Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

On Xbox's Progression, Positioning For The Future

Posted by simoniker on from the power-of-x dept.

Thanks to GameSpy for its article charting the progression of the Xbox from its launch to the present day, with the author's introduction suggesting: "For Microsoft, the video-game industry has been a whiplash rollercoaster ride with lucrative peaks, costly valleys, and a changing list of passengers going along for the ride." After charting a timeline for Xbox's history so far, he concludes: "Xbox has not lived up to all of the predictions, but Microsoft has more than made its point. After two years and two months on the market, the numbers speak for themselves." Has the Xbox been all you expected and wanted it to be?

117 comments

  1. Kind of.... by Lukano · · Score: 4, Interesting

    The XBOX as far as games and titles has left me feeling a little ... lacking. But as far as it's multimedia capabilities (with some creative adaptation to the hardware of course) has impressed me. Mind you that's not the obvious use for the XBOX, and thusly posed against the question, would leave a resounding "No, has not lived up..." but all in all I'm happy with my purchase.

    1. Re:Kind of.... by imr · · Score: 2, Insightful

      The question is would you have been as happy without the creative adaptation to the hardware that anybody can't do, and if you were judging it as a gamer only?
      Also, the article is pretty much us centered in his judgement. If anyone else had made so poor world wide without being as cash stuffed (think sega and the great dreamcast), they would bail out or just go bankrupt.

    2. Re:Kind of.... by Singletoned · · Score: 4, Interesting

      I've been more than impressed with the games. It's had a lot of the 'Best in their class' games of recent years (or at least ones that were arguabley best).

      Halo, Dead or Alive, Amped, Topspin, Links, Panzer Dragoon, DoA:XBV, etc.

      There's also been loads of games that I've preferred playing on Xbox rather than PC (like KotOR and GTA3/VC), due to having a good controller.

      It hasn't got the range of PS2 software, but it has got lots of better games.

    3. Re:Kind of.... by cbirdsong64 · · Score: 1

      I would argue that Soul Calibur II > DOA and SSX 3 is miles ahead of Amped, but they're on the Xbox anyway.

    4. Re:Kind of.... by damien_kane · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I'd argue that the XBOX has a higher percentage of good games, only because there are a lot more games for the PS2. Therefor the signal to noise ratio is higher.
      The PS2 has, IMHO, better games than the XBOX, with the exception of Halo (of which I'm not a huge fan, but I'm waiting for Halo2)

    5. Re:Kind of.... by Singletoned · · Score: 1

      Yes, I should have qualified my statement, that I was referring to single platform games.

      Though the multiplatform games do tend to be better on Xbox (Soul Calibur 2 being an exception).

      Admittedly Xbox hasn't done well with less Western forms of gaming like Japanese RPGs and adventure games. But that's fairly understandable.

    6. Re:Kind of.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      There's also been loads of games that I've preferred playing on Xbox rather than PC (like KotOR and GTA3/VC), due to having a good controller.

      Hahahahahahahaha.

    7. Re:Kind of.... by Rallion · · Score: 1

      Er...the multiplatform games tend to be better on XBox? I've never seen that before. Sure, sometimes they look better, if it's possible and the developers take the time, but that's not a given and wouldn't matter if it was. And in every game I've personally played on multiple platforms, I found the control in the XBox version to just be lacking. Timesplitters 2, and, actually, SSX3 both come to mind immediately. More out of curiosity than being argumentative, what are some games that you think are better on XBox?

    8. Re:Kind of.... by prockcore · · Score: 1

      DoA:XBV

      Whoops, there goes your credibility.

    9. Re:Kind of.... by Singletoned · · Score: 1

      What do you mean?

      It's the best volleyball game, and a great example of non-goal-lead gaming. The goal is just to play and have fun.

      It's a brilliant game, well executed, and tries to do something original.

    10. Re:Kind of.... by JackDeth · · Score: 1
      I'd argue that the XBOX has a higher percentage of good games, only because there are a lot more games for the PS2. Therefor the signal to noise ratio is higher.
      Is that a good thing? One of the things I've never liked about the PS/PS2 are the number of games that are utter crap. Xbox definitely has some crap games as well (Kabuki Warriors, Pulse Racer), but they're easier to weed out.

      Personally, I think Xbox has more quality titles than I have time to play anyway, so a larger game library means little. Although I would really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, REALLY like to see a Final Fantasy, Wild Arms, Lufia, Shining Force, Breath of Fire, etc... type of title come out on the Xbox. I'm hoping that Sudeki will fill that void somewhat...
    11. Re:Kind of.... by JackDeth · · Score: 1

      I almost agree with you. I personally think Outlaw Volleyball is a better volleyball game though...

      People see DOA girls in bikinis and think that this must be some crap title that was slapped together in an obvious ploy to get geeks to buy the game. The commercials don't help this image one bit, nor do the quicky reviews you find at most gaming sites (*cough*gamespot*cough*). But at its heart, DOA:XVB is an original, deep, complex game based on relationships and collecting (not volleyball). Unfortunately I don't play it much because it seems like too much of a commitment to learn each girls likes/dislikes/reactions, etc... But it really is a brilliant game and I applaud Team Ninja for trying something original.

    12. Re:Kind of.... by cbirdsong64 · · Score: 1

      A lot of people consider custom soundtracks a sufficient edge for the Xbox. Only one game does this for me, though. True Crime.

      (Whisper: Does it even have a custom soundtrack? I don't even know!)

    13. Re:Kind of.... by damien_kane · · Score: 1

      I would really, [...] REALLY like to see a $RPG

      That's the thing, though.
      In the past there was really only one system at a time that RPGs were made for. In the 8 bit days, it was the NES. In the 16 bit days, the SNES.
      People didn't buy Sega for RPGs, they bought it for sports.
      Each console has its niche. For the NGC, it is arguably children. (Flames aside, I know there are excellent games geard towards adults, but it's more a children's/party system than anything else).
      With the XBOX, its the gamerz. Hence the FPS and Simulators (crimson skies, mech assault, etc).
      The PS2 is primarily for RPGs and strategy games. We have to remember that this was developed for the adults in Japan, and the NGC was for the kids in Japan.
      Their views of games are a lot different than ours.
      For the most part (from what I've read on review boards et.al) they prefer a somewhat intellectually stimulating game to an end-of-the-world nuclear free-for-all FPS.
      This is why there are a variety of exclusive stealh-tactics games (SOCOM, Spliter Cell [for the first few months], MGS2 [and 3 coming soon]), RPGs (75% of Square/Enix's library, Xenosaga, .hack 1-4), puzzle games (ICO), and synaesthasia/twitch-games (Rez, Frequency/Amplitude, DDR*).

      When buying a console you buy the one you want for the games you play. That's the way it has always been and I for one hope that's the way it will stay.

    14. Re:Kind of.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      HALO 0wnz j00 beeyotch.

  2. Love it personally. by Singletoned · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I've always been a bit of a Microsoft hater, but I was tempted to the Xbox by Halo and Dead or Alive (I'm a DoA fanboy) and have to say I've ended up loving it. I've ended up playing on it to the exclusion of my GC and PS2.

    They made a pretty powerful machine and did a great job of getting some brilliant developers to make games for it (whether by fair means or foul).

    The build quality of the components is also surprisingly high. The cables that came with my console are gold-plated and very strong. The controllers are the least flimsy feeling of all the controllers on the market. As soon as it came out of its packaging, it oozed class and effort.

    They even made an effort to create a better size and shape of controller. Okay they failed with their first one. But full marks for trying.

