XBox 360 Gamers.

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  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,307MI6 Agent
    edited May 2006
    00Cherub wrote:
    From working in a gaming store, I can advise to not get a 360, they're the most bug infested pieces of trash ever inflicted upon the community. Most people are waiting for the PS3, which will not only have a wider library than the Xbox, but also better graphics, faster loading times, and tilt sensitive controllers.

    You're entitled to your opinion of course, but what do you base all this on? Sure there were some 360's that had problems but the vast majority (including mine) have worked fine out of the box. And if you're going to talk about hardware problems, then you shouldn't be touting Sony; they have one of the worst records of hardware reliability, especially considering their pricepoint. Who can forget the Sony techs advising people to play their PS1's upside down to avoid overheating problems. Not to mention the PS2's infamous read errors. I had two PS2's die on me within a year of purchase. And let's not forget the sticky buttons and weak analog nubs on the PSP.

    As for the PS3, I still haven't seen anything running on the machine that can't be done on an Xbox360. Claims of better graphics and faster load times are only rhetoric at this point. The E3 demos are running on dev kits, most likely straight off a hard drive. As for tilt sensitive controllers, they were released by Microsoft back in the 1990's (remember the Sidewinder?). It's a gimmick that didn't catch on back then and I guarantee it will add nothing to the PS3's play mechanics today. It's also interesting that Sony needed to get rid of the rumble feature to implement it. They say it was interfering with the tilt sensors, but of course it also means they don't have to pay any royalties to that company that sued them for lifting their rumble technology (at least Microsoft settled out of court).

    As for the games, Sony is notorious for releasing a few games at launch and then nothing for months thereafter. They did it with the PS2 (who needs games when you can play DVD's), they did it with the PSP (who needs games when you can play overpriced UMD movies) and I still haven't seen any firm release dates for any of their games at E3 (who needs games, go buy some overpriced Blu-Ray DVD movies).

    The prices are also absurd. $500 for a dumbed down PS3 with no wifi, no flash media support and no HDMI? Remember, the absence of HDMI means movies will only play at 480p since most companies will be copy protecting their movies to play at higher resolutions only thru an HDCP compliant digital connection (component video does not fit this criteria). And $600 is way too much to expect anybody to pay for a system that will be used primarily for games (just ask 3D0).

    I'm sure the PS3 will have some great software in time but Sony's price of entry is just too high for the average consumer and is in line with Sony's corporate strategy of overpricing nearly everything in their product line to force consumers to think that if it costs more it must be better. I'll stick with my Xbox360.
  • NightshooterNightshooter In bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
    00Cherub wrote:
    Well something based on fact rather than opinion would be a good start. In two short weeks I've had 7 Xbox 360's returned because either the fan cut out, the lasers weren't reading the discs, or some other general fault was found with them. As for loading times, all demos and games shown at the E3 presentation a day or two ago had loading times of one or two seconds. If you'd like an example, check out the Grand Turisimo display.

    If there were more 360s that were breaking than there should be, there would've been more complaints and fewer software sales.

    Aa for the load times, who knows how exactly each thing is being done? As Tony said, it may be off a hard drive.
    00Cherub wrote:
    The controller has been in testing phase for about a year now, so I doubt that you could honsetly call it a 'cheap gimmick. If you're after cheap gimmicks, you could always see the ludicrous amount of money that Microsoft has paid to australian radio stations to promote it's new console, while attempting to take potshots at Sony.
    Potshots? Can anyone say Ken Kutaguri?
    00Cherub wrote:
    As far as libraries go, you only have to check out the E3 site to see Sony clearly has the most games in development for its consoles (PS2, PS3 and PSP), as well as the entire back catalogue of PS1 and PS2 games.
    Well, if you want to play 100s of games that I've never heard about, go ahead, but I'd much rather buy any of the large amount of AAA games coming out for the 360, much sooner.
    00Cherub wrote:
    I'll agree that Microsoft has a good head start on the online service, but Sony has committed to making a free one that will, I believe, rival Microsoft's by early 2007. This is Sony we're talking about - if they want to dominate a section of the market, they can through innovation, as opposed to simply throwing cash at it.
    That is speculation, certainly not fact.
    00Cherub wrote:
    The PS3 will, yes, be around $750 for the premium console, but this is around the same price as the PS2 was when it launched, and look at it's success. There's also the inclusion of the blu-ray reader, which in itself is worth the pricetag when you see what prices standalone blu ray players will be selling for.


