Xbox 360 arcade bundle without HD? What games DOES IT NOT play?

[Paul Humbug]

Hi folks,

 

since my post in the classic gaming forum doesn´t get much attention regarding this question, I´ll try it over here.

 

After planning on a PS2, I found out, the bare PS2 bundle doesn´t play you ANY games. You need to have a memory card.

 

Adding the cost of the memory card we´re talking $155 or so, if I buy new.

 

That leaves me thinking if I should invest in next-gen instead with the Xbox 360 arcade bundle for $279.

 

It comes with everything up-and-ready to play but the harddisk.

 

My question: Am I able to play all DVD based games? Am I only limited to Xbox live content? The contrary?

 

I can see myself going for disc based games a lot more than the stuff on Xbox live, but I don´t want to buy this bundle only to find out that most of the disc games require HD.

 

If anyone could shed some light of the inner workings of Xbox 360 I would be very happy.

[GrizzLee]

Hi folks,

 

since my post in the classic gaming forum doesn´t get much attention regarding this question, I´ll try it over here.

 

After planning on a PS2, I found out, the bare PS2 bundle doesn´t play you ANY games. You need to have a memory card.

 

Adding the cost of the memory card we´re talking $155 or so, if I buy new.

 

That leaves me thinking if I should invest in next-gen instead with the Xbox 360 arcade bundle for $279.

 

It comes with everything up-and-ready to play but the harddisk.

 

My question: Am I able to play all DVD based games? Am I only limited to Xbox live content? The contrary?

 

I can see myself going for disc based games a lot more than the stuff on Xbox live, but I don´t want to buy this bundle only to find out that most of the disc games require HD.

 

If anyone could shed some light of the inner workings of Xbox 360 I would be very happy.

 

 

I'm not sure of your question. But you will be limited to play only DVD based ocntent. Extra live content cannot be downloaded. For example, the new Halo 2 and Halo 3 maps cannot be played without a hard drive.

 

-Lee

[Paul Humbug]

I'm not sure of your question. But you will be limited to play only DVD based ocntent. Extra live content cannot be downloaded. For example, the new Halo 2 and Halo 3 maps cannot be played without a hard drive.

 

-Lee

 

Rather this order than vice versa. What about DVD games you can play online with? Do they need HD?

[Lord Helmet]

The DVD games will play just fine without a hard disk. You will need a memory card to save your progress. You can also save Live Arcade games to the memory card, though it probably won't hold more than a few of them.

 

You will not be able to download demos, expansion packs, etc of DVD based games.

 

Bottom line is this:

 

You need some sort of storage for ALL games (due to the need to save your game). You can do this with either a memory card or the HD.

 

 

Edit: I'm pretty sure that the arcade bundle comes with a memory card.

Edited January 2, 2008 by Lord Helmet

[Paul Humbug]

The DVD games will play just fine without a hard disk. You will need a memory card to save your progress. You can also save Live Arcade games to the memory card, though it probably won't hold more than a few of them.

 

You will not be able to download demos, expansion packs, etc of DVD based games.

 

Bottom line is this:

 

You need some sort of storage for ALL games (due to the need to save your game). You can do this with either a memory card or the HD.

 

 

Edit: I'm pretty sure that the arcade bundle comes with a memory card.

 

Yes, it comes. Thanks for the update. Thats what it makes interesting. It´s just a 120 more than for the PS2 right now and the PS doesn´t come with a wireless controller and no games. So, the real difference if I got a wireless controller is a $90. Maybe another $19 for the games. So, I guess I´m talking now $70 between last and next gen.

 

Sure, it doesn´t play all those PS2 games I always wanted to play the past years but maybe it makes up with unique games to come down the road. So, I will sleep over this once more. But Xbox is surely now a very good candidate.

[adolescent]

You also won't be able to play any Xbox games as the backward compatibility requires a HD.

Edited January 2, 2008 by adolescent

[Paul Humbug]

You also won't be able to play any Xbox games as the backward compatibility requires a HD.

 

I´ve no clue about the original xbox games.

 

Was only always following PS2.

[Lord Helmet]

You also won't be able to play any Xbox games as the backward compatibility requires a HD.

 

I´ve no clue about the original xbox games.

 

Was only always following PS2.

 

 

 

If you have the HD, you can play all of these Xbox games on an Xbox 360:

 

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/backwardco...tygameslist.htm

[Paul Humbug]

I´m sure I get a HD one day but for my basic gaming need it will do fine just how it comes.

 

And I finally decided to get the Arcade bundle if nothing else happens for my b-day in around March.

 

I already dropped an order for a game, no way for wife to tell me to get the PS2 (cauz its a tad cheaper and smaller)

 

You might want to kick my butt, but the real "killer" game that sold me finally on the XBox360 is TDU.

 

Just racing around arcadish stlye with this graphics is enough to keep me happy for a long while.

 

Now I just need some good reasons to get the system earlier than 1st week of March. (She thinks such investments need special occasions). Anyone can help?

