To be honest, with Xbox basically collapsing and Sony being patchy on the first party front this generation, I’m feeling open to the Steam Machine, even though I haven’t been a PC gamer for ages. It seems Steam is more consumer forward, honestly.
I’ve cancelled my subscription. Not sure if I’ll spend any more money on Xbox as a platform. We will have to see how the next generation goes or whether or not stuff like Fable is multiplat. I’ll buy Fable if it’s only on Xbox.
Maybe I’ll finally go back to Yotei or start with Arc Raiders? The Kirby demo is this weekend too, so I’ll try to do that. I haven’t played much of anything this week, so I’d like to play something.
Want to make a bet 2026’s release schedule will be barren now as things were likely internally delayed to accommodate for GTA and are likely delaying again?
Single played was… fine. It wasn’t quite up to par with previous entries. I think it had some interesting ideas though and it’s a shame that they weren’t utilized to the fullest extent.
That said, I loved the multiplayer. That was the last year that I was sort of a multiplayer slob in life before finding my footing as an adult and I have great nostalgia for my time playing the game. I have to bump up my score to a 9/10 for that.
I’m excited for Fable and Halo. I can’t resist the draw to play Halo on PS5 for the sheer novelty of it too. I guess I’m excited for GTA too, but I’m also sort of apprehensive of it. Beast of Reincarnation, Pragmata, Bubsy, Resident Evil, and Witchbrook are the only third party games right now I feel really good about.
If I’m going to be honest, I’d think next year looks like a mostly Switch 2 year for me with the current line-up, but Halo might be the game I’m most excited about. I just literally got those young feelings from seeing it and my son agreed to play co-op, so I’m ready to finish the fight… for the thousandth time.
I hope I’m right and that Halo will be first. I expect Fable to be last to keep it positioned away from GTA.
Xbox has had a strong line-up this year, perhaps better than PlayStation due to volume, but I think Yotei may beat the first party studio games by Xbox this year.
That said, Gamepass had two games I’ve enjoyed more: Blue Prince and… of course… to a T.
That’s a bummer they’re losing Stalker. It’s a gnarly game, pretty unique, sort of like Fallout if it was frowning instead of smiling if you know what I mean.
I thought it was too hard to beat, but I had a lot of fun with it, even with the jank. It was playable jank.
As for me, Katamari and Mortal Kombat on the Switch 2 if I find time, but I’ve been constantly working either for my job or home projects the last few weeks and I keep having to invest more time and more time. I’m sort of wearing out from it, but I’ve got no choice. Sometimes house projects need to happen and you just got to keep working on it, right? The only downside is sometimes one project becomes four then becomes twelve and so on and so forth. I’d like to play Arc Raiders, but I just don’t know if I’ll have time for it.
I agree. I played the tutorial section and that’s it yesterday, but I was really impressed with how it looks and feels like “a real game,” if that makes sense. Live service multiplayer games have gotten into this very distinctive feel and this one hits just a little bit different and I think that’s awesome. I haven’t played an actual match yet, but I just felt good playing the tutorial before trying Redsec for one introductory match as well.
Got to say, it’s been a long time coming, but Arc Raiders might finally be the multiplayer game for me.
I’d like to try Outer Worlds 2 by years’ end, but I only have so much time. I think I’ll vote for Keeper, even though I’ve barely touched it. Katamari and Pokemon have sort of soaked up most of my gaming time as of late.
Guys, it makes more sense now. Tik Tok is the competition because Xbox executives are suffering from a heavy case of brain rot. Skibidi toilets are stopping people from playing Halo. Yes, this is the battle Xbox is facing.
Finished Pokemon Z-A this morning (and the final season of Resident Alien, as much as that is not a game). And after that, there was a new Katamari game. I will be out of town in a moment for the next two days. I will bring the Switch 2, sooooo… maybe a round of Hades 2 and Absolum to complement Katamari? Or maybe just Katamari. Katamari is such pure good to me.
Fallout 3 was, at one point, my favorite game of all time. Morrowind, Oblivion and Skyrim were also defining games for me. That said, I really don’t know how I feel about whatever Bethesda has cooking. Bethesda’s releases since Skyrim have been sort of disappointing.
Fallout 4 felt like a disappointment when it released. I mean, it was an 8/10 for me, but Bethesda was a 10/10 machine for a while. They were probably my favorite developer. I felt like it was missing a secret ingredient that other Bethesda games had and it patched over that with a base building mechanic that may have been for other people, but not for me.
