Rating the best games, is way more difficult than movies, TV, toys or most appliances. If you played BG3 and Starfield, deep enough to offer a fair opinion, it leaves little time for everything else. As an Xbox fan site, it's obvious the big first parties are played moreso than leftfield games or Indie games. A lot of games fly under the radar. Starfield isn't a top tier game, it's great and playable though and that's really all that counts.
I love my xbox yet feel a bit of fomo coming on, looking at GoW, HZD and Spiderman 2. It feels a lot like the time I bought a gamecube instead of a PS2 or original xbox. Great console but the software just wasn't there. Come on xbox, give us something good and you may sell more units.
You can only play the Halo 3 and ODST campaigns co-op cross platform. I would like to play all of them with my son who has a PC. Why was that never implemented?
Otherwise a great collection of games. Arguably the best anthology.
@rustyduck I love GP. The selection of games is great. However, MS has been real unlucky with its gambles (paying for day 1 stuff) We've had a ton of new releases, almost on the upper scale; Cocoon, Hi-Fi Rush, cassette beasts and Sea of Stars. They have been overshadowed by games released elsewhere like BG3, Street Fighter 6, Dead Space remake, Resi 4, Diablo 4 etc. All great though!
We've also had some turds like Redfall and Forza which doesn't help rofl 🤣
I can understand that turn based doesn't excite like an action game based on your reflexes. However it's a game which is bigger in scope and choices than almost anything out there apparently. My colleague in work bought the game having been a huge fan of Elden Ring, Uncharted, Call of Duty and Fifa and hated the turn based games he had tried (Persona 5 and FF7) but absolutely gushes about BG3. I want to play it, just so I can compare notes rofl 🤣 Sounds mesmeric.
@Banjo- thanks for the kind reply. The rewards system as is tonight, is breadcrumbs here in the UK. It doesn't make sense either. To hit your 90 Bing score, I'm clicking on links and sometimes you get +3, other times it's not registering - even with waiting inbetween. It's gone from a great service to perplexing / frustrating pretty much overnight.
I can't see anyone sticking with it honestly. It's definitely not a great rewards system in its current guise here in the UK.
Anyhow, onwards and upwards. Hopefully microsoft don't mess up even more in 2024.
@Banjo- I know you love xbox bro but work with me here. I just want xbox to be better.
The 1 main driver of why I advocated xbox over the last 2 years was MS Rewards, which has completely tanked. In the UK (where I am). Not only have points been restricted such as edge searches, but the daily tasks are worth like 1 or 2 points. Also the daily searches have bizzaro world cooldowns. It's simply extra frustration and wasted time for fans of the scheme.
I was swapping my time for increased traffic to bing/edge/gamepass etc. Which MS can then use to sell to business for advertising. Admittedly it was a little too rewarding, however to completely nerf the whole scheme is a bit off imo. Without going into detail for double the effort I am receiving less than half the points from last year. It's more likely I will accrue £5 a month. It's not worth it.
But that's their choice. It's their sceme. In my mind, pretty essential to keep people like me onside and buying into the ecosystem. Otherwise I may as well go where the better games are right now.
Gamepass core is arguably better than gold for a new xbox gamer. That's true. However for gamers (like you or I) who have gamepass. It's worse as we miss out on 2 games we used to earn. Again Admittedly they were of usually middling quality, but the odd cracker made up for it.
These aren't life changing issues. But enough to encourage people to go elsewhere.
And for information I'm not happy with PlayStation either. Suffice why I ended up with an xbox. The GaaS focus, the nerfing of its own instant game collection, the lack of variety in its first party (Microsoft does have variety which is a selling point they should focus on), the move away from indies and the absolutely ugly ps5.
I want XBOX to make better games, with the studios they already have under control. I don't want cheap underarm tactics and the removal of small benefits. I want a better service for everyone.
@Kaloudz you are clearly an intelligent and eloquent writer. Which is dumbfounding honestly.
'Course we're happy with it. We get all of ABK content in our Game Pass subs at no extra cost, plus, any upcoming ABK games day one. That's pro-consumer. Doesn't matter how you slice it.'
You have pretty much made all my points in two sentences with added spin.
There has been and will be a price increase. You aren't getting it day 1. It's anti consumer as the games will be removed / not released on other systems.
At the end of the day, xbox is my main gaming system. I am not surprised other people avoid the system like the plague. They had enough at Don Mattrick and the games recently are underwhelming. I'm not going to debate word/marketing technicalities as we will be here all night.
In my own xbox experience it's gotten worse post deal (once the UK legislators passed it). I was expecting the situation to improve, not to have xbox live removed as I WILL miss the couple of leftfield games every month, ms rewards has been decimated and pseudo early access bucket jangling.
I came back to xbox for the better looking quieter console, better subscription model with additional games from live. The better online infrastructure and ms games day 1. I've plunged untold hours and money into this hobby. Now most of the reasons I'm here, are evaporating.
I think if you move away from the Sony vs MS console war as pathetic as that is. You can see MS have consistently bought up and coming companies to alleviate the competition. Activision Blizzard as an entity are doing fine, all the games come to xbox anyway. All this deal does is potentially remove games and franchises from other computers.
If you look at it like that. Then it's different. It's all well and good point scoring in a CoNsOlE wAr. But it's not so great for us the consumer if I have an xbox and your mate has a PlayStation.
If microsoft were putting out top tier games and hadn't started pulling the rug out from under us with paid early access, price increases, microsoft rewards nerfs and getting rid of live. Then I would give them the benefit of the doubt. But my Xbox experience has become compromised on the back of this deal completing and it's shocking yall are happy with it for petty point scoring.
@Baler that's not true though. Lots of people care.
Personally I'm disappointed in the tone. Feels a bit like a 15 year olds idea of a good time. Hopefully we get a pretty cool story akin to San Andrea's or GTA 4. We will see, the tech looks great though.
