Playing An Xbox 360 Live Game
Why Was The Xbox 360 Live Game So Different?
I am by no means a hard core gamer, but I have been around the block so to speak. I have played MMO’s, been in guilds and clans, done the whole FPS on line thing, but I can honestly say the most fun I had was playing an Xbox 360 live game. It was not that the experience was really different than any of the other things; it was how the whole thing came together.
First thing I noticed when getting into this Xbox 360 live game was that the games were pre set up by Microsoft. While you could set up and do a private game if you wanted to, the main matches were grouped and setup through your Xbox 360 live subscription. At first I was kind of annoyed at this, but after a couple of matches I started to realize that my opponents were at my level and it may for more competitive and engaging contests.
The next thing I noticed about the Xbox 360 live game was that you had to use a headset to play. This was absolutely a god send as every on my team was able to communicate and strategize. This made the games extremely intense and strategy was very important. I also like the fact that you could talk smack before and after the matches with the other team.
Lastly it was how quick and easy it was to find a game. Games went one after another after another and just chained on for the entire night. By the end I had raised a couple levels, learned most of the maps, and was taking on stronger competition. The experience was so immersive and fluid that I truly felt like I was in the game. The outside world slipped away as I blasted my opposition, and got blasted in turn. This was truly one of the most eye opening and fun gaming experiences I have ever had. If you have not tried an Xbox 360 live game and are leery of consoles games, you should give a shot because you truly do not know what you are missing.
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Do I Need An Xbox 360 Live Subscription?
Number One Reason For Getting An Xbox 360 Live Subscription
The first and most important reason is for online gaming. Yes there are other things that come with your Xbox 360 live subscription, but let’s not beat around the bush here – those are all fluff when compared to the wonderful world that is online gaming through your Xbox 360 live subscription. Microsoft has really hit a home run with this one as there are many aspects of the online gaming community found through the Xbox 360 that could make it the best around.
The first reason it is so good is because of how Microsoft handles its matchmaking. In any of the games you play through Xbox live you achieve goals and have a ranking. The live system gears its games to teams and players of like skill so that you can expect a reasonably good match. While this system is not always perfect and there will always be some abusers, it is far better than not having a system at all. I have been involved in way too many games that were just basically one side toying with and destroying the other that I do not want to ever experience that again and any system that attempts to prevent that is the right move in my mind.
Next up is the required head set communication. All the controllers have to have a headset to play so that you can communicate with your teammates. How well they well that is a different story, but the vast majority of players have solid working headsets and this makes for incredibly coordinated and competitive matches.
Lastly is how Xbox keeps track of all your records and statistics in the game. Through this system you also have access to hundreds of replays and can store your best kills and races to enjoy for years on end.
As you can see there are many reasons to pick up and Xbox 360 live subscription, so go out there and get gaming.
Learning About the Xbox 360
The Details
The Xbox 360 was developed in cooperation with IBM, ATI, and SiS. The integrated Xbox Live service allows players to compete online and download content such as arcade games, game demos, trailers and more.
There are actually a few different configurations of the Xbox 360 available, including the Xbox 360 Core which was an entry level Xbox 360 that was later replaced by the Arcade. Then there is also the Premium or Pro which includes all of the features of the Core and includes a hybrid composite and component cable with optional optical cut instead of a composite cable.
Games
One of the best things about this video game is the multitude of terrific games that are available for it. There are literally hundreds of different games that you can choose from, and this includes Absolute: Blazing Infinity, America’s Army: True Soldiers, Amped 3, APB, Armored Core 4, Beyond Good & Evil 2, Big Bumpin’, Bionic Commando, Bionicle Heroes, BioShock, and Beijing 2008, just to name a few.
The bottom line is that the Xbox 360 is one of the most popular and enjoyable video game consoles out there today, and so if you are interested in getting a video game for yourself, the Xbox 360 is one that you should definitely consider.
You can purchase the video game through the Xbox Company and the hundreds of retailers out there that offer the Microsoft products. The prices are constantly dropping on video game consoles, so make sure that you keep checking back if you want to get the lowest price possible.
It is a very easy game to use and one that is widely available, so no matter where you go to shop for it, it should be in stock. Just make sure that you check into the details if you decide to go somewhere to buy the game used, because of course if you are buying it used you can never really be sure of the condition it is in.
Buying used does not have to be a bad thing, but you want to make sure that you are aware of the return or refund policy.
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Shopping for an Xbox 360 System Online
Red Flag Deals
This is definitely one of the best places to check out if you want to get an Xbox 360 system for cheap. They offer some of the best deals around, so you can get your system for the lowest price and yet still be assured of its quality. There are always hot new deals being offered so make sure that you keep checking back to find out what they are offering.
