Why the 360 is in trouble (logical reasoning, beware)

Due to the unbelievable replies I have gotten so far, I will make this point simpler. My argument has nothing to do with YOUR taste in games, or MY taste in games. It is all about POPULARITY in the gaming world. If you like console A better than console B because of some game looks awsome, it has nothing to do with this argument, because overall sales are based on popularity with franchises, not what the GS System Wars fanboy's decides to purchase.

Read to further understand

Now think about this. How many consoles did you own last gen? I wouldn't be suprised if you said all 3, hell, I have 2 of each. Chances are if you had any, you had a PS2 (the most popular last gen). Chances are, you loved a good amount of PS2 games . Chances are, a good amount of those PS2 titles are being continued on the PS3. Chances are, you're not gonna miss out on your Final Fantasy, MGS, or whatever you're into cuz "teh 100-200 dollars more is so unpayable!."

The PS3's future line up of games that already have HUGE fanbases ensure it's eventual victory. Halo sells like crazy, everyone agrees. Alot of people love halo, alot of people like halo, and alot of people either don't like it or dont care. To the people who like it or less, they won't drop 350-400 on a 360, unless the 360 somehow magically obtains exclusives that beat out other categories that Sony consoles have already secured.

So here is where things get logical

Racing

For example, 360 needs an exclusive to draw away GT fans -- Forza 2. It's a great game, plain and simple. Yeah it may have a lack of tracks, visuals, and car selection, but it's arguably much better than the last gen GT games. Now you got the GT player's looking over at that 360. But the GT fans know that GT5 is being made, and after e32007 i dont think anybody is switching boats for forza 2 ( for the few who did, i understand). Every GT game sells like 10 mil, that's disgusting (my memory may be wrong though).

So 360 lost in that category. PGR4, while a great game, doesn't change peoples' minds.

Lets look at RPGs now. RPG gamers from last gen know that the playstation was the place to be. Final Fantasy alone, is followed by millions. Now as I said before, if you had a PS2, theres also a good chance you had an Xbox. PS2 gamers know what Kotor is, and they know it's awsome, and alot of people enjoyed fable. So the 360 comes around with no RPGs for it's entire first year. Oblivion was amazing, then it went multiplat -- no longer a player. People on the fence this gen (and there are ALOT) now compare the 2 systems.

The 360 is getting Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey, Mass Effect, Eternal Sonata, and some other ones that if I can't remember the names of, a casual sure as hell won't either. Blue Dragon isn't important, even if it ends up being good. This isn't my opinion on what games are good, I'm telling you BD doesn't draw the attention needed to sell a console. Lost Odyssey and Mass Effect are the 360's chance to grab more supporters. But even then, you are trying to grab FF fans, some of the most blind, narrow-minded RPG gamers (even though FF is awsome). Than thers all the other PS2 RPGs that will probably reppear in someway on the PS3, along with the new IPs like White Knight Story. Bottom line, 360 is on the right track, but is gonna need more to win.

Than you got action/adventure games.

MGS fan base > than SplinterCells.

jak and daxter, ratchet and clank fan base > what platformers did Xbox even have?

God of War > Ninja Gaiden.

(these are just a few examples)

Ninja Gaiden is the superior game, I think most critics would agree, but it's difficulty simply doesn't draw in the casual action game fan. Plus, PS3 just got sigma 0_o. I don't think people understand how huge that is. Ninja Gaiden was my main selling point for the 360 ( i already have one but hey, for the sake of my post). And while Im still getting NG2, im not even sure if it will be good (hell I havent gotten ANY info on it). So what action games do we have left for the 360?...Plus GoW sells like mad. Devil May Cry was a great addition to the 360 librariry, but theres a lot more games to beat than just DMC, a big one being heavenly sword.

K now fighting games.

360 got Virtua Fighter, awsome. One step closer.

However, a big however, DOA vs Tekken? please stop yourself. I enjoy the DOA series, but it boils down to this:

PS3- tekken, VF, Soul Calibur

360 - VF, DOA, Soul Calibur.

Tekken makes PS3 the more favorable choice. this is not my opinion, i dont even like tekken. But it simply is more popular, alot more popular.

Finally, shooters. This genre is the biggest selling point for the Xbox franchise. People who love Halo probably already own a 360, or will be getting one this holiday season. Im willing to bet most PS2 owners, own or have played Halo, and enjoyed it. This is a crucial point in alot of consumers' decision making. They now look at the 360 again, look at ALL of it's games. They think, hey I really like Halo, and I'm also gonna get to play Lost Odyssey, Mass Effect, GeOW, NG2, DOA etc...This may actually be a great purchase. This is why more 360s will sell. Not directly because, the rumoured "teh omg i need Halo3" effect, but because Halo 3 is just enough to tip the scale in favor of a purchase. This goes the same with GeOW being as most GeOW players also enjoy Halo. The GRAW games and rainbow 6 games also helped the 360 move it's sales. But now they are multiplats, and no longer matter.

