Interesting stuff, I think what Microsoft have attempted to do in this case is please publishers by opening the flood gates for DRM, but at the same time put themselves in a position to say 'hey, we didn't MAKE them do it' to gamers.
My key issue is they didn't touch on the 'always online' rumors. It has been a big issue leading up to the announcement, people wondering whether it will be always online, and Microsoft chose to neither confirm or call bullshit. That is a concern.
If the writer isn't impressed with the game then he isn't impressed. What I do think is evident is he just didn't 'get' it. No one can blame the guy for that. I think anyone who is going to enjoy this game - as ND intend for the player to - will have to have a keen interest in post-apocalyptic survival. I for one am one of those people. I cannot wait to scavange, and potentially wait for a while behind a battered old sofa while I carefully and nervously plot my next move (...
My immediate thought is, OK great but we all know EA have a huge interest in micro transactions. If they grant easier access to online features by getting rid of the online pass, all it means is they can throw micro transactions in more people's faces to "benefit" players online.
I worked at GAME for 3 years. I think the mistake I made was accepting a management position, I was SSA in my first year there and DM by the time I left (MTL1 & 2 complete). Being an SA is pretty chill and there used to be nothing better than getting a customer during down time who could hold a good gaming focused conversation. We'd screw around all the time but once you get to a management level on awful pay (as an SSA all you get is £80 a month extra & DM £150) doing 5...
I used to work for GAME in the UK and 'gutting' was also standard practice there. It wasn't for theft prevention reasons, it was simply stock control. The guts are always sold last so if a customer came to the counter with a case and the sales guy goes to the drawer to grab the game and there is one gut left, they know they're selling the last copy. Once the guts are gone, in theory all the cases are gone from the shelf so there aren't any products being displayed that are...
I refuse to believe you are 23.