Pure Evil - 23 Hours, 50 minutes

[Evil Avatar]

Good Morning (And if I don't see you: Good Afternoon, Good Evening and Goodnight!)

With less than 24 hours to go until the official launch of Microsoft's Xbox 360 console system most would-be console gamers should be asking themselves,

What titles will I purchase on launch day?

Instead, it seems like most people are asking themselves,

Will I be assed out on launch day?

Microsoft's worldwide launch strategy will leave most gamers out in the cold on the 22nd, as people find out just how few systems each store is really getting. If you want an Xbox 360 before X-Mas I hope you have an Ebay account and around $900.00 in spare change lying around. Lets hope they can pull the rabbit out of the hat and get more systems on the shelves before Christmas.

My launch day titles will be: Perfect Dark Zero, Condemned: Criminal Origins, Quake 4 and Need for Speed: Most Wanted. I'm also planning on picking up King Kong as soon as it is available.

[Zanzibar]

I have to say, the most plausible explanation I can think of is that presell orders weren't capped off ANYWHERE NEAR where they should have been. I got my call from GameStop saying 'Microsoft didn't send us as many X360 units as expected,' but my question was 'expected by WHOM? MS or GameStop, or even the consumers?

I forget who posted it, but the question begs to be asked, is it possible that EBGames or GameStop just took as many preorders as they could - supply expectations be damned - in order to pocket the deposits and have more cash on hand for the fiscal quarter?

[The Iron Weasel]

I still have to save because I'm a stupid douche bag who can't manage money! (no smiley face, so you KNOW its true)

[Gamewatcher]

I have to say, I don't believe it will be all that difficult to get an Xbox 360 before Xmas, but launch day - well, how is it in the retail lines? I bet some of you are already there.

I'll be getting mine from EB Online whenever Fedex makes it by, even though my EB store order was placed a month earlier. But EB Online got 5,000 360s and I placed my order in the first hour.

On the other hand, my store only got 39 - that's down from 45 last week, which was down from 98, which was up from 75 when I ordered (I was 74, last I heard I'm 67)n which was up from the initial 40. Guess they should have stuck with their original projection!

So, games: PGR3 (two copies), Perfect Dark 0 LE (two copies), Call of Duty 2, Kameo, Amped 3 and Condemned for starters.

Accessories: An extra charge and play kit, a VGA adapter and an RCA audio converter so I can plug the RCA stereo audio cables into 3.5mm jack on my monitor when I take it to work next week. And probably a Microsoft Points card - unless the online offer is comparable.

Oh, and I ordered a replacement bulb for my rear-projection LCD TV in case the old one burns out - don't want to get stuck without one over the holidays!

[jacob.armitage]

i pre-orderd mine quite some time ago, just to be sure not to have any difficulty, i do believe that Microsoft made an error in doing a worldwide launch, and even they will admit this, but i think it says alot that they are standing by thier word, despite the bad press and lower regional sales.

im picking up Perfect Dark Zero, Kameo, Call of Duty 2, and an extra controller.

Planning on getting Condemned next.

[Harlan Hoyt]

I've got my Xbox 360 sitting at my parents' house, waiting for me. My father won one from the Mountain Dew contest. Sweet, sweet free 360. And I wasn't even planning on buying one for a year or so. Ah, yes, sweet, sweet Oblivion -- I can almost taste you.

[Heretic Machine]

All I can say is that after spending two days with this monster, I pity anyone who doesn't get one...

[Evil Avatar]

All I can say is that after spending two days with this monster, I pity anyone who doesn't get one...

What have you played?

I have only tried Perfect Dark Zero and I wasn't all that impressed.

[Heretic Machine]

What have you played?

I have only tried Perfect Dark Zero and I wasn't all that impressed.

My Profile (http://live.xbox.com/member/Screwdices)

On the subject of PDZ, did you play single-player only, or did you try out mutliplayer on Live? Because although I'm not real hot on the single-player, the multi-player has held me captive all friggin day.

