I'm thinking of finally buying an Xbox 360. While I prefer strategy to shooter games, it's becoming harder to rely solely on a PC for gaming.
So, first, I'm thinking Xbox 360 instead of PS3 because there seem to be more titles for Xbox. Next, what configuration should I get (again, I'm not a heavy-duty FPS gamer, but I want a platform that will let me play them comfortably). What accessories do I need?
I want a decent platform, but it doesn't have to be top of the line. I'm on a budget.
Michael
You'll just need the basic level box. It comes with one controller and a small harddrive, 20GB?, that's the one I bought 5 years ago and have never filled the drive up.
I also bought the Kinect device. Some fun stuff available for that including a StarWars Jedi game.
I think you can get a combo package for about $300.
There's a lot of love on a 360 for the money. I've never really enjoyed the hand controller of the 360 - a keyboard and mouse is more my speed. But Millions of gamers can't be all wrong and lots of guys learn to love it. My only caveat would be to suggest that you put some radar up for a new box that might be on the horizon. The 360 is starting to get a bit long of tooth and I wouldn't be surprised if a new box were in development. I haven't heard anything to that effect, but I'm not looking too hard for info. But my gut tells me these boxes are replaced every few years and the 360 is probably getting close to the end of its reign. Maybe :)
By the way, I am correct in assuming that it's easier to play a game - or at least a shooter game - on an Xbox than a PC?
Michael
I find it easier but I really think it's what you are used to.
I find the xbox controller easier to use becasue I don't have to look at the thing to get my fingers on teh right buttons. I find keyboard driven shooters I suck at because I can't find the right key fast enough.
Quote from: DicedT on September 04, 2012, 10:36:52 AM
By the way, I am correct in assuming that it's easier to play a game - or at least a shooter game - on an Xbox than a PC?
Michael
It isn't for me.
But you should keep in mind that FPS games aren't as simple as they might appear.
You need to have an intimate understanding of the map in order to play them well. Consoles tend to level the playing field in terms of equal hardware - on a PC the faster the processor and GPU the better chances you'll have. Broadband speed plays a role for both console and PC.
Consoles tend to offer copious amounts of auto-aim correction because it can be difficult to get a reticule onto a target using just your thumb. Personally, I'd rather not participate in that. You'll notice that FPS makes don't like to comingle console and PC gamers. I suspect that's because PC gaming rigs that are reasonably state of the art will smoke a console's hardware performance. Getting anyone on the record to say that is pretty much impossible, but that's my two cents' worth.
That said, millions of gamers play FPS games on the console. If you truly want to get a feel for the difference, my advice is to find a buddy who PC games and play the same game on the PC and on the console then decide for yourself.
Oh, and hosting a private server is easy to do with many PC FPS games - I'm not sure it can be done with a console.
Quote from: LongBlade on September 04, 2012, 11:22:06 AM
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Oh, and hosting a private server is easy to do with many PC FPS games - I'm not sure it can be done with a console.
If by this you are talking about private games, then yes in most FPS console games you can set it up so that you can play against invited players only... keeps out the swearing 15 yr olds.... :P
I find it easier to play FPS titles on PC rather than on console. I seem to be able to control my actions quicker and easier using the keyboard mouse combo. I'm too old to have the reflexes to excel at a controller on a console but I still enjoy playing FPS games on the console never the less.
I believe the 360 is a better choice then the PS3 simply because the controller is better as well as the gaming achievements aspect. If you are into seeing your efforts in games get rewarded with a pop up message and some gamer points then the 360 is the way to go. Achievement hunting is a game in itself.
I'm the owner of both the PS3 and the 360 and while the PS3 is a much better machine tech wise, it falls short in the software OS category.
I bought the 250GB hard drive and a Kinnect for my 360. I would forgo the Kinnect, it's just a gimmick IMHO. You should be happy though with the base model which includes a controller and a 4GB hard drive. It is not necessary to install all your games onto the hard drive to play but it does speed loading times up a bit. You also have less wear and tear on the dvd drive when you load your games onto the console hard drive.
Has Xbox 360 quality improved? Know of one that got the red ring of death three times in three years. Each time sent in there was month wait to get it fixed. When factory warranty was about to expire he sold the console cheap used, heard it lasted another six months before going kaput again.
I've never had the RRoD in the 5 years I've owned mine, but I keep it off when not using it and in an open format component stand so lots of air flow. One of my buddies had the RRoD and got it repaired then improved teh air flow around his unit and has had no problem since.
I also seem to remember that there was a manufacturing change that helped with the problems somewhat.
Now I'm not sure I want an Xbox after all...
Michael
^What makes you say that DicedT?
I've owned my Xbox now for about 9 months and play it almost every day. I also have it positioned so that there is lot's of airflow and so far I have had no RRoD.
