Those of you who have been gamers for the last 20 years... gamers like me, who have playing since the old days where, quite frankly, graphics were crap. And, truth be told, the gameplay - while it was fun back then it really doesn't hold up that well these days. Nostalgia is a powerful thing and our memories of those games are far greater than most of them.

Now, I'm sure you're saying "Cliff, that's bullshit. Hold your tongue! Classic games are just as fun now as they were when we first played them!" Now, I know there are a few that hold up. Galaga. Tetris. Robotron. And...yeah. That's all I can think of right now. Why?

Because we, as gamers in 2005, expect more. We expect more features, more depth, better graphics, quality acting, a well written narrative, and everything except for the kitchen sink. Sophisticated gamers? Yes. Spoiled? Maybe a little. But is it so wrong?

Ever notice how horror movies that were considered scary in the 50s are seldom as frightening now? Audiences grow. And it's important for the products to grow right along with them otherwise a medium will ultimately stagnate.

So thanks for waiting. Because I have seen the future - the next generation of consoles. I have had more than a taste of what true next generation gaming is going to have to offer and I'm here to tell you - You're in for something special.

I can't speak much for Sony right now - yeah, we're working on stuff for the PS3 but honestly I'm so busy with Gears that it's all I'm seeing and I can tell you - Microsoft is giving you a hell of a system. This thing is a BEAST and is capable of MUCH GREATNESS.

Sigh. That's all I can say so far. I am, after all, under NDA. :)