Xbox 360

[Linderman]

Start up the 360 discussion. :cat:

[jayTL]

http://www.destructoid.com/run-to-your-xbox-collection-360-backwards-compatibility-gets-updated-35100.phtml#ext

Title Name Type Notes
America's Army New
Auto Modellista New
Bass Pro Shops Trophy Hunter 2007 New
Blinx 2 New
Bloodrayne 2 New
Burnout New
Crash Bandicoot 4 New
Crash Bandicoot 5: Wrath of Cortex Updated
Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil New
Drive to Survive New
Drive to Survive (EM) New
ESPN College Hoops New
ESPN NHL 2K5 New
Evil Dead Regeneration New
Exaskeleton New Japan only
FIFA Street 2 New
Full Spectrum Warrior: 10 Hammers New
GUILTY GEAR XX #RELOAD New
Harry Potter: And the Chamber of Secrets New
Harry Potter: And the Prisoner of Azkaban New
Hot Wheels: Stunt Track Challenge New
Jet Set Radio Future Updated
Justice League: Heroes New
King Arthur New
Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders New No Live Access
Magic: The Gathering: Battlegrounds New
Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects New
Marvel vs. Capcom 2 New
Mech Assault 2 New
MLB Slug Fest 2003 New
Morrowind New
MotoGP2 New
Myst III: Exile New
NBA Live 2002 New
NCAA Football 06 New
Nobunaga no Yabou Ranseiki New Japan only
Outlaw Golf 9 More Holes of X-mas New
Outlaw Volleyball: Red Hot New
Outrun 2 New
Outrun 2006: Coast to Coast New
Pac Man World 3 New
Panzer Elite Action: Fields of Glory New EMEA only
Pro Cast Sports Fishing New
Project Gotham Racing New
Project Gotham Racing 2 New
RoadKill New No Live Access
Rogue Ops Updated
Sega GT 2002 Updated
Sega GT Online New
Shadow Ops New
Showdown: Legends of Wrestling New
Silent Hill 2: Dreams New US/EMEA only
Sponge Bob Square Pants: Lights, Camera, Pants! New
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Melee New
The DaVinci Code New
The Sims 2 New
The Urbz: Sims in the City New
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2X New
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 New
Transworld Surf New
Trivial Pursuit Unhinged New
Winning Eleven 8 New
Without Warning New
WWE Raw New
Yu-Gi-Oh! The Dawn of Destiny New


BC compatibility update

[The Taff]

ARGH, when are they going to fix the Thief: Deadly Shadows light bug!?

[Lammert]

Saint's Row is my favorite Xbox360 game so far... I'm no hardcore gamer like back in the 90's, but this game just kicks ass! :)

[Zombie]

Out of ALL the games that are NEWLY added and or UPDATED.
I have a total of ZERO games that's on the newly created list.
Still very dissapointed that Jaws Unleashed STILL has not been added to the list. I would love to play through that game one more time but ONLY on the 360.

[kain4521]

Glad they put Morrowind on there I never did finish that game. I hope its the GOY edition.

[The Dream Master]

I picked up NCAA Football 08 for the 360 today instead of the PS3 because apparently, the latter only runs at 30fps. I've only played one game, but I like it so far. I don't play the NCAA Football games nearly as much as Madden, so it takes a bit of adjusting.

[Deathscythe]

Ace Combat 6 looked good, I'm gonna try out 5 to see if I like it.

[The Taff]

Just as I thought it would, Splinter Cell: Conviction was delayed until 08.

[Sketch Sanchez]

GUILTY GEAR XX #RELOAD New
Marvel vs. Capcom 2 New


FUCK YES!

A friend of mine just bought MVC2, it was 60 bucks. Thats how rare that game is.

I'm SO borrowing that.

And Guilty Gear rules, it's about damn time.

I just bought Earth Defense Force 2017...it's good, in a b-movie sort of way. You fight invading aliens that look like GIANT robots and GIANT insects...it's alot of fun!

Gamespot sez it best:
The premise of Earth Defense Force 2017 is that in a decade from now, aliens decide to come to Earth, and they're none too friendly. Earth had a bit of an early warning that these invaders from above were on the way, so they formed a cadre of soldiers known as the Earth Defense Force to stave off any attacks. Those attacks come in the form of ants and spiders the size of kitchens, mammoth robots with gun-arms longer and wider than should be possible while still walking upright, and massive UFOs that rain down even more enemies, as well as the occasional bout of laser fire.

It's awkward, single-minded, gross, slightly ugly, somewhat stilted, fully cheesy, and dumb with a capital D, U, and M, but Earth Defense Force 2017 somehow, some way manages to entertain. As you sit, blowing up aliens for an hour or two at a time (any longer than that, and your brain will start to rot), you'll be asking yourself why you're enjoying this so much, when there's so many clear-cut flaws all over the place. And though you'll never come up with a reconcilable answer, after a while you have to give in to the game's earnestly brainless brand of action and accept that it's just plain fun.

[Zombie]

Circuit City has a deal that gives you $20 off when you buy any 2 Xbox Live Accessories $19.99 or higher. What's awesome about this deal is they include point cards, the 1600 pt card is $19.99. So if you buy two it's like getting one for free or 3200 pts for $20, or for example you can buy a controller and a headset and they take $20 off the final price. Obviously the point cards is the better deal.

However, it seems like most people went after that deal or they didn't have that many card to begain with as most stores have been sold out. I went yesterday and they had none.

I did go to Best Buy and they did a price match so I was still able to get the same deal which was awesome.

So finally got some games I've been wanting and still have a shit load of points to spend.

[Zombie]

Started to play DOA4 again, I still can't believe this was a launch game and looks way better then some of the games out there and is still FUN! Sure it's hard sometimes so may not be for everyone, but if you put in some practice time with EVERYONE you start to learn their combo's and moves so you can counter. I have managed to unlock some new achievements which is cool. Right now trying to get 50-80 and if I get on that streak and get 100 wins in a row in survival that would be awesome.

It's kinda weird, I can go 20+ wins in survival but then when I lose and start again I get my ass handed to me for awhile! WTF!? lol

If you like 3D fighters this should be a MUST for your collection!

[Monkey]

Glad they put Morrowind on there I never did finish that game. I hope its the GOY edition.
Ugh. It's hard to play Morrowind after spending so many hours on Oblivion. The graphics and absense of contact with the enemy in actual combat make Morrowind somewhat of an ordeal (for me, anyway).

Will look into buying a 360 (for the third time... :side:) once Halo 3 comes out.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

Bioshock is amazing....And hopefully I can get my wireless stuff to work asap by Halo3.
ADDED:
Ugh. It's hard to play Morrowind after spending so many hours on Oblivion. The graphics and absense of contact with the enemy in actual combat make Morrowind somewhat of an ordeal (for me, anyway).

Will look into buying a 360 (for the third time... :side:) once Halo 3 comes out.

The only thing I don't like about Morrowind is it gets really confusing without sometype of journal system like they did for Oblivion. I probably put in about 80 hours into it and had around 40 active quests. Never had a problem like that in Oblivion.

Side note my gf totally digs Serious sam since it is easy to control. And takes little skill. I need to get part 2 and 3 once that comes out hopefully next year.

[sickboy]

Just put in 5 hours straight of The Darkness. Holy shit is it good.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

Completed Bioshock today. Absolutly loved it, just alot of cool powers and stuff. Gonna go through it again on hard.

[sickboy]

Just played through half of Transformers the game.

Even for a film license this was shit to the point where it was unplayable

[Deathscythe]

How much to 360 cost now? $350? I'm thinking about buying one.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

360 has two bundles comming out for the holidays. X360 core arcade series, and X360 Elite with Forza 2 and Marvel Ult.Alliance.

That's a sweet deal.....the Elite one that is.

[zombie extra 3]

I'm thinking of getting a 360 but I don't know whether to get Core system or Elite.

[Zombie]

I'm thinking of getting a 360 but I don't know whether to get Core system or Elite.

Get anything other then the core/arcade ones. Your going to want to have a HD and neither of those have one and the money you spend for the HD would be the same as getting a Premium/Elite.

[zombie extra 3]

Get anything other then the core/arcade ones. Your going to want to have a HD and neither of those have one and the money you spend for the HD would be the same as getting a Premium/Elite.

Does XBOX 360 Pro have HD? Should I get XBOX 360 Pro.

[Zombie]

Yeah, the Pro and Elite have the HD's. Just the Core/Arcade are the one's without. I think the Pro is a good buy. The Elite is good if you plan on doing alot of downloading and want a bigger HD. Me personally the regular HD has been big enough. I have to delete stuff from time to time but it's mainly just demo's and videos that you really wouldn't keep that long anyways on the HD. Also if you want a black 360 then you'd want an Elite, however if you ever get the HD-DVD add-on drive that only comes in white so that's the only thing I've found I wouldn't like about the 360 being black since they don't have a match black HD-DVD drive.

So IMO the Pro is the best bet. I ended up getting the Core only because I got mine when they were hard to come by and that was the only one avaliable and I wanted it so bad. I bought all the stuff that would have came with the Pro/Premium seperatly which in a way was a good deal for me because my 360 died twice and each time I just traded it in for a new one but since the HD was bought seperate I was able to keep it and didn't have to trade it in as I would have if I had the Premium if that would have died. Which I've heard can cause MAJOR issue's if you have downloaded content from games to add-ons for games. Looks to be mainly if you have more then one profile though like if you re-download them to a new HD they won't work and or won't work even on a new system because of microsofts DRM shit.

You could also get a Core/Arcade and buy the 120GB HD seperately also as well. Might spend a little more but you get a white system, seperate matching HD, no worries if you have to trade in your unit. There's supposed to be new chips in the 360's that supposedly makes them run quieter and cooler but there's no real way of telling which system has them and or they've mostly been on the Halo 360's.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

Any system if you know it has HDMI (all new consoles have it). Will have the Falcon board.

[Brett H.]

Any system if you know it has HDMI (all new consoles have it). Will have the Falcon board.

How do you know if it has HDMI? I just got my 360 the other day and I don't even know what the hell HDMI is...

[Biosynthnut v.2]

HDMI (http://www.flickr.com/photos/joeygadget/477200253/) Looks like that on the back of the unit. The newer Premium Pros come with a HDMI cable aswell as the Elite, the arcade Pro has it also but does not come with a cable. It's a all in one solution for audio and video to any HDMI enabled HDTV or A/V reciever.

[Brett H.]

Awesome, thanks. My unit has it. I am getting a little perturbed at myself for buying the Premium now... I have no idea how 120 gigs get filled? I guess I should have got the core.

[The Dream Master]

HDMI is a High Definition Output--it'll be somewhere on the back of the 360. It looks like this:

http://www.hometheatermag.com/images/archivesart/1105hook.15.jpg

Edit: Bio beat me to it.

Also, Boo, you did the right thing when you bought the premium. It's a hell of a deal compared to the core system.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

Awesome, thanks. My unit has it. I am getting a little perturbed at myself for buying the Premium now... I have no idea how 120 gigs get filled? I guess I should have got the core.


So you got the Elite if you have 120HDD. The premiums have 20HDD. If you use the services of XBL you will fill it up. I have 60 gigs left on my HDD. Most of it's TV shows and stuff. And since I don't have cable or a dish. I use this instead in the long run I pick the episodes of what I want and still cheaper then both.


Core is useless, and I wish they would take it off the market.

[Zombie]

Awesome, thanks. My unit has it. I am getting a little perturbed at myself for buying the Premium now... I have no idea how 120 gigs get filled? I guess I should have got the core.

Dont worry, eventually you will. I have the 20GB HD and it gets filled pretty fast. I think I have like 5-4 GB's left and thats with the stuff I can delete. The other stuff filling it up is in game DLC. I could delete it if absolutely needed but I just keep it there so I don't have to redownload it again cause some of the stuff is big like the Rainbow Six Vegas packs.

[Brett H.]

I meant it I don't know how 120 gigs get filled when I can't find anything to put on my 20 gig. I heard you can rip CDs, but I haven't tried yet.

I got the 20 gig one because I figured eventually somewhere down the line you'll need it and I didn't want to be without.

[Zombie]

Well, I pretty much decided along time ago I wasnt going to use the movie DL service on 360 but tonight I broke that and decided to DL Return to House on Haunted Hill lol. It was avaliable in HD and wanted a "new" horror movie to watch instead of the same old stuff. So it's going now, probably won't watch till tomorrow though and we'll see how the quality is compared to Cable TV's HD and HD/BR-DVD's.
ADDED:
oh I forgot to mention, I remember this kind of being a hot topic on the old forums. Spiderman 3 PS3 vs 360, the big thing with getting the PS3 version would being able to play as the new goblin, well I guess this last week they released the new goblin as a playable character on SM3 for 360. Was a little wait but well more then worth it being as 360 owners got a version better then the PS3 and no frame drops, lag, downconverting if your tv didn't have 720p and now the new goblin playable as well. I remember Bubba Sawyer trying so hard to stick up for the PS3 version just for that reason alone lol.

[The Dark Vampire]

So, today their were rumours abound of Microsoft introducing downloads for Xbox games on Xbox Live Marketplace on 360. Games like Halo would be availible to download for 1200 points. Well, it seems that Microsoft has now confirmed this. I can't find a link to a statement from MS but it's being reported on gaming sites.

Microsoft has confirmed earlier reports that 'Xbox Originals' will be made available for download starting Dec. 4th as part of the Fall Update (the update's additional features have yet to be revealed). Each game can be purchased and downloaded for 1200 points ($15).

In its press release, Microsoft explicitly named Halo, Psychonauts, Crimson Skies and Fable as titles for the Xbox Originals initiative, but did not confirm exactly which games will serve as the jumpoff: "This new service will launch with an array of blockbuster titles spanning the most popular genres from action-adventure to classic role-playing games." Third-party reports claim the preliminary lineup will include Halo, Fable, Indigo Prophecy, Crimson Skies, Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath Of Cortex and Burnout 3.

Also:

Microsoft also added some announcements about the fifth anniversary of the launch of Xbox Live on November 15. In celebration, Microsoft will be offering a free download of the Xbox Live Arcade game Carcassonne (Hexic 2 in Korea) starting at 12:01am EST November 15. The game will be free to all subscribers for 48 hours. Also, all subscribers who have been a member of Xbox Live since 2002 will receive 500 MS Points for free.

[Joe Strummer]

Nice, I've been wanting to get carcassone for a while-good gift for us subscribers.

[Zombie]

I picked up Smackdown vs Raw 08 for $29 and Orange Box for $39 at best buy the other night. Tried to play SD vs R and thats kind of tough. Seems alot slower and don't know how to break out of submissions. It got frustrating. Haven't played OB yet but think I will now. As for how I got them so cheap "Price Match". Easiest thing to do just go in to a BB and say another store like circuit city has it for $x.xx amount and they usually 95% of the time just match it no questions asked.

