Sony PlayStation 4

If you were there Nov. 15th, 2013 (here in America) like I was for the release of the PS4, then you know how awesome the experience was. If you were one of those people who picked this up or received this for Christmas, then you already know about the excitement this console holds. But if you are one of those people who are on the fence or were on the fence about this console or didn't get a chance to get one (or the other console, with review coming soon), then this review maybe able to help you out. With over 4 million consoles sold (as of yesterday) and nearly impossible to find, this is the Sony PlayStation 4.

Let's just get this out in the open so you don't think I am biased or in favor of one machine or the other. This console, the PS4 is by far my favorite console...of the next gen consoles. Until you have actually played one it is hard to describe how easy it is to navigate to menus and the PS store and things like that. This thing just flat out flies. If you were a PS3 owner like I was (or still are) and you go to the PS store or view trophies or go from one thing to the other, you know that on the PS3, it almost seemed like a chore to go from one to the other. On the PS4, that is a thing of the past. This machine takes navigation smoothly to a whole different level. But that's just one thing. I don't even know where to start because there is so much to say about it.

On the inside of the PS4, it houses an 8-core AMD Jaguar/Kabini x86-64 CPU, a Radeon 7870-derived GPU with 18 compute units (vs. Xbox One’s 12 CUs), and 8GB of unified GDDR5 RAM. The best thing is the RAM which provides both the CPU and GPU with 176GB/sec of unified (shared) memory (can see more here). The design of the system is what gets me though. Its black (shiny and matte like Xbox One) (who designed these consoles?!) and very oddly shaped. Think of it as a rhombus. The measurements, which are 275 mm x 53mm x 305mm, remind me of how the PS3 first came out with the huge block/dome looking design, meaning its odd. The controller also got a revamp and is by far the best of the DualShock's and I find it better than the Xbox One's. It's almost like the 360's controller passed the torch to the DualShock 4. I say that because it is a no brainer that the 360 had the better controller as far as feel, hand placement/hand ergonomics, and the overall weight of the controller. This time around the PS4 controller is top of the class other than the share button placement. 

In my honest opinion, and this is just how I feel, but I feel like the games look better on the PS4 vs the Xbox One. I can't put my finger on it, but the games run smoother and are just overall better looking. For those of you who have both, I know you can agree with that a little bit. NBA 2K14 (you knew I would get it) looks and runs smoother on the PS4....to me. Same with FIFA 14 and Assassin's Creed Black Flag. The features of the PS4 are awesome as well. Being able to stream live gameplay is really awesome via Twitch and Ustream. I ended up signing with Twitch and have broadcast a few NBA 2K14 games. I also streamed Killzone as well. The one thing that I don't like is the fact that you cane share video (that I do like) but not to anywhere, it has to go to Facebook! I personally hate BookFace (if you know what show that came from you are awesome) and hate the fact that you can only share your video with them but pictures go to Twitter. Sony does a lot with Android and Google, why can't you share with Google Plus? C'mon Sony get it together! But anyway, that is a small gripe for such an awesome machine. 

Don't Fear, COD: Ghosts Never Came Out of The Plastic!! COD=Terrible

When I got the system, I picked up NBA 2K14, Injustice: Ultimate Edition, and Killzone Shadow Fall. I went with these games because I had Battlefield 4 on and instant upgrade for $10 and all the free games I got for being a Plus member. Resogun is a BEAST!! Love that game. But I wanted a fighting game, and 1st party FPS. 2K was a no-brainer. There were so many deals going on around that time, it was really easy to stack up on games. So I got to try a lot of next gen games and I can honestly say only a handful of them are worthy of next gen labels. Games like Madden 25...first why does it look like that? All the commercials they showed made the camera's close and really nice (not great) detail. But when you play, well you will see it when you play, its not next gen worthy to me. Killzone looks ohh so delicious!! But that's the difference when you actually spend time making a game and just not putting something together just to make money *cough couch EA cough cough NBA Live 14 cough* just saying. Also, why is NBA Live 14 still $60? They came out and said that it was trash but yet they still sell it for $60?! Anyway, The PS4 has all the basic streaming people like Netflix and Hulu Plus and things like that (not as many as Xbox 360 and still a bit under Xbox One) but its a console that you can tell is all about gaming. I mean it took me about 15 minutes from the first start up (after the problem I had) to actually being able to play a game. I had to find WiFi and then connect and then enter PSN credentials and then put in 2K and let it install for about 4-5 minutes and I was playing right after that. Granted it was only the exhibition mode, but I was playing it none the less. 

PS4 is the console you want to own that has a no nonsense attitude and the system you want for pure out games. I bought a game console to play games. I don't need my system to play Netflix and all that other stuff, I have a smart TV for all of that. Even id you are a person who does not, the best Roku player or an Apple TV (and other options) can all be had for about $99 (some Roku's are starting out at $49). But some people like to have everything in one convenient place and I get that and for that, the PS4 does all the major players just right. It doesn't do the TV thing like Xbox One (yet. more on that HERE) but looking towards the future, I think PS4 might be this generations console winner. They have to keep the games coming and those games have to be good, not great but good. They have to be San Antonio Spurs good, not Miami Heat great. I say that because they don't need the heavy hitters, they just need a basic consistency of good games like the Spurs have players. I don't know how they turn average to below average guys into good/great players but they do and it works. I think the Heat will phase out (no doubt they are great) like a trend. And that is how I see the Xbox One and the PS4, Heat and Spurs. To bad the Spurs lost to the heat but the Spurs will continue to be good consistently and the Heat will phase out or lose the luster behind them. The PS4 has a bunch of small features that make it the best thing going like the Spurs as well. And its only going to get better with what they announced at CES 2014 with PlayStation Now (game streaming service) and their take on TV with streaming TV to your console to watch live TV just about anywhere. The PS4 is a beast to be reckoned with and again it is my favorite system of the next gen war. 

