Xbox One – Now that the dust has settled

We’ve seen the reveal, and we’ve seen the memes, the outrage, the hope, and the hilarity.  But what does it all mean for the actual gamers who, you know, just want to play games?  Let’s take a closer look at the aftermath of Microsoft’s unveiling of the Xbox One, and perhaps glean some insight into the experience gamers can expect from Microsoft’s new flagship machine.

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Xbox One: One FAQ To Rule Them All

Sexy kit!

Some confusion has arisen over a few of the Xbox One’s features and issues. So Microsoft have posted a FAQ in the hopes of addressing the approximately 10 billion confused and annoyed gamers on twitter. Clarification regarding the trade in ability of games is conspicuous with its absence, they do a fantastic job of not actually saying anything with the sentence dedicated to it. See bellow.

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Xbox One: It’s here and its a Beast!

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So it’s happened, Microsoft have unveiled it’s latest piece of under the TV hardware and its called the Xbox One. I am reluctant to call it a games console for a few reasons, and that shouldn’t be something that either Microsoft or gamers should be ashamed of because this thing looks like it might be awesome! 

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From the forum (50+ posts)
Posted: by .
Harry
Brilliant :lol:
UrbanWolf UK
:lol:
Danger Moss
NighteyesUK
Moss
NighteyesUK
In order for Xbox One to deliver robust, meaningful gaming scenarios for all users across all experiences, only Xbox One controllers and accessories will work with the new console.
It's pretty clear.
Its not clear, it says accessories. That could just mean headsets, chat pads and the like. Anyway, you won't need a wheel for Forza 5. You'll have Kinect!
UrbanWolf UK
Danger Moss
UrbanWolf UK
Oh man! This just keeps getting better and better, 1st I can't play my XBLA games on the Xbox One, now they're saying I won't be able to use my Madcatz Fight Sticks (costing me the better part of £200) on it as well?! Well done Microsoft, well done :clap: :clap: Fucktards! :x
That article only says old controllers won't work. Doesn't say anything about fight sticks.
UrbanWolf UK
"In order for Xbox One to deliver robust, meaningful gaming scenarios for all users across all experiences, only Xbox One controllers and [u:29szqu1c]accessories[/u:29szqu1c] will work with the new console."
To me that says if it wasn't made specifically for Xbox One then it won't work.
NighteyesUK
Moss
In order for Xbox One to deliver robust, meaningful gaming scenarios for all users across all experiences, only Xbox One controllers and accessories will work with the new console.
It's pretty clear.
Danger Moss
UrbanWolf UK
Oh man! This just keeps getting better and better, 1st I can't play my XBLA games on the Xbox One, now they're saying I won't be able to use my Madcatz Fight Sticks (costing me the better part of £200) on it as well?! Well done Microsoft, well done :clap: :clap: Fucktards! :x
That article only says old controllers won't work. Doesn't say anything about fight sticks.
Waggo
Good article Nighteyes. Especially like the point about Kinnect coming as standard which I had not really thought about. Kinnect does have some cool features that with a 100% userbase will become integeral to games, as they are developed as opposed to the optional gimmicks we currently get bolted onto all but the dedicated Kinnect games. 8)
patrick_bateman
Great article nighteyes!
UrbanWolf UK
NighteyesUK
They bigged up Forza 5 last night, but what they didn't tell you is that your Fanatec steering wheel that you spent hundreds of pounds on, and even has a Forza logo on it, won't actually work with the machine.
NighteyesUK
In order for Xbox One to deliver robust, meaningful gaming scenarios for all users across all experiences, only Xbox One controllers and accessories will work with the new console.
Now while Sony may well do the same, they didn't for the PS3 (the old PS2 ones work just fine on it). Of course, MS may well work with Fanatec to ensure the current wheel is compatible. But can you really see that happening? http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news ... erals.html
Oh man! This just keeps getting better and better, 1st I can't play my XBLA games on the Xbox One, now they're saying I won't be able to use my Madcatz Fight Sticks (costing me the better part of £200) on it as well?! Well done Microsoft, well done :clap: :clap: Fucktards! :x
NighteyesUK
Phlashman
Totally agree with that article. If they'd more of a point of "dedicated servers" during the conference that would of helped. One of the engineers in the GT behind the scenes had a good kinect game thing about winking at the shopkeeper in an in game store and getting a discount.
That's the thing, they really should have shown shit like that. Honestly, for me that show yesterday was a horrendous car-crash. I've just looked at everything we now know and drawn some conclusions. I left out "the cloud" because I don't know enough about the tech and how it all works.
Phlashman
NighteyesUK
I've written a brief article on what gamers (not TV watchers or Watercooler aficionados) can expect from the Xbox one: http://www3.britxbox.co.uk/blog/2013/05 ... s-settled/
Totally agree with that article. If they'd more of a point of "dedicated servers" during the conference that would of helped. One of the engineers in the GT behind the scenes had a good kinect game thing about winking at the shopkeeper in an in game store and getting a discount.
NighteyesUK
I've written a brief article on what gamers (not TV watchers or Watercooler aficionados) can expect from the Xbox one: http://www3.britxbox.co.uk/blog/2013/05 ... s-settled/
gooner4life_uk
Phlashman
HDCP won't be a problem, the encode/decode licenses are managed by Intel (as it's an Intel Technology) Microsoft only have to deal with Intel for the ability to do HDMI in and decrypt HDCP. Now I've read/watch/listened to all the interviewss since the event with MS tech people. It looks like HDMI-CEC is preferred, ethernet/wifi is plan B and there's the IR blaster as a last resort. Though just a pass though would be great IMO. I've not really got a problem with my Sky Remote, it's the amount of time and remotes in switch between one and the other and not having any level of multi-tasking going on (like having a game match making whilst I watch TV, or getting notification of your turn during a turn based game). I still think MS and Sky will sort something out.
Oh ok - :lol:
Phlashman
HDCP won't be a problem, the encode/decode licenses are managed by Intel (as it's an Intel Technology) Microsoft only have to deal with Intel for the ability to do HDMI in and decrypt HDCP. Now I've read/watch/listened to all the interviewss since the event with MS tech people. It looks like HDMI-CEC is preferred, ethernet/wifi is plan B and there's the IR blaster as a last resort. Though just a pass though would be great IMO. I've not really got a problem with my Sky Remote, it's the amount of time and remotes in switch between one and the other and not having any level of multi-tasking going on (like having a game match making whilst I watch TV, or getting notification of your turn during a turn based game). I still think MS and Sky will sort something out.
gooner4life_uk
Noir
gooner4life_uk
It wont work with Sky anyway don't worry your pretty head, anything other than Freeview in HD is HDCP protected, that wont passthrough, why would you want to watch SD TV just to watch it via your Microsoft Set Top Box.
I don't know the ins and outs of HDCP protection. Does this just apply to the UK or to the whole or Europe. I have to assume MS will have investigated this before making a song and dance about it.
HDCP encrypts the output when signalled, HD content in the UK is signalled to be encrypted, it's not down to technology, it's down to rights, our rights system in the UK is vastly different to the US which is why it's only coming to the US at launch.
patrick_bateman
Can't anyone press a button on a remote control anymore?
Noir
gooner4life_uk
It wont work with Sky anyway don't worry your pretty head, anything other than Freeview in HD is HDCP protected, that wont passthrough, why would you want to watch SD TV just to watch it via your Microsoft Set Top Box.
I don't know the ins and outs of HDCP protection. Does this just apply to the UK or to the whole or Europe. I have to assume MS will have investigated this before making a song and dance about it.
gooner4life_uk
It wont work with Sky anyway don't worry your pretty head, anything other than Freeview in HD is HDCP protected, that wont passthrough, why would you want to watch SD TV just to watch it via your Microsoft Set Top Box.
Noir
Tezcatlipoca
No idea... I guess you'll have to use the receiver's remote, unless the Xbox's voice control allows such specific instructions. Sky boxes: Which one do you have?
I'm not sure, I'll have to check.
Tezcatlipoca
No idea... I guess you'll have to use the receiver's remote, unless the Xbox's voice control allows such specific instructions. Sky boxes: Which one do you have?
Noir
Tezcatlipoca
The Sky STBs have just had an update to enable 5.1 via HDMI. Definitely the latest Amstrad boxes (e.g. DRX890), not sure about the pre-Amstrads. The original Thomson? Well, that's obsolete shite and isn't getting any updates anyway...however Sky has been offering free replacement Amstrads for people lumbered with the Thomson... But without that... Can't you have Sky > Xbox One > receiver via HDMI, and Sky > receiver via optical?
Potentially yes. But how will the Xbox One know when to tell the receiver to switch to that particular optical input from the standard HDMI output from the Xbox One? Thanks for the info on the new boxes btw.
Tezcatlipoca
The Sky STBs have just had an update to enable 5.1 via HDMI. Definitely the latest Amstrad boxes (e.g. DRX890), not sure about the pre-Amstrads. The original Thomson? Well, that's obsolete shite and isn't getting any updates anyway...however Sky has been offering free replacement Amstrads for people lumbered with the Thomson... But without that... Can't you have Sky > Xbox One > receiver via HDMI, and Sky > receiver via optical?
Noir
Phlashman
Gooner, FFS get a grip. All MS have to do is do a deal with Sky to issue commands via the network like the Sky apps currently do and access to guide data. It's not like MS (and specifically the Xbox Division) haven't worked with Sky before, and Sky have been great with working with new tech recently. If they don't Virgin/BT/Talk Talk will happily sign-up these new customers with disposable income. Everyone will offer Xbox One compatibility to avoid losing customers.
How will that work for people with receivers though? There's one HDMI for a Sky box and then your HDMI out goes to your HDMI in on the receiver? I know for a fact that no Sky boxes pre-2013 can transmit surround sound via HDMI so fuck that. Currently the only way around it is to have your HDMI from Sky box go to an input on the receiver and then run optical separately from the Sky box to the receiver. Judging by the outputs on the Xbox One there won't be a work around for that. So whilst the current Playstation already outputs HD audio, the NEW xbox won't even be able to route basic 5.1 to this new fangled cable tv crap. Utter bullshit.
Tezcatlipoca
This was posted earlier regarding the innards... http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digit ... s-xbox-one People have already talked about specs etc., but this also caught my eye:
The glimpse of the the internals offered up by the Wired shots are intriguing: we have a large, square motherboard with a standard-sized slot-loading Blu-ray drive on the left, while next to it we see a vast heatsink and fan. First impressions are that Microsoft has clearly learned its lessons from the design of the Xbox 360 - the cooler is absolutely massive, sporting copper heatpipes to provide optimal transmission of heat to the sink, before being propelled out of the case by the large fan (the larger it is, the slower it has to spin and thus the more quiet it becomes). ----- Xbox One's internals are cleanly designed with a focus on keeping things cool and quiet - hence the high quality heat sink and the rather large fan.
Nice. I don't care if it's a big ugly box if it means it has decent cooling and is less likely to fucking die prematurely like so many 360s did...
Harry
Nope none of that phlash... It'll be the same old judging by current standards
Phlashman
They said Xbox Gold is staying so it'd be shocking if there wasn't added value at E3, since it's the start of a generation I doubt there'll game full games, but 1-2 hour full game demos? Discounts on download games or DLC? Movies? Music?
Born2beSlicker
They have not talked about how/if Xbox Live Gold will change. Probably at E3. Your Skype account will be like how the MSN account was linked to your account previously. Where you can link them but it won't be public like your tag. Only people who's already on your list on Skype can contact you on Skype, so random Call of Duty dude won't be able to be like "Oh, she got Skype, CAM2CAM"?! Skype isn't mandatory either. You can not log in if you don't care.
MissSoupylou
Hi Peeps :) With the xbox live subscription for Xbox Live Gold - Are they throwing in anything other than being able to play online? Right now I am opting for the PS4 with the ability to stream my games onto my Vita unless its damn ugly unit. Personally speaking - I pick up gaming controller to play games not to surf the internet or speak to friends via skype - I am modern day girl - I have Ipad, Iphone, Macbook Pro & IMac who does that fine. On side note for privacy - I am hoping you're skype profile is not connected to my gaming profile otherwise I suspect to encounter alot of pervy annoying men trying to ring me all the time?
patrick_bateman
If i was to pick right now, no question i would have a PS4. But the controller..oh wait. Also i have went through so much shit with microsoft and stuck with them so maybe its time for a change. Luckily i wont be picking until E3. maybe even long after that.
Harry
I'll read up on the fact once the dust settles. Right now at face value without propaganda I have what i've seen. I'm actually thinking PS4 might be the way to go this generation. Microsoft showed true arrogance, first with Windows 8 last year and now with the Xbox. The TV stuff is just something I don't want and I don't think it will be a shadow of what they have shown for anyone outside the USA. This reveal was a love letter to the 2-3 game a year NFL nuts in america who love subscription based TV. It's insulting .It's like non of us are there. Like we don't need answering too. I feel like Microsoft used to be a friend but has since "changed" and is wearing different clothes, listening to different music and hanging out with different people......I don't think they are my friend anymore.
patrick_bateman
this made me laugh
so Xbox One has HDMI in. So in theory you could plug a PS4 into it?
Hey, what a great idea. So the Xbox One might be useful for something after all... for voice-controlling a PS4!
patrick_bateman
wow. so the PS4 is a fair bit more powerful then. Not that i care. But the fact it has 50% more raw power according to the tech reeport stunned me. http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digit ... s-xbox-one
NighteyesUK
Phlashman
There's only like 12 people who spend that much on a wheel.
Sorry Ash, but there's a significant number of dedicated driving fans that MS is basically giving the finger.
Phlashman
There's only like 12 people who spend that much on a wheel.
NighteyesUK
They bigged up Forza 5 last night, but what they didn't tell you is that your Fanatec steering wheel that you spent hundreds of pounds on, and even has a Forza logo on it, won't actually work with the machine.
In order for Xbox One to deliver robust, meaningful gaming scenarios for all users across all experiences, only Xbox One controllers and accessories will work with the new console.
Now while Sony may well do the same, they didn't for the PS3 (the old PS2 ones work just fine on it). Of course, MS may well work with Fanatec to ensure the current wheel is compatible. But can you really see that happening? http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news ... erals.html
Craigimt
Could that partner stuff just be what we saw in the presentation?
capt underpants
Brocktas
gooner4life_uk
Brocktas
Jumping the gun a little bit aren't we? These consoles have been designed for the realities of where the market is going. Like it or not, we're going there. As I said, Sony will have a very similar strategy to leverage its huge entertainment and technology business around the PS4 as a central point.
You also said Microsoft would be announcing a partnership with Sky offering a subscription model and subsidised hardware :lol: Sony have already said used games wont be blocked, that the console doesnt need to be online, that it doesnt register games to a profile, they stated all this information in the reveal.
Not everything was correct, but as I said with the Sky stuff, it was early on in the negotiation phase. Things could have changed since then. However, I was right about the always on and second hand stuff. So STFU ;) :P
Game is up boy. You're flogging a dead horse.
Brocktas
gooner4life_uk
Brocktas
capt underpants
The biggest disaster since New Coke.
Jumping the gun a little bit aren't we? These consoles have been designed for the realities of where the market is going. Like it or not, we're going there. As I said, Sony will have a very similar strategy to leverage its huge entertainment and technology business around the PS4 as a central point.
You also said Microsoft would be announcing a partnership with Sky offering a subscription model and subsidised hardware :lol: Sony have already said used games wont be blocked, that the console doesnt need to be online, that it doesnt register games to a profile, they stated all this information in the reveal.
Not everything was correct, but as I said with the Sky stuff, it was early on in the negotiation phase. Things could have changed since then. However, I was right about the always on and second hand stuff. So STFU ;) :P
Born2beSlicker
gooner4life_uk
Sony have already said used games wont be blocked, that the console doesnt need to be online, that it doesnt register games to a profile, they stated all this information in the reveal.
They're not on Xbox either. Not blocked doesn't mean not locked. That's plenty of wiggle room for Sony to come up with something similar, as Sony already do online passes whilst Microsoft never did. They said it's not always online (though I don't think their DRM is like Microsoft's to be fair) and did they? I honestly missed that if they did.
gooner4life_uk
Brocktas
capt underpants
The biggest disaster since New Coke.
Jumping the gun a little bit aren't we? These consoles have been designed for the realities of where the market is going. Like it or not, we're going there. As I said, Sony will have a very similar strategy to leverage its huge entertainment and technology business around the PS4 as a central point.
You also said Microsoft would be announcing a partnership with Sky offering a subscription model and subsidised hardware :lol: Sony have already said used games wont be blocked, that the console doesnt need to be online, that it doesnt register games to a profile, they stated all this information in the reveal.
Phlashman
Just noticed, IR out on the back panel: IR Blaster as last resort? Seems like it.
Brocktas
capt underpants
The biggest disaster since New Coke.
Jumping the gun a little bit aren't we? These consoles have been designed for the realities of where the market is going. Like it or not, we're going there. As I said, Sony will have a very similar strategy to leverage its huge entertainment and technology business around the PS4 as a central point.
capt underpants
The biggest disaster since New Coke.
Lostcauz
I still think PGR will be at E3, lucid games have said they are to announce what there working on soon.
Phlashman
Born2beSlicker
Interview about the hubbub last night. At the very end when he's talking about the focus of the console on entertainment vs core games, I agree with the response. It's not a choice between one or the other, it's both at the same time. Sadly too many entitled pricks get upset when the focus isn't 100% them.
Yeah, if they'd got that interview out at the end of the stream everyone wouldn't be losing their shit. It seem like MS are on the ball and trying to give answers, just not everyone who's giving the answer have all the facts yet. At least now it's out there they are talking about it. If I was MS I'd start the E3 conference with definitive answers regarding all the questions the "core" are asking, how game installs work, how online and offline works, how the TV stuff works etc. then just games games games until people look like they've had enough and then a few more then price and date and end.
Harry
I don't think that shit will ever get announced. They won't tell people unless they ask and they will only ever explain it in an interview or e3 floor conversation or something. It's going to be a case of people finding out shit days before the release.
Brocktas
Phlashman
Personally I just don't give a shit about always on. I buy all my games new, my internet is always on, it's not been down for more than an hour over the last 10+ years yet alone a day or more. The TV stuff I love as probably the main reason for me not playing games or using on demand services is not being bothered to switch inputs, do the updates, input ome search text by text to find the thing I want, or find the disk of the game I want to play, power up the console, sign-in, load the game, setup the game I want to play and play. If I can switch to a race in forza whilst the ad break is on that quick then I'm going to do that every ad break. Bar an actual gameplay demo Microsoft showed as much as Sony did, and a lot more in most areas. We all knew them games are coming at E3, and now all the "platform" stuff is out of the way, E3 is going to pure games. People really should be more angry about the whole GIF = "jif" thing going on right now.
Phlash is right. What people don't seem to realise is that Sony still has to talk about all of this stuff at its E3 conference. So now that Microsoft have gotten all the 'boring' stuff out the way, it's E3 conference will be 100 per cent about games. So that means potentially 90 minutes of games. Whereas Sony will probably have to spend 30 mins talking about all of its additional services; showing off the console etc etc before it can get into the games. I have a feeling Microsoft will 'win' the pre-E3 conferences and the launch event yesterday will quickly be forgotten.
Phlashman
Yeah if it does pre-loading of games pre-release, I'll probably go digitial too, maybe get some launch game on disc to to avoid getting a box and having to download something first.
Born2beSlicker
I think I'm going to ignore the pre-owned games shit and just go digital only with Xbox One, PS4, 3DS, Vita and Wii U. It's time...
Phlashman
Gooner, FFS get a grip. All MS have to do is do a deal with Sky to issue commands via the network like the Sky apps currently do and access to guide data. It's not like MS (and specifically the Xbox Division) haven't worked with Sky before, and Sky have been great with working with new tech recently. If they don't Virgin/BT/Talk Talk will happily sign-up these new customers with disposable income. Everyone will offer Xbox One compatibility to avoid losing customers.
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Expansion Pack 128

