Mercury News: PS3? Wait and see
by Zack Stern 
{ Nov 13th 2006 at 9:05PM }
Dean Takahashi compares the three-console showdown beginning this week. His overview is mostly recap for us: the Wii is for new -- and unproven -- family gameplay, and the Xbox 360 is for hardcore gamers. The PS3? It's for techies who need the glossiest gadgets.He doesn't find much reason to pick a PS3 over the 360, other than being the cool kid on your block. But he also mentions that his opinion could be swayed if unique games come out for the new system.
Do killer apps drive console sales? We can't think of a standout that would justify buying the hardware for any of the three consoles -- maybe Gears of War. Maybe that's why we have mixed feelings about the two launches. But we expect next year's game releases to warm us up to the new hardware.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Triforceowner @ Nov 13th 2006 9:14PM
"We can't think of a standout that would justify buying the hardware for any of the three consoles -- maybe Gears of War."
Currently I would say that the 360 definitely has its first AAA title with Gears of War, so wouldn't that be a reason to buy the 360?
The PS3 has Resistance: Fall of Man. New weapons and free multiplayer featuring the largest battles on a console yet (I think). One might argue that the PC has a larger line-up of better FPS's, though.
The Wii has Twilight Princess, which is looking like one of the best Action RPG's ever. This is of coarse a sixth generation title, though.
So I really want to know, what qualifies as a killer app?
retro @ Nov 13th 2006 9:19PM
Triforceowner, you took the words right out of my mouth.
Francisco Sainz @ Nov 13th 2006 9:17PM
Zelda. Certainly sold at least one console.(me)
Zack Stern @ Nov 13th 2006 9:19PM
Good question, Triforceowner. I think we agree that killer apps are subjective, personal decisions. I also think that part of the idea of the killer app is that the only way you can play it is on its exclusive hardware.
LedRush @ Nov 13th 2006 9:20PM
*cough* zelda *cough*
Joystiq proves again and again that they're haters.
RuneMaster70 @ Nov 13th 2006 9:22PM
I agree with Mercury News. Wait for the PS3's killer app before even considering it. I can get two game systems for the price of one. How is this a bad thing again?
Zack Stern @ Nov 13th 2006 9:23PM
Also, about Zelda, it's coming out for GameCube, too. So I don't think it qualifies as a killer app--something that drives hardware sales. Sounds like it will for some of you regardless.
jimbo @ Nov 13th 2006 9:27PM
im sorr y but gears of war owns resistance in graphics and gameplay it far better and i love zelda too cant wait for wii it will look good next to my 360
Varian @ Nov 13th 2006 9:25PM
Gears of War is coming to PC soon (its already in testing now) so Xbox 360 still will have no killer app.
jimbo @ Nov 13th 2006 9:27PM
as graphics wise of right now 360 own ps3 gears of war baby ps3's best graphical game is probably motorstorm and for blue ray its not worth having too pay for it when a game like oblivion hasnt even filled 50 percent i think not positive
Sylth @ Nov 13th 2006 9:29PM
Gears of War will still move consoles in the non-PC crowd, those who have PCs that are barely suitable for an average day-to-day business workload, much less a next-gen video game title.
jimbo @ Nov 13th 2006 9:29PM
sorry but no gears of war will not see the light on any other platform sorry pc gamers but hey you got crysis or wait that might come on consoles to
vincentobrien @ Nov 13th 2006 9:30PM
Twilight Princess is a ported Gamecube game made to spur sales of the Wii. Killer app? I don't know. Seems like most are awfully skeptical about the future titles on the Wii.
The PS3 really doesn't offer anything that I'm losing sleep over. Remember the PSP...slick Sony product that still doesn't have any great games for it? Hmm, sounds familiar, though I do think that in a year the PS3 will have some decent titles on it.
Xbox360...notice the 'maybe' in front of GoW. Definitely a big maybe. Killer apps don't have the word 'maybe' in front of them.
Anita @ Nov 13th 2006 9:47PM
Wait, you don't consider Ninto Sports to be a killer app? Why else would they include it with every console sold? ;)
jimbo @ Nov 13th 2006 9:35PM
gears of war is the killer app for the 36o it blows any game thats come out so far out of the water and it blows any game the ps3 will have at launch
peter7898m @ Nov 13th 2006 9:44PM
Results from Google! (Approx):
PS3 102,000,000 results
Wii 110,000,000 results
Xbox360 31,400,00 results
I would say interest of PS3 and Wii is neck n neck...if you dont count the extra 8mill from wii
Xbox360...what?
Cherry Ghost @ Nov 13th 2006 9:48PM
Don't forget about Red Steel. Sure, it's mechanics apparently aren't perfect, but it's still a pretty awesome game.
