Opinion: The PS3′s 2012 Line-Up Trumps Xbox360′s – Is Kinect To Blame?

[Ghost-Rhayne]

Next year’s console line-ups appear to have the Xbox360 on the back foot, with the PlayStation 3 mustering a greater and more impressive array of exclusives. With Kinect games dominating Microsoft’s stable and a worrying lack of unique ‘hardcore’ titles on the way, Mark Butler asks whether the company is putting too much faith in its motion-gaming technology.






With the New Year almost upon us and gamers beginning to cast their eyes towards the possibilities that await in 2012, there has already been much talk about the relative strength of PlayStation 3′s upcoming exclusive titles compared to those heading for the Xbox360.


Both consoles will get hugely-anticipated games such as Mass Effect 3, Bioshock: Infinite and Kingdoms Of Amular, but when it comes to the exclusives, there’s little doubt that Sony’s platform has the choicest cuts.
PS3 owners can look forward to Twisted Metal, Starhawk, The Last Of Us and – most likely – God Of War IV, not to mention Team Ico’s new project The Last Guardian, which is a mouth-watering prospect for anybody who has had the pleasure of sampling the developer’s earlier masterpieces. Added to this, the quite brilliant-looking horror Amy will also be hitting the PlayStation network.


Xbox360 owners, on the other hand, are left with PC ports Minecraft and Witcher 2, latest Molyneux hype-athon Fable: The Journey, the new entry in fanboy cause celebre Halo, and Alan Wake’s American Nightmare – a downloadable successor to the solid but underwhelming exclusive of 2010. Not only are these distinctly less exciting than their PS3 equivalents, they are also notable for a worrying lack of originality and ambition – with the rival console mustering at least a couple of new IPs, but the Xbox’s line-up relying on the same old names, and high-profile titles that have already made a splash on PC.


The latest Fable may be fun - but it's hardly a match for this



Of course, if we’re taking ‘new’ experiences, you could always point to the seemingly never-ending roll-call of Kinect games that have been announced (including Kinect Star Wars), but therein lies a substantial part of the problem that the Xbox is getting itself into. For although there are a number of possible reasons as to why the PS3 has better console exclusives next year (its hardware has more potential and developers are finally getting to grips with its complexities; its in-house production arguably has greater pedigree; certain developers have closer working relationships with Sony, forged over many years etc.), the explanation for Xbox360′s comparable lack of competition in that department may lie in a problematic over-reliance on the motion-gaming possibilities of Kinect.
While PlayStation Move is being treated by Sony more as a fun supplement to its ‘hardcore’ range of titles, Microsoft appear to be placing more and more faith in the power of its motion technology, to the extent that almost all of its 2012 exclusives will utilize the Kinect system.


No one doubts the impressive nature of Kinect’s motion capture and voice-recognition attributes, but in an attempt to win over the substantial and lucrative casual gaming market currently dominated by the Wii, Microsoft seem to think that their baby can provide the real goods above and beyond conventional console games – and are investing heavily in that belief.


The trouble is, the vast majority of Xbox360 owners – of which I happen to be one - fall firmly under the ‘hardcore’ banner. And many remain unconvinced that Kinect is anything other than a fun gimmick, or a cool toy with which to keep the kids happy, or entertain an occasional house-party.

Microsoft appear to understand this, as they have gone to great pains to encourage third-party developers to come up with Kinect titles that will appeal to the Xbox360’s core ownership. Howewer, the initial results on this front have been at best disappointing, and at worst outright embarrassing. Zombie brawler Rise Of Nightmares received a less than glowing reception earlier this year, while Kinect’s ‘first FPS’, Blackwater, has been savaged by critics.




'Hardcore' Kinect games have yet to convince

That really shouldn’t come as a surprise. Popular hardcore games – particularly FPSs – are already perfectly served by that beautiful old innovation known as the control pad, and the fact is that nothing breaks immersion more than prancing around like a tit in your living room - just as nothing makes less sense than manually turning to look, or rearranging your stance to move, when a mere flick of a single analogue stick would do that for you normally.
Ultimately, Sony’s understanding of the time and place for motion gaming appears to be paying off, as their PlayStation Move titles will serve exactly the kind of audience who are open to them, while continued focus on serving up top new traditional console games will delight hardcore fans who would much rather get stuck into the latest epic RPG or immersive shooter, than dance around in front of their TV.


