Should I Get an Xbox 360? [Archive]

Steve Jobless

Aug 18, 2006, 06:44 PM

I'm tired of my big PS2 and I'm intrested in getting a "next gen system", I've settled on the 360 due to PS3's excessive price. I also have a cousin that works in best buy that hopefully can hook me up. As of now I dont have an HD TV, my other one burned out after 1.5 years but I plan on getting one later. Since I'm getting a MB[P] I'll be setting up a wireless network so I intend to use XBL. The graphics I've seen are amazing. I plan on getting the Remote (for my Windows Media Center) XBL gold and possibly the wifi adapter or Ill use a wired router. I plan on getting PGR3, Godfather, NBA 2K7, MAdden 07. Should I hold off? I want to get the Premium system.

thanks

wako

Aug 18, 2006, 06:51 PM

If you want it, get it...

I would definitely not wait for the PS3. The release date is still unknown. It could be 2007 for all we know. I would much rather get the Wii than the PS3 if anything.

I have the 360 right now and it is great. HD is definitely a must because you are more or less wasting money if you dont go HD. Even the lowest settings for HD makes a world of difference.

One game i would add to your lineup of games to get is DEFINITELY Geometry Wars. ONLY CRAP IT IS ADDICTIVE. I know i paid 400 bucks for a next generation game system that can render amazing graphics in 3D, but Geometry wars is so fun despite it just being 2D! Besides, it is a game that is less tahn 10 bucks!

mkaake

Aug 18, 2006, 06:56 PM

Sounds like you've got several good reasons to buy now, and no good reasons to wait... honestly. I don't think you'll see a price cut for another few months or so if they have a price cut at all, and it sounds like you've got a pretty decent handle on what kind of games you'll want to play.

Go for it!

Just buy somewhere that has a good return policy and extended warranty - on the off shot you get a bad unit. There's not a ton of them out there, but there are enough that you should consider it.

adamyoshida

Aug 18, 2006, 07:00 PM

I wouldn't bother.

I had one for a few months, and then flipped it on Craigslist There's really not much in the way of games available, yet. Basically, I played Need for Speed, Call of Duty, and Ghost Recon, then never saw any real need to even fire it up again.

In about a month, I've already used my DS Lite waaaaaaaaaay more than I ever used my 360.

I'd wait and get a Wii. That should be a hell of a system.

sb58

Aug 18, 2006, 07:06 PM

don't wait, get it now. it has some great games available. Dead Rising, Oblivion, PGR3, GRAW, and then of course theres XBL Arcade which is fun. There's really nothing bad about it.

zap2

Aug 18, 2006, 07:10 PM

Honestly.. no, the xBox 360 is a xBox 1.1 in my eyes, bigger harddrive, stronger CPU/GPU with louder fans all around no worth 400(the 299 is not worth the price, if your going to game a lot or do a lot of Demo from online)

How ever once the price drops, and Halo 3 comes out, it will rock... but if your looking at a PS3 i'd say go 360 over the PS3, main;y because the "good" 360 is less then the "bad" PS3, and the things you get in the PS3 are not worth it

Or if you want a "next gen" gaming system now i'd get it(however i'd say Wii is much more "next gen" then any system) Also if you don't have a xBox , Halo 1+2 and KOTOR 1+2 are both very good games

Steve Jobless

Aug 18, 2006, 07:14 PM

I'd also want to get NFSU: Carbon

so far I've got ~$200 down for a system.

I'd rather get it from Costco (best return policy ever) but will probably settle for best buy and its warranty.

thanks for the help.

sb58

Aug 18, 2006, 07:16 PM

How ever once the price drops, and Halo 3 comes out, it will rock

the prices are going to remain $299 and $399 until the third Xbox comes out. They're just going to include more stuff with it.

risc

Aug 18, 2006, 07:20 PM

Honestly.. no, the xBox 360 is a xBox 1.1

LOL that is the funniest thing I've read in a while.

OP if you like what you see on the 360 of course you should buy 1. It's a great console with heaps going for it.

Badandy

Aug 18, 2006, 07:22 PM

Just an XBOX 1.1? Have you heard of the CPU? This Xenon processor has 3 cores running at 3.2 ghz...Each, has 8 times more RAM than the original, and has a 500 MHz GPU made by ATI...

zap2

Aug 18, 2006, 07:23 PM

the prices are going to remain $299 and $399 until the third Xbox comes out. They're just going to include more stuff with it.

You really think MS will leave the price the same for that long of a time? I mean thats abouts 5 years at the same price, i'd rather have a 199 and 299 xBox 360.

zap2

Aug 18, 2006, 07:34 PM

Just an XBOX 1.1? Have you heard of the CPU? This Xenon processor has 3 cores running at 3.2 ghz...Each, has 8 times more RAM than the original, and has a 500 MHz GPU made by ATI...

3 Cores? O my? Then it is clear i was mistaking!!

But really graphics go up each time a few console comes out and the chips run HOT, with out software it back it up, its worthless. I've seen the 360 with good graphics, they look nice, but agian its one of only thing xBox 360 has over xBox, along with a bigger hardrive(if you buy the 400 dollars one, if not its a downgrade fron xbox), wireless controllers(agian assuming you buy the high end one)

All in All the 360 wasn't in my option, worth the wait of 4 years. They should have put Wi-Fi in them, along with free online play,support for more then 4 controllers, atleast a 5GB hardrive on the low end 360.

bigrell486

Aug 18, 2006, 07:40 PM

I would definitely not wait for the PS3. The release date is still unknown. It could be 2007 for all we know. I would much rather get the Wii than the PS3 if anything.

As for a unknown date, back in MAY during sony's E3 conference they did indeed anounce the release PS3 release date; November 17th, 2006

Still get a 360. Its more bang for your buck.

risc

Aug 18, 2006, 07:49 PM

MIDI_EVIL

Aug 18, 2006, 07:52 PM

Get a Wii.

