Xbox 360 Buyer's Guide

By: Andrew Hayward

Thursday April 06, 2006

With Xbox 360 systems finally sitting on store shelves, we've prepared a buyer's guide to help you make the right decisions.
To the average retail worker, Thanksgiving week is hell. Despite the joy that the holiday can bring, you go to bed knowing that you'll be surrounded by hundreds of frantic shoppers come Friday morning. In the retail industry, that day is called Black Friday. If you've ever gone out on the day after Thanksgiving to find a great deal, you probably know the reason for the dreary moniker.

Microsoft unveiled their newest gaming console, the Xbox 360, in late spring of last year, and proceeded to tiptoe around an exact release date until early October. It would be released on November 22nd, just two days prior to Thanksgiving. As a longtime employee of a major gaming retailer, I knew this was bad news all around. Even if Microsoft produced enough systems to meet the hundreds of reservations we had taken, there would still be many, many others in search of the system. Clearly, I was far too optimistic. As you may have heard, allocations were incredibly tight on day one. Many stores received less than one-fourth of the total systems their customers had reserved, resulting in mass hysteria (well, countless phone calls and ridiculously overpriced eBay auctions). Only now, as the last reservations are being fulfilled, has it become much easier to find an Xbox 360 system.

With the systems finally on store shelves around the country, I thought it appropriate to write an Xbox 360 Buyer's Guide. As someone who has both bought and sold a large variety of Xbox 360 items, I can offer an informed view on this situation. There are many accessories and games now available, but not all are worth your hard-earned cash. Hopefully this guide can help you make the tough decisions, such as: Core vs. Premium, Wired vs. Wireless, and Call of Duty 2 vs. Perfect Dark Zero.

Systems and Basic Accessories

Microsoft opted to launch two models of the Xbox 360 game console: the Xbox 360, and the Xbox 360 Core System. The standard console (we'll call it the Premium System) comes with a detachable 20GB (gigabyte) hard drive, one wireless controller, a component HD AV cable, a headset and an Ethernet cable for online play, and the massive power inverter. This hefty bundle comes at a price ($399.99), but is a much greater value than the Core System.

The Xbox 360 Core System is a fairly bare-bones setup, coming with only a standard (wired) controller, a composite AV cable, and the power inverter. This setup comes at a more reasonable price of $299.99, but is missing a very essential piece: the hard drive. Retailing for $99.99 on its own, the detachable 20GB hard drive is necessary for the full advantages of online play (via Xbox Live), and is required to play games from the original Xbox system on your Xbox 360 console.

The detachable hard drive is a crucial element of the Xbox 360 experience. Not only does it serve as a storage space for your saved games, but it allows you to download content from the Xbox Live Marketplace. Anyone with an Xbox Live account (even a Silver account, which is free) can download new game demos, movie trailers, and other game-related items for free over a broadband connection. In addition, there are themes and gamer pictures available for a small cost, which allow you to customize your system's visual scheme and your online profile.

Some have wondered about the differences between the wired and wireless controllers, but there really aren't any (other than whether there's a cord hanging from it). The wireless controller is as responsive as any wired one on the market, which is more than I can say for any older wireless controllers. More important is the design of the controller, which is simply glorious. Microsoft learned from the mistakes they made with the first Xbox system and released a contoured controller that feels perfect in nearly any pair of hands. Also, in a first for gaming consoles, you can turn the system on and off with your controller. It's a huge saver of both time and effort.

If you still opt to buy a Core System (or purchase one out of desperation, as the Premium Systems are much harder to find), you'll still need either the aforementioned hard drive or a 64MB (megabyte) memory card ($39.99) to save your data. Because of the huge difference in space, I would recommend hunting down the hard drive. However, if you truly do not care about online features and have no intention of playing old Xbox games, you can save a bit of cash by choosing the memory card.

Optional and Future Accessories

Those who purchase the Premium System (or a wireless controller) are highly urged to pick up the Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit. For $19.99, you get a rechargeable battery for your wireless controller, as well as a lengthy cord that will connect your controller to the system. When the charge on the battery is low, simply connect the controller to the console and it will charge as you play. It'll save you quite a bit on batteries in the long run. Pick up an extra battery pack ($11.99) for each additional wireless controller you purchase. You'll likely only need one Play & Charge Kit for all of your wireless controllers.

