I played the trial and liked it well enough (origins is still my favorite and to me just like mass effect, Bioware doesn't make fun sequels) so I'd be willing to finish via gamepass. Probably should dust off my DA:I save though. As I fell off near the end.
If they go all digital I hope they increase the HDD size. 2TB is nothing (in comparison to the size of games, my switch holds hundreds of games per 1.5TB microsd).
@Fiendish-Beaver I disagree. Nintendo gets ignored by the wider community but within Nintendo spaces people won’t stop complaining about graphics or what game didn’t go to switch or how it looks bad on switch. Switch 2/pro rumors been going on since the switch’s second year.
Bug fixes are always good. I am taking my time robbing castles and bandit camps blind. Gonna have a fully decked out hideout in no time. Why is this game so pretty? Nothing like raiding a castle at night during a thunderstorm. You can’t see me, you can’t hear me. After Naoe’s parkour, the other assassins feel clumsy.
@RaZieLDaNtE yes the subs are “interesting” aren’t they? It makes sense for the English language version as one can say it was localized but right now that is my only complaint.
Gotta work today but took most of Monday off so AC Shadows tomorrow and Monday. It’s soooo good!
I’m loving the game. It’s gorgeous, the stealth feels like stealth (AC’s brand of course), the game doesn’t hold your hand and you have to look for clues, base building that feels meaningful, lots to do without making the map an icon fest, and so many narrative callbacks. Plus the characters are fun to play as and feel different. Their backstory is explored in a way that doesn’t feel like an exposition dump (I like those mind you) and is fun. Art direction is great. Sometimes it is a pure simulation, taking AC’s brand of realistic “program” to a wonderful display, other times it feels like a jidai eki with the music and cinematography choices, there’s “Kurosawa-eki like elements” (without framing the game on them the way GoT does) and there are moments of sumi-e and somehow it never feels jarring. I feel powerful as ether character but grounded because the game will punish the character’s weaknesses if you just go in willy nilly. (The first AC game where I have died (not failed a mission) more than twice). Best part is I haven’t even scratched the surface. Gonna be playing this for months.
I am absolutely loving my time in the game so far. I can definitely feel how they pulled some of the older aspects of AC and refined it and I am enjoying the cinematic direction. It feels like a “simulation” at the right parts while allowing you to get lost in the characters (both of whom feel vibrant) in others. Also the modern aspects look interesting (haven’t tried them yet). Also like that the combat feels a bit rebalanced so far. You can take out huge groups of enemies but need to pay attention to those around you and the game will punish you if you wiff. Also the game is simply gorgeous without feeling over saturated (my issue with Ghost of Tsushima).
@Kaloudz I may not be as far along as you. I am unlocking the orchestra sites under the sea but I haven’t reached rank A yet for my town so no work with the guardians and I am still working down the cave of memories. Also still working on sea crop shipping. Also not married yet.
@Kaloudz haha happy to see a Coral Island fan. I would say go back if you can. I took a break and they updated a bunch of stuff and ended up starting over.
Coral Island. It’s still a work in progress but as a long time bokumono fan it hit all the things I love about farming sims while having a fresh setting, likable NPCs, and a fun overarching story. I had hoped it would come out on Switch but it is the main reason I have gamepass at this point. (I still play other games on GPU otherwise I would just buy the game) I play every day, even if I am focused on a game on another system.
Glad they showed a lot of the past releases. Although some of it as a multi system gamer aren’t “new” releases, it does help show what games have come out and the cadence. That can get lost if you own the game on another system already. Nice to see what is in the pipeline.
I think it is too early but I also think this has been a lackluster generation (I'd argue so was the xbone) but time marches on, So if they have the tech for it, I suppose they might as well as move forward. I'm going back to PC (waiting on TES6) so I will be an observer next gen.
Is it time yet!? I swear it has been a bit since I have been this excited for an assassin’s creed game as valhalla did absolutely nothing for me. Anyway. Mine just shipped and should arrive on release day. Work is insane so I can’t play until the weekend. Gonna get some snacks, order a pizza and become one with the couch. Been slamming chores after work so I can do nothing this weekend. Between this and xenoblade I should really be set until august or so. Hope that by then ghost of yotei will be out. Will probably cancel gamepass for a few months. (Will have to buy coral island though).
