Xbox 360

[Bahamut]

So basically all you want is a more powerful Wii?

Honestly, I don't think you'll say what you said above if you get a chance to play a 360 game in HD. Remember when the shift from 2D gamign to 3D gaming first happened, and everyone's jaw hit the floor because of the graphical upgrade? That's what I felt when I plugged my Xbox into my new LCD HD set the other day.


I still don't think that HD is that big of a deal, although I do <3 the 360 much.

That said, you should be considering the 360 for fun kwarp, not for innovation necessarily. The 360 delivers well on the fun factor almost regardless of what your preferences are - they got the sports titles, western RPGs (and the upcoming Blue Dragon, an eastern RPG), FPSs, TPS (Third Person Shooters, tactical and otherwise), and some good XBLA games.

[Ero Elohim]

Hey guys, now that the 360 has been out a while and a few games catch my interest, I thinking about picking one up. I'll be blunt: I see the console's processing power as a shallow gimmick (online is what appeals to me mostly). I understand processing power creates higher-quality graphics and physics which is nice, but "more of the same but only better" isn't quite what I'm after. I guess what I'm asking is if anyone's played a 360 game that uses processing power in an innovative way, something that delivers a fresh new gaming experience.

If you're looking for something innovative and new, don't buy a 360. I'll catch a lot of heat for saying that, but I've been absurdly disappointed in mine.

The majority of the games are overpriced and bring nothing new to the table. It's all graphics flash, pumped up into HD resolution, which is great (I have a 50" plasma flat-screen), but entirely unnecessary. Whenever I hit up a game store, I pretty much stare at the 360 section for a while before walking away to pick up a new PS2 or DS game because the system is inundated with shooters and sports titles. It has no non-shooter action or adventure, and very few RPGs. If you like shooting stuff, you'll probably never get tired of it, but right now the system sits around, unplayed.

It bleeds into the online, too. Pretty much every game with online multiplayer is a shooter. So, again, if you like shooting stuff, hooray! Otherwise, meh.

[mecca]

Street Fighter Anniversary Collection now works on the 360!

Add meccaUK for some hawt 2d action :3

[UnforgivingEdges]

It has no non-shooter action or adventure,

Kameo says hi. Overlord says hi. Phantasy Star Universe says hi. Rayman Raving Rabbids, Viva Pinata, and Tenchu Z all say hi.

Project Sylpheed is a space-flight game a la Wing Commander, don't know if you consider that a shooter or not. Same for Ace Combat 6.

Then don't forget Rock Band, Guitar Hero 2 and 3, Assassin's Creed, Banjo Three(ie), Virtua Fighter 5, and Too Human all coming out in the near future.

I understand that a lot of games on the 360 are shooters. but a lot aren't. Plus there's the Xbox Live Arcade, which has NO shooters, and lots of original games (Eets: Chowdown, Cloning Clyde, Outpost Kaloki X, Prince of Persia Classic, Catan, Carcassonne, Lumines Live, Worms, Talisman, Puzzle Fighter 2 HD, Street Fighter 2 HD, Boom Boom Rocket, and much more).


and very few RPGs.

Actually, if you're an RPG fan, the 360 is THE console to own this year. Blue Dragon comes out in August, Eternal Sonata (Trusty Bell in Japan) in September, and Lost Odyssey in December. Those are the three biggest epic RPGs of 2007, and they're all on the Xbox 360.

Then you have Oblivion, Two Worlds, Enchanted Arms, and Marvel: Ultimate Alliance already out.


To say you have no interest in any of the games I've named in this post means the Xbox 360 just isn't for you. But I can't see how anyone wouldn't be excited for at least ONE of those titles.

[Ero Elohim]

Kameo says hi. Overlord says hi. Phantasy Star Universe says hi. Rayman Raving Rabbids, Viva Pinata, and Tenchu Z all say hi.

Project Sylpheed is a space-flight game a la Wing Commander, don't know if you consider that a shooter or not. Same for Ace Combat 6.

Then don't forget Rock Band, Guitar Hero 2 and 3, Assassin's Creed, Banjo Three(ie), Virtua Fighter 5, and Too Human all coming out in the near future.

I understand that a lot of games on the 360 are shooters. but a lot aren't. Plus there's the Xbox Live Arcade, which has NO shooters, and lots of original games (Eets: Chowdown, Cloning Clyde, Outpost Kaloki X, Prince of Persia Classic, Catan, Carcassonne, Lumines Live, Worms, Talisman, Puzzle Fighter 2 HD, Street Fighter 2 HD, Boom Boom Rocket, and much more).




Actually, if you're an RPG fan, the 360 is THE console to own this year. Blue Dragon comes out in August, Eternal Sonata (Trusty Bell in Japan) in September, and Lost Odyssey in December. Those are the three biggest epic RPGs of 2007, and they're all on the Xbox 360.

Then you have Oblivion, Two Worlds, Enchanted Arms, and Marvel: Ultimate Alliance already out.


To say you have no interest in any of the games I've named in this post means the Xbox 360 just isn't for you. But I can't see how anyone wouldn't be excited for at least ONE of those titles.

A great deal of that stuff hasn't been released yet. Of the stuff out, there's a woeful shortage of games I like. I had a huge response typed out, but I really don't want to start a flame war in the middle of the thread.

I'll just say this: Your list would make me buy a XB360 if it was 2008, but it isn't and there's a lot of "upcoming" in that post that may turn out to be duds.

Not to mention that the person I responded to wanted to know if there were innovative things coming out for 360. Most of the games you listed are nothing new. For instance, I'm still convinced Assassin's Creed is going to be Prince of Persia 3.5.

[Effef]

I am getting a 360 just for Ace Combat 6, Forza, Trusty Bell, and Blue Dragon.

Everything else is irrelevant.

[DJ Skratch 'n' Sniff]

If the 360 dominates in any genre it is definitely the "I'm a big, muscley guy fighting off aliens with big guns" genre. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[KWarp]

2008 sounds good then. I'll hold out and see how Banjo-Threeie fares.

[DJ Skratch 'n' Sniff]

2008 sounds good then. I'll hold out and see how Banjo-Threeie fares.

I seriously hope they're not calling it that.

[Ero Elohim]

2008 sounds good then. I'll hold out and see how Banjo-Threeie fares.

There hasn't been a groundbreaking Mario platformer released in the interim for Rare to copy. Banjo 3 is going to suck.

[The Instrument of GAWD]

Few games I'm looking forward to are Devil May Cry 4 (barely insterested in) Resident Evil 5, Silent Hill 5, Too Human and the SF2 remake. Games I'm not exactly sure that are coming out on XB360 but still looking forward to are Soul Calibur 4, Virtua Fighter 5 and Tekken 6 (also barely interested in).

Might not seem like much, but it's what I look forward to for the system... that and also having a high-speed connect of my own to play it online. Speaking of which, my tag is Twardzimus. I'll be on the look out for ya's.

[UnforgivingEdges]

Games I'm not exactly sure that are coming out on XB360 but still looking forward to are Soul Calibur 4, Virtua Fighter 5 and Tekken 6 (also barely interested in).

All three are coming to 360 (except I'm not sure about Tekken, but knowing Namco's love of the Microsoft box, I wouldn't doubt it). The other two have been confirmed already.

[watkinzez]

There hasn't been a groundbreaking Mario platformer released in the interim for Rare to copy. Banjo 3 is going to suck.

Nice try.

Still wishing they had called the GBA racing game Banjo Kazoomie..

[Effef]

There hasn't been a groundbreaking Mario platformer released in the interim for Rare to copy. Banjo 3 is going to suck.

You have to admit, by platforming standards Banjo-Tooie wasn't horrible.

The graphics were pretty good by N64 standards.

[Sega.]

Er, I doubt tekken 6 will leave Sony exclusivity unless the PS3 goes WAY downhill. It's always been the PlayStation flagship fighter. You're right that the others are confirmed though.

As for Banjo 3, if Kameo was anything to go by, Rare havent lost their touch quite yet.

[Bigfoot]

Ugh, I want a 360 so bad, but I keep hearing/reading about so many breaking.

[DJ Skratch 'n' Sniff]

Ugh, I want a 360 so bad, but I keep hearing/reading about so many breaking.

Happened to me. Luckily they have a year warranty.

[The Womb]

yeah mine broke about 6 months ago around 3 weeks after warranty ran out so I finally got around to calling them and its only costing 170 Canadian to get it fixed which isn't bad considering how much it was supposed to cost to repair my old ps2 a few years back

Theirs good and bad to it though the bad is that it's refurbished which I Guess isn't that bad
The good news is a get a fresh one year warranty

[Bahamut]

My 360 has been running fine despite travel and much abuse...you guys probably are just unlucky.

[DJ Skratch 'n' Sniff]

My 360 has been running fine despite travel and much abuse...you guys probably are just unlucky.

Some of the older ones are more prone to overheating than others; I wish I had just held out for an Elite.

[Bigfoot]

Yeah, and a lot of the old ones that get fixed have new heatsinks installed.

[Sega.]

yeah mine broke about 6 months ago around 3 weeks after warranty ran out so I finally got around to calling them and its only costing 170 Canadian to get it fixed which isn't bad considering how much it was supposed to cost to repair my old ps2 a few years back

Theirs good and bad to it though the bad is that it's refurbished which I Guess isn't that bad
The good news is a get a fresh one year warranty

I don't think you do get a fresh warranty for refurbs, unless they've changed that policy due to complaints.

[Effef]

The Elites and the newer normal models have a 65nm processor, which reduces heat by a lot. The old 90nm 360s are fucking volcanoes. Its amazing how hot they get.

[The Womb]

I don't think you do get a fresh warranty for refurbs, unless they've changed that policy due to complaints.

Maybe it's different up here in ye old Canada but they told me I get a fresh new one year warranty maybe cause mine had already run out?

[sgx]

The Elites and the newer normal models have a 65nm processor, which reduces heat by a lot. The old 90nm 360s are fucking volcanoes. Its amazing how hot they get.

No they don't. People thought the Elites would have the new chip, but they don't. The new chip is not out yet.

[DJ Skratch 'n' Sniff]

Why's it called the Elite if there isn't any new hardware? Ooooh, it's black and has HDMI! How fucking exciting.

[UnforgivingEdges]

Why's it called the Elite if there isn't any new hardware? Ooooh, it's black and has HDMI! How fucking exciting.

HDMI, bigger HDD, slight internal component revision. 65nm chips rumored to come this fall/winter (though it could be as late as Q1 08 that the new models appear).

[Bigfoot]

Yeah, i'm pretty much waiting for the new models.

[DJ Skratch 'n' Sniff]

HDMI, bigger HDD, slight internal component revision. 65nm chips rumored to come this fall/winter (though it could be as late as Q1 08 that the new models appear).

