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Official Xbox 360? Thread...

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Well I finished Tomb Raider last night, and it only took me 3 sittings. It's one of the best single player games I've played in a long time (possibly the best on the 360) but it's just so short ... only like 8.5 hours total gameplay. However it definitely is a great game and worth the rental so you can play through it once. I even played it on hard and it wasn't really that hard.
 
Wow - I actually saw 360 hard drives sitting on a store shelf today. That is a first. I didn't even see them at launch.
 
Originally posted by: purbeast0
Well I finished Tomb Raider last night, and it only took me 3 sittings. It's one of the best single player games I've played in a long time (possibly the best on the 360) but it's just so short ... only like 8.5 hours total gameplay. However it definitely is a great game and worth the rental so you can play through it once. I even played it on hard and it wasn't really that hard.

Got to agree, playing through it now, great game.
 
Originally posted by: Muadib
Originally posted by: Darkstar757
man i want more info on this HD-DVD drive.
Me too, but I'm calling shens on the $100 price.
I'm on the fence about that. It really depends how badly MS wants HD-DVD to succeed. I think that if they want it badly enough, they'll shoot for the $100 price point. That will guarantee a large percentage of the 360 user base will purchase one (I know I would). I won't be shocked if they price it at $100 (they'll probably need to be around there to keep pace with the PS3 and it's over-hyped blu-ray drive). I also wouldn't be shocked that around the time we start seeing PS3s, we also see 360s with built-in HD-DVD drives for a slight premium. A lot of people will look at the optical drive as much as anything and determine that since the PS3 uses a next generation optical drive, it must be the true next generation console.
 
Originally posted by: BornStar18
Originally posted by: Muadib
Originally posted by: Darkstar757
man i want more info on this HD-DVD drive.
Me too, but I'm calling shens on the $100 price.
I'm on the fence about that. It really depends how badly MS wants HD-DVD to succeed. I think that if they want it badly enough, they'll shoot for the $100 price point. That will guarantee a large percentage of the 360 user base will purchase one (I know I would). I won't be shocked if they price it at $100 (they'll probably need to be around there to keep pace with the PS3 and it's over-hyped blu-ray drive). I also wouldn't be shocked that around the time we start seeing PS3s, we also see 360s with built-in HD-DVD drives for a slight premium. A lot of people will look at the optical drive as much as anything and determine that since the PS3 uses a next generation optical drive, it must be the true next generation console.

I dunno about all that, considering it's going to be an external USB device, and it's not going to even be used for games at all, strictly for movies. No XBox 360 game is going to be on a HDDVD (atleast thats what they keep saying) so I don't see that happening. Bundled in for some type of "special premium" package I can see, but never making the actual drive inside the 360 one that can play HDDVD movies, and especially not as early as this fall.
 
Originally posted by: purbeast0
Originally posted by: BornStar18
Originally posted by: Muadib
Originally posted by: Darkstar757
man i want more info on this HD-DVD drive.
Me too, but I'm calling shens on the $100 price.
I'm on the fence about that. It really depends how badly MS wants HD-DVD to succeed. I think that if they want it badly enough, they'll shoot for the $100 price point. That will guarantee a large percentage of the 360 user base will purchase one (I know I would). I won't be shocked if they price it at $100 (they'll probably need to be around there to keep pace with the PS3 and it's over-hyped blu-ray drive). I also wouldn't be shocked that around the time we start seeing PS3s, we also see 360s with built-in HD-DVD drives for a slight premium. A lot of people will look at the optical drive as much as anything and determine that since the PS3 uses a next generation optical drive, it must be the true next generation console.

I dunno about all that, considering it's going to be an external USB device, and it's not going to even be used for games at all, strictly for movies. No XBox 360 game is going to be on a HDDVD (atleast thats what they keep saying) so I don't see that happening. Bundled in for some type of "special premium" package I can see, but never making the actual drive inside the 360 one that can play HDDVD movies, and especially not as early as this fall.

I concur on that. I can see a price drop on the 360, (Maybe no more core?) and then a new one with a packed in HD-DVD drive.

