Xbox 360 "Omega" Bundle...

[Link Antilles]

For those faint of heart, you are warned.

http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=B020253D

You know, these bundles are absolutely insane. Not mention, if some one actually bought into any that thinking that all those games would be part of the launch, I sorry to say it's unlikely. When Rare releases two games on the same day (on the day of a system launch, nonetheless) is a sign of the apocalypse... or Rare's been chugging down the Red Bull.

On a side note, I find this whole memory card thing ridiculous, personally. How can the 360 be a better system than the old one, when the old one came with a hard drive? I can't help but think that Microsoft has done this on purpose to extract that little bit more out of us. And wired or wireless? Why not make it wireless as standard? Yet again more money. I'm slowly but surely going off the idea of buying one.

The Halo 2 ending is about my only subconscious drive to eventually get an X-box 360. Clever M$.

[Nate]

if some one actually bought into any that thinking that all those games would be part of the launch, I sorry to say it's unlikely.

Yeah, what are these people thinking? o.O

On a side note, I find this whole memory card thing ridiculous, personally. How can the 360 be a better system than the old one, when the old one came with a hard drive?

AGREE'D!

Well, actually, the "premium" version has the hard drive, but the "standard" version doesn't. Of course, the premium one is a hundred dollars more...sounds like the PS2 hard drive, eh? And I remember Xbox owners making fun of PS2s for having to purchase a separate hard drive...ironic.

I found the ad particularly amusing.

The perfect blend of powerful technology, sophisticated design and realized possibilities for the future of games and entertainment has arrived. This isn’t about incremental change. It’s a revolution.

I'm sorry, I believe NINTENDO has the Revolution. And it isn't about incremental change? Oh, that would explain the lack of hard drive and lack of complete backwards compatibility, huh?

Break out of linear and limited entertainment. Leave passive, one-size-fits-all fun behind. Unleash the power of human energy.

How am I going to unleash the power of human energy sitting on my butt playing video games?

Xbox 360 inspires new ways to connect to riveting stories, to social communities, to unbridled creativity, and to living, breathing worlds. This time, you're in control.

Living, breathing worlds? This isn't the Matrix. It's freakin computer code. And if I'm in control, how come I can't make any games I like come out on this system?

[Link Antilles]

Haha, wow, I cannot believe I did not paid attention to that. I think Gamestop (and EB games) suffered partly from something call the "Dopelar effect" when they came up with the bundles and wrote the ads.

----
"Dopelar effect (n.) The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.

[Yojimbo]

"Release dates and pricing are pending and subject to change."

Of course. They'll probably ship them to you when they're in stock whenever the heck that may be. Regardless this is the most ridiculous bundle I've ever seen.

I agree with you guys for the most part. But you have to understand that the Big Three are all three of a kind when it comes down to the nitty gritty of it. All the new systems will have their flaws and weaknesses, but it's the games that will count. I have an Xbox and a PS2 and I'll be getting both a 360 and a PS3. In fact I preordered my 360 last July.

Anyway the 360 will have great games as will every other system. It's not just Microsoft that's been using the tired out formula of trumpeting their format, bashing the others, buzz words, and flashy thingys. It's just because Microsoft will be the first out the door. Sony and Nintendo are guilty of the same thing just not as much as Microsoft...yet. Wait till the end of the year for that.

[Link Antilles]

I agree with you guys for the most part. But you have to understand that the Big Three are all three of a kind when it comes down to the nitty gritty of it. All the new systems will have their flaws and weaknesses, but it's the games that will count. I have an Xbox and a PS2 and I'll be getting both a 360 and a PS3. In fact I preordered my 360 last July.

It's true I will get a X-box 360 way down the road, but Microsoft has made me very unexcited about the 360 launch. Call me demanding, but I don't see much of a reason to shell out almost $500 to play one game that's not a whole lot a improvement from the previous generation. I not saying in the long run that the X-box 360 will be a crappy system (look at the very early days of the PS2), but this release hype ain't fooling me. If I can save a couple of hunderd by waiting, I will. Besides, I still have a year's worth of mileage for my PS2, X-box, and Gamecube.

Not to mention, I am not digging this "whole pay for online" Live Microsoft has been pushing even more. Personally, it's really hard to beat Battlefield 2 on the PC. .

As for the others reasons I'm not excited about the 360 launch can be found here: http://www.christiananime.com/showpost.php?p=535698&postcount=13

Anyway, thats' me speaking for myself, not everyone

[dragonshimmer]

We're sorry. Shimmer has just died due to shock.

Are you freaking KIDDING ME? I KNOW I did not just see FOUR DIGIT PRICE! And what's sad...a good bit of people are going to buy that bundle. Meanwhile, I'm sitting home just 1.5 semesters away from graduating college. That would pay for one semester.

I mean, once I get over the initial shock of seeing those prices, I'm certain I'll agree that when you think about it...MAYBE that's a good deal for what you get. But I'm too busy thinking about how close to four digits just the CORE BUNDLE is.

