This is one of the largest console launches that Australia has ever seen. Don't forget that PALGN will be covering the Xbox 360 all throughout the week and we've set up a hub so that you can follow all the articles we post here. We've also decided to collate the Gamerankings average score so you can get an overall idea of how the titles are scoring overseas. This should indicate which titles are worth picking up and which ones should stay on the shelf.
Consoles
Xbox 360 Premium Pack
RRP: $649.95
It really is worth paying a little extra to get a lot more. Whilst the premium pack is $150 more than the core pack it contains a wireless controller, a 20 gig hard-drive and media remote along with the console. The Australian pack doesn't contain a bonus headset, which is a little disappointing. The retail value of all of these items purchased separately is over $250.00, so it's definitely worth investing a little more to save time and money down the track.
A little more goes a long way
Xbox 360 Core Pack
RRP: $499.95
This is the bare bones pack, the Xbox 360 core pack only contains a wired controller and the console itself. This means you are missing out on the hard-drive, media remote and wireless controller. None of these are essential for basic play, so if you want to buy the console but cannot afford the premium pack then this is a good alternative.
The more affordable pack.
Accessories
There are plenty of accessories available at the launch of the Xbox 360 and we're taken a comprehensive look at all of them so you won't leave the store without something you need.
Wireless or Wired Controller
RRP: $59.95 for Wired Controller / $79.95 for Wireless Controller
The Xbox 360 Premium Pack comes with a wireless controller, but if you need more then they are available separately. The wireless controllers act exactly the same as the wired, except it connects wirelessly to the Xbox 360 and needs its own power source. The wired controller does retail for $20.00 cheaper than the wireless version, but well let’s face it – wired controllers are soooo last generation. The Xbox 360 controller is a little different to the original controller on the Xbox and no longer features the back button. The Xbox 360 logo in the middle of the controller also allows you to restart or shut down the console with ease.
64MB Memory Unit
RRP: $49.95
If you'd like to take your Xbox 360 game saves around to a friend's house then you'll need the memory unit. The memory unit holds up to 64MB of data which should ensure that you won't need another memory unit for awhile. The memory unit also allows you to store your gamer profile as well as your in-game achievements. Don’t forget that if you’ve already got a hard drive, then you can save your games on it, so there’s no need to buy a small memory unit.
Play and Charge Kit
RRP: $34.95
If you've purchased a wireless controller then this little contraption saves you the hassle (and cost) associated with buying new batteries all the time. The play and charge kit contains rechargeable batteries that allow you to play for more than thirty hours on one charge. In the long run this is a product that we highly recommend.
20GB Hard Drive
RRP: $169.95
If there is one accessory that is essential for your Xbox 360 then it is the 20 GB hard drive. The hard-drive allows you to save games directly onto the console, store music and download new content. If you want to be able to play your old Xbox games on the 360 then you'll need the hard-drive to download the patches to get the games running. Whilst Microsoft have stated that they will be limiting the amount of games that require the hard-drive, Football Manager is the first game confirmed to require the hard-drive and there could be more games in the future. The Xbox 360 premium pack comes with the hard-drive, but if you purchase a core pack it doesn't so beware that you may need to spend an extra $170 in a few months time.
Wireless Networking Adapter
RRP: $169.95
If you want to be able to wirelessly network your Xbox 360 to Xbox Live then you'll want to pick up the wireless networking adapter. It's a straightforward device that just plugs in easily to ensure minimal fuss. Of course you’ll also need a home router of some other wireless network in the place where you want to play.
Universal Media Remote
RRP: $49.95
The Xbox 360 plays DVD's right out of the box, but if you want to take the lazy way out then you can pick up the universal media remote. A remote control comes bundled with the Xbox 360, but it is a different remote to the one on offer here, which is a universal remote with backlit buttons as well as integrated Windows XP Media Centre controls.
Faceplates
RRP: $29.95
Have you ever looked at your interchangeable phone cover and wondered when you would be able to do this with your home console? Well us neither, but clearly the folks at Microsoft have too much time on their hands. The front part of the Xbox 360 is removable and you can attach faceplates with themes such as Perfect Dark Zero and Call of Duty 2. Some retailers will be offering pre-order bonuses whereby you get a faceplate if you pre-order a title, so look out for those otherwise they're not really essential.
