Written by : [URL="http://www.pakgamers.com/forums/members/raptoria.html"]Raptoria[/URL]
Edited by: [URL="http://www.pakgamers.com/forums/members/usuf.html"]USUF[/URL]
Original Date: June 22, 2008
On November 22, 2005, Microsoft landed as the first of the big three to launch their much touted next generation console. The Xbox 360 was the worst kept secret in the world at the time as compared to the Japanese giants who did an excellent job in keeping the surprises as clandestine as possible. The world expected nothing new from the generation that was going to usurp the PlayStation 2, Xbox & Nintendo GameCube era, apart from really powerful hardware that could play games in HD. The question sticks out, what exactly Microsoft's console did for the current generation?
In the 8 bit era of the late 80s and the early 90s, the 2D sprites were the order of the day which actually culminated into instant classics like Mario, Sonic, Final Fantasy series and countless others. The arrival of cutting edge technology of mid 90s introduced the 3D into the generation dominated by PlayStation, Nintendo 64 consoles. The transition from 2D to 3D changed the way of playing the games drastically. On the turn of the millennium, even powerful consoles came to light. Sega's Dreamcast introduced online multiplayer for the first time in the home video systems but PlayStation 2's popularity restricted Dreamcast's life to 2 years merely. Microsoft's first foray into video games industry i.e. the Xbox was considered to be a PC console as its specs were reminiscent of a common high end PC of that time. In 2002, Microsoft launched what really put Xbox on the map, i.e. Xbox Live. Apart from being powerful than the other two consoles, it was the first console which took the online play as a mandatory compliment to the single player game, where as the PlayStation 2 & GameCube's online support ranged from limited to zero.
The current generation is dominated by Nintendo's Wii which incorporates motion controls and gives a novel experience of a video game, which is aimed at attracting non gamers into the virtual world of gaming. PlayStation 3, which apart from being a sleek n black gaming machine, is the most affordable Blu Ray player and in the near future will introduce the online community a 'la Second Life, called PlayStation Home which has turned quite a lot of heads. Where does Microsoft stand in all these powerhouse firms?
Microsoft introduced an expanded, better than ever, simpler, reliable, efficient, fastest, streamlined and the best online service i.e. XBOX LIVE. Despite the fact that Microsoft actually charges for Xbox Live Gold Membership, which in turns lets the gamer play the game online, it is the most popular platform among the masses. The elements like unified friends list, the video chat, windows live messenger are not implemented this good anywhere else. Trying out a game from Xbox Live Arcade before buying couldn't be easier.
What came as a pleasant surprise is the introduction of ACHIEVEMENTS, which actually unlock as long as a player plays out the requirement. The achievement points add up to the Gamerscore which is displayed on a player's GamerTag. The achievement points really add to the excitement of playing a video game. It significantly increases the replay value, keeps the player on his/her toe and is an authentically rewarding experience.
Being officially named, the Xbox 360 Video Game and Entertainment System, it is the first console to provide access to downloadable movies, TV shows & music videos. Digital download is the way of the future. Although it is a far from replacing the retail anytime soon but it is inevitable and XBOX LIVE MARKETPLACE is step forward in the right direction into the beyond.
Ideas are what culminate into epic games. Lots of ideas are inhibited due to the lack of knowledge, support, budget and a platform. Microsoft welcomes the people with ideas to make video games, which they can flaunt in the community using Microsoft XNA. The first of its kind on a console is a step forward in the gaming industry that will surely reveal innovative minds of people who lack the resources.
Other things like HD (720p, 1080i, and 1080p), sheer power, revised controller and better appearance also add to the flavor of Xbox 360, though these additions were expected beforehand.
In the end, though the Xbox 360 may lack the Wii motion controller kind of innovation but it has contributed a fair share into the current generation. The novelties as a whole are a colossal improvement over the last generation of consoles. Still Xbox 360 is cruising through its lifetime and is augmenting new kinds of experiences for the player like the rumored “Newton” controller, which maybe unveiled at the upcoming E3 Media & Business Summit. Consequently, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system is a dream machine for a player who loves HD gaming and wants to take part in epic battles online.
