OT: Video Game Talk (oh, also the Week before the All-Star Break Pre-Game Talk "archive")

[thedoctor]

I own a XSX and a PS5.

The biggest problem facing MS is they don't have good exclusives. They clearly don't have coherence between their hardware strategy and their software strategy. They aren't making enough good games in affiliated studios and then the really big ones... Just end up cross platform. Sony is committed to giant exclusives being on their platform and they obviously believe the loss of SW sales is made up by the platform advantage. MS just can't quite commit, it seems.

This isn't really about HW usually, more about time spent by the developer, but I find cross platform games look quite similar. I don't buy either platform has a major hardware lead this gen.

The controllers are both fine. They're a bit different, but it's basically personal preference imo. I find the XSX controllers slightly more comfortable, which leads to me generally playing more cross gen games there.

I guess in sum, I think the gap in the platforms is not about hardware, it's entirely about strategic commitment to supporting HW with SW investment. MS has neglected that for generations in favor of chasing other objectives - that bizarre home entertainment thing (bad) , gamepass (good), and maximizing SW revenue (hard to say).

 

[S E P H]

I own a XSX and a PS5.

The biggest problem facing MS is they don't have good exclusives. They clearly don't have coherence between their hardware strategy and their software strategy. They aren't making enough good games in affiliated studios and then the really big ones... Just end up cross platform. Sony is committed to giant exclusives being on their platform and they obviously believe the loss of SW sales is made up by the platform advantage. MS just can't quite commit, it seems.

This isn't really about HW usually, more about time spent by the developer, but I find cross platform games look quite similar. I don't buy either platform has a major hardware lead this gen.

The controllers are both fine. They're a bit different, but it's basically personal preference imo. I find the XSX controllers slightly more comfortable, which leads to me generally playing more cross gen games there.

I guess in sum, I think the gap in the platforms is not about hardware, it's entirely about strategic commitment to supporting HW with SW investment. MS has neglected that for generations in favor of chasing other objectives - that bizarre home entertainment thing (bad) , gamepass (good), and maximizing SW revenue (hard to say).

Xbox's controller is not even close to PS5's in tech and everything else. Plus a battery pack versus actually using batteries like it's the 1980s again is a major turnoff for me. PS5 also has much better graphics, at least it is noticeable for me. PS5 also has better and more interesting setting options like being able to set difficulty and/or subtitles. It's just overall smoother to navigate the system compared to the Xbox which seems like a clunky mess. Just go through the trophies vs achievements between each system when playing a game and see which one is better IU. I also like how Sony added the neat feature of where the game records the clips of when you unlocked a certain trophy. They thought of everything that could surpass it as a new system that is justified in the cost. XSX on the other hand is like FIFA 23 compared to XOX which is FIFA 22. Xbox isn't a bad system by any means, it just doesn't really provide anything new except a hardware and graphics update.

 

[thedoctor]

Xbox's controller is not even close to PS5's in tech and everything else. Plus a battery pack versus actually using batteries like it's the 1980s again is a major turnoff for me. PS5 also has much better graphics, at least it is noticeable for me. PS5 also has better and more interesting setting options like being able to set difficulty and/or subtitles. It's just overall smoother to navigate the system compared to the Xbox which seems like a clunky mess. Just go through the trophies vs achievements between each system when playing a game and see which one is better IU. I also like how Sony added the neat feature of where the game records the clips of when you unlocked a certain trophy. They thought of everything that could surpass it as a new system that is justified in the cost. XSX on the other hand is like FIFA 23 compared to XOX which is FIFA 22. Xbox isn't a bad system by any means, it just doesn't really provide anything new except a hardware and graphics update.

It's fine that you feel that way, I can see how you would. But that's all pretty subjective. I know plenty of people that think the XSX is better in terms of graphics, and the replaceable batteries are way better, for example.

Personally, I don't love the non-rechargeable battery packs but I fixed it with a $10 purchase off amazon. I don't know what you're talking about in terms of options, the XSX has that on the games I play, at least. I suspect the perception in graphics are entirely based on which games you play. And I absolutely detest the PS UI, always have.

