So E3 is over. Now that Sony is done making Microsoft look like an ass and Microsoft is done making Microsoft look like an ass, it seemed like the perfect time to revisit this topic. I know that I was originally pretty hard on both consoles, but this was also at a time where all we had to look forward to was a new Assassin's Creed, a new Call of Duty, and Watch_Dogs, which is releasing on both current and next-gen platforms.
Now, after press conferences from both MS and Sony, along with two major developers that will be releasing content on both platforms, I have to say that I've got somewhat of a new outlook on the future of gaming. That doesn't, however, mean that it's bright.
Let's revisit a few points from last month:
Backwards Compatibility:
The industry seems convinced that it's perfectly understandable to eliminate backwards compatibility. Sure, we'll just keep our old consoles, but as I previously stated, what about the newcomer? People that might be interested in the Assassin's Creed lineage before 4, the original Dark Souls, the first two Dead Rising or Witcher games, the original Dragon Age titles, the list goes ON AND ON AND ON. This is because publishers are afraid to take gambles and like continuing to spew the same shit that they know gamers already "enjoy".
Though I've already made a bit of a rant about this, it's time to update my stance with new-found information. With all the stupid shit that Microsoft ended up saying both before,
during and after E3, they still don't have any comment on backwards
compatibility. For some reason, we as gamers seem to be OKAY with this. Sony, on the other hand, stated at their conference that through their newly acquired Gaikai service that they will be making 10 PS3 games available for streaming on the PS4, PS3 and Vita in 2014. It's not disc-based, and it's not confirmed as to how much, if at all, users will have to pay for this service, but it sure as shit is more than Microsoft is willing to do.
This round: PS4
Electric Eyes (console cameras):
Originally, it was rumored that the Playstation 4 would be bundled together with it's own motion-tracking evil camera toy thing. This put it roughly on the level with the Xbox One, which Microsoft has stated "will not work without Kinect". Sure, Sony's was optional, but still included. Now in the post-E3 world, thanks to IGN, we've learned that while that was originally the plan, the PS4 will not include the Eye. This is a choice that plays a major part in its $100 lower price point. The camera will be made available separately for $59.99 which, even after sales tax, is still cheaper than the Xbox One.
This round: PS4
Controllers:
On the topic of Sony's other "peripheral innovations", the Dualshock 4's share button is more or less negligible. Sure it's there and I don't like Sony's emphasis on the social media end of things, but it's a button, and a button I can ignore. I am, however, not so keen on the touchpad in the middle of my controller. If things go the way they tend to with Nintendo, it's that first-party developers will use it tactfully in a fashion that will add to a game's immersion. However, third-party developers will go on to fuck it all up thinking that touch controls are something that they must use for some kind of stupid gimmick. Fingers crossed that this isn't the case.
On the other hand, like I talked about last time, the Xbox One controller functionally doesn't seem to have any difference from the existing 360 controller. Sometimes doing nothing means everything.
This round: Xbox One
Used Games:
While we're talking about how NOT changing things makes a huge difference, let's beat a dead horse. Microsoft has killed its used game policy and online check-ins after the brutal thrashing it received from Sony at E3. This wildly increased the Xbone's approval rating, though the changes in policy only come with a Day One software update. That is to say, if you didn't have an internet connection before you bought an Xbox One, the fucking thing still won't work without one. Also, since this is a software patch we should all be aware that, on a whim, Microsoft still has the power to reverse its reversal.
And if you read my article on Sony's E3 conference, you'll remember my excitement about how they thoroughly skewered Microsoft's original policies. And that makes me very confident in theirs.
This round: PS4
Features:
We're about even here, since both consoles have some form of livestream. Microsoft has partnered up with Twitch TV, and UStream has signed on with Sony. Microsoft made a big deal of Smartglass at E3, and how you could use your tablet as an Xbone controller, and it would give you some added information like leaderboards and game progression for all your friends... bunch of shit no one cares about. Though a good chunk of games shown at E3 (Watch_Dogs, The Crew, The Division and Need for Speed: Rivals to name a few) seemed to integrate some kind of tablet support beyond the reach of just Smartglass. So if you want to dick around on your tablet as well as play an actual video game, both Microsoft and Sony will have titles for you. Of course, if you really wanted to play with a tablet and a game console at the same time, you've probably already bought a WiiU.
This round: Draw - All things considered, PS4 and X1 are offering more or less the same shit here.
And on to what we as gamers really care about:
The Games
I'd be lying if I said I didn't get wet over EA's presentation of Titanfall. The game is slated as being exclusive to Windows, Xbox One and also coming to the 360. However, according to Titanfall Lead Artist Joel Emslie, when asked if we would ever see a Playstation 4 version, he stated ""It's definitely not out of the question. We have a
huge appreciation for the fans. Coming out and showing it to everybody,
we're super nervous and wanted to make sure everybody loved it. We love
all our fans, whatever console they support." (source: Eurogamer) Unfortunately for MS, just about nothing else on the Xbox One impressed me. Sunset Overdrive is a new IP, but with only a cinematic trailer to go off of, it's really difficult to make a solid judgement. I personally would be excited for Crimson Dragon, but I can always just go back and play my copy of Panzer Dragoon Orta on the 360.
Sony, on the other hand, took a different path to impressing gamers. If you're like me, you've been rather disappointed with the bland, generic brown-and-grey, press-L1/LT-to-aim-down-the-sights shooter gameplay shown in just about every Triple A title to hit the shelves these days. Everything feels the same, looks the same and sounds the same. Sony really showed us a dedication to indie games with their showcase of various indie titles that will have their exclusive debut on Playstaion. While these titles may not permanently remain PS exclusive, it does give me hope. Hope that Sony will continue to cultivate support for the growing number of indie developers who've proved to me time and time again that you don't need Hi-Def 3D Triple A graphics to have stunning artwork. That sound design is more than just gunshots and ambient noise. And that a dynamic narrator is fucking awesome.
This round: Lets be honest, this one really comes down to the third party. Ubisoft showed us that they have some killer titles lined up for the coming year. EA's conference proved a little more disappointing with a bigger focus on sports games and Battlefield 4. Though Bioware does have another Mass Effect title in the works and that is a guaranteed day one buy for me.
In Closing:
I have to say that the Playstation 4 has my full support unless Microsoft can wow us with something flashy enough to make us all forget about their idiotic policies defended by their FORMER President of the Interactive Entertainment Business, Don Mattrick.
Did anyone else shed tears of joy when he left to go work on Farmville? I know I did.
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