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Well, I've had my XBox for approximately 4 hours now (as I start to write this), and what do I think?
Well, let's start with the basics.
I bought the Microsoft Gamer Bundle Pack Thing from SR Egham after work. This means I got: 1 XBox with Controller. 1 Extra Controller. 1 Copy Halo. 1 Copy Project Gotham Racing. = £399.99. I also got a DVD kit thing, but haven't watched any DVD's yet.
Size:
Yes, it is larger than a PS2. It's deeper than a PS2, and slightly wider, and slightly taller. But it's not huge. I was slightly worried, from pictures I'd seen, that the top had a bit of a curve to it, but it's flat, so I can store my DreamCast on top, which is nice.
It's also reasonably heavy, but as the only time you'll have to carry it is from the shop to your car, then from the car to your house, it shouldn't cause too much of a problem.
Controller:
Yes, it is large, but for me that's not a problem, but it may be an issue for people with smaller hands. I liked the DreamCast pad, and this is similar. When I first got my PS2 I hated the pad, it took me ages to remember where the buttons were, and I didn't like the fact that the analogue sticks were to the side of, instead of above, the digital pad - which is how it is on the DC and XBox pad.
Suffice to say, if you've owned a PSX and/or a PS2 and you're used to the pad, it WILL take some getting used to. If you liked the DC pad, you should have no problems.
I've just been playing my XBox for 4 hours straight, and I have no problems with my hands at all.
My first experience:
I got the XBox home, and I set it up quickly, then stopped. What if it's rubbish? What if I've just wasted over £400? What if I really really regret buying it? I stopped myself thinking like that, and turned it on, with no game in.
Initially a green main menu screen comes up, with the three options MEMORY, MUSIC and SETTINGS. They're all pretty obvious, but I'll run through them briefly. Memory allows you to see how much space you have on the HDD and memory card, and delete unwanted save files etc.
MUSIC menu lets you play music CD's, or copy them to .MP3 format for playing in-game. Settings lets you set stuff like clock, calender, stereo/mono sound etc etc. All the usual stuff. It's all done in smooth, clear, obvious menu's, although they are rather green, perhaps too green for some peoples taste.
To be fair though, you won't be spending much time looking at them. Out of curiosity I ripped a CD to listen to in-game, it was a full 80 minute CD and it took (I didn't time it BTW) in the region of 10-15 mins. So I went and made a sandwich while it was doing that.
The Games:
Ok, first game I played was PGR. I won't review the whole game here, for obvious reasons. Suffice to say the graphics are NOT as good as GT3, but then what is? To be fair, PGR is a launch title and GT3 wasn't. If you compared PGR with Ridge Racer V, PGR would win hands down.
PGR's handling is not as realistic as GT3's, which is good in my view, as GT3 was TOO realistic for my taste. PGR has handling that is, at a guess, 65% realistic, which is a good mixture in my opinion.
Anyone who is familiar with M:SR on the DreamCast will be right at home, although the modes of play are slightly different, the handling and Kudos system are much the same.
An added bonus of PGR is the ability to play music tracks that you've copied onto the HDD. This is not amazingly handy, as you can always turn the volume of the telly down and play a CD normally if you want, but it's one of a number of nice little touches that just help to make the game as great as it is.
To sum up, if you thought GT3 was too simulation like, chances are you'll like this. There's a reasonbly steep learning curve if you've not played M:SR at all, but if you have played and liked M:SR, you'll love PGR.
Second game, Halo:
I was wary of playing this. I had heard all the hype, and I was readying myself for a let down. But it didn't let down. The controls were a little difficult to get used to, probably not helped by the fact that I haven't played an FPS on a console for AGES.
The mood was set with the music to the main menu, a haunting kind of latin tune, almost something you would expect to hear a load of monks singing at a ceremony. Then the proper game music kicks in, but the monk type stuff does it's job certainly, setting the mood and getting you ready for the game ahead.
Again, I won't do a full blown review of the game here.
I've only done the first two levels, and haven't played any multiplayer, but I can see that this is a good game. Whether it's really a 10/10 game remains to be seen. The graphics are great, as are the sound effects. The controls are pretty spot on, when you get used to them. Although the handling of the Warthog is a right git!
