Will they or won't they? We set the record straight for eight infamous game port rumors, including Crysis, Metal Gear Solid 4, Mass Effect, and BioShock.
It's becoming increasingly clear that Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo will live and die based on their lineup of exclusive titles. Games are the reason you buy a system. Heavy hitting exclusive games like Halo 3 and Metal Gear Solid 4 contribute to their respective platform's success; if Halo 3 had also appeared on the PS3, the Xbox 360's momentum would surely have suffered. Xbox 360 fan boys want nothing more than to see PlayStation 3 fail, and vice-versa. It's a meta-game hardcore gamers play with passion.
And the new battleground? Exclusive games.
Most speculation of multi-platform ports stems from a legitimate desire by gamers to play a game on the console they currently own. All gamers wish they could own all the new consoles, but the reality is that most gamers can afford just one. The desire to see big titles ported comes out of thrift -- who wants to spend $400 just to play one killer game?
Game developers see the situation differently. Developers want as many people to experience their games as possible. Publishers, too, appreciate the financial ramifications of multi-platform releases -- the more consoles a game hits, the greater its chance of turning a profit. Out of the eight games we've listed here, you can bet that at least a few -- however unlikely -- will eventually make their way to another platform.
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Confirmed Platform: PlayStation 3
Rumored Platform: Xbox 360
Like Raiden, rumors of Metal Gear Solid 4 getting an Xbox 360 port just won't die. For the most part Konami has done an admirable job of quieting speculation, despite a few ambiguous statements in recent months. Speaking to investors about the future of Metal Gear, Konami President Fumiaki Tanaka stated, "As we are aware of the popularity and hardware-driving power of this software franchise, going forward we are open to taking this franchise across to other platforms." Xbox 360 fan boys happily loaded up with this atomic ammunition, despite the fact that Tanaka could have easily been referring to PSP and PC versions of Metal Gear (i.e. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus, Metal Gear Online, etc.).
This isn't to eliminate the possibility of an Xbox 360 port. Konami could very well be motivated into funding a multi-platform release for financial return. The PS3 is selling better, but it's still leagues behind the Xbox 360 in terms of hardware sales. That enormous Xbox 360 installed base must be difficult for Konami to ignore. Assistant Producer Ryan Payton recently surmised that Metal Gear Solid 4 would need to sell a million copies on day one in order to recoup development expenses. That's a tall order for a console that has been selling at a moderate pace.
When Snake isn't sucking on a cigarette in Metal Gear 4, he's fondling the analog sticks on a Sixaxis controller and using it to control his miniature Metal Gear Mk-II. Call us crazy, but that's pretty solid evidence that development of Metal Gear Solid 4 has been geared solely toward PS3. Furthering this point, Payton spoke about the game's development during an official Kojima Productions Report podcast earlier this year stating, "Put aside whether or not we're developing for 360 or not, the game is built on the PS3 hardware." Executive Producer Hideo Kojima has affirmed the game's exclusivity multiple times and Konami announcements have always touted the Metal Gear Solid 4 as a PS3 exclusive. That's pretty incontrovertible evidence, so for all purposes consider this rumor smashed... for now, at least.
Chance of Xbox 360 Port: Slim
Don't get your hopes up -- Solid Snake was born on the PlayStation and will likely die on it.
A Substantial Treat?
Expecting something along the lines of a "Metal Gear Solid 4: Substance" arriving on the Xbox 360 a year or two after the PS3 version wouldn't be out of order...especially if you consider Konami's track record porting previous games in the franchise. A lot would have to be change though, as the game features a boatload of PS3-specific features tied directly to the Cell CPU and RSX graphics chip. We expect these technical hurdles would take Kojima Productions some time to overcome.
BioShock
Confirmed Platform: Xbox 360, PC
Rumored Platform: PlayStation 3
Rumors of 2K Games splicing its genetically enhanced shooter into a PlayStation 3 port have been rampant ever since its August release. The Xbox 360 and Games for Windows title has been touted as an exclusive to Microsoft platforms. However, an overwhelming critical response and higher-than-expected sales could spur a new version for Sony's console. Unconfirmed sources point to a "director's cut" port packing in the recently-released Xbox 360 downloadable content and possibly a new location to find in Rapture. Including a couple extra plasmids wouldn't be compelling enough on its own, but if a brand new level came into the mix BioShock on PlayStation 3 would almost be more exciting than a Sander Cohen show.
