Xbox 360 pricing announced

[sterlingice]

Is there really that much of a surprise that sports games don't work? They want you to buy a new one every year, not be able to bring stuff over.

SI

[GreenMonster]

Which 5 was it?

[dervack]

Originally Posted by sterlingice

Is there really that much of a surprise that sports games don't work? They want you to buy a new one every year, not be able to bring stuff over.

SI

Exactly. Which 2K sports bringing most of their titles out fro the 360 also, seemed like a no brainer that they would ask Microsoft to take their time with those titles.

[sterlingice]

Particularly since those seem to be some of the most "drool-worthy" launch games despite the fact that they're the same game released a couple/few months ago but with prettier graphics and a few token enhancements (just like every sports update).

SI

[dervack]

Originally Posted by dervack

This happens with every console launch, and Nintendo is notorious for doing this on purpose to make it seem their is more interest in their system than their really is. Because of Microsoft not producing the systems as fast as possible, I will hopefully find out today, whether I will get one at launch from the place I pre-ordered from, or have to wait till probably next year. I'm upset about it, but I'm not going to throw stuff all over the room because of it.

Looks like I'm going to get mine. I've got $350 towards it so far.

[Craptacular]

What's an Xbox? I think I'll go play Qbert on the NES now.

[MizzouRah]

Web-only: Xbox 360 packages available Friday, 11/18 at 2pm EST*

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/gener...yword=Xbox+360

[Eaglesfan27]

I could be mistaken, but it looks like they are sold out already.

Edit: I sure hope I don't get screwed by EB games with my having to move my pre-order to another store...

[jbmagic]

Best Buy ad that came out Sunday shows XBox 360 availaible Tuesday november 22

Xbox 360 hardware for 399.99

Xbox 360 Core hardware for 299.99

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by henry296

It also looks like none of the 2k sports games are there either.

I was talking with sterlingice about this the other day.

We came to the conclusion that while Microsoft is saying that most everything will eventually be playable, that they're protecting certain top franchises that are either confirmed or likely to have sequels in the near future. At least for the moment. If and when that changes, we'll see.

For example, notice a decided lack of Splinter Cell games on there?

It's all out of our ass, of course, but the profile seems to fit, by and large.

[MizzouRah]

Eaglesfan27,

Those are WEB only bundles, available Friday.


Also, IGN has 3 reviews:

http://xbox360.ign.com/index/reviews.html

Madden got an 8.0, which the reviewer didn't like no mini camp games or challenges. Doesn't bother me much, well challenges do somewhat, but I'm still pumped for this game.

I like this tidbit:

Along with all of this, the game saves all the data throughout your 30 years of playing. So you can go back and check individual player stats from year eight of your team's history, which is sweet.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nevermind. Last night I was tired. It is now clear to me what that site says

[Kodos]

Madden looks cool. The fact that owner's mode isn't in there may actually be a plus. Turns out I don't want to set the price of hotdogs after all.


Must hold out for PS3.... Must hold out for PS3....

[Raiders Army]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Madden looks cool. The fact that owner's mode isn't in there may actually be a plus. Turns out I don't want to set the price of hotdogs after all.


Must hold out for PS3.... Must hold out for PS3....

What, so you can only play the games on your machine and not re-sell them or play them on your friend's machine?

[Kodos]

Nobody has actually documented that this will be the case. If it is, hello 360.

[MizzouRah]

It's hello 360 anyway.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I'm trying to come up with a reason to get Madden for the XBox 360. I really want to start with sports games for the 360, so the other types of games are out right now. As I mentioned earlier, I am leaning toward Project Gotham Racing 3 (I know, it's not really a sports game) at the moment. Still, the sports titles all look very good. Here's my problem: I already have Madden and NBA 2K6 for the XBox. I don't want FIFA or NHL 2K6. I'm getting NCAA College Hoops 2K6 for the XBox on release day (next week, I think). That doesn't leave me with a lot of sports choices before Christmas.

I'm looking for a reason to get Madden because I've had the XBox version the longest. I just got NBA 2K6 not long ago, so I don't want to switch to a different version so soon. I could probably stomach it with Madden, though, just because I haven't even played it for a few weeks anyway. I just played NBA 2K6 the other night. I haven't watched any videos of Madden for the 360 nor have I read up on it. Assuming that I loved it on the XBox, is it worth getting for the 360?

[SackAttack]

We received our first shipment of 360 titles today, but have nothing yet on which to play them.

[Kodos]

Try firing 'em up in your Xbox!

[Raiders Army]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

Assuming that I loved it on the XBox, is it worth getting for the 360?

Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: I have bought Madden since...crap I can't remember. Suffice it to say a very long time. If you liked the Xbox version then I would get the 360 version as well. From what I've read, it's been rebuilt from the ground up so it's essentially a different game. You could also wait to see how other people like it in comparison since you're getting the 360 anyhow. Pick it up later if other people's reviews are good.

Personally, I'm trading NCAA 06 and Madden 06 in for cash to offset the cost of Madden. I know I'll probably get $5 apiece at EB, but it's better than nothing.

[INDalltheway]

Originally Posted by SackAttack

We received our first shipment of 360 titles today, but have nothing yet on which to play them.

No little kiosks in your store? If not, take em to a Wal-Mart and bribe the guy working there. I should be getting my Madden and Play and Charge kit tomorrow with no use for either.

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by INDalltheway

No little kiosks in your store? If not, take em to a Wal-Mart and bribe the guy working there. I should be getting my Madden and Play and Charge kit tomorrow with no use for either.

We have a kiosk in-store, but there's no reason for us to try to use it.

[MizzouRah]

Sack, when you're bored of those copies.. well, hook me up foo!

[sterlingice]

I was pretty impressed by the graphics of Kameo that I saw in our local EBGames today. That said, $1500 to get a system, one game, and a HD tv to see a huge difference between it and games at the end of this gen isn't exactly something I'm running out to do.

SI

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by Raiders Army

Personally, I'm trading NCAA 06 and Madden 06 in for cash to offset the cost of Madden. I know I'll probably get $5 apiece at EB, but it's better than nothing.

I got $48 for the pair of them this past weekend (Madden = $26, NCAA = $22). I made sure to do it BEFORE the 360 came out and they had a glut of Xbox trade-ins, though So I'd run on down tonight to get the credit.

Of course, I used my credit to pick up CIV IV and put a downpayment to reserve Madden (I had 2 other trade-ins that totalled about $10 to make up the difference), so I'll have to use my $50 birthday giftcard to pay for the rest of Madden 360.

[Mustang]

Since I didn't do a preorder anywhere, I'd have to go stand in line at our local 24 hr Walmart.. they are doing a midnight release.. wonder what time I'll have to start standing in line at.

[Raiders Army]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

I got $48 for the pair of them this past weekend (Madden = $26, NCAA = $22). I made sure to do it BEFORE the 360 came out and they had a glut of Xbox trade-ins, though So I'd run on down tonight to get the credit.

Of course, I used my credit to pick up CIV IV and put a downpayment to reserve Madden (I had 2 other trade-ins that totalled about $10 to make up the difference), so I'll have to use my $50 birthday giftcard to pay for the rest of Madden 360.

My birthday is coming up on November 26th, so I think I know what "the wife" is going to get me. Heh heh.

[Kodos]

Arrgh. Just like always, a new football game has me sorely tempted to get a new console. Don't repeat the Dreamcast fiasco, Kodos! Don't do it!

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Arrgh. Just like always, a new football game has me sorely tempted to get a new console. Don't repeat the Dreamcast fiasco, Kodos! Don't do it!

No worries. EA is actually making games for this one!

[Raiders Army]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Arrgh. Just like always, a new football game has me sorely tempted to get a new console. Don't repeat the Dreamcast fiasco, Kodos! Don't do it!

IMHO, NFL 2k was worth it. Maximum Passing ruled.

[sterlingice]

Just to play the little angel on Kodos's shoulder to counter the "buy me" pitchfork carriers

1) Didn't you already buy this Madden a few months ago?
2) Is there something other than improved graphics that make this worth dropping $500? Much less the $1000+ you'd need for a tv to make it look better, if you don't already have one?

SI

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by sterlingice

Just to play the little angel on Kodos's shoulder to counter the "buy me" pitchfork carriers

1) Didn't you already buy this Madden a few months ago?
2) Is there something other than improved graphics that make this worth dropping $500? Much less the $1000+ you'd need for a tv to make it look better, if you don't already have one?

SI

You and your anti-consolite wailings. It'd cost me $450 or so if I wait until the dirge of packages ends. Or $350 if I get the poor-man's version plus the game. Much cheaper than getting a new computer. My current computer crashes with Madden 2004, so a new console is actually a cheaper way to play a new football game. Plus, if you read the review, the game is new from the ground up, and has features that are a definite upgrade -- the ones I like: No John Madden in game commentary (local homer radio guy instead), you can put touch on passes without the vision cones on, no owner mode (setting the price of popcorn turns out to be not fun after all), deeper franchise stats (including complete stats for everyone who's played for the whole 30 years of franchise), blah blah blah. Plus the fancified graphics. So, yes, there's enough different in there that I could justify it if I really wanted to. Whereas before I read more about the football game, I was quite content to sit on the sideline and wait for PS3.

