Category Archives: Xbox and Microsoft
Xbox’s Disc to Digital
Last week we talked about Grand Theft Auto 6’s announcement to go digital only and how Sony followed that up by announcing they are ending production of physical disc for Playstation starting January 2028.
All eyes have turned to Nintendo and Xbox to see their next moves. Nintendo has already been training gamers for a digital future with game key cards, a practice I am not letting off the hook. Everyone knows Microsoft will most likely go digital only with the next Xbox generation. So why am I thinking about buying Xbox Series X games?
Well, it’s still in the test phase, but we’re hearing word that Microsoft will be incorporating a process called “Disc to Digital.” At first glance, I assumed this meant the next console was for sure going to have a disc drive. But I heard word immediately after Sony’s announcement that Microsoft wanted a digital only console as well.
If my research is correct, players who own an Xbox One or Xbox Series X can participate in this. Your last gen console will act like a hub. You insert your old disc into your previous Xbox. It will read a code from the disc and grant the next Xbox [Nicknamed Peoject Helix.] a digital license for you to game digitally.
Yeah, its not nearly as great as I thought. Licenses are the bane of physical media as those linceses dry up and redistribution becomes impossible. The licenses Microsoft is suggesting is also one they can revoke when they want. That’s dangerous. But it is leaps and bounds better than Sony. Both Sony and Microsoft are killing future physical media, which isn’t good nor should be supported or celebrated. But we are gamers. There will be games in the future I want to play. If Sony says screw backwards compatibility and screw future physical releases, then I am just out on them entirely and want no part of the PS6 [Ratchet and Clank would be the only game I would sadly miss.]. If Microsoft is still honoring and supporting backwards compatibility, then I consider that a huge plus.
If I hypothetically wanted or was forced into owning a digital only console for next gen, then I would support Microsoft over Sony. Though, admittedly, both are atrocious and probably not worth supporting.
If this program is in fact part of the next Xbox, then that would put Xbox squarely in the middle of Nintendo and Sony. Sony clearly hates the cost of physical distribution as well as the fact that video game preservation exist. They don’t want gamers playing on old hardware. Nintendo will end up destroying Sony in that department as the Switch 2 can play [maybe, I think] all the original Switch 1 games. When Sony moves to the Playstation 6, we already know it won’t be backwards compatible due to not having a disc drive.
This seems so backwards. Sony, to my knowledge, has ensured a majority of the PS4 library is playable on the PS5. As well as most PS5 games are playable straight from the disc [no need for day 1 updates or constant internet access]. Sony should be clinging to physical media like the rest of us. They own and produce blu rays and other forms of physical media. While Microsoft was known for their home computers and digital software of Microsoft Office. That’s why so many of us feel betrayed by Sony and find it ironic we are rooting for Microsoft to do the right thing.
If you are like me, you prefer your games to be available to play offline and without needing updates to play. As a result I’m going to start doing research on what Xbox One and Series X games are playable on the disc in offline mode. Some games are broken messes or incomplete without their day one patches while some games force you to be online to play. I’m not super interested in having those games in my collection.
With that in mind, I’ll do a follow up blog of the games I find that fit this list. I’ll mostly be relying on the internet for this as these will be the games I’m going to start hunting down, not ones I actively own and can test myself. Websites like “Does It Play” will be a huge help, but they mostly specialize in Playstation.
If you know any games that fit that bill on Xbox One and Xbox Series X, leave it in the comments.
Sorry if this post feels disjointed or all over the place. Many of us are still processing what the digital future will look like and what we want to do. Truthfully, Sony has knocked it out of the park with this generation. They’re a little lack luster with their pricing models and exclusives, but the backwards compatibility and games on the disc of the PS5 has been impressive. Too bad this is where Sony dies for most of us.
Anyway, thanks for reading and have a great day.
Games I’ve Played Recently
Alright guys, it’s time for another installment of games I’ve Played Recently. We’ve got 3 good ones to go over!
First off is Tears of the Kingdom!
You guys may remember me mentioning this in my post for my recent Pickups. Well, of course I’ve been playing it as well. I don’t play the story much because I’m more into collecting and exploring. I did complete enough story missions to get the glider as it is essential to further your exploration needs. However, I have been fascinated with the new sky and underground sections. I did cool off playing it when I decided to focus on my Gamepass games over the last month.
Up next is Disney Dreamlight Valley
This game consumes my life off and on. It’s one that my baby girl and wife love to watch me play. We’re currently in the middle of a new event with some new Pixar content. They’ve also added in a new character. It’s one of those village simulators with farming and civilian upkeep. You fish, mine, and play with some of your favorite Disney characters. It’s not a game I play every day. It’s more so a I game I get in phases with.
Now, for the game that has preoccupied my free time the most
This is a new perfect game for me. It was described to me as a Souls-like game. I don’t really play souls like so. Unfortunately, I avoided this one. It caught my eye when scrolling through Gamepass. I downloaded it and gave it a shot. Boy, did I love this game. This is a modern-day metriodvania collectathon. It is broken down into 6 planets instead of one giant level. Though you do get powers that encourage backtracking for new experiences and collectibles. The boss fights can be exhausting, but they’re far from the hardest fights I’ve had in video games. The chest system is kind of lame. It’s a similar problem that Tears of the Kingdom has. All the power ups are hidden in certain sections or through the skill trees. This means the chests are relegated to cosmetic changes such as lightsabers, costume colors, and Droid colors. Cal gets upgrades in the form of wall running, double jumps and force push and pull. This makes backtracking a fun experience. As now you want to see where all you can explore. All in all, I really enjoyed this one. I have beat it. Now it’s time to 100% it.
