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As most people in this forum know, I am a PS2 owner. At present there is no doubt in my mind that the PS2 console is a good console to own. In the past I have failed to resist temptation and ended up owning more than one console in a single generation (N64 and PSone together). However, this time I intend to stick to one platform, and as I own a PS2 already, that would seem the logical choice.
This could change though. If I can find a good enough reason why another console in this three way battle is significantly better than the PS2, then I may be forced to save up even more pennies, and spend them on a new console. For now, I will ignore the GameCube, and examine the X-Box, as that is due to arrive first. To convince me to buy an X-Box, there will have to be a fairly large incentive, as the current price of an X-Box would allow me to buy 8 PS2 games.
A visit to a local computer games store in town only a few days ago led to an interesting experience. I had intended to pick up a free demo disk as I had heard they were offering a "Sega Trilogy" featuring Ecco, Rez and Headhunter, but while I was there, I noticed a large black cabinet over by the counter, and inside it, an X-Box. Curious, I wandered over, and as there was no queue, began a few little trials.
First up was Amped, a snowboarding title. Now, as a big SSX fan, its possible my views could be a little biased, however, I consider myself quite capable of looking at a game from a completely fresh perspective, and that is what I tried to do. Graphically, I was quite impressed, as everything ran quite fast and smoothly, and I particularly liked the snow spray effects as the board turned. However, the graphics seemed as far as the game would go, as the gameplay was more akin to Shaun Palmers snowboarding, which heads for a more realistic... and sadly less interesting ride than the more arcade style thrills of a game like SSX. This is not to say the game was bad, only that I myself didn`t like it.
Second on the list was Project Gotham. By this time the shop assistand had come over to see if I needed help (i.e. to check I wasn`t breaking things) and had this annoying wish to tell me about the X-Box. Not wanting to disappoint him, I let him ramble on, though sadly he told me nothing of use, other than that Halo was good, but then I already new that. Anyway, continuing on with Project Gotham, I`d have to say that I was again disappointed. It looked "shinier" than Gran Turismo 3, but didn`t have quite the depth and texture to the looks. When I looked at the cars, they seemed hollow in comparison to those in GT3. Similarly the handling was more arcadey than GT3, which is something I dislike in racing games. Considering its a launch game, it does look very good, but arriving nearly a year after GT3, it should be a lot better.
I had no interest in any of the other playable demos, but there was a rolling demo of Halo to be seen. I started it off, and was able to watch a few moments of it before the console reset itself (I still don`t know why, and the shop keeper didn`t either). This point aside, the game did look very fine. Graphically, it was superior to any first person shooter I have seen, and that includes my beloved TimeSplitters (whose graphics weren`t its strong point anyway). Obviously there was no chance to get a feel for its gameplay, but it looked to me like a cross between Half Life, and several other FPS elements, mixed with a little Deus Ex perhaps. This is not a bad thing though, as it seemed to take the best of each. This does look to be a good game, but to be honest I will be quite happy to wait for TimeSplitters 2, and settle for that, even if it is slightly less good (which we don`t know yet).
Overall, I was quite impressed with the X-Box, and can see that it will pose a significant threat. Its launch price could cause problems, as many won`t want to spend the full £300 . This tactic worked for Sony with the PS2, but that was in a market empty of competition. Things are different now. However, X-Box`s strength is in its looks, and whilst PS2s specs may be open ended, allowing a lot more progress later on, most people who wander into a shop will look straight at the CPU and think "Ooh thats the best one, pointing at X-Box". On top of that, games such as DOA3 do look quite fantastic (though if it plays like DOA2, I`m not interested) which means the tv screens of X-Box will be the most customer friendly.
My decision based on what I already know is that I will not be getting an X-Box at launch, or even this year. Should the price drop by a large amount later on, then things may change, but for now, there is nothing that makes *me* want an X-Box. It will be popular, and it will be good, but I have quite enough to look at and use with the PS2. I await 2003 with an open mind though, but until then, no thanks Microsoft.
