X-Box Recommendations?

[stray]

I think I'm gonna buy an X-Box tomorrow. What are some good games to start out with (Preferably some "Un-PC-Like" ones)?

[schild]

Ninja Gaiden
Soul Calibur 2
GTAIII double pak
LOTR: Return of the King
Freedom Fighters
Pandora Tomorrow (Splinter Cell 2)
Kotor
Prince of Persia: Sands of time

and

apparently you should get Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay...

[Morfiend]

Ninja Gaiden
Soul Calibur 2

Great game if you like fighter.

GTAIII double pak

A must have, great deal. Hail to the king.

LOTR: Return of the King

Havent played this one.

Freedom Fighters

Again, havent played.

Pandora Tomorrow (Splinter Cell 2)

Get it for PC.

Kotor

Buy this game. Buy it now.

Prince of Persia: Sands of time

This is why Blockbuster was invented.

and

apparently you should get Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay...

I was not impressed with the demo. Pick up Xbox mag, it has the demo.

Make sure you also pick up "Beyond Good & Evil", you can probably get is for $9.99. Dont let the price fool you. Its a great hybrid action RPG-lite, like Zelda.

If you like racing, "Project Gothem Racing II" and "Need for Speed: Underground".
Gothem is a very realistic racing game where as NFS:U is a lot more arcade like.

Enjoy.

*EDIT*

If you only are going to buy one or two games. GTA double pack is probably the best bang for your buck. You can get it on PC, but its one of those game that feels better sitting on your couch. BGE is so cheap, how can you pass it up.

Those are both "Console" games, and not very PC feeling. So is Soul Caliber 2.

[SirBruce]

DOA: Extreme Beach Volleyball
Madden NFL 2005 (when it comes out)
Fable (when it comes out)

I  agree on the renting of Prince of Persia comment.  There's not enough gameplay to warrant purchase.

Bruce

[schild]

DOA: Extreme Beach Volleyball
Madden NFL 2005 (when it comes out)
Fable (when it comes out)

I  agree on the renting of Prince of Persia comment.  There's not enough gameplay to warrant purchase.

Bruce

You recommended a game with boobies and two games he can't buy tomorrow. You just wanted to post, didn't you?

[geldonyetich]

On the other hand, if one learns the sentiment, "Good games will be here for this platform when they get around to releasing them." then they'll have mastered about 75% of the Gamecube or X-Box ownership experience.

[stray]

DOA: Extreme Beach Volleyball
Madden NFL 2005 (when it comes out)
Fable (when it comes out)

I  agree on the renting of Prince of Persia comment.  There's not enough gameplay to warrant purchase.

Bruce

You recommended a game with boobies and two games he can't buy tomorrow. You just wanted to post, didn't you?

I have to admit though...Boobies and Volleyball actually sounds like fun. I also want a crazy ass golf game (like Hot Shots on PS2). Anything as good as that?

Soul Calibur 2 looks like a must. Same with Ninja Gaiden. I'll check out Prince of Persia too. More recommendations like these, please. I want to be a kid again, damnit...I've about fucking had it with RTS's, Sims, MMO's, and the PC in general. Platform-type games look really appealing right now, so would the Game Cube be a better choice? Saves a little money too.

Definitely need a driving game. Gamespot gives Rallysport a 9.3. Is it better than the others mentioned?

I have Kotor on PC (How about Jade Empire? I'm not expecting Kotor-like greatness, but is it fun?).

Played through the GTA's at a friend's, so I've got that covered. Unless it's different on the X-Box.

[schild]

I have to admit though...Boobies and Volleyball actually sounds like fun.

It's fun for 5 minutes. The boobies are fun for 7 (feel free to make obvious jokes below). I've shown every single one of my friends the opening cutscene though.

I also want a crazy ass golf game (like Hot Shots on PS2). Anything as good as that?

No, unfortunately there isn't. This Tuesday I'm picking up Ribbit King for the PS2, but Xbox is lacking in the not-sports sports games. My favorite one is Tony Hawk Underground. It's fantastic. If you want straight golf, Tiger Woods 2004 is supposed to be great. The only other one I might suggest is SSX3 which is rather fun, but it's more like a shallow version of Tony Hawk Underground (but a LOT prettier).

