So, Microsoft have changed their stance on the used games (drm) and always on internet requirement, which is great. It will definitely put them in a stronger position in the up coming next gen wars.
Sony’s PS4
But, I’m sticking with Sony, and here’s why:
Microsoft have effectively slapped the face of gamers. Their main customer’s for the Xbox. And in more ways than one. I can’t see someone who is looking for a straight up multimedia device opting to buy a Xbox one anyways, not at the price Xbox are looking for.
How are they slapping faces I hear you ask? Its all about the attitude that MS have displayed since the Xbox One was announced. They did nothing to help their cause when they came out and said, you wanna play your xbla games, lend your games to friends, while offline – we got a product for that, its called the Xbox 360. So effectively saying, if you dont like where we are headed, you can stay stuck in the past.
Now, I think MS owe a lot to their customers, especially after the red ring debacle of the last generation (I myself bought 3 Xbox 360s). But what do they do? After announcing “we have listened to your feedback”, they acted like spoilt children, and said, “we will let you share your games and stay offline, as you currently do, but we are gonna take these cool features away from you. We had a direction, into the future, which we will no longer allow you to experience”. Features like the family sharing option, which allowed you to play your game anywhere without the physical disc, on a family member’s console.
Another thing that burns my ass about MS is, they’ve gone from being innovative, to band wagon jumpers. So, they took Sony’s Playstation Plus model on board, deciding to offer Assassin’s Creed 3 and Halo 3 as the free games, similar to what Sony does with it’s Instant Game Collection. The problem with this is, Sony will be offering Drive Club, a brand new game, for free with the PS plus subscription, which will aslo work across the ps3 and Vita. Microsoft are offering games that already feature in bargain bins acroas the country. Sony will offer a new PS4 game then every month. So for the price of just one game, you will get 12 over the course of your subscription.
Another thing that annoys me is, the fact you need to have a Gold account to do everything online with an Xbox. This is not going to change with the One. So, even if you want to watch Youtube, you need a Gold account. Sony are going to make a PS Plus sub a mandatory requirement, but only for online gaming. You can still watch Netflix etc for free, as always.
The focus on Kinect 2 is another deal breaker for me. MS are giving you a Kinect in the box with your new console, but you are not given the choice to buy a console sans Kinect – why I hear you ask – because the new console won’t work without it. The new console could easily be sold as cheap, if not cheaper than the ps4, if this was left out, and not made a requirement.
Finally, another thing putting me off the XbOne, as its being called in some circles, is that its damn ugly. They will be lucky that Sony don’t sue them for copying the Betamax blueprint.
Microsoft’s About Turn
Now – the Sony argument. Why is the ps4 miles ahead of the XbOne, at least in my opinion?
Well, first and foremost, this is a games machine primarily. Sony didn’t position it as anything other than a games machine. But, it can do a lot of what the new Xbox can, Netflix, Youtube etc – without you ever signing up to a PS Plus subscription. If you want to play multiplayer online, you pay your sub. Sony have vowed to take this subscription money and use it to improve the online experience mocing forward. MS have been charging subs the last how many years, and what are they offering thats different? 2 bargain bin games.
I like that Sony are not ramming their new PS Eye peripheral down consumers throats too… its not in the box, its not required to actually use the console, and if you want it, you can get one for about the price of a game, which by my reckoning, is about half the price of the Kinect 2. And as far as I can see, the two cameras are basically the same, spec wise.
Sony are now going to charge for online multiplayer gaming. But this is no big deal. Mainly because they have guaranteed a new ps4 game each and every month. And the sub covers the ps3, ps4 and Vita. Which delights me as I first got a 12 month sub in January 2013, for 34.99. So, I will get Drive Club, and potentially 2 other ps4 games on my existing subscription.
The instant game collection is awesome, I cannot sing it’s praises high enough. I literally have only bought 1 game since I subscribed. The free games monthly are amazing. For instance, Battlefield 3 is free next month.
Finally, Sony have made it a requirement on the game developers that Remote Play is used on all future ps4 games, which will allow you to play your ps4 game directly on your Vita. This move could be one of the biggest selling points for the Vita going forward, it will be a true second screen experience, and totally like MS’s Smartglass app. Imagine, someone wants to watch tv – no problem, you continue your game on your Vita!
For me, the choice is easy. The decision has been made. Its ps4 all the way. What are your thoughts on the matter? Comment below…
Until next time, take care.
Games, App'n Tech! 