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IGN Editor Ivan says - Not much for 360 this year.

IJoel said:
I foresee at the very least the following titles making the 'launch window':

PGR 3
Kameo
Madden
NBA Live
Ghost Recon 3
Call of Duty 2
Dead or Alive 4
Tiger Woods Golf
Tony Hawk
Full Auto
NFS MW

Whoever calls a lineup like that 'not much', considering it's superior to every previous launch lineup, is simply delusional.

I haven't been paying attention to what may possibly make launch but I'd be happy with that group of games. Give me two good quality games for a launch,the rest I can enjoy by renting.:)
 
Mrbob said:
The sequel to one of the most well renowned FPS games of all time (Call of Duty 2 by the real Call of Duty developers) instantly puts the XBox 360 launch to the top of the list.

Yeah, but it'll also be on PC. That's the point that (some of us) are trying to make. Xbox360 needs those killer exclusive titles, not good games that can also be found (and equally as good/fun) on other systems.

But like I said, it's all perspective. You might not be able to play Call of Duty 2 on your PC because it's shitty, thus making the need for an Xbox360 version all the more important.

But my perspective is that for a system to distinguish itself as having a particularly noteworthy launch, it is defined by its exclusives. And if the exclusives are solid and one or two are really good, it's elevated.

Kameo, Perfect Dark Zero, Condemned, Full Auto... these I'm looking to. If they all make it and are all actually noteworthy for their quality, I'll be more than happy to call the launch "good."
 
IJoel said:
Considering how incredible PGR2 was, and that BC has probably been working on PGR3 since they finished PGR2, it's a safe bet, it'll be amazing as well.


Yup. Madden 2006 will be huge too.

Beyond that, PC developers seem to like the 360.

Elder Scrolls 4.

Condemned.

Call of Duty 2.

PC developers are finally bringing it to the console scene. No wonder the X360 lineup is being hated on GAF! :lol

Yeah, but it'll also be on PC. That's the point that (some of us) are trying to make. Xbox360 needs those killer exclusive titles, not good games that can also be found (and equally as good/fun) on other systems.

But like I said, it's all perspective. You might not be able to play Call of Duty 2 on your PC because it's shitty, thus making the need for an Xbox360 version all the more important.

But my perspective is that for a system to distinguish itself as having a particularly noteworthy launch, it is defined by its exclusives. And if the exclusives are solid and one or two are really good, it's elevated.

Xbox 360 version is the lead platform for CoD2. Yeah there will be a PC version but the PC and console gamers really don't overlap that much. It'll sell more on XBox 360. It'll be recognized more on Xbox 360. It'll be a huge system seller for Xbox 360.
 
If he's actually looking forward to Call of Duty 2, then that tells me all I need to know about his opinions and the quality (or lack) of them.

Go to Xbox.com and download the high defintion videos for Call of Duty 2.

It sure does sound like war, but it still looks like something from this generation.

The screenshots from the Ghost Recon 2 expansion that were released today looked better than CoD2, and that game is going to be released on current gen consoles.
 
Why doesn't Ivan's claim about the impressions of PDZ match the published impressions? From what I've read, the impressions have ranged from "excellent" to "incredible". Then again, this is the dude who is looked upon as a cool guy by his "fans" because he regularily flames IGN subscribers. The guy is basically paid to be a negative smartass. Where's a kb/m John Wayne picture when I need it?
 
Mrbob said:
Xbox 360 version is the lead platform for CoD2. Yeah there will be a PC version but the PC and console gamers really don't overlap that much. It'll sell more on XBox 360. It'll be recognized more on Xbox 360. It'll be a huge system seller for Xbox 360.

No offense, but that is the lamest defense I've ever heard of non-exclusive properties. "It's the lead platform!" So what? Not to be inflammatory, but that's not the point at all. You just proved it: It's perspective. "PC and console gamers don't overlap that much." Well, hey, it overlaps enough that it effects me, doesn't it? Thus, perspective. It's not a game I'd care to buy an Xbox360 for because a.) Keyboard/Mouse absolutely destroys controller for FPS and b.) it's on PC, and my PC could probably handle it pretty nicely.

