Starfield – Page 3 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Grand Theft Auto V is back yet again on Xbox Game Pass (XGP) service

July 12, 2023July 11, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently as Team Xbox announced the July 2023 lineup of games added on the Xbox Game Pass (XGP) subscription service, the inclusion of the massive best-selling open-world game Grand Theft Auto V (GTAV) turned out to be the biggest surprise of them all.

*Franklin traveling on waves. This entire sequence ran smoothly at 60FPS with ray tracing enabled.*

To be very clear, this is not GTAV’s first time to be in XGP. In fact, it was made available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers in limited time periods in 2020 and 2021. In my case, since I bought my Xbox Series X console and subscribed to XGP in late-2021, this is my first time to play GTAV on the service and the first time in years for me to replay the game since the Xbox One version. Oh yes, I first played GTAV on Xbox 360 way back in 2013.

What makes GTAV’s newest return to the service significant is that it includes the most updated versions of the game optimized specifically for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. This means that the next-generation console graphical enhancements include the Fidelity Mode, the Performance Mode and the Performance RT Mode, and only the Xbox Series X is capable of those three. Refer to the details below sourced from GINX.TV

GTA 5 Fidelity Mode – The highest visual quality possible and targets 30 fps. PS5 and Xbox Series X supports native 4k resolution in this mode with Ray Tracing enabled. Xbox Series S supports upscaled 4K resolution.

GTA 5 Performance Mode – Performance Mode in targets 60 fps for the most responsive, smoothest gameplay experience yet on PS5 and Xbox Series X, with an upscaled 4K resolution. Xbox Series S, on the other hand, supports a resolution of 1080p in Performance Mode targetting 60 fps.

GTA 5 Performance RT Mode – The Performance Ray Tracing Mode is only available for PS5 and Xbox Series X, and is not supported on the Series S console. This is a hybrid between the Performance and Fidelity modes. It targets 60 fps with Ray Tracing enabled, with an upscaled 4K resolution to boot.

*This huge crash happened during one of the scores in the game. Captured on Performance RT Mode.*

That being said, I started playing Grand Theft Auto V on my Xbox Series X via XGP with the Performance Mode setting for the graphics followed many hours later with the Performance RT (ray tracing) Mode.

As such, I am enjoying replaying the game with super smooth 60 frames-per-second (60FPS) and I can say it made the single-player gameplay experience more fun and engaging to do. Since I enjoy the 60FPS frame rate a lot, I will play the game with the Fidelity Mode some time later.

With Starfield and Forza Motorsport (2023) launching on Xbox Game Pass this September and October respectively, playing GTAV on the service with the Xbox Series X console is strongly recommended. That being said, there is no telling how long with Rockstar’s game remain on XGP. If you are already an XGP subscriber with an Xbox Series X console and you love open-world games, then you should avail of Grand Theft Auto V while it is still available. Xbox Series S-owning XGP subscribers can still enjoy 60FPS gaming with the Rockstar game.

*Go and play Grand Theft Auto V on your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S console while it is still available on XGP.*

In concluding this post, posted below are Xbox-related videos for your enjoyment.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 7

July 7, 2023July 5, 2023carlocarrasco

Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?

I recommend you check out the following topics and the related videos I found.

#1 Raiders of the Lost Ark videos

If you are feeling nostalgic about the Indiana Jones franchise and want to revisit the very first movie Raiders of the Lost Ark, then you are not alone. The new movie Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (made by the woke Disney company and handled by the unpopular Kathleen Kennedy with James Mangold as director) turned off a lot of long-time fans and this incidentally created renewed interest about the very first movie from 1981. For the newcomers reading this, Indiana Jones is the joint creation of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas and they eventually collaborated together in making four Indy movies from 1981 to 2008. To learn more about Raiders of the Lost Ark and how the movie came to be, watch the videos below…

#2 Starfield is approaching and you can prepare yourselves for it

Starfield, the epic sci-fi role-playing game (RPG) from Bethesda (Skyrim, Fallout 4), is coming out on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Windows PC plus Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass with an official release date of September 6, 2023. For those of you who missed out on the recent Xbox Games Showcase, you can still catch up and learn more about the Xbox-exclusive Starfield by watching the videos below…

#3 Planetshakers’ Worthy is the Lamb music video

Recently, Planetshakers released online the music video of their worship song Worthy is the Lamb (note: Words by Noah Walker and Andy Harrison, Music by Joth Hunt). The said song is indeed holy, beautiful and will help you move closer to the Lord. Just take note that this Planetshakers worship song is not to be confused with Hillsong Worship’s song with the same title. Watch the official Planetshakers music video of Worthy is the Lamb and the story video below…

#4 Get ready for Forza Motorsport (2023) this October

It took Team Xbox and Turn 10 a long time but they finally revealed that their much-anticipated Forza Motorsport (2023) will be released on October 10, 2023 only on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Windows PC plus Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass. In relation to the announced release date, Turn 10 released a new trailer as well as an in-depth examination of the game. Watch the following videos of Forza Motorsport (2023) below…

#5 A look back at Indiana Jones’ Greatest Adventures

For those of you who are still feeling nostalgic or still craving for more Indiana Jones-related content, be aware that way back in the mid-1990s, there was an official video game of the cinematic icon – Indiana Jones’ Greatest Adventures. While I myself played the Super Star Wars games on the Super NES back in those days, I never got to play Indiana Jones’ Greatest Adventures which itself was an official adaptation of Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and made with side-scrolling adventuring in mind with a few Mode 7 sections set up to prevent the game from being too repetitive. Check out the following videos below…

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Forza Motorsport (2023) all set for October 10 release on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Windows PC plus Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass

June 27, 2023June 23, 2023carlocarrasco

Finally, the much-anticipated Xbox-exclusive simulation racing game Forza Motorsport (2023) is set for a global release on October 10, 2023 on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Windows PC with availability on Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass and Steam. This was announced during the recent Xbox Games Showcase 2023/Starfield Direct double feature.

