RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
Is the upcoming SPLINTER CELL game going to be more like the Bourne films now? Fisher looks all scruffy and unkempt from an article that I read.
I realize that they're trying to keep the series fresh but is this a good thing? Does this mean that I can't sneak up on targets anymore who hum those stupid little tunes? That tickles me everytime... )
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
Yeah, I'm not sure I'm happy with the way the series is moving, and you're Bourne analogy is a good one.
We'll just see if what they are doing pays off in time or sucks.
Is the upcoming SPLINTER CELL game going to be more like the Bourne films now? Fisher looks all scruffy and unkempt from an article that I read.
I realize that they're trying to keep the series fresh but is this a good thing? Does this mean that I can't sneak up on targets anymore who hum those stupid little tunes? That tickles me everytime... )
From what I've read, your Bourne analogy is a good one. Sam is definitely out on his own and following his own agenda this time around. Still, stealth has always been at the core of the Splinter Cell games and I have a feeling they won't be ditching that component entirely. What will change is how the missions are presented and the tools at Sam's disposal.
It is odd to see old Sam looking so scruffy, but it's a little too early to make any decisions or conclusions about the merits of this installment.
I picked up Forza Motorsport 2 today and played a few races in arcade mode. In short, this is one very deep game with a ton of cars and lots of modes: arcade, career, free runs, etc. The graphics are very good and the locales range from somewhat bland road courses to a very detailed version of Times Square in New York. The cars are all nicely modeled and there's even a nice Aston Martin DB9 available right out of the gate in arcade mode. The amount of tweaking you can do to your cars is also pretty amazing. Even the arcade mode lets you alter everything from tire pressure to downforce to gear ratios. I haven't even tried the career mode or online races yet but there is clearly enough content here to keep a gamer occupied for months on end.
I also tried the Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End demo on Xbox Live. Really nice graphics in this one, and lots of different types of gameplay. The combat is pretty simplistic and there are some sword fights that are basically timed minigames. I don't think it's worth $60 but I'd definitely try it out at $30 or maybe even $40.
NightshooterIn bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
Just ordered Viva Pinata (since I liked the demo so much) and Fight Night Round 3, as I've started boxing. Can't wait!
Just ordered Viva Pinata (since I liked the demo so much) and Fight Night Round 3, as I've started boxing. Can't wait!
We're having new windows installed in our house; everything is in disarray and the 360 is temporarily mothballed so probably no gaming for me until the weekend.
I've been thinking of picking up FNR3 since it's now a greatest hits title. I know Rogue loves that series, make sure to post your impressions as well after putting in a few rounds.
NightshooterIn bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
The demo was amazing, but I just never picked it up. But now that I've gotten into boxing, I need it.
I bought myself a new 50" plasma TV today; a Samsung 720p model; I was thinking about getting Panasonic's new 1080p display but I couldn't justify the additional $1000 I'd have to pay considering there is so little 1080p content and I'm still not sure I'd see that much of a difference. The TV arrives on Sunday; can't wait to see what my 360 looks like on it thru a VGA connection.
I gave my current plasma to my brother; he broke it in by watching Batman Begins.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
I bought myself a new 50" plasma TV today; a Samsung 720p model; I was thinking about getting Panasonic's new 1080p display but I couldn't justify the additional $1000 I'd have to pay considering there is so little 1080p content and I'm still not sure I'd see that much of a difference. The TV arrives on Sunday; can't wait to see what my 360 looks like on it thru a VGA connection.
I gave my current plasma to my brother; he broke it in by watching Batman Begins.
Congratulations on the new set, Tony. And there is no better way to inaugurate a hand me down than watching such a stellar picture. Spec will never be the same.
My wife and I were shopping around for new sets the other evening; it's not that we really need one having a tv in nearly every room of our home already but I want something preferrably widescreen that can bump up the resolution of my 360 as well.
You did say that plasmas have come a long way from what they were right?
Now that I think about it, it might be time to upgrade my home theatre system because the current one (Sony) is showing its age...