Welcome to the Expansion Pack, the Britxbox podcast. Released every second Thursday, we banter on Xbox news, what’s hot within the BXB community, and the games we’ve been playing: from the latest releases, demos and XBLA games, to bargain bin oldies. With Mark “Born2beSlicker” Lawson, Ben “Hallben” Hall, Richard “Colonel Red” Worrall and special guest Ashley “Phlashman” Allen. This week we discuss:

  • #XboxReveal
  • The name
  • Entertainment vs Games
  • Kinect 2
  • Xbox Live
  • Release plans
  • 5 Billion transistors

As always, feel free to post your comments or questions you have for the crew in the forums, and we’ll maybe read your questions on air. Also don’t forget to rate us on iTunes and follow us on Twitter or @Born2beSlicker.

 

From the forum (7 posts)
Posted: by .
Born2beSlicker
Ah! Growing pains of the new site! The podcast can be found here http://www3.britxbox.co.uk/podcast/BXB128.mp3 Whilst we fix the front page!
Born2beSlicker
Fixed!
Craigimt
Wow, that's a fast turn around. I'll listen to this tomorrow on the bus.
Born2beSlicker
We hammered it out quickly, a special emergency podcast. Normal service will resume in 2 weeks with Thursday being the normal release day.
patrick_bateman
Can't seem to download it to my tablet. Only listen directly.
Danger Moss
No sign of this on i tunes.
Phlashman
It's in the iTunes feed, it'll be there soon.
Add Your Comment

New Xbox Parts Supply Chain Ramping Up

This isn’t really a surprise but parts for the Next Xbox (whatever it might end up being called) are being shipped from suppliers to manufacturer as they gear up for the ramp up of production for the expected Q4 release.

For all the tech heads out there Digitimes are reporting the following details:

Lite-On Technology and Delta Electronics are working on the PSY,  Lite-On IT are building the optical disc drive (ODD), Asia Optical and Newmax are supplying sensing lens and Foxlink is on connectors… Bored yet?

Of course the controversial Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry) are doing the actual construction of the final box. They are arguably best known for labour disputes and alleged poor treatment of workers, oh and making all the Apple stuff.