To begin with, watch the official game trailer below…

To put things in perspective about what gamers can expect from Forza Motorsport (2023), posted below are selected excerpts from the official Xbox.com article written by Turn 10 Studios’ Creative Director Chris Esaki. Some parts in boldface…

Experience Over 500 Cars at Launch – As we mentioned in January, Forza Motorsport launches with 20 completely rebuilt tracks from around the world with multiple layouts, including 5 never-before-seen tracks in a Motorsport game. Each feature fully dynamic time-of-day with weather, living crowds, and tracks that rubber in and react to temperature changes.

As for the cars you’ll be racing on these tracks, Forza Motorsport starts with over 500 cars at release including modern race cars.

Wield Specialized Track Competitors in the Builders Cup Career Mode – Out-build the competition by earning over 800 performance upgrades and race our most advanced AI opponents yet in an all-new, fun and rewarding single-player campaign, the Builders Cup Career Mode.

Race the World Alongside Your Friends – Compete for the podium in Featured Multiplayer events with a race weekend inspired structure or create the racing you and your friends desire in Free Play.

*A sneak peek at the car customization.*

Online racing is safer, more fun, and more competitive with AI-powered Forza Race Regulations, tire and fuel strategy, and new driver and safety ratings.

Pre-order Forza Motorsport to Receive Early Access – Pre-order the Forza Motorsport Premium Edition and be first on the starting line with 5 days of early access beginning October 5, 2023. Xbox Game Pass members, as well as Forza Motorsport Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition players, can upgrade to the Premium Add-Ons Bundle to receive early access and all other add-on content included in the Premium Edition.

Steam players, add Forza Motorsport to your wish list starting today to be notified when pre-orders are available and follow the game to receive the latest news and announcements delivered to your Steam library.

That’s not all! A short time after the Xbox Games Showcase, Turn 10 organized a walkthrough with actual gameplay of Forza Motorsport (2023) (running on Xbox Series X at 4K resolution and 60FPS) which emphasized what gamers can expect and enjoy. You can watch it in the video below and I encourage you to watch it entirely.

I have been anticipating Forza Motorsport (2023) for a really long time now and I really am looking forward to its October 10 release. I am eager to experience Turn 10’s new approach on the career mode (level-build-dominate according to Chris Esaki) as well as enduring the thrill and suspense of simulation racing with next-generation technologies implemented complete with time-of-day changes, in-game weather effects, tire traction on varied surfaces and more.

I am looking forward to other gameplay features such as online racing, car customization, the new car mastery system, acquiring/collecting cars, racing against the promised more advanced AI, experiencing the benefits of the revamped physics and much more.

*In-game night driving as shown in the most recent trailer.*

As seen in the above Forza Motorsport (2023) gameplay presentation, Chris Esaki emphasized the relationship between the player and the car as the core concept of the single-player experience. In my view, this is a daring change compared to the typical single-player approach of racing to win in-game money to be able to customize cars and buy new cars as you make your way through. How the new approach by Turn 10 will impact simulation racing games as we know it remains to be seen.

Watch out for Forza Motorsport (2023) on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Windows PC with availability on Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass and Steam on October 10, 2023. Those who have money to afford for the premium edition of the game can enjoy early access starting October 5.

In concluding this post, posted below are Forza Motorsport (2023) and Xbox-related videos for your enjoyment.

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My views about Xbox Games Showcase 2023 and Starfield Direct

June 13, 2023June 12, 2023carlocarrasco

With their combined might, Team Xbox, Bethesda and their strategic partners successfully pulled off a great Xbox Games Showcase 2023 and Starfield Direct double feature! Great in the sense that they collectively premiered a wide variety of games including several Xbox-exclusive titles (both the announced and the brand new ones) that gamers can look forward to on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Windows PC and via cloud gaming. What was shown was clearly a lot of fun to watch and there several bouts of surprises that I experienced along the way.

To be clear, 27 games were showcased. 21 games are coming to Game Pass (Xbox Game Pass and/or PC Game Pass). 13 of the games were from Xbox game studios. There were also several 3^rd party games from different publishers including Capcom, SEGA, Atlus and Ubisoft.

1^st Party Games from Xbox Game Studios matter a lot – The Xbox Games Showcase 2023 started with the reveal of the new Xbox-exclusive Fable role-playing game (RPG) from Playground Games which utilized in-game graphics for a cinematic style of presentation emphasizing the British approach on fantasy, comedic tone and style of play the game franchise is known for. There were a few moments of action shown but it is hard to determine if those will indeed be implemented in gameplay form. As I anticipated, Fable was shown without a release date nor an estimated year for release. All we can do now is wait for the developers to complete and polish it.

