Category: Enrichment

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Don’t Pass on GamePass

Over the span of 7 years, the Xbox brand has been transformed into an entity almost unrecognizable from its 2013 self. The massive undertaking of accruing lost MindShare and rejuvenating the gaming division was not a simple task, but was one that Phil Spencer and the wholly dedicated team at Microsoft’s Xbox division were more than up to. 

The official GamePass account on Twitter announced today that the titular Baseball franchise, MLB: The Show would be launching Day and Date on GamePass for the Xbox. This includes both the Xbox One and Series X version of the game. Coming off the excitement of recently launched Outriders being in GamePass as well, we have a very important precedent that is being set not only for the service, but the Xbox Ecosystem as a whole. 

Outriders

Xbox has been cementing itself as ‘the’ place to play for console play-no-for gamers in general, at an incredibly staggering rate. Cross-platform saves for games available on PC and console, heavy support for Cross-play, an impressive Backwards Compatible structure that sees 4 generations of games given new life, legacy support for existing accessories, and a very solid mobile gaming solution are just some of the highlights one will experience being in the Xbox ecosystem. However, there is one very important piece that completes the puzzle. That piece is GamePass.

Being available on PC, Console, and Mobile means that you are able to access a huge library of games, old and new, virtually anywhere and in anyway that is most preferable to you. For less than the cost of a Premium Netflix subscription (Currently $17.99, whereas GP Ultimate is $14.99.) you have unlimited access to every game available in the service, can collect Perks and Rewards for other services and games, and will receive discounts on games and add-ons among other things. 

This isn’t even mentioning the acquisition of Bethesda and Zenimax that has now put hit titles like Doom: Eternal, the Wolfenstein series, and even underappreciated gems like Prey back into the service with the benefit of the Series X|S’s FPS boost and performance enhancements. I know this all reads like some kind of ad for GamePass, and maybe it ultimately is, but that’s because the service and what Microsoft is doing with it is just that good.

https://youtu.be/oWLQUse0oYg

Seeing what GP has become from its ‘very’ humble beginnings of only a handful of games and a mission is remarkable. What’s more is that there’s no reason to be concerned with whether the platform is sustainable and beneficial for developers since time and time again, studios have come forth and praised the service. Case in point: If video games are the entertainment equivalent of your favorite foods, then GamePass is the buffet made up of all your favorite dishes plus a bevvy of treats that may have never thought to try before. Don’t just take my word for it. Try it out for a month. Go in with no expectations, start playing games, and see what happens.   

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Fight On. Killer Instinct Lives.

Last night was a treat for fighting game enthusiasts. Particularly those of us fond of a little old game called Killer Instinct. Fans were treated to one of the most exciting fighting game tournaments thanks to a collaboration between streaming platform Twitch’s Twitch Rivals division, super popular content creator, streamer, and longtime advocate of the FGC (Fighting Game Community), Maximillian Dood, and numerous other supporters. 

The premise was simple: Get 32 of some of the best Killer Instinct players and host an online tournament to not only generate some excitement, but also remind people of how good of a game the 2013 Killer Instinct is (and also give the Winners and Top Placers a nice little cash prize.). What we got was a rather professional tourney complete with energetic commentary, documentary snippets, and interviews that highlighted the production process and what actually went on behind the scenes of the game’s development process. This was the icing on the cake as we were treated to some of the highest level of play you’ve ever witnessed in a fighting game. 

Buy Killer Instinct: Combo Breaker Add-On - Microsoft Store
Killer Instinct’s reboot debuted in 2013 with a humble 6 man roster, but quickly began evolving into something far more.

 

Longtime players like @WheelsFGC, @NickyFGC, @CharbokFGC, @XiBassiX, @Hologrammmxx1, and so many others brought nothing less than their best to put on a show like no other. It’s always a personal treat for me to see and interact with longtime players and community members during these events. When it comes to Killer Instinct, participating in a tournament feels more like gathering friends and family together for a Super Bowl party than watching your typical online event. 