I really hope you are aware of this machine!!!

Rich.

risc

Aug 18, 2006, 07:57 PM

Get a Wii.

So the Wii works with XP MCE for streaming media etc? Did you even read what the OP wrote?

Dagless

Aug 18, 2006, 08:08 PM

IF you are after a streaming media device get a modded Xbox 1. It's leaps and bounds better than the 360's "media centre" abilities, ie you don't need Windows XP, any machine with a LAN connection will do.

I agree with you Zap2. I'm finding it hard justifying that 360 premium price tag when I don't see much value. I hear it's even worse in america where you guys had HD enabled Xbox 1's! I really can't see the point at the moment. Not until some super quality games hit. Looks like the DS situation, abysmal first year but then everything changed. I suppose we'll see! The 360 is only a good buy if you didn't have the original.

sb58

Aug 18, 2006, 08:13 PM

You really think MS will leave the price the same for that long of a time? I mean thats abouts 5 years at the same price, i'd rather have a 199 and 299 xBox 360.
i know they will. they've said that repeatedly.

risc

Aug 18, 2006, 08:15 PM

The 360 is only a good buy if you didn't have the original.

That has to be one of the boldest statement I've ever read on these forums! :)

Having actually taken the time to read the OPs original post and follow up 1 I can see no reason for him not to buy a 360 for what he wants, but then based on what others are saying I was clearly mistaken.

zap2

Aug 18, 2006, 09:34 PM

i know they will. they've said that repeatedly.

Link?

I know they have said it for this xMas season its staying the same but i had not heard it was for as long as the 360 was MS main system

zap2

Aug 18, 2006, 09:38 PM

Zap2 I hear what you are saying the 360 is garbage, but then so is the PS3 it's just a PS2 with better graphics and no rumble feature, and don't even get me started on the Wii it's basically a GameCube with a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Repetitive Strain Injury option added.

No, the PS3 has blue-ray, and as much as i hate PS based systems.. it is a cheap blue-ray player, along with online gaming. The Wii is making huge steps toward a new type of gaming, plus all new games for Wii.

Also Halo 3 would make be pick a 360 over a PS3, along with price, but i'd go with the Wii first

risc

Aug 18, 2006, 10:15 PM

GFLPraxis

Aug 19, 2006, 12:31 AM

Just an XBOX 1.1? Have you heard of the CPU? This Xenon processor has 3 cores running at 3.2 ghz...Each, has 8 times more RAM than the original, and has a 500 MHz GPU made by ATI...

In the words of developer American McGee...
""The only truly next-gen console out there is the Wii. Everything else is just a video card and processor upgrade."

quagmire

Aug 19, 2006, 03:39 AM

In the words of developer American McGee...

The Wii is just a controller upgrade. While it has cool features, that is all the Wii offers that's new. Basically its a Gamcube 1.2 with a new CPU/GPU and the new controller. I'm no Sony or MS fan. I haven't been loyal with my consoles at all. My first console was a N64, then a PS2, and now the Xbox 360. IMHO, with the graphics of PGR3, I can't wait until the games start taking advantage of the 360's potential. I am sure it will be the same for the PS3 with the Cell CPU and all. Developers have to perfect there coding for it to take advantage of its potential. But, Nintendo. Eh. As I said the controller sure is innovative. But, if a CPU, GPU, and optical drive upgrade( Blu Ray and HD-DVD) can't qualify as next gen, why should a simple controller upgrade make the Wii next gen?

risc

Aug 19, 2006, 03:56 AM

The Wii is just a controller upgrade...

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/269/picture1qi1.png

MacRumorUser

Aug 19, 2006, 06:51 AM

I'm kind growing a little impatient with the amount of these threads that start, should i buy/get blah, or should i buy/get blah blah blah........ :o

As yoda would say

" Incapable you are decision for yourself make yes? "

It's not for us to justify you buying a 360, go to a store, look at the games, way what the pro's and cons are for yourself, as they are entirely individual and then come to a conclusion yourself.

Buying advice is all very well, but your the one who has to make the decision, and to be entirely honest, no-one on this forum is gonna shed a tear if you dont or jump for joy if you do.

It's a fickle, non necessity product and not life and death decision is it?

If you want it buy it, if you don't want it then don't..... Like He-Man "You have the power" :p

All these type of threads do is bring out the nurdlingers and fanboys screaming at each other which isnt entirely helpful. Also this question is not really buying advice, that would be something like 'where's the best place to buy a 360 and what deal should I be looking at' and not 'help I'm 25 and cant make a simple bleeding decision'.....

Sorry if thats a bit harsh.... But come on peeps, grow a backbone, a cerebral cortex and make your own bloody decisions...
Humans top of the evolution chain, :rolleyes: sometimes I wonder! :D :D

zap2

Aug 19, 2006, 08:33 AM

Wow you weren't mean to respond to that post, I was being SARCASTIC. I was actually having a go at you for saying the Xbox 360 was the Xbox 1.1 which anyone who has owned both systems would find completely retarded. Anywho... wow seriously you didn't get that?

i knew you were being sarcastic, but i wanted to point out what features the PS3 and Wii had that made them really a next gen system

imnotatfault

Aug 19, 2006, 09:14 AM

i knew you were being sarcastic, but i wanted to point out what features the PS3 and Wii had that made them really a next gen system

PS3 features to make it next-gen?
Bloat?
Overpriced?
Additional accessories required to do something it should do out of the box?

And the Wii, as much as it has innovation, is not at all next gen when it comes to the system specs.

