While I understand the frustration with his armour and helmet being off so often, particularly in firefights, I don't get the "it must stay permanently on".
It'd seem weird to casual viewers and struggle to build the plot if Chief isn't ever allowed downtime.
And it's not like Chief wouldn't ever take it off - it'd get really smelly in there otherwise!
I enjoyed the first series more than most people did I think, although even I found the scattered storyline a bit annoying - the fight scenes with Chief were awesome though.
This looks like it'll be more focused, and include the fall of Reach and more ODST soldiers, and have a lot more action - so may be very good
@Dround87 I played Fallout 4 with mods so never got a single achievement so I guess I'm not that fussed, but it's a bit annoying given the 1K points Reward requires some Game Pass achievements in addition to the "daily play" ones
Do wish that mods didn't disable achievements (they do in Fallout 4) as I'd love to play Starfield through again with mods that properly flesh out more areas, make all possible companions more reactive (rather than just the main ones) and give you more agency in missions.
I guess I've got the main achievements though so I'd probably give mods that offered those even without them
It's likely just some auto-scan stuff that Microsoft has built into much of their uploads across all their various systems and technology.
It flags "nudity" and that triggers the Xbox system automatically - hopefully Xbox can add a rule to check if it's from games (probably only certain types, I'm guessing some online games where videos could be played in them such as Roblox they might want to scan still?) and ensure the bans aren't triggered...
I doubt it's anything but automated systems overreacting, and it'll likely be handled soon once the Xbox engineers have finished wrestling with the main MS teams
@pinkfoto See I found the humour helped a lot in Outer Worlds, and everything tied together well and most of the time your decisions had an impact.
Unlike Starfield, where I've often found interesting story nuggets finish in dead ends or with you having all rubbish options.
I do see the similarities, and have put similar time into both games - but I think Outer Worlds had a better "reputation" system, a better skill system and just a better held-together storyline and world...
Urgh I can manage the weeklies easily enough but that many daily quests means some months when I'm playing non-Game Pass games I'll miss it due to the achievements required...
Does seem designed to reduce the amount of points they're giving out - I know it's been pretty rewarding so far but it's definitely getting stingier
@MrList Huh? I see the opposite - MS gives me the opportunity to play many games for a small monthly fee.
Sony on the other hand have the most expensive hardware, have looked at £80 games having just put them up to £70 and is considering releasing Spider Man 3 in two parts to maximise revenue and the amount they can charge you
2 to 1 is about the same ratio as last generation - maybe even slightly better.
It may get worse again for a while, but it's not the 9 to 1 horror story that others have pushed based on data from countries that Xbox is traditionally weak in.
So there's hope, if Sony starts to have a few quiet years given their strategy issues and Microsoft make the most of the ABK purchase for example once they can pushing the CoD marketing as hard as Sony used to (and the Game Pass advantage of no up front cost) then maybe it can be pulled back a little more
@themightyant Oh yeah it's definitely a risk, I'm hoping some cloud processing or something might give it an edge over a newer bit of tech.
Just feels like unless something seriously changes in the next few years Xbox really needs to do something different next gen to have any chance - if they released the same Christmas as the PS6 and Sony had no stock issues I suspect it might be a truly horrific start, as Sony now seems to have the cultural cachet of someone like Apple, a kind of aspirational brand annoyingly.
The current price cuts for Xbox in the run up to Christmas may help, now Sony only has Slims it doesn't want to discount, after selling a ton of the old stock (which admittedly will likely have tilted the balance even further than a good Christmas can help)...
Think going a year before Sony on the next gen if they can would help - it did with the 360, as they may be able to have exclusive games that take full advantage of it.
But they'd need to respond to the PS5 Pro first - as otherwise this just looks like a 2-year-late response to the Pro to the average consumer rather than a true "next generation", particularly as Sony will no doubt push the PS6 a bit later as "the start of next gen" or something to that effect, which would be lapped up by consumers now conditioned to think high end gaming = PlayStation in a similar way to Apple's marketing for their devices.
I'm likely not the only person thinking if the PS5 Pro is released and Xbox doesn't do one, I'll probably get it to play the games I've missed since my PS4 rather than wait for them on PC.
But I'd need strong evidence that Xbox were going to come out fighting hard with top quality games (particularly if they wimp out and don't match the Pro) as at times I've felt a little burnt getting the XSX over the PS5 despite being an Xbox gamer at heart - we've just had too many quiet or underwhelming years where "next year will be the one", where we miss out on many ports (both due to market share and Sony's deals which Xbox are too nice to do similar) and the sheer number of Sony fanboys on here and IRL makes it exhausting when trying to talk games
Yup echoing other opinions, I like FM but it feels sanitised and a bit boring compared to the fun of Forza Horizon 5.
GT I used to enjoy but find a bit soulless too - it was addictive in the early days but other racers were just more fun to me.
Guess I'm more an arcade than sim racer given my love of the Horizon series...
Also given how much effort Horizon puts into the cars despite being more about fun and open world, how have Turn 10 not managed to at least match the GT7 level?
Honestly while I'm glad FM exists it does feel like Turn 10 are going more after the hardcore sim racers who've mostly moved on, than their fans who lived PGR and earlier Forzas - the lack of option for music irritates me and there's just a general lack of fun.
Honestly I think Playground are by far the better ForzaTech developers now, not just for how they push the engine to deliver beautiful open worlds but how they deliver fun and that addictive desire for "one more race", while FM I'm often feeling "thank god that race is finished"
I've not had this issue before thankfully, more the issue with Ubi games stopping syncing saves to their cross save cloud when they're first out (AC Valhalla a bit, Watch Dogs Legion a lot).
Got the system update now so fingers crossed I don't ever see it, as I'd paused playing BG3 to wait for a fix and I'm apparently 80+ hours in Starfield (I really didn't think it was that long but my year review says it is!)
You'd assume some kind of single player Halo is in development, but maybe it's the next game on Unreal 5, probably still in the early stages?
If it's not, then it's kind of a let down as while multiplayer Halo is fun, the campaigns are usually meant to be the epic experiences you get an Xbox for - particularly with the TV show to tie in with at the moment.
