So I'm getting an Xbox...

[Eduku]

So, I'd like some advice on:
- getting the Xbox to work with my monitor (hp w2216), since I won't have a tv in my room
- general technical Xbox advice
- most importantly, GAMES. I predominantly play RPGs and fighters, and since I already have a PC, there's not really much point in getting games that are also on the PC.

I just had a look at your monitor, and you'll need a 360 AV to VGA cable [http://www.xbox.com/en-AU/Xbox360/Accessories/CablesNetworking/xbox360vgahdcable]. All you really need to know about your 360 is to avoid putting it upright no mater how much Microsoft want you to (I've just never liked the idea of a fragile console sitting upright), never move your console while it has a spinning disc in it, try to keep it in an open space and don't cover up any of the vents. Installing games you play regularly on the hard drive is a good idea as the fans and disc tray won't have to work as much.

I'm assuming this [http://www.amazon.co.uk/High-Definition-VGA-Cable-Xbox/dp/B003VD56JS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1316164130&sr=8-2] would do the trick?

 

[Supertegwyn]

I've been gaming on a PC pretty much all my life now, I don't think I've ever actually owned a console before (played on plenty, owned none). But now my brother's selling me his one for cheap since his company decided to give their employees Xboxes and Kinects (lucky for some, eh?), I figured I might as well take the opportunity. For some context, I'm a student (second year) living in halls.

So, I'd like some advice on:
- getting the Xbox to work with my monitor (hp w2216), since I won't have a tv in my room
- general technical Xbox advice
- most importantly, GAMES. I predominantly play RPGs and fighters, and since I already have a PC, there's not really much point in getting games that are also on the PC.

Grats.

Sorry I cant help with hooking up to monitor, I've never attempted that. As far as technical concerns unless you get a pretty early generation and you keep it well ventilated you really dont have much to worry about.

Forget what that obvious ps3 fan-troll was saying, There's no indication that xbox has lost momentum.

Games: Lets see, RPGs and Fighters, The last RPG I played was FFXIII and most of the good rpgs on xbox are not exclusive, mass effect/oblivion ect. The fighting line up isn't too bad with SSFVI in its many versions, Marvel Vs Capcom, Blazeblue, and a slew of classic/remixed fighters on the arcade. They just released SF3 third strike on the arcade. I like the arcade fighters a lot because its fun to play those games online.

Now, if you are willing to break out of the RPG/Fighter there's a couple of pretty solid games that are exclusive to 360.

Dead Rising
Dead Rising 2
Left 4 Dead
Left 4 Dead 2
Alan Wake
Viva Pinata (yes, seriously)

Also there's the arcade, Which I've had alot of fun with. (some of these probably not exclusives but just games I've enjoyed on the cheap from the arcade)

Limbo
Braid
Trials HD
Splosion man
Shadow complex (modern metroidvainia)
Toy Soldiers
Toy Soldiers Cold War
From Dust
Bastion
Magic The Gathering Duels of the Planeswalkers
Magic 2012

Ignore the haters, enjoy your new xbox.

Dead Rising 2, Left 4 Dead, and Left 4 Dead 2 are not exclusive to Xbox.

 

[MercurySteam]

So, I'd like some advice on:
- getting the Xbox to work with my monitor (hp w2216), since I won't have a tv in my room
- general technical Xbox advice
- most importantly, GAMES. I predominantly play RPGs and fighters, and since I already have a PC, there's not really much point in getting games that are also on the PC.

I just had a look at your monitor, and you'll need a 360 AV to VGA cable [http://www.xbox.com/en-AU/Xbox360/Accessories/CablesNetworking/xbox360vgahdcable]. All you really need to know about your 360 is to avoid putting it upright no mater how much Microsoft want you to (I've just never liked the idea of a fragile console sitting upright), never move your console while it has a spinning disc in it, try to keep it in an open space and don't cover up any of the vents. Installing games you play regularly on the hard drive is a good idea as the fans and disc tray won't have to work as much.

I'm assuming this [http://www.amazon.co.uk/High-Definition-VGA-Cable-Xbox/dp/B003VD56JS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1316164130&sr=8-2] would do the trick?

Sure will, but make sure you have somewhere to plug the left and right audio plugs.

 

[Eduku]

So, I'd like some advice on:
- getting the Xbox to work with my monitor (hp w2216), since I won't have a tv in my room
- general technical Xbox advice
- most importantly, GAMES. I predominantly play RPGs and fighters, and since I already have a PC, there's not really much point in getting games that are also on the PC.

