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INTRODUCTION
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LAUNCH DATES:
USA - Tuesday, November 22nd, 2005
JAPAN - Saturday, December 10, 2005
EUROPE - Friday, December 2, 2005
It's that time again. Another system launch is nearing, and the hype grows every day.
To put it another way: "next gen am here, bitches!"
I'm sure many of you have started playing the kiosks at Wal-Mart or what not, and have pre-ordered your systems and games. We expect to hear impressions from every single one of you. It's your duty! Some sort of geek duty. As always, keep discussion of PS3/Rev out of this thread. I don't want flaming, coming into the thread for the sole purpose of saying you were never interested in 360, the regular. Hyperbole is par for course in these threads, so you raving "fan"atics should not feel the need to respond to it. Basically, keep the thread clean. We did it for DS/PSP launch threads (amazingly), and so here it applies once more.
Finally, a big healthy thanks to all the websites and people that helped me gather info: TekunoRobby, Matlock, Jesiatha, IGN, Gamestop, Gamespot, xboxdye, etc..
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CONTEST WINNERS/CONGRATULATIONS
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To preface this official thread, first a congratulations to all those who won free 360s in the Every10minutes contest and Bethefirsttoplay contest. They are as follows:
Every10minutes:
Agent Dormer, Baron Aloha, crunker99, duderon, Ecrofirt, GaimeGuy, JoeKlover, Louminater, Mupepe, raYne, robochimp, Speevy, The Faceless Master, Vieo, Yusaku, The_Letter_3, SpeedRazor, bobble, Rummy Bunnz, Jeff-DSA and Rhindle
Bethefirsttoplay:
pestul, DreamMachine, trippingmartian, rastex, Leshita, Tenacious-V, neptunes, Luscious LeftFoot and Kon Tiki
Every one of you owe us impressions as penance for your FREE TICKET to next-gen. Deep down we're all jealous in some way.
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BASICS I: SYSTEM/SKU DETAILS
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(click for higher-res and a gallery)
Xbox 360 Core Pack:
Price - $299.99/299.99/£209.99/$399.99CDN
Includes -
(1) Xbox360 Unit
(1) Wired 360 Controller
(1) Faceplate
(1) Standard AV cable
Instructions
Xbox 360 Premium Pack:
Price - $399.99/399.99/£279.99/$499.99CDN
Includes -
(1) Xbox360 Unit
(1) Detachable 20-GB hard-drive
(1) Faceplate
(1) Headset
(1) Wireless Controller
(1) Component HD AV cable
(1) Ethernet cable
(1) Media Remote control (limited time)
Instructions
Xbox 360 JPN Pack:
Price - 37900 yen
Includes -
(1) Xbox360 Unit
(1) Detachable 20-GB hard-drive (Preloaded with Final Fantasy XI Beta)
(1) Wireless Controller
(1) Media Remote control
(1) Headset
(1) Component HD-AV Cable
(1) Ethernet cable
(1) Battery
Instructions
Source
Accessories:
● Xbox 360 Wireless Controller: $49.99
● Xbox 360 Wired Controller (also compatible with PC/drivers downloadable): $39.99
● Xbox 360 Wired Controller w/ CD containing drivers: $44.99
● Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote: $29.99
● Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit: $19.99
● Xbox 360 Memory Unit (64 MB): $39.99
● Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20 GB): $99.99
● Xbox 360 Headset: $19.99
● Xbox 360 Faceplates: $19.99
● Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter: $99.99
● Xbox 360 S-Video AV Cable: $29.99
● Xbox 360 VGA HDAV Cable: $39.99
● Xbox 360 Component HDAV Cable: $39.99
● Xbox 360 Rechargeable Battery Pack: $11.99
● Xbox 360 Live 12 Month Gold Card: $49.99
Source
Images:
Wireless Controller
Play & Charge Kit
Rechargeable Battery Pack
Xbox 360 Live 12 Month Gold Card
Xbox 360 Memory Card 64MB
Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter
360 Remote Control
Thanks to Gamestop.
Third-Party Accessories:
Nitro Racing Wheel
This aggressively styled wheel provides a driving experience guaranteed to maximize and intensify popular racing games. A full rubber wheel head provides a secure, comfortable grip and precise steering. Additionally, four wheel-mounted paddles, sequential stick-shift, high-intensity dual-vibration feedback and four preset steering sensitivity modes allow gamers to customize the experience to suit their personal taste. The wheel is Xbox Live online game service compatible and includes a back-lit Xbox Guide button for instant access to digital music, game and movie libraries. MSRP is $79.99.
