Xbox Live 12-Month Starter Kit Reviews

• The best value for XBox Live

  
  By A423XLYS1Q1D6 on 2004-12-09
  XBox Live is Microsoft's online gaming service that allows gamers from all over the world to interact and play together. As of this writing, there are more than 150 games with XBox Live compatibility (including the dynamic Halo 2 and the popular EA Sports games), and more than 1 million subscribers worldwide. This starter kit includes everything one will need to enter the world of XBox Live: A one-year subscription card and a headset, plus a great game: Crimson Skies (rated Teen for some mild language, violence, and suggestive content). However, there are some things people need to know before they get started on XBox Live.
  
  For one, XBox Live will only work with high-speed Internet connections, such as DSL or cable modems. Dial-up is not supported. There are a handful of options for connecting XBox Live to your high-speed service:
  
  Direct connect is the simplest option. The XBox has an Ethernet jack on its back that takes a standard Ethernet cable. If the XBox is close to your PC, then you can simply disconnect the Ethernet jack from the PC and plug it directly into the XBox.
  
  A better option that saves wear and tear on your cables and ports is to use a router. A router will take your incoming Internet connection and allow it to be split between multiple destinations. You can run one line to your PC, and one to the XBox. I recommend (from personal experience) a Linksys brand router.
  
  Another option is to go wireless. If the XBox and the PC are in different rooms, then going wireless may be the best option, rather than run hundreds of feet of Ethernet cable or drill through floors and walls. Once you set up a wireless network in your house using a wireless router, buy a wireless game adapter and you'll be able to play Live almost anywhere in the house.
  The Microsoft Wireless-G XBox Adapter is a good solution (Amazon ASIN: B0000C5FMJ). For a wireless network adapter, look again to Linksys; spend a few extra dollars and go with a wireless-G setup. It's about 5x faster than a wireless-B setup for just a few dollars more.
  
  Once you're set up, logging into Live is pretty easy. Your XBox will do most of the work. Hook up the included headset (for talkback) and you're ready to go. I've played Halo 2 with or against people from literally all over the world; one memorable match was against four Marines somewhere in the Pacific. A warning for parents of kids under 17 or so: The language on Live gets pretty rough, with the "f" word being about as common as breathing.(I've been called things I won't repeat in public). There's little, if any moderation, and when it comes to language, anything goes. (Just a friendly warning).
  
  This package includes a one-year subscription card. Once that expires, one can renew using an XBox Live Subscription card (Amazon ASIN: B00005BPJ5, about $50), or you can extend it with the XBox Live 3 Month Starter kit (about $40, ASIN: B00020DGMC; it also includes a headset, so you'll have a spare). Some games (such as Halo 2) include 2-month free trial cards, which you can also use to extend an existing account.
  
  I hope this review was helpful.
  
  --Christian Wheeler, gamer and games retailer
  
  
  
  

• The best way to get Xbox Live

  
  By A2XT8C2ASRLF2M on 2004-12-17
  I'm not going to comment on whether you should get Xbox Live. If you have an Xbox and a high-speed Internet connection, then Xbox Live is a must-have product. That much I think is obvious.
  
  The real question is, "Is this the product I should buy to get Xbox Live?" The answer is a resounding YES. There are other, less expensive, ways to get Xbox Live. For example, you could just subscribe with a credit card directly from your Xbox, at $50/year. But then you wouldn't have the headset, and I think Xbox Live without a headset is pointless. You also wouldn't get a free copy of Crimson Skies, which is an excellent game.
  
  Purchased separately, the contents of this kit would cost you $100, and it gives you everything you need to enjoy Xbox Live for an entire year.
  
  This kit comes with a 12-month subscription card. These cards can be used to start a new account or renew an existing one. Many games also come with 2-month cards. However, those cards cannot be used to renew an account, only to create one. You may already have such a card, or you can get one via eBay for about a dollar. Use the 2-month card to start your subscription, and then apply the 12-month card to renew it. That will give you 14 months for the price of 12.
  
  In addition, if you want to wear headphones while playing Xbox Live games, then I strongly recommend you also get the "Jabra EarWave Boom with Universal 2.5mm connector" (ASIN B00022VUJ6). The Jabra headset fits over your ear, and you can comfortably wear headphones over it. The headset that comes with this Xbox Live kit is clumsy and fragile, and can't be worn with headphones.
  
