Next Gen Consoles – Way too soon or Signs of Failure?

[backbreaker]

Re: Next Gen Consoles – Way too soon or Signs of Failure?

Man, I hope they don't incorportate this in all the games. I don't want to move my controller around. At least with MS, they can't make you since the system doesn't support it.

It's optional.

[Money99]

Re: Next Gen Consoles – Way too soon or Signs of Failure?

I haven't played, but it looks very Punchout! inspired. You hold the remote in one hand, the nunchuk in the other. You can punch with either hand, aim high for head shots, do uppercuts, etc. You can dodge by moving both controllers either right or left together (which happens naturally if you just lean). I believe you can block by raising/lowering them as well.

From what I've read the controls take some getting used to, as you have to learn how best to motion for the desired move.

I'll tell you in a few weeks.

Cool. Please do.

[pk500]

Re: Next Gen Consoles – Way too soon or Signs of Failure?

The $400 was a big pill to swallow for a game console, but if you look at the hardware that's packed in there, 3 CPU's, a cutting edge GPU that wasn't even on the market yet, then it didn't seem too bad.

Fair enough. But what exactly is that hardware doing, gaming-wise, one year after the 360's release that's so much different than the Xbox?

That's a question I ask often. And I don't think I'm alone.

Take care,
PK

[Bobolini]

Re: Next Gen Consoles – Way too soon or Signs of Failure?

Until the next 'big game' comes out that demands a higher end graphics card. Much like what Oblivion did.
And what kind of card would you need to match the 360 or PS3?

One of the arguements were games coming out for the 360 and PS3 were only for graphic whores and lack substance. So, why would you need to max out a game graphically (I can max about 75-80%)? If you could see how detailed my Madden 07 is with a low to mid card (ATI 9800 Pro-128 mb) you might reconsider.

[pk500]

Re: Next Gen Consoles – Way too soon or Signs of Failure?

What more do I need to know about the system? It has less power and it has a cool wand that I"m supposed to wave around to play games with. I'm pretty sure I got it.

The devil is in the details, such as knowing that there are games that use the nunchuk for movement and the Wiimote for weapons control, such as knowing a nunchuk is a pack-in item, etc.

Take care,
PK

[Flyermania]

Re: Next Gen Consoles – Way too soon or Signs of Failure?

Count me in as another who has gone back to PC gaming. I had been a PC-only gamer for years, and have come full circle.

I picked up a 360 about 2 months ago, only to have it crap out -- along with it's replacement -- within the first 30 days of purchase. I ended up returning it for a full refund. To be honest, the 360 didn't really impress me too much while I had it and while it did work.

I did pick up a used original Xbox again, but just didn't enjoy it as much anymore. Microsoft has really abandoned the original Xbox, and I ended up selling it yesterday.

I am mainly a sports gamer, and have returned to NHL 2004 on the PC. I updated the rosters and a lot of the addons (converting 07 stuff to 2004), and it looks and plays better than ever.

I have no interest in a PS3 at such a high price tag, and it would take a price drop and me reading a lot of positive comments regarding quality improvements for me to consider a 360 again.

[backbreaker]

Re: Next Gen Consoles – Way too soon or Signs of Failure?

I feel bad for the guy that's an 'active' or spastic gamer. You know the guys that move with the game? They'll be doing unwanted moves because of their spastic nature.
I could see a few of those controllers getting thrown threw a window because of it.

LOL, these are optional controls, and yes I can see my controller flying out of my hand especially on a top spin strike. I just might have to make a special contracption(sp) so that the controller can be tied to my wrist i.e. like weight lifting gloves...LOL.

[Bobolini]

Re: Next Gen Consoles – Way too soon or Signs of Failure?

Count me in as another who has gone back to PC gaming. I had been a PC-only gamer for years, and have come full circle.

I picked up a 360 about 2 months ago, only to have it crap out -- along with it's replacement -- within the first 30 days of purchase. I ended up returning it for a full refund. To be honest, the 360 didn't really impress me too much while I had it and while it did work.

I did pick up a used original Xbox again, but just didn't enjoy it as much anymore. Microsoft has really abandoned the original Xbox, and I ended up selling it yesterday.

I am mainly a sports gamer, and have returned to NHL 2004 on the PC. I updated the rosters and a lot of the addons (converting 07 stuff to 2004), and it looks and plays better than ever.

I have no interest in a PS3 at such a high price tag, and it would take a price drop and me reading a lot of positive comments regarding quality improvements for me to consider a 360 again.

Yep, I love sports games and I'm currently playing MVP 2005 with the updated mod MVP 2006 and love it. With the datafile changes and other mods it plays like a whole new game. The expandability of PC games is a plus and therfore you don't have to run out and buy the latest version of some game that doesn't qualify as a "new" version.

[Rodster]

Re: Next Gen Consoles – Way too soon or Signs of Failure?

For me the Xbox 360 is what I expected steroid graphics and rehashed gaming with the exception of gaming. I tend to disagree with Candy I don't see a crash anytime soon in fact as stupid as this sounds I see the industry growing.

