A new console launch is a pretty exciting time for any computer game fan. It shows the fruits of years of labour, behind-the-scenes dealing and focus group testing. It provides a chance to see which companies are going to dominate the new platform, who has not lived up to pre-release hype and who has unexpectedly excelled - and provides a great barometer for the likely future success of the platform in question. A case in point: the Sega Dreamcast suffered from launch delays, weak release games and a lack of peripherals (in Australia, even though the launch date had already been delayed, you could only buy the console and not any games, controllers, memory packs etc.). The Dreamcast as a product, no matter how good the game made for it were, can only be seen as a failure. In contrast the Playstation had a phenomenally successful opening day, with more than adequate supplies of the console selling explosively (despite relatively weak software) setting the machine up for its successful lifetime. Having examined the Gamecube a couple of articles ago - and seen the strengths and weaknesses of its launch titles - it is time to examine the XBox games that you will be (or will have been) able to buy...
HALO (Pub: Microsoft. Dev: Bungie). The outcry that was caused when Bungie moved this game from its PC roots to the XBox hint just how eagerly awaited this game was - you might even have thought that there was no way it could have lived up to the expectations of avid gamers. Well, it has. An instant, stone-cold classic, this title instantly and by itself improves the sales potential of the XBox no end. Microsoft should, and almost certainly will, ride this graphically beautiful, stimulating and engrossing game for all that it's worth, because it is hard to see how people will fail to be impressed by it. If you can, get it now. If not, scoot on over to http://www.xbox.com/halo/default.htm and admire.
ODDWORLD: MUNCH'S ODDYSEE (Pub: Microsoft. Dev: Oddworld Inhabitants). This game has had a seriously troubled development history - with the switch from PS2 to XBox setting the developers back somewhat and resulting in some screenshots that were ordinary at best.It is also going to attract a lot of attention as the original, 2D platform Abe game garnered something of a cult following. Given all of these problems, it has turned out rather well. The game may struggle with casual players, as it initially feels a little bit lightweight and awkward but persevere and the overall experience is competent, comfortable and fun if not ground-breaking. See http://www.xbox.com/oddworldmunchsoddyse... for more.
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