I think you have completely missed the point of my comment, @themightyant. I was / am specifically talking about Push, not every reviewer out there, nor every other website that does reviews. Just Push and the fact that it is noticeable that they always mark an Xbox game down, and always overstate their own (the latter part I would say Pure is guilty of too).
The reason it is so noticeable is because of the number of Xbox games that have been released on the PlayStation, and every single time they dock a point even when they praise the game in their reviews. It is entirely predictable as it happens literally every time...
Will there be a full review from yourselves, @Kezelpaso & @FraserG...?
I have a 120HTZ television, so I'm hoping that I'll be able to play it on Quality mode as I'm a sucker for a pretty game. If not, I'll settle for Performance as I'm not sensitive to FPS in the way some others are, probably because I have terrible eyesight... 😂
No worries, @RiverGenie. I use them all the time, though more often than not it is for their gift cards (I usually buy around £100 a month, and occasionally more), but do also pre-order their games too. I think I have only ever received one game actually on the day it released, but even then, I was still able to play it the day it released.
What I will say though is that their Customer Service is excellent. I have, on a couple of occasions, bought a game for a PC instead of the Xbox, or the wrong region. It has always been my fault, but they are always very quick to refund the game for me. I've never had a bad experience with them...
Wait a moment, @themightyant, you cannot compare the review scores for Forza Horizon 5 because they were reviewed 4 years apart, and were vastly differing games. The version that PlayStation received had vastly more content than was present when the game first released, and Push marked it down for having too much content, as if it was compulsory to undertake everything, or that gamers are too stupid to decide how much of the game they want to play. Also, to that exact point, on Metacritic, the game has a 9.2 overall score from 31 reviews just for the PlayStation.
As for Indiana Jones the game had bugs on release that saw the game marked down, whereas it was in a more polished state when it released on the PlayStation. It also has an overall score of 8.8 for the PlayStation from 41 reviews. Thus even then the game is closer to a 9 than an 8, but Push wouldn't go there choosing instead to give it an 8 rather than a 9.
The difficulty with comparing how Sony exclusives fair when it comes to being reviewed by Xbox centric websites is that there are very few (basically one (Helldivers 2)) games on which you can compare how they are treated. It's only obvious when it comes to Xbox because so many are going over...
You say that, @PsBoxSwitchOwner, but if Push only occasionally marked down an Xbox made game, then fair enough, but they don't they consistently do it. After 41 reviews on Metacritic, the game has an average of 8.4, so Push are in fact more than a point off in this case, and their review would actually be pulling that 8.4 down.
Add to that, a game that scores an 8 or above is considered 'Positive', whereas 7 is regarded as 'Mixed', on Metacritic, and I would absolutely agree with that verdict. So a 7, for a game that apparently deserves more, is actually a disservice to the game, and there will be some that will, rightly or wrongly, be guided by a 'Mixed' review score, and indeed the actual review is not, in my opinion, indicative of a 7.
Like I say, if it just happened once in a while, then fair enough, but that is not the case....
Push always seem to be a point off when it comes to Xbox produced games, @OldGamer999. If you look at Metacritic right now for PlayStation only reviews the current score is 81 after 21 reviews. It's 84 from Xbox reviews, and 81 from PC reviews. The overall score is also 84.
I have no idea why, Push gave it a 7, because I read the entirety of their review without knowing the score, and thought the review was basically an 8, and then they gave it a 7. It's almost as if it any game from Xbox is deducted a point, whereas they very often seem to inflate the score for first-party games. Basically, I've learned to add a point or deduct a point based on who made it on Push, although I fully expect Pure to give the game a 9, when it probably deserves an 8, so it works both ways... 😂
Yeah, @ZeD, I know I have mentioned it a fair few times now, but then someone might look at this article today, not having seen any of the other times I posted it, and therefore might clock that it was a bargain worth buying. I do apologise to all those that have seen it multiple times by now though... 😂
No, I didn't get it straight away, @RiverGenie, as I pre-ordered it around 2 weeks ago. However, I have received it in time for preloading, which is precisely what I have done. The game is installed, and ready to go right now... 😊
You make a fantastic point, @Markatron84, which again goes to my point at #1, which is someone that has no idea of gaming is dictating unobtainable profit margins. How can that possibly be good for Xbox when someone like her is dictating policy...?
I have bought the Outer Worlds 2: Premium Edition via Loaded (formerly CDKeys) for the Xbox (because you obviously cannot buy codes for PlayStation games there), and I paid £56 for it. That's a saving of £34 on the PlayStation and Xbox Store price. So if you have a choice of console, and want that version of the game, then you can get it cheaper elsewhere.*
I now have it installed, and as I finished the last game I was playing late last night, I am struggling to think what I can play today to pass the time until I can get on to OW2...
*I know I keep mentioning this £34 saving, but on the basis that someone might see only this comment, I think it is a saving worth repeating...! 😎
The problem is, @StonyKL, that you need a balance. What has happened here is that you have gone from people that understand the business of gaming, but weren't hitting those high profit margins, to people who do not understand gaming, but understand business, though their business expectations are based on things other than gaming, and so they are setting targets that are achievable elsewhere, but not in gaming.
That Hood is setting these unachievable targets can only be bad news for Xbox because it can only lead to more cuts, more layoffs, less innovation, fewer games, and a decline in what Xbox is.
