@smoreon If a new game that's fine whether 16 bit like Streets of Rage 4 getting a studio to do something like that is totally fine.
But just re-newing the license for the 16bit entries for collections can be boring.
I hope the Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio & others do well/have good ideas in them it's going to be interesting seeing compared to Outrun 2 or others the arcade like design modernised in this modern era/just in general cutting ties with arcade design, just having it be very open world missions for either of them in a modern sense.
I'd like to see some very Burnout Paradise or others type using the taxi in interesting ways type missions but who knows. I don't play Forza Horizon or NFS Unbound or The Crew so I have no idea what modern open worlds are like. I find many character based ones super boring as the worlds are 'fine' but not playground enough or moveset/mission gameplay fun enough for me to care/buy them so I'm buying up old ones as to me they sort of balance out gameplay ideas in ways I prefer.
Then again linear games same thing I prefer old games not the cinematic/immersive angle & movesets are just so boring when older games had that design I was looking for with level design that complimented how characters played not played nowadays or too many collect, talk, fight missions too.
I'm only getting around to NFS games more these days (played almost all the circuit/highway/menu ones) even & just about 3/4 of the way through Carbon (have yet to try more of MW 2012) for the first time I don't know what the current open world racing game landscape/game design is like to comment on it. I tried Forza Horizon 1 & 3 & just didn't care.
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk I assume does a fair job and Jet Set Radio can find it's own way to stand out?
Among other revivals I may be missing here.
Then again I haven't played the House of the Dead remake either so no clue. I've bought all the Gal Gun games to get my rail shooter fix & working my way through older rail shooters on Wii I haven't experienced.
It's not a genre I'm that into but still I'm trying new things when I can. Like I did many hack n slashes, visual novels, tactics RPGs, etc. when other genres just weren't appealing of some IP directions anymore/branching out of modern/retro eras was worth it.
Then again I liked The Club (shooting gallery but modern controls/few modern elements) but I liked Project Gotham Racing as well so Bizarre Creations arcade but modern design always appealed to me ever since getting into arcade style games when I usually didn't but seeing as I enjoy challenges or other short experience stuff in some games besides their campaigns (racing, action adventure, etc.) i guess it make sense why I've gotten into arcadey style games over time then racing sims or other things.
I think it's interesting what ways they have tried to still keep it alive/what changed. But yeah some de-suased or scale of the industry/other factors hmm. Whatever to believe/theorise what actually was said/thought up. User bases have limits so 100m by 2030, good luck there.
But mobile for sure. King makes too much money, compare to Halo Spartan Assault/Strike & others of Xbox mobile games. ABK mobile filling in.
Age of Empires/Flight Sim and others on console then PC only changed things too. But leadership, management & decisions show themselves their efforts/it working or not.
Digital libraries is understandable for customers but to me eh I have so few digital to me it means nothing jumping between many.
Sony having many purchased companies in PS2 era, killed by Vita/PS4, Insomniac always there before purchase, House Marque/others before purchases. MS has done fair with few built up & few purchases, trying to fill in gaps & games being hit or miss & good but not sales viable, just critically/customer praised.
it would be sad to see it go like Dreamcast/Stadia so short. But if they can keep it going I think a lot of interesting can happen and a lot has regardless of my thoughts or other customers of how it's been handled.
Sony needs the competition and Nintendo is doing their own thing as the 2nd console or the family console/some people's only console brand they go with and there is a lot of interesting things they can do to compete with Sony then having 2 instead of 3 companies and 1 being the high end and whatever happens and 1 being the cheaper and whatever happens with no 3rd interesting option to exist and challenge things.
That and they have with opening up possibilities for cloud besides Sony's PS Now/PS+, Gamepass and more on anything showing you don't have to be on a console even though Sega did since the Saturn.
Let alone whatever Atari's computers and consoles games (I forget about) or the CD32 tried to do as well and didn't succeed on. But those were slightly different I guess?
The "any places viable to offer it" model like Office/Edge is not surprising of them but they have tried their best even if the games don't excite the coverage to different platforms has been interesting to see even if not boundaries pushed, I guess to many people it is even though like I said Office/Edge let alone other examples in the past or like PC versus MS' GBC or GBA/DS games weren't clear either. That's besides the Sony Imagesoft stuff as well or SNES parts.
They have pushed to keep it around and whether it's working or not hmm who knows despite the amount of users on Gamepass and how much the brand/services work or not and it's an opening of gaming is still there to not close so easily like Google didn't want to stay around long enough.
Amazon has been interesting seeing them still trying with Luna there and server and other solutions for developers and their own funded games. Google just went nah but it's interesting Amazon is still actively trying.
Amazon having a console I doubt and with the way tech is I can see why but still.
Microsoft hanging around with Xbox is still something, I may not care for how it is these days but it is still interesting to watch their directions regardless of my thoughts on them and competition I think is still necessary with them then them cutting it off.
Then again devs could not take so long/have better ideas and budgets be so high of visions.
While fair as Skyrim gets all the re-release focus and Obvilion has a lot of interesting stuff in it worthy for people to experience.
It would be nice if other IPs got the focus. Bethesda's other games/other studios games. Or even I don't know anything else under Microsoft would be nice, but nope.
I have the 360 version, I'm good. I don't care for much with it anyway. But for those that haven't played it/those that want to go back to it with enhancements hopefully this turns out well.
Then again even Arena/Daggerfall are free on PC because they can't be bothered to do anything with them and they are too old and cryptic for modern gamers so only those that prefer that old style or power through will get enjoyment from them. Why would they bother remaking those either?
Fair, but give me some Saturn, Dreamcast or even some OG Xbox era IPs Sega..... sigh will never happen. Ecco is fine but eh. Then again the later entries not just the Genesis ones would be nice but why would Sega do that when they can milk the same Genesis games over and over.
Atari and Sega really know how to make me not care about their old IPs and just milk the same things different ways and not in exciting ways and audiences eat it up.
Plenty of others to cover that would be nice.
Even some CD or 32X games would be nice. The niche stuff they won't touch I want to see.
Give me a Sega GT/Rally without licenses, will never happen.
Give us Outrun 2 type of game without the Ferrari license not just Outrun older entries. The closest we got to something different was the 3DS version with 3D or the Sega Classics Collection that remade them in 3D in some shape or form which I think was fair.
Unfortunate but I don't even buy 'new' Xbox games because not only are they mostly Series X focused which makes sense of course, but none of the games interest me on there.
I questioned Syberia 1 (I haven't played enough of 3 physical on my Xbox One anyway so not much point) but I mean I can get that anywhere anyways.
Forza Motorsport 8 would have been my Series X physical purchase but it's too expensive and I don't like the way the game is. That and even if I have Game pass as of people I live with, I barely have a need for the services.
Everything is either cheap physical or on the service the games I want aren't there anyway. Or physical I don't have to keep sub paying (even if I'm not paying for it anyway but others that use it do get the worth of it).
Otherwise I only own Xbox One/Series smart delivery games on disk that's it. Very few too, like 4-5 or something. but even Xbox One versions most are old games not new because the new games don't appeal.
Only Switch/PS4 did and I don't remember a single new PS4 game I bought in 2024 they were all pre-owned, otherwise the rest was PS2/Wii/PS3/360/PSP/DS games and the 20+ I beat that year, but I can the 2024 Switch games I had interest in 1st/3rd parties for sure which was a fair amount.
So if the games were more appealing I'd contribute but as they are, I'm not missing out on anything really.
If WRC 23 (if cheap and enough research if I actually want it for it's features) or Ride 5 (isn't as hard as 4 was to play but I doubt it as MotoGP games I assume still are hard these days then the 360 era ones I have no problems playing at all so it's the modern game design entries) sure, otherwise most other third party games for other genres were PS5 anyway and even then most there don't appeal either.
But no 1st party have interested me and that's not because they went to other platforms, I still didn't care for them. Or waiting for them like South of Midnight or so even then I could pass on.
With all the third party controllers or merch sure. But what other IPs won't they touch, or make a fictional cars one with no licenses that wouldn't happen.
A collection would be nice, but what games, what would they bother with. Oh the same safe IPs..... Pass.
They can expand the brand all they like but I'm still not interested in their current variety/execution like I am OG/360 era games design I prefer more & not for nostalgia.
So many IPs they could focus on but don't, no matter if smaller scale or a remaster or whatever. They don't' care. It's all about money and every platform to get it from people like Office, they don't care, so why should audiences. Xbox OG/360 games are cheap it's just picking them up.
Besides they have Xbox shampoo and other things, the Forza Motorsport car I saw in Aldi, but didn't care to buy because why would I? It's cool but hardly necessary, it's like getting a bunch of food, I'm not buying my box of Shapes for the Xbox chance to win.
We don't even have Blinx 2 on Back Compat because they are too lazy to give a game that needed a chance, a chance let alone others, the action one that is more approachable to an Xbox audience then the puzzle focus of the first one, they don't support. But like Halo 2 it killed it, why would Microsoft care/think straight 20 years later. It's not a big enough IP to care about and support, why would they do that.
Give us an arcadey PGR type one that ISN'T Forza Horizon, give us a more smaller scale one. PGR won't happen Forza is where is at and yeah the series is doing so good I have no interest in it anymore because of their direction ideas like many Sony games, turned me away from ALL their games new and old IPs, good on you developers/publishers. XD You want my money well like 1 person's money is going to change that, it doesn't obviously.
As if Forza Motorsport 8's marketing wasn't horrible, the execution of the game is what it is and I'm glad 7 was my last even for how eh 5-7 were. They were passable, 8 is not excusable and has different staff so I don't trust them.
The BC program I doubt it. They will have that for making sure Xbox One/Series games work on the next console these days, I highly doubt they want to go, yeah yeah we will offer the COD and other Activision games on the BC program or others we haven't and work out licensing we can't or even ones that are open domain if they are because why would they.
Why would any company care about back compat even if the IP is just sitting there, why bother.
Oh wait the source code is gone and they don't want to reverse engineer that takes too long.
Like the PS2/Xbox OG/GameCube era COD games on PC are getting onto Xbox PC storefronts. They just don't care, don't have the source code maybe for Xbox versions or no interest in selling them/working them out on console at all. If it weren't for that I'd say oh popularity but they are doing something with the PC versions so they clearly have some interest in doing something with them.
Even though old COD or even Pitfall Lost Expedition is a good benefit to be on there. Blur won't happen as car licenses sigh.
Give me a new Pitfall game, a metroidvania like that one or something else. You have Indy/Uncharted/Tomb Raider, make some competition, and then it will also suck because why wouldn't it.
Marketing is hit and miss, games that appeal to audiences is odd, I don't like Sony's comfort but works approach and miss the PS1-3/PSP/Vita variety while Xbox has the variety not all of them land. Also to me it's a case of just Xbox One gen game design that also doesn't appeal to me compared to PS3/360 and older era mechanics, level design, tone and more they just appeal more besides their age.
30 mill was N64, Xbox One 50 mill is around Super Nintendo I think. While PS5 is around 3DS, NES or Xbox One.
I think 30 mill is fine. Anything 20 mill and under is still who knows it's future anymore. But 30+ is still a fair userbase I think. If it gets to 40 or 50 again then I think it's fine. Whoever has or hasn't upgraded or is new as well.
What the console offers is fine but giving reason to own it when apps/games can be found elsewhere to play regardless of on PC or PS5 I mean just they can use any service or play any non-Microsoft games if they really don't care to regardless of platform, it's dedicated fans that own an Xbox Series or those going yeah why not give an Xbox a go for their Series S or Series X purchases but that's still small numbers. It's something, but it's still small.
Xbox One besides the steps it was fair for 50 mill, this gen, I mean.... I haven't played a single Series gen game at all. Gear Tactics is fair but I mean I can play any other tactics game and am. Age of Empires, Flight Sim 2019 and more are cool, not my thing but still good.
Some fair other stuff. They have the games but not all are ready yet and not all are exciting either.
Xbox One can be cheap and still usable for many things of apps, games and so on. Not run the best but still usable if media apps even or cheap games. Besides Gamepass on there still it's not Series consoles limited like other features are for fair reason with the hardware increase.
Besides hardware/software features (I can't use Quick Resume as I don't buy digital, but think it's cool), otherwise other than gyro in the controller which I can also get elsewhere I really don't care if the games aren't appealing, the OS dashboard gets worse and worse or I really don't see many reasons for the console other than to 'be there'. For people that want them sure but I haven't had a reason to upgrade. Game wise it's fine but OS wise I've experienced the same OS still as every Series owner has but on old gen.
The marketing or directions need to be better.
I still use my Xbox One X/have a VCR Xbox One on hand for offline use. I have no issues using it, the start up is slow but everything loads in and it's fine. I don't buy a lot of Xbox One physical either but do 360 back compat stuff for sure. Or non back compat and 360 only usable but that's fine by me with my 360 still around.
I think old gen has a place for some sales and low end development like Switch is which for Indies I think is fair.
Unless the game absolutely needs the power then sure but most games I think don't need it. Gameplay isn't being pushed just graphics, I want gameplay with such graphics/scale/level design of linear set pieces.
Like Ratchet Rift Apart was done on PS3 with Crack in Time and it did it better, nothing about Rift Apart is that great, oh it's faster at loading, so what, most of it is forced or invisible walls anyways, so who cares what you see if it's still smoke and mirrors I know it's not like I can't tell the segments, the skyboxes, how it all works of teleportation around different areas and Crack in Time had more of them it's like comparing crystal hunt levels in Ratchet 2 & 3, or Spyro 2 & 3 the level of detail with 2 versions of every level, besides the Spyro 3 sub areas (which Rift Apart also has the side rifts for platforming, how is this 'original' when it's been done for 20 years anyways), so it's how they went about them. I don't see any gameplay pushing hardware ideas happening in games today just graphics and it's so boring.
Give me dynamic levels, a hive mind AI that learns, forgets, copies the player or other enemies around them, sends it back to their hivemind network. Where is THAT video game. No one because no one will do it.
It's like Alpha Protocol who wants to write a story with a quick dialogue system (lot of effort of dialogue to write) and you fight a boss or ignore that fight to just play the level, you don't get that whiplash of possibilities by dialogue these days it's too heavily scripted and by the numbers boring. No surprising. It's no Mass Effect hit the reporter or call out the Citadel store is bad or other cool details of a dialogue system anymore either.
Possibilities in games are very limited and that's always been the case but they are so limited or so casual audience easy to understand but weak in excitement or wow factor. Premises maybe, but the execution is so boring and duller then PS3/360 gen offered of ideas and world details or just playing as a character is more boring now then it was 2 gens ago. Racing, shooters, platformers, all of them, per different genres, some better, some worse then others. It varies but they still suck.
I don't go back to old gens for nostalgia, I buy up games never played before for their ideas, it's worth it too. Inspires me where I think modern games lack not just some old ones being fair of execution besides their polish/old design differences. Some stuff still shines through and left behind.
Some sure like No Man's Sky after what Battlefront 3 tried to do or Haven Call of the King but even still. Most games are just so pitiful of gameplay that's typical of PS3/360 again and again but even safer mission design and safer movesets/abilities then PS3/360 gen had because playing them I'm like those I want to play for those mechanics and those ideas, not PS4/Xbox One or PS5/Series X gen games are more boring to interact with, it's so boring.
That and back compat so they still get the money/customers can still use the product.
Software on many platforms is fine and broad so it's doing fine, hardware is a challenge and always will be but expected besides hardware dedicated audience for sure.
Marketing does ok I guess and if the games interest you sure but other than gamepass working for their 1st party/time it takes to make it understandable & third parties fill in gaps fine for gamepass or digital then sure.
But to me the OS sucks (get enough of it on Xbox One to know how it sucks), the games aren't appealing and PS5 means nothing to me either it's software sucks there too. The OS is just as bad with eh folders/library menu and eh OS details of buttons/icons all over the place it's a mess of navigation design.
The Xbox is for me to just use apps Sony and Nintendo don't offer and never will (regardless of how bad the Windows/Xbox/Microsoft store is, for a console it's great, for a PC we don't need it), games and back compat.
Quick resume is a good feature but clearly doesn't effect many people (other than those who need it or love the console and I can see why I really appreciate the feature, it's not the multi screens of Windows 8/Xbox one kind of did but gutted the feature in 2017, sigh I miss it, or what I wish Wii U could do but didn't) and they don't care as games matter to them which makes sense. But hardware/software gimmicks like that do matter to me at least, but it's not a common thing on Xbox nor do those features stay cough Xbox One features dead now, sigh.
As bland as Switch is it's kind of PS4 like to me so it's not as bad the up and down is pretty simple and consistent, not always, the eshops isn't so eh. PS5/Xbox it's icons all different levels and corners and I can't stand it besides again the bad bland looks of them. But navigation I find the worst about them.
PS4 it's at least visual info but not icons when it's showing something.
Unless they pick up better, I'm sticking to old gen and retro games, another 20+ retro games to fill in the 2025 year as well can't wait, 2024 was worth it for retro as it is. Was an eh year to me at least. Isn't for others and that's totally fine but for me it was a retro game year. Like skipping modern tv shows level of who cares.
Haptics I mean, sure but Xbox One/Series have the rumble impulse triggers. PS/Nintendo people barely even know it's a thing, 2013 it offers it, few games used it first party or third party and most people don't even know it exists just TV TV TV more so.
So to me it's an 'upgrade' but hardly something I care that much about compared to gyro support I'd prefer.
Only accelerometer, sigh.
Speaker hmm. For headset in like Xbox One/Series, Wii U, Dualshock 4/5 I'm fine with it, WIimote/Dualshock 4 speakers I turn off. It can be ok but not ideal. Few use it anyways.
Bluetooth/wifi chip connection improvements yes.
360 face buttons are ok but Xbox One's feel weird. The plastic versus while not glass (or thinner/thicker plastic or how the pivot is underneath than the button cap tops) feels like going from that to that. Both are kind of eh. Wear or not just not a fan compared to Nintendo/PS controllers. Can't say for OG Xbox yet till get one.
Dualsense is fine but yeah the spring/tension can be hit or miss even if a cool step to take with them. Vibration like Xbox One/Switch have is interesting (not got a Switch game that uses it yet). Then again IR was in a bad spot so a game with that that isn't terrible hmm. Eventually and better placement on Switch 2 would be nice.
The d-pad continues to suck. 360 is eh, the Xbox One's I have to check if it delays on menus for pressure it's so bad, not just from wear either. Series being just Xbox One but smaller and share buttons besides minor details is fine but I'd have liked gyro or something else instead to offer it.
I don't need a touchpad but a screen would be nice. But minor details and a similar controller shape I'm ok with. Nintendo did the wacky designs and the Classic/Pro controller that may or may not have them combined as well, Sony just added more to whatever design at the time. Microsoft having their own take would be nice even if more generic controller look but still.
Even Dualshock 4 has multiple settings of vibration that a 2D platformer like Azure Gunvolt did and Clannad a Visual Novel from PS2, PSP, PC and so on offers, like you can't make this stuff up.
Let alone the many few games that used gyro/touchpad on PS4 compared to Vita even. But it takes the 1st parties to utilise it more now on PS5 not just because of the time of their first games. Sigh.
Better late then ever I guess.
How Microsoft even had memory cards for Xbox OG controllers still baffles me, to Kinect to Impulse triggers to playing catchup is just hilarious to me.
I mean the Elite controllers Pro controller features, sure but even still.
They can't even be bothered to come up with a new technology for the controller at all.
The controlelr desigh is fine but gives off Sony PS1-3 of people look at it and go oh it's the same controller even though it's not and don't even understand the Impulse triggers or others.
I ddin't even know Xbox OG had pressure sentitive/analogue buttons either I thought it was onlyt PS2.
None of these companies advertise it as much or offer games that use it much so half the time collectors tell us these things or if they don't in beginner's guide videos and I'm like great another Xbox One starter guide with no impulse triggers mention yet clearly mention Forza Motorsport 5 as a launch title and maybe played it. Like seriously. The FM series I think used Impulse triggers well. Project Cars 3 as well besides the structure of that game.
Mostly third parties on Xbox 360 or PS3 copies if my 360 one didn't work or just because a third party but will still count it.
Played Xbox One games this year but not to much completion. Like Mothergunship is good but tough even for a few attempts after the tutorial but willing to keep going, got others to try but not bothered really yet. Got Crackdown 3 even to play more of than a few early hours.
Got many OG Xbox to play as well Revenge of the Sith the game, Crimson Skies I've installed but not started besides the intro segment for testing.
-MX vs ATV Reflex -Wanted movie game (PS3 as broken 360 disk) -Splintcell Conviction (binged in day) -Battlefield 3 (Xbox One as 360 singleplayer disk wasn't great so digital it was and binged it) -Bodycount (PS3 as 360 disk was ok then stopped working, got halfway through then beat it from scratch on PS3) -Soldier of Fortune Payback (PS3 as that's what had) -Turning Point (10 minutes from end of level, PS3) -Blackside Area 51 (PS3 as that's what had) -Up movie game (Wii, same game regardless of platform compared to other different versions per platform type games) -MotoGP 06 (360 only) 1st season run that's it. -WRC 3 (360) -MotoGP 09/10, could do more but did just a 1st season run.