I just had a look at your monitor, and you'll need a 360 AV to VGA cable [http://www.xbox.com/en-AU/Xbox360/Accessories/CablesNetworking/xbox360vgahdcable]. All you really need to know about your 360 is to avoid putting it upright no mater how much Microsoft want you to (I've just never liked the idea of a fragile console sitting upright), never move your console while it has a spinning disc in it, try to keep it in an open space and don't cover up any of the vents. Installing games you play regularly on the hard drive is a good idea as the fans and disc tray won't have to work as much.

I'm assuming this [http://www.amazon.co.uk/High-Definition-VGA-Cable-Xbox/dp/B003VD56JS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1316164130&sr=8-2] would do the trick?

Sure will, but make sure you have somewhere to plug the left and right audio plugs.

You mean speakers, or something else?

 

[MercurySteam]

Sure will, but make sure you have somewhere to plug the left and right audio plugs.

You mean speakers, or something else?

Assuming that the audio input for your monitor's speakers is a 3.5mm female then you will be able to use this [http://www.amazon.com/RiteAV-3-5mm-Stereo-Female-Cable/dp/B0018MI5F6/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316180087&sr=1-3], after all, you do want audio don't you? Don't expect the speakers in your monitor to be anything special though. It all depends on what audio input your monitor supports.

This is why 360's are best hooked up to TVs or screens with plenty of inputs, for example, if your screen had a HDMI input then you could just hook your 360 up with a HDMI cable and be done. Find some speakers around your house that can use the white and red (left and right) audio jacks or something that will at least let you plug a 3.5mm male cable into it or you'll have to settle for your monitor's crappy speakers.

 

[Eduku]

Sure will, but make sure you have somewhere to plug the left and right audio plugs.

You mean speakers, or something else?

Assuming that the audio input for your monitor's speakers is a 3.5mm female then you will be able to use this [http://www.amazon.com/RiteAV-3-5mm-Stereo-Female-Cable/dp/B0018MI5F6/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316180087&sr=1-3], after all, you do want audio don't you? Don't expect the speakers in your monitor to be anything special though. It all depends on what audio input your monitor supports.

This is why 360's are best hooked up to TVs or screens with plenty of inputs, for example, if your screen had a HDMI input then you could just hook your 360 up with a HDMI cable and be done. Find some speakers around your house that can use the white and red (left and right) audio jacks or something that will at least let you plug a 3.5mm male cable into it or you'll have to settle for your monitor's crappy speakers.

I've noticed my monitor has an audio-in socket (the green one that you usually put speaker cables into), would plugging my speakers into there work? Unfortunately I don't have my speakers on hand to test it out myself.

 

[Lim3]

PC is way better. I used to only play console due to having crap PCs, but ever since I started PC gaming a few years ago my Xbox 360 and Wii have done nothing but gather dust.

 

[Slash Dementia]

I Googled your monitor, and I think you can connect an HDMI cable to it--if I'm looking at the right one--(Amazon has pretty good ones at under $10 USD--I have one).

For games, I would say:

Mortal Kombat 9
Lost Odyssey
Dragon Age: Origins
Mass Effect
The Bard's Tale (Xbox/PC game but works on the 360)
Oblivion (or just get Skyrim)

I don't have much RPGs or fighting games.

 

[masticina]

Getting a console late in its lifecycle is not a bad thing. Now some might disagree but there are gamers that still play PS2 games. That still have a Sega Genesis somewhere

See the point is what matters is good games, and if you buy a console in the middle or late in its cycle you have games. You have games that have been reviewed you know what you'll get.

Well there is a VGA cable for the Xbox 360 so it should run fine with your monitor. Just hope that 720p works well on your one.

So enjoy gaming

 

[MercurySteam]

I've noticed my monitor has an audio-in socket (the green one that you usually put speaker cables into), would plugging my speakers into there work? Unfortunately I don't have my speakers on hand to test it out myself.

That's most likely the audio-in for your monitor's speakers, so plugging speakers into it won't do anything as speakers need an input, and unless your monitor is using HDMI there won't be any audio coming out of it. You'll need to buy something like this [http://www.amazon.com/RiteAV-3-5mm-Stereo-Female-Cable/dp/B0018MI5F6/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316180087&sr=1-3] and attach the red and white from the VGA adapter to it and then plug the 3.5mm male end into the green socket on your monitor.

