Dealbreaker console feature

[if76]

With news being scarce in this post-E3 period, I thought I'd post an opinion POLL concerning this next generation of game consoles: With three new consoles on the horizon I was just wondering which hardware features are the most important to you?

This is not an invitation for people to post "I just want the console with the best games".

[Varsity]

Internet gameservices are the most attractive to me, but then I'm biased. ;)

[Chandler]

I think multi-display is genius for multiplayer games.

[TheEpicOfTyler]

I want to be able to play games differently then what we do now.

[baz]

Best control system I guess...

[the_ham_dog]

Backwards compatibility is #1 for me with a bullet. I like playing my old games. That's all there is to it.

[B_Money]

Well, as I'm planning on using my system to take over the world, the most important feature to me is the ability to calculate trajectories of ballistic missles.

[if76]

Backwards compatibility is #1 for me with a bullet. I like playing my old games. That's all there is to it.

It's hard to think of a lot of PS1 games I really want to play on my PS2. I doubt there will be a bunch of Xbox games I'll want to play on X360. Besides if you already own the old games why wouldn't you own the system that plays them? Is this really an issue of not enough space under the TV?

[jpublic]

What happened to the best option:

Hardware doesn't mean sh*t, it's the games that count. I don't care if the PS3 or Xbox360 is powerful enough to simulate new universes down to the quantum level, and then show it on the screen in brilliant 3D graphics that are *better* than reality.

I care if the XBox 360 or PS3 has decent games. Hence the reason I never bought a XBox - nothing but stuff ported to PC or other consoles, or XBox Live-needing crud.

[Heretic Machine]

Hardware doesn't mean sh*t, it's the games that count. I don't care if the PS3 or Xbox360 is powerful enough to simulate new universes down to the quantum level, and then show it on the screen in brilliant 3D graphics that are *better* than reality.

Well, if the hardware is good, then they have the ability to make better games. AND YOU KNOW THAT SO STOP ACTING LIKE YOU DON'T.

[Vjornaxx]

I am all about competitive online play, so I want a robust, consistent, and secure online service. So far, I only know of one company that does that.

[petedog]

AND YOU KNOW THAT SO STOP ACTING LIKE YOU DON'T.

Easy son, turn off the caps lock. I would agree with you, if I had a choice of the same game on 2 different consoles, I would probably go with the best hardware. On the other hand, look at God of War, one of the best games around, on the least powerful hardware. Quit acting like the developer doesn't matter.

[Orphiuchus]

I am all about competitive online play, so I want a robust, consistent, and secure online service. So far, I only know of one company that does that.


Well dont keep us hanging son, which one is it?!

[Borys]

"Dealbreaker console feature"

There is no such thing. It's all about the games.

I can't vote, sorry.

[Deadend]

This isnt about the games, this is about the hot features on the new systems.

I myself am going for load times, hard drives, online service and HDTV support.

as those are essintial to me, as memory cards should stay back in the late '90s.

[jpublic]

Well, if the hardware is good, then they have the ability to make better games. AND YOU KNOW THAT SO STOP ACTING LIKE YOU DON'T.

If the hardware is much better they have the potential to bombard me with more eye-candy. That doesn't make good games, it makes expensive ones - expensive to develop, expensive to buy. Didn't the current generation teach you that? XBox and Gamecube often had better hardware, but brilliant games came out just as much (if not more, from my POV) on the PS2 than on those machines.

Hardware means *nothing*. Just like having a Ferrari instead of a Kia doesn't mean you're a better driver, it just means you've spent a lot more money and go a lot faster.

Look, do I have a reserve on the 360? Yes. Will I have one on the PS3? Sure. Will I buy either? Depends. If all I see for launch/near-launch titles is sports games, Halo-type crud, online-focused crap, and games that I can play at the same quality for 3/4 the price on my PC if I just wait a month or five, I'm not getting it.

OTOH, I'm interested in how the consoles are working on developing force-feedback, sound, and other immersion technologies.

