It’s hard to believe it’s nearly March. The new month is bringing some of the first major game releases of 2020, but for PlayStation Plus members, it also means a new batch of PS4 free games will become available. Right on schedule, PlayStation has announced March’s PS Plus games, which will be free to claim starting March 3. Until then, there’s still time to claim February’s free PS Plus games: BioShock: The Collection, The Sims 4, and Firewall Zero Hour (PSVR). As usual, these games are free to keep as long as you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription.
First up for PS Plus members in March: Shadow of the Colossus, an HD remake of the 2005 PS2 classic. Shadow of the Colossus follows a man named Wander who travels across a forbidden land to battle massive, armored colossi. The game earned a “superb” 9/10 in GameSpot’s Shadow of the Colossus review for its stunning visuals, riveting fights, and very good horse.
“Shadow of the Colossus is a tremendous journey, and one well worth taking and retaking,” wrote Edmond Tran. “The visual overhaul is stunning, thoroughly enhancing every facet of Wander and Agro’s excellent adventure. Galloping through the tranquil world is always breathtaking; felling a monumental colossus is always humbling. Shadow of the Colossus is a beautiful reconstruction of an already exceptional title. It continues to be a modern classic and is an extraordinary game that everyone must experience.”
The second free game for March is less exciting, but if you’re in the mood to play some Sonic after watching the new Sonic the Hedgehog movie, Sonic Forces is still worth snagging while it’s free. Featuring both classic side-scrolling and modern 3D gameplay, the 2017 game starring everyone’s favorite blue hedgehog takes place in a time where Doctor Eggman and his minions have managed to conquer the world. Sonic and other familiar heroes like Knuckles, Tails, and Amy form a resistance force aiming to stop Eggman’s evil plans.
The game earned a 5/10 in GameSpot’s Sonic Forces review–editor Matt Espineli enjoyed its thrilling action but criticized its overall lacking story and clunky platforming. “Sonic Forces ultimately fails to advance the mechanics of previously successful 3D Sonic games or present them in their best light. A mediocre platformer at best, Sonic Forces manages to do nothing more than reinforce long-held stereotypes against Sega’s beloved blue blur,” he wrote.
If you’re looking to renew or extend your current PS Plus membership at a discount, there’s a great deal on a one-year membership at Ebay, which is selling 12-month PS Plus codes for $38 each. Considering PS Plus subscriptions generally go for $60 and rarely drop below $40, it’s worth snagging this offer while still available. This is a digital code you’ll receive via email within 24 hours of purchase.
OTTAWA – Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says there is a lot of uncertainty around how artificial intelligence could affect the economy moving forward, including the labour market and price growth.
In a speech in Toronto at the Economics of Artificial Intelligence Conference, the governor said Friday that the central bank is approaching the issue cautiously to get a better understanding of how AI could affect its job of keeping inflation low and stable.
“Be wary of anyone who claims to know where AI will take us. There is too much uncertainty to be confident,” Macklem said in prepared remarks.
“We don’t know how quickly AI will continue to advance. And we don’t know the timing and extent of its economic and social impacts.”
The governor said AI has the potential of increasing labour productivity, which would raise living standards and grow the economy without boosting inflation.
In the short-term, he said investment in AI is adding to demand and could be inflationary.
However, Macklem also highlighted more pessimistic scenarios, where AI could destroy more jobs than it creates or lead to less competition rather than more.
The governor called on academics and businesses to work together to shed more light on the potential effects of AI on the economy.
“When you enter a dark room, you don’t go charging in. You cautiously feel your way around. And you try to find the light switch. That is what we are doing. What we central bankers need is more light,” he said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 20, 2024.
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.
