Sacred Symbols, Episode 253 | I'm Gonna Learn You My Philosophy
Added 2023-05-05 16:00:08 +0000 UTCIn a recent interview, Hermen Hulst -- the head of PlayStation's first party studios -- spoke extensively about Sony's plans with its vaunted 10 in-development games-as-a-service. Through his words, we can begin to formulate a vision of a future where PlayStation first and second party games are both of the expected and unexpected variety, a marked change from a brand known first-and-foremost for marquee single player experiences. And in the wake of Xbox's disastrous launch of Redfall and the obviously-plateauing numbers of GamePass, a conversation about the very philosophy of PlayStation seems as timely as ever. We also take the time this week to go over the trailers for the Gran Turismo movie and Twisted Metal TV show, celebrate some recent Square Enix sales successes, discuss the continued destruction of games media, touch on new PS5 Pro rumors, and more. Listener inquiries round things out, per usual, on topics like reviews taking into account the technical performance of a game, Sony's dearth of WRPG heft, players' toxic relationship with publishers, and Colin's increasingly dramatic southern man voice.
Timestamps:
0:00:00 - Intro
0:23:59 - The Southern Gentlemen is too fast
0:27:58 - LSM brings coworkers together
0:29:41 - Marinate/Marinade that chicken
0:32:58 - Do we like building models?
0:44:01 - Recycle grass clippings?
0:47:45 - Physical games have a place
0:50:53 - A correction correction
0:52:05 - What do we think of the Twisted Metal and Gran Turismo trailers?
1:12:28 - Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster sells two million copies
1:23:18 - Final Fantasy XVI is banned in Saudi Arabia
1:34:24 - Is Assassin’s Creed Mirage imminent?
1:38:46 - What’s Respawn doing?
1:44:52 - A DualSense has been used by a doctor for a sensitive operation
1:56:41 - Waypoint has closed
2:02:18 - What do we think about Kotaku posting Zelda leaks?
2:08:55 - What have we been playing?
2:36:09 - PlayStation 5 Pro may be coming in 2024
2:57:23 - Herman Hulst talks about PlayStation Studios games-as-a-service strategy
3:18:51 - Marvel’s Spider-Man PS4 can now be upgraded to the PS5 version for a fee
3:23:18 - Is the gaming subscription model sustainable?
3:57:54 - Should reviews factor in the product’s technical issues at launch?
4:04:04 - Are gamers in a toxic relationship with developers?
4:11:05 - Will the Big 3 look toward multimedia more to grow their footprint?
4:12:18 - What are some of our favorite video game soundtracks?
4:15:00 - Will Sony ever have a first party RPG studio?
Comments
With regards to game soundtracks, don’t sleep on Jim Guthrie’s Sword & Sworcery
Kid-Organic
2023-05-13 16:23:55 +0000 UTCThe people who autopop SPIDER-MAN PS5 trophies do so because - albeit it being a widely considered good game - they want to attain 100% series completion in a time-considerate mannner. More players begin to realize that companies would continue to re-release games with duplicate (stacking) trophy lists indefinitely (see Skyrim) and that there's no use in going back to those games and thus encourage creative and financial depravity from studios and publishers. Players who have been into the Trophies meta-game also come to realize that duplicate trophy list dilute the meta-game. All re-releases (also known as remasters) should automatically be assigned the original trophy list thus making it shared. Remakes would be exempt after an a Playstation curation team decides it is different enough to warrant a separate trophy list.
Seamndel
2023-05-10 19:15:04 +0000 UTCA PS5 pro would be awesome, just the fact you don't have to choose anymore between performance or fidelity would be fantastic. I always choose framerate now on the PS5, but I would love native 4k, locked 60 frames with full RT.
Big Boss Games
2023-05-10 17:17:56 +0000 UTCI disagree personally - digital games during the 360/PS3 era were the minority, it was still primarily physical media. Xbox aren't in the console sales competition anymore, their strategy for years now has been Game Pass subscribers and letting people play wherever they want (console, PC, cloud, etc). So I 100% agree with Phil - making great games won't make their consoles sell more than PS/Nintendo BUT it will get Game Pass subscribers and that is what matters. I'm sure it will help sell consoles but I don't see a future where they overtake either in console sales and that is okay.
