On the Horizon: The Next-Generation Consoles
By Brian K. Neal
The Electronic Entertainment Expo (better known as E3, and held this year at the L.A. Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA) gave us the first glimpse of the next-generation consoles, soon to be released to the mass market starting this winter season. The 3 major contenders in this next generation battle (Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony) have sparred in a console war before with Sony's Playstation 2, Microsoft's Xbox; and Nintendo's Gamecube, all aiming to penetrate consumer homes worldwide. Sony managed to not only release their Playstation2 console almost a year ahead of the competition, (backed by almost every 3rd party developer and strong 1st party support) but also emerged victorious, maintaining a dominant number 1 spot over the competition. So much in fact that the worldwide figure of Playstation2's sold tally around 90 million units, while the Xbox and Gamecube pale in comparison with around 20 and 18 million. Soon we will be upon a new area of videogame entertainment with the introduction of the next-generation consoles. The following new offerings from Sony, Microsoft; and Nintendo, promise to place the consumer in environments filled with emotion unparalleled to any home entertainment experience before them, all while offering their own unique features. It will be virtually impossible to distinguish actual in-game footage on some titles from what we see in pre-rendered cut scenes or multi-million dollar CG-rendered movie content. They not only promise to succeed in delivering these experiences, but they also promise to envelope the consumer head-on into a digital world where the consumer has complete control, a lifestyle…..an addiction!
*The following are previews of the next-generation consoles from Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, and are subject to change up until these platforms are released.
First Up: Microsoft Xbox 360
Microsoft's foray into the next generation race, titled the Xbox 360, will be the first of the next-generation consoles released to the market, and the only next-generation console released this year. A late November release will see the Xbox 360 simultaneously on shelves in the US, Japan, and Europe, with a price-point yet to be announced. Analysts expect the console to be sold somewhere between $299-$399 here in the US. The Xbox 360 is said to be 15 times more powerful than the original Xbox (which is currently the most powerful home console on the market today), with a custom CPU designed by IBM and Microsoft, and mega-custom graphics chip supplied by ATI. The unit can stand both vertically and horizontally; offer backwards compatibility with the original Xbox library; can support up to 4 wireless controllers and a video camera designed for the system that can be used with the Xbox Live service; has progressive-scan DVD movie, CD music, and photo playback support; and can also attach to any digital camera, MP3 player, and any Windows XP- based PC with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 port to stream music and photos. All 360 games will be optimized for HDTV owners, and users will be able to enjoy HD content in a multitude of ways including broadband distribution. The Xbox Live service will be broken down into two packages: silver and gold. Xbox Live Silver is available to all Xbox 360 users who have a broadband connection, and is free of charge. Players can create their own profile; communicate with friends through Xbox Live voice chat; receive and send voice and text messages; and access the Xbox Live Marketplace to download trailers and demos with new game maps, weapons, levels, skins, vehicles and more to the detachable Xbox 360 hard drive included in the box. Xbox Live Gold has all the features of Silver, but adds multiplayer online gameplay, video messaging, and the ability to join sponsored tournaments to win prizes. Microsoft is loaded; ready to take on all competition; and without a doubt, engineered a console that will raise the bar of home entertainment upon its release. The Xbox 360 console and controllers are both sexier, and smaller than the original Xbox offerings, adding appeal to the mass market. Enough talk, let's see the GAMES!!!!
*The following titles are currently in development for the Xbox 360, and are subject to change until released.
Gears of War (Epic Games)
Simply unbelievable. This game is definitely going to be a killer app when released. A Xbox 360 exclusive, this game hits hard with graphics so real, you'll swear you're looking at a pre-rendered cut-scene. Big characters, HUGE bosses, and intense multiplayer gameplay promise to take this title to the top. Expect this title to hit sometime in spring 06'.
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 3 (Ubisoft)
The third game in the strategic-heavy Ghost Recon franchise is based in Mexico City. This game graphics were amongst the talks of the show, depicting soldiers that moved realistically and unlike any squad-based game before it. Ubisoft has brought many new ideas to the online multiplayer experience, such as the "Cross-Com", which gives the player full awareness and control of the battlefield; allowing players to do things like commanding allied forces and call in artillery for air strikes. Expect this game to appear before years end, around the Xbox 360's launch window.
Need for Speed Most Wanted (EA Games)
Next generation Need For Speed. Xbox 360 LAUNCH title. Will rock most definitely. Nuff said.
Quake 4 (Activision)
Based off the Doom III engine, this game promises to deliver the intense multiplayer deathmatch experience that the Quake Series is known for. Expect this title in the Xbox 36o launch window before years end as well.
Kameo: Elements of Power (Rare Ltd.)
This game has a unique history, as it has been in development for years and overhauled not once, but twice. Once a Nintendo 64 exclusive, then canned and updated for the Nintendo Gamecube (which wound up canned as well after Microsoft purchased the developer Rare from Nintendo), Kameo: Elements of Power now finds it's home in all it's beautiful glory on the Xbox 360. Lush scenery, and unique gameplay await purchasers of this title at the Xbox 360's launch this November.
