Xbox The Xbox One - - Part 14

[X Knight]

Features are important, but games should take priority. That was the fatal mistake MS made with the Xbox One at reveal. They placed more emphasis on the all-in-one media features and cable tv integration than on the games themselves.

with that being said, the features of a new console shouldn't feel like they took a step back from the prior generation, which I felt happened to both the PS4 and X1 this gen.

The PS3 was a pretty awesome media center device. But then the PS4 couldn't play CDs. And neither the PS4 nor X1 could play media files from a USB stick at launch or use custom images as wallpapers.

so yeah, I'm also interested to see what non-gaming features the new consoles will have. at the very least, I hope they don't feel like a regression compared to this gen and prior gens.

 

[X Knight]

Damn!! Ori is such a gem of a game. This is one series that MS/Xbox NEEDS to hold onto and cultivate. And Xbox NEEDS more games like Ori. High quality AA and even AAA titles that deliver that single player, story/character driven experience.

 

[X Knight]

And on a somewhat related note, I'm pleased to announce I am no longer in the dark ages of internet speed!! Finally got upgraded to fiber optic internet ( and tv ) and now I get speeds up to 100 mbps. In reality, on a wireless connection, it's more like 50 mbps, but that's a hell of a lot better than the paltry 10-12 mbps I had been getting. Plus, I played the "bundle" game so I also got my data cap removed, which is even better!

right now, I'm putting the new speed to the ultimate test since I had to reset and reinstall everything on my Xbox. I've been downloading a few games already, I can definitely tell the difference!

Big game files still take a while, but something that prob took 6-8 hours before now gets downloaded in 2 1/2 or 3 hours.

 

[Iceman]

I didn’t realise that they really are going for the same model as Netflix with gamepass. So all Microsoft exclusives past and present will be permanently free on there. That explains the studio acquisition thing now. That is going to be amazing value over the years as many of those games I would have bought anyway. And it encourages them to have a good exclusive offering as those games don’t cost them anything to have on gamepass (and for good). Also there are loads of good games on there already!

 

[Iceman]

Launch lineups and first year games are most important but console features also need to be special to keep people on when not full on gaming.

PS3 had PlayStation Home
PS4 had PlayRoom
Xbox 360 had a lot of dashboard customization and stuff involing avatars.

Xbox One has a lot of apps

It’s great that the companies are finally learning how much many gamers value backward compatibility. Hopefully that means whenever we get new consoles we already have access to hundreds of existing titles rather than playing just 2 or 3 “next gen” titles with it that are probably not noticeably next gen at the beginning of a new gen.

 

[Iceman]

And on a somewhat related note, I'm pleased to announce I am no longer in the dark ages of internet speed!! Finally got upgraded to fiber optic internet ( and tv ) and now I get speeds up to 100 mbps. In reality, on a wireless connection, it's more like 50 mbps, but that's a hell of a lot better than the paltry 10-12 mbps I had been getting. Plus, I played the "bundle" game so I also got my data cap removed, which is even better!

right now, I'm putting the new speed to the ultimate test since I had to reset and reinstall everything on my Xbox. I've been downloading a few games already, I can definitely tell the difference!

Big game files still take a while, but something that prob took 6-8 hours before now gets downloaded in 2 1/2 or 3 hours.

Wow, finally. Awesome!! I couldn’t go back to speeds like you had all that time. Hope you enjoy the benefit. And the removal of the data cap is essential too.

 

[Zorro]

Would be cool if you use your account on next gen consoles then your history, game saves and purchases carry over like it does now.

Can get some launch titles while downloading games from the store and continue where you left off until more new games come out. That would encourage players to go next gen faster since you can download from your library

 

[X Knight]

I didn’t realise that they really are going for the same model as Netflix with gamepass. So all Microsoft exclusives past and present will be permanently free on there. That explains the studio acquisition thing now. That is going to be amazing value over the years as many of those games I would have bought anyway. And it encourages them to have a good exclusive offering as those games don’t cost them anything to have on gamepass (and for good). Also there are loads of good games on there already!

so 1st part exclusives will be permanent? that would be good. but MS needs to support the value of Gamepass with high quality exclusives. They need more exclusives on the same quality level of Ori, God of War, Spider-Man, Horizon Zero Dawn, etc. and less games like Crackdown 3.......lol.

This E3 was kind of a letdown. Hopefully at other events throughout the rest of the year, like Gamescom or a separate Xbox event, MS will reveal more exclusives from their newly acquired studios.

And by next year, with the official Scarlet reveal and E3 2020, MS definitely needs to start showing the goods. They will have no more excuses by then. and if they drop the ball again next year, then that would not be good.

