http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2005-11-15-xbox-360_x.htm
Xbox hopes for 360 success
By Mike Snider, USA TODAY
When Microsoft's Xbox 360 goes on sale Tuesday, hard-core gamers and early adopters will all but ensure midnight sales, long lines and sellouts for the latest, greatest system.
The basic Xbox 360, out Tuesday, will retail for $299.
By Odd Andersen, AFP/Getty Images
But for the rest of us, the key question remains: Will 360's advances represent a whole new game or just a hop up to the next level? And the answer is yet to come.
"If you really love games and pride yourself as being an early adopter, then no rational argument is going to deter you from buying (360) on day one," says John Davison, editorial director of Ziff-Davis' game magazines. "That said, there are only a few of the first round of 360 games that are noticeably different."
With this new game system, starting at $299, the software giant aggressively is aiming to wrest control of the $10 billion video game market from Sony, which has dominated the past decade with PlayStations 1 and 2 and plans to release its next-generation system next year.
The first Xbox came out in 2001, but PS2 beat it to market by a year.
Despite Xbox's technological superiority, the PS2 "built an insurmountable lead," says David Cole of DFC Intelligence. PS2 has sold about 40 million units, compared with 11 million for Xbox and 9 million for GameCube. "This time (Microsoft) is thinking they are not going to fall behind."
Microsoft is looking beyond games.
Vice President Peter Moore says he expects the 360 to be carried along by "almost a perfect storm" of interest in home theater and entertainment technology such as HDTV and surround sound (360 supports both) and portable digital devices, which can connect to the system. "We felt it was an opportune time to bring out a console that connects digital devices and brings people together through (online gaming on) Xbox Live."
Sleeker and lighter than today's black, boxy Xbox, the ivory 360 is powered by three IBM CPU "cores," each 10 times more powerful than the single chip in the current Xbox. A custom chip from graphics company ATI and more memory 512 megabytes compared with Xbox's 64 mean games "will be faster and look better," says P.J. McNealy, analyst for American Technology Research.
However, no consensus has emerged from video game journalists and analysts who have tested the system and games. They agree the Xbox 360 is a technological advance, and it rivals high-powered gaming PCs. But some wonder whether it's enough of an advance to warrant replacing the Xbox.
"The well of current-generation games has definitely not run dry," says Geoff Keighley, a host on the G4 TV game network, who mentions upcoming titles such as Half-Life 2 and Black. "Even 360 games like Need for Speed: Most Wanted and King Kong are available for the original Xbox and PS2 this holiday season. And you know what? They still look pretty good." Other key questions to ask before you buy:
1. I like games, but do I need to be one of the first to buy the 360?
If you're an early adopter, the siren lure of new hardware will be hard to ignore. "For the hard-core gamer, this is the purchase for this holiday season," McNealy says.
New titles will follow 360's debut
When Xbox 360 launches, so will the first 18 games from Microsoft Studios and top third-party publishers including Electronic Arts, Activision and Take-Two. More than 200 titles are in development for the system.
Here's a hands-on preview of a half-dozen launch titles:
Kameo: Elements of Power (Microsoft; for ages 13-up; $49.99; www.kameo.com)
Created by renowned U.K. developer Rare, Kameo is a fantasy action-adventure that stars a pointy-eared female elf who vows to rescue her family from the clutches of an evil troll king. To do so, Kameo must transform into one of 10 elemental creatures, such as a vicious ice warrior or fire-breathing dragon. Showcasing the power of the 360, one scene has Kameo riding horseback while battling thousands of swarming Orcs. Filled with intense combat, puzzle-solving and exploration, Kameo is an ideal pick for teenagers and twentysomethings who enjoy fantasy films such as the Lord of the Rings series.
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 (EA Sports; for all ages; $59.99; www.easports.com)
Now you don't need to watch ESPN to see Tiger Woods in high definition. EA Sports' latest golf simulation lets gamers take a swing on prestigious courses such as Pebble Beach and TPC at Sawgrass, as or against Tiger Woods and 10 other pros. Or you can create your own custom golfer. It may be hard to keep your eye on the ball, though, as the courses look incredibly real down to the blades of grass on the fairway. EA's refined swing mechanism means gamers simply pull back on the analog stick and push forward to smack the ball. Up to four friends can play online.
