sony Archives • The Lifecast Network

Release Roundup 8/1 – 8/12

August 1, 2017 Adam

The next week and a half of video games is on the slower side, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to check out. Here’s the stuff coming out that I think will be worth checking out. Take a look!

Patapon Remastered

Patapon is a beloved series of rhythm games that released on the on the PSP starting in 2008. So, if you happened to miss out on the PSP era now is your chance to make up for it. In Patapon you control a tribe of small, black creatures that are mostly eyes, called Patapon. You charge the small Patapon into battle while they rhythmically and menacingly chant past any other tribes that get in their way. This remaster only has the first game in the series and you can get the game digitally starting today for $14.99 on Ps4

Tacoma

Tacoma is Fullbright’s highly anticipated second game, the first being Gone Home. Tacoma is a narrative based sci-fi adventure set in a space station in the year 2088. If it’s anything like their previous work, Tacoma will probably focus on the more personal and human side of being in space rather than the sci-fi aspect of it. The review embargo lifted today and the game will be out on Steam and Xbox One starting on August 2nd for $19.99.

LawBreakers

LawBreakers is the first game made by Cliff Bleszinski’s new studio Boss Key Productions. It’s a first person arena shooter made in the style of games like Unreal Tournament while mixing it with modern shooter abilities and mobility options. This game has seen a lot of iteration through many closed and open beta sessions and seeing the final product is something I’m excited for. You can get it starting August 8th for $29.99

Sony Buys Out Funimation

August 1, 2017 Deanna

Funimation and Sony Pictures TV have signed an agreement that would see the majority of the anime distributor bought out by Sony. Funimation’s CEO, Gen Fukunaga, will remain CEO of the company. This could mean that anime produced by Aniplex and A-1, two studios that Sony owns, as well as anime that Funimation has rights to distribute, may see more releases in the United States.

Spider-Man PS4 Plot and Gameplay Shown at D23

July 15, 2017 Deanna

Aside from the gameplay video shown at E3 this year, we’ve only known about its 2018 release window so far. Insomniac boasts that unlike Sunset Overdrive, an earlier game from the company, the game’s open world will be larger.

E3 2017 Predictions | Ep.66

June 8, 2017 Deanna

We all sit down and take a good, long look through E3’s conferences and what we think’s going to be announced during each one.

Our E3 Post-Show Recap will be live on Twitch this coming Tuesday, June 13, at 3PM EST, and we’ll be talking in-depth about each conference.

Recorded live on June 5, 2017.

We accept questions for the podcast constantly on our site, through Discord, and if you email questions@thelifecast.net.

Podcast (lifecast): Play in new window | Download

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Super Robot Wars OG: The Moon Dwellers – Thoughts So Far

August 30, 2016 dan

Super Robot Wars OG: The Moon Dwellers came out a while ago, and I’ve been playing it nonstop since. I still haven’t beaten it, though, because on top of being really long, it’s hard as hell. I’m only a fraction of the way into the game and I’m already having trouble beating stages, something I haven’t really seen in a Super Robot Wars game in a long time. So, since my inevitable review of this game is still a ways away, I would like to at least give my thoughts on the game so far. Super Robot Wars is a series very dear to my heart, so prepare for a lot of hyping up, especially since this is the first time we’ve seen an English release of a Super Robot Wars game since the Game Boy Advance.

The Soul Saber finishing an attack (image courtesy of Gematsu)

Mechanically speaking, it’s more of what you’d expect from Super Robot Wars, but more optimized, which is a good thing. It’s still a standard turn-based strategy game, but with some if its own unique twists. Your team is composed of pilots and mechs, and each have their own individual stats. The pilots’ stats serve as modifiers for their mechs’ stats. Pilots have special abilities that offer different temporary boosts, like being able to have your next attack be a guaranteed hit, or taking 1/4 damage from enemies for a turn. There’s also terrain efficiencies, equippable weapons alongside the mechs’ base weapons, and the double up mechanic. You’re given a lot of ways to strategize for this game. The maps are very well-designed, and you actually have to use the terrain to your advantage to get hits in and damage done. They effect your accuracy and evasion rates, which are ridiculously important. Not only that, but the game has yet to feel unfair. Hard, yes, but not unfair. I feel like every time I lose, I lost because of a poor decision, and not because the game was screwing me over.

The game runs beautifully , and is absolutely gorgeous to look at. I never get tired of watching attacks; they’re so flashy and over-the-top, and literally everything ends in an explosion. The combat scenes have this great 2D-on-3D look to them, and the quality of the sprites and environments themselves look fantastic. The animation is fluid, and they transition from the smaller sprites to a full sized image of the mech seamlessly.

