This holiday season will likely be the most competitive in video game history. Not only are an unprecedented number of games coming out, but two new systems are making their debut, one from our friends at Nintendo, and another from a newcomer to console video games, software giant Microsoft.
This week, Microsoft will release a new system called the Xbox. It's the first time the company is entering the game system industry, aiming a product initially only at young men and trying to sell something that's only about entertainment, not business.
When the software giant first announced it was joining the ranks of Nintendo, Sony and (then) Sega, many were surprised, not to mention skeptical, as the hardware industry already seemed saturated. But if there's one company with enough clout and marketing experience to make something happen, it's Microsoft. The company's domination of the computer software and operating system industry demonstrates an impressive track record.
But convincing Japanese software developers to hop on board was initially a big challenge. A vast majority of hardware and software development remains dominated by Japanese companies such as Sony, Nintendo, Namco, Squaresoft, Sega and Konami. Many had doubts supporting a U.S.-made console, especially from Microsoft.
Nevertheless, the software giant eventually pulled some strings, and today, it seems like the overall sentiment has changed, as many of these companies now fully support the Xbox. Microsoft even went as far as to snag some coveted games as Xbox exclusives, including the highly anticipated Tecmo fighting game, Dead or Alive 3, as well as Bungee's shooter masterpiece, Halo (Microsoft actually bought out the company to gain exclusivity--go figure). Many
Furthermore, Microsoft is plunging an unprecedented $500 million into promoting the Xbox, a figure that obliterates the competition's, including Sony and Nintendo. The slick advertising campaign focuses on the system itself rather than the Microsoft brand name.
So what's so good about the Xbox? Well for one, it is arguably the most technically superior of all new systems. Without a doubt, from a raw power standpoint, it can put out better graphics and crunch more numbers than the PS2 or the Gamecube. Unlike the other two systems, it also has a built-in 10 Gigabyte hard-drive (for downloading saved games, ripping mp3 music and getting other web content). The system is already broadband-ready for online gaming (the other two systems will require gamers to purchase additional adapters). Like the PS2 (unlike Gamecube), Xbox supports DVD movie playback, but you'll have to shell out $30 to buy a special remote and software.
Despite all the hoopla, Microsoft is still taking a huge gamble on the Xbox, as it faces some stiff competition. Gamecube comes out just three days later, and the enormously popular PlayStation 2 already has an installed user base of 20 million, along with a strong catalog of games. And since the Xbox system costs so much to make, analysts say they expect Microsoft to lose $100 for every $300 system it sells, although game sales will offset that. Some have even gone as far as predicting that Xbox will lose about $1 billion before breaking even in the company's fiscal year 2004. But it's no secret that the money may be change in Bill Gates' pocket.
We were able to snag an Xbox to test before
The first thing people will notice about the system is how unbelievably huge the thing is. It certainly dwarfs any other video game system ever made. Think giant double-decker VCR. Although that might be a turn-off for some, considering all the extra goodies that Microsoft built in, it's not that much of a surprise. And since there's a built-in hard drive, there's no need to buy an extra memory card (unless you want to bring saved games to a friend's house). You can also rip your CDs into mp3s and make long playlists.
The main interface is very slick, and loading times for games are impressively fast. The controller is also very well designed. Although its large size will likely pose problems for younger gamers, it will feel very comfortable for most users, and its strong built-in vibration feedback is a treat.
In the end, however, what makes or breaks a system are its games, not how powerful it is. And so unfortunately, while the Xbox is obviously the most powerful system, its current lack of must-have launch titles makes it a tough recommendation. We tried six or seven of the launch titles, and frankly, many are disappointing, with the exception of the incredible Halo. Although Halo and Dead or Alive 3 remain the system's two flagship titles, they're not good enough reasons to go out and buy an Xbox just yet.
So who will win the gaming wars? PlayStation 2 remains the safest bet for the holiday season, but that could definitely change in the next year or so as the Xbox and Gamecube prove what they're really made of. Regardless of what system you play, you can't lose. It's certainly a good time to be a gamer.
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