One of the many problems with playing against people on games consoles is that you have to share the screen. This can result in lower resolution graphics, and is hard to see if you're using a small TV. Another problem is that, if you're playing against people online, you don't get that sense of achievement you get when beating someone in real life. After all, you can't even shout "BOOYAH" too them and humiliate them in defeat. Well, thanks to the company we all love to hate, the Xbox Live kit solves two problems at once! Providing you have a computer with Broadband internet access, you're ready to go with Xbox Live. You get 12 months free use, though must have a valid credit card to sign up, and that 12 months entitles you to play any Live enabled game against anyone else in the world, as well as to be able to chat, taunt and laugh at other people's expense (in as friendly a possible way).
Registering yourself on Live is simple. You just install the software, enter in your unique subscription code, enter personal details as required, and from then on, you only need to select the Xbox Live options in your games to play against your friends. For a complete guide to using Xbox Live, click here.
But Xbox Live isn't just for playing your games online. You can download new game content - including weapons and vehicles, patches to correct in-game bugs, chat to your mates and make new friends, and basically have an excellent time on your fantastic Xbox console.
Fancy proving yourself as the best gamer in the world? Well, with Xbox Live, you can. Obviously the Americans and Japanese get more practise before us, but it doesn't mean they're better at games. You're not restricted to playing against Brits on Xbox Live. You literally can play against and chat to anyone with an Xbox and Xbox Live. If you don't want to chat, just mute your microphone, or unplug it, either way, there's nothing saying you have to chat.
But the microphone is what makes Xbox Live. It allows you to laugh at your new friends from around the world, to cooperate at online gaming without having to type commands to each other, and basically saves on expensive phone calls! That's right, Xbox Live has more versatility than a microwave oven and a spoon combined!
I have only had Live for six months and I am very much addicted. I enjoy a good race on Midtown Madness 3 and I have a good laugh on Unreal Championship. As soon as I get more Live games, I'll be able to beat even more Xbox Live gamers! If you have Broadband and an Xbox, you have no excuse. Get Live. JS
Features
- Free 12 months Xbox Live subscription
- Official Xbox Product
- Quality microphone and speaker handset
- Disc containing software and 'Dashboard' update
- Bundled with playable demos of Xbox Live games
