Xbox is a cut above the rest in terms of raw gaming power. In
addition to the hardware advances already discussed, Xbox incorporates all the
latest features to enhance the gaming experience, including S-video and
component video outputs. The latter enables Xbox to talk to an HDTV display at
1080i (“i” stands for interlaced) and 720p resolutions. Also included in the
Xbox package are four controller ports, a built-in 8-GB hard drive (which
eliminates the need for memory cards), a DVD player and a broadband adapter to
hook up to your network for online play.
While all three consoles support
online play, only Microsoft provides Xbox Live, a centralized service that provides its users with a host of nifty features. These include one
convenient place where multiple players can join the games instead of
having to go to each game developer’s site; integrated voice communication that
allows for voice interaction with teammates and opponents; matchmaking, which
allows players to enter games and find opponents based on similar skill
levels; and high-speed downloads to the Xbox hard disk. Sony and Nintendo,
in contrast, leave it to game developers to support online gaming and require
that consumers use their own Internet service provider.
Dolby Digital
5.1
Have we talked about sound? I thought not. The best video games don’t
just render breathtaking graphics seamlessly; they create a whole-body
experience that sucks you into the gameplay. I’m not talking about rumble packs.
I’m talking full surround sound.
