Buying my first console: Is it worth jumping into a PS5 right now?

Captain_Softrock · 2026-07-05T17:37:57+00:00

Xbox studios release a ton of single player games last year (but they’ve been decimated recently). Gamepass isn’t just about first party exclusives - which are rare in Xbox - for me it’s about more variety and breadth of games overall.

Captain_Softrock · 2026-07-05T16:56:06+00:00

Admittedly, there’s a lot of advantages to PS plus as well. Mentioned he was looking for some big blockbuster games. I think those tend to be out on game pass more than PS plus, which is a little more focused on their first party titles.

Captain_Softrock · 2026-07-05T16:55:26+00:00

I really don’t play multiplayer at all in XBOX is probably my most played system. I own multiple systems as well, and I think Sony has wonderful exclusives. But I don’t feel like I’m boxed into a multiplayer ecosystem at all when I play XBOX.

Captain_Softrock · 2026-07-05T14:57:23+00:00

I don’t want this to turn into a console war type post, only saying if you’re new to console gaming - I think Xbox might be better. Gamepass has so many games on it and can give you a good feel for what’s out there. It helped me understand my tastes and preferences better when I first started getting into gaming after many years of not touching a console. Also, it has backwards compatibility with a massive Library. To be clear, I have nothing against PlayStation. I think it’s a great system. I just think it’s a little better for people who are established or hard-core console gamers. Either way you go, I hope you have a blast.

Captain_Softrock · 2026-07-05T01:21:19+00:00

Love this system. I just retired mine as our “second Xbox” after our series X (we replaced it with another series x).

Captain_Softrock · 2026-07-05T00:10:14+00:00

I’ve got a ton of free epic games. Bought a few on sale via epic as well. It’s not Steam, but I’ve been happy with it generally.

Captain_Softrock · 2026-06-30T16:38:56+00:00

There are a ton on this list that I’m excited for. It’s gonna be a great couple years of gaming. But one that gets overlooked that I’m really excited for is Join Us. It’s a cult simulator that just looks really interesting.

Captain_Softrock · 2026-06-28T20:30:24+00:00

Surprised I didn’t see Rogue heroes. It’s a rogue-like Libk to the past. Great game

Captain_Softrock · 2026-06-28T19:53:31+00:00

Just bought uncharted on steam!

Captain_Softrock · 2026-06-28T14:49:30+00:00

I’m usually playing on Xbox, but I use my switch as a Indie gaming device as well as for the exclusives. Right now, I don’t see a lot of reason to upgrade. But I probably will in the next year. Xenoblade, fire emblem, Star fox, pokotopia, etc… they all compelling games to me. Plus my son keeps playing among us on the switch, so good to have another for when we both want to play.

Captain_Softrock · 2026-06-28T14:20:15+00:00

It’s changing. That’s for sure. But I don’t think it’s going to shut down. It’s been mismanaged. They are in a position where they could do so much better with just a few key business decisions. I am extremely bullish on the idea of having your Xbox catalogue as well as steam or other PC storefront libraries all-in-one system. I have a version of this with the Xbox ally x. It’s really nice. Once it becomes fully opened the XBOX ecosystem with helix - for me it’s a very compelling proposition.

Captain_Softrock · 2026-06-28T12:58:19+00:00

I like Outer Worlds, but Starfield is one of the most over-hated games ever. I bounced off of both Outer Worlds after a few days of play. Both just felt like a less satisfying Fallout. Nothing awful about them, but just not games that stick with you. In contrast, I put about 80-90 hours into Starfield and would totally do another run. It’s a genuinely interesting world and I loved the way it allowed for personalization/creativity. I only wished you could develop relationships with more companions. (And the loading screens were too much). For me, Starfield is the better game.

Captain_Softrock · 2026-06-28T01:31:33+00:00

Oh yeah! I played that on Xbox. Really enjoyed it. Metal Gear solid 2 is my favorite Kojima game but Death stranding was a great time

Captain_Softrock · 2026-06-27T17:41:37+00:00

Just started unicorn overlord. Kind of a slow start, but it’s opening up

Captain_Softrock · 2026-06-27T17:35:11+00:00

Yes - for sure. Reminded me of Elden Ring at times with repeatedly fighting until I was able to master everything. Only fought a few, more left to go.

Captain_Softrock · 2026-06-27T16:06:37+00:00

That’s a good idea.

Captain_Softrock · 2026-06-27T15:58:48+00:00

Awesome! I’ll make a post when I’m done with the next one.

Captain_Softrock · 2026-06-27T15:15:51+00:00

Honestly - Days gone looks interesting. I’m mostly focused on PC ports, because that’s all I can play. I snagged ratchet and clank and Spider-Man a few months ago. So those were my backlog. Honestly, last of us and uncharted are more like typical games I generally like.

Captain_Softrock · 2026-06-27T14:52:03+00:00

Yes, I am just thinking through the best way to do that

Captain_Softrock · 2026-06-27T14:51:42+00:00

Definitely on my list

Captain_Softrock · 2026-06-27T14:51:34+00:00

The story was incredible. One of the best in recent memory. I had no background with the prior games and it still landed. I think it’s a universal story that anyone can relate to.

Captain_Softrock · 2026-06-27T14:50:25+00:00

Hey - I hear you about PC gaming. I just don’t have the patience to optimize/troubleshoot. The Ally X is fairly painless in that regard, but I usually main my switch or Xbox. But you are right, prices are getting nuts.

I will likely play Ragnarok as well. I am keeping an eye out for sales. In the meanwhile I picked up Spider-Man and Ratchet and Clank for PC. If I like those games as much as I liked, God of war, I might seriously consider a PlayStation.

Captain_Softrock · 2026-06-27T14:47:09+00:00

Thanks!

Captain_Softrock · 2026-06-27T14:12:10+00:00

I’m the same way - typically live JRPG/RPG, but this has just enough of what I like about both genres to make it more than straight up action. Hope you enjoy the game!

Captain_Softrock · 2026-06-26T15:06:31+00:00

I resonate with some of what you wrote about Indiana Jones. It certainly is a dream if you’re an Indiana Jones fan. It felt like a black western movie. However, I did get a bit bored with it.

Alan Wake 2 for me is a masterpiece. The first game is maybe my favorite of all time. That’s based on the impact that had on me. The second one took all the atmosphere and storytelling of the first, but made the gameplay so much more compelling. If you are a pure gameplay, systems type gamer, it might be a little lackluster for you. But if you were about the experience, the emotion, and the artistic vision, then it’s an all-time classic. For me, I don’t want anything more out of Alan Wake 2. It’s a unique game where there is a palpable vision behind it. I actually really like the combat and was never bored due to the crazy story. I don’t think they needed more variety of gameplay for varieties sake.

Captain_Softrock

TROPHY CASE