Xbox 360 Launch: Success or Mess?

[Paco]

I don't think it's crucial that the 360 get a killer app right now. The PS2 released in Japan without a killer app, and then in the U.S. in the same situation. Some good and great titles, but no killer app. It wasn't until Spring of 2001 that the first system seller came out, Devil May Cry. Then another hit followed that summer, Gran Turismo 3. Then it was the fall/winter of 2001 when Metal Gear Solid 2, Grand Theft Auto 3, Jak & Daxter, and Final Fantasy X landed. This is how all launches, and the following months, go; it's just slow at first. I can't think of a single console that could be considered the exception.

Microsoft is in the position that they are the only ones in the race right now, and they can afford to have a slow start because there's nowhere else to go at the moment as far as next-gen goes. If the 360 doesn't have a healthy lineup or killer app by this time next year then there might be some trouble, but seeing as how Gears of War is on the horizon, and in all likely hood Halo 3 will be out for the competition launches, I say 360 will have it's killer app, or two. I also see a bunch of potential great games for 2006 (all those JRPGs, Capcom's Lost Planet, Ninety Nine Nights, Full Auto), then into 2007 (Mass Effect, Too Human), and then all the unknown releases (Jade Empire 2, Rare's new titles, Forza 2, Fable 2, Ninja Gaiden 2). Then the third party releases of popular games like Burnout, Resident Evil 5, and Splinter Cell.

It's been out for a whole month, less in other countries, and people are already asking when it gets good? I'll take it this is their first launch they've ever been through, and you should advise them to sit tight for at least 6 months. This is the price you pay for adopting new technology. If they expect anything different from Sony then they are dreaming. And going by Nintendo's past launches, there will be a killer game or two at first then slim pickings for several months...but they obviously don't know that or they wouldn't bring up such an issue in the first place.

Not that there's nothing to enjoy on the 360. The game lineup is strong, no killer app but solid none the less. Xbox Live has received nothing but rave reviews with its downloadable content, demos, arcade games, and, of course, online play. I'd say Xbox Live Arcade has been the standout feature so far, and Microsoft is committed to it, and from an article I read during the summer, so are developers.

As for the Kameo comment. Of every impression I've heard from parents I've only heard their kids love Kameo. It appeals to an audience Microsoft needs to tap into if they really want to broaden their appeal. Only thing is that I really don't see another Kameo-like game anywhere in sight. I'm hoping Rare reveals a new Banjo though. So, yeah, Microsoft obviously didn't have the frat houses in mind when they okayed Kameo.