Five Ways Microsoft Will Own 2009

Mention Microsoft as a company that is losing steam quickly in the console race, and you'll be immediately hammered by Xbox 360 owners across the globe. And you won't get much agreement from CGReviews, either. Things look grim, but don't be fooled. Microsoft is preparing to unleash some wicked firepower, and may just stop Sony in its tracks.

Sources have shared with Cam five things that will put your 360 on top of the hype train for 2009. Ready? Read on.

[Handsome_Devil]

I gave this my approve just for the hell of it.

-------------------------

now on topic:

this is not bashing, this is really is my own analysis for the whole article. as I said MY OWN, so please do not think it is bashing :).

1- "Sources revealed" this sources could be anything, it can be speculation and guesses, and it could be a real sources. now when I look at the rest of the sentence ( "as Microsoft has been falling back on the "value of Xbox Live" for too long now." ), make me feel its more of a speculation.

2- "My source" now that bring us back to number 1. add to it "My speculation is that we'll be seeing this before year end." I would like for it be true as its going to make the competition even harder and more interesting, which make us both parties win :D

3- well I only hope for it to have a decent MP, and not broken :). oh yeah I play it in a friend xbox 360 :) so this way I don't miss on anything and he won't miss on any PS3 title ;)

4- "I don't think it's a big deal, but apparently Microsoft is still putting faith in exclusive downloadable content. Word is that they're securing some heavy DLC for Assassin's Creed 2." now why won't they use this money to develop a whole new exclusive game instead of pay more to get more of the game ( which you paid a full price for :S )

5- now number 5 is actually the most exciting part of all of it, I do wanna know what M$ have more to add to xbox live service :D

[Chris399]

And exclusive JRPGs from Mistwalker. Nothing this gen on any system has really come close to Lost Odyssey, and I bought the system for that title and others that I hoped would follow in the genre.

I don't care about features, bundles, enhancements etc.. I don't use my PS3 for blu-ray either, if that gives you some idea where I'm coming from.

Gaming consoles should be used for... you guessed it... games!!!

Oh, and no more FPS' this year, from MS or Sony. The market is drowning in them.

[Handsome_Devil]

Come to think of it, this gen lack the decent JRPGs in an unbelievable maner, you would think both consoles would have some decent amount of them.

now the xbox 360 have it more the PS3 does, but some of them are not even worth it. as you said nothing really so far came close to Lost Odyssey.

[Game13a13y]

6) make a system that won't go crapped out on you.

[jammy_70]

haha wat eva....

[I_am_rushin]

It's hilarious how Microsoft will "rule" because they haven't announced anything versus Sony who has already announced a boatload of games.

[Chris399]

Lost Odyssey was an EXCELLENT game. If you're a console loyalist, the only reason why I didn't mention Valkyria Chronicles (my other favorite Japanese game this gen) was because it's a SJRPG, not a JRPG.

Don't take it personally that Lost Odyssey was a great game simply because it wasn't on your system of choice. That doesn't change the fact that it was the closest to an epic JRPG that we have come this gen (by most people's evaluation, myself included).

Anyhow, back to the point of the article, Microsoft needs to announce more exclusives this year to counter Sony's slew of releases. I expect competition to fierce, especially if - when - they (Sony) drop the price of the PS3.

All this corporate banter aside, the only thing that I care about are the games, JRPGs in particular. From MS and Sony, I'm eagerly expecting announcements on this front.

Be a gamer, not a brand loyalist.

[MikeMichaels]

It's already March (the 3rd month) of this year. That a quarter of 2009 gone already.

E3 is in May, this is when we hear that they're gonna announce stuff. Thats half a year gone.

How can they possibly "own" 09 even at this point? Its obvious they're lying to their user base.

SHOW SOMETHING MS!!!

Anyone wanna wager that they purchace a few multiplat titles in the near future and say....look...see...we told you!!

[cayal]

"Sony who has already announced a boatload of games."

Sony aren't stupid. I have no doubt they haven't shown their hand yet either. There is more to come, I guarantee it.

And I am sorry but Assassins Creed DLC? That's a 'reason' why it will own. Big friggin whoop.
If it was Assassins Creed EXCLUSIVE. It might be a reason.