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Plasmas have come a long way and are much less susceptible to burn-in and image-retention. I'm still breaking the Sammy in and you do have to be a little careful for the first 100 hours or so while the phosphors in the TV age. And it's also a good idea to tone down the brightness a bit since the colors are so vibrant. If you still don't have a comfort level with plasmas by the time you're ready to buy, there are some very good Samsung LCD TV's out there that are very reasonably priced. Just be aware that when it comes to watching movies, plasmas are still tops due to their superior contrast level and ability to properly display fast moving images and deep blacks while retaining high levels of detail.
I've been trying out a lot of my old games to see how they look and have had no problems so far; Project Gotham Racing and Gears of War look absolutely amazing on this set and I'm seeing details I never noticed before. The TV even has a "Game Mode" that enhances picture quality and response time so it looks to be friendly with game consoles.
As for a home theater system, I'm not too keen on receivers with the built-in DVD players; they usually don't put out a great picture and I prefer to choose my own components. Unfortunately, more and more manufacturers insist on slapping one in. If and when you do buy, Samsung and Panasonic both make some nice models with good output; and if you get stuck with one with a DVD inside it, at least those two companies are now including upconverting players. You'll want to invest in an upscaling DVD player of some kind so your movies will look their best on a hi-def TV. Panasonic makes good and affordable players and you can find HDMI cables for around $15 on Amazon.
Here's a pic of the new rig (click for a larger version):
NightshooterIn bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
I actually bought a VGA cable and tried doing that. While DVD playback was very much improved over component cables, it still wasn't as good as my dedicated DVD player over HDMI. I didn't tweak the settings much, so I could have probably gotten a better picture, but I prefer to use a dedicated player to save wear and tear on the 360's drive.
In fact, I was a little disappointed with VGA output with games. It is a little sharper than component but when using the VGA cable the 360 outputs at 1360x768; the TV's native resolution is 1366x768, so I had little 3 pixel wide borders on the left and right edge of the screen. Again, I haven't really calibrated the VGA port yet so I'm sure I can get a better picture but for now I'm still using component cables.
Nice set up Tony. As I think I mention before my theater system is in a three piece entertainment center. The entertainment center is well made Amish furniture, but when I need to rewire something or add a new component it is a nightmare. I still haven't hooked my surround sound back up from when I had carpet layed about 6 months ago. Tried a couple times, but sticking my head in little cubbie holes and trying to figure out what wire is what gets old fast. I woudl like to have a set up more like yours, just connect and play.
I use the 360 to play DVD's, I actually like the picture quality and the idea of hooking another component in to the system isn't my idea of fun. If you ever in Chicago, stop by and you can help me get connected properly.
Barry, I used to have one of my prior TV's in an entertainment center and I know all too well what a pain it is running wires behind those things. When I decided to get this set, I made a point of looking for a nice, open TV stand. The one in the pic was on closeout and it only cost me $150; it's neat because the front, sides and back are all open, making it really easy to get at everything. I also installed some titanium sliders under the feet when I assembled it so that I can move it around easily.
As far as surround sound goes, running the wires is a real pain in any room. The ideal solution would be to hire somebody to run the wires thru the walls and then mount wall plates at the front and rear of the rooms. I can't justify that kind of expense so I just run them under an area rug and that keeps things looking pretty clean. There are also some home entertainment systems that employ wireless rear speakers but I really don't know too much about how well they work.
I really don't travel but if by some miracle I should every end up in Chicago, I'll be happy to to give your system a tune-up.
Well, I finally bought my new next gen system....a beautiful new computer. Man, its so nice any shiny...its fast, got plenty of RAM and a nice graphics card....got it at 628 bucks too, so it was a steal...got a nice 19" monitor as well so im all ready for the next gen....Crysis, here i come!!!
Well, I finally bought my new next gen system....a beautiful new computer. Man, its so nice any shiny...its fast, got plenty of RAM and a nice graphics card....got it at 628 bucks too, so it was a steal...got a nice 19" monitor as well so im all ready for the next gen....Crysis, here i come!!!