I have not been playing it for awhile but there were other things I was testing out and really just wanted to get the feel of the other things I was testing and using. The PS4 should be in your life rather you want it or not. It is a system that people be able to just pick up and play and I really think its trying to make its own lane. What I mean is, when Apple came out with their stuff years ago up until iPhone 5, everything they made or others made went through that 30-pin connector. People had accessories galore. But the new iPhone 5 used a different connector and people went nuts! So what I am saying is PS4 has nothing to do with PS3 or PS2 or even PS1 like the other versions did. PS2 allowed you to play PS1 games on it and even the early versions of the PS3 let you play some PS2 games and PS1 games. Heck even Xbox 360 played some Xbox games. The point is, PS4 is its own thing. Its a gaming console first and everything else second. It does however have something to do with the Vita but we all knew that when they were making project Orbis or NGP. The PS4 will stand on its own two feet and take us into the future. 

The last thing I will say about the PS4 is the PS Vita function. The PS Vita and the PS4 work together as a second screen experience or work perfectly well without each other. If you are familiar with the the Wii U, then you know you use the Game Pad to do a lot of the functions and when someone wants to use the TV, you can just keep playing your game on the Game Pad while the TV becomes free. Well same concept with a tad bit better execution. I say that because the screen on the Wii U is 50/50 at best while the Vita's screen is awesome. The controls are nice, touch screen and a rear touch pad as well. They both can act as a second screen but I think the biggest difference is that you can play your PS4 anywhere in the house (as long as there is wifi) and not just up to 20 feet away. So on nice summer days you can go lay outside in the back yard (hammock action) and just play away. Man that sounds so peaceful. Also the Vita Plays just about every PS4 game so you can really stop playing on the TV and switch it right to the Vita. Its a great companion. And some games come with cross buy. So that means if you buy it for PS3/PS4, you can get it free on the Vita. Like how iOS/Android work, buy it on one device and its free for the other devices you own that run those OS'es. 

Overall, the best system period. We are in a new year and I waited so long to give out a review because I wanted to actually play it and experience it. A lot of reviewers get these systems and new gadgets and just use it for a week or two tops. People in the real world can't just keep using these new devices every chance they get like some of the tech people out there because they are using their hard earned cash to pay for these things. So because of that, they tell you a system or phone is good today, maybe even great but they never tell you how that device is 3 months after or even 6-7 months either. A lot of people didn't get a PS4 or Xbox One because they were waiting for more games or couldn't afford it or just missed out completely. But when they read my reviews a few months from now, I will still be talking about this system and other things because I use them everyday and not just for review purposes only. So when March or April comes around (and its tax season), these will be times when people buy this system for the first time and before they buy may want to know which direction to go in. Don't worry, starting this year I will be doing a review of things every 3-4 months just to keep the reader up to date and those starting off new in the loop and not get surprised like my buddy did with his phone that runs very poor for him. Anyway I hope you all enjoyed and stay tuned for my review of this later in the coming months and my reviews on future products like Xbox One, Lumia 1520, and HP Chromebook 14 just to name a few. 

PSN: The_D_O_P_E_69

XBL: TitosTech

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With My Hue Lights, This is My PS4 Setting When Its Game Time

Simple UnBoxing

Game Time!!

My Number

The Finished Product

My PS3: The Last Days

     This is my last day/time actually taking the time out to comment about my PlayStation 3. As I have moved on form the PS3 and on to the PS4, I can remember a time when I didn't want anything to do with Sony and their PS3. But that was way in the beginning and since then I fell back in love with my PS3. Sony makes some very good first party games like (Infamous) (God of War) (Killzone) (Uncharted) and lately (The Last of Us) and (Beyond Two Souls which didn't do so well but to me the story of the game was unbelievable). Even though there are more games that Sony makes as first party, there is no question that they make some of the best damn games out there and because of that, I went with Sony and their awesome first party of games.

    

     Before I was a PS3 man, I was and Xbox 360'er. I stood outside in 2005 and got my Xbox (the Arcade Edition) with two buddies of mine and we all went home and just didn't look back at the PS2 or the original Xbox. It was all about the new system. When they announced the PS3, I looked at it and kind of laughed at it and said well I will own it one day, but that machine looks terrible. There was also the thing of what the hell is a Blu-Ray disc? Why would anyone change the format of the disc or why would they not adopt (HDD)? (Sorry Hdd players around the world).

