A sneak preview at the Xbox 360

I know that there's been an incredible amount of speculation, spin, assumption and mud-slinging concerning the Xbox 360. Yes, we've all read the magazine and internet articles, either giving blowjobs to Microsoft or saying that the Xbox 360 eats more sh*t then a toilet. You may have talked to people who side with one of the parties outlined above. The sad thing is, most of the people who write those articles have not played any demo: they base their opinion on several screenshots. Well, I've been privileged to get some hands-on time with a 360 and Call of Duty 2. Here some of my observations and thoughts.



The graphics. This might be one of the biggest issues that people babble about. Well, while I come into this article with no loyalties to any particular company or console, I have to say that the graphics do not disappoint. They are as lifelike as you could possible want. The Xbox 360 proves itself to be capable, as I tried to make it chug my any means, and I utterly failed. The Xbox 360 pushed my movement and shooting, 25+ highly detailed characters, their AI routines (which are fiercely intelligent) particle effects (fires, smoke, muzzle flashes), the physics engine, grenades, and ambient effects (water rippling, planes attacking and flying, heat mirages) while staying as smooth as my rear. Not a single dropped frame, no chugging whatsoever, even during checkpoints. I know this is a overused phrase, but the pictures don?t do this game justice. When everything is in motion, it was beautiful. Everything was perfect. Keep in mind though, unless you have a HD-TV most of the fine touches will not be noticeable.



The sound is up to par. However, the polyphony is much improved. What's polyphony? How many sounds you hear at one time. That means that I hear my Thompson chattering, some German dude yelling, "Heil Hitler!" or something like that, my buddies telling me to kill that Nazi bastard, the Nazis firing, ricochets, and ambient effects (such as airplanes, footsteps, cannons firing in the background), all at the same time. The result is a dizzying amount of sound, and it's quite immersive at that. Very nice.



The controller is identical to the much-loved controller S, minus the black and white buttons, which are replaced with extra buttons right above the triggers. Everything works well, and the joystick feel is identical, which is very good. The controller feels natural, and if you know your way around with a controller S then you'll have no problems.



I was impressed with the 360. That aside, you'll be able to get the identical graphics with a high-end gaming computer (ie. Kirk's supercomputer). If you want to play Halo 3 and DOA 4, get the 360. Still, I would wait. 400 clams is a lot to drop for new console, and braving the mobs of people vying for one has to be hell. I'd use my discretion regarding the 360. DON'T LET THE HYPE GET TO YOUR HEAD! The 360 may be the future, but it isn't here until November 22. Even then, it isn't such a huge improvement over the first Xbox that you have to go out and buy the 360 immediately. The 360 is very good, and I can tell that great things are coming, but I don't have 400 bucks to blow on it. Now if any of you want to give me 400 dollars, I won't turn you down, but I'm not going to be out there 5 minutes into 11/22/05, shivering in the cold, lining up for the Xbox 360. Once again, if the very thought of seeing the Xbox 360's silver case in your room gives you a boner (or a metaphysical boner if you're a girl), take a cold shower and a deep breath. Don't give in to the massive amounts of hype. There's still life in the Xbox, enjoy it for now. And whatever you do,



DON'T SACRIFICE YOUR VIRGINITY TO MAKE 400 DOLLARS TO BUY ONE!



It's just not worth it.