They should depict the S and X consoles next to the word exclusive. No wonder people are confused. Xbox hasn’t been able to brand its products well since the Xbox One era
I hope every studio retains its name and original IP and is safely let go. XBOX buying up more than it could handle was madness. It's really unfortunate that early acquisitions, Ninja Theory and Double Fine, haven't been shepherded well. Hopefully lots of lessons learned for a slimmer xbox in the future.
I would have shuddered at the mention of Arkane but... Arkane Austin made Prey - an all time great - then took six years to make Redfall. Arkane Lyon made Deathloop and have been working on Blade - of which we've seen nothing - for five years now.
Both of the creative leads that Directed the studios' best games have left. Arkane as we knew it is gone I imagine.
I want to see evidence that Xbox studios are healthy and have some bangers on the way - including some original ideas and new franchises.
I was pining for a return to form for Halo (not happening) and something new from Rare but... none of the key people who made the games I love are there now. I've accepted that it's not happening, so my attention is on the active studios who show promise.
Playground and the Initiative have something to prove with Fable and Gears, both having adopted franchises with no original creators there. Obsidian (while not the Obsidian of old) is clearly a talented studio although nothing has clicked for me yet. Arkane Lyon is hopefully doing well with Blade.
Just a very shaky time for the studios and the IP at Xbox.
@datamonkey I feel the same. The older games didn't have cameos this on the nose. Replaying Fable 1 was refreshing - it's totally free of this sort of BBC sheen.
There should be no ads on the console at all. When you are in the Store I understand seeing promoted games and offers. Outside of that, zero ads if any kind. No promoted games or offers on the homepage.
I would like to see something new and single-player from Rare. A new big game from Double Fine. Something with JSRF energy. The revival of the cancelled Perfect Dark. That’s my bingo card wish list.
Really happy to see Halo 3 in the top 10. I didn’t pick up ODST digitally so can’t play it on my Series S. The original versions of Fable and Halo 1 through to 4 should be available. Xbox owned through and through - stick ‘em on the store!
Weird. A visual update with the old sound and arguably not as good as what we have already. I’m a stickler for distinct console generations having their own vibe.
Small changes, dynamic themes existing on more than just the home page of the dashboard (like PS manages) and a fresh wave of back compat for classic Xbox games would be great.
But crucially, good games releasing shortly after announcements (12 months max) and capitalising on legacy franchises (Perfect Dark, Banjo!) are the changes I’d like to see.
Add Medals for 1000/1000 achievements points. Make browsing achievements better. Take a bit from PS and a bit from 360.
And while at it, they should take a leaf out of Playstation's book and make the next Xbox's dashboard beautiful. No ads, a theme that remains for the entire console 's life, visuals and sounds that align with the physical console design. What we have for XB1 and X/S is functional but dull as bricks. PSP, 3, 4, and 5 have had increasingly gorgeous user interfaces.
This would be a crappy introduction to Halo for new players in my opinion. It plays like a modern shooter and I think people will shrug and wonder why it was ever so beloved.
“We will recommit to our core Xbox fans (…) We will celebrate our roots with a renewed commitment to Xbox starting with console.”
“Gaming now lives across devices, not within the limits of any single piece of hardware. As we expand across PC, mobile, and cloud, Xbox should feel seamless.”
Make sure you play it on a 360 with NO title updates if you want to hear the music! 360 classics version and all digital versions (Rare replay included) are bugged!
I'm considering picking up an OG Xbox and a handful of games. Loved the original console and the whole 360 experience. To me the Xbox experience is over. It was those consoles and those exclusive franchises.
I can't get behind anything that glamourises UK gang culture. I played the Getaway and watched the Guy Richie films in the 00s. Thousands of kids weren't emulating that. But in 2025, they roam in balaclavas, ready to mug strangers and stab each-other before their 15th birthdays. A steady influence of weed, drill and county-lines grooming has ruined so many areas of the UK.
Buying Destiny expansions is like buying new backgrounds for Tetris. It’s the same experience since launch and the usual differentiators of level design and story are so weak they may as well be non-existent.
I thought 2 was amazing but its ending was pretty final. It will be interesting to see how they continue the Rapture setting, if that’s what they’re shooting for.
Perfect Dark release date New Rare and Double Fine games An exciting new IP, we're still being drip fed Gears Halo and Fable.... and as always, signs of life for Banjo-Kazooie.
