Sales Expectations - Xbox One vs. PlayStation 4

It has been predicted, my an analyst far superior to myself, that the Xbox One will enjoy higher launch window sales than its PlayStation 4 counterpart. Colin Sebastian of Baird Research had created this forecast of an industry insight.

He says, "While many forecasts still give an edge to Sony/PS4 in North America sales, we continue to expect similar or even slightly higher sales of Xbox One by the end of the launch window.”

The conjecture is backed up by data from eBay listings, which shows Xbox One mark-ups 60% north of the console's $500 price tag (in the US) whilst those of PS4 are just a tick lower at roughly 50% more than its respective $400 asking price.

The analyst divines the platform holders will collectively move between 5 million and 6 million units globally by the end of the year and that the earlier release date will give Microsoft a slight edge as well. He also foretells that retailers will have a hard time keeping stock on shelves.

"Retailers in our checks indicate there is consumer demand well in excess of supply, as evidenced by fast sell-outs of incremental unit allotments, such as at GameStop," Sebastian noted.

5 or 6 million units a month before Christmas would certainly be a feat for both hardware distributors. This result would easily surpass the expected volume of available consoles in store fronts across the planet.

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The Best Xbox 360 Games - 'A Golden Generation'

We’re nearly there; a new console generation is now less than a month away (at least the Xbox One is). After 8 long years the current console lifecycles are coming to an end. The Xbox 360 was released way back in 2005 and the hardware has definitely had a fascinating journey.

There’s been drama galore – the implementation of non-controller gameplay, online multiplayer through Xbox Live, application offerings and the meltdown of the console during the plague ‘red ring of death’. Microsoft are now focused on hitting the ground running with their new system, and with a handful of weeks to go, now is the time to rundown the top five games of this generation.

[To be honest – I started this as a top five with a specific order but they are all as good as each other – and I also ended up including franchises that really need to be played together in order to get the full experience]

Mass Effect

The entire Mass Effect trilogy is a must for everyone to play – however the second instalment is the crown jewel of the series. It streamlined the inventory issues of the original, improved the combat mechanics and has set the bar for all third person shooters that have been released since. Of course, what makes Mass Effect so great is the story, the characters and the personal investment that you get out of choosing how Shepard will react and interact with others. Not only can ME2 work as a standalone title if it must, but it also serves to connect you to the new and returning squadmates at a much deeper level than the first Mass Effect. It is the ‘Empire Strikes Back’ of any trilogy released within the last few years. In fact the only real disappointment within the whole franchise is the not-quite-what-you-expected ending.

Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls series has always been a favourite of mine and the fifth incarnation – released on the 11^th November 2011 went a long way to creating the ultimate sandbox. Bethesda created a living, breathing ecosystem for you to explore. Within the barren ice caps, the fern tree mountain and the soggy marshland where many fascinating caves, villages and ruins to explore – each with their own sense of individuality. It was a grand feat in itself and the dynamic quest system allows the game to continue for hundreds, if not thousands, of hours after the main questline is completed. Plus who doesn’t get a kick from bringing down a dragon?

Bioshock

It’s hard to argue that Rapture isn’t the most thought provoking and interesting location from any Video Game ever created. The underwater city was dedicated to scientific research that pushed the boundaries of what civilizations and governments would allow – and eventually broke into one of the creepiest, confined and disturbing locations many players have ever stepped foot in. BioShock may not be the best shooter in existence, may not be realistic at all but drew the player in through a variety of interest set pieces, clever storytelling ideas and detailed imagery. Ken Levine has an eye for aesthetic pleasure and gave us a similar taste when he created the floating city of Columbia (for BioShock Infinite) earlier this year. You owe it to yourself to play all of these games – even BioShock II housed an interesting and thoroughly enjoyable tale; despite clearly being the weakest instalment.

Fallout

This is one of those franchises that had a hardcore set of followers that had all but lost their fight for a return to the series when Black Isle died. Bethesda picked up the ownership of the series and their first outing Fallout 3 marked a return to the post-apocalyptic settings. Ok, maybe not in the way the long term fans would have hoped for as the coined the phrase ‘Oblivion with Guns’ but the commercial success of the title did lead to Fallout: New Vegas that brought back a lot of the original enemies and humour that the third instalment missed. There really is a true sense of discovery in this franchise; reaching the crest of a hill can unveil a small settlement devoted to some bloke called ‘Dave’, a wander through demolish underground train tunnels can reveal complicated physics based tire wire traps and adventures onto the Vegas ‘strip’ can leave you walking out a millionaire (be it in bottle caps). We would all own a PitBoy if we could and these very human takes on the nuclear apocalypse are even more interesting when you put it into ‘Hard Mode’. Sleeping, eating and rehydrating has never been so rewarding.

