The PS4 is a graphical powerhouse, able to deliver massive game worlds with impressive clarity and detail. 8GB of RAM allows for serious multitasking potential, complementing the great apps and features that make up the PS4 experience. The PlayStation brand of consoles has an impressive history of delivering world-class exclusive games, and the trend is sure to continue with the PS4. The growing blockbuster catalog is backed by a library of free-to-play and indie games, giving you flexibility in how you pay and play. The PS4 also acts as a social hub, with several built-in features that take advantage of the social networks you're already using. The controller's Share button opens up a world of video sharing, with the option to stream your gameplay live or record it to edit and post later. PlayStation Vita owners will enjoy the connectivity that ties the two devices together, from Remote Play, which allows you to play your PS4 games on your Vita's screen over a local Wi-Fi network, to Cross-Buy, which allows you to purchase a game digitally only once and play it on both your PS4 and your Vita. All PS4 consoles will need a firmware update and must be connected to the Internet to complete the update. While your console will not always need to be connected to the Internet, a one-time connection is required for the update. Online multiplayer requires a paid PlayStation Plus membership. Some features require a broadband Internet connection; ISP fees apply. PS3 games, controllers and some accessories are not compatible with the PS4.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
The PS4 is such a vast improvement over the PS3. I had an original PS3, not a slim, and the noise had gotten so bad that I had to buy a blu-ray player because I could no longer hear the movies over the fan noise. It was also slow to start up and slow to download files and games. The PS4 is much, much better. It's quick and slick-downloading even large game files very quickly. It's whisper quiet; I played for at least 8 hours at a stretch one day and the noise never seemed to get any louder. On top of that, the gameplay experience (at least on the games I've played so far) has been slick and responsive and the graphics are gorgeous.
The only downside is a UI which is rather clumsy, though this is still a vast improvement over the PS3 UI. I'd rather there be a few more button pushes and a little less clutter, but this is minor and doesn't detract from the overall experience much. There aren't many games yet, but the few that there are have been excellent and the rest of 2014 and into 2015 is looking like an avalanche of great games. I can't wait.
My Best Buy number: 2025087509
What's great about it: Graphics, power, noise
What's not so great: Interface is a little clumsy, not many games yet
As a young woman, Lara Croft is in search of adventure ~ and herself. She embarks on an exploratory quest when her hunt for adventure comes looking for her. Now, stranded away from civilization and equipped with only her instincts and the ability to push herself beyond the threshold of human endurance, Lara must look inside and find what she needs to fight for her survival.Re-experience the origin story of Lara Croft in this Definitive Edition of the critically acclaimed action-adventure on your PlayStation 4. Re-built to take advantage of your next-generation console's power, this Definitive Edition lets you experience the raw ferocity, brutal environments and unforgiving terrain as an all-new Lara Croft. Utilizing TRESS FX technology, Lara now features realistic hair that allows each strand to move on its own and blow in the wind ~ plus, you can see every bead of sweat and clothing stitch as she fights for survival on this harsh island. Battle terrifying enemies, unforgiving storms and more as you fight to survive and uncover the island's deadly secret. With this Definitive Edition, you'll also receive all of the DLC, including the Tomb of the Lost Adventurer, six outfits for Lara, a digital mini artbook and The Beginning digital comic. Will you become a survivor?
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Tomb Raider is a fantastic action-adventure game on the PS4. I haven't really played the previous games in the franchise that much, so this felt like a beginning for me. The story is engaging, all of the characters are well developed (for a video game), the action is exciting, and the collectibles are not only fun to find, but they add real weight to the story. I would recommend taking the time to find them all, particularly the documents. On top of all that, the environment itself is lush and the graphics power of the PS4 makes it all so gorgeous. This was a pleasure to play.
I cannot speak to the multiplayer experience, but the single player is awesome and I suggest all action-adventure lovers to play it.
SynopsisWhenever Batman clears the criminal rabble from the streets of Gotham City, the forbidding Arkham Asylum grows a little more crowded. Here in Gotham's psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane, dangerous figures from throughout Batman's past reside, biding their time. And when Batman becomes trapped inside the walls of Arkham, the Joker and a host of other notorious villains aren't about to let him escape without a fight for his life.Batman: Arkham Asylum takes you inside the sinister confines of Arkham and gives you free rein to explore the infamous island for the first time. Assume the role of Batman, relying on your wits, strength and arsenal of gadgets to foil a demented scheme cooked up by the Joker. Cling to the shadows, employing the utmost stealth to help you hunt down enemies without being seen. Face off against an array of Gotham villains, including Harley Quinn, Victor Zsasz and Killer Croc, and do your best to unlock the secrets that shadow Arkham before you become the next victim.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.