Realistically, we can't afford to get one right now, and with our 8 month old son, I don't have time to play many games right now anyway. But the temptation to say screw all those reasons is in there. Which is what always happens when a fancy new console with a fancy new football game comes out. Football games are my Achille's Heel when it comes to buying consoles.

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by Kodos

You and your anti-consolite wailings. It'd cost me $450 or so if I wait until the dirge of packages ends. Or $350 if I get the poor-man's version plus the game. Much cheaper than getting a new computer. My current computer crashes with Madden 2004, so a new console is actually a cheaper way to play a new football game. Plus, if you read the review, the game is new from the ground up, and has features that are a definite upgrade -- the ones I like: No John Madden in game commentary (local homer radio guy instead), you can put touch on passes without the vision cones on, no owner mode (setting the price of popcorn turns out to be not fun after all), deeper franchise stats (including complete stats for everyone who's played for the whole 30 years of franchise), blah blah blah. Plus the fancified graphics. So, yes, there's enough different in there that I could justify it if I really wanted to. Whereas before I read more about the football game, I was quite content to sit on the sideline and wait for PS3.

Anti-consolite? No, I just rail on the sports-only and YAFPS console players who pigeonhole themselves into one or two genres and I didn't even think that was what I was doing above. And if it was just something where those fans buy for themselves (ie the "you're just hurting yourself mentality"), I could care less. But when it hurts 3rd party support for systems like the Dreamcast and Gamecube- systems that have a lot of good games- because that isn't their emphasis, yeah, I don't like it.

When the best changes to a game are a different commentator (ok, I'll admit that over Madden that's more than just a lateral step), gameplay tweaks but not major changes (touch passes, owner), and more stats... well, is that really grounds to drop down $50 on a new game and $400 on a new system? Never mind, that gaming outlets tend to heap praise about every year being the best version ever and putting 9's and 9.5's on the same slightly repackaged game. I almost choked on lunch when I saw IGN gave it an 8.0.

That said, I figured you already had Madden 06 for the PS2- not the 2004 version for PC and that was where that was coming from.

SI

[Kodos]

Oh, I have the latest console version. Just figured if you were coming from a computer games are better angle (which is common on this board), that I would explain why a console would indeed be cheaper for me than a new computer.

Also, I freely admit that it is not a rationale desire to have the newest console with the newest football game. It's just a weakness. I bought the lackluster Dreamcast just for NFK2K. Ended up not liking how it played, and went back to playing Madden on my PS1. Then, I bought more games to justify my purchase of the console, but I ended up not liking those games either. Hated the controller, and that ruined everything for me. Eventually I surrendered and sold everything Dreamcast-related and waited for PS2 to come out. Which I should have done in the first place. Just making fun of myself that history seems to want to repeat itself with the 360.

BTW, I play other genres too. I'm a big fan of Silent Hill 2, the Ratchet series, ICO, Timesplitters, Hot Shots Golf 3, SSX, War of the Monsters, Burnout 3, yada yada yada. I even had a thread where I pimped Shadow of the Colossus repeatedly even though nobody much seemed interested. So I'm not just a sports game player. I waste money on other genres as well.

Heck, even my sig refers to Shadow of the Colossus.

[sterlingice]

I thought it was fairly well know that my spot on this board was that I was the resident Nintendo fanboy. Guess I'm not so infamous as I thought. Sorry for the mixup

Speaking to your other comments, a post from earlier today: http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/foru...1&postcount=27

Unfortunately, I've only got a Gamecube (and Dreamcast) this gen so far. And if I had the cash for a new system (hopefully after Christmas), it's going towards a DS. The lineup for that system is so great at this point that it's not even funny. By next month there will be 5 games I badly want and another half dozen I want to play. That said, I'll do like I did towards the end of last gen when I had neither system but played on friends' PSX's and N64's- go on ebay, drop $200 once the newer systems are out and get the console with ~15 of the best games from that gen. That way I can play them at home and not elsewhere

SI

[kingnebwsu]

Originally Posted by Mustang

Since I didn't do a preorder anywhere, I'd have to go stand in line at our local 24 hr Walmart.. they are doing a midnight release.. wonder what time I'll have to start standing in line at.

