This means WAR!! . . . Console war that is.

[kai]

So the next, next generation consoles are coming out, what does this mean? Another line up of consoles for new gamers to crown the best. So far Sony has pretty much slaughtered all competition from the N64 to Xbox and Gamecube, Sony's superiority has held strong. Will they continue to hold the lead? With the XBOX 360 and Nintendo's "whatever" kid's toy. To me Nintendo has no hope, sure the Gamecube had it's moments (not many but a few) but Nintendo might as well partner up with LeapFrog and make those little interactive toys that teaches children their ABCs.

Anyways back to the topic of this thread, what console do you think will reign supreme? Not only in their capabilites (graphics, storage etc..) but their game line up, controller, age appeal, what have you.

I'm going with the PS3, I know it is too early to actually decide wich will be the best but from past experience I'm going to have to go with Sony. I'm an RPG/Racing fan and all my fav. RPGs and racing games are on Sony's consoles.

[Locke]

I'd have to say that I'm in agreement. So far to date sony and it's playstation's have beaten out the competition in my opinion, so I think it's a safe bet that for RPG's and Racing simulater games the PS3 will end up coming out on top. There's where my vote goes, anyways.

[Jim]

Where's the answer for all three? Seriously, all three consoles will continue to have their own strengths and weaknesses (just as they did in this current generation), and it'll depend on the GAMES each system has, not whose name is on the plastic shell.

The 360 is a great machine, but it won't be until next year before more than a couple of titles actually show that off. A launch list that consists mostly of HD ports (missing a few features) of EA's sports lineup doesn't exactly show off the system as anything more than "XBOX v1.2 HD" (with a prettier interface) at this point, but I trust that'll change by early next year.

PS3? I'm sure it'll be great too, and I look forward to Sony releasing some real news regarding it by E3. :)

Revolution...I'm sure that games which actually innovate (as opposed to using the controller as nothing but a lame gimmick) will be a blast as well. The DS probably is a perfect example of how some games will properly use a new control device, and how others will simply be described as "feh."

[kai]

Oh, I've forgotten a key choice, I created seven choices and only remembered six of the ones I wanted. I couldn't rember the seventh so I just put in the get a life choice.

[Galthol]

Completly and uttterly undecied, i'm just going to wait untill all three are out and find various ways of test driveing them for free, (I.E at the mall or at a friends). I will admit however I am looking forward to the Revolution, I really think that Nintendo might have something with the new controller design, If they play their cards right, (I have my doubts though) They might be able to come out on top with the proper game companys behind them. Of course it could end up that they never should have let the controller though testing and the entire launch will be a complete and utter failure.

Wait and see, that's what I say, wait and see....

[Cyrano de Hero]

Deviating a little from the expectations here so far, I'm going to have to say that I'm expecting the X-Box 360 is really going to shine this time around. Microsoft's time has come, seeing as it's first console did so well. Just wait for it...

Sony's going to do well, like always, but I think it's going to be nowhere near as great as everyone thinks it's going to be. The reason being is that it's biggest market, rpgs, seems to be levitating towards the online world these days. This might cause a rift between the fans that prefer single palyer mode and those that prefer multiplayer mode. Seeing as its biggest legacy, Final Fantasy, seems to cater towards single player, this may cause a problem for the seemingly invincible Playstation...

And as for Nintendo, well, I think it will still be the (undeserving) low man on the totem pole, but it will do better than the gamecube did. It's still got a few powerful game series under its belt- Zelda, Mario, Metroid, Pokemon, and Nintendo could really clean up if they learned from their mistakes. And it looks like they're doing just that with the new Zelda game- no more cel-shading, return of adult Link... and it looks awesome. And I don't think that the revolution's new controller will flop... has nintendo EVER designed a bad controller? Nintendo's known for good ergonomics in its controllers. My personal favorite was the N64's, but that's off topic...

And as for PC games, these will be what really gives Sony a run for its money. Online rpgs are coming into power, and PCs are easily the gamer's choice for online play.

So, for just a quick, very general guide, here's the "totem pole:"

1. X-Box 360
2. PC games
3. Playstation 3
4. Nintendo Revolution

Me personally, I hope Nintendo really ROCKS AND ROLLS and blows Sony and Microsoft out of the water... but that may just be the loyalist in me talking...http://www.rpgamers.info/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[M.H.A.Q.S.]

I would like to say something here. Ken Kutaragi said in one of his speeches "When Microsoft was planning XBOX 360, they had Playstation 2 in their minds". Microsoft did a good move by introducing XBOX 360 into the market before the other two giants. In my view, the software market is not ready for such strong hardware. If you look at the games presented by Xbox 360, they have not much changed compared to XBOX and Playstation 2, except the Online functionality. Sony and Nintendo have a better chance in this game. The early release of the next generation platform (XBOX 360) will prove various grounds for PS3 and Revolution.

Anyway, time will prove alot of things. Sony still has alot to show about the PS3. They cannot neglect the Online Functionality once again. PSP has proved great potential for the WiFi LAN capability. This shows that Sony is also commited to bring Community based gameplay to the PS3.

I currently am not biased to Sony. I think its a monoply and what makes the winners stand out is the games and support from 3rd party developers. Nintendo has lacked alot in the previous generation. They should stop hiding like this and come out face the market as Sony and Microsoft are facing.

[Kilu]

Nintendo gets my vote. I would much rather have the innovativity than the 'bigger and faster' mentality Sony and MS has. Improving graphics just doesn't cut it anymore. There has to be more to it for me.

Unfortunately masses will most likely go for Sony.