I'm playing Ocarina of Time, for the first time, in 2025. It has made clear what FromSoft games lack: gameplay variety and fresh new ideas throughout the journey. After six VERY similar gameplay experiences across DS, DS2, BB, DS3, ER, Sk I'd encourage anyone feeling SoulsBorne fatigue to give Ocarina a go.
Comments 369
Re: Xbox Servers Are Still Down, Preventing Players From Accessing Both Physical And Digital Games
I can’t change my resolution from 640p and can download previously de-listed games not in my library.
Re: Talking Point: What Do You Think Of The New 'Poster' Artwork On Xbox?
It’s broken for OG Xbox and 360 games. So immediately turned it off.
Re: Poll: How Much Did You Pay For Your Xbox Series X|S Console?
I bought and sold one in 2021 for £200. Then bought a used one for £130 in 2026.
Re: Xbox Creates New 'Exclusive' Label For Eligible Games On Console
They should depict the S and X consoles next to the word exclusive. No wonder people are confused. Xbox hasn’t been able to brand its products well since the Xbox One era
Re: Xbox CSO Shuts Down Rumour About Exclusives, Insists They'll Happen Every Year
I hope every studio retains its name and original IP and is safely let go. XBOX buying up more than it could handle was madness. It's really unfortunate that early acquisitions, Ninja Theory and Double Fine, haven't been shepherded well. Hopefully lots of lessons learned for a slimmer xbox in the future.
Re: Rumour: Journalist Suggests Two Xbox Studios Are 'At Risk Of Being Closed' In 2026
I would have shuddered at the mention of Arkane but... Arkane Austin made Prey - an all time great - then took six years to make Redfall. Arkane Lyon made Deathloop and have been working on Blade - of which we've seen nothing - for five years now.
Both of the creative leads that Directed the studios' best games have left. Arkane as we knew it is gone I imagine.
Re: These Are The Top 10 Xbox Backwards Compatibility Requests After 750,000 Votes
I want Project Gotham Racing 1-4, OG Halo 1 and 2, the Original version of Fable 1. Then I could pack away the 360 for good.
Re: Xbox's CCO Might Have Just Revealed The First-Party Order For Late 2026
I want to see evidence that Xbox studios are healthy and have some bangers on the way - including some original ideas and new franchises.
I was pining for a return to form for Halo (not happening) and something new from Rare but... none of the key people who made the games I love are there now. I've accepted that it's not happening, so my attention is on the active studios who show promise.
Playground and the Initiative have something to prove with Fable and Gears, both having adopted franchises with no original creators there. Obsidian (while not the Obsidian of old) is clearly a talented studio although nothing has clicked for me yet. Arkane Lyon is hopefully doing well with Blade.
Just a very shaky time for the studios and the IP at Xbox.
Re: 'It Was A Miss, And I Own It' - Xbox CEO Hints At Removing PS5 & Switch Logos From Showcases
People want exclusives. The logos not appearing is irrelevant. This is pruning a tree that needs to be pulled out of the ground.
Re: Fable Gets Rated In Multiple Regions Ahead Of 2026 Xbox Release
@datamonkey I feel the same. The older games didn't have cameos this on the nose. Replaying Fable 1 was refreshing - it's totally free of this sort of BBC sheen.
Re: 'Dear Asha...' - Xbox Fan Desperately Wants New CEO To Remove Irrelevant Ads From Dashboard
There should be no ads on the console at all. When you are in the Store I understand seeing promoted games and offers. Outside of that, zero ads if any kind. No promoted games or offers on the homepage.
Re: Talking Point: What Dream Reveal Would You Like To See At The Xbox Games Showcase 2026?
@Markatron84 Vexx?
Re: Talking Point: What Dream Reveal Would You Like To See At The Xbox Games Showcase 2026?
I would like to see something new and single-player from Rare. A new big game from Double Fine. Something with JSRF energy. The revival of the cancelled Perfect Dark. That’s my bingo card wish list.
Re: Xbox Game Preservation Adds New Tool To Vote For Delisted Games, Initial Top 10 Revealed
Really happy to see Halo 3 in the top 10. I didn’t pick up ODST digitally so can’t play it on my Series S. The original versions of Fable and Halo 1 through to 4 should be available. Xbox owned through and through - stick ‘em on the store!