Still got to get through: -Kingdom Under Fire Circle of Doom, about area 3 or so out of 6. -MotoGP 08 still working on 1st season run -Playing NFS Carbon on 360 currently, collector's edition -among many more.
@shoeses I agree, while many companies of the OG Xbox era are dead or ownership changed or IPs are in licensing whatever state these days.
It is odd they got 50+ or so and go well we can't get the licenses or source code because ouyr publishers are too lazy and don't care enough.
Or go eh 360 is enough, we will offer OG Xbox but really can't be bothered.
That's the kind of response the 'we reached the limit' gives off.
Licensing troubles which I think they said was the reason, staff pushed to other projects or lack of interest/exhaustion which are also likely.
Or they go eh we tired and want to work on something else and our staff are being stretched thin or some other factor.
It just seems off.
360 era it was to support Kinect or gave up. But this time it seems either gave up again, licenses/publishers were dead or complicated to get access to or publishers are just lazy.
They could reverse engineer if they wanted to.
As if Spyro Reignited didn't have the tech ontop of the OG games for re-modelling, but they can't put effort into BC anymore.
It begs questions.
With the amount of PS3/360 era shooters left behind not just the 'main ones' these publishers care about I highly doubt it.
Movie tie ins or racing games sure it's tricky but for some it seems source code, licensing, laziness or lack of interest in supporting them then actually testing them in the BC environment and saying oh they don't work as they did many others likely and got them working enough even OG Xbox some are rough but still offered for BC regardless of their rough states. Did the standards go up?
PC has old CODs now, how long to wait for Xbox to offer them? Got the PS2 versions as got sick and tired of waiting for the licenses/offering to happen.
Game selection/support is fine.
The FPS boost and other touches are nice but game lineup is hit and miss. Some titles surprise are supported but others lack.
Licenses are what they are, for movie tie ins/racing I don't expect much but for others yeah it lacks a bit.
Left behind PS3/360 IPs stay that way. It seems which is kind of annoying. More reasons to pick up these old consoles then.
I don't expect all games to be backwards compatible, not all need to or can't but in some cases there are many I wish were.
No Blur/PGR is sad but they are licensed but fake vehicle games with no licenses would be nice to see more of sigh.
But no Kingdom Under Fire, any of them is odd.
Some others even. No Brute Force even?
Voodoo Vince getting a remaster was nice as on 360 it couldn't and had a code conflict.
But Blinx 2? You really want to keep it dead Microsoft like you killed it with Halo 2's release? What a great idea, you want more sales for it or source code nah why bother you killed it and won't give it another chance and go oh it didn't sell well why offer it well you did it in the past ruin it's chances, so you give it even less chances to exist for those with no idea the 2nd game exists and being a more action based title it actually suits the Xbox audience besides the first game having it's fair moments but still a tough puzzle game. But oh well stuck on OG Xbox it is then.
I doubt many Wii IPs ever go to a Ubisoft service and never will. So like I think much of other companies supporting some consoles old games.
Then again many companies the licenses/lack of care or source code/their control over it matters more or it didn't sell well so why give it a 2nd chance. None of them care, only the successful are kept and everything else they go eh when we feel like it/never.
While nice for PC players to get them on Gamepass and the others on Steam or Windows store or whichever over time. For the Classic 1st game/Expansion and more I've been waiting for the early ones that are console releases for a while now.
So if they wanted digital or physical but to play them back compat I already own them on PS2 now (Big Red One, Finest Hour), 3 on PS3, I'll get COD 2 eventually, but because they took too long to offer the Xbox versions when I could have bought them and used their console even if they didn't get my digital money but other peoples. Their loss.
But again for PC players this is great to see but for console wise, we have had to wait too long.
In that time if I get Singularity, Fracture, Inversion and more before they put them on Gamepass/Back Compat then sure. I know Singularity and Timeshift are offered and I think disk only not digital which is fine by me.
That and cough Pitfall Lost Expedition (do something with it seriously, even make a new one besides Indy games, like do something, also it is a good enough easy to 100% 3D Metroidvania of the era too but like they or anyone else cares anyway) or anything else Activison then sure take that time but I've got pickups to work out and they don't want my money anyway so......... Like it matters. If they want hours/usage of their console then money well...
I mean I'm not buying digital so it isn't going to them anyways. Just console usage that's pretty much all that happens here that differs besides the enhancements.
Mistake or they should do further sales/poll checks/surveys/read comments that are helpful on articles or Youtube or elsewhere. Sure it's a lot of reading, sure the comments can be hit and miss of useful but if social media staff do their posts, read comments and know enough how they are going.
Their decisions are all over the place.
With combat, story telling, themes, etc. what audiences really want. Devs & themes/worlds/characters always pushed when we also want to play a game as well. I get what Hellblade is going for but even still.
Do they understand their audience? Do they listen to feedback or the whichever was into Hellblade then other games/OS changes and more audience in comparison of size of people? Do they think outside the box/look at their data correctly?
Indy Great Circle has it's differences but also it's Indy. Hellblade has it's but how many of those cross over? Compared to other characters, worlds, themes, gameplay, genre, etc. Time of releases as well. Too high of sales expectations as well. Time between games/other games coming out.
Filling up gamepass and how many appeal to people? Or how many 'fill in time' for a game they were actually excited for.
Then further guessing is possible of how it will do. How the money will flow, how the audiences think, which audiences on the platform. Like it's not that hard to already have an idea how these will go even if not 100% accurate enough of a sign.
I mean even if not the same, how do anime games/Japanese games do on Xbox versus PlayStation/Nintendo. Well how about many types of games Xbox has that can be seen as appealing as a PlayStation of their current line up and what factors they have in their games.
Xbox can try and branch out or have many studios on many types of projects, but like PS1-3, not all appealed to everyone.
They did to me not for nostalgia but various genres/interesting gameplay ideas, same reason I like Nintendo now and never really experienced much of them before but have more now that I can get their consoles/games retro or Switch.
I liked the variety and I didn't grow out of kids/cartoony games.
I don't care for most games on Xbox currently, the variety is there and it's great but they aren't my thing really.
But I'm 1 person, versus the many others that were interested in Hellblade 2 or other games.
It could be the pacing, if like me the camera, it could be the style of game, marketing. It's a number of factors.
For audience size of the game. Those watching the Ninja Theory YT channel videos, the trailers, those that bought other games similar to it on Xbox.
Why put a game out there and not do further research. Did companies forget we have data, but we really don't want to use the data that much or understand the users on our platform regardless of branching out to other types of games, knowing which would buy an Xbox to play this game, played it on PC, Gamepass in general access to it and how much the PS5 audience would play this game versus the 1st and played it enjoyed it/dropped off.
Compared to the Xbox audience that played it enjoyed it, dropped off.
Especially if people find the first game better than the second game after playing a certain amount of time or beat the story and wasn't into it after they finished it.
For more money/wider sources of platforms sure even though gaming isn't Office/Windows like but whatever strategies they think work I guess. They aren't the same audience/attitude people have towards them.
What they do with King is what I wonder, Halo or others mobile compared to past attempts? Or just the same old going as it is. We getting more Activision mobile games besides the Crash endless runner one?
Forza ones are just reskins of other mobile games, as unfortunate of handling those are they could be better yet aren't.
But I mean as if Stadia's no console and a Pixel phone (like Vita remote play then broader later)/controller were enough with it's advertising.
Anything with app support/a screen and wifi or data will work.... I mean sure.... But if people weren't interested in Xbox, or the games or services, what's to make them care to access it. XD
Shoving it down our throats I guess, that works right?
I mean from the car with the Gamepass tag on it for a Forza Motorsport branded model car in Aldi to shampoo to Xbox Oreos I mean they try a lot of things but what's the point to spread the name or get fans interested or the Xbox chance to win with Laptops and Series S or Windows 7 and 360s among other things.
We see the same marketing/bundles repeated over and over it doesn't work.
Expanding besides the console as it's 1 audience is understandable not the only audience is fine, but if the games aren't exciting it isn't going to change much even if on every device pre-installed.
Even seeing people working out Nintendo Switch physical digital codes is enough to see how people respond enough.
The Wii U had games and a gimmick let alone bad naming/marketing, Nintendo, eshop Indies and a gimmick I liked regardless of it's status.
The Xbox One/Series has impulse triggers, BC, apps further than the others as Windows/Xbox store but no games I want for Series S/X at all.
Xbox One even if not a library I care for as much as Vita/Wii U or even OG Xbox/360 it had enough there.
Says a lot when Wii U/Vita didn't have enough of the constant big third parties yet I still wanted it for the Indies/Japanese games besides the brief first party.
Xbox One unless the exclusives were good which a fair amount were even if others ignore what it offered I still look them up or am fine owning them even if some aren't my thing.
People that don't know what exists, or other IPs aren't shown in Gamepass ads why bother. They need to not just focus on just the NEW games but some of the back compat, some of the Xbox One games, different types of games to showcase value.
But nope they offer the more average marketing experience. Creative as they do try I'll give them that besides some being very plain as well. I do think the romance Gamepass ad was good, but the others are pretty standard stuff and forgettable.
Series consoles haven't impressed in the slightest for me, or they are taking their time so it's understandable to wait.
So is one an Extraction shooter? Both? I'm confused by the way it's presented in the article. Or lack of answers yet the information presents from whichever source.
Otherwise the cult and the family part seem similar to past games and like they are running out of ideas for story elements.
Otherwise could be fine but extraction shooter pass. They do know what fans want right?
Not trends or a premise that's good but drops off in other areas, they want better.
Just offer decent open worlds, creative weapons (the CD or Vinyl Record gun was cool reminded me of Sunset Overdrive's and Far Cry is good at it's craziness).
Been years since an Instincts game format. The immersion of Far Cry 2 is still impressive.
Co-op, is a fair feature if added again as probably benefited 6 a fair bit.
For money/getting games and services out I can see why.
But having a box in the living room even if a dedicated audience wanting/using it rather than it being that impactful to the competition as before. I think it's fair to still have one if it isn't too much to offer them still.
It's 1 option among cloud, and PC and other consoles eshops, not having the box reduces possibilities and a sizeable audience. So moving exclusives even if limited like PS5 to PC or Xbox and PC to other consoles later is viable I guess.
Then again the types of games are a mix, but just don't land. Nintendo it's different as the characters but I find the gameplay so particular that Xbox just doesn't have and are too varied or too modern and not exciting.
I am fine with Xbox having variety but they just don't land. I find myself more attracted to OG Xbox/360 era games then I do Xbox One/Series style games.
To me the box is a BC/other apps machine. I don't need a PC upgrade for gaming, like others see it. I like having the console and for the few Xbox One era games I did like on it.
To me a Nintendo title with variety feels like they really thought about it with the gameplay. Xbox titles feel like third parties or 1st parties with just generic gameplay and fine enough worlds/characters/stories and visuals.
I like having an Xbox, I don't use it much for games, well current gen as I do PS4/Switch and mostly use it for YT/Soundcloud and BC besides old Xbox One games while PS4 I do buy the newer games on occasion (I don't mind old gen versions) when modern games are of rare interest to me the few I do care about of big third parties not 1st party I couldn't care less there of Xbox/PS5 at the moment they haven't impressed me gameplay wise to bother with them.
But I still enjoy having a console then not besides the eh OS design it has currently compared to the past ones.
I think they offer fair competition with Sony as well even if not all times, enough times.
Fair, but I played more retro games than I did any of my 2020-2024 games on my PS4/Xbox One...... what a year it was ignoring most, like sure I have Gori Cuddly Carnage and Indie from this year I played the demo, I haven't started it yet though the full game, sure I'll get Steam World Heist 2 eventually..... but otherwise yeah this year was forgettable or unappealing besides retro game pickups. XD
Got a few PS4 games digitally, got to look out for the next Switch discounts as I missed my chance with the ones I've had my eye on, discounts ended last week so either I'll wait or pay full price depending. One has licenses I have to consider, the others not.
When you'd rather play Chicken Little on PS2 the first game not 2nd game in 2024 you know your either desperate or still having fun regardless and not fussed if playing tie in games still no matter the year as still getting something out of them.
Xbox can make deals, they can keep working away at things for sure but to me. I just don't find their we try to connect with the Japanese but they really don't care, or did for a few Gamepass moments and that's it.
Kids games well that is still third parties regardless anyway.
1st parties didn't do it for me or we are waiting of course.
Indy is probably really good I think it has a few odd details but it's still good of a game for sure.
But I'm barely using my Xbox.
I put in Extinction and wasn't into it with how bad the goblin boss regenerated their limps and I just got sick and tired of it's timing going no where for me to defeat them 3 levels in.
I put in Mothergunship and was fair, I just suck at it. Got a few others for Xbox One (probably 2020 and older I think) and still many 360 BC or a small handful of OG Xbox to play on my Xbox One yet I still barely want to use it besides Blu-rays or YT.......
Beat 22 or so retro games this year (besides Splatoon 2) all PS2, Wii, PS3, 360, of shooters, racing, platformers of that gen, some licensed film tie ins like Chicken Little or Up movie games
Other AA/B grade some being platformers, Wii versions of games like NFS Hot Pursuit which is great, never under-estimate PS2/PSP/Wii versions of games being a blast they can be as unique or fair gameplay besides the presentation I couldn't care less about. Parity means nothing.
Others just forgotten shooters (Blackside Area 51, Soldier of Fortune Payback, Bodycount with my working PS3 copy as my 360 copy wasn't doing too great, Battlefield 3 on Xbox One 360 BC as the disks were stuffed and Splintercell Conviction on BC as well I binged in their own days of a week, among others) of the PS3/360/Wii era, even got Kane & Lynch 2 started.
Not much.... Could be fine, could be nothing, not fussed either way. If more trailers of same games sure. If nothing of new games or any new trailers/updates. Not fussed.
I may see it but I'll still read the recaps on here, Push Square & Nintendo Life anyway.
I always if I miss a Sony/Xbox/Nintendo event (isn't so much with Game Awards but I may not care in the next few days who knows) go to these sites just encase and go eh it was fine for these games, didn't care for these or nothing of interest at all.
It has more cars/tracks...... bug fixes..... Not played, 1-4/10.
On and off with FM5-7 & especially 6. Similar to me with Dirt 3 & 5. Grid Legends/Wreckfest/Gravel are fun enough, not exciting, just passable. Progression/variety of event types just isn't there in modern racing games & I find them incredibly boring & not worth a purchase/glance.
Not played Assetto Corsa, Proj Cars is fine, others getting to. FM1-4 more care/flexibility.
Night events/rain & structure of 6 wasn't enough for me even if it was a fair remix/more to do than FM5 I enjoyed 5 & 7 more. Hated 5 at launch, thought was fine later, got 7 enjoyed it, got 6 last in the series & hated it but powered through to last 2-3 tours left in section 5 or so, unlocked all side events behind those & remaining are hard ones to beat to unlock last side events so dropped off.
Would buy FM1 for Alpine Ring/Blue Mountains Raceway/Shipyard/test tracks FM2 don't have, check drivavatars work, etc. That& how FM1 did regions if similar as FM2, probably unchanged.
I don't want to play a FM8 that's FM6 of JUST racing events, no matter 'event entry' they aren't as fun as GT games & even GT7 has besides it's eh progression I don't like among other things it still has the fuel/other side type events & license tests. I can still say it has variety & appeal when I hate GT7. XD
FM8 is boring races, may function more now but not anymore exciting still, at least 6 had side events even if outside tours.
5 & 7 presented differently, 5 being mixed in& was a championship of mixed events with additional race events after the point it ended & handful to do. That's fine. 3-4 flexible event list. 1-2 were fair level access/pacing.
For a launch title to hate on, & enjoyable later for what was there.
While 7 was pick whatever you want of races/other types in that specific cup. Kind of how I see PGR2, it and FM6 I compare more but PGR2 was class locked but well didn't have candy cars FM6 has & 'selection' was still there not forced on the same tour experience every single time. While FM7 I could at least choose what event I wanted. The way PGR2 did each track/whatever event type was attached to them per that class. Restrictions but still fun then restrictions or limited aspects and boring.
Doing a sprint aka 1 lap magic in 6 & 7 was cool to me at least. As well as bowling/cones/others like past games.
Doing just races was what I found boring in 6, preferred side events because were more fun, so 8 being basically tour/races with graphics, eh menus & whatever can wrap around things/staff change over. Pass.
Whatever level up system being changed to now & only thing that was actually cool about the game to me was the like MX vs ATV games the position selection but instead you get credits difference or so where you pick to start (& of course not the side by side but car lineup) like otherwise the game to me isn't any more appealing then when it started.
More content isn't the issue, the progression already was boring of a foundation so they won't change it. That or even add side events with different modes/things to challenge players just more races.....
WRC3 on 360 I played only the campaign because the gate event types/modes were so fun. I could play the rest but I didn't need to.
The game is just more content, fixes and the same structure I already wasn't interested in so to me it isn't that more appealing of a purchase at it's high price or a gamepass download a year later anyway.
Do they really care about dedicated console customers? They can use cloud/an app for anything with internet/a screen. Like they have to care at all.
They get new customers all the time or they get rid of plenty of millions they don't care about. It's up to them how many people/how much that really factors into things.
I agree, with us physical gamers or us Xbox console dedicated if they don't care about us we go elsewhere.
If we don't move on to digital or cloud they lose customers right there.
Sure they get new customers all the time but if they really cared they'd want as many customers as possible wouldn't they?
Or does the small amount still not matter? Not surprised but even still.
Xbox would easily because software company and like Office/Edge it on everything, but like Windows 10 I ignore every time they say 'change your settings to suit our services'. I tell them to get stuffed.
Alright happy with OG/360 and other platforms old gens as well. I barely use my Xbox as is and their games lack impact. The variety is there but the impact is weak.
They want money but don't want to actually convince customers just expect them to bend over and give them money, well they have to try harder then that for some of us.
Part 2:
Though when I do I don't mind it but I still prefer to use a PS/Nintendo system unless it's a OG/360 game I really want to play that is. On those systems too.
I don't care for gamepass but I see benefit in it.
Dead Rising 3 I got to late, same with Quantum Break, Crackdown 3, FM 6 & 7, never played Killer Instinct or certain others, not my thing.
I'd say I own a fair amount of the exclusive 1st party, no Bleeding Edge or Sea of Theives, no Indie exclusives, no Ubisoft Kinect classic Fighters Uncaged sequel for Xbox One launch. No Twisted Pixel's launch title. Got Lucky's Tale and it's ok.
Ryse was ok but also why I don't like GOW2018, Hellblade is better but still won't play it. Just not the camera/controls I want to experience let alone GOW2018 being so eh tasks. I could stand Tomb Raider 2013 but others in that format nah just couldn't the segmented regions, tombs and tasks/collectibles type that aren't open world but have aspects like them just in smaller spaces.
It's an ok gen but I barely used it & I still barely use it now.
Other than Metro on PSVR2 not much I could say to care about on either PS5 or Series X really.
Handful of occasions & yes it's my current, the Xbox the One X. Family have a PS5s launch/Slim & launch Series X I have no interest.
Barely use. VCR is a 2020 OS offline system for testing & One X is for Blu-rays/YT/games/Soundcloud on & off basically. But not as infrequent as during 8th gen. XD
So occasionally more then I'd usually leave larger gaps of never using it because family have the others. Series X maybe has had more use by family then Xbox One VCR/One X, doesn't feel like it. For me I never touch Series X as no need to. I could get Syberia remake as Series X copy in EB but otherwise, no interest.
PS5 played Ratchet RA, hated it (RA/2016 worst in series, potential is weak & I have better ideas for it) & Space Marine 2 was what I expected but good enough. No interest in 9th gen weak game design, so 8th gen & under for me & 20+ games of old gen backlog/collector pickups beaten.
Xbox One even besides the launch DRM/other aspects cough PC issues prior leading up to it. FM5 was eh, Ryse was ok but eh, the games were fair though. Turn arounds were fair. Consoles were fair per model/changes even if the Kinect part well didn't use much & the touch button is annoying on launch model as is PS4 as well, & 360 Slim now that own one of those.
Back compat, the 2013 OS when it had the Windows 8 features were good. Used Kinect once for gesture tutorial or COD AW MP once for mic. Used it once for Kinect Rivals as well when got that few years ago now. XD Got 360 Kinect & used it a few times for testing as never owned one but always did Xbox One Kinect.
Sunset Overdrive I hated then became one of my favourite open worlds once I gave it a 2nd go, ReCore was good yes I'm one of those likes those types of games that are underappreciated yes I like Balan Wonderworld as well.
