Hard Light Productions Forums
Off-Topic Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: Scuddie on November 23, 2005, 10:31:15 pm
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Granted I did not use or play the original XBOX, I decided to go into my local gamestop to try out the X360 on display, for comparison to the PS2. Granted most of you have read reviews like this, I'm going to post it anyway.
The first thing I noticed about it was the controller. I have to say that it was very akward to use. the d-pad and left analog stick were switched. This is a big red flag. Also, I think this was the case as well with the XBOX, but the buttons were primarily color coded on the controller, while they were primarily letter coded on screen. Another big no-no. What finally made me decide that the controller sucked was the shoulder buttons. The primary set is a flat style button like the ones on a PS2, and the rear set is a trigger-like style, kind of like the Z button on an N64 controller. Made for a very confusing setup. Also, plain white controller FTL.
Now onto the gameplay. I had the benefit of having a miserable 2 playable demos, and 8 trailers. Not really representing of what this console can do. The TV I played it on was a 17.2" widescreen LCD TV. The colors were nice and vibrant, reminded me of the Dreamcast.... But then again, that could have been the LCD talking. The first demo I played was Kameo. The controller problems mentioned above made this game nearly unplayable. The picture quality was not that great, it looked like a third generation PS2 game (think Soul Calibur 2). I spent two minutes before moving on. The other one was either Socom 2, or Splinter Cell 3... Cant remember which one. The eyecandy was outstanding. I was very impressed with the presentation of this game. However, it had that 'You must shoot the enemy 8 times in the head with your magical crosshair' feeling to it. I blame the genre for that, though.
As far as capabilities went, there was absolutely no lag, merged frames, or choppiness. Sound response was immediate, also without problems. I went into the 'dashboard' as some people called it, and it seemed very neat and simple. A little limiting, but I thought it was OK. Gamestop didn't have connection to Live, so I can't comment on that. It genuinely felt like a next-gen console. I was not expecting for it to look and sound this good, but even then, it was still overhyped.
Anyway, I left the store with mixed feelings. I thought the hardware was great, but the control of it was not up to par. I am also not happy with the fact I'll have to wait until February before it becomes commonly available. Hopefully by then they'll have a real controller and capabilities for a custom UI... And there had damn well better be more than two demos...
So if choice came today whether to buy it or not, I couldn't answer.
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:lol: the controllers were awkward he says... you haven't used the original Xbox "brick" controller, then :p
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/Turnsky/The%20Pad/DSC00556.jpg)
original controller in hand, Controller s next to in, the 360's controller is based off the S's design.
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I actually love that contoller s config
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So do I. I haven't yet tried the new 360 controller, but if it's anything like the old s I'm pretty sure I will like it.
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The new X360 controller kicks arse. You'll put it in your hands, start the game and forget it's even there after learning all the controls. Then again, it can't please everyone... :rolleyes:
And what do you mean by custom UI? The current UI allows you to change the backrounds to custom pics from any USB source.
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One more thing about Kameo... The demo does a terrible job showing off the graphics in the game. Later, it gets MUCH better based off of what I have played courtesy of friends who have the game. Though, it really isn't my style of game at all.
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Personal preference, really. I find that inverse symmetry is a bad thing. I don't have two right hands, so I shouldn't have to use a controller made for it. If there's a way to use a PS2 controller on an X360, then that'd kick much ass.
But as they say, for each their own.
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i actually enjoyed the first gen xbox controller (The Brick).
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Well, nothing can beat the majesty of the GCN controller for that matter. The PS2 controller comes close, but Big N has a monopoly on excellent controller design...
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I actually loved the original controller, the big fat one. It felt so much more comfortable than the smaller one.
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How big are your hands, Goob? ;)
Here's the 360 controller, btw:
(http://www.xbox.com/NR/rdonlyres/FA43EEFA-BE46-4E4D-B62A-44B062D8A404/0/imgwirelesscontroller.jpg)
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I can't comment on the new one, but the original Xbox controller was possibly the worst design I've ever used. Uncomfortable to hold, bad control placement, and horrible analogue sticks. Any controller where you have to move your grip to reach some ofthe buttons is seriously lacking IMO...
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You must have been using the original controller. The s is soooo much better.
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I had a chance to test the new 360 today at a local store. The controller felt quite good and I quickly forgot about it and concentrated on the game, just the way it should be. Anyone who liked the small xbox controller should feel quite comfortable with the new one.
P.S. King Kong has the most awesome T-Rex ever seen on any game ;)
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I used to have a gamecube... OH MAN those were the best controllers... I originally played HALO with a Brick Xbox Controller and thats why I despise FPS on Xbox with brick controllers....
PS2's controllers are OKAY, but the button configuration is sketchy and they have to used shapes instead of numbers or letters! Im not an alien from mars! jeeze!
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GCN controllers were the best but the Controler S for X-Box is a fine controller as well. It took a bit to get used to but I'm now completely comfortable with it.
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Dualshock 2 FTW! Symmetrical analog sticks, 4 shoulder buttons, face and shoulder buttons are pressure sensitive (which, unfortunately I've only seen put to good use in MGS games). GC controller is nice as well and I can pretty much tolerate the controller S except for those black and white buttons. I don't know why, I just have this unfounded hatred for them; they should be another pair of shoulder buttons instead.