Hey man, this is an Xbox 360 thread; we don't need no PC gamer stinkin' up the place ... just kidding. Congrats on the new machine but a 19" monitor just doesn't cut it these days. You really should convince your folks to get a hi-def TV with a VGA input and then run your PC thru that. Buy yourself a good wireless mouse, keyboard and gamepad and then you'll really be smokin'.
After much calibration and tweaking, I'm now very happy with how my Xbox 360 looks on my new plasma thru the VGA cable. The 360 has a setting for VGA reference levels and when set to "Expanded" it yields a really sharp picture, very vibrant colors and nice, deep blacks. You can really tell the difference in sharpness between component connections and VGA and even DVD playback is upscaled to the TV's native resolution and much improved. I've been revisiting a lot of my games and seeing detail I never caught before. In particular Quake IV, PGR3 and Forza Motorsport 2 all look really nice thru VGA.
Well, I finally bought my new next gen system....a beautiful new computer. Man, its so nice any shiny...its fast, got plenty of RAM and a nice graphics card....got it at 628 bucks too, so it was a steal...got a nice 19" monitor as well so im all ready for the next gen....Crysis, here i come!!!
Hey man, this is an Xbox 360 thread; we don't need no PC gamer stinkin' up the place ... just kidding. Congrats on the new machine but a 19" monitor just doesn't cut it these days. You really should convince your folks to get a hi-def TV with a VGA input and then run your PC thru that. Buy yourself a good wireless mouse, keyboard and gamepad and then you'll really be smokin'.
After much calibration and tweaking, I'm now very happy with how my Xbox 360 looks on my new plasma thru the VGA cable. The 360 has a setting for VGA reference levels and when set to "Expanded" it yields a really sharp picture, very vibrant colors and nice, deep blacks. You can really tell the difference in sharpness between component connections and VGA and even DVD playback is upscaled to the TV's native resolution and much improved. I've been revisiting a lot of my games and seeing detail I never caught before. In particular Quake IV, PGR3 and Forza Motorsport 2 all look really nice thru VGA.
Hey Tony, we can't all keep up with you, I'm lucky I got the 360 working. BTW, about half way through Halo 2 and waiting for the NASCAR 360 game to come out.
My son is playing Major League baseball 2K7 and he is having a heck of a time hitting the ball. H has played many baseball games before and is usually really good. He once won a home run derby at a Playstation 2 festival, so this is unusual. You have to use the joy stick to hit the ball and it takes more than just moving it at the correct time. If anyone has tips I would like to hear them.
Sorry Barry, but audio/video is my one real vice. Every 2 1/2 - 3 years I do a major upgrade to my setup and try something new. This year it was going all digital with my games. I'm still not 100% sold on the TV I bought; it's a very nice set but part of me is still curious about Samsung's 1080p LCD TV's. I have a couple more weeks to evaluate this set and see if I want to change my mind. I'm even thinking of getting a PS3 to see how it works with the HDMI ports on these TV's.
As to your son's problems with MLB2K7, I've never really played much videogame baseball, but here's a pretty extensive FAQ on the game. It includes some pointers on how to effectively swing the bat; hopefully you'll be able to make some use of it.
There are also plenty of cheat codes out there to improve your batting percentage; I can pass those along too if you like.
I'm also curious to see what EA does with NASCAR 08; the last version I bought was the 2006 edition for the original Xbox and it was pretty much unplayable as no matter how I tweaked the car, it would just swerve all over the track. I guess games like PGR and now Forza with their advanced physics models have spoiled me. Hopefully EA will be able to recapture some of their former glory with NASCAR 08, but I'll be waiting for some reviews before deciding on whether to make a purchase.
Thanks for the help Tony, I had my son read it so hopefully it helps.
The last NASCAR game I had (I forget the version) the other cars could wreck you without notice, which I hated. Hope the 2008 edition is more realistic, you know I will be driving the 17 car.
Playstation 3, say it ain't so, to the dark side you have gone.
The last NASCAR game I had (I forget the version) the other cars could wreck you without notice, which I hated. Hope the 2008 edition is more realistic, you know I will be driving the 17 car.
