Rivalry between the world’s two most popular consoles has always been fierce and 2011 promises to be no different. Exclusive releases on both the Xbox 360 and the Playstation 3 aim to lure long term fans away to the joys of the other manufacturer, making Microsoft and Sony really put on their thinking caps to come up with some top exclusive titles this year in order to take on the Nintendo Wii.
A long awaited and exciting addition to the Xbox 360 line-up has to be Gears of War 3. Gears fans will have anticipated this latest instalment for some time now, but may not have anticipated the much improved online multiplayer interface and the more strategic approach to the game. Although it does promise to make you think, Gears of War 3 does not move far away from its high octane, bold and blatant roots, so fans will not be disappointed.
In answer to the hype surrounding the new Gears exclusive for Xbox, Playstation 3 developers have responses with an unbelievable raft of exclusive titles, with 20 announced before the start of the New Year and many more on the way. Many of the Playstation 3 exclusives being released this year bring additional titles to already successful series or re-vamp old classics, making long term Playstation fans twitchy with anticipation.
One of the most anticipated Playstation 3 exclusives is Killzone 3, which promises to offer a new gameplay experience using the technology of the newly developed Playstation Move. Some of the overhauled classics older gamers will be looking forward to are The Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection, which will bring both games bang up to date with smoother graphics, a throbbing soundtrack and high definition excitement.
Whilst the Xbox Kinect was at the top of everyone’s Christmas list at the end of 2011, the games to date have been less than inspiring. However, that could all change with the release of Project Draco. An interactive dragon flying game, this title promises more engaging storylines and game play that won’t leave you feeling exhausted.
Another series add on, the latest in the Forza series, Forza 4, will have racing fans drooling as they anticipate the enhanced graphics, wider selection of vehicles and better multiplayer integration than before. Added to which the Kinect compatibility promises to add another dimension to the game, although thankfully, it will not be in a Joyride invisible steering wheel sort of way.
Playstations own 2010 innovation, the Playstation Move, also has plenty of new releases this year. An exciting addition is promised in the form of Playstation Move Heroes, where users can bowl, grenade and even whip their way across the worlds in the fight against evil.
Whilst Xbox exclusives seem to be less numerous than Playstation 3′s, that’s not the only apparent difference. Xbox seem to be more focussed on the casual Kinect based sports and casual games market, whilst Playstation are offering a good slice of gaming pie for everyone. It could be speculated that Xbox are aiming to entice some of the fitness gamers away from the world of the Wii. Or maybe it’s even more simple than that. Maybe they just ran out of ideas. So whether you’re playing an Xbox 360 or a PlayStation 3 this year, you can be guaranteed it’ll at least compar eto this year’s Nintendo Wii games.
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