Gears of Console Wars

By Toadstool1969
Posted: November 20, 2006 at 08:51:24 AM

Okay, I've had Gears of War since it was released on November 7th, and I can honestly say it is without a doubt one of the best "next generation" gaming experiences I've had on my Xbox 360 thus far. From graphics to gameplay to music, this really is an absorbing and intriguing game. I was expecting something different from Epic but they have really exceeded my expectations with this unique shooter.

Now, as you can tell from my games list, I have been a gaming fan for a very long time (circa 1980). I've owned consoles from Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft and for a long time really stood off to the sidelines in the console wars. I certainly have my favorites but I never took part in the "bashing" that typically goes on daily around here. That said, I've piped up a bit more lately ... mostly due to the arrogance of Sony. After selling 100,000 million PS2 units, Ken Kutaragi and Kaz Hirai figure they can do no wrong. However, Epic Games feels a little differently. Check out these two quotes:

Kaz Hirai (President of Sony Computer Entertainment America): "The next generation doesn't start until we say it does." (referring to the launch of the PS3)
Mark Rein (President of Epic Games): "Sony says the next generation starts when they say so. I say, that’s bullsh*t! Gears of War is the first second-generation game for Xbox 360 and it looks very fine. You will never see launch titles that look this good."

Ouch! That's pretty harsh. Now, if you're a Sony-lover and think Mark is not impartial, consider this:

- Epic Games develops games for multiple platforms (PC, PS2, PS3, Xbox, Xbox 360)
- Sony has licensed Epic's Unreal 3 engine for inclusion in their development kits.
- Epic's Unreal Tournament 2007 is planned as a console exclusive for the PS3 (although it will also be available on the PC)

I think Mark is just being brutally honest about a clearly idiotic and arrogant statement from Sony. The Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii all offer next generation gaming experiences. Just because you're in a heated competition doesn't mean you need to be an a**hole, Kaz.

What do you guys think?