My interest in platform gaming is dwindling. Yes, I’m the executive editor of a gaming publication, so having an undying love for the medium is practically in my job description. But I’m also a consumer of entertainment, and when something ceases to entertain me – well that’s a big problem. Fortunately, this year, particularly this spring, looks like it will bring a much-needed revitalization to gaming – for the PlayStation 3.
I don’t consider myself to be a fanboy of any type, but I do consider myself a PC-gaming enthusiast, only because games perform far better on a PC than their console brethren. If possible, I usually go with a PC version of a game rather than a console version. However, I recently gave in and bought a PlayStation 3. What’s so appealing about the PS3? PlayStation Network? Hardly, Xbox Live is a superior service (although that probably comes with the annual subscription fee). Is it the Blu-ray player? Nope, although watching The Hurt Locker in its full high-definition glory was quite an experience. So what is it? I’m sure you know the answer as well as I.
PS3 fanboys, before you call me out on that PSN statement, hear me out on this. It’s a matter of opinion, but I have to say Xbox Live is the better service. It’s more accessible, more navigable and more social. But I didn’t buy my PlayStation 3 to have a damn tea party; I bought it for the exclusives (although the discounted bundle on Amazon might have had something to do with it).
Let’s face it, Microsoft doesn’t have the strongest line-up of exclusives for the Xbox 360. What exclusives they do have, most are available on both the Xbox 360 and PC (i.e. Splinter Cell: Conviction and Mass Effect 2). Of course, that’s a logical move on Microsoft’s part because it means more sales, but it also means that PC gamers have virtually no reason to own an Xbox 360. To be perfectly honest with you, my Xbox 360 has been starting to collect dust recently. The last game I played for more than a week on it was Forza Motorsport 3, a game that released almost three months ago.
Spring, however, is looking particularly promising for the PlayStation 3. Heavy hitters like God of War III, Heavy Rain, Gran Turismo 5, and ModNation Racers come to mind, as well as a number of other titles.
This article is not intended to be a smear campaign, not at all. I hate to say this for fear of sounding like a PS3 fanboy (even though I’ve owned a PS3 for less than a month), but what do I, an avid PC gamer, have to look forward to on the Xbox 360 this spring? Alan Wake (which looks to be a fantastic game) is the only thing that immediately comes to mind. Instead, Microsoft is offering a timed exclusive in the form of Modern Warfare 2 DLC. I couldn’t care less about Modern Warfare 2 DLC. I couldn’t care less about Modern Warfare 2!
Okay, maybe I’m being a little too critical of Microsoft. To be fair, they do have some quality titles lined up for 2010, like Crackdown 2, Fable III, and Halo: Reach. Call me ignorant, call me whatever you’d like. Just take note that whatever you call me, it doesn’t change the fact: I don’t play my Xbox 360 like I used to. Is it just me? Maybe, but I really do hope that this spring isn’t a leading indicator for the Xbox 360.