@mac_da_man Yeah, I was hoping to one day see the Xbox brand return to what it was in the original and, especially, 360 days, but the reality is that it's just not going to happen. Shame because the pressure MS put on Sony in the 7th gen led to one of the best time periods the gaming industry has seen.
The glory days of a Xbox, as a console brand anyway, are long gone. This should be the last bit of confirmation anybody needs. I don't think it's a good thing as it gives Sony entire reign over the high-end console market.
@SodaPop6548 I agree. But one thing I do appreciate about Xbox Series X is how much it improves some of my favorite original Xbox and Xbox 360 games with FPS boost (on top of the X1X enhancements some games have). Sonic Generations being one of the best examples, it was like getting a free remaster.
I'd say Fable. I played 2 a lot and really enjoyed it but never got hooked by 1 and 3. When the new one comes out I'll try it on Game Pass but it won't be a big priority.
That choice at the end of 5 was still one of the dumbest freaking things I've seen a dev do. Like the game overall, but that part was stupid and unnecessary.
Since the original version of Sonic Generations, all the Sonic games I've bought, with the exception of Mania on Switch, have been for Xbox. Considered this on Switch but when there's an option for 60 fps (and it still having a nice resolution) vs. 30, for a Sonic outing, it's a no-brainer which system to choose.
I played it the day after via Game Pass. Ended up buying it to own outright, since the campaign (the part I care about) is great and I want to support good products. This is why I like GP, I use it as a 'try before you buy' type of deal. Did the same last year with Starfield and will also be trying the Indiana Jones games on GP first, going to try to remember to download it before launch day.
Never been much of a fan of online multiplayer but some Call of Duty campaigns are really good. Consensus seems to be this is one of the better campaigns, looking forward to giving it a go once it's done downloading.
Still have my 360 copy of the original Generations and it's installed on my Series X but I bought the remaster anyway, mainly for the Shadow content. I'd agree with some people here, though, if you're content with the original this isn't really worth it unless Shadow is among your favorite characters in the series.
I also think any XSX owner who hasn't played Generations and was interested in this for the remaster, it's best to try and hunt down a 360 copy because it plays and looks like a dream with the current hardware upgrades and doesn't have the moronic 'modern audience' changes.
Won't judge it because I haven't played it and have no interest to. I don't like a lot of the decisions that were made this game from the narrative perspective but also from the business side as well. A shame because the first is among my favorite games of all-time but in recent years I'm finding many continuations of IP I like just not being worth it overall.
@awp69 Fair point that I've seen mentioned elsewhere. Admittedly, I didn't think about that at first, especially given that Freedom Wars isn't exactly a big-name IP. It's not like if Horizon showed up on Xbox, even if only in Lego form, that'd be a huge deal.
Sometimes, as much as I don't like it, I can understand why this decision is made. If it's something to do with older engines, MS policies forcing parity between consoles or even if you're talking about a small dev/publisher with very limited resources which means difficult choices need to be made. However, Namco leaving out any platform for such a niche game is beyond stupid. It's not likely to do great on Xbox but it's not going to do huge numbers elsewhere either. Get the $ where you can.
@SuntannedDuck2 If you like Lollipop Chainsaw, look into Killer is Dead afterwards, it's available on Xbox through the backwards compatibility program. Like all Suda 51 games, it has its odd, somewhat janky gameplay quirks but still fun and has a great cast of characters/story. If you have a Switch, I'd definitely recommend No More Heroes 1-3, that's Grasshopper's best work, imo.
@GeeEssEff
Heck yeah. I didn't own an original Xbox until summer 2004 but Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay was the game that made me go out and get one. I had an off day from work, bought the system and game and spent pretty much all day playing it. Of course, I also caught up on some gems that I missed like Dead or Alive 3 and Ninja Gaiden. And also had to buy Halo. That was a good summer.
Played through the first couple stages and other than the camera, at times, I don't really have any complaints. I appreciate that this remaster stayed as true to the original release as a modern-day remaster can and feel stupid for having not supported the game way back then. It's the typical, over the top, Suda 51 nonsense that I know and love.