[kizke]

I know the thread specifically says not to post responses like "I only want the system with the best games" but honestly...if you're buying a games system for another reason it's ceased to be a games system.

It really bothers me that so many people want so much out of a console.

[sTubbs]

If the hardware is much better they have the potential to bombard me with more eye-candy. That doesn't make good games, it makes expensive ones - expensive to develop, expensive to buy. Didn't the current generation teach you that? XBox and Gamecube often had better hardware, but brilliant games came out just as much (if not more, from my POV) on the PS2 than on those machines.

Hardware means *nothing*. Just like having a Ferrari instead of a Kia doesn't mean you're a better driver, it just means you've spent a lot more money and go a lot faster.

I have to disagree. More powerful hardware allows developers to do things that are simply not possible on lesser hardware. For example AI, physics, and destructable environments are all things that can dramatically change the way that we play games - and the quality of these things is directly related to the power of the hardware. Now, it is easy to argue that not all next generation games will employ these things to their fullest, but the fact is that a few games will, and those will be the titles that will make the next generation worthwhile and truly separate it from the present generation. While graphics have definitely seen the most obvious gains throughout the progression of hardware power, it is impossible to deny that that other things have also seen immense improvements. While the current generation, like the generations before it, are capable of wonderful things, there are limits that can only be overcome with more power.

I realize that many people are looking for something different than I am, such as new ways to control games or original genres, and indeed, those things are possible with the current technology. However, true progression eventually requires more than just original thinking. Personally, I am looking forward to more realistic worlds and mind blowing visuals such as those in Oblivion and Gears of War. Yes, those games are not necesssarily doing anything new, [more like embellishing on recently fresh possibilities], but alongside them on the shelf will be the Katamari Damacies and Icos and Rezs(?) - and, thanks to the improved technology, the crazy original minds behinds such titles will be able to get even crazier. Necessary? Perhaps not fully. But worth it? I would have to say definitely.

[Nessus]

"Well, if the hardware is good, then they have the ability to make better games. AND YOU KNOW THAT SO STOP ACTING LIKE YOU DON'T."


Yeah, better hardware equals better games.

BMX XXX > Super Metroid.

[Manzy]

Christ, why is the arguement about games even in this thread? It was specifically stated that it wasn't an invitation for that. Talk about obtuse.....

[Wonka]

I am going with "well developed internet gaming service", because for ME that is the option that has the largest impact on my actual gaming experiences (I just really prefer multiplayer games). I can speak only for myself though as I only have *one* HDTV (which I feel quite lucky to have) and therefore cannot imagine that I will ever benefit from the "genius of multiple display support for multiplayer games".

As for my least favorite thing on that list, I think that would be Blu-Ray support. Sure it appeals to the geek in me, but doesn't anybody else out there fear that Blu ray is going to be the next laser disc? Honestly, if there already was a player in my house AND some actual blur-ray movies to buy in the stores, I would be very hesitatant to buy any movies in this format. Are consumers really going to rush out in droves and re-purchase all there home movies to watch on their (as of yet mostly non-existant) HDTVs? I have to say that I don't really feel a strong desire to do this and I actually HAVE an HDTV. I really see the PS3 as trying to sell me on this format and not the other way around.

Am I the only one who still remembers the whole laser disc fiasco? They had these record sized discs, and they were great, they offered a better picture etc. the only problem was that almost nobody bought them. I think the problem was that they launched the format before people really wanted a new format. People had just gotten settled in with tapes when they rolled that format out. This whole HD-DVD/Blu-ray situation feels uncomfortably similar to that one for me.

[mister_slim]

I think I'll end up owning them all eventually. Even so, none of these would really sway me. I went with downloadable library, simply because it most closely resembles my major criteria, 'the ability to play games made by Nintendo'.

[Seviraf]

Deal maker - Backwards Compatibility
Deal braker - Bad user interface

[VYPUR]

LIVE!!! one word

[Seviraf]

LIVE!!! one word
I'm assuming you mean online capabilities and I think all do.

