jrutz

Is it just me or is the Xbox pretty underwhelming? I mean, its best games sans Halo are either PC ports or ports from other systems (Dreamcast included).

The system-exclusive games are really falling flat. Gunvalkyrie, Toe Jam & Earl, Dead to Rights, Blinx. The list goes on and on...every high-profile release turns out to be mediocre at best. It's really disappointing to this Xbox owner.

I own three games: Wreckless, NFL2k3 and Crash Bandicoot - all of which can be purchased for any of the three consoles. And of the pack-in titles, Jet Set Radio and Sega GT, I mean, are they really any different than their Dreamcast incarnations or just minor enhancements one could do without if they own the original versions?

And looking at the big titles for this holiday season - Metal Gear Solid, Shenmue, Splinter Cell. All can be had for another system. So where's the incentive of owning an Xbox? Same could be said for Hitman 2 and Timesplitters, two of the better-reviewed titles recently released. So we get Baldur's Gate - almost a year after the PS2 version, with basically nothing added? What's that about?

I am happy EA announced The Two Towers for the Xbox to be released before the year's end, and I hope there's some serious graphic enhancements to justify its existence on a more powerful console. But the same couldn't be said for their port of Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2, so I'm not getting my hopes too high.

And if anyone says Dead or Alive Volleyball, well I could counter that by saying just rent a soft-core porn for $5 and save the cash, because it's about the same.

What does everyone else think? I'm ready to trade my Xbox for a PS2! :

tha_dvd_man

I'm fairly underwhelmed by the Xbox's current lineup, but not as much as I was with the PS2's lineup a year after it was released. And now look at it.

I didn't expect the first year of games on the Xbox to be anything that special, besides the launch lineup. But like the PS2, Xbox game releases will be going into full throttle around a year after its launch.

Quite frankly, the Xbox's late 2002, 2003 and beyond exclusive/semi-exclusive list impresses me a lot more than either of the other two systems:

- Quantum Redshift
- Transworld Snowboarding
- Deathrow
- Splinter Cell (GC and PS2 version release dates nowhere to be seen, with recent interview even saying it's "Xbox exclusive"...in other words, don't hold your breath for those versions)
- MechAssault
- Unreal Championship
- Steel Battalion
- Panzer Dragoon Orta
- Midtown Madness 3
- Crimson Skies 2
- Kung Fu Chaos
- Rainbow Six: Raven Shield (with Live)
- Tao Feng: Fist of the Iron Lotus (absolutely loved by press at E3, a year before release)
- Phantom Crash
- Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
- Brute Force
- Dead or Alive X Volleyball
- Ninja Gaiden X (did someone say Xbox exclusive?)
- Dead or Alive 4
- Psychonauts
- Tork
- Thousand Land
- Kameo
- Perfect Dark 0
- Banjo Kazooie 3
- whatever else Rare puts out (a fourth promised within next 2 years...probably a kart racer)
- Halo 2
- BC
- Fable
- next Oddworld game (built from the ground up for Xbox this time; supposedly amazing looking)
- Crimson Sea
- Dino Crisis 3
- Project Gotham Racing 2
- Doom III
- Thief III
- Deus Ex 2: The Invisible War
- Duality
- Strident
- True Live Fantasy Online
- Rallisport Challenge 2 (sort-of officially announced)
- Amped 2 (ditto)

This is just a list of exclusive games a few months before 2003 even hits, and without mentioning all the already announced games that could surprise us, and all the games yet to be announced. In other words-- this list is only comprised of a small number of games we're going to see, and only ones we currently know about. Not to mention the best version of most multi-platform games.

So, again, give it a chance. Dismissing the Xbox now would be like dismissing the PS2 less than a year after it was released. And we all know how amazing its lineup was then.


Seems like a rather baseless and unfair knock on the game. It may be a titty fest, but the gameplay engine actually looks pretty damn interesting. If the game has t&a, then all the better.

Jeremy517

The current lineup isn't necessarily that great (although there are a handful that I'll get), but the future lineup and the potential of a game that uses it to the maximum capabilities sold me.

Joshic

Let's talk about the exclusives first. Halo is reason enough to buy an Xbox. Dead or Alive 3 is a great fighting game; I prefer it over VF4, and I own both.

When it comes to racing games, the Xbox has 3 great titles - Project Gotham, Rallisport, and Sega GT. PS2 only has one great racing game - GT3. Of course I agree that GT3 is clearly the best of the bunch, but it'd also be a shame to miss out on the Xbox racers.

When it comes to games that are released for Xbox and PS2, the Xbox titles are almost always better graphically.