The Compatible Kaiser about to attack (image courtesy of Gematsu)

I’m especially enjoying the soundtrack to the game. JAM Project do their usual thing of being Japan’s best musical export with the opening theme. On top of that, the rest of the soundtrack brings back the songs from the previous games and makes them even better. When I first heard the new version of Ash to Ash (Lamia’s theme) and Brass Sincerity (Latooni’s theme) I had the biggest grin on my face. The music here is masterfully made, and I can’t wait to hear even more of it as I progress through the game.

As for the story, well, I don’t believe I’m far in enough to truly give it a go. I’m only just now getting to the point where stuff is like, actually happening. So I can’t really say. As for the characters, though, there’s not a single unlikeable one so far. This is something I really like about the SRW games. Their characters are always so well-made and so likeable. Be it Akimi’s love of all things super robots, Excellen and her stupid jokes, or even just the genuine coolness of someone like Sanger Zonvolt; All of the characters are insanely likeable.

Overall, I’m thoroughly enjoying Super Robot Wars OG: The Moon Dwellers, and am certain that by the time I’m done with it, I’ll love it even more. Everything about this game in incredibly charming, and I can’t wait to experience more of it.

Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures: Starhawk

August 5, 2016 colin

Image courtesy of GameFAQs.

Starhawk is one of the better games on the PlayStation 3
Starhawk is a 2012 pulse pounding action game released on the PlayStation 3. The game is a spiritual successor to the PS3 launch title Warhawk.

When it was released, Starhawk received average reviews and had very little to no marketing campaign. For a first party Sony game, this is strange. It also came out a week within Max Payne 3 and Diablo III. A minor burden, but not something in Starhawk’s favor. The game has sold less than 300,000 copies worldwide when it was released. To make matters worse, Starhawk’s only major sales came at the beginning of May of 2012. Starhawk was regulated to the bargain bin in all too quick fashion.

Starhawk is a game worth checking out just once. In short, the game is a blast to play. LightBox Interactive managed to make an action/RTS game that’s simplistic, yet still fun. Starhawk even manages to have a fun story mode as well. On top of those features, the soundtrack is a sublime mix of western and space opera.

Starhawk is light on story, incredibly heavy on action
The shockingly good story of Starhawk is told through well done motion comics. Starhawk’s space western universe focuses on the Rifts. Rifts are sources of powerful energy. When a person comes in contact with a Rift, they become a monster composed of pure energy called an Outcast. Emmett Graves is a bounty hunter who has been called on various jobs throughout the galaxy to get rid of the Outcasts and secure energy. However, lately the galaxy has had an outbreak of Outcasts. The leader of these Outcasts may have a personal connection to Emmett.

An example of the stylized cut scenes. Image courtesy of 3D Juegos.

The action of Starhawk uses the typical third person shooter aesthetic. The PS3 controller was made for these kinds of games. The tight controls keep the game flowing with set pieces. With a wide variety of guns, vehicles and explosives, Emmett can take out Outcasts in a simplistic, but fun, way. However, where the RTS elements come in are with building support units and garages for vehicles.

Building a base! Image courtesy of Impulse Gamer.

Emmett’s friend Cutter shoots down all kinds of helpful items and vehicles. A highlight is the glider, which Emmett can use for ground fighting and aerial combat. As long as Emmett and Cutter have enough funds, the player can summon as much as they want. This keeps Starhawk fun, as the player will always have some sort of item to have gameplay fresh every time

Gun play is a lot of fun, but not as fun as riding some vehicles. Image courtesy of 3D Juegos.

It also helps that each mission is on a unique planet of the galaxy or on a space station. Each chapter of the game will have its own unique mission. Rather than having a variation of the same task, like securing Rift or eliminating all the enemies, Starhawk requires players to be a little experimental with what they create.

For a game focusing on its multiplayer aspect, Starhawk has a consistently solid single player mode.

Image courtesy of Impulse Gamer.

Multiplayer is one of the many bright moments
Starhawk has one of the most entertaining multiplayer modes in any game on the PS3. Utilizing the same chaotic energy the single player missions have, Starhawk is fun with friends. There are your standard deathmatch and capture the flag modes. However, Starhawk has so much freedom with its gameplay, it allows for some creative multiplayer experiences. Even after finishing the story mode, players will keep going back to Starhawk’s multiplayer. Granted if the servers are still up.

Multiplayer on Starhawk is a good times for all. Image courtesy of Impulse Gamer.