    In short, yes, PS3 will dominate this generation, just as it has dominated the last two. And if you don't believe that, check out the sales charts, where PS2 games still outsell Xbox and Xbox360 games, and take up the majority of the top ten spaces.

    We'll have to wait and see how these things go. Playstation has made a lot of money on the Playstation name. Parents go out and buy their child a PS2 because of the Playstation name. But when they go out and are looking at a $600 console, they might just say "Why not pay $400?"

    As for Blu Ray, we'll see whther that becomes an advantage or a liability. Only time will tell.
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    I-I turn in a little earlier than usual and a simple Xbox discussion turns into Thunderdome overnight? ?:)

    I always miss the fireworks... :D
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,307MI6 Agent
    RogueAgent wrote:
    I-I turn in a little earlier than usual and a simple Xbox discussion turns into Thunderdome overnight? ?:)

    I always miss the fireworks... :D

    Bust the deal...face the wheel!!! :))
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    TonyDP wrote:
    RogueAgent wrote:
    I-I turn in a little earlier than usual and a simple Xbox discussion turns into Thunderdome overnight? ?:)

    I always miss the fireworks... :D

    Bust the deal...face the wheel!!! :))

    :)) ;)
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    I ran across this article prior to entering the tailend of the storm on this debate. It may or may not shed a little insight to this arguement. Forgive me if parts of this link have been covered already.

    http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/technology/archives/2006/05/10/playstation_3s_specification_cuts_raise_concerns.html
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,307MI6 Agent
    RogueAgent wrote:
    I ran across this article prior to entering the tailend of the storm on this debate. It may or may not shed a little insight to this arguement. Forgive me if parts of this link have been covered already.

    http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/technology/archives/2006/05/10/playstation_3s_specification_cuts_raise_concerns.html

    Fore me, the absence of flash media support, wi-fi and HDMI from the core package are potentially BIG issues.

    The absence of flash media support would imply that there is no way to easily transfer game saves and other media from one console to another. Hopefully Sony will allow you to use a USB flash drive but no official statement about this has been made.

    The absence of wi-fi support suggests that you may not be able to wirelessly connect the PS3 to your network. Again, maybe you can use one of the USB ports to connect a wireless network adapter, but again Sony has said nothing yet.

    Lastly the absence of an HDMI port most likely means that you cannot use the PS3 to view Blu-Ray DVD's in high def (one of its big selling points). The latest Blu-Ray standards I'm familiar with say you need HDCP compliant devices at both ends (ie: TV and player) to view content in hi-def. If you don't have HDMI port then you don't have HDCP compliance and as such you can only watch movies at 480p.

    These are potentially big gotchas for the serious gamer who wants to go online and get the best A/V experience available, effectively removing the "core" package from the picture. That leaves the premium $600 unit and that's just too much bread to lay down given Sony's spotty hardware track record and the uncertainty that Blu-Ray will win the hi-def DVD format war.

    It's too bad because there are some good looking exclusive games in development; Warhawk looks particularly sweet (and it was one of my favorite PS1 games). But in the end, I think Sony is asking too much of its consumers.
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    TonyDP wrote:
    RogueAgent wrote:
    I think Sony is asking too much of its consumers.


    That's hitting the nail on its head.

    It would appear to me that they're running this new console campaign on sheer arrogance; especially when we are living in times when adopting a somewhat frugal attitude is vital to everyday living.
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • 00640064 Somewhere out west...Posts: 1,083MI6 Agent
    RogueAgent wrote:
    TonyDP wrote:
    RogueAgent wrote:
    I think Sony is asking too much of its consumers.


    That's hitting the nail on its head.

    It would appear to me that they're running this new console campaign on sheer arrogance; especially when we are living in times when adopting a somewhat frugal attitude is vital to everyday living.

    I agree as well. I think that few people are going to buy this product and those that do will buy it because it is made by Sony...
  • NightshooterNightshooter In bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
    Downloading the Test Drive Unlimited demo right now on my 360. Then I'm gonna download the MotoGP 06 demo. Then I'm gonna get all the awesome trailers!!! I LOVE Xbox Live Marketplace!!!!! Rogue, man, GET A 360 NOW!!!!
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,307MI6 Agent
    Downloading the Test Drive Unlimited demo right now on my 360. Then I'm gonna download the MotoGP 06 demo. Then I'm gonna get all the awesome trailers!!! I LOVE Xbox Live Marketplace!!!!! Rogue, man, GET A 360 NOW!!!!