Then, Fallout 76 was disastrous at launch and Starfield was… just sort of there? I dunno. Starfield was like space for me. It felt big and empty. And now, we’re almost 15 years since Bethesda’s had a bonafide hit. I know there’s rumors of a Fallout 3 remaster, but I mean, what? Is that going to be a remaster like Oblivion’s where it’s just a fresh coat of paint, so you can get your nostalgia fix til you realize how old the bones are?
And here we are now, almost a decade since ES6 was announced with no vision of what that is or where that’s at. Does Todd really expect anyone to trust something truly exciting is on the horizon any time soon?
I think there’s a lot of comments here that are predicting the future. It’s going to price out gamers from the Xbox ecosystem and probably be a powerful console. They’re done with the gaming is for everyone rhetoric with their consoles and are going to apply that to xCloud. I have a feeling the console will be a PC meant to be plugged into a TV. We will have to see more, of course. I’m sure it’ll be an impressive piece of tech. It’ll take something truly special for me to be interested in purchasing it at this point, honestly.
@Odium It literally feels like there’s a smear campaign that has been wagered to have people blindly hate the game. Personally, I might say it’s one of the most fun Pokemon games I’ve ever played. Are there some issues? Yes, the lack voice acting is an actual issue in this one since there’s a lot a lot of dialogue. The tutorialization of the intro drove me nuts, but my son needed it, so… I mean, the 8 year olds are who Pokémon is designed for, so I can’t be mad! I’m still not sure about the story, but the tone is so darn cozy and the combat and catching… I’m finding it hard to stop playing it. It’s an achievement for Game Freak that the gameplay is so solid. I get that the city is a bit samey, but I’m maybe 12 hours in now and it feels like the game is perhaps a smaller, tighter Pokemon game, so I don’t mind. I mean, all of my Pokemon in my party are edging to level 60 currently and I’m rank D, so I’ve got to be a decent chunk in. And the visuals? Sure environments look a bit dated, but the character models are pretty solid. They’re no Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth models, but they’re definitely comparable to most other AAA JRPGs releasing on modern consoles. And the performance is seamless and smooth. It’s arguably the best running 3D Pokemon game I’ve played and that includes games such as the original X and Y years back.
Granted, I liked ScarVi too, so take my opinion with a grain of salt because I liked that one (and we all know that certain sections of the internet view that as heresy, basically), thought it was one of the best games the year it released in spite of its technical shortcomings, but I’ve also had no issues with being critical of Pokemon when I felt it was necessary. I just felt it was more necessary in Gen 3 and 4, and a little bit in Gen 7 and 8 too. But even so, I don’t think Pokemon has ever produced a “bad” mainline game either. Pokemon was never my favorite franchise, but it’s been one I’ve liked enough to play each game as they’ve released.
I think it’s strange too that people are creating this pit match between Digimon and Pokemon right now too, as if they can’t both be good games of relatively similar quality. We’re getting solid games here, people, let’s celebrate it where it’s due.
Nah, that price point is an eyesore. It looks like a really nice piece of tech, but I’m sort of hoping the market gives Microsoft a reality check on overpricing the market. Though… I’m not sure if Microsoft is trying to sell their hardware anymore these days…
Pokémon Z-A. I am suspecting everything else I was playing will temporarily be put on hold for a bit after my session last night. The discussion on its “Dreamcast visuals” is totally overblown and untrue. If we’re going to pick a topic that makes more sense to go after Game Freak about, it’d be the lack of voice acting…
Anyway, the gameplay so far is just so good and addictive! I had a hard time putting the game down now that I’m finally out of the introductory portion of the game and I have the freedom to play as I like.
I was playing other things before Pokemon, such as Absolum, Hades 2, and Yotei, but those games will be on ice for a little bit.
Also, I’ll be making a habit of showing off that I was on TV yesterday! Lol.
Hearing that it’s so short makes me want to try it, even though I have a bunch of other games I’m playing at the moment. Sounds like it might be a candidate for being the best first party title this year.
Looking forward to reading reviews on this one. I simply don’t have enough time to add this one to the docket this October, though I want to purchase it.
Rarely these days. I mean, every once in a while I’ll replay something retro but it’s uncommon. I struggle to play remasters and remakes a lot of the time too.
@InterceptorAlpha I agree with you 100%. When I think back, I was such a diehard Microsoft guy maybe 10 years ago, and now, I don’t know if I even want to support them at all anymore. I know I’ll be buying OD whenever that comes out, but I’ll be hoping it’s on other platforms, and that’s more to support Kojima. I’ve never soured on a brand we much as I have for Xbox in the last maybe 4 years. The worst part is that I kept seeing glimmers of hope, but every time, EVERY TIME, there would be a turn face from Xbox right after the glimmers. I just don’t get it.