Xbox Live Headset
RRP: $49.95
If you're into online gaming with Xbox Live then you'll want to pick up the headset. In the premium pack overseas the Xbox Live headset was included, but in Australia you’ll need to buy it separately. The headset is pretty similar to the original Xbox version (which are reportedly compatible with the 360) and it is essential if you want to talk online with your friends. It's still disappointing that the premium pack doesn't include the headset, when we’re charged a comparable price.
Xbox Live Gold Subscription
RRP: $99.95
The Xbox 360 can connect up with other devices, but if you want to actually play online against other people then you'll need to purchase a subscription, which is $99.95 per year. This is reasonably good value and will allow you to play online in any Xbox Live enabled title, which will be a key feature for many 360 titles.
Games:
Amped 3
RRP: $99.95 | F: Xbox 360
D: 2K Sports | P: 2K Sports
Gamerankings Score: 75% | PALGN Anticipation: 4/10
The original Amped was a launch title for the Xbox, so it's somehow fitting that the third incarnation is to be a launch title for the Xbox 360. The game is fully Live aware and focuses on a deeper level of customisation. There are more than 300 indie tracks in the game and even though we're a little hesitant about the title, anyone who is into snowboarding titles should find a lot of enjoyment with this game.
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Burnout Revenge
RRP:$119.99 | F: Xbox 360
D: Criterion | P: EA
Gamerankings Score: 88% | PALGN Anticipation: 6/10
Burnout Revenge is a near direct port of the game that came out for the Xbox and PlayStation 2 last year. The main appeal of this game lies in the Live multiplayer, which is much more scoped out in this incarnation. There are plenty more Xbox Live modes as well as a greater multiplayer match up system. Single player wise there hasn't been much added to the game, so if you picked up the title on the original Xbox then it probably isn't worth purchasing this game unless you're a die hard Burnout fan.
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Call of Duty 2
RRP: $109.95 | F: Xbox 360
D: Activision | P: Activision
Gamerankings Score: 90% | PALGN Anticipation: 8/10
Call of Duty 2 is the same as the PC version released about a month ago, but this doesn't stop it from being one of the most appealing Xbox 360 launch prospects. With graphics that are upgraded from its PC cousin, the game is one of the most technically polished Xbox 360 titles. We're fairly sick of World War II shooters, but this one actually breaks the mould and lets the player play through the stories of four individual soldiers as they take on odds that seem impossible. With an atmosphere and scripted events that few games can match, it's worth a look. It was initially the best selling 360 title in America.
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Condemned: Criminal Origins
RRP: $109.95 | F: Xbox 360
D: Sega | P: Sega
Gamerankings Score: 82% | PALGN Anticipation: 6.5/10
First off, it's scary - really scary. Unfortunately at its heart it’s just another first person shooter, of which the 360 is already well supplied. Gamers take control of Agent Thomas, an investigator in the FBI's Serial Crimes Unit and investigate the lives of serial killers. Reminds us of Saw really, but without the saw. It’s a solid title and certainly worth considering, but if you’re only after one FPS title, you might like to consider GRAW or COD2.
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The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
RRP: $99.95 | F: Xbox 360
D: Bestheda | P: Take 2 Interactive
Gamerankings Score: 95% | PALGN Anticipation: 10/10
The Xbox was hardly under siege from the RPG genre, with quality quests few and far between. However, a port of the then-latest incarnation in the famed PC Elder Scrolls series, Morrowind, provided countless hours of role-playing action. With the launch of the Xbox 360, history looks set to repeat itself with the fourth game in the series, Oblivion. The main quest sees a land under siege from hell (or Oblivion as it's known in the game - hence the title), after their emperor falls. Oblivion will retain the same style of open-ended gameplay of the previous games in the Elder Scrolls series - that is, go anywhere and do anything. It will only be released worldwide the day after the 360 launches in Australia; however it is already receiving critical acclaim from the press. Start setting aside cash now. Also of note is a rather pretty collector's edition, available at a $10 premium over the standard price.
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Fight Night Round 3
RRP:$$119.95 | F: Xbox 360
D: EA | P: EA
Gamerankings Score: 86% | PALGN Anticipation: 8/10
Fight Night Round 3 is a very impressive looking title, but it isn't much of an upgrade from the Xbox or PlayStation 2 counterparts. The visuals are very impressive, but they don't always make a game. However, if you're after a boxing game then Fight Night Round 3 certainly looks the part.
