Critical Decision [Archive] - DVXuser.com -- The online community for filmmaking

Sad Max

07-28-2009, 10:31 AM

All right, I have been putting this off for a long time, and now it's time to draw upon the accumulated expertise available on DVXUSer...

...Playstation, Wii, or XBox? To connect to a 67" 1080p LED DLP display; already have a good blu-ray player so that functionality isn't important. Mostly want it for shooter and flying and survival-horror-type games; the lightsaber-type stuff looks like fun, too, although I guess that would mean a Wii.

In your opinion which system offers the best mix of graphics and sound capability, future longevity, selection of games and manufacturer/aftermarket support?

Mike Harvey

07-28-2009, 10:51 AM

Wii will definitely get the most people to play, so if you're having friends over a lot or have family that might not normally play video games, this could get them. But the graphics aren't that good. On paper, the PS3 has the best graphics ability... but from what I understand, the chips are so convoluted to program for that few developers take full advantage of them.

Personally, I much prefer my Xbox360. It looks great on my 1080p 50" DLP, there is a huge variety of games, and Xbox Live has such a huge amount of content, from classic games to movies to whatever.

Sad Max

07-28-2009, 10:57 AM

Okay, one vote for XBox.

ugafan

07-28-2009, 10:58 AM

i would immediately rule out the wii. it only displays a resolution of 480p, and that will look horrible on a 67' led display. also the best games are primarily made by nintendo, third party support has been unimpressive.

the playstation has built in wireless; you have to buy an adapter for the xbox360.
it also plays blu-ray. internet gaming is free. better record of hardware reliability than the xbox.

the xbox is cheaper than the playstation. you can also set it up to stream netflix movies. you have to pay for internet gaming, but the service is generally considered superior to playstation's free service.

beyond that it's a matter of preference. i prefer the controller of the ps3. i also am interested in some games like gran turismo 5 that are exclusive to the playstation.

as far as the future of the systems, here is what both systems are rolling out...

xbox360
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_gX_Plqmig)playstation 3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th8_zKa0DKk)

Douglas Thigpen

07-28-2009, 11:00 AM

Have both, if had to pick one I'd stick with the Xbox 360.

mcgeedigital

07-28-2009, 11:03 AM

Another vote for the 360

Mike Harvey

07-28-2009, 11:07 AM

the playstation has built in wireless; you have to buy an adapter for the xbox360.
it also plays blu-ray. internet gaming is free. better record of hardware reliability than the xbox.

All absolutely true. XBL isn't that expensive, only about $60/yr... but that's $60 more than PS3. I've had my Xbox360 crap out twice, but each time was under warranty (it's like three years), so MS just gave me a new one each time with a new warranty. Fortunately, mine is located were it's easy to hook up to an ethernet cable... but if that's a problem for you, the wireless adaptor is something like $90.

Nektonic

07-28-2009, 12:16 PM

Hmmm....

.... well, even though I do love my PS3, if I had to choose only one, and blu-ray wasn't a factor, I'd go with the XB360. The reasons are that there are a few more games out for it that I like, and the controller feels much better in my hands than the PS3's. Also, the PS3 hasn't been out as long and will most likely drop in price to around $250 or so within two years from now. You can always wait for that day and enjoy the 360 until then.

On paper, the PS3 has the best graphics ability... but from what I understand, the chips are so convoluted to program for that few developers take full advantage of them.

I suppose in the long run, the PS3 might have more years in it for technical improvements, but that could still be quite a ways off. By then, there will probably be new systems from all three companies anyways.

And so far, the PS3's better tech and blu-ray hasn't resulted in a vast amount of graphically superior games except in Sony exclusives like Metal Gear Solid 4, Uncharted: Drakes Fortune, and Killzone 2. In fact, many multi-platform games have looked better on the 360, although the graphics gap has leveled out pretty much to the point where most games look almost identical on each system.

Max, you said you like shooters, so that is another plus on the 360's side. Although the PS3 has Killzone 2 which is amazing. Do you like more realistic shooters or more amped up and stylized ones? Killzone and Call of Duty are two more realistic ones, while Halo and Gears of War are more wild and wooly, as well as a bit more colorful and exaggerated in their worlds and characters. Plus, the 360 has exclusivity on the insane zombie shooter Left 4 Dead, and it's upcoming sequel Left 4 Dead 2. Who doesn't love blasting wave after wave of zombies?