QuoteSo, first, I'm thinking Xbox 360 instead of PS3
Good choice :)
The new 360s don't have any RRoD issues anymore, the online gaming Xbox Live is the best online service you can find, there's a TON of really good games that all look superb, the controller is the best controller of any console and yes it feels better to play FPS with that controller than with kb/m - it feels more like shooting when you have a trigger and your hand can actually hold something. It's correct there's a new Xbox in the pipeline but it won't hit the market before christmas 2013 or perhaps even 2014, there's nothing announced and MS said Kinect (which really sucks imho) is the reason the 360 will have many more years to come. Even if the '720' comes out the 360 will be supported and if you are new to the console field anyway a now cheap 360 has so many games to offer (also cheap for the 'older' titles which are still great games of course and new to anyone who didn't play them) it will keep you busy for years (sure, multiplayer online games can be problematic because new means many people playing online, old means less or no one is playing). Bottom line: the 360 is a lot of gaming bang for few bucks, you won't regret buying one :)
^Well stated Grimnirsson.
When I told my friends I finally bought a 360 they told me "Welcome to the future". They were right for exactly the reasons you stated.
If the Xbox 720 is coming out in a year, then 360 prices should start to drop over the next 12 months. Maybe I'm better off waiting. $199 for a 360 isn't so bad, but that's with only a 4GB hard drive, I think. Sounds like you can't have more than one game on your HD.
You won't find many games that have only 4Gb so if you want to install games you need at least the 20 Gb HDD. If the 720 comes out in a year...if...there's always an if or a but...I would say shoot a basic 360 with 4 Gb now and look on ebay for a cheap 20 Gb HDD and you are ready to play NOW. Many gamers switched to the 60 Gb drive and sell the 20 Gb drive (and then even to the 250 Gb selling the 60 Gb thingy) so it shouldn't be to difficult to find one :)
FWIW...I bought an Xbox 360 with kinect last year, primarily for the kids. I've bought a bunch of games for the kids, and a few for me. I can't play FPS games on the xbox controller (my copy of Ghost Recon sits mostly un-used) and "good" flight-sims (Birds of Steal) are similarily unplayable unless you invest in a proper xbox-compatible joystick. Action-oriented sandbox games (like Assassins Creed) are fun enough, but I find they get just a little repetitive (and I hate the popular game concept of "bosses").
Maybe I'm not looking hard enough...maybe I should try other titles...but for me I'm zero for six on the Xbox.
Yours in non-console gaming,
Jack Nastyface
I haven't bought a console since N64 but saw this in the news yesterday
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/windows/games
xbox games that will be playable on Windows 8. I would suppose that a controller will hook up to the PC.
I'm holding onto Win7 for a long time I fear.
Quote from: DicedT on September 04, 2012, 12:45:44 PM
Now I'm not sure I want an Xbox after all...
Michael
I'm sure you want an Xbox ... really :)
Quote from: junk2drive on September 04, 2012, 09:03:43 PM
I haven't bought a console since N64 but saw this in the news yesterday
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/windows/games
xbox games that will be playable on Windows 8. I would suppose that a controller will hook up to the PC.
"Despite the name, you won't be able to just insert an Xbox disc into your PC and play it using the Xbox Games on Windows app (if only!). In fact, the Xbox Games on Windows branding won't be used for retail games at all, but only for downloadable games on the Windows 8 Store."
http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2012/09/what-xbox-games-on-windows-actually-means/
What it comes down to is that I thought it might be more comfortable to play a shooter with an Xbox in the den, sitting in a comfy chair and watching a 37-inch HDTV, then hunched over the PC. But it sounds like the Xbox experience may actually be inferior (didn't realize that auto-targeting is different).
At $300, it's an expensive experiment. I think what I need to do is buy an Xbox from a store that I can return it to. Does Target or Kmart allow console returns without restocking fees? Do consoles go on sale pre- or post-Christmas?
Here's the Xbox selection at Target. I guess the 250 GB Value Bundle is best?
Michael
I'm not sure about being able to return consoles. I picked up my Xbox with 250GB hard drive and 1 controller last year on black Friday for 200. I also got a whole year of Xbox Live Gold for half price. Crazy sale that day and I got it at Best Buy. I definitely don't regret my purchase.
As far as shooters on consoles go let me just add that on the PS3 I do horrible but on the Xbox 360 I do much better and I suspect it's because of the Xbox's controller layout. My best performance though is on the PC when it comes to shooters. Taking all that into account if you ask me on which platform I'd prefer to play an online shooter it would be the Xbox simply because I can lounge around and view the carnage on the big screen.
QuoteWhat it comes down to is that I thought it might be more comfortable to play a shooter with an Xbox in the den, sitting in a comfy chair and watching a 37-inch HDTV, then hunched over the PC.
Exactly :)
QuoteBut it sounds like the Xbox experience may actually be inferior (didn't realize that auto-targeting is different).
Your impression is wrong. Inferior it might be to those who only know the kb/m combo and are used to it. I'm used to the 360 controller and trust me, I'm good with it when it comes to FPS but I suck with kb/m, I can't hit anything and I walk around like a slow zombie. The controller is part of my body when I play, I don't think about holding a controller, my hand just acts and it feels great because it feels so natural. 'Auto-targeting' is a wrong term, the game does not aim for you, the feature (which can be turned off) just gives a very small snap on if you are near the target and you don't move the weapon. But usually you are running around and while you do that aiming at your enemies you won't even notice any 'auto' in your aiming.