Microsoft, on the other hand, seem to believe they can convince millions of gamers that the future lies in motion gaming, ahead of the experience they have grown up with, know and love.
Such a strategy is unlikely to succeed. Gamers can be a stubborn bunch at the best of times, and they happen to know pretty damn well what they do and don’t like. Even that half-way house – the integration of Kinect features into games that predominately utilize the control pad – faces a problematic future. You only have to remember the uproar unleashed by the announcement that Mass Effect 3 would support Kinect, to see that.
Microsoft and its partners can can serve up Kinect Star Wars and Gears Of War: Take Cover Behind Your Sofa Edition to their hearts’ content, but the simple truth is that what most of its consumers want is a reboot to rival Twisted Metal, or a new IP to compete with The Last Guardian.


Judging the year ahead on that basis, it’s fair to say that 2012 may be significantly more rewarding for those with a PS3 to their name. And this is something that Microsoft should work seriously hard to prevent from becoming a trend – even if it means acknowledging the limitations of their favourite new toy.

Source.

Some valid points in here. Microsoft dont see the 360 as a core videogame console anymore, it is an all in one entertainment box (and stated themselves that 40% of the average 360 time is not on games), and a medium for casual Kinect games. Microsofts and Sonys philosophy seems diametrically opposed. Their focus on Kinect means resources are being pumped into the 360s "new love" (aka the casuals) while putting the "first and faithful lover" (the core who put them on the map) on the backseat.

[Cuguy]

My eyes hurt after reading that fanboy piece. The author never once showed any level of objectiveness.

Points are there, but his overboard sarcasm and seething hate for all things MS make the article too hard to read.

Even the last line - "their favorite new toy" reeks of insipid hate.

Like I said, the points he makes could be valid, but wading through the crap to get to them is too much for my taste

[Ghost-Rhayne]

My eyes hurt after reading that fanboy piece. The author never once showed any level of objectiveness.

Points are there, but his overboard sarcasm and seething hate for all things MS make the article too hard to read.

Even the last line - "their favorite new toy" reeks of insipid hate.

Like I said, the points he makes could be valid, but wading through the crap to get to them is too much for my taste

Well, an opinion is seldom objective right? It's an opinion piece. I agree, the points are valid although despite being coated in "enthusiasm" for Sony.

[Cuguy]

Well, an opinion is seldom objective right? It's an opinion piece. I agree, the points are valid although despite being coated in "enthusiasm" for Sony.

If you are a "journalist".. then you can present your points and back them with counter points to support your opinion not mask a deep seated fanboy mentality behind a veil of journalism in an "opinion" piece.

It is going to get hits though, because that is the intent. To get fanboys on both sides riled up either for the good, or bad LOL

Enthusiasm = fanboy in this case. It is ok to be enthusiastic, but when you go the extra mile and start being snarkish to other consoles, you are then a fanboy.

[F34R]

1. fanboy article.
2. wrong section
3. what cuguy said.

[LegendaryAim]

I haven't read the article but I stopped to say that PS3 has consistently had a better lineup then the Xbox 360 since 2008. 2010 was pretty close but that was about it. 07 and 06 belonged to the 360 though.

[Cuguy]

1. fanboy article.
2. wrong section
3. what cuguy said.

That's true.. it is a comparison piece. moving to comparison thread.

[radgamer420]

Although tainted with "enthusiasm" the article does make valid points. 360=casual and PS3 =core. And to answer the article's question, yes, Kinect is to blame. That is obviously MS new focus.

[Cuguy]

Although tainted with "enthusiasm" the article does make valid points. 360=casual and PS3 =core. And to answer the article's question, yes, Kinect is to blame. That is obviously MS new focus.

yeah, it seems to be right now, but hey, businesses are out to make money. Obviously Kinect and some casual focus is equaling some big sales, so I can't see how it is bad for MS.

For core gamers, yes, but MS as a business needs to do what it does best and that is make money. Happy core gamers are a lot smaller of an audience than casual every day consumers.

