@awp69 They're still a priority for us, it's just a case of judging each game on whether we have the staff free at that time, and also on how much attention a certain game's review would get. We have a good few in the works for the coming days and weeks though, so keep an eye out!
@Tharsman I was saying to Fraser earlier, I remember the Xbox One being pushed massively in the UK a year or so after launch. We were getting deals thrown at us, my brother picked up some bundle where you literally got a free windows tablet thrown in 😄 That sort of stuff might have skewed Xbox One in this region.
@Kaloudz Yep, this is a free update for all owners! I believe it worked like: base game owners get TW3 Next-gen base game, then if you own the DLC packs you also get those upgraded, if you don't you have to buy them on top... I think!
@BobCoffee Yep, it should be arriving later today! Devolver said "more details next week" last Tuesday when it was revealed and included in the Game Pass roundup.
@themightyant I heard him mention the system generally but didn't catch any specifics... to be honest I'm tangled up in this interview - it's a goldmine! 😄
@GeeEssEff It's just not realistic to 'give the transcript' - I'd basically be dropping a Phil essay onto the site 😄.
Look, we're just trying to cover as much Xbox-related news as we can, especially when Phil gives us all lots to talk about. Some people want to hear about Starfield, some about Redfall, and some about the general state of Xbox - just trying to cover our bases.
@GeeEssEff Redfall being 30FPS has been the biggest Xbox news story in months, probably since Developer Direct. If Phil went to another source and said to expect an update on Starfield performance, that'd be news, no? People are very interested in this sort of stuff.
@Sebatrox Our apologies on this one! @FraserG is enjoying a much deserved break this week and we've had to put our review focus into Redfall, understandably. Hopefully we'll get some more Game Pass reviews out in the coming weeks 🙏
@clvr "My time did confirm that when Redfall is out on May 2 I'll want to have multiple instances going; a solo playthrough so I can explore corners and read notes to my heart's content, and at least one instance of a co-op game so I can learn more about all the characters" The other quote is 2 vs 4 because I wanted to show that there are differences there too. The video discusses all modes of play!
@Popeye86 I grabbed the FH4 Ultimate edition in the last sale and have played quite a bit on Deck. It's very solid on default settings using the 40Hz lock - a good option for sure!
@Kaloudz Nah, they're more like straight 2D platformers with 2.5D visuals. Think Rayman (visually) but less platforming and more physics-based puzzle solving and you're about there.
@JayJ My overall impression of the controller was good to be honest. The face buttons/dpad are those like super clicky ones similar to a Switch joycon (I think for low latency purposes here), and the sticks and vibration were as standard really - just as good as a normal Xbox pad (it does contain rumble triggers too).
The big downside is the wired aspect yeah. If you'd make use of the wheel module, or maybe you prefer a PlayStation button layout (you can just swap the modules around), I'd recommend it. Otherwise, an Xbox Elite or something like the SCUF Impact would be my choice (I use the impact and it's amazing, but expensive as well).
@Kaloudz We're seeing nothing right now, been looking around on socials etc but can't find any info just yet. I'd assume it goes live later in the day... we're also hoping for a general Game Pass roundup today as well for the back half of March. Playing the waiting game!
@senote Our preview was mostly limited to the 'Beverly Hills' section of the game, but it teased other major areas of LA. Given the preview finished up in Hollywood, I'd expect it to contain plenty of nods to LA's famous landmarks... just don't expect the map to be GTA levels of huge!
@Would_you_kindly Yep, this is a Microsoft first party game so it will be on Game Pass day one. I assume Bethesda just included the actual hardware platforms here!
@Kaloudz The expansions are already out! In fact, the Switch release in 2021 appears to just be the 'Prince Edition', so it looks like that'll be the case on Xbox as well. A GOTY edition of sorts, straight on Game Pass!
@Kaloudz Yeah I would assume both surveys are from small groups of people within those ecosystems. The percentages will then be pulled from those surveys and 'assumed' to represent the larger user base. The CMA does say 40k, the MS numbers weren't disclosed as far as I can see.
@northofthewall Yep, I remember that one being exclusive but it came way before launch from what I remember. I'm willing this one into Xbox existence either way 😄
@northofthewall Why? The pre-release Village demo was on Xbox, and you'd think any PS exclusivity would have been highlighted at State of Play. Capcom has done exclusive demos before but we have no reason to believe this one will be. Hopefully we'll know more soon!
