Intermarkets' Privacy Policy Support
Donate to Ace of Spades HQ! Recent Entries
Saturday Evening Movie Thread 09/07/2024 [TheJamesMadison]
Hobby Thread - Sept 7, 2024 [TRex] Ace of Spades Pet Thread, September 7 Gardening, Puttering and Adventure Thread, Sept. 7 The "rules-based international order" vs. free speech? The Classical Saturday Morning Coffee Break & Prayer Revival Daily Tech News 7 September 2024 The Bric, The Brac, The Craic & All, Lets Call It An ONT TGIF Cafe The Week In Woke Absent Friends
Bandersnatch 2024
GnuBreed 2024 Captain Hate 2023 moon_over_vermont 2023 westminsterdogshow 2023 Ann Wilson(Empire1) 2022 Dave In Texas 2022 Jesse in D.C. 2022 OregonMuse 2022 redc1c4 2021 Tami 2021 Chavez the Hugo 2020 Ibguy 2020 Rickl 2019 Joffen 2014 AoSHQ Writers Group
A site for members of the Horde to post their stories seeking beta readers, editing help, brainstorming, and story ideas. Also to share links to potential publishing outlets, writing help sites, and videos posting tips to get published.
Contact OrangeEnt for info:
maildrop62 at proton dot me Cutting The Cord And Email Security
Moron Meet-Ups
|
« Sunday Morning Book Thread 05-26-2013: In Memoriam [OregonMuse] |
Main
| Marathon bombing victim looks for laughs, not pity [CBD] »
May 26, 2013
Xbox One Reveal (Gaming thread)So Microsoft revealed the console to the mass consumer (reveal to the gamers is at E3) this past Tuesday and for all the rumors, I kinda expected something revolutionary instead of evolutionary. Slightly disappointed in that regards but did they show anything off to make me interested? Pros and Cons below Pros: Controller - Of course, it being a controller that isn't in your hands, all you can go by is photos and hands-on write-ups so this may change once I buy one this fall. But I really dig what I'm seeing and reading, even if it's more of a evolution instead of a revolution compared to the DS4 but when it's improving my favorite controller this gen, I'm quite happy. Thank God that someone is renaming the outdated start and select buttons. Sure, not sexy and not even adding anything new but it's about damn time. Really dig the sticks on the controller, especially with the grip pattern they chose. My hands tend to sweat quite a bit playing games and with the amount that the sticks show, my right thumb shouldn't slip as easily since I use the side of the stick instead of it's top. No more damn saucer shaped dpads, please. Make them clicky without a mush feeling, which apparently they did. I like that the battery pack is integrated in the design instead of what felt like an after thought where it threw off the balance of it. The only things I really feel unsure about is the design of the triggers and moving the system button to the top. Though occasionally in the heat of the moment, you can find yourself struggling to hit the bumpers, the actual triggers were perfect with how smooth they were. Most definitely something that you can't tell till you've had some time with it in your own hands. That system button is frigging HUGE and going to be a bit of a chore to hit if needed (though with Kinect, that problem shouldn't be too big). Also with moving it, it makes the controller look like it's too sparse. Though obviously not with it's innards (especially with a Wi-Fi direct setup and two extra motors also being crammed into it) but it really looks like there is a lot of wasted space though it will make licensed controllers look better due to the extra real estate. Box - Like everyone else, when I saw it on the stream, the first things that went through my head was "That thing is frigging HUGE" and "Could totally throw that in my av stack". Then I saw the Wired photos and realized that the thing isn't actually that big (designer said that it has about a 10% increased footprint compared to the launch 360 and at least as silent as the slim remodel). As for the looks, they really grew on me. I'm getting older, I actually like not having my electronics look like toys with green and cheap looking chrome on it. Unless your actively looking for it, it won't stick out. Only things I'm not a big fan of is the amount of USB connections (don't have to go crazy like Sony did with the original PS3 but there doesn't look to be enough) and the lack of HDMI audio out. Totally understand why they went back to having a TOSLINK standard as its still the most used audio connection and even HDMI receivers still have a few toslinks on the back for the gap but it would have been nice for people who can take advantage of it. UI - Admittedly they didn't show anything new on the look of the desktop but they did show enough new features to make you not notice that much. Throwing together the gaming OS and the Windows OS together with a hypervisor a really nice evolution. Is it new? Of course not as pretty much every other electronic item other than your TV has been doing it for half a decade now (minus the hypervisor in most cases). But throw it onto a TV and with a more robust Kinect package into the mix and it becomes quite interesting. Main thing that they didn't mention that bummed me was that with time, the Kinect's speech reconition will become better over time by it's dictionaries learning from users using it (it's how Apple's Siri works). You expect it but not mentioning it raises my eyebrow as even though it's old tech, it still makes for a decent sizzle throwaway mention. Azure aka "cloud" - More hypothetical than anything as it hasn't really been tested in actually being used in gaming outside of Uncharted 2 & 3, Diablo 3 and MMOs (different level compared to the standard saves and media) but this is where tech has been heading so getting it into gaming now (though late) is the right move. Crazy Ken had the right concept with it's CELL but his concept was based on the hypothetical and using tech in its infancy while now a days, cloud computing is quite mature be it not in gaming. Of course this whole plan really