Your perspective seems VERY skewed, sorry.

sb58

Aug 19, 2006, 09:22 AM

ps3 hardly seems next gen. the only thing "next gen" about it is the blu ray. It's even getting rid of one of the most basic of gaming acessories- the rumble feature.

imnotatfault

Aug 19, 2006, 09:23 AM

ps3 hardly seems next gen. the only thing "next gen" about it is the blu ray. It's even getting rid of one of the most basic of gaming acessories- the rumble feature.

and if Blu-Ray loses the format war. Now you have a hunking waste of hardware investment.

sb58

Aug 19, 2006, 09:29 AM

you mean when. the ps3 is not going to be a main stream console. only the hardcore semi-loaded Sony fans are going to get it. the Wii is going to be the least expensive and the most inovative so it'll sell. The 360 is going to be the most well rounded with some great games, so it will also sell. The ps3 is losing its exclusive franchises like GTA and its way overpriced, so it won't sell as well.

imnotatfault

Aug 19, 2006, 09:32 AM

zap2

Aug 19, 2006, 09:40 AM

PS3 features to make it next-gen?
Bloat?
Overpriced?
Additional accessories required to do something it should do out of the box?

And the Wii, as much as it has innovation, is not at all next gen when it comes to the system specs.

Your perspective seems VERY skewed, sorry.

If the graphics on the 360 make it next gen, the PS3 is next gen as well, so for the Wii, its taking gaming to a new place, gaming is never going to be the same after the Wii

imnotatfault

Aug 19, 2006, 09:45 AM

If the graphics on the 360 make it next gen, the PS3 is next gen as well, so for the Wii, its taking gaming to a new place, gaming is never going to be the same after the Wii

Yes, but a system is more than just graphics. If it were, we'd basically just watch movies instead.

I, for one, want an experience along with it. Just like the XBOX when it first arrived, the PS3 will have a lot of power, but not much else to show for it.

And what good is a system no one can afford to buy. It's like "if a tree falls in a forest and no one hears it, do we care if it's in Blu Ray?"

sb58

Aug 19, 2006, 09:48 AM

If the graphics on the 360 make it next gen, the PS3 is next gen as well, so for the Wii, its taking gaming to a new place, gaming is never going to be the same after the Wii
the 360's graphics aren't all that make it next gen. there's also things like Xbox Live and XBL Arcade. Not to mention Xbox has the Best mature Franchises, while Nintendo has the more... "cartoonish" ones. ps3 has nothing.

zap2

Aug 19, 2006, 09:49 AM

I, for one, want an experience along with it. Just like the XBOX when it first arrived, the PS3 will have a lot of power, but not much else to show for it.

And what good is a system no one can afford to buy. It's like "if a tree falls in a forest and no one hears it, do we care if it's in Blu Ray?"

I agree the PS3 won't have anything good for a while(i'm not a fan of any PS only game, so they might never have anything to make me want it) and 360 will have a solid games for a while, when the PS3 is trying to catch up.

As for people not being able to afford it, well it is veru pricey but people will buy it, but i have no doubt Sony will lose market share from the PS2

zap2

Aug 19, 2006, 09:53 AM

the 360's graphics aren't all that make it next gen. there's also things like Xbox Live and XBL Arcade. Not to mention Xbox has the Best mature Franchises, while Nintendo has the more... "cartoonish" ones. ps3 has nothing.

xBox live is not that great simply because it cost money, the Wii will be free to play people online, the PC/Mac currently are free, and i don't know about the PS3 online play.

And XBL arcade games aren't up to Vitural Console on the Wii, but its still nice. I do agree the PS3 has not much to offer in the way of games, while the Wii and 360 both have much more to offer

imnotatfault

Aug 19, 2006, 09:54 AM

I agree the PS3 won't have anything good for a while(i'm not a fan of any PS only game, so they might never have anything to make me want it) and 360 will have a solid games for a while, when the PS3 is trying to catch up.

As for people not being able to afford it, well it is veru pricey but people will buy it, but i have no doubt Sony will lose market share from the PS2

Sony is #1. Why give up market share and risk losing that spot for the sake of a console that they KNOW will not fare well in the first year, if not longer. It may fail entirely. It seems entirely stupid.

If back in the Genesis days, I told you one day Sega would be forced out of the console business, you would probably laugh at me. Hell, I would laugh at myself. Sony is making a Saturn, whether they want to admit it or not.

imnotatfault

Aug 19, 2006, 09:57 AM

xBox live is not that great simply because it cost money

So untrue! That money is like $5 a month and it is to pay to use consistent, reliable servers that allow an unprecedented amount of matchmaking, Lag-free voice chat with fellow gamers, a simple, extremely intuitive interface, and a guarantee that all of your games will get you online. Having problems? Microsoft will help. Not Microsoft saying EA, and EA transferring you, and then after a wait saying to call Microsoft back ad infinitum.

There are so many benefits that outweigh the nominal cost.

keywords: reliable, centralized infrastructure

zap2

Aug 19, 2006, 09:58 AM

Sony is #1. Why give up market share and risk losing that spot for the sake of a console that they KNOW will not fare well in the first year, if not longer. It may fail entirely. It seems entirely stupid.

If back in the Genesis days, I told you one day Sega would be forced out of the console business, you would probably laugh at me. Hell, I would laugh at myself. Sony is making a Saturn, whether they want to admit it or not.

To the first comment, they are trying to push blue-ray, as it would could be a key to winning the format war. To the 2nd comment, i agree that Sony will fail with the PS3

sb58

Aug 19, 2006, 10:02 AM

xBox live is not that great simply because it cost money, the Wii will be free to play people online, the PC/Mac currently are free, and i don't know about the PS3 online play.

And XBL arcade games aren't up to Vitural Console on the Wii, but its still nice. I do agree the PS3 has not much to offer in the way of games, while the Wii and 360 both have much more to offer

most of the PC/Mac online game interfaces suck. most games like Halo need outside programs like xfire so that you can play with your friends. we don't know anything about the Wii online crap and it could suck as well. XBL is great. it costs money and its well worth it.

zap2

Aug 19, 2006, 10:02 AM

So untrue! That money is like $5 a month and it is to pay to use consistent, reliable servers that allow an unprecedented amount of matchmaking, Lag-free voice chat with fellow gamers, a simple, extremely intuitive interface, and a guarantee that all of your games will get you online. Having problems? Microsoft will help. Not Microsoft saying EA, and EA transferring you, and then after a wait saying to call Microsoft back ad infinitum.

