The Imminent Debate: Xbox One or Playstation 4?

We all know that we are on the brink (if not already fully in the midst) of a battle between the Xbox One and the Playstation 4. Details are still hazy at the moment but which one are you leaning towards at the moment? Lets see what the current state of play is for both consoles at this time.

Xbox One

- Each disc will hold its own licence. This means that it will be harder to use the same disc on another console or effectively buy a used game. The only option to take in this instance would be to make use of their Microsoft's 'transfer system'
- The system resembles a VCR in my opinion (good or bad?)
- The console must connect at least once a day in order for it to play games..
- Ballpark price of $500.00

Playstation 4

- At the current moment, details are much more limited.
- We don't know what the console looks like yet!
- Ballpark price of $450.00
- The Controller comes with a handy touch screen interface (i'm uncertian at this point how useful that will become)

 

Both are stating that the next generation is not all about the games (although they will be much more improved ofcourse) but it is about being an all-in-one entertainment centre; connecting the console with such things as television capability. Both consoles will also come with an Eye/Kinect device as standard, a nice little touch.

Personally, the Playstation 4 is winning this particular battle for me, although the details are still rather limited so you never know what may happen.

PS4 Reveal.. With No Reveal..

So the PS4 was officially announced in a two hour conference where they went through various different aspects of the software, developers and its current possibilities. I guess it was no surprise that the console will be more focused on being a social gamer. With the ability to share direct from the controller and considering the onslaught of social media in recent years, this seems to be a natural progression.

The controller however was the only piece of hardware that was shown. Personally, one of the most intriguing aspects of the conference was to see what the console itself would look like. Yes, yes.. you may say it doesn't matter, who cares! Well I guess I shouldn't, but it feels that when you are revealing something, its important to see its face and know what it looks like in the flesh.

Why have they not revealed it? We're they running the demos from a metal shell of a console hid in the back because they currently don't have a final design? Unlikely.. considering the console has been in development for approximately five years.. I just find it very surprising.

Driving Simulator 2012.

If your thinking of learning to drive or are currently in the process, please do not refer to this game. The link below is a good, hilarious summary of what makes this, in no way, what you would call an accurate simulation.

http://uk.gamespot.com/shows/random-encounter/?event=driving_simulator_201220130205&tag=Topslot;DrivingSimulator2012;DrivingSimulator2012;WatchItNow

Camping, it's in-tents!

Wish Lists..

We all have them, whether it be for the latest album, book or game. Mine is more related to games and includes the following, including many more:

- Sim City (released March 2013). I loved SimCity 4 and its been way too long since. Hopefully this sequel will not disappoint.

- Elder Scrolls Online. If this is in anyway like Oblivion or Skyrim, then it's on to a brilliant concept in an MMO world. I did, however, think the same of SWTOR, and as much as I tried, i couldn't continue to play it. Hopefully, this will not disappoint.

- As previously said and for reasons I don't quite understand.. Euro Truck Simulator 2!

- Anno 2070. I know it's been out for a long time now, but I have never played it and I could plow hours and hours into Anno 1404.

Everybody has wish lists, mine is a good mixture of differing elements. What's in yours?

Euro Truck Simulator 2 - Why Do I Suddenly Feel The Urge To Buy This Game!?

I've randomly come across thIs title whilst browsing through Steam and I'm finding myself compelled enough to buy it. This is surprising in a lot of ways, as these games usually lose their novelty very quickly after releasing how complicated it is after mere minutes of playing. This seems different however, because:

- There seems to be actual progression and actual goals to accomplish. This is a big plus as it makes it interesting and addictive.

- You have a character, in a sense, and your own company. In some ways, this has RPG elements mixed in too.

- Graphics are not too shabby either.

Should I take the plunge and buy it? I think the answer is inevitable..

Moving Between MMOs

MMOs are by far, my favourite genre of game, however with the abundance of different ones out there, how do you choose just one (or two).

I have played various MMOs but have never been able to stick to one in particular. The pure choice itself can be overwhelming and because there are so many, each one fights for our attention and picks at your curiosity with a new mechanic, or interesting new take (although most just work off the same general idea anyway). I have played many MMOs, including the below and many more:

- WoW
- Rift
- Allods Online
- Darkfall
- Secret World
- Guild Wars 1 and 2
- LOTRO
- Star Trek Online
- SWTOR

No one has managed to grab my attention to the fullest, and it will only be a matter of time until I move on to the next big thing. I'm a sucker for a good, or sometimes appalling MMO. Is it just me or does anybody else dart around them?

Terraria, Minecraft and now.. Blockheads

The block games continue as the latest game to release, called Blockheads, hits the app stores. The game is more similar to Terraria as it works off the 2D model and in a lot of ways, is much more casual and forgiving (I guess this is to be expected on a mobile device as this ensures maximum sales).

- You cannot fall to your death. You merely instruct your character where to go. If its possible to get to, your character will get there. If not, he/she will not move.

- Very little nighttime creatures. One of the first things I noticed at the end of the first day. I had built a shelter with doors, stored resources and created light. All in vein as no creatures came out at night to unleash an unholy attack on my little character. Disappointing in a way, but in another way, it makes it possible to explore through the night too.

- As with all casual games these days, the game is free. Free does not mean free though as everything you create, whether it be a weapon, tool or kiln, all requires time. You can pay £1.99 which will double the speed of creating such objects, which is a must, as otherwise it takes forever.

The game runs smoothly and this type of game fits well into the IPads touch screen controls. In some ways, this is a big advantage for this game over Terraria, but others may say that nothing beats the keyboard and mouse, each to their own!

So how does it stack up? Personally, if your looking for an in depth game with lots to do, or if your looking to just basically create something out of nothing, my personal opinion places Mineraft first, Terraria second and Blockheads third.

I wonder what may be next in this genre of block building RPG games and how they will adapt it into different games going forward, only time will tell. For the time being though, will it be Terraria, Minecraft or Blockheads..

Gaming Sequels.

Sequels seems to be the foundation on which the video gaming industry lies on these days. A game wouldn't be a successful game unless it is franchised into a sequel (or 5).

It's a saddening thought as this means that originality and fresh challenges become less and less as the same game is reprocessed with a few small Addons and enhancements here and there. It's understandable however, as of course in these financial times, it's better to play a safe bet that you know works, rather to be experimenting in new areas. Sequels often work however, and this can be shown in:

- Grand Theft Auto (San Andreas is still the best one made to date)
- Burnout (apart from Burnout Paradise, what were they thinking..)
- Final Fantasy (7 still being the best)
- Super Mario (kind of, did they kill such a classic by reinventing it in new games again, and again)
- Silent Hill
- COD..

Amongst many others. I guess this brings me onto the question; are we running out of ideas? Has most of the possibilities within the gaming genres been covered off in some way or another?