Interview - Peter Moore on all things E3

[fitbabits]

Eurogamer (http://www.eurogamer.net) has posted an interview with Peter Moore.

You can read the full transcript here (http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=64627).

Eurogamer: Do you expect the HD-DVD drive you've announced for the Xbox 360 to go out to a wide audience?

Peter Moore: I don't know. It's about choice - you want to buy a games machine, I'll give you a games machine right now for $299 that plays high-definition games and connects. You want to step up and get local storage on there, that's $399, or its £279. You want high definition movie playback, well, I'll announced a price soon, but here it is.

What I'm not telling you is that you must have high definition movie playback, and it's going to cost you between $100 and $300 dollars. I'm not forcing that upon you. We learned the same lesson with Xbox, when we put the hard drive in there. We learned a lot of lessons, most of them fiscal. Some guys like having local storage and some guys don't.

..........

Eurogamer: So you don't see any weakness in your release schedule over the next few months?

Peter Moore: Where do you think we're weak?

Eurogamer: You spent a lot of your conference this week talking about big games for 2007, when we might have expected to see more about games that are happening in 2006. 2007 is still a long way away.

Peter Moore: Grand Theft Auto was 2007, but I talked about Forza, this year. Fable I did talk about, we didn't even give a date for Fable, but Forza - obviously, the game is phenomenal game. That game will be huge, particularly in Europe.

There are 160 games - and again, you're taking the old model of, what's available for £50 on the shelf? You're not looking at Arcade. Arcade is unbelievable - I can't tell you how powerful Arcade is as an alternate medium for going in there and picking up packaged goods. The conversion rate of Geometry Wars, which was a lad in Liverpool in his spare time - I mean, you know the story - that thing has converted at 38 per cent.
An interesting interview and no pro-Microsoft slant either. Read the whole thing and you'll see that Moore is challenged to quantify some of his answers.

[bapenguin]

Maybe I'm missing it, but when I see Gears of War... When I know that what you saw from Halo 3 is in-engine... Actually, blown up on the big screen, I didn't like the way it showed, because I've seen it on things like this [gestures to LCD screen] which is the way you should see it, and the game was spectacular. That was not CGI, that's in-engine work.

WHAT?? He wasn't impressed with Halo 3 video? I watched it last night in my theater and it gave me goose bumps. I even got a little choked up. :o

[UnderHero5]

I really don't like how he answers when asked about games for '06.
He basically says "Why do you think the line-up is weak? We have FORZA... and... Live Arcade... you know.. ports of old arcade games that will keep your attention for the 20 minutes it takes to beat them."
Geometry Wars IS a great game, don't get me wrong. But that doesn't mean every game on Arcade is a gem. And what about the millions who don't bother even using Live who want actual games for their 400 dollar machine?

I can play thousands of arcade games on my PC, Dreamcast, Xbox 1... heck, even the PSP has a version of MAME.

That said, there are a couple of games coming in '06 that look good. GoW and that zombie game, in particular.

I just don't like how he answered that question.

[Heretic Machine]

Eurogamer: You spent a lot of your conference this week talking about big games for 2007, when we might have expected to see more about games that are happening in 2006. 2007 is still a long way away.

Peter Moore: Grand Theft Auto was 2007, but I talked about Forza, this year. Fable I did talk about, we didn't even give a date for Fable, but Forza - obviously, the game is phenomenal game. That game will be huge, particularly in Europe.

There are 160 games - and again, you're taking the old model of, what's available for £50 on the shelf? You're not looking at Arcade. Arcade is unbelievable - I can't tell you how powerful Arcade is as an alternate medium for going in there and picking up packaged goods. The conversion rate of Geometry Wars, which was a lad in Liverpool in his spare time - I mean, you know the story - that thing has converted at 38 per cent.

Wow... so all I have to look forward to is Forza? I don't like racing games. What now Moore?

EDIT: And yes, I'm aware that there is plenty coming out. But as the poster above said, that was a terrible way to answer the question.

[Kelegacy]

Wow... so all I have to look forward to is Forza? I don't like racing games. What now Moore?

EDIT: And yes, I'm aware that there is plenty coming out. But as the poster above said, that was a terrible way to answer the question.
I was thinking the same thing. What of the rest of us goons? Even though I do enjoy some racing, what else?? Jiminy Cripes, I want a library.

[RevGored]

I like how he said "The Gears of War demo is being downloaded, the video of that, the trailer itself - and of course, Halo 3, the in-game video that we showed.".

GoW demo, lol. If that came out on Live, it would probably break thier servers, tbqh.

[bapenguin]

I'm really curious how Viva Pinata is going to do. I was talking to my wife who is a 1st grade teacher about the concept, the cross promotion stuff, the cartoons etc and she thinks her kids will want to eat that up. If they can get that out before X-mas, have the cartoon going for a few months get the card game out there the toys and such it may actually be a system seller for MS.

I'll agree with everyone else though...after that March/April rush...there's not a whole lot on the horizon until November.

To be fair...there never is in the gaming business...the summer drought is upon us.

[Grifter]

I was thinking the same thing. What of the rest of us goons? Even though I do enjoy some racing, what else?? Jiminy Cripes, I want a library.

Well then, go to the fucking L....uhh...wait...damnit....never mind

[Citizen Philip]

Facta non verba. This time next year, everyone will have their cards on the table and consumers will have voted. And all the professional windbags can go sit on their respective thrones' of So Awesome (http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2006/01/20).

I'm curious about episodic content and the micro purchasing.

[agentgray]

He is right. Other than Live stuff, what are we going to see this year?

Sometimes, I think Microsoft now figures just to make an Xbox Live machine for $100 that just does Live stuff. It seems to be where all their eggs are going.'

Of course, downloadable games on a console would be called a Phantom.

[Sl1pstream]

I'm really curious how Viva Pinata is going to do. I was talking to my wife who is a 1st grade teacher about the concept, the cross promotion stuff, the cartoons etc and she thinks her kids will want to eat that up. If they can get that out before X-mas, have the cartoon going for a few months get the card game out there the toys and such it may actually be a system seller for MS.

In the US, maybe. There's no way, however, that every European country is going to broadcast that show, sell the toys, etc. Even if they are, it's not going to happen anywhere near the game launch.

[MosBen]

Have there been announcements about full length indy games coming down the pike for Live? I'd really love to buy some innovative indy games through Live, and that's what I see as Live's real strength.

[EternalGamer]

I'm very very disappointed with what I"m seeing for the 360 this fall. Before I defended it against Kelegacy's criticism by saying that, come E3 we would see all the great releases that are appealing to sensibilities such as his (and mine). But E3 is here, and all I see are still a bunch of FPS-type games and racing games.

I'll definitely check out Gears of War, but it is clear the majority of my gaming dollar this Fall will be spent on DS and Wii titles. And it's sad that a year after a system is out, it still can't diversify it's lineup more. I am bored to death with hyper-masculine Sci-shooters. Where are my platformers, adventure games, RPGs, and quirky original titles? Where you ask? They are hanging out at Nintendo's booth, that's where.

[dena miscreant]

Fable I did talk about, we didn't even give a date for Fable, but Forza

Guess we'll see Fable 2 this year, eh? :D

[Dracula-X]

I am bored to death with hyper-masculine Sci-shooters. Where are my platformers, adventure games, RPGs, and quirky original titles? Where you ask? They are hanging out at Nintendo's booth, that's where.

Zing! There is a truth to that, and pretty much illustrates the trouble Japanese gamers (and those of us in the west who have overlapping interests) have with the MS platform.

[EternalGamer]

In the US, maybe. There's no way, however, that every European country is going to broadcast that show, sell the toys, etc. Even if they are, it's not going to happen anywhere near the game launch.

I say no way it's going to go over well. MS doesn't have a shot at that marketing demosgraphic and it's really their own fault, since they didn't go after it earlier on. There were companies trying to establish kid-friendly games and games with more cartoony platform aesthetics on their system, and MS basically chased them all away (Oddworld, Psychonauts, Tork, Voodoo Vince etc.). They never gave these types of titles a chance to find their audience. But maybe it's not completely MS's fault. Maybe the audience just wouldn't have been there anyway, either way, I don't see them turning the tide now.

Nintendo is going to eat up this demographic this Fall. Between the DS and the Wii there are at least a dozen titles that have huge appeal to this demographic.

[CaptStu]

A supposed "leaked" game release list from Gamer Revolution (http://www.gamerevolution.com/static/index.php?section=release&page=xbox360-release).

2006, 2007 and further out. Could be old, but there's more than just a few available this year.

See bap's post below for the highlights.

[bapenguin]

The releases starting October 1st to December 1st for the 360:

Splinter Cell: Double Agent
Crackdown
Stranglehold
Star Trek: Legacy
Phantasy Star Universe
Superman Returns
Gears of War
Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway
Mass Effect
Too Human
Rainbow Six: Vegas
Alan Wake

Looks pretty decent to me.

[Heretic Machine]

Halo 3 Microsoft Fall 2006 (expected)

...I see a flaw in the list.

[dena miscreant]

The releases starting October 1st to December 1st for the 360:

Crackdown

Phantasy Star Universe

Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway


I'm pretty sire BiA: HH has been pushed to 2007. PSU will hit on PC and PS2 in Q4, but the 360 is looking like Q2 2007 from everything I've heard. Crackdown does not impress me.

[CaptStu]

...I see a flaw in the list.
Things change, but there's obviously more than Forza, Gears, Madden and Viva.