How this compares to other FPS's available at the moment, I don't know. The last FPS I played was UT, and I haven't had my hands on anything since.
It IS engrossing, I plaed through the first two levels, and was about to start the third when I realised I was absolutely starving, so I was pretty hooked.
Normally in games like this, I wander around like a leper hardly able to find the most obvious switch but not here, it's reasonble free-roaming in that you can walk or drive and take which ever route you want, but you never feel completely lost with no idea what to do.
The AI is pretty funky. The monsties dodge and duck for cover etc. And your CPU controlled team mates act pretty intelligently as well.
So, should you buy an XBox?
Well, in my view, yes. I'm glad that I'm selling my PS2 and glad that I bought myself an XBox.
But as for you? Well, that's your choice. But if you like playing PC style games, without having to sit at a PC (maybe because you sit at a desk all day at work or college and you hate the idea of doing the same all evening as well), then you'll be sorted here.
If, like me, you realised that all the Sony Franchises (GT3, MGS2, FFX etc) didn't really float your boat, then it may be worht you getting one to replace your PS2. All the major multiplatform games are coming to XBox - GTA3, Tonty Hawks, FIFA, SSX Tricky, F1 2002 etc. As well as PC like games - Geoff Crammonds GP4 is confirmed, as is Championship Manager. So there is a wide range of games.
If you like playing your GT3's etc, then stick with PS2, as they'll never appear on XBox! So unless you can afford both, it's best to stick with what you've got.
What I've put here will hopefully help people decide which way to go. If you're 99% sure to get an XBox, this may just be that last 1% you need to go out and get it.
If you're 99% sure you want to keep your PS2, this may have confirmed that for you.
However, if you're still REALLY unsure, please DON'T go and buy and the strength of what I've written here. My opinions could be completely differen to yours. If you're really unsure, just go and play one, as that's the only way you'll decided.
Suffice to say, I've just been playing on my XBox for 4 hours straight. The last time I played for that long when me and three mates played multiplayer BomberMan on the SNES all day long.
Well, let's start with the basics.
I bought the Microsoft Gamer Bundle Pack Thing from SR Egham after work. This means I got: 1 XBox with Controller. 1 Extra Controller. 1 Copy Halo. 1 Copy Project Gotham Racing. = £399.99. I also got a DVD kit thing, but haven't watched any DVD's yet.
Size:
Yes, it is larger than a PS2. It's deeper than a PS2, and slightly wider, and slightly taller. But it's not huge. I was slightly worried, from pictures I'd seen, that the top had a bit of a curve to it, but it's flat, so I can store my DreamCast on top, which is nice.
It's also reasonably heavy, but as the only time you'll have to carry it is from the shop to your car, then from the car to your house, it shouldn't cause too much of a problem.
Controller:
Yes, it is large, but for me that's not a problem, but it may be an issue for people with smaller hands. I liked the DreamCast pad, and this is similar. When I first got my PS2 I hated the pad, it took me ages to remember where the buttons were, and I didn't like the fact that the analogue sticks were to the side of, instead of above, the digital pad - which is how it is on the DC and XBox pad.
Suffice to say, if you've owned a PSX and/or a PS2 and you're used to the pad, it WILL take some getting used to. If you liked the DC pad, you should have no problems.
I've just been playing my XBox for 4 hours straight, and I have no problems with my hands at all.
My first experience:
I got the XBox home, and I set it up quickly, then stopped. What if it's rubbish? What if I've just wasted over £400? What if I really really regret buying it? I stopped myself thinking like that, and turned it on, with no game in.
Initially a green main menu screen comes up, with the three options MEMORY, MUSIC and SETTINGS. They're all pretty obvious, but I'll run through them briefly. Memory allows you to see how much space you have on the HDD and memory card, and delete unwanted save files etc.
MUSIC menu lets you play music CD's, or copy them to .MP3 format for playing in-game. Settings lets you set stuff like clock, calender, stereo/mono sound etc etc. All the usual stuff. It's all done in smooth, clear, obvious menu's, although they are rather green, perhaps too green for some peoples taste.