TheMuff1nMon
2023-05-10 14:54:15 +0000 UTCPhil said that it’s not true that if they just make great games, console shares will shift. He also said the if they focus on great games on their console it doesn’t mean that they can win the console race. These statement are false, and a cop out. People started building their digital libraries in the 360 generation, a generation where their focus on building gf da great games put them ahead in market share. Microsoft needs to build from passion. Right now they are in it to compete. From the very inception of Xbox, it was because they didn’t want Sony to have this tech that was industry leading. Sony, for better or worse, builds from passion to push technology forward. That is why they build games of the highest quality. Quality is the end to which the means are dedicated.
Greg Hommel
2023-05-10 14:25:05 +0000 UTCChris, even Xbox fanboys know that third party titles are no barometer for when the PlayStation has reached its pinnacle. Dustin, play MGS4 on the hardest difficulty, on a no alarm play through. That is the perfect example of how evolved MGS4 is. You can get stupid with the stealth.
Greg Hommel
2023-05-10 00:08:35 +0000 UTCYa boi Colin M. was out here with a lot of positive for the Power of PlayStation in this episode. Shouts out.
Dennis Johnson
2023-05-09 14:29:14 +0000 UTCImagine if Jim Ryan had a cameo in the Gran Turismo movie dissing the graphics of the older GT games.
Sam Lee
2023-05-09 11:22:51 +0000 UTCChris out here with the bad takes this episode. Love ya Chris 😅
Bailey Callis
2023-05-08 20:57:46 +0000 UTCSurprised nobody mentioned The Last of Us for favorite soundtracks. That was always my favorite aspect of the two games.
Brannon H
2023-05-08 19:32:23 +0000 UTCChris’s thoughts on Respawn being dedicated to Star Wars is exactly how I feel about Insomniac and Marvel.
Nierly Crazy
2023-05-08 16:50:38 +0000 UTC5 forgot pretty much everything that people loved about MGS. After the opening it just became this redundant sandbox. Sure it’s the best playing in the series but is it weird that I don’t really care about that in lieu of everything else they left behind? Also, the game isn’t finished and left a lot unanswered. 4 just delivered in moments that were almost too amazing to be believed. It’s a little choppy, but it’s everything you could want in a Metal Gear Solid finale
The Rose Experience
2023-05-08 15:15:10 +0000 UTCDead Cells is straight up like a drug to me...okay I've never done any drug, but I imagine this is what it feels like lol. The gameplay loop, the soundtrack, the art? It is a straight-up masterpiece of a game to me. 250+ hours in and I still can't stop, it is perfection lol. 👌 (I play it on PC btw)
Lou & Rei Loper
2023-05-08 15:01:26 +0000 UTCI would like to note, Phil Spencer didn't say "Good games won't solve our problems". Phil said good games won't make Xbox outsell Sony and Nintendo in console sales, which isn't their strategy and their goal. Phil himself said he agreed with a Tweet saying "Xbox doesn't need to make great games to sell more consoles, they just need to make great games". I feel like his statement is being taken out of context and misconstrued across the internet. Also, DoubleFine was acquired in 2019 and Psychonauts 2 came out two years later. Bethesda (Arkane) was acquired in 2021 and RedFall/Starfield coming out in 2023. Same amount of time in between acquisition and release. All games in development prior to acquisition. So I think you either claim all the games or none of them
TheMuff1nMon
2023-05-08 14:52:30 +0000 UTCI beg to differ
Travis B
2023-05-08 12:09:03 +0000 UTCJesus isn't a JRPG fan.
Douglas Morreale
2023-05-08 12:08:10 +0000 UTCIt's a shame about Jim Sterling. I use to be a patron and submitted a question a few years back if he would ever come on Sacred Symbols. Stopped reading half way and said "no no no- not after the direction he went in". Whole response was bizzare and off-putting as if even considering the thought would tarnish his reputation. I think he's pretty secular and hardline left. Still maybe he's softened since then. Hope he comes on the show!