Good review. I pre-ordered this and it's downloading to my Series X now. Looking forward to playing it when I get home from work tomorrow morning. I'm a big fan of all the Suda 51 games I've played (No More Heroes 1-3, Killer is Dead) so hopefully this is the same.
Xbox has its own problems to worry about. The brand, right now, is at such a low point with consumers that it allows Sony to feel very comfortable charging the asinine price for the PS5 Pro. The high-end console market is in a bad place because both companies are doing dumb stuff.
I don't know who's to blame at this point... There isn't a native PS5 version of the game either, the PS4 version works via backwards compatibility, so it's obvious this is a problem with the tech Capcom uses but obviously other stuff is going on with MS' platform that isn't with Sony's. Could simply be sales but I've also read in the past that it has to do with some rules MS has in place.
Either way, it's a ridiculous problem that should've been solved by now.
It really is amazing how one bad press conference, 11 years ago, threw the Xbox brand off course and due to complete and total incompetence, it never got things back on track. Absolutely pathetic. Sony and Nintendo have both had failures to varying degrees but always bounce back. MS didn't even try.
Just like Starfield last year, this looks like a game I can get into but not completely sure, will definitely take advantage of the GP launch and buy it outright if it's a good time.
@RetroMan71 I mean, you might be able to say that about plenty of consoles. I'm not saying the naming has been good but it's not as bad as people make it out to be either. I do think Sony's simple number line for the home consoles works best but as mentioned by others, if MS copied that, it was going to look like Xbox was a generation behind. They were in trouble either way. Bottomline, if you're going to invest in something like a gaming system, which isn't cheap, look into things first.
I just pre-ordered Sonic X Shadow Generations for the XSX. Main reason I still pre-order is I prefer physical and feel like if I don't try to get them early, especially on Xbox, I'll miss out. Only do it for games I know I want to play right away, though.
Fantastic game and it scared the scumbags at EA so much that eventhough sales of the Madden games weren't hurt, it had to buy exclusivity rights. Frankly, I'm even more disgusted by the NFL for allowing that to happen.
Downloading The First Descendant now and will probably also download the PS5 version. Seems like a game that I can get into but if not, it's free, so not a big deal.
I still have some concerns in regards to how much longer MS will continue to support physical releases for video games and whether it will continue to produce Xbox consoles (I know Spencer and Bond have both said there will at least be a next-gen machine but plans seem to change constantly). As far as games, though, there's a lot of stuff coming from Xbox Studios that I want to play. Gears of War E-Day, Perfect Dark and DOOM: The Dark Ages, topping the list.
Dead Rising 3 is my favorite with the original being a close second. Didn't care much for 2 and had some fun with 4 but not as much as the other entries. I really enjoyed the characters and story in 3.
This is the only Forza Horizon game I never bought outright but I did play it on Game Pass and purchased the VIP Pass. Didn't expect that would eventually get a free copy of the full game but I'll happily take it. Nice gesture by MS.
I played the first one on PS3 and really enjoyed it, but the way the second has this 'on again, off again' thing happening with it, it's been difficult to get hyped. Frankly, I'm still not sure it will ever release, but if it does, and it's good, I'll buy it.
The game looked way better than I thought it would and I'm happy its first person because early reports I remember reading suggested it could be third. Still not 100% sold but the gameplay that was shown looked cool and from what can be gathered in that trailer, the story has potential. Voice acting was really good, which is a nice start.
@Scrubchub
I'd say if you want to play Perfect Dark now, get the Xbox version. Controls are much better. I tried playing it on Switch and was able to adapt but it's very annoying. Still a legitimately fun game on Xbox, though.
If it's the big holiday 2025 release for Xbox I'd be very happy with that. Would be much sooner than I'm expecting tbh, right now my guess would be early-mid 2026.