FM5 was terrible or to me felt like Gran Turismo 1 & I still somewhat think that due to how it's content is handled then after 6 & 7 I bought during 9th gen physical for whatever I could find in EB/2nd hand stores or just enough time had passed, I changed my mind even if I hate 6 when I bought it in the last few years & still because of how it remixed/what it added didn't change my mind on the progression being so eh.
The Impulse Triggers were & still are a good feature. Very underappreciated feature.
Otherwise not a lot, I barely used the system, the games are 'fair' but not my favourite era, prefer OG/360 more,
I still barely use it. The CD app is great. Soundcloud is good enough to use on it then Sony with no CD support or only Spotify. Xbox offering more apps/Windows store is a good & bad thing there.
The YT app responding to the right stick is nice, it's no Switch right stick on the OS support but it's still something PS4 YT app doesn't do nor touchpad when the DVD/blu-ray menu is good for touchpad but still good on Xbox like 360's.
Never liked the PS2/PSP/PS3 menu but PS4/360/Xbox One I do like.
OS wise hmm I'd say either 2013 as still that fair Metro design like 360. Or the customisation one Xbox/MS cut so the one before the garbage/worst one we have now. XD That or the 3rd one Xbox One had maybe was fair? I find the 2nd maybe was ok I forget & the 4th/or Series consoles 1st was a bit eh. Or was that the 2nd one. I forget as the minor changes or the eh design in areas to navigate, or look visually are just eh I can't.
Modes, real cars, fake cars, as long as the effort is made that's all I care for.
Wreckfest has fake cars, doesn't mean the content isn't fair but still lacking to me. Same with any games with cars.
Indies like Inertial Drift it isn't just because it's drifting, but the modes, the attention to detail.
I buy annual racing games of old for the content/progression, challenges, not the teams. But how they use the cars/bikes.
I don't care whether teams, brands, whatever are in it or not.
It's like having a platformer with a human or animal or a vehicular combat game. The act of their abilities/modes/level design is more exciting to me then the character, their branding, their dialogue/personality when the personality of how they play is more important to me then what they say/how they look.
I can play as anything and if it's fun to play I'll play it. Sure themes/other things have substance but when gameplay has it's own substance not accounted for well I prefer it gets the attention it deserves not be a 'means to get to the other things'.
I don't like candy car/dream car offered rewards in games. I prefer to earn them. The supercars to me aren't fun to drive and just some wish fulfillment. Wow they look nice, are fast/eh to drive and other times just wow their reptuation/branding. I couldn't care less.
I don't care about their social/luxury status. Got better things to care about.
They are a nice bonus but not a selling point to me. Its' why the brands/graphics and less content has made me care less for racing games, they cost too much, the use of them in game design got worse due to the licenses or other prioritizes.
Museum titles were fair back in the day, not always as polished but even if advergaming they were solid for the brand and 'using the cars' in challenges or whatever. So I didn't mind those if done well in the challenges, progression, etc.
Delisting is what it is though of licenses, physical helps and I guess if Xbox network settings off to prevent downloads if can like PS4/Switch ignore updates.
I don't mind 1.0 versions sometimes so physical for sure.
Never played Horizon games besides 1st and even Burnout Paradise as awkward as it was was more fun. Tried a bit of 3, still wasn't into it. But like Sunset Overdrive, Infamous Second Son or Gravity Rush it's the side missions/how the characters interacts with the world gameplay wise of movesets, what you do in the missions, level design.
Part 3: Playing Chicken Little on PS2 (2 months ago) made me go wow these minigames/levels and character weight is interestingly of it's time (hate heavy character weight in modern games so in older games where it wasn't there yet it's even worse) and challenging and can see why people would struggle with them.
So people can go oh kids games. Yeah that era and these days kids are VERY different levels of challenging people forget. It's why I like going back a few eras. Not just for the mechanics being more exciting but the variety I do seek sometimes or don't mind the experimentation, sometimes bad, sometimes good, other times I don't mind genre switches, which most people may not. XD But I got used to them by working them out in old games and modern ones.
3 being rushed is understandable but why the Sparx abilities were accessibility offerings (while good to have, even if I struggle more in Enter the Dragonfly or didn't have as much issues replaying 1 again for the whatever time and still found the gems) but no replacement for them to win something new for the 3rd Sparx boss. Sigh.
It's a fair remake but eh jump/character weight I hate.
The skill points are fair in 1 (like how Crash had the times/relics added as were only in Crash 3 originally) as never existed till 2, 3 then Ratchet onwards. So those additions were fair to add.
Good presentation for sure, but it's more little gameplay things or tweaks I sometimes liked or hated. Some were better, some were not.
It's fair. I sure have memories/replay the originals a few times every so often but at the same time I still have issues with the originals as I do this remake. Nostalgia doesn't hold it back I have issues with any games and don't get ignorant over nostalgia. I'll play anything that's exciting enough in it's design.
I think it's a good time for people to get to experience them, as a kid/adult for the first time for sure. A good game for kids to play over Christmas this year for sure.
Still would prefer Pitfall Lost Expedition get revived but oh well.
Part 2:
So unless old design in mind then well yeah. Kids games weren't always oh artstyle/dialogue/themes must be for kids, it's kids games had just as much if not more gameplay variety and challenge that actually challenged me and still do then adult games being more relaxed and theme focused/violence focused. XD Artstyle means nothing if the worlds are more crazy interesting.
It's like an adult game being based around psychedelics. But instead well not those types of themes but imagine more inputs and weird things going on. Or I guess like the Spiderman 2018 hallucinations but instead it's not as basic to get through. Imagine that but with more inputs. Or general worlds with more inputs not generic tasks/but ok cities/fields/whatever and weapons.
Sunset Overdrive tower defence was more fun then any outposts in any other games. I'd have loved animal abilities then the blandness of Biomutant with basic animal animations. So is it teen/adult games or lack of creativity? As least gas immunity was a nice touch. I'll play Space Station Silicon Valley thanks over Goose/Little Kitty then more animal movesets over bland animal moveset games even if different goals.
But still passable I think I never had too many issues playing certain segments of games as a kid (we all have some that do and we get around them) but I think I got through a fair few. Some still I struggle with but still get through them of course in a few goes due to memory.
Edit: was going to put other things but eh moved them to Part 3 as hit cancel then save, grrr....
Played years ago/Platinumed, I think it's fair, dynamic music is hit or miss. 1 is simple but the Tree Tops secrets/Haunted Towers ones are still hard for a kid but still great to find out and beat again as an adult. Character weight eh. Sparx bonuses just gems as abilities accessibility features I'm on and off with.
Dinosaur orb in Skelos. The Alchemist in Fracture Hills, the headbash is eh, Crystal Popcorn in Magma Cone. Hide and Seek or others in later levels. Level secrets for orbs platforming wise. The supercharge in some of the games.
The water tube in 3. The tank battles. Whack-a-mole. Turtle soup camera was fixed in Reignited thankfully for 2. Yeah as an adult you remember how annoying they were and still are. Hardly a kids game easy these days (some areas). It's PS1 design still in there. Not all is dumbed down, some is and for good (Turtle soup), others not so bad. It has no Spyro prototype like elements but oh well. Ah Dream Weavers, Gnorc Cove, Haunted Towers or others details cut.
The Ocean Speedway orb challenge tests my flight skills around that under into the tunnel. Let alone in and out of Icy Speedway orb challenge. Among other things. Reflexes/memory these games test for sure.
The challenges are still PS1 hard, people go oh it's a kids game and see the artstyle/characters when I mean..... there is a reason I play platformers, not because they are for kids, but because they push gameplay more than adult games with more themes/dialogue which can be fair or skill trees and garbage I don't like.
In some cases I wish they pushed further like Ratchet's momentum for the swingshot was always basic gaps, it used to have a few challenging ones then they got rid of those. Adult games with grapples are basic as, very boring.
So adult games with a waypoint/violence/other themes, yeah we can read them but hardly challenging or engaging in comparison to kids games with none or fewer of those but yet other types of design more exciting and challenging in their own way.
So to me kids games are actually more fun worlds of creativity and experimentation of worlds/mechanics, sure fire/charge is basic, but supercharge, super flame, swimming, and more, give me those mechanic types. The basic but still fair dynamics. Sure sure armour penetration or status effects or other things or more to understand in adult games but so many boring effects memorisation snore. Skill trees with basic stat differences, snore.
It's like BOTW, give me wind from fire arrows or more depth to fire arrows inflicting enemies. Interactive stuff. But nope we get basic design. Can you tell I like old games more interactive with level design, aka platformer design, or the geo panels of Disgaea, a board game style but still effects the level design.
I'd take Starcraft Ghost or anything else over this. It does give Space Marine vibes but I mean the level design/weapons, the pacing, the variety or lack there of. Not too sure on this.
It made me think of Ghost then open world made me go pass.
Part 2: Let alone use apps to cast their whole phone to the TV aka like the Switch or Steam Deck or PSP/Nomad or Pocket PCs aka docks/cables but no cables and just phone casting not remote play/cloud just phone over network to a screen like I wish Switch 2 could but doubt it would happen as remote play the casting is better from a powerful device down to another then phone to modem/router to TV and it being very delayed of what 5 seconds it's so noticeable.
I mean third party ones for the whole phone's actions not just YT phone cast icon to cast to YT on your TV/comment. I mean using any phone app, aka the phone OS on your TV as if it was a Switch/PSP connected but wireless. Big differences yet would people know that?
I use a few third party ones on Android and it's ok.
So how well will people understand any device with a storefront to download the Xbox app for cloud services go then do people think?
It's a fair strategy it is an app/ecosystem anyone can access if they have the right device, the right firmware/OS version of Apple/Android/PC/anything with a screen and internet connection or a Samsung TV from 2020+ or Amazon Fire TV.
Xboxes have a place but I think still for people wanting a box/dedicated fans more so while other devices for other people. But with user numbers how much will Xboxes being removed from the equation and dedicated fans forced to use cloud not as an option when they feel like it.
Like I don't want a gyro or other controller features in a game and it being awkward to use while streaming future happens, I want that with a box thanks for better support and who cares graphics, I want stable gameplay and mechanics first thanks not safe gameplay and graphics with no cough Sony 360/540p of Vita that 480 to 1080p Portal/phone/PS4/PC app should have cough cough lazy Sony. Does Microsoft offer that either? If so lazy for not doing so. But oh YT/Twitch/etc. can do it but we can't do that for game streaming? Or Netflix/other services tiers to pay for that we haven't seen Sony/Xbox do yet, shivers.
I'll take my consoles with a power brick, maybe if I can power it with a generator for internet as well. Otherwise if no services eh will still go offline regardless. Will have a screen near by. Or I'll just take my handhelds/Wii U/PS2 if I find a screen for it or PS1 (don't own a PS1 but it had an LCD screen). Got a screen now for analogue tuning so good enough for SNES level support now but HDMI so just plug the Xbox isn't that and a power brick for the TV/console, good to go.
Either way, cloud is a fair option but yeah will people take this 'oh it's an Xbox' I mean they push Gamepass so much I almost think do people know what Gamepass is more than Xbox? Like Skyrim more than Elder Scrolls kind of hearing about it a lot?
Or understand cloud well enough besides using Cloud storage like Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive (or other services) and going oh it's my storage without knowing it's not local and understanding what the word cloud means. People can use something and still not understand it/what the terms mean or if they have even heard of them, after all.
It's a fair strategy to go with saying 'these devices are capable' and because it's just the app to go off of.
But the thing is do they expect people to do research of devices that are app compatible besides what ones are shown in the ad? Or what games are on Gamepass/Cloud supported besides the icons and more to tag what is compatible for cloud support?
What if nothing interests them? Then well no need for them to access the service right? XD
I mean the average person and what they see/hear/understand is up in the air of possibilities then research besides what us gamers/look at the news/use the services types are.
Saying it's an Xbox but still questioning it beyond the key ones they show I mean it can happen.
Google made Stadia clear to people with a mobile app, with a controller bundle, with a TV and Chromecast, how many use their controllers besides the remote to control their TVs?
Not fussed with graphics but PGR3 did have that wait it's real moment at the 360 release for sure.
Those screenshots look excellent. The art direction also just helps it.
To me while I never saw that period of time or anything about the games till later, to me the games are so much fun with their arcade feel, the progression is great (didn't like 4's) and the cities are used well for 100s of layouts. Which I prefer. Open worlds are fine but eh just didn't always do it for me with some layouts or paths/or missions.
PGR just the closed off layouts well, good mode variety, and more that kept me more interested in them. Geometry Wars was just a bonus, and the PGR2 dealership to walk around in, model viewer and still purchasing space it's so good, makes the GT7 dealership first time cutscene look hilarious in comparison. Where is that in PSVR2? Thought it up, knew it would never happen and was right.
I will always appreciate the PGR series and while never started with them compared to GT/Forza/Grid and a few others I'm glad once I got to them I really enjoyed the whole series and put the disk in for PGR from time to time.
So healthy money wise but in other areas of morals or talent or survival of studios asking for things, trying to stay afloat, meet the Gamepass standards it couldn't be further from the truth as some can't meet their standards or studios ask for things they can't have and get shut down or don't make enough money for them? It's money or they are dead, ignored, survival means nothing. I get studios have to be shut for various reasons they can't just build up and up forever but some of the reasons for doing so are pretty ridiculous.
Just say it Phil Xbox/Microsoft is doing great with money via the many all over the place 'successful' strategies but otherwise it's just a load of mixed ideas that also are confusing, stupid and just insanely weird for any drop of money and studios/deals go why should we bother with Xbox/PC at all if the sales/tools/saying one thing then another isn't trust worthy enough.
I'm not against more platforms getting games, Sega did it Saturn/PC/Coleco Chameleon or otherwise.
I'll use any platform but I haven't cared for a single game on Series X because of the games being eh, the progression systems suck, the variety is there but the impact of anything in them is so unappealing, the deals are fine but I can get the games elsewhere if I was desperate enough which I'm not because none of them are appealing, older, earlier, other platforms and really just don't trust Xbox enough. I'm only getting OG/360/older Xbox One releases that's it. Besides blu-ray app/YT use in there.
That's without getting into barely many Indies due to them being nostalgia/heavily inspired and very boring, with only a few actually standing out the rest are repetitive safe garbage. Their skills differ sure I understand that but some really do try and the rest really really don't. Those that don't, don't deserve respect they want to prototype more do it, not do the bare minimum or copy cat competition so weakly it's a forgettable game among a sea of forgettable games.
No rules say a company can't put a web browser, office suite let alone their games on any platform they want.
But at the same time the strategy is really obvious for money and shooting a shot all over the place and really tiring let alone studios have no idea what safety or survival they have so unless the funding is enough, "TALENT" either, the 'flexibility' is to be believed even if creative projects or uncreative but money making works and people go to Gamepass, buy on any platform, give money any way they want or stick to games enough for money to flow it's fine because money is the answer in the end.
The rest is just all over the place and obvious it's money first then trustworthy.
There is a reason WRC 2023 appealed to me (not bought yet) it's the Sega GT Dreamcast (wasn't in Xbox OG 2002/Online), Pure for PS3/360 the ATV game, or Apex OG Xbox 2023, is the car builder.
That and well if modes suck then at least something going on. Ride 4 (cough split screen of 5 that Forza Motorsport 8 couldn't do) had a region mode from Forza Motorsport 1 & 2 and I thought that was cool, it's restrictive but expanded upon. Hard to play but still a cool feature.
Game mechanics matter to me more than cosmetics but if they are functional stat or upgrades type customisation I don't mind.
I think it offers a lot for events and progression/customisation not liveries I mean parts and chassis customisation.
Project Spark was cool but just didn't go much of anywhere.
Character creators don't matter to me though. Biomutant if it had perks/character trait abilities (Cough like animals in games had better movesets for platformers in the 5th gen then they do more generic adventures nowadays of basic human concept understanding of animals on adventure, seriously goose/stray/little kitty are fine but look boring to me and Biomutant it felt like how peeing/sprinting on all 4 legs and an humanlike acting/anthropomorphic apocalyptic animal, like why can't we have abilities? To dumb the game down for casuals or too much effort to implement?) I'd have liked it more if they added animal abilities so you can swim/flight/digging/climbing/ranged claws /etc. features but it doesn't remove the need for a glider, mech or jet ski the game already had, it had gas immunity to offer progression besides other things and you build it up but otherwise eh.
But cosmetics, how a character looks nah. Pikmin 4 having the character creator was not immersion helpful to me really. It put me off. It was enough for me to go eh this is going to be a casual more annoying entry and besides Ice Pikmin or night missions that needed a bit more depth, I hated the whole game the changed rules of flowers/pikmin acquiring/onions and other things, the character creator, the restrictive motion controls when 1-3 had better motion controls and more. It sucked. That character creator trailer was enough of a sign. I played 98% for 78 hours. 3 was my first and I never had issues with it. Coming off of 1 on Wii's motion yeah 4 was a let down. 2 was fine on Switch as the GameCube version even if a combo of 3 Deluxe controls would have been nice but nope they were lazy to do that.
So I can see reason for it but I prefer functional customisation not cosmetic customisation if that makes sense.
If they have other technologies for the software visuals sure, if they have another console gimmick/controller gimmick like gyro (the plans whatever they were prior and 'if true or not' as got impulse triggers for Xbox One, Share button for Series X/S but quick resume on the software side instead (that some people clearly don't know Xbox has and go oh no innovation, sigh some people).
I'd be happy with gyro/whatever motion and whatever they want to call it but I have already prior consoles to experience it so like I really care unless they put some interesting spin on it really in their games or the OS.
But if it's just a RAM/CPU/GPU increase, AI upscaling, eh could go either way but I really don't care, to me the game design matters and I haven't seen anything appealing like I have old gens (not PS4/Xbox One as while PS3/360 was the start 8th gen really set in the game design I wasn't into and audiences were a different focus so the game design was more dumbed down and I see it more and more so I am pulling away and being more picky of releases nowadays), whatever wattage for the power supply and so on sure. IF it's a bit more going on with getting the most out of them fine.
I couldn't care less other than gyro or game design, that's it, but my Xbox One is a YT app/soundcloud app and blu-ray player, I use it ucommonly for Xbox One/BC games but with streaming/gamepass/digital as the focus and with console sales being what they are for hardcore mostly I don't know what to think.
I haven't touch a Series 2020-2024 game physical (I don't buy digital Xbox games) in the slightly personally (sure Syberia remake seems fair for the price, Forza Motorsport 8 disappointed so pass on that, the rest are fine but either waiting or not interested) while others have.
Only picked up OG/360/Xbox One and not a single Xbox One 2020-2024 like I have PS4 more even if a small handful. Besides Switch of course.
Even then I'm mostly buying third parties and I mean niche or AA 3rd parties. I am very Indie picky too if it's nostalgic/very safe of ideas in execution I can be very harsh to Indies wanting them to do more ever so slightly. Or move more than their inspirations especially in some genres. The few 1% that impress I enjoy (not ones everyone talks about either I don't care about popularity the game design speaks for itself if it's good).
Whenever they are ready/other releases have the limelight and then quieted down put them on there I guess. I'm still waiting though for BC support. So as that will never happen whenever the Xbox One/Series gen ones they are ready to ad over time, sigh. Oh well got plenty of other Activision games of the past that won't go on Gamepass/Back Compat to enjoy in my time they couldn't care less about anyway.
Unrelated but related to article topic. Then again even if some are memorable how many of the PS3/360 exclusives that are niche are memorable.
Sure Blue Dragon/Lost Odyssey, Otogi and more but who remembers Kingdom Under Fire series? Or many others? I hadn't even heard of any of them till the last decade or so. Sure I knew Blinx, Voodoo Vince, Halo, Gears, Forza but once you get to the others above or Brute Force or certain ones I only have in the last few years. Last KUF was on 360 and was vastly different then the somewhat Dynasty Warriors of the OG Xbox 2 entries.
All of the OG/360 games are more appealing to me. Other than the few for Xbox One i like it's a media console for YT, CD apps, Blu-ray app and Soundcloud. Besides Back Compat. The Xbox is just ok. But PS5 and it's issues I have doesn't make it any more appealing. Nintendo's business practices are what they are but the games & hardware annoy me the least or excite me more. That's the niche IPs of 1st party too.
Obviously many others get under the rug as things go on, people re-discover games/gems left behind and so on or yes the big count towards things for sure.
The Japanese exclusives were great and less a thing on Xbox One, sure 360 was a good platform because PS3 was so complicated or sales worked out well as 360 was a good console to have at the time while Xbox One you get the odd IPs still directed to the console as if they are 'were know the stereotypical audience' even though the sales don't reflect that stereotypical audience but a sizeable just not large enough audience sometimes. It's not that sizeable audience's fault they care and others on the platform don't buy them.
