Players have been complaining of random disconnects with the Xbox Series X controller dating back to November 13th, few days after launch of the Series X/S.
Via the Xbox/Microsoft help forum. User called, Panayiotisloannou, wrote this message which has now spanned over 40 pages:
“Hey guys,
Got a weird situation in my hands and i can’t find a solution.
I recently bought an XBOX Series X controller to use on my XBOX One. All games that are for XBOX One work normally. When i load Assassins Creed Valhalla though the controller keeps connecting and disconnecting on its own. So for example, within 10 seconds it connects and disconnects about 5 times which makes the game unplayable.
Any ideas on how to fix this issue?”
There is good news over the horizon. Microsoft are aware of this issue and committed to being fixing this in a future update.
“We are aware some players may be experiencing disconnects with their new Xbox Wireless Controllers and our teams are actively working on a solution to be included in a future update,” a representative of Microsoft talking to The Verge.
Reported by Eurogamer, Microsoft attempted to purchase Nintendo 20 years ago, which they kindly “just laughed their asses off.”
Former director of third party relations, Kevin Bachus, went onto say their meeting didn’t go so well.
“Steve [Ballmer, ex-Microsoft CEO] made us go meet with Nintendo to see if they would consider being acquired. They just laughed their asses off. Like, imagine an hour of somebody just laughing at you. That was kind of how that meeting went.”
It went even further in January 2000, when business development Bob McBreen, revealed Microsoft met with Nintendo Jan 2000 for a joint venture where Xbox would build the hardware for Nintendo games.
“We actually had Nintendo in our building in January 2000 to work through the details of a joint venture where we gave them all the technical specs of the Xbox,” McBreen said.
“The pitch was their hardware stunk, and compared to Sony PlayStation, it did. So the idea was, ‘Listen, you’re much better at the game portions of it with Mario and all that stuff. Why don’t you let us take care of the hardware?’ But it didn’t work out.”
In the first story DLC for Gears 5, we witness the beginnings of Team Scorpio, from their formation to taking the fight straight to the Swarm.
Story
If you haven’t read the Hivebusters comic, this DLC is the perfect introduction to the characters of Team Scorpio and how it came to fruition. We start off with our team in a Condor transport heading to the island of Pahanu, ignorant of what their mission is. This is where we are first introduced to Keegan, a member of the Onyx Guard serving at Azsura; if you played Gears 3, the background lore relating to this character will pique your interest. Secondly we have Lahni, whose personality, family and heritage we learn about over the course of the story. And finally Mac, the foul-mouthed Irishman, whose human side emerges as Team Scorpio develops.
One thing I will hand to the Gears games is the chemistry between all characters. It’s so perfect and believable, yet quite relatable. When the chips are down and backs against the wall, you find this resilience to overcome any challenge, even if the odds are heavily against you.
Three new arrivals join the cast to Gears 5. Fan favourite COL. Hoffman returns, and it’s about god damn time too. (See what I did there? No? Urrgggh, nevermind…) And Hana Cole, daughter of Augustus “Cole Train” Cole. She’s leading the science in this one and will no doubt give Baird a run for his technical know-how too. And lastly, Taka the pilot.
Without spoiling the story too much, Hivebusters is the origin story of Team Scorpio and the development of the venom to kill off the Swarm, spread over a roughly 3-hour campaign – though hunting down the 23 collectibles and upgrading all of your abilities will likely extend this by a fair amount. It’s an action-packed, story-driven plot that ties in nicely to the base game, making Escape (multiplayer) mode both more appealing and easier to understand.
Graphics, Sound, and Performance
Hivebusters DLC is actually quite remarkable looking. Throughout the course of the game you visit a variety of environments, from colourful island vistas to going underground, and even riding a eruption of lave from exploded volcano. It’s pure eye candy, and the Series X handles it like a wet dream.
The sound is top notch with its different type themes, especially being on a island. Not just when fighting against the Swarm, but the wildlife itself, other enemies and of course the new beast you encounter. If they don’t add the new beast as a boss in Horde or Escape, people should riot!
Performance was stable and fantastic throughout.
Difficulty
Just like any game, Hivebusters can get tough on the higher difficulty settings! Of course, you can play 3 player co-op the same as in the main campaign of Gears 5. Certain areas provide a greater challenge, such as one specific section that consists of defending against a wave of Swarm before moving to the next checkpoint. Insane difficulty should be a good ride, but don’t expect it to be a walk in the park.