[pikatsu]

I'll wait untill they beat eachother to bloody pulp, then get all of them! Muahahaha!

In the meantime, I have allready pre-ordered a GP2X handheld. :tophat:

[Geosgaeno]

if i were voting for all time best consoles, it would be nintendo, they have come up with most of the ideas for consoles which are in use today eg, corner buttons (L2 R2 etc) for SNES, analog stick (for Nintendo 64, although we used to have joysticks but lets face it....they dont count cos they were ****), rumble packs (also 64)...and loads of other gadgets and gizmo's,

but,

my vote is definately going on Sony, the PS3 has got me anticipating something very....well...special, and i cant say that has happened to me before with regards to a console.

all the others were OK too btw http://www.rpgamers.info/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[kai]

Personally I just think the console giants are saturating the market. Have they really harnessed the current console's capabilities? Has anyone seen the FMVs in Need for Speed : Most wanted? If the current consoles are capable of producing scenes like these I don't think the next next generation consoles should be released yet. Use what you have until you can go no farther then introduce a new system that pushes the envelope. As it stands now when a new system is released many of the games have almost even graphics with its predicesor. In conclusion I just think it is too soon to introduce new consoles into a stable market.

Edit : I was just reading an article by CBC that where a store owner was quoted saying this :
One store manager says the typical Xbox buyer is in his early 20s, still going to school and working at a part-time job but living with his parents.How accurate do you think this guy is? True I'm not like that and I don't own an XBOX but that doesn't mean every person who has an XBOX is.

[kai]

Anyways, viewing various polls held at numerous sites (IGN, GameFaqs, etc..) it seems that a lot of gamers are going to wait for the PS3 though when it come to IGN I don't really want to trust their polls (I have my reasons http://www.rpgamers.info/images/smilies/mad2.gif).

[Blank]

I don't understand this console hatred, even though I partake in it. (Nintendo > All. =D)

I seriously know one person (out of probably 100 or so that play video games) that wants a 360. Not that many are psyched about the PS3, either. I hope that we see more multi console releases, because greed hurts everyone. No Katamari on GCN or XBOX? That sucks. =(

[DrBass]

Wow cool..fellow Nintendo fans! It's good to see I'm not the only one tired of the constant push of graphics generating hype for these "new consoles." Especially when they seem to be as clunky and prone to failure as the 360. I'm sure it will be rectified in time but still...

I think just the potential of the new revolution controller is far more exciting than the 360 or PS3's promise for new visuals. I guess I'm just getting old. http://www.rpgamers.info/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Jim]

Especially when they seem to be as clunky and prone to failure as the 360. Prone to failure? Perhaps you put too much faith in random messageboard postings regarding a console?

[kai]

DrBass
I think just the potential of the new revolution controller is far more exciting than the 360 or PS3's promise for new visuals
Your kind of missing the point of the next generation consoles are you not? The whole reason developers bring out new consoles is so they can create games with larger enviroments, high sound quality, smoother gameplay, and of course amazing graphics. If they were concerned about their controllers they'd have developed better ones for their existing consoles (beyond the normal wireless and turbo variations). It's not like they require a more advanced console to use interactive controllers.

[Blank]

The point of succesive generations of consoles has little to do with that, Kai. It is all about one simple thing you neglected to mention:

MAKING MORE MONEY.


Yes, people, the video game industry is OUT TO MAKE MONEY! "But, how can this be!?" you cry, "Nintendo loves me! Only M$ wants money!" Ah! Silly, naive child! Did you forget that you pay money to play games? Did you forget that your money drives the industry to create more games? Did you forget that, once a current console has been "exhausted" of possibilities, they make more expensive ones for you to buy? Did you forget that we experience this phonomenon every few years?

The love of money is the root of all evil, especially in an enviornment where companies are battling for three billion or so dollars!

[kai]

:shame: What do they use as a tool to get this money? VIDEOGAMES (in this case) How do they keep the ever lasting appeal people have for videogames? They improve upon them. We we'ren't talking about why they make the consoles, we were talking about why they constantly improve upon them. As they constantly make new consoles with better graphics, sound, and gameplay they expand the market while keeping it fresh for past generations.

Anyways, I suppose we are both right on this one, unless someone can through in some new input.

[DrBass]

Of course I am not missing the point with the new consoles. I have been playing games since the atari days. I realize new technology allows new experiences, but the controller is part of that. Everyone has copied Nintendo's control innovations if I am not mistaken.

Besides, the point about the graphics is that I think we are reaching a point of diminishing returns. Yes we can do nicer graphics but are we really playing new games? Does this make things more fun? Not for me. Not anymore. I can go buy the latest FPS and the difference seems to be that I can now see for miles instead of a few hundred feet. Whoopee. I'm just not interested in that in the slightest.

It will be interesting to see what console gets the best and most innovative games. I, personally, don't care about games being more "movie like" or having indepth stories. I can count the number of decent stories I've seen in a videogame on one hand. I want a fun experience that doesn't have to rely on gore or sex to be entertaining. Something that is just plain fun to interact with. I know 25 isn't all that old, but man when it comes to games these days I just feel like I've completely outgrown almost everything the industry is giving us.

[kai]

I've been playing videogame for about 16 years (I was 4 when I started, maybe a bit younger but I wouldn't have known what I was doing) and I will agree with you that graphics don't mean squat when it's the same game as 12 years ago with nicer graphics. However I'm an RPG, Racing fan and the potential for these game increases quite nicely whith new consoles. The games become longer, the enviroments more interactive, though the gameplay of any game does not directly depend on its console capabilities it can GREATLY benefit from them in almost every aspect of the game.

