Xbox play

GIZMO GALLERY

The youngest in the console gaming market, Microsoft has to battle Sony and Nintendo for mindshare.

Sony PlayStation has a stronghold on the niche gaming market "� almost iconic in nature, but thanks to an adequate amount of buzz around Xbox 360 (launch in September), Microsoft can hope to make a dent in India. However, PlayStation users are a loyal bunch "� almost to the point of fanaticism, much like Nintendo fans.

There are many gamers (including myself) who would want to own a PlayStation 3 (when it finally releases in December this year), Xbox 360 and a Nintendo. But wishes don't always come true. The Redmond-based game maker, in its attempt to get ahead of Sony, is ready with its goodies three months before the latter gets the PS3 onto the streets.

Features
Getting down to hardware, the console features an IBM PowerPC-based CPU unit and a 500 Mhz ATI graphics processor makes a powerful combo. The system sports an impressive 512MB of RAM, a 20GB hard drive and 802.11a/b/g wireless networking adapter (or even a cordless controller that can be bought separately), the machine is obviously tailored with hardcore gamers and gadget freaks in mind.

The removable hard disk is great innovation, allowing users to take their Xbox 360 content with them if they visit a friend. Not to forget, the two memory card slots that are in front of the machine, along with a pair of USB ports hidden behind a hinged flap. The ports help you connect MP3 players, PDAs, digital cameras, laptops and other portable gadgets, imparting a complete digital experience. The wireless controller that is shipped is comfortable to manoeuvre. An infrared port is also added to synchronise with wireless gamepads and remote controls.

Set up is smooth "� the system auto-detects the wireless network or wired broadband connections, or you can also configure IP addresses and encryption settings manually. With the Xbox 360, Xbox Live (an online service by Microsoft) allows you to download all kinds of content including game demos, just like with a PC. You can also plug in your music device (a PDA or personal music player) and you can easily transfer music right onto the console, provided you are not trying to use tracks downloaded from iTunes, which are incompatible (for obvious reasons).

One of the big selling points of the Xbox 360 could be its high definition (HD) output, which will also work fine on a standard TV. Once you have hooked up the machine to a HD screen, you might never go back to your old TV unit.

When it comes to enjoying a game, for instance a game based on football, just how real does the sweat (players' ofcourse!) have to be? Or how closely should you watch for the sway of the grass and wind, accompanied by sound track that is just right in its pitch. I would say, if you are a hard core gamer, it matters "� the graphics, sound, display and above all the controls signify the efforts of the game maker. While playing Fifa 2006 and looking at an arena filled with tens of thousands of fans, looks awesome. But does it make for a better game? The jury's still out on that, but personally, I think it does.

Yet another game, Kameo: Elements of Power, depicts a wizard in the middle of an undulating purple diamond who repeats clearly, "You're looking a bit stuck, but not as stuck as I am." Dive ahead and you are immersed in a magical world of superb graphics that brought even the blades of grass to life. The level of detail is monumental and it occurred to me that Microsoft programmers' sure had their eyes on the details. While playing, you can also dip online to ask friends for help with games or the availability for download of a series of classic and casual games, courtesy Xbox Live.

Verdict
The launch titles that Microsoft has lined up (around 20-23 to begin with and starting at Rs 1,500), while not huge, promises to cover basketball, football, several racing titles, a first-person shooter or two and some fantasy titles. The Xbox 360 is worthy of your attention, but whether or not you need to run to the retailer to book it right now is entirely debatable. Bill Gates' pride and joy is recommended to all those who have some cash to burn. The Xbox 360 Core System starts with the basics, expandable to a full Xbox 360 experience, and costs Rs 19,990 (excluding tax). The Xbox 360 System comes at Rs 23,990 (excluding tax). Entertaining yourself does come at a price.