Must be a generational thing to kick up a fuss about going back to the office.
I have been lucky enough to have been working from home for a while now, but I wouldn't moan and groan if I was expected to work in an office again - it does have its benefits.
This is coming from a person who has had to commute an hour to an office for the better part of 12 years.
Would I prefer to be at home working? Absolutely - it's prevented our family from having to find after school care for my daughter.
Would I cry "foul" because I would have to go to an office every day? No, it's just the nature of work.
I work in software development and collaboration happens much more often when everyone is in the same office together to either ask for help or bounce ideas off each other.
Sure, there are messengers and online meetings, but it's not the same. I have people on my team I don't even really "know" at all because I only ever hear their voices during daily standup or the occasional call.
@luke88 The only time I ever play multiplayer is if my daughter wants me to play Mario Kart 8 with her.
But yes, it applies to all multiplayer games. I don't buy fighting games. I don't buy sports games. I don't buy games that revolve around multiplayer.
When I was in college, I enjoyed playing Quake and Counter Strike (back when it was still a Half-Life Mod) with people in the dorms. When I was in the Navy I played some Halo multiplayer with my shipmates when on deployment. I played a lot of Warhammer Online when it was still a thing and WoW.
After becoming a family man, though, I simply lost interest mostly due to time restrictions. I tried here and there, but I got no joy out of it and ended up hating it all together.
I just don't have the time to "git gud" against people who sit on the game all day. It's not fun for me anymore.
With the hour (if I am lucky) time I get to play games per day, I'd rather get lost in a single-player experience than deal with online toxicity.
If I do play any multiplayer (and that's a HUGE if), it would be co-op and not competitive.
@HonestHick I just hate that 40fps modes are tied to 120Hz because my TV can handle 40fps via VRR.
I hear you on older games. When I am taking a break from Final Fantasy 16 (e.g. missus is using the TV), I am playing PS2/Gamecube era and older games on my laptop. I am really going deep into gaming history. LOL!
I don't have an OLED. My TV is a budget-friendly Vizio M7 Quantum. It's nice because it can support both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ as well as VRR and ALLM, but sadly, unlike the Quantum's that came out the following year, only a 60Hz display.
@HonestHick Dolby Vision is definitely a double edged-sword.
I think I might have figured out how to get even better results with Dolby Vision with regards to peak brightness (as it never seems to "pop" quite as well as using HDR10 and HGIG Mode (Game HDR in my Vizio).
I have a Discussion post about it that talks my thought process behind it - more as a guide and also for people to provide feedback for a sanity check. I'd be interested in your thoughts on this.
The bottom line is to essentially set your HDR Calibration to the Lowest and Maximum values (for any games that actually use the system calibration) and then, in the game, setting your HDR Peak brightness to the max (and lowest value to 0 if applicable).
The idea is that Dolby Vision for Games is supposed to act like it does for movies:
Essentially a min/max for the film that is set by whoever did the master could be higher/lower than the peak brightness/darkness that your TV supports so it adjusts accordingly.
The problem with games, the sliders for the games don't necessarily give you that information so the sliders could be "wrong". By setting everything to absolute min/max, you let Dolby Vision for Games work "properly".
Looking forward to finally seeing Direct Super Resolution (I feel like this has been in the works for years now).
It will be interesting to see 1) how it compares to FSR and DLSS and 2) if the Xbox Series X|S will actually be able to use it with the hardware-level Machine Learning capabilities (so far only AutoHDR uses it)
I'm really looking forward to it. I liked the trailer, even if it only teased a few gameplay sequences (albeit with no HUD).
I only played the original Fable and I don't know if I ever finished it (too long ago to remember). I guess I don't know what a "Fable game" should be.
The only "two-way street" I see with Sony and Nintendo is the money Microsoft gets from game sales on those platforms (which is really all a company cares about anyways).
I want to try this, but unfortunately I created a character a long time ago to try the game and it seems like I am completely locked out now despite never actually doing much of anything at all.
It looks like I would have to create a whole new Square Enix account in order to try (despite the fact I unlinked my FFXI/FFXIV account from my main SE account).
Honestly, the way SE handles it's account systems is a little strange.
EDIT: So I created a new Final Fantasy XIV account with a different e-mail address. Why Square Enix has basically 2 different accounts is weird (one for the overall website and one specifically for Final Fantasy Online). Whatever...as long as I can still link the FF14 account to my main Square Enix Member account, I don't care.
"Xbox version in the back. No physical when it came to Xbox, but now when it is on PS5 it has a physical release. Give me a break, we are the most abused fan base"
Probably because Limited Run would have lost money on an Xbox-only physical release of the game. The PS5 and Switch are where a physical release will actually matter (actually, more the Switch).
I am sure this physical release was more about Limited Run seeing an opportunity rather than Microsoft campaigning for it (Microsoft would have been totally fine making this digital-only). So, Limited Run will prioritize the version that will make the most money for Limited Run.
@supercalifragilistic The entire game needs to have a green tint and the games artwork needs to have Xbox logos on everything! If they want to play the version that doesn't have all the branding, they need to buy an Xbox. 🤣
@themightyant "Regardless, as you said, if anyone can do it Microsoft can but I doubt it’s going to be as straightforward as you make out."
You probably right about that. But I do think somehow transitioning to full-on PC is the future of Xbox as it's something that plays into Microsoft's strengths - especially with developers simply abandoning dedicated Xbox console versions of games.
It still seems odd to me that it happens. I mean, the whole original concept for Xbox was to make porting a PC version easy. Heck, switching to an x86 architecture should have made that even simpler!
The PC versions will already have Series X controller integration and button prompts because it's like the defacto gamepad for Windows. The games already utilize DirectX. 3D Audio work is already done because Windows supports Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X.
From an outsider's point of view looking in, most of the Xbox "work" is already done when a PC version is made. The only thing that needs to get "nailed down" are the graphical settings which is kind of also already done because of the PS5 version.
But, I am sure there is a bunch of other formalities and behind the scenes things that need to get done due to it being a closed system that are the hang-ups to make the Xbox "not worth" investing in right away (or at all).
@themightyant "If they break away from their custom AMD architecture and Xbox SDKs they will have to do the virtual machine type of BC again, this time for a much larger library, we'd likely see an even smaller percentage of games actually work."
Except...they wouldn't because they would use the PC version of the game. They don't need to use the X1 version or the Xbox Series X version and in many cases they don't need the X360 or OG version either. I understand using the PC-version essentially "kills" the console version, but it's still access to the actual game.
For X360 and OG Xbox they can use the PC versions of games where PC versions are available. There is no "Backwards Compatibilty" anymore - it's native PC code.
