Enter the Xbox 360 Gaming Experience
The successor to Microsoft's Xbox, the Xbox 360
Convergence can be a bad thing. Nintendo's Wii, for instance, does one thing and does it very well. That doesn't mean the 360 is the gaming equivalent of that combination toaster /digital camera/mp3 player. As well as a quality gaming experience, a fully kitted out Xbox 360 is a DVD player, a web browser, a chat room, a webcam, and, erm, a digital camera and mp3 player.
Let's talk specs. The Xbox 360's Xenon CPU clocks at 3.2 gigahertz and has a reputed top performance of 115.2 gigaflops. The GPU is an ATI-chip called Xenos. The package contains two separate silicon dies, each on a chip capable of 500 MHz. The CPU and GPU share 512 meg of 700 megahertz GDDR3 RAM. The 12x DVD drive can read at sixteen MB a second, leaving the PS3's 4.5 in the dust. So it looks pretty and goes fast. In practical terms, the 360 is good at lighting, particle, and blur effects. It's not being outperformed in speed or graphics quality by the PS3.
The 360 can support up to four Xbox 360 wireless controllers
Every Xbox 360 comes with silver-level membership to Xbox Live. Upgrading to Gold for about US$50 a year gets you access to online-only content, world-wide tournaments, game downloads at the Arcade, live chat and networking - a whole social experience. With the success of MMORPG-style online gaming over the last few years, it's no surprise that Microsoft have put so much emphasis on their online content. Just having been around for longer makes Xbox Live a richer experience than the competitor's equivalents.
And just as Microsoft is constantly adding new downloads and releasing new accessories, they're promising to take Xbox Live a step further with Live Anywhere. Demonstrated at the last E3, this will allow Xbox gaming cross-platform, onto PCs and mobile phones. Microsoft are promising that both Shadowrun and Halo 2:Vista will be Live Anywhere enabled. What that actually means in practical terms remains to be seen.
The Xbox 360 is in many ways a typical Microsoft product. It's generally solid, but unexciting. It delivers a competent and rewarding experience, but there's none of the innovative risk-taking seen with the Wii. It's had bursts of widely-publicised serious technical problems, and Microsoft's service and public relations for the Xbox seems to be on a par with that for their PC products. It should be surprising that Microsoft haven't put more effort into making it backwards-compatible with more of the original Xbox's games. It isn't. There's a rumour that Microsoft sent out the compulsory Fall Update to deliberately brick modded consoles. Whether that's true or not, it has a horrible believability about it.
Still, none of those things have stopped people using Windows. The Xbox 360, as long as it doesn't blue-screen, is pretty reliable, with just a slight tendency to over-heat with protracted use. The peripherals are all solidly built. There's a huge range of good-quality games available, and a year after release, the 360 still looks pretty and runs well.
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Xbox 360 Games are Here
Part 1
With the entry of Microsoft into the gaming console business, a steadily increasing variety of games are flooding the market with a large selection of action, strategy, and sports games. However, despite the eagerness of the Xbox enthusiasts, Microsoft is still lagging behind Sony and Nintendo in terms of game sales.Xbox 360 games
Xbox 360 games have created for themselves a reputation of high quality and very real and life-like experience. New Xbox 360 games continue to be released weekly, and including the current list of to be released titles, the total count is over 300. Madden NFL 07
proved to be extremely popular, and sold over 2 million copies during its first week of release in late August 2006. The newest version of one of Xbox's signature games, Halo, is scheduled to be released as Halo 3
for Xbox 360 in early 2007.Xbox 360 games features
Both the Xbox 360 wireless and wired game controllers features an Xbox guide button, circled by the ring of light. The guide button is located in the center of the controller. It can be used to control the Xbox 360 settings, turn the console on and off, start the Xbox guide, and start the Xbox dashboard.
The four best and most prominent features of Xbox 360 games are:
AI or Artificial Intelligence - This enables non-playing characters to play or behave like real players. Your enemies will seem so real and lifelike that you'll love to hate them and destroying them will seem that much sweeter. Your NPC friends are so realistic that you will be automatically compelled to respond to their needs and help them, and they likewise intuitively know how to best assist you. This sophisticated artificial intelligence will enable you to control large numbers of non-playing characters in realistic ways.
Xbox 360 Games are Here
Part 2
High definition compatibility - Unlike the older Xbox console where the game developer is not required to provide high definition graphics, all Xbox 360 games come with a high definition option. The high definition system setting option is available through the Xbox 360 dashboard. To enjoy high definition graphics you will need an Xbox 360 component HD audio video cable or VGA cable. The high-definition support for Xbox 360 is dynamic, so even if a game is designed with high definition in mind, but your TV only supports a lower resolution, the Xbox 360 will run the game in the best resolution your output device offers.Wide-screen compatibility - Xbox 360 games are created to support wide screen graphics. Xbox 360 games can also display in non-widescreen resolution.