Perspective. I don't know what you're trying to prove by whether it'll be "recognized more" or if it'll be a "huge system seller" (this assertion I highly doubt), but it doesn't change the point.
 
AltogetherAndrews said:
Why doesn't Ivan's claim about the impressions of PDZ match the published impressions? From what I've read, the impressions have ranged from "excellent" to "incredible". Then again, this is the dude who is looked upon as a cool guy by his "fans" because he regularily flames IGN subscribers. The guy is basically paid to be a negative smartass. Where's a kb/m John Wayne picture when I need it?

Well, Che didn't seem to be too impressed. And I've heard two things. First was that the build that was shows at E3 is the EXACT same build we say on MTV and second, that is was a later build. Despite being only 1 1/2 weeks later.

I know it was only behind closed doors, but has anybody heard for sure?
 
PCs are never included in the 'exclusive' equation because they are considered different markets.

You =/ the gaming world

Sorry.

I'm the last person you need to defend pc gaming against.
 
Amir0x said:
No offense, but that is the lamest defense I've ever heard of non-exclusive properties. "It's the lead platform!" So what? Not to be inflammatory, but that's not the point at all. You just proved it: It's perspective. "PC and console gamers don't overlap that much." Well, hey, it overlaps enough that it effects me, doesn't it? Thus, perspective. It's not a game I'd care to buy an Xbox360 for because a.) Keyboard/Mouse absolutely destroys controller for FPS and b.) it's on PC, and my PC could probably handle it pretty nicely.

Perspective. I don't know what you're trying to prove by whether it'll be "recognized more" or if it'll be a "huge system seller" (this assertion I highly doubt), but it doesn't change the point.

It's also not true. Xbox360 is not the "lead platform" for this game. The PC is. Not saying that they won't take advantage of the Xbox360, but it's not a "ground up" Xbox 360 game. At all. Looking at the two should make that obvious.
 
Mrbob said:
PCs are never included in the 'exclusive' equation because they are considered different markets.

You = not the gaming world

Sorry.

What. The. Fuck.

I'm sorry to inform you that whether a game comes out on PC or console, and what genre it is, is extremely vital to my decision to purchase it on a particular platform. And I guarantee you it is for many other people too - especially the type of people who buy platforms at launch.
 
sonycowboy said:
It's also not true. Xbox360 is not the "lead platform" for this game. The PC is. Not saying that they won't take advantage of the Xbox360, but it's not a "ground up" Xbox 360 game. At all. Looking at the two should make that obvious.


You're wrong.

Wait till November.

What. The. Fuck.

I'm sorry to inform you that whether a game comes out on PC or console, and what genre it is, is extremely vital to my decision to purchase it on a particular platform. And I guarantee you it is for many other people too - especially the type of people who buy platforms at launch.

Yeah, that's why PC gaming is flourishing nowadays. Xbox 360 is gonna drive another nail into the PC coffin. As much as it pains me to say this it is true.
 
Mrbob said:
You're wrong.

Wait till November.

What kind of statement is this? Back it up. Show where they said Xbox360 is the lead platform.

Please note that it does not matter one way or another what is the lead platform, but it is important to back up your statements with actual facts.

Mrbob said:
Yeah, that's why PC gaming is flourishing nowadays. Xbox 360 is gonna drive another nail into the PC coffin. As much as it pains me to say this it is true.

I swear, this is the point:

POINT






























This is you:

Hi Point way up there that I can't understand!

;)
 
Yawn. Think what you want. I'm moving on from this argument with you. I've seen how diatribes have gone in the past with you involved. Not worth it. :D

Xbox 360 launch is going to be smoking. Bottom line.
 
Mrbob said:
Yawn. Think what you want. I'm moving on.

Xbox 360 launch is going to be smoking. Bottom line.

Ok, so you don't really have a valid defense. That's all you had to say, it didn't really matter anyway.

It'll be a "smoking" launch for you personally, which is indeed the "bottom line".
 
