I would agree with the sentiment that Microsoft has won the conference thus far. That is not to say it has not been a close run affair, and that the situation is not still fluid enough for the dynamic to shift. A couple third party exclusives announced could tip the scales to either other player.
For me Microsoft presented four very relevant new things. The new dashboard update is appealing to me aside from the avatars. The Netflix service being provided through the console. The Primetime channel which seems to be an entertaining option that does play to the consoles strengths. The Final Fantasy announcement.
The avatars do not impress me everyone carries the concept to the extreme of mediocrity. Hopefully Microsoft decides to give players a bigger pallet to play with. Copying ones owns physical features is dull as it gets. Let me create a fairy that when she lifts up her skirt fire shoots forth, and let me give her behaviors. Then you have my attention. That said the dashboard has a lot of impressive additions like the ability to talk with eight of your friends at the same time while doing something. Anyone who has used Ventrill, Teamspeak, or the like can attest to how much is enhances ones experience.
The addition of Netflix is very important to me. I am a subscriber to the service, and it provides unparalleled value for the money. The ability to use my console to watch the fifteen hours of free downloads I get a month only enhances to console for my personal needs. The marketplace has been traditionally very expensive with its offerings, and very restrictive. This brings entertainment on par with more conventional services.
The Primetime channel actually seems like a quality diversion. I expect I will spend a good many hours enjoying those games. Being able to compete for prizes will probably also accentuate the experience. Further more it is good casual fun that I will probably be able to share with my family.
Final Fantasy XIII being announced for the 360 beyond pride crushing bitch smack it was to Sony supporters does actually round out the lineup for the console. Now there is literally nothing lacking in the genre period. Basically the console went from superior to perfection.
I also think that everyone has ignored the Banjo Kazooie announcement. This announcement proves one thing. That Rare does have access to their old properties that they at least own in full. So perhaps Tooie, Jet Force, BlastCorps, and other fan favorites may be seeing their way to the arcade. Those are a lot of top tier titles that are still fresh enough to be relevant.
Like I said a couple solid game announcements could swing the pendulum the other way, but if history provides us any precedent games for live will mean more exclusive 360 announcements will be made tomorrow.
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