@BrilliantBill Those examples still have 'Call of Duty' in their names though. If a casual player goes to buy Elden Ring it doesn't say Dark Souls anywhere. Very impressive milestone this.
@A01 no controller map from what I can see. Also, I had the feeling the game actually said LB + RB, but now you say it, it could just be my brain reading it that way. You have to squint from a sofa to read the text in this game...
@Kaloudz He was kinda annoying (I mentioned how often he shouts CRISPY CRITTERS for whatever reason 😄) A lot of other reviewers seem to have been more annoyed by him though, I just began ignoring his quips I think. He's just your average gruff dude protagonist to me, not helped by the English voice acting...
Comments 627
Re: Planet Of Lana's First Review Suggests It'll Be A Great Addition To Xbox Game Pass
@awp69 They're still a priority for us, it's just a case of judging each game on whether we have the staff free at that time, and also on how much attention a certain game's review would get.
We have a good few in the works for the coming days and weeks though, so keep an eye out!
Re: It Looks Like PlayStation Exclusive 'Stray' Is Coming To Xbox Soon
@CaptainCluck this is the energy I need today
Re: Xbox Series X|S Reaches 2 Million Sales In UK, Climbs Into Top 10 Fastest-Selling List
@Tharsman I was saying to Fraser earlier, I remember the Xbox One being pushed massively in the UK a year or so after launch. We were getting deals thrown at us, my brother picked up some bundle where you literally got a free windows tablet thrown in 😄
That sort of stuff might have skewed Xbox One in this region.
Re: Call Of Duty 2023 Reveal Reportedly Coming In August, Zombies Mode To Feature At Launch
@Kaloudz Apparently! Although it could be an updated version of Al Mazrah. Let's see I guess...
Re: The Witcher 3 Update 4.03 Continues To Improve Xbox Series X|S Performance
@Kaloudz Yep, this is a free update for all owners! I believe it worked like: base game owners get TW3 Next-gen base game, then if you own the DLC packs you also get those upgraded, if you don't you have to buy them on top... I think!
Re: Report: Activision Blizzard Hires Royal Family-Level Lawyer To Fight UK CMA
@Kaloudz Yep, I actually saw this before but was a wee bit late to the news so I just included it as a drop in here:
https://www.purexbox.com/features/poll-do-you-think-the-xbox-actiblizz-deal-will-still-go-ahead
We're hoping to see the back of said CMA posts soon 😄
Re: Weird West: Definitive Edition Brings Next-Gen Version To Xbox Game Pass Today (May 8)
@BobCoffee Yep, it should be arriving later today! Devolver said "more details next week" last Tuesday when it was revealed and included in the Game Pass roundup.
Re: These 15+ Games Are Coming To Xbox Next Week (May 8-12)
@Lup yep, the existing dlc is coming to Xbox one!
Re: Is Xbox's Phil Spencer Already Playing The New Asus Gaming Handheld?
@themightyant I heard him mention the system generally but didn't catch any specifics... to be honest I'm tangled up in this interview - it's a goldmine! 😄
Re: Is Xbox's Phil Spencer Already Playing The New Asus Gaming Handheld?
@PsBoxSwitchOwner Yep, one more to go 😏
Re: Is Xbox's Phil Spencer Already Playing The New Asus Gaming Handheld?
@Kaloudz Real device yeah, comparable to the Steam Deck sort of thing. We're hoping to go hands on for some impressions on it!
Re: Xbox To Provide Update On Starfield's Frame Rate Ahead Of September Launch
@AlwaysPlaying We'd love to talk to Phil, that's the kind of thing we're gunning for as the site continues to grow. Hopefully one day!
Re: Xbox To Provide Update On Starfield's Frame Rate Ahead Of September Launch
@GeeEssEff It's just not realistic to 'give the transcript' - I'd basically be dropping a Phil essay onto the site 😄.
Look, we're just trying to cover as much Xbox-related news as we can, especially when Phil gives us all lots to talk about. Some people want to hear about Starfield, some about Redfall, and some about the general state of Xbox - just trying to cover our bases.
Re: Xbox To Provide Update On Starfield's Frame Rate Ahead Of September Launch
@GeeEssEff Redfall being 30FPS has been the biggest Xbox news story in months, probably since Developer Direct. If Phil went to another source and said to expect an update on Starfield performance, that'd be news, no? People are very interested in this sort of stuff.
