Yeah, at this point I'm Killzone 2 crazy and so this month's episode being about KZ2, and the fact that I've been curious as to what Qore is all prompted me to splurge and purchase an episode.
First of all the layout was just perfect. This is a Sony produced show so I would expect nothing less. I was, however, a bit disappointed that the show wasn't shot in HD. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm certain I was watching a standard definition show. Nevertheless, I wasn't disappointed in this area and would only like a show broadcast in HD.
The host was both articulate and charismatic. I forget her name, but I did find her charming. She asked good questions, let the person answering speak without interrupting, and...well...she's not exactly hard on the eyes. My complaint regarding the host is that I don't think she's a "hardcore gamer." Don't get me wrong, I'm sure she plays games. I just don't think she is what we would call a hardcore gamer. Why? Okay, she goes to the Keynote II arcade featuring Street Fighter everything. Now I'd seen the 1up guys visit this locale in an episode of The 1up Show so I knew what to expect but I stuck around to see a little bit more Street Fighter IV goodness. Then it happened. She said something that any hardcore gamer just can't forgive. They sat her down in front of a Street Fighter cabinet and she stated "I don't know what I'm doing." What the bleep?!?! If you don't know how to play Street Fighter something is wrong. And no I was not expecting her to get on there and start handing out lessons. I didn't expect her to not get pwn'ed. I'm sure I'd get my you know what handed to me by some of those guys. But to say you don't even know the controls is just straight up crazy. I then began to wonder if she even played games....or at least "hardcore games."
From this I get to my other complaints. No first hand feedback on games. I'd like to see her play a portion of some of these games and tell us her thoughts on the controls. Yes I know I can get this anywhere but I paid good money for this thing, why can't I get it from the host of Qore? Why not have a world exclusive first time play through of a level, a segment, or whatever on Qore?
And this is a Sony produced show. How about some exclusive access to some key people at Sony? Or better yet, give us a look at what some Sony in-house studios are up to. A Sony show should not have the same amount of info as a typical videogame podcast.
Maybe I'm wrong and in other episodes this is not the case, but in the latest episode there were no shots of the host playing games (other than SFIV) and it made me wonder if it was because she didn't know how to play games. Perhaps I'm jumping to conclusions but one has to wonder at this point...no?
Last, the segments are too short. I'm sure they shoot a bunch of footage. Why not give us more? I don't want junk footage mind you, but at least have a segment as long as the 1up show, if not longer. Again, this isn't a free interactive mag so give me my money's worth. I love the layout. I like that I can go straight to Killzone 2 if I want or wherever. But maybe add a different chapter called "getting there is not so much fun" or whatever and include some things that occurred during her travels. Perhaps some funny video of her traveling to these locales, purchasing game paraphernalia, or whatever. Maybe add in a co-host or some additional personalities to help with this. Just flesh out the show a bit more whether it be with the aforementioned first hand feedback on the game and/or by taking the viewer through these spots with us and giving us a laugh here and there.
So yeah, Qore was good, I got a Fear 2 demo coming to me sometime this month, and I got to see more Killzone 2 footage but nothing I hadn't seen already. I don't regret purchasing it but I don't see myself rushing to purchase the next episode unless there's info on a game I know I'm getting on day one ala Killzone 2.
"Digital board games can be tons of fun, especially when they're cooperative. That's what's in store for Beacon Patrol from Assemble Entertainment. Based on the real-life board game by Torben Ratzlaff, Beacon Patrol has players work together to explore a map and create a network of coastal paths, all by placing tiles. It's a lot like Carcassonne and Kingdomino, but set on the high seas. The upcoming Steam version will support 4-player local co-op, and there's a single-player demo right now," says Co-Optimus.
Mario Kart World is some of the most fun you’ll have this year that offers a deep experience with the Switch 2’s launch.
