Starfield, just a terrible game when looking at all its parts but I'm enjoying it enough to be several hours in. It feels like it hasn't progressed since fallout 3 other than graphics. I honestly think if this was not in space and they called it Elder scrolls VI it wouldnt be received so well. I mean the bugs, the controls, the gameplay, the loading mechanics (every room is a loading screen, no door actually opens), the art direction, the dialogue, the story. It just hasn't really moved on. But for some reason I really want to complete this one. Although the temple missions are an incredibly bad game design. Took me 10 mins to float through the last 'bit' to the point I almost gave up as assumed it was a game breaking bug!
If I was to sum the game up after being so hyped for it, I'd say it's good enough but I don't see it having the legs of a Skyrim unfortunately.
@Pimpernel this is my point exactly. After $69 billion spent all we get is the same as what we had. Imagine what could have been achieved if that money was spent separately to Activision games releasing. THAT would have been better for the games industry and the gamers. It feels like success on here is based on how much money a studio can make ahead of the users experience.
Instead of spending $70 billion to make COD version 253 or any remakes try and use those newly purchased studios to create some new innovative IP's that improve the gaming industry. You promised this purchase would be better for gamers. If you just release the same games over and over then I'd argue that hasn't improved gaming at all and in fact kept is stagnant.
MS now has more studios than any other company so has no excuse not to start making some amazing first party games.
@Exerion76 What's bad about Disney other than they just buy everyone out to take their IPs instead of creating their own then milk said IP over and over and over? Other than that what else?
Wow - after all this palaver there isn't a single game on there I'd actually play. Maybe try a new COD on 'release day' but I was over COD around 2009 so don't see why that will change now? Actually I'd try Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, because why not.
Didn't last long on redfall and always think if it takes longer to download a game than it does to give up and uninstall it then it's not a game for me. Technical issues were never it's problem!
@Titntin yeah played about 100 hours of GT7 and never seen anything about buying credit. Agree with the whole 'gameplay' over graphics. Never really enjoyed any GT games before but GT7 is incredibly addictive. Haven't yet enjoyed a Forza game but very interested in this one and pretty sure it'll have nothing to do with the graphics if I do enjoy it.
Tough to say. Think the in game racing graphics are better on GT7 while the replay better on FM. Does FM have motion blur set to extreme or something? It make it all look faster than on GT7 even though they are travelling the same speeds around the track. That along with the colour looking VHS on FM vs 4K on GT7 makes the replay look more realistic on FM.
Have to say I'm completely addicted to GT7 and its one of my most played games this gen so interested to see if FM can drag me away from GT7 finally!
@Sifi I'm confused. Isn't that what MS are doing? You don't have to buy it twice? Either pay release day -1000 or wait for day 1 release 3 years later as part of £120 plus?
"Early Access" aka standard release date. Still not sure why Sony don't do the same and call the release of Spiderman 2 as "early access" before the inevitable PS Plus release 3 years down the line? And yes I'm bitter having to wait those 5 days for my "get it on release on GP" game while others play and discuss the game and make me jealous.
@Deshalu At no point did I say it was okay for Sony to do it. Although off top of my head I can't think of any studios Sony bought that took established franchises away from Xbox. I'm sure there are some, just can't think what they are. Think the recent MS acquisitions are on a different scale. I also remember the good old Rare days and that acquisition wasn't good for anyone. And in terms of competition, MS have more studios than all other gaming companies. More than Sony and more than Nintendo so they have more physical resources already. They really don't need any more to compete, they just need to run their studios better and produce better quality. That's how I'd prefer them to compete. Taking established franchises away from people Vs creating new ones isn't great for gaming in my opinion - although I appreciate you see it differently and time will tell if it turns out for the best or not.
@Deshalu I think the concern is this is the second recent big acquisition with many more to come. The leaked documents have shown the MS plan is to keep on buying more and more studios until they have their monopoly - and they aren't doing it for the benefit of the gaming industry. While the other side of the argument is that we get COD for no extra cost. For the moment.
I wonder if MS were aiming to be everyone's 2nd console with this, the way the Wii was, and by that logic end up being 1st, like the Wii. Feels like that's what's happening with the S being the primary Xbox console. I'm actually surprised how low the Xbox sales are though Vs PS5 though. Also wonder if this encourages MS to release less powerful consoles in future. Switch trouncing them all and least powerful console!
@Fiendish-Beaver I'd argue PS owners aim the same level of vitriol against Jim and Phil. Hardly anyone on Push Square will defend comments against Jim, but say something negative against Phil here and BOOM! I honestly don't understand it. Can't stand either of them in their respective roles. They both remind me of rival politicians who I wish I didn't have to vote for.
