Next-gen debate thread

[noctuary]

So what are you going to go with?

I'd say that all of the consoles have their advantages and disadvantages. The "virtual console" of the Wii is a huge draw for me. Being able to play all of those old NES and SNES games is very promising. However, the gimmicky controller is a big turn off for me. The PS3 is very expensive, yet heavy third party support is practically guaranteed. The 360... well, I'm sure it'll have lots of pretty FPS games. In the end, I'll most likely just wait to see which system ends up with the most JRPGs, as that's what I primarily play.

Your thoughts?

[Dante'sInferno]

I'm going with the PS3,because it will be revolutinary...








Werd

[_____V_____]

PS3...more options.

[The_Return]

Definatly the Wii, although the name desperatly needs to be changed. Like Noct, the built in emulator is a huge turn on for me, however I like the sounds of the controller.

I agree with the Nintendo spokepeople: Video games should put fun and innovation first. PS3 and 360 seem more concerned with the hardware, which I couldnt care less about.

[mothermold]

Probably the PS3(after I wait at least a year),paying top price is just nuts in my mind.

[Dante'sInferno]

Better Hardware=Better games.I will buy the PS3,Er....word of advice kids...dont EVER do drugs.Cause then you can't play games like their going out of stlye like i can.:)

[_____V_____]

The Wii has a really wierd controller. PS3 on the other hand, has a pretty neat one which I dig. :D

[Jacob Singer]

Man it deppends, as a big fan of Silent Hill saga I will expect until Konami saids for what new platform will appear the Silent Hill 5, 'cause they had said that they will do it for the best one.

[_____V_____]

Game titles confirmed or speculated for PS3

Dated :- 05 June 2006


PlayStation 3 Exclusive Titles:

- Eight days
- 5th Phantom Saga (Confirmation)
- 6GUN II
- Afrika
- Angel Rings
- Black Blade
- Blade Storm: Hundred Years War
- Bomberman
- Coded Arms Assault (Confirmation)
- Dark RPG (Working Title)
- Derby Stallion
- Devil May Cry 4 (Confirmation)
- Driver
* Endless Saga (Confirmation)
- EyeDentify
- Fatal Inertia (Confirmation)
- Final Fantasy XIII
- Final Fantasy XIII Versus
- Formula 1
- Full Auto 2 (Confirmation)
- Genji 2
- Gradius
- Grand Turismo 5
- Guan Yu Project (Dynasty Warriors 6)
- Heavenly Sword
- Hot Shots Golf 5
- Iron and the Maiden
- Jack and Dexter
- Killzone 3
- Lair
- Metal Gear Solid 4 (Confirmation)
- MMORPG from Square-Enix (Working Title)
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam World
- Monster Hunter 3
- Monster Kingdom
- Motor Storm
- Naughty Dog (Working Title)
- Ni-Oh
- Omikron 2
- Ratchet and Clank 5
- Redwood Falls
- Resistance: Fall of Man
- Ridge Racer 7 (Confirmation)
- Rockstar Old West Title (Working Title)
- Romance of the Three Kingdoms
- Tekken 6
- The Eye of Judgment (Working title)
- The Getaway
* The Wall
* Unreal Tournament 2007 (Confirmation)
- Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom
- Virtual Fighter 5 (Confirmation)
- WarDevil Enigma (Confirmation)
- Warhawk
- Way of the Samurai 3

Random Japanese Titles:

- Shin Megami Tensei
- Makai Wars
- Super Robot Taisen
- Shin Ten Makai VI
- Sunrise Eiyuutan
- Shinseiki GPX Cyber Formula
- Jikkyou Powerful Pro Yakyuu

Uncertain if in Development:

- Final Fantasy VII (possibility)
- God of War 3
- Kingdom Heart 3
- Shadow of the Colossus 2
- Zone of the Enders 3

Uncertain Titles (may be multi-platform):

+ Assassin's Creed
+ Heavy Rain
+ Mercenaries 2: World in Flames
+ Need for Speed: Carbon




{{{ PS3 Exclusive (-) }}}
{{{ PS3 and PC (*) }}}
{{{ May be multi-platform (+) }}}

[_____V_____]

Dated :- 08 June 2006


Ken Kutaragi, the creator of PlayStation, has spoken once again about the PS3's likeness to a PC.