Or in some cases even the fan service ones of 360 era get pushed away from Xbox/PS nowadays and go to Switch/PC because image/reputation matters to them.
Though Larry/Postal still get on modern platforms and I assume toned down so I question that.
I was a mix of all 3 or more so both PS/Xbox but to me even the 1st party on both sides haven't impressed me of gameplay ideas or themes, the peripherals WOULD have but just aren't doing it for me, so Switch for the variety of IPs/genres/gameplay as Xbox has the variety (something PS1-3/PSP/Vita had) over PS4/5 (and the push of IPs I didn't like that 3rd parties also did the same during PS4/Xbox One era so only the PS3/360 IPs left behind I buy up these days besides any mechanics in older gems left behind) but to me just aren't that exciting still.
Very few games impressed me this gen of what tactics/hack n slashes, the 2 genres I got into 2017+ when collecting and barely if ever played prior because branching out just to find anything exciting to play and shooters/RPGs/action adventure/platformers/racing have been disappointing me/less modes in racing is just disgusting.
@kevinm360 I assume so with that as well. The news section is cool. I don't know about the clubs or whatever game new stuff like PS5 also has. Never interacted with any of it. Never had interest to. But it's also Nintendo account related too I think and I haven't synced my account yet. I'll get around to it. Mostly I keep it as a 'internet for updates' and that's it at the moment so in a way still like a local account Switch.
Ah I guess that makes sense, should have questioned that but I didn't think about it as such.
SD Cards would be interesting like Tapwave Zodiac offered but I do guess that the proprietary cards are on purpose for DRM/protection and just code alone isn't enough but hardware itself limits.
Switch I don't notice as much the updates to newer prints of the carts and I have no idea if Sony/Microsoft even bother with that or go eh updates are a enough. We mostly still see definitive editions with leftover codes offered (I think mostly a third parties thing then 1st party) but would they bother with reprints on the disks? It'd be costly for sure).
While Switch does on the box or just the cart (cart makes more sense) for reprints of updates so that's cool for preserving different builds/updates on carts at least).
Windows 11 comes on a USB for $200 USD or something these days from memory so it's not out of the question of companies trying to do so regardless of being able to boot off a USB stick for years for OS technicians/enthusiasts do.
Faster loading for sure, if still well optimised that is. XD
But I don't mind carts/game cards at all. Even the Switch/Vita cases while not ideal for replacing I find really cool and interesting case designs.
NXE makes sense but I don't know might just be my way of seeing navigation. I do think the cards aspect I should have considered it is in that way very creative besides the simplicity for audiences to or other factors. Just never considered it that way before. Huh.
Then again it's kind of similar to a smartphone the all apps type menu. I do sometimes even just find scrolling to things confusing. Sometimes it's clear other times it isn't.
Yeah Blades was like that wasn't it. Hmm.
Yeah voice chat/online and I get the era were in of course so it makes sense to offer them then not for sure. I don't have enough experience or understanding of them or how PS3 to 360/OG Xbox or others have offered them so it's not much of anything I can comment on really. I think I remember the Gamerscore/leaderboard (more so for games as I more so have a local account likely well compared to a 360 local ones and a more online but I just don't use it for online or digital game purchases but could, same with how PS3 I have a local account but PS4 I do buy digital) and things in past OS versions/layouts but I can't remember. Or was that's the profile view of such details. I can't remember.
That's fair I can see reason in that as image/video share is pretty standard so expanding on it is kind of cool (not that I would think how but once seeing it I probably would appreciate it more).
Microsoft I get benefits from being on any platform. Then again who knows about the Entertainment Pack games from the 90s on Gameboy Color? Are those coming to Gamepass. XD As if Rare's GBA games don't exist as MS didn't have a handheld so Rare was able to offer them on GBA.
They do with Edge/Office, they did IE, among many other things, they do anything to make money being on anything because the more open they are it's fine. No one says you have to be straight 1st or 3rd party just keep whatever you want control over and offer t5he rest on other platforms, it's not a rule or something, they can do whatever they want.
Sure Sega was on PC during the Saturn to survive even though people seem to only pay attention to the Dreamcast ending and oh porting to other consoles and ignore the Saturn/PC stuff or don't know about it probably as much as the Enteratinment pack GBC games. It's not unheard of offering other platforms for games, apps or support for them.
It's like Minecraft modloaders, 5+ exist and PC gamers go wait what because they are too 1 for all/1 for comfort focused and ignorant to do basic research or have a brain of how the past works.
The sooner they offer Pitfall the better (a Indy/TR/Uncharted/Tad/Joe Wander competitor they could do something with, ANYTHING WITH) and offer Lost Expedition a good fair metroidvania I 100%ed which is saying a lot as I suck at them.
TimeShift/Singularity (I see on the Xbox store but assume are disk support only? They have the pages but of course no digital purchase which is fair. Or licenses stopped?) don't appear on the website as I assume only digital purchaseable ones count on that site?
I can go either way with the Truck racing games of the past, Supercar Street Challenge has no car licenses but maybe music ones (I doubt ABK cares, I do I think the game has a charm to it) or Transformers or other stuff.
Blur won't due to licenses and ABK really don't care anyways.
COD Classic no idea if works? But where are COD 2, 3, Big Red One, Finest Hour? They could have offered them but nope PS2 instead of Xbox versions it is for me as they didn't offer them in time so I bought them on PS2, if they want me to use my Xbox more they should offer them.
They could try to offer their past titles but they refuse to do so. If they don't have the source codes sure, if they are too lazy to ABK that's on them.
Activision Lives isn't Xbox compatible but something like it could be of past Activision 2600 or other titles.
Was surprised even Midway collection was back compat (I always try the disks just to make sure) I usually expect no collections of old games to be compatible (I mean why wouldn't Sega do that per gen to resell them in a different bundle/licenses change after all) but then again the Xbox Live Arcade disk and the Triple Pack with Limbo/Splosion Man/Trials HD worked so anything is possible I guess.
@kevinm360 Social features have a place but I just didn't need them. I have heard how bad the social features on Switch are. Never used them but I can understand that.
Miiverse wasn't a thing I expected, but not fussed I missed out on it. But to me dual screens were cool and to most people confusing or not of interest to them, understandable but disappointing.
Sort of how I feel about Nintendo and no installs, I've played many old games and gone wow this runs well off the disk yet PS4/Xbox One push the consoles so much yet are installed to the system and 360 was the last or only to have optional installs. XD So to me Switch/Wii U having no installs is great as I have more space for updates or if I go digital which may over time I just buy up most physical I want first then the digital I can only get that way later.
Windows 8 wasn't perfect, I didn't mind the all devices consistency they were going for besides it's flat design even if the apps I had to use task manager to close all the time which was annoying but to me the dual app sliding how big they were was really nice and i kind of miss that. 8.1 worked well enough to me. Sure the corners, sure the Metro design isn't great but it grew on me. I hated 8 at first, I hated Minecraft 1.6.4 to 1.7.10 with it's world update changes. I got used to them over time for different reasons I guess.
The social features are probably good on Xbox One I just never used them, Impulse Triggers were fun in the what Gears, Forza Motorsport 5-7 or Project Cars 3 I've used them in, I'm a singleplayer type mostly these days and only did local split screen a few times during many shooters or others, more around when COD BO3 was the last to have it or other games pushed online more I dropped off split screen and I don't need Xbox Live/PS+/Switch Online at all so to me it wasn't of any use to me. I used Kinect for Xbox One and voice on Advanced Warfare with someone 'once'. So that should say my extent of not needing the feature. Only gotten to 360 Kinect nowadays and it's ok from what I've used it for so far, like Eye Toy very space picky.
NXE was fair but to me it just made it too one after the other select is how it looks and I just find that kind of too long to navigate so that's why I wasn't a fan of it. It made sense for Kinect I guess but just felt slow as far as it looks, having never used it though it's a bit unfair to comment on something I've never used and finding an older Xbox 360 with it is it's own challenge when I only own all Metros. Or remember it at all. Even then my memories of Blades are a 360 kiosk or the Xbox Live Arcade demos disk I bought years later. Otherwise I don't remember it that much. I own an Elite, E and got a Slim later but mostly used Metro.
To me Metro was fair enough as I liked it on the Windows phone and the keyboards were great but things are what they are of course. It wasn't perfect, but I still hate modern flat design more then Metro and it's limits.
Part 3: I wasn't into PS3/360 either (I was still going about a mix of stuff or didn't play a lot but I have so many I want to buy for 5-7th gen because of their mechanics alone, it could be 100s of 9th gen games, but it isn't and that's niche and popular titles mostly niche titles, not money or research to collect for Indies it's for old gen) but the more I pick up with their rends the more I go oh they were mechanically exciting of competition, I don't see that here. Just more of the same, maybe a setting change but mechanically they are 'differnet' but not mode or level design or otherwise exciting. Less modes in racing games is enough to make me drop off the genre seriously. Already have to retro racing/shooters as it is. Indie platformers are barren of exciting movesets or level design, they may 'look nice' but to play I can tell they are boring and uninspired heavily by other games I don't play those old games for nostalgia I play for the gameplay, the Indies aren't offering it at all.
When puzzle games look more exciting then other genres that should tell you why I find this gen sucks in other genres heavily with their other priorities.
I enjoy the OG/360 games Microsoft doesn't support anymore because well those devs moved on, they support PC/PS/Nintendo still and the rare presence on Xbox is what it is.
Xbox One I miss the 2013 OS not because of the DRM, not because of the TV TV TV but because I don't acre for the social features but dfid the Windows 10 multi-app support, like I could a dual screen tablet or Wii U or multi-apps on Windows, or cough picture in picture Wonderful 101 has (because Gamepad was other screen in it originally) or PS5 has. But differently used. There is a lot that could be done with it that wasn't. It's why I have Wii U successor ideas in my mind but it won't happen because why would it, sigh. A console doing what Windows can or even other particular things would be awesome but nope won't happen.
Part 2:
I don't even care what 10th offers let alone still on my PS4/Xbox One. They won't shut up about buying a PS5 when I have no interest in the console why would I buy a 4th console (1 for them, slim for other room, other has their own) for myself I have no interest in any of the consoles. XD What kind of idiot doesn't pay attention to I hate the consoles, someone who is too stuck on what they do to pay attention, yet I have the self awareness they don't, I won't buy them.
I may maintain old consoles but I play the older consoles more than my PS4/Xbox One, if that doesn't show not caring and I hate the 8th gen systems too besides the OS/folders are good on PS4 and I hated most 2/3 of the 1st parties and it's my least favourite PS console, same as Xbox One is passable but my least favourite Xbox, why would I upgrade to consoles with enhancements I don't care about, I don't need marketing of BC support and oh it's a loud system to push the system like an advertisement to me 'people' I don't need that I already know more about the consoles and obscure consoles, why would I need an advertisement run down about it, why idiots, the Portal/PSVR2 suck, quick resume is digital only so I can't use it nor care, it's a fair feature but I can go without it.
Some people are so stupid of what they want and don't understand how can refuse to use them/what the companies stand for yet they are happy with them and push it when don't care, what delusional people, it's like some people reset their understanding or are so unaware and only aware of themselves (which is why people are so easy to get around is because they are so stupid) yet I'm consistent on hating them. Who can be any stupider.
As it will be just the same business practices, same boring mechanically unexciting games and I'm just going to keep passing on them for 0.0000001 of games. I don't care to play everything and that's totally fine but the point where PS4/Xbox One I have less and less I even cared for and this gen nothing speaks to me other than 'that's ok of ideas to there is nothing compelling at all in that game or handful or all games' at online events or trailers or anything. It may be a weird perspective but yeah I don't see exciting ideas in games currently when it's all graphics/story and the gameplay takes further steps back I'm more bored with seeing in games.
What is there to be nostalgic for? An ok launch, the games came after and Xbox has had fair IPs this gen, I've not played them but I still acknowledge the variety, even if not the same impact as past titles/eras. They are more exciting then PS5's offerings and if only PS5 then the 2nd party deals are more exciting then the 1st party I have no interest in anymore, for either of them.
The PS5/Series X get used but I have no interest in them. I used the PS5 a few times for Ratchet, hated it's direction, quit the system, used it to beat Space Marine 2, that's it. Xbox Series I look at it when it's used..... I have an Xbox One VCR/X so the OS updates have been bad and boring. The One X also runs like garbage and my VCR one is 2020 and before offline. Keeping it that way for the better OS it had. Got people that use the Series X for gamepass, didn't jive with Starfield and otherwise it sits there probably as much as the Xbox One did if not more unused.
Astrobot can get stuffed what a terrible unoriginal game the others were better, I don't play nostaglia milking company filth. Have better ideas then reskining or cosmetics and less mechanically interesting for level design that's ripped from other games. I don't want a museum title with reskinning get out of here. I play old games for their ideas not ripping off the popular ones for players to be manipulated.
I prefer Xbox 360 Blades/Metro, or Xbox One's 2013 or the One/Series 2nd or 3rd O of 9th gen, the current one removed customisation, pushed the networking more and I hate it. Worst OS I've ever used on a console, that's saying something as PS5 is just as bad and a mess to navigate, and groups for Switch/PS5 are like why take THAT from Xbox One seriously? I mean the quiet console POST from Xbox One sure, PS5 can take it but the groups feature then folders. What a bunch of idiots the other platforms took with them. XD
But like 2017+ I was getting sick and tired of the direction games were going with PS4/Xbox One and I've collected even more retro games since because 9th gen is just as boring. Mechanic hunting in games to collect has been more fun then helping this gen out because I really don't care for 99% of the games at all. I pick up what maybe if lucky 1-3 a year which is something sure so can't complain that much but 2024 I mostly care for nothing at all. Retro games with little details or mechanics inspire me or wow me. I haven't had a single 9th gen game wow me mechanically, they have ok ideas but not really impress me beacuse 99% of them are so bland, played out or have nothing exciting gameplay wise to offer just generic worlds/story/graphics I don't want to play in. Gameplay is what counts and if the gameplay isn't exciting, why should I play a game?
People may have bought both, I use neither. I used my PS3/360 a fair amount last gen but I wasn't against PS4/Xbox One, this gen I'm so sick of 9th gen being so boring, I buy whatever is on 8th gen of 2020 to 2024 and I'm good aka barely anything I still want anyway. I get more satisfaction out of 360 games I get from the Xbox One era and how they perform. Same with Wii/PSP/PS2 ports and their controls/unique versions or differences of content/elements for a DVD/blu-ray comparison and the old gen versions are still always better, imagine that, fanciness and garbage then old hardware and more exciting.
Part 2 and UE2 to 4 was its own challenge probably. 20 people is impressive due to how EA has done things the past few decades, killed many studios, been marked the worst company ever probably many times.
I see an EA/EXEC issue here then an engine issue. Or staff issue of them going nah we don't care enough/don't have the enthusiasm or EA won't waste the money.
It's not hard to see past just an engine limit it's always more factors not 1 straight answer.
I mean it's no Cobalt code limited people and particular info and data of that news situation, knowing about it or some IBM 510 stuff in comparison but even still it is surprising.
Toys for Bob and a bunch of other studios had to recreate the Spyro PS1 games from scratch, others would put effort into reverse engineering even. Companies go eh. Fans go either eh maybe or can't wait. Companies have more factors but can easily disappoint that take a challenge. No wonder we see the same IPs, trends and very few worthy risks taken.
Heck I'd take Under the Skin remaster the RE3 content, a good multiplayer game but nope to Capcom there. PN03 I don't see a chance but Under the Skin I do. It's cell shaded and holds up well. But no worthless IPs that are new but fair good sequel IPs but probably is you can't use the same ones forever.
Activision was willing to fund Spyro and they laser scanned and did a lot for it. Sure the rushing of it and sure sales but Spyro/Crash audiences are different too.
Then again Indie platformers are eh to me any regardless of their revival the quality is eh weak. Too weak game design they have basic games and barely anything exciting to offer. When 5-6th gen games I look further at have better ideas the Indies are too narrow view inspired or too copy paste but different assets it is so boring.
They can get any other studios or small team but EA messed up BF2042 a bunch behiyrhe scenes and that was worth it the ideas changed and idiots mind changing every few monutes. What progress that was. XD Idiors.
Veilguaed is probably great I have avoided spoilers on purpose though.
2 had it's moments besides how it turned out. But the series needs more.
Origins was good for the time. Inquisition is what it is of details people like or hate I think it's fair to great in areas I've heard or odd polish at times.
Get better creatives or get better publisher/execs. Games suck these days.
Doesn't Dragon Age sell more? Yet for USA audience maybe not or they love to market Mass Effect more. I mean among competition it's surprising how much. dragon Age does a s series or curd through among other fantasy RPGs over the years. Even story/mechanically it's more impressive to me then Mass Effect (which I have played more then Dragon Age not completion but still more) and that's from research I respect the series a lot.
But impressive things mean nothing these days I know those ones don't sell well otherwise it's why I research them among the boring successful simple products is the ambitious amazing more engaging not boring products then ones so simple for boring people and why we get the garbage and emotional/nostalgia manipulating garbage we see today in Indies, AA and AAA. I know I research all eras game design is so pathetic these days for boring graphics and story telling them engaging story and better gameplay we get generic gameplay, what a waste of a medium. I may be harsh but I don't buy many games anymore because they are so casual and so boring to be as simple as possible. Not nostalgia I hate nostalgia I buy old games with better ideas left behind. To get inspired then modern games that inspire me why they are empty and pathetic and have better ideas to add to them because they are so bad.
While tough they forced people to use Frostbite to save on money cough cough so isn't that a FAIR COMPARISON EA AND TOUE BS EXCUSES.
20 PEOPLE IS ENOUGH, WHETHER they want to deal with it is another and EAs standards, the cost to work on it EA won't provide and other particular reasons. Aka they are covering it up as if the business speak wasn't obvious.
Xenoblade X exists for Switch now and that was halted as a plan they had for years I assume.
Some do make it through WHEN FHEY TRY. EA has never cared ever anyway..Bioware or the IPs deserve better under a different publisher, or being an Indies instead.
Comments 685
Re: Random: SEGA Files Trademarks For Classic IP, Is A Comeback Imminent?
@smoreon If a new game that's fine whether 16 bit like Streets of Rage 4 getting a studio to do something like that is totally fine.
But just re-newing the license for the 16bit entries for collections can be boring.
I hope the Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio & others do well/have good ideas in them it's going to be interesting seeing compared to Outrun 2 or others the arcade like design modernised in this modern era/just in general cutting ties with arcade design, just having it be very open world missions for either of them in a modern sense.
I'd like to see some very Burnout Paradise or others type using the taxi in interesting ways type missions but who knows. I don't play Forza Horizon or NFS Unbound or The Crew so I have no idea what modern open worlds are like. I find many character based ones super boring as the worlds are 'fine' but not playground enough or moveset/mission gameplay fun enough for me to care/buy them so I'm buying up old ones as to me they sort of balance out gameplay ideas in ways I prefer.
Then again linear games same thing I prefer old games not the cinematic/immersive angle & movesets are just so boring when older games had that design I was looking for with level design that complimented how characters played not played nowadays or too many collect, talk, fight missions too.
I'm only getting around to NFS games more these days (played almost all the circuit/highway/menu ones) even & just about 3/4 of the way through Carbon (have yet to try more of MW 2012) for the first time I don't know what the current open world racing game landscape/game design is like to comment on it. I tried Forza Horizon 1 & 3 & just didn't care.
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk I assume does a fair job and Jet Set Radio can find it's own way to stand out?
Among other revivals I may be missing here.
Then again I haven't played the House of the Dead remake either so no clue. I've bought all the Gal Gun games to get my rail shooter fix & working my way through older rail shooters on Wii I haven't experienced.
It's not a genre I'm that into but still I'm trying new things when I can. Like I did many hack n slashes, visual novels, tactics RPGs, etc. when other genres just weren't appealing of some IP directions anymore/branching out of modern/retro eras was worth it.
Then again I liked The Club (shooting gallery but modern controls/few modern elements) but I liked Project Gotham Racing as well so Bizarre Creations arcade but modern design always appealed to me ever since getting into arcade style games when I usually didn't but seeing as I enjoy challenges or other short experience stuff in some games besides their campaigns (racing, action adventure, etc.) i guess it make sense why I've gotten into arcadey style games over time then racing sims or other things.
Re: Rumour: Microsoft Reportedly Chose Buying Studios Over 'Winding Down' Xbox In 2021
I think it's interesting what ways they have tried to still keep it alive/what changed. But yeah some de-suased or scale of the industry/other factors hmm. Whatever to believe/theorise what actually was said/thought up. User bases have limits so 100m by 2030, good luck there.
But mobile for sure. King makes too much money, compare to Halo Spartan Assault/Strike & others of Xbox mobile games. ABK mobile filling in.
Age of Empires/Flight Sim and others on console then PC only changed things too. But leadership, management & decisions show themselves their efforts/it working or not.