Other than that, there aren't any other necessary accessories. Pick up extra controllers ($39.99 wired, $49.99 wireless) if you plan on playing against your friends often. If you'd like to play against other people online, look into an Xbox Live account. It costs $49.99 for a year of Xbox Live Gold service, though you get a one-month free trial with the Premium System. If you're new to the Xbox Live experience, you can pick up an Xbox Live Starter Kit. The kits come with a headset, a free Xbox Live Arcade game to play online, and a rebate offer that'll save you money on a retail game. The 12-month kit retails for $69.99, while the three-month kit is $39.99. You can also change the look of your system with one of many replaceable faceplates, which range from $9.99 to $19.99, depending on the manufacturer. Some of the more amusing ones are made to look like wood, so your Xbox 360 can blend in with your entertainment center. Also, some game manufacturers have been giving away free faceplates when you pre-order their games. Both Full Auto and The Outfit have been accompanied by promotional faceplates, though there will certainly be more in the future.

Other than new faceplates, there aren't too many (announced) peripherals on the horizon. The most notable one is the Xbox 360 Live Camera, which will likely release later this year. The camera will allow you to take part in video chat via Xbox Live, as well as send video messages and still pictures. Also, it's likely that the camera will allow you to physically interact with some games, similar to the EyeToy for PlayStation 2.

An HD-DVD attachment drive has been rumored for the Xbox 360, which will allow you to watch movies released on the new format without buying a new stand-alone player. Also rumored (and likely) are higher-capacity hard drives. While the current 20GB drive is fine for game saves and occasional downloading, the hardcore players will want more space for online games and such. Expect a larger drive by Christmas. More new accessories will likely be announced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in May.

Gaming Advantages

As great as the Xbox 360 is, the system won't do you much good without some games to play. A solid group of games are now available, but due to high costs, you'll want to make smart purchases. In this guide, I'll explain the advantages of Xbox 360 games over the ones for other console systems, as well as highlight some of the better games currently available. Finally, I'll list off a handful of future releases worth keeping an eye on.

What sets Xbox 360 games apart from those on the PlayStation 2 or the original Xbox is more than what you can just see or hear; though that's certainly a huge part of the appeal. The power of the Xbox 360 allows for a level of graphical realism previously unseen in console gaming. The line between graphic design and reality has become more blurred than ever, especially in games like Fight Night Round 3. The polygonal pugilists drip beads of sweat, have dynamic facial reactions, and spit blood when hit with a nasty punch. It's unlike anything you've played before.

While the games do look fine on a standard television, they look incredible on a high-definition television (HDTV). Every Xbox 360 game features HDTV support, which means sharp, detailed characters and environments. Because most HDTV sets have a widescreen aspect ratio, every game for the system can be played in widescreen. If you have a 5.1 surround sound system in your house, you can hook that up to your Xbox 360 via a digital optical cable. War games like Call of Duty 2 come to life as never before, as imaginary bullets whiz around the room. Having a home theatre is not a must to enjoy your Xbox 360, but it will dramatically enhance your experience.

As mentioned earlier, the benefits of the Xbox 360 also come from aspects other than the heightened audio/visual quality. The Xbox 360 Guide, activated by pressing the circular logo on the controller, allows you to change options and interact with others on Xbox Live - all while playing a game. One of the key features contained within the Guide is the Achievements system. Each retail game has a total of 1000 Achievement Points, which are obtained by completing portions of the story or by playing on Xbox Live. Your tally of Achievement Points is shown on your Xbox Live profile as your Gamerscore, which your friends and rivals can view. It's a very unique way to reward gamers for the hours they spend with their games, and a good reason to talk some trash.

Current and Upcoming Games

Now that you're aware of the benefits of the Xbox 360, I'll discuss some of the games available for the system. I've played nearly every game released since launch, and can provide both a personal and critical perspective on a majority of the games. With most games bearing a $60 price tag (though a handful are $40-$50), it's essential to make smart choices and avoid games that simply aren't worth your hard-earned cash.

