I'll try to list all the ways you can communicate via XBL (correct if I'm wrong, I KNOW I'll forget some)Don't make me laugh...XBOXLIVE allows you to communicate with your friends and people across the globe in more than one way. XBOXLIVE also has a very active marketplace that keeps us up to date on the latest games, takes advantage of the arcade with lot's of original games, and lot's more.
- Adlibs in game (e.g in Resi5, hold B and press up on D-Pad to say "Go!", B and left for "Thanks", B for "Come on", B and Down for "Wait".
- Party Chat via Mics - You join a party and, via cross game chat, you can talk with a bunch of mates.
- In Game 1v1 mic chat - Talk to your opponent e.g in a fighting game (PSN has this)
- Texts - Send messages
PSN still doesn't have cross game chat. Hell, IDK if it has party chat with all in the same game. But, paying for those extra little things is stupid. It's like saying "I can talk with all my friends in the market" and "I can talk with all my friends overseas". You're still talking to your friends, location is the only real difference. Slight convenience here and there, but it's nothing that shoots XBL over PSN.
I know people who communicate with mics, with Vent, etc. Paying for XBL is saying you're a sheep who will take anything from M$, as long as you get what it is you're looking for. PC and PSN are superior because you don't have to waste money for a service that is equally as good at no extra cost.
Original games that suck, if anything. Who plays those ***** Indies, besides those with no friends online?