I dunno. I'm sure you'd be safe showing up at 3-5 PM. 7 PM might still be good. I'd definitely go there and ask how many consoles they're getting. That would be a huge bearing on your timetable. Good luck

[dervack]

Originally Posted by Kodos

No John Madden in game commentary (local homer radio guy instead), you can put touch on passes without the vision cones on.

The other day when I read about the touch passing even if you have the cone of vision off was what sold me on picking up Madden. Before that, I thought it was cool to have no Madden commentary, but it wasn't enough to get me to buy the game since I can't/won't be getting rid of my Xbox and the Madden 2006 I already have for it. Now, I'll be picking up Madden for the 360.

PS. Anyone who might be intrested in picking up a modded Xbox, pm and we can negotiate.

[dervack]

Originally Posted by kingnebwsu

I dunno. I'm sure you'd be safe showing up at 3-5 PM. 7 PM might still be good. I'd definitely go there and ask how many consoles they're getting. That would be a huge bearing on your timetable. Good luck

Man I just found out the store I'm getting mine from is doing a midnight. And I'm off all day Tuesday from both jobs. Woo hoo.

[Philliesfan980]

Originally Posted by sterlingice

I thought it was fairly well know that my spot on this board was that I was the resident Nintendo fanboy. Guess I'm not so infamous as I thought. Sorry for the mixup

Speaking to your other comments, a post from earlier today: http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/foru...1&postcount=27

Unfortunately, I've only got a Gamecube (and Dreamcast) this gen so far. And if I had the cash for a new system (hopefully after Christmas), it's going towards a DS. The lineup for that system is so great at this point that it's not even funny. By next month there will be 5 games I badly want and another half dozen I want to play. That said, I'll do like I did towards the end of last gen when I had neither system but played on friends' PSX's and N64's- go on ebay, drop $200 once the newer systems are out and get the console with ~15 of the best games from that gen. That way I can play them at home and not elsewhere

SI

I really admire your willpower. Being able to wait a few years and save some major cash on video games by purchasing them at really low prices is very smart. I know some friends of mine who are perfectly happy with Madden 04 or NCAA 04, and those could be bought for what? $5? They could probably get 5-6 of the top games from 04 for the price of one average 360 game.

What are some of the games that you really want for the DS? And what do you like about the DS? Mini review please .

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by Philliesfan980

I really admire your willpower. Being able to wait a few years and save some major cash on video games by purchasing them at really low prices is very smart. I know some friends of mine who are perfectly happy with Madden 04 or NCAA 04, and those could be bought for what? $5? They could probably get 5-6 of the top games from 04 for the price of one average 360 game.

What are some of the games that you really want for the DS? And what do you like about the DS? Mini review please .

Well, I don't know if it's willpower so much as it's out of necessity. I can't support 2, much less 3 systems, which is why I pick my system and typically have to buy games a few months after they come out (greatest hits, Toys R Us has a Buy 2 Get 1 sale every year, some store will have a random sale, etc)

As for the DS, well, you asked for it

As for the must have games, there's the game of the hour right now and that's (1)Mario Kart DS. Just came out yesterday- online play, gameplay is supposed to be as good as ever, and there are both new courses as well as retro ones which have some of the best levels from the SNES, N64, GBA, and Gamecube games. (2) Advance Wars DS- I put over 50 hours into both of the GBA versions and this one looks even better. Basically, turn-based-strategy that's simple to pick up but has a good degree of challenge in the single player and is fun multiplayer, too. Tremendously balanced gameplay and really fun. I can't neglect (3) Nintendogs- I've played it at Toys R Us and I don't know how but it's one of those games that just kindof sucks you in like so many other Nintendo games. Similarly (4) Animal Crossing DS is due out in a couple of weeks and that's in the same vein. If you played the Gamecube version, you know what I mean- there's a reason it sold nearly a million copies. It's just weirdly addictive and this one is online, too. (5) Metroid Prime Hunters got moved back to March but, well, if you played Metroid Prime- they made it portable with touch screen action and there's online multiplayer deathmatch fun. The original Metroid Prime was like playing video game art.

Then there's some odd stuff that I just want to play that you can't really get anywhere else. Konami and Sega have brought over what look like really good versions of Castlevania and Sonic- both highly reviewed and polished versions of franchises that have been doing very well on handhelds for the past couple of years. There are new innovative versions of both Kirby and Viewtiful Joe that make a lot of use of the touch screen to add twists to their previous ways of playing. Super Monkey Ball is going to be here in a couple of months and it's a franchise just begging for the touch screen handheld treatment.

