Over the past 8 months I have been to a few different message boards. The old this console sucks and this one is way better debate is just that , OLD. It\'s time to move on to a more reasonable understaning of the different consoles and what each has to offer.
I myself was one who said those very things at one time. When I first came here I came with the additude that one console was "better" the the other. Since then I have realized that no one console is better then the other. There is no single Best system to own. It is all a matter of personal taste. Below is an article I found on the Tech TV site. I think it is a good way to look at the whole console debate topic.
No Console Is \'The Best\'
By now we probably sound like a broken record given the number of times we\'ve said this, but it cannot be overstated. Processing numbers aside, each console has strong and weak points, just like each gamer has stuff they like to play and stuff they wouldn\'t even drip energy drinks on. Of course, there\'s always "Timmy on the play ground," or "my friend\'s big brother" who will proclaim that whatever they\'re getting is the best, and everything else is worthless. Ask them if they\'ve played everything.
Remember, you are the one who is going to play the games. If a system has big numbers but no titles you like, then you\'re not going to be happy. Period. Write down your favorite games, and then check out the games that are available and coming out for the various systems. What is closest to your tastes? If you\'re buying a new console to impress someone else, then maybe you should check out your wardrobe instead.
While not complete, here\'s a breakdown of the various consoles\' strong points.
Xbox
Right now the Xbox is more an investment in the future. Yes, there are some really strong games at launch, especially "Halo," but there\'s little else to distinguish it from other consoles and their equally strong titles. But the modem and hard drive promise more to come. If you want online gaming, this is your best bet because it already packs the modem, which indicates a greater commitment from Microsoft to take the system online (currently planned for summer 2002) than GameCube and the PS2, which only point to an unidentified moment in the future. However, that\'s not to say they won\'t go online.
Similarly, the hard drive also demonstrates a commitment to innovation. Right now, it mainly stores game saves and music, but the size (8GB), mixed with the modem, holds out some great potential.
Also, there are upcoming exclusive games that help give definition to the system. Primarily, they are the Sega titles like "Shenmue II," "Panzer Dragoon," "Gun Valkyrie," and "Jet Set Radio Future." This indicates an interest in appealing to the hard-core Sega devotee, so if you were committed to your Dreamcast, it\'s worth taking that under consideration.
Once again, though, that\'s the future. Right now, it\'s a strong system with some nice launch titles to tide you over. Counting on the company to fulfill on its promises is an act of faith, but despite being Microsoft, they should follow through.
GameCube
When you buy the Nintendo, you buy Nintendo games. That\'s its undeniable strength. This is the only place you can get Mario, Zelda, Perfect Dark, Star Fox, Donkey Kong, and Conker\'s. So if those are your favorite games, this should be an easy choice. If that curdles your stomach, you shouldn\'t be banging your head on the monitor -- unless you like that sensation.
A couple of misconceptions about the GameCube should be cleared up. The big one is the "kiddie console" problem. Kids may like Nintendo games, but that doesn\'t mean Nintendo games are for kids. When did bright colors and bloodless gameplay become so unappealing to people? Turn off the Nine Inch Nails for a moment and realize that the gameplay in "Mario 64" and "Banjo-Kazooie" is near perfect, and anyone can enjoy it.
That said, Nintendo did realize that the N64 lacked the same amount of darker games that the PlayStation had, and this time around they should have a more prominent selection of adult titles. "Eternal Darkness" and two exclusive "Resident Evil" games are already slated for upcoming release.
The other misconception is that there will be a shortage of titles as with the N64. I cannot state how many there will be, but Nintendo has won back the third-party publishers they lost with the N64. The DVD-format is cheaper to produce than the cartridge, and as a result, we already are seeing "Madden" and "Tony Hawk" at launch. Plus, there\'s good reason to assume that large multi-platform franchises will appear on the system. In addition, developers\' praise for the ease of making games for the GameCube (Factor 5 says it only took nine months for "Rouge Leader"), should allow for a far larger library.
PlayStation 2
Sony\'s machine is the product of the industry leader, in addition to already having been out for a year. You have confidence in the number and variety of games for the system. Also, if you want to pick up a console with an already-established library of games to choose from, the PS2 is the way to go. We\'re are now beginning to see the titles that are really taking advantage of the system\'s power and have benefited from longer development cycles, a point that the other systems may need about six to eight months to reach.
The fact that the PS2 has been out for a year may make it seem like it\'s been rendered obsolete by the arrival of the GameCube and Xbox. One look at "MGS2" or "Ico" should lay those anxieties to rest. The head of Sony did say that the life span of the PS2 may have to be shortened due to the Xbox, but take that with a grain of salt. No one expected the PlayStation to last as long as it did, nor did anyone think that games like "Vagrant Story" or "Fear Effect" were even possible on the system. Yes, it most likely will be the first console to see a next-gen upgrade, but there\'s a whole lotta good gaming to be had until then.
If the PlayStation was your primary gaming console, and you liked the games for it, you\'ll see a lot of those trends continue. Don\'t expect to see the "Final Fantasy" games and other titles from Square on any other system since Sony bought a significant share in the company. In addition, Sony themselves has managed to produce some impressive first- and second-party titles like "Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec," "Ico," and "Twisted Metal Black," making Sony games something you can\'t get for any other system and reason worth considering the console\'s purchase.
All in all
Basically, each system is defined by the games it has, and more importantly by the exclusive games for each system. You will be seeing far more titles available for all systems, so your bases will be covered on the bread-and-butter of gaming (sports mainly). However, it\'s those special titles you can\'t get anywhere else and are exactly what you like that should help you identify what is the best console for you.
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Topic: Which one is right for you? (Read 1016 times)