@GeeEssEff to be fair I have all 3 consoles and. Moment across all 'sister' sites because they all are relevant to me, but my bias slant changes based on mood. Like when my switch controller has drift issues I get annoyed with Nintendo naturally. Same when Sony release a game I want for £70 I refuse to pay for or whenever Phil opens his arrogant mouth 🤣 Just why does he bother speaking such garbage all the time. I'm a Liverpool fan but no fan would defend Henderson for the garbage he spouted about not going to Saudi for money. Why does Phil get a free pass!?! On second thought, announce that Oblivion remake and I'll take it all back Phil 😁
@Fiendish-Beaver @BaldBelper78 to be fair to push square comments they read a hell of a lot like the Nintendo Life comments. I guess the trolls all inhabit Nintendo and PS consoles. We should count ourselves lucky they don't exist on Xbox!
@Fiendish-Beaver probably because the thought of MS doing this deliberately was not in my thought process so stood out a lot more when people suggested it on here. I was early to this article and the first three comments are all either saying genius PR move from MS or anti FTC. I suppose it may have changed further down the comments and I haven't read them all.
30 million subscribers get the years biggest release and we're celebrating 10 million users. Considering that includes people who purchase the game (would be interested in that stat) on Xbox and pc, does it suggest a surprisingly smaller number (than I'd have expected) who 'own' the game actually played it??
@Titntin damn I already bit 🤣 All this 'FTC are evil and against me 😭' garbage reminds me of the whole 'the ref is against us' for a decision against their team but conveniently ignore when a decision goes for them or the fact someone can just make a mistake because they are human.
@HonestHick hate to tell you this but FTC, CMA and other equivalent companies are there to protect us from said government and rich elites such as MS and other such power houses from having too much control and damaging industries. It just so happened this case was about gaming which oddly has a public backing similar to a sports team and so happened to be trying to protect the industry from your backed team. A simple Google will show cases that have been won that were there to protect you, the consumer. I will 100% guarantee you if this was Sony buying Activision and was blocked by FTC you'd be celebrating their position to protect you.
Wow - its very off putting how defensive everyone is. When this originally leaked there was so much criticism of the FTC about how they were trying to damage MS, then when it turns out it was most likely MS fault then the mistake is defended as good news and a great PR stunt. How can opinions be taken seriously on here with that sort of bias!?!
It was probably a mistake, most likely from an MS employee. It happens. MS are a company full of people who are no different to other companies full of people. I feel for the guy who made the mistake as they must be proper crapping themselves right now and will likely lose their job for possibly an honest mistake.
I hate that feeling when you know you've made a mistake at work and you're just waiting to see what the outcome will be. Imagine having that mistake out there in the world for everyone to lose their minds over!
Looking forward to this one coming out. A little surprised they didn't do a 120 option. I also am very put off by all the talking on the gameplay clip. Highly irritating voice that will very quickly make me uninstall the game if it can't be turned off!
@GrumpyDev too true. I'd argue it's worse for PS games because they generally have had a larger number of AAA exclusives that are higher quality / goty contenders over the last 10 years or so.
@Fiendish-Beaver On that logic I'd expect BG3 to win all the GotY titles, although I hope Zelda wins more than most. It's probably the only exclusive that doesn't get the same level of hate as the others. Starfield and Spiderman 2 stand no chance!
@Cashews I must have spent an hour at least on the character set up. Was great when my son came in and said it looked just like me. Worth every second 😂
Think I'd like them to include land vehicles - or anything that avoids needing to get back in the ship to move to another land site. Having the fast travel to ship will also make it a one way journey too which suits me perfectly. Not played much yet but there are so many areas of the game where i've thought they'll be adding x, y and z in later. They HAVE to clean up the fast travel in future updates for example. It'll make the game so much better!
Very interested in the sort of numbers that get through the game in its entirety. I am very hopeful I'll make it but so far I'm struggling to see it gripping me enough. Admittedly I'm still in the early hours which is known to be a bit drab. I think I managed to complete Oblivion and Fallout 3, but never made it through any other Bethesda RPG since (F:NV gave up, F4 game breaking bug, Skyrim game breaking bug).
@Phantom_Anima I wonder if the reviewer rating it 7/10 didn't get far into the game. I'm about 3 hours in and would probably give it a 6/10 so far. Story is dire so far, shooting mechanics are average at best, space combat is a chore even on the tutorial level and the fast travel is shockingly bad game design. In fact 6/10 is generous at the moment. At this point on a Game Pass game I'd have given up and moved on, however knowing from reviews all these faults already and that the game is worth persevering I will get passed the start. I also appreciate there is some quality there and I'm optimistic it will get much better. There is a lot of talk of this being Skyrim in space but I get more of a Fallout in space vibe to it, just without the sense of exploration so far.
Just me but Sea of Stars I couldn't get in to. Just can't stand the "take turns to hit each other" mechanics. Gutted to be missing out on what is obviously a great game ☹️ I do love Limbo and Firewatch but they were done with years ago.
@TheSimulator yeah I was just wondering why the civilians were running towards the shooter, and some running from behind right into the path of the bullets!!
