Xbox
Right now the Xbox is more an investment in the future. Yes, there are some really strong games at launch, especially "Halo," but there's little else to distinguish it from other consoles and their equally strong titles. But the modem and hard drive promise more to come. If you want online gaming, this is your best bet because it already packs the modem, which indicates a greater commitment from Microsoft to take the system online (currently planned for summer 2002) than GameCube and the PS2, which only point to an unidentified moment in the future. However, that's not to say they won't go online.
Similarly, the hard drive also demonstrates a commitment to innovation. Right now, it mainly stores game saves and music, but the size (8GB), mixed with the modem, holds out some great potential.
Also, there are upcoming exclusive games that help give definition to the system. Primarily, they are the Sega titles like "Shenmue II," "Panzer Dragoon," "Gun Valkyrie," and "Jet Set Radio Future." This indicates an interest in appealing to the hard-core Sega devotee, so if you were committed to your Dreamcast, it's worth taking that under consideration.
Once again, though, that's the future. Right now, it's a strong system with some nice launch titles to tide you over. Counting on the company to fulfill on its promises is an act of faith, but despite being Microsoft, they should follow through.
GameCube
When you buy the Nintendo, you buy Nintendo games. That's its undeniable strength. This is the only place you can get Mario, Zelda, Perfect Dark, Star Fox, Donkey Kong, and Conker's. So if those are your favorite games, this should be an easy choice. If that curdles your stomach, you shouldn't be banging your head on the monitor -- unless you like that sensation.
A couple of misconceptions about the GameCube should be cleared up. The big one is the "kiddie console" problem. Kids may like Nintendo games, but that doesn't mean Nintendo games are for kids. When did bright colors and bloodless gameplay become so unappealing to people? Turn off the Nine Inch Nails for a moment and realize that the gameplay in "Mario 64" and "Banjo-Kazooie" is near perfect, and anyone can enjoy it.
That said, Nintendo did realize that the N64 lacked the same amount of darker games that the PlayStation had, and this time around they should have a more prominent selection of adult titles. "Eternal Darkness" and two exclusive "Resident Evil" games are already slated for upcoming release.
The other misconception is that there will be a shortage of titles as with the N64. I cannot state how many there will be, but Nintendo has won back the third-party publishers they lost with the N64. The DVD-format is cheaper to produce than the cartridge, and as a result, we already are seeing "Madden" and "Tony Hawk" at launch. Plus, there's good reason to assume that large multi-platform franchises will appear on the system. In addition, developers' praise for the ease of making games for the GameCube (Factor 5 says it only took nine months for "Rouge Leader"), should allow for a far larger library.
PlayStation 2
Sony's machine is the product of the industry leader, in addition to already having been out for a year. You have confidence in the number and variety of games for the system. Also, if you want to pick up a console with an already-established library of games to choose from, the PS2 is the way to go. We're are now beginning to see the titles that are really taking advantage of the system's power and have benefited from longer development cycles, a point that the other systems may need about six to eight months to reach.
The fact that the PS2 has been out for a year may make it seem like it's been rendered obsolete by the arrival of the GameCube and Xbox. One look at "MGS2" or "Ico" should lay those anxieties to rest. The head of Sony did say that the life span of the PS2 may have to be shortened due to the Xbox, but take that with a grain of salt. No one expected the PlayStation to last as long as it did, nor did anyone think that games like "Vagrant Story" or "Fear Effect" were even possible on the system. Yes, it most likely will be the first console to see a next-gen upgrade, but there's a whole lotta good gaming to be had until then.
If the PlayStation was your primary gaming console, and you liked the games for it, you'll see a lot of those trends continue. Don't expect to see the "Final Fantasy" games and other titles from Square on any other system since Sony bought a significant share in the company. In addition, Sony themselves has managed to produce some impressive first- and second-party titles like "Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec," "Ico," and "Twisted Metal Black," making Sony games something you can't get for any other system and reason worth considering the console's purchase.
All in all
Basically, each system is defined by the games it has, and more importantly by the exclusive games for each system. You will be seeing far more titles available for all systems, so your bases will be covered on the bread-and-butter of gaming (sports mainly). However, it's those special titles you can't get anywhere else and are exactly what you like that should help you identify what is the best console for you.
2. How important is DVD movie playback?
I believe I differ from others on this matter, but DVD should have no bearing on your decision. These are game systems, not DVD players.
These systems are not made with DVD playback as the centerpiece of the system. This is seen with the lack of progressive scan for the Xbox and not-so-hot quality from the PS2.
Just like you wouldn't play audio CDs in your DVD player, you shouldn't plan to play DVDs in you gaming console.
Why do they offer it, you ask? Well, promising the "DVD experience" can help make a stronger case to non-gaming parents and significant others.
Will My System Continue to Be Supported?
Anyone who bought a Dreamcast only to see it abandoned by Sega understands the legitimacy of this concern. Nothing stinks more than spending hard-earned money only to see it go to waste. With the remaining three consoles, this really isn't as much of a concern. Going into the release of the Dreamcast, Sega was already in trouble and reeling from the Saturn debacle.
None of the other three companies have similar shaky financial situations, and the market should be able to support all three. This doesn't come from looking into a crystal ball, and things could change, but no one company looks like it could be on the chopping block. So buy the system you like. It's a negligible risk.
Are 'They' Out to Get My Money?
What about these stories I hear that the game companies have some evil plan to make me waste tons of money and then laugh at me as they roll around naked in tons of cash on a bed like in that "Indecent Proposal" movie?
You would be surprised by how many people write in with queries like this. OK, so people don't ask that exact question, but they do ask stuff that's frighteningly similar.
I don't know where it comes from, but think about it for a moment. These companies lose money by selling you these systems. They want you to buy games. That's why they make games. And good games tend to sell better than bad games.
Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony are all proud of their systems and do try to keep the quality high. They are not out to get you. I promise.
Final Thoughts
As we've said, this is a great time to be a console gamer because the market is full of great stuff. It's also a tough time to be a console gamer because there's so much good stuff.
Deciding which console to buy is up to you, and it may not be easy. Remember, you don't have to buy a console right now.
If you're indecisive, read more game reviews, test out the systems at a friend's house, or wait until there are games you really want.
This is a decision that you'll have to live with for a while, so take your time and maintain a clear head.
If you wait a while, finish up those seemingly crusty, last-gen games lingering around your room because even old games can be fun.
