NightshooterIn bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
edited August 2006
Well, Tony and I played. :007) Tony played the part of Le Chiffre, if you know what I mean.
He transferred $3k my way playing no-limit Hold'em, $300 buy in with $5/$10 blinds. But he won the first game when he called my all in bluff for $100 (with a $100 buy-in, $5/$10 blinds.)
I had a great time playing with you, Tony, and if anyone else has a 360 and live, please join us so we can have a big AJB game!
Looks like Test Drive Unlimited has gone gold and is all set for a September 5 debut. The game will sport 90 vehicles out of the box with more available via download from Xbox Live. Not bad for $40.
I'm really excited for TDU. And after I buy that, I'll buy Lego Star Wars 2. September is a great month!
Yup, it looks like the summer videogame doldrums will soon be coming to an end. At $40 I'll also be taking the plunge with TDU (unless the demo is absolutely horrible and I don't think it will be). Once I trade in my copy of Prey and some other stuff I have lying around, I should be able to get it for next to nothing. :v
UPDATE: The new Test Drive Unlimited and Just Cause demos are now both available. The TDU demo also allows you to play online.
I'll be getting these tonight (thank goodness for background downloads).
NightshooterIn bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
edited August 2006
I downloaded both of these demos and... WOW!!!! Just Cause is INCREDIBLE! It is SO MUCH FUN!!!! I wish the crouch worked though, but I can't seem to get it to.
TDU is great fun as well, and I'm really enjoying the online integration. The motorbikes are fun to drive, and the cars are nice, although the Ferrari seems hard to handle when compared with the Ford Mustang, which actually is a great car in the game.
Y'know, I was really gonna buy Saints Row, but I figured, hell, I'll save my money for Just Cause!!!
I also enjoyed TDU and agree that the Ferrari can be touchy to control. The graphics could be better but considering the game is a MOOR, I guess that was the tradeoff. I'll most likely be picking it up when it debuts next week. At $40 it's a very good bargain.
I also tried Just Cause but I didn't enjoy it nearly as much. First off, I thought the graphics looked terrible. Visually, the game reminded me a lot of Far Cry: Instincts for the Xbox and 360; same types of terrain, same foliage, same blocky vehicles, and same sub-par character models. The controls were also very touchy for me and I had a hard time getting used to them. Most people who've tried it seem to enjoy it so maybe I was just tired or in the wrong frame of mind, but my first impression was very negative and I tired of it quickly.
I was also playing around with the demo to Rockstar's Table Tennis game and I have to admit, it was more enjoyable than either of the above games.
NightshooterIn bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
Haha, as a veteran Table Tennis player (I play almost every day during the summer, as my camp counselor job allows me to) I find the Table Tennis demo to be fast and fun, but it lacks depth and I've had much more interesting rallies in real life. Much faster ones as well. So I'm really not going to pick that up.
I'm sorry you didn't like Just Cause. I actually thought it looked great. Not amazing, but pretty good for a huge world that is in the full game. I believe it is something like 400 miles, and you can also go very very high up, as well. The vehicle hopping controls take some getting used to, but I found everything else intuitive.
Now that I think about it, I do know what you mean about the graphics. The texture pop in really isn't very good, and the character models (except for the main character, whom I think looks great) aren't great, but the lighting is superb and the level design is also great. The vehicles are fun to drive, except for that annoying Police SUV. And the parachuting is possible the most fun thing I've ever seen in a videogame. Put some more time into it, get used to the controls, and it will reward you. My first play through was also not great, but after I played it a second and third time, I just didn't stop playing!
I also really enjoyed the Just Cause demo. I had alot of fun with the parachute and the helecopters as well as the boats...the vehicles were a little difficult to get used to, but such as life...
Tony, I'm suprised you didn't like the graphics...on my non HD computer, I really thought that they were excellent...
Tony, I'm suprised you didn't like the graphics...on my non HD computer, I really thought that they were excellent...
Generally speaking, VGA graphics always have a nice, sharp and crisp look to them that is hard to replicate on consoles. I haven't seen Just Cause in action on a PC but I found the 360's visuals to be a little disappointing. The character models in particular had almost no detail to them. Also the draw distance for certain objects was very minimal.
