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As most people in this forum know, I am a PS2 owner. At present there is no doubt in my mind that the PS2 console is a good console to own. In the past I have failed to resist temptation and ended up owning more than one console in a single generation (N64 and PSone together). However, this time I intend to stick to one platform, and as I own a PS2 already, that would seem the logical choice.
This could change though. If I can find a good enough reason why another console in this three way battle is significantly better than the PS2, then I may be forced to save up even more pennies, and spend them on a new console. For now, I will ignore the GameCube, and examine the X-Box, as that is due to arrive first. To convince me to buy an X-Box, there will have to be a fairly large incentive, as the current price of an X-Box would allow me to buy 8 PS2 games.
A visit to a local computer games store in town only a few days ago led to an interesting experience. I had intended to pick up a free demo disk as I had heard they were offering a "Sega Trilogy" featuring Ecco, Rez and Headhunter, but while I was there, I noticed a large black cabinet over by the counter, and inside it, an X-Box. Curious, I wandered over, and as there was no queue, began a few little trials.
First up was Amped, a snowboarding title. Now, as a big SSX fan, its possible my views could be a little biased, however, I consider myself quite capable of looking at a game from a completely fresh perspective, and that is what I tried to do. Graphically, I was quite impressed, as everything ran quite fast and smoothly, and I particularly liked the snow spray effects as the board turned. However, the graphics seemed as far as the game would go, as the gameplay was more akin to Shaun Palmers snowboarding, which heads for a more realistic... and sadly less interesting ride than the more arcade style thrills of a game like SSX. This is not to say the game was bad, only that I myself didn`t like it.
Second on the list was Project Gotham. By this time the shop assistand had come over to see if I needed help (i.e. to check I wasn`t breaking things) and had this annoying wish to tell me about the X-Box. Not wanting to disappoint him, I let him ramble on, though sadly he told me nothing of use, other than that Halo was good, but then I already new that. Anyway, continuing on with Project Gotham, I`d have to say that I was again disappointed. It looked "shinier" than Gran Turismo 3, but didn`t have quite the depth and texture to the looks. When I looked at the cars, they seemed hollow in comparison to those in GT3. Similarly the handling was more arcadey than GT3, which is something I dislike in racing games. Considering its a launch game, it does look very good, but arriving nearly a year after GT3, it should be a lot better.
I had no interest in any of the other playable demos, but there was a rolling demo of Halo to be seen. I started it off, and was able to watch a few moments of it before the console reset itself (I still don`t know why, and the shop keeper didn`t either). This point aside, the game did look very fine. Graphically, it was superior to any first person shooter I have seen, and that includes my beloved TimeSplitters (whose graphics weren`t its strong point anyway). Obviously there was no chance to get a feel for its gameplay, but it looked to me like a cross between Half Life, and several other FPS elements, mixed with a little Deus Ex perhaps. This is not a bad thing though, as it seemed to take the best of each. This does look to be a good game, but to be honest I will be quite happy to wait for TimeSplitters 2, and settle for that, even if it is slightly less good (which we don`t know yet).
Overall, I was quite impressed with the X-Box, and can see that it will pose a significant threat. Its launch price could cause problems, as many won`t want to spend the full £300 . This tactic worked for Sony with the PS2, but that was in a market empty of competition. Things are different now. However, X-Box`s strength is in its looks, and whilst PS2s specs may be open ended, allowing a lot more progress later on, most people who wander into a shop will look straight at the CPU and think "Ooh thats the best one, pointing at X-Box". On top of that, games such as DOA3 do look quite fantastic (though if it plays like DOA2, I`m not interested) which means the tv screens of X-Box will be the most customer friendly.
My decision based on what I already know is that I will not be getting an X-Box at launch, or even this year. Should the price drop by a large amount later on, then things may change, but for now, there is nothing that makes *me* want an X-Box. It will be popular, and it will be good, but I have quite enough to look at and use with the PS2. I await 2003 with an open mind though, but until then, no thanks Microsoft.
