Xbox One – Page 3 – Colin McMahon

Double Dipping: Why No Backwards Compatibility is Bad for Console Gamers

Posted on July 14, 2014 by Colin McMahon

I never thought I would say this but: Sony and Microsoft could learn a lot from Nintendo… at least when it comes to backwards compatibility. True, the Big N is totally lost when anything internet-oriented enters the table (why is Mario Kart 8 the only first-party game to possess online multiplayer?) but they understand the importance of allowing players to retain the past generation of gaming. The Xbox One and PlayStation 4 are out and, at the moment, the lack of backwards compatibility does not appear to be hindering hardware sales (stopped me from buying either). Yes, this is an issue that the public appears to have deemed as not very important. That said, it does matter: no backwards compatibility is a bad for the consumers and, in the long run, it is bad for the console industry as a whole.

Nintendo is the industry leader in terms of backwards compatibility. Sony comes in second, with Microsoft trailing as an indifferent third.

When new consoles come out, it generates excitement (hype) in the consumer market. Companies need this excitement – it is what compels otherwise level-headed individuals to fork over hundreds of dollars for buggy just-released systems with no real game library to speak of. Excitement is generated by the NEW: NEW graphics, NEW gameplay, NEW experiences, NEW games. Part of that also used to mean a trade up: time to get rid of the old console and replace it with a new one. This encouraged brand loyalty as a person with a PlayStation 2, for example, could (initially) replace it by simply buying a PlayStation 3. All the old games still worked and less room was taken up on the shelf. Out with the old, in with the new.

Microsoft marketed the Xbox One as the "one" device you would need in your living room. Yet it isn't even the "one" device to play all of your Microsoft games. — Microsoft marketed the Xbox One as the “one” device you would need in your living room. Yet it isn’t even the “one” device to play all of your Microsoft games.

Without backwards compatibility, brand loyalty goes out the window (in theory, fanboys are oh so devoted.. for some reason). On the face of it – this sounds like an advantage for the consumer: everyone is now free to buy the new system that best suits their needs. Really, however, this is a tiny plus compared with all the drawbacks. The advantage shrinks even further when the two systems’ specifications are compared (they are remarkably similar in every way).

So you have to buy a new system… and if you still want to play older games… you’ll have to keep your old one. Sucks for space but that’s not a huge deal. There’s still great NEW games coming out. New games like this one:

And this one:

And this one…

To be fair to the Master Chief Collection: four graphically remastered games is a pretty good deal. — To be fair to the *Master Chief Collection*: four graphically remastered games is a pretty good deal.

You see my point – there are a lot of re-releases coming out. Hey, that’s okay though as both the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4 possess killer exclusives that can’t be played anywhere else. Exclusives like Titanfall – wait, no, exclusives like Watch Dogs – nope, not that one either, exclusives like Wolfenstein… not that one. What is an exclusive for the new systems?

We have the critically panned Knack for the PS4. — We have the critically panned *Knack* for the PS4. Also Infamous: Second Son – to be fair.

And Killer Instinct for the Xbox One... a game that will ever be part of gaming's infamous misogyny. — And *Killer Instinct* for the Xbox One… a game that will ever be part of gaming’s infamous misogyny.

But obviously systems get more games the longer they’ve been out. This is not an article to bash the lack of exclusives. The problem with the re-releases is that they encourage double-dipping. Companies have found a way to charge $120 per game ($60 on the past-gen, $60 on the next-gen). Obviously, not every re-release is like this. To go back to Halo: the Master Chief Collection, some of those games are very old and packaging them all together is convenient for Halo fans. Let’s talk about Grand Theft Auto V though. That was one of the last great titles released for the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3. Now, it comes out for the next-gen with improved graphics:

Upgraded for all your Deer Hunter needs.

This game is a recent release and, while a graphical update is nice… is it really another $60 nice? I’m sure many people will answer yes, of course it is (it’s NEW after all). For everyone else – what’s the big deal, right? So idiots spend another 60 bucks, who cares? You can still play it on the old consoles… until you can’t. Remember when Microsoft shut down Xbox Live on the original Xbox? Is there any reason to think that that won’t happen again – no. It has already happened this generation with Nintendo shutting down the online services for the Wii and DS. Microsoft and Sony will eventually pull the plug on online support for their old machines. It probably won’t happen within the first year or two – but it will happen.