[protojack]

Well I have Condemned and Call of Duty 2 on the shelf where the 360 will go on Tuesday, but that's it for now. I'll cross my fingers for copies of PD0 and an extra controller when I go pick it up.

Here's my EXCLUSIVE PRE-LAUNCH REVIEWS FOR THE CALL OF DUTY 2 AND CONDEMNED: CRIMINAL ORIGINS INSTRUCTION MANUALS:

8.5/10

[Evil Avatar]

My Profile (http://live.xbox.com/member/Screwdices)

On the subject of PDZ, did you play single-player only, or did you try out mutliplayer on Live? Because although I'm not real hot on the single-player, the multi-player has held me captive all friggin day.

I just tried out the first single player level. The first thing I noticed is that despite all the horsepower of the Xbox 360 - Rare forgot to turn on vsync, so when you move your head you get horrible tearing.

My Profile (http://live.xbox.com/member/Raptor Blue)

[Heretic Machine]

I just tried out the first single player level. The first thing I noticed is that despite all the horsepower of the Xbox 360 - Rare forgot to turn on vsync, so when you move your head you get horrible tearing.


I didn't really notice anything like that Evil <.<

[TrackZero]

I'm interested in getting a 360, however I don't have the cash for a 360 until after the launch, so there's no chance of me getting one until January at the earliest. Secondly, I've heard complaints about the fan noise being a little loud. I'm assuming this is the same as what it was on the original Xbox. So it's probably in my best interests to hold off until summer of next year when they work out the little issues and there will be more titles out to pick and choose from, at a lower price.

But hey, I'm all for the system and I can't wait to try it out.

[Heretic Machine]

I'm interested in getting a 360, however I don't have the cash for a 360 until after the launch, so there's no chance of me getting one until January at the earliest. Secondly, I've heard complaints about the fan noise being a little loud. I'm assuming this is the same as what it was on the original Xbox. So it's probably in my best interests to hold off until summer of next year when they work out the little issues and there will be more titles out to pick and choose from, at a lower price.

Well, I don't hear the fan right now... but I have mine sitting vertically. I've heard that sitting it horizontally makes it much hotter, and so that could affect the fan I suppose.

[regular mo]

I have an XBox360 pre-ordered from Canada along with:

-PGR3
-Extra Wireless Controller
-Play n Charge Kit
-An S-Video cable
+ I will be purchasing Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved over the XBox marketplace on day1, now that I know that the version included with PGR3 is only a demo (limited to 5 minute games).

Hopefully I will have it here in AU before XMas :rolleyes:

[Morratut]

/groan.

I can't imagine vsync type issues on a console game. I hope it aint as bad as my imagination.

I also hope the noise isn't worse than the xbox too.
:(

[HumpYourWay]

Every person who gets an XBox360 without PGR3 is an idiot. ;)

[HumpYourWay]

I just tried out the first single player level. The first thing I noticed is that despite all the horsepower of the Xbox 360 - Rare forgot to turn on vsync, so when you move your head you get horrible tearing.

My Profile (http://live.xbox.com/member/Raptor Blue)

Do you play on a HDTV? Tearing can also be a result of the tv because the picture processing is not handling hdtv resolutions fast enough. This also happens with flagship lcd or plasma products.

[CapnAJ]

I think I'll wait until next Christmas. There are bound to be loads of games available then.

[Captain Awesome]

I'll let you know what I think 12 months from now :D --> :(

[Noiz]

Microsoft's worldwide launch strategy will leave most gamers out in the cold on the 22nd, as people find out just how few systems each store is really getting. If you want an Xbox 360 before X-Mas I hope you have an Ebay account and around $900.00 in spare change lying around.

Comments like this assume that "most gamers" hail from the US of A, which just isn't true! For once a company is trying to do the right thing by the rest of the World's gamers and all the Americans do is whinge about it.

I for one applaud MS for trying to make this work. The machines are going to be in short supply for everyone on launch day, they always are (anyone remember the PS2 preorder system?) but everyone is at least getting a fair stab at the pie. Apart from the poor Aussies. :(

Everyone needs to remember that it's HIGHLY unlikely that the launch day quota will be it until after Christmas. It's much more likely that after the initial rush, there will be a steady supply of consoles flowing to all outlets.

