KEY POINTS:
Let the game wars begin!
As confirmation comes for Halo fans that the very limited edition Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special Edition Console to mark Halo 3 is going to be released in New Zealand, an Aussie reviewer has whipped up a storm by declaring Xbox 360 the winner in spec terms over the PS3.
One reviewer looked at the forthcoming Splinter Cell sequel called Conviction.
So, Conviction is confirmed for PC and Xbox 360. But what about the other consoles? Double Agent was a 360 exclusive for a whole week. On this issue, Danny could give us a firm answer. "It's never gonna come out on the PS3 or the Wii." It's a logical decision. Nintendo's console simply doesn't have the graphical horsepower, and he candidly told us how the PS3 can't handle AI nearly as well as the 360."
Ouch.
US Sony spokesman Dave Karraker snapped back online: "PS3 can more than handle AI as you will see with Heavenly Sword, which has hundreds of on-screen enemies with different AI routines at one time thanks to the power of CELL."
Then the debate got even crazier.
Another US site reported on the upcoming release of EA's biggest selling game Madden.
Sadly for Sony faithfuls, EA Sports said that the PlayStation 3 version of Madden NFL 08 will run at around 30 frames-per-second - half that of the Xbox 360 version. "
And an American EA spokesman was reported there as explaining: "In the case of the next-generation consoles, many publishers have been developing titles for the Xbox 360 for over 3 1/2 years while everyone who publishes now for the PlayStation 3 with the exception of Sony has been developing for the PlayStation 3 for only a little over one full year. The differences in the overall knowledge of the hardware is vastly different for both consoles and, as is the case with newer technology, it is very difficult to get it right the first time."
30 frames per second is the standard for all PS3 football games this year, not just Madden, but also NCAA Football, and 2K Sports' offerings as well.
The debate will surely intensify when the real next-gen Sony games start appearing soon such as Heavenly Sword which certainly looks impressive in downloadable demo.
Heavenly Sword will be out here on September 21- just a few days before Xbox 360"s Halo 3 so it will be a good test!
So back to the Halo Xbox 360 console which looks so tempting:
The price of the special edition console has been announced - the RRP will be $749.95
It will be on sale on September 20 - that's five days ahead of the actual game release.
It carries a Spartan 'green and gold' finish and comes bundled with an exclusive collection of matching Halo 3 accessories. Also, owners will have access to Halo 3 Gamer Pics and Themes that can be bought from Xbox Live.
What do you get in the bundle?
Sadly you don't get the game but you do get:
The console and a special edition wireless controller, a 20GB hard drive, wired headset and those gamer pics and themes. Also a component HD AV cable, ethernet cable, HDMI port, play & charge Kit. Xbox live silver membership, a one month gold membership.
Because there are so many Halo fanatics, the hard thing will be not rushing to eBay or trade me to sell it for a quick profit.
But then if you're a Halo fanatic, giving it up would be just too hard.
For the weekend, especially if it's as wet as predicted : A new Singstar - the Singstar 90s.
At last music for people my age! And one of my favourite bands, Australia's Savage Garden is even included. I can't wait to do that MC Hammer hit that's well beyond its use by date! In fact - sad to say some of the tracks are now ready for parody!
I can't wait to persuade my sister to do Spice Girls' Wannabe - and my younger sister can make a fool of herself doing Barbie Girl. We don't mind.
You know those are songs that get inside your head and never leave for days so maybe this is not such a good idea!
Here's the track list :
ALL SAINTS - Never Ever
AQUA - Barbie Girl
B-52's - Love Shack
BARENAKED LADIES - One Week
BILLY RAY CYRUS - Achy Breaky Heart
CRASH TEST DUMMIES - MMM MMM MMM MMM
DIVINYLS - I Touch Myself
EMF - Unbelievable
GIN BLOSSOMS - Hey Jealousy
LISA LOEB - Stay
MC HAMMER - U Can't Touch This
MEREDITH BROOKS - b*tch
M PEOPLE - Movin' On Up
NATALIE IMBRUGLIA - Torn
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK - Step By Step
NICK CAVE & KYLIE MINOGUE - Where the Wild Roses Grow
POISON - Unskinny Bop
RADIOHEAD - Creep
REM - Everybody Hurts
ROACHFORD - Only want to be with You
SAVAGE GARDEN - I Want You
SEAL - Kiss From A Rose
SIR MIX A LOT - Baby Got Back
SPICE GIRLS - Wannabe
SPIN DOCTORS - Two Princes
TECHNOTRONIC FEAT. FELLY - Pump Up The Jam
THE CARDIGANS - Lovefool
THE CRANBERRIES - Zombie
THE CURE - Friday I'm In Love
WET WET WET - Love Is All Around
So how many of those are your favourites?