Evidence for a potential port stems from support files embedded within the game. A bit of plumbing uncovered the config.ini file in the playable demo of the PC version, which contained reference to "PS3." 2K Games maintains that the settings come by default in Unreal Engine 3, the engine used to develop BioShock. It's possible work is being done on a PlayStation 3 port, the preliminary efforts showing up as a few random files in the currently available game.
Releasing a PlayStation 3 version could be a good move to tide the wait for the inevitable sequel. Take-Two Chairman Strauss Zelnick told investors earlier this year to expect a "three year" wait for a BioShock sequel. There's no reason to believe that a follow up wouldn't hit PlayStation 3 alongside Xbox 360 and PC, especially if there's more money to be made on a multi-platform release.
Chance of PS3 Port: Likely
Dust off your welcome mats, PS3 owners. You may be having some very Big guests soon.
Mass Effect 2
Confirmed Platform: Xbox 360
Rumored Platform: PlayStation 3
About as likely as catching a glimpse of hot Hanar-on-Volus action, the chance of the original Mass Effect heating up PlayStation 3s is a cool nil. The acclaimed role-playing game is soundly an Xbox 360 exclusive, published by Microsoft Game Studios. In short, there's no way Mass Effect will jump onto PlayStation 3 - Microsoft owns the publishing rights. But what about a sequel? BioWare was recently snatched up by mega-publisher EA, a company that embraces multi-platform game design.
"BioWare owns the Mass Effect" IP, clarifies a Microsoft spokesperson. "Microsoft has not yet announced specifics regarding sequels to Mass Effect but we'll be talking to EA and BioWare in the weeks to come. We are committed to the franchise's long term success."
Without any ownership in the property, Microsoft has little say in the direction BioWare and EA take with the newly-developed Mass Effect franchise. Unless Microsoft negotiates some lucrative partnership with both companies, expect EA to handle publishing responsibilities for the Mass Effect franchise from here forward. Given that EA historically favors multi-platform releases over exclusives, a dual Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 (maybe even PC) release for Mass Effect 2 could easily be in the cards. Making matters easier is Mass Effect's Unreal 3.0 technology, which is now optimized for the PS3 in addition to the Xbox 360.
From a development standpoint, bringing the franchise to PlayStation 3 could open up a lot of potential. The increased capacity of Blu-ray would enable more audio than Xbox 360 DVD-9s, possibly allowing for an orchestral soundtrack to replace a synthesized one, more voice acting, and simply a bigger game. Of course, opening up the rich Mass Effect universe to a PlayStation 3 audience hungry for big third-party games could bring new fans to the fold and in turn generate more revenue. After all, money makes the galaxy go round.
Chance of PS3 Port: Bet on it
Contractual obligations are keeping the Normandy grounded at docking bay 360. But as for Mass Effect 2...Specters are free agents, aren't they?
Halo 4
Confirmed Platform: Xbox 360
Rumored Platform: PlayStation 3
Halo is to Xbox as fireworks are to Independence Day. So when rumors of Bungie's split from Microsoft proved true, theories about a possible multi-platform Halo game surfaced. Fascination surrounding the supposed loss of Microsoft's biggest title turned into a furious debate between Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 fans. All for naught, since Master Chief is far from finishing the fight on Xbox 360.
Quashing any thoughts of PlayStation 3 development the company asserts, Microsoft confirmed that ownership of the Halo franchise ensures that future games will remain exclusive to Xbox 360. "Microsoft will retain an equity interest in Bungie, at the same time continuing its long-standing publishing agreement between Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie for the Microsoft-owned Halo intellectual property as well as other future properties developed by Bungie."
There's absolutely no question that the next Halo game is going to be exclusive. The wait won't be long for a new game in the franchise since Ensemble Studios' real-time strategy spin-off Halo Wars is slated for release in late 2008. Other projects, such as the much-hyped collaboration with famed The Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson, are also in the pipeline. As far as a new first-person Halo is concerned, we hear there's a lot of Forerunner history waiting to be told...
