***** Official Xbox 360 System Impressions *****

redneck · Post by **redneck** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 4:00 am

Guys,

Give us your impressions about the system/games and what you like/don't like. What system you got (Premium or Core) and what accessories etc....

Also, if you have any good stories regarding the midnight launch, camping out or driving around all morning trying to score a system, tell us.

red

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 4:03 am

See how easy it is to make a thoughtful and productive thread that hasn't already been created.

RobVarak · Post by **RobVarak** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 4:26 am

Ok, a few bleary-eyed impressions. Mostly about the system, as I haven't had time to do anything but mess around with Madden and COD2.

HOLY FARKING SCHNIT!! The interface for the system itself and XBL is staggeringly well-designed. I didn't really expect it to be this nice at all. I was reminded of the first time I used Tivo or an IPOD...you just revel in the elegance of the design. Moving from game to XBL interface to system options is seemless and almost perfect, and it looks fabulous in HD. I can only imagine what this beast is going to be like when I get it configured with my media center PC!! Other touches like remote on/off and tray eject seem small but really contribute to the feeling of excellent design and "next generation" ambience.

The graphics on Madden are jaw-dropping, and IMO none of the movies did them justice. The announcer is pretty crappy, but I love the play-calling interface, which is deeply cool. I had a hard time adjusting to the lack of camera angles, but the way the camera moves is pretty excellent. I can see adjusting to the new setup after a few games. Didn't look into rosters, playbooks or any of that stuff.

COD2 was also graphically amazing in 1080i, and the sound is even more spectacular. Extra points for immersion for the cool newsreel intros for the missions and outstanding voice acting. The gameplay seems strong, but it is way too early for me to say anything conclusive.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 4:35 am

dbdynsty25 wrote:See how easy it is to make a thoughtful and productive thread that hasn't already been created.

DB, I appreciate your contributions to this forum in most all areas, I really do, but I'm sorry, your thread police "schtick" really is getting old.

SoMisss2000 · Post by **SoMisss2000** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 4:40 am

if anyone thought the graphics in NBA 2K would not show up during actually game play was out of their freaking mind. It's not just cutscenes fellas but in game. The games is f'n beautiful. My jaw hit the floor when I started up a game.

Boom · Post by **Boom** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 5:35 am

Anyone else notice that the system's fan or dvd drive is particularly loud? System is making some noise. Not really grinding, but you can tell it's workin.

Sport73 · Post by **Sport73** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 8:41 am

Boom wrote:Anyone else notice that the system's fan or dvd drive is particularly loud? System is making some noise. Not really grinding, but you can tell it's workin.

I've noticed as well...The system is silent in the Dashboard, but whirs up quite a bit when you begin to play. I presume this is the fans going to work once the multiple processor cores engage; I've read that XBox dashboard has a processor dedicated to its functions at all times at this point...

That said, it's not a big deal. The system is AMAZING. Everything looks better than I expected, and there are NO VIDEOS or SCREENS that did justice to what Madden, COD2 and PGR3 would look like on my 50" HDTV. The Dashboard, as already mentioned, is a work of art. The controller is the perfect evolution of the S, and the wireless functionality is just sublime (being able to plug the headset straight into the bottom of the controller is a nice touch to complete the effect without requiring independent communications from another item).

So far, I'm still in the euphoria of new technology love, but I've certainly seen enough to make me happy that I plunked down my cash for a pre-order. The potential for this system is stunning, it's almost daunting when I think about how little I experienced in my hour or two of play last night. I didn't see Gotham TV, I didn't connect my iPod, view photos, or use any of the other media features. I didn't take the time to download any demos in the marketplace. I didn't dig into the system settings. I didn't test DVD playback. I didn't customize my gamertag.

There is so much to enjoy. If you were sitting on the fence, get out there and get in line!

Theo · Post by **Theo** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 8:45 am

I agree with everything that is being said. Even though PGR3 looks great overall, there are more jaggies than I thought there would be. Anyone notice that? It's not a big deal since the game is so damn good.

Sport73 · Post by **Sport73** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 8:47 am

Didn't really notice the jaggies, I was in awe of the in-cockpit view, the dust/scrathes collecting on the windshield and windows, and the amazing sense of actually being behind the wheel of an exotic car.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 8:52 am

I'm leaving in like a half hour to go get my preorder from TRU

Expect some impressions later

Airdog · Post by **Airdog** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 9:09 am

Congrats guys - we'll see how long I can hold off for.