Project Gotham Racing 3 (Microsoft; for ages 10-up; $49.99; www.projectgothamracing3.com)
Third time's the charm for this stunning street racer, now in high definition and Dolby 5.1 surround sound. Gotham 3 lets you climb behind the wheel of more than 80 authentically modeled cars from the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini, and compete in cities including New York, Tokyo and Las Vegas. Pull off slick driving moves such as power-slides and earn valuable "Kudos" points. Not only can players race online via Xbox Live but they can also watch live races as a spectator or sign up to receive ticker-tape information, such as when friends break a record.
Madden NFL 06 (EA Sports; for all ages; $59.99; www.easports.com)
Passersby may think Madden NFL 06, the most visually dazzling football video game on the planet, is a live television broadcast until they see you controlling the players on the field. This launch title features the same intense and emotional pro football game found in past versions, but players now come to life with photo-realistic faces and incredibly fluid movement with three times the animations found in the regular Xbox version. Along with the quick-play options, this sports game also offers a deep franchise mode and multiplayer modes playable on the same screen or via the Internet.
Call of Duty 2 (Activision; ages 13-up; $59.99; www.callofduty2.com)
Easily the most intense and cinematic World War II action game, Duty 2 first drops players into Russia in 1941 with the task to ward off the German invasion, but then lets gamers play as a British or American soldier. Played from a first-person perspective, this 3-D shooter offers authentic WWII weaponry, campaigns and locations, and challenges gamers to work with Allied teammates to stay alive and accomplish varied missions. While the artificial intelligence is smart, players can also go online for an Axis-vs.-Allies match against human opponents. If you liked Band of Brothers, you'll love Duty 2.
NHL 2K6 (2K Sports; ages 10-up; $59.99; www.2Ksports.com) Take to the ice with the first hockey game designed for your HDTV. From the realistic player faces and ice reflections to the authentic net physics and 3-D crowds, the 360 version of 2K6 adds visual flare to the award-winning gameplay.
Otherwise, it's virtually the same game as its Xbox and PlayStation 2 counterparts, which is a good thing. Features include many solo and mul- tiplayer game modes, mini-games, optional on-the-fly coaching options and clever extras such as the ability to step into the net and play as the goaltender. All the NHL teams, stadiums and players are in the game, as are the new league rules.
Marc Saltzman, Special for USA TODAY
Racing fans will ogle the vehicles and environments in Project Gotham Racing 3, the realistically rendered stadiums in Madden NFL 06 and the Saving Private Ryan-like combat in Call of Duty 2.
But so far, no single game due at launch has caught fire among critics as a "killer app," although two games from Microsoft-owned developer Rare, the kaleidoscopic Kameo: Elements of Power and Perfect Dark Zero, have mass-appeal potential.
The law of supply and demand might make it tough to get a system before Christmas. Microsoft expects to sell all it can ship before year's end. Though the company hasn't committed to a specific number, analysts expect 800,000 to 1 million in stores this year.
Many retailers have stopped taking pre-orders. Best Buy, which lets only Rewards Zone members pre-order, plans to have a limited number for sale on launch day, with many stores opening at midnight Monday. Toys R Us also took limited pre-orders, leaving an allocation for launch-day walk-ins.
2. How many games will be available, and what will they cost?
Eighteen games arrive on Tuesday, with Microsoft promising more than 25 by year's end. Microsoft's games will cost about $50; games from third-party developers will cost about $60.
3. How powerful is the 360, and how much of a difference does it make?
The 360 is considered two to 10 times more powerful than the current Xbox, but because today's games look great, that doesn't translate into games that look 10 times better. Still, when you see 360 games (now on display at kiosks in Best Buy and Wal-Mart), you'll definitely notice a difference, says Crispin Boyer, senior editor of Electronic Gaming Monthly.
The games "typically have more detailed and crisper textures than what the current systems can pump out," Boyer says. "It's not a huge leap ahead, though, and on some games, you'd have to scrutinize the screen to notice the difference between the Xbox and Xbox 360 version."
4. Do I need a high-definition digital TV to connect the 360?
No, the system will connect to standard analog. However, every 360 game is developed to support HD, so the images will look better on a newer set. On standard TVs, video should look marginally better than current games, but HD graphics and surround sound "make all the difference for many hard-core gamers and early adopters," says Rob Smith, editor of Official Xbox Magazine.
5. Retailers are selling the Xbox 360 for widely varying prices, $299 and up. How much do I need to spend ?
The entry-level $299 core system includes the basics: the game system, a wired controller (the system has built-in wireless support for controllers) and standard video cables.
A $399 premium package includes the console, a detachable 20GB hard drive, wireless controller, headset and cables for connecting to an HDTV and a home computer network. Sold separately, the hard drive costs $100; wireless controller, $50; and headset, $20.
