Since the dawn of console gaming, way back in the pre- 8bit days, exclusive titles have been the key to a successful, long lasting run for the system they represent. In the more modern times, it is not just the number of exclusives the console has, but also the quality. And therefore, a problem, hereby dubbed the "Redmond Syndrome," exists.
Redmond Syndrome has been plaguing consoles for some time; most notably since the dawn of the Xbox, Playstation2 era. What is Redmond Syndrome? This is what occurs when two or more major gaming consoles, with very distinct differences in capabilities, attempt to launch the SAME title from the SAME developer, without having the game customized for the system in General.
Even last generation consoles had the same problem
Let's take a closer look at this issue. When Playstation 2 and Xbox surfaced as the kings of the ring, developers began sending out their titles in multi platform packages. Identical titles on two not so identical systems. In this case, since the Playstation 2 has been around longer, developers chose to build the initial title around its hardware, electing to merely port there game to the more powerful Xbox. This caused a bit of a clash, as although the Xbox should and can look better, developers restrained themselves to the PS2 version as they were more familiar with the format. This is what is known now as Redmond Syndrome. Why Redmond Syndrome? Because two of the three major console manufacturers have made their homes there, Microsoft and Nintendo. Although Nintendo has done a great job of staying out of the RS affect, I find it fitting.
So, we now come to the current generation of gaming. Only this time, we have the same problem on a larger scale. All three major consoles have found their way in the consumer market, Nintendo once again doing a great job to steer clear of RS. But Sony and Microsoft have fell head first into the trap, well Sony has at least. Launching the Playstation 3, nearly one year after the launch has put them at disadvantages already. The 360 has found its nest of games and has snuggled into a great position for its ride on the console war highway. Sony on the other hand has had a rough time. The claims of a better system, with twice the power of the 360 and graphics capable of nothing short of real life have brought high hopes for Sony fans around the world. However, this console has come to us before its time.
R.S. Deja vu all over again.
Sony's system offers developers nearly 10 times the storage capacity of any other console on the market, and yet there games have been mediocre. Why? Because most of the PS3's lineup are ports from the Xbox 360 since it is the established platform right now. As these ports come across, consumers are expecting greatness and receiving less than perfect performance from these titles.
As the PS3 library grows, we are going to see some massive improvements in the PS3's performance. For now, we will have to settle with the bad hype that is going round. Just remember, the Xbox, and the Xbox 360 both suffered this same scenario that the PS3 is now enduring upon there launches. In fact, it hasn't been until the last 6 months that we have actually seen high quality titles hit the 360. So before you are quick to judge a system by its cover, just remember the history of your favorite console and the struggles that are endured every few years when we change to a new generation. Each system has something to offer. And this time around, it is not necessarily exclusive titles. We are seeing such a broader playing field than we have ever seen before. Microsoft has opened the doors to online gaming, while Sony has implemented some great DLC for its older consoles and complete integration with its handheld, the PSP. Let's not forget Nintendo with its full assortment of NES, SNES and N64 titles available or download, not to mention that each console is backwards compatible with its last generation console. Gamers, keep your eyes peeled. Change is inevitable, will you embrace it?
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