And what is a controller really? Personally the controller is the last thing I look at when I buy a console. I'm more interested in the game line up, the potential games can have on the system (graphics, sound, size).

[Kilu]

The games become longer
I'd rather say that games will be longer as soon as someone hires a good writer to write a decent plot to any given rpg that will keep you interested for longer time.

Current hardware doesn't stop games from being longer than they are now, but developers just decide not to make games longer. I doubt that this will change because of new hardware.

[kai]

I suppose you're right, but at least the potential is there.

[Cyrano de Hero]

Graphics may be more important than you think, actually...

While the biggest perk of better graphics is obvious- added enjoyment of seeing the game on your tv screen/ computer monitor- there is a far more subtle and important effect: being able to better understand what is going on. Larger games need better graphics to support themselves. It's quite simple logic: a bigger dungeon needs more graphics, and with better hardware, this is made possible.

[Mithrandir]

I say let's all forget about consoles!

Stay with your cell phone or the ever so good Nokia N-Gage!

[kai]

Cyrano de HeroGraphics may be more important than you think, actually...

While the biggest perk of better graphics is obvious- added enjoyment of seeing the game on your tv screen/ computer monitor- there is a far more subtle and important effect: being able to better understand what is going on. Larger games need better graphics to support themselves. It's quite simple logic: a bigger dungeon needs more graphics, and with better hardware, this is made possible.
I think I pretty much made that argument in a more round about way in my earlier posts :wonder:

[pikatsu]

I say let's all forget about consoles!

Stay with your cell phone or the ever so good Nokia N-Gage!


Nothing wrong with N-Gage. :)

I suppose you're right, but at least the potential is there.

http://www.vgcats.com/comics/

You just lost you avatar. :(

[Mithrandir]

Well, for having tried one, this was the worst idea ever thinked. I am quite surprised they actually sold almost 2 million of those.

[kai]

pikatsu
http://www.vgcats.com/comics/

You just lost you avatar. http://www.rpgamers.info/images/smilies/sad.gif
Dr. Hobo is . . . . DEAD????????????? :bawl:

[Locke]

Is the good doctor actually dead, or was that his evil twin :p

[kai]

I think Dr. Hobo is more of a neutral character as he doesn't seem to have the mental capacity to understand good and evil (though that could be said for most of the world's current population as well), so could he have an evil twin?

Anyways, I suppose he could have just gone to the hospital and gotten his stomach pumped or recesitated somehow (though I assume you wouldn't recesitate someone in a body bag :wonder: ). All well only time will tell . . . :ponder:

[pikatsu]

I'd think the checking of pulse is a "dead" giveaway, pardon the pun.

Dr. Hobo's never die, they just fade away...

[Locke]

Ah well, tis the way of things I suppose. Anybody know if there's an official release date for the PS3's yet?

[Galthol]

Haven't heard anything offical but I heard that either 4th quater 2006, Or if the 360 sales really drop they will delay untill sometime 2007, to make sure they have taken care of everything. Anybody here anything about revolution?

[kai]

Spring 2006 is what I've been seeing though I don't think that is very believable (never know though).

If they are checking his pulse then they aren't very intelligent paramedics (looking at the hand positioning).

[pikatsu]

Could well be a happy christmas story, helping the freezing hobo up to a nice, warm... comfy... bag?

Well, I'll most likely get the 360, should I get any of those systems... Mostly because by the time PS3 and Revolution show up, it's price will go down, and it might have few good games...

[Locke]

I'll stick with Sony, as they haven't let me down yet. We'll see with this latest edition, but should prove an interesting battle when the 3 systems are all out and games begin to be produced.

[Blade Tanaka]

WEll I souldn;'t chose any of those options. I'd preorder. As for me Nintendo and Sony are the most reliable sources of gaming (Since Micro only has 2 systems and they bombed the release of the 360) I love all the new cool features of the Revalution, But as long as sony has Final Fantasy they forever have my allegience. I'm thinking about getting th Rev first though. HOwever with the chance of Soney ever realeasing a FF game with it I would camp a week for it.

Once I get a job it'll be all clear.

[kai]

This article is copy and paste from IGN. It put a rater large smile on my face, as I am no fan of Microsoft. :curse:


The Next Wave #13
January 24, 2006 - The Xbox 360 is tanking in Japan. Its closest competitor right now on the sales charts is the GameCube. It's actually doing significantly worse than the original Xbox even though Microsoft spend lord-knows-how-much designing the box to be appealing, then spread cash around to Japanese developers like it was Monopoly money to secure exclusive Eastern content. And this bombing is coming at the expense of American gamers who actually want to buy the 360 -- our stores are bereft of units while whole palletsful languish on Tokyo shelves.

[Galthol]

Well I got to see the trailer on TV. (If you ever see somthing called Cinimeatech on the telecaster, watch it). And I have one thing to say. O_O. The combat style seemed more suited (from what i saw) to a MMORPG, but still O_O

[Cyrano de Hero]

I guess I was a little off on my prediction...

I never would have guessed that the 360 would blow it as much as it did. Microsoft made a serious blunder by releasing it when they did. There's only one game I really want to play on the 360 (Dead or Alive 4), but other than that, the 360 just doesn't look that appealing to me...

Well, time has yet to see the fate of the 360's success, but it might just end up taking the route Sega did and swtich to designing games...

As for me, I'm very excited to use the new Nintendo controller and have great expectations for my favorite video game company's new console. Although I will say this: if the controller is for some reason implemented poorly, then that will spell out very bad news for Nintendo. But I'm pretty sure that won't happen. Whenever Nintendo does something, it's usually done very well.

