Video Game Consoles

[the architect]

Review 1 game console and try to refrain from saying it is better than another. trying to stay out of the consoles war...

[the architect]

I am reviewing the Microsoft Xbox, my current game system. The first thing you'll notice is the somewhat clever, sortof annoying green start-up screen where you can set the time, set up Xbox live, etc. It has great graphics, but it is a very irrelevant part of the Xbox experience. Just trying to give a good first impression.

Gameplay: A great console for games. Most of the time very fluid, and not much to say is bad about it. Every now and then, though you'll have a 1/4 second pause if your Xbox has not been upgraded. A minor thing that happens once every 5 times or so you play a game.

9/10

Controllers: First of all, never get a third-party controller for the Xbox unless you want a temporary replacement. I have bought a 15 dollar one (about 11 pounds) and it is great but has slow reaction to the Xbox. Only buy microsoft ones! Also, the large original controller is far too big for any hand, so don't bother buying it. get an S Controller. all of the buttons feel natural and it is comfortable in your hand

7.5/10

Size: 12.2"x9.8"x3.5" which means it is 1.6 times the size of the PS2, 2.7 times the size of the PlayStation, and 2.6 times the size of the gamecube. (source http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/541/Xbox-Size-Comparison :)) the Xbox is very bulky, but you sacrifice size for power. it is a little bigger than a VCR and isn't too much of a problem unless you are trying to use it portably. it is relatively light weight, so that isn't a problem.

7/10

Power: This machine is built like a game-specific computer. it has the power of a modern PC, just uses it differently. it is possible (with illegal mods) to in fact turn it into a computer running linux. this thing is just amazing

10/10

Other features: A great feature is that you don't ever need a memory card. it saves everything onto the hard disk. however, should you want one, there are 2 memory card/microphone slots on each controller. the xbox can also save music onto the hard disk. the headset slot is useful in Xbox live (a great service). However, there are drawbacks, Xbox live costs money, like 7 dollars a month. also, the xbox can run DVDs, but you have to first pay 30 dollars for the DVD playback kit. instead of ruinning DVDs with a controller (like a PS2) you must buy the playback kit (a remote is included). also, (for obvious reasons) you can not run burned music disks on the Xbox. you have to have the original CD.

9.5/10

Other: the games are really what make this game worth playing. worth every penny if you buy the right games

10/10

Overall:

9/10

[Boyinabox]

I am reviewing my Nintendo Gamecube. As with the Xbox, the 'cube has a loveley start up screen with a cube floating around being rendered in real time which turns into the nintendo logo. Very pretty.

Gameplay:
Very fluid gaming with a very high frame rate, even on power hungry games like rouge leader. Load times are very short with the minimum being just 3 seconds (super smash bros and Mario kart). 9/10

Controller:
probably the only thing wrong with the cube. Its first party controllers feel cheap and rattely, a real shame since they are well laid out and designed. 7/10

Size:
15*15*10.5 cms not including the carry handle at the back. It is very small with an almost miniscule weight. it has its own special disc format (mini DVD) with 1.5 gbs on each disc. Very impressive. 9/10

power:
Just behind the x-box when it comes to power and better than the PS2. The 'cube has very crisp graphics with a far draw distance. again impressive, if just not the best 9/10

other features:
three expansion ports for the many accessories including a gameboy to 'cube adaptor and online lan play. unfortuantley it cannot play normal CDs or DVDs due to the small size of the disc compartment 7/10

other:
very good games, and despite its kiddy image it has lots of games for serious players including the rouge sqadron, resident evil and metroid prime games.

overal 8/10

[Youlikeyams?]

I am reviewing my Sony Playstation 2. It starts up with Sony's idea of the 'third place', a universe where you are what you want to be, where you want to be. It's represented by a basic, futuristic utopia. The base includes a file browser, CD player, time setting.

Gameplay:
With flagship games like Metal Gear Solid, Grand Theft Auto and Final Fantasy, the games and gameplay on PS2 are up there with the best. Controlling feels very fluid, and loading times vary from 10 seconds for most racing and action games, to 30 seconds for strategy games such as Theme Park World. 9/10

Controller:
The controller is of course a Dual Shock 2, the base for all vibration controllers. All buttons except from Start, Select and the Analog indicator are fully analogue - they can have different effects depending on how much pressure is applied to the button. The controller feels sturdy in your hands, fitting easily. The only drawback is that the analog stick can get clogged up with residue. 8/10

Size:
The PS2 is in between the X-Box and Gamecube, not too big, but not too small either. It is not quite completely lightweight but not too heavy either. 9/10

power:
Behind the X-Box certainly, but when running extremely powerful games like Metal Gear, Gran Turismo and especially Burnout 3, the PS2 can look incredible. 9/10

other features:
the latest SCPH-50003 model has a built-in IR port for DVD remotes, and has a full DVD system built in by default. The back has an expansion port for online play. The two USB ports on the front allow for headsets (chatting online and offline voice recognition), microphones and eyetoy. In japan, there is software to upload digital camera photos to your PS2, and print them off with the popegg printer.7/10

other:
games stand out, online play a must, and great built in DVD software makes this an extremely good console to own.

overall 8.5/10

[hamsternator]

I am reviewing my GBA SP, so much cooler looking than the original GBA.
Power: What would you expect from a handheld console? Personally, I think they're rather good for some of the games on there.
Games: CLASSICS! Nintendo have released some of their old SNES games on here like Yoshi's Island, and there's loads of new ones that are good too! There's stuff like one of the Castlevania games, Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga :mushroom: and even some Spyro and Crash Bandicoot Games.
Handset: It feels comfortable to hold in your hand, it looks good and now you can buy it in Tribal form with tatoos and even one made to look like a NES.
Overall: I think the GBA SP is the best handheld gaming console on the market at this time.
:mushroom: Power to the mushrooms! :mushroom:

[Dingbat]

I am going to review the Nintendo 64, which has now officially become a 'retro' console.