Those who don't have a hard drive will need a 64MB memory unit ($40) to save games, so "there's no good reason to get the cheaper system," says Ankarino Lara of Gamespot.com. "The price difference isn't extreme when you consider the memory card purchase as a practically required part of the cheaper package."
Expecting huge demand, some retailers are offering just the larger bundles, including games and accessories, for $600 to $1,000.
6. How important is the hard drive?
Very important, particularly if you want to play current games such as Halo or Halo 2 on your new 360. Microsoft has a list of more than 200 games (www.xbox.com/en-US /games/backwardcompatibilityqa.htm) that need only a software update, which is stored on the hard drive. The updates can be received from Xbox Live, by download from Xbox.com or by mail on CD.
"The option to play the back catalog of all Xbox games might entice you to splurge," Lara says.
7. Why would I want to connect an iPod or other music player, or a digital camera?
The three USB ports two on the front of the system and one in the back can connect other digital devices along with the 360's controllers. When you connect a music player, even an iPod from competitor Apple, the 360 recognizes the tracks, and you can access and play them through the 360 on your home theater system. (However, iTunes-purchased tracks have digital-rights protections that prevent playback.)
Similarly, you can create a slide show using your digital camera. You can connect both and have a slide show to the sound of your favorite playlist.
8. Why would I connect the 360 to my Windows PC?
The system can be networked with Windows Media Center or standard Windows XP computers on your home network to make music, photos or video on those PCs accessible through the 360.
9. What is Xbox Live?
Xbox Live, Microsoft's online gaming network since 2002, has 2 million subscribers who pay $50 a year. Xbox 360 buyers gain access to a free silver-level membership that includes a new Xbox Live Marketplace, where gamers can get free trial versions, buy arcade games such as the classic Joust and Bejeweled 2, and eventually, new game levels.
Gold-level members who pay the $50 annual fee will get exclusive Marketplace offerings and a new system that lets them find gamers of similar skill levels to compete against.
Current subscribers automatically will be able to use the network on their new 360.
10. Should I factor Sony and Nintendo into my decision?
"Absolutely. The PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Revolution will both be available in 2006, and they promise to bring a number of exciting hardware advancements and exclusive games with them," Lara says. "If you're a serious gamer and on a budget, think hard about where you want to invest your money and time."
Xbox hopes for 360 success
By Mike Snider, USA TODAY
When Microsoft's Xbox 360 goes on sale Tuesday, hard-core gamers and early adopters will all but ensure midnight sales, long lines and sellouts for the latest, greatest system.
The basic Xbox 360, out Tuesday, will retail for $299.
By Odd Andersen, AFP/Getty Images
But for the rest of us, the key question remains: Will 360's advances represent a whole new game or just a hop up to the next level? And the answer is yet to come.
"If you really love games and pride yourself as being an early adopter, then no rational argument is going to deter you from buying (360) on day one," says John Davison, editorial director of Ziff-Davis' game magazines. "That said, there are only a few of the first round of 360 games that are noticeably different."
With this new game system, starting at $299, the software giant aggressively is aiming to wrest control of the $10 billion video game market from Sony, which has dominated the past decade with PlayStations 1 and 2 and plans to release its next-generation system next year.
The first Xbox came out in 2001, but PS2 beat it to market by a year.
Despite Xbox's technological superiority, the PS2 "built an insurmountable lead," says David Cole of DFC Intelligence. PS2 has sold about 40 million units, compared with 11 million for Xbox and 9 million for GameCube. "This time (Microsoft) is thinking they are not going to fall behind."
Microsoft is looking beyond games.
Vice President Peter Moore says he expects the 360 to be carried along by "almost a perfect storm" of interest in home theater and entertainment technology such as HDTV and surround sound (360 supports both) and portable digital devices, which can connect to the system. "We felt it was an opportune time to bring out a console that connects digital devices and brings people together through (online gaming on) Xbox Live."
Sleeker and lighter than today's black, boxy Xbox, the ivory 360 is powered by three IBM CPU "cores," each 10 times more powerful than the single chip in the current Xbox. A custom chip from graphics company ATI and more memory 512 megabytes compared with Xbox's 64 mean games "will be faster and look better," says P.J. McNealy, analyst for American Technology Research.
However, no consensus has emerged from video game journalists and analysts who have tested the system and games. They agree the Xbox 360 is a technological advance, and it rivals high-powered gaming PCs. But some wonder whether it's enough of an advance to warrant replacing the Xbox.