While the gameplay may be innovative, the graphics reminded me too much of Far Cry for the Xbox (which itself was inferior to the PC version). Overall, it looked like a quick port that didn't really take advantage of the 360's architecture to me; and the 360 already has too many of those.
NightshooterIn bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
I completely disagree, now that I've played it more. The landscape textures are incredible, and while they take too long to load, the environment is huge. Rico's character model is fantastic, and the lighting is incredible. The sky effects are amazing(watch the sunset... gorgeous) and, yes, the character models are terrible, but the cars are very nicely detailed, and even get dirty as well as disfigured!
The gameplay is so much fun. I've seriously been playing this all day, and I haven't had this much fun on my 360... ever. Is it as intense as Call of Duty 2 or Ghost Recon AW? No. But is it more fun? Hell yes! Nothing beats juggling yourself between helicopters, boats, and cars. Accurately doing HALO jumps are fun as well. And the demo only has a small amount of land compared to the full game, and it also has a small amount of weapons and vehicles. I seriously am in love with this game and I can't wait for it to come out.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited August 2006
I had to attend one of my art students birthday parties this weekend where I had the priviledge to play on his friend's 360.
I was impressed with what little I saw.
I played a game called THE OUTFIT which is set in WW II. I loved it but it got a tad monotonous after awhile. I must say that graphic-wise, the gameplay looked like the cutscenes you'd usually see on a regular cutscene and it wasn't even on a High-Def tv. But SOME of the actual cutscenes on this particular game were very stale looking, others very nice IMO...
Outfit is a cross between Brute Force and a poor man's HALO. Not really taken by this title so I won't be buying it upon getting my 360 console.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I tried a demo to that game. Like you, I found it got monotonous pretty quickly. I don't think it sold particularly well as it's already discounted to $40. While there have been some real gems released for the 360, there have also been a lot of shallow, "pretty face" games where once you get past the graphics, the actual gameplay leaves something to be desired. The Outfit falls into that category.
But at least you glimpsed the power of the 360. Now, when are you taking the plunge? By the way Madden 07 just came out ( as if you needed any more convincing )
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
I tried a demo to that game. Like you, I found it got monotonous pretty quickly. I don't think it sold particularly well as it's already discounted to $40. While there have been some real gems released for the 360, there have also been a lot of shallow, "pretty face" games where once you get past the graphics, the actual gameplay leaves something to be desired. The Outfit falls into that category.
But at least you glimpsed the power of the 360. Now, when are you taking the plunge? By the way Madden 07 just came out ( as if you needed any more convincing )
Good to know that I wasn't crazy on this slight review.
And yes, Tony...the 360 is coming very soon. My needs just seem to come last in my household and I'm fine with that as long as my family's taken care of.
Otherwise I'd have that Swiss-Made Oris Automatic, I've been looking at, on my wrist right about now... )
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
NightshooterIn bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
Hurry up, man, we need to play some games together...
Hurry up, man, we need to play some games together...
Yeah, I'm getting tired of Nightshooter kicking my butt. If we double-team him we might have a chance.
Yeah, the little creep creams me at HALO 2 already.
I'll have his number on something eventually. )
The little twerp cleaned me out at Texas Hold 'Em. I did give him a good run on Project Gotham and even stole a couple of wins. My big mistake was driving him clean; next time I'm going to swipe him into a wall. {:)
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
Yeah, I'm getting tired of Nightshooter kicking my butt. If we double-team him we might have a chance.
Yeah, the little creep creams me at HALO 2 already.
I'll have his number on something eventually. )
The little twerp cleaned me out at Texas Hold 'Em. I did give him a good run on Project Gotham and even stole a couple of wins. My big mistake was driving him clean; next time I'm going to swipe him into a wall. {:)
Nightshooter will make you want to come through the headset and just deliberately push him down or trip him up or something.
It's irritable but I love him. )
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Nightshooter will make you want to come through the headset and just deliberately push him down or trip him up or something.
It's irritable but I love him. )
We just need to get him to clean up his act a little. He was telling me how much he enojyed the Saints Row demo. With all those missions involving hits on rival gangs and recruiting ho's, I think it's time for an intervention.
Man, his ears must be ringing right about now.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
Nightshooter will make you want to come through the headset and just deliberately push him down or trip him up or something.