[eagle21]

nice dream. :)

[dj55555555]

Wow that was pointless, should have just said "Five Ways Microsoft Will Own 2009... number 1. because my mate said so" 2. because ummm..... stuff will happen. 3. ooh a gears of war game (Surprise!) 4. halo (who would have guessed) 5. because i say so".

[evilmonkey501]

my thoughts exactly. Until Microsoft announces anything I will speculate that the year is shaping up nicely for SONY. Its all about the games. Microsoft has sold off or disassembled almost all of its first party studios and is relying all on third party support. On the other hand SONY has more than 17 first party studios churning out AAA titles. This year I am especially looking forward to MAG, GOD OF WAR 3, UNCHARTED 2, HEAVY RAIN, INFAMOUS, KILLZONE 2, WARDEVIL, RATCHET AND CLANK 2, WHITE KNIGHT CHRONICLES, GT5(POSSIBLY) and THE AGENCY.
There are several more slated for release this year and I'm sure there is even more unannounced titles for release this year.I think it is unfortunate that Microsoft has basically decided to nonsupport its own system (funny, because they are a SOFTWARE company) with the exception of yet another HALO franchise spin off. (I'm not including gears because now it is officially third party) Im glad I own both systems though....just in case.

[ZEEBO4LIFESTFU]

gears is third party as far as your concerned.... your rediculous.

[evilmonkey501]

You are correct. I made a mistake. Epic is a SECOND party studio. (not owned by Microsoft)

[Hiruma Youchi]

Aww man Another title thatll make the SDF dudes crazy. Watch the people who support 360 get Disagrees for fun.

get at me

[pumpkinpunker]

SDF is going to go nuts this E3. MS is keeping secrets this year even better than last year. Halo 4 is going to drive them bonkers, too. this sh^t is funny to me. Halo 3 came out in September 2007. Halo 4 announcements are long over-due. If Halo 4 was a Sony title they probably would have already shown a CGI trailer of it at E3 2008.

How's the news on super-awesome 5780 players at once MAG? any release window yet? any actual game footage? anything? anyone? ***crickets***

I love how at the beginning of every year the SDF pulls out their long list of games and declares it "year of the PS3" but as the year wears on more and more MS announcements send the SDF into Aspergers syndrome frenzy. Remember that dude who threatened suicide when SE announced FF13 on the 360? Good times, good times.

[rawd]

What happened to the Wii? Does the Wii disappear in 2009

[table]

the wii isnt a games console. its a fashion accessory.

[Rims]

If you don't have any games.

[ZEEBO4LIFESTFU]

at least your not ignorant.

[Zeus Lee]

"Mention Microsoft as a company that is losing steam quickly in the console race, and you'll be immediately hammered by Xbox 360 owners across the globe"

You're scared of Xbox 360 owners?

Pathetic,we now have cowardly writers who choose bias rather than fair journalism due to fear of hatemail from a specific group of gamers.

[thehitman]

WAYYYYY over there are getting restless and desperate.

[jmare]

This article is bullshit. "My source"? I know I'm going to get hammered for this, oh well. Some guy with a blog says MS will own 2009, conviently making inferences that any intelligent person could come to just by looking at MS's tactics for this generation. Is the wait for GDC and E3 really that long where we need blogs that say "Stuff's coming. I can't say what, but it's coming. Someone told me, so it must be true."?

[nothere413]

I would expect something a bit more... Exciting from an article named "Why the Xbox will own".

[thehitman]

Thats what I said I was like uh... this article is filled with the most vague points. MS has a new IP coming umm duh.. no shyt be nice if they said what it was instead of just speculation which a new born baby couldve came up w/.

[ceedubya9]

To make any assumptions, positive or negative. 2009 just started. Still a whole lot of months left.

[starvinbull]

My god that's an awful list. If anything I'm now even more convinced that M$ will do anything but own 2009.

[Socomer 1979]

1. ) PULL

2. ) THE

3. ) PLUG

4. ) ON

5. ) IT

[Major_Tom]

As strictly satire, that was hilarious.

Bubbles!

[zodiac909]

"my source"... wow

[rhood022]

So, to "stop Sony in it's tracks," MS is:

1. Going to announce a new IP?

Umm..yeah. I'm pretty sure Sony will too (Even Nintendo will, for that matter).

