Two (2) years with the Xbox One – SJBMCPRS Diagnosis

Disclaimer: The following post on the SJBMCPRS Report is based primarily on my experiences with the Xbox One console and is a follow-up to the eighth (8^th) post on the SJBMCPRS Report. Therefore, the impressions and opinions are purely of my own and should not be considered as ‘definitive’ regarding the Xbox One as many people have their own opinions and have the right to express themselves. That said, this post will contain some real-world properties, as well as expressions that may be taken as offensive to people.

The moment I (the author) purchased and obtained an Xbox One console was the 21/12/2013, 14:50, in the Tesco Extra supermarket, Yeovil, Somerset, United Kingdom. It’s been two (2) years now, and on the 21/12/2015; I will share some of my experiences regarding the ongoing life cycle of the Xbox One. Considering I asked myself these questions in a previous post (where I reflected upon my first (1^st) year with the Xbox One), I will ask myself again now that I’ve had two (2) year’s experience. So without further ado:

Did it reach my expectations? Was it worth the cost? Was it ludicrous to buy at the time?

My answers to these questions are: “…it’s still not there yet, and it feels like someone has thrown a pie of dog turds to my face when I consider what I paid for the console and the games and additional accessories when I did two (2) years ago, and seeing what could’ve been had I waited two (2) years”. In a nutshell then; it was ludicrous to have gotten the Xbox One console when I did, and to have spent so much money to become an early adopter of the console.

(Record abruptly stopping sound) But then again, the same could be said for the other eighth (8^th) generation consoles when they too were new on the market then and therefore were expensive and ‘lacking’ compared to now. What is reassuring when looking at the expense of obtaining the Xbox One console when I did is that thankfully, the Xbox One didn’t stagnate and die off shortly after release like the Nintendo Virtual Boy, or flop for a year and be swept under the carpet like the Amiga CD32.

Furthermore, I can honestly say that while it still feels like I made the mistake of purchasing the Xbox One when I did, I have found much enjoyment in not only the gaming experiences but also the rejuvenation of the Xbox One as a whole following its ‘flawed’ launch. Now its true (for the most part) that the experiences with new consoles improves over time with additional games and updates; but Microsoft is unprecedented in the efforts to redeem itself and the Xbox division by making changes and upgrades during the Xbox One life cycle. I won’t go into any great length about what is now possible on the Xbox One and how it stands today in the market because there are plenty of documentations and videos to illustrate these points, however I will say the overall experience and expectations with the Xbox One are vastly improved compared to those in previous years.

Arguably the best evidence of Microsoft trying to make the Xbox One more appealing to gamers and their fans and supporters is the offering of Xbox 360 backwards compatibility on the Xbox One. When this development was unveiled at E3 2015, there was a perception that the Xbox One got a victory against it competitor: the PlayStation 4. Now that this feature is available to every Xbox One owner (with internet access and Xbox Live); that perception is more apparent (especially) in the face of Sony’s rather blatant and controversial means of retaliating (by allowing PS4 owners to PURCHASE (very few) individual PS2 games from the PlayStation Store as PS3 owners could with selective PS1 and PS2 games for a fee). Compared to the offerings on the Xbox One where it currently offers a hundred plus (100+) Xbox 360 games to be played on Xbox One either through the physical Xbox 360 game disc, or through the Xbox Store for FREE! Sony and the PlayStation variation comes across as like a downpour raining urine on gamers.

Of course the perception of how much the Xbox One has improved since its launch in 2013 is also due to the expanding library of games in 2015, and unveiling of ‘must have’ titles like Halo 5: Guardians, Rise of The Tomb Raider (which is a timed exclusive), Forza Motorsport 6, and future ‘exclusives’ to be released like ‘Gears of War 4’, ‘ReCore’, ‘Scalebound’ in 2016. Adding to this is the gradually increasing number of Xbox 360 games becoming compatible with Xbox One over the oncoming months, and it does look like the Xbox One will continue to improve with time, and gain the interest of gamers who haven’t obtained the Xbox One console yet. As for me personally, these developments are encouraging and guarantee my support for the Xbox platforms and as a gamer for years to come in spite of issues and gripes I still have.

