"After months of deliberation, and weeks of pondering the posting of this review; I decided to give a no-holds-barred review and give you my bottom line in the pseudo-popular next generation console."
Before my stoning
I guess before I begin my review, I would like to clarify my opinion. I am not an XBOX owner. I've had the system for three weeks and have played most of their games. For a better, in depth review on the system I encourage you to check out Guile176's review. He supports the system, and will give you a broader knowledge of the console itself.
To be honest, I wasn't even going to write a review on the console simply because I did not own it. However, after some research online and with my sources I felt obligated to give a brief rundown of the Microsoft brainchild. And before my semi-negative review continues, I am by no means a Microsoft basher. I love the company, the man and their products. I have a job because of Billy boy, so I have no reason to bash them.... That said, on with the review!
Clockworks
To summarize the console, it is basically a trimmed down computer based on Windows technology. Most game systems are in essence the same thing, but are well hidden within the constructs and inner workings. The XBOX however, totes the most muscle on any system to date. Running an Intel 733mHz processor, might not sound like a big deal; but in fact it is a huge deal. If you consider a personal computer running at 733mHz handles multiple functions. To have one processor totally devoted to one thing is incredible. The processor only has one job, and one job alone.
The XBOX also boosts some incredible video power. The core of graphics orbits around a NVIDIA GPU (graphics processing unit). NVIDIA is the industry standard for graphics on any platform, including Apple and Windows based computers. 3DFX used to be the edge for cutting edge graphics, but has then since been replaced with the incredible power of the NVIDIA chips. The combination of the internal processor and the graphics processor simply makes this two-steps ahead of any current console.
Not only is the XBOX's performance superior to other consoles, but it also has a ton of great features. These features make the XB not only a powerful console, but also a complete entertainment system. The most obvious is the capability of playing DVDs. For an additional $30.00 you can get a DVD remote package. This will allow you to play DVDs on your console. The GameCube lacks any DVD capability, and the PS2 allows you to play DVDs right out of the box.
Since the system is more of a miniature gaming PC, it also incorporates an internal hard drive like your personal computer would have. This allows you to do various functions. The biggest two functions are game saving and CD-R use. The need to buy expensive memory cards is a thing of the past, and games can be saved directly onto the HD. The second biggest feature is the use of burning CD-R's and customizing the music within a game. Let's say you didn't like the tunes of Halo (which would be blasphemous), you could create a CD-R and use the audio track created instead of the games music. Creative, nonetheless, and a serious bonus if you ask me. An internal hard drive also, improves performance by the use of "caching". This allows information to be "written ahead" to keep the game running smooth and solid.
Gaming has changed since the days of the Genesis and old Nintendo. Today, gaming has been evolving to an "online experience". The XB comes standard with a 10 Base T Ethernet connection (10/100). This allows for high-speed network connectivity. The possibilities of connecting via a network (cable modem or LAN) are endless. While it's not "out of the box" ready, the future is exciting. Since the Nintendo GameCube doesn't have built in support for this, there is talk about incorporating this with an add-on.
Probably the biggest appeal of the XB for me was the digital audio that comes standard with the console. Supporting true Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS, this not only allows DVDs to be experienced to the fullest, but also increases the depth of games. The use of surround sound is amazing, and no other consoles can honestly compete. The PS2 has 5.1 support, but is nowhere near the quality of the XB. The GC however, lacks surround support totally. It has a "pseudo surround" that gives the appearance of surround, but is nowhere the same experience of the XB.
On the DL
Hooking up the XB was fairly easy. The instruction manual included various methods of hooking up your current entertainment system. Online documentation was even better, since I have a very "peculiar" set up. Overall, everything was clearly marked and the connections were tight and fit well.
The XB is quite a hefty machine. It is heavier than any console out there, but if size and weight is an issue for you, you have issues. Roughly the size of a DVD player, the XB will fill the spot in your entertainment system to the fullest. Many prospected buyers might want to take this into consideration though. If you move your console around to different locations, this is not the console to do it with. Once it is totally hooked up, that is where I kept it. My GC, however, since it is not truly an entertainment system, is easily moved from TV to TV and house-to-house.
The cost for this unit is $300 smackers; the same cost as the PS2 and a hundred dollars more than the GC. The higher cost is easily justified by the total use the console gives. Consoles have dramatically changed since the days of old. I remember when I got the original NES it came with two games, two controllers and a light gun. I didn't mention ROB to avoid ridicule. The XB comes bareboned, with the console, no games and one controller. Games cost on average anywhere from $45-$55.
The Controller
I heard from the beginning about how horribly bulky the XB controller was. I have big hands and I thought I wasn't going to be effected by the size. It's not as bad as others have claimed, but I do recognized this could be an issue for younger gamers or those with small hands. Remember though, the console was created for the true gamer and not the younger crowd.
The layout of the controller is fairly similar to the Sega Dreamcast, with the addition of a second analog stick. The first analog controller is slightly above the D-Pad (digital pad), and the second analog stick is directly opposite of the D-Pad. Above the right analog stick have six jellybean styled buttons. Four of the buttons are within easy reach and the same size. There are also two smaller buttons that are a bit harder to reach. Similar to the DC controller, there are two trigger buttons conveniently located by your index fingers. They are pressure sensitive, and have much better tension than the Sega controller.
Overall, after a few hours of play I became accustom to the bulky controller. It is bulky, but I easily adapted to the size due to the responsiveness of the controller itself. All of the buttons were perfectly synced with my fingers, and responded accordingly. While I do prefer the XB controller over the PS2, I would not choose it over the GC'.
