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Xbox 360 Playable at Wal-Mart
hattan writes "Wal-Mart has playable Xbox 360s on display with demos of Call of Duty 2, Kameo, and King Kong. Joystiq has a look at what the setup looks like, with a rundown on locations where you can play." Gamespot provides more details on the setup, including the news that you'll be able to download content from these kiosks once the systems are on the shelves. Unrelatedly, but interestingly, Xbox.com has revealed a deep level of interconnection with the new gamer card system between the 360, Xbox Live, and Xbox.com. You'll apparently be able to look at your gamer card on the web, because Microsoft likes value adding stuff.
Nintendo put playable N64's with Super Mario 64 at Toys R Us before it was available to purchase.
I've played the demos, and I can assure you that they're really, really good. The controller feels great, the system's incomprehensibly sexy, and the wireless capabilities of the system prevent the wireless inventory handsets used by Wal Mart associates from working within 60 feet. They actually shut off the demo I was playing so they could finish ordering. So much for customer service, eh?
Here's the breakdown:
King Kong: amazing graphics, but it was so brief I couldn't really get a feel for the gameplay. A fantastic tech demo for next-gen system capabilities.
Call of Duty 2: graphics comparable to Valve's Source engine, which is disappointing, but so well done it really doesn't matter. Keeps the hectic CoD pace intact. Also, it runs at an unerring 60fps, no matter what. I tried everything I could to get the framerate to drop, but believe me, it isn't possible.
Kameo: I didn't play this game because Rare sucks now. Grabbed by the Ghoulies? I'll grab YOUR Ghoulies, whoever came up with the concept for that shit burger.
Oh yeah, the home screen is really in-depth.