This could change though. If I can find a good enough reason why another console in this three way battle is significantly better than the PS2, then I may be forced to save up even more pennies, and spend them on a new console. For now, I will ignore the GameCube, and examine the X-Box, as that is due to arrive first. To convince me to buy an X-Box, there will have to be a fairly large incentive, as the current price of an X-Box would allow me to buy 8 PS2 games.
A visit to a local computer games store in town only a few days ago led to an interesting experience. I had intended to pick up a free demo disk as I had heard they were offering a "Sega Trilogy" featuring Ecco, Rez and Headhunter, but while I was there, I noticed a large black cabinet over by the counter, and inside it, an X-Box. Curious, I wandered over, and as there was no queue, began a few little trials.
First up was Amped, a snowboarding title. Now, as a big SSX fan, its possible my views could be a little biased, however, I consider myself quite capable of looking at a game from a completely fresh perspective, and that is what I tried to do. Graphically, I was quite impressed, as everything ran quite fast and smoothly, and I particularly liked the snow spray effects as the board turned. However, the graphics seemed as far as the game would go, as the gameplay was more akin to Shaun Palmers snowboarding, which heads for a more realistic... and sadly less interesting ride than the more arcade style thrills of a game like SSX. This is not to say the game was bad, only that I myself didn`t like it.
Second on the list was Project Gotham. By this time the shop assistand had come over to see if I needed help (i.e. to check I wasn`t breaking things) and had this annoying wish to tell me about the X-Box. Not wanting to disappoint him, I let him ramble on, though sadly he told me nothing of use, other than that Halo was good, but then I already new that. Anyway, continuing on with Project Gotham, I`d have to say that I was again disappointed. It looked "shinier" than Gran Turismo 3, but didn`t have quite the depth and texture to the looks. When I looked at the cars, they seemed hollow in comparison to those in GT3. Similarly the handling was more arcadey than GT3, which is something I dislike in racing games. Considering its a launch game, it does look very good, but arriving nearly a year after GT3, it should be a lot better.
I had no interest in any of the other playable demos, but there was a rolling demo of Halo to be seen. I started it off, and was able to watch a few moments of it before the console reset itself (I still don`t know why, and the shop keeper didn`t either). This point aside, the game did look very fine. Graphically, it was superior to any first person shooter I have seen, and that includes my beloved TimeSplitters (whose graphics weren`t its strong point anyway). Obviously there was no chance to get a feel for its gameplay, but it looked to me like a cross between Half Life, and several other FPS elements, mixed with a little Deus Ex perhaps. This is not a bad thing though, as it seemed to take the best of each. This does look to be a good game, but to be honest I will be quite happy to wait for TimeSplitters 2, and settle for that, even if it is slightly less good (which we don`t know yet).
Overall, I was quite impressed with the X-Box, and can see that it will pose a significant threat. Its launch price could cause problems, as many won`t want to spend the full £300 . This tactic worked for Sony with the PS2, but that was in a market empty of competition. Things are different now. However, X-Box`s strength is in its looks, and whilst PS2s specs may be open ended, allowing a lot more progress later on, most people who wander into a shop will look straight at the CPU and think "Ooh thats the best one, pointing at X-Box". On top of that, games such as DOA3 do look quite fantastic (though if it plays like DOA2, I`m not interested) which means the tv screens of X-Box will be the most customer friendly.
My decision based on what I already know is that I will not be getting an X-Box at launch, or even this year. Should the price drop by a large amount later on, then things may change, but for now, there is nothing that makes *me* want an X-Box. It will be popular, and it will be good, but I have quite enough to look at and use with the PS2. I await 2003 with an open mind though, but until then, no thanks Microsoft.
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Thats a good point... X-Box only games being the true quality titles. Take Halo for example. I don`t know if that trend will continue though.
X-box only games is where we will prob see th true capabilities.
alik wrote:
but you would think that people would be
> romotley excited about the x-box, but they aren't!