The controller also sports a nice "break-away" feature. If too much tension exists between the box and your controller, it breaks away from the base of the controller instead of sending your system flying. I've never had this "insurance added bonus" take place, because of the HUGE nine foot cord. However, it is a thoughtful little addition and Microsoft should be commended.
I recently stumbled on an article regarding the introduction of the XB to the Asian market. In large, the Asian community has smaller hands and a "new" controller will be issued for the Asian market. The controller is a bit thinner and the buttons placement is much better. The buttons are round and not oblong, and have more space in between them. Again, it is almost identical to the American Dreamcast controller. I also liked how they moved the smaller "black and white" buttons to below the main cluster of buttons rather than on top of them in the American version. I would be excited to try these controllers out, and I would also predict them to become vastly popular in the US.
Currently the XB controller ranges from $40 for a new replacement or about $30 for a third party release.
The game game
When it comes to choosing consoles, it boils down to the quality of games. XB has some big name support coming from a variety of sources. Software gurus like; Electronic Arts, Bungie, Ubi Soft, Midway and THQ have all put some serious time and dollars into creating a library of games for the system.
The biggest success for console has to be HALO. This is a must have for XB owners, and could possibly be one of the best console games ever. Other games such as Project Gotham Racing and Madden 2002 are also amazing titles. Other companies such as Blitz, Encore, Capcom, Activision and Infogrames are also trying to rebuild/build themselves as successful XB developers. So, there is really no shortage of supply for the XB, and the transition from PC games to XB take very little coding.
My impression from a visual perspective was really balanced. Many titles were bland and unimpressive (as with most new released consoles), but others such as HALO were phenomenal. The lighting and water effects were brilliant. Not only were the graphics jaw dropping, the performance was rock solid. When comparing to the GameCube the only advantage the GC had was in the ambient effects category; such as fog and mist.
The opening line-up for the XP was fair, and their future releases are somewhat questionable if you ask me. Many games for release this year are enigmatic, and some just seem like "B" titles. I realize most systems (other than the PS2) are plagued with some early shallow titles. There aren't really any "big" releases that one comes to expect, and I think the GC has the edge when it comes to future "big" releases. Still, the games have all be quite solid and better than the GC.
Over. Said. Done.
What really prompted me in the "review" was the fact of the troubles I've had with the unit. After a week of play, I experienced various problems with the system. Anything from sporadic "re-boots", to the skipping of frames in DVDs. I also noticed that many times it wouldn't boot completely, and games would hesitate when loading.
I researched the issue online to find out that I wasn't the only one with the problem. To date, there have been a little over 1.5 million units sold in the US. But, there have been literally thousands and thousands of returned defective units. Microsoft denies most of the problems, but did admit a few days ago of issues they had with its Mexican production plant.
To confirm my instincts even more, I went to my unnamed source of all video game goodies. One of the managers of Toys-R-Us just happens to be one of my best friends. He supplies me with inside tracks, promotional goodies, and first hand games and systems before being offered to the public. I spoke to him over the weekend about the selling of the three main consoles (XB, GC and PS2). The GC nearly sells out as soon as it comes in, and outsells all systems 4 to 1. The PS2 sales come in a distant second, and even farther back comes the XBOX.
He's also told me that not only have the sales dropped dramatically the last few weeks, he has been overwhelmed with XB returns. All complain of the same problems I experienced. Luckily, he said, they can be replaced because they are swamped with XB's. But, before the holidays it took weeks to get replacements. I asked him about the GC and he says he has only had three returns out of over 2,500 in the last month. The XB has had about 100 returns in only about 1,000 units. This means that one out of ten come back because of problems. Not a good record.
Would I purchase or recommend an XBOX? Heck no. Sure they have some great games, have superior performance and have bragging rights when it comes to options. But, I am weary of a system that has so many problems. Not only are the problems and issue, the game lineup is nothing to get too excited about. Games like HALO and Max Payne can only take it so far. I'm a fanboy to no system other than the Dreamcast, and again urge you to check out Guile176's review on the console.
In my humblest opinion, I believe the XBOX will fade into the sunset like a kamikaze jet. If it survives until second quarter of 2003, I would totally be surprised. I recognize that MS and others have invested a ton of bucks into the system, but I just don't see it lasting. As inferior as the GameCube and PS2 are to it, I expect both of them to surge above the XBOX by the fourth quarter of this year.
"Sorry Bill... Ya know I love ya, but I just can't deal with blue screens at work and at home."
-----UPDATE-----
I finally purchased an Xbox console. The simple reason was I wanted Jet Set Radio Future. To confirm my review, I had two faulty machines. They kept rebooting eternally. The first actually ate my copy of Halo!
The third one I got works fine (knock on wood) and enjoy the games I have so far. This is a good case-and-point to FILL OUT THAT WARANTEE CARD!
-----UPDATE 2-----
I'm sure everyone read all of the hype on the horrible release of consoles to the Asian market. Well, if you haven't; basically there were thousands recalled because the system scratched game disks.... Ouch.
Other than that, the recalls have plateaued a bit. I still love my XBOX and still prefer it over the GameCube. But, that is only for now. I would imagine by late in the summer the tides to be turned 180 degrees...
-----UPDATE 2-----
Heck. With the price droppin 100 clams, this is an easy choice for you gamers. Get 'em while their hot!
-----UPDATE 3-----
Rumor has it, that in the next month or so the XBOX will be dropping to $150.
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