Originally posted by Gallstaff@Sep. 25 2002, 9:33 pm
oh i didn't know there was a survery i thought they were just pickin peopole for some reason. Hmm... so is xbox live anygood? would you reccomend it over the ps2 net service?
Xbox Live is pretty slick. Signing up was probably the most difficult part and only because you have to type everything in via a controller. After filling out the necessary info, the Xbox Live program does an automatic search for an internet connection and boom you're online. The only problem I encountered getting online was that it seems that my present router (Netgear RT314) isn't fully supported by XBL...I have to run a direct connection to the modem. Other than than, it was hassle free. Hopefully that 1 problem will be corrected soon.
In NFL 2K3, you must choose to "Go Live" and it will quickly sign you into the servers. That opens up more menus...OptiMatch, QuickMatch, CreateMatch, etc... There are no lobbies, unfortunaetly. Challenges are handled via onscreen messages. "MrsScissors has challenged you...do you accept?" This message also includes the persons win/loss/drop (connection) record. Select YES and you can start to talk.
NFL 2K3 offers only 1 voice mask - male robot and it works great. I don't really use it, but the feature works well. Gameplay is very smooth! If you've played NFL 2K1 on the DC online, you know the problem the game had with latency. The games here really do play as thought your opponent is right next to you. (There may be lag, but I don't notice it, really.) There is also an online leaderboard for the elite...the number 1 guy has about 150+ wins last time I checked.
I beat my 1st opponent (a stinkin' Jets fan from NY) with my beloved Dolphins 28-21 in the last minute of play. Great game! The guy was actually nice and we chatted about how good the game was, etc.
As for the bad, well, it depends on who you play. Some idiots pause their game into oblivion until you quit the game giving you a loss and him a win. Others harrass and put people down. Thankfully, I haven't had this problem and it seems Microsoft is nipping it at the bud. They began a service called Hall of Fame and Shame. Here the good as well as bad people are listed and some even have disciplinary actions taken against them. (Temp. suspension, muted voice, etc)
All in all, it will be great! I know this place isn't the most pro-Xbox place in the world, but with so many people here that I like, I hope to see some of you online.
I haven't tried the PS2 service, but I imagine with a mix of BB and 56k users, its must play like the DC did, at best. Also (correct me if I'm wrong) the PS2 is leaving the billing to others (such as EA) and forces you to pay their monthly fees, right? XBL is 50 bucks for the year for ALL games. I defenitly recommend it! If you're not sure, wait until you get a chance to demo it...it really is slick! Hope to see you online.