Walmart has definitely been reducing their Xbox presence, locally to me, at least. When the Switch 2 launched, Nintendo basically took the Xbox shelf-space at my local Walmart and now Xbox is in a little corner in the back of the electronics section. The Walmart near me is on the smaller side and there’s not much space. I figured Xbox weren’t selling, so they removed that space, you know? There’s a larger selection of vinyl than Xbox games at my Walmart.
Meanwhile, Target just hasn’t been stocking Xbox stuff. My son wanted me to resub to Gamepass for his birthday, so I’d been scoping out Target to get a gift card, but for a whole darn month they didn’t restock their Gamepass gift cards. It’s been a month since and even last week they weren’t in-stock. That could be incompetence on their part though, as they’re routinely sold out of the physical Switch games too.
Well, I forgot to write on this yesterday, but so far I’ve played Absolum, which I love to start, Kuukiyomi 4, which my son stole from me and proceeded to play as rudely as possible, a few rounds of Hades 2, which I’m starting to progress in now (and I agree with everyone that prefers the first game, basically, because the second one may have better gameplay but a less compelling storyline), and Super Mario Galaxy 2… because my son was having trouble with bosses.
Hopefully I get a chance to play Yotei as well! Pokemon is coming out next week and, after a relatively easy year to stay ahead of games, I’m sinking now! A good problem to have, huh?
Across all platforms right now:
1. Death Stranding 2
2. Hollow Knight: Silksong
3. Donkey Kong Bananza
4. To a T
5. Blue Prince
6. Ghost of Yotei (its position isn’t finalized yet)
7. Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo
8. Hades 2 (its position isn’t finalized yet)
9. Mario Kart World
10. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
Xbox Only:
1. Silksong
2. To a T
3. Blue Prince
4. Pipistrello and the Cursed Yo-Yo
5. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
6. Shinobi Rise of Vengeance
7. Assassin’s Creed Shadows
8. Lego Voyagers
9. South of Midnight
10. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Assembling an Xbox only list, you sort of realize how much has skipped the platform this year. I could’ve gone either way with E33 or Doom, but I picked E33 for the #10 spot because it felt right.
In my current gaming list that’s released, I’ve yet to play Absolum and I’m not far enough in Silent Hill F to even be aware if it’ll be a top 10 game for me. Split Fiction’s the only game I’ve backlogged, and I’d like to say I’d put the game in my top 10, but I just don’t know. My experience with it hasn’t been fun since my wife didn’t seem to enjoy it.
In games of the future, I’ve still got Katamari, Pokemon, and Metroid Prime on the docket. Mina the Hollower and Witchbrook if they make it this year. I’m contemplating Keeper and Outer Worlds 2, but since I’m out on Gamepass, I’m waiting to see reviews.
@themightyant @FraserG @Kezelpaso I’m definitely expecting that announcement at the 25th Anniversary too, but I totally agree that 2030 sounds better. In this economic climate, with how slow it takes for games to be made (and how much slower I’m sure it will take next generation), and all the generational overlap this generation, I totally think this generation probably should last a little longer than last. I’m sort of hoping there’s something new about the next generation outside of the “MORE POWER” mentality too.
Oof, sounds like that one might be the most tone deaf launch in history if this is all true… I can’t imagine this one having success at launch with that kind of price.
@AverageJoseph I can get that argument, but when I think about Obsidian myself, I sort of thought Avowed was a disappointment and I don’t really like Grounded. No matter what Double Fine does, I’m still interested. I’d say New Vegas tops Psychonauts 2, but that’s a long time ago.
@SeaDaVie Couldn’t say it better myself. You’ve hit the nail on the head. Xbox said absolutely nothing of substance with this. We still know nothing and Xbox is hoping people take their statement at speculatively value rather than face value. I would guess Phil’s not saying much these days because he tends to express things when he talks and Microsoft doesn’t want anything between the lines, especially when they want to have the ability to manipulate any information they may provide at a later date.
That said though, I do think a new console in 2026 would be disastrous for Xbox unless it’s focusing on something alternative to visual fidelity, as is typical of iterative console leaps. If Xbox is trying to pull a Nintendo where they’re pivoting a different way, that’s the only way I could see a next gen console making sense so quickly. If any generation made sense to slow down on when to make a generational leap, it’s this one… unless that leap is diagonal in some way rather than forward.
@DippleHonk It’s an 83 on OpenCritic. There’s literally dozens of games that have a higher overall critical score than Sonic Crossworlds.
