Tech

Persona 4 Golden (PC) Review

Published

4 years ago

June 14, 2020

The mainline Persona series has finally escaped its PlayStation platform exclusivity with the release of Persona 4 Golden on PC, and I couldn’t be happier. Persona 4 Golden was the highlight exclusive JRPG of the PlayStation Vita, and while I loved playing the game portably, the PC release has brought new life to the game thanks to its addition of HD resolutions and higher framerates that make this port the definitive way to experience the infamous murder mystery surrounding the foggy rural town of Inaba.

PC players brand new to the Persona franchise are in for quite the treat with Persona 4 Golden. Fresh from the city, players take the role of the entry’s unnamed protagonist, who has transferred to the small town of Inaba as a transfer student to Yasogami High for a year’s time. While at first your student life is filled with spending afternoons with new friends, studying for tests, and participating in club activities, the mystery of “The Midnight Channel” and its serial killer begins to develop. Upon learning that the killer is murdering their victims by pushing them into a TV and into another world, you and your newfound companions set off to this other to investigate, using the spiritual powers of your personas to stop the killer and uncover the truth.

Persona 4 Golden – Review Screenshot Provided by Atlus

Persona games can be overwhelming for new players to get into due to how many things they have to balance at once. Will you study for a test to increase your knowledge, hang out with one of the many charming inhabitants of Inaba to increase your social links and empower your personas, or will you spend the day trying to rescue one of the killer’s victims trapped in the other world? Time is the most valuable finite resource you have in Persona 4 Golden and you want to make sure you’re using it as effectively as possible. However, don’t be surprised if it takes an additional playthrough in New Game Plus to max out your remaining social links or read the remainder of the 38 books you never found the time for. You may even fail to discover the “true” ending if you’re not careful.

With many new fans experiencing the series for the first time on PlayStation 4 through either Persona 5, or Persona 5 Royal, I still highly recommend they check out Persona 4 Golden as well if they have a good enough PC. Despite its dated visuals, simpler gameplay mechanics, and lack of uniquely designed dungeons, the one thing that still stands out from P4G amongst other entries in the series is its main cast of characters in the investigation team. I still enjoyed my time with the Phantom Thieves of P5, but the one component I felt was sorely absent was the sense of comradery and friendship between the members of the group. In Persona 4 there are so many memorable events and trips that bring the group together that not only further develop the bonds with your character but amongst each other as well. The additional month of gameplay and events added on top with Golden’s expansion only makes this already memorable journey that much more endearing.

I’ve currently clocked in just over 24 hours into the PC port of Persona 4 Golden and my experience so far has been rock solid, without encountering any bugs or crashes that could ruin the hours of grinding and progress I had made while running through any of the game’s dungeons. Since Persona 4 Golden is just an expanded port of the original PS2 game that released all the way back in 2008, it should be of no surprise that any modern rig should be able to run the game with ease at above 60FPS at the highest settings possible. The PC port supports resolutions up to 1080p, features full support for both keyboards and gamepads, as well as uncapped framerates.

Add in a pass of antialiasing and increase the render scalability to 200% and suddenly P4G has never looked sharper, removing all of the jagged edges from the character models and environments that were present on Vita and PlayStation 2 due to their hardware limitations. Sadly, the one aspect of the game that couldn’t receive any uplift from coming to PC are the animated cutscenes, which are stuck at a lower resolution that even on a 1080p screen can look quite pixelated. While I enjoyed the uncapped framerate initially, I opted to instead play the game locked to 60FPS using V-sync to prevent the jarring screen tearing that would occur during these cutscenes.

Persona 4 Golden – Review Screenshot Provided by Atlus

Persona 4 Golden remains one of my favorite RPGs of all time and this rock-solid PC port is quickly becoming the definitive release of the game for me. I’m overjoyed that games that were previously stuck in the PlayStation vault of platform exclusives are finally making their way to PC for a wider audience of players to enjoy with better performance and enhanced visuals. With Death Stranding and Horizon Zero Dawn also releasing in the coming months, who knows what else might be coming around the corner this year to enjoy on PC.

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

2 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

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.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

2 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

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.

Tech

Google Unveils AI-Powered Pixel 9 Lineup Ahead of Apple’s iPhone 16 Release

Published

4 weeks ago

August 13, 2024

Harry Miller

Google has launched its next generation of Pixel phones, setting the stage for a head-to-head competition with Apple as both tech giants aim to integrate more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features into their flagship devices. The unveiling took place near Google’s Mountain View headquarters, marking an early debut for the Pixel 9 lineup, which is designed to showcase the latest advancements in AI technology.

The Pixel 9 series, although a minor player in global smartphone sales, is a crucial platform for Google to demonstrate the cutting-edge capabilities of its Android operating system. With AI at the core of its strategy, Google is positioning the Pixel 9 phones as vessels for the transformative potential of AI, a trend that is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with technology.

Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president overseeing the Pixel phones, emphasized the company’s commitment to AI, stating, “We are obsessed with the idea that AI can make life easier and more productive for people.” This echoes the narrative Apple is likely to push when it unveils its iPhone 16, which is also expected to feature advanced AI capabilities.

The Pixel 9 lineup will be the first to fully integrate Google’s Gemini AI technology, designed to enhance user experience through more natural, conversational interactions. The Gemini assistant, which features 10 different human-like voices, can perform a wide array of tasks, particularly if users allow access to their emails and documents.

In an on-stage demonstration, the Gemini assistant showcased its ability to generate creative ideas and even analyze images, although it did experience some hiccups when asked to identify a concert poster for singer Sabrina Carpenter.

To support these AI-driven features, Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with a special chip that enables many AI processes to be handled directly on the device. This not only improves performance but also enhances user privacy and security by reducing the need to send data to remote servers.

Google’s aggressive push into AI with the Pixel 9 comes as Apple prepares to unveil its iPhone 16, which is expected to feature its own AI advancements. However, Google’s decision to offer a one-year free subscription to its advanced Gemini Assistant, valued at $240, may pressure Apple to reconsider any plans to charge for its AI services.

The standard Pixel 9 will be priced at $800, a $100 increase from last year, while the Pixel 9 Pro will range between $1,000 and $1,100, depending on the model. Google also announced the next iteration of its foldable Pixel phone, priced at $1,800.

In addition to the new Pixel phones, Google also revealed updates to its Pixel Watch and wireless earbuds, directly challenging Apple’s dominance in the wearable tech market. These products, like the Pixel 9, are designed to integrate seamlessly with Google’s AI-driven ecosystem.

Google’s event took place against the backdrop of a significant legal challenge, with a judge recently ruling that its search engine constitutes an illegal monopoly. This ruling could lead to further court proceedings that may force Google to make significant changes to its business practices, potentially impacting its Android software or other key components of its $2 trillion empire.

Despite these legal hurdles, Google is pressing forward with its vision of an AI-powered future, using its latest devices to showcase what it believes will be the next big leap in technology. As the battle for AI supremacy heats up, consumers can expect both Google and Apple to push the boundaries of what their devices can do, making the choice between them more compelling than ever.