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XBOX LIVE
Coming soon to a console near you is a new gaming experience gaurenteed to change the face of gaming for a long time. Using Broadband connections, Xbox Live (or XBL) will connect you to gamers all over the world in a minimal lag games arena built purely for gaming.
From the very beginning, Microsoft designed the Xbox to lead the way in the online console gaming revolution the company believes is right around the corner.
WHAT DO I NEED FOR XBOX LIVE?
You need no add-ons to your Xbox, it all came when you bought your system, there is no need to buy extras unlike the PS2 and the Gamecube. Microsoft has had the online idea in their minds from the very offset. The Xbox comes with an Ethernal port which is located at the back of the machine. This is where you will need to connect you Xbox to you broadband line.
You will need an existing Broadband Line or invest in one to be able to play online with the Xbox as microsoft has made it very clear that dial up connections are not good enough for their master of a machine. [Why load your guns with blanks when you could fire bullets?] They have wisely not gone the same route as the Dreamcast, in that it will not be possible in anyway to connect a modem to your Microsoft Mean Machine.
One thing that you will need is the Software. You will be able to purchase this equipment in all game related shops on the launch date of XBL. In the kit you will get the MainDVD which will be crucial for the setup and installation. On this DVD it is planned that you will get a version of game Revolt, though this may change as production continues. It has been rumoured that the japanese version of the Xbox Live software will have a version of Phantasy Star Online which was a big success for the Dreamcast. Along with this DVD you will be given a headset, this will be at no more expense. The price of this kit is not definate as of yet. (read on for price)
THE HEADSET
The headset will come as standard, as XBL will not use a Keyboard or Mouse. Microsoft says that games should not be slowed down by typing when it can all be done by voice. Taunting can be done in a split second, and because its all broadband it will be just as talking on a digital mobile phone. All the software builds so far which are going to be compatable with XBL have got voice recognition and synthesizers, meaning you can change the sound of your voice. Imagine taunting your Unreal Championship opponent with a micky mouse voice whilst blasting them with an assault rifle. Not only will it have dozens of preset voices, it should also have a tool available with various knobs, sliders and switches so that the player can change their voice to anything they desire.
The headset will be connected into the top socket of the Xbox Gamepad which should hopefully minimalize the usual tangle of wires which we have come to expect with special peripherals such as steering wheels and lightguns.
SINGLE USER IDENTITY
This is what seperates you from the masses. This ID you create will be the security, tracking and gaming key for the system. This ID will grant you all the access you need to play all of the games on Xbox Live. When you setup your User ID you will have to choose a nick name and your prefrences. Each player will have his or her own prefrences which you can setup in game. For example if you are playing Project Gotham Racing 2, you can setup your system so that everytime you start it will have your car and your favorate track selected and ready for you to race. Other little details will be easy to tweak and save.
When in the lobbies, your User ID and nick name will be used for buddy chat. This will help people recognise you, see if you are online, if you are available for a game. The buddy list service can alert you even when your in a certain game. If a level has finished, or youve just finsihed a race it will come to your attention that someone is wanting to talk to you, and you'll be able to reply to them without even swapping your Game Disc.
THE MATCHMAKING PROCESS
Not got many friends? It doesnt mater with Xbox Live. The matchmaking process will help you find someone of the same abilities and level. When you play your game all your achievements will be saved. For example kills, deaths, fastest lap times, Kudos points, character levels etc. This means that if you use this tool the software will seacrh for people who have roughly the same kills, deaths, points etc. This means a greater gaming experience for those who are extra good or extra bad at games. For some new gamers it might be very daunting to be against a world champ at Halo2. But with the Matchmaking system it wont let you get picked on by someone who is looking for easy kills to put onto his or her record. It may also be the case that you are getting bored with fraging newbies and are sick of being challenged be people who pose no game whatsoever.
This system will also be able to show world and regional rankings over the network. Clan matches can be setup easily by programming your game to automatically join the side which has the rest of your team are.
Finding people who live near you and substiquently have the same ping as you will be easy to do with matchmaking, for ultra-fast gaming experience.
DOWNLOADS
Ever wondered why you need all 50,000 blocks in your Xbox console? Your games not even scratched the surface of your systems memory? You'll be glad to know that it is there for a reason, and a good one at that. With content downloading you can update large parts of you game and save them on your HardDrive. Ever mastered a beat'em up to the extent that you have learnt everysingle characters punches, kicks and grabs? How about downloading more moves, or even more characters. The games could be limitless, with new add-ons everyweek. It could extend the lasting value of your game hundreds of times over. How about new levels or new cars in racing games? The possibilities are almost endless. The oppotunity is there for you to be able to swap music files with one another. You could listen to the same soundtrack as the person on the other side of the world is listening to. Obviously this would be a risky move to play as it would encourage the transportation of virus' from console to console. If the technology is right, then this is a major oppotunity.
RELEASE GAMES
Of course the most important part of Xbox Live is the games. The xbox is a Gaming machine, so it would be a waste of time if there is to be no games to be played on it. On the launch of Xbox live there should be around 8 games available which will be compatable with online play. These games are:
•Ghost Recon
•Whacked!
