Microsoft Xbox Review

Overall Rating

Games are graphically superior to PS2/GC
Some excellent exclusive games
The console of choice for the mature gamer
Xbox live
Internal hard drive
Play your own music
Plays DVDs

Big
Ugly
Noisy
Xbox 360 will be out soon

The Xbox was Microsoft's first foray into the console market, probably prompted by Sony's undoubted success in an industry it had no right to dominate. Microsoft, the biggest name in computer software since the dawn of time, must've been pretty annoyed that a company formerly renowned for the top loading video and the walkman were raking in billions of dollars off the back of a canned Snes add-on (PlayStation). After the spectacular disaster that was the Dreamcast (a console that was powered by a variant of Windows), Mr Gates decided to dip his oar into the money pool that is the console market and the Xbox was born.

The Xbox is quite a big machine compared to the Gamecube and the recent slim line PS2. It is also surprisingly heavy, as I discovered when I dropped mine on my un-shoed foot a few weeks ago. The design is decidedly futuristic, with ribbed sections divided by a huge 'X' that has a big green circle in the middle. The circle doesn't light up when you turn it on, which is a bit of a missed opportunity to add some flair to the console's otherwise drab appearance. There are 4 control ports and a DVD tray that slides out when you press the eject button. The eject button in rimmed by a green light that signals when a disc is being read, but you can also make it blink either orange or red with a few skilful presses of the on/off switch (especially when you are 'annoyed' that a game won't load!).

The Xbox is quite a noisy contraption, and houses what must be the world's loudest fan. This is coupled with the kind of noise that you would associate with a mid 90s 486 PC when the Xbox is searching the internal hard drive while you are playing. This is only a minor annoyance though, and the (8GB) hard drive means you don't need to fork out extra for a memory card as all your game saves are stored on it. Also worth a mention is the ability to rip your favourite CDs to the HD and then play them during your games, instead of the usually rubbish default music.

It plays DVDs happily with the add-on and remote (sold separately). The picture quality is much better that the PS2 and on a par with most dedicated players, and the remote allows for some pretty impressive functions such as zoom and multi angle options. However, all this means nothing without games - and the Xbox has more than enough quality titles to keep any gamer happy. Pretty much every game you can get on PS2, you can get on Xbox with improved graphics. And every game you can't get has its equivalent which is just as good. The PS2 big hitters are all present and improved: GTA, Pro Evo, Metal Gear Solid etc, but it's the Xbox exclusive games that really set this console apart from the others. Games like Forza Motorsport, Doom 3, Halo 1 & 2, Project Gotham 2, Fable, Outrun 2 et al really are some of the finest examples of games development ever seen. The Xbox may not be as popular as the PS2, but you have to hand it to Microsoft for entering the fray with such a fine console and a brilliant selection of graphically stunning titles that also play well. Add to all this the first properly supported multi-player online option for a console (Xbox Live) and you've got the best console currently available.

The Xbox 2 (or Xbox 360) is on its way before the end of the year, but the Xbox is well worth the asking price for the time being.

Members' Comments onTOMLEECEE's Review

• SamusAran551 on 22nd Apr 2005

  You know, LEECEE, the Xbox is alright...the system itself that is. Xbox Live is brilliant, and the graphics are awesome. But still one thing bothers me about the Xbox: it has very little HIGH quality exclusives. What good does a fantastic game system do for ME if it only has a few good games? Halo, Halo 2...what else? FABLE?? No. Fable was garbage. And Project Gotham Racing 2...well, I cannot comment on that, I don't like many racing games anyway. For any system.
  
  So, back to my point...why should I buy back an Xbox? I don't get the urge to play Halo or Halo 2 very often, and if I did, I have a few friends with an Xbox and Xbox Live that I could play with. The Xbox as a system (aside from the defects) is good, I will agree. But I want some good games to go with it.

• TOMLEECEE on 5th May 2005

  The Xbox has plenty of Exclusives that are excellent - Knights of the Old Republic 1+2; Jade Empire; Top Spin; Gotham; Forza Motorsport; Doom 3; Half Life 2 (soon); Outrun 2; Unreal: Liandri Project; Painkiller; Pariah; Dead or Alive 3; NHL Rivals...plus, every other decent game on the PS2 (MGS, GTA, ISS, Toca, Mc Rae, etc). Granted, there are some games we'll never see on the Xbox, like Metroid Prime, Eternal Darkness, Windwaker and Mario Sunshine. However, as I also own a GC, it isn't an issue for me. But for pure choice, if I had to have just one console, I'm afraid it would be the 'box every time.
  
  On the subject of Xbox Live - I don't have it and dont intend to get it. I'm not a fan of online gaming as a) it is expensive and b) I prefer to be able to see whoever I am playing against. Would Goldeneye or Perfect Dark's multiplayer have been as good if there hadnt been 4 of you around the TV? No! So you're right about the Xbox Live, but it's nice to have the choice...

• SamusAran551 on 6th May 2005

  Actually, I like Xbox Live. I just don't like the games that go with it. Most of those games you named I don't like, but I do like the Live a lot. Anyway, are we done arguing? It's becoming the same things back and forth. And it seems that we've agreed on some things. You like some of the GC games, and I like the Xbox Live. Truce?

• TOMLEECEE on 9th May 2005

  Yeah, you're right. Well, arguing with you certainly brightened up my work day!!!

• jlofty on 29th Oct 2005

  All Xbox games are just men with guns which is starting to get boring. Fair enough though, it does have halo 2 which is ok.

• TOMLEECEE on 31st Oct 2005

  Hmm, strange logic...surely games with men and guns are better than no games at all? But wait...Mario Soccer is out this year, so at least there'll be one new release to look forward too...Oh joy!