Soul Calibur 2 looks like a must. Same with Ninja Gaiden. I'll check out Prince of Persia too.

Yes, yes, and yes.

More recommendations like these, please. I want to be a kid again, damnit...I've about fucking had it with RTS's, Sims, and MMO's, and the PC in general. Platform-type games look really appealing right now, so would the Game Cube be a better choice? Saves a little money too.

If you get a gamecube expect to get about 5-7 games, and then a new game every 3 months or so. The only things worth buying on that system are the first party games (as always with Nintendo). Soul Caliber on it doesn't compare to the XBox. And Ninja Gaiden is a better platformer than any of the offerings from Nintendo. I've said this to my friends and on here I believe, if the new Zelda doesn't have AT LEAST the control of NInja Gaiden, it will not get played by me.

Definitely need a driving game. Gamespot gives Rallysport a 9.3. Is it better than the others mentioned?

Playstation 2 has a WEALTH of good games. If it's an option for you, you could immediately pick up a used copy of Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec for like $7.99 at EB and you'll have access to a massive library of fun games. Gran Turismo 4 is on the horizon as well (you can get a demo disc by requesting a Matrix or Prius brochure on the toyota web site). While the XBox is catching up, in my opinion, the installed 300 games or so that came out for the PS2 before Xbox's release gives it the edge. It is also home to two of the best tactics games since FF:T - Disgaea and La Pucelle Tactics. Also Front Mission 4 is coming out if giant robot tactics is your cup of tea. If you want an old school RPG with more depth than just about anything, ever made (as in you NEED the Prima guide to find everything), you've got Dark Cloud 2, which is mighty good fun.

I have Kotor on PC (How about Jade Empire? I'm not expecting Kotor-like greatness, but is it fun?).

Not out yet. The day it's out I will be picking it up though...unfortunately the date is December, 7th 2004. If you want some platformer action (which Jade Empire is supposed to have some roots in) go for Metal Slug 3, which is, of course - fantastic - but, still just Metal Slug.

Played through the GTA's at a friend's, so I've got that covered. Unless it's different on the X-Box.

Naw, if you've played it anywhere, you've played it. Don't spend the money on it. However, if you liked the control scheme and some of the erhmm..combat, Red Dead Revolver has some of the playstyle with a much more interesting setting and story (note, I hate westerns - the movies - but this game has a great amount of appeal).

That should cover everything.

[Hokers]

As for golf on the X-Box there are 2 good choices.  Tiger Woods Golf and Outlaw Golf.

I would rent them both since the controls are so different, Tiger uses the usual timing of button presses, and Outlaw uses the analog stick for your swing.

Personally I prefer Outlaw Golf for the controls, but the beatdowns help.

[SirBruce]

I would have said get Madden 2004, but little point since 2005 is coming soon.  And Fable is probably a reason to buy an X-Box even if you don't already have one, just to play it.

I would have listed Jade Empire, too, but my gut tells me it's not going to make it out this year.

Bruce

[Sky]

TW2004 has analog swing if you prefer it. I don't, but hey. It's there. I have the pc version, though.

Really, I only use my xbox for football (ESPN2k5) and fighting games (Soul Calibur2).

Just remember one thing: Madden sucks! Don't believe the hype. (it's that time of year again when teh madden fanbois come out and slam ESPN, so I'm launching a pre-emptive strike in honor of my country's new policy against terrorists like madden!)

Shenmue2 is a pretty good quirky rpg/fighter that you can probably get on the cheap now. I like NFS:Hot Pursuit 2 because it cost me $10 (pc), and it's almost as good as the newest games.

I've skipped Ninja Gaiden because everyone says it's very frustrating, and I hate frustrating games. If I want frustration, that's what women are for :)

[Alluvian]

Don't listen to Hokers.  Links 2004 is in every single imaginable way superior to Tiger Woods.  Tiger has got NOTHING on links 2004.  Don't even bother renting Tiger.  It is not a bad golf game if you have a ps2, but if you have an xbox Links is superior.  Offline superior in controls and online there is absolutely ZERO comparison.