•Phantasy Star Online 1
•Phantasy Star Online 2
•Unreal Championship
•NFL Fever 2003
•MechAssault
•Midtown Madness 3
GAMES TO BE LATER RELEASED WITH XBOX LIVE CAPABILITIES
-ToeJam & Earl 3: All Funked Up
-Ghost Recon
-Shayde: Monsters vs. Humans
-NFL 2K3
-Rayman Arena
-Armada 2
-NCAA College Basketball 2K3
-Rainbow Six: Ravens Shield
-Tetris Worlds
-Timesplitters 2
-Lamborghini
-MX Superfly
-XIII
-NBA 2K3
-Counter-Strike
-Star Wars Galaxies
-Amped Xbox Live
-Halo Xbox Live
-Rallisport Challenge Xbox Live
-Project Gotham Racing Xbox Live
-Project Gotham Racing 2 Xbox Live
-Halo 2 Xbox Live
From the release date on, it is thought that most games developers will try and include Xbox Live components in their game, be it the gameplay itself, or maybe just a board online which players and boast laptimes and highscores.
COST
The last listed price for the starter kit was around 50 American dollers. So it is going to be basically the same price as a newly released game. I'm not quite sure on the calculations to change American dollers into English sterling but that should be around the 35-40 pound mark. This isnt very expensive if you are to consider that you get a Starter disc which gives you 12 months FREE subscription to Xbox Live and A copy of Revolt. (may vary with which country you purchase your starter kit from [It maybe that you can buy different discs with different games on them])
With this disc you will also get an official Microsoft Headset for no extra cost.
If you would like the luxery of having two sepperate accounts or nicknames, you will have to buy another starterkit. This maybe neccessary if there are more than one gamer in the residence.
After the 12 FREE subscription there will be a monthly fee, not perminant at the moment but the stated price has been $9.95 (about 6 quid-ish) per month.
LAUNCH DATE
The launch date for XBL has not been comfirmed yet. Microsoft will not give exact dates. They are considering the possibility of hic-cups in the process and aren't going to promise dates and prices until right before launch. Bill Gates is investing over One Billion Dollers into Xbox Live, this can be some relief to those like me who have invested heavily into a Dreamcast and have had to amount to nothing.
Originally Xbox Live was scheduled for a Summer 2002 release, but now is more relaistically looking like an Autum/Fall launch. But as Sods Law states, anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.
Keep Checking www.xbox.com for updated details.
Keep Checking http://www.xbox.com/uk/default.htm for UK infomation
Thank you for reading
E-mail me @--> [email protected]
Coming soon to a console near you is a new gaming experience gaurenteed to change the face of gaming for a long time. Using Broadband connections, Xbox Live (or XBL) will connect you to gamers all over the world in a minimal lag games arena built purely for gaming.
From the very beginning, Microsoft designed the Xbox to lead the way in the online console gaming revolution the company believes is right around the corner.
WHAT DO I NEED FOR XBOX LIVE?
You need no add-ons to your Xbox, it all came when you bought your system, there is no need to buy extras unlike the PS2 and the Gamecube. Microsoft has had the online idea in their minds from the very offset. The Xbox comes with an Ethernal port which is located at the back of the machine. This is where you will need to connect you Xbox to you broadband line.
You will need an existing Broadband Line or invest in one to be able to play online with the Xbox as microsoft has made it very clear that dial up connections are not good enough for their master of a machine. [Why load your guns with blanks when you could fire bullets?] They have wisely not gone the same route as the Dreamcast, in that it will not be possible in anyway to connect a modem to your Microsoft Mean Machine.
One thing that you will need is the Software. You will be able to purchase this equipment in all game related shops on the launch date of XBL. In the kit you will get the MainDVD which will be crucial for the setup and installation. On this DVD it is planned that you will get a version of game Revolt, though this may change as production continues. It has been rumoured that the japanese version of the Xbox Live software will have a version of Phantasy Star Online which was a big success for the Dreamcast. Along with this DVD you will be given a headset, this will be at no more expense. The price of this kit is not definate as of yet. (read on for price)
THE HEADSET
The headset will come as standard, as XBL will not use a Keyboard or Mouse. Microsoft says that games should not be slowed down by typing when it can all be done by voice. Taunting can be done in a split second, and because its all broadband it will be just as talking on a digital mobile phone. All the software builds so far which are going to be compatable with XBL have got voice recognition and synthesizers, meaning you can change the sound of your voice. Imagine taunting your Unreal Championship opponent with a micky mouse voice whilst blasting them with an assault rifle. Not only will it have dozens of preset voices, it should also have a tool available with various knobs, sliders and switches so that the player can change their voice to anything they desire.
The headset will be connected into the top socket of the Xbox Gamepad which should hopefully minimalize the usual tangle of wires which we have come to expect with special peripherals such as steering wheels and lightguns.
