Titntin

People queuing up to dance to the tune of a faceless corp? Ive always played what I want when I want and dont understand those who prefer to follow a companies agenda.
I guess plenty of people like this kind of reward program, so props to MS for continuing to offer something (in contrast to Sony who just axed their rewards program).

I'll stick to just doing my own thing 😀👍

@Nightcrawler71 I think pirate wont be so bad. I was a big fan of like a dragon, so I expected to enjoy infinite wealth, but like you I got frustrated with no end of cut scenes and hardly any gameplay to go with it. after 16 hours, the majority of it poorly written cut scenes, I had to drop it and play something that respected my time.

A delay looks like a sensible choice, but like others I do fear they may decide they don't want in after another 18 months. I hope I'm wrong though and they knock it out the park with a great machine.

Delighted with this. GP has not delivered much for me since I resubbed 4 months ago and I've not been afraid to say so, so it's only fair to point out that this is a good hit for me, a game I wanted to try but didnt want to buy, perfect for Game Pass and I'm very happy we have it! 👍

Decent game. World was a bit dead (understatement) and I couldn't believe you can't take a torch or light into dungeons, but I enjoyed the game world and didnt hate the characters. I completed it all and would have given it 7.5 or 8/10.
Currently playing Tainted Grail which is quite a bit better imo...

@eduscxbox "so what exactly does define what is or isn't a console?!"
The user experience. Never having to faff with drivers and windows settings , not having to switch between multiple pieces of software just to organise and run your games. This is the current disappointment with the Rog Ally, it simply doesn't operate like a console and you absolutely do need to deal with Windows settings and other faffing.

I do recommend this if you like your puzzles. Its been on PS plus for a while, so I played it there and enjoyed it. Glad to see it reach more players and come to GP.

Bring back the blades! I don't see much different on this except the lack of adverts and a row of friends I wouldn't need. As if MS messages need any more confusion....

@AverageGamer Thank you, thats not a viewpoint Id considered as I simply don't play these games. I would have hoped they could service the games they have and still develop a new IP, but Ive little info on how the hierarchy is within Blizzard.

@themightyant Agreed. Its nice to see these massive games get supported, but a studio with nothing new in the works would worry me.

I've been completely digital for years now. All my Lp's ripped to DSD and all my CD's ripped to Flac for my Roon Nucleus, all my films ripped to video files via plex, all games bought digitally. I got so much of my space back in the house clearing it of all that old media in cupboards and shelves that built over the decades until it became almost suffocating. Just ensure you have cloud back-up in case of emergencies (Back Blaze) and your sorted.

It doesn't surprise me that so many don't invest in physical media any more - it's an old man thing to hang on imo, but choice is a good thing I guess.

Divesting myself of physical media was an absolute delight. I would never go back.

Glad you are shining a light on it - I occasionally enjoy a rhythm game.
However, it's a very rare day when I overlook pixel graphics and buy the game anyway. I guess those who didnt grow up with the limitations of old gen machines just see it as a style now, whereas I see it as an old, cheap outmoded way to deliver a game. Its Fugly and the game needs to be a real show stopper for me to overlook how awful this style looks to me (Vampire Survivors take a bow!)
Last time I made pixel style graphics like this was a wallace and gromit game for the GBA over 20 years ago, I do so hate thats its become a 'style' so many use now. But as I say, if you didnt grow up with those limitations it clearly hits different as I understand many like it.

@Markatron84 Interesting to hear your take on Advance Wars as Im very keen on buying it as I have such fond memories of playing the originals. Are there any difficulty options that help as Im a little concerned I might not enjoy so much if Im getting my @rse kicked every mission? 😀
I agree with you on Gotham Kniights too, as I picked it up dead cheap and I enjoyed my time with it. It was always compared to the supurb Arkham Asylum of course, but not every release can be a genre defining experience, and taken for what it is, its a fun game..

I remember mentioning this in the show comments while it was showing. Its was the best thing they could have said for me, as FH5 has zero incentive to complete events other than to tick the box. On my PS5 playthrough ( Id already completed on series x) I deliberately didnt buy any cars at all yet had 100' s after a while as they dish them out with no effort. Im delighted this game will give me reasons to save and work to achieve the vehicles I want.
Also delighted they didn't make a big deal of drift culture. I cant stand the drifting in any FH game and only ever do what I have to...
Really looking forward to this 👍

Bought Tainted Grail to scratch that skyrim itch and its been really absorbing so far, so I want to play a lot more of that!
I also want to get back to Keeper, which deserves my time.

Whatever you are playing this weekend, I hope you have fun. 👍

Whilst I do buy Horizon DLC's I certainly will not at those prices.
I will play the game on GP, buy it for PS5 pro once its out, but this will be the first FH game where I don't buy the DLC unless they wake up and price it appropriately. Price gouging at its worse...