There are so many benefits that outweigh the nominal cost.

keywords: reliable, centralized infrastructure

Even a price of .01 cent per month would put people off.. with the Wii and PC/Mac you don't have to game daily(or even weekly) to make online play worth it because its free... you can game once a month and still use online play, if you have to pay, some people won't use it enought to pay. We don't even know enought about the Wii's online play.. seeing how Wii will have Vitual Console, we know its not going to be like PS2 online play were it was up to the people who make the games.

imnotatfault

Aug 19, 2006, 10:06 AM

Pushing Blu-Ray at the cost of your main money maker's popularity/dominance/survival?

Fool's gamble.

Dagless

Aug 19, 2006, 10:16 AM

Deja Vu I get in this thread.

No. Deja Visite. I know not to mention anything along the lines of PS3 failing without getting my bum kicked :p (read= fail does not mean to die. just to not carry on the legacy like before.)

Haoshiro

Aug 19, 2006, 10:37 AM

Re: Xbox Live Online Play

I play online so little I don't mind paying ~$7 on a week I have some time to play... rather then paying for a yearly subscription.

Personally I don't mind paying a premium for a premium, if I did I wouldn't be a Mac owner.

imnotatfault

Aug 19, 2006, 10:48 AM

Haoshiro

Aug 19, 2006, 10:51 AM

$7/wk ?
7 weeks and you're at one full year of live. (52 weeks in a year, too! :D)

Yeah, but when you only pay like 2-3 times in a year... :) Most of my gaming is LAN or local multiplayer, which I FAR prefer.

imnotatfault

Aug 19, 2006, 10:56 AM

Yeah, but when you only pay like 2-3 times in a year... :) Most of my gaming is LAN or local multiplayer, which I FAR prefer.

At least Live comes packed with lots of other features to make it worthwhile, like downloading full demos, for example.

Haoshiro

Aug 19, 2006, 11:08 AM

At least Live comes packed with lots of other features to make it worthwhile, like downloading full demos, for example.

You can do all that with the free membership, though. :)

zap2

Aug 19, 2006, 11:28 AM

At least Live comes packed with lots of other features to make it worthwhile, like downloading full demos, for example.

Yes you will be able to download DS demos, game updates and old school games, and new small simpler games plus online play..all for free

MacRumorUser

Aug 19, 2006, 11:29 AM

IAll these type of threads do is bring out the nurdlingers and fanboys screaming at each other which isnt entirely helpful.

reposting simply as if you all didnt get the message in the first place :rolleyes:

crachoar

Aug 19, 2006, 11:40 AM

Jesus, where do you people come from? The guy is asking about buying a 360, and you all go off on tagents, talking about how sweet or not-sweet 'x' system will be.

OP, if you do decide to buy a 360, as has been mentioned, but it from Costco or some other store with a very consumer-friendly return program. Also, buy an extended warranty.

If you'd like to see why:

My nightmare. (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=191156)

Mkubal's nightmare. (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=225686)

There are a few other members on these forums (from what I recall, the majority of 360 owners here) that have had to send their systems in for at least one round of refurb.

Should you purchase one, and should it fail? Do not send it in to Microsoft. You will be waiting for weeks and the system they send you will somehow be more broken than your already broken system.

So remember: Buy it from a customer-friendly retail outlet, and get their extended warranty, if possible.

Mackilroy

Aug 19, 2006, 12:00 PM

To the OP – crachoar is just bitter because of his experience. Not that his advice is bad, mind you – but take it with a grain of salt, because his experience (nor the MR users here with a problem) is not the norm. Not even close. People with problems are far more likely to post about 'em then those who are peachy keen.

That said, this is a good time to buy an Xbox 360 – there's great games on the system now, there are more coming up, and of course, XBL is already great. :)

MacRumorUser

Aug 19, 2006, 12:23 PM

OP - i bought 2 xboxes at launch, 1 had an hardware error and microsoft replaced it without hassle.

Both fine since. Microsoft were more helpful than Applecare.

I dont regret buying xbox 360, xbox live on graw and cod2 has been amazing. Love chromehounds and other titles and have no qualms recommending one.

PS3 will have good games and so will wii, however here's the great thing with democracy (somthing the fanboys seem to forget) your not restricted to owning 1 console only. So if in 6/12 months theres a number of titles you want on ps3/wii you can buy one too.

I'll buy a wii and sometime next year a ps3 when there's a few games i want to play on it.

Like i said in my original post, go to a store, have a look and see if theres games you want and make your decission based on that.

2nyRiggz

Aug 19, 2006, 12:29 PM

To the OP...YES you should purchased an xbox360...its a good machine with a good online service.

No need to wait if you are not waiting on anything.....the 360 is the best right now.....But if you do want a Wii and PS3......I would still say get the box....its a good buy.

Bless

Jossceluch

Aug 19, 2006, 12:40 PM

Without a doubt, 360. :cool:

IEatApples

Aug 19, 2006, 12:57 PM

I've just ordered a 360 (while I'm waiting for Heroes V (http://www.freeverse.com/heroes5/) for Mac :) ).

360 Games I'm waiting for:

Halo 3
KOTOR 3
Splinter Cell Double Agent
Mercenaries 2
+??? (sure I've forgotten some).
(Banjo Kazooie 3? Not sure if it'll come?).

ANYWAY...