    

     Anyway, as time went on around February of 2006, my Xbox died! The first encounter (and not the last) I had with the dreadful red ring of death put me in a state of pure and utter piss-itivity! (I know its not a word but that is a shot out to my old drill sargent!) I replaced it and went on to enjoy my new one. As time went by, PS3 had came out and was announced at a price of $1 Billion dollars!! Well not really, but when it came out, that's what I heard as far as price goes! So because of that, I didn't even give it a shot, at least no until 2009. When the end of 2009 came, around November or December, I went out and picked up a PS3 because it was time to see what Sony had actually been doing and since I loved my PS2, I wondered why in the hell would they make a system so expensive? It must do wonders?! Well when I went to Gamestop and picked up a 60gb backward compatible PS3 (a fat boy).

    

     That was one of the best decisions of my life! I didn't care for how it came on (and still don't) but the interface was cool and changing the backgrounds was awesome. There were even moving parts to it! The problem I had was that all of my friends at the time were on 360 and none of them really wanted to jump ship (as they called it) but I had to because I had become bored with my 360 and it's little nagging "red" problems. But that's neither here nor there. I picked up a little game called Killzone 2 and played it and thought it was okay. I never was a real big online player but I gave killzone 2's online a shot and most of the friends I have on PSN right now, came from that same game (shotout to you guys)! I played Killzone 2 online like everyday! The sounds of the killings and ambient noises left me always wanting more and more. The time I had a kill streak of 8 kills in a row (4 of them came back to back to back to back) set me off into a world of elite status (in my own world that is).

    

     As I started to die down from that game, I picked up God of War one day and again....mind blown! I don't know what they were thinking (Santa Monica Studios) when they made that game but thank goodness you guys were on whatever you were on in that creative studio. God of War was a game that made killing awesome all over again for me. Since I am a fan of Greek Mythology I though it was cool to see the time period get some love (last game I played like that was Battle of Olympus on NES, loved that game). After that game I believe I got a PSP 2000 and then upgraded to a PSP Go. Got some God of War games on the PSP and everywhere I went my PSP went with me.

    

     I played other games and other systems (I had all 3. Wii, 360, and PS3) and enjoyed them with my girlfriend at the time. We alternated a lot between the Wii and PS3. After awhile I got into Uncharted and when I first played that, it reminded me of the first time I played Tomb Raider and it felt good to play. Nathan Drake is a character, and a funny one at that. The story with that game is awesome and the dialouge is what really gets me, the banter back and forth. One day out of the blue, I found out you can swith out hard drives and put a bigger one in. I thought that was awesome and did some research on which ones work and don't work and I took a chance and picked up a 500gb laptop hard drive. Durring that same time, modding was real big and I was hip to j-tag Xbox's and buddy of mine clued me in to what you can really do with a PS3! Tinkering with my system one night, I bricked my system! My 500gb hard drive I just put in....wasted by my tinkering. I was pissed and all kinds of other things. But for some reason I didn't throw the system out.

    

     My fiance can tell you and anyone else who knew about  my modded PS3 (if you guys didn't know, the modded PS3 was the one that was bricked) that thing was awesome. Wait, I forgot to tell you yes some way I unbricked my PS3 and back then that was unheard of. When my screen finally came back on to the debug screen I woke her up at about 4:30 or so in the morning telling and screaming!! I had to see if what I did was real and later that day I went to a buddy of mine who was real nice with making Xbox and Wii's "much better" than what they were (sorry he moded them lol). He had about three or four PS3's that were bricked and all but one came back to life. I then learned about how to mod PS3's and tinker with them and ran Java programs on them and different little utilities. Put different OS on some of them (those that could) and found a great way for meeting PS people. Xbox was so cool for bootlegging things and and it had its moments but the PS3 was capable of SO much more once you really went inside of it. I don't recommend it fat PS3's are the best by far!!

  

     I got out of my modding phase and eneded up selling that particular PS3 to a guy and then I bought two slim ones (the one I have today, the other was stolen) because I wanted one for the living room and one for the bedroom. I switched both hard drives form the 120gb to a 320 and another 500gb. Time went by and more games just kept coming and coming. I lived in the 3 ecco systems of Wii, 360 and PS3, but I would always buy more for my PS3 because that was my system of choice. We all have that system of chooice and there is nothing wrong with that. Xbox had a better online experience and because I didn't do a lot of online gaming (I did but not a lot), that was not the best choice for me. I love Mario and the only place to get that is on Nintendo, so in a sense I buy Nintendo just because of Mario and their first party games. They are always fun. Which brings me to Sony and the PS3. I was into their first party games even though their online service was not as good as Xbox Lives. But When PlayStation Plus dropped, why would you want free game? Who cares if you ever play them or not, they are free and you might find one you really like *cough cough "Hotline Miami" *cough cough.

    

     Anyway, in the final days, which really started in this year in September, I wanted to stop playing PS3 all together and get ready for The PS4 that was coming out in November. The problem was GTA V was coming out and deep down, I really wanted to play it. I caved and bought the game and played GTA V hardcore everyday (even after beating it 6 days later) up until GTA Online came out. After Online came out, I played it maybe once or twice after that, three times at the most. I kind of said I was not going to play anything else, but there I was playing NBA 2K14 on the 1st of October. GTA took a back seat to NBA 2K14, Hotline Miami, and Battlefield 4. It's not like GTA V was not good, because it was great, but I just moved on somehow and I became enamored with looking at how Battlefield and 2K would look differently on next gen systems. (And they do impress a lot) So this writing is dedicated to the era of the PlayStation 3 and the games that lived on it (and the ones that I will not get to play [Batman Origins]) and the ones that still survive today.