To be fair though, you won't be spending much time looking at them. Out of curiosity I ripped a CD to listen to in-game, it was a full 80 minute CD and it took (I didn't time it BTW) in the region of 10-15 mins. So I went and made a sandwich while it was doing that.
The Games:
Ok, first game I played was PGR. I won't review the whole game here, for obvious reasons. Suffice to say the graphics are NOT as good as GT3, but then what is? To be fair, PGR is a launch title and GT3 wasn't. If you compared PGR with Ridge Racer V, PGR would win hands down.
PGR's handling is not as realistic as GT3's, which is good in my view, as GT3 was TOO realistic for my taste. PGR has handling that is, at a guess, 65% realistic, which is a good mixture in my opinion.
Anyone who is familiar with M:SR on the DreamCast will be right at home, although the modes of play are slightly different, the handling and Kudos system are much the same.
An added bonus of PGR is the ability to play music tracks that you've copied onto the HDD. This is not amazingly handy, as you can always turn the volume of the telly down and play a CD normally if you want, but it's one of a number of nice little touches that just help to make the game as great as it is.
To sum up, if you thought GT3 was too simulation like, chances are you'll like this. There's a reasonbly steep learning curve if you've not played M:SR at all, but if you have played and liked M:SR, you'll love PGR.
Second game, Halo:
I was wary of playing this. I had heard all the hype, and I was readying myself for a let down. But it didn't let down. The controls were a little difficult to get used to, probably not helped by the fact that I haven't played an FPS on a console for AGES.
The mood was set with the music to the main menu, a haunting kind of latin tune, almost something you would expect to hear a load of monks singing at a ceremony. Then the proper game music kicks in, but the monk type stuff does it's job certainly, setting the mood and getting you ready for the game ahead.
Again, I won't do a full blown review of the game here.
I've only done the first two levels, and haven't played any multiplayer, but I can see that this is a good game. Whether it's really a 10/10 game remains to be seen. The graphics are great, as are the sound effects. The controls are pretty spot on, when you get used to them. Although the handling of the Warthog is a right git!
How this compares to other FPS's available at the moment, I don't know. The last FPS I played was UT, and I haven't had my hands on anything since.
It IS engrossing, I plaed through the first two levels, and was about to start the third when I realised I was absolutely starving, so I was pretty hooked.
Normally in games like this, I wander around like a leper hardly able to find the most obvious switch but not here, it's reasonble free-roaming in that you can walk or drive and take which ever route you want, but you never feel completely lost with no idea what to do.
The AI is pretty funky. The monsties dodge and duck for cover etc. And your CPU controlled team mates act pretty intelligently as well.
So, should you buy an XBox?
Well, in my view, yes. I'm glad that I'm selling my PS2 and glad that I bought myself an XBox.
But as for you? Well, that's your choice. But if you like playing PC style games, without having to sit at a PC (maybe because you sit at a desk all day at work or college and you hate the idea of doing the same all evening as well), then you'll be sorted here.
If, like me, you realised that all the Sony Franchises (GT3, MGS2, FFX etc) didn't really float your boat, then it may be worht you getting one to replace your PS2. All the major multiplatform games are coming to XBox - GTA3, Tonty Hawks, FIFA, SSX Tricky, F1 2002 etc. As well as PC like games - Geoff Crammonds GP4 is confirmed, as is Championship Manager. So there is a wide range of games.
If you like playing your GT3's etc, then stick with PS2, as they'll never appear on XBox! So unless you can afford both, it's best to stick with what you've got.
What I've put here will hopefully help people decide which way to go. If you're 99% sure to get an XBox, this may just be that last 1% you need to go out and get it.
If you're 99% sure you want to keep your PS2, this may have confirmed that for you.
However, if you're still REALLY unsure, please DON'T go and buy and the strength of what I've written here. My opinions could be completely differen to yours. If you're really unsure, just go and play one, as that's the only way you'll decided.
Suffice to say, I've just been playing on my XBox for 4 hours straight. The last time I played for that long when me and three mates played multiplayer BomberMan on the SNES all day long.
Page:
OOT, in one sitting, in twenty hours?