Buy the XBOX 360!!! :p :D ;)

crachoar

Aug 19, 2006, 12:59 PM

To the OP: Mackilroy is just being obnoxious because he's a zombie. Take his posts with two grains of salt. Afterall, he eats brains. Would you trust a zombie?

sixstorm

Aug 19, 2006, 01:40 PM

Definitly get the 360. I've had mine since January and I have never been bored with it. Even though the games are somewhat bleek right now, the 360 library will be booming by Oct/Nov. Should you wait on the PS3 or Wii? IMO, buy the 360 regardless. Also, I wouldn't even bother with the PS3. I believe that the price point alone is going to hurt Sony, not to mention all of the developers dropping off the PS3 bandwagon. The Wii, however, will be in everyone's price range and will rock; very innovative system.

Here's a list of games to recommend:

Hitman Blood Money
Dead Rising
Fight Night Round 3
DoA 4

Coming Soon:

Gears of War
Test Drive Unlimited
Halo 3
Rainbow Six Vegas
Just Cause

But hey, just my opinion . . .

wako

Aug 19, 2006, 02:20 PM

As for a unknown date, back in MAY during sony's E3 conference they did indeed anounce the release PS3 release date; November 17th, 2006

Yeah... and how many times has it been pushed back? It was also suppose to be released in Summer of 06... oh wait, thats now. Now november? UNLIKELY. Sony just recently gave out the development kits. Sure they might be able to release the system in November, but there wont be any software for it.

Sony is still debating alot of things so the console itself isnt even finalized. November release is looking to be impossible.

Dagless

Aug 19, 2006, 02:22 PM

Just had a little play on Dead Rising. very smart game but I'm left feeling this could have been on the original Xbox (barring the HD graphics). Which is where I think the 360 stands at the moment. Where are these epic spanning worlds (well, Oblivion) and super physics that require all this power? where is the money going? if I was going to buy something new I'd at least like it to be new, something stepped up from before. Which is where I think Live Arcade fails a little, why on earth was this not on the original Xbox? I don't want to buy a 3 CPU megabeast for Geometry Wars. 1 CPU= cheaper. yes I would.

Of course games like Halo are going to come out that have millions of CPU puppets running about in some big war. this big soup isn't quite ready yet, at least for me. I'm just very put off by this "new system for new systems sake" that every system seems to have until the system definer hits.

2nyRiggz

Aug 19, 2006, 02:32 PM

not to mention all of the developers dropping off the PS3 bandwagon.

Provide proof of this please because last time I checked...most all 3rd party developers are gaming with the PS3.

The 360 is worth it guys.....the system is good...it has its short coming but it gives you a grand gaming experience.

Bless

MacRumorUser

Aug 19, 2006, 02:46 PM

^ 2nyRigzz - Very True, no way are third party developers going to be dropping off before a machine has even launched, to suggest so is just stupidity.

^^ Jimmi - Dead Rising could not be done on a Xbox, no way all those zombies could be loaded into the xbox's ram, let alone the hi res textures and stuff. Yes the game is arcady and not exactly pushing boundaries game-play front, but it certainly pushing them on a visceral level. Put simply, this game could NOT be done on the last gen hardware and could still not be done on the Wii - besides a 10 minute demo does not give a full experience of the game. Chromehounds was desperate on the demo, but has subsequently taken off hugely due to its amazing online game-play.

---------

Defining next gen is going to be far more excruciating this generation :-

On one hand you have Xbox 360 with 2nd generation live and great HD graphics.
You have PS3 will HD movies and HD graphics and we all hope decent working not crippled linux - which is defiantly a leap on its previous generation
Thirdly you have Wii with a revolutionary controller, BUT last generation graphics and sound.

All offer somthing new, to nit pick and say one is better than the other because blah blah is just going round in circles. All of them are as next gen as each other.

Yes with PS3 & 360 the only discernible difference between a game and its last gen sibling will be graphical

But Wii suffers too, the only discernible difference between a game and its last gen sibbling will be control/interface wise

So can we stop this BS! about why one is better than the other and actually incorporate some common sense into threads and an ability to look at both sides.

sb58

Aug 19, 2006, 02:55 PM

So can we stop this BS! about why one is better than the other and actually incorporate some common sense into threads and an ability to look at both sides.
its never gonna stop.

MacRumorUser

Aug 19, 2006, 03:01 PM

its never gonna stop.

:( :( I know but you could at least let me dream of my utopia, rather than the dystopia were currently in :)

2nyRiggz

Aug 19, 2006, 03:08 PM

The war wages on.......for frodo!!!

Bless

MacRumorUser

Aug 19, 2006, 03:14 PM

^ lmao :D ^ there's quite a few people who deserve to be thrown into the fires of Mordor on my list :p

Dagless

Aug 19, 2006, 03:43 PM

All offer somthing new, to nit pick and say one is better than the other because blah blah is just going round in circles. All of them are as next gen as each other.

Oh definitely. These upcoming systems are less a leap than before. But I don't want to pay over the odds for a little leap. I think that's where the trump card rests with the Wii, it's the cheapest of little leaps. Not really a good slogan though is it!

and onto my traditional unusual analogies...
Half Life 1 was good.
Half Life 2 was leaps and bounds above everything.
Half Life 2 episode 1 was an expensive load of the same. *welcome to next gen.

Haoshiro

Aug 19, 2006, 03:44 PM

I agree with MRU and do not think Dead Rising could have been done on Xbox 1.

Something like it, with low-poly zombies might have worked, but I just don't think it would have been the same...

Haoshiro

Aug 19, 2006, 03:47 PM

Oh definitely. These upcoming systems are less a leap than before. But I don't want to pay over the odds for a little leap. I think that's where the trump card rests with the Wii, it's the cheapest of little leaps. Not really a good slogan though is it!

Don't worry jimmi, these ARE big leaps forward, but there hasn't been much to really show it off. Add to that we seem to be at a gameplay/innovation bottleneck. We have the hardware now, but do game developer actually have something fresh to give us that requires this powerful hardware? Not right now they don't, it seems.

