I know that most "Which system should I buy" threads meet with "Decide for yourself" responses, but I could really use some advice on this one. Allow me to explain my situation:
When the current-gen consoles first debuted, I decided on Gamecube after extensive research. The idea of a game-focused console with lightning-fast loading times appealed to me, as did the controller layout and the insanely compact system. After about a year, however, I became a bit disillusioned with the game selection. Gamecube never seemed to get any attention in Blockbuster or in gaming magazines, whereas PS2 and XBox seemed to be rapidly expanding. Of the games that I had, Eternal Darkness and Resident Evil 0 were incredible, but titles like Def Jam Vendetta, NCAA, Splinter Cell, and NFS: Underground were average at best and almost always superior on XBox if they were multi-platformers.
The Halo hype was at its maximum at this point (Q4 2003), and Gamecube began to seem like a dying breed while XBox was only getting better and better. After accidentally deleting my file on the original Zelda from the Collector's Edition disc one day, I got pissed and finally said, "Forget this; I'm buying an XBox." I sold my GC stuff and used the money to buy a brand new XBox and a copy of Halo.
Unfortunately, the XBox has turned out to be even more of a disappointment than the GC. Yes, the graphics are incredible in most cases, but graphics aren't everything, and the other consoles certainly aren't far behind. The DVD player was a waste of money because I don't ever use it and I live in a fraternity house where everyone else has one anyway. Similarly, if I want to burn CD's or listen to music, I use my laptop. The Controller S works fine, but I definitely miss the Wavebird, which is, IMO, the best console controller ever made. For all of its hype, XBox Live has been a disappointment for me, mostly because I don't have enough of a desire for online play to justify spending even $50 a year.
Most importantly, concerning the game selection: XBox seems to be focused primarily on FPS's, racing games, and sports games. I'm a fan of fast-paced multiplayers, fighting games, and survival-horrors. In these categories, XBox has not impressed. Halo is definitely an awesome game, but Halo 2 is way overrated. Soul Calibur II, one of my favorite games ever, is loads of fun but Link on the GC version is much cooler than Spawn. Both the Silent Hill series and the Fatal Frame series were major disappointments, as was Fable. Ninja Gaiden was admittedly one of the coolest games I've played, but I've already beaten it twice and become frustrated enough with the original Ninja Gaidens to want to throw the disc across the room. DOA: Ultimate and the upcoming Forza look appealing, but I've not seen much else of personal interest on the horizon. Bottom line: in the categories on which it chooses to focus, XBox has some amazing titles. Unfortunately, regarding the types of games in which I'm interested (frenetic multiplayers and survival horrors), the selection has been decidedly weak.
So now to the core of the dilemna: I'm thinking about selling my XBox for another GC. I know it sounds crazy, but Nintendo has had such an amazing fourth quarter that it's a tough proposition to resist. As I mentioned before, I'm into A.D.D.-inducing multiplayers, survival horrors, and quality single-player action adventures. I also don't mind the "tiku tiku tiku! " graphics, which are often superior to more realistic models. Consider the list of wanted games I've compiled, all of which seem like must-haves:
1) Metroid Prime (1 and 2)
2) Super Monkey Ball 2
3) Viewtiful Joe (1 and 2)
4) Paper Mario: TTYD
5) Animal Crossing
6) Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
7) Smash Brothers: Melee
Wario Ware
9) Mario Kart: DD
10) Mario Power Tennis
11) Mario Golf
12) Soul Calibur II
13) Resident Evil 0 and 4
I tried to compile a similar list of XBox games, and simply couldn't do it. The more I think about it, the more I want to go buy another GC. Comparing systems without the games, the GC has always been my favorite (that's why I bought it originally), and now with such an incredible selection, the prospect of another GC is very tempting, especially now that I can get a system, controller, memory card, and Mario Kart: DD for only $100. Plus, many of the games that I listed are old enough now that I can get them new for around $20. My only hang-up is that I don't want to make the same mistake that I did last year. I don't want to sell the XBox and buy a GC, and then when the GC starts having a dry spell, sell it again and buy another XBox. I lose a considerable amount of money on every trade-in. I know that most of you would say that the best option is to own both systems, but I simply don't want to spend that kind of money, and I'd spend way too much time gaming if I had both. So...considering everything I've said above, particularly my list of wanted games, what do you think? Should I go for it? Or should I hold on to the XBox and see what comes out next year? I apologize for the length of the post, but I just want to be thorough and make an informed decision. I appreciate all the help.
-Chris
Show Posts