From the forum (50+ posts)
Posted: by .
Harry
Brilliant :lol:
UrbanWolf UK
:lol:
Danger Moss
NighteyesUK
Moss
NighteyesUK
In order for Xbox One to deliver robust, meaningful gaming scenarios for all users across all experiences, only Xbox One controllers and accessories will work with the new console.
It's pretty clear.
Its not clear, it says accessories. That could just mean headsets, chat pads and the like. Anyway, you won't need a wheel for Forza 5. You'll have Kinect!
UrbanWolf UK
Danger Moss
UrbanWolf UK
Oh man! This just keeps getting better and better, 1st I can't play my XBLA games on the Xbox One, now they're saying I won't be able to use my Madcatz Fight Sticks (costing me the better part of £200) on it as well?! Well done Microsoft, well done :clap: :clap: Fucktards! :x
That article only says old controllers won't work. Doesn't say anything about fight sticks.
UrbanWolf UK
"In order for Xbox One to deliver robust, meaningful gaming scenarios for all users across all experiences, only Xbox One controllers and [u:29szqu1c]accessories[/u:29szqu1c] will work with the new console."
To me that says if it wasn't made specifically for Xbox One then it won't work.
NighteyesUK
Moss
In order for Xbox One to deliver robust, meaningful gaming scenarios for all users across all experiences, only Xbox One controllers and accessories will work with the new console.
It's pretty clear.
Danger Moss
UrbanWolf UK
Oh man! This just keeps getting better and better, 1st I can't play my XBLA games on the Xbox One, now they're saying I won't be able to use my Madcatz Fight Sticks (costing me the better part of £200) on it as well?! Well done Microsoft, well done :clap: :clap: Fucktards! :x
That article only says old controllers won't work. Doesn't say anything about fight sticks.
Waggo
Good article Nighteyes. Especially like the point about Kinnect coming as standard which I had not really thought about. Kinnect does have some cool features that with a 100% userbase will become integeral to games, as they are developed as opposed to the optional gimmicks we currently get bolted onto all but the dedicated Kinnect games. 8)
patrick_bateman
Great article nighteyes!
UrbanWolf UK
NighteyesUK
They bigged up Forza 5 last night, but what they didn't tell you is that your Fanatec steering wheel that you spent hundreds of pounds on, and even has a Forza logo on it, won't actually work with the machine.
NighteyesUK
In order for Xbox One to deliver robust, meaningful gaming scenarios for all users across all experiences, only Xbox One controllers and accessories will work with the new console.
Now while Sony may well do the same, they didn't for the PS3 (the old PS2 ones work just fine on it). Of course, MS may well work with Fanatec to ensure the current wheel is compatible. But can you really see that happening? http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news ... erals.html
Oh man! This just keeps getting better and better, 1st I can't play my XBLA games on the Xbox One, now they're saying I won't be able to use my Madcatz Fight Sticks (costing me the better part of £200) on it as well?! Well done Microsoft, well done :clap: :clap: Fucktards! :x
NighteyesUK
Phlashman
Totally agree with that article. If they'd more of a point of "dedicated servers" during the conference that would of helped. One of the engineers in the GT behind the scenes had a good kinect game thing about winking at the shopkeeper in an in game store and getting a discount.
That's the thing, they really should have shown shit like that. Honestly, for me that show yesterday was a horrendous car-crash. I've just looked at everything we now know and drawn some conclusions. I left out "the cloud" because I don't know enough about the tech and how it all works.
Phlashman
NighteyesUK
I've written a brief article on what gamers (not TV watchers or Watercooler aficionados) can expect from the Xbox one: http://www3.britxbox.co.uk/blog/2013/05 ... s-settled/
Totally agree with that article. If they'd more of a point of "dedicated servers" during the conference that would of helped. One of the engineers in the GT behind the scenes had a good kinect game thing about winking at the shopkeeper in an in game store and getting a discount.
NighteyesUK
I've written a brief article on what gamers (not TV watchers or Watercooler aficionados) can expect from the Xbox one: http://www3.britxbox.co.uk/blog/2013/05 ... s-settled/
gooner4life_uk
Phlashman
HDCP won't be a problem, the encode/decode licenses are managed by Intel (as it's an Intel Technology) Microsoft only have to deal with Intel for the ability to do HDMI in and decrypt HDCP. Now I've read/watch/listened to all the interviewss since the event with MS tech people. It looks like HDMI-CEC is preferred, ethernet/wifi is plan B and there's the IR blaster as a last resort. Though just a pass though would be great IMO. I've not really got a problem with my Sky Remote, it's the amount of time and remotes in switch between one and the other and not having any level of multi-tasking going on (like having a game match making whilst I watch TV, or getting notification of your turn during a turn based game). I still think MS and Sky will sort something out.
Oh ok - :lol:
Phlashman
HDCP won't be a problem, the encode/decode licenses are managed by Intel (as it's an Intel Technology) Microsoft only have to deal with Intel for the ability to do HDMI in and decrypt HDCP. Now I've read/watch/listened to all the interviewss since the event with MS tech people. It looks like HDMI-CEC is preferred, ethernet/wifi is plan B and there's the IR blaster as a last resort. Though just a pass though would be great IMO. I've not really got a problem with my Sky Remote, it's the amount of time and remotes in switch between one and the other and not having any level of multi-tasking going on (like having a game match making whilst I watch TV, or getting notification of your turn during a turn based game). I still think MS and Sky will sort something out.
gooner4life_uk
Noir
gooner4life_uk
It wont work with Sky anyway don't worry your pretty head, anything other than Freeview in HD is HDCP protected, that wont passthrough, why would you want to watch SD TV just to watch it via your Microsoft Set Top Box.
I don't know the ins and outs of HDCP protection. Does this just apply to the UK or to the whole or Europe. I have to assume MS will have investigated this before making a song and dance about it.
HDCP encrypts the output when signalled, HD content in the UK is signalled to be encrypted, it's not down to technology, it's down to rights, our rights system in the UK is vastly different to the US which is why it's only coming to the US at launch.
patrick_bateman
Can't anyone press a button on a remote control anymore?
Noir
gooner4life_uk
It wont work with Sky anyway don't worry your pretty head, anything other than Freeview in HD is HDCP protected, that wont passthrough, why would you want to watch SD TV just to watch it via your Microsoft Set Top Box.
I don't know the ins and outs of HDCP protection. Does this just apply to the UK or to the whole or Europe. I have to assume MS will have investigated this before making a song and dance about it.
gooner4life_uk
It wont work with Sky anyway don't worry your pretty head, anything other than Freeview in HD is HDCP protected, that wont passthrough, why would you want to watch SD TV just to watch it via your Microsoft Set Top Box.
Noir
Tezcatlipoca
No idea... I guess you'll have to use the receiver's remote, unless the Xbox's voice control allows such specific instructions. Sky boxes: Which one do you have?
I'm not sure, I'll have to check.
Tezcatlipoca
No idea... I guess you'll have to use the receiver's remote, unless the Xbox's voice control allows such specific instructions. Sky boxes: Which one do you have?
Noir
Tezcatlipoca
The Sky STBs have just had an update to enable 5.1 via HDMI. Definitely the latest Amstrad boxes (e.g. DRX890), not sure about the pre-Amstrads. The original Thomson? Well, that's obsolete shite and isn't getting any updates anyway...however Sky has been offering free replacement Amstrads for people lumbered with the Thomson... But without that... Can't you have Sky > Xbox One > receiver via HDMI, and Sky > receiver via optical?
Potentially yes. But how will the Xbox One know when to tell the receiver to switch to that particular optical input from the standard HDMI output from the Xbox One? Thanks for the info on the new boxes btw.
Tezcatlipoca
The Sky STBs have just had an update to enable 5.1 via HDMI. Definitely the latest Amstrad boxes (e.g. DRX890), not sure about the pre-Amstrads. The original Thomson? Well, that's obsolete shite and isn't getting any updates anyway...however Sky has been offering free replacement Amstrads for people lumbered with the Thomson... But without that... Can't you have Sky > Xbox One > receiver via HDMI, and Sky > receiver via optical?
Noir
Phlashman
Gooner, FFS get a grip. All MS have to do is do a deal with Sky to issue commands via the network like the Sky apps currently do and access to guide data. It's not like MS (and specifically the Xbox Division) haven't worked with Sky before, and Sky have been great with working with new tech recently. If they don't Virgin/BT/Talk Talk will happily sign-up these new customers with disposable income. Everyone will offer Xbox One compatibility to avoid losing customers.
How will that work for people with receivers though? There's one HDMI for a Sky box and then your HDMI out goes to your HDMI in on the receiver? I know for a fact that no Sky boxes pre-2013 can transmit surround sound via HDMI so fuck that. Currently the only way around it is to have your HDMI from Sky box go to an input on the receiver and then run optical separately from the Sky box to the receiver. Judging by the outputs on the Xbox One there won't be a work around for that. So whilst the current Playstation already outputs HD audio, the NEW xbox won't even be able to route basic 5.1 to this new fangled cable tv crap. Utter bullshit.
Tezcatlipoca
This was posted earlier regarding the innards... http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digit ... s-xbox-one People have already talked about specs etc., but this also caught my eye:
The glimpse of the the internals offered up by the Wired shots are intriguing: we have a large, square motherboard with a standard-sized slot-loading Blu-ray drive on the left, while next to it we see a vast heatsink and fan. First impressions are that Microsoft has clearly learned its lessons from the design of the Xbox 360 - the cooler is absolutely massive, sporting copper heatpipes to provide optimal transmission of heat to the sink, before being propelled out of the case by the large fan (the larger it is, the slower it has to spin and thus the more quiet it becomes). ----- Xbox One's internals are cleanly designed with a focus on keeping things cool and quiet - hence the high quality heat sink and the rather large fan.
Nice. I don't care if it's a big ugly box if it means it has decent cooling and is less likely to fucking die prematurely like so many 360s did...
Harry
Nope none of that phlash... It'll be the same old judging by current standards
Phlashman
They said Xbox Gold is staying so it'd be shocking if there wasn't added value at E3, since it's the start of a generation I doubt there'll game full games, but 1-2 hour full game demos? Discounts on download games or DLC? Movies? Music?
Born2beSlicker
They have not talked about how/if Xbox Live Gold will change. Probably at E3. Your Skype account will be like how the MSN account was linked to your account previously. Where you can link them but it won't be public like your tag. Only people who's already on your list on Skype can contact you on Skype, so random Call of Duty dude won't be able to be like "Oh, she got Skype, CAM2CAM"?! Skype isn't mandatory either. You can not log in if you don't care.
MissSoupylou
Hi Peeps :) With the xbox live subscription for Xbox Live Gold - Are they throwing in anything other than being able to play online? Right now I am opting for the PS4 with the ability to stream my games onto my Vita unless its damn ugly unit. Personally speaking - I pick up gaming controller to play games not to surf the internet or speak to friends via skype - I am modern day girl - I have Ipad, Iphone, Macbook Pro & IMac who does that fine. On side note for privacy - I am hoping you're skype profile is not connected to my gaming profile otherwise I suspect to encounter alot of pervy annoying men trying to ring me all the time?
patrick_bateman
If i was to pick right now, no question i would have a PS4. But the controller..oh wait. Also i have went through so much shit with microsoft and stuck with them so maybe its time for a change. Luckily i wont be picking until E3. maybe even long after that.
Harry
I'll read up on the fact once the dust settles. Right now at face value without propaganda I have what i've seen. I'm actually thinking PS4 might be the way to go this generation. Microsoft showed true arrogance, first with Windows 8 last year and now with the Xbox. The TV stuff is just something I don't want and I don't think it will be a shadow of what they have shown for anyone outside the USA. This reveal was a love letter to the 2-3 game a year NFL nuts in america who love subscription based TV. It's insulting .It's like non of us are there. Like we don't need answering too. I feel like Microsoft used to be a friend but has since "changed" and is wearing different clothes, listening to different music and hanging out with different people......I don't think they are my friend anymore.
patrick_bateman
this made me laugh
so Xbox One has HDMI in. So in theory you could plug a PS4 into it?
Hey, what a great idea. So the Xbox One might be useful for something after all... for voice-controlling a PS4!
patrick_bateman
wow. so the PS4 is a fair bit more powerful then. Not that i care. But the fact it has 50% more raw power according to the tech reeport stunned me. http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digit ... s-xbox-one
NighteyesUK
Phlashman
There's only like 12 people who spend that much on a wheel.
Sorry Ash, but there's a significant number of dedicated driving fans that MS is basically giving the finger.
Phlashman
There's only like 12 people who spend that much on a wheel.
NighteyesUK
They bigged up Forza 5 last night, but what they didn't tell you is that your Fanatec steering wheel that you spent hundreds of pounds on, and even has a Forza logo on it, won't actually work with the machine.
In order for Xbox One to deliver robust, meaningful gaming scenarios for all users across all experiences, only Xbox One controllers and accessories will work with the new console.
Now while Sony may well do the same, they didn't for the PS3 (the old PS2 ones work just fine on it). Of course, MS may well work with Fanatec to ensure the current wheel is compatible. But can you really see that happening? http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news ... erals.html
Craigimt
Could that partner stuff just be what we saw in the presentation?
capt underpants
Brocktas
gooner4life_uk
Brocktas
Jumping the gun a little bit aren't we? These consoles have been designed for the realities of where the market is going. Like it or not, we're going there. As I said, Sony will have a very similar strategy to leverage its huge entertainment and technology business around the PS4 as a central point.
You also said Microsoft would be announcing a partnership with Sky offering a subscription model and subsidised hardware :lol: Sony have already said used games wont be blocked, that the console doesnt need to be online, that it doesnt register games to a profile, they stated all this information in the reveal.
Not everything was correct, but as I said with the Sky stuff, it was early on in the negotiation phase. Things could have changed since then. However, I was right about the always on and second hand stuff. So STFU ;) :P
Game is up boy. You're flogging a dead horse.
Brocktas
gooner4life_uk
Brocktas
capt underpants
The biggest disaster since New Coke.
Jumping the gun a little bit aren't we? These consoles have been designed for the realities of where the market is going. Like it or not, we're going there. As I said, Sony will have a very similar strategy to leverage its huge entertainment and technology business around the PS4 as a central point.
You also said Microsoft would be announcing a partnership with Sky offering a subscription model and subsidised hardware :lol: Sony have already said used games wont be blocked, that the console doesnt need to be online, that it doesnt register games to a profile, they stated all this information in the reveal.
Not everything was correct, but as I said with the Sky stuff, it was early on in the negotiation phase. Things could have changed since then. However, I was right about the always on and second hand stuff. So STFU ;) :P
Born2beSlicker
gooner4life_uk
Sony have already said used games wont be blocked, that the console doesnt need to be online, that it doesnt register games to a profile, they stated all this information in the reveal.
They're not on Xbox either. Not blocked doesn't mean not locked. That's plenty of wiggle room for Sony to come up with something similar, as Sony already do online passes whilst Microsoft never did. They said it's not always online (though I don't think their DRM is like Microsoft's to be fair) and did they? I honestly missed that if they did.
gooner4life_uk
Brocktas
capt underpants
The biggest disaster since New Coke.
Jumping the gun a little bit aren't we? These consoles have been designed for the realities of where the market is going. Like it or not, we're going there. As I said, Sony will have a very similar strategy to leverage its huge entertainment and technology business around the PS4 as a central point.
You also said Microsoft would be announcing a partnership with Sky offering a subscription model and subsidised hardware :lol: Sony have already said used games wont be blocked, that the console doesnt need to be online, that it doesnt register games to a profile, they stated all this information in the reveal.
Phlashman
Just noticed, IR out on the back panel: IR Blaster as last resort? Seems like it.
Brocktas
capt underpants
The biggest disaster since New Coke.
Jumping the gun a little bit aren't we? These consoles have been designed for the realities of where the market is going. Like it or not, we're going there. As I said, Sony will have a very similar strategy to leverage its huge entertainment and technology business around the PS4 as a central point.
capt underpants
The biggest disaster since New Coke.
Lostcauz
I still think PGR will be at E3, lucid games have said they are to announce what there working on soon.
Phlashman
Born2beSlicker
Interview about the hubbub last night. At the very end when he's talking about the focus of the console on entertainment vs core games, I agree with the response. It's not a choice between one or the other, it's both at the same time. Sadly too many entitled pricks get upset when the focus isn't 100% them.
Yeah, if they'd got that interview out at the end of the stream everyone wouldn't be losing their shit. It seem like MS are on the ball and trying to give answers, just not everyone who's giving the answer have all the facts yet. At least now it's out there they are talking about it. If I was MS I'd start the E3 conference with definitive answers regarding all the questions the "core" are asking, how game installs work, how online and offline works, how the TV stuff works etc. then just games games games until people look like they've had enough and then a few more then price and date and end.
Harry
I don't think that shit will ever get announced. They won't tell people unless they ask and they will only ever explain it in an interview or e3 floor conversation or something. It's going to be a case of people finding out shit days before the release.
Brocktas
Phlashman
Personally I just don't give a shit about always on. I buy all my games new, my internet is always on, it's not been down for more than an hour over the last 10+ years yet alone a day or more. The TV stuff I love as probably the main reason for me not playing games or using on demand services is not being bothered to switch inputs, do the updates, input ome search text by text to find the thing I want, or find the disk of the game I want to play, power up the console, sign-in, load the game, setup the game I want to play and play. If I can switch to a race in forza whilst the ad break is on that quick then I'm going to do that every ad break. Bar an actual gameplay demo Microsoft showed as much as Sony did, and a lot more in most areas. We all knew them games are coming at E3, and now all the "platform" stuff is out of the way, E3 is going to pure games. People really should be more angry about the whole GIF = "jif" thing going on right now.
Phlash is right. What people don't seem to realise is that Sony still has to talk about all of this stuff at its E3 conference. So now that Microsoft have gotten all the 'boring' stuff out the way, it's E3 conference will be 100 per cent about games. So that means potentially 90 minutes of games. Whereas Sony will probably have to spend 30 mins talking about all of its additional services; showing off the console etc etc before it can get into the games. I have a feeling Microsoft will 'win' the pre-E3 conferences and the launch event yesterday will quickly be forgotten.
Phlashman
Yeah if it does pre-loading of games pre-release, I'll probably go digitial too, maybe get some launch game on disc to to avoid getting a box and having to download something first.
Born2beSlicker
I think I'm going to ignore the pre-owned games shit and just go digital only with Xbox One, PS4, 3DS, Vita and Wii U. It's time...
Phlashman
Gooner, FFS get a grip. All MS have to do is do a deal with Sky to issue commands via the network like the Sky apps currently do and access to guide data. It's not like MS (and specifically the Xbox Division) haven't worked with Sky before, and Sky have been great with working with new tech recently. If they don't Virgin/BT/Talk Talk will happily sign-up these new customers with disposable income. Everyone will offer Xbox One compatibility to avoid losing customers.
For more comments hit the forum →
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Batman: Arkham Origins Extended Trailer

Does exactly what it says on the tin.

