Xbox One

[Kirsten]

lol, love it

[DrLove42]

Someone from MS has talked about all the names for the console they considered.

So if you though "Xbox One" was a bad name it could have been;


MAX (Microsoft Action Experience)
AIO (All In One)
MIND (Microsoft Interactive Network Device)
FACE (Full Action Center)
MITH (Microsoft Interactive Theatre)
XON (Experience Optimised Network)
MVPC (Microsoft Virtual Play Center)
TAC (Total Action Center – discs/games could be called TACs)
MARC (Microsoft Action Reality Center)
LEX (Live Entertainment Experience)
M-PAC (Microsoft Play and Action Center)
RPM (Real Performance Machine)
MOX (Microsoft Optimal Experience)
E2 (Extreme Experience)
MTG (Microsoft Total Gaming)
VIP (Virtual Interactive Player)
PTP or P2P (Powered To Play)
VIC (Virtual Interactive Center – disks/games could be called VICs)
MARZ (Microsoft Active Reality Zone)
TSO (Three, Six, Zero)
EHQ (Entertainment Headquarters)
O2 (Optimal Ozone or Optical Odyssey)
MIC (Microsoft Interactive Center)
R&R (Reality and Revolution)
MEA (Microsoft Entertainment Activator)
AMP (Active Microsoft Player)
VPS (Virtual Play System)
MAP (Microsoft Action Play)
MEGA (Microsoft Entertainment & Gaming Attendant or Microsoft Entertainment & Gaming Assembly)
CPG (CyberPlayGround)
VERV (Virtual Entertainment & Reality Venture)
OM (Odyssey of the Mind)
P2 (PowerPlay)
IS1 (Interactive System In One)
MET (Microsoft Entertainment Technology or Microsoft Entertainment Theatre)

Don't think i could have bought an "XBOX MEGA" or an "XBOX MOX". And "XBOX IS1" would have just got confused with the PS numbers system....

[Kirsten]

One looks like the lesser of many evils now, those names all suck

[Psychosplodge]

They like their TLAs don't they? What's wrong with Xbox 3 or Xbox 720? both far more sensible. Or just a word? Why does it have to mean something?

[Wolfshade]

It should be Dave.

I'm going home, switch on my Dave and play all night long.
Oh no my Dave has the red circle of death.
Dave was so unresponsive lastnight
There were some right trolls on Dave Chat last night
I was playing Battfield 213 on Dave last night
I don't like the way Dave watches me all night
I'm going to trade my Dave for a newer model

[Psychosplodge]

Why not?
It's better than that list.
But can I still get topgear and QI XL on Dave?

[Mr Mystery]

X-Box Poop?

[Wolfshade]

Why not?
It's better than that list.
But can I still get topgear and QI XL on Dave?

Yes, but you have to pay extra..

[Mr Mystery]

http://i41.tinypic.com/6899mq.gif

http://i43.tinypic.com/jj0jtt.gif

HA!

X-Box Utter Rubbish?

[DrLove42]

I think you'll find the COD thing is PS4 as well...

[Psychosplodge]

True, but that's just the gif I found.


Yes, but you have to pay extra..

Uh, I'll just watch them on Dave instead.

[Kirsten]

Hideous Kojima has apparently become depressed after seeing the trailer for GTAV because MGSV wont measure up. Don't worry Kojima, MGSV was always going to be s**t anyway, and I have no interest in GTAV either.

[DrLove42]

GTA V looks awesome

BUt as its only on PS3 and 360, and neither console is backwards compatible....

I think my next game purchase is going to be Splinter Cell, then GTAV, and that'll be my last ovn this generation

[Kirsten]

Splinter Cell, possibly Saints Row 4, and there is something else out the same day as those two that caught my eye as well, can't remember what

[Mr Mystery]

GTA V does look impressive.

Loved San Andreas.... GTAIV? Not so much. Just can't get into the plot!

Must trade that in today!

[Kirsten]

IV was boring as hell

[Mr Mystery]

Not just me then! Phew!

[DrLove42]

If you turned off all the bowling and **** it was fun to just mess around in. Now Saints Row has gone stupid over the top its actually not as much fun.

Playing it co-op is fun

[Kirsten]

I played it for about three and a half hours when it came out, and then traded it in. people said 'ooh shame you didn't keep going, it gets great after the four hour mark' that is not a good game, it shouldn't be getting perfect scores when you have to wade through four hours of bull to get to an actual good bit.

[Psychosplodge]

I'm not convinced GTA V won't appear on the next gen. Probably around the time the PC version appears...

[Learn2Eel]

How many teams do Rockstar have? They could very well be working on a next-gen engine for GTAVI right now for release in three-four years.

Played GTAIV not for the story - which was meh - but because it was the closest thing I've seen to a playground of destruction in a life-life environment. The physics were just funny as hell to exploit with car crashes and the like. Tremendously fun game online.

[Psychosplodge]

Yes the deathmatch is much more fun than modern millitary shooter xx

[Learn2Eel]

I was looking at the Day One Edition for the Xbox One on EB Games, and I found this little gem in the text crawl;
https://ebgames.com.au/xbox-one-156131-Xbox-One-Console-Day-One-Edition-Xbox-One


Games look and feel like real life: Immerse yourself in cinematic worlds that look like real life, with characters that feel more human. Thanks to advanced AI technology and the processing power of Xbox One, game worlds come alive. The unique architecture of Xbox One allows creators to build realistic, cinematic experiences in high fidelity.1
.....
1 Cinematic realism and AI technology not supported in all games.

http://i1.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/335/554/cce.png

[DrLove42]

And thats why EB games went under in the UK...

[Psychosplodge]

Didn't they buy Game and take the Game name - then go under.

[DrLove42]

Otherway around. Game bought them

Then Game went under several years later. But are back now!

I think the highstreet needs a specialist video game store. Stores like ASDA and Tescos seeing videogames just as loss leaders isn't helping the industry.

[Psychosplodge]

They didn't. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_%28retailer%29)

You're right though, as much as I have issues with Game, we need more than the supermarkets.

[Learn2Eel]

And thats why EB games went under in the UK...