In an interview with technology site Impress Watch, he joked that the PS3 could be "built to order". Of course, he conceded, this would cause manufacturing and distribution problems.

But his words do show that the PS3 has been designed as an upgradable system. The first signs of this surfaced when Sony clarified that any memory card reader, wi-fi adapter and hard disk drive could be added to the PS3. Whilst at first the $500 seemed unattractive with its stripped down features, now many feel that saving $100 is a worthwhile path to follow if you want to put in your own high-capacity hard drive, and are not concerned with wi-fi or memory card readers.

But Kutaragi took this a step further, suggesting that the PS3 could be changed significantly, as long as the base specification stays the same to keep it compatible with all games. After all, "All configurations are the PS3," he said.

Kutaragi also discussed the importance of first party development. He felt that first party titles have to set a high standard in order to bring confidence to the third party developers.

[noctuary]

Sweet! I'm glad that there's going to be a Shin Megami Tensei game on the PS3. I'll definitely be getting one now, as I can't miss an installment of my favorite series.

[_____V_____]

Dated - 10th June 2006


The looks of the PS3 are finally out. Both the 60GB and the 20GB versions look practically the same, but the ports and the connections differ slightly. The controller is the same. For a detailed look, check this :-

Images of the Playstation 3 (http://www.ps3land.com/article-338.php)




Answers to some common questions :-


Will PS3 play PS2 and PS1 games?
Ken Kutaragi has confirmed 100%% backwards compatibility with PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games. The PS3 will upscale legacy games into high definition, much like the Xbox 360 does with original Xbox games.


What will the PS3 look like?
The PS3 design was unveiled at Sony’s E3 conference. It has an “outward feel” compared to the Xbox 360’s “inward feel”. The console's dimensions are: 325mm (W) x 98mm (H) x 274mm (D). This in contrast to the PS2 design is much larger and is closer in size to the original Xbox in size. The console’s “outward” design gives it a larger footprint for the console to stand vertically on its own without an add-on stand. The drive bay sits on the right side like the PS2 but instead of using a tray the discs slide into the drive much like a car CD player. Also the drive sits slightly back in the design giving the console a reminiscent look to the original Nintendo Entertainment System. Finally, the console has the words “PlayStation 3” across the side in a font that is very close to the font used in Sony Pictures’ Spiderman movie.


How powerful will the PS3 be?
On paper, the PS3 is 2x more powerful than the Xbox 360 and 15x more powerful than the Nintendo Revolution is predicted to be. It has a processing capacity of 2.18 TFLOPS, which is put into context when you realise that some of the fastest computers in existence can only do 36 Terraflops. It is said to be 35x more powerful than the PlayStation 2 is.

At E3 2006, Sony showed off a large number of playable games. Whilst they all looked impressive, many who were present could not see a big difference in terms of visuals between the PS3 and Xbox 360. However, Gran Turismo HD far surpassed anything seen before, as it was demonstrated in 1080p at 60 frames per second.


Will PS3 games be playable online?
PS3 games will be playable online, and the "basic" service will be free. This may be a similar system to Xbox 360's Silver and Gold services, but Kutaragi did suggest the basic service would allow games to be played online. Extra online services will include the ability to download games, music and high definition videos to the hard drive.


Is the hard drive required?
Yes the hard drive will be required, and it will be included with every PlayStation 3 unit. One package will include a 20GB hard drive, whilst the more expensive SKU will include a 60GB hard drive.


Whats the specification?
The 20GB and 60GB config have different specifications.
The 20GB does not include and HDMI port, a memory card reader or WiFi support. Both, however, support the bluetooth controller and high definition output (the 20GB will be able to do with through component cables).