Come on, Microsoft. Seriously. I'm very fond of the XBox...but I'm not fond of the price of this new one and the ways they're sapping money from it. I'm also not fond of the thought of a memory card.

Just the core bundle itself is $700. I REALLY wanted to get this, but every time I look, the price goes up again.

I personally don't doubt that the technology is going to be awesome...but seriously.

Ugh. I think I'll save up for something more worthwhile now, like school, and wait for that to go down a few hundred dollars.

[Nate]

But you have to understand that the Big Three are all three of a kind when it comes down to the nitty gritty of it. All the new systems will have their flaws and weaknesses, but it's the games that will count.

Yup, I know. I'm not an Xbox fan, but I'm not about to say the system sucks, because it doesn't, not by any stretch. Just I have no interest in it, really. I just think that Microsoft is making a huge mistake with the price, and the memory card thing.

I realize Microsoft probably isn't trying to market to the casual gamer, but still, that price is completely absurd. Considering that PS3 and Revolution will (probably) have friendlier prices, combined with the fact that less than 2% of Japanese gamers are interested in the Xbox 360, doesn't bode well for Microsoft.

It's not just Microsoft that's been using the tired out formula of trumpeting their format, bashing the others, buzz words, and flashy thingys.

I know. I just thought it ironic that they used the phrase, "It's a revolution" in their ad, when that's the name of Nintendo's new system.

[Cognitive Gear]

[Quote=dragonshimmer]Just the core bundle itself is $700. I REALLY wanted to get this, but every time I look, the price goes up again.[/quote]

actually, the core bundle is $299.99

I'm betting you are refering to Gamestop's "core bundle" that includes 5 games, a memory card, an extra wired contoller, and the xbox 360 core unit. So, breaking down the announced prices:

xbox 360 core version: 299.99
Wired controller: 39.99
Memory unit: 39.99
5 games @ 50-60$(we'll assume 60) * 300.00
---------------------------------------------------------
Total: 679.97 before tax.

Looks like Gamestop wants to make a little extra moolah.

*First party games have been announced at 50$*

**Sorce of pricing info**

Also: in reguards to PS3's pricing:

"We're looking at a life cycle of 10 years with the PlayStation 3. We're currently shifting from standard TVs to HD TVs," said Kutaragi. "But in the next couple of years, most flat-panel TVs will be full HD. We're releasing the PS3 with full HD features from the start so that consumers won't have to buy another version of the console in the future. For the same reason, we're using Blu-ray as the PS3's disc format."

"I'm aware that with all these technologies, the PS3 can't be offered at a price that's targeted towards households. I think everyone can still buy it if they wanted to," said Kutaragi to a mostly Japanese crowd. "But we're aiming for consumers throughout the world. So we're going to have to do our best (in containing the price)."

Then Kutaragi issued a somewhat ominous warning. "I'm not going to reveal its price today. I'm going to only say that it'll be expensive," he stated.

Linkage

[Sonic_13]

I say this is all insane! I want my freakin video games! I cant believe this..... ra.... ra.... I wont even say it!

I hope nintendo revolution or ps3 have considerably lower prices and microsoft gets plowed sales wise thanks for their moronic errors.

[Shao Feng-Li]

Wow... I want it... I want to play Quake 4 on it... *dies*

I'm so poor... I need a love offering from the church, but I don't think they'd for this.

[Cognitive Gear]

I honestly don't know why people are so suprised by the pricing. PS2 was 299.99 at launch, and it was just the console, a controller, and the cables. Same as Xbox. Just like xbox 360. Seriously, why is this suprising? no one promised us anything else.

[Kenshin17]

Wow... I want it... I want to play Quake 4 on it... *dies*

I'm so poor... I need a love offering from the church, but I don't think they'd for this.

"Ladies and gentlemen of this fine congragation, today we will be raising a love offering for our young sister so she can...wait buy what!"

lol

I wouldn't pay that much for any console PS or Xbox. I however refuse to give microsoft another machine in my house. Darn it they already sneaked there crummy Xbox 1 into my house!

Wait Halo 3...oh darn it!

[Yojimbo]

I honestly don't know why people are so suprised by the pricing. PS2 was 299.99 at launch, and it was just the console, a controller, and the cables. Same as Xbox. Just like xbox 360. Seriously, why is this suprising? no one promised us anything else.

I don't either man what's the big deal here? But anyway I think it's pretty obvious that the only bundle worth buying is the $400 one. And really with a 20 gig hardrive, backwards compatibility, wireless controller, headset, battery pack, HD and standard AV cables, and a remote you get what you pay for really. The only thing I don't like about that offer is that both unit's should have backwards compatibility. But since a 64 MB card is $40 it's a no brainer regardless to plop down the extra $60 for a whole lot more storage and accessories.

You guys also realize that you really don't have to preorder these bundles it's just EB and Gamespot's marketing tricks. You can preorder either of the systems standalone. I did.

And really with game budgets getting in the 20 millions now I'm not suprised that the price of system and games is going up. But actually...the PSX and the Saturn both debuted at $400 so it's actually not suprising at all. So did other failed 90's systems but that's besides the point.