    I don't think they'll win the console war, but I think they are definitely bringing some fresh thinking to the marketplace, and making Nintendo and Sony raise their standards.

    (BTW My only disappointment was that it had a cheap little CD draw. When I first switched it on, I expected the whole top to raise off with a hiss of hydraulics and a glowing green light inside. I was gutted when it didn't)

    1. Re:Love it personally. by Singletoned · · Score: 5, Interesting

      The other thing that has just occurred to me:

      The reasons I (we) have often hated Microsoft (DRM, forced updates, market control, etc) actually work on a console. Their entire philosophy seems to fit the console market better than the PC market. You can utterly control a console and control what people do with it. There is no freedom except if you use a modchip, and if you do that you are banned from online gaming (which is half the fun).

      You could never have a successful open source console, because they have to sell the console at a loss and make their money back on their licensing fees. This model really suits Microsoft, who are good at controlling that kind of relationship, and who have the deep pockets to make a bit of a loss.

      Also, the Japanese market tends to suit regularly improvements to products (constantly releasing slightly improved versions) which doesn't suit consoles (who wants a PS2.1, or 2.2?), but it does work with an Xbox. They have updated the 'operating system' many times since I bought mine, and are sure to keep doing so.

      Microsoft may just have found a niche that they can be good at, and where their business model is actually loved rather than hated.

    2. Re:Love it personally. by Strag · · Score: 1

      I generally agree with you, and am quite pleased with my Xbox as well. However not all the components are high quality. Namely the DVD drive, there have been numerous problems with Thompson drives dying and having problems reading disks. Sure they've been using other drives such as the Philips and the Samsung, however they're also still using these Thompson drives that are an utter pain to deal with when they start acting up.

    3. Re:Love it personally. by imr · · Score: 1

      So let's hope for you that they stick with the harddrive and the costly design. As much as I understand all your points, they all depend on them doing it again with the xbox2:
      -expensive harddrive for the nice os updates and savegames and patches and updated content.
      -expensive strong cable and materials.
      -expensive game compagnies to buy to lock them to the xbox, so there can be those exclusive games you like so much (you know, Bungie wouldnt have been bought, they would have made halo for the console anyway, except it would have been for the consoleS).
      -expensive xbox live to host the games and offer the bandwith for almost nothing.

      Of course, all this depends on 2 things:
      either redmond is willing to waste another few billions on it or suddenly rich gamers ready to cough so much on a console will appear by millions.

    4. Re:Love it personally. by scot4875 · · Score: 0, Troll

      As soon as it came out of its packaging, it oozed class and effort.

      Man, a machine with ugly neon green highlights definitely oozes something, but it ain't class or effort. :)

      --Jeremy

      --
      Jesus was a liberal
    5. Re:Love it personally. by Singletoned · · Score: 1

      The only profitable things they've ever done are Office and Windows. With MSN and Xbox, I think they've adequatley proved that they are willing to lose a few billion here and there...

    6. Re:Love it personally. by Singletoned · · Score: 1

      I did hear about this and yes, you are right. The DVD drive has been substandard on several releases.

      Apparently the early Japanese editions actually scratched the game discs that were put in them and Microsoft weren't quick to replace them, which was a PR disaster for them.

      Overall they have done a good job (though admittedly the DVD drive is a pretty fundamental part of the system).

      That's Microsft for you ;)

    7. Re:Love it personally. by imr · · Score: 1

      Yes, and as I said, are they willing to do it twice?
      If not, and my personnal bet is that they dont, then they will have to cut the prices somewhere.
      Since the xbox factories are already delocalised in china, the only other way is to nerf the features and/or lower the quality.
      Because, there arent that many people ready to put so much in a console, and it doesnt look like there will be more soon.

  3. i bought one the first week ($300) by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    and the hardware was pretty unreliable. So, I recently bought another one. I have too many games to NOT have a functioning Xbox, but having spent close to $1500 on Xbox-related purchases, I can say I am pretty dissatisfied.

    By contrast, I bought a Cube for $99, and you can play most of the same games. And, you get Zelda, the new FF, and Mario Golf.

    1. Re:i bought one the first week ($300) by tyler_42 · · Score: 3, Funny

      It took $1500 for you to realize that your not satisfied with MS's efforts? Must seem a bit silly in retrospect, no?

    2. Re:i bought one the first week ($300) by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      I'd love to know how many people who bought their xboxes on launch day have since needed to replace them. Personally, I'm surprised that no one on here has mentioned the poor quality of the system, in particular the dvd-rom drive. I've had innumerable problems with mine ranging from dirty discs to completely unplayable games and dvd's which work fine on other systems.

      Now, I think the system has an excellent design, and the games are improving, but the quality of the hardware is completely lacking. A brief search on google groups for "xbox dirty disc" reveals thousands of related results, so its not like this is an isolated incident. Newer xboxes don't seem to suffer from this problem since the dvd-rom shipped with new systems is different. And to refute the "shoulda bought the extended warranty" argument, I live in Canada, where that warranty was not even offered.

    3. Re:i bought one the first week ($300) by bigman2003 · · Score: 1

      Try Links 2004. I've played that, and Mario. No comparison, Links is a better (best) golf game.

      --
      No reason to lie.
  4. Better than I expected by DrSkwid · · Score: 3, Interesting


    Of course, having every title on warezed DVD helps.

    XBox Live, though, is where it's at.

    Project Gotham on XBox live is the best racing ever. Bar none. They have multiplayer *exactly* right.

    I bought Need For Speed Underground on PC at the same time and it's online system was a disappointment. It's update system uses javascript and activex ffs and so first thing I had to do was piss about bringing my I.E. up to date on a box I don't use for web browsing (being a Mozilla user on FreeBSD and all).

    The controllers are an abomination and getting a force feedback steering wheel has been a long long wait.

    I hope Sony get the networking sorted out on the PS3 and the xbox2 is stillborn.

    It is really irksome seeing ads for MSN while playing SSX Tricky or Links2004.

    --
    There are places where the networks are not touching,and there are places where they are-Boeing's Lori Gunter
    1. Re:Better than I expected by bigman2003 · · Score: 1

      Just to clarify before people jump on the part about ads for MSN on SSX Tricky or Links 2004. (My guess is that you meant Amped- not SSX Tricky)

      The ads are just 'billboards' that are typically placed around sporting events. This actually adds to the realism for me. Just like Rallisport Challenge has advertising for all kinds of car companies- just like in real racing.

      So, when there are grandstands in Links, like on the 18th green, there are usually a few small banners. Live, MSN, Suunto, etc. Just like in real golf.

      --
      No reason to lie.
    2. Re:Better than I expected by DrSkwid · · Score: 1


      > (My guess is that you meant Amped- not SSX Tricky)

      I'll check. Mybe the MSN one was in Links. SSX Tricky definitely had a 7up.

      > This actually adds to the realism for me.

      Adds to the realism of SSX Tricky?

      I can cope with the Rallisport example because of the motorsport angle but I baulk ad having ads for MSN shoved down my throat. I'm trying to get away from the daytime not have it advertised at me.

      If it's all or nothing then I'd settle for nothing.

      --
      There are places where the networks are not touching,and there are places where they are-Boeing's Lori Gunter
    3. Re:Better than I expected by bigman2003 · · Score: 1

      Well, SSX Tricky is an EA title, where Amped is Microsoft. It's not impossible that SSX has MSN banners, but I am about 99.9% sure that Amped does have them.

