Feb 17, 2008, 1:36:05PM, Your mentality on the "Console Wars"

Thought I'd post this because I haven't really discussed it elsewhere or with any actual gamers. How does everyone feel about the "Console Wars" and the mentality behind it? Do you participate in these wars and what are your reasonings for taking sides on specific companies? As well as the higher up's (CEO) decisions being made as far as your systems are concerned? For example: Do you like the new additions and upgrades being added? or functionality (backwards compatibility being removed for PS3) issues?


Working in a Video Game Store I see the kinds of people that come in. Hardcore Sony, Hardcore Microsoft, Casual Gamers who could care less, Those waiting to see what system is going to have the best options after the console wars, and Wii Families. I don't have much to say on the subject other than "Penis Envy" (if you get my drift).

Once someone gets something new they brag about it because they think they are awesome beyond their control, usually they get stuck in this mindset and don't want to be open to new things.

Here are my thoughts/facts on the systems:

The Playstation 3 has incredible graphics (which are under utilized by gaming companies most games run in 720 and no 1080p), but is last in the console wars. Not having many games that will be PS3 only, the PS3 is suffering in that aspect (considering all the popular games on the PS2 are now finishing their stories on the 360). PS3 has a lot of catching up to do and at the moment it's a $600... err $500..err $400 paperweight. The good thing is that it has a blue ray player and is cheaper than an actual blue ray system. That is one of the main reasons we see any sales on them at all. With the release of MGS and Little Big Planet we may be seeing the PS3 pickup a bit.

The X-box 360 has a little less than the PS3 as far as graphics are concerned, but always run their games in full 1080p. The 360 also has a vast amount of original and PS3 titles already on the system. It comes with three different packages, the Arcade and Pro system are by far cheaper than the PS3 (which really helps it's case and the PS3 has had numerous price drops to attempt to fix this). The majority of the systems themselves had a 3-6 month game play age range and after that many people got the red ring of death (most of the time it was due to improper care, having the system upright and jammed next to their TV, it needs AIR people!). Although Microsoft claims to have fixed this in their Elite systems and newer models after October, I keep hearing nothing short of fantastic things about their customer support.

The Wii is nothing short of incredible, although it doesn't have much as far as gameplay options (everyone needs to get over the hype of the innovative controls). The early games on the Wii didn't utilize the entire system and people just made games to use the remote. Slowly we are seeing a major change in the way Wii games are played. The Wii is a family system, it's like "board game night" and is actually bringing people together. The majority of Wii owners are families (with Kids under 10) and seniors (over the age of 60), Senior centers and physical therapy clinics are also using the system to get older people moving and for physical rehabilitation. It is second in the Console wars, but I don't even think Nintendo is trying to compete with the PS3 and 360. Honestly, we are out of the "trial" phase of this system and gaming companies are starting to utilize the controls a bit better. I think gamers have allot to look forward to with this new system (with Brawl and Mario Kart just around the corner).

Feb 16, 2008, 1:46:25PM, HOW MANY PWN'd POINTS DO YOU HAVE?

446 and I have only been here one day! I posted a crap load of reviews and stuff. I love it here.

Feb 15, 2008, 5:10:08PM, Last game you beat?

Mass Effect (1st run through)