Can’t place the anti-Sonic badge on me. Lol. Sonic Frontiers was one of my favorite games of 2022 even if people were panning it left and right and I even loved the virtual novel murder mystery game Team Sonic did a couple years ago. I’m definitely sympathetic to Sonic getting more love. I’m not surprised it’s up there because it’s Sonic, but because it’s not exactly been a hot topic game and also because it didn’t even outsell Mario Kart World its first week in sales.
And I mean, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn’t nominated over it? What? Come on now… I’m basically the biggest detractor of E33 here and even I’ll admit that game should be nominated for GotY.
Ghost of Yotei, Silent Hill F, Lego Voyagers, and Hades 2. I suspect I’ll play all four of them in some capacity.
So far, I’ve yet to start Silent Hill F, so it’s hard to comment on it, but Lego Voyagers seems like it’s pretty underrated. My son and I have had fun with it to start. Meanwhile, I’m still making opinions of Hades 2 and Ghost. To start, they both feel like sequels that don’t quite hit like the first games in their series, but that could just be because it’s early in both of them for me. I am sort of surprised by how similar AC Shadows’s seed plot is to Yotei too. Even though Atsu’s a very different character and the way the stories are told are different, it’s sort of interesting that the revenge narrative was put down in two massive games this year like that.
Sonic Racing Crossworlds nominated for Console Game of the Year? Get out of here.
It’s too soon for GotY. October is stacked.
I hope Xbox wins for the Minecraft movie, and I suppose we can say Xbox for that OD trailer. I liked most of the first party games, but they’ve nearly uniformly been 7/10s across the board for me, nothing GotY worthy. There’s some truly baffling choices in this list.
Comments 2,264
Re: Analyst Questions Whether Next Xbox & PS6 Could Slip To 2028 Following GTA Delay
I’m ok with any next gen consoles being delayed. Five years later, the need for a generational leap still feels low to me.
Re: Valve Says It Focused On 'Own Audience' For Steam Machine Rather Than Xbox, PS5 & Switch
To be honest, with Xbox basically collapsing and Sony being patchy on the first party front this generation, I’m feeling open to the Steam Machine, even though I haven’t been a PC gamer for ages. It seems Steam is more consumer forward, honestly.
Re: Poll: Now That The Dust Has Settled, Which Xbox Game Pass Tier Are You Subscribed To?
I’ve cancelled my subscription. Not sure if I’ll spend any more money on Xbox as a platform. We will have to see how the next generation goes or whether or not stuff like Fable is multiplat. I’ll buy Fable if it’s only on Xbox.
Re: Former Nintendo President 'Surprised' That Xbox Hasn't 'Fully Embraced' Switch 2
Me too. I’d be getting Halo on Switch 2 rather than PS5 if that was an option.
Re: Fallout 4: Anniversary Upgrade Launches For $40, 'Creations Bundle' Also Available For $20
@Tasuki I’d buy this for Fallout London. That’d be wonderful, but highly unlikely
Re: Poll: How Much Are You Enjoying Ninja Gaiden 4 On Xbox Game Pass?
It’s… not for me. It’s fine, played a little bit of it, but, at the end of the day, Ragebound is the NG game this year that hooked me instead
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (November 8-9)
Maybe I’ll finally go back to Yotei or start with Arc Raiders? The Kirby demo is this weekend too, so I’ll try to do that. I haven’t played much of anything this week, so I’d like to play something.
Re: The Timing Of Xbox's 25th Anniversary Just Got A Lot More Awkward
Guess they’re rescheduling some planned release dates and making it a “a full year of excitement,” I’d wager.
Re: It's Official, Rockstar Games Has Delayed GTA 6 To November 2026
Want to make a bet 2026’s release schedule will be barren now as things were likely internally delayed to accommodate for GTA and are likely delaying again?
Re: Talking Point: Exactly 13 Years Later, How Are You Feeling About Halo 4 These Days?
Single played was… fine. It wasn’t quite up to par with previous entries. I think it had some interesting ideas though and it’s a shame that they weren’t utilized to the fullest extent.
That said, I loved the multiplayer. That was the last year that I was sort of a multiplayer slob in life before finding my footing as an adult and I have great nostalgia for my time playing the game. I have to bump up my score to a 9/10 for that.
Re: Talking Point: What Do You Think Xbox's Release Schedule Looks Like For 2026?
I’m excited for Fable and Halo. I can’t resist the draw to play Halo on PS5 for the sheer novelty of it too. I guess I’m excited for GTA too, but I’m also sort of apprehensive of it. Beast of Reincarnation, Pragmata, Bubsy, Resident Evil, and Witchbrook are the only third party games right now I feel really good about.
