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Xbox graphics - anyone else disappointed?

S

Stoerm

Senior member
I didn't post this on an xbox forum because I know xbox fans get really upset by PC people trashing their system, but I need some advice here...

I've recently purchased an xbox and I'm trying really hard to like it, but the graphics seem very poor to me. I promise I'm really not a video snob at all... Heck, I still have a GF 2 in my main computer while my wife's computer has a newer Radeon in it. To the amazement of my computer friends, the GF2 is still performing well enough for me to not worry too much about switching the cards out. Still, even with my less than particular taste about computer graphics, the xbox graphics seem just plain bad.

It occurs to me that maybe the TVs I'm using are the problem. At first, I was using it on a really old (like, 20 years old - no kidding) TV and I figured this was the problem. However, a friend of mine purchased a new TV tonight and when I hustled over there to try it out I was somewhat disappointed. On a brand new non-flat screen 24" TV it looks a wee bit better, but still pretty bad. The games I've played so far are: Tetris and Clone Wars, Return of the King, Burnout 2, and Shenmue 2 (this last one looked a bit better that the others).

Do I have unreasonable expectations of the xbox? Is this just how it is and should I simply take it or leave it? Or are there measures I should take to remedy the problem (such as a flat screen TV or a particular brand that has a better resolution)? Are the games I'm playing just kind of poor graphically? Note: I'm actually looking to replace the 20 y/o Magnavox, but I am NOT going to spend $600+ on a TV for the few hours per month that I will use it. Size matters not to me - if it's a small set, I'll sit closer.

Any suggestions to help me love my xbox? Or should I just stick to PC gaming?

Thanks!
 
There are a lot of factors to make your Xbox gaming experience look better. This includes the types of cables you are using to the quality of your TV set. There are also different games which support progressive scan which can make a huge difference in the graphical quality of your games.
 
I'm using the cables that the game came with. Is this a mistake? Progressive scan, eh? I"ll look into this. Can you recommend a good TV set in the $200-300 range or am I just dreaming? I know lots about PC hardware, but nothing at all about TVs and such.

I"ll check out Mace Griffin next time I get a chance to drop by the rental place. I think I remember seeing it there last time...
 
The games that you're using are definitely not graphics showcases for the Xbox. Try something like Dead or Alive 3 (just rent it...it's not worth the purchase, IMO). Also, go download the Halo 2 trailers. Games like these will help the true power of your Xbox shine through.
 
Well said, UncleWai. Would it be worthwhile to seek a way to connect one of my old 17" Dell monitors to the xbox? From what I've seen, it will cost me at least $50 to do this...
 
Heh, I'm buying a new 27" sony WEGA flatscreen in the next couple days, what will the quality be like when running super smash bros on my ancient n64? I can't bring myself to get rid of such a classic 😀
 
yes you were caught in the hype in beleiving the xbox is as dominant graphics wise as microsoft wants it to be. Its strong not doubt and the most powerful of the bunch, but the Ps2 and GC aren't that far behind...

so basically...If a tornado was a hype machine, you'd be the cow that gets sucked into it

not saying the xbox is bad (though i must admit halo wasn't all that great...) b/c i noe some people will try to say i'm some hater...but it isn't as powerful as they might want it to seem 😉
 
Stoerm, it's not the XBox, it's the games you're playing. Those games suck in the graphics department. Check out Dead or Alive 3 and Splinter Cell. AWESOME looking games! I haven't seen ANYTHING that will compare to Dead or Alive 3 graphics wise, console or PC. 😉

Post back with your opinion after you've checked out those games.

yes you were caught in the hype in beleiving the xbox is as dominant graphics wise as microsoft wants it to be. Its strong not doubt and the most powerful of the bunch, but the Ps2 and GC aren't that far behind...
Click to expand...
The PS2 is WAY behind, but the GC has some pretty good graphics.
 
Or, if you can, hook up your XBOX to an HDTV with component cables, and play Soul Caliber II in 720p. Then see what you think.
 
Originally posted by: JackBurton
Stoerm, it's not the XBox, it's the games you're playing. Those games suck in the graphics department. Check out Dead or Alive 3 and Splinter Cell. AWESOME looking games! I haven't seen ANYTHING that will compare to Dead or Alive 3 graphics wise, console or PC. 😉

Post back with your opinion after you've checked out those games.

yes you were caught in the hype in beleiving the xbox is as dominant graphics wise as microsoft wants it to be. Its strong not doubt and the most powerful of the bunch, but the Ps2 and GC aren't that far behind...
Click to expand...
The PS2 is WAY behind, but the GC has some pretty good graphics.
Click to expand...

Exactly, Not to mention the fact that the XBOX scales itself to your display. A crappy TV set wont magically turn into an HDTV just because you hook an XBOX up to it.

 
I know I was simply amazed at the Halo textures- especially the ice and rock surfaces, when I first got my XBOX.
 
DoA is fantastic. The graphics are pretty amazing. Especially for when it came out. It helps that I like fighting games though, lol. I pretty much bought my XBox just for that game at first. Anything else has been a bonus.
 
Originally posted by: Rectalfier
Play Halo on your Xbox, and then on your PC. You will appreciate your Xbox after that.
Click to expand...
Yeah good idea. Go and play Halo on X-Box with the naffish gfx, then play it on PC with the slightly beter PS 2.0 visuals!!! 😀
 
xbox does its thing. it has better graphics than the other 2 consoles. that's all it needed to beat. Theres no way the xbox could match the graphics of a computer. Apples and oranges.
 
Put your Xbox on a 57" HDTV with the HDTV pack running progressive scan and then come back. Until then, you've not truly experienced the Xbox. Madden 2004 and GTA: Vice City are awesome on my friend's HDTV.
 
Originally posted by: Sid59
xbox does its thing. it has better graphics than the other 2 consoles. that's all it needed to beat. Theres no way the xbox could match the graphics of a computer. Apples and oranges.
Click to expand...

Not really... more like apples and steak =)
 
Originally posted by: Jeff7181
Originally posted by: Sid59
xbox does its thing. it has better graphics than the other 2 consoles. that's all it needed to beat. Theres no way the xbox could match the graphics of a computer. Apples and oranges.
Click to expand...

Not really... more like apples and steak =)
Click to expand...

mmmm steak ... :beer:
 
I agree with most everyone has said about the games.

Play DOA3, Rallisport Challenge, and Splinter Cell. You will find those to be the most beautiful games out there.
 
Shenmue II is an aesome game! But the graphics suck because it's a Dreamcast port. If you want to see awesome Xbox graphics, check out Panzer Dragoon Orta or Jet Set Radio Future.
 
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