Future Shop
Future Shop is another retailer that offers the Xbox 360 system. They are a superb company that you know you can trust in to offer you the best quality items for the lowest possible price. Not only do they offer the actual system but as well all the games you can imagine. Everything you need for your Xbox 360 you can find right here, and for an affordable price.
Best Buy
You may also want to check out Best Buy for an Xbox 360 system. They always keep it in stock even though it is one of their most popular video game consoles, and if you want the lowest prices you should definitely give them a look. They are known for being Canada’s fastest-growing specialty retailer and e-tailer of consumer electronics, personal computers and entertainment software and also operates the Geek Squad.
Keep in mind that these are just a few examples, and that because of the popularity of this video game console, you should be able to find it in any one of your local area video game stores. There are also a number of specialty stores that you can visit and which will offer you what you are looking for here.
The Xbox 360 is a video game that you will certainly not regret buying and one that is going to be well worth every penny spent. Of course, no one wants to spend any more than they have to on anything, so check out the companies mentioned here for the lowest prices.
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What is the Xbox 360 Core System?
Xbox 360 Core System
This game really sets a new pace for digital entertainment. It is much more than just a cutting-edge video game system, it is a whole new world that you have access to. It is much smaller than its predecessor, and is powered by a custom IBM PowerPC-based CPU with three symmetrical cores. It also carries a custom ATI customs graphics processor 10 MB or embedded DRAM.
The unit features a 12x dual-layer DVD-ROM drive and uses a refined button layout for its controllers which makes game play as easy and convenient for users as possible. This means that you can sit and play your video games for hours without your hands growing tired or cramped.
Included in the Core system is the Xbox 360 console, wired controller, detachable faceplate, Xbox Live Silver membership, and standard AV cables.
Xbox 360 Premium System
Both of these games – namely the Xbox 360 Core system are incredibly popular and it looks as though this popularity is only going to continue growing in the future. If you want to get the Xbox 360 Core system or other 360 console for yourself, you should be able to find what you are looking for at any of your local video game stores.
If you can’t find what you need there, you can always go through the Microsoft Company who is the creator and manufacturer of the Xbox series.
Also keep in mind that you are offered a certain amount of goods with your system, but there are many other tools and accessories that you can purchase as well, if you are interested. The best idea may be for you to take some time to get used to the game before buying anything additional for it. Especially if you have little to no experience with video games, it will be wise to wait and make additional purchases until you have more information and experience with the game and are more skilled at it and then spend more money.
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Where to go for an Xbox 360 Premium System
Before you go through any retailer to purchase an Xbox 360 Premium system it will be helpful for you to learn more about the video game console and what you are going to get included in your Xbox 360 Premium system package.
You will get the Xbox 360 console which features three powerful core processors that are poised to pack a punch, 20 GB hard drive which is detachable and which allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos and community-created content from the Xbox Live Marketplace.
You will also get a faceplace, and this removable faceplate comes in a few different stylish colors. There is a headset which will allow you to strategize with teammates or trash talk opponents while playing games on Xbox Live. You even get a Live Silver membership with which you are able to chat with friends online, send and receive voice and text messages, and access new content from Xbox Live Marketplace demos such as trailers and casual games from Xbox Live Arcade.
Walmart
Did you know that Walmart carries the Xbox line, including the Xbox 360 Premium system? If not you do now, and this is one retailer that you are surely going to want to check out for yourself. We all know how great of prices Walmart offers on a regular basis, and the same applies here to the Xbox systems.
The bottom line is that this is a fantastic video game console, one that is definitely worth trying for yourself. Keep in mind that the prices are constantly lowering on older video game consoles as newer versions take their place, and so you can wait even just a few months and the cost will drop dramatically.
You do always have the option of buying the game used, but you have to be very cautious if you decide to go this route because you can never really be too sure of the condition of the game if you are buying it used.
What Comes Included With the Microsoft Xbox 360 Core System
If you are planning on buying the system for yourself, you will want to be aware of all that is included with it, which will be discussed in detail here.
What You Get
You really get a ton of great goods when you purchase the Microsoft Xbox 360 Core system. You get the Xbox 360 console to start, which is the actual video game system. This is sexy styling that really packs a punch, and it can easily be considered as one of the most aesthetically appealing video game consoles out there today.
It is incredibly modern and funky looking, and perfect for both boys and girls. The best part of all is that you can leave it out and it is trendy enough that it does not stand out like a sore thumb in your existing home décor.