Personally, I'm not sure if I can wait that long to see what MS has to offer. I'm very tempted to just trade my Xbox in this summer and be done with it. But part of me tells me to wait and see what MS does. So, idk.........

It’s great that the companies are finally learning how much many gamers value backward compatibility. Hopefully that means whenever we get new consoles we already have access to hundreds of existing titles rather than playing just 2 or 3 “next gen” titles with it that are probably not noticeably next gen at the beginning of a new gen.

yes, at this point, there's no excuse to ignore BC in consoles. It's great Scarlet will be BC with 3 prior generations of Xbox, including all X1 games. It would be even better if they could figure out a way to make Scarlet BC with ALL 360 and OG Xbox games.

I'm hoping PS5 will have some degree of BC with PS1-PS3 games. as of now, Scarlet has an advantage when it comes to BC.

Wow, finally. Awesome!! I couldn’t go back to speeds like you had all that time. Hope you enjoy the benefit. And the removal of the data cap is essential too.

yeah. so far so good. Downloading on my PS4 has been faster, too, as has watching videos on my computer. I can tell the difference already.

Plus, the new fiber optic tv service has way more channels than our current cable service, higher quality hd channels, and DVR included. which means we are finally able to pack away our VCRs and embrace the modern era of recording shows......haha.

And by bundling everything, it's actually cheaper each month than our current setup of separate internet and cable services.

My only wish is that this service had been available a couple years ago so then my mom could have taken advantage of the extra benefits as well. By the time it came to our area earlier this year, my mom was too sick and weak to move around, so it would have been too inconvenient to have the technician come out to install the new service.

 

[X Knight]

Would be cool if you use your account on next gen consoles then your history, game saves and purchases carry over like it does now.

Can get some launch titles while downloading games from the store and continue where you left off until more new games come out. That would encourage players to go next gen faster since you can download from your library

that would be nice.

with Scarlet BC with all X1 games and supported 360/OG games and PS5 BC with PS4 games at least, I'd imagine that will be more possible with the next consoles. hopefully everything will carry over with your account.

 

[Iceman]

that would be nice.

with Scarlet BC with all X1 games and supported 360/OG games and PS5 BC with PS4 games at least, I'd imagine that will be more possible with the next consoles. hopefully everything will carry over with your account.

If the companies want to tie people in long term then BC is the best way.

 

[Iceman]

so 1st part exclusives will be permanent? that would be good. but MS needs to support the value of Gamepass with high quality exclusives. They need more exclusives on the same quality level of Ori, God of War, Spider-Man, Horizon Zero Dawn, etc. and less games like Crackdown 3.......lol.

This E3 was kind of a letdown. Hopefully at other events throughout the rest of the year, like Gamescom or a separate Xbox event, MS will reveal more exclusives from their newly acquired studios.

And by next year, with the official Scarlet reveal and E3 2020, MS definitely needs to start showing the goods. They will have no more excuses by then. and if they drop the ball again next year, then that would not be good.

Personally, I'm not sure if I can wait that long to see what MS has to offer. I'm very tempted to just trade my Xbox in this summer and be done with it. But part of me tells me to wait and see what MS does. So, idk.........



yes, at this point, there's no excuse to ignore BC in consoles. It's great Scarlet will be BC with 3 prior generations of Xbox, including all X1 games. It would be even better if they could figure out a way to make Scarlet BC with ALL 360 and OG Xbox games.

I'm hoping PS5 will have some degree of BC with PS1-PS3 games. as of now, Scarlet has an advantage when it comes to BC.



yeah. so far so good. Downloading on my PS4 has been faster, too, as has watching videos on my computer. I can tell the difference already.

Plus, the new fiber optic tv service has way more channels than our current cable service, higher quality hd channels, and DVR included. which means we are finally able to pack away our VCRs and embrace the modern era of recording shows......haha.

And by bundling everything, it's actually cheaper each month than our current setup of separate internet and cable services.

My only wish is that this service had been available a couple years ago so then my mom could have taken advantage of the extra benefits as well. By the time it came to our area earlier this year, my mom was too sick and weak to move around, so it would have been too inconvenient to have the technician come out to install the new service.

I’m on mobile so difficult to respond to long multi-quotes.

Have you seen what’s on gamepass now? The value is great, especially for anyone who doesn’t have the newest AAA games. And at an extra $1 a month to test it out for up to 3 years! By the time that runs out I imagine the content on there will have improved a lot too.

From what I’ve read, I think they can make BC work with all previous games aside from licensing issues (particularly music) causing a headache with a good number of old titles.

