So here's my question...I'm considering getting an XBOX360, mainly because I want some slightly fresher games and graphics than the PS2 provides, but I really don't have a clue about next gen systems or games. I have absolutely no interest in multiplayer anything, so I don't think I'd be interested in XBOX Live, but I'm not sure what else there is to it. Is any next gen system worth getting for just solo play? And if so, what are some of the best games for solo players?

Where in this thread did we talk about Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise.

I played this for about two hours today. I had no idea what I was doing, but I adored every minute of it.

I just have a 360, and I'm never playing online. Although honestly, I'm pretty easy to please when it comes to single player games. I don't need innovation or a lot of originality. I just need to have gameplay that isn't too mundane and a decent story and I'll generally have a good time playing a game. For instance, I've seen a lot of people here bitch about a game like Mass Effect, but I really enjoyed it. It certainly wasn't perfect, but I got enough out of it. Same goes with Lost Odyssey. Or GTAIV. Or Assassin's Creed. Or the new Prince of Persia.

who bitched about Mass Effect?

wtf.

Downloaded GTA IV off Steam. Incredible game. The online free mode is one of the best things ever.

I did. Tedious game.

fags die

took a break from Mass Effect...and started Call of Duty: World at War xbox live again. I'm a level 43...still fun as hell.

played about 6.5 hours of World at War online today. crazy addicting. level 50...yay.

I'm still such a whore for Fallout 3. I've finished the main quest, found all the bobbleheads, done most of the major side quests, and should be pretty damn close to clearing out every possible enemy in the wasteland. I keep wanting to quit and do something else -- like exercise, or spending time with family -- but then I'll think, well, just one more walk westward or in some random direction and then I'll stumble on some awesome new building or vault or enemy base, and I'm right back into it. Am totally going to quit once I hit 100 hours though.

X Box 360 or PS3.

CHOOSE!!!!

I just bought a 360. So far, so good. Except I can't get online. I'm trying to figure out some way to use my wireless internet through my laptop to get access rather than fork out $100 for MSFT's wireless adapter that I can't find in a store anyway, but no luck so far. Seems to be some sort of IP address issue that I'm not tech-savvy enough to be able to figure out.

i would have to go with PS3. it has the Blu Rays goin for it, which is a huge bonus.

the one downside in my mind is the lack of Halo 3

Blue Ray means nothing to me, so it wasn't a consideration.

Just got a 80Gb PS3 for $250 (had to open a credit card, but whatever).

Super easy to use, was setup with the wireless online gaming in minutes. And it's totally free. Not a necessity, but it doesn't hurt. It's been fun to play around with.

BluRay included. Rocking the Orange Box now (only $14.99 at Circuit City).

Very happy with the purchace. Can't think of a reason to go 360 at this point, with all the freebees you get with the PS3

RE5 shortly...!

The Orange Box was a crazy good deal at $60, but just silly to pass up at $15. Even if the PS3 version runs a bit choppier than the 360 iteration.

I finally started MGS4 a bit ago, but not much motivation at the moment to dig through the meh parts to get to the goodness. At some point. Other than that, I'm dabbling in PixelJunk Monsters Encore (again) and playing various games for articles.

besides the free online gaming...what are "all the freebees" that you get with a PS3?

I'll take a better game library over pretty much anything. so 360 for me. $50 a year for online gaming is not too shabby at all. Especially considering how stellar XBOX Live is.

Here's one reason not to rush out to buy a PS3, as it relates to market share and, thus, good games coming out for it:




Of course, then there's this when you look at Nintendo's dominance:

Here's another - the PS3 has barely outsold the Gamecube since launch:

online play is FREE on the PS3.

These figures aren't correct, at least not in the sense that they're sales in the 26 months since the PS3 launched. Nintendo hasn't sold more than a couple hundred thousand GameCubes since the Wii launched, which was the same month as the PS3. It's more likely to be a list of how many consoles were sold during the first 26 months of each respective launch.

Besides, the DS sold 3 million units in December. It's moved way more than 9m in the last 2+ years.

Yeah I don't have either system but the thought of paying money to play online in 2009 is bizarre.

True, I misread and thought it meant since PS3 launch, not 26 months after each launched. Still, the point is the Gamecube was considered a massive failure, and 26 months after each was released, the PS3 has barely outsold it.

it's crazy how fast Nintendo has turned around. Last gen, they were dead last. Now look...

Yeah, they had the foresight to know Grandmas want to play video games, too. Never would've guessed it.

Definitely an amazing turnaround. Don't discount the DS though, which paved the road.

Still haven't gotten into the new generation of consoles, but I'm finally getting ready to make a plunge. I was a huge Gamecube fanboy, so you'd think I'd get a Wii, but all the games just seem like remakes of Gamecube and N64 games. Except for Mario Galaxy, which looks fantastic, but I can't justify buying a console for one game. That leaves the Xbox360 and PS3. Any reason to get one over the other? Or should I look harder at a Wii?

Well, i'm a walking advocate for the 360. I just think the price level for the console, great online support (arcade games ftw), best library of games, and a very welcoming future are what sways the table. I mean, there's not really any platformers over here (save Banjo Kazooie) so don't expect those.