SINGLE USER IDENTITY
This is what seperates you from the masses. This ID you create will be the security, tracking and gaming key for the system. This ID will grant you all the access you need to play all of the games on Xbox Live. When you setup your User ID you will have to choose a nick name and your prefrences. Each player will have his or her own prefrences which you can setup in game. For example if you are playing Project Gotham Racing 2, you can setup your system so that everytime you start it will have your car and your favorate track selected and ready for you to race. Other little details will be easy to tweak and save.
When in the lobbies, your User ID and nick name will be used for buddy chat. This will help people recognise you, see if you are online, if you are available for a game. The buddy list service can alert you even when your in a certain game. If a level has finished, or youve just finsihed a race it will come to your attention that someone is wanting to talk to you, and you'll be able to reply to them without even swapping your Game Disc.
THE MATCHMAKING PROCESS
Not got many friends? It doesnt mater with Xbox Live. The matchmaking process will help you find someone of the same abilities and level. When you play your game all your achievements will be saved. For example kills, deaths, fastest lap times, Kudos points, character levels etc. This means that if you use this tool the software will seacrh for people who have roughly the same kills, deaths, points etc. This means a greater gaming experience for those who are extra good or extra bad at games. For some new gamers it might be very daunting to be against a world champ at Halo2. But with the Matchmaking system it wont let you get picked on by someone who is looking for easy kills to put onto his or her record. It may also be the case that you are getting bored with fraging newbies and are sick of being challenged be people who pose no game whatsoever.
This system will also be able to show world and regional rankings over the network. Clan matches can be setup easily by programming your game to automatically join the side which has the rest of your team are.
Finding people who live near you and substiquently have the same ping as you will be easy to do with matchmaking, for ultra-fast gaming experience.
DOWNLOADS
Ever wondered why you need all 50,000 blocks in your Xbox console? Your games not even scratched the surface of your systems memory? You'll be glad to know that it is there for a reason, and a good one at that. With content downloading you can update large parts of you game and save them on your HardDrive. Ever mastered a beat'em up to the extent that you have learnt everysingle characters punches, kicks and grabs? How about downloading more moves, or even more characters. The games could be limitless, with new add-ons everyweek. It could extend the lasting value of your game hundreds of times over. How about new levels or new cars in racing games? The possibilities are almost endless. The oppotunity is there for you to be able to swap music files with one another. You could listen to the same soundtrack as the person on the other side of the world is listening to. Obviously this would be a risky move to play as it would encourage the transportation of virus' from console to console. If the technology is right, then this is a major oppotunity.
RELEASE GAMES
Of course the most important part of Xbox Live is the games. The xbox is a Gaming machine, so it would be a waste of time if there is to be no games to be played on it. On the launch of Xbox live there should be around 8 games available which will be compatable with online play. These games are:
•Ghost Recon
•Whacked!
•Phantasy Star Online 1
•Phantasy Star Online 2
•Unreal Championship
•NFL Fever 2003
•MechAssault
•Midtown Madness 3
GAMES TO BE LATER RELEASED WITH XBOX LIVE CAPABILITIES
-ToeJam & Earl 3: All Funked Up
-Ghost Recon
-Shayde: Monsters vs. Humans
-NFL 2K3
-Rayman Arena
-Armada 2
-NCAA College Basketball 2K3
-Rainbow Six: Ravens Shield
-Tetris Worlds
-Timesplitters 2
-Lamborghini
-MX Superfly
-XIII
-NBA 2K3
-Counter-Strike
-Star Wars Galaxies
-Amped Xbox Live
-Halo Xbox Live
-Rallisport Challenge Xbox Live
-Project Gotham Racing Xbox Live
-Project Gotham Racing 2 Xbox Live
-Halo 2 Xbox Live
From the release date on, it is thought that most games developers will try and include Xbox Live components in their game, be it the gameplay itself, or maybe just a board online which players and boast laptimes and highscores.
COST
The last listed price for the starter kit was around 50 American dollers. So it is going to be basically the same price as a newly released game. I'm not quite sure on the calculations to change American dollers into English sterling but that should be around the 35-40 pound mark. This isnt very expensive if you are to consider that you get a Starter disc which gives you 12 months FREE subscription to Xbox Live and A copy of Revolt. (may vary with which country you purchase your starter kit from [It maybe that you can buy different discs with different games on them])
With this disc you will also get an official Microsoft Headset for no extra cost.
If you would like the luxery of having two sepperate accounts or nicknames, you will have to buy another starterkit. This maybe neccessary if there are more than one gamer in the residence.
After the 12 FREE subscription there will be a monthly fee, not perminant at the moment but the stated price has been $9.95 (about 6 quid-ish) per month.
LAUNCH DATE
The launch date for XBL has not been comfirmed yet. Microsoft will not give exact dates. They are considering the possibility of hic-cups in the process and aren't going to promise dates and prices until right before launch. Bill Gates is investing over One Billion Dollers into Xbox Live, this can be some relief to those like me who have invested heavily into a Dreamcast and have had to amount to nothing.