Besides the console, when you purchase the Microsoft Xbox 360 Core system you also receive a 20 GB hard drive which is detachable and which allows you to store games, music, downloaded trailers, demos and more. The wireless controller is another nice feature, and hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming features the Xbox Guide button for quick access to all your digital movies, music, and games libraries.
Continuing on, you will also get the faceplace and headset when you purchase the Microsoft Xbox 360 Core system. What’s even more, you will get a Live Silver membership with which you are able to chat with friends online and send and receive voice and text messages. There is also a 30-day trial of the Xbox Gold membership offered by after this specified time you will need to pay extra if you are interested in keeping the Gold membership.
Make sure that you talk to your family and friends, whoever you know that has an Xbox 360 system already, and they will be able to talk to you and ensure that you are aware of all your choices here. They can even help you by figuring out which games are going to be most suitable to you.
Important Information on the Microsoft Xbox 360 Premium System
What it is
The Microsoft Xbox 360 Premium system is a fantastic video game. It comes with a console, 20 GB hard drive that is detachable, and which allows gamers to store all of their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos and more. This is a very favorable feature because it ensures that even if a couple years down the road you decide to get a larger hard drive you can easily carry over your information from the old one.
You will also get a Live Silver membership when you purchase this video game console, and a removable face plate and headset.
These are just to give you a couple of ideas in terms of what is out there, and really, due to the intense popularity of this video game, there are literally hundreds of different Xbox products and accessories out there to choose from.
Where to Buy
Just make sure that you take the proper precautions if you do decide to purchase your Microsoft Xbox 360 Premium system online. That is because there are many more dangers lurking online, and so especially when it comes to giving out your personal information such as your credit card number you should be very careful.
You should always look for the symbol of a locked key on the page of the business, to ensure that they are legal, know what they are doing, and that your personal information is going to be privacy protected and not end up floating out there in cyber space.
More than anything you are going to want to make sure that you take your time and choose the right configuration of Xbox 360 system. After all the Premium is certainly not the only option, and so you will need to take a bit of time to figure out which you like best and which is going to be best suited to you and spend your money most wisely.
The Brains Behind the Business: Xbox 360 Pro System
System
You will receive quite a few items when you purchase the Xbox 360 Pro system and this includes the console which features three powerful core processors that are poised to pump out 720p/10801i output, 16 x 9 cinematic aspect ratio and full surround sound and DVD playback.
Also included with the Xbox 360 Pro system is the wireless controller which makes gaming as easy and convenient as possible. This way you don’t have to worry about extra cables or wires hanging around and you can have hassle-free high performance precision wireless gaming features the Xbox guide button for quick access to digital movies, music and games libraries as well as a range and battery life of up to 30 feet.
Games
Another of the best features of the Xbox 360 Pro system is that there are so many different games. No matter what type of gamer you are, you want to ensure that there are fun games for you to play so that you will not grow bored and will always have new challenges.
There are tons of options when it comes to finding an Xbox 360 game, and if you want a few examples, here are some: Lost Odyssey, Lost Planet Extreme Condition Colonies Edition, Madden NFL 08, Saints Row 2, DiRT, Disney Sing It, Devil May Cry 4, and Dynasty Warriors, just to give you a few examples.
Buying a video game console new is always the best idea but you do always have the option of buying the system used. However if you do choose to go this route you are going to want to make sure that you deal with only a reliable seller and that you are aware of the return or refund policy so that if you realize that it is not in the best condition you can bring it back or at least exchange it.
The Xbox 360 is definitely one console that you will not regret buying because it is so much fun and these days so affordable.
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Xbox 360 Games on Consoles and PCs
Blockbuster Titles
The biggest Xbox 360 games have sold millions already, and they will most likely continue to sell millions in the months and years to come. Video games like Grand Theft Auto IV, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and Halo 3 have all sold tremendously well on the Xbox 360. However, there are still many big titles to come. Some of the biggest upcoming Xbox 360 games include Fallout 3, Halo Wars, and Civilization Revolution. Gamers will be able to choose from strategy, fighting, shooting, and roleplaying games, and the selection of Xbox 360 games is bound to grow.
With hundreds of Xbox 360 games to choose from, gamers can experience 1080i grahics on their high definition televisions and high fidelity surround sound audio. Unfortunately, the HD-DVD optical disc format is now extinct, so gamers on the on the Xbox 360 will be stuck with normal DVDs. Of course, side by side comparisons clearly show Xbox 360 grahics to be superior to those of its nearest competitor, the Playstation 3, even without the extra storage capacity found in Blu-ray discs. With better graphics and a cheaper price tag, what more could gamers ask for?