    

     Games like Demon's Souls (2009), Metal Gear 4 (2008), The Uncharted Series (2007-2011), Heavy Rain (2010), God of War Series (PS3 versions 2009 & 2013), Gran Turismo 5 (2010), both Batman Arkham Asylum (2009) and Batman Arkham City (2011) (did not say the latest release because did not play it Batman Orgins 2013). Let's not forget Killzone, and Mass Effect, The Last of Us, The Walking Dead and all the rpg's and Portal 2, Ni No Kuni: Wrath of The White Witch (which is so freaking sweet, pick it up if you can), MLB Baseball (any of them, can't go wrong), The Puppeteer, Dragon's Crown, and any other game I missed....I am sorry if your favorite was not mentioned. But do a search for the best PS3 Games and you will find something for sure. I do miss the PS3, but for me (as the type of gamer that I am) it was time to move on to next gen, where I am sure Sony will have more classic first party games in store for us and with over 180 games in development for the next gen PS4, how could I not move on?

 

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Thank You to all those around the world (here is looking at you England) who support my site and people everywhere that read tech/games from my point of view or experience.

 

Coming Soon:
Nexus 5 review: after almost a month with the phone, how does the Nexus 5 and Android KitKat 4.4 stack up, check back here soon.
Sony PlayStation 4 (PS4): its been 7 years since Sony released a console. What did they follow up with and is it worth sitting in your living room for at least another 7 years? Check here soon.
Microsoft Xbox One (X1): Not my first choice for a console.....or is it? Did I convert over to X1 as my console of choice for next generation? Find out soon.
And other content as well.

 

 

NBA 2K14 ReVisited

    Well today another short update on another game out there that I love. NBA 2K14 on PS3. First I just want to say yes I am getting the PS4 version as well. The same basketball game on two different systems? Yes! First off, NBA 2K14 next gen looks freaking awesome. But we are not talking about that one, we are speaking on 2K14 current gen. Anytime I play my PS3, I get in a game of basket ball. I don't know why, maybe because I am a basketball nut or I just really love 2K games (PLEASE COME BACK NFL 2K, ENOUGH WITH THE MADDEN!!!).

     If you were wondering on how you should rate NBA 2K14, think about it like this. NBA 2k14 is "S" series in the iPhone line up. So 2K13 is equal to the iPhone 4 or the iPhone 5. 2K14 is the iPhone 4s or the iPhone 5s, same product but different internals and functions. Now if you hung in there with me, then you can understand what I am saying and know that I am not saying more than what it sounds like. Anyway, 2K14 is basically the same 2K13 game that I loved, but the look and the feel of the game is just a tad bit different and the updated the rosters, controls and the overall presentation. Not saying that this is a bad thing, but it just almost feels like you have done this once before.

     A few questions I got was should a person run out and get this? Well when it first came out, I would have told you "Hell Yeah!" (in the Stone Cold Steve Austin voice). But if you asked me that same question again today, well you might get a different answer. My answer today would come back to you as..."well are you getting a next gen system?" And the question right there will tell all. For those of you who are getting a next gen system, there are a couple of ways of doing this.

1. Have a PS3 and getting PS4: Get the NBA 2K14 Super Fan Pack from the PSN store. It's $99.99 but hear me out. This is the bundle I got. You get the PS3 version of the game (digital download version) and then when you get the PS4, you can just download it from there and have the new NBA 2k14 next gen version as well. So instead of paying $60 for current and then $60 for the next gen version, that is $120 so you wind up saving $20. The good thing about this is, you can have your PS3 version on your system or your child's system and you can play the new version on your PS4.
2. If your not getting a PS4 (or not just yet) and you have a a PS3, then I would say yes, pick this up whenever you can. It is not a game that you JUST HAVE to run out and get unless your a die hard NBA fan and then in that case you probably would have it already.
3. If you want 2K but don't have either system, go with the next gen version, unless you are on a budget and then if that is the case, get PS3 and a used copy of NBA 2K14. 
4. Lastly, for the Xbox 360/One fans, if you don't have 2K14, don't get the current gen version, get the next gen version. 

I don't know what the frame rate or hd quality the game runs at on X1 (because not all games on the X1 run at 60 frames and or 1080p), but I know on the PS4 its 60 FPS (frames per second) and at 1080p, that I can not pass up and neither should you. 

     But this current gen version is starting to show its age on current gen systems......to me. Its like seeing a blu-ray movie and then going back to see a dvd movie of that same movie. My eyes have been opened to the next gen and I will admit I am a bit spoiled by the look of it. Looks are not everything and I got that, but it also looks like it plays well, well at least better than this gen's version. I don't have a problem with recommending this game to anybody though. I will play this game up until I open my PS4 and my copy on next gen finishes downloading. Probably later tonight, I will take in a game of basketball because I love the My Player mode (I think its My Carer now) and that is what I always play. I didn't do the Lebron Path to Greatness mode and I will not. No knock on Lebron, but just not a mode I am interested in, I am more focused on myself. I also dabble in the Association mode. Its nice to go make a trade you think your favorite team should make and then play it out how you want it to.

