Cloud Monday - Resistance: Retribution - Part 2 - The Streaming Experience Is Better Than The Game

This week's Cloud Monday video is part 2 of playing the PS4 version of the PSP game Resistance: Retribution  via the PlayStation Plus Cloud Streaming Service to my Japanese launch model PlayStation 4.

I have this game on #PlayStationPortable but it's been a very long time since i last played it. Playing Part 1, https://youtu.be/jEs97ouESk8, felt nostalgic but it was a different experience for me as i played it on the PSP rather than on TV using the Dual Shock 3 on PSP option. The only way to make that work well was to adjust the controller speed and overall it felt more difficult and intense than you would've expected for the start of the game.

Knowing that, i did think that part 2 was easier. not just that i had adjusted the controls to make it easier to play, but also it felt like the level design got a little easier. Still, it continued to be an intense experience with game design that made me wonder if this was a PS2 game that got switched to the PS3 because of how much of a console experience it felt like not just in levels design but also with how infrequent the auto save is and how long some sequences are.

Streaming it tho continued to be a great experience. If this was just the PSP game, i wouldn't recommend it. but because it's been ported to the PS4 and got manual saves and rewinds, it's something i can recommend. in this video there was a moment where the stream quality dipped and i got the connection warning but i didn't panic as i could use the manual save and quickly did so. 

So this still comes to down the game itself. like last week, streaming it from the cloud to us is great but is the game itself worth playing. across both parts there have been more technological issues with the game than streaming issues. with the controls being as bad as they are, this basic port makes a bad first impression and i wonder if they could've done more like automatically setting the control options faster. If you're a fan of Resistance, then this is the best way and easiest way to play this game. in that case it's easy to recommend. but i wouldn't recommend this game for people if this is their first Resistance game. I probably wouldn't recommend this to causal shooter fans either. But, personally, i am glad this does exist on PS4 and hope that it'll be further fixed and improved.

Cloud Monday - Resistance: Retribution - Part 1 - Adjust Controller Speeds To Make It More Playable

This week's Cloud Monday video is part1 of playing the PS4 version of the PSP game Resistance: Retribution  via the PlayStation Plus Cloud Streaming Service to my Japanese launch model PlayStation 4.

I have this game on PlayStation Portable but it's been a very long time since i last played it. I don't remember much of it on PSP so i was eager to play it again. But i was also curious if this game, being designed around the portable nature and limited battery life of a handheld, would also share game design qualities that would make it a good game to stream from the cloud. 

It does and it doesn't is the simple answer. As a PSP game, it doesn't work well being streamed from the cloud for many reasons. the cutscenes are very long and numerous, the auto save is very infrequent, and there appear to be no manual saves. these don't work well on a service that can kick you off with just a 20 second warning.

But it does work because it's a PS4 and PS5 game. the upgrades the game has received isn't just to the graphics, but Resistance: Retribution now gets access to a rewind feature and manual saves. I showed numerous times that there was no issue using the rewind feature, and when the connection got rough and the warning appeared i was able to very quickly do a manual save from the PS4 game rather than from in side the PSP game.

So, if it's a game that's a great choice to play in the cloud the question then becomes is it a game worth playing. That's tough because Resistance: Retribution has a few issues. this PS4 and PS5 version has already received a patch and needs a few more as it's rough in places. what stood out the most was how out of sync the audio seemed. whether it was the voices, sound effects, or even the cutscenes, at times it didn't match what was happening on screen. then there are other technical issues like screen tearing. As a PSP game, it has another issue regarding the controls. it was a game that could be controlled via a Dual Shock 3 (PS3 controller) and that's how it's played on PS4 and PS5. but the controls are very slow and heavy and really need to be adjusted much faster. The in-game tutorials haven't been adjusted for this either so there was some real trial and error learning how to control it.

With all this learnt in Part 1, part 2 will be interesting as i can focus more on the streaming experience and hopefully play around some of the quirks of the game and this port. 