With so many Xbox 360 games already available and more coming out each year, gamers will find their experience with the Xbox 360 to always be exciting. All of the big genres are covered, even strategy games which have traditionally been a bastion of PC gaming. However, Microsoft develops both the Xbox platform and Windows, so gamers can expect a lot of crossover titles between the two platforms. For example, Xbox 360 games such as Bioshock, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and Gears of War all appear on the PC as well. This allows gamers with incredibly fast PCs to experience even more amazing graphics, which all gamers can have affordable gameplay with the Xbox 360 console.
Still Next-Gen After Two Years with Xbox 360 Video Games
Only a Few Exclusives
The biggest problem for many gamers about the Xbox 360 is that it only has a few exclusive Xbox 360 video game titles. Big titles like Grand Theft Auto IV and Bioshock have all come out on different platforms. Exclusive titles like the Playstation 3's Metal Gear Solid 4 are big reasons why gamers might choose one platform over another. A recent example of the effects of exclusive titles came with Square Enix's announcement that their upcoming game Final Fantasy XIII will no longer be a Playstation 3 exclusive. As Final Fantasy XIII will now be coming out also as an Xbox 360 video game, many gamers who might have purchased a Playstation 3 may decide to go with the Xbox 360 instead.
Shooter fans are bound to love Halo 3 and Gears of War, while RPG gamers are not left out in the cold with Xbox 360 video games. The RPG enthusiast will find Fable 2 and Age of Conan to their liking. Other big titles like Call of Duty 4, Mass Effect, and Bioshock will appeal to a large variety of players. To be able to play these games though, gamers will need an Xbox 360 game system. The current 20 Gb model is being sold at $300, while the new 60 Gb vesion will once again cost $350 (what the 20 Gb model cost until recently). With the system, gamers will be able to experience Xbox 360 video games in full HD 1080i (with support for 1080p). That's the absolute best that gamers can ask for with the current generation of televisions, although computer monitors are capable of displaying slightly higher resolutions.
If you're a gamer who has held off on buying consoles because of a lack of titles, all of the Xbox 360 video games available today (let alone what will be available a year from now) should be more than enough to convince even the hardest of critics to purchase the console. What they will get for $350 is the most grahically intensive video game console experience. With hundreds of titles to choose from, any gamer will be pleased with the extensive game selection.
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Still Next-Gen After Two Years with Xbox 360 Video Games
Only a Few Exclusives
The biggest problem for many gamers about the Xbox 360 is that it only has a few exclusive Xbox 360 video game titles. Big titles like Grand Theft Auto IV and Bioshock have all come out on different platforms. Exclusive titles like the Playstation 3's Metal Gear Solid 4 are big reasons why gamers might choose one platform over another. A recent example of the effects of exclusive titles came with Square Enix's announcement that their upcoming game Final Fantasy XIII will no longer be a Playstation 3 exclusive. As Final Fantasy XIII will now be coming out also as an Xbox 360 video game, many gamers who might have purchased a Playstation 3 may decide to go with the Xbox 360 instead.
Shooter fans are bound to love Halo 3 and Gears of War, while RPG gamers are not left out in the cold with Xbox 360 video games. The RPG enthusiast will find Fable 2 and Age of Conan to their liking. Other big titles like Call of Duty 4, Mass Effect, and Bioshock will appeal to a large variety of players. To be able to play these games though, gamers will need an Xbox 360 game system. The current 20 Gb model is being sold at $300, while the new 60 Gb vesion will once again cost $350 (what the 20 Gb model cost until recently). With the system, gamers will be able to experience Xbox 360 video games in full HD 1080i (with support for 1080p). That's the absolute best that gamers can ask for with the current generation of televisions, although computer monitors are capable of displaying slightly higher resolutions.
If you're a gamer who has held off on buying consoles because of a lack of titles, all of the Xbox 360 video games available today (let alone what will be available a year from now) should be more than enough to convince even the hardest of critics to purchase the console. What they will get for $350 is the most grahically intensive video game console experience. With hundreds of titles to choose from, any gamer will be pleased with the extensive game selection.
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Get the Most Next Gen Titles with the Xbox 360 Game System
One Drawback
With the next generation home video format at a close, the HD-DVD format favored by the Xbox 360 game system is now defunct. That means that as of July 2008, the Xbox 360 is still incapable of HD movie playback, while the Playstation 3 has Blu-ray support right out of the box. However, there may be a Blu-ray drive add-on for the Xbox 360 game system in the future (it's still up in the air), and the Xbox 360 is substantially cheaper than the Playstation 3. Forgetting about next gen movie formats for a bit, the Xbox 360 video game system is also capable of playing normal DVDs, which most people have anyway.