Digital libraries is understandable for customers but to me eh I have so few digital to me it means nothing jumping between many.
Sony having many purchased companies in PS2 era, killed by Vita/PS4, Insomniac always there before purchase, House Marque/others before purchases. MS has done fair with few built up & few purchases, trying to fill in gaps & games being hit or miss & good but not sales viable, just critically/customer praised.
it would be sad to see it go like Dreamcast/Stadia so short. But if they can keep it going I think a lot of interesting can happen and a lot has regardless of my thoughts or other customers of how it's been handled.
Sony needs the competition and Nintendo is doing their own thing as the 2nd console or the family console/some people's only console brand they go with and there is a lot of interesting things they can do to compete with Sony then having 2 instead of 3 companies and 1 being the high end and whatever happens and 1 being the cheaper and whatever happens with no 3rd interesting option to exist and challenge things.
That and they have with opening up possibilities for cloud besides Sony's PS Now/PS+, Gamepass and more on anything showing you don't have to be on a console even though Sega did since the Saturn.
Let alone whatever Atari's computers and consoles games (I forget about) or the CD32 tried to do as well and didn't succeed on. But those were slightly different I guess?
The "any places viable to offer it" model like Office/Edge is not surprising of them but they have tried their best even if the games don't excite the coverage to different platforms has been interesting to see even if not boundaries pushed, I guess to many people it is even though like I said Office/Edge let alone other examples in the past or like PC versus MS' GBC or GBA/DS games weren't clear either. That's besides the Sony Imagesoft stuff as well or SNES parts.
They have pushed to keep it around and whether it's working or not hmm who knows despite the amount of users on Gamepass and how much the brand/services work or not and it's an opening of gaming is still there to not close so easily like Google didn't want to stay around long enough.
Amazon has been interesting seeing them still trying with Luna there and server and other solutions for developers and their own funded games. Google just went nah but it's interesting Amazon is still actively trying.
Amazon having a console I doubt and with the way tech is I can see why but still.
Microsoft hanging around with Xbox is still something, I may not care for how it is these days but it is still interesting to watch their directions regardless of my thoughts on them and competition I think is still necessary with them then them cutting it off.
Then again devs could not take so long/have better ideas and budgets be so high of visions.
Re: Rumour: Bethesda's Oblivion Re-Release Will Be 'Fully Remade' By Developer Virtuos
While fair as Skyrim gets all the re-release focus and Obvilion has a lot of interesting stuff in it worthy for people to experience.
It would be nice if other IPs got the focus. Bethesda's other games/other studios games. Or even I don't know anything else under Microsoft would be nice, but nope.
I have the 360 version, I'm good. I don't care for much with it anyway. But for those that haven't played it/those that want to go back to it with enhancements hopefully this turns out well.
Then again even Arena/Daggerfall are free on PC because they can't be bothered to do anything with them and they are too old and cryptic for modern gamers so only those that prefer that old style or power through will get enjoyment from them. Why would they bother remaking those either?
Re: Random: SEGA Files Trademarks For Classic IP, Is A Comeback Imminent?
Fair, but give me some Saturn, Dreamcast or even some OG Xbox era IPs Sega..... sigh will never happen. Ecco is fine but eh. Then again the later entries not just the Genesis ones would be nice but why would Sega do that when they can milk the same Genesis games over and over.
Atari and Sega really know how to make me not care about their old IPs and just milk the same things different ways and not in exciting ways and audiences eat it up.
Plenty of others to cover that would be nice.
Even some CD or 32X games would be nice. The niche stuff they won't touch I want to see.
Give me a Sega GT/Rally without licenses, will never happen.
Give us Outrun 2 type of game without the Ferrari license not just Outrun older entries. The closest we got to something different was the 3DS version with 3D or the Sega Classics Collection that remade them in 3D in some shape or form which I think was fair.
Re: Soapbox: I Can't Wait To See What Xbox Does With Activision This Year
Till I see back compat games, don't care what ABK do honestly.
Same IPs, DLCs, etc. Nothing of interest from them at the moment.
Re: Physical Game Sales 'Collapsed' In The UK Last Year, Says New Report
Unfortunate but I don't even buy 'new' Xbox games because not only are they mostly Series X focused which makes sense of course, but none of the games interest me on there.
I questioned Syberia 1 (I haven't played enough of 3 physical on my Xbox One anyway so not much point) but I mean I can get that anywhere anyways.
Forza Motorsport 8 would have been my Series X physical purchase but it's too expensive and I don't like the way the game is. That and even if I have Game pass as of people I live with, I barely have a need for the services.
Everything is either cheap physical or on the service the games I want aren't there anyway. Or physical I don't have to keep sub paying (even if I'm not paying for it anyway but others that use it do get the worth of it).
Otherwise I only own Xbox One/Series smart delivery games on disk that's it. Very few too, like 4-5 or something. but even Xbox One versions most are old games not new because the new games don't appeal.
Only Switch/PS4 did and I don't remember a single new PS4 game I bought in 2024 they were all pre-owned, otherwise the rest was PS2/Wii/PS3/360/PSP/DS games and the 20+ I beat that year, but I can the 2024 Switch games I had interest in 1st/3rd parties for sure which was a fair amount.
So if the games were more appealing I'd contribute but as they are, I'm not missing out on anything really.
If WRC 23 (if cheap and enough research if I actually want it for it's features) or Ride 5 (isn't as hard as 4 was to play but I doubt it as MotoGP games I assume still are hard these days then the 360 era ones I have no problems playing at all so it's the modern game design entries) sure, otherwise most other third party games for other genres were PS5 anyway and even then most there don't appeal either.
But no 1st party have interested me and that's not because they went to other platforms, I still didn't care for them. Or waiting for them like South of Midnight or so even then I could pass on.
Re: Soapbox: Xbox Should Start Embracing Its Past A Whole Lot More
With all the third party controllers or merch sure. But what other IPs won't they touch, or make a fictional cars one with no licenses that wouldn't happen.
A collection would be nice, but what games, what would they bother with. Oh the same safe IPs..... Pass.
They can expand the brand all they like but I'm still not interested in their current variety/execution like I am OG/360 era games design I prefer more & not for nostalgia.
So many IPs they could focus on but don't, no matter if smaller scale or a remaster or whatever. They don't' care. It's all about money and every platform to get it from people like Office, they don't care, so why should audiences. Xbox OG/360 games are cheap it's just picking them up.
Besides they have Xbox shampoo and other things, the Forza Motorsport car I saw in Aldi, but didn't care to buy because why would I? It's cool but hardly necessary, it's like getting a bunch of food, I'm not buying my box of Shapes for the Xbox chance to win.
We don't even have Blinx 2 on Back Compat because they are too lazy to give a game that needed a chance, a chance let alone others, the action one that is more approachable to an Xbox audience then the puzzle focus of the first one, they don't support. But like Halo 2 it killed it, why would Microsoft care/think straight 20 years later. It's not a big enough IP to care about and support, why would they do that.
Give us an arcadey PGR type one that ISN'T Forza Horizon, give us a more smaller scale one. PGR won't happen Forza is where is at and yeah the series is doing so good I have no interest in it anymore because of their direction ideas like many Sony games, turned me away from ALL their games new and old IPs, good on you developers/publishers. XD You want my money well like 1 person's money is going to change that, it doesn't obviously.
As if Forza Motorsport 8's marketing wasn't horrible, the execution of the game is what it is and I'm glad 7 was my last even for how eh 5-7 were. They were passable, 8 is not excusable and has different staff so I don't trust them.
The BC program I doubt it. They will have that for making sure Xbox One/Series games work on the next console these days, I highly doubt they want to go, yeah yeah we will offer the COD and other Activision games on the BC program or others we haven't and work out licensing we can't or even ones that are open domain if they are because why would they.
Why would any company care about back compat even if the IP is just sitting there, why bother.
Oh wait the source code is gone and they don't want to reverse engineer that takes too long.
Like the PS2/Xbox OG/GameCube era COD games on PC are getting onto Xbox PC storefronts. They just don't care, don't have the source code maybe for Xbox versions or no interest in selling them/working them out on console at all. If it weren't for that I'd say oh popularity but they are doing something with the PC versions so they clearly have some interest in doing something with them.
Even though old COD or even Pitfall Lost Expedition is a good benefit to be on there. Blur won't happen as car licenses sigh.
Give me a new Pitfall game, a metroidvania like that one or something else. You have Indy/Uncharted/Tomb Raider, make some competition, and then it will also suck because why wouldn't it.
Any OG IP is worth it but they don't care at all.
Re: Xbox Series X|S Sales Estimates Show Consoles Lagging Far Behind Last-Gen
Marketing is hit and miss, games that appeal to audiences is odd, I don't like Sony's comfort but works approach and miss the PS1-3/PSP/Vita variety while Xbox has the variety not all of them land. Also to me it's a case of just Xbox One gen game design that also doesn't appeal to me compared to PS3/360 and older era mechanics, level design, tone and more they just appeal more besides their age.
30 mill was N64, Xbox One 50 mill is around Super Nintendo I think. While PS5 is around 3DS, NES or Xbox One.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1101872/unit-sales-video-game-consoles/, checked a wikipedia that had others but seems off as well whenever last updated and from where. Whatever VGChartz or others say.
I think 30 mill is fine. Anything 20 mill and under is still who knows it's future anymore. But 30+ is still a fair userbase I think. If it gets to 40 or 50 again then I think it's fine. Whoever has or hasn't upgraded or is new as well.
What the console offers is fine but giving reason to own it when apps/games can be found elsewhere to play regardless of on PC or PS5 I mean just they can use any service or play any non-Microsoft games if they really don't care to regardless of platform, it's dedicated fans that own an Xbox Series or those going yeah why not give an Xbox a go for their Series S or Series X purchases but that's still small numbers. It's something, but it's still small.
Xbox One besides the steps it was fair for 50 mill, this gen, I mean.... I haven't played a single Series gen game at all. Gear Tactics is fair but I mean I can play any other tactics game and am. Age of Empires, Flight Sim 2019 and more are cool, not my thing but still good.
Some fair other stuff. They have the games but not all are ready yet and not all are exciting either.
Xbox One can be cheap and still usable for many things of apps, games and so on. Not run the best but still usable if media apps even or cheap games. Besides Gamepass on there still it's not Series consoles limited like other features are for fair reason with the hardware increase.
Besides hardware/software features (I can't use Quick Resume as I don't buy digital, but think it's cool), otherwise other than gyro in the controller which I can also get elsewhere I really don't care if the games aren't appealing, the OS dashboard gets worse and worse or I really don't see many reasons for the console other than to 'be there'. For people that want them sure but I haven't had a reason to upgrade. Game wise it's fine but OS wise I've experienced the same OS still as every Series owner has but on old gen.
The marketing or directions need to be better.
I still use my Xbox One X/have a VCR Xbox One on hand for offline use. I have no issues using it, the start up is slow but everything loads in and it's fine. I don't buy a lot of Xbox One physical either but do 360 back compat stuff for sure. Or non back compat and 360 only usable but that's fine by me with my 360 still around.
Re: Indie Dev Questions Whether Xbox One Is Worth Developing For In 2025
I think old gen has a place for some sales and low end development like Switch is which for Indies I think is fair.
Unless the game absolutely needs the power then sure but most games I think don't need it. Gameplay isn't being pushed just graphics, I want gameplay with such graphics/scale/level design of linear set pieces.
Like Ratchet Rift Apart was done on PS3 with Crack in Time and it did it better, nothing about Rift Apart is that great, oh it's faster at loading, so what, most of it is forced or invisible walls anyways, so who cares what you see if it's still smoke and mirrors I know it's not like I can't tell the segments, the skyboxes, how it all works of teleportation around different areas and Crack in Time had more of them it's like comparing crystal hunt levels in Ratchet 2 & 3, or Spyro 2 & 3 the level of detail with 2 versions of every level, besides the Spyro 3 sub areas (which Rift Apart also has the side rifts for platforming, how is this 'original' when it's been done for 20 years anyways), so it's how they went about them. I don't see any gameplay pushing hardware ideas happening in games today just graphics and it's so boring.
Give me dynamic levels, a hive mind AI that learns, forgets, copies the player or other enemies around them, sends it back to their hivemind network. Where is THAT video game. No one because no one will do it.
It's like Alpha Protocol who wants to write a story with a quick dialogue system (lot of effort of dialogue to write) and you fight a boss or ignore that fight to just play the level, you don't get that whiplash of possibilities by dialogue these days it's too heavily scripted and by the numbers boring. No surprising. It's no Mass Effect hit the reporter or call out the Citadel store is bad or other cool details of a dialogue system anymore either.
Possibilities in games are very limited and that's always been the case but they are so limited or so casual audience easy to understand but weak in excitement or wow factor. Premises maybe, but the execution is so boring and duller then PS3/360 gen offered of ideas and world details or just playing as a character is more boring now then it was 2 gens ago. Racing, shooters, platformers, all of them, per different genres, some better, some worse then others. It varies but they still suck.
I don't go back to old gens for nostalgia, I buy up games never played before for their ideas, it's worth it too. Inspires me where I think modern games lack not just some old ones being fair of execution besides their polish/old design differences. Some stuff still shines through and left behind.
Some sure like No Man's Sky after what Battlefront 3 tried to do or Haven Call of the King but even still. Most games are just so pitiful of gameplay that's typical of PS3/360 again and again but even safer mission design and safer movesets/abilities then PS3/360 gen had because playing them I'm like those I want to play for those mechanics and those ideas, not PS4/Xbox One or PS5/Series X gen games are more boring to interact with, it's so boring.
That and back compat so they still get the money/customers can still use the product.
Re: Xbox Is Set Up For A 'Bright' Future, Suggests Industry Analyst
Software on many platforms is fine and broad so it's doing fine, hardware is a challenge and always will be but expected besides hardware dedicated audience for sure.
Marketing does ok I guess and if the games interest you sure but other than gamepass working for their 1st party/time it takes to make it understandable & third parties fill in gaps fine for gamepass or digital then sure.
But to me the OS sucks (get enough of it on Xbox One to know how it sucks), the games aren't appealing and PS5 means nothing to me either it's software sucks there too. The OS is just as bad with eh folders/library menu and eh OS details of buttons/icons all over the place it's a mess of navigation design.
The Xbox is for me to just use apps Sony and Nintendo don't offer and never will (regardless of how bad the Windows/Xbox/Microsoft store is, for a console it's great, for a PC we don't need it), games and back compat.
Quick resume is a good feature but clearly doesn't effect many people (other than those who need it or love the console and I can see why I really appreciate the feature, it's not the multi screens of Windows 8/Xbox one kind of did but gutted the feature in 2017, sigh I miss it, or what I wish Wii U could do but didn't) and they don't care as games matter to them which makes sense. But hardware/software gimmicks like that do matter to me at least, but it's not a common thing on Xbox nor do those features stay cough Xbox One features dead now, sigh.
As bland as Switch is it's kind of PS4 like to me so it's not as bad the up and down is pretty simple and consistent, not always, the eshops isn't so eh. PS5/Xbox it's icons all different levels and corners and I can't stand it besides again the bad bland looks of them. But navigation I find the worst about them.
PS4 it's at least visual info but not icons when it's showing something.
Unless they pick up better, I'm sticking to old gen and retro games, another 20+ retro games to fill in the 2025 year as well can't wait, 2024 was worth it for retro as it is. Was an eh year to me at least. Isn't for others and that's totally fine but for me it was a retro game year. Like skipping modern tv shows level of who cares.
Re: Next-Gen Xbox Controller Possibly Uncovered In New Microsoft Patent
If hall effect sure.
Haptics I mean, sure but Xbox One/Series have the rumble impulse triggers. PS/Nintendo people barely even know it's a thing, 2013 it offers it, few games used it first party or third party and most people don't even know it exists just TV TV TV more so.
So to me it's an 'upgrade' but hardly something I care that much about compared to gyro support I'd prefer.
Only accelerometer, sigh.
Speaker hmm. For headset in like Xbox One/Series, Wii U, Dualshock 4/5 I'm fine with it, WIimote/Dualshock 4 speakers I turn off. It can be ok but not ideal. Few use it anyways.
Bluetooth/wifi chip connection improvements yes.
360 face buttons are ok but Xbox One's feel weird. The plastic versus while not glass (or thinner/thicker plastic or how the pivot is underneath than the button cap tops) feels like going from that to that. Both are kind of eh. Wear or not just not a fan compared to Nintendo/PS controllers. Can't say for OG Xbox yet till get one.
Dualsense is fine but yeah the spring/tension can be hit or miss even if a cool step to take with them. Vibration like Xbox One/Switch have is interesting (not got a Switch game that uses it yet). Then again IR was in a bad spot so a game with that that isn't terrible hmm. Eventually and better placement on Switch 2 would be nice.
The d-pad continues to suck. 360 is eh, the Xbox One's I have to check if it delays on menus for pressure it's so bad, not just from wear either. Series being just Xbox One but smaller and share buttons besides minor details is fine but I'd have liked gyro or something else instead to offer it.
I don't need a touchpad but a screen would be nice. But minor details and a similar controller shape I'm ok with. Nintendo did the wacky designs and the Classic/Pro controller that may or may not have them combined as well, Sony just added more to whatever design at the time. Microsoft having their own take would be nice even if more generic controller look but still.
Even Dualshock 4 has multiple settings of vibration that a 2D platformer like Azure Gunvolt did and Clannad a Visual Novel from PS2, PSP, PC and so on offers, like you can't make this stuff up.
Let alone the many few games that used gyro/touchpad on PS4 compared to Vita even. But it takes the 1st parties to utilise it more now on PS5 not just because of the time of their first games. Sigh.
Better late then ever I guess.
How Microsoft even had memory cards for Xbox OG controllers still baffles me, to Kinect to Impulse triggers to playing catchup is just hilarious to me.
I mean the Elite controllers Pro controller features, sure but even still.
They can't even be bothered to come up with a new technology for the controller at all.
The controlelr desigh is fine but gives off Sony PS1-3 of people look at it and go oh it's the same controller even though it's not and don't even understand the Impulse triggers or others.
I ddin't even know Xbox OG had pressure sentitive/analogue buttons either I thought it was onlyt PS2.
None of these companies advertise it as much or offer games that use it much so half the time collectors tell us these things or if they don't in beginner's guide videos and I'm like great another Xbox One starter guide with no impulse triggers mention yet clearly mention Forza Motorsport 5 as a launch title and maybe played it. Like seriously. The FM series I think used Impulse triggers well. Project Cars 3 as well besides the structure of that game.
Re: Talking Point: Which Xbox Games Have You Managed To Finish This Year?
Mostly third parties on Xbox 360 or PS3 copies if my 360 one didn't work or just because a third party but will still count it.
Played Xbox One games this year but not to much completion. Like Mothergunship is good but tough even for a few attempts after the tutorial but willing to keep going, got others to try but not bothered really yet. Got Crackdown 3 even to play more of than a few early hours.
Got many OG Xbox to play as well Revenge of the Sith the game, Crimson Skies I've installed but not started besides the intro segment for testing.
-MX vs ATV Reflex
-Wanted movie game (PS3 as broken 360 disk)
-Splintcell Conviction (binged in day)
-Battlefield 3 (Xbox One as 360 singleplayer disk wasn't great so digital it was and binged it)
-Bodycount (PS3 as 360 disk was ok then stopped working, got halfway through then beat it from scratch on PS3)
-Soldier of Fortune Payback (PS3 as that's what had)
-Turning Point (10 minutes from end of level, PS3)
-Blackside Area 51 (PS3 as that's what had)
-Up movie game (Wii, same game regardless of platform compared to other different versions per platform type games)
-MotoGP 06 (360 only) 1st season run that's it.
-WRC 3 (360)
-MotoGP 09/10, could do more but did just a 1st season run.
Still got to get through:
-Kingdom Under Fire Circle of Doom, about area 3 or so out of 6.
-MotoGP 08 still working on 1st season run
-Playing NFS Carbon on 360 currently, collector's edition
-among many more.
Re: Talking Point: Next Year Marks A Decade Since Xbox's Genius Backwards Compatibility Program
@shoeses I agree, while many companies of the OG Xbox era are dead or ownership changed or IPs are in licensing whatever state these days.
It is odd they got 50+ or so and go well we can't get the licenses or source code because ouyr publishers are too lazy and don't care enough.
Or go eh 360 is enough, we will offer OG Xbox but really can't be bothered.
That's the kind of response the 'we reached the limit' gives off.
Licensing troubles which I think they said was the reason, staff pushed to other projects or lack of interest/exhaustion which are also likely.
Or they go eh we tired and want to work on something else and our staff are being stretched thin or some other factor.
It just seems off.
360 era it was to support Kinect or gave up. But this time it seems either gave up again, licenses/publishers were dead or complicated to get access to or publishers are just lazy.
They could reverse engineer if they wanted to.