Even got me thinking about a damn HDTV now

Oh, to be 23 and barely have any disposable income after paying for tuition. I anticipate I'll get the 360 in summer though.

Keep the impressions coming - I'm especially interested in the interactions with other devices, particularly the iPod.

jondiehl · Post by **jondiehl** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 9:46 am

I got it. I went to Walmart last night at 11pm, they had already handed out the tickets, some people had been there since the morning.

Woke up and went to Sam's Club, got there at 6:30am (for 7am opening). I got the 18th of 20 available. There were some guys that had camped out since last night, most of the people directly in front of me had trickled in around 5-6am. They were pretty well organized. The manager showed up for work at 6:50 and told everyone in line that business member hours are from 7-10am, and if they didn't have the blue business card that they weren't getting in. 2 people got denied at the door, they cracked the door enough for single file entry and had 3 ppl checking membership cards. They had a crate of the prepackaged premium bundles for $449 (same ones as the website, premium + wireless + play and charge). One guy managed to get in with just an advantage membership, and took one, but the manager caught up with him before checkout and made him give it up.

I'll be on Live throughout the day, I have Madden and COD2.... impressions soon, ripping open the package now!

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 10:11 am

Damn heavy box!

My ebdeal worked out fine. Showed up at about 6:45 am, they opened the doors at 7:30. I was 8th in line for 26 systems.

At work now, and have no frickin idea when the kids will give me time to play at home.

But like I said, heavy box!

RobVarak · Post by **RobVarak** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 10:15 am

webdanzer wrote:Damn heavy box!

About 90% of that is the AC adapter. That thing is every bit as big as promised.

Gurantsu · Post by **Gurantsu** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 10:42 am

The dashboard interface is very well designed, I messed with it for a while setting up my gamertag, looking at videos and whatnot.

Popped in PGR, and while driving some cars on the test track before buying one I thought "Well, it looks nice, but nothing special". Then came the first race in London, and holy crap, NOW I see what they mean by next-gen. The videos do not do it justice.

CoD was also very impressive. Lots of action, fantastic environments, again a great frame rate, and the best looking smoke I've seen in any game, PC or console.

Gun looks like it will be neat. Not very next-gen looking, but it has a high resolution and the game itself was enjoyable, sort of GTA Dodge City.

Tried Halo 2, worked very well, a bit "soft" looking with the AA, but ran great. I just hope there will be some way to move our save games over.

Also tried GTA Vice City, and it actually ran worse than on the Xbox. Something must have gotten lost in the translation, as it certainly chugged now and then. I'll have to test more BC games and see how they work.

Put in Operation Flashpoint, and it said that it was not playable in the 360 (boo!)

Overall a very impressive console. I can't imagine what the developers will be able to do with it once they learn more about programming on it.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 11:21 am

Theo wrote:I agree with everything that is being said. Even though PGR3 looks great overall, there are more jaggies than I thought there would be. Anyone notice that? It's not a big deal since the game is so damn good.

Yeah, surprisingly, PGR3 is the least impressive looking title that I have seen so far (out of about 6 or 7 titles) on my TV. Sure, the cockpit view is amazing, but the rest of the overall graphics are not much past a current X-Box game...at least so far. The details and lighting are nice, however, the trees look awful and there are noticable jaggies and clutter.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 11:47 am

Well, I picked mine up at Gamestop last night and got home around 12:30. I hooked it up and messed around with the interface til about 1:00. I checked out Madden, then NBA 2k6, then COD2. I didn't get a chance to finish my Madden or NBA game and only finished the training level of COD2.

Needless to say, everybody is right about movies online not doing these games justice. Everything looked great on my 50" in 1080i. Madden looked amazing despite not having Soldier Field right

. NBA 2k6 looked amazing and the clothing moves during gameplay

. COD2 had so much going on on-screen at once it was mind blowing.

