[Completly OT] Xbox or PS2?

[wolff96]

My basic gripes with the 'cube are:

It is the only one of the three systems that has NO ability to play DVDs (Can anyone tell me if it even plays music CDs?)

It doesn't play music CDs. However, since it's at the bottom of the stack that also contains my stereo system, CD Player, and DVD player, it didn't make much difference to me.

Obviously we have different opinions here -- support for other media makes not a lick of difference to me when I'm buying a console.

No games (Not one) out for it right now that I want.

That's obviously not something debateable. But between Metroid Prime, Mario Sunshine, Super Smash Brothers Melee (best party game, ever), and the upcoming titles... Wow, we just have very different taste in games, obviously.

A controller that was designed by a demented student of M.C. Esher.

This was the reason I had to post. You're defending the X-BOX and you bring up controllers?? I'm an adult male. My hands actually fit on the controller. And yet, I hate it with a passion. The reach, the spacing on the buttons, and the stretch to hit the shoulder buttons make playing an X-Box game a massive chore. I own one of the smaller controllers and that helps a bit, but I still don't like the configurations on any of the X-Box controllers available.

The Gamecube controller may look a tad odd to you, but it is the most comfortable and (more importantly IMO) usable controllers currently on the market. And that's spoken as somone that has them all.

It's also a lot easier for someone to pick up a Gamecube controller and play with it if they are not a "gamer"... They don't have to worry about which shoulder button does what function. This is something I really appreciate since I often have friends over to play games that only play games when they hang out at my house.

 

[WSmith]

What timing? look what got email to my inbox from Gamespy Daily. :

http://www.forumplanet.com/gamespy/topic.asp?fid=1422&tid=900603

 

[Shard O'Glase]

Now moving forward I agree, that all new games coming out are going to be on all systems, with the exception of the exclusive titles (Metroid Prime, Tekken, Resident Evil. . ) That to me is where the Xbox falls short. It really doesn't have any game makers who will pump out games only for them. Which you pretty much hit on in your next comment.

Nope it's coming to all three systems, it was just released on the Box first.

OK splinter cell is going to all 3. But exclusive titles X-Box has a plenty, besides the obvious microsoft games, some publishers just are making x-box exclusive games I'm guessing because of the ease of making and or port from PC. For example on the fighting game side the DOA games are X-Box exclusve. My point is they all have a decent number of exclusive games f your only geting 1 system its important to look at the exclsuive title sand see which ones would be hard to live without. For me in all honesty if I oculd only have 1 system it would be PS2, two reasons I like all fighting games but PS2 has my faovrite Tekken, and PS2 has the grand theft license which Vice City I've probably put 50+ hours into and I still am only 33% through the game. While I oved Halo and DOA3 I ust prefer Tekken4 and GTA vice city.


Oh and you gotta play super monkey ball its a great group game(I understand there is a sequal out which I haven't got yet), which is the area the game cube reigns supreme. PS2 group wise I like though for the attachemnt that lets me plug in lots o controllers. Thisis very specific but I think Basketball games are a blast with 4 friends so you can cover each position. Both the cube and X-box start with 4 controller slots so I don't think they feel the need for a mulitport thingy, which stops you from getting up to 5 the number of position in B-Ball.

 

[Tsyr]

) That to me is where the Xbox falls short. It really doesn't have any game makers who will pump out games only for them.

I really don't mean to come off rude or anything, but what alternate reality are you living in? Go to gamespot.com and check the list of upcomming x-box titles... TONS of them are X-Box exclusives. And there are quite a few out already, many quite good (Halo, Hunter, Steel Battalion, Mech Assault, Morrowind...) (Ok, that last one technicly is out on the PC too, but I'm not counting the PC right now).

This was the reason I had to post. You're defending the X-BOX and you bring up controllers?? I'm an adult male. My hands actually fit on the controller. And yet, I hate it with a passion. The reach, the spacing on the buttons, and the stretch to hit the shoulder buttons make playing an X-Box game a massive chore. I own one of the smaller controllers and that helps a bit, but I still don't like the configurations on any of the X-Box controllers available.

