Should I get an X-Box or a Gamecube?

[Crow]

No dribble like 'Microsoft is the Devil/Nintendo is just for kids' either, thanks very much.

X-Box looks enticing because it's got Mortal Kombat; V8 Supercars; Ninja Gaiden/Prince of Persia; Doom 3 and all those other popular gun games.

Gamecube seems like a good choice too because it's got its franchises that I've been playing all these years; and those Batman games look quite fun.

Those with either/both I'd love to hear from; PS2 is covered and I've hardly touched an Xbox/GC ever. Whats the cheapest deals I can get these days anyway?

I've been out of the videogames loop for all this century so explain things really slooooowly and clearly please. The controllers are a big thing with me, I've heard so many strange things about each.

Thanks in advance!

[Sigma]

Xbox for the simple fact that you will get more bang for your buck. The Xbox has a larger library of games to choose from, online is amazing, and the built in HDD means no memory card hassle.

I highly recommend the following games.

Ninja Gaiden
Splinter Cell series
Jade Empire
KOTOR I & II
Otogi
Halo 1 & 2
Doom 3
Prince of Persia series

and I could go on and on, but I'll leave it at that for now.

[Crow]

Xbox for the simple fact that you will get more bang for your buck. The Xbox has a larger library of games to choose from, online is amazing, and the built in HDD means no memory card hassle.

I highly recommend the following games.

Ninja Gaiden
Splinter Cell series
Jade Empire
KOTOR I & II
Otogi
Halo 1 & 2
Doom 3
Prince of Persia series

and I could go on and on, but I'll leave it at that for now.

Thanks Sigma, I was hoping I'd get a quick reply - this is what I was hoping for when I started my post/thread.

Ninja Gaiden is really hyped, it's been called too hard and a button masher - any truth to that? What's something in it (a level/move/moment) that'd sway me to get it?

Same question with the Splinter Cell - what's one good one to start me off on? I'm fine with buying one of the sequels if it means improvements over the original.

Never heard of Jade Empire, and Star Wars doesn't interest me so KOTOR isn't really on my radar.

Otogi?

Halo 1/2 - again, I can just get Halo 2 and be sure I'm getting the better of the two, right?

Doom 3 - how does this go on the Xbox?

Prince of Persia - which one should I get?

By all means, I'm interested in hearing other people's opinions, but on the real topic moreso, not these questions.

[Zach]

The gamecube, because you can't get Mario or Zelda on X-Box. GC DOES have Mortal Kombat and Prince of Persia, and some really fun first party games. Screw Halo.

[silverwings]

Is it worth it to get an xbox now when the Xbox 2 is coming out this holiday season? Not really.

Gamecube is dirt cheap and you still have a good 1.5-2 years on it before the next one comes out.

Prince of Persia and MK are multiplatform games, so that really doesn't matter.

Honestly, it depends on how much you want to spend vs the types of games you like to play. That's how you should make your decision.

[William C. Maune]

Xbox for the simple fact that you will get more bang for your buck. The Xbox has a larger library of games to choose from, online is amazing, and the built in HDD means no memory card hassle.

Those factors depend on the person though. While a larger library of games may be a factor, it may not be if the person isn't planning to buy many games. Also, even if larger, the game selection may not include what the person wants in the extra selection. Online is only important if the person has an intention of gaming online. Not everyone has memory card hassles (I bought a big memory card early on and I've never needed another). Plus, memory cards are more transportable if you are going to a friend's house.

Really, its hard to make a recommendation without knowing more about your personal gaming preferences. If you aren't looking to pay a lot then it might be best to get a new system now. If you are willing to pay more then it might be worthwhile to wait because there should be three new systems out by the end of 2006.

[Selene]

gamecube is the only way to go. --How else are you going to play Animal Crossing?

[Classic Speedy]

XBox. What Sigma said, plus the ability to make customized playlists for your games (some of them, anyway). And you can play DVDs with it. Yes, the required remote costs a little extra, but oh well. You're already spending $150; what's $5 more? And this is nitpicking (then again, maybe not), but I just find XBox's controller a nicer fit. GameCube's just feels awkward in my hands. I'm sure I could get used to it, but XBox's was instantly easy. Also, many of GameCube's titles can be found on all three systems, and XBox's version is usually the best, graphic/loading wise.

On the plus side, GameCube does have the Mario/Zelda exclusives. It all depends on how much you'll play those.

[SNS]

Get the Gamecube if you must choose one system (with the prices now, I don't see why you should only get one however). If you do get the Xbox, support Rare by buying Grabbed by the Ghoulies (a very underrated game) & the upcoming Conker: Live & Reloaded.

[JohnCrichton]

Depends on what kinda games you like.

I'd say Xbox in general cuz it's got a pretty impressive library and functionality, but you'll be kicking the crap outta yourself for missing out on Zelda and Resident Evil 4.

Definately comes down to what you like. Give us those specifics and we can more properly tell ya.

[Simpler Simon]

I'm a Gamecube owner, but I'd actually suggest going with an X-Box just because of the variety of titles. Even if you don't buy a lot of games, it's nice to have that choice there just in case you want to try something out later. I know there's a lot of 3rd party games I'd like to try, but none got a Gamecube port and I can't justify buying another system on my current finances.

Besides, if you really wanna play the Nintendo exclusives (and a lot of them like RE4, Animal Crossing, F-Zero GX, Zelda, and Metroid Prime are outstanding titles worth your money), just grab them now and play them on the next-gen console, which is backwards compatible.

[Peter Paltridge]

I can't think of many reasons why I'd want an X-Box, and MS has already abandoned it! The only real reason I've been able to think of is that X-Box gets the best demo discs in their magazine (they come in their own case--that's class!)

