Thoughts About Xbox One's "Special" Price

On Wednesday, January 14th, Microsoft announced that beginning last Friday, the Xbox One will be available at a "special price" of $349. This "promotion" comes less than two weeks after the price of the console returned to $399. For the uninitiated, Microsoft dropped the price of the Xbox One to $349 during the holidays. They were clear in stating this was temporary and would end on January 3rd.

There was speculation during the holiday season about whether this would actually end. Along with many others, I surely thought the price change would stick. Then we changed our calendars and realized we were wrong. The holiday price drop could've just been to entice buyers to pick up an Xbox One during the increased shopping season. It also could've been a move in the ongoing "console war" with the PlayStation 4 and Wii U. A war in which Microsoft has not been faring so well. It'd be hard for even them to deny how rough the Xbox One launched. Gamers knew it. Game journalists knew it. And you better believe Sony and Nintendo knew it. Sony's clearly had a strong lead since the PS4 hit shelves. And even before that, if you take into account those early pre-orders. And despite Nintendo's odd place and marketing decisions, you can't discount the Wii U and their handhelds (in all their variations).

As expected, this move led to strong holiday sales and Microsoft made up some ground in what's hopefully a long race. So one has to wonder why they would have even considered reverting to $399. It wouldn't be unreasonable to think that a lower price would contribute to more console sales and more dollars thus making up for previous losses. My degrees aren't in sales, so this is all an outsider's perspective.

Currently, you should be able to find the standard Xbox One and two bundles in stores and online. There's the Assassin's Creed: Unity bundle which also includes Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. The other includes the Master Chief Collection. It should be noted the Assassin's Creed bundle includes tokens for digital copies of those games. That's likely more relevant for people, such as myself, who enjoy having physical copies to add to their shelves.

As stated, it's still unknown whether this will be the permanent price for the Xbox One or if there will be an expiration date. I would bet it's the permanent price going forward. So what do you think about Microsoft's newest "promotion?" If you've been considering picking up an Xbox One, is this price change the nudge you needed to do so? Sound off in the comments.

E3 2013: Best In Show Awards

We're several weeks removed from E3 2013, but that doesn't mean the fun has to end. We're talking video games here, so the fun NEVER ends. I wasn't in attendance but I kept up with the news coming out of Los Angeles and was pleased with what I saw. And in an effort to increase the video game content, I decided to hand out some impromptu awards. So fellow gamers, here are the first annual Comic Book Legends E3 Best In Show Awards. Enjoy.

Best Trailer: The Crew Announcement Trailer

I've already raved on Twitter and here about this game, so it should come as no surprise to see it again. After you check out that link, where you can find this video posted, watch it again here. Trust me, it's that awesome. You'll want to watch it again.

Best No-Show: The Absence of Zelda U

I do not own a Wii U nor do I have any plans to pick up one. At any point. Pretty much ever. However, I have to say I was a bit disappointed Nintendo didn't show us a next-gen Zelda title. I'm sure I wasn't the only one either. Maybe there won't be one for a while or maybe Nintendo predicted how badly they'd be overshadowed by Microsoft and Sony. I'm crossing off the latter option because everyone pays attention when Zelda is mentioned. A franchise of its stature demands it. And for the record: Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is my all-time favorite game.

Best Surprise Announcement: EA having Faith with Mirror's Edge 2

I didn't pay much attention to Mirror's Edge because the first-person gameplay didn't seem appealing at first. But eventually I did rent it and enjoyed it enough to buy it. It wasn't without its flaws but the gameplay will keep you coming back for more. Several times in fact. The chases in particular, whether you're doing the chasing or are being chased, are exciting. I don't think it sold as well as hoped so a sequel may not have been high on EA's list. But the announcement came. Check out the trailer below.

Best Appearance: Mega Man in Super Smash Bros. 2014

Mega man, never known to give up the fight, will join Nintendo's fighting franchise. The Blue Bomber will aim his mega buster at other longtime gaming icons such as Link and Samus. SSB will be available on the Wii U and 3DS in 2014.

Best New I.P. Likely To Surprise: The Crew

I shouldn't have to say anything else about this game but I will in the off-chance you didn't click on the link from the first award. This game gets this award because of the co-op gameplay and customization options. I think the idea of forming a crew with you Xbox Live friends or your Playstation Network buddies to take on missions will hook players. The level of customization is deep. The gameplay demo shown at E3 showed players will be able to strip their cars down completely. I don't typically follow this genre, so these features may have been present in other driving games. With that said, it's all new to me and instantly had my attention. Surprise. Cruise on over to The Crew's garage for more info on this next-gen title.

Best New Next-Gen I.P.: Tom Clancy's The Division

In a post-apocalyptic New York, players can team up with and take on other players in this open-world RPG. In the fight to take back the world, players will be able to tailor their experience to fit their play style. The companion app on smart phones and tablets allows players to engage in the fight beyond the controller. Check out the videos below from E3.

I've been a fan of the Tom Clancy brand for years and Ubisoft and Massive Entertainment looks to add another solid hit here. The Division will be available in late 2014 on both PS4 and Xbox One. Visit The Division for more intel.

Best Presentation: Ubisoft

Ubisoft went to E3 ready to show out and they did not disappoint. They presented some good looking games for this generation and the next. We're talking Splinter Cell: Blacklist, The Division, The Crew, Watch Dogs, Assassin's Creed IV and more. Oh and did they mention Rainbow Six: Patriots? Yes, they did. I've been awaiting news on that game for a while. Ubisoft is sending in Team Rainbow to take on the Playstation 4 and Xbox One.

What did you think of these awards and their respective winners? What categories would you like to see for future awards? Let the world know.