Conclusion
Seeing as this is the first DLC for Gears 5, the Coalition have done a great job. Believe it or not, I find myself more inclined to pick Keegan, Lahni or Max in multiplayer going forward. Before I wasn’t that interested in them as characters, however the DLC has given us a great trio with rich background stories that you can’t help but relate to. Not only that but I also find myself wanting to play Escape mode more too. The DLC is so good, it leaves you wanting more and I really do hope the Hivebusters gets a further expansion or even a spin-off title of its own.
Verdict It’s the best piece of add on content that I have played for sometime. Gears 5 fell a little short after Act 2 in terms of its story, however Hivebusters was hands-down a phenomenal experience throughout.
Dirt is back. Drifting into the next generation, a taste of what is to come?
Gameplay
Dirt continues the slick, arcade Rally, Rally Cross and other off roading racing in Dirt 5. The gameplay is what you expect in these games. Throttle down, blip the brakes and become acquainted with the handbrake. Drifting is somewhat a staple for all racing games to pull off. With the lush visuals which I will get onto later in the review. Performing a drift in the mud, gravel, concrete whatever terrain you are plowing over 100mph, never fails to excite. As like any other racing game. Dirt 5 is a nice simple game to pick up and play whenever you want.
You have many different type of racing to be had. Some are fun, some are tedious and then one is good, yet so down frustrating. Added to the fray in Dirt 5 is driving on ice. This gives a new complete dynamic where as before you would just floor it and hope for the best. However, driving on ice is a short lived feature. With grip being non existant, players must think carefully, and getting those lines right. To counter that, you could just use the other cars to help you…
Not only do you have career mode and online. You do have playground mode which will allow you to create your very own track or play the 100s of other tracks made by the community. Some of these creations are quite amazing to be honest and even very hard! The actual editor controls are quite easy to use and make a track straight away. With a little dash of imagination, anyone can make a superb track and have fun and become the next Ken Block.
Difficulty
If you are new to racers or specifically what Dirt 5 has to offer than the norm. The difficulty can vary on the player. For me personally I play on hard or sometimes very hard if I am fancying it. I like the challenge and it also proves what mettle you have. Can you rough it up and push you’re very own limits to the max to win? Sure, why not. Just don’t make me spill my beer whilst I attempt that huh.
Again, Dirt 5 isn’t a game where it caters for the hardcore gymkhana, rally enthusiasts. Dirt 5 is accessible for all ages and the difficulty has no legitimate pros or cons for players. Those that want the challenge it’s there. Those that want to chill and chew up some dirt, it’s there.
Graphics, Sound, and Performance
Visually this game is stunning. I am playing the Series X (Well duh! It does say in the title… Note to self) and it is incredible. When racing on the ice, the lighting and reflections is top notch. The water spray hitting the car and flying off the wheels is just some of the small details I looked for and it doesn’t disappoint. The car models too are good and look the legit business.
The tracklist for Dirt 5 is probably the best, no, it is the best tracklist they have put in the series. Plenty of songs to get the head nodding too, humming, singing you name it. May have to look for the Spotify playlist at some point actually. Not only the tracklist being good, the sound of the cars are also good too. So far, everything about Dirt 5 has been very positive. Each car sounding uniquely different and how they should too. Nothing quite compares to the Subaru Impreza and hearing the turbo kick in, no vtec jokes here…
Performance wise I’ve had no issues whatsoever. The game peforms spot on with no hiccups. Great addition for a new shiny console be that for the Xbox Series X or PS5, though that will remain to be seen once its out on PS5.
Conclusion
If you are wanting a new racing game for the Series X, then Dirt 5 is the only racing game ‘new’ and available. Of course Forza Horizon 4 has been optimised for Series X, so isn’t the only racing game available at your disposal. Dirt 5 is worth it. Its arcade racer which has plenty of fun and makes you feel great when nailing a drift or beating a gymkhana score.
Verdict If you are monster energy up, raring to put foot to metal. Dirt 5 is the game for you! Flip the bird at Ken Block and make Colin McRae proud!
Microsoft have announced a list of 30 games that will be optimized for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S when the consoles launch on November 10, 20 of which are available via Smart Delivery.
Microsoft have detailed backward compatibility for Xbox One and compatible Xbox 360 and Xbox games on Xbox Series Platforms, including auto high-dynamic range, and higher frame rates and enhanced visuals on select titles.
Microsoft has announced several new titles coming to Xbox Game Pass for Console and PC in late October, which includes Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition, Katana Zero, Supraland, and more.
gaming-square.com 