On Thursday, the highlight of PlayStation’s State of Play showcase was meant to be a third party game, Rocksteady’s Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, delayed out of last year, but now releasing this May.
After 10 minutes of footage and explanation from Rocksteady, the general takeaway seems to be: “Wait, that’s what this game is?”
The disconnect is that everyone knows Rocksteady from the Arkham series, the trilogy that famously inspired the “you really feel like X” meme. But it was true, you did feel like Batman, as his brawling, sneaking and mystery-solving made for a compelling series of games, and everyone was incredibly eager to see which DC property Rocksteady would take on next.
But Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League looks like a hard left turn deep into not just a new style of combat, but an entirely new type of game based on the looter-shooter model of Borderlands and the live-service ambitions of Destiny or Marvel’s Avengers.
Suicide Squad
WB
What was shown off yesterday raised a lot of red flags for me personally, but surveying the reaction online, I wasn’t alone. Among what was revealed:
Gameplay is incredibly arcade-y, focused heavily on aerial combat across all four character classes with access to grappling hooks, teleporters and jetpacks. The game that immediately came to mind when I saw the footage was Crackdown, not a favorable comparison.
The game is heavily loot-focused. While each character does have a unique kit, they share access to a number of weapon classes that will be looted during the game. SMGs, assault rifles, snipers, Gatling guns, etc.
There’s a “gearscore” that you’re meant to improve over time to increase your power, nearly identical to a system you’d find in The Division, Destiny or Avengers.
The game is four-player co-op, like Borderlands, but unlike Borderlands, there is no true solo play, as playing by yourself will have bots filling the other roles, exactly like Marvel’s Avengers. And even if you are playing solo, the game requires a constant internet connection.
The game has a battle pass that it reiterates is cosmetic only, but it’s a battle pass all the same. And there’s a “store” tab shown in the menus, for whatever that sells.
During the presentation Rocksteady very much made it clear they will support this game with live service features well into the future, like new missions and even new playable characters.
None of this feels right to me.
First, I’m not a hundred percent sure what DC’s obsession with the Suicide Squad is, which has inspired two movies and now a huge game here, as I know everyone was hoping Rocksteady would just make like, a really good Superman or Wonder Woman game or something, similar to what they did with Batman.
Suicide Squad
WB
The gunplay/airborne combat focus here doesn’t look all that great compared the cinematic fluidity that was a hallmark of Arkham. Again, it looks like Crackdown or Anthem.
Finally, this being a live service looter shooter is just strange, especially given Rocksteady’s history with Arkham. It feels like this game was conceived in five years ago in the height of the live service trend, but it feels dated now that it’s finally arrived, like another entry trying to ape on Destiny, despite the fact that so many have tried and failed before it. It also doesn’t help that we saw Marvel’s Avengers try and fail with an incredibly similar concept within the superherogenre recently as well.
Something feels off here. Many things, in fact. It’s certainly possible the game is very fun and the live service aspects aren’t intrusive, but man, that was not a very promising showcase at all.
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.
