DescentBB

I see that the X-Box prices have dropped dramatically to around $150 as the X-Box 360 release approaches. I think I want to get one and try my hand at Halo 2. I don't want to spend the $400 + accessories for the XBox 360 so the low $150 is attractive to me.

I would like to be able to play multiplayer/online Halo2 either by myself or in a LAN party setting. I would also like to be able to play with an opponent next to me (e.g. two controllers).

So ... what all do I need to buy? Do I need a subscription to some internet service in order to play online or can I use my existing service? Do I need to buy networking equipment? Are there any low cost 'cool' options that I should know about?

Also, what is XBox Live?

Also, if anyone has a console in good shape for sale cheap, please PM me with the info ...

BTW: I am NOT interested in the PS2, nintendo, GC, or other consoles.

Well for what you want to do you need the game, the xbox, and 2 controllers.

as for playing online you would need either xboxlive service or xboxconnect.

xboxlive is MS own service and there is a fee -- lots of servers to play on.

xboxconnect is free and allows users who have modded their xbox to play online as well. Not nearly as many servers but after all it is free If you have a buddy local to you in town and know each other's IP's you are set with this!

And if you do get xboxlive and happen to buy the new 360 -- your existing account will transfer over to the new box.

Do yourself a favor and get Xbox Live. Just plug your Xbox into your router and go! XBL also gives you the ability to download new maps for Halo2, and when new cheat vulnerabilities are discovered, XBL pushes out patches that fix the vulnerability -- the thing is, you'd never know it was happening; indeed, you're not supposed to.

So how does this look (buy.com)?

1) Xbox S Controller $24.99
2) Halo2 (Xbox Live) $37.99
3) Xbox Live Starter Kit (Crimson Skies, 12 Month Subscription, Communicator Headset) $54.99
4) Xbox Console $149.99

I assume the console comes with the networking equipment I need (provide my own Cat 5 cable??)

SubTotal : $267.96
Shipping : $16.81
Total : $284.77

Other games I can get with this bundle ... Any of these any good?

a) Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith $49.99
b) Jade Empire $28.99
c) Brothers in Arms (XBLive) $29.99
d) Atari Anthology (85 Old School Games) $19.99
e) Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition (Xbox Live) $48.99
f) Doom 3 (XBLive) $39.99
g) The Incredibles (Xbox Live) $18.99
h) Splinter Cell Chaos Theory (XbLive) $29.99

From what I heard Doom3 is a very enjoyable and very playable port of the PC title.

Yes you need to provide your own Cat5 cable, but it's a lot easier to just run to Staples and pick it up than spend twice as much on a shorter cable because it has the Xbox branding on it.

Also, if you have really big hands, you might find the standard Xbox controller easier to work with. Unfortunately, I don't think it's in production any more. Get your hands on one at EB or something and see which one you prefer.

Iceman wrote:
Other games I can get with this bundle ... Any of these any good?

a) Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith $49.99
b) Jade Empire $28.99
c) Brothers in Arms (XBLive) $29.99
d) Atari Anthology (85 Old School Games) $19.99
e) Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition (Xbox Live) $48.99
f) Doom 3 (XBLive) $39.99
g) The Incredibles (Xbox Live) $18.99
h) Splinter Cell Chaos Theory (XbLive) $29.99

Doom3 is da bomb! Brothers in Arms is a kick ass game closely related to MoH. Splinter Cell...... IMO i like it. but not as action packed as Doom and Brothers In Arms

This link might be useful:

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/Live/about/default.htm

star wars episode 3 sucks ass, dont get it. its too short and its really repetetive

Iceman wrote:So how does this look (buy.com)?

1) Xbox S Controller $24.99
2) Halo2 (Xbox Live) $37.99
3) Xbox Live Starter Kit (Crimson Skies, 12 Month Subscription, Communicator Headset) $54.99
4) Xbox Console $149.99

I assume the console comes with the networking equipment I need (provide my own Cat 5 cable??)

SubTotal : $267.96
Shipping : $16.81
Total : $284.77

Other games I can get with this bundle ... Any of these any good?

a) Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith $49.99
b) Jade Empire $28.99
c) Brothers in Arms (XBLive) $29.99
d) Atari Anthology (85 Old School Games) $19.99
e) Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition (Xbox Live) $48.99
f) Doom 3 (XBLive) $39.99
g) The Incredibles (Xbox Live) $18.99
h) Splinter Cell Chaos Theory (XbLive) $29.99

Splinter cell is a blast, but requires Patience.

EP3 is lame

Jade empire looks cool

and Brother in Arms is supposed to be cool, but has a lot of swearing

Youre gonna want another headset, since the one that ships with the Live starter kit is almost comically uncomfortable. Any headset with a 2.5mm plug (like the ones designed for cell phones) will work with the communicator.