Sacred Symbols, Episode 22: Bethesda's Big Bomb

I'm a little behind on my Sacred Symbols listening, so I just finished this episode, but I wanted to make a comment about your PSVR discussion. You were talking about whether the current PSVR headset could support higher-resolution content, but that is something that already happens on some PSVR games running on a PS4 Pro. It's a technique called "super-sampling" where the content is effectively rendered at a higher fidelity than the display supports (PSVR is technically 1080p). This helps with anti-aliasing and general "crispness" of graphics (speaking from experience of trying a friend's PSVR on a PS4 Pro, as I'm still rocking an OG PS4 with my headset). In any case, it stands to reason that a PS5 could do this to an even greater extent if it still supported the original PSVR headset. That said, I would hope that any 2.0 version of the PSVR headset would switch to inside-out tracking (meaning the headset has the tracking tech in it vs. an external camera or sensor box). I think it would be possible for PS5 to support the camera-based version of PSVR 1 as long as it has the right inputs while also supporting a (possibly wireless) higher-fidelity future headset. As you guys often mention that PS5 must support library backward compatibility for PS4 games, this must also include PSVR games if they want the early adoptors to upgrade. Sorry this was lengthy, but I love PSVR discussions!

Jeff Palmer

Sure, but the entertainment value is great.

We're just busting balls, to be fair. People should play and enjoy what they want. They get no (real) judgement from us.

Colin Moriarty

There's certainly something to the idea that, as the average gamer continues to get older, income increases, too. There's that. There's also just the principle of proliferation. More people are playing games. Think about this: NES sold about 60 million units. Master System about 10 million. That's 70 million total for that generation. Between PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii, you're looking at 270 million.

Colin Moriarty

Listening... love/laughing at you guys bagging on Kingdom Hearts. I'm also very anti-Kingdom Hearts. Unfortunately for Chris, I don't think the convo will end when it comes out... I think that's when it'll begin. Probably look forward to a 2019 filled with KH chat. Then maybe after that we get a break for a few years.

"Why do you think people are spending more money on video games?" Theory: The people that grew up playing massive amounts of video games are now of the age when we (me = 34 years old) have the extra income to buy them. Consoles: Consoles are lasting long enough to get and retain their value. A $400 console that lasts for 4 years and offers a minimum of 400 hours of use can easily 'get their moneys worth' especially if it's a multi-user console (me = parent and younger kids [a 4 year old]). Games: Brand new games depreciate in value pretty rapidly, making them cheaper to buy physically. Add in the numerous monthly and holiday flash sales through the year, PSN+ games every month, and absurd number of high-quality games from the generation and it's easy to see why game sales are healthy. The Player: Colin and I are the modern demographic for video gamers; the average age of a video gamer is 35 per the ESA (<a href="http://www.theesa.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/EF2017_FinalDigital.pdf)" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://www.theesa.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/EF2017_FinalDigital.pdf)</a> . This was, and still is, the hobby that we dump thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours into and it's showing. In August 2018, NPD showed that video games > box offices sales by almost 3:1 (<a href="https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/video-games-earn-more-than-double-the-entire-us-box-office-in-first-half-of-2018)." rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/video-games-earn-more-than-double-the-entire-us-box-office-in-first-half-of-2018).</a> This is the form of entertainment we enjoy, and the numbers prove it.

Joey Rawlings

I agree. Doubtful. Also dont know if you are going for the RDR2 Platinum but I completely the game on the first run through with 100% total completion and there is no counter for hours which sucks but I can tell you it took me no less then 150 hours to get everything. It's a shame you guys were on a time crunch because hunting the legendary animals adds a whole other perks layer to the gameplay and the collectables are all fantastically written mini stories with great rewards.

Brett Carlson

Thanks, Scott! I'm onto Astrobot soon.

Colin Moriarty

Ah, but you see, that's not why they abandoned the campaign... =)

Colin Moriarty

I just can't.

Colin Moriarty

Well, that's obviously the thought. The point is, it's totally unsubstantiated.

Colin Moriarty

I just got the Moss/Astro Bot PSVR bundle and I can't wait to play Moss. Glad you enjoyed it, Colin!

Scott Rabideau

Single player games need to be REALLY good to justify $60. God of War (2018) and Resident Evil 7 come to mind. So I don’t blame Activision for abandoning a campaign in COD because their campaigns were always just okay. The longevity with COD is in their multiplayer and their Battle Royale mode is a great addition, it’s super fun.