Impresive feat indeed my friend.
Although I'm sure it should have took longer, you didn't use a guide book or anything did you?
Impresive feat indeed my friend.
Although I'm sure it should have took longer, you didn't use a guide book or anything did you?
Gangsta Hamsta wrote:
> I am the Tarrant wrote:
the only games I've played longer for one sitting are
> Zelda OoT (20 hours) .......
I swore out loud in suprise when I read this.
> My eyes would bleed after about 4 hours tops.
I probably could have played longer, but the game finished. I was impressed with myself. Zelda:OoT from start to finish in one sitting! Woohoo I thought.
...then I spent the next 4 days ill in bed. I don't think I'll try it again.
> I am the Tarrant wrote:
the only games I've played longer for one sitting are
> Zelda OoT (20 hours) .......
I swore out loud in suprise when I read this.
> My eyes would bleed after about 4 hours tops.
I probably could have played longer, but the game finished. I was impressed with myself. Zelda:OoT from start to finish in one sitting! Woohoo I thought.
...then I spent the next 4 days ill in bed. I don't think I'll try it again.
nice topic...
nice on YH
nice on YH
I'm definately going to get an Xbox, but I can't afford one just yet.
I like the controller.
Much, much better than the thumb-hurting PS2 controller.
The shoulder triggers are essential for driving games if you ask me.
I told WookieMonster that the PS2 controller was hurting my right thumb (because of constantly having to bend it in order to press accelerate on GTA3) - but he was having none of it.
The Xbox is the daddy in my opinion.
I'll probably pick one up in the summer.
But can I wait so long? -
I like the controller.
Much, much better than the thumb-hurting PS2 controller.
The shoulder triggers are essential for driving games if you ask me.
I told WookieMonster that the PS2 controller was hurting my right thumb (because of constantly having to bend it in order to press accelerate on GTA3) - but he was having none of it.
The Xbox is the daddy in my opinion.
I'll probably pick one up in the summer.
But can I wait so long? -
I am the Tarrant wrote:
the only games I've played longer for one sitting are Zelda OoT (20 hours) .......
I swore out loud in suprise when I read this. My eyes would bleed after about 4 hours tops.
the only games I've played longer for one sitting are Zelda OoT (20 hours) .......
I swore out loud in suprise when I read this. My eyes would bleed after about 4 hours tops.
Nice topic YH. Too often people compare the Xbox's launch to the current crop of PS2 games- ie. games that have had years to be developed.
In fact, the Xbox, when compared to the PS2 launch really comes out very well.... shame I have A levels, otherwise I might have got one!
In fact, the Xbox, when compared to the PS2 launch really comes out very well.... shame I have A levels, otherwise I might have got one!
Did you have to extend your room? ;-)
No, I'm seriously considering the X-Box. If I can bear to part with the amount of money X-Box + Halo + GTA3 would be, then I'd get one like a flash. And I'd keep my PS2, because it's still got good games. Good post, cheers.
No, I'm seriously considering the X-Box. If I can bear to part with the amount of money X-Box + Halo + GTA3 would be, then I'd get one like a flash. And I'd keep my PS2, because it's still got good games. Good post, cheers.
Nice topic. It pro Xbox without being "in your face" or even remotely anti PS2. Everything stated as your opinion quite clearly.
AND MGS2 and GTA3 are supposedly hitting the Xbox? Well, I'm tempted I must say, but I like my PS2 its nice.
(Even if it has become a device solely for the playing of MGS2).
Still, I think I'll let the war start raging properly (i.e. wait for the GameCube to establish its self also) before I pick a side.
I played MGS2 for 7 hours straight on day one, the only games I've played longer for one sitting are Zelda OoT (20 hours) and Secret of Mana (wouldn't like to guess how long)
AND MGS2 and GTA3 are supposedly hitting the Xbox? Well, I'm tempted I must say, but I like my PS2 its nice.
(Even if it has become a device solely for the playing of MGS2).
Still, I think I'll let the war start raging properly (i.e. wait for the GameCube to establish its self also) before I pick a side.
