Microsoft Xbox Review

Overall Rating

Most powerful gaming system until the next gen games.
Hard drive
Controllers feel nice
Great selection of games
Xbox Live
Support for 5.1 surround sound
Support for HDTV

Some might consider it big
Need remote (not included) to play DVDs
Some people hate it because of their hate of Microsoft

As of now the Microsoft Xbox is the most powerful gaming console you can purchase. The graphics are unmatched, the ability to hook to surround sound is leading edge, the built in ethernet port and access to Xbox Live are revolutionary, and there are a huge selection of games.

The built in hard-drive allows for developers to create more massive worlds, allows you to listen to music that you download to the harddrive, and is a place to download essential extras such as downloadable extras from Xbox Live.

The built in Ethernet port is made for users to connect to Xbox Live ($50 per year in the U.S.A.). Xbox Live is the best online console gaming service bar none. A lot of the games are Xbox Live enabled as well.

If you have a HDTV you can buy the high definition pack from your local electronics store and enjoy crytal clear resolution while playing your favorite game on Xbox. Also, you can hook your Xbox up to your stereo system to enjoy thundering surround sound. These features are unmatched.

The controllers are just about perfect. The original controllers that were released in the United States were big and bulky. Personally, I didn't have a problem with them, but when MS released the Controller S I began to use those and never turned back to the originals. They should fit perfectly into any person's hand who is old enough to be playing a game system. The cords are almost 9 feet long and have a 'break-away' feature that prevent your Xbox from being toppled over if someone trips on the cords.

The Xbox itself seems to be built very sturdy. I have not heard of many problems in the 4 years it has been released. The Sony Playstation 2 has been plagued with Disk Drive Errors and in my opinion is built less sturdy than the Xbox. The Xbox weighs 8 pounds and that might be heavy for some younger users, but I think it is just fine seeing that I don't transport it much; that is why I have Xbox Live.

The initial game selection was pretty bad compared to the PS2. I understood though because it was Microsoft's first jump into console gaming. Eventually, tons of quality games were released and now you can find games from any genre you prefer. If you enjoy racing, sports, and fighting games the Xbox is especially for you. Added to that, you can play most of them on Live.

Comparing the Xbox to the Playstation 2 is fairly simple since they were made to compete against one another. Xbox has better graphics, better sound capabilities, the internal harddrive is a must these days, the controllers in my opinion are more comfortable, the Live service is superior, and the build quality is better. The build quality is very important to me because I prefer to just buy one of each system; not two or three due to technical failure. The Playstation 2 has a much larger game library due to the fact that the original playstation games can also be played on it. The PS2 is more mainstream, you don't need a remote to view DVDs, and Grand Turismo 4 completely overshadows any racing simulator on Xbox. I state that because Racing is my favorite genre.

I would recommend Xbox to anyone who loves videogames. Its not just a 'mature gamers' console. There are games for everyone. Also, its not a PC like I have read in other reviews. If anything should be labled a PC Clone it should be the PS2 because it clearly says 'Computer Entertainment...' on the hardware. The next generation of gaming systems will indeed be PC Clones and that is not a problem.

I give the graphics a 10 because they are the most stunning (at least until the next generation systems). The range of games could be better, but they are good. Considering the Xbox is just $150-$180 right now its a great bargin. You are getting a lot for your money. Overall, I would rate the Xbox the most advanced, most value packed system money can buy as of now.

Members' Comments onTatemj's Review

• twizzle123 on 27th May 2005

  the game console is exellent and has got good graphics. i agree on what you said about the system