UK Xbox boss Neil Thompson was in an apologetic mood when interviewed in the paper today. Describing the RROD hardware problems as, "disappointing" he goes on to say sorry for the problems with Xbox Live over Christmas.
"When you look at the scale of what we're running, I think we are actually quite good at it - we've got millions and millions and millions of people playing online across the world every day. It's not an insubstantial task to keep that going. Now that's not an excuse, that just context ... but we are breaking new ground with this - unfortunately, at Christmas, we failed the test."
Thompson was more upbeat about casual games, arguing that there are more on the Xbox than any other console. You have to assume he is talking about Xbox Live Arcade but does that really count? Yes, there are plenty of casual titles - Zuma, Bejewelled etc - on the service but most people still use their consoles offline, particularly casual users, and so have limited access to these games.
Thompson also dismisses HD-DVD and talks up digital distribution. Sadly he didn't mention when the UK/Europe would start getting the premium TV content - Lost? 24? - that would really start driving use of the service.
The reviews are also in, with Sega's prolific recent release schedule hogging all three slots. Sega Superstars Tennis, Condemned 2 and House of the Dead 2/3. Next week I'm reviewing Viking: Battle for Asgard for the 360. This hack n' slasher seems to have polarized opinion but I'm firmly in the positive camp. Yes it can get repetitive but the style and freedom - Fantasy Crackdown? - are enough to keep me interested.