The setting, characters and brotherhood type aspects means this is likely gonna be my favorite modern AC. (1 is still my favorite in the series overall).
Not to knock or compare but I think that this game will better explore themes with Naoe that I wished had been done with the blade twins in rise of the ronin.
Edit: I am so stoked at what sounds like a real return to the option of stealth gameplay. I plan on doing a playthrough as each character but I am looking forward to becoming a deadly shadow with Naoe.
Any step closer to an xbox OS has my vote. It’s based on windows anyway. But I would love to be able to pay MS for an OS license that allows me to turn my PC into an xbox with disc support.
Weeelll, I hope whatever happens doesn’t result in layoffs but other than that I am not impacted. Ubisoft has closed internal studios that I liked and the last franchise I was invested in, I will be departing after the new game hits my mailbox. Most of the franchises I love lost their original creators so I don’t expect sequels to be good if they happen. I have a ton of Ubisoft games to replay and beat. Super excited for AC shadows but that’s it.
At this point I am stepping away from xbox and sony for next gen (ROI has been on steady decline for me and with Sony investing in PC, no need to keep buying boxes that I can play all the same games on PC) and moving back towards PC, so if anything I hope a "PC like" xbox means better integration with windows and PC gaming.
@GamingFan4Lyf assuming that is (rounding up) 600k after taxes I would pay off my debt, then lock 50% into high interest CDs, give my folks 20k each, stack my emergency fund to cover two years plus moving expenses, invest 10k into domestic bonds and foreign stocks. Funnel 100k into my 529 (education investment account), put 100k into a HYSA to save for a house down payment (I would keep adding to this while I look for a house and wait for the housing market to dip), get a new eye and maybe a new custom eye, new glasses and keep 20k as fun money (would spend half of that on new taiko and a second shamisen) and then slowly feed the CDs (I would have them stagger) onto the stock market so I can buy on dips but not shed/burn money since the stock market looks terrible right now. Not life changing but I could free up the leverage of my salary (plus correct the Millennial setbacks) and it would be life changing for my parents at this state.
@TheGiraffe Nah you aren’t alone. It just tends that people that like games spend more time playing than talking about them. Negative people tend to spend more time telling everyone why they dislike somebody/something, how nobody else likes it and how the company should go bankrupt. Happens with everything really.
There is the Ghost series (only one game out now)
If you lump time periods you can say rise of ronin (as it is focused on the Meiji Restoration) and way of the samurai 4 (kinda it isn’t open world in the ubisoft fashion) also the Like a Dragon spin off games (not open world though).
While not truly open world the rest of the way of the samurai series (minus katanakami). And Okami. Granted that is older than the sengoku period and is based on Shinto.
Nioh and sekiro are mission based so not open world…
Honestly I would say no. I would also say there has been a massive decrease in stand alone games that focus on feudal Japan as well with only staples like Nobunaga’s Ambition, the Samurai Musou/Warriors series being modern examples. A lot of the ancient Japan themed (as in set in Japan) games faded after the PlayStation 3/vita era. Some games are coming back like Onimusha which makes its lore in the sengoku era (well the the third game has time travel…) and Okami is getting a new sequel. But until Ghost there hasn’t really been an attempt at an historical simulator. Likely because some countries ban samurai imagery and Japanese devs didn’t want to deal with that. I am not really surprised that the historical simulators that are open world like this are made by western studios. Japanese devs tend to like “inspired by” games so they can be loose with culture and make changes for global audiences. I think a lot of times westerners lump “inspired by”(onimusha,shinobi,ninja gaiden, goemon) games and say “oh that’s feudal japan”. But that would be like saying the early Final Fantasy games were medieval europe.
I am not who you tagged but I tend to gravitate to these types of games so wanted to respond.
I haven’t been this excited for an Assassin’s Creed game for a long time. Went all out (CE, two statues and hidden blade. May buy the tankard). Ubisoft has (based on what I have seen with hands on previews) made the assassin’s creed I have been waiting for. This will be my last (the story has long gone off the deep end so I am no longer as invested…I feel like I am the only person that actually cared about the modern storyline.) but what a way to go! I plan on 3 playthroughs. My only hope is that it has a Japanese language version. If it doesn’t I will also buy a Japanese region version.
Edit: oh snap they made a shogi board. So glad today is payday. Hahaha just bought it.