IJoel said:
I foresee at the very least the following titles making the 'launch window':

PGR 3
Kameo
Madden
NBA Live
Ghost Recon 3
Call of Duty 2
Dead or Alive 4
Tiger Woods Golf
Tony Hawk
Full Auto
NFS MW

Whoever calls a lineup like that 'not much', considering it's superior to every previous launch lineup, is simply delusional.

I agree that lineup is pretty good. However, there isn't one game on that list that's a system seller. Remember that most people buy a system with one game in mind, and 360 just doesn't have anything that compelling in the launch window.
 
evolutionseed said:
I agree that lineup is pretty good. However, there isn't one game on that list that's a system seller. Remember that most people buy a system with one game in mind, and 360 just doesn't have anything that compelling in the launch window.
Did you just skip over Madden or is this sarcasm?
 
and CoD2 for Xbox 360 is the lead sku. Xbox 360 IS the lead platform for CoD2.

It's been said by several people already.
 
Chrono said:
uh, many people don't care about football or even sports games in general.

And it's not even exclusive.


But it is for the 2006 version. :D EA doesn't screw up Madden 2006 360 it is going to be a huge boost. Unless they are holding back some features for PS3.....something I worry about.
 
The idea of a system seller is kind of overwrought anyway. The best that any GTA sold on PS2 was somewhere in the vicinity of 15-20 million copies worldwide. Even if I'm being overly generous with those sales, that's still less than a quarter of the worldwide PS2 userbase...so what are the other 75% of PS2 owners buying? Likewise for Halo on Xbox and any other best seller in the past couple of generations of console hardware. The "system sellers" don't even sell to the majority of the userbase. I think variety is significantly more important than "system sellers"
 
kaching said:
The idea of a system seller is kind of overwrought anyway. The best that any GTA sold on PS2 was somewhere in the vicinity of 15-20 million copies worldwide. Even if I'm being overly generous with those sales, that's still less than a quarter of the worldwide PS2 userbase...so what are the other 75% of PS2 owners buying? Likewise for Halo on Xbox and any other best seller in the past couple of generations of console hardware. The "system sellers" don't even sell to the majority of the userbase. I think variety is significantly more important than "system sellers"

Variety of exclusives I think is the more important distinction, but otherwise I agree with you.
 
evolutionseed said:
How the hell is Madden a system seller? It's a multiplatform title!
Madden was multi-plat in 2000 too. Didnt stop many, many people from buying PS2s just for that game. If the graphics and animations are significantly better than the existing versions it will be a system seller. Maybe not for you or me but for plenty of casuals.
 
Madden Next Gen 06 is exclusive to Xbox 360. :p

Well, IT IS! :p

Seriously, though, if the graphics look as EA seems to be hinting at, it'll be a system seller. Football is usually one of the big selling genres during launch.

I understand what Amirox is trying to say, but the point is that it still is a great game that's part of a really good lineup. Sure you might not want the console version, but take a look at some popular PC ports released on Xbox vs. the PC and you'll realize their console counterparts have a significant impact in the total title sales, which obviously tells you that the userbase doesn't mind PC ports on consoles. A couple of instances: Morrowind, which is not really a very friendly RPG managed to sell more than 500K units on Xbox (US). I'm sure the sales are quite comparable to those on the PC platform. Doom 3 sold more than 350K units during the month of April, which is usually one of the weakest months in sales. Obviously many people feel differently from you.
 
PhatSaqs said:
Madden was multi-plat in 2000 too. Didnt stop many, many people from buying PS2s just for that game. If the graphics and animations are significantly it will be a system sell. Maybe not for you or me but for plenty of casuals.

here's the thing...

casuals, for the most part, don't buy systems at launch. I thought it was pretty clearly determined ages ago that casuals adopt a bit later on in a systems life :P

Note: Not that madden isn't a system seller, but just that it isn't a "system seller" to that [casual] market at launch.
 