2. A harddrive (w/ a LIVE sub) and new game engine?

Hmm..so MS is going to release something that is already out but the only difference is that it'll come bundled with LIVE?

And a new game engine? Seriously? Every one of Sony's exclusives uses a custom engine.

3 and 4. Continuing to push popular franchises and securing exclusive DLC is what they are currently doing and have been for the last two years. I have no problem with franchise milking, as long as future games maintain the same standards as previous entries.

The only thing that bothers me about the DLC is the real possibility that game content will be purposely cut to accommodate these contracts--i.e. Tomb Raider: Underworld. If they are going the DLC route, then please use the GTA and Fallout content as standard bearers.

5. Digital distribution? You mean what Sony has been moving towards faster than MS?
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While I have nothing against the article's content in and of itself--most of it makes sense and, if implemented properly, will be great. But trying to say that these will "stop Sony in it's tracks" is absurd.

[-EvoAnubis-]

MS still has a chance to make an impact this year, but baseless speculation is only going to feed the fanboy fires. This guy's source says that basically MS in doing things. Naw, really? And here I thought they'd grabbed their ball and went home. That's a no sh!tter.

MS is going to make some good announcements this year, and they'll have good games, but unless they somehow pull 4-6 1st party development studios out of their asses and stop worrying so damn much about exclusive DLC and start pumping money into their own games, Sony is simply going to trample them in the games department this year.

[nveenio]

I think the digital distribution and hard drive bundle are connected. It would make some sense, wouldn't it? Not all 360's have hard drives, but encourage gamers to get one with Live, and you'll have more room to really make a push towards digital distribution, setting the stage for a new console.

That's what I read into that, anyway.

[rhood022]

Oh I saw the connection between the HDD LIVE bundles and DD. And it makes perfect sense, tbh. But it just seems like something that could have been push forward a lot sooner. We are entering the 4th year of the 360's life cycle.

I'm just saying that in the context of the article it seems like playing catch up rather than a roadblock.

[Why o why]

its the same as last year and im hearing the 'new' adage of 'MS has this up their sleeves' When do we get to see these things or at least footage or shots of games running on the console? Last year the early half of the year was baron, lets be brutally honest. The games/things that got announced were 'Lips, You're in the movies, NXE+ avatars, couple xbl games....*please add more if you know some* We all knew about the other games like gears, gaiden etc and just like MS have 'unannounced titles sony do too' You 360 guys are definitely hardcore so surely you want to know whats around the corner instead of getting the pacman/lips treatment. Some say MS 'won' e3 last year because of a multiplat announcement. Yes it was a MEGATON but a multiplat announcement over actual games and people still have the gaul to take the mick out of sony for showing SOME cards of games that will be here a lot quicker than that 1 title that was meant to of won e3 08....cumon guys

[robotnik]

Microsoft as a company that is losing steam quickly in the console race.

[jrsenkbe]

What a joke of an aricle.

[divideby0]

Not matter what it will be its gonna cost us gamers, do to the lack of foresight in MS with their hardware...bigger disk, since us launch owners had to live with a 20G, another next gen DVD drive, cause MS left it out.
Regardless, its gonna be at our expense.
MS just didnt get it done with hardware that had staying power.
Where as my PS3 needs no upgrades what so ever.

[Major_Tom]

This was a pretty weak article.

[Leathersoup]

You've heard it here folks!! the Xbox 360 will own 2009 through sheer... speculation and rumor!!!

[II Necroplasm II]

The same type of speculation and rumors that the Fanboys are saying 360 will have no big games in 2009 when the year is young ?

I would say that would be ignorance though.

[Leathersoup]

I was referring to the article. The author gives no concrete information:

1. Some people said that Microsoft is going to do something.
2. Some one said that Microsoft has new hardware.
3. Remember that game you played on the 360? Well there just might be a video revealing a sequel to it!
4. There might be some DLC to some games that came out a while ago!
5. And finally.. The there might be something coming out for the system by Christmas.

How the heck does any of that lead you to believe that the 360 will own? I have a 360 and this depresses me.

[Blu Ray3]

last place.

[Major_Tom]

So? What does last place mean in terms of games?

Most of you don't see the big picture.