Tyler

Also Kingdom Hearts is the shit Colin. The fan base of Final Fantady and Disney overlap surprisingly on a mass scale. On first blush it seems out of place but it's the RPG of it all that makes the series a hit. Great games.

Brett Carlson

The thought is because AGENT was supposedly a Sony exclusive that would mean Rockstar owes Sony an exclusive. But I assume that contract was a singular deal and doesnt carry any weight in 2018

Brett Carlson

Sticking out to you in a bad way? I authentically think this show sounds as good, if not better, than the other episodes, so I'm trying to see the other side (if there is one) so I can continue to hone. I want my podcasts to sound great. That's a major priority. I THINK I may have found a good solution with compression and noise reduction in next week's episode of KnockBack that sounds even better, and I think I'll parlay that to Sacred Symbols if I can. Anyway, your feedback is welcome. Thank you.

Colin Moriarty

Hey, as long as you're enjoying the game, I think that's great. I want you to have fun.

Colin Moriarty

Yeah. I cut a lot of it out of this podcast because it was meandering, but I discussed in the original recording how they are pulling the wool over people's eyes, I think. I don't believe Bethesda's Maryland studio did as much on this game as Bethesda is making it out to be, similar to the whole id/Avalanche confusion, which I ended up being 100% right about.

Colin Moriarty

Thanks for giving us a chance, Matt. If I can be brutally honest, I think this show is better than the other shows I've done, and I'm having a blast doing it for you guys every week.

Colin Moriarty

Yes, Chris is a young man.

Colin Moriarty

Just so you know I'm the one guy out there thinking that Fallout 76 is the greatest game ever. Well not ever, but it's in my top ten. I enjoyed your discussion about it and thought it was the most fair I've heard on the internet. Also I'm totally a Bethesda fan boy so my opinion of the game might be a little skewed. Thanks for another fantastic podcast!

Digitako

Wondering if Bethesda regrets branding the Austin studio, whom I believe were the primary studio behind F76, as Bethesda Game Studios. It seemed like they wanted to expand their name and hope that people see BGS name under Fallout 76 to lend more credibility. Unfortunately that works both ways, and now people are associating Bethesda Game Studios with a ridiculously underwhelming and possible poor game. That would’ve been unthinkable just 7 months ago. I’m sure BGS and Bethesda as a whole will rebound, but this is certainly a blow to the reputation. I’m still a huge Bethesda fan and hoping they will continue to make great games!

Zack E

I just wanted to comment here and let you know that I’m really enjoying the show! At first, I was a bit skeptical of the idea of reviving the format that you and Greg did so well for so many years without him. But now I can honestly say that I’m enjoying the show more than ever! You and Chris have a great rapport now and I love listening to y’all every week. Anyways, I just wanted to let you know how great it is to have you back doing the show that meant so much to me all those years ago

Matt H

I believe Agent had some screenshot leaks at some point, I may be misremembering. I can confirm Nier Automata is excellent Edit: Chris was born in 93’?? He’s younger than my sister

Tyson Williams

I'll probably jump in during the holidays. Looking forward to it.

Colin Moriarty

Very nice! Great deal.

Colin Moriarty

It's just easier this way. =)

Colin Moriarty

Interesting. It does have a very specific look, but I find it quite pleasing on the eyes, personally.

Colin Moriarty

Will be very interesting to see what this does to BGS' momentum, both within and outside of the franchise.

Colin Moriarty

I think two Monster Rancher references in two weeks is enough for a lifetime. =D

Colin Moriarty

Can't do it, won't do it.

Colin Moriarty

Unfortunately, it's too late. What a waste.

Colin Moriarty

Well, it'll be here for you when you're ready.

Colin Moriarty

I guess so. I honestly don't really recall.

Colin Moriarty

It's been almost two decades. I wonder if it'd ever even matter if they went back at this point, if anyone would care.

Colin Moriarty

I just hope we get the campaign back next year, because I authentically enjoy them.

Colin Moriarty

Likewise, likewise.

Colin Moriarty

I'm happy you're happy. For real.

Colin Moriarty

That IS weird, but I think the same was true with NES Classic, no? You can use a cell phone brick and a USB cable.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you for the clarification!

Colin Moriarty

Yeah, that was a weird response, for sure.

Colin Moriarty

Been saying that for a while about other games...

Colin Moriarty

Just started playing RDR2 online tonight , totally recommend you and Chris to play it sometime soon :-) didn't come across any problems with the beta and on all fronts seems to run smoothly on everything I had ago on :-) haven't finished the single player story mode yet so jumping back to that but look forward to jumping back in online when I have !

