Could The PS4 Have The Best Launch Lineup Ever?

Bear with me on this. I swear I have a rational, cohesive train of thought. Really, I do.

For the record, I believe the PS2 launch lineup was better than everyone said; SSX alone almost made the $300 purchase worth the expense, but there was also TimeSplitters, Summoner, Unreal Tournament, and Tekken Tag Tournament, not to mention Madden NFL 2001. It really was pretty solid. The PS3 wasn't as great; Resistance: Fall of Man was fantastic, but that's where it ended (despite Ridge Racer 7's entertainment value).

But historically, consoles don't normally launch with the best set of games. It's pretty common that we have to wait for the heavy-hitting AAA titles. However, Sony delayed the launch of the Vita so it could hit store shelves with the single best PlayStation launch ever. That actually worked out; there were around 25 games available for the new portable when it first released...the fact that we've had very, very little in new software since then is beside the point. The point is that Sony may have learned from past mistakes concerning new hardware launches.

And with the rumor that Killzone 4 might debut on the PS4 this year, I'm starting to wonder: What might Sony have in store for us when the PS4 gets here? KZ4? And what about other potential titles, like Uncharted 4, inFamous 3, and Gran Turismo 6? Who knows what they could throw at us; who knows what they might have up their sleeve to make the PS4 that much more attractive on launch day. So I'm definitely optimistic...

2/8/2013 Ben Dutka

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Comments (45 posts)

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CrusaderForever
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 10:09:25 PM
Reply

Great article Ben! Keep the PS4 train rolling! I hear you it's exciting to think of the possibilities. Your last article about what games we thought would be launch titles was great but I forgot to add GT6 to my list, so there officially adding it!

I can see them hitting a grand slam with the PS4 launch. They need a line drive over the wall to sway any X720 on the fence gamers over to the Playstation brand.

Here's hoping for the following:
Uncharted 4
Killzone 4
GT6
LBP3
Hot Shots Golf PS4
inFAMOUS 3
BF4
MW4
Wild Card - Heavenly Sword 2!!!! I can dream!
Launch Window - God of War 4!!!!

Last edited by CrusaderForever on 2/8/2013 10:10:48 PM

3 up, 2 down

JROD0823
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 3:35:58 AM

You forgot...

Watch Dogs
Star Wars 1313
Bungie's new IP Destiny...I believe?
Respawn Entertainment's new IP
Dragon Age III: Inquisition
"The Next Mass Effect"...I didn't say Mass Effect 4...ah, dammit, lol
An upscale GTAV
BF: Bad Company 3
Portal 3...My personal dream:)

I don't think GT6 will make a launch window release, unless developing really is that much easier on the PS4 like the rumored claims state, but then again I hope you're right and I'm wrong. I want another GT platinum. :)

Last edited by JROD0823 on 2/9/2013 3:40:49 AM

0 up, 0 down

FatherSun
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 4:22:42 AM

Between the both of you guys that would cover both 1st and 3rd party studios. This would be an ideal scenario for the launch of the PS4. It is critical for Sony to advertise the shit of of these games and the PS4 itself. So much is at stake this time around. But having these games available at launch is not all that is needed. Sony needs to have a solid and consistent stream of new games with room enough so that games do not cannibalize each other. Titles releasing at just the right times. Have the audience begging for more. Not STARVING for more. The VITA is starving right now. Do not do it to the PS4. If Sony truly has learned from the last few years then they should be wise enough to create the perfect storm for the launch.

0 up, 1 down

FatherSun
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 4:49:35 AM

@ JROD, I think GT6 will make it or sooner than later. I highly doubt the development has started from scratch. They will most likely build upon GT5 and truly perfect the experience. Hopefully this is the case otherwise we won't see a GT game for some time.

0 up, 0 down

JROD0823
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 4:54:46 PM

@Fathasun,

I'm not sure if the game code that they have set in place with GT5 will be able to be carried straight over to the PS4 for GT6.

I admit, they have had over 2 years to work on GT6, and it will be pretty much 3 years by the time of the likely release date for the PS4.