With its built-in hard drive, the Xbox 360 is capable of storing music, and network features allow users to connect to the Internet. If that isn't enticing enough from a home entertainment standpoint, the Xbox 360 game system will also have Netflix support, so users can rent movies (temporarily downloading them) onto the 60 Gb version. PC users already get to download movies off of Netflix, so this move is just a natural extension of that service.
Ultimately, the Xbox 360 game system is about – you guessed it – games. That's where the console gained fame, and that's where the console will continue to thrive. Big titles like Fallout 3, Gears of War 2, Halo Wars, and Grand Theft Auto IV will propel the console into new tiers of popularity. Not all games appeal to everyone, but the sheer number available means that gamers of all types will find many games to enjoy on the Xbox 360 game system. The current price for a 20 Gb model has been slashed to $300 in anticipation of the 60 Gb model, which will cost $350. When you take into account the sheer value that you get in one package - the biggest and best library of video games today, movies, Netflix, music, and the Internet - $300 is an incredible bargain. Because it's been out several years, the Xbox 360 game system is in wide availability, and you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a console.
Cheap but Powerful Xbox 360 Video Game Systems
While features like movie and music playback and Internet access have made the Xbox 360 video game system ideal for all home entertainment purposes, its staple source of entertainment is in video games. Some of the biggest titles on the Xbox 360 are listed below, but you must understand that there are literally hundreds more to choose from. RPG fans will delight in the Xbox 360 video game system because they get to choose from the likes of Mass Effect and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Shooter fans will love Call of Duty 4 and Gears of War, while any type of gamer will love Grand Theft Auto IV and Fallout 3. The game library for the Xbox 360 video game system is already very large and complete, but there will be hundreds of additions to it over the years.
A Cheaper Alternative
If paying $50 or more for a video game does not sound too appealing to you, then you can choose to rent Xbox 360 games. The new business model has consumers paying a small monthly fee in exchange for renting the largest selection of games available, from just released blockbusters to obscure games from ten years ago. For $10 or $15 a month, gamers can rent games for as long as they like without any late fees. This is a smart alternative to buying expensive games, because gamers often only finish games once (if at all), and much of their $50 or $60 purchase goes to waste. Of course, renting games isn't exclusive to the Xbox 360 video game system, and PS3, Wii, and PC gamers can all rent video games for much cheaper than it would cost to purchase them.
If you're interested in purchasing a next generation console, then the Xbox 360 video game system combines a great price with a grest selection of games and incredible graphics. There is simply no better value on the market today, although the Nintendo Wii has a number of exclusive titles which may appeal different gamers. The 20 Gb model goes for $300 (down from $350) in favor of the new 60 Gb model (with support for Netflix), which will replace the 20 Gb model at $350.
Save Money and Rent Xbox 360 Games
Ten to Fifteen Percent
If gamers expect to play through video games in any reasonable amount of time, then renting Xbox 360 games is the smartest choice that they can make. When you rent Xbox 360 games, you are effectively only paying ten to fifteen percent of the retail cost of the game itself. For the sake of argument, let's say that you beat a game within two weeks. That is probably longer for some and shorter for others, but it is reasonable. Therefore, a $10 monthly fee will in effect have you paying only $5 to play through the game when it costs $50 to $60 in stores. Renting Xbox 360 games is simply the smartest choice that gamers can make with such expensive games.
However, there are other ways than renting Xbox 360 games to save money while playing the most popular games. Discount Xbox 360 games can also save gamers a lot of money. Many titles that are 18 months old or older are in the $30-$40 range, while used games can also save $10 or $20. Many folks might not want to buy used, but most gamers take excellent care of their game discs. If you're wary of this option, simply ask the reseller if you are allowed to examine the disc before purchasing. If the game turns out to not work, then you can always return it (probably not for a refund, but for a replacement of the same game). Nowadays, it is also common to find “classic” titles that are on sale for roughly half of what they used to cost, and these games are great choices for newcomers in the console market to start gaming at little cost to themselves.
Still, none of those options are as cheap as renting Xbox 360 games, unless a gamer would take six months or more to complete a game (high unlikely as most games only take 20 to 30 hours or so of game time to complete). Some gamers really do love to own the games they play, and sometimes you can pick up collector's editions of games with bonus materials to pore over. However, most people will be content to play through the game once or twice and save a ton of money in the process.