The 360 is obviously going to dominate this holiday season, but the PS3 is minimizing the damage with the timed exclusive UT3 + Haze, and Killzone 2. UT3 appeals more to the PC audience though, and Haze is unproven. KZ2 is going to need more than pretty graphics to cut into Halo's fanbase. But if you think about it, how important will Halo 3 prove itself in making that average guy change his mind.

THE BIG PICTURE

You will probably say something like, "360 outsells PS3, you fail". No s***. Congratz, you can look at sales numbers, now how bout you try to relate them to the gaming world. 360 had a year up on PS3. For a whole year, it was the only "next-gen" system out there. It's library was decent for just releasing, and people know that Halo rhymes with Xbox. However, have you noticed that the 360 is freakishly similar to the original Xbox's game selection? You got your PGR, your DOA, your random multiplats,Forza, and your getting your Ninja Gaiden, your Halo, your epic space RPG (Mass Effect taking the place of KOTOR this time). The only thing the 360 added is....more shooters! PDZ, GeOW, GRAW, R6, Lost Planet. Good games, cool. But the Xbox didn't need to reinforce it's already dominant shooter line-up. And by line-up I mean Halo. You know who bought all those new shooters?-- the same people who are going to buy Halo 3. What it needed was RPGs or action/adventure, and all I see is Lost Odyssey, ME, and a few other cutesy anime RPGs. It needed anything BUT shooters. If you want to win the console war, you need to have variety in your library. Right now the 360 is depending on a shaky list of RPGs with only two looking promising in popularity - Lost Odyssey and Mass Effect. And what exactly is the hyped action/adventure games of the 360....? Banjooie 3 (spelling..?)?

Who the hell needs the PS3 as a gamer right now!? Who needs to drop 500-600 right now so they can play Motorstorm and Resistance (good games, but think outside the box for a second). Barely anybody. But look! The sales of the PS3's first year practically match the 360's first year sales. How the hell does that happen!?The PS3 comes out with a $600 price tag, awful reviews in some of the biggest media prints, practically no worthy games that warrant such a purchase, and it still sells! You think it would of killed itself, but infact, it outsold the 360 this month! People will say, "teh clearance sale!", $500 aint a clearance sale kids. People are still bombing $500 on a system with less games than it's cheaper 360 counter-part. Who's buying this console?-- Hardware nuts, after all, the PS3 is a reliable system.....with the cheapest blu-ray player on the market. I'm sure a few people bought the PS3 because they saw good fortune in it's upcoming games. I'm sure some people bought it because it said "playstation." But if those are the kinds of people who are buying it now, imagine when the games come.....

PS3 hitting 9-10 mil by the end of the year is entirely realistic, and then the big guns start rolling in in 2008. I'm sure 360 will still be a ways ahead after the Halo 3 craze but what comes after that? Some RPGS that still have yet to prove themselves versus a PS3 lineup that even if is scored low (unlikely) will sell like crazy to it's already installed fanbase?

The 360 can take the gold again in shooters, that's practically a given now. But as it stands, the PS3 is going to take more medals in other genres, and at the same time is taking a brave step forward into shooter land. If things continue at this rate, PS3 will overkill in sales.

MISUNDERSTANDINGS BEFORE YOU POST

I'm not a fanboy, if you thought I was, shame on you. I never insulted a single 360 game, I merely stated what franchises are more popular. I don't even have a PS3, because as I stated, why do I need one now? I have a 360 and enjoy it.

I'm not telling you what games are better, just what games are more popular. If I somehow was wrong and maybe for example DOA sells more than Tekken, please inform me immeaditely.

If you try to "own" me by posting a list of 360 RPGs to come or whatever, it just shows that you didn't read my post.

I left the Wii out of this because well, it wins hands down.

Discuss.

Elite_PC_gamer

Wow you read that in a minute?

You're dealing in assumptions. Simple facts are: The 360 has the biggest installed base (please spare me the whining bullsh*t, the PS2 had the headstart as well and people didn't whine then) and is selling well from month to month outselling the PS3. Have you seen the 360's lineup for this winter? It's ridiculously good. Sure, PS3's good games are coming out in 2008 for the most part (bah, again with the waiting), but the 360 has big games coming out then as well. Too Human, Fable 2, Lost Odyssey, etc. I'm not going to make a huge list because in fact, all games haven't been announced yet for 2008 (obviously). Heh, simple fact is that, based on a sales aspect, the 360 and Wii are in the best position. 360 having the edge due to userbase.

