XBox Live

I estimate that I have logged 32+ hours of online gaming using XBox Live in the past two weeks. Most of it were spent playing Madden 2005 with my friend Jackson. For Madden, you can set up to have all the end game statistics played online sent to you via email. So far, I have received 24 of these stats for after game analysis and reminiscing. On average, it takes about an hour to complete one game online including times spent finding opponents, setting up games, playing, chatting, and etc. This means that I have spent at least 24 hours just playing Madden in the last 14 days. The rest of the time I used XBox Live to play Top Spin and Mech Assault which was XBox Live's launch title.

XBox Live requires a broadband Internet connection. In doing so, the online gaming experience is virtually lag free 90% of the time. This lag free environment includes using voice capability while playing games with heavy graphics such as Madden. The voice chat during gaming works almost flawlessly. The lagless experience is definitely a feat itself for any online gaming including PCs and PlayStation 2. Keep in mind that I am using a cable connection which on average has 1.5 mbps download speed and 300 kbps upload stream.

The XBox Live starter kit costs $69.99 which includes one year subscription, a game (Crimson Skies or Mech Assault), and the headset for chatting. Microsoft designed the headset to plug directly into a port on the controller itself instead of a port on the system console like PlayStation 2. This feature alone makes a huge difference. Previously, I had to physically move my PS2 system closer to my location to use the headset. This time around on the XBox, my game controller acts as an extension for the headset. This also means one less dangling and annoying cable running across the floor. My XBox console can stay put in its ideal location near my television. Volume control slider and mute button are also accessible on the headset plug itself. I definitely give Microsoft major props for implementing these various convenient designs into its game system.

I strongly recommend XBox Live for any XBox owners, especially those who wants to enhance his or her gaming experience. The starter kit is the best way to jump start your Live experience. The $70 price tag is a bargain taking into account the game ($20) and headset ($30) it includes. If you are still not convinced, visit www.ilovelive.com and let Troy D. Chinula (pictured above) entice you with all the goodies of XBox Live. Even if do not care about the XBox Live or if you are already LIVE, the web site with Troy is still worth the visit. It is very well done (using flash) and entertaining.

Rating: 9.8 out of 10

XBox Live Main Page