For the second time in my life, my Xbox 360 has died a slow, red-ringed death. With a possible 2013 release of the long awaited Xbox 720, I’ve hesitated in buying a second one (the first death was covered under warranty, years ago). While the cost has dropped to a very reasonable price in the interim, I’ve decided to forage ahead without the benefit of any other gaming console apart from my Nintendo Wii (which even has it’s own replacement due shortly). So what do I feel I am missing out on most?
First of all, Skyrim. I loved Morrowind just like I loved the follow-up Oblivion. I’ve been playing these games since high school, dating all the way back to my Elder Scrolls: Arena, missing only Redguard. Honestly, these are all my favorite games to play for their immersive, fantastical nature. The best games can seem to create worlds unto themselves, something that no series can quite match like the Elder Scrolls series.
Secondly, Battlefield 3. I’m not a huge fan of online multiplayer games but I can honestly say that this is one game that I would for sure be willing to pay for the Xbox live subscription. I’m not sure that there is much to say about the single player experience, but the online experience appears more than makes up for that.
I’ll also miss playing Fall Out 3 and Fall Out: New Vegas. Apart from Oblivion, these were my two favorite Xbox 360 video games that I owned. Both offered a depth of experience along with a bleak, fatalistic sense of humor that compelled me to return to these games again and again. I certainly look forward to playing the next in the series on my 720.
Lastly, a note on Xbox 360 Kinect. I’ve had some limited experience with it and it certainly is one of the most exciting developments to hit the video game market in some time. It’s a way better concept than the constrained paddle system of the Nintendo Wii, although, with that being said I’m not quite sure that the technology has developed to its most useful potential. Hopefully these issues will be solved by the time the 720 is released, making me that much more excited (and terrified of the pricetag) for that console.