Battlefield 3

This particular choice may leave a few people annoyed – I’m talking to you Call of Duty fanboys (and girls) – as this is neither the most popular wartime FPS nor the most perfected but it is definitely the franchise to watch. DICE have done an outstanding job of building their own empire from a very saturated COD market. A little over 3 years ago everyone played Call of Duty and no-one thought twice about the alternatives – now people wonder whether Activision, who publish the series, will ever do something new to reinvent their title. Turns out these ‘reinventions’ are ideas already perfected and heavily in use within the Battlefield series. Ghosts is a little over two weeks from release on the current generations, will sell a tone of copies, but has only been selling itself on the destructible environments (and added Dog partner)  - otherwise it’s pretty much a repackage of what we all saw last year. DICE however are constantly improving their online offerings, adding in a solid single player campaign, and slowly breaching (excuse the pun) the market more and more. In five years you’ll look back and know the Battlefield 3 shaped the online modern warfare titles more than anything that came before it. The only downside is the server creations that pretty much allow admins to play the worst competition possible to make themselves feel good at a title they otherwise suck at.

I know a few of you won’t agree with the above assessments, or would have chosen a different franchise, and that is exactly the reason of the comments section below.

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What Is The Worst Pokemon Ever?

The internet has been buzzing since the release of Pokémon X & Y. The first instalment of the franchise to hit the 3DS and boy is it a great game. It’s at this that I have realised that, even with the new 60 or so critters, the series does have a few terrible creatures that need don’t really need to be included.

Naturally, as much as I love the series, I didn’t need to look far to find the god awful monsters you really need to avoid…

Generation I: Beedrill (runner up: Mr. Mime – because it looks like a drag queen)

Probably the most popular generation, even now, the adventures of Kanto did have its fair share of terrible Pokémon too. Obviously the ugly monsters spring to mind – Mr. Mime, Jynx – but the one creature that no-one will ever use is Beedrill. The counter to Butterfree, this flying bee (obviously) is pretty much as useless as any final form gets. The main games have never been difficult to get through but this monster at least makes it a struggle. By contrast, Butterfree has fared much better and has lots of interesting attacks and abilities that have made it a stable companion for, at least, the first few gym leaders.

Generation II: Unown (runner up: Cynaquil – because Charmander was so awesome)

Probably the worst Pokémon ever, this weird, multi-shaped creature is as irritating as they come. It’s so bad I actually don’t have much to say about it – except it also coincides with the worst side quest ever. The only reason you’d ever capture it is for completeness.

Generation III: Luvdisc (runner up: nothing is as bad as Luvdisc)

I’m only giving this a slight edge over Unown because it actually learns more than one move. However it’s arguably the weakest Pokémon from the weakest generation. In fact the designs in these games, Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald, were pretty much remakes of previous monsters (Beautifly) or completely terrible (Spoink). Going back to this creature however – it’s the worst looking and just useless in battle. Plus it is more common than Zubat – and that says something.

Generation IV: Lopunny (runner up: Garchomp – because IGN had a point)

I’m probably not the only one here, but, when did Game Freak decide a sexy bunny would ever be a good idea; let alone one that’s bloody terrible too. The animal version of Jessica Rabbit has a poor moveset and hasn’t been used by any trainer since the beginning of time (and probably never will). IGN went with Garchomp – who honestly is the most overrated and popular monster of all time. Its base stats are ridiculous and it is in the middle of every Pokémon argument ever. Still Lopunny takes top spot for me.

Generation V: Vanillite (runner up: Garbodor – because one Muk was enough)

When Black & White first hit the DS everyone was expecting new critters, interesting designs and new mechanics. What we actually got – Pokémon wise – was another hash like Generation III where every creature was either a recreation of something that had come before or completely uninventive. Step in the ice-cream Vanillite who is quite possible the same item taken out of Eddie Murphy’s stand up ‘Delirious’. It’s an interesting monster until you use it.

OVERALL LOSER: UNOWN (runner up: Luvdisc)

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GTA Online: Review Delay

As I’m sure most of you know GTA Online has been plagued with issues ever since its release last week. My plan was to review this section of the game separately, but these issues have caused me to hit a slight snag.

Rockstar appear to be ironing out the problems but – in short – their advice is that they have no guarantee that character progress will be successful.

To reiterate the advice given: playing GTA Online right now involves an eye-watering level of risk. Do not play this game right now unless you're okay with the possibility of losing everything you've done because of an accident with the cloud servers. It really stings I promise you.

Unfortunately - and I fully expect fanboy backlash for this - the worst part of this is that Rockstar know better than this. These sort of ‘massive’ issues are what your public beta’s are for and this release feels like alpha code still being validated as a gameplay option.

Don’t get me wrong, I know this was always due to have a few snags considering the sales figures and the game is ‘potentially’ going to be incredible. The vision of the project is definitely something to be admired but a launch in this state completely undermines their trailers and fancy words.