@themightyant oh yeah. I think because a game world is under the full control of the author it makes those that play want “the full story”. Imo sometimes it is best when games remain ambiguous (I think Mass Effect got worse the more we learned about the Reapers, same with Dragon Age and Assassin’s Creed-simply the narrative not the bandwagon reasons people have issues with those games. ) as it allows for focus on the present and gives the writers options for future content. Zelda’s approach allows Nintendo to reveal (read:create) more lore as new ideas hit them because they don’t write themselves into a corner. But it isn’t FromSoft ambiguous. Bethesda lends well to this because they do a lot of environmental storytelling.
I don’t know if it because I take a more scientific approach to Startfield due to its setting but I no longer really need to know the origin of the Artifacts. Again, I have theories but I am perfectly fine with the unity cycle as is. For me the game is more about what you do in each cycle anyway. Which is again very human despite this being a game. It, for me at least, makes me feel less chosen one and more human. And considering that Bethesda games are all about being the chosen one, it feels like a good shift. For instance the Kid Stuff perk. I love the parent characters. They aren’t mcguffins like in fallout 3 or a faction in fallout 4, yet they add nice flavor to make the character feel more like a person and less like floating hands.
As gaming enthusiasts we play a lot and are sort of numb to everything but the games that hit us in the feels all the time. But for a non gamer or a gamer looking for something else I can see how the story of Starfield plus the relative freedom can make a game that is objectively not the best, feel like the best. Plus people play games for different reasons and thus can be satisfied differently. I feel that way about Oblivion and Skyrim. Or The Wonderful 101 because it felt like a high octane movie to me.
@themightyant So I say this with the caveat that despite the fact that I play games "for the story" I don't really have a "favorite" narrative as IMO there are too many holes and inconsistency in game writing that I don't think game narratives stand on their own as high art.
However. I do enjoy Starfield's plot in part because it is neatly self-contained and the motivations make sense based on human nature. I'm a trekkie (for the diplomacy not the bunk scifi) but acknowledge that unless there is an alien threat to force cohesion, humanity would likely devolve to warring factions much like Starfield. (we don't do well on the same planet together....sharing the galaxy would not end well). But all the motivations are realistic (imo), greed and lust for knowledge with no ethical oversight, damning Earth, others making decisions that will assure that only the wealthy and the fortunate survive, temporary cohesion...and that breaking right up in a short period of time, war, religious and patriotic zealotry. Even the Starborn are hilariously realistic because it makes sense that given what going through the unity does, and the powers it bestows, that it would result in another version of a war and apathy for other humans. It’s also deliberately meta commentary which is fun as well.
The part of me that wants to know everything of course wants answers to the origin of the artifacts (I have theories of course) but I realized that the story feels complete without that still because it really is just "human nature in space": the game. I do love the sense of exploration and the glimmers of kindness as well, which is enough to keep me quite engrossed. So while I won't say it is the best story I have ever seen, it is an enjoyable one.
Comments 951
Re: Xbox Could Be Preparing To Add Two Big EA Releases To Game Pass
I played the trial and liked it well enough (origins is still my favorite and to me just like mass effect, Bioware doesn't make fun sequels) so I'd be willing to finish via gamepass. Probably should dust off my DA:I save though. As I fell off near the end.
Re: Opinion: Split Fiction Has One Of The Best Final Levels Of Any Game
I can't play these but I am glad these types of games found an audience.
Re: Talking Point: Will Any Next-Gen Xbox Have A Disc Drive?
If they go all digital I hope they increase the HDD size. 2TB is nothing (in comparison to the size of games, my switch holds hundreds of games per 1.5TB microsd).
Re: OG Xbox Creator Shares His Thoughts On The State Of The Brand In 2025
@Fiendish-Beaver I disagree. Nintendo gets ignored by the wider community but within Nintendo spaces people won’t stop complaining about graphics or what game didn’t go to switch or how it looks bad on switch. Switch 2/pro rumors been going on since the switch’s second year.