[jpublic]

Christ, why is the arguement about games even in this thread? It was specifically stated that it wasn't an invitation for that. Talk about obtuse.....

Because the poll/thread is meaningless. What counts is the games. I don't care how much they polish it, if the machine only spews turd, it doesn't matter what hardware it has.

[*Legion*]

Backwards compatibility is #1 for me with a bullet. I like playing my old games. That's all there is to it.

Good thing your old consoles don't suddenly stop working when the new ones come out, then!

[ElectricMonk]

I find it interesting that the ability to play dvd seemed like a deal busting thing back in the ps2 era but nobody seems to care about hd-dvd or blu-ray abilities.

[UnderHero5]

If you're going to put " Downloadable Library of old games" and " Well-developed internet-gaming service", then you may as well put "I just want the console with the best games" on there too, as those listed aren't hardware features... emulation of old software is... well, a software feature. As is a well-developed internet gaming service.

I personally don't care about the hardware. I don't buy consoles based on their hardware. I chose the ballistic missile choice, simply because the others really don't matter to me. Control interface should have been on there though. I would have chosen that.

The new PS3 controllers are really pushing me away from that system. I sure hope they feel better than they look. They look exremely uncomfortable.

[Kentor]

I know the thread specifically says not to post responses like "I only want the system with the best games" but honestly...if you're buying a games system for another reason it's ceased to be a games system.

It really bothers me that so many people want so much out of a console.
Give this man a prize.

[*Legion*]

It really bothers me that so many people want so much out of a console.

Why on earth should someone take this extremely powerful general purpose hardware and NOT use it for everything it can be used for?

And what do you care what other people want from their gear? If you don't want the feature, DON'T USE IT.

[hund_]

do they realize the market share there losing by not giving the choice of mouse+keyboard[mouse+joystick for me]?

[RMan]

For example AI, physics, and destructable environments are all things that can dramatically change the way that we play games - and the quality of these things is directly related to the power of the hardware.
Wildly untrue. Only the quantity of these things is related to the power of the hardware, certainly not the quality. In fact, in most games destructable environments will be more difficult on the newer consoles because the more detailed the environments and props are, the more difficult it is to make all the destructive parts.

[mister_slim]

Wildly untrue. Only the quantity of these things is related to the power of the hardware, certainly not the quality. In fact, in most games destructable environments will be more difficult on the newer consoles because the more detailed the environments and props are, the more difficult it is to make all the destructive parts.
Does this mean I won't be able to realistically burn down all those beautiful Oblivion forests? And use the charcoal left behind to BBQ mine enemies?

Yeah, I'd like the next-gen blathering to stop.

[grunter]

Perhaps if people took the (be it big) assumption that the games are of equal quality across the systems then do the poll....

With three new consoles on the horizon I was just wondering which hardware features are the most important to you?

[Spigot]

Give me great gameplay and backwards compatibility. If I can at least have the option out of the box to play the games I've built up in my library for the last generation or two, then I'm there.

I know a lot of my friends who like playing my PS2 but don't have one yet are probably going to wait for the PS3 as it can play all of the great games from this generation and then some.

As for not having PS1 games worth playing on my PS2, I have a whole display case with the PS1 games I bought right after getting my PS2. I played a lot of them during the initial slow period after launch and I still crack open something like, oh, Valkyrie Profile or Vagrant Story or one of my many FF games, not to mention things like Tenchu, Incredible Crisis, etc.

If I could trade in my current gen system and have one that will play all of the games I've collected for it during the last 4-5 years, I'd be happy.

[Kelegacy]

Well, if the hardware is good, then they have the ability to make better games. AND YOU KNOW THAT SO STOP ACTING LIKE YOU DON'T.