You do need a balance, but lurching from one extreme to the other is not going to help the business at all. It sounds to me like Hood just wants the Fornite formula, and if developers could manage to do that, they'd all be doing it because it is a model that makes billions. However, whilst Hood might want that kind of money to be rolling in, just how many of us want to be playing those type of games, and only that type of game...?
As a sidenote, keep giving the kids sweets so that you are their favourite parent. Then, when they have done something truly bad, you can show your displeasure, and they won't be doing it again, because they want you on side... 😉
In other words, someone that has no understanding of gaming has set unreasonable, and potentially unobtainable, targets, and that has manifestly changed everything about Xbox. No wonder we have seen all these massive U-turns, and unpopular decisions. So, as an example, if Gears of War: E-day does not hit that 30% margin, will that be the last game in the franchise? This target has already massively affected Xbox, who knows what more damage will be done before Microsoft realise that gaming is very different to all their other divisions..?
I only call it a PCBox, @fatpunkslim, because people believe that it will be a PC and an Xbox. It's not meant as an insult to Microsoft or Xbox, it's just clear what I'm talking about, and is easier to write than 'next generation of Xbox', or 'Microsoft's next console' etc. And when I used to call it 'Prime', some people didn't know what I was talking about either. PCBox is just a simple way of referring to the next generation of Xbox in a way that people know what I'm talking about, although some people seem to think I am being condescending, that is not my intention...
But do you think the PCBox will come equipped with a keyboard and mouse too, @fatpunkslim, or will that be an optional extra? And to my original question, will the PCBox play old Steam games, or just have a 'verified' library (as the Steam Deck does).
Personally, I think Microsoft will go down the 'verified' route, and that the mouse and keyboard will be an optional extra.
I have a gaming PC that is hooked up to my front room television, and I am using it right now to type this. Resting a keyboard on my lap is absolutely straightforward, but using a mouse is much less so. I can use a mouse on the arm of my chair for simple things like clicking on icons, but playing a game with a mouse and keyboard, on my lap is really awkward. I tried to play Baldur's Gate 3 when it first released with K&M and ended up having to give up and wait for Larian to implement controller support. All this leads me to think that Microsoft won't go down the route of having the PCBox come resplendent with K&M, but have it as an optional extra, and because older games on Steam, mostly pre-2020 games, did not come with controller support, I think Microsoft will aim for a more curated library, rather than enable gamers to access everything as that just invites many, many problems. I think that most modern games, and future releases, will be pretty much automatically 'verified', it's just accessing the older games that I think Microsoft will limit access too, though I suppose Microsoft will allow people to do so at their own personal risk...
Genuine question, @fatpunkslim, but can the Xbox Rog Ally play every Steam game? I honestly don't know the answer, so I'm not trying to be clever here. I was under the assumption that it would only play those games that were 'verified' for the handheld. I may well be wrong in that regards, as I honestly do not know, but I assumed that it was like the Steam Deck, which will play Steam verified games.
If it is, isn't there a possibility that the PCBox will have similar restrictions? That it will only play 'verified' games? I say that because some old games on Steam don't run easily on a proper gaming PC without a lot of messing about, not just needing their settings fiddled with, but their registries and programs.
I fully expect the PCBox to play most Steam games from perhaps the past decade, but even then, many of them don't offer controller support. Baldur's Gate 3, for example, did not launch with controller compatibility, though it obviously has it now. However, if you dig further into the Steam library, games like Mass Effect still, to this day, does not have controller support (although the Legendary Edition does).
I just wonder whether games will be 'verified' for use with the PCBox, rather than simply play everything. Using a keyboard and mouse from an armchair is not particularly easy, and I'm not entirely certain that Microsoft will include it with the PCBox for that reason alone, although you will doubtless be able to get one for it should you wish.
Like I say, I'm not trying to be clever about this, just wondering whether the PCBox will reach quite as far as you suggest...
Nothing yet again for me this month. My Ultimate has been pretty much a waste of money, truth be told, mostly because I like to own the games that I play, and I stacked Ultimate mostly to give me access to online so that I can play Gears 5 (which I own!) with my mates. I am stacked until June 2027, at which time I will drop to Essential instead.
That said, I have bought Outer Worlds 2 Premium Edition via Loaded (formerly CDKeys), where I got it for £34 less than it is on sale for on the Xbox Store. Thus, you can save a lot of money if you shop around, guys... 😎
There's no way that this device will come in at much less than a $£1000, @Meehanuk_1987. Indeed it will probably cost more than that, which, is something that I have been saying since the idea of it being a PC first began to circulate. You simply cannot have a capable PC for under a grand.
Indeed, there's speculation that it might be around $£1200, as is covered over on Push Square:
You could well be right, @Coletrain, it just seems that I see a lot of negativity around the game, especially over on Push. Maybe it's just tribalism at play, and when they actually get the game it will be a different story. I'm sure they would have been more than happy with the game, had it released as a PlayStation exclusive, as was Sony's initial intention, and also the reason why Microsoft acquired Bethesda...
I've said all along that Starfield will come to the PlayStation as a 'Complete Edition', and I think part of the reason that Bethesda are still doing another DLC, rather than having ported it earlier, and also why they are still working on the game in general, is because they know that the game has a fairly negative overview and that it needs to be better if it is to do well on the PlayStation.