If price is not a major concern, then really you can buy both an XB360 and a Wii for about the same price as a PS3 (Xbox 360 Arcade model + Nintendo Wii = approx. $450.00). The only major knocks against the 360 are that you have to pay for Xbox Live, which is worth it in my opinion, especially if you like shooters. Of course, there is the 3-year warranty due to the dreaded RED RING OF DEATH malfunction. The plus side is that the RROD fiasco seems to have peaked and is on the decline now.

Having said all that, the PS3 is great too.

Jim Brennan

07-28-2009, 12:47 PM

I am not a serious gamer. In fact, I get bored with them pretty easily. But I love the Wii. We got it for the kids this past christmas and I really enjoy the motion aspect of the controller as opposed to traditional video games. But i agree with Uga about third party games. They are a pretty poor lot

Steve Laramie

07-28-2009, 01:18 PM

xbox

Sad Max

07-28-2009, 01:23 PM

Okay, Xbox obviously enjoys the most support, so far.

Now, with regard to software...anybody want to throw out their recommendations for survival horror and shooter (1st and 3rd person) titles?

Ki-Ki

07-28-2009, 01:35 PM

360 my friend, although mine has recently just red-lighted. Aka. It K.O's everytime I try to go on live.

Still, Xbox 360. Wii, only good point is the way its controlled... with the physical handset. What you must bear in mind is that sooner or later the Xbox will update and have a sensor, which you can just stand in front of and play using your body. If you get XBL, post your gamertag - infact, i think thats worthy of a thread..

Mike Harvey

07-28-2009, 01:44 PM

They've been out a while, but both the Tom Clancy lines... Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 1 & 2 and Rainbow Six: Vegas 1 & 2... are a ton of fun in single player (haven't tried multi). For just pure fantasy blow up alien fun, there is also Halo, which also enjoys a huge online following. I don't know what you own now, but if you haven't played either of the first two Halo's for the original Xbox, you can pick them up for dirt cheap so you know what the story is for 3 (the 360 is backwards compatible with most original Xbox games).

Also, ports for both the original Doom and Wolfenstien 3D just came out not to long ago on XBL Arcade for like $5 a pop.

Zombies... really can't help you.

I do recommend that if you go the Xbox360 route, you pick up a model with an HDMI port (many of the lower end models don't include it).

MikeWilkinson

07-28-2009, 01:46 PM

There have been a couple of gamertag threads around here.

My vote is for the Xbox360. I don't have a PS3, I've used my them and played nhl 2009
and some other games, and wasn't all that impressed.

Paying for online play is a bummer, but the huge library of games that you can buy, and the netflix support, and games available make this my easy choice.

I don't game a ton, but my old roommate did... enough to get me to buy a couple of games just to play with/against him online. Call of Duty 4 was fantastic, I also enjoyed Gears of War and Halo 3. GTA4 is of course my favorite way to de-stress after a long shoot day.

Also, if you like the idea of playing games with groups, getting Rock Band is a sure winner.

Have fun!

Nektonic

07-28-2009, 02:36 PM

Now, with regard to software...anybody want to throw out their recommendations for survival horror and shooter (1st and 3rd person) titles?

Survival Horror

Resident Evil 5
Dead Space

Shooter - Horror Hybrids

Bioshock
Left 4 Dead
FEAR 2: Project Origin

Shooters

Gears of War
Gears of War 2
Halo Trilogy (part one and two are on the original Xbox)
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Call of Duty: World at War
The Orange Box (which is basically Half-Life 2 with a bunch of extra games)
Red Faction: Guerilla

Upcoming Shooters (Sept. thru Nov. 2009)

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Nov.)
Halo 3: ODST expansion pack (Sept.) -- note: I think that you will need a copy of Halo 3 for the multiplayer options
Borderlands (Oct.)
Left 4 Dead 2 (Nov.)
Wet (Sept.)
Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition (sometime this fall)

You might get a kick out of Fallout 3. It is a wacky retro sci-fi first person RPG that can be played like a first person shooter, or more like a regular RPG. Also, Mass Effect is a fun sci-fi RPG with a good dose of action.

The good thing is that pretty much all of these games have downloadable demos on Xbox Live. With the exception of any upcoming games, most of these can be found used or at a bargain price ($20 - $40).

Anhar Miah

07-28-2009, 03:20 PM

My votes for PS3 in terms of Long term, Blu Ray + DLNA + technical edge over xbox360.

You can cluster 8 of them run linux and turn them into a mini super computer (no seriously http://blogs.zdnet.com/storage/?p=220)

But then I'm a techie......

