The New Console Wars 411 Roundtable: Part II
Posted by Armando Rodriguez on 11.28.2006
Part II features our "experts" general thoughts on each system.
Welcome to the long overdue second part of the 411 Games: New Console Wars roundtable. Blame work, school, and my computer breaking down the exact same day in which I was going to post this. But fear not, I am back with a new video card and a fixed Ethernet port. Part II focuses of our writers opinions on all three consoles. Without further ado, here we go!
NOTE: All writers opinions were collected before the Wii and PS3 launches.
Microsoft Xbox 360 - I think the 360 is the best deal right now. It has a one year advantage, which means that there is a wide variety of games to choose from and with long awaited releases like Halo 3, Gears of War, Forza 2 and Fable 2 coming soon, it is going to get better. Sure, it is not as powerful as the PS3, but power doesn’t equal quality. I think people are expecting Sony or Nintendo to win this war, but at least in America, the 360 has a great chance of being the dark horse and winning the race. One good reason to own it: Great variety of games out there
One good reason NOT to own it: If you hate first person shooters, this is not the system for you since most of the great games are going to be FPS.
Game I am most excited about: Forza Motorsport 2 since I think it has the potential to be the definite Gran Turismo killer. Smackdown vs Raw 2007 with next gen graphics doesn’t sound bad either.
Feature: I am most excited about: Xbox live, price tag or not, is the best system out there for online gaming, at least on consoles.
Nintendo Wii - The Wii can be defined by one word: Innovation. Ok, two more words: Cheap Price. The controller is something new and according to play testers, it works like a charm. Yes, it is gimmicky and Nintendo(and third party developers) will end up relying on the classic controller for fighting games and the like, but for shooters, flight sims and sports games, the controller will be a whole new experience. Add a cheap price tag, the ability to play old games in the Virtual Console and the power of Nintendo (Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, Metroid) make this system very attractive.
One good reason to own it: Cheap Price. Plus, hundreds of games on the Virtual Console and the Gamecube games which will be backwards compatible and if for some reason you skipped the Gamecube (like me) you have the chance to buy some good, cheap games.
One good reason NOT to own it: The controller. I don’t care what they say and how it works, I like it, but what about fighting games? Wrestling titles? How can the controller work in this genres? Are we expected to shell some extra money on a classic controller for Smash Bros. BRAWL? I mean, yeah, I am getting one anyway, but what about the people that don’t want to spend some extra?
Game I am most excited about: Ok. I have two games. Zelda, because it is ZELDA DAMMIT! And Smash Bros. BRAWL cause the trailer looks freaking' awesome.
Feature I am most excited about: The Virtual Console. Playing old games for a cheap price is a winner to me. I was a Sega guy up to the N64 days and I skipped most of the NES and SNES. My 64 stopped working and I want to play my old games back. Perfectly good reasons to be excited. Yeah, emulators...but have you tried an N64 emu? How bad some games play and some even don’t work. I want the real thing and I have a chance to get it.
Sony Playstation 3- The PS3 is the ultimate powerhouse. The thing is more powerful that the computer I bought specifically for games! Yeah, one I bought almost a year ago, but still. Blu Ray player is another plus for those who are on that kind of thing. And it has a ton of third party support(judging by past consoles)and favorites like Metal Gear, Gran Turismo and Final Fantasy.
Good reason to own it: Cheap Blu Ray player if you have the technology and are into that kind of thing
Good reason NOT to own it: Price tag. And the many rumored problems developers are facing while coding games for the PS3.
Game I am more excited about: Metal Gear Solid 4. Because I have followed the series and want to see how that ends.
Feature I am most excited about: NONE. I would say Blu Ray player, but I am happy with my DVD player thank you very much. A good movie is a good movie whether you see it on DVD, VHS or Blu Ray, that is not going to make me shell out a ton of cash just to see a pretty picture.
Vincent Chiucci, writer of Select and Start News Report and Gaming Trends
XBOX 360 - I'm not really a fan of Microsoft's consoles, but I have to admit they do get some things right. Although it got a head start, I don't think it gave them any significant advantage because there's been lots of terrible Xbox 360 related news since. But now the really big games are coming, and Xbox 360 is about to show it's true colors.