As for the PS3, well, it will be great, no question. But I think it's getting too dependent on Final Fantasy. After around 5 or 6 years of being almost exculsively on Playstation consoles, the series is starting to stray back to Nintendo as well. Plus, RPGs are going online more and more, and that's where the PC shines.

Ah, but time will tell who wins the console war- 360, Revolution, or PS3?

Well, here's one soldier on Nintendo's side...

[Locke]

The problem with RPG's going online so much is that unless you're ready to devote a significant portion of you life to them it's not worth the time and effort to buy them, because you don't ever get anywhere's in them. As for me, I'm waiting for the PS3 to come out. Should prove worth buying, methinks. I'll probly wait on the Revolution until somebody I know has one and try these new controllers, and if I like them then I'll end up buying one. Until then, we'll see I guess.

[Kilu]

I never would have guessed that the 360 would blow it as much as it did. Microsoft made a serious blunder by releasing it when they did.
I think it's more "how" rather than "when". The decision to launch the console same time worldwide was a good idea especially considering us Europeans, if only they had had the consoles to meet the demand.

I hear that some Nintendo head honcho has been planning a simultaneous worldwide release as well, I sure hope that they prepare themselves for the demand a bit better than M$.

[Epology]

Hopeless, what can you do with a console that a normal PC can not? ^^

[Locke]

Hopeless, what can you do with a console that a normal PC can not? ^^
:wonder: Could you elaborate a little bit there, I don't really understand where your coming from. (Yes, PC's can do anything a console can, but a console is nothing but a modified gaming pc anyways (basically))

[Epology]

What you said is quite correct, and that is the point I was talking about.
If you invest your money in a console, your performance is strictly limited by the hardware. There are just a few possibilities to increase your gaming experience by modding the software (At least I believe one can. Some friends told me they modded their X-Box this way, though I actually never used a console myself, so I am not sure.)
However with a PC (which is normally more expensive) you can upgrade hardware, as well as your software. You can switch between your OS, exchange shell parts etc..

That is why I think computers are more effectiv than consoles.
Though I am aware of the fact that consoles are way easier to handle and therefore more interesting for 08/15 customers, who want to play without having to configure every graphical and auditorial aspect of a specific game.

Hope that was elaborated enough. ;)

[Locke]

Ah, yeah, I understand where you're coming from now, but in actuallity that's pretty much the point of Consoles for gaming over PC's right there. It's quite a bit cheaper, and if you want to upgrade then you can mod them. It's generally easiest to mod an X-Box over anything else that I can think of off the top of my head, but it's possible to mod any of the consoles. They pretty much are just PC's designed with nothing but Gaming in mind. Plus if you want to use a PC then you can just get an emulator.

Consoles as a whole end up (to me), much better then PC for gaming purposes. The games have a more elegant flair to them then most PC games I've seen (yes, there's a few exceptions, but by and large Console has better games then PC imo).

Anyways, I'm still anxiously awaiting the release of the PSIII :D

[kai]

Finally a release date for the PS3 -

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/696/696054p1.html

November of 2006 :D, well here's hoping anyways :p

[Locke]

Well, that means I'll be putting down a downpayment shortly for one, just to ensure that I'll get my PS3 on opening day :)

[SeymourGuado]

FFXII and XIII are worth camping out for as is MGS4...Sony are great, microsoft and the rest should go home for being crap.

Seifer Almasy

[anailia]

I heard that the PS3 might be upwards of $500 bucks. I know its just a rumor, but if it ends up being true I'm certainly not buying it.

I'm personally pretty intruiged with motion sensitive add on for the Revolution controller. Plus the ability to download older games is a definate plus for a old school gamer like me. I'm interested in seeing what Sony has to offer this November but right now I'm leaning towards Nintendo.

As for FFXII , I played the demo and didn't like it at all. I'm glad that someone is excited about though . ^_^

[Kilu]

FFXII and XIII are worth camping out for as is MGS4...
Why would you mention FFXII in a next gen console war thread though?

[kai]

FFXII = PS2? I thought anyways.

The PS3 could be upwards of $800 and I would still get one the day it was released. I'll put the payment down but if worse comes to worse I'll wait outside the store overnight . . . . . . . though on the island we really don't have to wait outside because most people aren't vert enthusiastic about its release. It's all about the 360 on the island . . . . . sadly :wall: .

[Kilu]

FFXII = PS2? I thought anyways.
Exactly. It's already out in Japan, so it is quite amusing to read comments around the web about "how it should have been a launch game for the PS3".


The PS3 could be upwards of $800 and I would still get one the day it was released. I'll put the payment down but if worse comes to worse I'll wait outside the store overnight . . . . . . . though on the island we really don't have to wait outside because most people aren't vert enthusiastic about its release. It's all about the 360 on the island . . . . . sadly :wall: .
I for one am in no hurry to get any of the consoles. More often than not the launch games aren't all that special anyway.

[kai]

Originally Posted by Kilu
Exactly. It's already out in Japan, so it is quite amusing to read comments around the web about "how it should have been a launch game for the PS3".Well they could have released it for the launch of the system, the PS3 is backwards compatible is it not? It would just be kind of pointless to buy a PS3 for a PS2 game. Though in some cases (such as my own) people may not have a PS2 and might as well get the PS3 anyways (assuming the cost is not an issue, which from the looks of it, isn't likely).

[SeymourGuado]

I knew it was for PS2 I was making point it is worth camping out for (here in UK) as the poll says. That was all. Yes it is backwards compatible, uses both kind of laser.