I played MGS2 for 7 hours straight on day one, the only games I've played longer for one sitting are Zelda OoT (20 hours) and Secret of Mana (wouldn't like to guess how long)
Well, I've had my XBox for approximately 4 hours now (as I start to write this), and what do I think?
Well, let's start with the basics.
I bought the Microsoft Gamer Bundle Pack Thing from SR Egham after work. This means I got: 1 XBox with Controller. 1 Extra Controller. 1 Copy Halo. 1 Copy Project Gotham Racing. = £399.99. I also got a DVD kit thing, but haven't watched any DVD's yet.
Size:
Yes, it is larger than a PS2. It's deeper than a PS2, and slightly wider, and slightly taller. But it's not huge. I was slightly worried, from pictures I'd seen, that the top had a bit of a curve to it, but it's flat, so I can store my DreamCast on top, which is nice.
It's also reasonably heavy, but as the only time you'll have to carry it is from the shop to your car, then from the car to your house, it shouldn't cause too much of a problem.
Controller:
Yes, it is large, but for me that's not a problem, but it may be an issue for people with smaller hands. I liked the DreamCast pad, and this is similar. When I first got my PS2 I hated the pad, it took me ages to remember where the buttons were, and I didn't like the fact that the analogue sticks were to the side of, instead of above, the digital pad - which is how it is on the DC and XBox pad.
Suffice to say, if you've owned a PSX and/or a PS2 and you're used to the pad, it WILL take some getting used to. If you liked the DC pad, you should have no problems.
I've just been playing my XBox for 4 hours straight, and I have no problems with my hands at all.
My first experience:
I got the XBox home, and I set it up quickly, then stopped. What if it's rubbish? What if I've just wasted over £400? What if I really really regret buying it? I stopped myself thinking like that, and turned it on, with no game in.
Initially a green main menu screen comes up, with the three options MEMORY, MUSIC and SETTINGS. They're all pretty obvious, but I'll run through them briefly. Memory allows you to see how much space you have on the HDD and memory card, and delete unwanted save files etc.
MUSIC menu lets you play music CD's, or copy them to .MP3 format for playing in-game. Settings lets you set stuff like clock, calender, stereo/mono sound etc etc. All the usual stuff. It's all done in smooth, clear, obvious menu's, although they are rather green, perhaps too green for some peoples taste.
To be fair though, you won't be spending much time looking at them. Out of curiosity I ripped a CD to listen to in-game, it was a full 80 minute CD and it took (I didn't time it BTW) in the region of 10-15 mins. So I went and made a sandwich while it was doing that.
The Games:
Ok, first game I played was PGR. I won't review the whole game here, for obvious reasons. Suffice to say the graphics are NOT as good as GT3, but then what is? To be fair, PGR is a launch title and GT3 wasn't. If you compared PGR with Ridge Racer V, PGR would win hands down.
PGR's handling is not as realistic as GT3's, which is good in my view, as GT3 was TOO realistic for my taste. PGR has handling that is, at a guess, 65% realistic, which is a good mixture in my opinion.
Anyone who is familiar with M:SR on the DreamCast will be right at home, although the modes of play are slightly different, the handling and Kudos system are much the same.
An added bonus of PGR is the ability to play music tracks that you've copied onto the HDD. This is not amazingly handy, as you can always turn the volume of the telly down and play a CD normally if you want, but it's one of a number of nice little touches that just help to make the game as great as it is.
To sum up, if you thought GT3 was too simulation like, chances are you'll like this. There's a reasonbly steep learning curve if you've not played M:SR at all, but if you have played and liked M:SR, you'll love PGR.
Second game, Halo:
I was wary of playing this. I had heard all the hype, and I was readying myself for a let down. But it didn't let down. The controls were a little difficult to get used to, probably not helped by the fact that I haven't played an FPS on a console for AGES.
The mood was set with the music to the main menu, a haunting kind of latin tune, almost something you would expect to hear a load of monks singing at a ceremony. Then the proper game music kicks in, but the monk type stuff does it's job certainly, setting the mood and getting you ready for the game ahead.
Again, I won't do a full blown review of the game here.
