Battle of the Online Networks - Xbox Live

Via Gamedaily

There's no doubt that Microsoft has made huge strides with their Xbox Live service. Initially introduced on the Xbox console for online play, the service has since evolved on the Xbox 360 as a full-blown community page. Downloadable demos are available around the clock, as well as new videos, features, and Xbox Live Arcade titles. In fact, today's release of Doom should awaken the hardcore gaming community, having players "frag" each other in several deathmatches. And this is just the beginning, as several titles, including original games such as Castle Crashers and classics like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, are making the rounds.

Pros: Microsoft has nailed down the online service of Xbox Live perfectly. It has grown well, allowing users to put together their own pages and download whatever they choose, be it videos, demos, or actual games. The online play works fast and smoothly, with only the occasional hitch with connection coming around. There's also some games that take this community one step further with extra interaction, like Project Gotham Racing 3's televised races. And the fact there are two types of packages to choose from- Silver and Gold- should attract all kinds of gamers, rich or poor.

Cons: This "artist of the month" feature doesn't really do much for the service. Yes, Jessica Simpson is hot. A blind man could see that. But I don't get on the XBLA to download her latest video, I get on there to play games. Some of this content is pretty much unnecessary. Also, the pricing structure of the Xbox Live point system may be a bit much for some. 1600 points for $20? This could be steep, especially for those who dropped half of those points on a decade-old game such as Doom. And lastly, Microsoft still charges a $50 yearly fee for Gold online support for Xbox Live. This is nothing new, but in the face of the "free" competition, it's a pain in the wallet.

Overall prognosis: Even though some of the features are a little bland and the price a bit high for some, Xbox Live Arcade still sets the standard for what online gaming should be. It has a vast library of titles to choose from right now, and several more coming that look to be outstanding. The online play is smooth and efficient, and future games (like Halo 3) should support it strongly.