In a surprising turn of events, a former writer for the UK Official Xbox Magazine, who had admittedly sidelined their Xbox Series X for over a year, has recently rekindled their passion for Microsoft’s flagship console. Two megaton releases, Starfield and Forza Motorsport, have lured this gamer back into the Xbox ecosystem, showcasing the platform’s potential in the gaming world.
Starfield: A visual marvel with room for improvement
Bethesda’s latest action-RPG, Starfield, might not have reached the universal acclaim of Skyrim, but it shines as the studio’s most polished and visually stunning creation. On an LG G3 OLED TV, the game’s graphics are nothing short of breathtaking. The player’s journey through the cosmos, exploring planets, encountering side quests, and battling space foes may lack a gripping core gameplay loop, but the sheer visual appeal keeps players glued to their screens. However, there is a pressing issue with the game’s HDR, which forces players to lower their TV’s brightness settings to avoid washed-out visuals.
Forza Motorsport: A leap towards photorealism
Forza Motorsport, released recently, has left gamers in awe with its remarkable approach to photorealism. Developed by Turn 10 Studios, the driving simulator offers not only stunning visuals but also an impeccable handling model. Notably, it leverages the Xbox Wireless Controller’s Impulse triggers to enhance the gaming experience in ways that few other titles can match. Although a full review is forthcoming, initial impressions suggest that Forza Motorsport is a must-play for racing enthusiasts, further enhancing the Xbox Series X’s appeal.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
The writer has also re-subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which now allows for seamless gaming experiences across both the Xbox Series X and one of the world’s best gaming PCs. Improved compatibility with Windows 11 and an expanding game library have made this subscription service a no-brainer. The ability to access a wide array of titles on both platforms has only added to its allure.
The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription offers an impressive lineup of games that can be enjoyed in 4K, often at a silky-smooth 120 frames per second. Titles like Deathloop, Dishonored 2, Dirt 5, Doom Eternal, Forza Horizon 5, Crusader Kings 3, and A Plague Tale: Requiem highlight the quality and diversity of the available games. Even classics like Dead Space 2 can be experienced in Ultra HD through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Almost three years since its release, the Series X has finally established itself as an essential gaming console, and the Xbox Series S has also proven its worth for gamers on 1080p TVs. While the PS5 continues to hold a lead in terms of exclusive titles, Microsoft’s impending acquisition of Activision Blizzard is expected to bolster the Xbox ecosystem significantly, promising even more compelling experiences in the future.
