Opinion of X-Box after a few days....

[Cassidy Nolen]

First of all, no, I did not sell out my morals and buy one. I have a friend that brought one over and a number of games. I wanted to share my thoughts after a few nights....

 

For starters, this thing is noisy and BIG. I do not understand why the cables have some sort of adapter (considering they could have eliminated all that mess, and they pull out of socket really easily). Cables are quality, I did note that.

 

Turning it on, I didn't know what to expect. Controllers felt like cheap 3rd party ones, you know, the ones that sort of dont "fit" in your hands?

 

I plugged in Shrek. I was amused for a few minutes at the farting and burping, but not worth money or time to figure out. On to Batman.

 

What a turd! I enjoyed the 8 bit NES one more. Strange sequencing, and not interesting to me. Maybe I am jaded, but haven't we seen all of that in Tomb Raider?...

 

Sega GT. Plainly stated: Gran Turismo handling, good graphics. Not my bag, but not bad overall.

 

JSRF: Did not care for the cell shading thing on DC, aint getting any better for me here.

 

HALO: Would not work, too many scratches. Not the game's fault. Just adds to the lackluster experience..

 

F1: FUN! I really liked it. Good game, nice tracks, and fun. Very pleasing, really the only game I liked on it. Better than most drivers I have in my collection.

 

Jedi Somethin or other 2: Dogfight was fun. Did not get much time in on it, and had to turn in for the night.

 

Overall, I was not impressed with the system. I had considered buying one, but tonight will rent Arctic Thunder and Crazy Taxi 3. Those will be the deal breaker for me. Right now, I would not buy one, but those few titles could change that.

 

One thing I did notice though; my Vader 2600 looks mighty good on top of it!

 

Cassidy

[chrisbid]

i think youll like it better if you pop in a mod chip and MAME

[cryptik76]

You're not impressed with it why? Because of the games? I hate to tell you this, but most of what you've listed is not exactly the cream of the crop as far as Xbox titles are concerned.

 

Splinter Cell, Halo, Max Payne, Project Gotham Racing, D.O.A. 3, and probably many more... are all good games.

 

Shrek? Batman? Not exactly representative of the quality or power of Xbox games.

 

I think you should rent some good games before you pass judgment on the system.

[NE146]

Agree w/ chrisbid there. The emulation experience on the xbox is pure goodness. Who the heck plays Xbox games?

[Paralistalon]

I've played Arctic Thunder in the arcade. Don't expect a lot of replay value. The game is really only good in the arcade where the seat vibrates and the screen spits air in your face. Other than that, the game itself is kind of crummy with the worst case of racing-game-cheating you'll ever see.

[ubersaurus]

The cables pop out of the sockets for a reason-if someone accidentally walks over the cable and yanks it out, there won't be any damage to the system connector itself, because the cable detaches. This way you won't have to worry about the system itself falling off its spot because of clumsiness, either.

[+Cafeman]

I have to question the games you've tried so far. Few or none of those are really good at delivering a decent first impression of the Xmachine.

 

I'd rent Panzer Dragoon Orta, Rallisport, or Moto GP for a (maybe) more positive experience. And get a working Halo too.

 

P.S.. I don't have an Xbox yet either, but I've played it a number of times.

[Cassidy Nolen]

Now we're talkin!

 

The connectors make good sense. I still don't care for the controllers, buty hey, someone thought the 5200's were a good idea!

 

As for titles, thanks for the suggestions. I will be renting a few of those tonight (namely racing, but may look into some fighters). Lets see if its a software thing.

 

I was pretty sure Shrek was not the top notch game for the system, but free borrower's cant be really choosy!

 

I'll let you know what I think after I play it a bit.

 

Now how do I add that mod chip....

 

Cassidy

 

BTW, can you copy a game into the hard drive and play it from there?

[ubersaurus]

Now we're talkin!

 

The connectors make good sense.  I still don't care for the controllers, buty hey,  someone thought the 5200's were a good idea!

