Category: Technology

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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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Dead Men Tell Many Tales

         The Medium is merely a week away and to be frank, my anticipation is palpable. You see, while there is certainly a wealth of Horror and Horror inspired titles in existence, none have truly captured the same sense of atmosphere and unnerving attention to narrative details that the original Silent Hill and Resident Evil franchises have. I consider the original Silent Hill and RE: Remake to be modern classics in my eyes. The anxiety, the tension, the pure fear you felt when the camera angle changed and droning music suddenly picked up while an indiscernible monstrosity loomed in from the shadows; These are but a sprinkling of the qualities that elevate a Horror game from good to great.

Now, what does all this mean for The Medium? Bloober Team have been hard at work mastering their craft over the years. They’ve been making games since 2010, but it’s when they released the 1st entry in the titular Layers of Fear franchise that people really started to take notice of their talent. With a mix of gradually intensifying atmosphere, puzzle solving, and narrative driven sequences the team has created some unnerving and reflective experiences for the masses. The Medium is set to be the team’s 1st true attempt at a project much larger than their previous works with more aggressive commercial backing.

 Lead designer Wojciech Piejko and the team have proudly stated that Silent Hill and other Horror titles of the time were clear inspirations for The Medium. Even famed composer Akira Yamaoka was more than happy enough to sign on and co-compose the game’s soundtrack. Huge news for fans of his work. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, however. Bloober Team have incorporated long lost Horror stylizations such as dynamic camera angles to further bolster the eerie atmosphere they are already apt at creating. What really sets The Medium apart is its dynamic dual world mechanic.  Marianne (The actual Medium you play as) has the ability to interact with the spiritual plane that sits on the very thin veil between life and death, while traversing the real world at the same time.

The Medium’s Dual Reality Gameplay in Action

 

The screen will literally split in two as you control Marianne in both worlds at the same time. The game is, in effect, running twice which leads to Bloober’s decision to develop the game solely for PC and Series X. The mechanic simply would not work properly on last gen’s hardware. This is where I really became enamored with the game, as you get to really absorb and observe all the little details and variances between both realms. The real world features a cold, bluish filter that makes it seem lifeless and lonely (despite the great detail in the environments), while the spiritual realm is portrayed by deceptively warmer colors and textures that give a sense that this plane of existence is more alive than we’d presume. 

The Spiritual Realm is a Macabre Reflection of the Real World

 

While we can’t say for certainty how the rest of the game will play out, based on the early demos and hotel scenario that we’ve been privy to it seems like gameplay won’t be combat heavy (at least in the traditional sense). Rather, the more intense scenarios will see Marianne using her psychic abilities in the spiritual realm to fend off dangers, interact with objects that can affect others in the real world, and solve environmental puzzles. This doesn’t mean there is no inherent danger. In fact, one of the most recent sequences we were treated to is right after Marianne escapes a close encounter in the spiritual realm.

After returning to the real world, she breathes a sigh of relief thinking that the worst is behind her, only to realize that she’s been followed from the other side. What follows is a fairly terrifying game of cat and mouse as your mostly invisible pursuer taunts and stalks Marianne while trying to escape. It can’t see her, but it can hear her. As you scuttle about the environment, navigating your escape, you must periodically remain still and hold your breath to prevent detection. Just watching the sequence is unnerving, let alone having to be the one in control! 

The Medium is scheduled for release on the 28th of this month and will be available on PC and the Series X. Better yet, it’s also coming to GamePass Day one. This leaves very little reason to not give the game a shot and see if Bloober Team are able to deliver what may be one of the most unique and original Horror experiences we’ve had in a long-long time.  

 

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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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Welcome Home Series X|S

We’re finally here. Both the XBOX Series X and S are out in the wild, being delivered to those lucky enough to pre-order and being crammed into eager consumer’s digital carts. It’s been when helluva’ year, but let’s bask in this moment of happiness for as long as we can (This is a BIG week for gaming!). To really kick things off, Microsoft is holding a launch day event that will be streamed live.

There will be announcements, guest speakers, a wealth of gameplay footage, and maybe even some surprises! Here are a few words from Phil Spencer:

“Think of our livestream celebration as a companion to your gaming plans for the day.  We’ll host “Let’s Play” segments with the creators, showcase special launch highlights from around the globe and harness the power of gaming to raise vital funds for great causes. This will be a moment of play, not press releases, as next generation consoles begin to land in the hands of players around the world. Instead of big announcements, we will mark the beginning of a new era by gaming alongside one another. We will take this moment to have some fun and look forward to having you join us.”

The show will be streaming TODAY starting at 11:00 am PST/2:00 pm EST.

It’s an awesome time to be invested in the gaming industry and you’d be kidding yourself if you think the massive strides that were made to recover from 2013 haven’t impacted the Xbox brand AND the industry as a whole. That’s neither here nor there now. It’s time to enjoy the present and be excited for the future! 