One Good Reason to own it: Best console for online gaming. Xbox Live has been the one thing that sets this console apart from the rest. If you're the kind of gamer that loves to compete online, then it's no question what you should buy over the holidays.
One Good Reason not to own it: Ass-backwards compatibility. At first I was going to say the console would break in 3 months, but instead I'll go with the fact that the backwards compatibility on the Xbox 360 sucks. Certain games get translated and transferring files is a hassle. PS2 did it 2000. It's the year 2006. No excuses.
Game I am the most excited about : Gears of War. I'm not getting an Xbox 360, so the reason I'm excited for this game is because I want to see the end result of all the hype this game is getting as the next potential "Halo".
Feature I am most excited about : Xbox Live Marketplace. Nintendo's Virtual Console is poised to become a very popular feature. Makes me wonder what will Microsoft offer to show off that theirs is better.
WII - This console has a lot of things going for it. A completely different controller, a back catalog of games with the virtual console, and a cheaper price then the competition. I've always been a fan of Nintendo and now I hope Nintendo does not repeat the same mistakes they've committed.
One Good Reason to own it : Innovative control scheme. The Wii Remote is nothing like anything before, and so just like the DS's touch screen, you're bound to get really innovating and great games.
One Good Reason not to own it : Third party support could be lost again. Nintendo hasn't had good third party support for years, and there's a good chance it'll happen again. When it does, it won't matter how cheap or how innovative the Wii is. It will just struggle for years like the Gamecube.
Game I am the most excited about : Elebits. I already know how great Smash Bros. Brawl and Zelda is going to be, so I'm picking a game that uses the controller well and could be a template of what future Wii games (or at least party games) will be like.
Feature I am most excited about : The Virtual Console. Best chance for me to relive all the old classics next to downloading illegal roms.
PS3 - Oh boy, talk about a downfall. People were getting excited for this console until the price was announced, and since then it's been nothing but negative news. I've tried to find ways to be positive about this console, but even I'm starting to think it can't be defended. I want to play Metal Gear Solid 4 so badly, but having to pay a very steep price for it? Sorry Sony, but I can't do it.
One Good Reason to own it: It's a very cheap Blu-Ray Player. If you're interested in getting a Blu-Ray player, waiting for more PS3's to come would be the best option. Samsung's Blu-Ray player is $1000, nearly twice the price of a PS3.
One Good Reason not to own it: It's a very cheap Blu-Ray Player. Blu-Ray isn't the definite new format the way DVD's are, so if HD-DVD winds up kicking it's ass and the format dies, then you'll REALLY have wasted money on a useless machine.
Game I am the most excited about: Metal Gear Solid 4. I want to know how this story ends so badly and, c'mon...it's got tanks with legs that moo!
Feature I am most excited about: New Eyetoy. As a person who has played collectible card games and is a regular watcher of Yu-Gi-Oh, I'm interested to see if Eye of Judgment, with it's "cards come to life" gimmick, catches on and becomes a smash hit.
Damian Sarcuni: Author of Angry Gaming and 411 Games Reviewer
The Xbox 360- While on somewhat shaky ground as far as overall enhancements, the Xbox 360 is not without its share of interest. Microsoft seems to have rallied quite a bit of third party support and their first wave of games seems to be just the tip of the iceberg in their upcoming library. Microsoft has played it smart by releasing their best hardware first but keeping the top software titles on the backburner, waiting for the right time to strike against their competitors with popular series like Halo.
Reason to own it: Availability
Reason not to own it: Long wait for the best games
Game I am most excited about: I dunno...another Fatal Frame?
Feature I am most excited about: Decent online play (it comes and goes)
The Wii- The Wii, in my opinion, is going to take the gaming world by storm. Nintendo has long since claimed that innovation is their main focus this year and the Wii has that in spades. By adding a new level of interactivity into video games, the Wii has created a gaming environment that both kids and adults will want to try and will most likely enjoy. Add in the cheap price, way more third party support than the Gamecube had, and continuations of all your favorite Nintendo series and you have a recipe for a winner.
Reason to own it: Amazing peripherals means a whole new level of play.
Reason not to own it: Possibly more kiddie titles.
Game I am the most excited about: Zelda: Twilight Princess
Feature I am most excited about: The Nunchaku
The PS3- At this point I can see no discernable reason to throw down the large wad of cash required for a PS3 besides its long list of continuing 3rd party titles. With most of its support already gone out the window and several technical problems already released, the PS3 will likely come of as strong as the Titanic and sink just as fast.
