Xbox Specs CPU 733 MHz Intel Custom Pentium III Front Side Bus 133 MHz - 1.0 GB/sec RAM Micron 64 MB DDR SDRAM Memory Bandwidth 6.4 GB/sec bus Storage Medium 8 GB Hard Disk (Western Digital, 5400 RPM) I/O (Input / Output) w-5x DVD-ROM Type 9 DVD - 8.5 GB single sided 4x Proprietary USB Game Ports (12 Mbps) Broadband Ethernet Connection (100 Mbps) Proprietary Audio/Video Connector Graphics Processor Unit 233 MHz Custom-Designed NV2X Max Polygon Performance 125 M/sec Simultaneous Textures 4.8 G/Sec Pixel Fill Rate 12w Compressed Textures Yes (6:1) Maximum resolution 1920 x 1080 (HDTV Required) MPEG 2 Support Yes (Standard DVD) HDTV Game Support Yes (HDTV Cable Required) DVD Movie Playback Yes (DVD Remote Control Required) Media Comm. Processor 200 MHz Processor Custom Designed By NVIDIA Controls Hard Disk & DVD Controls High-Speed Ethernet Controls Proprietary USB Game Ports Controls Advanced Audio which uses: licensed technology from UK's Sensaura 3D. Peripheral Bus (MCP BUS) 400 MB/s (Full Duplex) Broadband Enabled Yes (10/100 Mbps / TCP/IP / WinSock) Audio Channels 256 3D Audio Support Yes (64 3D channels) Operating System - Windows 2000 Core OS (Custom designed by MS) - DirectX 8.0a (Drivers) - Part 1 of the OS is on the hard disk < 1 MB - Part 2 of the OS can be DVD disc < 500 K - (Part 1 includes the core OS, DirectX, DVD playback, some drivers and 3D user interface) - (Part 2 includes things like libraries, other drivers and other features needed by the developer) - OS takes less then 3 MB in RAM - The OS has a 3D user interface when no games are inserted to play music CDs, run DVD movies etc. - The games run in ring 0, known as kernel mode which is the fastest mode possible. V-CHIP Parental control on DVD's with ESRB ratings Size Width: ~31cm Depth: ~27cm Height: ~10cm Total Internal Components 800
Whoa! Those are a lot of specs, and believe us, Microsoft isn’t afraid to flaunt them. Yes, they’ll be quick to tell you that the have the most powerful CPU of any current console, but what does that mean for you? Basically, with their new bundle pack option, Microsoft delivers everything in one simple, $200 package. When you buy an Xbox, you receive a built in 8 GB Hard Drive (which allows games to be saved directly to it, permits music CD's to be copied to it for play during soundtrack compatible games, and also enables games to be upgraded after release with content such as new levels, models, or weapons), DVD Playback (with purchase of DVD kit), an Ethernet port for Xbox Live games, their sleeker Controller S, and two top notch Sega games, Jet Set Radio Future and Sega GT 2002.
Until recently, the must-haves on Microsoft’s big, black behemoth were few and far between, but with the recent release of Xbox Live, along with first rate games like Splinter Cell, Mechassault, and Unreal Championship, the folks at Microsoft are doing their best to assure you plenty of bang for your buck.
Despite overwhelming amounts of hype, Splinter Cell managed to meet and exceed all expectations on its way to becoming the premier stealth-action title available today. Featuring nine missions of Tom Clancy's brand of intrigue, the game also supports the addition of new levels via Xbox Live (and presumably also via OXM or other demo discs for the Live deprived), which makes this the gift that keeps on giving. Splinter Cell's involving gameplay, incredible visuals, and top-notch audio garnered it a 9.7 rating and a recommendation as a must-buy title. Sneak up on the review here.
Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance
The Baldur's Gate series gets a slight twist with this Xbox release which features a decidedly more hack and slash approach than the PC titles from the past. With a Diabloesque focus on combat and leveling up, Dark Alliance is a fun way to fill time exploring new and dangerous places. Thanks to the well-done visuals and compelling gameplay, the title earned an overall score of 8.0, check the full review here.
Hitman 2: Silent Assassin
Sneaking out of the shadows, Hitman 2 became a surprising hit on the Xbox. The game supports an astonishingly large variety of ways to complete each mission, ranging from ultra-stealthy to ultra-violent, and this freedom of play enables it to be replayed an incredible number of times without boredom. Adding to the fun is the large arsenal of weaponry players can accumulate in their attempts to earn the ultimate ranking of Silent Assassin. Hitman 2 scored a solid 9.0 rating. Check out our full review here.
