There has been no true post-mortem about what happened with Cyberpunk 2077, no Jason Schreier deep dive. And yet everything we’ve heard offhand so far has been along the same lines. The bosses at CDPR allegedly had unreasonable expectations for the timeline of development of the game, and despite a series of delays, forced the game out the door well before it was ready.
And yet, the more I play the game, the more I see glimpses of the game that was promised. I like Night City. I like these characters. I like the gunplay and swordplay and hacking. I like V. I have spent 61 hours in the game, have done every single thing I can, even grinding out respawning enemies to pay for every car. I want to do more.
The game, however, will likely have a tarnished legacy indefinitely because of the state of release. Despite all the things to like, the performance issues on lower spec consoles are so bad it sparked unprecedented moments in the gaming industry like Sony de-listing it from the PlayStation store. But even on better-performing platforms, the game is riddled with bugs and fundamentally missing loads of features that were promised or obvious for a game like this (you can buy new arms and legs during the campaign, but you can’t get a new tattoo). Cyberpunk also may boast the literal worst police AI system I have seen in a video game, like, worse than GTA 3 circa 2001. It’s genuinely impressive how astonishingly bad it is.
Cyberpunk 2077
Loibl-GP
More time. This game needed more time, and I want to say at least another year.
A few more months probably would have cleaned up many of the tech and bug issues. CDPR has already announced two huge patches in January and February meant to do just that. And I’d say within six months, hopefully they manage to get the next gen optimized release version out too, as it’s wild it launched without that as a new offering when games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Watch Dogs 3 had that on day one.
But a full year? Perhaps some of those other issues could have been addressed too. The horrendous AI. The bizarre difficulty curve. Storylines that absolutely feel like they end before they were supposed to, with no time to finish whatever missions got left on the cutting room floor. A damn tattoo parlor and barber.
Of course, we don’t know how CDPR works behind the scenes, so perhaps a year is not a guarantee. And as some games have shown, Duke Nukem Forever, Star Citizen, more time solves nothing if management is not working correctly with its devs. But releasing the game in the state it was in was not right either. The game sold well, but on the back of outright deceitful pre-release practices, hiding the true state of Cyberpunk on certain platforms, and CDPR has done little to earn that trust back. They’ve barely even apologized except in a line or two in one of their now-infamous yellow text proclamations.
Cyberpunk 2077
CDPR
Delay are hard and feel bad, I get that. But if Microsoft can delay Halo Infinite, its literal Series X launch game, because they knew it wasn’t ready, Cyberpunk could have stomached another round of delays to ensure it didn’t launch like this. It’s a shame, because you can see the core of what the game could have been, and some of the actually finished elements (mostly in the main campaign) really shine through. But it is drowning in technical issues and missing features, which has ultimately overwhelmed it, and will continue to until however long that takes to fix. But CDPR has more importantly done damage to its sterling reputation that was well-earned after The Witcher 3, and their response has been severely lacking this entire time, upsetting not only consumers but even hurting relationships with places like Sony because of how badly they’ve handled this.
I see a future in which Cyberpunk 2077 is fixed and good. But that should have been the first impression, not the “six patches and two DLCs” later impression, if that is how it turns out in the end.
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.
