Before starting this post I want to clarify that the post below is not the viewpoints of Hammer, nor the standing of the Batandhammer podcast. This is post written by Bat giving his thoughts and opinions on the Xbox One. Enjoy
Today May 21, 2013 Microsoft revealed their third console, the Xbox One. Thus with the previous announcement of the Sony PS4 and the release of the Nintendo WiiU, a new generation of console wars has begun!
For gamers this is an exciting, yet trepidatious time. Which console should I pick up? Should I buy at launch? Do I have enough Mountain Dew?
Hammer and I have covered our thoughts on the WiiU and how Nintendo is failing its fans, so I will be discussing the PS4 and Xbox1 here.
When Sony came out with their conference, games seemed to be getting the majority of coverage, and rightly so. Sony has a habit of overpromising and under delivering when it comes to console goals. To put the focus on games, which is something Sony can deliver on, is definitely a welcome change. Sony has some plans in mind for the PS4, with cloud gaming and such and hopefully they can fulfill those plans.
With today being the Xbox1 reveal I wanted to spend more time talking about their hits and misses. It was revealed that, as with the PS4 the Xbox1 will not be backwards compatible. I think this is something gamers focus on just to complain. If you are purchasing a next generation system to play old games, you are making the wrong purchase. Microsoft also announced that a new Kinect (version 2.0) will be necessary to play all games. While you may not need to use the Kinect, it will have to always be connected. The system will come shipped with a 500GB hard drive, which is a ton of space.
Two very key concerns that microsoft didn't quell were always on connectivity and the topic of used games. During the conference Microsoft confirmed that when a game is loaded into the Xbox1, the game will install onto your hard drive and once that game has been installed it cannot be used on another system without a fee. What that fee is has yet to be revealed, but having to pay a fee just to play a game you rent or borrow from a friend is a huge issue that Microsoft needs to clarify. Microsoft also cleared up an issue with always on connectivity. While the system doesn't have to always be online, some games will use the cloud to save. Does this mean that if you are offline when a game tries to auto-save that it will cause the game to stop working? Hopefully an answer to that question will come shortly.
While Microsoft didn't show many games, what they did show was TV. And lots of it. Microsoft's goal is to really make this machine the one (get it now) machine that you need to control everything. However to have cable you will still need to have a cable box from your cable or satellite provider. Do you have to pay $4.99 to access the cable box you are already paying for? Or does a live subscription come with some sort of pay TV package?
Speaking of TV, a Halo TV series, with Steven Spielberg's involvement was teased. Want to get me interested in Halo? Steven Spielberg is the way!!!!
Microsoft revealed a slick new controller for the Xbox1. I love the new controller design!!!!
Also Call of Duty, Call of Duty, Call of Duty. But hey there's a dog now that you're supposed to care about. That worked for Fable right?
I'm not very excited about the Xbox1. I have no reason to watch TV on my system. The only thing I watch live is sports. Sure there are sports related perks, like being able to check your fantasy stats, but would I really pay extra for that?
Hopefully there will be more information to come with E3 being just 3 weeks away. As always we will keep you posted on our thoughts.
What did you think of the conference? What did you like? What disappointed you? Leave us a comment and let us know!
Bat