(Record abruptly stopping sound) Now before continuing with this post, I should make it clear that this is not in any way ‘favouritism’ for the Xbox One over other platforms, or any attempt of mine to say: “F*** you PlayStation and Nintendo!”. I am well aware that during the year of 2015, both Sony and (Nintendo (albeit to a lesser extent) have made announcements and improvements to improve the service and experience of the respected platforms. The reason I am doing posts that are focused on the Xbox One is because it is the console I own, and therefore I do not have other ‘current gen’ consoles to compare or have experiences with the other platforms.

Strangely enough though, it isn’t the vast improvements or developments that has been made that make me like the Xbox One overall more now than I did when I did my first (1^st) year review of the Xbox One in 2014. Nor is it the possibilities (like original Xbox backwards compatibility, and storing music freely onto the hard drive (like one can do with the Xbox 360)) that are seemingly more probable in the light of the backwards compatibility for several Xbox 360 games. What pleases me is the fact that the Xbox One has continued to develop and progress despite the poor reception and ‘flack’ it gets ever since its initial unveiling. Given the list of commercial failures there have been (which were due to various reasons), It did occur to me that the Xbox One would be latest commercial failure and would be shunned in favour of Microsoft trying again with a completely new system. The constant shaming that is addressed at the Xbox One because “it cannot perform as well as the PS4”, or “DRM policies”, “cost”, “inferior sales” and so on would be reasons for publishers and developers to shy away and refuse to develop anything on the Xbox One, and in turn greatly hinder the platform to the point that it would only be Xbox-owned publishers and developers making content for the Xbox One and therefore replicate the mistakes of Nintendo (which still does harm the perception of Nintendo in the eyes of gamers, publishers and developers). And yet, this hasn’t been the case and I (among many) am benefitting from Microsoft’s support of the Xbox One in spite of the competitive disadvantage to the PS4 and gaming PCs, and negative reception early on. The Xbox One may not be the most powerful console, or the most popular, or offer the ‘best gaming experience’ in the eighth (8^th) generation of video game consoles, but the Xbox One had enough pros and reasons for to purchase an Xbox One console in 2013, and now in 2015; there are more pros and reasons for me to continue playing and supporting the Xbox One.

There is however one (1) development in the year of 2015 that makes me particularly infuriated with myself for purchasing an Xbox One console in 2013 (aside from the cost). The development in question is the release of the ‘Xbox One Elite’ which offers a superior one terabyte (1TB) solid-state hybrid hard drive and an Elite Wireless Controller for £400 or so. Considering when I purchased my five-hundred gigabyte (500GB) Xbox One console (with Kinect) in 2013 for £429, I nowadays kick myself for purchasing the ‘basic’ Xbox One for as much as I did, when there was a ‘better’ version of the Xbox One console in the pipeline for about the same amount of money.

“Curse my incompetence and impatience…!!”

Realistically however, if this Xbox One Elite development was such a game-changer, then I would’ve by now replaced my ‘basic’ Xbox One and purchased the Xbox One Elite. The reality is however that I have not done that, and I won’t go out to purchase the Xbox One Elite; unless for whatever reason my existing Xbox One console where to permanently imitate a dead celebrity like Richard Whiteley or Michael Jackson. The reason being is because I don’t see how ‘drastically superior’ my gaming experience would become with an Xbox One Elite compared to the experience I have currently, plus I no longer need to worry about how much hard drive space there is available after having several games installed upon the hard drive, because I can easily apply an external hard drive via the USB 3.0 ports and gain the same amount of hard drive space (and more) compared to the Xbox One Elite. While it would have been nice to have saved money getting the superior variation in 2015, as opposed to obtaining the Xbox One in 2013; it isn’t crucial for my level of gaming experience.

Now hear me out; while I am a gamer and have been from the moment I understood what I was doing when playing on a Super Nintendo (SNES), I am not ‘hard-core’ and obsessed with optimising the gaming experience with surround sound, 4K TVs, £100+ headsets and gaming chairs. I don’t mind that the Xbox One doesn’t display a game in 1080p, or if the origins of Xbox isn’t of a pure gaming company like Nintendo. I enjoy what I enjoy, and if the Xbox One can (and does) satisfy my desire to play games, or utilise apps like YouTube, Netflix, and then order a pizza through the ‘Domino’s Pizza App’ if I’m hungry; then the Xbox One is perfectly alright with me.

