Special to the Tribune
On Nov. 17, Sony delivered the PlayStation 3 into the hands of opportunistic resellers and gamers searching for next-generation hardware. AM
Two days later, Nintendo pleased die-hard fans with the Wii, the lesser powered hardware that features a motion driven controller.,”
On Nov. 17, Sony delivered the PlayStation 3 into the hands of opportunistic resellers and gamers searching for next-generation hardware.
Two days later, Nintendo pleased die-hard fans with the Wii, the lesser powered hardware that features a motion driven controller.
With hype dying down and eBay auctions plummeting, it seems fitting to figure out which company presented gamers with the better launch.
The PlayStation 3 retails for $500 and $600. While each unit includes the Blu-Ray Disc drive and HDMI output, the cheaper model lacks a few features.
In opposition, the Wii sells for $250 with "Wii Sports," reintroducing the old tradition of bundled software.
According to a Sony press release, the PlayStation 3 will accompany 20 first and third-party titles by the end of the year.
However, only 14 titles were in stores on launch day, with even fewer worth owning.
Yet, the premier launch title for the PlayStation 3, "Resistance: Fall of Man," is definitely worthwhile.
Encompassing imaginative weapons with fantastic level design, "Resistance" pushes itself above other derivative first-person shooters. Encasing more excitement on screen than "Call of Duty 2," the game astounds with its great frame-rate and beautiful visuals.
Also, "Resistance" gives gamers an intriguing taste of the motion sensitive controller during enemy encounters. When a foe grabs you, simply shake the controller to free yourself.
Furthermore, the "Motorstorm" demo available on the PlayStation Network also displays the PlayStation 3's potential with gorgeous environments.
Multi-platform hits like "Madden NFL '07" and "Call of Duty 3" are also pleasing purchases, but most exclusive content disappoints.
"Genji: Days of the Blade" falls short with repetitive combat and a terrible camera, but at least features aesthetics that make for a satisfactory launch pick up.
And without mentioning Internet fads, "Ridge Racer 7" gives early adopters another predictable, yet acceptable, title.
However, the Nintendo Wii met a similar fate with titles like Ubisoft's hyped first-person shooter, "Red Steel."
Containing shooter standards from 1995, "Red Steel's" fresh control scheme barely holds it above average. The inconsistent sword combat slows down potentially exciting events, while bland environments and mindless enemies only worsen the package.
In addition, "Call of Duty 3's" only draw is the control setup. Unfortunately, that alone cannot forgive the mediocre level design and difficulty curve.
On the other hand, innovative and fun titles like "Wii Sports" and "Trauma Center: Second Opinion" exist.
The "Wii Sports'" take on tennis, bowling and baseball are simple and entertaining. The inclusion of the Mii Channel-the program where you create your own persona-turns "Wii Sports" into a much more personal affair.
"Trauma Center: Second Opinion," a remake of a Nintendo DS title, gives gamers a fun romp through outlandish medical scenarios. Disarming a bomb and stopping GUILT – a mysterious disease – with the Wii controller feels incredibly intuitive. Thankfully, this revival loses the insane difficulty of the DS version.
The Nintendo-made game "Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess" single-handedly justifies the Wii's price.
With cleverly designed dungeons, thought provoking puzzles, and a perfectly paced quest, "Twilight Princess" succeeds beyond expectations. The drastically darker storyline marks a shift for the franchise, and thankfully, it works.
Even without being a graphical spectacle, everything about "Twilight Princess" – including the Wii controls – is brilliant.
Ultimately, both the Wii and PlayStation 3 currently suffer from rushed launch titles and a lack of quality software. However, with its cheaper price point and the exceptional "Twilight Princess," the Nintendo Wii edges out the PlayStation 3 for the top.
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