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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]
All sounds pretty nice, but the few setbacks are a bit of a p*sser.
Voice recognition software will have to be extremely good if you want to control everything via speech - I have a nice expensive piece of IBM, business grade voice control software, and in order for it to first recognise your voice you have to sit for *2Hrs* repeating words, and word sequences shown on the screen. Throughout that it keeps telling you to speak it as if it was a normal sentence, which if you don't do, you are asked to do the same line again - highly annoying.
After that you still have to add in commands for doing anything else (such as checking e-mail etc.), and record commands for those. So while its a nice idea, it isn't really practical, unless you're prepared to sit and bore yourself for at least 1 day to get everything setup. Some people might be that patient, but I'm not, and I wouldn't expect the average gamer to be either. Hopefully they'll still allow you basic controller/keyboard/mouse control.
Broadband for everyone? Again, nice idea, shame you can't get it in more locations in the UK than you can. Preventing the people who don't have access to cable from using the XBOX Live software is a bit short sighted too.
...and last but not least, the price. £40 should buy you the software (which effectively means you're licensed to use the product), and that should be it - permanent access to the services as every other gaming company is doing. Paying £6 a month on top of that? Not on. You realise that works out at something around £78 per year? Also, its not an exact science, as the strength of the pound against the dollar fluctuates very frequently.
All in all its a good idea, but way too early to even be considered, 2004 is when the government *says* (we all know what thats worth) everyone will have access to broadband but even if this weren't the case the availability of broadband would still be vastly greater at this point. Would've made more sense to hold on till that point, but Microsoft are obviously in a bit of a panic to make money, can't blame them but paying them a subscription fee is OTT - you do that for subscription PC Games, not for consoles, a game/software you have bought for your system should NEVER become redundant if you stop feeding Microsoft cash monthly, not on.
Voice recognition software will have to be extremely good if you want to control everything via speech - I have a nice expensive piece of IBM, business grade voice control software, and in order for it to first recognise your voice you have to sit for *2Hrs* repeating words, and word sequences shown on the screen. Throughout that it keeps telling you to speak it as if it was a normal sentence, which if you don't do, you are asked to do the same line again - highly annoying.
After that you still have to add in commands for doing anything else (such as checking e-mail etc.), and record commands for those. So while its a nice idea, it isn't really practical, unless you're prepared to sit and bore yourself for at least 1 day to get everything setup. Some people might be that patient, but I'm not, and I wouldn't expect the average gamer to be either. Hopefully they'll still allow you basic controller/keyboard/mouse control.
Broadband for everyone? Again, nice idea, shame you can't get it in more locations in the UK than you can. Preventing the people who don't have access to cable from using the XBOX Live software is a bit short sighted too.
...and last but not least, the price. £40 should buy you the software (which effectively means you're licensed to use the product), and that should be it - permanent access to the services as every other gaming company is doing. Paying £6 a month on top of that? Not on. You realise that works out at something around £78 per year? Also, its not an exact science, as the strength of the pound against the dollar fluctuates very frequently.
All in all its a good idea, but way too early to even be considered, 2004 is when the government *says* (we all know what thats worth) everyone will have access to broadband but even if this weren't the case the availability of broadband would still be vastly greater at this point. Would've made more sense to hold on till that point, but Microsoft are obviously in a bit of a panic to make money, can't blame them but paying them a subscription fee is OTT - you do that for subscription PC Games, not for consoles, a game/software you have bought for your system should NEVER become redundant if you stop feeding Microsoft cash monthly, not on.
We will be able to start a sr clan and play with each other or against each other. We could be famous as madonna online we could, but only if you are good that is.
i just cant wait to shoot someone in unreal championship.
Ah, excellent.
I hope to be in the mix. Should be fun.
I particularly like the various voice distortions on the head-set. No way am I using my real voice.
I hope to be in the mix. Should be fun.
I particularly like the various voice distortions on the head-set. No way am I using my real voice.
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
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