Rock star's game
By Tina Benitez -- Playthings, 10/1/2006
Robin Wilson's plan is to get the Xbox 360 within the next three weeks and not let his wife find out about it. It's still a heavy expense, even if you are a rock star—one with a 5-year-old son.
The Gin Blossoms' lead singer will begin an 8-week national tour (including a stop at Playthings' in headquarters New York) and he has an urge to play video games on the road again, something he hasn't done in a while. Wilson, who also has a collection of several hundred Batman comics, 140 metal lunch boxes and many comic books, shared with Playthings how game play has been pushed aside (but not for much longer) by more “noble” pursuits.
What is your next-gen console of choice?
I knew several months ago that I would get a 360 and not a PS3. I'm not as interested in the PS3. PS3 is so much more expensive than the other consoles. It seems that the 360 is the machine that I want to play. It's a gamers' machine, and some of the games that I'm interested in playing are coming out on the 360.
Are old consoles being put aside for the 360?
There are still a couple of PS2 games I'm really interested in. Actually, there are more PS2 games than PS3 games that I'm interested in. I don't think I will ignore it completely. I'm really looking forward to Okami, God of War.
Do you get to play while on the road?
When on the road on a bus, there's more of an opportunity to play games. And most travel this year has been on planes. A few years ago I traveled and brought the PS2 along. I have the most well-travel PS2 on earth! So I would find time for that—make time for that. Lately I've been spending time exercising, reading more, slightly noble pursuits. I also have a son that occupies most of my non-game-play time. I have to go on a bus tour for two straight months in about three weeks, so I plan on getting the 360 for that tour and drive into Oblivion [Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion]. I'm waiting until I leave town so my wife can't stop me (laughs).
What other consoles are you looking at?
Wii (Nintendo) stands a chance at most respected console of this generation. PS3 may have power. Sony continues to demand a great catalogue, but 360 is designed for hardcore gamers. I think I'll take another look at Wii now that I have a child; I'm sure he'll like it.
What's your all-time favorite game?
There's no favorite, but there's a short list of games that give me that sensation, that thrill, that adventure…Sonic the Hedgehog, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Midnight Club 3, Ratchet and Clank. For me that was my seminal moment on PS2. That game [Ratchet] took me back to every great video game experience. (After more thought) also God of War, Prince of Persia…for Game Boy it's Legend of Zelda, which I've played several dozen hours.