[radgamer420]

yeah, it seems to be right now, but hey, businesses are out to make money. Obviously Kinect and some casual focus is equaling some big sales, so I can't see how it is bad for MS.For core gamers, yes, but MS as a business needs to do what it does best and that is make money. Happy core gamers are a lot smaller of an audience than casual every day consumers.

Yep, I totally agree. And I can appreciate that its good for MS but its bad for me as a core gamer which is why I'm going to be rolling with the PS3 as long as Sony continues to support me and my gaming preference. And so far it looks like theyre going to be.

[Soldier 95B]

Already been much talk about the relative strength of PlayStation 3′s upcoming exclusive titles compared to those heading for the Xbox360.

I haven't heard that.

Both consoles will get hugely-anticipated games such as Mass Effect 3, Bioshock: Infinite and Kingdoms Of Amular, but when it comes to the exclusives, there’s little doubt that Sony’s platform has the choicest cuts.

Well, there is doubt if those particular games have no interest to you.

PS3 owners can look forward to Twisted Metal, Starhawk, The Last Of Us and – most likely – God Of War IV, not to mention Team Ico’s new project The Last Guardian, which is a mouth-watering prospect for anybody who has had the pleasure of sampling the developer’s earlier masterpieces. Added to this, the quite brilliant-looking horror Amy will also be hitting the PlayStation network.

The only one confirmed there for 2012 seems to be Starhawk and Twisted Metal. As a PS3 owner, I am not looking forward to either of those 2.

Xbox360 owners, on the other hand, are left with PC ports Minecraft and Witcher 2

So now a game is bad if it has been on PC? There is a reason there are 60 million Xbox 360's, 60 million PS3's and 90 million Wiis. Because millions have no desire to play games on PC. I am looking forward to Witcher 2, a game I NEVER would have played unless it has come out on console (any console, don't matter to me which one).

latest Molyneux hype-athon Fable: The Journey

What is wrong with Fable The Journey? Did this guy play it?

the new entry in fanboy cause celebre Halo

So now Halo 4 is bad?

and Alan Wake’s American Nightmare – a downloadable successor to the solid but underwhelming exclusive of 2010.

So now Alan Wake is underwhelming?

Not only are these distinctly less exciting than their PS3 equivalents, they are also notable for a worrying lack of originality and ambition – with the rival console mustering at least a couple of new IPs, but the Xbox’s line-up relying on the same old names, and high-profile titles that have already made a splash on PC.

I disagree with his opinion 100%.

The latest Fable may be fun - but it's hardly a match for this

So now he has played Last of Us already as well? Good god, this guy has some serious in roads with developers. I wish I had his job to be able to play unfinished unreleased games.

Of course, if we’re taking ‘new’ experiences, you could always point to the seemingly never-ending roll-call of Kinect games that have been announced (including Kinect Star Wars), but therein lies a substantial part of the problem that the Xbox is getting itself into.

That isn't a problem though, millions are enjoying Kinect. I think the problem here is, he expects consoles to only appeal to one set of gamers.

For although there are a number of possible reasons as to why the PS3 has better console exclusives next year (its hardware has more potential and developers are finally getting to grips with its complexities; its in-house production arguably has greater pedigree; certain developers have closer working relationships with Sony, forged over many years etc.), the explanation for Xbox360′s comparable lack of competition in that department may lie in a problematic over-reliance on the motion-gaming possibilities of Kinect.

It's an interesting opinion, which he is indeed entitled to, but not share by all.

While PlayStation Move is being treated by Sony more as a fun supplement to its ‘hardcore’ range of titles, Microsoft appear to be placing more and more faith in the power of its motion technology, to the extent that almost all of its 2012 exclusives will utilize the Kinect system.

Which is a good thing. Having the optional controls in the games have been great. Move and Kinect.

No one doubts the impressive nature of Kinect’s motion capture and voice-recognition attributes, but in an attempt to win over the substantial and lucrative casual gaming market currently dominated by the Wii, Microsoft seem to think that their baby can provide the real goods above and beyond conventional console games – and are investing heavily in that belief.

Luckily, they are continuing the trend towards a continuation of appealing to the core crowd (more so than ever), AND appealing to the casual.