Gears of War: E-Day, DOOM: The Dark Ages and Perfect Dark all seem like they're going to be awesome, just sucks that they're likely not going to be out until mid-2025 at the earliest. Gears of War is probably 2026 and that's the one I'm most hyped about.
So far, it seems like The Coalition is going to deliver everything I've been hoping for since the original trilogy ended (4 is great also, but still fell a bit short of 1-3). Not sure it can reach the popularity or be the system seller the IP was in the 360 era but a true Gears of War experience could bring some much needed positivity back to the brand, and if it remains exclusive, maybe even help on the hardware front.
@Banjo- I'd recommend anybody who says Gears of War is the same as Halo, grab a copy of Gears of War Ultimate Edition (which is still a great remaster, 9 years later) and play the game to see how wrong they are.
@everynowandben Remember seeing that but still holding on to false hope maybe a new Deus Ex project would start. But this pretty much confirms it won't. On the plus side, it's a talented studio with RPG experience helping Playground which doesn't have as much experience in that genre so hopefully that means good things.
Comments 2,052
Re: Phil Spencer Explains Why 'This Is An Xbox' Will Be Beneficial To Console Owners
@mac_da_man
Yeah, I was hoping to one day see the Xbox brand return to what it was in the original and, especially, 360 days, but the reality is that it's just not going to happen. Shame because the pressure MS put on Sony in the 7th gen led to one of the best time periods the gaming industry has seen.
Re: Phil Spencer Explains Why 'This Is An Xbox' Will Be Beneficial To Console Owners
They have to expand to other areas to keep making Xbox consoles... Shows how incompetent the leadership at Xbox really is.
Re: Microsoft Issues Statement As 'Hundreds' Of ZeniMax Workers Go On Strike
Sounds like selling out to MS was a great idea.
Re: Xbox's Phil Spencer Confirms Handheld Plans, But Don't Expect One Anytime Soon
Hardware wise, if done correctly, this might be the best path forward for Xbox.
Re: Xbox Boss Says Everything Is On The Table When It Comes To PS5 Ports
The glory days of a Xbox, as a console brand anyway, are long gone. This should be the last bit of confirmation anybody needs. I don't think it's a good thing as it gives Sony entire reign over the high-end console market.
Re: Soapbox: Four Years On, I'm Already Nostalgic For The Early Xbox Series X|S Era
@SodaPop6548
I agree. But one thing I do appreciate about Xbox Series X is how much it improves some of my favorite original Xbox and Xbox 360 games with FPS boost (on top of the X1X enhancements some games have). Sonic Generations being one of the best examples, it was like getting a free remaster.
Re: Forza Motorsport Adds 'Next-Gen NASCAR' In Latest Xbox Update
Haven't played the game in a few months, have to get back into it. Always get hooked when I do start playing.
Re: Xbox Has One 'Game Of The Year' Nomination At The Golden Joystick Awards 2024
Of that list I'd go...
1. Astro Bot
2. Tekken 8
3. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Re: Talking Point: Is There A Popular Xbox Franchise You've Struggled To Get Into?
I'd say Fable. I played 2 a lot and really enjoyed it but never got hooked by 1 and 3. When the new one comes out I'll try it on Game Pass but it won't be a big priority.
Re: Xbox's Rod Fergusson Explains The Team's Original Plan For Gears 6
That choice at the end of 5 was still one of the dumbest freaking things I've seen a dev do. Like the game overall, but that part was stupid and unnecessary.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (November 2-3)
Xbox Series X - Sonic X Shadow Generations, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Switch - The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Re: Sonic X Shadow Generations Impresses On Xbox In Latest Digital Foundry Tech Review
Since the original version of Sonic Generations, all the Sonic games I've bought, with the exception of Mania on Switch, have been for Xbox. Considered this on Switch but when there's an option for 60 fps (and it still having a nice resolution) vs. 30, for a Sonic outing, it's a no-brainer which system to choose.