It's irritable but I love him. )
We just need to get him to clean up his act a little. He was telling me how much he enojyed the Saints Row demo. With all those missions involving hits on rival gangs and recruiting ho's, I think it's time for an intervention.
Man, his ears must be ringing right about now.
Oh, yeah we do if that's the case...
The young lad needs our help. He's been corrupted... )
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
NightshooterIn bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
Well, Tony, you'll be happy to hear that I've decided not to purchase Saints Row and save my money for Just Cause.
As for cleaning up the rest of my act...
Oh, you guys know that I also really like Daniel Craig, right?
It really is time for an intervention! )
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
Let me ask you guys...Is that Poker game BC? If so, I can buy it and join in with you guys as scheduled.
In Bond tux and cufflinks of course. :007)
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Let me ask you guys...Is that Poker game BC? If so, I can buy it and join in with you guys as scheduled.
In Bond tux and cufflinks of course. :007)
Actually Rogue, the poker game is for the 360 and is downloaded via Xbox Live. It was free...for the first 48 hours of release. It now costs 10 bucks (800 MS points) to buy.
NightshooterIn bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
You gotta spend money to save money, RA. Too bad you missed your chance.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
You gotta spend money to save money, RA. Too bad you missed your chance.
I never miss something that's for me. I'll catch a deal that's just as sweet. Beauty of being patient.
Also, that money adage doesn't work for everything. The Xbox that I have now only cost me 50.00 brand new out of a store 2 years ago...
I should clarify that the Xbox that I currently own IS NOT HOT. ) It was bought honestly and honorably. Just caught a deal.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
NightshooterIn bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
Nice.
Oh, they just updated the BC list. HUGE list. Not much that I'm excited about, however, Aggressive Inline was on that list. AI is possibly the greatest alternative sports game ever. Seriously, everyone should pick it up. It is fun, funny and oh so addictive.
Oh, they just updated the BC list. HUGE list. Not much that I'm excited about, however, Aggressive Inline was on that list. AI is possibly the greatest alternative sports game ever. Seriously, everyone should pick it up. It is fun, funny and oh so addictive.
Still a lot of glaring omissions. None of the other Bond games (other than NF) have been made BC and still no sign of Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil. Also, no Outrun2, my favorite Xbox driving game.
Comments
He transferred $3k my way playing no-limit Hold'em, $300 buy in with $5/$10 blinds. But he won the first game when he called my all in bluff for $100 (with a $100 buy-in, $5/$10 blinds.)
I had a great time playing with you, Tony, and if anyone else has a 360 and live, please join us so we can have a big AJB game!
So I guess that means you'll have to have your nethers beaten
http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/727/727656p1.html
I also hear that a new demo should be available tonight and will include three cars, and a motorcycle.
Yup, it looks like the summer videogame doldrums will soon be coming to an end. At $40 I'll also be taking the plunge with TDU (unless the demo is absolutely horrible and I don't think it will be). Once I trade in my copy of Prey and some other stuff I have lying around, I should be able to get it for next to nothing. :v
UPDATE: The new Test Drive Unlimited and Just Cause demos are now both available. The TDU demo also allows you to play online.
I'll be getting these tonight (thank goodness for background downloads).
TDU is great fun as well, and I'm really enjoying the online integration. The motorbikes are fun to drive, and the cars are nice, although the Ferrari seems hard to handle when compared with the Ford Mustang, which actually is a great car in the game.
Y'know, I was really gonna buy Saints Row, but I figured, hell, I'll save my money for Just Cause!!!
I also tried Just Cause but I didn't enjoy it nearly as much. First off, I thought the graphics looked terrible. Visually, the game reminded me a lot of Far Cry: Instincts for the Xbox and 360; same types of terrain, same foliage, same blocky vehicles, and same sub-par character models. The controls were also very touchy for me and I had a hard time getting used to them. Most people who've tried it seem to enjoy it so maybe I was just tired or in the wrong frame of mind, but my first impression was very negative and I tired of it quickly.
I was also playing around with the demo to Rockstar's Table Tennis game and I have to admit, it was more enjoyable than either of the above games.
I'm sorry you didn't like Just Cause. I actually thought it looked great. Not amazing, but pretty good for a huge world that is in the full game. I believe it is something like 400 miles, and you can also go very very high up, as well. The vehicle hopping controls take some getting used to, but I found everything else intuitive.