I've only done the first two levels, and haven't played any multiplayer, but I can see that this is a good game. Whether it's really a 10/10 game remains to be seen. The graphics are great, as are the sound effects. The controls are pretty spot on, when you get used to them. Although the handling of the Warthog is a right git!
How this compares to other FPS's available at the moment, I don't know. The last FPS I played was UT, and I haven't had my hands on anything since.
It IS engrossing, I plaed through the first two levels, and was about to start the third when I realised I was absolutely starving, so I was pretty hooked.
Normally in games like this, I wander around like a leper hardly able to find the most obvious switch but not here, it's reasonble free-roaming in that you can walk or drive and take which ever route you want, but you never feel completely lost with no idea what to do.
The AI is pretty funky. The monsties dodge and duck for cover etc. And your CPU controlled team mates act pretty intelligently as well.
So, should you buy an XBox?
Well, in my view, yes. I'm glad that I'm selling my PS2 and glad that I bought myself an XBox.
But as for you? Well, that's your choice. But if you like playing PC style games, without having to sit at a PC (maybe because you sit at a desk all day at work or college and you hate the idea of doing the same all evening as well), then you'll be sorted here.
If, like me, you realised that all the Sony Franchises (GT3, MGS2, FFX etc) didn't really float your boat, then it may be worht you getting one to replace your PS2. All the major multiplatform games are coming to XBox - GTA3, Tonty Hawks, FIFA, SSX Tricky, F1 2002 etc. As well as PC like games - Geoff Crammonds GP4 is confirmed, as is Championship Manager. So there is a wide range of games.
If you like playing your GT3's etc, then stick with PS2, as they'll never appear on XBox! So unless you can afford both, it's best to stick with what you've got.
What I've put here will hopefully help people decide which way to go. If you're 99% sure to get an XBox, this may just be that last 1% you need to go out and get it.
If you're 99% sure you want to keep your PS2, this may have confirmed that for you.
However, if you're still REALLY unsure, please DON'T go and buy and the strength of what I've written here. My opinions could be completely differen to yours. If you're really unsure, just go and play one, as that's the only way you'll decided.
Suffice to say, I've just been playing on my XBox for 4 hours straight. The last time I played for that long when me and three mates played multiplayer BomberMan on the SNES all day long.
Well, let's start with the basics.
I bought the Microsoft Gamer Bundle Pack Thing from SR Egham after work. This means I got: 1 XBox with Controller. 1 Extra Controller. 1 Copy Halo. 1 Copy Project Gotham Racing. = £399.99. I also got a DVD kit thing, but haven't watched any DVD's yet.
Size:
Yes, it is larger than a PS2. It's deeper than a PS2, and slightly wider, and slightly taller. But it's not huge. I was slightly worried, from pictures I'd seen, that the top had a bit of a curve to it, but it's flat, so I can store my DreamCast on top, which is nice.
It's also reasonably heavy, but as the only time you'll have to carry it is from the shop to your car, then from the car to your house, it shouldn't cause too much of a problem.
Controller:
Yes, it is large, but for me that's not a problem, but it may be an issue for people with smaller hands. I liked the DreamCast pad, and this is similar. When I first got my PS2 I hated the pad, it took me ages to remember where the buttons were, and I didn't like the fact that the analogue sticks were to the side of, instead of above, the digital pad - which is how it is on the DC and XBox pad.
Suffice to say, if you've owned a PSX and/or a PS2 and you're used to the pad, it WILL take some getting used to. If you liked the DC pad, you should have no problems.
I've just been playing my XBox for 4 hours straight, and I have no problems with my hands at all.
My first experience:
I got the XBox home, and I set it up quickly, then stopped. What if it's rubbish? What if I've just wasted over £400? What if I really really regret buying it? I stopped myself thinking like that, and turned it on, with no game in.
Initially a green main menu screen comes up, with the three options MEMORY, MUSIC and SETTINGS. They're all pretty obvious, but I'll run through them briefly. Memory allows you to see how much space you have on the HDD and memory card, and delete unwanted save files etc.
MUSIC menu lets you play music CD's, or copy them to .MP3 format for playing in-game. Settings lets you set stuff like clock, calender, stereo/mono sound etc etc. All the usual stuff. It's all done in smooth, clear, obvious menu's, although they are rather green, perhaps too green for some peoples taste.