During Starhawk‘s development, the multiplayer component was highly anticipated. Unfortunately, a very little amount of gamers were online playing it. Which is a shame, as the easy-to-learn gameplay is perfect for a big game night with friends.

One of Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures
Starhawk is one of Sony’s more interesting first party games. Pity the company did not promote it better. Emmett Graves could be going on more adventures.

The space western design of the characters and story will certainly bring in people in. It’s the extremely enjoyable and overall inventiveness of the gameplay that will keep players on their PS3s. Starhawk may look like a generic third person shooter, but it’s a far better game than that assumption. It also won’t clean out any wallets with those prices on Amazon.

Games in Development Hell: Do We Love the Chase?

August 4, 2016 Ricky

There’s something to be said about games that keep getting pushed back and back that keep us strangely interested. Oftentimes we’re amazed a game is taking so long to come out. Many times we become frustrated with it. But there’s no denying that when a new trailer or rumor about it surfaces, you can bet people flock to forums and get hyped all over again.

The game lives up to its name: it will be horrible forever. Image Source:Giantbomb.com

Take for instance Duke Nukem Forever. This is a game that cemented in people’s minds what it meant for a game to be in development hell. Having been announced in 1996, it took fifteen years for it to come out on the Playstation 3. It traded hands so much people were sure it was never going to come out. But when a release date was announced after so long in 2011, people became hyped as hell. However what they got was a very bland and boring shooter with a notably dated misogynist hero. But that’s not what the game is remembered for. It’s remembered for the constant hope and disappointment roller coaster which was the past 15 years.

Take a more recent example, Final Fantasy 15. Originally marketed as “Final Fantasy Versus 13” in 2006, the game has taken ten years to finally hit shelves, being released this year. What may have been a cool concept for some people in the beginning became an obsession for many. Itching and clawing at any shred of information or rumor they could find.

Coming in the next four years we swear. Image Source: Dual Shockers.com

I have no doubt that this game will sell well when it comes out, but I’m also skeptical to say it will be everything the die-hard optimists have been hoping for.

So why do we keep following these games? Why do we find it so interesting to hear something new that’s been on uncertain ground for so long. My theory: its the uncertainty that is pulling us towards it. It’s the mystery. Wondering if THIS might be the release date trailer or THIS rumor may be true only serves to fuel our obsession with it. Having certainty is great for a lot of people, but it lacks the inherit excitement of what we don’t know and if this hunt is going anywhere.

We as people naturally find some joy in the journey, and sometimes a lot more in it than the destination. So the next time you see people fawning over the next Kingdom Hearts trailer or Half Life 3 rumor and analyzing it to death, remember that for a lot of people, this is the journey, and it may be a bumpy ride, but its one they can’t help but stay on.

Reacting to Resident Evil 7 and its Demo

June 20, 2016 Ricky

I must admit I was quite surprised at Sony’s press conference at E3 this year. The announcement of a new God of War, a remaster of Crash Bandicoot, and we finally got a release date for The Last Guardian. But what I was most shocked to see was the announcement of the seventh Resident Evil game.

Its been quite awhile since we’ve had an actual scary Resident Evil admittedly. Image Source: amazon.com

My first assumption on seeing the trailer was that it was going to be completely in VR. So along with the game itself, you would need to pay an extra 400 dollars to play it. Thankfully, after some interviews with the developers, that turned out not to be the case. While it is compatible with VR, its not needed. However, it does take place entirely in first person perspective, which I feel both optimistic and worried about at the same time.

The demo has already set the stage for a very creepy and disturbing atmosphere. Image Source: The AV Club

First off: the good. From the trailer and the demo, the game looks gorgeous. The lighting seems to set a wonderfully creepy vibe that I’ve missed in the recent Resident Evil games. The small location is ripped straight out of a nightmare with rotting carcasses, decaying walls, moving mannequins, and notes that seem to be moving on their own.

The small setting itself is also a positive for me. Resident Evil 6 was a world-sprawling narrative going from America, to Europe, and then to China. That’s good for an adventure game, but it doesn’t let you soak in the world around you as much. You’re too busy jumping from one set-piece to another to savor it. The feeling of restriction and confinement only heightens the dark and horrific atmosphere that you feel enthralled in within the demo for 7.

More characters for RE6, but most rely too much on established traits in previous games instead of pushing any personality. Also there’s a near total abscence of horror. Image Source: Gazette Review

But now we come to the bad. I love the atmosphere that can already be seen and the world that’s presented, but it doesn’t seem like Resident Evil to me. Or at least, not yet. There has been no mention so far of the T-Virus, Umbrella, the BSA, The Raccoon City Incident, or even the word infected. From the demo its hard to tell, but there seems to be no zombies in sight.