I was talking to one of my friends today about this very issue and the only game we could think of for PS3 is Resistance, which in itself doesn't seem entirely exciting (CoD + Space Pirates = Novelty?) The same thing goes for the PSP. Another friend (who owns one) seemed pretty distraught that the only decent games available are GTA rehashes.
peter7898m @ Nov 13th 2006 9:49PM
Strike that, Xbox360 = 31,400,000
jimbo @ Nov 13th 2006 9:55PM
wii is good but ps3 is gonna fall flat 360 will come in first wii second and ps3 last
n8dogg @ Nov 13th 2006 9:54PM
Zelda for Gamecube FTW!
Yes, I'm waiting two more weeks for a stripped down, wii-mote-less version of Zelda. Not because I want to, but because I bought a fucking Gamecube solely for the game, and I will not be denied!
Sid Icarus @ Nov 13th 2006 9:55PM
...Hummm, I Googled Xbox 360 and came up with 165,000,000
What now?
jimbo @ Nov 13th 2006 9:55PM
nope he made that up its 107,000,000 for 360 stop lying sony fanboy
Copious @ Nov 13th 2006 10:00PM
This site is so ludicrously cynical. You do realize that you're tiny niche of Internet space is made up entirely of gaming enthusiasts, right? Maybe you should look up what enthusiast means and then readjust your attitude with a few choice firings. You are increasingly coming off like a bunch of jaded pricks who mistake cynicism for serious journalism.
You hate fanboys? Well guess what, they pay your bills.
jimbo @ Nov 13th 2006 10:02PM
google it
xbox 360- 165,000,000
ps3- 128,000,000
wii- 136,000,000
Dont listen to fanboys they always lie
n8dogg @ Nov 13th 2006 10:00PM
jimbo. Learn how to type. Thank you, come again~!
Triforceowner @ Nov 13th 2006 10:04PM
Varian, it appears that any hope for a Gears of War PC port is long gone. In 2005 the game was considered a "PC 360 exclusive," but no site on the internet to the best of my knowledge has reported anything on the PC version since 2005. Will you get a port in the future? Looks about 50/50 right now, maybe 60/40 leaning towards a no.
jimbo @ Nov 13th 2006 10:07PM
ok but im just voicing my oppinion i think it just depends your personal choice i might buy a ps3 myself if it gets a good killer app like killzone if its good
Thrawn @ Nov 13th 2006 10:12PM
Are you guys out of your fricking minds?
Gears of War is the only "killer app" for any of these 3 consoles. How about a little game called "The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess"? The game is already being heralded by early reviewers as better than Ocarina of Time.
Who cares if Zelda is also on the Gamecube. That's such a worthless argument. You know the reason that Twilight Princess was ported and is being launched first before the Gamecube version is because it's meant to sell Wii consoles and demonstrate the motion sensing technology.
I think this is even worse than your 'Zelda falls flat editorial.' At least that had merit as you know ..an actual, feasible opinion.
Disregarding Twilight Princess is beyond delusion.
I think people are started to disregard your credulity as game journalists.
samfish @ Nov 13th 2006 10:14PM
Zelda is that "killer app" for me. I'm potentially willing to spend as much as $300 for a new Zelda game :p
Anyway, Zelda aside, none of the games coming out for the new Big 3 systems are of any real interest to me. The truth is that I'm more of an old-skool kind of gamer...hence why I always wind up owning a Nintendo system. I know I'm at least going to get Zelda, Mario, Star Fox, Smash Bros and Mario Kart (Metroid, like all FPS games, fails to grab my attention) as well as at least 3 or 4 really great 3rd party games like Viewtiful Joe or something. I at least know I'm going to have a decent number of games at the end of the day that I actually enjoy playing over and over again...rather than buying and eventually selling a system just because I wanted to play that ONE game on it!
That said, I really think the video game industry is going to suffer a crash of epic proportions if the Wii fails. I think the general response to the 360 has been tepid at best if the last year is any indication; and once you get away from the hardcore crowd, people's jaw's drop when they hear the price tag on the PS3. I just don't think Metal Gear or Final Fantasy is worth $650 to most people.
Hell, Zelda isn't worth $650 to me.
And new "killer apps" coming out maybe once a year at best isn't going to sell systems in the long run...as is evidenced by the number of used Gamecubes, PS2s or Xboxes you can buy at a place like Gamespot or EB or something.
jimbo @ Nov 13th 2006 10:16PM
yes zelda will be wii's killer app in my oppinion
miguel @ Nov 13th 2006 10:18PM
"We can't think of a standout that would justify buying the hardware for any of the three consoles -- maybe Gears of War."
Thats a huge subjective generalization.. I've played lots of fun games for my 360 already, just the fact that I can't get these games anywhere else is enough to justify my purchase. Finished Gears on insane and had a blast.. nuff said.
jimbo @ Nov 13th 2006 10:21PM
gears of war is for sure a killer app
usagizero @ Nov 13th 2006 10:25PM
Personally i don't care about Zelda, but will most likely be getting a Wii for Raving Rabbits, believe it or not. I will probably play Zelda, but i don't care much for action RPGs.