Don't know much about outlaw golf.  Is is supposed to be a wacky golf game so it may be what you are looking for.  Rent it.  I fully agree with that.

As far as racing games I can't imagine NOT buying Project Gotham 2.  The game is so slick it is sick.  But with racing games much comes down to personal preference.  It is pretty realistic, but they reward so well for driving arcadey it is a BLAST.  I love the mode where your goal is to rack up insane number of kudos by chaining together huge strings of power slides, airials, two wheeled driving, and driving through cone markers.  Some of those tracks are REALLY hard to gold on, but so fucking incredibly rewarding when you do and you have that great replay save to look at whenever you want.  Good way to show off your xbox graphics and your driving skills all at once by showing them some of your greatest replays.  And it is full of content.  Rent it though.  As with ALL racing games unless you know their controls.  If you ever played Metropolis Street Racer for dreamcast and liked that then just outright buy it.  Same company, similar kudos rules, same control.

Nobody here listed Crimson Skies.  Great game.  Fun single player although rather short if you don't get stuck anywhere, but the multiplayer is a blast.  Totally gorgeous as well.  Good showoff game.

If you want sports, the ESPN football series just can't be beat (superior to madden in everything except less micromanagement in franchise mode).  2k4 was just awesome.  Not sure what is coming with 2k5.

If you can find it cheap used, grab the FIRST buffy the vampire slayer game.  That game kicked ass.  Literally.  Even if you HATE buffy, the game was great.  Very well done combat engine and the vampires actually responded like vampires.  You had to stake them as you were fighting them or in some levels you could also throw them into sunlight to kill them.  The second game was apparently also good, but not as good as the first.  I have not played it yet.  The second one is called Chaos bleeds, so get the other if you see it.  I don't think the first one had any subtitle.

I also strongly second:
Beyond good and evil
Rental of prince of persia (kick ass game but short)
Soul calibur 2 (if you are even MILDLY interested in fighter games buy it)
Ninja Gaiden (you may want to rent if first, as some have issues with the camera)
Two Towers and/or Return of the King.  Both very good brawlers.
rental of Riddick
Kotor and Splinter cell2 (but you may prefer pc versions)

Games to keep an eye on that are not out yet:
Jade Empire (by makers of Kotor, action rpg, cool looking fighting system)
Fable (preliminary reports are that it was really fun at E3)
MechAssault 2 (looks like an awesome combined arms multiplayer game)
Driv3r (gorgeous, hopefully it plays as good as it looks)
Halo 2 (looks like it will be GREAT multiplayer.  Think UT2k4 onslaught mode but better)
Other stuff I forget.
Doom 3 if your computer won't run it.

[Glamdring]

If you really want to feel like a kid again, just mod your xbox and get a light gun off of ebay.

BTW, why would I want to switch to ESPN from Madden?  Sell me here because I'm ready for something new.  Does the ESPN line also include a college football version?  Dynasty mode included?

I know that NCAA 2005 is supposed to have some pretty cool changes, on paper at least, so I've really been looking forward to its release.

[Malindor]

If your looking for mindless play, similar to the golden days of the arcade;

I would reccomend:

1) Fusion Frenzy
2) Gauntlet

[Ezdaar]

Don't forget Full Spectrum Warrior. I'm pondering getting an Xbox mainly because of this one. Well, also because of the Bioware things coming out too.

[Rasix]

Anyone advocating a golf game other than Links needs serious help. Links, in addition to being a superior golf game, has much better XBL options.  I mean, why pick up a golf game you can't even play a foursome in.   Beautiful challenging courses, a swing system that FEELS LIKE GOLF, and a pretty decent progression in difficulty make this one a must buy

Also, if you like your non standard sports, get TopSpin.  It's the best tennis game ever made.  It's faithful to the genre, fun, and has a great career mode.  Online play is very fun.  It's off in some aspects of tennis (I average maybe 1 unforced error a tournament) but really, no one's going to buy a tennis game where you randomly dump shots in the net because you got tense.