I've only done this a few times though, but what I had to back up on was SDvR07 was $29 for 360 and could have said I mistaked it, and OB was $39 for PC, again another mistake ;) but it worked and was fine buying em at those prices. Best to usually only go $10-$15 lower to make it believeable.

[Geddy Peart]

What's the difference between an XBox 360 "arcade" console and an Xboc 360 "pro" console. I was just looking them up on Game Stop.com and I didn't really see a difference other than arcade console comes with 5 built-in arcade games (pac-man for example) and the pro console comes with a headset for Xbox Live.

However, both consoles have all the same features in terms of wireless controllers, Xbox live, etc.

The arcade console is also a lot cheaper, but is there really a difference between the two?

[Zombie]

What's the difference between an XBox 360 "arcade" console and an Xboc 360 "pro" console. I was just looking them up on Game Stop.com and I didn't really see a difference other than arcade console comes with 5 built-in arcade games (pac-man for example) and the pro console comes with a headset for Xbox Live.

However, both consoles have all the same features in terms of wireless controllers, Xbox live, etc.

The arcade console is also a lot cheaper, but is there really a difference between the two?

Arcade doesn't have a Hard Drive. The Pro has a 20GB Hard Drive. Arcade has a 256MB memory card you put into the controller. That's the biggest difference. The HD is $99 which you'll end up buying anyways eventually. You really do need a hard drive to be honest. Some games use it to "install" to it so loading isn't as long sometimes. Also you'll more then likely want to download demo's, game content (add ons), etc... You won't be able to fit stuff like that on a 256mb Memory Card.

Plus I think the games are just Demo's, as in not fully unlocked or able to get achievements for. It probably just allows so many levels then ask's for you to buy the full version. Some arcade games can be small and you maybe able to save some more on the card, but some of the "newer" games not the old arcade classics meaning, you'll need more room. The Elite is black and has a 120 GB Hard Drive. I think you can buy the 120gb HD seperate but I'm pretty sure it's not cheap.

[Kat]

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10097572&catid=23363

I might buy one of these tomorrow. It isn't a bad deal and it comes with two games.

[Geddy Peart]

Arcade doesn't have a Hard Drive. The Pro has a 20GB Hard Drive. Arcade has a 256MB memory card you put into the controller. That's the biggest difference. The HD is $99 which you'll end up buying anyways eventually. You really do need a hard drive to be honest. Some games use it to "install" to it so loading isn't as long sometimes. Also you'll more then likely want to download demo's, game content (add ons), etc... You won't be able to fit stuff like that on a 256mb Memory Card.

Plus I think the games are just Demo's, as in not fully unlocked or able to get achievements for. It probably just allows so many levels then ask's for you to buy the full version. Some arcade games can be small and you maybe able to save some more on the card, but some of the "newer" games not the old arcade classics meaning, you'll need more room. The Elite is black and has a 120 GB Hard Drive. I think you can buy the 120gb HD seperate but I'm pretty sure it's not cheap.

So I should go for the pro or elite console then?

[Zombie]

Yeah, I got the Core which is now the Arcade and bought the HD seperate because when I got mine they were still hard to find and the core's were the only batch to have came in at the time. I personally think the Pro with 20gb's is good enough for me. I have filled it up a few times but that's with alot of demo's downloaded but eventually I delete them, wether it's something I'll eventually buy or just didn't like. Really no reason to keep them. Also with video content as well. Movies you DL will stay on the HD even after they expire but once they do they're really no good unless you buy it again.

If you like black though and plan on doing a ton of DL'ing then go with the elite also if you have the extra money. I think the 120GB HD seperately goes for around $150-$170'ish. So consider that with like the Arcade and buying that HD seperatly and or the 20gb seperate for $100 and plus if you get the headset that's another $30-40 or $50-60 I think for a wireless one.

If my 360 goes out again and I take to Best Buy (cause I have a 2yr warrenty) since they don't have the "core" anymore I'll ask if I can just get like a Pro or Elite and just pay the difference.

[Geddy Peart]

Thanks for the info Zombie.

[Joe Strummer]

I might buy a core eventually so I can get HDMI and stability. I'm surprised my May 2006 model has lasted so long-never had a problem with it. It is a replacement tho cos my first died.

But still, I'm so paranoid with this thing cos I know eventually it will red light on me, but if it doesn't, I will be scratching my head. But the HDMI is very attractive to me since my TV does not have VGA or DVI. But I may just go and spring for a PS3 just for the Blu-Ray player, but I'm sure stand alones will drop in price when I get around to purchasing one sometime next year.

[Zombie]

Thats how I feel about my 360. I'm on my second one I think, maybe 3rd, can't remember now? But I've had this one since around Spring-ish I believe and haven't had any issue's and I've played long periods of time or have left it on for a long long time. Same ventilation as my other one(s), I'm hoping it doesnt go out. I don't want to have to go through going and getting another one, but if it does and as long as I still have the Best Buy warrenty then it's ok. I just don't want to go through the Microsoft way and having to send it in.

My PS3 has had no problems since I got it in Feb/Mar area. Granted I don't play it as much but I've watched alot of movies and have had my share in long gaming on it to, but I haven't heard any issue's on PS3's unless it was user caused like had it in a cabinet with no breathing room and such. But I also think the 360 Red Ring is kind of overrated and it's just things for people to make something out of nothing and I don't think it's happening as much now as it has as Microsoft has said they have found the issue on why it's doing it and been repairing and making them better.

[Jason's Storm]

That's pretty bad if you are on your second or third, and its been out a little over two years. It makes you wonder, how bad did they designed/built the systems?

~JS

[Jigsaw]

Does anyone know if any future X-Box 360 models will be able to play Blu-Ray DVDs? I've heard that HD-DVD is being discontinued, and I know the X-Box 360 plays HD-DVDs, but seeing as the format is being discontinued, will future models be able to play Blu-Ray DVDs? I ask this because of the next-generation consoles that are out now, I'm leaning towards the X-Box 360 for my next big purchase.

[Zombie]

HD-DVD has not said anything that they're throwing in the towel or being discontinued as of yet. Its just all speculation because Warner Brothers & New Line went exclusively to Bluray. Microsoft has stated that if the BR format does eventually win and there is no more HD-DVD's then it's a possability that they could come out with a Bluray add-on device much like the HD-DVD add-on drive. However they havent said for sure if they would or wouldn't.

I would think they would if and when it comes to BR ending the format war and being the sole High Def Disc out there, but can't say for sure. Alot of people speculate the only reason Microsoft is continuing the format war is they're wanting both to lose out and end up having Downloadable Content as the big thing. I don't see that happening though.

I personally would rather OWN a disc in a box with cover art then downloading a "virtual" movie that's stored on a HD. The only thing I'm for downloadable content is for when you/I would want to "rent" something. Like if we would normally go to a video store to rent it instead of purchase a movie since it would be alot easier to stay in our home and just order and download it. The other thing though that comes with that is the "wait" of downloading something. Usually people want to start watching whatever it is right then and there. Like I'll go out, get some Pizza's come home and put in a movie from Netflix that came in and have pizza and a movie right then and there. I would hate to go out come home, start the Download and then wait for it to get to a point that I could start watching it, which by then would probably be done eating. Also I don't think the quality of movies on Xbox Live (HD Version of a movie) is the same as on a disc. I downloaded Return to House on Haunted Hill and while it was "clear" and was better then a Standard DVD quality you could still tell though it wasn't "true" HD.

My friend has been the only person I know to test both downloading and then watching it on an actual disc. That was with the new TMNT cgi movie. He first downloaded it from XBL and got the HD version. When I told him how awesome the fight between Leo and Ralph was in the rain on the rooftops and other scene's, he said it didn't look that "stunning/amazing" like I was telling him. I only have and seen the Bluray version. He also got it on Netflix and when he watched the HD-DVD version then he said he could now see what I was meaning and then he even noticed a huge difference from the downloaded version and to having the actual disc.

So I think HD-DVD will eventually lose the format war which will lead to discontuing them, but that time still hasnt came yet. With more players coming out with both BR & HD compatability then I can see that extending the format war longer then it should (even though I think the 360 w/hd-dvd add-on & the PS3 is ALOT better then standalone high def players and loads way way faster) but if and when it does I'm sure Microsoft will release a BR drive as well. But they won't even hint or confirm that untill HD-DVD is truly dead and discontinued.

So I would say go ahead and grab a 360. You gotta look at it's primary reason which I'm sure is for the games so you won't be dissapointed. Even during the time you can grab the HD-DVD Add-On as well. Because even if BR wins everything, there will still be the older movies that were released HD-DVD only still on HD-DVD and can always buy/keep those. Then if you haven't gotten a PS3 by the time BR has won (assuming it does become the one and only HD format) we'll know if MS will release a BR player or not. I wouldn't be surprised though if they're already working on one and testing it as we speak. Also if that does happen, the add-on will probably be like $200 or more (depending on what the price range is for stand alone players I'm sure) so you'll still end up spending a pretty good amount so just in case MS doesn't release one and the format war has ended and they confirm they won't be, you might have enough saved up by then to get a PS3?

Then by getting a PS3 you'll have a BR Player and another great "Next/Current Gen" gaming console with it's own exclusive must have games that are only on the PS3.

As for a time frame? I would estimate for the format war to be done with by Summer'ish - Fall'ish time, or at max by the end of the year but would assume before the holiday season. Then the only big question would be when would MS release a BR Add-on, that I would say around the holiday season if the format war ends around the summertime and also if they've already begun creating/testing one. If not then probably sometime next year. E3 is in March I believe so even by then some things could be answered. I have both so I'm good either way and not worried :D :p

[Jigsaw]

Thanks for the information, Zombie. I'm strongly leaning towards the X-Box 360, but if I get lucky money-wise this year I'll probably also get the PS3 and also hope to get the Wii. I'd like to own all the major consoles some day.

[Brett H.]

The thing about the HD add-on is that your 360 isn't going to work for long in all likelihood.

[Zombie]

The thing about the HD add-on is that your 360 isn't going to work for long in all likelihood.

Why wouldn't it? Mine has been fine and I've had the HD drive since like Feb/Mar of last year. Also my friend has had it on his 360 since it came out and has no issues with his 360. Matter of fact he uses the HD Add-On & 360 ALOT more to watch movies then he does playing it. I always give him shit for "spending" $400+ on a GAMING CONSOLE to watch movies lol.

But seriously, I've never had an issue since having the drive and I use my 360 primarily for games. I'll use the HD Drive here and there but I only have like 2-3 movies on HD-DVD and the rest are Bluray. If a movie is on both HD/BR when I'm renting on Netflix I just get the BR as I feel they're slightly better quality and usually faster to come then HD-DVDs. So my gaming is mainly on my 360 and movies are on my PS3 although I will use it for gaming as well once I get into it starting to play ffrom time to time. Just right now I'm into Halo again.

[Jigsaw]

Another question I have about the X-Box 360, is it backwards compatible with games on the original X-Box? The original X-Box has quite a few games I'd like to play, and if the XB360 is backwards-compatable, it'd save me money from buying the original X-Box.

[The Dream Master]

It's backwards compatible with certain games. There's a list out there somewhere. I'll try to track it down.

Added: and here it is (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Xbox_games_compatible_with_Xbox_360).

Since it's a Wiki article, I have no idea how reliable it is.

[Jigsaw]

Thanks for the list, TDM. Sounds like only very few games aren't backwards-compatible with it, and by owning an XB360 you also more or less own the original XB. Cool.

[Sketch Sanchez]

FInally made a 10,000 point gamerscore.

I dont really care about that kinda stuff, but I have to admit that I WAS shooting for it the past month or so.

[TheShowstoppa]

I highly doubt I'll ever hit 10,000 points. I'm mainly just shooting to play games and gamer points don't really concern me all too much.

Shit - I've had my 360 since november and have yet to rack up 1,000.

[Sketch Sanchez]

It will, it kinda creeps up on you.

I took almost 2 years, but after a while you kinda start going "ooo sweet" when you see "Achievement Unlocked"

[skuppy]

Finally got a Xbox 360. My brother wanted to sell his for $200, so I jumped on that opportunity. He had one of the versions with a hard drive (and has already been repaired by MS for the "red ring of death). At any rate, what are some games should I go for? I'll let it be known that I'm a cheapass when it comes to games, no more than $20 per game! I usually raid the USED bins at gamestop (within the past year, I've amassed over 100 xbox / ps2 / gamecube games), so now I plan on going the xbox 360 route. I picked up Sonic the Hedgehog (kids really like Sonic, so its more for them) and Tomb Raider: Legend so far. Any suggestions on what else to get? Dead Rising and Dead or Alive 4 are some other titles I'm wanting to get. I'm really looking for some fighting games, but not sure what all there is on the system. I believe VF5 is on the 360, anything else? What about 2d style fighting games? And before anyone says anything about xbox live arcade, I'm still on dialup, so that's not an option.

[Spade]

I say without a doubt pick up Dead Rising. The game will give you hours and hours of fun.

I'm heading off to work now or I'd try to think of some more for you.

[Sketch Sanchez]

Pick up Street Fighter Anniversary Collection, Capcom Vs. SNK 2, and (if you can find it) Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 all are backward compatible.

Other than that, there aint much in the way of fighters on 360 because, well there havent been that much fighting games period. Just DOA 4 and VF5 for right now, Soul Calibur 4 later this year, and Street Fighter 4 sometime in the future. Not many 360 games are under 20 bucks, and if they are-they're usually terrible. Most of the good to great games are, at minimum, 34 bucks. Most of the launch titles are 20 and under but I wouldnt go as far as to recommend them. Perfect Dark zero is 20 bucks but its a mediocre shooter made even more mediocre this year. Kameo is like 17 bucks, its okay-I suppose the kids would enjoy it.

All the other games you would hear about (dead rising, gears of war, Lost Planetetc) are 34 and up. Condemened might be 20 bucks, it also most likely is 24 bucks, but i'd totally recommend it.

[skuppy]

I seen Condemned for $20 and was thinking of getting it.

I have those fighters you listed already (and then some!).

[Spade]

If you have seen Condemned for $20, I'd definitely pick it up if I were you.

Other games to be on the lookout for are Dead Rising, Gears of War, Lost Planet, Hitman Blood Money, and Enchanted Arms (if you like Final Fantasy type games). Sketch is right about the price though. It would be hard to find them for $20, but I think if you look around you probably will find a few of them for $20. You can probably find Lost Planet, Hitman Blood Money, or Enchanted Arms for around that. And if you ever see Oblivion for that price be sure to pick it up.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

Condemned it probably one of the most underrated games out there. It's creepy as like Silent Hill, and as cool as it's own messed up CSI. C2:Bloodshot comes out in March. Deffinatly picking it up.

[The Dream Master]

Well, my launch unit finally contracted the Red Rings of Death about a week ago. I've sent it off to be serviced. I kind of figured it would happen eventually.

I just think it's so strange that I've had pretty much every console since the Atari 2600, and the only two that have crapped out on me have been the original X-Box and now the 360. :shifty:

[Biosynthnut v.2]

My lunch one also did it, but was the only console ever to do so. Though this was also a week after I did the Dead Rising 7 day survival mode. Leaving th system on for 3 days straight...probably burned it out...