Maybe next time you should just be quicker with the pre-ordering... :D

[Achilles]

My Profile (http://live.xbox.com/member/Screwdices)

On the subject of PDZ, did you play single-player only, or did you try out mutliplayer on Live? Because although I'm not real hot on the single-player, the multi-player has held me captive all friggin day.I notice you have a badge for Dark Opps Onslaught. What kind of game mode is that? I'm very curious about PDZ's multiplayer since you have such good thigns to say about it.

[KDups]

Well EB says I won't be getting one until early December, but I'm looking forward to the thing even just for Live! and Arcade. Who wants to play co-op Joust in a few weeks?

Oh new games, I'm getting Condemned and Kameo for sure, probably PDZ and Tiger Woods '06 as well. Skipped the last few years of Tiger so I need to upgrade. King Kong looks like a good one too.

Edit - BTW do those achievement points actually get you anything, or are they just for, uh, achievement?

[Rirath]

The question I was actually asking myself was:
"It's almost launch day?"

Oh well, wake me sometime 2006.

[VYPUR]

I have my FIRST BABY on the way so WAHOOOOO!!! So I am a broke ass so all I will be getting is Gotham on release date. Can't wait to play it on my SONY WEGA HD. Good luck to all you guys stalking at Wal-Mart.

[NeuroMan42]

I can only imagine the nightmare of the Midnight sales of tonight. Wally Mart, Best Buy, and EBs are open at Midnight here. I spoke to a few of the EB Managers and they are about 50+ machine short to remotely fill the Presells. LOL.

Doesn't bother me any as I could care less about the XBOX 360. I played it and for a Console the graphics are somewhat impressive, but compared to a PC it is a sad joke. I should go take pictures of the sad folks fighting over a peice of electronics. Ahahahahhahha.

[falcon]

If you already own NHL2K6 for the Xbox avoid the 360 version, you're paying $60 for a quicky goalie system and upgraded graphics that really don't improve the game that much (it's still a fun game but I'm wish I had picked something else up).

Condemned is pretty sweet (although it's the game you're going to notice the fans during since there are a lot of quiet times). Played this last night with the lights off in the house and on the big new 50" HDTV (big upgrade over the old WEGA) and surround sound and about jumped out of my skin on a few occasions.

This might be kind of sad but Geometry Wars Evolved is probably the game I'm playing the most though. Just sick fun (even if Bapenguin has about 3X my highest score right now on the leaderboards).

My profile (http://live.xbox.com/member/Falcon GN)

[NoName]

To all you people who get an xbox360 early on, I hate you :P. I maybe be brave enough to try storming walmart or best buy, but that sounds dangerous... being trampled and all.

Oh well, at least I have the new MMORPG beta I'm in which has me horribly horribly addicted o.0. (which is why I haven't been around lately, for the 2-3 people who might have noticed).

[Atorak]

I am definitely not getting my XBox 360 ANYTIME soon from GameStop. They called me late last week, informing me that only people who preordered before sometime in May are guaranteed a box on launch day. They also told me that most preorders might not be filled until January 2006, but that might just be them covering their asses.

Still, I think I'll be camping out at a Walmart tonight with my brother. There is just something magical about grabbing a hot new product at 12:01am! I figured I'll be better off at Walmart than a Best Buy or equivalent.....heh, anyone agree?

I'll be picking up PGR3, Condemned, and CoD 2. Hopefully that'll keep me busy for a few weeks. Those are the only titles I absolutely want, so for the rest, i'll wait for more reviews to come pouring in. Also, i'll grab the Plug & Play Kit and another Wireless Controller.

It's a good time to be a gamer. :)

[Spigot]

Concidering all of the shortages and such, why are the stores like Best Buy and Future Shop advertising the launch of the 360? From all of the employees I've talked to at various stores, everyone around my area is getting about 9 units, max.

Heck, the local Wal Mart is only getting 6 units.

I'll definately get one of these in the future but I'm not holding my breath. Once they've built up a decent library of games, well, THEN I'll pick one up. For now I can wait.