But that's just all personal preference on pretty minor stuff, if that's what your buying decision is truly based on, I'd be surprised. What's driving the gap in platforms is exclusives and the commitment to a combined HW/SW strategy. MS just isn't committed to that, they have a lack of focus.

I'm just glad we have a lot of competition in the space still and can have preferences. The worst thing for all of us would be either side winning and then innovation stalls out a la ereaders/ebooks and Amazon.

 

[sethro109]

I find myself using my Xbox a lot more than my PS5 mainly because I love the offset thumb sticks. Any multiplatform game I get is always Xbox just because I love the feel of their controller. The PS5 controller definitely has more bells and whistles, but ultimately for me it just comes down to form factor and comfortability in my hand. Also gamepass has a ton of games that I enjoy which I would never have bought unless they were there for "free". My PS5 is just become exclusives only console for now.


On another note, I had some steam cash laying around so I gave into the hype and tried out Dave the diver. I wasn't expecting to like it, but it seems to have gripped me pretty well. It's a pretty interesting amalgamation of time management and underwater action game. I definitely recommend it to anyone with a PC and that likes time management games. I also hear a switch version is supposed to come out eventually.

 

[henchman21]

I've played plenty of the PS5, but don't own one (yet... will later in the generation). IMO the controller is gimmicky and overrated... barely any games take advantage of it and when they do I'm pretty meh on it. Give me the elite controller over PS5 controller anyday (just buy the warranty).

The battery... after my experiences with PS3 and PS4 batteries, I MUCH prefer replaceable. I went through 5 batteries over 3 controllers on my PS4... they were absolute junk batteries. Hopefully PS5 changed that. Still give me Eneloop rechargeables. I haven't had issues with an Elite controller yet, but I get them replaced under extended warranties... so maybe that issue exists there too (I expect it would)

Graphics wise, the XSX pulls ever so slightly ahead on resolution, but it is imperceptible to me at normal viewing distances. LOD and loading tends to favor PS5 slightly. IMO both are super close there and any advantage is minimal at best. XSS parity clause might be causing some issues, but I'd expect that to lessen or be dropped.

The big advantage I see with XSX is actually their vastly superior handling of VRR. It allows a wider range and one that would allow for it to be better utilized in games if developers took advantage of it... yet with the TV install base with capabilities is so small we don't see developers working with 40-60Hz games to push fidelity.

The argument for Xbox is simply Game Pass... a lot of games release there and (the minimal) exclusives are day 1. Others come on in time. With some simple rewards tricks, you can get it for free (for now).

The argument for PS5 is the established line of exclusives and known production of them. That's why I'll get one eventually... if they come out with the rumored Pro, that's when I'll jump.

If you can afford it, just get both.

(saying all of that, I play my Switch the most still)

(also saying this... this generation has absolutely sucked for games. PS5 and Xbox games exclusive to this generation are few and far between so far... and a joke 3 years in)

 

[The Mars Volchenkov]

I can’t stand the PS Controller and how it feels. The offset sticks make a huge difference for me.

 

[AvsMakar08]

I spoke to a couple of Console veterans but they could not give me a clear answer. I always wondered why do Console have this option of "aim assist". I myself always wondered because I play my games in a keyboard and mouse on PC.

 

[thedoctor]

I spoke to a couple of Console veterans but they could not give me a clear answer. I always wondered why do Console have this option of "aim assist". I myself always wondered because I play my games in a keyboard and mouse on PC.

it was added on some games as a lowered difficulty option for FPS on consoles, and the people that used it really liked the feeling of greater precision/control it gave to console FPS, so it's actually become a feature even at higher difficulties. As that became popular devs realized it would be a way to balance MP control disparity as well and allow more cross platform MP, so it's popped up there.

I feel like you knew this already and just wanted to flex that M+K is "better."

 

[PAZ]

BG3 is consuming my life. My God it's so good

How similar is BG3 to DoS2?

I wasn't a fan of DoS2. I get why people love it, but I could never get hooked.