Also shown early during the showcase was the much-needed update on Avowed, the first-person fantasy RPG from RPG specialists Obsidian Entertainment (The Outer Worlds, Fallout: New Vegas). Compared to Fable, Avowed has progressed so much with its development, actual gameplay footage was shown with some storytelling cutscenes included. Set in the world of Eora (the same setting as established in the Pillars of Eternity series), gamers will play the envoy of Aedyr who is tasked to investigate rumors of a spreading plague with a secret that threatens to destroy everything. While it looks inspired by Bethesda’s Skyrim, Avowed clearly has its own flavor and style to its first-person battles and movement. This game is set for release sometime in 2024 exclusively on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Windows PC with Xbox Game Pass inclusion. I am really looking forward to this game.

Still in the realm of fantasy but with a different approach on game design, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II was shown during the showcase with an appearance by Melina Juergens (Senua) preceding it. Compared to the previous pre-release showing of the game, the newest video focuses more on the aspect of Psychosis and how Senua deals with it. Based on what was shown so far, it seems to me that the game has progressed far enough with its development and the it could be in the polishing stage right now. The Xbox-exclusive Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II handled by Ninja Theory will be released sometime in 2024.

Next are three Xbox-exclusive games that really surprised me during the showcase: Clockwork Revolution from InXile, South of Midnight from Compulsion Games and Towerborne from Stoic Studio. I was surprised in the sense that there were no pre-showcase insider reports and the rumor mills did not have anything to anticipate what the above mentioned games would be.

Clockwork Revolution is time-traveling first-person game with a strong steampunk flavor and game design that emphasizes role-playing reactivity. Its visual style reminds me of BioShock Infinite. South of Midnight is a new third-person action-adventure set in a magic realist version of the American South. Towerborne, the product of the partnership between Team Xbox and developer Stoic Studio, is a new adventure game that promises a brand-new take on action RPGs and it will be released sometime in 2024.

At long last, developer Turn 10 announced that Forza Motorsport (2023) will be released worldwide on October 10, 2023 and it will come with more than 500 cars, 20 completely rebuilt international race tracks with multiple layouts and the promised full dynamic time-of-day with weather, living crowds and interactive tracks. For this year, the car customization and tune-ups of Forza Motorsport (2023) was emphasized more. I will definitely play this upcoming racing game on my Xbox Series X this October.

The juggernaut of all Xbox-exclusive games – Starfield – was so huge and detailed, a standalone showcase of it was efficiently done by Todd Howard and his teammates at Bethesda. I will be writing a separate post for Starfield soon but I want to remind you all that the game will be released on September 6, 2023 and it will have a ton of gameplay features! Check out the latest Starfield trailer below plus those from other Xbox exclusives such as Sea of Thieves: The Legend of Monkey Island and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

The 3^rd party games at the showcase that got my attention – When it comes to games from other game publishers, Japanese RPGs (JRPGs) in the form of Persona 3 Reload (early 2024), Persona 5 Tactica (scheduled for November 17, 2023) and Metaphor: ReFantazio (2024) from Atlus and SEGA made quite a splash during the showcase in relation to the curious absence of the Xbox Game Pass-bound JRPG Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. It seems to me that Team Xbox made serious efforts to reach out to its Japanese partners to secure more JRPGs which will strengthen the Xbox ecosystem as the premiere place for RPGs. With that being said, Team Xbox pulled off the right moves and the Persona games franchise has a dedicated following worldwide.

While my dream scenario of Capcom unveiling a big-budget remake of Dino Crisis at the showcase did not come true at all, the Japanese publisher actually made it and went on to unveil the game Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess. The game has a fantasy setting with strong Japanese aesthetics and action-adventure gameplay. It is will have a Day 1 launch on Xbox Game Pass as well.

Dungeons of Hinterberg looks really fascinating with its game design and play style complete with having a very unique artistic approach for its visuals. It will be released in 2024 with Xbox Game Pass included. Also coming to XGP but within 2023 is Jusant, the new game from French developer Don’t Nod that emphasizes exploration by means of climbing and puzzle solving.

Conclusion – I can say it out loud that the Xbox Games Showcase 2023 – Starfield Direct double feature is not only great on its own but it is also a notable improvement over the previous Xbox showcases of the past two years. The Xbox-exclusives are indeed coming in the 2023-2024 period, and that includes having Starfield and Forza Motorsport (2023) scheduled for release in September-October this year. 2024 at this stage is looking great as well not only with the Xbox-exclusives but also with the 3^rd party games. Xbox Game Pass subscribers also have new games to look forward to in the near future.

As game development can be tricky, unpredictable and complicated, delays of game releases are always possible. As such, we gamers can only hope that the game developers won’t encounter anymore problems with their respective games so that they will be completed, polished and get released as planned.

In ending this piece, posted below is the entire Xbox Games Showcase 2023 – Starfield Direct video from the YouTube channel of Xbox. I highly recommend watching it all in 4K. Enjoy!

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Xbox Games Showcase and Starfield Direct Double Feature all set this Sunday (Monday in Asia)

June 9, 2023June 8, 2023carlocarrasco

It is that time again for Xbox fans and gamers to get excited as the Xbox Games Showcase and Starfield Direct Double Feature will happen this Sunday June 11 (Monday June 12 in Asia) and viewers will get to watch it on multiple channels.