Anhar

Sad Max

07-28-2009, 03:26 PM

Well...I already have a very good blu-ray player, I'm satisfied with my various PCs' connectivity and therefore don't feel much need for DLNA, and the consensus appears to be that - at least to date - the technical edge enjoyed by the PS3 has gone unexploited for years, with no specific reason I've yet found to think that's going to change.

The mini supercomputer gag is appealing, but since I already maintain a render farm I kind of doubt it's something I would really pursue...

filmguy123

07-28-2009, 03:45 PM

Easily the xbox.

The ps3 might theoretically have the best hardware but MS has made it easily accessible and has the most developer support by far, and the xbox versions of games are pretty consistently preferred over ps3 in comparisons.

Sad Max

07-28-2009, 04:08 PM

Okay, let's talk price: US$295 for an Elite System, 120GB HD, 3-core 3.2 GHz CPU, 512MB system memory, HDMI port, wireless controller, headset.

Reasonable?

Richard J. Johnson

07-28-2009, 04:30 PM

I have all 3 systems and The 360 gets the most run. (when I have time to actually play them) The wii is cool at first but my kids don't even play it anymore. I love the PS3 though. Just grab one of the two and you will be happy. Blu ray is an absolute joy to witness.

Richard J. Johnson

07-28-2009, 04:33 PM

Sad Max

07-28-2009, 04:36 PM

I actually understood most of that article.

I should probably be worried.

Mike Harvey

07-28-2009, 05:36 PM

Shooter - Horror Hybrids

Bioshock
...

Huge :thumbup: for Bioshock. Very excellent game, especially in terms of story telling (it borrows very heavily from "Atlas Shrugged", than turns it on it's head).

Also, another really good shooter/RPG hybrid is Mass Effect, also in large part because of the story telling.

Cheesesailor77

07-28-2009, 05:37 PM

if you're already into games, than it's between 360 and ps3. Any semi serious gamer will tell you that the Wii can make an excellent second system, but that there just isn't the software to make it worth wile as a sole console.

If you already have a blu ray player, than I say it's all whether or not you want ps3 exclusive. Are you super psyked about Uncharted 2???? Have you even heard of uncharted 1??? If not than you want a 360, no doubt.

360 is the obvious choice. PS3 is you want their exclusives or a blu ray player (which you already have), but it's more expensive and doesn't have the online infrastructure. Wii is only for the non-gamer, children, or as a suplementary system (everyone loves Wii sports and Mario... not sure if I can think of another game, lol)

07-28-2009, 06:09 PM

The PS3.

It's incredible. The Xbox 360 is very cool, but I think the PS3 is all-around cooler. I've been thoroughly impressed with the games and the overall experience.

The Wii I also have. It's fun. But . . . too many lame games. Too many kiddie games. Graphics pale in comparison to the others. But there are some really cool games! The Wii is also a bit more of a novelty. I hope Nintendo comes out with "Super Wii" and offers more hardcore games. With the 3D-space tracking technology, I think they might be able to have something fun AND powerful.

Eximious

07-28-2009, 07:17 PM

Might be useful to look at a few of the exclusives to each console:

Xbox 360:

Halo 3
Mass Effect
Fable II
Left 4 Dead
Gears of War

Backwards compatibility with most Xbox titles
Project Natal (eventually -- we'll see how good it turns outs)

PS3:

Metal Gear Solid 4
Little Big Planet
Resistance 2
Killzone 2
Ratchet & Clank

Free Online Play

If you go for an Xbox, try to get a newer model (i.e. don't buy a four-year-old model used). They switched to 45nm chips a little while ago, which greatly help with the overheating problems that plagued many early 360's.

I really haven't played many PS3 titles, so I can't speak to its quality. The 360, however, has been lots of fun. I did have RROD issues, but since they switched out my chip with a 45nm one (as I suspect), I haven't had any issues.

Good luck in your decision.

David Jimerson

07-28-2009, 07:23 PM

Why just one of them?

Sad Max

07-28-2009, 08:36 PM

There are some things I own in multiples, but the game console has never been one of them. Given one satisfactory machine in that department, I'd rather throw the $$$ at something else.

Charli

07-29-2009, 05:07 AM

I disagree with all of you. Nothing like going to the arcade and playing stand-up video games. That's when I can just cut loose. Don't even get me to play air hockey with you, I'll slaughter you.

tmnt

07-29-2009, 05:48 AM

A link to your tv max? I have a 1080p 60 inch but you can never have a big enough tv. I'm hoping by the time mine dies I'll be able to get an 80 or 100 inch, I can dream...