That justifies an $80 price hike? And I don't stock much faith in rumors.

[Effef]

No they don't. People thought the Elites would have the new chip, but they don't. The new chip is not out yet.

Thats lame. I'm not getting one until they switch to 65nm. The current models are just waay too hot.

[Bigfoot]

Wow, some people have terrible luck. Some guy is on his 12th Xbox 360.

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3160603

Some people find it hard to believe that so many can go bad, but we get 360's exchanged all of the time here at work.

[Hector]

I have a friend whose still on his first.

And as to twelfths, I've had some bad luck but I'm doubtful a person can get that much bad luck unless they defile churches for a hobby or have there house built on a foundation of lodestone.

[Bigfoot]

I have a friend whose still on his first.

And as to twelfths, I've had some bad luck but I'm doubtful a person can get that much bad luck unless they defile churches for a hobby or have there house built on a foundation of lodestone.

Well, check the link. He has audio with a customer rep for proof.

[UnforgivingEdges]

This week on the XBLA (content goes up in 3 hours):

Carcassonne (http://www.gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=7937)

-Features 5 player online play, 4 player offline play
-Includes River II expansion
-XBL Vision support


New Lumines Live! skins/songs (http://www.gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=7914)

-2 new packs: 4 new songs (inlcuding a Heavenly Star remix), 20 new skins

[Bahamut]

So, is the new trend that consoles that do well have shitty failure rates?

[DJ Skratch 'n' Sniff]

I'm beginning to think that every time Microsoft refurbishes a 360 they count it as a sale.

As a side note, I would just like to point out that my 21 year old NES still works as well as it did the day I got it (which is about 30% of the time) but still, at least it works.

[UnforgivingEdges]

I'm beginning to think that every time Microsoft refurbishes a 360 they count it as a sale.

As a side note, I would just like to point out that my 21 year old NES still works as well as it did the day I got it (which is about 30% of the time) but still, at least it works.

It's also a much less complex piece of machinery with far fewer moving parts. Not really a fair comparison.

[DJ Skratch 'n' Sniff]

It's also a much less complex piece of machinery with far fewer moving parts. Not really a fair comparison.

Wow, way to totally judge the NES out of its time. Are you forgetting that it was a "complex piece of machinery" when it came it? My point is: it fucking works after all this time and it doesn't cost $300-475.

[UnforgivingEdges]

Wow, way to totally judge the NES out of its time. Are you forgetting that it was a "complex piece of machinery" when it came it? My point is: it fucking works after all this time and it doesn't cost $300-475.

That point is rather irrelevant. How advanced it was for it's time has nothing to do with how mechanically complex it was and is compared to the Xbox 360. The 360 has a an HD-DVD drive complete with a motor and moving laser diode to read a spinning piece of media. The NES read data through brass connectors off of a stationary disc. That's just one example.

You know, you do a fair amount of bitching and moaning about the 360. If you don't like the price and other factors, why did you even buy one?

[DJ Skratch 'n' Sniff]

That point is rather irrelevant. How advanced it was for it's time has nothing to do with how mechanically complex it was and is compared to the Xbox 360. The 360 has a an HD-DVD drive complete with a motor and moving laser diode to read a spinning piece of media. The NES read data through brass connectors off of a stationary disc. That's just one example.

You know, you do a fair amount of bitching and moaning about the 360. If you don't like the price and other factors, why did you even buy one?

Whoa, calm down there buddy. I'm not trying to pick a fight here or anything.

I play the 360 for the games; which is what a console should be able to do. If it can't do that, then that's fucking retarded.

I don't care about the price either (I own a PS3 afterall; which I should add, works perfectly). I'm just saying that I don't want to spend that sort of money on something that hardly last 4 months. I only played 5 games on it. Just kinda' frustrated, you know?

[WesPip]

...Hm.
So apparently the 360 Elites are kinda tough to find lately. Funny, considering how long the 360 has been out, and the fact that Ps3s are lining shelves everywhere now.

[Bigfoot]

I think they should have held off with the Elite. I haven't seen one since we first got them in on release. They should have waited and included the new processor coming up to really make it earn the title "elite" compared to the previous model.

I'd like to have an Elite, because i'd like to take advantage of HDMI(which my TV has 3 ports of) instead of the mess of a component cable :P

[WesPip]

I think they should have held off with the Elite. I haven't seen one since we first got them in on release. They should have waited and included the new processor coming up to really make it earn the title "elite" compared to the previous model.

I'd like to have an Elite, because i'd like to take advantage of HDMI(which my TV has 3 ports of) instead of the mess of a component cable :P
Yeah, that's the main reason I'm after an Elite instead of just a "Premium" or "Pro" or whatever they're called. HDMI secks.

[DJ Skratch 'n' Sniff]

That's one reason I want the Elite as well; I'm sick of unplugging my cable box or my Wii. My PS3 is the only thing taking advantage of HDMI right now.

Also: the Elite, to the best of my knowledge, was never intended to be a major release (like the DS Lite, for example). It's more of a "hey check out this nifty thing I got that you don't have" sort of thing. Hence the name.

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

I've gotta wonder what kind of hours the people that have failing 360s put into them at once. If you're doing more than 6 hour runs, well I can definitely see how it might go boom, of course that's hardly an excuse for something that shouldn't be so faulty, but it just makes me wonder... I have a first-gen PS2 that's still going strong, and I don't play for more than 2-3 hours at a time if that much at all.

What about cooling solutions? Are there any that are reliable? I've been hearing some nasty things about a few of them, specifically the Nyko ones that mount on the back of the system and "melt" on to it, thus ruining it possibly.

What about word of the Premium system eventually getting the 120 gig HD and HDMI port like the Elite in the near future?

Reason I ask is because I'm hoping to buy a 360 within the month, but I still have a few lingering doubts.

[UnforgivingEdges]

What about cooling solutions? Are there any that are reliable? I've been hearing some nasty things about a few of them, specifically the Nyko ones that mount on the back of the system and "melt" on to it, thus ruining it possibly.

Yeah, don't use those. If you're really worried about cooling the system adequetly (which I admit is reasonable; the fan inside isn't quite powerful enough, IMO), try any combination of the following:

-Place your 360 out in the open on top of a table or entertainment center to allow maximum airflow into the vents.

-You could also place one of the intake vents near an open window

-You could also point an ordinary house fan into the intake vent

I have a sneaking suspicion that the reason for the failures is a large amount of heating and colling cycles on the chip and motherboard. If you can minimize rapidly cooling the system after use (i.e., leave it on the dashboard for a few minutes before you turn it off), then you should be fine. Basically the main thing to remember is not to subject the internal components to drastic changes in temperature.

What about word of the Premium system eventually getting the 120 gig HD and HDMI port like the Elite in the near future?

Probably not. But you never know.

Reason I ask is because I'm hoping to buy a 360 within the month, but I still have a few lingering doubts.

And well you should. My recommendation to you is to wait until either Microsoft anounces some sort of fix, or until the new chips are out if you're really worried. You should have a better idea of what's up after E3 in a couple weeks.

Otherwise, if you go through with buying one, make sure you get an extended warranty from the store you purchase the system from. For what it's worth, my 360 is 7 months old (and was in fact manufactured in June of 2006) and has worked nearly flawlessly.

[DJ Skratch 'n' Sniff]

I don't think extended console playing is what is causing the hardware failure; I'd only put in about 40 hours of game play in 4 months. Not only that, how about all the hours people put in to Halo live?

I blame it on the simple fact that Microsoft was trying to get a jump on the console wars by releasing their product a whole year before anyone else. A bit too premature? Not enough testing, mayhap?

[Bigfoot]

Turok is looking pretty damn amazing.

Executions Gameplay:
Normal - http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21228.html
HD Quality - http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21227.html

Ranged Massacre Gameplay:
Normal - http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21226.html
HD Quality - http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21225.html


Also, if you were worried about purchasing an Xbox360, then worry no more. Microsoft is extended the warranty to 3 years for the Red Ring of Death. Covers both repair and shipping costs, and anyone who has recently paid for repair costs will be reimbursed.

http://kotaku.com/gaming/no-brainer/microsoft-expands-360-warranties-275370.php

[Hum4n After All]

0_0
Talk about super saiyan Crocodile Hunter on the executions trailer.

[Bahamut]

http://www.gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=7988

All 360s now have a 3 year warranty, applies retroactively!

[Bigfoot]

http://www.gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=7988

All 360s now have a 3 year warranty, applies retroactively!


Jeez, read previous posts why don't you.. :P j/k

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

Turok is looking pretty damn amazing.

Executions Gameplay:
Normal - http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21228.html
HD Quality - http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21227.html

Ranged Massacre Gameplay:
Normal - http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21226.html
HD Quality - http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21225.html


Also, if you were worried about purchasing an Xbox360, then worry no more. Microsoft is extended the warranty to 3 years for the Red Ring of Death. Covers both repair and shipping costs, and anyone who has recently paid for repair costs will be reimbursed.

http://kotaku.com/gaming/no-brainer/microsoft-expands-360-warranties-275370.php

How does this bode for refurbished models? Same coverage or no?

[Bigfoot]

How does this bode for refurbished models? Same coverage or no?

I wish I knew the answer. People were asking about that, but I dunno if they got an answer. Honestly, I don't feel like going through 200 comments to find out heh.

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

Well screw it, I'm grabbing this refurbished Pro for $300.

[DJ Skratch 'n' Sniff]

Well, sweet Jesus, that's damn awesome.

Hey, has anyone heard about the first broken PS3? It was user error. I guess some guy put duct tape over all the vents because he was afraid of dust getting in his console. I'm still in tears.

[The Womb]

I'm really glad for the 3 year warrenty extension
this means that I should get my 170$ Back =D

Edit: Do I actually have to contact a microsoft rep. or will I just get a check mailed to me?

[UnforgivingEdges]

I'm really glad for the 3 year warrenty extension
this means that I should get my 170$ Back =D

Edit: Do I actually have to contact a microsoft rep. or will I just get a check mailed to me?

Peter Moore himself said you should get it mailed to you and to expect a check in about 10-12 weeks.

[KWarp]

Peter Moore himself said you should get it mailed to you and to expect a check in about 10-12 weeks.
..sarcasm?

[UnforgivingEdges]

..sarcasm?

Uh, no?

http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2007/07/05/Show-_2300_233-The-one-with-Peter-Moore-on-the-Xbox-360-enhanced-warranty-.aspx

[Sega.]

Owned.

But seriously, they REALLY needed to do this. Confidence was being drained by the second, and they sat up and took notice.