Matthew Perry

Speaking of black Friday deals... I picked up Shadow of the Colossus, Detroit Become Human &amp; Overcooked 2 all for €48 😊😁

Tony Colton

Colin my man you are not alone I tend to always get my wife a surprise gift and think oh man she is gonna love this for about ten minutes then doubt sinks in so I as her if its ok. She has never gotten gift on her birthday or christmas day I always end up just saying it came in .. here you go lol

Matthew Clarkson

I wish to play Celeste but can’t. Maybe I’m getting old but for me the graphics is too pixelated/low res(?), that it actually hurts my eyes after a few minutes looking at things like the girl or the spikes (compare to like spikes in mega man games that doesn’t hurt my eyes).

Philip Andersen

F76 bums me the hell out, not because I was hopeful for the game, but because I really love the Fallout IP and I feel like we are watching Bethesda run it into the ground. We need another New Vegas or the franchise is toast for the next 10 years.

Michal Dudic

Loved this episode, only bummed it's not 17 hours long and oh yeah why no mention of Monster Rancher??

Mitch G

Hey how come you won't speak my snazzy middle names!!!

There’s No I in LLC

I’m sorry, Colin. I should’ve warned you about The Forest. I gasped when I heard you talking about your excitement to play it the other day.

Michael Miller

Oof I still haven’t finished last weeks SS, rip

Tyson Williams

So the shmup opening of Nier Automata was that distasteful to you? To each his own, but I find that to be a damn shame right there.

David Graham

If we're mentioning things hoping they'll happen.... LEGEND OF DRAGOON Please.

Nate McKinney

I actually did notice a difference; was actually going to ask if you'd gotten a new mics or something. Doesn't sound bad, I don't think.

David Graham

Black Ops 4 is a fantastic package. The trio of standard Multiplayer, Zombies, and Blackout provides an abundance of content and fun. And as always, no other FPS feels as good as CoD. Obviously if you’re not into any of those three game modes, it’s not the game for you. But it really is a ton of fun. It is a bit of a shame there’s no dedicated single player, especially since they do throw in about 15 minutes or so worth of interesting cutscenes that delve into the Multiplayer Specialists characters backstory. There was certainly something there that they tried to do and ditched at some point. But fact is no matter what people claim online, the vast vast vast majority of Call of Duty players each year put 95-100% of their time into the online modes.

Zack E

Secret world of Alex Mack was a great reference. One of my first crushes.

Gen_Lee_Accepted

Great episode. Say all you want about kingdom hearts 3. I’m a die hard fan of that series and I’m beyond happy that the game is finally coming out.

VanguardDuelist

PlayStation Classic isn’t worth it in any way. Doesn’t even come with an AC adapter. You have to already own one or buy one. 😐

Brandon Soto

Hey Colin- I think you keep meaning to say the "collective you" not the "royal you". A departure from, I believe, the "Royal We", which is reserved for royalty. (As in, We are most amused by your podcast my good sir") you and Chris are kings in my book though. All the best!

Lol. Activision says "...there's no industry standard for subtitles"? Of course there is; it's that your game has them!

Dave Carsley

How the hell did Shenmue 3 just now wrap up its crowd-funding campaign if it was revealed in 2015 and is being released in 9 months (so, basically done and in the polishing phase)?? Don't you usually have to meet your funding goal before... ya know... doing the thing you're trying to fund?

Dave Carsley

I forgot to mention: I used audio compression in this episode (like I did on Episode 39 of KnockBack). Almost everyone said they couldn't tell the difference (which is ideal), but I'm curious if anyone noticed any differences in the audio quality on this episode, positive or negative. Be candid!

Colin Moriarty

I think the music game that Chris was referring to was MTV Music Maker. The cover wasn't much to look at, but I remember having fun making beats in that game.

Korey Burns

(Fun Fact) Agent 47's barcode represents his birth date and clone number. Great show as always.

Marcus Brown

I had a crush on her, too. It was startling (though in a good way) to see her in Mad Men as a 30-something.

Colin Moriarty

I don't blame you.

Colin Moriarty

In my experience with it, I by no means think it's GotY quality, but I don't agree that it's a 5.

Colin Moriarty

Yeah, at least that's an option for gamers there.

Colin Moriarty

The Dreamcast was a great little machine. Well ahead of its time!

Colin Moriarty

What is happening.

