Qore Review - First Issue

[akadkins]

Know there are a couple of threads...but since nobody has done a review, thought I'd give one under its own thread.

Just bought the first issue - thought I'd give it a try before committing to an entire year. As covered in another thread, here's a rundown of this month's content:

- SOCOM: Confrontation gameplay, interview, gallery, Beta (if you buy whole year subscription), PS3 theme, etc.
- Soulcalibur IV gameplay and interview
- Afro Samurai gameplay and interview
- Secret Agent Clank (PSP) gameplay, tips, gallery, and interview
- Star Wars: The Force Unleashed gameplay, gallery, interview, graphic novel, and comedy piece
- The Hulk movie preview

At first look, I was a bit disappointed at amount of content. Understand this is the first attempt, but expected a little something more. I read Playstation: The Official Magazine every month and really expected this to be an online mirror of that product. It isn't...but it has its perks.

Good: I like the idea of having actual gameplay video, like in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. Makes a good complement to a magazine review, because now I can see in action what I've been reading about. Seems to bring the whole package together without playing an incomplete demo.

Push: Seems like ALL of this content is something that could be delivered piecemeal on the PSN. Haven't I already downloaded a lot of video's about games...interviews and such? Guess this brings them all together and may get me to look at something I otherwise might not have downloaded on my own.

Needs more downloads...why offer up a Beta (if you buy a yearlong subscription) that isn't even out yet with your 'Premiere' issue? Since I already own Calling All Cars (which nobody is ever online playing anymore), all I get is a lousy theme? How about some music tunes (videogame music...something out of the ordinary)? I also recommend giving out bonus 'PSN' credits for movies/tv shows once that content comes to PSN. Being able to 'click' on an ad and for a show, and getting some 'bonus' out of having bought the 'magazine' might be a way of the future...

Bad: PSP remote play? Doesn't work. Not a good thing since this would be a great option for being able to review content while on the move (or on the toilet )

At least have a Blu-Ray section covering some upcoming releases...release dates, previews, or reviews. Push the product.
And you need game 'reviews' or something not just previews of upcoming items. This would make it even more of an online 'magazine' about playstation.

P.S. On Ads: Can't skip Burger King...can't skip a couple of game previews...but they are really short and don't bother me too much.

Overall, seems decent, but not something I see me getting every month unless it expands into something more. POM gives me all the news I need, and between IGN.com and PSN, I ususally can get video gameplay if I want to see it. That being said, I like having all the content packaged into one place, and could see this being a good item to work my way through via my PSP...if only it worked that way.

Lack of PSP remote play drops the grade: 6 out of 10.