Originally Xbox Live was scheduled for a Summer 2002 release, but now is more relaistically looking like an Autum/Fall launch. But as Sods Law states, anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.
Keep Checking www.xbox.com for updated details.
Keep Checking http://www.xbox.com/uk/default.htm for UK infomation
Thank you for reading
E-mail me @--> [email protected]
savatt1668 wrote:
> Is it me or is NFL Fever
> advertised on the box of our consoles ? I'm sure I remember seeing
> it. ;-)
Nope just checked, it aint there :)
> Is it me or is NFL Fever
> advertised on the box of our consoles ? I'm sure I remember seeing
> it. ;-)
Nope just checked, it aint there :)
Actually, I was looking at the X-Box games yesterday and I saw NFL Fever 2003 on the shelves (available to buy). Its an X-Box live title. :-)
It has the orange underline on the box with Live written in it. ;-)
So it looks like one has been released early. This was the only X-Box Live title I saw though. There must be like 5 American football titles here that we haven't got. Its ashame cause I like playing those games and the X-Box American football games I've seen look really good. :-)
Maybe they'll release NFL Fever 2003. Is it me or is NFL Fever advertised on the box of our consoles ? I'm sure I remember seeing it. ;-)
It has the orange underline on the box with Live written in it. ;-)
So it looks like one has been released early. This was the only X-Box Live title I saw though. There must be like 5 American football titles here that we haven't got. Its ashame cause I like playing those games and the X-Box American football games I've seen look really good. :-)
Maybe they'll release NFL Fever 2003. Is it me or is NFL Fever advertised on the box of our consoles ? I'm sure I remember seeing it. ;-)
Its all very cool, but out of my reach at the moment.
If my Dad went for getting a new PC, I might rope him into getting broadband. Which means XBox Live to me. :)
I will eventually get broadband, i just don't know when.
If my Dad went for getting a new PC, I might rope him into getting broadband. Which means XBox Live to me. :)
I will eventually get broadband, i just don't know when.
Just found this over at www.xboxrules.com :-
"On Friday, Nov. 15, the one-year anniversary of the launch of the most powerful video game system on the planet, Microsoft Corp. will launch its Xbox™ Live online game service and propel the North American gaming world into the future of video games.
At launch, more than 5,000 North American retail outlets will begin selling the Xbox Live Starter Kit for a suggested price of $49.95 (U.S.). For the price of a new game, the kit includes a one-year subscription to the broadband-only service, the highly anticipated Xbox Communicator headset and a minigame so gamers can start playing with their friends right away. Retail programs will be supported by a multimillion-dollar marketing campaign that will include advertising, retail communications and promotional activities.
In addition, at least six Xbox Live-enabled games are currently scheduled to be available on Nov. 15, with more than 10 others to follow by the end of the holiday season. Scheduled launch games for Xbox Live are 'Unreal Championship' from Infogrames Inc.; 'Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon' from Ubi Soft Entertainment; 'NFL 2K3' and 'NBA 2K3' from Sega Enterprises Ltd.; and 'Whacked!™' and “NFL Fever 2003” from Microsoft Game Studios. More than 50 Xbox Live-enabled games will launch during 2003, including 'Halo™ 2', 'Counter-Strike' and 'Star Wars: Galaxies.' More than 60 game publishers are currently working on Xbox Live-enabled games.
“We designed Xbox from day one to catapult console gamers online,” said J Allard, general manager of Xbox at Microsoft. “Xbox Live is the answer for gamers who want to take this next leap forward. Last year at this time, we took gaming to the next level by launching Xbox; now we’re in concert with our partners and the industry to ensure that Nov. 15 will once again be a great day for gamers and the industry. Xbox Live is the first unified gaming service that takes gamers beyond the box to a global gaming arena where they become the superstars.”
The Xbox Live service was part of the initial design of the Xbox console, taking into consideration specific feedback Microsoft received directly from gamers and game developers about what they wanted and expected from an optimal online gaming experience. Key to the service is the support of four datacenters: two in Seattle, and one each in London and Tokyo. These datacenters will enable Microsoft to assist publishers by managing the hosting, networking, security and billing so game creators can focus on awesome game content, and gamers can be comfortable with a single bill for all gameplay.
In addition, gamers will benefit from key, consistent features of the Xbox Live service across games from all publishers, including these:
Gamertag A player’s Gamertag will be the same for all games across the global gaming service.
Friends list Players will be able to find their friends online and invite them to a game, no matter which Xbox Live game they’re playing.
Xbox Communicator Voice communication functionality is integrated with all Xbox Live multiplayer games, enabling teammates and opponents to speak to one another during games. Key elements of this feature exclusive to Xbox include voice masking, global muting and parental control.
Matchmaking QuickMatch allows gamers to enter a multiplay experience with a single button click, and with OptiMatch, an Xbox Live exclusive, players will be able to select games and opponents based on similar skill levels.
Downloadble Content Ability to download content to the Xbox hard disk. Only Xbox enables console gamers to download and permanently store both free and for-a-fee content that can include new levels, characters, missions and statistics.
