Basically, each console is offering gamers services that are somewhat similar. Along with some original titles, XBLA also has some classics such as Gauntlet, Street Fighter, and Mortal Kombat (MK3 Ultimate IIRC). Nintendo has also focused on bringing back some of the classics by launching the "Virtual Console" service with the Revolution that will not only include classics from the NES,SNES, and N64 libraries, but also some classics that appeared on the Sega Genesis and the TurboGrafx. As for Sony, I might be stretching it a bit since they haven't really officially commented on what they'll offer through the Playstation Network Platform (I call it PSNP), but since the PSP will support PS1 downloads, I'll assume that the PS3 will as well. If nothing else, I'll just add it to my wishlist for the service, along with PS2 games at least by the end of the generation. So, what in particular are you wanting to see offered via these services? For example, what classics would you like to see on the Virtual Console service (and maybe even the other two as well, like SF or MK I guess)? Maybe even downloadable content for some of these older games (EX: soundtracks, extra content for the game)? I don't know what else; my imagination isn't working very well at the moment. To be honest, while the older games are nice additions, I've kind of already had my fill with most of the games that came out before the PS1/N64 (*cough*). I spent most of that generation with a Sega Saturn or PS1, so I don't really care for much of the N64 lineup (except for maybe Zelda and Mario 64...maybe Goldeneye online too ); in fact, now that I think about it, I'd like to see Sega (or other SS publishers) offer some of their SS games to one or all of these services (I really want to play Dragon Force again ). Of course, I'd like some PS1 games as well, particularly some of the more rare/underrated titles such as Persona, Suikoden I+II, Final Fantasy Tactics, Star Ocean 2, and Xenogears (even though I already have it). There were a lot of great RPGs on the PS1 that I'd like to play again; PS2 downloads would be the icing on the cake here. Maybe with all these downloadable games, MS could join in and offer downloadable Xbox games, although maybe they'll have to work more on the backwards compatibility stuff to do that. I guess they could also get some publishers to put out the same games, but with some enhancements like online support. Tecmo Bowl on XBL!
My main concern is to be able to play NBA Jam, Tecmo Super Bowl and Super Baseball Simulator 1.000 all with online play. If that happens, I will be smitten.
Sometimes I forget you didn't grow up with this stuff when a lot of us did. I'm completely the opposite...I'm not excited by much of anything N64/PS1 era. The greatest thing about this dowloadable games feature, IMO, are the classics. NES, SNES, Genesis; stuff like that is what makes this a more complete feature.
I just hope that Nintendo's prices for the classics are reasonable. Their NES line for GBA is overpriced, but that may be just to cover the cost of the cartridges. I don't really plan on downloading any of the NES, SNES, Genesis, or TG16 games since I already have more or less complete *ahem* collections... Lots of N64 titles I missed out on though. It would be nice if Sega would issue releases of their old Saturn games if they're too large to conveniently download. I would also like to see Nintendo and Sega port some of their old arcade games over.
I grew up with some NES, SNES, and Genesis stuff (mostly SNES). My point there was that I had my fill playing (or maybe I should have said replaying) those classics in recent years (again...*cough*). Um...let me post some of AntiSonic's reasoning again: Basically in the same situation myself. Hence the reason why I'm more interested in the SS/PS1/N64 stuff. The stuff prior to that generation is nice though, and I'll probably still download some of my favorites. They've been doing that recently (even had a Dragon Force re-release IIRC, but only in Japan I think), so it might continue. Although with some XBL demos being the same size as some/most PS1 and SS games (~700MB or so), I don't see why they wouldn't have a problem with distributing the games online.