     Overall, the game is still solid as ever. The updates for the game come pretty quick, the online part of this game is still terrible and lags, but it is a good game that you would not be upset at spending $60 for. I wish the developers would stop taking short cuts in this game (like with the shoes!!! and things like All Star Break, my game was still in Houston) because those were things I thought they would change in this years edition, but sadly they did not. I still love the game and because of that, I say you should still go out and pick it up. It is still one of the better sports games out there and thank goodness no Jay-Z soundtrack this year (YES!!). Still go out and pick this up on this gen or next, you won't be upset overall.

Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA V) ReVisited

     Here is the honest to goodness truth, I haven't played GTA V since maybe the end of October, maybe the first week of November. Here is the thing, the game itself is a great game and it keeps you going.....that is until you beat it or your run out of things to do with your favorite character. I was talking with a friend the other day and he simply stated that he hasn't even beat the game yet. Before I was set to laugh or show a face of awe, he simply stated that the game didn't interest him long enough to make him keep playing over and over again. This is a guy who posed with the games box on social media, heck he was the one who basically got me on board to get the game in the first place. But to laugh him off and call him crazy, well he may be on to something.

     Grand Theft Auto 5 is a great and fantastic game that pushes the boundaries on what a game should be and what a game should include in it. GTA 5 is also one of those games that for some (like myself and my friend) that just kind of came out at the wrong time to keep our interest high. This week is the of the PS4 and next week is the week of the Xbox One. What if Rockstar decides to put out downloadable content between now and anywhere in the near future? I sorry but I am just not getting it. I don't care what's included. This is around the time where developers start to put out that extra content rather it is free or not and people rush to download and talk about later. For me, my conversation over the next few weeks and maybe until early 2014 will be all next gen based.

     I bought the downloaded version so I cannot sell my version (legally) to anyone and get money back for it. So when I spent $60 for the game it's mine forever. Not a bad thing, but now it just I can't turn it in and put money towards another game and all that jazz. However you want to look at it, downloading is a good thing or a bad thing, the end of this month is here and we are looking at next gen right in the face and sorry people, but GTA 5 is an after thought right now. Especially with it not coming to next gen systems (as far as we know). I play about three games right now, Hotline Miami, NBA 2K14, and Battlefield 4. I should be playing Battlefield more, but I am paying the $10 to upgrade to the PS4 and my version of 2K14 is the version that comes with the PS4 version, so the only real game that I am playing on this generations systems is Hotline Miami.

     But for those of you who have not purchased the game yet or are on the fence about getting it, all I can say is, if you are not worried about going to the next gen yet, then absolutely you must get this game. But if you have not gotten this game yet and you are getting a next gen system as well, it might just be time to skip a GTA game. MAYBE. GTA may be the last great game of this current generations life cycles (that is those that are made for both systems; Batman Origins as well) (Beyond Two Souls, The Last of Us are games that you also need as well but only on PlayStation). I know Watch Dogs maybe a game like that as well, but its coming to next gen, so why would I buy it for PS3 or 360?

     But why I said my friend may not be as crazy as you think is because, the game captivates your interest for about a few days or so and then, I don't know what it is, but it just kind of leaves without warning. GTA V Online is awesome. And if your one of the people when the last time I played, got shot or "trolled" by The_D_O_P_E_69, sorry but it was me and in that world there is no right or wrong! I would hear friends team up to do something good or do a mission and then there I am drive by, or setting people up with bombs. I really had a great time with it. But again, my commitment to this game just happen to come at a bad time. Since September, (well really since they announced it) I have been gearing up physically and mentally for these next gen systems and maybe that is why he has lost interest in the game, I can totally understand.

     For those of you who think that this logic sounds crazy, and yell and say GTA is one of the best games ever (as I said so in a earlier post and I stick by that) but the timing of the game and to capitalize even more on the games success, is an opportunity missed or screwed up. I know it beat out Call of Duty as far as game sales and all of that (thank God), but I believe Rockstar could have put the bar higher for, not for themselves but for as far as capitalizing on a great thing. Maybe they have a strategy going in who knows, maybe this is just the beginning of something more to come. All I know is, GTA is one of the best games I have ever played and (could be top 5 best games ever) has been sitting on my hard drive taking up space and whenever the last time I played it, may be just that, the last time i'll ever play it.

   

DualShock 4 (PS4 Controller)

Guess what day is around the corner? If you you said Thanksgiving, you would be right, but I was thinking of something just a little bit better. What could it be? How about the launch of Sony's 4th generation console, the Sony PlayStation 4 or as we all call it The PS4. That is right, the PS4 is right around the corner (November 15th if you forgot) and I have gotten my hands on a very necessary accessory, as in an extra controller. But since, I don't have the console in home yet, the closest thing I have to the actual PS4 is this new form DualShock 4 controller. So how does Sony's newest DualShock stack up? Let's find out. 

Well first thing is first, you can now pick up this controller at GameStop and Amazon. I also believe you can pick up the camera accessory as well and both will run you about $60 American. So the controller really feels good in the hand. It is slightly heavier than the current DualShock 3 and it follows the PS4's new two tone color scheme. So the one I have is black on black or a plastic black on a matte charcoal grey/black. There are rumors of other colors coming our way in America, but when is anybodies guess.

This Would Be A Day 1 Purchase!!

This Looks Good Too!! One Of My Buddy's Favorite Color.