Look at Game Pass PC and look at the old games that are on there from the OG Xbox/X360 era: Morrowind, Oblivion, Psychonauts, Fallout 3.
Microsoft only need the Virtual Machine BC for games that don't have PC versions (Rare Replay, Blue Dragon, etc.).
The rest would be more about securing games that aren't on the Microsoft Store but may be found on things like Steam or GOG (Knights of the Old Republic, Sonic Generations, etc). OR simply working with Valve, Epic, CDPR to integrate with their services and transfer the console-license to owned games over to their repository (like when Bethesda moved all their games to Steam after the Bethesda launcher shutdown).
Save integration will be an issue, but there are a ton of games during the X1 and Series X era that support Play Anywhere/Smart Delivery, so really X360/OG eras are the areas of highest concern - especially for those who may have hundreds of hours in the X360 version of some games.
My Surface Book 2 with Nvidia 1060 can run pretty much any game from X1 and older. Series X|S class hardware could run everything the Microsoft Store has to offer (even if it's only at "console settings"). Any future Xbox "console" would have zero issues running any PC version of a Series X|S game and below.
So, again, regardless if Microsoft changes hardware manufacturers, using the PC versions means it doesn't matter what hardware Microsoft uses. The only part that requires modification is the Virtual Machine part for non-PC games.
@themightyant But that's work that would have to happen with a closed ecosystem anyways. So why not go ahead and do the headache now for PC so you never have to worry about it ever again?
The backwards compatibility on Xbox is nothing more than a Virtual Machine that also taps into the console hardware. For those games that don't have a PC-version, then make the Virtual Machine work in Windows that is relatively hardware agnostic (or just make it work with the Xbox "console" hardware). I feel like "Cloud-only" solutions for that would be met with backlash.
My whole thing is, if hobbyists making emulators can do it, a corporation who can pay people who have official access to proprietary technical details as part of their job can certainly do it too!
Time will tell, and it probably will be a slow transition. But the best platform for backwards compatibility is the PC.
So, if you really want to commit to game preservation than move to a platform where old games are still very playable without the need for making special backwards compatibility applications (but may need a small patch to address obsolete/unsupported technology).
I mean, I guess I am not surprised since it's basically the Pokemon game for original Pokemon fans who grew up.
Yes, I am aware this has more in common with something like Ark in terms of gameplay than Pokemon.
What I mean is an open world game with roaming anime animals that fight with you that also runs on more powerful hardware. I know the recent Pokemon games tried this open-world approach, but from my understanding were poorly optimized and didn't live up to expectations (not a Pokemon fan, so I don't know)
@Krydle I have streamed using my Surface Book 2 (United States here with 300Mbps Verizon Fios) and I haven't had any issues. I am using a wireless connection.
I have tried a couple of games on my Series X using Cloud (so I didn't have to wait for download). It's a wired connection and it ran fine.
Image quality wasn't pristine just due to the nature of streaming, but there wasn't any input lag.
@themightyant If anyone can make it happen, it's Microsoft.
I mean, I wouldn't care if Microsoft abandons it all together, but I know some people would lose their minds if they suddenly lost access to games like Blue Dragon or Lost Odyssey. I think many of the available Xbox 360/OG Xbox games have a PC-release of some kind, though. I think all X1/XS have PC versions so it would be more about pulling those games into the Microsoft Store (or partnering with Steam) to have them available and relying on official Emulation (or the Cloud) for those games that don't have PC versions.
I never said it was "trivial" just that Microsoft should figure it out. I am sure it would be a ton of work. But probably no more work than engineering a new closed console with "custom" parts from...whoever. New SDKs. Porting/creating the UI to new system. etc. etc.
Going forward however, it will make things a lot easier as Microsoft only needs to work on hardware refreshes as the "console" spec gets outdated. R&D costs drop significantly.
Plus, I am sure developers would be happy to not have yet another closed-console system to deal with. Live service games won't need a whole new version to create when a new console comes out.
Consumers will be happy because the need to "upgrade" will be more about personal tolerable performance thresholds the "old console" can handle - and if they are only playing Fornite, Warzone, Valorent, etc., then they probably won't upgrade at all as those games stay pretty static in terms of technical requirements.
The biggest key though is to make it feel like a seamless transition for users, but an entire backend shift that benefits Microsoft and developers.
All the more reason Microsoft needs to figure out how to make the next Xbox be a PC rather than a closed system.
Here is what Microsoft needs to do:
1) Create a special Windows-based frontend for the console (just so people don't need keyboard/mouse to navigate).
2) Get the backwards compatibility working on PC (even if it's only available on the PC-based frontend)
3) Give developers the specific hardware specifications of their Xbox console for developers to test their PC versions of games
4) Figure out how to transfer all console libraries over to PC - whether through official X360/OG Xbox emulation or through actual PC-versions of available games.
Since developers already make PC-versions of games, all Microsoft needs to do is have developers test their PC code against the specific hardware. Remove the need for special licensing and devkits. No more "closed" APIs required to "port" to the Xbox.
If developers don't feel it's "worth it" to make a specific Xbox port, then remove the specific Xbox port and go to the developers on the PC side!
Oh and also add Steam integration with the side-effect that it can play Sony PC games - brute-force "cross platform" (though I am sure Sony would probably bully Valve into blocking its games from this special PC-based Xbox if this was possible).
Microsoft may not be able to "out console" Sony, but it can certainly "out PC" Sony.
Can't say I have enjoyed DONT NOD output as most of their games target a certain demographic that I am not a part of (angsty 20-somethings) and I have zero connection to their stories, but glad this is resonating with people!
@abe_hikura Being able to access the console library on PC would be a massive relief for Microsoft as it no longer has to make a "closed" console either.
That problem with developers not porting to Xbox because it doesn't sell enough? Gone because the Xbox can become a custom-frontend gaming PC and developers seem to always have a PC version.
Honestly, I see the vagueness more of a CYA (cover your [expletive]) thing.
The thing is, when something lives on the internet, it's never forgotten. In this day and age where people comb through everything someone says over the course of history, you have to be extremely careful with what you say.
If plans/gaming landscapes change 4, 5, 10 years down the line, chances are someone will dig up a particular broadcast and say "BUT, BUT, BUT YOU SAID [X, Y, Z]! YOU LIED TO US!"
So I fully get being "non-committal" in wording, even if it doesn't exactly put anyone at ease.
Max Payne is locked behind Rockstar and I don't see it letting go of the IP.
Quantum Break is locked behind Microsoft. Remedy managed to get Alan Wake from Microsoft, so I guess there is precedent there to get that back.