Indeed, they are becoming increasingly out of touch. Aside from pre-order incentives, I rarely - if ever - buy any games from my local one anymore, particularly when there is a JB Hi-fi with far more realistic prices adjacent to it.

[Kirsten]

I still buy all my games at the local Game, I like it.

[Learn2Eel]

It seems like all the Aussie ones shut down. I didn't mind Game.

[Learn2Eel]

Too many idiots in the comments didn't bother to read the article and see that, despite the online check, this is a good thing. If the console has an online check, it might be annoying for some but it is no surprise whatsoever that some of the games would too.

http://au.ign.com/articles/2013/07/16/forza-motorsport-5-requires-one-time-internet-connection


“So when you first boot up the game, we’re going to ask you to log in,” he explained. “And when you log in you’re going to get the Drivatars and you’re also going to get a whole bunch of content: tracks and cars. Our production schedule is such that we are putting them in as late as possible and that means making them free as downloadable content on Day One.

[DrLove42]

I expect (and expected) it in a lot of launch games. They were designed to use an Online connection, suddenly not having it means big changes required

[Learn2Eel]

Yep. What gets me is that people are complaining about this when they are going to be a tonne of free content on release day.

[Kirsten]

http://www.kitguru.net/software/security-software/jon-martindale/microsoft-addresses-kinect-security-concerns-badly/

[DrLove42]

Microsoft are very good at digging themselves a grave

I need to cancel my Xbox order and make a new one now i'm moving

[Learn2Eel]

http://www.kitguru.net/software/security-software/jon-martindale/microsoft-addresses-kinect-security-concerns-badly/

Oh dear...


Microsoft are very good at digging themselves a grave

I need to cancel my Xbox order and make a new one now i'm moving

Really??

[DrLove42]

Yep. Still getting a console...just moving city. Like 4 hours away

[Learn2Eel]

Yep. Still getting a console...just moving city. Like 4 hours away

Hopefully you can still get it Day One or soon to, I don't know about the One but I assume it's in a similar spot to the PS4 where your pre-orders may not even be guaranteed for the second wave of shipments.

[DrLove42]

I've got one confirmed online now. I'll just need to change the address when i know where i'm moving to.

Means I won't be collecting it at midnight just frantically awaiting for the postman. As soon as I know release date i'm booking it off work

[Learn2Eel]

Ah ok cool, I've waited to damned long to pre-order mine, though technically someone who owes me is supposed to be doing it instead lol. I've been told I may not even get a PS4 in this year even if I pre order it tomorrow :( Both consoles are selling like hot cakes.

[Psychosplodge]

Never early adopt

A) the price will probably drop or they'll bundle more for the same money
B) it gives them time to work out early technical issues.

[Learn2Eel]

I'm in a difficult spot though, even though FIFA 14 and Watch Dogs will be available on PS3/360, I really really want to get them on PS4, particularly for future gaming nights with my mates. That Killzone Shadow Fall is the launch exclusive I like the look of the most for either console is just another thing that forces me to get it ASAP lol.

[DrLove42]

Splinter Cell and GTA are the last 2 games for me from this gen

Everything else is going to be multi platform, and a ONE version will just be better. Hence why getting Watch Dogs, ASSCREED, Battlefield etc on the ONE, not the 360

[Learn2Eel]

I'm amazed Blacklist is coming out on PS3 as well to be honest, I don't see why they would all of a sudden stop with the Xbox 360 exclusive arc that Splinter Cell games had since their PS2 days. Don't see a point to it at all besides money, as if it does continue the story from Convinction - I think it does if memory serves - then many PS3 owners won't be invested in it that much, kind of like when Mass Effect 2 initially came out on PS3.

Not even sure I want Grand Theft Auto 5, if I am going to have to wait for my PS4, then maybe, but otherwise I'll probably just be wasting away on Rome 2.

[DrLove42]

Aye Rome is gonna be a lot of my time too.

Depends on its "Steam"ness. If you need an internet connection to install and or play every time I might not be able to use it much in the first month

I think last 2 Splinter Cells have been multiformat. I think its a "sequel" but is a very seperate game, to the point of changing the whole story and recasting the voice actors....

[Psychosplodge]

you'll need one to register it.
But you can always do that using your phone as a temporary access point. you'll be able to install from the disk, and as long as you have your PC set to remember your steam password you can then log in in offline mode.

[DrLove42]

Yeah. Worst comes to the worst drag it down to some free internet cafe wifi. But it should be out and installed before I move. Its just in case i need it to play

[Psychosplodge]

Oh you should be fine then, just set it to remember your password.

[Learn2Eel]

Aye Rome is gonna be a lot of my time too.

Depends on its "Steam"ness. If you need an internet connection to install and or play every time I might not be able to use it much in the first month

I think last 2 Splinter Cells have been multiformat. I think its a "sequel" but is a very seperate game, to the point of changing the whole story and recasting the voice actors....

Double Agent was, but Conviction was a 360/PC only game.

[DrLove42]

Still waiting on a release date

But news is the all ONE preorders come with a free digital copy of FIFA 14 in Europe (oh yippee)

And the launch line up is all but confirmed now;


ssassin's Creed IV Black Flag (Ubisoft, Ubisoft)
Battlefield 4 (DICE, Electronic Arts)
Call of Duty: Ghosts (Infinity Ward, Activision)
Crimson Dragon (Grounding/Land Ho!, Microsoft Studios)
Dead Rising 3 (Capcom Vancouver, Microsoft)
FIFA 14 (EA Sports, Electronic Arts)
Fighter Within (AMA Ltd., Ubisoft)
Forza Motorsport 5 (Turn 10 Studios, Microsoft Studios)
Just Dance 2014 (Ubisoft Paris, Ubisoft)
Killer Instinct (Double Helix, Microsoft Studios)
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes (TT Games, Warner Bros. Interactive)
Lococycle (Twisted Pixel, Microsoft Studios)
Madden NFL 25 (EA Sports, Electronic Arts)
NBA 2K14 (Visual Concepts, 2K Sports)
NBA LIVE 14 (EA Sports, Electronic Arts)
Need for Speed: Rivals (Ghost Games, Electronic Arts)
Peggle 2 (Popcap, Electronic Arts)
Powerstar Golf (Zoe Mode, Microsoft Studios)
Ryse: Son of Rome (Crytek, Microsoft Studios)
Skylanders: Swap Force (Vicarious Visions, Activision)
Watch Dogs (Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft)
Zoo Tycoon (Frontier Developments Ltd., Microsoft Studios)
Zumba Fitness: World Party (Zoë Mode, Majesco)

6 games for me to have at launch. Much better than the 360 were I only got 2-3

[Wolfshade]

So how many of those titles are orginal?

