XBOX 360 is amazing

[RJS147]

I got mine at midnight, and it is amazing. The only game I have so far is Madden, and it is by far the best game I have ever played. There are a couple bad things about the game though. There is no more Play Maker on defense, and they took out some of the game modes. The only game modes now are Quick Match, Franchise, and Play Online. This game has the same feel of other Maddens, but looks nothing like the previous versions. The graphics have been improved a ton.

[bucsfan6000]

I got a probably stupid question, but the answer to it won't determine whether I want it or not. I heard that they took out all of the alternate uniforms in the Xbox verion, and you can only play with only the regular home uniforms or the regular road uniforms. Is that true?

[HoodedChampion]

yeah I got mine at midnight also....Madden is pretty good...wish I had an HDTV though!

[Coach McGuirk]

man ps3 will be better. xbox you have to pay to play online. save ur money for PS3. later

[SuperBowl Bucs]

Im saving for the PS3. But listening everyone talk about the Xbox 360 makes me wish the Ps3 came out tonight.

[Mikedude72]

man ps3 will be better. xbox you have to pay to play online. save ur money for PS3. later

Well It better be if they wait a year after Xbox.
Plus do you think Sony going to skip out for FREE money from all the online stuff.
I can't see them not getting some money from it.


RJS147 - did you try any of your old games?

[HoodedChampion]

man ps3 will be better. xbox you have to pay to play online. save ur money for PS3. later
Give it a rest....I've read your biased posts...Playstation boy.

[AlstottGirl]

I was thinking about getting a 360 for my boyfriend for christmas...but he likes his PS2. He has all the NFL 2Kwhatevers and doesn't have any madden games (he can't stand madden and mutes him on TV) and only a few xbox games. However, they did not make NFL 2K6 this year. Should I get him an Xbox or wait for the PS3??? will the PS3 be high def and play DVD's and mpegs and mp3's as well? And how long until it comes out? :confused:

p.s. he doesn't care to do anything online

[SuperBowl Bucs]

I was thinking about getting a 360 for my boyfriend for christmas...but he likes his PS2. He has all the NFL 2Kwhatevers and doesn't have any madden games (he can't stand madden and mutes him on TV) and only a few xbox games. However, they did not make NFL 2K6 this year. Should I get him an Xbox or wait for the PS3??? will the PS3 be high def and play DVD's and mpegs and mp3's as well? And how long until it comes out? :confused:

p.s. he doesn't care to do anything online
The Ps3 comes out between March-May. It should be able to still play DVDs and etc.REMEMBER THIS ABOUT THE 360: IT DOES NOT PLAY OLD XBOX GAMES. THE PS3 PLAYS PS1-3 GAMES. If I were you, PS3 would be my choice

[AlstottGirl]

The Ps3 comes out between March-May. It should be able to still play DVDs and etc.REMEMBER THIS ABOUT THE 360: IT DOES NOT PLAY OLD XBOX GAMES. THE PS3 PLAYS PS1-3 GAMES. If I were you, PS3 would be my choice

Are you sure it does not play old xbox games...i thought i heard on the radio this morning that the full package (not the core system) would play old games? that definitely will help me choose.

[uflouie1]

360 will only replay selected x-box games not the entire game library.

[Mikedude72]

The Ps3 comes out between March-May. It should be able to still play DVDs and etc.REMEMBER THIS ABOUT THE 360: IT DOES NOT PLAY OLD XBOX GAMES. THE PS3 PLAYS PS1-3 GAMES. If I were you, PS3 would be my choice

yes it will play some old games but you have to have a hard drive for sure.

From the web page --
Play an array of original Xbox games
Hard Drive Required
here (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/xbox360/xbox360customize.htm)

[PetePierson]

Will Microsoft still produce games for the original Xbox ie Madden 06?

[Mikedude72]

Will Microsoft still produce games for the original Xbox ie Madden 06?

I don't think Microsoft make the game. It's EA

[SuperBowl Bucs]

Will Microsoft still produce games for the original Xbox ie Madden 06?
I dont know. 360 would be like the PS2 when it came out and not make many more for the system example PS1

[The Future]

How much did it cost you?Ps3 is going to be by far better

[alex_xander]

i just got an email 2day saying i wont get mine when it comes out here in the UK...even tho i preorderd it back in september.......not enuf 2 go round :( bummer

[The Future]

might wanna delete that word..alex_xander...i think you know the one im talking about..and i would demand a refund and still have that pre-order because your suppose to be the first to get it..