Then there are some new IPs like Phoenix Wright, which is an anime attorney RPG sim. I don't know why, but that game really makes me want to play it. Supposed to have a good story and it's just an interesting concept. There are two puzzle games this handheld generation which have gotten a lot of praise, both from the same company- Meteos is the DS one. There's Electroplankton, which is some odd musical simulator thing that I'll want to grab since it's an online only purchase but will probably cost a fortune if I want to get it later.

Plus, there's a bunch of RPGs. If you never played Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga for GBA, do it. It's a great handheld that's in the Mario RPG/Paper Mario vein. A sequel is due out in the next couple of weeks. Lunar is already out but didn't get the greatest of reviews. The Seiken Densetsu (ie Secret of Mana) and Xenosaga series both have games in the works, due out in Japan by the first half of next year. And Square has already shown off ports of Final Fantasy III (DS) and Final Fantasy IV (GBA) that will be playable since the whole GBA library plays on the DS, too.

All of that (well, except the couple of RPGs as noted) is out here in the US or will be by the end of next March. Good games across pretty much every genre including some AAA games that I badly want to be playing right now

SI

[Mustang]

Originally Posted by kingnebwsu

I dunno. I'm sure you'd be safe showing up at 3-5 PM. 7 PM might still be good. I'd definitely go there and ask how many consoles they're getting. That would be a huge bearing on your timetable. Good luck

They aren't sure yet and didn't even have an estimate. (Of course, that was last week.) Best Buy gave me a 30-150 range.. pretty big freakin range.

[Terps]

WalMart's are supposed to be handing out numbered tickets at 10 p.m. on the 21st. You get either a green ticket (core system) or a silver ticket (premium system) and they're numbered to how many of each they have in-stock.

Then you come back at midnight to pick it up.

[dervack]

You can find out easily how many your best buy is getting.

http://www.gamersreports.com/news/64/

[Philliesfan980]

Originally Posted by sterlingice

Well, I don't know if it's willpower so much as it's out of necessity. I can't support 2, much less 3 systems, which is why I pick my system and typically have to buy games a few months after they come out (greatest hits, Toys R Us has a Buy 2 Get 1 sale every year, some store will have a random sale, etc)

As for the DS, well, you asked for it

As for the must have games, there's the game of the hour right now and that's (1)Mario Kart DS. Just came out yesterday- online play, gameplay is supposed to be as good as ever, and there are both new courses as well as retro ones which have some of the best levels from the SNES, N64, GBA, and Gamecube games. (2) Advance Wars DS- I put over 50 hours into both of the GBA versions and this one looks even better. Basically, turn-based-strategy that's simple to pick up but has a good degree of challenge in the single player and is fun multiplayer, too. Tremendously balanced gameplay and really fun. I can't neglect (3) Nintendogs- I've played it at Toys R Us and I don't know how but it's one of those games that just kindof sucks you in like so many other Nintendo games. Similarly (4) Animal Crossing DS is due out in a couple of weeks and that's in the same vein. If you played the Gamecube version, you know what I mean- there's a reason it sold nearly a million copies. It's just weirdly addictive and this one is online, too. (5) Metroid Prime Hunters got moved back to March but, well, if you played Metroid Prime- they made it portable with touch screen action and there's online multiplayer deathmatch fun. The original Metroid Prime was like playing video game art.

Then there's some odd stuff that I just want to play that you can't really get anywhere else. Konami and Sega have brought over what look like really good versions of Castlevania and Sonic- both highly reviewed and polished versions of franchises that have been doing very well on handhelds for the past couple of years. There are new innovative versions of both Kirby and Viewtiful Joe that make a lot of use of the touch screen to add twists to their previous ways of playing. Super Monkey Ball is going to be here in a couple of months and it's a franchise just begging for the touch screen handheld treatment.

Then there are some new IPs like Phoenix Wright, which is an anime attorney RPG sim. I don't know why, but that game really makes me want to play it. Supposed to have a good story and it's just an interesting concept. There are two puzzle games this handheld generation which have gotten a lot of praise, both from the same company- Meteos is the DS one. There's Electroplankton, which is some odd musical simulator thing that I'll want to grab since it's an online only purchase but will probably cost a fortune if I want to get it later.

Plus, there's a bunch of RPGs. If you never played Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga for GBA, do it. It's a great handheld that's in the Mario RPG/Paper Mario vein. A sequel is due out in the next couple of weeks. Lunar is already out but didn't get the greatest of reviews. The Seiken Densetsu (ie Secret of Mana) and Xenosaga series both have games in the works, due out in Japan by the first half of next year. And Square has already shown off ports of Final Fantasy III (DS) and Final Fantasy IV (GBA) that will be playable since the whole GBA library plays on the DS, too.