For the sharp-eyed and expectant readers you will have noticed that this is now 10 days after the release of GTA: Online. Sadly it took me some 7 days to get passed the first ‘tutorial’ race and this is exactly why I didn’t review anything for you. In fact even since my first run, and like most of the gaming population, my relationship with Rockstar's servers has not been amicable. The general wisdom at the moment is that your chances of successfully getting into a session are vastly increased once you're past the bottleneck of the tutorial missions, which are currently glitch-ridden and hugely oversubscribed. I mean I tried this maybe three, four or five times a day using various Online options and character creations without any luck.

Other ‘bugs’ I have experienced include: my character inexplicably changing his appearance, clothes, gender and high top shoes, or disappearing altogether; cash disappearing from my bank accounts; or just straight-up visual craziness (like those cannabis side quests from the main game without the guns, clowns or aliens).

Despite all that, and the risks involved with playing, GTA Online is a blast to play. Raiding shops, pulling off heists and general mischief has never been so much fun. Remember to deposit your cash though or you’ll likely lose everything you’ve worked so hard to get in the first place.

I’ll get a full review up shortly – with some tips on how to play the game once I’ve tucked some more time into this section of the game.

 

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What Should I Buy? PlayStation 4 or Xbox One?

The next Xbox and PlayStation hardware are a little over a month away from being released in the UK and if you haven’t already now is the time to pre-order them to ensure you’ve got one this side of the Christmas.

However, the real question is which one do you choose?

Initially I would recommend that, if you have one of the current consoles, then you stick to upgrading your favourite one. But the real issue is which one do you buy if you’re a first timer or if you can only get one and have no real preference on the current generation?

Controllers

Probably the most important thing to consider is the controller itself. Both consoles are relatively similar in their gaming quality, what will be offered and its features so consider the thing that will be strapped to your hands the majority of the time you’ll be using it.

If you have small hands or want something lightweight then the PlayStation 4 is probably where you should look first. The new controller has been tweaked to expand the space between each button, implement a touch pad but has also managed to maintain its standard ‘feel’. I’m a larger fan of the Xbox – obviously – but having played the PlayStation 4 regularly over the last few weeks I have to say the new style is a massive improvement.

On the flip side; if you have larger hands or want to feel like you are actually holding something then the Xbox One controller has tweaks all the is great with current generations offering. The new controller has been micromanaged in over – and I quote - ‘500 improvements’ to just perfect the formula already created. It’s smooth but at the same time it grips onto surfaces to reduce the likelihood of damaging the hardware from being dropped.

Incidentally the Xbox One also comes with Kinect; the motion sensor and body movement tool. All the consoles will automatically come with this piece of hardware and I can confirm, first hand, that this is a massive improvement over its predecessor. The system is even capable of reading your heart rate through your clothing by reviewing contours of the skin, colour, exertion and sweat. I played Kinect Sport Rivals at EGX last month and am happy to report that this is exceptionally responsive and clearly tracks everything from fingers to eye movement.

Games

Unfortunately, even when choosing a Video Games console, the actually decision in purchasing a specific option cannot be considered too greatly on the actual software offerings that are available. 80% of the games being released on the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One will simultaneously release on the other console anyway. However there are a few games that you can guarantee will only hit one or the other and these are the ones to keep in mind before purchasing the next generation hardware.

Halo has always been a Microsoft title and with the fifth instalment due some-point early in the lifecycle you can expect that this won’t be making its way over to the PlayStation. On the other hand Naughty Dog seem to have a glowing reputation with Sony and since ‘The Last of Us’ and ‘Uncharted’ have been such massive hits I doubt they’ll give up their exclusivity too soon.

When it comes to release day titles the only ones that spring to mind are ‘Knack’ on the PS4 and Forza on the Xbox One. Neither of these, for me at least, are game changers – I’d look forward rather than what’s due to hit on the doorstep on day one.

What do you currently own?

Chances are, if you are a hardcore gamer, you will have a console already and would have a preference for which offer you’ll be going for. Most current generation owners that are thinking about switching are probably Xbox 360 gamers that are worried about the internet rumours that plagued forums following the Xbox One release. My advice – ignore it! Most of the hellish comments doing the rounds were completely wrong or incorrectly interpreted. Xbox One does not always need to be online and you can trade in your old games as normal.

Everyone has a favoured current generation console and the updated/next gen version from the same developer should be where you go next.  Have you ever tried playing FIFA 14 on your non-home console? It’s a nightmare. Stay with what you’re used to.

What are you using it for? Just Video Games?

This is probably one of the areas that will only affect some of you; but it is a valid consideration. Xbox One comes with a lot of additional ‘entertainment’ options compared to its PlayStation counterpart. Both will feature the standard apps like BBC iPlayer, Skype and Netflix but the Xbox One will come with quite a lot more.

