280°

Xbox's First Series X Misstep - Next-Gen Console Watch

IGN: "Welcome back to Next-Gen Console Watch 2020, our new show following all the news and rumors on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Lots to talk about this week as Xbox just gave us a first look at third-party games on Xbox Series X."

isarai1476d ago

Wonder why everyone has suddenly forgot about cross-buy when talking about smart delivery. It's the same thing and has been around for the ps3, psp, psvita, and ps4.

darthv721476d ago

Not only that but play anywhere is still a thing. At least... I think it's still a thing???

isarai1476d ago

Yeah, it's still a bit too demanding but it can be done, i played half of Agents of Mayhem on my vita at work through remote play/play anywhere and it worked quite well, but i wouldn't expect the same performance at say a public McDonald's wifi service

Rude-ro1476d ago

Not really on the play anywhere..
There are titles that support it, but then there are games that do not like halo mcc

1476d ago Replies(8)
InUrFoxHole1476d ago

No one forgot about it but it should be a standard. Early this gen it wasn't

timotim1476d ago

Not the same thing actually.

A game can be cross-buy/Play Anywhere, yet doesn't take advantage of the better hardware. Smart Delivery ensures both cross-buy AND enhancements and features that take advantage of the better hardware.

neutralgamer19921476d ago

isarai3

it's similar with improvements you can say. The system is kind of evolving and i am sure sony will evolve with it but when it comes to 3rd part publishers most i don't think will give away free copies. Both ms and sony can do this using their exclusives but any 3rd party game in this smart delivery will be paid for by the console makers.

this latest AC game would have sold well on next gen consoles let's say UBI were able to move a modest 2.5 million on ps5/xsx but if UBI has agreed to smart delivery sony and ms have to cover some of that cost. It's the same when ms or sony put big 3rd parry games on psn now or GP they have to pay

porkChop1476d ago

Smart Delivery also includes physical. You put the XBO disc in your SX, and it installs the SX version rather than playing through BC.

The general idea between the two systems is the same, but the way they go about it is a bit different.

isarai1476d ago

Yeah im not saying it's the same on every level, "Smart Delivery" obviously has some improvements like doing it for physical discs aswell. Just think it's silly everyone acts like Sony HAS NEVER and WILL NEVER do anything similar.

NeoGamer2321476d ago

PS definitely has had cross buy for a very long time. That was a big feature for me when I had a PS Vita/PS3 combo. Cross-buy for PS3/4 was very limited. But, they haven't done it for the larger and more AAA games. They just did it with smaller games.

Here are the cross-buy PS3/PS4 games in Canada (Where I live):

https://store.playstation.c...

There is 67 there considering there are thousands of games for PS3/PS4, this is a very small list..

For example I could not cross-buy TLOU for PS3/4. I had to purchase both versions to get them on the different platforms.

The difference here I think is that MS is encouraging all games to be cross buy and not just smaller games.

That said, there is nothing Sony does not have to do cross-buy with PS4 to PS5. And given its reception I don't see why they won't expand it to the larger games.

RamRod881476d ago

Not the same thing really. Cross-buy from ps3 to ps4 only works with digital games and the total list of games is less than 70, being comprised of almost all indie games. Games using smart delivery will scale the game according to the system being used and the disc version works as well. That number will certainly be more than 70 and we already know of larger games like cyberpunk and AC using this feature, along with Halo Infinite, Gears 5, and other 1st party games.

https://store.playstation.c...

PepsivsCoke1476d ago

Well, isn't just about any PS4 game going to be playable on the PS5? So... If I buy Madden for the PS4 then later the PS5 comes out....I put the disc in the PS5 and it plays, right!? It should include upgrading. Maybe their point is you can buy the Xbox series X game and play it on your Xbox one till you get the Series X. However games won't be out for the Series X until the system is out, so ... now.....back to square one. WTH? Is this just a marketing thing? Sounding like you're getting cool feature?

AK911475d ago

They haven't MS is just pretending like they invented the idea to seem special but its obviously not as big deal as game journo's want people to think they are.

+ Show (7) more repliesLast reply 1475d ago
darthv721476d ago

I agree with Ryan, it seemed misleading to call it 'gameplay' when it was all just sizzle reels. Games looked cool, and now i know what to expect from the cutscenes when i play them but I wanted to see the character actually doing stuff on the screen... like gameplay usually shows.