The Gamecube controller may look a tad odd to you, but it is the most comfortable and (more importantly IMO) usable controllers currently on the market. And that's spoken as somone that has them all.

Yet, conversely, I have never found a controller I like as much as the 'box's controller. Ever. The only close second is a MadCatz controller I had for the N-64, which oddly enough, was stylisticly very similar to the X-Box controller, both in size and general control layout.

And I've used the Gamecube controller plenty, I might add... I have friends who have the 'cube, and I play it over at their places plenty. I don't find it unusualy comfortable (It's not UNCOMFORTABLE, just nothing special), and I find it... awkward, basicly.

It's a personal opinion thing, I suppose... But I know several people around here who agree with me.

And, again, I bring up the fact that if you don't like the "standard" x-box controller, they do offer a different model.

 

[Shard O'Glase]

But as of a couple weeks ago, I decided to get an X-Box. Why? STEEL BATTALION. A gaming experience that you can't get anywhere else. You pilot a giant robot using the lord of all controllers, which has 2 joysticks, 40 buttons, 3 foot pedals. For someone who grew up on Voltron and Robotech cartoons like me, it's irresistible.

Bottom line: It depends on what games you want to play. Check out the game libraries available for each system, paying particular attention to the exclusive games.

I'm not going to say buy X-Box now instead of PS2 for this game. But dang as soon as I can get this game I'm getting it. Not sure it balances the GTA and Tekken angle, but bwahahahahha 40 buttons 2 joysticks, 3 foot pedals, oh and you forgot the lever thingy that looks like the thrusts lever in jets. For those who care it will be a Capcom game, when I saw this in some magazine a few months back I drooled.

 

[Shard O'Glase]

Controllers

I'm not sure which I put up as the best the PS2 or the X-Box becaue I like different things out of both of them. PS2 I like the L1,2, and R1,2 instead of just a L and R, almost everything else I'm good with. I dislike its analog controlls I think they feel clumsy.

X-Box I like there analog controlls and almost everything else, I dislike the white and black button for me I find there placing less than intuitive so I have trouble hitting it quickly, i've somewhat gotten used to it but with multiple platforms sometimes I need a warm up period for the X-box white and black buttons.

Gamecube I'm ok with overall, but it's a little small and is uncomfortable to me.

If I could combine the X-box and PS2 controllers I'd be in hog heaven, for exmaple if I had the X-Box controller but they moved the white and black buttons to a L2 and R2 position or just added a L2 and R2 and let you turn them into the black and white buttons I'd do my happy dance.

 

[shadowlight]

Actually I would say the same thing about an X-box. It reminds me of the N64, ie the best game it has is also one of its first gen games. Since Halo the box really hasn't done anything.

Wow! You haven't played MechAssault yet, have you?!

 

[Tsyr]

Wow! You haven't played MechAssault yet, have you?!

Or, for that matter, ever played SSB for the N64...

 

[wolff96]

And, again, I bring up the fact that if you don't like the "standard" x-box controller, they do offer a different model.

Actually, I mentioned that I have both controllers.

I pretty much hate them equally.

It's obviously a personal opinion, though, so we'll have to agree to disagree. All the systems have good games. All of them have acceptable hardware.

Really, I was trying to avoid picking up a 'Cube and rounding out my addiction, but the Nintendo-exclusive titles wouldn't let me... and now I find it hard to play the other two systems because I like the Gamecube controller so much better.

By the way, I'd like to second whoever recommended Mech Assault. That's an awesome title, assuming you have the online adapter.

 

[Ristamar]

I haven't bought any (but my sister has a PS2), and never really planned on getting a game console, since I have a lot of PC games. Up until this point, if I were to get one, it would have been the PS2, for the commonly stated reasons (best game library, particularly RPGs).