      Most professional sporting events have advertising tied to them now- it's just the way it goes.

      Top Spin also has advertising- but only when you play in the big arenas. When you are on a playground, or training facility, you don't see ads. But most of the stadiums are 'sponsored'.

      I do like it, I really think it adds some realism.

      --
      No reason to lie.
    4. Re:Better than I expected by leifm · · Score: 1

      SSX3 (I've played the GCN version) has ads for dnl, and the Honda Element, I'm pretty sure that's all. It doesn't bother me, advertising is part of sports, it doesn't seem out of place. Take those two adds and put them in Halo or Jak & Daxtor and it'd be annoying to say the least.

      --

      "Windows Me offers tremendous reliability and stability improvements..." -- Paul Thurott
  5. its great. by WordUpCousin · · Score: 2, Interesting

    The machine itself makes the Xbox great. For instance, have you ever ran the same title on the PS2 and the Xbox? The load-time seems to be half of that of the ps2's.

  6. Ehh by kannibal_klown · · Score: 5, Interesting

    My first 2 games for the XBox were "Crimson Skies" and "Prince of Persial - SOT". I fell in love the the console after that. Since then I rented Soul Caliber II, Panzer Dragoon, and Rainbox Six III. Also, the free "XBox Live" trial sweetened the deal, as I love kicking people's asses in Crimson Skies (though I suck at Rainbox Six).

    However, it's getting harder to find decent games to rent/buy after the ones I listed. Part of me wishes I had gone the Gamecube route (and saved like $200). While a lot of the GC games are corny-looking, they are pretty fun to play.

    In all, I think the XBox is an alright system, but they need to make more "must have" titles. Halo 2 was looking promising, but now that's delayed until Fall. Oh well, on the PC side I have (hopefully) Half-Life 2 and UT 2004 in a month.

    1. Re:Ehh by Txiasaeia · · Score: 3, Interesting
      OT, I know, but I *Did* go the Gamecube route, and boy am I happy that I did! I paid $160 CAD for a used system, including a platinum gamecube, an extra controller, memory card and Viewtiful Joe. I've also got F-Zero GX, Soul Calibur II, Windwaker and Mario Kart; between these games, I don't have to rent *anything*.

      The nice thing about the Big N is that most of their first party games are completely awesome, and even some second-tier games (F-Zero was jointly done with Sega, SCII) are still amazing. I've tried a few XBox games, and while they may look pretty, there's no way that console is worth an extra $200.

      --
      Condemnant quod non intellegunt.
    2. Re:Ehh by kannibal_klown · · Score: 1

      Agreed. It's one of those things I wish I could go back in time, and slap myself in the face while I was waiting in line for 20 minutes. I should've just done something like you did. More fun for a fraction of the price.

    3. Re:Ehh by Blakey+Rat · · Score: 0, Flamebait

      This post is off-topic. The poster ADMITS it's off-topic. And it's +4 Interesting?

      Holy crap, Slashdot, what the hell is wrong with you? I guess all you have to do to earn karma is post glowing GameCube reviews in a topic about SCO and watch them get moderated up the wazzoo.

      --
      Comment of the year
    4. Re:Ehh by Txiasaeia · · Score: 1
      In a roundabout way, I'm criticising the way that Microsoft is doing business. You don't need a hugely powerful console (or even one that can play DVDs) in order to be successful; you need it to be *fun*. This includes not only fun games, but well-made and interesting games.

      In order for Microsoft to "position" the XBox for the future, they need to re-think their "fastest and best graphics" line of thinking, perhaps taking a look at why the Gamecube is so successful.

      And FYI, my karma's been "excellent" for about a year now; I don't post because of karma, I post in order to express my views and comment on the views of others.

      --
      Condemnant quod non intellegunt.
    5. Re:Ehh by JFMulder · · Score: 1

      If you love RPGs, I'm probably not the first one to tell you that you MUST own Star Wars : Knights of the Old Republic. I'm not a Star Wars zealot or anything, but this game is truly one of the best console RPG's I've ever played, right up there with Final Fantasy 6 on the Super NES.

      Recently I've tried out Project Gotham Racing, and it's a truly original racing game. Ninja Gaiden is coming out in two weeks and is exclusive to the Xbox. That should put your mind to rest until Sudeki (June) and Halo 2 (autumn). And then there's non-exclusive games like Starcraft Ghost coming out soon, and a bunch of others I don't remember.

    6. Re:Ehh by Blakey+Rat · · Score: 1

      I don't give a shit what you think about your karma, the SIMPLE FACT is that that post was off-topic, and it wasn't moderated off-topic. Period.

      What is the POINT of the moderation system if it's abused like this? It's infuriating.

      --
      Comment of the year
    7. Re:Ehh by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You were modded "flamebait." Seems like it's working to me.

  7. Centre of the Livingroom? by Cebu · · Score: 4, Insightful
    I found it interesting that the Xbox Timeline article mentioned:
    "Despite the fact that Xbox now trails behind the competition, Takahashi says that he is confident that Microsoft will release a second-generation Xbox. What has changed, however, is the notion that Xbox will be the center point of the livingroom. "I think that the idea that game consoles are going to take over all processing in the livingroom has been tested and has failed," says Takahashi, who continues to cover the games industry for the San Jose Mercury News."


    I think it's somewhat premature to say that "the notion that Xbox will be the center point of the livingroom... has been tested and has failed." What failure has occured, is in the creation of an attractive software package for making the Xbox a centre point of the livingroom. It's as if little to no effort was made at all in this respect, yet the Xbox management imply that they tried as best as anyone could and failed at the task.

    The Xbox had no PVR functionality, didn't include the DVD player as part of basic package, had no ability to transfer media files (or at least stream media), and has a lack luster though useable interface for media playback. Furthermore, what functionality they did provide in these regards, did not even match what was availible in similar devices at the time. Even as a simple DVD player, it was only adequate at best; lowend DVD players could be obtained at a similar cost of just the Xbox DVD package and offered a better experience.... It's no wonder Xbox didn't succeed as "the centre point of the livingroom."
    1. Re:Centre of the Livingroom? by candl · · Score: 0

      Call me practical, but nothing is going to be the "center of my livingroom" if it doesn't have a remote control. They could do whatever they want to an XBox (DVD burner, TV tuner, etc...) but if I have to ABABRLRLDDUU on a controller every time I want to skip chapters on a DVD, it'll always be a periferal.

      "No honey, to change channels it's the two Triagles then the square. Just... No... No... that's for fast forward, just press the button with the Triangle on it! Give me that!"

    2. Re:Centre of the Livingroom? by SuiteSisterMary · · Score: 2, Informative

      Which is why the Xbox DVD adaptor comes with a remote control.

      --
      Vintage computer games and RPG books available. Email me if you're interested.
    3. Re:Centre of the Livingroom? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Call me practical, but nothing is going to be the "center of my livingroom" if it doesn't have a remote control. They could do whatever they want to an XBox (DVD burner, TV tuner, etc...) but if I have to ABABRLRLDDUU on a controller every time I want to skip chapters on a DVD, it'll always be a periferal.

      "No honey, to change channels it's the two Triagles then the square. Just... No... No... that's for fast forward, just press the button with the Triangle on it! Give me that!"

      The correct way to skip chapters is to press:
      Up-Up-Down-Down-Left-Right-Left-Right B, A, Start.

      (What! a girl using the remote!?)