So I don't think it's so much that the hardware is a small leap forward, it's that game studios are only going forward a small step in terms of game design and innovation. Summary: It's a Software problem, not a Hardware problem.

MacRumorUser

Aug 19, 2006, 03:57 PM

I agree with MRU and do not think Dead Rising could have been done on Xbox 1.

Something like it, with low-poly zombies might have worked, but I just don't think it would have been the same...

Yep, its about the sheer number of zombies and viscerally taking hundred's, any thousands down that is Dead Rising forte and would not have worked on any of the last gen machines in the same way.

It's old school next gen if you were.

and onto my traditional unusual analogies...
Half Life 1 was good.
Half Life 2 was leaps and bounds above everything.
Half Life 2 episode 1 was an expensive load of the same. *welcome to next gen.

However, using your analogy

I think the leap in graphics this gen with PS3 & xbox360 are as more like going from HL1 to HL2.

This is 100% colaborated; You only have to look and see HalfLife on the ps2 (one of its first games), and then look at Ps3 with its HL2, Ep1 & 2 pack coming out (Running at 1920x1080 at max pc settings with enhnced lighting)

Only the wii will graphically be doing somthing akin to going from HL2 to Episode 1 (with its extra bit of finesse) is the Wii which is only a moderate boost from the Gamecube

So I don't think it's so much that the hardware is a small leap forward, it's that game studios are only going forward a small step in terms of game design and innovation. Summary: It's a Software problem, not a Hardware problem.

V.True

Dagless

Aug 19, 2006, 03:59 PM

Don't worry jimmi, these ARE big leaps forward, but there hasn't been much to really show it off. Add to that we seem to be at a gameplay/innovation bottleneck. We have the hardware now, but do game developer actually have something fresh to give us that requires this powerful hardware? Not right now they don't, it seems.

So I don't think it's so much that the hardware is a small leap forward, it's that game studios are only going forward a small step in terms of game design and innovation. Summary: It's a Software problem, not a Hardware problem.

Aye, which is why I said this soup isn't ready :) I'm just hoping for some grand battles in Halo 3. something very cinematic to make up for Halo 2, which you sort of felt should probably have been kept back for the 360 and super spiced up.
We'll get there. and hopefully there will be a price cut on that day too.

Haoshiro

Aug 19, 2006, 04:02 PM

Aye, which is why I said this soup isn't ready :) I'm just hoping for some grand battles in Halo 3. something very cinematic to make up for Halo 2, which you sort of felt should probably have been kept back for the 360 and super spiced up.
We'll get there. and hopefully there will be a price cut on that day too.

Right now I'm more looking forward to Gears of War... there is something gritty and viceral about it and the 4-player co-op is my kind of thing. I'm a Halo fan, so I am looking forward to Halo 3... but GoW seems so well put together that it's on the top of my 360 list, atm.

The shakey cam adds an excellent feel to it as well...

Steve Jobless

Aug 19, 2006, 04:05 PM

thanks macforumsuser, if it matters im only 17

I've made up my mind I'm just saving my money

but Jesus...........................
http://media.xbox360.ign.com/media/747/747892/img_3827103.html

2nyRiggz

Aug 19, 2006, 04:08 PM

Haoshiro

Aug 19, 2006, 04:19 PM

Gears of war don't interest me like it should....I know I would enjoy playing it but I'm in no rush....I waiting on Killzone, MP: Corruption, COD3, R: FoM for my FPS fix......Halo3....I don't know yet

I think GoW interests me more then those because I've played plenty CoD and MP... I've heard Killzone 1 wasn't very good, but haven't played it. GoW seems fresh, where all the sequels do not.

MacRumorUser

Aug 19, 2006, 04:25 PM

thanks macforumsuser, if it matters im only 17

I've made up my mind I'm just saving my money

but Jesus...........................
http://media.xbox360.ign.com/media/747/747892/img_3827103.html

No bother matey - saving money is always wise, just wish I could do it more often :) At 17 a decision is harder as your not in a position to blow a weeks salary on a non esential whim like some of us keep doing and have to think of your education ... just make sure your happy and do whatever makes you happy, not some of the zombies on here :D

That link :( Looks great but you get Test Drive for only $39.99 :( Costs us double, Atari and their crazy price structures. :p :p

Haoshiro

Aug 19, 2006, 04:40 PM

That link :( Looks great but you get Test Drive for only $39.99 :( Costs us double, Atari and their crazy price structures. :p :p

I like it just fine! ;)

risc

Aug 19, 2006, 04:52 PM

Deja Vu I get in this thread

Yeah the Wii zealots crapped all over another thread. :rolleyes:

wowowowanimac!!

Aug 19, 2006, 05:31 PM

Dagless

Aug 19, 2006, 06:07 PM

I saw some video footage of Gears of War (God of War perhaps? it was some kind of 3rd person shooter) on some random Sky channel some days ago. I was not impressed. I initially thought "if this takes place in the same angle with similar crouch-shoot situations then they've messed up"... and they did. they showed a good 3-5 minutes gameplay footage that looked so horrendous and repetitive. reminds me of a highly glorified Space Invaders but with invincible shields.

And my final rant is at people who get impressed by car game graphics. No animation - cheap way of making something look good. it's just a block of shine. I dunno, car games just look a little... naff.

Dagless

Aug 19, 2006, 06:09 PM

it kindof depends on what the resolution of the tv your getting is.............. if your getting a top of the line tv id go for the ps3 but if you arent then id go with the xbox 360 ive had mine for about 7 months and like it.....

No, it doesn't. Buying a console because it looks best on your screen is probably a wrong reason. My Mac can go up to resolutions higher than 1080 but do I use it as the be-all end-all machine? nope :)

crachoar

Aug 19, 2006, 10:29 PM

but Jesus...........................
http://media.xbox360.ign.com/media/747/747892/img_3827103.html

Hi. I'm Gran Turismo 4, in HD. (http://ps2media.ign.com/ps2/image/article/551/551168/gran-turismo-4-20040925021316212.jpg)

We've probably never met.