Amir0x said:
here's the thing...

casuals, for the most part, don't buy systems at launch. I thought it was pretty clearly determined ages ago that casuals adopt a bit later on in a systems life :P
I look at casuals as peeps who dont post on messageboards and shit. I know plenty of people who bought PS2s @ launch who dont know shit about computers or what the hell a E3 is :p
 
PhatSaqs said:
I look at casuals as peeps who dont post on messageboards and shit. I know plenty of people who bought PS2s @ launch who dont know shit about computers or what the hell a E3 is :p

Anecdotal as that is, and I'm sure that is certainly the case for some people, I just think it's pretty clear it's a hardcore market segment adopting early on.
 
Deku said:
Could the 360 be like a Dreamcast in terms of intitial and medium term customer acceptance?

I think it'd be accepted a much better than Dreamcast (at least in the US), unless it's absurdly priced (which I doubt).
 
Amir0x said:
here's the thing...

casuals, for the most part, don't buy systems at launch. I thought it was pretty clearly determined ages ago that casuals adopt a bit later on in a systems life :P

Note: Not that madden isn't a system seller, but just that it isn't a "system seller" to that [casual] market at launch.

Ok we must battle on a different topic now! :D

1) Most PC users don't buy consoles at launch, either. They rather spend the money on a new graphics card. There is a small amount of overlap but that's it.

Technophile and PCphile are two different groups

2) We don't know how much impact Madden will have. It's rise to power didn't occur until the PS2. Madden is on the top of its game right now so it'll be interesting to see how many heads a next gen version turns.
 
Amir0x said:
What. The. Fuck.

I'm sorry to inform you that whether a game comes out on PC or console, and what genre it is, is extremely vital to my decision to purchase it on a particular platform. And I guarantee you it is for many other people too - especially the type of people who buy platforms at launch.

Gotta agree with Amirox on this one. MS needs to get more full exclusive on their console, no PC versions. It makes them seem like cheap ports, even when they might not be. Also, PC->X360 games isn't going to cut it when PS3 rolls around cause Sony will now have that as well along with great REAL exclusives from Japan and even Western devs. MS needs to up their game right now, for launch especially. I want to see more full on exclusives for the system, hell they even confirmed GoW for PC even though MS is publishing it themselves. It's as if they want PC players and single console owners to stay away, so very dumb.

I don't know about others, but I like pure exclusives for consoles. It helps justify the $$$ dropped on them. If I can get %90 of X360 games on PC or PS3 I honestly won't even bother with it to tell you the truth. I hope MS relaizes that a lot of people will use this attitude...
 
Mrbob said:
Ok we must battle on a different topic now! :D

1) Most PC users don't buy consoles at launch, either. They rather spend the money on a new graphics card. There is a small amount of overlap but that's it.

No, see, we're talkin' hardcore GAMERS. There's plenty of overlap in the most hardcore of gaming sectors, which is what the majority of early hardware adapters are. You're right, overall the market segment is probably very small, but it's much larger I'd assume at launch. Naturally, this is not something I can back up with scientific data, so it's pretty pointless to go much further with this point since we just fundamentally disagree.

All I can say is that for me personally it is important (in my decision to purchase any given system) whether or not I can obtain the titles I'm interested in on platforms I already own. But that's anecdotal and perhaps not at all indicative of a noteworthy segment of the market.
 
It's gonna be reeeally interesting to see whether there is an announcement regarding GTA4 between now and November.


Nothing else matters, really.
 
For me, the x360 is a godsend. I don't have a PC capable of running new games as I imagine many people don't. If I can play Oblivion, GR3 and CoD2 without basically upgrading my entire computer, I will.

I think that the xbox 360's lineup is pretty strong. I know that a fair number of the games are also a availible on PC, but I don't think that will hurt the x360 very much since PC games have frequently done well on consoles and only really diehard PC gamers don't think controllers are capable of handling FPS games. To me, COD2 will be better on x360 simply because I can play with people in the same room as me without resorting to LAN gaming and still have a good online experience if I can't find anyone to play with at any given time. Even if COD2 is on PC, people are still going to find it pretty amazing on a console and still be showing off to and playing it with their friends, which will help show off both the game and the console.