The trouble is, the vast majority of Xbox360 owners – of which I happen to be one - fall firmly under the ‘hardcore’ banner. And many remain unconvinced that Kinect is anything other than a fun gimmick, or a cool toy with which to keep the kids happy, or entertain an occasional house-party.

"Vast"? I would be interested to see where he took that poll from. I personally believe it is the OPPOSITE...be it with PS3 or 360. The VAST market is actually casual. The hardcore are the minority.

Microsoft appear to understand this, as they have gone to great pains to encourage third-party developers to come up with Kinect titles that will appeal to the Xbox360’s core ownership. Howewer, the initial results on this front have been at best disappointing, and at worst outright embarrassing. Zombie brawler Rise Of Nightmares received a less than glowing reception earlier this year, while Kinect’s ‘first FPS’, Blackwater, has been savaged by critics.

Oddly enough, he didn't mention the Kinect titles that got excellent scores, or the games that have optional Kinect controls that got great scores. Forza 4 and Halo CE Anniversary are two of them.

'Hardcore' Kinect games have yet to convince

Hardcore KINECT required games, I agree.

Ultimately, Sony’s understanding of the time and place for motion gaming appears to be paying off, as their PlayStation Move titles will serve exactly the kind of audience who are open to them, while continued focus on serving up top new traditional console games will delight hardcore fans who would much rather get stuck into the latest epic RPG or immersive shooter, than dance around in front of their TV.

Have to disagree here as well.

Microsoft, on the other hand, seem to believe they can convince millions of gamers that the future lies in motion gaming, ahead of the experience they have grown up with, know and love.

Nope. They are not trying to convince core gamers that the future is motion gaming. They are trying to convince a subset of gamers to play the Xbox 360 without control barriers, and it is working.

Such a strategy is unlikely to succeed.

It already has. Same with Move.

Gamers can be a stubborn bunch at the best of times, and they happen to know pretty damn well what they do and don’t like. Even that half-way house – the integration of Kinect features into games that predominately utilize the control pad – faces a problematic future.

Only if you were hardcore and saw that core titles were no longer being released for the Xbox 360. Oddly enough, core titles are selling AND releasing in record numbers on the 360, and are not Kinect required.

You only have to remember the uproar unleashed by the announcement that Mass Effect 3 would support Kinect, to see that.

I saw no uproar at all. In fact, I have seen praise for the optional Kinect controls.

Microsoft and its partners can can serve up Kinect Star Wars and Gears Of War: Take Cover Behind Your Sofa Edition to their hearts’ content, but the simple truth is that what most of its consumers want is a reboot to rival Twisted Metal, or a new IP to compete with The Last Guardian.

My guess is that this guy probably get his checks direct deposited from Sony.

Judging the year ahead on that basis, it’s fair to say that 2012 may be significantly more rewarding for those with a PS3 to their name. And this is something that Microsoft should work seriously hard to prevent from becoming a trend – even if it means acknowledging the limitations of their favourite new toy.

I would have to say, it seems to be just the opposite for me (games I am buying and what platform I am buying them on):

Bioshock Infinite (360)
Mass Effect 3 (360)
Spec Ops: the line (360)
Hitman: Absolution (360)
Ghost Recon: Future Solider (360)
Last of Us (PS3)
Halo 4 (360)
Call of Duty Black Ops 2 (360)
Fable Journey (360)
Tomb Raider (360)
Alan Wake American Nightmare (360)
Ryse (360)
Steel Battalion Heavy Armor (360)
Metal Gear Solid Rising (360)
XCOM (360)
Far Cry 3 (360)
Dust 514 (PS3)
Medal of Honor 2 (360)
Star Wars Kinect (360)

That doesn't include XLBA, GOD, XBLI and unannounced games. Yikes. I thought 2011 was bad on the budget. 2012 is going to drain me. Core games mostly.

Wow, now THAT was one of the worst articles I have read this year.

[Inzane2050]

Xbox has the best lineup. Xbox has Bioshock: Infinity. Playstation does not.

[radgamer420]

Xbox has the best lineup. Xbox has Bioshock: Infinity. Playstation does not.

Lol wut? http://ps3.ign.com/objects/142/14258732.html

[Inzane2050]

"lol wut?" indeed. Why was Bioshock, Mass Effect, etc, listed in this thread as Microsoft exclusives for 2012?

