Microsoft invites Billy to the Xbox live boot camp to get his opinion on some games and the Xbox live service. So what's the verdict from the Director of Planet GameCube?
The day ended with pizza, beer and soda, and an open gaming
fest. I spent most of my time
trying to figure out the Steel Battalion controller, and playing a heap of
MechAssault. Allard stuck around,
and I introduced myself. His first
comment to me was, “So, what do you think of how poorly Mario Sunshine is
selling?” I told him I thought it
was selling just fine. I wanted to
ask him how many Xbox games have sold that well, but decided to play it safe.
I did ask him if he played it and he said that he couldn’t get the
grasp of the gameplay, quit after the 6th shine, and really wanted a
true Mario 64 sequel, in the vain of Mario 65.
I told him he should play it a bit more, and walked away.
I didn’t feel like starting an argument with him, and there were games
to play. At least if you’re going
to bash Nintendo, have some good ammunition.
Jeez. The arrogance was
quite amusing.
So looking at the big picture, here’s how I see the
online world of consoles stacking up. PS2
seems to be the clear winner with software available, but it doesn’t seem to
have a clear strategy. Xbox has a
great setup with Xbox Live, but lacks great software. Nintendo seems to be waiting in the wings, hiding their plans
as usual, with PSO launching shortly. But
really, it’s kind of bleak for the gamer looking to rock out online right now.
But at least the movement is beginning.
Ironically
the person who did this in front of Nintendo took this picture
I really did have a good time at the event and met some
really cool people, regardless of their gaming backgrounds.
I went in this event with an open mind, and I think that made the whole
thing very beneficial. It was a great learning experience seeing how the other side
does things. As a Nintendo gamer,
it allowed me to see how Microsoft’s online strategy worked, and what Nintendo
is up against. I have to admit,
even though there aren’t a whole lot of great games for Xbox Live, at least
they have a strategy that they are fully backing.
Only time will tell if it will work and be successful.