Reason to buy it: Metal Gear and Final Fantasy
Reason not to buy it: Everything else.
Game I am most excited about: Metal Gear Solid 4
Feature I am most excited about: The HDI cables...no wait...the cutting edge media format...no wait...er...the cool looking new controller?
D.W. 411 Games Reviewer:
b>X-Box 360- I already have a 360, so do not let the merits of a good head start be understated. Just as we had last generation, I see Microsoft marketing themselves more to the "hardcore" gamer, with an emphasis on shooters and online gaming. This will keep them in the middle of the pack, as a lack of mass appeal is going to cut them off at the legs once again.
One Good Reason to own it: Microsoft had a habit of snatching up console conversions of some of the best PC games available with the X-Box, and I don't see things changing too much this generation. This is especially great for those that don't have the PC capabilities to run such software. Oh, and ridiculous online features, if you're into that sort of thing.
One Good Reason not to own it: Despite the year head start, the available library is rather underwhelming. There aren't really any "must-have" titles. We got Oblivion, and outside of Dead Rising (which is good, not great) there hasn't been much else to speak of.
Game I am the most excited about: Assassin's Creed. Yes, this is coming out for the PS3 too, but I wanted to share my excitement for this title while using my PS3 choice on something else. Everything I've seen, from the trailers, to the demos, to the rumors surrounding the story, has grabbed my attention. I haven't been this excited about a new release in quite a long time.
Feature I am most excited about: XBox Live, I suppose. I'm not a Live user, but there isn't much else to point out, really, as the backwards compatibility is more trouble than it's worth.
Wii- It's quite clear at this point that Nintendo is looking at a very promising short term future with the Wii. I wouldn't be surprised if it was the biggest seller this holiday season, just on the strength of its price alone. The reason I say "short term" though, is because the point will eventually come when the controller novelty wears off and all you're left with is the games. It's a fact that Nintendo has the weakest third-party support of the big three. The argument can always be made that the strength of Nintendo's franchise games and hardcore fan base will pull them through, but I think that the Big N is still a ways from regaining it's former dominance, and while they'll make some strides with the Wii, I don't see them becoming a true home console competitor until the next-next generation.
One Good Reason to own it: The price. Even ignoring the controller gimmickry (is that even a word?), consumers are going to be looking at the bottom line come launch, and for the price of a PS3 or 360, you can grab a Wii and about 3 or 4 games.
One Good Reason not to own it: Third party support. I can't stress that enough. We may get the occasional stand out exclusive, like we did with the Gamecube (Eternal Darkness, Twin Snakes), but I don't expect strained relationships to heal any time soon. Mario and Zelda can only carry you so far, motion control or not.
Game I am the most excited about: Smash Bros Brawl. Nintendo has officially made me not care about Zelda, and the rest of the launch lineup consists of gimmicky games for the Wiimote and ports.
Feature I am most excited about: Probably the Virtual Console. I think it would also be a great idea on Nintendo's part to consider converting over some older imports that we never got to play the first time around.
Playstation 3- Remember when I said that the Wii would have a great short term future? Well, the PS3 is looking for the long haul. Long term, Sony has a lot going for it. They're public enemy #1 right now, but once the fantastic software comes rolling in, it won't matter. Gamers will pay any price to play the games they want. Even if Blu-Ray fails as a movie format (which all common logic dictates that it will), it's still a great game format. Sony has the best third party support, the most penetration in the home console market and a format that holds more space than most developers could ever use. Sony is going to get hurt this holiday, there's no doubting that, but in the end, I see the PS3 continuing their hot streak, at least for one more generation.
One Good Reason to own it: The games. If the PS2 was any indication, Sony is going to have the largest and most diverse library of software, not to mention their exclusive franchises; God of War, MGS, Devil May Cry, and a ton of others.
One Good Reason not to own it: Yeah, it's the price. I'm not going to jump on the "Sony is DEAD" bandwagon, but $600 is a lot of bank.
Game I am the most excited about: MGS 4. This game will sell systems. You can quote me on that. Hell, it's far and beyond the reason why I want a PS3. There is little to no chance of this game disappointing.