To date, more than 100,000 gamers have signed up for an opportunity to be beta testers for the Xbox Live service. Later this month, more than 10,000 of these gamers will be selected to participate in the final stage of the beta test. Details for the Xbox Live service launch in Japan and Europe will be announced in those markets in the coming months. "
Cool heh?
"On Friday, Nov. 15, the one-year anniversary of the launch of the most powerful video game system on the planet, Microsoft Corp. will launch its Xbox™ Live online game service and propel the North American gaming world into the future of video games.
At launch, more than 5,000 North American retail outlets will begin selling the Xbox Live Starter Kit for a suggested price of $49.95 (U.S.). For the price of a new game, the kit includes a one-year subscription to the broadband-only service, the highly anticipated Xbox Communicator headset and a minigame so gamers can start playing with their friends right away. Retail programs will be supported by a multimillion-dollar marketing campaign that will include advertising, retail communications and promotional activities.
In addition, at least six Xbox Live-enabled games are currently scheduled to be available on Nov. 15, with more than 10 others to follow by the end of the holiday season. Scheduled launch games for Xbox Live are 'Unreal Championship' from Infogrames Inc.; 'Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon' from Ubi Soft Entertainment; 'NFL 2K3' and 'NBA 2K3' from Sega Enterprises Ltd.; and 'Whacked!™' and “NFL Fever 2003” from Microsoft Game Studios. More than 50 Xbox Live-enabled games will launch during 2003, including 'Halo™ 2', 'Counter-Strike' and 'Star Wars: Galaxies.' More than 60 game publishers are currently working on Xbox Live-enabled games.
“We designed Xbox from day one to catapult console gamers online,” said J Allard, general manager of Xbox at Microsoft. “Xbox Live is the answer for gamers who want to take this next leap forward. Last year at this time, we took gaming to the next level by launching Xbox; now we’re in concert with our partners and the industry to ensure that Nov. 15 will once again be a great day for gamers and the industry. Xbox Live is the first unified gaming service that takes gamers beyond the box to a global gaming arena where they become the superstars.”
The Xbox Live service was part of the initial design of the Xbox console, taking into consideration specific feedback Microsoft received directly from gamers and game developers about what they wanted and expected from an optimal online gaming experience. Key to the service is the support of four datacenters: two in Seattle, and one each in London and Tokyo. These datacenters will enable Microsoft to assist publishers by managing the hosting, networking, security and billing so game creators can focus on awesome game content, and gamers can be comfortable with a single bill for all gameplay.
In addition, gamers will benefit from key, consistent features of the Xbox Live service across games from all publishers, including these:
Gamertag A player’s Gamertag will be the same for all games across the global gaming service.
Friends list Players will be able to find their friends online and invite them to a game, no matter which Xbox Live game they’re playing.
Xbox Communicator Voice communication functionality is integrated with all Xbox Live multiplayer games, enabling teammates and opponents to speak to one another during games. Key elements of this feature exclusive to Xbox include voice masking, global muting and parental control.
Matchmaking QuickMatch allows gamers to enter a multiplay experience with a single button click, and with OptiMatch, an Xbox Live exclusive, players will be able to select games and opponents based on similar skill levels.
Downloadble Content Ability to download content to the Xbox hard disk. Only Xbox enables console gamers to download and permanently store both free and for-a-fee content that can include new levels, characters, missions and statistics.
To date, more than 100,000 gamers have signed up for an opportunity to be beta testers for the Xbox Live service. Later this month, more than 10,000 of these gamers will be selected to participate in the final stage of the beta test. Details for the Xbox Live service launch in Japan and Europe will be announced in those markets in the coming months. "
Cool heh?
Great post. Its given me quite the insight into xbox LIVE, looking forward to it now. The game you mentioned that are coming up for the LIVE service, i think there is more than that, i cannot remember.
Great post! I just can't wait to get broadband! After a successful day at the White Rose I think me mom is waying towards Broadband! :) fingers crossed :D
Good post.
I for one was hoping that Crazy Taxi 3 was going to be online: imagine 16 rival online cabbies all battling for customers on the city streets. Could've been tasty.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to XBOX Live. I have a Dreamcast but I only had a few games of ChuChuRocket online, which was okay, but I expect the XBOX thing to be the business.
I've never played online on my PC, so it'll all be quite new to me.
I for one was hoping that Crazy Taxi 3 was going to be online: imagine 16 rival online cabbies all battling for customers on the city streets. Could've been tasty.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to XBOX Live. I have a Dreamcast but I only had a few games of ChuChuRocket online, which was okay, but I expect the XBOX thing to be the business.
I've never played online on my PC, so it'll all be quite new to me.
I for one can't wait for XBOX live its gonna be smart if it works as they say it will.
XBOX LIVE
Coming soon to a console near you is a new gaming experience gaurenteed to change the face of gaming for a long time. Using Broadband connections, Xbox Live (or XBL) will connect you to gamers all over the world in a minimal lag games arena built purely for gaming.
