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These columns (as well as the 'releases') come from weekly content that we write for the Edmond Sun, out of Edmond, OK (though we live in Chicago). This page contains the archives for said column, many of which are in their pre-published, unedited state. Some titles and editing by Brendan Sinclair.

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MTV reveals the Xbox 360... poorly
Monday, May 23, 2005

Despite knowing full well that Microsoft was clearly going to target prepubescent mainstream gamers and that MTV has not been able to produce one program in the last decade that doesn’t cause severe migraines in normal functioning humans, I still came away from the grand unveiling of the much hyped next generation Xbox very disappointed. But it wasn't all bad, was it?

First the facts. Now that the shroud has been lifted from Microsoft’s newest baby, what exactly have we learned that was previously unknown? Unfortunately, not very much. But a few tidbits did slip through the cracks. Most important to me, since I am writing a column in which I must reference this new console on more than one occasion, the first next generation console finally has an officially name – Xbox 360. The logic for that name, if one can assume logic was used in creating it, is twofold: first, if they simply named the console Xbox 2 it would be seen as inferior to the higher numeraled PlayStation 3. Also, the Xbox 360 will be a central part of the home entertainment experience, promising to combine various forms of media into one handy box. A circular relationship of entertainment I guess.

Also, the system will indeed come with wireless controllers. While the specifics were not actually discussed on air, I have learned through Gamespot.com that it will either run on AA batteries or come with a presumably more expensive rechargeable battery. Also not shown on TV but common knowledge at this point are some of the features of the new controller. It is essentially a smaller, lighter version of the Xbox S controller (the smaller version most everyone prefers) with the black and white buttons shifted to the shoulder position and a built in communication port.

Other than that only tertiary information was reveled: you can customize your X360 with different colored faceplates, every game will have Live functionality built right in and High Definition will be standard. It’s nice to have confirmation on these features, but they have been talked about for so long most of the video game community could have already assume they would be included.

As for the games, unfortunately they took a back seat to celebrity appearance and The Killers. There were a few movies from Electronic Arts games that looks prerendered to my trained eyes – I can’t imagine the new Need For Speed game will actually look like that. We also were treated to footage of PC titles such as Quake 4 and even another Tony Hawk title. It’s not too surprising that most of the games shown were sequels to popular sports titles as they are the games that move at retail, but I would have appreciated a tidbit or two about more meaty experiences.

The one game I was looking forward to finally hearing about was Perfect Dark Zero. As I’ve watched Rare practically fall off the face of the Earth during the last four years – during that time they have only released two console games, a number of employees left to form their own development studio and they were sold to Microsoft – I have stood by them the whole time because they simply make the best games I have ever played. When you factor in the original Perfect Dark is one of my favorite games of all time it comes as little surprise that PDZ has a lot to live up to in my mind.

Unfortunately, even though they mentioned the Holy Grail of Gaming (in my eyes at least) throughout the show and even took a tour of the Rare facilities, when the time came to actually talk about what I can only assume will be the title to own when the X360 is released… they had nothing to say. Other than official word that PDZ would include 50 player multiplayer matches (I have no idea how something that large could ever function) there was no actual information revealed. This column was supposed to act as a coming out for my most anticipated title of all time, but instead I can only confirm its existence and one detail. I can only cross my fingers and hope that this game will be fully playable at the Electronic Entertainment Expo next week.

In conclusion, the MTV special was a complete waste of my time. I honestly have no idea why Microsoft though it would be a good idea to have The Killers play two songs and have an entire segment about how to modify your current Xbox, an act that will void your warranty, instead of showing footage of games and giving details about the system. I would have liked a release date and a price, I would have liked official word if the system is backwards compatible or not. I would have preferred watching Bill Gates simply dance for my amusement. Instead, I got swirling green lights and talk of bling.

- Tom


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