Now, here's a question. Since HD-DVD players also upscale DVD movies, would the xbox one? Since the xbox plays dvds on it's own, I wonder if that feature would be in there, or if it would be limited to just HD-DVDs. I don't know the HD DVD hardware really (Not buying one for months so I havent read up) so I am not sure if it's all just built in and they'll all scale no matter what, or if that option can be removed and save price on the 360 one
 
Originally posted by: TheShiz
Originally posted by: jlmadyson
Originally posted by: purbeast0
Well I finished Tomb Raider last night, and it only took me 3 sittings. It's one of the best single player games I've played in a long time (possibly the best on the 360) but it's just so short ... only like 8.5 hours total gameplay. However it definitely is a great game and worth the rental so you can play through it once. I even played it on hard and it wasn't really that hard.

Got to agree, playing through it now, great game.

i played the demo and it seems like the same old crap, don't you people get sick of stupid jumps, hanging on ropes and cliffs and goofy puzzles? and i just played tomb raider 1 and 2 on the ps1, i definately recommend trying the demo before you plop down $50 for it.

oblivion on the other hand, i've played around 100 hours, and i think that is enough, but that comes to less than a dollar an hour of entertainment and i'll probably sell it and recover at least 60%, bargain.

 
Originally posted by: purbeast0
Originally posted by: BornStar18
Originally posted by: Muadib
Originally posted by: Darkstar757
man i want more info on this HD-DVD drive.
Me too, but I'm calling shens on the $100 price.
I'm on the fence about that. It really depends how badly MS wants HD-DVD to succeed. I think that if they want it badly enough, they'll shoot for the $100 price point. That will guarantee a large percentage of the 360 user base will purchase one (I know I would). I won't be shocked if they price it at $100 (they'll probably need to be around there to keep pace with the PS3 and it's over-hyped blu-ray drive). I also wouldn't be shocked that around the time we start seeing PS3s, we also see 360s with built-in HD-DVD drives for a slight premium. A lot of people will look at the optical drive as much as anything and determine that since the PS3 uses a next generation optical drive, it must be the true next generation console.

I dunno about all that, considering it's going to be an external USB device, and it's not going to even be used for games at all, strictly for movies. No XBox 360 game is going to be on a HDDVD (atleast thats what they keep saying) so I don't see that happening. Bundled in for some type of "special premium" package I can see, but never making the actual drive inside the 360 one that can play HDDVD movies, and especially not as early as this fall.
Exactly why I think they'll integrate it. The external drive would have to be smaller than most (just to keep with the size down) which is bound to add to the cost. It would be far cheaper to allow for a standard 5.25" drive and remove the DVD-ROM from the 360. From Microsoft's standpoint it's a win-win as they get to reduce costs and charge more for an upgraded device (likely the charged price of the DVD 360+external HD-DVD drive would be the same as a 360 with an internal HD-DVD drive). This is just a guess on my part but to me, it makes sense.
 
Anyone compare the Xbox 360 wireless adapter's 802.11a performance vs 802.11g?

Actually I don't need an über fast connection, but an ultra-reliable one would be nice. I have not tried that Xbox 360 wireless adapter yet, but on my 802.11g network with my laptop, it sometimes is unreliable when the microwave oven is on.

The other issue is that my Xbox 360 is physically beneath my TV and some other components, so I'm wonder if the 802.11a lower signal penetration might become a factor here.

In the meantime I'm using the Logitech Play Link. Works great for music streaming and seems fine for Xbox Live logins, but it takes too long for media downloads since I don't get more than 100 KB/s (800 Kbps) through this setup. I guess I can't complain though since it only cost $12 (plus shipping), and there is zero configuration needed.
 
I keep hoping they'll take a step back from their "no HD-DVD games" policy. Would it really be so hard to use hybrid DVD/HD-DVDs to provide backwards-compat for people without the HD-DVD upgrade? If it's just higher resolution assets, it shouldn't take that much more time to do testing on both versions. It would go a long way to alleviate concerns about PS3's Blu-Ray drive being hugely advantageous.

Eug: 802.11a should provide better connectivity, since microwaves operate near/at 2.4ghz.

-Erwos
 
Free week to accompany E3 Xbox Live push

Microsoft to offer demos and new content during show; free Xbox Live Gold all week long.

By Brendan Sinclair, GameSpot
Posted Apr 26, 2006 12:24 pm PT

The online experience has been a big emphasis of Microsoft's Xbox 360 promotional effort, and the publisher is looking to push it even harder heading into this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo. In a recently posted interview with Microsoft's Peter Moore (the company's corporate vice president for both the interactive entertainment business and the entertainment and devices division, for those keeping track), Xbox.com confirms what many have expected. Namely, that Microsoft is going to use the Xbox Live Marketplace to bring users at home closer to the E3 experience.

