Tag: GamePass

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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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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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“Feel the Force.”

Electronic Arts has just confirmed that Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order will be entering the EA Play playlist on Nov. 10th, which subsequently means that it will be available via GamePass as well. This is exciting news for people who have held off on playing the game, or were waiting for a good enough price drop (myself included). What’s more, since this coincides with the launch of the Series X|S, new players will be able to experience the game in some the highest performance and fidelity specs possible on their new box.

Fallen Order first released last year on Nov. 15th to very positive reviews and is widely considered one of the best Star Wars games of the generation.

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T’was the Night before Xbox-mas

Let’s cut to the chase. Tomorrow is going to be a pivotal moment in gaming history for MS and the Xbox brand. Ever since Don Mattrick’s damning presentation, Resolution Gate, and innumerable UI updates, it has been an uphill battle for Phil Spencer and the team to lift Xbox from the mud and back on its feet. Thanks to their tenacity, they’ve done exactly that. The Xbox ecosystem is, without question, the most pro-consumer and best value dollar for dollar in gaming right now. There’s just one very important piece of the puzzle missing; Original, High quality, Game of the Year contender IPs. Tomorrow-July 23rd-We get to see if all the studio acquisitions (a whopping 15 so far), the consumer focused marketing and infrastructure changes, a focus on delivering the most powerful console platform to game on, and the wholly successful GamePass + xCloud service(s) can help deliver just that. Continue reading “T’was the Night before Xbox-mas”