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Forza Horizon 4 review – still incredible in 2021 and beyond

August 19, 2021 by Max

In many ways, Forza Horizon 4 has been the culmination of my favorite aspects of the racing genre. I’ve never dove off into the sea of hardcore sims, but at this point in my life I’ve poured over a 1000 hours into a mixture of simcade and arcade racers.

What started with the early era of Gran Turismo on the PS1 soon gave way to various Need for Speed entries, Project Gotham Racing, early Forza games, and a smattering of games in between.

To say the genre clicks with me would be an understatement, and above all, the ability to jump right in and play has always spoken to me. I’d call the Forza Horizon series a sort of open world spiritual successor to the PGR series, but what Playground Games ultimately does better than anyone else is provide the means for immediate driving fun.

Forza Horizon 4 is accessibility done right – an experience that appeals equally to fans of the genre and those completely new.

Google Stadia fumbles out of the gate

November 21, 2019 by Max

As inevitable as a streaming focused future for video games is, it doesn’t look like Google Stadia will be the one reign it in. By all accounts, it’s not a half bad implementation when networking kinks are accounted for. It’s just that, currently, its business model and failure to deliver on promise have made for … Read more

The Video Game Streaming Wars Have Begun

March 25, 2019 by Max

The massive increase in engagement across music, movies, and TV shows all have one thing in common – convenience. From CDs to MP3s, Walkmans to iPods, and dial up to broadband access, music is now with us always – on demand via streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. A similar story exists … Read more

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.

The Xbox Division’s Path of Promise

December 31, 2018July 30, 2018 by Max

The seventh generation of video game consoles was marked by grit, the breakout of online multiplayer, and standout new IP’s like Bioshock and Mass Effect. The Xbox 360 and PS3 years were also a reminder of the importance of endings in the context of growth and innovation within an industry.

A Throwback to Draconian Era Xbox One

November 15, 2017 by Max

It’s only been 4 years since the official launch of the original Xbox One and yet so much has changed in the eyes of gamers. Prior to launch, Microsoft detailed a vision for the Xbox One living room experience that was firmly cemented in an always online, DRM ridden landscape. With this vision would come … Read more