Also rumors that MS, might be doing a BR add on, and or possibly putting in BR drive into future 360's.

[The Dream Master]

Yeah, my brother had apparently been playing a ton of Rock Band on it, so I'm guessing that had something to do with it.

[skuppy]

I picked up Dead Rising today ($30 brand new, which seemed to be a great deal). I really really dig this game! It's just as good as I thought it'd be. I almost picked up Condemned, but D.R. was calling to me and I couldn't wait any longer. lol

Anyone see that Aliens game in the new issue of Game Informer? WOW! That looks like it's going to kick ass.

[Spade]

I picked up Dead Rising today ($30 brand new, which seemed to be a great deal). I really really dig this game! It's just as good as I thought it'd be. I almost picked up Condemned, but D.R. was calling to me and I couldn't wait any longer. lol

Anyone see that Aliens game in the new issue of Game Informer? WOW! That looks like it's going to kick ass.

Yeah Dead Rising will give you hours and hours of fun. It has a very big replay factor. And $30 is a good deal. I bought it when it first came out and I still play it every now and then.

I got that issue of Game Informer and that Aliens game looked really good.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

And if you like DR, check out Left4Dead.... By Valve. The game is gonna be sick. And in MP you can play as zombies!!

[skuppy]

Is that game out or coming soon? Anything with zombies, I definitely want to check out.

[Zombie]

Would you fucking believe that my fuckin 360 finally died! Yea, I know, I'd believe it to if anyone else had said it also lol. Well like I was just saying that I was thinking it was pretty soon or had this feeling, and sure enough, it died just as I was starting to play Army of Two for the first time tonight (first time powering on, as well as the first time I've played in like almost a week, then before that was like 4-5 days it wasn't played as well) and just after the "Arggo" tutorial and it was loading/bringing up the cut screen and showing the country at the bottom the screen froze and looked like one of those security camera screens that they show in movies, like the monitor when the camera goes out and it's all gray and fuzzy, kind of boxy looking. So I was thinking that might have been part of the screen for a little bit, like if I was supposed to be watching a video feed or maybe watching a monitor from a satilite feed in the game while it briefed me or something lol.

So I got up to reset it and the controller shocked the hell out of me. Like a bigger shock then a little static shock but not big big that it made me jolt or anything, and the controller was plugged in charging. So I turned it back on and first time it came up to the RROD, so then I went and unplugged everything and let it sit like that for a little bit. I come back after a few mins and plug everything in and turn it back on but open the disc tray to take the game out just in case I wouldn't get another chance lol then it came on fine to the dashboard and signed me online (and I switched controllers now and just put two batteries in another one this second time) so I switched screens/blades and so everything looked good and thought it might have been just the controller and maybe the cord??

So I put Army of Two back in and that loaded fine and I was texting my friend that it actually came back on after I sent him the message about the RROD. By then the preview cutscreen was playing like the one that will show on most games when just letting it sit on the beginning screen, and then boom, it froze again with that gray fuzzy "monitor" screen again so then I know it was going to be dead. So power down and did everything again and sure enough now it just botts to the RROD even though I've unplugged everything again.

So, damn.. I think this is the same time frame my other one broke last year. Well maybe a couple of months later then March because it was when the Spiderman 3 game just came out. It's also funny how now I have this itch to play all kinds of different games, like I just bought the Virtua Fighter 5 fighting stick controller and still had not tested it out and was going to try tonight, along with wanting to play Madden, Dead RIsing, hell even Spiderman 3 lol

Still unders Best Buy's ext warrenty so can just get a brand new one. ALso since the core is now done with I might be able to get a Pro or an Elite and just pay the diffrence which I'd rather do then get the Arcade one since thaat's the one that pretty much replaced the "Core" version.

So we'll see what happens and I'll update people lol

[Biosynthnut v.2]

Also sony and MS are in talks about a Blu Ray add on player. If it even happens, it could and I don't see why it wouldn't happen.

[The Dream Master]

Zombie, was your's a launch unit?! Because if so, that's strange that your's finally shit out on you around the same time as mine.

Added: Nevermind, I see that you've been through this before. In fact, hasn't this happened to you multiple times?

[Zombie]

Yeah, this will be my 3rd time I've had to take it back in 2 years. I originally bought my first 360 on 2/22/06. That one broke and exchanged on 11/6/06, then that one died & exchanged on 5/13/07, and that one which I had up till now has just died and going to get exchanged today sometime. So this new one I get will end up being my 4th brand new console. Since these all have died when it's been under my two year warrenty then I haven't had to send it in to Microsoft.

It technically would have been out of the 2 yr warrenty now but when I first had to get it exchanged Microsoft still hadn't renewed the warrenty for a year yet, so I think I was outside my MS warrenty so it had to be exchanged under the 2yr extended warrenty that I bought from Best Buy. So that ended up extending me till November of this year. When the one I had died in May of last year it was still under MS warrenty because it was extended to 1 yr at that time so I didnt have to renew my 2yr warrenty again, but thankfully I did get it renewed in November 06 because then I would have had to send it back to MS this time.

I don't know if it's just my luck, or it just being a 360? Maybe it's because I keep getting "Brand New" one's and never sent them to MS to get repaird/refurbished? Because it seems like the failed rate of getting one back from MS warranty replacement is alot lower then getting a brand new one I believe.

I'm still not "bitter" against MS. Again it could be my fault since I just exchange it at the store instead of sending it in, but I don't want to wait 2-4 weeks or however long it is now to send it in and get it back, so that's why I just take it back to Best Buy, especially since it was something I paid extra for, so might as well as use it right? It's amazing how many times though I've had to get a new one when my PS3 still is running just fine and never gave me any problems, as my PSP (well I just got a newer slim one but even the original one I had was fine also for when I had that one) and then we go down to my original consoles of my reg xbox, gamecube, dreamcast, and if I still had my PS2 that probably would still be fine as well. But all of those I never had broken down on me (knocks on wood!)!

They still don't have any Elite in though, I would rather get that one this time because of the bigger HD. Since they don't have Cores anymore I get to get whichever I want and just pay the difference and I paid $300 for mine so that would be credited to me and then the difference of whatever I get. So that's why I don't want to get an Arcade version since those are "cheaper" as a total and then if that breaks down then I have to just stick with that one. So might be awhile till I go in to exchange it, unless I just get the Pro system, but that's only a 20gb drive and while that would give me 2 seperate ones I wouldn't want to be taking one off and then putting another one on. I'm just hoping if I get an elite that there's a xfer cable so I don't lose all the stuff on my HD that I have now and or losing game saves especially for games like GH3 and other new ones I just got.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

Their is a rumor of them doing away with the prem 20gig. for a 60gig prem. And I want to say they would be getting rid of the arcade pro all together.

Personally I hope they do, that way devs don't have to compensate for HHDless system.

Zombie..... Considering the newer falcon boards have been out for awhile... and I believe the Lot# on the box should like 175 or something like that.... If you do some research on it, you have a better chance of getting a 360 that won't crap out on ya.

Luckly my elite is going strong so far so good.

The 360 having a 16% failure rate isn't good....but out of 18M consoles sold....that's only 2.8M
systems..

And circuit city has a deal if you buy Condemmed 2 you get part one for free.

[Zombie]

well I got my new 360. I didn't want to wait till they got an Elite in, I did try to just get my money back altogether so I could have went across the street and get an Elite there since they had 2 in stock but they could only give me store credit. I also tried to fight it because when I first went in I was standing in line for customer care. Then when I was about to be the next one called the *Fat Ass Bitch* (that was a bitch towards me even when I worked there) asked if I took it to the "Geek Squad" and I said "no". So then she tells me I have to do that first before they could help me, so I asked if I would lose my spot or have to go in the back again (this is already waiting about 10 mins and the line had gotten even bigger since I went into it) and she said "yes" like in a rude/sarcastic way. So I said when going, why they didn't tell me that when I first got in line or while I had been waiting the whole time since they had seen me with it, they just waited to tell me till after I had already been waiting and was about to be next, on top of the geek squad line getting bigger then when I showed up.

However, I got done with the geek squad and I go to the front because the people that were ahead of me went and got what they were exchanging and went all the way back to the front instead of going to the back of the line and they were helped on as soon as the FAB* was done helping whomever they were instead of getting the next person in line and telling them they had to go back in line. So when I point that out to them, they just keep saying I have to go back in line and ignoring the fact those other people got to "cut" in front. So I do and wait another 8-10 mins. I told them to have a manager ready and there for when I came up because I didn't want to speak or work with either of the bitches. When he comes (and this isn't a real manager mind you) and they of course talk to him about what has happened because I wasn't being "shy" about what had happened. I tell him about already being in line to only be told I had to go wait at the end of another line, and then coming back getting back at the end of this line again, yet the people ahead of me got helped, went and got the other thing they wanted or was exchanging for and then just went back to the front and got helped right away and that I DID NOT want to purchase another thing from them much less even wanted to step foot in the store again (hinting that the store credit wasn't good enough because I did not want to give anymore of my money/time to them.) and just said I wanted "My money back so I could go across the street and buy an elite 360 since they didn't have any as well as not wanting to do business with them anymore" this guy of course tries to apologizes and says they can only give store credit and then tries to use the "You used to work here, you should know that" line and acts like if he knew me. Thats why I said a "so called manager" because he wasn't wearing a "suit" like the real managers do and then I don't remember him working there when I did which leads me to think that the FAB* told him that I did. He wouldn't let me speak to no one else, so really had no other choice then to just do the exchange.

I had to rebuy the 2 yr warrenty again and then pay the diffrence on the Pro, I tried to say "Why do I have to pay MORE money for a system because YOU GUYS don't have or offer the "Core" anymore on top of not even having the Arcade version in-stock" so still just trying to work the system and get something for nothing lol, but they explained that they can't do that blah blah blah, and that I paid $299.99 for the Core and they'd be more then happy to "credit" that back to me on a gift card and can use that $300 on anything I wanted, but they couldn't give me $50 for free basically. So just paid the diffrences and made sure that I could "exchange/return" it within 30 days no matter what and they said I could. So what I'll do with that is just wait till they have the Elites in-stock and then just return the Pro in and then use the money/credit for that towards the Elite and then just pay the diffrence on that. Only because I was just about to buy the 120GB HD seperatly like a couple of weeks ago since I've gotten my income tax and my work bonus, but now it's a good thing I didnt, but since I was gonna buy it seperate, it's cheaper to just get the Elite and pay the diffrence, at least I also get a black 360 as well which I kind of perfer so it'll match next to my PS3 lol.

So that was my experiance today. Had I not worked there or the FAB didn't know that I had or knew me, and or I was able to talk to a real manager BEFORE they go and talked to him/her I probably would have been able to get my money back and not just as a store credit. Then could have just went to Circuit City across the st and got what I really wanted. But oh well. I'll still hopefully eventually get one (which still kind of debating since I have all white controllers and then just bought the Virtua FIghter 5 Fighting Stick) when they get a stock of em and we'll see then.

But now that I rememberd the white controllers and stick, I just snapped about the HD-DVD Player add-on drive and that's white also... Did they make a "black" one that would match the Elite 360? If they did then I would buy one of those since they're just $50 bucks and could probably sell my old/white one for like $30 to someone at work or something. But damn, I didn't snap about that. That would look worse then having white controllers lol I would possibly put it somewhere else but there's really no other place to put it where I have all my electrical components in this one stand/cabinet thing, cause the "free" space that I have now that used to be just the 360 and or PS3 in it, is being used for my controllers, charging wires, etc.. and if I put it in there it would look kind of silly just the one small drive in the big space. Then if I have it on top of my 360 which is next to my PS3 then it would look even more funny with 2 big black consoles and then a white box lol

Guess I'll have to really think if it's worth it lol Ugh, but I also don't really like the "platnium/silver-metal disc tray on the Pro. It actually makes it better matching with the HD drive, but I liked the Core since it was just all white in the front. I always thought that metal disc tray looked kind of funny on the 360's especially after having the Core system. Even my friend who got a Premium/Pro (on launch) also ended up liking my 360 better because of it just being all white and his had the platnium/silver disc tray.
ADDED:
I was also wondering if someone can verify/confirm this or just possibly answer (but looking more if its been verified for sure and or confirmed by someone else doing it) that if I were to delete stuff off my Hard Drive like say some map packs that I bought or got for Free, other game content, and or even full games like arcade games if I would be able to re-download them at another time again at NO ADDITIONAL COST/POINTS? Especially the stuff I've either paid for or got free because of a special promotion but it's no longer free anymore?

There's alot of stuff I have downloaded that I probably won't play again while I have the game (and I don't really plan to trade/sell them since it's like a rip-off) and was wanting to just free up useless space, but if I decided to play that game or maps again (mainly like thinking the Rainbow Six and GRAW 1&2 maps and or packs and the Madden/NBA 07 stuff) then I can re-download again at no additional cost? I think mainly the Red/Black package that was for R6 costed money and still might, but there was a promotion that they were free during a certain period or they might of just ended up being free forever altogether, I'm not sure because when I view them, they just have a check on it. So I can't see if it was something I paid for and or if it's still free. I also have the Lost Planet map packs 1-3 for multiplayer since they were free when I got them but I never played MP for that game nor do I really ever plan to, so that's another I've been kind of wanting to delete for the time being since those are kind of big and just wasting space.

The checks kind of make me think it's something I can re-download at no additional cost or charger but I just want to make sure because I don't want to have to re-purchase them again either. Also are they tied to my gamertag or my HD Serial Number or even Console Serial Number? Because now I have a whole new console but I just used the same HD so everything is back working again. I never created another user name or profile so I don't know if I'll have the problems that people have with multiple profiles and downloaded content, when they've had to have their 360 repaired by MS?

Thanks again in advanced.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

Anything you downloaded is attached to your gamertag, the only downside is...to use it you need to be online. So the main servers recognize it is you. The 2nd downside is...only that gamertag can use those items. So if you have more then one account on the system....they can't use any of the DLC. But reading that you only have one profile you're fine.

[Sketch Sanchez]

It's attatched to both your gamertag AND the 360 you originally downloaded them to. Like Bio sez, the downside to that is that the only way you can use your DLC, watch your vids, or play your arcade games is by being signed online. Even if you bring the HDD to a buds house to use on his 360, it wont work unless you're signed onto xbox live-which sucked for me because my friend has no internet so when I want to show him stuff or play all of my rock band songs, I still have to bring my actual box over.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

On Joystiq.com. LA Noir could no longer be exclusive to PS3. Since SCEA stopped funding Team Bondi from further development. So....with out the funding it could land up on both...

Another reason for me not to bother with the PS3.....except God Of War3.

[TheShowstoppa]

I think I'm going to crack down and buy a PS3 when my stimiulous money comes in. I have nothing else I want to spend it on.



.... That's a lie. I want my 47" TV I've been eyeing for about 2 months.