So what happens from here on; do more games, apps, updates and developments come along through 2016, and 2017? I do not know as I am no mind-reader and nor am I capable of predicting the future. If, however the Xbox One continues along this course of improving and expanding, then I see no reason why the Xbox One won’t gain more interest and sales in the year or so to come. All I can be (hopefully) certain is that on the 21/12/2016, I will write/type up another post reflecting on three (3) year’s experience with the Xbox One, and perhaps by that time; I will have a better comprehension of how the Xbox One truly compares and contrasts against the other eighth (8^th) generation consoles as my brothers and sister will get their hands on the Wii U and PS4 on Christmas Day 2015.

Until then, I will draw the twenty-eighth (28^th) post on the SJBMCPRS Report to a close. As usual I apologise for any offense, in spite of the disclaimer at the start of this post forewarning my intent NOT to cause offense while expressing myself. Feel free to comment or imply your own perceptions, and I will have one (1) last post uploaded and available to read before the conclusion of 2015. Until next time, see ya!                 

Deficiency in everything – SJBMCPRS Diagnosis

Disclaimer: The following post on the SJBMCPRS Report is not to be taken overly seriously, and is purposely expressive with an intent to imply the author’s perspective (which people are free to view if they choose to). However, the contents of this post will contain some real-world properties, which along with the entirety of this post may be taken as offensive to people.

Take a good look at cheese. No seriously, glance at the cheese, particularly the varieties that have internal holes (due to ripening process) such as Maasdam cheese, Leerdammer, or even the usual portrayal of cheese in cartoon such as Tom & Jerry. It doesn’t have to be real cheese (it could even be a picture found on the internet), just take the form of cheese (with internal holes) into consideration when thinking about the title of this post: ‘Deficiency in everything’. The purpose of this quick exercise is to demonstrate that there are deficiencies in everything people associate with, whether it be within the products people make or use, or us as human beings. I’m not implying that any cheese with internal holes is inferior in any regard; this is merely used to depict that there might be flaws in objects, animals and people.

(Record abruptly stopping sound) …Now just to explain my usage of words for a moment before readers think I’m biased regarding the cheeses I have and have not mentioned, or deem me a ‘racist’. The objective of this post is to use non-fictional properties to express a perception, therefore I wouldn’t need to go into extensive detail and list all the cheeses known in the world or else this post will be longer the Great Wall of China! The same can be said for my mentioning of Tom & Jerry as opposed to other cartoons, or lack of mentioning how pictures of cheese can be obtained through other medias other than television or internet. All references to non-fictional properties within this post is intentionally meant for illustrative purposes, and NOT to imply favouritism.  

The notion that everything (or anything or anyone) is ‘perfect’ is a descriptive term used where we perceive something (or someone) as absolutely faultless and will have no compromises. However, while ‘perfect’ is regarded as a definition of absoluteness like the term ‘impossible’ (for example: “it would be impossible to juggle sixty (60) brand new and functioning washing machines, and painting the Mona Lisa while at an altitude of 55,000 feet); I would argue that the term ‘perfect’ has no definable significance a la as the term ‘impossible’ (which I have commented about in previous posts on the SJBMCPRS Report). In other words, this post is to imply that nothing and no one is absolutely ‘perfect’, everything has attributes that aren’t unfailing.

Let’s take me (the author of the SJBMCPRS Report) as an example; because I thrive in mentally self-mutilating myself! No joke! I’ve mentioned in previous posts and to family, friends, colleagues, professionals and psychologists that I am a negative individual who feels incapable of belonging in a world that is alienating. Whereas there are people who will go out to the cinema on a nightly basis with friends with their membership discount cards, I am the type that will stay inside and create both fictional and expressive writing because it’s a preference of mine to do the latter. While there are attractive and right-minded people on Earth, I am hideous both physically and even more grotesque mentally. I am a being (with a s***) tonne of deficiencies and would be an ideal representative for the antithesis of someone regarded as ‘perfect’. If I were in the film universe of ‘Alien’, I would be one (1) of the six (6) failed Ripley clones in Alien Resurrection! Going back to the opening paragraph about looking at cheese; I would be a six (6) foot slab of Maasdam cheese with more holes then a skimmer found in kitchenware.

