System Sellers: The Showdown (Page 2 of 5)
- February 01, 2007 11:54 AM PST
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Xbox 360
Now more than a year into its lifecycle, the Xbox 360 has already seen a few great, exclusive games. But just what can we expect from 2007 and beyond? Here are the 360's most noteworthy exclusive titles thus far, as well as future reasons to show your Microsoft pride.
Epic's Gears of War is exactly the adrenaline boost that the Xbox 360 needed last November to compete with the hyped launches of the PS3 and Wii. If you don't own it, you're quite the fool.
Yeah, it's had some unfavorable press lately, but Microsoft is guaranteed another record-selling launch and a disgusting number of new consoles moved when Bungie decides the world is ready for the third chapter of war against the Covenant.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Its relatively low learning curve made oblivion a great choice for the Xbox 360 consumer. And it sold like hotcakes. You don't even have to be a RPG head to enjoy Oblivion, and it's one of the few games that has been more than worth the $60 price tag.
The best online console game yet? Maybe, but the single-player campaign through Sin City ain't too shabby either.
If it has "Halo" in the name, it's a system seller. Too bad we don't know much about this Halo-themed RTS.
The Forza series has quickly become Microsoft's Gran Turismo. And number 2 is looking awesome.
We contemplated Blue Dragon, but the American appeal of Fable 2 will make it the RPG to have in the dominant Xbox 360 region.
[UPDATE]: Oops! How could we forget Bioshock and Mass Effect? Add'd!
This bad boy is shaping up to be a serious dark horse contender for Game of the Year. Designed by the folks behind the underappreciated PC gem System Shock 2, Bioshock's bizarre underwater setting and horrific first-person action could prove to be one of the major reasons to own an Xbox 360 in 2007. June can't come soon enough!
The latest and greatest action-RPG from the luminaries at BioWare, Mass Effect has serious system-selling potential. The epic storyline (the fate of the human race is at stake!) and the classic BioWare RPG touches should make Mass Effect a game to watch for 2007.
X-factor: Bungie Studios
Sony used to have Grand Theft Auto, and after losing that exclusive license, Bungie became even more influential for Microsoft's console. Anything the Halo developer puts out will sell, and God forbid if Hell froze over and the big MS lost its baby.
Biggest blunder: Purchasing Rare
What looked a smart move for Microsoft fast turned into a serious misstep. It became obvious after Grabbed by the Ghoulies, Conker: Live & Reloaded, and the horrid Perfect Dark Zero that Rare's talent has dissipated since the N64 days. But perhaps the once great development studio still has some life left. It's usually three strikes and you're out, but Rare appealed to the first-base umpire and it looks like it'll get one more shot.