Also don't forget that the Xbox has DD5.1. The PS2 can also do DD5.1, but it can't produce it on the fly. Try playing GT3 with a nice sound system. Then try playing Sega GT. Big difference in how you hear the other cars' engines around you. You can hear them pass by you, instead of just seeing them.

But honestly, there's really no excuse for not having both Xbox and PS2. Especially with the consoles so cheap now and all the bundles that are available. Just get both. $199 is really not that much. A lot of PC gamers buy a new video card every year or so, not to mention all the other hardware upgrades they need for their PC games. For consoles you just plop down $199+ a few accessories and you have something that'll last for 4-5 years.

joltaddict

Youll have the same problem. You cant be happy with just one system. Add a PS2 or a Cube to your box. Then bask in the gaming goodness.

Flay

High profile isn't exactly what I would call those games. Sure they were hyped at E3, but what game wasn't?

In any case, Microsoft has spent little if any money hyping those games. No massive advertising assault. Oh, and Dead to Rights is not a exclusive.

I've had fun with the exclusives that interested me. Buffy was a blast. Rallisport Challenge is the best racer I've played in quite a while. Quantum Redshift is also excellent.

Quote:

And looking at the big titles for this holiday season - Metal Gear Solid, Shenmue, Splinter Cell. All can be had for another system. So where's the incentive of owning an Xbox?

What does everyone else think? I'm ready to trade my Xbox for a PS2! :<

Other systems? MGS: Substance, yes. Shenmue II, not unless you import the Dreamcast version. Splinter Cell, only several months after the Xbox version is released.

The incentive for the end 2002 has to be Xbox Live and its games. If you don't plan on going online, then wait for the high profile releases in 2003.

And why do people get stuck in a trade one for the other mentality? Buy a PS2 to go along with your XBox.

tha_dvd_man

There are people who will prefer the Gamecube's, Xbox's, or PS2's lineup over the others, but I will say that if you must have one system, the PS2 is your best bet. However, if you just have either the Xbox or PS2, there are going to be lots of games on the other system making you kick yourself for not getting it.

Sure, if the only games you've played are Blinx, Gunvalkyrie, and TJ&EIII. There are also quite a few other games that have lived up to the hype, and some that have even surprised (and some that have recieved mixed opinions). I've honestly been disappointed with more GC games than I have Xbox games (at least the ones I've played), and I've been really let down by many of the PS2's "high-profile" games.

cartman

I'm underwhelmed with my Gamecube, and love my X-Box. Different Strokes is all.

tha_dvd_man

I think if you get a Gamecube and want to enjoy it, you have to accept the fact that its exclusive library is going to be very "quality over quantity" based. And that's if you love Nintendo games (and how can't you? ).

tjr2mental

If you are underwhelmed with your Xbox, sell it. Take the cash and go get a PS2 or Gamecube. What else do you want to hear?

Ralph Wiggum

I'm on the fence about getting an Xbox myself. Halo is a definite purchase. Morrowind, Panzer Dragoon Orta, Ninja Gaiden and Fable all look very cool and Xbox Live sounds like it could be terrific.

darkside

The Xbox exclusives have been very mediocre overall (and Halo is no longer enough), but who knows what the future will hold. No one knew GTA3 would turn out to be such a classic and without it the PS2 may not have turned into the must own system. Its first year was terrible. To be fair I haven't been blown away by many of the PS2 exclusives this year either. GameCube is the only system with any real exclusive power.

Be patient. Panzer Dragoon looks to be amazing and with so many titles coming out I'm sure Xbox will have some great exclusive games. Plus, in most cases the multiconsole games will be better on the Xbox. Its worth being patient, but if it bugs you so much sell it.

dgmayor

I've had my PS2 for over a year and a half now, and it's my favorite system, hands down. Loved my PS1 and love my PS2.

Last weekend I bought an Xbox, and even though I don't really see any games in the near future I really want, I don't regret it. I know great games will come, and I'll be glad that I wont have to drop the money then for the system because I will already have it.

When I got my PS2, the only game I had for MONTHS was Tekken Tag. I'm not even a big fighting game fan, but I had to have something and it was the only game out that was worth a damn. Now my library is at about 15+ games, and it's only going to get bigger.

I plan on buying a Gamecube soon, even if its just for Metroid and Zelda (and SMS since it comes with it now). For the price of the GC, it's definately worth it in my eyes.

I'm also an avid PC gamer, but I don't like to limit myself, and this is the first time in my life I can easily justify and afford all the big systems, so I'm taking full advantage of that.

joltaddict

Now to find the time to enjoy it all. Theres only so many hours in a day.

Astro44

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a great game that is "Only on Xbox" too.

