Why sit back and idly admire the climactic action scenes from Star Wars and The Matrix when you can live out each in 1080i high-definition video and Dolby Digital 5.1 channel audio instead? That’s the philosophy behind the Xbox 360, Microsoft’s newest set-top gaming console system, founded on two key elements: HD-only gaming and online connectivity. Ten times as powerful as its predecessor, the all-white construct—equal parts plaything and multimedia hub—offers a firsthand glimpse into the future of interactive entertainment.
The unit is just a small step forward from existing technology in every sense save polygon-pushing ability. But home theater enthusiasts will appreciate the strides made here, such as built-in progressive-scan DVD playback, 802.11a/ b/g WiFi support, and the option to stream music, movies, and games into any room of the home. What’s more, high-def content (all software is 720p-enabled, widescreen 16:9, and has 5.1 channel surround sound) is the universal rule now, not the exception. Broadband access isn’t just for multiplayer anymore either—use it to purchase or sample songs, short films, and bonus content such as extra game weapons and stages. Or utilize the console as an extension of your Media Center PC and access live television programming, recorded HD broadcasts, or pay-per-view flicks at the press of a button.
Peripheral features including removable faceplates, an upgradeable 20 GB hard drive, and USB connectivity are also attractive. Attach a laptop or PDA, then rip audio or pictures to create custom playlists, slideshows, or game soundtracks. The forthcoming PlayStation 3 offers up a bit of competition with capabilities of outputting 1080p content onto dual HD screens and broadcasting amateur TV shows over the Internet via an add-on camera.
Hype aside, game quality on the 360 is just a notch above current norms, although certain titles show immense promise—such as the upcoming awe-inspiring World War II shooter Call of Duty 2 and first-person firefight Gears of War. Whether it can deliver is questionable, though—as are some of Microsoft’s promises. Video chat features have yet to arrive. Personalized online profiles and head-to-head matchmaking options are a nice touch, but not an eye-opening experience. Support for original Xbox games is limited only to the biggest titles—e.g. Halo 2—for now, with additional compatibility being added through downloadable software updates. And removing the front of the console and snapping on collectible, custom-designed alternatives is cool, but not what we call cutting-edge amusement.
The machine, however, is a must-have for musicphiles, special effects junkies, and serious gamers alike. So stop scraping by at 480p—pick up a 360 and let the games begin.
PERIPHERAL VISIONS
Future Uses for the Industry’s Hottest Home
Console
We know—you are already impressed by Xbox Live’s free voice chat and
messaging services (multiplayer requires a subscription fee). But picture this:
Courtesy of an upcoming camera peripheral, hobbyists worldwide will soon be able
to videoconference straight from their den. Short on cash for the enhancement?
Create and sell exclusive in-game items—costumes, cars, weapons—of your own
design via Marketplace, an online flea market where tunes, trailers, and game
demos can be obtained at rock-bottom prices. Nothing is set in stone
either––space is left on-board for operating system upgrades. So five years
from now you could be enjoying the next Napster or potentially controlling the
console from six states away using the Internet and a keychain-sized remote.
Microsoft calls the concept future-proofing; we just call it a good way to keep
up with advances in audio and video technology that allow for even more
sense-shattering gaming experiences.
GAMES WITHOUT FRONTIERS
Must-Have Titles for
Any Xbox 360
Owner
True HD gaming will be here soon—now if you only knew what to play.
While review samples weren’t available at press time, we expect the following
selections to be eye-openers.
Project Gotham Racing 3
Microsoft
Zip around New York, Tokyo, and other
international hot spots in high-end autos from Ferrari, Dodge, and Lamborghini
in what should be a fast-pace racing adventure. Candy-colored cars, neon-lit
nightscapes, and stomach-tightening turns will be just the beginning, though, as
attempting sick stunts nets the driver bigger and better rewards. Earn your
stripes in solo scenarios, then race in an exhaustive multiplayer mode where
daredevils can show off for hundreds of online spectators. www.xbox360.com
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Bethesda Softworks
This looks to be an epic role-playing adventure housed within a fully
recognized fantasy realm. Control wizards, warriors, or assassins from a
first-person perspective in your attempt to save Tamriel from destruction at the
hands of demonic invaders. Almost as spellbinding as the hack-and-slash action
is the shockingly vivid world in which this tale of might and magic is set. More
than 1,000 intelligent non-player characters roam photorealistic towns and
dungeons, freely going about their virtual lives. www.bethsoft.com
Quake 4
Activision
Rule of thumb here: If it moves, shoot it. If
it quivers again, fill it so full of lead it’ll drop widgets for a week. You’re
Matthew Kane, member of the elite Rhino Squad commando company. Captured and
experimented upon by biomechanical monstrosities called the Strogg, you must
turn their own technology against them alongside aggressive comrades in arms.
And when guns just don’t cut it, hand out ass-whoopings using heavy walker or
hover tanks. www.activision.com
Full Auto
Sega
Experience road rage in its purest form as you scream
through post-apocalyptic urban settings, soaring around corners, and tearing
into rivals with cannons, machine guns, and more. Find yourself on the wrong end
of a rocket? Rewind time, catch that shortcut you missed, and return the favor
by annihilating your enemies while leveling entire city blocks. Slow-mo
close-ups will frame spectacular kills, letting you shamelessly indulge your
inner Mad Max. wwww.sega.com
Dead or Alive 4
Tecmo
This fighting game will offer martial artistry
the way we prefer it—with seamless fluidity at eye-popping resolutions. Engaging
in a series of one-on-one scraps, beat the stuffing out of bikers, wrestlers,
and kimono-clad waifs using fists and feet atop brilliant, multilevel backdrops.
Walls crumble. Railings shatter. Scantily dressed Asian women bounce into the
air, off of support pillars, and knee-first into opponents’ faces. Like
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon—only with more panty shots. www.tecmoinc.com
Madden NFL 06
Electronic Arts
Will the MVP of football simulations once
again bring home the championship? Seasonal improvements include precision
passing options for more accurate throws and vision control options that
realistically assess bonuses and penalties based on whether or not your
quarterback is facing receivers. But the upgrades we are most enthused about are
the sweeping audiovisual enhancements that will render officially licensed
player models and stadiums much more detailed and lifelike right down to
musculature, shoulder pads, and signage. www.ea.com
The Godfather
Electronic Arts
Francis Ford Coppola’s award-winning film
based on the novel by Mario Puzo, serves as inspiration for an open-ended
action-adventure set on New York’s mean streets circa 1945. Customize a mafioso
and join the Corleone clan. Rise through the ranks by carrying out tasks that
include drive-by shootings, running extortion rackets, and strangling or
smooth-talking storekeepers and small-time thugs into capitulating. But
beware––actions have lasting consequences. Stone killer or smooth criminal:
Whatever your MO, welcome to the family. www.ea.com
Perfect Dark Zero
Microsoft
Sexy superspy Joanna Dark headlines this
futuristic sci-fi thriller, a prequel to the Nintendo 64 original. Caught
between warring corporations, the heroine survives by excelling at espionage,
employing guns and gadgets in equal measure. The story-driven solo campaign
features stealth, subterfuge, and frantic spins on jetpacks, hovercrafts, and
motorcycles. Once you finish outfoxing computer-controlled adversaries, you can
tackle four-player split-screen match-ups or compete against up to 50 fellow
agents online. www.xbox360.com