I shall admit I am not so sure about this, what with the change in developers and voice actors, but it sure does make a pretty trailer.

From the forum (5 posts)
Posted: by .
Noir
Arkham City might be one of my fave games ever. I hope this studio doesn't try to mess with the combat though as I think it's great as it is. I'd be quite happy with the same mechanics but in this new era.
PreachedMONKEY
This got uploaded today. Don't get your hopes up, it's CGI. But a full trailer is coming on the 20th. Same day Microsoft announce the next Xbox.
Although nextgen platforms haven't been confirmed my guess for the announcement is a timed exclusive for the next console or some kind of backwards compatibility for the next console. The reason for my backwards compatible guess is because Batman Arkham Origins is still only running on the current Unreal engine, not the next gen one, so their isn't really any point in releasing the game on next gen hardware because you'll get no advantage from running it whatsoever. Just an added cost to production. But emulation will be something Microsoft provide, not the devs. And it seems daft to announce a trailer for a new game the day MS reveal their new console. They'll be completely overshadowed.
Noir
This one is coming to Wii U too I think still?
MoBiUGeArSkIn
Yep. This new studio cut their teeth on Wii U also.
MoBiUGeArSkIn
[u:3f28k0wg]Read[/u:3f28k0wg] that. Sounds good! Also... That trailer contained probably the best Batman fight ever committed to... Well... Footage.
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Where to watch the #XboxReveal

On Tuesday 21st of May at 6pm (BST), Microsoft is set to announce the first of a two part reveal of the next generation of Xbox.

With the world buzzing and websites attempting last minute link baits to generate hype, the industry is excited to see what Microsoft has on offer.

Continue reading

From the forum (50+ posts)
Posted: by .
Harry
Brilliant :lol:
UrbanWolf UK
:lol:
Danger Moss
NighteyesUK
Moss
NighteyesUK
In order for Xbox One to deliver robust, meaningful gaming scenarios for all users across all experiences, only Xbox One controllers and accessories will work with the new console.
It's pretty clear.
Its not clear, it says accessories. That could just mean headsets, chat pads and the like. Anyway, you won't need a wheel for Forza 5. You'll have Kinect!
UrbanWolf UK
Danger Moss
UrbanWolf UK
Oh man! This just keeps getting better and better, 1st I can't play my XBLA games on the Xbox One, now they're saying I won't be able to use my Madcatz Fight Sticks (costing me the better part of £200) on it as well?! Well done Microsoft, well done :clap: :clap: Fucktards! :x
That article only says old controllers won't work. Doesn't say anything about fight sticks.
UrbanWolf UK
"In order for Xbox One to deliver robust, meaningful gaming scenarios for all users across all experiences, only Xbox One controllers and [u:29szqu1c]accessories[/u:29szqu1c] will work with the new console."
To me that says if it wasn't made specifically for Xbox One then it won't work.
NighteyesUK
Moss
In order for Xbox One to deliver robust, meaningful gaming scenarios for all users across all experiences, only Xbox One controllers and accessories will work with the new console.
It's pretty clear.
Danger Moss
UrbanWolf UK
Oh man! This just keeps getting better and better, 1st I can't play my XBLA games on the Xbox One, now they're saying I won't be able to use my Madcatz Fight Sticks (costing me the better part of £200) on it as well?! Well done Microsoft, well done :clap: :clap: Fucktards! :x
That article only says old controllers won't work. Doesn't say anything about fight sticks.
Waggo
Good article Nighteyes. Especially like the point about Kinnect coming as standard which I had not really thought about. Kinnect does have some cool features that with a 100% userbase will become integeral to games, as they are developed as opposed to the optional gimmicks we currently get bolted onto all but the dedicated Kinnect games. 8)
patrick_bateman
Great article nighteyes!
UrbanWolf UK
NighteyesUK
They bigged up Forza 5 last night, but what they didn't tell you is that your Fanatec steering wheel that you spent hundreds of pounds on, and even has a Forza logo on it, won't actually work with the machine.
NighteyesUK
In order for Xbox One to deliver robust, meaningful gaming scenarios for all users across all experiences, only Xbox One controllers and accessories will work with the new console.
Now while Sony may well do the same, they didn't for the PS3 (the old PS2 ones work just fine on it). Of course, MS may well work with Fanatec to ensure the current wheel is compatible. But can you really see that happening? http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news ... erals.html
Oh man! This just keeps getting better and better, 1st I can't play my XBLA games on the Xbox One, now they're saying I won't be able to use my Madcatz Fight Sticks (costing me the better part of £200) on it as well?! Well done Microsoft, well done :clap: :clap: Fucktards! :x
NighteyesUK
Phlashman
Totally agree with that article. If they'd more of a point of "dedicated servers" during the conference that would of helped. One of the engineers in the GT behind the scenes had a good kinect game thing about winking at the shopkeeper in an in game store and getting a discount.
That's the thing, they really should have shown shit like that. Honestly, for me that show yesterday was a horrendous car-crash. I've just looked at everything we now know and drawn some conclusions. I left out "the cloud" because I don't know enough about the tech and how it all works.
Phlashman
NighteyesUK
I've written a brief article on what gamers (not TV watchers or Watercooler aficionados) can expect from the Xbox one: http://www3.britxbox.co.uk/blog/2013/05 ... s-settled/
Totally agree with that article. If they'd more of a point of "dedicated servers" during the conference that would of helped. One of the engineers in the GT behind the scenes had a good kinect game thing about winking at the shopkeeper in an in game store and getting a discount.
NighteyesUK
I've written a brief article on what gamers (not TV watchers or Watercooler aficionados) can expect from the Xbox one: http://www3.britxbox.co.uk/blog/2013/05 ... s-settled/
gooner4life_uk
Phlashman
HDCP won't be a problem, the encode/decode licenses are managed by Intel (as it's an Intel Technology) Microsoft only have to deal with Intel for the ability to do HDMI in and decrypt HDCP. Now I've read/watch/listened to all the interviewss since the event with MS tech people. It looks like HDMI-CEC is preferred, ethernet/wifi is plan B and there's the IR blaster as a last resort. Though just a pass though would be great IMO. I've not really got a problem with my Sky Remote, it's the amount of time and remotes in switch between one and the other and not having any level of multi-tasking going on (like having a game match making whilst I watch TV, or getting notification of your turn during a turn based game). I still think MS and Sky will sort something out.
Oh ok - :lol:
Phlashman
HDCP won't be a problem, the encode/decode licenses are managed by Intel (as it's an Intel Technology) Microsoft only have to deal with Intel for the ability to do HDMI in and decrypt HDCP. Now I've read/watch/listened to all the interviewss since the event with MS tech people. It looks like HDMI-CEC is preferred, ethernet/wifi is plan B and there's the IR blaster as a last resort. Though just a pass though would be great IMO. I've not really got a problem with my Sky Remote, it's the amount of time and remotes in switch between one and the other and not having any level of multi-tasking going on (like having a game match making whilst I watch TV, or getting notification of your turn during a turn based game). I still think MS and Sky will sort something out.
gooner4life_uk
Noir
gooner4life_uk
It wont work with Sky anyway don't worry your pretty head, anything other than Freeview in HD is HDCP protected, that wont passthrough, why would you want to watch SD TV just to watch it via your Microsoft Set Top Box.
I don't know the ins and outs of HDCP protection. Does this just apply to the UK or to the whole or Europe. I have to assume MS will have investigated this before making a song and dance about it.
HDCP encrypts the output when signalled, HD content in the UK is signalled to be encrypted, it's not down to technology, it's down to rights, our rights system in the UK is vastly different to the US which is why it's only coming to the US at launch.
patrick_bateman
Can't anyone press a button on a remote control anymore?
Noir
gooner4life_uk
It wont work with Sky anyway don't worry your pretty head, anything other than Freeview in HD is HDCP protected, that wont passthrough, why would you want to watch SD TV just to watch it via your Microsoft Set Top Box.
I don't know the ins and outs of HDCP protection. Does this just apply to the UK or to the whole or Europe. I have to assume MS will have investigated this before making a song and dance about it.
gooner4life_uk
It wont work with Sky anyway don't worry your pretty head, anything other than Freeview in HD is HDCP protected, that wont passthrough, why would you want to watch SD TV just to watch it via your Microsoft Set Top Box.
Noir
Tezcatlipoca
No idea... I guess you'll have to use the receiver's remote, unless the Xbox's voice control allows such specific instructions. Sky boxes: Which one do you have?
I'm not sure, I'll have to check.
Tezcatlipoca
No idea... I guess you'll have to use the receiver's remote, unless the Xbox's voice control allows such specific instructions. Sky boxes: Which one do you have?
Noir
Tezcatlipoca
The Sky STBs have just had an update to enable 5.1 via HDMI. Definitely the latest Amstrad boxes (e.g. DRX890), not sure about the pre-Amstrads. The original Thomson? Well, that's obsolete shite and isn't getting any updates anyway...however Sky has been offering free replacement Amstrads for people lumbered with the Thomson... But without that... Can't you have Sky > Xbox One > receiver via HDMI, and Sky > receiver via optical?
Potentially yes. But how will the Xbox One know when to tell the receiver to switch to that particular optical input from the standard HDMI output from the Xbox One? Thanks for the info on the new boxes btw.
Tezcatlipoca
The Sky STBs have just had an update to enable 5.1 via HDMI. Definitely the latest Amstrad boxes (e.g. DRX890), not sure about the pre-Amstrads. The original Thomson? Well, that's obsolete shite and isn't getting any updates anyway...however Sky has been offering free replacement Amstrads for people lumbered with the Thomson... But without that... Can't you have Sky > Xbox One > receiver via HDMI, and Sky > receiver via optical?
Noir
Phlashman
Gooner, FFS get a grip. All MS have to do is do a deal with Sky to issue commands via the network like the Sky apps currently do and access to guide data. It's not like MS (and specifically the Xbox Division) haven't worked with Sky before, and Sky have been great with working with new tech recently. If they don't Virgin/BT/Talk Talk will happily sign-up these new customers with disposable income. Everyone will offer Xbox One compatibility to avoid losing customers.
How will that work for people with receivers though? There's one HDMI for a Sky box and then your HDMI out goes to your HDMI in on the receiver? I know for a fact that no Sky boxes pre-2013 can transmit surround sound via HDMI so fuck that. Currently the only way around it is to have your HDMI from Sky box go to an input on the receiver and then run optical separately from the Sky box to the receiver. Judging by the outputs on the Xbox One there won't be a work around for that. So whilst the current Playstation already outputs HD audio, the NEW xbox won't even be able to route basic 5.1 to this new fangled cable tv crap. Utter bullshit.
Tezcatlipoca
This was posted earlier regarding the innards... http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digit ... s-xbox-one People have already talked about specs etc., but this also caught my eye:
The glimpse of the the internals offered up by the Wired shots are intriguing: we have a large, square motherboard with a standard-sized slot-loading Blu-ray drive on the left, while next to it we see a vast heatsink and fan. First impressions are that Microsoft has clearly learned its lessons from the design of the Xbox 360 - the cooler is absolutely massive, sporting copper heatpipes to provide optimal transmission of heat to the sink, before being propelled out of the case by the large fan (the larger it is, the slower it has to spin and thus the more quiet it becomes). ----- Xbox One's internals are cleanly designed with a focus on keeping things cool and quiet - hence the high quality heat sink and the rather large fan.
Nice. I don't care if it's a big ugly box if it means it has decent cooling and is less likely to fucking die prematurely like so many 360s did...
Harry
Nope none of that phlash... It'll be the same old judging by current standards
Phlashman
They said Xbox Gold is staying so it'd be shocking if there wasn't added value at E3, since it's the start of a generation I doubt there'll game full games, but 1-2 hour full game demos? Discounts on download games or DLC? Movies? Music?
Born2beSlicker
They have not talked about how/if Xbox Live Gold will change. Probably at E3. Your Skype account will be like how the MSN account was linked to your account previously. Where you can link them but it won't be public like your tag. Only people who's already on your list on Skype can contact you on Skype, so random Call of Duty dude won't be able to be like "Oh, she got Skype, CAM2CAM"?! Skype isn't mandatory either. You can not log in if you don't care.
MissSoupylou
Hi Peeps :) With the xbox live subscription for Xbox Live Gold - Are they throwing in anything other than being able to play online? Right now I am opting for the PS4 with the ability to stream my games onto my Vita unless its damn ugly unit. Personally speaking - I pick up gaming controller to play games not to surf the internet or speak to friends via skype - I am modern day girl - I have Ipad, Iphone, Macbook Pro & IMac who does that fine. On side note for privacy - I am hoping you're skype profile is not connected to my gaming profile otherwise I suspect to encounter alot of pervy annoying men trying to ring me all the time?
patrick_bateman
If i was to pick right now, no question i would have a PS4. But the controller..oh wait. Also i have went through so much shit with microsoft and stuck with them so maybe its time for a change. Luckily i wont be picking until E3. maybe even long after that.
Harry
I'll read up on the fact once the dust settles. Right now at face value without propaganda I have what i've seen. I'm actually thinking PS4 might be the way to go this generation. Microsoft showed true arrogance, first with Windows 8 last year and now with the Xbox. The TV stuff is just something I don't want and I don't think it will be a shadow of what they have shown for anyone outside the USA. This reveal was a love letter to the 2-3 game a year NFL nuts in america who love subscription based TV. It's insulting .It's like non of us are there. Like we don't need answering too. I feel like Microsoft used to be a friend but has since "changed" and is wearing different clothes, listening to different music and hanging out with different people......I don't think they are my friend anymore.
patrick_bateman
this made me laugh
so Xbox One has HDMI in. So in theory you could plug a PS4 into it?
Hey, what a great idea. So the Xbox One might be useful for something after all... for voice-controlling a PS4!
patrick_bateman
wow. so the PS4 is a fair bit more powerful then. Not that i care. But the fact it has 50% more raw power according to the tech reeport stunned me. http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digit ... s-xbox-one
NighteyesUK
Phlashman
There's only like 12 people who spend that much on a wheel.
Sorry Ash, but there's a significant number of dedicated driving fans that MS is basically giving the finger.
Phlashman
There's only like 12 people who spend that much on a wheel.
NighteyesUK
They bigged up Forza 5 last night, but what they didn't tell you is that your Fanatec steering wheel that you spent hundreds of pounds on, and even has a Forza logo on it, won't actually work with the machine.
In order for Xbox One to deliver robust, meaningful gaming scenarios for all users across all experiences, only Xbox One controllers and accessories will work with the new console.
Now while Sony may well do the same, they didn't for the PS3 (the old PS2 ones work just fine on it). Of course, MS may well work with Fanatec to ensure the current wheel is compatible. But can you really see that happening? http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news ... erals.html
Craigimt
Could that partner stuff just be what we saw in the presentation?
capt underpants
Brocktas
gooner4life_uk
Brocktas
Jumping the gun a little bit aren't we? These consoles have been designed for the realities of where the market is going. Like it or not, we're going there. As I said, Sony will have a very similar strategy to leverage its huge entertainment and technology business around the PS4 as a central point.
You also said Microsoft would be announcing a partnership with Sky offering a subscription model and subsidised hardware :lol: Sony have already said used games wont be blocked, that the console doesnt need to be online, that it doesnt register games to a profile, they stated all this information in the reveal.
Not everything was correct, but as I said with the Sky stuff, it was early on in the negotiation phase. Things could have changed since then. However, I was right about the always on and second hand stuff. So STFU ;) :P
Game is up boy. You're flogging a dead horse.
Brocktas
gooner4life_uk
Brocktas
capt underpants
The biggest disaster since New Coke.
Jumping the gun a little bit aren't we? These consoles have been designed for the realities of where the market is going. Like it or not, we're going there. As I said, Sony will have a very similar strategy to leverage its huge entertainment and technology business around the PS4 as a central point.
You also said Microsoft would be announcing a partnership with Sky offering a subscription model and subsidised hardware :lol: Sony have already said used games wont be blocked, that the console doesnt need to be online, that it doesnt register games to a profile, they stated all this information in the reveal.
Not everything was correct, but as I said with the Sky stuff, it was early on in the negotiation phase. Things could have changed since then. However, I was right about the always on and second hand stuff. So STFU ;) :P
Born2beSlicker
gooner4life_uk
Sony have already said used games wont be blocked, that the console doesnt need to be online, that it doesnt register games to a profile, they stated all this information in the reveal.
They're not on Xbox either. Not blocked doesn't mean not locked. That's plenty of wiggle room for Sony to come up with something similar, as Sony already do online passes whilst Microsoft never did. They said it's not always online (though I don't think their DRM is like Microsoft's to be fair) and did they? I honestly missed that if they did.
gooner4life_uk
Brocktas
capt underpants
The biggest disaster since New Coke.
Jumping the gun a little bit aren't we? These consoles have been designed for the realities of where the market is going. Like it or not, we're going there. As I said, Sony will have a very similar strategy to leverage its huge entertainment and technology business around the PS4 as a central point.
You also said Microsoft would be announcing a partnership with Sky offering a subscription model and subsidised hardware :lol: Sony have already said used games wont be blocked, that the console doesnt need to be online, that it doesnt register games to a profile, they stated all this information in the reveal.
Phlashman
Just noticed, IR out on the back panel: IR Blaster as last resort? Seems like it.
Brocktas
capt underpants
The biggest disaster since New Coke.
Jumping the gun a little bit aren't we? These consoles have been designed for the realities of where the market is going. Like it or not, we're going there. As I said, Sony will have a very similar strategy to leverage its huge entertainment and technology business around the PS4 as a central point.
capt underpants
The biggest disaster since New Coke.
Lostcauz
I still think PGR will be at E3, lucid games have said they are to announce what there working on soon.
Phlashman
Born2beSlicker
Interview about the hubbub last night. At the very end when he's talking about the focus of the console on entertainment vs core games, I agree with the response. It's not a choice between one or the other, it's both at the same time. Sadly too many entitled pricks get upset when the focus isn't 100% them.
Yeah, if they'd got that interview out at the end of the stream everyone wouldn't be losing their shit. It seem like MS are on the ball and trying to give answers, just not everyone who's giving the answer have all the facts yet. At least now it's out there they are talking about it. If I was MS I'd start the E3 conference with definitive answers regarding all the questions the "core" are asking, how game installs work, how online and offline works, how the TV stuff works etc. then just games games games until people look like they've had enough and then a few more then price and date and end.
Harry
I don't think that shit will ever get announced. They won't tell people unless they ask and they will only ever explain it in an interview or e3 floor conversation or something. It's going to be a case of people finding out shit days before the release.
Brocktas
Phlashman
Personally I just don't give a shit about always on. I buy all my games new, my internet is always on, it's not been down for more than an hour over the last 10+ years yet alone a day or more. The TV stuff I love as probably the main reason for me not playing games or using on demand services is not being bothered to switch inputs, do the updates, input ome search text by text to find the thing I want, or find the disk of the game I want to play, power up the console, sign-in, load the game, setup the game I want to play and play. If I can switch to a race in forza whilst the ad break is on that quick then I'm going to do that every ad break. Bar an actual gameplay demo Microsoft showed as much as Sony did, and a lot more in most areas. We all knew them games are coming at E3, and now all the "platform" stuff is out of the way, E3 is going to pure games. People really should be more angry about the whole GIF = "jif" thing going on right now.
Phlash is right. What people don't seem to realise is that Sony still has to talk about all of this stuff at its E3 conference. So now that Microsoft have gotten all the 'boring' stuff out the way, it's E3 conference will be 100 per cent about games. So that means potentially 90 minutes of games. Whereas Sony will probably have to spend 30 mins talking about all of its additional services; showing off the console etc etc before it can get into the games. I have a feeling Microsoft will 'win' the pre-E3 conferences and the launch event yesterday will quickly be forgotten.
Phlashman
Yeah if it does pre-loading of games pre-release, I'll probably go digitial too, maybe get some launch game on disc to to avoid getting a box and having to download something first.
Born2beSlicker
I think I'm going to ignore the pre-owned games shit and just go digital only with Xbox One, PS4, 3DS, Vita and Wii U. It's time...
Phlashman
Gooner, FFS get a grip. All MS have to do is do a deal with Sky to issue commands via the network like the Sky apps currently do and access to guide data. It's not like MS (and specifically the Xbox Division) haven't worked with Sky before, and Sky have been great with working with new tech recently. If they don't Virgin/BT/Talk Talk will happily sign-up these new customers with disposable income. Everyone will offer Xbox One compatibility to avoid losing customers.
For more comments hit the forum →
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Welcome to the Reboot

