Which one should I put on my list?

Thursday November 23, 2006 at 12:29 am | Filed under Gadgetry, Gaming

Whichconsole

I’ve been all over the map on my views of what “next generation” game console you should have in your home. Ideally it would be wonderful to own them all. The PS3 has a lot of bells and whistles that might even justify the cost, the Wii has all kinds of originality that makes it attractive to everyone, and the Xbox 360 has a year head start on both of its rivals. With all the holiday hub bub, I thought I’d just let everyone know how my experience is going.

On June 5th of this year, I bought an Xbox 360. I have since logged many many hours on it, and I have actually found my self complimenting Microsoft for its work on more than one occasion. I’ve found that that online portion is so well done, and so seamlessly intertwined with the offline experience (Leaderboards, Achievements, Friends, etc.) that it’s a totally different experience than yesterday’s consoles, PS2 and the original Xbox included. I can’t speak enough about the online community that is built and waiting for anyone who gets a 360, and most of the online features are free! The only thing you have to pay a small monthly fee for is the ability to actually play online with friends, all of the stats and the chatting is free.

One thing I’d like to see improve on the Xbox front is the variety of games offered. Sure, there’s a wide variety, but the ones I miss are the crazy-artsy-clever titles, like Katamari Damacy, Ico, and Shadow of the Collossus. I’m sure they’ll get there, but they’re not there yet. It also wouldn’t hurt to at least attempt to tap the party console market that the Wii will certainly enjoy. It’s something that the Live Arcade games seem to accomplish a bit better than the store-bought games.

Now it’s important to keep in mind that I haven’t spent a whole lotta time with the PS3 and the Wii, just a little in store experience and even less at last year’s E3. But I have read a whole lot on both of them and it doesn’t seem like they’ve paid attention to building an online community as much as the Xbox has. Not to mention some blockbuster titles that are heading the 360’s way (Mass Effect, for one, looks amazing!).

I don’t think you really can lose with any of these consoles, but I would certainly recommend the Xbox 360 based on my experience with it over the last 5 1/2 months. Choose whichever you want, but if you get an 360, look me up online!

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2 Responses to “Which one should I put on my list?”

  1. Don Says:
    November 23rd, 2006 at 7:00 am

    Happy Thanksgiving Joe and Monique!

    I was wondering when you were going to make a comment on the PS3.
    Not that I was going to ruch out and buy one.

    I’m having and exciting morning waiting for my paper to be delivered and saw your post.

    Judy and I are driving to San Jose today to be at her brother’s.
    We’re actually taking the motor home. Should make for a “white knuckle” drive!

    Don

  2. wolfbreaker Says:
    November 28th, 2006 at 1:27 pm

    I’ll definitely look you up. I just got my first gaming system ever — yes, ever — and it’s the Xbox 360. I’m so into it, it’s ruining my marriage. I’m so into it, I don’t even think about getting drunk every night any more. And I’m so into it, I need someone to come over to my house and hook up the internet to it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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