PC is way better. I used to only play console due to having crap PCs, but ever since I started PC gaming a few years ago my Xbox 360 and Wii have done nothing but gather dust.

I don't suppose you have anything insightful to contribute other than the regular 'PC is better' line?

I Googled your monitor, and I think you can connect an HDMI cable to it--if I'm looking at the right one

I don't think so. Here [http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&taskId=120&prodSeriesId=3739209&prodTypeId=382087&objectID=c01489660] it states that the only inputs are DVI and VGA.

 

[Eduku]

I've noticed my monitor has an audio-in socket (the green one that you usually put speaker cables into), would plugging my speakers into there work? Unfortunately I don't have my speakers on hand to test it out myself.

That's most likely the audio-in for your monitor's speakers, so plugging speakers into it won't do anything as speakers need an input, and unless your monitor is using HDMI there won't be any audio coming out of it. You'll need to buy something like this [http://www.amazon.com/RiteAV-3-5mm-Stereo-Female-Cable/dp/B0018MI5F6/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316180087&sr=1-3] and attach the red and white from the VGA adapter to it and then plug the 3.5mm male end into the green socket on your monitor.

Right, so after pretty much analysing my monitor and the back of the xbox with my brother and looking over various threads about speakers and xboxes, we've come to the conclusion that I'll need this [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Phono-Female-3-5mm-Audio-Adapter/dp/B000Q8FEQQ/ref=sr_1_14?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316195417&sr=1-14] and this [http://www.amazon.co.uk/High-Definition-VGA-Cable-Xbox/dp/B003VD56JS/ref=sr_1_1?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1316194815&sr=1-1]. I mean, that should be it, shouldn't it?

 

[MercurySteam]

Right, so after pretty much analysing my monitor and the back of the xbox with my brother and looking over various threads about speakers and xboxes, we've come to the conclusion that I'll need this [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Phono-Female-3-5mm-Audio-Adapter/dp/B000Q8FEQQ/ref=sr_1_14?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316195417&sr=1-14] and this [http://www.amazon.co.uk/High-Definition-VGA-Cable-Xbox/dp/B003VD56JS/ref=sr_1_1?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1316194815&sr=1-1]. I mean, that should be it, shouldn't it?

That Xbox to VGA converter is fine but the reason I suggested the converter cable [http://www.amazon.co.uk/3-5mm-stereo-Phono-Sockets-length/dp/B000Q8KSS0/ref=pd_bxgy_ce_img_b] is to prevent any issues arising if the cables aren't long enough, but if you think it will work then the adapter should do the trick.

 

[Eduku]

Right, so after pretty much analysing my monitor and the back of the xbox with my brother and looking over various threads about speakers and xboxes, we've come to the conclusion that I'll need this [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Phono-Female-3-5mm-Audio-Adapter/dp/B000Q8FEQQ/ref=sr_1_14?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316195417&sr=1-14] and this [http://www.amazon.co.uk/High-Definition-VGA-Cable-Xbox/dp/B003VD56JS/ref=sr_1_1?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1316194815&sr=1-1]. I mean, that should be it, shouldn't it?

That Xbox to VGA converter is fine but the reason I suggested the converter cable [http://www.amazon.co.uk/3-5mm-stereo-Phono-Sockets-length/dp/B000Q8KSS0/ref=pd_bxgy_ce_img_b] is to prevent any issues arising if the cables aren't long enough, but if you think it will work then the adapter should do the trick.

Oh yeah, I see the whole length issue now. The xbox shouldn't be all that far away from the monitor but chances are I'll just get both of them just to be safe, it's not like they cost a fortune anyway.

 

[MercurySteam]

Oh yeah, I see the whole length issue now. The xbox shouldn't be all that far away from the monitor but chances are I'll just get both of them just to be safe, it's not like they cost a fortune anyway.

Then there's the fact that the VGA connector may be slightly be longer than the white and red connects which would lead to all sorts of problems. Adapters are good when you're only converting a single connector e.g. DVI to VGA, otherwise it's best to have a converter cable to address any length issues when you have to connect multiple plugs.

 

[saucecode]

if you have a fast computer, then you dont really need a console.
Consoles have diff games, but pretty restricted compared to a PC.

 

[Bluntman1138]

Okay, how can someone state they like RPG games and want recommendations, and NO ONE here has yet to say MASS EFFECT series. With ME 3 coming out in Q1 next year, OP is in a great position to play the first 2 games, and only have to wait a few months for the final installment. Other great RPG's include:

Elder Scrolls Oblivion
Fallout 3
Fallout New Vegas
Dragon Age 1

I recommend staying away from Fable 2 and Fable 3, unless you can get them cheap, because they arent worth more than 10=15 bucks each.