If I’m going to be honest, I’d think next year looks like a mostly Switch 2 year for me with the current line-up, but Halo might be the game I’m most excited about. I just literally got those young feelings from seeing it and my son agreed to play co-op, so I’m ready to finish the fight… for the thousandth time.
I hope I’m right and that Halo will be first. I expect Fable to be last to keep it positioned away from GTA.
Re: 20+ Games Are Already Confirmed For Xbox Game Pass In 2026
At Fate’s End, Beast of Reincarnation, Fable, and Replaced all appeal to me. Probably Resonance too.
I’m sorry but I need to buy Halo on PS5 for the sheer novelty of it
Re: Xbox Is Questioning Fans About PS5 Game 'Ghost Of Yotei' In New Survey
Xbox has had a strong line-up this year, perhaps better than PlayStation due to volume, but I think Yotei may beat the first party studio games by Xbox this year.
That said, Gamepass had two games I’ve enjoyed more: Blue Prince and… of course… to a T.
Re: Five Games Are Leaving Xbox Game Pass In Early November 2025
That’s a bummer they’re losing Stalker. It’s a gnarly game, pretty unique, sort of like Fallout if it was frowning instead of smiling if you know what I mean.
I thought it was too hard to beat, but I had a lot of fun with it, even with the jank. It was playable jank.
Re: Xbox Game Pass: All Games Coming Soon In November 2025
Nothing of interest for me in November, but I can’t wait to see how Routine actually turned out this December after years of silence.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (November 1-2)
As for me, Katamari and Mortal Kombat on the Switch 2 if I find time, but I’ve been constantly working either for my job or home projects the last few weeks and I keep having to invest more time and more time. I’m sort of wearing out from it, but I’ve got no choice. Sometimes house projects need to happen and you just got to keep working on it, right? The only downside is sometimes one project becomes four then becomes twelve and so on and so forth. I’d like to play Arc Raiders, but I just don’t know if I’ll have time for it.
Re: Opinion: ARC Raiders Is One Of The Most Visually Impressive Multiplayer Games I've Ever Played
@Kezelpaso Totally! I hope other developers are taking notes because THIS is how you make live service start to improve its image to critical gamers.
Re: Opinion: ARC Raiders Is One Of The Most Visually Impressive Multiplayer Games I've Ever Played
I agree. I played the tutorial section and that’s it yesterday, but I was really impressed with how it looks and feels like “a real game,” if that makes sense. Live service multiplayer games have gotten into this very distinctive feel and this one hits just a little bit different and I think that’s awesome. I haven’t played an actual match yet, but I just felt good playing the tutorial before trying Redsec for one introductory match as well.
Got to say, it’s been a long time coming, but Arc Raiders might finally be the multiplayer game for me.
Re: Poll: Which Was Your Favourite Xbox Game Pass Title From October 2025?
I’d like to try Outer Worlds 2 by years’ end, but I only have so much time. I think I’ll vote for Keeper, even though I’ve barely touched it. Katamari and Pokemon have sort of soaked up most of my gaming time as of late.
Re: Xbox Confirms Its First Two Game Pass Titles For December 2025, And They Both Look Brilliant
Genuinely curious if Routine has been worth the wait.
Double interesting that it’s a genuine Xbox console exclusive.
Re: Xbox Has More Competition From TikTok Than PlayStation, Claims Microsoft Exec
Guys, it makes more sense now. Tik Tok is the competition because Xbox executives are suffering from a heavy case of brain rot. Skibidi toilets are stopping people from playing Halo. Yes, this is the battle Xbox is facing.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 25-26)
Finished Pokemon Z-A this morning (and the final season of Resident Alien, as much as that is not a game). And after that, there was a new Katamari game. I will be out of town in a moment for the next two days. I will bring the Switch 2, sooooo… maybe a round of Hades 2 and Absolum to complement Katamari? Or maybe just Katamari. Katamari is such pure good to me.
Re: Halo: Campaign Evolved Officially Announced, Coming To Xbox In 2026
Looking forward to buying this on PlayStation for the novelty of it alone!
Re: Bethesda's Todd Howard Teases Future Projects At Fallout Day 2025
Fallout 3 was, at one point, my favorite game of all time. Morrowind, Oblivion and Skyrim were also defining games for me. That said, I really don’t know how I feel about whatever Bethesda has cooking. Bethesda’s releases since Skyrim have been sort of disappointing.
Fallout 4 felt like a disappointment when it released. I mean, it was an 8/10 for me, but Bethesda was a 10/10 machine for a while. They were probably my favorite developer. I felt like it was missing a secret ingredient that other Bethesda games had and it patched over that with a base building mechanic that may have been for other people, but not for me.
