To say the least, here are the facts:

1) XBL was slightly hindered. Some of it's services were interrupted, but many of the key ones were still functional.

2) PSN was forced offline completely. Now, whether you are a fanboy or not, we must admit that some services missing is better than the entire service itself being forced offline.

3) The hackers/attackers admitted that microsoft put up a fight and was ashamed of PSNs servers.

1) Freedom of speech is not universal. Even in countries where it's a recognized right, there are limitations.

2) Party chat allows me to talk to people I want to talk to. I do imagine that some games/game modes would benefit from required game chat. However, you could also just invite the people in the lobby to a party.

I have a few quick questions on the game:

1) Is the multiplayer invite only or can you search for people?

2) Is it worth the $60 on the X1?

I've never played diablo before, but I do enjoy RPGs. I'm just not sure if i should get it if I have no current friends playing the game.

@lamprey263: I see where you're coming from. The purchase of the item only gives an advantage on theory. In average/non-competitive hands, the weapon may be of little use to the person, especially if they don't know how to use it.

However, the advantages of said weapon can't be ignored. For example (while we're on the subject of battlefield) you and someone else may have the starting sniper. However, that person may have decided to spend a few extra bucks to purchase a battlepack (I believe you can still purchase them; I never do so I never pay attention to battlepacks unless I've unlocked them.) those few extra bucks got him the bipod and the 20x riflescope. These two things give him a significant advantage over you if you're just using the regular, base weapon. Now, as we've both admitted, this does not guarantee a kill, but it will make getting his kills easier.

I just think the main point here is the equality in it all. He shouldn't get to have an advantage because he has more money. Then again, I guess the same could be about someone having more time/less of a life than you.

I do believe mass effect 3 had a great model. You could enjoy grinding for the stuff (oddly enough I did), but sometimes I did spend a few extra dollars to get some cool stuff.

@lamprey263: I think the ony real problem comes into play with competitive multiplayer. I don't want to lose to a guy who got a better than me because he paid a little extra. Of course, this problem is non-existent in co-op.

@clyde46: the story. Playing bits and pieces of a game do allow you to remember the story, but being able to successfully grind in that same timeframe may not be possible.

Micro transactions in a single player game aren't very damaging. If done correctly, they're just convenient and can be ignored. Sometimes people really don't have the time or don't want to take the time to get their character to become a beast.

@tormentos: A demo and the full game are completely different. A demo is limited in what you can experience, whereas EA access is giving you the complete game early. As stated, the demo does not exist. You can experience the full game early without having to purchase it.

@commonfate: they're taking away demos for their games. When it comes down to it, they don't even have to offer it. The service is only $5. Instead of looking at it as paying for a demo, think of it as not only getting a few games for "free", but you also get 10% off the final purchase, which comes out to $6 off.

It sure seems to be a gift to the community of sorts. Both microsoft and EA could use some redeeming in the eyes of the public. A pretty good service like this is a win-win all around.