Re: Assassin's Creed Shadows Gets First 'Hotfix' Update, 8GB On Xbox Series X|S
Bug fixes are always good. I am taking my time robbing castles and bandit camps blind. Gonna have a fully decked out hideout in no time. Why is this game so pretty? Nothing like raiding a castle at night during a thunderstorm. You can’t see me, you can’t hear me. After Naoe’s parkour, the other assassins feel clumsy.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (March 22-23)
@RaZieLDaNtE yes the subs are “interesting” aren’t they? It makes sense for the English language version as one can say it was localized but right now that is my only complaint.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (March 22-23)
Gotta work today but took most of Monday off so AC Shadows tomorrow and Monday. It’s soooo good!
I’m loving the game. It’s gorgeous, the stealth feels like stealth (AC’s brand of course), the game doesn’t hold your hand and you have to look for clues, base building that feels meaningful, lots to do without making the map an icon fest, and so many narrative callbacks. Plus the characters are fun to play as and feel different. Their backstory is explored in a way that doesn’t feel like an exposition dump (I like those mind you) and is fun. Art direction is great. Sometimes it is a pure simulation, taking AC’s brand of realistic “program” to a wonderful display, other times it feels like a jidai eki with the music and cinematography choices, there’s “Kurosawa-eki like elements” (without framing the game on them the way GoT does) and there are moments of sumi-e and somehow it never feels jarring. I feel powerful as ether character but grounded because the game will punish the character’s weaknesses if you just go in willy nilly. (The first AC game where I have died (not failed a mission) more than twice). Best part is I haven’t even scratched the surface. Gonna be playing this for months.
Re: BLEACH Rebirth Of Souls Launches To Five-Star Reviews On The Xbox Store
Oh snap forgot that was out. Will get it in a few months. AC shadows has me on lockdown for a while.
Re: Assassin's Creed Shadows Racks Up One Million Players In Less Than 24 Hours
I am absolutely loving my time in the game so far. I can definitely feel how they pulled some of the older aspects of AC and refined it and I am enjoying the cinematic direction. It feels like a “simulation” at the right parts while allowing you to get lost in the characters (both of whom feel vibrant) in others. Also the modern aspects look interesting (haven’t tried them yet). Also like that the combat feels a bit rebalanced so far. You can take out huge groups of enemies but need to pay attention to those around you and the game will punish you if you wiff. Also the game is simply gorgeous without feeling over saturated (my issue with Ghost of Tsushima).
Re: Bethesda Wishes The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion A Happy Birthday
Just bankroll Skyblivion, Bethesda. They are supposed to release this year.
Re: Talking Point: What's The Best Xbox Game You've Played During The Series X|S Generation?
@Kaloudz I may not be as far along as you. I am unlocking the orchestra sites under the sea but I haven’t reached rank A yet for my town so no work with the guardians and I am still working down the cave of memories. Also still working on sea crop shipping. Also not married yet.
Re: Talking Point: What's The Best Xbox Game You've Played During The Series X|S Generation?
@Kaloudz haha happy to see a Coral Island fan. I would say go back if you can. I took a break and they updated a bunch of stuff and ended up starting over.
Re: Talking Point: What's The Best Xbox Game You've Played During The Series X|S Generation?
Coral Island. It’s still a work in progress but as a long time bokumono fan it hit all the things I love about farming sims while having a fresh setting, likable NPCs, and a fun overarching story. I had hoped it would come out on Switch but it is the main reason I have gamepass at this point. (I still play other games on GPU otherwise I would just buy the game) I play every day, even if I am focused on a game on another system.
Re: Roundup: Here's What The Reviews Are Saying About Assassin's Creed Shadows
Did I miss the review for this game from this site? (Not that it matters to me. My game will be here in a few hours. )
Re: Xbox Fan Shares Updated First-Party Roadmap Following Recent Microsoft Announcements
Glad they showed a lot of the past releases. Although some of it as a multi system gamer aren’t “new” releases, it does help show what games have come out and the cadence. That can get lost if you own the game on another system already. Nice to see what is in the pipeline.
Re: Free Play Days: Try These Xbox Games For Free (March 20-23)
I refuse to buy vengeance at this point but I will play for free.
Re: Microsoft's Next Xbox Game Studios Release Has Officially Gone Gold
Got south of midnight preloaded already!
Re: Talking Point: What Other Bethesda Remakes Would You Like Xbox To Greenlight?
If I had to pick I would say Morrowind and Redguard. But honestly Bethesda could just bankroll skyblivion and save some time.
It would be funny if the rumor was actually just Skyblivion and some leaker got confused.