Chance of PS3 Port: Never
Master Chief has a history, and a future, with the Xbox alone. There's no chance he'll ever land anywhere else.
Haze
Confirmed Platform: PlayStation 3
Rumored Platform: Xbox 360, PC
You don't need Nectar-enhanced perception to see that Free Radical Design's latest shooter, Haze, is set for sole release on PlayStation 3. During Sony's E3 presser, Ubisoft officially confirmed it as a PS3 exclusive. Even Ubisoft's fact sheet states, "Play both sides of the same war and experience two unique game systems, exclusively for the PlayStation 3." There was certainly no question about the game's exclusivity given the company's clear statements--until investors were told in late November of its delay.
The sheet, which is dated November 1st and hasn't been updated since, was written well before the decision to delay the game until spring. Could the delay be for the purpose of porting Haze to Xbox 360 and PC? The smaller base of PS3 users could be prompting Ubisoft to port the game in order to recoup costs, especially given Haze's limited press coverage. It isn't a foreign concept to the company -- take former PS3 exclusive Assassin's Creed, for example. Much like that game, Ubisoft spokespeople are remaining quiet on the subject, refusing to respond to our requests for comment.
Giving them the benefit of the doubt, Haze has probably been delayed in order to prevent it from being ignored during this intense holiday release season. Pushing it back allows it a better chance for success and more time for polish. Can't argue with that!
Chance of Xbox 360 Port: Slim to none
This is a PS3 party all the way, and Haze doesn't currently have enough buzz to warrant a multi-platform port. If it's a sleeper hit upon release, though, an Xbox 360 version is possible.
Final Fantasy XIII
Confirmed Platform: PlayStation 3
Rumored Platform: Xbox 360
While attention has been lavished upon Metal Gear Solid 4, the real heavy-hitting exclusive for PlayStation 3 is Final Fantasy XIII. Hideo Kojima's stealth-action series is quite popular in North America, but maintains a niche following in Japan and Europe. Final Fantasy, on the other hand, possesses a rabid fan base that stretches across the globe. It's one of the most successful, prolific gaming series in history and has been known to make or break consoles. Square's decision to support the original PlayStation with Final Fantasy VII was a huge coup for Sony and a heartbreaking loss for the Nintendo 64.
Final Fantasy XIII could very well do the same for PlayStation 3. Role-playing fans not courted by Microsoft's valiant attempts in the genre (Blue Dragon, Mass Effect, the FF-like Lost Odyssey) could find themselves compelled by the newest installment of Square Enix's master series. A multi-platform release for the game seems highly unlikely given the series' history. Titles in the main series have always been exclusive to a single platform upon initial release. Only remakes appear on alternate systems, usually enhanced in some form. Final Fantasy XI, which is considered by many to exist outside the main series, is the only official FF game to have launched on two platforms at once -- PlayStation 2 and PC.
Microsoft has made clear their wish to see a Final Fantasy game on Xbox 360. They got one, the MMO Final Fantasy XI, but it was a day late and a dollar short. There's no chance of seeing another game in the series hitting the console, especially this thirteenth installment. If you're not entirely convinced that Final Fantasy XIII will remain a PlayStation 3 exclusive, Square Enix executive Shinji Hashimoto sets the record straight stating, "As for FF on the Xbox 360, it's currently a completely blank page." That's one way to put it.
Chance of Xbox 360 Port: Slim
Xbox 360 owners won't be having any Moogle sightings... at least, not anytime soon.
World of Warcraft
Confirmed Platform: PC
Rumored Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
You're more likely to be simultaneously hit by a car and zapped by lightning than curl up on your couch playing World of Warcraft on your Xbox 360 controller. Resume hunching over your PC, because World of Warcraft isn't hitting consoles anytime soon, if ever. Blizzard President Mike Morhaime settled rumors of a port earlier this month telling Next-Gen, "At this point, there are no plans to release any of the Blizzard franchises on console." This shouldn't come as any surprise given that the company is reiterating a point that has been hammered time and time again. Several times since the initial launch of World of Warcraft, Blizzard executives have made clear that in no form would the game hit consoles.