I'd buy a Wii just for Super Mario Galaxy, but I can't think of many other titles I'd recommend. If you're just getting into this gen and want a single console, I'd definitely side with the 360 for game selection and features for price.

Thanks, I am indeed leaning 360. Though price is about the same as a PS3, since I'll have to get a wireless adapter. Does that tilt the equation at all?

Not really, IMO.

When it comes down to it...you want to get the system that will offer the most/best quality games. To me, this is an easy win for the 360.

I've read that an original XBOX wireless adapter will work. But what I did was bought a used 360 adapter at Gamestop with a 20% off coupon. Got it for $55.

Here's the 20% used accessories coupon, if interested (good through 1/31):

http://i41.tinypic.com/2wdwpoy.jpg

Thanks PH, good advice.

So what gaming sites should I start checking out? I used to go to Gamespot, but it seems to be a shell of what it was after that big editorial fiasco.

teamxbox.com

I've been a member of those forums for a while. good time.

Castlevania III for the Virtual Console, nigs. All night.

indeed. it played with the alternative control concept, AND shipped an ungodly number of units.

anyone play Left 4 Dead on 360?

me and my cousin play everything together...so naturally we are in on this. And I have a friend who plays as well...but I have a feeling I will be looking for 3rd and 4th party mates in this game quite often, and I don't want to play with randoms or AI bots.

so yeeeah....

hit me up: Gh0stfaceKill4h

FYI, Meijer is having a 1-day sale tomorrow (or technically, today - Saturday) on all games - buy 2 get 1 free - plus they have a 15% off general merchandise coupon in the ad, too. Decent deal for someone like me who just bought a 360 and is looking to quickly build some game selection.

I have a defective drum pad on my GH World Tour. Just got the game for Christmas. What are the odds that the manufacturer will replace it without me having to fork over any cash?

RE5 demo up on XBOX Live as of this morning. I've held off sending back my console for repairs (motor crapping out, can't spin discs) just so I can try this. Hellz yes.

I can't get it yet because I don't have Gold. I've heard mixed things about it though. I'm sure the final product will be awesome regardless.

decent i'd say

check their website and their customer service section. i would think they'd replace it, no problem.

I really enjoyed RE4 on GC, and I absolutely loved it on the Wii. The Wii's controls were just awesome, and the demo's are extremely lacking in comparison.

Its taking me a bit of time to get used to the controls and pace again (i.e. can't strafe, use of inventory screens, etc.). Espescially after playing a bunch of GOW2 which is so much more frenetic and fast moving. Also, definitely not sold on having a partner. The AI isn't terrible, but sometimes she got in the way of my shots and sharing ammo could end up being a pain in the ass. Plus, a lot of RE4's atmosphere came from being alone and having her around took a bit away from that.

I'm not ready to shit all over the game simply based on the demo, but I was a bit underwhelmed. Still a definite purchase, however.

I've had my 360 for about a month and have surprisingly enjoyed playing the Legos Indiana Jones that came with it. Thought it would be just a throw away (like Kung Fu Panda is), but I'm actually enjoying it. And the kids like playing along with me, so that's cool too.

Also loving NHL 09, particularly the Be a Pro mode. It's extremely well done - you play as just yourself and are responsible for being in position, taking yourself off the ice when you're tired, and making your line changes when necessary to get back on the ice. When you're out, you actually watch the game from the bench. It's pretty cool. I made myself a LW sniper in Florida's minor league system, and so far through 32 games, I've got 32 goals and 10 assists and am 2nd in the league in scoring.

I was never a 'Be a Pro' mode guy...but the gameplay in NHL '09 is sublime. I could play a dynasty on that game forever.

First time I've ever tried that kind of mode in any sports game, and I'm enjoying it much more than I thought I would. And are there any better sports game announcers than Thorne and Clement? Everything else sounds amateur compared to them. Unlike NCAA 2009, which is full of repeating lines, choppy segues, and out of context comments, their commentary seems to flow like they are actually watching the game.

Yeah, those seem to be pretty on par with the complaints. I don't think I'll have to worry about the AI partner though. I think I'm going to go ubernerd on it and try to play the entire game with a friend.

Been playing through a lot of old games lately. Eye of the Beholder II (which really takes me back), Daggerfall, Veil of Darkness, and Darklands.

So I've been trying to get through Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time for nostalgia sake, and who knew the game was full of bugs! Last night I found my way around one of them, but it's the third time I've played through the game and this was the first time anything glitchy ever happened. I'm starting to think video games don't like me since Fallout 3 hit me with one, too (which the patch didn't fix, by the way).

My new 360 arrived yesterday. Hooray for me! I'm starting out with The Orange Box and Burnout, then getting Rock Band in a couple of weeks.

I'll be hooking into Live tonight. Any must-have XBLA titles? Geometry Wars is a given--I love the DS version, and my eyes are drooling at the thought of it in HD. I'm also planning on getting Braid (which has gotten across-the-board stellar reviews), the Castlevania game (which I never played on the PS), and TMNT (for nostalgia sake). What else?

Rez HD