The Problem with Online-Only Consoles

As I am sure you are aware, the next Xbox console is all but confirmed to be only usable online. Likewise, I am most definitely not the first to tell you that this poses a problem for the many people in the world without high-speed Internet. In the U.S. alone, approximately one third of people lack broadband. However, even if you ignore these figures, requiring an Internet connection to play your single and multiplayer games will still be problematic. Consider the recent SimCity debacle. Now, imagine your entire console game system acting in the same manner. Having trouble? Here’s a picture to help.

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Fable III Mini Review

It’s been a while since I’ve posted here. I’m just very busy with multiple changes going on in my life right now. To tide you all over, I have taken what little free time I have to write this review.

Fable III is a beast of a game. I wasn’t a big fan of Fable II because the story was a snore fest. Luckily, they fixed it this time. The multiplayer is also greatly improved. There are a lot less of the restrictions of having to play in the same location. You can even have babies with your friends online, which you can rationalize as "for the achievement". The RPG elements may have been simplified, but this allows for more of a focus on combat and moral decisions. I particularly loved being the ruler of Albion. At this part of the game, I was required to choose between pleasing my subjects or raising money to save them from a threat that they could not comprehend. I ended up trying to go back and forth between the two options in order to not be completely hated. It’s debatable which Fable game is the best, but I definately enjoyed III more than II.

Banjo and Sonic in the Same Game?

Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing was already of interest to me, but now it’s a must-buy. Not only will the Xbox 360 version be the first true next-gen kart racer, but you can play as freaken’ Banjo and Kazooie. The video proves it.