When I got the XSX recently, it was so I can play Starfield when it comes out. That was basically the only reason. I did not realize the extensive backwards compatibility that this thing has. But since getting it, I've been playing FF13 trilogy, Fable games, Dragon Age series, Lost Odyssey, etc. Basically all games of note going all the way back to the OG Xbox will play on the latest console. Either with the original disc, or you can even purchase them online. The point of my post is I think it's a real travesty that PlayStation doesn't do this. I don't understand it. First of all, you cannot buy most PS1-PS3 games on the digital store. You can't use the discs. The main way to get access to these games is through the top tier of PS+. But the selection is quite limited, and PS3 games in particular are streaming only. With the selection, I want to point out that you can't even play most of the Killzone series on PS+. This is a first party title. There is absolutely no reason that Killzone shouldn't be available. Killzone 1 isn't even on there. A PS2 title that is not graphically demanding. As for the streaming of PS3 games, maybe this was justifiable back on the PS4 because the PS3 has a unique architecture that can be difficult to emulate without performance drops. But with the capabilities of the PS5, it's not credible to claim that it can't emulate a PS3. It certainly could, if Sony wanted to assign resources to make an emulator. I am not a fanboy of one or the other, and I probably still play more on the PS5 than my Xbox, but I think Microsoft should market their backwards compatibility superiority a lot more than they currently do.

I have been on a kick lately with short games. Because I'm a parent with a hectic job, it's really nice to be able to beat a game in just a few days. I've played both Plague Tale games (10 & 20 hours respectively), Stray (7 hours), and Alan Wake (10 hours). All great stories, very atmospheric, and felt like just the right length for what they were. Any other good story-heavy games that are pretty short? Throw any and all recommendations at me!

If you're not familiar with Stray, it's a PS4/PS5 game where you play as a cat. It's a very short game; the main story can be beaten in an afternoon. However, it's available on PS+ (although going away soon), and can be purchased outright for <$30. It's the first time in a long time where I felt totally delighted by how innovative and different a video game was. First of all, playing as a cat isn't just a cute gimmick. The level designs are all about navigating around slums using your size and acrobatic abilities of a cat. Second, the world that the devs have created is so cool. It's like some sort of cyberpunk version of Kowloon Walled City. This game is not Elden Ring. But for an afternoon, it's absolutely worth your time. I can't recommend it enough. Especially if you are finding yourself burned out by the usual types of games. I hope the devs follow up with something else adjacent to this game!