I suspect that most shopping for a PS4 bundle don't have a PS4 yet so, let me talk a little about the console:
We've had ours since launch day because... we preordered one the day preorders were possible. Our expectations were high for the console build and features and realistic for the launch date games and both expectations were generally met. In other words, we are happy so far and we are happy to see that every firmware update gets us a slightly more capable gaming console and every month there are new good, sometimes great and every once in a while awesome games released, some multi-platform, some exclusive.
So, without regurgitating published specs... let's talk about what you get out of a PS4
THE AWESOME AND THE GOOD
Here they are, first briefly, then discussed below.
- Awesome, flawless graphics. No, I am not comparing the PS4 to gaming PCs that cost 2-3-4 times as much. For what we pay, and comparing the PS4 to the previous generation of consoles, the graphics a quite impressive. And it's not just resolution but the console's ability to keep track of a lot more independently moving objects without slowing down or dropping frames.
- Near-revolutionary new DualShock 4 controller. Battery life is not that great (get a second if you can spare the extra cash) but I do appreciate the added in-controller speakers, the clickable touchpad and the way the slightly beefier controller feels.
- When compared to the PS3, 10x the processing power, 32x more RAM and it shows.
- Digital content is available at whatever PS4 you log into
- HDD still upgradeable without voiding warranty - popped in a 1TB 7200 RPM upgrade and it was easy.
- No power brick
- Game and chat audio can be sent to a headset through PS4's 3.5mm port.
- Many media apps: Netflix, Amazon, etc. and the list is constantly growing.
- Online access is 100% optional. Yes, you can do it all, including system patches without ever connecting your PS4 to the Internet.
- PS Plus subscription only required for (most) multiplayer games, not for media services.
- PS Plus offers a couple of good 'free' games, some older AAAs, some new indies every month and you can play them for as long as you are subscribing.
- Plenty of sharing, social features
THE UGLY AND THE BAD
And... yeah, not everything is awesome and here it is what needs to be fixed or get better so that we all become a happy gaming family. This may seem to be a long list but I am confident that quite a few of the items below are going to be addressed sooner rather than later and nearly all of them before the end of 2014.
- No Media Server/DLNA support and this is one of the few reasons our old PS3 is used almost as much as the PS4
- No support for audio CDs (no big deal to most but still dumb)
- No support for Bluetooth headsets (I bet they'll fix this soon)
- No support for mice of any kind (Bluetooth or USB)
- DS4's lightbar can't be turned off completely even though it can be dimmed a little
- Doesn't play PS3 games except for the few available as streaming rentals and the price for that service is not 'right'.
THE REST OF THE BUNDLE
GTA5 is available on both 'new gen' and the older generation platforms and, surprise, surprise, is roughly the same game but added features make it sometimes feel like a new game or anyways, like a much better 'old' game, probably worth buying again.
First of all, it's the much better graphics. The most notable change is the graphical upgrade. It's not just the old graphics upscaled. The PS4 version is significantly more polished and realistic, almost cinematic in quality, taking advantage of PS4's ability to track many more particles - think of dust particles blown by the wind or raindrops splashing on a window pane.
Then, of course, there's the first person mode which is very different gaming experience. Not everyone is going to like this and I will probably stick to the 3d person mode myself but it's still something that I will try every now and then. It's very easy to switch from one mode to another so I can see myself doing it.
I would definitely get the GTA5 on the PS4 if I didn't have one for the PS3 or Xbox already. I would also get one if the GTA games were among my top 5 favorites. Maybe not if I preferred a different genre.
THE LAST OF US... same as GTA5 on graphics improvements. Add to that the included DLC content. Definitely worth getting it if you missed it on the PS3, maybe worth it if you are a fan.
FIVE STARS IF THIS SUITS YOU
There are different bundles available so it's good to be able to pick the one that fits you best.
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>> Brush your teeth, it's the law! <<
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