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The Dual Shock is my favourite, I have to say, though that's due in no small part to the fact that it's the one I'm most familiar with. I haven't used the GC pad as much, but it is very nice as well.
I'll have to hunt around and see if I can find a demo 360 to fiddle with...
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N64 is my favourite controller of all time. The PS2 one is a bit uncomfortable (largely IMO the sticks aren't well designed for up/down movement, but more left-right - probably belying their original design being for the great wash of PS1 driving games). I only briefly tried the GC - which was the best of that gen IMO - and the Xbox (too bulky, unergonomic).
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N64 is my favourite controller of all time.
Yes, but try using it for an extended period, or even strenuously. That thing, namely the Stick, would go straight to hell with any prolonged or intense use. I had a mate who rented Mario Party, got a few mates over, and had some pretty solid gaming. By the time his mates left, his controllers were literally unusable. Great design, but essentially disposable...
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Dualshock 2 FTW! Symmetrical analog sticks, 4 shoulder buttons, face and shoulder buttons are pressure sensitive (which, unfortunately I've only seen put to good use in MGS games). GC controller is nice as well and I can pretty much tolerate the controller S except for those black and white buttons. I don't know why, I just have this unfounded hatred for them; they should be another pair of shoulder buttons instead.
You should love the X360 controller then, seeing as it drops the black and white buttons for a pair of shoulder buttons. In my mind, the Xbox 360 controller is better than the Dualshock because of triggers, which are WAAAY better for racing/FPS games.
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N64 is my favourite controller of all time.
Yes, but try using it for an extended period, or even strenuously. That thing, namely the Stick, would go straight to hell with any prolonged or intense use. I had a mate who rented Mario Party, got a few mates over, and had some pretty solid gaming. By the time his mates left, his controllers were literally unusable. Great design, but essentially disposable...
Hmmm, they must have been really ruff with them, mine lasted thru years of Mario 64, Goldeneye and Smash bros, but still they would have been so much better with a anolog stick like the GCN.
I have the smaller X-box controller, And I like it pretty well.
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N64 is my favourite controller of all time.
Yes, but try using it for an extended period, or even strenuously. That thing, namely the Stick, would go straight to hell with any prolonged or intense use. I had a mate who rented Mario Party, got a few mates over, and had some pretty solid gaming. By the time his mates left, his controllers were literally unusable. Great design, but essentially disposable...
How hard did they slam the buttons and jam the analog sticks?
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I had a chance to test the new 360 today at a local store. The controller felt quite good and I quickly forgot about it and concentrated on the game, just the way it should be. Anyone who liked the small xbox controller should feel quite comfortable with the new one.
P.S. King Kong has the most awesome T-Rex ever seen on any game ;)
Speaking of which...
How the hell do you "distract" the rex? I tried running at him and pummeling but he ate me up like a good meal. :D Can you pick up anything to use anywhere?
And BTW, King Kong (X360) does RAIN and WET very well.
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The other one was either Socom 2, or Splinter Cell 3... Cant remember which one. The eyecandy was outstanding. I was very impressed with the presentation of this game. However, it had that 'You must shoot the enemy 8 times in the head with your magical crosshair' feeling to it. I blame the genre for that, though.
- Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
"you must shoot the enemy 8 times in the head with your magical crosshair" Sounds like SC to me.
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True that triggers are beneficial, I think the placement of them is somewhat flawed. The trigger is right behind the button, which is a big problem for people with big hands like me. The trigger kept getting in the way when I was trying to press the undersized button. The inversely symmetrical controls may be easy once you get used to it, but to me, it's equivalent to learning to write with my left hand. Anyway, the reason why the PSX controllers are colored symbols instead of letters, is because of the fact that it stimulates a different part of the brain, which is more recognisable. I remember my SNES being more oriented with the layout of the buttons, rather than the labeling of them. I knew by heart where the X, triangle, square, and circle buttons were two weeks after I got my PS2, and when I was in my SNES days, I always had to think of it for a bit if the buttons were referred by letter (with the exception of L and R buttons).
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Turnsky, are those controllers on a big pancake?
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Turnsky, are those controllers on a big pancake?
a....pancake? :wtf: dude, that's the carpet that lines my bedroom floor, it's older than me!
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N64 is my favourite controller of all time.
Yes, but try using it for an extended period, or even strenuously. That thing, namely the Stick, would go straight to hell with any prolonged or intense use. I had a mate who rented Mario Party, got a few mates over, and had some pretty solid gaming. By the time his mates left, his controllers were literally unusable. Great design, but essentially disposable...
What, you think I didn't play the absolute arse off the N64 when I had it? I had ISS98, Zelda and Goldeneye! Never had any problem; in fact, other than my brother spilling beer on one, the most reliable and robust controllers I've had.
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Speaking of which...
How the hell do you "distract" the rex? I tried running at him and pummeling but he ate me up like a good meal. :D Can you pick up anything to use anywhere?
Dunno, the lizard ate me too every time I tried to punch him to the leg :D
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The only reason i hate the n64 controller is the stick! After a few weeks It gets this white stuff inside and even when you clean it out it has a massive deadzone.
Gamecube Controller > *