More details about specifications of both models can be found here (http://www.ps3land.com/article-356.php)




Game Sequences of PS3 games can be found here (http://www.ps3land.com/article-383.php) and here (http://www.ps3land.com/article-382.php)

[mothermold]

The link with the pics provided featured a controller that looks just like the PS2 controller,I swear I've seen the PS3 controller in mags and it resembled more of a boomerang....or was that Nintendo?:confused:

[_____V_____]

Originally posted by mothermold
The link with the pics provided featured a controller that looks just like the PS2 controller,I swear I've seen the PS3 controller in mags and it resembled more of a boomerang....or was that Nintendo?:confused:

No, you are right MM. Its the PS3 controller alrite. It was the initial concept controller which Sony had made when launching the PS3 for the very first time. But they re-designed it into the PS2-controller shape later before the E3 expo, so that people will find it easier to handle as its similar to the PS2 design.

The boomerang controller was criticised by many as the biggest drawback for the PS3, so Sony hurriedly ran back to the PS2 controller design and remodelled it a bit into the new PS3 controller.

The previous one looked like this :-

[_____V_____]

This is a comprehensive list of games slotted to be released for the PS3 (most have been confirmed, but not all) :-

Games for the PS3 (http://www.ps3portal.com/mods/gamelist2.php)




Nintendo : Graphics do not increase Gaming Population

27 May 2006


It has been no secret that Nintendo is not trying very hard to win the graphics war this generation. Their hottest upcoming product, the Wii console, has long been attacked for having the weakest graphics capabilities, out of the three competitors fighting to be console war winner.

In an interview with EuroGamer TV, Nintendo UK's David Yarnton, sheds some light on the Wii's target market, Nintendo's goals and hardware choices.

Yarnton claims the current success of the Nintendo DS is due to the fact that it simplifies gaming and attracts non gamers. During the interview, he pointed out that the current worldwide gaming market has been going stagnant, with the UK's "market penetration [not going past] 30% in the [last] 6 years". He attributed this lack of market growth to the fact that non-gamers feel that game controls have become too complicated.

"[...] the touch screen, voice control, all [those] sorts of things made it easy, and I think that's progression we've now moved to Wii", he said, before adding that Nintendo wants to "make things easy for non-gamers, but as complicated as you want for people who are gamer fans."

It is this goal of increasing the current gaming population that has prompted Nintendo to opt for interesting gameplay. "If we only are a second console, if we only [target] same market as out opposition, we probably haven't done our job. What we're looking for is outside of that second console, we're looking at the other 70% of the market that actually don't own a videogame console", he said.

This does not echo the statements of Microsoft's Peter Moore and Sony's Phil Harrison, both of whom have claimed that consumers will surely buy a Wii in addition to his company's product.

When asked about Nintendo's choice to be the only console which does not offer High-def graphics this generation, Yarnton commented that having the best graphics will not help Nintendo reach their market expansion ambitions. In what may turn out to be a hotly debated answer, he questioned, "If the graphics and power of a machine or a console was what was going to increase the market, every time a new console had come out, why hasn't the market increased beyond that 30% household penetration?"

Yarnton does not think that graphics are the key to getting non-gamers to purchase consoles, answering his own question with, "[Graphics and power are] really not the obvious answer because otherwise [the market] would've grown. They don't need that- what they are looking for is something innovative, they are looking for better game play, looking for easy game play, and complicated game play." He believes that Nintendo has struck the right balance between graphics and game play with the Wii.

Will the Wii console revolutionize gaming and appeal to those who have yet to own a console? Conflicting speculation has been rampant; with most optimistic that Nintendo will grab a large chunk of the market. For now, we wish Nintendo the best of luck in their bid for market domination.

[Hate_Breeder]

Whats all this talk of the Wii

I thought it was called the Nintendo Revolution?

