Next-Gen Online Services Get More Goods

Now that all three consoles are competing in the online market, regular news about the three systems is beginning to be regularly released, as Virtual Console tries to top Xbox Live which in turn tries to overshadow e-Distribution. Sony's online offering is still being finalized now that the console is on the market, and limits on the system are still being decided upon. 500 MB is apparently going to be the cap for downloadable content via the service (much larger than Live's 50 MB limit). The company has also confirmed they'll be offering new version of retro games, to compete directly with Microsoft's service. Speaking of which, Double Dragon will be joining the other classic games on Xbox Live sometime in the future. This week's update was a patch for Texas Hold Em' , while the week before saw the much-anticipated (and well reviewed) Small Arms released to fans. Related to Microsoft's service, the much rumoured Xbox Live Arcade joystick was formally announced by MadCatz this week. Not to be left out, Nintendo's Virtual Console grew by three titles this week; gamers can now download Super Star Soldier, Golden Axe, and Genesis classic Ecco the Dolphin. Like Microsoft, Nintendo has plans to release new content every week for the forseeable future.

Fuck that.

[Spazntwich]

First thing Microsoft needs to do is include the wireless adapter with premium systems.

No, believe it or not Microsoft, my router is not within 20 feet of my gaming console, and I don't feel like dropping $100 on your official wireless addon which places your console in striking distance of Sony, and way ahead of the Wii.

Microsoft Better Scramble To Keep Up

[Anonymous Coward]

You have got to get yourself into these 40 player Resistance matches. And Motorstorm online is just a few months away. And it is all free for the life of the console. And dedicated servers - Resistance is lag free even with huge numbers of players.

Microsoft better get a fucking clue. 50 dollars a year just for the privilege of playing games online? I don't think so. That adds up to 250 dollars over five years! And no dedicated servers? They expect people to pay money to NOT GET what Sony is providing for free? I don't think so. And Microsoft expects people to pay for weak online games like Gears of War - 8 player max. WTF is up with that??? Lame.

Microsoft needs to either drop the stupid 50 dollar a year charge. Now. 8 player 'bumpy shiny normal mapped space marine matches' ain't going to cut it.

Re:Microsoft Better Scramble To Keep Up

[fistfullast33l]

I agree. Obviously the 360 has a better library than the PS3 right now but there's no way they can overcome a free service. If Sony can keep the pressure on with good online support then I think they have the advantage. I also heard you can plug a USB keyboard into the console? That would basically convert your PS3 to a computer. If you could chat using the keyboard and play with the controller you'll have a really nice combo that's hard to match.

Re:Microsoft Better Scramble To Keep Up

[Thraxen]

Yeah, we'll see how long that free service lasts. And, sure, it may be lag free now, but that's because there are hardly any systems actually being played... low supply, thousands on Ebay, and many being held back for Christmas gifts. BTW, lots of people love GoW, not every game needs to be a 40 man riot to be fun.

Re:Microsoft Better Scramble To Keep Up

[HappySqurriel]

Microsoft better get a fucking clue. 50 dollars a year just for the privilege of playing games online? I don't think so. That adds up to 250 dollars over five years

I'm no Microsoft fan but $50 per year works out to about $4.75 per month, if you compare that to a single game that Millions of people pay to play (WoW) I don't think that is too much to charge. I think that it all comes down to what services they're offering for the money; something as simple as having a uniform interface with the same services offered is worth a lot of money for some people.

Re:Microsoft Better Scramble To Keep Up

[FatherOfONe]

Ok, tell me why Microsofts service is so much better than Sony.

I don't want to start a console war here, but I am curious why you believe Sony can't match or exceed Microsofts online service.

I do want to say that I own a PS3 and here is what I like about the online experience so far.
1. No points. I hate points and want everything in $$$.
2. Parent account. I love that I can limit my son to what he does.
3. Downloadable trailers. This is somewhat cool, and I love the 1080P stuff.
4. Downloadable demos and games.

Now I haven't tried the wireless headsets yet, nor have I tried RFOM to see what it is like, but I hope to try Marvel Ultimate Alliance soon via online play.

I will say that I didn't like the following:
1. Password restrictions - They suck and Sony is aware of it.
2. Login account id issue. In short there is a bug with their wizard, again they are aware.
3. Registration process - Man it takes a while without keyboard.
4. Wireless setup message. There is an error message that is actually a success. They are aware.
5. Can't do anything while downloading - Again they are aware.
6. Large demo downloads of stuff. A HD in every system is nice.
7. 1080i/720p issue. They are aware, but it isn't clear if a solution will be developed.

From the forums I visit it appears that the RFOM online experience is very good and without a doubt Sony is playing catchup to Microsoft, but I am curious why you don't believe they won't catch up. From where I sit it appears that Sony has done a fair job of its online service at this point and it looks like they are working hard on making it even better.

As you can tell from my post I am not about to sugar coat my experience with the PS3, but I will say that I do like the machine a lot and so far my family has loved the machine.

Have you worked with both the 360 and PS3 online? If so what functionality is missing from the PS3 that can't be fixed with a code update?

Also, how much does XBOX live gold/platinum (whatever) cost per year? If it is something like $5 to $10 then this isn't that big of an issue either, but if it is like $50 or $100 then I can see this being a larger issue for Microsoft.

Either way, I will say the 360 games this year look very good and happy gaming. It looks like March will be the killer month for the PS3, in that a ton of great games come out that month... I just hope our tax check is good and that 1080P TV's keep falling in price.