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Halo Infinite’s campaign looks modern in the best way possible

October 27, 2021 by Max

Halo has always had a certain flavor to the hype behind it. Most notable for me was the run up to Halo 3. Bungie enveloped my teenage mind with visions of expansive sci-fi settings and the ways in which I’d get lost in its multiplayer. Halo 3’s marketing was simply something to be felt. In many ways, it was also the peak of the Halo hype machine.

Each release of Halo has left its mark on my gaming career, but it’s also become murkier ever since the release of Halo Reach. I had my fill of over 100 hours with Bungie’s last hoorah, but 343’s entries never truly got their hooks in me. I didn’t feel the connection with my gut that earlier titles provided. Punctuated by the latest release of Halo Infinite’s campaign overview, this lapse in loyalty seems to finally be coming to an end. For the first time in years, it feels fantastic to be invested in the Halo franchise.

Xbox Series X|S basics: what to know about the WiFi

October 20, 2021 by Max

For all of the advantages of Ethernet, sometimes WiFi is a must in the world of console gaming.

I’ve been solely using WiFi ever since picking up my Series X and despite the odd hiccup it’s been more than serviceable.

The built in WiFi card offers everything I could need. Better yet, I haven’t found my connection to Xbox live to be throttled.

What can you expect from the Xbox Series X|S WiFi performance?

As it turns out, almost everything you could need streaming, online gaming, and downloading the latest titles.

Xbox Series X|S performance boosts are a clean slate for gaming

November 8, 2021October 9, 2021 by Max

The authenticity and fidelity of Red Dead Redemption 2 blew me away on the PS4. I had never experienced anything quite like it. Interwoven systems, emergent gameplay, idyllic landscapes – it felt like next-generation gaming had come a little early. But going back to it now, after buying an Xbox Series X, puts into perspective something that was sorely lacking at times on the PS4 and Xbox One – performance.

Microsoft’s newest console has been an utter treat in this department. Games new and old are performant and look incredible. This standard was touched on with the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X, but not nearly to the extent that the Xbox Series X|S have cleaned up performance.

Not all games have gotten the next-gen treatment. But by and large I’ve never had as great of a time diving into a back catalog as I have with my Xbox Series X. New titles have only upped the ante of performance and visuals.

Half the fun of Halo Infinite has been community driven

October 7, 2021 by Max

A lot of people have been comparing Halo Infinite to Halo 3, and in a lot of ways I agree. Its array of equipment and sandbox at large make it something of a virtual playground. I can’t help but feel it’s just right in its dance between modern and old.

Halo Infinite is simply fun, and a lot of it seems to be coming from the community. It’s been a long, long time since I’ve been wrapped up in the excitement for a Halo game. And the cheers for Infinite are palpable. Old fans, new fans – it seems like most were blindsided by the most recent beta in the best way possible.

Forza basics: does FH4 have Tesla cars?

August 25, 2021 by Max

mountain look off in winter forza horizon 4

Play as you please and do what you want – one of the best aspects of Forza Horizon 4 is the ability to jump in and get going almost immediately. I’m one that would have enjoyed a more handcrafted approach to some of the game’s aspects, but it’s undeniably excellent evoking freedom.

Read our review of Forza Horizon 4

Variety also cues an experience that is never too bogged down by feeling samey. Unfortunately, there are some exclusions in the car roster that may leave some fans wanting more.

If you’re wondering whether the game has Tesla vehicles, this isn’t the game to enjoy one of Elon Musk’s pillars of output.

Forza Horizon 4 does not feature any Tesla cars and most likely never will with the looming release of Forza Horizon 5. Content production for the game has come to a standstill.

Xbox essentials: does Xbox Series X come with a USB-C cable?

November 8, 2021June 23, 2021 by Max

There’s nothing quite like unboxing a next-gen system. The anticipation of the old mixed with finally letting go of an aging console feels just right.

For me, the experience of unboxing and setting up the Xbox Series X was effortless when compared to prior consoles. The console literally pops up right in front of you as you open the box, and everything is tidily tucked away.

Read more on Xbox: How the Xbox Series X|S shine a light on performance

Within a few minutes I was off to gobble up all of the bandwidth I could thanks to Game Pass.

You’ll find that Microsoft provides everything you need to get up and go but, thanks to changes in cable standards, you might be confused as what is and isn’t provided. More specifically, the use of USB-C might be different than what you’re used to around the house.

Does the Xbox Series X include a USB-C cable?

Unfortunately, the console does not come with a USB-C cable despite relying on it to play without batteries. You will find a pair of AA batteries included in the packaging, but the only cables provided are the power and HDMI cords.

Can the Xbox One and PS4 Stream 4K HDR? What to Know About Console Media Playback

January 17, 2019 by Max

In spite of the recent unveiling of several 8K TVs at CES 2019, 4K will continue to be the resolution to hit for those that produce content on YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, and so on.

And in the Ultra HD age, it can be a bit confusing to figure out which streaming devices support 4K and HDR, especially when it comes to gaming consoles.

Xbox Game Discounts with Game Pass Trial

October 19, 2018 by Max

By the time the Xbox Scarlett and PS5 release, Xbox’s Game Pass will be looked at as one of the pioneering video game services of the current generation. It’s a simple proposition – let players in on an all you can eat buffet of quality games, much like Netflix does with TV shows and movies, and charge a flat monthly fee.

Needless to say it’s a service that has caught on with many, and with new free trial deals cropping up nearly every month it’s always a great time to jump in.

More Fuel to the Hype Filled Microsoft XO18 Fire

October 16, 2018 by Max

Despite Halo Infinite’s absence, Microsoft’s XO18 to be held in November marks a sort of celebratory status for the Xbox division’s return to form. I’ve spent much of this generation watching the Xbox One from the sidelines, only recently playing more of the system, and it’s been a journey signed with valleys and peaks to say the least. Phil Spencer’s commitment to making the Xbox One a fantastic place to play, and Satya Nadella’s support of Microsoft’s gaming division, have made its most recent years a joy to watch. What’s more, the possibilities for the Xbox Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, are as tangible as ever.

Halo Infinite Missing From Microsoft’s XO18

December 31, 2018October 14, 2018 by Max

Halo Infinite, the next mainline entry in the Halo series , was initially met with fervor from long time fans when it was revealed at this year’s E3. Unfortunately, there has yet to be as much as a glimpse into widely speculated sequel since the engine unveiling at Microsoft’s press event.