Having said that, even now, the game is better than when it first released both in terms of performance and content, so those 7s it received should probably be 8s by now (or maybe even higher), though it will be interesting to see whether it is marked down by PlayStation centric websites simply because it released first on the Xbox (and PC)...
I've said all along, @Medic_alert, that the beauty of Game Pass is in the hands of the individual gamer. If you play a lot of stuff on there, then maybe even at this new high price, it is still worth it. If you get value out of it at its old price, but this new price means you won't, then you should absolutely either shop around for a deal, or consider perhaps dropping to a more affodable tier. Or, if you are like myself, and really only have it for online, then Ultimate really has priced itself beyond its worth, meaning I will more than likely drop to Essential if I have an Xbox console, or drop it entirely, if I am gaming on a PC instead.
The value of Game Pass really is down to the individual concerned, but Microsoft have made it so that people really do need to look into whether it has value for themselves now, rather than it being the nice to have option that it was before...
How ridiculous are the combos, @Liam_Doolan? In other words, how many different buttons do you need to press in order to pull one of the better ones off?
I have ADHD, which majorly affects my memory, meaning I cannot remember overly long or intricate combos. Is there a mode for basically light and heavy attacks, or is there no assistance in this regard? Thanks...
I did play, and finish NG3, when that first came out many years ago, @BattleMonkey. It just seems that in recent years my memory has become worse and worse. I'm nearly 62, and I think that age, combined my ADHD, is affecting my memory more than it has in previous times. I will likely still have a stab at NG4 (see what I did there 😂), and I may be worrying over nothing. I guess I'll just have to see...
That is exactly my thinking, @Medic_alert. My Ultimate runs out in June 2027, and by then I will know whether I am getting just the PS6 and upgrading my gaming PC but using the PS6 as my main, or whether I will be getting the PCBox and the PS6, and keeping Xbox as my main.
In all honesty, I really do not get my monies worth out of Game Pass, and the Outer Worlds 2 is a good example of that, because even with first party games, I prefer to buy them. Thus, if I do stick with Xbox as my main, which is how it has been since the OG released almost 24 years ago, I will probably drop to Essential anyway, because I only need it to play online with my mates. I really do not need Ultimate, and with the price increase, it just not worth it for me now...
Evil West is a superb game that I very much enjoyed when it first came out.
I have concerns with regards to Ninja Gaiden in respect of my memory, and how my ADHD will affect my ability to remember difficult combos, meaning that it will be virtually impossible for me to pull of the best ones. I may still give it a go, but have my doubts as to whether I will be able to finish it...
I have, @Medic_alert, and agree that it is tempting. However, I still have another 20 months stacked, and I want to see how Xbox is positioned then before deciding whether to invest any longer in Game Pass at that time. It definitely goes to show that shopping around can net you some excellent bargains...
I have the Premium edition on pre-order with Loaded (formerly CDKeys), and it was £34 cheaper on there than on the Xbox Store, so if you want that version, and want it cheaper, that's a good place to look for it.
All that said, I'm really looking forward to the game...
Yes, I am aware, thank you, @GuyinPA75. I used to play the game a lot, but was not happy when they removed entire planets, etc., and so it has been a few years since I played the game. Indeed, I've often thought about getting some of the DLC but have chosen not to because Bungie were doing this. However, as I was able to buy 3 separate DLC packs for just £13 I have decided to get them, my thinking being that I am only interested in the campaign bits, and I'm guessing that they wouldn't be selling the bits that are currently unavailable.
For me, Destiny is something that I only go through every few years, and then only the campaign, and maybe a bit of open world, so for my £13 investment I imagine I should still get my monies worth. However, thank you for the warning...
Feeling very annoyed and aggrieved right now! After 4 or 5 weeks of trying, and probably upwards of 20 attempts, my son, my mate, and myself finally managed to beat a Horde on Master in Gears 5 as a trio (with 2 bots too). We did all 50 waves, and at the end our score came up saying we had scored something above 670,000 points, but when we checked the stats, it has not updated at all. That run took around 2 hours and 15 minutes, and basically it was all for nothing! Yes, I know that we know that we succeeded, but the fact that none of us has updated stats to show that we have is very frustrating. Anyone that has actually completed a Master run will know how difficult they are (because if you all die, the run ends), but will also probably have done it as a team of 5, so for 3 of us to complete it makes it much harder still.
I don't even know whether it updated the fact that we did a run at all, as I though I am currently number 88 in the World as a Mechanic, I don't know where I was before today, as it is not something I keep a regular eye on.
All very frustrating, and to think that I did the last 26 waves with absolutely no sound, thanks to some bug or other, meaning I couldn't hear where the enemies were, made it all the harder too. As much as I love the game, stuff like this should not be happening 6 years after the game launched...
Excellent! Thank you, @Kramlar. I actually took a look and of the 5 that were on offer, 3 had campaigns included, and 2 have campaigns that appear to be free to play so I only bought the first 3. I did read that one of them was a bit naff, but I bought it anyway as it was only a couple of pounds. I am quite looking forward to playing it as the one thing that they do well in Destiny 2 is the combat...
I'm 70 hours into my run of Ghost of Yotei, and am absolutely loving it. It is definitely a strong contender for Game of the Year, though my personal favourite this year has been Cronos: The New Dawn (and yes! I have played Expedition 33 as well).