[peeweejd]

That was a good interview. The interviewer asked good questions. It's too bad he let Moore get away with the 06 games thing though (although looking at the list beapenguin posted I dont see the problem).

I'm really really stoked for:
Dead Rising
Gears of War
Brothers In Arms

I'll see about Too Human.

Plus some arcade games and stuff.

[dena miscreant]

My Highlights of 2006:

Dead Rising
Blue Dragon
Gears of War
Moto GP 06 - Played the demo. Fucking awesome. Except for the crowd. They don't have much life :D
2006 Fifa World Cup (now out)
Timeshift
X-Men 3
Table Tennis
hitman: blood money (Have you seen the trailer?)
enchant arm? probably gonna suck, maybe not... who's making it?
Over G Fighters
Captain Blood
Lord of the rings: battle for middle earth II
Chromehounds
Superman Returns: The Video Game
Monster Madness
XBLA: Street Fighter II Hyper fighting
The Godfather
NCAA Football 07
1XR
Madden 07 (why I won't buy 06, nor play the demo)
Saint's Row (I'm now not so impressed with this one)
Frame City Killer
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent
Viva Pinata (Seen the trailer? Looks whack, but I'm down)
Hyper Sonic (supposed to come out before the end of the year)
Just Cause
Two Worlds
HUXLEY!!!
Stanglehold
Too Human (now not so impressed with this one, either)
Medal of Honor: Airborne
The Darkness
Alan Wake
Shadowclan
Scarface
RAYMAN 4!!! Michel Ancel returns to Rayman!
Rainbow Six Vegas (with the Xbox Vision support)

This has not been updated if any titles were released for 2006 in the last few weeks, especially this week.

[CaptStu]

UbiSoft is making Enchanted Arm, or whatever the thing is called.

[dena miscreant]

Might not suck ;p

[dena miscreant]

I forgot to add LOST PLANET! The demo rocks.

[fitbabits]

UbiSoft is making Enchanted Arm, or whatever the thing is called.
Not making, only publishing it in the USA (and possibly Europe).

[dena miscreant]

My list also does not include any XBLA titles.

[EternalGamer]

Out of that entire list here are the only titles that interest me, and even some of these are "hyper-masculine" Sci-shooter type games, as 70% of that list is.

1. Rayman 4 [working title] Ubisoft Q4 2006
2. Phantasy Star Universe
3. X-Men: The Official Game Activision May 16, 2006
4. Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Activision Q3 2006
5. Sonic the Hedgehog [next-gen] SEGA TBA 2006
6. Viva Piñata Microsoft November 2006
7. House of the Dead SEGA TBA 2006
8. Resident Evil 5 Capcom TBA 2006/2007
9. Jade Empire 2 (Unnanounced) *TBA TBA 2006
10. Gears of War Microsoft TBA 2006

Now out of those, here are the ones I can't play on another system:

1. Gears of War Microsoft TBA 2006
2. Jade Empire 2 (Unnanounced) *TBA TBA 2006
3. Viva Piñata Microsoft November 2006

Three. Three damn games over the next 9 months that I have interest in and can't play anywhere else. And I'm not even sure I"m all that interested in two of them (I never even got around to playing the first Jade Empire and Viva is still up in the air). So that leaves one title I"m positivitely want to play. This is why PS3 will succeed in Japan and (to a less extent in the U.S) irregardless of price. MS just doesn't offer the type of games many people are interested in. There are already more that five or six exclusive titles I already really want to play on the Wii and it's not even out yet, and there are at least a couple on the PS3 (new Rachet, MGS4, Final Fantasy XIII).

From a hardware and marketing perspective, I think MS definitely has the right idea. They just have yet to prove they can adequately attract the type of games and game developers whose projects I'm interested in.

[CaptStu]

Not making, only publishing it in the USA (and possibly Europe).
Who's making it? I got swayed by the Ubi intro during the trailer.

[RMan]

I like how he answered the HD-DVD question (which is to say, he didn't answer it), no upside to actually answering the question. Good question by the interviewer. Did seem much more level-headed than Moore's other stuff, even if not very exciting.

[fitbabits]

Who's making it? I got swayed by the Ubi intro during the trailer.
From Software.

List of From Software titles here (http://games.ign.com/objects/025/025611.html).

[51|RandoM]

I wonder how much of the current nintendo lovefest is just grading on a curve after Sony's dismal showing? If it weren't for Nintendo, would there be any real excitement? Sure, we had one year like that, but don't know if we could handle two in a row.

[Serapth]

Out of that entire list here are the only titles that interest me, and even some of these are "hyper-masculine" Sci-shooter type games, as 70% of that list is.

1. Rayman 4 [working title] Ubisoft Q4 2006
2. Phantasy Star Universe
3. X-Men: The Official Game Activision May 16, 2006
4. Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Activision Q3 2006
5. Sonic the Hedgehog [next-gen] SEGA TBA 2006
6. Viva Piñata Microsoft November 2006
7. House of the Dead SEGA TBA 2006
8. Resident Evil 5 Capcom TBA 2006/2007
9. Jade Empire 2 (Unnanounced) *TBA TBA 2006
10. Gears of War Microsoft TBA 2006

Now out of those, here are the ones I can't play on another system:

1. Gears of War Microsoft TBA 2006
2. Jade Empire 2 (Unnanounced) *TBA TBA 2006
3. Viva Piñata Microsoft November 2006

Three. Three damn games over the next 9 months that I have interest in and can't play anywhere else. And I'm not even sure I"m all that interested in two of them (I never even got around to playing the first Jade Empire and Viva is still up in the air). So that leaves one title I"m positivitely want to play. This is why PS3 will succeed in Japan and (to a less extent in the U.S) irregardless of price. MS just doesn't offer the type of games many people are interested in. There are already more that five or six exclusive titles I already really want to play on the Wii and it's not even out yet, and there are at least a couple on the PS3 (new Rachet, MGS4, Final Fantasy XIII).

From a hardware and marketing perspective, I think MS definitely has the right idea. They just have yet to prove they can adequately attract the type of games and game developers whose projects I'm interested in.

You are being WAY to overly jaded against the XBox. If within a year the PS3 has even close to this big of a collection and anywhere near as diverse I will be hugely shocked. Infact, how many games do they actually have confirmed for that system in the first year that isnt also a 360 title? If your pissed at the 360, your gonna really hate the PS3.

The only other thing that I believe may be true with you is your a fan of Nintendo platformers... which ofcourse Nintendo is going to have more of. Then again, FPS's, Strategy games, RPGs, Racers etc are going to be sadly lacking on that system. Its a difference in specialties. If you bitching about the 360 not being a Nintendo, well your basically bitching about nothing. Buy a damn Wii when it comes out and feed your platformer fix.

[EternalGamer]

The releases starting October 1st to December 1st for the 360:

Splinter Cell: Double Agent
Crackdown
Stranglehold
Star Trek: Legacy
Phantasy Star Universe
Superman Returns
Gears of War
Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway
Mass Effect
Too Human
Rainbow Six: Vegas
Alan Wake

Looks pretty decent to me.


The only game on that entire list that really interests me is Gears. I don't want to play generic G. I. Joe or Sci-Fi man. It just doesn't interest me at all. I'm sure alot of you will have fun spraying rooms with your M16s or whatever, it's just not my thing.

[CaptStu]

From Software.

List of From Software titles here (http://games.ign.com/objects/025/025611.html).
Thanks. I appreciate it. Hey, kinda off topic here, but weren't you the one that was moving cross country with your cats? How did that go?

[Serapth]

From Software.

List of From Software titles here (http://games.ign.com/objects/025/025611.html).

Ive always been pretty meh on From software. They have a cult following, and Kings Field was pretty much a beloved game in that cult so I gave it a shot. I would rather pluck out my eyelashes one by one then try that evil game again.

Ditto for Amored Core. Those games have a huge following, so I broke down and played one. Paint drying is more fun.

I have huge hopes but low expectations for Chromehounds. I want it to be great, but I highly doubt it.

[EternalGamer]

The only other thing that I believe may be true with you is your a fan of Nintendo platformers... which ofcourse Nintendo is going to have more of. Then again, FPS's, Strategy games, RPGs, Racers etc are going to be sadly lacking on that system. Its a difference in specialties. If you bitching about the 360 not being a Nintendo, well your basically bitching about nothing. Buy a damn Wii when it comes out and feed your platformer fix.

It's not just platformers. The Wii already has a Dragon Warrior game (on launch) a Final Fantasy game (probably launch), and a Fire Emblem game (not sure if a date has been set). Along with Zelda, that's more quality Adventure/RPG games than around launch time than the 360 will have after a year and half.

And I don't necessarily need Nintendo platformers. I loved the Jak series, Rachet & Clank, Psychonaughts, and the Oddworld games. The problem is the 360 doesn't have ANY that aren't multiplatform on the way. If you want to play sports games or "men with guns" then the 360 has you covered. If not, you're pretty much SOL.

[fitbabits]

Thanks. I appreciate it. Hey, kinda off topic here, but weren't you the one that was moving cross country with your cats? How did that go?
No problem.

Good memory. I've not moved yet. My wife and I will be moving in 10 days time. I'm going to drive the little buggers and hope for the best. I hate the thought of just handing them to a complete stranger and not seeing them while they travel. I love them so much and I know that if anything untoward happens when they're with me, I'll at least be in control of the situation.