To begin with, Team Xbox announced that the two showcases will be streamed live via the online channels below…

Not only that, those who want to watch the streams in 4K resolution at 60FPS should head on to YouTube.com/Xbox and YouTube.com/Bethesda. There will also be multi-language support in the forms of subtitles.

What to expect? Based on the recent tweets by Xbox Games Marketing executive Aaron Greenberg, the Xbox Games Showcase and Starfield Direct will combine for roughly two hours non-stop games and it will all be about games. There won’t be any movie trailers to disrupt the double feature. Look at the tweets below…

Already, it has been confirmed that there will be no CGI-trailers about Team Xbox’s games at the two showcases. Personally, I prefer to see gameplay footage showing how the upcoming games function and how they could turn out fun. When it comes to showing story cutscenes, using gameplay graphics is more preferrable to me.

What video games to expect from Team Xbox? While it is inevitable to me that they will show the promised 2023 exclusives Forza Motorsport (2023) and Bethesda’s highly anticipated Starfield, I can only speculate that Phil Spencer and his team will give fans big updates (note: to be showcased visually, not just mere announcements) about other Xbox-exclusives such as Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II (read my article), the new Fable role-playing game (RPG), the fantasy RPG Avowed from Obsidian Entertainment (read my last article of Avowed), and possibly State of Decay 3 from Undead Labs. While it is possible that the troubled Xbox-exclusives Everwild and the Perfect Dark reboot could also be shown, I’m not confident about them. I also do not expect anything to be shown about Hideo Kojima’s Xbox project nor the other exclusive game Contraband.

I am anticipating that a final release date for Forza Motorsport (2023) will be announced, and the same should happen with Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II (possibly late-2023 or early 2024). Avowed, if its development has progressed a lot since the first announcement, could be announced for 2024 and it should help satiate gamers’ demand for the epic open-world fantasy RPG experience of the Elder Scrolls game franchise. In my view, the Elder Scrolls VI is still years away from getting released. As for Fable, it could be shown but without a release date.

Starfield will have its very own showcase immediately after that of Xbox. That being said, I am anticipating a very in-depth gameplay demonstration of the game, some more bits about its story and core concept, and hopefully there will be options for gamers to play the game in 30FPS and 60FPS with varying resolutions. I personally want to play Starfield on my Xbox Series X console in 60FPS. I hope they will show more space battles which I think will add more variety to the gameplay as a whole. We will find out soon from Bethesda and Todd Howard on Starfield Direct.

When it comes to the Gears of War franchise, I’m not really anticipating a new Gears sequel. What would be more doable, in my opinion, is Team Xbox revealing a Gears Tactics sequel which should delight fans of the 2020 game as well as gamers who love playing turn-based tactics games. For me, the time is right to announce a new Gears Tactics game!

*In my view, the time is right for a Gears Tactics sequel to be unveiled while gamers worldwide endure the long wait for the next Gears of War game.*

As for games from other companies that could be part of the Xbox Games Showcase, I am anticipating an appearance and updates about Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes in terms of new gameplay and hopefully a final release date within 2023 (note: this Japanese RPG will also launch on Xbox Game Pass). Very recently, Japan-based developer Rabbit & Bear Studios posted updates about the game on social media which just might mean there will be a possible appearance on the showcase. Take note that Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes’ inclusion on Xbox Game Pass is significant and this weekend’s online event is the best opportunity to promote it and make both XGP subscribers and JRPG fans excited.

There is the possibility that Konami could show Suikoden I&II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars and announce a firm release date for 2023. The showcase is also a great opportunity for Konami to promote the classic games to a worldwide audience and finally start executing their marketing plans that should excite Suikoden fans as well as gamers who love JRPGs.

When it comes to dream scenarios (note: the unlikely) that could really make waves if they ever happen at the Xbox showcase, that would be Capcom showing a big-budget remake of Dino Crisis (comparable to what they did with Resident Evil 2, 3 and 4) as well as announcing remastered versions of Breath of Fire RPGs for release on modern consoles plus Xbox Game Pass. I understand Capcom has its very own games showcase scheduled for the next day but the Xbox showcase is still a great opportunity to make waves with gamers worldwide. More wild scenarios? That would SEGA announcing the next Virtua Fighter game or a fully remastered Shining Force III (with all three chapters together), 2K Games revealing XCOM 3 (note: it’s been seven years since XCOM 2) plus Square Enix actually announcing a remastered version of Xenogears (note: this year marks the 25th anniversary of the game).

At this stage, we can only wait and see what will happen next. Team Xbox should show more games related to the latest Xbox Game Studios Publishing developments and other deals they made with developers – both the big and the smaller independent ones – so far. Not only that, there has to be something new and ready to be revealed from Team Xbox’s game studios such as Compulsion Games, inXile Entertainment and others. The excitement and suspense are building up!

Watch out for the games, the exciting stuff and big announcements at the Xbox Games Showcase and Starfield Direct Double Feature this weekend!

In concluding this article, posted below for your enjoyment are Xbox-related videos.

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Front Mission 1st: Remake set for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One release on June 30, 2023

June 7, 2023June 2, 2023carlocarrasco

If you love tactical role-playing games as well as robot action with some sci-fi and military concepts mixed in, then you should watch out for the release of Front Mission 1st: Remake on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Xbox One on June 30, 2023. The game, which is actually a remake of Square Enix’s 1995 game Front Mission, was developed and published by Forever Entertainment.