@Fiendish-Beaver happy 60th for the 22nd FB. Pretty woeful date having your big day 3 days before Chrimbo. I have a similar issue as it's the day after new years day. Socks to be us rofl 🤣
At least we get a boss controller. My old 6 button Megadrive pad was amazing. The d pad on that thing has never been surpassed imo.
It's been a good run. Unfortunately it's almost over. I used to cash in a £25 voucher bimonthly. Slowly dwindling to a solitary tenner in the same time frame. As others have mentioned it was too good to be true. Now all the games have increased in price on the store and with this new nerf, pay to play early and games as a platform Microsoft bs. Yeah I'm better off plumping for a PC and enjoying the wider and cheaper library.
@MaxC it's the hit box controllers, most fighting gamers are gravitating towards them. And competent doesn't mean great. In a world of professional gamers or people like myself who want the best experience with limited skill, then advanced peripherals help. Wherever that's cell loaded pedals for racing, a hitbox with socd cleaning for fighting or a hotas with additional sticks on the yoke for space / aircraft simulators.
I'm really not liking Microsofts recent turn to all these anticonsumer policies.
@Darude84 'It would mean I can still play AAA games within a month of release date against a ridiculously low price'
How ridiculously low are we talking though? It's £150 a year for gp ultimate. Value for money, but for how long? Asking for early access money devalues the service. Having every game come with a mobile esque store, devalues the service. Keeping key parts of the game tied to paid dlc or addons, devalues the service.
I'm a big advocate of gamepass. And bought into it, as both a cost cutting measure and to play a variety of games. It's not that cheap when you add the Ryanair extras on top. But like Ryanair, you don't need luggage, leg space or an onboard meal - you just need to fly - dehydrated, crippled and naked in the middle of Spain.
But like everything else, this is just the beginning of another money making swizz. The real 'release' date is set by MS, so games on Gamepass will now be held up by 5 days to accommodate early access buy ins. MS get to pick the naming conventions, dates and cost of inclusion.
It is 'early access' because Microsoft says so. Not because it is. It's release date was actually today.
As for the future. This could get worse. Maybe withholding the gamepass version for a fortnight or a month. Longer maybe in a few years time. Saddle that alongside 'xp level boosters', season passes and mobile tosh and its not the gaming we knew and loved. Dishonest marketing scams haven't really coexisted with games until the last 10 years. Now we are gazumped by spokespeople more suited for the honourable occupation of double glazing salesman.
Disappointed to see Brands Hatch, Daytona and Monza off the table. For me the easiest to learn tracks due to less turns, which leads to better racing online.
Glad we have Suzuka, Indianapolis and Spa to fall back on.
Le man's usually has 3 variations so hopefully the old route (the one without chicanes on the huge straight) is still an option.
Really hoping these new tracks are good. Looking a bit bare bones, especially as I'm currently hammering 7 in an attempt to garner the 500 car achievement before the gamepass release.
'The past several Forza and Forza Horizon games have had premium editions with additional cars.'
Which is a terrible practice which shouldn't be advocated. The 'special' cars should be included in the main game release. We are supporting the game and being asked for more. As mentioned prior, the companies need to woo us first. This version of forza could be bad, you or I don't know until we have played it. It's at that point, further down the road, dlc or expansions should be offered.
'Fans of the series, myself included, know that we want those additional cars and the fact they are throwing in 5 days early access is nice.'
No, Microsoft realise they have a pocket of people - like you - who buy into these childish, fomo garnished, charity tin escapades.
Early access on PC is completely different to what you have bought into with the forza early access. It's usually 12-24 months before release and at a cheaper price, to accommodate everyones significant time investment playing an unfinished and unpolished game. Not more expensive for a complete game.
I will stop there in relation to forza. Im passionate about this stuff as since the advent of digital boosts, microtransactions and lootboxes. Gaming has in many ways become worse. Storefronts on the main menu, season passes in a brand new game, aesthetically customisation being ripped from the control of the player. Even whole levels taken from the main game and sold separately (assassins creed 2 way back when). If we give the big publishers and developers carte blanche to push insidious money makers into our games it doesn't stop. This pseudo 'early access' stuff is a brand new tactic. It's not a win for anyone, other than the publishers and accounts teams therein. It will only get worse, so please everyone, just think for a minute before clicking on purchase.
@Titntin It includes an xp booster in the early bird package. Absolute joke mate. Which means the already glacial pace of forza mainline games will be stilted further. Whoopee.
@Markatron84 honestly bro I'm with you. No point speaking to the practice defenders, an idiot and their money are easily parted. Also its anti consumer as we have been duped.
The day 1 on gamepass soundbite is now irrelevant and a lie. As I mentioned back with starfield, it's designed for the weak willed and streamers.
These games need to take us out to dinner first. We are getting smashed before the games are even released with money tins. You're not a charity MS, in fact you are a competent company. So stop treating your customers like muppets. You need us more than we need you.
I will also note, I am a absolutely huge forza fan. I've been playing since the very first. But I will not participate in this swizz.
These recent 'big news stories' are seemingly random developers of variable quality, posting a negative message on social media about a game which has nothing to do with them. These unprofessional jerks need to do one. And if big news = troll on twitter, it really has become the worst timeline. Attention seeking narcissistic cretins with oodles of time on their hands.
And honestly that screenshot looks classy and minimalist. A fabulous logo and easy to understand options. So the guy has no taste either.
Everspace 2 - Sea of Stars - Starfield - Forza Motorsport - Cities Skylines 2. Not counting any smaller games inbetween. That's £300 at retail all before November and I get gamepass as an extra with my broadband network. Rofl 🤣
I actually never got on with BG1 on PC. Kept getting smashed by wolves just out of the first area. Didn't have a clue what to do. But I love KOTOR and Mass Effect from the same outfit. Do you have any tips? I would love to have a full playthrough!