But I would say Control and Alan Wake 2 already have "crossover". The AWE DLC for Control had Alan Wake. Alan Wake 2 has the FBC, Ahti, references to Jesse Faden.
It would be pretty awesome with Microsoft could get official Xbox 360/OG Xbox emulation for PC - even if it's only for those games that current Xbox supports.
@Fiendish-Beaver Oh I completely agree. Heck, Sony is already being complacent being in its ivory tower! How many Remasters/Director's Cuts has Sony put out on PS5 vs. how many new games has it put out?
Sony has almost resold the entire PS4 exclusive catalog as PS5 games:
Spider-Man Remastered Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut Uncharted 4: Legacy of Thieves Collection Death Stranding Director's Cut The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered
Then we have remakes: Demons' Souls The Last of Us Part 1
I am shocked God of War, Days Gone, and Horizon Zero Dawn haven't had the Remastered treatment, yet!
Microsoft hasn't done a Remaster or Director's Cut since...what...Gears of War Anniversary Edition? Microsoft has been putting out actual new games - whether the games have resonated with the masses is another story.
It is curious that, for all the bashing fanboys do on Microsoft games, they certainly showed a lot of interest in Microsoft games when the thought of Microsoft going full third-party was in the rumor mill. Kind of sad, really, that a game is trash when it's not on your plastic box.
I don't see Microsoft leaving the console space though. I see it being conservative with manufacturing and sales numbers, but I don't see it leaving entirely. Sony needs a competitor more than anyone. I would hope that if Microsoft did leave, someone else enters the ring.
Nintendo is too much of a complimentary console rather than competition.
@Fiendish-Beaver It probably is where Microsoft is heading.
Honestly, so what? You will still get to play Microsoft games if you like them. In fact, you'll get the best of both worlds by having both the Xbox games you love and Sony's first-party and third-party exclusive output.
Plus, if you are a multi-console gamer like myself, it's one less box to buy.
The only thing I don't want is an unchecked Sony. While I enjoyed the games Sony manages to make/secure, I don't like business aspect of it at all. Sony has zero issue bending its customers over a barrel to make a buck.
Not saying Microsoft doesn't do things for the sake of making money, but at least making that money comes with some kind of consumer-friendly benefit. Sony will just charge more and say "current market climate".
@carlos82 I mean, consoles essentially hold PC gaming back. The PS5 is the lead platform, so most developers use that as their base and then scale up from there.
It'll be interesting to see what happens. Microsoft is in a position where it can really push hardware further than Sony can at a bigger loss (since Microsoft essentially prints money for existing) and hopefully make it back in software sales and Microsoft just being Microsoft.
No doubt I am sure developers would love a closer match to mainstream PC specs, but if Sony still takes a commanding lead, developers will still target that system.
Microsoft needs to make a bold move with the next system. If it could make it more of a PC-space (where it can run not only Microsoft Store games but also Steam, GOG, Epic, etc) and still support previous generation games, that would be a huge advantage! It could then run both Xbox exclusives AND Sony games (unless Sony somehow tells Steam that Nextbox is blocked from being allowed to download their games).
But it would be a pretty funny loophole to essentially get the competition's games on your console if they won't do it themselves. 🤣
@Banjo- Console holders said no because it can cut into their sales cut. I believe Microsoft already tried.
Heck, Sony is so guarded against Microsoft, it wouldn't even allow Minecraft Bedrock for a long time because it required that people signed into a Microsoft accounts to connect to servers (despite not caring that other games from other publishers also have account models attached: Ubisoft, Square Enix, etc.).
Microsoft and Sony finally worked it out, but the onus was on Sony for that one.
@Fiendish-Beaver Software sales earn a bigger profit than hardware sales.
While it doesn't exactly push Xbox consoles if there is no incentive to get one over the leading platform, it does put money into Xbox Game Studios and makes that division profitable for Microsoft and therefore keeps the division alive and the developers funded.
@Widey85 "We" was more a generalization of the gaming community in general - not necessarily anyone specific or directed at the people in the comment section (thought some have gone full-on "Doom & Gloom").
@Krzzystuff I have no doubt some of what has been "leaked" is probably true.
But the people freaking out about how Microsoft needs to not wait and needs to say something now because...speculation...need to take a look at themselves first and realize that it's not Microsoft's fault people are going overboard, it's the people going overboard own fault!
Microsoft will get the message out when it's ready. Microsoft said next week. So, wait until next week. Enough said!
That's no different than demanding the fire company show up sooner to save your house because you set it on fire when you saw a spider and speculated your walls were infested.
How about instead of demanding we hear about Microsoft's plan sooner rather than later, people just...oh I don't know...be patient and stop speculating?!
Are we that self-centered as a people that we blame Microsoft for not putting out the fire when we are the ones who started it?
@InterceptorAlpha Unfortunately, that will lead to a monopoly in the "premium console" market that I am not exactly sure will spell out good things for the consumer.
When Atari left the market, there was still equal competition between more than one console maker. When Sega left the market, there was still equal competition between more than one console maker.
Nintendo has carved itself as both a primary and additional console maker in many gamers eyes (i.e. most people will buy a Switch as well as a PlayStation and/or Xbox). If Microsoft bows out completely, there is no "equal competition between more than one console maker."
As much as PlayStation fans beat their chest about being the dominant "winner", Sony still has to put its best foot forward to maintain that dominance. If it has no one to really put it in check, why even bother spending millions to get bigger millions?
@themightyant My whole issue is that if the game can still be played on the platform, a remaster isn't necessary.
Sony has been notorious for this with all the "Director's Cuts" and "Remasters" of PS4 games - Sony has literally resold almost it's entire PS4 exclusive catalog back to people as PS5 games. Sure, it's optional, but I feel it wastes resources for new games - plus, it's the mentality of maximum profit with minimal effort that also bothers me.
Nintendo did a lot of "Deluxe" games on Switch, but the Wii U was a total flop - and for that reason only, I will give them a pass as I am sure Nintendo just wanted to recoup some costs of developing those games that didn't sell well due to the Wii U's paltry userbase.
Halo MCC is perfectly playable on Xbox Series consoles.
I guess there isn't necessarily anything wrong with doing the "Anniversary Edition" update to Halo 3 like Microsoft did with H1/H2 as an add-on to Halo MCC, I just don't want to see this slippery slope of remasters when the resolution boost, FPS Boost, and AutoHDR improvements already exist via backwards compatibility.
Microsoft has avoided the "Remaster" train for a while now - and I find it refreshing.
I know we had Gears of War Ultimate, Fable Anniversary Edition, and the Anniversary Editions of Halo/Halo 2, but that is about all that really comes to mind from Microsoft's front.