@TheGameThrifter Frustrating as it is my friend, I think the answer then will be to keep what you've got which will run all your collection, and if you need a new gen machine, move to PS6 whenever that arrives. You will have all your current titles and by then you should get access to all new MS and Sony titles on the new Sony console. It's unfortunate you'll need two machines to do that, but its not a great hardship: I'm writing this on a PC connected to a 48 inch LG c1 and also have a PS5 pro, series X and switch 2 connected to the same TV. In the same room we have a 65 inch Sony Tv with another PS5 pro attached for couch gaming.
You don't need to change or decide yet of course, nothing is set in stone as we have seen, promises and plans can change so you can wait till the options are out to make decisions.
I understand the frustration though, I just wanted another Xbox that wasn't running windows. Take care.

@TheGameThrifter I can understand the upset, but it's been apparent that this was happening for so long I can't understand why it's still the first thing many talk about. You have a right to be upset as many things MS have said have simply not been true in the longer term. I get that and have no desire to anger you further - I'd feel the same. I also have a series X and bought it to play exclusives, but my investment in my library has been elsewhere, so I'm not as badly affected as those who have built their library on xbox.
To be fair to MS, they have stated they will release a next gen machine that will play your Xbox titles, and if that's the case then there should surely be no issue, your investment is protected. I can understand that trust in this might be a little thin as many other promises have been broken, but I'm hoping they will ensure back compatibility on the next machine and people can still play their games on the next one.
Meantime the series X is still a powerful machine with better backward compatibility than the competition so you still have good service this gen.
Have a great day.

It was a good 'B' grade from me. Playground were on fire and both their titles showed everything you could want.
The game freak title was a little 'AA' but I think I may enjoy it.
Kiln misses the mark for me as its multiplayer and that's just not anything I want. I'll give it a try though, but only to form some pots - that bit appeals to me!

Good show.

What a great showing that was! As a huge fan of the original game I was worried that they might not include all the features and options that I valued in this title, but this deep dive has reassured me that they approached this title with total respect for the originals values.
That they would produce a technically competent good looking title was never a doubt for me, but it was great to see the flexibility in which you could live your fable life and this was a fantastic preview. I hope the writing lives up to everything else we saw!
If you had to pick an issue it was the awful lip sync, but given the strength of all the other systems running a compromise was to be expected! This title has gone to the top of the wish list - can't wait to play it.

Surprised so many are discussing the platforms its released on like theres still a console war still going on? Its barely worth mentioning as MS intent has been clear for ages. I certainly rarely mention it, as the moment I do there's awful responses from the rabid die hards who still exist and will do anything to show a dissenter is a 'Pony', like kiddies squabbling in a playground. Having watched this business as an adult from its inception, and spent 2 decades as a dev myself, I know everything is dynamic and changes. MS transitioning to one of the worlds premiere 3rd party publishers was to be expected and will make them more money than trying to be a console format holder. Arguments from those still attached to their box of choice won't change anything, change is inevitable.

Roll on release day!

Pretty much everyone expects all MS games to launch day and date on PS5 now, so I would hope thats not going to be the focus of reports on the show.
Playground in particular have a lot to be proud of here and I hope the messaging from this show is that one of Microsofts best studios is really producing the goods again - regardless of platforms.

Great showing. My fears have been allayed for Fable which has real scope and the features I really wanted.
Forza Horizon looks technically top notch too, and I like the changes they made from fh5.

If you've not already played Death Stranding I would urge you to try it and now its on GP there's no reason not too. Its not for everyone, but if it hits you, then its a truly exceptional game.
Roadcraft has come to my attention at the same time as Expeditions has on PS plus. Has anyone played both of these? I'd like to play one but I'm not sure which one might be the superior title and would welcome any viewpoint! Thanks in advance..

@Sol4ris Thanks. I was filled with fomo and subbed for another years worth of gpu. It has been disappointing that the last few months havent provided a title I wanted, but Im sure I'll change my tone once the 1st party titles start to release.

Interesting to compare and contrast this review with skillups which was released today and certainly doesn't paint a glowing picture. Horses for courses of course, but with the incoming price rises I doubt this unit will sell many. Maybe 500K? in this market that would be fairly successful!

Space Marine 2 is fun - highly recommend if you haven't already played it, and Death stranding directors cut,Talos principle 2 and indika are already on the other service.
I was stupid signing up for another year. Won't make that mistake again.

@ZeD Interesting, thanks for that view. I never played the first so maybe I should seek it out....

Really looking forward to this - in particular Fable as I'm still not sure what we can expect! Fingers crossed it's everything we want it to be.

Thanks Fraser, a really interesting read. A handheld PC will never be the way I game, but I'm interested in what it does and I'm pleased you've been enjoying it so much.

