FAQ: The next video game consoles

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The swallows come back to San Juan Capistrano every year, the Olympics happen every four years, and old video game consoles get junked every five years.

Which means that the game industry is due for a shake-up any quarter now. The current crop of consoles--Sony's PlayStation 2, Microsoft's Xbox and Nintendo's GameCube--all have been on the market for about four years.

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Taking much of its inspiration from the PC game Doom 3, the film will take place in a paramilitary research facility on Mars, where things go awry and hell is literally raised. Some theories say that the Rock is actually Satan in disguise, which would tie in to the film and game's devilish setting.

Johnson let on about his excitement for the film. "Here's the great thing about Doom... It's rated 'R,' it's unapologetic, just like the video game. I love blowing [expletive] up, and in this movie..." Johnson also gave details about the legendary BFG, calling it a "bio-force gun," rather than the more profane term gamers pegged the acronym as standing for.

Doom the movie is expected to hit the screen in August and is being directed by Cradle 2 the Grave director Andrzej Bartkowiak. Contrary to earlier reports by id Software, the film is indeed being developed by Universal Pictures and will costar Die Another Day's Rosamund Pike in a less villainous role.

Doom 3 was released on the PC last August, and an Xbox version will hit shelves April 3.

(2 replies) #1 PayneX on 06 Mar 2005 - 22:15

Hmm i'm imagining a "next gen" console that has state of the art input devices allowing high precision control, a keyboard for the RPG's which will inevitably be connected to the internet, and given the high resolution capabilties of the new system will probably offer web surfing capability. These web downloads and the likely media facilties, along with save games, will provide the necessity of a Hard disk drive. Chances are some of these multiplayer online games will offer voice services, and why not add the ability to tack on your Sony/Microsoft/Nintendo xPod to the system. So some I/O ports on the back should be nice....wait a minute, where does the console stop and the PC begin?

#1.1 Spartan_X on 06 Mar 2005 - 22:20

everything you said is posible now days on the Xbox...

#1.2 rIaHc3 on 06 Mar 2005 - 22:40

All consoles are computers btw.....

PCs are another story

#2 Rickie on 06 Mar 2005 - 22:36

Nice read, thanks

#3 Kyle 899 mckay on 06 Mar 2005 - 23:21

hey what bout the game cube it could do just as well as ps2 or xbox its just under rated now

(1 reply) #4 ghos on 06 Mar 2005 - 23:47

I really like Nintendo but if they don't include online capabilities in their next console, they are done. More and more people are getting broadband so they can run their console online. Also I think they are making a mistake if they don't include the ability to play DVD's. Some people will like having one less thing to hook up, especially if the system is for kids. Personally I'd never use that feature, but many would. I don't think it will hurt them not having backward compatibility, but it makes a much easier purchse when the system can play games you already have and aren't stuck playing the one game you could afford to buy with the new system.
I'm curious to see where Xbox and PS3 go as well. I think Sony and MS are heading pretty much in the same different, but from different angles. Though I don't see the PS3 becoming a replacement computer in the way Xbox seems to be heading.
Can't wait for E3, I'm sure we'll have some answers by then.

#4.1 Laws2kuk1 on 09 Mar 2005 - 21:35

You're half right there I think. This generation online console gaming was'nt vital but next generation it will be a requirement for the console to survive on the market. Both the PS2 and Xbox have online capabilities but Microsoft's Xbox Live is definately the only success in this area. I dont know anyone that actually plays any multiplayer game online with a PS2.

I doubt Nintendo's next-gen console will have online capabilities as Nintendo "dont believe it is that important".

PS3 will likely have online capabilities but I doubt it will be anything to look forward to.

The Xbox 2 will definately have online capabilities, dubbed "Live" and as it is already popular on the current Xbox, it can't go wrong. They already have a fan base and will largely improve the service.

(1 reply) #5 bucko on 06 Mar 2005 - 23:53

If Xbox 1 had a keyboard/mouse game support they would have sold billions

#5.1 codykm on 07 Mar 2005 - 01:20

I dont know if it would of made that huge of a difference. At that point you're pretty much looking at the Phantom Console.

(1 reply) #6 plan-9 on 07 Mar 2005 - 00:25

Nintendos next console might have online capabilites..might not. Remember..its not going to be like the xbox2 or ps2..those are plain and simply upgraded versions of the xbox and the ps2. Nintendo is promising Revolution will be totally different and innovative. And when Nintendo says that..they mean it! Nintendo seems to be getting ready to have no 3rd party support as well since it will be completey different but they are saying then again..other developers might love what theyre doing and will support them fully.
Cant wait to see what Nintendos got up their sleaves.

#6.1 Laws2kuk1 on 09 Mar 2005 - 21:28

The way I see it, and at a technical aspect, none of the next-gen consoles are simply upgrades. The PS3 is using a completely new architecture and CPU dubbed the "cell" processor. The xbox 2 is going to use one processor (as you's expect) but with 3 CPU's. This is currently possible in PC's but it is the first console ever to have this feature. Each of the three processors being 3.0Ghz totals at 9.0Ghz which is spectacular. I think the word "upgrade" is a massive understatement.

#7 Chanser on 07 Mar 2005 - 03:18

I wonder if DeMasked is involved with DS and Revolution.

(1 reply) #8 Love_Hate on 07 Mar 2005 - 04:38

Anyone know if PS3 will be able to play PS1 & 2 games?

#8.1 codykm on 07 Mar 2005 - 05:35

It said right in the article that it would be.

#9 _Dom_ on 07 Mar 2005 - 08:31

and theres me still happy with my playstation 1, my snes and my atari

#10 Dirtie on 07 Mar 2005 - 09:26

I felt like the article was beating up on Nintendo. Just because there is a lack of information, doesn't mean it'll fall short of it's rivals.

#11 stanneh on 07 Mar 2005 - 11:37

Nintendo are just keeping it real their the daddy of this biz they have all the money they need they have a selection of game titles that make even hardened gamers dribble, Nintendo are in a unique position as under dogs they got the money the resources the fan base and the inteligence to produce exactly what they say a revolutionary new game console.

(1 reply) #12 enigma429ad on 07 Mar 2005 - 17:01

the gamecube does have online capabilities now. http://www.nintendo.com/online/index.jsp

#12.1 eilegz on 07 Mar 2005 - 18:29

agree it depends of developers to make use of it

#13 GNote on 10 Mar 2005 - 10:13

Nintendo

sounds old and done with **** em.

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