[Zombie]

Well gotten 2 recent games beaten finally. Beat Army of Two yesterday and that's a pretty fun game, it's better co-op but still single player was good. I havent tried Multiplayer yet. Also beat Rainbow Six Vegas 2 just a little bit ago. I love that game so far. Only played MP once but that's because I was more into single player and just wanted to try a quick DM. I'll be playing MP alot more now and then kind of start the campaign again on realistic mode. It was tough as shit on just normal so I know it'll be harder on realistic but I beat the first one on that mode so I should eventually be able to on this. I think R6V2 only got a bad wrap with some sites because they compare it with games like COD4 and Halo 3 and this is a way way different game then either of them. Even more different then COD4. Oh well, the people who believed the sites like my friend and ended up not getting it are the ones that lost out, not me.

I have so many games and so little time that I'm going to start making a schedule. I want to play alot of my games but I can only play so long and of course need sleep cause of work. So gonna do like for example, Mondays I'll play R6 online and offline, maybe also COD4, devote like an hour to each. Then Tuesdays NBA2k8 and Madden or maybe Thursdays for Madden and then Wednesday go to Halo 3 and something else. Weekends I'll do a mix of everything or do the games I still need to beat like Devil May Cry 4, Bioshock (yes I've had it for awhile now and still barely played it) and I think some others, Orange Box (well Half Life 2). I don't want to trade my games in because I've spent alot and now that gamestop is or has been with EB they've been a rip off now to trade games. Before they were the best and would give out better value for trade ins, but as soon as I heard they were with EB I knew it was going to get worse and sure enough it finally did.

They'll give you like $20 for a game but then still sell it for $50-55 depending how new it is and how much it's selling brand new. If gamestop was on their own still I bet you I could take in like COD4 or something recent/popular and get $35+ for it. Now I think it's $25 maybe $30. So that's why I want to do a schedule just so I can play games that I've been wanting and meaning to but never do cause I play something else.

Hell even tonight I wasn't going to play but figure I'd try a level or two and before I knew it I was at the end so just finished it.

[skuppy]

Not sure why people give Gamestop a hard time. They're a business. They can't be profitable if they're going to give you a lot of $ for a trade-in.

[Zombie]

There's one thing I don't understand, I was going to make this question as a seperate thread but figure I'd just post it in here since it's primarily a question about the 360. But anyways, why is it that any game you download and save to your HD on the 360 end up still "Loading" during game play?

It could be like Street Fighter 2, in between matches and charectar changes it loads? I can kind of understand the online portion but single player? Thats also for the majority if not all XBLA games all load in-between and it's annoying because you'd think that since it's downloaded and stored on the HD or even a memory card it shouldnt have to load like a CD-Rom/DVD-Rom or whatnot.

The PS3 doesn't do that. Yes it takes a little time after downloading a game and then it has to "install" but it still doesn't load like the 360. Maybe when it first starts but from there? Nope, or at least not that I know of because everything is super fast (Tekken and MK2).

Is there any reasons for this on the 360 compared to the PS3?
ADDED:
Not sure why people give Gamestop a hard time. They're a business. They can't be profitable if they're going to give you a lot of $ for a trade-in.

Oh and to answer your question. It's because of all the devious shit that they do in the stores. They freaken bug the fuck out of you to reserve games even after saying NO. I usually have to say No like 5+ times before they get it through their heads. If there is something that I may want to reserve just to not take a chance or something or if it comes with something really really good for reserving it then sure I will. However, when I go in there 99% of the time I'm not going to reserve anything and don't need to be smothered with reserving this or that. Now when I say "devious" on their ways, if you/I happen to reserve something but then end up getting it somewhere else or just decide that we don't want it anymore they won't always just give you your money back. Instead they give some BS speech saying it can't be done and it HAS to be moved to a different game.

Maybe it's not all of them, but it sure does seem like it, especially when I see it all over the internet in other sites that have comments or talks about Gamestop/EB. Also this is the BIGGEST reason. The receipt AND their little sign in the store says "Opened accessories and all used items can be RETURNED/Exchanged within 7 days." now the word RETURNED to me means returned for your money back? I think that's how most people would read it also? Also in the beginning part it says "Unopened new items can be RETURNED/exchanged within 30 day." however each store I went to only will allow me to "return" the item for store credit if the accessory is opened/used no matter if it's 30 or 7. Yet, they tell me that if it wasnt opened then I could "return" it and get my money back. NO WHERE on the receipt on the back or in the store on their little sign or anywhere says "For store credit ONLY" (or same thing if something is wrong with it). I mention this because I was going to buy the VF5 arcade fighting stick at one time but I asked them "can I return this if I end up not liking it for whatever reason and just get my money back?" and EVERY store I went to all said nope, but they would let me return it for store credit. Even when I point and show them their "policy" and the wording they just look at me stupid and know they're in the wrong but won't change their mind or what they told me. I was concerned because it was $60 for it, yet I didn't have anything else I wanted from there nor did I want store credit if I didn't like it.

I did finally eventually bought it because it was only $30 when I did go get it, so that I could live with if I didn't like it or something. I was going to return it because it can only reach so far but just ended up not going through everything with them. If they change their wording or policy and make it clear that "refunds" are only with unopened stuff and stuff that is open can only be returned for store credit only (or same software if it's a game or something like that) then I'd be fine with that. But it doesn't and that's why I hate them so much on top of all the other stuff.

They used to be cool and I would always trade stuff in before they merged with EB because they gave me a better value for stuff I went and paid full price for, but they had to merge with the big boys and all the good stuff came to an end and they were just another corporate company out to rip people off. I ended up just losing like $10 or so on games I hard reserved but ended up getting them elsewhere because it was easier and closer but never did they let me just have my money back. One EB person told me that wasn't right and they even called the GS store and they got them to give me my money back but it was way out of the way from where I was at so it wasn't worth going all the way there for like $10, so just said fuck it and ate the loss. Pluss all the lies they say to get you to reserve like "x amount of people have it reserved now and thats the only way to get it" yet every/most recent games I have gotten recently that they said I HAVE to have a reservation for I was able to just go in and buy the game with no problems and or w/o them saying "oh we only have reserved ones left".
ADDED:
Ahhhh.. I just found this site after posting about why I dont like GS that much, and sure enough a whole site dedicated with how a lot of other people dont like them. Along with stories very similar to mine, especially the $5 reservation issue's and not being able to get it back... Oh and on top of them begging you to reserve a game, they also beg you to hell to get you to buy their "edge" card which does have some good things if you buy alot of your games used all the time or trade stuff in alot. But if your like me and just usually buy games NEW and very rarely trade stuff in then it has no point. Now while I do have one, it's only because I was trading in ALOT of stuff one night, and it just happened that if I had the edge card (or got it then before the actual transaction for the trades) then it would have given me even more store credit for what I was already trading in, so thats why I ended up with it...

Oh and this is the other big issue I have with them. When they tell you that by reserving a game you'll get a code to unlock something or maybe you get "extra" stuff/codes if you reserve and get the special/limited edition version of a game, yet you come to find out that it was also included in the normal version along with the code(s) online. My example of this was Ninja Gaiden Sigma. The guy flat out told me that the code for the "unlockable mission/level" whatever was ONLY for the Limited Edition. That the regular version would not allow you to input it or unlock it at all. So I ended up getting the LE version and pay the extra $10-15 for it. When I finally got it, I got it in the regular case with just a slip (oh that was the other thing, a LE case/box also) and yes whil it di have a "slip" on it but it was paper slip. Wasn't a tin or holographic or anything to make it "special". Then when looking for this "code" it was nowhere to be found. They insisted it was there on the extra dvd which also was just in a slip case, so not even the box was a special box to hold the extra DVD and on top of that the case is bigger then the reg dvd box for the game, so you have to have the game case and the slip case for the extra dvd for it to hold it snug. So I watched the DVD and finally noticed inbetween chapters or whatever there was stuff like "up, triangle, down, etc..." but one at a time where you had to go and sit and watch the whole thing writing it down as you saw it. SO it was more hidden then just being there to use. Then I come to find out that the code was online and it worked for BOTH the reg edition and LE. I didn't really want to pay extra for it since I already had the original one for xbox along with the downloadable packs, I was just getting this so I had something else to play on my PS3 along with seeing it in HD.

I was and am just pissed how he lied about it to make me buy the LE version. Also I "reserved" it because supposedly they werent going to have alot left or just had like 1-3 for people who didn't reserve and the rest were for reservations and that I could ONLY get the Ninja Gaiden free t-shirt by reserving the LE version which again to was a lie. It was just for reserving the game you got the t-shirt, if you got the LE version though you also was supposed to get this way cooler case, extra dvd, and a code to be only used on the LE version. THats another reason I NEVER believe what they say anymore about things that it comes with and just how exclusive it is..

http://gamestopsucks.blogspot.com/

I did a google search and there's a ton more sites dedicated to how bad their service is.

[NiteMare Shape]

Oh and to answer your question. It's because of all the devious shit that they do in the stores. They freaken bug the fuck out of you to reserve games even after saying NO. I usually have to say No like 5+ times before they get it through their heads. If there is something that I may want to reserve just to not take a chance or something or if it comes with something really really good for reserving it then sure I will. However, when I go in there 99% of the time I'm not going to reserve anything and don't need to be smothered with reserving this or that. Now when I say "devious" on their ways, if you/I happen to reserve something but then end up getting it somewhere else or just decide that we don't want it anymore they won't always just give you your money back. Instead they give some BS speech saying it can't be done and it HAS to be moved to a different game.


I see what you're saying. But one thing that you have to understand is that they get evaluated on several things, and one of those is game reservations. If they continually fail to reach their reservation goals they can (and do) get fired, or are subject to other disciplinary actions. Right from the get go they are told to ask for reservations multiple times. Alot of them hate it, but have to do it because it is an important part of their job. Same thing when you buy something at Sears, or Best Buy, or even Home Depot and they try to get you to buy the service agreements. If they fail to sell them to enough people, they get punished. It sucks for the workers, and it annoys some customers. But its the way the company does business.

[Jason's Storm]

That's funny, because at wal-mart, when the prompt for the service agreement comes up, we ask them if they want it and if they say no, we just say "ok", and move on.

~JS

[skuppy]

I've never gotten bothered with reservation requests at Gamestop. Perhaps the local Gamestop is actually one of the better ones. Now that I think of it, I may have been asked once to reserve a game yet been in there numerous times. My only complaint with Gamestop is that some of their used games are a bit scratched up. Seems like they don't even check games when they purchase them used. It's annoying as I had to return a few games because of scratches.

[Zombie]

I received my $50 gift card from Best Buy yesterday for the HD-DVD Player 360 add-on. I can't remember if I paid full price for it or if it was on sale as I looked everywhere for the receipt when I first heard the news to see if I even qualified and couldn't find it, so I was unsure if I got it there or Circuit City again like I did with the first one I got and then returned. Then I got the call about it and that I would be getting one so I just left it at that and waited.

Pretty good timing as GTA4 comes out at the end of the month and there's really nothing else I want that much. I don't even care or want GTA4 all that much just because I've never really have gotten into those kind of games. All the other GTA games I've played for awhile, maybe beat like 50% of it or less of the story mode and then most of the other time just drive around and do random stuff for a little bit then I get bored. Same happened with St's Row. So being able to get it for free (also have like $10-15 in reward zone certificates I haven't used) is a bigger incentive to get it right away. I kind of wanted to get Dark Sector but that has passed and I'll just wait for it as I'm not in a hurry to get.

So if you qualified for one, I'd be expecting them in the mail soon.

[NiteMare Shape]

well, I'll finally be getting my 360 in the very near future...getting over a grand back in taxes and I think I can finally break down and buy the damn thing (I've been wanting one for a long time, but I've been doing the "responsible" thinkg and holding off until I can spend the money without it hurting). Should be a week or so, then I'll have it....I'm kinda excited

[Zombie]

Here's a pretty cool site if you like to track, compare, etc.. about your 360 achievements, game completions, and stuff like that.

http://www.my360stats.com/ (http://www.my360stats.com/)

Here's my stat page on one of the links in my profile. I like how it has every game I have and how much I need to go to get to 100% for each game. Achievements can be good or bad, but they really defined and made games alot more fun to play. I used to be all trying to get achievements any way or shape and or raising my score however I could, even if it was just to rent a game for a quick easy 1000k points, but for awhile now, I just use/get them as they come and mainly doing it "legit". I've never "boosted" with another player like for online games. Also just use them to help me go back and play a game I haven't in awhile trying to be a "completionest" for the game. Like I finished COD4 and since then I haven't really played it that much, but I will still for the MP, although right now I'm back to trying to cap out COD2 once again, so I finally popped that game back in..

But anyways, here's a screen from my profile lol

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/jmontoya/bb.jpg

[NiteMare Shape]

Well, I just got my 360 on Saturday, so far I'm enjoying it. Though I don't have it online yet. But I'm enjoying myself nonetheless

[Monkey]

Well, I just got my 360 on Saturday, so far I'm enjoying it. Though I don't have it online yet. But I'm enjoying myself nonetheless

You can't go wrong with the 360. Especially if it's the only system you're getting in this 'next generation'. There is a wide selection of games, something for everybody.

I picked up my third 360 a couple months back. I sold my first two after being disappointed. Only liked Call of Duty 2 the first go-round, then played the hell out of Oblivion the second time out.

This (final) last time I picked up the Orange Box, Gears of War, Halo 3, and Bioshock on the same day. They're all similar in theme, with the Orange Box being my personal favorite. I'm still on the first stage with the other games, as I just don't have the time. I bought my brother a 360, too, and we managed to fly through Halo 3 in one sitting together. Halo has always been one of my favorites, although it's overrated (IMO).

I find myself playing Blizzard games on the PC nowadays, though. However, Resident Evil 5 is the game I'm looking forward to. Also, if the 360 ever supports a mouse & keyboard, I might go that route & play some strategy games. (it might already have mouse/keyboard support, I don't know, I'm pretty much out of the loop and that kind of thing).

Gotta love geometry wars. The simple games are sometimes the best... now if they'll only release some old arcade compilations...

[Sketch Sanchez]

Well my 360 red ringed on me yesterday morning, only an hour or so after I got my call from Gamestop concerning GTA4, arent I the luckiest duck in the house.

Why couldnt this happen when I was playing nothing but Rock Band for 3 months? Why two days before the biggest game of the year comes out?

What a shit load of fuck.

[freako104]

Dial 1-800-4-myxbox

It has a trouble shoot. It can help (did when I had a red ring originally. Was a wiring problem and was fixed. Got another red ring and this time had to send it in).

[Zombie]

Damn that does suck big time. Sorry to hear that, although don't worry, GTA isn't THE biggest game of the year. That'll go to Gear of War 2! ;)

[Sketch Sanchez]

hahaha good one zombie

[Biosynthnut v.2]

RROD......DAMNIT SON OF A BITCH FUCK!!!:mad::mad::mad:

Thank god for a warrenty.