HOWEVER, Gamecube isn't for the impatient(release-wise), and aside from Zelda I can't think of anything else that'll be put out for it. Maybe by E3 that'll change, but maybe not.

[auto]

Get the Gamecube, its cheaper and it has a ton of great exclusives. Especially if you like Nintendo and Sega games.

[Zyzzybalubah]

To make it short here's my opinion:
- If you don't mind that Xbox 2 is coming this year and Ninendo Revolution will be out next year (keep in mind both are backwards compatible), then feel free and save the money by buying one of the 2 current consoles. If you have to buy the newer console and money isn't a problem, wait till E3 and then decide if you want X2 or Revolution.

- You should buy Xbox if: You want more first person shooters & IMO better control, thid person shooters/action (they have the more mature ones), online is an issue, ESPN's sports games (only EA's are on Gamecube), and Sega's better exclusives (JSFR, Shenmue 2, Panzer Dragoon Orta, etc.)

- Buy Gamecube if: You love platformers (although I'd say PS2 beat it out this generation), Nintendo brand games (can't get it anywhere else, well not legally), Resident Evil games, and RPGs (Cube has a little, but Xbox has like... none?).

[Sigma]

Thanks Sigma, I was hoping I'd get a quick reply - this is what I was hoping for when I started my post/thread.

Ninja Gaiden is really hyped, it's been called too hard and a button masher - any truth to that? What's something in it (a level/move/moment) that'd sway me to get it?

Same question with the Splinter Cell - what's one good one to start me off on? I'm fine with buying one of the sequels if it means improvements over the original.

Never heard of Jade Empire, and Star Wars doesn't interest me so KOTOR isn't really on my radar.

Otogi?

Halo 1/2 - again, I can just get Halo 2 and be sure I'm getting the better of the two, right?

Doom 3 - how does this go on the Xbox?

Prince of Persia - which one should I get?

By all means, I'm interested in hearing other people's opinions, but on the real topic moreso, not these questions.

First off I want to say that the Gamecube is a great system and I would recommend picking it up especially since it is so cheap right now, but the simple fact is new games worth playing come out for the Cube maybe 4 or 5 times in the year.

Now for your questions.

Ninja Gaiden - Yes it is hard, but it is very good and it does take skill. You can't just go mashing buttons and expect to come out alive.

Splinter Cell - All three games are great, but each one improves upon the last. If you don't plan on going online I recommend checking out the original first to see how you like it. If you plan on getting Xbox Live then go straight to Chaos Theory because it has an awesome versus and co-op mode online.

Jade Empire - This game is by the folks at Bioware who are best known for KOTOR I. Jade Empire is set in Ancient China and has an innovative real time fighting system as well as the ability to become good or evil on your quest and bring your allies along for the ride down either path. This one just came out and is easily IMO one of the best games on the Xbox currently.

Otogi - Rather simmilar to Ninja Gaiden and a true gem that was really unoticed by most gamers.

Halo series - I personally think Halo 2 is all around better, but both games are made for multiplayer IMO. Single player is rather weak.

Doom 3 - Great port of the PC hit from 2004. I highly recommend getting the Collector's Edition if you pick this up because it has Doom and Doom 2 playable.

Prince of Persia - Both games are great, but The Sands of Time is much better than Warrior Within.

[Sailor Chibi Otaku]

Or, be like me and love all systems and buy both.

That's what I plan on doing.

[Zyzzybalubah]

Or, be like me and love all systems and buy both.

That's what I plan on doing.

Amen to that. I own all three right now (bought PS2 and Cube, and my friends bought me the Xbox). In the future, I want to buy the upcoming 3, but I'm gonna wait for some price drops and later start with Revolution and buy whatever has thebest games for it first between PS3 and XB2.

[William C. Maune]

but the simple fact is new games worth playing come out for the Cube maybe 4 or 5 times in the year.

I've seen this mentioned a couple times in the thread. However, in this guy's situation, considering he doesn't have any games of the current generation I don't think a slow release schedule will be a problem for him. There are plenty of good games out that he hasn't played that can tide him over. (Note: My comments would apply to either GC slow release schedule or Microsoft's support for XBox potentially declining. Thus, it is intended to be non-partisan).

[Crow]

My favourite character out of all videogames is Donkey Kong, and Wario is second - what's that Wario World game like?

The Great Escape - what is it on, and what is it like?

Fable - any good?

Batman Vengeance/Rise of Sin Tzu - what's the difference/better one?

Garfield 3D, Mess What Mess I think it is called - need more info on this ASAP. It's the cartoon/strip Garfield in a 3D game.

Metal Gear Solid and all its incarnations are another hyped franchise - what's an unassuming person going to do when he sees all different sorts of MGS spread over the 3 consoles?

The Gamecube's fighting games - does the controller hamper them? This is really a big thing for me.

For that matter, the X-Box's controller - what are fighting games like on that really?

It's just that for ages I thought PS2 was the best one for fighting games but after a week with a PS2 and Soul Caliber 2 my left thumb was shredded. I really thought the D-Pad was the best out of the three for fighting games, I could be wrong.

What the bloody hell is with these 'staggered/post-poned' releases? One game on a console comes out, and then a year later it is released on another/the other two? It seems like one of the new annoying trends.

Thanks heaps everybody.

[Metroid_spy]

The Gamecube's fighting games - does the controller hamper them? This is really a big thing for me.

For that matter, the X-Box's controller - what are fighting games like on that really?

The fighting games I only have on the Xbox are only Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance and Dead or Alive 3. I'm used to controller so it's comfortable for me and able to do all those cool combos and stuff. But I don't know about the Gamecube.