I actually enjoyed the Infinite campaign, although I'll admit it wasn't quite as tight as some of the older ones
@Hurblyburbly Lol as usual the hype gets to me and I think "screw it I'll stick with it through the combat if I've paid for it" so like with Like A Dragon (where I actually did prefer the chilled out fights) I've bought it anyway
Do enjoy the more chilled out games of DN, so will probably take a look.
Slightly upset that 90s is now seen as a "long ago" setting for schooldays in games and TV lol, makes me feel ancient although I guess I was still in school in the 00s so maybe have a few years till I feel truly ancient!
Still got no idea what the next first party game is and when it's coming out - and while they added a few bigger old games to GP for Christmas there wasn't any big news.
Seems self-defeating - they want more Game Pass members, then drop big GP reveals at multi-platform shows and Sony and Nintendo gamers will see them too and maybe think about getting a sub on their PC or even getting an Xbox as a second console
@Casco That's my issue - no idea if I'll like the turn based combat.
Irritated as hell this doesn't have an Xbox demo (it has a 2 hour one on PS5 for Plus Premium) or that MS didn't splash on GP to make it up to us that their two-console approach has caused the delay.
It's digital only so can't really ask anyone to get it for Christmas, and it's a lot of money to spend on myself in the run up to Christmas for a game I might not like...
Expected at least one decent sized GP announcement, and some idea of what the game from Xbox is at the start of next year (remember the big game every 3 months strategy?).
BG3 shadow drop was predictable, but without GP or a demo (there's a 2 hour one on PS5 grr) I'm unsure if I'll like the turn based combat, and without GP we've got no compensation for it being months later than everywhere else.
So while the trailers look nice and there's a few potentially interesting games, it does feel like yet another missed opportunity - PS5 got an FF16 DLC released now, have the Ronin game and LoU2 remaster early next year and a free DLC for GoW Ragnarok in the next few weeks.
Xbox now have like 5 times as many studios - why doesn't it ever feel like it?!
Going by the comments on VGChartz, it appears the UK is roughly two thirds PS5 vs one third Series after the cut price PS5 deals in November before the Slim (which is likely the worst the ratio will get), maybe 60/40 during Xbox high points.
Either one is much better than mainland Europe, and likely a bit better than the One so there's hope yet if Xbox is now kicking into gear...
Happy none of these rumours are too specific, as I like to try and go unspoilt into shows so I'm not let down if something doesn't come up.
Yet I still can't resist clicking on rumour articles!
Glad that they may have some surprises or GP drops though (fingers crossed for BG3 as I'd like to try before I buy as I'm not sure if I'll like the turn-based combat or not), as it feels like Xbox could do with some good news to help Christmas sales and kick off a great new year in style
I'd normally watch this, and during Covid when everything was online the USA viewing times were much more palatable for the UK.
Saying that, unlike an Xbox showcase it obviously has significant sections that don't apply to me, so not watching live will save me getting bored or jealous when some exclusive stuff comes on.
Regardless, there is no way I'm staying up till 3AM with work the next day though, so I'll catch up on it on Friday...
@iplaygamesnstuff @eire-shabba I do understand what you mean about the Bethesda DNA, and I've loved their old games and no doubt will love ES6.
But in the past, they have moved with the times - Fallout 4 added many new mechanics such as base building (not all successfully I'll admit), Oblivion was truly cutting edge but Skyrim took many of the systems and improved and expanded them.
Some areas have been expanded upon / added such as the spaceship building, but much of it hasn't or is actually worse - I don't remember any quest in Skyrim having solutions that all seemed unrealistic and completely robbed me of any agency, while I remember the large open towns of Skyrim and only really New Atlantis and Akila City are similar, the rest are all underground or internal with the same bland interiors.
I only mention it as the dim palette actively gives me a headache after a while, which is why I'm probably one of the few weirdos who much prefers the United Colonies and hanging around in New Atlantis with the pretty skyline.
I do agree though it's got much more hate than it would have if it was coming out on PS5 too - the anti-Xbox trolls that tire us all out know the "Xbox has no games" narrative doesn't work anymore so instead like to cut down what we do have.
I guess it's also part of why I'm slightly disappointed despite still playing it - I honestly thought the extra year was being taken to really flesh out the game and build the depth, and particularly when games like Baldur's Gate 3 are currently garnering lots of praise for being both wide and deep it's frustrating, as after the quiet 2022 Xbox really needed this year to be one full of blockbusters to stop the PS5 running away with the generation.
If they announce BG3 on Game Pass at the Game Awards, and Starfield adds some amazing mods in time that make it deeper for me, and we finally hit Xbox's blockbuster year next year I'll feel a lot more positive
@iplaygamesnstuff I think my problem with it is I expected the Bethesda formula to have moved with the times, and it hasn't.
In Skyrim it used to do my head in going to shop after shop trying to get rid of all my loot, and at least there it was less valuable compared to the vendor's purse so I had to do it less.
Starfield has the same issue but much worse, with spacesuits and weapons so overpriced that a single rare weapon can wipe out a vendor's purse.
There's also the loading screens to enter many areas even very tiny ones, which yes are faster to load than in Skyrim but again I'd have hoped with the SSDs they could have eliminated loading altogether except for some huge areas like Hogwarts Legacy
and the AC games managed even on Xbox One.
Finally they clearly prioritised the wrong thing by going for width rather than depth - ending up with it feeling less deep than Skyrim.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is vast but it uses the real world so has recognisable landmarks, but the vastness of Starfield is kind of pointless given we don't recognise much outside our own solar system - and so many planets re-use the same building styles, enemies and fauna that it's rare to find something unique.
It still shines brightly in places - the Terrormorph quest, the Mantis bunker, the backstory and world-building amongst other things - but the lack of agency in many missions (the colony ship outcomes still annoy me!) and lack of depth amongst companions etc. really shows a lack of progress since Skyrim.
I'm used to games now where all my companions have their own issues and storylines / quests (ala Mass Effect 2), not just a few key members, and react to each place we visit and talk a lot amongst themselves (Mass Effect Andromeda was great in this regard, you could take 2 out in the tank with you and just let them chat) or give me many more ways out of situations (see the Witcher 3 or Bethesda's stablemate, Obsidian).
It's a good, vast game and much more polished than I expected (I've actually seen very few bugs) but it was marketed more as a Mass-Effect-like space opera, with a gripping story with the vastness of space just being a backdrop / side distraction like the huge AC/Hogwarts maps - and that's a let down, given what it could have been...