Feature I am most excited about: Nothing I can think of off the top of my head. I don't really care for most system "features" anyway, so no real loss.
Sean McCabe: Author of The Retrospective
Microsoft Xbox 360- Well, it's been out for almost a year, though only now are there truly worthy games being released for it. Still, Microsoft have been doing things the right way, the competent way. The Xbox 360 is affordable, if not quite as much as the Wii. It's not particularly innovative, but with titles like Viva Pinata, Microsoft are at least trying to expand the variety a bit. And I got to confess Mass Effect looks magnificent. I traditionally hate Bioware RPGs, but I might just fall in love with this one. Anyway, I see bright things, and second place overall in Microsoft's future.
One good reason to own it: Great selection of games are about to become available for it, including Mass Effect, Too Human, Assassin's Creed and Alan Wake.
One good reason not to own it: It still suffers from game variety asphyxiation. The above games look great, but I could understand the point of view that may not care for those games, after all, I don't care about Gears of War much.
Game I am most looking forward to: Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom, Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes sequel, Ninja Gaiden 2 (making me decide between them is too cruel)
Feature I am most looking forward to: A bigger hard drive, if they decide to do it.
Nintendo Wii- Nintendo's new baby is arguably their most anticipated console yet. I notice some people saying that the concept of the controller will only help the console in the short term. I disagree. Most of the launch games only make a fairly basic use of that controller. As time goes on, new ways of programming, new techniques will allow for more advanced control, so we will eventually likely see a sword fighting game where every little movement of the player is registered, and adventure games that allow seamless interaction of the environment through the controller. Combine that with an affordable price point, the Virtual Console and nice online set up, and Nintendo could be about to take back the crown they once lost.
One good reason to own it:The sheer innovativeness of it all.
One good reason not to own it: If you're a graphics whore.
Game I am most looking forward to: Twilight Princess, obviously.
Feature I am most looking forward to: Assuming Neo Geo games become available on it, the virtual console.
Sony Playstation 3- Oh boy. PR hell, manufacturing issues, poor launch line up. In reality, it's the PS2 all over again, but with two major differences that could see things turn out differently this generation. First, the PS3 is selling at a very unreasonable price. Sony claim it to be reasonable, but it's not for a games console, and nobody is buying their spiel that the PS3 is not a games console. Second is their choice of propriety format. Sony went with the DVD before, and that was all well and good because the DVD went on to be pretty much the new standard of movie and game formats. This is unlikely to happen with Blue Ray. At best, Sony only get half the pie. At worst, Blue Ray fails and quite possibly takes the PS3 with it. I expect it will get good games, but Sony's situation is as such that the games will ultimately matter little if their hardware bombs.
One good reason to own it: For the three odd exclusive games that look good for it.
One good reason not to own it: Sony's arrogant attitude. I'm not buying one on principle.
Game I am most looking forward to: Metal Gear Solid 4
Feature I am most looking forward to: It failing and Sony getting their ass kicked.
Joshua Richey: Author of Pressing Buttons
Microsoft Xbox 360- Microsoft got a one year head start on Sony and Nintendo with their Next-Gen console. Besides that shortage mess that we had this time last year, I would say that they have been pretty successful up until this point. The 'meat and potatoes' are beginning to come out for the console. This holiday season gamers will have Call of Duty 3, Gears of War, Dead Rising, Prey, Smackdown vs Raw 2007, and Splinter Cell: Double Agent to choose from. A hell of a lot better than last years offerings. 2007 looks even more promising with the scheduled releases of Halo 3 and Grand Theft Auto 4. That's Microsoft's main asset right now, it's stability. Once any console launches, there is that painful wait for quality games to start coming out for it. Mircosoft has already gotten that out of the way. Sony and Nintendo have not.
One good reason to own it: Stability
One good reason not to own it: At this point, not a 'kid friendly' console.
Game I am the most excited about: Gears of War
Feature I am the most excited about: The excellent X-Box Live service.
Nintendo Wii- I want so badly to get excited for the Wii... but something's holding me back. What is it? The Nintendo 64 and the Nintendo Gamecube... thats what. The Wii is innovative; it shows that there are still people out there who aren’t afraid to try something different. For me, that's exciting. Like many, I too was hesitant when I saw the Nunchaku. But since then, my interest has been peeked. The million dollar question remains, though: will it get support from developers? At this point, it appears that it will. But I'm still so bitter about how Nintendo gave up on their previous consoles, that I'm still uncertain on whether or not I'm going to get a Wii or not.
