@Brokazaki Hmm, I'm inclined to agree, but I think that's more out of necessity than anything. When Sony first entered the console arena, it challenged Nintendo not with first party software, but with third party support. That is the backbone of the Playstation brands success: a strong third party library.
Nintendo, on the other hand, succeeds on the consistent quality of its first party titles. It has a legacy, and it uses that succeed. I don't think Nintendo is going to challenge any of its competitors on the third party front without a significant push in that area.
I think the first issue I ever picked up had Mega Man X on the cover.
Ah, memories. Anyone else remember when they used to send promotional videos out to subscribers? I still have the VHS promos of Donkey Kong Country and Star Fox 64.
@Thanatos2k You better be cool. I'm reminded of a song that may be pertinent:
"Asking questions in school is a good way to learn...if you try that stuff here you might get your legs broke. We once found a dead guy face down in the SLurm...it can easily happen again to you folk."
@Zloth2 Even if they have nothing to hide, it must get tiresome to respond to every inquiry that comes their way. Perhaps Microsoft/Sony/Apple responded this time...but do they respond to such inquires consistently?
On the flipside...the absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence. Just because they don't have proof of wrongdoing, doesn't mean there is no wrongdoing present.
But perhaps I've said too much...I don't want Boshi coming from Yo'ster Isle to break my kneecaps...
@Dreizel Exactly; it would simply be like a "reset" of the industry. We'd have the Nintendo-Sony-Microsoft giant, and other emerging competitors. The only thing that would really change would be the console makers.
Or a far worse scenario would be that the mega console would be far too intimidating for anyone else to try to get into the market. Realistically, who would challenge them? Apple might, even though they've met with failure before with Pipin. Only another mega corporation would even attempt such a venture, but they would likely be content to cash in on the (arguably more) lucrative browser/iPhone market.
I'm not a fan of the idea of a mega console. However, three may be one too many. The PS3 and 360 experience runs essentially parallel, and the Wii is the odd man out. I think we need at least two going forward, so there still will be innovation. With no competition, a developer can get lax, and quality can suffer (Square Enix, for example, made better products when Square and Enix were separate entities).
One console made by the Big Three means that they all have to agree on the design, I would imagine. Can you picture Nintendo's latest attempt at changing you way you play, coupled with Sony's penchant for expensive hardware and Microsoft's (arguably superior) online infrastructure? How much would this beast cost, and who but is core gamers would even consider buying it?
@chilly-chill I agree. If any series fits with the "it's the journey, not the destination" mindset, it's Mass Effect. Missing out on two-thirds of the journey seems like a missed opportunity.
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