Introduction
While it is easy to read up-to-date news from the Internet (I don’t blame you, since I also can’t help reading an online article that catches the eye), reading from a magazine still has its charms, definitely. In fact, whether you believe it or not, I went into gaming from reading a German video gaming magazine which showcased the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS (including LEGO City Undercover and its prequel). I do feel sad that I couldn’t keep them, but as long as I have the memory in my head, it’s alright. After that, I owned an (original) Xbox One and then upgraded to the Xbox One S, where my gaming experience got much better thanks to the Xbox Game Pass. Someday I will get a Nintendo Switch, mostly for my personal gaming sessions and to play the games I can’t play on Xbox One. I also can’t wait for the Xbox network to become real, which you will hear about eventually. Web addresses to my social media will be shown on the last page, so you can follow me and provide feedback for how I can do better, if you’re interested that is. Thanks for reading the introduction and let’s get updated on the world of gaming!
Xbox Live Becomes Xbox network
Video credit: Spawn Wave
After receiving backlash about raising the price of Live Gold, Microsoft immediately backpedaled on their decision. After some thinking, Microsoft decided to rebrand Xbox Live into Xbox Network to refer to the console’s underlying online service and to distinguish it from Xbox Live Gold. They additionally announced that it’s removing the paywall on free-to-play titles while Xbox Live Gold will continue at the same monthly price for all paid titles. While it remains to be seen when the change will occur (as it is on testing as of this writing), it means Microsoft can now compete with Sony and Nintendo, who also offer free online gaming to free-to-play titles on top of subscriptions.
To be honest, prior to this, I was between wanting to jump on the Xbox Live Gold wagon and not wanting to, because I… don’t have a credit card (it’s Europe, credit cards aren’t mandatory). If I wanted to upgrade from Game Pass to Ultimate, would I still need a credit card? It was an itching feeling until this came out. It means I can finally play something like Brawlhalla on my Xbox One S after playing it mostly on my laptop (which oddly works). I can’t wait to play online with you readers!
The Limited Games of Mario's Anniversary
Video credit: Nintendo
But why were All-Stars and Mario Bros 35 limited releases? What was Nintendo’s reasoning? Most of the fans scratched their heads trying to figure it out, until one developer, who worked with Nintendo on multiple occasions in the past, gave a “straightforward” response on the matter: Nintendo resorted to artificial scarcity to drive up sales by playing on people’s fear of missing out (FOMO, for short). That’s right, the aforementioned massive sale seems to have been Nintendo’s plan all along. Nintendo of America’s president Doug Bowser previously stated that this is part of Mario’s “celebration”, as a unique way to celebrate it. He did assure us that this strategy will not be used widely going forward.
While the strategy certainly worked (I even got my own copy at a “small” discount at my local electronics store), it’s pretty shameless to take advantage of people’s FOMO, even for games as nostalgic as Super Mario. And because it worked, it might encourage similar tactics to be used by other companies for easy money. Super Mario Bros. 35 is gone forever, while buying All-Stars digitally is now impossible, those who missed out will definitely need to pray that it will return eventually, perhaps for the next anniversary. For now, Nintendo just scored a great victory sale for three of the most beloved games they ever made, and those who managed to get it physically/digitally can enjoy them for many years to come. Since Mario’s celebration is over, Zelda is next to receive some recognition - which Nintendo is capitalizing upon with a remaster of a Zelda Wii game for the Nintendo Switch. Only time will tell what else is in store.
Triple Game Recommendations
Grand Theft Auto V - Yes, I know it’s an old game, but there’s some definite charm in this. For one, you can play as three characters, which leads to interesting story options and gameplay mechanics. And in case you're new, it's getting another remaster for the Xbox Series and PS5 consoles.
Warframe - One of the first free-to-play games you need to try. It was the first game I tried on Steam... but couldn't continue because my PC couldn't handle it. Then I played it on my Xbox One S and it was a great, but took a long hiatus due to the Xbox Game Pass. Then I returned to this game after my Game Pass expired, and it's still great. You have many versions of Tenno to try, but for beginners, Excalibur is a great balance of speed and power.
Brawlhalla - Another free-to-play title you can try on a decent PC. It's a multiplayer title where you can fight other players with your own Legend. The in-game purchases are completely optional and cosmetic, with the option to purchase all the present (and future) Legends in one real purchase. As a bonus, you don’t even need the Internet to play this, as a way to practice or enjoy it at your quiet leisure. You can even practice with your friends!
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