Quick head counts suggests 16 are sequels

[DrLove42]

8 are original, and one complete remake.

Unfortunatly, that is the state of the industry....

[DrLove42]

I just wish they'd give us a sodding release date so I can book the day off work!

[Psychosplodge]

I just wish they'd give us a sodding release date so I can book the day off work!

Really?

[Kyban]

Really?

I know! I've switched almost entirely to PC since they announced it.

[Learn2Eel]

Turns out that only 5 of the 13 launch countries for the Xbox One will have the voice commands enabled on Kinect, see here (http://au.ign.com/articles/2013/08/29/xbox-one-voice-commands-only-available-in-5-markets-at-launch).

I'm genuinely surprised that Sony haven't announced they are launching in limited territories as well, maybe there is a supply issue for Microsoft?

By the way, Ryse is starting to sound a lot better than it was.

[DrLove42]

MS may be launched in limited territories, but theres no news on how many units are allocated to each region. It may be they have the same stock, but MS is allocating more to America and Europe to reduce sold out issues during the launch.

[DrLove42]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24063613

Microsoft try and make users be online to share games between friends and get hated for it

Steam sets up family sharing between accounts as long as they stay online to play and save the game and gets lauded for it.

[Psychosplodge]

But microsoft's way of doing it was heavy handed and unnecessary.

[eldargal]

Yeah, Steam aren't forcing it on anyone.

[Mr Mystery]

Plus, Steam don't have physical copies....

But I shall now be procuring an X-Box One at some point. Not for me, but as a thank you to a friend who put me up, and indeed, put up with me, during my bout of homelessness. Never really balanced the sheet on that one to my satisfaction!

[Psychosplodge]

http://i40.tinypic.com/15yyyj6.jpg

[Mr Mystery]

Yep! Everyone loves a bit of Zelda.

Unless they're a reet weirdo.

[Kirsten]

http://i40.tinypic.com/15yyyj6.jpg

couldn't agree more, got my collectors edition pre-ordered already

[Deadlift]

It'll have to wait, I've only just started playing Diablo 3 despite downloading it on my iMac on day of release :o

[Psychosplodge]

They might have got the bugs out by now.

[Kirsten]

I need to get Diablo 3 as well. people keep telling me the console version is far better, but it has a lot of HUD elements and I don't want it to screen burn my tv...

[Deadlift]

I'm enjoying my 1st play though, obviously you can guess which class I went with. It's great fun stomping the ground, spinning around with my axe watching zombies explode.

[DrLove42]

Reggie is the man

[Learn2Eel]

This is an awesome video!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-qxDdgiaWo

[Learn2Eel]

As I didn't want to give the confirmed shills Polygon a view, I've been reading/listening to other people's thoughts on the live stream. Turns out both consoles have bumpy starts, what a surprise. :rolleyes:
From what I can tell, Ryse is really bland. Just an FYI to any early Xbox One adopters that might have this game pre-ordered or something, a lot of people watching/playing it think it is terrible. Wait for actual reviews though of course.
Forza is getting lower average reviews than I expected. Still in the mid to low 80s which is great for a launch title but that is quite low by Forza standards.
Apparently Crimson Dragon, Forza and Ryse all have micro-transactions.....lovely. Just lovely.

The UI will turn some off but I like it, especially when the voice recognition works. A lot of live streams I watched were having quite a bit of trouble getting the voice recognition to work perfectly - pretty much every voice command needs to be repeated at least once before the Kinect gets it fully - but YMMV as each reviewer had a different experience.

I'm generally impressed. It has the better retail exclusive line-up at launch and it looks like they kept a lot of what was good about the 360 (the controller) and made some big changes. I still don't see a console that will top the PS4 for what I want it for, and I have my serious concerns about a lot of the heavily touted functionality of the console - such as the TV stuff and voice recognition - particularly outside of the USA. Still, not bad at all. I definitely think the PS4 *is* the better value for money choice if you live outside the USA (many of the TV features barely/don't work internationally) simply because the One is priced a bit higher than it really should be. Also, mandatory Kinect 2.0 that doesn't work nearly as well as they said it does is a big issue. That and this very recent multi-platform game comparison article by Anandtech demonstrates that the differences between the recent multi-platform launch games on both systems is actually quite large, contrary to what the actual gaming press themselves were saying - likely because they had the un-patched PS4 versions (1080p and full AA were added to PS4 in a patch for Call of Duty and Assassins Creed). The hardware and these comparisons tell me that this gap is only going to get larger, and where it will be most keenly felt is in exclusives.

For me - Xbox One: better multi-media service.
Playstation 4: better gaming service.

But we've known that for half a year now so really, not much has changed since the reveals if you look at it like that...

Wait a minute. Micro-transactions in all the launch exclusives, I mentioned it earlier but I noticed that they pop up - for example - during Forza 5 seemingly automatically at the end of races.....
FFS Microsoft. I want to like your console, but this is just getting ridiculous. Your anti-consumer policies are insane. As if having micro-transactions in your exclusive launch games wasn't bad enough - and yes, ALL of them, including downloadable games like Crimson Dragon - you have to push it on us IN-GAME!?

[Psychosplodge]

So you buy half a game for £50 then buy the rest at £3 a pop?
micro transactions are ok for cosmetic things and F2P games, but it doesnt sound like that is what its doing if its pushing at you all the time...

[Learn2Eel]

Yeah, in Ryse for example, you can either earn upgrades in-game or be pressed to buy them with actual money instead.....

It's ridiculous, plain and simple. Why the hell would I want to pay $100 for a console game at EB Games and then find out to get the best experience I need to spend another $15 on tiny little micro-transactions that launch with the game. Micro-transactions should *only* be in F2P games where they actually make sense. You can play the whole game, but you level up faster/get more gear/etc if you pay a bit of money. Sure. Makes sense because if you like the game, spending a few dollars to support a game you like is nice. But doing the same stuff when I'm already spending $100 at retail? That's just messed up.