Wow. No, better hardware doesnt mean having better games. For the eye candy generation, this may be true. But really now, I could still be playing my Super NES. Graphics can be nice but too many people put empasis on how games look. San Andreas for example: The Xbox crowd was quick to point out how much the game "sucked" because it had graphics that werent truly stellar (though I never once complained--it's about gameplay and that game had it in spades). I know what you mean by "potential", but really now, what kind of potential is that? It must mean graphics, HD, or some other crap. The Gamecube could continue to spit out quality games for the next 5 years, but because gamers want the latest system that gives the prettiest explosions and monsters, people quake with excitement for the next system. It's not about gameplay to some of you people....it's about how the game will look. That's sad.

[see colon]

Why on earth should someone take this extremely powerful general purpose hardware and NOT use it for everything it can be used for?
console's aren't general purpose. they are designed for a limited scope of capabilities. it helps them be cost effective.

as for me, there really isn't a "dealbreaker" feature. i'm a multi-platform guy, and i'll probably have all 3 systems. depending on the launch price, i'll probably pick up a 360 at launch, and a revolution at launch, but wait for a killer app on the ps3. if i get a 360 i can enjoy the "next generation of digital entertainment in HD", and reveolution... well, it's nintendo, and they are going to have games that won't be on anything else (because they are made or published by nintendo). unless sony's launch line-up blows me away, i'll wait until they have something steller and avoid the $900 ebay fiasco's.

[Kamalot]

I think it is funny that more people want "Ability to calculate the tragectory of ballistic missles" instead of, "Ability to play HD-DVD/BlueRay discs" or "Multi-display support".

What I don't get is the high percentage that want a hard drive. What's the difference between a hard drive and internal flash memory?

[Adam Blue]

The fact that I can plug my MP3 player to the XBox360 and stream my music for custom soundtracks just fucking sells the system for me.

[if76]

If you're going to put " Downloadable Library of old games" and " Well-developed internet-gaming service", then you may as well put "I just want the console with the best games" on there too, as those listed aren't hardware features... emulation of old software is... well, a software feature. As is a well-developed internet gaming service.


I listed them as hardware features because they aren't games themselves but something directly linked to the hardware. I think having a backlog of old games to download right out of the box is a feature as exclusive to the revolution as the ability to play blueray discs on the PS3.

[jacktion]

For example AI, physics, and destructable environments are all things that can dramatically change the way that we play games - and the quality of these things is directly related to the power of the hardware.
Unfortunately it is not such a black and white issue. What does more power mean? Is it the fastest processor? You can have the fastest processor in the world but if there is a bottleneck further along the pipeline it is not going to do you any good. It is not clear which console will be the "most powerful". A few websites have revealed that developers have been complaining about the PS3 and the 360 because they are the basic equivalent of console "dumb blondes". They are setup for extreme linear pushing of polygons but they have been severely restricted by their nature in terms of AI computation. In other words they will make extra shiny worlds that look real pretty but you will still have enemies from this generation running at you in a line or staring at a wall. This has occurred as a result of people thinking "more power equals better games" or even "the prettier the game is, the better the game is". Both of these are untrue. For example, as someone so eloquently put it, BMX XXX < Super Metroid. There are plenty of shiny games that do technically amazing things this generation, but they are still not fun to play. I'd still rather play Super Metroid, or even Dig Dug. The system that I want most will have a perfect balance of all the elements listed in the poll, because when you are in balance, things are better.

[Achilles]

I voted for HDTV support. Something about being forced to play a console game in 320x240 or 640x480 for the next 6 years (next gen) is just really sad, especially on a 50”+ TV.

I also agree with sTubbs’ post on the benefit of better technology.

[mister_slim]

Jaktion, how about unmangling that quote?

[bobbler]

Personally, I want backwards compatibility (thats pretty standard by now) and an online service (also standard this generation) -- so all three next gen consoles will meet my requirements.

Things like BR, harddrive, and library of old games are just frosting on the cake.

[Kamalot]

It's not about gameplay to some of you people....it's about how the game will look. That's sad.
I can't agree more. Give this poster a cookie!

[Furious Wang]

Easy son, turn off the caps lock. I would agree with you, if I had a choice of the same game on 2 different consoles, I would probably go with the best hardware. On the other hand, look at God of War, one of the best games around, on the least powerful hardware. Quit acting like the developer doesn't matter.