[French Friday]

I just got my X-BOX 360 a few weeks ago, my first new video game since the Nintendo 64 many years ago ! I can't believe I put video games aside so many years, but now I'm back !

I'm currently playing with Race Driver : GRID and Gears of Wars, I now try to finish games before playing others so I just play those two for the moment, with GTA4, Colin McRae DIRT, Burnout Paradise and Bioshock waiting on the shelf.

GRID is one hell of game !! It's really the perfect car races game, with everything you need !

And at least, now, I'm "active" before my television set ! :D

[Speck]

I saw on Screwattack.com daily news that the price of the 360 is supposed to go down about $50 soon.

[Monkey]

If they go through with another price drop, you can easily expect another spike in sales of the console (and more distance from the PS3).

I find it amusing how so many people thought that the PS3 was going to run away with it, and they're taking a beating in sales compared to the Wii and the 360. By the end of the year, the 360 should surpass the original X-box in terms of overall sales.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

20 gig out.
60 gig in.

Netflix is on Live (gold members only).

New Dashboard in the fall, a "cleaner" version of HOME.

Bungie's announcement is tomarrow :D

Activision announced Wolfenstein, their is also a article on it in the new Game Informer. It's sandbox style, with alternate dimensions and more nazi occult killing etc. I for one can't wait for it.

[The Dream Master]

Anyone have an inkling of Bungie's announcement? Sure it's not going to be something predictable like Halo 4?

[Biosynthnut v.2]

It is Halo4, and MS had them cancel it at the last minute. Saving it for another time.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

Wolfenstein trailer (http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/wolfenstein-trailer-and-images-are-occult-tastic/) A longer version of the teaser. :D

[Kat]

I want to buy a 360 I think... convince me....

[FinalBeyond]

Convince you? Ok then.

The 360 is a fantastic console. Having played both it and a Wii, I definitely find the 360 to be more fun. There's some fantastic games, even with genres I wouldn't typically play, such as Mass Effect, Halo 3, and others. Graphics are nice, all plays at a good speed, and the gameplay's just as good. Rather nice to save to a hard drive, rather than a memory card, too, as a side note.

Then you've got the catalogue of back compatible games for the Xbox. While not every release for that console works, most of them do, and they're damn fun. Looking at the Xbox and PS2 versions of Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, I'd have to say the Xbox looks better to me. And once you've got past that library, you've got the downloadable games. Classics like Sonic, or new masterpieces like Braid (by the way, probably the best puzzle/platformer game ever, this goes out to everybody), a wide library there as well... Add in the fact that you can download demos of practically any 360 game...Essentially, no shortage of games.

If you don't mind putting out a bit of money, there's some fantastic downloadable content. I've just played through what's essentially an expansion pack for Mass Effect, and it was fantastic. Then you've got little things, like alternate costumes for Ryu in Ninja Gaiden 2. No big change, but I find it nice.

Of course, every generation of consoles will seem better, but just on a personal note, I'm astounded by it. When I consider the glitchy, difficult nature of my PS2, it's a godsend. In fact, considering how utterly stupid the limited internet setup of the PS2 was, just being able to plug an ethernet cable into my laptop and the 360 and share the connection, it's excellent. I haven't found a fault with the console yet. Plus, a heck of a lot cheaper than the PS3.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

And the 100 price drop on the 7th of sept.... If that doesn't convince you I dunno.

[The Taff]

I own every modern console.

While the Wii is a hoot and a half when you got people over, as a mainstay console, I'de go with the 360 over the PS3 and the Wii. PS3 just feels clunky, doens't have that solid a library yet (If they ever will), and the Wii by itself feels a little lackluster.

There's just more ot say and do on the 360, and Xbox LIVE is the greatest thing to happen to console gaming in years.

[Kat]

And the 100 price drop on the 7th of sept.... If that doesn't convince you I dunno.

Know if that will be happening in Canada too?

[Biosynthnut v.2]

As far as I know it's all over.

And Duke Nukem 3D is being released on XBLA in sept...or oct.

[The Taff]

And Duke Nukem 3D is being released on XBLA in sept...or oct.

A year ago I would have told you to knock it off, because that joke's stale.

[FreddyKR]

To whomever is thinking of buyng the 360, if you get one, please do yourself a favor and buy Oblivion...my favorite game to date, it will last you a long ass time.

[zombie extra 3]

I am thinking about getting a 360 but I'm worried about RROD.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

That's almost non existent now. The new boards are better built, and I have yet to hear anyone that has gotten a falcon board or the new jasper boards and have it RROD on them. And if it did it's very very few now. I wouldn't worry about it.

[The Taff]

I have an original Lauch model, I have yet to experience this "RROD" phenomenon.
ADDED:
Looking to have a Splinter Cell Double Agent game on Sunday on Live, if anyone wants to participate. I havn't played it in a long time and the people still hanging around the game are, how do you say.....exclusionary...

[Sketch Sanchez]

I have an original Lauch model, I have yet to experience this "RROD" phenomenon.
ADDED:
Looking to have a Splinter Cell Double Agent game on Sunday on Live, if anyone wants to participate. I havn't played it in a long time and the people still hanging around the game are, how do you say.....exclusionary...

Damn dude I didnt know you had that game.

I just bought it a few weeks ago cuz it was on the cheap but returned it after beating it cuz almost no one was online.

[DouglasJ]

Convince you? Ok then.

The 360 is a fantastic console. Having played both it and a Wii, I definitely find the 360 to be more fun. There's some fantastic games, even with genres I wouldn't typically play, such as Mass Effect, Halo 3, and others. Graphics are nice, all plays at a good speed, and the gameplay's just as good. Rather nice to save to a hard drive, rather than a memory card, too, as a side note.

Then you've got the catalogue of back compatible games for the Xbox. While not every release for that console works, most of them do, and they're damn fun. Looking at the Xbox and PS2 versions of Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, I'd have to say the Xbox looks better to me. And once you've got past that library, you've got the downloadable games. Classics like Sonic, or new masterpieces like Braid (by the way, probably the best puzzle/platformer game ever, this goes out to everybody), a wide library there as well... Add in the fact that you can download demos of practically any 360 game...Essentially, no shortage of games.

If you don't mind putting out a bit of money, there's some fantastic downloadable content. I've just played through what's essentially an expansion pack for Mass Effect, and it was fantastic. Then you've got little things, like alternate costumes for Ryu in Ninja Gaiden 2. No big change, but I find it nice.

Of course, every generation of consoles will seem better, but just on a personal note, I'm astounded by it. When I consider the glitchy, difficult nature of my PS2, it's a godsend. In fact, considering how utterly stupid the limited internet setup of the PS2 was, just being able to plug an ethernet cable into my laptop and the 360 and share the connection, it's excellent. I haven't found a fault with the console yet. Plus, a heck of a lot cheaper than the PS3.

Even though the purpose of this post was to convince someone else, you've convinced me. I shall buy one as soon as I have the necessary funds.

[The Taff]

I hope this overhall in the fall update isn't as hideous as it looks. I like the blade system.

The avatars look fun, though. More detailed Miis.

[FreddyKR]

Taffer, you got a link that shows pictures of the new update? I haven't heard anything about it, I too like the blade system.

My 360 died last week, not RROD but the video wasn't working on any tv, and it didnt work with other cables that I have so I sent it in. Hope to get it back soon in time for all the great games coming out!

[Monkey]

Fable 2 is supposed to come out in two weeks (21 October).

That seems kind of soon, unexpected, though I admit that I haven't been following up on it. I will definitely buy it, along with RE5 next year, however those will probably be the last 360 games I'll ever buy.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

Tekken6 (http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/microsoft-confirms-tekken-6-for-360-fall-2009-release/) Confirmed. For those that want, can know have it.

[Monkey]

I tried to pick up Fable 2 at my local BX (base exchange on the Air Force base for you civilian-types)... no such luck.

If Hannah Montana released a new 360 game, you can bet your ass they'd have it the day it's released. If a game is popular (Super Mario Galaxy, Resident Evil 5, Halo 3, etc.), the BX never has it. I like to shop there because there's no sales tax (almost 9% in Washington state), but you need patience.

Anyways, while I liked Oblivion, it seemed empty at times (a lot of walking around with no action). Hopefully Fable 2 has a faster pace. It's supposed to be open-ended like Elder Scrolls games and is about 10 times the size of the original. My only concern is that I'll get addicted.

[FreddyKR]

Well I hear it's pretty good, though I guess the environment is larger but not very good. Personally, I never got bored with Oblivion. I hearted it.

[jasonlives13]

fallout 3 and quantum of solace next week, can't wait for them and the week after is gears of war 2 and smackdown vs raw 09 gonna be a good gaming season

[Biosynthnut v.2]

Fable2 is amazing looking..... Reviews said it has some pop up issues.... But I haven't encountered any of it so far.

[The Taff]

November 22nd, 2005 - October 28th, 2008

For a launch model, she really hung in there. This evening I got the Red Ring of Death when I woke up. Lucky the problem is still covered by the extended warrenty.

Oh well, I still got my original xbox, my Wii, my PC and my PS3 till it gets back. Out of the 188 games I own, only 36 are for the 360. I should be good.

[The Dream Master]

Yeah, my launch model went out earlier this year, too. For what it's worth, the turnaround from Microsoft is pretty quick, so you shouldn't be without it for long.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

NXE video (http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/video-tour-new-xbox-experience-exposed/) Preview of the new update, for anyone that wanted to check it out.

Also Fallout3......A couple of my gf' friends have it. GET THIS GAME!

[jasonlives13]

Im gettin fallout 3 on friday I can't wait =D

[The Taff]

Fucking THIRD time I've had to request repair on my console since it crapped out on me. Customer service is a fucking joke everywhere.

[Sketch Sanchez]

I just joined gamefly-too many games and not enough funds. I've bought Fable 2 (which is fantastic) and Far Cry 2(which is flawed but good) and my next purchase will be Left 4 Dead. Everything else will be rented (including Gears 2) from now on, hopefully ill save some cash this way.

[FinalBeyond]

New Xbox Experience released today.

Thus far? I think it's awesome. First off, the avatar beats the Mii to the ground, and then urinates on it. Much more detailed, more customisation, and altogether a rather excellent character maker. I've made a fairly accurate version of myself, which is good. The Mii I made looked oddly female, due to the limited selections of long hair.

The new layout and stuff will take some getting used to, but it seems good thus far. The games library is definitely easier to navigate. Decided to download the Penny Arcade theme to make everything look a little nicer.

Finally, installing games is awesome. Soul Calibur IV plays like a dream. Everything loads quicker, and the Xbox is near silent while doing it.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

And according to some ads in game mags. Netflix is free for 2 weeks. And Sony has ganked all of it's studio's from streaming on the 360. Due to "licensing" issues. i.e. we don't want our stuff on a competitors system. Even though if you stream it to a PC which 99% use a Windows OS is NOT an issue. *ROLLEYES*

[jasonlives13]

I think the new layout takes a bit to get used to, but I don't really see the point in installing games on the hardrive

[Biosynthnut v.2]

I think the new layout takes a bit to get used to, but I don't really see the point in installing games on the hardrive

Cuts down on load times, some benefit from it like RPG's and action games like Gears or Ninja Gaiden2. Others like Halo3 do not. And cuts down on the dvd drives noise.

So far average save is about 10 to 15 seconds off of some games. Ps3 does it with some games but not all of them, and I have no idea if you can do it with all games.

[FinalBeyond]

It cuts out loading almost altogether with Soul Calibur 4. Matches load instantly.

Also, as well as cutting down noise, it reduces stress on the drive, which may come in handy a few years down the line.

[jasonlives13]

Yeah but since ive ony got the 20Gb hard drive im not installing a 6.0 Gb game for a little faster response, at first I thought I could install the game and not need the disc but, not im like whats the point

[FinalBeyond]

Myself, I'm quite happy to reduce the strain on my console, and cut out any loading times. But if that's not important to you, then it's not compulsary.

[Zombie]

Yeah but since ive ony got the 20Gb hard drive im not installing a 6.0 Gb game for a little faster response, at first I thought I could install the game and not need the disc but, not im like whats the point

thats how I feel to. I personally don't think the loading times are all that long or troublesome in most games that it's going to really benefit me for a whole few seconds faster. There's some that I can see it might or could help on but 3-6 gb or more is just to much on a 20 gb hd like i have as well. I;m hoping my 360 will go out with a RROD soon so I can exchange it for a 60gb 360 since I have the 2yr warrenty at best buy and that's what i would get since the pro with 20gb hd is not in stock anymore.

one game that i can think of that it would make a big impact would be MK vs DC as the videos i've seen with it compared to the ps3 version actually do have a long load time, so if that was to take away load times completely then I could actually see that being installed and I would maybe go through on trying it for that, but I only have like 5-6 maybe could squee2e 7gb's out of it as it is now and that's with misc stuff all deleted like trailers, videos, and demo's and all... but as far as game content is I think it said like 12gb's last time I checked so i'm using most of it as it is already...

Even though your taking less strain off your disc spinner and all your putting more strain and heat on the HD now by installing it to there. So either way there's still strain on the system one way or another.

[jasonlives13]

Yeah I mean it takes long enough to install a disc anyways, so by the time thats done, theres not much point, see its playing off the hardrive but you still need the disc, I don't see the point for an extra couple of seconds cut down

[The Taff]

My xbox got back today, and this is the only thing I've noticed thus far about "the new Xbox experience."

The friends list sucks. I want a goddamn list that just tells me who's online and what they are doing. I don't want to have to scroll through a fucking avatar gallery just to see what everyone's doing. Not only that, the stuff behind each avatar has NOTHING to do with what that person is currently engaged in. I just want to know if someone's online and if they are, wha tis playing, and I don't want that to take me 20 seconds beyond what it should.

I havn't tooled around with much else yet. But that's the thing that stands out the most right now.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

Uh.. it's the samething but instead of scrolling up in down on a friends list. You scroll side to side, you still see what they are playing, the stuff in the background is just stuff....the premium themes put different stuff behind them. Like the Halo3 or Gears 2 themes have vehicles behind them.

[FinalBeyond]

Sonic Unleashed is properly released for the 360 in Europe today, so hopefully my preorder will be waiting for me in Game. It's got pretty much universal praise from fans, if not from reviewers, so I should love it.

[Geomonic]

I have a 360 and don't have any idea what games I should be buying....
any suggestions? I fancy a game like Gears of War 2 or Fallout 3, what would you suggest?

[FinalBeyond]

If you haven't got it already, Mass Effect would be a good move, I'd say. It's a fantastic RPG, but with action sections that should be fairly easy to adapt to from Gears' system. Fairly similar controls, as I recall.

I've gone through the storyline 6 times, just taking different paths with my character, so there's definitely replay value there. As a sidenote, if you make a female character, she has the same voiceactress as Naomi Hunter. :p

[Killa Pimp]

I have a 360 and don't have any idea what games I should be buying....
any suggestions? I fancy a game like Gears of War 2 or Fallout 3, what would you suggest?