Get Call of Duty WOW on ps3 and I'll show you how to smack talk!

Butcher

07-29-2009, 09:15 AM

We have a PS3 and a Wii. We bought my brother-in-law the Xbox360 which he leaves at our place all the time.

I like the PS3 controller much better than the Xbox. Xbox has a better online gaming service, but you have to pay for it. I'm not down with that, which is why we went with the PS3. Plus, we didn't have a BluRay player. Now we do!

Xbox feels a little smoother in some games but I've had more lockups than PS3, the graphics are pretty even between the two, and some games seem to load faster on Xbox.

That said, Xbox is a loud beast. Half the time I don't even realize the PS3 is on because it's practically silent. If I could, I'd put the Xbox in another room just so I don't have to crank the sound up so loud to drown out the fans. They both get hot so make sure they have plenty of ventilation.

Really, it's a matter of controller preference, how much stock you put into the online gaming experience, and whether one has more exclusives than the other. But my vote is for PS3.

Sad Max

07-29-2009, 09:20 AM

A link to your tv max? I have a 1080p 60 inch but you can never have a big enough tv. I'm hoping by the time mine dies I'll be able to get an 80 or 100 inch, I can dream...

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=157533&highlight=samsung

Rick Meyer

07-29-2009, 09:43 AM

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=157533&highlight=samsung

I have this same TV (the 56" version). Man, do I love it. Who needs a wall mount? But, I digress...

I purchased a PS3 for the Blu-ray functionality (which you don't need UNLESS you'd like to have more than one player for more than one room) and have only gone as far as to research games...(Well, I've played a few...I was addicted to Oblivion for a while. Metal Gear Solid 4 looked AMAZING. As did Gran Turismo Prologue. I mean, wow. Seriously.) Having said all that, I am not a gamer. And in discussing this with my bro-in-low who IS a gamer, plus doing some of my own online research, I think there is no question that the XBOX360 is the way to go. There are just TOO many more titles out there. Not to mention, every time there is a patch or game update, XBOX360 seems to get them first. Oh and unless you pay TOP dollar for the 80gig version, there is no backwards compatibility which REALLY sucks (I was given GUN which I cannot play because it is for the Ps2 console.)

If not for the Blu-ray player I would have purchased the XBOX360. I'm sure the image quality of both players is nearly identical.

Brandon Rice

07-29-2009, 12:55 PM

Ps3!!!

filmguy123

07-29-2009, 07:09 PM

xbox 360 has better exclusives (opinion)
xbox 360 has better versions of non-exclusive titles (fact)
xbox 360 has an overall more robust online service, but you have to pay extra for it
ps3 has theoretically better hardware, but programming for it is convoluted and as such has not been utilized. This is also why the non-exclusive titles run better on the 360.
xbox 360 is gaining more developer support while ps3 seems to be slowly declining in this area (xbox is still getting exclusives whereas ps3 more and more seems to be losing its exclusives to non-exclusive titles shared by ps3 and xbox, since xbox has greater market share and is easy to program for)

wii is a fun toy and good for parties but is good for casual games as such, and not really a hardcore gamer's console

Andrew Brinkhaus

07-29-2009, 07:20 PM

Xbox.

J.R. Hudson

07-29-2009, 07:21 PM

I like them both (NOT a Wii guy) but am pissed LEFT 4 DEAD is not on PS3 yet.

Jon Starr

07-29-2009, 08:03 PM

I have a Wii and Xbox 360. Never got a playstation due to it's cost.

For a while it was first Wii. The idea enticed me, and I didn't care too much about amazing graphics. A game can be fun without high end graphics. So it was fun, I enjoyed it, and Wii sports really showed what you could do. But as more and more games came out, I was more and more disappointed. NOTHING I wanted was coming to the Wii, and if it did (like the force unleashed) it suffered because of the controls. It was all mario games, and... basically cruddy stuff. The FPS games (which are my fave) all had low ratings due to controls.

Got the Xbox, and couldn't be happier. I love Call of Duty 4, and got Red Faction which is just pure fun.Although I did the stupid thing of moving the xbox while my disc was in there, and now my CoD got ruined. Bah!

But I vote for Xbox, but never tried the ps3.

Nektonic

07-29-2009, 08:21 PM

I still say Xbox 360, but the PS3 does have some amazing exclusives. Killzone 2 is an extremely intense FPS that is just jaw drippingly gorgeous. I don't think any other console games come close to it visually, at least not yet. Of course the reason for this is that it is a PS3 exclusive, so the developers didn't have to make a version for the 360 and weren't limited by its DVD media format.