Re: These Are The Top 10 Xbox Backwards Compatibility Requests After 350,000 Votes
I voted for JSRF and the PGR series. Then the OG Xbox versions of Fable, Halo 1/2 and Yager.
Re: Xbox CEO Reveals New Start-Up Animation Coming To Consoles Next Week
Weird. A visual update with the old sound and arguably not as good as what we have already. I’m a stickler for distinct console generations having their own vibe.
Re: Xbox Exec Invites Fans To Share Backwards Compatibility Requests On Special Website
Project Gotham Racing 1-4.
The original versions of each Halo game.
The original version of Fable 1.
Jet Set Radio Future.
Re: Talking Point: What Have You Bought In The Xbox Spring Sale 2026?
Ninja Gaiden 2
Dead Or Alive 2
Destiny 1
Re: Talking Point: If Someone Was Buying Their First Xbox Today, What Games Would You Recommend?
Halo 3
Banjo Kazooie Nuts & Bolts
Dead or Alive 2/4
PGR3/4 (360 only)
Re: Xbox Achievements Are Getting A 'Refresh' With Multiple New Improvements
That’s great news. Further attention to detail like this would be great.
Re: Xbox Spring Sale 2026 'Preview' Now Live, 600+ Games Discounted
Quite a few for under £5 that I’d like to play but just bought FF7Remake so holding off!
Tempted to buy Lego City Undercover and Jedi Fallen Order though.
Re: Microsoft Issues Statement On Why 'This Is An Xbox' Campaign Has Been Retired
Small changes, dynamic themes existing on more than just the home page of the dashboard (like PS manages) and a fresh wave of back compat for classic Xbox games would be great.
But crucially, good games releasing shortly after announcements (12 months max) and capitalising on legacy franchises (Perfect Dark, Banjo!) are the changes I’d like to see.
Re: Xbox Fan Claims To Have Spotted New Game Pass Codename Featuring Older First-Party Titles
I but GamePass Essential occasionally play Halo MCC online. I’ve yet to play a single GamePass title included.
I much prefer to buy titles when I’m motivated to play them and then keep them forever, even if that means paying full price occasionally.
Here’s to hoping online play is made free when the Xbox/PC hybrid console arrives.
Re: 'Keep The Feedback Coming' - Xbox Boss Says New Console Features Were Built Two Weeks Ago
Add Medals for 1000/1000 achievements points. Make browsing achievements better. Take a bit from PS and a bit from 360.
And while at it, they should take a leaf out of Playstation's book and make the next Xbox's dashboard beautiful. No ads, a theme that remains for the entire console 's life, visuals and sounds that align with the physical console design. What we have for XB1 and X/S is functional but dull as bricks. PSP, 3, 4, and 5 have had increasingly gorgeous user interfaces.
Re: Talking Point: What Should Xbox Call Its 'Project Helix' Console?
Xbox Helix is already a perfect name for a a hybrid storefront device.
If not, Super Xbox.
Re: Final Fantasy 7 Remake Drops To 'Lowest Xbox Price Ever' In New Square Enix Sale
@Scrubchub Go for the one you feel most drawn to. Edgy medieval fantasy or upbeat steampunk(ish) adventure.
Re: Final Fantasy 7 Remake Drops To 'Lowest Xbox Price Ever' In New Square Enix Sale
I bought it a week ago for full price! Have requested a refund or the difference added to my balance. Will let you know how I get on!
Re: According To Metacritic, These Are The 10 Best Xbox Games Of 2026 So Far
FF7 Remake is really fun. Snagged a cheap Series S and looking forward to catching up on a bunch of XB1 and XS games.
Re: Xbox Announces New 'Project Helix' Console, Says It Will Play PC Games
I wonder if they’ll keep Xbox Studios games exclusive for it.
Re: Opinion: Xbox Should Consider Cancelling Halo: Campaign Evolved For PS5
This would be a crappy introduction to Halo for new players in my opinion. It plays like a modern shooter and I think people will shrug and wonder why it was ever so beloved.
Porting MCC would have made far more sense.
Re: New Xbox Boss Makes Official Statement As She Takes Over From Phil Spencer
“We will recommit to our core Xbox fans (…) We will celebrate our roots with a renewed commitment to Xbox starting with console.”
“Gaming now lives across devices, not within the limits of any single piece of hardware. As we expand across PC, mobile, and cloud, Xbox should feel seamless.”
Huh?
