Author: Mo Alexander

Did someone say fight??

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Alrighty then, mid-week already, and I am slacking at my E3 postings!!

So far there has been a lot of buzz going on about the new PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One, particularly in the sense that the majority of  folks feel Sony came out on top in this round of E3 fights.

Sony finally released what the PS4 looks like, along with the dozen or so “launch titles” scheduled to roll out once its released this “Holiday, 2013”. (Um, nice Parallelogram Sony! Very original vs. the VCR box that Micro$oft released!)

ps4hardware2610_jpgLooking somewhat like a “similar” box rolled out by Micro$oft, Sony amped up the competition between the two systems by coming out with a release price of $399, which includes a Dual Shock 4 Controller, 500 GB HD, HDMI cable, and mono-headset.   Micro$oft, however, is releasing the new Xbox One for an extra $100 bucks, which includes its Kinect device, 500 GB HD, HDMI Cable, and controller.

Fans totally decried foul when Micro$oft released information that the Xbox One requires a internet connection every 24 hours to phone home, otherwise, your games don’t work.  They also caused a bit more of an uproar by releasing their DRM strategy on used games (basically saying, you can’t use em unless you pay for em again..); where as Sony said “I Don’t Think So” to both aspects, giving gamers freedom to trade in their old games, and even play them offline.

All this, and being thrown in are the mix of Next Gen released games, including Ubisoft’s Watch Dogs, Assassins’ Creed 4, Tom Clancy’s “The Division”; EA Sports with Madden 25, Battlefield 4; Bungie’s Destiny; Blizzard’s release of Diablo III; Respawn Entertainment’s “TitanFall”; Sucker Punch’s “inFamous: Second Son”, and many more..

battlefield4_1Now as crazy as it may seem, this appears to only be scratching the surface, with both Console competitors stating that “online gaming, sharing, and multiplayer” are going to factor in BIG time with the release of the Next Gen systems.  Squad based mechanics, MMO functionality, and even such items as “Public Events” found in Destiny, encourage folks to team up online, and have a good time. Destiny_image017

As E3 starts to wrap up this week, look out for even more gameplay videos, new info on upcoming release dates, etc.

Catch all the 2013 E3 Press releases here:  Sony and Micro$oft.

<A big shout out to gameinformer.com and gametrailers.com for keeping us 9-5’ers informed.>

E3 is right around the corner

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The Electronic Entertainment Expo kicks off June 10th, and several electronic manufactures will be on site to show off their new gadgets, gizmos, etc.

Most notably will be the new consoles coming out from Sony and Micro$oft.   Sony will (finally!!) show off the PS 4 and hopefully we will get price points for the systems.

Several developers are also releasing next gen games as well, including Sucker Punch, Activision, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft.

So, enjoy the following YouTube clip, courtesy of “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”.

 

 

Micro$oft Strikes Again!

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Well, so far Micro$oft seems to be wanting to shoot itself in the foot with its new system, the Xbox One (or XBone by all the non-fan boys).

Announced this past Thursday, Micro$oft now has said that the Xbox One requires a internet connection every 24 hours.

That’s right kids, Uncle Bill wants you to make sure your Xbox stays online, even if you want to play your games.

So, if you got a hankerin to play your games offline, after 24 hours, you are locked out.  (Nice..)

ALTHOUGH you can still watch your TV programs! YAH!..  wait don’t I already have a box for that?

Considering that the U.S. ranks 7 on Broadband access (unless you live in Vermont or Delaware or Rhode Island), this is going to give a lot folks headaches.
(Yeah, talking to you all south of the Mason-Dixon Line..)  And last time I checked, the new systems didn’t have dial-up connections…

Watch for more details coming soon, as E3 is right around the corner.

 

Behold! Your next LaserDisc Player

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Yes indeed, Microsoft has rolled out its next generation gaming system today, aptly dubbed the Xbox One. The shear design research that went into this new RECTANGLE-SHAPED console must have been staggering (Sarcasm not being with-held..).

Not to mention that Microsoft’s press conference for the reveal of the new system consisted of 30 + minutes showing off the Xbox One’s interactive TV functionality.   Kinect interactivity to change the TV channel, and check the web at the same time.  Um, games anyone?

Well, EA did reveal four new sports titles for the system, due out “in the next 12 months”.  It appears that Fifa14 seems to be the big push, followed up with Madden 25.  I truly wonder if this new system will improve my golf swing in Tiger Woods..   By the way, ZERO gameplay here in the reveal.  More like several cut scenes from the games, along with a few professional sports stars stating that the gameplay is getting better and better each time around.  Bah….

And of course, to close out the press conference, Activision closes with the reveal of Call of Duty – Dogs..  I mean Ghosts.  Sorry, just the simple fact that Infinity Ward and Activision are taking the next step into NextGen gaming with a Call of Duty team-mate as a “Seal Commando Dog” really makes me wonder what the hell is happening with today’s entertainment writers..

I do have to give Microsoft credit:  At least they showed off their entire system.  However, they had 3 months after which Sony released specs and the new Dual Shock4 controller for the PlayStation 4.  You would have had at least thought Microsoft would have looked at the current design and gone  “what the hell are we THINKING?!”

So stayed tuned gamers!  More to come on the Pro’s and Con’s of each system coming soon!