Opinion: Could Microsoft’s Emphasis On Xbox Game Pass Be Diluting Games With Gold Titles?
As of these past few months, many users on Xbox One have witnessed a lacking lineup of games that are available on the platform when it comes to the offered titles through the Games with Gold program. In that, players that purchase any tier of Xbox Live Gold will be instantly offered a lineup of titles that are available to download instantly for no additional cost. The initiative when conceived back on last-generation hardware for the Xbox 360 came to be a very rewarding procedure coming from the firm after countless Xbox users paid to use online through Xbox Live. So instead of continuing to pay for just the service to further your use in online for the plethora of titles, Microsoft would reward new titles on a monthly basis which could bring new experiences to players who never played the games. And as the service crossed over onto the next-generation with Xbox One later on, the firm did not retract the offer of new titles each month for players on both systems. The service continued offering Xbox 360 titles until June 2014 where the lineup was met with twice the amount of titles between the current Xbox One and its predecessor. So the service continued forward offering new titles to users on the respected platform. It was not until the following year that Microsoft finally greenlit backwards compatibility that players could really engage with the free titles available through the monthly program where Games with Gold really shined. Which lead to months of very memorable features that utilized both generations of titles. And that is not to mention the addition of Original Xbox backwards compatibility which overlaid the two Xbox 360 titles with only one from the last-generation system and Microsoft’s inaugural console. For quite some time, the platform was met with some exciting months of Xbox Games with Gold that grabbed player’s attentions for a good month of gaming. However, not all good things last as the service has not been enlightened in quite some time. And it is not to say that the service has not been met with good games, because there certainly are some, but not to what amplifies fans into downloading that month’s library with the intent to play all of them. Reflecting on month’s like October 2015 offering Valiant Hearts, Telltale’s The Walking Season 2, and Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes or April 2016 with The Wolf Among Us, Sunset Overdrive, Dead Space, and Saints Row IV are what some users are dreading to see in recent months. But unfortunately, there hasn’t been many months with entries that users deem worth even downloading anymore since none of the free titles are engaging enough for users to pursue. Although there are maybe one title in particular that is an eye-opener to download for your backlog, it isn’t enough to save the entirety of that respected month. While the situation cannot directly determine what caused this drought to emerge for Games with Gold, there is one theory that could bring some sanity to those looking for an answer. It is that Microsoft has shifted its focus towards Xbox Game Pass. And though the firm has still provided new titles to the older initiative following the debut of the additional service in 2017, it is suspected that the Netflix-esque business model has overshadowed the free games program. Looking at the magnitude for Xbox Game Pass, the lineup of titles is outstanding. Offering all first-party titles day one with the addition of most marketed entries following their respected releases, the service is one you should be a part of. Howbeit, the additions welcomed to Xbox Game Pass could in likeliness negate opportunity for their chances to be featured on Games with Gold. For the most part, users that own Xbox Game Pass are presumed to also be paying for Xbox Live as well. That either through separate subscriptions or through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Microsoft would not intend to offer the same title through two services on its platforms. Additionally, this move also discards initiative to add the game later on since Xbox Game Pass owners enjoyed the game once already. For those who recall, Microsoft initially welcomed titles to the platform with the game being featured on Games with Gold. But now, those same titles that could be a glowing feature for the monthly program is now being advertised for Xbox Game Pass. Projects such as Sabotage Studio’s The Messenger or Phobia Game Studio’s Carrion are recent examples of titles that could fit this category. Perhaps Microsoft is aiming to relinquish this program in the long run seeing how profitable Xbox Game Pass has become in contrast to Xbox Live. This month, it was discovered that Microsoft delisted the 12-month subscription option for Xbox Live – possibly entailing the service is on the way align with PC and how online play is oriented for keyboard & mouse users. As of reporting, the company has yet to disclose the intentions of delisting the subscription tier. Currently, Xbox Game Pass sits over 10 million users divided between console and PC. With the next-generation just on the horizon, Microsoft shows no signs of standing down to further push Xbox Game Pass. That said especially as every title featured in the recent Xbox Games Showcase will be available for the service within the next couple of years, Microsoft has confirmed. What do you think might be the reasoning for the lesser desirable titles being featured through Games with Gold in recent months?