I bought an xbox once I heard it didn't use memory cards and had internal storage. One of the best things to happen in gaming after two of my memory cards became corrupted on the gamecube. My first game was a pack in of Jet Set Radio future and Sega GT. Perfect!
@Dan1283 Honestly, that really depends on what you want. I don't like the new style Zelda and fell off 3d platform games 20 years ago. So all the best rated switch games are not my bag at all. On the other hand it does have a fine selection of tactical rpgs and indies (most of which are on xbox). As for the PS4/5, yeah the quality with God of War, HZD and Spiderman - it is a class above similar 3rd person action adventures on xbox easily. But what about simulations like Flight sim or real time strategy like Age of Empires 2 remastered? What about Ori? which is imo the best metroidvania. What about forza horizon 4 and 5 which are easily the best open world driving games.
Xbox does have great games, best in class in some genres. Just because it lags behind Sonys 3rd person action adventure library doesn't mean it can't compete in stuff microsoft are historically much better at. And microsofts output has been more mature.
If you are staying up after work and playing Mario it's just dead time (it's up to you how you spend your free time of course). But with a lot of xbox games you learn something tangible - car brands, historical figures, how to control a plane. As a middle aged bloke, this is way preferable to playing 3rd person action adventures in make believe places.
@abe_hikura @Rob3008 I don't actually believe the from soulslike experience is that hard. More so the huge space between some checkpoints / bonfires make the game more difficult than it needs to be. The games tend to be fair but challenging otherwise.
What I don't like is when you die, you have to retrace your steps to pick your gear back up on one life, it's heartbreaking if you don't make it. Disappointing enough to make me close the game and never reload. Unsure if Elden ring does that, every prior game has.
@Dan1283 this is hyperbole at its finest. The 32x had hardly any games. The virtual boy had hardly any games. The xbox series x has thousands of games. Wherever you think the quality is right, is another question. But the xbox definitely has a lot of games.
So I've been an economically pro gamer ever since I could hold a controller. A bystander, my hobby dragged into the gutters of pay to win, always online and lootboxes.
The news today, the future of xbox subscriptions leaving me numb. Thank you Phil Spencer.
We all have the power to demand better. Except the vast majority of us, have all failed abysmally at looking after ourselves. We are the audience, we are the demographic. We allowed Microsoft to walk all over xbox live and make it so worthless we were happy to let it go.
So many of us asked (in the comments) for MS to stop Games with Gold. The ultra weird thing, it came with your own bespoke caveat. Get this people. MS will Never add your caveat. Ever.
Here's an example. 'MS should stop xbox gwg and give us online gaming for free'
DIDNT HAPPEN. And now you have no games every month and still have to pay the same to play online. How does that make you feel?
We have been brow beaten with psychological manipulation of continual degradation. Get this, gamepass is getting worse too. You have all seen it. 5 day early access, season passes etc. We all have to say no, no more. NO MORE! We pay for... DAY 1 ACCESS, not day 6. We demand better. Otherwise its dishonest marketing on an epic scale and we all need compensation.
I'm serious here. We have 3 xbox gamers in my house. If this bs continues, Phil Spencer thinking starfield is the yellow brick Road to screw the fan base. When my sub lapses this xbox is getting sold faster than Usain bolt grabbing some chicken nuggets.
@NorthwestEagle come on man, your listed examples are all ongoing franchise games. The likes of Nintendo won't allow streaming on none native platforms. However look past the more famous examples and you will have a ton of fun.
Fall guys was fun and and you can use a limited amount of skill and know how to best people more regularly. But the wonky physics and low skill ceiling make it easy to put down. If there's one online genre for super casuals and kids outside of subway surfers, its these type of games.
@LordFunkalot I'm the same age and have played through the majority of 1001 games to play before you die as well as reading a copious amount of gaming magazines. I have never heard of Karateka. Is it like IK+ or more in line with the likes of shinobi? Anyhow I'm glad it exists and will pick it up. Hopefully digital eclipse do a better job with achievements compared to the Atari collection - mostly nails and mostly in the crap haunted house remake.
I can't believe gamers these days. Please moan about microtransactions, incomplete games and poorly optimised performance.
Let's not moan about 'free' content updates. The MCC is one of the best compilations ever. I've just come off finishing the guilty pleasures cross game list. Had a great time. 👍
In the past it's been gaming orientated with other stuff. Such as a holiday to Japan, visiting egx in Birmingham etc.
As for game releases. I took a day off for Metal Gear Solid 5 near release, to finish a raid in og destiny and took a couple of days leave to work on Dreams on the PS4.
Weirdly and due to server issues, day 1 patches and the like. I wouldn't even consider taking a holiday to play a game on release day nowadays.
Compared to 10-11 years ago, one year I took a bunch of holidays to play trials evolution, soul calibur 5 and halo 4.
I will preface all that, I do work hard and book holidays around my family. The holiday days are usually left over from my yearly allocation or owed in leui. I love gaming. I may take a day off to finally play Max Payne 3!
@Darude84 it's the bigger games. The full phat halo mcc is weighty to say the least. About 125gb add in cod, forza horizon 5 and that's over half the base capacity gone on the x. I'm much like you, tending to have 6 games max at any one time so additional storage isn't much of an issue, and I don't play many service games which tend to be hefty.
@PsBoxSwitchOwner Spiderman and Miles Morales were both top drawer. I sold my ps5 last year and still miss Miles Morales. It was pure quality. However, the series is now a known quantity. Spiderman 2 will be the same base openworld style with extra layers. Exciting for sure and I (as a fan of both games) will have fomo. For anyone not onboard already, they probably won't care.
@FenIsMightier I see your point. It could all collapse like a stack of cards. Worse, it could seriously damage Bethesdas reputation. Honestly, I'm not a fan of making your own fun with gimmicks - such as nerfed base building or ship designing. I much prefer a solid game which is great at a few mechanics, rather than having a plethora of ideas, with barely any realised to their full potential.
1000 planets seems like overkill to me. Why not stop at 80? Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.
