Written in late November to avoid confusion...

As Christmas of '08 nears, we can expect the usual frenzy that seems to follow the holiday releases. All three systems are finally out (and bug-free for the most part), and have enough choices as far as games go, to make the first real "competitive" holiday shopping season. Or will it? Microsoft has its "massive" list of games, and its great online play to rely on. The Playstation 3 has amazing visuals and some big exclusive blockbusters. Nintendo…..well Nintendo has…….an innovative controller? Sorry. Bad joke. Figured I would throw one in to cause an even bigger stir amongst fan boys everywhere.

On paper this looks great for the consumer. However, is this holiday season really going to be that competitive? Let's delve deeper into the categories of video game consumers. Number one: The guy who is loaded, and wants the best of the best. He is going to drop the $1000 for that nice, big HDTV. He is then going to buy the PS3 with that hefty HDMI cable. Why not? He's got plenty of money. Number two: You have the guy who is buying something for his entire family. Something they can all do together, and have fun doing, without the intricacies of all the new technology. He is going to buy the Wii, with a couple controllers and the newest Mario game. Number Three: You have the guy who's in between. Wants graphical power, but isn't loaded. He also enjoys playing Halo just as much as the next guy. He'll grab the 360. Case closed.

I came across an interesting fact about my PS3 (traded in my 360 for it). I use it to play PS1 games more then to play PS3 games. Why would I do this you ask? I mean come on, the PS1 graphics are lame, the sound quality is something to be desired, and CD-ROM? Please. But looking past all these issues, the ole PS1 greats represent something more than old and dusty technology, they represent the hay days of gaming. Back when Sony and Nintendo were pushing and shoving to get to the top. Back when games weren't just hand-me-down ports, or where offering online play was the only way to grab a half-way decent review. It was a time when third-party developers rivaled first-party developers in every way. Things were competitive. And some of the best games and series of all time were released during this era. On the PS1 you had Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil, Final Fantasy (in 3D!), and more greats. On the other side you had the Ocarina of Time, Goldeneye, Mario 64, etc. This era launched unforgettable games and unforgettable memories.

Now don't get me wrong. I think that gaming has come a long way. And some of the changes have been for the better, but is it just me or are there seeming to be less and less really good games? Things aren't competitive anymore. Games for the Wii are based around one crowd; children and family. The 360 is based around online play and shooters. The PS3 revolves around visuals to win over buyers. Each company has a set objective. And the developers know this. Games are getting more and more specified, and most are missing instead of hitting. Most developers aren't trying to make a great overall game, they are trying to "be good" in only a certain audiences' eyes. And that's fine, to a point. But what makes a great game, a great game is one that no matter what genre you're a fan of, you can say, "That's a damn good game."

I guess what I'm trying to say, is that what used to be so great about video games, was the competition. That competition resulted in better games. And those better games brought people together, where they could all have fun. And isn't that what it's all about? Isn't that what entertainment is? Nowadays, having a next-gen game that supports up to two local players is a rare commodity. Even with online play, gaming is getting more and more "plain" and lackluster. Any game that seems to pose any originality or innovativeness is hyped to the extreme point that it is doomed. When people expect perfection- they are going to be disappointed.

We're seeing the same things time after time. Gaming is losing its originality. And unfortunately this isn't bringing the "gaming community" together, it's tearing it apart.