Sciurus_vulgaris1476d ago

I’m not sure why people are so surprised. Devs have been showcasing cutscenes, and modified, selective capture as “gameplay” for years now.

1476d ago
SpaceRanger1476d ago

Good point, but MS actively marketed it as “Next Generation Gameplay” for the last week and a half. Very misleading for those who tuned in.

darthv721476d ago

Not all devs. And really this is more on Ubi than it is MS. MS gave them the platform to showcase their 'gameplay' and Ubi did nothing of the sort. Some of the other games had a mix of gameplay (from player perspective) mixed with snipets of cutscenes but the big one people were really expecting (as was initially touted) was AC:V and Ubi failed to deliver. MS is the one getting all the heat and they know it could have been better had they been more demanding of what even they were expecting from the 3rd parties for this show.

Imalwaysright1476d ago (Edited 1476d ago )

Cutscenes aren't gameplay at all. I have seen devs saying that cutscenes are in-engine and that can be misleading as they can be pre-rendered and have improved lighting, textures, etc when compared to what you get in gameplay portions.

@ darthv72

I have a hard time believing that MS didn't know what was going to be shown.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 1476d ago
Sciurus_vulgaris1476d ago

You are correct, but Microsoft should have just stated their event as a game reveal event.

343_Guilty_Spark1476d ago

Misstep is a bit much. They showed some in-game trailers during a very strange period of pandemic and little game news

InUrFoxHole1476d ago

The stream was a disservice to the games. They should've uploaded it after it was done.

GamerRN1475d ago

At least they are TAKING steps... PS5 hasn't misstepped because they are standing still

Dragonscale1475d ago

Better to stand still than fall flat on your face.

1476d ago
RazzerRedux1476d ago (Edited 1476d ago )

The pandemic doesn't prevent them from being truthful about what they were going to show. They hyped it as "gameplay". The event title said "gameplay". There was barely any actual gameplay. WTF does the pandemic have to do with any of that?

dumahim1476d ago

A misstep is pretty minor. I don't think it's a bit much at all.
I don't understand why they chose to go with a bunch of non-impressive third party games as their first big showcase of their next-gen. There should have been a few first party titles or wait until they're ready to be shown.

generic-user-name1476d ago

They said they'd show one thing, they showed another, inferior thing. That's a misstep to anyone not clouded by brand loyalty.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 1475d ago
meka26111476d ago

I'm not sure where this is coming from? Most of the videos were gameplay trailers and they said it would be indie games. Also they are making more announcements each month. I understand being pissed about assassin's creed but that's on Ubisoft as usual. Can't wait for when we do see gameplay and then we will see the famous Ubisoft graphics downgrade. I don't think any of the games are very impressive but there was tons of gameplay like they said.

RazzerRedux1476d ago

" Most of the videos were gameplay trailers"

No...those were in-game trailers. Those were not gameplay trailers. This was hyped as a "gameplay" event. That's where this is coming from.

StormLegend1476d ago

That event was horrible. None of that looked next gen. $500+ for that? I'm good

Show all comments (59)
210°

Hellblade 2 is a defining moment in the evolution of real-time graphics | Digital Foundry

The Digital Foundry verdict on the technology of Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2.

Read Full Story >>
eurogamer.net
PrinceOfAnger4h ago(Edited 4h ago)

Such a good looking game, best graphics this gen so far

" When the camera zooms in for a close-up, the level of detail is such that it left me guessing whether I was looking at real-time graphics or a pre-rendered cutscene. Thankfully, with Photo Mode being available at any time, you can easily confirm that they are, in fact, real-time.Of course, it's really the animation you experience while playing that impressed me the most. The expressions visible while engaged in combat or simply exploring really help bring the characters to life. "

As a story-focused game, characters and character rendering play a significant role in the presentation. However, while the pre-release media largely focused on Senua herself, Hellblade 2 features a surprisingly large number of other humans. It's without doubt one of the games defining visual features - the character rendering in Hellblade 2 sets new standards, delivering sequences that, at times, almost resemble actual filmed scenes with real actors. This is one of the first examples of a game that stands up against the promise of the UE5 demo The Matrix Awakens. The scenes feel very natural and realistic in a way that manages to somewhat sidestep the uncanny valley almost completely.