Re: Apparently, More Than 50% Of Xbox Series X|S Users In The US Played Black Ops 6 Near Launch
I played it the day after via Game Pass. Ended up buying it to own outright, since the campaign (the part I care about) is great and I want to support good products. This is why I like GP, I use it as a 'try before you buy' type of deal. Did the same last year with Starfield and will also be trying the Indiana Jones games on GP first, going to try to remember to download it before launch day.
Re: Black Ops 6 Campaign Review (Xbox) - Supernatural Surprises Elevate This Year's Call Of Duty
Never been much of a fan of online multiplayer but some Call of Duty campaigns are really good. Consensus seems to be this is one of the better campaigns, looking forward to giving it a go once it's done downloading.
Re: Review: Sonic X Shadow Generations (Xbox) - Shadow's New Chapter Shines Bright
Still have my 360 copy of the original Generations and it's installed on my Series X but I bought the remaster anyway, mainly for the Shadow content. I'd agree with some people here, though, if you're content with the original this isn't really worth it unless Shadow is among your favorite characters in the series.
I also think any XSX owner who hasn't played Generations and was interested in this for the remaster, it's best to try and hunt down a 360 copy because it plays and looks like a dream with the current hardware upgrades and doesn't have the moronic 'modern audience' changes.
Re: Poll: A Year Later, What Do You Think Of Alan Wake 2 Overall?
Won't judge it because I haven't played it and have no interest to. I don't like a lot of the decisions that were made this game from the narrative perspective but also from the business side as well. A shame because the first is among my favorite games of all-time but in recent years I'm finding many continuations of IP I like just not being worth it overall.
Re: PS Vita Classic 'Freedom Wars' Is Getting A Remaster For Everything Except Xbox
@awp69
Fair point that I've seen mentioned elsewhere. Admittedly, I didn't think about that at first, especially given that Freedom Wars isn't exactly a big-name IP. It's not like if Horizon showed up on Xbox, even if only in Lego form, that'd be a huge deal.
Re: PS Vita Classic 'Freedom Wars' Is Getting A Remaster For Everything Except Xbox
Sometimes, as much as I don't like it, I can understand why this decision is made. If it's something to do with older engines, MS policies forcing parity between consoles or even if you're talking about a small dev/publisher with very limited resources which means difficult choices need to be made. However, Namco leaving out any platform for such a niche game is beyond stupid. It's not likely to do great on Xbox but it's not going to do huge numbers elsewhere either. Get the $ where you can.
Re: Review: Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP (Xbox) - The Cheerleader Zombie Hunter Juliet Returns
@SuntannedDuck2
If you like Lollipop Chainsaw, look into Killer is Dead afterwards, it's available on Xbox through the backwards compatibility program. Like all Suda 51 games, it has its odd, somewhat janky gameplay quirks but still fun and has a great cast of characters/story. If you have a Switch, I'd definitely recommend No More Heroes 1-3, that's Grasshopper's best work, imo.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (September 14-15)
Xbox Series X - Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP (can't believe I didn't play this when it originally released, it's a game right up my alley)
Switch - The King of Fighters XIII: Global Match, SNK Heroines Tag Team Frenzy
PS5 - Stellar Blade, Astro Bot
Re: Talking Point: What Are Your Fondest Memories Of The Original Xbox?
@GeeEssEff
Heck yeah. I didn't own an original Xbox until summer 2004 but Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay was the game that made me go out and get one. I had an off day from work, bought the system and game and spent pretty much all day playing it. Of course, I also caught up on some gems that I missed like Dead or Alive 3 and Ninja Gaiden. And also had to buy Halo. That was a good summer.
Re: Review: Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP (Xbox) - The Cheerleader Zombie Hunter Juliet Returns
Played through the first couple stages and other than the camera, at times, I don't really have any complaints. I appreciate that this remaster stayed as true to the original release as a modern-day remaster can and feel stupid for having not supported the game way back then. It's the typical, over the top, Suda 51 nonsense that I know and love.