Seifer Almasy

[Kilu]

I knew it was for PS2 I was making point it is worth camping out for (here in UK) as the poll says.
I just don't see the point of camping out a next gen console for a current gen game.

Actually, I don't see the point of camping out a console at all. The launch games are often such crap that the only reason to buy the console immediately is bragging rights. No need to hurry I say. Again, that is. :)

[SeymourGuado]

I actually had another post here in answer to one of yours but like alot of things on this site recently..it dissappeared.

I wouldn't really camp out for a game..but its just emphasis on how much I want the gamehttp://www.rpgamers.info/images/smilies/love.gif

[pikatsu]

I also had a post hier in the old forum...

This:

"PSP is starting to look better and better... With official PSX emulation and reduced price, I may have to get one."

[Kilu]

Well, now that the hidef format war is over and bluray won, it's pretty clear that ps3 will do okay. It still costs too much for a console, but it's a cheap and better than average bluray player. It still has only like one good exclusive game so far (Uncharted: Drake's Fortune), but suppose I will have to learn to shit gold or something to get FF13 and MGS4.

Eventhough the last post is almost two years old, I still don't have any of the new consoles. Or the handhelds. Still waiting on that big lottery win.

[Mangachaos]

It makes me wonder... is there even a war these days? :wonder:
In any case... it´s a pretty even one... if there is one... XD
Gonna get me a wii... (um.. sometime... not sure when >_<') but after that I have no plans of getting any new stuffs... guess I´m trapped with the online gaming...>_<' (it was kinda nice to take a break from it...) and the wii-stuff... well.. the retro-things kinda lures me.. :p Seems like the better stuff is only in the past for now... :wonder: I want to get Super Metroid for example... already have prime and enjoys it.. >=) I think I´m pretty much not in the war..xD

[pikatsu]

I'm saving up for a Pandora, perhaps...

[bjp4444]

....this might just work:

ps3 bundle!
(http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&productId=8198552921665371946&langId=-1)
....if you're in japan or the us, i imagine. but i guess europe got the gta iv bundle right? but that's a 40gb, and not an 80gb like this bundle right?

i guess we know where my 600$ tax rebate check is going. should still have enough left over to get gta iv and hot shots golf, or have very little to take out of my pocket. and those three should be enough to tide me over until ff xiii. :tophat:

[Kilu]

I still don't have any real plans to get ps3, even if the mgs bundle was sold in Europe. It's just too damn much to pay that kind of money for one game. There really are very few exclusives coming to ps3 too it seems, and if I had to choose either x360 or ps3 right now, it would be x360.

I don't expect this to change anytime soon either.

As for GTA4, I checked the gametrailers.com x360 vs ps3 comparison, and it looked to me like the x360 version had sharper, clearer graphics.

[bjp4444]

....that's interesting, as all the reports i have read say it's the ps3 that has the better gta iv graphics. i agree with after seeing a comparison video, although i think it's just a matter of preference on how you want things to look. but, as always, to each their own.

i'm going ps3, since they exclusives they do have are ones i want to play [ff, god of war, metal gear, hot shots golf, etc.]; i can't say that about the 360, as i'm not into FPS' at all. maybe i have a limited scope when it comes to games, but i tend to find what i like and stick with it. every once in a while, i can find a gem in the proverbial rough. that's suits it for me. also, online play isn't that big of a deal for me.

games are 60$ US, which is the standard for ps3 and xbox. i'm sure there are exceptions, but this seems to be the standard price point for games these days. unfortunatly, the price of everything seems to go up while the amount of money in peoples' bank accounts does not. hasn't stopped people from buying like crazy. ugh.

[Kilu]

It's interesting too that early reports said that rockstar was having trouble getting the ps3 version to run at respectable frame rates. When I saw the comparison video I just assumed that maybe they toned down the graphics a little to make it run better, or something. Who knows. Either way, the difference isn't that great, you can only really see it if you look for it.

Oh, just in case I left it unclear, by 'too much money for one game' I meant the price of the whole bundle. :) Since effectively I would buy the console just for this one game, which just doesn't sit right with me.

Is the main FF series really an exclusive for ps3? I mean, I haven't heard reports of the opposite, but for some reason I still doubt it. Probably because Square has made games for all of the companies, and since ps3 still has sold only like 9 million units or so, versus x360 18 million. And probably a large portion of the ps3 sales aren't even gaming consoles, but rather bought as a cheap bluray player. It would be crazy not to develop for x360. But then again, japanese are totally crazy, so who knows. :D

But all in all, I'm not going with any of the consoles. None of them have an interesting enough library of games yet, and I don't really have the money either. :p

[bjp4444]

...i hear you there. if i wasn't getting $600 from the us government, i would likely be waiting as well. but the package is good enough as that, for the price it is at now, you are basically getting the game for free [msg4, that is]. gotta jump on at some point, right? ha.

and as for exclusivity:

http://kotaku.com/gaming/rumor-smash/square-closed-mega-theater-confirms-ff-xiii-ps3-only-302669.php

and, we can see, the ps3 is a bigger sale in japan, which i'm guessing helps lead to the decision. it's starting to outsell the xbox 360 everywhere now. probably because everyone who wants an xbox 360 has one, whereas many sony fans are likely waiting, or are starting to buy now:

http://www.vgchartz.com/

[Kilu]

I believe in the exclusivity only after a couple of years of the release. I mean, FF11, eventhough not part of the main series in anything else but numbering, was ported to x360 like 4 years after the original release. So there is always a chance. Not to mention that all the early ff games from nes and snes times have been ported on so many different platforms already that it's ridicilous.