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Full Auto
RRP: $109.95 | F: Xbox 360
D: Sega | P: Sega
Gamerankings Score: 71% | PALGN Anticipation: 7/10
Full Auto is best described as Burnout on steroids. If you're a fan of arcade racing then you're likely to lap this game up. There is so much happening on screen at once that it often becomes difficult keeping up with what is happening. Whilst the game doesn't exactly have a mountain of depth, it is very easy to pick up and the unique rewind feature lets you do it all over again. If you want to pick up a game that has been developed for the Xbox 360 from the ground up then Full Auto is a wise choice.
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Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter
RRP: $119.95 | F: Xbox 360
D: Ubisoft | P: Ubisoft
Gamerankings Score: 91% | PALGN Anticipation: 9.5/10
If you're a fan of the previous titles in the series then Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter comes highly recommended. This game is one of the best titles on the Xbox 360 at the moment, with visuals that truly look next generation. The game is set in the near future which means that you'll be using some very cool weapons along with a fancy heads up display. Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter comes highly recommended and looks to sets a precedent for Xbox 360 titles released this year.
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Gun / Tony Hawk's American Wasteland Double Pack
RRP: $109.95 | F: Xbox 360
D: Activision | P: Activision
Gamerankings Score: Gun: 75.5% THAW: 76% | PALGN Anticipation: 5/10
Activision have done a smart, smart thing and bundled together Tony Hawk's American Wasteland and Gun.. At $109.95 the two titles were a little pricey separately, so bundling them together makes them the cheapest titles available at launch. Both titles are direct ports, so if you've played the current generation equivalents then you know what to expect. Tony Hawk's American Wasteland is a step in the right direction for the fledging franchise. The game features no loading and BMX riding for the first time in the series. Gun is the first non Tony Hawk title from Neversoft and even though it is criminally short it is a unique adventure that is fun whilst it lasts.
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Kameo: Elements of Power
RRP:$99.95 | F: Xbox 360
D:Rare | P: Microsoft Game Studios
Gamerankings Score: 81% | PALGN Anticipation: 7.5/10
Will Rare finally prove they are worth the sizeable investment? Kameo is one of the most stunning games we've seen on a console and the environments are simply unrivalled. The game itself has had a rattled history - starting off as a Gamecube game and ending up as an Xbox 360 launch title. The future of the world depends on Kameo, who must capture, harness, and unleash a wide assortment of monsters to rescue three of her Elemental Ancestors and destroy the Dark Troll King who threatens the planet and its wildlife.
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Madden NFL 06
RRP:$119.95 | F: Xbox 360
D:EA | P: EA
Gamerankings Score: 76% | PALGN Anticipation: 2.5/10
Madden NFL 2006 is the first title that EA has developed since they secured the exclusive NFL license. As a result, Madden NFL 06 wasn't as well recieved this year. The Xbox 360 version looks better than the console versions but is missing a lot of modes, so unless you're a die hard fan of the Madden series then this game is probably worth skipping until Madden NFL 07 comes out towards the end of the year.
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NBA Live 06
RRP:$119.95 | F: Xbox 360
D:EA | P: EA
Gamerankings Score: 66% | PALGN Anticipation: 4/10
NBA Live 06 is a port of NBA Live 06, which came out late last year for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox. However, a lot of single player modes have been omitted from the game which means that whilst the graphics are upgraded slightly, the game won't last too long simply because there aren't many modes to keep you entertained. However, if you're after a basketball game at launch then you have no choice but to pick up NBA Live 06 because NBA 2K6 won't be available for a while.
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Need for Speed: Most Wanted
RRP:$119.95 | F: Xbox 360
D: EA | P: EA
Gamerankings Score: 84% | PALGN Anticipation: 4.5/10
EA is always the first company to be criticised when it comes to unoriginal titles, but they surprised everyone when they released Need for Speed: Most Wanted last year. The Need for Speed: Underground titles were extremely popular and we were expecting a third title to come along, but we're pleased that EA took some chances. Need for Speed: Most Wanted is one of the best Need for Speed titles in a long time. The game consists of fifteen black listed racers and the objective is to work your way up the ladder to defeat these racers. The visuals have been upgraded for the Xbox 360 and surprisingly all the modes have been retained. Having said that, there are better racing games out there for the Xbox 360.
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The Outfit
RRP: $109.95 | F: Xbox 360
D: Relic | P: THQ
Gamerankings Score: 73% | PALGN Anticipation: 5/10
Sounds like a fashion game doesn't it? Well, thankfully it isn't. The Outfit is Relic's first jump into the console market and is a war title with a unique menu option called the 'destruction on demand'. At any time during a battle it is possible to call in supplies such as a truck and use it to your advantage. The game also promises to have a lot of unique multiplayer options, which should keep it in your 360 for awhile. If you're sick of war games then it's best to steer clear of this title. Those expecting to be able to dress up Master Chief will be even more disappointed.