If Sony could make 5 million PS3's they'd sell out. I have witnessed some pretty sweet graphics already on the 360 and it will be no different with the PS3.

Just look at the sales for a moment. Microsoft claims to have a higher attach rate vs the original Xbox. Their Micro Transaction business is off the charts that's why companies like EA are cashing in on the business.

The gaming has become much like Hollywood. After a while you get that Yogi Berra feeling "Deja Vu all over again" because there are so many systems and so many games available.

[CaptainZombie]

Re: Next Gen Consoles – Way too soon or Signs of Failure?

I agree with Candyman. I don't see next gen doing anything special other than a graphical update. Sure the onus is on the game companies more but the development costs on games has increased tremendously over the years. Just thinking about a game costs you $50,000. The online costs also add a lot of money.

The sheer cost of a next gen system will make it a very slow generation imo. I truly believe a system isn't accepted by the masses until it drops to $199 (or less) and that's quite a while off. Sure all the hardcore gamers run out and get a new system. Its not hard to sell 5 million units. It will be very hard to sell 50 million units this time around, particularly with the added competition. (Both PS1 and PS2 sold over 100 million).

The other thing working against next gen is that people are still relatively happy with current gen. The PS2 is still outselling the 360. Those same people probably aren't rushing out to get a next gen system anytime soon. When I first saw Madden on the PS2, my PS1 days were over. I don't feel that way this time and I think a lot of other people feel the same. We're not rushing to get a new system and we certainly don't want to pay some of these high prices. Eventually we will all get a next gen machine but as long as they keep supporting the PS2 (which would be smart), I'm in no hurry to fork over $700-$800 in hardware, controllers, and games.

I think that the PS2 at this stage of the game has some great titles that have released over the last few months and a few more are on the way. My biggest issues comes down to the developers. They are taking advantage of the hardware to a degree graphically, but gameplay wise, it's the same games we have been playing for the last few years on the PS2 and XBOX. Graphics aren't the all end to playing a game for me as it might be for many others. I'm still playing the PS2 and there are many games on there that look like horsesh*t on my HDTV when compared to the XBOX, 360, and even Gamecube, but I really can care less at this point about the graphics.

I continue to slam EA for the endless "ports" that they have released this past year. I can commend them for a few games like NHL'07, NCAA'07, and The Godfather. You can tell when playing the current gen versions of each game as opposed to the next gen and you can see that a lot of time and effort was put into each one of these games. As much as I get joked at for The Godfather, rent both copies of the game (current/next-gen) and they really worked on making the 360 version something better.

I really wanted a PS3 at one time earlier this year, but now I'm taking the sit back and wait attitude. Will I get one at launch? NO. Will I get one eventually? YES. I am a gamer and must play each console that is released. I plan on waiting to see what titles are coming out next year + how reliable the hardware will be. Even exclusiveness is losing it's luster this generation since 3rd party developers need to have their game on all 2-3 platforms to break even and try to make a profit.

I agree with that 100%, and if that is what he was getting across, then he's right, I took it differently than what he was saying.

Next Gen is a bust IMO so far. And he's right, only the Wii offers true "next gen" experience. The PS3 has it's motion controller, but to me it's not anything different than say the power glove. The PS3 is basically an updated PS2. Sony had a DVD player in before, now it's a Blu Ray. But Sony taking away the rumble in the controller is a major step backwards to me.

The 360...well, besides graphics, it's just an updated XBox. There's nothing exactly revolutionary in it.

The Wii on the other hand is changing the way games are played, not only changing them, but turning them upside down. Will it catch on, who knows. I hope so. The fact that it's graphics are on par with an Xbox, isn't going to help it in our age now. Graphics are pretty to look at, but gameplay is what really runs this business. NBA Live is an example of that, shame the game itself is dog****.

For me, the Wii will change gaming, it won't win, and will probably finish 3rd again. I don't think the graphics whores are going to latch on to it. Which will lead publishers away from it. But the DS has dominated the PSP, and the graphics aren't even close, so who knows.

EG, that was the point I was trying to make, except I was ranting to much. I am really starting to feel like "Next Gen" is a bust to quote you exactly. Am I going to get rid of my 360 because of it? Hell No. There are games coming that I want to play, but I am not as compelled to finish up many of the games that I purchase. Only games that I have played the heck out of on the 360 have to be Dead Rising, NCAA'07, and NBA2K6.

Not only is the rumble feature missing from the PS3, but they add technology like the Blu Ray player so Sony can market that they have million's of Blu Ray players in homes. Let's take a game called Oblivion. I was reading that the Blu Ray version on the PS3 takes much longer to load and there was another drawback that I can't remember. I thought that the BR was to be end all medium?

As much as I was very opposed to the Wii controller earlier, I feel like it may end up doing good for gamers to interact with their games. Looking at Trauma Center as an example, I was just impressed being able use the Wiimote to conduct surgery. I have a blast looking all goofy playing Guitar Hero due to getting immersed into the gameplay even though the graphics are very simple, the game is a blast. I think that the Wii may end up doing that for many of us that feel burned out by next gen not living up to expectations.

