Then towards the lead up to Y2K (remember when this was a thing, yes your computer and airplanes going down because the year counter went up one… on naïve stupid 1999 people, go back to your Prince records and Austin Powers, poor fools)

When Nintendo infamously weaselled on a deal with Sony (oooh hello Philips) and then Microsoft smelt money, the industry changed.

Yes, we missed out on Final Fantasy 7 for Wand of Gamelon… let that seep in.

That resistant “Nothing compares to Nintendon’t days” feeling stayed until the untimely death of Sega’s Dreamcast in the intergalactic gaming console wars, where Nintendo had the Millennium Falcon, Microsoft had a couple of green tie fighters, Sony was close to finishing the death star and Sega was basically coming with a Scooty Puff Jnr.

Now, I love Nintendo however some of their franchises leave a little to be desired in terms of strong narrative, edge and cinematic quality (calm down Zelda & Metroid fans). Since this was Sega usual niche, I had to look elsewhere…

I turned to Cinema

This isn’t a joke, I actually did, for a short space of time I put gaming on the back burner, got deep in movies and then came back to the Wii U of all places (see my Switch 4th Anniversary for more deets https://mrgameandtravel.com/switch-4th-anniversary/)

But I eventually succumbed to the charms of the PS4, I don’t know what happened but I had a heart attack IN 2019, didn’t want the excitement of Splatoon 2 and then thought, let’s see what this uncharted series about, ok that was cool, God of Boy, that was Awesome. Alright next Horizon Zero Dawn.

RIGHT, THAT’S IT 2014 MRG&T, WHAT THE FUDGE HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO FOR NEARLY 6 YEARS!!!

Can Finally say that, I admire Sony and their exclusive IPs, from the Spectacular Spiderman to critically acclaimed Last of Us to PERSONA 5 STARS ALL ROUND. The PS4 has proven to be a best and understandably why. My turning point may have been when I purchased Persona 5 because I was bombarded with GOTY nominations and an FOMO for something I had no idea would change my life (more on this another time) but my realisation was actually during the last Sony Showcase.

Generally, I dismiss the showcases and go do ANYTHING else, as they felt like weak Nintendo Direct without the colourful charm. However, this one touched me in a way I didn’t expect. With new releases, I was actually overwhelmed by the sequels. I never equate Sony with exciting news. IF anything, I just get a general sense of arrogance, yes Sony, you’re so great, “none of your install base want to cross play Rocket League” (Liz Lemon Eye Roll)

Horizon Zero Dawn, though impressive, actually under sold initially, but they took a chance, picked up the accolades and giving the fans what they want. To me this is what Nintendo should be doing but they have so many franchises it would be an impossible task (Just prioritise F-Zero Nintendo & Sega and no one gets hurt) It’s a clear statement in the games library and the marketing, that the console really is for the players, there’s a real focus on quality for gamer

I’m glad I picked up a PS4, I’m glad I have memories associated to this flavourless block of black and I’m so happy, it’s going to be the reason I have a studio and a Twitch streaming service

It’s made me appreciate a more mature catalogue of games (Don’t worry Ninty fans, I’m saying this for the Sony Ponies, I’ll be on Super Mario 3D World in a min)

Despite my joke here but we need to make sure we sure investigate & discuss the consoles you do/ don’t have. There’s recommendations and good times to be had with a company that you thought was scum but they actually have a stellar library for all ages.

I’m here to see what the future holds. The PS5 is flying off the shelves and the exclusives get prettier and FOMO charged with each press releases and the Uncharted Movie will be here before splitting critics and audiences before you know it. Seriously Tom Holland as Nathan Drake & Marky Mark as Sully… It finally happened my eyes rolled so much they detached.

Anyway, enough babbling on, I just wanted to give some Sony love, you can witness from my stream, my years of denying loving my PS4 dissolved in this stream

Here’s me in a Live Reaction to Sony’s September 2021 Showcase