This could change though. If I can find a good enough reason why another console in this three way battle is significantly better than the PS2, then I may be forced to save up even more pennies, and spend them on a new console. For now, I will ignore the GameCube, and examine the X-Box, as that is due to arrive first. To convince me to buy an X-Box, there will have to be a fairly large incentive, as the current price of an X-Box would allow me to buy 8 PS2 games.
A visit to a local computer games store in town only a few days ago led to an interesting experience. I had intended to pick up a free demo disk as I had heard they were offering a "Sega Trilogy" featuring Ecco, Rez and Headhunter, but while I was there, I noticed a large black cabinet over by the counter, and inside it, an X-Box. Curious, I wandered over, and as there was no queue, began a few little trials.
First up was Amped, a snowboarding title. Now, as a big SSX fan, its possible my views could be a little biased, however, I consider myself quite capable of looking at a game from a completely fresh perspective, and that is what I tried to do. Graphically, I was quite impressed, as everything ran quite fast and smoothly, and I particularly liked the snow spray effects as the board turned. However, the graphics seemed as far as the game would go, as the gameplay was more akin to Shaun Palmers snowboarding, which heads for a more realistic... and sadly less interesting ride than the more arcade style thrills of a game like SSX. This is not to say the game was bad, only that I myself didn`t like it.
Second on the list was Project Gotham. By this time the shop assistand had come over to see if I needed help (i.e. to check I wasn`t breaking things) and had this annoying wish to tell me about the X-Box. Not wanting to disappoint him, I let him ramble on, though sadly he told me nothing of use, other than that Halo was good, but then I already new that. Anyway, continuing on with Project Gotham, I`d have to say that I was again disappointed. It looked "shinier" than Gran Turismo 3, but didn`t have quite the depth and texture to the looks. When I looked at the cars, they seemed hollow in comparison to those in GT3. Similarly the handling was more arcadey than GT3, which is something I dislike in racing games. Considering its a launch game, it does look very good, but arriving nearly a year after GT3, it should be a lot better.
I had no interest in any of the other playable demos, but there was a rolling demo of Halo to be seen. I started it off, and was able to watch a few moments of it before the console reset itself (I still don`t know why, and the shop keeper didn`t either). This point aside, the game did look very fine. Graphically, it was superior to any first person shooter I have seen, and that includes my beloved TimeSplitters (whose graphics weren`t its strong point anyway). Obviously there was no chance to get a feel for its gameplay, but it looked to me like a cross between Half Life, and several other FPS elements, mixed with a little Deus Ex perhaps. This is not a bad thing though, as it seemed to take the best of each. This does look to be a good game, but to be honest I will be quite happy to wait for TimeSplitters 2, and settle for that, even if it is slightly less good (which we don`t know yet).
Overall, I was quite impressed with the X-Box, and can see that it will pose a significant threat. Its launch price could cause problems, as many won`t want to spend the full £300 . This tactic worked for Sony with the PS2, but that was in a market empty of competition. Things are different now. However, X-Box`s strength is in its looks, and whilst PS2s specs may be open ended, allowing a lot more progress later on, most people who wander into a shop will look straight at the CPU and think "Ooh thats the best one, pointing at X-Box". On top of that, games such as DOA3 do look quite fantastic (though if it plays like DOA2, I`m not interested) which means the tv screens of X-Box will be the most customer friendly.
My decision based on what I already know is that I will not be getting an X-Box at launch, or even this year. Should the price drop by a large amount later on, then things may change, but for now, there is nothing that makes *me* want an X-Box. It will be popular, and it will be good, but I have quite enough to look at and use with the PS2. I await 2003 with an open mind though, but until then, no thanks Microsoft.
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What else? X-Box has Jet Set Radio Future which is the update to the classic Sega game. Gun Valkrie which is yet another Sega classic in the making. Project Ego one of the most ambitious titles yet, and looks to be one of the best RPG's out.
GC is great as Iam getting one in the Summer with Resident Evil, Rogue Leader, Wave Race, Luigi's Mansion and Super Smash Brothers. I might get Sonic 2, but alot of people said that the game was quite rubbish with the orginal Sonic on the DC being better.