[Bigfoot]

Are 360s now being sold with that new heatsink? If so, how can you be sure that you're getting one with it? Different model number/upc? Or is there no way unless you buy one when a new shipment comes in.

I'm probably going to wait until after E3 to buy it just in case of a price drop.

[UnforgivingEdges]

Are 360s now being sold with that new heatsink? If so, how can you be sure that you're getting one with it? Different model number/upc? Or is there no way unless you buy one when a new shipment comes in.

I'm probably going to wait until after E3 to buy it just in case of a price drop.

The only way to tell is by actually opening up the box and getting the system out. Shine a flashlight into the bottom end, and if you can see the DVD drive reflection, then there's no heatsink.

To be honest, it's pretty safe to buy a 360 at this point. The disc-scratching and DVD drive issues seemed to affect units manufactured in the launch window almost exclusively and I believe that problem has been remedied for the most part. If you're worried about your system dying due to hardware failure, MS has you covered for 3 years for free. If your system will die, it will die within the first 36 months.

By the way, keep on eye on the marketplace this week as there will be demos of both Blue Dragon and Ace Combat 6 because of E3 (and probably more).

I'll be there in person, and while I won't be doing my usual yearly writeup for the OCR forum (since I have a lot of work I'll be doing for GamesAreFun), if you want me to check out a particular game at the show and give some impressions, I'd be more than happy to (and that goes for all systems).

[Airwalker]

Is anybody else watching the Xbox 360 Spotlight? It's G4, so you know there has to be a lot of commercials. It bugs me, there's 4 minutes of commercials every 10 minutes, and it always seems to be break time when they announce something. It's a commercial event, and yet, we need more commercials. Ick!

Well, hopefully they will announce something cool.

[Bigfoot]

I'm watching it right now, and posting because of a commercial break lol.

[Airwalker]

!!!!

You can watch it commercial free on G4's website!

http://www.g4tv.com/e32007/spotlight.html

Turn off your TV; stop giving them AD money.

[Bigfoot]

I'd rather watch something with better quality than that..

[Airwalker]

I'd rather watch something with better quality than that..

Yeah, I turned it on for the Halo bit, but then they put commercials in the middle of the gameplay trailer! That's how evil they are.

[I-n-j-i-n]

They didn't have any shocking news for 360, except that they point out that they have a lot of good games on it. I miss the old, chaotic E3.

[Soma]

Yeah, I turned it on for the Halo bit, but then they put commercials in the middle of the gameplay trailer! That's how evil they are.

Yeah the g4 coverage was awful. They barely showed Mass Effect. and they cutoff the Halo3 trailer.

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

So no uber awesome 360 news out of E3 I take it?

[I-n-j-i-n]

So no uber awesome 360 news out of E3 I take it?

The most 'shocking' news is the new Resident Evil 5 trailer for 360. They reminded me that the 360 had Devil May Cry 4 and a lot of games we all knew about a year ago.

Their press conference reminded me of the Sony conferences in the PS2 days. Always pointing how their games are selling the best, how they are in control of the current generation, lots of games, etc etc.

[UnforgivingEdges]

They didn't have any shocking news for 360, except that they point out that they have a lot of good games on it. I miss the old, chaotic E3.

So does Hideo Kojima.

[Effef]

Ace Combat 6 was playable or so i heard.

[eternal Zero]

I personally thought there were two shocking things:
1. The afore-mentioned RE5. NOBODY saw that coming.
2. Playable Assassin's Creed looked AMAZING.

[Bigfoot]

I personally thought there were two shocking things:
1. The afore-mentioned RE5. NOBODY saw that coming.
2. Playable Assassin's Creed looked AMAZING.

Yeah, that chase scene was pretty awesome.

[Penfold]

I personally thought there were two shocking things:
1. The afore-mentioned RE5. NOBODY saw that coming.
2. Playable Assassin's Creed looked AMAZING.

I thought it had been confirmed for, like, forever that RE5 was going to be for 360 and PS3 so I didn't find that suprising at all. Assassin's Creed, though...that looked really cool. Seemed like the controls were more or less Prince of Persia (albeit more fluid). Looking forward to it.

[Ero Elohim]

I thought it had been confirmed for, like, forever that RE5 was going to be for 360 and PS3 so I didn't find that suprising at all. Assassin's Creed, though...that looked really cool. Seemed like the controls were more or less Prince of Persia (albeit more fluid). Looking forward to it.

Do we have anything to confirm that AC =! PoP4?

I'm just wondering. I can't help but shake this feeling that I'm going to get ugly flashbacks of playing PoP2 and hating every second of it.

[eternal Zero]

I thought it had been confirmed for, like, forever that RE5 was going to be for 360 and PS3 so I didn't find that suprising at all.

I do think you're right...but I completely forgot myself and was shocked when I saw it...not to mention that I do believe the entire panel thing on G4 was shocked as well over it. At least I remember Morgan commenting on it.

[Penfold]

I do think you're right...but I completely forgot myself and was shocked when I saw it...not to mention that I do believe the entire panel thing on G4 was shocked as well over it. At least I remember Morgan commenting on it.

At any rate, anything on RE5 is always welcome right?

Ero: I know what you're saying. PoP2 was buggy as all hell, which didn't help that the direction they took the game sucked. Because of it I never got around to PoP3, even though I heard for the most part they changed the stuff that made PoP2 so bad. Sands of Time was awesome, though, so I hope Assassin's Creed has that sorta feel. It's definitely looking nice so far; the free running mechanics seem to be a more fluid counterpart to PoP controls (and at least at a glance, the fight mechanics look pretty much the same...hopefully it won't feel so repetitious though).

[Bahamut]

At any rate, anything on RE5 is always welcome right?

Ero: I know what you're saying. PoP2 was buggy as all hell, which didn't help that the direction they took the game sucked. Because of it I never got around to PoP3, even though I heard for the most part they changed the stuff that made PoP2 so bad. Sands of Time was awesome, though, so I hope Assassin's Creed has that sorta feel. It's definitely looking nice so far; the free running mechanics seem to be a more fluid counterpart to PoP controls (and at least at a glance, the fight mechanics look pretty much the same...hopefully it won't feel so repetitious though).

Sands of Time felt like a much easier and watered down version of Ninja Gaiden :???:

[Hector]

It was the atmosphere and the script that made Prince of Persia so amazing. I loved the fighting system, puzzels and acrobatics as well; but it is understandable if they might seem a bit simplistic.

[Penfold]

Sands of Time felt like a much easier and watered down version of Ninja Gaiden :???:

I wouldn't know, since the last Ninja Gaiden I played was the for the NES :-P.

[Bahamut]

It was the atmosphere and the script that made Prince of Persia so amazing. I loved the fighting system, puzzels and acrobatics as well; but it is understandable if they might seem a bit simplistic.


But just about in every level, the XBox Ninja Gaiden far surpassed PoP. Combat is infinitely more intricate, with even a bit of RPG stat elements present in the game, exploring involved many elements, more than the jumping around in PoP (and came first not to mention), and still remained incredibly engaging. Anyone who has played Sands of Time and loved it really do need to go play Ninja Gaiden, the far better game that came out first.

[eternal Zero]

But just about in every level, the XBox Ninja Gaiden far surpassed PoP. Combat is infinitely more intricate, with even a bit of RPG stat elements present in the game, exploring involved many elements, more than the jumping around in PoP (and came first not to mention), and still remained incredibly engaging. Anyone who has played Sands of Time and loved it really do need to go play Ninja Gaiden, the far better game that came out first.

This is actually the first I have heard of this comparison. I will definitely look into this further as I enjoyed the first PoP even though I never pursued the series.

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

Yay! My 360 got in a few hours ago!

Been playing DOA4 and Halo 2 for the time being. Can't wait for the coming months with CoD4 and AC6.

[UnforgivingEdges]

From my time at E3 so far, here's what you should be hyped for and what you should avoid at all costs


Looking good:

Ace Combat 6

Quake Wars

Devil May Cry 4


DO NOT BUY:

To tell you the truth, I haven't played a bad 360 game at the show yet, at least nothing that me cringe like RE Umbrella Chronicles on Wii. There were a couple on-the-fence titles that were fun, but were not themost impressive: Culdcept Saga, Beautiful Katamari etc.

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

They've got some demos from e3 games like Ace Combat 6 in the marketplace if anyone hasn't checked yet.

Now I just need to hope it supports the xVid or .h264 vid codecs so I can stream vids from my comp.


Edit: Also, Eternal Sonata looks like the JRPG I've been waiting for my whole life. I had to control myself from crying after listening to that piano piece that plays in the trailer. Gonna have to download some Chopin.

[Groovemaster303]

DMC4 is going to be wicked cannot wait for this.

[Alpine Flame]

DMC4 is going to be wicked cannot wait for this.
I'm going to reserve, pick up first day( after a week-long camp out), take leave, and not sleep for a week or three until I beat it. I'll live on energy drinks. Rly. I'll do it.

[Effef]

Ace Combat 6 video:

http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/sim/acecombat6/news.html?sid=6172444&tag=topslot;title;1&om_act=convert&om_clk=topslot

I want this SO BAD.

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

Meh... I played through the demo and was somewhat disappointed.

Granted, it's the demo, but with the game's release so close, I hope this is actually a demo from an earlier build. If not, I'll be uber disappointed.

[The Womb]

I gotta say I'm actually starting to get excited for Halo 3
The demo was pretty good....and knowning bungie I have a hard time believing their just going to release a sugar coated Halo 2.5

[UnforgivingEdges]

I have to recommend Project Sylpheed to anyone who likes mecha anime or flight-combat sims (it plays like Colony Wars or Wing Commander). It's an exceptionally well-developed game, and while it has a tough learning curve, once you get it the game is great.

Developed by GameArts and published by Square Enix (one of the few titles you'll ever see on the 360 with those names). Plus it's only $40 new. And if you're on the fence, try the demo.

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

Yes, Project Sylpheed reminds me of Gundam SEED(which means that yes, I like it) in many ways.

It seems a little dizzying at first, but you get used to it.

Also, my opinion on Ace Combat 6 has changed. I must now grab this game.

[The Damned]

When is the next expected/announced price drop? I think I might pick one up for Dead Rising and a few other titles coming out this year.

/haven't followed the news on prices lately

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

You could just grab a refurbished pro from Tigerdirect for $299...

[Cerrax]

This is actually the first I have heard of this comparison. I will definitely look into this further as I enjoyed the first PoP even though I never pursued the series.

Yeah. I played Ninja Gaiden and then I played PoP. I have to say I prefer Ninja Gaiden over PoP. NG is just faster and more complex than PoP. Not to mention NG is drop dead gorgeous next to PoP. There's a reason it wasported to PS3 :)

[UnforgivingEdges]

When is the next expected/announced price drop? I think I might pick one up for Dead Rising and a few other titles coming out this year.

