The 360 is ready. But what about the games?
Well, I'm sure most of you have better things to do than read my inane ramblings this week. After all, this is the week that Microsoft built. I don't think I have to remind you that this week is the US launch of the 360. But I'm also guessing that, if Hargosh's tale of woe is anything to go by, there are a fair few of you without 360s, so I'll stick with me and we can all pretend together that we're so not bothered.
Alas, here in old Blighty we have to wait another two weeks. Alack, alas and woe is me, but I doubt I'm even going to get my mitts on one in two weeks. I have a few irons in the fire concerning a day one purchase, but am currently reluctant to hold my breath in case of self-inflicted asphyxiation.
But despite all the hype, excitement and shortage frenzy, I have to admit that I'm not overly excited about 360. Gasp, shock, horror"is this the GiN playmate you all know and love? Not excited? Yes, it's true, but there is method to my madness.
My main problem (apart from right before Christmas, spending more on one present for myself than for the entire of my family's presents put together) is the lame launch line-up. Yes, lame. Lamer than Larry the lame, right before he won the village lame contest.
Taking a cursory look down the list and it's one sequel after another. The European launch line-up offers up no less than 10 out of 14 sequels. Although, a forum thread was applauding Xbox 360 for giving us so many original games. If four is a lot, isn't there something wrong with this picture?
Do we have to play old titles on new hardware? Shouldn't we be expecting more, rather than making do with our lot in sequelsville?
And to add insult to injury, the only sequel I did want to play has been omitted. Where's DOA4? How can you have a major console launch without a DOA title? It's the one title you can rely on to a) show off the graphics with beautiful flourishes involving bosoms and blossoms, plus excellent fighting moves and b) give you instant gratification and get you hooked on your new machine.
My initial thoughts were, go for the tried and tested DOA4 and then take a gamble on one of the original titles.
Okay, so I realise that now I've kind of contradicted my stance on a launch line-up littered with sequels. However, how many sports sims does one launch need!? I know we have to cater to all tastes, but really. And please, email me if you're still playing Tony Hawks sequels. And before you shoot me down in flames, let me just explain that I'm a self-confessed Tony Hawk's fan.
The original Tony Hawks was a revelation and took the extreme sports genre to the lofty position it holds today. Prior to THSB we had a few snowboarding games, but as far as I'm concerned, none could rival good old Tony. Then came Tony Hawks 2 and bigger areas, more letters, better tricks, better graphics and more excellent tunes. By Tony Hawks 3 I was getting a little jaded. Okay, I can grind in treetops, great and the crowds are animated.
In my local Game store, I couldn't believe the prominence this series still holds. "Do people still play Tony Hawks?" I wondered aloud to my boyfriend. I mean I haven't played it in a few years now, but I'm sure nothing's changed. Do you still have to get the S-K-A-T-E in a time limit? Booing crowd and the essential pop punk soundtrack. I just think it's time to move on people – grow as gamers.
Failing being able to play DOA, I was going to opt for the intense, lengthy gaming session option of Kameo – the perfect foil to the pick up and play fighting of DOA. But the latest review I've read have dashed my hopes. A puny five out of 10 doesn't bode well. So that leaves me with Elder Scrolls. But oh, no, that's not on launch either, bah!
Sports games and driving sims aside, that leaves me with King Kong, Quake 4, Call of Duty 2, Condemned or Perfect Dark Zero. Now call me picky, but this list leaves me feeling a little less than ecstatic. Quake and Call of Duty are definitely out – I just can't get excited about any more war-based gaming and was never a Quake fan.
I'm suspicious of Kong, although it looks very nice, I have a funny movie license tie-in feeling in the pit of my stomach that won't go away. Condemned – survival horror, yawn. PDZ is supposed to look amazing and be amazing and despite my lack of enthusiasm it could be the only option.
I'm sorry, but I want something new for my new Xbox 360 – I'm not paying £270 for a bunch of rehashed, repackaged gaming experiences"or am I? This could of course be totally irrelevant if I don't manage to get a 360 until January 2006 (looking highly likely), by which time the DOA and Elder Scrolls issue will be solved. Every cloud"
Most played: Stubbs the Zombie
Most wanted: DOA4