Gameplay:
The Nintendo 64 [N64] has some of the best games you will ever play gameplay-wise. It also had the top three games nominated as the best ever by GamesMaster magazine: GoldenEye 007, widely regarded as the best shoot-em-up on any console; Perfect Dark, which took GoldenEye and improved it, but didn't have that James Bond appeal its predecessor had; and Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which was the first ever 3D Legend of Zelda game and has been called the best game ever by many sources. Other fantastic games include the continuation of the Mario series into the first true three-dimensional world in Super Mario 64, and many other Mario-themed games; Lylatwars, the sequel to Starwing (Star Fox) which was the first game to ever feature Rumble Pak support; Banjo-Kazooie, F-Zero X, the list goes on. Too much gameplay to miss out on! The only problem is that all these games run on cartridges, which in the day made games expensive...however, this isn't a problem nowadays as most games are fairly cheap if you look in the right place. It also eliminates the need for Memory Paks in most cases; though to be sure you're best to get one.

Rating: 9.5/10

Controllers:
Uuurgh no! The N64 would've had a great controller, were it not for some idiot's decision that 'three is better than two'. The controller is pronged like a fork, with three sticky-out bits at the bottom. This wouldn't be as much of a problem if it weren't for the fact that you HAVE to use the middle prong for the Z-button and for the analogue directional stick. Though incidentally, this is the first controller to have ever had one of those, and now PS2 has two... The D-Pad is on the far left of the controller, along with the L-button which you will rarely use (thankfully). Not good design, Nintendo.

Rating: 4/10

Size:
The N64 is about the same size as the original PlayStation; it's smaller than a PS2, bigger than a GameCube. However, something you notice is that the Nintendo 64 is actually very light; it's easy to pick up with one hand! The plastic "Playskool" casing probably explains this, but it certainly feels lighter than a GameCube.

Rating: 9/10

Power:
The N64 was the more powerful console of the three on the market at the time (the Saturn, PlayStation and the '64). The console is 64-bit and as a result produced very good graphics, as can be seen in Mario 64 and Zelda: Ocarina of Time even today. The graphics are of course never going to match up to today's consoles, but they can still hold their own.

Rating: 7/10

Other features:
The N64 can hook up with a Game Boy Colour cartridge if you have the Transfer Pak; which, sadly, was only ever used on Pokemon Stadium (2) and Mario Golf/Tennis, to the best of my knowledge. If anyone knows any different, inform me. There was originally a plan to use this in Perfect Dark with the GameBoy Camera to allow you to put your face in the game, but sadly this never materialised. Another add-on that ended up only being in Japan was the 64DD, a hard drive system that F-Zero X Expansion Pack and Zelda: Ocarina of Time - Master Quest were both released for. The latter can be found bundled with the Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker for the GameCube.

Rating: 3/10, but this was in the days when consoles were consoles and nothing more. I miss that. :rolleyes:

Other: To get the best out of your games and in some cases to actually play the games, you MUST get an Expansion Pak. Donkey Kong 64 and some other games won't work without it, so you really do need to get one unless you plan to simply play Mario 64 and a couple of other rather good games. The best games require a Pak.

Overall: The N64 is still a class console, let down by only its poor controller and its inability to compare with the current generation. Nevertheless, as a retro choice, the Nintendo 64 Console scores a handsome 7/10

[Lewiji]

I don't know if comments are allowed, but Dingbat, I disagree with the N64 controller, it is renowned as one of the best controllers ever made ;) Microsoft based their controller on it (without the middle "prong").

[flapjackboy]

Agree with Lewiji about the N64's controllers (hey, just my opinion there, let's not turn this into a debate.), also the GBC version of Perfect Dark used the transfer pak too.

[Dingbat]

I don't know if comments are allowed, but Dingbat, I disagree with the N64 controller, it is renowned as one of the best controllers ever made ;) Microsoft based their controller on it (without the middle "prong").
Emphasis on 'without the middle prong' there, Lewiji.

Besides, it's my review, and if I don't get to say what I like I'm taking my ball home! :p

[smiley clown]

Reviewing the Gameboy Colour!

Gameplay: Seemed pretty good back then, with a strong slection of games to play now with puzzles involving colour codes (Link's Awakening remade with the extra dungeon). I really loved the addictiveness of the Mario games.

7/10

Holdability: Though really smooth and well designed, lookinbg back now it is quite small for my hands so I have to hold it funny like which is uncomfortable.

6/10

Size: Perfect Pocket size, super-fandobidosy. The machine itself is a great size unlike the small buttons.

10/10

Oher: Bakcwards compatability was quite handy to let me play my gameboy classics, but other than that zilch... but hey, what do yuo expect from a handheld? Did have a camrea accessory but that was a bit pants.

8/10


Compared to the might of the SP and things you can get on mobile phones now, it ain't great, but technology is moving quick and I remember when I got mine for Christmas it was brilliant.

7/10

[Youlikeyams?]

the analogue directional stick... Though incidentally, this is the first controller to have ever had one of those, and now PS2 has two...


wrong - dual shock was out before N64.

[Lewiji]

YLY:


While digital controls have largely been left behind for controlling movement within games (the analogue stick originally appeared on Nintendo's N64, followed by redesigns of the original PlayStation and Sega Saturn controllers which followed suit),

The playstation controller was out before N64, but was not dual shock analogue until after.

[Dingbat]

YLY:



The playstation controller was out before N64, but was not dual shock analogue until after.
Aye. PlayStation's first controller was the Digital one without any Analogue sticks, so get your facts right before leaping to claim Sony's superiority. :rolleyes:

[CoX]

I thought i'd review the PlayStation.