That's my situation. I find the keyboard and mouse awkward for shooters, though good enough for strategy games.
Michael
So go and buy a 360 and you will be fine :)
I think you can rent systems. Or you used to be able to. If there are still any brick and mortar video stores, Blockbuster or the Hollywood one, go in and see. You might even try Gamestop.
Quote from: DicedT on September 04, 2012, 03:53:53 PM
If the Xbox 720 is coming out in a year, then 360 prices should start to drop over the next 12 months. Maybe I'm better off waiting. $199 for a 360 isn't so bad, but that's with only a 4GB hard drive, I think. Sounds like you can't have more than one game on your HD.
Looks like the next Xbox may be pushed back until 2014.
QuoteThe Xbox 360 turns seven this November, which is an awfully long time for a console to still be kicking around. According to a report from SemiAccurate, Microsoft's (MSFT) Xbox 360 successor might not arrive until early 2014 because of chip production snags.
Full story: http://news.yahoo.com/next-generation-xbox-might-delayed-2014-due-chip-162059529.html
Quote from: DicedT on September 06, 2012, 09:44:01 AM
What it comes down to is that I thought it might be more comfortable to play a shooter with an Xbox in the den, sitting in a comfy chair and watching a 37-inch HDTV, then hunched over the PC. But it sounds like the Xbox experience may actually be inferior (didn't realize that auto-targeting is different).
"Inferior" is a subjective statement. If you only play games on the Xbox you'll never know or care what the PC experience is like.
I have played both and I like the PC much better, but I've never seriously tried to get very good at console games. Is it laziness? Or do I really prefer a truly better product? I have no idea.
The strength of an Xbox is that the software works. You don't need to worry with upgrading drivers. And it's cheap.
PCs are finicky. I liken PC gaming to fly fishing - it is an expensive, technical sport. If you aren't interested in upgrading your video card drivers every couple of months then a PC isn't for you.
Personally, my Xbox was a waste of money. The only redeeming quality is that my family enjoys playing Guitar Hero from time to time other than that, it's a giant paperweight in this house.
Quote from: LongBlade on September 11, 2012, 11:09:37 AM
Quote from: DicedT on September 04, 2012, 03:53:53 PM
If the Xbox 720 is coming out in a year, then 360 prices should start to drop over the next 12 months. Maybe I'm better off waiting. $199 for a 360 isn't so bad, but that's with only a 4GB hard drive, I think. Sounds like you can't have more than one game on your HD.
Looks like the next Xbox may be pushed back until 2014.
QuoteThe Xbox 360 turns seven this November, which is an awfully long time for a console to still be kicking around. According to a report from SemiAccurate, Microsoft's (MSFT) Xbox 360 successor might not arrive until early 2014 because of chip production snags.
Full story: http://news.yahoo.com/next-generation-xbox-might-delayed-2014-due-chip-162059529.html
After reading this news I'm a little worried. I would not buy one of the initial production units. When a company needs multiple contract manufacturing foundries to produce it's chips because yield is low that can only mean trouble. When yield is low on a new product there is either a problem with the design or the production process or both. I wonder who is the designer of the chip?
Quote from: DicedT on September 04, 2012, 03:53:53 PM
If the Xbox 720 is coming out in a year, then 360 prices should start to drop over the next 12 months. Maybe I'm better off waiting. $199 for a 360 isn't so bad, but that's with only a 4GB hard drive, I think. Sounds like you can't have more than one game on your HD.
You can also store game saves on a usb flash drive http://www.xbox.com/en-CA/storage (http://www.xbox.com/en-CA/storage), up to 16GB of data, so the 4GB HD model might be an option. The 4GB model is currently $150 Cdn at my local walmart so not too much of an investment if you don't like it. You can always use it to stream netflix, which is what my PS3 mostly gets used for.
Well, I took the plunge: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Xbox-360-250GB-Console-Matte-Finish/19593775
Excellent choice. May your Xbox bring you as much joy as it has brought me.
You won't regret it :)
Although I prefer to computer gaming more these days (mainly for the mods), I have been very happy with both of my Xboxes (original and 360). I suffered a RROD a couple of years ago, but MS took care of it free of charge and I haven't had a problem with the replacement (or repair job, they were a little vague on which it was).
I have a lot of great gaming in the last 10 years on Xbox with very few complaints. The biggest problem wasn't the RROD, it was the botched transfer of saved games to a new HD. That cost me all my saved progress/characters between games like Mass Effect :(
Well, I've tried the Xbox for a couple of days now. Been playing Gears of War 2 in Spastic Mode. Not sure I like it. Between three directional switches, four buttons, and two push buttons in front, that's a lot of controls to manipulate. Seems to place a lot of strain on the thumbs instead of the mouse finger. Seems more difficult to get oriented than with a PC, though it may be my unfamiliarity (re: clumsiness) with the controls.
Michael
Michael,
if you are not used to controllers then you will need a bit more practice than just a couple of days. Sure there are a lot of buttons on a small space so to say and holding it and remembering what's where is not easy at first. Give yourself the time to play these games for some weeks and you most certainly will get better and eventually play games without even thinking that you hold a controller in your hands.