[CaptStu]

Good memory. I've not moved yet. My wife and I will be moving in 10 days time. I'm going to drive the little buggers and hope for the best. I hate the thought of just handing them to a complete stranger and not seeing them while they travel. I love them so much and I know that if anything untoward happens when they're with me, I'll at least be in control of the situation.
Good for you. They'll be fine. The cats will be a little freaked at the beginning, but they'll calm down after a while. A useful tip my girlfriend used when moving from Oregon to Alabama (Yeah, I know. Most people want to leave Alabama) is to cover their cages or point them away from the windows. The speed seems to be upsetting. Best of luck. You're doing the right thing.

[fitbabits]

Good for you. They'll be fine. The cats will be a little freaked at the beginning, but they'll calm down after a while. A useful tip my girlfriend used when moving from Oregon to Alabama (Yeah, I know. Most people want to leave Alabama) is to cover their cages or point them away from the windows. The speed seems to be upsetting. Best of luck. You're doing the right thing.
Thanks, man. That's a great idea and one I'll definitley be implementing on the journey. I know that I get upset as a passenger and I at least know what's going on. :eek:

[51|RandoM]

Just don't forget and leave them tied to the bumper. That was a funny movie.

[CaptStu]

The Griswalds, right?

[dena miscreant]

EG, look at my list and tell me there aren't more games you want to play than just Gears of War, Jade Empire 2, and viva Pinata.

I couldn't tell you how many are exclusives.

[Shifteh]

The only other thing that I believe may be true with you is your a fan of Nintendo platformers... which ofcourse Nintendo is going to have more of. Then again, FPS's, Strategy games, RPGs, Racers etc are going to be sadly lacking on that system.

Which is why you use that PC you're currently typing on for those games, which are almost always better (or only) on a PC anyway.

[Serapth]

It's not just platformers. The Wii already has a Dragon Warrior game (on launch) a Final Fantasy game (probably launch), and a Fire Emblem game (not sure if a date has been set). Along with Zelda, that's more quality Adventure/RPG games than around launch time than the 360 will have after a year and half.

And I don't necessarily need Nintendo platformers. I loved the Jak series, Rachet & Clank, Psychonaughts, and the Oddworld games. The problem is the 360 doesn't have ANY that aren't multiplatform on the way. If you want to play sports games or "men with guns" then the 360 has you covered. If not, you're pretty much SOL.

First off, who gives a damn if its cross platform? So long as its on the platform you've purchased, shouldnt you be happy?

Secondly, the Final Fantasy game isnt a Final Fantasy game... its been kidified and is closer to a platformer again then an RPG, at least I believe it is. Its a Crystals Chronicals folllow up is it not? Thats what I have always hated about the Nintendo releases. Why is it third parties always do a "Nintendo" version. Why couldnt it be a straight Final Fantasy, why did it have to be a "cute" version. Resident Evil is one of the few games that bucked that trend. Then in the end, they didnt sell enough so they ported to PS2.

As to the 360, RPG wise there is already Oblivion, Enchart Arms coming soon, Blue Dragon in Q4, FFXI no matter how much it sucks, Phantasy Star Universe, hopefully Mass Effect plus Huxley. Thats not too bad considering how early into the consoles life we are.

[EternalGamer]

I listed all the titles I saw that held interest for me. Admitedly, I don't know what a few of them are. But assuming my interest level starts at "5" if it's a game with gunfire in it, my interest automaticallhy drops 2 points. If its a Sci-Fi game it drops another two. Granted, as Gears of Wars and Halo show, it is possible for me to still have interest in a title despite those two aspects, it's just that it has a lot going against it. I just don't care about playing G. I. Joe. I had no interest in it when I was a kid, and I still have no interest in it.

[Serapth]

Which is why you use that PC you're currently typing on for those games, which are almost always better (or only) on a PC anyway.

Oh gee another conversation about how the PC is the rAwK!!! and how the 360 is teh SuCK!... YAWN...

[Norse]

IMHO there's a lot of good stuff heading for the X360 this year. My highlights are: Table tennis, Prey, MotoGP, Dead Rising, Splinter Cell, PES 6, Rainbow Six, Alone In The Dark, Just Cause, FEAR, Lego Star Wars II, Forza 2, Rayman, Gears Of War, Too Human.

This covers every genre I'm interested in. It's much more than I usually get my hands on during a year. For all I know I may still be playing Oblivion by x-mas, that game never end it seems.

[Abash Alarmist]

The Griswalds, right?

The vacation movie. but yeah, you got it right.

[Kelegacy]

You are being WAY to overly jaded against the XBox. If within a year the PS3 has even close to this big of a collection and anywhere near as diverse I will be hugely shocked. Infact, how many games do they actually have confirmed for that system in the first year that isnt also a 360 title? If your pissed at the 360, your gonna really hate the PS3.

The only other thing that I believe may be true with you is your a fan of Nintendo platformers... which ofcourse Nintendo is going to have more of. Then again, FPS's, Strategy games, RPGs, Racers etc are going to be sadly lacking on that system. Its a difference in specialties. If you bitching about the 360 not being a Nintendo, well your basically bitching about nothing. Buy a damn Wii when it comes out and feed your platformer fix.
It's not about quantity, it's about diversity. If you are an action or racer fan, the Xbox is for you. I'm betting the PS3 will have a more diverse lineup (even though I won't own a PS3 for a while at THAT price) come its 1 year anniversary. Nintendo, we all know they're f'ing insane so they'll satiate anyone looking for something different.

For the different breed of gamer (EternalGamer, Spigot, mister_slim, etc.) we cannot just own a 360 and be satisfied. The library seems diversity-challenged, like a two-toned rainbow. The games that the 360 does have are great (see my Toybane Lost Planet impressions), but I only own one retail game for my 360 and a couple arcade titles. Arcade is neat, but once the Wii virtual console gets here, I probably won't grab a damn thing from Live Arcade. Many of the Arcade games feel samey right now, but hopefully that changes.

The 360 games horizon looks fun, but there isn't enough to keep me glued to my tube for 2006. I'll probably end up renting Gears of War and some of the potentially shorter titles because I know I'll beat them in a handful of hours, enjoy them immensely, but then be starving for something else with more substance. It's a good thing Oblivion is on the 360, because the hours it provides makes many other 60 dollar games look downright brief.

All of this is why I'll probably end up owning a PS3 before I want to. Games. The Wii is mine at launch, the 360 sits in my living room already, but when Nintendo's trademark month-long droughts start popping up (hopefully they won't) and the 360 fails to inspire new kinds of fun, I'll have to resort to a PS3. That's not necessarily bad, but at 599, it is to me.

[dena miscreant]

Dead Rising
Blue Dragon
Gears of War
Moto GP 06 - Played the demo. Fucking awesome. Except for the crowd. They don't have much life
2006 Fifa World Cup (now out)
Timeshift
X-Men 3
Table Tennis
hitman: blood money (Have you seen the trailer?)
enchant arm? probably gonna suck, maybe not... who's making it?
Over G Fighters
Captain Blood
Lord of the rings: battle for middle earth II
Chromehounds
Superman Returns: The Video Game
Monster Madness
XBLA: Street Fighter II Hyper fighting
The Godfather
NCAA Football 07
1XR
Madden 07 (why I won't buy 06, nor play the demo)
Saint's Row (I'm now not so impressed with this one)
Frame City Killer
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent (trailer's dope)
Viva Pinata (Seen the trailer? Looks whack, but I'm down)
Hyper Sonic (supposed to come out before the end of the year)
Just Cause
Two Worlds
HUXLEY!!! (Massively Multiplayer Online First Person Shooter running on Unreal 3... awesome)
Stanglehold (John Woo, starring Chow Yun Fat... in-game footage looks good)
Too Human (now not so impressed with this one, either)
Medal of Honor: Airborne
The Darkness
Alan Wake
ShadowClan (another John Woo game)
Scarface
RAYMAN 4!!! Michel Ancel returns to Rayman!
Rainbow Six Vegas (with the Xbox Vision support)
ShadowRun (see 274201)

[Serapth]

Personally I highly doubt the PS3 will have that higher variety this generation, I think about the only area they will lead in is the jRPGs this generation. So many titles are going cross 360/PS3 that it will minimize the difference. Additionally, I think Microsoft really sees that lack of platformers on the Xbox as a weakness and are actively addressing it. Then again, I dont even know what the bloody launch lineup for the PS3 is yet. All I know is most of the announced titles are on the 360 aswell, or are so far out into 2007 that at this point to me, they are vapour.

As to Nintendo, I could almost argue they have the LEAST diversity of all platforms. Not on a genre to genre basis, but on a style basis. If you arent into cartoonish graphics, the options on games goes WAY down. To the point I cant think of a single *NON* cartoony rpg on the Cube, nor a serious racing game ( Like Forza or GT3/4 ) or even a semi serious racing game ( like PGR3, etc...).

Thats why I see it truly being a two console generation for Wii fans. A wii for their Nintendoish fix, and a 360 or PS3 for all their "serious" gaming. Then again, Microsoft and Nintendo have basically both said this straight out.

[EternalGamer]

First off, who gives a damn if its cross platform? So long as its on the platform you've purchased, shouldnt you be happy?

Secondly, the Final Fantasy game isnt a Final Fantasy game... its been kidified and is closer to a platformer again then an RPG, at least I believe it is. Its a Crystals Chronicals folllow up is it not? Thats what I have always hated about the Nintendo releases. Why is it third parties always do a "Nintendo" version. Why couldnt it be a straight Final Fantasy, why did it have to be a "cute" version. Resident Evil is one of the few games that bucked that trend. Then in the end, they didnt sell enough so they ported to PS2.