@tallythwack you seem to have too much faith that any reviewer is unbiased. Truth is they are all biased in some way. It's human nature. From all the 10s because they got early access and scared anything other than 10 will blacklist them to the low scores because they were blacklisted. If Bethesda aren't careful they'll p*** off too many people.
@Fenbops but it's not just Metro it's a large number of publications!
The more I'm reading it sound like Starfield negativity is based of lack of exploration of games like No Man's Sky and lack of depth. This sounds perfect for me as I do prefer games with some limitations to control the story, gameplay and pacing. When it's too open I end up forgetting why I'm doing anything and give up!
Wow, just read the Metro article on the Starfield reviews. Anyone here easily offended and defensive about Starfield should avoid at all costs. So obviously written with rage about not getting review copies sent to them!! I understand Bethesda tried to send copies to publications more likely to review high, but in the long term I feel that may work against them if those they didn't send review copies are angry when reviewing themselves. Remember it is their livelihood Bethesda are messing with so may result in a long term lower score than had they sent to everyone the same time?
As expected. Site gives 7/10 review it's because they're biased. Site gives 10/10 it must be true! Laughable. Reading the reviews in general it sounds far from a perfect game and some of the points do slightly concern me such as the pacing and the inventory management being a huge part and badly implemented but I'm encouraged by the handful of epic moments that are mentioned and the fact some sites say the story is worth it (although some say otherwise). By the way I see PC gamer scored it 75% and pc mag scored it 70%. Are these known playstation sites / anti MS sites. I'm not clued up these. Personally think I'm more hyped from these reviews than before hand, even more so by the 7/10 reviews where there are many complaints about the game but nothing to make it bad in their eyes. Expect in truth it'll realistically be somewhere between 7 and 10 for me.
Waiting for the Day 6 Day 1 release. Think I'm so hyped about this because it feels like it'll be something completely new and epic and not just a sequel. AS exciting as sequels are they are generally always similar gameplay and nothing much of the 'unknown' to them. I know so little about this game it could be anything from the worst game ever to the best.
@K1LLEGAL I'd be interested in what games got unfairly bashed versus the PS games? I can only think of Redfall being bashed (deservedly so). Comparing the Sea of Stars review between PX (10/10) and PS (8/10) I'd say the Xbox version of the same game is higher praised than the PS version? And are you meaning unfairly bashed by the one youtube commenter or a specific publication? I noticed Deathloop (a 1 year PS exclusiveon) on PS got 8/10 while PX gave it 10/10?
In fact I challenge you to give me a recommendation for an Xbox game that was unfairly bashed. Hopefully I won't have played it and I'll promise to give it a bash (ha see what I did there )
From what I understand Bethesda are handing out reviews to publications deliberately aiming to keep their review score as high as possible for the initial release. Despicable but understandable - although no idea why that would affect PX as you gave Deathloop 10/10, Hi-fi rush 9/10 (recent Bethesda published), Fallout 4 9/10 so not exactly a bad option to send the review codes out to? Also hear loads of tiny streamers/influencers receiving review codes as they are more easily 'manipulated' and whatever their score it won't affect metacritic but will help hype up the game. It's clever PR really. Not going to make a difference to me as will be playing this whatever the reviews are like - and secretly hoping its a hilarious bug fest as often enjoy the humorous bugs (not game breaking ones mind) - but I was really looking forward to the review on PX just to help me get hyped up. Everywhere else I will be avoiding as I don't trust them like I trust PX not to ruin the game in their review.
@Titntin As we are only just starting to see devs move away from cross gen gaming and already there are issues for the S I can imagine this becoming more and more of a problem. Personally I say great - leave the S behind and focus on the X, only because I have an X and I'm selfish. Also wonder if it means MS might try and bring local co-op back to Forza and Halo Infinite for the X only in a future update. I genuinely became interested in buying BG3 because of the local co-op as I'll be playing it with my son.
@Titntin I wonder if this will open the door for more developers to not even try for parity across the two consoles? Easier to build the game for PS5, Series X and put in whatever they can achieve with minimal cost for the Series S? Obviously Phil will say whatever we want to hear, but mean something completely different.
This works for me on two fronts. 1) it gets BG3 available to play once it comes to GP 2) it justifies my decision to get a series X over the S because major features already being dropped between the two consoles I'm happy - but there will be a lot of p'd off Series S owners.
@Moonglow Sounds to me like Larian decided "this is what our game will be" and I'd imagine their priority platform was the PC. They'll have picked a minimum PC requirement to work against and worked from that and didn't want to compromise their game based on the Series S specs. Maybe the fact its a PC game first and foremost is why they didn't use the Series S as their minimum spec? My personal solution would be to release the game on Series X and S without local co-op functionality. They'll still sell loads on there, they'll stick to the MS parity requirement and they can stop spending more money on trying to get it fixed. MS can't be annoyed with that option as they have done the same with a few of their games already.