One good reason to own it: Just imagine playing this thing when you're drunk. The sheer thought of your drunk friends waving around a Nunchaku should sell you in itself.
One good reason not to own it: It appears to have certain limitations and uncertainties that the 360 and PS3 do not have.
Game that I am the most excited about: Red Steel
Feature I am the most excited about: The Nunchaku
Sony Playstation 3- As bad as things have looked lately for the PS3, you know it's going to be successful. Look at the reputation that Sony has built with their previous 2 consoles. Despite the price tag, the Playstation 3 is going to be successful. There is no reason to think other wise. Their hardware is incredible, but their launch titles... not so much. But we know that won't be for long. If there is one thing that we've learned within the past 10 years, it's that Sony is very dedicated to making their console a success. The fact that they are so willing to take so much heat in the short term just goes to show you how devoted they are to making the PS3 the best console in the long term.
One good reason to own it: Potential
One good reason not to own it: Weak Launch Titles
Game I am the most excited over: Bratz.... oh, wait, I mean Metal Gear Solid 4.
Feature I am the most excited over: Blue-Ray
Steve McHugh: Game Reviewer, Retro Reviews and Top 5:
X-Box 360 - Okay well I might as well say it. I love my 360. I think they’ve had a wonderful start and although they’ve made a few mistakes they genuinely seem to care about what they do and that goes a long way in my book.
One Good Reason to own it: - The games available have been either great or ok but next years games are going to kick everything up a notch. Nintendo and Sony have some work to do if they want to beat Microsoft.
One Good Reason not to own it: - I wish they’d sort out proper prices for Xbox live arcade at the moment many games are too expensive for what they are.
Game I am the most excited about: - Bioshock. This is a game that’s going to be huge next year and from the looks of it deservedly so.
Feature I am most excited about: - The impressive list of games coming out. They’re making the 360 a must have console.
Wii – Well it’s certainly got a lot of things that should help it become a success. Personally I’m really looking forward to it as it’s a whole new way to play games. I hope it’s as big of a success as it deserves to be.
One Good Reason to own it: - The pure innovative control system that looks like it’ll immerse you in a gaming world like never before.
One Good Reason not to own it: - The only one I can think of is that Nintendo have a habit pissing people off that they should be trying to have help them. Let’s hope they can mend fences.
Game I am the most excited about: - Red Steel. I think this is going to take a lot of people by surprise. And any game where you control sword fighting movements is going to be great.
Feature I am most excited about: - The virtual console. Being able to play SNES and N64 games any time I like. Hopefully they’ll put games on there we never got the first time around or are too expensive to buy now.
The PS3- I don’t care. I know I should and I should give Sony the benefit of the doubt but they’ve screwed up so much stuff now that I just don’t care. I can see this going the way of the PSP unless they do something drastic to alter this.
One Good Reason to own it: -…. Umm… I guess if you’re really into your Devil May Cry, Metal Gear and Final Fantasy this is the console for you.
One Good Reason not to own it: Only one, wow this is hard. How about the fact that they seem to have the attitude. ‘We’re Sony and you’ll buy it no matter what we do.’ Screw em.
Game I am the most excited about: Metal Gear Solid just so I can see how it all ends.
Feature I am most excited about: Sony realizing they’ve screwed up and doing something about it.
Theo Frasier: Author of Nintendophiles
X-Box 360 - I guess I’m kinda ‘indifferent’ to the Xbox 360. I’ve got absolutely nothing against it, and I’m always keeping my eye on the latest releases and what’s in development, but nothing about it screams “BUY ME”. Half of the games that interest me eventually come out on PC anyway, usually for a cheaper price, so there’s no particular reason for me personally to invest in one. Smackdown vs Raw 07 looks like the only one for the foreseeable future. I like a bit of online gaming, so one day that could entice me to get a 360, but for the moment I’m happy with my PC.
One Good Reason to own it: - Xbox Live really does seem to have cracked online gaming. If you like to spend your time racking up headshots, shouting “FIRE IN THE HOLE!” at random French people (seriously, do they spend their entire lives playing Counter Strike over there? Is it a law or something?) then this is the console for you.