[The Future]

Wow..Ebay has Xbox 360s going for up to 1,500 i seen...stupid people :rolleyes:

[PetePierson]

I don't think Microsoft make the game. It's EA

I guess I was asking if the games for the original Xbox would still be made. I am assuming not, which sort of ticks me off since I was late in the game at getting one, and just purchased it last year.

Oh well I don't really play it anyway but still feel wasteful.

[BucsD OwnsAgain]

How much did it cost you?Ps3 is going to be by far better

And you know the PS3 will be by far better because of actual live gameplay? No... Bs from Sony? Yes...

[HoodedChampion]

Ps3 is going to be by far better
How do you know??? Have you played it? PS3 might cost $800 and the games most likely will be $80.

[caddy&clayton]

I know. Everything is just better. By a lot.

[TBuccaneerfan]

The Xbox 360 is sweet but Madden Next Gen to me is a major disapointment. Don't get me wrong the Graphics and Detail are amazing but the player models look rediculous an unrealistic. The gameplay was another disapointment and I feel kind of ripped off having paid 60$ for this game when the old games would cost only 50$. This game was missing alot of features compared to Madden 06 on PS2 or XBOX but we all knew this from the beggining so I am not complaining about that. If any of you guys are thinking of buying Madden 06 for the Xbox 360, or buying the Xbox 360 because of Madden 06 don't do it without playing it at BestBuy or renting it first.

[Rod_Tidwell]

PS3... one year after XBOX360, if it is not a ton better, Sony will be a laughing stock. I was only a Sony guy, but I got sick of the LONG load times w/ PS2.
And those Sony controlers... man, they are made for children and petite women.

In my house, I have three children that are gamers, plus myself. We have a Sony PS2 and a gamecube that are collecting dust. The kids have one xbox upstairs and one downstiars. That is all they play. Both X's are modded w/ 200gb hard drives and hold 85 games each.

I will not be buying either system before I know what one is easier and user friendly to mod.

[The Future]

PS3... one year after XBOX360, if it is not a ton better, Sony will be a laughing stock. I was only a Sony guy, but I got sick of the LONG load times w/ PS2.
And those Sony controlers... man, they are made for children and petite women.

In my house, I have three children that are gamers, plus myself. We have a Sony PS2 and a gamecube that are collecting dust. The kids have one xbox upstairs and one downstiars. That is all they play. Both X's are modded w/ 200gb hard drives and hold 85 games each.

I will not be buying either system before I know what one is easier and user friendly to mod.
I just hate how the ps2 break..i had one for like 2 months and it broke,the next a year and it broke...then the other well it also broke...The new better last longer or Xbox 360 will be better..but until then ps3 is going to be sweet

[55dbrooks55]

I just hate how the ps2 break..i had one for like 2 months and it broke,the next a year and it broke...then the other well it also broke...The new better last longer or Xbox 360 will be better..but until then ps3 is going to be sweet
Wow...do you throw your PS2 around or something? The only problem mine ever had was that it needed cleaning on the inside occasionally.

[PetePierson]

So anyone with the original Xbox is SOL for new games? On the bright side, maybe the game prices for the original will go down?

[Phantom2k4]

PS2s are usually hit or miss in terms of quality. My friends has never had any problems, but mine scratches up DVDs (doesn't even play them anymore), give me constant disc read errors AND makes really stupid clicking noises all the time

[Buczilla]

So if I understand correctly....Madden 06 for Xbox 360 does not have all the modes that the current gen consoles have, plays exactly the same, and has slightly improved textures?

I'll pass.

[Bucs Dynasty]

PS2s are usually hit or miss in terms of quality. My friends has never had any problems, but mine scratches up DVDs (doesn't even play them anymore), give me constant disc read errors AND makes really stupid clicking noises all the time
Thats a laser reader problem. Trust me don't use it anymore or you'll lose all your games to scratching. It happened to me with my old PS2 so I just got one of the mini ones and nothing bad has happened yet. But IMO I also think PS3 will be the better system but did they have to make boomerangs as the controlers?

[Phantom2k4]

Thats a laser reader problem. Trust me don't use it anymore or you'll lose all your games to scratching. It happened to me with my old PS2 so I just got one of the mini ones and nothing bad has happened yet. But IMO I also think PS3 will be the better system but did they have to make boomerangs as the controlers?

