Next-gen Xbox grows stronger… on the low

by James Ransom-Wiley { Apr 5th 2005 at 4:47PM }

Microsoft must have really offered Yoshiki Okamoto the deal of a lifetime. Heck, he might as well be the official spokesman for the next-gen Box the way he's been poppin' off at the mouth…

In a recent interview—without giving away any dirt—Okamoto single-handedly raised the hype meter to near boiling. The famed creator remarked, "There are a lot of surprises. I find myself saying: 'What, this development studio?! This game?! These people?!'... There probably wouldn't be anyone that would still be uninterested in buying the next-generation Xbox when they see the lineup."

Well, congratulations. You have our attention. So why don't you give us some of those names?!

[Peep the English-friendly breakdown on GameSpot]

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

mr.hat @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM

Microsoft is making some very smart decisions as of late, if you count naming this console Xbox 360 as the one exception.

They realized how badly it went the first time around in Japan, realized why that was, and they are now going out and attempting to fix it, and frankly, if they have to throw cash around to do that, I think it's a good investment. If Xbox 2 can succeed in the Japanese marketplace, the rewards will be huge. And don't be surprised if come November, Square Enix isn't releasing a few games for the Xbox 2.

Sam Ahuja @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM

speaking of xbox taking over (i love my xbox) lara croft screenshots availabe for the new tombraider game for the xbox, over at gamespot: http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/04/05/news_6121700.html

Tony @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM

Well said mr.hat, well said. I love my Xbox (and my PS2, GC, etc etc) but next gen, I really want the Xbox to do well in Japan. Even though the Xbox has been pretty much ok without strong Japanese support game wise, I really want them to have influence in the Xbox 2 lineup.

SetupWeasel @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM

Without any facts this is a pile of crap. Does anyone remember the Segaton announcement last year? Let Microsoft tell us something concrete before we stick our collective noses in their ass.

Matthew @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM

I agree. I think Microsoft is doing an incredible job. I have Xbox, Ps2 and GameCube, and I have to tell you, the Xbox is a great system. Microsoft is really surprising me. One thing is for sure, Microsoft and their Xbox, are here to stay.

AznFX @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM

it may be smart to get a large base early like this, but that doesnt mean MS can be too comfortable after sony and N come in w/ all the higher tech stuff

maybe MS has decided to have one version more than a year before, and then another, backwards compatible xBox3 more or less a year after the Japanese?

shoop420 @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM

why oh why must we americans kiss japan's ass when it comes to gaming.so the xbox didn't do so well in japan.so what.we have to stick together and make japan take notice of our games and systems,and not beg for their approval.

noi @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM

that's it, i'm selling my PSP on ebay and going to start saving up for XBox 360 games

Frexy @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM

I kinda feel like #7 thinks he's on top of the world >.>

Ever heard of some good competition? I think the Japanese will never support an American system over 2 homemade systems. What would YOU do?

All Music Site @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM

Make it backwards comp. MS!

geekzapoppin @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM

Uh, it still looks more like a nerdy fanboy's wet dream than a living human being. I love the first few games, but come on!

realgammer79 @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM

japanese developers will never fully support xbox because xdox was not built for their support. xbox was made for computer games. though this in and of itself is not a bad thing it is the reason why the ps2 has done so well, adstract design for adstract concepts which is what the japanese are all about.

when the ps3 arrives,we will see how much the japanese passion to deveolop their most sought after projects for X2 is upheld. japanese ppl in general, in the area of technology and art attemt some of the most original ambitious projects to date, one example ps3&cell&blueray vs the rest. so why would they continue to deveop for a machine that was sheepishly built for the confort of the expected support a dveloper might give insted of the limitless immagination of a deveolper can give.