By the by, Ryse reviews are coming in now.

Shacknews - 5/10
Eurogamer - 5/10
Polygon - 6/10
Joystiq - 2.5/5
Gamespot - 4/10
IGN - 6.8
Destructoid - 5/10
Videogamer.com - 6/10
EGNNow.com - 7.5/10
OXM.co.uk - 7/10
Kotaku - YES
Gamesradar - 3.5/5
GameInformer - 6/10
Rev3Games/Sessler - 2/5
MMGN - 6.5
Eurogamer.de: 7/10
Gameswelt - 7.5/10
Gamersglobal.de - 6.5/10

So basically it is the Xbox One equivalent of Knack in terms of reviews for a major launch game (Crimson Dragon and Lococycle have been getting bad reviews as well AFAIK).

[Kirsten]

I am working from noon today through until around 2am tomorrow when all the midnight xbox shoppers leave, so I am not excited :p

[eldargal]

Ryse looked pretty bad to be honest, I love Rome themed games as a rule but watching the trailer just screamed 'meh'.

[Mr Mystery]

Mmmm. Micro Transactions. What fun.

Defo sticking with me PS4.

[Learn2Eel]

I am working from noon today through until around 2am tomorrow when all the midnight xbox shoppers leave, so I am not excited :p

Long shift! I hope you make it through ok :)


Ryse looked pretty bad to be honest, I love Rome themed games as a rule but watching the trailer just screamed 'meh'.

Yeah ever since E3 we've all known Ryse was going to be mediocre at best. It's just a shame as this was a game I was genuinely interested in. I think Microsoft made a huge mistake trying to market it as their major launch day exclusive though. It will sell well on the visuals alone but I'm betting we will be seeing a lot of used copies....


Mmmm. Micro Transactions. What fun.

Defo sticking with me PS4.

To be fair, the same thing could very well appear in PS4 in the next few years, and if third-parties push it, it probably will too. But I just can't fathom how Microsoft thought they were going to escape scrutiny for flooding their paid-for launch titles with micro-transactions. They've made so many mistakes from their reveal event and onwards, it really is just getting ridiculous.

I mean, I literally had no horse in this race. I would have went for the One as my console of choice in a heart-beat if I thought it would be better for me in the long run. But after all this, E3, the reveal event, etc.....let's just say I am really glad I didn't go for it. I think early adopters will love it, but it just isn't for me.

EDIT: A quote from Neogaf (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=719911).


An example of Forza is You need to earn a million dollars to buy a car and get 100k for winning a race, If you buy a power up using real money you can double the cash earned in game cutting the grind in half. It's dirty.

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0najymJSy1qia2dho1_500.gif

[Mr Mystery]

If it's TP, it's TP (for my bunghole?), so fair enough. Dudes need to make their money.

But Microsoft? That's just like, greed man.

And another example of why our little toy soldiers are the besterest game evar. Once you're set up with your army, that's it if you want.

[DrLove42]

Also you do realise Microtransactions likely come from the developer not microsoft?

Also have my confirmation that my console should be here tomorrow

[DarkLink]

Microtransactions are all developers. And Microsoft probably couldn't ban it without nutering its own online marketplace and/or losing game developers. This is something players have to take to the developers, not to Microsoft.

[Psychosplodge]

Also you do realise Microtransactions likely come from the developer not microsoft?

Also have my confirmation that my console should be here tomorrow

Are you doing a youtube unboxing video? :D


Microtransactions are all developers. And Microsoft probably couldn't ban it without nutering its own online marketplace and/or losing game developers. This is something players have to take to the developers, not to Microsoft.

Isn't forza developed by MS in house?

[DarkLink]

Dunno. Never played a racing game other than on the n64.

[Psychosplodge]

Apart from mario kart, sega rally on the saturn was my preferred racing game.

[Learn2Eel]

Also you do realise Microtransactions likely come from the developer not microsoft?

Also have my confirmation that my console should be here tomorrow


Microtransactions are all developers. And Microsoft probably couldn't ban it without neutering its own online marketplace and/or losing game developers. This is something players have to take to the developers, not to Microsoft.

So how come every confirmed next-gen game with micro-transactions is published by Microsoft? How come Crytek and Turn 10 - who have never put micro-transactions in their games before - have all of a sudden started including them, conveniently as part of exclusive launch titles on a new console? How come we are seeing full-price indie games having micro-transactions out of the blue - again, published by Microsoft?

Sorry, but it seems pretty obvious who the real culprit is. I might be chasing shadows but it just seems far too convenient that the only games we know of with micro-transactions in the next-gen are all published by Microsoft....

On another note, what a grand coincidence that not one of these games was confirmed to have micro-transactions before they released :rolleyes: If this is what we should expect from AAA games down the line and paid-for indie games, I think I'll vomit.

[Kirsten]

just back from working the xbox one midnight launch. somewhere in the region of forty people turned up I reckon, with about 120 day one editions pre-ordered. expect to be busy tomorrow. went very smoothly though, we had allowed people to pay in advance, so once midnight rolled around it was pretty much a case of just handing bags over. I was on door duty turning away inquisitive drunks. highlights of the night are a middle aged couple in full black tie who turned up just to see what was going on, and a drunken guy totally off his tree who was convinced that the xbox one has been out since the first of november and that he got one on the first 'out of the catalogue'

[Learn2Eel]

Good to hear the launch went well!

[DrLove42]

Sounds like the midnight fr the 360 and PS3 i worked.

As for microtransactions, its more likely thta now they're accepted, easy and ona platform that can do them everyone is doing them. The choice always comes down to the developer.

Also microtransactins are a developers way of getting money back that they've lost from preowned games.

[eldargal]

Microtransactions are fine until it becomes 'pay to win' in my opinion.

[DrLove42]

Yeah I'm generally against them in that model. Extra single player stuff I have no problem with. I just don't buy any of them. Paying for something that gives you a legitimate edge is problem. Something that makes your progress faster like the afore mentioned Forza money boost is fine IMO. You can just put the time in

[Wolfshade]

Microtransactions are fine until it becomes 'pay to win' in my opinion.