I just wonder how long they have been working on coding for the AMD chip when all of the groundwork code they had is based on how the Cell works?

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 10:34:29 PM
Reply

I'm skeptical, I don't think Sony learns from their mistakes very well. I'd like to think they've been preparing some mad hits and are devising a plan to cut MS off at the knees and crazy things happen. I'm sorry but none of those games listed for PS2 were worth the purchase, I don't think the Vita launch games are worth the purchase if you already own a PS3 (but I think the features make it worth it) and Sony first party games tend to take a long time to make so for all we know all the ones we want at launch will become the next Last Guardians, and of course the remaining exclusives like FFVersus will fly the coop.

Hope I'm wrong, but it doesn't matter because we know that Sony takes care of gamers in the long run.

7 up, 2 down

clockwyzebkny
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 11:51:06 PM

I understand whst you're saying. Sometimes i wish i had someone's ear from Sony ESPECIALLY when it comes to marketing If Killzone is indeed a launch title, then Sony is taking a step in the right direction.

GT6, Uncharted 3 and inFamous 3 are all AAA games that will get that system selling like hotcakes. I'm hoping for some great new intellectual properties like Watch Dogs and other new gems from 3rd party developers.

A proper FF, NBA2K, Madden and boxing game would be great also. I'm not sure how feasible a launch line up like that would be. But i guarantee you wont be able to keep them on the shelves

0 up, 0 down

FatherSun
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 4:30:25 AM

What happens when the LONG RUN is too long? PlayStation enthusiasts will weather any storms but the fickle yet coveted gaming market has grown exponentially over the years and the attention span is virtually nil.

To me the VITA and its launch titles were decent and very much worth the purchase. No killer apps but the games were there and the potential was/is through the roof. Unfortunately that is where it ended. Promises have been broken.

Maybe when the PS4 is released the VITA will get a second wind a differentiate itself from the main console since I am sure it will not play full PS4 games. Will it?

Last edited by FatherSun on 2/9/2013 4:35:06 AM

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 11:22:02 AM

I think killer apps are very important these days, look what happened to Move.

0 up, 0 down

ethird1
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 10:35:13 PM
Reply

No. The line up won't even be close to being the greatest. Killzone is slow and seriuosly overrated. It is a good game, but way overhyped.

4 up, 13 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 10:46:32 PM

2 was great, 3 was an abhorrent monstrosity of slapped-together shabbiness that was still nice to look at.

5 up, 10 down

Temjin001
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 11:56:51 PM

do you like NG3 better than KZ3 World?

0 up, 0 down

Lord carlos
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 1:09:56 AM

i'm with world,k2 was rockhard on elite,3 not so much,to much poxy aim assist...eh hello? ive got eyes! i can aim.

4 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 1:22:57 AM

NG3 will be arriving next week so I can't say, but they are very different games so that's a hard comparison. KZ3 had a weird way (especially in a somewhat tactical shooter) of shoehorning you into approaching every firefight in only the one way the devs wanted you to (this made Move compatibility work better) so unless NG3 forces your approach to battles I doubt it will annoy me as much.

2 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 1:23:38 AM

Extreme exaggeration on KZ3, World. Extreme to the point of lunacy, in fact.

7 up, 2 down

Beamboom
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 4:15:08 AM

lol - it was a juicy description World served there, for sure. But I gotta say, I agree with the essence of what he is saying. It was nice to look at, a thick coat of eye candy, but that was nearly all it was.

If they drop the Move support in KZ4 there's still hope for the franchise to get back on the feet, cause it must have been Move who ruined that game. What other explanation can there be, really.

Last edited by Beamboom on 2/9/2013 4:15:53 AM

3 up, 0 down

Excelsior1
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 6:09:51 AM

I don't think World is that far off about KZ3's SP campign either. It almost had an "on rails" quality to it. A lot of sprinting down narrow paths to the next pair of glowing eyes.

1 up, 0 down

Ludicrous_Liam
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 7:17:59 AM

lol you guys are being wayyyyy too harsh. I've said it before - the scrapyard and snowed oil refinery, and maybe the space ship levels were just as good as any levels from Killzone 2. The forest/jungle level was a nice change, but ultimately was too one-directional. I think the other levels were just a tad forgettable. I also wasn't a fan of the new movement speed; I much prefered the old one.