With all that said, the presentation did a lot right! It has the look, feel and hype of a brand new thing, as long as the campaign is solid fun and the inevitable bugs and glitches are less prevalent than prior games. It could be a huge hit. These type of experiences are what the mass market wants, free-form, streamable, rpg light, action heavy, adventure.
I have no idea were you all get the time to play every game, as well as your own purchases. I say this without malice as I attained 12,000 gamerscore last month and my backlog of gamepass stuff isnt particularly shrinking.
Anyhow, quite glad there was a slight lull. Last month had some amazing games. Just finished planet of lana tonight , brilliant ending and will grab the remaining two collectible trophies tomorrow. Then work towards finishing the 21 gundam sd chaos missions. Once they are both done I can start playing arcade paradise and maybe one of last months gamepass games.
I did play 'the big con' for about 2 hours. Super weird game. I wouldn't recommend.
@FenIsMightier starfield is definitely a system seller and the term you are looking for is killer app. The deepdive was one of the best of all time. It will appeal to the mass market and geeks too. Wherever the real game matches up to the quality shown so far, the jury will be out!
If its not your style of game. That's fine, it's not particularly mine either. But you have to admit that Bethesda open world rpgs are big business and big news. Especially as the game won't be available on the PS5.
If starfield hits like a jack hammer, especially with PlayStations awful state of play. Then it will most definitely shift consoles.
@Mooky779 great point mate. Really interesting actually.
A solution to choice paralysis is simple. Only ever have 6 games on your hard drive. Only replace a game when it's done (or you are done with it)
When it comes to replacing a game on your hard drive, install either the first or last game in your gamepass 'to play' list. The only choice you ever make is between 2 games.
I've recently 1000g Hoa and Adios. Below average games I ended up having a way above average time with. Hoas last level imparticular.
Comparing ps plus to gwg is fair. But honestly, keep feeding me the supposedly crap games as they are usually short like taking in a strange episode of something on TV. Cod and Alan Wake are objectively better, but I wont play them - especially with the recent influx of huge games. Something bitesized which doesn't shadow my game collection Is a win ATM.
It's all gaslighting. The reality is all of the game developing stars from yesteryear who were extremely intelligent and proper geeks working in an often maligned industry have been swapped with posers and marketing.
Games take twice as long! Give us double the money!
No way did some of the dross we have been seeing the last few years have the same amount of work put in, like the original gears of war or final fantasy 10.
If a game is designed in a boardroom according to trend analysis and focus groups it's always going to take longer, than just developing what your heart desires.
Comments 193
Re: Xbox Divides Opinion With Controversial Response To Baldur's Gate 3 Bans
@Cikajovazmaj nipple isn't a swear word.
Re: Feature: Pure Xbox's Game Of The Year 2023
Rating the best games, is way more difficult than movies, TV, toys or most appliances. If you played BG3 and Starfield, deep enough to offer a fair opinion, it leaves little time for everything else. As an Xbox fan site, it's obvious the big first parties are played moreso than leftfield games or Indie games. A lot of games fly under the radar. Starfield isn't a top tier game, it's great and playable though and that's really all that counts.
Re: Talking Point: What Was The Greatest Xbox 360 Game Of All Time?
Trials HD ftw.
Re: Report Claims Xbox Series X|S Sales Have Fallen By Around 15% In 2023
I love my xbox yet feel a bit of fomo coming on, looking at GoW, HZD and Spiderman 2. It feels a lot like the time I bought a gamecube instead of a PS2 or original xbox. Great console but the software just wasn't there. Come on xbox, give us something good and you may sell more units.
Re: 343 Industries 'Thank You Card' Causes Concern For The Future Of Halo: MCC
You can only play the Halo 3 and ODST campaigns co-op cross platform. I would like to play all of them with my son who has a PC. Why was that never implemented?
Otherwise a great collection of games. Arguably the best anthology.
Re: It's Finally Time! Baldur's Gate 3 Is Available Now For Xbox Series X|S
@rustyduck I love GP. The selection of games is great. However, MS has been real unlucky with its gambles (paying for day 1 stuff) We've had a ton of new releases, almost on the upper scale; Cocoon, Hi-Fi Rush, cassette beasts and Sea of Stars. They have been overshadowed by games released elsewhere like BG3, Street Fighter 6, Dead Space remake, Resi 4, Diablo 4 etc. All great though!
We've also had some turds like Redfall and Forza which doesn't help rofl 🤣
Re: It's Finally Time! Baldur's Gate 3 Is Available Now For Xbox Series X|S
I can understand that turn based doesn't excite like an action game based on your reflexes. However it's a game which is bigger in scope and choices than almost anything out there apparently. My colleague in work bought the game having been a huge fan of Elden Ring, Uncharted, Call of Duty and Fifa and hated the turn based games he had tried (Persona 5 and FF7) but absolutely gushes about BG3. I want to play it, just so I can compare notes rofl 🤣 Sounds mesmeric.
Re: The FTC Is Continuing To Fight Xbox's Activision Blizzard Deal
@Banjo- thanks for the kind reply. The rewards system as is tonight, is breadcrumbs here in the UK. It doesn't make sense either. To hit your 90 Bing score, I'm clicking on links and sometimes you get +3, other times it's not registering - even with waiting inbetween. It's gone from a great service to perplexing / frustrating pretty much overnight.
I can't see anyone sticking with it honestly. It's definitely not a great rewards system in its current guise here in the UK.
Anyhow, onwards and upwards. Hopefully microsoft don't mess up even more in 2024.
Re: The FTC Is Continuing To Fight Xbox's Activision Blizzard Deal
@Banjo- I know you love xbox bro but work with me here. I just want xbox to be better.
The 1 main driver of why I advocated xbox over the last 2 years was MS Rewards, which has completely tanked. In the UK (where I am). Not only have points been restricted such as edge searches, but the daily tasks are worth like 1 or 2 points. Also the daily searches have bizzaro world cooldowns. It's simply extra frustration and wasted time for fans of the scheme.
