Let the Games Begin

Let the Games Begin
Let’s avoid the fanboy antics this time around

With the fast approaching release date for EA Sports’ Madden ’07, I thought now would be a good time for me to shed some light on the whole Next Gen console thing.

Sure many Xbox 360 owners out there are saying “Next Gen? Try current Gen, something that started last November, not this November!”

Ah yes, nothing like a little fanboyism, it’s almost as annoying as sitting next to some cheeseheaded freak at the Metrodome during a Vikings – Packers game……I said almost! For those reading this still wondering what the hell the Gen in Next Gen means, it’s Generation – you know, ever since Jennifer Lopez went all JLo on us, we have to keep coming up with ridiculous short cuts to say everything these days. Oh how I love America – fast food, fat kids, and kool new wayz spell everything.

Now before I get any further, I’d like to point out that I was not picking on Xbox 360 users when I mentioned fanboys. Believe me, there is plenty of Sony and Nintendo fanboys out there as well, which brings me to the reason for this article. Do not blind yourself when it comes to picking out a new console this time around based off your affection for the current system you own.

Too many people are quick to call a winner in this upcoming generation of gaming. I’ve got an idea, why don’t we wait until all three systems are out with at least a year’s time after their release under their belt before we go on claiming a victor. To be honest with you, console wars bore me, they bore me to tears. Seriously, ask a PS2 only owner who won the current gen console race and they will laugh and say the PS2 of course. Same goes for the Xbox and Gamecube owners. In other words….it’s pointless!

You see, I was lucky enough to own all three, and I plan on owning all three in the upcoming console war (though Sony’s price tag is making it hard to swallow – I hate having to take out another mortgage!).

So here are a few pluses and minuses to each system, something that may help you decide which is right for you at the time. A solid approach would be to get the one you like first and then wait for the others to drop in price and catch up on the gaming goodness they have to offer.

Microsoft Xbox 360

Bill Gates wanted to make sure his white and green glowing box was first out of the gates this time around. Launching a full year ahead their competitors, Microsoft learned something from Sony’s reign in the current generation. Many still believe that Sony may not have been the best system last time around, but their year jump start kept them on top.

+ A full year head start on user base, and more importantly, game development.

+ Xbox Live – a robust online community including demos, patches, additional game content, and the successful Xbox Live Arcade.

+ Compared to the PS3, a friendly price with two different bundles, though you would be a fool not to get the full package.

+ A rumored price drop of the $399.99 package just weeks before the PS3 lauch…..a $100 price drop.

- Overheating issues with the initial launch units, though some claim the same with current units. Make sure you have an area to place your 360 that allows it to breathe.

- Only a handful of “must have” titles so far.

- Xbox Live still has a yearly subscription fee.

- Lacks true HDMI output.

Nintendo Wii

The system with the silly name (wanna play with my Wii?) and control scheme that was looked at as “gimmicky” – that is until E3 2006 hit. Nintendo had one of the most successful E3’s to date and the once made fun of name and controller are now still a huge buzz within the gaming world. Not only does the controller look to change the way we game, it’s sure to appeal to non-gamers, thus increasing the user base of the console, which in turn appeals to more developers. It may not be as pretty graphically as the competition, but it could end up being a heck of a lot more fun.

+ Nintendo has already stated that the Wii will cost no more than $249.99 and that the games will not cost anymore than the price of Gamecube games ($39.99 - $49.99).

+ Unique controller that was hit of the E3 show this year, and in a very positive way.

+ New Zelda and Metroid at launch as well as several titles from Ubisoft and EA.

+ 100% backwards compatible with the Gamecube plus the ability to download the entire library of past Nintendo systems (NES, Super Nintendo, and N64). Turbo-Grafx 16 and Genesis titles will also be available for download.

- In terms of graphics, it will not be on par with the Xbox 360 and PS3.

- Games not created in HD, system only supports RCA, S-Video, and Component Video.

- Still only supports Dolby Pro-Logic II vs, Dolby Digital or DTS.

- Revolution was a great name, now we play with our Wii’s?

Sony PS3

Going into E3, Sony was still on top of the gaming world. Blu-Ray support was strong, and the system was already known to be a graphical power house. But then the price was announced, and even though a high price was expected, it was still too much for the average gamer to swallow. On top of that, HD- DVD’s so far have been out performing Blu-Ray discs. Sony very well could have shot themselves in the foot if things don’t change in that front. But, when it comes to the games, there were many shown at E3 that had fields of gaming journalists say ohh and ahh more than a late night Cinemax program.

+ Blu-Ray support. Current Blu-Ray players cost near a grand, so the PS3 gets you watching Blu-Rays discs on top of playing the Next Gen titles.

+ Stong Development support. Sony still has a large arsenal of gaming developers on deck for the PS3.

+ An online system to rival Xbox Live, and as of now, it’s still free.

+ PSP will finally find another use other than collecting dust as Sony plans to find ways to tie the portable in with the PS3

- $600 dollars is a lot of bacon (the $500 package is a joke).

- Games are rumored to cost no less than a Xbox 360 game ($59.99), and could be as much as $100 thanks to development costs for Blu-Ray.

- Launching a year after the 360 and close to the price friendly Wii could seriously hurt sales.

- Piss poor E3 showing has Sony behind the eight ball at this point.

So there you have it, each system truly does have something to offer that everyone can enjoy. I suggest that everyone keep an open mind this time around. With three solid systems, there is plenty of competition and in the long run, it’s good for gamers.

Now as Madden fans, you have to ask yourselves this one question – Can I wait until November for a true Next Gen Madden fix, or do I pick up a 360 and Madden this month?

That’s where I think it can get tough right now. And who’s to say that everyone going after the graphical eye candy of the Shaun Alexander donned Madden won’t be jealous as the Wii version becomes a hit thanks to the new controller scheme?

Only time will tell, and ultimately, it comes down to a matter of preference. The only thing I ask is for everyone to avoid the tired fanboy antics. Console wars are going to happen, but everyone has a choice and there’s no need to look down on another for their choice. In this day and age of gaming, we all win no matter what system we choose.

Later,
Keith Michaels
venomlace@yahoo.com