As to the 360, RPG wise there is already Oblivion, Enchart Arms coming soon, Blue Dragon in Q4, FFXI no matter how much it sucks, Phantasy Star Universe, hopefully Mass Effect plus Huxley. Thats not too bad considering how early into the consoles life we are.


We just have different tastes. Personally, I loved Crystal Chronicals, especially it's artstyle. The only problem I had with it is that it was a pain in the ass to get the equipment and people together to really enjoy it properly. Hopefully the new version fixes both of those problems (no obligatory GBAs). Oblivion doesn't interest me. I played Morrowind for a few hours and was bored because I found everything so generic (the towns, storylines, quests and people). Blue Dragon and Enchanted Arms look potentially interesting, but they are both a ways off.

Apparently you like the style of game MS offers, which is fine. I"m asking you to look at it from someone who has a different sensibilities. Someone who grew up on Japanese style games, Nintendo platformers, RPGs and Adventure games. The only 360 game I have really enjoyed thus far is Kameo, which I thought was pretty great. I also played through and enjoyed Perfect Dark, but it was ultimately nothing spectacular. I tried to give almost all the others a shot, I bought Call of Duty and PGR but, try as I might, I couldn't get into them. I just wasn't having any fun. I played at least five or six hours of each and traded them in. I rented Quake, Gun, and Condemned and had a similar experience (quiting each about half way through out of boredom). I telling you all this because I have honestly tried to get into these types of games and get the most out of my purchase, but it just isn't working for me.

For those who dig PC style games and the type of "men with guns" gameplay I mentioned before, the 360 has a lot to offer and more power to them. I'm just saying I'm dissapointed that it hasn't diviersified beyond this core audience nor does show any indication that it will in the near future.

There is little on the platform designed to appeal to anyone outside of teenage and young adult males who want to play with cars and soldier and sports. These are of course typically the things of little boys dreams, little boys who later become full adults. But I found cars, army men and sports all boring when I was a kid. Those were all things that elicited a feeling of ennui in me when I was kid much like M*A*S*H did when it came on TV. Whenever my friends started playing wiffle ball or race cars, I went home to play Mario and Zelda. I've somewhat grown out of my dislike for M*A*S*H (especially Altman's film version), but cars, sports, and army men still bore the hell out of me.

[CaptStu]

Dena, I like your persistence. I happen to agree with you as well.

[dena miscreant]

Ones I missed: (remember that some of these may be pushed to 07)

HoopWorld
99 Nights (looks better after E3)
Robo blitz
Over G Fighters
Open Season (supposed to be decent)
Call of Duty 3
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
Tracer
Cars
World Series of Poker: Tournament of Champions
LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
F.E.A.R.
The Precursors
Battlestations: Midway
Tony Hawk's Project 8 (trailer's cool... I skate, though)
Star Trek: Legacy
Apparently it's possible Phantasy Star Universe will come out this year with the PC and PS2 versions, although I heard it was pushed to Q2 2007
Killing Day (has everyone forgotten about this??)
Mad Tracks
Retribution
WarDevil
Spark Unlimited Untitled Project
Samurai Warriors 2
Galaga
Pac-Man
Cloning Clyde
Dog Tag
Project Delta
Turok
UT 2007
Interview with a Made Man
Soul Calibur (OH MY GOD)
Stuntman 2
Demonik
Conflict: Global Terror 2
NBA 2k7
Rockstar has 2 untitled 360 projects coming out...
Theseis
After Burner
Mass Effect
Highlander (no shit)
Mutant Storm 2
Voodoo Nights
Total Overdose 2
Alone in the Dark
Castle Wolfenstein untitled sequel
House of the Dead
211
DDR Universe
T-Woods 07
NBA Live 07
The Sopranos
Dirty Harry
Dead or Alive Xtreme 2
NHL 06
SSX 4 (FOR SURE!!)
Resdient Evil 5, maybe
Winning Eleven 2007
Elveon (Unreal 3 elves)
X Quest


this is all from ign.com's release dates page for the 360

[Serapth]

We just have different tastes. Personally, I loved Crystal Chronicals, especially it's artstyle. The only problem I had with it is that it was a pain in the ass to get the equipment and people together to really enjoy it properly. Hopefully the new version fixes both of those problems (no obligatory GBAs). Oblivion doesn't interest me. I played Morrowind for a few hours and was bored because I found everything so generic (the towns, storylines, quests and people). Blue Dragon and Enchanted Arms look potentially interesting, but they are both a ways off.

Apparently you like the style of game MS offers, which is fine. I"m asking you to look at it from someone who has a different sensibilities. Someone who grew up on Japanese style games, Nintendo platformers, RPGs and Adventure games. The only 360 game I have really enjoyed thus far is Kameo, which I thought was pretty great. I also played through and enjoyed Perfect Dark, but it was ultimately nothing spectacular. I tried to give almost all the others a shot, I bought Call of Duty and PGR but, try as I might, I couldn't get into them. I just wasn't having any fun. I played at least five or six hours of each and traded them in. I rented Quake, Gun, and Condemned and had a similar experience (quiting each about half way through out of boredom). I telling you all this because I have honestly tried to get into these types of games and get the most out of my purchase, but it just isn't working for me.

For those who dig PC style games and the type of "men with guns" gameplay I mentioned before, the 360 has a lot to offer and more power to them. I'm just saying I'm dissapointed that it hasn't diviersified beyond this core audience nor does show any indication that it will in the near future. There is little on the platform designed to appeal to anyone outside of teenage and young adult males who want to play soldier.


See, I agree with you 100%, we do have different tastes. See my just posted comment about Nintendo in general. You either like the "style" or you are meh about it. I grew up on Nintendo too, and im probrably buying a Wii for Nintendo style games ( definatly not for its racers, fps's and rpgs! :D ).

Why I am disputing your earlier points is basically because you are decrying the launch lineup because it *ISNT* Nintendos style. At this point in time the PS3 will have no better of a lineup then the 360 does now. The 360 and PS3 *are* aimed at different segments of the market then Nintendo, so when Nintendo says they arent competing with Microsoft, and Microsoft says they arent competing with Nintendo, they are pretty much telling the truth.

However, to criticize an entire lineup of games because it doesnt target your demographic just seems abit silly to me. It would be kinda like me insulting the Gameboy DS because it doesnt have realistic long RPGs on it. They just dont fit the demographic. Even " platformers" on the PS and Xbox are different then Nintendo platformers. Jax and Dexter and Psyhconauts or Oddworld just arent nintendo style games, even though they have a similar play structure.

[dena miscreant]

Now a lot of the "Ones I missed" might suck, but they all could come out this year. Remember how Microsoft said there'd be 160 titles available on 360 by the end of the year?

[dena miscreant]

Highlights from both the ones I missed and the first game list are:

Dead Rising
Blue Dragon
Gears of War
Moto GP 06 - Played the demo. Fucking awesome. Except for the crowd. They don't have much life
2006 Fifa World Cup (now out)
Timeshift
hitman: blood money (Have you seen the trailer?)
Captain Blood
Lord of the rings: battle for middle earth II
Chromehounds
Superman Returns: The Video Game
XBLA: Street Fighter II Hyper fighting
The Godfather
NCAA Football 07
Madden 07 (why I won't buy 06, nor play the demo)
Frame City Killer
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent (trailer's dope)
Viva Pinata (Seen the trailer? Looks whack, but I'm down)
Hyper Sonic (supposed to come out before the end of the year)
Just Cause
HUXLEY!!! (Massively Multiplayer Online First Person Shooter running on Unreal 3... awesome)
Stanglehold (John Woo, starring Chow Yun Fat... in-game footage looks good)
Medal of Honor: Airborne
Alan Wake
ShadowClan (another John Woo game)
Scarface
RAYMAN 4!!! Michel Ancel returns to Rayman!
Rainbow Six Vegas (with the Xbox Vision support)
ShadowRun (see http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?p=274201)
99 Nights (looks better after E3)
Open Season (supposed to be decent)
Call of Duty 3
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
F.E.A.R.
Tony Hawk's Project 8 (trailer's cool... I skate, though)
Apparently it's possible Phantasy Star Universe will come out this year with the PC and PS2 versions, although I heard it was pushed to Q2 2007
Killing Day (has everyone forgotten about this??)
Galaga
Pac-Man
Turok
UT 2007
Soul Calibur (OH MY GOD)
Stuntman 2
Rockstar has 2 untitled 360 projects coming out...
Mass Effect
Highlander (no shit)
Alone in the Dark
Castle Wolfenstein untitled sequel
House of the Dead
T-Woods 07
The Sopranos
Dirty Harry
SSX 4 (FOR SURE!!)
Resdient Evil 5, maybe
Winning Eleven 2007
Elveon (Unreal 3 elves)

[dena miscreant]

That's 57 titles we can assume will be at least decent.

[EternalGamer]

57 titles that will be decent for you. When I see that list, I see a bunch of guys playing G. I Joe with a few unique interesting titles peaking out here and there.

[dena miscreant]

It is impossible for any gamer not to look forward to more than a few of the following titles:


Dead Rising
Blue Dragon (RPG)
Elveon
Resident Evil 5
SSX 4
Dirty Harry
The Sopranos
Scarface
House of the Dead
Alone in the Dark
Highlander
Mass Effect
Stuntman 2
Soul Calibur will immediately replace DOA4
Pac-Man
Galaga
Tony Hawk's Project 8
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
Rayman 4
Alan Wake
New Sonic
Street Fighter II Hyper Fighting
Captain Blood (pirate game)
Phantasy Star Universe

I didn't even include shooters... except Galaga, House of the Dead, Scarface, the Sopranos, Dirty Harry, and Resident Evil 5.