Re: Review: Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP (Xbox) - The Cheerleader Zombie Hunter Juliet Returns
Good review. I pre-ordered this and it's downloading to my Series X now. Looking forward to playing it when I get home from work tomorrow morning. I'm a big fan of all the Suda 51 games I've played (No More Heroes 1-3, Killer is Dead) so hopefully this is the same.
Re: Poll: How Much Would You Pay For An Xbox Series X Pro?
Wouldn't upgrade. The Series X, just like the base PS5, hasn't been used to its potential. 'Pro' consoles for this gen are beyond pointless.
Re: Reaction: PS5 Pro's Extortionate Price Justifies Xbox's Lack Of A New Console
Xbox has its own problems to worry about. The brand, right now, is at such a low point with consumers that it allows Sony to feel very comfortable charging the asinine price for the PS5 Pro. The high-end console market is in a bad place because both companies are doing dumb stuff.
Re: Capcom Fighting Collection 2 Not Announced For Xbox, But Don't Lose Hope Yet
I don't know who's to blame at this point... There isn't a native PS5 version of the game either, the PS4 version works via backwards compatibility, so it's obvious this is a problem with the tech Capcom uses but obviously other stuff is going on with MS' platform that isn't with Sony's. Could simply be sales but I've also read in the past that it has to do with some rules MS has in place.
Either way, it's a ridiculous problem that should've been solved by now.
Re: Rumour: Xbox To Announce 'Big' Game For PS5 Next Week
It really is amazing how one bad press conference, 11 years ago, threw the Xbox brand off course and due to complete and total incompetence, it never got things back on track. Absolutely pathetic. Sony and Nintendo have both had failures to varying degrees but always bounce back. MS didn't even try.
Re: Stalker 2 Officially Delayed, Launching On Xbox Game Pass This November
Just like Starfield last year, this looks like a game I can get into but not completely sure, will definitely take advantage of the GP launch and buy it outright if it's a good time.
Re: Four Years Later, People Are Still Getting Confused By Xbox's 'Horrible' Console Names
@RetroMan71
I mean, you might be able to say that about plenty of consoles. I'm not saying the naming has been good but it's not as bad as people make it out to be either. I do think Sony's simple number line for the home consoles works best but as mentioned by others, if MS copied that, it was going to look like Xbox was a generation behind. They were in trouble either way. Bottomline, if you're going to invest in something like a gaming system, which isn't cheap, look into things first.
Re: Four Years Later, People Are Still Getting Confused By Xbox's 'Horrible' Console Names
It's really not that confusing. People surprise me with their stupidity sometimes.
Re: Review: Nobody Wants To Die (Xbox) - An Immersive Outing That Nails Its Cyberpunk Aesthetic
I love games with the cyberpunk setting so I'll probably get this at some point.
Re: 343 Responds To Rumours About The Studio Outsourcing Halo Development
Well, that's unfortunate.
Re: Talking Point: If You Had To Limit Yourself To Three Xbox Games, What Would They Be?
I'd go with Halo 3, Super Street Fighter IV and Gears of War Ultimate Edition.
Re: Talking Point: Do You Ever Pre-Order Xbox Games Anymore?
I just pre-ordered Sonic X Shadow Generations for the XSX. Main reason I still pre-order is I prefer physical and feel like if I don't try to get them early, especially on Xbox, I'll miss out. Only do it for games I know I want to play right away, though.
Re: The Incredible 'ESPN NFL 2K5' Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary This Month
Fantastic game and it scared the scumbags at EA so much that eventhough sales of the Madden games weren't hurt, it had to buy exclusivity rights. Frankly, I'm even more disgusted by the NFL for allowing that to happen.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 6-7)
The First Descendant. Enjoying it so far but we'll see how the game well the game fares over the longterm.
Re: All New Xbox Games Coming Out In July 2024
Downloading The First Descendant now and will probably also download the PS5 version. Seems like a game that I can get into but if not, it's free, so not a big deal.
Re: Talking Point: Xbox Fans, How Do You Feel About The Future Of The Brand In 2024?
