Welcome to my new blogging series highlighting industry-related events such as exclusivity, graphical comparisons, sales, etc. This opening blog will focus on the hotly anticipated PS3-exclusive game Heavy Rain .

Before I do that, I would like to explain the reason I blog about something as reviled as console rivalry. First off, I am not neutral, I am now openly a Xbox 360 "fanboy". However, unlike the other morons I know how to separate conclusions from facts. There are several industry facts such as sales that can't be ignored. Most multiplatform games sell better on the 360 for example. What you make of these "facts" falls squarely in your domain of interest. My disposition is transparent, I love my 360 and I defend my choices.

So why blog about it? It's about counter-balance. If you look at any forum and any medium, there will always be more PS3 supporters than 360. In fact, two years ago the PS3 was bullied by pretty much everyone. Now, the 360 is subject to unfair criticisms. Just take Destructoid, there are several prominent members who implicitly blog in favor of the PS3. I'm not talking about rabid fanboyism, I'm talking about subtle and, for Sony, free advertisement. It's really not that hard to see, just have a look around. However, this is not fact, it's what perceive reality to be like. You don't have to agree.

Have you ever heard user comments start with the following "I am not a fanboy because I own both consoles BUT...."
Sound familiar? How about "I am not a racist BUT...."



Above: Courtesy of Penny Arcade

You won't ever hear that nonsense from me, I give you what I think straight up and not wrapped up in some pink little package with a ribbon on it.

With that out of the way, I would like to focus on Quantum Dream's PS3 exclusive Heavy Rain which is set to release in Feb. in North America. Let's just put it out there already, Heavy Rain is a must-play title, one of which I am pretty jealous. Finally, here is a truly mature title that is both lewd, dark, and deep. I have always contended that censorship is something that falls almost exclusively within the domain parental control. I don't want material to be omitted because some kid got funny ideas after his parents let his PS3 (a typical adult-oriented console) babysit him for a semester. I want to see tits and I want to see blood. Luckily, you PS3 owners will get the taste of this mature thriller sooner than we 360 people with rival Alan Wake. Both games will be thoroughly contrasted once they are both available for a comparison.



So, Heavy Rain will be awesome and should be a natural day-1 buy for most of you. However, here is my issue. Why did this title end up as a PS3 exclusive? Quantic Dream is not owned by Sony and Sony has a strict policy against paying for exclusivity. Considering Indigo Prophecy was multiplat, we're looking at one likely reason: Development started before reliable data showed how the PS3 was lagging behind the 360. Given the vast popularity of the PS2, it would make sense for a developer to focus on one console when developing a game with cutting-edge technology. Graphically, Heavy Rain is fantastic and Sony has arguably the best looking exclusives of this generation (such as Uncharted 2). Whatever their reason, I predict mediocre sales for a game that could have sold exceptionally well if it were multiplatform title or if it were a 360 exclusive. As of now, there is not a single game that would make me switch or add a console.

Do you agree with my predictions for Heavy Rain? Will the tech-crazy geeks, the movie-loving dads, and the well-paid 27 year old bachelors buy it? I guess we'll find out soon. Good luck to you Quantic Dream. Hope to see you on the 360 soon.



Worldwide sales for Xbox 360 as of this: 37.5 mil.
PS3: 31.5 mil.