Cloud Monday - Key of Heaven - The First Hour

In today's Cloud Monday, I'm playing Key of Heaven (Also known as Kingdom of Paradise). this was originally released on PlayStation Portable, PSP, and is now available on PS4 and PS5. I'm playing the game on my PS4 via the PlayStation Plus Premium Cloud Streaming service.

In today's video, i play the first hour of the game. Whilst i knew of the game, i didn't really know what to expect. so, i was a little surprised that in the first hour of the game there isn't too much to do. There's a lot of story and exposition. There are some battles and for the most part they are easy. but the final battle in the video was truly difficult.

As for the streaming quality, i don't have anything major to report. i found that the game played quite well. there was a little artifacting/macro blocking in the pause menu, but whilst i was playing the game i had no trouble. i'd go so far as to say that the game itself got in the way more than any cloud streaming stuff.

Sony Detail PS4 Update 1.5, Reveal BluRay/DVD Playback Needs One Time Internet Connection

Sony have detailed PlayStation 4 firmware update 1.50. the update will be available at the console's launch and should be around 300MB. whilst the update will bring new features to the console, Sony have confirmed the Suspend/Resume Mode will not be there at launch. a more detailed list of what the system can do will be released nearer launch. Sony have also confirmed that to enable BluRay and DVD playback on the system the console will need to be connected to the internet once. Most of the update is for Online Features, but the update also brings Remote Play and Second Screen functionality to the Console. the PS Vita will get a update that will bring PS4 Remote Play And Second Screen.

Firmware Update 1.50:

• Remote PlayUsers will be able to access PS4 titles displayed on their living room TVs and play them on a PS Vita system over Wi-Fi networks by using PS4 Link (Depending on network environment or titles, remote play performance may vary outside of the home). We anticipate that most PS4 titles will be playable on the PS Vita system through Remote Play. The latest PS Vita system software version, to be released soon, will be required to use PS4 Link.
  
  
• Second ScreenUsers can use the PS4 Link application for the PS Vita system, and PlayStation App for iPhone, iPad, and Android-based smartphones and tablets, to use these devices as second screens in supported titles. PlayStation App has the ability to enable users to interact with games with their mobiles devices. For example on The Playroom, a title pre-installed in all PS4 systems that requires PlayStation Camera, users can draw pictures on their mobile device screens and flick them towards the TV. The images then appear as a 3D object within the game.
  
  
• Record, take screenshots, and upload gameplay effortlesslyThe PS4 system provides dedicated, “always on” video encoding systems that enables seamless uploading of gameplay. Users can share their epic triumphs by simply hitting the Share button on DualShock 4, take screenshots or scan through the last 15 minutes of gameplay, tag it and return to the game—the video uploads as the user plays. At the PS4 system’s launch in North America, users will be able to share their images and videos with friends on Facebook and screenshots with followers on Twitter, though users will need to sign up for individual accounts to use Facebook and Twitter.
  
  
• Broadcast and spectate gameplay The PS4 system also enhances social spectating by enabling users to broadcast their gameplay in real-time to game fans around the globe, using Ustream and Twitch live internet streaming services (users will need to sign up for individual accounts to use Ustream and Twitch). There are two ways for users to view live broadcasts. First, the Live from PlayStation application on PS4 aggregates streams from all PlayStation users. Second, users can spectate friends’ PS4 gameplay from PCs, and applications such as Ustream, Twitch, and browsers, which are installed on their mobile devices. These applications can be easily started up via PlayStation App, and users can also use these applications to post comments to gameplay broadcasts. Furthermore, users with PlayStation Camera can stream camera images and microphone sounds along with their live gameplay broadcast.
  
  
• Play as you downloadThis feature enables users to play supported digital titles as they are being downloaded. The time it takes to begin playing will vary depending on game data size and network environments, and not all titles will support this feature When a game is purchased, users can start playing after PS4 downloads a portion of the data, while the rest of the game is downloaded in the background during actual gameplay. Games may be downloaded in stand-by mode.
  
  
• Multi log-inA maximum of four users can log-in to a single PS4 system simultaneously. These players can use their own save data to play games, and also earn trophies on their own Sony Entertainment Network accounts even when playing a multiplayer game together on a single PS4 system.
  