The backwards cabin with a killer in it can be very scary. But that’s not Resident Evil. To me, Resident Evil is being caught in a world that is constantly trying to kill you. You need to make sure you have supplies and are always ready. Being alone with an army of walking, biting, and voracious zombies is what is at the core of what makes these games so great. Maybe the killer is infected with a new kind of virus, maybe not, but so far there’s very little evidence to support that.

Its great to see that Capcom is listening to the fans and going back to horror for Resident Evil. But only time will tell if this is a new beginning, or a failed experiment.

Is he infected or just a crazed killer? Only time will tell. Image Source: Trans-Scribe at Blogspot.com

4k Gaming Extravaganza!

June 15, 2016 Deanna

Or, why we absolutely do not need 4k gaming any time soon.

Let me preface by saying that I have a background in tech. I’ve been up to snuff on computer hardware for a while, some legends estimate that it’s been exactly half my life at this point. (But I digress.) I’ve seen the transition from dial-up internet to DSL to whatever kick-in-the-pants speeds we have now. And that’s been great! I remember when standard definition capture cards were expensive. Point being, I’ve been through a lot of tech “revolutions”.

Yeah, I was even there for this bad boy. (Image from Brainless Tales)

For the most part, they were great. It was cool to suddenly see videos and movies in clearer resolutions. Movies were the first big thing to make the transition. And it was cool! Suddenly the big screen in the movie theater didn’t seem so big, and it didn’t seem as special. I could see whatever I saw there in my house, no problem.

Fast forward almost two decades and, full disclosure, I’m so sick and tired of having 4k gaming, 4k video, 4k vlogs of someone running errands at the supermarket pushed down my throat. We’re not even at the pinnacle of HD video yet. Phone video still, quite honestly, looks like shit in some cases.

And as a species, humans still have fixated on the best and newest thing. And that happens to be 4k. This frustration is no doubt brought on by Microsoft’s E3 conference this past Monday, where they announced Project Scorpio, slated for a holiday 2017 release. It’s all well and good that Microsoft wants to push the boundaries of what they think is possible.

The thing is, we can’t even get many games to run at a full 60 frames in 1080 HD. We’re not there yet. I’m going to pull examples from Playstation 4 releases here, but the difference in processing power between the current PS4 and the Xbox One consoles is negligible. Fight me.

Behold, your competitors. (Image from WCCF Tech)

For some of the biggest releases in gaming this past year, there have been frame rate issues. It’s not that a game can’t get up to 60fps regularly, it’s that they’re having trouble hitting 30, in some cases. The Witcher recently introduced a patch to improve sections of the game that were consistently running at 20 frames. Bloodborne, what I consider to be one of the best-looking games on the PS4, is locked at 30 frames and has trouble getting in that many when there are masses of enemies on-screen.

I’m not here to discount console gaming, despite the fact that I’m not a console gamer myself. The truth of the matter is that consoles are not at the level of 4k gaming and they won’t be for a while. PCs, with their ever-improving arsenal of new graphics cards and DDR4 RAM, can’t do 4k gaming yet at a reasonable framerate. In my opinion, the so-called dream of 4k gaming is so far off that I just don’t think we should try for a while.

That being said, I don’t want a standstill of improvement. Make high definition gaming more crisp. Optimize games to run at 60 frames on consoles. We need to concentrate on bettering what we have rather than moving on to something that may give us a worse result if pushed too soon.

There’s a difference, but it’s a slight one. (Image from Digital Storm)

I admit that there is a difference between 4k and full HD. There’s also a difference between standard definition and HD, but it’s a bigger jump than this. The main difference I see between the two shots is the crispness. 4k looks real crisp. Conversely, the HD image just looks like it needs a boost in dynamic range to match.

All of this rambling is to say that, hey, maybe we don’t need 4k video. As humans, our eyes can’t tell the difference between 4k and 1080 when it’s in motion. A still image is one thing, but in some cases a film camera can produce a better image than a digital one, right? There’s a reason brands like Leica still make film cameras.

Another thing is, 4k video is still wicked fackin’ expensive dude. It’s expensive to develop for, expensive to own, and expensive to mass-produce consoles that will run 4k. The price point will not even be in the ball park of affordable for a very, very long time. I’d argue that video games just aren’t affordable, period, but that’s another article for another day.

Now, is this one article going to stop 4k from being pushed in video games? Absolutely not, I don’t think I have that much power or influence over anyone. Was it necessary? Nope. Then again, neither is 4k gaming.