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[Piper Az]

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/06/technology/06xbox.html

October 6, 2005
Microsoft Unveils Games for Its New Xbox 360
By SETH SCHIESEL

AMSTERDAM, Oct. 5 - Trying to take an early lead in the race to dominate the next generation of video game systems, Microsoft has unveiled a broad range of richly detailed games that the company hopes will propel millions of consumers to buy its new Xbox 360 console.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, more than 1,000 journalists, retailers and game industry executives at Microsoft's X05 game show here had the first public opportunity to play the games that will provide the 360's foundation. Sony and Nintendo, the two other major makers of game consoles, intend to introduce new systems next year. By introducing the 360 next month, Microsoft hopes to take an early lead. (A bare-bones model will cost $300 and a version with basic accessories will cost $400.)

Yet Microsoft's drive to get the system into stores for the holiday season has prompted some developers to complain that they have not had enough time to fine-tune their games to take advantage of the 360's hardware. With this week's presentations, Microsoft tried to quash that concern by demonstrating highly anticipated games like Perfect Dark Zero and Project Gotham Racing 3 from its own studio while also introducing projects from respected third-party developers.

For serious gamers and industry insiders, perhaps the most intriguing news came from Id Software, creators of the Doom and Quake franchises. Id announced here that it was not only making a new installment of its Castle Wolfenstein series for the 360, but was also creating much of the game with the 360's software-creation tools rather than with more traditional tools used to make games for PC's. Id has been associated with PC gaming rather than with game consoles that plug into a television, like the Xbox and the PlayStation 2 from Sony.

"The Xbox 360 is the first console that I've ever worked with that actually has development tools that are better for games than what we've had on PC," John Carmack, Id's technical director and one of the most respected programmers in the game industry, said in a videotaped announcement.

In all, roughly a dozen game publishers, including Microsoft, showed off playable versions of about 30 games that are on their way to the 360 in coming months. (Exactly how many will be available on Nov. 22, when the 360 goes on sale, remains unclear.) In addition to the playable titles, publishers offered previews of another half-dozen games in early stages of development.

"The big takeaway thought is that Xbox 360 has the games for the next-generation," Robert J. Bach, president of Microsoft's entertainment and devices division, said in an interview. He said that in addition to showing off the system's vivid graphics systems, it was important for the company to demonstrate that the 360 will support a broad range of games.

"You want people to see that we have the right mix of franchises," Mr. Bach said. "You have to have European football and American football. You have to have basketball, some action-adventure, some shooting games, some driving games, some character-driven games. So showing that we have that mix is important."

Peter Moore, Microsoft's top Xbox marketing executive, described the array as "the best game lineup ever in the history of video games."

Of all of the games at X05, none were scrutinized more closely than Perfect Dark Zero, a game to be published by Microsoft that has been under development for five years. Like games in the popular Halo series, it is a first-person shooter. And just as Halo became the most important driver of sales of the original Xbox, Perfect Dark Zero was heralded earlier this year as the torchbearer for the 360. The consensus among representatives of game industry publications here seemed to be that Perfect Dark Zero was engaging, but not the jaw-dropping experience that Halo was when it came out in 2001.

"As a broad stroke I don't think that this is the greatest launch lineup of all time, as Peter put it," said Andy McNamara, editor in chief of Game Informer magazine, which is owned by GameStop, one of the top specialty video game retailers in the United States. "I think this is a very good lineup and it fills in some gaps, but it seems to be missing some things, like a true star. Perfect Dark Zero is certainly competent; it's good. But it's not triple-A Halo-type material, and when people go out and spend $400 on a new system that's what they're looking for."

The graphics on the 360 appeared significantly more vivid and detailed than those on current consoles. But indeed, for some Xbox owners, those advances alone may not merit trading up. "I'm satisfied with the way it is now," said Veyis Kayadibi, a 28-year-old taxi driver who said he had had an Xbox since 2003. "How much better can they make the graphics? I don't believe they can make so much progress in two years, so why should I go spend so much money on it?"

Microsoft hopes that the games demonstrated here this week will provide the answer.