/haven't followed the news on prices lately


Sometime between September and November are when the 65nm units are expected to be in stores, so I imagine a price drop will occur right before those are ready to move out.

Also, in other news, Bomberman Live is the best XBLA game, and not only that, is one of the best multiplayer Xbox 360 games period. Worth it worth it worth it.

[I-n-j-i-n]

Just downloaded/played Ace Combat 6 demo for 360 and I must say it looks GREAT in high definition. The former AC games were pretty good, but they did not have the wow factor that usually comes from flight sims. AC6 already looks way better than any actual PC fighter-sim games I've seen.

I didn't hear about Bomberman, but I'll have to look into that too.

[Bahamut]

So while this is not exactly 360 news, anyone hear of this news? http://www.gametab.com/news/975785/

I find it quite hilarious that he made such a comment in response to someone who probably wasn't dignified enough for him to even bother with the poster.

[UnforgivingEdges]

So while this is not exactly 360 news, anyone hear of this news? http://www.gametab.com/news/975785/

I find it quite hilarious that he made such a comment in response to someone who probably wasn't dignified enough for him to even bother with the poster.


I was actually posting there when that thread was made. One of the funniest things I've ever seen online.

I still can't see why any news sites reported on it, though. It's really not important in any way, and is just a humorous, isolated incident.

[Bahamut]

I was actually posting there when that thread was made. One of the funniest things I've ever seen online.

I still can't see why any news sites reported on it, though. It's really not important in any way, and is just a humorous, isolated incident.

Yeah, although you have to admit it's more interesting than most stuff sites report on.

[The Author]

Is it wrong that I want a 360 simply because of symphony of the night?

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

No, because this in turn will lead you into grabbing more games and becoming one of us.

One of us.

[eternal Zero]

Is it wrong that I want a 360 simply because of symphony of the night?

No

________

[UnforgivingEdges]

Is it wrong that I want a 360 simply because of symphony of the night?

It also came out on the PSN yesterday. Do you want a PS3?

[The Author]

It also came out on the PSN yesterday. Do you want a PS3?

Quite frankly, I would concider buying one...

I'll see how big of a bonus I get next week.

[atmuh]

Is it wrong that I want a 360 simply because of symphony of the night?

just do what i did
get a psp and hax it
sotn works perfectly was free and is in my pocket

[DJ Skratch 'n' Sniff]

Is it wrong that I want a 360 simply because of symphony of the night?

Um, yeah, I think so. Don't you have some other platform to play it on? Like a PS1 or 2?

There have got to be 360 games you want to play too, right?

[I-n-j-i-n]

Once you get into buying XBLA games + Xbox Live Gold, it's hard to stop. The leadership board idea sounds unassuming, but it's addicting to compare scores, even if you go from 10,000th place to 9,000th. And it's virtually crack-cocaine if it has online multiplayer.

I thought I'd get around two or three games at the most. Now I have around 30 games for it. Compared to all the $10, $15 VC games, of which I have around 15 of. I think the improved aspect of XBLA makes it a bit more worth it.

[Bahamut]

What VC game is $15?

[The Damned]

None of them are. Injin's just doing the usual "why pay so much for an old game" crap.

[I-n-j-i-n]

N64 games. I suppose some people never tried buying those, hmm? On second thought, specifically they're around $10. Some full XBLA costing around $13-$14. More or less the same deal to me since I buy those games at bulk. I should try to stop to save up for some actual games though.

Also, Damned, did you not just read my post saying I bought around 30 XBLA games (mostly old games) and at least 15 VC games?

[DJ Skratch 'n' Sniff]

The Virtual Console sounds better to me (by the way, $5 for an NES game, $6 for Turbo GraFX 16 and SNES games, $8 for a Genesis game and $10 for an N64 game).

I don't really care about high scores. I can't imagine too many people do. High scores and arcades are so '80s.

[Bahamut]

The Virtual Console sounds better to me (by the way, $5 for an NES game, $6 for Turbo GraFX 16 and SNES games, $8 for a Genesis game and $10 for an N64 game).

I don't really care about high scores. I can't imagine too many people do. High scores and arcades are so '80s.

I assume you don't understand the appeal of the Wario Ware games then?

[DJ Skratch 'n' Sniff]

I assume you don't understand the appeal of the Wario Ware games then?

What an irrelevant thing to say.

Also: you're right, Wario Ware does not appeal to me. Maybe if they were better games...

[Bahamut]

What an irrelevant thing to say.

Also: you're right, Wario Ware does not appeal to me. Maybe if they were better games...

It is 100% relevant, but of course you don't understand the link because you don't understand the idea.

[I-n-j-i-n]

The Virtual Console sounds better to me (by the way, $5 for an NES game, $6 for Turbo GraFX 16 and SNES games, $8 for a Genesis game and $10 for an N64 game).

I don't really care about high scores. I can't imagine too many people do. High scores and arcades are so '80s.

I think you're forgetting online play and other additions. Let's face it. VC games are good deals, but they don't add anything. I know it's supposed to be its draw, but XBLA games have a lot of new things added to them. Sometimes reworked really, really well. New modes, new levels, high def treatment, achievements, downloadable content (sometimes free) and of course, the online multiplayer.

Not to mention that most XBLA games aren't NES/Genesis ports, but the port of the actual arcade games.

Also, this is a 360 thread, so let's keep the ideas inherent to that.

[DJ Skratch 'n' Sniff]

It is 100% relevant, but of course you don't understand the link because you don't understand the idea.

Whoa. What a jerk.

I'm just saying I don't care about high scores.

[Bahamut]

Whoa. What a jerk.

I'm just saying I don't care about high scores.

And I was pointing out how it wasn't an outdated idea. Your comment was an example of ignorance, and ignores how much appeal such ideas hold with people. If you don't want responses like that, don't make ignorant remarks.

[DJ Skratch 'n' Sniff]

And I was pointing out how it wasn't an outdated idea. Your comment was an example of ignorance, and ignores how much appeal such ideas hold with people. If you don't want responses like that, don't make ignorant remarks.

Ignorant? Because I gave my opinion? Because I don't like Wario Ware? Because I'd rather not partake in XBLA?

I am so done with you.

You don't have to respond like a dick, by the way.

[Bahamut]

Ignorant? Because I gave my opinion? Because I don't like Wario Ware? Because I'd rather not partake in XBLA?

I am so done with you.

You don't have to respond like a dick, by the way.

No, opinions are fine, but calling it an outdated idea is just ignorant simply because it apparently has strong appeal still.

The reason I'm being a dick is because you're trying to pass your opinion as fact. I'm a dick to anyone who attempts that.

Edit: So we had a PM exchange, and he claimed to be passing it off as sarcasm, even if the rest of the post came off as serious. To treat me with such disrespect throughout the whole exchange with words like his original ones and then to try to pass off fault with an explanation that doesn't fit is insulting - anyone with any modicum of intelligence should be ashamed, especially with the attempt to close off reasonable discussion. Word of caution to anyone, if you're going to waste my time PMing me to go about name calling and unwilling to admit an error, then I don't want to deal with it. Unmature & stupid people can go be emo and slit their wrists for all I care.

It's "put up or shut up".

[Drack]

He's not bashing your opinion as much as telling you not to assume everyone else thinks like you do.

Don't like the idea of high scores? Neither do I. Doesn't make a difference.

Calling it an outdated idea? The existence and popularity of stuff like XBLA leaderboards proves that there are a lot of people who think otherwise.

Enough with the flames, people. And Baha, deliberately pissing someone off is not a good method of persuasion. Explain WHY your argument makes sense instead of bashing the person for disagreeing.

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

Hay gais! I'm stroking my eP3nz0rs!!!111oneone

Anyway, it's question time.

Do any of you have any experience with Xbox 360 skins? I'm not just talking about just the faceplate, but skins for the entire system.

Reason I ask is because I might grab one from this site (http://www.decalgirl.com), and I just wanna know if any of you have had any positive/negative experiences with 'em. I.E. Do they restrict any airflow? Is there any kind of adhesive/glue used and is it messy? What about actually getting it on the system?

Another question I have is about custom themes for the dashboard, being that the ones up for "sale" on the marketplace are all made of fail and AIDS. Can I somehow download 'em from the net on my PC and import them to the 360, or is there a way to do it directly on the 360? Can it even be done at all?

Well that's all for question time. Tune in during September/October when I give my in-depth impressions on Ace Combat 6, Eternal Sonata, and Halo 3. Let's play DOA4 or Bomberman Live sometime.

[OutLander]

I've heard that the skins are a bitch to get off. And they leave all kinds of residue on it. As for restricting airflow, all the ones that I've seen have holes cut in them so they don't restrict it.

As for everything else, meh. I could care less about the theme I have. Especially since any text that's on it I can't read because I don't have a high-def tv.

[UnforgivingEdges]

Malaki, I am always down for some Bomberman Live. Send me an invite; my gamertag is Justegarde.

[DJ Skratch 'n' Sniff]

As for everything else, meh. I could care less about the theme I have. Especially since any text that's on it I can't read because I don't have a high-def tv.

Luckily, you don't need to read too much with 360 games :P

[I-n-j-i-n]

Luckily, you don't need to read too much with 360 games :P

Not only did that make no sense, you're not adding anything.

Back to the topic at hand, I never felt the urge to get new skins and themes for the system yet. The default remains by far the best IMO.

[Groovemaster303]

I agree, the default skin is spot on

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

Gais! Gais!

Wing Commander at the marketplace!


Edit: Wow... That was made of uber letdown. Nevermind.

[Bahamut]

Gais! Gais!

Wing Commander at the marketplace!


Edit: Wow... That was made of uber letdown. Nevermind.

I take it it was bad?


And there are rumors of a $50 price cut for the 360 coming around the release of Madden '08. In addition, for those who can't wait, you can get one now from Toys 'R Us for a $50 gift card (in store only). Roughly 2 more months until the Halo 3 bombshell releases...

[UnforgivingEdges]

Wing Commander isn't bad, per se, but it isn't incredibly deep.

Also, for those curious, there are a bunch of new demos this week: Dynasty Warriors: GUNDAM, All Pro Football 2K8, NASCAR 08, and Moto GP 08. They also put up the E3 trailer of Orange Box, which is by far my most anticipated game of the year.

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

Well... It isn't the worst thing ever, but when I saw it, I was expecting some Sci-Fi space shooting goodness ala Origin, but alas, it was not so.

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

Malaki, I am always down for some Bomberman Live. Send me an invite; my gamertag is Justegarde.