I agree that mods may be a big help, particularly with loot as yes it takes so long to sell stuff given the value compared to the money the vendors have that I've stopped picking up most stuff yet my cargo bay, captain's locker, random boxes on my ship and companions are full of junk to sell.
Commerce just isn't fun, like many Bethesda games before it there's just too much junk to sort through in every area you explore - and it takes forever to get rid of it.
It's an area of the game that could really do with modernising - as could dungeon design which is so predictable, that after a cool hospital level where I think wow that was easy I end up in yet another mine fighting my way to the bottom.
I hope Bethesda either figure out a way to ditch the really annoying loading screens in Creation engine or move to UE5, then for the next Elder Scrolls go for immersion and depth rather than pure shallow width.
And I say all this as someone who loves the spaceship design, likes some of the characters (but again, depth please - I take Heller to Titan where he grew up I'm expecting him to say something) but overall haven't found it as engrossing as Skyrim or Oblivion as the world and expectations have moved on, and Bethesda haven't really moved on with them yet...
@Banjo- Yeah I'm very aware of the "stick the boot in while they're down" brigade love to pick on Xbox players, and I really am hoping that Xbox come out swinging at the Game Awards and next year.
I know a few too many people with PS5s now, and in Europe including the UK the PS5 has been bumping out so fast since the stock issues were sorted that I unfortunately think those numbers are significantly out of date - the mindshare at least here has been doing my head in.
It's just frustrating that Starfield and Forza were a chance to blow the by-the-numbers Spider Man sequel away, but instead both were just OK while as usual Sony's games get across the board acclaim (I loved the first SM but advertising the second as having more of the rubbish slow mo scripted bits in doesn't sell me on it), and they've not yet told us what's next (which seems silly with Christmas so near).
That can all change at the Game Awards, and Sony are in a similar position, but it does feel so often like Xbox miss chances to level the playing field and I'm getting a bit sick and tired of us either being skipped by third party games, getting them late or having less features because Sony have paid for exclusive stuff.
Xbox need to stop playing the nice guy all the time - don't give Sony anything but the games under the CoD deal, ensure CoD has Xbox marketing everywhere, is on Game Pass ASAP and start to buy some third party marketing exclusivity, or even actual timed exclusivity and extras.
It sucks being an Xbox player too often - my partner and I both got Hogwarts Legacy, but they've got an extra shop, mission and cosmetics on their PS5 despite us paying the same.
They've been able to play FF14 and FF16 despite us both getting to play 15, they can try Genshin, and if they want to play an Xbox game just boot up their PC - and they don't usually have to check a game's announcement to ensure it's coming to PS5, while I always do...
Guess it's just starting to rub, to the point I'm looking at graphics card upgrades so at the very least I'll be able to play some of the games not coming to Xbox for a while...
@InvaderFromSpace Think it would just be first party games, with multiplayer included I guess and maybe PS Plus required too to please Sony?
Sony would make their money from their cut and from the usual third party, first party and MTX mix - they already allow EA Play etc so the only difference would be if GP was the cloud version.
However given the similarities between the XSX and the PS5 (same AMD architecture) I doubt MS would have too much difficulty porting their games to run natively - in which case it becomes just like EA Play with Sony getting the multiplayer and MTX money...
There's many ways it could work well enough for Sony if third party stuff is removed - and MS may want it bad enough to go along with it.
My concern then is wanting them to refund us Series owners, given we'd have just got screwed having zero exclusives we may as well just go Sony so we can play theirs and Xbox's...
@HonestHick The danger of that is what happened with the PS3 - if you make a custom CPU / GPU that can't be easily ported to, it becomes a millstone around your neck.
PlayStation had the cachet after the best-selling console ever, the PS2, to force developers to cope with the Cell structure.
I don't think Xbox has the same power - admittedly, through Windows they could perhaps force the issue but that's highly unlikely given Windows and Office are the geese that lay the golden eggs.
So while a part-local, part-cloud console definitely has some interest to me - MS Flight Simulator proves the amazing possibilities there - it would still have to have a standard structure to some degree with a recognisable CPU / GPU that games could easily be ported to.
As for AI, the current leap is revolutionary in many ways, with its integration into everything - but it's still poor with context or further understanding, and that's potentially going to take a decade or so to iron out. The only way I can really see AI being a big leap in console gaming is some AI cores to help with DLSS-style optimisation, generative tech and maybe NPC dialogue...
However you have a point - if Xbox were to launch "the next generation" with say the next level AMD chips and some clever AI / cloud tech that devs can use, and get it out 12 to 24 months ahead of the PS6, then with the CoD juggernaught amongst other things they might have a chance of stealing the lead in the next generation (particularly if they learn how to do marketing!).
It worked in the 360 generation - I was going to get a PS3, but it wasn't out till after Christmas so I got a 360 instead...
@Banjo- I'm one of the ones who's usually pretty positive but is currently feeling quite negative about my XSX.
I think it's just the forever "next year will be our year!" feeling is starting to wear thin as I see PS5s selling out everywhere, everyone I know seeming to be buying one and I'm literally the only person I know with a Series X (I've one friend with a Series S and a few others who have older Xbox systems still).
In the 360 era Xbox dominated the UK, and even in the PS4 era the steep discounts on the One digital and some big Game Pass promotions appeared to be cutting through - then we had radio silence for 2022 and it feels like PS5 now the stock issue has been sorted is overwhelming the Series consoles here and in Europe.
Starfield and Forza are decent but definitely don't live up to the hype (and I say that as someone who has enjoyed both) and we don't know when the next big release us - I'm hoping my spirits will be picked up by some Game Awards announcements maybe.
It's just a bit dispiriting in the UK as an Xbox gamer - PlayStation is quite literally the synonym for games console like Hoover is to vacuum cleaner, and even complete technophobes know what it and Nintendo are.
During the 360 years, the 360 had that name recognition (and so did Xbox to some degree) - and while stupid naming conventions probably haven't helped, it gets frustrating having to explain to someone what your Xbox console is as all they ever see on the TV is PS5 and Switch...