Note:I only deal in the now...i'm not a fortune teller. Spare me the futuristic talk about what "will" happen.

That wasnt logical.ginglejangle

rofl you guys sure read fast

Wall of bullcrap. Get a life you douche bagElite_PC_gamer

you guys sure read fast 0_o. Thanks for telling me to get a life via a GS forum in which I decide to make somewhat logical posts instead of blind fanboy ridden ones.

You're dealing in assumptions. Simple facts are: The 360 has the biggest installed base (please spare me the whining bullsh*t, the PS2 had the headstart as well and people didn't whine then) and is selling well from month to month outselling the PS3. Have you seen the 360's lineup for this winter? It's ridiculously good. Sure, PS3's good games are coming out in 2008 for the most part (bah, again with the waiting), but the 360 has big games coming out then as well. Too Human, Fable 2, Lost Odyssey, etc. I'm not going to make a huge list because in fact, all games haven't been announced yet for 2008 (obviously). Heh, simple fact is that, based on a sales aspect, the 360 and Wii are in the best position. 360 having the edge due to userbase.

Note:I only deal in the now...i'm not a fortune teller. Spare me the futuristic talk about what "will" happen.

Puckhog04

my assumptions are safe. I am not predicting games to be amazing, just popular. The world doesn't work like GS System Wars. When GT4 got an 8.9 on GS, the world didn't give a s*** and bought 10 million copies. Not "teh AA flop!"

Summation for those who don't want to waste 10 minutes of their time:

TC likes the Playstation brand better than Xbox, so it will win. Everything on the PS3 > 360.

*sigh* yes, it's true. People still believe they are writing objectively and with sound reason in threads like this...

farrell2k

where did i say the playstation was better in any way

Koalakommander wrote:I don't know why lemmings are so concerned about a GT5 demothat doesn't even have a set release date yet, that they won't be getting anyways.

This is a really great point. If it follows the previous GT's, cows should be seeing this demo in about 2010ish with the full game coming in about 2012. On the plus side, they'll fix the jaggies!

KOALAKOMMANDER WROTE Or we PS3 owners can play Forza 2 on our 360s while we wait...

Or did you assume everyone on this forum are broke 16 year olds who can't own all 3 consoles and pledge their loyalty to the one mommy bought them?

LOOK GUYS!!

looks like we have a PS3 owner over here

read the whole thing, i agree. sony looks at the long term, and i think they will beat the xbox in a few years. but as far as the holidays go, xbox dominates.

I understand what you're saying. I'm not so sure that casuals (the important segment) will be quite as brand and title loyal as you give them credit for....but they might be, we'll see.

As a side note, I am a staunch GT fan and bought 360 against my better judgement. I love it, and I love Forza. I will be buying ps3 though, assuming GT5 is what I hope.

I enjoyed the games on the original xbox and enjoy the 360's games the most. Now tell me, how in the freakin hell does it matter how many of it are sold? If it the 360 only sold one console I would still enjoy playing if there are good games.
rabakill

i wrote a note at the top of my first post to help you, and others.

I understand what you're saying. I'm not so sure that casuals (the important segment) will be quite as brand and title loyal as you give them credit for....but they might be, we'll see.

As a side note, I am a staunch GT fan and bought 360 against my better judgement. I love it, and I love Forza. I will be buying ps3 though, assuming GT5 is what I hope.

whoisryanmack

of course, alot of people will end up have 2 or 3 different consoles, and that makes sense. But im looking at the big picture.

[QUOTE="Koalakommander"][QUOTE="farrell2k"]

Summation for those who don't want to waste 10 minutes of their time:

TC likes the Playstation brand better than Xbox, so it will win. Everything on the PS3 > 360.

*sigh* yes, it's true. People still believe they are writing objectively and with sound reason in threads like this...

farrell2k

where did i say the playstation was better in any way

Umm in your entire post. All you did was issue backhanded compliments to the 360. I encourage anyone who doesn't know what a backhanded compliment is to look it up.

Many will issue backhanded compliments under the guise of "logic or reasoning", but they're all just bashing one thing in favor of another, all while attemting to make it look like they're not doing so.

I really think you missed the point of his post. If anything, he sounded worried for the 360, no where near bashing it. His post makes alot of sense if you don't think about it so deeply. PS3 is getting the franchises with bigger fanbases, the 360 is feedings it's already fat shooter fanbase who all buy the same games anyways. PS3 will win if it continues like this,

I understand what you're saying. I'm not so sure that casuals (the important segment) will be quite as brand and title loyal as you give them credit for....but they might be, we'll see.