Sega Reveals Steam Version For Phantasy Star Online 2, Comes With An Arrangement Of Valve Cosmetics
In the events leading up to the official release for Phantasy Star Online 2, it was already public knowledge that the Japanese exclusive title when arriving to North America would also be greeted with a PC version as well shortly after its debut on Xbox One. More specifically for Microsoft’s Windows 10 Store, players would be able to explore the near decade-old entry outside the restrictions of a console. However, there was another version that was nodded to in the game’s officially manual this past February. It was uncovered on ResetEra that Steam users could also be expecting the game as well. That was until Sega retracted the listing for the game manual as it revealed undisclosed contents in the digital pamphlet. But now at the end of July, Sega has announced that Phantasy Star Online 2 will officially be arriving to Steam next month. In fact, the title will be arriving in less than a week; next Wednesday to be specific. “You are an ARKS Operative, a member of an elite task force dedicated to exploring inhospitable planets, and looking for signs of a dark corruption called the Falspawn,” the game’s synapse shares on Steam. “Join forces with allies from four distinct races and choose from nine classes —each with unique weapons and special abilities— and embark on endless and challenging missions with friends!” Players who might have friends on Steam will have the opportunity to do so as cross-platform play will be supported. And if you decide to join them on Steam, your progress will transfer over thanks to cross-save being implemented for Phantasy Star Online 2. In addition to the game’s arrival for Steam next week, Sega also spared a glimpse at some of the decorated cosmetics for the storefront. Those including: Headcrab emote; Team Fortress 2 Pyro’s Gas Mask; Half-Life: Alyx hair style; Protal 2 Wheatley evolution device; TF2 Minigun weapon camo; Left 4 Dead Frying Pan weapon camo; Half-Life 2 HEV suit (Male); Half-Life: Alyx replica outfit (Female). Elsewhere recently, Sega disclosed some grander details in the coming New Genesis expansion for Phantasy Star Online 2. You can read the report in full by heading here. Are you heading to Steam for Phantasy Star Online 2? Phantasy Star Online 2 arrives to Steam on August 5, 2020; out now for Xbox One and Windows 10. Source: Sega
Sega Elaborates On Details For Upcoming Phantasy Star Online 2 Expansion New Genesis
When it comes to Xbox users these past few months, many can share that they have been indulging in the content rich title that is Phantasy Star Online 2. With the game’s migration to Windows 10 shortly after, players were instantly met with years of content ready to be uncovered and unique vistas to tread in the universe crafted by Team Sonic. Looking ahead for the series, it was unsure where the current game would head in terms of scope for content seeing how much is already imbedded in Phantasy Star Online 2. But publisher Sega disclosed during last week’s Xbox Games Showcase that a new expansion will be arriving later on in the coming year. You can watch the announcement trailer in the video below: Unveiling Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis, the coming expansion for the eight year old title is told to reinvigorate the core game with a completely revamped system for the online RPG for what many players could find to be date. Instead of the team shipping out a new episode in its place, New Genesis will be arriving next year to accommodate for the content release later on. Elaborating more on the announcement, Sega discloses that players in both Phantasy Star Online 2 as well as in New Genesis can play together. New Genesis is told to offer a completely reworked visual system that is graphically superior to base Phantasy Star Online 2. Even more, gameplay will also be altered in contrast to the preceding version: items like Skill Rings and furnishings will not be usable in New Genesis. Thankfully, player data between each version can be shared, Sega confirms. However, player EXP and class skills are told not to be compatible to interchange between Phantasy Star Online 2 and New Genesis. So be cautious with how you decide to grind when both iterations of Phantasy Star Online 2 is available to play. What are you most excited about Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis? Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is launching sometime in 2021 for Xbxo One and Windows 10 for free. Source: Sega
Xbox Games with Gold lineup revealed for August 2020
August is upon us and the Xbox Games with Gold lineup has been revealed for the month. This lineup features four games two from the Original Xbox and two Xbox One titles. Both Original Xbox games will be compatible on Xbox One. Here are the two Xbox games: Red Faction II – Available August 16 – 31 ($14.99 ERP) MX Unleashed – Available August 1 – 15 ($14.99 ERP) Here are the two Xbox One Games: Portal Knights – Available August 1 – 31 ($19.99 ERP) Override: Mech City Brawl – Available 16 – September 15 ($29.99 ERP) What are your thoughts on the lineup? Source
Cuphead Is Coming To PlayStation 4 Today
Yesterday, Cuphead had appeared on the PlayStation Store in certain countries, but was quickly taken down. Today, Studio MDHR have announced that Cuphead is available on PlayStation 4 starting today! Surprise!! Cuphead is coming to PlayStation 4 … TODAY! That's right: you'll be able purchase the game starting today on the PlayStation Store. While you're here, please enjoy our brand new stop motion animated launch trailer! https://t.co/IRTBXJ0aX1 pic.twitter.com/yw3fSABnNU — Studio MDHR (@StudioMDHR) July 28, 2020 Cuphead had launched as an Xbox title, but it has quickly moved to other platforms such as Nintendo Switch and now PlayStation 4. You can now play the game on 4 different platforms. There hasn’t been a price yet, but we’d assume it’ll be $19.99 on PlayStation. Check out our Cuphead review here.