 

[bitwise]

powerful words from Carmack.

 

[Musashi Wins!]

powerful words from Carmack.

And Veyis Kayadibi.

 

[sonycowboy]

And Veyis Kayadibi.

And Andy McNamara

 

[raYne]

"I'm satisfied with the way it is now," said Veyis Kayadibi, a 28-year-old taxi driver who said he had had an Xbox since 2003. "How much better can they make the graphics? I don't believe they can make so much progress in two years, so why should I go spend so much money on it?"

Silly mainstream "gamer", the xbox didn't come out in 03... :lol

 

[snatches]

Andy Mcnamara is a tool. I would like him to point to a better launch lineup. It seems to be that game journalists bagging on the 360 is the new black.

 

[Dr. Kitty Muffins]

I like the looks of the launch line except that it lacks japanese developed content. It really gives off the impression in NA that it is the same as the Xbox in that it will mainly have a western developed library of games.

 

[trmas]

If you think casual gamers are going to drop $400 on the 360 this Fall, you are smoking something. Hardcore gamers will ensure a sellout, but the casual gamer will buy a PS2 at less than half the price. They'd buy the XBox as well, if MS didn't discontinue it.

MS will sell out this Fall though. Every console has.

 

[AB 101]

(A bare-bones model will cost $300 and a version with basic accessories will cost $400.)

More like NECESSARY accessories (the HD for sure).

 

[Piper Az]

I like the looks of the launch line except that it lacks japanese developed content. It really gives off the impression in NA that it is the same as the Xbox in that it will mainly have a western developed library of games.

agreed. which is not a bad thing, but could and should be better with japanese support

 

[FallenOne666]

"I think this is a very good lineup and it fills in some gaps, but it seems to be missing some things, like a true star. Perfect Dark Zero is certainly competent; it's good. But it's not triple-A Halo-type material, and when people go out and spend $400 on a new system that's what they're looking for."

 

[gofreak]

Andy Mcnamara is a tool. I would like him to point to a better launch lineup. It seems to be that game journalists bagging on the 360 is the new black.

I think he's pointing at the lack of a Halo or Mario64 style AAAAAAAAAAA* title. Not that that's unusual for a launch, but it is really nice to have.

 

[PhatSaqs]

I think he's pointing at the lack of a Halo or Mario64 style AAAAAAAAAAA* title. Not that that's unusual for a launch, but it is really nice to have.

If true, I agree with snatches then. One of greatest launch lineups ever didnt have that (DC) so it certainly isnt a requirement. And even with Halo, the XB lineup was shite as a whole.

 

[DenogginizerOS]

Mainstream media quoting bullshit journalists - SHOCKING.

This launch is the most impressive launch I have ever seen. The PS2's launch with the then "Next-Gen" Madden and Ridge Racer and promises of games like The Bouncer and MGS2 was weaker by comparison but nonetheless great. Christ, most everyday people bought a PS2 at launch to get a cheap DVD player that played their old PS1 games.

Yeah, I am probably hardcore compared to the every day Joe, but name one system that had more games AT LAUNCH that appealed to almost every type of gamer with almost every type of game.

 

[Piper Az]

N.A. = a good chance of being the gem of the launch lineup.

Everywhere else = not a chance.

 

[Unison]

What's interesting about that 360 lineup, imo, is that nothing truly feels like a GOTY contender. Most systems launch with a true AAA game that announces the necessity of getting that console.

I have to confess that there's no Halo or Soul Calibur here as much as I want PGR3 & Oblivion.

 

[DenogginizerOS]

What's interesting about that 360 lineup, imo, is that nothing truly feels like a GOTY contender. Most systems launch with a true AAA game that announces the necessity of getting that console.

I have to confess that there's no Halo or Soul Calibur here as much as I want PGR3 & Oblivion.

COD2 will win some GOTY awards. (Best Action)
Kameo will win some GOTY awards. (Best Platformer)
Oblivion. (Best RPG)
PGR3. (Best Racing)
PD0. (Most Overrated) hee hee

Maybe not an overall GOTY, but it will have accolades.

 

[Musashi Wins!]