As a side note, I am a staunch GT fan and bought 360 against my better judgement. I love it, and I love Forza. I will be buying ps3 though, assuming GT5 is what I hope.

whoisryanmack

I agree gamers have never shown any loyalty for not only consoles, but even for games generation to generation.

Alot of people bought an NES for SMB, and Zelda, but then alot of gamers bought a snes for Street Fighter, and Mortal Combat. In the next gen we saw a surge of FF, MGS, and Resident Evil fans. The next gen gamers moved on to GTA III. Really saying last gen games will determine next gen sales isn't logical at all. Not to say that loved games don't sell well the next generation, but they've never been proven to push a consoles sales.

In other words killer apps change with each generation.

Actually you had a good debate. but I think 360 can win platfomers for 2 reasons. Rare is getting right back on track Kameo, PDZ, and especially Viva Pinata had that Rare feel to them even the critics saw it(especially in viva pinata).

Rare is making Banjo 3. I believe both Banjo games have outsold any specific jak or ratchet game. Trust me if Rare hits it right with Banjo 3 and brings back Conker Xbox can get a huge comeback in that genre.

action adventure wise Alan Wake, Too Human are a start but yes the 360 needs more.

personally Haze sucks. Unreal 3 and KZ 2(if its good) will be real sellers.jg4xchamp

Kameo isnt a big name when it comes agaisnt sony's platformers. And yeah like i mentioned, Haze still hasnt proved itself, UT3 will be good, but is really a PC game at heart, and KZ2, the ps3's shooter fate is in its hands.

[QUOTE="whoisryanmack"]

I understand what you're saying. I'm not so sure that casuals (the important segment) will be quite as brand and title loyal as you give them credit for....but they might be, we'll see.

As a side note, I am a staunch GT fan and bought 360 against my better judgement. I love it, and I love Forza. I will be buying ps3 though, assuming GT5 is what I hope.

jrhawk42

I agree gamers have never shown any loyalty for not only consoles, but even for games generation to generation.

Alot of people bought an NES for SMB, and Zelda, but then alot of gamers bought a snes for Street Fighter, and Mortal Combat. In the next gen we saw a surge of FF, MGS, and Resident Evil fans. The next gen gamers moved on to GTA III. Really saying last gen games will determine next gen sales isn't logical at all. Not to say that loved games don't sell well the next generation, but they've never been proven to push a consoles sales.

In other words killer apps change with each generation.

that's why sony is (from what i have read) very actively trying to secure new franchises for it's console, shooting for brand new killer-aps.

[QUOTE="HoldThePhone"][QUOTE="farrell2k"][QUOTE="Koalakommander"][QUOTE="farrell2k"]

Summation for those who don't want to waste 10 minutes of their time:

TC likes the Playstation brand better than Xbox, so it will win. Everything on the PS3 > 360.

*sigh* yes, it's true. People still believe they are writing objectively and with sound reason in threads like this...

farrell2k

where did i say the playstation was better in any way

Umm in your entire post. All you did was issue backhanded compliments to the 360. I encourage anyone who doesn't know what a backhanded compliment is to look it up.

Many will issue backhanded compliments under the guise of "logic or reasoning", but they're all just bashing one thing in favor of another, all while attemting to make it look like they're not doing so.

I really think you missed the point of his post. If anything, he sounded worried for the 360, no where near bashing it. His post makes alot of sense if you don't think about it so deeply. PS3 is getting the franchises with bigger fanbases, the 360 is feedings it's already fat shooter fanbase who all buy the same games anyways. PS3 will win if it continues like this,

Ahuh that's exactly what a backhanded compliment is intended to make you think...

backhanded compliment or not, i think my post speaks the same truth. If you want my honest opinion, yes i do prefer the PS3's lineup. But i only own a 360 right now, which lead me to i thought an unbiased argument.

Wall of bullcrap. Get a life you douche bagElite_PC_gamer

[QUOTE="jg4xchamp"]Actually you had a good debate. but I think 360 can win platfomers for 2 reasons. Rare is getting right back on track Kameo, PDZ, and especially Viva Pinata had that Rare feel to them even the critics saw it(especially in viva pinata).

Rare is making Banjo 3. I believe both Banjo games have outsold any specific jak or ratchet game. Trust me if Rare hits it right with Banjo 3 and brings back Conker Xbox can get a huge comeback in that genre.

action adventure wise Alan Wake, Too Human are a start but yes the 360 needs more.

personally Haze sucks. Unreal 3 and KZ 2(if its good) will be real sellers.Koalakommander

Kameo isnt a big name when it comes agaisnt sony's platformers. And yeah like i mentioned, Haze still hasnt proved itself, UT3 will be good, but is really a PC game at heart, and KZ2, the ps3's shooter fate is in its hands.

