DH Review: Xbox 360

***Zardon*** · Jan 1, 2006, 08:15 AM

Andy Levine has taken a look at Microsofts stunning new console, the Xbox 360. I dont know how he tore himself away from Project Gotham Racing 3 to get this done !

The next generation of gaming is finally upon us. Microsoft’s Xbox 360 has finally hit store shelves all over the world, but with the hefty price of $300 for a core package and $400 for the premium setup, is it really worth your money? In this review, we’re going to dissect every aspect of the 360 to find out if it truly enters a new era in gaming.

Read the review here

brutusmaximus · Jan 1, 2006, 08:24 AM

I cant wait to get one of these, I just hope they become available here soon !

WxChaser · Jan 1, 2006, 09:56 AM

Nice job on the review, Andy - well written and informative.

tastyweat · Jan 1, 2006, 10:43 AM

What's this about the premium crome finish on the premium consoles???

I've got the Premium and The only crome bit is the little bit on the top of the HDD (which is on all HDDs isn't it?)

tastyweat · Jan 1, 2006, 10:44 AM

oh wait... nevermind... the difference is the DVD drive... I see it now... duh

crapman777 · Jan 1, 2006, 10:46 AM

Im curious as to what kind of sound card the 360 uses?
Must be onboard is it?
Also, to be a bit critical of this console; ridiculous how much noise this so called "beast" makes. Its a good bargain considering how much its costing Microsoft but at the same time, i keep saying that only ppl with a high def tv will get the most out of it...

tastyweat · Jan 1, 2006, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crapman777

Im curious as to what kind of sound card the 360 uses?
Must be onboard is it?
Also, to be a bit critical of this console; ridiculous how much noise this so called "beast" makes. Its a good bargain considering how much its costing Microsoft but at the same time, i keep saying that only ppl with a high def tv will get the most out of it...

The noise hasn't really bothered me - even with the sound turned off... it's about the same kind of noise level a PS2 slimline makes when the disk's spun up.

And yeah... only people with an HDTV can really appreciate the 360... I was playing it for about 2 weeks on a 23" lcd hdtv and a DLP hd projector and it looked stunning... then I came down to visit family... was playing it on a 28" flat crt and the difference was really really noticable... no where near as good... then I bought my own dlp projector (which didn't come with the component -> vga connector) and have been playing it through normal composite... and it doesn't look all too nice... now have one of those converters on order and I'll be back in HD in no time

riles9262 · Jan 1, 2006, 02:08 PM

Another great review. Very informative, and well written.

***Zardon*** · Jan 1, 2006, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crapman777

i keep saying that only ppl with a high def tv will get the most out of it...

I agree totally, however to compete with high resolution PC gaming it was the only move possible. I love component via HDTV, really looks quite spectacular.

calidan · Jan 1, 2006, 05:34 PM

Great review but I'm going to wait and see what the PS3 offers before I decide. Hopefully the PS3 not including Dolby Digital is just rumor.

***Zardon*** · Jan 1, 2006, 05:38 PM

I have set up two xboxes (one chrome and the other a funky design - both premium) across my home network to play with my brother, connected via a netgear xbox live approved router, connected to two seperate sound systems, one attached to a dell 2405fp and the other a dell 37 inch screen. We had a blast playing project gotham racing today.

(never mind the mess of wires there are about 5 other pcs in the room all hooked up to various devices and its impossible to keep tidy)...

Randomletters · Jan 1, 2006, 07:13 PM

LOL thats just rediculous can we trade lives?

crapman777 · Jan 1, 2006, 09:06 PM

Bloody oath Zardon, do you have an adequate emergency fire plan, you know in case of FIRE or some such

I wouldnt hold out for a PS3, its reported to cost in the area of 700 or 800 dollars when it comes out.
Still i am sure there are ppl who will want the best of both worlds.
So how do plain xbox games work on the 360?