[The_Return]

Originally posted by Hate_Breeder
Whats all this talk of the Wii

I thought it was called the Nintendo Revolution?

Revolution was the project title, just like Gamecube was known as Dolphin before it had an official name.

[crippler666]

The PS3 is not that expensive if you look at the bigger picture

The Wii is gonna be the cheapest at around the £250 or there abouts

But it is gonna run into big problems within a short space of time....

Its storage capacity of media will almost kill most conversions within a year:

PS3 Bluray: 27-54 gig per disk
XBox 360 HD-DVD: 14-28 gig per disk
Wii: 4.7-9 gig per disk

So converting some of the larger games from around the 20 gig mark is going to be impossible, this means only the likes of the 2d beat 'em ups and smaller companies will develope for them.

Take into account that you may end up having to buy a Bluray or HD-DVD player if they take off, with the loss of major games I feel the Wii is doomed which is a pity as the games for Nintendo will be awesome.

Microsoft have pulled the biggest fast one ever and until they announce it most 360 owners have over looked it. Next year there are addons planned for the 360.

Which at first looks like a good thing, but it isnt from a price point of view.

HD-DVD Drive £150-200
Hard Drive £50-80
Memory Upgrade £50-80

Now I know he has only just hinted at the last one, but the others are going to be a must and it is the same thing as with the Wii.

Do you think developers will make 2 versions for the same console? No they will make 1 version, GTA IV will be out in around a years time and will probably take up around 20 gig, most 360 owneres will be forced into buying at least the HD-DVD to play this game and there will be more to come.

If you add the price of all the addons together £250 and add that to the £289 model which you do need for the addons to workyou get a £539 price tag AT LEAST.

So Sony have been honest and upfront about a price and have the largest storage capacity allowing for more varied scenery, larger games and the developer a chance to release a game that isnt cut down because of storage space.

The PS3 has some amazing looking, varied, original line up for its release. I just hope that many just dont see the price tag rather than what the machine can do....

[_____V_____]

If you already know this, skip it.

If you dont, check it out.


PS3 official US website (http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3)


PS3 official European website (http://eu.playstation.com/ps3/)

[IDrinkYourBlood]

PS3 is the only way to go.

[Violent Messiah]

Originally posted by crippler666
The PS3 is not that expensive if you look at the bigger picture

The Wii is gonna be the cheapest at around the �250 or there abouts

But it is gonna run into big problems within a short space of time....

Its storage capacity of media will almost kill most conversions within a year:

PS3 Bluray: 27-54 gig per disk
XBox 360 HD-DVD: 14-28 gig per disk
Wii: 4.7-9 gig per disk

So converting some of the larger games from around the 20 gig mark is going to be impossible, this means only the likes of the 2d beat 'em ups and smaller companies will develope for them.

Take into account that you may end up having to buy a Bluray or HD-DVD player if they take off, with the loss of major games I feel the Wii is doomed which is a pity as the games for Nintendo will be awesome.

Microsoft have pulled the biggest fast one ever and until they announce it most 360 owners have over looked it. Next year there are addons planned for the 360.

Which at first looks like a good thing, but it isnt from a price point of view.

HD-DVD Drive �150-200
Hard Drive �50-80
Memory Upgrade �50-80

Now I know he has only just hinted at the last one, but the others are going to be a must and it is the same thing as with the Wii.

Do you think developers will make 2 versions for the same console? No they will make 1 version, GTA IV will be out in around a years time and will probably take up around 20 gig, most 360 owneres will be forced into buying at least the HD-DVD to play this game and there will be more to come.

If you add the price of all the addons together �250 and add that to the �289 model which you do need for the addons to workyou get a �539 price tag AT LEAST.

So Sony have been honest and upfront about a price and have the largest storage capacity allowing for more varied scenery, larger games and the developer a chance to release a game that isnt cut down because of storage space.

The PS3 has some amazing looking, varied, original line up for its release. I just hope that many just dont see the price tag rather than what the machine can do....

Yikes...Where to start?