I was swapping my time for increased traffic to bing/edge/gamepass etc. Which MS can then use to sell to business for advertising. Admittedly it was a little too rewarding, however to completely nerf the whole scheme is a bit off imo. Without going into detail for double the effort I am receiving less than half the points from last year. It's more likely I will accrue £5 a month. It's not worth it.
But that's their choice. It's their sceme. In my mind, pretty essential to keep people like me onside and buying into the ecosystem. Otherwise I may as well go where the better games are right now.
Gamepass core is arguably better than gold for a new xbox gamer. That's true. However for gamers (like you or I) who have gamepass. It's worse as we miss out on 2 games we used to earn. Again Admittedly they were of usually middling quality, but the odd cracker made up for it.
These aren't life changing issues. But enough to encourage people to go elsewhere.
And for information I'm not happy with PlayStation either. Suffice why I ended up with an xbox. The GaaS focus, the nerfing of its own instant game collection, the lack of variety in its first party (Microsoft does have variety which is a selling point they should focus on), the move away from indies and the absolutely ugly ps5.
I want XBOX to make better games, with the studios they already have under control. I don't want cheap underarm tactics and the removal of small benefits. I want a better service for everyone.
Re: The FTC Is Continuing To Fight Xbox's Activision Blizzard Deal
@Sifi having short term exclusivity is a problem. I would love to be able to play Final Fantasy 16 on my xbox that's for sure*
I don't think two wrongs make a right though.
*actually is ff16 coming to xbox or are square in Sonys pockets? As that's frustrating af.
Re: The FTC Is Continuing To Fight Xbox's Activision Blizzard Deal
@Kaloudz you are clearly an intelligent and eloquent writer. Which is dumbfounding honestly.
'Course we're happy with it. We get all of ABK content in our Game Pass subs at no extra cost, plus, any upcoming ABK games day one. That's pro-consumer. Doesn't matter how you slice it.'
You have pretty much made all my points in two sentences with added spin.
There has been and will be a price increase.
You aren't getting it day 1.
It's anti consumer as the games will be removed / not released on other systems.
At the end of the day, xbox is my main gaming system. I am not surprised other people avoid the system like the plague. They had enough at Don Mattrick and the games recently are underwhelming. I'm not going to debate word/marketing technicalities as we will be here all night.
In my own xbox experience it's gotten worse post deal (once the UK legislators passed it). I was expecting the situation to improve, not to have xbox live removed as I WILL miss the couple of leftfield games every month, ms rewards has been decimated and pseudo early access bucket jangling.
I came back to xbox for the better looking quieter console, better subscription model with additional games from live. The better online infrastructure and ms games day 1. I've plunged untold hours and money into this hobby. Now most of the reasons I'm here, are evaporating.
Re: The FTC Is Continuing To Fight Xbox's Activision Blizzard Deal
I think if you move away from the Sony vs MS console war as pathetic as that is. You can see MS have consistently bought up and coming companies to alleviate the competition. Activision Blizzard as an entity are doing fine, all the games come to xbox anyway. All this deal does is potentially remove games and franchises from other computers.
If you look at it like that. Then it's different. It's all well and good point scoring in a CoNsOlE wAr. But it's not so great for us the consumer if I have an xbox and your mate has a PlayStation.
If microsoft were putting out top tier games and hadn't started pulling the rug out from under us with paid early access, price increases, microsoft rewards nerfs and getting rid of live. Then I would give them the benefit of the doubt. But my Xbox experience has become compromised on the back of this deal completing and it's shocking yall are happy with it for petty point scoring.
Re: Digital Foundry Breaks Down Grand Theft Auto 6 'Trailer 1'
@Baler that's not true though. Lots of people care.
Personally I'm disappointed in the tone. Feels a bit like a 15 year olds idea of a good time. Hopefully we get a pretty cool story akin to San Andrea's or GTA 4. We will see, the tech looks great though.
Re: 8BitDo Is Bringing The 'Greatest Six-Button Controller Ever Made' To Xbox
@Fiendish-Beaver happy 60th for the 22nd FB. Pretty woeful date having your big day 3 days before Chrimbo. I have a similar issue as it's the day after new years day. Socks to be us rofl 🤣
At least we get a boss controller. My old 6 button Megadrive pad was amazing. The d pad on that thing has never been surpassed imo.
Re: Xbox Users Appear To Have Spotted More 'Nerfs' For Microsoft Rewards
It's been a good run. Unfortunately it's almost over. I used to cash in a £25 voucher bimonthly. Slowly dwindling to a solitary tenner in the same time frame. As others have mentioned it was too good to be true. Now all the games have increased in price on the store and with this new nerf, pay to play early and games as a platform Microsoft bs. Yeah I'm better off plumping for a PC and enjoying the wider and cheaper library.
Re: Xbox's Plan To Block 'Unauthorised' Accessories Has The Fighting Game Community Concerned
@MaxC it's the hit box controllers, most fighting gamers are gravitating towards them. And competent doesn't mean great. In a world of professional gamers or people like myself who want the best experience with limited skill, then advanced peripherals help. Wherever that's cell loaded pedals for racing, a hitbox with socd cleaning for fighting or a hotas with additional sticks on the yoke for space / aircraft simulators.
I'm really not liking Microsofts recent turn to all these anticonsumer policies.
Re: Forza Motorsport Is Officially Available In Early Access On Xbox & PC
@Darude84 'It would mean I can still play AAA games within a month of release date against a ridiculously low price'
How ridiculously low are we talking though? It's £150 a year for gp ultimate. Value for money, but for how long? Asking for early access money devalues the service. Having every game come with a mobile esque store, devalues the service. Keeping key parts of the game tied to paid dlc or addons, devalues the service.