It’s also worth mentioning that this seems to be the console of choice in regards to RPGs. Xbox 360 really does look like the home of the RPG, next to the PC of course, but if you like your RPGs console based, then look no further than Microsoft’s box of tricks.
One Good Reason not to own it: - Those games really are a tad on the expensive side. Not objectionably so, but enough to deter you from purchasing them often. Also, I’m not so high on the fact that the console looks akin to a mini-refrigerator.
Game I am the most excited about: - Bioshock. That baby looks sweet! But uh…it’s coming to PC so it’s not really a “killer app” as such. Mass Effect also seems pretty darn cool…but uh…it’s coming to PC too. I’ll go with Smackdown vs Raw 07 then. Oh, well I’d be lying if I said Halo 3 didn’t interest me…it does, very much so, but then Halo 1 and 2 never got me to buy an original Xbox, so I can’t see that this will change with 3. Oh I’ll tell you what though!! If ever I hear that Eternal Darkness 2 has gone into production, THEN I’ll be excited and think about ordering one. You hear me Bill Gates? Get Dennis Dyack on the phone, pronto!
Feature I am most excited about: - Xbox Live, and where they take it next I guess. Microsoft realize the importance of online gaming, and are treating it like a very big deal, which is great to see.
Wii – Well being the author of Nintendophiles, as you can imagine this is pretty high up on my list of “I need this more than oxygen” (alongside pictures of Elisha Cuthbert naked, naturally). The whole concept of the Wii is just brilliant, and I am unbelievably excited to get my hands on one. The Wii 24Connect is also an amazing step for Nintendo, as they finally seem to have realized the importance of (and huge market for) online gaming.
One Good Reason to own it: - Innovation. It is THE step forward for the gaming industry, and will forever revolutionize the way we play games in future. We’ve seen that both Sony and Microsoft are implementing motion-sensitive software into some future releases, so I would imagine that in the not too distant future, this will be the way we play games. Wii is the first step towards it; you don’t want to miss out.
One Good Reason not to own it: - I realize that graphics do mean an awful lot to some people, and whilst I think that the Wii’s offerings are more than adequate, I can see that some people want the very latest technology has to offer in that department, and so this aspect might put some people off the Wii. Hmmm why else might you not want to own it? Perhaps you don’t quite trust it? I could maybe understand some people still being skeptical about whether it really works or not. That might put some off from buying it on launch day. If you’re one of those people, why not wait a little while and see what others think of it first. Or you could be pro-active and go to one of the Nintendo events when they come to your area so you can play test the Wii for yourself.
Oh, and if you love your online gaming, you might find the whole Friend Codes system a touch aggravating. Urgh, Friend Codes. Yes, because we all know Mario Kart is the haven of pedophiles…
Game I am the most excited about: - Sheesh, I got to pick just one? Looking to the future, I get the feeling that Super Mario Galaxy is going to do what Super Mario 64 did, and completely revolutionize the gaming industry. So I’m excited about that one. As launch games go, I have to put a vote in for Twilight Princess, because…because…well, it’s Zelda! But I’m also very high on Red Steel. Oh but then there’s…etc etc
Feature I am most excited about: - Motion-sensitive game play. This is why you buy a Wii. It’s that simple. Watching other people play it is not enough…it’s something you HAVE to experience for yourself.
PS3- Um…ummmm. Seriously, “um” is all I can think of. I’m not overly excited about the PS3. Don’t take that as me being a biased Nintendo fanboy; that’s not the case at all. It’s just that, as has already been stated, Sony seems to have this attitude that “Hey, we could wrap up a turd in a box and people would buy it” and I don’t like it. They’re relying too heavily on franchises that have brought them success in the past, and that is a mistake if you ask me. Where’s the new, fresh, innovative games we have come to expect from a console launch? Eh?
To be honest, the PS3 strikes me as being “same old, same old,” just with added graphical flare. The same games as the PS2, just brought to the next-generation. That’s just the way I see it. Yikes, I sound bitter.
One Good Reason to own it: - Well all those graphics whores will lap this up. The PS3 is capable of amazing things, you have to grant it that. And it’s bound to have great third-party support, so those looking for their usual dose of Pro Evo, Tony Hawk’s, Fight Night and the like will be more than happy with the PS3’s offerings.
