@Fiendish-Beaver Hey! It totally depends on your preference, we'd recommend trying both to see what you think. Typically, these 40FPS modes give you 30FPS graphics with smoother visuals and better response times, so they can strike a nice balance. If you want all-out fluidity then 60 should be the way to go! Both seem like viable options for Avowed.
@Elbow I'll be honest, I'm not super well versed in how GOG works, so if it's mostly their work then this is great stuff. Either way, I still want Capcom to bring these to Xbox in some form π
@Fiendish-Beaver Well... Xbox has been deliberately vague in its wording. "visit a surprise location to see another studioβs brand new game" nowhere does that explicitly say 'unannounced'. Brand new game could simply mean it's not a remaster or re-release... Only time will tell but I think folks are maybe reading into it or mixing up the various reports with what MS has actually said!
@Kaloudz This year feels a safe bet! I wouldn't expect Bloodlines 2 tomorrow but something about Silent Hill... after this rating I'm convincing myself it's gonna be the surprise π
@Markatron84 As we said in the post, it seems most likely to be something to do with E-Day, maybe a revisit of the old games after a meeting with the dev team or something? Either way, we think the timing is intriguing... the man hadn't been on Gears 2 since 2009
@BacklogBrad It totally depends on the game but if it's a twitchy FPS it's an advantage, no question. How many people do you think bought a console to sit and use a M&KB with it? It's a device designed for a controller in a living room and that should be the focus.
@BacklogBrad I do mention that input-based toggles would work, that would separate console M&KB players too. But, I assume the vast majority of console players dont use M&KB so it's nowhere near as much of an issue as PC.
I dont want to use M&KB because I game on a sofa with a controller and that's the experience I want. I shouldn't be at a massive disadvantage on a console controller when I bought, a console, to play games on.
If input is a scapegoat why is my experience so much better when I go into my console settings and turn crossplay off? Microsoft shouldn't bury this stuff.
@TeiGekiLord Yes. In all seriousness, I just think the PS5 stuff gives Xbox a reason to have more options. This has been an issue for years, but an understandable one given lower player counts on Xbox. That probably won't be an issue going forward...
@Benjamin Updated and added this now, our bad! I think I had Crystal Dynamics in my mind for this one, who of course aren't a first-party team. It'd be interesting to know which team is doing the heavy lifting with PD.
@Boogaloo_Jenkins definitely an option! For now we just wanted to bring all first party studios into one article to keep track of everything going on at Xbox. Maybe we'll look into expanding it or doing a separate article - but it's a little harder to track some of these 2nd party projects.
@Balaam_ I assume you haven't played the black ops 6 campaign then? Might be worth trying before slandering it. Raven did a fantastic job, this year's cod is much more than just multiplayer.
@jolteon23 Good discount here, but I always find Xbox's 'Countdown' sale at the end of the year to be very good. Could be worth seeing what crops up there!
@themightyant Yep, I tried to explain this by saying this is for the Call of Duty Hub app. But, BO6 will have still massively contributed to it beating the likes of FN and Roblox. It's a shame we can't see the BO6 numbers specifically...
@RiverGenie Yeah shotguns work alongside SMG's - but theyre a bit less forgiving if you miss! So far I've found shotguns more effective on humans and rapid fire weapons on monsters.
@Fiendish-Beaver No Dolby Atmos with these as far as I'm aware... personally I think the Stealth 700 is more comfortable than the Xbox headset (less clampy), but that's a matter of personal preference.
If you're sticking to one platform Xbox might be the way to go (certainly cheaper) but these are a really good option for playing across multiple systems.
@Elbow Yep, there's loads to go at so it can be tough picking out the best deals. We're expecting the Black Friday sale in the next couple weeks or so as well - something to be aware of!
Comments 640
Re: Bethesda's Last Wolfenstein Game Is Now Free To Claim On Xbox With Prime Gaming
My bad there! I've just edited the link to the Xbox version π
Re: Private Division's Lord Of The Rings Game Has Been Delayed On Xbox
@Lup Yep! As the quote says. We just like to get Xbox in the heading π
Re: Free Play Days: Try These Xbox Games For Free (February 20-23)
@Kaloudz Not played it myself but there doesn't appear to be any sort of time restriction on it! Could be a good time to give it a whirl.
Re: 20 Of The Best Backwards Compatible Games You Can Play On Xbox
Any suggestions may make it onto future lists, just saying π
We try to include everything but there are SO MANY great games in this library π
Re: Avowed Performance Modes Tested, Including 40FPS Option On Xbox Series S
@Fiendish-Beaver Hey! It totally depends on your preference, we'd recommend trying both to see what you think.
Typically, these 40FPS modes give you 30FPS graphics with smoother visuals and better response times, so they can strike a nice balance. If you want all-out fluidity then 60 should be the way to go! Both seem like viable options for Avowed.
Re: Another Classic Resident Evil Game Has Been Rated For Xbox Series X|S
@themightyant I gotta do another RE2 Remake run sometime soon, bloody love that game.
Enjoy 3 and 4! The latter especially is an absolute banger.