I'd rather a boomerang then some little remote control...(see Nintendo revolution)

And believe me, I was aware that it was a laser problem, I beleive it was more specifically, a mis-aligned laser. And i'm not really concerned about my games as I play my Ps2 maybe once a week or two

[FLA-ORGator666]

I'd rather a boomerang then some little remote control...(see Nintendo revolution)

And believe me, I was aware that it was a laser problem, I beleive it was more specifically, a mis-aligned laser. And i'm not really concerned about my games as I play my Ps2 maybe once a week or two
dude, don't sleep on the Revolution. It may have an odd controler, but from waht I have heard, it plays real well. Plus the revolution will have free online play, and you can download all the old nintendo games. Though the revolution will be similar to the Gamecube, as it will be cheeper but not any 3rd party support, so the revolution will be a great 2nd sytem to your PS3 or XBOX 360.

I am waiting on ps3 and 360 to see which has the best games. I am a huge Cliffy B fan, adn Gears of War looks freakin sick. But as of right now, there are not many good games on the 360. Plus, the PS3 may be better, but it may cost a lot more.

[BucPride2003]

I'll be grabbing a PS3 during their second shipment of it (when most of the bugs for new systems get worked out). I'll get a Revolution when it comes out like I always have for Nintendo. From what I've read on IGN, Nintendo will actually have alot more 3rd party support this time around, thanks to developers wanting to see what they can do with the Revolutions controller. It'll be interesting to see, plus it'll only be around 200 dollars. PS3 will be somewhere in the neighborhood of 500, so I've started saving now, as the release has been rumored for a Spring 06 release. I wanna play MGS4 really bad...

[All_da_way]

360 will only replay selected x-box games not the entire game library.

That sucks. :(

[BucsAddict]

I'll wait for Dreamcast2 to come out :D

[Acacius]

I'll wait for Dreamcast2 to come out :D

Dude, the NeoGeo 270 is going to kick its butt!

:D

[Simms_2_Clayton]

Madden 06 for Xbox 360 does not have all the modes that the current gen consoles have, plays exactly the same, and has slightly improved textures?

True, Madden 06 doesn't have all the modes the Xbox version has. No training camp, no practice mode (****ed me off), no owner mode, no superstar mode. The last two really didn't matter to me since I play the game not sim the game.

False, Does not play exactly the same. May have the same controls but the gameplay is more responsive and realistic. Once your WR has the lead on the DB he is open. No more having a DB catch up to the WR once the ball is in the air. Replaying a pass play will result in "wow look at how he is looking the ball into his hands" or "damn look at his face when contact is made".

False, Madden 06 looks amazing plain and simple. Everything looks amazing. Remove slightly improved textures from your description of this game because that is so far from the truth. Even on a regular TV this game is heads above the Xbox version. Add a HDTV and your in heaven (1080 anyone?)

Try it out at a Best Buy and see for yourself.

[Airborne Eagle]

Putting the New Xbox Through Its Paces (http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB113270227995104602-lMyQjAxMDE1MzIyMzcyMDMyWj.html)

Graphics Are Awesome,
But $400 Price Is Off-Putting;
Trash Talking Your Rival
November 23, 2005; Page D1

The most interesting, and most anticipated, computer for the 2005 holiday season isn't often thought of as a computer at all, and it isn't made by a computer-hardware company. It's the Xbox 360 game machine, and it's made by the world's biggest software company, Microsoft.

This second edition of the Xbox, which went on sale yesterday, is both more capable and more refined than the original model. In fact, the Xbox 360 is the most powerful computer ever sold specifically for gaming.

Not only that, but the Xbox 360 is meant to be a multimedia hub. Like earlier game consoles, it can play CDs and DVDs. Like the original Xbox, the new model can connect to the Internet to allow multiplayer gaming with people all over the world. But it also can play music, video clips and photos from its own hard disk or from the hard disk of another computer over a network, or stream music from an Apple iPod plugged into one of its ports.

We've been testing the Xbox 360, with the help of a veteran gamer, and our verdict is that its fluid, movielike graphics make it an outstanding game machine. It also performed like a champ as a multimedia hub.

But the Xbox 360 has some significant downsides that may cause casual gamers to hesitate to buy it right out of the chute. Chief among these are price and backward compatibility with games produced for the first Xbox.

There are two versions of the new machine: the $300 Xbox 360 "Core System," or a better $400 version, simply called the Xbox 360. The trouble is that the $300 base system can't play older games designed for the original Xbox. Only the $400 model can do so, because it includes the hard disk that's needed to hold the special software that allows older games to run on the new design.

So, if you don't want to lose your large investment in older games, you'll have to shell out a whopping $400 for the Xbox 360. That's more than double the recent price for an original Xbox or the rival Sony PlayStation 2. For the extra hundred bucks, you also get some other stuff, in addition to the detachable 20-gigabyte hard drive -- a wireless controller, instead of a wired one; a headset; a remote control for playing media; and some cables.