For the newcomers reading this, Front Mission is an existing franchise of games under Square Enix which landed on multiple consoles, the PC and other platforms through the decades. The first-ever Front Mission released in 1995 only in Japan on the Super Famicom was a critical and commercial hit which paved the way not only for further games but also enabling the Front Mission franchise to branch out on other forms of media such as film, novels, comic books, radio dramas and more. Front Mission 1st: Remake is not just a remake of the 1995 original game but also features a modern mode with improved controls as well as a fully orchestrated soundtrack.

To begin with, watch the official trailer below…

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Xbox.com announcement issued by Forever Entertainment. Some parts in boldface…

On June 30th, Front Mission 1st: Remake will make its highly anticipated debut on Xbox One and Xbox Series S|X. Deploy on a mission and play through the intricately woven narrative of this iconic tactical RPG series.

*You must analyze your situation carefully before making your next move. Pay close attention to the details.*

Huffman Island is the only place where the Oceania Cooperative Union (O.C.U.) and the Unified Continental States (U.C.S.) share a land border, making this place the epicenter of the Second Huffman Conflict in the year 2090.

Leading a reconnaissance platoon, O.C.U. Captain Royd Clive is tasked with investigating a U.C.S. munitions plant. However, their mission takes an unexpected turn when they find themselves ambushed by U.C.S. wanzers – triggering a chain of events that thrusts the entire island into a full-fledged war. Amidst the chaos, Royd’s fiancée, Lieutenant Karen Meure, goes missing in action.

Discharged from military service, Royd embarks on a pursuit to uncover the truth. As his investigation progresses, he gradually unearths a conspiracy and the powers that orchestrated it.

Assemble your Team and Plunge into the Heart of the Action – Front Mission 1st: Remake is an immersive tactical turn-based RPG that puts you in the role of a valiant pilot navigating war machines called wanzers through hazardous battlefields. Experience the realities of war through strategic maneuvers, while enjoying upgraded graphics and a fully re-orchestrated soundtrack that elevate the classic Front Mission gameplay to modern-day standards.

Way back in 1995, I got to play the original Front Mission on a rented Super Famicom console and played it for an hour. As it was written in Japanese, I did not understand the text but that did not stop me from enjoying the gameplay which was turn-based, strategic and packed with action. I enjoyed the mech action (nicely animated 2D sprites) and the challenge to be strategic with my next moves. I also enjoyed how the game compelled me to pay close attention to details such as how the different parts of my mechs can be customized, the different values each component came with, and the added capabilities that proved to be crucial offensively and defensively.

*Urban settings like this make the locations of battle more interesting.*

In 1999, I played Front Mission 3 on the PlayStation One and it was the North American version (published by Square Electronics). As it was in English, I was able to understand the situation, the details and explanations. Like the first Front Mission game, I had fun playing it and I was also impressed with how the developers utilized 3D polygons to enhance the presentation. What I could not forget was the part when the narrative of the game focused on a secret base located inside Taal Volcano in the Philippines. As a Filipino, that part of the game was a big and really delightful surprise to me.

Looking at the Front Mission 1^st: Remake trailer, which is very short, it seems to me that the game is looking good and promising enough. Right now, I am very interested in it.

Watch out for Front Mission 1: Remake on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Xbox One on June 30, 2023.

In ending this piece, posted below are Xbox-related videos plus one Front Mission-related video for your enjoyment. Don’t forget to watch out for Team Xbox’s showcase events (including the Starfield Direct) on June 11, 2023.

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Starfield set for release on September 6, 2023 on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Windows PC

March 21, 2023March 21, 2023carlocarrasco

The delay has been painful for Xbox fans, Bethesda fans and gamers who love playing role-playing games (RPGs). The pain, however, is easing as the much anticipated Xbox-exclusive sci-fi RPG Starfield is set for a global release on September 6, 2023. You will need an Xbox Series X console, an Xbox Series S console or a capable Windows PC to play the new game from Bethesda. The game will also launch on Xbox Game Pass (XGP).

To begin with, watch the official Starfield release announcement trailer below…

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from a related announcement by Bethesda. There is more coming before the release of Starfield…

Starfield is launching on September 6, 2023.

Starfield’s official launch date has been revealed in a brand-new enigmatic trailer, followed by a special message from Game Director Todd Howard. Players can look forward to the deepest dive yet into Bethesda Game Studios’ latest epic at the Starfield Direct, coming June 11, 2023.

Starfield arrives exclusively on Xbox Series X|S and PC on September 6, 2023. Play it day one with Xbox Game Pass.

Like anyone else, I was disappointed when Starfield’s initial release date of November 2022 could not be fulfilled. We are now beyond that and if you looked closely at the above Starfield release date video with updates from Todd Howard, you will see lots of gameplay moments as other Bethesda people played it. I also noticed from those moments that it looks like Bethesda somehow improved the frame rate of the game above 30 frames-per-second (30FPS).

That being said, we can expect a lot more updates about the sci-fi RPG in this June’s Starfield Direct online event. I hope that the developers will announce officially that the game will be played in two visual modes, with one of them prioritizing a 60FPS frame rate over resolution or visual details. I also hope that they will show that controls during the space battles sequences will be very responsive and user-friendly. It would also be nice for Bethesda to show some more characters (note: interactive supporting characters that players can choose to recruit) and more details of the plot without spoiling too much.