  

• must have for all x-box owners

  
  By ANEHHHM85LBB4 on 2004-10-01
  I just got an x-box last night with star wars: knights of the old republic. the system is great and the game is addicting. but I had an itch for something more. I went out and purchased x-box live (w/12 month subscription and crimson skies) and star wars battlefront. this is just to get me ready for the arrival of halo 2. it's great being able to play with so many other gamers from all around the world. no more having to have a friend come over to play multi-player. now I have multiplayer at my disposal at any given time. if you have an x-box and enjoy multiplayer games, this is a must for you. also, the price was great with all the other components that come along with it (game, headset, card).
  
  

• X box live is AWSOME and worth the money

  
  By A29GZSONQQ4DP8 on 2004-07-27
  if you bored playin with your brother this is the best thing to get you can play with your friends, join big games its awsome. You can just call your friend and tell him just to start playing with you. It is really worth the money it even comes with an awsome game called "crimson skies" witch is also another 5 stars
  
  

• Must Have...

  
  By on 2005-01-05
  If you have an Xbox and ethernet cable.
  
  Xbox Live is a online gaming arena, where millions of people play against each other across the globe. You can play people from next door, to people in Japan, ect.
  
  There are four basic features:
  
  Optimatch:
  Use this to find EXACTLY the type of game you want. You can specify how many players you want, what map, ect.
  
  QuickMatch:
  Use this to be sorted into a random game.
  
  Host Game:
  Use this to host a game for other players to join.
  
  Friends:
  This is your Friend's List. You can keep track of people you like to play with or against.
  
  The two problems I have with Xbox Live is (1) stupid kids who are not even supposed to be using Xbox Live (Xbox Live is for ages 13 and up), and (2) people who cannot stop cussing.
  
  I have had MANY bad experiences with dumb kids who act like they are god online. They kill their teammates, whine, and like to think that they are better than you.
  
  I also have had experiences with swearing online. Xbox Live is full of foul language, so I do not reccomend you let children under 13 play. There are also immature kids online who just learned a new word and use it every sentence. X_X
  
  I like how you can send bad feedback on abusive players. If someone is acting like a jerk or is just ruining the game for everyone, you can send them bad feedback. If that player gets too much bad feedback, they may be banned from Xbox Live.
  
  Reccomended games to get for Xbox Live:
  
  Crimson Skies (well, it comes free with this kit)
  Ghost Recon 2
  Halo 2 (DUH!)
  MechAssault 2
  Splinter Cell 2
  Midtown Madness 3
  
  This kit comes with:
  
  Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge
  One year subscription to Xbox Live
  Voice communicator
  Xbox Live startup disc
  
  Don't complain about Xbox Live being too expensive. If you get the subscription ALONE, without the free game and that stuff, it costs $50 a year, which is less than $5 a month.
  
  GamerTag: TurboCircuits
  
  
• kid's reveiw
  By on 2005-08-23
  I got this starter kit about two days ago and found out that there was no 12 month starter kit in it. What's the point of getting a starter kit if you cant even play with it?1? The package was sent saying there was no 12 month starter kit in it with an arrow pointed to it. DON'T BUY UNLESS YOU ALREADY HAVE A SUBSCRIPTION CARD!!!
  
