PC Games Are Boring Me - Buying An XBox Finally

[SupaTroopa]

Going out today after work and getting one, screw it, I've put it off long enough, and have had enough of trying to play sports games on my PC.

1. I assume most on here would recommend an Xbox over the PS2?

2. Is there a better, more user friendly controller than the default Xbox controller? (one that is more PS2-like?) Just looking at the Xbox controller makes my hands and head hurt honestly...maybe I'm over-stating things.

3. Guess I'll have to buy a 2nd controller so buddies can come over and play sports games.

I am only getting this for sports games (baseball, football, basketball) - and maybe a racing game, nothing else (unless a good platformer comes out for the XBox - can't see playing an FPS or shooter on a console by any means).

Never thought I'd do it, but the release of new, good PC games has really slowed down to a trickle over the last year, and seems to only get worse with time. I give up being a PC fan boy.

[SupaTroopa]

Forgot to ask - anything other than EA Sports games that I plan on getting that people could recommend for the XBox? (gonna buy March Madness 2004 and Madden 2005 when it comes out).

Looking for the best baseball game for consoles...and really anything other than fighting or FPS games...would appreciate any recommendations as I'm completely new to the Xbox. Other than that I will be sure to watch more G4 TV to get the scoop and start visiting the XBox section of Gamespot I guess.

[Tom Servo]

For sports, there are the Sega games, not sure what baseball games are the best.

What controller are you referring to? The S-type isn't that big, and of course you can get 3rd party controllers (which I don't recommend)

[Chylde Roland]

You'll get used to the controller, believe me. Now my PS2 controller feels small, instead of the Xbox feeling too big. It's actually the perfect size, and everything is laid out well.

I also have a Hip Gear 2.4 GHz wireless version, which is probably the best console controller I've ever had. Most retailers should have it readily available.

[Bruenor]

Going out today after work and getting one, screw it, I've put it off long enough, and have had enough of trying to play sports games on my PC.

1. I assume most on here would recommend an Xbox over the PS2?

That truly depends on the style of games you want to play. For sports, now that EA will be online I'd say XBox. For FPS's, Fighter's and Western-styled RPG's I'd say Xbox. If you are into something like traditional console RPG's, games with a more Japanese flavor, or certain franchises like Castlevania or Metal Gear Solid, then the PS2 would be a better bet.

2. Is there a better, more user friendly controller than the default Xbox controller? (one that is more PS2-like?) Just looking at the Xbox controller makes my hands and head hurt honestly...maybe I'm over-stating things.

You're probably overstating things, the controller-s is actually the best controller out there IMO (the original controller gave my hands seizures though).

3. Guess I'll have to buy a 2nd controller so buddies can come over and play sports games.

Yep.

I am only getting this for sports games (baseball, football, basketball) - and maybe a racing game, nothing else (unless a good platformer comes out for the XBox - can't see playing an FPS or shooter on a console by any means).

Never thought I'd do it, but the release of new, good PC games has really slowed down to a trickle over the last year, and seems to only get worse with time. I give up being a PC fan boy.

Sounds like the XBox would be perfect for you, plus you'll be ready for Fable :thumbup:

Lately, I've been giving my consoles a little more love too. Don't know why really, I think I just need a change from PC Gaming.

[DanTheManPR]

The S-controler is good (I liked the joysticks on the original controller, though).

The PS2 is almost the best controler - is it supposed to hurt so much when I put my fingers on the second set of shoulder buttons? For that reason alone, I perfer the Xbox controller.

And I really, really DO NOT recomend third-party controllers. Sure they're cheaper than regular controllers, but you'll regret ever buying them. The same is true for pretty much every system, with few exceptions.

[SupaTroopa]

Thanks guys I'll see what I can dig-up at the local gaming stores today, and hope I like the XBox. I am so used to the PS2 controller style that I am afraid of not liking the XBox controller for sports games - but trust your judgement.

The Ps2 would be perfect if not for the slower processor and bad graphics.