@jesse_dylan Apologies my friend, I never got to play the first one. But I can confirm you can play no 2 without prior knowledge - I never felt like I was missing anything!

I do recommend citizen sleeper 2 while you can try it for free. Its an interestingly constructed game with good writting and well worth a little time.
Lonely mountain is also suprisingly addictive and good fun, so well worth a try if your looking to waste a few hours ( but its also on ps plus extra if you sub to both and its not scheduled to go yet).

The first game is the best for me. I liked 2, but the first has a quality I cant specify that just makes it special, despite some clear system improvements in 2

No expansion, I refuse to buy over priced proprietary stuff. Not used the series X lots for 18 months, so storage is not a problem for me, but I sympathise with people who use xbox as main system and I suspect if I did I'd be buying expansion despite my objection. On ps5 I have one with 4tb and the other with 3tb and both have 4tb hard drives for ps4 titles and yet Im still pretty full!

No PGR is a crime! Decent list though

@Darylb88 Ill just play it twice, after all Ive played most of them multiple times and this style of game is easy to replay. I'll play on series X when its released on GP and then buy it and play it again when its released for the pro. I hope to god theyve improved the script and acting.

May would be great. It would be nice to know when the PS5 version will come as I'm likely to buy there and play on the pro. On FH5 it made a substantial difference to me, so I assume it will be the same with FH6.
I have GPU though, so unless its a day/date release on ps5 that's where I'll play it first

@jesse_dylan Whatever else you could say about the guy, he was a nice man, and it's nice to see I'm not the only one who remembers the positive impact he made on games back in the day.
Unfortunately EA ruined lots of great companies, just like they are doing to codemasters right now. However, I got EA stock when they bought Bullfrog and used that to get married, so swings and roundabouts!
You have a great day mate.👍

@Fiendish-Beaver It is indeed a small world mate. I know you dont get out a lot now, but if you were ever in or near Brixham, you would always have a welcome stop off here. I make good Coffee and Tea, have very back friendly seating, and would enjoy some time chatting and playing some cr@p! Take care mate.

@jesse_dylan It really was. When Psygnosis closed its west london studio and bullfrog were waiting to nab me in the car park as I left, I couldn't believe my luck. I loved working there till E.A did its thing and stifled all the creativity. Some real classics were made by Bullfrog and a large part of that was Peter's vision. It's a shame that over promising on games with later studios helped sully his legacy, as it was a great one. For some of us, it still is.

@Fiendish-Beaver Nice memory mate thanks for sharing. Didnt know you were in Plymouth, Im just up the road in Brixham, Torbay 👍

Bought an original xbox a few weeks after launch and have bought them all since, happy days. The 360 era shined brightest for me.
Playing Project Gotham Racing has very strong memories....

This looks great. Its previously gone under my radar, but its definitely on the wish list now..

I hope it does well. It was the game I most enjoyed playing on GPU last year and I 100% completed it. Hopefully the PS demographic will enjoy it too.

Hope this has a console version soon. I went to work at Bullfrog precisely because I liked this style of game, and I found Peter to be an inspiration. A bit of a dreamer, but so was I.
This is looking pretty decent, but history shows us we need to wait and see if all the systems and options work! 🤣

It's a shame its taken them so long to sort this mess out, but at least they have, so props for that..

@GuyinPA75 I can only agree. I let FOMO make me buy another year of GPU 3 months back and I've played nothing on it since. Releasing such old games on a service that charges so much is a giant middle finger at us - this game can be owned for £13.50.
The game is OK, if for some reason you didnt play it in the last 5 years, I do recommend giving it a go

I really enjoyed Outlaws, it was great. Unfortunately, having played and finished it, it is of no value to me as a GPU subscriber, but I'd recommend you try it!
Quarantine Zone might be OK, but its PC only and I play console unless I really must use the PC.
Another week in a long line of them where GPU has absolutely nothing I want to play.

Trails in the Sky, First Chapter. Looks like I might complete the game this weekend, and I have to say its been really endearing and fun to play.
I need to return to Space Marine II and complete that - thats a different vibe!

Whatever you all are playing, I hope you have a great weekend!

Fingers crossed. This will be the first chance we get to assess if this is real fable game or a poor immitation. I have plenty of respect for playground, but this title is well outside their comfort zone, so we dont know from their track record. Imagine if they used scripts and acting as bad as it is in Forza Horizon?
I would very much like a good Fable though, so Im rooting for them.
This is gonna be our chance to see what this game is, im sure it will be pretty, but I hope the stories and the humour feel right!

Id be very happy to see just the 'core titles' I think they all have potential to be really good. Anything extra is the cherry on the cake. Be nice if there was a GP shadow drop too!