Why The Xbox 360?
May 18th, 2005 9:56 pm

So, with the next-generation game console wars off to a running start, the big question is: which one to buy? I can’t seriously afford more than one, so I kind of have to come to a decision. It turns out it was pretty easy.

I’ve had an Xbox for the last year, and I’ve loved it. Halo 1/2 have made the system worth it by themselves. I so enjoy system link Halo 2 with my friends, it’s a system seller by itself. But, for the next-gen stuff, the PS3 is clearly a faster box than the Xbox 360. So why not get that?

It’s the software that sells the system, that’s why. Halo 2 on a faster box, with a faster frame rate (I hope), and Halo 3 to come. I just can’t wait. The other game I’ve loved is Morrowind. I love deep, long RPGs that aren’t multiplayer. The last thing I want is some 14-year old being disgusting to ruin my exploration of a cave, or some yahoo telling me what’s at the end. Anyway, Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is looking awesome. I can’t wait to play that game.

When I look at the PS3’s software, I’m not excited. I don’t want japanimation. I don’t like anime. I don’t like blue hair, and I really don’t like the PlayStation 1/2/3’s controllers, period. So, faster or not, I don’t like the games. Since both the Xbox 360 and the PS3 will do home entertainment stuff, but neither is a PVR, I don’t feel that there are any clear differences there. Besides, who can argue against an American made product? Ooo: and the PS3 is gonna cost like $465. Yikes. I don’t think I could afford that if I wanted to - and that’s WITHOUT the harddrive! Oh, and the Xbox 360 can reach accross my windows networks wirelessly and transfer files back and forth like a good media server should. Too bad the wireless point will cost extra, tho.

So, that’s what I’m thinking. I’ll get all the games I want, I get to support American jobs (those that don’t get outsourced, I suppose :) ), I spend less money, and I have access to my computer network. My mind’s made up.

Posted in Gaming by Stonesand
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nathan caulder
May 19th, 2005 9:59 am

My dear Sandstone:

Despite all the glowing “big number” reports from Sony, do you think that they will meet these standards come launch? A recent report from 1up.com stated that the vid for Killzone 2 was scripted and pre-renedered, howver, Sony execs have stated that they wanted veryone to know what they could exect on launch day. Hype or truth?

Are you going to be able to sleep at night knowing that you play games on a inferior machine? Will you be able to endure the next 4 years listening to PS3 fanbois chanting, “Your machine sucks!”?

With regards to the software issue; since this Cell tech is new, what kind of programming set backs can we expect?

With the Xbox 360 supposedly going for $399US, and the PS3 slated for less than 50,000 yen (accordingly about $465US), a) who will be losing more money on each console sold, and b) will this make a difference on the total number sold (recognizing that Sony outsold Xbox 3 to 1)?

Lastly, are you forgetting about RPG behemoth Square? Surely they will make you happy as well, along with Fable 2.

That is all for now. You’re probably still recovering from your late night with Darth Vader.

Sandstone
May 19th, 2005 11:05 am

You nailed it - Squaresoft’s acceptance of the Xbox 360 is very exciting. Finally, some real menu-driven RPGs! As far as Fable goes, I really enjoyed the first game, but I was let down, since it left out so many features. At the time, I vowed never again to buy another Molynoux game. I’ll probably keep that vow. :)

Sandstone
May 19th, 2005 11:10 am

Ooo - and I haven’t seen Star Wars III yet. :)

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