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Life & Arts

Gamers should put 360 on hold

Leet Speak

Derek Lanphier

Everyone has been talking about the Xbox 360 for the past couple of weeks. Of course, people have been hounding me with questions now that the system is "released." I put that word in quotations, because finding an Xbox 360 is like finding out how the square block fits through the circle hole. 

At most outlets I've inquired about the 360, I've been told the system won't be in stock until February. If you look on eBay, they go for anywhere from $600 to $1,200. 

Please don't spend that much on a console. You could get a really sweet gaming PC for that kind of money, or hell, even a crappy used car.

I've been able to sit down and get quite a few play sessions in on a friend's 360 and at a local game store where I know the manager. Playing the 360 on a widescreen plasma television is nice, too. 

But alas, I have issues with the console. I was really excited about Call of Duty 2, which looks awesome on the 360. However, I lost a little faith in the system when I downloaded the demo for PC and my computer ran it better than the 360 did -- much better. 

I didn't realize how much the graphics were turned down on the 360 from the computer version. I know I'm not buying the 360 for Call of Duty 2 anymore.

The system doesn't really have any anti-aliasing -- the graphic option that rids objects of jagged lines -- which I assumed would be present in the next-generation consoles. (Sorry for going totally nerd there.)

Although it really sucks not being able to play Perfect Dark: Zero, I have a feeling the game will find its way to the computer.

However, if you like racing or sports games, the 360 might be right up your alley. I have to admit, games in that genre are pretty sweet on the 360.

All the games I'm psyched about are also coming out for the computer, though, as 360 games port easily to PC. Because that is what it essentially is -- a computer restricted to gaming capabilities.

Of course, the biggest question I keep getting about it is, "Is it worth 400 bucks?" My answer is a confident, no. However, when the hype and the price are a little more manageable, I will more than likely get one. I advise others to do the same. Let the developers get a feel for the system, because everyone knows games just get better for console as it ages. 

Not to mention, you will have to wait anyway, as all the stores have put the 360 on back-order -- there isn't even an option to buy one on Web sites for stores like Wal-Mart and Best Buy.

Unless you have tons of cash, it would be wise to wait for the other next-generation systems to come out. Give them all a try at the store before you invest in one -- all the other new consoles are likely to cost about $400 as well. 

I'm not badmouthing the 360. But don't get caught up in the hype -- consider the options before you make such a pricey choice.

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