updated 5/23
Actually I do. I haven't been a fan of consoles for ages. I think the last time I truly had fun was Goldeneye on the N64. Which was also the last time I actually bought a console. I do own a PS3. Last game bought was GTA4. It's mainly used to stream crap on my TV. That idea itself is probably what Microsoft is looking at. I can sit and complain about what the One lacks, or it's DRM, or how your game library is toast. I think that's been done to death already. I'm not supporting this console. But I'm pretty sure I know what MS is thinking. Figure there's 40+ million XBoxes out there. Yet when a new COD comes out, they sell less around 4 million units. What happened to the other 90% of owners? What are they doing? I want to rant about the press conference for a second. Nearly an hour of visuals from a game, but no actual gameplay. Why? Well what's the point? Everyone knows game play in a FPS isn't going to change. Frankly the visuals weren't really that stunning. But is it because the console lacks the power? Or the developer not utilizing the console 100%. This is the first gen of consoles that are built like an actual computer. No random CPU/GPU conclaving into something a developer needs to port specially to make it viable. That's actually a positive for console owners. Their games won't be ripped apart to fit into console land. And unlike computers themselves. A console built like a computer should function fundamentally better. There's no crap clogging the system. So you would think, if a developer properly made their game, it would looks stunning.
But that's the problem. From what I watched, just looks like someone taking the safe route. Why push a game to it's limits when the console itself is an alpha. Sure, down the road if we see this 'cloud computing' the games may look a bit better. But really? They roll out the thought on the heels of Sim City. How'd that work out? And at least in the US, I don't think the broadband could handle it.
OK so now I'll just trash the damn thing. This ugly POS will again never be utilized properly. With the added constraints, (old games, DRM) it's going to turn off the older generation of players. But you still have your old Xbox to play. But in the end, players will flock. Not because of what the console can do. But to play with friends, or the random exclusive. And the marketing won't be on gaming itself. This is an 'entertainment system' the only downside is it will not teach children how to properly blow into an 8bit cartridge.