@RadioHedgeFund that I completely agree with, however as much as that was the marketing talk on release its just not the reality. There are many differences outside of resolution between the X and the S on many games, and its also looking like important features also being removed, including local split screen functionality. That can't be down to 1080p vs 4k? Don't forget we are probably at a turning point of games being developed to handle last gen so dev may start to try pushing functionality with the new tech beyond just improved graphics.
I'm lucky to own both PS5 and Series X, but if more 3rd party games like BG3 start dropping split screen (among other) functionality then I'll end up playing games on PS5 over Series X. A bit like multi plat games releasing on all consoles, usually the Nintendo release has features dropped due to the limited capability of the console.
I'll be interested in the % who start this game actually finish it. If GP didn't exist I reckon I'd have played it for months (or longer) and would have tried to finish it. Having it on GP, once I start getting a little bored I'll just jump on another game and resign SF to 'just another game' and not bother to persevere with it. Guess not long until I find out though.
@RadioHedgeFund This doesn't sound good to me. You are saying devs should design a game and gameplay around the limited console and improve graphics for the pricier console. That suggests the S would be holding back the generation for MS? I also think telling the devs its on them to 'sort it out' would probably end up similar to BG3 where they release on rival consoles then work out if the hassle to 'sort it out' is worth the effort or to skip the console and start working on the next project?
I'd also say developers are not lazy. They develop what they are told to develop and generally have a cost limit (they also work crazy long hours!). I'm 100% convinced all devs want their work to be the best it can be, but decisions on what to work on is down to usually down to budget.
All PS / Nintendo / Xbox exclusives get review bombed so this shouldn't even be in the article. It should have been specifically about warning people to avoid spoilers at all costs and possibly the comments would maybe focus mainly on recommended sites/articles that people have read that haven't spoiled anything. Instead its 50% of people saying 'we hate PS5 owners' and the other half like me saying 'we're all the same'.
Regarding the frame rate - if its a stable 30fps to allow amazing gameplay such as the item persistence (mentioned by @Fiendish-Beaver), stable fps, improved graphics etc then sounds perfect to me. TotK, BotW, Bloodborne, Elden Ring, Witcher 3 frame rates aren't great but what games they are!
@Foxx_64740 Spot on! I gave up on Bloodborne on multiple attempts until I tried it again on PS5 and fell in love with it. Now one of my favourite games ever. I'll return to Hi-Fi Rush when the time is right. Sounds like enough people loved it to make it worth the perseverance!
Comments 712
Re: Report: Starfield Was The Best-Selling U.S. Video Game In September
Starfield, just a terrible game when looking at all its parts but I'm enjoying it enough to be several hours in. It feels like it hasn't progressed since fallout 3 other than graphics. I honestly think if this was not in space and they called it Elder scrolls VI it wouldnt be received so well. I mean the bugs, the controls, the gameplay, the loading mechanics (every room is a loading screen, no door actually opens), the art direction, the dialogue, the story. It just hasn't really moved on. But for some reason I really want to complete this one. Although the temple missions are an incredibly bad game design. Took me 10 mins to float through the last 'bit' to the point I almost gave up as assumed it was a game breaking bug!
If I was to sum the game up after being so hyped for it, I'd say it's good enough but I don't see it having the legs of a Skyrim unfortunately.
Re: Phil Spencer Is 'Incredibly Excited' About The Future Of Xbox
@Pimpernel this is my point exactly. After $69 billion spent all we get is the same as what we had. Imagine what could have been achieved if that money was spent separately to Activision games releasing. THAT would have been better for the games industry and the gamers. It feels like success on here is based on how much money a studio can make ahead of the users experience.
Re: Talking Point: What Do You Want To See From Xbox & Activision Blizzard?
Instead of spending $70 billion to make COD version 253 or any remakes try and use those newly purchased studios to create some new innovative IP's that improve the gaming industry. You promised this purchase would be better for gamers. If you just release the same games over and over then I'd argue that hasn't improved gaming at all and in fact kept is stagnant.
MS now has more studios than any other company so has no excuse not to start making some amazing first party games.
Re: Activision Says Xbox Can 'Take Games In The Library And Remake Them' Post-Acquisition
simple answer. make none of them and instead focus on some new IP's and not the same old ones over and over again.
Re: Disney Reportedly Encouraging Its CEO To Look At Acquiring A Company Like EA
@Exerion76 What's bad about Disney other than they just buy everyone out to take their IPs instead of creating their own then milk said IP over and over and over?
Other than that what else?
Re: These 50+ Activision Blizzard Games Could Be Heading To Xbox Game Pass
Wow - after all this palaver there isn't a single game on there I'd actually play. Maybe try a new COD on 'release day' but I was over COD around 2009 so don't see why that will change now?
Actually I'd try Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, because why not.
Re: Redfall's Huge New Update Is Getting Impressive Feedback So Far
Didn't last long on redfall and always think if it takes longer to download a game than it does to give up and uninstall it then it's not a game for me. Technical issues were never it's problem!