 

[Iceman]

Damn!! Ori is such a gem of a game. This is one series that MS/Xbox NEEDS to hold onto and cultivate. And Xbox NEEDS more games like Ori. High quality AA and even AAA titles that deliver that single player, story/character driven experience.

Oh it’s that good? I own it but didn’t start it.

 

[X Knight]

I’m on mobile so difficult to respond to long multi-quotes.

Have you seen what’s on gamepass now? The value is great, especially for anyone who doesn’t have the newest AAA games. And at an extra $1 a month to test it out for up to 3 years! By the time that runs out I imagine the content on there will have improved a lot too.

From what I’ve read, I think they can make BC work with all previous games aside from licensing issues (particularly music) causing a headache with a good number of old titles.

I was talking more about the future of Xbox's exclusive line up ( both 1st party and 3rd party ). Since not all 3rd party titles are on or will come to Gamepass, Xbox's exclusive games will be the centerpiece of Gamepass. But right now, there's no questions that is the main area where Xbox is lacking and the area they really need to improve on going forward.

And maybe the situation will improve at some point with all the new studios they acquired. But for that to happen, those studios need to produce high quality AAA and AA exclusives. Not so-so to crap level quality like Crackdown 3.

And while I think Gamepass is already a great deal, my main fear of the service is that it will encourage the quantity over quality approach. And in order to put out a steady stream of content to feed Gamepass, the MS studios will produce less than high quality games.

I hope that does not happen. but I fear it could. but we really won't start seeing the results of the studio acquisitions until a few years from now. And I'm not sure I can wait that long.

 

[X Knight]

Oh it’s that good? I own it but didn’t start it.

yes, it is.

Ori and Forza are legit the 2 exclusive franchises I would miss if I left Xbox. Killer Instinct, too, I guess.

I'm just not sure right now if they are enough to keep me on Xbox, though. That's what I am debating.

 

[X Knight]

BTW......the alpha test for Bleeding Edge starts today. you can sign up on their site for a chance to get into the alpha.

Bleeding Edge

It may be too late, but I just tried to sign up for a chance. Wonder if I will get in?

 

[Iceman]

Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo Join Forces to Oppose Increased Tariffs in US

 

[Iceman]

BTW......the alpha test for Bleeding Edge starts today. you can sign up on their site for a chance to get into the alpha.

Bleeding Edge

It may be too late, but I just tried to sign up for a chance. Wonder if I will get in?

I'm not bothering with that. Will try it for free on game pass when it comes out.

 

[Iceman]

yes, it is.

Ori and Forza are legit the 2 exclusive franchises I would miss if I left Xbox. Killer Instinct, too, I guess.

I'm just not sure right now if they are enough to keep me on Xbox, though. That's what I am debating.

I'll have to give Ori a try. I didn't realise it was supposed to be that good. Forza's great for sure. I really hope the next Killer Instinct game takes things a lot further. I really enjoyed the first.

 

[X Knight]

I'm not bothering with that. Will try it for free on game pass when it comes out.

well, if I'm lucky to get into the Alpha, I'll definitely give it a try.

I'll have to give Ori a try. I didn't realise it was supposed to be that good. Forza's great for sure. I really hope the next Killer Instinct game takes things a lot further. I really enjoyed the first.

I believe Ori is on Gamepass. so yeah, I'd def recommend checking it out.

and I hope KI 2 is a revealed next year as a launch title for Scarlett. THAT would get my attention. and I hope it improves upon the 1st title, too. at least feel like a full game with a full budget right from the start, instead of the "piecemeal" approach they took with the 1st.

Just imagine a KI game with the budget and quality of MK 11. KI is another exclusive gem that MS is just sitting on and not utilizing properly.

 

[X Knight]

OK, now THIS has my attention. New free update adds Wingsuit (plus new melee weapons) to Crackdown 3!!

Crackdown 3 Free Flying High Campaign Update Available Now - Xbox Wire

now, if only they'd introduce an update to let us CREATE OUR OWN AGENTS. or else add more agents to play as, including that cute blonde chick in the intro. I mean, cute blonde chick already has an in game model for the intro movie, why not let us use her as an agent in the game??!!

cuz....y'know.......cute blonde chicks make anything about 20% cooler.

( free cookie to anyone who gets that reference )

 

[Iceman]

OK, now THIS has my attention. New free update adds Wingsuit (plus new melee weapons) to Crackdown 3!!

Crackdown 3 Free Flying High Campaign Update Available Now - Xbox Wire

now, if only they'd introduce an update to let us CREATE OUR OWN AGENTS. or else add more agents to play as, including that cute blonde chick in the intro. I mean, cute blonde chick already has an in game model for the intro movie, why not let us use her as an agent in the game??!!

cuz....y'know.......cute blonde chicks make anything about 20% cooler.