What's interesting about that 360 lineup, imo, is that nothing truly feels like a GOTY contender. Most systems launch with a true AAA game that announces the necessity of getting that console.

I have to confess that there's no Halo or Soul Calibur here as much as I want PGR3 & Oblivion.

Let's face it PD0 was supposed to be that game and because this is a new gen graphics had to be part of the equation. It failed in that respect.

It's still an interesting group of launch titles, I'll probably grab 3 or 4.

 

[gofreak]

If true, I agree with snatches then. One of greatest launch lineups ever didnt have that (DC) so it certainly isnt a requirement.

Not saying it is, just that it's something a bit special when there is. IMO.

But you never know, one of these games may still be of that calibre. We'll find out at launch.

 

[Outdoor Miner]

This is retarded, I swear.

What did the PS2 launch with that would have been considered AAA? Kessen?

Even if you wanna argue having a Triple-A title is key to a successful launch, what is it about PGR3 and Oblivion that doesn't make it a "AAA" game?

 

[dorio]

COD2 will win some GOTY awards. (Best Action)
Kameo will win some GOTY awards. (Best Platformer)
Oblivion. (Best RPG)
PGR3. (Best Racing)
PD0. (Most Overrated) hee hee

Maybe not an overall GOTY, but it will have accolades.

Exactly.

 

[Willy Wanka]

Even if you wanna argue having a Triple-A title is key to a successful launch, what is it about PGR3 and Oblivion that doesn't make it a "AAA" game?

I think maybe MASS MASS appeal. PGR3 & Oblivion look like they will be stunning games but they maybe won't have the sales potential of something like Halo. We will know for sure in the next few months

 

[Beer Monkey]

What did the PS2 launch with that would have been considered AAA?

1) DVD Player
2) Backwards compatibility
3) SSX (oh noes an evil western game)

 

[monchi-kun]

PS2 launch line-up was saved by SSX

 

[jimbo]

Here's the hypocracy in Andy's statement and a lot of other people on this board. Halo became the AAA mass appeal title AFTER the Xbox launch. Not before. It was scrutinized just the same if not more than PDO. Both by media and gamers at large. Now that it's such a succesfull franchise everyone is acting like they were already on the Halo bandwagon before the game even came out. It was the reviews, and word of mouth, and the sales which made Halo what it is today. I wanna see Andy's thoughts of Halo when they unveiled for the original Xbox back before launch. I bet you money it was along the same lines as what he's saying about PDO.

 

[trmas]

PS3 launch will have one of the first Blue Ray players, and looks to have just as good a lineup as MS does now. Their first party titles will be equivalent or better, and they will have the majority of the same third party titles.

The BRD and included wireless access sealed my purchase back at E3. If Sony is smart, they will market the BRD, included Bluetooth and wireless, etc...

The 360 on the other hand is just a games machine.

 

[PhatSaqs]

Here's the hypocracy in Andy's statement and a lot of other people on this board. Halo became the AAA mass appeal title AFTER the Xbox launch. Not before. It was scrutinized just the same if not more than PDO. Both by media and gamers at large. Now that it's such a succesfull franchise everyone is acting like they were already on the Halo bandwagon before the game even came out. It was the reviews, and word of mouth, and the sales which made Halo what it is today. I wanna see Andy's thoughts of Halo when they unveiled for the original Xbox back before launch. I bet you money it was along the same lines as what he's saying about PDO.

Nail head, Bingo, etc.

 

[Mrbob]

Here's the hypocracy in Andy's statement and a lot of other people on this board. Halo became the AAA mass appeal title AFTER the Xbox launch. Not before. It was scrutinized just the same if not more than PDO. Both by media and gamers at large. Now that it's such a succesfull franchise everyone is acting like they were already on the Halo bandwagon before the game even came out. It was the reviews, and word of mouth, and the sales which made Halo what it is today. I wanna see Andy's thoughts of Halo when they unveiled for the original Xbox back before launch. I bet you money it was along the same lines as what he's saying about PDO.

Exactly.

They haven't even played final versions of games all the way through yet, either.

