![[Probably the only decent (as in non-revealing) screenshot I could find.]](http://toase.net/gfx/doa4-01.jpg "[Probably the only decent (as in non-revealing) screenshot I could find.]")
A couple of weekends ago I spent the afternoon with fellow über-gamers Tony and Chris, where we gathered for some quality time with Chris' new XBox 360. I've since had the time to record some of the following impressions. Unrelated: Chris is an excellent cook.
Continue reading "xbox 360 quick hits, Part 1"![[The Master Sword]](http://www.toase.net/gfx/soulcalibur2-01.jpg)
According to industry analysts, console sales have peaked and it will all be downhill from here. I'm sure we will see many attempts by Sony, MSFT and Nintendo to get our Holiday dollar, so now is definitely a good time to buy. With announcements for the next generation of consoles to be flying around in 2004 you'll probably have at least a year's worth of play in it. In my opinion it was a very smart move for Nintendo to lower their prices in the Fall as kind of a "last gasp" attempt to move units before heading into the holiday season. I'm also willing to bet that the people that bought a 'cube on the sole basis of it being accessibly priced are quite happy with their purchase, myself included. Nintendo sent out a very glowing press release regarding their successes with the lowered Gamecube price: they managed to sell 254,000 units in October. That's quite a hefty number, but looking at it realistically these are most likely purchases made by people who already own a PS2, Xbox or PC and are just getting a second console. Still, it's good for Nintendo and any developers that were shying away from the platform. Some other figures were released this week regarding console software sales, adding support to my arguments about the success of the GBA. The #1 and 2 spots for the GBA were held by Super Mario Bros. 3 - a remake of a thirteen year old game! - and Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. I should also note that Soul Calibur II continues to be a big seller for the Gamecube, which I plan on discussing today.
Continue reading "Gamecube Impressions Part III: Soul Calibur II"