The question has to be asked: why would it matter anyway? Everyone is already playing World of Warcraft. A console version probably wouldn't bring too many more players into the fold. Even more, massively multiplayer games haven't established themselves as viable in the console space. PlayStation 2 exclusive EverQuest Online Adventures was a dud, whereas Final Fantasy XI endures thanks to dedicated PC players, not PlayStation 2 or Xbox 360 users. There's no need for Blizzard to throw away money on a console title...again.
Chance of Xbox 360/PS3 Port: Slim to None
Blizzard has little to gain and lots to lose by taking the MMO juggernaut onto consoles. Plus, the company has terrible luck with console releases. Why bother?
Crysis
Confirmed Platform: PC
Rumored Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Considering that nobody can run the damn thing, inklings of a Crysis port could bode well for those wanting to actually play Crytek's super-charged first-person shooter. Simply viewing the main menu has been known to break lesser PCs, while high end systems can barely churn out the game's phenomenal graphics. It takes a supercomputer to run this monster -- didn't Ken Kutaragi once define the PS3 as exactly that?
"Crysis could be on the 360 or PS3", Crytek CEO Cervat Yerli confessed to CVG last summer. Of course, a port of the game would demand extensive reprogramming to meet the fixed specifications of either console. Such an effort would take lots of time and software engineers skilled in console optimization. Incidentally, Crytek was on the prowl earlier this year for programmers knowledgeable in PS3 development. The company has yet to announce its new project now that Crysis is done; it seems only natural that a port could be in the pipeline. The PC version's lower-than-expected launch sales only add more fuel to the fire.
There's also the real potential for a multi-platform release for an unannounced sequel. Yerli explains, "The game is designed as a trilogy, so you have two more installments to come." A PS3 and Xbox 360 multi-platform release for subsequent installments of the young series wouldn't be out of the question, especially given Yerli's assurance that Crysis could be accomplished on consoles. Until Crytek or publishing partner EA divulge their plans, we'll have to continue melting motherboards and expensive graphics cards.
Chance of Xbox 360/PS3 Port: Highly likely
Console gamers rejoice! You may not have to sell your first born for a new gaming rig after all!
http://www.gamepro.com/gamepro/international/games/features/156028.shtml
It's becoming increasingly clear that Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo will live and die based on their lineup of exclusive titles. Games are the reason you buy a system. Heavy hitting exclusive games like Halo 3 and Metal Gear Solid 4 contribute to their respective platform's success; if Halo 3 had also appeared on the PS3, the Xbox 360's momentum would surely have suffered. Xbox 360 fan boys want nothing more than to see PlayStation 3 fail, and vice-versa. It's a meta-game hardcore gamers play with passion.
And the new battleground? Exclusive games.
Most speculation of multi-platform ports stems from a legitimate desire by gamers to play a game on the console they currently own. All gamers wish they could own all the new consoles, but the reality is that most gamers can afford just one. The desire to see big titles ported comes out of thrift -- who wants to spend $400 just to play one killer game?
Game developers see the situation differently. Developers want as many people to experience their games as possible. Publishers, too, appreciate the financial ramifications of multi-platform releases -- the more consoles a game hits, the greater its chance of turning a profit. Out of the eight games we've listed here, you can bet that at least a few -- however unlikely -- will eventually make their way to another platform.
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Confirmed Platform: PlayStation 3
Rumored Platform: Xbox 360
Like Raiden, rumors of Metal Gear Solid 4 getting an Xbox 360 port just won't die. For the most part Konami has done an admirable job of quieting speculation, despite a few ambiguous statements in recent months. Speaking to investors about the future of Metal Gear, Konami President Fumiaki Tanaka stated, "As we are aware of the popularity and hardware-driving power of this software franchise, going forward we are open to taking this franchise across to other platforms." Xbox 360 fan boys happily loaded up with this atomic ammunition, despite the fact that Tanaka could have easily been referring to PSP and PC versions of Metal Gear (i.e. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus, Metal Gear Online, etc.).
This isn't to eliminate the possibility of an Xbox 360 port. Konami could very well be motivated into funding a multi-platform release for financial return. The PS3 is selling better, but it's still leagues behind the Xbox 360 in terms of hardware sales. That enormous Xbox 360 installed base must be difficult for Konami to ignore. Assistant Producer Ryan Payton recently surmised that Metal Gear Solid 4 would need to sell a million copies on day one in order to recoup development expenses. That's a tall order for a console that has been selling at a moderate pace.