But as of a couple weeks ago, I decided to get an X-Box. Why? STEEL BATTALION. A gaming experience that you can't get anywhere else. You pilot a giant robot using the lord of all controllers, which has 2 joysticks, 40 buttons, 3 foot pedals. For someone who grew up on Voltron and Robotech cartoons like me, it's irresistible.

Bottom line: It depends on what games you want to play. Check out the game libraries available for each system, paying particular attention to the exclusive games.

You forgot to mention that it costs $200, and you can't play the game at all without the behemoth controller.

I'll be the first to admit that Steel Battalion looks damn cool, but I don't think I could bring myself to spend $150 for a controller I basically use for 1 game.

Anyway, I posted this bit about a month ago in another thread, and I'll plop it down here, as well. You can ignore the Gamecube stuff, obviously, if it doesn't interest you.

PS2 Pros:
- Immense library of games
- GTA, Tekken, Metal Gear, and Gran Turismo series are exclusive to PS2, for now
- Lots of RPG's, Final Fantasy being the most noteworthy
- Backward compatibility with original PS games
- DVD playback is possibly a plus (though I agree with one of the previous posters; if you truly want to watch a lot of DVD's, get a REAL DVD player. It's worth it.)
- Developers often use the PS2 as primary development platform (limits bad 'ports' along with some other smaller benefits)

PS2 Cons:
- Only 2 controller ports (though multitap is available)
- Hardware is noticeably weaker than XBOX and Gamecube in some multiplatform titles (blurry textures, jagged lines, etc.)


Gamecube Pros:
- Four controller ports
- Classic exclusive franchises (Mario, Zelda, Metroid, F-Zero, Sonic (it still feels odd saying that), etc.)
- Numerous strong party-game/multiplayer titles (great when you've got friends, not so great if you always game alone)
- Resident Evil franchise is exclusive, for now (except Resident Evil Online)
- Final Fantasy game(s) scheduled for 2003 release
- Much improved third party support in comparison to the N64
- Nintendo is arguably the best video game software developer in the world, in terms of quality and experience

Gamecube Cons:
- Alleged (misplaced?) 'Kiddy' image (it isn't half as bad as people make it out to be; people have a love/hate thing with Mario, so again it comes down to personal preference)
- Sometimes receives straight or sub-optimal ports (developers don't always utilize the hardware in multiplatform releases to add and enhance features, and sometimes even sloppily port games, making them slightly worse than the original)


XBOX Pros:
- Four controller ports
- Most powerful console on the market
- Built in hard drive allows for custom soundtracks, save game storage, and more
- Usually has the best version of multiplatform games, in terms of graphics
- DVD playback is possibly a plus (see comments in PS2 section)
- Has recently scored some exclusive developers/licenses that could be potential hits (most notably Rare, and it will be interesting to how their games turn out after the buyout; 10% of the staff departed, and instead of Nintendo internally supporting their efforts, it's now MS)
- DOA franchise (not exactly my cup of tea, though I've heard some people really like those girls)

XBOX Cons:
- MS has yet to prove itself as a first-party developer, and currently lacks strong second-party support (And don't say Halo Thank Bungie for that one, not MS)
- (+?) Has a PC-centric image (XBOX has an image of mainly receiving slightly watered down PC ports (Max Payne, Morrowind, etc), though if you don't have a nice PC, this could be counted as a benefit)
- Must purchase separate DVD kit for DVD playback


Note on exclusivity:
Even though a title may be exclusive to a console, it may be developed on the PC, as well (certain Final Fantasy titles, GTA, etc.)


