We’re back again, and this week we’re back to normal with our top trio of hot topics in the video game industry. Not only do we convey our expectations for the next generation of home consoles, we also pick apart this year’s most iconic rivalry between FPS behemoths, Battlefield 3 and Modern Warfare 3. Touching on the European launch of the PlayStation Vita as well, the TSA crew talk if and when they plan on picking up Sony’s next handheld.
If you fancy sounding off on a relevant topic in the gaming industry let us know as next week we’ll be bringing back Critical Hit which will also feature guest opinions. Simply send your entries to jim[at]thesixthaxis[dot]com with the tagline “TSA Talks” making sure you don’t exceed the 125 word limit to be within a chance of getting featured in our next news round-up.
According to Develop, both Microsoft and Sony are working on the next generation of home consoles which could be with us as soon as 2013. It’s becoming clear that the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 are currently being pushed to their maximum potential but is it really time to move on?
Dan: I’m really interested to see what Sony and Microsoft come up with for their next consoles. I’m hoping it’s not just a case of better, shiner graphics because that’s not going to make me want to part with £250+. As it stands I’m perfectly happy with my PS3 and Xbox 360, and with games such as Uncharted 3 coming out who can blame me?!
Peter: It’s past time to move on. I think that if it wasn’t for the global economy diving off a bridge two years ago, we’d already have the next Xbox hardware and would probably know what Sony is bringing to the table. The 360 is at the very top of its limits in terms of power and media capacity and the first party software has slowed over the last 18 months. In a sense, it has already entered its casual old age, something the PS2 did exceptionally well (and financially successfully.)
The PS3 still has a bit to give and they’re still hard on the first party software but I’d expect that to start slowing next year as attention within the company switches to Vita software. Once that little pocket wonder is finished and with retailers, Sony’s hardware development team will have a lot of returning members with not a lot to do…
Aran: I’ve had 2013 pegged as the year the next Xbox comes out , allowing a crossover period. I can only imagine that the next Xbox will have built-in Kinect and the obvious graphical update. 3D capability will also be a standard feature. The PlayStation 4 will launch in 2014 in my opinion, again the graphical update as standard and probably tech similar to Kinect implemented. In my opinion the next generation leap won’t be as big as the difference between the Xbox and Xbox 360 or the PS2 and PS3.
Jim: At present I feel comfortable sticking with my PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, mainly thanks to a gigantic backlog of shrink-wrapped “must-plays” that haven’t even left my shelf. In my opinion the next wave of consoles won’t be as much of an evolution over their current counterparts, only pushing the bar in terms of graphics, and perhaps, network capabilities.
I keep telling myself that improved visuals won’t be enough to convert me into a day-one purchaser of either the next Sony or Microsoft system, though given Sony’s recent onslaught of first party titles, both for the PS3 and the Vita, they will secure a launch line-up that any self-respecting gamer simply couldn’t turn down.
Even more interesting is the fact that the Wii U is billed for release in 2012. From what we’ve seen it appears that this is Nintendo’s portal into the current console generation but with the PS4/Xbox 720 due for 2013, this could be another step in the wrong direction following the fairly lifeless launch of the 3DS.
Kris: I honestly don’t feel it’s time to move on. I think we’ve reached the point now that graphics are more than good enough for 3D polygonal games that they don’t detract from the experience, and other more unique art styles typically don’t require as much power. For me though the raw power of a system isn’t all that’s interesting, it’s the games, how they play and the stories they offer gamers that tends to appeal more. I’m not going to say graphics and art direction have no effect or don’t impress me, I’d be lying, but for me to really love a game it’s the other aspects that matter to me. That’s one of the reasons I still love Sonic so much.
If we start to see developers saying they can’t create the gameplay they want to then I think maybe it’s time to move on, but most complaints now seem to be about graphical horsepower. I honestly don’t feel like the consoles are holding any game back in terms of gameplay, at least not significantly, so I’m not really feeling the urge to move on.
Blair: I’m not ready to get rid of my PS3 just yet, I feel it’s really at it’s peak and it should be a few more years before the PS4. It’s good that Sony are focusing on the PlayStation Vita first and I think when that’s out of the way, it should be a good time to begin moving on.
As for the new Xbox, I think Microsoft need it; the constant multiple discs is becoming ridiculous and the 360 is far beyond its peak now, though this would mean Sony would need to rush to make a move – something which I don’t want to happen. I think Nintendo will have a tough time keeping up with both of these newer consoles as they’re making the first move with the Wii U next year.
2ofclubs
Games seem to be taking an absolute age to develop these days because the visuals have reached their current level. Although some superb games are being produced, upping the visual prowess will surely lead to a much sparser release schedule, at least in terms of disc based titles. Basically I’m fine with the current consoles at least for the time being.
MornelitheVT
Next-Gen: It would benefit for both Sony and Microsoft to wait until DX12 card prices come down a bit, so they can either utilize that, or work with Nvidia on having the hybrids utilize DX13 architecture (whenever that comes out). RAM continues to be one of the biggest issues, hardware-wise, and limits how open and interactive stages can truly be. That having been said, as a PC Gamer, my PS3 is still performing up to my expectations. So, I’m in no real rush to see a new set of hardware come out.
BF3/MW3: BF3 all the way, I lost interest in the CoD series after 2.
PS Vita: Absolutely cannot wait for this device, everything Sony’s done wrong hardware and software-wise in previous gaming devices, appear to have been rectified in one fell swoop here. It offers the versatility of the casual demand (phone, other apps etc..), while being able to recreate console-like experiences in a handheld. And the price is most certainly reasonable, given the games, connectivity and technology packed inside of it. An easy purchasing decision here.
ron_mcphatty
I’m with you all on waiting for the Vita price to drop, but I hope that Sony does actually sell some and aren’t crippled by poor sales.
On the next gen subject, maybe Microsoft are working on a portable console for the interim years? I really think remote play will stretch the life of the PS3 and will help it to trump the WeiirdU!
MICKY17
I would love to buy a Vita at launch but as has been said the price and day one games are the issue for me.
I’d happily buy a PS4 whenever it comes out as long as its backward compatible and agree about sorting the network/OS speed.
Battlefield 3 all the way for me, will get MW3 next year just to play the final chapter of the story, unfortunately the MP just doesn’t do it for me anymore.