(Saying that, I have started to see some advertising - but it's mostly on the odd bus and a few Smart TV / website banners, very few actual TV ads, while Switch and PS5 you can't move for their adverts absolutely everywhere in the run-up to Christmas)
Did enjoy Potion Craft a lot, although the map exploration started to drag a little when I couldn't get enough ingredients to explore as much as I wanted - always meant to go back to it as there's meant to be a bunch of extra levels...
Do wish it had difficulty levels, so I could have set a more generous mode where I could have fun trying to find new recipes rather than running out and getting bored...
It's wishful thinking but if they shadow dropped Baldur's Gate 3 on Game Pass at the Game Awards or a bunch of ABK titles I'd think this was an excellent month - December (weirdly given the huge console sales) is often oddly quiet for GP, particularly after the first week or so...
BTW I am actually looking forward to many of the Xbox Game Studios games, but they need to have put some serious controls in place to improve output and reliability to prevent a repeat of 2022 - and make some big announcements at the Game Awards.
We need to know what the "big game" is from them for the next quarter and potentially the one after that (given "E3" is over 6 months from their last release) - and hopefully some big Game Pass drops like Baldur's Gate 3 and some ABK games.
In the meantime, I'm shopping around for graphics cards - I'll be playing much more on my PC and less on my XSX so I can play more of the games skipping Xbox, as since the decent-but-not-amazing releases of Starfield and Forza Motorsport I'm a bit dejected by Xbox at the moment...
I've seen almost everyone I know either give up and go PC, or swap to the PS5 (if they weren't already in the Sony ecosystem) - many also have a Switch but few have anything Xbox apart from an old Xbox One or 360 now.
I'm the only person I know with a Series X, and I know one colleague who has a Series S - everyone else I know has either PS5, PC, Switch or old Xboxes / PS4s.
Sales numbers support this too - I honestly thought the Series + Game Pass were going to lead to a fairer market share this generation, but if anything the PS5 is dominating more than the PS4 did, likely helped by the cult-like status of Sony now and Xbox having the quietest ever year for games in 2022 (and marketing too, I suspect as part of trying to get ABK over the line).
If they're not planning on leveraging ABK to get consoles out the door (it seems more they may use it as leverage to get Game Pass on more devices) then the silence due to the acquisition has instead just harmed Series console owners as our small number means fewer ports of games.
I suspect the 2022 "no games" year will go down as almost as bad as the Xbox One launch for killing a generation, as they had a real chance to steal some players from Sony while the PS5 was still struggling for enough stock...
@MasterTanookiChief The concern isn't so much that they stop making consoles, it's that they do so little to promote them / make them worthwhile buying over other games consoles that not many sell.
A smaller install base = much less reason for a third party to port games to it, so we start to reach the point of "what's the point, I'll buy a PlayStation / Nintendo or upgrade my PC" when more and more games skip the console.
If it's virtual machine based (so plays locally) or streaming reaches a level it's virtually indistinguishable, what becomes the point in Xbox consoles?
I can then buy a PlayStation or Nintendo and get their exclusives plus the Xbox ones via Game Pass - so even less people buy Xbox consoles and even less third parties port their games to it, so even less reason to own an Xbox console...
I think I'm not the only Xbox owner not feeling a lot of love from Xbox at the moment...?
Comments 1,046
Re: Halo TV Show Releases New Season 2 Poster, Fans Photoshop Helmet In (Again)
While I understand the frustration with his armour and helmet being off so often, particularly in firefights, I don't get the "it must stay permanently on".
It'd seem weird to casual viewers and struggle to build the plot if Chief isn't ever allowed downtime.
And it's not like Chief wouldn't ever take it off - it'd get really smelly in there otherwise!
Re: Halo TV Show Season 2 Trailer Lands Ahead Of Next Month's Launch
I enjoyed the first series more than most people did I think, although even I found the scattered storyline a bit annoying - the fight scenes with Chief were awesome though.
This looks like it'll be more focused, and include the fall of Reach and more ODST soldiers, and have a lot more action - so may be very good
Re: Xbox Developer Direct 2024: Event Date, Start Times & Where To Watch
Loved last year's, probably my favourite showcase even above the "not E3" one, as I adored HiFi Rush.
No idea how they top it this year - they may have set themselves a high bar!
Re: Former 343 Employee Hints At 'Unannounced' New Halo Project
Good news - I actually enjoyed Infinite's campaign and was unhappy they weren't going to do anymore single player DLC.
So fingers crossed they've been working hard on a new Halo that we'll see before the end of the generation...
Re: Rumour: Xbox Might Bring Sea Of Thieves To PlayStation & Nintendo Switch
@OrfeasDourvas It's a live service game, even Sony are likely making their new ones multi-platform.
If anything it'll act as a brand ambassador and maybe bring people across to Xbox
Re: Rumour: Xbox Releasing Acclaimed First-Party Title On 'Competitor System' In 2024
Stephen Totilo formerly of Axios says he's heard it's Sea of Thieves.
As a live service multiplayer game, makes sense to expand the player base and it acts as a brand ambassador
Re: Starfield Mods Seem Super Popular Already, Even Before Official Support From Bethesda
@Dround87 I played Fallout 4 with mods so never got a single achievement so I guess I'm not that fussed, but it's a bit annoying given the 1K points Reward requires some Game Pass achievements in addition to the "daily play" ones
Re: Starfield Mods Seem Super Popular Already, Even Before Official Support From Bethesda
Do wish that mods didn't disable achievements (they do in Fallout 4) as I'd love to play Starfield through again with mods that properly flesh out more areas, make all possible companions more reactive (rather than just the main ones) and give you more agency in missions.
I guess I've got the main achievements though so I'd probably give mods that offered those even without them
Re: BG3 Players Getting Banned On Xbox Is 'Annoying And Uncool', Says Larian Studios
It's likely just some auto-scan stuff that Microsoft has built into much of their uploads across all their various systems and technology.
It flags "nudity" and that triggers the Xbox system automatically - hopefully Xbox can add a rule to check if it's from games (probably only certain types, I'm guessing some online games where videos could be played in them such as Roblox they might want to scan still?) and ensure the bans aren't triggered...
I doubt it's anything but automated systems overreacting, and it'll likely be handled soon once the Xbox engineers have finished wrestling with the main MS teams
Re: Fallout Creator Says They're Helping Out With Xbox's The Outer Worlds 2
@pinkfoto See I found the humour helped a lot in Outer Worlds, and everything tied together well and most of the time your decisions had an impact.