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Project Gotham Racing 3
RRP:$99.95| F: Xbox 360
D: Bizarre Creations | P: Microsoft Game Studios
Gamerankings Score: 89% | PALGN Anticipation: 8/10
Project Gotham Racing 3 looks to be one of the most graphically amazing titles available at launch. Not only have the visuals improved but the gameplay has as well. The game will include a unique track editor option, which should be quite a bit of fun if it isn't too difficult to use. The unique Kudos system; which rewards players for style will also be included in the game, so the title is moving forward but still paying homage to its predecessors. One of the best things about Project Gotham Racing 3 is that it is going to be fully compatible with Xbox Live. It will be possible to watch players on Gotham TV, and track how well other racers are fairing.
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Perfect Dark Zero
RRP:$99.95 | F: Xbox 360
D: Rare | P: Microsoft Game Studios
Gamerankings Score: 82% | PALGN Anticipation: 7/10
After the MTV debut of Perfect Dark Zero a lot of people crossed it off their launch list; and then a few weeks later screenshots were released that looked absolutely amazing. The game has received mixed acclaim - scoring a lowly 6.5 from PALGN, while up to 9.0 on other sites. Perfect Dark Zero is a predecessor to Perfect Dark, which was an incredible title on the Nintendo 64. A limited edition 2 disk set will be available on launch as well, and it is the same price as a normal game, so make sure you pick up this version instead of the regular.
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Peter Jackson's King Kong
RRP:$119.95 | F: Xbox
D: Ubisoft| P: Ubisoft
Gamerankings Score: 81% | PALGN Anticipation: 6/10
Traditionally movie to game titles are fairly average with only a few exceptions to the rule. Ubisoft are hoping that King Kong sets a precedent for quality in movie to game adaptations. This game is identical to the current console versions, but looks incredible on the Xbox 360. We've seen the game in action on the Xbox 360, and it really brings the King Kong world to life. In the game you will be able to take on the role of both King Kong and a civilian, so it is promising to mix genres. Let's just hope this is done well enough.
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Quake 4
RRP: $109.95 | F: Xbox 360
D: ID Software | P: Activision
Gamerankings Score: 75% | PALGN Anticipation: 5/10
After seemingly years of waiting PC gamers finally got hold of Quake IV for the PC. Whilst the game wasn't terrible, it didn't flare as much as had been hoped in multiplayer department. However, there is still something incredibly addictive about going around killing Stroggs. In a desperate attempt to survive a Strogg attack on Earth, an armada of Earth's finest warriors is sent to take the battle to the Strogg home planet. Earth's initial assault force is nearly annihilated immediately, but one marine manages to infiltrate the base, bring down their planetary defence systems, and kill the Strogg's collective brain and leader - the Makron. Earth assumed the destruction of the Makron would end it all, but it didn't. Quake IV for the 360 won't offer anything remarkably new, but may even better in high definition than the visually impressive PC version. Quake IV for the Xbox 360 also contains a bonus disk which includes Quake II.
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Ridge Racer 6
RRP: $119.95 | F: Xbox 360
D: Namco | P: EA
Gamerankings Score: 76% | PALGN Anticipation: 7/10
With all the racing games available at the launch of the Xbox 360 it is easy to forget about Ridge Racer 6, but we'd advise you not to. Anyone who is a fan of the PSP game or other Ridge Racer titles is likely to enjoy this game. This is one of the best Ridge Racer titles created and the game features more cars and tracks than ever before. There are plenty of unlockables in the game and the career mode should keep you entertained for a lengthy amount of time.
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Tiger Wood's PGA Tour 06
RRP:$49.99 | F: Xbox 360
D: EA | P: EA
Gamerankings Score: 71% | PALGN Anticipation: 4/10
Whilst not exactly bringing anything new to the series, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 is arguably one of the best golf games of all time; and in theory it should be even better if it looks better. The game features 17 licensed golfers, and 11 authentic PGA tour courses. If you've been holding out on Tiger for the current generation consoles then this game is likely to be worth a purchase, but if you've got the previous console versions this game isn't going to offer anything extraordinarily new.
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Stay tuned to PALGN for more comprehensive launch coverage. Check out the 360 hub for direct links to all our launch articles.
The average ratings were correct as of 21/03/06 and are taken from Gamerankings.
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