[QueeG-Servo]

"[System A] only has 2 games I'm interested in! That's only two games! What kind of system only has two decent games? Come on!!! [System B] has like 30 games I am interested in! That's a 30 to 2 ratio! The [System B] is a much better system!"

It's arguments like this that cause snakes to get on planes.

[Citizen Philip]

It's no secret that the 360 did not do well in Japan, where gaming is at least as popular and accepted socially. You've got millions of gamers in a country who've already passed on the first nextgen offering and await their percieved first choice.

Be that as it may, from a development perspective that means Japan is going to have more studios to make more games: granted, some of them will never be ported any only played by hardcore NA fans.

There is lots of gaming money in Japan that to my reckoning is untapped. But baseless theories aside, this time next year the fools will only be fooling themselves and everyone else can enjoy their gaming.

[dena miscreant]

"[System A] only has 2 games I'm interested in! That's only two games! What kind of system only has two decent games? Come on!!! [System B] has like 30 games I am interested in! That's a 30 to 2 ratio! The [System B] is a much better system!"

It's arguments like this that cause snakes to get on planes.

I'm starting to think he's just a PS3 fanboy. Many of the games I mentioned are on multiple platforms.

[Citizen Philip]

That's 57 titles we can assume will be at least decent.

If you were to add two years worth of titles across all platforms and count all the good ones, I doubt you'd get to 25: let alone 57 for one console in year long period.

I play PC games, I don't buy more than.. 15 in a single year, maybe 10. Only 4 of the ones I like would be considered "decent" by others.

[absolut taco]

57 titles that will be decent for you. When I see that list, I see a bunch of guys playing G. I Joe with a few unique interesting titles peaking out here and there.
Fucking stupid complaints. If 100 games come out and 80 are shooters and 10 are racing games, guess why that is? People fucking like them.

[dena miscreant]

If you were to add two years worth of titles across all platforms and count all the good ones, I doubt you'd get to 25: let alone 57 for one console in year long period.

I play PC games, I don't buy more than.. 15 in a single year, maybe 10. Only 4 of the ones I like would be considered "decent" by others.

You, sir, are highly misled.

That just proves my point that Xbox 360 owners have a lot of quality titles to look forward to this year.

I said 57 at least decent. I expect at least 30 to be great games.

[QueeG-Servo]

Fucking stupid complaints. If 100 games come out and 80 are shooters and 10 are racing games, guess why that is? People fucking like them.


Wait, wait, wait....

You can't go around, slinging Common-sense laiden rhetoric like that. You need more "teh", "Suxx0r$", "Wtf?!?BbQ!?!pWn3D!!!!", and "Roflcopters". You also might want to stick to statements that act as if the world revolves around your own opinion as if it were God's sacred blessings. You'll fit in more.

[dena miscreant]

I am still fully convinced that

It is impossible for any gamer not to look forward to more than a few of the following titles:


Dead Rising
Blue Dragon (RPG)
Elveon
Resident Evil 5
SSX 4
Dirty Harry
The Sopranos
Scarface
House of the Dead
Alone in the Dark
Highlander
Mass Effect
Stuntman 2
Soul Calibur will immediately replace DOA4
Pac-Man
Galaga
Tony Hawk's Project 8
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
Rayman 4
Alan Wake
New Sonic
Street Fighter II Hyper Fighting
Captain Blood (pirate game)
Phantasy Star Universe

I didn't even include shooters... except Galaga, House of the Dead, Scarface, the Sopranos, Dirty Harry, and Resident Evil 5.

[dena miscreant]

"[System A] only has 2 games I'm interested in! That's only two games! What kind of system only has two decent games? Come on!!! [System B] has like 30 games I am interested in! That's a 30 to 2 ratio! The [System B] is a much better system!"

It's arguments like this that cause snakes to get on planes.

First of all, this isn't even a system wars talk. EternalGamer seems to be a PS3 fanboy, the worst kind because nearly none of them have played any of the games. I hear Assassin's Creed and Heavenly Sword are the highlights at the Sony booth. Isn't that a little too... little? If it were a system wars talk, it'd be over very quickly.

Wait, wait, wait....

You can't go around, slinging Common-sense laiden rhetoric like that. You need more "teh", "Suxx0r$", "Wtf?!?BbQ!?!pWn3D!!!!", and "Roflcopters". You also might want to stick to statements that act as if the world revolves around your own opinion as if it were God's sacred blessings. You'll fit in more.

He didn't say a damn thing as stupid as what you just did. He stated fact with more than a hint of heated opinion, that's all. Many of the games I listed as highlights (totaling 57) involved guns. 80% is exaggeration, but many of those games (shooters) are some of the most fun and progressive titles released in video games. Racing may not be good for all, but damn if PGR 3, Burnout Revenge, and Moto GP 06 don't do it well. Forza 2 will be out this year, as well.

Peter Moore hints that Fable 2 is coming as well when he completely messes up the questions asked about shoddy support in 2006. I posted that earlier.

[Kelegacy]

Fucking stupid complaints. If 100 games come out and 80 are shooters and 10 are racing games, guess why that is? People fucking like them.
Xbox gamers like them. There's nothing wrong with that. I LOVE FPS, racers, shooters, but I also like to spice them up with RPGs, Platformers, adventures, etc. There's a reason the PS2 sold so damn well this past generation. And it wasn't just because the PS1 was great. There was something for everyone, and not just one or two games.

And EternalGamer, though it's sure to bring down wrath upon myself, I agree with you on "When I see that list, I see a bunch of guys playing G. I Joe with a few unique interesting titles peaking out here and there." I didn't own G.I. Joes, but I did own a huge collection of Ninja Turtles and other weird figures. I look at that list and feel the same way, though I will undoubtedly play many of those games, enjoy them, but in a few years they'll blur into one big action game memory, unlike games such as SotC, Guitar Hero, Ratchet, Paper Mario, which will stand out forever. I love shooting stuff (in games, don't own a single gun in real-life) but it does get monotonous. The same way that I need to play something visceral and real-time after a long JRPG, I can't play shooters and racers all of the time. I'm a huge sports nut, but I'm a quirky gamer through and through.

That's why I'm upset about selling my DS recently. I knew I'd regret it. But the Lite is almost here. I thankfully kept all of my games, and I can't wait.

I want my 360 to be more than an Oblivion box. If it doesn't, I'll be kicking myself in the ass for not upgrading my PC instead.

[QueeG-Servo]

Quote #1: I was just saying that the argumment that if a system doesn't have games one person likes, then it's not a good system, is a dumb argument. ( basically agreeing with your side of the current topic. I think the 360 will have quite a few great titles this year)

Quote #2: Um, I was being sarcastic. I 100% agree with what he said. I was trying to make a statement highlighting his spot-on post for the "common-sense laiden" opinion that is was. I just meant that posts on this site are usually filled with those things. His post was not, and was filled with common sense. Thus, his post did not "fit in" around here.

hehe, lost in translation I guess.

[dena miscreant]

Kel, check this post. Those are mostly games (with the exception of Dirty Harry, the Sopranos, and Scarface) that most any gamer would enjoy.

[dena miscreant]

Even if you don't buy more than a few games in the next 7 months, Xbox Live Anywhere and Xbox Vision and the Xbox 360 HD-DVD external drive should guarantee your system becomes more than just an Oblivion box.

[dena miscreant]

Oh, AND the wireless headsets and steering wheels.

[Citizen Philip]

You, sir, are highly misled.

That just proves my point that Xbox 360 owners have a lot of quality titles to look forward to this year.

I said 57 at least decent. I expect at least 30 to be great games.

Asshat, I will repeat what I said. I buy 15 games (sometimes 10) maybe 4 would be considered "decent" from a mainstream perspective.

57 "decent" titles for one platform in a single year is complete and utter bullshit. Well maybe if you pirate or are independently wealthy with no job, and a total tool who lives off of monthly gaming magazine articles: sure maybe. maybe.

They better hurry, they have to release one great app every other week and all competeing with each other too.

Moron.

[Dracula-X]

I'm sorta with Kel & Eternal on this. I do enjoy FPS, but there's only so much run-and-gun and blow-shit-up I can take before I need something different. The PS2 was perfect for its diversity. SotC was like a breath of fresh air...in my underwear. Erm, you know what I mean.

[EternalGamer]

First of all, this isn't even a system wars talk. EternalGamer seems to be a PS3 fanboy, the worst kind because nearly none of them have played any of the games. I hear Assassin's Creed and Heavenly Sword are the highlights at the Sony booth. Isn't that a little too... little? If it were a system wars talk, it'd be over very quickly.

He didn't say a damn thing as stupid as what you just did. He stated fact with more than a hint of heated opinion, that's all. Many of the games I listed as highlights (totaling 57) involved guns. 80% is exaggeration, but many of those games (shooters) are some of the most fun and progressive titles released in video games. Racing may not be good for all, but damn if PGR 3, Burnout Revenge, and Moto GP 06 don't do it well. Forza 2 will be out this year, as well.

Peter Moore hints that Fable 2 is coming as well when he completely messes up the questions asked about shoddy support in 2006. I posted that earlier.

