New to PS4, looking for some advice

Shiminay

Hi folks.

I finally bit the bullet and ordered a PS4 Pro for myself having been on the edge of it for the last few months. Horizon Zero Dawn, Spiderman and The Last of Us are just calling me too hard However, I'd love to ask some of you more experienced heads a few questions...

PS+ is a must have, so where's the cheapest place to get a year's subscription? I've seen some concerns about PS Store cards not being interchangeable between countries, is it the same for PS+? I'm not used to paying full price for anything (except maybe hardware) having been a PC gamer for 20+ years

I dislike controllers for some games, mouse and keyboard is just so vastly superior than thumbsticks for the sorts of shooty games I prefer, so I've been looking at things like the Hori Tac Pro (doesn't seem to be amazing based on reviews) and the Xim Apex (again mixed, but more positive than the Hori and I've already got a pretty swank mouse and keyboard combo). Have any of you any experiences with any of these sorts of products?

Are there any good 3rd party (and legit) key-selling sites for PlayStation in the same way PC Gaming has? The likes of Greenmangaming or WinGameStore for example - the sorts of things you see on www.isthereanydeal.com that ties into the Enhanced Steam browser plugin to help you find bargains. I avoid places like Kinguin and G2A cause they're dodgy as all heck.

Thank you all for your time, I'll add my details into the relevant PSNID threads etc in due course

F1ngers

Shiminay wrote: »

Hi folks.

I finally bit the bullet and ordered a PS4 Pro for myself having been on the edge of it for the last few months. Horizon Zero Dawn, Spiderman and The Last of Us are just calling me too hard

I'd add Bloodbourne, Last Guardian and SotC to that list too.

Shiminay wrote: »

PS+ is a must have, so where's the cheapest place to get a year's subscription? I've seen some concerns about PS Store cards not being interchangeable between countries, is it the same for PS+? I'm not used to paying full price for anything (except maybe hardware) having been a PC gamer for 20+ years

PS+ is region specific.

Also, 1 PS+ account on the console allows all other accounts on that console access to online gaming.

€60 is the annual sub, however it can be gotten cheaper on PS store, they sell it for €45 occasionally.

Also press-start have it for €48, but don't always have stock.

https://www.press-start.com/en/1785-buy-key-ps4-playstation-plus-365-days-subscription-ireland/

No idea about kb/m or 3rd party sites.

Penn

Can't comment too much on the kb/m options, but what I would say is that if you prefer kb/m for shooters, I'd be inclined to keep playing them on PC rather than PS4. Most of the PS4 exclusives are third person adventure games (like the three you mentioned as well as others). I think being able to increase your accuracy with kb/m would actually detract from the games in some regards (eg. The Last of Us where ammo is so scarce. Not being a perfect shot really adds to the challenge). Plus Horizon has a kind of bullet time to take your precision shots.

Just giving my 2c. Ultimately those games are designed and optimised for the controller, whereas FPS games, absolutely kb/m is better, but then you're giving yourself an unfair advantage over most other players who'd be using controller. I think those games (which tend to be multiplatform anyway) would be best kept for your PC.

heebusjeebus

All the games you mention are mainly single player experiences so PS+ is not needed really.

I don't play online at all but still felt I got my monies worth from PS+ in the last year. Only got a PS4 this time last year so nearly anything they had in the monthly games was new to me. You just missed out on Bloodborne but is worth the cash if you like the Souls series of games, you can pick up the GoTY version for 15-20 euro.

Shiminay

First of all, thank you all for the suggestions, I've got a year's sub from press-start, thank you for that F1ngers. Last Guardian or SotC look good, but I'm not sure they're my sorta thing. The Souls/Bourne games are not my bag - I don't have the patience or dexterity

Some very good points by Penn, I've long said that if there was a genuine KB&M option for consoles, I'd ditch the gaming PC, but it doesn't seem like that's the case yet. Tis a shame really. I don't think having better gear equates to an unfair advantage at all, I come from a world where if you can spend twice as much as me on your input devices (to say nothing of the hardware of your PC), chances are you're gaining some sort of advantage But I concede that this is a more philosophical discussion for a different thread (and I've already spent about €230 on my mechanical keyboard and swank 11 button mouse).

I also play a lot of FIFA with a friend in his place, so having PS+ to play together on that and other games will be fun (and I got FIFA 18 with the console).