Gears 2 = "THE TRUTH!!!!"
But play the first one if you haven't... the story expands greatly in this one.
they take up to about 10-12 hours to finish apiece.


Left 4 Dead is Great as well

Its basically a zombie Apocalypse game - but its got like 5 different scenarios with multiple levels... its made for Multi player on line - but the single player is awesome as well.

[NiteMare Shape]

Gears 2 = "THE TRUTH!!!!"
But play the first one if you haven't... the story expands greatly in this one.
they take up to about 10-12 hours to finish apiece.


Left 4 Dead is Great as well

Its basically a zombie Apocalypse game - but its got like 5 different scenarios with multiple levels... its made for Multi player on line - but the single player is awesome as well.

Really? I was under the impression that single player sucked. But that's just what I've heard, I don't have any experience with the game, so I don't know one way or the other.

[SaturdayThe14th]

I'm currently experiencing the red circle of death. This sucks. I should of got a PS3. everyone I know that has a 360 has had the red circle of death. Everyone I know with a PS3 has had no problems. Sonsabitches!!!

[Speck]

I'm currently experiencing the red circle of death. This sucks. I should of got a PS3. everyone I know that has a 360 has had the red circle of death. Everyone I know with a PS3 has had no problems. Sonsabitches!!!

Do you know about the towel trick (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avWs4-wD15w)?

[Geomonic]

I think I might pick up Gears of War at some point; looks quite good!

---

Is there a way in the game Dead Rising to make it lighter when it's night? Because it's fucking hard to see where the zombies are when you have no light whatsoever. I've had the game for months now and I've never got into it, although everyones raves about how amazing it is.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

Should be in option settings...Though I don't recall their being any. Besides the zombies eyes glow red.

[jasonlives13]

I'm currently experiencing the red circle of death. This sucks. I should of got a PS3. everyone I know that has a 360 has had the red circle of death. Everyone I know with a PS3 has had no problems. Sonsabitches!!!

Depends what year you bought it, ive had mine for little over a year and its been great, you probably have one of the earlier models, and you should have a warranty which will let you replace the xbox for another brand new one

[Geomonic]

Ended up picking up Assasin's Creed and Kane & Lynch, as part of a '2 for £20' offer. Anyone have these?

[CosmoBubba]

Is there a way in the game Dead Rising to make it lighter when it's night? Because it's fucking hard to see where the zombies are when you have no light whatsoever. I've had the game for months now and I've never got into it, although everyones raves about how amazing it is.

Go into a toy store and pick up one of those pink plastic swords. As long as its in your inventory, it'll light things up a little bit.

[jasonlives13]

Ended up picking up Assasin's Creed and Kane & Lynch, as part of a '2 for £20' offer. Anyone have these?

Clocked assasins creed, very good game, and I got about 850 gamer points out of a 1000, and im not really that hard pressed at gettin hard achievements but most of them are easy, Kane and Lynch from what Ive heard has a good story but decent gameplay

[CosmoBubba]

Well, this is fucking wonderful. I turned on my 360 just now and got an E74 error.

[The Taff]

Ended up picking up Assasin's Creed and Kane & Lynch, as part of a '2 for £20' offer. Anyone have these?

Assassin's Creed is a good game, worth quite a few hours of fun. Some people seem to have problems with the combat. It plays more like a timing game than a hack and slash, which I like. More percision and finesse.

Kane and Lynch I own because it wa smade by IO Interactive. Not their best outing, but it's a fun game ot blow through. I have yet to try the multiplayer on it, but I hear it's interesting.

[Geomonic]

I'm enoying Assassin's Creed so far; not a great deal of the way through it (only taken out two of the nine targets) but it seems a lot of fun.

The combat is annoying me at times, the fact that although I defend loads but still get injured is annoying. Also trying to find certain things on the map using the 'step' thing is annoying, when I spend an hour looking for something when I actually needed to go a mile out of the way, go round a different route (which sends the step thing haywire) to get to it.

However it's not a real gripe, and the game seems a laugh.

It reminds me of the game Gun funnily enough, I don't quite know why; maybe it'sthe horses, maybe the fact you can roam wherever but still have a set job to do... God knows.

Haven't started Kane & Lynch yet, but I will once I've completed this game.

[Sean [The Wildcard]]

Microsoft faces new Xbox 360 reliability accusations (http://videogames.yahoo.com/feature/microsoft-faces-new-xbox-360-reliability-accusations/1274293)


Remember last week's story about Jason Johnson, the Illinois man who sued Microsoft over his Xbox 360's alleged habit of scratching his game DVDs?

Documents unsealed in his court case revealed Microsoft discovered its Xbox 360 could scratch discs before it went on sale in 2005, and even got as far as considering three possible solutions to the problem, the Seattle Tech Report revealed today.

The characteristic circular scratches can occur whenever the orientation of the console -- which is designed to be used in either a horizontal or vertical position -- is changed while the drive is spinning. Johnson filed his suit after his console scratched three store-bought game discs, and is seeking $50,000 in punitive damages.

Testimony obtained from a Microsoft program manager indicates that Microsoft became aware of the problem months before the 360's launch when retail demonstration consoles malfunctioned. The company examined three solutions: strengthening the magnets that hold the discs in place, slowing the rotational speed of the discs, and installing rubber bumpers to cushion the discs, but rejected them all. Installing the bumpers could have cost as little as $0.50 per console, the suit claims.

It's not the first time Microsoft has come under fire for alleged foreknowledge of Xbox 360 hardware issues, either. Back in September, an expose penned by VentureBeat writer Dean Takahashi claimed systemic failures in Microsoft's design and quality assurance processes lead to the Xbox 360's now-infamous overheating "Red Ring of Death" failures.

[jasonlives13]

My fifa 09 has a near perfect circular scratch going round it, and I havent moved the console or anything and its never done this before

[Geomonic]

Snap, today my PES 09 got a perfect scratch right the way round it, totally fucked.

Not a happy bunny.

[jasonlives13]

Snap, today my PES 09 got a perfect scratch right the way round it, totally fucked.

Not a happy bunny.

Odd thing is mine still works? When I play online after about 6-7 matches in a row before kick off it will ask me to clean the disc and I just go to the dashboard and load it up again

[aerokissfloyd]

Yo

I just got a 360 today

Add my gamertag

Obliterate13

[SaturdayThe14th]

for all the money they charge for these systems you think the quality would be a little better, right? how many out there have gotten the red ring of death and had to ship it away? my 360 freezes more than any other system i've ever owned. and i have been through many a game systems in my time going back to atari. i've never had problems like i've had with the 360. all my friends who own one have experienced the same problems as well, some have had to ship theirs in twice! should of got a ps3... then i would buy the blu ray friday the 13th 1-3 special editions.

[jasonlives13]

for all the money they charge for these systems you think the quality would be a little better, right? how many out there have gotten the red ring of death and had to ship it away? my 360 freezes more than any other system i've ever owned. and i have been through many a game systems in my time going back to atari. i've never had problems like i've had with the 360. all my friends who own one have experienced the same problems as well, some have had to ship theirs in twice! should of got a ps3... then i would buy the blu ray friday the 13th 1-3 special editions.

You know what pisses me off, the fact that I pay £40 for a game, brand new and sealed, then I have it for 2 months and its got a perfect circular burn around the middle of the disc, and it hasnt happened to any of my other games, so I think its something to do with ea this time, oh and I usually wait about a year before buying a new console, since the first batch usually have a tendency to fuck up

[FinalBeyond]

Just got an E74 error. Had a graphical glitch last night, but didn't think too much of it. Now it's not working at all. Tried unplugging everything, and that didn't work.

I think I'm still in warranty, so hopefully all will be well.

[jasonlives13]

Just got an E74 error. Had a graphical glitch last night, but didn't think too much of it. Now it's not working at all. Tried unplugging everything, and that didn't work.

I think I'm still in warranty, so hopefully all will be well.

Fuck sake man sorry to hear about that, its pretty fucked up mate, you know even if it is still in warranty, its still a fuck on, packaging it up and sending it off to microsoft, then waiting for it to come back

[sooners4life98]

I hope I don't get the rrod. My friend bought me the 360 this past month for my birthday this month. He has had one for a 1yr and some change and his is ok.

[Violent VictiM]

Just got an E74 error. Had a graphical glitch last night, but didn't think too much of it. Now it's not working at all. Tried unplugging everything, and that didn't work.

I think I'm still in warranty, so hopefully all will be well.

I had a similiar problem where my disc tray wouldn't open, and eventually after trying to open itself for a few minutes it'd just shut off. When I'd go to turn it back on, it'd struggle and repeat and eventually didn't even attempt. It would just turn on and power off.

I, completely by mistake, trying to turn it back on had plugged the power chord into the wall before plugging it into the back of the XBOX which apparently you can't do. The machine wouldn't turn on and I felt doomed.

One night I was just so distraught over it that I tried it again. This time pluggng it in the correct way, again unknowingly, and it worked. Disc tray opened fine and I never had a problem again. I truthfully feel like accidently doing that resetted something and made it work.

\\\\\\\\\\\

I just found out you can view Netflix movies directly on your XBOX by setting up an "Instant Queue" on the website. Fortunate for me, this girl I was seeing had her ex-boyfriend's account info (which still works) so I've been stealing movies for the past week. I saw some stellar flicks.

So

[Zombie]

I can't believe my 4th one went out again. That one was just 2 wks shy of becoming a year old! I went to trade it at Best Buy like I normally did with all the others and they decided to try and give me a hard time about it saying that they're supposed to take them in and Microsoft sends me one in the mail in like 3 days or so, I argued and almost got into it with the stupid geek squad idiot because that wasn't the deal before on ANY of the previous 360's and that there was no way I was going to trust just leaving my 360 with them and what not. Not to mention that I didn't want a refurbished system.

Finally he said they would do it this "one last time" (my ass, I'll just take it to the other Best Buy, I know this guy was being an asshole just because I used to work there before, thats why I almost got into it with him because I had never seen or heard of some kind of policy like that before. Also since it was my 4th one then I could technically get all my money back, which he tried to argue with me about that as well but I knew better then him) so before I had the core systems and this last one I swapped out for the Pro system because there wasnt any core systems and this was before they had the Arcade system so they allowed me to upgrade. However this time I ended up upgrading to the Elite system.

I like the black console except that I have the HD-DVD player and when I hooked it up I realized how ackward it looks with the white player. So going to look on moving that somewhere else. I also have my 20gb HD hooked up to it because I want to transfer my stuff to the 120gb drive rather then starting brand new again. Has anyone gotten the data transfer cable from Microsoft or maybe bought the 120gb HD that has them and then returned it after they used the cable?

Just wondering which would be easiest to get ahold of the cable instead of waiting forever if Microsoft takes to long...

Well here goes to my 5th console and hope this one last's, I'm certainly getting tired of these crapping out. None of my other consoles has had this kind of trouble. Hell my PS3 I've had for 2yrs now is the same one but of course I dont play that much as the 360 but I've put it through long periods of use before. I just cant understand why the 360's keep dying on my...

[jasonlives13]

Ive still had my first one from November 2007 and mines been fine

[TheShowstoppa]

I'm not going to say anything because I know the second I do, my XBox will go out and I'll have to get a new one, and I don't have the money, A, and then B) I would be pissed the fuck off if that happened.

I've been playing Gears of War 2 so much with a friend we've collectively added up almost 6,000 kills. There's NO FUCKING WAY I'm going to beat the Seriously 2.0 achievement.

That's another thing - Why is it so fucking difficult to get achievements? I don't think some of them warrant the points you get - IE 30 pts for Seriously 2.0. If I log enough time to get 100,000 kills, I want like 250 pts or something! SHIT!

Anyway - From what I understand, those XBoxes made for the Holiday season of 2007 were supposed to have the problem fixed with the heating core and that chip, I guess. A friend of mine left my XBox on all night (fell asleep) and I was scared shittless that it was going to die on me. Come to think: Him and I wound up playing it for nearly 12 hours 2 weeks ago.

[Rick]

I don't know if it's my system or my copy of GTA4, but the damn thing freezes every 5 to 20 minutes.
Anyone else have this problem?
This is the only game my system freezes up with, but a friend was saying he's had the same problem with a couple other games when there's a lot of stuff happening all at once.
Unfortunately mine freezes regardless of what's going on, driving, walking, going through a door, loading screens.

[FreddyKR]

Try installing the game to your hard drive...I heard that works.

[Rick]

I didn't even know you could do that.

[jasonlives13]

I didn't even know you could do that.

Yeah when they upgraded the dash last year they included the option to instal games onto your hardrive, though you still need the disc to play the game, it just supposedly helps it run smoother

[Rick]

I'll try that. Thanks for the info.

[The Taff]

Yeah when they upgraded the dash last year they included the option to instal games onto your hardrive, though you still need the disc to play the game, it just supposedly helps it run smoother

Depends on the game. Halo 3 actually runs worse when installed on the hard drive.

[jasonlives13]

Depends on the game. Halo 3 actually runs worse when installed on the hard drive.

Woah I didnt know that, though I havent installed any onto my hardrive anyways, it only really benefits people who have the 120gb hard drive

[The Taff]

Xbox 360 outsells PS3 in Japan....for the fourth time: http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/xbox-360-outsells-ps3-in-japan-for-fourth-time-four-horsemen-dr/

[Just Jeans]

Microsoft are finally getting smart about how to market in Japan. I seem to recall the original Xbox never really caught on over there, but with the 360 Microsoft had the good sense to snag a ton of exclusives with companies like Square-Enix. Those exclusive RPG titles will move consoles like mad in Japan. If by some fluke of nature Dragon Quest X happens to release on the 360 as an exclusive, it'd be a huge coup for Microsoft.

I'm not really a console devote -- I've spent as much time playing my friend's 360 while I've been staying here as my PS3 -- but I'm really worried about the future of the PS3. In a perfect world both consoles would exist with their own unique exclusives and a large number of multi-platform titles, but the world isn't perfect and even gaming companies are at war with one another. It irks me that so many franchises that I like are going exclusive with the 360, because it leaves me with a PS3 that's only about half as geared up as I expected it to be, and I can't afford to buy a 360 as well.

As much as I've been enjoying playing some of the Xbox exclusives while I've been here, I still prefer the PS3 as a system. The XMB interface is more user friendly than the 360 dashboard, it's a good Blu-ray player, the online capabilities are free, music and video storage is more intuitive, and I prefer the PS3 controller (the bumper buttons on the 360 controller feel awkward and small in my hand).

If I could afford it, I'd have both systems on my shelf at home. But as I can't, I'm seriously worried I'm going to end up owning a system that's been abandoned by developers. It's not a good feeling. :(

[jasonlives13]

This will irritate the ps3 fan boys

[TheShowstoppa]

Look: Don't get me wrong, I love playstation. However, in trying to outdo the competition they kinda overstuffed the PS3 with gadgets and widgets they didn't need. Yes, they won the battle for the Blu-Ray and now hold the key to that technology, but in reality, what else do they have?

