This morning I logged on to Metacritic to see what the average score had settled on for Ghost of Tsushima, out today on PS4, and saw that it’s a respectable 83. But I also saw something else, where normally we’d see user scores on the right, there’s a new message there I’ve never seen before.
“Please spend some time playing the game. Come back to review it starting at 12:00pm PST on July 18.”
This…is new. We have previously seen user scores start to pile up either the day a game comes out or sometimes even before that, but now Metacritic is making users wait more than 36 hours after release to start posting reviews, deeming that “adequate” time to believably play the game.
This, of course, was inspired by the recent release of The Last of Us Part 2, where players used user scores to wage a proxy war on the game and sink its score to the low 3/10s right at release. The game currently has more user scores than any other in history by an enormous margin as a result of this ongoing back and forth between detractors and champions.
Metacritic
Metacritic
The initial issue was that there were thousands of reviews that came out almost instantly on the game’s release, when it was physically impossible for players to have played more than a couple hours, given that the length of the story was more like 20-30 hours. These people were submitting reviews based on things like story leaks, streamer playthroughs or just getting to a single story beat near the beginning and rushing off to write an angry review. This new 36-hour hold seems to be fighting against that directly.
However, I am already seeing many people say this isn’t enough. Some are asking for Metacritic to go a step further and actually verify that you’ve played the game if you’re submitting a review for it, through some sort of purchase confirmation via linking your Metacritic account to your PSN or Xbox or Steam profile or something. While maybe they’ll do that someday, that is a much more complicated thing to tackle, and is not how most user score systems work across most major sites. I would be a little surprised if this was ever actually implemented at all, even if in a perfect world, it seems like the correct move.
Ghost of Tsushima does not seem like it’s in danger of being user score review bombed, and this system was not invented just for its release. This actually was first spotted around two weeks ago, but I (and most people) probably didn’t really notice until there was another major release like Ghost that arrived. Again, this will not stop review bombing. After the 36 hours is up, anyone can still write any kind of review they want and there’s no way to track how much of a game they’ve played, if any. But at the very least, we won’t have people reviewing 30-hour story games two hours after they came out, so that’s something.
Update:
Well, Metacritic has opened the floodgates for Ghost of Tsushima reviews and the results are…not terribly surprising. Only 600 reviews have come in during the first few hours, but they are very, very positive, and the game currently has a 9.1/10 as a user score.
Metacritic
Metacritic
Not a shock because there are really not any noticeable controversies surrounding the game like there were heading into The Last of Us Part 2, so I was not expecting any bombing, and we’re not seeing any. It is notable that fans seem to be liking the game more than critics, as a 9.1 is higher than the effective 8.3 critics have given it. Just from hearing social chatter about Ghost of Tsushima, I am hearing practically nothing negative about it from players, maybe just faint echoes of the scored critic reviews that it doesn’t innovate enough. I saw a “two Spider-Man meme” with Tsushima and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey pointing at each other and that’s…another great game, so I hardly think that’s an insult.
We will see how the scores continue to track as time goes on, but I would expect a very, very low number of user reviews compared to the absurd 125,000 plus of TLOU2, which is normally how even major releases are scored. We will have to wait until a truly controversial game to put this new system to the test, but I doubt it will do all that much to prevent low user scores in the long run, just no bombing within a few hours of launch before anyone has played it, I suppose.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