My theory is that the PS3 will gain a lot more momentum in the next 2-3 years due to developers finally figuring out how to maximize its higher end tech. Also, if the economy starts to recover next year, Blu-ray might gain some momentum and that could come into play for the PS3. By that time the PS3 will cost maybe 250 bucks. And then will drop gradually the year after that. By 2012 it will most likely cost 200 or less.

For now the 360 seems to have the best game choices overall, and I think that will be the case for the next two years. Then again, I own both and am happy with each system. I say if you can afford it, buy both, try out the top exclusives, the online services, and if you feel that you don't need two game consoles after a month, sell the one you like the least.

Sad Max

07-29-2009, 09:49 PM

From the content of this thread plus what I've read elsewhere I'm decided on the XBox 360 Elite w/wireless controllers and the 120GB drive. Seems like it's the triple point of price, functionality and available software, for me.

Thanks for everybody's information and advice!

Tom Marshall

07-29-2009, 10:11 PM

Don't overlook the Commodore 64. Amazing graphics and that SID chip really brings the games to life, sound-wise...

Sad Max

07-29-2009, 10:36 PM

In fact, I did adore my 64. First thing I learned to program graphics on.

filmguy123

07-31-2009, 09:50 AM

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/rage-ps3-xbox-id-carmack,news-4349.html

filmguy123

07-31-2009, 09:51 AM

Cranky

07-31-2009, 10:47 AM

I don't follow the game world nowadays, but what I like about wii is that it is not purely electronic sit-on-a-coach-and-press-buttons thing, it allows for some physical activity. It is real fun to play tennis or bowling or whatever else on wii. THIS is what electronic games should be, a combination of imaginary and the real worlds.

Sad Max

07-31-2009, 10:59 AM

Well...I train 3 times a week with my trainer down on the beach by the Santa Monica pier, so I don't feel that I'm missing out on the physical activity or out-of-doors-ness, by getting a sit-on-the-couch-type console (although I get your point, and hopefully the XBOX will soon have Wii-type controllers available, and games that support them).

J.R. Hudson

07-31-2009, 11:01 AM

filmguy123

07-31-2009, 11:30 AM

Or just build a PC! Starcraft 2!

Sad Max

07-31-2009, 11:32 AM

The workstations are strictly for work. Yeah, they'd make great game machines, but that just ain't what they're for...

filmguy123

07-31-2009, 12:01 PM

Well it's not a workstation if you build it for gaming only. PC for gaming, Mac w/FCS & Adobe for work

Sad Max

07-31-2009, 12:05 PM

If I'm building the kind of machine I like to build, it's frankly a waste of money to use it that way (just to my way of thinking, that is). If it's not being used for work, it's being used as a render station, or it's off to save operating life.

Don't use Macs for anything, unless I have to. The price/performance sweet spot still favors XP/etc machines for my purposes.

Batutta

07-31-2009, 12:16 PM

Late to this thread...but you have to pick up a copy of Bioshock. As an art director I'm sure you will get a HUGE kick out of that game. I also loved playing Oblivion, and I'm not an RPG guy, but that game had just the right combination of exploration, fighting and puzzle solving for my tastes, gorgeous graphics, and a text/conversation system that wasn't too annoying (although I never figured out the mood wheel thingie).

filmguy123

07-31-2009, 02:57 PM

+1 for Bioshock
and a vote for Fallout 3

And if you're old school, XBLA has "Secret of Monkey Island" special edition with updated graphics and voice over for $10

Nektonic

07-31-2009, 03:13 PM

+1 for Bioshock
and a vote for Fallout 3

Add Mass Effect to that list as well. While these all have role playing elements or are considered role playing games, they are not what you typically think of as an RPG.

Mike Harvey

07-31-2009, 03:56 PM

Add Mass Effect to that list as well. While these all have role playing elements or are considered role playing games, they are not what you typically think of as an RPG.

Bioshock really is more of a shooter than an RPG... but very much a story driven one. I've not played Fallout 3 (though I'm going to get it when the superdupersilvergoldmegaultimate edition comes out in the fall), but Mass Effect blends the RPG and shooter elements extremely well. All three would be good investments.

07-31-2009, 05:59 PM

I disagree with all of you. Nothing like going to the arcade and playing stand-up video games. That's when I can just cut loose. Don't even get me to play air hockey with you, I'll slaughter you.