I'm a big advocate of gamepass. And bought into it, as both a cost cutting measure and to play a variety of games. It's not that cheap when you add the Ryanair extras on top. But like Ryanair, you don't need luggage, leg space or an onboard meal - you just need to fly - dehydrated, crippled and naked in the middle of Spain.
Re: Forza Motorsport Is Officially Available In Early Access On Xbox & PC
@Darude84 that's a fair point right now.
But like everything else, this is just the beginning of another money making swizz. The real 'release' date is set by MS, so games on Gamepass will now be held up by 5 days to accommodate early access buy ins. MS get to pick the naming conventions, dates and cost of inclusion.
It is 'early access' because Microsoft says so. Not because it is. It's release date was actually today.
As for the future. This could get worse. Maybe withholding the gamepass version for a fortnight or a month. Longer maybe in a few years time. Saddle that alongside 'xp level boosters', season passes and mobile tosh and its not the gaming we knew and loved. Dishonest marketing scams haven't really coexisted with games until the last 10 years. Now we are gazumped by spokespeople more suited for the honourable occupation of double glazing salesman.
It's not that bad right now.
Re: Forza Motorsport: Full Track List
Disappointed to see Brands Hatch, Daytona and Monza off the table. For me the easiest to learn tracks due to less turns, which leads to better racing online.
Glad we have Suzuka, Indianapolis and Spa to fall back on.
Le man's usually has 3 variations so hopefully the old route (the one without chicanes on the huge straight) is still an option.
Really hoping these new tracks are good. Looking a bit bare bones, especially as I'm currently hammering 7 in an attempt to garner the 500 car achievement before the gamepass release.
Re: Talking Point: Will You Be Buying The Early Access For Forza Motorsport?
@ZuneTattooGuy
'The past several Forza and Forza Horizon games have had premium editions with additional cars.'
Which is a terrible practice which shouldn't be advocated. The 'special' cars should be included in the main game release. We are supporting the game and being asked for more. As mentioned prior, the companies need to woo us first. This version of forza could be bad, you or I don't know until we have played it. It's at that point, further down the road, dlc or expansions should be offered.
'Fans of the series, myself included, know that we want those additional cars and the fact they are throwing in 5 days early access is nice.'
No, Microsoft realise they have a pocket of people - like you - who buy into these childish, fomo garnished, charity tin escapades.
Early access on PC is completely different to what you have bought into with the forza early access. It's usually 12-24 months before release and at a cheaper price, to accommodate everyones significant time investment playing an unfinished and unpolished game. Not more expensive for a complete game.
I will stop there in relation to forza. Im passionate about this stuff as since the advent of digital boosts, microtransactions and lootboxes. Gaming has in many ways become worse. Storefronts on the main menu, season passes in a brand new game, aesthetically customisation being ripped from the control of the player. Even whole levels taken from the main game and sold separately (assassins creed 2 way back when). If we give the big publishers and developers carte blanche to push insidious money makers into our games it doesn't stop. This pseudo 'early access' stuff is a brand new tactic. It's not a win for anyone, other than the publishers and accounts teams therein. It will only get worse, so please everyone, just think for a minute before clicking on purchase.
Re: Talking Point: Will You Be Buying The Early Access For Forza Motorsport?
@Titntin It includes an xp booster in the early bird package. Absolute joke mate. Which means the already glacial pace of forza mainline games will be stilted further. Whoopee.
@Markatron84 honestly bro I'm with you. No point speaking to the practice defenders, an idiot and their money are easily parted. Also its anti consumer as we have been duped.
The day 1 on gamepass soundbite is now irrelevant and a lie. As I mentioned back with starfield, it's designed for the weak willed and streamers.
These games need to take us out to dinner first. We are getting smashed before the games are even released with money tins. You're not a charity MS, in fact you are a competent company. So stop treating your customers like muppets. You need us more than we need you.
I will also note, I am a absolutely huge forza fan. I've been playing since the very first. But I will not participate in this swizz.
Re: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy Is Available Today With Xbox Game Pass (September 26)
Started this today, first court case won. I should have been given a statue or clock as a memento for the feat.
Re: One Of The 'Most Anticipated Indie Games' Launches On Xbox Game Pass This Week
Cocoon for me, all day. I rarely have must play games, however the 29th Septemeber is one of those rare days.
If its half as eye opening as Inside, I will be a happy bunny.
Re: One Of The 'Most Anticipated Indie Games' Launches On Xbox Game Pass This Week
@Kaloudz how can you not get into Limbo or Inside? That's like saying you can't get into Terminator 2 or can't get into a Greggs sausage rill.
Limbo is a gloriously morbid short puzzler with memorable graphics and puzzles.
Inside is a mysterious sneak em up puzzler with one of the greatest twist / end Game sections of all time.
Kaloudz you are a big gamer. I implore you to replay both. If only one, finish Inside. You WILL thank me for this advice.
Re: Poll: Have This Week's Xbox Game Pass Releases Lived Up To The Hype?
These polls go up way too quick. Who has played all 3?
Who has yet to play 1?
I've only just installed Everspace 2 and that poll was like 6 weeks ago rofl 🤣
Re: Bethesda Exec Responds To 'Unprofessional' Criticism Of Starfield's Menu Screen
These recent 'big news stories' are seemingly random developers of variable quality, posting a negative message on social media about a game which has nothing to do with them. These unprofessional jerks need to do one. And if big news = troll on twitter, it really has become the worst timeline. Attention seeking narcissistic cretins with oodles of time on their hands.
And honestly that screenshot looks classy and minimalist. A fabulous logo and easy to understand options. So the guy has no taste either.
Re: Xbox Game Pass In 2023: The Full List Of Everything Announced So Far
Jesus I've just realised.
Everspace 2 - Sea of Stars - Starfield - Forza Motorsport - Cities Skylines 2. Not counting any smaller games inbetween. That's £300 at retail all before November and I get gamepass as an extra with my broadband network. Rofl 🤣
Runs out next March though 😞
Re: Xbox's Phil Spencer Enjoying Another 'Beautiful' Game Pass Title
@Titntin Phil Taylor? Lol. He's the darts bloke. It's Phil Spencer, the xbox bloke.
