Edit: Make me want an Xbox - and tell me what I should know

[Dafones]

I was passing through Future Shop today, picking up Season 1 of Arrested Development (which each and every one of you should own, by the way), and walked by a big screen TV rocking Halo 2. I grabbed the control for a moment, had some fun, then took a look at the clever little display the store had going. Future Shop has a wacky white Xbox bundle that comes with Fable and Crimson Skies for $250 CDN - that's basically both games for fifty bones.

When the three consoles first came out, I really wanted to back my boy Cube, but frankly I don't think Nintendo's been treating me right. I'm glad I have it for some of the exclusives - Mario, Zelda, Pikmin - but on the whole, I'm starting to feel that I've been behind a lame horse. Now I'm kind of looking at the support MS poured into the Box, and I'm impressed.

Now I know a console's only as good as its games, so tell me, what Xbox exclusives are there that I'd be crazy not to grab? Make me want a Box ... make me drool. And I know this kind of thread pops up every few weeks, so I'm sorry for those that are sick of 'em, but thankful for those who love rambling about their system.


I like the "new" digs, by the way.

[Devil]

You already want one - Just go do it and you won't be sorry.

[farley2k]

Ummmm.....its big.....

What I am looking forward to

Halo 2.  Yeah well what can I say?  It just is so great.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 (yeah it will be out for the PC in a few months but I actually think it played better on the Xbox.  The controls were just...suited to the Xbox)

Jade Empire.  Don't know if it is coming fo the PC but who could wait?


Not an overwhelming number of them but they are each worth thier wait in gold to me.


I am sure there are fan boys who can list every game for the next year but that is my list

[Yossarian]

it isn't even the exclusives... any game that is available for multiple consoles looks better on the xbox.  plus xbox live is a great online service.

[AJ McClain]

Make me want a Box ... make me drool.

Eh?



Seriously, though, if you're into fighters, DOAU is a mighty fine game.

[Thin_J]

Yeah really man, you already seem to want one just fine without us taunting you with the upcoming releases.

But if you want my testimonial: I bought my Xbox basically for DOA3 and Halo. Over the course of time it started getting double and then triple the amount of time that my PS2 got.  I got rid of my PS2 last year, haven't really regretted it for a minute. Nothing on that system justifies owning the thing for me anymore.

All I need is Xbox Live and I'm good to go. Especially now that Halo 2 is out. Awesome, awesome game for multiplayer. Played several hours this evening.

[Dafones]

Well yeah I want one, I'm just not sure if I can justify the purchase. I would want to pick up:

Halo
Halo 2
KOTOR
Crimson Skies
Amped 2

- but that doesn't seem like a huge number of exclusives. That's why I wanted you all to do the work for me - hee hee - and rant about your favourite Xbox games.

I know the GTA bundle pack is on the box, but does anyone know if San Andreas is coming? Ninja Gaiden was hella hard, right? After getting my ass served to me playing Viewtiful Joe, I'm not sure if I'm up for an insane challenge. Splinter Cell would be cool to play on the platform it was intended to be played on though.

Is the Xbox worth buying just to play Halo 2? It is cheaper than a PC 3D card ...

[RamPanther]

The Xbox has some great exclusives. I'd rate all of these 80% or higher:


The Chronicles of Riddick
Morrowind GotY
Ninja Gaiden
Otogi
Otogi 2
Halo
Halo 2
Mechassault
Top Spin
Project Gotham Racing 2
Crimson Skies
Knights of the Old Republic
Fable
Sudeki
Deathrow
Phantom Crash
Kingdom Under Fire
D&D Heroes
Steel Battalion ($$$)
Voodoo Vince
Panzer Dragoon ORTA


Plus you'll soon see:

Mechassault 2
Knights of the Old Republic 2

[EddieA]

If I didn't already have one, that would be enough for me

Also, multiplatform releases are best on the XBox, not only because of the graphics, but also the hard drive, which is very handy, especially for games that take up a lot of memory to save.  The only bad thing is the lack of 4 shoulder buttons, which makes games with complicated control schemes, such as SSX or Tony Hawk, better on the PS2.

[Beer Goggles]

Go ahead, you know you want to.  It will make you feel good.