comes down to a few things: Microsoft leaning on companies to implement it, eat the cost of running stuff in the cloud, a massive amount of documentation and hands on tech assistance. Yeah, it's some hoops and there will be teething issues since it's new for the majority of game devs but you need you need to pop that bubble sometime. Quantum Break - Really happy to see Microsoft give Remedy what looks like a bigger budget than Alan Wake considering how bad Alan Wake actually sold which is a damn shame (it's a humble bundle this week, no reason why you shouldn't play the series and you too can be disappointed in how low people are spending for it). Only got a teaser but that teaser left a very good taste in my mouth. It's the accumulation of the direction that Remedy has been going towards ever since the first Max Payne. And frankly, outside of Twisted Pixel, they're the only ones who would know how to pull something like this off in this day and age, with combining FMV and actual gameplay. Can't wait to see this game more in depth. Hopefully it's a breakout success for them. Halo TV show - If you can't get anyone to make a movie because of control issues and budgetary concerns, this is the second best option. No idea why Spielberg gave a gaming history lesson or why his name is attached but if his name can get non-gamers to check out a Halo show, that would be nice. In the perfect world, his name would be attached but it's all in the hands of Stewart Hendler who directed the awesome Halo: Forward Unto Dawn web series. Considering how cool watching Forward Unto Dawn was, there was always a sense that this thing really needed a bigger budget and be turned into a film or show. Kinect 2.0 - Boy is that one sexy beast, not visually of course as it looks really bulky but it's innards and stuff added SDK. With it's increased FOV, most of the complaints of small apartments. Improved depth sensors, better mic array, yada yada yada.....really, watch this video Family Gold no more - Should have never been needed in the first place but at least your correcting this wrong. Bout damn time Cons: So much focus on cable TV - I understand that when it comes to a evolution console, they need to show the new stuff for the sizzle but eh, it kinda muddles their vision to the mainstream. When it comes to digital content in a videogame console eviroment, Microsoft were the first one to push it and yet the big thing to take away from the reveal to non-gamers is all the stuff your doing with your TV overlay, which is kinda sad. And it really didn't clear the air for them that yes, the focus first and foremost is and will always be videostreaming services. Announcing new partnerships on that front would have been very nice and got Microsodt's message out to people who haven't used the 360. Forza 5 - I like the Forza series but I was really hoping for a PGR reveal. Not having it is akin to Sony not having a RIIIIIIDGE RACER!!! at one of their launches. Makes sense on a sales point though and it does look pretty but would still rather have a PGR Not showing the Kinect off during the reveal outside of pinching and zooming - Can understand it not being ready for massive crowds but meh, pinching and zooming when I can just do it by voice just doesn't do much for me. But the tech inside is quite good. I guess the good thing in not showing it is that there was no "Ever wondered what the bottom of an avatar's shoe look like?" moment. Used games - Obviously the vision was to have games tied to a household but this half-stepping is sad. Should have just taken it on the chin all at once instead of dragging it out. I guess as a PC gamer I just don't see the big point in caring but this is where media consumption is at and frankly I still don't care. I want Microsoft's pure unadulterated vision. Always online - This is another sad item that their half-stepping is muddling. It amounts to "You don't have to be online to use it but yeah, you really have to be online to use it". The daily online checksum is a stupid idea, considering that they are pushing devs to create always online games. At the very least, if they're going to go this route, they should at least just throw in a cheap 3G chip inside for the first gen of the console and subsidize it like Amazon has with their Kindle. A checksum is barely any data that needs to be sent. I get the basics of boiling a frog but eh. Everything is built to always be online these days so I guess I just don't see the point. That Call of Duty video - This was an event for the mass consumer and Call of Duty is the biggest franchise but damn was that video laughable. And to use it as a show closer was even more laughable considering what was shown. Only saving grace is if you can give voice commands to the dog partner which would be really cool and use the Kinect in a sensible way. there, that's it for my quick writeup on the Xbox One reveal. Kerbal Space Program got an update, which I haven't delved too much into it other than creating a new lander which has hilariously made one of the Kerbal become a permanent resident of Duna, forever to drive alone with no destination on the red planet. I'll do a rescue op sooner or later but first I need to build a new space station as my current one of become way too cramped. Greatest thing to come out of the update IMO is the ability of duct taping a seat to rockets and seeing them burn up in the atmosphere. It's for science. If you're interested in KSP, be warned that the 31st is the last day to buy the game and get all of the paid stuff that is coming later and I believe that the price is also going up, so buy now or forever hold your peace. You can buy it directly from them HERE or a copy from Steam HERE The End of Curiosity has come to a close and this was the video that was inside, sadly it wasn't a picture of Molyneux's balls and your cosplay photo | Recent Comments
Reforger:
"1950's construction techniques are a world away fr ..."
