My review of the XBox 360 and games.

[civileng68]

I have my Xbox 360 and here is my non-biased review of the system and the games:

*First of all, yes some have mentioned that the system freezes. It's unfortunate to those that it has happened to. However, please dont think this is common. Remember that you typically hear more about problems than non-issues. Most systems work perfectly. My system doesn't glitch at all.

*The system is remarkable. It's very sexy in it's look and runs like a gem. It is a little louder than you may imagine, and the heat that comes off of it is simply amazing!
The power box itself generates heat and this is a system that needs airflow. If you are planning on putting this system in an entertainment center, you may want to buy a "mini" fan (you can get the stainless steel versions in Target) that stands about 5" tall and put it in the back of the entertainment center behind the Xbox360. When running the system, run the added fan just to blow the hot air out of the area. This system is so hot that after a while you will notice that the room you are in has warmed up as opposed to the rest of your home.
While the noise is louder, it's nothing to worry about and you don't even notice it after a few minutes.

* The graphics are great, but you can't really judge the system yet. The "real" graphics are to come as game designers get to fully use the level of power they have in this system.

*Ridge Racer: This is the least graphically impressive game I have (I have quite a few games) (this is my personal opinion). While the game is nice and the graphics are by no means poor, you can tell that they didn't fully utilize the power at their hands (this may not be their fault). Graphically you could probably say it's the same as the previous XBox.

*Need for Speed: Great game! Great graphics! Great sound! However, I wish your car showed more damage. You hit other vehicles and they take heavy damage but yours simply gets a banged up window, mirrors and paint scratching.

*Project Gotham: This is another great game! Same as NFS, however, again, I wish you got more realistic car damage here. You dont see damage to your car or the opponents car.

*Tiger Woods: Im not a big golfer but found this game very fun and relaxing. It makes golfing fun, and that's hard to do with me. Great graphics. You can create a character, but, they all look asian (nothing wrong with Asians). I just was a little surprised that there was no "real" difference in the look of the created players.

*NBA Live 06: This game has gotten mixed reviews but, I have to say I was highly impressed. The game play is great. The sound is great. The arenas are beautiful. The lights go off and players are introduced. Just great! It' not an easy game by any means but not too hard to play and have fun. However, I wish it had a career mode instead of stopping at "season" mode.

*Call of Duty 2: I love this game. Great sound, great action and graphics. However, I feel the best way to enjoy it is online. The game is great but sometimes it feels a little repetitive (same thing just different background) in single player mode.

*Fifa 2006: Great game! I'm not a soccer fan but this game is great! It's difficult so be ready, but it's really fun. Great graphics, very smooth. Great sound. Some of the faces look good, some look really freaky. World Cup Mode is great!

*Madden 2006: The Madden game was the one I looked forward to most and can typically spend the most time on. However, I would strongly strongly strongly urge everyone to pay attention to the comments people here and other places have made about this version on 360. It's horrible! (and that's coming from a Madden hardcore!). I dont think it's "really" their fault. I think they rushed the game and didn't fully get it done before release. As others have said, you can't change the camera and the overall game is just incredibly shallow. Upon playing it (if you love Madden and have played it previously) you are left really missing the game you came to love. I had Madden 2006 on PS2 and loved it and this one really dissappointed. The graphics are very nice however and the game is smooth. Is just missing too many other things right now. Im sure the 2007 version will knock our socks off! Until then, just "hold your horses" and stay away from this game.

[lundi4burnley]

What would you give each game a mark out of ten and which is the best racing game you think?

[Pro x Danman]

nice review dude

[civileng68]

Originally Posted by lundi4burnley

What would you give each game a mark out of ten and which is the best racing game you think?

I'll rate them from my opinion but please note, it is only my opinion and everyone has different interests.

*Ridge Racer: Graphics 6, Overall: 7
*Project Gotham: Graphics 9 Overall: 9
*Need for Speed: Graphics 8 Overall: 9
*Tiger Woods: Graphics 8 Overall 8
*Fifa: Grapihcs 8 Overall 8
*COD 2: Graphics 8 Overall (Singleplayer) 7 (Multiplayer) 10
*NBA Live 06: Graphics 8 Overall 9
*Madden 2006: Graphics 8 Overall 6.5

[civileng68]

Originally Posted by lundi4burnley

What would you give each game a mark out of ten and which is the best racing game you think?

Of the racing games, it depends on what you like. If you want just head to head racing with the entire purpose to be to race, Project Gotham is your game!

If you want to race more in a "illegal' style of street racing with "gang" type of opponents with more of a "story" to the game, where in between races you see movie clips to carry the story along. This is your game. They are both great. I love this game! and it's not typically my kind of game. I am more of a gotham type of player but they are head to head close to the same. In this game (NFS) you will be in a race and then the cops start chasing you so, not only do you have to win the race, you then have to run from the cops. You have to try to lose them and then find a hideout until you are safe to get back to your home base.

The whole basis is that you are trying to work your way up the "blacklist" of drivers, which basically means the "badder" you are the "more respect" you get. So if you elude polic you are considered a bad man! You can't race certain "top blacklist" drivers until you are "bad enough". So basically your job is to win and then try to show your fellow blacklisters that you are tougher than the cops in a car.

You get to buy car parts and buy new cars to get faster.

It's a great game.

The most impressive thing about NFS is the detail of the streets. Unlike many games where you just end up in a small area and learn the streets. The streets in this game go forever. I mean you litearlly can run from the cops for 15 minutes and never cross the same area of road. It is amazing the grid of roads in this game.

If I had to buy only one, I'd go with Project gotham, but they are so close, if I could, I'd buy both.

[lundi4burnley]

Thanks. I would have thought that madden 06 would be better though. It has got quite bad reviews compared to other games almost everywhere. Which would you say is better Nfs or pgr

[civileng68]

Originally Posted by lundi4burnley

Thanks. I would have thought that madden 06 would be better though. It has got quite bad reviews compared to other games almost everywhere. Which would you say is better Nfs or pgr

Just posted, see above.


I love Madden but, they simply rushed this one out. It's basically a skeleton of the actual game. In fact I think EA admitted as much. I'd wait until a later version football game comes out to make the football purchase.

It's obvious where they ran into issues on the game. The minute you see the game you realize it's a completely different Madden 06 than on other consoles. So while you would just think it was the same game, only upgraded in graphics, it's not. They rebuilt the game from the ground up (and basically had no time to do it). The entire interface of the game is different, including play calling and the menus.

[jophassa]

that review is great! i am pleased to hear people spend their time writing things for this. your showing me up!!!! i suppose i will have to do the same....lol! good to hear both racers got 9!!!!

[SShoot3r]

Great Review, I'm planning on buying Project Gothan Racing

[xxxHedpexxx]

They can always add stuff on with the downloadable content on Madden. So who knows what they might add besides just roster updates.