Re: Well, The Forza Motorsport Vs. Gran Turismo 7 Comparisons Are Already Rolling In
@Titntin yeah played about 100 hours of GT7 and never seen anything about buying credit. Agree with the whole 'gameplay' over graphics. Never really enjoyed any GT games before but GT7 is incredibly addictive. Haven't yet enjoyed a Forza game but very interested in this one and pretty sure it'll have nothing to do with the graphics if I do enjoy it.
Re: Well, The Forza Motorsport Vs. Gran Turismo 7 Comparisons Are Already Rolling In
Tough to say. Think the in game racing graphics are better on GT7 while the replay better on FM. Does FM have motion blur set to extreme or something? It make it all look faster than on GT7 even though they are travelling the same speeds around the track. That along with the colour looking VHS on FM vs 4K on GT7 makes the replay look more realistic on FM.
Have to say I'm completely addicted to GT7 and its one of my most played games this gen so interested to see if FM can drag me away from GT7 finally!
Re: Forza Motorsport Is Officially Available In Early Access On Xbox & PC
@Sifi I'm confused. Isn't that what MS are doing? You don't have to buy it twice? Either pay release day -1000 or wait for day 1 release 3 years later as part of £120 plus?
Re: Forza Motorsport Is Officially Available In Early Access On Xbox & PC
"Early Access" aka standard release date. Still not sure why Sony don't do the same and call the release of Spiderman 2 as "early access" before the inevitable PS Plus release 3 years down the line?
And yes I'm bitter having to wait those 5 days for my "get it on release on GP" game while others play and discuss the game and make me jealous.
Re: FTC Continues To Challenge Xbox's Takeover Of Activision Blizzard
@Deshalu At no point did I say it was okay for Sony to do it. Although off top of my head I can't think of any studios Sony bought that took established franchises away from Xbox. I'm sure there are some, just can't think what they are. Think the recent MS acquisitions are on a different scale. I also remember the good old Rare days and that acquisition wasn't good for anyone.
And in terms of competition, MS have more studios than all other gaming companies. More than Sony and more than Nintendo so they have more physical resources already. They really don't need any more to compete, they just need to run their studios better and produce better quality. That's how I'd prefer them to compete. Taking established franchises away from people Vs creating new ones isn't great for gaming in my opinion - although I appreciate you see it differently and time will tell if it turns out for the best or not.
Re: FTC Continues To Challenge Xbox's Takeover Of Activision Blizzard
@Deshalu I think the concern is this is the second recent big acquisition with many more to come. The leaked documents have shown the MS plan is to keep on buying more and more studios until they have their monopoly - and they aren't doing it for the benefit of the gaming industry.
While the other side of the argument is that we get COD for no extra cost. For the moment.
Re: As Of Last April, Xbox Series S Accounted For 75% Of Microsoft's Current-Gen Console Sales
I wonder if MS were aiming to be everyone's 2nd console with this, the way the Wii was, and by that logic end up being 1st, like the Wii. Feels like that's what's happening with the S being the primary Xbox console. I'm actually surprised how low the Xbox sales are though Vs PS5 though.
Also wonder if this encourages MS to release less powerful consoles in future. Switch trouncing them all and least powerful console!
Re: Phil Spencer Issues Statement In Response To Massive Xbox Leak
@Fiendish-Beaver I'd argue PS owners aim the same level of vitriol against Jim and Phil. Hardly anyone on Push Square will defend comments against Jim, but say something negative against Phil here and BOOM! I honestly don't understand it. Can't stand either of them in their respective roles. They both remind me of rival politicians who I wish I didn't have to vote for.
Re: Phil Spencer Issues Statement In Response To Massive Xbox Leak
@GeeEssEff to be fair I have all 3 consoles and. Moment across all 'sister' sites because they all are relevant to me, but my bias slant changes based on mood. Like when my switch controller has drift issues I get annoyed with Nintendo naturally. Same when Sony release a game I want for £70 I refuse to pay for or whenever Phil opens his arrogant mouth 🤣
Just why does he bother speaking such garbage all the time. I'm a Liverpool fan but no fan would defend Henderson for the garbage he spouted about not going to Saudi for money. Why does Phil get a free pass!?!
On second thought, announce that Oblivion remake and I'll take it all back Phil 😁
Re: FTC Denies Involvement In Huge Xbox Leak, Blames Microsoft Instead
@Fiendish-Beaver @BaldBelper78 to be fair to push square comments they read a hell of a lot like the Nintendo Life comments. I guess the trolls all inhabit Nintendo and PS consoles. We should count ourselves lucky they don't exist on Xbox!
Re: FTC Denies Involvement In Huge Xbox Leak, Blames Microsoft Instead
@Fiendish-Beaver probably because the thought of MS doing this deliberately was not in my thought process so stood out a lot more when people suggested it on here. I was early to this article and the first three comments are all either saying genius PR move from MS or anti FTC. I suppose it may have changed further down the comments and I haven't read them all.