Acquiring a library of new Xbox 360 games will cost you $50 to $60 a game.

We tested the Xbox both as a game machine and as a multimedia hub. Since neither of us is much of a game player, we enlisted the help of an avid videogame fan, Joe Carden, a 32-year-old public-relations consultant for the federal government. Joe was really excited about the new gaming device. Within an hour of starting to play on our test machine, he declared that he was ready to plunk down the cash for an Xbox 360 of his own.

Setting up this new Xbox was relatively simple. Three plugs hook into its rear panel: the power cord, AV cord and Ethernet networking cable. You may need to build an addition onto your house, however, for the monstrous electrical adapter, which is the largest we've ever seen.

We tested the Xbox with Wi-Fi Internet networks, so the $100 Wireless Network Adapter that Microsoft provided for our tests came in handy. We plugged this small adapter into the back of the Xbox, and in a matter of moments it was glowing green to indicate that the 360 had automatically detected our network and was capable of working online.

The 360 can stand vertically, like a sleek mini computer tower, or it can be used horizontally. Its front panel can be changed out for a more stylish faceplate -- each costs $19.

We walked through a few registration steps, including setting up a "gamertag," or nickname, and choosing the best description of our playing style from four environments -- family-friendly, recreational, pro and underground.

To play online, you need an Xbox Live account. A so-called Silver account comes free with the most expensive console, but this only allows users to interact online with audio and voice messages, not to actually play games with others online. An Xbox Live Gold account that includes the Silver features as well as online game tournaments can cost as much as $50 annually.

Joe got started with Call of Duty 2, a game that throws you into intense battles of World War II, starting in Moscow. He used buttons on the wireless controller to battle through the war zone with other soldiers, shooting at the enemy, throwing smoke grenades and planting explosives before standing back to watch an enemy building explode. Bursts of flame lit the screen, and bricks crumbled to the ground, causing dust to rise all around the collapsed building.

Joe noted that "the graphics are ridiculously much better" than in older Xbox and Sony consoles, and, as if to demonstrate his observation, a column of tanks, their armored sides rife with detailed dents, thundered over the snowy trench in which his soldier was ducking from the enemy. Fluffy pieces of realistic-looking snow were softly blowing all around the scene.

Joe also thought the fight scenes were more graphic and the enemies more intelligent. He echoed these sentiments while playing a game of Quake 4, where an army takes on enemies in space.

Joe tested online gaming by competing with a Microsoft employee nicknamed "Bear" in Project Gotham Racing 3. This driving game takes you through one of five cities, including London, New York and Las Vegas at night, and the streets pass by landmarks that we recognized instantly. As Joe and Bear raced through the streets, they used headsets to trash-talk one another.

Later, at the office, we played Call of Duty 2 and Project Gotham Racing 3, and even though we're not the best gamers in the world, the graphics were so good we were hooked. We had a great time crashing our cars into barriers on the streets around the Parliament buildings in London. As each car slammed into the barriers, crowds of animated onlookers shrank back in fear.

We also tested the Xbox 360's media capabilities. We set it up as a "Media Center Extender" -- Microsoft's term for a device that can play back content stored on a Media Center PC, even if it's in another room. It worked great, allowing us to play back music, photos and videos stored on a Dell PC. But if you don't have Windows Media Center running on your PC, this extender functionality won't work.

We also played the same types of media directly off the Xbox 360's hard drive and used two of the device's three USB ports to attach an iPod and a portable USB drive loaded with photos. Music played easily on the Xbox, through the television speakers, and the photos were displayed quickly on our TV. Songs and playlists from the iPod showed up on the menus as if they were stored on the Xbox itself. The DVD functionality worked without a hitch, too, when we watched a few scenes of Jodie Foster in the movie "Panic Room."

There's little doubt that the Xbox 360's gaming capabilities will be the biggest draw for most users. But, for some casual gamers, buying the new Xbox right away could be a mistake. For one thing, it will likely take time for the best games to emerge, because game publishers will learn more and more in coming months about how to take better advantage of the hardware. And Microsoft's rivals, Sony and Nintendo, have new game machines coming out next year, which some folks will want to compare with the new Xbox before shelling out hundreds of dollars.

Still, if gaming is a big part of your life, and you can afford the $400 Xbox, you won't be disappointed. This is one terrific gaming computer, and a media powerhouse to boot.

• Email: MossbergSolution@wsj.com

[digitaldave]

I'm saving for the ps3.

You can burn dvd's and record live tv. The controllers have blue chip technology and come wireless.