God of War is not one of the best games around. It is good, but at 8 hours long with the game degenerating into block pushing, spike log/tower crash bandicoot gameplay for the last several hours I'd say its pretty weak overall. If you're holding up God of War as the best on the PS2, well then that's a shame.

[Furious Wang]

Unfortunately it is not such a black and white issue. What does more power mean? Is it the fastest processor? You can have the fastest processor in the world but if there is a bottleneck further along the pipeline it is not going to do you any good. It is not clear which console will be the "most powerful". A few websites have revealed that developers have been complaining about the PS3 and the 360 because they are the basic equivalent of console "dumb blondes". They are setup for extreme linear pushing of polygons but they have been severely restricted by their nature in terms of AI computation. In other words they will make extra shiny worlds that look real pretty but you will still have enemies from this generation running at you in a line or staring at a wall. This has occurred as a result of people thinking "more power equals better games" or even "the prettier the game is, the better the game is". Both of these are untrue. For example, as someone so eloquently put it, BMX XXX < Super Metroid. There are plenty of shiny games that do technically amazing things this generation, but they are still not fun to play. I'd still rather play Super Metroid, or even Dig Dug. The system that I want most will have a perfect balance of all the elements listed in the poll, because when you are in balance, things are better.


You sir, are what's commonly referred to as a Retro-gamer. There is a system for you. Its called the Gameboy Advance. Its very good and you should play some games on it.

[Hijinx]

This is not an invitation for people to post "I just want the console with the best games".

Thats nice as I've never been invited to speak my own mind. I will get the system(s) that offer the best selection of games that I enjoy.

I also voted Internet as it extends the length of my games and that makes my wallet happy.

[Furious Wang]

Wow. No, better hardware doesnt mean having better games. For the eye candy generation, this may be true. But really now, I could still be playing my Super NES. Graphics can be nice but too many people put empasis on how games look. San Andreas for example: The Xbox crowd was quick to point out how much the game "sucked" because it had graphics that werent truly stellar (though I never once complained--it's about gameplay and that game had it in spades). I know what you mean by "potential", but really now, what kind of potential is that? It must mean graphics, HD, or some other crap. The Gamecube could continue to spit out quality games for the next 5 years, but because gamers want the latest system that gives the prettiest explosions and monsters, people quake with excitement for the next system. It's not about gameplay to some of you people....it's about how the game will look. That's sad.

So, you say that better hardware doesn't mean having better games. Then you list the Grand Theft Auto Series as a game that is great because of wonderful gameplay. Do you honestly think a game like Grand Theft Auto San Andreas (not 1 or 2) could have been made on the Playstation 1? Your whole premise for arguing is *BULLSHIT*.

If you want to keep playing SNES games with SNES gameplay then play a Gameboy Advance! That's what its for! I have one and I love the thing. I play all the new mario games all the castlevania games all the metroid games. Its great! But do you think we should still be playing those games on home consoles 15 years later? With all the whining about innovation going on?

You and the other idealists refuse to see reality because you can't let go of those gilded childhood memories of playing Super Mario World when you were 12 years old and its impossible for anything to top the feeling for you. Reality is this: There's not a single person in the WORLD that cares about graphics more than they do gameplay. What *everyone* wants is both. Gameplay and Graphics. Whether those graphics are more realistic or just a prettier version of Mario and LInk.

This is not an argument you hear from PC gamers. Everytime a new video card or a new processor comes out (that, incidentally cost far more than a new console) you never hear, "Oh I'd still be happy playing Jazz Jackrabbit and Ultima 4 on my old 486. I wish this unstoppable march of Graphics and Processing power would end so we could go back to concentrating on the superiour gameplay that those titles offered." See how ridiculous that sounds? That's what *you* sound like too.

There is nothing wrong with desiring a compelling title with great gameplay that delivers a cinematic experience.through realistic graphics, sound and action. Playable movies. That's what some people want. If *you* don't want it, fine, go play Gameboy Advance or DS. Just don't say that it shouldn't be available for the people who want it.