First off, does Ratchet look this good? The answer is clear: yes. But, is that enough to make the upcoming PS3-exclusive Ratchet & Clank Future worthwhile? Not necessarily.

As innovative and new as the graphics may appear, the gameplay feels identical to previous iterations of the Ratchet series. Of course, that's not a bad thing -- the franchise has rightfully earned its legions of fans. However, we couldn't help but feel as though we've played Tools of Destruction before. It feels more cinematic than before, but we were running, gunning, and swinging our wrench as though nothing had changed. Some may point to the new Groove-a-tron weapon, a colorful new weapon in Ratchet's arsenal. But, there are no significant gameplay ramifications: enemies will simply dance, instead of attack Ratchet. There's also a free-fall sequence, where the player must tilt the Sixaxis controller to navigate Ratchet past flying cars. But, these tilt controls do little to add a feeling of innovation to the series.

The polish of the game's presentation is certainly commendable, but we were puzzled by the lack of an adequate targeting system. The on-rails platforming, a series trademark, had us bored. Jumping left or right to avoid oncoming trains was tedious, at best. The utter simplicity of the sequence had us feeling like we were simply going through the motions. We're also disappointed to know that Insomniac has opted to remove a crucial component of the franchise in this latest rendition: multiplayer is gone.

Tools of Destruction might not end up being a bad game, but it did very little to convince us otherwise. We're sure that hardcore Ratchet fans will love it for its story, which will focus on the mysterious origins of its star. Although playing it safe might work for Insomniac and its fans, it's pretty obvious to us that team spent a lot more time focused on its graphics technology than what really matters: gameplay. As it is now, Tools of Destruction is an uninspired experience, one that feels like a backwards step for the series.

Gallery: Ratchet and Clank Future

[QUOTE="jrhawk42"][QUOTE="whoisryanmack"]

I understand what you're saying. I'm not so sure that casuals (the important segment) will be quite as brand and title loyal as you give them credit for....but they might be, we'll see.

As a side note, I am a staunch GT fan and bought 360 against my better judgement. I love it, and I love Forza. I will be buying ps3 though, assuming GT5 is what I hope.

standcm12

I agree gamers have never shown any loyalty for not only consoles, but even for games generation to generation.

Alot of people bought an NES for SMB, and Zelda, but then alot of gamers bought a snes for Street Fighter, and Mortal Combat. In the next gen we saw a surge of FF, MGS, and Resident Evil fans. The next gen gamers moved on to GTA III. Really saying last gen games will determine next gen sales isn't logical at all. Not to say that loved games don't sell well the next generation, but they've never been proven to push a consoles sales.

In other words killer apps change with each generation.

that's why sony is (from what i have read) very actively trying to secure new franchises for it's console, shooting for brand new killer-aps.

In that case, this entire topic is worthless.

[QUOTE="Koalakommander"]

[QUOTE="jg4xchamp"]Actually you had a good debate. but I think 360 can win platfomers for 2 reasons. Rare is getting right back on track Kameo, PDZ, and especially Viva Pinata had that Rare feel to them even the critics saw it(especially in viva pinata).

Rare is making Banjo 3. I believe both Banjo games have outsold any specific jak or ratchet game. Trust me if Rare hits it right with Banjo 3 and brings back Conker Xbox can get a huge comeback in that genre.

action adventure wise Alan Wake, Too Human are a start but yes the 360 needs more.

personally Haze sucks. Unreal 3 and KZ 2(if its good) will be real sellers.Buried_by_Dust

Kameo isnt a big name when it comes agaisnt sony's platformers. And yeah like i mentioned, Haze still hasnt proved itself, UT3 will be good, but is really a PC game at heart, and KZ2, the ps3's shooter fate is in its hands.

First off, does Ratchet look this good? The answer is clear: yes. But, is that enough to make the upcoming PS3-exclusive Ratchet & Clank Future worthwhile? Not necessarily.

As innovative and new as the graphics may appear, the gameplay feels identical to previous iterations of the Ratchet series. Of course, that's not a bad thing -- the franchise has rightfully earned its legions of fans. However, we couldn't help but feel as though we've played Tools of Destruction before. It feels more cinematic than before, but we were running, gunning, and swinging our wrench as though nothing had changed. Some may point to the new Groove-a-tron weapon, a colorful new weapon in Ratchet's arsenal. But, there are no significant gameplay ramifications: enemies will simply dance, instead of attack Ratchet. There's also a free-fall sequence, where the player must tilt the Sixaxis controller to navigate Ratchet past flying cars. But, these tilt controls do little to add a feeling of innovation to the series.

