Microsoft Xbox 360 Core White Console

Microsoft has finally entered the always aggressive consoles wars with their first gaming only DVD unit: the X-box Gaming System. The X box system is a powerful DVD game player much like the rival Playtstation2 (PS2 for short) but with a much faster speed processor said to be so powerful it makes even the almighty PS2 look out dated. So is the X box the best gaming system ever made, is it better than the PS2 and GameCube, or is it just another big company that's going to fail in this industry like NEC, Panasonic, and Magnavox did?

I finally got my X box system with the 2002 package deal that came with the bonus 2 games Jet Set Radio Future, Sega GT 2002 (both are popular Sega games btw), and the standard Xbox controller has been replaced with a newer 2002 Controller S (the smaller controller). A very nice deal especially since the price was still only $299.99 (that's $199.99 US), eh? That was then and this is now. The system is currently selling for $199.99 ($149.00 US) so the system is even cheaper now. I even heard that if you buy a standard Xbox (without the Sega games) then there may be other deals where you can find games like Tetris Worlds, Star Wars the Clone Wars, and or Halo. Maybe, don't hold to it me though.

The Xbox system itself is quite huge and it really reminds me of the classic Atari 5200 from 1982. The system is actually twice the size of a Gamecube or a PS2 so better have the extra room to play it, but other than that it's nothing major really, I just thought I would point that out. Size doesn't matter though because the X box is not only built for power, it's build with features. The Xbox is has a massive 733 megahertz processor; just compare that to the GC's 450 MHz and the PS2's 300 MHz. Another cool thing about this big machine is the build in Hard Drive, which means that you don't have to buy a stupid memory unit to save your games now. You can also download music to the system and you can listen to your own stuff if the game supports custom soundtracks. This is a very good way to save some extra money especially if you just purchased a expensive video game console.

If you want to do some online gaming then Xbox has that too thanks to the Xbox Live network. First you need high speed internet, an Xbox Live account (yes, you need a credit card), the X box games that support online play, and then you should be ready to go. The Xbox also has the four controller ports as well made famous by the Atari 5200 (I just had to mention the Atari 5200 again) so you can be sure that you won't have to shell out another 40 bucks for some stupid multi tap (cough Sony, cough). Some games like Halo even supports a TV link so even more players can get in the action (up to 16 players actually).

XBOX ACCESSORIES BREIFING
Xbox Controller
The first Xbox controller was a very bulky device and may be hard to use for people with smaller hands (mainly any kids between 3 and 8 out there), while others will have no problems here. There are 2 analog sticks and one digital pad plus there are whopping 10 action buttons.
These Controllers usually go for $39.99 Canadian.

The X box Playback kit
Although the Xbox can play DVD's unlike the rival Nintendo's GameCube (dumb move Nintendo), you still need to spend a extra 50 bucks Canadian for a special adapter if you want to play those DVD movies on your Xbox. The DVD player feature is really a nice bonus and this is just another great reason to pick the Xbox over the Game Cube.

Xbox Controller S
This smaller controller is quite different and may be good for people with smaller hands. The Controller S still has the same 10 action buttons but for some reason the back, start, black, and white buttons are in different places. At least you can tell that Microsoft is listening.
The S Controllers usually go for $39.99 Canadian, no more no less.

The Xbox Memory Card
The Xbox memory unit is similar to the 8 Meg Memory Cards for the PS2 but these cards go into the back of a controller like the N64 and Sega Dreamcast ones do. The only reason you would need to get one of these though is if you want to trade some your data with friends.
They are usually priced at $39.99.

Star Soldier's personal Xbox Top Ten
1. Burnout 3: Takedown
http://www.epinions.com/content_196907601540
2. Halo 2
http://www.epinions.com/content_195701411460
3. Soul Calibur II
http://www.epinions.com/content_111954136708
4. Halo
http://www.epinions.com/content_161485983364
5. Atari Anthology
http://www.epinions.com/content_169389100676
6. Oddworld Stranger's Wrath
http://www.epinions.com/content_208489451140
7. Guilty Gear X2 #Reload
http://www.epinions.com/content_183288958596
8. Grand Theft Auto San Andreas
http://www.epinions.com/content_192286199428
9. Ninja Gaiden
10. Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic The Sith Lords
http://www.epinions.com/content_168067239556

Bottom-line: As much as I want to recommend the X box over the PlayStation2 (GameCube maybe), I can't. The PlayStation2 is easily the weaker system but they come with a amazing library of great games like the Gran Turismo, Final Fantasy series, and many more. The GameCube and Xbox are fighting for second place and so far it has been a pretty close race with the Xbox only recently starting to get the edge. In my opinion though I prefer the games on the GC (like Super Mario Sunshine, Super Smash, and Animal Crossing) to the ones on X box. If you love First Person Shooters or Stealth games though then it doesn't much better then this. Games like Halo and Splinter Cell are incredible. Microsoft has proven they can successfully compete in the console wars as well.

X Box overall rating: 76/100
Original release: November 15, 2001

http://www.videogames101.com
http://www.gamingtarget.com

StarSoldier1
(Ryan Genno)