| Microsoft learned a lesson when they attempted to release the Xbox 360 simultaneously around the world – it ain’t easy. Producing the units was taking longer than expected, so as the November launch date approached, the number of consoles ready for stores was lower than the company wanted. Then, Japanese retailers were oversupplied, which left stores in North America and Europe short-stocked throughout the holiday gift-buying season. Retailers were not amused.
Microsoft has brought on another manufacturer to help with their 360 supply, and indications are that the supply problem will disappear. Which should make for some happy customers, if my experience is any indication.
To begin with, the console has a sleek, organic look. The interface is intuitive (its operating system is more computer-like than we've seen before with consoles), so it’s easy to operate and navigate. The killer feature, though, is the wireless controllers that allow me to sit in my chair across the room and enjoy complete control without having cables trip up my wife as she crosses the room.
The 360 is online enabled out of the box, but you’ll either need to set the unit up near an ethernet cable or purchase an Xbox wireless adapter, which makes connecting your 360 to your home wireless network fairly painless. I’ve read that other wireless adapters will work with the 360, but you’d have to configure things manually. I recommend using the Microsoft product and saving yourself the headache.
Once you’ve got your 360 online, you’ll be able to connect to the Internet and all of the other gamers around the world through Microsoft’s Xbox Live service. This will allow you to play with and against anyone, but it will also give you access to downloadable, casual games (which are older, nostalgic-driven games like Joust and Robotron, or newer arcade-style games like Geometry Wars and Zuma), movie trailers (the Red vs. Blue video short making fun of casual gamers is too funny), and even music videos (Epic Records has an Artist of the Month feature).
Furthering Microsoft’s strategy to be a key component in the home entertainment system of the future – which is a significant shift for a company that always insisted it was into software, not hardware – the 360 also connects to other electronic media devices. My second-generation iPod and Canon digital camera connected to and communicated with my 360 without any problem. And if I want to listen to John Denver the next time I’m killing aliens while playing Quake 4, all I need to do is insert Back Home Again and rip it to the 360’s hard drive.
One of the problems with the 360 is the lack of software for the new system. EA, Microsoft Game Studios, Sega and Tecmo were among the publishers to have games in the beginning, but without games, the 360 is just another piece of electronic equipment taking up space in your entertainment centre. Here’s hoping that the great potential of the 360 doesn’t go to waste.
REVIEWS
Perfect Dark Zero (publisher: Microsoft; platform: 360; rating: mature).
One of the highlight games at the 360 launch was Perfect Dark Zero, telling the prestory of Joanna Dark, secret agent of the future. In the spirit of classic Bond, the ends justify the means for Dark, especially when she's avenging her father's death. It's a slick experience, this game, with responsive controls, shiny graphics, and surround-sound explosions. The multiplayer death-matches are seamless and provide variety, which is a nice change of pace. Even better, though, is that the developers put some thought into the co-operative play. When you and a friend play together, you won't both be playing as Joanna – one of you will be her, while the other will be another character. Sometimes you'll start a level from different locations, and will have to meet up along the way. But for all that, Perfect Dark Zero lacks a robust and compelling story. The characters are little more than cliché, and the plot nothing more than conventional.
Kameo: Elements of Power (publisher: Microsoft; platform: 360; rating: teen).
Kameo is an elf princess who must fight an army of trolls, builders of machines who want their technology to dominate over the more simple, organic life of the elemental creatures. But the simple story about how Kameo learns to control the elemental creatures at her command, rescues her family from the trolls and saves her people is poorly structured. It begins with a fast-paced preamble that sets the stage for the action before worrying about things like character or plot. But in a video game this is confusing because you don’t know what you’re doing or why. It’s also too difficult, because you have to figure out what the controls are and how they work while in mortal danger. Then, after the preface is over, you find yourself being instructed on how to use your powers, which you’ve just had to figure out on your own in a trial-by-fire. The characters, while cookie-cutter, are well constructed, the voice acting is top-notch, and the lush, rich environments and crisp, distinct audio showcase the 360’s potential. Despite some problems, this game is unique, interesting and memorable. |
Copyright ©2006 FFWD. All rights reserved.