Pre-orders For Analogue’s Pocket Handheld Kicks Off On August 3rd
Dating back to October of last year, technology manufacturer Analogue announced its latest product to hit the market, the Analogue Pocket. This new same-named device would essentially preserve the use of the original cartridges for the original GameBoy with a new display alongside a plethora of additions that the original handheld could not perform nearly two decades ago. At the time of reporting, Analogue shared that its titular Pocket would arrive sometime in 2020 for eager GameBoy fans to pick up the following year. And now, the firm has returned to share that pre-ordering is set to initiate this coming Monday, August 3rd. Taken from the announcement, it is also insinuated that the arrival of the device is to follow shortly after near the end of 2020. With the ongoing pandemic still in effect, it is presumed production of the handheld itself was affected leaning towards a later released for the Analogue Pocket than the firm initially aimed for. In addition to the pre-order set to kick off next week, the firm also disclosed new features for the Pocket in the thread made. The Analogue Pocket will support ‘Pocket Multiplayer’ for games compatible for local play and requires cables to connect other Pocket devices to play. The handheld also offers original display mode to bring the authenticity of playing the respected GameBoy title back to life. Moreover, Analogue disclosed that the device will be a universal component to bridge playing other similar handhelds with the Pocket. In that, the device is said to also play titles for the Atari Lynx, Neo Geo Pocket Color, and Sega Game Gear respectively. Games can also be viewed in a resolution 10x higher than its initial output – exceeding standard high definition to project 1440p. Alike the current Nintendo Switch, the Analogue Pocket when advertised last year was told to also ship with a separate dock to connect the device to your television. At that time, pricing was not provided for the dock alongside the $199.99 price tag for the Pocket. No details were spared if there will be a bundle offering both the handheld and the dock in one offering. Are you interested in picking up the Analogue Pocket? Pre-orders for the Analogue Pocket will go live on August 3, 2020.
PlayStations Plus For August 2020 Offers Fall Guys & Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Remastered
As we come close to yet another month of gaming, Sony Interactive Entertainment is back with yet another duo of titles that are underway for August 2020. Although this month’s PlayStation Plus roster was presented with the bonus game Erica from Flavourworks alongside Rise of the Tomb Raider and NBA 2K20, next month will be returning to the two game lineup, for now at least. In a new blog post published recently, Sony Interactive Entertainment announces that two, very young titles will be coming to PlayStation Plus subscribers this August. Revealing that both Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Remastered and Fall Guys will be arriving shortly after. The first project from Beenox released back in late March with a limited time exclusivity deal on the PlayStation 4 before arriving to Xbox One and PC the month after in April. Unlike the original 2009 title, the remastered iteration of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 also incorporated a reworking of the single player campaign. Other segments of the game that utilized online connectivity – Multiplayer & Special Ops – was not included. The second is Fall Guys from Mediatonic: a multiplayer-focused experience where you play a collection of goofy characters whose objective is to make it across unstable platforms. The game was previously announced earlier this month to arrive in August 4 next month and is still planned to arrive that date for free for all PlayStation Plus owners. But rather than waiting the extra week, Sony Interactive Entertainment disclosed that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Remastered is available to pick up starting today and Fall Guys can be picked up later on next Tuesday. What titles are you most intrigued to pick up next month? Source: PlayStation Blog
