Unbiased Console War Advice?
May 13 '01 (Updated Dec 19 '01)
The Bottom Line Get all three, you'll be happy no matter what.
Yeah, is it actually possible to not take sides for this whole console war craze? I think it's possible. I'm not going to declare one big winner, because there probably won't be this year. I'm a gamer who believes in fun, and I'm hoping to advise you the reader, on which console is suitable for you without brainwashing you like some of the opinions I've seen on the Internet.
So here goes...the three big systems of this year: Xbox, Gamecube, and Playstation 2.
None of them will roll over and die, I guarantee it. They are all being backed by millions of dollars by some of the biggest corporations out there, Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony.
As a result, this years console wars are gonna get messy and will probably result in one of the most competitive years for video games. The question now is which system to get?
I remind you these are my impressions of the video game world this year and I’m not going to take any sides. I do however feel some consoles are suited for certain types of gamers, and I’m hoping to help you figure out which console is best for you.
Gamecube -
This is one of the big IFs of the year. Will Gamecube pull it off? Many video gamers say yes, and there’s been a consistent 40% of gamers on internet polls that are just waiting to buy this console. My worries and disappointments however are mainly from Nintendo’s release of the N64. They lost Square support, one of the crucial elements of success to the SNES, and as a result many RPG companies completely abandoned the N64. There was also the fact that the console utilized cartridges, which limited the amount of space. Mario 64, F-Zero 64, they weren’t what people expected. Some gamers were hoping N64 would have the success of SNES, and many became disappointed that F-Zero or Mario weren’t the revolutionary fun games that they anticipated. They became somewhat forgotten and lost under a power-hungry Playstation.
So can Gamecube rise above it all? I feel it may be able to, but I’m concerned about the lack of software companies willing to sign up with Nintendo. Sure there are many willing developers, Namco, Capcom, EA and Sega. But Gamecube is still missing some top developers such as Squaresoft and Konami. Konami has announced plans to possibly develop for the Gamecube but hasn’t made any commitments and isn’t willing to take its biggest hit, Metal Gear Solid and port it over to the Gamecube. This means that GC is coming this year having to do battle against what will no doubt be some of the hottest games of the year, FFX and MGS2. Nintendo will have to beat them with a perfect lineup of Metroid, Mario and Pokemon to take down the ultra-hyped games of this year. Will they be able to do it? Maybe, maybe not.
GC clearly however has excellent tech specs and will not falter in that area this time like it did with N64 being easily defeated by PS2. GC utilizes miniature DVDs, and boasts some pretty impressive polygon power for any of those who have seen the Metroid movies on the web. While they are simply mock ups of possible power, I feel they are accurate and that Nintendo is true to its word in the videos they released initially. GC has great chip companies developing some very powerful-custom chips that can utilize tons of effects. There is no doubt GC is more powerful than PS2 and possibly equal to the Xbox. I will however give highest marks to the Xbox, because it has the most established 3d-chip makers ever, Nvidia, and the GeForce3 probably is more powerful than GC chips.
What kind of gamer should you be to appreciate Gamecube? Well besides the die-hard Nintendo fan (and if you are one, more power to you) Gamecube will probably appeal to the Mario/Zelda fan. That means action-oriented games in 3D, and a passion for reliving the classics. Metriod, Zelda and Mario are going to be a 3D! Gasp! So if you’re not the type used to 3D games, utilizing the fancy controllers that have like D-Pad, joystick, and a billion buttons, you might not catch on to the GC as well either. Also if you are a Pokemon fan, this system is for you.