 

As for titles, thanks for the suggestions.  I will be renting a few of those tonight (namely racing, but may look into some fighters).  Lets see if its a software thing.  

 

I was pretty sure Shrek was not the top notch game for the system, but free borrower's cant be really choosy!

 

I'll let you know what I think after I play it a bit.  

 

Now how do I add that mod chip....

 

Cassidy

 

BTW, can you copy a game into the hard drive and play it from there?

 

There's a hard drive upgrade mod available that allows you to copy entire games into the hard drive, but the stock one isn't large enough.

 

Also remember that unless you go for the expensive mods, if you try to connect to live it'll ban that particular xbox permanently. Microsoft is pretty strict on the no cheating rule to the point where they won't allow any detectable modded boxes online.

[MegaManFan]

Cassidy, let me know how Oddworld is if you decide to rent it - if not no biggie; I've just always been mad this was an X-Box console exclusive since I am a big fan of the first two games on PS1 (I took the time to beat both, and for me that's rare).

[Mock]

Crazy Taxi is a blast on the Xbox...

 

Halo is a must play game...

 

Whiteout is also a pretty fun game...

 

Splinter Cell and Ghost Recon are both great games...

 

*most of the games you noted would suck on any system.

 

Try the others before you decide.

Mock

[Starscream]

Cassidy, let me know how Oddworld is if you decide to rent it - if not no biggie; I've just always been mad this was an X-Box console exclusive since I am a big fan of the first two games on PS1 (I took the time to beat both, and for me that's rare).

 

Oddworld is sweet That was the first game I bought and it blew me away. Doesn't ever get mentioned but it is really a good game. Don't be mad, just get an XB Oh, and you can now play the original Oddworlds' on there as well......

 

There's a hard drive upgrade mod available that allows you to copy entire games into the hard drive, but the stock one isn't large enough.  

Also remember that unless you go for the expensive mods, if you try to connect to live it'll ban that particular xbox permanently. Microsoft is pretty strict on the no cheating rule to the point where they won't allow any detectable modded boxes online.

 

Yea most are 8gigs some of the newer ones have 20gigs. In any case, you can have 480gigs so that should be just about enough room You can go online with any mod without worries but if you do it the wrong way and do get banned, they ban that particular XB's serial number. Of course, there is a fix for that

[liquid_sky]

or you can just avoid xbox live and use the gamespy service once you mod chip

[Geeknout]

Halo is a must play. I also liked StarWars Obi-Wan, but Im kind of a StarWars geek. Once you get about halfway through the game it gets really cool. Most people that give it bad reviews never play it that far because the first few levels kinda suck. There is one level where you slaughter Sand People thats alot of fun. You can also have a Jedi battle with a friend or take on all of the Jedis in a free-for-all BONUS level. If you rent it you may wanna use the cheat code: "GREYTHERAT" to check out all of the levels.

[DeV0]

Halo is good but you'll probably only play it once, Not quite as groundbreaking as i thought it would be, 2 weapons only??? hmmmm

I Like JSFR, its a love or hate thing though. Project gotham is an old title now but still a good one. Rallisport is a pretty cool rally game. Oh, halo will be on pc soon, i'll buy that one for multiplayer and mods, We havent got xbox live here yet

[moycon]

I'm still not sold on XBOX. HALO yes you'd be foolish to not get that game since everyone and their mom brings it up.... and Morrowind... Ive heard decent things about that game. And I believe I'd purchase the console for it alone if the price dropped enough.

 

I don't pay alot of attention to XBOX but do they release games on a monthy basis?? It doesn't seem it when folk keep bringing up the same ol same ol. Makes it very difficult to decided between XBOX and GameCUBE when the time comes. Nintendo seems to have lots of games you cant get on the other consoles, a definate plus in my book. Does XBOX have exclusives also?? I think Panzer Dragoon Orta is...isn't it?? I know Shrek is, but I heard it blew chunks. Same with OddWorld. I played it for about 30 minutes and it seemed pretty un-inspiring.

 

I might have to do what Cassidy's doing a obtain one for a couple weeks.