 

[expatriatedtexan]

it was added on some games as a lowered difficulty option for FPS on consoles, and the people that used it really liked the feeling of greater precision/control it gave to console FPS, so it's actually become a feature even at higher difficulties. As that became popular devs realized it would be a way to balance MP control disparity as well and allow more cross platform MP, so it's popped up there.

I feel like you knew this already and just wanted to flex that M+K is "better."

K+M is better...for some games. MMORPGs in general benefit from the keyboard, but DayZ is the one game I play that absolutely sucks with a controller. It's almost mandatory to play with K+M.

To give you the nod though, since I finally got an Xbox controller for my PC, I've been using the heck out of it on most other games. I've also been playing through older games in my library that I missed out on because I was once addicted to GW and Wow in addition the Avs. I think most of these were actually ported to PC, so I get why they feel so much better with a controller. That's how most of these games were actually designed to be played. The Mass Effect series and Halo Master Chief Collection both got a lot better "feeling" on a second playthrough using controller.

 

[Soedy]

I spoke to a couple of Console veterans but they could not give me a clear answer. I always wondered why do Console have this option of "aim assist". I myself always wondered because I play my games in a keyboard and mouse on PC.

It's just super hard to aim without assist with the stick. The original Halo on PC (not the MCC) had no aim assist. I once tried to play it with a controller and it was super tough to play without it.

I love the PS5 controller with the vibrating. I also love the R2 and L2 resistance. I also prefer the buttons and the feel of L1 and R1 to the XBOX controller. However, the XBOX controller is more comfortable for my relatively small hands. And the triggers are still better for racing games.

That being said, give me real triggers on a Switch Pro controller and this might be the perfect controller.

 

[RockLobster]

I own a XSX and a PS5.

The biggest problem facing MS is they don't have good exclusives. They clearly don't have coherence between their hardware strategy and their software strategy. They aren't making enough good games in affiliated studios and then the really big ones... Just end up cross platform. Sony is committed to giant exclusives being on their platform and they obviously believe the loss of SW sales is made up by the platform advantage. MS just can't quite commit, it seems.

This isn't really about HW usually, more about time spent by the developer, but I find cross platform games look quite similar. I don't buy either platform has a major hardware lead this gen.

The controllers are both fine. They're a bit different, but it's basically personal preference imo. I find the XSX controllers slightly more comfortable, which leads to me generally playing more cross gen games there.

I guess in sum, I think the gap in the platforms is not about hardware, it's entirely about strategic commitment to supporting HW with SW investment. MS has neglected that for generations in favor of chasing other objectives - that bizarre home entertainment thing (bad) , gamepass (good), and maximizing SW revenue (hard to say).

I just want to comment on the Xbox games and exclusive and whatnot, if I may.

I do agree that they don't have enough exclusive games, but I think that is changing soon and NOT solely because of the impending Activision acquisition.

MS has definitely been buying up studios and putting them all under the Xbox Game Studios umbrella (I mean they'll keep their name, but ultimately they're an Xbox Game Studio). At the onset of this current generation, we heard about all these games they've been working on, it's just unfortunate that it's taken them longer to get them done.

All of these are on the horizon at some point:

-Starfield (well, that's next month lol)
-Forza Motorsport (although I'm not a racing game fan, personally)
-Fable
-Avowed

There are more like Elder Scrolls 6 (though I suspect that won't be a console exclusive, but perhaps a timed exclusive), Indiana Jones, and more that have been talked about this year but we just don't know where they're at in their development cycle, so we don't know how soon we can expect them (exception being ES6--we know based on the FTC trial that it's a long way away).

For whatever reason, MS just squandered their momentum from the Xbox 360 generation during the Xbox One generation, and now they're paying the piper until their studios start publishing games.

 

[henchman21]

This whole generation is pretty disappointing to me, especially on the exclusive front. If you take out cross gen and timed exclusives... you quickly get down to a select few games. Even getting to the games that are current gen only is pretty disappointing... the last time I checked on that (Mayish) we were still below 40 games that were current gen exclusive... with a few of those being remakes/remastered games.