Also if you like playing games broadband, Xbox Live is the way to go too. MotoGP on Xbox Live is one of the most addictive games I've ever played.

And don't forget Wacked!, and some cool games coming too are Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Dark Angel (what can I say I'm a Jessica Alba fan)

Michael Corvin

That is the biggest false advertisement. That along with promoting the X-box over Gamecube because it plays DVDs. And the fact that you don't have to buy a modem. Yeah, for another $20 you can have DD5.1 with the a/v pack. Yeah, for another $30 you can play movies, and still for a measly $50 more dollars you can play online, even though you already have a modem. That is another $100 out of pocket for features that are promoted over the other systems.

Anyway. I have had a GC since launch and love it. While all of my friends bought X-box. My friends are AVID gamers, and have rented and or bought 90% of the games out there, so I have played most with them. I have always been "underwhelemed" by their lineup other than Halo. I recently added an X-box. I purchased it for games that come out on all systems, that way I will have the best looking version of the game(I just bought TSplitters2 for this reason). And for the few exclusives that will rock(Halo 1 & 2, Banjo, PD, and Kameo).

But I still think my GC will get more use(at least for single player, multiplayer goes to X-box) than the XB. I just think Nintendo has the better exclusives. Starfox, Metroid, Resident Evil, Mario(golf, tennis, kart), Eternal Darkness, Zelda, F-Zero, and yes even Pikmin(I was a naysayer, but I got it for Christmas and didn't put it down for a month). I love them all.

I was tempted to get the XB over GC last year, I made the right choice for my gaming needs and was glad i didn't get the XB just yet. Hopefully it will turn into a worthy recent investment. To each their own.

Aghama

For every other console it costs ~$10 for s-video or component video support. So you're really talking a $10 difference for DD5.1, though I don't see why they couldn't have just put it on the back of the console like the PS2.

tha_dvd_man

Anyone who's seriously into getting a DVD player will want a controller anyways, which is something you have to buy for the PS2. The GC doesn't even support DVD playback.

Too bad that modem is worthless if you want broadband gaming. That's $50 a year for online gaming features, speed, reliability and support that blow the PS2's and GC's out of the water, and even include some things never done before in PC online gaming.

I'm sorry, but it's pretty damn hard to take you seriously when you ignore the vast number of other extremely promising games in your little list of "few exclusives that will rock". You might as well say the only games to look forward to on the Gamecube are Metroid and Zelda, and beyond that, nothing.

Flay

The Xbox does do DD5.1 on the fly. Are you saying that's false advertisement because you have to buy an AV pack to use it?

Well, don't leave out the rest of the stuff you need to get it to work like an optical cable. Remember the receiver, 5 speakers, and a sub. Heck, you better add in the price of a TV to watch the games on. Better add in a chair to sit in. Don't forget to figure in the electricity to run the equipment. Better chalk up the gas money and the car payment for the vechicle in which you used to get everything. Of course, how could I forget the house payment for where you play the game?!

Whew, all those add-ons are expensive. Screw Microsoft for making me buy all that extra stuff. It's false advertising.

Shawn

Spy021

I use to own a PS2, mainly just to have MGS: II and GT3. Anyhow, I ended up selling it a few months before the price drop and have done well without it. However, lately I've been very much in the mood to play GT3 and the new GTA: Vice City - so I've been considering picking up another PS 2. Now with the online capability and games like Madden 2003 & SoCom - it's looking even better.

However, on the flip side - the Xbox I'm told does 480p and 5.1 on the fly. Being a DVD and HT fan, this definitely holds a lot of weight. However, I do not believe that the Xbox has or will have a driving simulation game like GT3 - which is really a shame.

So, with all that in mind can anyone who is more in touch with the current console scene provide some info regarding the issues that I touched on or other perks that might play a part in choosing a system.

Thanks!

tha_dvd_man

Sega GT 2002. And Sega will release an online version later on.

Shawn

Plus, you get it free with that Xbox bundle.

Mike_AA

Sure glad I didn't go on with that XBOX deal. And damn was I close.

If you're underwhelmed (hey I would be too with that uninteresting lineup) go get a GC or PS2. The GC has some very very good months ahead of it (starting with Metroid) and the PS2 has the unofficial GOTY in GTA: VC. You pretty much can't go wrong with any of the big 3 this holiday season, but the PS2 and GC seem to have the advantage.

Michael Corvin

-you ignore the vast number of other extremely promising games-

That vast number last year included Bloodwake, Mad Dash, Fusion Frenzy, Bruce Lee, and Shrek. Those all "looked promising," and in fact turned out to be some of the worst games ever made. "Looks promising" means nothing.