  8. Killer Games by leadfoot2004 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    It's one of the few times where Microsoft could not say they dominated the market. Mind you, because it's Microsoft, people tend to be a bit more critical about their accomplishments. This is partially attributed to their marketing hype at the initial launch of the X-Box. I think from this point forward, Microsoft really needs a series of "Killer Games" (in parallel to the Killer Apps). Consumers need to be convinced that in order to play THAT game, they HAVE to buy the X-Box (just like how Gran Turismo or Final Fantasy did to the Playstation). We'll just wait and see...

    1. Re:Killer Games by AzraelKans · · Score: 1

      Halo, ninja gaiden, project gotham racing 2, halo 2 .

      --
      Go ahead MOD my day!
      More opinions here
    2. Re:Killer Games by damien_kane · · Score: 1, Troll

      SOCOM, Devil May Cray (1 or 2), Gran Turismo 3 (or 4 which comes out soon), SOCOM2

    3. Re:Killer Games by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Devil May Cray? There's a daemon joke in there somewhere.

    4. Re:Killer Games by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Ok really moderators, how is this a troll?
      Someone posted a list of games that they feel are the definitive games for XBox, and I posted equivalent or (IMHO) better games for PS2...
      Damn you mods are dumb...

  9. Flame me all you want for supporting MS, but... by Recoil_42 · · Score: 5, Informative

    The XBOX is really a fantastic console, and imo, its a huge leap in the console market.

    -The hard drive is absolutely fantastic; game saves are effortless, and i don't need to buy memory cards. What happens when i run out? By that time, we'll be way into XBOX3 or XBOX4 :P

    Custom soundtracks are a pretty cool feature, i love funking out to gorillaz down a mountain on Amped (Snowboarding game), when i get bored of the music in the game.

    XBOX Live is, dare i say, the most fantastic, complete product that MS has ever made:
    -Downloads are plentiful, and a great incentive for me to keep those single player games that are 'play through once'. The new Splinter Cell levels were great.
    -Cheating protection is great. Modchips are are automatically banned, and if anyone ever finds a game exploit, patching is automatic and mandatory, and in some cases (MotoGP) scoreboards are reset.
    -Voice Support completely changes everything. On PC, it's pretty much optional, but on LIVE, nearly everyone has a communicator (it comes with the kits) and EVERY GAME SUPPORTS IT. The difference in team organization in a first person shooter, for instance, is immediately clear.
    -Prizes, leagues, tournaments. I don't have an XSN game myself, but from what other people have told me, the setup is pretty good. Prizes are a cool addition too; right now there is an official competition for a cool $25,000US. Nice.

    On top of all this, the lineup is shaping up, too. It doesnt have the Japanese RPGs like the PS2, or the Nintendo games, but it has everything else. Its the only console for which FPSs actually work *AT ALL* (Gamecube's controls are too rigid, and PS2's analog sticks are too short), and i actually prefer (blasphemy!) the analog sticks to WASD and a mouse.. its just so much more natural.

    So yeah, MS did an excellent job with the XBOX. Surprise, Surprise.

    --


    Newsie, Moderator, www.tauniverse.com
    1. Re:Flame me all you want for supporting MS, but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I agree the XBox is a great console. Of course it cant compare to the Dreamcast which is the greatest console ever. For those people who whine about lack of titles they are just Microsoft Haters.

      There are many cross platform titles and they always look better on the xbox with shorter loading times and sometimes extra features (custom soundtracks).

      Unfortunatly it looks like the XBox Next will be a step backwards due to ignorant gamers who just wont give it a chance .

    2. Re:Flame me all you want for supporting MS, but... by Singletoned · · Score: 1

      "Its the only console for which FPSs actually work *AT ALL* (Gamecube's controls are too rigid, and PS2's analog sticks are too short), and i actually prefer (blasphemy!) the analog sticks to WASD and a mouse.. its just so much more natural."

      Utterly. And the dimples on the analogue sticks are a moment of genius. My finger hasn't slipped once. I can't believe no one has thought of it before (using concave instead of convex tops to the sticks). It adds so much control.

      Why they can't release a controller as good as that for the PC, I don't know.

    3. Re:Flame me all you want for supporting MS, but... by herulach · · Score: 1

      Its a standard usb HID. Just mash yourself an extension cable into a usb cable (even colour coded right) and get the drivers, dont have a url, but x-box scene has plenty of tutorials.

    4. Re:Flame me all you want for supporting MS, but... by prockcore · · Score: 0, Troll

      Voice Support completely changes everything. On PC, it's pretty much optional, but on LIVE, nearly everyone has a communicator (it comes with the kits) and EVERY GAME SUPPORTS IT. The difference in team organization in a first person shooter, for instance, is immediately clear.

      Man that's one thing I hate. I don't want to hear a bunch of 12 year olds saying stupid crap like "owned".

    5. Re:Flame me all you want for supporting MS, but... by Singletoned · · Score: 1

      Very nice. Thanks muchly.

    6. Re:Flame me all you want for supporting MS, but... by ajd1474 · · Score: 1

      Rainbow Six 3, Counter Strike and every other FPS i've played you cant hear your opponent. So even if you do get spammed by a 12 year old, you arent going to hear him gloat. The down side is that when you get your revenge, he wont hear you either. This leaves you and your team mates to work more effectively, set traps, respond to rushing and work as a team. PLUS, it is real easy to mute any morons that start singing in the lobby before the game.

      --
      I refuse to have a sig... dammit!
  10. Right and MS cares why? by SmallFurryCreature · · Score: 2, Insightful
    You buy a piece of hardware and a lot of software for it. Then because it doesn't work you buy another one.

    So you me a few hundred dollars and buy stuff from people who give me a few dollars as well. Then I beat your face in and you give me another few hundred dollars?

    Am I missing something?

    I can understand that you may have invested to much in software to be able to afford to let the x-box go unused but think about the message you are sending to MS. Wow this customer must really like our stuff. He bought TWO!!! Cancel that order to make the X-box2 hardware more rugged. Our customers love us.

    --

    MMO Quests are like orgasms:

    You may solo them, I prefer them in a group.

  11. I buy that for a dollar. by AzraelKans · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Exactly how did you managed to expend $1000 in xbox "related" purchases? you paid $1200 in repairs when you could have bought a brand new one in $170? or you mean you spent $1200 in games?
    Anyway if you didnt void your guaranty by modding or opening it yourself you could have just have it changed for a new one?

    --
    Go ahead MOD my day!
    More opinions here
    1. Re:I buy that for a dollar. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      one console: $300
      extra controller: $30
      20 games: $1000
      replacement console :$170
      = $1500.

      it's doable - the math alone isn't the questionable part. hell, lookin at that math kinda shocked me into noticing how much i've spent on my 'xbox related' purchases. (box+3 controllers+15 games+couple oxm's+countless rentals). but i digress.

      I can't see someone who was 'dissatisfied' with a console purchase 10 games in, going ahead and purchasing 10 more games anyway. it seems to me that either the OP's buying dozens of games he hates (unlikely), he's trolling, or he isn't actually paying for the games himself (gifts, etc) - which means he has little room to complain about having 'spent' $1500.

      my money is on trolling. I've had my xbox since release and the only problems i've had were due to beat-to-shit rental discs. the units that were reportedly flakey were a small run, and it would've failed well under the warranty period if it were flakey.

      it just smells like either a troll, or an exaggeration by someone whose memory is so short, he already forgot that he liked the dozen+ games he has.

  12. Europe? by MBraynard · · Score: 1
    I actually read the article. This caught my eye:

    Europe (a territory that includes Africa, Australia, and all of Asia except Japan)...