 

[trmas]

PDZ could be another Halo, you never know. Maybe Kameo is the next Mario (stretch, I know)

 

[Outdoor Miner]

... looks to have just as good a lineup as MS does now. Their first party titles will be equivalent or better, and they will have the majority of the same third party titles.

List these titles that Sony will have ready for launch, please.

The BRD and included wireless access sealed my purchase back at E3. If Sony is smart, they will market the BRD, included Bluetooth and wireless, etc...

The 360 on the other hand is just a games machine.

Enjoy your movies, what can I say?

 

[Beer Monkey]

The 360 on the other hand is just a games machine.

Microsoft hardware as media center is evil and stupid. Remember all the bashing of the 'Xbox Homestation'? A game system should stick to games, etc.

Sony hardware as media center is noble and brilliant.

 

[djtiesto]

COD2 will win some GOTY awards. (Best Action)
Kameo will win some GOTY awards. (Best Platformer)
Oblivion. (Best RPG)
PGR3. (Best Racing)
PD0. (Most Overrated) hee hee

Maybe not an overall GOTY, but it will have accolades.

No way in hell is Oblivion getting best RPG in the year DQ8 releases... if it does, people are smoking crack

 

[Mrbob]

No way in hell is Oblivion getting best RPG in the year DQ8 releases... if it does, people are smoking crack

You've played through both games already?

I agree that Oblivion may not be RPG of the year, but I think it has just as good a shot as DQ8.

 

[Stinkles]

The 360 on the other hand is just a games machine.

QFT! Why didn't MS include a DVD player this time? Or better yet, let your stream stuff off your PC, like movies and music. They really, really dropped the ball. They could have put USB ports on and let you stream off your iPod, but no. They made a dedicated games machine with no other abilities.

 

[trmas]

I know many people who will buy the PS3 simply on reputation and as a cheap BRD player without even knowing the launch lineup. As for the games, many of the games seen at E3 will probably be there at launch, especially Heavenly Sword, I-8, and Warhawk (seemed to be furthest along).

If it doesn't launch until next Fall, we might even see MGS4 at launch (THERE is a killer application). Do not worry, Sony has plenty of support, their own IP's, and better marketing strategies than the competition.

I'm certain they know what they are doing, and have prepared for every contingency.

 

[Dr_Cogent]

QFT! Why didn't MS include a DVD player this time? Or better yet, let your stream stuff off your PC, like movies and music. They really, really dropped the ball. They could have put USB ports on and let you stream off your iPod, but no. They made a dedicated games machine with no other abilities.

:lol

Cobra Kai sarcasm!

 

[DenogginizerOS]

Microsoft hardware as media center is evil and stupid. Remember all the bashing of the 'Xbox Homestation'? A game system should stick to games, etc.

Sony hardware as media center is noble and brilliant.

Why? Because it is Sony and not MS?

When people walk into Wal-Mart and play PGR3, Kameo, or maybe PD0 at one of the kiosks, they will be intrigued and maybe even compelled to buy. What will sell the X360 or even the PS3 to Joe Sixpack has yet to be determined. Remember folks, energy costs and health insurance costs are weighing heavily on a lot of people's minds right now. In general, people will not invest this much money for another game system right now. I will because I love games and I spend my entertainment money on nothing else. I think MS' strategy is going strictly towards the gamers right now, but instead of having a few games that appeal to specific groups, they have games for every GAMER. This will make up partially for the lack of a feature that appeals to the masses.

 

[trmas]

QFT! Why didn't MS include a DVD player this time? Or better yet, let your stream stuff off your PC, like movies and music. They really, really dropped the ball. They could have put USB ports on and let you stream off your iPod, but no. They made a dedicated games machine with no other abilities.

DVD players are a dime a dozen, and cheap to boot. In addition, to get the majority of that "extra functionality out of the 360, you'll need a Media Center PC. If MS had been smart, they would have included HD-DVD so Sony couldn't hold BRD over them. Included wireless for "free" is big as well.

How can MS get off selling the USB-Wireless adaptor for $100? Especially since Nintendo is releasing one for their DS for significantly less $$. Hopefully that will change.