With any luck, tomorrow, I might get another stab at a Master Horde with just myself, my youngest son, and my mate (and 2 bots!) in Gears 5 tomorrow as we haven't had chance today. It's proving really difficult, as we keep getting wiped on one of the boss waves, which on the map we are doing (Turbine) has a Matriarch on every single boss wave, and she's proving very, very challenging. We got to wave 40 a number of times now, but cannot quite get through it, but we will eventually...!
I'm actually tempted by the Destiny 2 DLC packs as I really enjoy going through the game every now and again. I only ever play any of the content that can be played solo, so don't do the Raids, for example, though there are a few Strikes that can be done solo. My thinking is that there will be enough campaign missions in each DLC to make spending a couple of quid on them worthwhile.
Does anyone know whether every DLC has a solo campaign element? Or if not, which ones I should avoid...?
Definitely looks that way, @JayJ. It looks like Rennsport may be a game to pick up when there is a lot more content than there will be upon release. The question is though whether people will stick with the game in order to give it the content that the game needs...
My son is diehard when it comes to racing games, @RiverGenie. He plays them all with all assists turned off, and plays them on the hardest difficulty, whereas I have most of the assists turned on, and don't go daft on the difficulty (I also get bored a lot quicker than he does!). 😂
Anyway, to my point! He and I were looking at both games last night, and it looks like Rennsport only has 3 makes of car, and only 4 or 5 tracks, whereas Project is a package comparable to Forza Motorsport. He has decided to keep an eye on Rennsport, and then buy Project, which as we game share means that'll be the one I play too.
If you are only looking to buy one game right now, it looks like Project is the one to go for initially...
I'm thinking of upgrading some of the components within my PC, @RiverGenie, but I'm also minded to wait to see what Microsoft give us because I much prefer to game on a console. Time will tell which way I end up going...
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, but don't sleep on Hell Is Us. I really enjoyed the game. I enjoyed the combat and exploration, and it has some very challenging puzzles as you go through, though I have to admit that I had to look up the solutions twice during my first playthrough...
I can strongly recommend Dying Light 2, @johnK. I last played it through a year or so ago on my Series X, having played it solo when it first released, and don't recall any bugs at all. It is a fun game, and indeed, you can play through it twice if you want to see the two different sets of tools that gives you by siding with a different faction in each playthrough...
Comments 3,754
Re: Xbox & Bethesda Announce Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition For Next Month
Are there any performance or graphical upgrades, @Kezelpaso? Or is it literally just a complete package including Creations? Thanks...
Re: Roundup: Here's What The Reviews Are Saying About Xbox's The Outer Worlds 2
I think you have completely missed the point of my comment, @themightyant. I was / am specifically talking about Push, not every reviewer out there, nor every other website that does reviews. Just Push and the fact that it is noticeable that they always mark an Xbox game down, and always overstate their own (the latter part I would say Pure is guilty of too).
The reason it is so noticeable is because of the number of Xbox games that have been released on the PlayStation, and every single time they dock a point even when they praise the game in their reviews. It is entirely predictable as it happens literally every time...
Re: The Outer Worlds 2 Comparison Shows Difference Between Xbox Series X And Series S
Sorry, @Kezelpaso, I didn't realise. You're doing great...! 👍
Re: The Outer Worlds 2 Comparison Shows Difference Between Xbox Series X And Series S
Will there be a full review from yourselves, @Kezelpaso & @FraserG...?
I have a 120HTZ television, so I'm hoping that I'll be able to play it on Quality mode as I'm a sucker for a pretty game. If not, I'll settle for Performance as I'm not sensitive to FPS in the way some others are, probably because I have terrible eyesight... 😂
Re: Microsoft's 'This Is An Xbox' Ad Evolves As Holiday Marketing Ramps Up
Not even technically, @ButterySmooth30FPS. They are very much 3 dimensional... 😂
Re: Hands On: Is The Outer Worlds 2 Obsidian's Third Xbox Success Of The Year?
Nice! Glad to be of service, @ZeD. Tis just a shame I don't actually get commission... 😂
Re: Hands On: Is The Outer Worlds 2 Obsidian's Third Xbox Success Of The Year?
No worries, @RiverGenie. I use them all the time, though more often than not it is for their gift cards (I usually buy around £100 a month, and occasionally more), but do also pre-order their games too. I think I have only ever received one game actually on the day it released, but even then, I was still able to play it the day it released.
What I will say though is that their Customer Service is excellent. I have, on a couple of occasions, bought a game for a PC instead of the Xbox, or the wrong region. It has always been my fault, but they are always very quick to refund the game for me. I've never had a bad experience with them...
Re: Roundup: Here's What The Reviews Are Saying About Xbox's The Outer Worlds 2
Wait a moment, @themightyant, you cannot compare the review scores for Forza Horizon 5 because they were reviewed 4 years apart, and were vastly differing games. The version that PlayStation received had vastly more content than was present when the game first released, and Push marked it down for having too much content, as if it was compulsory to undertake everything, or that gamers are too stupid to decide how much of the game they want to play. Also, to that exact point, on Metacritic, the game has a 9.2 overall score from 31 reviews just for the PlayStation.
As for Indiana Jones the game had bugs on release that saw the game marked down, whereas it was in a more polished state when it released on the PlayStation. It also has an overall score of 8.8 for the PlayStation from 41 reviews. Thus even then the game is closer to a 9 than an 8, but Push wouldn't go there choosing instead to give it an 8 rather than a 9.