Ever since the reboot debuted all the way back in 2013 (Has it really been 8 years already?!) a very passionate and dedicated community was formed around KI. From its humble beginnings with a 6 man roster in Season 1 which eventually evolved into its insanely diverse and eccentric cast of 29, Killer Instinct was always supported by a seemingly ravenous community that remained hungry for more content.  Of the 29 available fighters, we saw 18  of them on display last night; more than half of the roster. This speaks to how well designed the entire cast is, as there is quite literally someone for every type of player here.

See the source image
The Wolf and the Spider.

 

The most important takeaways from last night’s festivities is that Killer Instinct is very much alive and still has a lot to offer newcomers and veterans alike. Not only this, but as over 43K viewers tuned in on an unassumingly ordinary Monday evening, it shows Microsoft that the IP still has a magnetic draw. 

 

With the exception of the recent update that improved the game’s performance for the Series X/S consoles in Oct. 2020, Killer Instinct had largely remained untouched since 2018. KI is easily one of the most content complete fighting games on the market with its huge roster, single player offerings, bevy of multiplayer modes, and some of the best Tutorials and on boarding you’ll ever come across. Not only this, but there is a smorgasbord of community created content to help new and longtime players learn and improve. Of particular note is @Infilament’s insanely detailed guide that breaks down nearly every single nuanced element of the game.  You can view that right HERE.

Kan-Ra Revealed as Next Killer Instinct Season 2 Character
Maya was treated to a fantastic redesign for her debut as one of Season 2’s new characters.

 

Ever since I walked into my local PowerZone arcade and heard Chris Sutherland (original announcer) screaming at the top of his lungs and being entranced by the crazy 1994 cabinet design all those years ago, I’ve held Killer Instinct close to my heart. This IP is special, and absolutely deserves to be nurtured further. The Xbox brand is in the perfect position to really elevate the franchise and bring it to as many people as possible. It would be absolutely criminal to let it languish as long as it did before its 2013 reboot all over again.

Buy Killer Instinct Classic - Microsoft Store
Where it all started.

 

In the meantime, we can still enjoy this absurdly entertaining gem via Crossplay on Xbox consoles, Windows 10 (also available on GamePass!), or on Steam (Note that progress from other platforms does not transfer over to the Steam version).

Fight on, friends. Fight on. 

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It’s Team Blue’s Turn

Nov. 12th is literally right around the corner and Sony’s Playstation 5 will finally be in the hands of fans who’ve been chomping at the bit to get their hands on the newest member of the Playstation family. Much like with Microsoft’s Series X|S launch, retailers have opted to sell their extra units solely online, but are allowing pickups for those with existing pre-orders. So now, it’s time for a quick pre-launch run down and checklist. Are you prepared?

WHERE TO BUY

GAMES

As always, this is literally the main reason you’re even thinking about getting the latest hardware. You want that extra visual fidelity and next-gen experience, right? Here are some of the games most guaranteed to give you just that:

 

ACCESSORIES

As expected, Sony has prepared a slue of ‘premium’ 1st party accessories just waiting to accompany your console purchase on day 1. Here’s the low down of what they’re offering this generation (Click the images for the Direct Link!):

 

I’ve got to admit; It almost feels like a bit of weight is easing off my shoulders knowing that these consoles are finally releasing and that people will be (hopefully) more interested in playing games and sharing their experiences than trolling on social media. You know exactly who you are. That aside, I hope everyone that hasn’t had luck during the pre-order phase gets to snag a PS5 tomorrow, or at least secure one for a later shipment.

As always, Happy Gaming, friends!

https://youtu.be/t12x7k_oecc

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Next-Gen is Upon Us. Are You ready?

We are merely 8 days away from the highly anticipated launch of the Xbox Series X|S and just 10 for the titular Playstation 5. New consoles also mean new games and there is a mountain’s worth of new content coming to sink your teeth into. Let’s start breaking down some of the standout games (-and even electronics!) coming in November: 

Nov 6th.

Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia :Nintendo Switch

Dirt 5: XBOX(Smart Delivery Upgrade on Nov. 10th for Series X|S), PS4(Upgrade available for PS5 at launch)

Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered: XBOX, PS4, Steam (Nov. 13th for Nintendo Switch)

 

Nov 10th. 

(XBOX Series X|S Launch Day)

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: XBOX, PS4, Epic Game Store ( Series X and PS5 receive free upgrades. Gold & Ultimate Editions also available) 

The Falconeer: XBOX Series X|S, Steam

Bright Memory: XBOX Series X|S (Digital Only)

Gears Tactics: XBOX Series X|S

Yakuza – Like a Dragon: XBOX, Series X|S, PS4

Tetris Effect – Connected: XBOX Series X|S  (Digital Only)

Observer – System Redux: XBOX Series X|S, Win 10 (Also coming to PS5 on the 12th.) 

Destiny 2 – Beyond Light: XBOX Series X|S, Steam, PS4 (Xbox One & PS4 owners receive performance upgrade when moving to Series X|S or PS5)

XIII Remake: XBOX Series X|S, PS4, Nintendo Switch (Limited Edition also available.)

Sakuna of Rice and Ruin: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Steam 

Fuser: XBOX, PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch

 

Nov. 12th 

(PS5 Launch Day)

Marvel’s SpiderMan – Miles Morales: PS4, PS5, Ultimate Edition (PS5 Only)

Demon’s Souls Remastered: PS5

Sackboy – A Big Adventure: PS5, PS4, Special Edition (PS4 Only)

The Pathless: PS4, PS5 (Comes with PS4 Version), Epic Games Store, Apple Arcade

BugSnax: PS4, PS5, Epic Games Store (15% off)

Godfall: PS5, Ascended Edition (PS5), Epic Games Store

 

Nov. 13th

Call of Duty Black Ops – Cold War: XBOX1, Series X|S, PS4, PS5, PC

Game & Watch Super Mario Bros. Handheld

Apple iPhone 12

 

Nov. 17th

Mortal Kombat 11 – Ultimate: Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5

 

Nov. 19th

Monster Truck Championship: XBOX, PS4, Nintendo Switch 

 

Nov. 20th

Katamari Damacy Reroll: XBOX, PS4, Nintendo Switch

Hyrule Warriors – Age of Calamity: Nintendo Switch 

 

Nov. 24th

Just Dance 2021: XBOX, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch

Pokemon Sword & Shield – The Crown Tundra DLC: Nintendo Switch 

There are even MORE games than this coming, but these are the standouts and what are sure to be the big hitters. How about you? Anything you’re super excited for that isn’t on the list? Let me know in the comments! 

 

 

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Coffee

I’ll tell you right now; I love coffee. No, not that sugar infused, drowned in milk, and topped with whip cream mess most people associate it with. There are few things more pleasing in the morning or during an afternoon siesta than a freshly brewed cup of roasted beans. Sure, I like a bit of creamer here and there, but never enough to drown out the actual flavor of the coffee; more so to compliment it. Now, if you like your sugary drink piled high that’s perfectly fine, it’s your taster’s choice (Har-har), but why do people like to demonize coffee as some ritualistic, addictive concoction that becomes some glorified obstacle to overcome? Continue reading “Coffee”

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Talk to us, Sony

It seems that all the juicy gaming news is breaking over night these days. Coming in the evening hours yesterday, Bloomberg’s Chinese division’s original report stated that due to an unsteady production yield (a concerning 50%) of the console’s custom-designed system-on-chip, Sony has decreased its projected hardware allocation units to 11 million worldwide for the first fiscal quarter. 

Supposedly yields are gradually improving, but are still facing problems reaching satisfactory levels of stability. So, what does this potentially mean for Sony and the Playstation 5? A few things. 

