Well, not literally, but in the competitive sense it would be a great tactical move if one or the other managed to grab console exclusivity of the following game series which fans seem to be crying out for one way or another. A number come from PC backgrounds, but we're ignoring that fact and talking about a release exclusively on a Microsoft or Sony piece of hardware alongside the PC version, whether that be on current gen or next gen systems. Here's our top picks.

Jade empire

Bioware's team wanted to make a sequel, and who knows, it might have been in development up until a few years ago, but sadly never came to fruition. Perhaps the team's focus on Mass Effect took over, but this charming martial arts game given a current or next gen makeover could be something really special and worth snagging as an exclusive. Whether you liked the original or not, with better realization this could be a massive game for Sony or Microsoft. Come on, Bioware certainly have much more experience now.




Counterstrike 2

Gabe Newell might have been coy when questioned about this game, and sure we're getting a console version of Source next year, but if either Microsoft or Sony could snag one of the most popular shooters of all time to sit alongside the PC version it would be a killer move. Perhaps the release of the updated source is to test the waters a little to see if console gamers can handle such a gargantuan franchise.




Knights of the Old Republic 3

One of the best game series on Xbox which has somewhat taken a back seat to other Bioware games like Mass Effect. With Star Wars still being massively popular in the gaming medium, if Microsoft or Sony snagged a new KOTOR game it would instantly gain the sort of notoriety reserved for the most talked about games in gaming. Imagine a new KOTOR game as a showcase for next gen hardware. Excuse us whilst we pass out.




Half Life 3

Very much rooted in the PC crowd, but with the Orange Box proving that Half Life has a place on consoles, snagging the rumoured third iteration would simply be a killer move for whoever had the balls to claim exclusivity. Let the PC audiences enjoy what would no doubt be a graphical showcase, and then have the console version open up the floodgates.




Doom 4

Whilst Id might be licking their wounds over the less than expected sales of RAGE, DOOM is a franchise everyone knows and loves - well maybe not everyone. Carmack and team will have learned valuable lessons with RAGE, and so being offered money to remain exclusive to one platform (aside from the PC loyal) with a new Doom game would be of great benefit for whoever put down the right figure for Id.




Any game featuring Deadpool

Activision have rinsed out Spider-Man and Square are lapping up the accolades with Batman, but some of the other superhero games have failed to capture the imaginations (Iron Man, Hulk etc.). Deadpool is such an interesting character - forgetting Ryan Reynolds version in Origins for a moment. A game focused on this lively and dramatic third wall breaking nutcase could be awesome. The only question is, are there enough fans, probably as a movie has been rumoured. If the game was done right, then sure, Deadpool does have his place and would make for a neat exclusive for Sony or Microsoft. Could he be as respected as the Bat or Spider-Man. Hell yes if given the best development team to handle his craziness.




Shen Mue

Whilst firmly under the wing of SEGA, if Sony or Microsoft made the offer to get a new version of the game in the works as an exclusive, it would make many fans extremely happy - even if Yu Suzuki didn't have an active role. The scope and breadth of the series would certainly make for compelling gaming, even if you've never heard of the series before. The Yakuza series, has some similarities, but with the Shen Mue name and vision stamped hard, this could be a killer franchise to make exclusive. The only issue is perhaps in the name, it's hardly inspiring for today's market, so maybe a re-imagining and being a spiritual successor would be a better course of action.




To be honest, we'd probably buy any console at the drop of a hat which managed to snag the rights to these games, however the likelyhood of any of them actually coming to fruition is about as possible as the world ending at the latter part of 2012 according to the Mayan calendar. We can dream though, as some will possibly see the light of day as multi-format releases. Did we miss any? What would you add to the list?

Posted: Dec 28, 2011 10:52 am

Source: http://www.msxbox-world.com/features/article/930/top-console-exclusives-sonymicrosoft-should-fight-to-the-death-for.html