[Kalbrecht]

I love the XBox controller and have had no problems with it. Most friends like the smaller one, though. Why buy 1 extra controller? Why not 3 more for 4 player fun? :)

Sports-wise: I mostly play NBA games - NBA Live is good, but not as realistic as Sega's NBA series. NBA Jam is awesome fun, although tough. And NBA Street is excellent fun as well. The XBox is the best for this, IMO.

Soccer-wise, FIFA is pretty good - the best soccer games unfortunately aren't on XBox.

And football wise I've heard the XBox is best.

For racing - ask GenX - he loves his Project Gotham Racing 2, I think?

[SupaTroopa]

Yeah I've heard of Gotham Racing via a friend, and saw the review of it on G4TV, they preferred NFS: Underground for the XBox, which I may get some day. It will be nice to try out a football game other than Madden for once, and have my choice of baseball games as well - a very worthwhile investment this XBox is, even though it'll be outdated in a year's time, if that.

I ended up getting the Halo bundle (Green Xbox) since it comes with an S controller (perfect) and Halo, the green XBox is actually very, very cool as well, and also bought March Madness 2004 (EA) which I love, the graphics are noticeably better than the PS2 obviously and everything plugged right in and worked (ah so nice to be able to do).

I've never played Halo either and figured it would be worthwhile (although i'll need a memory card and another gamepad still this weekend).

So far loving my XBox though with what little time I've had with it. :) I really did miss console gaming quite a bit.

[Bruenor]

Why do you need a memory card?

[MasterChief]

You don't need a memory card dude, unless you plan on bringing your save games over to friends houses or whatever.

[SupaTroopa]

I just noticed that, duh, that the slots are on the gamepad, and that obviously the HDD has plenty of space.

Like I said, haven't owned a console since the Genesis.

[Gary V.]

MVP Baseball is great and most reviewers say it is the best baseball game this year. Actually, all of the baseball games this year are very good. I have them all so if you have an questions let me know.

[SupaTroopa]

I own MVP 2k4 for my PC, it's pretty good, but have found the higher difficulties to be a bit too difficult. Would rather play it on a console though. Looking forward to the new batch of football games later this summer as well as the new March Madness game in November and NCAA Football.

Halo is a lot of fun so far also, although I just played through the intro level, will have to invest in a variety of XBox games while my poor PC gets abandoned for a while I guess. Nice change to be able to relax on a couch and play comfortably on a 27" screen.

[Chylde Roland]

If you want to try some other games, here's a few suggestions:

Simpson's Hit and Run: very, very funny game. It's pretty much a rip-off of the Grand Theft Auto games, only Simpsons style.

Ninja Gaiden: This is an old-school game with new school eye candy. It's very, very difficult, so I would recommend giving it a rental or two before you buy.

If you haven't played Prince Of Persia: Sands of Time yet, this is the best system to play it on, IMO. It's kind of a short-ish game, so you may want to rent this one, too. I finished it in about 13 hours. I'd say the same about Beyond Good and Evil as well. I own it, but I've replayed it about 5-6 times, it's that good. However, it will only take you 12-15 hours on your first run. I'm SO hopeing for a sequel, but I don't think we'll see one. It was overshadowed by Prince of Persia.

Also, Action RPGs are pretty fun. I'd recommend Baldur's Gate Dark Alliance, and its sequel.

[Impresario]

Brad, I don't know if you like action games but if you do then Ninja Gaiden is a must buy - best Xbox release so far in 2004 IMO. Project Gotham Racing 2 is a good racer. I only played the single player and it 's fun though a little sterile. In FPS, The Chronicles of Riddick (recently released) is a great game - fantastic single player experience. Crimson Skies from 2003 is a lot of fun with the planes and all. I liked the original PC version better but the Xbox version is good. I haven't played any sports games since World Series 2K which had widescreen HDTV support. That game had outstanding graphics and fun gameplay.

Brian

[0x64657200 0x6A61636B616C00]

Racing games;

Great "Sims" (close to sims, but still with issues);
Colin McRae 4
TOCA 2
RalliSport 2

Fun racers if you're not in to "Sims" but more arcade;
PGR 2
NFS:U (although I really didn't like this game)
SegaGT

I'm really waiting for Forza though.

[SupaTroopa]

Thanks for the suggestions fellas.