10/06 Update: Since we no longer write for the Edmond Sun, this section is temporarily housing our podcast links for our iTunes feed. All of the columns are in the archives menu if you feel like exploring.

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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Xbox 360 Intelligence Test
Tuesday, August 16, 2005

It makes you wonder exactly what the brass at Microsoft is thinking. While the Xbox 360 is set to come out later this year, they have yet to announce either a list of launch titles or even an exact date when consumers can finally get their hands on the system. Most companies would have started the hype machine months ago in an attempt to get the game buying public in a frenzy of anticipation. MS is content letting cardboard store displays and message board rumors spread the word while they frantically try to finish games and get systems built. However, they finally did announce something relevant last week - a price.

While the rumors have been circulating for almost a year already, MS confirmed last week they would release both a core version of their system for $300 and a value pack for $100 more. For those who have not yet heard the news, the included accessories for the two packs are as follows:

Core System ($300)
1 Xbox 360
1 wired controller
A/V cables
1 detachable faceplate

Value pack ($400)
1 Xbox 360
20 GB detachable hard drive
1 wireless controller
1 wireless Xbox Live headset
HD A/V cables
1 Ethernet cable
1 remote control
1 detachable faceplate

Obviously, I am not too pleased that one will need to shell out $400 for the latest technology. When you factor in a single game to play on your newest possession and an extra controller you're looking at more than $500. And what if there's more than one game worth buying? (Add $50 per game.) Or you want to take part in some four-player matches? (Add $50 per controller.) Or you want to play online? (Add $50 subscription fee.)

I'll explain later in the column why fans of gaming (casual and hardcore alike) should avoid buying the cheaper package no matter what. First, I must express my outrage at this exorbitant price. I have been playing games since 1985, when I was only four years old, and have bought nine systems and four handhelds during that time. Not once have I paid more than $200 for a system. While some of that plays into my constant effort to spend as little of my precious money as possibly on gaming (I waited until the Xbox and PS2 dropped in price before I picked them up) I have been known to buy certain systems the second they hit the market simply because the price has been right. With gaming becoming both more mainstream and appealing to an older market with more disposable cash, MS can feel confident their system will fly off the shelves regardless of price. However, considering the iffy selection of games expected to debut at the end of the year alongside the X360 (mostly ports from the PC and other consoles); cost conscience gamers will be hard pressed to find a reason to buy this right away.

Even though I am quite peeved that MS is charging an arm and a leg, I am even more upset that they are offering two different versions of their system. On the surface, it seems like they are being charitable by offering a more comprehensive package for hardcore gamers without excluding the casual sect. However, the core pack is not only a complete joke, but it will actually hurt the Xbox 360 in the long run. The biggest advantage the current Xbox has over the competition is a built in hard drive. Not only is the Xbox the first disc based system to do away with memory cards (most games don't even support the pointless peripheral) but developers have been able to expand their games even further. By using a spare gigabyte or two, games were able to sport larger and more detailed levels without needing to halt gameplay by going to a load screen.

With the hard drive being optional this time around, developers will be forced to code for the lowest common denominator. They won't want to exclude a portion of the game buying public so developers ultimately won't be able to push the Xbox 360 as far as it could have gone.

And then there is the issue of backwards compatibility. While MS has been tight-lipped on this front throughout, only saying for certain that most popular Xbox titles will be playable on the new system, one thing is now certain: no backwards compatibility of any kind is possible without a hard drive. This was confirmed by J Allard, Microsoft Vice President, earlier this week.

I understand that most gamers won't care about such trivialities, but there is an even better reason why one should avoid the $300 version - it's a huge rip-off. The core package does not include any means to actually save your games. If you want to buy a memory card it will cost $40. If you want a hard drive it will cost $100. Oh, did I mention the memory card is only 64 MB while the hard drive holds 20 GB? And if you decide you do want High Definition cables after all it will cost an extra $40. And if you want to use your X360 as a DVD player it will cost another $30 for the remote. If the draw of Halo 3 online is simply too strong to resist, you'll have to shell out $60 more - $20 for the headset and $40 for the Ethernet cable. Still think the core pack is a good deal?

I am sure the Xbox 360 will be a great system. Even with the ridiculous price, the draw of Perfect Dark Zero and Elder Scrolls: Oblivion later this year may be too strong for even a cheap individual such as myself to resist. I just wish Microsoft would have been a little more thoughtful by not limiting its capabilities before it even comes out.


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