@nomither6 I couldn’t disagree with you more. 343 hasn’t handled Halo well over these last 10 or so years. Despite the major improvements to Infinite there are still system level decisions which are not player friendly. That said Infinite is a great time.
Handing over Halo to the company Bungie are now would be a death knell to the franchise. I believe the current leadership and team in place at 343 care far more for Halo than current Bungie would.
@clvr you mean as a campaign or a multiplayer experience?
I don’t generally enjoy FPS campaigns though. I played Halo’s back in the day but now I wouldn’t dream of it. Massive levels with bits to do here and there. I can see how that wouldn’t appeal to fans of any of those games you listed. I’ve not played Doom 93 but have played the rest of those games back in the day.
Halo multiplayer however generally holds up because of the quirks each entry has. I generally stick with the latest Halo for the population and modern touches.
@Kaloudz PvP! PvP! PvP! Haha, but no seriously. Infinite despite it's flaws was a story that really had me feeling for Chief. It's been a while since I played Infinite's campaign but the lasting feeling was Infinite has you "become Chief". He's not just a walking tank, he's a person.
Also, I felt this was a course correction from 343 and response to the community. Reading too much into the dialogue;
"The missions change. They always do."
“We all fail. We all make mistakes. It’s what makes us human.”
Multiplayer is a decent place right. I hope this writing continues into whatever the story goes next.
Playing some Tribes of Midgard this weekend with my wife. Interesting game almost quit as we couldn’t work it out but then it clicked and we played for 3 hrs.
I might get some Halo in but I’ve been trying to be a bit more sociable.
Microsoft is so weird about its franchises. They're more than happy to push Master Chief or "Gears of Wars person" (excuse my ignorance!) on "we're all here" marketing ad but they don't shout about the games.
Maybe it's because of the arrangements they have with certain studios? I feel Forza gets more marketing than say Halo or Gears. Although Gears hasn't had much going on for a while but Infinite should be getting shouted about by Microsoft.
Expanding on what I meant. It's smart in that it removes having the need to do a payment handshake via the Xbox Game Pass app thus reducing a dependency but shady in that you could in theory download anything and not have the rights to play it until you pay for it on your Xbox/PC.
@Kaloudz not sure. I just saw the YouTuber HaloFollower talk about it yesterday. The rumor was that Kiln might shadow drop January February. Certain Affinity might put out a standalone Halo multiplayer title in September.
Of course this was under the guise of “just for fun” so it’s not likely anything will come of it.
Lightyear Frontier is one I’m looking forward to. I like the idea of mech farming. I’m actually far more interested in piloting a modifiable mech for non-combat than the farming side of things.
I love that it’s coop too.
We’ve seen some gameplay footage but I hope the game loop is something I actually want to play.
@JoakimZ that’s a shame to hear about D2. I know the Divinity series is a bit rough as they didn’t have BG3 money but that doesn’t excuse sexism.
My wife and I played through a bit of Original Sin but I think we hit a grand breaking bug. Neither of us are typically into turn based strategy. We’re giving BG3 a try but haven’t played in over a week because of the holidays.
But much really. Probably a bit of Halo but aside from that I’ll mainly be playing Final Fantasy Tactics Advance on my new blue Analogue Pocket. I know! I’m as surprised as you are! I wasn’t always a just Halo guy. I’ve always loved the world of “classic” FF games before they took on more modern settings. After this I’m going to check out FF IV.
Other than that my wife is playing Army of Ruin. It’s a surviors-like. We’re not finding it as fair as Vampire Survivors though. Not sure it’ll get completed 100% like VS.
While I didn’t enjoy playing Hi-Fi Rush because I’m terrible at rhythm based games I loved the world they created. The game felt fresh Abe is a new IP which I hope we see more of.
Bounced off or didn’t try most first party titles this year. As I’ve said elsewhere 343 salvaging Halo Infinite has been the story of the year for me. Game Pass has been decent too.
We’ve got a full house here for Christmas so mostly “phone party games” like Jackbox, What the Dub and Use Your Words. Possibly some Smash Ultimate, Make Way and Vampire Survivors.
Maybe I might sneak a little Halo in but unlikely.
I don’t really use it myself. I wish that was an option in the poll.
I’ve used it in some indie games but for online multiplayer line Halo is not worth it. Infinite back at launch wasn’t a good fit for the feature which felt like a missed opportunity.