Highly functional programming - Since these games include very high quality graphics and controls, programming skills required for them is also very high, naturally resulting in higher game quality.
Some of the best Xbox 360 games
Some of the most popular and highly rated Xbox 360 games are:
1. Spider-Man 3
2. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2
(Modern Tactical Shooter)3. Perfect Dark Zero
4. Project Gotham Racing 3
5. Dead or Alive 4
6. Kameo: Elements of Power
7. NBA 2K6
8. Halo 3
9. Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved
10. Hitman: Blood Money
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Must Have Xbox 360 Accessories
Part 1
This year's Christmas present for the Xbox fanatic is the Xbox Live Vision Camera
. It's available in two packages. The Standard Kit, at US$40, comes with a month's Gold subscription to Xbox Live, a wired headset, and Uno and Totemball from the Xbox Live Arcade. The US$80 Gold Kit comes with all that, a year's Gold subscription, 200 Microsoft points, and Robotron: 2084. A fully-functioning webcam, Xbox Live Vision allows video chat and personalised avatars. Games like World Series Poker use 'digimask' technology, that uses the camera to map the player's actual facial expression onto their avatar. It also allows for gesture-based gaming, promising the ability to, say, direct troops with a few finger-points, just like in the movies. Must Have Xbox 360 Accessories
Part 2
Filling the same functions for audio is the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset Communicator
. Given how much players thrash around in pressure situations, going wireless is worth the US$60. The headset, like the wireless controllers, works up to 30 feet from the console, which can support four headset-controller combinations at once. The headset allows for both in-game and private chat, as well as supporting voice-command-based gameplay. The headset is lightweight, fits over either ear, and comes with two sets of removable ear grips. It has an eight-hour battery life and comes with an AC charger.
If you're spending a lot of your gaming time immersed in Project Gotham Racing or Need for Speed, you've got to have the new Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel
. Demonstrated at the 2006 E3, the system features standard gamepad buttons on the wheel itself, and floor-mounted accelerator and brake pedals. At US$150, it's at the top end of peripherals price-wise, but it's a top-quality product and comes with a copy of Project Gotham Racing 3. The game contains the drivers for the wheel: if you already own PGR3, you'll still need to install what's basically an update. There's a detachable clamp section so you can secure the dashboard to a desk, or just rest it in your lap. Must Have Xbox 360 Accessories
Part 3
With all the wireless peripherals, charging is a major factor with the 360. You want to be able to do it quickly and without losing playtime. There are two options for this. The first is the Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit
. For about US$20, this allows you to charge your controller through the USB port, while you're using it. It takes longer for the controller to recharge, but on the other hand, you still get to use it. Or for US$30, you can go for the Xbox 360 Quick Charge Kit
. It's easy to use and even quite styly, and recharges batteries in about two hours.
If the Xbox 360's own 20Gb hard drive (which doesn't come as standard but should) is creaking at the seams on your system, you might want to consider getting an DATEL Xsata for Xbox 360
. At a reasonable US$40, this allows you to transfer files from your Xbox 360 to your PC, as if your Xbox was a USB drive. You can clear space by shifting saved games and cinematics to your computer, so you can load more fresh content onto your 360 without losing anything.If you're looking for something for an Xbox gamer and they have 'everything', then any one of a plethora of licensed faceplates and controllers might just go down a treat. Whatever your style of gaming, it will be a while before you run out of new toys for your 360.
How to Get Your Own Xbox 360 Mod
There are tons of Xbox 360 mod projects if you are willing to take the time to complete them. Obviously, one of the most popular Xbox 360 mod projects out there is to engage in an Xbox 360 mod that will allow you to play pirated or copied games. This Xbox 360 mod is totally illegal, but if you look hard enough you can find Xbox 360 mod chips that will allow you to play games that were not exactly purchased. There are plenty of Xbox 360 mod chip resources that will allow you to accomplish your goal. Be sure though that you purchase an Xbox 360 mod chip for your correct system as there are different Xbox 360 mod chips available for different DVD drives.Another hot Xbox 360 mod is to change the look of the console. With a few simple Xbox 360 mod skills, you can easily change the green LED lights to blue, red or any other Xbox 360 mod colors you prefer. You can even do an Xbox 360 mod that will allow you increase your hard drive space by adding an additional hard drive as an Xbox 360 mod. If you do not like the look of your Xbox 360 controller, you can even do an Xbox 360 mod on that and change the color of the "X" logo. Try out an Xbox 360 mod for left hander people if you feel more comfortable switching the way the controller sticks function. Provided you are incredibly skilled, you can even add an Xbox 360 mod to your controller to add extra buttons.