Graphics: As good as you could get in those times, but the new handhelds are going to be better than them when they come out so you can tell how far we've come in technology.

9/10 at the time, 6/10 today

Power: My games were never skippy or jumpy, but the loading times were a real pain in the ass. And you had to keep your games in near-mint condition, otherwise it would just bitch out on you. But apart from that, not bad.

7/10

Controller: The daddy. Comfy, stylish, and vibration was spot on. No wonder they didn't change it for the PS2.

9/10

Other: A few cheat cartridges, but the main thing is the mahoosive number of games available for it. Unfortunately, its not getting a perfect score because my brother played frisbee with my G-Police 2.

9/10


OVERALL SCORE: 9/10 at the time, 6.5/10 today.

[Seriphyn]

i disagree with the PS2 controller being 'perfect' and the xbox controller being to big. i sweat with the PS2 controller (Ahem, no) coz its so small for my lanky fingers, but xbox's is big enough for me.

but hey, this is just becoz i have very long fingers.

[hamsternator]

First of all, we're going wayyy of topic here, and second of all, we're about to enter an arguement that almost got our beloved gaming section shut down! Stupid fanboys!

[Seriphyn]

Xbox review

The biggest victim of prejudice when it first came out, especially by yr7s and such. Maybe if they took the time to PLAY it and stop complaining about the size, then we wouldn't have this problem.

Graphics: Superior over any system, but doesn't mean that all games utilise it (so not all xbox games are gonna have better graphics then all ps2 games)

9/10

Sound: Also very good. The only console to have all its games use 5.1 surround sound (and yet again, not all games utilise it the same way). Try Halo(2) using it, amazing.

9/10

Power: Yet again, superior over any system, but as I said, doesn't mean all games utilise it. (the ps2, believe it or not, has a measly 450mhz processor, but the xbox still has a 750mhz one :\)

10/10

Size: OK, so its big. WTF do you expect from a PC company lol? Weakest point. Thats it, really.

4/10

Controller: Too large for any hand? Bah! WTF are you [the architect] talking about? The Controller is good for adults, and any other people with large hands, like myself. The controller S was a good idea, but why the hell did they move the position of the black and white buttons? And also, why did they stop production of the normal controller!
The little 'craters' in the thumbsticks are excellent, period/full stop. They stop your thumbs slipping everywhere, especially when they get sweaty.

8/10

Other: Xbox Live is great. £40 a year after the first year. Too bad for you yanks, you have to pay for it monthly! <points and laughs>. Better then PS2's 'pay-per-play' system. DVD Playback, although you have to purchase a seperate kit, is better then the PS2s. The hard drive is excellent. Also, the ability to burn CDs onto the hard drive and listen to them as you play is great (not all games though. Busted during morrowind? nah lol). The intro screen is the better of any console (although the alternate one for gc is a nice touch. i had the xbox's one come out blue once, i though "WTF? What did I press?" but it was just the TV lol) but sometimes you just wanna skip it.

9/10

Overall: 9/10, the size lets it down. And nothings perfect anyway.

[Boyinabox]

"The intro screen is the better of any console (lamepube's <COUGH> I mean gamecube's childish music box one but the PS2's is ok.) but sometimes you just wanna skip it."

:rolleyes: have you actually seen the gamecubes screen? not very childish if you ask me, and its rendered in real time.

no fanboyism please

[Seriphyn]

there we go! fixed :D

(wtf? I sed 'n-i-r-vana' and it came up with Busted when talking about music during Morrowind)

[Oberon-fox]

Shameless advertising here, but I'm looking for people who're willing to write reviews for Consoleia (http://www.consoleia.co.uk). If anyone fancies writing anything, t'would be very much appreciated.

[weebl]

Since I own all three 3rd gen consoles I thought I'd have a pop at it too.

In terms of specs the xbox is clearly ahead. If graphical umph is your thing then this is the console for you. The fact it comes with a hard disk built in is a major plus for gaming as it speeds up loading times and allows you to save games without shelling out more for memory cards. It does however mean the xbox is somewhat larger and less portable then the other two. I'd also say that the dvd drive on earlier models was a bit flakey though newer models seem much more stable. The xbox also comes with a network adaptor built in.
Dolby 5.1 sound is available with a fancy cable as is HDTV output (though not on PAL versions.

Next up is the gamecube. It has more grunt than the PS2 and it shows in a few games but on the whole it's less noticable than the difference between the PS2 and xbox. It uses memory cards and they are somewhat pricey. Nice addons available for the GC include gameboy advance module attaches under the cube and lets you play GBA games on your tv. Network wise you will need to buy an adaptor but good luck finding a broadband one if you live in the UK. The best you will probably get is the 56K modem (spit). Dolby 5.1 is available if you get a fancy cable.

PSTwo. I'm looking at the new version since that is what I have. It's wonderfully compact and reasonably quiet too. The graphical power of the PS2 is the worst of the three and it shows itself in the form of popup quite a lot in busier games. Antialiasing is out the window and as a result games can look a tad pixelised at times (some games look worse than their dreamcast counterparts infact). There is a network adaptor and dolby 5.1 built in to the PSTwo but it uses memory cards for storage.

When it comes to actual build quality the gamecube looks and feels cheap and it probably is too. The PSTwo is a lovely looking beast though may be a tad flimsy as the DVD drive has a flip top lid. The Xbox weighs a ton and looks like it could deflect bullets but it's a big bugger. That said it is a fairly standard unit size and wouldn't look out of place in a hifi stack.

Gameplay.
It's pointless to review this as the games are as good as the programmers that make them. The PS2 has a huge library as it was released first, with a good variety too. If you want to play quirky games then it's a close thing between the PSTwo and the Gamecube. The PS2 is the console for franchises and due to it's huge user base producers can afford to take risks on titles that are quite odd. Mind you few do take that chance and so you get fifa 2068 or whatever. The Pepsi charts of gaming.