Malakhim. Add me

[Bahamut]

So, Walmart's Help Center has confirmed that they are rolling back the price of ALL 360 models by $50-80 soon - speculation says that August 8th is the target date, and a $50 price drop across all models (unlike Sony's 60 GB PS3 clearance). Not the best of deals, but if you buy it now, you can go to customer service and request a price adjustment for a refund when it actually happens.

[UnforgivingEdges]

Price cut:

Core will now be $280
Premium will now be $350
Elite will now be $450


Halo 3:

Bungie confirmed 4 player online co-op through the campaign.

Too tired to grab links, but you can find them when you get time.

[Sir_NutS]

I was waiting for this price cut to gather some money for a xbox360, but seeing that one of my main reasons to get one(GoW) will come to the PC, and that this means that most good games will eventually come to pc, my interest in an xbox360 has dissipated a little.

Rock band with its awesome peripherals and download content promises might change my mind, unless it eventually comes to the wii, which is first in my next-gen shopping list.

[UnforgivingEdges]

Let me give you a little help:

Mass Effect
Assassin's Creed
Orange Box
Halo 3
Eternal Sonata
Blue Dragon
Lost Odyssey
Virtua Fighter 5 (with online)

[Arek the Absolute]

The price drop makes me one happy consumer. I might even consider picking up an elite before the year is done.

Good times, good times.

[The Damned]

At those prices, even I think I will get one. Dead Rising, here I come.

[Alexis]

ooooh I'm glad i saw this, I think I might have to get one now....was thinking about a wii, but that isn't going to drop in price anytime soon so...

[Soma]

Let me give you a little help:

Mass Effect
Assassin's Creed
Orange Box
Halo 3
Eternal Sonata
Blue Dragon
Lost Odyssey
Virtua Fighter 5 (with online)
nothing wrong with this list. but if you had to choose one rpg (from what I've played) go with eternal sonata over Blue dragon, lost odyssey is a whole 'nother argument.

also ROCKBAND!!!!1

[UnforgivingEdges]

nothing wrong with this list. but if you had to choose one rpg (from what I've played) go with eternal sonata over Blue dragon, lost odyssey is a whole 'nother argument.

also ROCKBAND!!!!1

I forgot about Rockband. And also I should add Guitar Hero III, to a lesser extent (since it's multiplatform).

Also, I will second your suggestion of Eternal Sonata before Blue Dragon. I played ES at E3, and it is sublimely beautiful both visually and the way the battle system works. It's a lot like Star Ocean.

EDIT- I also forgot to mention Bioshock, which will be one of the contenders for Game of the Year. OXM gave it a 10/10 and PC Gamer have it a 95%.

[WesPip]

Price cut:

Core will now be $280
Premium will now be $350
Elite will now be $450


Halo 3:

Bungie confirmed 4 player online co-op through the campaign.

Too tired to grab links, but you can find them when you get time.
Clearly, this will help me find an Elite.
Clearly.

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

My god there are so many games I'm wanting for the 360.

Eternal Sonata
Halo 3
Ace Combat 6
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of The Year edition
Beautiful Katamari
Battlefield 2
Tomb Raider Legend/Anniversary
Mass Effect
Soul Caliber 4
Dead or Alive Xtreme 2
Resident Evil 5
Turok
Call of Duty 4
Grand Theft Auto 4

Not to mention any games that might come out for the Arcade later on like Puzzle Fighter. Man I love this box

[I-n-j-i-n]

Marathon is out for Xbox Live Arcade now too. Finally.

[UnforgivingEdges]

Next week should be Puzzle Fighter HD. Should. Capcom has been having a tough time trying to get it through cert, or so I hear.

[Soma]

Does anyone know when the new SF2 is coming out? The "HD" version of turbo that Udon is doing the art for? I'm looking forward to that on the arcade.

[UnforgivingEdges]

Does anyone know when the new SF2 is coming out? The "HD" version of turbo that Udon is doing the art for? I'm looking forward to that on the arcade.

Sometime in fall. I'm gonna guess late September to October-ish.

[Soma]

The demo for Fatal Inertia hit the marketplace today. It's a futuristic racer, think f zero with tracks like motorstorm (At least the one from the demo looks motorstorm-ish) It's pretty neat.

So in regards to Rockband. I've pretty much chosen rock band for my faux guitar video game needs. (over Gh3) Today they anounced 11 more tracks from Guitar hero 3 and it made me curious. The Strokes' song Reptilia is in GH3 AND Rock band, i thought that was kind of queer. Though i've been waiting for that song in GH since the begining, i even submitted it to that GH3 contest they had a couple months ago.

EDIT: GTA4 got delayed. one less game we all have to buy this year. woot

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

Well shit, it seems that I've run into my first snag.

Tried starting up my DOAX2 game earlier(still trying it as we speak) and after about a second after I press start at the title screen, the game locks up. I tried a few other games and there was nothing wrong with the system, which leads me to believe that there's something wrong with the actual game which I just bought 3 days ago.

Anyone have this happen to them? Any suggestions?

Addendum - Apparently I "sort of" fixed the problem by trying the game without the HDD connected. Reconnected it and so far, working fine. More testing and results soon.

Further addendum - After re-inserting the HDD, the problem occured again, which led me to believe that I might have to reformat the thing, but after a bit more thinking, I realized that it might just be a corrupted save from the game, and so I proceeded to delete the game file, and to my avail, this process seemed to have worked. After several more tests, I confirmed that that was indeed the problem. Problem solved and lesson learned.

[WesPip]

Amazon.ca FINALLY restocked the 360 Elites.
I should have mine before mid-week.
Still in stock as I type this, if any Canadians are after them.

[The Womb]

We actually got some elites shipped to BC actually
My friend just went out and bought one....it's sexy
I finally got my Xbox360 back a few days and man in 6 months I'd forgotten how much I missed that thing

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

You know, I've been looking at Ace Combat 6 over and over and have played the demo more than a million times, but I just don't feel that enthusiastic about it anymore. I mean from all the screens I've seen, the game looks amazing, but it just doesn't play like I had hoped.

I just hope the demo is NOTHING compared to the actual game.

[Shining Mirage]

You know, I've been looking at Ace Combat 6 over and over and have played the demo more than a million times, but I just don't feel that enthusiastic about it anymore. I mean from all the screens I've seen, the game looks amazing, but it just doesn't play like I had hoped.

I just hope the demo is NOTHING compared to the actual game.

Demos usually kill avid players with short detail, especially if it's the same one or two stages with limited selections of cars/planes/players as to the courses/stages that you can play them. Did you feel the same about AC5?

[I-n-j-i-n]

I thought Ace Combat 6 is on par with former games. I might get it if it goes under price drop or of the reviews gush about it.


BTW, there is more news about a possible 'guarantee' of MGS4 making it to the 360. Lots of speculation with magazines and online rumors now. There's just so much of it, I'm not sure what to believe:

360 MGS3 preorders? (http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2007/08/05/hmv-offering-mgs-4-preorders-for-the-360-version/)

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

Eternal Sonata demo at marketplace!!!!!

Just click on latest game demos, it's the one written in full Japanese. You'll know it by looking at the game icon on the left.

W00T!!!!

Addendum - Also, looks like Puzzle Fighter will be out within the next few hours being that there are picture pack downloads up at the Live Arcade.

[Arek the Absolute]

I thought Ace Combat 6 is on par with former games. I might get it if it goes under price drop or of the reviews gush about it.


BTW, there is more news about a possible 'guarantee' of MGS4 making it to the 360. Lots of speculation with magazines and online rumors now. There's just so much of it, I'm not sure what to believe:

360 MGS3 preorders? (http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2007/08/05/hmv-offering-mgs-4-preorders-for-the-360-version/)
Check out the update in the exact link you posted.

[The Damned]

Confirmed price drops... didn't see that coming. :roll:

http://kotaku.com/gaming/it.s-official/microsoft-drops-xbox-360-price-286600.php

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

"Madden is the number one selling game, and we felt like that was the right title to lead with."

Statements like these make me cringe...

[Doulifée]

Demos usually kill avid players with short detail, especially if it's the same one or two stages with limited selections of cars/planes/players as to the courses/stages that you can play them. Did you feel the same about AC5?

pretty much the reason why i usually don't download demo. their effect is usually:

1- you want the game badly and after the game is out, you see that you get bored with it quickly.

2-The demo doesn't want you do buy the game, because it's subpar.

I played all the ace combat so far (except on handheld system) so i'm waiting for this one. i don't want to hear about the demo. Most of Ace Combat interest is replayability with different difficulty setting/plane etc.

[Shining Mirage]

pretty much the reason why i usually don't download demo. their effect is usually:

1- you want the game badly and after the game is out, you see that you get bored with it quickly.

2-The demo doesn't want you do buy the game, because it's subpar.

I played all the ace combat so far (except on handheld system) so i'm waiting for this one. i don't want to hear about the demo. Most of Ace Combat interest is replayability with different difficulty setting/plane etc.

Ditto. The only demo that I did play was AC4. Only an hour, though. I still wanted to hold that anticipation for the actual game. Instead, I ran through AC2 for the 11th time. :-)

My co-worker is steadily trying to get me to play the demo to AC6, but I can't bring myself to do that.

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

Speaking of demos, I recently played the Demo for PGR3. I'm not usually a fan of racing games at all(save Mario Kart, which doesn't really count), but this game got me hooked, and now that PGR4 not only looks amazing, but has motorcycles(Suzuki Hayabusa and Katanas ftw), I think I'm definitely grabbing it.

Also played some Amped 3. I like snowboarding games quite a bit, but I don't know if I'm willing to grab it JUST yet. Anyone have any thoughts on the game?

Also, Eternal Sonata plays pretty great. I have my complaints, but they're forgivable for the most part.

[UnforgivingEdges]

Addendum - Also, looks like Puzzle Fighter will be out within the next few hours being that there are picture pack downloads up at the Live Arcade.

Not this week. It ran into some problems in cert, so it was delayed a couple weeks. It was supposed to come out in July, but obviously didn't; it should be out next week or the week after.

[Bigfoot]

So Premiums with HDMI are being seen in the wild now:
http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/08/hdmi-premium-xbox-360-potentially-caught-on-film/

People are still waiting to see if it has the new 65nm chip as well.

I was curious and checked the manufacturer's date on some of the 360s at work. The elites were from June of 2007, but the Premiums bundled with Top Spin 2 were made in June of 2006.

[sgx]

Apparently any 360 manufactured after July has the 65 nm chip in it, so I think basically any hdmi premium has one.

I'm going to start going to stores and looking at the manufacture dates of 360's sitting around.

[UnforgivingEdges]

Pretty much. MS is clearing the supply channel of 90nm models to start filling it with the non-breaking version just in time for Halo 3.