Can anyone loan me an Xbox? Also can you buy 3rd party controllers that are a better fit for gamer hands? I didn't like the original or the newer controllers MS released, I think a decent set of controllers would really help this console out.

[ElectricTroy]

.

 

I'll just my PC to play Xbox games. It might take a while, but eventually all the oustanding X games will be ported over.

[BoOchan!]

The reason why I don't terribly like the Xbox is because of the amount of FPS's and Racing Games. For a Start, I never have 2 player Games (What happens when you're a loner ). I like JSRF, Espically the Music. Sega GT is bland, Halo was way too hyped. I really like the Xbox Version of Morrowind III, Good Port from PC- Console. I have a grand total of 5-6 Games for it after owning it since December.

 

I'm going to buy a gamecube, The Sonic titles and Nintendo Staples lure me over. Hey, It's the first Nintendo console I've ever bought new!

[Cassidy Nolen]

Well,

 

I went to Hollywood Video to rent some games for game night. I rented the only one they had (I guess there is quite a following in my area for this system, they were all out) that I was interested in: Crazy Taxi 3.

 

I should start by adding, I am a huge fan of the CT games on the DC, and have even considered the 2Grand+ pricetag for a real one for my basement. I am very impressed with the game. Controls are dead on, its entertaining, and the graphics are great. Slows down on the "Vegas Strip" a good bit, and I am not sure I expected that to happen (very DC of it! Thats what keeps Hydrothunder from being the most perfect port of all time in 2 player head to head mode IMHO). The course is very short, though. You can easily make it around the entire course in a matter of a 5 minute game. Not an easy feat in the first one. I would rate the game:

 

Replay value: 8 out of 10

Graphics and Sound 9 out of 10

Play Value overall 8 out of 10 (only because the course is so short).

 

Its nice to see the mini games, and also to have the other 2 'tracks" on the disc. Saves you from dragging out another console to play.

 

Next to rent will be Arctic Thunder and Project Gotham. Tried to play Sega GT again. Very disappointing. I guess thats why its a pack in (remembers the days of Pac Man packaging with the 2600).

 

I am not sold on it yet, but do feel there is a chance a true "classic fanatic" will eventually get one (also read as hack it to death, stay off line, burn MAME for it, etc, etc, etc... )

 

 

Thanks for all the input on this topic. Great to read.

 

Cassidy

[JagMX]

First of all, no, I did not sell out my morals and buy one.  

 

why do some many people have to say stupid shit like that when it comes to the xbox, big fukin deal its from Microsoft, its a fukin game system and a good one. The only time you sell out your morals is when you buy a Piece Of Shit 2

 

anywho

some more recommendations for the box

Splashdown - better than the ps2 version

Fatal Frame - better tha nthe ps2 version IMO

Sega Soccer Slam - if you like soccer games that are crazy

Crash Bandicoot

Project Gotham Racing

Panzer Dragoon Orta

Rayman 3

Hunter The Reckoning

and many many more

[bradjewell]

I know theres a lot of games for xbox that are also on PC, but sometimes Id rather play em on a console. I'm a pretty big RPG fan, and if you like em, there are some nice ones on the xbox.

 

 

Morrowind--- very expansive and be had for 20 dollars...

baldur's gate:dark alliance - got it the other day for 9.99 at best buy..... good game....

 

others:

splinter cell... nice looking game

metal gear solid 2: the best port in my opinion- ive played the others.

gauntlet legends- cheap and fun, great for multiple people

unreal tournament

halo ---- multiplayer fun

 

a lot of the games I mentioned can be had for other systems, but honestly, I think the xbox versions are good. ( I wont say theyre better, cause people freak out) but regardless of that, they are good version and are fun to play, that's all that matters...

and besides theyre better on xbox...

 

Brad

[eric_ruck]

I'll vouch for Project Gotham and Halo again. While I haven't played Arctic Thunder on the XBox, it stunk on ice (pun intended) on the PS2 so I wouldn't have too high hopes.

