XBox One AND PS4 Discussion

[Sudz]

I game on a smaller screen next to my main TV and sit close, can I skip the Kinect set-up and use?

My systems are in the TV stand and are hidden when not in use. I also slide my smaller TV when I'm not playing behind the larger TV. The Kinect would be a pain to use. Has anyone set-up one without the Kinect yet in any review?

[Macca00]

My wife has been making fun of me mercilessly but the amount of home re-arrangement and preparation for this Friday's 'arrival' has been on par with my first child. Or, as my wife would point out, I waited till the day before my daughter was born to assemble the crib but I've already set out space for the XBONE, re-arranged the sofa, ran a new Ethernet cable from my router, organized my receiver (and subsequently re-programmed my harmony remote), bought a new optical cable, and downloaded the new Xbox One Smartglass iOS app - all that's left is to plug the damn thing in!

Such a nerd.

I can't freakin' wait!


Oh, btw

Forza 5 Reviews;

Polygon - 9/10
GamesRadar - 4 stars
Digital Spy - 4 stars
Eurogamer - 7/10
Joystiq - 4 stars
GameSpot - 9/10
IGN - 8.8/10
Destructoid - 9/10
Rev3/Sessler - 5/5
Escapist - 3.5/5
EGM - 6.5/10
USGamer - 4.5/5
GameReactor UK - 9/10
CVG: 7/10
VideoGamer: 9/10
OXM UK: 8/10

[Rodster]

I wasn't able to get in on the Amazon restock but I have a preorder with BB for a Day One XB. I was looking to use some Amazon credit I had but oh well.

[sportdan30]

The Verge's XBone Review.

http://www.theverge.com/2013/11/20/5117 ... one-review

Nice review. Sounds like the potential is definitely there, but the tv integration is going to be a little rough from the get go in regards to the overall functionality. That's actually the one feature I was most interested in, but I imagine it'll get progressively better over the coming months and years.

Like the PS4, it sounds like games are going to take some time before they really feel and look next gen. Although, I would say NBA 2K14 is amazing looking, as is Battlefield 4 apparently.

[GameSeven]

The Verge's XBone Review.

http://www.theverge.com/2013/11/20/5117 ... one-review

Nice review. Sounds like the potential is definitely there, but the tv integration is going to be a little rough from the get go in regards to the overall functionality. That's actually the one feature I was most interested in, but I imagine it'll get progressively better over the coming months and years.

Like the PS4, it sounds like games are going to take some time before they really feel and look next gen. Although, I would say NBA 2K14 is amazing looking, as is Battlefield 4 apparently.

One thing I saw mentioned that will put a damper on TV through X1 is that the console seemed to strip digital audio content off during the passthru. I'd think there's no reason that should be the case, but it would be unfortunate if that's not something that could be worked around or fixed.

[webdanzer]

Anandtech breakdown/comparison

http://anandtech.com/show/7528/the-xbox ... e-analysis

Good stuff there. G7 introduced me to this guy a while ago. He does a really good job.

[Sudz]

Skip Kinect integration:

http://imgur.com/Ilsz44h

[RobVarak]

Skip Kinect integration:

http://imgur.com/Ilsz44h

Yeah, from Web's link:

Those concerned about their privacy will be happy to know that Kinect isn’t required for use. You can boot the console and use it just fine even if you never connect Kinect. While at the dashboard you will get a little message telling you that Kinect is unplugged however.

[webdanzer]

Forza 5 Reviews;

Polygon - 9/10
GamesRadar - 4 stars
Digital Spy - 4 stars
Eurogamer - 7/10
Joystiq - 4 stars
GameSpot - 9/10
IGN - 8.8/10
Destructoid - 9/10
Rev3/Sessler - 5/5
Escapist - 3.5/5
EGM - 6.5/10
USGamer - 4.5/5
GameReactor UK - 9/10
CVG: 7/10
VideoGamer: 9/10
OXM UK: 8/10

So although I went PS4, looking at the list of launch titles this was probably the one out of all of them that I was most interested in just going by name and reputation. But this crap drives me nuts:

From Eurogamer review:

So little is spread out so thin across a career that doesn't make much of an effort to engage. Forza Motorsport 5's lattice of events is unlocked from the off, with different categories spread out across a succession of long series of 10 races each. There's no thread to follow, though, and with just 14 locations to share amongst them all, repetition sets in fast. "Here we are again at the Circuit de Catalunya," says the droll American commentator before an event (Peter Egan's no more, I'm afraid), with a small hint of apology in her voice.

