So I just got a 360...what now?

[dsheinem]

The release of Raiden Fighters Aces, the announcement of Raiden 4, and some recent rumors of more Japanese shmups coming to the US made me finally break down and get one. Plus, I have some interest in the Gears games (and, yes, even Halo 3). And though I am terrified it will RROD at any moment, I didn't put up too much cash for it (I did a trade/cash swap with a member on the B/S/T forums).

So...I have had a PS3 for a while and any cross-platform stuff I wanted I have already picked up on that. Furthermore, I've picked up most of the disc-based exclusives I was interested in for the 360 already, but wanted some advice on the XBLA exclusives that might be worth getting - especially shmups and the like.

For example, since I have Ikaruga for the Gamecube and Rez for the PS2/3, is it worth downloading the XBLA versions?

Also, I don't plan to get a Gold account at this time - does that mean I can't download certain things? Does it mean that I can't play anything online? How necessary is it - should I buck up the cash anyway when I can play online with the PS3 for free? Sorry, but this is my first MS console and so I am a newb about all this.

Also, how does this controller qualify as good for shooters (FPS, dual-stick, etc.)? Shouldn't the analog sticks be next to each other?!

[RyaNtheSlayA]

I personally hate the Xbox controller, I can only stand the Dreamcasts as far as that style of controller.

Without an Xbox Live Gold account, you can't play online. Sorry buddy.

If you already have some of the games for another console I don't see why you would buy them again on Marketplace other than for possibly better graphics.

[Pulsar_t]

If you play on HDTV then Rez is a must. As for the gamepad it is simply the best that I've tried for fps. It's the logical evolution for the Dreamcast gamepad which was nigh-on uselss for fps. Some prefer the symmetrical analogs but the only game which has the upper hand with such a setup is the Katamari series. Some prefer to use the right stick to play driving games but I found that counter-productive. And the analog triggers always remain more satisfying than shoulder buttons IMHO.

[Niode]

It is definitely the superior pad for FPS, driving and action games since the analogue stick you use for every single one of these games is in the primary position and not the secondary position a la dualshock. Analogue triggers are much better for shooting and accelerator brake controls than the buttons that are on the dual shock.

You have to have an Xbox Silver account to download games from the market place. This is free and just requires you to have a valid email address. Some games and demos get time exclusive on Gold but it's usually only a week or two, but you definitely don't need a Gold account to download anything on XBLA nothing is Gold exclusive. The only thing you get with Gold is online play. If the games you like playing online are available for PS3 get them on that since you don't have to pay for the service. I personally haven't paid for Gold for nearly a year now. When I have it I hardly play on it and it's just not worth the money for me. Having said that, I don't play any games for consoles online. I don't see the point in it anymore, they're just full of annoying brats and I hate playing games with children. I'd much rather play online with my close friends.

You shouldn't have to worry about the RRoD, if it does happen you're covered with a 3 year warranty anyway. Just don't be a moron and put it in a media center with little to no ventilation. The 360 likes at least 15cm of ventilation all the way around it. If you simply must put it with all your other consoles just make sure it has lots of room to breathe. This is the cause of RRoDs, it doesn't just happen cos Microsoft suck at designing these things, yes it is a factor, but it doesn't help keeping it in cramped locations which hinder ventilation. Make sure cool air and get in and hot air can get away from the system and you should be ok.

[Citizin]

The placement should be fine for shooters, much better at that than Playstation controllers.

[dsheinem]

The placement should be fine for shooters, much better at that than Playstation controllers.

It is definitely the superior pad for FPS, driving and action games since the analogue stick you use for every single one of these games is in the primary position and not the secondary position a la dualshock. Analogue triggers are much better for shooting and accelerator brake controls than the buttons that are on the dual shock.

I really like the dualshock placement, but maybe it is just familiarity. I guess I'll report back after I give it a good workout in a few games...

I also like the springy R2 L2 triggers on the ps3 for shooting/racing - what makes these any better?

I do have it well ventilated, so hopefully I'll be fine.

[ZenLogikos]

I don't understand why you would spend less to buy an older, used 360 - that is more likely to RROD than a new one. Mechanical products fail. Fact. They have limited life, and that isn't even factoring in the well known hardware issues with the 360. (Rant over)

Anyway...

-Pac-man CE is a fantastic update
-Geometry Wars(1&2) and Omega Five are good twin stick shooters
-Buy Ikaruga AND keep your Cube copy. Sharper visuals and ability to download replays is nice.
-Sell your Rez. XBLA version is perfect and all you need. The HD version is awesome, but IF for some reason you think the SD is better, it is included as well!
-R-type Dimension: decent update of R-Type 1&2
-I like Galaga Legions quite a bit, but it is defintely not as good as the Pacman update.
-Space invaders Extreme = ok

There are sometimes demos, etc that can only be downloaded by Gold members. Usually it's just exclusive for a certain time.

You must be Gold to play online, but there have been exceptions. eg specific games playable on specific weekends.

Ergonomically, the 360 controller is the best yet designed. It's only drawbacks are the digital pad and quality of materials. The analog stick innards tend to break down sooner than later. Someone who has been using the Dual Shock for 15 years would of course prefer it, at least initially.

EDIT: Sorry for the repeat of some info. I took too long...

[BigTinz]

I'd say the safest thing to do would be not to play it. Keep it boxed in a cool room....as to avoid RROD.

[manaman]

Mechanical products fail. Fact.

But see,

That wasn't always the way. Mechanical things used to last a heck of a lot longer than they do now. I mean, even game systems! How come my Odyssey, Atari 2600, NES, Genesis and SNES are all still working with no problems? And those are the oldest of my consoles!

Especially in an era approaching digital distribution as the future, we're putting a lot of pressure on our systems to not simply make our digital purchases useless. I don't think we should adopt the mentality that you're demonstrating. Let's expect companies to design things that last if they want our money. . . .

Now my rant is over,

manaman

[dsheinem]

I don't understand why you would spend less to buy an older, used 360 - that is more likely to RROD than a new one.

I traded for it and a copy of Assassin's Creed for my 3DO which I have only played three times in three years (for about an hour or two each time) and $40. I'm told that it is still under warranty with MS as it was never registered. So, I should have some time left on it if it breaks. I am keeping it well ventilated as well. If it does break and I can't replace it, it isn't really that big of a deal as it is not my only current-gen console. I'll probably still pick up most cross platform stuff on the PS3.

-Pac-man CE is a fantastic update
-Geometry Wars(1&2) and Omega Five are good twin stick shooters
-Buy Ikaruga AND keep your Cube copy. Sharper visuals and ability to download replays is nice.
-Sell your Rez. XBLA version is perfect and all you need. The HD version is awesome, but IF for some reason you think the SD is better, it is included as well!
-R-type Dimension: decent update of R-Type 1&2
-I like Galaga Legions quite a bit, but it is defintely not as good as the Pacman update.
-Space invaders Extreme = ok

I've played (and loved!) Space Invaders: Extreme on PSP and DS so I'm not looking to buy it elsewhere. Geometry Wars 1 I have on the Wii and don't feel I've played it enough to warrant buying 2. I'll consider selling Rez based on your recommendation (anyone looking to buy it or swap for some MS points?), and will certainly hold on to Ikaruga for now. I can go either way on R-Type and will certainly give the demo a shot. Am I missing any XBLA exclusive or disc-based shmups?

Are the Namco games much different than the arrangements on their Museum collections or on the new PSN collection?