 

Sega GT takes some getting used to, and at the end of the day I like Project Gotham better. Timesplitters 2 is fun, and Turok is nice to look at, of not the best to play.

 

And the breakaway cables actually see action at my house, where a giant dog running in front of the system when someone drives by on the street is a semi common occurance.

 

Eric

[Clock]

For anyone thinking of getting an Xbox and reading this thread, here are my thoughts on what has already been mentioned :

 

Halo is awesome - great story - great physics - great graphics - awesome multiplayer - great AI - great music - Xbox is the only console powerfull enough for Halo.

 

Project Gotham Racing is also very good

 

JSRF is very good but it is a love it/hate it type game

 

Oddworld is quite good and quite funny

 

Rallisport Challenge is quite good if you like arcadey rallying the highlight is ice racing but it's easy to beat. If you like your Rallying a bit more simulation then go for Colin McRae's 3

 

SplinterCell - Everybody raves about it, but I thought it got boring quite quickly and the control is not natural.

 

Shrek is crap

 

Batman is more crap

 

Jedi Starfighter is a bit crap but not as crap as Shrek

 

Artic thunder - again more crap

 

Other good games include

 

Indiana Jones, Burnout 2, Tiger Woods, Tony Hawks 3&4, Phantom Crash

 

If you had Xbox Live then you could play MechAssault, Moto GP 1/2, Castle Wolfenstein, Ghost Recon, Unreal, Phantasy Star Online etc etc etc but offline they are not as good.

 

The controller adapter is a safety device to stop people getting injured from tripping and to protect the console - and it helped me out once - it is also neater for extension leads. The controller is also better quality than both PS2's and GameCubes. If you are using the large conroller then I agree it is very big and hurts your hands after a few hours - get a Controller S as this is the best controller on the market on any system - very ergonomic (comfortable) and very good quality.

 

The size of the console - is that a big deal? It is only slightly larger than a PS2 and it includes a hardrive which if you have a PS2 you will need to attach to the bloody thing. It includes the internet port which again if you have a PS2 you need to attach. So if you want to play online games (which, trust me, you do) then the PS2 is now bigger than the Xbox has crappier internet capabilities and have fun playing people with 56k connections.

 

The Xbox was clearly well planned from the beginning and internet play is the future especially with the headset. I know people will try and answer back with PC can do this PC can do that - but PC multiplayer online is very hit and miss, you can spend more time trying to play a game than actually playing it. Not so on Xbox Live, it instant and efficient. Everyone has broadband everything is cool.

 

I sold myPS2 and Gamecube because I only played with the Xbox.

[+kisrael]

a lot of the games I mentioned can be had for other systems, but honestly, I think the xbox versions are good. ( I wont say theyre better, cause people freak out) but regardless of that, they are good version and are fun to play, that's all that matters...

and besides theyre better on xbox...  

Actually, speaking as a bit of a Nintendo fan, I think most people say that in head-to-head comparisons, the X-box version usually has a slight edge. Usually it's the exclusive titles that will drive ones loyalties and purchases.

 

And I agree, it doesn't sound like the original poster tried a fair representation of games. 4 or 5 random games from any system are likely to have as many stinkers as gems, and Halo being too scratched too play was probably an anomoly.

[Foxy Cleopatra]

First of all' date=' no, I did not sell out my morals and buy one.

[/quote']

 

why do some many people have to say stupid shit like that when it comes to the xbox, big fukin deal its from Microsoft, its a fukin game system and a good one. The only time you sell out your morals is when you buy a Piece Of Shit 2

 

 

I just love you more and more as time goes by Jag...

 

 

I'll just my PC to play Xbox games. It might take a while' date=' but eventually all the oustanding X games will be ported over.[/quote']

 

I think AeroSmith sang a song for you...

"Dream on, dream on, dream yourself a dream come true...."

 

And I think the fact that Halo was so scratched tells a story in itself...

 

Cassidy you will get the full effect of the fun of Halo when you play multi-player deathmatch, I never get enough of that....