  
• Party (Voice chat)By using the Mono Headset bundled with the PS4 system, users will be able to chat with up to eight friends enjoying different applications or games. Furthermore, users can use Party to chat between PS4 and PS Vita systems.
  
  
• Face recognition and voice commandsUsers with PlayStation Camera will be able to register their facial image onto their PS4 system, and login to their system using facial recognition instead of DualShock 4. Furthermore, users can use either the microphone of the Mono Head set connected to DualShock 4, or PlayStation Camera to navigate through the PS4 home screen (PlayStation Dynamic Menu) with voice commands to start up games and shutdown the system, among other features; please refer to PS4’s online manual for recognizable voice commands.
  
  
• Background music playerUsers can enjoy gameplay while listening to music in the background with Music Unlimited, a cloud-based digital music service. Users can also voice chat with friends while listening to music. Learn more about Music Unlimited here.
  
  
• Online MultiplayerPlayStation Plus members will be able to play PS4 titles online with other players via the network. PS Plus makes it easy for members to join available online multiplayer matches in a variety of ways, including the ability to easily join a game from a live stream broadcast or Party voice chats.
  
  
• Blu-ray Disc and DVD playerUsers can enjoy not only gaming on their PS4 system, but also Blu-ray and DVD video contents. When using for the first time, users must connect to the internet to activate this feature.

Source: EU PlayStation Blog

Sony Have Released A New Trailer For The PlayStation 4

Sony have released a new trailer for the PlayStation 4. this trailer highlights that there are over 180 games in development for the console, 24 of them being exclusives.



Source: EU PlayStation Blog

Guerrilla Games And Sony Have Released A Killzone: Shadow Fall Story Trailer

Sony and Guerrilla Games have released a story trailer for their upcoming PS4 launch title Killzone: Shadow Fall. this trailer also shows off several locations, characters and history but it is a bit of a spoiler if your planning on playing the previous games first.

Quantic Dream Have Released A New Trailer For The Beyond: Two Souls Mobile App

Sony and Quantic Dream have released a new trailer for Beyond: Two Souls. this video is for the free Beyond Touch app that's out on smartphones and tablets. this app can let two players Play Beyond: Two Souls with 1 player on a DualShock and the other using a mobile device, or even two players on mobile devices.



Source: EU PlayStation Blog

Sony Have Released A New PlayStation Trailer For The 4 Consoles

Sony have released a new trailer under their #4ThePlayers advertising. the video shows 4 generations of PlayStation Consoles in the bedrooms of players.



Source: EU PlayStation Blog

Sony Reveal The EU/USA inFamous: Second Son Boxart, Special And Collectors Editions

Sony and Sucker Punch have revealed the boxart, special and collectors editions for inFamous: Second Son. both the USA and EU are getting different collectors and special editions, whilst the boxart appears to be the same in both regions.

EU

Special Edition

Includes Delsin's Beanie Hat
Cole's Legacy Bonus Mission DLC

Collectors Edition

Includes Delsin's Jacket Game Case
inFamous: Second Son Coin
inFamous: Second Son Bottle Opener
inFamous: Second Son Badges
Delsin's Replica Beanie Hat
Delin's Legendary Vest DLC

USA

Limited Edition

Includes Cole's Legacy DLC

Collectors Edition

Includes Cole's Legacy DLC Mission
Collectors Edition Cover Artwork
Replica of Delsin's Beanie
8 Pins From Delsin's In-game Vest
Official DUP Patch
Vinyl Decals
Delsin's Legendary in-game Best DLC

Source: EU And USA PlayStation Blogs

Thekla Inc Have Released New Screenshots For The Witness, Claim The Game Could Take 25-40 Hours To Complete

Thekla Inc have released new screenshots for their upcoming PS4 open world puzzle game The Witness. they have revealed that in recent play tests of the game it took them between 25-40 hours to complete it. the game is at the point where the puzzles are all in and now they are going through the island adding more detail and making the game run smooth and have a solid frame rate.