The difficulty with comparing how Sony exclusives fair when it comes to being reviewed by Xbox centric websites is that there are very few (basically one (Helldivers 2)) games on which you can compare how they are treated. It's only obvious when it comes to Xbox because so many are going over...
Re: Roundup: Here's What The Reviews Are Saying About Xbox's The Outer Worlds 2
You say that, @PsBoxSwitchOwner, but if Push only occasionally marked down an Xbox made game, then fair enough, but they don't they consistently do it. After 41 reviews on Metacritic, the game has an average of 8.4, so Push are in fact more than a point off in this case, and their review would actually be pulling that 8.4 down.
Add to that, a game that scores an 8 or above is considered 'Positive', whereas 7 is regarded as 'Mixed', on Metacritic, and I would absolutely agree with that verdict. So a 7, for a game that apparently deserves more, is actually a disservice to the game, and there will be some that will, rightly or wrongly, be guided by a 'Mixed' review score, and indeed the actual review is not, in my opinion, indicative of a 7.
Like I say, if it just happened once in a while, then fair enough, but that is not the case....
Re: Hands On: Is The Outer Worlds 2 Obsidian's Third Xbox Success Of The Year?
Push always seem to be a point off when it comes to Xbox produced games, @OldGamer999. If you look at Metacritic right now for PlayStation only reviews the current score is 81 after 21 reviews. It's 84 from Xbox reviews, and 81 from PC reviews. The overall score is also 84.
I have no idea why, Push gave it a 7, because I read the entirety of their review without knowing the score, and thought the review was basically an 8, and then they gave it a 7. It's almost as if it any game from Xbox is deducted a point, whereas they very often seem to inflate the score for first-party games. Basically, I've learned to add a point or deduct a point based on who made it on Push, although I fully expect Pure to give the game a 9, when it probably deserves an 8, so it works both ways... 😂
Re: Hands On: Is The Outer Worlds 2 Obsidian's Third Xbox Success Of The Year?
Yeah, @ZeD, I know I have mentioned it a fair few times now, but then someone might look at this article today, not having seen any of the other times I posted it, and therefore might clock that it was a bargain worth buying. I do apologise to all those that have seen it multiple times by now though... 😂
Re: Hands On: Is The Outer Worlds 2 Obsidian's Third Xbox Success Of The Year?
No, I didn't get it straight away, @RiverGenie, as I pre-ordered it around 2 weeks ago. However, I have received it in time for preloading, which is precisely what I have done. The game is installed, and ready to go right now... 😊
Re: Report: Xbox Has Been Asking Its Studios To Hit 'Higher Profit Margins' Since 2023
You make a fantastic point, @Markatron84, which again goes to my point at #1, which is someone that has no idea of gaming is dictating unobtainable profit margins. How can that possibly be good for Xbox when someone like her is dictating policy...?
Re: Hands On: Is The Outer Worlds 2 Obsidian's Third Xbox Success Of The Year?
I have bought the Outer Worlds 2: Premium Edition via Loaded (formerly CDKeys) for the Xbox (because you obviously cannot buy codes for PlayStation games there), and I paid £56 for it. That's a saving of £34 on the PlayStation and Xbox Store price. So if you have a choice of console, and want that version of the game, then you can get it cheaper elsewhere.*
I now have it installed, and as I finished the last game I was playing late last night, I am struggling to think what I can play today to pass the time until I can get on to OW2...
*I know I keep mentioning this £34 saving, but on the basis that someone might see only this comment, I think it is a saving worth repeating...! 😎
Re: Hands On: Is The Outer Worlds 2 Obsidian's Third Xbox Success Of The Year?
Well as Push Square gave the game a 7, @OldGamer999, you just know that Pure Xbox will give it a 9... 😂
Re: Report: Xbox Has Been Asking Its Studios To Hit 'Higher Profit Margins' Since 2023
As, @PsBoxSwitchOwner said, @OldGamer999... 👍
Re: Report: Xbox Has Been Asking Its Studios To Hit 'Higher Profit Margins' Since 2023
The problem is, @StonyKL, that you need a balance. What has happened here is that you have gone from people that understand the business of gaming, but weren't hitting those high profit margins, to people who do not understand gaming, but understand business, though their business expectations are based on things other than gaming, and so they are setting targets that are achievable elsewhere, but not in gaming.
That Hood is setting these unachievable targets can only be bad news for Xbox because it can only lead to more cuts, more layoffs, less innovation, fewer games, and a decline in what Xbox is.
You do need a balance, but lurching from one extreme to the other is not going to help the business at all. It sounds to me like Hood just wants the Fornite formula, and if developers could manage to do that, they'd all be doing it because it is a model that makes billions. However, whilst Hood might want that kind of money to be rolling in, just how many of us want to be playing those type of games, and only that type of game...?
As a sidenote, keep giving the kids sweets so that you are their favourite parent. Then, when they have done something truly bad, you can show your displeasure, and they won't be doing it again, because they want you on side... 😉
Re: Report: Xbox Has Been Asking Its Studios To Hit 'Higher Profit Margins' Since 2023
Totally agree, @Gabrie. I rooted for the ABK acquisition thinking it would be really good for Xbox. Oh, how utterly wrong I was...