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Series X|S Pre-Launch Checklist

It’s almost unbelievable to think that it’s only been a year since the infamous stealth reveal of the Series X at last year’s Game Awards. This has truly been one of the most unique and tension filled lead ups to a Next Generation launch, but here we are. The XBOX Series X|S both launch globally tomorrow and the excitement could not be more palpable. Most people that were lucky enough to secure their hardware during the initial pre-orders are likely set with their choice of games, peripherals, etc., but for those hoping to secure a stray unit or two tomorrow I have a bit of a checklist that will hopefully ease you through the process. Let’s go: 

 

HOW/WHERE to SECURE a CONSOLE

With retailers no longer offering units to walk-ins, potential buyers must face the online trenches once again. Here are the major retailers confirmed to be selling units online tomorrow and when they will start selling them:

ACCESSORIES

Whether you need a few extra controllers for your friends and/or siblings, want a fancy new media remote, or just really need a charging stand; Here are some of the best picks for launch day:

*Do keep in mind that Microsoft has confirmed legacy support for the full suite of Xbox One accessories with the exception of the Kinect. All your existing peripherals will come with you into the Next Generation!

GAMES

This is why you’re even getting a shiny new console, right? You want to experience not only new games but all the ones you might have missed with the best fidelity and performance features possible. Here are some standout titles that pique your interest on D-Day (Click the Box for the direct link!):

Now here’s a table of more 1st & third party titles that are coming and will be available and Enhanced: 

Game Title Resolution Framerate Cross-Generation Play Xbox Series X Upgrade
Apex Legends 2K 60fps Yes* Yes
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla 4K 60fps Yes* Yes*
Borderlands 3 4K 60fps Yes* Yes*
Bright Memory 1.0 TBA TBA Yes Yes
Cuisine Royale TBA TBA Yes* Yes*
Dead by Daylight 4K 60fps Yes* Yes*
Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition 4K (with options for Ray Tracing on/off) up to 120fps (Ray Tracing disabled), 30fps (Ray Tracing enabled) No Post Launch
Destiny 2: Beyond Light 4K 60fps Yes* Yes*
DiRT 5 4K (in Fidelity mode) up to 120fps (in Performance mode) Yes* Yes*
Enlisted 4K 60fps TBA TBA
Evergate 4K 60fps TBA TBA
Fortnite TBA TBA Yes, cross-play and cross-generation play with cross-progression Yes
Forza Horizon 4 4K 60fps Yes* Yes*
Gears 5 4K 60fps Yes* Yes*
Gears Tactics 4K 60fps Yes* Yes*
Grounded 4K 60fps Yes* Yes*
Just Dance 2021 TBA TBA TBA TBA
King Oddball 4K 60-120fps Yes* Yes*
Maneater 4K 60fps Yes* Yes*
Manifold Garden 4K 60fps Yes* Yes*
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate 4K (Dynamic) TBA Yes*, for specific modes Yes*
NBA 2K21 TBA TBA No Yes, for owners of the Mamba Forever Edition
No Man’s Sky 4K 60fps Yes Yes
Observer: System Redux 4K TBA TBA N/A
Ori and the Will of the Wisps 4K 60-120fps Yes* Yes*
Planet Coaster: Console Edition 4K TBA Yes* Yes*
Rogue Company 4K 120fps Yes* Yes*
Sea of Thieves TBA TBA Yes* Yes*
Tetris Effect: Connected 4K 60fps Yes* Yes*
The Touryst 4K 60fps Yes* Yes*
The Falconeer 4K 120fps Yes* Yes*
The Sims 4 N/A N/A Yes Yes
Star Wars: Squadrons 4K 120fps Yes* Yes*
War Thunder TBA TBA Yes* Yes*
Warhammer: Chaosbane Slayer Edition 4K 60fps N/A No
Watch Dogs Legion 4K 30fps Yes* Yes*
WRC 9 FIA World Rally Championship TBA TBA Yes* Yes*
Yakuza: Like a Dragon 1440p native, 4K in Resolution mode 60fps native, 30fps in Resolution mode Yes* Yes*
Yes, Your Grace TBA TBA Yes* Yes*

 

This is just a small smattering of high profile pickups, but it’s time to address the real Elephant in the Room:

GAMEPASS

I have experienced first hand the exponential growth and value that Microsoft’s titular service has become in less than half the time of the competition. Dollar for dollar, GamePass is an exceptional value for gamers of all kinds. Whether you are playing primarily on console, PC, or a mix of both, GamePass has an extremely solid collection for you to browse and experience whenever, and now, wherever you are. Here are the key points of value that GamePass will offer you:

  • Includes Xbox Live Gold
  • Exclusive Member Discounts 
  • Day 1 Access for all 1st Party Titles
  • Includes EA Play starting Nov. 10th, Launch Day
  • Play on PC, Console, and/or Android Mobile via xCloud (iOS service provided via Remote Play)
  • Free Perks ranging from in-game content, premium access to services such as Spotify (Disney + 30 day access was recently added. Just in time for the new season of The Mandalorian!)