    I wonder why that is? Africa may be a pretty small market, but all of Asia other than Japan gets lumped in there too?

    1. Re:Europe? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Probably any market that uses 240VAC and/or PAL televisions gets called "Europe" for simplicity's sake.

    2. Re:Europe? by fmita · · Score: 1

      I don't think XBox sells very well in Asia (it trails the PS2 and GC), so MS probably just groups it into the U.S. and "everybody else."

  13. does many things right by kisrael · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Xbox is my third current console (GC first, then PS2) and it has pretty much held its own. (Unlike the PS2, especially now that GTA3 and Vice City are out for Xbox.) I'm sometimes impressed at how many correct decisions they made, the same ones I would have made...the good controller (the smaller remake is the best on the market I think), the 4 controller ports, the way some of their top games support both Xbox Live AND 4 player split screen (Halo and Crimson Skies at least), Xbox live itself...I still think GameCube is my favorite of the three but Microsoft has made a very impressive entry into the market.

    --
    SO YOU'RE GOING TO DIE: The Comic for Dealing with Death
    1. Re:does many things right by Acidic_Diarrhea · · Score: 0, Troll
      "the way some of their top games support both Xbox Live AND 4 player split screen (Halo and Crimson Skies at least)"
      Halo supports XBox Live? I was under the impression that one of the exciting developments involving Halo 2 was that it was going to have XBox Live support. In fact, this list only has Halo 2 listed as being XBox Live compatible.
      --
      I hate liberals. If you are a liberal, do not reply.
    2. Re:does many things right by kisrael · · Score: 1

      Sorry, duhhr, you're right, no Live support in Halo.

      I meant to say is, more games than i expcected support 4 way split screen, even ones that feature Xbox live support. (And really, that's mostly based on my experience w/ Crimson Skies. But I am happy that the 4 controller ports encourages companies to make "party"-able games, unlike the PS2 and its stupid need for a multitap)

      --
      SO YOU'RE GOING TO DIE: The Comic for Dealing with Death
    3. Re:does many things right by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'm sometimes impressed at how many correct decisions they made, the same ones I would have made...

      Woa! we have an veteran console designer here! You remind me of that Simpsons episode in which Homero gets to design a car... ...the 4 controller ports...

      Why in hell MS fans are always taking credit away from Nintendo! The four controller ports were first put in a console (AFAIK) for the Nintendo64!

      The Gamecube also has this, and the PS2 followed suit pretty soon!

      You only need to say that the N5 will be a rebranded Xbox to look like the perfect MS-Troll!

    4. Re:does many things right by alatesystems · · Score: 1

      You can use any xbox game that supports lan play online with xbconnect. The free version works quite well, especially with halo, since that's what everyone plays online. There's no voice like with live, but capture the flag online with halo rules. My gamertag on Live! is RedChina, so add me to your friends list.

      Thanks,
      Chris Benard
      www.talkingtoad.com

    5. Re:does many things right by kisrael · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Woa! we have an veteran console designer here! You remind me of that Simpsons episode in which Homero gets to design a car... ...the 4 controller ports...

      Why in hell MS fans are always taking credit away from Nintendo! The four controller ports were first put in a console (AFAIK) for the Nintendo64!

      The Gamecube also has this, and the PS2 followed suit pretty soon!

      You only need to say that the N5 will be a rebranded Xbox to look like the perfect MS-Troll!

      Nimrod, I AM a Nintendo fanboy, first and foremost. All credit to N64 for bringing back 4 controller ports (some old Atari computers used to have, maybe a model of the 5200) and returning the analog stick. Gamecube is the best system out there, but it relies a bit heavily on its franchise (which is why I love it so). But for stuff like online gaming, obviously Microsoft is being more interesting. (They at first ripped off the DC controller, and then kind of got a compromise between it and the Gamecube's...but it's an excellent, very solid feeling controller)

      And no, PS2 has never had 4 controller ports.

      If I was the perfect MS-Troll, I'd say that there wont BE a N5 at all, that Nintendo is the next Sega...but god, i hope not.

      --
      SO YOU'RE GOING TO DIE: The Comic for Dealing with Death
  14. All you Can Be by Deliveranc3 · · Score: 1

    The X-Box has been all I expected it to be and more. Unfortunatly for M$oft that has been because of third party bioses/software/hardware and interest. It should be obvious to M$ what to do to make a successful console next time, unfortunatly it's all illegal.

    1. Re:All you Can Be by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Ahem... Pertaining to M$

  15. Selling their Xbox by superpulpsicle · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I know of 3 people who sold their xbox in a span of about a year. The selection of games really haven't captured their attention. All 3 people are in their 20s.

    The typical complaint is... there are no good RPG. Xbox put emphasis on games like halo, which for any fps belongs on a PC anyways.

    Basically the general consensus is they are unhappy with xbox. Especially those giant controllers. The good games on xbox, are generally available on other consoles anyways. etc etc

    1. Re:Selling their Xbox by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No good RPG?
      What the hell do you call "Knights of the Old Republic"? I can't remeber the last time I had so much fun with NPC like my evil killer droid! Meatbags beware!

      Derek

    2. Re:Selling their Xbox by Blakey+Rat · · Score: 1

      Is this post traveling through a time warp from like 2 years ago?

      Look, here's the deal:

      Firstly: XBox, while it does not have a LOT of RPGs, has very GOOD ones. Morrowind and Knights of the Old Republic, for instance. (Morrowind was a launch title, so I don't know how your friends said there was no good RPG on XBox if they hadn't even bothered to pick up about the only RPG that was even available at all.)

      Secondly: The large controllers are not only not sold *with* the machine anymore, they're actually not even *made* anymore. Why gripe about a controller that basically no longer exists? The controller-S was available about, what, a month after launch, and since then Microsoft has basically pretended the larger controller never existed.

      Thirdly: If you don't own an XBox, why are you even posting? Man, if I posted on every topic that 'my buddy said that...' or 'I heard in a cafe that...', I'd have a million posts by now. Post what you know. If you don't know, say nothing.

      --
      Comment of the year
    3. Re:Selling their Xbox by unclethursday · · Score: 1
      Firstly: XBox, while it does not have a LOT of RPGs, has very GOOD ones. Morrowind and Knights of the Old Republic, for instance. (Morrowind was a launch title, so I don't know how your friends said there was no good RPG on XBox if they hadn't even bothered to pick up about the only RPG that was even available at all.)

      Qhilw I can agree on KotOR being a great RPG, Morrowind I can't. I hated it, and that wasn't even because it is the bugggiest, glitchiest piece of software on the Xbox, either. I just didn't like how it played.

      My friends, who did like it, however, got massively frustrated as the game would freeze while saving or loading, as well as other minor and major glitches within it. And, you know what? Apparently the GotY edition of Morrowind fixes none of these problems; all it does is add the PC expansions to the game. Yay.

      With glitchfests such as Morrowind and Pirates of the Carribien, Bethesda Softworks sure is batting 1000.

    4. Re:Selling their Xbox by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Thirdly: If you don't own an XBox, why are you even posting? Man, if I posted on every topic that 'my buddy said that...' or 'I heard in a cafe that...', I'd have a million posts by now. Post what you know. If you don't know, say nothing.

      Um, buddy? You're on Slashdot. Just a heads-up.

  16. x-box by matt_wall · · Score: 1

    I think the x-box would have been alot more popular if they had included TiVO capability, and the ability to link up to your computer throught LAN port on the back and put picture, music and video files on it. What really annoyed me, though, was the fact i had to pay and extra $40 for the DVD play-back kit. I have an x-box, and it's great, but i would have prefered a bit more bang for my buck.