Charli, I'll sweat you til the end of air hockey mania!! :grin:

Tom Marshall

07-31-2009, 06:34 PM

Charli, I'll sweat you til the end of air hockey mania!! :grin:

I don't know... she's pretty damn good!

Sad Max

08-06-2009, 05:04 PM

Picked up an Xbox 360 yesterday offa ebay.

And, check this out...http://www.motusgames.com/index.html

Nektonic

08-06-2009, 05:20 PM

Picked up an Xbox 360 yesterday offa ebay.

So which games are you gonna pick up first?

Sad Max

08-06-2009, 05:22 PM

Already ordered Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay and Bioshock. Waiting to see if I'll get Resident Evil V.

Nektonic

08-06-2009, 05:29 PM

Already ordered Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay and Bioshock. Waiting to see if I'll get Resident Evil V.

I haven't played Riddick yet, but Bioshock is a solid choice, and you can't go wrong with zombies and monsters with Resident Evil. The graphics for Resident Evil 5 are very excellent too.

Batutta

08-06-2009, 05:31 PM

Add Mass Effect to that list as well. While these all have role playing elements or are considered role playing games, they are not what you typically think of as an RPG.

I didn't care for Mass Effect. I think the conversation system got annoying after a while. I just want to PLAY. But I'm finicky when it comes to RPG's. Oblivion is the only one that's roped me in. I'm looking forward to playing Fallout when I have the time.

Sad Max

08-06-2009, 05:33 PM

Thinking about Fallout 3, too. I'm from D.C. so the game has some extra appeal.

Nektonic

08-06-2009, 05:37 PM

I didn't care for Mass Effect. I think the conversation system got annoying after a while. I just want to PLAY. But I'm finicky when it comes to RPG's. Oblivion is the only one that's roped me in. I'm looking forward to playing Fallout when I have the time.

Well, I haven't played Oblivion, but Fallout 3 is by the same developers so I bet you'd feel right at home. From what I've heard, the dialogue system is very similar.

I really liked the dialogue in Mass Effect, but wouldn't want it in every game. Sometimes I just want to blow stuff up. The thing that needs improvement in the next Mass Effect is the combat. They need to make it possible to play the non-RPG dialoguey parts like a third-person-shooter if you so choose, similar to how Fallout 3 lets you play it kinda like a FPS.

Batutta

08-06-2009, 06:36 PM

Well, I haven't played Oblivion, but Fallout 3 is by the same developers so I bet you'd feel right at home. From what I've heard, the dialogue system is very similar.

I really liked the dialogue in Mass Effect, but wouldn't want it in every game. Sometimes I just want to blow stuff up. The thing that needs improvement in the next Mass Effect is the combat. They need to make it possible to play the non-RPG dialoguey parts like a third-person-shooter if you so choose, similar to how Fallout 3 lets you play it kinda like a FPS.

Pondering it more, I think it's because Oblivion had a world you could truly explore. Every corner was rendered with details. And it was a world you wanted to explore. Mass Effect felt like it was on rails too much of the time, and the environments weren't as interesting. Also, as you mentioned, the fighting controls weren't too complicated in Oblivion.

Mike Harvey

08-07-2009, 12:14 AM

Pondering it more, I think it's because Oblivion had a world you could truly explore. Every corner was rendered with details. And it was a world you wanted to explore. Mass Effect felt like it was on rails too much of the time, and the environments weren't as interesting. Also, as you mentioned, the fighting controls weren't too complicated in Oblivion.

ME2 is supposed to change that... I was watching some of their developer diaries, and some of what Bioware is trying to do is truly impressive.

http://xbox360.gamespy.com/dor/objects/14235013/mass-effect-2/videos/mass2_trl_e3postreveal_71009.html

Nektonic

08-07-2009, 01:39 AM

ME2 is supposed to change that... I was watching some of their developer diaries, and some of what Bioware is trying to do is truly impressive.

http://xbox360.gamespy.com/dor/objects/14235013/mass-effect-2/videos/mass2_trl_e3postreveal_71009.html

Wow, I hadn't seen that video yet, looks spiffy.

dsto

08-07-2009, 05:30 AM

N64

filmguy123

08-07-2009, 01:45 PM

Thinking about Fallout 3, too. I'm from D.C. so the game has some extra appeal.

You certainly won't go wrong with Fallout 3. Being from DC should make it that much more enjoyable :)

Jason Ramsey

08-07-2009, 02:16 PM

Played Fallout 3 on the pc recently... first game in a while... I'm a big fan of the Elder Scrolls series, so it had it's appeal to me being from the same folk.