I consider all the effort Microsoft put in the backwards compatibility program to be Microsoft' way of "remastering" older titles.
Newer Microsoft games may not be resonating with people like Nintendo and Sony titles, but at least Microsoft is trying to put out new titles rather than recycle old games with a new coat of paint.
On one hand, if Microsoft did present to governing bodies that ABK would operate independently, this doesn't exactly bode well for Microsoft.
On the other hand, the FTC never really gave Microsoft its blessing, so whatever Microsoft presented to them is kind of moot anyways as it was essentially "rejected" by the FTC.
I don't see other regulatory bodies crying foul, though.
Plus, I would think that if Microsoft actually said "ABK would be entirely independent", then I am pretty sure Microsoft wouldn't have had such a huge fight to begin with regarding the acquisition.
Then again, it's possible that the reason ABK wanted to be bought was because it was crumbling under its own weight and the 1900 layoffs would have been an inevitability (and potentially could have been even bigger under an independent ABK).
@Lightning720 Doom & Gloom is the way of the world!
How many times has Nintendo been doomed only to have the third best-selling console in history?
I think it's just a mindset thing. People are still hyper focused to that single plastic box being the be-all, end all, and Microsoft is not.
Maybe that does kill the dedicated console. Maybe it doesn't. Maybe you will have to get a PS6 next generation. It's not as if Forza, Halo, Gears, etc. just suddenly go away.
Sega didn't suddenly go away after it stopped making hardware.
Maybe Microsoft leaving the console market will make room for someone else to throw their hat in the ring - especially if Sony really rakes people over the coals with no one to keep it in check in the premium console market.
Maybe having a three-way split in the console market is just too much for the gaming industry to handle.
I think Microsoft will still make some kind of home console going forward, I just think it will play PC versions of games instead of making it a "closed" system and Microsoft will figure out a way to transfer everyone's console digital libraries to PC.
@Mreeezie I wonder if this has something to do with PC Game Pass.
In order for PC games to be available on PC Game Pass, they have to use the GDK. That is probably taking time.
Sure, one could just say "Well just release the console versions and worry about PC/Cloud later", but it's a "damned if you, damned if you don't" situation as the PC crowd will be screaming "WHERE'S PC?!" if Microsoft did that.
Other than the AI being a little dumb, I didn't really see anything wrong with the combat. It doesn't seem to be any different from any other fantasy-based first-person game I have seen/played - at least according to the deep-dive video that came after the Dev_Direct.
@RicebinBernacky I'm not talking about Steamboat Willie, I am aware of it hitting public domain. There are other characters used as well - like Betty Boop which only certain iterations are in public domain and others are not.
If you watch the trailer, there are a ton of characters in there that make you scratch your head as the developer is definitely skirting a line.
@OldGamer999 I think that's about close to my gaming habits last year.
I had only like 55 hours on PS5.
I have a couple hundred hours on Switch thanks mostly to TotK, Mario Wonder, Metroid Prime Remastered, and Super Mario RPG I think I got about 300+ hours on Xbox maybe but that's because it's my primary third-party machine. I know I saw a count somewhere, but I don't remember.
2024 is looking to be more PS5/Xbox heavy with plenty of third-party and first-party games coming this year for both systems - Avowed being one of those games.
Switch is taking a bit of a backseat - though I did get Octopath Traveler II for Switch for Christmas and I will get the Princess Peach game to play with my daughter. I'll also get Luigi's Mansion 2 as I didn't play the 3DS version.
Comments 2,062
Re: Rockstar Asks Employees To Return To Office Full-Time In Preparation For GTA 6
Must be a generational thing to kick up a fuss about going back to the office.
I have been lucky enough to have been working from home for a while now, but I wouldn't moan and groan if I was expected to work in an office again - it does have its benefits.
This is coming from a person who has had to commute an hour to an office for the better part of 12 years.
Would I prefer to be at home working? Absolutely - it's prevented our family from having to find after school care for my daughter.
Would I cry "foul" because I would have to go to an office every day? No, it's just the nature of work.
I work in software development and collaboration happens much more often when everyone is in the same office together to either ask for help or bounce ideas off each other.
Sure, there are messengers and online meetings, but it's not the same. I have people on my team I don't even really "know" at all because I only ever hear their voices during daily standup or the occasional call.
Re: Poll: Will You Be Buying The Star Wars: Battlefront 'Classic Collection'?
@luke88 The only time I ever play multiplayer is if my daughter wants me to play Mario Kart 8 with her.
But yes, it applies to all multiplayer games. I don't buy fighting games. I don't buy sports games. I don't buy games that revolve around multiplayer.
When I was in college, I enjoyed playing Quake and Counter Strike (back when it was still a Half-Life Mod) with people in the dorms. When I was in the Navy I played some Halo multiplayer with my shipmates when on deployment. I played a lot of Warhammer Online when it was still a thing and WoW.
After becoming a family man, though, I simply lost interest mostly due to time restrictions. I tried here and there, but I got no joy out of it and ended up hating it all together.
I just don't have the time to "git gud" against people who sit on the game all day. It's not fun for me anymore.
With the hour (if I am lucky) time I get to play games per day, I'd rather get lost in a single-player experience than deal with online toxicity.
If I do play any multiplayer (and that's a HUGE if), it would be co-op and not competitive.
Re: Xbox And Microsoft Reveal Full GDC 2024 Schedule
@HonestHick I just hate that 40fps modes are tied to 120Hz because my TV can handle 40fps via VRR.
I hear you on older games. When I am taking a break from Final Fantasy 16 (e.g. missus is using the TV), I am playing PS2/Gamecube era and older games on my laptop. I am really going deep into gaming history. LOL!
Re: Xbox And Microsoft Reveal Full GDC 2024 Schedule
@HonestHick I'd be interested in the results.
I don't have an OLED. My TV is a budget-friendly Vizio M7 Quantum. It's nice because it can support both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ as well as VRR and ALLM, but sadly, unlike the Quantum's that came out the following year, only a 60Hz display.
Re: Xbox And Microsoft Reveal Full GDC 2024 Schedule
@HonestHick Dolby Vision is definitely a double edged-sword.
I think I might have figured out how to get even better results with Dolby Vision with regards to peak brightness (as it never seems to "pop" quite as well as using HDR10 and HGIG Mode (Game HDR in my Vizio).
I have a Discussion post about it that talks my thought process behind it - more as a guide and also for people to provide feedback for a sanity check. I'd be interested in your thoughts on this.
