Microsoft revealed the Xbox One today as their entry into the Next Gen of consoles. The systems title is focused on the inclusive nature of the system as a focus on being the one entertainment source you’d need in your living room. Xbox 360 had already begun to include other content such as movies and music, now it seems you’ll be able to use Kinect features to switch between watching TV and using your system. You will still need some sort of cable provider as well.
The focus today was what can be done with the system in general. Small details were revealed for upcoming EA Sports and Forza 5, as well as Call of Duty Ghost, but the focus really wasn’t on gameplay. A big surprise was the Halo TV series on the way from Steven Spielberg and 343 Industries.
Concerns have been that the new consoles DRM would be too restricting. The always on internet connection has been reduced down to checking in. Also, details were few but it seems that games will work like current XBLA titles. You’ll need to install your titles off retail disks, and use them on your own login. That means you can play games at a friends house, you’ll just need to be logged in to your account. It has been mentioned you should be able to re-sell and trade in games as well, however a fee may be required. Details on that seem to be coming in the future.
Xbox One also seems to come with it’s own Kinect. Many exclusive game titles are on the way to be announced at E3, including Quantum Break from Remedy which seems to potentially be in a style similar to Alan Wake but possibly a more action based game. I have to admit, watching the Xbox One reveal, I was really hoping the exclusive was going to be Alan Wake 2, but considering the fantastic job Remedy did on the original, I’m looking forward to more details on Quantum Break.
One big thing (Ha, get it? One! Ahem, sorry.) I did like from the reveal today was it seems like there is virtually no loading time to the Xbox One. If this is true I’m thrilled by that. Getting in to Xbox Live quickly and easily would be a plus.
I’m looking forward to E3. There are some interesting unknowns for this newly announced system. We’ve been given a general idea of how it works. Now I’m eager to see how it plays. After all, we are Darkain Arts Gamers.
