"Microsoft steps up its game."

After a brutal battle between Nintendo and Sony ensued in the late 90's, the technological juggernaut known as Microsoft decided to enter the video game fray. With the gaming powerhouse known as the Xbox, Microsoft's first dive into the industry was a fairly respectable one, gathering a fair amount of support from developers and delivering top-notch technical effects. And yet, the appeal was limited. Sure, it had some great original titles like the Halo series, Jade Empire, and Ninja Gaiden, but the game library lacked the sheer variety that its competitors offered. That didn't stop the system from becoming a success, however, but the system had its share of flaws, including an awkward controller and some occasional hardware issues. Xbox Live was a stupendous breakthrough in the new world of online gaming, yet Microsoft had even greater plans for it in the future. With the release of the Xbox 360, Microsoft aimed at not only improving the mechanics of its original console, but also broadening its appeal and connecting the gaming world in a way it had never seen before.

The original Xbox was not the most attractive system in the world, so the Xbox 360 goes for a more sleek approach. Instead of taking the appearance of a giant black brick, the 360 goes for the look of a modern PC with some interesting touches. Game discs slide nicely into the side of the box, where the main console buttons are found. The system itself can be balanced upright or on its side, making it convenient to place. The console is a powerful one, able to output some truly breathtaking visuals and surround sound. Yet this power is also its greatest falling. There are many different statistics floating around in regards to the system's failure rate, but the fact remains that a disturbingly high number of manufactured consoles break down shortly after their first usage. Problems such as overheating, being unable to turn on, or the “three red lights of death” are prevalent in many consoles, and some of these problems do not even arise until well after purchase. However, if you manage to obtain a non-faulty piece of hardware, you have one damn solid system in the other key areas.

The 360's controller has an incredibly nice grip, slipping into anybody's hands quite easily. The original system's controller was bulky and uncomfortable, but this newer version strikes the balance just right. Not only does the appearance look sleek, but it also feels splendid and comfortable. All the buttons are positioned conveniently, with your fingers wrapping around the trigger buttons at the top quite nicely, making them easily accessible. The system has a few other accessories also, like headsets and an HD-DVD player. These extra additions help make the system very well rounded, even if they may appear a bit overpriced. The games will still look nice enough without HD, as stunning visuals don't make or break a console, but they certainly don't hurt, either. Different packages are sold that come with more or less features depending on whether you purchase the standard, premium, or elite, but the more deluxe packages are recommended for the fullest gaming experience.

The system's game library is a fair bit more diverse than that found on the predecessor console. First and foremost, the system is backwards compatible with all the titles that were released for the original Xbox (although there are a few slight emulation issues). But the original titles are what make the library so remarkable. Both Xbox systems have been known primarily as an FPS console, and it's true that the system's shooter library is very impressive. You have some killer titles such as Halo 3, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Perfect Dark Zero, and Gears of War. But the other genres are not ignored. The system also has some superb action titles along the likes of Mass Effect, BioShock, and Assassin's Creed. Sports titles arguably run the best on the Xbox 360 out of all the current consoles, as do racing titles like Burnout Revenge and Project Gotham Racing. There are even some fun quirky miscellaneous titles like Rock Band, Puzzle Quest, and Viva Pinata, opening up the system's library to any type of gamer.

Of course, probably the greatest aspect the Xbox 360 has going for it is its online support. Out of the three major systems currently on the market, the 360 has, hands down, the most efficient and highest-quality online service. Though it comes at a fairly hefty price (for the premium experience, anyways), the features of Xbox Live truly push online gaming to a new level. The majority of games with a multiplayer option come with compatibility with Xbox Live. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, while the new Marketplace makes it a snap to download new content, demos, and previews. Much of this content comes at a small price, but some of it is free. For those who like extra replay value in their games, the features and game additions of the Marketplace really enhance the gaming experience. The Xbox Live Arcade is a personal favorite feature of mine, allowing you to play games that are little more than tech-demo titles, but are addictive and enjoyable nevertheless.

Microsoft has truly stepped up their game with their latest console. While there are some major hardware issues that are difficult to ignore, the other components of the system are truly industry defining. The controller is a massive improvement over the original system's one. The game library continues to expand in all genres, making the system become more than simply a shooter's console. The possibilities of Xbox Live are endless, connecting the gaming world in a way previously unimaginable. It's just a shame that its hardware is so faulty and unreliable. The system itself has a heap load of power in it, and the system is able to utilize that power quite well in the technical department. The system's accessories and extra features are viable, but the core experience lies in the potential of its gaming offering. The Xbox 360 makes a fine addition to any gamer's library, and gamers of all sorts are sure to find something to like.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 12/18/07

Game Release: Xbox 360 Hardware (US, 11/22/05)