The bottom line is to essentially set your HDR Calibration to the Lowest and Maximum values (for any games that actually use the system calibration) and then, in the game, setting your HDR Peak brightness to the max (and lowest value to 0 if applicable).
The idea is that Dolby Vision for Games is supposed to act like it does for movies:
Essentially a min/max for the film that is set by whoever did the master could be higher/lower than the peak brightness/darkness that your TV supports so it adjusts accordingly.
The problem with games, the sliders for the games don't necessarily give you that information so the sliders could be "wrong". By setting everything to absolute min/max, you let Dolby Vision for Games work "properly".
https://www.purexbox.com/forums/xbox-series-x/dolby_vision_for_games_decoded
Re: Xbox And Microsoft Reveal Full GDC 2024 Schedule
Lots of Diablo IV stuff in there.
Looking forward to finally seeing Direct Super Resolution (I feel like this has been in the works for years now).
It will be interesting to see 1) how it compares to FSR and DLSS and 2) if the Xbox Series X|S will actually be able to use it with the hardware-level Machine Learning capabilities (so far only AutoHDR uses it)
Re: Poll: Will You Be Buying The Star Wars: Battlefront 'Classic Collection'?
Too many “high priority” games in the pipeline to worry with this.
Plus…I hate multiplayer
Re: Fable Reboot Gets New Co-Developer To Work Alongside Playground Games
I'm really looking forward to it. I liked the trailer, even if it only teased a few gameplay sequences (albeit with no HUD).
I only played the original Fable and I don't know if I ever finished it (too long ago to remember). I guess I don't know what a "Fable game" should be.
Re: Talking Point: Will Certain PlayStation & Nintendo Games Eventually Come To Xbox?
The only "two-way street" I see with Sony and Nintendo is the money Microsoft gets from game sales on those platforms (which is really all a company cares about anyways).
Re: Final Fantasy XIV Online Is Going Down A Treat On Xbox Series X|S So Far
I want to try this, but unfortunately I created a character a long time ago to try the game and it seems like I am completely locked out now despite never actually doing much of anything at all.
It looks like I would have to create a whole new Square Enix account in order to try (despite the fact I unlinked my FFXI/FFXIV account from my main SE account).
Honestly, the way SE handles it's account systems is a little strange.
EDIT: So I created a new Final Fantasy XIV account with a different e-mail address. Why Square Enix has basically 2 different accounts is weird (one for the overall website and one specifically for Final Fantasy Online). Whatever...as long as I can still link the FF14 account to my main Square Enix Member account, I don't care.
Re: Obsidian Blasted By Xbox Fans For 'Prioritising' PS5 & Switch Versions Of Pentiment
"Xbox version in the back. No physical when it came to Xbox, but now when it is on PS5 it has a physical release. Give me a break, we are the most abused fan base"
Probably because Limited Run would have lost money on an Xbox-only physical release of the game. The PS5 and Switch are where a physical release will actually matter (actually, more the Switch).
I am sure this physical release was more about Limited Run seeing an opportunity rather than Microsoft campaigning for it (Microsoft would have been totally fine making this digital-only). So, Limited Run will prioritize the version that will make the most money for Limited Run.
@supercalifragilistic The entire game needs to have a green tint and the games artwork needs to have Xbox logos on everything! If they want to play the version that doesn't have all the branding, they need to buy an Xbox. 🤣
Re: Xbox Fans Share Their Disappointment As Two New Games Skip The Platform
@themightyant "Regardless, as you said, if anyone can do it Microsoft can but I doubt it’s going to be as straightforward as you make out."
You probably right about that. But I do think somehow transitioning to full-on PC is the future of Xbox as it's something that plays into Microsoft's strengths - especially with developers simply abandoning dedicated Xbox console versions of games.
It still seems odd to me that it happens. I mean, the whole original concept for Xbox was to make porting a PC version easy. Heck, switching to an x86 architecture should have made that even simpler!
The PC versions will already have Series X controller integration and button prompts because it's like the defacto gamepad for Windows. The games already utilize DirectX. 3D Audio work is already done because Windows supports Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X.
From an outsider's point of view looking in, most of the Xbox "work" is already done when a PC version is made. The only thing that needs to get "nailed down" are the graphical settings which is kind of also already done because of the PS5 version.
But, I am sure there is a bunch of other formalities and behind the scenes things that need to get done due to it being a closed system that are the hang-ups to make the Xbox "not worth" investing in right away (or at all).
Re: Banishers: Ghosts Of New Eden Is Getting Amazing Feedback From Xbox Fans
@jesse_dylan Tell Me Why was also Don't Nod
Re: Xbox Fans Share Their Disappointment As Two New Games Skip The Platform
@themightyant "If they break away from their custom AMD architecture and Xbox SDKs they will have to do the virtual machine type of BC again, this time for a much larger library, we'd likely see an even smaller percentage of games actually work."
Except...they wouldn't because they would use the PC version of the game. They don't need to use the X1 version or the Xbox Series X version and in many cases they don't need the X360 or OG version either. I understand using the PC-version essentially "kills" the console version, but it's still access to the actual game.
For X360 and OG Xbox they can use the PC versions of games where PC versions are available. There is no "Backwards Compatibilty" anymore - it's native PC code.
Look at Game Pass PC and look at the old games that are on there from the OG Xbox/X360 era: Morrowind, Oblivion, Psychonauts, Fallout 3.
Microsoft only need the Virtual Machine BC for games that don't have PC versions (Rare Replay, Blue Dragon, etc.).
The rest would be more about securing games that aren't on the Microsoft Store but may be found on things like Steam or GOG (Knights of the Old Republic, Sonic Generations, etc). OR simply working with Valve, Epic, CDPR to integrate with their services and transfer the console-license to owned games over to their repository (like when Bethesda moved all their games to Steam after the Bethesda launcher shutdown).
Save integration will be an issue, but there are a ton of games during the X1 and Series X era that support Play Anywhere/Smart Delivery, so really X360/OG eras are the areas of highest concern - especially for those who may have hundreds of hours in the X360 version of some games.
My Surface Book 2 with Nvidia 1060 can run pretty much any game from X1 and older. Series X|S class hardware could run everything the Microsoft Store has to offer (even if it's only at "console settings"). Any future Xbox "console" would have zero issues running any PC version of a Series X|S game and below.
So, again, regardless if Microsoft changes hardware manufacturers, using the PC versions means it doesn't matter what hardware Microsoft uses. The only part that requires modification is the Virtual Machine part for non-PC games.
Re: Xbox Fans Share Their Disappointment As Two New Games Skip The Platform
@themightyant But that's work that would have to happen with a closed ecosystem anyways. So why not go ahead and do the headache now for PC so you never have to worry about it ever again?