The polish of the game's presentation is certainly commendable, but we were puzzled by the lack of an adequate targeting system. The on-rails platforming, a series trademark, had us bored. Jumping left or right to avoid oncoming trains was tedious, at best. The utter simplicity of the sequence had us feeling like we were simply going through the motions. We're also disappointed to know that Insomniac has opted to remove a crucial component of the franchise in this latest rendition: multiplayer is gone.

Tools of Destruction might not end up being a bad game, but it did very little to convince us otherwise. We're sure that hardcore Ratchet fans will love it for its story, which will focus on the mysterious origins of its star. Although playing it safe might work for Insomniac and its fans, it's pretty obvious to us that team spent a lot more time focused on its graphics technology than what really matters: gameplay. As it is now, Tools of Destruction is an uninspired experience, one that feels like a backwards step for the series.

Gallery: Ratchet and Clank Future

i agree with you 100%, the new R & C game looks good, but more of the same. However this is exactly what I mean. Scores don't mean as much to already installed franchises than they do to new IPs... For example, are millions of people going to blindly purchase Lost Odyssey is it scores a 81% on gamerankings? probably not. If MGS4 scores a 81% on gamerankings will it affect sales, only a tiny amount. Yes SW would be in uproar if such a score was recieved, but SW is not the world, and fans are fans.

[QUOTE="Buried_by_Dust"][QUOTE="Koalakommander"]

[QUOTE="jg4xchamp"]Actually you had a good debate. but I think 360 can win platfomers for 2 reasons. Rare is getting right back on track Kameo, PDZ, and especially Viva Pinata had that Rare feel to them even the critics saw it(especially in viva pinata).

Rare is making Banjo 3. I believe both Banjo games have outsold any specific jak or ratchet game. Trust me if Rare hits it right with Banjo 3 and brings back Conker Xbox can get a huge comeback in that genre.

action adventure wise Alan Wake, Too Human are a start but yes the 360 needs more.

personally Haze sucks. Unreal 3 and KZ 2(if its good) will be real sellers.Koalakommander

Kameo isnt a big name when it comes agaisnt sony's platformers. And yeah like i mentioned, Haze still hasnt proved itself, UT3 will be good, but is really a PC game at heart, and KZ2, the ps3's shooter fate is in its hands.

First off, does Ratchet look this good? The answer is clear: yes. But, is that enough to make the upcoming PS3-exclusive Ratchet & Clank Future worthwhile? Not necessarily.

As innovative and new as the graphics may appear, the gameplay feels identical to previous iterations of the Ratchet series. Of course, that's not a bad thing -- the franchise has rightfully earned its legions of fans. However, we couldn't help but feel as though we've played Tools of Destruction before. It feels more cinematic than before, but we were running, gunning, and swinging our wrench as though nothing had changed. Some may point to the new Groove-a-tron weapon, a colorful new weapon in Ratchet's arsenal. But, there are no significant gameplay ramifications: enemies will simply dance, instead of attack Ratchet. There's also a free-fall sequence, where the player must tilt the Sixaxis controller to navigate Ratchet past flying cars. But, these tilt controls do little to add a feeling of innovation to the series.

The polish of the game's presentation is certainly commendable, but we were puzzled by the lack of an adequate targeting system. The on-rails platforming, a series trademark, had us bored. Jumping left or right to avoid oncoming trains was tedious, at best. The utter simplicity of the sequence had us feeling like we were simply going through the motions. We're also disappointed to know that Insomniac has opted to remove a crucial component of the franchise in this latest rendition: multiplayer is gone.

Tools of Destruction might not end up being a bad game, but it did very little to convince us otherwise. We're sure that hardcore Ratchet fans will love it for its story, which will focus on the mysterious origins of its star. Although playing it safe might work for Insomniac and its fans, it's pretty obvious to us that team spent a lot more time focused on its graphics technology than what really matters: gameplay. As it is now, Tools of Destruction is an uninspired experience, one that feels like a backwards step for the series.

