DISCLAIMER: This is the SECOND of my 3-PART SERIES, that I will be writing throughout this week; all dedicated to the Grande, upcoming event, simply dubbed "E3". All content in the following blog post is the sole personal opinion of the user, simply dubbed "AKR".
Yes - it's THAT time of year again; the great celebration for Gamers everywhere! The biggest, and best event for all things Gaming; is all but just a week away. All the major announcements will be made here - and this year, it's looking to be quite interesting. New “next-gen” titles will be announced/fully revealed, and the foreseeable future of all 3 “next-gen” systems, will be mapped out in just 3 short days. Indeed, this will be quite the show.
Today, we’ll be looking at Microsoft and the “Ugly Betty” – the XBOX One.
THE PAST:
Microsoft is best known for their strong empire in the operating system business. Any human that has used a computer at least once in their lifetime – was more than likely using one that ran on Microsoft Windows. Considering their technical expertise – it was quite the surprise when they decided to JUMP IN the console-gaming business, after dipping their toe in just a little, by helping SEGA with their (last) console - the Dreamcast.
Ever from since the original XBOX came into fray 2 generations ago; Microsoft has had a strong presence in the gaming business. One of the most popular racing franchises – Forza, started on XBOX. One of the most popular shooters – HALO – started on XBOX. These are just two examples of the stronghold that Microsoft has. These titles, along with many others, have built up the XBOX brand over the years. While they may have been outshined by the PS2; the 7th-gen saw the rise of the XBOX 360 – which was Microsoft’s Trojan Horse, to cut Sony and their equally-popular PlayStation brand, down to size. It did; selling on par with Sony’s PS3 throughout the generation.
THEIR CURRENT STATUS:
Microsoft may have built an empire; but every king has his day. After such a good performance during the 7th-gen, somehow, Microsoft took the XBOX brand and spun it around in the WRONG direction. They basically took just about EVERYTHING a gamer could NOT ask for, and dressed their latest console – the XBOX One – with it. As to how, or why, this happened – is a mystery. This is why I’ve dubbed the One as none other than the “ugly betty��� of the 3 ‘next-gen’ home systems.
It’s gone through quite a number of changes in its lifetime, to change its image, but the damage could already be done. Sony has already managed to leave the One in the dust with the PS4; politely flaring its headlights at its flip-flopping competitor. 7 months after the release of both systems – the XBOX One still hasn’t managed to pick up enough steam to truly go toe-to-toe. Every day, it seems like there’s something new for PS4 owners to boast about, while XBOX One owners, continue to twiddle their thumbs. Microsoft has a bigger problem on their hands than they probably imagined, and that’s why, next week will truly be the eye-opener for all.
WHAT E3 MEANS FOR THEM:
At first; the XBOX One seemed to be an over-sized, beefed-up, set-top box – that happened to be able to play games. Well, that’s the message Microsoft seemed to be giving, anyway. This “all-in-one entertainment system” – was supposed to be the heart-&-soul of the entertainment setups of countless users. This was supposed to be the system that did just about everything you would want, and more.
Nope.
So far, the XBOX One has proved to be an ever-changing nightmare, for developers, users and Microsoft themselves. But, maybe there is a bright light at the end of this seemingly endless cave.
Next week will be Microsoft’s prime-time chance to change the face of the XBOX One, for good – and hopefully – for the better. They seem quite excited to share their secrets with us. Forget the Kinect – they already have. Forget all the fancy-yet-redundant entertainment features. This is a gaming event. It’s all about the games; and that’s exactly what MS seems to have finally realized.
What this year’s E3 means for Microsoft; is simple, yet crucial. They need to show the gamer-world what they can expect to see the One. They need to show the gamer-world the amazing experiences that can only happen, on the One. They need to show everyone who’s holding tight to the Sony, Nintendo, and PC camp; why they need to let go and JUMP IN to the XBOX experience.
After finally ditching the Kinect; the One is in the exact same price range as the currently reigning PS4. With that being the case; Microsoft needs to try even harder to convince people why when they go to the store to pick up their new system; it NEEDS to be an XBOX One. They need to show the core games, that regardless of whether “game X” runs at 900p instead of 1080p; it’ll still be worth their while.
Microsoft has the money and the power to hire developers to create these amazing experiences.
They’ve already displayed this with Titanfall. If they can do that – I promise you, by the end of E3, the XBOX One, may very well start its path as Microsoft’s most successful console yet, and possibly – the most successful console of this generation.
It can happen.
Pragmata has sold 1 million copies in two days, Capcom has announced.
I didn't know it came out last Friday, or I would have bought the game. I will try again for this upcoming weekend.
Im really digging it. It reminds me of games from the PS2 era, not visually or how it plays, but like the spirit of it. If you were around for that golden age of gaming, you’ll get what I mean when you play this.
Have you tried Kanitsu-Gami: Path Of The Goddess (also Capcom)? That feels like a PS2-era Capcom game.
Agreed! The art style is amazing in that game. I bought it immediately after I played the demo but haven't started it lol
I know what you mean. I think it really feels like Vanquish, with some Dead Space and Binary Domain thrown in. So maybe more PS3 era but yes it is great.
The next thing I'm mine when I've had my fill of crimson desert. A nice linear action game to contrast the open ended 😗👌
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has now become the second title to win Game of the Year at all five major awards shows.
It just wasn't for you in that way i guess. Can't really argue with it when it wins all the awards and it's the highest rating by players of all time
I thought this game was a load of rubbish. Trying too hard to be art(sy) by people who don’t really understand art but want to make it look like they do. Found it obvious and shallow and just not a fun game. Just seemed like every relentless second they were clutching at trying to feed this superior narrative… the irony being that’s kind of what I’m doing now… maybe that’s art imitating art….
Didn't know the Golden Joystick fan votum was considered one of the "major awards"?
I always thought it's "only" the Big Four - VGA, Bafta, GDC and DICE.
Nonetheless, congrats to Clair Obscur!
Former Naughty Dog artist Gabriel Betancourt explains why the "sweet spot" for game teams is under 200 people and how AAA "factories" kill creativity.
I think they will have a big show at E3, and everything will mostly be uphill for them from here. Issue is, will it be enough to move beyond such a strong competitor? We'll see. I expect to see a lot of games, a lot of gameplay at the MS conference, and some big news regarding a game.
I think Ugly Betty is a terrible analogy. Ugly Betty was a person that was unattractive but was honest and sincere and a good friend. Microsoft is more like a manipulative arrogant bully.
Also ugly Betty had a loyal and fierce fan base but it was not enough to stop it from being cancelled.