The backwards compatibility on Xbox is nothing more than a Virtual Machine that also taps into the console hardware. For those games that don't have a PC-version, then make the Virtual Machine work in Windows that is relatively hardware agnostic (or just make it work with the Xbox "console" hardware). I feel like "Cloud-only" solutions for that would be met with backlash.
My whole thing is, if hobbyists making emulators can do it, a corporation who can pay people who have official access to proprietary technical details as part of their job can certainly do it too!
Time will tell, and it probably will be a slow transition. But the best platform for backwards compatibility is the PC.
So, if you really want to commit to game preservation than move to a platform where old games are still very playable without the need for making special backwards compatibility applications (but may need a small patch to address obsolete/unsupported technology).
Re: Palworld Hits Ridiculous Player Milestone In Just One Month On Xbox & PC
I mean, I guess I am not surprised since it's basically the Pokemon game for original Pokemon fans who grew up.
Yes, I am aware this has more in common with something like Ark in terms of gameplay than Pokemon.
What I mean is an open world game with roaming anime animals that fight with you that also runs on more powerful hardware. I know the recent Pokemon games tried this open-world approach, but from my understanding were poorly optimized and didn't live up to expectations (not a Pokemon fan, so I don't know)
Re: Banishers: Ghosts Of New Eden Is Getting Amazing Feedback From Xbox Fans
@jesse_dylan Good to know! I maybe have to give it a look, then.
Re: Xbox Cloud Gaming Now Accounts For At Least 10% Of Overall Xbox Playtime
@Krydle I have streamed using my Surface Book 2 (United States here with 300Mbps Verizon Fios) and I haven't had any issues. I am using a wireless connection.
I have tried a couple of games on my Series X using Cloud (so I didn't have to wait for download). It's a wired connection and it ran fine.
Image quality wasn't pristine just due to the nature of streaming, but there wasn't any input lag.
Re: Xbox Fans Share Their Disappointment As Two New Games Skip The Platform
@themightyant If anyone can make it happen, it's Microsoft.
I mean, I wouldn't care if Microsoft abandons it all together, but I know some people would lose their minds if they suddenly lost access to games like Blue Dragon or Lost Odyssey. I think many of the available Xbox 360/OG Xbox games have a PC-release of some kind, though. I think all X1/XS have PC versions so it would be more about pulling those games into the Microsoft Store (or partnering with Steam) to have them available and relying on official Emulation (or the Cloud) for those games that don't have PC versions.
I never said it was "trivial" just that Microsoft should figure it out. I am sure it would be a ton of work. But probably no more work than engineering a new closed console with "custom" parts from...whoever. New SDKs. Porting/creating the UI to new system. etc. etc.
Going forward however, it will make things a lot easier as Microsoft only needs to work on hardware refreshes as the "console" spec gets outdated. R&D costs drop significantly.
Plus, I am sure developers would be happy to not have yet another closed-console system to deal with. Live service games won't need a whole new version to create when a new console comes out.
Consumers will be happy because the need to "upgrade" will be more about personal tolerable performance thresholds the "old console" can handle - and if they are only playing Fornite, Warzone, Valorent, etc., then they probably won't upgrade at all as those games stay pretty static in terms of technical requirements.
The biggest key though is to make it feel like a seamless transition for users, but an entire backend shift that benefits Microsoft and developers.
Re: Poll: Will You Be Playing Any Of Xbox's New Multiplatform Games On Other Consoles?
I don't care that these games are coming to other platforms; but since I get Game Pass Ultimate for free, I don't see a need to buy them elsewhere.
Re: Xbox Fans Share Their Disappointment As Two New Games Skip The Platform
All the more reason Microsoft needs to figure out how to make the next Xbox be a PC rather than a closed system.
Here is what Microsoft needs to do:
1) Create a special Windows-based frontend for the console (just so people don't need keyboard/mouse to navigate).
2) Get the backwards compatibility working on PC (even if it's only available on the PC-based frontend)
3) Give developers the specific hardware specifications of their Xbox console for developers to test their PC versions of games
4) Figure out how to transfer all console libraries over to PC - whether through official X360/OG Xbox emulation or through actual PC-versions of available games.
Since developers already make PC-versions of games, all Microsoft needs to do is have developers test their PC code against the specific hardware. Remove the need for special licensing and devkits. No more "closed" APIs required to "port" to the Xbox.
If developers don't feel it's "worth it" to make a specific Xbox port, then remove the specific Xbox port and go to the developers on the PC side!
Oh and also add Steam integration with the side-effect that it can play Sony PC games - brute-force "cross platform" (though I am sure Sony would probably bully Valve into blocking its games from this special PC-based Xbox if this was possible).
Microsoft may not be able to "out console" Sony, but it can certainly "out PC" Sony.
Re: Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree Launches This June On Xbox
Can't wait!
I need to brush up on how to play the game and how my character works! It's been quite a while since I even had Elden Ring installed.
Re: Banishers: Ghosts Of New Eden Is Getting Amazing Feedback From Xbox Fans
Can't say I have enjoyed DONT NOD output as most of their games target a certain demographic that I am not a part of (angsty 20-somethings) and I have zero connection to their stories, but glad this is resonating with people!
Re: Xbox Talks Game Preservation, Says Players Should Be 'Confident' Building Digital Libraries
@abe_hikura Being able to access the console library on PC would be a massive relief for Microsoft as it no longer has to make a "closed" console either.
That problem with developers not porting to Xbox because it doesn't sell enough? Gone because the Xbox can become a custom-frontend gaming PC and developers seem to always have a PC version.
Re: Reaction: Xbox's Commitment To Console Gaming Is Pleasing, But Big Questions Linger
Honestly, I see the vagueness more of a CYA (cover your [expletive]) thing.
The thing is, when something lives on the internet, it's never forgotten. In this day and age where people comb through everything someone says over the course of history, you have to be extremely careful with what you say.
If plans/gaming landscapes change 4, 5, 10 years down the line, chances are someone will dig up a particular broadcast and say "BUT, BUT, BUT YOU SAID [X, Y, Z]! YOU LIED TO US!"
So I fully get being "non-committal" in wording, even if it doesn't exactly put anyone at ease.
Re: Alan Wake 2 Is Remedy's Fastest-Selling Game, Now An 'Established Franchise'
@Kaloudz What do you mean "crossovers?"
Max Payne is locked behind Rockstar and I don't see it letting go of the IP.
Quantum Break is locked behind Microsoft. Remedy managed to get Alan Wake from Microsoft, so I guess there is precedent there to get that back.
