Considering the 360

I have been thinking about eventually getting an Xbox 360, but I have a few questions about it to see if it is the right system for me. 

 I own a Wii, GC and PS2 right now.  I love games such as Zelda, Timesplitters 2, Metroid Prime, Resident Evil 4, God of War, and Shadow of the Colossus.

So, my first question is, how is the variety in the 360's games?  Looking at GS's best rated games, I see games such as Gears of War, F.E.A.R., GRAW, Call of Duty 3 and Rainbow 6 Vegas.  All these are great games, however, I am worried that all these shooters may get repetative and I might get bored playing through all of them.  If anyone could let me know whether or not these games have enough variety between them to warrant beating all of them, that would be very helpful.  (I would definitely pick up Oblivion, Dead Rising, and either Burnout Revenge or Project Gotham Racing 3, seeing as how these games are different).

Secondly, how often do the 360s break down?  I have heard of many performance issues regarding them, such as overheating and such, but I don't know much else about this issue.

Thirdly, how is the backwards compatibility?  Are most Xbox games playable on the 360?  The main ones I am concerned about, which I would like to play, are Ninja Gaiden Black, Halo 1 & 2, Fable and Far Cry Instincts.

Also, how much is it for Xbox Live Subscription fees?  And, is there much benefit to getting the Elite over the normal version of the 360 (Premium edition, I think it is called)?  I don't want to have to buy any add-ons to experience what the games will have to offer me; I would prefer getting it all in one package.

Lastly, is Lost Planet any good?  I have heard mixed reviews on it, and I would appreciate anyone's opinion. 

Thank you for any advice.  It will help me a lot in my decision.

I own all of the shooters you listed and like them all. Their multiplayer and single player modes all play differently. Oblivion and PGR3 are both amazing games btw.

No one knows the offical numbers for how many 360 have broken. Keep it in a well ventilated area and the system should be fine.

 List of BC games: http://www.gamespot.com/games.html?type=bc&platform=1029&page_type=games&tag=subnav;xbox_compat

XBL = $50 for 1 year.

The Elite comes with a bigger HDD and a HDMI port. If you have an HDTV that supports HDMI then it might be worth picking up the Elite.

Never played LP, can't help you with that one. 

Ms says the failure rate is between 3 and 5 %, most people say it's at least double or triple that in reality.  I'd say 10% from anecdotal experience.

If you like action adventure type games I'm not sure the xbox is for you.  There aren't that many adventure games on the 360 at all, the only one I can think of off the top of my head is Kameo.  360 is all about multiplayer and if you don't purchase live then I wouldn't spend the money on the system.  

Some of the really good games you can just as well play on your pc like command and conquer  3 and oblivion.   

I think you should get gears and R6 V, if you can get yourself the Elite it has better HDD and HDMI.

About Lost Planet it is a great game,  short campaign. Better if you rent it.

I own all of the shooters you listed and like them all. Their multiplayer and single player modes all play differently. Oblivion and PGR3 are both amazing games btw.

No one knows the offical numbers for how many 360 have broken. Keep it in a well ventilated area and the system should be fine.

 List of BC games: http://www.gamespot.com/games.html?type=bc&platform=1029&page_type=games&tag=subnav;xbox_compat

XBL = $50 for 1 year.

The Elite comes with a bigger HDD and a HDMI port. If you have an HDTV that supports HDMI then it might be worth picking up the Elite.

Never played LP, can't help you with that one. 

limpbizkit818

You won't get bored of Oblivion, especially if you buy the Shivering Isles expansion pack to go with it.TehEnergy

QFT, if you like RPGs youll be playing this for a long time. im a hardcore gamer (5-7 hours a day, i have no life) and i played oblivion for 3 months (over 400 hours total) before i got bored of it, and that was before shivering isles was released.

Make sure you have an HDTV...makes everything look a hell of a lot nicer.

And since no one mentioned it, get Forza 2 (When it comes out) and the MS steering wheel if your a racing fan (I have it and it is certainly worth it)

There's a bunch of great games coming out this year that will keep you busy, Halo 3, GTAIV, Assassins Creed, Mass Effect and many more Ive missed. 

I have been thinking about eventually getting an Xbox 360, but I have a few questions about it to see if it is the right system for me.

I own a Wii, GC and PS2 right now. I love games such as Zelda, Timesplitters 2, Metroid Prime, Resident Evil 4, God of War, and Shadow of the Colossus.

So, my first question is, how is the variety in the 360's games? Looking at GS's best rated games, I see games such as Gears of War, F.E.A.R., GRAW, Call of Duty 3 and Rainbow 6 Vegas. All these are great games, however, I am worried that all these shooters may get repetative and I might get bored playing through all of them. If anyone could let me know whether or not these games have enough variety between them to warrant beating all of them, that would be very helpful. (I would definitely pick up Oblivion, Dead Rising, and either Burnout Revenge or Project Gotham Racing 3, seeing as how these games are different).

Secondly, how often do the 360s break down? I have heard of many performance issues regarding them, such as overheating and such, but I don't know much else about this issue.

Thirdly, how is the backwards compatibility? Are most Xbox games playable on the 360? The main ones I am concerned about, which I would like to play, are Ninja Gaiden Black, Halo 1 & 2, Fable and Far Cry Instincts.

Also, how much is it for Xbox Live Subscription fees? And, is there much benefit to getting the Elite over the normal version of the 360 (Premium edition, I think it is called)? I don't want to have to buy any add-ons to experience what the games will have to offer me; I would prefer getting it all in one package.

Lastly, is Lost Planet any good? I have heard mixed reviews on it, and I would appreciate anyone's opinion.

Thank you for any advice. It will help me a lot in my decision.

yakk_3

(I would definitely pick up Oblivion, Dead Rising, and either Burnout Revenge or Project Gotham Racing 3, seeing as how these games are different).

yakk_3

If i were you i would wait for flatout ultimate carnage cuz this game looks sick or forza 2 if you want more of a simulator.

Crackdown was the most fun I've had on any console since the NES. The 360 does offer variety you just need to look for it. 360 is home of the Shooter, RPG, and Racer. That said.

With Assassin's Creed, Splintercell 5, Mass Effect, Too Human, The Club , Eternal Sonata , Stuntman: Ignition , and Left 4 Dead all scheduled for release later this year, you'll have a huge variety at your disposal.