Vesper · Jan 2, 2006, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crapman777

Bloody oath Zardon, do you have an adequate emergency fire plan, you know in case of FIRE or some such

I wouldnt hold out for a PS3, its reported to cost in the area of 700 or 800 dollars when it comes out.
Still i am sure there are ppl who will want the best of both worlds.
So how do plain xbox games work on the 360?

If you have the hard drive, original Xbox games play much better on the 360. For instance, Halo 2 isn't only played in a higher resolution but the frame rates are much smoother. I had to adjust my controller sensitivity because of this

As long as the game you want is supported, it should play even better than it would on an original Xbox.

The_Neon_Cowboy · Jan 2, 2006, 11:13 AM

I played on one @ best buy on a big LCD though it looks far better
then previous consoles it looks like its in EXTERME "need" for a high
level of AA & AF, maybe I'm just used to the crispness of PC games
(even with out AA/AF still crisper on PC)

***Zardon*** · Jan 2, 2006, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Neon_Cowboy

I played on one @ best buy on a big LCD though it looks far better
then previous consoles it looks like its in EXTERME "need" for a high
level of AA & AF, maybe I'm just used to the crispness of PC games
(even with out AA/AF still crisper on PC)

Ill agree with that in most cases especially project gotham however the game is so utterly amazing you forget about it, and as you know neon im the most picky person when it comes to AA. However titles like need for speed most wanted are using 4aa.

I think as time progresses and the programmers get more out of the console we will see this improving as the console is technically capable of high levels of AA. As one team said, all the launch titles arent using even half the console power.

Sandok · Jan 2, 2006, 11:41 AM

Ya true that PGR3 wasn't as crisp as I thought it would be... But damn, what a beast that X360 is! Great review andy!!!

Spookyy · Jan 2, 2006, 02:08 PM

"As one team said, all the launch titles arent using even half the console power."

You can insert that line on any console launch. Question is, do we get better games or better graphics all the time?

I am dissapionted in the lack of any real control device for shooters on consoles. Do MS have anything on the way for that?

swimtech · Jan 2, 2006, 03:52 PM

Excellent user oriented review with outstanding visual presentation! Thanks Andy and Allan!

***Zardon*** · Jan 2, 2006, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spookyy

You can insert that line on any console launch. Question is, do we get better games or better graphics all the time?

That is a very important question. I will address it by answering that project gotham racing for the xbox 360 is probably the greatest racing game of all time. And it has jaggies.

Sandok · Jan 3, 2006, 12:24 AM

saying best of all time is a bit mate... GT4 was amazing too but yes, I absolutely LOVE PGR3 (though it has jaggies and sometimes has a rendered look) but since I haven't really played enough of PGR3 (friends get annoyed with me

) can't say for sure.

I really hope PS3 and 360 turn out to be great!

***Zardon*** · Jan 3, 2006, 05:41 AM

well I was speaking from personal experience, ive never enjoyed a car game so much in my life !

crapman777 · Jan 3, 2006, 06:25 AM

Have you ever played V8 supercars 2? I think its called Racedriver in the U.S.
Hard to beat a game that offers realism in both graphics and sound and variation.

Aurahead · Jan 3, 2006, 05:34 PM

I havent got any problem with my Xbox360 sens I bought it.
Its run great and no overheat problem at all.Bad luck for those who have these problem.
Pgr3 and Kameo runs great and graphic are stuned with HDTV on 1080i.

Cant wait until 13:e my pre-order Dead or Alive 4 will be arive

***Zardon*** · Jan 5, 2006, 05:53 PM

i dont care if they never release another game, the replay value with project gotham is just mindblowing

Lelisevis · Jan 5, 2006, 07:41 PM

I'd agree, im totally addicted to PGR3 despite being initially wary of it. Im more an RPG guy than a racer but this game has the definite one more race factor thats usually restricted to the likes of CIV.
On another unrelated note Im playing like 3-4 hours a night since christmas day and im still on the supplied batteries. Freaky.