For the past 10 years, BritXbox has went through redesigns and transitions to give you the best community of UK Xbox gamers possible. From the everlasting forums to the expanding front page, the focus has always been about a site for gamers by gamers. This “reboot” as we’re calling it is by far the most significant event to date.

When BXB started, Xbox Live was on 128kb connections and phones were just for phone calls, there were no faces to book or tweets to…twit? Now we’re in the crazy future where we’re more connected than ever and there’s unlimited ways to access the latest rumors and news of the gaming industry. Finally after much feedback, we’re proud to present the new website designed to take advantage of the things we now take for granted.

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From the forum (7 posts)
Posted: by .
Born2beSlicker
Right. Well, that happened. I'm going to go curl up in a ball and hibernate for a while.
Craigimt
It's looking good. When you say blog though, does that mean that anyone can post news or is it just staff still? Not that it matters to me but it'd be good to see some features that people write.
patrick_bateman
I posted a well done message on this but its disappeared. Anyway. Well done to all involved :)
Born2beSlicker
Craigimt
It's looking good. When you say blog though, does that mean that anyone can post news or is it just staff still? Not that it matters to me but it'd be good to see some features that people write.
Right now it's staff but we're open to people not on staff writing features if they propose it. Something we need to iron out.
Danger Moss
Nice work guys. Looks great. :D
Noir
Looking good - nice work! Lets hope MS drop NXE also.
Manic Street Preacher
Nice work.
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Xbox Got Lonely

xbox_360

As console life cycles go, the Xbox 360 has enjoyed one of the longest. With progressive software improvements too, it’s hardly the same console we bought in 2005, but the ground beneath it has also shifted dramatically. As Microsoft prepares for a major Xbox announcement on 21st May, it’s time to ask where the platform goes next.