Hopefully you (the reader) would’ve got the idea; which allows me to bring up a few more examples (none of which are animal or human based). One (1) of my hobbies and favourite ways to kill time is playing video games. Now without intending to cause offense to those who may have a favourite game and would go to extreme lengths to defend their idea of an ‘impossibly perfect’ video game against critics; it is safe to say that there has never (and probably never will be) a video game that is ‘perfect’ in every single way and be regarded as ‘perfect’ by every living being that has ever lived on Earth. Even the biggest and most desirable video games of 2015 (such as Fallout 4, Metal Gear Solid V The Phantom Pain, and so on) have problems that define a form of deficient programming or practice associated and thus making an imperfect product. (check out the 2015 year review post that will come later in the month of December for more on particular video games).  

At this moment in time (December 2015) there is no 100% remedy to the countless forms of cancer, and there has been no fall-proof form of treatment that doesn’t have its risks. Radiotherapy, tablets/drugs, gene modification, herbalism, and so on aren’t the solutions to treating cancer completely as people would hope. While technology and innovations are improving the survival rates and living qualities of cancer patients, and there are means of better diagnosing cancers far better than in decades previous; we aren’t yet at the stage where cancer can be overcome without side-effects or reverse-engineered in such a way that the human immune system can actively dispel a form of cancer like it can eradicate flu symptoms.

Newspapers, boots (not the retail company), DVDs, carpet, toilets, people, the Titanic, mattresses, cats, materials, trees, weapons, hair, medicines, tins of food, ladders, tanks, mice, feet, cinema, posters, names, Hi-Fis, planets, forks, currency, environment, teeth, Facebook, envelopes, wine, seawater, smartphones, books, pens, tissues, antiperspirants, cheese, science, cameras, elements, buildings, herbicide, aeroplane, TV series, magazines, batteries, retail outlet, vehicle, support service, pavements, toothbrushes, components, paints, …clothes, …door handles, ……board games……briefcases……..spigots…! Nothing and no one on Earth is ‘perfect’. And the most fundamental reasons why nothing or no one is ‘perfect’ is because unless life and existence were to become extinct; we as beings along with animals, nature itself and living organisms will continue to evolve; creating a ‘existence’ which fluctuates along throughout the passage of time.

Take the nature of the iPhone series as an example of humanity’s seemingly never ending race for more; those who are content with the iPhone six (6) may regard this device as ‘perfect’ and the best innovation with mobile phones and entertainment and technology that is possible. The reality though is that there is a successor to this in the form of the iPhone 6S Plus, and in a few years’ time, this level of innovation and technology with the iPhone 6 generation will be surpassed by later and ‘better’ generations of the iPhone (i.e. iPhone seven (7), iPhone 7.5, 8, 9, X etc.).

The other fundamental reason that there is no such thing as ‘perfect’ other than it serving as an expression; is it there are far, far, too many variables in existence. The greatest example of this (possibly ever) is the countless variations of people there are and have been. Due to differences in variables such as environments, teachings, DNA and so on; there is no form of anything that is acceptable by everyone. A one (1) size fits all onesie will suit everyone because not only are there people who are of abnormal size, but also there are differences in tastes.

For example: there could be a survey made by OnePiece (a brand of clothing) based on the customers who purchase onesies from OnePiece; which show that 42% of customers purchase the ‘Radical Red Onesie’, 28% of customers purchase the ‘Big Bright Blue Onesie’, 36% of customers purchase the ‘Seasons Unlimited Limited Edition Onesie’, and the remaining 4% of customers purchase specialised onesies due to customers requiring tailor made to suit. The preference of a different colour is just one (1) of countless variables that would be taken into consideration as this ‘choices’ reflect the differences in people’s tastes and needs.