Daniel Schiffer
2023-05-08 08:12:42 +0000 UTCI'm in the opposite boat in regards to MGS 4 vs 5. I loved 4 bc it brings 1-3 together and has the same DNA of past MGS but to the 10th degree. 5's story was not intriguing and the open world game play felt repetitive after 10 hours and the only MGS I've never finished it.
Peter Pham
2023-05-07 23:07:37 +0000 UTCGreat discussion on your views of Xbox and Playstation. I think Phil you're right Colin, Phil is a broken man. I really hope Starfield manages to give Xbox a boost. It's probably not for me but Xbox needs something. Competition is healthy even if PS is doing well without it.
Gareth Handa
2023-05-07 18:57:54 +0000 UTCCol just teasing the shit out of upcoming LSM projects. I see you.
NeO JD
2023-05-07 14:50:06 +0000 UTCgreat discussion of the phil interview. I think Phil and everyone who supported him saying that stuff in the interview shouldn’t be working at Microsoft
Trevor Myers
2023-05-07 14:25:06 +0000 UTCChat G P-P
Travis B
2023-05-07 12:46:13 +0000 UTCIts linear, you wont need to grind and the story is the best JRPGs have to offer.
Travis B
2023-05-07 11:41:34 +0000 UTCColin’s Xbox should take the blame for Redfall but not get the credit for Psychonauts 2 take is ridiculous… Nice to see Dustin push back on that one.
Keenan
2023-05-07 07:59:57 +0000 UTCColin sort of predicted the fate of Pixelopus here
James Pies
2023-05-07 04:17:07 +0000 UTCPlease tell christ to play chrono trigger.
Travis B
2023-05-07 03:04:41 +0000 UTCMedia molecule isn’t releasing broken games but I know what y’all mean. Solid Episode
Ren Quin
2023-05-06 19:39:14 +0000 UTCWhy does chris look fuckin awesome in that thumbnail
There’s No I in LLC
2023-05-06 19:22:48 +0000 UTCFor Mr.Raygun lol, you should try playing Star Ocean or Grandia. They play more actiony then the Final Fantasy games
Joshua Jones
2023-05-06 18:14:25 +0000 UTCRegarding the discussion on the next 1st party new IP game - Cory Barlog is supposed to be working on a new game for SSM(so I assume a new IP). He referenced working on it in an interview after the 2021 Sony showcase, and I doubt it's the next GOW game seeing as Ragnarok was still being worked on at that stage. He said then that it was too soon to say anything about it, but I wonder now - a year and a half later - if that's something that might get a tease at the next showcase?
Deemac
2023-05-06 17:03:15 +0000 UTCLive Service as a descriptor has become about as meaningless as "woke"
Evan Westendorf
2023-05-06 16:34:24 +0000 UTCXbox can't take credit for Psychonauts (even though they had a MUCH MUCH larger impact on that game) but have to take credit for Redfall? That entire section is so incredibly disingenuous and full of misrepresentation of that interview. Mercy guys.
Liz Folley
2023-05-06 14:37:22 +0000 UTCI don’t agree with Dustin’s justification for a PS5 Pro. I want one and will get one, sure. But still. Kind of a wild assumption to believe that many of the people upset about a new, better version of the thing they just finally were able to buy are people who wouldn’t still want the new version or don’t care about the benefits of it. I was able to buy a PS5 on launch and I’m definitely keeping my eyes out for a Pro upgrade in 2024. I did the same thing with PS4 to PS4 Pro. But I do empathize with the people who can’t justify doing the same and it was hard enough to get a base model for them. Especially when I know many of them care just as much about graphical capabilities, resolution, framerate, etc as me. Consoles have been delineated and defined by generations. They haven’t moved past that. The development, distribution and especially the marketing has still been very “generation” focused. It’s not like the phone market to people where those lines are blurred. At least not yet. I could see it being the same eventually. I also don’t agree with the comparison of people being able to justify buying a phone but not a game console. Mobile phones have become increasingly essential for most people over the last several years. Game consoles are not. And there is no crossover in which they will be. There are also a variety of ways to pay for mobile devices including financing options, buy back programs, etc directly through mobile providers. I’ve walked away with so many phone upgrades that cost me very, very little if anything. All I’m saying is I get the inhibition and frustration with some players. I can sympathize with it. I don’t have a “well you are clearly LeSs oF A gAmEr tHaN mE” attitude towards those sentiments because that’s so bogus. Treading into outright classist.
