Get ready for the Tsunami.

[bahn]

Whether you like it or not, console online gaming is in, and it's here to stay. And if you're among the avid Xbox Live userbase, Microsoft is poised to roll out the next wave of online features within the next several months that will improve your gaming experience.

Currently codenamed "Tsunami", the new edition will introduce several new features previously discussed at last year's E3 including, but not limited to email and clan development.

Although Live currently allows you to chat with someone via the Xbox Communicator, Tsunami will apparently give players the ability to create a 15-second voicemail prior to accepting friend request or creating game invitations. In addition, the 3.0 service will even let you contact others via the popular MSN Messenger program.

Tsunami will also refine the multiplayer foundation for players who prefer to play in organized clans for such games as Crimson Skies, Rainbow Six 3, and Return to Castle Wolfenstein. The new clan system will allow players to create a league (similar to the existing XSN platform) and compete against other organized clans, track stats and transfer their respective clan label (currently known as the Family ID) to other XBL-compatible titles. Hopefully EA will come around and start offering online support for future Xbox Live titles.

One other feature which is bound to applauded amongst onlne users is the "Title Managed Online Storage" (yes, I am hoping for a better moniker too, that one sounds so...rigid). In any event, the new feature will allow players to share their custom content including logos, maps, characters, etc. Personally I think this is great for games such as Project Gotham Racing since sitting there an unlocking cars is such a bore. With this feature, I could just get the content I need from one of my fellow TNL players (or some other stranger).

(I wish Tsunami could do something about all the oft-colorful remarks I encounter online...the Feedback button just seems like a pointless feature that works less effectively than AIM's warn button.)

As for now, this definitely sounds very promising. Of course, we'll save all the graceful padding until we find out what Microsoft has up their sleeve at this year's E3. Stay tuned.

[Sl1p]

As for now, this definitely sounds very promising and without a doubt, solidifies the fact that the Xbox Live is on its way to being the best console online service available.

On it's way? Uhh..there is NO OTHER console online service available.

[bahn]

Details, details.

Yes obviously the PS2 lacks all that sophisication like Xbox Live and obviously they aren't in the same league since the PS2 BBA is hardware. I still consider that to be a public service for players to compete online. But of course, you already knew that.

Either way, this isn't worth debating over technical errs. Article updated!