Iam excited about the release. Alot of people are biased agaisnt the X-Box because its made by Mircosoft. Alot of people have the idea that its a PC,which it isnt. Alot of arguements agaisnt the X-Box is "If you have a good PC you dont need an X-Box" Why? The X-Box has only 1 game that is a PC conversion and that is Max Payne. What other console has Max Payne, eerrrmmmm PS2 maybe. PS2 has Halflife, Quake 3, Unreal Tournament, Deus Ex in the works, Castle Wolfenstien for both PS2 and X-Box. So if you look at the number of PC games out for the X-Box and the number out for the PS2 then the PS2 could be called a PC. X-Box does have some PC games in the works like Medal Of Honor Allied Assualt, but there isnt loads of them, probably the same amount as the PS2 has. Microsoft wont go releasing all of its flight simulator games or train games e.t.c. But people still think its a PC.
X-Box will do good, but its only going to be the people with open minds that will allow it to happen. I was totally agaisnt the X-Box to start off with as I knew what Microsoft were with the PC market of software. But once I let that pass and found out that its not going to be a PC or have merely PC conversions I changed my mind about it. Soon enough people will respect the X-Box like they respect the PS2 and the GC.
but you would think that people would be
> romotley excited about the x-box, but they aren't!
Iam excited about the release. Alot of people are biased agaisnt the X-Box because its made by Mircosoft. Alot of people have the idea that its a PC,which it isnt. Alot of arguements agaisnt the X-Box is "If you have a good PC you dont need an X-Box" Why? The X-Box has only 1 game that is a PC conversion and that is Max Payne. What other console has Max Payne, eerrrmmmm PS2 maybe. PS2 has Halflife, Quake 3, Unreal Tournament, Deus Ex in the works, Castle Wolfenstien for both PS2 and X-Box. So if you look at the number of PC games out for the X-Box and the number out for the PS2 then the PS2 could be called a PC. X-Box does have some PC games in the works like Medal Of Honor Allied Assualt, but there isnt loads of them, probably the same amount as the PS2 has. Microsoft wont go releasing all of its flight simulator games or train games e.t.c. But people still think its a PC.
X-Box will do good, but its only going to be the people with open minds that will allow it to happen. I was totally agaisnt the X-Box to start off with as I knew what Microsoft were with the PC market of software. But once I let that pass and found out that its not going to be a PC or have merely PC conversions I changed my mind about it. Soon enough people will respect the X-Box like they respect the PS2 and the GC.
I don't think that the x-box will be rubbish but i don't think that it will beat the might of Sony' PS2, the graphics don't look anything different on what i have seen and the line up of games isn't that good as well, people will find out soon enough when its release date is under 1 month now, but no hype! Surprising that more people are talking about MGS2 than the x-box, which isn't that surprising seen as MGS2 will be ace, but you would think that people would be romotley excited about the x-box, but they aren't!
Natbuc wrote:
> i played THPS3 on xbox at one of SR's stores and to be honest it doesn't look or
> play any different to the ps2 version.....
the surprising thing about the x box version is that it doesn't support internet multiplayer....
> i played THPS3 on xbox at one of SR's stores and to be honest it doesn't look or
> play any different to the ps2 version.....
the surprising thing about the x box version is that it doesn't support internet multiplayer....
Looking at the X-Box releases, I'm pretty impressed with the look of the Buffy game and I'm not even a fan of the series. At the same time though I'm still gonna be pretty careful about picking it up, cause games based on film/series licenses tend to be pretty lame more often than not.
Keeping an eye on that Outlaw golf when it comes out too.
:-) The chance to wrap your club around your caddy's neck when your playing bad just screams as the first ever none boring golf game. ;-))
Keeping an eye on that Outlaw golf when it comes out too.
:-) The chance to wrap your club around your caddy's neck when your playing bad just screams as the first ever none boring golf game. ;-))
i played THPS3 on xbox at one of SR's stores and to be honest it doesn't look or play any different to the ps2 version.....
beanz wrote:
the problem with the x box for me
> really is the price....even after getting the console the games cost a bomb! i
> mean even on online shops like sr they still cost a packet...