[I-n-j-i-n]

I still don't understand the science behind the Towel Trick:

Towels (http://screwattack.com/)

Check out the update in the exact link you posted.

Very unbelievable rumor and predictably a mistake. I still hope the talk of a possible conversion with a team not helmed by Kojima according to some Konami rumors is true.

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

Static charge or friction between the towels and the electronics in the system maybe?

At any rate, I grabbed Gears of War last night and was able to experienced one of what I call the "Ultimate thrills of the 360": Online Co-op with my friends. Seriously, massive amounts of win.

Speaking of friends, one of my buds has an interesting problem with the wireless controller that came with the system. Interestingly enough, the thing works just fine, save for the X, Y, and B buttons, which while trying yesterday, did not respond at all. Anyone have any similar findings and possibly some successes or failures on this subject?

[UnforgivingEdges]

I still don't understand the science behind the Towel Trick:

Towels (http://screwattack.com/)

Through many heating and cooling cycles, the GPU or CPU slowly begins to warp off the motherboard. By wrapping the system in a towel and letting it overheat to high temperature inside, the heat builds up and melts the chip connections back to the board.

This is only a temporary fix, and it also fries most of the other components inside the system if you do it enough.

EDIT- I should also point out that the new premium 360s (the units that are being sold post-August 8 price drop) should all have HDMI ports and 2nd heatsinks inside the casings. How can you tell? It will be on the box. Or you can just pop open the little cardboard flap and take a peek inside.

No word yet on 65nm chips, but we'll find out within the week, I'm pretty sure. My guess is these new units have the 65nm in them, but don't quote me on that.

[Bahamut]

So, Amazon has the 360 Premium for $330 atm - http://astore.amazon.com/overclocked02-20/detail/B000B43OY4/002-0341045-6500056

[Shining Mirage]

Speaking of demos, I recently played the Demo for PGR3. I'm not usually a fan of racing games at all(save Mario Kart, which doesn't really count), but this game got me hooked, and now that PGR4 not only looks amazing, but has motorcycles(Suzuki Hayabusa and Katanas ftw), I think I'm definitely grabbing it.

For a moment, I thought that you were joking about the motorcycle thing until I checked out some sites in regards to it. Uh, why are they introducing motorcycles now? To possibly blow away the idea that rockstar attempted with Midnight Club? :?

[Groovemaster303]

Well i'm going to get the Elite when it's released over here (UK)
I hope that the 65nm chips are used though.
i want a reliable 360 for once....
or is that too much to ask.
still a cracking console despite it's flaws.

[JH Sounds]

Why are the Wii and PlayStation 3 thread titles needlessly preceded with the company names Nintendo and Sony, while "Xbox 360" is free as a bird?

[I-n-j-i-n]

Because even Xbox fans know that the Microsoft name sounds satanic? Even if it isn't, it sounds like it?

Kinda like Apple?

[UnforgivingEdges]

Why are the Wii and PlayStation 3 thread titles needlessly preceded with the company names Nintendo and Sony, while "Xbox 360" is free as a bird?

Why does it matter?

[JH Sounds]

Why does it matter?

Why doesn't it matter?

[Bigfoot]

Because nobody calls it the Microsoft Xbox 360.

[Necrotic]

Why doesn't it matter?

Because the only way to explain it is to either be a Sigmund Freud about it, or not give a fuck.

Most of us opt for that second one because we don't give a fuck.

[Shining Mirage]

Why doesn't it matter?

Maybe because the general public just got used to referring it just as the Xbox 360.
or...
Most of us opt for that second one because we don't give a fuck.
and don't feel like dragging out a name. Too much work.

[UnforgivingEdges]

Why doesn't it matter?

I think someone needs to do some reading. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burden_of_proof)

[JH Sounds]

I think someone needs to do some reading. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burden_of_proof)

That article does not cite its references or sources.

[NeoForte]

Bioshock demo is live!!!!

Download it and new HD trailer!!!

[UnforgivingEdges]

Bioshock demo is live!!!!

Download it and new HD trailer!!!

Listen to this man. And listen to me.

http://image.bayimg.com/jafndaabi.jpg

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

I might actually enjoy the game if the download weren't fucking up each time I try to download it. It stays either at 4% or 6% for hours. This has also happened to my best friend.

[I-n-j-i-n]

Listen to this man. And listen to me.

http://image.bayimg.com/jafndaabi.jpg

I want to know who is the genius behind those four panel strips. Way better than most webcomics.

Really, Bioshock to me seems even more hyped than Halo 3 right now, because at least we know what to expect from a new Halo.

The roaming AI and story better live up. And we know what a letdown the AI system in Oblivion ended up.

[Bigfoot]

Hoping next paycheck is when I finally get my 360.

[Imagist]

So all of a sudden my roommate (yay for Facebook taking away all the mystery of a random roommate) whips out the fact that he's not only bringing a 360 to the dorm, but his mom's going to buy him an LCD HDTV once he's moved in. Not sure whether it'll be 19" (http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=br_1_4/601-0186953-6172109?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B000OR3QSM) or 26" (http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=br_1_4/601-0186953-6172109?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B000OY7PXC) yet (links), but either one will have HDMI and VGA input and support up to 720p or 1080i--since he told me about her offer I've been helping shop around and offering the added bonus of my discount at Target. But yeah, I'm hella excited because together we'll have a kickass Wii60 combo and I can't wait to finally play games like Gears of War, upcoming Bioshock and obligatory Halo 3.

[UnforgivingEdges]

HD is one of those things you notice even if an SD and HD set are not side by side. Everything is just so crisp and clean and sharp. I got a 32" Aquos a couple months ago; I don't think I can ever go back.

By the way, the BioShock demo is so fucking hot.

[Bigfoot]

HD is one of those things you notice even if an SD and HD set are not side by side. Everything is just so crisp and clean and sharp. I got a 32" Aquos a couple months ago; I don't think I can ever go back.

By the way, the BioShock demo is so fucking hot.

You didn't happen to get the 32GP1U did you? :P

[UnforgivingEdges]

You didn't happen to get the 32GP1U did you? :P

Nope, it's the LC-C3242U. 720p/1080i, 2 HDMI inputs, 2 component inputs, 2 composite inputs, VGA input, stereo audio out, digital audio out, RF/coaxial input.

[Baleshadow]

I just played the Bioshock demo today. I was going to wait a month and simply get it for my birthday, but now I want it as soon as humanly possible. It's going to be amazing.

[I-n-j-i-n]

It was only 30 minutes' worth of demo, but Bioshock is pretty much slated for game of the year at this rate. And it looks so good on the 360, I don't think I'm interested in the PC or the PS3 version anymore.

[Imagist]

It was only 30 minutes' worth of demo, but Bioshock is pretty much slated for game of the year at this rate.

You really think it stands a chance of breaking through the massive stockade of loyal Halo 3 fans?

[I-n-j-i-n]

Halo 3 should be great, but it's just a sequel. Bioshock actually looks and plays very fresh. The atmosphere is just amazing. Best since Gears of War and Zelda: Twilight Princess for me.

The music, the voice acting. Just wow.

I know it's supposed to be a spiritual sequel to the Shock games, but this one blows it all away. And that's only from appraising the short demo.

[Imagist]

Oh I have no doubt I and many other people I actually respect would like it much more than Halo 3, but you really think it can wrastle its way to GotY over the mounds of drooling fanboys?

[UnforgivingEdges]

Maybe not in the minds of the masses, but in media circles, I think BioShock will win pretty much every award this year for its genre and system (maybe get an overall GotY, too). Its got 5 reviews so far floating around the internet from various sites, and it hasn't received a score lower than 95%. That's astonishing.

Also, I posted this in OT, but for those that don't check that board:

Free 67 page BioShock artbook thanks to 2K and Irrational Games. Download now (http://www.2kgames.com/cultofrapture/artbook.html).

[Ero Elohim]

HD is one of those things you notice even if an SD and HD set are not side by side. Everything is just so crisp and clean and sharp. I got a 32" Aquos a couple months ago; I don't think I can ever go back.

Honestly, I disagree.

I have both a 19" standard television in my room and a 50" plasma HDTV in my basement that I switch my 360 between and I really don't notice much of a difference between the two. Definitely not worth the huge amount of emphasis put on HD in the past year or two.

[Imagist]

Honestly, I disagree.

I have both a 19" standard television in my room and a 50" plasma HDTV in my basement that I switch my 360 between and I really don't notice much of a difference between the two. Definitely not worth the huge amount of emphasis put on HD in the past year or two.

Are you just using the standard RCA cables with both TVs?

You don't get "HD" without component cables (or, on the Elite, HDMI).

[Bigfoot]

Nope, it's the LC-C3242U. 720p/1080i, 2 HDMI inputs, 2 component inputs, 2 composite inputs, VGA input, stereo audio out, digital audio out, RF/coaxial input.

Oh ok I have the LC-32GP1u. We had a big discount at work by ordering through Sharp directly(50% actually), and I've always wanted to get an HDTV so I jumped all over this. It was cool that it just happened to be a "gamers" TV since it has DVI(I use this as a monitor too) and 3 HDMI inputs. It's also the only 32" TV that is 1080p that I know of.

Can't wait to play my 360 on this though.

[UnforgivingEdges]

Honestly, I disagree.

I have both a 19" standard television in my room and a 50" plasma HDTV in my basement that I switch my 360 between and I really don't notice much of a difference between the two. Definitely not worth the huge amount of emphasis put on HD in the past year or two.

Like Imagery said, you have to be using Red/Green/Blue component or HDMI cables to get the HD signal. If you're simply using composite on your plasma, it will in fact look worse than your SDTV.


Oh ok I have the LC-32GP1u. We had a big discount at work by ordering through Sharp directly(50% actually), and I've always wanted to get an HDTV so I jumped all over this. It was cool that it just happened to be a "gamers" TV since it has DVI(I use this as a monitor too) and 3 HDMI inputs. It's also the only 32" TV that is 1080p that I know of.

Can't wait to play my 360 on this though.

Oooh, nice. Sharp makes some quality sets.

Though you won't really be able to take advantage of the 1080p at that size (it's mostly noticeable on TVs bigger than 40 inches).

How much did you get it for? I bought mine for $650, but since I got it at CostCo, they added an extra year of warranty for free.

[Bigfoot]

I got mine for $750. There's no way I would have paid $1499 for this thing retail, heh. I think it's $1399 now, but still. That's a good price that you paid too.

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

Is 1080p really that slaptastic awesome compared to 720p or 1080i? I'm looking at buying a 32' HD set for this baby, but I don't know if I'll be set with 720 or if I should wait and pony up to 1080p. Another trick would be finding a TV that could do 1080p via component.

Also, Bioshock demo slow download hurr...