*Considering the massive open-world environments, here is hoping that 60FPS will be achieved for gamers who prefer a higher frame rate.*

*There should be more details and gameplay about the space battles in this June’s pre-release event.*

Starfield will undoubtedly be the most significant Xbox-exclusive release this year and by succeeding commercially and critically, it will make Xbox an even more significant ecosystem for playing RPGs.

*Be ready for the pre-release digital event this June and the game’s release this September.*

Watch out for Starfield Direct event on June 11, 2023, and the official launch of Starfield on September 6, 2023.

In concluding this article, posted below for your enjoyment are Xbox-related videos. The leader of Sony PlayStation looks more illogical and desperate as he leads a fading opposition against the Microsoft Activision-Blizzard deal. Microsoft recently made 10-year deals with Nintendo, Nvidia and Boosteroid in connection with Activision-Blizzard. Sony is looking more isolated and shameful which is disturbing PlayStation fanboys who hate Xbox on social media. It seems the PlayStation extremists can’t help but be jealous and angry over Starfield being Xbox-exclusive.

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Acclaimed 2019 sci-fi RPG The Outer Worlds is back again with Spacer’s Choice Edition, now available for gamers to enjoy on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S

March 13, 2023March 13, 2023carlocarrasco

In case you missed the news, the acclaimed 2019 science fiction role-playing game The Outer Worlds is back again with enhancements as well as the two DLC packages (Peril on Gorgon and Murder on Eridanos) in the form of The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition which has just been released. Those who already owned the game and wish to replay it with the latest stuff can digitally avail of the Spacer’s Choice Edition for a small price. Expect a series of enhancements while playing The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.

To begin with, watch the official Xbox trailer below…

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the pre-release Xbox.com announcement. Some parts in boldface…

When The Outer Worlds was released to critical success, we at Obsidian Entertainment were excited to see our community thoroughly enjoy this RPG that we felt was fun, fresh, and concise. Now that we’ve announced The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition, an upgrade for the new generation of hardware, we thought we’d go over some of the cool changes we are bringing in and the thought process behind it. If you aren’t familiar with the game, here’s a quick recap:

Lost in transit while on a colonist ship bound for the edge of the galaxy, you awake decades after your planned date only to find yourself in the midst of a deep conspiracy threatening to destroy the colony. Explore the various planets and locations of Halcyon, including the mysterious Gorgon Asteroid and the delightful distillery on Eridanos. As you encounter various factions, all vying for power, the decisions you make determine how the narrative unfolds.

*Get ready for an enduring series of discovery, misadventures and quests in the enhanced version of The Outer World, complete with the DLC packages.*

Since its release, over 5 million lucky spacers have explored the celestial bodies of Halcyon and taken an active part in the power struggle rocking the colony. Everything was going just fine. But then, just over a year later, the Xbox Series X and S arrived in people’s living rooms, pushing the boundaries of console gaming ever further. In a sense, the game was released in between two console generations. When opportunity insists on striking, it’s best to use a Prismatic Hammer.

Living on in the new console generation – With the release of this new generation of consoles, we wanted The Outer Worlds to live on for future spacers to enjoy. We wanted to make The Board proud and prevent this must-play RPG from aging prematurely as new games come rolling in, while at the same time providing a relevant, modernized space colonist experience for all newcomers to Halcyon. The technical capabilities introduced with the Xbox Series X and S made it clear there was room for improvement! Not just in how the game looks, but also regarding how the game feels.

*If this is your opportunity to replay The Outer Worlds after a long time, do you miss having Ellie in your team?*

This meant brushing up what were already some of the strengths of the core game: an engrossing storyline influenced by the in-game choices you make, quirky yet endearing companions – each with unique abilities and their own missions for you to help them complete – a freely diversified combat system yielding high-intensity encounters with your enemies, and much more…

The road to making the definitive version of The Outer Worlds – So we grabbed our spacer’s dev kits and got to work. Of course, we worked on visual improvements such as bringing 4K, 60FPS graphics, volumetric lighting, improved special effects, better particle physics, and enhancing the environments with increased asset density and visual storytelling.

But we also strived to create a smoother gaming experience by making the combat and companion AIs smarter, improved the open-world sensation through better depth, reworked the vistas already in the game, and updated weather variations. On top of that, we reworked character models and animations to improve the feel of the game. Finally, we thought this Spacer’s Choice Edition would make even more sense if it included the base game’s DLC expansions, Peril on Gorgon and Murder on Eridanos, so we did just that. Now the experience is even richer! And we increased the level cap to 99, to give players even more ways to build their character from the seven branches of the skill tree.

While I have been waiting for the Xbox-exclusive fantasy RPG Avowed from Obsidian Entertainment as well as Xbox-exclusive sci-fi RPG Starfield from Bethesda, I was surprised to see that The Outer Worlds was enhanced for the more modern Xbox consoles and that the price is not too high for those who previously bought the game. Still, the original game is only a little over 3-years-old now and at the time of its release, it was not exactly a visual standout among video games. Its gameplay, story concept, witty writing and memorable concept really defined The Outer Worlds as a fun game worth replaying.