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Waiting to Save with Discount Xbox 360 Games
Different Methods
Getting discount Xbox 360 games through renting is pretty self explanatory. Many online services charge a monthly fee in exchange for letting users rent games for as long as they desire. Brick and mortar stores like Blockbuster charge by the game and have late fees, but you can spend less on renting games if you complete them more quickly. Online discount Xbox 360 game renting services are most like Netflix in their business model.
Buying used is another great way to get discount Xbox 360 games. Often, you can purchase these games within weeks of new releases, as gamers quickly exchange them for a significant portion of their retail value. At first, this will only save you about five or ten dollars as demand remains high, but they will drop to a fraction of their original price as demand falls. Used games are a safe bet, although many people have a stigma about them. They don't feel that they can trust the quality of the game discs, but the truth is that most gamers take great care of their video games. In fact, resellers will refuse to purchase faulty equipment and video games, so you can rest assured that used discount Xbox 360 games will work as intended, or you will always be able to return them for replacement copies.
Lastly, most 360 games become discount Xbox 360 games over time anyway. It's not uncommon to find games that are at least 18 months old to cost just half of what they did originally. Purchasing older games is another great way to save money. There are some fantastic titles like The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion which have fallen in price because of their relative age to other Xbox 360 titles. If you absolutely must purchase some of the upcoming Xbox 360 games like Fallout 3 when they launch, then by all means, go right ahead. However, you will end up paying more, and for any games that can wait, waiting for several months really opens up the options for discount Xbox 360 games.
A Strong Game Library with Upcoming Games for the Xbox 360
Big and Popular Titles
There are more popular upcoming games for Xbox 360 than for any other console. Recently, Square Enix announced that Final Fantasy XIII would no longer be a Playstation 3 exclusive title and that it would be shipped for the Xbox 360 as well. Such a move is indicative of the Xbox 360's popularity, and it ensures that Xbox 360 owners will be well stocked with games for as long as they own the console. To have a new Final Fantasy game come out for a non Playstation console is a huge move, as the past six titles have been released on the Playstation and Playstation 2 consoles only (with two ports for PC versions of FF7 and FF8).
Other blockbuster upcoming games for Xbox 360 include such titles as Rock Band 2, Halo Wars, Gears of War 2, Fallout 3, and Fable 2. In fact, the only area in which upcoming games for Xbox 360 are lacking is the strategy market, which is traditionally a well performing segment of the PC games market, but 360 owners will still be able to look forward to Halo Wars and Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution. All of the big genres are being covered in 2008 and 2009, fleshing out an already strong Xbox 360 game library consisting of Grand Theft Auto 4, Halo 3, and Call of Duty 4.
If you're bored with your current games and are looking for some exciting new games to play, 2008 and 2009 will be great years for upcoming games for Xbox 360. However, there is always the extra chance that some low flying titles will turn out to be excellent, such as the relatively new PC game Sins of a Solar Empire, which flew under the radar until its release, when it became a blockbuster strategy title. With huge titles like Age of Conan on the horizon, Xbox 360 owners have every reason to be excited for upcoming games for Xbox 360 in the next two years.
Impressive Selection of Xbox 360 Console Games and Accessories
Basic Tips
If you are considering purchasing an Xbox 360 console, then you need to take a few minutes to consider how you'll be using it. If you have a high definition television, then you'll want to pick up HDMI or component cables to get 720p or higher graphics. The standard composite cables don't produce great resolutions, so you'll want to chip in for the better cables. Also, you may want to pick up an extra controller or two so that your friends can play with you in games that have multiplayer or co-op modes. To ensure that you never need to replace the batteries, consider purchasing a charging station for your Xbox 360 console. When you're done playing for the day, simply place the batteries into the charging station so that they will be fully charged the next day.
Of course, you'll need to purchase games to be able to enjoy the Xbox 360 console at all. If you are just starting out, then you can pick up classics like The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion at a great discount. There's no need to rush out and pick up the absolute newest games immediately because there are many classics that you ought to enoy first. On the subject of games, the Xbox 360 console has a number of exclusives, and most of the popular games (except for Metal Gear Solid 4 and Super Smash Bros. Brawl, for example) are available for the Xbox 360 as well. Recently, Square Enix announced that its upcoming title, Final Fantasy XIII, will also be released for the Xbox 360 instead of just for the Playstation 3.
If you're the kind of gamer that wants to enjoy the game in your own way, then there are many available cheats for Xbox 360. Most games include support for cheats right out of the box, so you can easily turn on invincibility or unlimited ammo and blaze through the game. Cheats are all about giving gamers options for enjoying their games. While most games are perfectly fun to play through as the developers intended, some are just fun to go crazy with. With so many great games and accessories available, all at a great price, the Xbox 360 console is the console of choice for serious gamers.
