Sony's Live Service Struggles, Ghost of Yotei's Appeal, and the Enduring Charm of Open World RPGs

Welcome to the Push Square Mailbox for February 2025!

Yet again, we’ve received a flurry of messages (correspondence) from our dear readers, discussing various matters related to the PlayStation.

Should you wish to write a letter to us, kindly navigate to our Contact section and choose ‘Reader Letters’ as your subject matter.

Each month, we’ll select a standout letter as our ‘Featured Writer’, rewarding them with a one-month access to our advertisement-free Supporter program.

Without further ado, let’s see what our mailbag has in store this time…

Push Square Mailbox – February 2025

Chasing Live Service Success

Hey guys,

As a gamer, I’ve been pondering over Sony’s strategy lately. Instead of diving headfirst into already bustling live service genres, why not focus more on unique live service titles? The success of Helldivers 2 lies in its distinctiveness from other live service games. On the flip side, Concord’s failure can be attributed to a multitude of factors, one being intense competition within the crowded hero shooter genre.

As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but feel that Twisted Metal would have made a striking impact if it hadn’t been shelved. Is it just me who feels this way? Are there live service genres that you think Sony should venture into? I’d be thrilled to see a fresh take on PlayStation All-Stars, or perhaps even an Astro Bot-themed kart racing game! The crossover potential for both seems immense, and considering Astro Bot, it appears that third parties are more than willing to collaborate with Sony (with the exception of Square Enix).

– Americansamurai1

Over the years, it’s been clear that Sony has struggled with the idea of ‘live service’, and unfortunately, it hasn’t always gone smoothly.

Just as you mentioned, the appeal of Helldivers 2 lies in its distinctiveness as an engaging, unconventional gaming experience. Unlike numerous hero shooters, extraction shooters, MOBAs, and so forth that we’re accustomed to, it stands out as something fresh and exciting.

Given your query, it wouldn’t be unwelcome if a new attempt at PlayStation All-Stars were made, or perhaps a crossover game that leverages the rich history of PlayStation, is something we could look forward to.

Or better yet, just give us that Astro Bot kart racer. That sounds like a ridiculously good idea.

Persona-l Taste

For quite some time now, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the arrival of remasters or ports of earlier Persona games on PS4 and PS5, as it would complete the series on these consoles. Frankly, I’d be thrilled even if they came out in a style similar to P3P.

Just putting it out there in case someone from Atlus reads Push Square.

– HeeHo

Hey there, Atlus folks! If you happen to glance over here at Push Square, please take note of my heartfelt plea: it’s high time for the classic Persona games to grace our modern consoles!

These deviate significantly from what newer series enthusiasts are accustomed to, yet they’re worth remembering (and revisiting) nonetheless.

Sequel Fatigue

Among all the games I’ve been anticipating for quite some time, none has stirred my excitement quite like Ghost of Yotei. Given my affinity for Tsushima, it’s only natural that this game would pique my interest as well.

In my recent conversation, it was pointed out that what we were discussing isn’t merely an extension of its predecessor. The change includes a new main character, a different time frame, and more. Immediately, I found myself captivated by it. Typically, there are complaints about Sony’s sequels, such as “it’s just the first game all over again” or “essentially expanded DLC”.

Although I disagree with the idea, I get why someone might think that way. It’s as if it’s a brand-new start, offering endless possibilities. That’s what makes it thrilling.

Absolutely, there are always individuals who resist change within established properties. This trend is evident even in the current game we’re discussing. However, I was curious about your perspective: Do you believe that introducing new characters and settings like this could potentially alleviate the issue of “sequel fatigue,” offering developers a chance to innovate, or might it drive away longtime fans due to the sense that it’s no longer as they remember?

– JackiePriest

This intriguing subject, JackiePriest, has caught our attention more than once as well.

Primarily, it seems you’re hoping for a follow-up that surpasses its predecessors in several aspects. This could mean crafting a more engaging narrative or enhancing the overall gaming experience. Regardless of the specific focus, making advancements should always be your initial aim.

As a gamer, I ponder over what the upcoming sequel aims to achieve. Is it a straight-up continuation? If that’s the case, then it’s all about expanding on the storyline and characters of the last game. However, things can get tricky because the creative team might want to explore the same ideas and themes, but from a fresh angle.

Sequels sometimes face resistance due to fans’ fondness for the characters (like The Last of Us, for instance), and it often requires a bold game developer to break these expectations. However, such innovations can be precarious, especially given the significant investment of time and resources that goes into creating modern games today.

Ultimately, it’s all about finding the right equilibrium. Although it’s impossible to satisfy everyone, sequels can walk a middle ground by expanding upon the foundations laid by their predecessors while also introducing novel elements like unique settings and characters. In this manner, Ghost of Yotei could serve as an excellent demonstration of such a balance.

