Gamecube Competition
Alright, this may have been released a tad bit late, but nonetheless, here are the Top 12 Games/Consoles for Christmas! This list is in no particular order.
Gamecube
Nintendo surprised us all with the unveiling of the Nintendo GameCube. Prior to Spaceworld, there was a mass of jumbled rumors circulating around the gaming world, such as the name, online play, DVD playing capabilities, and such. But now that Spaceworld has put most of our minds at ease, what’s in it for the future?
Strengths
Nintendo has just about everything on their side. One of the most important factors is it’s games. I mean, can you imagine what Nintendo’s Internal Systems would do with such immense power? Just by looking at the demonstrations shown at Spaceworld 2000, we can already see that Nintendo has alot of great looking games in the works. You can expect all of your favorite games and characters to be making scheduled appearances on Gamecube. Hopefully we may see some more teen-orientated software; Perfect Dark has already taken a step in that direction.
But enough about EAD. Nintendo also has a sleuth of second party developers, so we won’t be seeing everything Shigeru Miyamotyo orientated. Companies such as Rare and NST. More can be found on Developers in the, well, you guessed, Developers section.
Although Nintendo may not seem like a major player, they have the experience (100+ years), high quality games (Mario, Zelda, Banjo, etc…) which will keep gamers coming back for more.
Weaknesses
The Nintendo 64 came out flying, with Super Mario 64. Then after a month, PilotWings 64 and Crusin’ USA, after about another three weeks, Wave Race 64. Fortunately, Nintendo has looked backed on their Nintendo 64 mistakes from a learning point of view, and is focusing on not making the same mistake with the Gamecube. We have already seen demos of games, and some development houses have been put to work well over a year ago, so we’ll be seeing some good quality games at launch. What’s ironic is that the Nintendo 64 sales slumped in their homeland, while in North America, the system never slowed down. Sega and PS2 have already put their system into millions of homes, which means that Nintendo is going to have to figure out (which I’m sure they have done) and say “what can we offer to gamers that will make tear them away from their PS2’s”.
Overall
Nintendo says it would like to release the system in October 2001; but looking back on Nintendo’s history, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was released just before Christmas. I think that if Nintendo can see what they need to improve and act on it, all the pieces are already there; they’re just going to have to fall into place.
Sega DreamCast
Sega was the first of the next-generation systems to take the leap, and their DreamCast is doing quite well, but looking into the future, Sega DreamCast will be just that-a dream.
Strengths
Sega has a good reputation for their games, and the DreamCast does not falter in this area. Traditionally a fighting/sports company, Sega has managed to produce some amazing RPG titles, like Skies of Arcadia. Sega has also launched a ton of other games, such as NFL 2K1 which has online playing capabilities; a major plus over Madden 2001 for the PS2. SegaNet is now up and running, and it is a major hit. Sega is quickly earning a fantastic reputation for offering a great, reliable service that has signed on more than 100,000 members! Sega has a major plus over the other consoles, and it will be interesting in seeing which new direction Sega will take it’s new innovative technology.
Weaknesses
Sega has entered the next generation la numero uno, which means that they are going to have to keep up on current technology. Other consoles will be getting their online services up soon, and Sega is going to have to figure out what they’re going to offer gamers as an alternative to PS2. Since the big internal split up which had their 10 AM teams go different directions, some development houses have expressed interest in developing for other consoles!
Overall
I really didn’t mean to sound so negative in the previous mention. Sega is actually doing quite well right now; SegaNet is up and running, Tony Hawk 2 is pumping, NFL 2K1 is gathering football junkies from around the world and the PS2 hasn’t even affected good ‘ol hardnosed Sega.
PlayStation 2
Most people agree that Sony’s success is inevitable, but what about the games?
Strengths
With the PlayStation still going strong against its official opposition: Nintendo 64, and PlayStation 2 duking it out with the DreamCast and poised to wash up on American shores, some are already predicting a complete blowout. Says one reader of EGM: “I don’t mean to bash Sega, but I think Sony has already conquered the market. I have never seen anything like it before.” In which he was referring to the recent calls that Sony has been giving to distributors such as Electronics Boutique to cancel pre-orders for PlayStation 2. “The prebooking’s have exceeded available units to be distributed in Canada.”
PS2 is a well-known word to gamers, which explains the lack of commercials. PS2 is saving up their cash reserves to duke it out with the Gamecube and X Box when they arrive.
Weaknesses
I, for one, am skeptical. I mean, we haven’t even seen the potential of X-Box and Dolphin, and here we are talking about how Sony is going to conquer the market (I know the Evil Empire won’t let that happen). And, as Kaz Hirai, COO of SCEA, quotes “PlayStation 2…is not the future of video gaming entertainment. PlayStation 2 is the future of entertainment, period.” Sony had magnificent looking games at the launch, but they certainly didn’t play better. Companies released some mediocre titles that just aren’t worth mentioning, and with prices hitting sky-high (1000 big ones on Ebay) and X Box looming ahead, Sony is going to have to figure out how to keep gamers coming back.
Overall
Internet connectivity is going to play a large part in Sony’s plans as well, so we’ll no doubt be seeing online communities for PS2 fans. Adding on to this, the company has also decided to manufacture a hard drive bay incorporated into the PS2. The US PS2 will not require the use of a memory card to store its DVD player software. PlayStation 2 is quite on track for its October 26th launch with a price tag of $399.99 , which includes the system, a Dual Shock 2, A/V power cords. Also, be prepared for Spaceworld 2000, in which Sony will be showing off some of its next-generation titles, such as Metal Gear Solid 2.
X-Box
It lies there…The sleeping giant…Ready to make its move…Watching…Waiting… But…I’m afraid that the X-Box is still well over a year away. Microsoft’s booth at E3 wasn’t nearly as big as Nintendo’s or Sony’s, but we got a few glimpses of the future of technology. During a behind-doors conference seminar at E3, Microsoft plans to set their system on a new standard of gaming not only graphically, but in a field that people rarely take a second glance at (figuratively), but has a major impact on the game: audibility.
Strengths
X-Box demonstrated its ability to move through all sorts of music genre’s (seamlessly, I might add) to give the system the functionality to add “living” soundtracks to the game, where the music moves at a smooth pace throughout the game and changes in tune to the action on the screen. Box development kits are being distributed so that game designers have plenty of time to get working on games for the anticipated fall 2001 launch.
One thing that I might add is the power behind X-Box: Microsoft. I mean, you’re looking at a company that has had years of experience with consumers, releases, pricing and Internet. This is the kind of power you want behind your system. I can’t wait to try out an online community run by Microsoft! However, Microsoft has waded into unknown waters, plus a field where they wouldn’t have that much knowledge on (compared to Nintendo and Sega, who have been in the business for the last 15 years.)
Weaknesses
We haven’t even seen the real potential of X Box yet. A couple of game demos, but that’s about it. But the real dilemma facing Microsoft is the fact that most people will size up X Box as a PC port machine. Microsoft may have hefty support of PC developers, but we’re going to see what they can do with a new gaming machine.
Overall
So, with all this taken for granted, who knows what the future lies ahead for X-Box. One thing is for certain, though; I know I won’t be disappointed.