Neo SE Controller
JOYTECH's Neo Se Controller offers style, comfort and unmatched feel, plus instant access to movies, music and games on Xbox 360 via the back-lit Xbox Guide button. Ergonomically designed left and right shoulder buttons give an unprecedented level of control, while high-intensity dual-vibration feedback, two analog pressure point triggers and an eight way directional pad provide an incredibly realistic gaming experience. The controller also features an expansion port and a ten-foot break-away controller cable. MSRP is $29.99.
SE Communicator Headset
Complementing the JOYTECH Neo Se Controller, the Se Headset Communicator throws gamers into the heart of the action, allowing real time two way communication with multiple players over the Xbox Live; service. Designed for sustained length of play, the Headset Communicator offers high levels of comfort whilst delivering exceptionally clear and crisp two-way audio with other players. Communicate with fellow gamers in the heat of the action, or simply chat with friends over Xbox Live;, the JOYTECH Headset Communicator transforms multi player gaming forever. MSRP is $19.99.
~Matlock
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BASICS II: SPECIFICATIONS
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Some of this info might be slightly outdated, considering it was the first released shit. A more comprehensive breakdown, however, I could not find. It suits the purpose well I think!
Additionally, Xbox 360 is 10.25 inches wide and anywhere between 2.5 to 3.25 inches high.
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BASICS III: A BRIEF HISTORY
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The viral marketing campaign that started all the hype, check out Our Colony. Another, newer campaign is Origen.
Right off Our Colony came the MTV special, which heralded the arrival of the 360 and its details on May 12, 2005. The same night, Wallguy was born at 1up.
If you ever wanted to know the process that went behind picking the name to the new Xbox, check this article
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BASICS IV: XBOX LIVE
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There's so much to it, the best part of 360 is without doubt the possibilities that LIVE brings. Because this is so fully featured, I'll be updating this part most of all. For now I'll fill it in with IGNs explanation:
Will Xbox 360 use the same Live network as Xbox?
This will be the same network, but it will be greatly advanced from the original Live structure. Online play has become a huge reason to own an Xbox, and the company is hoping to carry this momentum over to the Xbox 360. Actually, Xbox Live is already in its third form: the last major update was when Xbox 3.0 was rolled out in April of 2004. Now, the Live experience has been advanced past just competing with other players. The 360 allows gamers to stream their own music from MP3 devices, enter video chats, customize their interface, purchase games, watch movies, view slideshows, and more. Oh, and most everything will be free.
Pricing
Microsoft has not released a price point for new Xbox Live subscribers on 360, but it has stated that all current subscribers will carry over to the new console. I'll state that again for emphasis: Current Xbox Live subscribers will automatically have access to Live on 360 at no added cost.
There are two tiers of Live service on Xbox 360. The silver tier is free and includes access to the Marketplace, with gamer profiles, voice and text messaging, video messages from gold members, and some massive multiplayer online games. The gold level is paid and includes all of the silver functionality along with online tournaments, video chat, multiplayer gaming, and Live special events.
Interface
We already know that every Xbox 360 game will be Live enabled, but what's really impressive is the visual and functional overhaul given to the system. First off, the interface has become much more accessible. Say you are entranced in a deathmatch in your favorite 360 title and a friend request from an unknown gamer pops up on the screen. At this point all the player has to do is hit the raised silver button on the 360 controller to enter the Xbox Live general menu. But what if there is more than one person gaming? The four points of the X are marked as 1, 2, 3, and 4 to differentiate between players, and each section lights up separately for separate notifications.
Hitting the silver button takes gamers into a menu where they have access to all Xbox Live functionality. When checking out information on a friend request, players will view a Gamer Card. This resembles a baseball card and includes all of their key stats. The first of these stats is a five star meter labeled "reputation." Microsoft describes this as their equivalent of an Ebay reliability rating, though it is more sensitive to time. This means that someone cannot build up a high reputation then decide to terrorize other players based off their previous high ranking.
The next number on the card is a gamerscore. Each 360 game offers up a certain number of achievements that can be accomplished through successful gaming. For example, Halo 2 might award players 500 points for beating the game on Legendary. This number is catalogued both on and offline, so if a hardcore gamer decides to sign up for Live a year after purchasing the new console, he will receive full gamerscore credit. What is more difficult to describe is the accessible interface. Players can cycle through the menus with the L and R triggers. Each menu is visible on the side of the screen in a layered file-folder system. The edges of the menu have the same slight concave quality as the system, and Microsoft refers to them as "blades." We'll just say that the menus are clean, quick, and easy to navigate.
Will we be able to message players on an original Xbox via Xbox 360?
Because this will be the same network, it should be possible for the old console to communicate with the new one. Microsoft isn't looking to cut people off from their services; they are looking to carry over a growing user base.