I got a 360 from Japan at launch and a US much later, Gears of War is okay, but i am sick of big guys with guns. Live arcade is what i play the most on the 360, along with Viva Pinata. I would kill for a Seaman type game on the 360, where you could breed them with your friends for more mutant Seamen. (yes, hah hah, Seaman)
I got my Japanese PS3 on the way, no named apps that i can think of off hand, but it's the fact that each console has it's exclusive apps that made me want one.
ACE @ Nov 13th 2006 10:26PM
BioShock, Alan Wake, CoD3, THP8, Gears of War, MASS EFFECT!, Halo 3, Oblivion, Assassins creed, Half Life, Huxley, Lost Planet, Crackdown, GTA, Splinter Cell, Ghost recon, Too Human, Prey, and numerous others.
I see plenty of opportune 'killer apps', it depends on the gamer, and 360 sure has some great games comin up...
samfish @ Nov 13th 2006 10:28PM
Although it's probably worth noting that I'd LOVE to...like...borrow an Xbox360 because Dead Rising is friggin' sweet.
Alas...it's not sweet enough to get me to shell out for a 360.
jimbo @ Nov 13th 2006 10:40PM
gears of war is just play it
Kylara @ Nov 13th 2006 10:41PM
I guess I'm the only one here who would kill for a copy of Trauma Center?
I had the DS version and LOVED it (the sense of accomplishment when I beat the unlocked seven sins = unsurpassable) so I'm very prejudiced, but I can't pass this game up.
(Am still buying Zelda & Rabbids, though.)
??? @ Nov 13th 2006 10:53PM
Anybody out there know if HUXLEY for 360 is going to be [offline] single player??
Brian @ Nov 13th 2006 11:01PM
No killer apps? What the hell do you want? GRAW was awesome, everyone loves Dead Rising and there are a ton of other AA titles like Quake4, COD2 and PRG3. And the list of games coming next year makes me fear for my bank account. If they time this right, they'll have a killer app every other month.
hahanoob @ Nov 13th 2006 11:02PM
Silly fanboys. If we're going to have a google fight to determine the winner of the console war, you don't get to include all the results referring to the original Xbox, the Xbox 360, and the number of degrees in a circle 40,700,000 + 9,950,000
PS3 clearly wins. I didn't even need to include "Playstation 3" and Playstation3 to prove it.
hahanoob @ Nov 13th 2006 11:05PM
It cut out my numbers =(
"Xbox 360" = 40,700,000
Xbox360 = 9,950,000
PS3 = 132,000,000
ACE @ Nov 13th 2006 11:08PM
Man whatever ur smokin i want some man cause either ur alittle high or ur just a dumbass
jimbo @ Nov 13th 2006 11:08PM
nope sorry mine still says 360 has 107,000,000
Optimus Prime @ Nov 13th 2006 11:11PM
The whole 'killer app' concept doesnt really apply to $300+ consoles; buying it for a single game would be stupid no matter what system you are getting.
-- Example --
Zelda is a killer app for Wii... but, if Wii were $500, the effect would be greatly diminished. ZTP would still be a great game, but, people would be less impulsive and contemplate the entire feature set, including other games and media functionality.
hahanoob @ Nov 13th 2006 11:11PM
You need to include the quotes, you tards, otherwise you get results including either word.
Milkshake @ Nov 13th 2006 11:14PM
I think the problem at the moment with the PS3 is that their line up of games at launch do not really give you that console per pound/dollar feeling. I think its gonna hurt when you have spent 500 - 600 plus games on a console then have to pay more for bluray films which lets face it wont make that much difference to seeing the film on dvd in relation to games in HD something PC's have had fore many years. How many BD films will you have to buy to justfy the blueray in the beast.
I think 360 or the Wii at the moment just offer better value for money right now
Pince @ Nov 13th 2006 11:23PM
Whether or not zelda is actually a "killer app" it will sell Wiis like hotcakes. Yummy yummy hotcakes.
I don't know if GoW is even that kind of killer app for 360. Its a good game, no doubt, but a killer app requires more than that. I don't see Gears having "the hotcakes effect"...not quite yet at least. Personally, I am hoping that Bioshock will sell me my 360.
PS3 doesn't have a killer app in their launch (Resistance...no). But they can just hype the hell out of games like DMC, MGS, and FF anyways.
Oh yes, and if google wars show anything, it is that the hype machine is a giant evil monster that will consume us all and may or may not deliver quality gaming in return (you never know with the evil hype machine).
PS- What games in past generations were considered killer apps?
Milkshake @ Nov 13th 2006 11:25PM
Zelda, Trauma Center, Gears of War will are great games
jonat3 @ Nov 13th 2006 11:54PM
If Zelda isn't a killer ap, i don't know what is. I mean, Nintendo has stated it's their best zelda ever. If it's better than OOT, we may potentially have a new greatest game of all time on our hands. Gamerankings.com will have to be updated in such an event.
Xvash2 @ Nov 14th 2006 12:25AM
Doesn't Resistance's concept seem an awful lot like Gears?
Resistance:"Fight your way through invading alien hordes."
Gears:"Fight your way through invading underground hordes."