Sony warned us that 2024 would be a light year, yet the PS5 continues to reign supreme with some of the finest games in the industry. We’ll be discussing the success of Astro Bot, a much-loved platformer that could scarcely be selling better, as well as speculating whether Concord might be planning a transition to a free-to-play model following the discovery of intriguing PC files.
We also delve into the controversy surrounding the remake of Until Dawn — was the shift in creative direction and game engine a grave mistake, especially in light of the technical difficulties? In addition, we provide our reviews of Metaphor: ReFantazio, Atlus’ latest RPG, and share our predictions for the upcoming Game of the Year nominations.
Lastly, we count down our top five favourite survival horror games. Whether you’re a PS5 enthusiast, a survival horror aficionado, or simply keen on gaming news, this episode is not to be missed.
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In this episode, chaos ensues as Bryan and Joe recount the frantic rush to snag a PS5 Pro before the scalpers could strike. With intense preparation, Joe not only secured the standard PS5 Pro but also managed to score one of the ultra-rare Anniversary units - one of only 12,300 made!
We dive into the 62 games enhanced for the PS5 Pro. Then, it's time to explore Silent Hill 2 Remake, which has launched to great reviews. This success, along with the highly anticipated Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, has us wondering: could Konami be on the verge of a grand comeback?
Speaking of Snake Eater, the game’s two camera perspectives don't just change the view but vary the difficulty, adding a fresh layer of complexity to the iconic title.
Lastly, we catch up on what we’ve been playing. In a surprise twist, Bryan has been embracing the great outdoors as he tries to fund the cost of his PS5 Pro, leading him to unexpectedly become a DoorDash driver in his spare time! But Joe? Well, Joe is doing a Bryan this week as he's deep in the world of gaming given he has platinumed Astro Bot, is currently working through Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, and is also prepping for a Cyberpunk 2077 modded playthrough! Is this CF's Freeky Friday? Tune in and find out!
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In this month’s early-access Patreon episode, Bryan and Joe dive deep into one of the most visually breathtaking games of all time: Ghost of Tsushima.
Join us as we discuss the captivating narrative that pulls you into the heart of the Mongol invasion, jaw-dropping environments that capture the beauty of feudal Japan, the dynamic and fluid gameplay mechanics that make every encounter unforgettable, and the Kurosawa-inspired visual, thematic, and auditory touches that elevate the cinematic experience.
Whether you're a longtime fan of samurai culture or just love stunning open-world adventures, this review will have you itching to pick up Jin's katana, and take up arms against the Khan in this unforgettable, slightly authentic, historical piece.
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After the unprecedented failure of Firewalk Studios' live-service multiplayer shooter, Concord, and the less than stellar PS5 Pro announcement, Sony have been biding their time and looking to get back on the proverbial horse through, what seems to be, what they do best: their first-party narrative exclusive titles. Well, after watching this month's rather impressive State of Play we can confidently confirm that they've got at least one foot back in the stirrup. Now, they need to follow suit and make good on their upcoming releases.
Join us as we discuss the event itself and Bryan's Death Stranding journey as he approaches the climax of Hideo Kojima's insanely wacky yet beautiful tale of human connection and love.
Please note: Joe's microphone might sound strange due to bandwidth/connectivity issues. It will be fixed in time for the next episode. Thank you for your patience.
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We dive into Sony’s Tokyo Game Show lineup featuring Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater, Silent Hill 2, and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. We also break down the 30th anniversary limited edition PlayStation bundles, and discuss industry insiders confirming the development of two PS6 SOCs - could one be a handheld portable console?! Plus, a major shakeup at Firewalk as its director, Ryan Ellis, steps down after the game's unfortunate historic failure. Then, we examine the Dragon Age: The Veilguard, which could be a serious contender for Game of the Year at the "Keighley Awards".
We then transition to our special topic of the show: our irrational gaming quirks. Bryan doesn’t connect with indie titles, whilst Joe just can’t stick with portable gaming. But what about you? Do you have any unique quirks - funny or frustrating? Write in and let us know!
We wrap up the show with Bryan sharing his first impressions of Death Stranding, one of Joe’s favorite games. He talks about what he loves, likes, and even offers thoughts on what could be improved in the upcoming sequel.
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PlayStation has had a very... interesting few weeks to say the least. "Why?" You ask. Well, with the rather expected crash of Concord, leading to the multiplayer live-service title shutting down just two weeks after launch, and with sales plummeting below 25,000 units on both PlayStation 5 and PC, September started off rather poorly for the platform holder. However, antithetical to that very fact, Astro Bot is soaring to new heights, receiving rave reviews from critics and gamers alike - some even daring to compare it to the best of Nintendo's legendary platformers. But, with that success also comes something less-than-ideal in reception: is Sony's bold move with the PlayStation 5 Pro really worth the price? We dissect the value of this high-end upgrade and ask if it's just a money grab for enthusiasts. This and more in episode 18 of Critical Frames, a PlayStation Podcast.
