sdharrison

The feature set of the XOne isn't something that makes a global product. It's centered around a United States media consumption experience, and it's not that great at that either (no DVR). The European shortcomings are just symptomatic of an inconsistent and misguided product launch. The way people on this forum talk about the XOne, it's as if there is some forgone conclusion that it will succeed and stick around a long long time. It's the same goodwill and benefit of the doubt that the media gave Microsoft in the run up to launch.

The soul of the XOne is getting consumers invested in the paywall ecosystem. That gives Microsoft data and leverage over other content providers. I also keep waiting for an announcement of subsidized contract pricing with cable bundles. Some of that applies to Europe, and some doesn't. But Microsofts bottom line is in the U.S. and that's not a secret. In a vacuum, it would be fine. But PC gaming and the PS4 are aggressively preferable gaming alternatives with larger future upside, and DVR cable boxes provide an unquestionably superior experience for watching anything except live sports.

It's a mediocre product in America, and it's a pointless European and Japanese product. It isn't a big deal, it happens all the time.

I love the game - the sense of mystery and exploration in a Souls title is unique and deeply satisfying. That said:

*Itemization needs so much work. Boss soul weapons and equipment are garbage, and difficult to upgrade garbage at that. Certain early game armor and weapons are undeniably superior to most anything else found later.

They spend all this time and effort with detailed models and lore, but give you zero reason to use 90% of the gear in the game. The only reason I use different equipment is just for variety. When it comes time to take care of business, there are only a handful of genuinely useful combinations of armor and weapons. For as dense and nuanced as all the game systems are, From has yet to get a handle on proper itemization. It's just a lot of window dressing that doesn't add to the game. "Oh wow I got a cool looking shield with zero applicability in the game!"

*Just let me play with my fucking friend. What does it matter if that's what I want to do? We got the damn rings that were supposed to help. We were the same soul level. Same covenant. Got it to randomly work once after an hour or so of waiting and tinkering and never again. At this point, I just don't get why the coop needs to be so convoluted. From even enabled voice chat. But no way to just quickly get linked up for a boss run with a friend. Dumb.

*Design your levels so that my progress isn't blocked by a 2 ft pile of rubble. Be more creative. For all the deviously creative design and haunting art direction, Dark Souls II has a nasty addiction to contrived barriers just shy of invisible walls. Yes, even the blacksmith key in Majula. Really? It isn't funny, it isn't clever - it's lazy design. The art, lore, atmosphere and systems deserve a more believable world.

Totally. I remember thinking that game looked really cool but being soured on the uniformly bad reviews. Wasn't ready for primetime maybe

My mind immediately goes to what turn based "Ultimate" animations each member of the crew would have. I'd like Vinny to slowly craft a handmade wooden weapon on a workbench before striking an opponent. Some kind of densely animated anime version of jeff powering up and destroying the world with his exhausted apathy. "Yeah. Sure. Blow the world up. Great. Sure. I regret eating fast food earlier."

Shoemaker... Maybe channeling the collective rage of the chat? Rorie would have some kind of Puppy situation. Alex would be wrestling. Anytime there is a critical hit, a sound clip of ryan screaming "YEAH! YEAH!"

A few hours in, I'm finding the addition of immediate fast travel to be a massive boon to the souls recipe. Despite a lot of changes that make the game "harder", giving players freedom of movement is empowering and addictive. It removes a bit of the mystery and tension perhaps, but the tradeoff for playabilty is well worth it in my eyes.

Next up: Dragons Dogma 2

Is this a good trend? Would you like a marketplace of full priced and system rich games without the usual trimmings of campaigns and story?

Personally, I'm surprised how few publishers have jumped on this bandwagon. Left 4 Dead did this for coop long ago. Players want an addictive experience with solid gameplay systems. I think Titanfall will be a success even with limited platforms, because console players are starved for variety in their competitive shooter experience. This doesn't strike me as some kind of DRM or con - I think Respawn focused on making a slick CoD experience strapped into a sci-fi Mech world and nothing else. Why the gaming press flipped out so intensely following E3 escapes me, but I agree that the precedent being set is new, and somewhat refreshing.

Source engine aficionados have had a landfill of FPS variations to toy with for years on the PC, but console titles seem locked into requiring campaigns and expensive screenwriters. Warframe is another example of a system-only game doing well. I think this kind of pricing model (not F2P) and laser focus has the potential to empower some interesting new projects. Maybe Battlefield can finally ditch their campaign, too?

Then again, the sales might be middling and Titanfall 2 might start with a Ron Perlman voiceover.

Another vote for this. Big time. What a trainwreck of a game.

CORRECT! GOOD GOD SOMEBODY ELSE GETS IT! I'll spare this thread my canned takedown of that game. But yeah, it's horrible.

Hitman Absolution is another one I agree with. Totally blown. Every design decision made in that game was straight up wrong.

Fable 3 was an unfinished mess of bad or irrelevant ideas that got slapped together.

Skyrim? I think that's a super bad game in a lot of ways.

Get a Vita!!!!! Amazing investment for the device alone, but the synergy with the pS4 and PS+ is game changing.

The XBox One is a DVR-less cable box with voice commands. I'd rather "snap" a laptop or tablet next to me while gaming

What?