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 Wireless controllers rule! |
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Turning on the Xbox 360 gives you a little light dance around the big X logo on the console -- it doesn't add much, but it's a nice effect overall. If you're using a wireless controller, you'll also have to remember to sync the controller (by pressing a small button on the top) with the unit during start-up. This step is an easy one to forget initially, particularly if you're used to the cabled controller variety. The 360 will also lose a controller's wireless connection if left idle for too long. A light on the controller's Xbox Guide button signifies what number it is -- a light on the top left of the Xbox Guide button means it's number one, top right number two, and so on (with up to four wireless controllers able to be "plugged" in to a single console). We used wireless controllers with our 360 review unit and found their operation to be smooth, responsive and lag-free -- in fact, we're hooked on the idea of wireless freedom!
When it comes to multimedia functionality, the 360 acted as a decent DVD player and was competent when it came to any content stored on its hard drive (although we weren't able to play a Region 1 coded film). Its ability to play devices connected through its USB 2.0 ports was also impressive. We tried this with an 5th generation video iPod, a Creative Zen Micro Photo player, a Nikon Coolpix 885 and a Sandisk card reader, and all were recognised by the 360. It's not all good news, however, as not all media file types can be played back through the 360. Music files, for example, are limited to MP3s, WAVs or WMA -- so don't expect to be able to play anything you've bought from the iTunes Music Store, for example. A Toshiba Gigabeat X30 also refused to play its tracks. The bottom line is, don't fall into the trap of thinking everything you plug in will be compatible with the Xbox 360. We haven't been able to fully test out its interoperability with a home network and its Media Center capabilities as yet, but check back soon for further updates.
While the 360's multimedia capabilities are impressive, the unit is still first and foremost a games machine, and on that front the new Xbox 360 delivers. We had extensive test times with three first party titles -- Project Gotham Racing 3, Perfect Dark Zero and Kameo: Elements of Power -- and found them to be rock solid on the 360. The games themselves are not groundbreaking (they're all genres we've seen plenty of times before in previous console games), but the power of the 360 is evident in how the titles look on screen, particularly through a HD-capable television. We initially plugged this in via composite cable to a Sanyo LCD27XR1 27-inch LCD television, and the results were impressive, but not mind blowing.
In fact, most people walking by our test centre at that point commented on how the graphics looked good, but were not that much of a leap forward. That changed when we plugged the console in using Joytech composite cables (and changed the 360's output to a high def one through the dashboard console) -- the results were much more impressive. All graphical jaggies were gone, replaced by smooth lines and realistic textures. In PGR3, cars were impressive, streets were realistic, and the tracks featured amazing backgrounds and impressive draw distances. This will impress most, although keen gamers will notice that the graphics are probably just a little better than what high specced PCs can produce.
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 Games like PGR3 look great on the 360. |
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But as a total package (and leaving aside looks for a moment), the Xbox 360 delivers everything we'd expect from a true next generation product. The vast multimedia functionality and smooth Xbox Live integration of the 360 places it streets ahead of current generation consoles. We can easily see the 360 becoming the digital entertainment hub of many households -- it's easy to use, sports an amazing level of functionality and compatibility, and can also play great games.
As a final note, while the Xbox 360 is backwards compatible with old Xbox games, it's by no means able to play everything. Microsoft says the 360 can play more than 200 Xbox titles (and is continually working on more), although you'll have to download emulation profiles to be able to play the old games (never fear, Halo and Halo 2 compatibility is pre-installed). For a full list of titles, click here.
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Headhunter r us
02/10/2008, 12:29 PM
rating
10/10
It is the most entertaining system and has mad sick games
Pros: Games like halo3 army of two gears of war gta4 cod4 and many others
Cons: You have to pay for xbox live
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ConnorDavies
16/07/2008, 09:38 AM
rating
9/10
By FAR the BEST gaming device/console ever made.
Pros: - Graphics
- Variety of GOOD games
- VERY, VERY Entertaining
Cons: - Poorly made console - so many stories of consoles breaking down! Its like the 360 has a set (short) LIFE SPAN!
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kadochump
14/07/2008, 01:06 PM
rating
9/10
i have all systems and i like the wii is my favourite. Wii is fun and entertaining with titles such as RE4 and SSBB, Ps3 is my HD experience and X360 is a real gaming machine :)
Pros: DVD, Online play, Games Range (Ninja Gaiden 2, Halo3 GOW, COD4, GTA4, Saints row, HD capabilities
Cons: Not the best HD experience out there.
Red ring of Death
Controllers eat my batteries up.
Power Brick
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mahesh2772
05/06/2008, 01:29 PM
rating
10/10
Its awesome! great companion
Pros: good game play, online gaming is awesome and price is way to low compared to PS3
Cons: nothing really, but looks might have to be improved and a good fan to cool the temprature
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FREAKIN AWESOME REVIEWS
29/05/2008, 10:26 AM
rating
10/10
THIS CONSOLE IS THE BEST I DONT CARE WHAT ANYONE SAYS IF YOUR LOOKING FOR GOOD GAMEPLAY AND GREAT ONLINE PLAY WITH OUTSTANDING CONTROLS AND FEATURES XBOX IS THE WAY TO GO!
PS3 IS CRAP ITS ONLY FOR MOVIES AND Wii You GET BORED OF IN A MINUTE
Pros: Freakin EVERYTHING!
Cons: NOTHING ITS UBER PWNAGE
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sputnik
24/05/2008, 09:17 AM
rating
10/10
I love this freaking game, f,ing awesome
Pros: **** better than a gey ps3 and heaps cheaper
Cons: only bad bout it is the paying for xbox lvie when u pay for your computer and your internet already
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Julzz
07/05/2008, 08:03 PM
rating
10/10
faster,cheaper, Better graphics and html Support then Ps3!
Pros: Wireless support
Xbox live.
Better Graphics
xbox updates when you put a new game in
And alot of memory
Cons: Pay for xbox live
it over heats but you can buy a cooler for xbox 360 for 30 dollers AUD!
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Julzz
07/05/2008, 07:56 PM
rating
10/10
faster,cheaper, Better graphics and html Support then Ps3!
Pros: Wireless support
Xbox live.
Better Graphics
xbox updates when you put a new game in
And alot of memory
Cons: Pay for xbox live
it over heats but you can buy a cooler for xbox 360 for 30 dollers AUD!
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Playstation = Rubbish
04/05/2008, 05:14 PM
rating
10/10
Worlds Best console. Power pack worth the saftey.
THE XBOX 360 PONES THE PLAYSTATION 3.
Playstation 3 = Rubbish
Pros: best graphics, Best Internet (XBOX LIVE), Best everything!
Cons: NONE
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Fishie
28/04/2008, 03:00 PM
rating
10/10
OMG XBOX 360 is freakin the freakin best freakin thing eva
Pros: everything
Cons: nothing
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