"The well of current-generation games has definitely not run dry," says Geoff Keighley, a host on the G4 TV game network, who mentions upcoming titles such as Half-Life 2 and Black. "Even 360 games like Need for Speed: Most Wanted and King Kong are available for the original Xbox and PS2 this holiday season. And you know what? They still look pretty good." Other key questions to ask before you buy:
1. I like games, but do I need to be one of the first to buy the 360?
If you're an early adopter, the siren lure of new hardware will be hard to ignore. "For the hard-core gamer, this is the purchase for this holiday season," McNealy says.
New titles will follow 360's debut
When Xbox 360 launches, so will the first 18 games from Microsoft Studios and top third-party publishers including Electronic Arts, Activision and Take-Two. More than 200 titles are in development for the system.
Here's a hands-on preview of a half-dozen launch titles:
Kameo: Elements of Power (Microsoft; for ages 13-up; $49.99; www.kameo.com)
Created by renowned U.K. developer Rare, Kameo is a fantasy action-adventure that stars a pointy-eared female elf who vows to rescue her family from the clutches of an evil troll king. To do so, Kameo must transform into one of 10 elemental creatures, such as a vicious ice warrior or fire-breathing dragon. Showcasing the power of the 360, one scene has Kameo riding horseback while battling thousands of swarming Orcs. Filled with intense combat, puzzle-solving and exploration, Kameo is an ideal pick for teenagers and twentysomethings who enjoy fantasy films such as the Lord of the Rings series.
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 (EA Sports; for all ages; $59.99; www.easports.com)
Now you don't need to watch ESPN to see Tiger Woods in high definition. EA Sports' latest golf simulation lets gamers take a swing on prestigious courses such as Pebble Beach and TPC at Sawgrass, as or against Tiger Woods and 10 other pros. Or you can create your own custom golfer. It may be hard to keep your eye on the ball, though, as the courses look incredibly real down to the blades of grass on the fairway. EA's refined swing mechanism means gamers simply pull back on the analog stick and push forward to smack the ball. Up to four friends can play online.
Project Gotham Racing 3 (Microsoft; for ages 10-up; $49.99; www.projectgothamracing3.com)
Third time's the charm for this stunning street racer, now in high definition and Dolby 5.1 surround sound. Gotham 3 lets you climb behind the wheel of more than 80 authentically modeled cars from the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini, and compete in cities including New York, Tokyo and Las Vegas. Pull off slick driving moves such as power-slides and earn valuable "Kudos" points. Not only can players race online via Xbox Live but they can also watch live races as a spectator or sign up to receive ticker-tape information, such as when friends break a record.
Madden NFL 06 (EA Sports; for all ages; $59.99; www.easports.com)
Passersby may think Madden NFL 06, the most visually dazzling football video game on the planet, is a live television broadcast until they see you controlling the players on the field. This launch title features the same intense and emotional pro football game found in past versions, but players now come to life with photo-realistic faces and incredibly fluid movement with three times the animations found in the regular Xbox version. Along with the quick-play options, this sports game also offers a deep franchise mode and multiplayer modes playable on the same screen or via the Internet.
Call of Duty 2 (Activision; ages 13-up; $59.99; www.callofduty2.com)
Easily the most intense and cinematic World War II action game, Duty 2 first drops players into Russia in 1941 with the task to ward off the German invasion, but then lets gamers play as a British or American soldier. Played from a first-person perspective, this 3-D shooter offers authentic WWII weaponry, campaigns and locations, and challenges gamers to work with Allied teammates to stay alive and accomplish varied missions. While the artificial intelligence is smart, players can also go online for an Axis-vs.-Allies match against human opponents. If you liked Band of Brothers, you'll love Duty 2.
NHL 2K6 (2K Sports; ages 10-up; $59.99; www.2Ksports.com) Take to the ice with the first hockey game designed for your HDTV. From the realistic player faces and ice reflections to the authentic net physics and 3-D crowds, the 360 version of 2K6 adds visual flare to the award-winning gameplay.
Otherwise, it's virtually the same game as its Xbox and PlayStation 2 counterparts, which is a good thing. Features include many solo and mul- tiplayer game modes, mini-games, optional on-the-fly coaching options and clever extras such as the ability to step into the net and play as the goaltender. All the NHL teams, stadiums and players are in the game, as are the new league rules.
Marc Saltzman, Special for USA TODAY
Racing fans will ogle the vehicles and environments in Project Gotham Racing 3, the realistically rendered stadiums in Madden NFL 06 and the Saving Private Ryan-like combat in Call of Duty 2.