You should know, I'm HD capable, two-point-five years old, affordable, and I run on the PS2! I also have the most realistic driving and physics models of any console racing simulator! I'm quite a little firecracker of a game!

You know, the only things I don't have is collision detection, a good soundtrack and online play (for now). But seriously, what kind of wheelman screws up, needs music or enjoys having idiots yelling things at him all the time?

I sure hope you'll pick me up and try me out.

Take care.

Yours,
-Gran Turismo 4

MacRumorUser

Aug 20, 2006, 05:21 AM

Actually Grand Turismo HD was somthing that always puzzled me, seeing as though its probably the only game on the ps2 which actually runs in 1080i NOW! Adding HD to the title and sticking it on BluRay is the biggest con ever, almost as bad as Nintendo repackaging Super MarioWorld for 640th time on a new machine, or Xbox for charging for a 20 year old version of PacMan but in NotReally HD :)

They are all dirty robbing bastards :D

MacRy

Aug 20, 2006, 06:51 AM

And my final rant is at people who get impressed by car game graphics. No animation - cheap way of making something look good. it's just a block of shine. I dunno, car games just look a little... naff.

Maybe you should look a bit deeper into Test Drive Unlimited Jimmi as it's not all about the graphics.

http://www.testdriveunlimited.com/

It just so happens that it is a beautiful looking game as well as a huge online community experience:

http://static.flickr.com/68/219866129_1e38164a77_o.jpg

Whilst I guess that Nintendo will probably dredge up another version of Mario Kart for the Wii a la Gamecube:

http://static.flickr.com/73/219866096_ae770ff174_o.jpg

Now I know which one appeals to the petrolhead inside of me ;)

I'm not usually into this fanboyism console pissing contest nonsense but I am getting really tired of all of these kinds of threads getting hijacked by Nintendo supporters. It isn't constructive and it certainly isn't helpful to the original poster, so I am, obviously, very annoyed with myself for getting involved and adding to it and I apologise. On the next gen graphics argument - I would say that improved graphics are very much a next gen feature and something that people expect each time a new console is released.

Yes the Wii has the new controller gimmick going for it but I will say this - If my wife came home from work to find me doing this in front of the television:

http://static.flickr.com/63/219866071_bb691e22f9.jpg

I certainly wouldn't be getting any bedroom action for a while and no special controller is going to make up for that!

Steve Jobless

Aug 20, 2006, 10:20 AM

that controller looks pretty cool

but I'm sorry GT4:HD looks like trash in that picture, reminds me of GT2's graphics

Test Drive IMO is a mind blowing game.

MacRumorUser

Aug 20, 2006, 10:38 AM

that controller looks pretty cool

but I'm sorry GT4:HD looks like trash in that picture, reminds me of GT2's graphics

Test Drive IMO is a mind blowing game.

GTA 4 with it's Flat 2D crowds looks awful. Yes it looked fine on a ps2 but on a ps3 it's unacceptable.

Test Drive looks very good in screen shots but wasnt bowled over by the demo, but you cant really judge a game by just a demo these days. :)

but I will say this - If my wife came home from work to find me doing this in front of the television..

I certainly wouldn't be getting any bedroom action for a while and no special controller is going to make up for that!

Sounds like your speaking from experience. What have you been caught doing in the past ;) :D

2nyRiggz

Aug 20, 2006, 10:40 AM

Forgive me if I'm wrong but I thought GT-HD was only a made up thing to show the power of the PS3.......I didn't know it was being released..:confused:

COD3 will be so sweet on the Wii....I can see myself getting rug burns from diving and rolling on the carpet.

Bless

MacRumorUser

Aug 20, 2006, 10:45 AM

Forgive me if I'm wrong but I thought GT-HD was only a made up thing to show the power of the PS3.......I didn't know it was being released..:confused:

No unfortunetly it's being released commercially. A game that was running at 1080i on a ps2 is now capable of being run at 1080p, but hey we have added new menus and and general interface tweaks :o :(

Seriously this is probably the WORST thing sony can do to promote their new cutting edge machine. A game that will be near identical to its far less powerful sibling is not a way to get the ball rolling, in fact it sounds like a desperate attempt to get at least one or two first party big named ip's at launch.

Add this to the fact that this is probably going to cost you $60 or more, whereas if the ps3 is fully backwards compatable you could buy the ps2 version for $10 and run in 1080i HD anyway..... :( That is just wrong.....

MacRy

Aug 20, 2006, 10:51 AM

Test Drive looks very good in screen shots but wasnt bowled over by the demo, but you cant really judge a game by just a demo these days. :)

I haven't played the demo but the (almost) final code has been reviewed in X360 magazine this month and it got 9/10 so they must have improved it somewhat. I'm hoping so as i've been waiting for it for months now.

Sounds like your speaking from experience. What have you been caught doing in the past ;) :D

LOL. "I was just 'brushing' my cat honestly love!!"

Seriously though, at some point you are going to have a moment of clarity when playing with a Wii controller, pause your prancing around the living room and say to yourself "I'm 34 years old.....just wtf am I doing?!"

MacRumorUser

Aug 20, 2006, 10:56 AM

I haven't played the demo but the (almost) final code has been reviewed in X360 magazine this month and it got 9/10 so they must have improved it somewhat. I'm hoping so as i've been waiting for it for months now.

9/10 :eek: Wow! Atari must be delighted. I just hope the pricing controversy doesnt affect sales too much. I know a lot of people who are refusing to buy the game because of the extra cost Atari is sticking Europe with ($39.99 or £20 state side, and £50 here)..... Keeping my fingers crossed for it being region free.