Re: Starfield Has Already Surpassed 10 Million Players
30 million subscribers get the years biggest release and we're celebrating 10 million users. Considering that includes people who purchase the game (would be interested in that stat) on Xbox and pc, does it suggest a surprisingly smaller number (than I'd have expected) who 'own' the game actually played it??
Re: FTC Denies Involvement In Huge Xbox Leak, Blames Microsoft Instead
@Titntin damn I already bit 🤣
All this 'FTC are evil and against me 😭' garbage reminds me of the whole 'the ref is against us' for a decision against their team but conveniently ignore when a decision goes for them or the fact someone can just make a mistake because they are human.
Re: FTC Denies Involvement In Huge Xbox Leak, Blames Microsoft Instead
@HonestHick hate to tell you this but FTC, CMA and other equivalent companies are there to protect us from said government and rich elites such as MS and other such power houses from having too much control and damaging industries. It just so happened this case was about gaming which oddly has a public backing similar to a sports team and so happened to be trying to protect the industry from your backed team.
A simple Google will show cases that have been won that were there to protect you, the consumer. I will 100% guarantee you if this was Sony buying Activision and was blocked by FTC you'd be celebrating their position to protect you.
Re: FTC Denies Involvement In Huge Xbox Leak, Blames Microsoft Instead
Wow - its very off putting how defensive everyone is. When this originally leaked there was so much criticism of the FTC about how they were trying to damage MS, then when it turns out it was most likely MS fault then the mistake is defended as good news and a great PR stunt. How can opinions be taken seriously on here with that sort of bias!?!
It was probably a mistake, most likely from an MS employee. It happens. MS are a company full of people who are no different to other companies full of people. I feel for the guy who made the mistake as they must be proper crapping themselves right now and will likely lose their job for possibly an honest mistake.
I hate that feeling when you know you've made a mistake at work and you're just waiting to see what the outcome will be. Imagine having that mistake out there in the world for everyone to lose their minds over!
Re: Forza Motorsport Launches With Three Performance Modes On Xbox Series X
Looking forward to this one coming out. A little surprised they didn't do a 120 option. I also am very put off by all the talking on the gameplay clip. Highly irritating voice that will very quickly make me uninstall the game if it can't be turned off!
Re: Oh Look, Starfield Is Getting Review Bombed On Metacritic
@GrumpyDev too true. I'd argue it's worse for PS games because they generally have had a larger number of AAA exclusives that are higher quality / goty contenders over the last 10 years or so.
Re: Oh Look, Starfield Is Getting Review Bombed On Metacritic
@Fiendish-Beaver On that logic I'd expect BG3 to win all the GotY titles, although I hope Zelda wins more than most. It's probably the only exclusive that doesn't get the same level of hate as the others. Starfield and Spiderman 2 stand no chance!
Re: Review: Starfield - Bethesda Serves Up Its Best RPG Yet In A Messy, Exciting And Emotional Space Odyssey
@Cashews I must have spent an hour at least on the character set up. Was great when my son came in and said it looked just like me. Worth every second 😂
Re: Todd Howard Explains Why There Aren't Any Land Vehicles In Starfield
Think I'd like them to include land vehicles - or anything that avoids needing to get back in the ship to move to another land site. Having the fast travel to ship will also make it a one way journey too which suits me perfectly.
Not played much yet but there are so many areas of the game where i've thought they'll be adding x, y and z in later. They HAVE to clean up the fast travel in future updates for example. It'll make the game so much better!
Re: Video: 10+ Minutes Of Alan Wake 2 Gameplay Introduce Us To The Creepy Town Of Watery
This looks too good to be true! Had to stop watching after a few minutes. Don't want too much spoilt for me.
Re: Xbox Boss Says Starfield 'Exceeded' 1 Million Concurrent Players On Launch Day
Very interested in the sort of numbers that get through the game in its entirety. I am very hopeful I'll make it but so far I'm struggling to see it gripping me enough. Admittedly I'm still in the early hours which is known to be a bit drab. I think I managed to complete Oblivion and Fallout 3, but never made it through any other Bethesda RPG since (F:NV gave up, F4 game breaking bug, Skyrim game breaking bug).
Re: Ready For Launch! Starfield Is Now Available On Xbox Game Pass
@Phantom_Anima I wonder if the reviewer rating it 7/10 didn't get far into the game. I'm about 3 hours in and would probably give it a 6/10 so far. Story is dire so far, shooting mechanics are average at best, space combat is a chore even on the tutorial level and the fast travel is shockingly bad game design. In fact 6/10 is generous at the moment.
At this point on a Game Pass game I'd have given up and moved on, however knowing from reviews all these faults already and that the game is worth persevering I will get passed the start. I also appreciate there is some quality there and I'm optimistic it will get much better.
There is a lot of talk of this being Skyrim in space but I get more of a Fallout in space vibe to it, just without the sense of exploration so far.
