@IanTH - I want to start by saying thank you for presenting such a thoughtful and well written counterpoint. It's refreshing to see.
On a superficial level, I think I wanted "daring to be different" as a headline to reference how Nintendo and Sony have by comparison continued to largely behave the same. This isn't inherently a criticism, but does frame my thinking. Xbox have, out of necessity by being in third, needed to experiment with different focus are...
In console hardware sales, sure. But as a third party publisher, one of the biggest. It'll be interesting to see if this represents a shift for them deprioritising hardware...
Crumbling is a tad dramatic, since they've mapped out a clear path forwards and are continuing to forge partnerships for next gen. That doesn't mean they haven't made a string of critical errors, which they have. I do love your sweeping generalisation that Xbox gamers worldwide are bored, haha.
As for Helldivers 2, anyone moaning about that price needs to play it and see that it's worth every penny.
I disagree. I think Xbox have tried to push Day 1 releases and streaming as their point of differentiation. Hardly "trendy" approaches given Sony's reluctance to do Day 1 launches on PC (for most titles) and refusal to release day and date into PS+.
No. It means that streaming and Day 1 releases on their sub, as well as Xbox Play Anywhere, are key points of differentiation. Please read the article if you're so passionate about this, because you might have a different takeaway...
No. It means they're willing to push streaming through a subscription as a major differentiator, at a time when companies like Stadia didn't manage to make it work.
I also openly acknowledge multiple issues that they need to address.
Read the article instead of reacting to a headline.
Please read the article. The focus on Play Anywhere, backwards compatibility, Day 1 game pass releases, and streaming as a priority are significant points of differentiation compared to other major platform holders. That's not to say that the other platforms aren't doing those things, but Xbox have in many ways pushed them as a priority more than most.
And if this article was paid for by Microsoft, they'll likely be wanting a refund after the second, third, an...
Yeah it's bizarre that Limited Run or PlayStation ports of Xbox titles are the ones that get a physical release. Disappointing.
I mean... sure? I don't think it got a physical release on Xbox, so might not get one on PS either when it's inevitably ported. Limited Run might always crank out a special edition though!
I thought bunt-custardly was referring to some recent MS games allowing you to tailor gameplay by selecting difficulty level or story / action focus?
Absolutely. Some of the longer acoustic tracks in SoM are stunning. I also really like the combat, but it's the platforming / traversal that feels a bit slight. And yeah I always appreciate it when games give the option to focus more on story or combat. Deus Ex was always great for this.
Yeah absolutely. Arrowhead had the restraint to hold off and find the right IP where the crossover made sense.
Absolutely. I don't think there's even a release window yet?
I think comparisons to Overwatch are logical and inevitable given that it's one of the top tier hero shooters on the market.
Is that actually confirmed? If so, that's very interesting.
"best looking" isn't entirely referencing graphics, friend-o. The gameplay mechanics and overall concept are also aspects of that statement. Anyway... carry on!
Nope. I want this to succeed in VR, because you're right, for the format to be viable it needs titles designed to harness what makes it unique. My point was simply that I think it would be nice for it to be ported to traditional platforms; perhaps as a way to increase awareness of the game itself, and open up its potential audience.
No tears being shed here, pal. Just wishful thinking. Resi 7 is a fantastic example of how titles of this nature can co-exist in multiple formats.
A bizarre take. I'm glad the devs are getting to make the game they wanted to make. My premise was that it shouldn't necessarily be restricted to VR devices, as immersing horror titles have been a staple of traditional gaming platforms for decades. I just felt like it was a missed opportunity.
See? I disagree with you, but that's OK. I don't need you to go and "make your own game" in order to validate my response.
Never underestimate the pull of managed democracy, Helldiver.