Balder’s Gate 3 is becoming a bit of a drag at the moment. We’re still fairly early on. I’m not sure if it’s because we’re doing too many side quests which we’re underleveled for or if our least level up wasn’t all that exciting or the loot isn't very forthcoming but yea. We need something to pop to keep our interesting going.
Other than that I’ve been playing Halo Infinite. A bit of Quick Play and Husky Raid. Firefight when I have a bit more time.
This game is a critical miss in so many areas. You hear about how there are 1000+ bug fixes in each one of the patches that come out on other platforms and then you wonder how it made so many people’s and critics game of the year.
Then you play it and it works then you realize why. Had a great split screen session last night with my wife. It was a great time.
Comments 1,022
Re: These 20+ Games Are Coming To Xbox Next Week (January 22-26)
I’m looking forward to giving Go Mecha Ball a try.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (January 20-21)
Actually I have nothing this weekend. I might play some Halo if I have the time.
Re: 343 Industries Reveals Multiple New Features Coming To Halo Infinite In 2024
@nomither6 I couldn’t disagree with you more. 343 hasn’t handled Halo well over these last 10 or so years. Despite the major improvements to Infinite there are still system level decisions which are not player friendly. That said Infinite is a great time.
Handing over Halo to the company Bungie are now would be a death knell to the franchise. I believe the current leadership and team in place at 343 care far more for Halo than current Bungie would.
Re: Poll: How Would You Grade The Xbox Developer Direct 2024?
I chucked in a B because I thought everything was presented well but there’s nothing I’m looking forward to. Great effort!
Re: After Nearly 10 Years Of Support, Rock Band 4 DLC Is Coming To An End
I think I’ll join the rest of this comment section in saying “it’s really been supported this long?”
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Hoping To See Over The Next Year From Xbox?
Looking forward to seeing Halo Infinite continue to be the best way to play modern Halo.
Also would like to see where Halo as a franchise goes next. If the rumours are true of course.
Re: Talking Point: 10 Years Later, What Do You Think Of 'The Master Chief Collection' In 2024?
@clvr you mean as a campaign or a multiplayer experience?
I don’t generally enjoy FPS campaigns though. I played Halo’s back in the day but now I wouldn’t dream of it. Massive levels with bits to do here and there. I can see how that wouldn’t appeal to fans of any of those games you listed. I’ve not played Doom 93 but have played the rest of those games back in the day.
Halo multiplayer however generally holds up because of the quirks each entry has. I generally stick with the latest Halo for the population and modern touches.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (January 13-14)
Still playing Tribes of Midgard with my wife. We beat the ancient Fenrir last night and are doing some leveling & exploration before the next ancient.
Re: Poll: How Often Do You Buy DLC Packs & Expansions For Your Games?
Rarely! Usually my DLC comes in the form of deluxe editions or digital deluxe upgrades.
Re: Former 343 Employee Hints At 'Unannounced' New Halo Project
@SacredPYRO you need more Slutz in your friend circle?
Re: Former 343 Employee Hints At 'Unannounced' New Halo Project
@Kaloudz PvP! PvP! PvP! Haha, but no seriously. Infinite despite it's flaws was a story that really had me feeling for Chief. It's been a while since I played Infinite's campaign but the lasting feeling was Infinite has you "become Chief". He's not just a walking tank, he's a person.
Also, I felt this was a course correction from 343 and response to the community. Reading too much into the dialogue;
"The missions change. They always do."
“We all fail. We all make mistakes. It’s what makes us human.”
Multiplayer is a decent place right. I hope this writing continues into whatever the story goes next.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (January 6-7)
Playing some Tribes of Midgard this weekend with my wife. Interesting game almost quit as we couldn’t work it out but then it clicked and we played for 3 hrs.
I might get some Halo in but I’ve been trying to be a bit more sociable.
Re: Talking Point: Has Xbox Done A Good Job With Gears Of War So Far?
@Nic-Noc20th-C I'd love a Halo Wars Tactics!
Re: Talking Point: Has Xbox Done A Good Job With Gears Of War So Far?
Microsoft is so weird about its franchises. They're more than happy to push Master Chief or "Gears of Wars person" (excuse my ignorance!) on "we're all here" marketing ad but they don't shout about the games.