All that's left is the grind, and it's not a particularly pleasant one. Unlike previous outings, cars don't unlock upon levelling up. Everything must be bought in Forza Motorsport 5, and all transactions take place in a slightly misshapen economy. A series will, on average, net the player in excess of 110,000 credits for just under an hour's effort - but with some of the premium racecars costing well over a million, it's a somewhat brutal grind. Good job, then, that there are tokens purchasable on the Xbox One's marketplace for you to attain the car you're after, or to temporarily boost the rate at which you gain XP. When you've already paid £429.99 for a new console, £44.99 for the game and maybe even £349.99 for the only steering wheel that the game supports at launch, such tricks appear a little unsavoury, and in Forza 5, mechanics greedily smuggled from free-to-play games trample over the elegant RPG elements the series once embraced so effectively.

Now, I was also concerned about this in Horizon, with the 'pay to teleport' system. While annoying, that was tolerable for sure. Seems like they are upping the cash grab quotient in this one, though. When Xboxers get this, please let me know what you think.

I *HATE* this trend...pay money to avoid an artificially extended grind that would allow access to the way you really want to play the game. It's the main reason why I don't play Ice Dragons hockey, and one of ways I can see where I am falling out of step with 'today's gamers' who don't mind spending the dough.

[sportdan30]

Good review of Ryse

http://www.3news.co.nz/Ryse-Son-of-Rome ... ozg8X-9KSO

[Sudz]

Skip Kinect integration:

http://imgur.com/Ilsz44h

Yeah, from Web's link:

Those concerned about their privacy will be happy to know that Kinect isn’t required for use. You can boot the console and use it just fine even if you never connect Kinect. While at the dashboard you will get a little message telling you that Kinect is unplugged however.

thanks..hadn't seen that line.

[sportdan30]

By the way, hopped on the 360 last night to watch my Jayhawks take on almighty Iona via the ESPN app. Anyways, there was only 1 person on XBL. Kinda shocked. After the game, jonesing for some basketball, I booted up the PS4 for some 2K14, and there were a dozen people online playing various games. Now, this was only one night, in a three hour window, but it'll be interesting to see over the next couple weeks if we start to see more people gravitate to the Xbox One and PS4 and less to the 360 and PS3.

[Leebo33]

Dan, I was on around that time playing 2K14. If you ever want to play that, FIFA, or Madden let me know.

[webdanzer]

Dan, I was on around that time playing 2K14. If you ever want to play that, FIFA, or Madden let me know.

Do you have NFS, COD or Killzone? I've been wanting to try some online play soon too.

[Leebo33]

Dan, I was on around that time playing 2K14. If you ever want to play that, FIFA, or Madden let me know.

Do you have NFS, COD or Killzone? I've been wanting to try some online play soon too.

Web, I do not. I only have the threes sports titles and AC4.

[Murph]

Microsoft releases Xbox One Smartglass app.

http://www.idownloadblog.com/2013/11/19 ... martglass/

[webdanzer]

Dan, I was on around that time playing 2K14. If you ever want to play that, FIFA, or Madden let me know.

Do you have NFS, COD or Killzone? I've been wanting to try some online play soon too.

Web, I do not. I only have the threes sports titles and AC4.

Aw, bummer. Well, I should be getting Fifa soon, so I'll catch you there!

[XXXIV]

Just got this email from Amazon. If anyone is looking for a launch Xbox One...