Mechassault
No subtlety here, Mechassault is a no-holds-barred attack on the visual and auditory senses of everyone that plays. Piloting forty foot tall walking tanks, gamers destroy everything in their path enroute to completing the single player campaign, then blast the rubble while competing in the online arena. Read more about the widely acclaimed Xbox Live launch title here and watch for a review coming up soon here on GWX.
NHL 2K3
Continuing the incredible quality of the Sega Sports line on the Xbox is this offering for the Canadian in us all. Xbox Live compatible, NHL 2K3 is the ultimate in multiplayer hockey gaming this winter. Franchise and Sega Sports Challenge modes round out the single player experience, making this game a must buy for every hockey fan out there. Get to work scouting NHL 2K3 here at Xbox.com, or here at the official site.
For a long time, Halo was the reason to own an Xbox; and rightfully so. Considered to be the premiere console FPS, Halo is what’s known as a “system seller”. As Master Chief, you’ll battle on foot, in vehicles, and over all sorts of terrain to destroy the evil Covenant. With a brilliant single player mode, as well as unbelievable Co-op and Deathmatch modes, Halo is the definition of a must have Xbox title and was ranked Game of the Year 2001 in many trade publications. For more information on Halo, click here.
Project Gotham Racing
The Xbox’s most impressive entry into the racing genre thus far would have to be Bizarre Creations’ Project Gotham Racing. With the ability to choose from more than 25 different cars and race through over 200 different tracks, Project Gotham (no relation to Batman) is the perfect choice for the racing enthused Xbox owner. Incredibly detailed graphics and a fantastic soundtrack round out the reasons to put this budget title on your holiday list.
Morroind is a great gift for any role-playing fan. Players first create a character from a lengthy list of pre-made classes, or a completely customized class. After that, the newly created character is trust into a living, breathing, medieval fantasy world. There is a plot to follow, but oddly enough, that's a very small part of the game.
Like a good round of Dungeons and Dragons, the player, and not a script drive the game. One can truly live another life in Morrowind. Join a guild, see the world, explore sunken ships and ancient ruins, or just hang out in the local tavern. It is rarity for an electronic RPG to offer this kind of freedom, so don't miss it. One word of warning, however: the recipient of this gift will probably not be seen for the next few months.
World Series Baseball
The best of the debut crop of baseball titles on the Xbox and still current king of the diamond, World Series Baseball has it all for baseball fans. Excellent graphics combine with unmatched audio to provide an experience that rivals watching a game on television. The gameplay is smooth and refined, using a simple control style that is perfect for casual and hardcore gamers alike.
Jet Set Radio Future is one of the best games on the Xbox; no gamer should pass on it. In fact, the game now comes standard with every Xbox. Jet Set Radio Future is the second game in the series. It borrows many elements from the Dreamcast’s Jet Set Radio, but mixes up the formula dramatically. The storyline follows a group of skaters as they decorate their city in graffiti and deal with the law. They don’t mean to be malicious; it’s just a form of self-expression for them.
The city is broken up into several different sections, each one littered with clean walls. As one of the skaters, the player explores the cities, spreading the soul of the street with vibrant graffiti. Naturally, the law isn’t very happy about this. Unlike the original Jet Set Radio, the skaters in JSRF actually engage “the man” in combat, instead of just fleeing. While this eliminates the thrill of the chase, it also forces the player to deal with the cops, allowing them to take their time when spraying the actual levels.
Jet Set Radio Future also features mind-blowing cel-shaded visuals, and one of the best game soundtracks ever. Any gamer that doesn’t already have this one, either through the pack-in deal or otherwise, will be pleased to see it in their stocking this holiday.
If you have an Xbox and live in an area with broadband Internet access, shame on you if you don't snap up the first Xbox Live starter kit you find. Quick and painless setup gets gamers online and playing against thousands of others from around the world in only minutes. Xbox Live features stat tracking, which allows you to compare your skills to the best, and provides a great way to extend the life of compatible games, both through online multiplay compatibility and through downloadable content.
Tired of the bulky Xbox controller? Have small, girly hands? Try the new Controller S! With a much slimmer design and slightly improved button placement, the Controller S brings control of Xbox games to a new height of ease and comfort while retaining all features of the original controller.
This 8 MB plugs directly into your controller via one of those big ports on the back of it, and is used to save game data. While the Xbox's internal Hard Drive is large enough to save all your games, sometimes you want that data to be portable - that's where these little beauties come in. Check them out here.