The games are abit pricy, but not much more than the PS2. Most PS2 games retail at £39.99 or £44.99, in shops. SR normally offer a good £5 discount and even more. GTA3 is £33.99 on SR but if you go to your local shop in town it will be £39.99. X-Box games are £44.99 in the shops and SR only offer a £2 discount on most games and a £5 on others. Iam pretty sure that most of the PS2 launch games where £44.99. Hopefully the X-Box games will come down to £39.99 like the PS2. But the price isnt much more than a PS2 game.
the problem with the x box for me
> really is the price....even after getting the console the games cost a bomb! i
> mean even on online shops like sr they still cost a packet...
The games are abit pricy, but not much more than the PS2. Most PS2 games retail at £39.99 or £44.99, in shops. SR normally offer a good £5 discount and even more. GTA3 is £33.99 on SR but if you go to your local shop in town it will be £39.99. X-Box games are £44.99 in the shops and SR only offer a £2 discount on most games and a £5 on others. Iam pretty sure that most of the PS2 launch games where £44.99. Hopefully the X-Box games will come down to £39.99 like the PS2. But the price isnt much more than a PS2 game.
WOW..
this is the first topic i have been to (about a rival console) and read all the posts about it which has been free from all the normal totally biased c**p and slagging...
at the moment i do want an x box but i won't be getting one cos i just can't afford one (my parents refuse to get me any games or consoles).
Halo definately looks very good and has had rave reviews on the whole (you're never gonna satisfy EVERYONE).
i think one of the problems with testing some games at those pods is that some of them require some time before you start properly start enjoying and liking them.
i mean for the ps2 games like gran turismo 3 (well at least for me) took me quite some time to get into. i only recently restarted playing it and was TOTALLY hooked (fitting in the odd race between lessons etc).
also project gotham is meant to be more arcadey....more of a pick up and play type of game. so it wn't suit people who are so used to gt3. i haven't played it BUT all these complaints about it being very slow are rather unfair seeing as gt3 is incredibly slow when you first start your career. i got so used to racing in my pumped up corvette that when i had to do the beetle cup (in the beginner's league) i found it incredibly slow. you never know project gotham may have some real muscle! (doubt it will have an F1 car though).
doa 3 looks really good and being a fan of doa 2 i think i would get it...also i've heard (from upwire actually) that they're adding loads more costumes and even moves for our release!
the problem with the x box for me really is the price....even after getting the console the games cost a bomb! i mean even on online shops like sr they still cost a packet...
i'll stick with my ps2 i think for the time being
this is the first topic i have been to (about a rival console) and read all the posts about it which has been free from all the normal totally biased c**p and slagging...
at the moment i do want an x box but i won't be getting one cos i just can't afford one (my parents refuse to get me any games or consoles).
Halo definately looks very good and has had rave reviews on the whole (you're never gonna satisfy EVERYONE).
i think one of the problems with testing some games at those pods is that some of them require some time before you start properly start enjoying and liking them.
i mean for the ps2 games like gran turismo 3 (well at least for me) took me quite some time to get into. i only recently restarted playing it and was TOTALLY hooked (fitting in the odd race between lessons etc).
also project gotham is meant to be more arcadey....more of a pick up and play type of game. so it wn't suit people who are so used to gt3. i haven't played it BUT all these complaints about it being very slow are rather unfair seeing as gt3 is incredibly slow when you first start your career. i got so used to racing in my pumped up corvette that when i had to do the beetle cup (in the beginner's league) i found it incredibly slow. you never know project gotham may have some real muscle! (doubt it will have an F1 car though).
doa 3 looks really good and being a fan of doa 2 i think i would get it...also i've heard (from upwire actually) that they're adding loads more costumes and even moves for our release!
the problem with the x box for me really is the price....even after getting the console the games cost a bomb! i mean even on online shops like sr they still cost a packet...
i'll stick with my ps2 i think for the time being
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