This is the best controller ever made IMO. The console interface is also far and above what I expected and far and above what any console has offered before it. It was great playing any game and being notified when someone was online or when you got a message. I didn't have to sign in to Xbox Live once after turning my system on. You are Xbox Live aware at all times and can pause your game and check things out.

slyguy · Post by **slyguy** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 12:01 pm

Just got home with my TRU bundle it feels so good that i didn't have to wait in line or camp out

.Be back later with some impressions

Nozzleman_216 · Post by **Nozzleman_216** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 12:07 pm

Just want to post real quick as I have a few minutes while my son is playing

Anyhow, picked it up a few hours ago at EB. I just couldnt pull the trigger on PGR yet (sorry Terry) I will have it soon I am sure. I knew I wanted Perfect Dark for multiplayer and co-op. Then I played COD on the Kiosk and decided it was a must buy. Especially after reading some reviews.

OMFG Cod2 is AMAZING! Looks way better then on the Kiosk even though I am running at 1080i on my Direct View and not 720 (not an option for me) The sound on a decent 5.1 system is nothing short of spectacular. I am actually 6.1 with neo converting the 6th channel (seems to be working) Smoke effects everything just beautiful. I need to pop Madden in and PDZ and try em out. Then I have to pick up my daughter. More impressions tonight once the wifey gets home and I have a chance to get some QT with it

I am amazed so far, and so glad I spent the cash in MAY

Good things to come from this system I do believe.

Also to reiterate what has been said here. The interface of the dashboard is just plain NICE. Its mind blowing actually what this thing is capable of. Live transaction was painless and quick.

The controller is SO NICE! I mean it felt nice on the Kiosk, but in your hands it melts! AHHHHH I need a week or 2 vacation LMAO!

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 12:12 pm

Keep 'em coming. Good to read so many positives so far.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 12:41 pm

Has anyone been able to firure out how to get AAC files to play through the 360 off of their iPod? Is it offically supported? I know it was supposed to be, but then I read something that said you need to download a patch through the dashboard, then I read somewhere else that the AAC format is not supported at all anymore!?!?!

I know for a fact the purchased iTunes AAC files won't work, but I thought for sure just regular AAC ones would.

Anyone try thier iPod yet?

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 12:55 pm

Spooky wrote:
Theo wrote:I agree with everything that is being said. Even though PGR3 looks great overall, there are more jaggies than I thought there would be. Anyone notice that? It's not a big deal since the game is so damn good.
Yeah, surprisingly, PGR3 is the least impressive looking title that I have seen so far (out of about 6 or 7 titles) on my TV. Sure, the cockpit view is amazing, but the rest of the overall graphics are not much past a current X-Box game...at least so far. The details and lighting are nice, however, the trees look awful and there are noticable jaggies and clutter.

And some DSP'ers picked this title as the killer launch title. Hmm. I still think PDZ is the game to own other than COD 2 so if anyone purchased this game, please share your impressions.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 12:58 pm

Holy smokes...Im am freaking impressed right now. As people above have said, the interface is very clean and user friendly. Cool stuff. I popped in NBA2K6 and my jaw hit the floor...AWESOME. Just incredible. In game the graphics are just fabulous. The gameplay is pretty much the same as XBOX with the exception of game speed. Normal is a bit slower now and that is a good thing. I'm in awe of the HD graphics. Just incredible. I have NHL2K6, Madden and COD2 to try yet. Im very excited to see them all. My initial reaction to the whole package = WOW. If you have any questions let me know. Gonna go mess with my new toy.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 1:01 pm

Diablo25 wrote:The gameplay is pretty much the same as XBOX with the exception of game speed.

And the welcome readdition of the defensive crouch button.

rubba19 · Post by **rubba19** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 1:21 pm

Spooky wrote:Has anyone been able to firure out how to get AAC files to play through the 360 off of their iPod? Is it offically supported? I know it was supposed to be, but then I read something that said you need to download a patch through the dashboard, then I read somewhere else that the AAC format is not supported at all anymore!?!?!

I know for a fact the purchased iTunes AAC files won't work, but I thought for sure just regular AAC ones would.

Anyone try thier iPod yet?

Spooky, Apple didn't release a license to Microsoft, so no iTunes songs can be played through the 360.

from Fortune.com (http://www.fortune.com/fortune/peterlew ... ml?cnn=yes)

Just don't expect to play any songs you've purchased through the Apple iTunes Music Store, because Apple has not given Microsoft a license for Apple's copyright-protection system.

Sorry.