When Snake isn't sucking on a cigarette in Metal Gear 4, he's fondling the analog sticks on a Sixaxis controller and using it to control his miniature Metal Gear Mk-II. Call us crazy, but that's pretty solid evidence that development of Metal Gear Solid 4 has been geared solely toward PS3. Furthering this point, Payton spoke about the game's development during an official Kojima Productions Report podcast earlier this year stating, "Put aside whether or not we're developing for 360 or not, the game is built on the PS3 hardware." Executive Producer Hideo Kojima has affirmed the game's exclusivity multiple times and Konami announcements have always touted the Metal Gear Solid 4 as a PS3 exclusive. That's pretty incontrovertible evidence, so for all purposes consider this rumor smashed... for now, at least.
Chance of Xbox 360 Port: Slim
Don't get your hopes up -- Solid Snake was born on the PlayStation and will likely die on it.
A Substantial Treat?
Expecting something along the lines of a "Metal Gear Solid 4: Substance" arriving on the Xbox 360 a year or two after the PS3 version wouldn't be out of order...especially if you consider Konami's track record porting previous games in the franchise. A lot would have to be change though, as the game features a boatload of PS3-specific features tied directly to the Cell CPU and RSX graphics chip. We expect these technical hurdles would take Kojima Productions some time to overcome.
BioShock
Confirmed Platform: Xbox 360, PC
Rumored Platform: PlayStation 3
Rumors of 2K Games splicing its genetically enhanced shooter into a PlayStation 3 port have been rampant ever since its August release. The Xbox 360 and Games for Windows title has been touted as an exclusive to Microsoft platforms. However, an overwhelming critical response and higher-than-expected sales could spur a new version for Sony's console. Unconfirmed sources point to a "director's cut" port packing in the recently-released Xbox 360 downloadable content and possibly a new location to find in Rapture. Including a couple extra plasmids wouldn't be compelling enough on its own, but if a brand new level came into the mix BioShock on PlayStation 3 would almost be more exciting than a Sander Cohen show.
Evidence for a potential port stems from support files embedded within the game. A bit of plumbing uncovered the config.ini file in the playable demo of the PC version, which contained reference to "PS3." 2K Games maintains that the settings come by default in Unreal Engine 3, the engine used to develop BioShock. It's possible work is being done on a PlayStation 3 port, the preliminary efforts showing up as a few random files in the currently available game.
Releasing a PlayStation 3 version could be a good move to tide the wait for the inevitable sequel. Take-Two Chairman Strauss Zelnick told investors earlier this year to expect a "three year" wait for a BioShock sequel. There's no reason to believe that a follow up wouldn't hit PlayStation 3 alongside Xbox 360 and PC, especially if there's more money to be made on a multi-platform release.
Chance of PS3 Port: Likely
Dust off your welcome mats, PS3 owners. You may be having some very Big guests soon.
Mass Effect 2
Confirmed Platform: Xbox 360
Rumored Platform: PlayStation 3
About as likely as catching a glimpse of hot Hanar-on-Volus action, the chance of the original Mass Effect heating up PlayStation 3s is a cool nil. The acclaimed role-playing game is soundly an Xbox 360 exclusive, published by Microsoft Game Studios. In short, there's no way Mass Effect will jump onto PlayStation 3 - Microsoft owns the publishing rights. But what about a sequel? BioWare was recently snatched up by mega-publisher EA, a company that embraces multi-platform game design.
"BioWare owns the Mass Effect" IP, clarifies a Microsoft spokesperson. "Microsoft has not yet announced specifics regarding sequels to Mass Effect but we'll be talking to EA and BioWare in the weeks to come. We are committed to the franchise's long term success."
Without any ownership in the property, Microsoft has little say in the direction BioWare and EA take with the newly-developed Mass Effect franchise. Unless Microsoft negotiates some lucrative partnership with both companies, expect EA to handle publishing responsibilities for the Mass Effect franchise from here forward. Given that EA historically favors multi-platform releases over exclusives, a dual Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 (maybe even PC) release for Mass Effect 2 could easily be in the cards. Making matters easier is Mass Effect's Unreal 3.0 technology, which is now optimized for the PS3 in addition to the Xbox 360.
