Xbox, Gamecube, PS2? What do I choose!? Well, I'll try and help ya!
Nov 22 '01
The Bottom Line Take a good look at all the ups and downs of all the systems and their futures. If you like what you see, that's the one to get.
Friends and families of gamers face a tough choice this Christmas, and that choice is what console is right for that person? We'll go in depth on the consoles and see whats right for you or your friend/child/whoever.
---------------------XBOX----------------------------------
-The Technology-
Microsoft's first ever videogame console comes with lots of hype, whether good or bad. The Xbox has to be one of THE biggests consoles to ever come out, equal to that of a VCR! The console has a built in 5x DVD-ROM drive, but cannot be used until you purchase a DVD playback kit, which will run you about $29.99 bucks. It also has 4 controller ports, an 8 GB (gigabyte) hard drive, and can hook up to cable and DSL lines. The processing speed runs at 733mhz, which is much faster than the PS2 or the Gamecube. It'll also have 64 MB's of DRAM, better than the PS2 and Gamecube once again. It's graphics card is a Amplified Nvidia GeForce 3 card (Called the X-Chip), boasting 250mhz of GPU. Its also said that its the first console to actually have in game Dolby Surround sound capability. It can also play music CD's
-The Control-
The Xbox controller is, without a doubt, big. There are four main buttons (A,B,X,Y) Two minor buttons (A black and a white one) and two trigger buttons underneath. It has Two joysticks and one sorta weird looking pot hole-ish d-pad. In the front, two slots are there, allowing you to plug in memory cards and/or whatever else Microsoft decides to create in the future. The cord is break away, so in case you trip over it, the console doesn't follow.
In my own experience, however, the Xbox controller is kinda uncomfortable. The rather large design on the controls makes it tough to reach some buttons. People with small hands might find this controller very awkward. Hopefully they try and redesign it a little better.
-The Games-
First up, Halo: Combat Evolved. Planned out for the PC first, Halo is now SUPPOSEDLY only for the Xbox (although rumor has it, it is coming to PC. Joy!). Its a sci-fi First person shooter putting you in the head of a character known as Master Chief. You lead the charge against an evil alien race threatening to wipe out human existence.
Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee, was originally slated for the PS2, but it did a backstab and went to Xbox instead. You command Abe (from other Oddworld games fame) to a new character, Munch. You two have to help release Mudokans from being enslaved or worse, being slaughtered.
Project Gotham Racing is a new racing game created by the makers of Metropolis Street Racer. Its basically the same game, except better graphics, and an enhanced 'Kudos' system
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2x is strictly only for those who have NEVER picked up a copy on the Playstation consoles. While its great to have two games in one, the controller hampers the fun somewhat. If you have never picked up a THPS game, it goes like this. Pick a skater, skate through levels and complete objectives to unlock levels and characters.
Cel Damage is a Twisted Metal, except cute, cel shaded, and more cartoony. It involves cars doing combat with each other using weapons like a giant axe or a mortar launcher.
Dead Or Alive 3 is a total fighting game complete with the best graphics seen in one to date. All you do is basically fight with a chosen character in one of several modes.
-The Future-
The Xbox has a somewhat good future ahead. With alot of third party support, games will be coming out like water works. Internet gaming should be good. Games such as the popular Grand Theft Auto 3 and a version of The Matrix looks to have great potential.
-----------The Final Verdict---------
Xbox is a gaming system that won't be rivaled for quite sometime (until a PS3 comes, most likely) as far as hardware goes, so it can produce some interesting graphics. As far as games go, however, a select few are must haves. Parents looking for a console for little kids might want to steer away from this one, however. I have tried out the Xbox, and I don't really see anything in this console, but it can have something going for it later on. Its a buy for and person who HAS to have all the consoles, or likes the prospect of BIG technology in a VCR-like box. Lauch games are somewhat disappointing with a couple of exceptions, so putting this console off might be a good idea. For cheap consumers, an over $300 dollar price tag is a bit much, considering that during launch, you can only buy it in packs (Console, Controller, 2-3 games, etc.) which makes the price go even higher.
----------------------Gamecube-----------------------------
-The Technology-
The Gamecube is most likey the smallest non-handheld gaming system out there, and with such a small frame, comes great potential. It has a top loading optical disc drive, and the cd's themselves are insanely small (think mini-disc). It has 4 controller ports, and only 2 memory card slots. The bottom of the Gamecube is where most of the expansions will end up (namely the 56k modem/broadband adapter). It houses a 485mhz processor (Codename Gekko), 24 MB of 1T-SRAM and 16 MB of DRAM, along with a 162mhz graphics card ("Flipper"). There is a DVD adapter rumored to be in the works, but a US date is unknown. Unlike the Xbox and PS2, it also cannot play Music CD's. It also has a 4MB flash memory card, which is pretty small.
-The Controller-
A VERY weird controller indeed, the Gamecube's controller has 2 Analog sticks and 1 D-pad, much like the PS2 and Xbox. But unlike the two, the button is arranged very differently. One large central button (A), to the bottom left of it is a smaller (B) button, and to the top of the central button are two irregularly shaped X and Y buttons. It has three shoulder buttons and comes equipped with a rumble pack. Despite its awkward look, its very comfortable, even though it takes getting used to.