Unlike Starfield, where I've often found interesting story nuggets finish in dead ends or with you having all rubbish options.
I do see the similarities, and have put similar time into both games - but I think Outer Worlds had a better "reputation" system, a better skill system and just a better held-together storyline and world...
Re: Xbox Has Changed Game Pass Quests For 2024, And Fans Aren't Happy
Urgh I can manage the weeklies easily enough but that many daily quests means some months when I'm playing non-Game Pass games I'll miss it due to the achievements required...
Does seem designed to reduce the amount of points they're giving out - I know it's been pretty rewarding so far but it's definitely getting stingier
Re: Deals: 100+ Games Added To This Week's Xbox Sales (December 26 - January 2)
The Invincible is definitely recommended to anyone who liked Deliver Us the Moon / Mars
Re: Merry Christmas And Happy Holidays From The Team At Pure Xbox!
Merry Christmas everyone!
Re: Report Claims Xbox Series X|S Sales Have Fallen By Around 15% In 2023
@MrList Huh? I see the opposite - MS gives me the opportunity to play many games for a small monthly fee.
Sony on the other hand have the most expensive hardware, have looked at £80 games having just put them up to £70 and is considering releasing Spider Man 3 in two parts to maximise revenue and the amount they can charge you
Re: Report Claims Xbox Series X|S Sales Have Fallen By Around 15% In 2023
2 to 1 is about the same ratio as last generation - maybe even slightly better.
It may get worse again for a while, but it's not the 9 to 1 horror story that others have pushed based on data from countries that Xbox is traditionally weak in.
So there's hope, if Sony starts to have a few quiet years given their strategy issues and Microsoft make the most of the ABK purchase for example once they can pushing the CoD marketing as hard as Sony used to (and the Game Pass advantage of no up front cost) then maybe it can be pulled back a little more
Re: 'Xbox-Next' Rumour Suggests Microsoft Could Launch Another Console Before 2027
@themightyant Oh yeah it's definitely a risk, I'm hoping some cloud processing or something might give it an edge over a newer bit of tech.
Just feels like unless something seriously changes in the next few years Xbox really needs to do something different next gen to have any chance - if they released the same Christmas as the PS6 and Sony had no stock issues I suspect it might be a truly horrific start, as Sony now seems to have the cultural cachet of someone like Apple, a kind of aspirational brand annoyingly.
The current price cuts for Xbox in the run up to Christmas may help, now Sony only has Slims it doesn't want to discount, after selling a ton of the old stock (which admittedly will likely have tilted the balance even further than a good Christmas can help)...
Re: Poll: What Is Your Xbox Game Of The Year For 2023?
My 2 points would be Moving Out 2, builds on the original and great fun
Re: 'Xbox-Next' Rumour Suggests Microsoft Could Launch Another Console Before 2027
Think going a year before Sony on the next gen if they can would help - it did with the 360, as they may be able to have exclusive games that take full advantage of it.
But they'd need to respond to the PS5 Pro first - as otherwise this just looks like a 2-year-late response to the Pro to the average consumer rather than a true "next generation", particularly as Sony will no doubt push the PS6 a bit later as "the start of next gen" or something to that effect, which would be lapped up by consumers now conditioned to think high end gaming = PlayStation in a similar way to Apple's marketing for their devices.
I'm likely not the only person thinking if the PS5 Pro is released and Xbox doesn't do one, I'll probably get it to play the games I've missed since my PS4 rather than wait for them on PC.
But I'd need strong evidence that Xbox were going to come out fighting hard with top quality games (particularly if they wimp out and don't match the Pro) as at times I've felt a little burnt getting the XSX over the PS5 despite being an Xbox gamer at heart - we've just had too many quiet or underwhelming years where "next year will be the one", where we miss out on many ports (both due to market share and Sony's deals which Xbox are too nice to do similar) and the sheer number of Sony fanboys on here and IRL makes it exhausting when trying to talk games
Re: Forza Motorsport Compared To Gran Turismo 7 In Huge Graphics Breakdown
Yup echoing other opinions, I like FM but it feels sanitised and a bit boring compared to the fun of Forza Horizon 5.
GT I used to enjoy but find a bit soulless too - it was addictive in the early days but other racers were just more fun to me.
Guess I'm more an arcade than sim racer given my love of the Horizon series...
Also given how much effort Horizon puts into the cars despite being more about fun and open world, how have Turn 10 not managed to at least match the GT7 level?
Honestly while I'm glad FM exists it does feel like Turn 10 are going more after the hardcore sim racers who've mostly moved on, than their fans who lived PGR and earlier Forzas - the lack of option for music irritates me and there's just a general lack of fun.
Honestly I think Playground are by far the better ForzaTech developers now, not just for how they push the engine to deliver beautiful open worlds but how they deliver fun and that addictive desire for "one more race", while FM I'm often feeling "thank god that race is finished"
Re: Xbox Appears To Be Fixing A Major Issue With Cloud Saves
I've not had this issue before thankfully, more the issue with Ubi games stopping syncing saves to their cross save cloud when they're first out (AC Valhalla a bit, Watch Dogs Legion a lot).
Got the system update now so fingers crossed I don't ever see it, as I'd paused playing BG3 to wait for a fix and I'm apparently 80+ hours in Starfield (I really didn't think it was that long but my year review says it is!)
Re: Minecraft Adds 4K Resolution Support For Xbox Series Consoles
@kihaennem You can, Ori is 4k on it and it supports 4k output for movies etc.
1440p is the target output, not the maximum
Re: Pick One: What Was Your Favourite Gaming Showcase Of This Year?
Developer Direct due to the shadow drop of Hifi Rush, the June showcase a close second
Re: 343 Has 'Nothing In Active Development' For Halo Infinite Single-Player
You'd assume some kind of single player Halo is in development, but maybe it's the next game on Unreal 5, probably still in the early stages?
If it's not, then it's kind of a let down as while multiplayer Halo is fun, the campaigns are usually meant to be the epic experiences you get an Xbox for - particularly with the TV show to tie in with at the moment.