Re: Loads Of Leaked Fable Concept Art Shows Open World Environments, Dungeons & More
Drum Drum Draah Drum Drum Drum
Baaahhm baaahmmm ba-ba baaahm baaahm baaahm,
Doooo doo doo doooo doo, doooo doooo doooooooo,
Duuuuh, duuuuh, duuuuh duuuuuh.
Re: Prince Of Persia Remake Team Shares Final Message Following Game's Cancellation
Ubisoft is going the way of Xbox. Soon they’ll just be made up of support studios who help non-Ubisoft studios.
Re: These Are The 10 Highest-Rated Original Xbox Games Of All Time, But Do You Agree?
I would add Fable, KOTOR 2, Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath, Jet Set Radio Future, Prince of Persia: Warrior Within and Yager.
Re: Hands On: Perfect Dark Zero Is A Bizarre Time Capsule Of The Early Xbox 360 Days
Make sure you play it on a 360 with NO title updates if you want to hear the music! 360 classics version and all digital versions (Rare replay included) are bugged!
Re: Talking Point: Xbox Is 24 Years Old Today, What Do You Expect From Next Year's 25th Birthday?
I'm considering picking up an OG Xbox and a handful of games. Loved the original console and the whole 360 experience. To me the Xbox experience is over. It was those consoles and those exclusive franchises.
Re: Huge Xbox Report Details 'Ambitious' Next-Gen Console With Free Online Play
Basically a way to get into other platform’s game libraries because Xbox is unable to create and sustain one of its own.
Re: Pick One: Which Is Your Favourite Double Fine Game On Xbox?
Played Stacking and Psychonauts 2. I have to say Stacking - it's so warm and charming.
Re: ROG Xbox Ally Prices Finally Revealed, Pre-Orders Now Live
Xbox and PS are in a tricky situation: new consoles have stopped offering superior experiences. They hit a plateau with the last generation.
Re: ENDS Is A London-Based GTA-Style RPG, And It's Planned For Xbox
I can't get behind anything that glamourises UK gang culture. I played the Getaway and watched the Guy Richie films in the 00s. Thousands of kids weren't emulating that. But in 2025, they roam in balaclavas, ready to mug strangers and stab each-other before their 15th birthdays. A steady influence of weed, drill and county-lines grooming has ruined so many areas of the UK.
Re: Two Destiny 2 Add-Ons Get Insane 'Just For You' Discounts On Xbox
Buying Destiny expansions is like buying new backgrounds for Tetris. It’s the same experience since launch and the usual differentiators of level design and story are so weak they may as well be non-existent.
Re: Two More Xbox Games Are Being Cancelled, Including Perfect Dark
@fbnaulin It was announced when Xbox was committed to cross-gen releases.
Re: Two More Xbox Games Are Being Cancelled, Including Perfect Dark
Fable cancellation coming in 3… 2… 1…
Re: Two More Xbox Games Are Being Cancelled, Including Perfect Dark
@fbnaulin It was announced for Xbox One…
Re: Report: BioShock Announcement Set For This Summer As 2K Prepares Franchise Return
I thought 2 was amazing but its ending was pretty final. It will be interesting to see how they continue the Rapture setting, if that’s what they’re shooting for.
Re: Multiple Xbox-Related Showcases Officially Confirmed For Next Month
I hope for these things:
Perfect Dark release date
New Rare and Double Fine games
An exciting new IP, we're still being drip fed Gears Halo and Fable....
and as always, signs of life for Banjo-Kazooie.
Re: The Best Xbox Soulslike Games NOT Made By FromSoftware
I'm playing Ocarina of Time, for the first time, in 2025. It has made clear what FromSoft games lack: gameplay variety and fresh new ideas throughout the journey. After six VERY similar gameplay experiences across DS, DS2, BB, DS3, ER, Sk I'd encourage anyone feeling SoulsBorne fatigue to give Ocarina a go.
Re: Oblivion Remastered: All Changes, Additions & New Content
Looks very UE5. A bit sterile, anachronistic UI. Reminds me of the Demon’s Souls remaster.
Re: Xbox Boss Teases Even More 'Unannounced' Games In The Pipeline For 2025
Hold me closer tiny Spenceeerrrr
Re: Bungie's 'Marathon' Gets September Release Date For Xbox, Closed Alpha This Month
The key creative forces behind Halo and the first Destiny are not involved with this game.