"A great first try, but a lot more could be done."

Xbox is the newest competitor in the console "wars". It was made by Microsoft to compete with the Nintendo Gamecube and the Sony Playstation2. Since this generation is almost over, it is not possible to ask if Xbox has a chance. Instead, analyzing how it did would be better. Personally, I think Xbox did great this generation, but if it's major problems can be fixed, Sony and their Playstation better watch out for Xbox 360.

DESIGN

UGH! One of the WORST console designs ever. The entire console is black. From the front, is the disc tray that comes out. On the front of the tray is "XBOX" in a strange font. In the middle is the gray open button, and under it is the tiny power button. The power light is around the open button. There are two controller slots on either side of these two buttons. Also not that to the left of the two buttons under the disc tray is a small little hole. If your tray won't open, sticking a pen or pencil tip, needle, or anything very fine will open the tray up manually. From the top is a green jewel circle in the middle(the logo on the original controller is jewel). Under the jewel is the Xbox font again. A solid X branches from the center circle. Between the prongs of the X, the area is ridged. There really isn't anything on either side of the console. On the bottom is a bunch of information. On the back is the AV port, AC adapter port, and the modem adapter port.

3/10

CONTROLLER

Not the best controller ever, but it works. Based on the "S" design, I can hold the controller with both of my hands. My left thumb goes over the control stick, and is used for the control stick, Back, Start, and the Dpad. The Dpad is the best pad of the three consoles. It is basically a lowered analog stick. My right thumb can go over either the 4 letter buttons (A, B, X, and Y), or the right control stick(used for camera and things like that). Wither way, I still use that thumb for the black, white, stick, and the letter buttons. My pointer fingers are for the two shoulder triggers.

8/10

FEATURES

Xbox has a lot of great things. It has a built in hard drive, thus eliminating the need for a memory card. This hard drive is very large, and will likely never run out. It can play DVDs if you buy an adapter and remote for it. Also, it can play audio CDs and you can burn them onto the Xbox. Some games even let you listen to these songs while playing a game. Depending on what drive you have(Thompson, Samsung, or Philips), you might be able to play burned CDs on the Xbox, but don't count on it. Xbox Live was created, an online service where games can be played online, and things can be downloaded(Halo 2 expansion pack for example). Xbox doesn't fail here.

10/10

GRAPHICS

W-W-W-W-Wow. Of the three consoles, Xbox EASILY has the advantage graphics wise. It's hard to look at games like Halo 2, Ninja Gaiden, Splinter Cell Chaos Theory, and Burnout 3 and not be amazed by the graphic capability of the Xbox. On an ordinary TV, they are extremely crisp and clear, and the opening scene when you turn the console on looks great. So if they're good on a ordinary TV, how would they look on a HD-TV? No failing here either.

10/10

SOUND

Great. Xbox supports dolby surround sound, which is a plus. I use regular TV speakers but it still sounds great. Lots of games have voice acting, and it sounds pretty good. Two of the best examples are Master Cheif's voice and Sam Fisher's voice. The music in some games (main menu theme for Halo/Halo 2, SC: CT music) is very good. Pass.

9/10

GAMES

Probably the worst part about Xbox is the games. Most of the good ones are M-rated, so don't buy this as a gift for your 5 year old. Halo and Halo 2 are probably the most recognized Xbox games(even though Halo 2 is WAY overrated.. Burnout 3 is excellent. Other well recognized games are Jade Empire, Ninja Gaiden, Knights of the old Republic 1 and 2, Star Wars: Republic Commando, and the Splinter Cell series(best on Xbox). Not very good for Xbox

5/10

PRICE

I got my Xbox for 150 US dollars. It comes with the AC adapter, video output cable, and a controller. Just about right where you want it.

9/10

For Microsoft's first entry into the gaming market, Xbox is good. However, there are a lot of things that can be improved on for Xbox 360, such as third party support, design, and more.

Final: 7/10

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 06/12/05