From a development standpoint, bringing the franchise to PlayStation 3 could open up a lot of potential. The increased capacity of Blu-ray would enable more audio than Xbox 360 DVD-9s, possibly allowing for an orchestral soundtrack to replace a synthesized one, more voice acting, and simply a bigger game. Of course, opening up the rich Mass Effect universe to a PlayStation 3 audience hungry for big third-party games could bring new fans to the fold and in turn generate more revenue. After all, money makes the galaxy go round.
Chance of PS3 Port: Bet on it
Contractual obligations are keeping the Normandy grounded at docking bay 360. But as for Mass Effect 2...Specters are free agents, aren't they?
Halo 4
Confirmed Platform: Xbox 360
Rumored Platform: PlayStation 3
Halo is to Xbox as fireworks are to Independence Day. So when rumors of Bungie's split from Microsoft proved true, theories about a possible multi-platform Halo game surfaced. Fascination surrounding the supposed loss of Microsoft's biggest title turned into a furious debate between Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 fans. All for naught, since Master Chief is far from finishing the fight on Xbox 360.
Quashing any thoughts of PlayStation 3 development the company asserts, Microsoft confirmed that ownership of the Halo franchise ensures that future games will remain exclusive to Xbox 360. "Microsoft will retain an equity interest in Bungie, at the same time continuing its long-standing publishing agreement between Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie for the Microsoft-owned Halo intellectual property as well as other future properties developed by Bungie."
There's absolutely no question that the next Halo game is going to be exclusive. The wait won't be long for a new game in the franchise since Ensemble Studios' real-time strategy spin-off Halo Wars is slated for release in late 2008. Other projects, such as the much-hyped collaboration with famed The Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson, are also in the pipeline. As far as a new first-person Halo is concerned, we hear there's a lot of Forerunner history waiting to be told...
Chance of PS3 Port: Never
Master Chief has a history, and a future, with the Xbox alone. There's no chance he'll ever land anywhere else.
Haze
Confirmed Platform: PlayStation 3
Rumored Platform: Xbox 360, PC
You don't need Nectar-enhanced perception to see that Free Radical Design's latest shooter, Haze, is set for sole release on PlayStation 3. During Sony's E3 presser, Ubisoft officially confirmed it as a PS3 exclusive. Even Ubisoft's fact sheet states, "Play both sides of the same war and experience two unique game systems, exclusively for the PlayStation 3." There was certainly no question about the game's exclusivity given the company's clear statements--until investors were told in late November of its delay.
The sheet, which is dated November 1st and hasn't been updated since, was written well before the decision to delay the game until spring. Could the delay be for the purpose of porting Haze to Xbox 360 and PC? The smaller base of PS3 users could be prompting Ubisoft to port the game in order to recoup costs, especially given Haze's limited press coverage. It isn't a foreign concept to the company -- take former PS3 exclusive Assassin's Creed, for example. Much like that game, Ubisoft spokespeople are remaining quiet on the subject, refusing to respond to our requests for comment.
Giving them the benefit of the doubt, Haze has probably been delayed in order to prevent it from being ignored during this intense holiday release season. Pushing it back allows it a better chance for success and more time for polish. Can't argue with that!
Chance of Xbox 360 Port: Slim to none
This is a PS3 party all the way, and Haze doesn't currently have enough buzz to warrant a multi-platform port. If it's a sleeper hit upon release, though, an Xbox 360 version is possible.
Final Fantasy XIII
Confirmed Platform: PlayStation 3
Rumored Platform: Xbox 360
While attention has been lavished upon Metal Gear Solid 4, the real heavy-hitting exclusive for PlayStation 3 is Final Fantasy XIII. Hideo Kojima's stealth-action series is quite popular in North America, but maintains a niche following in Japan and Europe. Final Fantasy, on the other hand, possesses a rabid fan base that stretches across the globe. It's one of the most successful, prolific gaming series in history and has been known to make or break consoles. Square's decision to support the original PlayStation with Final Fantasy VII was a huge coup for Sony and a heartbreaking loss for the Nintendo 64.