The Jerk Filter: Matchmaking
Perhaps the most common Xbox Live complaint is that people would like greater control over who they play with. Besides the reputation, players can also decide which "zone" they want to play in. The zones are broken down into R&R, family, pro, and underground. This separates the categories of online gamers and pairs up people who go online for like reasons. All information entered into Live is used during matchmaking to ensure the best possible game, meaning that someone in the family zone looking for a laid back online experience won't be matched with a hardcore, competitive pro.
There is also a feedback option that passes data into the matchmaking algorithms. Rating someone positively tells the system that you would enjoy being matched with them in the future. Rate someone negatively and you will most likely never see them again. From the Live interface you can also access a list of a couple hundred most recent competitors along with, of course, video, voice, and text messages. There are also options for parents to set 360 to only play games of a certain rating and limit communication capabilities.
More Than Custom Soundtracks
We all know that every 360 game supports custom soundtracks, but this doesn't just mean burning MP3s onto the 360's hard drive. From the two USB ports on the front of the system (one in the back), you can attach any portable MP3 player and stream music through the console. Don't like your friend's play list? Whip out your iPod, plug it in, and change the tunes. At Microsoft they had an assortment of MP3 players to show off this functionality. Satchell picked one up, and within seconds we were streaming its contents.
This can also be done with USB camera devices. In fact, it is possible to have a video chat with another Live member, stream music, and share a slide show online all at the same time. If pictures are on a disc, it is possible to copy them over to the hard drive. The USB ports also support keyboards, so online messaging without voice support is possible.
From the Xbox Live menu, players can press the X button to enter the system's dashboard. From here you can access all attached media devices, game information, downloads, and system settings. One of the options under the Media menu is the Media Center Extender. The console is fully compatible with the latest version of Windows Media Center, so gamers with a home network can use 360 to stream music and HD movies from their PC.
Marketplace and Microtransactions
The Xbox Live Marketplace is where gamers will find all of their downloadable content. This includes demos, HD trailers, skins, themes, images for gamercards, and their download history. Micro-transactions aren't just a nifty way to sell content -- they also allow gamers to purchase items without the use of a credit card. Now, people can enter a local retailer, purchase a redeemable card, and change it into credits on Live. With this system, it is possible to package credits with games or give credits as prizes.
What about the headset?
The new headset plugs into the wireless controller. The ports support most cell phone headsets.
Will our Friends list transfer over?
Yes.
How many players will the new Live support?
Most likely games will support 16-32 players, but expect this number to consistently grow. Recently we participated in a 50 player deathmatch in Black Hawk Down on the current hardware and Live setup. Also, Joint Operations on the PC supports 128 players, so if these numbers are possible now, expect similar results on Xbox 360.
What about Live Arcade? That shit sounds awesome.
Jesiatha wrote an awesome cover on it, I'll let that do the talking -
The "launch window" list of Live Arcade titles will be:
Astropop Popcap Games
Bankshot Billiards 2 pixelStorm, Inc
Bejeweled 2 Popcap Games
Crystal Quest Stainless Games
Feeding Frenzy Popcap Games
Gauntlet Midway Home Entertainment
Geometry Wars 2 Bizarre Creations
Hardwood Backgammon Silver Creek Entertainment
Hardwood Hearts Silver Creek Entertainment
Hardwood Spades Silver Creek Entertainment
Hexic® HD Microsoft Game Studios
Hoopworld Streamline Studios
Jewel Quest iWin.com
Joust Midway Home Entertainment
Marble Blast Ultra GarageGames
Mutant Storm Reloaded PomPom Games
Outpost Kaloki Wahoo Studios
Robotron 2084 Midway Home Entertainment
SmashTV Midway Home Entertainment
Wik: Fable of Souls Reflexive Entertainment
Zuma Popcap Games
Publishers who will support Xbox Live Arcade:
Atari
Bizarre Creations
Capcom
Codemasters
CTXM
Digital Eclipse
Electronic Arts
Empire Interactive
Gaia Studios
GameHouse Studios
Garage Games
Gastronaut Studios
Hamster
Harmonix
HipSoft
Hudson Soft
iWin
Konami
Llamasoft
Load, Inc
Mad Doc Software
Majesco
Microsoft Game Studios
Midway Home Entertainment
Mumbo Jumbo (United Developers)
Naked Sky Entertainment
Namco
Oberon Media
Pick Up And Play
pixelStorm, Inc
PlayFirst
PomPom Games
Popcap Games
Q! Entertainment
RealNetworks, Inc
Reflexive Entertainment
Secret Lair Studios
SEGA
Silver Creek Entertainment
SNK Playmore
Stainless Games
Streamline Studios
Tik Games
Ubisoft
uWink
Vivendi Universal Games
Wahoo Studios
Wanako Games
Wild Tangent
Next-Gen is reporting that games will be $5 or $10 each (addressing the biggest complaint for the original Xbox Live Arcade).
