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PlayStation Vita Japanese Launch Thread. "APOCALYPTIC!" says concerned Nuclear Muffin
- Thread starter Takao
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StarCreator
Member
Most location services making use of Wi-Fi signals are accessing an Internet-based database, and therefore would require an Internet connection (typically 3G if you're traveling).
bigtroyjon
Member
creid
Member
Eek. Odd, as I swear my iPod has grabbed my location while offline before.
Edit: Now that I see the trailer for Monster Radar it makes sense. The nature of the game seems to require a constant, accurate location. Skyhook certainly wouldn't be enough. Funnily enough I planned on getting a 3G model just in case on the off chance it was ever required for anything, but didn't think it would happen at all, much less at launch.
it is very good... more like an guide with review in it
.Unlike Engadget which makes you no smarter about the device or games or software.
The Elite
BOSS
I really like the layout of that site. Will read when I get an opportunity.
Everyone's wondering how Vita will fare against Smartphones, but I'm wondering how it will fare against "everywhere"platforms like OnLive and WebGL-based Browser gaming. Theoretically, these platforms can go on any device big or small. It's the same game code, so no need to maintain multiple versions. And your saved data follows you everywhere.
What they really mean is externally. And it makes a big difference.
They're referring to the early bird bundle. It's bizarre they didn't mention the actual non-bundle Vita prices...
Auto_aim1
MeisaMcCaffrey
That was a great read. Very comprehensive review.
It would be kind of cool to see, but really, is it that important to have at launch?
The PSP is still a better PSX device due to the 1:1 pixel mode that isn't too small. You can enjoy 320x240 on the PSP screen at a reasonable size and it just looks fantastic. The high-res Vita screen will require games to be pixel doubled at least, which will damage image quality.
VariantX04
Loser slave of the system :(
The Verge always delivers. Awesome review, Sam.
Was just testing some remote play with mine (since my mem card doesn't arrive until tomorrow)
This thing would benefit from an onlive app, can't see it happening though
Good review, though it reads more like a comparison to the iphone
EDIT: No good photo taking, No video recording, No audio recording...seriously sony, might as well bow down to your cell phone over lords now! shoot.
That stuff doesn't really add up to the game experience though. They also could be addressed with apps? (the audio and video recording?)
I understand. But give me some incentive to carry the vita around. How do you get the casual audience into your device?? Just like dvd before it and xbox live with xbox, gotta give incentive to by your product.
Lavalamp1138
Member
Thanks for the review. I found the part about the Vita's display particularly informative. Didn't even think about the differences in game resolution affecting the viewing quality.
I think Vita should (and will...) have apps for those kinds of things. But no one is going to buy a Vita because it can do those things.
Vita is a machine for games. If people are going to buy it, it will because of the gaming experience it offers. No more, no less. No one is going to buy a Vita to carry it around for picture taking or whatnot. Regarding the casual audience, Sony arguably is not targeting them with Vita. It is a device that for now seems to target the more serious gamer. Maybe later they will go more 'casual' with it, but that'll probably be done by skewing toward a younger market rather than a smartphone-carrying older audience. Playstation Suite is their play for the casual smartphone gaming market. Vita seems more, for now, to be for their traditional core market that just wants nice, focused games machines.
The incentive to carry Vita around, if it is there at all, will either come from one's own circumstances (i.e. do I have or not have a 'smart' device already? or do I need a portable games machine?) or otherwise from Sony's end, via games experiences that incentivise that (e.g. near etc.).
creid
Member
How did you get that PSP/Vita screen comparison pic? It's more detailed than any other I've seen. And I assume it's a shot from Monster Hunter?
Opus Angelorum
Member
I'd argue the PSVita OS is targeting the casual audience, it is very 'Nintendo' like.
Indeed, but I think that's coming from two things
1) They seem to have a really firm plan to try to go 'younger' with it after 2013
2) The vague hope of graduating a certain portion of smartphone/pssuite gamers up to Vita
That kind of interface might be a result of those influences more than an upfront 'we want to sell this to your Mom, Dad, Granny' approach. IMO, anyway.
Besides, simple design influence may be at play here...hard to think smartphone UX wouldn't influence a new games machine with this form factor today regardless of the initial target.
Does the Vita need to be carried around at all times? I've got GTA on my S2 which scratches my impromptu gaming itch, but ultimately the controls are not the best.
Most of us undergo prolonged journeys with a decent amount of pre planning needed, and have times where we want to full fat game but our personal life means we can't be near our primary gaming machines so something like the Vita would scratch that itch.
Because only casuals like a nice OS with catchy tunes?
No one will buy a vita because of ANY ONE OF THOSE THINGS, agreed. BUT, people will buy a vita because of A COMBINATION OF THOSE THINGS. I don't consider myself hardcore, wouldn't consider myself casual either. What i look for as an incentive to buy a vita are weather it does basic stuff you can do on a phone eg Browser, camera or video chat. If it can't id rather wait for a price drop because games alone arent incentive enough if more than half the time i will be playing them at home and not on the go. On the go i would probably use the camera or browser much more . I hope you see what i mean.
Opus Angelorum
Member
You missed my point entirely.
Compared to previous UI design by Sony, this OS is very different. Soft edges, bright, colourful and based on impressions very well implemented.
Personally I hate it, but it's clear the OS design was part touch screen orientated (as gofreak mentions) and part casual audience.
Sure, I can totally understand that. Undoubtedly these things add utility, and may help seal the deal for some people. I'm just not sure they'd drive 'casuals' in absolute droves to the system. I think whether the masses are attracted depends on whether they're attracted to the gaming experience Vita offers - not whether Vita can value-add utility they typically get elsewhere already. In Japan the masses may well be - there is a wider market there that does seem to want full-on gaming on the go. In other markets it may be more niche (and that's fine...niches can be worth entertaining
).Opus Angelorum
Member
@ gofreak
I agree entirely.