Few games among the Nintendo Switch 2 launch line-up can match Cyberpunk 2077 in putting the system through its paces. It's a staple of our PC benchmarking suite for good reason: the open world design is a solid stressor for any CPU, while its effects-heavy battles challenge GPU resources as well. This Switch 2 release has clearly been a big undertaking for developer CD Projekt Red too, who produced the port in-house with unique optimisations for Switch 2's ARM-based architecture. It's also remarkably the Ultimate Edition of the game, with both the core adventure and the more taxing Phantom Liberty expansion bundled in - an extra portion that proved too demanding to justify a last-gen console release, and was instead restricted to PS5 and Series X/S, and yet here it is running on Switch 2.
To cut to the chase, Switch 2 offers a truly viable way to enjoy Cyberpunk, either in a portable format or docked under a TV. However, CDPR has shot for the stars in its ambition to include Phantom Liberty as well, and it's here that Switch 2 hits some technical limits - with frame-rates struggling as we explore its newer Dog Town region. Still, that aside, there's a lot to admire in the game's engineering for Nintendo's new console overall, and how competitive it is in comparison with other consoles.
I am happy for CDPR. Their hard work paid off because the Switch 2 version are always in the top 5 Switch 2 launch game sales.
This may be one of the weakest launch lineups Nintendo has ever had, with Mario Kart being the only first party game, but Cyberpunk 2077 will definitely give you tremendous value for your money.
One tip I can give people who have never played the game is to first read books from the cyberpunk subgenre. This will allow you to appreciate the story much better. If you find yourself asking which life path is the best to take at the start of the game, in this case it is Corpo, Streetkid, and Nomad. You likely don't know enough about the genre, and certain things will fly right over your head. While it is not mandatory, the game will be 10 times better if you read or listen to some books first.
Some books I have enjoyed in that genre are:
Cyber Dreams by Plum Parrot,
Stray Cat Strut by RavensDagger
Tower of Somnus by Cale Plamann
Mist Runner by Nicholas Searcy
If you can only read or listen to 1 book, then I recommend Cyber Dreams by Plum Parrot. It is the closest thing to Cyberpunk 2077.
hahaha...what? are you serious right now? the Switch 2 is not a PC where you can just change the graphical settings to get to 60fps...Unless CDPR released a patch to make it run at 60fps, that is.
As of right now, it's stuck at 40fps at best and that too with DLSS from quite a low base res already. so yeah...it's not competitive.
DF are Nintendo's occasional bootlickers after that blatant Zelda games ad scandal.
Games like CP2077 are meant to be played on big console or powerful PC on a big screen.
Got to love how they're simp for full price purchase of 5-year-old game and still getting the worst version to play on.
Wow you guys don’t let up for a second trying to blame DF for anything you can pick out the sky at any given moment. It’s embarrassing dude.
It’s always DF are bootlickers for Nintendo today, Microsoft yesterday, Sony last week. Make your mind up people… pick a side and stick to it. Sounds so stupid when you’re trying to make a point that some company is biased but that no one can make their mind up who the company is biased towards any given day of the week.
Yep, the amount of hate they get is ridiculous. The funny thing is if you actually look at the comments on their early switch 2 videos people are slating them for not giving it enough praise and constantly comparing it to ps4.
I can't even think of a word to describe you right now. You are sitting way too high up on a pedestal for your own good and the worst part seems to be that you have built that pedestal yourself.
You watch shows like this in order to get informed about games, see games that are in production, and see a hot host or hostess. I am sorry that Qore does not live up to your lofty standards, but then again what does?
You spent money on something that turned out to be a disappointment, so what? If I wrote a blog nit-picking everything I didn't like about every disappointment I ever bought I wouldn't be here right now because I would still be writing about my N64 adventures.
I know you have high expectations and expect everyone involved in video game information to be as hard-core as you but you really must grow up. Not everyone can meet your standards, especially when you don't even have consistent ones.
I purchase a whole year of Qore. I think its fine as it is. I like it alot. I hope they continue to improve on it because it could be something special.