+1

[Psychosplodge]

As long as they're only cosmetic, or you have the option to acquire them through progress. But thrusting them in your face so delays game play? another no no.

[Learn2Eel]

Sounds like the midnight fr the 360 and PS3 i worked.

As for microtransactions, its more likely thta now they're accepted, easy and ona platform that can do them everyone is doing them. The choice always comes down to the developer.

Also microtransactins are a developers way of getting money back that they've lost from preowned games.

So why aren't any multi-platform next-gen games confirmed to have micro-transactions?
On a platform that can do them? You realize that they can put micro-transactions in any online-capable game, right? It is hardly restricted to next-gen consoles.
If it is the developer, how come it is conveniently every developer with a game published by Microsoft?
There's writing on the wall mate. There's no other legitimate reason Crytek and Turn 10 would all of a sudden put micro-transactions in their games otherwise when they could have very easily done it earlier with previous Forza and Crysis games.

As far as pre-owned games go, that is fair enough, but isn't that what post-launch DLC is for?


Microtransactions are fine until it becomes 'pay to win' in my opinion.

I am a semi-regular player of The Old Republic, a currently F2P MMO with in-built micro-transactions and potential subscription based play. When you are playing 'free', you level up half as quickly as subscribers. You can solve this through a particular micro-transaction. In this context, a micro-transaction is justified as actually supporting the developer through money, even little sums, gets you extra rewards.

With this mind, are you saying that I should pay $100 for Forza 5, and then be expected to do a micro-transaction to 'level up' at an accelerated rate? Do you see the comparison? In Forza 5, you level up half as quickly as you would if you paid extra in-game. So, errr, what exactly am I paying $100 for? I can play The Old Republic for free, and buy extra goodies to support the developer, not to mention it is a game with far more content than Forza 5. Is $100 not enough for Turn 10? Do they have to put limitations in the game to prevent me from having the full experience? It certainly seems that way.

There is ZERO justification for micro-transactions in a fully-priced retail game, because when you go to purchase a $100 game and expect a full experience, you aren't getting it and instead have to pay an additional $2.50/$5.00/etc to enjoy it fully. That they have never even mentioned these micro-transactions until reviewers and consumers got the games themselves in hand is a classic example of switch and bait marketing. It is pathetic and unacceptable.

The reason this is different to post-launch DLC is because one is designed to provide benefits to 'subscribers'. The other is content for a game that is finished after it launches. $100 obviously isn't a big enough subscription anymore though!

Not having a go at you by the way, I don't want you to get that impression! Just this whole "day one DLC" and "retail game micro-transactions" stuff has been sh*tting me for a few years now. Just look at Rome 2. Hey, if you pre-order the game (that is conveniently bug-riddled and not deserving of a day one purchase due to our horrible testing) you get these three factions for free that were completed alongside the other factions! If you don't pre-order, well that's ok, you can pay $15 to get them. Even though we made it at the same time as the other factions, paying $15 is a good way to help support the growing Total War franchise. With your retail purchase* of $80 as well, Rome 2 is sure to be a big success, and the Total War series will continue!

*Bug-testing not included.


Yeah I'm generally against them in that model. Extra single player stuff I have no problem with. I just don't buy any of them. Paying for something that gives you a legitimate edge is problem. Something that makes your progress faster like the afore mentioned Forza money boost is fine IMO. You can just put the time in

I'm against them in any model where I am expected to pay $20+ for a game and then hit a pay-wall with certain parts of a game I expected to be included in the retail price.

[eldargal]

Forza is a disgusting example, as you say if you pay for a full game you shouldn't have to pay more to progress through a grind faster. With SWTOR (which I also play) you are not paying anything to play the game as a F2P player so the micro transactions are a way of getting you to support the game by something. Or, like me, you can pay a monthly fee and not have to pay for anything bar cosmetic items.:) This is fine in my view, if you aren't paying anything you shouldn't get all teh features. But if you do pay for the full game you should get all the game features and with SWTOR and most F2P MMOs you do. The Forza thing is just blatant greed and I hope it does not work out for them.

[Psychosplodge]

Another example of early adopters suffering...

[Learn2Eel]

Forza is a disgusting example, as you say if you pay for a full game you shouldn't have to pay more to progress through a grind faster. With SWTOR (which I also play) you are not paying anything to play the game as a F2P player so the micro transactions are a way of getting you to support the game by something. Or, like me, you can pay a monthly fee and not have to pay for anything bar cosmetic items.:) This is fine in my view, if you aren't paying anything you shouldn't get all teh features. But if you do pay for the full game you should get all the game features and with SWTOR and most F2P MMOs you do. The Forza thing is just blatant greed and I hope it does not work out for them.

Yep, exactly. By the way I edited my earlier post just to clarify I wasn't having a go at you :)
I agree that the micro-transactions themselves aren't bad, and their use in F2P MMOs makes perfect sense.

[Mr Mystery]

Forza is a disgusting example, as you say if you pay for a full game you shouldn't have to pay more to progress through a grind faster. With SWTOR (which I also play) you are not paying anything to play the game as a F2P player so the micro transactions are a way of getting you to support the game by something. Or, like me, you can pay a monthly fee and not have to pay for anything bar cosmetic items.:) This is fine in my view, if you aren't paying anything you shouldn't get all teh features. But if you do pay for the full game you should get all the game features and with SWTOR and most F2P MMOs you do. The Forza thing is just blatant greed and I hope it does not work out for them.

Pretty much this.

Plus, FTP stuff means a casual gamer like myself can drop in and drop out, without an upfront cost, only paying and supporting an amount matching the hours played. Which I'm fine with.

[eldargal]

Yep, exactly. By the way I edited my earlier post just to clarify I wasn't having a go at you :)
I agree that the micro-transactions themselves aren't bad, and their use in F2P MMOs makes perfect sense.

Oh I didn't think you were, I just wanted to elaborate on my position as it was a bit unclear in the Forza case.:)

[DrLove42]

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m252/drlove42/2013-11-22114343_zps123db1de.jpg (http://s106.photobucket.com/user/drlove42/media/2013-11-22114343_zps123db1de.jpg.html)

Xbox. On.