Stray_Bullets
2023-05-06 13:43:15 +0000 UTCBanger of an episode, everyone was on fire. I'm gonna throw out my prediction for the big interview coming up, I think it's gonna be the man, the myth, the legend, the one and only: Ken Levine
Out_Of_Focus_Bigfoot
2023-05-06 13:18:58 +0000 UTCI got the ps4 pro and the Xbox one x last gen and I was pumped about it. I am someone who normally likes to have the newest console/hardware. My problem is I can count on one hand the amount ps5 exclusives. It isn’t to soon it’s more about what has or should I say has not come out exclusively for the ps5. If you really cared about framerate you’d play on PC. I get some ports on PC have been fucked but that’s what they are ports. If you gave a fuck about the last of us you would’ve played it already on PlayStation.
Devlin England
2023-05-06 13:10:40 +0000 UTCI would imagine Redfall has been counterproductive for Xbox where “make your money back” is really “quell subscriber attrition”
Jason Hjartarson
2023-05-06 12:26:44 +0000 UTCGreat episode like always! Colin quick note from a racing nerd, I dont believe Playground and Polyphony should be compared. Playground makes an arcade racer not a simulation. Forza Horizon should be compared to Need for Speed and games like that, not Gran Turismo. For that you should compare Turn 10 which is WAYYYYYYYYYY behind Polyphony in quality in their last 3 games since Forza Motorsport 4
Eniah McClinton
2023-05-06 11:49:49 +0000 UTCChris needs to play Chrono Trigger.. that game is paced so well and as far as JRPG's go it's pretty short
Craig Carter
2023-05-06 10:47:56 +0000 UTCJust responding to Dustin with MGS4 - no spoilers from me but I remember loving the game but thinking the bosses were underwhelming. I haven’t played it since it came out though
PairOfShuse
2023-05-06 10:47:27 +0000 UTCI feel like Sacred has now become Fight Club. We are everywhere.
Marc Cairney
2023-05-06 10:20:12 +0000 UTCI’m like Chris when it comes to JRPGs, they need to have some combat hook or charm that makes them interesting since I was never a fan of the turn based combat growing up. I’d suggest either the first two Paper Mario games because of the charm and writing or Live a Live which is great because the different stories are anywhere from 1-3 hours.
Joshua Brown
2023-05-06 09:08:03 +0000 UTCI knew when you started talking about Waypoint you were going to bring up Patrick Klepek. Guy is an absolute scumbag. Why don't these has-beens go write about politics? Its obviously what they really want.
Luke Silletta
2023-05-06 06:36:13 +0000 UTCStill waiting for that ‘quadruple A’ Perfect Dark game to come out. Seriously though, if Starfield was a masterpiece why wouldn’t that help Xbox out?
Nicholas Perfect
2023-05-06 06:03:06 +0000 UTCI’m with Chris, I was so into the like a dragon characters and fell off because of the grind
Michael Limauro
2023-05-06 04:39:01 +0000 UTCHey thanks for reading my question. I don't think Dustin has any reason to believe a from game won't be good. And I fully expect ff16s reviews to be available at least 3 days before release. So plenty of time to cancel your pre-order, but I expect that game to be goty material. Also, both pronunciations of my name were correct. You said one in Spanish, and the other you said the English translation. So all good. Have a great weekend.
Angel DeJesus
2023-05-06 04:03:09 +0000 UTCColin, do you remember talking about Game Pass with Jaffe when you guested on his show? Just curious
Jake Z
2023-05-06 03:20:59 +0000 UTCA couple months ago I left feedback saying I felt you being a bit detached from the conversations and it just felt like you guys taking turns talking while you were setting up the next thing. I gotta say, I’m seeing a huge difference lately. You guys are killing it. All the conversations are way more riveting and I can feel you being way more engaged in them. I really appreciate that.