I don't think there's anybody that would say Killzone 3 was better than Killzone 2, but it wasn't a "abhorrent monstrosity of slapped-together shabbiness that was still nice to look at" in any regard World, lol.

1 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 7:53:04 AM

Hehe I don't think World intended for us to take him quite so literary, Ludicrous. :)

I gotta say though - the space ship levels are how I remember it some of the worst, because of the physics: It was all over the place, completely inconsistent and incoherent. They made no sense and felt rushed.

The best levels according to my opinion, was the quite early levels on that new planet. It was horribly on rails like the rest of the game, but at least the surroundings were interesting to look at.

Last edited by Beamboom on 2/9/2013 7:53:27 AM

0 up, 0 down

Excelsior1
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 8:26:09 AM

I should have been more clear. I was agreeing about the on rails quality to SP campign not the montrosity comment.

2 up, 0 down

xenris
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 10:22:25 AM

I'm on worlds side although I don't think KZ3 was that terrible, but I think KZ3 was over rated. KZ2 was the best, and had a unique feel with its weighted controls, and smooth first person interactions.

KZ3 felt floaty in its controls, much like they were trying to make it feel more like CoD, which is something I personally dont want at all.

The story was just a mish mash of set pieces and made less sense than the first game.

Graphically though KZ3 is obviously amazing, it had good production valuves but I feel it wasn't nearly as good as KZ2 in terms of setting, and game feel.

Also I could get into the multiplayer which was way better in KZ2 well until they patched the games multiplayer to make it more floaty! KZ3 was unbalanced(medic class) and felt more like CoD than KZ2.

They really tried to find a balance between KZ2 and CoD but I don't think they hit it. They should have kept it unique and feeling weighty and like you were grounded like in KZ2.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 11:22:45 AM

Hyperbole is our friend.

2 up, 0 down

bebestorm
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 11:07:48 PM
Reply

If Sony has learned from their mistakes then would have to know third party exclusives carry just as much weight as first party. Even though I don't play it I know GT6 would be a absolute killer launch title. Vita had plenty games at launch but it didnt fly off shelves either! Sony really needs to find out what games ps fans will jump on out the gate.

4 up, 1 down

FatherSun
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 4:42:45 AM

My sentiments exactly. Set up a pie chart, literally chart the industry by genre and do anything and everything to get KEY franchises on board. This with PS arsenal of first party studios and of course new IP can set the stage for a GREAT new generation of gaming.

Don't move we have you surrounded.

0 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 5:07:24 AM

Problem is, 3rd party exclusive deals are so much more easy to get when you are the dominating platform.
Sony will probably never dominate the console world again as they did in the past. And with that, 3rd party exclusives also quickly became a thing of the past.
Sony can't afford to compensate for keeping a title away from more than 50% of the market, they need to own the entire studio to force them to do that.

Last edited by Beamboom on 2/9/2013 5:15:12 AM

0 up, 0 down

bigrailer19
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 11:20:16 PM
Reply

If the PS4 had any titles such as Uncharted 4, KZ4, even an inFamous title, itd be a great launch.

I think the PS4 will have a great launch line up.

2 up, 2 down

Temjin001
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 11:43:56 PM
Reply

While I do think SOny will have a first party high profile FPS locked and loaded and ready for launch I don't think we'll see a blanket of AAA games all at the starting line. There's some reasons I have for that. One, pacing high profile products is important. Releasing too many great games, especially shared genre games, all at once has shown to weaken market saturation of individual titles. For example, KZ2 was delayed because of Resistance 2. GG made that much clear. Sony didn't want to compete with themselves so even though KZ2 was ready to launch for the holidays, it still got delayed until post Christmas, not to compete for R2's sales.
Another thing, buying into new hardware and peripherials is expensive. Related to the KZ2 and R2 situation, the majority of gamer's incomes will be exhausted right away just from buying into new hardware and maybe 2-3 games. So once again, I see it unlikely Sony will unleash some sort of barrage of AAA games.

