I've only played it for about 3 hours as well, SB, but it was among my favourite 3 hours this year. I thought it was outstanding. Diff'rent strokes :).

Totally agree. I've played a succession of awesome games so far this season, so the high review scores are only a reflection of the general quality around.

No I don't know that. Feel free to provide evidence to support this theory. There is none.

I agree that everyone would charge if they could get it past their customers. I can certainly see a future where every next-gen console comes with an online subscription package. Microsoft have proven it can work, so the others may do it too.

Sony's alternative is not necessarily less lucrative. Micro-transactions, their growing commitment towards free-to-play MMO systems (Free Realms, Home etc). There's a train of thought that that is even more lucrative than the normal subscription model - it certainly has been successful on PCs. So I don't think there's a clear winner in this battle just yet.

The PC remains an anomaly. I simply can't see anyone paying a subscription for a Steam-style service yet, when so many free alternatives exist.

I agree in a sense, grognard, but the simple fact is that to play games on the internet with a Wii, a PS3, a PC or even a DS or a PSP, you do not have to pay an extra monthly fee. While this is the case, it seems like there's a fairly clear and simple criticism of Microsoft here - they are charging for what is free on every other platform. Trying to make out it is the new norm doesn't really make any sense.