    1. Re:x-box by ShadowDrake · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Problem: The original Xbox had 8 or maybe 10G of disc space. An hour recording at top quality (with the PVR software of my TV card) is probably close to 2G (I tend to record 40-minute blocks, at 1.4-1.6). Nobody wants a Tivo with less capacity than a T-120 VHS.

      --
      It's just like a fascist dictatorship, without the punctual rail service!
    2. Re:x-box by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Huh? I paid $20 for the DVD playback kit and it was MY choice. Why do we need to connect the Xbox to your PC? Most casual gamers can do without that and its borderline useless for everything else.

      On another point, you did get a bang for your buck and you still do now. The hardware was sold at a loss, and these days it is sold at the SAME price of a PS2, yet it is a lot more powerful.

      The Xbox was always a deal with the hard drive and network capabilities. Try adding a network adapter ($40) and a hard drive ($100) to a PS2 and then come back and have some valid points to bitch about "bang for your buck" with the Xbox. Ass.

    3. Re:x-box by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      your amazing comment about the xbox is not neccessary - i have heard it before. so, instead of copying people here, do it at ashbury where it belongs

    4. Re:x-box by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      u r all nerds

    5. Re:x-box by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      A bang for your buck, eh matt? isn't my turn to burn? that guy is right, u r a ass. by the way, it is not like i am mean, but check out the story labeled matt_wall will like this. i wrote it, and i hope you enjoy it more than you did writing this in the comp lab during science

  17. The numbers... by samdu · · Score: 4, Interesting

    the numbers speak for themselves.

    Isn't the X-Box trailing behind the other two consoles in every market except for a relatively small lead over the GameCube in North America? I know they aren't flying off the shelves in Japan. Dreamcast and the PS-One were still outselling X-Box at least most of the year last year.

    1. Re:The numbers... by *weasel · · Score: 3, Insightful

      I believe the point is: who in 2000 or 2001 expected Microsoft to actually be in stiff competition with Nintendo for the number 2 spot?

      Surely no sane analyst would have suggested Sony would lose #1 to either Nintendo or MS in this generation. And the strength and historical performance of Nintendo was counted on as being carved in stone. Most figured that the Xbox would fail spectacularly and go away. Very few thought it would do well enough that MS would make a second one.

      That's the performance that's speaking for itself -- the fact that it's even arguable whether MS is in 2nd place or not. The fact that Microsoft stepped in and had a Playstation-like first-console performance (other than Sony, no-one has captured as much of the market with their first console). Sure, they aren't doing as well as their PR department says - but frankly, no-one does.

      --
      // "Can't clowns and pirates just -try- to get along?"
    2. Re:The numbers... by imr · · Score: 2, Informative

      when I first heard about the sales in japan, on slashdot mind you, they were selling less than the original black and white game boy each week. And the new one was out.

    3. Re:The numbers... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      "(other than Sony, no-one has captured as much of the market with their first console)"

      Really?
      How about the Nintendo's first console in the US, the NES? They WERE the video game market back then.

    4. Re:The numbers... by scot4875 · · Score: 0, Troll

      I believe the point is: who in 2000 or 2001 expected Microsoft to actually be in stiff competition with Nintendo for the number 2 spot?

      I believe the point should be: *anybody* that's willing to lose over 2 billion dollars could be in stiff competition for a spot in the market.

      --Jeremy

      --
      Jesus was a liberal
    5. Re:The numbers... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No, the Xbox is leading in other countries including Europe. The only place where it is NOT beating the Cube is in Japan, and we know why. I could honestly care less about what Japan gives us. Spiky haired RPGs and cheesy bright colored games just are so... 1990s.

      The gamer has evolved to love realistic and modern day games like Rainbow Six and Splinter Cell. That is where the Xbox thrives and the PS2 slacks.

  18. It gets a B- by August_zero · · Score: 3, Interesting

    If I liked sports and racing games, I would likely treasure my X-box more than I do, but as it stands, I consider it a 3rd place in my collection behind the Cube and PS2. This isn't to say that I don't like it, Knights of the old Republic, Panzer Dragoon Orta, Jet Set Radio Future and other titles are great exclusives, and I am looking forward to Halo 2 and Fable just to name a couple.

    X-Box live on the otherhand is a bit Underwhelming (my Live ID is Underwhelmed, perhaps this is a self-fufiling prophecy?) Crimson Skies and Rainbow Six 3 have been the only recent games I have bothered to play with, and neither of them were enjoyable enough for me to put up with the army of 8 year-olds that just discovered the wonders of 4 letter words who usually inhabit most of the public games. This is more an issue of game library versus quality of the service though. I want some multiplayer RPGS or action games or something beyond glorified Death Matches and capture the Flag.

    Am I happy with my Purchase? Yes, I am happy enough that I bought a new x-box when my old one died last week.

    --
    On Wall Street they say "buy low, sell high" On the pad we say, "buy high, sell high" Isn't that somehow better?
    1. Re:It gets a B- by Nivoset · · Score: 1

      What did you do with your old one? ive been trying to get old broken ones to give to people for low-end pc's

      nivoset@4am-news.com

      --
      Movies made by a crazy person

      http://www.youtube.com/marginalpro
    2. Re:It gets a B- by bigman2003 · · Score: 1

      Personally, I love Live.

      The only game I have run into a bunch of kids on was Mechassault, which isn't a surprise, because it comes free with Live now.

      The people I've talked to while playing Crimson Skies, Top Spin, and Links have probably averaged about 25-35 years old. In fact, if you play in the XSN tournaments, I would say the average age goes up beyond that. (Or at least the minimum age is up to at least 20...it seems like the kids don't have the attention span required)

      --
      No reason to lie.
  19. Yup, I love my xbox's by fozzmeister · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I did the solder TSOP thingy on 2 of my xbox's, I got one cheap server for Mail and DNS as well as one very cool entertainment system which includes MP3, DVD (Multi Region) loads of cool emulators as well as some pretty good XBox games and online play (XLink Messenger).

    A Highly spec'd PC (which im probably getting for Doom3) could do all this, but the XBox is way more social with interfaces that are good on TV. I also often stick the thing in a backpack and it round to a friends house for some great 2 lan gaming which would be a much bigger operation with PC's.

    So yes, the XBox has far outweighed my expectations.

  20. Depends on how you classifu success... by CashCarSTAR · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Business-way, yeah, they have been having some sucess. A very sucessful ad campaign, as well, focusing on specific genres gave them good inroads into both the gamer and casual console market.

    Quality-wise? It's a very mixed bag. No X-Box only title has really hit a home-run so far. Halo was only half-finished (still a very good engine, but the single-player was under-developed level design wise and the mutli-player feels like an add-on.) Project Gotham Racing is fun, but hardly a deal maker (Burnout/NfS:Underground are just as good) Amped is boring. They've had some success with their sports games, but in my mind they are a dime a dozen.

    The multi-media features had possibility, but came out as kind of bleh. The In-system MP3 player is nice, but not really a deal-clencher.

    Some of the grey-market front ends are really sweet 'tho.. those are a deal-clencher.

    In the future? Fable will either be really good or really bad. Take your pick. (I bet that different people will see it either way.). Halo 2 should be THE killer ap on the X-Box, if it's not overshadowed by Half-Life 2 and Doom 3. (If Half-Life 2 comes with Counter-Strike 2.0 and Day of Defeat 2.0 ON THE DISK, then Halo 2 will be overlooked.)