From the very beginning, Microsoft designed the Xbox to lead the way in the online console gaming revolution the company believes is right around the corner.
WHAT DO I NEED FOR XBOX LIVE?
You need no add-ons to your Xbox, it all came when you bought your system, there is no need to buy extras unlike the PS2 and the Gamecube. Microsoft has had the online idea in their minds from the very offset. The Xbox comes with an Ethernal port which is located at the back of the machine. This is where you will need to connect you Xbox to you broadband line.
You will need an existing Broadband Line or invest in one to be able to play online with the Xbox as microsoft has made it very clear that dial up connections are not good enough for their master of a machine. [Why load your guns with blanks when you could fire bullets?] They have wisely not gone the same route as the Dreamcast, in that it will not be possible in anyway to connect a modem to your Microsoft Mean Machine.
One thing that you will need is the Software. You will be able to purchase this equipment in all game related shops on the launch date of XBL. In the kit you will get the MainDVD which will be crucial for the setup and installation. On this DVD it is planned that you will get a version of game Revolt, though this may change as production continues. It has been rumoured that the japanese version of the Xbox Live software will have a version of Phantasy Star Online which was a big success for the Dreamcast. Along with this DVD you will be given a headset, this will be at no more expense. The price of this kit is not definate as of yet. (read on for price)
THE HEADSET
The headset will come as standard, as XBL will not use a Keyboard or Mouse. Microsoft says that games should not be slowed down by typing when it can all be done by voice. Taunting can be done in a split second, and because its all broadband it will be just as talking on a digital mobile phone. All the software builds so far which are going to be compatable with XBL have got voice recognition and synthesizers, meaning you can change the sound of your voice. Imagine taunting your Unreal Championship opponent with a micky mouse voice whilst blasting them with an assault rifle. Not only will it have dozens of preset voices, it should also have a tool available with various knobs, sliders and switches so that the player can change their voice to anything they desire.
The headset will be connected into the top socket of the Xbox Gamepad which should hopefully minimalize the usual tangle of wires which we have come to expect with special peripherals such as steering wheels and lightguns.
SINGLE USER IDENTITY
This is what seperates you from the masses. This ID you create will be the security, tracking and gaming key for the system. This ID will grant you all the access you need to play all of the games on Xbox Live. When you setup your User ID you will have to choose a nick name and your prefrences. Each player will have his or her own prefrences which you can setup in game. For example if you are playing Project Gotham Racing 2, you can setup your system so that everytime you start it will have your car and your favorate track selected and ready for you to race. Other little details will be easy to tweak and save.
When in the lobbies, your User ID and nick name will be used for buddy chat. This will help people recognise you, see if you are online, if you are available for a game. The buddy list service can alert you even when your in a certain game. If a level has finished, or youve just finsihed a race it will come to your attention that someone is wanting to talk to you, and you'll be able to reply to them without even swapping your Game Disc.
THE MATCHMAKING PROCESS
Not got many friends? It doesnt mater with Xbox Live. The matchmaking process will help you find someone of the same abilities and level. When you play your game all your achievements will be saved. For example kills, deaths, fastest lap times, Kudos points, character levels etc. This means that if you use this tool the software will seacrh for people who have roughly the same kills, deaths, points etc. This means a greater gaming experience for those who are extra good or extra bad at games. For some new gamers it might be very daunting to be against a world champ at Halo2. But with the Matchmaking system it wont let you get picked on by someone who is looking for easy kills to put onto his or her record. It may also be the case that you are getting bored with fraging newbies and are sick of being challenged be people who pose no game whatsoever.
This system will also be able to show world and regional rankings over the network. Clan matches can be setup easily by programming your game to automatically join the side which has the rest of your team are.
Finding people who live near you and substiquently have the same ping as you will be easy to do with matchmaking, for ultra-fast gaming experience.
DOWNLOADS
Ever wondered why you need all 50,000 blocks in your Xbox console? Your games not even scratched the surface of your systems memory? You'll be glad to know that it is there for a reason, and a good one at that. With content downloading you can update large parts of you game and save them on your HardDrive. Ever mastered a beat'em up to the extent that you have learnt everysingle characters punches, kicks and grabs? How about downloading more moves, or even more characters. The games could be limitless, with new add-ons everyweek. It could extend the lasting value of your game hundreds of times over. How about new levels or new cars in racing games? The possibilities are almost endless. The oppotunity is there for you to be able to swap music files with one another. You could listen to the same soundtrack as the person on the other side of the world is listening to. Obviously this would be a risky move to play as it would encourage the transportation of virus' from console to console. If the technology is right, then this is a major oppotunity.
RELEASE GAMES
Of course the most important part of Xbox Live is the games. The xbox is a Gaming machine, so it would be a waste of time if there is to be no games to be played on it. On the launch of Xbox live there should be around 8 games available which will be compatable with online play. These games are:
•Ghost Recon
•Whacked!