Einhander19722h ago

So, the other day I was talking about how DF lies, and their bias. I said cross-reference what they say with other videos and you'll see that what they say is dishonest.

You can see here, that frame-rate is section is hidden near the end of the video and it's one of the shortest sections and of course the segment they show is all 30 fps and they of course don't show any series s footage, but they specifically say it holds 30 FPS "flawlessly".

"It does reach this target flawlessly in my experience with virtually zero hiccups - it runs at 30fps and 30fps is exactly what you'll get from start to finish."

Now watch this video
https://youtu.be/UNwO6WZD0c...
https://youtu.be/UNwO6WZD0c...

Here it drops to 21 fps for example
https://youtu.be/UNwO6WZD0c...

I just used these videos because they were already posted on N4G and Analista De Bits it above questioning about legitimacy, but you can find other people who will also show that the game drops frames regularly, especially on series s.

Petebloodyonion1h ago

OMG! You caught them Lying hard because the game frame dips from time to time to 29 frames per second and at one point it drops for flash at 21 FPS.
Clearly, they are trying to hide something and the 99% of the time that the game holds 30 frames doesn't mean squats in a saying with VIRTUALLY Zero hiccups.

As you can see by the several comments in the video you posted people are venting their anger about how well the Serie S is holding up and how well the game is running across the board

But I guess MS probably paid the users to Shill for MS also since it's your narrative
By the way, let me inform you that 87% of Steam users who got this game are recommending it!
https://store.steampowered....
Must be shilled too right?

darthv721h ago

You're trying too hard... John enjoyed the game and stated as much in his testing.

Einhander19721h ago(Edited 1h ago)

Petebloodyonion

OMG! You caught them Lying hard because the game frame dips from time to time to 29 frames per second and at one point it drops for flash at 21 FPS.

I did catch them lying, thanks for noticing.

The problem isn't me. The problem is that you're O.K. with it because they are lying in a way that supports your personal opinion.

darthv72

Get mad at me because I catch them being dishonest? I'm the bad guy, not the people who are actually lying. Man, the world we live in today is absolutely backwards, it's the bizarro timeline...

If I wanted to take the time I could show you that this isn't the exception, they constantly lie and mislead people in their videos.

OptimusDK4h ago

Incredible graphics..this is finally next gen graphics. It’s an experience more than a game. You can fault it or accept it and embrace what it gives you. It’s like Sony 1886.

PrinceOfAnger4h ago

(Summary)
- Takes advantage of everything UE5 offers
- Final game 'lives up to the lofty expectations' of the 2019 reveal
- Character rendering sets new standards and nearly resembles movie sequences with actual actors
- Leverages Unreal's Meta Human 5 to bypass the uncanny valley feel
- DF were left guessing whether some cut-scenes were in-game or real life footage (photo mode shows they're all real time)
- Character detail and how light / specular etc reflect on it praised
- A lot of the visual make up is tied to the post-process effects
- No option to disable things like CA, DoF etc but it's all suitable to the games presentation
- Soft filmic image quality and wider FoV praised

Resolution and Visuals:
- DRS 1296 to 1440p (w/ black bars 964 to 1070p). Series S will be covered in separate video
- 'Not sure if adding more pixels would make a difference to the filmic quality'

UE5 Features:
- Lumen is used extensively for direct and in-direct lighting, a lot of real time changes and shadows etc all update accordingly
- 'Phenomenal stuff'
- Lumen does a better job than traditional real time lighting system for indirectly lit areas like under ramps etc
- Lumen reflections used in combination with SSR for water bodies. Some water bodies can show SSR artifacts when moving camera
- 'Anyone looking at the game in motion will be impressed even if they do not understand the technical reasons'
- Unreal's fog is used effectively, fog lights up with light sources and runs at high quality
- Water effects and waves are praised. ' Absolutely stunning'

- Nanite is extensively used and eliminates visible pop-in even during scene transitions
- Minimal repetition or tiling, uses photo-grammatory
- Some assets like tree branches can show low resolution when zoomed in with photo mode, however

- Fine shadow detail is retained even when zooming extremely in thanks to Unreal's Virtual Shadow Maps
- Shadow quality is not always perfect and can show cracks in some instances but very consistent by and large
- Not the first UE5 game to use all these features, but by and far the best looking game to do so.

