I'm primarily a PC gamer with a library slowly approaching 1,000 games on Steam. While I have sometimes bought games through the other storefronts like Blizzard, GOG, Uplay, and EA Origins, I never really invested significant time in them to the point where I don't keep track of what is in those libraries. Suffice to say, I thought that I was so entrenched in Steam that I couldn't possibly play in another storefront for any meaningful amount of time.

This has changed for the past year. I hopped on one of those deals that gave me access to Game Pass since Microsoft added all the Bethesda games and partnered with EA Play. And I gotta say, I'm invested now. Invested so much that I bought a Series X despite having zero interest when the new generation of systems was announced. Game Pass on Xbox is an even better deal than Game Pass on PC. The library is larger and for the games that are Play Anywhere, I can continue my save file on my PC when my living room TV is unavailable.

I really think that Microsoft has a winning strategy with Game Pass this generation and it really surprised me how my attitude to the Xbox ecosystem changed this year. While I think both Sony and Nintendo have great exclusives, the value proposition for me of convenience and a rotating slate of quality games will likely keep me invested and subscribed, moreso than Xbox Gold or PS+ have in the past.

On March 17th, it was reported that the version of Nier: Automata on the XGP, the BECOME AS GODS edition, was a different and much improved version of the one found on Steam, the Game of the YorHa edition. This was particularly big news since the first port of Nier: Automata has been infamously buggy and broken for many, and it has never received an update since launch despite its widespread and massive success.

This version of the game not only fixes the resolution and FPS issues, but it also adds things like HDR and ultrawide support. This new port was developed by QLOC and have apparently included these improvements at Platinum Games' request. There have been longstanding rumours about disagreements between Square-Enix and Platinum about who is responsible for updating the game, thus its lack of updates (even though all other PC titles by SE and Platinum have received updates), and the original release continues to be completely unplayable for many even with the FAR mod.

Yesterday, March 18th, a Resident Evil and Evil Within YouTuber reported that the XGP version of Evil Within was effectively a new version of the game with significant additions and changes:

• first person mode + FOV option
• Infinite ammo mode
• Icons for lantern/sneaking in first person view
• Low/Medium options for Camera Bob
• The stamina has been adjusted, you can now run for 5 seconds at default stamina(was originally 3 seconds)
• All DLC Included
• Separate Achievement List from Xbox
• The game also feels less janky and smooth

First person mode has been a highly requested feature for the game, as it was added with the sequel (The Evil Within 2) and has been an often requested and modded feature to the original game.

I purchased a license and activated DEV MODE on the Xbox Series S, with the purpose of running some SNES games I definitely own... But part of the procedure involves using the Games and Apps tab to set Retroarch as a game. Without that, it doesn't have access to all the system resources. The problem is that the tab disappeared and I don't know how to get it back. Anyone have the knowledge to fix this? I really don't want to reset my Xbox to factory just because of that... thanks

Unlike the current tendency, unless I'm playing with my real-life friends, I don't care for multiplayer in shooters. I'm usually surrounded by highly skilled players that seemingly dedicate their lives to becoming experts in that game. I don't wanna become actually skilled, I wanna play in my own way and feel I am skilled in face of limited AI. You know, fantasy!

Most franchises are leaning towards multiplayer, and my playstyle is quickly becoming old fashioned. I recently purchased the Xbox Series S and would love suggestions of great shooters with a focus on offline missions. Especially historical shooters (like WWI and WWII), but not limited to it.

Thanks!

I recently got an Ethernet cable in the hopes of making my online gaming more responsive, but to my dismay it made little difference in latency measure on the Xbox Series S. It merely dropped from 146ms to 143ms.

I use the modem+router provided by the ISP, a Sagemcom Fast 5655v2. According to preliminary research, the ISP blocks any alterations so I would have to jailbreak the device to explore other solutions. I’m open for suggestions in that regard too! I’d like to know if I can determine if the problem is on the router or the ISP.

On your suggestions please consider that my country’s currency is worth less than one fifth of the US dollar, so I’m not looking for anything even remotely close to the best setup possible, but merely a significant improvement. Anything above 50 US dollars is already too much for me.

So, with that in mind, what do you recommend?

We are almost in a new generation of consoles and was just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on each offering. Some questions to prompt (but feel free to just share what's at the top of your mind):

Have you preordered a system?

Which system do you think looks best to you and why?

How will these systems impact gaming on PC?

Would you get the digital or disc version?

Will these consoles affect Nintendo's plans?

Has Microsoft re-claimed any of their lost momentum from the Xbox One launch?

What features are most important to you?

If you aren't planning on buying at launch, is there something you are waiting for?