That is very bad for the consumer… but why is it bad for Sony and Microsoft? Well, consoles have competition from another source. You think that graphics update to Grand Theft Auto V looks nice? Well, check this out:

Consoles cannot win against PCs, at least as far as graphics are concerned. It is simply much easier to upgrade the graphics card in a computer. You know another advantage of PCs: you can play games you bought eight years ago on a new PC. In the backwards compatibility arena, computers are killing it. They have the power, the games, the gameplay.

But they’re more complicated!

Yes for now but consider this:

This doesn't look much more simple... — This doesn’t look much more simple…

Consoles are losing the advantages of being consoles, without gaining the advantages of PCs. The industry will have to adapt or die, and no backwards compatibility is a move in the wrong direction.

PC gaming giant, Valve, is poised to enter the console race. This could be the largest newcomer since Sony unveiled the PlayStation. — PC gaming giant, Valve, is poised to enter the console race. This could be the largest newcomer since Sony unveiled the original PlayStation.

The Beginning of the End for Assassin's Creed?

Posted on February 12, 2014 by Colin McMahon

In the last generation of video game consoles, certain series dominated the sales charts. Halo, Call of Duty, Uncharted, Grand Theft Auto: all of these were powerhouse series that continue to push out installments at least every few years. For video game company, Ubisoft; the last generation represented a changing of the guard. Prince of Persia, a video game series once wildly popular, was dying down. Sales had diminished greatly in the last couple of games and even rebooting the series did not prolong its lifespan. For Ubisoft that meant one thing: move on. The outcome was Assassin’s Creed. If you owned an Xbox 360 or a PlayStation 3, odds are you tried out at least one of the Assassin’s Creed games. They were fun an addictive, with interesting story campaigns and competitive multiplayer experiences. Like any cash-cow: Ubisoft made a lot of them. In total (including the portables), sixteen games have been made in the series. However, as a new generation begins: the changing of the guard may be upon Ubisoft again.

Ubisoft's original wall-climbing, death-defying protagonist. — Ubisoft’s original wall-climbing, death-defying protagonist.

Let’s start with Assassin’s Creed III. Many fans of the series regard this game to be a miss-step in the series. Indeed, reviews were not overly wild when the game was released. This was also the first in the series to be released on a next-gen platform (the Wii U). However, despite the lukewarm critical reception, Assassin’s Creed III did very well for itself. It sold fast and became Ubisoft’s biggest game to date. Financially speaking: nothing to worry about. At least until Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag was released.

Assassin's Creed III marked a notable departure in both time period and setting. Ambition was not lacking in this game. — *Assassin’s Creed III* marked a notable departure in both time period and setting. Ambition was not lacking in this game.

Where Assassin’s Creed III was determined a step back, Black Flag triumphed; being mentioned on multiple lists for “Best Game of the Year“. It was released on two more platforms than its predecessor as the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 were released in time to receive ports. Critical reception went up, platform count went up: sales went way down. 60% down according to initial estimates. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag did not have the quick start that Assassin’s Creed III enjoyed. The game has not flopped: selling 10 millions units since its release. That is impressive but down 2 million from what Assassin’s Creed III sold in the same time frame.

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag continues to mess with the formula. However, gameplay remains largely unchanged. — *Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag* continues to mess with the formula. However, gameplay remains largely unchanged.

What does this mean for the franchise? Nothing… yet. Ubisoft blamed poor sales on the incoming consoles. Ubisoft’s CEO, Yves Guillemot, felt that the initial slow start was caused by people waiting to purchase the game on new consoles. Consoles that, in many homes, likely weren’t entering the picture until Christmas. True, Black Flag was not the only major game to hit this slump. Call of Duty: Ghosts and Battlefield 4 were also affected. However, Call of Duty: Ghosts received less than overwhelming reviews and Battlefield 4 had significant technical issues. This was not the case with Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.