I actually enjoyed the Infinite campaign, although I'll admit it wasn't quite as tight as some of the older ones
Re: It's Finally Time! Baldur's Gate 3 Is Available Now For Xbox Series X|S
@Hurblyburbly Lol as usual the hype gets to me and I think "screw it I'll stick with it through the combat if I've paid for it" so like with Like A Dragon (where I actually did prefer the chilled out fights) I've bought it anyway
Re: It's Finally Time! Baldur's Gate 3 Is Available Now For Xbox Series X|S
@Echtzeit Yep but not till next year
Re: Life Is Strange Dev Announces 'Lost Records: Bloom & Rage' For Late 2024
Do enjoy the more chilled out games of DN, so will probably take a look.
Slightly upset that 90s is now seen as a "long ago" setting for schooldays in games and TV lol, makes me feel ancient although I guess I was still in school in the 00s so maybe have a few years till I feel truly ancient!
Re: Multiple Games Teased For Xbox Game Pass At The Game Awards 2023
Still got no idea what the next first party game is and when it's coming out - and while they added a few bigger old games to GP for Christmas there wasn't any big news.
Seems self-defeating - they want more Game Pass members, then drop big GP reveals at multi-platform shows and Sony and Nintendo gamers will see them too and maybe think about getting a sub on their PC or even getting an Xbox as a second console
Re: Xbox Grabs Three Awards As Baldur's Gate 3 Wins GOTY At TGA 2023
Glad Hifi Rush won something, easily my favourite Xbox game this year
Re: It's Finally Time! Baldur's Gate 3 Is Available Now For Xbox Series X|S
@Casco That's my issue - no idea if I'll like the turn based combat.
Irritated as hell this doesn't have an Xbox demo (it has a 2 hour one on PS5 for Plus Premium) or that MS didn't splash on GP to make it up to us that their two-console approach has caused the delay.
It's digital only so can't really ask anyone to get it for Christmas, and it's a lot of money to spend on myself in the run up to Christmas for a game I might not like...
Re: Poll: How Would You Grade The Game Awards 2023?
Expected at least one decent sized GP announcement, and some idea of what the game from Xbox is at the start of next year (remember the big game every 3 months strategy?).
BG3 shadow drop was predictable, but without GP or a demo (there's a 2 hour one on PS5 grr) I'm unsure if I'll like the turn based combat, and without GP we've got no compensation for it being months later than everywhere else.
So while the trailers look nice and there's a few potentially interesting games, it does feel like yet another missed opportunity - PS5 got an FF16 DLC released now, have the Ronin game and LoU2 remaster early next year and a free DLC for GoW Ragnarok in the next few weeks.
Xbox now have like 5 times as many studios - why doesn't it ever feel like it?!
Re: Xbox Series X|S Sales Have Now Surpassed Original Xbox In The UK
Going by the comments on VGChartz, it appears the UK is roughly two thirds PS5 vs one third Series after the cut price PS5 deals in November before the Slim (which is likely the worst the ratio will get), maybe 60/40 during Xbox high points.
Either one is much better than mainland Europe, and likely a bit better than the One so there's hope yet if Xbox is now kicking into gear...
Re: Xbox Rumours Continue To Circulate Ahead Of The Game Awards 2023
Happy none of these rumours are too specific, as I like to try and go unspoilt into shows so I'm not let down if something doesn't come up.
Yet I still can't resist clicking on rumour articles!
Glad that they may have some surprises or GP drops though (fingers crossed for BG3 as I'd like to try before I buy as I'm not sure if I'll like the turn-based combat or not), as it feels like Xbox could do with some good news to help Christmas sales and kick off a great new year in style
Re: Xbox Appears To Be Teasing New Game Pass Reveals For TGA 2023
Please please please BG3 on GP lol, that'll save me some money for presents
A shadow drop of something first party would probably be too much to ask for, but something like Elden Ring might not be?
After all that, it'll probably just be some really old CoDs or something
Re: Firefight Makes An Absolutely Triumphant Return In Halo Infinite
@shoeses The campaign area is huge though, takes ages to get from one end to the other even in a Banshee
Re: Another Two Games Confirmed For Xbox Game Pass In Early 2024
Botany Manor was giving me Escape Academy vibes at its unveiling, so will be glad to give it a try as I love that game
Re: The Game Awards 2023: Date, Start Times & Everything You Need To Know
I'd normally watch this, and during Covid when everything was online the USA viewing times were much more palatable for the UK.
Saying that, unlike an Xbox showcase it obviously has significant sections that don't apply to me, so not watching live will save me getting bored or jealous when some exclusive stuff comes on.
Regardless, there is no way I'm staying up till 3AM with work the next day though, so I'll catch up on it on Friday...
Re: Starfield 'A Tremendous Hit' And One Of Xbox's Top 10 Most-Played Games, Says Phil Spencer
@iplaygamesnstuff @eire-shabba I do understand what you mean about the Bethesda DNA, and I've loved their old games and no doubt will love ES6.
But in the past, they have moved with the times - Fallout 4 added many new mechanics such as base building (not all successfully I'll admit), Oblivion was truly cutting edge but Skyrim took many of the systems and improved and expanded them.
Some areas have been expanded upon / added such as the spaceship building, but much of it hasn't or is actually worse - I don't remember any quest in Skyrim having solutions that all seemed unrealistic and completely robbed me of any agency, while I remember the large open towns of Skyrim and only really New Atlantis and Akila City are similar, the rest are all underground or internal with the same bland interiors.
I only mention it as the dim palette actively gives me a headache after a while, which is why I'm probably one of the few weirdos who much prefers the United Colonies and hanging around in New Atlantis with the pretty skyline.
I do agree though it's got much more hate than it would have if it was coming out on PS5 too - the anti-Xbox trolls that tire us all out know the "Xbox has no games" narrative doesn't work anymore so instead like to cut down what we do have.
I guess it's also part of why I'm slightly disappointed despite still playing it - I honestly thought the extra year was being taken to really flesh out the game and build the depth, and particularly when games like Baldur's Gate 3 are currently garnering lots of praise for being both wide and deep it's frustrating, as after the quiet 2022 Xbox really needed this year to be one full of blockbusters to stop the PS5 running away with the generation.
If they announce BG3 on Game Pass at the Game Awards, and Starfield adds some amazing mods in time that make it deeper for me, and we finally hit Xbox's blockbuster year next year I'll feel a lot more positive
Re: Starfield 'A Tremendous Hit' And One Of Xbox's Top 10 Most-Played Games, Says Phil Spencer
@iplaygamesnstuff I think my problem with it is I expected the Bethesda formula to have moved with the times, and it hasn't.
