Turns out, the second leak was correct. Star Wars: Battlefront II joins Call Of Duty: WWII as the two free games for PS+ subscribers this June.
That’s quite a haul—two major, AAA shooters. One historical, the other space opera. Both quite different in terms of gameplay, map size and so forth, but also both first-person competitive shooters.
It’s almost like something got mixed up at Sony over the past two months. May’s two games were both sims—a city-building sim and a farming sim, which you can see here—now June’s games are both FPS’s.
That’s . . . odd, to say the least. Normally we’d get one shooter and one sim or something along those lines.
Whatever the case, I can’t recommend Call Of Duty: WWII highly enough. The new War Mode alone is worth the price of admission (or, since it’s free, the download file and your precious time).
This game was already announced and released on PS Plus a few days ago, making it a sort of May/June hybrid. I assumed Sony would release two more games but I guess it’s just these two.
I’m less enthusiastic about Star Wars: Battlefront II but that may be partly because of the game’s disastrous launch. I should play it again now that some time has passed and EA and DICE have fixed some of its more glaring issues. It’s certainly a gorgeously designed game and fun if you’re into Star Wars.
Call Of Duty: WWII
‘Call Of Duty: WWII’ War Mode
Credit: Sledgehammer Games
War Mode
Call Of Duty: WWII released in 2017. Developed by Sledgehammer Games, this is one of my favorite entries in the franchise this console generation. Only 2019’s Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare is better, as far as I’m concerned. Even Modern Warfare is missing one of the best modes that made WWII so great.
That’s War Mode, and it’s simply terrific. Unlike normal Call Of Duty multiplayer, War Mode maps are set up in multiple stages. Each “Operation” involves an offensive and defensive side.
For instance, in Operation Breakout, one side has to capture a base (by standing in a building with no enemies present); then proceed to build a bridge for a tank to cross a wide ditch (by interacting with a two-stage bridge while under heavy fire); then destroy an ammo depot (by planting a bomb and then guarding it until it explodes); then guide a tank to the enemy’s anti-aircraft guns (similar to guiding a Payload in Overwatch).
The opposing team tries to stop them, and this can be achieved at any of the four points in the Operation. If you prevent the opposing team from building before the timer runs out at the bridge, for instance, the match is over. The timer resets at each stage.
Other Operations have completely different objectives. In Operation Neptune, the attacking team has to storm the beaches at Normandy, while the defenders fire down from bunkers perched above the beach. Then the attackers must destroy all the radio equipment at another bunker further inland. Following that, the attackers have to plant and detonate three bombs each on two enemy cannons, while the defenders do their best to stop them and diffuse any bombs.
It’s an absolutely terrific game mode and some of the most fun I’ve ever had with any Call Of Duty game.
The game also has a strong historical campaign that takes place beginning with the storming of the beaches of Normandy that follows a squad of American soldiers as the push across Europe. It’s a story we’ve all heard before, but it has a really fascinating twist and a surprising ending that’s really stuck with me.
Traditional multiplayer is also very good, with plenty of maps and modes—like Domination and Team Death Match—to keep you busy.
Star Wars: Battlefront II
Star Wars Battlefront II
Credit: EA / Dice
I’m looking forward to picking this game back up after so long, as everyone I talk to says it’s improved massively since launch.
While the game does have a campaign—unlike the previous Battlefront—it’s nothing to write home about. The real meat of this game is in its multiplayer modes.
Multiplayer modes include:
Blast — Basically deathmatch.
Extraction — Move cargo across a map past various checkpoints while the other team tries to stop you.
Ewok Hunt — Stormtroopers hunt down Ewoks at night on Endor. The other team is the Ewoks. When an Ewok kills a Stormtrooper, the player becomes an Ewok, gradually increasing that team’s size.
Strike — Team-based objective mode where two teams of 8 fight over an objective like planting a bomb or defusing it.
Supremacy — Non-linear battles where teams need to take down capital ships. This is the main mode in Battlefront II. Two large teams battle it out trying to fill the score meter which in turn signals a capital ship to extract the winning team. Once this happens the second phase begins, transforming the match from an outdoors battle to a close-quarters firefight. The invading team has to break into the ship and destroy it but has a limited number of lives.
Starfighter Assault — 12 vs 12 spaceship battles with AI bots thrown into the mix.
Galactic Assault — Large, team-oriented, objective-based maps. Teams of 20 with vehicles, reinforcements, heroes and so forth, with maps from all eras of Star Wars.
Hero Starfighters — You can unlock both Heroes and their starships in this game, but this mode lets you play all the Hero starships, such as the Millenium Falcon.
Hero Showdown — Two vs two combat between heroes like Yoda, Kylo Ren, Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Rey and Chewbacca.
Heroes vs Villains — 4 vs 4 hero battles. Each team has 35 lives and whichever team is left standing wins.
Co-op — 4-player teams fight AI bots, capturing segments of the map to win.
Instant Action — Large-scale offline battles against bots.
As you can see, there’s plenty in both these games to keep you occupied which is why this really is one of the most exciting PlayStation Plus months in a very long time.
Call of Duty: WWII is available now on PS Plus. Star Wars: Battlefront II will be available on June 2nd.
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.