•Phantasy Star Online 1
•Phantasy Star Online 2
•Unreal Championship
•NFL Fever 2003
•MechAssault
•Midtown Madness 3
GAMES TO BE LATER RELEASED WITH XBOX LIVE CAPABILITIES
-ToeJam & Earl 3: All Funked Up
-Ghost Recon
-Shayde: Monsters vs. Humans
-NFL 2K3
-Rayman Arena
-Armada 2
-NCAA College Basketball 2K3
-Rainbow Six: Ravens Shield
-Tetris Worlds
-Timesplitters 2
-Lamborghini
-MX Superfly
-XIII
-NBA 2K3
-Counter-Strike
-Star Wars Galaxies
-Amped Xbox Live
-Halo Xbox Live
-Rallisport Challenge Xbox Live
-Project Gotham Racing Xbox Live
-Project Gotham Racing 2 Xbox Live
-Halo 2 Xbox Live
From the release date on, it is thought that most games developers will try and include Xbox Live components in their game, be it the gameplay itself, or maybe just a board online which players and boast laptimes and highscores.
COST
The last listed price for the starter kit was around 50 American dollers. So it is going to be basically the same price as a newly released game. I'm not quite sure on the calculations to change American dollers into English sterling but that should be around the 35-40 pound mark. This isnt very expensive if you are to consider that you get a Starter disc which gives you 12 months FREE subscription to Xbox Live and A copy of Revolt. (may vary with which country you purchase your starter kit from [It maybe that you can buy different discs with different games on them])
With this disc you will also get an official Microsoft Headset for no extra cost.
If you would like the luxery of having two sepperate accounts or nicknames, you will have to buy another starterkit. This maybe neccessary if there are more than one gamer in the residence.
After the 12 FREE subscription there will be a monthly fee, not perminant at the moment but the stated price has been $9.95 (about 6 quid-ish) per month.
LAUNCH DATE
The launch date for XBL has not been comfirmed yet. Microsoft will not give exact dates. They are considering the possibility of hic-cups in the process and aren't going to promise dates and prices until right before launch. Bill Gates is investing over One Billion Dollers into Xbox Live, this can be some relief to those like me who have invested heavily into a Dreamcast and have had to amount to nothing.
Originally Xbox Live was scheduled for a Summer 2002 release, but now is more relaistically looking like an Autum/Fall launch. But as Sods Law states, anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.
Keep Checking www.xbox.com for updated details.
Keep Checking http://www.xbox.com/uk/default.htm for UK infomation
Thank you for reading
E-mail me @--> [email protected]
Coming soon to a console near you is a new gaming experience gaurenteed to change the face of gaming for a long time. Using Broadband connections, Xbox Live (or XBL) will connect you to gamers all over the world in a minimal lag games arena built purely for gaming.
From the very beginning, Microsoft designed the Xbox to lead the way in the online console gaming revolution the company believes is right around the corner.
WHAT DO I NEED FOR XBOX LIVE?
You need no add-ons to your Xbox, it all came when you bought your system, there is no need to buy extras unlike the PS2 and the Gamecube. Microsoft has had the online idea in their minds from the very offset. The Xbox comes with an Ethernal port which is located at the back of the machine. This is where you will need to connect you Xbox to you broadband line.
You will need an existing Broadband Line or invest in one to be able to play online with the Xbox as microsoft has made it very clear that dial up connections are not good enough for their master of a machine. [Why load your guns with blanks when you could fire bullets?] They have wisely not gone the same route as the Dreamcast, in that it will not be possible in anyway to connect a modem to your Microsoft Mean Machine.
One thing that you will need is the Software. You will be able to purchase this equipment in all game related shops on the launch date of XBL. In the kit you will get the MainDVD which will be crucial for the setup and installation. On this DVD it is planned that you will get a version of game Revolt, though this may change as production continues. It has been rumoured that the japanese version of the Xbox Live software will have a version of Phantasy Star Online which was a big success for the Dreamcast. Along with this DVD you will be given a headset, this will be at no more expense. The price of this kit is not definate as of yet. (read on for price)
THE HEADSET
The headset will come as standard, as XBL will not use a Keyboard or Mouse. Microsoft says that games should not be slowed down by typing when it can all be done by voice. Taunting can be done in a split second, and because its all broadband it will be just as talking on a digital mobile phone. All the software builds so far which are going to be compatable with XBL have got voice recognition and synthesizers, meaning you can change the sound of your voice. Imagine taunting your Unreal Championship opponent with a micky mouse voice whilst blasting them with an assault rifle. Not only will it have dozens of preset voices, it should also have a tool available with various knobs, sliders and switches so that the player can change their voice to anything they desire.
The headset will be connected into the top socket of the Xbox Gamepad which should hopefully minimalize the usual tangle of wires which we have come to expect with special peripherals such as steering wheels and lightguns.
SINGLE USER IDENTITY
This is what seperates you from the masses. This ID you create will be the security, tracking and gaming key for the system. This ID will grant you all the access you need to play all of the games on Xbox Live. When you setup your User ID you will have to choose a nick name and your prefrences. Each player will have his or her own prefrences which you can setup in game. For example if you are playing Project Gotham Racing 2, you can setup your system so that everytime you start it will have your car and your favorate track selected and ready for you to race. Other little details will be easy to tweak and save.