    The Test Drive demo froze on me while playing; from what little I saw, I was not too impressed. It looked OK but there seemed to be nothing special to it that PGR3 hadn't done already.

    I've read that lots of other people had the same freezing problem. So don't panic if it freezes up your system; just reboot and you should be fine.

    I'm downloading MotoGP right now as well.

    BTW, there's a rumor that there will be an update to the 360 dashboard at the end of the month that will allow background downloading.
  • Barry NelsonBarry Nelson ChicagoPosts: 1,508MI6 Agent
    Interesting conversations, I am siding with Tony, as I mention before my kids had problems with the PS2 I bought them and Sony would not stand behind the product because one controller was not an official Sony controller and they were not the least bit nice about it. Ended up throwing it out and buying a new one. So I will be buying a 360 soon and I will not be buying the PS3. I agree with Tony that Sony's pricing reeks of arroganse. I have heard nothing but great things about the 360 and will be happy to purchase one.
  • NightshooterNightshooter In bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
    You won't be disappointed, Barry.

    As for PS2 malfunctions, I actually first bought a PS2 before an Xbox. However, it only played PS1 games, all the PS2 games froze after one minute of playing. They lost my business after that, and I got an Xbox and have been loving it ever since.
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,307MI6 Agent
    Hey Barry, good to see you back on AJB; things have been getting boring around here without you. Don't forget us when you get that 360; I'm looking for an all AJB session of Project Gotham Racing!

    Night, I tried out MotoGP. Can't say that I enjoyed the demo. While the graphics are great, the game is a little too "sim-heavy" for my tastes (all the THQ MotoGP Xbox games are like that). The control is very unforgiving and you have to use the triggers to brake both the front and rear tires. It's great if you want a realistic simulation but a little too much work for me.

    Truthfully, things are a little quiet on the videogame front as we enter the doldrums of summer. Oh well, I still have lots of quests in Oblivion to finish.
  • NightshooterNightshooter In bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
    TonyDP wrote:
    Downloading the Test Drive Unlimited demo right now on my 360. Then I'm gonna download the MotoGP 06 demo. Then I'm gonna get all the awesome trailers!!! I LOVE Xbox Live Marketplace!!!!! Rogue, man, GET A 360 NOW!!!!

    The Test Drive demo froze on me while playing; from what little I saw, I was not too impressed. It looked OK but there seemed to be nothing special to it that PGR3 hadn't done already.

    I've read that lots of other people had the same freezing problem. So don't panic if it freezes up your system; just reboot and you should be fine.

    I'm downloading MotoGP right now as well.

    BTW, there's a rumor that there will be an update to the 360 dashboard at the end of the month that will allow background downloading.

    I'll tell you what I think of Test Drive when I play it. I'm excited about the whole island thing, and the MOOR system, and the free form gameplay, and the dealerships, and the personal avatars and all the customization options.
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,307MI6 Agent
    edited May 2006
    I'll tell you what I think of Test Drive when I play it. I'm excited about the whole island thing, and the MOOR system, and the free form gameplay, and the dealerships, and the personal avatars and all the customization options.

    To be honest I didn't play the demo too much; it seemed a little buggy and when it froze, I decided to delete it and wait until a more stable version was released. I'll definitely have to try it again at some point.

    I also tried the Lost Planet demo; that one was a lot of fun. Lots of stuff to shoot at and very nice graphics. The giant insect boss is especially impressive and the mechs are fun to use as well. You should definitely check that one out as well if you get a chance.
  • 00640064 Somewhere out west...Posts: 1,083MI6 Agent
    Has anyone here played Battlefield 2??? If so, do you recommend it???
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    Downloading the Test Drive Unlimited demo right now on my 360. Then I'm gonna download the MotoGP 06 demo. Then I'm gonna get all the awesome trailers!!! I LOVE Xbox Live Marketplace!!!!! Rogue, man, GET A 360 NOW!!!!



    Dohhhh! It's coming...As if your posts about the 360 aren't jarring enough to me. :# :))
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,307MI6 Agent
    0064 wrote:
    Has anyone here played Battlefield 2??? If so, do you recommend it???

    I tried the 360 demo, which I hear is very similar to the PC game. The demo was very well done with massive environments to conduct combat in and lots of different vehicles to pilot (tanks, jeeps, helicopters, etc.)

    I found the multi-player a bit too chaotic for my tastes, with a few too many one hit kills and objectives that were sometimes hard to make out. Also the sheer number of vehicles and weapons made remembering all the controls a little difficult.