Edited by: [URL="http://www.pakgamers.com/forums/members/usuf.html"]USUF[/URL]
Original Date: June 22, 2008
On November 22, 2005, Microsoft landed as the first of the big three to launch their much touted next generation console. The Xbox 360 was the worst kept secret in the world at the time as compared to the Japanese giants who did an excellent job in keeping the surprises as clandestine as possible. The world expected nothing new from the generation that was going to usurp the PlayStation 2, Xbox & Nintendo GameCube era, apart from really powerful hardware that could play games in HD. The question sticks out, what exactly Microsoft's console did for the current generation?
In the 8 bit era of the late 80s and the early 90s, the 2D sprites were the order of the day which actually culminated into instant classics like Mario, Sonic, Final Fantasy series and countless others. The arrival of cutting edge technology of mid 90s introduced the 3D into the generation dominated by PlayStation, Nintendo 64 consoles. The transition from 2D to 3D changed the way of playing the games drastically. On the turn of the millennium, even powerful consoles came to light. Sega's Dreamcast introduced online multiplayer for the first time in the home video systems but PlayStation 2's popularity restricted Dreamcast's life to 2 years merely. Microsoft's first foray into video games industry i.e. the Xbox was considered to be a PC console as its specs were reminiscent of a common high end PC of that time. In 2002, Microsoft launched what really put Xbox on the map, i.e. Xbox Live. Apart from being powerful than the other two consoles, it was the first console which took the online play as a mandatory compliment to the single player game, where as the PlayStation 2 & GameCube's online support ranged from limited to zero.
The current generation is dominated by Nintendo's Wii which incorporates motion controls and gives a novel experience of a video game, which is aimed at attracting non gamers into the virtual world of gaming. PlayStation 3, which apart from being a sleek n black gaming machine, is the most affordable Blu Ray player and in the near future will introduce the online community a 'la Second Life, called PlayStation Home which has turned quite a lot of heads. Where does Microsoft stand in all these powerhouse firms?
Microsoft introduced an expanded, better than ever, simpler, reliable, efficient, fastest, streamlined and the best online service i.e. XBOX LIVE. Despite the fact that Microsoft actually charges for Xbox Live Gold Membership, which in turns lets the gamer play the game online, it is the most popular platform among the masses. The elements like unified friends list, the video chat, windows live messenger are not implemented this good anywhere else. Trying out a game from Xbox Live Arcade before buying couldn't be easier.
What came as a pleasant surprise is the introduction of ACHIEVEMENTS, which actually unlock as long as a player plays out the requirement. The achievement points add up to the Gamerscore which is displayed on a player's GamerTag. The achievement points really add to the excitement of playing a video game. It significantly increases the replay value, keeps the player on his/her toe and is an authentically rewarding experience.
Being officially named, the Xbox 360 Video Game and Entertainment System, it is the first console to provide access to downloadable movies, TV shows & music videos. Digital download is the way of the future. Although it is a far from replacing the retail anytime soon but it is inevitable and XBOX LIVE MARKETPLACE is step forward in the right direction into the beyond.
Ideas are what culminate into epic games. Lots of ideas are inhibited due to the lack of knowledge, support, budget and a platform. Microsoft welcomes the people with ideas to make video games, which they can flaunt in the community using Microsoft XNA. The first of its kind on a console is a step forward in the gaming industry that will surely reveal innovative minds of people who lack the resources.
Other things like HD (720p, 1080i, and 1080p), sheer power, revised controller and better appearance also add to the flavor of Xbox 360, though these additions were expected beforehand.
In the end, though the Xbox 360 may lack the Wii motion controller kind of innovation but it has contributed a fair share into the current generation. The novelties as a whole are a colossal improvement over the last generation of consoles. Still Xbox 360 is cruising through its lifetime and is augmenting new kinds of experiences for the player like the rumored “Newton” controller, which maybe unveiled at the upcoming E3 Media & Business Summit. Consequently, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system is a dream machine for a player who loves HD gaming and wants to take part in epic battles online.