Also, I just picked up Gladius.  This is a fun little game if you're a fan of the turned based tactical RPGs.  You basically run your own gladitorial school and go out and win tournaments.  It gets a little repetitive and takes some button mashing skills, but overall it's worth a buy at 30 bucks.  It also appears to be VERY LONG.  This is good and bad. I'll get a lot of bang for my buck, but at the expense of slow leveling and character progression.   One day I'd like to do a comprehensive review of this genre, but unfortunately I don't have a PS2.

Ohh, and Crimson Skies is very fun. Both single player and online.

[Glamdring]

I picked up Links as it seemed to be the golf game of choice amongst the crowd here.  I have to say though that the only thing I've noticed in its favor over TW is that I can play it on XBL.  To me, the swing feels exactly the same, and there just isn't as much to do in a single player aspect.

I'd definately say that if you were choosing between the two and knew you would never be on XBL that you'd definately be better served with TW.

But hey, that's why I now have both.

[WayAbvPar]

Anyone advocating a golf game other than Links needs serious help. Links, in addition to being a superior golf game, has much better XBL options. I mean, why pick up a golf game you can't even play a foursome in. Beautiful challenging courses, a swing system that FEELS LIKE GOLF, and a pretty decent progression in difficulty make this one a must buy.

/agree

Links kicks a lot of ass. Crimson Skies is also really damned fun. I am one of the unwashed few who hated Halo (mostly because aiming with a thumbstick is for Ritalin-deficient 8 year olds).

Damn it Rasix- you got me all fired up for Links again- I moved last month and haven't set my X-Box up yet. Time to rectify that when I get home! Probably time to get off my ass and get XBL set up too so you all  can kick my n00b ass at Links and Crimson Skies.

[schild]

I too, hated Halo. It's just another FPS. I have it on the computer, and still don't know what the appeal was, especially in DM mode. Give me ut2k4 any day of the week.

[HaemishM]

Splinter Cell (the original is cheap, but get either one)
ESPN NFL 2k4 (fuck Madden in his stupid ass)
Links 2004 (I think that's the one that's out... supposed to be the best golf game EVAR)
Mechassault (pretty fun, should be cheap)
Top Spin (if you like tennis)
Project Gotham Racing (1 or 2, both great games)
GTA Double Pack

Games I haven't played but have heard about
Soul Caliber 2
Ninja Gaiden

I'm a bit out of the loop, since I haven't played my X-Box since getting CoH.

[Rasix]

Anytime, Way.  I move in like 3 weeks so I'll have some minimal downtime. (YAY NEW HOUSE, MY FIRST) But luckily, I get my cable/internet installed the day after I move in.

I never said I was good though. I imagine us playing each other in any game will resemble two extremely obese people fighting each other over the last egg mcmuffin.  It might be entertaining, but it'll be far from pretty. I haven't played either in about a month, but I should dust them off (too much Gladius, CoH, Mafia and other games).  I imagine it'll take me a little work until I can get to the point where I can turn off the swing meters again.

[WayAbvPar]

I have played actual golf about 6 times since I last played Links...wonder how realistic the swing will still feel? Hopefully it helps my RL swing, which currently resembles a 90 year old man trying to put out a brush fire with a rake.

[schild]

I have played actual golf about 6 times since I last played Links...wonder how realistic the swing will still feel? Hopefully it helps my RL swing, which currently resembles a 90 year old man trying to put out a brush fire with a rake.

sounds fun, caniwatch?

[Krakrok]

Rent Baulder's Gate: Dark Alliance. Only if you have someone to play it co-op with though.

[stray]

I want to be a kid again, damnit...

I feel...ashamed. I think I had a little too much caffiene when I said that. Still true though.

Anyways, just bought the X-Box, Ninja Gaiden, Soul Calibur 2, and Fight Night (Couldn't resist, I'm a boxing freak. Hope it's as good as some reviewers say). $252...Went with a used system, but that's a great price I think. Thanks for the suggestions, guys..I'll be gettin' around to them. It appears that I had to feel a need for fighting games.