In Skyrim it used to do my head in going to shop after shop trying to get rid of all my loot, and at least there it was less valuable compared to the vendor's purse so I had to do it less.
Starfield has the same issue but much worse, with spacesuits and weapons so overpriced that a single rare weapon can wipe out a vendor's purse.
There's also the loading screens to enter many areas even very tiny ones, which yes are faster to load than in Skyrim but again I'd have hoped with the SSDs they could have eliminated loading altogether except for some huge areas like Hogwarts Legacy
and the AC games managed even on Xbox One.
Finally they clearly prioritised the wrong thing by going for width rather than depth - ending up with it feeling less deep than Skyrim.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is vast but it uses the real world so has recognisable landmarks, but the vastness of Starfield is kind of pointless given we don't recognise much outside our own solar system - and so many planets re-use the same building styles, enemies and fauna that it's rare to find something unique.
It still shines brightly in places - the Terrormorph quest, the Mantis bunker, the backstory and world-building amongst other things - but the lack of agency in many missions (the colony ship outcomes still annoy me!) and lack of depth amongst companions etc. really shows a lack of progress since Skyrim.
I'm used to games now where all my companions have their own issues and storylines / quests (ala Mass Effect 2), not just a few key members, and react to each place we visit and talk a lot amongst themselves (Mass Effect Andromeda was great in this regard, you could take 2 out in the tank with you and just let them chat) or give me many more ways out of situations (see the Witcher 3 or Bethesda's stablemate, Obsidian).
It's a good, vast game and much more polished than I expected (I've actually seen very few bugs) but it was marketed more as a Mass-Effect-like space opera, with a gripping story with the vastness of space just being a backdrop / side distraction like the huge AC/Hogwarts maps - and that's a let down, given what it could have been...
Re: Starfield 'A Tremendous Hit' And One Of Xbox's Top 10 Most-Played Games, Says Phil Spencer
I agree that mods may be a big help, particularly with loot as yes it takes so long to sell stuff given the value compared to the money the vendors have that I've stopped picking up most stuff yet my cargo bay, captain's locker, random boxes on my ship and companions are full of junk to sell.
Commerce just isn't fun, like many Bethesda games before it there's just too much junk to sort through in every area you explore - and it takes forever to get rid of it.
It's an area of the game that could really do with modernising - as could dungeon design which is so predictable, that after a cool hospital level where I think wow that was easy I end up in yet another mine fighting my way to the bottom.
I hope Bethesda either figure out a way to ditch the really annoying loading screens in Creation engine or move to UE5, then for the next Elder Scrolls go for immersion and depth rather than pure shallow width.
And I say all this as someone who loves the spaceship design, likes some of the characters (but again, depth please - I take Heller to Titan where he grew up I'm expecting him to say something) but overall haven't found it as engrossing as Skyrim or Oblivion as the world and expectations have moved on, and Bethesda haven't really moved on with them yet...
Re: Xbox Boss: There Are 'No Plans' To Put Game Pass On PlayStation & Nintendo
At least he shows he's aware console owners have bought in and have had a rough few years - fingers crossed for the Game Award reveals
Re: Xbox Would Like Game Pass On 'Every Screen' Including PlayStation & Nintendo
@Banjo- Yeah I'm very aware of the "stick the boot in while they're down" brigade love to pick on Xbox players, and I really am hoping that Xbox come out swinging at the Game Awards and next year.
I know a few too many people with PS5s now, and in Europe including the UK the PS5 has been bumping out so fast since the stock issues were sorted that I unfortunately think those numbers are significantly out of date - the mindshare at least here has been doing my head in.
It's just frustrating that Starfield and Forza were a chance to blow the by-the-numbers Spider Man sequel away, but instead both were just OK while as usual Sony's games get across the board acclaim (I loved the first SM but advertising the second as having more of the rubbish slow mo scripted bits in doesn't sell me on it), and they've not yet told us what's next (which seems silly with Christmas so near).
That can all change at the Game Awards, and Sony are in a similar position, but it does feel so often like Xbox miss chances to level the playing field and I'm getting a bit sick and tired of us either being skipped by third party games, getting them late or having less features because Sony have paid for exclusive stuff.
Xbox need to stop playing the nice guy all the time - don't give Sony anything but the games under the CoD deal, ensure CoD has Xbox marketing everywhere, is on Game Pass ASAP and start to buy some third party marketing exclusivity, or even actual timed exclusivity and extras.
It sucks being an Xbox player too often - my partner and I both got Hogwarts Legacy, but they've got an extra shop, mission and cosmetics on their PS5 despite us paying the same.
They've been able to play FF14 and FF16 despite us both getting to play 15, they can try Genshin, and if they want to play an Xbox game just boot up their PC - and they don't usually have to check a game's announcement to ensure it's coming to PS5, while I always do...
Guess it's just starting to rub, to the point I'm looking at graphics card upgrades so at the very least I'll be able to play some of the games not coming to Xbox for a while...
Re: Xbox Would Like Game Pass On 'Every Screen' Including PlayStation & Nintendo
@InvaderFromSpace Think it would just be first party games, with multiplayer included I guess and maybe PS Plus required too to please Sony?
Sony would make their money from their cut and from the usual third party, first party and MTX mix - they already allow EA Play etc so the only difference would be if GP was the cloud version.
However given the similarities between the XSX and the PS5 (same AMD architecture) I doubt MS would have too much difficulty porting their games to run natively - in which case it becomes just like EA Play with Sony getting the multiplayer and MTX money...
There's many ways it could work well enough for Sony if third party stuff is removed - and MS may want it bad enough to go along with it.
My concern then is wanting them to refund us Series owners, given we'd have just got screwed having zero exclusives we may as well just go Sony so we can play theirs and Xbox's...
Re: Xbox Would Like Game Pass On 'Every Screen' Including PlayStation & Nintendo
@HonestHick The danger of that is what happened with the PS3 - if you make a custom CPU / GPU that can't be easily ported to, it becomes a millstone around your neck.
PlayStation had the cachet after the best-selling console ever, the PS2, to force developers to cope with the Cell structure.