The Gamecube has a lot of oddball games but it is also the most kid orriented of the bunch. The library of releases is fairly small too. If you like weird games or just love nintendo then this is your baby.

Xbox's library is actually pretty good. It's games tend towards the more adult market and there are less oddball games for it possibly due to a lower level of support by Japanese games makers but that situation is improving. It you like first person shooters then this is the one to go for.

Net Play
Lets get this straight right now. If you enjoy net gaming then there really is only one option and that's the xbox. Live is well thought out, friendly, fast and amazingly cheap running at about £30 for a year subscription. It works and it works well. You can set up friends list and when ever you are online you can quickly sort out matches by messaging them even if they are playing something else.

The Gamecubes net play is woeful. Worst of the lot and pretty much non existant. Don't bother.

The PS2's net play is clunky. difficult to set up and basically taked on as an afterthought. It's a chore to get it up and running and the service is dependant on the games provider. Crentral station is Sony's attempt at Live but I'll be fucked if I can get it running. Plus it takes forever for the disc to get to the point since Sony in their infinite wisdom decided a minute plus display of abstract shapes is essential everytime you want to go online. A huge difference from the xbox whixh will display your friends list as soon as it's on if connected.

Controllers:
This is really a different houses for difference courses thing. The xbox controller s works well, has nice play to the analog sticks and triggers and just feels so right for fps games. There are even rather nice 3rd party wireless controllers which I use whenever I'm lan playing with friends. Please note that I also find the old larger controllers very comfortable and will use those when playing for long periods of time.

The PS2 duelshock controller is good. it does it's job well but is possibly a bit too loose for my tastes. Not bad for long gaming sessions but can geta bit sweaty. I like it a lot and it's shape is suitable for most people.

GC.... Hmm. I'm not a huge fan though many people are. I find the button placement odd and the play on the stick waaaaaaaaay to loose. it looks like it was made by Fisherprice too. The wavebird version of it is much nicer to use though and well worth the money.

[Chassisbot]

(lamepube's <COUGH> I mean gamecube

Ahem *greystation poo* cough. But let's not get terrifyingly fanboyish.

The controller is of course a Dual Shock 2, the base for all vibration controllers.

Slightly false, as the Nintendo Rumble Pak was developed several months before the DS2. Fair play on it being the first official controller to have an inbuilt rumble.

Nintendo Gamecube (PBUH)

Game selection:
Thought to be kiddy, but having played Resi Evil in a darkened room on maximum volume I beg to differ. It has most 3rd party titles, but the best games are the Nintendo-made titles. 10/10

Compatibility:
Not so good. Seeing as the Cube uses 3 inch discs rather than 5 inch, it won't support DVD or CDs. But that's why I own a DVD player... 3/10

Graphics:
The ATI Gekko chip makes for gorgeous visuals. It really is believable. The fogging and popup of the N64 have been effectively annihilated. It may not be as good as the xbox but who cares? 9/10

Multiplayer:
No official online, but 16 player LAN is a laugh. Double dash anyone? 8/10

Connectivity:
If you have 4 GBAs, you can have some real fun. Especially on Four Swords. Plus it's something no other console can do. 10/10

Controller:
The official controller is teh sex. The major thing it has over the competition is the most subtle. The ridge around the control stick at the base is octagonal, not circular, and this makes a big difference. Try it and see. Plus the awesome wavebird wireless controller: sit all around the room and play! 10/10

Overall:
The ultimate games console. It doesn't play DVDs or CDs but frankly, who cares? 10/10

[Nocashvalue]

Just an in depth review of the GC controller(s).

In my opinion, the GC has the best controllers out of all the systems. The analog is perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of resistance, but it's beautifully controlable at the same time. It also has another analog stick, slightly smaller, to be controlled with the other hand. This may seem confusing, but once you get used to it (took me about 5 mins), it gives you brilliant precision in FPS', and can be used to control the camera with precision on other games.

The shoulder buttons are very beefy, with a really satisfying click to them when you push them in fully. In FPS', this really gives you a 'trigger' feeling as you pound away at the right shoulder.

The D-pad isn't really used much in the games I play, so I don't really have that much experience with it, but from the times I have used it, it's one of the GC controller's only flaws, feeling a bit cheap and tacky.

As for other buttons, the gamecube has many. It has 4 face buttons, one being a large green 'A' one. The size of it really helps in most games, as 'A' is one of the most often used buttons. The GC also has the standard start/pause button in the middle, and a rather odd 'Z' button, just abouve the right shoulder.

The rumble on it is spot on, vibrating perfectly when you make that crucial shot or strike a killer blow.

It's worth noting that there are two types of controller for the gamecube. The first being the standard controller that is packaged with the system, which does everything mentioned previously.

The other is a 'wavebird', one of Nintendo's great ideas. It's basically a wireless controller, which runs on batteries. You plug the reciver into the controller port on the gamecube, and set the channel on both the reciver and the wavebird to the same number. There are 12 channels, great for if you have mates with wavebirds also, so your signals don't get confused. The only disadvantages of the wavebird are that it is slightly bulkier than the regular controller (not much heavier though, still a comfortable weight), and that it has no rumble feature, to conserve your precious batteries. The wirelessness avoids you biting people's heads off when they trip over your cables and pull them out, and makes it much more flexible as to how you play (lying down, etc.) A great buy.

Images:

Wavebird from the front:
http://img214.exs.cx/img214/4740/wavebirdfront3zf.th.jpg (http://img214.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img214&image=wavebirdfront3zf.jpg)

Wavebird from behind:
http://img214.exs.cx/img214/7710/wavebirdback7bi.th.jpg (http://img214.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img214&image=wavebirdback7bi.jpg)
The batteries go down the centre.

