"I want an Xbox 360!"
And right away, you wonder just what might have gone wrong with the original Xbox you purchased for them a few years back. To which I reply, nothing, really. The Xbox 360 is merely the "next step up" in terms of generational hardware for Microsoft, and the Xbox still has plenty of life left through third-party support. However, if you're still curious as to what the Xbox 360 has to offer, or what your kids might see in it, read on, as we provide a full explanation behind the insanity.
The Xbox 360 was first revealed to the public during a special TV event that aired on MTV in April 2005. It takes an opposite direction from the Xbox, encased in white instead of black and featuring a much sleeker design than the original. The main unit isn't as heavy in weight as the original Xbox, but it does come with a power supply that seems to have the weight of a small brick, along with the typical A/V cables and a wireless controller. Microsoft opted to offer two different bundles for purchase — the core bundle for $299 and the premium bundle for $100 more.
So what is the difference between the bundles? The core bundle is just that, the system with a wired controller and no real extras. It comes with what you'd expect when you normally buy a game system. The premium bundle, however, has a hard drive installed within the system, enabling game saves, data saves, and other features that make it much more convenient to use. The premium bundle also includes a number of extras, including a media remote for DVD viewing, a headset so you can talk with others via Xbox Live, and a wireless controller, which has the same amount of handling as the wired controller, but without the hassle of a cord.
Which one's worth it? Obviously, the premium bundle will save you a lot of hassle, with the hard drive already installed into the unit. This means that kids can not only be able to save their games much more easily, but they'll be able to store their favorite songs, as well as keep downloads from Xbox Live in a handy spot. Buying the Core Unit has none of that on hand, meaning you'll have to add on a hard drive yourself or invest in a memory card, which still doesn't resolve all your worries.
One big new feature with the Xbox 360 is the comprehensive reimagining of the Xbox Live online service. For a meager $70 for the 12-month kit (or smaller prices for lesser segments), you can get online and basically do a number of things, like download demos, engage in online play against others, post high scores on leaderboards, check out game trailers and play new service-exclusive games such as Geometry Wars Evolved and Zuma. This isn't the same service that was offered with the original Xbox, but a living, breathing marketplace where a number of things are available each day for checking out, and a bevy of competition is waiting to play against you or your children. (Some might be a wee bit too competitive, however, so be warned who you match up again. Set up a friend list of people you know and trust.)
The Xbox 360 doesn't really have too many games available for it at this time, as it did just launch this past November. However, there are a few titles worth mentioning, as well as a couple of games on the Xbox Live service that deserve a nod.
Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Bethesda) — This game is perfect for older children and young teens who are looking to sink their teeth into a grand adventure. This game not only gives you a mighty quest to complete over a virtually endless land, but it also lets you customize your soldier through different classes and design techniques so they have a distinct flavor all their own. The beautiful graphics and balanced gameplay don't hurt, either.
Burnout Revenge (Electronic Arts) — If you have any sort of driving fans in the household, Burnout Revenge is sure to hold their attention for quite some time. This fast-paced game features an aggressive style of driving that has you knocking cars off the road (relax, no one gets killed) and earning a reputation as a master driver. Recommended for older children and young teens also.
Project Gotham Racing 3 (Microsoft) — For those who may think that Burnout Revenge is pushing it a little for younger gamers, they may want to give Project Gotham a try. Featuring unbelievably smooth graphics and a number of tracks and cars to choose from, the game also has splendid gameplay that lets you rack up "Kudos" to get your way ahead to the next race. Outstanding.
Fight Night Round 3 (EA Sports) — Boxing may not be the best ideal sport for the youngens, but this game will surely show off what the Xbox 360 can do, and should appeal to those ten and up. Featuring a number of classic and newcomer boxers on the scene, and packing the kind of gameplay that's easy to get into and hard to master, Fight Night easily scores a knockout.
Kameo: Elements of Power (Microsoft) — One of the few platformers available for the system at this time, Kameo holds a number of surprises as you take control of a fairy that gains the powers of strange elemental creatures as she works her way through an adventure. The different play styles and lofty sense of humor should make this a great title for those eight and up to take a look at.
Zuma Deluxe (Popcap, Xbox Live) — This game takes the old formula of the classic game Ballistic and adds an Aztec flavor that's undeniable. In the game, you control a strange frog god that shoots colored spheres out of its mouth to eliminate other spheres from the board. The easier levels train players well, and get them ready for later challenges that lie ahead. Great fun.
Geometry Wars Evolved (Bizarre Creations, Xbox Live) — This fascinating shooter title calls back to the retro days of Tempest and Asteroids, as it places you on a grid where you have to shoot a number of virtual enemies, using superbombs and power-ups to your advantage. This is one of the best games for the Xbox 360 right now, and perfect for all ages and skill levels.
NBA 2K6 (2K Sports) — This is the best basketball sim on the market, and the Xbox 360 manages to score a slam dunk all its own. You get to control a number of players that look just like the real thing, and the gameplay never gets old, not even when you're driving to the basket for the hundredth time. The stacked modes should make this one a playable game for a long time.
Ridge Racer 6 — If Project Gotham is a bit too technical for your youngens, then give this game a spin. Packing the simplest of arcade thrills and throwing in some beautiful visuals, Ridge Racer 6 also holds a few surprises that are sure to please younger players, as well as a drift racing system that's utterly unbeatable, if drift racing is your sort of thing (that's where you do a lot of swerving on the road to stay on it).
Top Spin 2 (2K Sports) — Finally, we come to a tennis game, but don't brush it off if you don't necessarily like tennis. Top Spin 2 is a very well playing game with a number of options to its credit, as well as a wide variety of tennis superstars to choose from and solid online play. You'll be hitting lobs and smashes with your kids in no time.
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