That was the exact same problem I had with NASCAR 2006; the AI was horrendous and somebody would always plow into me right at the start. It's really unfortunate that EA has exclusive rights to NASCAR right now; I think a little competition from other developers would make for better quality games.
Playstation 3, say it ain't so, to the dark side you have gone.
) Well, I haven't bought it yet. I was thinking of getting one next month as a birthday present to myself - more out of boredom than anything else. But truthfully, every time I look to see what's available, I always end up with only three games that interest me: F1, Motorstorm and Resistance. Just about everything else is available on the 360 and looks and plays better on the 360 as well. I go hot and cold with the PS3; right now I'm lukewarm and quickly chilling out.
Uncertain, the future is. From the Dark Side, I may yet be spared.
Well, I finally bought my new next gen system....a beautiful new computer. Man, its so nice any shiny...its fast, got plenty of RAM and a nice graphics card....got it at 628 bucks too, so it was a steal...got a nice 19" monitor as well so im all ready for the next gen....Crysis, here i come!!!
Hey man, this is an Xbox 360 thread; we don't need no PC gamer stinkin' up the place ... just kidding. Congrats on the new machine but a 19" monitor just doesn't cut it these days. You really should convince your folks to get a hi-def TV with a VGA input and then run your PC thru that. Buy yourself a good wireless mouse, keyboard and gamepad and then you'll really be smokin'.
Stinkin up the place??? You wont be saying that as I own you in a 360 vs. PC match will ya??? Hopefully more game will come that allow cross platform play so I can tear those cheesy console gmaers apart...jk...;)
I have a nice mouse (yes, im a trackball person...sure me)...a nice keyboard....and to heck with a gamepad...as for the monitor...I was planning to buy one for christmas this year....I think 30" should do the trick...:D
Hey Barry...you might see if you can change the controls around to make a button swing....thats just what id do as a silly PC man in a 360 thread...
Stinkin up the place??? You wont be saying that as I own you in a 360 vs. PC match will ya??? Hopefully more game will come that allow cross platform play so I can tear those cheesy console gmaers apart...jk...;)
Bring it on, track-ball boy {:) . There's a new game out called Shadowrun which supposedly allows PC and Xbox360 gamers to co-mingle. From what I've read it has little to do with the RPG series of the same name and is instead basically Counterstrike with magical elements. At $60 it's a bit too expensive for just a multiplayer game but I'm sure MS will foster more of this PC/Xbox 360 interoperability as time goes on.
Stinkin up the place??? You wont be saying that as I own you in a 360 vs. PC match will ya??? Hopefully more game will come that allow cross platform play so I can tear those cheesy console gmaers apart...jk...;)
Bring it on, track-ball boy {:) . There's a new game out called Shadowrun which supposedly allows PC and Xbox360 gamers to co-mingle. From what I've read it has little to do with the RPG series of the same name and is instead basically Counterstrike with magical elements. At $60 it's a bit too expensive for just a multiplayer game but I'm sure MS will foster more of this PC/Xbox 360 interoperability as time goes on.
Youve got yourself a game...i too have heard of shadowrun which is why I said I was hoping for someother games to play...but the day when I get my new monitor and Windows Live (or whatever it called...), your ON!!!!!
Stinkin up the place??? You wont be saying that as I own you in a 360 vs. PC match will ya??? Hopefully more game will come that allow cross platform play so I can tear those cheesy console gmaers apart...jk...;)
Bring it on, track-ball boy {:) . There's a new game out called Shadowrun which supposedly allows PC and Xbox360 gamers to co-mingle. From what I've read it has little to do with the RPG series of the same name and is instead basically Counterstrike with magical elements. At $60 it's a bit too expensive for just a multiplayer game but I'm sure MS will foster more of this PC/Xbox 360 interoperability as time goes on.
Youve got yourself a game...i too have heard of shadowrun which is why I said I was hoping for someother games to play...but the day when I get my new monitor and Windows Live (or whatever it called...), your ON!!!!!
We'll have to play something tough and manly ... maybe Hearts )
As I said, there really isn't much out right now that allows PC/360 interplay but hopefully that will change soon.
