It’s the big day (in some places of the world), as the PS5 is launched today. As I write this, I’m just finishing off my coffee to do the school run then to pick up the pre-order Edit: I now have it.
My daughter and I struck a deal that I wouldn’t open it until she finishes school, so I’m going to honour that and attempt to get some work down in the meantime; ensuring that it remains boxed in it’s home in the living room.
Wifey asked if I was going to do an unboxing video, but I don’t see the point. Everybody has done that already, and I’m not particularly interested in the idea or making an actual video that nobody would watch (why would you?).
Perhaps I’ll start sharing footage of the gameplay and the very many games I have to choose from? Wrong. It seems that launch consoles don’t have games with them anymore like they used to, not even the measly demo disc that came with the PS One.
Thankfully, the PS5 is backwards compatible, and as I’ve made the switch to digital, the last 40 or more PS4 titles I’ve acquired this year are stored in the cloud. The Sony one. So, once she gets home, I’ll be downloading all the older games and those that are ‘compatible’ out of the box such as Zombie Driver.
I’ve made a point of not watching all the unboxing videos. To me, it’s like watching people play games – if you’re into that, go nuts, but I’d instead be playing. Likewise, I’d rather be opening the box, taking off the tie clips. What I have noticed though are the visuals.
Since converting back to the PC master race, I don’t see all the fuss, not now that I have an updated GPU running 1440p at ultra. That’s not bragging – it costs far more with a PC, and they certainly don’t have the same type of games. Well, not always.
My preference was actually the Xbox since day one. I prefer the UI, the visuals and overall aesthetics, but after experiencing region locks on the Xbox 360 in Japan, then having the rings of death twice with two different machines, I was a bit scorned.
In my opinion, PlayStation has always had the best games. Not necessarily the best visuals, but still. While some might be gushing at God of War, I’m more interested in Spider-Man, Gran Turismo 7 and Demon Souls – but I’m not sure if the latter is an exclusive. I doubt it.
But, £70 for a launch title? I’m not prepared to pay that. Looking at the PSN store last night, I saw Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla for £92. Granted, these are special editions, but still – that’s just under a third of the cost of the machine. I don’t know about you, but I’m far from a one title man. I want the choice and £60-70 is likely going to get me one title at a time. I can’t justify that.
In some respects, I slightly regret getting the console on launch date now. It wasn’t to get one up on anyone or have the latest console – I’ve been getting these around launch date every time – it’s exciting. The caveat is you get over-priced games, and now that I’ve gone for the PS5 Digital Edition, I’m tied to the PSN store. Considering the success the Nintendo eShop has been, that’s not such a bad thing, but I’ve always felt Sony have the worst software and UI for a premium company. What does the future hold for the PS5?
Anyhoo, playing the PC more helps me realise the very many decent indie titles out there. Fantastic stories, but little budget to let anyone know it exists, so I attempt to provide a little exposure for those when I can. That said, I love to play games and will be attracted to gameplay over anything – if that means a triple-A on the PS5 or free-to-play point and click on Steam – it doesn’t matter. I just don’t want to be going in the red to provide review coverage, or heavens forbid – for fun.
I’m sure my opinion will change the moment I plug in the power lead and boot up the machine for the first time. Ten minutes later, I’ve spent £210 on games, accumulating just two in the process. I’m writing this like it’s a joke, but I bet I end up doing it. [Update: I spent £70 for two PS5 games]
Anyway, those are my thoughts this morning. Did I just post this?
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