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From the forum (50+ posts)
Posted: by .
Harry
Brilliant :lol:
UrbanWolf UK
:lol:
Danger Moss
NighteyesUK
Moss
NighteyesUK
In order for Xbox One to deliver robust, meaningful gaming scenarios for all users across all experiences, only Xbox One controllers and accessories will work with the new console.
It's pretty clear.
Its not clear, it says accessories. That could just mean headsets, chat pads and the like. Anyway, you won't need a wheel for Forza 5. You'll have Kinect!
UrbanWolf UK
Danger Moss
UrbanWolf UK
Oh man! This just keeps getting better and better, 1st I can't play my XBLA games on the Xbox One, now they're saying I won't be able to use my Madcatz Fight Sticks (costing me the better part of £200) on it as well?! Well done Microsoft, well done :clap: :clap: Fucktards! :x
That article only says old controllers won't work. Doesn't say anything about fight sticks.
UrbanWolf UK
"In order for Xbox One to deliver robust, meaningful gaming scenarios for all users across all experiences, only Xbox One controllers and [u:29szqu1c]accessories[/u:29szqu1c] will work with the new console."
To me that says if it wasn't made specifically for Xbox One then it won't work.
NighteyesUK
Moss
In order for Xbox One to deliver robust, meaningful gaming scenarios for all users across all experiences, only Xbox One controllers and accessories will work with the new console.
It's pretty clear.
Danger Moss
UrbanWolf UK
Oh man! This just keeps getting better and better, 1st I can't play my XBLA games on the Xbox One, now they're saying I won't be able to use my Madcatz Fight Sticks (costing me the better part of £200) on it as well?! Well done Microsoft, well done :clap: :clap: Fucktards! :x
That article only says old controllers won't work. Doesn't say anything about fight sticks.
Waggo
Good article Nighteyes. Especially like the point about Kinnect coming as standard which I had not really thought about. Kinnect does have some cool features that with a 100% userbase will become integeral to games, as they are developed as opposed to the optional gimmicks we currently get bolted onto all but the dedicated Kinnect games. 8)
patrick_bateman
Great article nighteyes!
UrbanWolf UK
NighteyesUK
They bigged up Forza 5 last night, but what they didn't tell you is that your Fanatec steering wheel that you spent hundreds of pounds on, and even has a Forza logo on it, won't actually work with the machine.
NighteyesUK
In order for Xbox One to deliver robust, meaningful gaming scenarios for all users across all experiences, only Xbox One controllers and accessories will work with the new console.
Now while Sony may well do the same, they didn't for the PS3 (the old PS2 ones work just fine on it). Of course, MS may well work with Fanatec to ensure the current wheel is compatible. But can you really see that happening? http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news ... erals.html
Oh man! This just keeps getting better and better, 1st I can't play my XBLA games on the Xbox One, now they're saying I won't be able to use my Madcatz Fight Sticks (costing me the better part of £200) on it as well?! Well done Microsoft, well done :clap: :clap: Fucktards! :x
NighteyesUK
Phlashman
Totally agree with that article. If they'd more of a point of "dedicated servers" during the conference that would of helped. One of the engineers in the GT behind the scenes had a good kinect game thing about winking at the shopkeeper in an in game store and getting a discount.
That's the thing, they really should have shown shit like that. Honestly, for me that show yesterday was a horrendous car-crash. I've just looked at everything we now know and drawn some conclusions. I left out "the cloud" because I don't know enough about the tech and how it all works.
Phlashman
NighteyesUK
I've written a brief article on what gamers (not TV watchers or Watercooler aficionados) can expect from the Xbox one: http://www3.britxbox.co.uk/blog/2013/05 ... s-settled/
Totally agree with that article. If they'd more of a point of "dedicated servers" during the conference that would of helped. One of the engineers in the GT behind the scenes had a good kinect game thing about winking at the shopkeeper in an in game store and getting a discount.
NighteyesUK
I've written a brief article on what gamers (not TV watchers or Watercooler aficionados) can expect from the Xbox one: http://www3.britxbox.co.uk/blog/2013/05 ... s-settled/
gooner4life_uk
Phlashman
HDCP won't be a problem, the encode/decode licenses are managed by Intel (as it's an Intel Technology) Microsoft only have to deal with Intel for the ability to do HDMI in and decrypt HDCP. Now I've read/watch/listened to all the interviewss since the event with MS tech people. It looks like HDMI-CEC is preferred, ethernet/wifi is plan B and there's the IR blaster as a last resort. Though just a pass though would be great IMO. I've not really got a problem with my Sky Remote, it's the amount of time and remotes in switch between one and the other and not having any level of multi-tasking going on (like having a game match making whilst I watch TV, or getting notification of your turn during a turn based game). I still think MS and Sky will sort something out.
Oh ok - :lol:
Phlashman
HDCP won't be a problem, the encode/decode licenses are managed by Intel (as it's an Intel Technology) Microsoft only have to deal with Intel for the ability to do HDMI in and decrypt HDCP. Now I've read/watch/listened to all the interviewss since the event with MS tech people. It looks like HDMI-CEC is preferred, ethernet/wifi is plan B and there's the IR blaster as a last resort. Though just a pass though would be great IMO. I've not really got a problem with my Sky Remote, it's the amount of time and remotes in switch between one and the other and not having any level of multi-tasking going on (like having a game match making whilst I watch TV, or getting notification of your turn during a turn based game). I still think MS and Sky will sort something out.
gooner4life_uk
Noir
gooner4life_uk
It wont work with Sky anyway don't worry your pretty head, anything other than Freeview in HD is HDCP protected, that wont passthrough, why would you want to watch SD TV just to watch it via your Microsoft Set Top Box.
I don't know the ins and outs of HDCP protection. Does this just apply to the UK or to the whole or Europe. I have to assume MS will have investigated this before making a song and dance about it.
HDCP encrypts the output when signalled, HD content in the UK is signalled to be encrypted, it's not down to technology, it's down to rights, our rights system in the UK is vastly different to the US which is why it's only coming to the US at launch.
patrick_bateman
Can't anyone press a button on a remote control anymore?
Noir
gooner4life_uk
It wont work with Sky anyway don't worry your pretty head, anything other than Freeview in HD is HDCP protected, that wont passthrough, why would you want to watch SD TV just to watch it via your Microsoft Set Top Box.
I don't know the ins and outs of HDCP protection. Does this just apply to the UK or to the whole or Europe. I have to assume MS will have investigated this before making a song and dance about it.
gooner4life_uk
It wont work with Sky anyway don't worry your pretty head, anything other than Freeview in HD is HDCP protected, that wont passthrough, why would you want to watch SD TV just to watch it via your Microsoft Set Top Box.
Noir
Tezcatlipoca
No idea... I guess you'll have to use the receiver's remote, unless the Xbox's voice control allows such specific instructions. Sky boxes: Which one do you have?
I'm not sure, I'll have to check.
Tezcatlipoca
No idea... I guess you'll have to use the receiver's remote, unless the Xbox's voice control allows such specific instructions. Sky boxes: Which one do you have?
Noir
Tezcatlipoca
The Sky STBs have just had an update to enable 5.1 via HDMI. Definitely the latest Amstrad boxes (e.g. DRX890), not sure about the pre-Amstrads. The original Thomson? Well, that's obsolete shite and isn't getting any updates anyway...however Sky has been offering free replacement Amstrads for people lumbered with the Thomson... But without that... Can't you have Sky > Xbox One > receiver via HDMI, and Sky > receiver via optical?
Potentially yes. But how will the Xbox One know when to tell the receiver to switch to that particular optical input from the standard HDMI output from the Xbox One? Thanks for the info on the new boxes btw.
Tezcatlipoca
The Sky STBs have just had an update to enable 5.1 via HDMI. Definitely the latest Amstrad boxes (e.g. DRX890), not sure about the pre-Amstrads. The original Thomson? Well, that's obsolete shite and isn't getting any updates anyway...however Sky has been offering free replacement Amstrads for people lumbered with the Thomson... But without that... Can't you have Sky > Xbox One > receiver via HDMI, and Sky > receiver via optical?
Noir
Phlashman
Gooner, FFS get a grip. All MS have to do is do a deal with Sky to issue commands via the network like the Sky apps currently do and access to guide data. It's not like MS (and specifically the Xbox Division) haven't worked with Sky before, and Sky have been great with working with new tech recently. If they don't Virgin/BT/Talk Talk will happily sign-up these new customers with disposable income. Everyone will offer Xbox One compatibility to avoid losing customers.
How will that work for people with receivers though? There's one HDMI for a Sky box and then your HDMI out goes to your HDMI in on the receiver? I know for a fact that no Sky boxes pre-2013 can transmit surround sound via HDMI so fuck that. Currently the only way around it is to have your HDMI from Sky box go to an input on the receiver and then run optical separately from the Sky box to the receiver. Judging by the outputs on the Xbox One there won't be a work around for that. So whilst the current Playstation already outputs HD audio, the NEW xbox won't even be able to route basic 5.1 to this new fangled cable tv crap. Utter bullshit.
Tezcatlipoca
This was posted earlier regarding the innards... http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digit ... s-xbox-one People have already talked about specs etc., but this also caught my eye:
The glimpse of the the internals offered up by the Wired shots are intriguing: we have a large, square motherboard with a standard-sized slot-loading Blu-ray drive on the left, while next to it we see a vast heatsink and fan. First impressions are that Microsoft has clearly learned its lessons from the design of the Xbox 360 - the cooler is absolutely massive, sporting copper heatpipes to provide optimal transmission of heat to the sink, before being propelled out of the case by the large fan (the larger it is, the slower it has to spin and thus the more quiet it becomes). ----- Xbox One's internals are cleanly designed with a focus on keeping things cool and quiet - hence the high quality heat sink and the rather large fan.
Nice. I don't care if it's a big ugly box if it means it has decent cooling and is less likely to fucking die prematurely like so many 360s did...
Harry
Nope none of that phlash... It'll be the same old judging by current standards
Phlashman
They said Xbox Gold is staying so it'd be shocking if there wasn't added value at E3, since it's the start of a generation I doubt there'll game full games, but 1-2 hour full game demos? Discounts on download games or DLC? Movies? Music?
Born2beSlicker
They have not talked about how/if Xbox Live Gold will change. Probably at E3. Your Skype account will be like how the MSN account was linked to your account previously. Where you can link them but it won't be public like your tag. Only people who's already on your list on Skype can contact you on Skype, so random Call of Duty dude won't be able to be like "Oh, she got Skype, CAM2CAM"?! Skype isn't mandatory either. You can not log in if you don't care.
MissSoupylou
Hi Peeps :) With the xbox live subscription for Xbox Live Gold - Are they throwing in anything other than being able to play online? Right now I am opting for the PS4 with the ability to stream my games onto my Vita unless its damn ugly unit. Personally speaking - I pick up gaming controller to play games not to surf the internet or speak to friends via skype - I am modern day girl - I have Ipad, Iphone, Macbook Pro & IMac who does that fine. On side note for privacy - I am hoping you're skype profile is not connected to my gaming profile otherwise I suspect to encounter alot of pervy annoying men trying to ring me all the time?
patrick_bateman
If i was to pick right now, no question i would have a PS4. But the controller..oh wait. Also i have went through so much shit with microsoft and stuck with them so maybe its time for a change. Luckily i wont be picking until E3. maybe even long after that.
Harry
I'll read up on the fact once the dust settles. Right now at face value without propaganda I have what i've seen. I'm actually thinking PS4 might be the way to go this generation. Microsoft showed true arrogance, first with Windows 8 last year and now with the Xbox. The TV stuff is just something I don't want and I don't think it will be a shadow of what they have shown for anyone outside the USA. This reveal was a love letter to the 2-3 game a year NFL nuts in america who love subscription based TV. It's insulting .It's like non of us are there. Like we don't need answering too. I feel like Microsoft used to be a friend but has since "changed" and is wearing different clothes, listening to different music and hanging out with different people......I don't think they are my friend anymore.
patrick_bateman
this made me laugh
so Xbox One has HDMI in. So in theory you could plug a PS4 into it?
Hey, what a great idea. So the Xbox One might be useful for something after all... for voice-controlling a PS4!
patrick_bateman
wow. so the PS4 is a fair bit more powerful then. Not that i care. But the fact it has 50% more raw power according to the tech reeport stunned me. http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digit ... s-xbox-one
NighteyesUK
Phlashman
There's only like 12 people who spend that much on a wheel.
Sorry Ash, but there's a significant number of dedicated driving fans that MS is basically giving the finger.
Phlashman
There's only like 12 people who spend that much on a wheel.
NighteyesUK
They bigged up Forza 5 last night, but what they didn't tell you is that your Fanatec steering wheel that you spent hundreds of pounds on, and even has a Forza logo on it, won't actually work with the machine.
In order for Xbox One to deliver robust, meaningful gaming scenarios for all users across all experiences, only Xbox One controllers and accessories will work with the new console.
Now while Sony may well do the same, they didn't for the PS3 (the old PS2 ones work just fine on it). Of course, MS may well work with Fanatec to ensure the current wheel is compatible. But can you really see that happening? http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news ... erals.html
Craigimt
Could that partner stuff just be what we saw in the presentation?
capt underpants
Brocktas
gooner4life_uk
Brocktas
Jumping the gun a little bit aren't we? These consoles have been designed for the realities of where the market is going. Like it or not, we're going there. As I said, Sony will have a very similar strategy to leverage its huge entertainment and technology business around the PS4 as a central point.
You also said Microsoft would be announcing a partnership with Sky offering a subscription model and subsidised hardware :lol: Sony have already said used games wont be blocked, that the console doesnt need to be online, that it doesnt register games to a profile, they stated all this information in the reveal.
Not everything was correct, but as I said with the Sky stuff, it was early on in the negotiation phase. Things could have changed since then. However, I was right about the always on and second hand stuff. So STFU ;) :P
Game is up boy. You're flogging a dead horse.
Brocktas
gooner4life_uk
Brocktas
capt underpants
The biggest disaster since New Coke.
Jumping the gun a little bit aren't we? These consoles have been designed for the realities of where the market is going. Like it or not, we're going there. As I said, Sony will have a very similar strategy to leverage its huge entertainment and technology business around the PS4 as a central point.
You also said Microsoft would be announcing a partnership with Sky offering a subscription model and subsidised hardware :lol: Sony have already said used games wont be blocked, that the console doesnt need to be online, that it doesnt register games to a profile, they stated all this information in the reveal.
Not everything was correct, but as I said with the Sky stuff, it was early on in the negotiation phase. Things could have changed since then. However, I was right about the always on and second hand stuff. So STFU ;) :P
Born2beSlicker
gooner4life_uk
Sony have already said used games wont be blocked, that the console doesnt need to be online, that it doesnt register games to a profile, they stated all this information in the reveal.
They're not on Xbox either. Not blocked doesn't mean not locked. That's plenty of wiggle room for Sony to come up with something similar, as Sony already do online passes whilst Microsoft never did. They said it's not always online (though I don't think their DRM is like Microsoft's to be fair) and did they? I honestly missed that if they did.
gooner4life_uk
Brocktas
capt underpants
The biggest disaster since New Coke.
Jumping the gun a little bit aren't we? These consoles have been designed for the realities of where the market is going. Like it or not, we're going there. As I said, Sony will have a very similar strategy to leverage its huge entertainment and technology business around the PS4 as a central point.
You also said Microsoft would be announcing a partnership with Sky offering a subscription model and subsidised hardware :lol: Sony have already said used games wont be blocked, that the console doesnt need to be online, that it doesnt register games to a profile, they stated all this information in the reveal.
Phlashman
Just noticed, IR out on the back panel: IR Blaster as last resort? Seems like it.
Brocktas
capt underpants
The biggest disaster since New Coke.
Jumping the gun a little bit aren't we? These consoles have been designed for the realities of where the market is going. Like it or not, we're going there. As I said, Sony will have a very similar strategy to leverage its huge entertainment and technology business around the PS4 as a central point.
capt underpants
The biggest disaster since New Coke.
Lostcauz
I still think PGR will be at E3, lucid games have said they are to announce what there working on soon.
Phlashman
Born2beSlicker
Interview about the hubbub last night. At the very end when he's talking about the focus of the console on entertainment vs core games, I agree with the response. It's not a choice between one or the other, it's both at the same time. Sadly too many entitled pricks get upset when the focus isn't 100% them.
Yeah, if they'd got that interview out at the end of the stream everyone wouldn't be losing their shit. It seem like MS are on the ball and trying to give answers, just not everyone who's giving the answer have all the facts yet. At least now it's out there they are talking about it. If I was MS I'd start the E3 conference with definitive answers regarding all the questions the "core" are asking, how game installs work, how online and offline works, how the TV stuff works etc. then just games games games until people look like they've had enough and then a few more then price and date and end.
Harry
I don't think that shit will ever get announced. They won't tell people unless they ask and they will only ever explain it in an interview or e3 floor conversation or something. It's going to be a case of people finding out shit days before the release.
Brocktas
Phlashman
Personally I just don't give a shit about always on. I buy all my games new, my internet is always on, it's not been down for more than an hour over the last 10+ years yet alone a day or more. The TV stuff I love as probably the main reason for me not playing games or using on demand services is not being bothered to switch inputs, do the updates, input ome search text by text to find the thing I want, or find the disk of the game I want to play, power up the console, sign-in, load the game, setup the game I want to play and play. If I can switch to a race in forza whilst the ad break is on that quick then I'm going to do that every ad break. Bar an actual gameplay demo Microsoft showed as much as Sony did, and a lot more in most areas. We all knew them games are coming at E3, and now all the "platform" stuff is out of the way, E3 is going to pure games. People really should be more angry about the whole GIF = "jif" thing going on right now.
Phlash is right. What people don't seem to realise is that Sony still has to talk about all of this stuff at its E3 conference. So now that Microsoft have gotten all the 'boring' stuff out the way, it's E3 conference will be 100 per cent about games. So that means potentially 90 minutes of games. Whereas Sony will probably have to spend 30 mins talking about all of its additional services; showing off the console etc etc before it can get into the games. I have a feeling Microsoft will 'win' the pre-E3 conferences and the launch event yesterday will quickly be forgotten.
Phlashman
Yeah if it does pre-loading of games pre-release, I'll probably go digitial too, maybe get some launch game on disc to to avoid getting a box and having to download something first.
Born2beSlicker
I think I'm going to ignore the pre-owned games shit and just go digital only with Xbox One, PS4, 3DS, Vita and Wii U. It's time...
Phlashman
Gooner, FFS get a grip. All MS have to do is do a deal with Sky to issue commands via the network like the Sky apps currently do and access to guide data. It's not like MS (and specifically the Xbox Division) haven't worked with Sky before, and Sky have been great with working with new tech recently. If they don't Virgin/BT/Talk Talk will happily sign-up these new customers with disposable income. Everyone will offer Xbox One compatibility to avoid losing customers.
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BioShock Infinite