Also the GC does about 6-12 million polygons a second of in game graphics. X-Box does 125 million of non game graphics. But they have estimated that it could do 50 million polygons a second of IN GAME graphics.
Also people have stated that GT3 on the PS2 uses 20 million polygons a second.
GC does look good graphically, with Rogue Leader and Resident Evil standing out as some of the best graphics so far.
GC is great as Iam getting one in the Summer with Resident Evil, Rogue Leader, Wave Race, Luigi's Mansion and Super Smash Brothers. I might get Sonic 2, but alot of people said that the game was quite rubbish with the orginal Sonic on the DC being better.
Also the GC does about 6-12 million polygons a second of in game graphics. X-Box does 125 million of non game graphics. But they have estimated that it could do 50 million polygons a second of IN GAME graphics.
Also people have stated that GT3 on the PS2 uses 20 million polygons a second.
GC does look good graphically, with Rogue Leader and Resident Evil standing out as some of the best graphics so far.
Nintendo seem to be improving European relations, and if they had brilliant PR in Europe, where would half your argumetns be? As for the question about decent launch titles?
Star wars: Rogue Leader anyone? By far the best looking space sim I have ever seen - what do you mean "how much better would it look like on anohter console"? GC is powerful - don't you realise - It is technicly more powerful than the PS2 and can throw around about as many polyogns as the X-Box - S RL can't look much better right now!
Super Smash Bros Melee - Sums up Nintys new strategy - FUN! yet beautiful and huge still.
Wave Race Blue Storm - Beautiful update of a classic.
SSX Tricky
Tony Hawks Three
Dark Summit
Crazy Taxi
Simpsons Road Rage
FIFA 2002
dave Mirras BMX2 - - - you cant knock these games if you love them on the PS2! - They are also on GC!
Resident evil Biohazard - hashed remake? NOPE! 2, yes 2, 70-80% new Discs, of one of the most beautiful games I have ever seen - if looks got sales alon this would top the charts for months!
Star Fox Adventures: RARE. Starfox. 3-d action game. Mix into bowl and what do you get - another classic that other developers will only catch up upon in about 3 years.
Super mOnky Ball - supremely addictive fun from Sega
Sonic Adventure 2 - Segas finest on a Ninty console -that alone is worth the admission price! (plus it looks and plays fab!)
Thats just a tiny fraction of the games coming out - Pro Evo 2, Luigis mansion, Pikmin, Galleon, Extreme G3 etc all soon or on launch - weak line up with lack of support? I don't think so. This has conviced me over the X-Box:
Buffy - A brilliant looking game, but what is it? Arguably Resident Evil is a re hash, which yes it is, and it also looks fantastic, but Buffy the TV show has got very bored, and based on the tv show, I would never buy this - still, I am still to be swayed.....
DOA3 - Busty women - thats a selling point. Beat em'up. Another. 3rd of a crappy series that I have never enjoyed. a bad point.
Halo - Looks, plays and sounds fab - but my PC can handle all this when it comes out on that. Rogue Leader will not!
Project Gotham: Personaly I never liked racing games, but his has promise.
What else?
Based on MY knowledge, Nintendo clearly has my vote.
Star wars: Rogue Leader anyone? By far the best looking space sim I have ever seen - what do you mean "how much better would it look like on anohter console"? GC is powerful - don't you realise - It is technicly more powerful than the PS2 and can throw around about as many polyogns as the X-Box - S RL can't look much better right now!
Super Smash Bros Melee - Sums up Nintys new strategy - FUN! yet beautiful and huge still.
Wave Race Blue Storm - Beautiful update of a classic.
SSX Tricky
Tony Hawks Three
Dark Summit
Crazy Taxi
Simpsons Road Rage
FIFA 2002
dave Mirras BMX2 - - - you cant knock these games if you love them on the PS2! - They are also on GC!
Resident evil Biohazard - hashed remake? NOPE! 2, yes 2, 70-80% new Discs, of one of the most beautiful games I have ever seen - if looks got sales alon this would top the charts for months!