Front view of my sexy silver normal controller:
http://img78.exs.cx/img78/2863/normalfront1it.th.jpg (http://img78.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img78&image=normalfront1it.jpg)
As you can see, slightly less bulky than the wavebird.

Top down of normal controller:
http://img78.exs.cx/img78/1125/normaltopdown6vn.th.jpg (http://img78.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img78&image=normaltopdown6vn.jpg)
The purple button being 'Z'.

All in all, I'd give the GC controller 9.5/10

[Oberon-fox]

Since I own all three 3rd gen consoles I thought I'd have a pop at it too.

Sorry to nit-pick here Weebl, but third generation? If I'm right in thinking, this is closer to the sixth gen:

1st Gen - Magnavox Oddysey (first games console)

2nd Gen - Atari 2600, Colecovision, Intellivision (early 8-bit systems)

3rd Gen - NES, Atari 7200, Sega Master System (later 8-bit systems)

4th Gen - SNES, Mega Drive (proper 16-bit systems)

5th Gen - PlayStation, N64, Saturn (32- and 64-bit systems)

6th Gen - Dreamcast, GameCube, PS2, Xbox (128-bit)

[Cap'n Zola]

Nice :)

Firstly - where I stand in the current generation of gaming: I own a Sony PS2 and a Nintendo Gamecube and Nintendo Gameboy Advance and I regularily play my cousin's X-box.

Power:
The Gamecube is not the most powerful but only on very rare occasions has problems with any game.
The PS2 is possibly the least powerful, certainly seems like it from experience but I don't know the specs, PS2 that have celebrated their 2nd birthday will definitely have a problem more than once a blue moon and over 4/5 years old will most definitely not be able to handle the more draining games.
The Xbox, from experience, is definitely the most powerful and is rarely overwhelmed by gaming. Although perhaps after 6/7 hours of non-stop playing of a quite draining game it will start to feel hindered but it barely affects gameplay.
The Gameboy Advance isn't even in the same league, power-wise but it's a great stride forward in power compared to its predecessors. From experience it can handle everything you throw at it (not literally...stupid non-rock-proof gameboy advance).

Although I'm not certain, I'm pretty positive that the Xbox is the most powerful console.

Design:
The Gamecube is a very party/sleepover-friendly console, it's small and has a holder thingy to make it easier to carry about, memory is stored with memory cards, like the Playstations and it has 4 controller ports, ideal for mates coming over. Games are played on little mini-discs, I dunno if they are compatible with PC drives so that obviously makes piracy hard if not impossible. I've never been brave enough to dive into the innards of my Gamecube so that's all I can say :p
The PS2 has a simple design, reminds me of a toaster but is not a simple box-shape like the Xbox and Gamecube, more cuboid, meaning you can store it vertically or horizontally. It also uses memory cards but only has 2 controller ports, multi-taps (http://www.retrogames.co.uk/stock/assets/images/Mach_-_Playstation_Multitap.jpg) (less retro image (http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00004TNDY.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg)) are available to allow up to 4-players. Very easy to move from room to room if needs be and as it is quite thin, it is easily carried about. It is only slightly heavier than the Gamecube and noticably (sp) lighter than the Xbox, in my opinion. Games are played on CDs and more often now on DVDs, as they can hold much more data than ordinary CDs. Piracy is very simple and easy :D
The Xbox is a chunkier console, heaviest of of the consoles, in my opinion. It's design, however is quite smart and it already has 4 controller ports and has no need for memory cards as it has a built-in memory drive, saving money on a multi-tap and/or memory cards. Not ideal for moving around a lot as it is quite chunky. Ugh..games are on CDs/DVDs as with the PS2, I'm sure, it's actually been a long time since I've been near one, to be honest :E
The Gameboy Advance looks quite a bit like a game controller for a games console, adding to it's genius. As it's as small as a games controller, it is understandably easily broken if not protected properly (¬_¬). Game data is saved within the little game cartridges.

A very subjective decision, obviously and I think that the Gamecube is the best designed for having mates round. Xboxes are very hard to move around and PS2s can be easily knocked over, although they are also designed to be played horizontally to avoid this. The Gamecube has all the advantages and none of the disadvantages of the other consoles.

Games
The Gamecube's gaming market is undoubtedly mainly targeted at young adults and kids as it has mostly fun, party-style games and a lot of games that have roots in the platform-style of games. All ideal for anyone under 20 I think.
PS2's games are the most varied, I think. The biggest games are from Sports, Racing and Action/Adventure genres. As the first console of this generation to be released, a lot of producers rooted their biggest games in the Playstation early-doors and as such, PS2s have a lot of the biggest games first. Also excellent for people who have very specific interests as there's usually a few good games in every single genre. Ideal for teenagers I think but as I said, the games stretch over such a large market that anyone can turn a PS2 on and play a game they'll love. You don't have to be a 25 year old millionaire rapstar to enjoy the PS2 ;)
Xbox. I feel that most of the biggest Xbox games are aimed at people who enjoy shoot-em-ups and tactical/strategic..possibly war games. Also have an extremely good selection of first-person-shooters games and many original titles.
Gameboy Advance (see Gamecube I think).

For games, I think the PS2's wide selection of games takes the biscuit..perhaps the other consoles main market is a bit niché.

Controllers
Gamecube - ideal for fun, good size, however, the [z] shoulder-button is a bit ackward and the yellow "c" stick can also be quite ackward in my opinion.
PS2 - possibly too small, makes ye sweat a fair bit :p I do feel that all the buttons are perfectly distanced.
Xbox - can't honestly remember :{
The Gameboy Advance is basically a controller within itself, as I said for it's design, it's brilliant. Not technically a controller though :p

I think the Xbox may have a better controller but I can only vaguely remember, sorry.