(thanks Geek)
According to someone at Evil Avatar:
-All games will support 1080i
-Joust has both updated and classic graphics, and co-op play over Live
-There will be a big push for independent publishers
Pictures of Arcade from E3 (courtesy of AnandTech
More to come!
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BASICS V: LAUNCH GAMES
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As always, launch details are subject to change at will. Being that we don't even have final confirmed launch game lists, this is the closest we got
Amped 3 (Take-Two)
Call of Duty 2 (Activision)
FIFA 06: Road to FIFA World Cup (EA)
GUN (Activision)
Kameo: Elements of Power (Microsoft)
Madden NFL 06 (EA)
NBA 2k6 (Take-Two)
Need for Speed: Most Wanted (EA)
NHL 2k6 (Take-Two)
Perfect Dark Zero (Microsoft)
Quake 4 (Activision)
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 (EA)
Tony Hawk American Wasteland (Activision)
Top Spin 2 (Take-Two)
Also, these should make it out around launch window...
Condemned: Criminal Origins (SEGA/Monolith)
Dead or Alive 4 (TECMO)
Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, The (Take-Two)
Frame City Killers (NAMCO)
Project Gotham Racing 3 (Microsoft)
Ridge Racer 6 (NAMCO)
Source
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XBOX 360 FAQ (WORK-IN-PROGRESS)
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Note: This will be constantly updated, as I'm still trying to fill in all the blanks. It should be done in the next few days.
What is the minimum definition that all games must run at for 360?
All Xbox 360 games must come in at 720p/16:9. As a bonus, they all must also have 5.1 Dolby Digital audio.
What about backwards compatability? I heard Xbox 360 will have some.
Indeed. Although it's not clear exactly what games will be working out of the box, IGN has this to say on the subject...
[url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/608/608394p3.html]360 IGN[/url] said:Long ago at 2005's E3, Microsoft announced that Xbox 360 would be backwards compatible with many of the first console's "top selling games." This was an interesting choice of words indicating that partial backwards compatibility would be available. There has been no definitive list of what Xbox games will and will not work on 360 but we have been able to piece together an explanation for the limited functionality.
Backwards compatibility will require the use of a hard drive to store emulation code. This means that gamers looking to play Halo 2 on 360 should steer clear of the Core package. The hard drive will be used to emulate the Xbox 1 hardware and many Xbox games will require tweaks to the emulator code. One emulator does not simply allow the playback of every original Xbox game so Microsoft is forced to pick and choose which titles to spend time on. It is almost a guaranteed that the Halo games will run from day one with an emulator preloaded onto the hard drive. We've also learned from our sources that Microsoft isn't just looking at sales numbers for backwards compatible games- they also want the highest quality games on Xbox to translate over to 360 regardless of sales numbers.
One reason for this is that as Microsoft ports the more technically advanced games over to Xbox 360's emulator, fixes that they've done to make the most complex and demanding games work will trickle down to less complex games, theoretically allowing them to work as well.
There have recently been rumors floating about that future Xbox games currently in development will run on 360 using a method that allows them to use the system's cache to run an emulator. We have yet to receive confirmation on this info, but it would be an interesting way to phase out the old hardware.
What's the range for the controllers?
According to IGN, it's 30 feet. Source
What formats does Xbox360 support?
IGN has the goods again: Progressive-scan DVD movie playback out of the box; DVD and CD music and photo playback out of the box; support for DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, WMA CD, MP3 CD, JPEG Photo CD. Source
How much do games cost? I heard they're getting more expensive...
Unfortunately this is the case. Next-gen games will retail for $59.99. However, there is a nice exception - Microsoft first party games will go for $49.99.
What are some publishers/devs creating games for 360?
Publishers/devs signed on:
2K Games
Activision
Atari
Bandai
Bethesda Softworks
Buena Vista Games
Capcom
Codemasters
Eidos
Electronic Arts
FromSoftware
InterServ International
KOEI
Konami
LucasArts
Majesco
Midway Games
Namco
Phantagram
Rockstar Games
SCi Games
SEGA
SquareEnix
Tecmo
THQ
TWP
Ubisoft
Vivendi Universal Games
Webzen
Developers creating some exclusive content:
BioWare
Bizarre Creations
Bungie Studios
Epic Games
FASA Studio
Lionhead Studios
Rare
Yoshiki Okamoto's Game Republic
Hironobu Sakaguchi's Mistwalker
Tetsuya Mizuguchi's Q Entertainment
Source
WAY MORE IS COMING. Feel free to post now.