Star Fox Adventures: RARE. Starfox. 3-d action game. Mix into bowl and what do you get - another classic that other developers will only catch up upon in about 3 years.
Super mOnky Ball - supremely addictive fun from Sega
Sonic Adventure 2 - Segas finest on a Ninty console -that alone is worth the admission price! (plus it looks and plays fab!)
Thats just a tiny fraction of the games coming out - Pro Evo 2, Luigis mansion, Pikmin, Galleon, Extreme G3 etc all soon or on launch - weak line up with lack of support? I don't think so. This has conviced me over the X-Box:
Buffy - A brilliant looking game, but what is it? Arguably Resident Evil is a re hash, which yes it is, and it also looks fantastic, but Buffy the TV show has got very bored, and based on the tv show, I would never buy this - still, I am still to be swayed.....
DOA3 - Busty women - thats a selling point. Beat em'up. Another. 3rd of a crappy series that I have never enjoyed. a bad point.
Halo - Looks, plays and sounds fab - but my PC can handle all this when it comes out on that. Rogue Leader will not!
Project Gotham: Personaly I never liked racing games, but his has promise.
What else?
Based on MY knowledge, Nintendo clearly has my vote.
Monkey_With_Attitude wrote:
The thing
> I learnt about Nintendo (and it took me a while to realise) is that they leave
> us euro gamers waiting for a title, months maybe years after their home-grown
> japs are playing it. I think they must like to build up hype, thats what they
> did to me and you know what hypes ends in - dissapointment.
But it aint just Nintendo who do that is it? Look at MGS2, came out last year in the US/Japan. We wont be getting it till March. Look at FFX, wont be out till July. The Japs have been playing it for ages.
Its the same across all platforms. Aint just a Ninty thing. They have to translate the game into all the main different languages across europe before they release it here.
The thing
> I learnt about Nintendo (and it took me a while to realise) is that they leave
> us euro gamers waiting for a title, months maybe years after their home-grown
> japs are playing it. I think they must like to build up hype, thats what they
> did to me and you know what hypes ends in - dissapointment.
But it aint just Nintendo who do that is it? Look at MGS2, came out last year in the US/Japan. We wont be getting it till March. Look at FFX, wont be out till July. The Japs have been playing it for ages.
Its the same across all platforms. Aint just a Ninty thing. They have to translate the game into all the main different languages across europe before they release it here.
Or†ega wrote:
> Monkey_With_Attitude wrote:
As for Nintendo and the Gamecube,
> I see it
> taking the same route as the N64 did. Same kind of games, delays and
> light
> catalouge and thats what i hated about my N64.
Although
> Gamecube does seem to have somthin missing at launch. No Mario platformer. But
> hopefully we should get it by the end of this year. Zelda will be with us soon,
> but Perfect Dark zero could still be 2 years off! Still a lot games between now
> and then though.
The thing I learnt about Nintendo (and it took me a while to realise) is that they leave us euro gamers waiting for a title, months maybe years after their home-grown japs are playing it. I think they must like to build up hype, thats what they did to me and you know what hypes ends in - dissapointment.
I was never one to call the N64 a childrens console nor Nintendo but I did see that the graphics on the machine were very unrealistic. I see the same in all of the Gamcube screens shots I have seen and the titles annoucced seem like they are ones to follow the same route.
I know someone is going to meantion Rogue Leader now and I must admit it looks tasty. But how much more tastier gcould it of looked on another console?
> Monkey_With_Attitude wrote:
As for Nintendo and the Gamecube,
> I see it
> taking the same route as the N64 did. Same kind of games, delays and
> light
> catalouge and thats what i hated about my N64.
Although
> Gamecube does seem to have somthin missing at launch. No Mario platformer. But
> hopefully we should get it by the end of this year. Zelda will be with us soon,
> but Perfect Dark zero could still be 2 years off! Still a lot games between now
> and then though.
The thing I learnt about Nintendo (and it took me a while to realise) is that they leave us euro gamers waiting for a title, months maybe years after their home-grown japs are playing it. I think they must like to build up hype, thats what they did to me and you know what hypes ends in - dissapointment.