And I don't think I've been this excited about a VG system since the SNES.

[Imagist]

Is 1080p really that slaptastic awesome compared to 720p or 1080i? I'm looking at buying a 32' HD set for this baby, but I don't know if I'll be set with 720 or if I should wait and pony up to 1080p. Another trick would be finding a TV that could do 1080p via component.

Also, Bioshock demo slow download hurr...

And I don't think I've been this excited about a VG system since the SNES.

Like UE said, 1080p usually doesn't make a difference unless you're working with much larger sets (the smallest TV I've been able to appreciate the subtleties on was a 42"). If you're only look at a 32", 720p will do you just fine.

[UnforgivingEdges]

Is 1080p really that slaptastic awesome compared to 720p or 1080i? I'm looking at buying a 32' HD set for this baby, but I don't know if I'll be set with 720 or if I should wait and pony up to 1080p. Another trick would be finding a TV that could do 1080p via component.

You can get 1080p through a component cable. It might just look a little bit beter through HDMI since HDMI is a digital input and not an analog input, and thus has no latency.

But yeah, 1080p is mainly for huge TVs of 40 inches and over. I used to have a picture somewhere that showed where 1080p begins to be important. Here's a good graphic to show how it works:

http://www.carltonbale.com/wp-content/uploads/resolution_chart.png


So yeah, what Imagery said. For a 32" set, 720p is all you'll need.

[Ero Elohim]

Just to clarify again, I had it hooked up in HD. I'm not retarded.

Seriously, the difference is so minor that I'd firmly call anyone who purchased an HDTV for the picture upgrade a lunatic. If you need a new TV, by all means upgrade; Shelling out $1000 or more for such an... unnoticeable increase in quality doesn't fit in my mind, though.

[Soma]

Has anyone gotten their refund from Microsoft yet? For paying for their broken 360 before they extended the warranty. It said you would recieve a check in 10-12 weeks but i haven't gotten shit.

[Bigfoot]

Has it been that long already?

[Imagist]

Has it been that long already?

Not nearly. It hasn't even been a full six weeks.

[I-n-j-i-n]

Just to clarify again, I had it hooked up in HD. I'm not retarded.

Seriously, the difference is so minor that I'd firmly call anyone who purchased an HDTV for the picture upgrade a lunatic. If you need a new TV, by all means upgrade; Shelling out $1000 or more for such an... unnoticeable increase in quality doesn't fit in my mind, though.

I think your eyesight is probably bad then. The crispness is pretty clear with HDTV setups. Unless, you're actually forgetting about the HD-feed nub on the back of the system you're supposed to press in order to get the HD feed on your HDTV. I mistook that once and the quality was horrible. Until I switched it on of course.

[UnforgivingEdges]

I think your eyesight is probably bad then. The crispness is pretty clear with HDTV setups. Unless, you're actually forgetting about the HD-feed nub on the back of the system you're supposed to press in order to get the HD feed on your HDTV. I mistook that once and the quality was horrible. Until I switched it on of course.

Oh yeah, forgot about that thing. Ero, make sure you've switched the little button on the 360 AV cables where it plugs into the system from SD to HD, and then go into the system blade and make sure you're choosing the signal to be output in 720p or 1080p or whatever.

[NeoForte]

Beautiful Katamary Demo is out. I've heard mixed things about it, currently downloading it.

[Soma]

Oh yeah, forgot about that thing. Ero, make sure you've switched the little button on the 360 AV cables where it plugs into the system from SD to HD, and then go into the system blade and make sure you're choosing the signal to be output in 720p or 1080p or whatever.

Yeah i was going to mention that, several of my friends didn't even know about the tiny switch on the component cables. Which i can't really blame them it's kind of odd.

About the warranty refund thing, i must have a fucked up sense of time, but i suppose it has only been 6 weeks, cuz i remember them announcing it around E3.

Apparently Bioshock has gone on sale today (some stores broke street date). Some Toys R Us's i guess, it was reported on kotaku or joystiq (i'm too lazy to look again) but it's up on digg under the gaming section. I'm probably not gonna buy bioshock but it almost made me want to visit TRU.

[Ero Elohim]

-sigh-

I'm not stupid. It was outputting in 720p.

Crisper? Yes. $1000+ crisper? Hell no. HD is such a worthless feature to me because image quality isn't something I strive for.

Oh, and my eyesight is 20/25. So, slightly below average, but not terrible. =)

Also, I should never play demos. I tried out Bioshock, Eternal Sonata, Blue Dragon, and Shadowrun yesterday and only Bioshock elicited the faintest glimmer of enjoyment from me.

[Soma]

-sigh-

I'm not stupid. It was outputting in 720p.

Crisper? Yes. $1000+ crisper? Hell no. HD is such a worthless feature to me because image quality isn't something I strive for.

Oh, and my eyesight is 20/25. So, slightly below average, but not terrible. =)

Also, I should never play demos. I tried out Bioshock, Eternal Sonata, Blue Dragon, and Shadowrun yesterday and only Bioshock elicited the faintest glimmer of enjoyment from me.

The stranglehold demo is pretty cool. I enjoyed the eternal sonata one a lot but i hated the Blue dragon demo. Bioshock plays well but it's just not my cup of tea.

[I-n-j-i-n]

I have to disagree. All those demos were pretty good or flatout amazing like Bioshock's which actually got across the whole game's narrative within the first 15 minutes.

And Eternal Sonata just looks so beautiful. Most tasteful usage of celshading in a videogame I've ever seen. You can barely even tell it's celshaded since it fits in so well.

Also, Katamari demo was good IMO, except it just shows that it's more of the same. Which I have no problem of. To some who strive for originality and newness may be turned off though.

Crisper? Yes. $1000+ crisper? Hell no. HD is such a worthless feature to me because image quality isn't something I strive for.

You seem to get stuck on that whole "$1000" idea, but nowadays you can get decent 1080p for a 25-inch screen which is more than good enough for a tabletop or a room, and it won't even cost $500. And that's not even getting into the halving of most HDTVs' prices within the last two years. And the price will definitely get lower still. It's a pretty silly thing to even bring up the issue of cost. Because there isn't.

[FuriousFure]

You seem to get stuck on that whole "$1000" idea, but nowadays you can get decent 1080p for a 25-inch screen which is more than good enough for a tabletop or a room, and it won't even cost $500. And that's not even getting into the halving of most HDTVs' prices within the last two years. And the price will definitely get lower still. It's a pretty silly thing to even bring up the issue of cost. Because there isn't.

well, i will agree with you to a point, but a small one at that, because i think there is a cost issue since to see an actual difference between 1080i vs 1080p (like previously stated) you have to get a significantly larger picture. the point being is to get the perks of 1080p you'll have to get a 50" which is approx $1000 more than a 25".

but is it worth it?

well, we'll be getting http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Hi-Vision in 30 years so keep that in mind :P

[WesPip]

You can get 1080p through a component cable. It might just look a little bit beter through HDMI since HDMI is a digital input and not an analog input, and thus has no latency.

But yeah, 1080p is mainly for huge TVs of 40 inches and over. I used to have a picture somewhere that showed where 1080p begins to be important. Here's a good graphic to show how it works:

http://www.carltonbale.com/wp-content/uploads/resolution_chart.png


So yeah, what Imagery said. For a 32" set, 720p is all you'll need.
Sweet, so at about 7 feet or so, where I am, my 42" LCD 1080i is about right. Sexy.

e: of course, that's assuming I'm reading that right.

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

Also, I should never play demos. I tried out Bioshock, Eternal Sonata, Blue Dragon, and Shadowrun yesterday and only Bioshock elicited the faintest glimmer of enjoyment from me.

Isn't that the EXACT reason you download demos? :P

Also, Beautiful Katamari is strangely addicting. It's like I know that I'm not gonna be able to break a certain size in the demo 'cause of the time length, but for some reason, I have this urge to try and break it anyway. I never got to play the first Katamari games, so I'm not really that worried about it.

Also, I'm probably gonna grab a $600 32'(or 37' if I can) 720p/1080i LCD some time in the future. I guess something along the lines of 7 feet is good for that one?

[Imagist]

well, i will agree with you to a point, but a small one at that, because i think there is a cost issue since to see an actual difference between 1080i vs 1080p (like previously stated) you have to get a significantly larger picture. the point being is to get the perks of 1080p you'll have to get a 50" which is approx $1000 more than a 25".

but is it worth it?

well, we'll be getting http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Hi-Vision in 30 years so keep that in mind :P

Well, 1080p isn't the only perk of a 50" TV. The perk there is that it's... well, it's fucking 50" of TV. Some people like their pictures big.

Also, Malaki, I'd say it's a little closer to 8' for the maximum effect but yeah, that's around right.

[UnforgivingEdges]

Personally, I'm finding 720p to be more than enough for my HD needs. And unless you plan on playing games or watching TV on it from another room, it should be satisfactory.

If I could recommend you some brands: I love my Sharp, though they're on the upper end of the price scale. The Sony Bravia is nice, but Sony charges more than anyone else for their TVs against equivalent models. My mom has a 37 inch Olevia, and those are pretty nice, too. They're not as thin as say the Bravias, but they're much cheaper.

You also might consider Samsung and Phillips, too. Theu both make above-average to good quality TVs.

For gaming purposes, you'll want something with a high refresh rate (to eliminate ghosting in fast-moving games), at least 8 m/s, but 6 m/s would be ideal. You'll also want a good contrast ratio (so the picture doesn't look washed out, obvisouly). I wouldn't accept anything less than 2000:1 for a 32" screen size, but try and get something higher if you can (mine is 4000:1). Still, contrast ratio are LCDs' biggest weak area, and this is where plasmas have them handily beat.

Oh, and if you buy from a brick and mortar store, never judge the picture quality based on the signal they have hooked up, because it's usually shit.

[Soma]

just to chime in on the whole HD debate. I bought a samsung 32in LCD screen 720p/1080i widescreen from Brandsmart last december for $999. free financing for 9 months, i have to pay it off this month >_<. It's got 5000:1 constrast ratio (possibly 6000, manual isn't specific to one model so i can't remember atm) It's got "game mode" which makes everything nice and pretty. It works well and i can say that it was more than worth it to me. Ive got my wii/ps2/360 all going through component and my PC in the VGA port. Everything works well though ps2 games that aren't progressive scan tend to look just OK. also since it's widescreen most of the games are stretched (they still look good) but you can play in their orignal aspect ratio if you choose. I've rambled a bit off topic, sorry. so in summary HD>SD

oh and not that it matters, but there are only so many companies that manufacture LCD screens and most of the companies use parts from other manufacturers so you're mostly paying for brand name. I believe Sony manufactures the Samsung screens though i could be mistaken. I've heard great things about Bravia's Sharp Aquous' and samsungs...