Gen X Gaming

30 years have passed since I purchased my first PlayStation in late 1995, and I can hardly believe it! It introduced me to a new dimension of gaming that quickly had me hooked. Numerous cherished memories from my teenage years involve staying up all night playing on the screen, with its innovative controllers, and frequent gaming sessions with friends.

Over time, I’ve acquired the PS2, PS3, PS4, PS4 Pro, PS5, and recently the PS5 Pro – quite a powerful piece of hardware indeed! Despite being a 46-year-old Gen X woman, I continue to game daily, often spending my evenings immersed in games and bonding with my kids who are also PlayStation enthusiasts. Sometimes, I even find myself pulled into a game for the whole night – old habits truly do persist! To top it off, I’ve become a YouTuber, running a gaming channel. In essence, I’m just like Peter Pan, the kid who never grew up!

10 years ago, I discovered the amazing website Push Square in 2015, and I’ve been a frequent visitor ever since. It’s fantastic! Keep up the great work!

A decade has passed since I first encountered Push Square in 2015, and I’ve been visiting it nearly every day since then. It’s truly remarkable! You’re doing a fantastic job.

– Ellie K

Appreciate your kind compliments, Ellie – It’s truly inspiring to know that people like you find joy in our website every day!

Most of us share a common ground when it comes to PlayStation; we’ve been using Sony consoles for quite some time now, and the idea of moving away from them feels oddly unfamiliar after all these years.

Stay youthful, enjoy your gaming, and good luck with the YouTube channel!

Let’s Get Physical

Hi Push Square,

I recently came across your articles discussing reader preferences and purchasing habits over successive days, and I felt compelled to reach out to you. It seems like I might be one of the rare individuals who still purchases approximately 99% of my games physically. The remaining 1% lack a standard physical release – take Baldur’s Gate 3, for instance!

I stumbled upon your articles about reader preferences and shopping habits from consecutive days, so I reached out because I rarely buy digital games; instead, I usually purchase around 99% of my games physically. The remaining 1% don’t have a traditional physical release, like Baldur’s Gate 3.

I’m quite curious to learn about your personal purchasing patterns regarding these games, since I find that physical versions are usually less expensive or at least equally priced compared to their digital counterparts. The reason I prefer physical editions is because they offer the advantage of being able to purchase more titles; if I’m not very interested in a particular game, I can resell it instead of letting it sit unused forever.

It’s challenging to comprehend why the simplicity of digital outweighs the affordability of physical versions, especially when they can still be sent directly to your door at a lower cost, providing more games for the same price! An added advantage is that there’s a certain charm in handling a tangible game. It’s like having photographs of Lego instead of the actual pieces – it just doesn’t compare.

Your forever physical buyer,

– Alex

Absolutely, you raise valid points regarding physical media. There’s a certain joy in owning boxed games, and it would be dishonest not to admit that we yearn for the times when we’d visit a real store to purchase new releases, only to savor the experience of opening them up to find beautifully designed manuals. It’s like stepping into a pool of nostalgia.

It requires a specific age to truly understand this kind of content, and it might be that this transition towards digital media is due to this factor – after all, many millions of individuals haven’t had the experience of using discs in their childhood!

Git Gud (Outside of Souls-likes)

Hello there! I’m reaching out to all of you with an intriguing query. While the term “git gud” often brings to mind Souls-like games, I’d like to know if any of you have encountered a game from another genre that offered a challenge you adored and ultimately mastered?

In my opinion, I’m particularly drawn towards racing car games like rally ones. My initial foray was with Dirt 2.0, and I decided to forego any driver assistance features. Needless to say, I struggled initially, finding myself lagging behind every competitor – flashing red all over the screen. However, my determination didn’t wane. I honed my focus and learned to feel the rhythm of the turns. One evening, after a long day and countless attempts, suddenly the interval turned green. From that moment on, I was hooked.

So I ask you folks, have you had a game where you wanted to “git gud” outside of a Souls-like?

Enjoy your week!

– David

It’s an interesting query, David – we’ve been trying hard to excel in games that aren’t particularly challenging, yet we feel compelled to become proficient at them, if I may explain it clearly.

Games featuring combat naturally pop into one’s mind due to their steep learning curves. As you progress and reach higher levels, the urge to continue improving becomes irresistible. That’s where the mastery lies, indeed.

In essence, the idea you’re considering can be extended to virtually any game that captures your heart deeply – yes, this includes RPGs from Japan! If there’s enough complexity in the game, there will always be aspects worth mastering.

Regardless, every member on the Push Square team was queried about one title they felt compelled to master (with Souls-like games in mind as well):

Rob: Monster Hunter World
Sammy: Bloodborne
Stephen: Returnal
Liam: Elden Ring
Aaron: Cuphead

Modern Game Bloat

Hello Push Square,

Following the launch of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, I’ve found myself questioning if games need to be labor-intensive in order for enjoyment to surface. While there’s undeniably a sense of achievement in developing your character and strengthening them throughout gameplay, is it enjoyable to plow through tedious tasks to reach that point?