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Cheats for Xbox 360 Help You Breeze Through Games
Unlockables and Codes
Cheats for Xbox 360 fall primarily into two categories: unlockables and cheat codes. The first occurs when you successfully complete challenges inside the game. For example, beating the game on different difficulty levels might unlock secret levels or new weapons. However, these types of cheats are usually aesthetic and don't really help you succeed in games. Most gamers do not have any problem with using unlockables while playing. However, many have a stigma about using cheat codes for Xbox 360. That's because many gamers feel that the developers did not intend for players to use those types of cheats to enoy the game. However, the truth of the matter is that game developers had to put those codes into the game in the first place, so they were merely letting players have the option of using them. These types of cheats for Xbox 360 generally help the player in substantial ways, from bestowing unlimited amounts of ammo to invulnerability.
Unlockable cheats for Xbox 360 can generally be easily enabled in the game, while cheat codes require players to press buttons in a certain order. Cheat codes can be fun to use, and if you are a casual gamer who is having too difficult a time on a particular boss, cheat codes can mean the difference between progressing in the game and being frustrated and stuck in a certain area. There is absolutely no reason why you should let yourself be stuck on one boss in a game, and cheats for Xbox 360 ensure that you never have to.
To enjoy Microsoft's huge game library for the 360, you will of course need the Microsoft Xbox 360 console first. The 20 Gb model is on sale for $300 while the new 60 Gb model is going for $350. You can often get great deals on accessories and games if you choose to purchase the console in a bundled deal, which can net you savings of $50 or more. If you want to enjoy games in your own style, then you can turn to cheats for Xbox 360 for endless possibilities.
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Still Going Strong with the Microsoft Xbox 360 Console
Movies, Music, and Much More
The Microsoft Xbox 360 console combines the best in home entertainment into one sleek package. Networking capabilities right out of the box make it a snap to take online, and you can start playing games with your friends within minutes. However, the Microsoft Xbox 360 console is also capable of playing standard DVDs, so you can toss out your old DVD player if you'd like your home entertainment area to be less cluttered. Also, it's perfect for playing audio CDs, increasing its versatility and use even further.
However, you're probably looking at the Microsoft Xbox 360 console for an entirely different reason than to watch movies or listen to music. You want to play games! And of games there are plenty to choose from: Grand Theft Auto IV, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and Halo 3 to name a few, and there are hundreds of fun titles to choose from. One of the primary complaints about the original Xbox was that it simply didn't have the game selection of its competitors, and the Microsoft Xbox 360 console addressed that concern by being flooded with great titles from popular game developers.
If $300 still sounds too pricey for you, then you can choose to purchase the Xbox 360 core console, saving you a significant amount off the premium version. Of course, you can always choose to buy used consoles, which are tested to ensure their reliability by resellers. The core version doesn't include a hard drive, but you can always purchase an external hard drive later to hook up to it. There is absolutely no reason to go out and purchase a CD player and a DVD player when you can just go ahead and purchase the Microsoft Xbox 360 console. Not only will it cover all of your home entertainment needs, but you'll also be able to choose from the largest selection of next gen titles available.
More than Enough with the Xbox 360 Core Console
No Hard Drive, No Problem
The Xbox 360 core console lacks an internal hard drive, but it still has enough memory to save games, which is the most important feature of internal memory on game consoles anyway. Gone are the days of memory cards, and you never have to worry about losing or breaking all of your saved games. By giving up the 20 Gb of hard drive space found in the premium console model, you'll be saving $50. Combine that with the fact that you can easily purchase an external hard drive separately, and you can easily see why it makes sense to go with the Xbox 360 core console instead. If you think you'll miss the 20 Gb of hard drive space, you can buy an 80 Gb external hard drive for the same price.
There are so many great titles available for the Xbox 360 game console that you're really missing out on some really fun experiences if you don't own one. The Xbox 360 core console plays all the same games and produces the same fantastic graphics, and you'll be saving $50 over the more expensive version while you're at it. One of the bigger downsides of the Xbox 360 core console is becoming apparent because the new 60 Gb Xbox 360 models have Netflix support, something you will miss out on. Still, if you are content to watch movies on your PC or have them shipped to you, then this won't be a problem for you at all.
If you've looked forward to games like Grand Theft Auto 4 and Halo 3, then now is the time to go purchase an Xbox 360 core console. It has all of the necessary features to let you play the games you want, and those 720p and better graphics look great on HDTVs. If $250 is still too much for you, then you can always check out refurbished consoles for even greater savings.