Aurahead · Jan 7, 2006, 10:47 PM

I cant wait until my Doa4 arive

Danhill · Jan 9, 2006, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zardon

well I was speaking from personal experience, ive never enjoyed a car game so much in my life !

Amen to that, I cant stop playing it, even though I suck hard online.

mainman · Jan 9, 2006, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danhill

Amen to that, I cant stop playing it, even though I suck hard online.

And you never, ever, stop reminding me that...lmao

Danhill · Jan 9, 2006, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mainman

And you never, ever, stop reminding me that...lmao

Well I really do suck online, I hardly ever win something, even though I might think I'm good offline, I usually dont stand a chance online.

Jan 1, 2006, 08:15 AM	#1
*Zardon* lifeless Join Date: May 2002 Location: Driverheaven Posts: 31,959 Rep Power: 3148	DH Review: Xbox 360 Andy Levine has taken a look at Microsofts stunning new console, the Xbox 360. I dont know how he tore himself away from Project Gotham Racing 3 to get this done ! The next generation of gaming is finally upon us. Microsoft’s Xbox 360 has finally hit store shelves all over the world, but with the hefty price of $300 for a core package and $400 for the premium setup, is it really worth your money? In this review, we’re going to dissect every aspect of the 360 to find out if it truly enters a new era in gaming. Read the review here

Jan 1, 2006, 10:43 AM	#4
tastyweat Lurking Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The void Posts: 4,776 Rep Power: 57 System Specs	What's this about the premium crome finish on the premium consoles??? I've got the Premium and The only crome bit is the little bit on the top of the HDD (which is on all HDDs isn't it?) __________________

Jan 1, 2006, 10:44 AM	#5
tastyweat Lurking Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The void Posts: 4,776 Rep Power: 57 System Specs	oh wait... nevermind... the difference is the DVD drive... I see it now... duh __________________

Jan 1, 2006, 02:08 PM	#8
riles9262 Driverheaven brewmaster Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 4,839 Rep Power: 54 System Specs	Another great review. Very informative, and well written. __________________ A beer a day keeps the doctor away.

Jan 1, 2006, 05:34 PM	#10
calidan Frozen in Carbonite Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 1,409 Rep Power: 43 System Specs	Great review but I'm going to wait and see what the PS3 offers before I decide. Hopefully the PS3 not including Dolby Digital is just rumor. __________________ Steam Community :: ID :: calidan "Don't try to be like Jackie. There is only one Jackie.... Study computers instead." - Jackie Chan

Jan 1, 2006, 08:24 AM	#2
brutusmaximus DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 524 Rep Power: 59	I cant wait to get one of these, I just hope they become available here soon !

Jan 1, 2006, 09:56 AM	#3
WxChaser Super Moderator Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 404 Rep Power: 0	Nice job on the review, Andy - well written and informative.

Jan 1, 2006, 10:46 AM	#6
crapman777 DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 155 Rep Power: 0	Im curious as to what kind of sound card the 360 uses? Must be onboard is it? Also, to be a bit critical of this console; ridiculous how much noise this so called "beast" makes. Its a good bargain considering how much its costing Microsoft but at the same time, i keep saying that only ppl with a high def tv will get the most out of it...

Jan 1, 2006, 05:38 PM	#11
*Zardon* lifeless Join Date: May 2002 Location: Driverheaven Posts: 31,959 Rep Power: 3148	I have set up two xboxes (one chrome and the other a funky design - both premium) across my home network to play with my brother, connected via a netgear xbox live approved router, connected to two seperate sound systems, one attached to a dell 2405fp and the other a dell 37 inch screen. We had a blast playing project gotham racing today. (never mind the mess of wires there are about 5 other pcs in the room all hooked up to various devices and its impossible to keep tidy)...

Jan 1, 2006, 07:13 PM	#12
Randomletters ))<>(( Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 2,326 Rep Power: 35	LOL thats just rediculous can we trade lives? __________________ Main Rig to the Left http://www.myspace.com/rnaodmnick <-- Yea I did it...