I'll need to get more nimble with the joypad. It's bad enough you want to take me out, but Nightshooter is gunning for me too. It seems he didn't like a particular bit of humor I offered up on another thread. And I still have a bit of a score to settle with RogueAgent, if he ever gets online that is.
BTW 0064, I know this'll make your day: I've been seriously thinking about getting a PS3. There still aren't many games for it (although I do like F1) but it's looking more and more like BluRay will win the HD format war and there are a few movies that I'd like to own in true hi-def. I just may pull the trigger once I've substantially payed for the new TV.
NightshooterIn bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
Is the PS3 supposed to be a good Blu Ray player? Because there is probably a better one out there.
Is the PS3 supposed to be a good Blu Ray player? Because there is probably a better one out there.
I haven't checked recently but a few months ago it was rated just as high as dedicated BluRay players in terms of image quality and was (at the time) the cheapest BluRay player available. Sony has since come out with a dedicated $499 player but I'm not sure of that one will go all the way to 1080p and for an extra hundred bucks (maybe less if there's a price drop or a sale) a PS3 would be a better overall deal.
BTW, I picked up FIFA World Cup 2006 a few days ago for $20; it's a fun game if you enjoy soccer. I've only played exhibition matches but it is neat to play as Italy as the game has all the licensed players.
BTW #2, I've also been playing more and more Forza 2; I beat all the arcade modes and have started a career. The racing is really fun in this game; the driving model is very realistic so you can't powerslide around corners like in PGR3 but it is very challenging and rewarding when you beat the AI.
BTW #3, did you try out the Prince of Persia demo on Xbox Live? It's the original PoP game from the Apple II days but with modern graphics. I haven't bought the full game yet but the visuals are beautiful; the analong only control takes a little getting used to but it is very playable.
Bring it on, track-ball boy {:) . There's a new game out called Shadowrun which supposedly allows PC and Xbox360 gamers to co-mingle. From what I've read it has little to do with the RPG series of the same name and is instead basically Counterstrike with magical elements. At $60 it's a bit too expensive for just a multiplayer game but I'm sure MS will foster more of this PC/Xbox 360 interoperability as time goes on.
Youve got yourself a game...i too have heard of shadowrun which is why I said I was hoping for someother games to play...but the day when I get my new monitor and Windows Live (or whatever it called...), your ON!!!!!
We'll have to play something tough and manly ... maybe Hearts )
As I said, there really isn't much out right now that allows PC/360 interplay but hopefully that will change soon.
I'll need to get more nimble with the joypad. It's bad enough you want to take me out, but Nightshooter is gunning for me too. It seems he didn't like a particular bit of humor I offered up on another thread. And I still have a bit of a score to settle with RogueAgent, if he ever gets online that is.
BTW 0064, I know this'll make your day: I've been seriously thinking about getting a PS3. There still aren't many games for it (although I do like F1) but it's looking more and more like BluRay will win the HD format war and there are a few movies that I'd like to own in true hi-def. I just may pull the trigger once I've substantially payed for the new TV.
Manly....lets play uno!!! And yes, the Blu-Ray is winning....PC FTW!!!!
Manly....lets play uno!!! And yes, the Blu-Ray is winning....PC FTW!!!!
PC FTW? Sorry, I'm not up on all these acronyms.
BTW, I picked up DiRT, the new offroad racing game for the Xbox 360 today. I only played a couple of races but the visuals are absolutely stunning. On my new TV the off-road courses were almost photo-realistic. The control is your typical loose off-roading setup but is a lot of fun once you get familiar with it.
NightshooterIn bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
FTW means for the win. Only losers like 0064 say it. (KIDDING! ... kinda)
I need to check out the PoP, it does look beautiful. OXM really liked Dirt, but he demo didn't do much for me. And Forza 2 seemed too similar to the original for a purchase, but when the price goes down I might.
I just bought a XBL video camera so I could superimpose the likeness of Sean Connery from The Rock on my Rainbow Six Vegas character. Hope I can get a good enough pic for it to work.