Cheaper but Better with the Xbox 360 Game Console
The Price to Performance Ratio
The Wii may be the cheapest console on the market right now, but it lacks the graphical capabilities and blockbuster game selection that the Xbox 360 game console enjoys. Add to that the fact that you can purchase the base model of the Xbox 360, or arcade version, for about the price of the Wii, and the only reason that you might want to opt for the Wii would be for some great titles like Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Resident Evil 4. However, there are many more games not available for the Wii than for it, so the choice comes down to your taste in games. The Playstation 3 is comparable to the Xbox 360 game console in terms of graphics, although its game selection is even worse than the Wii's. Most of the games available for the Playstation 3 are also available for the Xbox 360, one of the most notable exceptions being Metal Gear Solid 4. One of the primary reasons to pick up the Playstation 3 is for its BD drive capable of playing next-generation Blu-ray discs, but this is more appealing for the high definition movies than for the games.
If you want to get the full package, then turn to the Xbox 360 premium console. You'll pay $50 more, but you'll receive Netflix support, backwards compatibility with most original Xbox games, and a decent 60 Gb hard drive. Netflix will allow you to rent movies by downloading them to the hard drive, and then you can watch them over the course of a few days on your own time. With the Xbox 360's DVD playback, audio CD, and Internet capabilities, you'll find that the Xbox 360 game console is a home theater in a single package. With the largest game selection out of all of the next gen systems and the best graphics short of multi-thousand dollar PCs, the Xbox 360 game console is the best value for its price between the Wii and Playstation 3.
Every Feature with the Xbox 360 Premium Console
In fact, the only type of machine capable of producing better graphics is the PC. However, an Xbox 360 equivalent PC would cost several hundred dollars more. Each system is developed by Microsoft, so there is a lot of crossover between the two platforms. However, blockbuster titles usually come out on the Xbox 360 first, like Gears of War and Mass Effect. However, the PC has some big titles of its own that can't be found for the 360, like Company of Heroes and Supreme Commander. If you already own a pretty capable PC, you might want to hold off on purchasing an Xbox 360 premium console if simply for the fact that most of the big games have come out on the PC anyway.
An Impressive List of Features
If you've ever looked at 1080p graphics, then you know that you simply cannot go back to old standard definition TVs. The Xbox 360 premium console has support for 1080p, although many gamers play at 720p or 1080i, which are both much better than standard definition TVs. With support for all Xbox 360 titles and most original Xbox games, you'll be able to play games all day, everyday. However, you may not want to shoulder the $450 price tag of the Xbox 360 premium console. Fortunately, there are a few alternatives to help you save a good portion of that price tag.
An Xbox 360 console bundle combines an Xbox 360 with some extra goodies, like an extra controller or free game. A bundle can help you get gaming right away at a large discount. Other alternatives are to purchase the arcade or standard versions of the Xbox 360, which can cost as little as $250. Also, refurbished Xbox 360s can give you huge discounts, shaving off half the retail price of a new Xbox 360 or even more. While there are various ways to save money on the Xbox 360, the most useful version is still the Xbox 360 premium console.
Extra Goodies with an Xbox 360 Console Bundle
Save Big with a Bundle
An Xbox 360 console bundle most commonly includes extra goodies along these lines: an extra controller, game, and other accessory, like a charging station. While the bundle will cost slightly more than an Xbox 360 by itself, you'll still be saving lots of money when you purchase the bundle. A bundle might run for $335 or so, while the cost of the items sold separately would run you at least $400. The Xbox 360 console bundle helps you save money on accessories and games that you'll want to purchase anyway, so it just makes sense to get a bundle instead of buying everything separately.
Also, Xbox 360 console bundles help you set up your Xbox 360 live account, often giving you some free play time (for a few weeks or a month). Millions of players enjoy Xbox Live, and they use their accounts for most multiplayer games. Also, their Live accounts keep track on in-game accomplishments, which they can retain indefinitely. Even if you enjoy single player and single player alone, that free game will help you get started off with big savings, and the charging station will mean that you'll never have to replace your controllers' batteries.
Many stores are promoting Xbox 360 console bundles now to help sell consoles. The Xbox 360 was released in November 2005, making it over two and a half years old now. Because most people who really want an Xbox 360 already own one, stores sell them more cheaply than normal to help drive sales among undecided gamers. When they sell Xbox 360 console bundles at great discounts, you save lots of money. At launch, the Xbox 360 and all the extras featured in Xbox 360 console bundles would have cost in excess of five or six hundred dollars, but now they can be yours for just a little over three hundred dollars. With a single purchase, you can defeat boredom over the next few years.
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