screaming in digital : "And I gotta watch that Matchbox car vid. As a kid ..." Notsothoreau: "I am supposed to get a portion of my aunt & uncle' ..." Smell the Glove: "Thx T.Rex. I collected sports cards as a kid and I ..." screaming in digital : "I'm very late, but in response to sharon.... I ..." Mike Hammer, etc., etc.: "Whatever 'collections' I have are pretty modest. A ..." Kindltot: "Iris, once you learn the lingo, you can research a ..." rhennigantx: "210 I guess I collect books as well, actually took ..." Skip : "I guess I collect books as well, actually took 1 b ..." Blanco Basura - Z28.310 [/i] [/b] [/u] [/s]: "[i]I have 2 corneas that cost about 67,000.[/i] ..." exdem13 FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT: "The meme is correct. We got started young. ..." rhennigantx: "205 rhennigan. I think you call that an investment ..." Recent Entries
Saturday Evening Movie Thread 09/07/2024 [TheJamesMadison]
Hobby Thread - Sept 7, 2024 [TRex] Ace of Spades Pet Thread, September 7 Gardening, Puttering and Adventure Thread, Sept. 7 The "rules-based international order" vs. free speech? The Classical Saturday Morning Coffee Break & Prayer Revival Daily Tech News 7 September 2024 The Bric, The Brac, The Craic & All, Lets Call It An ONT TGIF Cafe The Week In Woke Search
Polls! Polls! Polls!
Frequently Asked Questions
The (Almost) Complete Paul Anka Integrity Kick
Primary Document: The Audio
Paul Anka Haiku Contest Announcement Integrity SAT's: Entrance Exam for Paul Anka's Band AllahPundit's Paul Anka 45's Collection AnkaPundit: Paul Anka Takes Over the Site for a Weekend (Continues through to Monday's postings) George Bush Slices Don Rumsfeld Like an F*ckin' Hammer Top Top Tens
Democratic Forays into Erotica New Shows On Gore's DNC/MTV Network Nicknames for Potatoes, By People Who Really Hate Potatoes Star Wars Euphemisms for Self-Abuse Signs You're at an Iraqi "Wedding Party" Signs Your Clown Has Gone Bad Signs That You, Geroge Michael, Should Probably Just Give It Up Signs of Hip-Hop Influence on John Kerry NYT Headlines Spinning Bush's Jobs Boom Things People Are More Likely to Say Than "Did You Hear What Al Franken Said Yesterday?" Signs that Paul Krugman Has Lost His Frickin' Mind All-Time Best NBA Players, According to Senator Robert Byrd Other Bad Things About the Jews, According to the Koran Signs That David Letterman Just Doesn't Care Anymore Examples of Bob Kerrey's Insufferable Racial Jackassery Signs Andy Rooney Is Going Senile Other Judgments Dick Clarke Made About Condi Rice Based on Her Appearance Collective Names for Groups of People John Kerry's Other Vietnam Super-Pets Cool Things About the XM8 Assault Rifle Media-Approved Facts About the Democrat Spy Changes to Make Christianity More "Inclusive" Secret John Kerry Senatorial Accomplishments John Edwards Campaign Excuses John Kerry Pick-Up Lines Changes Liberal Senator George Michell Will Make at Disney Torments in Dog-Hell Greatest Hitjobs
The Ace of Spades HQ Sex-for-Money Skankathon A D&D Guide to the Democratic Candidates Margaret Cho: Just Not Funny More Margaret Cho Abuse Margaret Cho: Still Not Funny Iraqi Prisoner Claims He Was Raped... By Woman Wonkette Announces "Morning Zoo" Format John Kerry's "Plan" Causes Surrender of Moqtada al-Sadr's Militia World Muslim Leaders Apologize for Nick Berg's Beheading Michael Moore Goes on Lunchtime Manhattan Death-Spree Milestone: Oliver Willis Posts 400th "Fake News Article" Referencing Britney Spears Liberal Economists Rue a "New Decade of Greed" Artificial Insouciance: Maureen Dowd's Word Processor Revolts Against Her Numbing Imbecility Intelligence Officials Eye Blogs for Tips They Done Found Us Out, Cletus: Intrepid Internet Detective Figures Out Our Master Plan Shock: Josh Marshall Almost Mentions Sarin Discovery in Iraq Leather-Clad Biker Freaks Terrorize Australian Town When Clinton Was President, Torture Was Cool What Wonkette Means When She Explains What Tina Brown Means Wonkette's Stand-Up Act Wankette HQ Gay-Rumors Du Jour Here's What's Bugging Me: Goose and Slider My Own Micah Wright Style Confession of Dishonesty Outraged "Conservatives" React to the FMA An On-Line Impression of Dennis Miller Having Sex with a Kodiak Bear The Story the Rightwing Media Refuses to Report! Our Lunch with David "Glengarry Glen Ross" Mamet The House of Love: Paul Krugman A Michael Moore Mystery (TM) The Dowd-O-Matic! Liberal Consistency and Other Myths Kepler's Laws of Liberal Media Bias John Kerry-- The Splunge! Candidate "Divisive" Politics & "Attacks on Patriotism" (very long) The Donkey ("The Raven" parody) |