Software aside, we take a look at the basic operation of Microsoft's new video game system/Internet machine/weapon of mass destruction.

The Xbox is probably the most feature-rich gaming console ever made. In fact, some would say too rich. It is considered by some to be far more than a simple games machine, despite Microsoft's incessant and high volume claims to the contrary. Redmond doth protest too much, methinks -- recent history should give consumers a right to scrutise the claim. The company has always, if not strived to monopolise the market, made the act of seeking value elsewhere near futility -- the Windows operating system is an example that springs to mind readily. And it would make sense when making a bold incursion into the consumer entertainment hardware market, to repeat the strategies that have given Microsoft such a dominant position in the past.

How then, to go about this? In this case it looks like Microsoft have made the machine a jack-of-all trades: MP3 player, broadband Internet access device, gaming console and DVD player with surround audio. Such a machine is a total bargain at AU$649. For the consumer, the Xbox hardware itself looks like a very good deal. In this article we investigate just that -- what exactly you are getting for your AU$649. We suspect it's more than you bargained for.
*** Update ***
This article was written before the launch of the Xbox. Listed prices were correct at publication time. The Xbox price is currently AU$399 as of 24/06/02.

One second after you switch on the Xbox, you're greeted with fully animated 3D objects. Immediately delivering crisp sound effects and fully animated 3D menu components, the Xbox interface makes a mockery of previous systems. The transitions between menu items are excessively animated with full-screen 3D, whooshing sounds and motion blur. Perhaps the bells and whistles aren't necessary, but they really do add to the presentation.

This basic interface for loading programs is called the "dashboard". This loads games, allows you to manage your storage space on the 8-gig hard disk, and even lets you "rip" audio CD's to hard drive, for use as custom in-game soundtracks. This is a totally unprecedented feature that took us completely by surprise. You can even just use the Xbox as an eight-gigabyte loungeroom MP3 player with Dolby Digital surround.

This feature really showcases the Xbox in its role as the hardcore computer gamer's dream. This process is as simple as throwing in an audio CD and pressing "copy". You can then play this soundtrack during any game you choose, instead of the original in-game music. Such a setup is difficult to accomplish on a PC with MP3 ripping software. Because MP3 playing software typically conflicts with the Direct-x audio system, leaving you with only the music, or only the game's original audio while you are playing. As many PC games force you to play with the game CD in the drive, the task of playing your own music without having a separate entire stereo on the same space is generally quite difficult. (depending on which operating system you use.)

The Xbox controllers are large, solid and hefty. While not exactly dead weight, they're substantial at around 300 grams. These controllers are undeniably designed for western hands - the surface area is huge. There is an array of eight well-seated buttons and two analogue triggers hidden below. The upper surface sports two offset analogue sticks and an eight-way digital pad. Despite this seemingly lopsided layout, we found it to be extremely comfortable -- with rubberised coatings protecting the most oft-abrasive surfaces. What was perhaps most impressive about the controller was the vibration function. Not a shadow of similarity to the cake-mixer buzz of the tiny Playstation 2 paddle, the Xbox controller rumbles like a diesel truck in low gear. Its range of vibration effects really transfer through the casing very well, adding impact to many aspects of the games.

Around the size of a VCR, the Xbox is certainly pretty chunky. It won't fit into cabinet space you might have allocated for a Playstation 1, Playstation 2, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast or Gamecube. In fact, you can fit four Gamecubes into the physical space the Xbox occupies. But this is not a portability contest. For something that is going to eke out its entire existence lurking under your television, size hardly matters. Yet if you're looking for something that is visually indistinguishable from your array of stereo equipment, then you'll want to consider the Playstation 2.

The Xbox supports a surprisingly high level of audio quality. It outputs up to 64 simultaneous audio channels, more than any competing system. It also has 3D positional audio, supports Dolby Digital and has Dolby AC3 audio encoding. You can plug the Xbox outputs directly into a Dolby Digital decoding amplifier - from there the sound is correctly split into the channels required for surround speakers. It also supports high-quality S-video and component video output with accessory cables (each AU$39.95).

This is halfway towards being a home theatre system - where our major beef with the Xbox arises. Despite being a fully functional DVD player, the Xbox won't play DVD movies out of the box, as the Playstation 2 does. For reasons unknown, which are definitely not technical, you must purchase a separate remote control for AU$49.95 which "activates" DVD playback. This quite rightly grates with most people when they make this discovery - possibly the only foolish decision the Xbox design team have made.

Finally the graphics processing power of the Xbox must be mentioned. In this age, prices for PC 3D accelerator cards are continually rising, the stability of PC games is getting worse and worse, while the quality and complexity of console games ever increases. With an onboard NVIDIA graphics processing unit and support for TV resolutions up to 1920x1080, the Xbox is sure to steal the hearts of a few PC gamers. Combine this with the Gigabit Ethernet connection as standard issue, allowing for competitive broadband play when the online network launches (expected in 2003). Even LAN party addicts can wire up to four Xboxes together, with future capability exceeding this.

While there is hot contention over which system is technically more powerful - Xbox or Nintendo Gamecube, the Xbox results certainly show no signs of slack. With spectacular high-resolution textures, fantastic bump-mapping, self-shadowing and full scene anti-aliasing, the graphics have that immediately apparent "next generation" appeal. Effects like particle system snow and weather effects, vast outdoor areas and horizons rendered to infinity are now standard. Meanwhile, the hard disk reduces certain transitions between game areas down to almost imperceptible blips of time. This isn't universal, though. When you first launch a game or go through major junctions, you'll still suffer the obligatory twenty second or so delay.

The Xbox will launch in Australia on the 14th of March, for a recommended retail price of AU$649.00. Xbox games will retail for a recommended AU$99. The DVD remote control, required to activate DVD playback will retail for AU$49.95.

Microsoft Xbox Video Game System
Company: Microsoft
Price: AU$399 (updated as of 24/06/02)
Australian Release Date: 14th of March, 2002
Distributor: Most consumer hardware suppliers (excluding Harvey Norman)

Questronix Pty Ltd provided specialised video equipment used in the preparation of this review.

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