Re: Talking Point: Is It Too Early To Release A New Xbox Console In 2027?
I think it is too early but I also think this has been a lackluster generation (I'd argue so was the xbone) but time marches on, So if they have the tech for it, I suppose they might as well as move forward. I'm going back to PC (waiting on TES6) so I will be an observer next gen.
Re: 'Sledders' Is Getting Lots Of Attention Ahead Of Its Xbox Release This Week
Never played a snowmobile game. Will take a look. I miss extreme winter sports games.
Re: Xbox Series X And S Offer Vastly Different Experiences With Assassin's Creed Shadows
It would be nice if UPS would show up early… lol. Anyway, my series x is ready to go!
Re: Roundup: Here's What The Reviews Are Saying About Assassin's Creed Shadows
Gonna tackle the mail-lady. Gimme mah game!
I am hoping the sound direction will be great as I may get some new music to cover.
Re: Hands On: Assassin's Creed Shadows Feels Like A Timely Refresh For The Series
Is it time yet!? I swear it has been a bit since I have been this excited for an assassin’s creed game as valhalla did absolutely nothing for me. Anyway. Mine just shipped and should arrive on release day. Work is insane so I can’t play until the weekend. Gonna get some snacks, order a pizza and become one with the couch. Been slamming chores after work so I can do nothing this weekend. Between this and xenoblade I should really be set until august or so. Hope that by then ghost of yotei will be out. Will probably cancel gamepass for a few months. (Will have to buy coral island though).
The setting, characters and brotherhood type aspects means this is likely gonna be my favorite modern AC. (1 is still my favorite in the series overall).
Not to knock or compare but I think that this game will better explore themes with Naoe that I wished had been done with the blade twins in rise of the ronin.
Edit: I am so stoked at what sounds like a real return to the option of stealth gameplay. I plan on doing a playthrough as each character but I am looking forward to becoming a deadly shadow with Naoe.
Re: 10 Games Will Leave Xbox Game Pass In Late March 2025
Might purchase the yakuza games. Problem is I already have them on ps3/4.
Re: Assassin's Creed Shadows: Release Date, Release Times & Download Size On Xbox
@darylb24 Thanks! Ok that puts me on the books for 4 playthroughs.
Re: Talking Point: Are You Trying Out This Week's Day One Xbox Game Pass Release?
Co op is an instant no for me. Hope others enjoy though.
Re: Assassin's Creed Shadows: Release Date, Release Times & Download Size On Xbox
@FraserG Do y’all know if it has Japanese language options? Trying to find out if I need to import a copy as well.
Re: Assassin's Creed Shadows: Release Date, Release Times & Download Size On Xbox
Just waiting on mine to ship!! So excited! Already cleared display space for the CE.
Edit: just shipped!
Re: Random: The New 'Oreo Xbox Series S' Looks Absolutely Crazy In Person
The console is hideous. Controller kinda looks nice but I would hate to pay taxes on that thing.
Re: These 10+ Games Are Coming To Xbox Next Week (March 17-21)
Just waiting on my shipment notification from gamestop. Booked PTO already.
Re: Talking Point: Two Years Later, Is It Finally Almost Time For 'Forspoken' On Xbox?
I would buy it again personally. But the gamer brigade dislikes this game.
Re: Opinion: The 2025 Xbox Handheld Could Have A Major Impact On The Brand's Future
Any step closer to an xbox OS has my vote. It’s based on windows anyway. But I would love to be able to pay MS for an OS license that allows me to turn my PC into an xbox with disc support.
Re: Microsoft Has Reportedly Discussed Acquiring IP From Ubisoft
Weeelll, I hope whatever happens doesn’t result in layoffs but other than that I am not impacted. Ubisoft has closed internal studios that I liked and the last franchise I was invested in, I will be departing after the new game hits my mailbox. Most of the franchises I love lost their original creators so I don’t expect sequels to be good if they happen. I have a ton of Ubisoft games to replay and beat. Super excited for AC shadows but that’s it.
Re: Capcom Says It's Going Through 'A Golden Era' As It Reinvents Monster Hunter & Resident Evil
Hey if that allows them to put money into franchises I care about (AA, Onimusha, SF, Kunitsugami) then I am all for it. Go get your bag!
Re: Talking Point: If The Next-Gen Xbox Is More 'PC-Like', Will You Still Buy It?
