Welcome to Generation 7. The generation where consoles are no longer simply gaming devices but extentions or in some aspects the center of home entertainment. It is the generation in which Microsoft wants you to jump in. It is the generation where Nintendo begins a revolution. It is the generation where Sony attempts to play beyond. Will it be the generation where Nintendo reclaims its crown, where Sony mirrors its previous domination or where Microsoft adds a new trophy to its shelf?
The outcome none of us can predict(look at the Dreamcast) but I can offer my thoughts on where each army sits in the console war.

Sony
No one better start with than the previous champion. It is obvious to me Sony tried to recreate some of same conditions that made the PS2 so successful. In hindsight however, one must wonder how SCE could have justified such. Being that both Blu-Ray does not offer an improvement over DVD that can really be appreciated without a 1080p television and you must buy an expensive Blu-Ray player to play these discs. Also, that most people who own HDTV's do not have one that is 1080p compatible. I can understand their attempt to offer a cheaper Blu-Ray player that plays both movies and games in the player but one must consider the likelihood that a person who buys one for one reason is not likely to care about the other. Furthermore, why would a person spend more money on a BR disc when one could but the cheaper alternative and not sacrifice much quality? More importantly however, unlike DVD, Blu-Ray has a competitor in HD-DVD not only does HD-DVD currently offer a better viewing experience, it has twin disc capability where DVD content on an HD-DVD disc can be played on a DVD player. What then does Sony have going in its direction? For one, Blu-Ray has a larger capacity (25 gigabytes, the 50 gb prototype is a dual-layer) than HD-DVD (15 gigabytes). It can lead to bigger games and shorter load times but how much does that cost and how much is too much? Although, it must be mentioned here that the more data that can be stored on disc means that the data is stored closer to the surface and is thus easier to damage. Why also having a year to refine its strategy have they not included some of the features important in XBL? For example, a movie downloads service, ability to download items in the background etc. If Blu-Ray fails what happens to PS3 games and the PS3 itself since Sony has bet everything on BD's success? Still, Sony does have plenty of notable games in its pocket, MGS4, FF, GOW and Warhawk. The PS3 tries to become a PC with a Linux OS, homebrew, and Firefox. The PlayStation is a strong one and can sell on that alone. It definitely has both a powerful GPU and CPU too. But will solid hardware carry it to victory or will it become a console that tries to do everything but does nothing effectively?

Part 2 -Microsoft 1/19/07

• 20Jan 07

  Not So Next Gen Anymore Part 2

  Microsoft

  
  
  

  The new kid no more. They have made their mark in the
  industry with Xbox Live and continue to impress with its expanding
  functionality. Microsoft launched first in hopes of obtaining the same hype as
  the PS2 did. It worked to some extent; it ended up yielding a year of 10.4
  million consoles and has a lineup to back that up. The Xbox is a machine that
  wants to be a console first. 2007 looks to be a strong year for the Xbox with
  Live Anywhere merging the PC-console line and Halo 3, Bioshock, Too Human and
  much more coming. Of course, the Xbox faults in its genre variety; the place
  shooters yes but with a few R.P.G.s and even less for the family it narrows its
  audience significantly.

  
  
  

  This is a reason Japan remains largely untouched as
  the Japanese enjoy tastes entirely different than the West. Being that
  Microsoft is a western company the problem is obvious. Granted they have made headway but will it be
  enough? Microsoft's Xbox has experienced a higher than average failure rate
  possibly due to poor case design. Regardless, it may scare people away from
  purchasing one. Also, it may force people to leave the Microsoft camp. Another
  problem owners have expressed dissent about is HDD space. 20 gigabytes? It was
  ok in the beginning but now with movies, tv shows, songs, demos etc. 20 gigs
  seems much smaller in 2007. Unlike the
  PS3, Microsoft has chosen not to include and HD-DVD drive with the Xbox.
  Instead it is an accessory. Granted it has kept production costs down and made
  the 360 more affordable but with the PS3 BR ready was it the right
  decision? Will the lack of a new format
  create a need for multi disc games where the PS3 does not require it? It may
  create a bad image for the Xbox. On top of that will the lack of motion sensing
  touted as important pieces of the oppositions game plan make the Xbox look
  obsolete? While Xbox Live is great, paying to play what is free elsewhere is a
  major turn off for some people. Regardless, Microsoft got the job done and
  though even for a moment seems unstoppable.

  
  
  

  Wii

  
  
  

  So this is what they call new-gen? I played it and it seems
  fun. Nintendo has franchises that
  everyone loves. They've done a good job at making the Wii seem the console for
  everyone. They done so interesting thing internet-wise but have yet to set up a
  gaming service like Live. However, every console will have to improve its
  online functionality to keep pace with the increasing functionality of XBL.
  Also, the fact that the Wii hasn't been out long is the main inhibitor of its
  library. To be honest, its release forecast is quite thin when the only notable
  titles thus far are slated for 2008. I demand that the Wii have a few important games/exclusives that the
  motion sensing ability surpasses on the game play to an extent of improved
  functionality and enjoy ability. Also, it must have a fluid online experience
  since I know people personally who have Wiis. That being said, I want one but I
  hope I'm not making a mistake a'la Gamecube.

  • Posted Jan 20, 2007 4:54 pm PT
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• 4Jan 07

  To Wii or not to Wii?

  That is the question. Wether tis nobler in the mind to suffer the sling and arrows of outrag- ok, I'll stop now.
  Yeah, that's from Hamlet or well some of it. Being my first blog I thought it be important to discuss something gaming related. Thus I have chosen to explore the tribulation of deciding whether or not to purchase a Wii.
  
  1. The N64
  Definately one of my fav consoles of all-time. I have 40 plus games for it.
  2. Gamecube- ironic
  Disappointment. I don't want to clean paint off walls w/ Mario.
  Where'd the games go? yeah need some good third-party titles.
  Consoles don't sell consoles games sell consoles.
  Internet play.....where are you?
  3. Wii play or do we?
  First off, I don't want to wail my arms around constantly. Secondly, uh games yeah let's not have a GC repeat.
  Thidly, online Xbox Live period.
  Lastly people say it's a great experience and I love the Nintendo franchises. I don't know, I'll play it first.
  
  
  
  
  
  • Posted Jan 4, 2007 6:47 pm PT
  • Category: Games
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