All of that (well, except the couple of RPGs as noted) is out here in the US or will be by the end of next March. Good games across pretty much every genre including some AAA games that I badly want to be playing right now

SI

Thanks for the review!!

I'm getting to the point in my life where although I can afford it, I'm not sure I *WANT* to spend $60, even if it means I get the latest and greatest in Madden. I might just go back to the route of playing older classics, and stop reading video game reviews/message boards. I'm one of those guys that isn't that picky about the game I'm playing, UNTIL someone points out everything thats wrong . Hopefully that makes sense. I'm sure I played some pretty flawed games back on the nes/snes games, but I really didn't notice because there weren't reviews coming in from 50 different directions.

[stevew]

Originally Posted by sterlingice

Well, I don't know if it's willpower so much as it's out of necessity. I can't support 2, much less 3 systems, which is why I pick my system and typically have to buy games a few months after they come out (greatest hits, Toys R Us has a Buy 2 Get 1 sale every year, some store will have a random sale, etc)

As for the DS, well, you asked for it

As for the must have games, there's the game of the hour right now and that's (1)Mario Kart DS. Just came out yesterday- online play, gameplay is supposed to be as good as ever, and there are both new courses as well as retro ones which have some of the best levels from the SNES, N64, GBA, and Gamecube games. (2) Advance Wars DS- I put over 50 hours into both of the GBA versions and this one looks even better. Basically, turn-based-strategy that's simple to pick up but has a good degree of challenge in the single player and is fun multiplayer, too. Tremendously balanced gameplay and really fun. I can't neglect (3) Nintendogs- I've played it at Toys R Us and I don't know how but it's one of those games that just kindof sucks you in like so many other Nintendo games. Similarly (4) Animal Crossing DS is due out in a couple of weeks and that's in the same vein. If you played the Gamecube version, you know what I mean- there's a reason it sold nearly a million copies. It's just weirdly addictive and this one is online, too. (5) Metroid Prime Hunters got moved back to March but, well, if you played Metroid Prime- they made it portable with touch screen action and there's online multiplayer deathmatch fun. The original Metroid Prime was like playing video game art.

Then there's some odd stuff that I just want to play that you can't really get anywhere else. Konami and Sega have brought over what look like really good versions of Castlevania and Sonic- both highly reviewed and polished versions of franchises that have been doing very well on handhelds for the past couple of years. There are new innovative versions of both Kirby and Viewtiful Joe that make a lot of use of the touch screen to add twists to their previous ways of playing. Super Monkey Ball is going to be here in a couple of months and it's a franchise just begging for the touch screen handheld treatment.

Then there are some new IPs like Phoenix Wright, which is an anime attorney RPG sim. I don't know why, but that game really makes me want to play it. Supposed to have a good story and it's just an interesting concept. There are two puzzle games this handheld generation which have gotten a lot of praise, both from the same company- Meteos is the DS one. There's Electroplankton, which is some odd musical simulator thing that I'll want to grab since it's an online only purchase but will probably cost a fortune if I want to get it later.

Plus, there's a bunch of RPGs. If you never played Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga for GBA, do it. It's a great handheld that's in the Mario RPG/Paper Mario vein. A sequel is due out in the next couple of weeks. Lunar is already out but didn't get the greatest of reviews. The Seiken Densetsu (ie Secret of Mana) and Xenosaga series both have games in the works, due out in Japan by the first half of next year. And Square has already shown off ports of Final Fantasy III (DS) and Final Fantasy IV (GBA) that will be playable since the whole GBA library plays on the DS, too.

All of that (well, except the couple of RPGs as noted) is out here in the US or will be by the end of next March. Good games across pretty much every genre including some AAA games that I badly want to be playing right now

SI

Hmmmm, Mario Kart online? Yeah, i think we're getting one of these now. 6 year old Daughter wants nintendogs, so i at least have a reason to look into getting one.

[Mustang]

Originally Posted by dervack

You can find out easily how many your best buy is getting.

http://www.gamersreports.com/news/64/

I shouldn't be surprised that things like this are on the net but.. I am...

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by Philliesfan980

Thanks for the review!!

I'm getting to the point in my life where although I can afford it, I'm not sure I *WANT* to spend $60, even if it means I get the latest and greatest in Madden. I might just go back to the route of playing older classics, and stop reading video game reviews/message boards. I'm one of those guys that isn't that picky about the game I'm playing, UNTIL someone points out everything thats wrong . Hopefully that makes sense. I'm sure I played some pretty flawed games back on the nes/snes games, but I really didn't notice because there weren't reviews coming in from 50 different directions.

i'm the EXACT same way. reading everyone's nitpicky reviews tends to ruin perfectly normal games for me.