But I would say Control and Alan Wake 2 already have "crossover". The AWE DLC for Control had Alan Wake. Alan Wake 2 has the FBC, Ahti, references to Jesse Faden.
Re: Xbox Talks Game Preservation, Says Players Should Be 'Confident' Building Digital Libraries
It would be pretty awesome with Microsoft could get official Xbox 360/OG Xbox emulation for PC - even if it's only for those games that current Xbox supports.
Re: Phil Spencer 'Gets' Why Helldivers 2 Isn't On Xbox, But Still Thinks It's Silly
@Fiendish-Beaver Oh I completely agree. Heck, Sony is already being complacent being in its ivory tower! How many Remasters/Director's Cuts has Sony put out on PS5 vs. how many new games has it put out?
Sony has almost resold the entire PS4 exclusive catalog as PS5 games:
Spider-Man Remastered
Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut
Uncharted 4: Legacy of Thieves Collection
Death Stranding Director's Cut
The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered
Then we have remakes:
Demons' Souls
The Last of Us Part 1
I am shocked God of War, Days Gone, and Horizon Zero Dawn haven't had the Remastered treatment, yet!
Microsoft hasn't done a Remaster or Director's Cut since...what...Gears of War Anniversary Edition? Microsoft has been putting out actual new games - whether the games have resonated with the masses is another story.
It is curious that, for all the bashing fanboys do on Microsoft games, they certainly showed a lot of interest in Microsoft games when the thought of Microsoft going full third-party was in the rumor mill. Kind of sad, really, that a game is trash when it's not on your plastic box.
I don't see Microsoft leaving the console space though. I see it being conservative with manufacturing and sales numbers, but I don't see it leaving entirely. Sony needs a competitor more than anyone. I would hope that if Microsoft did leave, someone else enters the ring.
Nintendo is too much of a complimentary console rather than competition.
Re: Phil Spencer 'Gets' Why Helldivers 2 Isn't On Xbox, But Still Thinks It's Silly
@Fiendish-Beaver It probably is where Microsoft is heading.
Honestly, so what? You will still get to play Microsoft games if you like them. In fact, you'll get the best of both worlds by having both the Xbox games you love and Sony's first-party and third-party exclusive output.
Plus, if you are a multi-console gamer like myself, it's one less box to buy.
The only thing I don't want is an unchecked Sony. While I enjoyed the games Sony manages to make/secure, I don't like business aspect of it at all. Sony has zero issue bending its customers over a barrel to make a buck.
Not saying Microsoft doesn't do things for the sake of making money, but at least making that money comes with some kind of consumer-friendly benefit. Sony will just charge more and say "current market climate".
Re: Xbox's Next Console Will Feature The 'Largest Technical Leap Ever' In A Generation
@carlos82 I mean, consoles essentially hold PC gaming back. The PS5 is the lead platform, so most developers use that as their base and then scale up from there.
It'll be interesting to see what happens. Microsoft is in a position where it can really push hardware further than Sony can at a bigger loss (since Microsoft essentially prints money for existing) and hopefully make it back in software sales and Microsoft just being Microsoft.
No doubt I am sure developers would love a closer match to mainstream PC specs, but if Sony still takes a commanding lead, developers will still target that system.
Microsoft needs to make a bold move with the next system. If it could make it more of a PC-space (where it can run not only Microsoft Store games but also Steam, GOG, Epic, etc) and still support previous generation games, that would be a huge advantage! It could then run both Xbox exclusives AND Sony games (unless Sony somehow tells Steam that Nextbox is blocked from being allowed to download their games).
But it would be a pretty funny loophole to essentially get the competition's games on your console if they won't do it themselves. 🤣
Re: Game Pass Hits 34 Million Subs, Service Will Remain Exclusive To Xbox
@Banjo- Console holders said no because it can cut into their sales cut. I believe Microsoft already tried.
Heck, Sony is so guarded against Microsoft, it wouldn't even allow Minecraft Bedrock for a long time because it required that people signed into a Microsoft accounts to connect to servers (despite not caring that other games from other publishers also have account models attached: Ubisoft, Square Enix, etc.).
Microsoft and Sony finally worked it out, but the onus was on Sony for that one.
Re: Phil Spencer 'Gets' Why Helldivers 2 Isn't On Xbox, But Still Thinks It's Silly
@Fiendish-Beaver Software sales earn a bigger profit than hardware sales.
While it doesn't exactly push Xbox consoles if there is no incentive to get one over the leading platform, it does put money into Xbox Game Studios and makes that division profitable for Microsoft and therefore keeps the division alive and the developers funded.
Ultimately, that's what matters in the long run.
Re: Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night Is Available Today With Xbox Game Pass (February 14)
@Mreeezie Yes. It's been about a year or so since, though.
Re: Xbox Reportedly Has 'No Plans' To Stop Making Consoles
@themightyant I believe John Linneman did a little bit of a dive into SEGA and why it got itself in dire straights.
It was actually SEGA of America that was recklessly spending money that really hurt things for the company.
Re: Ubisoft CEO Questioned About Xbox Potentially 'Going Multi-Platform'
@Widey85 "We" was more a generalization of the gaming community in general - not necessarily anyone specific or directed at the people in the comment section (thought some have gone full-on "Doom & Gloom").
"We" would include the "talking heads" as well.
Re: Ubisoft CEO Questioned About Xbox Potentially 'Going Multi-Platform'
@Krzzystuff I have no doubt some of what has been "leaked" is probably true.
But the people freaking out about how Microsoft needs to not wait and needs to say something now because...speculation...need to take a look at themselves first and realize that it's not Microsoft's fault people are going overboard, it's the people going overboard own fault!
Microsoft will get the message out when it's ready. Microsoft said next week. So, wait until next week. Enough said!
That's no different than demanding the fire company show up sooner to save your house because you set it on fire when you saw a spider and speculated your walls were infested.
Re: Ubisoft CEO Questioned About Xbox Potentially 'Going Multi-Platform'
How about instead of demanding we hear about Microsoft's plan sooner rather than later, people just...oh I don't know...be patient and stop speculating?!
Are we that self-centered as a people that we blame Microsoft for not putting out the fire when we are the ones who started it?
Re: God Of War Creator Suggests New Exclusive Strategy Could Be 'Desirable' For Xbox
@InterceptorAlpha Unfortunately, that will lead to a monopoly in the "premium console" market that I am not exactly sure will spell out good things for the consumer.
When Atari left the market, there was still equal competition between more than one console maker. When Sega left the market, there was still equal competition between more than one console maker.