FTW means for the win. Only losers like 0064 say it. (KIDDING! ... kinda)
I need to check out the PoP, it does look beautiful. OXM really liked Dirt, but he demo didn't do much for me. And Forza 2 seemed too similar to the original for a purchase, but when the price goes down I might.
I just bought a XBL video camera so I could superimpose the likeness of Sean Connery from The Rock on my Rainbow Six Vegas character. Hope I can get a good enough pic for it to work.
PoP is beautiful but I'm still not sure about the control; let me know what you think once you try it.
I haven't done much with DiRT yet but what I've seen so far really impresses me; the graphics look better than MotorStorm (although the gameplay is very different) and the control can be mastered; you can also adjust the difficulty to help you when you start out.
Forza 2 is pretty much Forza 1 with hi-def graphics, more cars, and generally more bells and whistles. Many of the tracks are exactly the same too. I never really got into the original Forza so part 2 is very fresh to me but I can see how somebody who really played the original might not find much new here.
I've been thinking about getting the XBL Video Camera too, but I've spent way too much money this month already; I also returned the Samsung plasma and bought a Sony LCD instead.
Comments
I realize that they're trying to keep the series fresh but is this a good thing? Does this mean that I can't sneak up on targets anymore who hum those stupid little tunes? That tickles me everytime...
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
We'll just see if what they are doing pays off in time or sucks.
From what I've read, your Bourne analogy is a good one. Sam is definitely out on his own and following his own agenda this time around. Still, stealth has always been at the core of the Splinter Cell games and I have a feeling they won't be ditching that component entirely. What will change is how the missions are presented and the tools at Sam's disposal.
It is odd to see old Sam looking so scruffy, but it's a little too early to make any decisions or conclusions about the merits of this installment.
I also tried the Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End demo on Xbox Live. Really nice graphics in this one, and lots of different types of gameplay. The combat is pretty simplistic and there are some sword fights that are basically timed minigames. I don't think it's worth $60 but I'd definitely try it out at $30 or maybe even $40.
We're having new windows installed in our house; everything is in disarray and the 360 is temporarily mothballed so probably no gaming for me until the weekend.
I've been thinking of picking up FNR3 since it's now a greatest hits title. I know Rogue loves that series, make sure to post your impressions as well after putting in a few rounds.
I gave my current plasma to my brother; he broke it in by watching Batman Begins.
Congratulations on the new set, Tony. And there is no better way to inaugurate a hand me down than watching such a stellar picture. Spec will never be the same.
My wife and I were shopping around for new sets the other evening; it's not that we really need one having a tv in nearly every room of our home already but I want something preferrably widescreen that can bump up the resolution of my 360 as well.
You did say that plasmas have come a long way from what they were right?
Now that I think about it, it might be time to upgrade my home theatre system because the current one (Sony) is showing its age...
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Plasmas have come a long way and are much less susceptible to burn-in and image-retention. I'm still breaking the Sammy in and you do have to be a little careful for the first 100 hours or so while the phosphors in the TV age. And it's also a good idea to tone down the brightness a bit since the colors are so vibrant. If you still don't have a comfort level with plasmas by the time you're ready to buy, there are some very good Samsung LCD TV's out there that are very reasonably priced. Just be aware that when it comes to watching movies, plasmas are still tops due to their superior contrast level and ability to properly display fast moving images and deep blacks while retaining high levels of detail.
I've been trying out a lot of my old games to see how they look and have had no problems so far; Project Gotham Racing and Gears of War look absolutely amazing on this set and I'm seeing details I never noticed before. The TV even has a "Game Mode" that enhances picture quality and response time so it looks to be friendly with game consoles.
As for a home theater system, I'm not too keen on receivers with the built-in DVD players; they usually don't put out a great picture and I prefer to choose my own components. Unfortunately, more and more manufacturers insist on slapping one in. If and when you do buy, Samsung and Panasonic both make some nice models with good output; and if you get stuck with one with a DVD inside it, at least those two companies are now including upconverting players. You'll want to invest in an upscaling DVD player of some kind so your movies will look their best on a hi-def TV. Panasonic makes good and affordable players and you can find HDMI cables for around $15 on Amazon.