I've had my ps2 for about 4 years, it fell and the face plate broke but it still keeps on going.

I hate the fact that you have to buy extra shiat for the x-box just to get it internet ready. I played it at toy-r-us(King Kong) and I was not impressed at all. It seems they(microsoft game developers) put a lot of attention into the graphics and forgot about the game play and what makes a game hard to turn off.
While the graphics look far superior than ps2(expected) I walked around with a stick looking for action the whole time my wife went shopping and found nothing.

I also hate the fact the x-box and it's games cost an arm and a leg when I can get better gameplay from my ps2 and better graphics on my computer.

With all the feedback from the x-box customers and die hards, sony should be in a good position to come out hitting on all cylinders.

If not, they will get a nasty letter from me.

[XTrenTX]

dave.....

You decided that Microsoft is ignoring gameplay because you played the demo version of King Kong, one of the worst games for the 360, a game that is also out for every other system....so I guess since King Kong for PS2 sucks, that means Sony is ignoring gameplay too right?

Are you serious?

[YardDog24]

True, Madden 06 doesn't have all the modes the Xbox version has. No training camp, no practice mode (****ed me off), no owner mode, no superstar mode. The last two really didn't matter to me since I play the game not sim the game.

False, Does not play exactly the same. May have the same controls but the gameplay is more responsive and realistic. Once your WR has the lead on the DB he is open. No more having a DB catch up to the WR once the ball is in the air. Replaying a pass play will result in "wow look at how he is looking the ball into his hands" or "damn look at his face when contact is made".

False, Madden 06 looks amazing plain and simple. Everything looks amazing. Remove slightly improved textures from your description of this game because that is so far from the truth. Even on a regular TV this game is heads above the Xbox version. Add a HDTV and your in heaven (1080 anyone?)

Try it out at a Best Buy and see for yourself.

I got Madden last night. I wasnt going to as I have the current version for Xbox. I shouldnt have gotten it.
The lack of features sucks. I hope they are put back into the 07 version. Gameplay is much better. And let me tell you. HD? Oh my god.


As for the PS3 ranting. Those of us have Xbox because we like it better. Ive never been a PS guy. Never been a Madden guy either till my hand was forced with the licensing.

Why cant I like chocolate ice cream while you like strawberry? You ranting on how much better strawberry is isnt going to change my mind. It just makes you look like a rhetoric spewing fool.

[!Buc Krazy!]

The controllers have blue chip technology and come wireless.




Im guessing you mean BlueTooth technology?

[BucsGravity87]

Ok well those of you(like me) who have a 360 must know that Madden and King Kong are not the only two games out there for the system. Madden is less than stellar(I'm a 2k fan personally and despise EA), and King Kong is supposed to be a graphically appealing game. But there are other great games that are out now and coming out soon for 360.

Try Call of Duty 2 or Perfect Dark Zero. I have both and can tell you that they are amazing. Project Gotham Racing 3 is the best looking game out there as of right now also.

And do I even need to mention Dead or Alive 4 that comes out the 14th? That game is going to be a huge hit when it comes out just before Christmas. There are plenty of spectacular games lined up for the 360, and I have a feeling that Bill Gates will make sure that the 360 is the best online system of the three. Xbox Live was the main feature of the Xbox and Microsoft did a great job. And all you have to do is switch over your account to 360(it's really simple).

Anyone who wants to take games to the next level of online play and get a taste of some real competition then it is the 360 that you have to look at because online gaming is what sells this system.

[HoodedChampion]

XBOX Live will always be the best for online play...by far.

[JasonOfthetower]

So if I understand correctly....Madden 06 for Xbox 360 does not have all the modes that the current gen consoles have, plays exactly the same, and has slightly improved textures?

I'll pass. You are corrected that this is a stripped down version of the game - but do you call THIS slightly improved textures?
http://images.ea.com/sports/madden06/_img/screenshots/xbox360/cadillac.jpg
or this -
http://images.ea.com/sports/madden06/_img/screenshots/xbox360/MikeVick_Tampa_PreSnap.jpg

[JasonOfthetower]

Good Ray Jay shot

http://img.gamespot.com/gamespot/images/2005/257/927449_20050915_screen001.jpg

Actual Gameplay -

http://img.gamespot.com/gamespot/images/2005/321/reviews/927449_20051118_screen019.jpg



Graphics wise, no football game has ever come close to this.

And for those of you who hate John Madden, he's not in this game.

I hear that NBA2k is even better, graphically.

Not to mention the First Person Shooters like Perfect Dark and Ghost Recon.