Re: Xbox Game Pass Chiller 'Amnesia: The Bunker' Looks Scary As Hell In New Gameplay Demo
@Kaloudz If 'The Dark Descent' doesn't scare you then... hats off 😅
Re: Phil Spencer Says Xbox 'Needs To Improve' Its Development Process
@Microbius 😄
Re: Xbox Announces Extended Showcase 2023 Featuring 'In-Depth Interviews' & More
@Chaudy the main showcase is at a weekend, Sunday June 11th. This one is the extended show as a follow up on Tuesday June 13th. Both 10am PT!
Re: Striking Action RPG 'Ravenlok' Is Available Today With Xbox Game Pass (May 4)
@Sebatrox Our apologies on this one! @FraserG is enjoying a much deserved break this week and we've had to put our review focus into Redfall, understandably. Hopefully we'll get some more Game Pass reviews out in the coming weeks 🙏
Re: New Xbox Game Pass Ad Reminds Us Of What's Coming In 2023 And Beyond
@Moonglow muahaha you must pick your favourite Game Pass child 😈
Re: Video: Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Xbox Series X Vs. Xbox Series S Comparison
@Nightcrawler71 unfortunately, we didn't get access to the game early enough to play and review it before launch :/
Re: Redfall: Release Date, Release Times & Download Size On Xbox Game Pass
@GamingFan4Lyf Yep! Arkane provided the global time schedule. Enjoy!!
Re: Redfall Final Preview Shows Huge Differences Between Solo And Co-Op Play
@clvr "My time did confirm that when Redfall is out on May 2 I'll want to have multiple instances going; a solo playthrough so I can explore corners and read notes to my heart's content, and at least one instance of a co-op game so I can learn more about all the characters"
The other quote is 2 vs 4 because I wanted to show that there are differences there too. The video discusses all modes of play!
Re: Deals: Xbox Game Studios Hosts Extensive Steam Sale (April 20 - May 4)
@Popeye86 It can easily eat up your Steam Deck playtime! Source: me 😄
Re: Deals: Xbox Game Studios Hosts Extensive Steam Sale (April 20 - May 4)
@Popeye86 I grabbed the FH4 Ultimate edition in the last sale and have played quite a bit on Deck. It's very solid on default settings using the 40Hz lock - a good option for sure!
Re: Xbox Co-Creator Thinks Microsoft 'Really Should' Have Made An Xbox Portable
@Ashadelo We like your thinkin
Re: 'Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy' Is Bringing Some Gorgeous Graphics To Xbox In Summer 2023
@Kaloudz Nah, they're more like straight 2D platformers with 2.5D visuals. Think Rayman (visually) but less platforming and more physics-based puzzle solving and you're about there.
Re: Cyberpunk 2077's 'Overdrive' Ray Tracing Upgrade Looks Incredible, But It's Only On PC For Now
@BrilliantBill 😄 by the time CDPR is done with CP77 there might be a new console out!
Re: Hardware Review: Thrustmaster Forza Horizon 5 ESWAP XR Pro Xbox Controller - A Unique Option For Racing Fans
@JayJ My overall impression of the controller was good to be honest. The face buttons/dpad are those like super clicky ones similar to a Switch joycon (I think for low latency purposes here), and the sticks and vibration were as standard really - just as good as a normal Xbox pad (it does contain rumble triggers too).
The big downside is the wired aspect yeah. If you'd make use of the wheel module, or maybe you prefer a PlayStation button layout (you can just swap the modules around), I'd recommend it. Otherwise, an Xbox Elite or something like the SCUF Impact would be my choice (I use the impact and it's amazing, but expensive as well).
Re: Ni No Kuni 2's Xbox Game Pass Launch Includes All Premium DLC Later This Month
@Kaloudz We're seeing nothing right now, been looking around on socials etc but can't find any info just yet.
I'd assume it goes live later in the day... we're also hoping for a general Game Pass roundup today as well for the back half of March. Playing the waiting game!
Re: Free Play Days: Try These Xbox Games For Free (March 16-19)
@NickramCTID @Guyver I've updated the post as the Anno Twitter account has given us a time. Will be free for a week from 1pm EDT / 5pm GMT today!
Re: PSA: Resident Evil 4's Free Demo Contains Hidden 'Mad Chainsaw Mode'
@Romans12 RE2 + 3 remake had 'assisted' mode as their naming for easy. Hopefully such an option carries over here.