Here's a pic of the new rig (click for a larger version):
I actually bought a VGA cable and tried doing that. While DVD playback was very much improved over component cables, it still wasn't as good as my dedicated DVD player over HDMI. I didn't tweak the settings much, so I could have probably gotten a better picture, but I prefer to use a dedicated player to save wear and tear on the 360's drive.
In fact, I was a little disappointed with VGA output with games. It is a little sharper than component but when using the VGA cable the 360 outputs at 1360x768; the TV's native resolution is 1366x768, so I had little 3 pixel wide borders on the left and right edge of the screen. Again, I haven't really calibrated the VGA port yet so I'm sure I can get a better picture but for now I'm still using component cables.
I use the 360 to play DVD's, I actually like the picture quality and the idea of hooking another component in to the system isn't my idea of fun. If you ever in Chicago, stop by and you can help me get connected properly.
As far as surround sound goes, running the wires is a real pain in any room. The ideal solution would be to hire somebody to run the wires thru the walls and then mount wall plates at the front and rear of the rooms. I can't justify that kind of expense so I just run them under an area rug and that keeps things looking pretty clean. There are also some home entertainment systems that employ wireless rear speakers but I really don't know too much about how well they work.
I really don't travel but if by some miracle I should every end up in Chicago, I'll be happy to to give your system a tune-up.
Hey man, this is an Xbox 360 thread; we don't need no PC gamer stinkin' up the place ... just kidding. Congrats on the new machine but a 19" monitor just doesn't cut it these days. You really should convince your folks to get a hi-def TV with a VGA input and then run your PC thru that. Buy yourself a good wireless mouse, keyboard and gamepad and then you'll really be smokin'.
After much calibration and tweaking, I'm now very happy with how my Xbox 360 looks on my new plasma thru the VGA cable. The 360 has a setting for VGA reference levels and when set to "Expanded" it yields a really sharp picture, very vibrant colors and nice, deep blacks. You can really tell the difference in sharpness between component connections and VGA and even DVD playback is upscaled to the TV's native resolution and much improved. I've been revisiting a lot of my games and seeing detail I never caught before. In particular Quake IV, PGR3 and Forza Motorsport 2 all look really nice thru VGA.
Hey Tony, we can't all keep up with you, I'm lucky I got the 360 working. BTW, about half way through Halo 2 and waiting for the NASCAR 360 game to come out.
My son is playing Major League baseball 2K7 and he is having a heck of a time hitting the ball. H has played many baseball games before and is usually really good. He once won a home run derby at a Playstation 2 festival, so this is unusual. You have to use the joy stick to hit the ball and it takes more than just moving it at the correct time. If anyone has tips I would like to hear them.
As to your son's problems with MLB2K7, I've never really played much videogame baseball, but here's a pretty extensive FAQ on the game. It includes some pointers on how to effectively swing the bat; hopefully you'll be able to make some use of it.
http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/xbox360/file/936391/48638
There are also plenty of cheat codes out there to improve your batting percentage; I can pass those along too if you like.
I'm also curious to see what EA does with NASCAR 08; the last version I bought was the 2006 edition for the original Xbox and it was pretty much unplayable as no matter how I tweaked the car, it would just swerve all over the track. I guess games like PGR and now Forza with their advanced physics models have spoiled me. Hopefully EA will be able to recapture some of their former glory with NASCAR 08, but I'll be waiting for some reviews before deciding on whether to make a purchase.
The last NASCAR game I had (I forget the version) the other cars could wreck you without notice, which I hated. Hope the 2008 edition is more realistic, you know I will be driving the 17 car.
Playstation 3, say it ain't so, to the dark side you have gone.
That was the exact same problem I had with NASCAR 2006; the AI was horrendous and somebody would always plow into me right at the start. It's really unfortunate that EA has exclusive rights to NASCAR right now; I think a little competition from other developers would make for better quality games.
Uncertain, the future is. From the Dark Side, I may yet be spared.
Stinkin up the place??? You wont be saying that as I own you in a 360 vs. PC match will ya???