New consoles: bad for business in the short term, but essential for innovation.

Ubisoft may be facing another problem: fans might just not care as much as they once did. Assassin’s Creed III enjoyed quick sales… but those sales came mostly from pre-orders (people feeling confident spending $60 on a game before hearing any critical feedback… you know, morons). How many of those games were sold back in less than a week or only played for a few minutes before being banished to the shelf? Ubisoft doesn’t care about those numbers because they don’t reflect the bottom line. They made their money: the product was profitable.

Sixteen games is a lot for any series. Granted, ten of those are not associated with the major releases so let’s just say six. There have been six major releases for Assassin’s Creed in the past six years: that’s a lot. That is Madden like levels of production. Eventually fans will say: is a new one worth $60? They may have already started. How many unique, worthwhile, assassin adventures are out there? If Ubisoft is producing a title every year (not leaving much time for experimentation) are these games really so different from one another?

Every series can only survive for so long.

Ubisoft has spoken of ending the series, before backtracking on their statements. It is unclear just what higher plans, if any, they have. That must lead one to think that there is only one bottom line: money. For as long as Assassin’s Creed is profitable, there will be new games. That time might just be running out.

Assassin's Creed will expand to the cinema next year. — Assassin’s Creed will expand to the cinema next year.

Who won E3 2013?

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Colin McMahon

Sony. I’m going to go into a breakdown in a second but seriously: Sony. This does not come from a fanboy, I have never owned a Sony console before. It should be pretty obvious from my previous posts that my personal favorite is Nintendo. However, of the three console manufacturers, Sony clearly had the best overall presentation. Does that mean Nintendo and Microsoft sucked: no. This has been a great E3 overall with many exciting announcements. Below are the highlights as well as my reasoning process in determining Sony as the winner.

The Good:

Microsoft highlighted their E3 presentation with what had been sorely lacking at the Xbox One reveal: games. A short list includes Battlefield 4, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Destiny, Dragon Age: Inquisition, Thief and Watch Dogs. Microsoft’s best highlight went beyond just touting their upcoming game library. Without a doubt, the reason anyone is talking Xbox One right now (in a positive light anyway) is to discuss the console’s strong opening list of exclusives. In total, seventeen exclusives were unveiled for Microsoft’s next generation system. True, some games like Titanfall are only console exclusives (the game is also coming to the PC) but still that is a huge list for Microsoft to be proud of. If Xbox One can manage to hold onto these exclusives, they will have no trouble finding people to buy their system… if (talk more about this a little later).

Titanfall comes from the creators of Call of Duty, arguably the most influential game developers of the past ten years. The fact that it is skipping the PS4 is huge and not to be overlooked. — *Titanfall* comes from the creators of *Call of Duty*, arguably the most influential game developers of the past ten years. The fact that it is skipping the PS4 is huge and not to be overlooked.

Nintendo had no surprises for anyone this year. Their upcoming game library is heavy on the 1st party support and light on the 3rd party. Audiences were treated to first looks at Mario Kart 8, Super Mario 3D World, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Sonic Lost World, Bayonetta 2, and Super Smash Bros. What, I said it was predictable, I didn’t say it wasn’t good. Yes, Nintendo is still looking lousy with the third party support but they have survived on their own development teams ever since the Nintendo Gamecube. With a lower price tag than the other two systems and the most freedom (with regards to used games and no DRM) Nintendo is looking in good shape to finally fix their Wii U selling problem… you know, once the games are actually out.

Mega Man highlighted the first three newcomers to Super Smash Bros. If that doesn't make you want to own this game than I don't know what will. — Mega Man highlighted the first three newcomers to *Super Smash Bros*. If that doesn’t make you want to own this game than I don’t know what will.

