So today we experienced the very hyped up announcement of the Next-Gen console (is it even fair to call it that) from Microsoft, showing off their next foray into the games industry. Except it really wasn't all that much about what really mattered to their current consumer base.
The presentation iself was somewhat lacklustre, the focus seemed off, third parties were pretty much advertising their own thing, and the flow was generally off as well. Presentation issues aside, let's talk about the console itself.
In terms of specifications, we know the basics. It will have 8 GB RAM (Unspecified but likely GDDR3), a 500 GB HDD, and an AMD processor. The system will run 3 separate OS', one for entertainment, another for games, and finally, one to join the two.
Now, here's my first gripe. Why is there a need for 3 different OS? It will be a massive system hog, potentially 3 GB of RAM may be used on this alone, and is it really necessary? I mean, its great to be able to surf the internet while watching a movie, but is it really worth it? In my honest opinion, that portion of the console could very well have been used to maximise power, or even been removed to reduce manufacturing costs. I'm puzzled as to why this design choice was required.
Next, let's talk the about games. From the very little we've seen so far, it seems like the graphics are an improvement, but we haven't seen much of games so its a light subject.
From what I saw of the new CoD:Ghosts, the engine was alright at best for next Gen, sure it was a bit of an improvement, but I had to watch it twice to realize that it wasn't just the PS3 or Xbox pushed to their limits, or a Wii U port. In comparison to say, Kill zone Shadow fall, it's got a LONG way to go.
Finally, the direction of the new Xbox seems unusual. For one, it wants to compete with Cable providors. This is unusual to me, because of the many restrictions. Cable service is a declining industry as it is, and the Xbox One doesn't really seem to add anything to take a peice of that pie. Secondly, the Xbox One also wants to compete as a media providor against Netflix which is also unusual. Third, the Xbox One seems to have a lower focus on games, which is disappointing considering it has taken such a large market share with the 360, and is now letting it go.
But the part that irritates me the most is the FEE FOR USED GAMES, MANDATORY INSTALLS, AND CONNECTION REQUIRED FOR PLAY.
Now, I have no clue why people haven't focused on such a massive problem. PAYING A FEE for USED GAMES is a completely unneeded and just a plain greedy option. It's ridiculous that we should be forced to pay to play a game lent by a friend, or to try it out, it's just complete BS that they would put this in. Mandatory installs are also ridiculous and show a major step into the deterioration of this industry as a whole.
The Xbox One wants to compete with so many others, and in that, I believe that it will fail. The likes of Google and Samsung cannot be contested with a box spread so thin.
Speaking of box, I'd like to leave this here: https://securecdn.disqus.co...
http://asset2.cbsistatic.co...
The Xbox One presentation leaves a lot to be desired, let's hope E3 brings better news.
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Games Asylum: "Well, this is neat. As the name suggests, Wrath of the Mutants is the rarest of things – a genuine arcade conversion. With most modern arcade games being ticket redemption machines, this is something seldom seen. In fact, the last arcade conversion we can recall was Raw Thrill’s own Cruis’n’ Blast on Switch back in 2021. This is also based on an older iteration of TMNT, harking back to the series from 2012-2017. It’s essentially breaking franchise continuity (we’ve had two different iterations of the Turtles since) and could even be considered nostalgic for a select few – those who grew up with 2012’s Turtles are probably in their late teens."
By the way, is it possible to change my user name now lol?
Genius title for the article BTW.
Brilliant picture also, that's the X1 right there in a nutshell.
Posted this in another blog but anyways -
RAM was confirmed to be DDR3
http://www.engadget.com/201...
Well I am not interested, much rather buy a "last-gen" console (The Wii U) than some cable box.