[Deadend]

I played Super Metriod on my Xbox the other day... It's not so fucking hot, old games are not the shit like everyone goes on about, they are VERY limited in scope.

get off your high fucking horse and smell the last 5 years in gameplay evolution. The idea that you can aim in more than 8 directions, and the ability of games to tell a story and have characters who are more than a small block of colors.

I am so going with Furious Wang on this one, new game systems can bring great ideas.

I like improving graphics, maybe with new hardware, someone will make a first person game that isnt simply about shooting things, you can do amazing facial detail, characters can display emotions in the gameworld, that is heavy shit.

There are games out there that push the limits of what current hardware can do. Look at Ninja Gaiden, I am guessing that on Xbox2 there will be smarter AI's and more of them at once along with more moves.

Hell, for all of Advent Risings technical lacking, it did push the Xbox almost all the way as well.

Even if the next generation of games is for the most part this one but MORE so, is that a bad thing? Consider it the step from NES to SNES, the SNES was well... a SUPER Nintendo. xbox 360 is a SUPER Xbox. It does everything the Xbox did but... more so.

Some of the classics came out on SNES, probably due to Devlopers truly hiting their stride with the 2-d sidescroller that they learned from NES, then given a much bigger canvas for it.

This generation SHOULD be the devs last 7 or so years of working on PS2 suddenly have their limits open up on them, This could be the next Super Nintendo (In terms of awesome games)

[AspectVoid]

Interesting. I think I'll take a look at each one individually.

Best Graphics

Most likely the PS3 and the XB360 will be neck and neck in this category until near the end of the generation, and by that time it won't really matter anyway. This, however, really effects the Revolution with what Nintendo has currently outlined. If things go the way I'm fearing, it would mean that Nintendo would loose out on multi-platform games as their system wouldn't be able to handle the graphics engines. Over all, though, it most likely won't come into play.

Fastest Loading Times

This is always a good thing. The only problem is that a large portion of load times has to deal with how good the programmers for the games are. Tighter code will load a lot faster then code that's completely bloated. This pretty much makes load times a mute point.

Ability to play HD-DVD/BlueRay discs

I don't have any HD-DVD or BlueRay disks. Hell, I don't even buy DVDs these days since I can get anything I want for free at my local Library. This is a completely mute point to me.

Multi-display support (for two+ screens at once)

I own only 2 TVs, a 21in and a 13in. The TVs also aren't even in the same room. This is pretty much pointless for me.

Downloadable Library of old games

This COULD be a big selling point. I'm a huge RPG fan, and a lot of games from the SNES and NES era never made it to the US. If Nintendo finally gives us access to them, that alone would make the Revolution worth buying. If the third parties throw their support behind it as well, it would be a big feather in Nintendo's cap, I think.

Built-In Harddrive

This is fairly important to me, as memory cards annoy the hell out of me these days. I hate trying to balance my saves and such on them. Add to that the fact that Hard Drives would allow reduced load times due to cacheing, and this is a fairly important item.

Well-developed internet-gaming service

I play a whole 1 game online these days (Guild Wars). Online gaming means nothing to me.

Backward Compatibility

This is fairly important to get me to buy the system earlier. I'd be more happy to trade in my X-box to reduce the price on the XB360 if I could still play my XBox games on it. Without backward compatability, and I'll probably wait a couple of pricedrops before buying the console.

HDTV support

It'll probably be a good 3 or 4 years before I can even think about affording an HDTV. This is pretty pointless for me.

Ability to calculate the tragectory of ballistic missles

If this is a reference to general AI development then it is damn important, as I see AI as the next big step in game enhancement. I don't really see graphics going too much farther then the best of this generation. AI, though, can make all the difference.


Hmm...that was a lot better then just voting, I think.

