Xbox One Reveal
The internet was buzzing today as everyone tuned in and held their breath for the news from Microsoft in regards to the new console coming out – the Xbox One. If you have not watched the solid hour-long stream full of Microsoft rep’s circle-jerk type announcements (via the live stream video), I will save you the trouble and recap everything here.
Caution: Facts may be heavily peppered with my opinions and commentary.
The Big Reveal
So, the Xbox One has been announced and the full console design has been released, putting to rest all those naming rumours (see: Xbox720) and giving Microsoft fans what they have been begging for. Microsoft claims this console will be an “all in one” system, combining gaming, entertainment and TV into one machine.
Sounds impressive, looks… well just look at it (such an incredibly sexy machine) but let’s take a peek at the released tech specs.
– 8GB Ram
– 8-Core CPU
– 500GB HD
– Blu-Ray capabilities
– HDMI in/out ports
– USB 3.0
– 802.11n wireless
– ‘and more’
This all sums up to one awesomely powerful machine; just as sexy on the inside as it is on the outside. But before you get too excited let me go over some other features of this machine.
The new Xbox will not function without the new Kinect sensor attached. At first I was fuming at this news; maybe I’m getting old and cynical, or maybe I am just old-school, but when I game I like to curl up on a chair/bed/couch and just completely zone out. The LAST thing I want to be doing is waving at or (even worse) talking to my damn machine. It is safe to say that the developers at Microsoft took this into account and are redesigning how the sensor functions. From their perspective the living room is where the best screen is, but they are coming up with a way for the sensor to properly function for those gamers that have their setup in their bedroom/smaller living space.
The new controller is basically the same as the old Xbox controller, just with a sexy new exterior.
Xbox One will require a an internet connection that is always on. I know there were some rumours floating around before, and many people were worried about the possible alienation of gamers that do not have a constant internet connection, or no connection at all. The most recent update from IGN states that console owners can expect a 24-hour window of offline functionality before the Xbox One prevents single-player gameplay.
There will be support for pre-owned gaming, with a fee of course. What better way to suck MORE money out of our pockets than require a game be installed to the hard drive, and the only other way to install that game on another account/HD is to pay. Yes, it is great that Microsoft is still enabling pre-owned gaming or game sharing, but my greatest concern lay with the retailers. Having the largest profit come from pre-owned sales, are retailers going to lower the price point of these games to account for this new charge, or just expect us to dish out even MORE money for games. There has been talk, however, that there will be a way for users to ‘trade’ games online somehow… but no details have been released beyond that.
As well as pre-owned game install charges, this new system will not be backwards compatible. The launch of the Xbox One is not about phasing out the Xbox 360, but instead creating an all inclusive entertainment unit. This makes sense – with all the hardware upgrades and the new technology, it isn’t possible for either system (Xbox One OR the PS4) to be able to play the previous generation console games. So SAVE YOUR CURRENT 360!!! Microsoft has no plans for releasing old content for the new system, so if you are like me and like to get wasted and re-play games, hold on to your 360 (but not too hard, if you have the 1st generation like me the thing might self-destruct).
Exclusives
Within the first year, there are 15 Microsoft exclusive titles planned for release; as well as cross platform game titles such as Quantum Break, Destiny, Battlefield 4 and Forza Motorsport 5 to name a few. I guess Microsoft got tired of being shit on for only having 3 exclusive titles for the Xbox 360 – even if those titles were amazing.
Alongside the reveal of the Xbox One, Microsoft announced that original TV programming will be produced for the console and to celebrate this they are launching a new Halo TV project. There is also a new engine for EA Sports gaming. (I am firmly opposed to sports gaming as some of you may already know, but I will link the gameplay trailer for you here, but thats it.)
As for the Halo TV venture, I am torn. Doing a television series is better suited for such an in-depth and elaborate backstory for a character from such a detailed universe than a movie would be. On the other hand, Stephen Spielberg is said to be directing this new series and, well.. I’m a little scared. I am glad the Halo franchise has become so popular, but as someone who has read all the novels and graphic novels and played the games (for the campaign), this show can either be amazing or be dreadful. It can be in line with pre-existing facts and elements of the Halo story or it can be WAY off and super ‘Hollywood’.
I swear, if they give Master Chief a love interest I will quit gaming…. because NOTHING is sacred to these people.
Overall I like the console more than I dislike it, but it seems Microsoft has moved very far away from creating gaming units and are focusing on a more family friendly entertainment system. How do I feel about that? Well, the jury is still out on that one.
