NEXT-GEN!
The next-gen consoles have been out for nearly 8 months. Here are some thoughts:
PS4
- Good - Slick Interface/Quick, Responsive OS.
This thing moves! After playing an array of titles and jumping between multiple applications, I must say, Bravo Sony! Now if they could just reduce that boot time.
- Good - DS4 Controller.
The Dualshock 4 is a magnificent upgrade from the Dualshock 3. Any game that requires a trigger (Read: ALL), is vastly improved with this controller. As an added bonus, the DS4 now works wirelessly with the PS3 - so trigger fans, rejoice!
- Good - Consistent, Diverse PlayStation Plus Instant Game Collection Offerings.
If you've been a PlayStation Plus member, you have been on the receiving end of quite the bounty of free games. With Sony's recent update to how often they bring in new content monthly, the turn around on new, exciting content should only get better.
- Good - The Definitive Platform of Choice.
Every game released to date either plays better, (sometimes significantly so), or equal to the PS4's counterpart - the Xbox One. Whether that is an enhanced frame-rate or a higher resolution, with the PS4 you are guaranteed the best performing console version of whatever third-party game you play.
- Meh - Beyond inFamous: Second Son, not much compelling first-party/next-gen specific software.
inFamous: Second Son was great - the first compelling software that gratified early adopters of the new PS4 hardware. However, beyond that we've only seen cross-platform (Read: compatible with Xbox 360 / PS3) and indie games. We've yet to see the real meaty experiences that push beyond what was possible on last-gen systems. And even looking at what's available now, you're not exactly spoiled for choice when it comes to compelling/great games. Watch Dogs is a great example of a game that has done exceedingly well, is cross-platform and is also horribly overrated. Thankfully, some really exciting experiences will be coming our way this Fall 2014.
- Bad - User Interface is NOT customizable.
Seriously? Let me get rid of those bloody "Unlimited" apps and organize my games!
Xbox One
- Good - The Controller.
The Xbox One controller is an iteration on the already fantastic Xbox 360 gamepad. Overall the controls feel a bit tighter, the sticks a bit taller and the triggers are just as comfortable. Thankfully the d-pad has been improved to actually be usable, however fighting-game fans will still want to invest in a stick. Note: The bumper placement of the Xbox One controller takes a little getting used to - I still find myself yearning for the Xbox 360's bumper placement.
- Good - Accurate Voice Control from Kinect.
The new Kinect is better than the old one - it's more accurate and is actually useful in this incarnation. Saying "Xbox Record That" has been, by far, the coolest/most useful command while playing.
- Good - Titanfall
It's awesome. Also the only compelling reason to own a Xbox One.
- Meh - Beyond Titanfall, not much compelling first-party/next-gen specific software.
As with the PS4, beyond cross-platform and indies, we've yet to hit our stride with really compelling/great games. Let's all fast-forward to this Fall!
- Meh - Games play better on PS4.
If you only own a Xbox One, this doesn't matter. If you're undecided, it might sway you. But if you own both, you'll find yourself planning your third-party purchases on PS4 and your console-exclusives on Xbox One. Note: I'm going all-digital with my Xbox One - exclusives only. Console was originally designed to be an all-digital experience - so let there be downloads!
- Bad - UI and OS is sllllllow.
So bad, so slow - it's garbage. The initial move between apps is great but man this thing just chugs along at such a slow pace to actually load anything. Installing games takes forever, markedly longer than installing the same title on a PS4. Also, the user interface itself is archaic - it seems to have been designed with voice control being the main arbiter, but in practice it just feels crappy. Thankfully, since Microsoft recently unbundled Kinect (Good!), a UI redesign is almost a guarantee. Until then, booooo.
@techandjunk
