X-bit labs

E3 Show in Los Angeles: All About Gaming (page 2)

Category: Editorial

by Anna Filatova

[ 05/17/2004 | 05:28 PM ]

Well, since I came to speak about consoles and gaming software for them, let me say a few words about the major players in this market. In fact, you know that there are three of them: Nintendo, Sony Playstation and Microsoft X-Box.

We are reporting the most exciting news about them from time to time (see our latest “hot” news story about the upcoming X-Box2 here), so you should be aware of the situation in this market, I assume. Having talked to the company reps at E3 show, I got the impression that we will very soon see an indisputable leader beating the rivals. Yes, it will definitely be Microsoft X-Box. First of all, there were much more new games developed for this gaming console at E3. Secondly, we keep hearing more and more about the upcoming X-Box2 solution, which should come out this year (probably during the “back to school” season). And of course, these are all the consequences of the fact that Microsoft has much more money to invest into the development of its offspring, thus beating Sony severely.

Anyway, Playstation fans shouldn’t give in, because this console is still very powerful and beloved and it will take Microsoft a while to defeat its rival completely.

As far as the variety of displayed games is concerned, I should say that there was hardly anything the show lacked. Even the most sophisticated gamers could find something to please themselves. Besides the traditional 3D shooters and strategies, which are the most popular game types nowadays, you could find the whole bunch of other cool stuff.

Take for example sports games.

At the NASCAR booth you could see the new releases for basketball, ice-hockey, football and many other games. However, besides these traditional computer games, when you have to operate with a joystick or control keys interactive games also get more and more attention. Maybe the developers got concerned with the health issues of the gamers, who spend most of the time sitting in front of the PC or TV pushing buttons. So, now you get the opportunity to race, play golf, tennis, ping-pong, or even take part in a boxing tournament right at your place. Of course, hitting the phantom tennis ball in the middle of your leaving room will hardly make up for the actual game of tennis, but at least you will get a bit more exercise for your upper body.

  

Racing makes much more sense in this respect, as you are actually doing the same work-out as if you were in a gym. So, if you are a sports gaming fan, then why not consider something like that? I wish they have also thought of a way to play football or any other team games this way, because it could have significantly improved the health condition of many computer geeks. Don’t you agree? :)