  •  Hardware will be scarce and difficult for the average consumer to secure come launch day. This was already suspected after Sony’s imposed e-mail pre-order lottery, but coupled with production issues and hardware stability, it could spell sad times for a lot of fans.
  • We know the PS5 was initially developed and intended to launch in 2019, but was then reworked and clocked up once data on the Series X was finally available. This means that the PS5, for all intents and purposes, is a patchwork of software and hardware solutions hurriedly fit together so as not to fall behind the competition. 
  • They will be as aggressive as they financially can with their pricing to match Microsoft, but undercutting them is just no feasible at this point.
  • In a very worst case scenario we might get a delay roughly a few weeks after this weeks Playstation Event and the Tokyo Game Show.

Now, should we be playing a Requiem for the Playstation division and wallowing in all the Doom and Gloom? Not in the least. My personal take is that Sony is going to push forward with tomorrow’s event where we will get a date and pricing (I’m going to sit on $500 for the Standard Edition and $450-$400 for All Digital at best) and we’re going to get a launch date that will fall at least a week or so after the Series X and S. The week of Black Friday sounds about right.  

What IS concerning to me is the biggest question; What exactly are we playing on day one? Right now we have Godfall (which can only be pre-ordered on the Epic Game store for now), Spiderman: Miles Morales (no official date, but still slated for Holiday 2020), Bugsnax (Holiday 2020 again), Astro Boy’s Playroom (The only one I can confirm at launch at this time), and a serving of 3rd party games you can view here. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the PS5’s launch, and if there is more trouble brewing beneath the surface than we are aware of, I’d much prefer for Sony to delay and focus on ironing out all the kinks while building their allocated units in the process.

All told, we should get most of our answers during tomorrow’s presentation. Fingers crossed, people! 

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PS5 Event Announced Ahead of Tokyo Game Show

Just when the silence was becoming palpable, Sony has finally thrown us a bone and announced earlier this morning via its official blog and Twitter that there will be an event held this Wednesday, 9/16/2020 at 1:00PM PDT. According to the blog post, the event will be focusing on “the latest titles from Worldwide Studios and our world-class development partners.” and a “look at some of the great games coming to PS5 at launch (and beyond!).”.

The omission of anything insinuating the announcement of pricing and release date is disappointing, but not altogether unexpected. Following the Xbox’s recent information blowout, Playstation fans have been chomping at the bit waiting for any kind of information. I for one, am looking forward to hopefully a handful of surprise announcements at the very least and maybe some more gameplay of previously announced titles.

No matter where your preferences lie, it’s an exciting time for gaming and we should all spend more time sharing that energy and excitement. See you on the 16th!

By the way…What do YOU hope to see at the show? Any particular IPs you want to make an appearance? Any particular game you want to see more of? Accessories? Sound off in the comments!

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Is Virtual Reality finally gaining the foothold it so desperately wants/needs?

Virtual Reality has long been the End All of multimedia interactivity; The culmination of software and hardware technology that would make the user feel like they are really experiencing a movie or game.  In fact, VR has been sought and studied as early as the 1950s. In 1957,  Filmmaker Morton Heilig invented the Senosrama. The device was intended to enhance the enjoyment of moviegoers by allowing them to experience various sensations that included, but were not limited to smell, vibrations, and atmospheric events like wind. The concept was novel and forward thinking, but costly and not very economic. Fast forwarding 70 years later, how far have we actually progressed within the medium?
  Continue reading “Is Virtual Reality finally gaining the foothold it so desperately wants/needs?”

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Quality Quarantine Gaming

With the globe suddenly being thrust into a position the likes of which we’ve not seen on this scale since the Spanish Flu, it’s no surprise that many have turned to digital media to cope and ease the strain of a quarantined and socially distant way of living. Gaming has already solidified itself as a favorite and steadily growing pastime that has seen exponential uptimes due to our current situation. I say; If it brings you joy during this harrowing time, then by all means, indulge yourself. However, I also say; Please try to be safe and healthy while doing so. Here are just a few tips you may or may not have heard/read before that can enrich your gaming experience and overall well-being.

Continue reading “Quality Quarantine Gaming”