It should be noted that you need to have sufficient technical skill for any Xbox 360 mod out there. Doing an Xbox 360 mod without this knowledge could end in disaster, so always do your research before engaging in an Xbox 360 mod. Also, not all Xbox 360 mod projects are legal, so know that if you add an Xbox 360 mod chip to your console, you are breaking the law. In any even though, have fun with your Xbox 360 mod, and treat the Xbox 360 mod project as a learning experience. Grab Some Mod Chips!
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Fetching RSS feed... please stand byXbox 360 Skins - Change the Face of Your Console
Microsoft has included in Xbox 360 console a feature that allows the user to change the faceplate or skin. So if you get bored with your old orthodox console skins, you can customize your system with up to date modern and fascinating skins to suite your mood and taste. There are many sources available for getting Xbox 360 skins, including Microsoft itself which manufactures and sells its own console skins, as well as other commercial sites where very large numbers of skins are available. You can also customize or change the look and feel of your gaming console or dashboard software by making changes in color, look of the content blade, background color, etc.So if you get tired of looking at your plain old Xbox 360, you always have the option of changing the color or look by swapping out skins are adding custom decals or stickers that are sold at many sites on the internet.
What exactly are Xbox 360 skins?
Xbox 360 skins are readymade graphical templates available at various sources or many of them can even be downloaded from the internet. These templates can be used on variety of console parts like dashboard, Xbox application, and media center.
Skins can even change your enemy appearance or your own appearance on the screen by making changes in the resolution of the screen. This gives the gamer the ability to feel his favorite atmosphere without changing even his seat.
History of console skinsXbox 360 skins are not a new phenomenon. In fact Sony and Nintendo both provided various methods for changing their console look even before Microsoft launch the original Xbox gaming console. But the arrival of Xbox 360 in the gaming market surely pushed gaming skin providers into a new era of possibilities. There are a large number of competitors that provide different methods to modify the custom look and feel, and the ability to tweak to the most personal taste so that everyone can have most custom experience at the time of enjoying games on any gaming device.
Difference between Xbox and Xbox 360 skins
There are not many differences in most of the skin formats available, but one of the best changes that has evolved in the skin market from Xbox to Xbox 360 is the extent of modification in technical details that are available is now much wider. Another improvement is the quality of resolution modification is much higher in Xbox 360 than compared to the original Xbox gaming console.
The greatest motivation Microsoft received is the fact that every normal video gamer will now or then become bored with the type of interface provided. In earlier video games that include one monitor type display and keyboard type controls. The other motivational force was the market dominance that was enjoyed at that time by Sony and Nintendo gaming machines.
Click here for Xbox 360 skins and pimp out your console!
How to Get the Best Deals on Xbox 360 Games
Unless you regularly pass time of an evening setting fire to money for kicks, your gaming is going to be affected by your budget. With new Xbox 360 games retailing for between US$40 and US$60, building up a library is going to hit you in the wallet. This is where a bit of smarts can save you a lot of money.Cost is especially a factor if you play a lot of RPGs or adventure games that have 'ends'. They're great while you're playing through, but once you're done, you're done. Some of these are big sellers for the Xbox, like Tomb Raider: Legend
or King Kong, or even Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. The thing is, everyone else is in the same position. Look for these games in stores like EB Games and Gamestop, that take used games as trade-ins. If you trade in your own finished games at the same time, you can get a nice turn-over going at a much lower cost.If you're not in a big hurry to be the first person to play something, you can also look in rental stores. Buying second-hand with both these options, you should be able to get a good look at the disc itself before you buy, so you can see any obvious marks and scratches.
Another obvious place to look for games is eBay. You'll get more variation in price here and it pays to shop around. You'll also have to factor in the cost of shipping and the risk of not being able to get a good look at the product before you buy. Beware, too, of people trying to flog off commonly-bundled games at absurd prices. Try bidding on large lots of multiple games if there's something in there you like the look of. They'll be good value, you might find a gem in the slush pile, and then you can sell the rest or use them as trade-ins.
If you're on the lookout for gaming bargains in general, then a good place to check out is www.cheapassgamer.com. They trawl the net for bargains featured on other sites and collect them all in one place, as well as pooling gamer knowledge on good deals in bricks-and-mortar stores.
Another site you might want to check out is GameFly.com. They provide a rental service for a $20/month fee where they mail games out to you from your wishlist. When you're done, you send them back, and they mail out the next lot. They also sell off rental titles, and you can often pick up games through them about a month after they come out, for half the normal retail price.
Games seem to drop dramatically in price about four months after they come out. Financially, it's well worth waiting if you're buying. That gives you time, too, to get feedback and reviews on the game from other gamers. There's nothing worse than ponying up for a game only to find it blows, or it's really good but only a weekend's play.
Patience is the key if you're looking to save bucks gaming. Hang back and profit from other people's buyer's remorse, or put in the time shopping around for a good bargain.
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