I think the control for the Playstation has been the best controller ever made, but when I picked up my PS2 controller after having my 360 for so long, it felt awkward. I just wish it wasn't so goddamn expensive so I could buy one.

However, I am not complaining one bit about my 360. It's probably the single greatest gift I've gotten recently and I've been playing it or using it EVERY DAY. No complaints here. :)

[FinalBeyond]

What I find more interesting about that article isn't that the 360 outsold the PS3. It's that it outsold the Wii. Good on Microsoft.

[Rick]

Try installing the game to your hard drive...I heard that works.
Yeah when they upgraded the dash last year they included the option to instal games onto your hardrive, though you still need the disc to play the game, it just supposedly helps it run smoother
Thanks for the tip. After installing it to my hard drive the game runs perfectly.
I've only got the 60 gig drive, but when I'm done I'll just uninstall.

[TheShowstoppa]

Red Ring of Death a thing of the past?

http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/playback/playback-34/1292808

[JP's Revenge]

Hey... does anyone know of a website that lists which movies are available in HD thru the Netflix streaming feature?

[The Taff]

ACK!

In the middle of playing Fallout 3, I suddenly recieved an error message saying the disc couldn't be read. Then the screen went black and the lower right quadrant of the RoL started blinking red.

I restarted the console, and it seemed to be functioning fine until I used a Wasteland medic. The screen faded to black and locked up like that. Now I'm afraid to boot up the console.

[TheShowstoppa]

ACK!

In the middle of playing Fallout 3, I suddenly recieved an error message saying the disc couldn't be read. Then the screen went black and the lower right quadrant of the RoL started blinking red..

Sir, you are about to recieve the Red Ring of Death. My advice: Take it in IMMEDIATELY and get it repaired.

[jasonlives13]

Anybody check the marketplace today, theres like 4 new demos including legends of wrestlemania, assault on athena, wanted and wheelman. ?

[The Taff]

Sir, you are about to recieve the Red Ring of Death. My advice: Take it in IMMEDIATELY and get it repaired.

Havn't had a problem since then.

[TheShowstoppa]

Sometimes it doesn't happen right away, but the first time you get a flashing red light, period, that means that the system's about to burn out. It might not happen immediately, but it's likely to happen soon.

[Scarecrow]

Having recently just got a Premium console, just after a bit of infor on TRRoD, and over-heating. Any general timeframes of continuous play that are recommended to avoid? I mean, i know thing shave advanced but I feel always better safe.

- Scarecrow

[TheShowstoppa]

They're saying that the consoles that came out around holiday season 07 and after have had the RRoD error fixed. I've had mine on for HOURS at a time, and practically played it for 12 hours one day, but so far so good. If I aquire the RRoD, I'll fucking cry.

[Rick]

So far so good for me too. I've played or hours. I've also left it on pause for hours at a time as well.
I've probably jinxed myself now.

[jasonlives13]

They're saying that the consoles that came out around holiday season 07 and after have had the RRoD error fixed. I've had mine on for HOURS at a time, and practically played it for 12 hours one day, but so far so good. If I aquire the RRoD, I'll fucking cry.

I got mine in winter 07 and ive had it on before and not even played on it and its been fine

[Zombie]

They're saying that the consoles that came out around holiday season 07 and after have had the RRoD error fixed. I've had mine on for HOURS at a time, and practically played it for 12 hours one day, but so far so good. If I aquire the RRoD, I'll fucking cry.

The one I had before last which was my 4th one I believe or maybe my third and now on my 4th? Well anyways, the last one I had I got aroun 3/2008 because when it died like a few weeks ago it was just a few weeks shy of having it for a year. That one was a brand new Pro system to because prior to that one I had a Core so basically when that died in March of 2008 I upgraded to the Pro because best buy didn't have anymore Core systems in stock and the "arcade" hadnt released yet. I did have to pay a little higher but that was no prob. Then because that died this year a few weeks ago, instead of just getting another Pro but this time with a 60gb hard drive I just upgraded to the Elite and had to pay $50 out of pocket for that upgrade. If I would have went with the current Pro then I would have got a $50 credit since the Pro is cheaper now then when I originaly got the Pro I had.

I so hope this one lasts because I'm about to go buy a 120gb hard drive just to use it's transfer cable and then just go take it back. But once that happens and I have everything to the 120gb HD (I'm still playing with the 20gb attached to the elite since I havent did the transfer yet) and if something were to happen which again I hope doesnt because if I have to take it back and I'm able to just get another one then I wont be able to keep the same HD and then for sure I'll lose all my stuff on it unless of course I was to go buy the 120gb HD seperatly and then give that one back when trading in the 360 if it broke but then that's like $150 for just keeping my saved games. I would still have to re-download everything again... Hmm maybe I won't even mess with the transfer cable...

Now thinking I might as well just start brand new again, but then I would have to go unlock all fighters again and or other things for certain games that I still play even on older one... Nah I'll get the HD for the transfer cable, use it, then return it and get my money back lol...

[The Taff]

They're saying that the consoles that came out around holiday season 07 and after have had the RRoD error fixed. I've had mine on for HOURS at a time, and practically played it for 12 hours one day, but so far so good. If I aquire the RRoD, I'll fucking cry.

I've already recieved a RROD before, though. I had sent it in for repairs. I'm chalking up the error from the other day as a fluke. I have yet to see anything come from it.

[Monkey]

They're saying that the consoles that came out around holiday season 07 and after have had the RRoD error fixed. I've had mine on for HOURS at a time, and practically played it for 12 hours one day, but so far so good. If I aquire the RRoD, I'll fucking cry.

Ugh. That's like a ticking time bomb. I picked up my last 360 around this time last year. So far, so good. Once the PS1 came out, the reliability and lifespan of your average console has gone to shit. My 360 and PS2 will give out long before my NES does...

[FinalBeyond]

My RROD was apparently a problem with the motherboard. I've got the console back now, and all seems to be working good as new. I was quite pleased that they gave me a month of Gold Live membership free, so I've been able to rack up some points on SF4.

[The Taff]

They give that month of Live free to make up for the month you couldn't play on it.

[jasonlives13]

I had to ring them up in order for them to remove my credit card off my account, and the call centre was in america!!!!, I know thats not strange since most people on here are from the states but I was like "shit" because my accent can be difficult to understand

[Monkey]

I've been very fortunate with my 360s, as I've never had problems with any of them. I purchased my first console in '05, but sold it quickly due to the lack of games. I then picked up another console to play Oblivion (amazing game). Once again sold it due to the lack of games.

Last year I picked up two more 360s, this time for Halo 3. I bought one for my brother, because he's a Halo fanatic. Once RE5 hit stores, I played it solo for awhile until my nephew came by. We picked up one more 360 (my fifth 360), so now we link up and play it. It is not very cost effective, but having a partner playing with you, on seperate screens is an amazing experience. I know you can play online, but it's not quite the same. Most people my age have outstanding credit card debt, car payments, and/or a family to support... I have none of these things, so I can (somewhat) justify the expense.

Again, through 5 consoles, absolutely no problems. I've always had problems with my sony consoles burning out personally. Just my luck, I guess.

I picked up Halo Wars... but it's just, boring. I had a copy of Dead Rising, but gave it to a friend because it collected dust (not my cup of tea). Still haven't made my way through Ninja Gaiden (too difficult, for me anyways), and never could get into Gears of War or Bioshock. The games are pretty good, but you only have so much time in the day, you know?

[Just Jeans]

I know you can play online, but it's not quite the same.

It's certainly much better than playing it split screen -- even on a 57 inch -- that's for sure. Mind you, the friend I tend to play with is someone I know really well, and we use headsets so we can chat while we play. We have a merry time (when my crappy internet connection isn't giving us issues). Initially, I wasn't very fond of the co-op aspects of the game, but now I almost never play alone. Even if it's some random stranger who just happens to bounce into my game, it's better than letting that annoying AI play Sheva.

I had a copy of Dead Rising, but gave it to a friend because it collected dust (not my cup of tea).

Love Dead Rising -- I play it on my friend's 360 when I visit him; I love using my own music while playing, since there's never a proper score except during cut scenes -- but I'm still bummed that Capcom refuses to port the thing to the PS3, but at least Dead Rising 2 is coming out on the PS3, so I'm looking forward to that.

...and never could get into Gears of War or Bioshock.

I've really been enjoying BioShock -- got it for the PS3 after playing it briefly on the 360 -- but I sat it aside for the moment to play Metal Gear Solid 4.

You know, one of the reasons I prefer the PS3 over the 360 -- one of the very few actually, because I enjoy both systems -- is the fact that a lot of games end up getting ported to the PS3 from the 360, and they almost always have added content and a little more polish than the previous versions. That doesn't happen so much when games are developed for both consoles at the same time, but ports always tend to get a little extra meat on their bones. Off the top of my head, games I can think of that have been given extra content for their PS3 versions are:

BioShock
Eternal Sonata
Alone in the Dark: Inferno
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena

Wish they'd port Gears of War and Halo to the PS3, but I know there's a better chance of snow in hell.

[Monkey]

It's 3:30 a.m. and I'm staying up so I can pull an all-nighter playing RE5 when my buddy gets off of work tomorrow. I have to make it through the night & try to do fire fighting training afterwards (if I show).

I thought I saw Dead Rising for the Wii a few days ago... must have been a watered down version, or I was dreaming.

[FinalBeyond]

Dead Rising has indeed been heavily watered down for the Wii. Less weapons, less zombies and no camera. Which pretty much removes a lot of the fun.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

Halo3 ODST, and NEW Halo:Reach (http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=Halo3ODSTE3)

Halo3ODST fallows events after the slipspace jump of Prophet of Regret on New Mombasa, as the covie have taken over the planet. Includes standard MP game and a new "Firefight" which looks kinda like Horde mode from Gears2. Something I would have loved to have seen since Halo2.

And Halo:Reach (if you've read Fall of Reach), this takes place as the covies have started glassing Planet Reach ( Where Sparten 117 and others were trained). Weather or not you get to play him...dunno. But the cover art suggests this would be a squad based game with a spartan team.

Epic is making a XBLA title that is a mix of Metroid/Contra which looks pretty cool.

Other E3 stuff,

Project NATAL, which takes the best of the Wii and puts it into a MoCap camera. So no controllers, has voice recognition, and scanning abilities( showed possibilites of using your own skateboard in demo). Looks interesting and no tvs will be harmed...by flinging controllers but you may punch or kick the person next to you.
Also Streaming full 1080p movies and shows with party view, you can invite your xbl friends and they can watch what your watching.
LASTFM, FM online radio to XBL, Facebook n Twitter also.
And Streaming X360 games, NO HDD needed just play.

[jasonlives13]

Also Metal Gear Solid is coming to the 360, though looks like we have to be raiden =(

[Just Jeans]

I never had a problem with playing Raiden in MGS2. It was a good way to tell the story, and as a character he's probably my second or third favorite. Not sure I'm so keen on playing Cyborg Ninja Raiden -- I certainly don't enjoy playing him in Metal Gear Online, he's useless -- but with a new gameplay mechanic, I suppose it could be wild fun.

[zombie extra 3]

Well, I'm must say I am a Sony and Nintendo kind of guy. But I gave in and I got my mom to buy me a 360. Mom bought the Arcade version so I have to buy a hard drive still (I'm looking to buy a used hard drive on amazon). I also got the extended warranty from gamestop. And I also got two games, Forza Motorsport 2 and NCAA College Hoops 2K7 (hey it was cheap).

[Monkey]

I still haven't played Forza Motorsport 2 or Blue Drago (pack-in games with my last 360). Are they any good?

Come to think of it, I had a couple of free games packed in with my X-Box and I never played them either. Blue Dragon might be fun, though...

Over the last several years, I've probably bought about 20 games, and I'd say that I only played half of them for no more than 2 or 3 hours (Ninja Gaiden, Panzer Dragoon Orta, Halo 3, Gears of War, Steel Battalion, etc.). They just sit and collect dust. Played the shit out of Half-Life 2 and RE5, though.

Once I get home, Bioshock will be my bitch.

[The Taff]

The new update is up. Includes a marketplace for your avatar, the ability to have a party watch a Netflix movie and game/content rating systems. Also a few small things like a display of years of membership in profiles, a personal achievement summary and the being able to show what you're watching on Netflix.

I had some Microsoft points left over....and I had no self control.

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/Master%20Taffer/avatar-body.png

I'm a weak fanboy.

[jasonlives13]

Ive been doing some digging around on the net to see if the xbox 360 DVD player is region free. I never thought it was but I recently bought Superman TAS volume one from Amazon.com, which was of course a US import and I put it in my xbox and it suprised me that it played. Now I don't have a modded xbox or anything ive had it for two years and I havent downloaded anything for it, apart from the offical updates on live. Just tried my On deadly ground region one and that didnt work. Superman TAS is deffinetly region one, even has the R1 logo on the back of the case.

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

Okay as much as I appreciate some technologies it's like the blind leading the blind with me sometimes so I apologize for possibly sounding idiotic, but...

My 360 has gotten that red ring of light thing goin' on. It just started within the last month. Now I CAN turn it on and it will run for a varying period of time then simply cut out and the ring of light blinks red... quadrants 1, 3, 4 I believe. Now I've tried troubleshooting my system and all that, and the only thing I can come up with is maybe my power supply has something wrong with it. The wall outlet in which it is plugged is fine. So going by Xbox.com that is what it seems to be.

But, if it was something in my console that were the problem would it run like it does or not? I mean, I've sat down and played Rock Band 2 for over 3 hours once since this red ring of light thing started, albeit only once has it run that long since the red ring of light problem started, but...?

[The Taff]

Call customer support.

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

I plan on it on my next day off, just curious if anyone had ever heard of that. I figured if the ring of light was red it wouldn't even run... until fixed of course...

[The Taff]

If you get a RROD, then call customer support. It's going to permanently brick on you eventually, even if it seems to work for short periods of time.

[jasonlives13]

I just had mine die last week and I was two months over my warranty, I bought a brand new elite and that broke when I turned the thing on, took back and they didnt even bat an eye lid when I told them, it was like they already knew it was broke, got a working one and it plays fine, but Microsoft piss me off, I acutally didnt know the PS3 had a web browser till I went to my mates, after all the money Microsoft have they should of included one on there dashboard

[The Taff]

I don't care much for the web browser on the PS3 or the Wii. They feel clunky and useless, especially considering I have my PC only 6 feet away. It's a pointless fluff feature for me. No use at all.

[Just Jeans]

It would be useful were it not for its tendency to freeze up, not load pages, and if it could be used in-game. It'd be nice to browse a site like GameFAQs in game without having to walk to the other side of the house to get on my PC.

[The Taff]

It would be useful were it not for its tendency to freeze up, not load pages, and if it could be used in-game. It'd be nice to browse a site like GameFAQs in game without having to walk to the other side of the house to get on my PC.

Jeans, as always, hits the nail on the head.

[jasonlives13]

It would be useful were it not for its tendency to freeze up, not load pages, and if it could be used in-game. It'd be nice to browse a site like GameFAQs in game without having to walk to the other side of the house to get on my PC.