Colin Moriarty

I'm too old to understand the reference, but I'll relay word.

Colin Moriarty

My concern is, with the obvious commercial failure of the game, I wonder how many resources they'll be able to (or will) put into patching the game longterm. Like, I'm sure they'll patch it for a couple of months, but I wonder if it'll have any life beyond that.

Colin Moriarty

Sounds like a fun game. The way Chris describes it makes it sound so eerie and enticing to me, frankly. But I'm not gonna support a broken game (though I did get it for free, so...)

Colin Moriarty

Are you sure you're not related to Alex Mack?

Colin Moriarty

It's true.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you for your support!

Colin Moriarty

Enjoy, and good luck!

Colin Moriarty

I remember Alex Mack Colin, I remember. What a great show. I had such a huge crush on her and still do. She was great in 10 things I hate about you.

Brian Borlaug

I paid $60 for this game and the fact that they dropped the price infuriated me! I DEMAND REPARATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!

Joey Finelli

Lol, the guy that stated Celeste is a 5/10 game nailed it (maybe not terrible but totally mediocre). I don't understand what makes it any different than the sea of similar retro 2d platforming games and some parts of it were so frustrating it totally negated any positive emotional impact the story might have. Waste of $20..

desperateLuck

Great episode as always! I bet Bethesda is really happy they locked Fallout 76 down to its proprietary launcher on PC as I'm sure many people who spent $60 on it would be slamming the 'Request Refund' button on Steam.

Jimmy Champane

My brother and I had a Dreamcast I recall that machine being quite fun. Unfortunately of all the consoles we saved from our childhood this is the only one we don’t have.

James Galos

#metooonthesmallarms

Will Caldwell

Just heard Colin's rebuttal to being called small arms. I had just listened to the Disney knockback, and laughed so hard at that moment you and Dagan talked about your small arms

Peter Mark

Let Chris know I DEEPLY appreciated the baloonshop reference. “Scorpion King 2: Rise of the Warrior... specifically on blu-ray...” i just know he threw that out there hoping someone would catch that, haha.

Jake H.

The title for this episode really has made me think. I honestly did not like Fallout 4 that much but for some reason Fallout 76 has just hit a chord with me that I have really enjoyed and liked so far. Yes it has a lot of quirks and bugs to start but since it is an online game I’m thinking and hoping patches with be coming at a steady pace. I was not excited about the game at launch but after I played the beta I was hooked. I know I am obviously in the minority but the setting and the quests to me have been interesting even if they are given out by holotapes. It gives the lonely feel of a post apocalyptic setting. I also feel like playing by myself has been a lot of fun proving multiplayer is not needed to play this game but when I have played with another person or friend. It has been fun also. It gives me the choice of playing with or without someone and I like the option to choose. As long as they keep patching the game and improving I will be a happy camper.

Eric S

MTGA! I hope you both had a good holiday break. On the fall out note, I wrote on here during the beta about how i enjoyed the beta and had good experience. I want to say I was wrong. The release has been nothing but bad for me. Since the big patch i havent played at all, I went into the game, shot a glass bottle and it froze and crashed my PS4. I came back in and joined my brother, I hit a pretrified statue and it crashed the game for both myself and my brother, and probably anyone in the general area. Quoting someone on the reddit, its a good skeleton but the guts are bad. The worst part is that we both got the game at launch and its already on sale. They should reward some of the day 1 players with some free atoms or something for being there on day one. Right now its almost a slap in the face to fans. I know that they said its built upon a multiplayer prototype for fall out 4, but it legitimately feels like its still the prototype and they didn't change anything to it. Not to mention that people have found the same bugs that fall out 4 had within 76. Bugs that fans themselves had fixed on fall out 4 through modding. I wonder what they were thinking. There's also a lawfirm looking into a potential lawsuit due to their unfair refund policy for PC players. Its crazy

Kenneth Oms

Thanks for answering the Q guys. But i'm not related to an Alex Mack. As a Raiders supporter from the UK, I did enjoy likening myself to Khalil Mack, alas, no more.

Tom Mack

It’s been a whole generation since we’ve had a great Fallout game

Andrew

Ayyy just in time to make my Tuesday great. Also enjoyed Chris and the Gus and Eddy podcast. Really surprised to see him on there, pleasantly I might add. Always love crossovers between my favorite youtubers. Keep up the good work boys you’re doing God’s work

Caleb Peacock

Ahhhh my fix to get me through this 13 hour day. Thanks guys!

Ian