Xboxing a few rounds with Reyes

I caught up with Xbox Magazine Editor in Chief Francesca Reyes and asked for her takes on the 2006 video game year, her outlook for 2007 and the evolution of the console battles. I was expecting plenty of Microsoft cheerleading - after all, the woman's career depends on the success and expanding interest in the Xbox 360 - but Reyes was even-handed, even surprisingly complimentary toward the Wii (of course, it might have been her Bill Gates-like way of sniping at Sony's PS3).

1. What was your personal favorite game of the year? Did it match the magazine's choice and why?

Gears of War, no contest. And yes, we all agreed that even with some of its flaws, Gears' level of execution and polish just made it a no-brainer for Game of the Year in OXM as well as our personal lists. It's just a fantastic game -- I've played through it three times (Casual, Hardcore and Insane) and the co-op is implemented so well and makes the game so much more than just a singleplayer shooter experience. There really was no other choice.

2. What was the most exciting gaming trend in 2006?

Personally, I'm really excited by the fact that hardware manufacturers are definitely trying to evolve the idea of gaming with stuff like the motion sensor control for the Wii and Microsoft's dedication to online gaming. They're not settling for just churning out machine upgrades this generation -- they're both really thinking hard about what gamers what to see and how they can influence how games are made in the future. That's something we can all really get behind.

3. What are your predictions for the 360 in 2007?

I usually hate giving predictions in this industry because everything can change so dramatically and so fast -- after all, change is the name of the game with any technology. But I know 360 will have a really strong year in 2007. Just look at the titles: Mass Effect, GTA IV, BioShock...and something called Halo 3. The one thing that really defines 2007 is that 2008 already has a strong lineup, as well with games like Alan Wake, Resident Evil 5 (though no one really knows when it's actually coming.), Ninja Gaiden 2 (unannounced date, but we're figuring next year is a good bet). These are all big titles that will show that 360 isn't going away anytime soon.

4. How does the 360 stack up to the Wii and PS3?

This is a tough one because there's a lot left up in the air for both systems. Will PS3 get the games it needs to compete against Wii and 360? Will Wii continue to receive the type of support from third parties it needs to remain strong in the market? I have a feeling that this is a bigger year for both of these consoles as far as proving grounds than the 360, as that's the system that's been out longer and has had the chance to mature. I think the Wii will always have a strong niche in the market. No matter what, the Nintendo brand is so strong, the price point is amazing and the tech for the way the games play is irresistible as a group/family draw.

As far as the PS3, personally I think it's current weakest points are lack of compelling games and price. If PS3 drops in price or at least offers up some really compelling, exclusive games that people would be willing to drop $500-600 for, things could change in a heartbeat. But as it is right now, the challenge is getting people to pay that amount for a fledgling DVD format that caters to those who've already upgraded to 1080p HDTv sets. And that's a huge gamble. Will it get over this hurdle? It's totally possible, but I don't want to make any calls at this point.

5. What do you think will be the best game of 2007?

For me, it's so hard to say. I'd love to say Mass Effect or something less predictable than Halo 3. If Bungie sticks to its guns and really pushes the 360 tech, Halo 3 should be a complete experience from multiplayer to singleplayer to all things in between that we might not expect from the game on a new system.