Now that I think about it, I do know what you mean about the graphics. The texture pop in really isn't very good, and the character models (except for the main character, whom I think looks great) aren't great, but the lighting is superb and the level design is also great. The vehicles are fun to drive, except for that annoying Police SUV. And the parachuting is possible the most fun thing I've ever seen in a videogame. Put some more time into it, get used to the controls, and it will reward you. My first play through was also not great, but after I played it a second and third time, I just didn't stop playing!
Tony, I'm suprised you didn't like the graphics...on my non HD computer, I really thought that they were excellent...
Generally speaking, VGA graphics always have a nice, sharp and crisp look to them that is hard to replicate on consoles. I haven't seen Just Cause in action on a PC but I found the 360's visuals to be a little disappointing. The character models in particular had almost no detail to them. Also the draw distance for certain objects was very minimal.
While the gameplay may be innovative, the graphics reminded me too much of Far Cry for the Xbox (which itself was inferior to the PC version). Overall, it looked like a quick port that didn't really take advantage of the 360's architecture to me; and the 360 already has too many of those.
The gameplay is so much fun. I've seriously been playing this all day, and I haven't had this much fun on my 360... ever. Is it as intense as Call of Duty 2 or Ghost Recon AW? No. But is it more fun? Hell yes! Nothing beats juggling yourself between helicopters, boats, and cars. Accurately doing HALO jumps are fun as well. And the demo only has a small amount of land compared to the full game, and it also has a small amount of weapons and vehicles. I seriously am in love with this game and I can't wait for it to come out.
I was impressed with what little I saw.
I played a game called THE OUTFIT which is set in WW II. I loved it but it got a tad monotonous after awhile. I must say that graphic-wise, the gameplay looked like the cutscenes you'd usually see on a regular cutscene and it wasn't even on a High-Def tv. But SOME of the actual cutscenes on this particular game were very stale looking, others very nice IMO...
Outfit is a cross between Brute Force and a poor man's HALO. Not really taken by this title so I won't be buying it upon getting my 360 console.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
But at least you glimpsed the power of the 360. Now, when are you taking the plunge? By the way Madden 07 just came out ( as if you needed any more convincing
Good to know that I wasn't crazy on this slight review.
And yes, Tony...the 360 is coming very soon. My needs just seem to come last in my household and I'm fine with that as long as my family's taken care of.
Otherwise I'd have that Swiss-Made Oris Automatic, I've been looking at, on my wrist right about now...
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Yeah, I'm getting tired of Nightshooter kicking my butt. If we double-team him we might have a chance.
Yeah, the little creep creams me at HALO 2 already.
I'll have his number on something eventually.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
The little twerp cleaned me out at Texas Hold 'Em. I did give him a good run on Project Gotham and even stole a couple of wins. My big mistake was driving him clean; next time I'm going to swipe him into a wall. {:)
Nightshooter will make you want to come through the headset and just deliberately push him down or trip him up or something.
It's irritable but I love him.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
We just need to get him to clean up his act a little. He was telling me how much he enojyed the Saints Row demo. With all those missions involving hits on rival gangs and recruiting ho's, I think it's time for an intervention.
Man, his ears must be ringing right about now.
Oh, yeah we do if that's the case...
The young lad needs our help. He's been corrupted...
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
As for cleaning up the rest of my act...
Oh, you guys know that I also really like Daniel Craig, right?
It really is time for an intervention!
In Bond tux and cufflinks of course. :007)
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Actually Rogue, the poker game is for the 360 and is downloaded via Xbox Live. It was free...for the first 48 hours of release. It now costs 10 bucks (800 MS points) to buy.
I never miss something that's for me. I'll catch a deal that's just as sweet. Beauty of being patient.
Also, that money adage doesn't work for everything. The Xbox that I have now only cost me 50.00 brand new out of a store 2 years ago...
I should clarify that the Xbox that I currently own IS NOT HOT.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Oh, they just updated the BC list. HUGE list. Not much that I'm excited about, however, Aggressive Inline was on that list. AI is possibly the greatest alternative sports game ever. Seriously, everyone should pick it up. It is fun, funny and oh so addictive.
Still a lot of glaring omissions. None of the other Bond games (other than NF) have been made BC and still no sign of Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil. Also, no Outrun2, my favorite Xbox driving game.