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• 22May 13

  You Think Backwards Compatibility is Backwards? That's Just Backwards Thinking!

  So Microsoft's Xbox business head, Don Mattrick , has stated that Xbox One's lack of backwards compatibility isn't an issue, stating that "if you're backwards compatible, you're really backwards."

   

  This statement is another example of the recent trend of obnoxious remarks from so-called professionals in the gaming industry, one whose pompous tone seems only to condescend Microsoft's own fanbase, and the rest of the gaming industry.

   

  I understand that the changes made in the Xbox One's design prevents backwards compatibility with the 360, but just because there's a reason for it doesn't make it any less of a downer for gamers. The 360 has been around for eight years now, and it has built quite an extensive and impressive library in that time. It only makes sense that gamers would want to keep that library alive in Microsoft's next-gen console. Sure, gamers could hold onto their 360s for a while, but shouldn't the Xbox One be giving them incentive to move on to Xbox's next generation? Not to mention these consoles don't last forever (and if the Red Ring of Death is any indication, this is especially true for Microsoft), and people would like to continue playing their favorite 360 games in the future. I get it, the Xbox One can't play 360 games, but to dismiss it as a non-issue and give a verbal backhand to your own fanbase is another story.

   

  Sony has also announced the PS4 won't be backwards compatible, but in their defence, they've said they are at least contemplating the possibility of emulating PS3 games for their new console. Even if that doesn't come to pass, at least they didn't write-off their own fans for wanting to continue playing their games.

   

  Such dismissal is especially questionable considering the 360 will still be getting a few high-profile games in the next few months, such as GTAV, which, if there are no delays in the game or Xbox One's release dates, will only be separated by a couple of months. People will be getting new consoles for the games, but if some of the most anticipated titles on the horizon are released on current consoles and not the new ones, it doesn't create a whole lot of incentive to invest in the new hardware. It's a legitimate issue for gamers, and shouldn't be immediately scoffed at.

   

  One shouldn't write off backwards compatibility as being 'backwards.' It gives gamers a good reason to move from one console generation to the next. since they can still replay their favorite games from one console (or catch up on what they missed from it) while enjoying the experiences from a new generation. It's not 'backwards' to want to enjoy a console's history along with playing next-gen games. 

   

  Of the three major next-gen consoles, Nintendo's is the only one embracing its heritage through the ability to play Wii games, as well as the ever-enjoyable Virtual Console service. But I suppose the Wii U is 'backwards' for giving gamers the opportunity to experience such a range of gaming's history. I hope Sony does find a way to deliver its back catalogue and joins in on the backwardsness.

   

  Again, I understand all the changes in Xbox One's design prevent backwards compatibility with the 360. But to scoff at those who are (very reasonably) disappointed by this news and refer to their wants as 'backwards' is in itself...backwards.

  • Posted May 22, 2013 11:25 pm GMT
  • Category: Games
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• 22May 13

  What's 360 Minus 359?

  Microsoft has unvieled the successor to the Xbox 360, which is now officially known as the Xbox One. After all the hype and build-up, Microsoft has finally pulled back the curtain on its next-gen console. And yet, the very thing that's missing from this new console is just that, newness.

   

  For all intents and purposes, the Xbox One's unvieling had an all-too familiar feel to it. Yes, the game's look pretty, but I think most seasoned gamers in this day and age would agree that simply souping-up the technology isn't enough anymore. Yes, there were some nice technical revelations, but when it comes to these console reveals, priority one should be the games. And while we did get to see games, just what did we see?

   

  Call of Duty, Assassin's Creed, Forza Motorsport, Fifa and Battlefield. The very same games we've been seeing appear more than regularly on the 360 for years. Granted, the new installments to some of these games have the possibility of bringing some new elements to the table, but none of these franchise are exactly known for their innovations. True, there was Quantum Break, but one exclusive isn't quite enough to make up for the lack of newness in both the games and console (especially considering Microsoft's track record for getting an exclusive or two early on in a console's lifespan, only to see all non-Halo/Gears of War exclusives disappear soon after).

   

  In short, there's none of the announced games give the impression they could be a console-defining experience. I myself was a bit underwhelmed by the PS4's reveal, but at least they showcased the unique Knack, and while most of the Wii U's most prominent titles are still on the horizon, it has already had a few games that make clever usage of the innovation of the Wii U's hardware itself. Granted, E3 is right around the corner, and maybe we'll see something there that could better justify the Xbox One experience, but with this console unveiling held so close to E3, there's also the sneaking suspicion that this was Microsoft's real presentation, and E3 will just be the leftovers. You'd think that Microsoft would have tried something big and different when revealing the console itself, and that's exactly what the Xbox One was lacking.

   

  Then there's the online requirements needed for the console, which will surely appeal to a very limited group. Possibly worst of all, due to the new architecture of the console, the Xbox One will not be backwards compatible with Xbox 360 titles. Having quite the extensive 360 library, and having spent years enjoying them, this came as very disappointing news. Some would argue you can just keep your 360 for 360 games. True, but that also gives me that much more incentive to not move on to the next generation of Xbox.

   

  In short, the unvieling of the Xbox One might have showcased some fancy technology, but it failed to deliver a compelling video game console. Perhaps in the coming months Microsoft can show what the Xbox One is truly capable of, but as it is, Microsoft's entry into the next generation feels undefined and soulless.

  • Posted May 22, 2013 2:37 am GMT
  • Category: Editorial
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• 20May 13

  My Long Overdue Top 5 Movies of 2012

  Boy is this ever late... Here is a list of my top 5 favorite movies of 2012. I wanted to do a full-on top 10 like I've done in previous years, but had too much trouble trying to order the list. So I just made a more simple top 5 based on a number of personal reasons. Plus I've been busy with school and everything and have only written more "immediate" things lately. Hopefully with this semester finalizing in the next week I can get around to writing more.

  It's not quite as varied as past lists of made, but oh well. These were the movies I liked best, so here they are.

   

  Top 5 movies of 2012

  • Posted May 20, 2013 2:30 am GMT
  • Category: Movies
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