Action games are well-represented on the Xbox 360, especially shooters. Call of Duty 2 was the premier launch title, featuring a thrilling narrative that drops you into World War II. More than any other game I've played, Call of Duty 2 is absolutely intense and is definitely a must-buy. Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter, a recent release, is a squad-based shooter that takes place in the near future. More strategic than your average shooter, Ghost Recon is often frustrating, but a very solidly crafted game throughout. Another great action game is Gun, a western themed action shooter. However, I would recommend it for a rental, as the main story can be completed in roughly six hours.

Those looking for an action-based role playing game on the Xbox 360 would do well to check out Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Currently the highest-rated game on the system (according to gamerankings.com), Oblivion offers hundreds of hours of open-ended gameplay, and is beloved by most who have played it. Another game worth playing is Condemned: Criminal Origins, a forensics-heavy action/shooter with a first-person perspective. Oddly enough, it's a game that appeals equally to fans of C.S.I. and fans of horror films. Billed as the system's "killer app," Perfect Dark Zero is a futuristic first-person shooter with an adequate single-player mode. Luckily, the online play via Xbox Live is a blast, especially if you're playing among friends.

Another packed genre on the Xbox 360 is that of racing games. Whether you prefer your vehicles realistic or ridiculous, chances are you'll find something that fits your needs. Project Gotham Racing 3 is a racing simulation, featuring intricately detailed vehicles that even have authentic interiors. It's also one of the best-reviewed games on the system. Burnout Revenge, an enhanced port of the 2005 arcade racer, focuses on aggressive driving, and has utterly spectacular crashes. It gets my vote for the best racer on the system. Need for Speed: Most Wanted is another excellent racer on the system, with a heavy emphasis on tuning your ride, as well as evading the police.

Sports gamers have plenty of options with the Xbox 360, but many simply aren't worth the money. Madden NFL 2006 features stunning graphics and an overhauled game engine, but there's little else to do outside of playing through a season. NBA 2K6 is much better than NBA Live 2006, but it's still little more than a prettier version of the original Xbox version. NHL 2K6 is a solid option for hockey fans, while FIFA 06: Road to the World Cup is a disappointing soccer title. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 is a beautiful update to the familiar series, but those with the Xbox version won't find anything worth paying for a second time.

By far, the best sports game on the system is Fight Night Round 3, a stunningly realistic boxing game. No previous game has captured the essence and feeling of boxing as this game has. It's a hugely popular game, and rightfully so. Amped 3 is a strong snowboarding game with a hilariously bizarre story mode and a recently discounted price. And while Tony Hawk's American Wasteland is little more than a direct port of the Xbox skateboarding adventure, it's the best game the series has seen in a couple of years. The system's lone 3D fighter, Dead or Alive 4, has amazing visuals and plays well, but the computer players are often cheap, which takes away some of the fun. Pick it up if you intend on playing online or with friends.

Xbox 360 games are starting to come out on an almost weekly basis, and there are plenty of games to look forward to in the immediate future. This month, you can look forward to the adventure/shooter Tomb Raider: Legend, online shooter Battlefield 2: Modern Combat, and Major League Baseball 2K6. Over the summer, look for hugely anticipated titles like Gears of War, The Godfather, Dead Rising, and Test Drive Unlimited. Sports fans can expect the duo of NCAA Football 2007 and Madden NFL 2007 in late summer, as well as the yearly barrage of updates for all of the other sports games in early fall.

Two of the Xbox's biggest franchises are still several months away, if not longer. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent puts you in the shoes of covert operative Sam Fisher for the fourth time, as you take on a wide array of unique new missions (screenshots show an escape from a prison). The game is expected sometime this fall, though it has already been delayed once. At the very latest, it should be out by Christmas. And of course, everyone wants to know about Halo 3. Unfortunately, there's nothing to tell at this point. Conflicting rumors put the release date anywhere from November of this year to the summer of 2008. I expect it to release sometime next year, but nothing is certain at this point.

For those of us who have already invested in an Xbox 360, support for the console is thankfully very strong. With the release date and price of the PlayStation 3 still uncertain, more and more people are giving up the wait and buying an Xbox 360. More and more games are being revealed on a regular basis, so I think it's safe to assume that the system will have a very bright future. If you're a serious gamer, you'll want to add the Xbox 360 to your collection as soon as possible. Even if you're a casual gamer, the Xbox 360 offers enough in the way of innovation and variety to justify your purchase.