I like how any time anybody expresses a preference, they automatically get labeled as a "fanboy." FYI, I own an Xbox, which I bought launch day, and a 360, which I also bought launch day. PS3 will be the first system in over 8 years that I won't be buying on launch day. My point was not that Microsoft sucks, my point was that they cater only to a very specific audience. I guarentee you when women and non-traditional gamers look at their line up, they also see a bunch of guys playing G. I. Joe. There are no Warioware, Katamari Damacy, or Animal Crossing simple type of games with mass appeal. There are also very few platformers, RPGs or adventure games, and out of what is there, almost all are multiplatform.

You want to know why 360 isn't doing well in Japan? This is really the reason why. Because it doesn't offer titles that cater to Japanese players sensibility nor does it cater to the sensibilities of Americans who grew up playing those types of Japanese games. I don't know if the fault is solely Microsoft's. It may be that they are just stuck in a viscious cycle: they don't do well in Japan because don't draw the support of Japanese developers, and they don't draw the support of Japanese developers because they don't do well in Japan. Whatever the reason for the problem, the problem itself means that there will always be a large part of the gaming demographic which Microsoft's platform won't be able to satiate.

[dena miscreant]

Asshat, I will repeat what I said. I buy 15 games (sometimes 10) maybe 4 would be considered "decent" from a mainstream perspective.

57 "decent" titles for one platform in a single year is complete and utter bullshit. Well maybe if you pirate or are independently wealthy with no job, and a total tool who lives off of monthly gaming magazine articles: sure maybe. maybe.

They better hurry, they have to release one great app every other week and all competeing with each other too.

Moron.

That was unnecessary.

I'll respond, regardless. I pulled those 57 titles out of a list of well over 100 titles coming out between now and the end of the year. Those were just ones I've seen footage of or have read about or both. It's quite amazing, but entirely possible that 57 <i>decent</i> (7.0 or higher) games will come out on 360 this year.

I said I think only 30 or so will be great games. I'll go ahead and bet that at least 20 of those 57 get an average of 8.0 or higher on gamerankings.com, when all is said and done. Mark my words, ignoramus.

[Citizen Philip]

That was unnecessary.

I'll respond, regardless. I pulled those 57 titles out of a list of well over 100 titles coming out between now and the end of the year. Those were just ones I've seen footage of or have read about or both. It's quite amazing, but entirely possible that 57 <i>decent</i> (7.0 or higher) games will come out on 360 this year.

I said I think only 30 or so will be great games. I'll go ahead and bet that at least 20 of those 57 get an average of 8.0 or higher on gamerankings.com, when all is said and done. Mark my words, ignoramus.

The Hype Council called. You are stealing the christmas bonus. Better just walk away.

[dena miscreant]

I like how any time anybody expresses a preference, they automatically get labeled as a "fanboy." FYI, I own an Xbox, which I bought launch day, and a 360, which I also bought launch day. PS3 will be the first system in over 8 years that I won't be buying on launch day. My point was not that Microsoft sucks, my point was that they cater only to a very specific audience. I guarentee you when women and non-traditional gamers look at their line up, they also see a bunch of guys playing G. I. Joe. There are no Warioware, Katamari Damacy, or Animal Crossing simple type of games with mass appeal. There are also very few platformers, RPGs or adventure games, and out of what is there, almost all are multiplatform.

You want to know why 360 isn't doing well in Japan? This is really the reason why. Because it doesn't offer titles that cater to Japanese players sensibility nor does it cater to the sensibilities of Americans who grew up playing those types of Japanese games. I don't know if the fault is solely Microsoft's. It may be that they are just stuck in a viscious cycle: they don't do well in Japan because don't draw the support of Japanese developers, and they don't draw the support of Japanese developers because they don't do well in Japan. Whatever the reason for the problem, the problem itself means that there will always be a large part of the gaming demographic which Microsoft's platform won't be able to satiate.

Okay, well I apologize. When you are a gamer and you see a list that includes Soul Calibur, Resident Evil, SSX, Rayman (WITH Michel Ancel), pirates (Captain Blood), Marvel, Sonic, Pac-Man, Galaga, and Highlander, you get excited. Well, I do. It was just hard for me to believe that you only were interested in a few titles (2-3) without you being some kind of anti-microsoft fanboy. I agree that not much innovation is happening in gaming, but it's not all Microsoft's fault that the Japanese don't want to buy their console. I think that's largely prejudice.

[dena miscreant]

The Hype Council called. You are stealing the christmas bonus. Better just walk away.

I'm not hyping anything. The 360 has an awesome list of upcoming releases and you know it.

[absolut taco]

Quote #2: Um, I was being sarcastic. I 100% agree with what he said. I was trying to make a statement highlighting his spot-on post for the "common-sense laiden" opinion that is was. I just meant that posts on this site are usually filled with those things. His post was not, and was filled with common sense. Thus, his post did not "fit in" around here.

hehe, lost in translation I guess.
Thank you sir! I will try to fit in better in teh future (got it? got it?)

[MaiXu]

again, you're taking the old model of, what's available for £50 on the shelf? You're not looking at Arcade. Arcade is unbelievable - I can't tell you how powerful Arcade is as an alternate medium for going in there and picking up packaged goods. The conversion rate of Geometry Wars, which was a lad in Liverpool in his spare time - I mean, you know the story - that thing has converted at 38 per cent.

An interesting interview and no pro-Microsoft slant either. Read the whole thing and you'll see that Moore is challenged to quantify some of his answers.


Yeah, no pro-MS slant or anything. How awesome is Live Arcade again?

[dena miscreant]

Very Awesome.

I'm assuming Street Fighter II Hyper Fighting and Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 will be online. Lumines Live is coming. Galaga, Ms. pac-man, frogger, defender, paperboy...

[bapenguin]

I don't know...maybe I'm just too easily amused. But there are very few games I DON'T find at least a few hours of enjoyment on, regardless of system or platform and genre.

[Serapth]

I like how any time anybody expresses a preference, they automatically get labeled as a "fanboy." FYI, I own an Xbox, which I bought launch day, and a 360, which I also bought launch day. PS3 will be the first system in over 8 years that I won't be buying on launch day. My point was not that Microsoft sucks, my point was that they cater only to a very specific audience. I guarentee you when women and non-traditional gamers look at their line up, they also see a bunch of guys playing G. I. Joe. There are no Warioware, Katamari Damacy, or Animal Crossing simple type of games with mass appeal. There are also very few platformers, RPGs or adventure games, and out of what is there, almost all are multiplatform.

You want to know why 360 isn't doing well in Japan? This is really the reason why. Because it doesn't offer titles that cater to Japanese players sensibility nor does it cater to the sensibilities of Americans who grew up playing those types of Japanese games. I don't know if the fault is solely Microsoft's. It may be that they are just stuck in a viscious cycle: they don't do well in Japan because don't draw the support of Japanese developers, and they don't draw the support of Japanese developers because they don't do well in Japan. Whatever the reason for the problem, the problem itself means that there will always be a large part of the gaming demographic which Microsoft's platform won't be able to satiate.


I do find this mindset sorta frustrating, but in reality, yours isnt really the right quote to be quoting. The perception the 360 is nothing but shooters just friggin irritates me. I barely like shooter, but im an avid 360 fan... why is that? Well, I love racing games ( GT3 is what made me finally a PS2 ), im having a blast with PGR3 and NFS:MW sofar, plus Burnot is on my todo list. Im also a sports fan, and there are a ton of sports games available ( Hockey is the only one I really would buy though... but I know EA NHL2K7 will be as good on the 360 as any platform ). So then the argument changes... well, Only Sports fans and Racing Fans and FPS fans can enjoy there 360. Well, I also rented Kameo and Condemned and had a blast with them. Um... ok, then only FPS, Sports, Racer and Adventure fans can like the 360 then! Well, I also enjoyed a wack of casual games of Live Arcade. GW, Marble Blast, Gauntlet, etc... Well... ok... Only FPS fans, Casual fans, Racings Fans, Sports fans, Adventure game fans and casual gamers can like the 360! Oh, plus ive had an absolute BLAST playing oblivion. *Deep breath* Ok... Only FPS, Casual, Racing, Sports, Adventure and Roleplaying fans can enjoy the 360!

Can you see the point where "Only people that like FPSs will enjoy the 360" argument starts to get pretty fucking irritating? As to SoTC being a PS2 title, that could change. Besides, the box had games like Ninja Gaiden and Oddworld that were both amazing examples.

As to getting women to play, frankly my wife has already played the 360 more then she played my PS2 or Xbox combined. Hours ( wasted, imho ) playing bejewelled and Hexic and a bit of Wik) show that casual games do appeal to women, or atleast my woman. You know the thing that she was most pumped about from me droning on to her about E3.... That lumines is coming to live arcade. She was a pure lumines junky on my PSP. To say the 360 wont draw women gamers is a falacy. It is already many times better then the origonal Xbox or PS2, and its still early.

[Serapth]

Yeah, no pro-MS slant or anything. How awesome is Live Arcade again?

I know you meant that as sarcasm, but it just shows how wrong you are. Live Arcade is simply amazing, and will be cloned by Sony and probrably Nintendo. Live Arcade appeals to hardcore gamers looking for a retro experience, it appeals to casual gamers looking to spend 20 minutes of fun, and it even makes simple games like Uno a blast thanks to Live integration.

In the future too, it will also be a source of all those amazing "quirky" games that people go on so much about. Your Katamary type games will be release on LA and probrably be 1/2 to 1/3 for retail price.

