Critical Frames: A PlayStation Podcast

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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