True, its just sometimes im not always at my PC, and I let my brother go on it and escape from his boredom. And if im on the xbox and I wanna check something its a bit crap how I have to ask him to use it when Ive only just let him on it. It just would be cool though for the 360.

[Just Jeans]

Yeah, in-game web browsing is something I'd like to see on both the PS3 and the 360.

[The Taff]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/global/t.5553083b/avataritem/00000ffc-68b8-32a2-cbe7-b13d5553083b/300

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANT!

[The Taff]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/global/t.5553083b/avataritem/00000ffc-68b8-32a2-cbe7-b13d5553083b/300

HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAVE!

[Monkey]

With the old cartridge-based systems, I've only had two crap out on me. The NES I picked up in '89 and the Sega Genesis I bought in '91.

When they switched to disc drives, my $300 PS1 crapped out within 18 months. My second PS1 burnt out a few memory cards.

And my luck with the original X-Box is pathetic; I've gone through 3 of those damn things. Only one still lives.

That said, I've bought a few 360s, a system that gets a hard time in the press by how unstable it is.... and I've NEVER had a problem with any one of them going down or rendered useless by a patch/ugrade. I don't recall it even locking up or freezing. They just keep on ticking.

[The Taff]

With the old cartridge-based systems, I've only had two crap out on me. The NES I picked up in '89 and the Sega Genesis I bought in '91.

When they switched to disc drives, my $300 PS1 crapped out within 18 months. My second PS1 burnt out a few memory cards.

And my luck with the original X-Box is pathetic; I've gone through 3 of those damn things. Only one still lives.

That said, I've bought a few 360s, a system that gets a hard time in the press by how unstable it is.... and I've NEVER had a problem with any one of them going down or rendered useless by a patch/ugrade. I don't recall it even locking up or freezing. They just keep on ticking.

Mine is a launch model and it went strong for 3 years before I was struck by the infernal red ring, and mine is booted up almost everyday for hours at a time. Mine was still 2 weeks within the extended warrenty, so mine was repaired for free. I also had the opposite luck you had with the Xbox. Mine is a goddamn impervious brick that has been spinning discs for over 7 fucking years despite surviving harsh climates, shipping, airport scanners, and some douchebags punching/kicking it.

I strongly suspect a lot of red rings might involve people not letting the system properly vent it's heat by shoving it into entertainment centers and the like. Though Microsoft isn't at all innocent due to their cost cutting measures, I also think that many consumers also should share some of the blame.

[Rick]

I've only had my PS2 crap out on me a few years ago.
My 360 is in an entertainment centre with a glass door on it but the door is never closed when the unit is on.
It has a lot of open space around it.

[Monkey]

I bought the PS2 slimline model, and right out of the box it had problems playing DVDs. :(

Haven't had a problem playing games on it, though.

If I had the time and perserverence to play Steel Battallion, I'd try to find a sealed X-Box (original). I thought about building a game cabinet just for the game. If nothing else, I could sell the whole thing for a small fortune. That's one game you could never play on a 360. What a shame.

Has anybody picked up the latest Ace Combat and throttle grip & stick? My brother is huge into flight simulators, something that consoles can't seem to do very well.

[Zombie]

Mine is a launch model and it went strong for 3 years before I was struck by the infernal red ring, and mine is booted up almost everyday for hours at a time. Mine was still 2 weeks within the extended warrenty, so mine was repaired for free. I also had the opposite luck you had with the Xbox. Mine is a goddamn impervious brick that has been spinning discs for over 7 fucking years despite surviving harsh climates, shipping, airport scanners, and some douchebags punching/kicking it.

I strongly suspect a lot of red rings might involve people not letting the system properly vent it's heat by shoving it into entertainment centers and the like. Though Microsoft isn't at all innocent due to their cost cutting measures, I also think that many consumers also should share some of the blame.

You know I think some if not a lot of it might have to do with it laying down "flat" or standing up vertically? All my 360's that have crapped out have been laid down, they all have been on top of my shelf/cabinet thing, so it was right in the open. I did notice it got hot under it. Finally with this last one I got beginning of this year I believe or whenever SF4 came out (which actually seems like it came out early 2008 and doesnt seem like it was out just this year) I put this one "standing" up and it's been ok so far.

I also tend to install games to the HD a lot now to since I got the Elite with the 120gb HD. I'm not sure if that helps or not? Mine stays on hours at a time to sometimes, like when I fall asleep playing/navigating. What I'll be doing is navigating my achievements to see what I have or need or maybe browsing leadboards or looking at friends profiles and comparing them and I'll fall asleep doing that. A few times while in a game. I really really hope this one doesn't go out on me. I have the 2 yr ext warrenty from Best Buy since I got my first one which was the core system and so everytime I've been able to go into BB and just swap it out. However it seems like they're not letting people do that anymore and they go and ship it to MS or something like that? I know they were going to try that shit with me this last time but I argued the fuck out of it because I did not want to be without it for over 2-4 weeks PLUS letting them handle it. I'm not sure exactly how they worded it but its the extended warrenty that changed. It's like peformance plan or something? Not sure but if I paid an extra $40 or $50 for it each time cause they said I had to renew it each time then I was going to get my system swapped right then and there.

It wasn't that big of an issue before because I had my own 20GB HD since I originally had the core but last year when it went out (around the same time as well, like beginning of 2008) I upgraded to the Pro since the price of the core/arcade dropped and I got my full credit that I orifinally paid so I dont think I had to shell out any money for the Pro and if I did it was less than $50. Anyways now with the 120GB HD if I swap it out then I'm going to lose everything I have on it and that will really suck as I did the memory transfer thing from my 20gb to the 120gb one and they say that the "original" HD gets erased and the content isn't there anymore and because of that I ended up trading or selling my 20gb drive since it was just there. Now I wish I just kept it so I could have put the 20gb drive onto the Elite if I have to swap that one out next year (knocks on wood hoping I dont)...

But I'm about the same. Only system before the 360 that actually broke on my was my Dreamcast and the lens/reader whatever that reads the cd's went out and I went and bought a used Dreamcast and went and swapped out the lens and took it back and said it wasn't working and just wanted my money/credit back which I finally got after arguing with them for awhile. Thats one thing I hate buying used systems from EB/Gamestop because they don't clean them or anything. They just pack up whatever they get into a box. They MIGHT have tested it or might not have. They say they do but we all know they dont. Hell I sold them my Silver PSP 2000 last year and the cd drive went out to. You could hear it spinning or trying to read it but it wouldn't read CD's but when I took it into them I had it on a downloaded demo and they tested it that way and took it in.

Hmmm, maybe that's why I've had all this bad luck with my 360's. Its my Karma coming back to kick me in the ass for being "dishonest" sometimes even though it was just twice. The dreamcast and then the PSP.

But all my other systems have worked fine. I know I've played the hell out of em and now my kids do, but they keep on ticking luckily.

[Monkey]

Alright, so I want to get on X-Box live when I get home.

I have high speed internet via a DSL cable; it runs at 1.5 Mbps.

What is the best way for me to get my 360 to run online to play games on X-Box live and to watch movies?

I have a cable to link up 360s. When I get back, I'd like to play some Left 4 Dead and other games, but go the wireless route. I know MS has a wireless adapter.

If I want to link 360s and use X-Box live... what should I buy? Should I get two wireless adapters for both x-boxes? Do I buy an additional router from MS, or can I get by with using the modem I have now? I might have to go home to get specs on the router. I just want to get in on this thing that everybody's been doing for the past 5 years, and I'm tired of using cables to link up systems. :|

[Brett H.]

If you want to be wireless, I have no clue, but wired I'm sure you could at least hook up one to a router to get you by in a pinch until you figure it out.

[The Taff]

I have the first party wireless adapter for my Xbox 360 and it works great.

[The Dream Master]

I kind of hinted that I wanted a 360 Wireless Adapter for Christmas, so I hope I get that shit. :X

[Brett H.]

If DM get his connector for Christmas and Monkey gets his rollin', add myself, Nate and maybe Ravenwood (split screen?) and we could have 5 F13 motherfuckers on one team. Doep.

[The Taff]

Depends on the game, Brett.

[Brett H.]

Anything non-nerdly.

[The Taff]

Anything non-nerdly.

Says the closet nerd...

[Ravenwood]

Anything non-nerdly.

I don't play with anyone who's anti-nerd. Much less someone who's a self hating nerd.

[The Taff]

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a284/wallymartin/DarthVaderbeckoning.jpg
Search your feelings, Brett. You know it to be true!

Give in to the Nerd-Side!

[Brett H.]

I haven't even seen Star Wars, you nerds gotta try harder!

FUCK THIS THREAD NEEDS OGRE

C3njjD41f48

[The Taff]

Ugh. Let this be a lesson guys.

Beth and I have a friend in British Columbia that sent us some gifts. She sent me 2800 Microsoft Points. I sent her a years subscription to Live and 1600 points.

Well, there's an unfortunate problem with the Microsoft Points. All the cards are region locked. So I have 2800 paltry Canadian points and she has 1600 magnificent American points. They don't even put on the fucking packaging anywhere or the card that they are region locked. I guess we'll just have to trade codes and chalk this shit up to a harsh learning exercise.

[Brett H.]

I never even thought about that when you were talking about sending that shit and I read about it a couple years ago because I was going to buy Robotron and Uno from some acehole on Ebay in the States. That's a dumbass rule to not be able to redeem codes bought elsewhere and it's one I can't figure out. But on the flipside, I have 48 hour trial codes from the US and they work.

Fuck, I wish I'd have had my thinking cap on back when you were mailing shat.

[The Taff]

I never even thought about that when you were talking about sending that shit and I read about it a couple years ago because I was going to buy Robotron and Uno from some acehole on Ebay in the States. That's a dumbass rule to not be able to redeem codes bought elsewhere and it's one I can't figure out. But on the flipside, I have 48 hour trial codes from the US and they work.

Fuck, I wish I'd have had my thinking cap on back when you were mailing shat.

It's because of the exchange rates. While 2800 points in the US cost us about $35 USD, it costs you Canadians $40.60 CAD. Free trial and Xbox Live subscriptions get you time rather than Microsoft's fake money, so they aren't region locked.

It is frustrating that they don't even put this shit on the package, though.

[Monkey]

I'm not a fan boy... but damn, if I had to pick only one console from this generation... it would be the 360 hands down.

The 360 gets just about everything released and if the PS3 has a technological advantage (other than the blu-ray player), I can't see it. Whenever I go shopping, the 360 has the most variety and they have an excellent back-catalog of games (for cheap, too).

I peeped out some great games the last time I went, and almost all of them were for the 360 (the rest were for the wii, surprisingly :|). I look at the games available for the PS3 right now, and nothing catches my interest. If you have to choose between the two, stay away from the PS3.

[Brett H.]

PS3 has Metal Gear Solid 4, Uncharted 1/2, Resistance 1/2, Heavenly Sword that I want that are exclusive. That's about all. There are games that probably are really good, but I just don't want them compared to other games for other consoles.

[The Taff]

There are honestly only two games on the console I don't own that I want at this point. Demon's Souls and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. THe rest of the exclusive library is pretty lackluster for my tastes.

The 360 is easily my favorite console this generation. Apart from hardware difficulties, I don't have many complaints for the console.

[Brett H.]

Oh, and Little Big Planet looks good. I'ma get that one at some point.

I haven't touched my PS3 gamewise yet at all, and I'm not looking forward to going back to the Playstation controller after using the Wiimote and the 360's doep controller.

[The Taff]

Beth checked out Little Big Planet awhile ago and it looked boring as hell, honestly.

[Brett H.]

All these Sony fanboys say it's better than Super Mario Galaxy (which is probably the best game ever to me), so I've got high hopes! Surely I'll be disappointed in that regard, I don't actually expect it to top Galaxy, but I just hope it's good. The level customizer seems really cool, but it's one of those things... would a guy actually use it? Seems pretty time consuming and sorting to find decent ones to download would be a hassle.

[The Taff]

All these Sony fanboys say it's better than Super Mario Galaxy (which is probably the best game ever to me), so I've got high hopes! Surely I'll be disappointed in that regard, I don't actually expect it to top Galaxy, but I just hope it's good. The level customizer seems really cool, but it's one of those things... would a guy actually use it? Seems pretty time consuming and sorting to find decent ones to download would be a hassle.

I'de rather play the levels designed by professional level designers. And no, it's nowhere near as good as Super Mario Galaxy.

[CrystalLakeTheory]

For those who know me (or don't know me, doesn't matter) that would like to play Xbox Live, my gamertag is Ivvh0sh0tyaI. The W is two V's and the O's are zeros. I play Halo 3, COD: Modern Warfare 2, and COD: World at War. Send me a message with the friend request telling me your name here. :)

[Zombie]

Man Geometry Wars 2 is a damn addicting game. I still play it like almost everyday at least for a little bit always trying to beat my previous scores. The one I've concentrated the most on because I was in the top 200 of the leaderboards for awhile was Deadline. I had like 45 million points I believe and I just now finally beat that score and raised it to a whopping 63.5 million points!!!! That threw me to the 134th place in the leaderboards!!! I could have probably got to the 70 million mark or higher but once I saw I just beat my scored I was happy and of course started dying. I think I had like 20 some seconds or so left when I beat my score.

Basically you have 3 mins to get the highest score possible and of course once you have a score like I did with the 45 million, you know right away if your going to even get close to that score or not depending when you first die or even by how many points you have by certain points in the game, like after the first min, you should have more than a million points if not already 2 million and like 2 mil within the 1:50 - 2:00 min mark... If I died within that first min then usually would just restart it, so there's been plenty of restarts. Of course I'll sometimes keep going so I can get used to having a ton of "enemies" on the screen because everytime you die it like starts off slow again and you have to rebuild the enemies populating and such. Of course when I got past my high score and got into the 50 mil range the screen was just filled with enemies once I died and everything came back up, and I just tried to get the pattern and destroy a lot of enemies with the bar thing or the black hole one as those double or triple your points and thats what shot me up so fast at the very end.

My goal is to at least get in the top 100 or even top 50 spot. It would be nice to have the highest score as I've never done that ever for anything, but still where I'm at now compared to the millions that have played and or still play is no little feat in itself. The only person that played Geo Wars 2 on my friends list is Sketch Sanchez who is on or used to be on this board and he doesn't play anymore so the only competition for me is really just myself and the leaderboard as a whole. I would definitely reccomend this game if you all havent tried it. The other game on there, Evolution where its on going till you run out of lives, I believe I have like 72 mil or somewhere around there but I'm like in the 300 - 500's in the leaderboard for that one I think. But I mostly play Deadline majority of the time.

Man that made my night and I'm happy... Its going to take forever to probably even get close to where I'm at now. What's funny to is I had a feeling I was going to beat it tonight to. Off the bat my first games were in the 30 mil range and then 20 and back up, so I just had that feeling and that's why I kept playing a lil longer...