The one problem that I think a person may encounter with the button placement is the share button. Maybe because I was used to start and select in the middle but I didn't press it often on accident but remembering that it is there when you need to press it may be uncomfortable at first. I am also going out to grab the PS4 camera and have that ready as well. There are a few PS4 titles rolling out slowly now. I know at our Best Buy you can get Call of Duty Ghosts now on PS4 and I think Assassins Creed 4 as well. The controller is responsive to input and after several hours of play, your hand (at least mine) didn't get sweaty from playing so long. That is why the Air Flow controllers are so popular, but with this controller, I didn't have that problem.

I have been playing with this for awhile now (well at least 5 days) and really all I play is Hotline Miami and Battlefield 4 with it. I have a list of games that is compatible with it right out the box here. Overall, the controller is stellar and a nice/big change for DualShock fans like myself. So until the real system drops in a few days here in America, this is the best I have to go on. Also want everyone to be aware that this controller is reportedly working with Mac/PC's right out the box as well.

So overall, since the controller is a must for the PS4 and you have no choice but to use it early on in the PS4 release, you'll just have to get used to it. Not saying that it is a terrible controller or feels funny, but it is a mid-major change to a controller that has been around for years (PS1 days) and if your one of the many people coming from Xbox to PS4, then it is a wake up call from what you are used to as well. But it feels good in the hand, and your hands wrap around the controller as if you two need each other (which in essence you do).

So that's it. That's my review of the PS4 DualShock 4 Controller for the PlayStation 4. If I had to grade it, I would say, 9/10 (8.5 at the least and a 9.5/10 at the max). It's not a 10/10, but its damn sure close.

Coming Soon: AOC 23" I2367FH Monitor; I run down my week so far with the Nexus 5. Also we are going to be looking at one of my new favorite things lately, and that is the Philips Hue. And once again we check out some of the most popular PS3 games to come out since 2006 until 2013 as we revisit the Sony PS3. If there are any games you wanted mentioned, send me a message and I will put it in there.

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GTA 5 (Best Game Ever!?) (PS3 Edition)

That's How I Role: TitosTec On The Plates!

Lets face, there was a lot of hype to the game and most wondered if it would even live up to these huge expectations. Well I am here to tell you that GTA V is and could arguably be the best game ever. Well that is up until this point. This is my opinion of GTA V.

Honestly, I am tired of hearing about the game but I have to give credit where credit is due, this game is bad ass! There is no if and or buts about it. Let's be honest, we all knew it was going to have great graphics, new physics and all that good stuff. But what we didn't know was how well the game would play. I played GTA 4 and while it was a good game, I still went out and played other games while playing GTA 4 and/or played for a little period of time. I hate to compare here but I have too, GTA 5 has been the only thing I have turned my PS3 on for! I played NBA 2k13 almost everyday but since this GTA came out, I am waiting on NBA 2k 14 because that may be the next game I actually play. I hate to sound like all the other game reviewers or people who do games for a living, but if you have not played this game yet, then there should be two reasons why you have not played: you get paid this weekend and will get it this weekend or you just don't flat out care about games...... well maybe the last one was a little harsh but if you play video games, there should be no reason why you do not own this game. Again, this game is bad ass!

Let's talk about why this game is bad ass. Graphics, check. Good physics, check. Good audio, check. Cast of actors to really bring the game characters to life, check. Now we all know or knew that was a given. But what really makes this game shine is the game play elements the attention to detail and the little things (which in a sense is the detail thing as well). I don't want to give away any spoilers if you are some of the few who haven't played but the missions are super cool. Finally there are mini missions that help you build up or get ready for the main mission. What I mean by that is, now you have to acquire certain things before you can even do the actual mission, which is really cool. In the mission that i am on is, I got to choose which way I wanted to rob a bank, the smart way or the chaotic way. I choose the smart way. Then I was able to pick three people for the job and they have a pay scale and those are the attention to details that I like. So now I'm at a point to where I am looking for three separate things spread out over the city that will help pull of the actual bank job instead of just getting ready to do the job and play that part of the game. Now its like you have to do it all which is real nice. Your way may be the same as my way, but the details can be totally different meaning for a different out come. 

The little things and detail things I like is the way Franklin's homeboy walks and talks Lawrence. I used to know so many dudes just like him it was so funny to see those mannerisms all over again. The walk, the talk, the dialogue is real, real good. This game in my book is already a 10/10 without a doubt, but then you add in things like tennis, golf, I went to the movies and watched a whole movie (which was funny and weird at the same time), I have been hunting deer up by the Vinewood sign, I have also been underwater a couple of times enjoying the underwater sea life. I know normally I should be further in the game, but honestly doing everything else is where its at right now. Not to mention I am still checking out all the cars, going to the shooting range, getting better on my back hand, oh and enjoying a few hours at the strip club making it rain (and yes that is a option). There is an app also for it called iFruit app and it helps you train your dog better and also customize your ride. 

My Car Designed From The iFruit App

I could really talk about this game all day but sadly enough I cannot and also because GTA online is coming in about 2 weeks so I really not going to have anytime for anything else it seems like. I also would like to say that this game has made $800 million in one day and it has not even released in Japan and Brazil I hear. WOW! That is crazy. There is still more for me to find out in the game and so far the story has been real good and the characters are very alive and filled with personality. Thank You Rockstar for this genius game and getting back to the the game we all used to love in San Andreas and making it 1,000 times better. If you are on the fence about this game, get off and get the darn game already or if your a parent thinking this game is too much for your child, you may be right but they will be out of your hair for awhile I can guarantee that. Also the intro to the game was real awesome, that is how it should be done take note games/Hollywood. 