Also yeah, ps3 sales are climbing, but considering that the development of ff13, for example, was started a long time ago, way back when ps3 had sold like 2 units :p , either square had a lot of faith in console eventually pulling through, got a really big sum of money from sony for the exclusivity deal, or hopefully is multiplatform.

Gotta keep the hope up. :p

[pikatsu]

Heh, with what I'll be getting from the Finnish state in returns, about 260€ or so, I could buy a 360...

[Locke Cole]

Sadly, I must say my main disappointment with the Playstation 3 was the news that they had murdered its ability for backwards compatibility. This was really my selling point, and if I could upgrade my PS2 to a PS3, but maintain the ability to play all of my PSx game library, sign me up. But if I have to maintain a PS2 and a PS3, that is no good for the cause. Totally set me off on buying one for at least the long-term. Instead, I didn't get a 360 either, I got an old xbox, softmodded the crap out of it and turned it into a glorified SNES. Hahaha... The Wii looks interesting, and I might consider a "newer" generation console someday, but if history proves, I usually wait until the next tier comes out, and prices drop significantly before I bite. I don't have a ton of time for console gaming anyways...

[bjp4444]

....the 80gb ps3 in the bundle i have written about in the near past will have full backwards compatibility with ps1 and ps2 games. in fact, the only version not to have backwards compatibility is the 40gb version out now. if you can find an old 20, 60, or 80gb machine, it will have backwards compatibility.

just an fyi for you! =)

[Locke Cole]

....the 80gb ps3 in the bundle i have written about in the near past will have full backwards compatibility with ps1 and ps2 games. in fact, the only version not to have backwards compatibility is the 40gb version out now. if you can find an old 20, 60, or 80gb machine, it will have backwards compatibility.

just an fyi for you! =)


Oooh, so I was misinformed. Excellent! There is still hope for me after all. Thanks for the tip :)

After a quick peek, I also see this useful site:

http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/CompatibleStatus

Shows which PS1/PS2 games work properly or have issues on the consoles. Good to know!

[bjp4444]

....no problem. the backwards compatibility was a big concern for me as well. with the upscaling that occurs on the ps2 with ps1 games, what will happen with a ps1 game on a ps3? ha!

[Locke Cole]

....no problem. the backwards compatibility was a big concern for me as well. with the upscaling that occurs on the ps2 with ps1 games, what will happen with a ps1 game on a ps3? ha!

Well I can admit, I have very few PS1 games that I still play. But, its having the option to play them thats really the point! They are more then just placeholders on my shelf then. :P I still enjoy many PS2 titles, so that was my main concern. Plus, then I could sell off my PS2 in hopes of making a few dollars towards the cost of a PS3. ;)

How about things like memory cards, and controllers? PS2 ones usable with the PS3?

[bjp4444]

....i believe for memory card you have to buy some sort of adapter which is at most $15.

and i can't be for sure, but since the ps3 controllers are wireless, i'm not sure if other ones will work. i haven't looked at the ps3 close up, are there slots for controller inputs? i also think there may be adapters for this as well.

[Locke Cole]

....i believe for memory card you have to buy some sort of adapter which is at most $15.

and i can't be for sure, but since the ps3 controllers are wireless, i'm not sure if other ones will work. i haven't looked at the ps3 close up, are there slots for controller inputs? i also think there may be adapters for this as well.

Heh, shows how far out of the loop I am with the PS3! I haven't had a ton of time for gaming anyways, so it would most likely collect more dust then game time these days... still, its nice to know in case I ever see a good title come out for PS3, and just go out and grab it. I think I may need to get a new TV first though, priorities!

[BAMAToNE]

Yeah, the best PS3 for backwards compatiblity is the 60gb, but good luck finding one. I'm lucky because my roommate bought one last year. :D The 80gb is your next best bet. (It uses software emulation instead of hardware emu that the 60gb uses.)

bjp is right that you can get an adapter to transfer over memory card data. But you only need it once! My advice is to buy the adapter at Walmart or some place like that, do your transfer, then take it back and get a refund! ;)

Trust me, you will want to use the PS3 wireless controllers. The newest ones support Dual Shock (force feedback now), but they're kind of expensive. The non-Dual Shock wireless controllers (SixAxis) are still expensive imo, but I think if you buy a PS3 bundle that one or two controllers will be included.

[Locke Cole]

So the 60gb units are rare? Is there any way to tell the difference other then the harddisk size? Or are there no newer-style 60gb PS3s? I guess I should really look into this stuff, but its easier to ask :P haha. Seems a bit silly that the newer systems are not as good as the older ones, how can Sony not see this flaw? I guess all they care about is how much $ can be saved by changing things...

[BAMAToNE]

Sony quit producing the 60gb version completely, so the only place you can find them is ebay, basically. They still make the 80gb one, but they've fallen behind in production so most places really only have the 40gb system, which is the worst in backwards compatibility. There are rumors that a 120gb system is being planned, but I don't know what kind of compatibility it will have with older games...

[Locke Cole]

How do they expect to remain a major player in the console race if they cannot even keep up with demand for their higher end console, even after over a year since its release. You would figure by now they would have a better handle on demand and production. Can't make money if the best way to get the console is by buying one used from someone else, rather then direct from a retailer. I never did understand how they can fall so far behind with these things. If there is a 120gb version coming someday, I will probably see the light of it before I ever settle on buying a system anyways. Heck, after all drives are so cheap these days, and moving up so quickly. 500gb drives for under $80 CAD, crazy. Its hard to even find an 80gb drive anymore, so I can see much sense in a larger drive coming with the console sometime soon. Maybe they might even consider trying to fix some of the compatibility issues, seeing how they obviously know which games are not working so well. *fingers crossed*

[bjp4444]

...you can put your own hard drive into the ps3, right? i cannot remember, but i think you can.

and they stopped making the 80gb and selling them on purpose, but i'm not sure what the purpose is. either to re-introduce it in the bundle or something else.