Edited January 3, 2008 by Paul Humbug

[moycon]

Now I just need some good reasons to get the system earlier than 1st week of March. (She thinks such investments need special occasions). Anyone can help?

 

I would just use the time to stock up on some games so when you get the system you'll be good to go. Many of the older 360 games can be had very cheap new and cheaper used off Amazon.

 

Kameo = New : $18.99 Used : $8.00

Burnout Revenge = New : $28.99 Used : $21.60

Viva Pinata = New : $19.99 Used : $14.50

Far Cry Instincts Predator = Used : $12.99

The Outfit = Used : $10.00

 

All these are solid games.

If you are wary of used games let me tell you, I've literaly bought dozens of used games off Amazon and have yet to get burned. Just be sure to check the seller feedback.

[Paul Humbug]

Now I just need some good reasons to get the system earlier than 1st week of March. (She thinks such investments need special occasions). Anyone can help?

 

I would just use the time to stock up on some games so when you get the system you'll be good to go. Many of the older 360 games can be had very cheap new and cheaper used off Amazon.

 

Kameo = New : $18.99 Used : $8.00

Burnout Revenge = New : $28.99 Used : $21.60

Viva Pinata = New : $19.99 Used : $14.50

Far Cry Instincts Predator = Used : $12.99

The Outfit = Used : $10.00

 

All these are solid games.

If you are wary of used games let me tell you, I've literaly bought dozens of used games off Amazon and have yet to get burned. Just be sure to check the seller feedback.

 

 

Good idea and thanks for the list. I found out many times amazon has good specials on software selling them for the same as used games elsewhere.

 

Just looked up the xbox.com forums. Wasn´t aware that so many consoles break down so many times. Even the Falcon doesn´t sound "perfect". But people are so addicted and getting "just" another Elite or whatever system cauz they can´t wait for Microsoft to repair their system.

 

All in all, doesn´t sound too encouraging to me right now.

 

What´s your experience?

[moycon]

What´s your experience?

 

Easily the least reliable system ever released.

My guess is half of every console released during the first year is going to be sent back...it's that bad.

I'm pretty sure the issues been addressed now in newer versions of the console. I've sent back 3 units (Altho to be fair 2 of them weren't the fault of Microsoft and the first one wasnt because of the Red Ring of Death which seems to be the big problem) Still, it took about 2 weeks, and they throw in some stuff, once I got a free month of Live...once I got a free new power supply!! Bottom line the games are that good that I'd put up with a 2 week down time and just deal with it.

[Paul Humbug]

What´s your experience?

 

Easily the least reliable system ever released.

My guess is half of every console released during the first year is going to be sent back...it's that bad.

I'm pretty sure the issues been addressed now in newer versions of the console. I've sent back 3 units (Altho to be fair 2 of them weren't the fault of Microsoft and the first one wasnt because of the Red Ring of Death which seems to be the big problem) Still, it took about 2 weeks, and they throw in some stuff, once I got a free month of Live...once I got a free new power supply!! Bottom line the games are that good that I'd put up with a 2 week down time and just deal with it.

 

 

Besides the hardware problems: is the system/software prone to freeze a lot? I´ve heard some stuff now.

 

I understand that for most of you the quality of games outweigh the problems, but I have to say, I fear a little to get "just" another PC with Pcish problems (software needs updates/patches, freezes, etc.)

 

From what I´ve read I come to the conclusion, that many games need patches. A HD is act. obligatory. True?

 

 

Thanks

[Lord Helmet]

Most of the games I play have been patched at some time.

 

I don't have freezing issues, but I have had one console die on me. MS replaced it no questions asked.

[moycon]

Besides the hardware problems: is the system/software prone to freeze a lot? I´ve heard some stuff now.

 

Actually that was the reason that I returned the first unit. It would freeze up playing PDZ so I returned it. It's very rare I have issues with freezing since then though. Some games do require updates, you don't need to accept the update, but I don't think you can play online if you don't accept. I guess it just sends the update to the memory card? Not really sure about that.

[Paul Humbug]

Besides the hardware problems: is the system/software prone to freeze a lot? I´ve heard some stuff now.

 

Actually that was the reason that I returned the first unit. It would freeze up playing PDZ so I returned it. It's very rare I have issues with freezing since then though. Some games do require updates, you don't need to accept the update, but I don't think you can play online if you don't accept. I guess it just sends the update to the memory card? Not really sure about that.

 

 

That would be good to know if I can install updates/patches on the memory card rather than HD. If yes, great, if no, then this arcade bundle is a bluff, since you have to run 3 days later and get the expensive HD upgrade.

[+HammR25]

I've had freezing problems and my 360 will suddenly stop reading a game disc that has absolutely no visible scratches on it.

 

I need to call MS and complain. When I sent in my console for RROD it took about 3 weeks in total. 1 week to get the coffin and then two weeks after that to get the console back.