I still have some concerns in regards to how much longer MS will continue to support physical releases for video games and whether it will continue to produce Xbox consoles (I know Spencer and Bond have both said there will at least be a next-gen machine but plans seem to change constantly). As far as games, though, there's a lot of stuff coming from Xbox Studios that I want to play. Gears of War E-Day, Perfect Dark and DOOM: The Dark Ages, topping the list.
Re: Pick One: Which Dead Rising Game Is Your Favourite On Xbox?
Dead Rising 3 is my favorite with the original being a close second. Didn't care much for 2 and had some fun with 4 but not as much as the other entries. I really enjoyed the characters and story in 3.
Re: Xbox Is Giving Away Free Forza Horizon 4 Codes For Eligible Players
This is the only Forza Horizon game I never bought outright but I did play it on Game Pass and purchased the VIP Pass. Didn't expect that would eventually get a free copy of the full game but I'll happily take it. Nice gesture by MS.
Re: Talking Point: Are You Still Interested In Beyond Good & Evil 2 From Ubisoft?
I played the first one on PS3 and really enjoyed it, but the way the second has this 'on again, off again' thing happening with it, it's been difficult to get hyped. Frankly, I'm still not sure it will ever release, but if it does, and it's good, I'll buy it.
Re: Pick One: Which Game From This Year's Xbox Showcase Are You Most Excited For?
1. Gears of War: E-Day
2. DOOM: The Dark Ages
3. Perfect Dark
4. Indiana Jones
Re: Digital Foundry Breaks Down Xbox's Impressive Perfect Dark Showcase
The game looked way better than I thought it would and I'm happy its first person because early reports I remember reading suggested it could be third. Still not 100% sold but the gameplay that was shown looked cool and from what can be gathered in that trailer, the story has potential. Voice acting was really good, which is a nice start.
Re: Another Rare Classic Is Now Available On Nintendo's Switch Online Service
@Scrubchub
I'd say if you want to play Perfect Dark now, get the Xbox version. Controls are much better. I tried playing it on Switch and was able to adapt but it's very annoying. Still a legitimately fun game on Xbox, though.
Re: Talking Point: What's Your Favourite Xbox Expansion Of All Time?
Mass Effect 2 Lair of the Shadow Broker
Re: Rumour: Xbox Could Be Targeting A 2025 Release For Gears Of War: E-Day
If it's the big holiday 2025 release for Xbox I'd be very happy with that. Would be much sooner than I'm expecting tbh, right now my guess would be early-mid 2026.
Re: Here's A Look At The Updated Xbox Studios Roadmap For 2024 & Beyond
Gears of War: E-Day, DOOM: The Dark Ages and Perfect Dark all seem like they're going to be awesome, just sucks that they're likely not going to be out until mid-2025 at the earliest. Gears of War is probably 2026 and that's the one I'm most hyped about.
Re: Gears Of War: E-Day Will Be Linear As Dev Focuses On The 'Scary Moments' Of Gears
So far, it seems like The Coalition is going to deliver everything I've been hoping for since the original trilogy ended (4 is great also, but still fell a bit short of 1-3). Not sure it can reach the popularity or be the system seller the IP was in the 360 era but a true Gears of War experience could bring some much needed positivity back to the brand, and if it remains exclusive, maybe even help on the hardware front.
Re: Gears Of War: E-Day Will Be Linear As Dev Focuses On The 'Scary Moments' Of Gears
@Banjo-
I'd recommend anybody who says Gears of War is the same as Halo, grab a copy of Gears of War Ultimate Edition (which is still a great remaster, 9 years later) and play the game to see how wrong they are.
Re: Eidos Montreal Confirms It's Supporting The Development Of Fable
@everynowandben
Remember seeing that but still holding on to false hope maybe a new Deus Ex project would start. But this pretty much confirms it won't. On the plus side, it's a talented studio with RPG experience helping Playground which doesn't have as much experience in that genre so hopefully that means good things.