Coming build with the standard panel features of Windows 8 you can snap applications to different sections of the screen. Xbox One lets you quickly jump from TV to a movie to a game. And then snap them side by side to do two things simultaneously. Music and games together or Skype video calls and live sports – it really is easy. Split your screen to do everything, you want, all at once.

You can also connect you cable, satellite or other HDMI hardware through the console allowing you to drop in an out of each to create your own personal hub.

PlayStation meanwhile will feature online options, applications too but not the hub that the Xbox One supports. Its primarily a Video Games console in the truest form of the word.

Overall

You probably know what you’re after, you probably have a favourite anyway – but, if not, follow the guide above and you’re sure to get exactly what you are after.

Comment below if you have already ordered your console, we want to know which you went for and why? Otherwise what are you thinking about getting? Do you want some advice? What games did you or are you going to pre-order? Let’s get this next gen discussion flowing.

 

 

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GTA Online Hints and Tips

GTA Online is an immense game and will add hours of fun to an already excellent instalment in the worlds ‘favourite’ franchise (ok, I don’t know if that last bit is true). To help you through this open world we have put together a few hints to get you going – or to keep you busy while you suffer the same problems as I am with getting involved.

Stealing A Car:

The first car you steal and fit a Tracker to is the car that you're stuck with – at least in the short term. Honestly this is not a joke, you’ll gain ownership of the first vehicle you commandeer and after that you will only be able to upgrade if you purchase something new. In other words take your time getting your first set of wheels – a few minutes wasted here will save you a lot of time later on.

Character Creation

Press ‘Y’ or ‘Triangle’ depending on your system to get John Marston as you father in the heritage menus. Also be vigilant in the ‘hours per day’ section as each will increase or decrease the statistics in the left hand column. Also your facial features are permanent so it’s better to have good ‘Genes’ than good ‘Jeans’.

 

Save Up For A Weapon

Ignore the temptation to spruce up your ugly day one clothing. Your cash would be better saved for a shiny new SMG or Shotgun. Though you can't buy one until your Rank climbs high enough, pushing through your early-game cash for any weapons that have become available will leave you much better equipped for success than a suit or a nice pair of high tops. On a side note you will quickly be directed to the clothes shop, and you must buy something, so get the cheapest thing you can.

Buy a Garage

After buying a weapon, the Garage might be the wisest investment you can make in the early game. With a Garage you can begin hoarding Vehicles and putting your new found online wealth to work. Garages are pricey so you'll need to save up, but the investment is well worth the cash.

 

Watch Out for Parked Cars

Experienced players with more money than they need can purchase Ignition Bombs, a sort of booby-trap that explodes when a Vehicle's engine is started. Watch out for suspicious-looking parked cars as these will no doubt cause you the world of pain. Even more insidious are Remote Bombs, remote-detonated explosives designed to punish carjackers.

Hospital Hell

Early word from those with GTA Online access is that in-game protocol is creating a self-correcting system of player discipline. Campers tend to sit near spawn points (Hospitals) so that they can rack up the kills. However many level-minded players are bonding together to keep the playing field even.

Bank Immediately

You're vulnerable after you finish a Job. If you don't deposit your cash immediately, you're open to robbery by opportunistic players. You can use the Quick GPS feature to find the nearest ATM or you can use your in-game phone to bank cash using the installed online app.

Complete Optional Mission Challenges

It pays to complete every Mission to perfection, like I’m sure you’re going to do in the main game. Optional Mission challenges add to your Reputation. And the better your rep, the better your online experience.

 

Join a Crew

Like above; joining a Crew adds to your Reputation. To max out your rep, team up with a Crew and work together to complete Jobs. Some of these will only be available to crews anyway and increase the opportunities for reputation points and cash.

Cheats Don't Work

Don't bother trying GTA 5 cheats in GTA Online. They don't work.

 

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GTA Online Issues

Most people are probably aware but Grand Theft Auto’s Online multiplayer mode launched yesterday. Unfortunately, and as Rockstar have acknowledged, there are several issues surrounding this actually being played.

A whole page on the Rockstar Support site lists all the known problems and promises updates as and when they are each sorted as it is affecting around 75% of players.

The vast majority of these issues are in line with one of the following messages:

·         An error message saying “cloud servers are unavailable” ahead of the mode freezing

·         Freezing on the first race with a message saying "waiting for other players"

·         A “failed to host” message appearing and not allowing for a ‘retry’

·         Problem’s with the first race marker not showing correctly

·         Matchmaking time out errors

·         General issues tied to the Social Club.

Rockstar conclude their page with the message, "We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience while we work to resolve this."

Hopefully the problems won't take too long to resolve, but Rockstar did warn that this would happen considering the intense interest in the game. I’m one of the ‘lucky’ ones affected and have not been able to get past the first race yet (last checked at 8:00am GMT this morning).

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