Other Random Notes:
- Disc size is a non-issue. PS2 and XBOX basically use standard DVDs. The Gamecube discs are smaller, but by no means small at approximately 1.5 gigs. If extra space is needed, the developer simply creates a second or third disc at minimal cost.
- Controllers are a matter of personal preference, each having their highs and lows, though all feel fine after adapting to their individual quirks. The smaller S-Controller is recommended for XBOX, and Nintendo's wireless Wavebird controller is rather amazing. Also, adapters can usually be found to use alternate controllers from rival systems on your system of choice.
- Online gaming is still largely up in the air on all 3 systems. XBOX potentially has the best online plan, while Nintendo's is arguably the weakest, though this is all still mostly speculation in the grand scheme of things. Many factors are involved, and if online play is important to you, research each systems online plan thoroughly before making a purchase.


Personal opinions/recommendations:
It all comes down to what kind of gamer you are, what you like to play, and whether or not you already have a PC or another console system. Casual gamers should likely stick with the PS2 since it has such a diverse array of titles. Fans of Sonic (since Sega is now third party), Mario, and other classic/nostalgic franchises should go with Nintendo. XBOX has good shooters and racing games. Nintendo has good multiplayer and party games. Sony has good fighting games and RPG's. In general, you'll find that exclusive titles make or break a console purchase, so buy a system that supports your favorite games.

If you can afford it, buy two systems -- A PS2 or XBOX, and a Gamecube, as you'll get the least amount of overlap in titles. I own a GC (love the multiplayer games and Nintendo franchises) and a PC (for my FPS, RPG, and online gaming fix), and I'd like to pick up a PS2 sometime down the road. I have a hard time recommending XBOX simply because they don't have many great titles that can't be found on other systems or the PC. If MS can produce a strong holiday lineup, it could really turn things around for them, though.

In my opinion, skip over IGN, Gamespot, and such and simply head straight to gamerankings.com. They compile reviews from printed sources and sites all over the web. It's the best way to see if a title is truly good without testing it yourself since you receive a large sample of reviews. The larger sites, while nice, tend to be.... inconsistent with their reviews, since they deal with a large number of games, and reviewers vary in strictness and bias. You can easily be burned if merely rely on one or two sites.

Lastly, the best way to choose a console is to find friends that already own them, are very knowledgeable of what's available, are knowledgeable of what you like, and are willing to let you play (or borrow) their games. Research other titles you're interested in and rent a few of them. Whichever system you had the most fun with overall, well, that's your winner.

A couple of notes since this was first posted...

- Metal Gear Solid 2 is now available on XBOX. Graphically, it's the same as the PS2 version (save for a few framerate hickups), but it includes some new bonus missions.

- XBOX Live is up and running with close to a dozen titles, I believe. If online console gaming is extremely important to you, XBOX is the way to go right now, though it only runs on broadband (sorry dial-up users, no soup for you). Currently, Mech Assault seems to be the best of the XBOX Live bunch. Sony and Nintendo have recently signed middleware agreements with Sega for online titles, but still have yet to launch large online strategies.

- If you're a total mech freak, it's hard to top Steel Battalion on XBOX, if you're willing to drop two benjamins on it. Unfortunately, this game has no XBOX Live support... it's inexplicable, and nearly inexcusable.

- Splinter Cell will be available on PC this month, and in February or March on GC and PS2.

- For those that are interested, two Gamecube tidbits: Nintendo is releasing a GBA player that will attach to the bottom of the 'Cube, allowing you to play GBA titles on your TV. It will be released in the U.S. around May 2003 and retail between 40 and 50 dollars. Second, Nintendo will be offering a special promotion for those that pre-order the new Legend of Zelda game coming to the Gamecube. Starting February 16th (or earlier, depending on where you order from), purchasers will receive what is arguably the greatest game of all time, Zelda: Ocarina of Time w/ previously unreleased expansion material all on one Gamecube disc absolutely free on the spot.

- Not that it means anything, but Sony has been rather quiet this holiday season. Most big news has been coming out of the Nintendo and XBOX camps. GTA: Vice City, the PS2's hottest exclusive, has been out since October, and it's hype (and Game of the Year potential) has recently been trumped by Metroid Prime. Of course, considering the staggering lead in console sales Sony has over its competitors, I don't think they're too concerned.

Here's a link to an old console discussion.