[Locke Cole]

...you can put your own hard drive into the ps3, right? i cannot remember, but i think you can.

and they stopped making the 80gb and selling them on purpose, but i'm not sure what the purpose is. either to re-introduce it in the bundle or something else.

They stopped making the 60gb, and the 80gb? So only the 40gb is in production until that bundle comes out?

[bjp4444]

...that is correct sir. although game stops tend to sell refurbished 20, 60, and 80 from time to time as well.

[Kilu]

most places really only have the 40gb system, which is the worst in backwards compatibility
As far as I know, the 40 gig version doesn't have any backwards compatibility, so I guess it really is the worst. :p

Only the 40 and 60 models are available in PAL region, but the PAL 60 only has software backwards compatibility, no Emotion Engine at all in PAL areas.

Which is just great, it's the natural continuity to the constant shafting PAL gamers get from Sony and Nintendo.

[Locke Cole]

Gotta love living above the big bad USA! Atleast we can sponge off their releases. :P

[bjp4444]

....did it last night. found a used 80GB machine, picked up GTA IV and Hot Shots Golf as well. what an amazing machine. looks so good in the 1080i [or 720p for games that only go that high].

plus, i have a coupon so i'm going to get 70$ trade in for my PS2. which is a lot more that i thought i would get. so i'm not complaining that much.

i'm restricting GTA IV until after class finishes this weekend, because i know it's game over for my social life once i put that in the disc slot. :tophat:

[Locke Cole]

Depending on the condition of your PS2, and if its modded or not.. *cough*, they do still go for a decent price in some places. The 80GB, is it able to play your PS2 games properly? If not, I don't think I would part with my PS2 just yet. :search:

[bjp4444]

...the 80GB is perfectly capable of playing my PS2 and PS1 games. i should be all set!

and i was just worried about getting something decent for the PS2, not like 15$ or something like that. 70$ works for me!

[Locke Cole]

Sounds like a good deal then! I don't plan to get one anytime soon, my TV sucks anyways, so the HD options would have little effect for me. Maybe once there is a PS5, I will get the PS3.

[Kilu]

So you know, as the new E3 trailer reveals, FF13 is *not* PS3 exclusive, as I was expecting. Which is awesome news.

[bjp4444]

....well, as long as the game does not suffer having to now be made for multiple platforms, then i don't really care one way or the other. it might have been nice to have something exclusive, but i'm certainly not going to lose sleep over it.

what i would lose sleep over is if the game is "dumbed down" to be accessible to the xb360 [how many discs is it going to be for the xb360?], or if the release date is pushed back to get the xb360 version out when the american ps3 version releases. i mean, if the japanese ps3 version is ready [side note, it's not being released in japan for xb360. wtf?], then get the localization work done and release the ps3 version when ready. don't wait for the xb360 version. that's just silly.

that, of course, is some speculation on my part, but if the date is pushed back again for something like that, then i might get a little peeved.

still loving the ps3 though. it's really a remarkable system, IMO.

[Kilu]

I doubt it will be dumbed down, they'll just use more discs if they need to. Though, I doubt they need to, unless they plan to make the whole game one single fmv. I mean, fmvs were all fine and dandy on last generation, but such things are hardly necessary anymore when the ingame gfx engine can pull of stunning graphics anyway.

As far as release dates, who knows. I mean, since the date is still TBA so any delay to TBA is something we don't really know of. :p

But the thing with the x360 version not coming to Japan, well, I guess they also noticed that there isn't a market for x360 games there. Or maybe the trailer is just pointing out that it will be a US and EU simultaneous release. I'm leaning towards the latter mysel. It would be a bit silly to not to release the game for x360 in Japan as well, I mean, the difference of PS3 sales in japan (2.2 million) and x360 sales in japan (0.6 million) is not that huge of a difference, considering the overall scale.

So, I bet that japan will also get their x360 version of FF13. Maybe Microsoft will pay some money to Square to do that, to boost their console sells in there. :)

[bjp4444]

...sort of sounds like this was all sort of last minute, and a bunch of things are in the air.

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3168716

....yeah, multiple discs for the xb360, and certainly some modifications for the xb360. i'm guessing the ps3 version is close to being done, so there shouldn't be too much conflict with making an xb360 version. so many times, developers will make a 360 game, then port it over to ps3 without using the full capability of the ps3 engine. granted, i know this is partially because the ps3 is harder to develop for, but it's still depressing to see some game at much less than its potential on the ps3. when the xb360 is the lowest common denominator [excluding wii, of course], then i guess you produce for that, and then try to upgrade as much as you can for the ps3. which is backwards thinking in my view, but that's how it is, i suppose.

and no release for the 360 in japan. strange. but it's pretty much a non-existent console there, almost 4x ownership is a pretty big margin in the grand scheme of things. i'm guessing in japan, almost everyone of the 360 owners is a ps3 owner, so i'm guessing there won't be too much of a problem in japan.

the paragraph where they speak about this being an "experiment" was interesting to read as well. perhaps a more appropriate phrase would have been "necessary money grab?" ha-ha. i guess when you are degrading financially, you look towards new avenues.

and i thought i had read somewhere that it was going to be a holiday 2008 release. which i'm guessing is going to be pushed back now. ugh. but no worries, it's not like i won't get it. and i'll have gta4, white knight chronicles, and maybe some dark cloud 3 to tide me over until then. that should work. =)

[Kilu]

They don't actually confirm that it's multiple discs though, just that they have to see if it needs more than one. I don't know where you get the idea of modifications though. :p They say that the content will be same for both platforms.