[MizzouRah]

This review was obtained from a poster at www.maddennation.com Next Gen Forums

6 HOURS HANDS ON WITH MADDEN 06 FOR THE XBOX 360




INTRO

Where do I start first let me say this forget any vids, screen shots, reviews, previews, post views or any other views you have read about this game. Or anything that you may think you know about MADDEN 06 for the XBOX 360. Lets get the obvious out of the way there are only two uniforms you can choose from for any team so forget about playing in the CHARGERS POWER BLUES or the RAVENS all BLACK UNIFORMS cause they are not in the game. There is no defensive hot route, the back juke is not in this game (it only worked for NCAA 06 anyway lol). Also gone is the ability to challenge a play, you can't edit a single item on any player not even the ones you draft (I think but I'm going to have to check this out for sure on Thursday) BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, YATA, YATA. Those features are not in this years madden, I do wish that they had made into this game but they are not here and I'm not going to waste another sentence talking about something I have no control over. Ok now that all that negative stuff is out of way let me tell you why this MADDEN so special and what makes it a must have.

Well first the controls are different it will take you a game or two to get the new control down but its a good change and I think most of us will learn to love it. This 360 controller is perfect in almost every way it makes playing any games on the 360 a breeze.


There is so much that is different I'll just try to break it down into categories so I don't forget anything. Get ready to learn how to play madden all over again cause this is the start of a new era of football greatness. The game play here is like no other football out there it feels like madden but then it doesn't feel like madden all at the same time.


Just some random things that I noticed will playing today.

1. You CAN NOT hike the ball while the other team is calling an audible the game just won't let you do it after they have set then you snap the ball and start the play.

2. You do get an ACCURACY boost for using the vision cone, and it can be hard to pass when you DO NOT use it. ( I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD SAY THAT LOL)

3. There are over-thrown and under-thrown passes in this game.

4. The new kicking meter is really good that doesn't mean its easy lol you will see when you play the game for yourself.

5. You can throw over the top of DB's heads for those over the shoulder catchs but the timing has to be right. You also must choose the right pass to do this.

6. I didn't see any SUPER MAN JUMPS from the DB's or LB's.

7. It really feels like an NFL game alot of random things happen during the course of the game that you will notice.


6 HOURS OF NEXT-GEN MADDEN




PLAY CALLING- This may be the most sever change in MADDEN if you don't know how to call the plays on offense and defense your going to have some trouble if not alot. One of the most important parts of REAL NFL FOOTBALL is knowing what plays to call and when to call them. You will see that in this football game that is also the truth. It really turns into a chess match if two really good people are playing head to head. Its so hard to explain this but I noticed it after the very first game play calling has never been so important in ANY MADDEN game.


RUNNING THE BALL- The running game where do I start, you can really tell the difference between J.S.Davis and C.Portis. The first thing you will notice is when running inside a bigger back he will run through arm tackles like nobody's business but if he's a speed guy he will get brought down by those same tackles.

Time and time again I would run inside a guy would hit me and I would just bounce of him with S.Davis, when I subbed in D.Foster I used his speed to get to the outside and turn the corner. In this MADDEN you must follow your running lanes and what for OL or FB to get in front of you to make a block you if you out run your blockers 8 times out of 10 its going to be a loss.

The pin-ball running or mario running as they call it is NOT in this game but if you run into an O-Lineman he just slides off him but your going to want to avoid this cause that nana second that you lose means the defense has just that much more time to take you down for a loss. I can't say if the running is totally new but its different and you need to learn how to follow your blocks and what special moves to do and what time to do them in.

Speaking of special moves they are all pressure sensitive and boy do they looks realistic the spin move is somewhat the same but your player doesn't take off at full speed after the spin is done that's a good thing. There are some other things in the running game I would like to touch on but as you read on you will start to piece everything together.

If you compare the running on MADDEN 360 to the running on MADDEN for the ps2 and xbox, I would have to say its leaps and bounds over current-gen for the reasons I have already stated above.

STOPPING THE RUN- Boy have the times changed if you where an ELITE MADDEN PLAYER on madden for the current-gen you already know that its very hard to stop someone's running game even if you know what you are doing and you are calling the right plays. Those days my friend are all but gone if you have a team that has a good run stopping defense your going to earn every yard you get.