Coming from Elder Scrolls, was a bit of a letdown... Just enjoy the side quests and stuff and don't get too quick to go down the main quest line :) But, it was pretty cool while it lasted.

Someone used to first person shooters though might enjoy the "open-ness" of it... Though, it's over before you know it, and that was dissapointing. Same with the last two call of duties... over before you know it... I guess most people don't care though, b/c they like to play online.

But, I really didn't like the fact that world at war had like maybe 8 hours of game play or something?

Don't play games that much these days... So, I just pick one up on the pc now and again...

Oh... and the Project Natal control system looks pretty bad ass if you haven't seen anything about it yet.

later,
Jason

Sad Max

08-07-2009, 02:18 PM

Nektonic

08-07-2009, 02:40 PM

I know what you mean Jason. I'm not a huge fan of online. Don't get me wrong, its fun, but after dying constantly in Call of Duty or Halo, all because I'm surrounded by a bunch of tweeny boppers that are on there many more hours than I have time to waste, they just destroy me. Plus online can get annoying when having to listen to when you get a couple of dudes that can't get along and just hurl insults back and forth.

I've really become addicted to Gears of War 2's horde mode. It is basically where you team up with up to 4 other players, online or offline, and have to face varying waves of the enemy which is controlled by the game's AI. Each wave ramps up the difficulty and number of troops. So much more fun to me than running around and getting picked off by some dude whose built up so many experience points/perks that if I shoot them with a thousand rounds they live, while I die in one shot from them. Or they just run up to me and knife or grenade me.

Horde mode is kinda the same idea that Call of Duty: World At War had with their Nazi Zombie mode. I'm betting more FPS games will end up adopting these co-op types of online modes as an alternative to the standard online deathmatch and capture the flag scenarios.

Jason Ramsey

08-07-2009, 03:09 PM

There's an omaha beach multiplayer level on one of the original medal of honor games... It's like 10 years old, but I still love that map :)

Other than that.... well, until this year I had been living with satellite internet for several years, so online gaming was out of the question anyways :)

alter,
Jason

Nektonic

08-07-2009, 03:35 PM

Thing is, I don't really have the time to spend hours and hours playing online anyways. By the time I've finished a single player campaign, I need a break from that particular game anyway.

Even so, I'd rather use more of my free time to write and make a film or read than play video games all the time. It's like cake. Sure cake is good, especially the kind with the white frosting and big pink frosted flowers, but it can make you really sick if eaten in large doses.

Gord.T

08-07-2009, 04:18 PM

I'm coming off a years-long hiatus re:games. Aside from a little Ghost Recon every so often I'm practically a newbie gamer.

Natal looks kind of like a high-tech opportunity to spend a lot of time looking very silly. Still impressive, though, if they get it to market.

Max, where the fk were you man? I played that for 3 years and was a badass mofo. I was under the tag Raptor365 (cough). Man, I'm (was) the #1 sniper bitch in solo.
I would have kicked your ass. Sigh, all gone now. Gave the Xbox to the nephew.
Lucky for you. We'll meet up again, lol hahahaha.

Sad Max

08-07-2009, 04:21 PM

I never got into online play; just against the computer. Yeah, with 3 years' practice I don't doubt that you would have kicked my ass up one side of South Ossetia and down the other...

...I'd frequently play whole scenarios with just a sniper. Fun, that. Kind of like my approach to playing paintball.

filmguy123

08-07-2009, 04:34 PM

But, I really didn't like the fact that world at war had like maybe 8 hours of game play or something?

8 hours is still an experience equivalent to about watching the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy, and that is a long enough game for me!

That said I used to feel the same way. But nowadays, I am actually thankful for that! When they are longer I either (A) never find time to finish them or (B) spend too much time playing them.

Max Lamare

08-07-2009, 08:26 PM

Ps3, Duh

filmguy123

08-13-2009, 03:08 AM

Looking forward to Alpha Protocol. It's been under the radar but looks like it might be great fun:

http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/794751/obsidian-project-1/videos/ap_WhatisAlphaProtocol_120108.html

matt s.

08-13-2009, 09:02 AM

Just got the 360 a few days ago. First system I've had for a few years now. Picked up Bioshock/Oblivion double pack. So far both games are awesome!

Rick Meyer

08-13-2009, 09:06 AM

Just got the 360 a few days ago. First system I've had for a few years now. Picked up Bioshock/Oblivion double pack. So far both games are awesome!

Oblivion is ridiculously good.

JConnors

08-13-2009, 11:42 AM

I love my PS3.