The Bad:

I know I’m behind schedule with my next Special Address (focused on rape culture, misogyny and video games) but this needs to be mentioned. During Microsoft’s E3 press conference, the game, Killer Instinct was showcased. Now anyone who has ever seen a Microsoft press conference will know two things are bound to happen: there will be a new Call of Duty game showcased and every line of scripted dialogue that attempts to emulate actual video game lingo will be absolutely horrible. This year took the latter to a new height. It stopped being just horrible in terms of delivery, it became horrible in content. So here is what happened: one of the games’ developers invited a woman on stage to play. Here is the dialogue that transpired:

Man: “Come on you got to practice before you get on stage in front of millions of people.”

Woman: “I can’t even block correctly and you’re too fast.”

Man: “There we go. Just let it happen. It will be over soon.”

Woman: “You have a fight stick!”

Man: “One more. Wow you like those?”

Woman: “No I don’t like this.”

Okay… so I shouldn’t have to say much about why that was unacceptable. But crap like this is the reason I am writing my articles and why millions out there are also writing and educating and trying to make a change. It’s not okay. If you think: “ah, all in good fun” – yeah, it wasn’t meant maliciously but right now that doesn’t matter. Here’s an idea for this guy: how about you teach her to play next time beforehand. Or what – did he not want to get embarrassed by a woman in front of millions of people?

The presentation in question where the incident occurred. Note: this had absolutely nothing to do with Killer Instinct. Not a video game's fault that that guy is a jackass. — The presentation in question where the incident occurred. Note: this had absolutely nothing to do with *Killer Instinct*. Not a video game’s fault that that guy is a jackass.

Okay, last bad thing: no further plans from either Sony or Microsoft to support backwards comparability. Hope you enjoy your PS3 and 360 cause you’re not going to be able to get rid of them. This is the best argument for returning to the PC: every time they upgrade a computer, you don’t have to re-buy all of your old games. Seriously, why is Nintendo the only one supporting this?

Why Sony Won:

I didn’t talk about Sony’s press conference under the good. I would have except it would have made this section redundant. Yes, right now Microsoft is leading with overall video game content (their exclusives can’t be ignored). Sony doesn’t have much in the way of exclusive game content right now… but that doesn’t mean it won’t change. Here’s the thing about exclusives, they don’t always stay exclusive. Remember when Rayman Legends was a Wii U exclusive? That changed before the release. Why: because the Wii U isn’t selling well enough to warrant Ubisoft taking a profit loss to release a game exclusively for it. Game developers want to make money. That’s what drives everything. Right now the Xbox One has a lot of exclusives and some of those it can hold onto (the ones made by companies directly owned by Microsoft) but what about the other ones? They didn’t do a great job of it last generation. Remember Mass Effect? You can enjoy that on the PlayStation 3 now.

Point is, the Xbox One needs to be successful right out of the launch. If it isn’t, Microsoft may very well lose a lot of their “exclusives” to Sony. I should point out that it will be hard to beat PlayStation 4 at launch for two reasons: first off – MONEY! While the Xbox One will cost $500, the Sony PlayStation 4 will only cost $400 (and the Wii U currently costs $350 at maximum). This means the Xbox One will be the most expensive system this generation. Last generation the Sony PlayStation 3 was the highest costing and their launch was… not great.

Here’s the other reason:

Sony's K.O. punch of E3 2013. — Sony’s K.O. punch of E3 2013.

Microsoft has been vague (at best) on their conditions of used game restrictions, need for constant internet and DRM implications. Sony has not been. Furthermore, they have come out as the exact opposite in many of the areas the One has been most criticized for. This does not look good for Microsoft. Not good at all. While Nintendo has (wisely) bowed out of direct competition in favor of their own market, the PS4 and One are going head to head. Right now, there is no reason to own both (anyone who buys both should please send extra money to me, clearly you have it). So, as Optimus Prime once famously said: “One shall stand, one shall fall.”

I know, that was way too nerdy… I’ll stop now.

Sidenote: Project Spark seems to be the most intriguing game that no one is talking about. I recommend everyone go on youtube and check out the videos, it looks really cool! — Side note: *Project Spark* seems to be the most intriguing game that no one is talking about. I recommend everyone go on Youtube and check out the videos, it looks really cool!

Further side note: there is a new Battlefront game coming. Awesome.

Thoughts? Comments? Am I full of it or onto something? Let me know now in the feedback section of this article.