Re: Xbox Play Anywhere Title Available For Free With Amazon Prime Gaming This Month
@Kaloudz Yup, bit of a strange entry. But, free's free π
Re: Talking Point: Capcom, It's Time To Get Dino Crisis On Xbox
@Elbow I'll be honest, I'm not super well versed in how GOG works, so if it's mostly their work then this is great stuff.
Either way, I still want Capcom to bring these to Xbox in some form π
Re: 'Silent Hill F' & Another Long-In-Development Xbox Game Rated In South Korea
@Fiendish-Beaver Well... Xbox has been deliberately vague in its wording.
"visit a surprise location to see another studioβs brand new game" nowhere does that explicitly say 'unannounced'. Brand new game could simply mean it's not a remaster or re-release...
Only time will tell but I think folks are maybe reading into it or mixing up the various reports with what MS has actually said!
Re: 'Silent Hill F' & Another Long-In-Development Xbox Game Rated In South Korea
@Kaloudz This year feels a safe bet! I wouldn't expect Bloodlines 2 tomorrow but something about Silent Hill... after this rating I'm convincing myself it's gonna be the surprise π
Re: Xbox Fans Hoping For 'Marcus Fenix Collection' News After Phil Spencer Revisits Gears Classics
@Markatron84 As we said in the post, it seems most likely to be something to do with E-Day, maybe a revisit of the old games after a meeting with the dev team or something?
Either way, we think the timing is intriguing... the man hadn't been on Gears 2 since 2009
Re: Xbox Developer Direct 2025: Event Date, Start Times & Where To Watch The Showcase
@Lup Hi! Which region / timezone are you in? π
Re: Report: Majority Of Devs Expecting To Release New Games In 2025, Driving Industry Growth
@somnambulance Agreed. I think a little old game called GTA 6 is preventing some devs from dropping release dates...
Re: Rumour: Microsoft Reportedly Chose Buying Studios Over 'Winding Down' Xbox In 2021
@Fiendish-Beaver the cheapest option we're seeing is $300... π
Re: Microsoft's 'VP Of Next-Gen' Seems To Think That Xbox Console Hardware Isn't Under Threat
@IOI bring back Windows Phone
Re: Soapbox: With Xbox Games Now On PS5, Microsoft Needs To Ditch Forced PC Crossplay
@Vordus Yes, I said this in the article but it's not easy to put in a headline lol
Re: Soapbox: With Xbox Games Now On PS5, Microsoft Needs To Ditch Forced PC Crossplay
@BacklogBrad It totally depends on the game but if it's a twitchy FPS it's an advantage, no question.
How many people do you think bought a console to sit and use a M&KB with it? It's a device designed for a controller in a living room and that should be the focus.
Re: Soapbox: With Xbox Games Now On PS5, Microsoft Needs To Ditch Forced PC Crossplay
@Markatron84 Yeah, we looked into this years ago. That's just another reason for Xbox to give us more options!
https://www.purexbox.com/news/2022/01/talking-point-is-forced-cross-play-on-xbox-becoming-a-huge-issue
Re: Soapbox: With Xbox Games Now On PS5, Microsoft Needs To Ditch Forced PC Crossplay
@BacklogBrad I do mention that input-based toggles would work, that would separate console M&KB players too. But, I assume the vast majority of console players dont use M&KB so it's nowhere near as much of an issue as PC.
I dont want to use M&KB because I game on a sofa with a controller and that's the experience I want. I shouldn't be at a massive disadvantage on a console controller when I bought, a console, to play games on.
If input is a scapegoat why is my experience so much better when I go into my console settings and turn crossplay off? Microsoft shouldn't bury this stuff.
Re: Soapbox: With Xbox Games Now On PS5, Microsoft Needs To Ditch Forced PC Crossplay
@TeiGekiLord Yes.
In all seriousness, I just think the PS5 stuff gives Xbox a reason to have more options. This has been an issue for years, but an understandable one given lower player counts on Xbox.
That probably won't be an issue going forward...
Re: Xbox Developer Direct Returns This Month To Highlight Four 2025 Titles
@Fiendish-Beaver Well, '1pm GMT / 10am PT / 1pm ET' certainly isn't right.
I should probably go tell them π
Re: Xbox Game Studios: All Microsoft First-Party Developers & What They're Working On
@Benjamin Updated and added this now, our bad! I think I had Crystal Dynamics in my mind for this one, who of course aren't a first-party team.
It'd be interesting to know which team is doing the heavy lifting with PD.
Re: Talking Point: Next Year Marks A Decade Since Xbox's Genius Backwards Compatibility Program
@FuzzieGinge88 ππ
Re: Xbox Game Studios: All Microsoft First-Party Developers & What They're Working On
@Boogaloo_Jenkins definitely an option! For now we just wanted to bring all first party studios into one article to keep track of everything going on at Xbox.
Maybe we'll look into expanding it or doing a separate article - but it's a little harder to track some of these 2nd party projects.
Re: EA's Next 'Free' Xbox Game Is Now Available To Claim
@electrolite77 make sure it's the deluxe edition and you have game pass or EA Play!
