Category Archives: XBLA/PSN

Jun 12

My Letter to Microsoft about the Xbox One

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I have been keeping my mouth closed on this subject until after E3.   I need to vent a little on the whole next generation console topic.  I will start off by saying prior to 3 weeks ago I had every intention of pre-ordering both of these console.   My mind has changed….

Let me share some stats with you so you know I am not just another angry Sony fan boy.

  • I own 3 Xbox 360s
  • I buy games for Xbox 360 before any other platform
  • Below are my Raptr stats to prove this. 67% of my games are on 360.

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I play and buy a ton of games and mainly Xbox 360 and XBLA.   I enjoy buying new and used games.   The majority of the 360 games I have purchased have been buy 2 get 1 free from Gamestop(used).  I also tend to buy 4-6 new titles for the 360 per year.  I have poured countless dollars into DLC and have supported the platform since day one.

Now with all that being said I need to ask Microsoft a simple question.  Why?   I do not understand why you are trying to apply a PC model to your next generation console.  You have tried to go the other way with “Games for Windows” 3 times now and failed every time.   What makes this any different?  The power of the console is the ease of use of the platform, why encase that in a bunch of cryptic DRM rules that does nothing but hurt the user experience.

This is my pledge to you…

  • I will not buy the Xbox One if you plan on enabling the publishers to squeeze more cash out of the consumer(Including MS publishing).
  •  I will not reward you for this behavior.
  •  I will pre-order a PS4 and later decide if PS4 or Steam will be my lead platform for buying games.  It will most likely be split between Steam sales and Used games.
  • I will purchase at least 5 new games per year and these will be on the PS4.
  •  I will continue to buy xbox 360 games and play them.
  • I will reconsider buying an Xbox One if the DRM restrictions are removed and go back to operating like the Xbox 360

Hope this did not sound too “ranty” but I needed to put it out there.  It will make me feel better.

Some Discussion has started on the Splanic google+ community about this: Link

 

 

Oct 17

Happy Wars on Xbox – Free to Play

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So this free to play game looks stupid but It is very addictive and fun.   There are some minor matchmaking issues that they say will be fixed soon.   Give it a shot and let me know what you think

If you want to try to get a game together post that your playing in this forum post.

http://splanic.yuku.com/topic/4299/master/1/#.UH9dWMXA_WY

Aug 09

Review: Bastion XBLA

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There are a million review sites out there so the last thing I want to do is re-hash what all those sites have said.  I just finished this game Sunday night and wanted to give some quick impression and if it is worth the price of $15.

I will break this review down in several quick reference categories and try to stick with that format:  sound, visuals , gameplay and overall.  I will try to add a couple of videos from YouTube so you do not have to search all over to see what the game looks like.

Sound – This games adds a narrator,  this will need to be in more games from this point forward.   The narrator spoke of only the important parts of the story and when my character “The Kid” did something worth speaking about.     He set the tone for each level you enter and gave back story when needed.   The music was also surprisingly good, they did a good job blending it with the action and the story of the game.   

Visuals – I have no complaints about the visual style used in this game.  Everything had a hand drawn look but the most impressive thing was the level construction.  The level builds as you walk through it, this was a very nice touch.  check the video below to see what I mean.   

Gameplay – The gameplay in this game is Perfect.. Every weapon is unique and has unique controls.  The shield is awesome!  You will spend time upgrading your weapons looking for the perfect combos to use.   Download the demo just to feel how this game controls.

Overall –  For $15 this game is well worth the price.   This is the best arcade game I have played this year and only second to Portal 2 for best overall game.   It is not often I finish a game and go right back to play it for  a second time.

Video on the Next Page….

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Jul 31

NBA Jam: On Fire Edition Trailer

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I played this game so much back in the day, this is a day one purchase for me. Since it is an Arcade Game I do not expect it to be more that $15.   I hope we will be able to put in codes and play as Bill Clinton and Al Gore.   They could update and add some 2011 characters… The cast of Jersey Shore is where they should start and just move on from there.

Unlocks…. Continue reading →