New PlayStation Store

[Thrik]

Interesting, seems Sony is about to launch a completely rebuilt store. Combined with the recent even-slimmer PS3, I guess they're hoping to keep this generation going for some time yet.

Alternatively, they're attempting to bridge this generation with the next a little more smoothly than in the past, by using the same new store on both. I wonder if they'll follow it up with a redesigned dashboard/XMB too, effectively making the PS3 and inevitable PS4 the same platform but with better hardware on the latter. Would be pretty unheard of, but then so is making such big changes to the core console experience so late in the game.

Doesn't actually look that incredible IMO, however the existing store is pretty horrible to use so at least it's an improvement. Might look/feel better on a big screen I guess.

[Buddy]

What is the point of re-releasing the same console again?

[Thrik]

They already did a slim PS3 so I'm not sure why they felt the need to do an even slimmer one. Apparently its sales have shot through the roof though, so I guess someone at Sony marketing knows what they're doing.

[Sentura]

i think we're at a point where it doesn't really make sense to make a new console for sony. ps3 had a slow start and it's just begun to bloom now. ill wager that no studio has used the full power of it yet either, and it's a question about whether the ps4 will actually offer any significant processing advantage over the ps3. perhaps in the graphics department, but honestly studios are doing well enough as it is with the graphics on it.

[Taylor]

It annoys me that the Slim is a compacter but ultimately shitter version of the original PS3. I replaced mine after it bricked and honestly I've barely played it, no backwards compatibility and nothing this generation I still have interest in. Maybe the extra power on the PS4 will have games not running at under half an acceptable framerate with jagged polygons everywhere.

Edited October 11, 2012 by Taylor

[Sentura]

It annoys me that the Slim is a compacter but ultimately shitter version of the original PS3. I replaced mine after it bricked and honestly I've barely played it, no backwards compatibility and nothing this generation I still have interest in. Maybe the extra power on the PS4 will have games not running at under half an acceptable framerate with jagged polygons everywhere.

which games have you seen this in?

[Thrik]

You've not found anything this generation appealing? There've been so many awesome games this generation, it's probably the strongest I've ever experienced.

I'll be very happy if the next generation finally gets 1080p implemented across the board, though. That's my main issue with the current consoles, and it is strikingly obvious how big a difference it makes when you see the game at console 720p then a PC's 1080p/1200p.

[Rick_D]

It annoys me that the Slim is a compacter but ultimately shitter version of the original PS3. I replaced mine after it bricked and honestly I've barely played it, no backwards compatibility and nothing this generation I still have interest in. Maybe the extra power on the PS4 will have games not running at under half an acceptable framerate with jagged polygons everywhere.

which games have you seen this in?

Sentura: living in a dream since forever.

[Taylor]

Well, I never said I’ve found nothing this generation appealing, I certainly have had a lot of fun with many games across all platforms, I just don’t see myself “replaying” anything. Most games are designed to be shallow and making sure you hit everything the first time through. There are exceptions, such as Dark Souls, but it's fair to say most genres I play peaked in complexity, depth and skill before this gen.

The list is too long Sentura. Everything using Unreal would be a good start. As far as I know only two games have managed 60fps and they still dip with only two characters on the screen.

Edited October 11, 2012 by Taylor

[-HP-]

What? Taylor, it's call getting older dude, stop blaming it on this generation of consoles. I get it that you like your anime fight games at 60FPS like you did back in the 90's on the arcade machines, but that doesn't mean these last 8 years on this generation were bad, maybe your taste is games is just... you know, narrow and close minded?

It was probably the richest generation yet, and we devs make do with the hardware that we have. We all know the pain of developing a game for the PS3 and XBox but it has to be that way, if this consoles were more powerful they would also be a lot more expensive and no one would be able to afford them, and no clients no sales.

Anyway, in regards to the PSN store update, it seems better than the previous one, which I think it was probably the one thing I didn't like on the PS3 platform, the PS3 main menu tho, is extremely sleek and well organized, I cringe every time i turn on my XBox and need to use that horrible menu UI.

Since I moved I had to sell most of my electronics, so this is actually great timing for a new PS3, specially given this model has a SSD hard drive and games will load much faster, it will also make Rage (which is a game I really like) run much better than any platform due to the high bandwith in data streaming of SSD's!

[Taylor]

It’s really weird having someone tell me off for blaming console generations for something considering it’s usually the other way around. I will reiterate a second time that I have enjoyed tonnes of games this generation! All I meant to say was after re-buying a PS3 I got limited use of it because I mainly used it to play older games and I didn't feel like returning to newer games in my library. You know I've written fawning posts over Uncharted and ilk.

Games have moved forwards a lot this generation and, if there was any doubt before, they have moved right into the mainstream and going into Game isn't like walking into a private club with debatable standards of hygiene. I'm currently watching the LoL championships with interest and I think it’s amazing events like this happen. Modern gaming gets a thumbs up from me.

However, I think it’s a perfectly valid opinion that I would prefer games to run faster than look better because I feel the game-part performs much better with tighter controls and responsiveness. And I think it is valid to say game mechanics haven’t advanced too much over the course of this gen as well.

[Erratic]

This generation gave us red faction guerilla and vanquish so it gets a pass.

To conclude, the ps3 has no games.

Edited October 11, 2012 by Erratic

[-HP-]

However, I think it’s a perfectly valid opinion that I would prefer games to run faster than look better because I feel the game-part performs much better with tighter controls and responsiveness. And I think it is valid to say game mechanics haven’t advanced too much over the course of this gen as well.

Absolutely dude, I agree with this too, I was just saying it's not necessarily the generations fault, and you came across as blaming it instead of other factors.

[Chimeray]

...ill wager that no studio has used the full power of it yet either, ...

Are you for real? There's almost nothing left to squeeze out of the consoles. Sure, you can hack your stuff to make it run but I can't wait until the new consoles are out. Shit is getting super outdated, they're definitely catching their last breath. (I'd argue the PS3 even more so tbh)

I guess Sony did a great job marketing their revolutionary Cell processor back in the day and that notion stuck up to this day...

Edited October 11, 2012 by Chimeray

[Sentura]

...ill wager that no studio has used the full power of it yet either, ...

Are you for real? There's almost nothing left to squeeze out of the consoles. Sure, you can hack your stuff to make it run but I can't wait until the new consoles are out. Shit is getting super outdated, they're definitely catching their last breath. (I'd argue the PS3 even more so tbh)

I guess Sony did a great job marketing their revolutionary Cell processor back in the day and that notion stuck up to this day...

do you have some sources on that?

the reason the ps2 lasted for as long as it did was because the developers went around and did interesting things with it towards the end. i mean, i don't think we would see the technical art of shadow of the colossus if they had more power to work with.