Seriously though, at some point you are going to have a moment of clarity when playing with a Wii controller, pause your prancing around the living room and say to yourself "I'm 34 years old.....just wtf am I doing?!"

LOL! I know what you mean, EyeToy and those DDR mats make anyone past their teens look like a complete tit.

MacRy

Aug 20, 2006, 11:03 AM

9/10 :eek: Wow! Atari must be delighted. I just hope the pricing controversy doesnt affect sales too much. I know a lot of people who are refusing to buy the game because of the extra cost Atari is sticking Europe with.....

We always get stuffed with prices here though. Amazon have it on pre order for £39.99 which is a little more bearable than £49.99 but still a kick in the nuts.

LOL! I know what you mean, EyeToy and those DDR mats make anyone past there teens look like a complete tit.

Perfect example! A friend of mine had one of those dance mats for his PS2 and a load of us went round one evening, got wonderfully drunk and played on it and it was a scream. The wife and I thought it would be a great idea to to get one for some extra exercise and brought one but ended up using it probably twice because we just felt like utter twats......in our own living room with no-one else about.

2nyRiggz

Aug 20, 2006, 11:09 AM

LOL! I know what you mean, EyeToy and those DDR mats make anyone past their teens look like a complete tit.

No matter how old you are....guitar hero will have you looking cool in no time:confused:

Bless

MacRy

Aug 20, 2006, 11:18 AM

No matter how old you are....guitar hero will have you looking cool in no time:confused:

Dude I am a guitar hero but I use a real one :):rolleyes:

sikkinixx

Aug 20, 2006, 01:28 PM

um... wasnt the question asked "should I buy an Xbox 360?" not "omg nINtenDo/M$ roxor, iM 2 pOOr to bye da oVErpRIcEd $onY POS! ROTFL!!!"

seriously, i would buy a 360 if you don't wanna get a PS3 (or wanna get one later). Its a good system overall but does a few flaws. For one its very loud which may or maynot be a problem for you. Also its expensive IF (thats an IF) you need all the bells and whistlers [ie. 499 system + 30 plug n play kit + 129 wifi kit + 50 XBL (all canadian pricing) Which btw makes it a worse value than the PS3 which has the wifi built it providing you get the 659 version ($628 vs $659). And I find the menu's to be a bit laggy and buggy, and overall not user friendly, especially with making playlists etc for your music.

Firmware updates should help make it a smoother ride, and the web cam thing looks very cool (go to xbox360.ign.com and find their weeky roundup show to see more abou it) The games look amazing on an HDTV, and XBL works like a charm. If your buddy can score you a good deal I would totally buy one. Obilivion is fun for 70-100 hours, GRAW is cool experience and CoD2 is sweet on a big tv :cool:

MacRumorUser

Aug 20, 2006, 02:25 PM

. And I find the menu's to be a bit laggy and buggy, and overall not user friendly, especially with making playlists etc for your music.

Firmware updates should help make it a smoother ride, :cool:

Yeah I've noticed the dash has been more finicky and cause of freezes (when you press the x when a notification is flashing and a game is loading)...

It's definitely worse since the last firmware / dashboard update, so i imagine the next update will rectify the issue. well I hope so anyway :)

sikkinixx

Aug 20, 2006, 02:36 PM

Yeah I've noticed the dash has been more finicky and cause of freezes (when you press the x when a notification is flashing and a game is loading)...

It's definitely worse since the last firmware / dashboard update, so i imagine the next update will rectify the issue. well I hope so anyway :)

it drives me nuts! you'd think with a system with so much damn computing horsepower they would be able to make a nice, smooth, non-laggy menu!

Mackilroy

Aug 20, 2006, 03:02 PM

Yeah I've noticed the dash has been more finicky and cause of freezes (when you press the x when a notification is flashing and a game is loading)...

It's definitely worse since the last firmware / dashboard update, so i imagine the next update will rectify the issue. well I hope so anyway :)

Odd. My dash hasn't been laggy at all… :confused:

MacRumorUser

Aug 20, 2006, 03:35 PM

Odd. My dash hasn't been laggy at all… :confused:

Weird, core or premium? Wired or Wireless?

Mines a premium on wireless. I have noticed that it's less laggy and far more responsive when wired.

PD4Ever

Aug 21, 2006, 01:00 AM

I'd recommend getting one. I have every system from the last gen and handheld (Dreamcast, Gamecube, XBOX, PS2, DS, and PSP). Just bought a 360 today. XBOX live is incredible. I have played online with PS2, Dreamcast, XBOX (XBConnect not Live), DS, and PSP, but having everything centralized to one account with Live is amazing. The demos are great too. I didnt buy any games yet becuase I have about 15 demos on my hard drive that I downloaded today. My next door neighbor bought his 360 about 2 weeks ago and has logged about 40 hours into oblivion already.

I would however recommend getting a warranty if you decide to get one. I havent had any problems (hopefully not on the first day, lol) but I just like to have the peace of mind in case anything happens.

And no I'm not trying to be a fanboy as I will most likely eventually buy Wii once a new Mario Kart comes out and PS3 far down the road (once prices drop on the system and there are some greatest hits for cheap). Systems need about a year in order to work out all their kinks and get some good games (almost 1 year exactly for DS and PSP), and the one year mark is coming soon for the 360. So if you really want something now I'd say go for the 360. If you can wait about 6 months to a year Wii or PS3 might be good options.

Haoshiro

Aug 21, 2006, 08:18 AM

GT4 is definitely an actual PS3 game. I believe it is being called "Vision Gran Turismo" and in addition to "running in full HD" will also include the motocycle simulation from Tourist Trophy.

A friend mine and I were anticipating the PS3 E3 Press Conference and when it came on and they a ~15min demonstration of "GT HD" we were both so bored and disappointed. It simply does not impress, it looks like a PS2 game in HD... imagine that.

And yeah, the 360 menu can get laggy... although I think this usually just happens if a game is running.