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Ben’s Week In Review: September 20

A bit of a break between now and Assassin's Creed Syndicate . I'll have to use the time wisely.

Yakuza 6, Gravity Rush 2, Hot Shots 4, and…PS4 price drop?

There weren't many highlights from this year's Tokyo Game Show but I liked some of what I saw, although I was sorta hoping PlatinumGames would show off any progress they'd made with that Nier sequel.

Hearing about Yakuza 6 was exciting and it's weird that I'm excited. I haven't finished a game in the series since the original (even though I've played at least a portion of every entry that came to the U.S.) and at this rate, Yakuza 6 is years away. It takes Sega forever to localize these games; for crying out loud, Yakuza 5 on PS3, which launched back in 2012 in Japan, is just now coming out in North America. It's just that these games always have surprisingly great stories and I love the combat mechanic. Guess I can be patient.

I didn't finish the original Gravity Rush , either, but it was a great Vita game and the newly announced sequel for PS4 should be awesome. Those who missed out on the first title (or don't have a Vita) should really pay attention once the news on Gravity Rush 2 starts to flow. It's a unique and captivating experience. As for Hot Shots Golf on PS4 , I'm all for it. Love me some HSG; just make sure it's a full game, Clap Hanz, with tournament or career or whatever. Lastly, the PS4 price cut for Japan isn't surprising, as the system hasn't fared as well as anticipated in that region.

But I do wonder: Why? Why exactly has it done so much better in North America and Europe? If I asked Sony, what would they say is the reason(s)?

Nice to see single-player DLC getting some traction

For the longest time, 99 percent of all downloadable content I saw was for multiplayer. Only very rarely did I see a DLC pack or expansion that was single-player-oriented, which is mostly why I never bother with extra content. But we're starting to see a lot more recently:

There's the newly revealed Bloodborne expansion , The Old Hunters, which I imagine fans of the game can't wait to try. PlayStation 4 owners will get some exclusive mission-based DLC for Assassin's Creed Syndicate right out of the gate, we're getting 10+ hours worth of content with that Hearts of Stone expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt in October, and we know the upcoming Uncharted 4: A Thief's End will get single-player DLC as well . It's true that such add-on content typically costs more than most multiplayer packs, but that's because the single-player expansions require way more time and resources.

The Left Behind DLC for The Last Of Us was so good, it made me look forward to the idea of more single-player expansions. If they're done correctly, they serve the original DLC purpose: Expand upon a great experience.

Personal gaming update

Even though MGSV should be getting all of my attention, I'm still wading through some sports games. NHL 16 is done but now I've got FIFA 16 to do, which I'm not exactly relishing but I always find a way to get involved in the soccer sims…despite the fact that I absolutely can't stand watching the sport. And I have to say, I really enjoy Leo's Fortune and it comes highly recommended to anyone looking for a clean, engaging platformer with a unique twist. The combination of standard platforming gameplay and puzzles is a big draw, too. If the developers want to make another game designed specifically for consoles (and not mobile platforms, like this title), I'd be all for it. Just make it deeper and take advantage of what the PS4 can do.

Beyond that, as I said, I'm just waiting on Syndicate , which releases on October 23. I hear The Taken King for Destiny is pretty darn good but I just can't into that again. For some reason, that game totally saps my energy and interest.

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Temjin001
Temjin001
8 years ago

I was pleased by this year's TGS. Team Ninja's Nioh easily has me most interested. Not only did it look rich with historical japanese atmosphere and awesome bosses and art design but it looks to be a combat game that really rewards technique and not so much spastic combos and button mashing.

Gravity Rush on PS4 looks great. Reports claim it plays better than on Vita.

PGU: MGSV, Destiny TTK, and FFIV.
MGSV is one incredible stealth game. I like how MGS and Splinter Cell have merged in many mechanics over the years. As Snake I can shoot out lights (if the weapon is powerful enough, the default tranq-gun won't do it) to decrease visibility. Actions like holding enemies and interrogating them and also being able to hold them as a human shield while firing is awesome too. The game makes a big deal out of sound levels, too. I could go on but I'm just real impressed on how well of a sim it feels. MGS while great, never felt as believable to me in mechanics as a quality Splinter Cell game. That's now changed. I would've liked to have seen a few more cutscenes. It was something as a pay off after making some progress in the past games. Now. Oftentimes. Finishing a mission means hopping in your helicopter and watching yourself fly away.

That's fine and all. The game doesn't need lavish cutscenes as it's aces as it is, but in staying true to it's heritage it's missing a hallmark the series is known for.
Anyway, with both Kojima exiting MGS and Konami quiting the AAA scene it's sad to see the practical end of the legendary franchise.
Now I can only hope Splinter Cell hangs in there. I thought Blacklist was excellent. I'd love to see another game from Ubi. SC is now my last hope for this type of genre.

Destiny TTK does seem to be a good improvement. I saw that Polygon upgraded the game's score from a 6 to a 7. I feel that if the game was more like the state it's in now as it was at launch a year ago it would've pulled down consistently better reviews. Anyway, very happy with gaming these days.