For the first couple of games I used the Steelers and boy its hard ass **** to get any yards on the ground against them in this game. This is due mainly to the fact that the 3-4 defense can actually be used effectively in this game to stop the run. I can't count how many times C.HAMPTON just blew up a running play when the computer or who ever was playing against me ran the ball. This never happened on current gen madden a good NT would actually control his gap or disrupt the running lane completely.

I think the longest run that was put on the STEELER D was maybe 5 yards. EA said that the DL & OL play had been redone I don't think they lied to us from the very first game you play you will notice a huge difference in the running game. The PANTHERS D-LINE was also very good at stopping the run as well K.JENKINS & J.PEEPERS are a terror.

PASSING- This may have been the biggest surprise for me as I played more and more madden today if you want to be good at passing in this game get used to using the cone. It makes a big difference. I know allot of you won't believe but I could only pass using the cone and the guys who played without lol they couldn't complete a pass.



If you have a very good QB you might be able to get away without using the cone but here's the thing if your QB is not that accurate he is really going to have some problems. If you choose to not use the cone you better make sure your feet are set and you pick the right pass or its going to over thrown under thrown or intercepted.

That's right there are over thrown and under thrown balls in this game just like you see every sunday. This one guy who I let play would throw the ball deep every single time with M.VICK 9 times out of 10 it was over thrown. You really have to choose the right PRECISION PASS to hit the receiver some times.

I would have a RB or WR wide open and then I would choose the wrong precision pass and it would float right over his head or hit the ground lol. But when I picked the right pass it was on the money. Another thing that I noticed, I did a test one test with the cone and one test without it.

In the test without the cone the QB put the ball in DECENT position for the receiver to catch the ball, but with the cone on the pass had a noticeable amount of better accuracy to it. it Also I did see different catch animations that I hadn't seen when I didn't use the cone. This didn't happen all the time and I'm not saying you can't pass without the cone cause its not the case but you do get an accuracy boost for using it.

STOPPING THE PASS- I think its much harder to pass on this game than the one for ps2 simply because there are more things that can happen when you pass the ball I didn't see one catch in double coverage unless the DB's where completely out of position. There was also quite a few INT drops as well but thats nothing new. I also noticed that the DB's & WR's really fought for the ball when it was in the air and boy are those animations nice.




PUNT RETURN- You can return punts nuff said every now and again the coverage team will get down there really fast but most of the time I had some really good blocks and could get decent yardage I think I only had to call fair catch a couple of times unlike the version for the ps2 and xbox where 99% if punts where fair caught.


PLAYER CONTROL- The new momentum physics will take some time getting acquainted with if you bite on a play action or run the wrong way your defender is out of position so you better use learn how to use the strafe button allot. You really have to be careful when controlling defenders cause it seems that they have more weight to them. I don't think your going to see allot of user picks from scrubs it takes timing and position to get those things now lol.

The way the players fell on this game is so much different from current- gen you can really tell that weight plays a factor when you try to change directions. I found myself constantly being out of position to make a play because I over pursued or ran the wrong way. Boy if you get turned the wrong way on this game it could be 6 points for the other team but that's a good thing.



You really can't run around like a chicken with its head cut off in this one. The same goes for the players when your on offense, but you never fell as if your not in control of your QB, RB, or whomever they may be when you have the ball in your hands. Try to stop on a dime and switch directions with someone who has a low AGILITY rating and he's going to get blasted. Then again players like L.T. and C.Portis had some really sick moves they can lean and cut very well.

CLOSING STATEMENTS

Its very hard for me to do this hands on cause there is so much I want to talk about but I think I got all the important stuff in there. I'll TRY and answer any questions you have cause I simply cannot remember everything I experienced today just a little to much to take all in at one time. I'll get to play for about 2 or 3 hours on Thursday so I might be able to try some more stuff out if you have a question ask it and I'll do my best to answer.

P.S. This game really looks amazing you won't believe your eyes EA built a very solid foundation for NEXT-GEN MADDEN. How do I rate MADDEN you say well I personally don't think you can put a number on a game in just a couple of hours or a couple of days but heres what I will say.

This game is NOT a bare-bones hold me off for 8 more months football game it is IMO. The foundation for a truely amazing game that will be MADDEN 07. From what I could gather today the gameplay is like no other football game every made. It isn't perfect by NO means but its BETTER than MADDEN 06 current-gen in every way ON the field.

[Eaglesfan27]

Thanks Todd. I was resisting the urge to wait in line at Walmart IF my pre-order doesn't come to EB games. I think you just weakened that resolve..

[Pumpy Tudors]

Um, you can't snap the ball if the other team is doing an audible? Gee, I can just imagine people killing their opponent's two-minute drill just by doing audibles over and over.