I was never one to call the N64 a childrens console nor Nintendo but I did see that the graphics on the machine were very unrealistic. I see the same in all of the Gamcube screens shots I have seen and the titles annoucced seem like they are ones to follow the same route.
I know someone is going to meantion Rogue Leader now and I must admit it looks tasty. But how much more tastier gcould it of looked on another console?
I don't think the X-Box is going to well no way with the PS2 and The GC out there no way and why would they the PS2 offers just about the same
Or†ega wrote:
> I suppose you are right actually.
I've been racing around in the bloody
> polyphony001 most of the time :)
Are there any really fast cars like this on
> PG:R?
Theres some good cars like the Ferrari 360 and F50. Also the Porsche 911 turbo. Aston Martin Vanquish and then theres the 500BHP Porsche Carrera GT concept car. I dont there is anything to match the Escudo Pike or any of the Polyphony cars. But PG:R has over 200 race circuits, 30 odd cars and 70 music tracks. It also has the music jukebox feature, which allows the ripped CD's that are stored on the Harddisk to be played as in game music.
PG:R is different enough to GT3 to not be compared. Alot of people say PG:R is a GT3 re-hash, but they are 2 completely different racing games.
If you like MSR on the DC then PG:R is the same type of thing.
> I suppose you are right actually.
I've been racing around in the bloody
> polyphony001 most of the time :)
Are there any really fast cars like this on
> PG:R?
Theres some good cars like the Ferrari 360 and F50. Also the Porsche 911 turbo. Aston Martin Vanquish and then theres the 500BHP Porsche Carrera GT concept car. I dont there is anything to match the Escudo Pike or any of the Polyphony cars. But PG:R has over 200 race circuits, 30 odd cars and 70 music tracks. It also has the music jukebox feature, which allows the ripped CD's that are stored on the Harddisk to be played as in game music.
PG:R is different enough to GT3 to not be compared. Alot of people say PG:R is a GT3 re-hash, but they are 2 completely different racing games.
If you like MSR on the DC then PG:R is the same type of thing.
I suppose you are right actually.
I've been racing around in the bloody polyphony001 most of the time :)
Are there any really fast cars like this on PG:R?
I'm just gonna leave X-box for now. GT3 is still providing me with with racing enjoyment. Huge game, I'm only 42% through the game, and I still play it at least once a week.
Well, I aint paying £300 for a X-box anyway. I might be getting one from a mates mate on the cheap if you get where i'm coming from. X-boxes have been coming in by the lorry load...
I've been racing around in the bloody polyphony001 most of the time :)
Are there any really fast cars like this on PG:R?
I'm just gonna leave X-box for now. GT3 is still providing me with with racing enjoyment. Huge game, I'm only 42% through the game, and I still play it at least once a week.
Well, I aint paying £300 for a X-box anyway. I might be getting one from a mates mate on the cheap if you get where i'm coming from. X-boxes have been coming in by the lorry load...
Or†ega wrote:
> adrian wrote:
Alot of people have said Project Gotham is slow. What car did
> you use?
It was a Porsche.
I've seen it and it looks pretty fast to me. GT3 is a fast game once you get a 1000 BHP car, but even if you use a bog standard TVR Tuscan or the Porsche Boxter its still not that fast, from what I can remember. Anyway i'll have to see what its like on March 14th, but the videos i've seen the game looks quite fast.
> adrian wrote:
Alot of people have said Project Gotham is slow. What car did
> you use?
It was a Porsche.
I've seen it and it looks pretty fast to me. GT3 is a fast game once you get a 1000 BHP car, but even if you use a bog standard TVR Tuscan or the Porsche Boxter its still not that fast, from what I can remember. Anyway i'll have to see what its like on March 14th, but the videos i've seen the game looks quite fast.
adrian wrote:
Alot of people have said Project Gotham is slow. What car did you use?
It was a Porsche.
Alot of people have said Project Gotham is slow. What car did you use?
It was a Porsche.
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