-The Games-
A rather small launch comes with a big game. Star Wars Rouge Squadron: Rogue Leader 2 is being hailed as the best looking game ever on a console, and they might be right. With extremely high detailed graphics and fun gameplay, its a must buy for the system. However, it can get frustrating at times.
Luigi's Mansion stars Mario's brother in a fun little puzzle solving, ghost hunting game as Luigi tries to find Mario.
Wave Race: Blue Storm is a sequel to the Wave Race of yore. You race in jet skis against other opponents to try and get first. While somewhat fun, its not a good title in my opinion.
Super Monkey Ball is a quirky little party game involving monkeys in balls that compete in several different modes. A definate buy for little kids.
While four games isn't much, here are other games that should be out by the holiday season to buy:
Pikmin Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Eternal Darkness
-The Future-
Sometime soon, you should be able to connect your Gameboy Advance to your Gamecube, enabling you to do tons of different stuff. DVD support is unsure of, but Internet play should be coming soon. As far as games go, the Resident Evil series is now on it, prompting fans to immediately buy this system. Also, Mario Sunshine, a Mario Kart game, and the highly controversial Zelda game makes the Gamecube have lasting power.
-------The Final Verdict-------
With a $199 dollar price tag, fun games, and a somewhat good controller, the Gamecube looks like a great system to buy. Kids will enjoy this system, while adults might be turned off by the child geared games. However, with very few games as of right now, you might get a little bored of it. This system has good potential in the future
-----------------------Playstation 2------------------------
-The Technology-
Already dated technology, the PS2 sports their Emotion Engine AKA, a 128-bit 294MHz CPU. Its memory is a 32 MB Direct RDRAM. Graphics chip runs at 147Mhz and its DVD-Drive supports CD's and DVD's, allowing you to listen to music and play DVD's without an additional kit. The PS2 can also play most of your original PSX games, so your hard earned money in those games don't go to waste. It can use an 8MB memory card (so far) and the DVD rom runs at 4x.
-The Controller-
Basically a Playstation Dualshock controller, only black and a two on the end of Dualshock makes it any different. It has two analog sticks and one d-pad, with and X, Triangle, O, and a square button, along with four shoulder buttons (R1-2, L1-2). Comes with built in rumble feature and is a very comfortable and easy to use controller.
-The Games-
The one thing that the Playstation 2 stands on high compared to the new machines are the games.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty is the eagerly anticipated sequel to the hit Metal Gear Solid on the PSX. You use sneak tactics instead of run and gun to get through the game, and with an intriguing story and great graphics make it one of the best games out on the PS2.
Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 is the same as the previous versions of it on GC and Xbox.
Grand Theft Auto 3, the fun, go anywhere, do almost anything game of the year. Warning, buy only for mature people. Shoot prostitutes, beat up old ladies, set up car bombs, taxi people around, go on vigilante missions, do jobs for the mafia, just anything.
Devil May Cry, what was once the sequel to RE: Code Veronica, is also a great game. Mature audiences only. Follow’s the adventures of Dante, who runs a devil hunting business, called Devil May Cry. With fun action and suspense, it’s a great game.
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec is a masterpiece of a racing game. With amazing graphics, and realistic gameplay, this is your answer to the question “Isn’t there a game out there that acts real?”
Along with these games make the Playstation 2 worth the purchase: SSX Tricky, Madden 2002, and Twisted Metal: Black
-The Future-
Although it’s lifespan has passed one year already, the PS2 still has a lot of kick in it. With online gaming coming soon, and a hard drive, its still has life for a long time. Final Fantasy X and XI are also coming, not too mention Onimusha 2, Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance, and a lot of good games being ported onto the PS2.
-----------------The Final Verdict-------------
The PS2, despite its age, is still a force to be reckoned with. Mature gamers have lots to get out of this machine. Child gamers have a little use for it, but not a whole lot. Not the cheapest of the lot either; $329 for PS2 w/Gran Turismo 3. or $299 with just the PS2 core. If you’re looking for something with longer life, Gamecube and Xbox are your answers, but remember what happened to the Dreamcast.
------------------------Quick Rundown: What console suits me?----------------------------------
Xbox
Advantages: Great power, decent games, plays DVD’s…..did I mention it was powerful?
Disadvantages: Expensive, Most of the games this year suck, bad controller design
GET IF: You or a friend or family member is a mature gamer. Looking for the best console out there. Can’t afford a PC. Microsoft Addict. Want to spend a lot of money.
DO NOT GET IF: You hate Microsoft. Buying for a child. Are very biased.
Gamecube
Advantages: Good games, fun for entire family, cheap
Disadvantages: May not be for adult gamers, no DVD player yet, no Internet capability, awkward controls.
GET IF: Buying for a child, love Nintendo, think Mario rocks, want to get a cheap system.
DO NOT GET IF: Buying for an Adult gamer that doesn’t crave kid games, wanna spend a lot of money.
Playstation 2
Advantages: Great games, good controller, DVD playback
Disadvantages: Not cheap, only one Internet game (THPS3), life will end sooner than new ones.
GET IF: You have PSX games, like Sony, like good games, or wanna spend some what a lot of money, or are buying for an adult gamer.
DO NOT GET IF: You hate Sony, you wanna spend too much or not a lot of money, buying for a child, wanna wait forever to see if they’re ported anywhere else.
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