As if Spyro Reignited didn't have the tech ontop of the OG games for re-modelling, but they can't put effort into BC anymore.
It begs questions.
With the amount of PS3/360 era shooters left behind not just the 'main ones' these publishers care about I highly doubt it.
Movie tie ins or racing games sure it's tricky but for some it seems source code, licensing, laziness or lack of interest in supporting them then actually testing them in the BC environment and saying oh they don't work as they did many others likely and got them working enough even OG Xbox some are rough but still offered for BC regardless of their rough states. Did the standards go up?
Re: Talking Point: Next Year Marks A Decade Since Xbox's Genius Backwards Compatibility Program
I'm still waiting on Pitfall Lost Expedition.
PC has old CODs now, how long to wait for Xbox to offer them? Got the PS2 versions as got sick and tired of waiting for the licenses/offering to happen.
Game selection/support is fine.
The FPS boost and other touches are nice but game lineup is hit and miss. Some titles surprise are supported but others lack.
Licenses are what they are, for movie tie ins/racing I don't expect much but for others yeah it lacks a bit.
Left behind PS3/360 IPs stay that way. It seems which is kind of annoying. More reasons to pick up these old consoles then.
I don't expect all games to be backwards compatible, not all need to or can't but in some cases there are many I wish were.
No Blur/PGR is sad but they are licensed but fake vehicle games with no licenses would be nice to see more of sigh.
But no Kingdom Under Fire, any of them is odd.
Some others even. No Brute Force even?
Voodoo Vince getting a remaster was nice as on 360 it couldn't and had a code conflict.
But Blinx 2? You really want to keep it dead Microsoft like you killed it with Halo 2's release? What a great idea, you want more sales for it or source code nah why bother you killed it and won't give it another chance and go oh it didn't sell well why offer it well you did it in the past ruin it's chances, so you give it even less chances to exist for those with no idea the 2nd game exists and being a more action based title it actually suits the Xbox audience besides the first game having it's fair moments but still a tough puzzle game. But oh well stuck on OG Xbox it is then.
I doubt many Wii IPs ever go to a Ubisoft service and never will. So like I think much of other companies supporting some consoles old games.
Then again many companies the licenses/lack of care or source code/their control over it matters more or it didn't sell well so why give it a 2nd chance. None of them care, only the successful are kept and everything else they go eh when we feel like it/never.
Re: Xbox's 'Top Paid' Backwards Compatible Title Could Be Coming To Game Pass
While nice for PC players to get them on Gamepass and the others on Steam or Windows store or whichever over time. For the Classic 1st game/Expansion and more I've been waiting for the early ones that are console releases for a while now.
So if they wanted digital or physical but to play them back compat I already own them on PS2 now (Big Red One, Finest Hour), 3 on PS3, I'll get COD 2 eventually, but because they took too long to offer the Xbox versions when I could have bought them and used their console even if they didn't get my digital money but other peoples. Their loss.
But again for PC players this is great to see but for console wise, we have had to wait too long.
In that time if I get Singularity, Fracture, Inversion and more before they put them on Gamepass/Back Compat then sure. I know Singularity and Timeshift are offered and I think disk only not digital which is fine by me.
That and cough Pitfall Lost Expedition (do something with it seriously, even make a new one besides Indy games, like do something, also it is a good enough easy to 100% 3D Metroidvania of the era too but like they or anyone else cares anyway) or anything else Activison then sure take that time but I've got pickups to work out and they don't want my money anyway so......... Like it matters. If they want hours/usage of their console then money well...
I mean I'm not buying digital so it isn't going to them anyways. Just console usage that's pretty much all that happens here that differs besides the enhancements.
Re: Xbox Apparently Thinks Making Hellblade 2 Exclusive Was 'A Mistake'
Mistake or they should do further sales/poll checks/surveys/read comments that are helpful on articles or Youtube or elsewhere. Sure it's a lot of reading, sure the comments can be hit and miss of useful but if social media staff do their posts, read comments and know enough how they are going.
Their decisions are all over the place.
With combat, story telling, themes, etc. what audiences really want. Devs & themes/worlds/characters always pushed when we also want to play a game as well. I get what Hellblade is going for but even still.
Do they understand their audience? Do they listen to feedback or the whichever was into Hellblade then other games/OS changes and more audience in comparison of size of people? Do they think outside the box/look at their data correctly?
Indy Great Circle has it's differences but also it's Indy. Hellblade has it's but how many of those cross over? Compared to other characters, worlds, themes, gameplay, genre, etc. Time of releases as well. Too high of sales expectations as well. Time between games/other games coming out.
Filling up gamepass and how many appeal to people? Or how many 'fill in time' for a game they were actually excited for.
Then further guessing is possible of how it will do. How the money will flow, how the audiences think, which audiences on the platform. Like it's not that hard to already have an idea how these will go even if not 100% accurate enough of a sign.
I mean even if not the same, how do anime games/Japanese games do on Xbox versus PlayStation/Nintendo. Well how about many types of games Xbox has that can be seen as appealing as a PlayStation of their current line up and what factors they have in their games.
Xbox can try and branch out or have many studios on many types of projects, but like PS1-3, not all appealed to everyone.
They did to me not for nostalgia but various genres/interesting gameplay ideas, same reason I like Nintendo now and never really experienced much of them before but have more now that I can get their consoles/games retro or Switch.
I liked the variety and I didn't grow out of kids/cartoony games.
I don't care for most games on Xbox currently, the variety is there and it's great but they aren't my thing really.
But I'm 1 person, versus the many others that were interested in Hellblade 2 or other games.
It could be the pacing, if like me the camera, it could be the style of game, marketing. It's a number of factors.
For audience size of the game. Those watching the Ninja Theory YT channel videos, the trailers, those that bought other games similar to it on Xbox.
Why put a game out there and not do further research. Did companies forget we have data, but we really don't want to use the data that much or understand the users on our platform regardless of branching out to other types of games, knowing which would buy an Xbox to play this game, played it on PC, Gamepass in general access to it and how much the PS5 audience would play this game versus the 1st and played it enjoyed it/dropped off.
Compared to the Xbox audience that played it enjoyed it, dropped off.
Especially if people find the first game better than the second game after playing a certain amount of time or beat the story and wasn't into it after they finished it.
Re: Microsoft CEO: 'We Are Redefining What It Means To Be An Xbox Fan'
For more money/wider sources of platforms sure even though gaming isn't Office/Windows like but whatever strategies they think work I guess. They aren't the same audience/attitude people have towards them.
What they do with King is what I wonder, Halo or others mobile compared to past attempts? Or just the same old going as it is. We getting more Activision mobile games besides the Crash endless runner one?
Forza ones are just reskins of other mobile games, as unfortunate of handling those are they could be better yet aren't.
But I mean as if Stadia's no console and a Pixel phone (like Vita remote play then broader later)/controller were enough with it's advertising.
Anything with app support/a screen and wifi or data will work.... I mean sure.... But if people weren't interested in Xbox, or the games or services, what's to make them care to access it. XD
Shoving it down our throats I guess, that works right?
I mean from the car with the Gamepass tag on it for a Forza Motorsport branded model car in Aldi to shampoo to Xbox Oreos I mean they try a lot of things but what's the point to spread the name or get fans interested or the Xbox chance to win with Laptops and Series S or Windows 7 and 360s among other things.
We see the same marketing/bundles repeated over and over it doesn't work.
Expanding besides the console as it's 1 audience is understandable not the only audience is fine, but if the games aren't exciting it isn't going to change much even if on every device pre-installed.
Even seeing people working out Nintendo Switch physical digital codes is enough to see how people respond enough.
The Wii U had games and a gimmick let alone bad naming/marketing, Nintendo, eshop Indies and a gimmick I liked regardless of it's status.
The Xbox One/Series has impulse triggers, BC, apps further than the others as Windows/Xbox store but no games I want for Series S/X at all.
Xbox One even if not a library I care for as much as Vita/Wii U or even OG Xbox/360 it had enough there.
Says a lot when Wii U/Vita didn't have enough of the constant big third parties yet I still wanted it for the Indies/Japanese games besides the brief first party.
Xbox One unless the exclusives were good which a fair amount were even if others ignore what it offered I still look them up or am fine owning them even if some aren't my thing.
People that don't know what exists, or other IPs aren't shown in Gamepass ads why bother. They need to not just focus on just the NEW games but some of the back compat, some of the Xbox One games, different types of games to showcase value.
But nope they offer the more average marketing experience. Creative as they do try I'll give them that besides some being very plain as well. I do think the romance Gamepass ad was good, but the others are pretty standard stuff and forgettable.
Series consoles haven't impressed in the slightest for me, or they are taking their time so it's understandable to wait.
Re: New Report Details Two Far Cry Projects In Development At Ubisoft
So is one an Extraction shooter? Both? I'm confused by the way it's presented in the article. Or lack of answers yet the information presents from whichever source.
Otherwise the cult and the family part seem similar to past games and like they are running out of ideas for story elements.
Otherwise could be fine but extraction shooter pass. They do know what fans want right?
Not trends or a premise that's good but drops off in other areas, they want better.
Just offer decent open worlds, creative weapons (the CD or Vinyl Record gun was cool reminded me of Sunset Overdrive's and Far Cry is good at it's craziness).
Been years since an Instincts game format. The immersion of Far Cry 2 is still impressive.
Co-op, is a fair feature if added again as probably benefited 6 a fair bit.
Re: Xbox Reporter Says That Microsoft 'Won't Have Exclusives Going Forward'
For money/getting games and services out I can see why.
But having a box in the living room even if a dedicated audience wanting/using it rather than it being that impactful to the competition as before. I think it's fair to still have one if it isn't too much to offer them still.
It's 1 option among cloud, and PC and other consoles eshops, not having the box reduces possibilities and a sizeable audience. So moving exclusives even if limited like PS5 to PC or Xbox and PC to other consoles later is viable I guess.
Then again the types of games are a mix, but just don't land. Nintendo it's different as the characters but I find the gameplay so particular that Xbox just doesn't have and are too varied or too modern and not exciting.
I am fine with Xbox having variety but they just don't land. I find myself more attracted to OG Xbox/360 era games then I do Xbox One/Series style games.
To me the box is a BC/other apps machine. I don't need a PC upgrade for gaming, like others see it. I like having the console and for the few Xbox One era games I did like on it.
To me a Nintendo title with variety feels like they really thought about it with the gameplay. Xbox titles feel like third parties or 1st parties with just generic gameplay and fine enough worlds/characters/stories and visuals.
I like having an Xbox, I don't use it much for games, well current gen as I do PS4/Switch and mostly use it for YT/Soundcloud and BC besides old Xbox One games while PS4 I do buy the newer games on occasion (I don't mind old gen versions) when modern games are of rare interest to me the few I do care about of big third parties not 1st party I couldn't care less there of Xbox/PS5 at the moment they haven't impressed me gameplay wise to bother with them.
But I still enjoy having a console then not besides the eh OS design it has currently compared to the past ones.
I think they offer fair competition with Sony as well even if not all times, enough times.
Re: Phil Spencer Shares His Xbox 'Year In Review', And He's Been Very Busy In 2024
Fair, but I played more retro games than I did any of my 2020-2024 games on my PS4/Xbox One...... what a year it was ignoring most, like sure I have Gori Cuddly Carnage and Indie from this year I played the demo, I haven't started it yet though the full game, sure I'll get Steam World Heist 2 eventually..... but otherwise yeah this year was forgettable or unappealing besides retro game pickups. XD
Got a few PS4 games digitally, got to look out for the next Switch discounts as I missed my chance with the ones I've had my eye on, discounts ended last week so either I'll wait or pay full price depending. One has licenses I have to consider, the others not.
When you'd rather play Chicken Little on PS2 the first game not 2nd game in 2024 you know your either desperate or still having fun regardless and not fussed if playing tie in games still no matter the year as still getting something out of them.
Xbox can make deals, they can keep working away at things for sure but to me. I just don't find their we try to connect with the Japanese but they really don't care, or did for a few Gamepass moments and that's it.
Kids games well that is still third parties regardless anyway.
1st parties didn't do it for me or we are waiting of course.
Indy is probably really good I think it has a few odd details but it's still good of a game for sure.
But I'm barely using my Xbox.
I put in Extinction and wasn't into it with how bad the goblin boss regenerated their limps and I just got sick and tired of it's timing going no where for me to defeat them 3 levels in.
I put in Mothergunship and was fair, I just suck at it. Got a few others for Xbox One (probably 2020 and older I think) and still many 360 BC or a small handful of OG Xbox to play on my Xbox One yet I still barely want to use it besides Blu-rays or YT.......
Beat 22 or so retro games this year (besides Splatoon 2) all PS2, Wii, PS3, 360, of shooters, racing, platformers of that gen, some licensed film tie ins like Chicken Little or Up movie games
Other AA/B grade some being platformers, Wii versions of games like NFS Hot Pursuit which is great, never under-estimate PS2/PSP/Wii versions of games being a blast they can be as unique or fair gameplay besides the presentation I couldn't care less about. Parity means nothing.
Others just forgotten shooters (Blackside Area 51, Soldier of Fortune Payback, Bodycount with my working PS3 copy as my 360 copy wasn't doing too great, Battlefield 3 on Xbox One 360 BC as the disks were stuffed and Splintercell Conviction on BC as well I binged in their own days of a week, among others) of the PS3/360/Wii era, even got Kane & Lynch 2 started.
Re: Free Play Days: Try These Xbox Games For Free (December 5-8)
I have been considering DriftCE, not sure of the others really.
I'll think about it or not and just look at footage and buy it cheap later.
Re: Ex-PlayStation Boss Questions Why Sony Would Put PS5 Games On Xbox
Other than their tools/engines to work on Xbox if Sony cares enough for the sales then sure. If not then not.
I couldn't care less anyway I don't even buy those IPs and they killed the ones I did care about so not a loss for me either way. XD
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Expecting From Xbox At The Game Awards 2024?
Not much.... Could be fine, could be nothing, not fussed either way. If more trailers of same games sure. If nothing of new games or any new trailers/updates. Not fussed.
I may see it but I'll still read the recaps on here, Push Square & Nintendo Life anyway.
I always if I miss a Sony/Xbox/Nintendo event (isn't so much with Game Awards but I may not care in the next few days who knows) go to these sites just encase and go eh it was fine for these games, didn't care for these or nothing of interest at all.
Re: Talking Point: A Year Later, What Do You Think Of Forza Motorsport?
It has more cars/tracks...... bug fixes..... Not played, 1-4/10.
On and off with FM5-7 & especially 6. Similar to me with Dirt 3 & 5. Grid Legends/Wreckfest/Gravel are fun enough, not exciting, just passable. Progression/variety of event types just isn't there in modern racing games & I find them incredibly boring & not worth a purchase/glance.
Not played Assetto Corsa, Proj Cars is fine, others getting to. FM1-4 more care/flexibility.
Night events/rain & structure of 6 wasn't enough for me even if it was a fair remix/more to do than FM5 I enjoyed 5 & 7 more. Hated 5 at launch, thought was fine later, got 7 enjoyed it, got 6 last in the series & hated it but powered through to last 2-3 tours left in section 5 or so, unlocked all side events behind those & remaining are hard ones to beat to unlock last side events so dropped off.
Would buy FM1 for Alpine Ring/Blue Mountains Raceway/Shipyard/test tracks FM2 don't have, check drivavatars work, etc. That& how FM1 did regions if similar as FM2, probably unchanged.
I don't want to play a FM8 that's FM6 of JUST racing events, no matter 'event entry' they aren't as fun as GT games & even GT7 has besides it's eh progression I don't like among other things it still has the fuel/other side type events & license tests. I can still say it has variety & appeal when I hate GT7. XD
FM8 is boring races, may function more now but not anymore exciting still, at least 6 had side events even if outside tours.
5 & 7 presented differently, 5 being mixed in& was a championship of mixed events with additional race events after the point it ended & handful to do. That's fine. 3-4 flexible event list. 1-2 were fair level access/pacing.
For a launch title to hate on, & enjoyable later for what was there.
While 7 was pick whatever you want of races/other types in that specific cup. Kind of how I see PGR2, it and FM6 I compare more but PGR2 was class locked but well didn't have candy cars FM6 has & 'selection' was still there not forced on the same tour experience every single time. While FM7 I could at least choose what event I wanted. The way PGR2 did each track/whatever event type was attached to them per that class. Restrictions but still fun then restrictions or limited aspects and boring.
Doing a sprint aka 1 lap magic in 6 & 7 was cool to me at least. As well as bowling/cones/others like past games.
Doing just races was what I found boring in 6, preferred side events because were more fun, so 8 being basically tour/races with graphics, eh menus & whatever can wrap around things/staff change over. Pass.
Whatever level up system being changed to now & only thing that was actually cool about the game to me was the like MX vs ATV games the position selection but instead you get credits difference or so where you pick to start (& of course not the side by side but car lineup) like otherwise the game to me isn't any more appealing then when it started.
More content isn't the issue, the progression already was boring of a foundation so they won't change it. That or even add side events with different modes/things to challenge players just more races.....
WRC3 on 360 I played only the campaign because the gate event types/modes were so fun. I could play the rest but I didn't need to.
The game is just more content, fixes and the same structure I already wasn't interested in so to me it isn't that more appealing of a purchase at it's high price or a gamepass download a year later anyway.
Re: Xbox Analyst 'Doesn't See' Microsoft Ditching Hardware Despite New Marketing Campaign
Do they really care about dedicated console customers? They can use cloud/an app for anything with internet/a screen. Like they have to care at all.
They get new customers all the time or they get rid of plenty of millions they don't care about. It's up to them how many people/how much that really factors into things.
Re: Xbox Fans Plead With Microsoft: 'Don't Forget About Us Physical Gamers'
I agree, with us physical gamers or us Xbox console dedicated if they don't care about us we go elsewhere.
If we don't move on to digital or cloud they lose customers right there.
Sure they get new customers all the time but if they really cared they'd want as many customers as possible wouldn't they?
Or does the small amount still not matter? Not surprised but even still.
Xbox would easily because software company and like Office/Edge it on everything, but like Windows 10 I ignore every time they say 'change your settings to suit our services'. I tell them to get stuffed.
Alright happy with OG/360 and other platforms old gens as well. I barely use my Xbox as is and their games lack impact. The variety is there but the impact is weak.
They want money but don't want to actually convince customers just expect them to bend over and give them money, well they have to try harder then that for some of us.
Re: Talking Point: Looking Back, What Are Your Fondest Memories Of The Xbox One Era?
Part 2:
Though when I do I don't mind it but I still prefer to use a PS/Nintendo system unless it's a OG/360 game I really want to play that is. On those systems too.
I don't care for gamepass but I see benefit in it.
Dead Rising 3 I got to late, same with Quantum Break, Crackdown 3, FM 6 & 7, never played Killer Instinct or certain others, not my thing.
I'd say I own a fair amount of the exclusive 1st party, no Bleeding Edge or Sea of Theives, no Indie exclusives, no Ubisoft Kinect classic Fighters Uncaged sequel for Xbox One launch. No Twisted Pixel's launch title. Got Lucky's Tale and it's ok.
Ryse was ok but also why I don't like GOW2018, Hellblade is better but still won't play it. Just not the camera/controls I want to experience let alone GOW2018 being so eh tasks. I could stand Tomb Raider 2013 but others in that format nah just couldn't the segmented regions, tombs and tasks/collectibles type that aren't open world but have aspects like them just in smaller spaces.
It's an ok gen but I barely used it & I still barely use it now.
Other than Metro on PSVR2 not much I could say to care about on either PS5 or Series X really.
Re: Talking Point: Looking Back, What Are Your Fondest Memories Of The Xbox One Era?
Handful of occasions & yes it's my current, the Xbox the One X. Family have a PS5s launch/Slim & launch Series X I have no interest.
Barely use. VCR is a 2020 OS offline system for testing & One X is for Blu-rays/YT/games/Soundcloud on & off basically. But not as infrequent as during 8th gen. XD
So occasionally more then I'd usually leave larger gaps of never using it because family have the others. Series X maybe has had more use by family then Xbox One VCR/One X, doesn't feel like it. For me I never touch Series X as no need to. I could get Syberia remake as Series X copy in EB but otherwise, no interest.
PS5 played Ratchet RA, hated it (RA/2016 worst in series, potential is weak & I have better ideas for it) & Space Marine 2 was what I expected but good enough. No interest in 9th gen weak game design, so 8th gen & under for me & 20+ games of old gen backlog/collector pickups beaten.
Xbox One even besides the launch DRM/other aspects cough PC issues prior leading up to it. FM5 was eh, Ryse was ok but eh, the games were fair though. Turn arounds were fair. Consoles were fair per model/changes even if the Kinect part well didn't use much & the touch button is annoying on launch model as is PS4 as well, & 360 Slim now that own one of those.