Gallery: Ratchet and Clank Future

i agree with you 100%, the new R & C game looks good, but more of the same. However this is exactly what I mean. Scores don't mean as much to already installed franchises than they do to new IPs... For example, are millions of people going to blindly purchase Lost Odyssey is it scores a 81% on gamerankings? probably not. If MGS4 scores a 81% on gamerankings will it affect sales, only a tiny amount. Yes SW would be in uproar if such a score was recieved, but SW is not the world, and fans are fans.

the problem with your so called logic is this....the xbox360 has already taken some of the ps brand games away like GTA and Devil May Cray what makes you think they will stop there...the winner this gen depend on-two things GAMES and not part 3s and 4s of old games that-came out 7years ago.. and developer support and it looks like this gen devs are more behind the 360 then the ps3

the problem with your so called logic is this....the xbox360 has already taken some of the ps brand games away like GTA and Devil May Cray what makes you think they will stop there...the winner this gen depend on-two things GAMES and not part 3s and 4s of old games that-came out 7years ago.. and developer support and it looks like this gen devs are more behind the 360 then the ps3

thermovie644064

DMC and GTA were great additions and will help the 360 this gen. I didn't say it was doomed, but you have to admit, although it's getting more dev support, they are just devleopling more into the same genre. As I said, the only new IPs we have are a shaky list of RPGs. The new IP Gears of War appeals to the same people who buy Halo 3. You dont sell consoles that way.

THAT WAS THE MOST LOGICAL THEORY EVER~!!!

not even trying 2 b sarcastic...dude..u took the words rite off my mouth,..

RESPECTS 2 u man~!!! TO WHOEVER THAT BS'S u well...say this to them..

STFU..

it works...try it..i do it everytime i play soccer~i make a goal and the opposite team says 'wat a lucky shot' and i go STFU and they all shut..

Nice theory. You're on what I'm on.

Shooter prefrence player = XboX

Everything else= Playstation

I think you have to omit some of your catagories if you're going to talk about games that move consoles ONLY. I don't believe action games in the vein of ninja gaiden or god of war do a whole lot for console sales. GT, Halo, and certain RPGs will. GT and the Halo ilk will because they are long lasting games that will keep players on it for much longer than God of War. RPGs because its followings are almost cult like.

So to be honest, i don't think fighting games, or action games should be put on the list. Fighting games are my favorite genre, but it just doesn't strike me as a genre capable of really selling hardware. This narrows the playing field because FFXIII has almost no info, and it's not even close to done while mistwalker is going to town with lost odyssey. Xbox 360 can easily pick up new commers looking to next gen from rpg fanatics because of mistwalker and all the western rpgs. I would give the edge of rpgs to xbox.

To take the debate further than games though: XBL vs PSN will be key. If console gaming naturally takes a huge leap forward in online support, PSN will pull ahead because it's free. As it stands, it seems devs are reluctant to make games online for the ps3.

Blu-ray winning the format war. The speed at which the Blu-ray will take over the movie market and the # of HDTV's replacing SDTV's in households will also be a factor in the moving of PS3's vs 360's.

Certainly on the hardware side of things, the PS3 seems to have the edge in the future. As for online...it's hard to say, but i think the console market is just playing catch up with the PC market in this department, and one day, we'll just have many, many games incorporating online play. XBL will no longer be worth the 50 a yr if all the high profile games on PS3 had online when applicable.

Theres no way in hell im reading all that.I cant believe someone hates a game system so much that they would take the time to type that out,that just blows my mind how some people can be so childish over a game machine.Play it or dont play it nobody on this planet that matters really cares how much one console sucks over another.loudharley

there is no hate in my post. i think reading my post would actually make you happier.

Theres no way in hell im reading all that.I cant believe someone hates a game system so much that they would take the time to type that out,that just blows my mind how some people can be so childish over a game machine.Play it or dont play it nobody on this planet that matters really cares how much one console sucks over another.loudharley

LOL

The 360 is not in any kind of trouble and neither is the ps3.

The most likely scenario is that both systems will generally do well with neither crushing the competition in the long run.

Everybody knows that tons of people are buying 360's right now because it has lots of games out and on the way(myself included).

Everybody also knows that eventually ps3 will have enough good games out to justify buying one. Ill probably get one in a year and a half or so.

But just cause one system is good it doesnt mean the other is bad. It will be just like last gen where alot of people have multiple consoles.

I think you have to omit some of your catagories if you're going to talk about games that move consoles ONLY. I don't believe action games in the vein of ninja gaiden or god of war do a whole lot for console sales. GT, Halo, and certain RPGs will. GT and the Halo ilk will because they are long lasting games that will keep players on it for much longer than God of War. RPGs because its followings are almost cult like.

So to be honest, i don't think fighting games, or action games should be put on the list. Fighting games are my favorite genre, but it just doesn't strike me as a genre capable of really selling hardware. This narrows the playing field because FFXIII has almost no info, and it's not even close to done while mistwalker is going to town with lost odyssey. Xbox 360 can easily pick up new commers looking to next gen from rpg fanatics because of mistwalker and all the western rpgs. I would give the edge of rpgs to xbox.

To take the debate further than games though: XBL vs PSN will be key. If console gaming naturally takes a huge leap forward in online support, PSN will pull ahead because it's free. As it stands, it seems devs are reluctant to make games online for the ps3.