If It Looks Crazy, Its Because Its From My Monitor

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There are rumors that they have found code (found in an Xbox 360 non the less) suggesting that this game, GTA 5, may be coming to Orbis (Which all of us know that was code name for what is now PS4).
I HOPE that this is true because I will own that version as well. No word on if it will be on Xbox 1....according to this rumor.

Also I will have a Xbox 360 review of this game soon as well. 

PS Vita TV

If you have not heard, Sony is releasing a device simply called the PS Vita TV. The concept of the device is simple, put your Vita games into the device and play your Vita games on your big screen TV (or any TV in your home with an hdmi output). Sounds simply enough. The thing is, this device does so much more than that and a device this special "may" not even come to our side of the world. This is the PS Vita TV. 

So if the device sounds real good, trust me it gets better. So not only does it play Vita games, it plays PSP, and PS One games. It also streams content like Hulu Plus and has a Sony type ecosystem like their own Video Unlimited Service and Vita like apps such as the LiveTweet (a Twitter client) and Reader ebook. The best and the number one thing for me that this thing does is....wait for it....PlayStation 4 cross-functionality! The cool thing is that it will cost about 9,480 yen, which here in America would be about $95 without tax and is only scheduled, as of today, to come out in Japan on Nov. 14th (and also China and South Korea). If you notice though, this drops just one day before the PS4 drops states side. So everybody gets something the week of the 14th in November. From my understanding, the ps4 will launch sometime in 2014 for Japan so maybe, just maybe, we will get it here as well. One of the best things also about the PS Vita TV is that you play the games with a PS3 controller. They also have a separate bundle coming that's includes a DualShock 3 controller and an 8GB memory card which will sell for about 14,280 yen or about $143 here. 

Streaming duties at its best!

So here is the thing, the PS Vita TV can also be used as an extender (that's a good word) to play  PS4 games. What that means is of someone is watching TV in the living room (where your PS4 is) your could basically have a PS Vita TV in your bedroom (the ideal place for me) and play your PS4 on your bedroom TV, eliminating the need to keep moving your system from here to there (like I used to do) or buying two different systems to play the same games (also something I just got done doing. I miss my other PS3 all ready). You can read here to read more about the new device (it is a PDF). 

Power Button; Memory Card Slot; HDMI; Ethernet; Power Cord Hole

They also Announced a new lighter and slimmer PS Vita 2000

I think the concept of the little device sounds genius. If it does come to the U.S. and/or Europe and has some good exposure, I think it would make sense to people and they will really like what they are getting. If it only comes out in Japan, I have no problem importing because both the PS4 and PS Vita are region free (super smart). I know the sales for the Vita have been....let's say for a lack of better wording, not so good. The good of this is that it had a price drop recently and if you catch the right deal or place you can get a Vita and a bunch of extras for the same price as a basic one. A lot of the problem with the Vita is that a) it was to expensive b) the game selection and c) the memory for it was way over priced and after awhile it was hard to get a hold of (32gb). But now, after a $50 price drop across the board, and all the support from PS4 like streaming the PS4 to your Vita (they said awhile back PS4 and Vita would be working together) and a ton of games (indies and big name games like Borderlands 2) a Vita now doesn't really sound like a bad option. I think that is also where PS Vita TV comes in to play. You almost don't really have to "buy" a Vita, you buy the PS Vita TV and play your games on the big screen. The only problem is you can't enjoy all Vita games (as the were saying,) and you will not be as portable playing a Vita as you would like to be. So buying a Vita, in my opinion is not such a bad deal after all. But until we get conformation that PS Vita TV will or will not be coming to the U.S., I will be keeping my ear to the street and my eye on the prize as I am looking forward to this great addition to my PlayStation family. What are your thought? Let me know and thanks for reading.

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My PS3: Is it time to move on?

If you don't know by now, Nov. 15th, 2013 is the day the PS4 comes out. I know plenty of people (at least one million pre-orders say so) have this day circled on their calender (as I do) and plan on upgrading to the next generation of console gaming. Then again there is one problem, what happens to my current generation PS3? Well hopefully that is what I intend to find out and hopefully I can come up with some real answers on moving on or staying in sync with both generations. This is all about My PS3: Is it time to move on?

Real gamers far and wide have one answer for me without hesitation and its simply "just game on both!" If you don't know, I am referring to moving on from my PS3 and going full blown PS4. Another option is skipping the PS4 and just stick with my PS3 or have both and have the best of both worlds. As true as that may sound and yes I know that would be super awesome, realistically, I don't think I have the time or resources to game on both. In a perfect world, and endless supply of money and all the time in the world to just game away! Ahh the perfect world, so easy to make up and yet so hard to make it a reality. You may also be wondering why even debate it, just get the PS4 and move on. I would love to, honestly but there are still some great games still coming out for PS3 (Beyond: Two Souls, The Puppeteer, and Rain), not to mention the games that I need to finish playing (The Last of Us!!).