I have bought every console of this generation within months of its launch. Although I was really happy with the DC's first year, I felt that both the PS2 and the GC had poor line ups until the end of there first year. The only title I bought for my PS2 before MGS2 and GTA was TMB, and I the only GC game I bothered to finish before Metroid Prime was Eternal Darkness. The xbox 360 already has numerous titles that I want to buy, most of which will be availible this year or early next year. Considering how bland most console launches are, I consider that very impressive.
 
Rhindle said:
It's gonna be reeeally interesting to see whether there is an announcement regarding GTA4 between now and November.

Nothing else matters, really.

True. Hnestly the next best thing Sony can do after saying they're launching in Spring 2006 and a $99 PS2 this holiday is to announce that GTA4 is a PS3 exclusive. Lets see when/if that'll happen.
 
Worse, the games that are coming out in 2005 really don't seem all that impressive / interesting at present (at present being the operative phrase).

EA's 360 stuff for 2005 looks much better than their PS2 stuff (graphically), and for the person buying a console this November they'll be wowed by Madden and Need for Speed on the 360.
 
evolutionseed said:
I agree that lineup is pretty good. However, there isn't one game on that list that's a system seller. Remember that most people buy a system with one game in mind, and 360 just doesn't have anything that compelling in the launch window.

I agree entirely - there's not one system sell up there. There's over a half dozen. There's a killer app in nearly ever category up there: sports, racing, action, war combat (which is pretty much it's own genre at this point) and possibly FPS. Only thing missing is RPG, and Elder Scrolls is a 'maybe' there.

Seriously, in depth and breadth this blows away any launch, ever.
 
ManaByte said:
EA's 360 stuff for 2005 looks much better than their PS2 stuff (graphically), and for the person buying a console this November they'll be wowed by Madden and Need for Speed on the 360.


I agree, the question becomes will PS2 owners jump the gun and buy a 360 or will they wait for the the PS3?

Even if 360 just gets the next GTA game at the same time as PS3 in my eyes that will turn the tide quite a bit. Factor in Halo 3, Gears of War, and hopefully a Forza 2 and the advantages software wise for PS3 narrow quite a bit. The only area 360 would really need to make up ground in is JRPG's.
 
I agree that lineup is pretty good. However, there isn't one game on that list that's a system seller. Remember that most people buy a system with one game in mind, and 360 just doesn't have anything that compelling in the launch window.

Using both the DC and PS2 launches as an example, the hardcores went for games like Soul Calibur and Tekken Tag, but the casuals didn't give a shit about those games because they saw NFL 2K and Madden on the DC/PS2 and THAT made them instantly plop down the money for the hardware.

Anyone who discounts the Xbox 360 launch when it has a next generation Madden is a fool. People will see that, right in the middle of the football season, and go fucking nuts. That is going to sell the system to the casuals better than any Halo 3 could.
 
GhaleonEB said:
I agree entirely - there's not one system sell up there. There's over a half dozen. There's a killer app in nearly ever category up there: sports, racing, action, war combat (which is pretty much it's own genre at this point) and possibly FPS. Only thing missing is RPG, and Elder Scrolls is a 'maybe' there.

Seriously, in depth and breadth this blows away any launch, ever.

I think you don't understand what a "killer app" means. Hint: It doesn't mean "a good videogame." It's further muddied by the fact that you tried to seperate "war combat" and "FPS" into seperate genres, which is beyond bullshit and building its own category of shit.
 
ManaByte said:
Using both the DC and PS2 launches as an example, the hardcores went for games like Soul Calibur and Tekken Tag, but the casuals didn't give a shit about those games because they saw NFL 2K and Madden on the DC/PS2 and THAT made them instantly plop down the money for the hardware.

Anyone who discounts the Xbox 360 launch when it has a next generation Madden is a fool. People will see that, right in the middle of the football season, and go fucking nuts. That is going to sell the system to the casuals better than any Halo 3 could.


Hopefully MS is smart enough to get the system out by mid November or sooner because the Madden crowd will have purchased the PS2 version and have played the crap out of it by November. Madden will have been out over 3 months for Xbox and PS2 by that time. It will be interesting to see what happens next Christmas.
 
