PlayStation 4 First Impressions

     Well the next generation of video games is well underway. The PlayStation 4 has been out for a week and I've had time to gather my initial thoughts on how my experience with the PS4 has been so far. I'll basically break down my first impressions into different areas of the PS4 such as the console design, new controller, new interface, games, etc. So here we go!

     First off I'll talk about my initial reaction to actually seeing the PS4 console for the first time. After having the rush of excitement of actually holding my brand new PS4, I was surprised at the size of the console. I wasn't expecting the PS4 to be large, but it's actually smaller than what I was picturing. I love the slanted "eraser" or rhombus shape to the console as it gives it a sleek look. Also, I really like the mixing of the mat black with the shiny piano black finish. The glowing light strip and touch based power and eject button just finish off a very elegant and fantastic looking console. Also, the PS4 runs quietly which is always a plus.

     The new interface of the PS4 is quite different from the PS3. You still have the similar icons to find trophies, console settings, notifications, etc. all across one section at the top. The big difference comes from a new square or tile display. These tiles will consist of any games you have installed on your PS4, media streaming apps, web browsing, and your library. The cool thing with the game tiles is that if you select one it will display information like friends who own that game, trophies you've earned, and more.The entire PS4 interface just looks more up to date. 

     The "What's New" tile is also very different and has more of a social network look. It will display recent activity of what people in your friends list have been up to. It's also awesome that while playing or watching something, you can hit the PS button on the controller to go to the home screen and navigate to something else. If you press the PS button again you are taken back to what you were playing or watching. Nice! I haven't messed with the video streaming, editing, or uploading yet so I can't comment on it. Something I am so thrilled Sony finally did was to get proper cross game party chat. The partying and chatting system as a whole is so much better. Here's an example of the interface:

     Of course to navigate the interface and play games you have to have the new PS4 DualShock 4 controller. I really like the new controller and think it's a big improvement over the PS3 DualShock 3 controller. Although I have to say I never really hated the PS3 controller. Still, the PS4 controller is better. It's very light weight but doesn't feel cheap. The L2 and R2 triggers feel much better too. The touch pad in the center seems to function well in games and I like that you can click down on it. The thumb sticks and d-pad feel much more solid, and the thumb sticks have texture so your thumbs have a better grip on them. The little speaker in the controller adds a nice effect in certain games (like hearing audio logs in Killzone: Shadow Fall). Also, the "handles" of the new controller are a little longer and I think it fits in my hands so much better.

     The few games I've been playing on the PS4 have been Killzone: Shadow Fall, Battlefield 4, and Warframe. I have Need For Speed: Rivals but haven't played it yet. Let me start with Killzone: Shadow Fall. This game looks so awesome! The amount of detail, lighting, textures, and everything is just so good and smooth looking. All of the demo videos I've seen definitely live up to the hype. I haven't played the multiplayer portion yet, but the single player campaign has been good so far. The weapon variety has been great and the enemy AI really seems to be good.

     I'm in the same boat with Battlefield 4 as I have only played some of the single player campaign. The campaign has not been shy with action packed moments and lots of firefights, which is to be expected. Graphically the game looks very crisp and runs extremely smoothly. Warframe has been without a doubt a huge surprise hit for me. I expected to like the game but I didn't think there would be this much depth to the game. It reminds me a lot of Mass Effect 3 multiplayer and that is a good thing. The game not only looks good, but it plays great, and is free-to-play (unless you buy in game gear). If you have a PS4 and have not downloaded Warframe do it now! I haven't tried the remote play feature with my PS Vita yet, but plan on doing that soon.

     After having my PS4 for a week I can honestly say I am very pleased with it. The console itself looks sleek and elegant. The new controller feels good in your hands. The new interface has a more social and vibrant look to it that draws you in more and connects you better with your games and friends. The party and chat system is vastly improved, and the few games I've played have all looked and controlled great. I am loving my PS4 and cannot wait to see what comes to the system in the near future. A job well done Sony!

Grade: A

Written by: Alter Ego 83