(Record abruptly stopping sound) …The example given above is not meant to be used literally by the brand OnePiece. While I have mentioned a legitimate clothing brand, the survey of what customers’ purchase is purely fictional and is not based on any actual data or actual products of OnePiece.

In essence; nothing is ‘perfect’ because of these reasons and many other reasons. What’s more with me (the author) taking into account how I am ‘abnormal’ compared to everyone else; people can judge themselves or others (and considering there are over seven (7) billion people all over the world, there are countless variables and opinions available that can agree and disagree what something or someone ‘perfect’).

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(Record abruptly stopping sound) …From here on, the post we reflect on some rather unpleasant aspects regarding the deficiencies in life. Be advised some aspects of this section of the post may cause offense, as I will be objectively shedding light on topics that infuriate not just me but other people.

As of the twenty-sixth (26^th) post entitled: “A world without consequences …for seven (7) days…”, I (the author) have placed a disclaimer at the top of each post to give warning of the potentially ‘controversial’ topic and use of real-life properties to readers. I have decided to incorporate a disclaimer for all future posts as I am aware that anything I provide on the SJBMCPRS Report may be offensive to readers and its contents may be deemed as insensitive, and wrongly inspiring. Therefore, the disclaimers are there to caution readers and imply that the contents on the SJBMCPRS Report is not to be taken seriously. The SJBMCPRS Report is a means where the author can express outwardly in a controlled and healthier manner as opposed to going out in public bitter and malicious because I cannot vent emotions efficiently in an antagonising and corrupting environment.

Now I haven’t been shy about my perceptions or my mentality, and I will be the first (1^st) to admit that there have been contents that may be ‘questionable’ or offensive to people regarding religious beliefs or if there are people that are associated with topics I have mentioned. While there are real-life properties and people mentioned or implied in a manner of ways (mostly morbid and horrible), it is only meant for expressive purposes, and I would not actually wish upon awful things to really happen. Given that I am tolerated the ‘Freedom of Speech’, I choose to write creatively in a manner that I will find enjoyable and purposeful, hence the (more) morbid and ‘offensive’ aspects because that’s what I like imagining and writing.          

Alas, more than ever it is apparent that in the increasingly ‘politically correct’ and sensitive culture we live in, it is PAINFULLY obvious that some people use their ‘Freedom of Speech’ to offend others or to be offended and make as much of a fuss as possible. Now while this isn’t anything new, and there are countless forms of media that laminate how damning these practises are; I am aware of how easily these problems can be prevented, and annoyed that those who don’t like specific things do not follow this tip: “Just turn it off”.

On the 13^th of September 2015; I uploaded a post entitled: “A mask concealing compulsions and limits”, where I made an off-hand but intentional remark about people having the ability to turn off the offending media. For those who missed it here it is again:

“Have you had enough of watching programs on the television or online or played a video game that you may describe as ‘eye-cancer’ and causes uncensored fury and bleeding of the ears? Are you tired of being disappointed by a form of media that has under-inflated your expectations? Then this is the solution that will put a stop to all of the misery: “Just turn it off”. That’s right; all you need to do is stop watching and interacting with the source of misery and just turn it off and do something else. It’s that straightforward! Do it now and feel better by not giving the source of your misery your precious time and making you worse off. Make more of your day and “Just turn it off”.

This was intended to illustrate a point that for those people who are offended by what they read, hear or see through forms of media (i.e. internet), they can ignore it by neglecting it. Now ignoring something doesn’t mean that whatever caused offense goes away, but by doing this people are displaying they have the sense and ability to not be consumed by their emotions, be in control and put aside the offensive and do something else with their time. On the other hand; being led by emotion because something is deemed ‘offensive’ and then making a fuss about the matter illustrates a lack of rationality and common sense.

Now I’m not implying that people who rage negatively about something are morons and that I am superior because I don’t ‘tweet’ my displeasure; I’m no different in that regard given that I shared my thoughts on matters I didn’t like such as Square Enix’s obsession with the character Lightning, and the disappointing and shallow WWE 2K15 (except I didn’t use Twitter, I used the SJBMCPRS Report instead). In that regards I’m a moron too, but while I don’t mind being called a moron or anything horrid for that matter, there are people that don’t like being called out or branded as something ‘unpleasant’. From here these offended people who don’t use common-sense and ignore the ‘offensive’ become another sheep/follower in a cult dubbed ‘Social Justice Warriors’ fighting a hopeless battle to ‘fight for a good cause’ when the world is awash with far worse going on.