One Good Reason not to own it: How about the buy-this-and-you-go-bankrupt price tag? The PS2 was/is extremely popular with students and ‘young adults’…they’d have to sell their body to modern science to be able to afford Sony’s latest offering. I am also an advocate for not buying the system just to stick it to Sony and give them a dose of reality; they are NOT the ‘Messiah’ of gaming that they think they are.
Game I am the most excited about: Metal Gear Solid 4, as I am very partial to the whole Metal Gear storyline. Aside from that, the PS2 always vaguely interested me because of the Smackdown games ( I do love a bit o’ rasslin’!) but now it hasn’t even got that going for it, as it will share the franchise with the Xbox 360 (not to mention very sparse rumors about a possible Wii incarnation in the future). I’d say Final Fantasy, but with the Square Enix-Nintendo relationship better than it ever has been, and with all the upcoming Final Fantasy games on the DS, who knows where Final Fantasy XIV will end up. So really, it’s just MGS4.
Feature I am most excited about: If I have to pick one thing, I’ll say the Blu-Ray technology. I’m interested to see what effect it will have on the market. If the PS3 proves to be a big hit worldwide, will this provoke others to follow suit, leading Blu Ray technology to the forefront, ahead of HD-DVD.
Tommy Coloma: Author of Fact or Fiction Games and The Negative Edge News Report
Xbox 360- I got a 360 at launch last year but I eventually sold it after a few months. None of the games for the system gave me enough reason to keep it. Even looking forward, I didn’t see anything that sparked my interest. I don’t play sports games and I hate playing shooters with a controller so none of the big titles were even a consideration. Right now, I’m more into fighting games and RPGs. Thankfully, Street Fighter II’ Hyper Fighting did well enough to get SNK to decide to release their games and I have no doubt that Capcom will eventually release even more of their fighters on Live. The only problem is that the default controller is really bad for fighters. There are other options, but they are too expensive (especially for just one game). As for RPGs, the 360 simply doesn’t have any that are worth playing. In all, the only thing that is making me strongly consider getting the system is XNA Game Studio Express. It’s sad that I would rather program for the system than play games on it.
Reason to own it: Xbox Live
Reason not to own it: Microtransactions. I don’t want to buy options that should already be in the game.
Game I am the most excited about: Street Fighter II’ Hyper Fighting
Feature I am most excited about: XNA Game Studio Express
Wii- Because of the cost, availability, and because of Zelda, this is the only new system that I plan on picking up this year. That is not to say that I think that the Wii is the best system out of all three. To me, none of the systems stands above the PS2 this year in terms of quality software. The only saving grace for the Wii is Zelda. If it weren’t for this game, I wouldn’t even bother to pick the system up until either Super Smash Bros. Brawl and/or Metroid Prime 3: Corruption come out next year.
Reason to own it: Zelda
Reason not to own it: Lack of must-play 3rd party games.
Games I am the most excited about: Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
Feature I am most excited about: Using the Wii Remote controller to play online games that one would normally play with a mouse (ie first-person shooters and real-time strategy games).
PLAYSTATION 3- I was talking to my sister the other day and I found that she was planning on getting her son a PS3. Of course, she didn’t know that it would be pretty much impossible for her to get one any time soon. That got me to realize a few things - most consumers don’t pay attention to video game news the way we do. They don’t know or care about how pompous and overbearing Sony has been over the past couple of months, about how much more the console costs because of the Blu-ray drive, or any of the other things video game sites and journalists like to complain about. Until word of mouth and/or reality set in, consumers will just see the name and automatically feel that the PS3 is worth owning. So, without a doubt, this console will continually sell out until Sony finds a way to mass produce it faster. Do I want one? Not any time soon. The only reason that I am not completely ignoring the system is because of my interest in one or two exclusives that have been announced. However, I am hoping that, with the high cost of producing next-gen games, companies will be smart enough to forget about making exclusives. It could happen...
Reason to own it: Exclusives
Reason not to own it: The high price and high probability that the system will break down within a year. You know their hardware track record. Think about it!
Game I am the most excited about: Can’t think of any that will be released either this year or next year. Ask me in 2008.
Feature I am most excited about: Nothing
And that is all folks! Remember to send in your feedback to be a part of Part III. Until next time!
