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The Great Console Wars
In recent years, the war between gaming systems has fallen into the hands of three big-name competitors. Nintendo is the oldest in the family, with a wide base of gamers who’ve been rabid supporters since the very first Nintendo console way back in the dark ages of gaming.
And then came along the Playstation – funded by Sony and based in Japan, the Playstation was famous for its classic games and became the signature gaming setup for fans of games like Final Fantasy and Dynasty Warriors.
The Xbox came out of nowhere. Microsoft? Microsoft made computers and products for offices and business people? What were they doing in gaming territory? Nonetheless, this big fish managed to out swim the sharks and quickly placed itself in the top ranks when its premiere game, Halo, was released in November of 2001
The Scene So Far
At the moment, the three are still at it, each building next-generation gaming systems for their fan bases. Looking to gain converts, each has its own unique features. The PS3’s amazing graphics quality, the Xbox360’s versatility, and the Nintendo Wii’s revolutionary new controller.
So far only Microsoft has released its system. The Xbox360 hit the markets last fall, to immense popular demand. By the evening of its first day every store in the country was sold out and systems, usually only $300-$400, were going for thousands on Ebay.
Similar acclaim can be expected when the next two big systems arrive: the Playstation 3 and the Nintendo Wii, both due this November. Nintendo’s system is the cheapest at only $250. The PS3 will be the costliest of the trio at between $500 and $600. The Xbox360 currently sells for between $300 and $400.
Top Games for the Wii
The Wii already has an impressive array of games to be ready when the Wii hits the market. All Wii games will take full advantage of the Wii’s unique controller setup. Utilizing wireless remote technology, the Nintendo Remote Controller is designed to be easy-to-use by players of every background and skill level. Highly adaptable, the Wii’s controller can be used as a steering wheel in driving games or as a gun to shoot enemies with in a first-person shooter. Also available is the Nunchuk, a special add-on meant to be used with the remote controller. These two controllers together can be used for everything from flight control to bow-and-arrow combat.
Right now the game line-up contains a number of Nintendo’s trademark platforming genres, started in the company’s early days with Super Mario Bros. The tradition is continued with the games WarioWare, Super Mario Galaxy, and Mario Strikers Charged.
Built in glorious 3D, Galaxy will bring everyone’s favorite plumber into the cold depths of outer space. Players will use the remote and nunchuk together to jump, flip, push and pull their ways across the universe.
Another returning classic is the Metroid series, also a continuation from Nintendo’s first platform. Samus has come a long way since her debut in 1986, however. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption will include all of Samus’ old tricks (like the grapple beam and morph ball) as well as a few new ones: she can now use the power of Phazon to pull powerful hyper-powered feats against her enemies. The graphics are in beautiful full 3D as well, taking advantage of the Wii’s increased graphics capacity.
And who can forget Zelda? In The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess you return to Hyrule as the ever-popular Link. Using the remote and nunchuk controllers you’ll wield sword, bow and shield as well as riding horses and even transforming yourself into a wolf.
Top Games for PS3
The smorgasbord planned for the PS3’s release is nearly as impressive as that of the Wii. While lacking the Wii’s innovative control system, the PS3 does its best to make up the difference in sheer graphical capacity.
One of the most visual stunning offerings is Lair, an epic action/adventure title set in a fantastic world of dragons and huge armies. You play the part of Rohn, a warrior and dragon rider. You’ll fight battles on earth and in the sky against armies of thousands, using the might of your mount to win the war and save your homeland.
Not to be forgotten is the classic Playstation Japanese action game – and PS3 steps up to the plate in this regard as well. Genji: Days of the Blade lets you command the samurai Yoshitsune in enormous sword battles. Throw this in with the PS3’s amazing graphical capacity and you have a winning, intense combination.
Top Games for Xbox360
Already on the market, the Xbox 360 sports the widest array of games at a decent mid-range price. With everything from sports games (like NBA Live 07) to military simulators (Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter) to the just plain strange (Destroy All Humans), the Xbox 360 offers something for everyone.
One of the most acclaimed games of late is Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion. Set in a huge, visually stunning world, this RPG is one of the largest, most open-ended games on the market today. As the sequel to the 2002 RPG of the Year (Morrowind), Oblivion allows you to play anything from a crusading knight to a shifty thief or a pacifistic healer – whatever you want to do, Oblivion will help you out.
And then there’s Halo. Halo 3, the final title in the trilogy, will finish its long, astoundingly successful journey on the Xbox 360 system. Design company Bungie is staying quiet as to the exact plot involved, but a few hints can be had by watching the trailer (check it out at www.xbox.com). We can rest assured, however, that the game’s legions of hardcore fans will be lining up outside retail stores at ungodly hours of the morning to get their copies.
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