Bogey Zero
2023-05-05 23:28:15 +0000 UTCJust wanted to let Dustin know that the Kingdom Hearts episode inspired me to replay KH1 for the first time in many years. Having a lot of fun and rushes of nostalgia so thank you for the great SS+ episode
Reon Williams
2023-05-05 23:18:18 +0000 UTCI popped my platinum in Spider-Man PS5 but then I got all the DLC Trophies and 100% on PS5
king_ryan_james
2023-05-05 22:04:53 +0000 UTCThanks for reading out my question guys and for the wonderful recommendations!! This has turned from one of my worst weeks to one of my absolute best.
Alit Gusti
2023-05-05 21:41:20 +0000 UTC2 years of development under MS doesn’t count for Psychonauts 2, but 2 years of development under MS for Redfall does? Pick one Colin. Doublefine also has a dubious history of project management. They had to ship their previous crowd-funded game, Broken Age, in 2 parts because they ran out of money.
Bryant
2023-05-05 19:42:18 +0000 UTCAfter sterling’s video about hogwarts legacy I lost all respect for her and refuse to watch anything she does anymore. Basically told me to go fuck myself for buying a game
thefury4815
2023-05-05 19:24:39 +0000 UTCI highly recommend Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne for Chris. Think that would be a JRPG he could get into.
Nikitas Gagas
2023-05-05 19:13:57 +0000 UTCWhen you were talking about JRPG's for Chris I think P5 is the best recommendation. It's some of the most kenetic turn-based combat out there but I don't know how he would take the social sim parts. I think as far as Final Fantasy goes he would probably like 12 the best because it's the least anime and he might get a kick out of the gambit system.
Bryce Mccloskey
2023-05-05 18:53:57 +0000 UTC"Maybe it will blow me." - Chris Ray Gun on Tears of the Kingdom
Man of Constant Sbarro
2023-05-05 18:19:44 +0000 UTCJust a bit of encouragement for Colin! Painting most model kits is less artistic skill and more of a patience test! It is painting even layers and allowing for them to dry completely before adding another layer. The smallest details are where a steady hand shines but not a requirement. I personally really enjoy warhammer 40k (despite the highway robbery prices) and gunpla
TexasTaterSalad
2023-05-05 18:08:29 +0000 UTCIn this week’s episode of Sacred Symbols, a debate about yawning. Also a conversation about a fat man who falls asleep while conversing grasping for air. He sadly passes away before the episode would air. Making air the absolute enemy. 🪦
Michael Mashpotato
2023-05-05 17:47:43 +0000 UTCI recognized the lyrics but couldn't place which band or song. Had to Google it. Sex type thing, Stone Temple Pilots. The unplugged "swing type" version is also quite good. I very much appreciate the song references in titles.
The Fred Durst Death Hoax
2023-05-05 17:43:02 +0000 UTCMarinate is a common term in Texas
Brannon H
2023-05-05 17:38:09 +0000 UTCThanks for reading my question. Yep I’m definitely being too pessimistic about GT and I am looking forward to it. I guess my concern is that the only way to go after TLOU is down, but we shall see!
Cai
2023-05-05 16:56:23 +0000 UTCthat is the most FIRE intro in a while 'thank you for writting in... nobody wrote in! I don't know who I'm thanking...'
tejotl
2023-05-05 16:45:47 +0000 UTCYou know me, ensconced in prejudice 💀💀💀💀💀💀💀
Guns vs Kittens
2023-05-05 16:43:54 +0000 UTCGuys, model kits are so fun. Genuinely therapeutic. I love the mecha kits, but there are genuinely so many varieties. Give it a try if you’re looking for something analogue to do and you’re a fucking dork.
Noah Friscopp
2023-05-05 16:38:44 +0000 UTCColin, the southern man needs to attempt to pronounce the word "oil." Just ends up sounding like "awww"
Monterey Jack
2023-05-05 16:29:18 +0000 UTCWow! I just caught myself really living for these episodes. I was slummed in bed. Got up right away when it came out.
Asique Alam
2023-05-05 16:26:00 +0000 UTCHaha love this artwork 😁
Josef Barker
2023-05-05 16:25:37 +0000 UTC