Another reason. Certain titles are so high profile that releasing them TOO early can hurt potential profits due to a smaller console eco-system. Releasing God of War on PS4 as a first gen title would no doubt soften the potential of that franchise's strength.
I think it much more likely that Sony and third-parties will try to expand the breadth of their content offerings by taking risks with some new IP's. New IP's of a high quality and recognizable genre. Having a new game that gets spotlight time without a bunch of recognizable AAA sequels hogging the scene is a prime time to sew seeds for profitable new IPs to carry on a new thread of revenue for the coming console cycle. Assassin's Creed anyone?

Having only a handful of 'go to' games during launch is all that's necessary.

Last edited by Temjin001 on 2/8/2013 11:48:14 PM

6 up, 1 down

clockwyzebkny
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 12:05:46 AM

That's a good point. I still believe that a great assortment of games will still be good for diversifying the library. We all probably love Uncharted and would probably buy a ps4 on launch day if Uncharted was available but a friend of mine doesn't like it. As a matter of fact, he abhors it!! So he would definitely need another game or two to convince himself that the ps4 is worth the buy.

2 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 3:54:08 AM

Some very good points there, Temjin.

0 up, 0 down

The Real Deal
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 12:04:27 AM
Reply

If they don't have at least the games you listed at launch or some new attractive IP to replace them, then i fear there investment in the social slash mobile department will not be enough to compete with Xbox. The reasoning is simple, the xbox has not launched any significant titles over the last year; other then Halo 4 and the upcoming Gears Of War. I will bet all my money microsoft will have a truck load of games to usher in there console.

I am now scared, not because of the specs or the leap in technology, but the mindset of this unveiling. I mean touch pads, really? Just another thing i have to be careful to touch when i am playing a game that has that functionality. They better provide an off and on switch to that, lol. This whole mobile thing is pretty dumb, playstation doesn't have to compete with anyone but itself. If they have enough fortitude and innovation then people will buy and play there games.

The mobile market has always existed, at least in the mind. You don't think back in the atari days, the brains weren't talking about it? Sure its bigger then its ever been, but are the games? No there not, they are pint sized compared to the hardcore console oriented ones.

Which begs the question of evolution. When i played the atari i wasn't begging for bigger and better, i was truly satisfied with the offerings. But like a gateway drug, it lead me to explore more. At which point new hardware was being realized and developed. After i saw the possibility of what could be, i wanted more, more stuff.

Which leads me to my point. How big can the mobile market get. More to the point, how much more can it evolve. The answer is simple, not much. These so called casual gamer's are going to face the same reality i did when i played the atari, they will want more! When they do, what will be available? A playstation that has been diluted and mobilized to cater a smaller faster generation. Really? That's there answer? I will tell you, if they spend more time developing for the casual then the hardcore i will have no qualms about switching my allegiance to whomever is the new hardcore king, because lets face it there will always be a need for more!

0 up, 0 down

JROD0823
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 5:40:33 PM

I'm sorry Real Deal, and I know I am exaggerating, but I will gladly take all of your money, because I don't think that all of the employees at Microsoft combined know how to spell "New IP", let alone make one.

Sony has Microsoft's proverbial balls in a vice when it comes to generating new IPs.

As far as Sony competing with the mobile market, or anyone else, as long as Sony keeps making stellar games with great stories and gameplay, they have more than enough leeway to experiment to their heart's content.

Everyone is getting so worked up and worried over what are still RUMORS. Everyone needs to chill out and wait for the real info to come in, then they can be worried if they want.

Last edited by JROD0823 on 2/9/2013 5:42:54 PM

1 up, 0 down

daus26
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 2:09:33 AM
Reply

Gran Turismo is by far the best selling Playstation exclusive. If they want the best start possible, they'll need GT6 early on.

To cater to non-racers, Uncharted, InFamous (somehow doubt this), or possibly GTAV, will do. First Person shooters will need Killzone or Call of Duty. It would be nice if they'd have something for RPG goers as well.