Overall
My personal favourite of the current gaming generation, as many of you know, is the PS2. The selection of games is just brilliant. I own at least 600 games for it right now, not including the 200 or so PSX games I have :p The Gamecube and Xbox are more ideal for those who have specific interests in the main target for which the repsective console's games are marketed for. Casual gamers may prefer the Gamecube, I think.

whoosh.

fake edit/ 3rd gen of the current consoles of the current dominating console-companies you wankstain :p

[titanic]

right then!

the sega megadrive (yes i do still play it)

Gameplay: with games running from a cartrage there is no loading time at all and some games same direct to the game its self but due to the poor fact its only a 16 bit console the games tend not to be that visualy stunning
7/10

Controllers: simply wonderfull a very simple design that fits the hand nicly but with a max of 6 buttons (a,b,c,x,y,z) and most games only using the first 3 combos in games were very easy to learn
the jack on the controlers is the same as many old style comadore or atari joy stick/joypad controlers and although it never got past using 3 buttons many many more pads are available

8/10

Size: smaller than all (except the game cube) plus with the cartrage removed its pretty flat allowing for very easy storage
9/10

Power: 16 bit, but for its time and retro value it cant be beat

10/10

Other features: despite most games for this console being platformers, 2d beat 'em ups and diagonal top down games the variety is still huge and with the games being in console version it allowed for cross overs, (as with sonic and knuckles) or an adapter alowing you play all the older master system games and if you really wanted to another adapter in to that to allow you to play game gear games. or a diferent adapter to use the sega cd which bumped up the wonderfullness of it all

10/10

Other: without the really ability to save your games this was the glory days of button push cheats (not the unlockable cheats you get thies days) that really bumped up the replay value of games

10/10

Overall:

9/10

[Oberon-fox]

Going retro, are we? Right, Neo-Geo it is!

Gameplay: If you thought instant loading times from a cartridge were impressive, Neo-Geo games have you drooling. The largest games are over 700 megabits in capacity, in a single cartridge. Expensive, but this is the best 16-bit gameplay money can buy. Fighting games? Loads of them. Platformers? Plenty. Mindless shoot 'em ups? Oh yes. The Neo-Geo has just about everything, and the last game was only released last year. That's 14 years of solid games to pick from.

Controllers: The Neo-Geo is an arcade machine at heart (it was released as an arcade board and home console), so naturally it has arcade-style controls. The classic arcade joystick and buttons will take endless punishment - in fact, this controller's so good it's been recently remade for the PS2. (I kid you not!) There are also classic Mega Drive-style joypads available.

Size: The cartridges are about as big as the cases for Mega Drive games. The console's no lightweight itself. Think special.

Power: 16 bit, but easily surpasses many recent consoles in terms of raw sprites being pushed out. You won't find a console more apt at 2D games; 3D is beyond it, but this was 1989...

Other features: The Neo-Geo really is a machine for those with money to burn. New games retail at over $300 (roughly £140), and the machine itself was a cool £300 or so when first released. A CD-ROM based version was eventually released, but expect long load times and a number of games not being available on that format. Still, the ability to play actual arcade games in your home is a new definition of cool. Did I mention that the system has memory card support?

NEO-GEO
MAX 330 MEGA
PRO-GEAR SPEC

[titanic]

retro is the sex

ive still got my pong machine knocking around somewhere.... in fact....

intelevision tennis simulator

Gameplay: pong! with 2 modes of play mind.... 1 player and 2 player
4/10

Controllers: a cube with a stick out the top no one had even heard of ergonomics back then

1/10

Size: odly smaller than the game cube..... and really very light
9/10

Power: errrrr..... 8 bit and with full green monocrome screen!

2/10

Other features: the console its self has little knobs on it to adjust the size of the hole or the size of your paddle or how ast everything moved

7/10

Other: this thing is so retro you great grandad remembers being a pong junky being botherd by your great great grandad to turn it off and go out side
10/10

Overall:

honestly 2/10

added retro value score 9/10

[weebl]

Sorry to nit-pick here Weebl, but third generation? If I'm right in thinking, this is closer to the sixth gen:

you can nit pick if you want but the general consensus is this is the 3rd gen. Fuck knows why as we've had all sorts of consoles as you point out before these.

I'm guessing they must be starting from the snes and genesis. (wierd)

[titanic]

genesis.


your english man! its called the mega drive over here

genesis was for the americans

[Oberon-fox]

you can nit pick if you want but the general consensus is this is the 3rd gen.

Ah, marketing: where even if somebody's gone and done something before you, you can still claim you invented it... weird indeed.

Reminds me of people I know a few years back being convinced Sony invented video gaming.

[titanic]

MMmmm standin on the shoulders of giants and claiming that you are in fact 30 foot tall

but nintendo and sega didnt claim that the snes and mega drive were 1st gen consoles...

maybe they class cartridge consoles as 1st gen, cd consoles as 2nd gen and dvd consoles as 3rd gen

then obviously hand helds will have there own generations

[reno]

Having owned a PS2, Xbox, Gamecube AND Dreamcast, I'd like to say I have a rather informed opinion. My PS2 is broken and in pieces, because it was shipped with a four-inch crack in the secondary board, and is currently hanging on my wall with other broken boards as decoration.

http://www.reno.techmonkey4u.net/optical/random/walldecor.jpg

the Xbox will soon be there as well. You can read about my problems with that here (http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&blogID=13838509).

You could say that I don't have a high opinion of Sony's or Microsoft's game systems, even though they cost me $300-$400 each, and I have all kinds of games that I can no longer play. [/sarcasm]

The main problem with the dreamcast was with its controllers and amount of memory in the memory cards. Oh, and the fact that I usually have to turn it on to let it warm up for twenty minutes before attempting to play anything. Other than that, it was a tight system.