Blu-ray winning the format war. The speed at which the Blu-ray will take over the movie market and the # of HDTV's replacing SDTV's in households will also be a factor in the moving of PS3's vs 360's.

Certainly on the hardware side of things, the PS3 seems to have the edge in the future. As for online...it's hard to say, but i think the console market is just playing catch up with the PC market in this department, and one day, we'll just have many, many games incorporating online play. XBL will no longer be worth the 50 a yr if all the high profile games on PS3 had online when applicable.

ace52387

oh well absoultely. There are more RPG fans out there than action/adventure. But put it this way. Let's say, every copy sold equals one raffle ticket. So lets say ninja gaiden, and ninja gaiden black sold 2 copies, and GoW 1 and GoW 2 sold 7 copies. The perecentages are in favor of the console that holds GoW 3, rather than NG2. While it may not be a huge franchise compared to that of GT , FF, or Halo, it still matters when that customer is hung up on what console to buy.

The 360 is not in any kind of trouble and neither is the ps3.

The most likely scenario is that both systems will generally do well with neither crushing the competition in the long run.

Everybody knows that tons of people are buying 360's right now because it has lots of games out and on the way(myself included).

Everybody also knows that eventually ps3 will have enough good games out to justify buying one. Ill probably get one in a year and a half or so.

But just cause one system is good it doesnt mean the other is bad. It will be just like last gen where alot of people have multiple consoles.

AT1JOHNSON

oh well yea, neither system will die, i guess i made it sound that way huh? i was simply trying to say that 360 wont win if it keeps up this same old pace.

Wall of bullcrap. Get a life you douche bagElite_PC_gamer

Have my babies.

People aren't as loyal to franchise names as a shallow glance might have you believe. Was Gears of War a sequel? Was the first Halo? Further, why aren't Doom 3 and Quake 4 the most popular FPS titles around, seeing as their prequels were? The answer? Battlefield, Counter-Strike, Unreal, et cetera all came and stole their thunder... but more to the point, you argument is horribly flawed, and certainly not based on the logic you claim it is.


1. Your opinion isn't logic.

"MGS fan base > than SplinterCells"
"God of War > Ninja Gaiden"
Koalakommander

"Tekken makes the PS3 the more favorable choice."Koalakommander

Really? What if I prefer playing Dead or Alive, should I buy the PS3 simply because a game I don't enjoy is popular?

3. Your provide no evidence for your assumptions, and attempt to pass off your opinion under the guise of being "logic".

"Im (sic) willing to bet most PS2 owners, own or have played Halo, and enjoyed it."

"most GeOW players also enjoy Halo."

"You know who bought all those new shooters?-- the same people who are going to buy Halo 3."

"...versus a PS3 lineup that even if it scored low (unlikely) will sell like crazy to it's (sic) (fanbase)"

"But the GT fans know that GT5 is being made, and after e32007 i dont think anybody is switching boats for forza 2 "

"if you had a PS2, theres also a good chance you had an Xbox"

"Right now the 360 is depending on a shaky list of RPGs with only two looking promising in popularity"

Koalakommander

"I left the Wii out of this because well, it wins hands down." Koalakommander

"I'm not telling you what games are better, just what games are more popular."Koalakommander

You've failed at that as well. Dead or Alive 3 (xbox) outsold Tekken 5 (ps2). That was with the PS2 having a massive install-based advantage as well. While Tekken has traditionally sold well, there are no guarantees for Tekken 6, and it is not the system selling title that GTA III once was. Tekken 4 sold well, Tekken 5 did not. DoA 2 sold poorly, DoA 3 sold well, Doa 4 sold poorly... get what I'm getting at? No guarantees.

7. You have no evidence for your views on what casuals enjoy, or do not enjoy. In fact, you seem to even lack basic information such as the line-up for the systems you're discussing.

"The 360 is getting Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey, Mass Effect, Eternal Sonata, and some other ones that if I can't remember the names of, a casual sure as hell won't either"

"But if you think about it, how important will Halo 3 prove itself in making that average guy change his mind."Koalakommander

"The PS3's future line up of games that already have HUGE fanbases ensure it's eventual victory." Koalakommander

"But even then, you are trying to grab FF fans, some of the most blind, narrow-minded RPG gamers (even though FF is awsome" Koalakommander

"360 outsells PS3, you fail". No s***. Congratz, you can look at sales numbers, now how bout you try to relate them to the gaming world."Koalakommander

"If things continue at this rate, PS3 will overkill in sales."Koalakommander

"If you try to "own" me by posting a list of 360 RPGs to come or whatever, it just shows that you didn't read my post." Koalakommander