    What else is there? Not much that I can see. And that's a shame.

    1. Re:Depends on how you classifu success... by drewmca · · Score: 1

      While Halo's multiplayer could have used more levels, it has never felt "tacked on" to me by any stretch. The multiplayer is part of what makes the game as great as it is. You hear people in the news, like sports stars and entertainers, boasting about how good they are at Halo. In my opinion, it's about as good as console FPS multiplayer gets. Something about the pacing, control, shield system and weapons balance makes it the standard bearer for console FPS. So I'd disagree with "tacked on".

    2. Re:Depends on how you classifu success... by atlasheavy · · Score: 1

      If Half-Life 2 comes with Counter-Strike 2.0 and Day of Defeat 2.0 ON THE DISK, then Halo 2 will be overlooked

      And if Duke Nukem Forever is ever actually released, I think Jason Jones (Bungie), John Carmack (Id), and ??? (Valve) might as well hang up their spurs and go work for McDonalds. I mean, really, I loved Halflife, and I am intending to plunk down $1500 on a new computer as soon as Halflife 2 hits stores, but please try to tone down the fanboy thing.

      You're totally right that Amped was lame; SSX Tricky and SSX 3 are far better than Amped or Amped 2, but EA totally blew it by intentionally not including Live support in their games. I own a Gamecube, a GBA, a PS2, an XBox, and an NES. Of these systems, I've found the most compelling titles on the XBox. (yeah, yeah, everyone knows I'm an MS astroturfer... so what?)

      --

      iRooster, the Mac OS X a
  21. I like it overall by The12thRonin · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I traded my PS2 for the XBox. I'd been thinking about it for a while since really all the PS2 was doing was playing DVD's for me. Then the decision really cemented itself when our step-daughter got one for her dad's house and we decided to get one for ours so she could play the same games over here.

    I also hate the PS2 controller with a passion. Nothing has made my hands hurt more than trying to use the shoulder buttons on it. I thought MGS2 was going to give me arthritis. Then I see that KOTOR was coming out for XBox and PC only. Combine that with Halo, MechAssault, Burnout, and a controller that doesn't leave me crippled is a huge win to me.

    I've also never had problems with the hardware on the XBox and I've run it for a long time on end too playing Halo/KOTOR (16 hours on the day it came out alone).

  22. "more" than I expected by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    the XBox's form factor still amazes me. How did they expand that little power into such a large box?

  23. Pros, cons and backwards compatibility... by Hamster+Lover · · Score: 1

    I was initially negative about the Xbox, it is Microsoft afterall, and I do have some opinions:

    The good:

    - Graphics and sound technology is the best amongst all the consoles.

    - Hard drive adds unique features like custom soundtracks and no memory card saves.

    - Active hack community with loads of options for those that like to tinker. MAME and other emulators just further the value of this machine.

    - Unique games like Halo and Gotham Racing, specific to Xbox.

    - No problems with DVD ROM drive failures. Overall it feels like a very well built machine.

    - Xbox Live. A cohesive on-line gaming experience. Sony's on-line stratagem just does not appeal to me, if you can call what they have done a strategy.

    ---------------------

    The bad:

    - The size of it! It takes up an entire shelf on its own. I can fit a DVD player and a VCR in the place of one Xbox.

    - Hard drive under utilized unless you have Xbox Live or are actively hacking the machine.

    - The original controllers. OK, they fixed that pretty quick, but still. I do prefer my Gamecube controller; I find it far superior to the smaller Xbox controller.

    - Game selection is all over the map. No comparison to the PS2 in terms of bredth and depth of game choices.

    There is talk that the next machine will not play current Xbox games and I think that is very telling. In my opinion, the lack of backwards compatibilty is an admission, of sorts, that the current Xbox has not lived up to expectations. I do not believe that the PS2 would have been anywhere near as popular as it is without backwards compatibility. Compatibility is an acknowledgement of the popularity and success of the previous machine and ensured a market for the PS2.

    Just my 2 Cents.

    1. Re:Pros, cons and backwards compatibility... by M3wThr33 · · Score: 1

      While it has no DVD issues, the Xbox has a TON of CD playing issues. A large portion of my music CDs would not play in my roommates's (3 of them) Xboxen.

    2. Re:Pros, cons and backwards compatibility... by Blakey+Rat · · Score: 1

      Say it with me: XBoxes.

      The plural of "box" is "boxes."

      --
      Comment of the year
    3. Re:Pros, cons and backwards compatibility... by M3wThr33 · · Score: 1

      Xboxii!

  24. Following Nintendo by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful
    So...they're using a similar chipset to the GameCube, taking out the harddrive like the GameCube, trying to be a price-competitive system much like the GameCube, and they say "I think that the idea that game consoles are going to take over all processing in the livingroom has been tested and has failed," suggesting that they're going to take up the philosophy which Nintendo stood by for GameCube.

    There were doubters about Nintendo's philosophy back in 2002, but I guess that's a +5 Insightful in retrospect.

  25. Xbox HDTV Support Rocks... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I personally love my xbox, all problems considered (I mean hey, a real gamer has a PC and multiple consoles anyway, right?)...

    But I thought I'd add a little comment about how the XBOX has the best (console) HDTV support out there! I love playing games on my 50" LCD TV, and the XBOX absolutely rocks on this point.

    Just specify the HDTV specs that your TV can handle in the dashboard (480p, 720p, 1080i, and/or 16:9 widescreen modes), and it'll pick out the best one that the specific game supports automatically from that point forward. And almost all XBOX games support 480p at a minimum, and many support true 16:9 aspect ratios (sometimes with vertical split-screen for multi-player), with more games coming in 720p every month. All of this not to mention true surround sound support in many titles, making for a hassle-free and awesome home theater gaming experience!

    (BTW, the one bummer is that you can't really trust the HDTV specs listed on the back of individual games at all times -- thanks to publishers not MS -- but those specs are easily found on the Net.)

  26. Atari 800 by InThane · · Score: 1

    I can confirm that the Atari 800 had 4 joystick ports in the front. Perfect for an afternoon of 4-way M.U.L.E. :)

    --
    InThane
    1. Re:Atari 800 by kisrael · · Score: 1

      yeah, it's frustrating that after seeing the fun of 2600 Warlords and their earlier 8-bits w/ 4 ports, the 800XL and later 5200 and 7800 stuck with 2, and that generally became the standard for a long time.

      Of course, judging by current console sales, 2 w/o multitap is still the standard, stupid stupid Sony... ...even those earlier systems. 4 controllers is an easy way to make fun games. The game doesn't have to provide as much content; the extra players do it for them! (And in terms of multitap, any system that uses a multitap rather than having 4 ports will have a smaller % of 4 player games than if they had it as part of the hardware.)

      --
      SO YOU'RE GOING TO DIE: The Comic for Dealing with Death
  27. Xboxin' with the GameCube by Amigori · · Score: 2, Interesting
    I didn't want Xbox when it first came out. I still don't like the PS2 (sequel this, prequel that). When the current generation of systems was released, I bought a GameCube about 6 months after its release. SSBM, Metroid Prime, Mario Sunshine are all great games that I wanted to play. Xbox and PS2 didn't have anything I really wanted to play, except GTA3 and Halo. Eventually, I got a job at Sears and I needed a DVD player, so with all my discounts and coupons, I got an Xbox for about $120. Yes, PS2 enthusiasts, I did look at your system, and you're going to say, "Well, you still have to buy the DVD remote." So?? I have to buy a memory card with your system, so what's your point. Either way, another $25 was leaving my pocket and I like the hard drive in the xbox because it does more than your piddly memory card. Anyways...