Last edited by Temjin001 on 9/19/2015 10:46:32 PM

Temjin001
Temjin001
8 years ago

Wow. So I just beat the story in The Taken King. While boss battles in FPS games aren't usually the best type of boss battles, I'm here to say in all my years of gaming that final boss battle against Oryx was probably the best I've ever played in an FPS. Very nice effort. If anyone thinks there's one better, lemme know because that is tough to beat.

Jawknee
Jawknee
8 years ago

Indeed. Such an excellent game. It's one of the few games where grinding for GMP is actually fun. I'm taking my sweet time with this one. I imagine I'll be playing this for a loooooong time. Especially after MGO launches.

I maganed to video record myself taking down a gunship and almost get crushed by crash. So awesome.

Akuma_
Akuma_
8 years ago

Don't ever listen to anything Polygon says.

That's the first rule of the internet.

Bio
Bio
8 years ago

Started in on Persona 4 Golden over the past week. It's basically Japanese Buffy the Vampire Slayer, so I'm digging it.

My son talked me into buying him the Vita version of Minecraft. Because apparently owning it on PC and tablet and being able to play it on his friend's 360 wasn't enough Minecraft.

Banky A
Banky A
8 years ago

P44444GGGG

Enjoy the animu-s.

tlpn99
tlpn99
8 years ago

Ben will you be doing a review for Pro Evolution Soccer too ? Or is that too much sports football gaming for you.

Having played both demos I normally get Fifa. This year's harder 3 of my mates have bought pes 16.

Just wanted an honest opinion of them both.

Pgu working my way through Mad Max and Metal Gear. Having completed Until Dawn and loved that.

Having problems with Metal Gear. It's Metal Gear and it's not. I guess it's being too open world that's making me not play it as much as the previous entries. I used to play a Metal Gear game until it was completed this one I don't seem as bothered by it and continue with it at a much slower pace than normal.


Last edited by tlpn99 on 9/19/2015 11:50:31 PM

tlpn99
tlpn99
8 years ago

I am tempted to buy that Leo game though. I love platformers.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
8 years ago

May not get to PES.

Jawknee
Jawknee
8 years ago

I can't put it down. There's endless possibilities when approaching base camps and outposts. This is true stealth and what Metal Gear was meant to be.

Jawknee
Jawknee
8 years ago

Anyone get the Sony Gold headset? I picked up the 20th anniversary edition. They're pretty sweet. You can download a companion app from the PS store that allows you to upload audio presets for certain games. So far the Arkham Knight and The Last of Us presets seem to work best with MGS5. I highly suggest them if you're in the market for a pair of affordable head phones.

Now, time to Fulton some donkys and interrogate some Russians!

JackieBoy
JackieBoy
8 years ago

Yep, this headsets are great. I myself have Sony Wireless Pulse Elite 7.1 and they have the same app. It's a blast playing games with these as the sound is so clear and deep. I chose the above over Gold because I can also connect it to my TV/laptop and watch movies with them.


Last edited by JackieBoy on 9/20/2015 7:13:15 AM

Jawknee
Jawknee
8 years ago

The Gold Geadset will work with a PC too. Just have to plug in the usb stick that came with it into the PC but it won't work with the TV unless you're using the PS4 or PS3 to watch tv. So yea that is indeed a plus for the Pulse.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
8 years ago

Nah, I think my SteelSeries wireless ones are still better.

LowKey
LowKey
8 years ago

Yeah, I'm on my second set. They are nice but VERY cheaply made. The leather on the head band will come out and the head band will develop cracks at the stress points. Sony's quality is garbage and they should feel bad about themselves and thier SMRT idea to use cheap garbage plastic. BTW Also on my 3rd controller because of the trash plastic they use for the R2 trigger… Gotta send both in to be replaced. AGAIN!


Last edited by LowKey on 9/21/2015 10:39:27 PM

smileys_007
smileys_007
8 years ago

I'm looking forward for 2 great games on October, one is Tales of Zestiria and the other is Assassin's Creed: Syndicate ^_^

Jawknee
Jawknee
5 years ago

The Gold Geadset will work with a PC too. Just have to plug in the usb stick that came with it into the PC but it won&#39t work with the TV unless you&#39re using the PS4 or PS3 to watch tv. So yea that is indeed a plus for the Pulse.

tlpn99
tlpn99
5 years ago

Ben will you be doing a review for Pro Evolution Soccer too ? Or is that too much sports football gaming for you.

Having played both demos I normally get Fifa. This year&#39s harder 3 of my mates have bought pes 16.

Just wanted an honest opinion of them both.

Pgu working my way through Mad Max and Metal Gear. Having completed Until Dawn and loved that.

Having problems with Metal Gear. It&#39s Metal Gear and it&#39s not. I guess it&#39s being too open world that&#39s making me not play it as much as the previous entries. I used to play a Metal Gear game until it was completed this one I don&#39t seem as bothered by it and continue with it at a much slower pace than normal.

Last edited by tlpn99 on 9/19/2015 11:50:31 PM

Bio
Bio
5 years ago

Started in on Persona 4 Golden over the past week. It&#39s basically Japanese Buffy the Vampire Slayer, so I&#39m digging it.