I personally had replayed The Outer Worlds a lot on my Xbox One console (which conked out in 2021) and I did the same with the two separate DLC packages. I replayed The Outer Worlds and its expansions on my Xbox Series X one last time using backward compatibility and I enjoyed the improved frame rate. To replay the game in the form of the Spacer’s Choice Edition is enticing to say the least. It could ease the pain of the long wait for Avowed and Starfield (note: scheduled for release on September 6, 2023). Oh yes, Obsidian Entertainment is still working on the Xbox-exclusive sequel The Outer Worlds 2.

As of this writing, there are YouTubers and gamers who reported a variety of technical flaws and shortcomings with The Spacer’s Choice edition. In fact, the PlayStation 5 version of the game has so many bugs, a lot of gamers are suffering. Obsidian Entertainment and publisher Private Division (note: the company does not own the intellectual property rights of The Outer Worlds) should pay attention to the complaints and improve the game via patching. For the Xbox gamers reading this, watch below the early videos of The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition tested on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S…

The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition is now available for gamers to enjoy.

In concluding this article, posted below for your enjoyment are Xbox-related videos.

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Xbox-Bethesda Developer_Direct Livestream set for January 25, 2023, Starfield to have standalone showcase soon

January 18, 2023January 24, 2023carlocarrasco

For all the gamers and the loyal fans of Xbox and Bethesda reading this, you better get ready for lots of new stuff and announcements regarding upcoming games as the Developer_Direct livestream will take place on January 25, 2023 (at 12pm PT/3pm ET), Team Xbox announced recently. For those who are anticipating Starfield’s release this year, be aware that a standalone showcase of that Xbox-exclusive science fiction role-playing game (sci-fi RPG) from Bethesda will be held soon. Posted below is the precise Xbox YouTube spot for the Developer_Direct livestream.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Xbox.com announcement. Some parts in boldface…

Xbox and Bethesda will present a Developer_Direct on Wednesday, January 25, providing fans with an inside look at some of the games coming to Xbox, PC and Game Pass over the next few months.

Presented by the game creators themselves from studios including Arkane Austin, Mojang Studios, Turn 10 Studios, and ZeniMax Online Studios, the Developer_Direct will focus on big features, extended gameplay showcases, and the latest info for Xbox games launching in the next few months, including The Elder Scrolls Online, Forza Motorsport, Minecraft Legends, and Redfall.

To dedicate the proper amount of time for a deep dive into Bethesda Game Studios’ Starfield, a standalone show is in the works.

Fans should tune in on Xbox channels (Twitch, YouTube) and Bethesda channels (Twitch, YouTube) at 12pm PT/3pm ET, January 25 to see all the latest on:

The Elder Scrolls Online: Studio Director Matt Firor will unveil 2023’s major Chapter update, including the latest regions of Tamriel to become playable in ESO, as well as a major new feature coming in the game’s biggest update this year. The Developer_Direct will be immediately followed by the full, standalone ESO Chapter Reveal Event, hosted by Zenimax Online Studios, which will provide all the in-depth details ESO players will be keen to know.

Forza Motorsport: The team at Turn 10 Studios have been hard at work, bringing fans the next generation of Forza Motorsport, built from the ground up to take advantage of Xbox Series X|S. Forza Motorsport is back, and we can’t wait to share more gameplay and exciting new details.

Minecraft Legends: Mojang Studios will showcase an insider’s look into the PvP multiplayer experience in Minecraft Legends – the upcoming action-strategy game from the makers of Minecraft. Developed in partnership with Blackbird Interactive and launching this spring, don’t miss exclusive gameplay footage at the Developer_Direct.

Redfall: The minds behind Dishonored and Prey, Arkane Austin, will showcase several minutes of gameplay from their upcoming FPS. The Developer_Direct will reveal single and multiplayer gameplay, showing more of how you and your friends will take down bloodthirsty Vampires on the picturesque island of Redfall, Massachusetts. Fans can expect to learn more about combat, customization, bosses, the open world, and more.

If there is anything for me to say about the upcoming Developer_Direct, it is not only Team Xbox’s way of responding to the gamers’ constant inquiries or demands for new updates about new games this year, it is also their way of bouncing back to the criticism about their absence from The Games Awards 2022.

More notably, it seems to me that the Developer_Direct online event is Team Xbox’s new way of updating the loyal fans and the fun-seeking gamers about what to expect on the Xbox platform, when will the new games this year will come out, what features to look forward to, what can Xbox Game Pass (XGP) subscribers look forward to and the like. It is also their way of letting executives or representatives from Xbox game studios reach out to the gamers and establish a clear narrative so that confusion and uncontrolled expectations can be minimized just as Team Xbox’s marketing teams will ramp up the pre-release hype of the new games.

To be clear, it is simply too limiting for both Team Xbox and gamers to wait for the annual E3-related conference to happen just so that updates will be made. As such, I am anticipating that there will be more editions of this Developer_Direct online event to follow.

More on the Developer_Direct event of January 25, 2023, I am hoping that the respective release dates for Forza Motorsport (2023) and Redfall will be announced. 2022 saw the lack of big-time Xbox-exclusive games and the delays of Starfield and Redfall were strongly felt. For 2023, this is a big make-or-break year for Team Xbox. This is also the year for them to become more competitive than PlayStation and Nintendo in terms of publicity and setting the narrative. Apart from release dates, I am eager to find out what gameplay features of the announced games for the January 25 event will be revealed.