Dead Or Alive 4 (Tecmo)
One of the premier fighting franchises on the original Xbox, DOA4 features stunning- CG quality graphics, a more complex battle system, and environments that are full of surprises. Players will not only be able to defeat their opponent with their character's unique fighting style, but will also be able to utilize objects and the environment to their advantage in ways the previous titles in the series weren't able to express; thanks to the Xbox 360's sheer horsepower. This title has a TBA release date.
Madden NFL 06, NBA Live 06, FIFA 06, Tiger Wood PGA Tour 06 (EA Sports)
EA Sports is supporting the Xbox 360 in a big way, brining their most popular franchises to the next-generation forefront. With the exception of NBA Live 06 (which is scheduled to appear this winter) every other title in EA Sports Xbox 360 lineup has a TBA release date, but be assured when they are released that they will offer life-like experiences supported by graphics that will blow the mind. Online multiplayer is a definite no-brainer.
Saint's Row (THQ)
THQ's first known Xbox 360 title offers an experience similar to the Grand Theft Auto franchise, but also promises to differentiate itself by offering other gameplay elements to make this title stand out. I'm excited about this one. This title has no release date as of yet.
Top Spin 2 (2K Sports)
Top Spin2, from 2k Sports, serves a return with this eye-mesmerizing sequel on the Xbox 360. Fast, fun, and accurate gameplay is a given in this series. Expect nothing less. Release date is TBA.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2K Games/Bethesda Softworks)
Create any type of character from a magic caster to an axe-wielding warrior, and dive into a fantasy med-evil world full of lush graphics, and innovative gameplay. With more than 1000 non-playable characters in the game, all on a 24-hour schedule that consists of real life interaction such as eating, sleeping, and going about day to day tasks, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion promises to satisfy fantasy RPG players this winter during the Xbox 360 launch window.
There are many more Xbox 360 titles in development, keep checking back for updates and screenshots!
Second to bat: Sony Playstation 3
With Microsoft getting keyed up over the Xbox 360's near release and Nintendo's Revolution lurking on the prowl, Sony is locking and loading their own next-generation weapon, the Playstation 3. The successor the king of the current generation battle, the Playstation 2, the Playstation 3 is one serious beast. At the heart of the system is the much taunted Cell processor. This new processor (a joint effort between IBM, Sony add Toshiba) is the heart of the machine, and when combined with a custom graphics chip provided by Nvidia, developers are able to create worlds and emotions so lifelike it's scary. The system looks very sleek, even though the PS3 will be the largest of the three next-gen systems, and the controller (though still in its concept form) looks to establish the ease and ergonomic comfort the Playstation brand is known for. As with the PS2 and Xbox 360, the PS3 can stand both vertically or horizontally. The Playstation 3 is said to be 35 times more powerful than the Playstation2;offer complete backwards compatibility with the PS1 and PS2 library; support Sony's New Blu-Ray DVD (which currently can hold 100GB of data, giving developers enough storage for HD content); allow up to 7 wireless Bluetooth controllers; support for GB Ethernet and wireless protocol; has memory slots to support Memory Stick Duo, Compact Flash, and SD cards for easy transfer of digital content; 6 USB ports; support for CD-ROM, CDR+W, DVD, VD-ROM, DVD-R, and DVD+R; the ability to connect to the PSP wirelessly; and will come with a detachable 160GB hard drive, whew! Details of the PS3's online strategy are minimal, as it is still in the planning, but the console is not set to debut until spring to summer of 06 (more details are soon to come). Sony is taunting that the PS3 is more powerful than the Xbox 360, and if the tech demos (developers proposed targets) of the PS3's power are any indication of what the system is capable of, then Microsoft (with the Xbox 360) won't be claiming the title of the best graphics this time around (although no slouch by any means). Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure, Sony's going to create a problem for the competition with the PS3. 2006 is going to be interesting indeed.
*Some of the following are examples of what developers are aiming to achieve with the PS3, and are running on development kits. All games are have a TBA date*
Killing Day (Ubisoft)
Ubisoft's Killing Day was one of the few titles shown to the public that was actually hailed as an actual PS3 game in development. The gameplay seemed like typical shoot-em up fare, but level of detail in the environments is staggering. Just look at that statue! Sign me up for this one, I've got to have it.
Devil May Cry 4 (Capcom)
A welcome franchise that was an exclusive on the Playstation 2, Devil May Cry 4 marks the first entry on the PS3. Expect fast paced combat and superb action as the hero Dante once again battles the forces of evil.
Tekken *working title (Namco)
The Tekken series will always be recognized as a pioneer of the 3D fighting genre. Still one of the best, the series continues its legacy on the PS3. Although no gameplay footage was shown, what appeared to be a real-time example of one of Tekken's main characters (Jin Kazama) left many drooling on what is to come. Very intriguing indeed.
Killzone 2 *working title (SCEA)
"Wow! Is this real-time footage or pre-rendered CG?" That's was the topic of discussion of many when the trailer for SCEA showed the trailer for Killzone 2. These screenshots look astonishing in their own merit, but must be seen in action to REALLY feel the level of realism and intensity SCEA hopes to accomplish. Running on a development kit, Killzone 2 was hailed by many as the next-generation shooter to beat. Let's keep our fingers crossed that they can achieve this level of technical bliss.