Everyone likes it, even Mikey!

[halcyon]

Dafones,

You can get KOTOR and Crimson Skies now for $20 each. I believe there is even a Xbox Live kit with Crimson Skies bundled in if you want to get on Live (I definitely recommend it) Halo 2 is absolutely awesome on Live. In addition to KOTOR 2 and Jade Empire, Ghost Recon 2 is coming next week and should also be excellent on Live. Splinter Cell 3 is coming Q1 2005 and will have online co-op (one of my favorite features in the Tom Clancy games). Mech Assault 2 is also coming at the beginning of January. Right now is a great time to be an Xbox owner. The only PC game that will pull me away right now is HL2 next week :-)

[Zero]

aaaaaa.....DOA.......aaaaa......droooll........must.....put.....tongue.....back....in....mouth.......


Jade Empire looks OK  :wink:

[Nth Power]

I'm thinking you will buy an XBox and you will love it...

Reasons?

- Xbox exclusives like Crimson Skies, Top Spin, Ninja Gaiden, Halo.  
- Mutlit-platform games will usually look better on the XBox and have faster load times.
- No memory cards necessary!
- Most games are 480 progressive scan, if your TV supports it.
- 5.1 surround sound!

I'm even tempted to get XBox Live since MS seems to be doing such a good job with it.

[JuniorDan]

I got one on Sunday....
Me of all people mr PS2, Mr sony all the way, Mr PS2 and PC
dont need the damaged box.
I like it and I am even more comfortable with the fact I got the 2 year
warranty with it from best buy $20bucks.
because it break and will break I am sure everyone here has bee thru at least one or more Xbox (owned for over a year at least).
My PS2 is going on 3-4years and no problem.

But Halo 2 and KOTOR 1 & 2 will be worth it.

[Zero]

I'm thinking you will buy an XBox and you will love it...

Reasons?

- Xbox exclusives like Crimson Skies, Top Spin, Ninja Gaiden, Halo.  
- Mutlit-platform games will usually look better on the XBox and have faster load times.
- No memory cards necessary!
- Most games are 480 progressive scan, if your TV supports it.
- 5.1 surround sound!

I'm even tempted to get XBox Live since MS seems to be doing such a good job with it.

How do you transfer game saves from one xbox to another?

[Graham]

I'm thinking you will buy an XBox and you will love it...

Reasons?

- Xbox exclusives like Crimson Skies, Top Spin, Ninja Gaiden, Halo.  
- Mutlit-platform games will usually look better on the XBox and have faster load times.
- No memory cards necessary!
- Most games are 480 progressive scan, if your TV supports it.
- 5.1 surround sound!

I'm even tempted to get XBox Live since MS seems to be doing such a good job with it.

How do you transfer game saves from one xbox to another?

Just copy the games to a memory card and then send it to the other Xbox.  You can't do that with all games though.

[Laner]

I got one on Sunday....

because it break and will break I am sure everyone here has bee thru at least one or more Xbox (owned for over a year at least).

:rolleyes:

Whatever... I bought my Xbox on day 1, and I've never had a problem with it.  Not even a single disc read error.  Why don't you go to the local gamestop or EB and ask them how many broken PS2s they have returned to them?  (hint: it's a lot)

[Dafones]

You guys are mean, just mean! I think I'm going to gather up a handful of ol' Cube games and see how much I can get for 'em at EB. If the trade in is sweet enough, I may be stupid not to get one, seeing as how used game prices drop over time.

I must say that I really envy those that were financially able to pick up all three of the consoles - that makes things so much easier. Plus, it really gets rid of the ignorant console wars, because you support each of them for the various games that only they can offer, and don't feel the need to justify your pick. I mean, I'm dying to play Halo 2, but I still want to grab Pikmin 2 and Paper Mario 2.

*Sigh* and I told myself I'd never step foot in an EB again.

[Gratch]

I got one on Sunday....
Me of all people mr PS2, Mr sony all the way, Mr PS2 and PC
dont need the damaged box.
I like it and I am even more comfortable with the fact I got the 2 year
warranty with it from best buy $20bucks.
because it break and will break I am sure everyone here has bee thru at least one or more Xbox (owned for over a year at least).
My PS2 is going on 3-4years and no problem.