Finally. Shame GAME in their infinite wisdom decided to split the order, so rather than putting the ordered games into the tons of empty space in the box this arrived in via courier, they put the games into the regular snail mail. So christ know when they might show up.

First impressions (with no games)

New console looks nice, connects easily, initial update is fast.
Kinect is chunkier but better grips and stands for shelves and TVs
Controller is damn comfy. Bit smaller maybe, and feels wierd without the battery pack on the back.

More as it happens..

[Psychosplodge]

But more importantly, you have a wii !

[Wolfshade]

But more importantly, you have a wii !

All about the mario kart...

[Psychosplodge]

aye. But please tell me you don't use that steering wheel? :D

[Deadlift]

aye. But please tell me you don't use that steering wheel? :D

Who doesn't use the steering wheel ? :o

So far moving house costs have predictable spiralled out of control. No xbox 1 for me this side of Christmas, I'm not sure just how "politically correct" that would be.

[Psychosplodge]

oh dear...

[Wolfshade]

Who doesn't use the steering wheel ? :o

So far moving house costs have predictable spiralled out of control. No xbox 1 for me this side of Christmas, I'm not sure just how "politically correct" that would be.

Would it be cheaper to build an extension?

[Psychosplodge]

Wait six to twelve months, then you either get it cheaper, or tend to get something bundled with it.
Plus they should have ironed out launch bugs, and if one or the other is having reliability issues it might be evident by then.

[DrLove42]

Popped into town, picked up DR3 and AC4 while I wait for Battlefield 4 to turn up in post.

So this is what it feels like to be a PS3 owner....waiting for a game to instal before you can play it....

[Psychosplodge]

If you joined the master race you'd already be used to it XD

Did the first time online set up go easy?

[Wolfshade]

If you joined the master race you'd already be used to it XD

No, steam can now d/l and install games while you play something else :p

[DrLove42]

You can do that with the one. Hell you can play the game before its finished installing after a certain point. 45% for DR, but apparantly only 10% for BF4.

First time installation is easy. All you need is internet, and your email and password. Does everything else itself

[Psychosplodge]

Did they deliver it like this doc?

http://i42.tinypic.com/28041s3.png

[DrLove42]

If thye did the PS4 will have trouble cos apparantly its bigger

the ones not that different from the Elite in size.

first iMpressions of DR3 to come!

[Psychosplodge]

DR3?

http://25.media.tumblr.com/62d82cf6b89920285d4867d957020b84/tumblr_mwawgx1Ra51snseu8o2_500.jpg

Though considering I've got a corsair 650 case :D

[DrLove42]

Thats cool hadn't seen them next to each other

Dead Rising 3.

Also I was about to say aren't most PC towers bigger?

[Psychosplodge]

Yeah, but it does have a pretty window and shiney LEDs :D

[Kirsten]

my friend's is so large he can hardly get it up.

hurr

he has a huge PC

[Learn2Eel]

You can do that with the one. Hell you can play the game before its finished installing after a certain point. 45% for DR, but apparantly only 10% for BF4.

First time installation is easy. All you need is internet, and your email and password. Does everything else itself

Yep, it's a cool feature of both consoles. I.e. when you purchase CoD Ghosts off of PSN it lets you choose which you want to play first, it basically lets you play either campaign/multiplayer/zombies while the rest downloads. Such a cool feature in next-gen.

Glad to hear you are having fun!

[Learn2Eel]

Sorry to derail what should be a positive thread over the coming months with this consoles' release, but this stuff around Forza 5 just has to be reported. This is a post from Neogaf (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=721448). Don't be surprised if you spit your coffee out.


Still looking for some comprehensive sources but from the Forza forums and an assortment of articles out there I'm seeing some truly insane prices for Forza 5 cars:

For 2,334 Tokens you can buy either a McLaren P1 or Ferrari Enzo. A Token pack costing £15.99 will cover either of those cars (you can buy packs of Tokens at the following prices: 100 is £0.79, 575 is £3.99, 1250 is £7.99, 2700 is £15.99, 8000 is £39.99 and 20,000 is £64.99), so with the 2700 Token pack that's one vehicle for £13.82. But there's much more expensive cars in Forza Motorsport 5, but the more Tokens you buy, the cheaper they are. If you bought the 20,000 pack (costing £64.99) the McLaren would cost just £7.58.

From the same pricing, a Veyron Super Sport will set you back £13.00, and the most expensive car in the game, the Lotus E21 will cost an incredible £32.50. The smaller the pack of Tokens, the more expensive they are, so the worst possible way of picking up the game's most expensive car would be to buy 100 of the 100 Token packs, bagging you the exclusive 10,000 Token Lotus E21 for a cool £79.

(source: GameReactor)

And Turn 10 themselves even explained why they raised the prices:

On the upper end, our goal is to make the truly elite cars feel really exclusive. As a result, the top-end cars in Forza Motorsport 5 will cost significantly more in tokens than they would if you earned them with in-game credits. In the past, expensive cars could be purchased with very few tokens (not in proportion with the amount of effort required to earn the cars through racing), thus allowing players willing to spend tokens to jump straight into the most exclusive cars in the game. Now, we’ve made token prices equal to in-game credit prices. For those who want to spend some extra real money and get those exclusive cars, they’ll have that option, but they will no longer devalue the hard work of those who earned the cars through racing and building up in-game credits. Either way, expensive cars will have real rarity.

(source: ForzaMotorsport.net)

And all of this is after they removed the ability to free drive with any car, as well as most of the ways you'd get cars and money and discounts in previous titles.

Originally Posted by Cipher Soze

So, people seem to be happy/thrilled with the audio-visual and physics in the game. And I've got to say I'm still tempted by the increase in layers in the livery editor.

BUT
Decimated car and track count, and the whole 'built from the ground up' talk is nothing but PR hot air.
No Public lobbies
No Clubs
No gifting of cars or paints (say goodbye to collabs)
Free Play has been stripped.
No Auction House or Storefront.
Tuning has been dumbed down to an extent ( engine and drive swaps )
No community leaderboards. ( offset somewhat by rivals leaderboards )
No affinity for car parts. ( WTF )
Intrusive monetizing offers which are eight times more expensive than FM4.