Dear Amazon.com Customer,

Customers who signed up to be notified of Xbox One console availability might like to know that we will have units of the Xbox One available for pre-order on Wednesday, November 20.

Quantities are limited so you will need to pre-order while supplies last, starting at 8 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. PT.

Looks like I made the morning cut, so I should have the XB1 this weekend.

Now to check game reviews...

Cool.

I stayed the course. Just couldnt justify it at this time. I only want one game and thats Forza5. Coulnt see spending over $600 to play a racing game

Still not out of the woods as the inner geek is thiking of things to trade and things to sell.

Looking forward to hearing the XB1 impressions from you lucky dudes that will have it up and running.

[sportdan30]

NOV 19 2013
PS4 System Software Update 1.51 Coming Soon

+ Posted by Eric Lempel // VP, Sony Network Entertainment
Later today, the next system software update for PlayStation 4 (version 1.51) will be available. With this minor required update, stability of system software has been improved. In addition, minor refinements to elements of the system UI (such as clearly indicating when a user downloads a game and a game patch at the same time) have been introduced.
In the North American region, automatic downloads for system and game updates are enabled by default when PS4 is in stand-by mode. Once system software update 1.51 is available later tonight, your PS4 will automatically download it, enabling you to update quickly and easily.

[TCrouch]

Yeah, I'm still jonesing to try NBA or Madden or something online on the PS4, as well. I suck at hoops, but have fun playing a buddy (who also sucks lol).

I haven't tried anything online with the PS4 yet (or PS3, for that matter).

My XB1 will be running on Friday, and I ended up getting Battlefield 4, Forza 5, Dead Rising 3, Madden and Assassin's Creed 4 (both the $10 trade in offer from 360) and Ryse with that one. That's 2 consoles, 2 extra controllers, and 13 new games in a week--my wife is not happy with me at the moment

I'm a little afraid to tell her that I'm contemplating picking up the XB1 racing wheel...

[sportdan30]

Dan, I was on around that time playing 2K14. If you ever want to play that, FIFA, or Madden let me know.

I'd be up for some 2k14 for sure. Although, I played my son's friend who is 10 the other day and he gave me a very good game until I opened it up in the 4th quarter. It was a bit of a jam fest head to head as opposed to a bit more methodical when I play against the CPU.

I'm a little less confident in my FIFA play, but am loving this game even in single player.

Madden could get ugly for me but I'm willing to give it a go as well.

[GameSeven]

Cool.

I stayed the course. Just couldnt justify it at this time. I only want one game and thats Forza5. Coulnt see spending over $600 to play a racing game

Still not out of the woods as the inner geek is thiking of things to trade and things to sell.

Looking forward to hearing the XB1 impressions from you lucky dudes that will have it up and running.

Yeah, tough decision for sure. Helped that I was sitting on about the purchase price in Amazon GCs and Credit Card Cash Back.

I probably didn't *need* to get in this early, but was starting to feel the pull.

[dbdynsty25]

Yeah, I'm still jonesing to try NBA or Madden or something online on the PS4, as well. I suck at hoops, but have fun playing a buddy (who also sucks lol).

If you wanna do it late night tonight, we can certainly give it a try. Like 10:30pm PST or so. I've got 2k, Madden and Fifa. I haven't ventured online either...so we'd both be getting our feet wet.

[sportdan30]

A little frustrated with Gamefly, but it's probably my own doing for waiting too long to rent. It's been five days now and still no PS4 games have shipped. If it goes another week, would it be worth calling to complain?

[TCrouch]

Yeah, I'm still jonesing to try NBA or Madden or something online on the PS4, as well. I suck at hoops, but have fun playing a buddy (who also sucks lol).

If you wanna do it late night tonight, we can certainly give it a try. Like 10:30pm PST or so. I've got 2k, Madden and Fifa. I haven't ventured online either...so we'd both be getting our feet wet.

Sure thing. At 10:30 I may only be able to get 1 game in or something, because if my old ass goes to bed past midnight and I'm up for work at 6, I'm dragging all day. But absolutely, I want to try it.

Thanks!