Microsoft Xbox 360 Elite (120 GB) Black Console

In 2007 here Microsoft and their Xbox 360 gaming console are in a really good spot in the gaming industry. Since the Xbox 360 got a huge head start over the competition (the Nintendo Wii and Sony Playstation 3 of course) it managed to capture the number 1 position and have a great list of games already in their library while their rivals still struggle to build up support. All this is great news for Microsoft but the problem with being the top dog is maintaining it. Microsoft just got out their double barrel shot gun called the new Xbox 360 Elite console to answer the challenge. The system comes loaded with HDMI cables, more memory in the hard drive, and a sleek new look. See if this gun has any bullets though.

The first thing you will notice about the Elite is the price. It's 550 Canadian and 480 US so it's quite a bit more then the standard 360 Premium package which is 400 bucks in the states. The second thing you will probably notice right off the bat is the new black finish instead of white. Sadly the PS3 is also black as well and that thing bombed worse then Paris Hilton's movie career (although I liked that one where she looked all green). Still I remember how much cooler Michael Jackson was when he was black instead of white so maybe changing it up isn't a bad thing.

Enough about the pointless stuff though let's get to the other goodies the system has to offer. The big thing driving up the price of the Elite is the new and massive 120 GB hard drive. That's 6 times bigger then the original 20 GB one on the 360 Premium set and twice has big as the one found on the most expensive PS3 model (although I heard rumours of a 80 GB model in the works). The funny thing is my old and smaller 20 GB model was fine with me and the only reason you would need a bigger hard drive if you want to download a lot content. I guess they mainly did this to show off and say: "Oh ya, we have a 120 GB hard drive, beetyoch!" The system also comes with these HDMI which I don't care too much. Yeah this is great for those with HDTV's because the new wires adds more colours and junk to the picture but I have a piece of sh*& TV here and don't care about getting a fancier one just so I see some of the games or downloaded stuff in slightly better Hi-def. Maybe I'm old fashion that way but I got this sucker to play some games and that's it.

So what are some of the games here like? Here are some of my favourites:

Gears of War
Not only are the graphics here gritty and very realistic but the action is intense and stomping someone head in is still as fun as ever.

Dead Rising
Going to the mall sucks, going to the mall and killing zombies with soccer balls and then taking their picture is awesome.

Burn Out Revenge
Forget about that lame Burnout Lowest Common Dominator game, this BO car crashing simulation has tons of different modes and even online play all in cool 360 graphics.

Each 360 lets you use a cool silver menu system once you turn it on. There you can select from System options or the new Xbox Live online services before you start a game. Like the previous Xbox you can use Custom Soundtracks by down loading your CD to the Hard Drive but now you can even hear your MP3's songs or see Digital camera photos as well thanks to the new USB ports so the custom features are still here in the Elite. If you get sick of the standard 360 or Xbox compatible titles then you can download demos, movies, and even classic and exclusive games like the original arcade edition of Contra.

Sure, the Elite is a improvement over the previous system but the biggest problem with all the latest editions is that it's meant to look more enticing to the buyers who are looking to get a PS3 instead. The thing is as many gamers know the PS3 is in the doghouse right now and in the first month of May 2007 the original Gameboy Advance was out selling it. No, I'm not talking about that Nintendo DS portable system, I'm talking about that wimpy little 32-bit piece of out dated junk. OK, I don't wanna count out the PS3 just yet and be some fanboy jerk but my point is I think Microsoft should be more worried about Nintendo since their Wii and DS systems are killing Sony's other gizmos. Look at the Nintendo Wii: no high def cables and the games look like Xbox 1 games (if we're lucky) but buying the system gave you the interactive WiiSports with it and that was freakin' awesome! Why not steal that idea instead and pack in a killer app game, eh? The Elite system also has the same old issues with it getting too hot so you have to be careful it doesn't overheat and you don't get the dreaded three red lights of death. Another thing they missed out on was there is no motion sensitive feature added to the wireless black controller either even though the competition has them.

There is no denying the 360 itself has a lot of good things going for it and the Elite is just an improvement on a already great console. The graphics in Gears of War are still some of the best visuals I ever seen in a game and that includes anything on the PS3 at the moment (at least until Killzone 2 comes out...... heh heh just kidding). If you're looking to get an 360 system and you plan on downloading a lot of content through the Xbox Live market place then the Elite is definitely the system for you. All others should just get the cheaper editions.

Xbox 360 Elite overall rating: 65/100
Original release: Spring 2007

This review is also on:
videogames101.com
...... I think.

-StarSoldier1 2007
(Ryan Genno)