Re: Report: Xbox Has Been Asking Its Studios To Hit 'Higher Profit Margins' Since 2023
In other words, someone that has no understanding of gaming has set unreasonable, and potentially unobtainable, targets, and that has manifestly changed everything about Xbox. No wonder we have seen all these massive U-turns, and unpopular decisions. So, as an example, if Gears of War: E-day does not hit that 30% margin, will that be the last game in the franchise? This target has already massively affected Xbox, who knows what more damage will be done before Microsoft realise that gaming is very different to all their other divisions..?
Re: Sarah Bond: Our Next-Gen Console Will Be 'Very Premium' & Informed By ROG Xbox Ally
I only call it a PCBox, @fatpunkslim, because people believe that it will be a PC and an Xbox. It's not meant as an insult to Microsoft or Xbox, it's just clear what I'm talking about, and is easier to write than 'next generation of Xbox', or 'Microsoft's next console' etc. And when I used to call it 'Prime', some people didn't know what I was talking about either. PCBox is just a simple way of referring to the next generation of Xbox in a way that people know what I'm talking about, although some people seem to think I am being condescending, that is not my intention...
Re: Sarah Bond: Our Next-Gen Console Will Be 'Very Premium' & Informed By ROG Xbox Ally
But do you think the PCBox will come equipped with a keyboard and mouse too, @fatpunkslim, or will that be an optional extra? And to my original question, will the PCBox play old Steam games, or just have a 'verified' library (as the Steam Deck does).
Personally, I think Microsoft will go down the 'verified' route, and that the mouse and keyboard will be an optional extra.
I have a gaming PC that is hooked up to my front room television, and I am using it right now to type this. Resting a keyboard on my lap is absolutely straightforward, but using a mouse is much less so. I can use a mouse on the arm of my chair for simple things like clicking on icons, but playing a game with a mouse and keyboard, on my lap is really awkward. I tried to play Baldur's Gate 3 when it first released with K&M and ended up having to give up and wait for Larian to implement controller support. All this leads me to think that Microsoft won't go down the route of having the PCBox come resplendent with K&M, but have it as an optional extra, and because older games on Steam, mostly pre-2020 games, did not come with controller support, I think Microsoft will aim for a more curated library, rather than enable gamers to access everything as that just invites many, many problems. I think that most modern games, and future releases, will be pretty much automatically 'verified', it's just accessing the older games that I think Microsoft will limit access too, though I suppose Microsoft will allow people to do so at their own personal risk...
Re: Sarah Bond: Our Next-Gen Console Will Be 'Very Premium' & Informed By ROG Xbox Ally
Genuine question, @fatpunkslim, but can the Xbox Rog Ally play every Steam game? I honestly don't know the answer, so I'm not trying to be clever here. I was under the assumption that it would only play those games that were 'verified' for the handheld. I may well be wrong in that regards, as I honestly do not know, but I assumed that it was like the Steam Deck, which will play Steam verified games.
If it is, isn't there a possibility that the PCBox will have similar restrictions? That it will only play 'verified' games? I say that because some old games on Steam don't run easily on a proper gaming PC without a lot of messing about, not just needing their settings fiddled with, but their registries and programs.
I fully expect the PCBox to play most Steam games from perhaps the past decade, but even then, many of them don't offer controller support. Baldur's Gate 3, for example, did not launch with controller compatibility, though it obviously has it now. However, if you dig further into the Steam library, games like Mass Effect still, to this day, does not have controller support (although the Legendary Edition does).
I just wonder whether games will be 'verified' for use with the PCBox, rather than simply play everything. Using a keyboard and mouse from an armchair is not particularly easy, and I'm not entirely certain that Microsoft will include it with the PCBox for that reason alone, although you will doubtless be able to get one for it should you wish.
Like I say, I'm not trying to be clever about this, just wondering whether the PCBox will reach quite as far as you suggest...
Re: These 10 Games Are Coming To Xbox Game Pass (October 22 - November 4)
Nothing yet again for me this month. My Ultimate has been pretty much a waste of money, truth be told, mostly because I like to own the games that I play, and I stacked Ultimate mostly to give me access to online so that I can play Gears 5 (which I own!) with my mates. I am stacked until June 2027, at which time I will drop to Essential instead.
That said, I have bought Outer Worlds 2 Premium Edition via Loaded (formerly CDKeys), where I got it for £34 less than it is on sale for on the Xbox Store. Thus, you can save a lot of money if you shop around, guys... 😎
Re: Sarah Bond: Our Next-Gen Console Will Be 'Very Premium' & Informed By ROG Xbox Ally
There's no way that this device will come in at much less than a $£1000, @Meehanuk_1987. Indeed it will probably cost more than that, which, is something that I have been saying since the idea of it being a PC first began to circulate. You simply cannot have a capable PC for under a grand.
Indeed, there's speculation that it might be around $£1200, as is covered over on Push Square:
https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2025/10/ps6-could-be-less-than-half-the-price-of-microsofts-very-premium-next-gen-xbox
Re: Rumour: Xbox Won't Announce Starfield For PS5 Until 2026, It's Claimed
You could well be right, @Coletrain, it just seems that I see a lot of negativity around the game, especially over on Push. Maybe it's just tribalism at play, and when they actually get the game it will be a different story. I'm sure they would have been more than happy with the game, had it released as a PlayStation exclusive, as was Sony's initial intention, and also the reason why Microsoft acquired Bethesda...