"E3 will be a real test for Xbox Live because everyone will be tuned into their Xbox consoles and continually downloading new content," according to the Xbox.com article. "Xbox Live members should be able to play many of the demos that even the celebrities will be testing out at E3."

The E3 push doesn't end there, however. Verizon is once again sponsoring free Xbox Live Gold for all 360 users. But instead of sponsoring a few day's worth of complimentary online play, the company is ponying up to give gamers a full week of free play. The E3 2006 Free Xbox Live Gold Week kicks off May 8 and runs through May 14. Verizon is promising a number of events and exclusive content for the week, including a "Backstage Pass to E3 2006" and a giveaway of a million Xbox Live Marketplace points.

 
Major delays for 360 titles ...

Well looks like my 360 is going to collect dust this summer. Heh also, I don't want to go quote myself, but when I got back from Zero Hour I tried to tell EVERYONE that Cliffy B specifically "hinted" that we won't see Gears of War until holiday season 06, regardless of what everyone was speculating and the release dates we saw. No one believe me.

But now look at the release date on it ... November.

The 360 is really REALLY starting to disappoint me. It's slowly going downhill as a system as a whole.
 
Originally posted by: purbeast0
Major delays for 360 titles ...

Well looks like my 360 is going to collect dust this summer. Heh also, I don't want to go quote myself, but when I got back from Zero Hour I tried to tell EVERYONE that Cliffy B specifically "hinted" that we won't see Gears of War until holiday season 06, regardless of what everyone was speculating and the release dates we saw. No one believe me.

But now look at the release date on it ... November.

The 360 is really REALLY starting to disappoint me. It's slowly going downhill as a system as a whole.

I expected a bit a dry spell over summer even though there should still be a few titles I will pick; this fall however should be nice. Anyhow I have seen a number of IPs being announced for the 360 in the last few weeks as well as valve announcing they are working on something for the 360. I'm just not disappointed at this point at all; with E3 right around the corner I'm sure MS has some good stuff up their sleeve, plus live, unlimited content capabilities is just a huge plus in my book. I'm willing to bear out, as the content will continue to get better imho.
 
Originally posted by: purbeast0
Major delays for 360 titles ...

Well looks like my 360 is going to collect dust this summer. Heh also, I don't want to go quote myself, but when I got back from Zero Hour I tried to tell EVERYONE that Cliffy B specifically "hinted" that we won't see Gears of War until holiday season 06, regardless of what everyone was speculating and the release dates we saw. No one believe me.

But now look at the release date on it ... November.

The 360 is really REALLY starting to disappoint me. It's slowly going downhill as a system as a whole.

All I could think of when I saw that list was Splinter Cell in September. I figure I should be done with Oblivion right around September....damn Oblivion is huge.
 
Originally posted by: jlmadyson
Originally posted by: purbeast0
Major delays for 360 titles ...

Well looks like my 360 is going to collect dust this summer. Heh also, I don't want to go quote myself, but when I got back from Zero Hour I tried to tell EVERYONE that Cliffy B specifically "hinted" that we won't see Gears of War until holiday season 06, regardless of what everyone was speculating and the release dates we saw. No one believe me.

But now look at the release date on it ... November.

The 360 is really REALLY starting to disappoint me. It's slowly going downhill as a system as a whole.

I expected a bit a dry spell over summer even though there should still be a few titles I will pick; this fall however should be nice. Anyhow I have seen a number of IPs being announced for the 360 in the last few weeks as well as valve announcing they are working on something for the 360. I'm just not disappointed at this point at all; with E3 right around the corner I'm sure MS has some good stuff up their sleeve, plus live, unlimited content capabilities is just a huge plus in my book. I'm willing to bear out, as the content will continue to get better imho.

I'm hoping the marketplace will improve. So far it's been a huge disappointment. It has a horrible layout and the new content just isn't there. They are having demos come out after the game is launched. They keep delaying these XBLA games which is starting to get even worse. They keep delaying demos even after they have announced them.

I still have faith in them, but my 360 breaking, along with all of these huge delays, is just making me lose faith in the 360 in general. But we'll see next month.
 
Originally posted by: purbeast0
Originally posted by: jlmadyson
Originally posted by: purbeast0
Major delays for 360 titles ...