Re: Xbox's 'Top Paid' Backwards Compatible Title Could Be Coming To Game Pass
@Sol76 They've been on Steam / the ActiBlizz launcher etc but not the Microsoft Store - which is where you access PC Game Pass content.
Re: Talking Point: If Developer Direct Returns, Xbox Could Have A Killer 2025 Lineup
@rpawlos15133 I knowww π I'm secretly hoping that Rare just comes out of nowhere with Everwild when it's almost ready π€
Re: Ubisoft Releases Final Major Update For XDefiant, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
@AccessibleDaydream I reckon you're on the money - there's over 10 maps in this update, they clearly had another season or two planned at least.
Re: Poll: What Is Your Xbox Game Of The Year For 2024?
@Balaam_ I assume you haven't played the black ops 6 campaign then? Might be worth trying before slandering it.
Raven did a fantastic job, this year's cod is much more than just multiplayer.
Re: Xbox 'Game Awards' Sale Now Live, 100+ Major Titles Reduced This Week
@jolteon23 Good discount here, but I always find Xbox's 'Countdown' sale at the end of the year to be very good. Could be worth seeing what crops up there!
Re: Xbox Might Be Preparing To Release Two First-Party Games In Early 2025
@Banjo- Whatever score the Pure Xbox reviewer feels the game deserves π
Re: Indiana Jones And The Great Circle Is Now Available On Xbox Game Pass (December 9)
@mac_da_man Are we calling Early Access 'day zero' these days? Don't even know what a launch day is anymore π©
Re: Phil Spencer Shares His Xbox 'Year In Review', And He's Been Very Busy In 2024
@WildConcept6 Yep, from Threads. Phil still uses Twitter a little bit I think, but he posts more regularly on Threads these days.
Re: Phil Spencer Shares His Xbox 'Year In Review', And He's Been Very Busy In 2024
@Lup our site has blown it up from the Threads picture, but at least you can see it. It was very small over there on Threads.
Re: Xbox Engineer Shows Off Console Dashboard With 'Comic Sans' Font
@IOI π€π€π€
Re: Random: Some Black Ops 6 Fans Are Already Over The Game's 'Obnoxious' DLC Skins
@GeeEssEff this is the correct answer π
Re: Xbox Fans Are Wondering What Happened To Series X|S Exclusive 'Contraband'
@armondo36 I know π
Re: Stalker 2 Fans Discover Some Amazing Easter Eggs In Xbox Game Pass Title
@Lucylu1983 This is very very cool! Some of the little details in this game are remarkable.
Re: Call Of Duty Becomes Most-Played Game On Xbox After Incredible Black Ops 6 Launch
@themightyant Yep, I tried to explain this by saying this is for the Call of Duty Hub app.
But, BO6 will have still massively contributed to it beating the likes of FN and Roblox. It's a shame we can't see the BO6 numbers specifically...
Re: Call Of Duty Becomes Most-Played Game On Xbox After Incredible Black Ops 6 Launch
Treyarch cooked
Re: Stalker 2 Invisible Enemy: How To Defeat Bloodsuckers & Poltergeists
@RiverGenie someone much better at this game than me can use the pistol & knife combo π That'll be awesome to see!
Re: Stalker 2 Invisible Enemy: How To Defeat Bloodsuckers & Poltergeists
@RiverGenie Yeah shotguns work alongside SMG's - but theyre a bit less forgiving if you miss!
So far I've found shotguns more effective on humans and rapid fire weapons on monsters.
Re: Stalker 2: Best Controller Settings On Xbox Series X And S
@UserTK-421 A tiny bit!
Re: Review: Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 Headset - Improved Build Quality & Battery Life Make For A Worthy Upgrade
@Fiendish-Beaver I've had one wireless dongle plugged into my PC and one into my Series X - seamlessly switching between them has been great.
Re: Review: Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 Headset - Improved Build Quality & Battery Life Make For A Worthy Upgrade
@Fiendish-Beaver No Dolby Atmos with these as far as I'm aware... personally I think the Stealth 700 is more comfortable than the Xbox headset (less clampy), but that's a matter of personal preference.
If you're sticking to one platform Xbox might be the way to go (certainly cheaper) but these are a really good option for playing across multiple systems.
Re: Review: Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 Headset - Improved Build Quality & Battery Life Make For A Worthy Upgrade
@themightyant probably my camera perspective too... certainly not my strong suitπ
Re: Xbox Game Pass Is Getting A Massive Black Ops 6 Update Next Week
@RetroMan71 Glad you're enjoying it! I'm taking a break post-review but I'll be back in for Season 1 π
Re: Deals: Xbox Kicks Off November With Game Pass & Publisher Spotlight Sales
@Elbow Yep, there's loads to go at so it can be tough picking out the best deals.
We're expecting the Black Friday sale in the next couple weeks or so as well - something to be aware of!
Re: Deals: Xbox Kicks Off November With Game Pass & Publisher Spotlight Sales
@Balaam_ big agree on both! Edith Finch is brilliant.
Re: Microsoft Adds Two New Dynamic Backgrounds On Xbox Series X|S
@Ricky-Spanish Calm down Ricky. Hopefully we get one for E-Day π