Re: Rumour: Xbox Won't Announce Starfield For PS5 Until 2026, It's Claimed
I've said all along that Starfield will come to the PlayStation as a 'Complete Edition', and I think part of the reason that Bethesda are still doing another DLC, rather than having ported it earlier, and also why they are still working on the game in general, is because they know that the game has a fairly negative overview and that it needs to be better if it is to do well on the PlayStation.
Having said that, even now, the game is better than when it first released both in terms of performance and content, so those 7s it received should probably be 8s by now (or maybe even higher), though it will be interesting to see whether it is marked down by PlayStation centric websites simply because it released first on the Xbox (and PC)...
Re: Two Games Are Available Today With Xbox Game Pass (October 21)
I probably will, @Titntin, though I'm hoping for an Ultra-easy mode, where you press X and everything on screen dies in an instant... 🤣
I never realised that an alternative for cat would be blanked out! Every day is a learning day... 😂
Re: The Outer Worlds 2: Release Date, Release Times & How To Get Early Access On Xbox
I've said all along, @Medic_alert, that the beauty of Game Pass is in the hands of the individual gamer. If you play a lot of stuff on there, then maybe even at this new high price, it is still worth it. If you get value out of it at its old price, but this new price means you won't, then you should absolutely either shop around for a deal, or consider perhaps dropping to a more affodable tier. Or, if you are like myself, and really only have it for online, then Ultimate really has priced itself beyond its worth, meaning I will more than likely drop to Essential if I have an Xbox console, or drop it entirely, if I am gaming on a PC instead.
The value of Game Pass really is down to the individual concerned, but Microsoft have made it so that people really do need to look into whether it has value for themselves now, rather than it being the nice to have option that it was before...
Re: Review: Ninja Gaiden 4 (Xbox) - Platinum Propels The Series Forward On Xbox Game Pass
How ridiculous are the combos, @Liam_Doolan? In other words, how many different buttons do you need to press in order to pull one of the better ones off?
I have ADHD, which majorly affects my memory, meaning I cannot remember overly long or intricate combos. Is there a mode for basically light and heavy attacks, or is there no assistance in this regard? Thanks...
Re: Two Games Are Available Today With Xbox Game Pass (October 21)
I did play, and finish NG3, when that first came out many years ago, @BattleMonkey. It just seems that in recent years my memory has become worse and worse. I'm nearly 62, and I think that age, combined my ADHD, is affecting my memory more than it has in previous times. I will likely still have a stab at NG4 (see what I did there 😂), and I may be worrying over nothing. I guess I'll just have to see...
Re: The Outer Worlds 2: Release Date, Release Times & How To Get Early Access On Xbox
That is exactly my thinking, @Medic_alert. My Ultimate runs out in June 2027, and by then I will know whether I am getting just the PS6 and upgrading my gaming PC but using the PS6 as my main, or whether I will be getting the PCBox and the PS6, and keeping Xbox as my main.
In all honesty, I really do not get my monies worth out of Game Pass, and the Outer Worlds 2 is a good example of that, because even with first party games, I prefer to buy them. Thus, if I do stick with Xbox as my main, which is how it has been since the OG released almost 24 years ago, I will probably drop to Essential anyway, because I only need it to play online with my mates. I really do not need Ultimate, and with the price increase, it just not worth it for me now...
Re: Two Games Are Available Today With Xbox Game Pass (October 21)
Evil West is a superb game that I very much enjoyed when it first came out.
I have concerns with regards to Ninja Gaiden in respect of my memory, and how my ADHD will affect my ability to remember difficult combos, meaning that it will be virtually impossible for me to pull of the best ones. I may still give it a go, but have my doubts as to whether I will be able to finish it...
Re: The Outer Worlds 2: Release Date, Release Times & How To Get Early Access On Xbox
I have, @Medic_alert, and agree that it is tempting. However, I still have another 20 months stacked, and I want to see how Xbox is positioned then before deciding whether to invest any longer in Game Pass at that time. It definitely goes to show that shopping around can net you some excellent bargains...
Re: The Outer Worlds 2: Release Date, Release Times & How To Get Early Access On Xbox
I have the Premium edition on pre-order with Loaded (formerly CDKeys), and it was £34 cheaper on there than on the Xbox Store, so if you want that version, and want it cheaper, that's a good place to look for it.
All that said, I'm really looking forward to the game...
Re: 20+ Games Are Reduced By 90-95% In This Year's Xbox Shocktober Sale
Yes, I am aware, thank you, @GuyinPA75. I used to play the game a lot, but was not happy when they removed entire planets, etc., and so it has been a few years since I played the game. Indeed, I've often thought about getting some of the DLC but have chosen not to because Bungie were doing this. However, as I was able to buy 3 separate DLC packs for just £13 I have decided to get them, my thinking being that I am only interested in the campaign bits, and I'm guessing that they wouldn't be selling the bits that are currently unavailable.
For me, Destiny is something that I only go through every few years, and then only the campaign, and maybe a bit of open world, so for my £13 investment I imagine I should still get my monies worth. However, thank you for the warning...
Re: Xbox President Explains Why Microsoft Ditched Its First-Party Handheld
This is one of the few decisions that Microsoft have made recently that actually makes sense...
