this time. Killzone Shadow Fall looks fantastic, and the third party titles available at launch such as Battlefield 4 and Assassin's Creed IV will keep me held over. Not to mention that I still have quite a large backlog of PS3/360/3DS games so I probably won't too annoyed that I'm not getting a steady stream of games. Unlike the PS3, the PS4 already has several games in development for it before launch. Comparing that to the PS3, almost nobody at launch knew how to even work with it.

I already went over Sony's new Dual Shock 4 controller since it was released a few weeks ago, and I have to say, I'm really looking forward to seeing all of the features in it. The controller currently works with the PS3, and while it's not a huge difference, using the controller throughout extended play periods is more comfortable than it was with the DS3. The touch pad, share features, and rumble obviously didn't work with the PS3, so I won't be able to get the full experience with the controller until tomorrow. You can see my impressions of the controller in the video below.

 

I want to give a shout to the PlayStation Vita here because apparently all PS4 games will able to be streamed on it. It finally gives a lot of people a reason buy a Vita since it means that you can play your PS4 all over the house and anywhere with WiFi. I'm really hoping that the feature works fine without any or minor lag.

To conclude, I can't wait to crack open and play my PS4 tomorrow. I have my charge station, games, and 2nd DS4 controller ready. And I'm really, really looking forward to blasting through Killzone's campaign, Battlefield 4's explosive multiplayer, and pirating it up in Assassin’s Creed IV.