In the early 2000s, games were simple yet packed a punch, providing plenty of entertainment that could rival a sandcastle in Windsor. But as the PS4 era began, I noticed the arcade-like charm and ease of play that these games offered started to erode this sandcastle, replaced by larger, more complex games with expansive open worlds and an emphasis on size over simplicity.

– JDINCINERATOR

Absolutely, it’s clear that numerous contemporary games are crafted with lasting appeal as a primary focus. However, this persistence can sometimes be achieved through repetitive tasks or predictable gameplay mechanics.

The upcoming Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is intriguing because fans are willing to accept its slow tempo, which they believe enhances immersion. Mixing tough times with exciting moments provides depth to the experience; games like Red Dead Redemption 2 succeed by alternating between mundane activities and electrifying drama and action.

Absolutely, I do appreciate the charm of compact, arcade-style games. Fortunately, it seems like these types of games are still being produced. It’s just that with growing budgets, the larger projects tend to get more attention due to their intricate designs, even though they can sometimes become overly complex.

The Magic of Kingdom Come: Deliverance STAR LETTER

I’d like to briefly discuss why Kingdom Come: Deliverance might seem unique or perplexing to first-time players due to its immersive, yet complex nature.

My journey begins amidst the enchanting Bohemian Woods, and my character, Henry, is weary within the game. Finding a place to rest is challenging in this virtual world. New players might find this perplexing, but seasoned gamers understand that this struggle is the heart of the experience.

In essence, I’m attempting to enter a house at night, hoping to discover an extra bed since it’s dark and I can’t see. However, strange noises, particularly barking guard dogs, are causing complications and drawing the attention of the residents who don’t appreciate my uninvited presence, as I am, in fact, a stranger.

Instead of scattering several chunks of meat to keep the dogs busy while I sneak in some rest, I thought about going uphill and finding a house with a ladder leading to a loft containing a bed. However, that plan didn’t seem feasible, so I had to come up with another solution.

As I settle down to catch some shut-eye, I intentionally set the alarm for tomorrow. However, my sleep is cut short as I’m abruptly awakened. A figure who bears a striking resemblance to the man I rescued and helped hide, scolds me angrily, accusing me of burglary.

The situation has become rather obvious and overt by now. “Aren’t you aware of who I am?” I inquire, but his response is stoic and he remains determined to have ME apprehended – the one he believes to be my rescuer. In a bid to reason with him, I persuade him that it isn’t advantageous for him to imprison me, and he politely requests that I depart. However, I only leave for a brief moment before sneaking back again… this cycle repeats.

Exhausted, I begin strolling downhill and come across an unusual sight – a cabbage on the path. I ponder this oddity, then find another one just 10 meters ahead. Incredulous, I realize there’s a trail of cabbages! What on earth is happening? Suddenly, spooky noises from the forest make me tread cautiously, even fearfully. Every step leads to more of these annoying cabbages.

I’m thrilled to stumble upon an empty roadside camp, bare-boned and rough, with nothing softer than stone for a bed, yet it serves as a refuge in this game. It feels like divine intervention. I’m overjoyed and truly thankful that these vegetables turned out to be beneficial probiotic orbs instead of ordinary cabbages.

The main lesson from the tale is that I was on a genuine mission to locate an ancient suit of armor, but instead found myself unexpectedly engaged in a more practical and everyday quest to find a bed within the game – a feature typical of its immersive nature.

It’s clear that… I’ve found myself in a cunning plan by Warhorse. The game is functioning exactly as planned, and honestly, I wouldn’t change it for anything else!

– EfYI

This is the heart of the matter, EfYI. For us, this type of narrative is what sets role-playing and open-world games apart. The entire journey is tailored to your experience, which is why it leaves such a lasting impression. It’s all about immersion!

Clearly, not all games can have such a broad design concept, yet it’s challenging to ignore the enchantment that these unforgettable moments bring about.

Appreciation goes out to all of you who took the time to write to us last month. Although your letters may not have made it into print this time around, they could still appear in an upcoming piece, so please keep the faith!

Should you wish to write us a letter, kindly utilize the “Contact” section on our site. Don’t forget to choose ‘Reader Letters’ as the subject. We prefer letters that are approximately 300 words or fewer in length.

As a passionate gamer, I’ve got to say, I’m really digging this month’s Push Square Mailbox! Share your thoughts and more opinions in the comments down below, let’s keep the gaming conversation flowing!

2025-03-09 19:10

Sony’s Live Service Struggles, Ghost of Yotei’s Appeal, and the Enduring Charm of Open World RPGs