 

What’s more, the service isn’t that much more expensive than traditional Xbox Live Gold services. In fact, for the amount of full games you have access to at any given time you will save far more than you will pay for the entirety of your time subscribing to the service. Peep the payment plans below (Click for the official page):

ALL ACCESS

I don’t Microsoft and the Media have spoken about this super consumer friendly service enough. This is especially true considering the very real nature of our Economic climate. At 0% APR and NO upfront cost, you can have a Series X, S, or even Xbox One S delivered to your home with a VERY reasonable monthly payment plan. 

Xbox All Access, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S with Xbox game characters

CLICK HERE for ALL ACCESS DETAILS

Console launches are always fun and exciting. The Series X & S are no different. It feels like the lead up to this moment has been even more grueling and strenuous due to the peculiarities and challenges brought upon by the current state of the world. I can’t wait to receive my own Series X and ring in this brand new generation of gaming in style! Good luck and have fun!

https://youtu.be/DIMAujZpry0
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The Will of Odin

Ubisoft and Xbox have given us one final gameplay deep-dive for Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla; this time, with footage 100% captured on the Xbox Series X. Right out of the gate you will notice the consistency and smoothness of the game running in 4K at 60fps. Be it while sailing over vast lakes with the dawning Sun beaming in the horizon, in mid-combat with multiple foes, galloping through dense fields, or dodging ethereal bolts of lightning during a boss fight, Valhalla looks to be performing extremely well.

The visual fidelity is rather impressive. Now, keep in mind that this is still a cross-gen game that will be available on existing consoles. However, the amount of detail in the foliage, clothing textures, armor & weapons, and overall aesthetic of the presentation is quite nice. 

The video dives into Valhalla’s standout features and mechanics such as Settlements, Raids, Combat, Gear, Exploration, and Questing. We even get a nice snippet of Asgard. Yes, we get to cross the rainbow bridge and it looks glorious! 

I-like many others-had exhausted my interest in the AC franchise early on, but dipped my toes back in when I snagged Origins and Odyssey in a cheap bundle. Some have expressed their dismay at the direction those games have taken the IP in, but I for one am absolutely looking forward to what Ubisoft has cooked up with Valhalla. 

 

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Time to Fight the Bots again

The official playstation blog has confirmed that there will be NO PS5 units available for in-store purchases at the time of the console’s launch on November 12th. This flies in the face of outlets like Gamestop, Target, Best Buy, etc. that were telling consumers that they would have said units in stock for walk-ins. Presumably this was a very difficult decision made primarily in response to the current pandemic. It’s amicable of Sony to make this decision for its fanbase, but I’m sure there are many that are disappointed since this would have been there last chance to score a unit at launch.

Those who have already pre-ordered their units can still follow safety protocols and pick their consoles up the day of at least. Health and safety is more important however, and having to wait a month or two for a $500 plastic box won’t be the end of the world.

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“Please sir…I’d like some More!”

After much back and forth between Social Media warriors and little to no confirmation coming from Sony, we finally have something to go on. Ok, it’s still a leak, but a decidedly credible one. So let’s take this information with the usual grain of salt. While the PS5 does ship with an 825GB SSD, according to a screenshot and videos shared by user Okami13, we are only going to see roughly 650GB of that space. 

This puts the PS5’s storage space at an estimated 152GB below the Series X’s available 802GB. That’s a whole Call of Duty install (pre-update!) right there. It’s not necessarily a deal breaker or ‘game changing’ revelation, but it’s another notch in the belt of specific details that Sony has remained mum on, especially so close to launch. The upside is that Sony is giving its customers the option to use off-the-shelf NVMe SSDs to expand PS5 storage. These SSDs will need to be approved by Sony beforehand, and-as expected-there is still no official list of compatible drives.

This is in stark contrast to Microsoft’s partnership with Seagate to produce their plug n’ play, 1TB portable SSD. Both companies have taken very different approaches to their storage solutions and it will be interesting to see how it plays out in the long term. It is worth noting that Microsoft has confirmed that we will see more 3rd-party solutions for external storage in the future. The Series X|S are only 5 DAYS away from launch with the PS5 tagging along soon after in 7. Whichever you plan to go with first, it’s going to be an interesting and exciting New Generation!

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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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Sony Adds some Crunch to its Dish

It has been reported that Sony is entering final negotiations to purchase the CrunchyRoll Anime streaming service. The buyout could potentially run them over 100 Billion Yen (That’s around $957 Million after conversions). With over 70 million Free Members and 3 million Subscribers, there is certainly growth and profit to be made in the long run. This is especially true when Anime continues to grow in popularity in the West year over year. 

It’s worth noting that Sony also has a 95% stake in Funimation, giving them quite the foothold in the anime department. The acquisition comes at an interesting time when shareholders and consumers alike are monitoring Sony’s moves to see whether they try to take hold of any Studios in light of Microsoft’s ongoing acquisitions. This is a good reminder that Sony has always been more than a Playstation centric business. Technology and Media is still at the forefront of their ventures.