Screen Shot 2013-05-19 at 17.38.06

At once familiar and enigmatic, BioShock Infinite is perhaps the perfect contrast to its forebear. It’s a deliberate reaction of extremes: a stratospheric city replacing the subaquatic; Columbia’s tempestuous society, on the crest of civil war, contrasting with Rapture’s moribund and feral denizens. And yet, both functionally and narratively, this is a continuation of what we’ve seen before.

Infinite is about constants and variables. An opening seaward journey to a lighthouse echoes the original more closely than might be expected, given creative director Ken Levine’s intention to differentiate beyond BioShock 2’s conservative return to Rapture. The thrill of that first sublime descent into Rapture could never be outdone, but over the course of this masterfully nuanced story, Infinite finds reason in the repetition.

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Posted: by .
Noir
Manic Street Preacher
I still HATE that you have to search corpses, barrels, etc for items. it's so time consuming.
What would be the alternative? I loved having to make the cost/benefit decisions on salts and health during a looting session after a big battle.
Manic Street Preacher
I finally finished it yesterday after owning it for about 6 weeks. I stopped playing it many times due to it disappearing up it's own arse multiple times. I liked the ending a lot and had to read some online explanations to fully understand it. I appreciate the story and it was very well crafted and rounded with a lot of nice details. The combat itself was good but ended up only using about 4 of the powers and didn't worry that much about the gear I was wearing. Just went with what sounded like something I'd use. Technically very impressive game. A lot of effort clearly went into it. I have no desire to ever play it again though. I still HATE that you have to search corpses, barrels, etc for items. it's so time consuming.
Jerec
No, Bioshock 1/2 was more fluid for me and fun and was a good mix of gunning, puzzles and plasmids. Infinite was good, looked great, but for me not quite as good.
NighteyesUK
I do think this game is rather overrated. I enjoyed it, it's a decent game. But game of the generation like some are saying? Christ all-fucking-mighty.
Jerec
Finally finished it. Had to replay it and then look up on Wikipedia what the ending was all about, but I guess it makes sense. Very good game, enjoyed it, but felt the plasmids were a little lame and underused.
Noir
It took me about 20mins to digest it all fully, but here's a load of stuff about the ENDING including SPOILERS and some easter eggs pulled from various different sources. http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread. ... st52308228
MoBiUGeArSkIn
I'd agree about the Big Daddies being missed... To a point. Playing Bioshock again, the combat feels so much smaller scale than that of Infinite.
Noir
I just finished this. I thought I was going to be sick during those end reveals - I've not read any other reactions or reviews to this but for me it lived up to my last 2 years' worth of personal hype. Combat wasn't a patch on Bioshock though. Nothing came close Big Daddy battles.
acejoy
Just finished 1999 mode. I think I enjoyed it more than my normal play through as it actually posed some challenge but wasn't overly difficult. Plus I think you get more from the games story by replaying it. For the final fight I used Undertow and Return to Sender with the Crank Gun and Vox Repeater as there is plenty of ammo about so you can get the scavenger hunt achievement too. I'd say 1999 is like Halo on Legendary. Shoot till your shields pop, hide, when shield returns pop out, shoot some more. Back track for ammo and guns. Awesome game loved it. Tomb raider next.
Born2beSlicker
Ha, I know it's a pain in the ass. Ken Levine did say that most people will hate 1999 mode as it's "not BioShock". It's really for the obsessive and masochistic.
Danger Moss
Born2beSlicker
If you don't get the gear you want, reload checkpoint and try again.
Yeah because that's a whole heap of fun.
Born2beSlicker
I don't think 1999 mode will be that much of a step up. As you said it's just about upgrading and using the right tools for the job. The final battle is a lot easier than people think it is if you use the vigor that makes a shield as a trap (forget the name) then using a Skyline up to the upper deck with a sniper rifle. Then it's just about using possession and your Songbird properly. I did it first time with the power source...thing keeping 75% of its health and I was on Hard. For my 1999 run I'll focus on buffing: Shotgun, sniper rifle, machine gun, carbine + charge, possession, "shield"(?). Then equip gear that boosts health + melee damage. If you don't get the gear you want, reload checkpoint and try again.
Danger Moss
GamesMaster
The key to 1999 Mode is utilising the correct gear, vigor and weapons. Winter Shield is the key, it grants you brief invulnerability when jumping to/from sky lines.
Yeah but the gear is randomised and there's no guarantee you will get Winter Shield even if you find all the gear pick ups. I didn't in my play through. Would have saved me a bit of grief on the final section in particular. :x
GamesMaster
For those of you fearing 1999 mode, don't it's easy! I actually died less on 1999 Mode than on Normal and I didn't die once towards the end. The key to 1999 Mode is utilising the correct gear, vigor and weapons. Winter Shield is the key, it grants you brief invulnerability when jumping to/from sky lines. Ammo restriction if going for 1999 Mode without using a Dollar Bill vending machine can be circumvented by using the Charge vigor and sky hook with Burning Halo, Brittle Skin, Overkill/Vampire's Embrace gear; each one buffing your melee stats extraordinarily! My weapons of choice; an upgraded shotgun and the peppermill crank gun from a fallen mechanized patriot. Don't waste money on upgrading vigors and weapons you won't use. I'm BioShocked out at the moment, I bought the Songbird Edition, Art book and official guide; I couldn't get enough of it :shock: Loved reading all the reactions to the story.
MoBiUGeArSkIn
Got the art book this morning, fantastic compilation of designs. Amazing how many interations of characters and general aesthetics they went through, and how much effort went into things that didnt actually make it into the final game.
Tezcatlipoca
Born2beSlicker
BioShock: Infinite: Not a perfect game from a mechanical sense. There's a dissonance in the themes to the gameplay. Even so, it raises the bar in writing and shows how games can be an intelligent and sophisticated medium to tell stories better than anything else. 9/10 I'm going to need to think about the story and game more as there's niggling things going on in my brain. Make no mistake though, anything I may bitch about soon are minor things because I loved it so much and wish it was even better. Oh and who noticed Elizabeth's necklace switching design between tears?
I didn't notice that, no. Each time? Reality 1 to Reality 2 (Chinese dude is alive), Reality 2 to Reality 3 (Chinese dude's tools have gone from the impound), Vox in open full-on rebellion. "Your" Elizabeth is definitely not present for the drowning, though, at the end. Booker notices and says "Who are you? You're not...", plus she has no Bird/Cage necklace. From an earlier post, things to ponder...
Tezcatlipoca
ENDING SPOILERS Additional things: Something that had me wondering, and still does, is where was / what happened to the other Elizabeth? "Our" Booker and "our" Elizabeth spent time in three separate realities when in Columbia (four if you count the future reality too). The first was the first. The second was the one where the Chinese gunsmith was alive. The third was the one where the tools were not in the impound and the Vox were in full-on open rebellion, the one the last 1/3 (?) of the game took place in before the very end. In that third reality, there was a version of Booker who had failed to meet Elizabeth and had joined the Vox and died as a martyr... so where was his Elizabeth for that last section of the game? Where was "Reality 3's" own Elizabeth when "our" Elizabeth was in "Reality 3" and being kidnapped and indoctrinated leading to "Old Elizabeth"? The BioShock Wikia says that Robert is from the same reality as Booker. That doesn't make any sense. The branch point for the Booker/Comstock realities was the baptism... which occurred after Robert/Rosalind had been born, so you couldn't have had Robert in the "Booker reality" and Rosalind in the "Comstock reality". Would the Luteces still exist "outside of time and space" (or whatever it was) once the realities were reset at the end, or would it have wiped all that had happened to them too? And something I saw mentioned elsewhere that made me go "Whoah!"... At the end, Booker operates a bathysphere in Rapture... Yet they were only supposed to be operated by Ryan or someone in the same "genetic ballpark" as him. So is Booker/Comstock a version of Jack/Ryan? After all, Columbia is similar to Rapture, Elizabeth is in some ways like a Little Sister, Songbird is inspired by the Big Daddies, vigors are like plasmids, etc., and Elizabeth did say the same story was always played out in many ways across infinite realities and that there was always a lighthouse... Or maybe Infinite could be a prequel to the first game, with Anna/Elizabeth being Ryan's mother?... Also: I saw mention that none of the Elizabeths who drown Booker were wearing the necklace...Can't remember myself, but if true then where was "our" Elizabeth at the end? Also, actually, that makes me wonder... did the Elizabeth you rescue from the operating theatre have the correct necklace on?
Born2beSlicker
BioShock: Infinite: Not a perfect game from a mechanical sense. There's a dissonance in the themes to the gameplay. Even so, it raises the bar in writing and shows how games can be an intelligent and sophisticated medium to tell stories better than anything else. 9/10 I'm going to need to think about the story and game more as there's niggling things going on in my brain. Make no mistake though, anything I may bitch about soon are minor things because I loved it so much and wish it was even better. Oh and who noticed Elizabeth's necklace switching design between tears?
MoBiUGeArSkIn
Hell yeah!
Born2beSlicker
Done. I need to lie down.
Tezcatlipoca
Danger Moss
Born2beSlicker
Pretty sure I've just had the worst section of the game. The Lady Comstock boss fight in Memorial Gardens. It would have been fine if the soldiers she spawns dropped ammo but they don't. It resulted in me camping where the crank gun appears because enemies don't go there and waiting for Elizabeth to randomly throw me ammo or salts to hurt the boss. After 20 minutes and about 6 deaths it finally ended and I had to turn the game off. That's the only section of the game I was like "what the fuck is this shit"?!
Are you playing on hard? There are a couple of even more frustrating parts towards the end. I had to drop it to normal so It didn't completely ruin the experience. The section you mention and a couple of others put me off ever attempting a 1999 run through. :( Regarding the part you mention. It actually makes you fight her on 3 separate occasions as well! Just camp out next to a vending machine so you can buy as much health ammo as you need. Weapons of choice are Sniper rifle or Carbine to take pot shots at Lady Comstock from range and a shotgun to pick off her minions if they get too close.
Yeah, no way I'm bothering with 1999 mode, not after that section or the final battle. I'll definitely play it again, but for the story, characters, and collectables. Re spoilery bit: I tried as much as possible to avoid the minions and concentrate on Lady Comstock, even if it meant taking damage from the minions. Faster you take her health down, faster the battle ends. Killing minions just prolongs things as she keeps resurrecting them.
Danger Moss
Born2beSlicker
Thanks for the tip, I'll keep it in mind as I should be finishing the game today. How long do I have left, do you think?
I'd say your 70-75% done. The final few sections take forever (especially if your gonna persist on hard) but the pay off is totally worth it. :)
Born2beSlicker
Danger Moss
Are you playing on hard? There are a couple of even more frustrating parts towards the end. I had to drop it to normal so It didn't completely ruin the experience. The section you mention and a couple of others put me off ever attempting a 1999 run through. :( Regarding the part you mention. It actually makes you fight her on 3 separate occasions as well! Just camp out next to a vending machine so you can buy as much health ammo as you need. Weapons of choice are Sniper rifle or Carbine to take pot shots at Lady Comstock from range and a shotgun to pick off her minions if they get too close.
Yeah, I'm on Hard. It's the only time I felt like the game was being a bitch. Handy Men are challenging but it's "fair". Thanks for the tip, I'll keep it in mind as I should be finishing the game today. How long do I have left, do you think?
Danger Moss
Born2beSlicker
