Thoughts on Xbox 360

[EvilRyu2099]

To me, live is mostly worth it because of the content you don't get on Steam or PS3.. Games like Radiant Silvergun, Guardian Heroes, Ikaruga and the Cave Shmups are the reasons I own one... I think it's better to J-Tag one though for said reasons atleast in my case because that's basically the reason I own in the first place and not for MP...

[ZenErik]

But you don't need a premium account to play any of those games.

[dsheinem]

But you don't need a premium account to play any of those games.

Yup. You don't get these any earlier or cheaper by paying an annual fee for Gold.

[EvilRyu2099]

But you don't need a premium account to play any of those games.

Yup. You don't get these any earlier or cheaper by paying an annual fee for Gold.

Yeah but some of the games have multiplayer... ANd in Guardian Hero's case I would think that would enhance the experience..

[ZenErik]

I can see that in Guardian Heroes. But I usually prefer to play shmups single player. Or for the few that ARE good with two or more players, I usually play with friends in the same room. Still, nothing I would pay an extra fee for considering the online games aren't hosted on Microsoft's servers.

[k.vlaros]

Generally, transparency is a good thing. Running the Xbox Live service obviously costs money, probably not an insignificant amount. By offsetting some of that with a subscription, it does not have to be subsidized from online-pass purchases or bigger platform license percentages, which means more of the $60 box-price goes back to developers. I like to see where my money goes, so I think the Live model is a good one. Working as an IT service provider probably influences my point of view.

[gradualmeltdown]

Generally, transparency is a good thing. Running the Xbox Live service obviously costs money, probably not an insignificant amount. By offsetting some of that with a subscription, it does not have to be subsidized from online-pass purchases or bigger platform license percentages, which means more of the $60 box-price goes back to developers. I like to see where my money goes, so I think the Live model is a good one. Working as an IT service provider probably influences my point of view.

I totally agree

[Razzmatazz]

My third Xbox 360 just died I'm slightly angry but more disappointed as it's Xmas time and my girlfriend has bought me xbox games. But seriously, the Xbox is just over a year old, it's the newer black S model, was playing Assassins Creed 2 the other day and it crashed mid mission so I thought OK, I'll just reboot. Screen was freezing on the white boot up screen, unplugged everything including the hard drive, put it all back together, still the same. Even went out and bought a HDMI cable as I thought it could be my VGA cable, but still the same. The Xbox turns on fine, no red ring but doesn't get to the dashboard.
I'm debating whether or not to get a fourth one, as apparently my model is out of warranty and they quoted me £62 to have it repaired. Sounds cliche but you never had this with Sega or Nintendo, I even went through a couple PS2s. I love the Xbox a lot as it has been my primary console since 2006, but having to buy a new one nearly every year is ridiculous. I almost think they are programmed to fail after so long to get more money out of you.

[gtmtnbiker]

So your slim model just failed? You should contact Microsoft to get it repaired under warranty.

[The Last Horseman]

What your describing sounds like manufacturing failures. Something like that you should be able to get fixed for free. These new slim models I've heard only of video problems and nothing else. I've never had problems with any Xbox's though, mine still runs like a champ 3 years later.