 

[Apharmd Battler]

Here's the hypocracy in Andy's statement and a lot of other people on this board. Halo became the AAA mass appeal title AFTER the Xbox launch. Not before. It was scrutinized just the same if not more than PDO. Both by media and gamers at large. Now that it's such a succesfull franchise everyone is acting like they were already on the Halo bandwagon before the game even came out. It was the reviews, and word of mouth, and the sales which made Halo what it is today. I wanna see Andy's thoughts of Halo when they unveiled for the original Xbox back before launch. I bet you money it was along the same lines as what he's saying about PDO.

Finally!! someone said it, that's exactly what I was thinking. I still remember these same people writing gushing reviews for games like Timesplitters and Star Wars Bombad Racing. give it a rest and let's see what the games play like on launch day. Then one ear from now let's see where things stand.

 

[Outdoor Miner]

How can MS get off selling the USB-Wireless adaptor for $100? Especially since Nintendo is releasing one for their DS for significantly less $$. Hopefully that will change.

Maybe because they've been doing it for 4 years now? As if the Xbox had no online functionality w/o it right?

FUCK M$ for charging for their ethernet port! *shakes fist*

 

[SyNapSe]

In addition, to get the majority of that "extra functionality out of the 360, you'll need a Media Center PC.

I'm just going to jump in and say that if I remember right the media center abilities were going to be in the standard install of Vista. While that certainly won't effect everyone by a year or two from now there will be a lot of people with Vista PC (assumed based on prior history)

 

[DenogginizerOS]

In scientific research, one should never judge the results of an experiment until ALL of the data has been analyzed and everything has been completed. We should remember this as well when considering these movies about PD0 as well as all other launch games. In many ways, we are peaking into the artist's studio and screaming criticism towards an unfinished work. Patience little one. Patience.

 

[trmas]

I'm just going to jump in and say that if I remember right the media center abilities were going to be in the standard install of Vista. While that certainly won't effect everyone by a year or two from now there will be a lot of people with Vista PC (assumed based on prior history)

Was unaware of that. If true, it should help quite a bit.

 

[typhonsentra]

You really think CoD2 will win Action awards over both Resident Evil 4 and God of War?

 

[DenogginizerOS]

You really think CoD2 will win Action awards over both Resident Evil 4 and God of War?

Not sure. Haven't played COD2, yet. But considering the first COD won so many awards in that category, it is possible. I am almost sure COD2 will make a few GOTY lists if it does everything the developer says it does.

 

[trmas]

I'll give you Kameo and PGR3, but COD2 and Oblivion have no shot in their respective categories. Fair or not.

Too much excellent software this year, and RE4 will be the game of the year now that it is on both PS2 and GC.

 

[Beer Monkey]

I'm just going to jump in and say that if I remember right the media center abilities were going to be in the standard install of Vista.

Actually, the Media Center and especially the DRM features of Vista are about the only thing left in Vista, pretty much all of the other cool functionality has been dropped from this release.

Windows Vista should be called Windows Hollywood, as it is MS's love letter to their new bedmate.

Why? Because it is Sony and not MS?

When people walk into Wal-Mart and play PGR3, Kameo, or maybe PD0 at one of the kiosks, they will be intrigued and maybe even compelled to buy. What will sell the X360 or even the PS3 to Joe Sixpack has yet to be determined.

I was just goofing on the Sonybots who think that everything is stupid until Sony does it, then it is cool and smart.

 

[bishoptl]

Silly mainstream "gamer", the xbox didn't come out in 03... :lol

He's owned one since 2003. Nobody said it came out in 2003. You fail at life.

 

[DenogginizerOS]

Too much excellent software this year, and RE4 will be the game of the year now that it is on both PS2 and GC.

I have to agree based on the massive critical acclaim. Imagine how well RE4 would do if MS could have had IT as a launch title as well. ATI hardware in both GC and X360 makes me think it would be easy.

 

[Hitler Stole My Potato]

I'll give you Kameo and PGR3, but COD2 and Oblivion have no shot in their respective categories. Fair or not.

I think you're under estimating Oblivion. Big time.