Nintendo, this time around, did everything right. Compact System. Weird yet functional controllers. Neat little game discs. Smooth graphics and animation. Good sound chip. Unfortunately, they decided to make memory cards that, except for earlier releases, only fit one god damn game per card. Anymore, you basically have to purchase a new memory card for each game you buy. What pisses me off most about this is when they lie on the cover of the game.

Beyond Good & Evil was a great game. On the case it said it required 20 memory blocks. However, when I fired it up, it said it required 55 memory blocks. WTF?

-----------

When it comes down to it, I'm of the opinion that every single one of the so-called "next-gen" systems is utter CRAP and that we should all be issued a public apology from the gaming industry for the past 5 years of SHIT. The end.

[da-geezer]

I'm gonna agree with weebl on the whole generation thing; not because OMH HE AM TEH FORUM MASTAH but because his reasoning is sound and he's teh secks.

The PlayStation, the Saturn and the Nintendo 64 were widley regarded as the "next generation" consoles, naturally the current crop are "next next generation" consoles. By my maths, that's the original done threefold; third generation.

-----------------------------

Anyway, bring on the Dreamcast!
http://www.id-vault.net/hosted/weebl/dreamy.jpg
w00t!

Sureley the most underrated console ever to hit UK shores, the Dreamcast got slaughtered by the press like a true Sega device. The UK gaming scene's desire to wait for the sucessor to the uber-successful Sony PlayStation sounded the death knell for the console, before it had even been on sale. Such a pity.

The Dreamcast itself is a prime case of "could've, would've, should've". The console pulled together aspects of gaming that today's consoles are only just thinking about. For example; the console itself was running on an adapted version of Windows CE - given the amount of support it should have had, I feel that the Dreamcast could well have seen applications developed for it which really could have pushed it into the forefront of digital entertainment. It was also the first console to support internet gaming courtest of DreamArena on Seganet using a 33.6k modem which worked surprisingly well. Even games such as Quake III Arena ran well against their PC counterparts (providing they were running the correct version - 1.16 if you're interested); and was even one of the pioneers of MMORPG's with Phantasy Star Online. It also kickstarted the whole "gaming away from the game" trend with the funky visual memory unit which allowed you to download mini games to your memory card, and continue your game with the attraction of acquiring items or powerups you may never have found in the full game.

As you can see from that paragraph alone, the Dreamcast was one of the most innovative consoles that has ever hit the shelves; if only developers and the public got behind it.

Technically, the console was hardly underpowered. I've run pretty intense four-player Quake III Arena games on the puppy and - even though some models are scaled down for multiplayer mode - the console hardly shuddered. Games like Shenmue and F355 Challenge really showed the world what beautiful aesthetics could have been achieved with the console. The sound was admittedly somewhat limited, with very little (if any) support for positional SFX across more than two speakers.

Controller-wise, it was a beast of a thing. Boasting mammoth 5x5x3" dimensions, the controller was designed to be a little more than your average user input device. However, while the action buttons may have been a bit small and the analogue stick limited, the analogue shoulder buttons were a joy to use. Unfortunatley, the controller did not have vibration built in; one had to add this facility by purchasing a relativley cheap vibration pack (think the N64's rumble pak). If you didn't have a VMU inserted, the vibrations were pretty darned violent! Though, the controller had two ports on it, eliminating the age old "vibration pak or memory card?" issue. The VMU window in the controller allowed for some pretty nifty interaction too; with some game puzzles only being solved by using the controller to solve a problem that was also being shown on the VMU.

The VMU itself was darned cool I thought. The ability to download a mini game to this device and play it away from the Dreamcast was a stroke of pure genius. It also flashed up with certain context-sensitive information while plugged into the controller - for example it would show you how to perform a trick or how any points you made during a stunt on Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2. Memory wise, I guess it did the job very well, though it's storage space was somewhat limited.

Other input devices of note were the mouse and keyboard - absolutley fantastic if playing a first person shooter. Quake III Arena implemented it so so well, made us PC geeks feel well at home! The keyboard could also be used to browse the internet or chat and such; while the mouse could be used in point 'n' click games such as Stupid Invaders and the like.

Well, what's a console without games? To answer it literally, the Dreamcast. The console had so few games being released for it while it was on the shelves, it was tragic. That said, some of the games were absolute corkers - Shenmue showcased the Dreamcasts abilities perfectly. Headhunter was another classic; along with the good ol' arcade-perfect conversions such as Sega Rally 2, Dead Or Alive 2, Virtua Fighter etc. As much as I go on about it, I really do feel that Quake III Arena was the Dreamcast's finest hour. It's the most addictive, well written, and generally best game to have hit the console. Other FPS's were good, notably Soldier Of Fortune, which unfortuatley suffered from frequent map switches. Oh, and Chu Chu Rocket. Very very very very very very very addictive. Enough said.

In summary, I wish people had given the Dreamcast a second look. It's innovations put it was ahead of today's field; even if it's technological foundations may well be a little dated compared to today's standards. The great thing is that you can pick up a Dreamcast for not more than £30 or £40 now, and the games can range from 50p pre-owned, to £9.99 brand new on eBay and good stockists.

Verdict: buy one now. It's not a perfect console, but it doesn't deserve to be forgotten. Even though the console has been technologically superseded, it still manages to wave two fingers at the PS2, the Gamecube, and the Xbox.

[Oberon-fox]

The Dreamcast's a great console, no mistake. But it does have one very annoying little flaw - sometimes the main PCB can stop making good contact with the power board, which causes the machine to reset itself randomly. This is obviously very annoying, but it can be remedied with a quick and happy opening up of the case, removing the main PCB, and re-seating it firmly.

[Zombie Nathan]

I haven't played on a dreamcast, but if we didn't have it we might still be playing on mega drives. I used to hate the dreamcast, because i had a ps1, but now that i think about it, it was great.

[Oberon-fox]

And here's the great bit - new games are still being made for the Dreamcast in Japan. For an officially dead console, it doesn't half still put up a fight...