Jan 1, 2006, 09:06 PM	#13
crapman777 DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 155 Rep Power: 0	Bloody oath Zardon, do you have an adequate emergency fire plan, you know in case of FIRE or some such I wouldnt hold out for a PS3, its reported to cost in the area of 700 or 800 dollars when it comes out. Still i am sure there are ppl who will want the best of both worlds. So how do plain xbox games work on the 360?

Jan 2, 2006, 11:13 AM	#15
The_Neon_Cowboy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 16,135 Rep Power: 76 System Specs	I played on one @ best buy on a big LCD though it looks far better then previous consoles it looks like its in EXTERME "need" for a high level of AA & AF, maybe I'm just used to the crispness of PC games (even with out AA/AF still crisper on PC) __________________

Jan 2, 2006, 11:41 AM	#17
Sandok DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 9,501 Rep Power: 53	Ya true that PGR3 wasn't as crisp as I thought it would be... But damn, what a beast that X360 is! Great review andy!!!

Jan 2, 2006, 02:08 PM	#18
Spookyy DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 26 Rep Power: 0	"As one team said, all the launch titles arent using even half the console power." You can insert that line on any console launch. Question is, do we get better games or better graphics all the time? I am dissapionted in the lack of any real control device for shooters on consoles. Do MS have anything on the way for that?

Jan 2, 2006, 03:52 PM	#19
swimtech At Your Service... Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 3,989 Rep Power: 100 System Specs	Excellent user oriented review with outstanding visual presentation! Thanks Andy and Allan! __________________ It's not so much getting your way that matters or not - what matters is how you go about getting it.

Jan 3, 2006, 12:24 AM	#21
Sandok DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 9,501 Rep Power: 53	saying best of all time is a bit mate... GT4 was amazing too but yes, I absolutely LOVE PGR3 (though it has jaggies and sometimes has a rendered look) but since I haven't really played enough of PGR3 (friends get annoyed with me ) can't say for sure. I really hope PS3 and 360 turn out to be great!

Jan 3, 2006, 05:41 AM	#22
*Zardon* lifeless Join Date: May 2002 Location: Driverheaven Posts: 31,959 Rep Power: 3148	well I was speaking from personal experience, ive never enjoyed a car game so much in my life !

Jan 3, 2006, 06:25 AM	#23
crapman777 DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 155 Rep Power: 0	Have you ever played V8 supercars 2? I think its called Racedriver in the U.S. Hard to beat a game that offers realism in both graphics and sound and variation.

Jan 3, 2006, 05:34 PM	#24
Aurahead DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Sweden Posts: 56 Rep Power: 0	Happy Customer I havent got any problem with my Xbox360 sens I bought it. Its run great and no overheat problem at all.Bad luck for those who have these problem. Pgr3 and Kameo runs great and graphic are stuned with HDTV on 1080i. Cant wait until 13:e my pre-order Dead or Alive 4 will be arive

Jan 5, 2006, 05:53 PM	#25
*Zardon* lifeless Join Date: May 2002 Location: Driverheaven Posts: 31,959 Rep Power: 3148	i dont care if they never release another game, the replay value with project gotham is just mindblowing

Jan 5, 2006, 07:41 PM	#26
Lelisevis Howlin at the moon Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sunderland, UK Posts: 1,655 Rep Power: 62 System Specs	I'd agree, im totally addicted to PGR3 despite being initially wary of it. Im more an RPG guy than a racer but this game has the definite one more race factor thats usually restricted to the likes of CIV. On another unrelated note Im playing like 3-4 hours a night since christmas day and im still on the supplied batteries. Freaky. __________________ Im not dead

Jan 7, 2006, 10:47 PM	#27
Aurahead DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Sweden Posts: 56 Rep Power: 0	I cant wait until my Doa4 arive