This week in rumors
It was all fun and games sifting through the minefield of deliberately fake news doing the rounds this week, thanks to a small tradition we call April Fools day. But in amongst the calamity was some some real slip ups pointing to interesting developments at Microsoft and Sony.
Is Sony giving PS4 the tools it needs to weed out the bad eggs online? Will the new console be able to play old PlayStation games later this year? Another new Halo feature film is tipped for production and The Last of Us looks all but set for a next-gen outing. All that and more in this weeks rumor roundup...
Ridley Scott to produce Halo digital feature
The Rumor: Alien director Ridley Scott is said to be working on a Halo digital feature in collaboration with Halo 4 developer 343 Industries. The Wrap reports that the production, due out later this year, also has David Zucker, president of Scott Free TV, and Battlestar Galactica director Sergio Mimica-Gezzan working behind the scenes.
Our Take: Forward Unto Dawn was a most enjoyable surprise, and this new feature is said to follow a similar format. These features, it seems, often turn out better than full-fat motion pictures so we have high hopes.
Saints Row 4: Game of the Century Edition inbound
The Rumor: Saints Row 4 is getting a Game of the Century Edition re-release, according to rogue French and German Amazon listings. The pack was listed at 29.99 for release on May 9, and will apparently include the games Season Pass content including all the additional DLC.
Our Take: As we type theres already a Game of the Generation version, and a Super Dangerous Wub Wub Edition available, so one more something a bit random edition cant hurt. Theres no word on a stateside version, but keep an eye out later this month.
Sony considering a PS4 reputation system
The Rumor: Sony is considering introducing a comprehensive player reputation system to PS4. Reports claim that Sony has circulated a survey to a select number of customers to gauge interest in a reputation system for the new console, along with more advanced matchmaking, PSN user name change options, and more.
Our Take: Its not unusual for large firms to run limited surveys for possible new ventures, but its hard to gauge how realistic or deeply considered any of the features mentioned are. Microsoft has, however, recently detailed its intricate reputation system for Xbox One. Perhaps Sony is working on its response.
Soul Sacrifice Delta headed West
The Rumor: Soul Sacrifice Delta, and improved an expanded version of the original Soul Sacrifice, will finally escape the confines of Japan when it arrives in Western shops in May. So hints European and Australian ratings boards which outed the unannounced localization this week.
Our Take: Soul Sacrifice is a highlight of the Vita library, and game creator Keiji Inafune says Delta offers brand new elements and items which gives the unique flavour of Soul Sacrifice. We expect official confirmation within weeks.
PS4 getting PS1/PS2 support
The Rumor: Sony will release a firmware update soon that adds local PS1 and PS2 support to the PS4. These claims come from the Twitter posts of Ahsan Rasheed, who has gained notoriety for posting accurate leak info. Rasheed also says the new backwards compatibility will feature 1080p rendering for select titles.
Our Take: Backwards compatibility has been a major factor in every PlayStation since PS2, but PS4 sadly features none at present due to vast architectural differences. If Sony does at least get PS1 and PS2 games working itll be a huge deal for long-time PlayStation fans. Crash Bandicoot in 1080p, please!
Pre-game squad feature coming to Battlefield 4
The Rumor: According to an unverified report, Swedish developer DICE is currently testing a beta version of a Squads feature for Battlefield 4, which will allow people to group up before entering a match. Supposed screenshots of the feature on a menu screen emerged online earlier this week.
Our take: This needs to be true, and it needs to happen quickly. PC gamers have been used to manually joining servers for decades, but games like Halo and Call of Duty have standardized pre-game lobby systems on consoles. BF4 currently offers no way to easily squad up with friends and move from match-to-match. The games been out almost 6 months--we need Squads now.
More evidence of The Last of Us for PS4
The Rumor: Spanish retailer Xtralife has posted a listing for The Last of Us: Complete Edition for PS4. The next-gen remake of the seminal PS3 exclusive was first tipped for PS4 last week when a Turkish PlayStation rep seemingly let slip that the port was in the works.
Our Take: Although local arms of Sony still refuse to acknowledge the leak, this is looking pretty concrete at this point. The retailer listing makes no mention of any DLC being included, but the Complete Edition subtitle would suggest the inclusion of all DLC so far. Look out for a Summer release.
Metro: Last Light also getting Complete Edition release
The Rumor: Deep Silver is heavily tipped to be working on a Complete Edition of its first-person shooter, Metro Last Light. Thats according to European ratings board PEGI, along with a product listing on Amazon France. The PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 re-release will apparently receive a low-budget price, and include four DLC packs.
Our Take: Complete Editions seem all the rage these days, so dont be surprise if this crops up in an official announcement this Summer. And developer 4A Games has already confirmed remakes of the Metro games for next-gen consoles following recent leaks, so theres plenty going on behind the scenes at the studio.
Whats your take?
Does the PS4 need a more robust reputation system to filter out bad behavior? Is a squad system in BF4 a welcome addition or too little, too late? Would the introduction of PS1/2 compatibility convince non-PS4 owners to make the jump? Unload your thought in the comments below.
Want more? Henry Gilberts hands-on preview with Mario Kart 8 reveals its new items, tracks and characters. And Justin Towell highlights the secrets in games you were never meant to see.