OK, you talk about how Sony's Blu Ray disks hold more info then the X360 and Wiis disks, which is true...But no one needs it yet, and probably won't for awhile. No developer I know of, not cutting a Sony promo sound bite that is, has ever complained that a DVD was too small for their vision os a game.Not enough RAM, not a fast enough processor, sure...But no one's demanding more space yet. This includes Rockstar, BTW, who hasn't said word one that their game for the X360 will be on a HD DVD...Hell, they won't even release the damn setting for the game yet.

Then you speak of Microsoft's 'fast one' with the reported add ons like they were surprises...Although this new memory unit is a surprise, and a bit of a mystery as well since at can't seem to find any info on it on any of the gaming sites I visit. The larger hard drive was always an option for those that managed to fill up their 20 gigs and wanted more, and if HD DVD does take off, then a player might be made available and it will be made optional to buy. If a consumer doesn't want or need these things, they save money and don't buy them, simple as that. However, with Sony, you buy one version or the other and that's it...Either buy the gimped cheaper version or the decked out more expensive model, but whichever you buy, you're stuck with. No detachable hard drive, so no upgrading, and win or lose, you are stuck with Blu Ray.

I don't care how much someone tries to spin things in Sony's favor, but $499-$599 for a system and a possible $69-$79 a game is an awful lot to pay for a format that the odds of it succeeding aren't a sure thing at all. Better to make an investment that you MIGHT have to invest more in eventually then take the risk of blowing more cash for something that could turn out to be completely unnecessary.

[cheebacheeba]

I think it's obvious by now that ps3 will be in the lead when it comes to power. IF it's also compatible with ps2 and ps1 games, it'll have the largest library.

x360 will no doubt have some interesting updates available, and continue releasing games that appeal to a wide market as the first xbox did, but, I believe the ps3 will be capable of more.

The wii wins out on innovation, the controller can do some FUNKY stuff, and this system brings back the oldskool at an affordable price. Not to mention, if nintendo can get a few NEW releases out there too...I think this system could be killer...not in terms of power maybe, but definately in terms of fun.
Oldskool gaming wins this one my personal favour.

They're all powerful...I think it's just up to personal gaming preference.

[crippler666]

I agree with that it should be optional.... But if its to be believed here is your choice for 360 owners:

a) Halo 3 with HD-DVD

b) no HD-DVD and no Halo 3

I believe that if that is the case Microsoft have shot themselves in the foot.....

As for price increases it is for certain games, it will be down to software companies to decide on price.... So if no one buys the games at the higher price, then they will be forced to drop prices.

I remember certain Mega Drive and Super Nintendo games coming in at simular prices, I know that it seems harsh but I will only pay that price for a game I know I will enjoy.

Companies spend hours programming games and then have to try and cram it onto a disk.... Some games have already been put onto dual layer disks, they approach the 7-8 gig mark, especially on console that doesnt normally use up alot of hard drive space..... So new consoles, more power, better textures and high resolution will mean more capacity needed.

I believe we are finally reaching a point where repetitive graphics, poor character interaction and graphical glitching will be make or break of a game / system, if this is so then companies will have to program and test differently. Aswell I believe this will take up more space on a disk.

Sony will most likely win, mainly because of variety of games and a strong back catalogue. Also free games with the console may well turn some heads. The only problem I see is if people hold off expecting a price reduction, I cant see them dropping price for over 1 year (I believe the console will be worth it), aswell you know that Sony will not release another console for at least 7 years whilst its competitors will probably release another console within 5 years.

Microsoft will come a closer second, but due to the add ons being as optional as PC upgrades (if you wanna play a new game in anything other than low-medium spec decent graphics card every year). Coupled with most games coming out being FPS and some driving games (I know other games come out, but these are the genres that Microsoft push).

Wii I think will come a more respectable third (closer than the Cube came to Sony & Microsoft), cheap software will help aswell alot of the retro style games that come out for PS2 will be coming to the Wii. However not using a high storage capacity is where the problem falls. Games will not be ported to the system when difference in storage becomes so great, or it will get rushed ports.