Oh wait, yeah, Live arcade sucks ::rollseyes::

[Citizen Philip]

I don't know...maybe I'm just too easily amused. But there are very few games I DON'T find at least a few hours of enjoyment on, regardless of system or platform and genre.

And there's nothing wrong with that. The question is, is $55-$75 for a few hours fun worth it?

For me. No it is not. People living in a real world, have real time restraints and a reasonable budget to play games: and just like a septic tank, the biggest chunks are going to float to the top. The rest, as it were, will be.. not floating on the top.

From the previous generation, I think it's reasonable to say PS2 had a larger variety of good titles. I tend to believe that if you are going to own a system with a limited budget/time restraints aiming for the platform with the best variety is the key: or if you have a compulsion and desire to only play one kind of game, the system that has the most of your favorite poison.

So, this gen: a Wii and a PC should be about perfect I think. :p

[Dirty Harry]

Ive always been pretty meh on From software. They have a cult following, and Kings Field was pretty much a beloved game in that cult so I gave it a shot. I would rather pluck out my eyelashes one by one then try that evil game again.

Ditto for Amored Core. Those games have a huge following, so I broke down and played one. Paint drying is more fun.

I have huge hopes but low expectations for Chromehounds. I want it to be great, but I highly doubt it.
I really like From Software, so count me as one of the cult members.

[dena miscreant]

Enchanted Arms looks really appealing.

My mistake: Demonik has been cancelled.

Xbox Live Arcade games in Japan we don't have:

Every Party
Tetris: The Grandmaster Ace
Wrestle Kingdom
Dynasty Warriors 5 Special
Far East of Eden Ziria - Tales from Distant Jipang
Oanechan Bara X (might be Outpost Kaloki X, not sure)
Samurai Warriors 2
T4
Way of the Samurai Online
The Conveni 200X
Vampire's Rain
Zoids Infinity EX Neo
Pro Yakyuu Spirits 3
A bunch of other Japanese XBLA titles have been announced, including Mahjong

Football Manager 2006 is out in Europe.

It's coming to Japan as Love Football on the 18th.

Xbox Live Arcade Titles Announced for US Release:

Golden Axe
Super Contra
Contra
Mutant Storm Empire
Dig Dug
Time Pilot
Texas Hold 'Em Poker
Track & Field
Scramble
King of Fighters: Maximum Impact 360
Hoopworld

360 games of 2006 I missed:

Tenchu 360 should release in Japan this year. Marvel's MMORPG might make it in time for 2006, as well.

I also missed Possession. ( Haha... Postal 3 in 2008 says GameSpot.com. )

Secret Service, Avalon, A train-x, Super Robot Wars, Grand Raid Offroad, Bomberman: Act Zero, NBA 2k7, Mobile Ops: the one year war, Eragon, Heavy Weapon, WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2007, Blitz: The League, Schwarzenberg, Project 880, Bullet Witch, Dark Sector, and Metronome were all titles I missed.

[Serapth]

And there's nothing wrong with that. The question is, is $55-$75 for a few hours fun worth it?

For me. No it is not. People living in a real world, have real time restraints and a reasonable budget to play games: and just like a septic tank, the biggest chunks are going to float to the top. The rest, as it were, will be.. not floating on the top.

From the previous generation, I think it's reasonable to say PS2 had a larger variety of good titles. I tend to believe that if you are going to own a system with a limited budget/time restraints aiming for the platform with the best variety is the key: or if you have a compulsion and desire to only play one kind of game, the system that has the most of your favorite poison.

So, this gen: a Wii and a PC should be about perfect I think. :p
Then should Live Arcade appeal to you? Cheap (< 10$) fun games that can easily be played by the time constrained?

[Serapth]

I really like From Software, so count me as one of the cult members.

Can you explain kingsfield to me then?

[Kelegacy]

Are you a shill, dena miscreant? Yes, I'm on to you.

Pumped Up pales in comparison.

[51|RandoM]

Well, we know what they say about "assume".

I don't think I could come up with a list of 57 games last generation, FROM ALL 3 consoles combined that I would rate as "decent" or better, by my standards. I've got a hundred or so titles from that generation, not more than 10 of which I'll ever spend time with again.

I'm just not a big fan of shovelware, maybe because I was a gamer during the first crash.

[Citizen Philip]

Then should Live Arcade appeal to you? Cheap (< 10$) fun games that can easily be played by the time constrained?

Urm. If I did not have a computer, didn't have a tech background and was interested in gaming...

I would be wondering why I had an internet connection, and had a money restraint with no computer system.

But otherwise, sure why not.

[dena miscreant]

Pumped Up?

Haha... no I'm no shill man. I'm just trying to let everyone know that 360 is going to kick ass this year. Xbox Vision, Live Anywhere, wireless steering wheel and headsets, hd-dvd drive, a bunch of awesome titles, many of which look like they'll be released in 2006.

I'd be saying the same thing about PS3 if there was more to it than 8 Days, Heavenly Sword, Assassin's Creed, LAIR, the untitled Naughty Dog project, or Metal Gear Solid 4. The Getaway has promise, as well, in addition to many cross-platform games.

Twilight Princess is going to kick utter ass. Super Mario Galaxies looks great, as does new Smash Bros (Solid Snake and "zero suit" samus!). Metroid Prime 3 is going to whoop on Wii launch day. New Madden should be cool on Wii, as well. I'm very much looking forward to playing Nintendo's new system.

I never even owned an Xbox, man. I've got Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory and Ninja Gaiden Black for Xbox (I'd have a few others if Xbox would update the goddamn backwards compatibility). The only systems I had were Ps2, N64, PlayStation, SNES, GameBoy Pocket and Advance, Dreamcast and Gamecube, each with over 25 titles a piece (except ps1, dreamcast and n64). I've kept Resident Evil 4, Wind Waker, Zelda Collector's Edition, F-Zero GX, Eternal Darkness, Ikaruga, (should've kept Soul Calibur II with Link... damn!) both Metroid Primes, and Viewtiful Joe for my Gamecube. I'll pick up Jak 3, Shadow of the Colossus, Devil May Cry 3 SE, and a couple others again for the PS2 if I get a PS3 anytime soon... Never played Pikmin...

I own a DS as well as a 360. I've got Castlevania, Mario Kart (which I'm really getting sick of, by the way. When will a Mario Kart be different than Super Mario Kart?), Tetris, Phoenix Wright, and Advance Wars: DS.

You just caught me in an Xbox thread :)

[Serapth]

Urm. If I did not have a computer, didn't have a tech background and was interested in gaming...

I would be wondering why I had an internet connection, and had a money restraint with no computer system.

But otherwise, sure why not.

Cant say as im following, as I have a computer ( or 4 ), have a tech background ( ld developer/biz analyst ) and dont know why the hell you are on EA if you dont have an interst in gaming! :)

The big draw to me of Live Arcade is the simple pick up the controller, press the middle button, and play a game for a few minutes or hours. Even the MSN zone type games dont approach that level of "casualness" if I can be permited to create a word. Plus, these games just play better on a tv using a gamepad, atleast imho.

[dena miscreant]

Oh, and I forgot to mention Spore looks amazing. As does Crysis. WOW!

Crysis is going to take a monster gaming machine to run well...

[dena miscreant]

They both look amazing in different ways. Crysis, literally, Spore in both visuals and creativity.

[Citizen Philip]

Cant say as im following, as I have a computer ( or 4 ), have a tech background ( ld developer/biz analyst ) and dont know why the hell you are on EA if you dont have an interst in gaming! :)

The big draw to me of Live Arcade is the simple pick up the controller, press the middle button, and play a game for a few minutes or hours. Even the MSN zone type games dont approach that level of "casualness" if I can be permited to create a word. Plus, these games just play better on a tv using a gamepad, atleast imho.

I thought you originally asked if I were budget/time concerned would I like Live. I was plotting it out in my last post.

In any case, I do agree that the couch lounging cannot be beat for a non-physical leisure activty: I don't remeber that last time I ate a snack or read a book sitting at my computer chair: even though it's really comfortable, black leather high-backed thing.

But as far as casual gaming, I've found enough distractions on my PC, particularly if I have a hankering for some multiplayer: Day of Defeat and Red Orchestra, for example.

[Serapth]

I thought you originally asked if I were budget/time concerned would I like Live. I was plotting it out in my last post.

In any case, I do agree that the couch lounging cannot be beat for a non-physical leisure activty: I don't remeber that last time I ate a snack or read a book sitting at my computer chair: even though it's really comfortable, black leather high-backed thing.

But as far as casual gaming, I've found enough distractions on my PC, particularly if I have a hankering for some multiplayer: Day of Defeat and Red Orchestra, for example.

Hey, im a big DoD:S fan, and would love to look you up and kick your ass sometime, but frankly that isnt casual gaming. Point blank the community alone makes it uninviting. Beyond that, I rarely play such a game for less than an hour at a time and even then, the learn curve is pretty high, especially if you dont want to be yelled at as a newb or idiot.

[Citizen Philip]

Hey, im a big DoD:S fan, and would love to look you up and kick your ass sometime, but frankly that isnt casual gaming. Point blank the community alone makes it uninviting. Beyond that, I rarely play such a game for less than an hour at a time and even then, the learn curve is pretty high, especially if you dont want to be yelled at as a newb or idiot.

I understand what you mean, but you can only get so much how of doing some casual: I don't play many console games because I do no like the gamepads. Just like giving someone a K/M and asked to move around in DoD, they are slow clunky, walking into walls, etc.