For those who are paying too much attention to Starfield not being part of the January 25 showcase, please keep in mind that such a high-profile game like that needs to have its very own event (perhaps Developer_Direct session #2) as it has tons of visuals, concepts, features and details that need to be emphasized by Bethesda. As it is an Xbox-exclusive game, there are lots of PlayStation fanboys who hate Xbox out there and they still cannot accept the fact that Starfield will never be released on the PlayStation platform and Microsoft-owned Bethesda is not obligated to release it on competing platforms. As such, anti-Xbox buzz connected with Starfield is being generated by those troublesome people right now and they are spreading lies and falsehoods about the Developer_Direct event. The successful integration of Bethesda into Team Xbox remains very painful for those people because they know that future sequels of The Elder Scrolls, Fallout and other Bethesda game franchises will not be released on their favorite platforms. They can get louder and more troublesome but you should not let them fool you.

Watch out for the Developer_Direct event on January 25, 2023.

In concluding this article, posted below for your enjoyment are Xbox-related videos.

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Xbox Series X and Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition Bundle coming out for your enjoyment!

January 10, 2023January 10, 2023carlocarrasco

If you still have not yet acquired an Xbox Series X console but you already have the means to buy it, then you should seriously consider buying the Xbox Series X and Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition Bundle once it becomes available for $559, Team Xbox announced recently. Having played Forza Horizon 5 a lot on my Xbox Series X since late 2021, I can say that the bundle is great value for you gamers as well as others struggling with inflation.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Xbox.com announcement. Some parts in boldface…

Introducing the Xbox Series X – Forza Horizon 5 Bundle, including an Xbox Series X and wireless controller, and Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition with Hot Wheels Expansion, VIP Pass, Car Pass, Welcome Pack and a second expansion when available. This Xbox Series X bundle will be available worldwide and will start shipping to retailers in the US, Canada and select markets in Asia this week. Bundles will start shipping to Europe, Latin America, and more regions around the world later this month.

*The Xbox Series X bundled with Forza Horizon 5 and additional content offered for $559.*

Xbox Series X: 12 teraflops of raw graphic processing power, DirectX ray tracing, a custom 1TB SSD, and 4K gaming – Xbox Series X is the fastest, most powerful Xbox ever. There are thousands of playable titles from four generations of consoles, and all games look and play best on the Xbox Series X. Load times are virtually eliminated and framerates are increased with a custom-built NVMe SSD, which enables larger, more robust games to operate at their full capacity.

Forza Horizon 5 runs at 4K and 60 frames per second on Xbox Series X in performance mode and provides the most technologically advanced Forza Horizon experience yet. You’ll get to explore the vibrant and ever-evolving open world landscapes of Mexico in the world’s greatest cars with 12 teraflops of raw graphic processing power, DirectX ray tracing, a custom SSD, and 4K gaming. The power of the Xbox Series X console delivers incredible realism and immersion with a world rendered in higher detail and with extreme draw distances.

Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition includes Forza Horizon 5 plus the Premium Edition add-ons -Forza Horizon 5: The latest entry in the open world racing series showcases powerful, all-new graphical features. Experience sweeping vistas and scan the distance to see the adventure that lies ahead. Encounter the smallest of details throughout the world, which is rendered with striking realism, down to the smallest details like the light that glows through each needle on a Cholla cactus. Our Mexican HDR sky captures illuminate the world to the point that you will feel as if you are right there. And thanks to Xbox Series X|S, ray tracing is utilized in ForzaVista to make the cars look even more true to real life.

Hot Wheels Expansion: Race 10 amazing new cars on the fastest, most extreme tracks ever devised. You can even design, build, and share your own Hot Wheels adventure! What’s not to love about that? You can blast off to the visually stunning, exhilarating Horizon Hot Wheels Park in the clouds above Mexico today.

VIP Pass: The VIP Pass features 3 exclusive Forza Edition cars, Crown Flair, Vanity Items, Emote and Car Horn, Player House, Double Credit race rewards, weekly bonus Super Wheelspins, and more to give your game a boost and make you stand out at the Horizon Festival.

Car Pass: Expand your garage with 42 new cars, including 8 Formula Drift Cars to get you started in style. Plus, you’ll receive a one-time grant of each car to your in-game garage.

Welcome Pack: 5 special pre-tuned cars, a Player House, a one-time grant to own any car from the game’s Autoshow, and 3 one-time grants for any Common or Rare clothing item.

Second Expansion: The next Forza Horizon 5 expansion will be included when it launches.

Wow! That’s a ton of gaming value for those who will buy the Xbox Series X bundled with the blockbuster game! Indeed, Team Xbox is offering big value for $559 to those who want the premium, fun console gaming experience. I myself am still having fun replaying Forza Horizon 5.

Personally, I see this premium bundle announcement as a form of warm-up on the part of Team Xbox to deliver not just more game-related features and Xbox Game Pass (XGP) content but also the big-budget Xbox-exclusive games that are expected to be released this year such as Starfield (note: first half of 2023), Forza Motorsport (2023), Redfall (note: potentially May 2023) and others. 2022 is over and ended without big budget exclusive games and this is the year that Team Xbox should deliver the great stuff that cannot be found on PlayStation and Nintendo consoles. If you want tremendous gaming value and content at a small price per month, I encourage you to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass (XGP).

Watch out for the Xbox Series X – Forza Horizon 5 premium bundle online and at the local retailers.

In concluding this article, posted below for your enjoyment are Xbox-related videos.

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