 

[TruePowerSlave]

This whole generation is pretty disappointing to me, especially on the exclusive front. If you take out cross gen and timed exclusives... you quickly get down to a select few games. Even getting to the games that are current gen only is pretty disappointing... the last time I checked on that (Mayish) we were still below 40 games that were current gen exclusive... with a few of those being remakes/remastered games.

It kinda sucks honestly. There are some excellent current gen exclusives, but the number is very low.

They should have cut the cord earlier and stopped making nearly everything for last gen. Understandable as they wanna milk as much green as possible and the console shortage lasted for years. On the plus side we haven't really gotten to the 30 fps nonsense yet....

It's also the new reality of gaming. Triple AAA titles take significantly longer to develop than in the past and cost much more to make. Gaming is also more mainstream than ever so titles are watered down to please the casuals.

 

[henchman21]

It kinda sucks honestly. There are some excellent current gen exclusives, but the number is very low.

They should have cut the cord earlier and stopped making nearly everything for last gen. Understandable as they wanna milk as much green as possible and the console shortage lasted for years. On the plus side we haven't really gotten to the 30 fps nonsense yet....

It's also the new reality of gaming. Triple AAA titles take significantly longer to develop than in the past and cost much more to make. Gaming is also more mainstream than ever so titles are watered down the please the casuals.

From the business perspective I totally get it... the TAM is just way higher if you have scalable games that can hit all the market. I don't think that is going away either. With the success of the Steam Deck and the Switch 2 coming out in a year or so... we are going to have some rather low end pieces of hardware that have to be taken into account when designing multiplat games. The Series S gets a lot of shit for holding 'back' the generation, but the Switch 2 will be the real limitation as developers are going to all jump into support a successor to arguably the most successful console of all time. With what we have today, we don't have anything that can produce XSS equivalents on 15 watt TDP... which Nintendo is unlikely to go over.

The chip shortage certainly played into it lasting longer, but it has hampered this generation significantly. Amazing to me that we still have some intermittent shortages in 2023...

The 30fps is coming soon. Once the cross gen dies for good, 30 fps will be back in full force. The only question will be around if there are mid cycle refreshes coming in time to only make it a blip.

 

[thedoctor]

K+M is better...for some games. MMORPGs in general benefit from the keyboard, but DayZ is the one game I play that absolutely sucks with a controller. It's almost mandatory to play with K+M.

To give you the nod though, since I finally got an Xbox controller for my PC, I've been using the heck out of it on most other games. I've also been playing through older games in my library that I missed out on because I was once addicted to GW and Wow in addition the Avs. I think most of these were actually ported to PC, so I get why they feel so much better with a controller. That's how most of these games were actually designed to be played. The Mass Effect series and Halo Master Chief Collection both got a lot better "feeling" on a second playthrough using controller.

I mean, M+K is more precise for FPSes. but it's not as convenient for chilling a couch, exactly. I prefer each in certain situations, I just felt like the original question was...leading.

I find myself playing with controller mostly these days simply because my wife likes to watch story driven games or do couch co-op.

 

[Avs_19]

At this point am I better off waiting for the Switch 2 or should I just get the Switch? All I see is rumours but nothing official about the next console so I don't want to wait too long. Also, OLED is the way to go, right?

I was out on Nintendo for a bit there but there are too many good games piling up that I want to play now.

 

[JWK]

At this point am I better off waiting for the Switch 2 or should I just get the Switch? All I see is rumours but nothing official about the next console so I don't want to wait too long. Also, OLED is the way to go, right?

I was out on Nintendo for a bit there but there are too many good games piling up that I want to play now.

I'll get the Switch now, there's no guarantee that Switch 2 will be backwards compatible

Edit: If you're gonna play in handheld a lot, I recommend the OLED. I have the 1st version of Switch and always play docked mode, so I have no need for OLED.

 

[henchman21]

At this point am I better off waiting for the Switch 2 or should I just get the Switch? All I see is rumours but nothing official about the next console so I don't want to wait too long. Also, OLED is the way to go, right?