[RMan]

If you're holding up God of War as the best on the PS2, well then that's a shame.
He was talking about comparing between consoles, and he of course makes a good point (who cares what you thought of the gameplay, it's being used as a hardware benchmark). Graphically, it's as good as any Xbox game, and it illustrates that the graphics power difference between the two systems (which is likely greater than any of the next-gen systems) has little impact.

[Varsity]

The bar chart graphics *really* need to be fixed.

[Furious Wang]

He was talking about comparing between consoles, and he of course makes a good point (who cares what you thought of the gameplay, it's being used as a hardware benchmark). Graphically, it's as good as any Xbox game, and it illustrates that the graphics power difference between the two systems (which is likely greater than any of the next-gen systems) has little impact.

It sure did have amazing graphics. Best I've seen on PS2 and better than most on Xbox.

[Achilles]

Graphically, it's as good as any Xbox game, and it illustrates that the graphics power difference between the two systems (which is likely greater than any of the next-gen systems) has little impact.I agree that GoW is graphically as good as most Xbox games, however if you compare it to a game like Ninja Gaiden which is a AAA exclusive title in the same genre it really pales in comparison. They did all that could be done with the PS2 but it still doesn’t look as good. I look forward to seeing what they can do with the PS3 hardware.
Screenshots never really do a game justice but without running them side-by-side it’s hard to do better. I tried to pick pictures that were vaguely simiar.
GoW Character (http://media.ps2.ign.com/media/661/661321/img_2669554.html )
GoW Environment (http://media.ps2.ign.com/media/661/661321/img_2622669.html )
NG Character (http://media.xbox.ign.com/media/482/482221/img_2199551.html)
NG Environment (http://media.xbox.ign.com/media/482/482221/img_1961570.html )
So I agree with what you're saying RMan, that the graphics are very similar but there is a clear difference. Also I like posting links.

Great last posts Deadend and Furious Wang (the one about graphics being important as well as gameplay)

[feeble]

Since microsoft and sony are pushing for bigger is better.
Developers are going to reason that they can put more into the game, more features, longer games this is good for the gamer, but to accomplish this, development time will be increased, budgets will need to be bigger so getting a green light will become harder and harder unless the genre or title is known to sell well.

This means that to make a game good will get tricky as publishers will go the safe route and put games out that they know will sell well, but wont actually be creative or take the industry in new and exciting ways. New characters or series.
You might even find that some games will use similar engines and enviroments to cut down costs, as why make a chair, if someone else has already made it for you. Mostly this will probably happen within a developers studio.
This may be helped if microsoft or sony help fund developers to make games for their console, like nintendo did for the gamecube.


This is mainly why im finding nintendo is having the right approach to this problem. As since it will have less power, the games wont have as much eye candy(which some gamers will snarl at) but the development time will be considerably shorter and cheaper to make.

[bapenguin]

How comes VMU isn't on that list? :D

[emjoi]

Just a thought on Old games / Backward compatibility....
When you first bought a PS2 it might have seemed important at the time that it could play PSOne games, but does it matter now?
Once I had a PS2 I wanted games that had the cooler graphics. The old games gathered dust.

For me, good grafiks of course, but it's the BluRay that'll be the kicker.

[Kamalot]

Just a thought on Old games / Backward compatibility....
When you first bought a PS2 it might have seemed important at the time that it could play PSOne games, but does it matter now?
Once I had a PS2 I wanted games that had the cooler graphics. The old games gathered dust.

Some games are complete classics. They are worth keeping around and playing from time to time. I keep my Dreamcast hooked up for Soul Calibur and Power Stone even though I have Soul Calibur 2.

There is a reason that old games sell well in those 'game-in-a-joystick' retro packages. Old games still rock. People can appreciate new games but still enjoy older games.

Being able to play my older games on my new console is a great feature. It also means you can sell/trade in your current console and make a few bucks towards your next console.