When in the lobbies, your User ID and nick name will be used for buddy chat. This will help people recognise you, see if you are online, if you are available for a game. The buddy list service can alert you even when your in a certain game. If a level has finished, or youve just finsihed a race it will come to your attention that someone is wanting to talk to you, and you'll be able to reply to them without even swapping your Game Disc.
THE MATCHMAKING PROCESS
Not got many friends? It doesnt mater with Xbox Live. The matchmaking process will help you find someone of the same abilities and level. When you play your game all your achievements will be saved. For example kills, deaths, fastest lap times, Kudos points, character levels etc. This means that if you use this tool the software will seacrh for people who have roughly the same kills, deaths, points etc. This means a greater gaming experience for those who are extra good or extra bad at games. For some new gamers it might be very daunting to be against a world champ at Halo2. But with the Matchmaking system it wont let you get picked on by someone who is looking for easy kills to put onto his or her record. It may also be the case that you are getting bored with fraging newbies and are sick of being challenged be people who pose no game whatsoever.
This system will also be able to show world and regional rankings over the network. Clan matches can be setup easily by programming your game to automatically join the side which has the rest of your team are.
Finding people who live near you and substiquently have the same ping as you will be easy to do with matchmaking, for ultra-fast gaming experience.
DOWNLOADS
Ever wondered why you need all 50,000 blocks in your Xbox console? Your games not even scratched the surface of your systems memory? You'll be glad to know that it is there for a reason, and a good one at that. With content downloading you can update large parts of you game and save them on your HardDrive. Ever mastered a beat'em up to the extent that you have learnt everysingle characters punches, kicks and grabs? How about downloading more moves, or even more characters. The games could be limitless, with new add-ons everyweek. It could extend the lasting value of your game hundreds of times over. How about new levels or new cars in racing games? The possibilities are almost endless. The oppotunity is there for you to be able to swap music files with one another. You could listen to the same soundtrack as the person on the other side of the world is listening to. Obviously this would be a risky move to play as it would encourage the transportation of virus' from console to console. If the technology is right, then this is a major oppotunity.
RELEASE GAMES
Of course the most important part of Xbox Live is the games. The xbox is a Gaming machine, so it would be a waste of time if there is to be no games to be played on it. On the launch of Xbox live there should be around 8 games available which will be compatable with online play. These games are:
•Ghost Recon
•Whacked!
•Phantasy Star Online 1
•Phantasy Star Online 2
•Unreal Championship
•NFL Fever 2003
•MechAssault
•Midtown Madness 3
GAMES TO BE LATER RELEASED WITH XBOX LIVE CAPABILITIES
-ToeJam & Earl 3: All Funked Up
-Ghost Recon
-Shayde: Monsters vs. Humans
-NFL 2K3
-Rayman Arena
-Armada 2
-NCAA College Basketball 2K3
-Rainbow Six: Ravens Shield
-Tetris Worlds
-Timesplitters 2
-Lamborghini
-MX Superfly
-XIII
-NBA 2K3
-Counter-Strike
-Star Wars Galaxies
-Amped Xbox Live
-Halo Xbox Live
-Rallisport Challenge Xbox Live
-Project Gotham Racing Xbox Live
-Project Gotham Racing 2 Xbox Live
-Halo 2 Xbox Live
From the release date on, it is thought that most games developers will try and include Xbox Live components in their game, be it the gameplay itself, or maybe just a board online which players and boast laptimes and highscores.
COST
The last listed price for the starter kit was around 50 American dollers. So it is going to be basically the same price as a newly released game. I'm not quite sure on the calculations to change American dollers into English sterling but that should be around the 35-40 pound mark. This isnt very expensive if you are to consider that you get a Starter disc which gives you 12 months FREE subscription to Xbox Live and A copy of Revolt. (may vary with which country you purchase your starter kit from [It maybe that you can buy different discs with different games on them])
With this disc you will also get an official Microsoft Headset for no extra cost.
If you would like the luxery of having two sepperate accounts or nicknames, you will have to buy another starterkit. This maybe neccessary if there are more than one gamer in the residence.
After the 12 FREE subscription there will be a monthly fee, not perminant at the moment but the stated price has been $9.95 (about 6 quid-ish) per month.
LAUNCH DATE
The launch date for XBL has not been comfirmed yet. Microsoft will not give exact dates. They are considering the possibility of hic-cups in the process and aren't going to promise dates and prices until right before launch. Bill Gates is investing over One Billion Dollers into Xbox Live, this can be some relief to those like me who have invested heavily into a Dreamcast and have had to amount to nothing.
Originally Xbox Live was scheduled for a Summer 2002 release, but now is more relaistically looking like an Autum/Fall launch. But as Sods Law states, anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.
Keep Checking www.xbox.com for updated details.
Keep Checking http://www.xbox.com/uk/default.htm for UK infomation
Thank you for reading
E-mail me @--> [email protected]