Category: Platforms

Parent Category for All Gaming Platforms discussed on Twinstiq

Which Unique Console Feature Surprised You?

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The PlayStation 4 has a feature I find hard to go without on other consoles. I'm not talking about the controller speaker, although it is cool when someone calls you on your cell in GTA V and the audio gets patched through there. It's a little gimmicky and although available to developers on the Wii for that entire generation, was still rarely well used.

I'm talking about the standard headphone/mic jack on the PlayStation 4 controller. I find myself wishing it was there when I play other consoles.

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I'm not made of money, I can't afford to buy a fancy wireless headset that works on one or two consoles that I own. I can barely afford to buy a new pair of earbuds when mine break every year, no matter how careful I am with them. Besides, I'd much rather spend the price of a wireless headset on a new game.

I live in a house with other people and don't want to bother them. Sometimes my son is asleep, I've got neighbors that don't want too much noise, and sometimes I just don't want to hear anything else. My earbuds are noise canceling, they're always handy for my portable music player, tablet, or laptop, and they sound good enough. Sometimes "good enough" is all you need.

The headphone jack on the PS4 controller is right there, I can just plug them in and be immersed in the game's soundtrack without bothering anyone else. I've played games all my life through the TV speakers and it was fine, I enjoyed myself a lot, but I've noticed a lot of advantages to using my plain old $10 earbuds.

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There's a magic that comes through when you don't hear anything else, naught but the game's soundtrack. The quiet moments sound appropriately quiet, you can make out the subtleties such as the rain hitting the pavement, as well as the footsteps of people walking by while they carry on in conversations. You can even make out what they're saying instead of having it drowned out by the air conditioner in your room.

The loud crescendos have much more impact when they overcome these quiet moments, like when you enter a boss's lair in Bloodborne and the orchestra swells as the fierce beast makes its appearance. Positional audio comes through brilliantly even through your average headset, allowing you to track enemies around you or find a secret beacon which transmits intermittent audio blips.

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Are there any console or even handheld features that have made a notable impact on your gaming experience? Is there something that changed things enough that you have a hard time living without it? Voice commands? Chatpad? 3D effect? Portable LCD screen? What's your number one surprise feature?

Ultra Street Fighter IV Battles its way onto PlayStation 4 Next Month

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The digital release of Ultra Street Fighter IV for PlayStation 4 will release on May 26th on the PlayStation online store, simultaneously in the Americas and Europe. So far, no physical edition is planned, so right now your only option is a download. The PlayStation blog confirms that all current DLC will be bundled and that any input lag that was perceived by PlayStation 3 gamers has been completely eliminated for this release.
Priced at $24.99, it's a very attractive offer to PlayStation 4 owners who can't wait until next year for the release of Street Fighter V.

Phil Harrison Leaves Microsoft

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Leaving Sony to serve in the Interactive Entertainment Team at Microsoft, and rising to Vice President of the European branch, Phil Harrison has finally left the house of Xbox after rumors of his departure months ago.
Now an industry vetaran, Harrison gained a foothold a game developer and graphic designer in the 1980s, finding a home at Mindscape International as head of development. Clearly a talented individual, he was able to join Sony and rise to President of Sony Computer Worldwide Studios.

He then worked at Infogrames/Atari, Gaikai, and moved on to his most recent employer Microsoft. It's unknown where he will find a position next, but it's safe to say his passion lies in the games industry. His peers at Microsoft are wishing him the best in his future endeavors after his amicable departure.

LA Cops patrolling it’s way onto PS4

Top down twin stick tactical shooter LA Cops is indeed coming to the PS4 and we've got the low down after the jump.
If you've watched or read our review of LA Cops you know that it wasn't my favorite game. While there were some issues that kept it from really blowing me away it is still a fun experience. Well, on the 22nd of April you'll be able to have that experience on PS4 as well. Personally I hope the game does well, as I'd love to see a more polished, vision coherent sequel.

Have you played LA Cops? Let us know what you though about the game in the comment below.

Author: Billy C
Game: LA Cops
Website: http://www.la-cops.com/
Our Review: LA Cops

Witcher 3 available for pre-order on XBox One

CD Projekt Red announced today that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is officially available for pre-order on XBox One. Hit the break to find the link and my thoughts on the announcement. 

While that's not my console of choice it's still a very exciting step as it means we are one step closer to Witching the heck out of some open world questing! I really enjoyed The Witcher, and it's sequel blew that game away in every respect. The Witcher 3 looks to continue that trend and it is almost upon us. Excited about the news? Running to pre-order now? Let us know in the comments below.
Author: Billy C
Game: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Website: http://thewitcher.com/witcher3/
Link to Pre-Order!

New Nintendo eShop Releases: DK! Donkey Kong Is Here!

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"He's back again, so listen up dudes.
If you know the words, you can join in too.
Put your hands together, if you want to clap,
As we take you through this monkey rap..."
Okay, that's enough of that. Joining Mario 64 on the Wii U Nintendo 64 Virtual Console this week is Donkey Kong 64! So, if you happen to like gorillas named Kong, or virtual bananas, or terrible, terrible rap songs, I would recommend giving it a try. Also out this week is 3D Fantasy Zone II! Now the only question is, would I rather play a great classic game on my Wii U or my 3DS? Decisions, decisions. While I'm busy deciding, feel free to take yourself through the complete list of new releases after the jump.
Wii U

3DS

[Image: Nintendo]

Andrew J Amideo
[Source: Business Wire]

Thatgamecompany’s Journey Coming to PS4

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The PlayStation 4 will see Journey in a Thatgamecompany triple-pack physical release along with Flower and flOw. A digital release of Journey will also be available. Tricky Pixels is doing the port work this time, working closely with Sony Santa Monica. 1080p and 60 frames per second is the target for this HD remaster.
Update: Sony Santa Monica confirms in a blog comment that Journey will be cross-buy compatible, if you've already purchased it for PS3, you will be able to download the PS4 version for free!
Source: GameSpot

Street Fighter Assets found in Super Smash Bros Patch

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Intrepid hackers at The Cutting Room Floor have found Ryu's stage theme and end-of-battle music from Street Fighter II in Super Smash Bros for the 3DS. Could this signal an upcoming addition to the roster, or just a special stage add-on?
Capcom has already leant characters and stages to Super Smash Bros, so it's not outside the realm of the imagination that more might be coming. How do you think a Street Fighter character would work in such a game? Let us know!
Source: Destructoid