But with a little practice jumping into DoD is a nice treat: the only problem is pulling yourself away. Even I could appreciate consoles more, if I cared to laern to use the controls: which I am hard pressed to do.

[Jack B]

The Hype Council called. You are stealing the christmas bonus. Better just walk away.

Don't know if this was approved by the Hype Council, but IGN attaches Hot to games it's actually seen at E3 (in some cases trailers unfortunately see MGS4, Forza 2 among others), but a large percentage of these on the 360 were playable demos. I chose only games with Previews. Generally those are hands on in some fashion.

They gave 11 Hot ratings to PS3 titles and 26 Hot ratings to Xbox 360 titles. Personally, anyone saying EITHER the PS3 or 360, "they don't have ANY good games", is either a fan boy, not a video game lover or just chronically malcontent.

Disclaimer: I'm not responding in particular to anyone here taking the extreme of "no good" games, just making a point relating to hype.

Game
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Unreal Tournament 2007
Tekken 6
Sonic the Hedgehog
Resistance: Fall of Man
Naughty Dog PS3 Project [Untitled]
Warhawk PS3
Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007
Final Fantasy XIII
Final Fantasy Versus XIII

11 Hot games.


Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas
F.E.A.R.
Enchanted Arms
X-Men: The Official Game
Chromehounds
Madden NFL 07
Saints Row
Just Cause
Huxley
Forza Motorsport 2
Prey
Medal of Honor: Airborne
Dead Rising
Test Drive Unlimited
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent
Too Human
Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway
Haze
Crackdown
BioShock
Viva Pinata
John Woo Presents Stranglehold
Mass Effect
Gears of War
WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2007
Hitman: Blood Money

26 Hot Games

[Kelegacy]

Don't know if this was approved by the Hype Council, but IGN attaches Hot to games it's actually seen (in some cases trailers unfortunately see MGS4, Forza 2 among others), but a large percentage of these on the 360 were playable demos. I chose only games with Previews. Generally those are hands on in some fashion.

They gave 11 Hot ratings to PS3 titles and 26 Hot ratings to Xbox 360 titles. Personally, anyone saying EITHER the PS3 or 360, "they don't have ANY good games", is either a fan boy, not a video game lover or just chronically malcontent.

Disclaimer: I'm not responding in particular to anyone here taking the extreme of "no good" games, just making a point relating to hype.

Game
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Unreal Tournament 2007
Tekken 6
Sonic the Hedgehog
Resistance: Fall of Man
Naughty Dog PS3 Project [Untitled]
Warhawk PS3
Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007
Final Fantasy XIII
Final Fantasy Versus XIII

11 Hot games.


Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas
F.E.A.R.
Enchanted Arms
X-Men: The Official Game
Chromehounds
Madden NFL 07
Saints Row
Just Cause
Huxley
Forza Motorsport 2
Prey
Medal of Honor: Airborne
Dead Rising
Test Drive Unlimited
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent
Too Human
Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway
Haze
Crackdown
BioShock
Viva Pinata
John Woo Presents Stranglehold
Mass Effect
Gears of War
WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2007
Hitman: Blood Money

26 Hot Games
Enchant ARms is out in Japan now, yes? I heard it got pretty bad reviews, or at least mediocre. Just what the Xbox needs, another mediocre RPG, like Sudeki.

Games I'm willing to look forward to for the 360:

Mass Effect (leery with "console" Bioware)
Shadowrun
Bioshock
Blue Dragon

And those probably won't be out until late this year, probably 2007.

[dena miscreant]

Enchant ARms is out in Japan now, yes? I heard it got pretty bad reviews, or at least mediocre. Just what the Xbox needs, another mediocre RPG, like Sudeki.

Games I'm willing to look forward to for the 360:

Mass Effect (leery with "console" Bioware)
Shadowrun
Bioshock
Blue Dragon

And those probably won't be out until late this year, probably 2007.

I believe you're right about [eM] Enchant Arm (the title I originally remember hearing). It sucks.

Come on, Kel. Those are the only 4 games you're looking forward to on 360? Are you talking only exclusives?

I think Blue Dragon AND the Shadowrun title are coming out this year (I'd bet money on it, especially Blue Dragon as it would be the first solid RPG (other than Oblivion) to be released on the console. Lost Odyssey sounds awesome as well, I have much confidence in Mistwalker. Let's hope they bump up the graphics engine a few notches for Shadowrun. I really want that game to be good. I hear good things from people who play 360 vs. PC Shadowrun at E3.

[Chameleo]

meh mistwalker is just conceptualizing... the people who made "blinx: timesweeper" or wahtever are making the games... they better be damn better than blinx.

and mariokart: DS *is* different than super mario kart. if you don't think so, you're an anti-nintendo troll. (if not an MS shill)

kel: weren't you red last week?

[Kelegacy]

meh mistwalker is just conceptualizing... the people who made "blinx: timesweeper" or wahtever are making the games... they better be damn better than blinx.

and mariokart: DS *is* different than super mario kart. if you don't think so, you're an anti-nintendo troll. (if not an MS shill)

kel: weren't you red last week?
Nope, that was KEFkataran

[Jack B]

I believe you're right about [eM] Enchant Arm (the title I originally remember hearing). It sucks.

Come on, Kel. Those are the only 4 games you're looking forward to on 360? Are you talking only exclusives?

I think Blue Dragon AND the Shadowrun title are coming out this year (I'd bet money on it, especially Blue Dragon as it would be the first solid RPG (other than Oblivion) to be released on the console. Lost Odyssey sounds awesome as well, I have much confidence in Mistwalker. Let's hope they bump up the graphics engine a few notches for Shadowrun. I really want that game to be good. I hear good things from people who play 360 vs. PC Shadowrun at E3.

I thought I was the only one, who was interested in Shadowrun. That title has to be leading the league in hate mail however.

Nice to know it played well on 360 vs PC. That kind of thing just opens up more of the world to 360 Live.

The casual gamer doesn't always link the Live Anywhere vision as having much importance, but I think Vista/Live Anywhere, One Gamertag and One Ring to Rule them All kind of vision from Microsoft (supported by Bill himself) is one more piece of the puzzle.

I'm now hearing of a 40/40/20 split this Gen. If that were the case NA and Europe will be dominated by Microsoft as they should still get beaten handily in Japan. I'm starting to wonder if it might be more like Sony 30, Microsoft 40, Nintendo 30.

I think embracing Nintendo has given Microsoft a lot of positive press and mindshare as well.

[dena miscreant]

You tell me what DS did for Mario Kart other than online play and I'll send you a dollar.

I am not an MS shill, I'm just excited for the year on 360.

My E3 stuff:

Xbox 360 year plans:

Live Anywhere
the new camera madness Xbox Vision.. motion sensing...
XBLA titles revealed (Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3! No doubt it'll be online...)
wireless headsets and wireless steering wheel
external HD-DVD drive
Long List of Awesome games coming to 360
I was disappointed that a larger HDD was not announced and that more GamerZones with requirements for joining weren't announced (although that was a longshot)

Nintendo Wii:
Zelda
Mario
Metroid
Sonic
Madden
the new Rayman for Wii. And the new FF: Crystal Chronicles for Wii.
Disaster: Day of Crisis
The speaker on the Wii-Mote.
And Nintendo's virtual console. NES, SNES, Genesis, Turbografx-16, and N64.


PS3:
the amazing lack of the titles shown last year.
the not so surprising lack of features they announced last year
8 Days
new Naughty Dog untitled project
new Getaway (hopefully better than the last installment... and the first...)
Assassin's Creed
Metal Gear Solid 4 (holy crap)
Heavenly Sword
FFXIII titles

I still won't buy a PS3 til it's under 400 bucks.

And a bunch of PC titles

Spore
FEAR expansion
Crysis (even though it reminds me of MGS2 Metal Gear ass-whooping)
others...
WoW expansion...

I already had to defend myself against your "shill" accusations yesterday. See in this post.

[dena miscreant]

I thought I was the only one, who was interested in Shadowrun. That title has to be leading the league in hate mail however.

Nice to know it played well on 360 vs PC. That kind of thing just opens up more of the world to 360 Live.

The casual gamer doesn't always link the Live Anywhere vision as having much importance, but I think Vista/Live Anywhere, One Gamertag and One Ring to Rule them All kind of vision from Microsoft (supported by Bill himself) is one more piece of the puzzle.

I'm now hearing of a 40/40/20 split this Gen. If that were the case NA and Europe will be dominated by Microsoft as they should still get beaten handily in Japan. I'm starting to wonder if it might be more like Sony 30, Microsoft 40, Nintendo 30.

I think embracing Nintendo has given Microsoft a lot of positive press and mindshare as well.

I agree with you on Live Anywhere. I'm very much looking forward to unlocking achievements in my mobile games as well as logging on to LiVE on my Vista PC (which will no doubt exist in the next few years).

It's way too early to guess the market share. 360 has a huge advantage. They're on track to sell a total of 5 million units by the end of this month. I wouldn't doubt that, at least, another 5 million sell by the time Wii and PS3 launch. That puts them way ahead of the game, but it'll be at least 2 years I think before we have an idea of what it's going to look like for the rest of the generation, as far as console dominance. I've got a feeling 360 will be leading the pack. Remember how PS2 came out before everyone else? I think coming out first lends a huge advantage to your future when you're a console developer.

I've dreamt about who the next console manufacturer will be. I've dreamt of creating my own next generation console (that's thoroughly a dream).

It can't be Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo forever....