    Overall, this isn't really my kind of game as I prefer single-player action with more of a storyline. I think the BF games are geared more towards online multiplayer action, which they do quite well. So, if you like that kind of experience you may want to check this out.

    Always try the demo first and see if it is to your liking; I'm sure there's a PC demo available by now.
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    edited May 2006
    I actually came back from the Wal-Mart down the road from my home, where 2 grown men were arguing over the only 360 behind glass in the games section.

    40 minutes later,as my business was done,upon leaving, neither one had relented. I mean security got involved. One man had his son with him and I felt bad for the kid. How embarrassing that might be for him to see his dad act like that.


    I want one badly but I'm not willing to compromise in that manner...
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • 00640064 Somewhere out west...Posts: 1,083MI6 Agent
    Gosh, I feel terrible for that kid. What a shame. That kid must be terribly embarrased. :#
  • 00Cherub00Cherub Posts: 8MI6 Agent
    Mmmm poor child.

    I personally have left Battlefield 2 alone for the time being, and am currently sitting on my hands waiting for the next one, set about 140 years in the future. Bring on the mechs!
  • NightshooterNightshooter In bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
    TonyDP wrote:
    I'll tell you what I think of Test Drive when I play it. I'm excited about the whole island thing, and the MOOR system, and the free form gameplay, and the dealerships, and the personal avatars and all the customization options.

    To be honest I didn't play the demo too much; it seemed a little buggy and when it froze, I decided to delete it and wait until a more stable version was released. I'll definitely have to try it again at some point.

    I also tried the Lost Planet demo; that one was a lot of fun. Lots of stuff to shoot at and very nice graphics. The giant insect boss is especially impressive and the mechs are fun to use as well. You should definitely check that one out as well if you get a chance.

    The Test Drive demo wasn't at all buggy for me, and it didn't freeze. I played it twice, too. I was actually very impressed by it- it had a free form + Need for Speed Hot Pursuit feel.

    I played the Lost Planet demo- it was really cool. The graphicw ere great, and the gameplay fun. I liked how you could use the shoulder buttons to make quick turns, although I rarely ever used them.

    I also downloaded the MotoGP 06 demo- I've always liked this series, but I've never actually gotten around to playing more than a demo of any one of them. This time, I'll be sure to pick the game up, though.

    Tony, did you watch the DOA Xtreme 2 trailer? The first game was so addictive, I can't wait for this one.
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,307MI6 Agent
    Tony, did you watch the DOA Xtreme 2 trailer? The first game was so addictive, I can't wait for this one.

    Is that the new volleyball game? I'm not into Itagaki's games so I haven't checked them out (my thumbs are still sore from Ninja Gaiden on the Xbox).

    Besides, the thought of watching imaginary CGI rendered women frolic in various states of undress is...oddly disturbing to me; they're just not real (same goes for Rumble Roses XX). The only "babe" game I've been able to play is Lara in Tomb Raider: Legend.

    Just chalk it all up to my advancing age. :s
  • NightshooterNightshooter In bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
    Not sure how ogling pre-rendered women is any different from, say, Catwoman and Poison Ivy, except the pre-rendered girls are in motion. Yeah, it is the next Volleyball game, but it'll have more to do than last time, so I think they dropped the Volleyball from the title.

    It is also a great party game. The volleyball is so much fun to play with friends, especially if you are much better than them.
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,307MI6 Agent
    Not sure how ogling pre-rendered women is any different from, say, Catwoman and Poison Ivy

    There is no difference in my book. As I said, I just prefer to ogle real women. ;) The day I find myself contemplating a relationship with any imaginary character is the day I rip the 360 out of the entertainment system. BTW, did I mention how cute Lara looks in Tomb Raider Legend? :))
  • NightshooterNightshooter In bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
    :D I much prefer any of the DOA girls. They "bounce" more and more realistically with each new iteration. Seriously, check out the DOAX2 trailer and you'll know what I mean.
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,307MI6 Agent
    :D I much prefer any of the DOA girls. They "bounce" more and more realistically with each new iteration. Seriously, check out the DOAX2 trailer and you'll know what I mean.

    If you say so; I'll download it tomorrow night. BTW, anybody hear from RogueAgent? He hasn't posted in a few days.
  • NightshooterNightshooter In bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
    The last time I spoke with him was either Saturday or Sunday. Not TOO long ago.
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    Still around, guys...Just swamped with different stuff at the moment. Thank you for the concern... :)
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
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