Back compat, the 2013 OS when it had the Windows 8 features were good. Used Kinect once for gesture tutorial or COD AW MP once for mic. Used it once for Kinect Rivals as well when got that few years ago now. XD Got 360 Kinect & used it a few times for testing as never owned one but always did Xbox One Kinect.
Sunset Overdrive I hated then became one of my favourite open worlds once I gave it a 2nd go, ReCore was good yes I'm one of those likes those types of games that are underappreciated yes I like Balan Wonderworld as well.
FM5 was terrible or to me felt like Gran Turismo 1 & I still somewhat think that due to how it's content is handled then after 6 & 7 I bought during 9th gen physical for whatever I could find in EB/2nd hand stores or just enough time had passed, I changed my mind even if I hate 6 when I bought it in the last few years & still because of how it remixed/what it added didn't change my mind on the progression being so eh.
The Impulse Triggers were & still are a good feature. Very underappreciated feature.
Otherwise not a lot, I barely used the system, the games are 'fair' but not my favourite era, prefer OG/360 more,
I still barely use it. The CD app is great. Soundcloud is good enough to use on it then Sony with no CD support or only Spotify. Xbox offering more apps/Windows store is a good & bad thing there.
The YT app responding to the right stick is nice, it's no Switch right stick on the OS support but it's still something PS4 YT app doesn't do nor touchpad when the DVD/blu-ray menu is good for touchpad but still good on Xbox like 360's.
Never liked the PS2/PSP/PS3 menu but PS4/360/Xbox One I do like.
OS wise hmm I'd say either 2013 as still that fair Metro design like 360. Or the customisation one Xbox/MS cut so the one before the garbage/worst one we have now. XD That or the 3rd one Xbox One had maybe was fair? I find the 2nd maybe was ok I forget & the 4th/or Series consoles 1st was a bit eh. Or was that the 2nd one. I forget as the minor changes or the eh design in areas to navigate, or look visually are just eh I can't.
Re: Xbox's Phil Spencer Knows How Annoying The Forza Horizon 4 Situation Is
Modes, real cars, fake cars, as long as the effort is made that's all I care for.
Wreckfest has fake cars, doesn't mean the content isn't fair but still lacking to me. Same with any games with cars.
Indies like Inertial Drift it isn't just because it's drifting, but the modes, the attention to detail.
I buy annual racing games of old for the content/progression, challenges, not the teams. But how they use the cars/bikes.
I don't care whether teams, brands, whatever are in it or not.
It's like having a platformer with a human or animal or a vehicular combat game. The act of their abilities/modes/level design is more exciting to me then the character, their branding, their dialogue/personality when the personality of how they play is more important to me then what they say/how they look.
I can play as anything and if it's fun to play I'll play it. Sure themes/other things have substance but when gameplay has it's own substance not accounted for well I prefer it gets the attention it deserves not be a 'means to get to the other things'.
I don't like candy car/dream car offered rewards in games. I prefer to earn them. The supercars to me aren't fun to drive and just some wish fulfillment. Wow they look nice, are fast/eh to drive and other times just wow their reptuation/branding. I couldn't care less.
I don't care about their social/luxury status. Got better things to care about.
They are a nice bonus but not a selling point to me. Its' why the brands/graphics and less content has made me care less for racing games, they cost too much, the use of them in game design got worse due to the licenses or other prioritizes.
Museum titles were fair back in the day, not always as polished but even if advergaming they were solid for the brand and 'using the cars' in challenges or whatever. So I didn't mind those if done well in the challenges, progression, etc.
Delisting is what it is though of licenses, physical helps and I guess if Xbox network settings off to prevent downloads if can like PS4/Switch ignore updates.
I don't mind 1.0 versions sometimes so physical for sure.
Never played Horizon games besides 1st and even Burnout Paradise as awkward as it was was more fun. Tried a bit of 3, still wasn't into it. But like Sunset Overdrive, Infamous Second Son or Gravity Rush it's the side missions/how the characters interacts with the world gameplay wise of movesets, what you do in the missions, level design.
Re: Poll: What Do You Think Of The Spyro Reignited Trilogy On Xbox Game Pass?
Part 3:
Playing Chicken Little on PS2 (2 months ago) made me go wow these minigames/levels and character weight is interestingly of it's time (hate heavy character weight in modern games so in older games where it wasn't there yet it's even worse) and challenging and can see why people would struggle with them.
So people can go oh kids games. Yeah that era and these days kids are VERY different levels of challenging people forget. It's why I like going back a few eras. Not just for the mechanics being more exciting but the variety I do seek sometimes or don't mind the experimentation, sometimes bad, sometimes good, other times I don't mind genre switches, which most people may not. XD But I got used to them by working them out in old games and modern ones.
3 being rushed is understandable but why the Sparx abilities were accessibility offerings (while good to have, even if I struggle more in Enter the Dragonfly or didn't have as much issues replaying 1 again for the whatever time and still found the gems) but no replacement for them to win something new for the 3rd Sparx boss. Sigh.
It's a fair remake but eh jump/character weight I hate.
The skill points are fair in 1 (like how Crash had the times/relics added as were only in Crash 3 originally) as never existed till 2, 3 then Ratchet onwards. So those additions were fair to add.
Good presentation for sure, but it's more little gameplay things or tweaks I sometimes liked or hated. Some were better, some were not.
It's fair. I sure have memories/replay the originals a few times every so often but at the same time I still have issues with the originals as I do this remake. Nostalgia doesn't hold it back I have issues with any games and don't get ignorant over nostalgia. I'll play anything that's exciting enough in it's design.
I think it's a good time for people to get to experience them, as a kid/adult for the first time for sure. A good game for kids to play over Christmas this year for sure.
Still would prefer Pitfall Lost Expedition get revived but oh well.
Re: Poll: What Do You Think Of The Spyro Reignited Trilogy On Xbox Game Pass?
Part 2:
So unless old design in mind then well yeah. Kids games weren't always oh artstyle/dialogue/themes must be for kids, it's kids games had just as much if not more gameplay variety and challenge that actually challenged me and still do then adult games being more relaxed and theme focused/violence focused. XD Artstyle means nothing if the worlds are more crazy interesting.
It's like an adult game being based around psychedelics. But instead well not those types of themes but imagine more inputs and weird things going on. Or I guess like the Spiderman 2018 hallucinations but instead it's not as basic to get through. Imagine that but with more inputs. Or general worlds with more inputs not generic tasks/but ok cities/fields/whatever and weapons.
Sunset Overdrive tower defence was more fun then any outposts in any other games. I'd have loved animal abilities then the blandness of Biomutant with basic animal animations. So is it teen/adult games or lack of creativity? As least gas immunity was a nice touch. I'll play Space Station Silicon Valley thanks over Goose/Little Kitty then more animal movesets over bland animal moveset games even if different goals.
But still passable I think I never had too many issues playing certain segments of games as a kid (we all have some that do and we get around them) but I think I got through a fair few. Some still I struggle with but still get through them of course in a few goes due to memory.
Edit: was going to put other things but eh moved them to Part 3 as hit cancel then save, grrr....
Re: Poll: What Do You Think Of The Spyro Reignited Trilogy On Xbox Game Pass?
Played years ago/Platinumed, I think it's fair, dynamic music is hit or miss. 1 is simple but the Tree Tops secrets/Haunted Towers ones are still hard for a kid but still great to find out and beat again as an adult. Character weight eh. Sparx bonuses just gems as abilities accessibility features I'm on and off with.
Dinosaur orb in Skelos. The Alchemist in Fracture Hills, the headbash is eh, Crystal Popcorn in Magma Cone. Hide and Seek or others in later levels. Level secrets for orbs platforming wise. The supercharge in some of the games.
The water tube in 3. The tank battles. Whack-a-mole. Turtle soup camera was fixed in Reignited thankfully for 2. Yeah as an adult you remember how annoying they were and still are. Hardly a kids game easy these days (some areas). It's PS1 design still in there. Not all is dumbed down, some is and for good (Turtle soup), others not so bad. It has no Spyro prototype like elements but oh well. Ah Dream Weavers, Gnorc Cove, Haunted Towers or others details cut.
The Ocean Speedway orb challenge tests my flight skills around that under into the tunnel. Let alone in and out of Icy Speedway orb challenge. Among other things. Reflexes/memory these games test for sure.
The challenges are still PS1 hard, people go oh it's a kids game and see the artstyle/characters when I mean..... there is a reason I play platformers, not because they are for kids, but because they push gameplay more than adult games with more themes/dialogue which can be fair or skill trees and garbage I don't like.
In some cases I wish they pushed further like Ratchet's momentum for the swingshot was always basic gaps, it used to have a few challenging ones then they got rid of those. Adult games with grapples are basic as, very boring.
So adult games with a waypoint/violence/other themes, yeah we can read them but hardly challenging or engaging in comparison to kids games with none or fewer of those but yet other types of design more exciting and challenging in their own way.
So to me kids games are actually more fun worlds of creativity and experimentation of worlds/mechanics, sure fire/charge is basic, but supercharge, super flame, swimming, and more, give me those mechanic types. The basic but still fair dynamics. Sure sure armour penetration or status effects or other things or more to understand in adult games but so many boring effects memorisation snore. Skill trees with basic stat differences, snore.
It's like BOTW, give me wind from fire arrows or more depth to fire arrows inflicting enemies. Interactive stuff. But nope we get basic design. Can you tell I like old games more interactive with level design, aka platformer design, or the geo panels of Disgaea, a board game style but still effects the level design.
Re: Xbox Could Have A Major 'Open-World Shooter' In The Pipeline, But It's Still Early Days
I'd take Starcraft Ghost or anything else over this. It does give Space Marine vibes but I mean the level design/weapons, the pacing, the variety or lack there of. Not too sure on this.
It made me think of Ghost then open world made me go pass.
Re: Microsoft Is Now Advertising Pretty Much Every Gaming Device As An Xbox
Part 2:
Let alone use apps to cast their whole phone to the TV aka like the Switch or Steam Deck or PSP/Nomad or Pocket PCs aka docks/cables but no cables and just phone casting not remote play/cloud just phone over network to a screen like I wish Switch 2 could but doubt it would happen as remote play the casting is better from a powerful device down to another then phone to modem/router to TV and it being very delayed of what 5 seconds it's so noticeable.
I mean third party ones for the whole phone's actions not just YT phone cast icon to cast to YT on your TV/comment. I mean using any phone app, aka the phone OS on your TV as if it was a Switch/PSP connected but wireless. Big differences yet would people know that?
I use a few third party ones on Android and it's ok.
So how well will people understand any device with a storefront to download the Xbox app for cloud services go then do people think?
If this works by all means sure but we will see.
Re: Microsoft Is Now Advertising Pretty Much Every Gaming Device As An Xbox
It's a fair strategy it is an app/ecosystem anyone can access if they have the right device, the right firmware/OS version of Apple/Android/PC/anything with a screen and internet connection or a Samsung TV from 2020+ or Amazon Fire TV.
Xboxes have a place but I think still for people wanting a box/dedicated fans more so while other devices for other people. But with user numbers how much will Xboxes being removed from the equation and dedicated fans forced to use cloud not as an option when they feel like it.
Like I don't want a gyro or other controller features in a game and it being awkward to use while streaming future happens, I want that with a box thanks for better support and who cares graphics, I want stable gameplay and mechanics first thanks not safe gameplay and graphics with no cough Sony 360/540p of Vita that 480 to 1080p Portal/phone/PS4/PC app should have cough cough lazy Sony. Does Microsoft offer that either? If so lazy for not doing so. But oh YT/Twitch/etc. can do it but we can't do that for game streaming? Or Netflix/other services tiers to pay for that we haven't seen Sony/Xbox do yet, shivers.
I'll take my consoles with a power brick, maybe if I can power it with a generator for internet as well. Otherwise if no services eh will still go offline regardless. Will have a screen near by. Or I'll just take my handhelds/Wii U/PS2 if I find a screen for it or PS1 (don't own a PS1 but it had an LCD screen). Got a screen now for analogue tuning so good enough for SNES level support now but HDMI so just plug the Xbox isn't that and a power brick for the TV/console, good to go.
Either way, cloud is a fair option but yeah will people take this 'oh it's an Xbox' I mean they push Gamepass so much I almost think do people know what Gamepass is more than Xbox? Like Skyrim more than Elder Scrolls kind of hearing about it a lot?
Or understand cloud well enough besides using Cloud storage like Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive (or other services) and going oh it's my storage without knowing it's not local and understanding what the word cloud means. People can use something and still not understand it/what the terms mean or if they have even heard of them, after all.
It's a fair strategy to go with saying 'these devices are capable' and because it's just the app to go off of.
But the thing is do they expect people to do research of devices that are app compatible besides what ones are shown in the ad? Or what games are on Gamepass/Cloud supported besides the icons and more to tag what is compatible for cloud support?
What if nothing interests them? Then well no need for them to access the service right? XD
I mean the average person and what they see/hear/understand is up in the air of possibilities then research besides what us gamers/look at the news/use the services types are.
Saying it's an Xbox but still questioning it beyond the key ones they show I mean it can happen.
Google made Stadia clear to people with a mobile app, with a controller bundle, with a TV and Chromecast, how many use their controllers besides the remote to control their TVs?
Re: Xbox Fan Shares Stunning 4K Images Of 360 Launch Title Project Gotham Racing 3
Not fussed with graphics but PGR3 did have that wait it's real moment at the 360 release for sure.
Those screenshots look excellent. The art direction also just helps it.
To me while I never saw that period of time or anything about the games till later, to me the games are so much fun with their arcade feel, the progression is great (didn't like 4's) and the cities are used well for 100s of layouts. Which I prefer. Open worlds are fine but eh just didn't always do it for me with some layouts or paths/or missions.
PGR just the closed off layouts well, good mode variety, and more that kept me more interested in them. Geometry Wars was just a bonus, and the PGR2 dealership to walk around in, model viewer and still purchasing space it's so good, makes the GT7 dealership first time cutscene look hilarious in comparison. Where is that in PSVR2? Thought it up, knew it would never happen and was right.
I will always appreciate the PGR series and while never started with them compared to GT/Forza/Grid and a few others I'm glad once I got to them I really enjoyed the whole series and put the disk in for PGR from time to time.
Re: Is Xbox Successful Right Now? Phil Spencer Shares His Thoughts
So healthy money wise but in other areas of morals or talent or survival of studios asking for things, trying to stay afloat, meet the Gamepass standards it couldn't be further from the truth as some can't meet their standards or studios ask for things they can't have and get shut down or don't make enough money for them? It's money or they are dead, ignored, survival means nothing. I get studios have to be shut for various reasons they can't just build up and up forever but some of the reasons for doing so are pretty ridiculous.
Just say it Phil Xbox/Microsoft is doing great with money via the many all over the place 'successful' strategies but otherwise it's just a load of mixed ideas that also are confusing, stupid and just insanely weird for any drop of money and studios/deals go why should we bother with Xbox/PC at all if the sales/tools/saying one thing then another isn't trust worthy enough.
I'm not against more platforms getting games, Sega did it Saturn/PC/Coleco Chameleon or otherwise.
I'll use any platform but I haven't cared for a single game on Series X because of the games being eh, the progression systems suck, the variety is there but the impact of anything in them is so unappealing, the deals are fine but I can get the games elsewhere if I was desperate enough which I'm not because none of them are appealing, older, earlier, other platforms and really just don't trust Xbox enough. I'm only getting OG/360/older Xbox One releases that's it. Besides blu-ray app/YT use in there.
That's without getting into barely many Indies due to them being nostalgia/heavily inspired and very boring, with only a few actually standing out the rest are repetitive safe garbage. Their skills differ sure I understand that but some really do try and the rest really really don't. Those that don't, don't deserve respect they want to prototype more do it, not do the bare minimum or copy cat competition so weakly it's a forgettable game among a sea of forgettable games.
No rules say a company can't put a web browser, office suite let alone their games on any platform they want.
But at the same time the strategy is really obvious for money and shooting a shot all over the place and really tiring let alone studios have no idea what safety or survival they have so unless the funding is enough, "TALENT" either, the 'flexibility' is to be believed even if creative projects or uncreative but money making works and people go to Gamepass, buy on any platform, give money any way they want or stick to games enough for money to flow it's fine because money is the answer in the end.
The rest is just all over the place and obvious it's money first then trustworthy.
Re: Talking Point: How Much Do You Care About 'Creation' Features In Your Xbox Games?
There is a reason WRC 2023 appealed to me (not bought yet) it's the Sega GT Dreamcast (wasn't in Xbox OG 2002/Online), Pure for PS3/360 the ATV game, or Apex OG Xbox 2023, is the car builder.
That and well if modes suck then at least something going on. Ride 4 (cough split screen of 5 that Forza Motorsport 8 couldn't do) had a region mode from Forza Motorsport 1 & 2 and I thought that was cool, it's restrictive but expanded upon. Hard to play but still a cool feature.
Game mechanics matter to me more than cosmetics but if they are functional stat or upgrades type customisation I don't mind.
I think it offers a lot for events and progression/customisation not liveries I mean parts and chassis customisation.
Project Spark was cool but just didn't go much of anywhere.
Character creators don't matter to me though. Biomutant if it had perks/character trait abilities (Cough like animals in games had better movesets for platformers in the 5th gen then they do more generic adventures nowadays of basic human concept understanding of animals on adventure, seriously goose/stray/little kitty are fine but look boring to me and Biomutant it felt like how peeing/sprinting on all 4 legs and an humanlike acting/anthropomorphic apocalyptic animal, like why can't we have abilities? To dumb the game down for casuals or too much effort to implement?) I'd have liked it more if they added animal abilities so you can swim/flight/digging/climbing/ranged claws /etc. features but it doesn't remove the need for a glider, mech or jet ski the game already had, it had gas immunity to offer progression besides other things and you build it up but otherwise eh.
But cosmetics, how a character looks nah. Pikmin 4 having the character creator was not immersion helpful to me really. It put me off. It was enough for me to go eh this is going to be a casual more annoying entry and besides Ice Pikmin or night missions that needed a bit more depth, I hated the whole game the changed rules of flowers/pikmin acquiring/onions and other things, the character creator, the restrictive motion controls when 1-3 had better motion controls and more. It sucked. That character creator trailer was enough of a sign. I played 98% for 78 hours. 3 was my first and I never had issues with it. Coming off of 1 on Wii's motion yeah 4 was a let down. 2 was fine on Switch as the GameCube version even if a combo of 3 Deluxe controls would have been nice but nope they were lazy to do that.
So I can see reason for it but I prefer functional customisation not cosmetic customisation if that makes sense.
Re: Xbox Fans Ponder What 'Largest Technical Leap' Means For The Series X Successor
If they have other technologies for the software visuals sure, if they have another console gimmick/controller gimmick like gyro (the plans whatever they were prior and 'if true or not' as got impulse triggers for Xbox One, Share button for Series X/S but quick resume on the software side instead (that some people clearly don't know Xbox has and go oh no innovation, sigh some people).
I'd be happy with gyro/whatever motion and whatever they want to call it but I have already prior consoles to experience it so like I really care unless they put some interesting spin on it really in their games or the OS.
But if it's just a RAM/CPU/GPU increase, AI upscaling, eh could go either way but I really don't care, to me the game design matters and I haven't seen anything appealing like I have old gens (not PS4/Xbox One as while PS3/360 was the start 8th gen really set in the game design I wasn't into and audiences were a different focus so the game design was more dumbed down and I see it more and more so I am pulling away and being more picky of releases nowadays), whatever wattage for the power supply and so on sure. IF it's a bit more going on with getting the most out of them fine.
I couldn't care less other than gyro or game design, that's it, but my Xbox One is a YT app/soundcloud app and blu-ray player, I use it ucommonly for Xbox One/BC games but with streaming/gamepass/digital as the focus and with console sales being what they are for hardcore mostly I don't know what to think.
I haven't touch a Series 2020-2024 game physical (I don't buy digital Xbox games) in the slightly personally (sure Syberia remake seems fair for the price, Forza Motorsport 8 disappointed so pass on that, the rest are fine but either waiting or not interested) while others have.
Only picked up OG/360/Xbox One and not a single Xbox One 2020-2024 like I have PS4 more even if a small handful. Besides Switch of course.
Even then I'm mostly buying third parties and I mean niche or AA 3rd parties. I am very Indie picky too if it's nostalgic/very safe of ideas in execution I can be very harsh to Indies wanting them to do more ever so slightly. Or move more than their inspirations especially in some genres. The few 1% that impress I enjoy (not ones everyone talks about either I don't care about popularity the game design speaks for itself if it's good).
Re: Talking Point: Where Are All The ActiBlizz Titles On Xbox Game Pass?
Whenever they are ready/other releases have the limelight and then quieted down put them on there I guess. I'm still waiting though for BC support. So as that will never happen whenever the Xbox One/Series gen ones they are ready to ad over time, sigh. Oh well got plenty of other Activision games of the past that won't go on Gamepass/Back Compat to enjoy in my time they couldn't care less about anyway.