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We talk about the latest leak from reliable source Billbil Kun, who has released a name and design sketch for the highly anticipated PS5 Pro. Next, we review the recent reception of Star Wars Outlaws and Concord. With both games receiving relatively poor reviews we discuss what might've gone awry, as well as why the latter has damaging initial player numbers and why gamers seem uninterested. Then, Joe shares his excitement over the early previews of Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater. Critics are calling it a "fanatically faithful remake" of the original PS2 classic. Could this be the remake that fans have been waiting for?
We also explore Bryan's special topic of the episode: the importance of game demos. What do demos mean to us as gamers, and which ones have left a lasting impact? Join us as we reflect on the demos that have shaped our gaming experiences. Finally, we wrap up with a discussion on what Joe and Bryan have been playing recently, focusing on Aspyr's unofficial remaster of Star Wars Bounty Hunter. We share our thoughts on the nostalgia factor, the good aspects of the remaster, and the archaic designs of yore that still plague the 2024 release.
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An explosive episode: we dive deep into the Gamescom Opening Night Live reveals and dissect everything that caught our eye! But that’s just the start as we break down the unexpected success of Black Myth: Wukong, which has shockingly surpassed 2 million players on Steam alone. What’s driving this 8/10 game to such heights? And what does this mean for China’s growing power in the gaming industry?
But that’s not all - Xbox is at it again with another major blunder... Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was hyped as an exclusive, but guess what? It’s not staying that way! We’re tearing into Xbox for this latest move and what it means for gamers everywhere.
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We kick things off by sharing what we’ve been playing recently. Joe dives into Star Wars Jedi: Survivor on the PlayStation 5 and doesn’t hold back on its buggy performance and inconsistencies. Meanwhile, Bryan, after a shocking revelation in NieR Replicant, sparks a deeper conversation on whether art can sometimes cross the line.
Next, we revisit Concord and its looming release, discussing the surprising lack of interest and what that could mean for Firewalk Studios under Sony's wing. We then explore the unexpected news of Tango Gameworks being saved from closure by Krafton, who has acquired them and their latest IP, Hi-Fi Rush. We also speculate on what Xbox’s next big title might be on the PlayStation ecosystem, following a hint from industry insider Shinobi602 on ResetEra. Finally, we wrap up the news segment with excitement over Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s confirmed release date and Bryan is definitely on board!
Our special topic of the show tackles Bluepoint Games’ next move. Known for their masterful remakes and remasters, such as the Nathan Drake Collection and Demon’s Souls (2020), we debate whether they should continue perfecting the art of remakes or venture into creating something entirely original. Could a Bloodborne II be in the cards? Tune in for our thoughts!
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Setting up a formula for PlayStation's in-house first-party AAA games for years to come, The Last of Us, the critically acclaimed action-adventure game by Naughty Dog, is one of the most visually stunning, immersive, and narratively impactful titles to have ever graced the controller. It is a timeless masterpiece for many and, at the very least, a fantastic game for others.
This bonus episode takes a comprehensive look at the title (more specifically the 2022 remake, The Last of Us Part I) to figure out exactly what makes this particular title a must-play experience for all.
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Starting with Sony's mixed bag of this quarter - PS5 sales have slowed, but software profits are soaring. We then discuss the surprising decision to bring Jedi Survivor to 8th-generation consoles, over a year after its current-gen debut; how do they market this and what's the price point? A very odd move by EA.
Plus, we've got exciting news for Final Fantasy VII fans: the trilogy finale will feature a revamped Queen's Blood minigame which could lead to muddying what people loved about the original version in Rebirth or something that sees more success than ever before. Joe breathes a sigh of relief as Sony Santa Monica finally steps away from God of War to work on a brand-new IP - their first in over 20 years. But what's going on with Bloober Team? Their CEO’s unusual plea for patience with the upcoming Silent Hill 2 remake has us wondering if there's more to the story...
Finally, we wrap up with our definitive Game of the Year picks, spotlighting the must-play titles on PlayStation. Whether you're a longtime fan or just diving into these epic adventures, we've got some great recommendations to keep your gaming library stacked!
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Bryan and Joe dive into some shocking developments: Bungie faces a major shake-up with 220 employees laid off and 155 others relocated to Sony Interactive Entertainment. Not harsh enough of a blow? Well, Game Informer shuts down after an incredible 33-year run. Better yet, they didn't even inform their staff in preparation for the closure! Is it a sign of the end times for the industry?
We also examine the Star Wars Outlaws previews. Joe shares his ongoing adventures in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, praising its evolving world that relates directly to where he's at in the narrative. Meanwhile, Ghost of Tsushima fights for the top spot against the mighty Bloodborne for Bryan's favourite Sony AAA title of all time.
For our special topic this week: imagine you're stranded on a desert island with only five PlayStation games, a sub-platform, and one piece of PlayStation memorabilia to be your very own Wilson from Castaway. What would you choose? Tune in for our picks and share yours in the comments!