At this point I am stepping away from xbox and sony for next gen (ROI has been on steady decline for me and with Sony investing in PC, no need to keep buying boxes that I can play all the same games on PC) and moving back towards PC, so if anything I hope a "PC like" xbox means better integration with windows and PC gaming.
Re: Bethesda Provides Update On Starfield DLC & Future Plans For Xbox RPG
Let me marry Hadrian!!!
Re: Microsoft Is Reportedly 'Partnering' On An Xbox Handheld Device To Launch In 2025
Are we at the point that the series x has been used to its fullest potential? Doesn’t feel like it to me.
Re: Xbox Fans Have Another Chance To Become A Millionaire With Microsoft Rewards In 2025
@GamingFan4Lyf assuming that is (rounding up) 600k after taxes I would pay off my debt, then lock 50% into high interest CDs, give my folks 20k each, stack my emergency fund to cover two years plus moving expenses, invest 10k into domestic bonds and foreign stocks. Funnel 100k into my 529 (education investment account), put 100k into a HYSA to save for a house down payment (I would keep adding to this while I look for a house and wait for the housing market to dip), get a new eye and maybe a new custom eye, new glasses and keep 20k as fun money (would spend half of that on new taiko and a second shamisen) and then slowly feed the CDs (I would have them stagger) onto the stock market so I can buy on dips but not shed/burn money since the stock market looks terrible right now. Not life changing but I could free up the leverage of my salary (plus correct the Millennial setbacks) and it would be life changing for my parents at this state.
Re: Bethesda Provides Update On Starfield DLC & Future Plans For Xbox RPG
@TheGiraffe Nah you aren’t alone. It just tends that people that like games spend more time playing than talking about them. Negative people tend to spend more time telling everyone why they dislike somebody/something, how nobody else likes it and how the company should go bankrupt. Happens with everything really.
Re: Talking Point: Assassin's Creed Fans, Do You Think Feudal Japan Will Live Up To The Hype?
Geez between merch and the game I have dropped 900 USD. Lol 😂 no regrets.
Might have convinced myself to get that Kassandra statue I keep talking myself out of.
Re: Talking Point: Assassin's Creed Fans, Do You Think Feudal Japan Will Live Up To The Hype?
@Lup open world? I would say no
There is the Ghost series (only one game out now)
If you lump time periods you can say rise of ronin (as it is focused on the Meiji Restoration) and way of the samurai 4 (kinda it isn’t open world in the ubisoft fashion) also the Like a Dragon spin off games (not open world though).
While not truly open world the rest of the way of the samurai series (minus katanakami). And Okami. Granted that is older than the sengoku period and is based on Shinto.
Nioh and sekiro are mission based so not open world…
Honestly I would say no. I would also say there has been a massive decrease in stand alone games that focus on feudal Japan as well with only staples like Nobunaga’s Ambition, the Samurai Musou/Warriors series being modern examples. A lot of the ancient Japan themed (as in set in Japan) games faded after the PlayStation 3/vita era. Some games are coming back like Onimusha which makes its lore in the sengoku era (well the the third game has time travel…) and Okami is getting a new sequel. But until Ghost there hasn’t really been an attempt at an historical simulator. Likely because some countries ban samurai imagery and Japanese devs didn’t want to deal with that. I am not really surprised that the historical simulators that are open world like this are made by western studios. Japanese devs tend to like “inspired by” games so they can be loose with culture and make changes for global audiences. I think a lot of times westerners lump “inspired by”(onimusha,shinobi,ninja gaiden, goemon) games and say “oh that’s feudal japan”. But that would be like saying the early Final Fantasy games were medieval europe.
I am not who you tagged but I tend to gravitate to these types of games so wanted to respond.
Re: Talking Point: Assassin's Creed Fans, Do You Think Feudal Japan Will Live Up To The Hype?
I haven’t been this excited for an Assassin’s Creed game for a long time. Went all out (CE, two statues and hidden blade. May buy the tankard). Ubisoft has (based on what I have seen with hands on previews) made the assassin’s creed I have been waiting for. This will be my last (the story has long gone off the deep end so I am no longer as invested…I feel like I am the only person that actually cared about the modern storyline.) but what a way to go! I plan on 3 playthroughs. My only hope is that it has a Japanese language version. If it doesn’t I will also buy a Japanese region version.
