So here in the UK, our major video game retailer is GAME. The stores close at around 6PM, and after that, they have what's called a 'GAME Lock in' session, where you can try out the PS4.
Firstly, the OS/UI. We didn't actually get to control the OS, the assistant(s) were only allowed to control it, probably to stop us from getting in to some sneaky areas or what not. The UI is super smooth, it's still got that XMB style to it but it's WAY less complicated, and much faster at getting you where you want. There's music in the background which adds to the ambiance. The transitions were super smooth, especially when going back to the UI mid-game.
Secondly, the heat generated from the machine. The PS4 must have been on for around an hour and 45 minutes when I decided to get a closer look at it, after putting my hands at the back of it, on top and under, it seemed fairly similar to the PS3 slims (not super slim). Not too hot, but it was warm. I'm actually surprised, such a small machine with so much power, and it doesn't get super hot, definitely no where near the FAT PS3's heat level.
Third, BF4. I haven't seen many people talk about playing BF4 on the PS4, and we got a chance to play it. Luckily for you guys, I own BF4 on the PS3 so I can slightly compare the difference in graphical fidelity. Simply put, it looks MILES better than PS3. So much crisper, sharper, it just looks way cleaner than last gen. Those jaggy lines are 95% gone, the smoothness of the game was also noticeable. We were playing SP however, so bare that in mind. For you future BF4 PS4 owners, you'll definitely enjoy the game on the PS4, especially if you've played BF3/4 on the PS3.
Fourth, the camera. It looked very decent when he brought up The Playroom. The quality of the capture isn't as bad as you'd think it would be. The Playroom is a quirky little game, good to mess around on, nothing too special but it does show how some games may implement the DS4's light bar. I'm not really a fan of motion gaming, so it wasn't completely amazing in my eyes, but some of you guys may enjoy it.
Fifth, a few small things: controller is surprisingly light, a cross between the six axis and DS3. The light bar didn't reflect off of the TV even though it was a glossy Bravia, but the area was very well lit, so there's that. The console turn on/off button is touch, not physical. The headset provided comes in more colors than blue, but I think you have to buy them separately, as the controller I used was red and had a red headset.
Lastly, CoD Ghosts. I don't have anything to compare it to other than Black Ops 2, as the game isn't even out yet. All I noticed, is that it's definitely more clearer and sharper, but to be honest, it's not that sort of 'WOW' different, but it's CoD after all, and the game barely changes in terms of graphics, so that may be why.
Oh, and one more thing for you VITA owners, when I asked the assistant if he knew when the Playstation App for the VITA would come out, he said 'within 10 days'. I'd take it with a pinch of salt, but I wouldn't mind that, as a VITA owner my self.
Let me know if you have any more questions, I'll try and answer them to my best capabilities.
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