Thursday, 23 November 2006

Nintendo Wii

The good: Revolutionary controller design offers unique motion-sensitive gameplay options; built-in Wi-Fi delivers free online services and (eventually) gameplay; Virtual Console has major nostalgia appeal; compatible with all GameCube games and controllers; built-in SD slot for storage and photo viewing; includes Wii Sports game; most affordable of all next-gen systems.

The bad: Controller eats batteries and takes some time to get used to; lacks the advanced HD graphics and surround sound found on the Xbox 360 and the PS3; requires a wired receiver unit placed near the TV to interface with wireless controllers; can't play CDs or DVDs.

The bottom line: It lacks the graphical prowess and rich media features of the Xbox 360 and the PS3, but the Nintendo Wii's combination of unique motion-sensitive controllers and emphasis on fun gameplay make the ultra-affordable console hard to resist.

Xbox 360

The good: All games for the Xbox 360 are in high-definition, as is the excellent, user-friendly Dashboard interface. There's built-in support for wireless controllers and excellent online gaming, content downloads, and communications via Xbox Live. The console is not only backward compatible with many (but not all) original Xbox titles, but it also doubles as a superior digital media hub and Windows Media extender. The system's online Marketplace allows easy purchases of mini-games, movies, and TV shows.

The bad: The list of truly impressive next-gen games remains small. The console has some design flaws: a noisy exhaust fan, a gigantic oversized power supply, no built-in wireless networking, only three USB ports, and no DVI or HDMI output. The DVD player is rather substandard, and support for next-gen HD-DVD movies requires a bulky external accessory. Additionally, the system's customary 20GB hard drive can't store a lot of high-definition downloadable content. Online gaming requires a paid subscription to Xbox Live.

The bottom line: The Xbox 360 delivers the power and performance of a high-end gaming PC, including impressive digital media and networking features.

Playstation 3

The good: Swanky design with quiet operation; all games in high-definition; PSP-like user-friendly interface; plays high-def Blu-ray movies in addition to standard DVDs; built-in Wi-Fi; 60GB hard drive; Bluetooth support for wireless controllers and accessories is coming; backwards-compatible with PS2 and PS1 titles; built-in memory card readers; online play is free; HDMI output with 1080p support; no external power supply

The bad: Pricey; first wave of games is somewhat anemic; doesn't upscale DVDs to HD resolution; no force feedback (rumble) support in controller; a USB port on the back would've been nice; no infrared port means non-Bluetooth universal remotes aren't compatible; glossy black finish is a fingerprint magnet; HDMI cable not included.
The bottom line: Sony's PlayStation 3 may be the most expensive next-gen game console, and its launch titles are not all that impressive, but its swanky design and bevy of features, including a Blu-ray drive, make it hard to resist--even at £550.

Purpose of this blog

Im a Student studying Media in St Lukes college.

this site is specifically for new media technologies and all my future posts shall have pictures and reviews fo the latest Computer game technologies.