The Xbox Series X Review: Ushering In The Next Generation of Game Consoles
by Brett Howse on November 5, 2020 9:00 AM ESTGameplay Analysis: Gears Tactics
Although already released on PC (and even part of Ian’s CPU benchmarking suite) Gears Tactics will be available on Console on November 10th, making this a console launch title for the Series X|S. Although it will also be available on Xbox One, the title has been enhanced and improved visually, much as Gears 5 was, with higher framerates and likely better textures as well.
One of the first noticeable differences between the Xbox One X and Xbox Series X versions of the game is the options page. The Xbox One X allows you to choose a Performance or Quality mode, trading off visual fidelity for framerate, but the Xbox Series X asks you to make no such sacrifice. In fact, it does allow you to set the framerate on the cutscenes to 30 FPS, matching the Xbox One X, if you prefer the more “cinematic” choice, or 60 FPS.
Gears 5 Cutscenes
Gears Tactics includes cutscenes that are not rendered on the fly though, so these ones are visually identical on both consoles, and both run at 30 FPS.
The rendered cutscenes do swing up to the 60 FPS mark on the Xbox Series X, as expected. Unlike Gears 5 though, there does not seem to be any texture differences between the two consoles in the cutscenes.
Gears Tactics Gameplay
On the Xbox Series X, players are treated to a 60 FPS version of the game rendered in 4K, unlike the Xbox One X which is limited to 30 FPS. The framerate was very smooth on the Series X.
As a new title for launch day, fans of the Gears franchise will finally get a chance to try this strategy version of the game, and without a doubt, the experience is definitely enhanced on the new console, with higher framerates across the board.
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jabber - Thursday, November 5, 2020 - link
Tough call releasing a very non-essential bit of tech in the middle of a pandemic and economic downturn.Yojimbo - Thursday, November 5, 2020 - link
Gaming is strong because people are going out less, and it's not really an economic downtown. More like a big interruption. It remains to be seen what the longer-term effects are. Gaming tends to hold up well in actual economic downturns, anyway, from what I remember hearing. Evidence to expect strong sales: Typically, console sales are weak before a new console launch, but the PS4 and X Box One continued to sell well this year. And just look at how the Nintendo Switch is doing, much better than last year.cmdrdredd - Monday, November 9, 2020 - link
Not such a tough call when the Nintendo Switch and PS4 Prop have been sold out in most retail channels continuously since April.zepi - Thursday, November 5, 2020 - link
They are so badly supply side constrained, that there is really very little need to spend the marketing dollars right now.I'm sure MS and Sony will start pushing advertising once they have actually something to sell and they can really start competing for the marketshare.
steezebuscemi - Friday, November 6, 2020 - link
I haven't seen anything on TV, but also never really pay attention to free to air. But everywhere I look on the internet for the past 6-9 months has been speculation, rumours and excitement over this console gen. So it might just be where you are looking. I'm getting a PS5, I know numerous people getting Series X's, and I know a heap that missed out on preorders for either.Zagor Te Nay - Monday, November 9, 2020 - link
Don't know, my environment (friends and colleagues) are quite excited... but more about PS5 that XSX.I feel MS took some - or a lot - of edge from the hype with their approach. Games available on older Xbox, new Xbox, PC, and then mushed up in easy to digest subscription. It just doesn't let new consoles stand out of the crowd much, it feels more like "one of many". Plus, there is no real look-what-it-can-do title on launch. Maybe new Forza or something would raise excitement a bit, but as it is, lineup is a bit lackluster.
I work in IT company, so yeah - geeky environment. I hear chitchats about Miles Morales, DualSense, GT7 wishes, fears and expectations... but not much about new Xbox. I know it is anecdotal, still it holds some value for people in my circle; everyone from the circle, looking for new console, will be getting PS5 - as the things are now. I'm yet to hear one person who has set targets on XSX. It also doesn't help that many are PC gamers, too.
d0x360 - Wednesday, November 18, 2020 - link
I'm pretty excited...well I was, I already have my series x so now I'm just happy. Especially since I won't be able to get my hands on an amd 5900 and a 6900xt until probably March due to supply.Jorgp2 - Thursday, November 5, 2020 - link
>This encompasses four key components, the first of which is the NVMe SSD itself which can handle 2.4 GB/s of uncompressed data. But to connect it to the system, and reduce CPU overhead, there is also a hardware decompression block,Then there is no need for them to have used a proprietary memory card, most high end NVMe drives would have been fast enough.
Silversee - Friday, November 6, 2020 - link
It's not proprietary memory. It's a proprietary slot-based package.I surmise that they wanted a design that was plug and play for consumers and did not require opening up the case or messing with M.2 slots. So, they created the card interface.
They have indicated that other vendors may be offering compatible storage as well, so we may see market forces reducing costs.
eastcoast_pete - Thursday, November 5, 2020 - link
My "want it now" for this was significantly dampened when it became clear that Microsoft's own Flight Simulator is not available for the Series X at launch. That was/is weird, and gives me pause about availability of games that can really take advantage of the power this thing has on offer. Don't like saying it, but it looks like SONY is doing a better job there with its PS5, and I am not a PS fan.