Other than that, I don't think they need to go over board, pass those few AAA titles. I'm thinking they have some healthy support from third party developers early on from what it seems so such like sports games and other common multi-plat titles should help enough. I'm personally excited to see new IPs.

0 up, 0 down

kraygen
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 3:55:58 AM
Reply

I'd be more worried that they release the ps4 with all of these games available day 1 and then we don't see another good release for over a year.

The vita had a large selection of games on day one, but only a couple worth getting and then nothing new for a long time.

I'm just afraid the ps4 will launch with a KZ4 bundle, an UC4 bundle, LBP3 Bundle, a last guardian bundle, gt6 bundle, or non bundled of course, but then we won't have a triple a title for 14 months and we'll all have finished these games and be twiddling our thumbs.

0 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 4:07:08 AM

There's no way this will be a repetition of the Vita story. No way there will be 14 months without AAA titles. All devs will be all over this baby, the AAA multiplats will be there from day one regardless of what Sonys studios are doing.

Last edited by Beamboom on 2/9/2013 4:07:44 AM

1 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 3:58:54 AM
Reply

I believe that of more importance than the launch titles, is that the market believe in the long-term future of the platform. I think that is firmly demonstrated with the sad story of the Vita, who really had a decent lineup at launch.

And since all my favourite franchises and developers are multiplats all I really need is a firm belief that they will continue to support this platform - and of that there is no shadow of doubt. This time around we are highly likely spared of shoddy ports and lesser versions too.

So if anything the launch titles will only affect *when* I buy the console, not *if*.

But two deals that would be a system seller for me is a bundle with the new GTA or the new Dragon Age. That I would not be able to resist.

Last edited by Beamboom on 2/9/2013 6:24:11 AM

0 up, 0 down

___________
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 7:04:10 AM
Reply

not only can it, but i expect it.
developers have had dev kits for a few years now so they have had PLENTY of time to get familiar with the system and start getting games out for it!
plus when you think about it allot of $onys big developers have been working on unannounced games for a while now.
the ps4 will have the biggest launch lineup in its families history, and by george does it need it!

1 up, 0 down

Lemon_Saint
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 9:44:27 AM
Reply

TimeSplitters was a game I took a chance on with a launch day PS2 purchase, (along with SSX and *shudder* Fantavision), and I loved every second of it. Split screen multiplayer at its absolute finest.

To the point, if there is any game I would want as a launch title for the PS4, it would be TimeSplitters 4. Never gonna happen, but one can dream no?

2 up, 0 down

SmokeyPSD
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 3:43:55 PM

This I can get behind.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 11:26:24 AM
Reply

Wouldn't it be funny if after the rough sales of DmC (which I'm enjoying the crap out of) Ninja Theory was gonna die but Sony saved them by giving them the Heavenly Sword 2 project for PS4?

0 up, 0 down

Karosso
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 12:59:59 PM

Better yet, if they got into so much trouble that Sony could acquire them as a first party studio :)and of course, have HS2 done for the PS4.

0 up, 0 down

Karosso
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 1:03:40 PM
Reply

GIMME SMUGGLER'S RUN AT LAUNCH!!!
That was the launch title that showed me the true power of the PS2. The maps were bigger than anything I had ever played before! I really miss the franchise and think it would be tons of fun playing it online.

0 up, 0 down

SmokeyPSD
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 3:43:18 PM
Reply

What good is even a good launch lineup? The vita had one and everyone is complaining now...

0 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 4:26:10 PM

... but it's not the launch lineup they complain about.

0 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 7:16:59 PM

Vita is like the leafs. Always a good start, but can't see it through.

0 up, 0 down

shaytoon
Sunday, February 10, 2013 @ 12:13:08 PM
Reply

The fact that GT6 is mentioned as a possible launch title is absolutely ridiculous. Thatll never happen. LBP3 is the only one worth mentioning as that game has become the "mario" for playstation. infamous 3 is another one that is worth mentioning even though im not fond of the game at all. KZ4 is more likely a launcher than GOW4. Oh and btw, i love me my cali sunshine.

0 up, 0 down

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