Re: Soapbox: Four Years On, I'm Already Nostalgic For The Early Xbox Series X|S Era
@kevinm360 Completely agree.
I'd never heard of it till picking it up randomly and I've enjoyed my time with it. Yet to get back into it besides other pickups.
Two Worlds also what a game, never played but have a copy on PS3, very interesting game besides what I hear but I think it's got it's charm.
Re: Soapbox: Four Years On, I'm Already Nostalgic For The Early Xbox Series X|S Era
Unrelated but related to article topic. Then again even if some are memorable how many of the PS3/360 exclusives that are niche are memorable.
Sure Blue Dragon/Lost Odyssey, Otogi and more but who remembers Kingdom Under Fire series? Or many others? I hadn't even heard of any of them till the last decade or so. Sure I knew Blinx, Voodoo Vince, Halo, Gears, Forza but once you get to the others above or Brute Force or certain ones I only have in the last few years. Last KUF was on 360 and was vastly different then the somewhat Dynasty Warriors of the OG Xbox 2 entries.
All of the OG/360 games are more appealing to me. Other than the few for Xbox One i like it's a media console for YT, CD apps, Blu-ray app and Soundcloud. Besides Back Compat. The Xbox is just ok. But PS5 and it's issues I have doesn't make it any more appealing. Nintendo's business practices are what they are but the games & hardware annoy me the least or excite me more. That's the niche IPs of 1st party too.
Obviously many others get under the rug as things go on, people re-discover games/gems left behind and so on or yes the big count towards things for sure.
The Japanese exclusives were great and less a thing on Xbox One, sure 360 was a good platform because PS3 was so complicated or sales worked out well as 360 was a good console to have at the time while Xbox One you get the odd IPs still directed to the console as if they are 'were know the stereotypical audience' even though the sales don't reflect that stereotypical audience but a sizeable just not large enough audience sometimes. It's not that sizeable audience's fault they care and others on the platform don't buy them.
Or in some cases even the fan service ones of 360 era get pushed away from Xbox/PS nowadays and go to Switch/PC because image/reputation matters to them.
Though Larry/Postal still get on modern platforms and I assume toned down so I question that.
I was a mix of all 3 or more so both PS/Xbox but to me even the 1st party on both sides haven't impressed me of gameplay ideas or themes, the peripherals WOULD have but just aren't doing it for me, so Switch for the variety of IPs/genres/gameplay as Xbox has the variety (something PS1-3/PSP/Vita had) over PS4/5 (and the push of IPs I didn't like that 3rd parties also did the same during PS4/Xbox One era so only the PS3/360 IPs left behind I buy up these days besides any mechanics in older gems left behind) but to me just aren't that exciting still.
Very few games impressed me this gen of what tactics/hack n slashes, the 2 genres I got into 2017+ when collecting and barely if ever played prior because branching out just to find anything exciting to play and shooters/RPGs/action adventure/platformers/racing have been disappointing me/less modes in racing is just disgusting.
Re: Soapbox: Four Years On, I'm Already Nostalgic For The Early Xbox Series X|S Era
@kevinm360 I assume so with that as well. The news section is cool. I don't know about the clubs or whatever game new stuff like PS5 also has. Never interacted with any of it. Never had interest to. But it's also Nintendo account related too I think and I haven't synced my account yet. I'll get around to it. Mostly I keep it as a 'internet for updates' and that's it at the moment so in a way still like a local account Switch.
Ah I guess that makes sense, should have questioned that but I didn't think about it as such.
SD Cards would be interesting like Tapwave Zodiac offered but I do guess that the proprietary cards are on purpose for DRM/protection and just code alone isn't enough but hardware itself limits.
Switch I don't notice as much the updates to newer prints of the carts and I have no idea if Sony/Microsoft even bother with that or go eh updates are a enough. We mostly still see definitive editions with leftover codes offered (I think mostly a third parties thing then 1st party) but would they bother with reprints on the disks? It'd be costly for sure).
While Switch does on the box or just the cart (cart makes more sense) for reprints of updates so that's cool for preserving different builds/updates on carts at least).
Windows 11 comes on a USB for $200 USD or something these days from memory so it's not out of the question of companies trying to do so regardless of being able to boot off a USB stick for years for OS technicians/enthusiasts do.
Faster loading for sure, if still well optimised that is. XD
But I don't mind carts/game cards at all. Even the Switch/Vita cases while not ideal for replacing I find really cool and interesting case designs.
NXE makes sense but I don't know might just be my way of seeing navigation. I do think the cards aspect I should have considered it is in that way very creative besides the simplicity for audiences to or other factors. Just never considered it that way before. Huh.
Then again it's kind of similar to a smartphone the all apps type menu. I do sometimes even just find scrolling to things confusing. Sometimes it's clear other times it isn't.
Yeah Blades was like that wasn't it. Hmm.
Yeah voice chat/online and I get the era were in of course so it makes sense to offer them then not for sure. I don't have enough experience or understanding of them or how PS3 to 360/OG Xbox or others have offered them so it's not much of anything I can comment on really. I think I remember the Gamerscore/leaderboard (more so for games as I more so have a local account likely well compared to a 360 local ones and a more online but I just don't use it for online or digital game purchases but could, same with how PS3 I have a local account but PS4 I do buy digital) and things in past OS versions/layouts but I can't remember. Or was that's the profile view of such details. I can't remember.
That's fair I can see reason in that as image/video share is pretty standard so expanding on it is kind of cool (not that I would think how but once seeing it I probably would appreciate it more).
Re: Talking Point: Where Are All The ActiBlizz Titles On Xbox Game Pass?
Microsoft I get benefits from being on any platform. Then again who knows about the Entertainment Pack games from the 90s on Gameboy Color? Are those coming to Gamepass. XD As if Rare's GBA games don't exist as MS didn't have a handheld so Rare was able to offer them on GBA.
They do with Edge/Office, they did IE, among many other things, they do anything to make money being on anything because the more open they are it's fine. No one says you have to be straight 1st or 3rd party just keep whatever you want control over and offer t5he rest on other platforms, it's not a rule or something, they can do whatever they want.
Sure Sega was on PC during the Saturn to survive even though people seem to only pay attention to the Dreamcast ending and oh porting to other consoles and ignore the Saturn/PC stuff or don't know about it probably as much as the Enteratinment pack GBC games. It's not unheard of offering other platforms for games, apps or support for them.
It's like Minecraft modloaders, 5+ exist and PC gamers go wait what because they are too 1 for all/1 for comfort focused and ignorant to do basic research or have a brain of how the past works.
The sooner they offer Pitfall the better (a Indy/TR/Uncharted/Tad/Joe Wander competitor they could do something with, ANYTHING WITH) and offer Lost Expedition a good fair metroidvania I 100%ed which is saying a lot as I suck at them.
TimeShift/Singularity (I see on the Xbox store but assume are disk support only? They have the pages but of course no digital purchase which is fair. Or licenses stopped?) don't appear on the website as I assume only digital purchaseable ones count on that site?
I can go either way with the Truck racing games of the past, Supercar Street Challenge has no car licenses but maybe music ones (I doubt ABK cares, I do I think the game has a charm to it) or Transformers or other stuff.
Blur won't due to licenses and ABK really don't care anyways.
COD Classic no idea if works? But where are COD 2, 3, Big Red One, Finest Hour? They could have offered them but nope PS2 instead of Xbox versions it is for me as they didn't offer them in time so I bought them on PS2, if they want me to use my Xbox more they should offer them.
They could try to offer their past titles but they refuse to do so. If they don't have the source codes sure, if they are too lazy to ABK that's on them.
Activision Lives isn't Xbox compatible but something like it could be of past Activision 2600 or other titles.
Was surprised even Midway collection was back compat (I always try the disks just to make sure) I usually expect no collections of old games to be compatible (I mean why wouldn't Sega do that per gen to resell them in a different bundle/licenses change after all) but then again the Xbox Live Arcade disk and the Triple Pack with Limbo/Splosion Man/Trials HD worked so anything is possible I guess.
Re: Soapbox: Four Years On, I'm Already Nostalgic For The Early Xbox Series X|S Era
@kevinm360 Social features have a place but I just didn't need them. I have heard how bad the social features on Switch are. Never used them but I can understand that.
Miiverse wasn't a thing I expected, but not fussed I missed out on it. But to me dual screens were cool and to most people confusing or not of interest to them, understandable but disappointing.
Sort of how I feel about Nintendo and no installs, I've played many old games and gone wow this runs well off the disk yet PS4/Xbox One push the consoles so much yet are installed to the system and 360 was the last or only to have optional installs. XD So to me Switch/Wii U having no installs is great as I have more space for updates or if I go digital which may over time I just buy up most physical I want first then the digital I can only get that way later.
Windows 8 wasn't perfect, I didn't mind the all devices consistency they were going for besides it's flat design even if the apps I had to use task manager to close all the time which was annoying but to me the dual app sliding how big they were was really nice and i kind of miss that. 8.1 worked well enough to me. Sure the corners, sure the Metro design isn't great but it grew on me. I hated 8 at first, I hated Minecraft 1.6.4 to 1.7.10 with it's world update changes. I got used to them over time for different reasons I guess.
The social features are probably good on Xbox One I just never used them, Impulse Triggers were fun in the what Gears, Forza Motorsport 5-7 or Project Cars 3 I've used them in, I'm a singleplayer type mostly these days and only did local split screen a few times during many shooters or others, more around when COD BO3 was the last to have it or other games pushed online more I dropped off split screen and I don't need Xbox Live/PS+/Switch Online at all so to me it wasn't of any use to me. I used Kinect for Xbox One and voice on Advanced Warfare with someone 'once'. So that should say my extent of not needing the feature. Only gotten to 360 Kinect nowadays and it's ok from what I've used it for so far, like Eye Toy very space picky.
NXE was fair but to me it just made it too one after the other select is how it looks and I just find that kind of too long to navigate so that's why I wasn't a fan of it. It made sense for Kinect I guess but just felt slow as far as it looks, having never used it though it's a bit unfair to comment on something I've never used and finding an older Xbox 360 with it is it's own challenge when I only own all Metros. Or remember it at all. Even then my memories of Blades are a 360 kiosk or the Xbox Live Arcade demos disk I bought years later. Otherwise I don't remember it that much. I own an Elite, E and got a Slim later but mostly used Metro.
To me Metro was fair enough as I liked it on the Windows phone and the keyboards were great but things are what they are of course. It wasn't perfect, but I still hate modern flat design more then Metro and it's limits.
Re: Soapbox: Four Years On, I'm Already Nostalgic For The Early Xbox Series X|S Era
Part 3:
I wasn't into PS3/360 either (I was still going about a mix of stuff or didn't play a lot but I have so many I want to buy for 5-7th gen because of their mechanics alone, it could be 100s of 9th gen games, but it isn't and that's niche and popular titles mostly niche titles, not money or research to collect for Indies it's for old gen) but the more I pick up with their rends the more I go oh they were mechanically exciting of competition, I don't see that here. Just more of the same, maybe a setting change but mechanically they are 'differnet' but not mode or level design or otherwise exciting. Less modes in racing games is enough to make me drop off the genre seriously. Already have to retro racing/shooters as it is. Indie platformers are barren of exciting movesets or level design, they may 'look nice' but to play I can tell they are boring and uninspired heavily by other games I don't play those old games for nostalgia I play for the gameplay, the Indies aren't offering it at all.
When puzzle games look more exciting then other genres that should tell you why I find this gen sucks in other genres heavily with their other priorities.
I enjoy the OG/360 games Microsoft doesn't support anymore because well those devs moved on, they support PC/PS/Nintendo still and the rare presence on Xbox is what it is.
Xbox One I miss the 2013 OS not because of the DRM, not because of the TV TV TV but because I don't acre for the social features but dfid the Windows 10 multi-app support, like I could a dual screen tablet or Wii U or multi-apps on Windows, or cough picture in picture Wonderful 101 has (because Gamepad was other screen in it originally) or PS5 has. But differently used. There is a lot that could be done with it that wasn't. It's why I have Wii U successor ideas in my mind but it won't happen because why would it, sigh. A console doing what Windows can or even other particular things would be awesome but nope won't happen.
Re: Soapbox: Four Years On, I'm Already Nostalgic For The Early Xbox Series X|S Era
Part 2:
I don't even care what 10th offers let alone still on my PS4/Xbox One. They won't shut up about buying a PS5 when I have no interest in the console why would I buy a 4th console (1 for them, slim for other room, other has their own) for myself I have no interest in any of the consoles. XD What kind of idiot doesn't pay attention to I hate the consoles, someone who is too stuck on what they do to pay attention, yet I have the self awareness they don't, I won't buy them.
I may maintain old consoles but I play the older consoles more than my PS4/Xbox One, if that doesn't show not caring and I hate the 8th gen systems too besides the OS/folders are good on PS4 and I hated most 2/3 of the 1st parties and it's my least favourite PS console, same as Xbox One is passable but my least favourite Xbox, why would I upgrade to consoles with enhancements I don't care about, I don't need marketing of BC support and oh it's a loud system to push the system like an advertisement to me 'people' I don't need that I already know more about the consoles and obscure consoles, why would I need an advertisement run down about it, why idiots, the Portal/PSVR2 suck, quick resume is digital only so I can't use it nor care, it's a fair feature but I can go without it.
Some people are so stupid of what they want and don't understand how can refuse to use them/what the companies stand for yet they are happy with them and push it when don't care, what delusional people, it's like some people reset their understanding or are so unaware and only aware of themselves (which is why people are so easy to get around is because they are so stupid) yet I'm consistent on hating them. Who can be any stupider.
As it will be just the same business practices, same boring mechanically unexciting games and I'm just going to keep passing on them for 0.0000001 of games. I don't care to play everything and that's totally fine but the point where PS4/Xbox One I have less and less I even cared for and this gen nothing speaks to me other than 'that's ok of ideas to there is nothing compelling at all in that game or handful or all games' at online events or trailers or anything. It may be a weird perspective but yeah I don't see exciting ideas in games currently when it's all graphics/story and the gameplay takes further steps back I'm more bored with seeing in games.
Re: Soapbox: Four Years On, I'm Already Nostalgic For The Early Xbox Series X|S Era
What is there to be nostalgic for? An ok launch, the games came after and Xbox has had fair IPs this gen, I've not played them but I still acknowledge the variety, even if not the same impact as past titles/eras. They are more exciting then PS5's offerings and if only PS5 then the 2nd party deals are more exciting then the 1st party I have no interest in anymore, for either of them.
The PS5/Series X get used but I have no interest in them. I used the PS5 a few times for Ratchet, hated it's direction, quit the system, used it to beat Space Marine 2, that's it. Xbox Series I look at it when it's used..... I have an Xbox One VCR/X so the OS updates have been bad and boring. The One X also runs like garbage and my VCR one is 2020 and before offline. Keeping it that way for the better OS it had. Got people that use the Series X for gamepass, didn't jive with Starfield and otherwise it sits there probably as much as the Xbox One did if not more unused.
Astrobot can get stuffed what a terrible unoriginal game the others were better, I don't play nostaglia milking company filth. Have better ideas then reskining or cosmetics and less mechanically interesting for level design that's ripped from other games. I don't want a museum title with reskinning get out of here. I play old games for their ideas not ripping off the popular ones for players to be manipulated.
I prefer Xbox 360 Blades/Metro, or Xbox One's 2013 or the One/Series 2nd or 3rd O of 9th gen, the current one removed customisation, pushed the networking more and I hate it. Worst OS I've ever used on a console, that's saying something as PS5 is just as bad and a mess to navigate, and groups for Switch/PS5 are like why take THAT from Xbox One seriously? I mean the quiet console POST from Xbox One sure, PS5 can take it but the groups feature then folders. What a bunch of idiots the other platforms took with them. XD
But like 2017+ I was getting sick and tired of the direction games were going with PS4/Xbox One and I've collected even more retro games since because 9th gen is just as boring. Mechanic hunting in games to collect has been more fun then helping this gen out because I really don't care for 99% of the games at all. I pick up what maybe if lucky 1-3 a year which is something sure so can't complain that much but 2024 I mostly care for nothing at all. Retro games with little details or mechanics inspire me or wow me. I haven't had a single 9th gen game wow me mechanically, they have ok ideas but not really impress me beacuse 99% of them are so bland, played out or have nothing exciting gameplay wise to offer just generic worlds/story/graphics I don't want to play in. Gameplay is what counts and if the gameplay isn't exciting, why should I play a game?
People may have bought both, I use neither. I used my PS3/360 a fair amount last gen but I wasn't against PS4/Xbox One, this gen I'm so sick of 9th gen being so boring, I buy whatever is on 8th gen of 2020 to 2024 and I'm good aka barely anything I still want anyway. I get more satisfaction out of 360 games I get from the Xbox One era and how they perform. Same with Wii/PSP/PS2 ports and their controls/unique versions or differences of content/elements for a DVD/blu-ray comparison and the old gen versions are still always better, imagine that, fanciness and garbage then old hardware and more exciting.
Re: Dragon Age Remaster Collection Wouldn't Be 'As Easy' As Mass Effect, Admits BioWare
Part 2
and UE2 to 4 was its own challenge probably. 20 people is impressive due to how EA has done things the past few decades, killed many studios, been marked the worst company ever probably many times.
I see an EA/EXEC issue here then an engine issue. Or staff issue of them going nah we don't care enough/don't have the enthusiasm or EA won't waste the money.
It's not hard to see past just an engine limit it's always more factors not 1 straight answer.
I mean it's no Cobalt code limited people and particular info and data of that news situation, knowing about it or some IBM 510 stuff in comparison but even still it is surprising.
Toys for Bob and a bunch of other studios had to recreate the Spyro PS1 games from scratch, others would put effort into reverse engineering even. Companies go eh. Fans go either eh maybe or can't wait. Companies have more factors but can easily disappoint that take a challenge. No wonder we see the same IPs, trends and very few worthy risks taken.
Heck I'd take Under the Skin remaster the RE3 content, a good multiplayer game but nope to Capcom there. PN03 I don't see a chance but Under the Skin I do. It's cell shaded and holds up well. But no worthless IPs that are new but fair good sequel IPs but probably is you can't use the same ones forever.
Activision was willing to fund Spyro and they laser scanned and did a lot for it. Sure the rushing of it and sure sales but Spyro/Crash audiences are different too.
Then again Indie platformers are eh to me any regardless of their revival the quality is eh weak. Too weak game design they have basic games and barely anything exciting to offer. When 5-6th gen games I look further at have better ideas the Indies are too narrow view inspired or too copy paste but different assets it is so boring.
They can get any other studios or small team but EA messed up BF2042 a bunch behiyrhe scenes and that was worth it the ideas changed and idiots mind changing every few monutes. What progress that was. XD Idiors.
Veilguaed is probably great I have avoided spoilers on purpose though.
2 had it's moments besides how it turned out. But the series needs more.
Origins was good for the time. Inquisition is what it is of details people like or hate I think it's fair to great in areas I've heard or odd polish at times.
Get better creatives or get better publisher/execs. Games suck these days.
Re: Dragon Age Remaster Collection Wouldn't Be 'As Easy' As Mass Effect, Admits BioWare
Doesn't Dragon Age sell more? Yet for USA audience maybe not or they love to market Mass Effect more. I mean among competition it's surprising how much. dragon Age does a s series or curd through among other fantasy RPGs over the years. Even story/mechanically it's more impressive to me then Mass Effect (which I have played more then Dragon Age not completion but still more) and that's from research I respect the series a lot.
But impressive things mean nothing these days I know those ones don't sell well otherwise it's why I research them among the boring successful simple products is the ambitious amazing more engaging not boring products then ones so simple for boring people and why we get the garbage and emotional/nostalgia manipulating garbage we see today in Indies, AA and AAA. I know I research all eras game design is so pathetic these days for boring graphics and story telling them engaging story and better gameplay we get generic gameplay, what a waste of a medium. I may be harsh but I don't buy many games anymore because they are so casual and so boring to be as simple as possible. Not nostalgia I hate nostalgia I buy old games with better ideas left behind. To get inspired then modern games that inspire me why they are empty and pathetic and have better ideas to add to them because they are so bad.
While tough they forced people to use Frostbite to save on money cough cough so isn't that a FAIR COMPARISON EA AND TOUE BS EXCUSES.
20 PEOPLE IS ENOUGH, WHETHER they want to deal with it is another and EAs standards, the cost to work on it EA won't provide and other particular reasons. Aka they are covering it up as if the business speak wasn't obvious.
Xenoblade X exists for Switch now and that was halted as a plan they had for years I assume.
Some do make it through WHEN FHEY TRY. EA has never cared ever anyway..Bioware or the IPs deserve better under a different publisher, or being an Indies instead.