Nintendo has carved itself as both a primary and additional console maker in many gamers eyes (i.e. most people will buy a Switch as well as a PlayStation and/or Xbox). If Microsoft bows out completely, there is no "equal competition between more than one console maker."
As much as PlayStation fans beat their chest about being the dominant "winner", Sony still has to put its best foot forward to maintain that dominance. If it has no one to really put it in check, why even bother spending millions to get bigger millions?
Re: Talking Point: Halo 3 Fans Debate Whether An 'Anniversary' Remaster Is Necessary
@themightyant My whole issue is that if the game can still be played on the platform, a remaster isn't necessary.
Sony has been notorious for this with all the "Director's Cuts" and "Remasters" of PS4 games - Sony has literally resold almost it's entire PS4 exclusive catalog back to people as PS5 games. Sure, it's optional, but I feel it wastes resources for new games - plus, it's the mentality of maximum profit with minimal effort that also bothers me.
Nintendo did a lot of "Deluxe" games on Switch, but the Wii U was a total flop - and for that reason only, I will give them a pass as I am sure Nintendo just wanted to recoup some costs of developing those games that didn't sell well due to the Wii U's paltry userbase.
Halo MCC is perfectly playable on Xbox Series consoles.
I guess there isn't necessarily anything wrong with doing the "Anniversary Edition" update to Halo 3 like Microsoft did with H1/H2 as an add-on to Halo MCC, I just don't want to see this slippery slope of remasters when the resolution boost, FPS Boost, and AutoHDR improvements already exist via backwards compatibility.
Re: Talking Point: Halo 3 Fans Debate Whether An 'Anniversary' Remaster Is Necessary
Microsoft has avoided the "Remaster" train for a while now - and I find it refreshing.
I know we had Gears of War Ultimate, Fable Anniversary Edition, and the Anniversary Editions of Halo/Halo 2, but that is about all that really comes to mind from Microsoft's front.
I consider all the effort Microsoft put in the backwards compatibility program to be Microsoft' way of "remastering" older titles.
Newer Microsoft games may not be resonating with people like Nintendo and Sony titles, but at least Microsoft is trying to put out new titles rather than recycle old games with a new coat of paint.
Re: The FTC Is Concerned About Xbox's Recent Batch Of Employee Layoffs
On one hand, if Microsoft did present to governing bodies that ABK would operate independently, this doesn't exactly bode well for Microsoft.
On the other hand, the FTC never really gave Microsoft its blessing, so whatever Microsoft presented to them is kind of moot anyways as it was essentially "rejected" by the FTC.
I don't see other regulatory bodies crying foul, though.
Plus, I would think that if Microsoft actually said "ABK would be entirely independent", then I am pretty sure Microsoft wouldn't have had such a huge fight to begin with regarding the acquisition.
Then again, it's possible that the reason ABK wanted to be bought was because it was crumbling under its own weight and the 1900 layoffs would have been an inevitability (and potentially could have been even bigger under an independent ABK).
Re: Starfield's Next Update Adds A Major New 'Upscaling' Feature For PC Players
@Shushibda I guess if you consider Xbox just a console rather than Microsoft’s gaming division/ecosystem, then it doesn’t.
Re: Xbox Indie Developer Shares His Concerns Following This Week's Rumours
@Lightning720 Doom & Gloom is the way of the world!
How many times has Nintendo been doomed only to have the third best-selling console in history?
I think it's just a mindset thing. People are still hyper focused to that single plastic box being the be-all, end all, and Microsoft is not.
Maybe that does kill the dedicated console. Maybe it doesn't. Maybe you will have to get a PS6 next generation. It's not as if Forza, Halo, Gears, etc. just suddenly go away.
Sega didn't suddenly go away after it stopped making hardware.
Maybe Microsoft leaving the console market will make room for someone else to throw their hat in the ring - especially if Sony really rakes people over the coals with no one to keep it in check in the premium console market.
Maybe having a three-way split in the console market is just too much for the gaming industry to handle.
I think Microsoft will still make some kind of home console going forward, I just think it will play PC versions of games instead of making it a "closed" system and Microsoft will figure out a way to transfer everyone's console digital libraries to PC.
Re: These Eight Games Are Coming To Xbox Game Pass (February 6-20)
@Mreeezie I wonder if this has something to do with PC Game Pass.
In order for PC games to be available on PC Game Pass, they have to use the GDK. That is probably taking time.
Sure, one could just say "Well just release the console versions and worry about PC/Cloud later", but it's a "damned if you, damned if you don't" situation as the PC crowd will be screaming "WHERE'S PC?!" if Microsoft did that.
Re: Avowed Team Already 'Actively Working' On Improving First-Person Combat
Other than the AI being a little dumb, I didn't really see anything wrong with the combat. It doesn't seem to be any different from any other fantasy-based first-person game I have seen/played - at least according to the deep-dive video that came after the Dev_Direct.
Re: Alan Wake 2's Latest Xbox Update 'Makes Life Easier' For Achievement Hunters
@Fenbops Bummer.
Re: Phil Spencer Addresses Xbox Speculation Ahead Of 'Business Update Event'
Meh, whatever the news I will still keep my Series X because I like the machine (plus I have Game Pass until at least next year).
I'm not going to suddenly switch to my PS5 and call my Series X "pointless".
Re: A New 'Steamboat Willie' Game Just Quietly Dropped On The Xbox Store
@RicebinBernacky I'm not talking about Steamboat Willie, I am aware of it hitting public domain. There are other characters used as well - like Betty Boop which only certain iterations are in public domain and others are not.
If you watch the trailer, there are a ton of characters in there that make you scratch your head as the developer is definitely skirting a line.
Re: A New 'Steamboat Willie' Game Just Quietly Dropped On The Xbox Store
This looks terrible...and also...highly questionable in terms of legality. I'm guessing all the characters used are in public domain now?
Re: Xbox's Avowed Is 'More Focused' Than Skyrim, Despite Comparisons To Bethesda RPG
@OldGamer999 I think that's about close to my gaming habits last year.
I had only like 55 hours on PS5.
I have a couple hundred hours on Switch thanks mostly to TotK, Mario Wonder, Metroid Prime Remastered, and Super Mario RPG
I think I got about 300+ hours on Xbox maybe but that's because it's my primary third-party machine. I know I saw a count somewhere, but I don't remember.
2024 is looking to be more PS5/Xbox heavy with plenty of third-party and first-party games coming this year for both systems - Avowed being one of those games.
Switch is taking a bit of a backseat - though I did get Octopath Traveler II for Switch for Christmas and I will get the Princess Peach game to play with my daughter. I'll also get Luigi's Mansion 2 as I didn't play the 3DS version.