Taltos

I think there’s also a site where you can trade unused phone credit for PS funds...

As to the above games I’d add
Farcry (I loved the primal version)
Tomb Raider.- either one is good, not amazing though
Uncharted series, you can get it cheaply online, spin off is also good
Doom is a blast, literally
Wolfenstein 1 is great fun, 2 is ok.
Bloodborne is good if you’re willing to grind, tip though is help others, you share in the exp and if you die there you don’t lose it, instead you can explore an area you’ve just entered. Every time I play (on 2nd run through now) I find something new, although I am dreaming of it so that can get a bit violent.
Dishonored & Witcher 3 are also brilliant

I’m staying away from their online play service for now, over rated and not a huge selection but I think a certain period is free.... Also hit up your friends to borrow some of their disks to try them out.

Penn

Shiminay wrote: »

Some very good points by Penn, I've long said that if there was a genuine KB&M option for consoles, I'd ditch the gaming PC, but it doesn't seem like that's the case yet. Tis a shame really. I don't think having better gear equates to an unfair advantage at all, I come from a world where if you can spend twice as much as me on your input devices (to say nothing of the hardware of your PC), chances are you're gaining some sort of advantage But I concede that this is a more philosophical discussion for a different thread (and I've already spent about €230 on my mechanical keyboard and swank 11 button mouse).

Well I suppose part of the advantage of playing on console is that you're less likely to play against people who do outspend you on peripherals or on their PC itself, and it's therefore a more level playing field. But at the same time, "unfair advantage" was probably the wrong term for me to use, as skill and technique will almost always win out anyway.

What I really meant was that for FPS multiplayer games, I think if you have a proper gaming PC and setup, that's probably still where you should play those types of games, as I think the advantages of PC vs console are more prominent there. Whereas for most of the PS4 exclusive games, they're optimised for controllers, and you'd probably be better off using the money you'd spend on a PS4 kb/m on more games instead.

In terms of other games worth picking up, I'd highly recommend the Uncharted games, and Journey. Journey might not seem like it'd be your usual type of game, and it's very short, but it's well worth playing. It's an incredible experience, and I was completely blown away by it. Should be pretty cheap too.

Enjoy!

Shiminay

Ah yes, the Uncharted games are on the list and I've heard so much fawning over Journey, I'll almost certainly give that a look too.

As for FPS' I will almost certainly stick to the PC for them for all the reasons listed above. I'll never be convinced that hardware that doesn't run at 120+FPS with a mouse and keyboard is simply way too sub-standard for these sorts of games and I don't mind spending the money to get as close to that experience as I can.

Funnily enough though, I find myself far more interested in a PSVR set over an Oculus or Vive because of price and a more consistent experience due to the unchanging hardware. I reckon services like VRidge are a better option for PC VR instead of €700 of additional specialist hardware.

Potential-Monke

If you're looking for some fun platforming, you can't go wrong with Ratchet and Clank. Great little game, looks fantastic on the Pro. Or the Crash Trilogy if you want to relive the frustrations of your youth.

Shiminay

So thanks to the efforts of An Post, my PS4 was being held hostage until such a time as I went and collected it instead of them doing the job they're paid to do and delivering it to me (as an aside, when I become Emperor of Earth, An Post will be joining CIE as first against the wall for firing squad).

ANYWAY...

Thanks to the fine work done by others, I spotted the Yakuza 0 and Kwami deals and bought both of those games (having seen some of the recent Yakuza games in action, they were one of those games series that I wanted a PS4 for. I also downloaded Dreadnought which I'd played in its early stages on PC and it translates pretty well to a controller.

I'm quite impressed at how quiet the Pro is in comparison to my friends' regular models too.

gimli2112

Dead Souls III is down to under €20 for a few more days. I bought the one with all the DLC for €30. Played it the other day and the first boss, like 10 minutes in absolutely wiped the floor with me, so went back to Bloodborne. It looks good for €20 though.
Got Yakuza 0 which also looks good, first time playing one of these, it's not a game type I'd usually play. The karoke mini game had me somewhat perplexed.

