I and others made the observations about PDZ before E3 and it seems that is has come to pass. Just as Halo was criticized early on (we all know what came of that franchise) so far goes with PDZ. Keep in mind as many have pointed out this game has been in development for yrs. Im sure everything was close finalized (story, layouts etc.) probably before MS purchased Rare but when seeing the progression of the game MS knew it had brand recognition and possible killer launch title for the next generation just as MS felt about Halo and thus purchasing Bungie.
I think MS wants to be underestimated (not by much but because of the name MS but still considered the under dog in the console area at this point). By keeping peoples high expectations more so in Sonys PS3 then the Xbox 360 MS can come in and claim stronger positions then previous generation. MS has commited to this for the long haul and knows that the Playstaion cant be taken down in one or maybe two generations but as long as they can take significant gains in marketshare, sooner or later they feel they can dominate and thats what MS knows how to do best love it or hate it
Make no mistake, MS does not put money into something like this only to have a (we either make it or we dont attitude). They have the money to stay the course and if they get behind, they have the money to buy its way up into competition. By purchasing corporations or other organizations (and individual talents) that can improve its position in the given property.
Sony may not have the deep pockets of MS but they have the drive and marketing down pat. They have the market share and they have the community of loyal fans as well. Sony has put alot of resources into the PS3 and with the entrance of MS, I believe, has pushed them even higher. Sony definately knows MS can be a threat to them and I think that the PS3 will be a much larger leap this generation then from the PS1 to PS2. I think they may have even upped their hand furthur with the PS3 then originaly thought due to MS.
At this point I would give the edge to Sony not based on system but just because of Marketshare and fanbase. It is in Sony's hand to lose at this point but I dont see Sony giving up that easy. Through the FUD the Teraflops speculation I only see one true winner and that will be us the gamers.