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An eclectic mix of news stories this week for PlayStation. First up: one of Joe's favorite games, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon (and his Game of the Year 2023), has shipped over 3 million copies worldwide, making it the highest-selling title in the series to date. We then turn our attention to Team Ninja's Rise of the Rōnin, as a demo is available for curious players across the globe, leaving your hosts to wonder: "Is it time to try it out?"
For the main body of our show, we discuss the neat quality-of-life features that are currently being beta-tested for the console, including personalized 3D audio profiles and new Remote Play settings. And, oh what a surprise! We're back to covering Concord, which somehow has fewer players in Open Beta than it did in Closed Beta - what's going on there?
With the news out of the way, we gush about Ghost of Tsushima in our "What We've Been Playing" segment. Finally, we take a trip down memory lane, assessing and ranking all the PlayStation controllers throughout history, from the classic lacking-in-joystick pad to the innovative DualSense on the PlayStation 5.
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We're a month away from Sony's AAA shooter, Concord and the reception has been less than ideal for developers, Firewalk Studios. To give you a greater perspective, we share our impressions from the closed beta and highlight ones from journalists in the industry.
Moreover, Joe's been playing Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, noting his growing appreciation for the game. Bryan, meanwhile, is enthralled by the early hours of Ghost of Tsushima, praising its visuals, storyline, and historical setting. Lastly, we list our most disappointing PS3 exclusives. Which games failed to meet expectations? Our picks might surprise you!
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Given our somewhat frequent focus on Xbox, you'd be forgiven if you've previously questioned whether this is a PlayStation podcast. The reason? Their regular half-generational changes to their "modus operandi" often impact our beloved ecosystem and the industry nearly every time. So today, we're covering Xbox's confusing new multi-tiered Game Pass pricing because it gives us cause to compare it with its "rival" subscription service, PS Plus and reiterate the point we've been making since day zero: "Buy your games, people!"
But wait! There's more! We rank all PS5 exclusives and evaluate the generation as a whole. Oh, and have you ever smelt a game disk in front of a woman? Well, Bryan has and he lives (embarrassingly so), to tell the tale...
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Despite reports of Helldivers 2 losing 90% of its PC player base and positive previews for Concord ahead of its beta launch later this month, this week remains slow for news. Seizing this opportunity, we’ve decided to create a list of the most influential PlayStation games that have impacted us from childhood to today. So buckle up, this one gets a little heavy near the end.
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The original Final Fantasy VII is one of the most legendary games of all time, a household name for many and at the very least, a revered title for others. So, it was no surprise that with the launch of the 8th generation consoles, fans of the series were calling for any fraction of news on whether a remake title was actually in development for the 1997 classic.
So, in 2015, Square Enix answered that call. Blowing fans out of the water with not just the run-up to launch but the game itself, they brought the original development team back together to create "a modern reimaging of one of the most iconic games of all time" and one of the best remakes to date.
For our inaugural limited-time patron-exclusive episode of Critical Frames+, Bryan and Joe revert to a time long past and recount their experiences with Final Fantasy VII Remake; the good, the bad, and the plain old awesome.
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With the Summer Game Fest showcases wrapped up, it's a slow week, but we're still bringing you a great show!
In the news, Mike Darrah, formerly of Bioware, explains why AAA games take so long to release. Jeff Grub reports on a PS3 emulator in the works, and the original Resident Evil is now on GOG, with 2 and 3: Nemesis coming soon. Additionally, images and videos of a Jet Set Radio remake have leaked, and Stellar Blade has sold over one million copies.
Bryan talks about returning to Nier Automata to get the "final ending" after uninstalling it, and he and Joe discuss whether the highly praised Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree expansion lives up to the hype. Spoiler alert: It's complicated.
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Elden Ring's massive expansion Shadow of the Erdtree is finally upon us and the reviews are out. Miyazaki has much to say about Bloodborne and a potential port or remaster. New Dragon Age The Veilguard details emerge. Helldivers II continues to impress, while Destiny 2: The Final Shape brings the series to new heights. Can PlayStation survive the next generation when Microsoft shifts the industry at every opportunity? Do games get more beautiful than The Last of Us? Does Nier: Automata have too many endings? These burning questions and most of their answers lie within.
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Playstation finally faces strong competition with an Xbox Showcase that's once in a generation, if not two. Many hard-hitting titles like DOOM: The Dark Age, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 are coming to the PlayStation anyway, so how much does it really matter? Ubisoft is showing up as well, with big titles like Star Wars Outlaws and Assassin's Creed Shadows.
Taking into consideration Sony's incredible first half of the year with the release of Helldivers II, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Rise of the Ronin, Stellar Blade, and its continued output for the rest of the year alongside other publishers' titles, it's an incredibly strong year for the platform. An amazing showcase is one thing, but a healthy brand is another leads us to question: is this still PlayStation's year
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