"PS3 engine" doesn't really have all that much more capability comparing to x360. Their graphic units are pretty much comparable in terms of raw power. Memory in x360 is a shared 512MB, PS3 has 256MB for GPU and 256MB for other tasks. The PS3 CPU is only thing that really stands out in comparison, but in game use that effectively just means more particle effects.

The most interesting part of that article is the part about the game being built on PC, where it's also functional. A full PC port in the future perhaps? That would kick so much ass. And since it's being built on PC, x360 port was only matter of time really.

I've never seen an official date announced anywhere, and any site that I consider worthwhile lists it, so I'm going with TBA. :p

[bjp4444]

....cool. i just tend to pessimistic whenever i hear "microsoft." maybe i should feel the same way about "sony," but i don't. :tophat:

i just want the game! ha-ha.

[Kilu]

Hehehe. Oh yeah, don't get me wrong, I don't really support microsoft either, and the x360 failrates have been pretty big as well. But it's cheaper and has better games, atleast currently. I don't want to buy either console really. MGS4 is the only exclusive game for ps3 that I really want to play, I might have to find out if I can rent the console somewhere to play it. Though, x360 doesn't exactly have a lot of exclusives either, most, if not all, usually come to PC at some point. And PC is my main platform currently, so hopefully they port ff13 to PC as well. It's not like they haven't done that with earlier games, and now they even have toolkit for it. They have no excuses! :D

[bjp4444]

....in related news, at the sony press conference today, they dropped the 80gb model price to the level the 40gb machine was at. so the 80gb machine will be $399.

and it was cinema scene only, but god of war iii looked very good. the patented close up on kratos' eyes scene that has been in each game so far looked eerily lifelike.

they also showed a massive online action game called MAG that will have online battles with up to 256 players at once. sounds pretty impressive. showed some dc universe online as well.

there will also be over 100 new titles for the ps2 this year as well. wow. that thing just keeps plugging along.

that's about it from what i was at the presser today. oh yeah, movie and show downloads through the playstation store. as of tonight, i hear.

[Kaze Nigai]

....in related news, at the sony press conference today, they dropped the 80gb model price to the level the 40gb machine was at. so the 80gb machine will be $399.

This is just leading to larger HDDs on the PS3s. They mentioned something about it not having the fancy doo-hickies the current MGS4 80gb has. ie: Emulated PS2 reverse compatability.

We will see.
((That price drop is only going to happen with 80gb not bundled with MGS4, sad panda. Such a good game))

-EDIT-

Hehehe. Oh yeah, don't get me wrong, I don't really support microsoft either, and the x360 failrates have been pretty big as well. But it's cheaper and has better games, atleast currently. I don't want to buy either console really. MGS4 is the only exclusive game for ps3 that I really want to play, I might have to find out if I can rent the console somewhere to play it. Though, x360 doesn't exactly have a lot of exclusives either, most, if not all, usually come to PC at some point. And PC is my main platform currently, so hopefully they port ff13 to PC as well. It's not like they haven't done that with earlier games, and now they even have toolkit for it. They have no excuses!

Square mentioned something about not using Crystal tools after they made XIII, so don't set your hopes TOO high on that one T-T;

Note - FF13 is not Exclusive to PS3 in Eu and US. No confirmation for Japan ((also they are not even starting on the port till after the Japanese release.))

[Locke Cole]

In my absense I bought a Nintendo Wii. And I must say, so far its lived up to its price tag. The kids make good use of it, and although there are no intense RPGs for me to get absorbed into, some of the more simple Wii games are quite fun, especially with friends or online. So far favourite games for the kids seem to include My Sims, Smash Bros Brawl, Chocobo's Dungeon and even the included Wii Sports. Its definately not as in depth as a PS3 or 360, but it was a good buy for $200. I also got my hands on a Nintendo DS, and so far it has lived up as well. I initially got it for Final Fantasy Tactics A2, but now I'm replaying the FF3j remake, as well as the FF4 one. Finding other titles such as Disgaea on the system also pleased me. I will get many many hours out of this one. I don't know what happened, but I've turned back into a Nintendo fanboy! haha...

[pikatsu]

Well, 360 is about 180€ right now, I seem to recall... Tempting, but I wonder, if I can even play with it with my 1980's tv. :p

[Locke Cole]

The 360 continues to decline in price thanks to Christmas coming. $179CAD on sale right now for the basic model... a huge jump to $299 though for adding a 60gb drive. The PS3 is still holding at $399 for an 80gb model. I shall wait.

My sister wants a DS now that I have one, might consider it as a christmas gift. Its a handy little console, so far gets my approval. Even acts as an oversized movie/mp3 player decently, but I don't need it for that :p

[Maskseller]

Nintendo. But it's because i'm addicted.... I Play since de Nintendo 8bits, and i always play all the classics to all consoles...
I need to play all Zelda's, i simply love them.... But the nintendo Strength comes from the portables... everybody knows it... Anyway... I Still trying to get my Wii.... i might not get it... but anyway... there's always hope xD
While nothing happens on my videogamer life... let's just pray for 50 % christmas sales xD