Any New Modes?

We're quite fond of turning the phrase "It's all about the games!" but in truth, we froth at the mouth just like any geek worth his glasses at the promise of new, expensive gadgetry. After all, new consoles mean new ways to play that all-important software.

At least they used to.

2005 took some big steps towards changing the way we play, even if it didn't go the full monty. Three new systems hit shelves: one offered incredible new ways to play old games, another delivered new ways to do anything but play games, and the last allowed us to play the same old titles that other, less metrosexual handhelds have been playing for years.

The year's main mode came courtesy of Microsoft, although some were fooled by their fake, $300 Quick Play version. Despite the ruse, the Xbox 360 marked a significant new way to engage your favorite pastime - even if the coolest things about the system aren't games at all.

The advent of the micro-purchasing system on Xbox Live! for the 360 was important and impressive, even if currently this feature simply means your girlfriend can clean out your credit line faster than ever by purchasing bad arcade games and cutesy image packs for her gamer card. But we bet our right and left thumbs you'll be joining her in micro-purchase mania before you can say "card declined." There's no telling what will be for sale in the future through this portal to financial insolvency (cheats, full games, movies, collectibles, the Nintendo corporation), just that the thing is open for business and so easy to use it's scary. It won't change how you play, just how you pay.

Microsoft also listened to GR and literally cut the proverbial cord. After a night of drunken button-mashing between the Xbox Controller S and the Sony Dualshock, the Xbox 360 controller was born, looking just like its proud parents. Given Sony's upcoming boomerang and Nintendo's television remote, a controller we can wrap our heads and hands around is pretty refreshing stuff. Plus, no cord means more freedom, so when your first-generation 360's AC adaptor explodes like a hand grenade, sending you into a towering rage, you'll be able to fastball that sucker without a pesky cord to crimp your Nolan Ryan style.

Alternately, you can toss your Sony movie player. Before it came out, the PSP was all about the screen. Well, it's been out for nine months and it's still all about the screen. Other than a few pleasantries, Sony's incredible library is M.I.A, although we always know where to find the gadget itself - collecting dust with our Gamecube. Or it would be if we hadn't bought a gig memory stick and loaded all our favorite movies (porn), shows (porn), and photos (porn) onto it. Now you're playing with power...and yourself!

2005 saw the resurgence of last year's holiday must-have, the Nintendo DS, which went from last to blast in a matter of months. The DS also went online with Mario Kart and Animal Crossing - which matched up nicely against the PSP's SOCOM - but where are our RPGs, guys? Why aren't there persistent worlds in our pockets?

Because, silly, our pockets are filled with style! Yet another Game Boy Advance launched this year - the Game Boy Micro, just what we needed not to need. Intended for girls and accessory-conscious scenesters with gaming habits - so really just girls - the Micro is further proof that the industry longs for the female touch just as much as you do.

The year deserves some major props, though, for even having the cajones to pump out a couple new systems. In this age of delays, it's nice to see some hardware make their deadlines, so we salute this past year's ability to get the job done. Mission Accomplished!

It's all about the games, remember? << PAGE 3 >>