Then, Fallout 76 was disastrous at launch and Starfield was… just sort of there? I dunno. Starfield was like space for me. It felt big and empty. And now, we’re almost 15 years since Bethesda’s had a bonafide hit. I know there’s rumors of a Fallout 3 remaster, but I mean, what? Is that going to be a remaster like Oblivion’s where it’s just a fresh coat of paint, so you can get your nostalgia fix til you realize how old the bones are?
And here we are now, almost a decade since ES6 was announced with no vision of what that is or where that’s at. Does Todd really expect anyone to trust something truly exciting is on the horizon any time soon?
I want to believe, but I don’t.
Re: Sarah Bond: Our Next-Gen Console Will Be 'Very Premium' & Informed By ROG Xbox Ally
I think there’s a lot of comments here that are predicting the future. It’s going to price out gamers from the Xbox ecosystem and probably be a powerful console. They’re done with the gaming is for everyone rhetoric with their consoles and are going to apply that to xCloud. I have a feeling the console will be a PC meant to be plugged into a TV. We will have to see more, of course. I’m sure it’ll be an impressive piece of tech. It’ll take something truly special for me to be interested in purchasing it at this point, honestly.
Re: The Outer Worlds 2: Release Date, Release Times & How To Get Early Access On Xbox
Allegedly the review embargo is on 10/23. I hope this is accurate. Looking forward to reviews either way.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 18-19)
@Odium It literally feels like there’s a smear campaign that has been wagered to have people blindly hate the game. Personally, I might say it’s one of the most fun Pokemon games I’ve ever played. Are there some issues? Yes, the lack voice acting is an actual issue in this one since there’s a lot a lot of dialogue. The tutorialization of the intro drove me nuts, but my son needed it, so… I mean, the 8 year olds are who Pokémon is designed for, so I can’t be mad! I’m still not sure about the story, but the tone is so darn cozy and the combat and catching… I’m finding it hard to stop playing it. It’s an achievement for Game Freak that the gameplay is so solid. I get that the city is a bit samey, but I’m maybe 12 hours in now and it feels like the game is perhaps a smaller, tighter Pokemon game, so I don’t mind. I mean, all of my Pokemon in my party are edging to level 60 currently and I’m rank D, so I’ve got to be a decent chunk in. And the visuals? Sure environments look a bit dated, but the character models are pretty solid. They’re no Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth models, but they’re definitely comparable to most other AAA JRPGs releasing on modern consoles. And the performance is seamless and smooth. It’s arguably the best running 3D Pokemon game I’ve played and that includes games such as the original X and Y years back.
Granted, I liked ScarVi too, so take my opinion with a grain of salt because I liked that one (and we all know that certain sections of the internet view that as heresy, basically), thought it was one of the best games the year it released in spite of its technical shortcomings, but I’ve also had no issues with being critical of Pokemon when I felt it was necessary. I just felt it was more necessary in Gen 3 and 4, and a little bit in Gen 7 and 8 too. But even so, I don’t think Pokemon has ever produced a “bad” mainline game either. Pokemon was never my favorite franchise, but it’s been one I’ve liked enough to play each game as they’ve released.
I think it’s strange too that people are creating this pit match between Digimon and Pokemon right now too, as if they can’t both be good games of relatively similar quality. We’re getting solid games here, people, let’s celebrate it where it’s due.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 18-19)
@Markatron84 I had a segment on the local morning news about affordable Halloween costumes, so very similar! Lol
Re: Poll: Are You More Interested In The ROG Xbox Ally Now That Reviews Are Out?
Nah, that price point is an eyesore. It looks like a really nice piece of tech, but I’m sort of hoping the market gives Microsoft a reality check on overpricing the market. Though… I’m not sure if Microsoft is trying to sell their hardware anymore these days…
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 18-19)
Pokémon Z-A. I am suspecting everything else I was playing will temporarily be put on hold for a bit after my session last night. The discussion on its “Dreamcast visuals” is totally overblown and untrue. If we’re going to pick a topic that makes more sense to go after Game Freak about, it’d be the lack of voice acting…
Anyway, the gameplay so far is just so good and addictive! I had a hard time putting the game down now that I’m finally out of the introductory portion of the game and I have the freedom to play as I like.
I was playing other things before Pokemon, such as Absolum, Hades 2, and Yotei, but those games will be on ice for a little bit.
Also, I’ll be making a habit of showing off that I was on TV yesterday! Lol.
Re: Review: Keeper (Xbox) - A Memorable Puzzle Adventure From Xbox Studio Double Fine
@Kezelpaso Lol. South of Midnight is my current favorite! I’m curious if Outer Worlds 2 will have a word or not yet though.
