On Nov. 15, we officially set foot into the next generation of video game consoles. The PlayStation 4 is finally out in the wild and is now subject to our praise and condemnation. So, is it a worthy enough console to bring us into the next generation, or does it come up short? Here’s what you need to know:
The overall design of the console and controller is nothing like the previous consoles. The console itself is much smaller than the original PlayStation 3 and packs better components. The new DualShock 4 controller is the best Sony has ever made for its gaming platform. It combines aspects from the PlayStation Move, PlayStation Vita and the DualShock 3.
The three most notable aspects of the new controller are the touch pad, the infinitely better analog sticks and the shoulder trigger buttons. The touch pad on the center of the DualShock 4 is the perhaps the most gimmicky part of the controller, but it never actually hinders game play in any way. The analog sticks are spaced slightly further apart and give the controller a bigger frame, but adds to the comfort of the controller as a whole. The trigger buttons feel great to use, especially when playing first-person shooters.
With the new controller, playing games on the PS4 feels right. Unfortunately, the subject of games is where the PS4 ultimately fails. As with any other console, the PS4 will be judged by the games that came out with the console at launch and by the games that will eventually be released.
The good news is, Sony has the support of a lot of indie developers, so many smaller games will be coming to the system. For now, we only have the choice between exclusive titles such as Compulsion Games’ “Contrast,” free-to-play titles such as “Blacklight: Retribution,” “Warframe” and “DC Universe Online,” among others.
As for first-party titles, there’s “Killzone: Shadowfall,” “Knack,” “Sound Shapes,” “Flower” and “Resogun.” In addition to these first-party exclusives, there are also a bunch of third-party titles that aren’t exclusives but are also available on the PS4.
If you’re going to be buying games for the PS4, the three you should look out for are “Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag,” “Killzone: Shadowfall,” and “Resogun,” which is probably the best game on the PS4 right now. In order to play the online multiplayer for games such as “Battlefield 4” and “Call of Duty: Ghosts,” you have to buy a subscription to PlayStation Plus. It’s around $50 a year, but you’re given tons of free games and content every month and it also applies to your PS3 and PS Vita.
An important thing to note is the fact that if you own a PS Vita, you can play just about any PS4 game on it through remote play. As long as your PS4 and PS Vita are connected via the same Wi-Fi network, the PS Vita can be used as a controller for the PS4 or as a handheld PS4. But be warned, you can’t remotely access your PS4 if you’re not connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
The PS4 is a fantastic console, and is definitely a great way to take a step into the next generation of gaming consoles. The compact design contains some powerful insides and gives us a taste of what is still to come from this new generation. The biggest downfall of the PS4, however, is the severe lack of games. Everything else about the console is wonderful, from the controller to the home screen, and though the selection of games is slim, the ones that are available are good. There are other things to do with the console of course, such as watching movies and television series on Netflix or Hulu, or listen to music via Sony’s Music Unlimited. But despite all these positive qualities, it’s not a strong enough argument to warrant dropping at least $400 for this next generation console.
So for now, hold off on purchasing a PS4. Possibly wait until March or even summer 2014 before committing to getting the console. But if you really must have the console right now, be sure to pick up “Resogun” as soon as you activate your PS Plus subscription.
Also read: One day in ‘Grand Theft Auto 5’
Photo courtesy of Evan Amos