Re: Roundup: Here's What The Critics Think Of Starfield So Far
@Fenbops just read the in progress review on the Metro. Ouch 🤣. Not at all predictable!
Re: Starfield Fan's Potato-Filled Spaceship Shows Off Impressive Physics System
I get the feeling in a few months there will be a handful of youtube videos worth watching!
Re: Pick One: What Was Your Favourite Xbox Game Pass Game In August?
Just me but Sea of Stars I couldn't get in to. Just can't stand the "take turns to hit each other" mechanics. Gutted to be missing out on what is obviously a great game ☹️
I do love Limbo and Firewatch but they were done with years ago.
Re: Starfield Players Are Causing Chaos Already, Like Blowing Up Entire Space Crews For No Reason
@TheSimulator yeah I was just wondering why the civilians were running towards the shooter, and some running from behind right into the path of the bullets!!
Re: Roundup: Here's What The Critics Think Of Starfield So Far
@tallythwack you seem to have too much faith that any reviewer is unbiased. Truth is they are all biased in some way. It's human nature. From all the 10s because they got early access and scared anything other than 10 will blacklist them to the low scores because they were blacklisted. If Bethesda aren't careful they'll p*** off too many people.
@Fenbops but it's not just Metro it's a large number of publications!
The more I'm reading it sound like Starfield negativity is based of lack of exploration of games like No Man's Sky and lack of depth. This sounds perfect for me as I do prefer games with some limitations to control the story, gameplay and pacing. When it's too open I end up forgetting why I'm doing anything and give up!
Re: Roundup: Here's What The Critics Think Of Starfield So Far
Wow, just read the Metro article on the Starfield reviews. Anyone here easily offended and defensive about Starfield should avoid at all costs. So obviously written with rage about not getting review copies sent to them!!
I understand Bethesda tried to send copies to publications more likely to review high, but in the long term I feel that may work against them if those they didn't send review copies are angry when reviewing themselves. Remember it is their livelihood Bethesda are messing with so may result in a long term lower score than had they sent to everyone the same time?
Re: Roundup: Here's What The Critics Think Of Starfield So Far
As expected. Site gives 7/10 review it's because they're biased. Site gives 10/10 it must be true! Laughable.
Reading the reviews in general it sounds far from a perfect game and some of the points do slightly concern me such as the pacing and the inventory management being a huge part and badly implemented but I'm encouraged by the handful of epic moments that are mentioned and the fact some sites say the story is worth it (although some say otherwise).
By the way I see PC gamer scored it 75% and pc mag scored it 70%. Are these known playstation sites / anti MS sites. I'm not clued up these.
Personally think I'm more hyped from these reviews than before hand, even more so by the 7/10 reviews where there are many complaints about the game but nothing to make it bad in their eyes. Expect in truth it'll realistically be somewhere between 7 and 10 for me.
Re: Starfield Fans, What Are Your Plans Over The Next Few Days?
Waiting for the Day 6 Day 1 release. Think I'm so hyped about this because it feels like it'll be something completely new and epic and not just a sequel. AS exciting as sequels are they are generally always similar gameplay and nothing much of the 'unknown' to them. I know so little about this game it could be anything from the worst game ever to the best.
Re: PSA: Starfield Streams Will Reportedly Go Live Ahead Of Early Access
@K1LLEGAL I'd be interested in what games got unfairly bashed versus the PS games? I can only think of Redfall being bashed (deservedly so). Comparing the Sea of Stars review between PX (10/10) and PS (8/10) I'd say the Xbox version of the same game is higher praised than the PS version?
And are you meaning unfairly bashed by the one youtube commenter or a specific publication?
I noticed Deathloop (a 1 year PS exclusiveon) on PS got 8/10 while PX gave it 10/10?
In fact I challenge you to give me a recommendation for an Xbox game that was unfairly bashed. Hopefully I won't have played it and I'll promise to give it a bash (ha see what I did there )
Re: PSA: Starfield Streams Will Reportedly Go Live Ahead Of Early Access
From what I understand Bethesda are handing out reviews to publications deliberately aiming to keep their review score as high as possible for the initial release. Despicable but understandable - although no idea why that would affect PX as you gave Deathloop 10/10, Hi-fi rush 9/10 (recent Bethesda published), Fallout 4 9/10 so not exactly a bad option to send the review codes out to?
Also hear loads of tiny streamers/influencers receiving review codes as they are more easily 'manipulated' and whatever their score it won't affect metacritic but will help hype up the game. It's clever PR really.
Not going to make a difference to me as will be playing this whatever the reviews are like - and secretly hoping its a hilarious bug fest as often enjoy the humorous bugs (not game breaking ones mind) - but I was really looking forward to the review on PX just to help me get hyped up. Everywhere else I will be avoiding as I don't trust them like I trust PX not to ruin the game in their review.