[Bahamut]

oh and not that it matters, but there are only so many companies that manufacture LCD screens and most of the companies use parts from other manufacturers so you're mostly paying for brand name. I believe Sony manufactures the Samsung screens though i could be mistaken. I've heard great things about Bravia's Sharp Aquous' and samsungs...


Actually, it is Samsung that manufactures them...they sort of bailed them out in the TV market with their joint venture.

[Groovemaster303]

Just seen this on N4G and i sure hope it turns out to be true.

http://www.n4g.com/industrynews/News-60054.aspx

A price cut on the 24th would be ideal i think as i don't want to spend a potential £329 only to find out a week or so later £30 has been chopped off.

[sgx]

I picked up a 360 yesterday. It's got HDMI yayaya.


I have Gears of War and my gamertag is sgxyay if anyone wants to play. I need friends!

[WesPip]

I picked up a 360 yesterday. It's got HDMI yayaya.


I have Gears of War and my gamertag is sgxyay if anyone wants to play. I need friends!
Hoshit, You have XBL again?
We played Halo2 once or twice back in the day.
I'll add you shortly.

[UnforgivingEdges]

If you haven't been keeping tabs on the XBLA this week, Space Giraffe comes out on Wednesday. From another board:

With the overwhelming hype around BioShock, we must not forget the simpler, more psychedelic things in life.

Like the newest acid trip shooter from Jeff Minter (the guy who did Tempest 2000) called Space Giraffe.

Official game page (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/s/spacegiraffexboxlivearcade.htm)

10 minutes of gameplay (http://youtube.com/watch?v=aoT-_2wC4vY)

A video featuring Jeff Minter giving a talk about his career (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRHJMf_jY8A) (fast-forward to around the 30:00 mark to see Space Giraffe in action)

What's neat about this game is that its programmed using the Windows Media Player 10 visualizer (which is also installed on the 360), so all that background trippiness is from WMP.

Comes out for XBLA at 2 a.m. PDT/5 a.m. EDT (Wednesday) and is a steal at 400 points ($5)

[sgx]

Man, for some Reason tgfoo and I can't connect when we try to play Gears. Whoever gets invited to the game gets disconnected from Live as soon as they accept. wtf is with that? I can connect and play with random people...just not tgfoo. Any ideas?

[Bahamut]

Are you both on routers?

[UnforgivingEdges]

Good week for the XBLA: Puzzle Fighter (800 points/$10) and Streets of Rage 2 (400 points/$5) just went up on the marketplace.

So good.

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! !

I'm sorry, I've been waiting for Puzzle Fighter for awhile...

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

So I've been getting crap download speeds ever since moving to this new net connection. It's a paltry 765 down, 128 up, and I can upgrade it to 2 megs down 364 up, but I'm having no problems whatsoever with my torrents or other downloads on my PC. In fact, they've been going even faster than back home. I do have the 360 using the same mac address as my comp though, and I'm wondering if that might have something to do with it. I don't think it's an issue being that I generally have my internet disabled on the comp while I'm using the 360.

I don't have a router being that this is connected directly to a wall outlet.

Any advice?

[Alpine Flame]

I don't think it's an issue being that I generally have my internet disabled on the comp while I'm using the 360.

I don't have a router being that this is connected directly to a wall outlet.

Any advice?
Usually you can just unplug the wire from the back of the cpu and thatll help you out. Because, thanks to the almighty Mr. Gates, if theres a wire attached to the box, windows will use whether you tell it to or not. Let me know if that helps, because I have the same setup.

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

Funny thing, I think that actually worked. It's performing much better now.

It's still going kind of slow, but that'll be fixed once I upgrade the connection and buy my wireless router.

[Alpine Flame]

That's funny, because I just got a wireless router myself. Im going to try to go wireless with all my systems and such, wireless router + DS + 360 + Wii = All sorts of goodness. Its bound to be rife with possibilities for network problems....

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

I don't have the wireless adapter for the 360, so it'd just be two laptops and my DS going wireless. I'm probably just gonna have the 360 going through the same outlet in the wall while everything is connected to the router in my room.

The only real trouble you might have is setting up the WEP security being that that's the only one acceptable by the DS. I don't know how it'll affect the 360, although it didn't have any negative effect on my laptop back when I was at home, and there were 2 walls of cement between the router and my lappy.

[Alpine Flame]

I don't have the wireless adapter for the 360, so it'd just be two laptops and my DS going wireless. I'm probably just gonna have the 360 going through the same outlet in the wall while everything is connected to the router in my room.

You have more than one outlet? My router is going to be attached to my computer (i currently cant do that... damnable wireless laws where I live....) but when I move, it should be all sorts of wireless goodness. I don't have a problem with WEP or anything of that sort... its kinda part of my job. Thanks for the help though, I forgot about the DS's hatred of anything stronger than WEP.

[atmuh]

i got a 360 today
bomberman live anyone?

[UnforgivingEdges]

i got a 360 today
bomberman live anyone?

I'm always up for some. My gamertag is Justegarde; add me.

[atmuh]

wow bomberman live rocks

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

Add me. Malakhim.

[Alpine Flame]

wow bomberman live rocks

Okay, Im sold. I now have to put some more monies into xbox live (I originally only got SotN) so that I can experience the Bomberman goodness with fellow OCR peoples. Ill also be getting Puzzle Fighter, so, if anyone wants to smack me around, my gamertag is Alpine Flame (real original, right?)

[Malaki-LEGEND.sys]

I'll be grabbing the full version of puzzle fighter along with plenty of other games once I get my paycheck at the end of the month.

Holy crap, I can't believe I'm gonna be putting close to a grand if not more on stuff for this system by the middle of next year alone.

Eternal Sonata
Halo 3
Bioshock
Ace Combat 6(possibly with flight stick)
Call of Duty 4
Beautiful Katamari
DDR Universe(with dance pad)
TESIV: Oblivion GoTY Edition
Project Gotham Racing 4
Halo Wars
Grand Theft Auto IV
Resident Evil 5
Turok
Mass Effect(maybe)
Assassin's Creed(maybe)

Not to mention Live Arcade games like Castlevania: SoTN, Bomberman Live, Spyglass Boardgames, Puzzle Fighter, Metal Slug(if it ever comes out), Pacman C.E., Assault Heroes, etc.

That's not even counting shit that's coming out eventually like Fallout 3, DOA: Code Chronus, Ninja Gaiden 2, and Silent Hill 5

So fucking glad I bought this system.

[Alpine Flame]

I'll be grabbing the full version of puzzle fighter along with plenty of other games once I get my paycheck at the end of the month.

Holy crap, I can't believe I'm gonna be putting close to a grand if not more on stuff for this system by the middle of next year alone.

Eternal Sonata
Halo 3
Bioshock
Ace Combat 6(possibly with flight stick)
Call of Duty 4
Beautiful Katamari
DDR Universe(with dance pad)
TESIV: Oblivion GoTY Edition
Project Gotham Racing 4
Halo Wars
Grand Theft Auto IV
Resident Evil 5
Turok
Mass Effect(maybe)
Assassin's Creed(maybe)

Not to mention Live Arcade games like Castlevania: SoTN, Bomberman Live, Spyglass Boardgames, Puzzle Fighter, Metal Slug(if it ever comes out), Pacman C.E., Assault Heroes, etc.

That's not even counting shit that's coming out eventually like Fallout 3, DOA: Code Chronus, Ninja Gaiden 2, and Silent Hill 5

So fucking glad I bought this system.
What, no Devil May Cry or Soul Calibur? But I feel you on the greatness of the games coming out.

[Soma]

I'm starting to think i should have rented Bioshock. I beat it and it was pretty cool but i think I'm going to trade it in for $30 at EB Stop. I only paid like 26 bucks for it cuz i traded in a bunch of DS games, apparently Animal Crossing on the DS was worth 16 bucks.

I can't believe that Halo is so close to release, I'm couldn't be less excited for some reason. I'm still going to midnight launch and buying the stupid cat helmet, but I'm on Halo sensory overload or something. I can't take a shit without seeing the Master Chief (kidding). Also Mountain Dew Game Fuel tastes like cough syrup mixed with ass, but not the good kind of ass.

[Bahamut]

Haha I remember seeing a commercial for Mountain Dew Game Fuel, I was like what the fuck.

I'm not terribly excited for the Halo 3 launch as well, but I have a big homework & a test the Friday the week Halo 3 comes out.

[Alpine Flame]

I'm starting to think i should have rented Bioshock. I beat it and it was pretty cool but i think I'm going to trade it in for $30 at EB Stop. I only paid like 26 bucks for it cuz i traded in a bunch of DS games, apparently Animal Crossing on the DS was worth 16 bucks.

I can't believe that Halo is so close to release, I'm couldn't be less excited for some reason. I'm still going to midnight launch and buying the stupid cat helmet, but I'm on Halo sensory overload or something. I can't take a shit without seeing the Master Chief (kidding). Also Mountain Dew Game Fuel tastes like cough syrup mixed with ass, but not the good kind of ass.
I did the whole "bring in five games, get more credit" shebang they had going on, and I got somewhere in the ballpark of $250 in store credit. Im still jazzed about that. I tried that new mountain dew stuff too. It burned my toungue and throat on the way down, and on the way out (I know, TMI). I'm also shocked that you too see Master Chief in the toilet bowl.

[OutLander]

I actually kinda liked the Game Fuel.

I beat BioShock, and the first thing that went through my head was, is that it? The end of it was really underwhelming compared to the rest of the game.

Also, if you guys want to play something, Halo, Bomberman, Gears, whatever, my gamertag is OutLanderRed.

[Soma]

I actually kinda liked the Game Fuel.

I beat BioShock, and the first thing that went through my head was, is that it? The end of it was really underwhelming compared to the rest of the game.

Also, if you guys want to play something, Halo, Bomberman, Gears, whatever, my gamertag is OutLanderRed.

Yeah i thought the ending was really so-so. I said the same thing when i got to the end, though the ride up until the end was pretty awesome. There was way too much hacking in the game for my tastes, i mean it's optional to a point but you do have to hack an awful lot of stuff. It would have been cool if there were a higher up achievement for it, isn't the last one for like 50 hacks or 100 or something? i did way more than that.

[OutLander]

Yeah i thought the ending was really so-so. I said the same thing when i got to the end, though the ride up until the end was pretty awesome. There was way too much hacking in the game for my tastes, i mean it's optional to a point but you do have to hack an awful lot of stuff. It would have been cool if there were a higher up achievement for it, isn't the last one for like 50 hacks or 100 or something? i did way more than that.50, I believe. It got to the point where I quit hacking stuff and just bought it all out.