[Ghost-Rhayne]

"lol wut?" indeed. Why was Bioshock, Mass Effect, etc, listed in this thread as Microsoft exclusives for 2012?

I dunno, but its dead false. Unless Ken announcing Move support for Bioshock Infinite was a mistake, as was Jack announcing free Bioshock on the blu ray, and Sony announcing 3D on PS3 (probably on 360 too).

[Ghost-Rhayne]

double trouble

[Cuguy]

"lol wut?" indeed. Why was Bioshock, Mass Effect, etc, listed in this thread as Microsoft exclusives for 2012?

If you are referring to Soldiers list, he didn't say they were 360 only, he was just pointing out the games are coming to 360...

It does read like he was saying they were exclusive by tagging them, but I think it was more countering the idiotic article making it sound like 360 had no games coming for the hardcore/core audience.

[ERC1980]

"lol wut?" indeed. Why was Bioshock, Mass Effect, etc, listed in this thread as Microsoft exclusives for 2012?

ahh ok you weren't serious lol

when i saw your previous post i was thinking, "man, this guy must be totally drunk"

[radgamer420]

ahh ok you weren't serious lolwhen i saw your previous post i was thinking, "man, this guy must be totally drunk"

Yeah, same here. lol

[Inzane2050]

Ah, I see. Soldier's sarcastic post confused me. And then my sacastic post confused yall, lol.

[AaronSOLDIER]

2011 had tons of PS3 exclusives, but 2012 has more exclusives that are to my taste. Not to mention the JRPGs are finally starting to roll out on PS3 in the west:

Atelier Meruru
HyperDimension Neptunia Mk.2
Tales of Graces f
Ni No Kuni
+ more

All only on PS3, then we have Twisted Metal, Sly Cooper 4, Yakuza Dead Souls, Jak & Daxter (please bring R&C next), MotorStorm RC, StarHawk, Dust 514 etc. (though I'm not really interested in the last two as of yet.)

I hope FFvs13 releases next year though what the hell is the KH team doing? When it finally comes out it better get 98+ metacritic.

[Soldier 95B]

If you are referring to Soldiers list, he didn't say they were 360 only, he was just pointing out the games are coming to 360...

It does read like he was saying they were exclusive by tagging them, but I think it was more countering the idiotic article making it sound like 360 had no games coming for the hardcore/core audience.

Ah, I see. Soldier's sarcastic post confused me. And then my sacastic post confused yall, lol.

No sarcasm in my post. I was just posting the titles I am buying, and what platform I am buying them on.

[HenryPSN]

Some ways it is I think.

[Inzane2050]

The Kingdom Hearts team is the FFvsXIII team. That is why the games mirrors KH's gameplay. Sad thing tho is that FFvsXIII will not release until 2015! Bcuz Wada will keep taking them of the project to help the incompetent Toriyama finish his games, lol.

[Ariakace]

Meh, i dont know. Sure the article takes a couple cheap shots at 360. But makes some relevent points as well, but its not as though the PS3 doesnt have any casual games coming to it either. MLB 12 the show for example is where people will be going to pick up baseball if they own both consoles, thats a fairly casual game (in my defense i consider most sports games as casual games even though i may play baseball as much if not more than any hardcore Modern Warefare fan), then youll have Sorcery, and theres going to be plenty of other decent Casual games for the PS3 as well, not to mention Ruin which comes out in april for the Vita and the PS3.

As far as for myself, I kind of agree with the writer of the article, even if only i find more games releasing for PS3 that i would be interested in. Twisted Metal, Last guardian, MLB The Show, The Last of Us (very excited for actually), and im kinda interested to see what JRPG's release for it.

Halo looks to continue its trend as being a great game, but i dont really play FPS's all that much, so my interest is kind of nil. I played Alan Wake at a friends house, and while it seemed interesting, it didnt really hold my attention. I think within about 20 minutes we were playing Gears of War 2 again. I just dont have a lot of interest in many of the games that are on the 360, and it does come down to this. Exclusives. Theres not too many on the 360 that i want aside from the Gears and Halo series, perhaps the Forza series.