For Fighting games, there is one way overlooked game, and that is Dead or Alive 4. Its a great game that is easy to gt into, and is fun as hell with other people playing with you. The Mortal Kombat series just got old and stale years ago for me, as did Street Fighter and a;; the Capcom fighters. I am NOT saying they are bad games, just saying they havent interested me in a long while.

 

[Eduku]

Okay, how can someone state they like RPG games and want recommendations, and NO ONE here has yet to say MASS EFFECT series. With ME 3 coming out in Q1 next year, OP is in a great position to play the first 2 games, and only have to wait a few months for the final installment. Other great RPG's include:

Elder Scrolls Oblivion
Fallout 3
Fallout New Vegas
Dragon Age 1

I recommend staying away from Fable 2 and Fable 3, unless you can get them cheap, because they arent worth more than 10=15 bucks each.

For Fighting games, there is one way overlooked game, and that is Dead or Alive 4. Its a great game that is easy to gt into, and is fun as hell with other people playing with you. The Mortal Kombat series just got old and stale years ago for me, as did Street Fighter and a;; the Capcom fighters. I am NOT saying they are bad games, just saying they havent interested me in a long while.

Well, to be fair, I did say that I have a PC for all those games as well. I looked at Dead or Alive 4 but seeing as DoA5 just got announced I may as well wait for that.

 

[Bluntman1138]

Well, to be fair, I did say that I have a PC for all those games as well. I looked at Dead or Alive 4 but seeing as DoA5 just got announced I may as well wait for that.

Fair enough. PC versions are better IMO, but i am also an Xbox achievement whore, so some games i get on Xbox before PC. (if there is the choice that is)

But i have been a Dead or Alive fan for a loong time, and trust me, just because it is announced, it will take Tecmo 2 years to release it. And even when they set a release date, it will be 3-4 months after that date it will be released. This is just Team-Ninja and Tecmo's track records on Dead or Alive games. They NEVER release a game when they first say they are going to.

Besides, you can get DoA 4 for about 10 bucks used, and you may want the time to introduce yourself to the characters, styles, and moves as well.

 

[DexterNorgam]

I've been gaming on a PC pretty much all my life now, I don't think I've ever actually owned a console before (played on plenty, owned none). But now my brother's selling me his one for cheap since his company decided to give their employees Xboxes and Kinects (lucky for some, eh?), I figured I might as well take the opportunity. For some context, I'm a student (second year) living in halls.

So, I'd like some advice on:
- getting the Xbox to work with my monitor (hp w2216), since I won't have a tv in my room
- general technical Xbox advice
- most importantly, GAMES. I predominantly play RPGs and fighters, and since I already have a PC, there's not really much point in getting games that are also on the PC.

Grats.

Sorry I cant help with hooking up to monitor, I've never attempted that. As far as technical concerns unless you get a pretty early generation and you keep it well ventilated you really dont have much to worry about.

Forget what that obvious ps3 fan-troll was saying, There's no indication that xbox has lost momentum.

Games: Lets see, RPGs and Fighters, The last RPG I played was FFXIII and most of the good rpgs on xbox are not exclusive, mass effect/oblivion ect. The fighting line up isn't too bad with SSFVI in its many versions, Marvel Vs Capcom, Blazeblue, and a slew of classic/remixed fighters on the arcade. They just released SF3 third strike on the arcade. I like the arcade fighters a lot because its fun to play those games online.

Now, if you are willing to break out of the RPG/Fighter there's a couple of pretty solid games that are exclusive to 360.

Dead Rising
Dead Rising 2
Left 4 Dead
Left 4 Dead 2
Alan Wake
Viva Pinata (yes, seriously)

Also there's the arcade, Which I've had alot of fun with. (some of these probably not exclusives but just games I've enjoyed on the cheap from the arcade)

Limbo
Braid
Trials HD
Splosion man
Shadow complex (modern metroidvainia)
Toy Soldiers
Toy Soldiers Cold War
From Dust
Bastion
Magic The Gathering Duels of the Planeswalkers
Magic 2012

Ignore the haters, enjoy your new xbox.

Dead Rising 2, Left 4 Dead, and Left 4 Dead 2 are not exclusive to Xbox.

Yep, that's actually right, I forgot those were only on xbox first.