Shiminay

Trying to play the karaoke when you've been using an Xbox controller for the last 10 years is somewhat challenging cause I don't have any PS button muscle memory anymore. I suppose my only saving grace is that at least it's not Nintendo :P

Shiminay

Shiminay wrote: »

Trying to play the karaoke when you've been using an Xbox controller for the last 10 years is somewhat challenging cause I don't have any PS button muscle memory anymore. I suppose my only saving grace is that at least it's not Nintendo :P

Yeah games tells you to press X and you mash square because nothing is happening

Skerries

I just have the PS4 for the exclusives and the only FPS games I have played on the Playstation were the Killzone and Resistance games, everything else for PC

Shiminay

So another attempt at Karaoke in Yakuza 0 last night and I can feel the programming of icons vs button positions on the controller starting to work I still made a balls of the song, but significantly less of a balls of it than the first attempt though

Zero-Cool

Shiminay wrote: »

So another attempt at Karaoke in Yakuza 0 last night and I can feel the programming of icons vs button positions on the controller starting to work I still made a balls of the song, but significantly less of a balls of it than the first attempt though

When you're done with 0, I really recommend Yakuza 6, enjoying it more than God of War.

Shiminay

I have Yakuza Kwami ready to go after this one. There's a Yakuza 2 Kwami in the works as we speak.

Zero-Cool

Shiminay wrote: »

I have Yakuza Kwami ready to go after this one. There's a Yakuza 2 Kwami in the works as we speak.

Yupp and I look forward to playing them all. Couldn't wait though and had to play 6, will treat all the Kiwami's then like prequels

SeantheMan

Shiminay wrote: »

So another attempt at Karaoke in Yakuza 0 last night and I can feel the programming of icons vs button positions on the controller starting to work I still made a balls of the song, but significantly less of a balls of it than the first attempt though

The song...Baka mi tai...or whatever it is. I love it. Do be singing it around the house not having a clue what I'm singing....butchering the lyrics and pronunciation. :cool::D:rolleyes:
It drives the GF up the wall as she's fluent in Japanese :eek::p

But the video for 24 hour Cinderella is just amazing.
Completely sums up the craziness of Yakuza 0 for me
How can you not but smile when Majima comes out on rollerskates and a sequin suit ! :P

Gimme the sunshine 'clap clap clap !'


Also THIS.
I remember seeing it for the first time...and had to screenshot the intro where they stroll past each other. I've had it as my PS4 background ever since.
It was also the first screenshot I ever felt compelled to take on my PS4. Great song too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQWMsNyVvJg

Penn

Must actually go back to Yakuza 0. Started it one night and played an hour or two of it (or rather, watched a lot of cutscenes for an hour or two), but then realised God Of War would be out a week or two later so said I'd leave it until after GoW.

gimli2112

you can skip most of the cut scenes which I like but I'm not sure what's going on now, everyone's angry at me and there's lots of fighting

Zero-Cool

If ye can push on to chapter 4 in Y Zero, it really starts to get going and the cutscenes relax...a bit. I just finished Yakuza 6 the other day and it was brilliant, can't wait for Kiwami 2 but I must get back to Zero myself at some point, some amount of stuff I didn't finish in it.

SeantheMan

I've seen people complain on boards about the cutscenes in Yakuza 0.
I never noticed them being a problem personally, I found the story really interesting and gripping...so I was happy to sit along and watch them, maybe that's why I didn't notice how long...if they are long ...that they were.

Zero-Cool

SeantheMan wrote: »

I've seen people complain on boards about the cutscenes in Yakuza 0.
I never noticed them being a problem personally, I found the story really interesting and gripping...so I was happy to sit along and watch them, maybe that's why I didn't notice how long...if they are long ...that they were.

Zero was my first game and I found the cutscenes long at the start because I didn't know what the **** was going on. Once I started getting the gist, I was hooked by them. Brilliant story, characters, writing and performance. KIRYYYUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!

Sean, you might know or can you ask your missus, in Yakuza 6, Kiryu says something like 'Tak-eye Tak-eye' to the baby. No subtitles come up for it and I've found myself saying it to my kid as well. Any idea what it means?

Penn

SeantheMan wrote: »

I've seen people complain on boards about the cutscenes in Yakuza 0.
I never noticed them being a problem personally, I found the story really interesting and gripping...so I was happy to sit along and watch them, maybe that's why I didn't notice how long...if they are long ...that they were.

Like I said I only played for an hour and a bit, and all I remember are two short fights, a bit of walk&talk, one karaoke mini-game, and the rest was cutscenes.