Screenshots


Source: EU PlayStation Blog

Sony Announce Sportsfriends Is Coming To The PS4, PS3 Version Coming January

Sony have announced Sportsfriends is coming out on PS4. for those who backed the game on Kickstarter, they will have the choice whether to get the PS3 or PS4 versions. Doug Wilson has also confirmed that J.S Joust will make use of the light bar on the DualShock 4. Sportsfriends is currently set for a January release on PS3, all 4 games are ported to the PS3 and now the finishing the surrounding details.



Source: USA PlayStation Blog

XSEED Announce Valhalla Knights 3 Comes To EU On PS Vita On 23rd October

XSEED have announced the EU release date for the PS Vita game Valhalla Knights 3. it's coming out this week across the USA and will come out across the EU on 23rd October. XSEED have also confirmed the western release of the game will have both ad-hoc multiplayer and multiplayer over the PSN. also added are leaderboards and the amount of XP you earn has been tweaked for the early part of the game. nearly all the free DLC the game got in Japan has been included, essentially everything that wasn't a licensed cross over costume.



Source: EU PlayStation Blog

Sony Have Released A New TV Advert For The PlayStation 4

Sony have released a new advert for the PlayStation 4. this continues the Greatness Awaits campaign, saying playing the PlayStation 4 with other people helps make a Perfect Day.



Source: USA PlayStation Blog

Sony And Polyphony Digital Have Released A New Gran Turismo 6 Trailer

Sony and Polyphony Digital have released a new trailer for Gran Turismo 6. this trailer highlights some of the stats of the game, like there are 30 tracks and over 12,000 cars.



Source: EU PlayStation Blog

Sony And Quantic Dream Have Released A Launch Trailer For Beyond: Two Souls

Sony and Quantic Dream have released a launch trailer for Beyond: Two Souls. the game comes out this Friday in the UK, it's already out in the USA.



Source: EU PlayStation Blog

Sony Announce A Destiny Of Spirits Beta For PlayStation Plus Members, Release New Trailer

Sony have announced there will be a Beta for Destiny of Spirits. it's a free to play location based "card" battling game and a beta has been announced fro 24th October until 31st October. in the EU, Sony have announced this beta will be open to PlayStation Plus members but it's not been revealed how to enter the USA beta. you can find some in-depth information on summoning and breeding spirits.



Source: EU And USA PlayStation Blogs

Sony Announce PlayStation 3 Firmware Update 4.50

Sony have revealed PlayStation 3 firmware update 4.50. this update is set to come out soon and brings the following with it:

• Auto download of system software updates has been expanded to support all PSN users.
• Auto download support of purchases made on the Web Store will be made available to all PSN users.
• New options for trophy privacy settings allow users to set which trophies are visible.
• Data can now be transferred from PS3 to PS Vita using wi-fi and ethernet connection.

Source: EU PlayStation Blog

Sony Have Released A Launch Trailer For Rain

Sony have released a launch trailer for the PSN game Rain. the game is out this week on PS3 for $14.99/€12.99/£9.99, The Soundtrack to Rain is also coming out this week for €7.49/£5.99/ $9.99.

Sony Have Revealed Two EU PS4 Killzone: Shadow Fall Bundles, Prices Start At €439

Sony have revealed two new PS4 bundles for the EU. at present they have only provided Euro costs of each bundle but they have confirmed that the bundles will be coming to the UK and Australia.

Killzone Shadow Fall PS4 Bundle – €439

• Killzone Shadow Fall
• PlayStation 4

Killzone Shadow Fall PS4 Bundle – €499

• Killzone Shadow Fall
• PlayStation 4
• Additional Dual Shock 4 controller
• Camera

Source: EU PlayStation Blog

Warner Bros And Sony Reveal PS3 Exclusive Knightfall Pack For Batman: Arkham Origins

Warner Bros. and Sony have announced the PS3 is getting a exclusive Batman: Arkham Origins Pack. The Knghtfall Pack consists of 2 skins, original TV Batman costume and Knightfall Batman Costume, and 5 Challenge Maps.



Source: EU PlayStation Blog