I’m not trying to be mean or oppose those who believe they are rallying for change and a good cause. For example, it is worthwhile and justified to pay our respects to the people who lost their lives during the November Paris attacks, and strive for action against terrorist attacks. It’s worthwhile and justified wanting to cause greater awareness about mental health. But when people ignore their common sense and oppose something (which in the grander scheme of things going on in the world is minimal) that undermines the freedom and choices for others……it really goes to show the level of deficiency there is nowadays in people’s ability to rationalise and respect others wishes whether they agree with them or not.

I’ll refer to the topic regarding the ‘Dead Or Alive Xtreme (three) 3’ video game which has lit up a fire between the video game’s publishers, Play Asia and ‘Social Justice Warriors’, and other parties who are essentially creating censorship. I won’t dive into the matter too much because other forms of media cover this story far better then I’ll ever will (such as ReviewTechUSA, AlphaOmegaSin, IGN and so on), but essentially DOA Xtreme three (3) is not being granted passage to the West because of unfavourable backlash. Do I care for the video game? No I do not, I stick to the main ‘Dead Or Alive’ series because it’s a great handling fighting game series. I don’t care for the sex appeal; I can understand how people can be offended, but at the same time I don’t pay any attention because I have common sense and the ability to do other things. If I am asked which side of the fence, I am on then; I would side with Play Asia for opposing the ‘SJW’ by going about authorised business and allowing gamers from the Western parts of the world to import the game. Why? Because if people wish to import the video game and play it, then it is within their rights to do so and Play Asia (and I’m assuming other retailers providing imports) to provide the ability to those who want to. I have purchased games (mostly games from the ‘Corpse Party’ series) and DVDs from Play Asia before, and I will do so in the future for my importing desires because it is an online retailer that provides me the opportunities that I wouldn’t otherwise have because I live in the United Kingdom. Aside from some bias of my own there, it would be safe to assume there are many customers of Play Asia who would take offense to the ‘SJW’ and other opposition groups trying to shame Play Asia because they’re not getting their way.  Naturally some people (namely the ‘SJW’) aren’t pleased by this, nor are they pleased that they are regarded by Play Asia as nonsense. The reality however is that Play Asia are right; the ‘Social Justice Warriors’ are nonsense because they are effectively trying to stop people from having the choice (I realise I may get some hostility for this, but I choose to stick with my words).

I get it; there are understandable reasons for why something like Dead Or Alive Xtreme three (3) is opposed, and why the likes of the ‘SJW’ will want to campaign against something that depicts fictional women in bikinis and shames women’s rights and portrayal. But here’s the thing; this is NOTHING NEW! There have been numerous controversies regarding video games throughout the world such as with Left 4 Dead 2 in Australia, the absurdly violent Manhunt series, and here’s a reality check: all this controversy was in some form or another long before video games existed (including television). The ‘SJW’ and other campaign groups like this need to wake up and realise that s***** happenstances are happening to everyone (not just women) and have and alas will continue to happen throughout the world (and guess what, people are just as terrible!). That is the reality whether its accepted or not. Work to comeback real life situations, not the work of fiction that has an audience (just like there’s an audience for other offensive media).

Sure people can be offended and angered by others and by depictions of certain contents. I know there are many things that I won’t tolerate in watching or hearing, but I am wise enough to understand that while certain things aren’t for me, I can turn away and do something else and let the audience who want to indulge in whatever they like be. People are different and what appeals to some, won’t appeal to others. In the end, neither humanity or the world as we know it is ‘perfect’; it simply is what it is, and for those who can’t accept reality, I would suggest looking and understanding at their own deficiencies and go about living their lives just like everyone else is doing.

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Alright, this is where this post (no.27) concludes. I apologise for any offense, though I gave a disclaimer in advance for this very reason. Feel free to comment or imply your own perceptions. I will attempt to have two (2) more posts available to read before the end of 2015. Until next time, see ya!