[_____V_____]

Some latest news on the PS3 front :- (if you already know this, skip it)

Sony has demonstrated an online service called "PlayStation Network" to support its upcoming PlayStation3 (PS3) video game console.

The "PlayStation Network" uses a navigation system already available on Sony's hand held game player, the PlayStation Portable (PSP). The new service will offer multiplayer gaming, chat, voice or video communication, downloadable gaming content like weapons or maps, and the ability to shop at the online PlayStation Store.

The online PlayStation Store will allow users to download game demos, game-related content, and downloadable casual games, including titles developed by Sony Computer Entertainment World Wide Studios exclusively for download and play only on PS3.

While online play, chat, and other basic features will be offered absolutely free from day one, the users will have to pay to download some content. The downloadable games provided by Sony's units will cost less than $15 at launch.

Moreover, users will be able to create a unique and secure PlayStation profile to communicate with other PS3 users, and use an electronic wallet to buy online content. Shoppers will be able to add PlayStation Store funds from their credit cards or gift card-like PS3 Cards to their accounts.

In addition, gamers will be able to browse the Web, store and view pictures and video, as well as download and listen to music on the console. The Web browser will be included with the PS3, and will be free of charge.

[Geddy]

I'm going to get a wii but I might wait a year or 2 so it won't be to expensive.The new Zelda looks wicked.

[Despare]

I have the first pre-order for a PS3 at the Gamestop in my area so if they only get one it's mine. I can't wait to get it... and sell it on EBay. Sure it's a cool system and I always have to have all the systems but I have a 360. I can wait for the next shipment of PS3s. Besides, I just read that Sony isn't even shipping component cables or an HDMI cable with the PS3 so to get HD I'll have to spend another $30-$50 just for a cable.

[Vodstok]

I think it's obvious by now that ps3 will be in the lead when it comes to power. IF it's also compatible with ps2 and ps1 games, it'll have the largest library.

x360 will no doubt have some interesting updates available, and continue releasing games that appeal to a wide market as the first xbox did, but, I believe the ps3 will be capable of more.

The wii wins out on innovation, the controller can do some FUNKY stuff, and this system brings back the oldskool at an affordable price. Not to mention, if nintendo can get a few NEW releases out there too...I think this system could be killer...not in terms of power maybe, but definately in terms of fun.
Oldskool gaming wins this one my personal favour.

They're all powerful...I think it's just up to personal gaming preference.
CHEEBACHEEBAS BACK! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!


Oh, and to all of you..... Heathens and heretics the lot of you. PC is and always will be the best so :p

They can port all of your titles to pc, but they can't port all of our titles to console.... At least not well.

[_____V_____]

CHEEBACHEEBAS BACK! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!

Actually, his post is dated 11th July, Vod.

[Vodstok]

this year though, that account had been dead and gone for a while...

[_____V_____]

Latest on the PS3 games front :-

Most/All games will be priced at $59.82. They have included these at Wal-Mart till the end of 2006 :-

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
Sonic the Hedgehog PS3 version
Genji: Days of the Blade
Call of Duty 3
Resistance: Fall of Man
F.E.A.R. PS3 version
Virtua Fighter 5
Timeshift
The Darkness
Stranglehold
Bladestorm: Hundred Years War
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom
Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII
Madden NFL 07
Need for Speed Carbon
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07
Ridge Racer 7
MotorStorm
Full Auto 2: Battlelines
Fight Night Round 3
NBA 07
NBA 2K7
NHL 2K7
Virtua Tennis 3
NBA Live 07
Tony Hawk's Project 8
Fatal Inertia

[_____V_____]

hmm...I am still undecided about asking for the PS3 from my folks for Christmas. But it comes with more options than the Wii and 360, although I personally love the 360...

oh well...I might decide by the first week of December hopefully...:o