Fight Night Round 3 (EA Sports)
Fight Night Round 3 was shown in its early stage behind closed doors, and everyone who got a chance to see it in motion was left speechless. The level of detail, such as sweat reproduction, was so realistic that it makes one want to bow to the developers for the little minute-details that are going to be a key importance in the next generation of videogames. Fight Night Round 3 is going to be a winner. *Next-Generation Madden is also in works for the PS3
Vision Grand Turismo (SCEA)
Each new entry in the Grand Turismo series has raised the standards for racing sims, in which the series pioneered. Vision Grand Turismo promises to deliver everything the series is known for and then some, including damage modeling, a first for the series. I know this title will be of the utmost quality when released, as each entry before it has never failed to impress.
Gundam World (Bandai)
Bandai's Gundam World was shown during the PS3 game reel video, and once again, no one could tell if this game was in-game footage or a pretty CG sequence. One thing's for sure, it looked amazing and the action intense with gigantic robots engaging in combat in the middle of a street setting. A big franchise both here in the US and Japan, Gundam is poised to continue its saga on the PS3.
Motor Storm (SCEE)
One of my tops picks from the PS3 game reel is this off-road racer tentatively titled Motor Storm. The action seemed brisk and intense, with never a dull moment. There were trucks, ATV's, buggies, Hummers, and off-road racing bikes dashing through rough terrain and deserts that looked simply gorgeous and accurately real. This game also promises to do something no other racer has ever done, simulate wind currents caused by passing cars. This one has me excited, and will surely be on my wish list.
Warhawk (Incognito)
A series that debuted on the original Playstation as a flight-based shooter, Warhawk returns in what appears to be a first- or third-person action game. Though in its early stages, the game is shaping up nicely, and promises to please fans of the original.
There are many other impressive tech demos and games in development for the PS3, please check back for more soon!
Last, but certainly not least: Nintendo Revolution
Of all the three next-generation systems shown at this years E3, Nintendo provided the least information on the successor to the Gamecube, code-named Revolution. While details are scarce, with Nintendo promising more info on the Revolution by years end including a showing of actual games in development, what is known about the system so far is very promising as Nintendo continues to be a leading innovator in both the hardware and software sectors. As with the Xbox 360, the Revolution is powered by a custom CPU designed by IBM, and a graphics processor designed by ATI. Nintendo doesn't want to get caught up in the mix of which system has the most horsepower, as Nintendo points out "It's not how much power you have, it's what you do with it. It's all about the games." Nintendo president Satoru Iwata reassured everyone during the press conference that the Revolution will offer the next-generation experience consumers expect with the statement "When you turn on the Revolution and see the games, you will say wow!" As with the Xbox 360 and the PS3, the Nintendo Revolution will be backwards compatible with Gamecube games, but Nintendo has taken the term backwards compatibility to a whole new level by allowing the user to have downloadable access to over 20 years of Nintendo gaming history starting with the NES, the SNES, and the Nintendo 64. The Revolution is the smallest of the 3 next-gen consoles, approximately the size of three DVD cases stacked on top of each other, and will support both DVDs and GCN-format (Gamecube) discs; have 2 USB 2.0 ports; built in Wi Fi support; utilize wireless controllers (which have yet to be revealed, but promise to be innovative and unlike anything the Xbox 360 or the PS3 has to offer); has the ability to stand up vertically or lay horizontally; has 512MB of embedded flash memory to store content with the ability to expand through a provided SD card slot; support HD play; and come in several colors with a matching silver stand. The Nintendo Revolution's wireless capabilities will be available right out the box, and Nintendo will certainly cause many who haven't tried online gaming to attempt it now, because there will be no service charges for internet connectivity. Users can access this online gaming lobby; download new content for existing games; chat with friends; access the internet, and play Nintendo developed games online free of charge. Third party developers can choose to charge a service fee for their games, however. There are sure to be a host of new franchises that will join the Revolution's stars such as Mario, Metroid, Super Smash Brothers, Donkey Kong and Zelda. SquareEnix, most popular for its Final Fantasy series worldwide, has already announced that the developer is working on Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles. I expect big things from the Revolution, and will keep you updated on the system as it unfolds!
All in all, the next generation of videogame consoles are all very interesting. Who will win? Will history repeat itself as Sony muscles its way into the market next year, or will Microsoft win the market penetration this time around by releasing the Xbox 360 ahead of the competition and partnering with SquareEnix (who showed no support for the original Xbox)? Is Nintendo jumping in the brawl this time by offering features the Gamecube lacked such as online play and media playback? Time will tell, but all three consoles promise to deliver. The verdicts still out, but I'm buying all three, so they all win in my book.
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Feature Game
Metal Slug 4&5 (Preview)
Ships 5/24/2005
Metal Slug
Press Release PDF
Metal Slug Overview PDF
Metal Slug Video Clip
(Requires QuickTime Player)
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