To be fair though, you won't be spending much time looking at them. Out of curiosity I ripped a CD to listen to in-game, it was a full 80 minute CD and it took (I didn't time it BTW) in the region of 10-15 mins. So I went and made a sandwich while it was doing that.
The Games:
Ok, first game I played was PGR. I won't review the whole game here, for obvious reasons. Suffice to say the graphics are NOT as good as GT3, but then what is? To be fair, PGR is a launch title and GT3 wasn't. If you compared PGR with Ridge Racer V, PGR would win hands down.
PGR's handling is not as realistic as GT3's, which is good in my view, as GT3 was TOO realistic for my taste. PGR has handling that is, at a guess, 65% realistic, which is a good mixture in my opinion.
Anyone who is familiar with M:SR on the DreamCast will be right at home, although the modes of play are slightly different, the handling and Kudos system are much the same.
An added bonus of PGR is the ability to play music tracks that you've copied onto the HDD. This is not amazingly handy, as you can always turn the volume of the telly down and play a CD normally if you want, but it's one of a number of nice little touches that just help to make the game as great as it is.
To sum up, if you thought GT3 was too simulation like, chances are you'll like this. There's a reasonbly steep learning curve if you've not played M:SR at all, but if you have played and liked M:SR, you'll love PGR.
Second game, Halo:
I was wary of playing this. I had heard all the hype, and I was readying myself for a let down. But it didn't let down. The controls were a little difficult to get used to, probably not helped by the fact that I haven't played an FPS on a console for AGES.
The mood was set with the music to the main menu, a haunting kind of latin tune, almost something you would expect to hear a load of monks singing at a ceremony. Then the proper game music kicks in, but the monk type stuff does it's job certainly, setting the mood and getting you ready for the game ahead.
Again, I won't do a full blown review of the game here.
I've only done the first two levels, and haven't played any multiplayer, but I can see that this is a good game. Whether it's really a 10/10 game remains to be seen. The graphics are great, as are the sound effects. The controls are pretty spot on, when you get used to them. Although the handling of the Warthog is a right git!
How this compares to other FPS's available at the moment, I don't know. The last FPS I played was UT, and I haven't had my hands on anything since.
It IS engrossing, I plaed through the first two levels, and was about to start the third when I realised I was absolutely starving, so I was pretty hooked.
Normally in games like this, I wander around like a leper hardly able to find the most obvious switch but not here, it's reasonble free-roaming in that you can walk or drive and take which ever route you want, but you never feel completely lost with no idea what to do.
The AI is pretty funky. The monsties dodge and duck for cover etc. And your CPU controlled team mates act pretty intelligently as well.
So, should you buy an XBox?
Well, in my view, yes. I'm glad that I'm selling my PS2 and glad that I bought myself an XBox.
But as for you? Well, that's your choice. But if you like playing PC style games, without having to sit at a PC (maybe because you sit at a desk all day at work or college and you hate the idea of doing the same all evening as well), then you'll be sorted here.
If, like me, you realised that all the Sony Franchises (GT3, MGS2, FFX etc) didn't really float your boat, then it may be worht you getting one to replace your PS2. All the major multiplatform games are coming to XBox - GTA3, Tonty Hawks, FIFA, SSX Tricky, F1 2002 etc. As well as PC like games - Geoff Crammonds GP4 is confirmed, as is Championship Manager. So there is a wide range of games.
If you like playing your GT3's etc, then stick with PS2, as they'll never appear on XBox! So unless you can afford both, it's best to stick with what you've got.
What I've put here will hopefully help people decide which way to go. If you're 99% sure to get an XBox, this may just be that last 1% you need to go out and get it.
If you're 99% sure you want to keep your PS2, this may have confirmed that for you.
However, if you're still REALLY unsure, please DON'T go and buy and the strength of what I've written here. My opinions could be completely differen to yours. If you're really unsure, just go and play one, as that's the only way you'll decided.
Suffice to say, I've just been playing on my XBox for 4 hours straight. The last time I played for that long when me and three mates played multiplayer BomberMan on the SNES all day long.
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