I read the N+ comments a few days ago.
The issue is very simple: No service is perfect. Anyone and everyone can say that Wiiware is going to be better, but the fact is, it's an untested service, and could see just as much, or more shovelware come onto it's service.
The XBLA service is DEFINATELY NOT perfect. I've talked to devs, and know some inside information about the fusterations of developers and publishers for XBLA, and other services.
But the fact is, it's not like XBLA is some sort of malcontent of the online digital distribution system, that fails in oh-so many ways. In fact, XBLA is the shining example of how to do it: remember, Nintendo is using WiiWare as an afterthought , not a forerunner. PSN is very similar to what XBLA is, plus a few things.
So all the while one can say that XBLA has it's weaknesses (which it does), if it wasn't for XBLA, there would be no PSN Games, or WiiWare. We've seen that Nintendo is well behind the curve on it, and never developed the Wii with such things as WiiWare in mind: look no further than the memory for proof. Nintendo planned for VC, not WW.
So here's my simple, thougtful opinion of the breakdown of the content distribution systems:
XBLA:
+ Huge library of games.
+ Most exclusives, and best lineup. Period (117+ games)
+ Very affordable. Plenty of AAA titles that could be well above their retail price
+ Console/Arcade remakes fare much better at their price than VC does, by far.
- Too many crap $5 Arcade Ports
- Restrictive certification system causes undue delays
- No good set schedule for games
- Bad UI for searching for good titles
I'll add comments later for PSN and WW.
Back from the dead, I'm afraid.