Re: Two Baldur's Gate RPGs Seemingly On The Way To Xbox Game Pass
@AlwaysPlaying thanks AP!
I actually never got on with BG1 on PC. Kept getting smashed by wolves just out of the first area. Didn't have a clue what to do. But I love KOTOR and Mass Effect from the same outfit. Do you have any tips? I would love to have a full playthrough!
Re: Talking Point: What Are Your Earliest Xbox Memories?
@BleedingDreamer glad you are still with us BD.
I bought an xbox once I heard it didn't use memory cards and had internal storage. One of the best things to happen in gaming after two of my memory cards became corrupted on the gamecube. My first game was a pack in of Jet Set Radio future and Sega GT. Perfect!
Re: Xbox Exec Responds To 'Confusion' About Elden Ring And Game Pass
@Dan1283 Honestly, that really depends on what you want. I don't like the new style Zelda and fell off 3d platform games 20 years ago. So all the best rated switch games are not my bag at all. On the other hand it does have a fine selection of tactical rpgs and indies (most of which are on xbox). As for the PS4/5, yeah the quality with God of War, HZD and Spiderman - it is a class above similar 3rd person action adventures on xbox easily. But what about simulations like Flight sim or real time strategy like Age of Empires 2 remastered? What about Ori? which is imo the best metroidvania. What about forza horizon 4 and 5 which are easily the best open world driving games.
Xbox does have great games, best in class in some genres. Just because it lags behind Sonys 3rd person action adventure library doesn't mean it can't compete in stuff microsoft are historically much better at. And microsofts output has been more mature.
If you are staying up after work and playing Mario it's just dead time (it's up to you how you spend your free time of course). But with a lot of xbox games you learn something tangible - car brands, historical figures, how to control a plane. As a middle aged bloke, this is way preferable to playing 3rd person action adventures in make believe places.
Re: Xbox Exec Responds To 'Confusion' About Elden Ring And Game Pass
@abe_hikura @Rob3008 I don't actually believe the from soulslike experience is that hard. More so the huge space between some checkpoints / bonfires make the game more difficult than it needs to be. The games tend to be fair but challenging otherwise.
What I don't like is when you die, you have to retrace your steps to pick your gear back up on one life, it's heartbreaking if you don't make it. Disappointing enough to make me close the game and never reload. Unsure if Elden ring does that, every prior game has.
@Dan1283 this is hyperbole at its finest. The 32x had hardly any games. The virtual boy had hardly any games. The xbox series x has thousands of games. Wherever you think the quality is right, is another question. But the xbox definitely has a lot of games.
Re: Mortal Kombat 1 Reveals Kombat Pack DLC, Homelander Confirmed
@Ichiban I'm with you brother.
Day 1 dlc needs to jump off a cliff.
Re: These 19 Games Will Be Included With Xbox Game Pass Core At Launch
Removed
Re: Reaction: Game Pass Core Marks The End Of Xbox's Most Influential Product
So I've been an economically pro gamer ever since I could hold a controller. A bystander, my hobby dragged into the gutters of pay to win, always online and lootboxes.
The news today, the future of xbox subscriptions leaving me numb. Thank you Phil Spencer.
We all have the power to demand better. Except the vast majority of us, have all failed abysmally at looking after ourselves. We are the audience, we are the demographic. We allowed Microsoft to walk all over xbox live and make it so worthless we were happy to let it go.
So many of us asked (in the comments) for MS to stop Games with Gold. The ultra weird thing, it came with your own bespoke caveat. Get this people. MS will Never add your caveat. Ever.
Here's an example. 'MS should stop xbox gwg and give us online gaming for free'
DIDNT HAPPEN. And now you have no games every month and still have to pay the same to play online. How does that make you feel?
We have been brow beaten with psychological manipulation of continual degradation. Get this, gamepass is getting worse too. You have all seen it. 5 day early access, season passes etc. We all have to say no, no more. NO MORE! We pay for... DAY 1 ACCESS, not day 6. We demand better. Otherwise its dishonest marketing on an epic scale and we all need compensation.
I'm serious here. We have 3 xbox gamers in my house. If this bs continues, Phil Spencer thinking starfield is the yellow brick Road to screw the fan base. When my sub lapses this xbox is getting sold faster than Usain bolt grabbing some chicken nuggets.
I feel mugged off. Genuinely.
Re: Xbox's 'Biggest Content Drop In History' Sees Over 1400 Retro Games Arrive Next Week
@NorthwestEagle come on man, your listed examples are all ongoing franchise games. The likes of Nintendo won't allow streaming on none native platforms. However look past the more famous examples and you will have a ton of fun.
Re: Mobile Hit 'Stumble Guys' Will Be A Timed Console Exclusive For Xbox
Fall guys was fun and and you can use a limited amount of skill and know how to best people more regularly. But the wonky physics and low skill ceiling make it easy to put down. If there's one online genre for super casuals and kids outside of subway surfers, its these type of games.
Re: 'The Making Of Karateka' Brings Its Interactive Documentary To Xbox Later This Year
@LordFunkalot I'm the same age and have played through the majority of 1001 games to play before you die as well as reading a copious amount of gaming magazines. I have never heard of Karateka. Is it like IK+ or more in line with the likes of shinobi? Anyhow I'm glad it exists and will pick it up. Hopefully digital eclipse do a better job with achievements compared to the Atari collection - mostly nails and mostly in the crap haunted house remake.
Re: 343 Is Bringing Loads Of Never-Before-Seen Halo 1 & 2 Content To Master Chief Collection On PC
I can't believe gamers these days. Please moan about microtransactions, incomplete games and poorly optimised performance.