Well looks like my 360 is going to collect dust this summer. Heh also, I don't want to go quote myself, but when I got back from Zero Hour I tried to tell EVERYONE that Cliffy B specifically "hinted" that we won't see Gears of War until holiday season 06, regardless of what everyone was speculating and the release dates we saw. No one believe me.

But now look at the release date on it ... November.

The 360 is really REALLY starting to disappoint me. It's slowly going downhill as a system as a whole.

I expected a bit a dry spell over summer even though there should still be a few titles I will pick; this fall however should be nice. Anyhow I have seen a number of IPs being announced for the 360 in the last few weeks as well as valve announcing they are working on something for the 360. I'm just not disappointed at this point at all; with E3 right around the corner I'm sure MS has some good stuff up their sleeve, plus live, unlimited content capabilities is just a huge plus in my book. I'm willing to bear out, as the content will continue to get better imho.

I'm hoping the marketplace will improve. So far it's been a huge disappointment. It has a horrible layout and the new content just isn't there. They are having demos come out after the game is launched. They keep delaying these XBLA games which is starting to get even worse. They keep delaying demos even after they have announced them.

I still have faith in them, but my 360 breaking, along with all of these huge delays, is just making me lose faith in the 360 in general. But we'll see next month.

Well I'll be honest - out of the games I've rented and played so forth, I've pretty much devoted my time to my 360 in:

1) Geometry Wars
2) Halo 2
3) PGR3

I'm not a hardcore gamer by any means but I am a little disappointed. Like any new system though, it needs time to mature and develop.
 
Originally posted by: RagingBITCH
Originally posted by: purbeast0
Originally posted by: jlmadyson
Originally posted by: purbeast0
Major delays for 360 titles ...

Well looks like my 360 is going to collect dust this summer. Heh also, I don't want to go quote myself, but when I got back from Zero Hour I tried to tell EVERYONE that Cliffy B specifically "hinted" that we won't see Gears of War until holiday season 06, regardless of what everyone was speculating and the release dates we saw. No one believe me.

But now look at the release date on it ... November.

The 360 is really REALLY starting to disappoint me. It's slowly going downhill as a system as a whole.

I expected a bit a dry spell over summer even though there should still be a few titles I will pick; this fall however should be nice. Anyhow I have seen a number of IPs being announced for the 360 in the last few weeks as well as valve announcing they are working on something for the 360. I'm just not disappointed at this point at all; with E3 right around the corner I'm sure MS has some good stuff up their sleeve, plus live, unlimited content capabilities is just a huge plus in my book. I'm willing to bear out, as the content will continue to get better imho.

I'm hoping the marketplace will improve. So far it's been a huge disappointment. It has a horrible layout and the new content just isn't there. They are having demos come out after the game is launched. They keep delaying these XBLA games which is starting to get even worse. They keep delaying demos even after they have announced them.

I still have faith in them, but my 360 breaking, along with all of these huge delays, is just making me lose faith in the 360 in general. But we'll see next month.

Well I'll be honest - out of the games I've rented and played so forth, I've pretty much devoted my time to my 360 in:

1) Geometry Wars
2) Halo 2
3) PGR3

I'm not a hardcore gamer by any means but I am a little disappointed. Like any new system though, it needs time to mature and develop.

PGR3
oblivion
GRAW for me

rented pretty much everything else..
some fun good games.. me im waiting for test drive unlimited and NCAA2007
and Dead Rising.
 
Originally posted by: purbeast0
Major delays for 360 titles ...

Well looks like my 360 is going to collect dust this summer. Heh also, I don't want to go quote myself, but when I got back from Zero Hour I tried to tell EVERYONE that Cliffy B specifically "hinted" that we won't see Gears of War until holiday season 06, regardless of what everyone was speculating and the release dates we saw. No one believe me.

But now look at the release date on it ... November.

The 360 is really REALLY starting to disappoint me. It's slowly going downhill as a system as a whole.

The GoW date is not surprising. That was pretty much confirmed weeks ago.

Looking at this list though, games I will check out this summer through rental or purchase:
Rockstar Table Tennis
MotoGP 2006
Dead Rising
Chromehounds
NCAA Football 2007
Prey
Lord of the Rings (want to see how they pull off RTS)
and maybe Bomberman

I like the announcements made so far and hope to see more out of E3.
 
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