What the critics are saying about PlayStation 4

TORONTO – Sony’s PlayStation 4 has finally made its way into the hands of eager gamers across North America, and while most fans will gush over their new toy, critics have mixed opinions about the new console.

The PS4 marks a new start for Sony, which hasn’t released a new gaming console in just over seven years. Since then, the landscape of the gaming market has drastically changed – mobile gaming on tablets and smartphones is booming and social media has become a huge part of game play.

Read More: Gamers spend hours in line to get their hands on Sony’s PlayStation 4

But Sony is embracing these changes by concentrating on social features with the release of the PS4. The new version of its Dual Shock controller includes a “share” button that allows you to post game play footage and screenshots – the app will also embrace these features.

The device’s tech specs have also improved. The controller includes a touchpad and a Move motion sensor that works with a camera placed near the TV set and the graphics include 1080p HD resolution.

Reviews for the console have been mixed – but most critics are pleased with Sony’s evolution from PS3 to PS4. The main criticism seems to revolve around a lack of software.

Gaming site Polygon gave the system a score of 7.5 out of 10 in its review, putting emphasis on the fact that the PS4 was built to be evolved.

“The PlayStation App and even the Playstation Camera may provide opportunities for developers to broaden the appeal of the PlayStation 4 beyond the hardcore audience it currently seems so intent on courting. Unlike the PlayStation 3, Sony’s latest effort was built to evolve,” read Polygon’s review.

The site’s main criticism revolved around the lack of software and games.

PS4 currently boasts a lineup of over 20 game titles, including Knack and Killzone: Shadow Fall. Popular titles including the recently released Call of Duty: Ghosts will also be available for PS4. Sony says that the console will have over 30 game titles by the end of the year.

The Financial Post Tech Arcade’s Daniel Kaszor said the PlayStation 4 represents “a new era for the company’s gaming strategy,” but noted that there are some PS3 features that are notably missing from the new console.

“Missing from the PS4 are several features that are available on the PS3, most notably the ability to play music and video files, play CDs and use DLNA streaming servers for media content,” Kaszor wrote, noting that Sony has moved some of these features up on the development list due to user reaction.

Kaszor also raved about the Dual Shock 4 controller – noting that it felt like “one of the best controllers ever made” – due to its touchpad, motion control capabilities and improvements to the charging capabilities.

Techradar’s Alex Roth raved about the feature that allows users to save and share gameplay videos on social media.

“This could be a truly world beating for Sony’s console, as current console recording systems require extra equipment such as a capture boxes, and can’t retroactively record footage,” read Roth’s review.

Roth touched also touched on the fact that the PS4 does not support previously-purchased PS3 games – one of the most talked-about consumer issues with the new console.

“Sony is offering a bit of financial amnesty for customers who bought copies of games like Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag or Call of Duty: Ghosts for PS3, and other titles that are available on next and current-gen. For $9.99, you can get the next-gen version, providing you insert your PS3 copy as a sort of proof of purchase,” said Roth.

“You’ll have to continue to do so, meaning that every time you want to play the PS4 Call of Duty you bought through this offer, you’ll need to pop in the PS3 version. That last-gen copy will still work on your PS3 though, requiring the disc seems like a way to make sure customers can’t use both simultaneously.”