But so far, no single game due at launch has caught fire among critics as a "killer app," although two games from Microsoft-owned developer Rare, the kaleidoscopic Kameo: Elements of Power and Perfect Dark Zero, have mass-appeal potential.
The law of supply and demand might make it tough to get a system before Christmas. Microsoft expects to sell all it can ship before year's end. Though the company hasn't committed to a specific number, analysts expect 800,000 to 1 million in stores this year.
Many retailers have stopped taking pre-orders. Best Buy, which lets only Rewards Zone members pre-order, plans to have a limited number for sale on launch day, with many stores opening at midnight Monday. Toys R Us also took limited pre-orders, leaving an allocation for launch-day walk-ins.
2. How many games will be available, and what will they cost?
Eighteen games arrive on Tuesday, with Microsoft promising more than 25 by year's end. Microsoft's games will cost about $50; games from third-party developers will cost about $60.
3. How powerful is the 360, and how much of a difference does it make?
The 360 is considered two to 10 times more powerful than the current Xbox, but because today's games look great, that doesn't translate into games that look 10 times better. Still, when you see 360 games (now on display at kiosks in Best Buy and Wal-Mart), you'll definitely notice a difference, says Crispin Boyer, senior editor of Electronic Gaming Monthly.
The games "typically have more detailed and crisper textures than what the current systems can pump out," Boyer says. "It's not a huge leap ahead, though, and on some games, you'd have to scrutinize the screen to notice the difference between the Xbox and Xbox 360 version."
4. Do I need a high-definition digital TV to connect the 360?
No, the system will connect to standard analog. However, every 360 game is developed to support HD, so the images will look better on a newer set. On standard TVs, video should look marginally better than current games, but HD graphics and surround sound "make all the difference for many hard-core gamers and early adopters," says Rob Smith, editor of Official Xbox Magazine.
5. Retailers are selling the Xbox 360 for widely varying prices, $299 and up. How much do I need to spend ?
The entry-level $299 core system includes the basics: the game system, a wired controller (the system has built-in wireless support for controllers) and standard video cables.
A $399 premium package includes the console, a detachable 20GB hard drive, wireless controller, headset and cables for connecting to an HDTV and a home computer network. Sold separately, the hard drive costs $100; wireless controller, $50; and headset, $20.
Those who don't have a hard drive will need a 64MB memory unit ($40) to save games, so "there's no good reason to get the cheaper system," says Ankarino Lara of Gamespot.com. "The price difference isn't extreme when you consider the memory card purchase as a practically required part of the cheaper package."
Expecting huge demand, some retailers are offering just the larger bundles, including games and accessories, for $600 to $1,000.
6. How important is the hard drive?
Very important, particularly if you want to play current games such as Halo or Halo 2 on your new 360. Microsoft has a list of more than 200 games (www.xbox.com/en-US /games/backwardcompatibilityqa.htm) that need only a software update, which is stored on the hard drive. The updates can be received from Xbox Live, by download from Xbox.com or by mail on CD.
"The option to play the back catalog of all Xbox games might entice you to splurge," Lara says.
7. Why would I want to connect an iPod or other music player, or a digital camera?
The three USB ports two on the front of the system and one in the back can connect other digital devices along with the 360's controllers. When you connect a music player, even an iPod from competitor Apple, the 360 recognizes the tracks, and you can access and play them through the 360 on your home theater system. (However, iTunes-purchased tracks have digital-rights protections that prevent playback.)
Similarly, you can create a slide show using your digital camera. You can connect both and have a slide show to the sound of your favorite playlist.
8. Why would I connect the 360 to my Windows PC?
The system can be networked with Windows Media Center or standard Windows XP computers on your home network to make music, photos or video on those PCs accessible through the 360.
9. What is Xbox Live?
Xbox Live, Microsoft's online gaming network since 2002, has 2 million subscribers who pay $50 a year. Xbox 360 buyers gain access to a free silver-level membership that includes a new Xbox Live Marketplace, where gamers can get free trial versions, buy arcade games such as the classic Joust and Bejeweled 2, and eventually, new game levels.
Gold-level members who pay the $50 annual fee will get exclusive Marketplace offerings and a new system that lets them find gamers of similar skill levels to compete against.
Current subscribers automatically will be able to use the network on their new 360.
10. Should I factor Sony and Nintendo into my decision?
"Absolutely. The PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Revolution will both be available in 2006, and they promise to bring a number of exciting hardware advancements and exclusive games with them," Lara says. "If you're a serious gamer and on a budget, think hard about where you want to invest your money and time."