( free cookie to anyone who gets that reference )

Haha. Some changes of interest there. Will probably still be a while before I start this. It's on gamepass.

 

[Iceman]

well, if I'm lucky to get into the Alpha, I'll definitely give it a try.



I believe Ori is on Gamepass. so yeah, I'd def recommend checking it out.

and I hope KI 2 is a revealed next year as a launch title for Scarlett. THAT would get my attention. and I hope it improves upon the 1st title, too. at least feel like a full game with a full budget right from the start, instead of the "piecemeal" approach they took with the 1st.

Just imagine a KI game with the budget and quality of MK 11. KI is another exclusive gem that MS is just sitting on and not utilizing properly.

I often don't bother with betas/alphas. I will for Gears 5 and I would have for Mass Effect in the past and maybe I will for Halo Infinite.

Ok yes, will give Ori a go.

KI2 would be a big deal for me. I really hope we get it early on for Scarlett. Infinite and KI2 would keep me busy and satisfied to kick off with and I hope they go all out with KI2.

 

[Iceman]

I was talking more about the future of Xbox's exclusive line up ( both 1st party and 3rd party ). Since not all 3rd party titles are on or will come to Gamepass, Xbox's exclusive games will be the centerpiece of Gamepass. But right now, there's no questions that is the main area where Xbox is lacking and the area they really need to improve on going forward.

And maybe the situation will improve at some point with all the new studios they acquired. But for that to happen, those studios need to produce high quality AAA and AA exclusives. Not so-so to crap level quality like Crackdown 3.

And while I think Gamepass is already a great deal, my main fear of the service is that it will encourage the quantity over quality approach. And in order to put out a steady stream of content to feed Gamepass, the MS studios will produce less than high quality games.

I hope that does not happen. but I fear it could. but we really won't start seeing the results of the studio acquisitions until a few years from now. And I'm not sure I can wait that long.

Doesn't make sense to focus on quantity over quality as Gamepass already has hundreds of games that would take years to get through. They need to line up the big guns for the future that will make people subscribe who haven't already. People who just want a tonne of games to play already can.

 

[X Knight]

Haha. Some changes of interest there. Will probably still be a while before I start this. It's on gamepass.

well, adding a hot blonde agent would definitely cause a change of interest for me. I'm a simple man of simple tastes.

yeah, I do like how they are adding all these updates to Crackdown 3 for FREE!! you can't beat free. still not quite there for me either, but it's getting there. I dled it on gamepass, too.

I often don't bother with betas/alphas. I will for Gears 5 and I would have for Mass Effect in the past and maybe I will for Halo Infinite.

Ok yes, will give Ori a go.

KI2 would be a big deal for me. I really hope we get it early on for Scarlett. Infinite and KI2 would keep me busy and satisfied to kick off with and I hope they go all out with KI2.

Ori is legit one of the best games I've played. I'm still relatively early in the game ( I guess ) but I feel it's the total package. It's absolutely beautiful to look at ( and it's not even in 4k/HDR ). The story, characters and settings interest me ( the opening part really hit home given what I just went through with my mom ). The game itself is challenging ( almost like a Souls game in that you may die a lot to figure out the challenges ). And the whole thing doesn't need to rely on sex or excessive violence or gore. It's a game I'm really enjoying playing and one I find myself wanting to play. which is always a good sign......lol.

KI2 would be awesome as a Scarlett launch title. Here's the launch lineup I'd like to see:

Halo Infinite
KI2
Forza 8
Fable (not likely) or 1 more Xbox Studio game
3rd Party launch titles

I think that would be pretty solid, while saving more new 1st party titles for 2021 and beyond.

Doesn't make sense to focus on quantity over quality as Gamepass already has hundreds of games that would take years to get through. They need to line up the big guns for the future that will make people subscribe who haven't already. People who just want a tonne of games to play already can.

hopefully later this year at Gamescom and at that X19 fan event in London we will get more reveals of the new Xbox Studio games. Definitely by next year they need to start revealing those 1st party studio games. Scarlett reveal event and E3 2020 will be crucial for MS and Xbox. They can't afford to play it safe like they did this year at E3 or mess up like they did at X1 reveal.

 

[X Knight]

Also, i just signed up to be an Xbox Ambassador. I've always felt Xbox gave me a better sense of "community" and I see this as another way to connect with fellow Xbox fans and gamers.

I guess that makes me all in on Team Xbox now.......haha.