Pretty sure I've just had the worst section of the game. The Lady Comstock boss fight in Memorial Gardens. It would have been fine if the soldiers she spawns dropped ammo but they don't. It resulted in me camping where the crank gun appears because enemies don't go there and waiting for Elizabeth to randomly throw me ammo or salts to hurt the boss. After 20 minutes and about 6 deaths it finally ended and I had to turn the game off. That's the only section of the game I was like "what the fuck is this shit"?!
Are you playing on hard? There are a couple of even more frustrating parts towards the end. I had to drop it to normal so It didn't completely ruin the experience. The section you mention and a couple of others put me off ever attempting a 1999 run through. :( Regarding the part you mention. It actually makes you fight her on 3 separate occasions as well! Just camp out next to a vending machine so you can buy as much health ammo as you need. Weapons of choice are Sniper rifle or Carbine to take pot shots at Lady Comstock from range and a shotgun to pick off her minions if they get too close.
Mr C
Born2beSlicker
Pretty sure I've just had the worst section of the game. The Lady Comstock boss fight in Memorial Gardens. It would have been fine if the soldiers she spawns dropped ammo but they don't. It resulted in me camping where the crank gun appears because enemies don't go there and waiting for Elizabeth to randomly throw me ammo or salts to hurt the boss. After 20 minutes and about 6 deaths it finally ended and I had to turn the game off. That's the only section of the game I was like "what the fuck is this shit"?!
Yeah that whole part of the game is really shit. They could have completely and I think it would have actually improved the game
Born2beSlicker
Pretty sure I've just had the worst section of the game. The Lady Comstock boss fight in Memorial Gardens. It would have been fine if the soldiers she spawns dropped ammo but they don't. It resulted in me camping where the crank gun appears because enemies don't go there and waiting for Elizabeth to randomly throw me ammo or salts to hurt the boss. After 20 minutes and about 6 deaths it finally ended and I had to turn the game off. That's the only section of the game I was like "what the fuck is this shit"?!
Danger Moss
I'm selling this for a bargain price if anyone's interested. :)
Danger Moss
Tezcatlipoca
Genuinely confused? :)
Just played through the end again and no not really. :lol: A masterful piece of storytelling. In terms of narrative it's up there with my best of all time. :clap: While at it's core this is an average at best FPS, the world it's set in is so beautiful and the narrative so strong it doesn't matter one jot. Rab Florence sums it up perfectly for me. MASSIVE SPOILERS!
Craigimt
Tez, I think you should borrow me your copy. :lol:
Tezcatlipoca
Genuinely confused? :)
Danger Moss
Just finished this. Errr.. so,yeah,what!? :? Oh! Oh!!! Right! Ok. No! Wait. What?! :?
Tezcatlipoca
MoBiUGeArSkIn
Technically wouldn't Comstock not have his own Liz, because Booker already gave his Liz to Comstock? Head explodes :lol:
I see what you mean, but the baptism was first, then the birth, then the "sale". Booker did not sell Anna to Comstock via Robert Lutece until *after* the baptism, after the Booker/Comstock branch point. One Booker rejected the baptism, got married and had a baby, but became an alcoholic gambler and sold his baby. The other Booker accepted the baptism, became Comstock, built Columbia and became prematurely old & sterile and then bought the baby. No baby until after the baptism, no Comstock until after the baptism.
MoBiUGeArSkIn
Technically wouldn't Comstock not have his own Liz, because Booker already gave his Liz to Comstock? Head explodes :lol:
Tezcatlipoca
MoBiUGeArSkIn
IGN had a stab at the timeline, but also had some holes in. Though I thought that there would still be an Elizabeth before Comstock before she was born before Booker went to that Baptism?
Anna was born after the baptism. It would make no sense for her to be born before... If she was, then why would Comstock steal Anna from another reality when he would have already had an Anna in his own reality, what with her having been born before Booker was "reborn" as Comstock? Plus, even so, there would still be no *Elizabeth* without Comstock. She exists because Anna was taken from Booker and given to Comstock in another reality where then then grew up blah blah blah.
MoBiUGeArSkIn
IGN had a stab at the timeline, but also had some holes in. Though I thought that there would still be an Elizabeth before Comstock before she was born before Booker went to that Baptism?
Tezcatlipoca
ENDING SPOILERS Yeah, I get that. Still a massive paradox though as there should be no Elizabeths anywhere/anywhen/anymore because no Comstock means no Elizabeth. And no Elizabeth means no one to stop Comstock being "born", which means... etc. etc. Still, as said, a paradox is expected with time travel and parallel universes. Plus when you think about it the existence of Columbia and Elizabeth etc. is I suppose a "violation" of reality anyway, because of the timeline interference, so wiping out Comstock and everything that happens returns all realities to "normal". Perhaps though there could still be an Elizabeth left because she is now "outside time and space" or "spread across the infinite probabilities" or something like the Luteces were. Additional things: Something that had me wondering, and still does, is where was / what happened to the other Elizabeth? "Our" Booker and "our" Elizabeth spent time in three separate realities when in Columbia (four if you count the future reality too). The first was the first. The second was the one where the Chinese gunsmith was alive. The third was the one where the tools were not in the impound and the Vox were in full-on open rebellion, the one the last 1/3 (?) of the game took place in before the very end. In that third reality, there was a version of Booker who had failed to meet Elizabeth and had joined the Vox and died as a martyr... so where was his Elizabeth for that last section of the game? Where was "Reality 3's" own Elizabeth when "our" Elizabeth was in "Reality 3" and being kidnapped and indoctrinated leading to "Old Elizabeth"? The BioShock Wikia says that Robert is from the same reality as Booker. That doesn't make any sense. The branch point for the Booker/Comstock realities was the baptism... which occurred after Robert/Rosalind had been born, so you couldn't have had Robert in the "Booker reality" and Rosalind in the "Comstock reality". Would the Luteces still exist "outside of time and space" (or whatever it was) once the realities were reset at the end, or would it have wiped all that had happened to them too? And something I saw mentioned elsewhere that made me go "Whoah!"... At the end, Booker operates a bathysphere in Rapture... Yet they were only supposed to be operated by Ryan or someone in the same "genetic ballpark" as him. So is Booker/Comstock a version of Jack/Ryan? After all, Columbia is similar to Rapture, Elizabeth is in some ways like a Little Sister, Songbird is inspired by the Big Daddies, vigors are like plasmids, etc., and Elizabeth did say the same story was always played out in many ways across infinite realities and that there was always a lighthouse... Or maybe Infinite could be a prequel to the first game, with Anna/Elizabeth being Ryan's mother?... Also: I saw mention that none of the Elizabeths who drown Booker were wearing the necklace...Can't remember myself, but if true then where was "our" Elizabeth at the end? Also, actually, that makes me wonder... did the Elizabeth you rescue from the operating theatre have the correct necklace on?
MoBiUGeArSkIn
Tezcatlipoca
I finished this earlier tonight. Fucking *loved* it :D ENDING SPOILERS I was expecting Elizabeth to be Booker's daughter, but I was *not* expecting Booker to be Comstock. I love how, in hindsight, various things all suddenly fit together. I don't quite get how multiple Elizabeths all drowning multiple Bookers would stop Comstock though, as with no Comstocks there'd *be no Elizabeths* to drown the Bookers.. But I guess paradoxes are to be expected when you're dealing with time travel and parallel universes, so fuck it - it works.
Its kinda weird but... All the Bookers and the Elizabeths converge on the moment where the paradox occurs - when Booker chooses to accept baptism or not. That is where Comstock is "born". Elizabeth is a constant. When Booker is "killed" they all fade from existence, bar one
Born2beSlicker
By the way, for anybody who doesn't know what 1999 mode is:
Reduced player respawn points Reduced ammo Enemies inflict greater damage Player has reduced and faster-depleting health Respawn cost increases to $100, and the player will be sent back to the main menu if they don't have enough money. Navigation Arrow is removed completely. Inability to change difficulty during play
Tezcatlipoca
I finished this earlier tonight. Fucking *loved* it :D ENDING SPOILERS I was expecting Elizabeth to be Booker's daughter, but I was *not* expecting Booker to be Comstock. I love how, in hindsight, various things all suddenly fit together. I don't quite get how multiple Elizabeths all drowning multiple Bookers would stop Comstock though, as with no Comstocks there'd *be no Elizabeths* to drown the Bookers.. But I guess paradoxes are to be expected when you're dealing with time travel and parallel universes, so fuck it - it works. I waited through the end credits: Booker in the office/apartment, hearing the sound from the baby's room. I'm not sure whether Infinite's reveals surpass "Would you kindly?", but I think they're on a par, at least the Booker=Comstock one is. I preferred Infinite to the original (never played number 2 though). Something that made me love it so much was... Elizabeth. She was perfect, for the story and the gameplay. I think that having a companion often makes a game more enjoyable (Cortana, Sully, etc.) and Elizabeth was so fucking well done. I won't replay right away, but I'm keeping it and will go back at some point rather than trading it.
Born2beSlicker
I'm where Tez was, 2/3rds in. Elizabeth stabbed Daisy. This game is so excellently fleshed out from a narrative point of view, that I wish this was a Fallout style game rather than a straight shooter. Instead of exploring Columbia as a place, it feels more like walking through a museum about it as you have no influence or interaction with the world other than ransacking everything and killing. The fact that that's a complaint however is a testament to Irrational Games' ability to create a world that's just soaked in rich, fulfilling prose. I don't get the complaints about the actual combat. It's not the best shooting mechanics but they're very good and the Vigors, Skylines and variety of weapons allow for inventive sandbox environments. Much like the other BioShock games, the more you experiment, the more you appreciate how refined the mechanics are. I'm excited about getting to the end this week. The original pulled me in instantly whilst the sequel kind of fell flat, but Infinite is an achievement that could define the generation of consoles as it comes to an end. The other game that could beat it is GTA5 but either way, gaming is gooood. *awaits Mass Effect comments*
Pug
Dunno what it says about me, but I shot her in the face to shut her up after a few seconds of it. :wink:
Born2beSlicker
I utterly loved this moment. (I don't think it's a spoiler as there's no context or plot)
MoBiUGeArSkIn
Started 1999 mode earlier. HARD! Though what really struck me is how much more you get out of the game world having played through the story once. That conversation on the boat between the Lutece twins, for example, holds meaning. The first time you hear it, it's gibberish. Also, this is still awesome.
Also - [u:2i24ee2s]Boardgame Coming[/u:2i24ee2s] And [u:2i24ee2s]Art Book[/u:2i24ee2s]. EDIT EDIT - I have to add this in, because it's brilliant - [u:2i24ee2s]Songbird Plush![/u:2i24ee2s] That is serious talent.
:D :hug: :hi5:
Mr C
Just finished it. Thoroughly enjoyable game with a great ending (though it did take me a few minutes to process what had happened). Overall I enjoyed the combat and the world was brilliantly constructed. I didn't think Columbia was quite as good as Rapture and I preferred the combat and enemies in rapture. Still though it was a fantastic game, certainly GOTY so far.
NighteyesUK
Colonel Red's oustanding review is available for all to read. http://www3.britxbox.co.uk/viewarticle.php?id=4499 :D
NighteyesUK
Yep, and again she knocks it out of the park. :)
Tezcatlipoca
Fuck, just noticed that "A Lady" (Rosalind Lutece) is Jennifer Hale! Didn't recognise her at first as she's not using her normal FemShep/Canadian accent, and is instead using her Bastilla/English accent.
Tezcatlipoca
OK, I must *surely* be on the end run now... Made it to the Comstock House Gate, via some battles and exploring. Lady Comstock's ghost was raised, and we followed her around to reveal some plot points plus have more battles. Finally entered the Comstock House Gate, and Songbird attacked. Elizabeth went with him, I chased after her... some revelations, then I rescued Elizabeth from the operating theatre, and we left to find Comstock...
NighteyesUK
Yeah, that's about two thirds in.
StealthySteveo
Really? I thought that was quite near the end....
MoBiUGeArSkIn
I reckon so, yeah. You've got a good chunk of game left.
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