Anthinator

Let's not forget that there will be a TON of people downloading this update on day one. No way is this going to be 15-20 minutes. Expect an hour at the least.

Anyone hope that Microsoft continues this program into next year? Why would they want to end this in December?

@szchifo It's entirely optional, which is what makes GTA so special. Some people may like training and walking Chop, while others will like playing Tennis or Jet Skiing. This game is overflowing with side content.

Having this free for Gold members is a really good idea.

Awesome awesome news. I've been waiting patiently for this! Sounds like a great Xmas gift!

@Tasuki I know exactly what you mean about the other MGS games not having the same impact as the original. I still love each game in the series but there's definitely something about the first that feels really special. Maybe it's because the story feels more contained and doesn't rely on convoluted story threads.

I'm really glad our staff has such differing opinions on which game is best. Just goes to show the qualities and strengths of this franchise.

Fantastic article. Completely agree with you 100%. This game sounds very interesting.

@Knux I agree. Why can't they bring it back as an incentive for digital purchases only? For those that want to continue using physical media, then they still can. Let them make up their mind if they want to jump to digital

Solid review, Mike! Not much of a pigskin fan myself, but at least someone on the staff is

Nice find, Dave! I'm a sucker for this kind of stuff. Love the Blink 182 track.

Great sales here! Rayman 3 purchased!!

I would love to see this console generation truly embrace a digital future. My disappointment so far with next gen is that — despite prettier graphics and beefed up specs — the X1 and PS4 aren't different from consoles now. I'm hoping MS brings a few things back but to not sacrifice physical media for those who still want it

Yep, my original reservations came true. I haven't tried it yet but I don't think I ever will. Great review nonetheless, Dave!

@SuperKMx it's quite surprising that everyone had different titles and no duplicates though

Great thoughts all around there, Ken! It seems that Microsoft knew where there strengths were when deciding on a release date. Ultimately, I don't feel that a week separation between console launches isn't going to make as much of an impact in the grand scheme of things. This is an interesting time for both companies and gamers. My excitement is through the roof right now

I've played a bit of I Am Alive and found it...interesting, to say the least. Scott Pilgrim is a total blast and Shadow Complex is an XBLA classic

Platforming heaven this week, huh? Can't wait to play Rayman Legends with my friends!

It's simple but this is something I've been looking forward to on both next gen platforms.

I'm liking the Day 1 incentive. I'm going all digital this gen so I won't be getting the exclusive packaging but the DLC perks are cool

I'm surprised nobody mentioned the GameCube controller. Aside from the awkward placement of the Z button, I LOVED that controller

Excellent review there, Ken! More importantly though, I'm so glad this game was worth the delay and that no matter what console you have, you can enjoy this excellent platformer!

@MikeE33 Me too. I'm sure these improvements are internal changes that won't seem all that noticeable, but I still would like to have a list of them. Even if I wouldn't understand a lick of it

Just taking my filthy drug money already, Rockstar!

I've been clamouring for a new Banjo and Conker. I would seriously go bananas if they ever announced a sequel to either.

@Gamer83 Pretty much took the words right out of my mouth. Just haven't had the need to go back to AC3 — at all.

I've been touting November 5th too for the X1's release date. Just seems to make the most sense. I've joked around that they should also just say November 14th to piss off Sony

Yep! The higher the adoption rate, the higher chance devs will utilize the hardware. If Kinect was never bundled, people would see it as nothing more than an accessory. Sonys decision to not include the Eye with the PS4 means the Eye will see a quick death

Go Mad Catz! If I have the extra dough, I'll pick up one of these for those times when I REALLY wanna immerse myself into Forza 5

I pretty much only have enough income for one next-gen console and it's going to be the Xbox One. I have enough local friends that are purchasing the PS4 but not many picking up an X1. However, within a year I'll be the proud owner of both.

That caught my attention. Ubisoft is practically unstoppable at this point right? Seems like every release from them in the next year is a high profile title.

Very cool feature! Would love to do my own one day.
I remember XIIII but unfortunately I never got the chance to play this game.

Thanks, Dave! Looks like your review has finally persuaded me to try this.

@DRL I really wanted to like the game because it does have an interesting concept. Every time I'd boot it up, I'd expect my experience to be better than the last. More often than not, I'd just end up getting more upset. Lol

That...was pretty awesome, actually. Every time I swear I'm finished with the series, a video like this comes out and sparks my interest once again. Sigh.

@Tasuki I think the patch is mandatory if I'm not mistaken. Although, allowing customers the choice would be interesting

@hydeks We're all gamers here and some of my cherished gaming memories happen to be n64 era games — after all, that was where my passion for games came to be. There have been some obvious influences from Nintendo games that have made there way to 360/PS3 games in recent years: Darksiders, Playstation All-Stars Battle Royale, Little Big Planet Karting.

Some fanboys make snicker at the 3DS and WiiU games but many developers these days have been greatly inspired by previous gen nintendo games

@Tasuki What do you think that Rare game will be? I definitely wouldn't be opposed to seeing a true Banjo-Kazooie game, not another "Nuts N' Bolts." It could be a strong killer app for the Xbox One and could be released in direct competition with the new 3D Mario game for WiiU.

Also, Conker 2?

UI is a big thing for me. I don't anticipate that it will look all that much different from what it is now as it follows Microsoft's Windows 8 motif. I despise the ads and wish there was a way to remove them though.

This is all good news and long overdue. I've never liked the points system as it never quite made a lot of sense. I've avoided with putting my credit card on my profile and instead have used PayPal linked to my bank account. It's easy transferring funds.

Played the demo and was deeply underwhelmed, which is a damn shame since Insomniac has proven that they can make a competent game.
I remain cautiously optimistic though.

Not too sure how this will be received on consoles but I loved the 3DS game. Raid mode was a welcome post-play addition that should transition well across the new platforms.
However, I worry that the negative reaction to RE6 has put many gamers off of the franchise.