I have a nice mouse (yes, im a trackball person...sure me)...a nice keyboard....and to heck with a gamepad...as for the monitor...I was planning to buy one for christmas this year....I think 30" should do the trick...:D
Hey Barry...you might see if you can change the controls around to make a button swing....thats just what id do as a silly PC man in a 360 thread...
Bring it on, track-ball boy {:) . There's a new game out called Shadowrun which supposedly allows PC and Xbox360 gamers to co-mingle. From what I've read it has little to do with the RPG series of the same name and is instead basically Counterstrike with magical elements. At $60 it's a bit too expensive for just a multiplayer game but I'm sure MS will foster more of this PC/Xbox 360 interoperability as time goes on.
Youve got yourself a game...i too have heard of shadowrun which is why I said I was hoping for someother games to play...but the day when I get my new monitor and Windows Live (or whatever it called...), your ON!!!!!
We'll have to play something tough and manly ... maybe Hearts
As I said, there really isn't much out right now that allows PC/360 interplay but hopefully that will change soon.
I'll need to get more nimble with the joypad. It's bad enough you want to take me out, but Nightshooter is gunning for me too. It seems he didn't like a particular bit of humor I offered up on another thread. And I still have a bit of a score to settle with RogueAgent, if he ever gets online that is.
BTW 0064, I know this'll make your day: I've been seriously thinking about getting a PS3. There still aren't many games for it (although I do like F1) but it's looking more and more like BluRay will win the HD format war and there are a few movies that I'd like to own in true hi-def. I just may pull the trigger once I've substantially payed for the new TV.
I haven't checked recently but a few months ago it was rated just as high as dedicated BluRay players in terms of image quality and was (at the time) the cheapest BluRay player available. Sony has since come out with a dedicated $499 player but I'm not sure of that one will go all the way to 1080p and for an extra hundred bucks (maybe less if there's a price drop or a sale) a PS3 would be a better overall deal.
BTW, I picked up FIFA World Cup 2006 a few days ago for $20; it's a fun game if you enjoy soccer. I've only played exhibition matches but it is neat to play as Italy as the game has all the licensed players.
BTW #2, I've also been playing more and more Forza 2; I beat all the arcade modes and have started a career. The racing is really fun in this game; the driving model is very realistic so you can't powerslide around corners like in PGR3 but it is very challenging and rewarding when you beat the AI.
BTW #3, did you try out the Prince of Persia demo on Xbox Live? It's the original PoP game from the Apple II days but with modern graphics. I haven't bought the full game yet but the visuals are beautiful; the analong only control takes a little getting used to but it is very playable.
Manly....lets play uno!!! And yes, the Blu-Ray is winning....PC FTW!!!!
PC FTW? Sorry, I'm not up on all these acronyms.
BTW, I picked up DiRT, the new offroad racing game for the Xbox 360 today. I only played a couple of races but the visuals are absolutely stunning. On my new TV the off-road courses were almost photo-realistic. The control is your typical loose off-roading setup but is a lot of fun once you get familiar with it.
I need to check out the PoP, it does look beautiful. OXM really liked Dirt, but he demo didn't do much for me. And Forza 2 seemed too similar to the original for a purchase, but when the price goes down I might.
I just bought a XBL video camera so I could superimpose the likeness of Sean Connery from The Rock on my Rainbow Six Vegas character. Hope I can get a good enough pic for it to work.
PoP is beautiful but I'm still not sure about the control; let me know what you think once you try it.
I haven't done much with DiRT yet but what I've seen so far really impresses me; the graphics look better than MotorStorm (although the gameplay is very different) and the control can be mastered; you can also adjust the difficulty to help you when you start out.
Forza 2 is pretty much Forza 1 with hi-def graphics, more cars, and generally more bells and whistles. Many of the tracks are exactly the same too. I never really got into the original Forza so part 2 is very fresh to me but I can see how somebody who really played the original might not find much new here.
I've been thinking about getting the XBL Video Camera too, but I've spent way too much money this month already; I also returned the Samsung plasma and bought a Sony LCD instead.