[Xbox] buying tips? and setup question

[fba827]

Okay -

I'm buying an Xbox in about 12 hours from the time of this post.

So, I thought I'd toss out a couple quick questions ...

1) Anything I should look out for when buying a new one? (I've heard random stuff about avoiding certain drive manufacterers, etc. but i wouldn't know how to check for that or who i'm supposed to look out for or if any of that is even true)

2) This may be a bit convoluted - but is it possible to have the XBos disply on a computer monitor? Perhaps if networked to the computer connected to the monitor? (I ask because the tv to be used for the xbox is "off" in terms of color.. would be nicer to see the graphics on my monitor but don't know if that'd even be possible).

3) I keep seeing AV cables listed as accessories to purchase... do you NOT get any in the standard item box? I just didn't want to buy the thing, leave the store, only to find out i need to go back for cables ...

4) And this is a purely personal taste question, I realize that, but any must have games I just can't leave the store without? (I know, everyone's taste will vary, just trying to get some ideas)... I'm already going to get XMen legends and D&D heros, and Namco Mesuem box (for old school games like pacman and stuff)

5) any other last comments?

Any and all help is appreciated so thanks in advance.

 

[drothgery]

1) Don't worry about it.

2) If you look around on the 'net, you should be able to find adapters to let you play Xbox games on a monitor. But unless you've got a larger monitor than television, it's probably a better idea to use a TV.

3) You don't need cables (beyond what comes in the box) to hook it up via RCA jacks (one cable for video and two for audio); you need extra cables to use an S-Video, Component Video (three cables for video and two for audio), or an old-style coaxial cable (cable TV) connection.

4) If you like first-person shooters (I don't have the reflexes for them), Halo's the major reason to buy an Xbox. If you like console RPGS or computer RPGS, and haven't played the PC version already, get Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. If you like fighting games (and hot video game girls), get a Dead or Alive game. Top Spin is supposed to be the best tennis video game ever made. If there are any multi-platform games you like, you'll almost certainly want to play the Xbox version in the future (the Xbox version of multi-platform titles is almost always the best one).

 

[fba827]

1) Don't worry about it.

Nice. Thanks. But if something breaks due to a harddrive whatcha-ma-thing, I'm hunting you down! ha! No, really, thanks.

2) If you look around on the 'net, you should be able to find adapters to let you play Xbox games on a monitor. But unless you've got a larger monitor than television, it's probably a better idea to use a TV.

Well, the monitor and tv are the same in terms of size (15 inches) graphic capabilities on the monitor are light years better (again, 'cause the tv's color is screwy)... but, I looked around online and didn't see _as simple_ a solution as I was hoping (in terms of cost and local accessibility, etc). Ah well... maybe I'll switch tvs or something with another room if I can get away with that as a temporary solution

3) You don't need cables (beyond what comes in the box) to hook it up via RCA jacks (one cable for video and two for audio); you need extra cables to use an S-Video, Component Video (three cables for video and two for audio), or an old-style coaxial cable (cable TV) connection.

Excellent. Exactly what I wanted to know.

4) If you like first-person shooters (I don't have the reflexes for them), Halo's the major reason to buy an Xbox. If you like console RPGS or computer RPGS, and haven't played the PC version already, get Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. If you like fighting games (and hot video game girls), get a Dead or Alive game. Top Spin is supposed to be the best tennis video game ever made. If there are any multi-platform games you like, you'll almost certainly want to play the Xbox version in the future (the Xbox version of multi-platform titles is almost always the best one).

I don't have the reflexes for shooter games either (for me, the two buttons on NES were about my limit... could occasionally do the three on Sega but that's about when I stopped being a console gamer).

I am really big into multiplayer games, however, since games (for me) are 100Xs more fun with friends (when I'm alone, I only end up conversing with the voices in my head ) - I've already scrolled back and found a thread in this forum where everyone was giving multiplayer game suggestions to someone. .

And I like the RPG or strategy type games (and the occasional mindless action type) for when I'm playing alone.

But don't let that info sway anyone's opinions, I really am interested in hearing other people's game "likes" in case I want to keep a game or two around for company when I'm not here or to simply expand my horizons.

Your response was much appreciated.

 

[John Crichton]

If you have a TV that can handle component inputs than you are in for a treat. Especially for X-men Legends. Widescreen rules.

 

[Enforcer]

I strongly recommend Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, it's fantastic. Ninja Gaiden is supposed to be great, but it's too hard for me.

I've heard that Burnout 3 is THE driving game to get.

Also, Grand Theft Auto III and Vice City come in a double pack for the Xbox and have better graphics than the PS2 version.

 

[shadowlight]

If you post on these boards, you are not allowed to leave the store without FABLE!!

 

[Arnwyn]

And I like the RPG...

Hopefully you like other types of games more, because you won't be getting those with the Xbox. (KotOR and Fable are the only two acceptable RPGs on the entire system...)

 

[John Crichton]

Hopefully you like other types of games more, because you won't be getting those with the Xbox. (KotOR and Fable are the only two acceptable RPGs on the entire system...)

But there are a few RPG hybrids like X-men Legends and Beyond Good & Evil. And a few more. But it isn't the best system for RPGs, you are right about that. The best choice would be PS2 for that genre.

 

[drothgery]

Hopefully you like other types of games more, because you won't be getting those with the Xbox. (KotOR and Fable are the only two acceptable RPGs on the entire system...)

I think we can safely assume KotOR II will be acceptable, and Dec 15 is only 2.5 months from now.

 

[RangerWickett]

You're on these forums, so obviously you like RPGs. Don't get Fable, though. Instead, get the best new RPG for the X-Box: Def Jam 2: Fight for New York. Honestly, the roleplaying and character building elements of this game are much more engaging that the stale fantasy cliches you'll find in Fable. In Def Jam 2, you get to bling out your character, fight thugs, date Carmen Electra, toss hit men onto subway tracks, and beat the crap out of Snoop Dog. In Fable, you get to kick chickens.