• 22May 13

  My views on the Xbox One's unveiling

  I was gonna do a vlog about it but instead, I'll opt it for a blog here instead.
  
  

  The long awaited announcement of Microsoft's new console is unveiled and already people are ranting and raving about it. I haven't seen the event but I gathered enough information from articles posted to formulate my impression of the systems unveiling.

  First off, I'll start off with what I like about it and then discuss about what I dislike about it.
  
  Pro #1: PC architecture-like specs

  In the same vein as a the PS4, the Xbox One will have specs similar to the PC to make developing games as well as porting games a lot easier without a lot of comprimises that we saw a lot on particular multiplats for the 360/PS3. Not sure if it'll work out like a PC (considering the PC is a customisable setup) but it's something at least.

  Pro #2: Blu-ray drive + Kinect included

  Not exactly important but felt it was worth mentioning. MS finally has a Blu-ray drive installed in the new Xbox so not only it can play Blu-ray movies but can also give developers more space to add content in. Also the Kinect included in the box is better than having it standalone but that can also come off as a pro/con for a lot of people but we'll get to that soon.

  Pro #3: Controller remains unchanged

  Despite a few small tweaks to the design as well as adding additional features, the controller remains unchanged which is good because the 360 controller is a very comfy and easy to use controller and why would anyone would wanna change that for no reason?

  Pro #4: Unique features

  This can also come across as a con but we'll be discussed about momentarily. The features may not be for everyone but being able to switch from game to TV with just your voice is a nice little addition as well as Snap mode which is able to multitask different apps on the Xbox One without cancelling the other. The best one I think is the DVR feature (which the PS4 is also doing) to allow gamers to record their game footage without using a device like a PVR or video card on PC.

  Now with the pros out of the way, here's what I didn't like...

  Con #1: No Backwards Compatibility & Mandatory Installs

  While I don't think it's a big loss, it's still annoying for those who want to play old games on the Xbox One but if you think about it, it'll most likely cost more to sell as well as develop if we remember the PS3's launch being too pricey for the original 60GB version. So it's a loss but not big though.

  However, whenever you get a new game, you must install it no matter what which can be infuriating since people would just want to play the game. Sure, there's a positive to it but not everyone wants to do that.

  Con #2: Overly big design

  Sure it looks sleek but looks a lot like two big Wii Us glued together side by side, making it a pretty large console. Apparently, they didn't learn how to condense their console like they did with the 360 Slim.

  Con #2: Used Games fee, Online Activation & No XBLA game transfer
  

  While there isn't much DRM for the system, there is a sneaky way on how they're securing their funds. If you rent or bring a game to a friend's place but already used under your 360 account, you cannot play it unless you pay a fee which recent reports saying it's untrue however there is no confirmation at this moment which makes it uneasy.

  Also the fact that you have to register online in order to play you Xbox One, while it's not as bad as the rumours made it out to be, it's still not cool considering that you require it for some games. Not to mention that you can transfer your Xbox Live data to the new system but no XBLA games or On Demand 360 games which is rather lame.

  Con #3: Marketed as a Multimedia system

  While the multimedia apps are nice to have in gaming systems, don't forget the core of it which is a gaming console. That's what crippled the PS3 for a while till they got it's groove and Microsoft seems to be doing the same thing with the Xbox One which I think is a bad idea. Not everyone is interested in having TV intergration or any other fancy features in the system that isn't game-related. Just not a great idea since you build your fanbase around games and then this happens without being subtle about it.

  Also, the Halo TV series? I don't care for it.

  Con #4: No indie games allowed & lack of stella titles

  Just came to me recently that Microsoft isn't following the same footsteps as Sony and Nintendo by allowing indie developers to self-publish their games on the Xbox One, which I feel it's a stupid idea considering how big the indie scene has gotten over the past few years lately with games like Fez which that game came out on the 360 of all systems (before getting ported over to PS platforms and PC).

  While there are more games to come at the following E3 this year, there's not many to hold over besides one game that caught me which was Quatum Break by Remedy, the rest was either meh or ports of games that are coming on other systems so there's not much value to get them on the Xbox One besides maybe sharper visuals.

  Also COD: Ghosts getting DLC first? Zzzzzzz....

  Lastly and this is a nitpick but I hate the name of the system because not only it's lazy but it's also confusing like the Wii U if not more so, since people will confuse this name for the original Xbox. I was fine with the 720 or the Durango but Xbox One? *facepalm*

  Well, that's all I have to say. I think it has a lot of good things going for it but the rest of it doesn't interest me like the PS4 and Wii U did. Will I get one? Most likely but don't think it'll be straight away. Now to see if MS can show more interesting games that they promised at E3 this year.

  Until then, thanks for reading.

  • Posted May 22, 2013 5:21 pm GMT
  • Category: Games
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• 1Apr 13

  Thoughts on Bioshock Infinite

  

  My thoughts are up on YouTube, please check it out.

  • Posted Apr 1, 2013 6:34 am GMT
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• 27Mar 13

  The Phantom Pain

  

  So...The Phantom Pain is labeled as Metal Gear Solid 5. I'm sitting here asking "When's Zone of the Enders 3 coming?"

  Okay in all seriousness, I will play this game as well as Ground Zero since I am one of the many that do enjoy the MGS games but I'm getting rather tired of the franchise altogether and wish Kojima could work on something new or do Zone of the Enders 3 that he promised.

  Maybe it's just me that I'm tired of franchises being overly popular and while I can't deny MGS reasons why but isn't there a moment where you should let things die in peace and in good faith rather than in a sad way?

  Let me know what you guys think.
  
  UPDATE: The voice of Snake and Big Boss, David Hayter won't be returning since he wasn't asked. I thought he was getting tired of being snake, lol xD Proved me wrong.

  • Posted Mar 27, 2013 4:05 pm GMT
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