This post was written a few months back. For some reason I never made the closing paragraph. So I hope you guys enjoyed this one. I’ll be working on a more updated list that includes some new games like Pokémon Scarlett as well as a throwback to a PS2 Hidden Gem in Rogue Galaxy.
Thank you guys for reading! Have a great day!
Top 5 Most Anticipated Xbox Series X Games!
Hey, guys. A few days ago Xbox did their presentation for the new upcoming Xbox Series X. This showcase was meant to rival what Sony was doing with their Playstation 5. At the end of the day, Xbox did show off a great number of games to get excited for. Here’s 5 that really grabbed my attention.
(I do not own any pictures used in this blog. All rights to their original owner.)
Watch Microsoft’s full conference here: FULL Xbox Games Showcase – July 2020
#5 EverWild: Admittedly, I haven’t played too many games by the studio Rare. I loved Golden Eye and DK 64 back on the N64. However, since being acquired by Microsoft, I’ve missed most of their Xbox exclusive games. Still, I can recognize the powerhouse that once was Rare even if they are a far cry from their former glory. With all that said, I am excited to see the next chapter of their game making story unfold. This game has the potential to be 1 or 2 on this list by the time it is actually released. The reason it is here at number 5 is the same reason that is holding back so many of these games. There was no gameplay footage. Now, this is something you’ve probably heard if you have watched any of these Xbox Conference reviews, either in written or spoken format. It is not a deal breaker. Trust me, I am excited to see what Rare does with a open world sandbox game. The simple fact is some of the games on this list are just further along and it is easier to get excited for those games.
#4 Grounded: I really thought this game was going to secure the #1 spot a month ago. I had heard some big name franchises tossed around and even some announce trailers for one game. But without a doubt, Grounded was one of the furthest along games in the Xbox’s catalog. Heck, I think Obsidian has been teasing a demo this month. Grounded is developed by the studio Obsidian. An up-and-coming juggernaut in the field. They got their big break working with Bethesda to make Fallout: New Vegas, an absolute gem. Then they secured their reputation with last year’s smash hit, Outer Worlds. They are currently working on their next big blockbuster in Avowed, but they are giving us a hold over in the form of Grounded. A game that looks like Honey I Shrunk the Kids set in a Fallout universe. The player will take control of 1 of 4 kids and try to survive the dangers of the backyard while also discovering plenty of secrets along the way. This game looks like it will be a great addition to Obsidian’s arsenal of titles.
#3 Fable: I may be lying to myself here. in fact, this game has played musical chairs with the top 3 spots. Honestly, if I did this list tomorrow there’s a chance this game could be number 1. Fable was the first Xbox franchise I fell in love with. I played Fable 1 as a kid and then grew up with Fable 2 and 3. It is arguably my favorite Xbox exclusive franchise. It was completely omitted from the Xbox One’s library. Needless to say, I have been craving more Fable in my life. As of right now, I think Fable is the closest thing Microsoft has to a console seller. Why is it number 3? Simple. Numbers 2 and 3 have gameplay footage.
#2 Balan WonderWorld: Looks simply amazing. When the first two years of the Xbox Series X’s life is over, I think Balan has a legitimate shot at being the best game on the console. Created by the same man who created the Nights franchise, you can rest assured that this game will have plenty of charm and character. It’s at number 2 over juggernauts like Rare and Obsidian because it actually had plenty of gameplay and a release date. I got a vibe of what this game wants to do and be. I can visualize myself owning this game and playing it and getting lost in it’s worlds. Something I can only say about a few games shown off earlier this week.
Honorable Mentions-
Halo Infinite- I like Halo but I am not a Halo nut. No one is praising this game even though Microsoft seems to think it will be it’s big hit. It just falls flat compared to Sony’s Spiderman, Horizon Zero Dawn, and even this gen’s The Last Of Us 2.
Tell Me Why- This game actually looks pretty solid. I would definitely check this game out if it came out on Gamepass.
Avowed- A 10 second snip pretty much tells you this game is quite a ways away. Still, should be amazing when it finally comes out.
#1 Psychonauts: I think the clear head and shoulders front runner. As of right now, Halo is pretty much a joke to the internet even if it manages to come out strong. Fable and Avowed are a good bit away from release date. Even Everwild is still probably a ways away too. Leaving the question, what do Xbox players get excited about? I think Psychonauts is that answer. It had plenty of game play footage leading me to believe it is probably one of the closer games to launch. Psychonauts 1 is a cult classic and the sequel will look to expand upon its already established reputation. Today’s age has shriveled up the 3D Platformer well, especially if you aren’t on the Switch. If you like the genre, Psychonauts looks to be a must own. It is the game I am most excited for as of today.
So that’s my thoughts. On the surface, Xbox’s showcase seems quite weak if Halo isn’t up to par. It is important to remember that Xbox has already revealed other games such as Cyberpunk 2077, Scarlett Nexus, Yakuza, and Assassin Creed’s Valhalla.
Let me know what games you guys are excited for?
Thanks for reading and have a great day!
Want to see my thoughts on the PS5’s showcase? Read here: Reacting to the PS5 Announcement Stream!
Da_Hubbz 