Gaming Signal: Console Exclusivity Overrated?

Console Exclusivity Overrated?

I was taking a look at the top console games (according to Gamespot and Game Informer, although I'm confident it holds true with whatever source) by console and noticing a major trend. Except for the Wii, 80% of the top games for each console are multi-platform titles.

If you look at the PS3, the only exclusive titles that are on the top of the heap are Resistance: Fall of Man and Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. The XBOX 360 has a few more maybe (especially if you discount the Arcade games): Halo 3, Forza Motorsports, and Project Gotham Racing. The Wii is the only console with an almost completely exclusive list of top games. In fact, it's the rare game that is multiplatform on that list: Madden NFL 07, Guitar Hero 3, and The Sims 2 (odd that!)

Is exclusivity overrated? Really - does it even matter anymore? If you discount the Wii and its totally different gaming experience, does it really matter which of the other two you have? What will you really be missing out on if you only have a 360 or only have a PS3? It just doesn't look like that much from here.

This is really hard to say. I'm having a very hard time determining which console to pick up. One could say I'm having a little Wiigret over my Wii purchase. Yes, it allowed me to play some games (bowling!) with my spouse and I did enjoy some time on Zelda. However, it didn't have a number of the big name games available for the 360 and ps3 that I've been craving.

It's not just exclusivity of games though, it's also the platform's reliability and other features. It appears that the 360 is winning with online interactivity but the ps3 has BluRay compatibility, which is now coming to the forefront with the demise of HD-DVD.

Sure, many of the big games like COD4 are available on both but what about Gran Turismo versus Halo? That's just one example but there are a number of others. What if I really do want to play the next God of War but I don't want to miss out on Forza?

I know that the hardcore may end up with a Wii, a 360, and a ps3, but for casual gamers it's quite hard to convince us that we need more than one console. That's where the sting of exclusive games really causes pain. Any choice is a compromise.

Posted by Dean on Thursday April 24, 2008 at 10:48 AM

I understand but I'm not sure its that big a deal really. I miss not being able to play MLB 08: The Show because I don't have a PS3. But is it that big a deal? Not really, there are plenty of other things vying for my time anyway.

Missing out on everything probably isn't the way to go. Right now I'd give the nod to the 360 given that they have a rich set of games on XBox Live Arcade but since I don't have a PS3 to use every day I'm not the best judge.

Trent which console is currently providing you the most value and why?

Also Dean, don't ignore these great set of Wii titles: Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Paper Mario, and Super Mario Galaxy.

Posted by scottsh on Thursday April 24, 2008 at 12:31 PM

I've played some of Super Paper Mario and I've played a good deal of Super Mario Galaxy. Quite innovate and fun titles, no doubt. I guess what I'm missing is the more adult oriented titles such as COD4, Halo 3, Gran Turismo, and my goodness, can I consider myself a real man if I don't have a console to play GTA IV on?

Posted by Dean on Thursday April 24, 2008 at 7:11 PM