I don't think Xbox has the same power - admittedly, through Windows they could perhaps force the issue but that's highly unlikely given Windows and Office are the geese that lay the golden eggs.
So while a part-local, part-cloud console definitely has some interest to me - MS Flight Simulator proves the amazing possibilities there - it would still have to have a standard structure to some degree with a recognisable CPU / GPU that games could easily be ported to.
As for AI, the current leap is revolutionary in many ways, with its integration into everything - but it's still poor with context or further understanding, and that's potentially going to take a decade or so to iron out. The only way I can really see AI being a big leap in console gaming is some AI cores to help with DLSS-style optimisation, generative tech and maybe NPC dialogue...
However you have a point - if Xbox were to launch "the next generation" with say the next level AMD chips and some clever AI / cloud tech that devs can use, and get it out 12 to 24 months ahead of the PS6, then with the CoD juggernaught amongst other things they might have a chance of stealing the lead in the next generation (particularly if they learn how to do marketing!).
It worked in the 360 generation - I was going to get a PS3, but it wasn't out till after Christmas so I got a 360 instead...
Re: Xbox Would Like Game Pass On 'Every Screen' Including PlayStation & Nintendo
@Banjo- I'm one of the ones who's usually pretty positive but is currently feeling quite negative about my XSX.
I think it's just the forever "next year will be our year!" feeling is starting to wear thin as I see PS5s selling out everywhere, everyone I know seeming to be buying one and I'm literally the only person I know with a Series X (I've one friend with a Series S and a few others who have older Xbox systems still).
In the 360 era Xbox dominated the UK, and even in the PS4 era the steep discounts on the One digital and some big Game Pass promotions appeared to be cutting through - then we had radio silence for 2022 and it feels like PS5 now the stock issue has been sorted is overwhelming the Series consoles here and in Europe.
Starfield and Forza are decent but definitely don't live up to the hype (and I say that as someone who has enjoyed both) and we don't know when the next big release us - I'm hoping my spirits will be picked up by some Game Awards announcements maybe.
It's just a bit dispiriting in the UK as an Xbox gamer - PlayStation is quite literally the synonym for games console like Hoover is to vacuum cleaner, and even complete technophobes know what it and Nintendo are.
During the 360 years, the 360 had that name recognition (and so did Xbox to some degree) - and while stupid naming conventions probably haven't helped, it gets frustrating having to explain to someone what your Xbox console is as all they ever see on the TV is PS5 and Switch...
(Saying that, I have started to see some advertising - but it's mostly on the odd bus and a few Smart TV / website banners, very few actual TV ads, while Switch and PS5 you can't move for their adverts absolutely everywhere in the run-up to Christmas)
Re: Four Games Will Leave Xbox Game Pass In Early December 2023
Did enjoy Potion Craft a lot, although the map exploration started to drag a little when I couldn't get enough ingredients to explore as much as I wanted - always meant to go back to it as there's meant to be a bunch of extra levels...
Do wish it had difficulty levels, so I could have set a more generous mode where I could have fun trying to find new recipes rather than running out and getting bored...
Re: Rumour: These 10 Games Are Coming To Xbox Game Pass (December 2023)
Decent selection, particularly with Remnant.
It's wishful thinking but if they shadow dropped Baldur's Gate 3 on Game Pass at the Game Awards or a bunch of ABK titles I'd think this was an excellent month - December (weirdly given the huge console sales) is often oddly quiet for GP, particularly after the first week or so...
Re: Xbox Would Like Game Pass On 'Every Screen' Including PlayStation & Nintendo
BTW I am actually looking forward to many of the Xbox Game Studios games, but they need to have put some serious controls in place to improve output and reliability to prevent a repeat of 2022 - and make some big announcements at the Game Awards.
We need to know what the "big game" is from them for the next quarter and potentially the one after that (given "E3" is over 6 months from their last release) - and hopefully some big Game Pass drops like Baldur's Gate 3 and some ABK games.
In the meantime, I'm shopping around for graphics cards - I'll be playing much more on my PC and less on my XSX so I can play more of the games skipping Xbox, as since the decent-but-not-amazing releases of Starfield and Forza Motorsport I'm a bit dejected by Xbox at the moment...
Re: Xbox Would Like Game Pass On 'Every Screen' Including PlayStation & Nintendo
I've seen almost everyone I know either give up and go PC, or swap to the PS5 (if they weren't already in the Sony ecosystem) - many also have a Switch but few have anything Xbox apart from an old Xbox One or 360 now.
I'm the only person I know with a Series X, and I know one colleague who has a Series S - everyone else I know has either PS5, PC, Switch or old Xboxes / PS4s.
Sales numbers support this too - I honestly thought the Series + Game Pass were going to lead to a fairer market share this generation, but if anything the PS5 is dominating more than the PS4 did, likely helped by the cult-like status of Sony now and Xbox having the quietest ever year for games in 2022 (and marketing too, I suspect as part of trying to get ABK over the line).
If they're not planning on leveraging ABK to get consoles out the door (it seems more they may use it as leverage to get Game Pass on more devices) then the silence due to the acquisition has instead just harmed Series console owners as our small number means fewer ports of games.
I suspect the 2022 "no games" year will go down as almost as bad as the Xbox One launch for killing a generation, as they had a real chance to steal some players from Sony while the PS5 was still struggling for enough stock...
Re: Xbox Would Like Game Pass On 'Every Screen' Including PlayStation & Nintendo
@MasterTanookiChief The concern isn't so much that they stop making consoles, it's that they do so little to promote them / make them worthwhile buying over other games consoles that not many sell.
A smaller install base = much less reason for a third party to port games to it, so we start to reach the point of "what's the point, I'll buy a PlayStation / Nintendo or upgrade my PC" when more and more games skip the console.
Re: Xbox Would Like Game Pass On 'Every Screen' Including PlayStation & Nintendo
If it's virtual machine based (so plays locally) or streaming reaches a level it's virtually indistinguishable, what becomes the point in Xbox consoles?
I can then buy a PlayStation or Nintendo and get their exclusives plus the Xbox ones via Game Pass - so even less people buy Xbox consoles and even less third parties port their games to it, so even less reason to own an Xbox console...
I think I'm not the only Xbox owner not feeling a lot of love from Xbox at the moment...?