I can gurantee you all that the price of the PS3 will probably be $400 too. And the Revolution will use the Gamecube's $100 one up-manship deal again and go for $300.

[Myoti]

So basically, they want us to shell out that much cash for a system that's only slightly better than the last version? And look at the controllers:

Based on the acclaimed design of the Xbox Controller S, the Xbox 360 Controller features an extended nine-foot cable and an improved ergonomic design. The centralized, glowing Xbox Guide Button grants you quick access to your digital movie, music, and games libraries. The ultimate in gamer flexibility, precision, control, quality, and comfort are all yours.

And it looks... exactly the same. Big deal.

I realize Microsoft probably isn't trying to market to the casual gamer, but still, that price is completely absurd. Considering that PS3 and Revolution will (probably) have friendlier prices, combined with the fact that less than 2% of Japanese gamers are interested in the Xbox 360, doesn't bode well for Microsoft.

While Nintendo, not surprisingly, is. Hasn't anyone else noticed?
One of the main reasons for the DS touch-screen was to "start everyone back on the same level", meaning they were offering an oppurtunity for the casual gamer to get back into gaming. And the Revolution is going that way as well, offering you the chance to download games from any of their previous systems. There's alot of people who can barely play todays games but can still do incredibly well on the more classic games (my dad and sis are an example of that).

[righteous_slave]

I can't wait for the 360 to hit full bore, so that all the "gotta have the latest and greatest" sell their Xboxes, the value plummets, and I can pick one up.
MS is flubbing a bit with the two levels IMHO. How many people are going to try out the core system, and then somewhere down the line reailze the game they really want to play requires the hard drive? Will they A) pitch a fit B) pitch a fit while shelling out for a hard drive or C) pitch thier 360?

[dragonshimmer]

I retract my former whining. I was under the impression that the console itself was more than $299, and actually, my Xbox was purchased RIGHT when it came out and I remember it being $299 as well, without controllers or games. So really, this price isn't bad...it's EXACTLY the same.

[Myoti]

So really, this price isn't bad...it's EXACTLY the same.

Exactly. The whole thing seems exactly the same to me. Same controllers, same design set up, and all the technilogical aspects they talk about don't impress me that much. They say the graphics are real good, but how many companies can we expect to take full control of the systems power (we could rule EA out)? Also, how much will this new power help gameplay?

[Yojimbo]

So basically, they want us to shell out that much cash for a system that's only slightly better than the last version? And look at the controllers:


And it looks... exactly the same. Big deal.

Slightly better? The things not even out yet and you're judging it based on what? Have you even seen any of the videos for Call of Duty 2, Quake 4, Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter, Oblivion, Gears of War, Kameo, and so on? These are launch games and they look just as good as their respective ports(Oblivion, CD2, Quake 4, etc) on PC's with $400-600 video cards.

Look at first generation PS2 games alot of them looked like smoother PS1 games. For example look at this screenshot for Summoner a game I bought on day one for PS2, and God of War which I also own and is up there in the best looking PS2 games.

http://www.madmacgames.com/images/images_big/SUMMONER_screen1.jpg

http://ps2media.gamespy.com/ps2/image/article/565/565992/god-of-war-20041112030121564.jpg

It takes time for the games on a system to reach their full potential. PS2 is not as powerful as either Gamecube or Xbox but it had the market share which translates to more good games. Besides it all comes down to the games.

Don't fix what ain't broken. They don't need to completely redesign a system's controller with each release or have some "uber" feature. The Dualshock PS2 is exactly the same as the PS1's, with the exception of pressure sensitivity. The S Controller was almost perfect and moving the black and white buttons as shoulder buttons and making a wireless version is really the only changes that needed to be done.

While Nintendo, not surprisingly, is. Hasn't anyone else noticed?
One of the main reasons for the DS touch-screen was to "start everyone back on the same level", meaning they were offering an oppurtunity for the casual gamer to get back into gaming. And the Revolution is going that way as well, offering you the chance to download games from any of their previous systems. There's alot of people who can barely play todays games but can still do incredibly well on the more classic games (my dad and sis are an example of that).

We don't know a thing about the Revolution besides some very vague explanations. And that's a feature we haven't heard anything about since it was announced. Yeah that's fine and all that I could play Legend of Zelda and Mario Brothers, but that won't make anyone buy a system casual or no. Especially since I can gurantee you they won't be free and will probably be at an inflated price like Xbox Live Arcade. The Revolution will probably have some wierd thing that no other console will have, the usual good first party games, and a cheaper price. But until we actually know anything about it there isn't any reason to start trumpeting it.

We don't owe anything to Microsoft, Sony, or Nintendo not our money and not our loyalty. Sony and Microsoft's systems cater more to my kind of games, online play, movie and media centers, etc. So therefore I'll be getting their systems. That's my reasoning and if they didn't hold up to that then I'd take my money somewhere else. Each new system will have their weaknesses and their strengths but it all comes down to the games they have.