Performance:
- 30 FPS but the performance is locked and never dropped in John's testing on Series X
- DF tested the game on their Series X - similar - PC to see how much performance could be gained over 30
- 4K with DRS, they were able to stay locked at 30 FPS on High
- DRS 1440p with 60 FPS target sees game play at high 50s with more drops in cut-scenes
- DF thinks based on this test, SX can do 60 FPS with a more aggressive DRS target
- However, PC version can show massive frame time stutters that the Xbox version does not in the same areas
- DF summary: 60 FPS is theoretically possible, but for a stable 60 they might need to drop settings a lot

Audio
- Headphones are needed for Binaural audio effect that the game uses extensively
- DF thinks it is 'incredibly engaging'

Trailer Comparison:
- They compare the Giant fight trailer with the same area in the final game
- Final game has lesser lens distortion and difference in how the flame is lit
- The flames felt more 'fluid' in the demo versus the final game, otherwise no difference in the segment noted

- DF thinks Ninja Theory 'reached their goal'
- Praise the polish, presentation etc.

Obscure_Observer3h ago

Excellent work from Ninja Theory to get the Series X to finally flex it´s 12TF muscles to the max!

Thanks for the summary, @PrinceOfAnger.

Cheers!

PrinceOfAnger2h ago

After all 60fps is possible on series x with tweaking the graphics settings! :)

Lightning7740m ago

They hate those facts very much lol.

darthv723h ago

If they achieved this level of quality their first time using UE5... I can't wait to see what their next game is going to look like.

PhillyDonJawn2h ago

Remember the trailer release and ppl didn't think it was insane footage cause it looked too good

Show all comments (16)
210°

Ubisoft say AC Shadows protagonists will be "romantically attracted to different types of people"

Ubisoft recently shared more details about Assassin's Creed Shadows protagonists, confirming that both of them will romantically attract and be attracted to different types of people.

Hugodastrevas17h ago

That should please everyone I'm sure...

RpgSama2h ago(Edited 2h ago)

Feudal Japan DEI LGBTQ+ Samurai, sounds very accurate for the time period. Surely a decision made only with historical accuracy in mind.

Crows902h ago

Or even modern day accuracy.....

Lexreborn22h ago

You have no idea what you are talking about, bet you didn’t know nobunaga was bi-sexual. Or ran maru his is often depicted as androgynous was a “beautiful boy”.

So yeah, feudal Japan had tons of lgbtq and kawaii enough… A BLACK SAMURAI! All without the need of offending a Caucasian because the world is diverse.

VenomUK48m ago(Edited 43m ago)

This story has cracked me up so much! Bravo Ubisoft, bravo! 🤣. So last week everyone was upset that in the long-awaited first Assassin’s Creed: Japan game the protagonist is black. But NOW he is also LGBTQ+ ! It’s like the Ubisoft creative team sat around a table and said “How can we best impress our Kotaku/IGN/Polygon friends and antagonise gamers? Let’s make it woke x 100!’ And then they all silent clapped!

Just you wait until the Star Wars: Outlaws details come out, there better not be anybody complaining about Kay Vess’ dating preferences and the gay droid armies.

Christopher28m ago

It actually is.

Japanese were very Greek in their sexual experiences.

lodossrage25m ago

Lexreborn2 is right

Go read up on Japan's feudal era homosexuality and bisexuality was a very common thing in that time.

I just have to laugh because the same people complaining about this are the same ones crying about wanting "historical accuracy". When it's clear most of the whiners don't even know history themselves.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 25m ago
CrimsonWing692h ago

Geezus, just make a good game… holy sh*t this is becoming insufferable.

Crows902h ago

Oh yeah!!!! What about being inclusive???

I'm sorry
..please replace the word inclusive with stupid.

Hofstaderman1h ago

You asking UbiSoft to make a good game? This is not 2002.

Hofstaderman1h ago

I take my hat off to you good sir. Brilliant.

Laskin32m ago

Thanks… I was originally going to write Samu-Bi but then I realized it was right there already so it works better

darthv722h ago

Is that genuinely a selling point for people?

RpgSama2h ago(Edited 2h ago)

They sure as hell want to see if it is, time and time and time again.

VincentVanBro1h ago

You have to understand they’re incapable of writing a good story so this is the best they could come up with

Show all comments (27)
60°

Akuma Roars into Street Fighter 6 Today

The final character of the Street Fighter 6 year one DLC, Akuma, is now available to download on all formats.