Maybe it's because of the arrangements they have with certain studios? I feel Forza gets more marketing than say Halo or Gears. Although Gears hasn't had much going on for a while but Infinite should be getting shouted about by Microsoft.
Okay you got me this was a stealth Halo comment.
Re: Xbox Is Still Teasing These Two Baldur's Gate Classics For Game Pass
@iplaygamesnstuff I kinda get it but yea.
Expanding on what I meant. It's smart in that it removes having the need to do a payment handshake via the Xbox Game Pass app thus reducing a dependency but shady in that you could in theory download anything and not have the rights to play it until you pay for it on your Xbox/PC.
Re: Xbox Is Still Teasing These Two Baldur's Gate Classics For Game Pass
@iplaygamesnstuff thanks for the clarification! That seems smart and shady at the same time.
Re: Xbox Is Still Teasing These Two Baldur's Gate Classics For Game Pass
It gives me the “install to” option so I guess they’re available now?
Re: Talking Point: What Has Your Experience Been Like With Refunds On Xbox?
I don’t buy too much but if I rarely do want a refund I’ve not been able to get one. So not the best of experience.
Re: Xbox Studio Double Fine Teases 'Cool Things In Store' Ahead Of 25th Anniversary
@Kaloudz not sure. I just saw the YouTuber HaloFollower talk about it yesterday. The rumor was that Kiln might shadow drop January February. Certain Affinity might put out a standalone Halo multiplayer title in September.
Of course this was under the guise of “just for fun” so it’s not likely anything will come of it.
Re: Xbox Studio Double Fine Teases 'Cool Things In Store' Ahead Of 25th Anniversary
@Kaloudz is that the Klobrille leak?
Re: Xbox Game Pass: All Games Coming Soon In January 2024
Go Mecha Ball!
Re: New Xbox Games Release Dates In 2024
Lightyear Frontier is one I’m looking forward to. I like the idea of mech farming. I’m actually far more interested in piloting a modifiable mech for non-combat than the farming side of things.
I love that it’s coop too.
We’ve seen some gameplay footage but I hope the game loop is something I actually want to play.
Re: Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, folks!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (December 30-31)
@JoakimZ that’s a shame to hear about D2. I know the Divinity series is a bit rough as they didn’t have BG3 money but that doesn’t excuse sexism.
My wife and I played through a bit of Original Sin but I think we hit a grand breaking bug. Neither of us are typically into turn based strategy. We’re giving BG3 a try but haven’t played in over a week because of the holidays.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (December 30-31)
But much really. Probably a bit of Halo but aside from that I’ll mainly be playing Final Fantasy Tactics Advance on my new blue Analogue Pocket. I know! I’m as surprised as you are! I wasn’t always a just Halo guy. I’ve always loved the world of “classic” FF games before they took on more modern settings. After this I’m going to check out FF IV.
Other than that my wife is playing Army of Ruin. It’s a surviors-like. We’re not finding it as fair as Vampire Survivors though. Not sure it’ll get completed 100% like VS.
Re: Pick One: Which Is Your Favourite Xbox First-Party Release Of 2023?
While I didn’t enjoy playing Hi-Fi Rush because I’m terrible at rhythm based games I loved the world they created. The game felt fresh Abe is a new IP which I hope we see more of.
Re: In The End, Are You Happy With Xbox's First-Party Lineup For 2023?
@xMightyMatt14x yea, I hope we see a continuation of the story they started in Infinite in some form in future games.
Re: In The End, Are You Happy With Xbox's First-Party Lineup For 2023?
Bounced off or didn’t try most first party titles this year. As I’ve said elsewhere 343 salvaging Halo Infinite has been the story of the year for me. Game Pass has been decent too.
Re: Merry Christmas And Happy Holidays From The Team At Pure Xbox!
In the words of Noddy Holder and Slade: “IT’S CHRIIIIISSSSS-MAAASSSSS!!!”
Happy holidays and a have a great new year, folks!
Re: Two Games Are Confirmed For Xbox Game Pass In January 2024 So Far
@FraserG it’s mad to think GoldenEye 007 came out January. Where did the year go?
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (December 23-24)
We’ve got a full house here for Christmas so mostly “phone party games” like Jackbox, What the Dub and Use Your Words. Possibly some Smash Ultimate, Make Way and Vampire Survivors.