Re: Review: Keeper (Xbox) - A Memorable Puzzle Adventure From Xbox Studio Double Fine
Hearing that it’s so short makes me want to try it, even though I have a bunch of other games I’m playing at the moment. Sounds like it might be a candidate for being the best first party title this year.
Re: Keeper: Release Date, Launch Times & What To Expect From Xbox's Next First-Party Release
Looking forward to reading reviews on this one. I simply don’t have enough time to add this one to the docket this October, though I want to purchase it.
Re: Talking Point: How Often Do You Replay Games?
Rarely these days. I mean, every once in a while I’ll replay something retro but it’s uncommon. I struggle to play remasters and remakes a lot of the time too.
Re: Five Games Are Being Added To Xbox Game Pass This Week (October 14-17)
Looking forward to reading those Keeper reviews and potentially purchasing.
Re: Everwild Screenshots Leak Online Several Months After Xbox Cancellation
@InterceptorAlpha I agree with you 100%. When I think back, I was such a diehard Microsoft guy maybe 10 years ago, and now, I don’t know if I even want to support them at all anymore. I know I’ll be buying OD whenever that comes out, but I’ll be hoping it’s on other platforms, and that’s more to support Kojima. I’ve never soured on a brand we much as I have for Xbox in the last maybe 4 years. The worst part is that I kept seeing glimmers of hope, but every time, EVERY TIME, there would be a turn face from Xbox right after the glimmers. I just don’t get it.
Re: Microsoft Issues Statement Denying Target & Walmart Are Pulling Xbox Products
Walmart has definitely been reducing their Xbox presence, locally to me, at least. When the Switch 2 launched, Nintendo basically took the Xbox shelf-space at my local Walmart and now Xbox is in a little corner in the back of the electronics section. The Walmart near me is on the smaller side and there’s not much space. I figured Xbox weren’t selling, so they removed that space, you know? There’s a larger selection of vinyl than Xbox games at my Walmart.
Meanwhile, Target just hasn’t been stocking Xbox stuff. My son wanted me to resub to Gamepass for his birthday, so I’d been scoping out Target to get a gift card, but for a whole darn month they didn’t restock their Gamepass gift cards. It’s been a month since and even last week they weren’t in-stock. That could be incompetence on their part though, as they’re routinely sold out of the physical Switch games too.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 11-12)
Well, I forgot to write on this yesterday, but so far I’ve played Absolum, which I love to start, Kuukiyomi 4, which my son stole from me and proceeded to play as rudely as possible, a few rounds of Hades 2, which I’m starting to progress in now (and I agree with everyone that prefers the first game, basically, because the second one may have better gameplay but a less compelling storyline), and Super Mario Galaxy 2… because my son was having trouble with bosses.
Hopefully I get a chance to play Yotei as well! Pokemon is coming out next week and, after a relatively easy year to stay ahead of games, I’m sinking now! A good problem to have, huh?
Re: Talking Point: As We Approach GOTY Season, What's Your Pick As Things Stand?
Across all platforms right now:
1. Death Stranding 2
2. Hollow Knight: Silksong
3. Donkey Kong Bananza
4. To a T
5. Blue Prince
6. Ghost of Yotei (its position isn’t finalized yet)
7. Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo
8. Hades 2 (its position isn’t finalized yet)
9. Mario Kart World
10. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
Xbox Only:
1. Silksong
2. To a T
3. Blue Prince
4. Pipistrello and the Cursed Yo-Yo
5. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
6. Shinobi Rise of Vengeance
7. Assassin’s Creed Shadows
8. Lego Voyagers
9. South of Midnight
10. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Assembling an Xbox only list, you sort of realize how much has skipped the platform this year. I could’ve gone either way with E33 or Doom, but I picked E33 for the #10 spot because it felt right.
In my current gaming list that’s released, I’ve yet to play Absolum and I’m not far enough in Silent Hill F to even be aware if it’ll be a top 10 game for me. Split Fiction’s the only game I’ve backlogged, and I’d like to say I’d put the game in my top 10, but I just don’t know. My experience with it hasn’t been fun since my wife didn’t seem to enjoy it.
In games of the future, I’ve still got Katamari, Pokemon, and Metroid Prime on the docket. Mina the Hollower and Witchbrook if they make it this year. I’m contemplating Keeper and Outer Worlds 2, but since I’m out on Gamepass, I’m waiting to see reviews.