[GunnyMo]

With the fiasco created by MS intentional system shortages I'm not too excited about this launch any more. I'll pick it up when I can but right now Dragon Quest 8, Magna Carta, HL2 on XB and WoW are taking up my time. 360 is certainly nice but the thrill is gone.

[Serapth]

If I manage to get one. Granted, in Canada Ive never really had an issue of just walking into a store and buying one of the shelf. I have tomorrow off, so I should be there when the doors open. Im guessing there wont be any lines.

If so, im picking up PGR3 and a shooter. Either CoD2, Q4 or PD0, whichever has the best multiplayer. Still dont know as I havent heard a good online review for any of those games.

[Bishop]

I played the 360 and It wasn't that good. While playing COD2 and PGR3 it would lock-up, I was totally expecting to see the BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH but I didn't. So then I tried to play some of the 213 games that were listed on the backwards-compatible list and low & behold none of them would work (Not even Halo or Halo2).........SURPRISE, SURPRISE. So I'm very interested in seeing some of the message boards tomorrow night to see what people has to say about it. Don't get me wrong, the games look really good, but if I'm going to pay $575 cdn for it I expect it to work everytime.

[Worldcrafter]

I tried to play some of the 213 games that were listed on the backwards-compatible list and low & behold none of them would work (Not even Halo or Halo2).........SURPRISE, SURPRISE. So I'm very interested in seeing some of the message boards tomorrow night to see what people has to say about it. Don't get me wrong, the games look really good, but if I'm going to pay $575 cdn for it I expect it to work everytime.

Sorry to point out the obvious, but you did download the appropriate emulators for those games, right?

I still care very little about the 360. The launch selection is pretty poor, and none of the title make me excited enough to even entertain the thought of buying the system. I'll hold off on buying one until there are some games that make me regret my current choice.

[benson]

Well, I'm in Minnesota, and I plan on heading to the biggest Best Buy here, supposedly they got around 170 systems and are doing a midnight launch. If I don't get there early enough, I'll be headed to Target tomorrow morning. And if I still don't get one, I'll be waiting until Gamestop calls me with my pre-ordered one. No big deal, I still have a couple of games to play on the ol' Xbox.

But in the event that I do score a 360 tonight, I picked up CoD2, PD0, and Madden as well as a wireless controller last night at Gamestop. I did run into Trenton Hassell of the Timberwolves there while he was picking up some 360 games as well. Kinda funny, nice guy though.

Anyway, I hope to get one. If I do, see you guys online. If not, I'll have to continue with the NHL 2k6 franchise for a while.

[Orosco]

I'm planning on getting one around Jan 2006, but right now Dragon Quest 8 has taken control of my...freewill so I'll be going back to that now...slimes....

[Spigot]

With the fiasco created by MS intentional system shortages I'm not too excited about this launch any more. I'll pick it up when I can but right now Dragon Quest 8, Magna Carta, HL2 on XB and WoW are taking up my time. 360 is certainly nice but the thrill is gone.

How is Magna Carta? It looks intriguing, to say the least.

[Phades]

All I can say is that after spending two days with this monster, I pity anyone who doesn't get one...
Really? Excellent. I actually take this to be high praise from you since you've been so skeptical about the system up to now.

[Montolio]

I'll pick my pre-order tonight along with the rest of my stuff from the local EB. I've really, really been looking forward to the 360 but without another Halo game to go with it I don't have quite the same feeling as the original Xbox launch. I'm going with PDZ first and we'll see from there. I get the feeling some of the Arcade titles may get a lot of my attention while we wait for a true system selling title (says that not having played any 360 game just yet heh).

I am totally excited about getting it though. I just hope this console lasts longer than the original...I've been through 3 Xboxes so far. I treat them like a member of the family but they just seem to have problems after awhile - wait that could be family too haha. The first one had a HDD failure and the second's M/B shorted out. This third unit has been holding up so far and I have no plans on getting rid of it anytime soon. Xbox still has some life left I think.

Good luck to any brave souls doing the line shuffle this evening.