Microsoft has finally unleashed the beast that is Xbox One during a live event held this morning.  While some questions were answered, others weren't, and we were hit a deluge of new information.  Now that the dust has somewhat settled and we've managed to sift through the news, Dustin and Jordan sit down to discuss their impressions on the new console, and the event in general.  Come inside to see their reactions and add to the discussion as well.

With the rumors of used titles being blocked next generation still floating around, there’s another blight trying to attack the industry. The issue goes by the name of “free to play,” or what I like to call, “fee’s to play.” The idea is a company will release a game and let you jump in “entirely for free.” However, if you want to do certain things then small fee’s will kick in to let you do so. Companies have proven time and time again that they can make hundreds to thousands of dollars off a single user with this method. Which in the eye of the business man is a lot more money than a $60 entrance fee. Gamers however, should be worried. Very worried.

I’m not one to fall for the Vita doom and gloom. That happens to every single Sony product. Remember when websites were calling the PS3 dead? Now look how wrong they were. I enjoy my Vita a ton. I keep finding games that make me drain the battery all the way, and then I run to find a plug to keep playing. However I’ve come across a major issue in terms of marketing of the Vita. People don’t know what it is….

Rumors about Microsoft making their next games console ‘always-online’ are nothing new, but the latest report, coming yesterday, ignited a firestorm.  After the report, a top Xbox official took to his twitter account to defend always-online technology in a very unprofessional manner, that seems to show how out of touch he is with the real issue.  It’s not about connectivity at all, it’s about user choice. 

There has been a rumor floating around a ton lately. According to rumors the next generation machines will block used games entirely. One of the ways to do that? Well having always on console of course. Luckily Sony already somewhat denied the rumors being true at all, but Microsoft still has to announce their console and also has patents to do so.

Have you ever watched a movie or TV show that featured a video game and thought to yourself, "I'd love to play that game"? Sadly those amazing titles are created specifically for that other world (since it's a lot easier than securing the rights to an actual game), and exist only in the realm of fantasy. While the games may be fake, it's hard to deny the allure of them, ridiculous concepts and all.  

Companions are an understated bunch. Understated and under appreciated.

Who doesn’t remember the agonizing brutality that was Contra with adoration.  Sure, it’s punishing difficulty probably caused many a broken controllers, but nothing compares with the satisfaction of completing a level with your buddy.  It’s been several years since gamers have had a true Contra sequel and I think it’s time to change that.