But Halo 2 and KOTOR 1 & 2 will be worth it.

FWIW, I've had a PS2 for close to 3 years, and an X-Box for over 2 and I've never had a problem with either.  My PS2 probably has hundreds more hours than the X-Box (not many Japanese RPG's on the Box), but they both still run great.

Now that I said that, I'll probably get disc read errors on both this afternoon.

[AJ McClain]

Why don't you go to the local gamestop or EB and ask them how many broken PS2s they have returned to them?  (hint: it's a lot)

Well, in Sony's defense, they've sold many more consoles than both Nintendo or Microsoft combined. Even with an equal ratio of purchased/returned to Microsoft and Ninty's consoles you'd still see many more PS2s than either Xboxs or GCs.

[JuniorDan]

Whatever... I bought my Xbox on day 1, and I've never had a problem with it. Not even a single disc read error. Why don't you go to the local gamestop or EB and ask them how many broken PS2s they have returned to them? (hint: it's a lot)

I have been and this is why I took so long to get one.
I also have been advise the the Xbox is now more durable along with the
ps2.

[Dafones]

Alllllllright, I'm basically sold on one. I dig the clear Xbox bundle that Future Shop has going. So then, oh wise owners, what am I supposed to look out for when picking up an Xbox? Weren't there certain DVD drives that were nasty pieces of work? What about the HD? And what about the extended warranty that I'm sure to be pressed to buy?


Oh yeah, and how were Crimson Skies and Fable in the end? I get both with the bundle for fifty bucks. They good games to pick up?

[JuniorDan]

If by chance you can get over the boarder to the USA go to best buy.
Xbox (NCAA2005 EA & Top Spin) $149.99
Live starter kit (inc. Crimson skies headset & 12mon subscription to live)$69.00
Best buy 2year warranty $20.00
total $240.00
If you can.

[Qbe]

I got an Xbox 6 weeks ago and bought Crimson Skies with it.  You won't regret getting that game--it's a lot of fun.

[Zero]

I gave in  got a good deal on a used box with some basic games: Halo, MechAssault, GTA, KOTOR, and Jedi Academy.

I now need to find a VGA adapter.  Anyone know if TopSpin is worth it?  I like tennis games and the last one I played was Virtual Tennis 2K2 on the dreamcast.

[JuniorDan]

I dont realy care for tennis, but top spin is fun.
The only game I get my ass handed to me, and I feel no way about it.

[Chrisoc13]

I agree with all the games being named, but dont forget Full Spectrum Warrior! Its out on the PC too, but a lot of the games are. My games worht owning the xbox for are:

Halo (even with Halo 2 out)
Halo 2
Morrowind
Fable (short but still an awsome run, rent it)
Ninja Gaiden (wow this game has sucked weeks out of my life)
Full Spectrum Warrior
Links 2004 (I just love this golf game)
Ghost Recon (not exclusive, but still great)


I could go on and on. But it wouldg et redundant. Point is, get an xbox. After you realizehow amazing the sound is, custom sound tracks, the hard drive in general, and great support from ms, you will be happy with your purchase. But of course, the best reason to get an xbox:

Xbox live. An amazing online service. Definatly worth the money. Combined with the great live enabled games above, and it will just zap your time.

[Dafones]

It all sounds good ... but weren't there things to look out for when picking up an Xbox? Weren't some of the DVD drives and HDs kind of sketchy, depending on who had made them? Or has all of that been ironed out by now?

[Purge]

How do you transfer game saves from one xbox to another?

Memory card. They *do* exist. Most people don't pony up the cash for them as most people don't need them. I've got one. MS sent me a clear orange one for beta-testing for the Live service.

[Purge]

Oh yeah, and how were Crimson Skies and Fable in the end? I get both with the bundle for fifty bucks. They good games to pick up?

The pair of them are definately worth $50 canadian. (~30US)

If you get live, Crimson Skies is a must-have.

[Zero]

Oh yeah, and how were Crimson Skies and Fable in the end? I get both with the bundle for fifty bucks. They good games to pick up?

The pair of them are definately worth $50 canadian. (~30US)

If you get live, Crimson Skies is a must-have.

Does Crimson Skies have a good single player game too?