Xbox, is also good, but the little things like having to have batteries for your controllers is just idiotic to me. I wouldn't buy that system just based off of that.

Also, the PS3 media server kicks ass. Xbox has that ability too. DVXfest is perfect for ut, download them and stream them to your big screen.

I've had my PS3 for about a year and half now and haven't had any problems whatsoever.

filmguy123

08-13-2009, 11:52 AM

having to have batteries for your controllers is just idiotic to me. I wouldn't buy that system just based off of that.

Yeah.... that's why I don't use remotes for my TV. You have to have batteries in case the remote runs out of juice... idiotic. That's why I haven't used a remote in years.

JConnors

08-13-2009, 12:07 PM

Yeah.... that's why I don't use remotes for my TV. You have to have batteries in case the remote runs out of juice... idiotic. That's why I haven't used a remote in years.

It's a bit different. Xbox controllers use a shi*load of power for wireless. You maybe change your batteries in your TV remote once a year....maybe. Try mainting 4 controllers when you've got a bunch of people over and their constantly dieing on you, it's happens everytime I'm at my buddies place. Have to stop, switch out the batteries or go get more. It's a pain in the ass. And I say it's idiotic because it is, it something they completely overlooked and the PS3 you just need to charge them for maybe 20 minutes and you can use them while it's charging.

Mike Harvey

08-13-2009, 02:33 PM

It's a bit different. Xbox controllers use a shi*load of power for wireless. You maybe change your batteries in your TV remote once a year....maybe. Try mainting 4 controllers when you've got a bunch of people over and their constantly dieing on you, it's happens everytime I'm at my buddies place. Have to stop, switch out the batteries or go get more. It's a pain in the ass. And I say it's idiotic because it is, it something they completely overlooked and the PS3 you just need to charge them for maybe 20 minutes and you can use them while it's charging.

I bought a couple of controllers with OEM rechargeable battery packs and the USB cord to plug in to the Xbox, and couple of OEM battery packs for the controllers that came with the Xbox for this reason. Much cheaper in the long run, and I never have to worry about running out of juice in the middle of use.

Sad Max

08-13-2009, 03:45 PM

Box arrived today.

JConnors

08-13-2009, 03:48 PM

What did you end up going with?

Sad Max

08-13-2009, 03:53 PM

Xbox 360.

BenConner

08-13-2009, 04:42 PM

I still rock my N64. Mario Kart, anyone?

Mike Harvey

08-13-2009, 04:56 PM

I still rock my N64. Mario Kart, anyone?

:thumbsup:

Jason Adams

08-13-2009, 05:47 PM

i still rock my n64. Mario kart, anyone?

goldeneye

Cheesesailor77

08-13-2009, 06:11 PM

have you honestly gone back and played Goldeneye? That's a tough one to go back to, yikes...

JConnors

08-14-2009, 01:08 PM

Goldeneye was so much fun. That game was great, spent endless hours playing that.

I actually think the original Mario Kart for the Super NES is better than N64 version.

Edit: 1000th post.

Cheesesailor77

08-14-2009, 04:51 PM

I actually think the original Mario Kart for the Super NES is better than N64 version.

agreed

Sad Max

08-17-2009, 11:22 AM

Mike Harvey

08-17-2009, 11:35 AM

Wow, the people talking about the noise-factor aren't kidding. That XBox is easily the noisiest appliance in the house, just being plugged in and turned on...

...well, just gotta crank the stereo that much higher.

A lot of the noise comes from the DVD drive. The latest Dashboard updates should allow you the option to install the games to the hard drive and play it from there. That should cut down on a lot of the noise.

But you can still keep the stereo cranked up...

Kholi

08-17-2009, 11:39 AM

I can't believe you got an Xbox over the PSTripla.

Sad Max

08-17-2009, 11:52 AM

Sweet spot for me, on the price/performance/goodies curve.

Your mileage may vary.

Batutta

08-17-2009, 12:05 PM

Wow, the people talking about the noise-factor aren't kidding. That XBox is easily the noisiest appliance in the house, just being plugged in and turned on...

...well, just gotta crank the stereo that much higher.

My first XBOX 360 was ridiculously loud. I ended up putting it in a stereo cabinet and taping a dryer vent to the back for heat exhaust, which helped a lot. Then a few years after buying it I got the red ring of death and xbox replaced it. The replacement unit was MUCH quieter. By half at least, which is probably due to better cooling or thermal paste in the newer units. I probably would've advised against buying off e-bay. Hopefully you can still return it to Microsoft if it goes bad.