I was out on Nintendo for a bit there but there are too many good games piling up that I want to play now.

I'd say there are a lot of unknowns with the Switch 2 that are unlikely to get answered prior to the new year. Release date? Is it backwards compatible? Will Nintendo force you to buy upgrades? etc.

IMO the question is centered around getting enough enjoyment out of the ~300 you'd spend. There are many games that you can dive into and have great experiences with, but is it worth the $300?

The OLED question is more about your usage. Will you use it portably a lot? Or just once in a while? If a lot, get the OLED. If only from time to time, the standard Switch is perfectly fine (I'm still rolling my launch day Switch and love it).

 

[sethro109]

I'll get the Switch now, there's no guarantee that Switch 2 will be backwards compatible

That's definitely a good idea. Nintendo doesn't have a good track record of backwards compatibility. Reselling games and slapping a HD on the end has brought them a lot of profits in the past.

I'd say there are a lot of unknowns with the Switch 2 that are unlikely to get answered prior to the new year. Release date? Is it backwards compatible? Will Nintendo force you to buy upgrades? etc.

IMO the question is centered around getting enough enjoyment out of the ~300 you'd spend. There are many games that you can dive into and have great experiences with, but is it worth the $300?

The OLED question is more about your usage. Will you use it portably a lot? Or just once in a while? If a lot, get the OLED. If only from time to time, the standard Switch is perfectly fine (I'm still rolling my launch day Switch and love it).

With the recent price hikes of all the consoles and inflation, I can't see it costing less than $450.

 

[Ararana]

At this point am I better off waiting for the Switch 2 or should I just get the Switch? All I see is rumours but nothing official about the next console so I don't want to wait too long. Also, OLED is the way to go, right?

I was out on Nintendo for a bit there but there are too many good games piling up that I want to play now.

I'd spring for the switch now. You can always sell it to pay for most of the switch 2 if you decide to go that route. Nintendo has been talking about the Switch 2 for years. Who knows how many more years they'll end up taking.

 

[henchman21]

That's definitely a good idea. Nintendo doesn't have a good track record of backwards compatibility. Reselling games and slapping a HD on the end has brought them a lot of profits in the past.


With the recent price hikes of all the consoles and inflation, I can't see it costing less than $450.

Nintendo has a great track record of backwards compatibility on their handhelds, but on home consoles that has been all over the place. I'd think here they would support BC... but that 'free' money for a new coat of paint has been awfully good them.

I don't think it will cross 400. That looks like the top end number with the magic number being 350. With the rumored prices of the PS5 slim ($400), the Steam Deck being at $400 (for the low end storage model), Xbox likely to follow with something on the XSX to compete... I can't see 450. When we add up two pieces that we know are out there (Orin chip and LCD screen) we see they are cost cutting right away. My bet is <400 with $350 being the target.

 

[Ararana]

FWIW, TOTK runs even better on PC

 

[sethro109]

Nintendo has a great track record of backwards compatibility on their handhelds, but on home consoles that has been all over the place. I'd think here they would support BC... but that 'free' money for a new coat of paint has been awfully good them.

I don't think it will cross 400. That looks like the top end number with the magic number being 350. With the rumored prices of the PS5 slim ($400), the Steam Deck being at $400 (for the low end storage model), Xbox likely to follow with something on the XSX to compete... I can't see 450. When we add up two pieces that we know are out there (Orin chip and LCD screen) we see they are cost cutting right away. My bet is <400 with $350 being the target.

The Switch OLED is already $350. I just don't see how the keep the cost down without taking a loss on each system sold. Which is something that doesn't really happen anymore.

FWIW, TOTK runs even better on PC

Oh? Is it running better on Yuzu or Ryujinx? I am definitely gonna replay it again on my PC once the emulation gets stable enough.

 

[Ararana]

Oh? Is it running better on Yuzu or Ryujinx? I am definitely gonna replay it again on my PC once the emulation gets stable enough.

A lot of the initial issues on the Yuzu emulator have been resolved. I personally don't have any experience with Ryujinx.