[Kamalot]

I agree that GoW is graphically as good as most Xbox games, however if you compare it to a game like Ninja Gaiden which is a AAA exclusive title in the same genre it really pales in comparison. They did all that could be done with the PS2 but it still doesn’t look as good. I look forward to seeing what they can do with the PS3 hardware.
Screenshots never really do a game justice but without running them side-by-side it’s hard to do better. I tried to pick pictures that were vaguely simiar.
GoW Character (http://media.ps2.ign.com/media/661/661321/img_2669554.html )
GoW Environment (http://media.ps2.ign.com/media/661/661321/img_2622669.html )
NG Character (http://media.xbox.ign.com/media/482/482221/img_2199551.html)
NG Environment (http://media.xbox.ign.com/media/482/482221/img_1961570.html )


Great pics. Clearly, the best on Xbox looks much better than the best on PS2. The eternal question now springs forth, does the quality of the graphics change how the game plays? Is God of War any less fun because Ninja Gaiden looks better?

[Thenetcase]

I want the one that has the coolest games and has the word "box" in the model name!

[AspectVoid]

Just a thought on Old games / Backward compatibility....
When you first bought a PS2 it might have seemed important at the time that it could play PSOne games, but does it matter now?
Once I had a PS2 I wanted games that had the cooler graphics. The old games gathered dust.

I've still got about a dozen PS1 RPGs that I play now on my PS2. For me, yeah, backward compatability is still important today. I can understand where you're coming from, but for me, story and gameplay are far, far more impoartant then graphics.

[RMan]

So I agree with what you're saying RMan, that the graphics are very similar but there is a clear difference.
Yea, this is as good a difference between the systems as I've seen, and the texture resolution difference is noticeable. When the game’s running the difference is diminished, since these differences are often much more noticeable when scrutinized in screenshots. Regardless, even if the Revolution’s graphics capabilities are less than PS3’s to the same degree as the PS2 is to Xbox (which I don’t think they’ll be nearly that different), then the effect between the system’s games will be just as minor (dictated almost wholly by the developer). I think to the average player most of the things in this poll will have a greater impact on their experience (maybe not the missile thing) than the graphics capabilities.

[Wonka]

If the rumours are true, then the next Nintendo will be a lot less powerful than either the PS3, or the X360. Will this matter? I am not so sure. Its never been less of an issue than it is today. At some point we are comparing our flashy new high end porshes to our flashy high end Ferraris... How much extra uber horsepower do we really need to make a game as great as it can be? At some point, the hardware will no longer be enabling for new kinds of great games and will only be something that makes game development a little EASIER (larger CPU budget etc). Honestly, I think the law of diminshing returns might mean that we might effectively BE at that point with this next generation. And *IF* you agree with me about that, then I think this begs a new question: what will be the incentive to even buy new consoles when we get to the PS4 era? What will hardware really have to offer us at that point?

[trip1eX]

hehe the feature most people want is the feature that was only used by at most 10% of the console population this last gen.

I think this shows most folks on these boards are more hardcore than the avg. console buyer.

[Kamalot]

hehe the feature most people want is the feature that was only used by at most 10% of the console population this last gen.

Considering we are all connected to the Interweb to even READ Evil Avatar, having such a high percentage of people desire online capabilities isn't shocking.

I'd like to see the same study conducted outside of a Toys R Us and compare the results.

[Achilles]

Is God of War any less fun because Ninja Gaiden looks better? I’d say not unless you count creating a more believable world, but I think GoW still did a good job at that even though it didn’t look as good. I do wonder how much the additional power of the Xbox played into all the environmental moves that were in Ninja Gaiden but absent from God of War. It takes processing power to calculate different types of collision and that sort of thing. Now Kratos didn't at all look like the type of guy who could run on walls, but he didn't look like the type of guy who would have a double-jump either so I wonder if that was a compromise in place of having more interesting environmental moves.I think to the average player most of the things in this poll will have a greater impact on their experience (maybe not the missile thing) than the graphics capabilities.You’re probably right unless when the new generation of graphics comes out it makes anything without 8 different surface properties look ugly, which it might. I just hope the Revolution supports HDTV with more than a progressive option and cables you have to order direct from Nintendo.