Whoever made these decisions about gameplay mechanics, let alone content, has a lot to answer for IMO. They have cut the community off at the knees.

(Note: There *is* free play support, but it seems to be limited)

Originally Posted by Seanspeed

After learning a bit more about how Forza 5 works, I must say, they definitely have made some changes that are, without a doubt, designed to encourage people to buy cars with real money to the detriment of the game experience.

Seems like earning potential and car prices haven't changed. That's the good news.

But these few things all combine to make a pretty big and noticeable difference:

- No cars unlocked as you level. There is no logical, game-enhancing reason this was taken out. Its something that most everyone enjoyed. Some tweaks could have been to the 'progression' of cars you unlocked, but certainly no one wanted the whole system taken out.

- Manufacturer affinity is gone. This was something that also could have used some tweaking, but was otherwise a very good idea. Before, you could basically get free upgrades quite quickly. That could have used changing. It was definitely too quick. But again, people liked the system and it didn't warrant taking out. The fact that you can use tokens to buy upgrades now makes it blatantly obvious what the intentions were here.

- Free Play no longer allows you to drive any car in the game. Before, while some cars were quite expensive, it didn't stop people from the enjoyment of driving them if they wanted to. You just wouldn't own the car, couldn't customize it or race it in career. This was a fantastic compromise, as you could test drive anything you wanted and even if you couldn't afford an expensive car you really liked, you could still get to experience it out on-track. With that gone, it really pushes at the car collector types to pay real money.

- No buying/selling paints/setups/vinyls. You can still make some money off of this, but there will clearly not be any sort of ecosystem built around this like before. No reason for this to have happened. People *loved* the way it was.

- Buying cars and upgrades, the game definitely treats 'car tokens' as an equally viable way of bartering. Every step of the way, prices are given in credits and tokens, with equal font size and all, even going as far as having a little pop-up menu to 'confirm' whether you're going to buy with credits or tokens.

It all amounts to a blatant attempt at encouraging people to spend more money. All at the detriment of the game from several important angles.

So I was wrong here guys for defending this. I didn't realize it was going to be that bad. Its definitely not like previous Forza's at all and is totally shameful.


This game sounds like pure evil. An early example of what we can expect for this new generation?

And does anybody have a comprehensive listing of car and token prices?

Edit: More details:

A pricey car:

Token costs in USD:

Yes, thats more than $100 for that one car.

Edit: Google spreadsheet price list for all cars here.

Originally Posted by dengatron

Token cost of all cars in the game comes to 168993
if bought at simplest token value cost of 8000 per $100 usd, that comes to $2200. you could probably bring it in a bit cheaper by buying the remaining balance with smaller amounts instead of the 8000 lot.
if bought at the least value cost of 1250 per $20 that comes to $2700.
cheapest overally brings it to $1690 with 100 tokens per dollar..


To see what that post is talking about, view these two images.

http://i.imgur.com/rDGKTOI.png

http://i.imgur.com/oYfR8UG.png

This is the most abominable practice I think I have ever seen abused in a video game. This is flat out racketeering. Words cannot describe how disgusted I am right now.
Forza 5 might be the worst example we have ever seen yet, but if all the other Microsoft-published Xbox One games have this kind of stuff as well, I dread to think what is coming later in the generation.

What disgusts me almost as much is that almost no reviewer mentioned this crap. Yeah, game journalism really sets a high bar!

[Deadlift]

I'm shocked to say the least, I'm a big Forza fan and besides this one I have played them all. As said already my concern is that other games will follow this trend. No thanks. If I pay £50 for a game I want all the content that's available at launch. I don't mind add ons and extras but paying just to see and experience the high end / end game content (in this example better performance cars) of new games just isn't on.

I'm looking forward to the publics reaction when this is realised.

[Learn2Eel]

I'm shocked to say the least, I'm a big Forza fan and besides this one I have played them all. As said already my concern is that other games will follow this trend. No thanks. If I pay £50 for a game I want all the content that's available at launch. I don't mind add ons and extras but paying just to see and experience the high end / end game content (in this example better performance cars) of new games just isn't on.

I'm looking forward to the publics reaction when this is realised.

Well gaming forums such as Neogaf and, heck, even the official Forza forum are blowing up deluxe. This is completely unacceptable and both the media and consumers should let the developers and Microsoft know that they won't stand for it. That is the only way this horrible practice will be abolished from their future games.

By the by;


After learning a bit more about how Forza 5 works, I must say, they definitely have made some changes that are, without a doubt, designed to encourage people to buy cars with real money to the detriment of the game experience.

Seems like earning potential and car prices haven't changed. That's the good news.

But these few things all combine to make a pretty big and noticeable difference:

- No cars unlocked as you level. There is no logical, game-enhancing reason this was taken out. Its something that most everyone enjoyed. Some tweaks could have been to the 'progression' of cars you unlocked, but certainly no one wanted the whole system taken out.

- Manufacturer affinity is gone. This was something that also could have used some tweaking, but was otherwise a very good idea. Before, you could basically get free upgrades quite quickly. That could have used changing. It was definitely too quick. But again, people liked the system and it didn't warrant taking out. The fact that you can use tokens to buy upgrades now makes it blatantly obvious what the intentions were here.

- Free Play no longer allows you to drive any car in the game. Before, while some cars were quite expensive, it didn't stop people from the enjoyment of driving them if they wanted to. You just wouldn't own the car, couldn't customize it or race it in career. This was a fantastic compromise, as you could test drive anything you wanted and even if you couldn't afford an expensive car you really liked, you could still get to experience it out on-track. With that gone, it really pushes at the car collector types to pay real money.

- No buying/selling paints/setups/vinyls. You can still make some money off of this, but there will clearly not be any sort of ecosystem built around this like before. No reason for this to have happened. People *loved* the way it was.

- Buying cars and upgrades, the game definitely treats 'car tokens' as an equally viable way of bartering. Every step of the way, prices are given in credits and tokens, with equal font size and all, even going as far as having a little pop-up menu to 'confirm' whether you're going to buy with credits or tokens.

It all amounts to a blatant attempt at encouraging people to spend more money. All at the detriment of the game from several important angles.

