ok, Xbox fanboys, what all can it do?

[+kisrael]

So like I said, I got the Xbox for Halo, which has largely lived up to my expectations, essentially being what I kind of wished Metroid Prime would be in some ways.

 

So, what all can the system do beyond its selection of games?

 

I notice a lot of games talk about "you can play your own music during the game"...usually I like to hear new and interesting music, but what is that all about? Does it tie into that music option on the front menu?

 

I got a barebones system, what will I need for Xbox live, if I decide to go for that?

 

If I get interested in a modchip, how much is that? (And I've heard that they are switchable so you don't perpetually kill your xbox live account...) What are the most interesting things to do then, and how much of that is for original works, and how much is just plain blackmarket stuff?

[Starscream]

You can play your own music on certain games that allow it. I can only think of 2 right now but there are more - GTA:VC and Raw 2. Oh and True Crime. There is an option for custom soundtracks in those games. System link is great because unlike most other systems that have had the option, it's used on the XB. No more stuffed together on the couch squinting at the screen half assed multiplayer.

 

For Live ya need the startup kit. I don't know how much it is right now but it comes with demos, headset, I think Mechassault, and all other important crap. No fee for the 1st yr - it is included in the Live kit. Pricing right now is $50 a yr or $6 monthly I believe. There are free alternatives which are pretty dandy as well.

 

Modded opens up pretty much any possibility. Emulation is great on it, quite a few good homebrews, region free DVD player and bypassed macro encoding and no need for remote kit, internet radio, stream from PC to XB for MP3's, roms, videos, etc., Linux, copy games to HD so if you are lazy like me ya never need to get off your ass to play a different game, still play on Live with switch turned off, hack games, media centers, in game resets(woohooo ) , any size HD ya want, and too much I am forgetting. A chip is around $35-$60 depending on which one ya get. Ya know how so many people love to make fun of the XB for being a cheap PC in a box? I have yet to see why that's considered insulting

[Video]

You can play your own soundtrack on certain games. Many support custom soundtracks. Halo, is not one of those games. Your stuck with it's shoudtrack.

 

What you do is turn the system on, put in your own CD, goto the CD player and tell it to copy and copy the tracks you want. When you have a game that supports custom soundtracks, you go to that games menue and select the cd you put on the Hard Drive.

 

For XBox Live, you need Broadband. And you'll need the XBL kit, should be about $50 at walmart, and a credit card to pay any extra fees, some games are free on it, some aren't.

 

As for Modchips, I've never dealt with any personally, but I've moded a few friens systems, and my experiance is, modchips can cost anywhere from the $15-$50 range, depending what you buy, and how it's put in (solder, or plugin)

[NE146]

I pretty much use the xbox almost exclusively for emu purposes... it's great having nearly every single console game right there in a portable box. It's like bringing a Genesis, SNES, 2600, 5200, whatever, to any TV you please. It's like the most compact & easy whitebox (a pc modded exclusively for portable tv gaming) around. And the GUI's on them are pretty nice these days. Arcade emulation is pretty good as well especially if you're into the classics. And don't forget Daphne for Dragons Lair and Space Ace. Some emu's aren't all that however.. the Hugo port on Xbox leaves a lot to be desired in my opinion. So TG-16 emulation is pretty much out of the picture at the moment. But there's still quite a lot.

 

The other things like the media player is pretty good.. although I'm not exactly a big user as I barely watch tv as is. But it's cool if the wife misses some show like Sex in the City to be able to just pull it down from the internet and and slap it on there for her to watch on her tv in a pinch.

[Drew.FlyBoy]

I have been thinking about geting an xbox with a modchip and I was wondering, If I save an xbox live game to the hard drive can I play if on Live?

 

switchable so you don't perpetually kill your xbox live account

 

Could I turn on the chip, load the game, switch off the chip, then connect to Live?

[PuddWakkr]

No once you boot up with the chip enabled the hacked bios is in memory. You have to have an original game disc and start the xbox up with the chip disabled or MS will ban your xbox. Then you'll have to go online and purchase another EEPROM to get your box back on.

 

Also on the custom soundtrack note, most sports games including EA's allow you to have custom soundtracks as well. I love playing Tiger 2004 and listening to Rancid rather that some shitty rap music, same with true crime.

[Drew.FlyBoy]

Darn no stealing Live games from the rental place.

 

I don't support stealing of any kind but saving your own or your friend's (I consider this sharing) games for portability/backup is a good idea.

 

 

I think Amped supports music from the HD (and its a good looking snow boarding game, I played the demo the other day).

[Clock]

I think everyone has discussed about modding the Xbox in enough detail.

 

Ref custom soundtrack: Almost every racing game uses the custom soundtrack option and yes Amped and Amped 2 has custom soundtrack.

 

Ref Xbox Live: If your console is chipped it needs to be switched off or you will get banned and lose your Live account. You need a credit card to get the thing started and you only pay for your yearly subscription (included when you buy the Xbox live pack) and Phantasy Star Online (you get 2 months free) and maybe some future downloadable content although it has all been free so far.

[Major Havoc 2049]

The Xbox Live kit, ver.2.0, is $69.95 now, but comes with the complete version of MechAssualt. Also, look for deals on the Xbox Live kit. Just a couple of weeks ago, EB was giving away a copy of Phantasy Star Online with the purchase of an XB Live kit. Best Buy sometimes has deals as well. I bought my Xbox Live kit and Phantasy Star Online at Best Buy and got a $20 in-store rebate.