More details have begun to come out about how Microsoft plans on handling Backwards Compatibility in regards to original Xbox games, which they announced would be coming back at E3 this year.
The gist of these details essentially boils down to the idea that original Xbox games will not be getting any real updates to match with modern systems. They are running with the original code according to Phil Spencer and that means that they'll support the features of the original Xbox. This means that most games will lack proper widescreen support and instead run at 4:3 ratio as was most common at the time. Those rare games that did have widescreen support back in the day will still be able to take advantage of it.
Due to the fact it's running on the original code, that also means that there won't be any achievements for the games. While Spencer is looking at ways to address the situation, his general stance is that it would each game would require a patch and that is not a workable solution for what they are going for. He does give some hope though in that he hasn't given up.
https://twitter.com/XboxP3/status/880444131331461122
All of this is despite the fact that Spencer has confirmed that the Xbox originals on Backwards Compatibility will not be as big as the list on Xbox 360. There are several reasons for this, including the common rights issues with games of that vintage and that it is more of a technological challenge to achieve Original Xbox emulation. Another aspect is that the same team is working on the original Xbox backward compatibility is the same as that on the Xbox 360 set, meaning that they are being stretched further than ever.
We'll be finding out more about Original Xbox backward compatibility later this year. As of now, the only announced games for the program are Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge and Fusion Frenzy.
What do you think of original Xbox titles not receiving updates to have widescreen support or achievements? Do you prefer Microsoft's approach to their 6th generation titles or Sony's with the PS2 on PS4 line? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