Final Fantasy XIII could very well do the same for PlayStation 3. Role-playing fans not courted by Microsoft's valiant attempts in the genre (Blue Dragon, Mass Effect, the FF-like Lost Odyssey) could find themselves compelled by the newest installment of Square Enix's master series. A multi-platform release for the game seems highly unlikely given the series' history. Titles in the main series have always been exclusive to a single platform upon initial release. Only remakes appear on alternate systems, usually enhanced in some form. Final Fantasy XI, which is considered by many to exist outside the main series, is the only official FF game to have launched on two platforms at once -- PlayStation 2 and PC.
Microsoft has made clear their wish to see a Final Fantasy game on Xbox 360. They got one, the MMO Final Fantasy XI, but it was a day late and a dollar short. There's no chance of seeing another game in the series hitting the console, especially this thirteenth installment. If you're not entirely convinced that Final Fantasy XIII will remain a PlayStation 3 exclusive, Square Enix executive Shinji Hashimoto sets the record straight stating, "As for FF on the Xbox 360, it's currently a completely blank page." That's one way to put it.
Chance of Xbox 360 Port: Slim
Xbox 360 owners won't be having any Moogle sightings... at least, not anytime soon.
World of Warcraft
Confirmed Platform: PC
Rumored Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
You're more likely to be simultaneously hit by a car and zapped by lightning than curl up on your couch playing World of Warcraft on your Xbox 360 controller. Resume hunching over your PC, because World of Warcraft isn't hitting consoles anytime soon, if ever. Blizzard President Mike Morhaime settled rumors of a port earlier this month telling Next-Gen, "At this point, there are no plans to release any of the Blizzard franchises on console." This shouldn't come as any surprise given that the company is reiterating a point that has been hammered time and time again. Several times since the initial launch of World of Warcraft, Blizzard executives have made clear that in no form would the game hit consoles.
The question has to be asked: why would it matter anyway? Everyone is already playing World of Warcraft. A console version probably wouldn't bring too many more players into the fold. Even more, massively multiplayer games haven't established themselves as viable in the console space. PlayStation 2 exclusive EverQuest Online Adventures was a dud, whereas Final Fantasy XI endures thanks to dedicated PC players, not PlayStation 2 or Xbox 360 users. There's no need for Blizzard to throw away money on a console title...again.
Chance of Xbox 360/PS3 Port: Slim to None
Blizzard has little to gain and lots to lose by taking the MMO juggernaut onto consoles. Plus, the company has terrible luck with console releases. Why bother?
Crysis
Confirmed Platform: PC
Rumored Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Considering that nobody can run the damn thing, inklings of a Crysis port could bode well for those wanting to actually play Crytek's super-charged first-person shooter. Simply viewing the main menu has been known to break lesser PCs, while high end systems can barely churn out the game's phenomenal graphics. It takes a supercomputer to run this monster -- didn't Ken Kutaragi once define the PS3 as exactly that?
"Crysis could be on the 360 or PS3", Crytek CEO Cervat Yerli confessed to CVG last summer. Of course, a port of the game would demand extensive reprogramming to meet the fixed specifications of either console. Such an effort would take lots of time and software engineers skilled in console optimization. Incidentally, Crytek was on the prowl earlier this year for programmers knowledgeable in PS3 development. The company has yet to announce its new project now that Crysis is done; it seems only natural that a port could be in the pipeline. The PC version's lower-than-expected launch sales only add more fuel to the fire.
There's also the real potential for a multi-platform release for an unannounced sequel. Yerli explains, "The game is designed as a trilogy, so you have two more installments to come." A PS3 and Xbox 360 multi-platform release for subsequent installments of the young series wouldn't be out of the question, especially given Yerli's assurance that Crysis could be accomplished on consoles. Until Crytek or publishing partner EA divulge their plans, we'll have to continue melting motherboards and expensive graphics cards.
Chance of Xbox 360/PS3 Port: Highly likely
Console gamers rejoice! You may not have to sell your first born for a new gaming rig after all!
http://www.gamepro.com/gamepro/international/games/features/156028.shtml