If you don't intend to play a lot of portable gaming, you won't buy the PSVita. The fact it has a camera, capable web browser, fantastic media capabilities is irrelevant.
With the smartphone however, the exact opposite. Any one feature can be enough to entice the consumer.
I agree entirely.
If you don't intend to play a lot of portable gaming, you won't buy the PSVita. The fact it has a camera, capable web browser, fantastic media capabilities is irrelevant.
With the smartphone however, the exact opposite. Any one feature can be enough to entice the consumer.
Good review, though it reads more like a comparison to the iphone
EDIT: No good photo taking, No video recording, No audio recording...seriously sony, might as well bow down to your cell phone over lords now! shoot.
I really could care less about those features. Most cellphones still leave a lot to be desired camera wise even to this day and that's coming from someone who has owned or used a pleathora of modern devices.
The Elite
BOSS
I completely agree with this. My smartphone is good for browsing, photos and other media capabilities.
My PS Vita is for gaming and gaming related activities. Simple as that.
DangerousDave
Member
Agree. I have a phone (an iPhone), and Vita will never be able to beat the camera and recording capacities of my phone. And no redesign will do it, because even if they launch another one with better camera in a few years, the phones that we'll have then will be even better.
And I only need a camera or video recorder that it's already in my phone, I don't need to have two good cameras with me.
futnownarcade
Member
They are back, I got one while the getting is good.
Thank you for the review, nice read.
"The Vita is region-free, if you stick to one account"
This is a little bit confusing. If I stick to one account I am stuck with one PSN Store. This means no region-free online shopping (and if you import a Retail version of a game, no DLC for that game either).
I agree with the statement that we have to see whether Sony will discount PSN prices from their Retail Price for Vita games.
Don't get me wrong though. I do think Vita should have video recording etc. These are nice things to have, and for some people like Emwitus may be a difference maker. They're easy to add too and I'm sure will be there. But the fundamental orientation of the device isn't going to be changed by them 'sall I'm saying.
DCharlie
And even i am moderately surprised
345Triangle - hats off , that's an excellent write up and i whole heartedly agree with everything.
I have Monster Radar - i'm not sure i'd want it as a physical game and i'm happy i went digital.
Basically you set up a research center for picking up monsters. Whilst out and about the system uses your coordinates and info from the map to generate monsters which you then capture and breed.
I picked up one monster in my local area that was in the coffee shop - lo and behond it was a weird cup of tea monster thing. Similarly i found a CD based ghost in Tsutaya.
Whilst the monsters are fairly crude and don't have that much character there's some interesting ideas - will have to see how (and if) the game evolves but it's a nice idea.
As i bought the wife a Vita for xmas, i used the accumulated points on a "free" game - i've had my curiousity piqued by the Jackson game (and it's basically the last game i -could- by really... ) will let you know how it goes - or doesn't go.
I have Monster Radar - i'm not sure i'd want it as a physical game and i'm happy i went digital.
Basically you set up a research center for picking up monsters. Whilst out and about the system uses your coordinates and info from the map to generate monsters which you then capture and breed.
I picked up one monster in my local area that was in the coffee shop - lo and behond it was a weird cup of tea monster thing. Similarly i found a CD based ghost in Tsutaya.
Whilst the monsters are fairly crude and don't have that much character there's some interesting ideas - will have to see how (and if) the game evolves but it's a nice idea.
As i bought the wife a Vita for xmas, i used the accumulated points on a "free" game - i've had my curiousity piqued by the Jackson game (and it's basically the last game i -could- by really... ) will let you know how it goes - or doesn't go.
DangerousDave
Member
The problem is that all the efforts that go in that direction (a direction that has better alternatives, because any Vita user will have a phone) will increase the price of the device. So, if a better camera can only be archieved by increasing the price of the device or lowering other specs to keep the same price, i prefer the crappy camera.
SappYoda
Member
Raonak
Banned
sony even said it themselves, they're not trying to compete with smartphones.
Everyone already has smartphones which do all thoes trivial stuff, which is probably they didn't bother adding stuch features at launch, it makes more sense to focus on games and stuff right now.
anyway, we'll probably be getting them in future fw updates
Everyone already has smartphones which do all thoes trivial stuff, which is probably they didn't bother adding stuch features at launch, it makes more sense to focus on games and stuff right now.
anyway, we'll probably be getting them in future fw updates
Sorry, I meant just software features like video recording.
The crappy camera - sure, I'm not advocating they spend a tonne on that at the expense of other features. I WOULD like better res there, for AR, but I know it'd probably mean a trade off somewhere else that I'd probably like less. I am happy that the hardware design seems quite purely focused on enhancing the games experience, pure and simple.
Hilarious battery comparison video:
http://www.theverge.com/2011/12/21/...parison?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
http://www.theverge.com/2011/12/21/...parison?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
Great stuff, if a little effusive in places. A couple disappointing surprises for me: no mac support for the media server (I don''t have a PS3), and a plastic rather than glass screen.
Hang on, everyone was saying that the screen would be glass as it's capacitive rather than resistive.
Is this not the case after all? I can't imagine how awful that screen will look after a few months of use.
Didn't sony bring up Mac support in an impress article, I believe they said it would be coming... one day...
Raonak
Banned
I thought i read somewhere it was meant to be out by the US launch.
Raonak
Banned
Hah, thats pretty cool. probably won't make it out of japan :/
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