I accept that that's liable to happen at the start of a game due to setting up the story, characters, controls and gamemap, so I'm not too worried as I'm sure it'll ease off. But even with that, it did feel quite excessive.

SeantheMan

Zero-Cool wrote: »

Sean, you might know or can you ask your missus, in Yakuza 6, Kiryu says something like 'Tak-eye Tak-eye' to the baby. No subtitles come up for it and I've found myself saying it to my kid as well. Any idea what it means?

Is this during the shake the baby minigame ? I couldn't hear him say it.
But if you have a sample of it show me and I'll ask her for ye.

Zero-Cool

SeantheMan wrote: »

Is this during the shake the baby minigame ? I couldn't hear him say it.
But if you have a sample of it show me and I'll ask her for ye.

34 seconds into this video, actually it might mean upsy daisy?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VB2wOQJxFg

SeantheMan

She said that takai ( 高い ) means 'high' .

Prob the Japanese equivalent of upsy daisy yeah,

and the Souda ( そうだ) is short for sou desu ne (そうですね) which means 'that's right'

Zero-Cool

Excellent, thanks man

Shiminay

0 is definitely cut-scene heavy, but there's a lot of story and characterisation to try and get across to the player because whilst it's goofy, it's also trying to tell a proper story too. Some of it's unskippable which is frustrating when you're reading the subtitles rather than listening to the conversation. It took about 8 hours till I finally felt I was out of the tutorial stuff, but they did make it both interesting and story related, so I'm ok about that.

Shiminay

Is the battery life on controllers really this bad? I get a day at best out of a controller after a full charge.

Zero-Cool

Shiminay wrote: »

Is the battery life on controllers really this bad? I get a day at best out of a controller after a full charge.

Yupp afraid so. I tend to go to settings and turn down the vibration if possible. Other than that it's a case of use one, charge the other and swap when needed.

Penn

Shiminay wrote: »

Is the battery life on controllers really this bad? I get a day at best out of a controller after a full charge.

Yeah, I find they tend to be about 8-10 hours. It is definitely a huge misstep by Sony and I'm surprised they haven't even released a newer version of the controllers with better battery life (particularly when they released the upgraded version of the controllers with the PS4 Pro).

That said, I don't find it too much of a hassle. Like Zero Cool said, have one on charge, then swap them out.

Star Lord

Zero-Cool wrote: »

Yupp afraid so. I tend to go to settings and turn down the vibration if possible. Other than that it's a case of use one, charge the other and swap when needed.

^ This, and you can turn down the light on the controller too, which will help a little more too.

Shiminay

Duly noted! Thanks folks.

Shiminay

Right, well all that definitely helped, I'm getting more from the controller now for sure.

Speaking of which, has anyone a recommendation or preference for a second controller? I don't mind a wired one (actually I might prefer it) cause I'm at a desk. I don't fancy €60 on something that will only be used once in a blue moon.

kunst nugget

Shiminay wrote: »

Right, well all that definitely helped, I'm getting more from the controller now for sure.

Speaking of which, has anyone a recommendation or preference for a second controller? I don't mind a wired one (actually I might prefer it) cause I'm at a desk. I don't fancy €60 on something that will only be used once in a blue moon.

I'd keep an eye out on Amazon Warehouse Deals to get one.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-PlayStation-DualShock-Controller-Midnight/dp/B0793FNYPD/ref=sr_1_2?m=A2OAJ7377F756P&s=warehouse-deals&ie=UTF8&qid=1527092613&sr=8-2&keywords=PS4+Controller

£37.50 for that one and you'll get free delivery so it'll be a shade over €40 for an official controller. That's where I picked up mine.

bigphil2

Shiminay wrote: »

Right, well all that definitely helped, I'm getting more from the controller now for sure.

Speaking of which, has anyone a recommendation or preference for a second controller? I don't mind a wired one (actually I might prefer it) cause I'm at a desk. I don't fancy €60 on something that will only be used once in a blue moon.

Gamestop do one for €40,it doesnt look great but it would do for a stand in while your main one is charging..

Shiminay

This yoke looks pretty good, I've got a couple of XBox One controllers for my PC so a small dongle takes way less space in my already cluttered flat

Potential-Monke

If you're at a desk, why not just use it while it's charging? It's what I do. Have an 8' cable and when I get the notification of low battery, plug it in and continue playing.

Shiminay

Yea, but I will want a second controller for couch co-op stuff and games of FIFA