So I was wrong here guys for defending this. I didn't realize it was going to be that bad. Its definitely not like previous Forza's at all and is totally shameful.

Oh, right, as if this was crap wasn't enough. It turns out that DLC cars you buy with real money are only unlocked, you still have to purchase them in-game from a car vendor with either these paid for tokens or in-game credits. WHAT THE F**K!?!?!??!?

Here's another goodie from Neogaf (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=721448&page=13).


Hit Y to accelerate. As in accelerate progress. At the end of every race. Hit Y and then you're asked to pay.

This really begs the question; how come 95% of the "critics" that "reviewed" this piece of sh*t failed to mention all of this micro-transcation crap!?

[Dread Corsair]

That degree of monetisation is absurd! However I do wonder how many people will still pay that kind of money.

[Learn2Eel]

That degree of monetisation is absurd! However I do wonder how many people will still pay that kind of money.

Sadly, quite a few probably will just to get the long-as-heck grind done quickly. But I doubt anyone will actually be content with it. This is easily the WORST money-grabbing, two-faced, lying joke of a game I have ever seen. Not A SINGLE preview/interview mentioned these. This is the video game equivalent of a SCAM.

[Dread Corsair]

I do recall them saying there would be microtransactions but there is nothing micro about those prices! Makes EA and the like seem not so bad!

[Deadlift]

It's like buying a 40k battalion and then realising 50% of the models aren't very good and you need to spend more to make your army playable..............oh hang on a minute.

Just messing with you :D

[Learn2Eel]

Put it this way, if any other Xbox One exclusive games down the track do this crap, I will *never* buy an Xbox One. If any PS4 exclusive games do this, I won't go near them with a ten-foot pole no matter how much I want them. Having micro-transactions in full priced retail games is an abominable way to show "appreciation" for your consumers.

[Psychosplodge]

So you have to effectively buy DLC twice? As well as it being a full price game they expect you to pay to unlock most of the content?

I hope no one actually does it.

[Learn2Eel]

So you have to effectively buy DLC twice? As well as it being a full price game they expect you to pay to unlock most of the content?

I hope no one actually does it.

Sadly, someone will actually be fooled into doing it and thinking "oh, that makes sense". :(

[Psychosplodge]

probably, there's always plenty of idiots with more money than sense.

[Deadlift]

probably, there's always plenty of idiots with more money than sense.

I think you just described GWs customer base.

[Wolfshade]

On the whole "freemium" issue DLC and pay to win. While not exactly mirrored in this case, PCgamer ran a good article on it which I think has some relevance here.

http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/11/03/microtransactions-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/

[Psychosplodge]

I think you just described GWs customer base.

uh Harsh

[Psychosplodge]

I just read this elsewhere about fifa on xbox, WTF? part of gaming is swearing at the TV isnt it?



Ref sends me off in my first create a player game for calling him a cheating scouse ****, apparently it listens to you over Kinect. that may not go well for me.

[Mr Mystery]

Ah Microsoft, you and your custom built spyware machine.

It watches!

It listens!

You can't turn it off!

All a bit creepy if you ask me.

[lattd]

That's a brilliant (FIFA) story, how realistic is that! Well not very as players normally get booked but maybe kids playing it shouting abuse at the ref on the game getting punished may teach them something? One can hope.

[Kirsten]

yup I quite like that feature personally, pretty funny.

[Mr Mystery]

Of course for added realism, they need to add a nightclub or twelve your players can visit before sexually assaulting impressionable young women.

And a Judge who will give them a light punishment.

[Psychosplodge]

No, punishment depends on divison/league position, that'd be more realistic.

[lattd]

And if you are the English captain you can get a criminal trial in your home town no matter where in the country you punched a guy?

[Wildeybeast]

Southport doesn't have a crown court and as it is part of the Merseyside area, the case would naturally go up to Liverpool crown court. That suggestion also ignores the fact that half the city of Liverpool would probably be quite happy to see him go to jail.

[Psychosplodge]

They generally seem to send stuff like that to Leeds from Sheffield if recent cases are owt to go by.

[Wolfshade]

They generally seem to send stuff like that to Leeds from Sheffield if recent cases are owt to go by.

Doesn't that fall foul of being "uncessarily cruel"?

[Psychosplodge]

It would normally, but considering half the city would pretty much automatically condemn the other half its the closest they have to "fair trial"

[DrLove42]

So....I've had the box for a few weeks now.

Graphically superior to the XBOX, can't wait for a few more years until the games aren't mostly just ports. The sheer number of zombies on screen in DR3 is hella impressive. The controller is nice. Kinect is crisp and responsive, the boot up time and download speed are also great improvements.

Downsides? The 360 is a more user friendly console. To be in private chat with someone on the ONe you need to be in the same game. You can be in a party on seperate games, but not talk. To read messages you need to leave the game you're playing and navigate a few windows. And it doesn't tell you when you get a message, you just find out when you go back to the dashboard. Same goes for game invites.

So hardware good, software needs work. But they've said they're changing that already so....

Games. Only got 3 so far.

Assassins Creed 4 - Available on everything, super fun. I'm just doing pirate things and ignoring the story for hours at a time. Significant improvements all round compared to AC3 and Connor, the boring faceman you hoped would get killed by the bad guy, who was far more interesting

Battlefield 4. Great fun, but again available on everything. Getting new MP maps before anyone is nice, but not super impressive. Few bugs, but thats EA for you....

Dead Rising 3. Only exclusive and real next gen game i own so far. Is great, played 12 hours or so on release day. But haven't been back to yet cos AC4 has sucked me in like a 2 gran d an hour hooker. Shows the power and is a lot of fun, mindlessly killing. ONly thing i dislike is the pause menu is kinect enabled. And keeps mishearing things and bringing up the menu all the time, so have to play in a quiet room

[Learn2Eel]

Can't be bothered linking but Microsoft announced this morning that the Xbox One hit 2.1 million sales world-wide in 18 days! Awesome stuff, and with the PS4 doing similar numbers (albeit in four less days), console gaming is truly alive and well!

[DrLove42]

They are impressive numbers....

Assuming equal numbers around 4 million consoles...£400 in average.... £1.6 billion has been spent on consoles in the last 3 weeks....