Amir0x said:
I think you don't understand what a "killer app" means. Hint: It doesn't mean "a good videogame." It's further muddied by the fact that you tried to seperate "war combat" and "FPS" into seperate genres, which is beyond bullshit and building its own category of shit.


I don't think having a killer app is as big a deal as many of you think. Madden with next gen graphics could easily be viewed as that or Need for Speed when it comes to the casual crowd. A host of excellent titles look to be set near or around launch at this point.


Project Gotham 3
Ghost Recon 3
Call of Duty 2
Burnout Revenge
Need for Speed
Topspin 2
Amped 3
NBA Live, NBA 2K6 (both of which will fall in line perfectly with the start of the NBA season)
Tiger Woods 06
NHL 2K6, NHL 2006
DOA 4
Elder Scrolls Oblivion
Full Auto
Tony Hawk

The launch lineup actually looks pretty darn strong at this point, and having ONE strong title might not be the key to victory but having a boatload of excellent games is the right move IMO. This could be the strongest launch lineup for any console ever, only time will tell.
 
Amir0x said:
I think you don't understand what a "killer app" means. Hint: It doesn't mean "a good videogame." It's further muddied by the fact that you tried to seperate "war combat" and "FPS" into seperate genres, which is beyond bullshit and building its own category of shit.

:lol

I use "killer app" and "system seller" interchangably. Many of the games on the list are definately of system-selling potential - note I said potential. We'll see if they get there, but the potential is there. As has been pointed out ad nauseum, Madden moved hardware for the PS2 despite being on the PS.

As for the war game profanity fit, that's why I said it's pretty much it's own genre at this point. But if it will make you happy, there will be two war FPS-like games and one more traditional one.
 
GhaleonEB said:
:lol

I use "killer app" and "system seller" interchangably. Many of the games on the list are definately of system-selling potential - note I said potential. We'll see if they get there, but the potential is there. As has been pointed out ad nauseum, Madden moved hardware for the PS2 despite being on the PS.

We're changing subjects again, but yes Madden is a strong, undeniable brand. But even interchanging "killer app" with "system seller", the same doesn't apply. There is definitely NOT a system seller in every category, or even close. The things that can potentially be system sellers is Madden and if they got it out on time and pushed it as hard as Halo - Perfect Dark. I'm not sure the numbers for Project Gotham 2 were so out of the world that it can move a noteworthy amount of systems, but that may be an additional system seller if were had to choose 3. Need for Speed won't move a system as long as it has a billion other versions, it's not like Madden in that way.

GhaleonEB said:
As for the war game profanity fit, that's why I said it's pretty much it's own genre at this point. But if it will make you happy, there will be two war FPS-like games and one more traditional one.

There will be a ton of FPS. That's all you have to say, because that's precisely what it is.
 
ManaByte said:
Anyone who discounts the Xbox 360 launch when it has a next generation Madden is a fool. People will see that, right in the middle of the football season, and go fucking nuts. That is going to sell the system to the casuals better than any Halo 3 could.

HALO would be a much bigger pull because there's only 1 system you can get it on. Madden is going to sell the majority of it will do this year on the PS2.
 
You're all putting way too much stock into Madden '06 to sell the 360. In order for that game to really push the system, it'll require the fanbase to ignore the current system versions of Madden released 3 months+ prior (or buy 2 copies of the same game). Mid-season football games are not "huge" sellers, even Madden. Madden NFL 2001 PS2 only sold 937,252 compared to 2002's 2 million+, and was outsold be the PS1 version that year. The PS2 version of Madden 2001 was also released quicker, only 2 months after the previous versions. If the 360 is going to gain ground with Madden, its going to be with 2007, when the game is released at the start of the season.... assuming the PS3 is released after that.

The Xbox 360 doesn't need Most Wanted or Madden this year. It needs exclusive next-gen titles to sell the system. Too many current-gen "ports" will only encourage the "Xbox 1.5" branding.
 
Madden NFL 2001 PS2 only sold 937,252 compared to 2002's 2 million+, and was outsold be the PS1 version that year.

And are you forgetting the PS2 shortages in 2000? Nearly a million units is damn good for what the PS2 had that year.
 
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