Re: Hands On: Dead Island 2 Is A Fleshy Funride Through Infected LA
@bpomber Sadly not, pure single player for the preview.
Re: Hands On: Dead Island 2 Is A Fleshy Funride Through Infected LA
@senote Our preview was mostly limited to the 'Beverly Hills' section of the game, but it teased other major areas of LA. Given the preview finished up in Hollywood, I'd expect it to contain plenty of nods to LA's famous landmarks... just don't expect the map to be GTA levels of huge!
Re: Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty Looks Shockingly Low-Res On Xbox One S
@Manute This is Xbox ONE S btw, not Series S. Just making sure you're not mixing them up! (Series S looks pretty good here)
Re: Is Free-To-Play FPS 'The Finals' Coming To Xbox Consoles?
@Fishticon not at all (although I think the name is a bit, forgettable maybe)
Re: Starfield's Launch Date Trailer Features Some Sneak Peeks At New Gameplay
@Would_you_kindly Yep, this is a Microsoft first party game so it will be on Game Pass day one. I assume Bethesda just included the actual hardware platforms here!
Re: Ni No Kuni 2's Xbox Game Pass Launch Includes All Premium DLC Later This Month
@Kaloudz The expansions are already out! In fact, the Switch release in 2021 appears to just be the 'Prince Edition', so it looks like that'll be the case on Xbox as well. A GOTY edition of sorts, straight on Game Pass!
Re: Report: Xbox Feels UK CMA Has 'Significantly' Overestimated The Impact Of COD Exclusivity
@Kaloudz Yeah I would assume both surveys are from small groups of people within those ecosystems. The percentages will then be pulled from those surveys and 'assumed' to represent the larger user base. The CMA does say 40k, the MS numbers weren't disclosed as far as I can see.
Re: Here's What Was Revealed At The Paradox Announcement Show 2023
@InNodWeTrust Yep - updated!
Re: Fortnite Is Reportedly Going Full FPS Next Season With New First Person Mode
😄 loving the honesty here guys. I haven't touched the game in years but maybe I'll try the first person mode (or maybe I won't) 😄
Re: Xbox Game Pass Expands To 40 More Countries With PC Preview Program
@ZYDIO @Kaloudz Well, not necessarily because this is just PC Game Pass. Of course, you don't need XBL Gold or anything for online play on PC.
Re: Resident Evil 4 Continues To Look Phenomenal, Free Gameplay Demo 'Coming Soon'
@northofthewall Yep, I remember that one being exclusive but it came way before launch from what I remember. I'm willing this one into Xbox existence either way 😄
Re: Resident Evil 4 Continues To Look Phenomenal, Free Gameplay Demo 'Coming Soon'
@northofthewall Why? The pre-release Village demo was on Xbox, and you'd think any PS exclusivity would have been highlighted at State of Play.
Capcom has done exclusive demos before but we have no reason to believe this one will be. Hopefully we'll know more soon!
Re: Forza Horizon 5 'Rally Adventure' Expansion Leaps Onto Xbox This March
@spoonman2 yep, it's £15 or £13.50 with game pass!
Re: Elden Ring Reaches Incredible Sales Milestone Ahead Of One Year Anniversary
@BrilliantBill Those examples still have 'Call of Duty' in their names though. If a casual player goes to buy Elden Ring it doesn't say Dark Souls anywhere.
Very impressive milestone this.
Re: Report: Resident Evil Creator Shinji Mikami Is Leaving Xbox Studio Tango Gameworks
@KlipKlop Edited the wording slightly, I misjudged that section a little bit. Ty!
Re: How To Use The Scanner In Atomic Heart On Xbox
@A01 no controller map from what I can see.
Also, I had the feeling the game actually said LB + RB, but now you say it, it could just be my brain reading it that way. You have to squint from a sofa to read the text in this game...
Re: Roundup: Here's What The Critics Think Of 'Atomic Heart' On Xbox Game Pass
@Kaloudz Enjoy!
Re: Roundup: Here's What The Critics Think Of 'Atomic Heart' On Xbox Game Pass
@Kaloudz He was kinda annoying (I mentioned how often he shouts CRISPY CRITTERS for whatever reason 😄)
A lot of other reviewers seem to have been more annoyed by him though, I just began ignoring his quips I think. He's just your average gruff dude protagonist to me, not helped by the English voice acting...
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (February 18-19)
@Kaloudz if it goes well this time you're in for a treat! Fantastic series.