    Now I've had my xbox a little more than a year, I bought xbox live last summer and to my disappointment, my university broadband connection is too slow to play Xbox live with, so much for high "technology" fees. I've been waiting for a new game to turn my head and be amazing to play on xbox, but I'm still waiting. Halo? Finished it, awesome game, good multiplayer, but I'm getting bored with it. GTA3 double pack, finished it. So instead of buying a new game, I dug out my Dreamcast and my vast selection of titles with high replay values, Samba de Amigo (with 2 sets of maracas), Virtual Tennis, NFL 2k2, Soul Caliber, MSR, Tony Hawk 2, Crazy Taxi 1&2, and JSR. Right now, my Gamecube gets most of the action with NFS: Underground (yes, its available on xbox, but its identical and no special features), Super Monkey Ball 1&2 (can you say addicting), Mario Kart DD, and Mario Sunshine (some of those classic style levels are pretty tough).

    In summary, here's my xbox pluses:

    Excellent DVD Player
    Nice S Controller
    Better graphics than PS2 (and some GC titles)
    Halo
    Xbox Live (It works on my cable modem at home)
    Hard Drive (Custom Soundtracks rock. Why don't we see this feature more often, it can't be that hard to implement.)
    Microsoft loses money on the console, or at least used to.
    minuses:
    Lack of a new Killer Game
    Halo 2 delays
    Size (the thing is huge)
    Xbox Live (doesn't work at school)
    Amigori
    --
    "The quality of life is determined by its activites."--Aristotle
    1. Re:Xboxin' with the GameCube by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Still playing on your Dreamcast when you have these games??

      - Top Spin (Better than VT)
      - SEGA NFL2K4 (better than SEGA NFL2k2)
      - PGR2 (beeettteer than MSR)
      - Tony Hawks2x, 3, 4 and Underground! (on dreamcast only Tony 2!)
      - Crazy Taxi also on Xbox, and better!
      - JSRF
      - Soul Calibur 2

      and some games I'm sure you would like: Crimson Skies, Shenmue 2, Panzer Dragoon Orta, O-To-Gi1&2, Mafia, DOA3 & DOABV, MGS2, KOTOR, Arx Fatalis, Deus EX2, etc...

  28. Nothing on Microsoft's losses by Flyboy+Connor · · Score: 1
    What the article doesn't discuss is that Microsoft takes serious losses on every XBox sold. Even at its original release, they needed to sell four games with every XBox to break even. With the price cuts, this has gone up to about a dozen games per XBox. And not at discounts, but at their new-release prices.

    Of course, it is not Microsoft's plan to lose money. Their plan is, as always, to become so big a player in their chosen market that all the other will be marginalized. Then, and only then, their price setting will rise to a point that they make profits. Serious profits.

    Did the XBox live up to my expectations? I expected Microsoft to do better in pushing out their two main competitors, but they did not succeed in that. And I hope they won't succeed in the future, because then the gaming community is going to suffer.

    Personally I couldn't care less about console gaming, but any power to Microsoft on the gaming market is, in my opinion, A Bad Thing. We have only to look at games that are developed for both PC and XBox at the same time to realize that PC games are tarnished by the XBox factor.

    Morrowind, for instance, is a great game, but the interface on the PC could have been a lot more user-friendly. Come on, hundreds of spells available and only one that can be activated at any time, requiring lots of menu switching and scrolling to select another one? Can you say "Button-pushers"?

  29. I'm delighted with Xbox by metamatic · · Score: 1
    Has the Xbox been all you expected and wanted it to be?

    Well, let's see... it's the last place "next-gen" console behind Game Cube and PS2 as far as US sales, it's being outsold by the PSOne in Japan, it's been hacked to make a cheap Linux server, EA have abandoned making any Xbox online sports games, and the Xbox division has lost Microsoft a ton of money. The console's list of killer titles is Halo and... er... that's it, and Halo isn't exclusive any more.

    So yeah, that's exactly what I expected and wanted it to be--another Microsoft failure.

    --
    GCHQ Quantum Insert installed. If only our tongues were made of glass, how much more careful we would be when we speak
  30. Re:Depends on how you classify success... by CashCarSTAR · · Score: 1

    That's the engine.

    The tacked on part is the lack of internet play or AI-controlled bots, which are needed for console FPS in my mind. As well, marketing goes a long way. Halo is "cool". I just don't think it's that good.

  31. They'll never maginalize anybody here by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The console market seems to hold a single forrunner, and the only thing that breaks their hold is their own mistakes.

    Ever since Nintendo took over the scene in the 80's, Sega was making good systems, good games, and at least where I lived, they were cheaper than Nintendo. Sega kept doing that until the Dreamcast. They never made a dent.

    The only way Nintendo lost the lead was when they dropped the ball on the N64. It was Sony that got the rebound, and they managed to abscond with most of Nintendo's big developers like Square. Now, Sony's in the same place Nintendo used to be. Sega couldn't break their hold, Nintendo hasn't made up the lost ground, and Microsoft won't even scratch the surface. Just like Nintendo screwed things up themselves, the only thing that can kill Sony is Sony.

    The handhelds work the same way. The GameGear was just a superior system to the Gameboy in almost every way. But guess what? Nintendo had the golden cup, and nobody could touch them. (The N-Gage, on the other hand, was doomed from the get-go, Nintendo or not)

  32. Re:Depends on how you classify success... by drewmca · · Score: 1

    You're missing the point. A lot of games don't necessarily offer bots, and at the time none offered internet play. Actually Halo offered LAN play, which no other console game that I'm aware of offered; it couldn't have offered more b/c xbox live wasn't out yet. The point is that the multiplayer in Halo was so well tuned and honed that it was far better than any other console FPS, either then or now. You may disagree with me, which is fine, since I know people who also don't think Halo is that great. But I know a lot more who do, and when they talk about it, they're usually talking about the multiplayer. The devil is in the details, and something about all of the little details in Halo sum up to a great multiplayer experience. Maybe it's the slower pace; maybe it's the weapon balance; maybe it's the vehicles; maybe it's all of the above. But everyone I know who still plays Halo (and it's most people I know who have it) does so because they find the multiplayer so good. For example, I never hear about the Oakland As or Philadelphia Eagles having locker room boasts about who the best Bond player is, or who's best at Timesplitters. But there have been newspaper articles in which members of both teams have admitted to having some pretty hard core competition in the locker room with Halo. And they're not talking about the single player.

  33. DOA XBV... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Two of my friends are roommates, and one of them got DOA:XBV and put in 40+ HOURS. When I heard this, I asked him WTF did he do that for - what the hell do you get out of it? I mean, sure I understood he was lonely and was probably just playing it for simulated T&A (poor guy is lonely, what can I say), but it's freaking a volleyball game with scantily clad CGI women...WTF?!? He tells me you can unlock stuff, give the women presents, etc. and that they can ignore you and whatnot. Whatever. Next time I saw him I asked him if he had gotten any of the girls' phone numbers or taken them out.

  34. MAMEoX by mbourgon · · Score: 1

    Best use for an Xbox. Only downside is that the AdvanceMame2x Scaling makes it a bit slow.

    That being said, Prince of Persia kicked ass, but on the whole people are much happier playing Asteroids or Joust.

    --
    "Sometimes a woman is a kind of religion, she can save your soul & set you free from all your sins" - Bad Examples