Let's not moan about 'free' content updates. The MCC is one of the best compilations ever. I've just come off finishing the guilty pleasures cross game list. Had a great time. 👍
Re: Talking Point: Have You Ever Taken A 'Day Off' For Something Xbox Related?
Multiple times.
In the past it's been gaming orientated with other stuff. Such as a holiday to Japan, visiting egx in Birmingham etc.
As for game releases. I took a day off for Metal Gear Solid 5 near release, to finish a raid in og destiny and took a couple of days leave to work on Dreams on the PS4.
Weirdly and due to server issues, day 1 patches and the like. I wouldn't even consider taking a holiday to play a game on release day nowadays.
Compared to 10-11 years ago, one year I took a bunch of holidays to play trials evolution, soul calibur 5 and halo 4.
I will preface all that, I do work hard and book holidays around my family. The holiday days are usually left over from my yearly allocation or owed in leui. I love gaming. I may take a day off to finally play Max Payne 3!
Re: Here's What Might Be Leaving Xbox Game Pass In August 2023
Opus is a great game. 👍
No idea how many of yall will play it. But you should.
Re: Xbox 1TB Expansion Card Drops To Lowest Ever Price At Amazon (UK)
@Darude84 it's the bigger games. The full phat halo mcc is weighty to say the least. About 125gb add in cod, forza horizon 5 and that's over half the base capacity gone on the x. I'm much like you, tending to have 6 games max at any one time so additional storage isn't much of an issue, and I don't play many service games which tend to be hefty.
Re: Xbox Series X|S Consoles Have Reportedly Passed 21 Million Sales Worldwide
@PsBoxSwitchOwner Spiderman and Miles Morales were both top drawer. I sold my ps5 last year and still miss Miles Morales. It was pure quality. However, the series is now a known quantity. Spiderman 2 will be the same base openworld style with extra layers. Exciting for sure and I (as a fan of both games) will have fomo. For anyone not onboard already, they probably won't care.
@FenIsMightier I see your point. It could all collapse like a stack of cards. Worse, it could seriously damage Bethesdas reputation. Honestly, I'm not a fan of making your own fun with gimmicks - such as nerfed base building or ship designing. I much prefer a solid game which is great at a few mechanics, rather than having a plethora of ideas, with barely any realised to their full potential.
1000 planets seems like overkill to me. Why not stop at 80? Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.
With all that said, the presentation did a lot right! It has the look, feel and hype of a brand new thing, as long as the campaign is solid fun and the inevitable bugs and glitches are less prevalent than prior games. It could be a huge hit. These type of experiences are what the mass market wants, free-form, streamable, rpg light, action heavy, adventure.
Re: Pick One: What Was Your Favourite Xbox Game Pass Game In June?
I have no idea were you all get the time to play every game, as well as your own purchases. I say this without malice as I attained 12,000 gamerscore last month and my backlog of gamepass stuff isnt particularly shrinking.
Anyhow, quite glad there was a slight lull. Last month had some amazing games. Just finished planet of lana tonight , brilliant ending and will grab the remaining two collectible trophies tomorrow. Then work towards finishing the 21 gundam sd chaos missions. Once they are both done I can start playing arcade paradise and maybe one of last months gamepass games.
I did play 'the big con' for about 2 hours. Super weird game. I wouldn't recommend.
Re: Xbox Series X|S Consoles Have Reportedly Passed 21 Million Sales Worldwide
@FenIsMightier starfield is definitely a system seller and the term you are looking for is killer app. The deepdive was one of the best of all time. It will appeal to the mass market and geeks too. Wherever the real game matches up to the quality shown so far, the jury will be out!
If its not your style of game. That's fine, it's not particularly mine either. But you have to admit that Bethesda open world rpgs are big business and big news. Especially as the game won't be available on the PS5.
If starfield hits like a jack hammer, especially with PlayStations awful state of play. Then it will most definitely shift consoles.
Re: Xbox Games With Gold For July 2023 Announced
@Mooky779 great point mate. Really interesting actually.
A solution to choice paralysis is simple. Only ever have 6 games on your hard drive. Only replace a game when it's done (or you are done with it)
When it comes to replacing a game on your hard drive, install either the first or last game in your gamepass 'to play' list. The only choice you ever make is between 2 games.
Re: Xbox Games With Gold For July 2023 Announced
I've recently 1000g Hoa and Adios. Below average games I ended up having a way above average time with. Hoas last level imparticular.
Comparing ps plus to gwg is fair. But honestly, keep feeding me the supposedly crap games as they are usually short like taking in a strange episode of something on TV. Cod and Alan Wake are objectively better, but I wont play them - especially with the recent influx of huge games. Something bitesized which doesn't shadow my game collection Is a win ATM.
Re: Sarah Bond: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate's Least Popular Feature Is Cloud Gaming
@NEStalgia the good thing about switch retail games is they hold value to part exchange.
I picked up a switch this year.
Xenoblade Chronicles. £23
Tactics Ogre. £20
Mario Kart. £26
Mario Maker 2. £23
Zelda Links Awakening. £23
Disgaea 5. £12
Switch Sports. £23
(Prices for voucher at cex)
If 2 big games release I can trade in and still have change for a costa coffee.
Compare that to xbox or PlayStation and you need to trade in at least double the games bar some anomalies.
Re: FTC Requests Temporary Restraining Order Against Microsoft & Activision Blizzard
@Banjo- I agree, two wrongs don't make a right.
Re: Xbox Says Big Budget Games With 2-3 Years Development Cycles Are Over
It's all gaslighting. The reality is all of the game developing stars from yesteryear who were extremely intelligent and proper geeks working in an often maligned industry have been swapped with posers and marketing.
Games take twice as long! Give us double the money!
No way did some of the dross we have been seeing the last few years have the same amount of work put in, like the original gears of war or final fantasy 10.
If a game is designed in a boardroom according to trend analysis and focus groups it's always going to take longer, than just developing what your heart desires.