Edit: oh snap they made a shogi board. So glad today is payday. Hahaha just bought it.
Re: Bethesda Provides Update On Starfield DLC & Future Plans For Xbox RPG
Cool, looking forward to what Bethesda has to share.
Re: Ubisoft Reveals Full Console Specs For Assassin's Creed Shadows, Including Xbox Series X And S
Got my “you better have my money” email from GameStop today. Can’t wait!
Re: Xbox Makes Metacritic's Top 10 Highest-Rated Publisher List
This is where owning so many dev studios pays off.
Re: Warner Bros. Cancels Wonder Woman, Shuts Down Three Studios
@tobsesta99 whoops forgot to reply. Well here’s hoping that you can make a nice independent project.
Re: Starfield Has Possibly The Best Single-Player Narrative Of All Time, Says God Of War Director
@themightyant agreed and thanks for the convo. Most don’t indulge my rambles. This was fun. You have yourself a wonderful day!
Also I love the museum and NASA base lore.
Re: Starfield Has Possibly The Best Single-Player Narrative Of All Time, Says God Of War Director
@themightyant oh yeah. I think because a game world is under the full control of the author it makes those that play want “the full story”. Imo sometimes it is best when games remain ambiguous (I think Mass Effect got worse the more we learned about the Reapers, same with Dragon Age and Assassin’s Creed-simply the narrative not the bandwagon reasons people have issues with those games. ) as it allows for focus on the present and gives the writers options for future content. Zelda’s approach allows Nintendo to reveal (read:create) more lore as new ideas hit them because they don’t write themselves into a corner. But it isn’t FromSoft ambiguous. Bethesda lends well to this because they do a lot of environmental storytelling.
I don’t know if it because I take a more scientific approach to Startfield due to its setting but I no longer really need to know the origin of the Artifacts. Again, I have theories but I am perfectly fine with the unity cycle as is. For me the game is more about what you do in each cycle anyway. Which is again very human despite this being a game. It, for me at least, makes me feel less chosen one and more human. And considering that Bethesda games are all about being the chosen one, it feels like a good shift. For instance the Kid Stuff perk. I love the parent characters. They aren’t mcguffins like in fallout 3 or a faction in fallout 4, yet they add nice flavor to make the character feel more like a person and less like floating hands.
As gaming enthusiasts we play a lot and are sort of numb to everything but the games that hit us in the feels all the time. But for a non gamer or a gamer looking for something else I can see how the story of Starfield plus the relative freedom can make a game that is objectively not the best, feel like the best. Plus people play games for different reasons and thus can be satisfied differently. I feel that way about Oblivion and Skyrim. Or The Wonderful 101 because it felt like a high octane movie to me.
Re: Starfield Has Possibly The Best Single-Player Narrative Of All Time, Says God Of War Director
@themightyant So I say this with the caveat that despite the fact that I play games "for the story" I don't really have a "favorite" narrative as IMO there are too many holes and inconsistency in game writing that I don't think game narratives stand on their own as high art.
However. I do enjoy Starfield's plot in part because it is neatly self-contained and the motivations make sense based on human nature. I'm a trekkie (for the diplomacy not the bunk scifi) but acknowledge that unless there is an alien threat to force cohesion, humanity would likely devolve to warring factions much like Starfield. (we don't do well on the same planet together....sharing the galaxy would not end well). But all the motivations are realistic (imo), greed and lust for knowledge with no ethical oversight, damning Earth, others making decisions that will assure that only the wealthy and the fortunate survive, temporary cohesion...and that breaking right up in a short period of time, war, religious and patriotic zealotry. Even the Starborn are hilariously realistic because it makes sense that given what going through the unity does, and the powers it bestows, that it would result in another version of a war and apathy for other humans. It’s also deliberately meta commentary which is fun as well.
The part of me that wants to know everything of course wants answers to the origin of the artifacts (I have theories of course) but I realized that the story feels complete without that still because it really is just "human nature in space": the game. I do love the sense of exploration and the glimmers of kindness as well, which is enough to keep me quite engrossed. So while I won't say it is the best story I have ever seen, it is an enjoyable one.
Re: Talking Point: Are You Excited For Xbox's Next Major First-Party Release In April?
I will be playing AC Shadows but I have South of midnight preloaded already.