[Malindor]

I too, hated Halo. It's just another FPS. I have it on the computer, and still don't know what the appeal was, especially in DM mode. Give me ut2k4 any day of the week.

Apparently the fanbois state that the AI is vastly superior to other FPS and the ability to take control of most of the vehicles that were in game.

I agree with you about Halo not being that great, but it could be due to the fact that I have always sucked at FPS games, lol!!!

[kaid]

I liked halo but it deffinatly had some issues with needlessly prolonging certain sections to increase the length of the game. The whole flood thing in the library thingy that was basically the same corridor or a mirror of it prolonged to about 2 hours of constant fighting in this same looking area got tedious. The outdoor stuff didn't bother me as much as the indoor stuff did.

Kaid

[Glamdring]

lol!!!

I had to quote it by itself for added effect.

I can't believe I forgot to mention Fight Night.  There is no way you will be disappointed with that purchase.

[schild]

lol!!!

I had to quote it by itself for added effect.

Man, I am glad someone else noticed this. I'm scared.

[Sky]

(Couldn't resist, I'm a boxing freak. Hope it's as good as some reviewers say)

How does Fight Night stack up against Rocky (I got Rocky real cheap used). Rocky is ok, no crazy super powahs, just boxing, and a decent control scheme. My only gripe is that the guys look a bit like clay.

Add me to the list of those who didn't care much for Halo. The best part was the marines, but as all stupid AI npcs do, they die off way to early for them to be around for a lot of commentary. This is why I won't be buying Full Spectrum Warrior (or R6, or Ghost Recon, or...), I don't like to nanny crappy AI. And all AI is crappy imo. The Flood? Horrid idea, throw out the decent AI they were using (for the covenant) and just zerg the player. It felt like Doom. I hated Doom, too.

[WayAbvPar]

Crap, I forgot about Fight Night! It is pretty damned cool, but it is a thumb raper extraordinaire. Tip- practice a LOT before you start your own boxer- I started my first guy right off the bat and was 0-12 before I knew it! I felt like Glass Joe =(

Only problem with it is no XBL support. Maybe next year.

[MrHat]

Fun Games but are desperately lacking online experience:

Fight Night
SOUL CALIBER 2

I hope to the sweet Christ that SC3 has online support.

[ChupacabraPlus]

I've been really digging the xbox Sonic game, Sonic Heroes. It's great if you're into fast, twitch style stuff.

Also on a whim I rented this game, Sega Soccer Slam, and I love it. It reminds me of NBA Jam, back on the SNES. Just real fun, arcady not-sports sports. With super powers.

... I wonder how sega REALLY feels about having to make games for other peoples' machines.

Also just to second some of the more obsucure stuff:
Crimson Skies
Jet Grind Radio Future
XIII

[Sable Blaze]

Sega probably feels more profitable. Not that that's saying much...

The screwing they took over Nintendo's bungled launch of Phantasy Star Online for the GCN also probably left them feeling more than a little nostalgic for the Dreamcast.

I still think the DC was the best little box no-one ever bought. I still play mine on occasion. PSOv2.0, Soul Calibur, Record of the Lodoss War...all bring me back to the hefty little white box.

One point on Halo; if you weren't a Mac gamer (yes, yes, it wasn't always an oxymoron) and didn't play the Marathon games, you've missed out on much of the background of what Halo is and where it's going. Halo is a continuation of the Marathon saga, albeit in the usual twisted Bungee way. Personally, I wait all a-flutter over the revelations of Halo2. Did Cortana really go rampant in the Halo's core? What of the Forerunners? Really humans? And the Flood; biblical references abound (almost as bad as Evangelion in this regard).

Bungee still sells a CD with all the Marathon games AND Pathways in Darkness. Run out and buy an old PowerPC Mac now! You can't afford not to!! You simply don't know what you're missing.

[geldonyetich]

Actually, they've released a port for Marathon (and it's sequal Durandal, I believe?) for the PC as well.

Though I've played it on the mac and the implementation feels a lot better there.   By the time Marathon made it to the PC, we already had Duke Nukem 3D to compare it to.