[Nth Turtle]

...also, (for obvious reasons) you can not run burned music disks on the Xbox. you have to have the original CD.

Sorry Archi, the Crystal boxes and others with the newer drive allow burned music to be burned onto the Hard-disk.

Essential for burning on the Smokey and the Bandit theme for driving the Trans-Am. ;)

[Lewiji]

No, I could use burned discs on the old drives, you have to use a CD-r and not rw (although rws will work if you reboot the box a few times)

[hamsternator]

Review for the Nintendo DS!
http://img183.exs.cx/img183/1750/ninty4wt.jpg
Yes, I have gone out to the States and bought one, and it's damn good as well. It's coming out in the UK on March 11th and it's gonna cost £100.
Gameplay: As for now 8/10
I have only two games for the DS. Super Mario 64 Ds and a demo of Metroid Prime Hunters. Mario 64 is definately the best game for the DS yet. Looks just like the N64 version. You can play your GBA games on here too, but Game Boy Colour games won't work.
Graphics: 10/10
Very, very nice. As I said, Mario 64 looks just like the N64 version. Metroid is also very shiny. GBA games look the same however.

Other things: The bottom screen of the DS is a touch screen. You use this to make menu desicions and interact with games. But I feel you don't really need it. Also, the DS has in-built chat soft ware called Pictochat, that lets you send messages and pictures to your friends. But your friend needs a DS too.

Overall this thing gets 10/10

[kaliana]

Woooooah... "I feel that you don't really need it." ??
I'm really going to have to disagree there... you need to get yourself a copy of Feel The Magic XY/XX, which is essentially 'a glorifed tech demo' (though a very spangly game too). And what about the impending new Wario Ware? When playing it you'll need to rub and poke and blow and shout... it's going to be amazing, if somewhat braindestroying.

I think the touchscreen is a stroke of genius.

[BigShimmeryWall]

Very true, the touchscreen is what makes it. I think Nintendo have definitely hit upon a winner with the DS as it appeals to a lot of established gamers (although obviously there are fanboys of *insert name of console giants here* who won't touch the thing with a bargepole simply because it says Nintendo on it and that means it's for "teh kiddiez!!1one" wheras they'll swear blind that the psp's gta with be the world's greatest thing dispite the fact that very little is known about it other than it being back in Liberty City and NOT being developed by Rockstar North) as well as people who have never played games in there life as the touchscreen provides intuitive controls as most people have used pens for most of their lives whereas using a joypad/ controller buttons for the first time can be very daunting for some people.

[hamsternator]

What I meant about the touchscreen is that sometimes the uses for it are unessery. Like in Mario 64, when you go to the pause menu, you have to touch something when you want to get back, you can't use the control pad for it.
I do think it makes the DS stand out a bit.Just sometimes you need it for reasons that are, basicly, quite stupid.

[Snay]

Imported one from Japan. If you are thinking of importing one, get a US one, as it took me about an hour to get it off Japaneese. It was a pain in the fecking arse. Also, I never got a demo for Metroid.

I agree with Hampsternator, sometimes, in Mario DS, it feels like the developers have just been looking for something to use the touchscreen just for using the touchscreens sake.

As for the console, I am seriously impressed with it. It is rather nice. However, the bastard stylus keeps falling out (I have had to replace mine, I lost both of the ones that came with it. Is this a DS wide issue, or is it just mine?). However, I think Nintendo will have to work a little harder on the lineup of games that they have. The only ones that are seriosly good seems to be Mario DS (but I completed that on the N64, so that killed the fun a little). Actually, Mario DS, Spiderman DS, and Ridge Racer, are all just ports. Come on Nintendo. Pull your finger out and give us some original stuff here. Hopefully when the new titles come out it will be a lot better. I am eagerly awaiting Rayman, and Metroid. Also, is there any info on a zelda release on it?

Overall, I would advise against importing, and against buying it at the release date. It runs the risk of going the way of the dreamcast. Great console, but with no real games that are really great. (Actually the dreamcast was an awesome console, I fecking loved it, but thats got nothing to do with anything). Give it a few months, and see if the price drops, and if Nintndo can give us some serious offerings.

[Giant_Crab]

Xbox 8/10
Ahem...
*carries on eating sandwich*

[Jimbob jones]

Woooooah... "I feel that you don't really need it." ??
I'm really going to have to disagree there... you need to get yourself a copy of Feel The Magic XY/XX, which is essentially 'a glorifed tech demo' (though a very spangly game too). And what about the impending new Wario Ware? When playing it you'll need to rub and poke and blow and shout... it's going to be amazing, if somewhat braindestroying.

I think the touchscreen is a stroke of genius.

Unfortunaly the box in GAME calls it 'Project Rub' now that has to be one of the shittiest names of all time. It's sounds like a massage clinic sim (hmm i feel there's a gap in the market for those) I think feel the magic was a great name (even withh all the un nessacary roman numerals at the end) I'm still getting that along with Mario 64 when it comes out as i saw the video for it on GameSpot a while ago.

It looks soooo cool.

[Oberon-fox]

They're not Roman numerals - they're chromosomes. XX is for a female, XY for a male.

[Chassisbot]

you'll need to rub and poke and blow and shout... it's going to be amazing

Classic. Absolutely brilliant.

[kaliana]

Unfortunaly the box in GAME calls it 'Project Rub' now that has to be one of the shittiest names of all time. It's sounds like a massage clinic sim (hmm i feel there's a gap in the market for those) I think feel the magic was a great name
In Japan it's called I Would Die For You. Crazy, no?
Anyway, Project Rub was the working title, because it's a Japanese play on words... (rub/love I believe)... and we ended up with it as our final title. The Rub Rabbits are great, though. That's a brilliant name.

Classic. Absolutely brilliant.
I'm just glad no-one picked up on my terrible pun :D