As you can see 58 GB left from 465 (500GB)

113 Games in this folder alone

Let's get to the heart of it here. 1st of all I am running out of room on my current PS3. I haven't played an actual disc game in so long, I don't even know if my drive works (of course it does, but its dusty)! 500gb sure does go fast over the years when you just keep putting game after game on there, and not to mention being a PlayStation Plus member, you really run out of room fast. Then 2nd, if you can see the Picture, I have a lot of games on my PS3, so finding something to play is never a problem, but then again there are too many things to play! And 3rd, these games are coming soon, like real soon. I know Rain will be out on the 10th or 11th of September and the other two come out in early October. But then that leads me to my next problem, there are other great games coming out in October/November.


NBA 2K14, Batman: Arkham Origins, Assassins's Creed 4: Black Flag, Rayman Legends, Diablo 3, FIFA 14, Grand Theft Auto V, Watch Dogs, WWE 2K14, and my personal favorite Battlefield 4. See the problem now? Too many great games coming, and not enough time or money. However, most of these games above can be played on the PS4 except GTA V and Rayman Legends (and I think Diablo 3). GTA V is enough to hold on to your PS3 in the first place. MY main thing is I just don't know if I can do both systems at the same time. However, I love the latest and greatest, no matter what it is (tech wise that is). So I  that's one of the main reasons why I want a PS4 in the first place. Me personally, knowing how I am, I will neglect my PS3 because the new hot item is in my house and I just have to play with it.

I am going to be honest, deep down, I think I am going to say good bye to my PS3 and get the PS4 and just hope that one day I would be able to stream PS3 games through their Gaikai cloud service (which is a rumor I hear is highly likely). Plus I would get some more love to my PS Vita because now I can play all the games on my PS4 on my Vita which makes another great reason to own a PS4 and a Vita for that matter. To me that is not a gimmick and I think that makes so much sense to do something like that. Its like they took the Wii U thing and made it better (better meaning the games can be played on PS4 or Vita and if you don't want to use a huge tablet controller, you don't have to). I know I am going to catch some heat for this but I honestly don't know what these guys over at Microsoft are doing with their new system.

Just about everything that Microsoft said they wanted to do, they didn't do or announced it will come later after announcing that it would be there day 1. I am not going to get into that in this posting but I will touch on that soon and I just feel bad for the people that pre-ordered theirs thinking one thing but are getting another. I will have a Xbox 1, but not anytime soon, its just to many uncertainties for me. I know when I get this PS4, things will be there day one and ready to go as soon as I pull it out. I had a good run with my PS3, and in about a month or so maybe around my birthday (later this month), I will retire from playing PS3 and move on to the wonderful world of PS4 and not look back. When it comes to tech, I am so funny acting. I wanted the Galaxy Note 2 so bad when it came out, I got it and then a few months later got rid of it because I wanted to get the Galaxy S4 or HTC 1. I got rid of it because I lost interest in it. Samsung makes really good phones....that is to really good phones that are very gimmick oriented. Look-away and hand swipes and barely touching the phone to do this and that, is crazy. Crazy because I hardly ever used any of those features everyday unless I was showing somebody else what it can do. Samsung is like a trophy wife to me, very, very nice eye candy. Xbox 1 is like that to me as well. I know Sony has their thing with the motion controlled flop that was the PS Move and on the new PS4 the glowing bar in the top of the controller, but they don't force it on you and it doesn't make the controller or the system any more or less useless.

I am a gamer and I want to game wherever I am for as long as I want and playing on my TV and then going to my Vita just seems like that should be mandatory for all systems. That was one of the best features I loved about the Wii U. Beating Injustice: Gods Among Us on the Wii U Game Pad was awesome because I was in my own little world while everyone else was watching TV. I got to game as much as I wanted to with the Wii U, but some games like Lego City was not able to be played on the Game Pad because you HAD to use it for the game itself. So to an extent, the Game Pad is limited and its not HD. The PS4 and the Vita I see are complimenting each other like peanut butter does jelly. After rereading this and starting to finish up with this today (I started yesterday), I think my decision is actually very easy. In a month, I will hang up the PS3 controller, pass on all  those awesome games (especially 2k14 on Oct.1st!!!!) and just wait until the 15th of Nov. and go get my PS4 with a few games (no disc all downloads!) and catch up with a new old friend. If your counting at home, that's about 45 days with no video games (well games on consoles) and I guess I will find some other things to do to pass the time. I guess by then iOS 7 will be out and I will get back to mobile gaming. Maybe Sammy (Samsung) will expose the new 12.1 inch tablet (I hear its a new Galaxy Note 12.1 inch tablet) or maybe they will drop the new Galaxy Gear watch by then I can go grab one and review it or even the Note 3 maybe running a little desert called "Key Lime Pie" (which I'm actually not as excited as I was about the Note 2). I hear my phone is dropping over here in the U.S. (FINALLY!!) with LTE support (THANK GOD!) and that is the Sony Xperia Z Ultra (such a power, powerful phone). Phone is mine (no contract of course).

IFA is this week and I can't wait. Apple is having a press event soon (rumored to be on the 10th of September) to drop the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, so maybe I will get back into the mobile scene for awhile and that would help me pass the time because there are a ton of new and interesting things hitting the market soon. So I guess this month is my final time with my PS3 and while it is sad, the future is looking brighter and brighter so I guess I am not all that sad. Besides, if worse comes to worse, I will just get another PS3 and re-download all my games again and pick right back up like nothing even happened!

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