The most Revolutionary idea in the 360 has to be the OS + XBOX Live Marketplace imo.

[CaptainZombie]

Re: Next Gen Consoles – Way too soon or Signs of Failure?

For me the Xbox 360 is what I expected steroid graphics and rehashed gaming with the exception of gaming. I tend to disagree with Candy I don't see a crash anytime soon in fact as stupid as this sounds I see the industry growing.

If Sony could make 5 million PS3's they'd sell out. I have witnessed some pretty sweet graphics already on the 360 and it will be no different with the PS3.

Just look at the sales for a moment. Microsoft claims to have a higher attach rate vs the original Xbox. Their Micro Transaction business is off the charts that's why companies like EA are cashing in on the business.

The gaming has become much like Hollywood. After a while you get that Yogi Berra feeling "Deja Vu all over again" because there are so many systems and so many games available.

Sure Rod, disagree with me.

I never disagreed with anyone or made a statement that the PS3 is not going to sell out or even if they had 5 mill out there they wouldn't sell out. I would have to be blind not to believe that.

Only way that I see any kind of crash occuring is that with both MS and Sony being in so much in debt with both consoles and not being able to recover. That probably won't happen, but just a thought I'm throwing out.

"Consumables" or whatever they are officially called are good for gaming companies, but I almost feel like EA is abusing them. Instead of possibly offering more vehicles or tracks at a cheap price point, their offering "Unlockables" that you have to earn in the game for a price point. It's like they have completely taken away the cheat system that used to be in games so we pay for them now. I just don't fully agree with that business on the Marketplace.

Things will only get worse when I hear that with either Gran Turismo HD or Gran Turismo 5 you will only get a few cars and tracks to start the game. If you want additional cars + tracks they all must be bought. I remember when we were talking about this months ago when the news had come out, and that it would cost about $200 to buy everything. Your paying $59-$69 for the game and then spend another some more money to add items in the game that should have been there to begin with.

[Pared]

Re: Next Gen Consoles – Way too soon or Signs of Failure?

But many games won't require the nunchuk - Excite Truck, Wario Ware, and all of Wii Sports except boxing, for example. By keeping the nunchuk separate, you aren't forced to buy it unless you need it for a specific game. I'll probably have 4 remotes and only a couple of nunchuks, at least to start.

It's saving me $40 for technology I don't need. Works for me!

This isn't my argument, but I'll play the devil here:

How do you seriously know you won't need the nunchuk? Can you predict the future? Can you sit here and tell me 90% of the games you want to play two-player or are the most innovative one year from now won't require the nunchuk?

There's a reason Nintendo is bundling it with the console: they want developers to take advantage of it. And they will.

[EZ Snappin]

Re: Next Gen Consoles – Way too soon or Signs of Failure?

This isn't my argument, but I'll play the devil here:

How do you seriously know you won't need the nunchuk? Can you predict the future? Can you sit here and tell me 90% of the games you want to play two-player or are the most innovative one year from now won't require the nunchuk?

There's a reason Nintendo is bundling it with the console: they want developers to take advantage of it. And they will.

I said I am picking up one extra 'chuk and three remotes. if I need more than two nunchuks I will pick them up AS NEEDED. I expect Wii Sports and Wario Ware to be my main "party" games, and the nunchuk is only used in boxing which is two player max.

What I like about it is the controllers can grow with me based on my needs. If I had to buy full sets, I would, but I know that 90% of the time in my house I won't need the extra nunchuks so it saves me money. I'm not getting a Virtual Console controller either - I like the fact it is available if I want/need it, but the Cube controllers will work for VC games.

I do think Nintendo would have been smart to sell a bundle of both for $55. If you are buying both you save a few bucks, and Nintendo would probably make more off of people like me who would probably buy sets rather than individual pieces for the "savings".

[Erv]

Re: Next Gen Consoles – Way too soon or Signs of Failure?

I had very little interest in the 360 when it launched and don't have much more in it now. The situation is akin to the Dreamcast, where I still playing kick-*** PS1 games and had no desire to get it despite having a great lineup. Same deal with the 360 and PS2, and if I get tired of the PS2 I go with the DS or PSP.

You have to think of the general public, are they really caught up with the great games from last-gen. Probably not so they won't update until the next-gen drops it's price.


The PS3 I think is going to sell out initially and do around the same as 360 once the supply gets caught up. $500 system, that is not mass market.

The Wii still is the easy bet for number one. It has japan locked up, which has determined many console wars before. It has price, third party support(Ubi, EA and Activision all have major support), first party support and a TRUE launch. People who think the PS3 is EVER going to catch up to the Wii are delusional.

[jpup]

Re: Next Gen Consoles – Way too soon or Signs of Failure?

People who think the PS3 is EVER going to catch up to the Wii are delusional.

what do you mean catch up? Sony doesn't have any catching up to do on any front IMO. The system will sell like hotcakes, no matter the cost.