[The Judderman]

Hasn't the ps3 not only lost steam but fell off the track. xbox will own 09 just as it did the previous years.

[Major_Tom]

Lol what?

I hope you don't actually listen to yourself.

[The Judderman]

xbox will be fine in 09 just as it was in previous years. Sony on the other may not be. When there biggest game so far fails to sell as hoped (under a million day one, great sales but poor conpared to other big name games) you have to start thinking that Sony are stuck in last place this gen.

[II Necroplasm II]

~~~~~~~ Kratos and Drake would like to have a word with you.

[ChozenWoan]

There are over 4 million players on KZ2... so to say it hasn't been selling is surely a misconception of those unfortunate few who can't play it due to console exclusivity. ;P

Have a nice day.

[Covenant]

From the article:

"But after the mediocre reception of Gears 2..."

Over 2.3 million sold before the end of 2008: http://www.shacknews.com/on...

Mediocre, my @ss. Article FAILS.

[pumpkinpunker]

yeah, article big time fails. That's 2.31 million just in North America before the end of 2008. Right now, Gears 2 is approaching 5 million sold worldwide and received overwhelming critical acclaim. mediocre reception my ass.

[Blu Ray3]

I own every system ever made just about.
I was referring to sales in software and hardware.
I think you know.
Why play dumb?
Maybe Dreamcast and Xbox#1 had better games than PS2,but it didn't matter now did it.
You need to look at that big picture.

Point is ,Ps3 is getting stomped in hardware sales by the Wii,and software sales by the 360.
Ciao

[Major_Tom]

And again, you don't see it. It really doesn't matter.

[otherZinc]

Will be the reason 360 dominates in 2009. Sales of ODST will be killer.

[Blu Ray3]

you don't lol.
We can do this all day MT.

[Major_Tom]

I'm not going to argue with an obvious Xbox 360 Fanboy who can't even use the reply function properly.

Don't deny it either, anyone can look at your comment history.

Why are you jealous of Sony's success? Just let it go.

[Deadman64]

Major you just may be the fanboy here as well. Sony's success? Success with the PS1/2 you mean? Because honestly, the ps3 has "failed". Not in the sense that it will be discontinued, but in the sense that the 360 has utterly destroyed since 05.

[Major_Tom]

Is a great example of a ignorant person roaming the internet. Sad that you think like that.

I'll see to it that your bubbles are removed, multiple accounts on N4G are not allowed.

[Wurider]

A lot of talk with no proof of anything!!! I call BS on it all.

[Dj-Bronx]

Lmao this article is stupid, they make it look like sony has nothing up their sleeve, oh and btw how many games did microft mention? Halo wars? This is bogus abd simply a 360 fanboy article...this guy has no idea what hes talking about

[NinjaRyu]

Theirs too many of these 5 way 360 or PS3 Rise or fail!

[darkmurder]

That the world will blow up tomorrow. No I'm serious, its all true. Im a scabby poster on a scabby site and yet i have connections.

[ssumpy]

Will it work for more than a year unlike there machines
i dont have deep pockets so im staying away from anything xbox

[cmacdonald]

But I'm sure it's too late.

This shouldn't be approved for linking.

[-x.Red.x-]

utterly destroyed?
utterly destroyed would have mean the 360 is FARRRRRR ahead in sales like the wii and to the point where that system has no future with current competition.
last time I checked ps3 is only 6-7 mil behind, with a high price, "no games", "sucky online service" and IS catching up to the 360.

but you're right the ps3 has "failed" since it's in 3rd place...

/sarcasm -_-

[Bobbie001]

lol...u mention 2 games..and a controller..and mayb some DLC
If thats all the 360 has to offer this year..
And you mention a new IP? I mean cmon, the ps3 has like 4 new IP's
If you think the 360 will win with this... you must be a fanb.. oh i almost said it

[tee_bag242]

This dismal article does nothing but SPECULATE what a lame future 360 has. By far the dodgiest article yet. Seriously, it's not some fanboy as it hardly consists of selling points.

His highly creditable 'source' is far less informed than your average fanboy noob.

This article is not a journalists butt hole, nor is it informative as to anything remotely exciting about the 360 in 2009.

"Please stop Approving unreferenced rumors and Junk on N4G"