Re: New Rumours Suggest PS6 & Next-Gen Xbox Could Both Release In 2027
@themightyant @FraserG @Kezelpaso I’m definitely expecting that announcement at the 25th Anniversary too, but I totally agree that 2030 sounds better. In this economic climate, with how slow it takes for games to be made (and how much slower I’m sure it will take next generation), and all the generational overlap this generation, I totally think this generation probably should last a little longer than last. I’m sort of hoping there’s something new about the next generation outside of the “MORE POWER” mentality too.
Re: New Rumours Suggest PS6 & Next-Gen Xbox Could Both Release In 2027
I honestly sort of hope not. I just don’t feel jazzed to buy a new console so soon, as it feels like this generation is finally just starting.
Re: Xbox 'Magnus' Leak Suggests Next Console Will Be Powerful, Expensive & Maybe A Hybrid Device
Oof, sounds like that one might be the most tone deaf launch in history if this is all true… I can’t imagine this one having success at launch with that kind of price.
Re: Pick One: Which Is Your Favourite Double Fine Game On Xbox?
@AverageJoseph I can get that argument, but when I think about Obsidian myself, I sort of thought Avowed was a disappointment and I don’t really like Grounded. No matter what Double Fine does, I’m still interested. I’d say New Vegas tops Psychonauts 2, but that’s a long time ago.
Re: Pick One: Which Is Your Favourite Double Fine Game On Xbox?
It’s got to be Psychonauts 2, but truthfully most games they make are really solid. They may potentially be Xbox’s best studio right now.
Re: Xbox Issues Statement Denying Rumour That Next-Gen Console Could Be Cancelled
@SeaDaVie Couldn’t say it better myself. You’ve hit the nail on the head. Xbox said absolutely nothing of substance with this. We still know nothing and Xbox is hoping people take their statement at speculatively value rather than face value. I would guess Phil’s not saying much these days because he tends to express things when he talks and Microsoft doesn’t want anything between the lines, especially when they want to have the ability to manipulate any information they may provide at a later date.
That said though, I do think a new console in 2026 would be disastrous for Xbox unless it’s focusing on something alternative to visual fidelity, as is typical of iterative console leaps. If Xbox is trying to pull a Nintendo where they’re pivoting a different way, that’s the only way I could see a next gen console making sense so quickly. If any generation made sense to slow down on when to make a generational leap, it’s this one… unless that leap is diagonal in some way rather than forward.
Re: Multiple Xbox Games Temporarily Delisted Due To Security Issue With The Unity Engine
@Simu001 So that’s how Phil lost the weight so fast!?
I kid, I kid…
Re: Xbox Game Studios Titles Up For Several Awards At Golden Joysticks 2025
@DippleHonk It’s an 83 on OpenCritic. There’s literally dozens of games that have a higher overall critical score than Sonic Crossworlds.
Can’t place the anti-Sonic badge on me. Lol. Sonic Frontiers was one of my favorite games of 2022 even if people were panning it left and right and I even loved the virtual novel murder mystery game Team Sonic did a couple years ago. I’m definitely sympathetic to Sonic getting more love. I’m not surprised it’s up there because it’s Sonic, but because it’s not exactly been a hot topic game and also because it didn’t even outsell Mario Kart World its first week in sales.
And I mean, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn’t nominated over it? What? Come on now… I’m basically the biggest detractor of E33 here and even I’ll admit that game should be nominated for GotY.
Re: Talking Point: How Do You Feel About Ubisoft+ Classics Being Added To Game Pass Ultimate?
I’m only interested in Day 1 releases basically. Having more old games that I’ve already owned for a while does nothing of value for me.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 4-5)
Ghost of Yotei, Silent Hill F, Lego Voyagers, and Hades 2. I suspect I’ll play all four of them in some capacity.
So far, I’ve yet to start Silent Hill F, so it’s hard to comment on it, but Lego Voyagers seems like it’s pretty underrated. My son and I have had fun with it to start. Meanwhile, I’m still making opinions of Hades 2 and Ghost. To start, they both feel like sequels that don’t quite hit like the first games in their series, but that could just be because it’s early in both of them for me. I am sort of surprised by how similar AC Shadows’s seed plot is to Yotei too. Even though Atsu’s a very different character and the way the stories are told are different, it’s sort of interesting that the revenge narrative was put down in two massive games this year like that.
Re: Xbox Game Studios Titles Up For Several Awards At Golden Joysticks 2025
Sonic Racing Crossworlds nominated for Console Game of the Year? Get out of here.
It’s too soon for GotY. October is stacked.
I hope Xbox wins for the Minecraft movie, and I suppose we can say Xbox for that OD trailer. I liked most of the first party games, but they’ve nearly uniformly been 7/10s across the board for me, nothing GotY worthy. There’s some truly baffling choices in this list.