PlayStation 2 -
It nearly died last year with one of the most bombshell releases I’ve ever seen. It was ridiculously hyped about how PS2 would revolutionize the video game world with online-gaming, and graphics never seen before. It didn’t really do either sitting next to a Dreamcast that had anti-aliased games, while the PS2 suffered with development difficulties. It also to this day does not have an existing Internet infrastructure. However PS2 is looking to make a comeback and it’s definitely in the RPG market. If you are an RPG fan you must MUST MUST own a PS2 because FFX, Xenosaga (prequel to Xenogears!!) and definitely much, much more will be coming out for the PS2. Right now, it’s a pretty dead list, with only Dark Cloud, Summoner and other junk. However it’s getting better. With Enix’s long waited release of Dragon Warrior VII coming up on the PS, and PS2’s backwards compatibility, if you are an RPG fan, this is a must get. PS2’s going to shine with the software that’s coming out this year, not to mention MGS2. It’s gonna be a real hit, and especially with a price cut of $100, down to $199, it’ll be tough to beat. If you recall the early PS years, the original PS came out way too soon and had crappy games. However with the advent of FF7, it became a total hit, tons of publishers signed up and the final PS games were looking amazing. PS2 may have that type of wonder to it, and I won’t be surprised if this completely dominates this year.
So what type of gamer should you be? RPG or sports. PS2 started immediately with a nice set of sports games, Madden football, and some great snowboarding games, as well as the upcoming GT2000 with makes GT3 look like utter crap. It started with a strong appeal on sports and will definitely finish with excellent sports games. Gamers should be patient and wait till Christmas, PS2 may be one of the biggest hits this year.
What PS2 is missing unfortunately are those action-hit wonders that Nintendo will have. But then again GC will be missing all those RPGs that Square and Enix will release. So, once again it really depends on what kind of gamer you are.
Xbox -
This system may be the system to drag PC gamers off their computers and may also convince some PS2 gamers to defect over. The reason why? Pure tech power. Xbox is no doubt the most powerful system of this year. It has a custom designed GeForce3 chip. If you’ve seen any of the screenshots for any Xbox game there are no jaggies, or pixilated edges. It’s all super sharp beautiful stuff.
And Xbox will also be no loser in the software section. Expect lots of PC developers to side with the Xbox, because it’s easy to convert to. Western RPG developers (Black Isle), sports game developers and even Konami and Metal Gear X have lined up for the Xbox. Xbox will definitely have good games with it and if all goes as planned, it’ll be a hit as well. With excellent DVD playback, Xbox will double as a real DVD player and a game system, something that the PS2 didn’t quite do so well.
Gamer type? Definitely must have a love for 3d games. Xbox is going to be mainly stuff like Serious Sam, or Neverwinter Nights, or any of those great PC games out there that use tons of 3d technology. You’ll definitely see some many PC games ported onto the Xbox, except in a more PC-free environment, with a controller in hand (instead of a keyboard) and a nice big TV instead of a tiny crappy monitor. I think that the fact that it’s a console will make a huge difference, since the Xbox, unlike the PC will not crash.
Xbox-looking fans should be a bit cautious however. The Xbox has not gotten enough press release, and some folks are judging it before they even see the game lineup. Some have spit the words “Microsoft” with disgust, and it’s possible this console may die due to lack of popular support. It’s all down to E3 and what gaming magazines will forecast. If they give Xbox a favorable outlook, this system may take a big portion of PC gamers and others. If not, this may be another Dreamcast. Be a bit cautious and wait to see what kind of a lineup Xbox will come up with.
Bottom Line –
This year’s console war is going to be brutal. However the bonus is that each system has a style that appeals to a certain type of gamers. The line is clearly distinguished between GC’s classic-action selection, PS2’s RPG selection, and Xbox’s PC selection. My advice is to go for the games you like. Having the best graphics and no fun games to play means you’ve just blown your money to be cool for a day. Buy with an idea of what games you’ll be getting. I know for me, Xenosaga and FFX will probably win me over.
Thanks for reading,
-t13monkeys
UPDATE
In an unusual twist of fate, all 3 consoles actually seem to be doing well, Xbox hasn't magically disappeared and Nintendo hasn't screwed up, good games are appearing in the lineup. In addition PS2 is still king, with some 6.5 million units sold, and likely to dominate for at least one more year. Whooo turns out to be a great year for all gamers, so feel free now to get any one of these systems.
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