My son talked me into buying him the Vita version of Minecraft. Because apparently owning it on PC and tablet and being able to play it on his friend&#39s 360 wasn&#39t enough Minecraft.

tlpn99
tlpn99
5 years ago

I am tempted to buy that Leo game though. I love platformers.

Temjin001
Temjin001
5 years ago

I was pleased by this year&#39s TGS. Team Ninja&#39s Nioh easily has me most interested. Not only did it look rich with historical japanese atmosphere and awesome bosses and art design but it looks to be a combat game that really rewards technique and not so much spastic combos and button mashing.

Gravity Rush on PS4 looks great. Reports claim it plays better than on Vita.

PGU: MGSV, Destiny TTK, and FFIV.
MGSV is one incredible stealth game. I like how MGS and Splinter Cell have merged in many mechanics over the years. As Snake I can shoot out lights (if the weapon is powerful enough, the default tranq-gun won&#39t do it) to decrease visibility. Actions like holding enemies and interrogating them and also being able to hold them as a human shield while firing is awesome too. The game makes a big deal out of sound levels, too. I could go on but I&#39m just real impressed on how well of a sim it feels. MGS while great, never felt as believable to me in mechanics as a quality Splinter Cell game. That&#39s now changed. I would&#39ve liked to have seen a few more cutscenes. It was something as a pay off after making some progress in the past games. Now. Oftentimes. Finishing a mission means hopping in your helicopter and watching yourself fly away.

That&#39s fine and all. The game doesn&#39t need lavish cutscenes as it&#39s aces as it is, but in staying true to it&#39s heritage it&#39s missing a hallmark the series is known for.
Anyway, with both Kojima exiting MGS and Konami quiting the AAA scene it&#39s sad to see the practical end of the legendary franchise.
Now I can only hope Splinter Cell hangs in there. I thought Blacklist was excellent. I&#39d love to see another game from Ubi. SC is now my last hope for this type of genre.

Destiny TTK does seem to be a good improvement. I saw that Polygon upgraded the game&#39s score from a 6 to a 7. I feel that if the game was more like the state it&#39s in now as it was at launch a year ago it would&#39ve pulled down consistently better reviews. Anyway, very happy with gaming these days.

Last edited by Temjin001 on 9/19/2015 10:46:32 PM

Banky A
Banky A
5 years ago

P44444GGGG

Enjoy the animu-s.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
5 years ago

May not get to PES.

Jawknee
Jawknee
5 years ago

Indeed. Such an excellent game. It&#39s one of the few games where grinding for GMP is actually fun. I&#39m taking my sweet time with this one. I imagine I&#39ll be playing this for a loooooong time. Especially after MGO launches.

I maganed to video record myself taking down a gunship and almost get crushed by crash. So awesome.

Temjin001
Temjin001
5 years ago

Wow. So I just beat the story in The Taken King. While boss battles in FPS games aren&#39t usually the best type of boss battles, I&#39m here to say in all my years of gaming that final boss battle against Oryx was probably the best I&#39ve ever played in an FPS. Very nice effort. If anyone thinks there&#39s one better, lemme know because that is tough to beat.

JackieBoy
JackieBoy
5 years ago

Yep, this headsets are great. I myself have Sony Wireless Pulse Elite 7.1 and they have the same app. It&#39s a blast playing games with these as the sound is so clear and deep. I chose the above over Gold because I can also connect it to my TV/laptop and watch movies with them.

Last edited by JackieBoy on 9/20/2015 7:13:15 AM

Jawknee
Jawknee
5 years ago

I can&#39t put it down. There&#39s endless possibilities when approaching base camps and outposts. This is true stealth and what Metal Gear was meant to be.

Jawknee
Jawknee
5 years ago

Anyone get the Sony Gold headset? I picked up the 20th anniversary edition. They&#39re pretty sweet. You can download a companion app from the PS store that allows you to upload audio presets for certain games. So far the Arkham Knight and The Last of Us presets seem to work best with MGS5. I highly suggest them if you&#39re in the market for a pair of affordable head phones.

Now, time to Fulton some donkys and interrogate some Russians!

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
5 years ago

Nah, I think my SteelSeries wireless ones are still better.

Akuma_
Akuma_
5 years ago

Don&#39t ever listen to anything Polygon says.

That&#39s the first rule of the internet.

smileys_007
smileys_007
5 years ago

I&#39m looking forward for 2 great games on October, one is Tales of Zestiria and the other is Assassin&#39s Creed: Syndicate ^_^

LowKey
LowKey
5 years ago

Yeah, I&#39m on my second set. They are nice but VERY cheaply made. The leather on the head band will come out and the head band will develop cracks at the stress points. Sony&#39s quality is garbage and they should feel bad about themselves and thier SMRT idea to use cheap garbage plastic. BTW Also on my 3rd controller because of the trash plastic they use for the R2 trigger… Gotta send both in to be replaced. AGAIN!

Last edited by LowKey on 9/21/2015 10:39:27 PM

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