Maybe I might sneak a little Halo in but unlikely.
Re: Talking Point: What Have You Bought In The Xbox Countdown Sale 2023?
Yes, nothing for me. I just bought Make Way today and BG3 before the sales started.
Re: Xbox Notification Suggests GTA 5 Is Leaving Game Pass Very Soon
Just got the notification from the Game Pass app in US.
Re: The Finals Becomes 'Top Free Game' On Xbox Following Impressive Launch
Would love to play this but there's only so much time in the day/week/month. A lot going on before and during Christmas too.
Re: Halo Infinite Winter Contingency III Now Live, Includes Free 20 Tier Event Pass
Yes but that Santa helmet is incredibly well designed. I probably won’t use it but I’m impressed by how it looks.
Re: Soapbox: After The BG3 Saga, I'm Nervous About How Xbox Handles My Save Data
I've not actually had any issues with BG3 yet fortunately but it does make me concerned.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (December 16-17)
@Tasuki WoW is one of those games I wish I could go back and experience for the first time again. I hope he enjoys it.
My wife and I played Retail from the tail end of Burning Crusade to the some point in Cataclysm. Didn’t get to Mists of Pandora.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (December 16-17)
@Tasuki that takes me back. I remember getting a “Clockwork Rocket Bot” from Winter Veil back in the day.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (December 16-17)
@Titntin did you mean Forespoken on the PS5? I thought you meant Forsaken the N64 that got a remaster on last gen consoles.
Either way fair enough to each their own!
Re: Poll: Three Years On, What Do You Think Of Quick Resume For Xbox Series X|S?
I don’t really use it myself. I wish that was an option in the poll.
I’ve used it in some indie games but for online multiplayer line Halo is not worth it. Infinite back at launch wasn’t a good fit for the feature which felt like a missed opportunity.
Re: Lots Of Games Reduced By 90-95% In The Xbox Countdown Sale 2023
A dollar for Anthem and I still feel robbed!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (December 16-17)
Balder’s Gate 3 is becoming a bit of a drag at the moment. We’re still fairly early on. I’m not sure if it’s because we’re doing too many side quests which we’re underleveled for or if our least level up wasn’t all that exciting or the loot isn't very forthcoming but yea. We need something to pop to keep our interesting going.
Other than that I’ve been playing Halo Infinite. A bit of Quick Play and Husky Raid. Firefight when I have a bit more time.
Re: Poll: What Is Your Xbox Game Of The Year For 2023?
Look I know Halo Infinite didn’t come out this year but the return to form for the series has been incredible. It’s my game of the year.
Re: 343 Industries 'Thank You Card' Causes Concern For The Future Of Halo: MCC
@nomither6 we’re either fickle or have no time to play. I know I fit into the first category. I play Infinite now.
Re: Xbox Confirms A Couple More Game Pass Titles To Kick Off 2024
Go Mecha Ball is a big win for me. I’m really looking forward to playing it.
Re: It's That Time Again! Your Xbox 'Year In Review' 2023 Is Now Available
344hrs total in Halo Infinite. I cut back a bit too.
Next up was Sea of Thieves with 155hrs but I don’t play that any more.
746hrs total.
Re: E3 Is Officially Dead, ESA Confirms In New Statement
I appreciate what we had but I'm fine with everyone doing their own thing.
My earliest memory of online video game showcases was trying to watch Spaceworld in the 90s on Real Player or Quicktime.
Re: 343 Industries 'Thank You Card' Causes Concern For The Future Of Halo: MCC
As others have said what more can you do? Short of the impossible which would be adding Halo 5.
The player base is likely not there either. A small dedicated group of people. Nothing compared to Infinite or other FPS games.
Re: Baldur's Gate 3 Gets 18GB Xbox Update, Dev Responds To 'Disappearing Saves' Issue
Fair play to them. I know I've griped about BG3 at bit but I believe in Larian to get whatever's needed fixed.
Re: PSA: Baldur's Gate 3 Has A Worrying Issue With Corrupted Saves On Xbox
This game is a critical miss in so many areas. You hear about how there are 1000+ bug fixes in each one of the patches that come out on other platforms and then you wonder how it made so many people’s and critics game of the year.
Then you play it and it works then you realize why. Had a great split screen session last night with my wife. It was a great time.