Re: Baldur's Gate 3 Confirmed For Xbox In 2023, Series S Version Ditching Local Co-Op
@Titntin As we are only just starting to see devs move away from cross gen gaming and already there are issues for the S I can imagine this becoming more and more of a problem. Personally I say great - leave the S behind and focus on the X, only because I have an X and I'm selfish.
Also wonder if it means MS might try and bring local co-op back to Forza and Halo Infinite for the X only in a future update.
I genuinely became interested in buying BG3 because of the local co-op as I'll be playing it with my son.
Re: Starfield Xbox Game Pass Release Times Confirmed By Bethesda
Hype Hype Hype Hype Hype Hype Hype Hype Hype Hype Hype Hype Hype Hype Hype Hype Hype Hype Hype Hype Hype Hype!
6th seems so far away right now. Bye-bye September, see you in 2024!
Re: Baldur's Gate 3 Confirmed For Xbox In 2023, Series S Version Ditching Local Co-Op
@Titntin I wonder if this will open the door for more developers to not even try for parity across the two consoles? Easier to build the game for PS5, Series X and put in whatever they can achieve with minimal cost for the Series S? Obviously Phil will say whatever we want to hear, but mean something completely different.
Re: Baldur's Gate 3 Confirmed For Xbox In 2023, Series S Version Ditching Local Co-Op
This works for me on two fronts.
1) it gets BG3 available to play once it comes to GP
2) it justifies my decision to get a series X over the S because major features already being dropped between the two consoles
I'm happy - but there will be a lot of p'd off Series S owners.
Re: Microsoft Has No Plans To Drop Support For Xbox Series S
@Moonglow Sounds to me like Larian decided "this is what our game will be" and I'd imagine their priority platform was the PC. They'll have picked a minimum PC requirement to work against and worked from that and didn't want to compromise their game based on the Series S specs. Maybe the fact its a PC game first and foremost is why they didn't use the Series S as their minimum spec?
My personal solution would be to release the game on Series X and S without local co-op functionality. They'll still sell loads on there, they'll stick to the MS parity requirement and they can stop spending more money on trying to get it fixed. MS can't be annoyed with that option as they have done the same with a few of their games already.
Re: Microsoft Has No Plans To Drop Support For Xbox Series S
@RadioHedgeFund that I completely agree with, however as much as that was the marketing talk on release its just not the reality. There are many differences outside of resolution between the X and the S on many games, and its also looking like important features also being removed, including local split screen functionality. That can't be down to 1080p vs 4k?
Don't forget we are probably at a turning point of games being developed to handle last gen so dev may start to try pushing functionality with the new tech beyond just improved graphics.
I'm lucky to own both PS5 and Series X, but if more 3rd party games like BG3 start dropping split screen (among other) functionality then I'll end up playing games on PS5 over Series X. A bit like multi plat games releasing on all consoles, usually the Nintendo release has features dropped due to the limited capability of the console.
Re: Bethesda Exec 'Hasn't Come Close' To Finishing Starfield After 160 Hours
I'll be interested in the % who start this game actually finish it. If GP didn't exist I reckon I'd have played it for months (or longer) and would have tried to finish it. Having it on GP, once I start getting a little bored I'll just jump on another game and resign SF to 'just another game' and not bother to persevere with it. Guess not long until I find out though.
Re: Microsoft Has No Plans To Drop Support For Xbox Series S
@RadioHedgeFund This doesn't sound good to me. You are saying devs should design a game and gameplay around the limited console and improve graphics for the pricier console. That suggests the S would be holding back the generation for MS? I also think telling the devs its on them to 'sort it out' would probably end up similar to BG3 where they release on rival consoles then work out if the hassle to 'sort it out' is worth the effort or to skip the console and start working on the next project?
I'd also say developers are not lazy. They develop what they are told to develop and generally have a cost limit (they also work crazy long hours!). I'm 100% convinced all devs want their work to be the best it can be, but decisions on what to work on is down to usually down to budget.
Re: Watch Out! Some People Are Trying To Ruin Starfield For The Rest Of Us
All PS / Nintendo / Xbox exclusives get review bombed so this shouldn't even be in the article. It should have been specifically about warning people to avoid spoilers at all costs and possibly the comments would maybe focus mainly on recommended sites/articles that people have read that haven't spoiled anything. Instead its 50% of people saying 'we hate PS5 owners' and the other half like me saying 'we're all the same'.
Regarding the frame rate - if its a stable 30fps to allow amazing gameplay such as the item persistence (mentioned by @Fiendish-Beaver), stable fps, improved graphics etc then sounds perfect to me. TotK, BotW, Bloodborne, Elden Ring, Witcher 3 frame rates aren't great but what games they are!
Re: Xbox Exclusive Hi-Fi RUSH Has Now Surpassed 3 Million Players
@Foxx_64740 Spot on! I gave up on Bloodborne on multiple attempts until I tried it again on PS5 and fell in love with it. Now one of my favourite games ever. I'll return to Hi-Fi Rush when the time is right. Sounds like enough people loved it to make it worth the perseverance!