Pre-E3: Is Xbox 360 the Next Generation of Gaming?

by Louis Bedigian

 

 

It came.  It went.  We saw.  We gasped.  We smiled.  We smirked. 

We were impressed by the wireless controllers, and wondered why console manufacturers didn't cut the cord a long time ago.

 

We stood up and cheered when the rumors were confirmed -- Perfect Dark Zero was unveiled, it was playable, and should be ready to go at the console's launch.

 

We were intrigued by the new online features, like the Xbox marketplace, where gamers can buy virtual items to tweak their games.

 

As unappealing as it sounded, the Xbox's lighter design turned out to be very cool.  The off-white color complements the sleek box, which is cooler and smaller (slightly) than the original Xbox.

 

 

 

 

Chances are some of you were surprised by Microsoft's push for high-definition, saying that the console is always high-def.  This preceded commercials from Samsung, who promoted new HD TVs designed to maximize the beauty of Xbox.

 

The Killers's performance was pretty cool, and while I'm sure we could talk for hours about all the tiny little details that surrounded the console's unveiling, the most important thing is the games.  So let's not waste another second talking about how Wilmer Valderama got to play Perfect Dark Zero before us.  (Holds back tears)

 

Oh forget it, I ain't holdin' back the tears for no one!  (Openly sobs.  Receives offer to do a series of advertisements for Kleenex brand tissues.)

 

Perfect Dark Zero

 

Why it's intriguing: first-person espionage from Rare.  Has unique aerial combat, unprecedented explosion effects, and is the sequel to the game that Rare touted as the spiritual successor to GoldenEye 007.

Why you'll love it: because it's the only game on the planet that can even think about living up to Halo's legacy.

What could be improved: Joanna Dark is currently comprised of only 5,000 polygons.  That's a lot, and she looks very good, but this is the next generation Xbox.  I was impressed, but I wanted to be blown away.

 

Madden 2006

 

Why it's intriguing: do you have to ask?

Why you'll love it: again, do you have to ask?  It's Madden 2006, and you can be certain that this will be the best-looking version available.  The graphics are unbelievable.  This was the first game I saw that made me say, "Okay, I believe it now, this is the next generation."

What could be improved: based on what was shown, absolutely nothing.

 

Need For Speed Most Wanted

 

Why it's intriguing: high-speed races and police chases.

Why you'll love it: Need For Speed goes back to its roots, kicks it up a notch and looks better than ever.

What could be improved: EA made the first step to improvement by making this instead of NFS Underground 3.  I'm confident that this will be best Need For Speed since the first Hot Pursuit.

 

Tony Hawk's American Wasteland

 

Why it's intriguing: Tony Hawk returns – no rehash, no direct sequel.  More of what you love and a bunch of new stuff to sink your teeth into.

Why you'll love it: instead of several large worlds, America's Wasteland takes place in one enormous, unbelievable world that can be explored without load times.

What could be improved: if they keep their promise of no load times, I'll be happy.

 

Project Gotham Racing 3

 

Why it's intriguing: just the thought of what the developers can do on a more powerful console is intriguing.  We could be in for some insanely ridiculous obstacles.

Why you'll love it: the new features have yet to be announced, but judging by the graphics and the series' past, you can be certain this game is gonna rock.

What could be improved: a guaranteed release date would be nice :)

 

Quake IV

 

Why it's intriguing: beautiful PC gaming...on a home console!

Why you'll love it: Quake was, as the creator once said, influenced by Mortal Kombat.  You could say it's the Mortal Kombat 2 of first-person shooters.  Its graphics are gorgeous, that's the only thing we can say for certain at this point.  If the speed of the trailer is any indication, this will be one fast and exciting FPS.

What could be improved: crossing fingers for graphics that either match or beat the PC version.

 

Call of Duty 2

 

Why it's intriguing: Medal of Honor-caliber warfare from the #1 Medal of Honor competitor.

Why you'll love it: faster, more realistic, more intense.  Call of Duty 2 will blow us away.  I cannot wait for this one.

What could be improved: make the game long, but please keep individual battles short and sweet!

 

NBA 2K6

 

Why it's intriguing: 2K Sports rules.  They rule so much that EA took away their ability to develop football games.

Why you'll love it: if 2K Sports does what they normally do, this will be the basketball game to beat when Xbox 360 launches.

What could be improved: the graphics are gorgeous, but they can't compare to Madden 2006.

 

Saint's Row

 

Why it's intriguing: a beautiful surprise from THQ.  Appears to be a game of crime on the gritty city streets.

Why you'll love it: big, bold, highly-detailed characters.  If this was real-time video that we witnessed, this will end up being one of the most talked about Xbox 360 games.

What could be improved: too early to tell.  My recommendation to all developers regarding all games: focus on the controls!  If you conquer that, the rest will fall into place.

 

The Darkness

 

Why it's intriguing: looks dark and creepy.  AND very realistic!

Why you'll love it: if the gameplay is as good as the graphics, you'll be freaked out and entertained simultaneously.

What could be improved: too early to tell.

 

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 3

 

Why it's intriguing: gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!!!!

Why you'll love it: if Ubisoft has anything to say about it, this will be the best Ghost Recon yet.  Considering they're the developer, I'm guessing they have a lot to say.

What could be improved: faster gameplay, maybe?

 

Gears of War

 

Why it's intriguing: this could be Microsoft Game Studios's most realistic-looking game yet.

Why you'll love it: history shows that Microsoft's best-looking games are also their best-playing.

What could be improved: just give it to me already!  I have no clue as to what it's about, nor do I know how it's going to play and I don't care.  Just pass the controller and let me figure it out.  My eyes will be fixated on the graphics will my thumbs frantically figure out what needs to be done.  There is no better gaming experience than that.

 

Kameo: Elements of Power

 

Why it's intriguing: transform into numerous creatures to take down an abundance of creatures!

Why you'll love it: Clever puzzles, interesting boss battles (based on the canceled Xbox and GameCube versions – the Xbox 360 version may differ).

What could be improved: I'll figure that out if Rare ever decides to release it.  We've been hearing about this game (and seeing videos of it) since 2001!  FOUR YEARS!  Come 'on guys, let us have it.  We've been patient...now give us the goods.

 

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2006

 

Why it’s intriguing: could be the most realistic golf game yet.

Why you’ll love it: EA continuously refines their sports games, especially when launching a new console.  Why should things be any different now?

What could be improved: while it may be the most realistic golf game, it’s still not as realistic-looking as it could be.

 

We’ll have more on these games and many others when we delve into 2005’s Electronic Entertainment Expo.  All of these games will be at the show in some shape or form, and you can be certain that I’ll do anything to get my hands on Perfect Dark Zero.  I might lose my head in the process, but what good is a brain and two eyeballs if I can’t enjoy the best games?