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 18-19)
Feeling very annoyed and aggrieved right now! After 4 or 5 weeks of trying, and probably upwards of 20 attempts, my son, my mate, and myself finally managed to beat a Horde on Master in Gears 5 as a trio (with 2 bots too). We did all 50 waves, and at the end our score came up saying we had scored something above 670,000 points, but when we checked the stats, it has not updated at all. That run took around 2 hours and 15 minutes, and basically it was all for nothing! Yes, I know that we know that we succeeded, but the fact that none of us has updated stats to show that we have is very frustrating. Anyone that has actually completed a Master run will know how difficult they are (because if you all die, the run ends), but will also probably have done it as a team of 5, so for 3 of us to complete it makes it much harder still.
I don't even know whether it updated the fact that we did a run at all, as I though I am currently number 88 in the World as a Mechanic, I don't know where I was before today, as it is not something I keep a regular eye on.
All very frustrating, and to think that I did the last 26 waves with absolutely no sound, thanks to some bug or other, meaning I couldn't hear where the enemies were, made it all the harder too. As much as I love the game, stuff like this should not be happening 6 years after the game launched...
Re: 20+ Games Are Reduced By 90-95% In This Year's Xbox Shocktober Sale
Excellent! Thank you, @Kramlar. I actually took a look and of the 5 that were on offer, 3 had campaigns included, and 2 have campaigns that appear to be free to play so I only bought the first 3. I did read that one of them was a bit naff, but I bought it anyway as it was only a couple of pounds. I am quite looking forward to playing it as the one thing that they do well in Destiny 2 is the combat...
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 18-19)
I'm 70 hours into my run of Ghost of Yotei, and am absolutely loving it. It is definitely a strong contender for Game of the Year, though my personal favourite this year has been Cronos: The New Dawn (and yes! I have played Expedition 33 as well).
With any luck, tomorrow, I might get another stab at a Master Horde with just myself, my youngest son, and my mate (and 2 bots!) in Gears 5 tomorrow as we haven't had chance today. It's proving really difficult, as we keep getting wiped on one of the boss waves, which on the map we are doing (Turbine) has a Matriarch on every single boss wave, and she's proving very, very challenging. We got to wave 40 a number of times now, but cannot quite get through it, but we will eventually...!
Re: 20+ Games Are Reduced By 90-95% In This Year's Xbox Shocktober Sale
I'm actually tempted by the Destiny 2 DLC packs as I really enjoy going through the game every now and again. I only ever play any of the content that can be played solo, so don't do the Raids, for example, though there are a few Strikes that can be done solo. My thinking is that there will be enough campaign missions in each DLC to make spending a couple of quid on them worthwhile.
Does anyone know whether every DLC has a solo campaign element? Or if not, which ones I should avoid...?
Re: Three Very Intriguing Racing Games Are Coming To Xbox This November
Definitely looks that way, @JayJ. It looks like Rennsport may be a game to pick up when there is a lot more content than there will be upon release. The question is though whether people will stick with the game in order to give it the content that the game needs...
Re: Three Very Intriguing Racing Games Are Coming To Xbox This November
My son is diehard when it comes to racing games, @RiverGenie. He plays them all with all assists turned off, and plays them on the hardest difficulty, whereas I have most of the assists turned on, and don't go daft on the difficulty (I also get bored a lot quicker than he does!). 😂
Anyway, to my point! He and I were looking at both games last night, and it looks like Rennsport only has 3 makes of car, and only 4 or 5 tracks, whereas Project is a package comparable to Forza Motorsport. He has decided to keep an eye on Rennsport, and then buy Project, which as we game share means that'll be the one I play too.
If you are only looking to buy one game right now, it looks like Project is the one to go for initially...
Re: Xbox Says It 'Defines Success' By How Much Time Players Spend On The Platform
I buy 2-3 games a month, @BacklogBrad. Mostly AAA and AA, so Microsoft must absolutely love me... 😂
Re: Xbox Shocktober Sale 2025 Now Live, 200+ Games Discounted
Thank you, @FraserG. That explains it! Much appreciated... 👍
Re: Xbox Shocktober Sale 2025 Now Live, 200+ Games Discounted
Is the sale live in the UK, @FraserG? Myself and my son had a look a couple of hours ago and could not find it. Thanks...
Re: Digital Foundry Delivers Its Verdict On The Xbox Versions Of Battlefield 6
I have a 120Hz display with VRR! It's just a shame that the game doesn't interest me... 🤣
Re: Xbox Says It 'Defines Success' By How Much Time Players Spend On The Platform
Microsoft must love me then, what with my 7+ hours a day gaming on my Xbox and bumping up the averages as a consequence... 😉😂
Re: Xbox Indie Showcase Announced For October 2025
I'm thinking of upgrading some of the components within my PC, @RiverGenie, but I'm also minded to wait to see what Microsoft give us because I much prefer to game on a console. Time will tell which way I end up going...
Re: Xbox Shocktober Sale 2025 Now Live, 200+ Games Discounted
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, but don't sleep on Hell Is Us. I really enjoyed the game. I enjoyed the combat and exploration, and it has some very challenging puzzles as you go through, though I have to admit that I had to look up the solutions twice during my first playthrough...
Re: Xbox Shocktober Sale 2025 Now Live, 200+ Games Discounted
I can strongly recommend Dying Light 2, @johnK. I last played it through a year or so ago on my Series X, having played it solo when it first released, and don't recall any bugs at all. It is a fun game, and indeed, you can play through it twice if you want to see the two different sets of tools that gives you by siding with a different faction in each playthrough...