  
• Xbox Live is great, but kind of a rip off
  By A14Z9ZYKLZJGIT on 2004-12-31
  I recently purchased the 12-month starter kit for xbox live mostly because I wanted to play Halo 2 online. In the kit, they give you the headset, your account number card, and a game called Crimson Skies. This is where my one complaint lies. While Crimson Skies is a fun game, I am a little ticked that in order to get a 12 month subcription, I had to buy it. I personally think that they should have given you an ethernet cable instead of Crimson Skies. I ended up having to spend an extra $20 buying a CAT5 ethernet cable just so I could hook my xbox up to the internet. Of course, Microsoft has an official ethernet cable that they would be happy to sell you, but to me this whole deal just seems like more and more of a rip off. I've noticed that Microsoft charges for everything they can: dvd playback kit, and system link (all you need is a CAT5 cable and a hub for more than 8 players). I paid $300 to buy my xbox at launch, and about $40 per game (I have about 13). And I paid $70 for the xbox live kit. I've done my bit for supporting the company! I mean, come on, sony provides these services for free! I don't think Microsoft is hurting for cash. They shouldn't sell all this stuff separately.
  Ok, enough ranting, now onto the actual product. I soon found that once I was actually able to play xbox live, it is a very nice and well-organized system. It gives you the option of having a friends list, a quick match option that gives you immediate gammage, and an optimatch option if you want to to put yourself in a more specific match-up(i.e. play opponents of a certain skill level, pick a certain map or type of game). I also found that many of the servers do not lag very badly. I had no problem enjoying myself in a 16-man server on Halo 2. Xbox Live also features downloadable content for certain games. For example, I was able to download an extra level for Splinter Cell (it was really fun). This is a great addition.
  Overall, I'm pleased with the quality of xbox live. Although I still believe it is overpriced in many ways, all xbox players should get it because it adds SOOO much replay value to all your live compatible games. It's worth it.
  
  
• The greatest online invention ever to hit consoles!!!!!!!!!!
  By A1OM4G7H84ZCR9 on 2005-05-15
  This is the greatest thing I have ever seen. Xbox live is a great way to take your gaming online because it works with numerous amounts of games and is something you can never get bored with. A little too much, but every penny is worth it. The new revolutionary way of communicating over the internet is phenomenal. People actually talking into a headset together while they are playing.
  
  More features about xbox live is the fact you can create a gamers tag, which is just any silly name that pops into your head with also an optional voice sensor. This allows your voice to sound anything you want it to. It is the coolest and funniest thing alive.
  
  The people online are very friendly and helpful, but sometimes you get those people who do not give a dang about rookies. People who just bought this item; stay absolutely away from Halo 2 for right now. The people in the multiplayer matches will slaughter you in seconds. Take it from me. One minute the enemy is vanished and the next minute they are wacking you over the head with their gun.
  
  You have the choice of a yearly renewal or monthly. Im not sure how much the monthly is, but the yearly is fiftly bucks, which is well worth it.
  
  There is only one slight problem with xbox live. If you do not have internet connection from the room you are playing in, then it may become costly. You would have to get a game adapter, a wireless modem, and a bunch of other connections. This alone boosts the price up to somewhere you cannot afford.
  
  All in all, this product is fabulous and recommend it to people who feel lonely playing with AI all the time. Isn't time for another challenge. Maybe someone that is actually real and can be more of a challenge.
  
  You decide.
  
  
• Waaaaaaaay better than PS2 online
  By A1LMRL926PD686 on 2005-12-28
  I recently got this for Christmas and it was well worth it. You get a game($15), headset($30), and 12-month subscription card($40). Add that all up together and thats about $90 but you only have to pay roughly around $50-60 depending upon where you buy it. My friend has the same headset and he's had Xbox Live alot longer that me and it's still working even after a few altercations. I have yet the game but I'm sure it will only be average since it's a bonus thing(the subscription card is in the game case).
  
  Before you can play Xbox Live you have to either get an ethernet cable to run from a router connected to your computer to the Xbox or a wireless adapter to plug into your Xbox. The adapter is alot more expensive but it allows you to play a farther distance. I bought one from Wal-Mart for about $80.
  
  After you've purchased whichever means your going to use to get onto xbox live you go through the desktop and then follow the instructions. You will create a unique gamertag, pass code, provide your information(address, phone #, credit card #, & email). After that your now another addition to the growing community of xbox live.
  
  
• Great deal, but get a better headset
  By AP3O4BKIAJVFO on 2005-02-17
  I just bought this package for my first experience with X-box Live. I love the network (although the level of discourse isn't always that high). The inclusion of a $20 game (Crimson Skies) was a great addition to the one year subscription. While some might complain it's an older game, being new to the X-box, I'd never played it.
  
  The only complaint I had was the headset. I find it very hard to wear. It's hard to keep it behind my ears when I'm wearing my glasses. Because the wrap-around portion is one size fits all and extends back so far, I can't sit back in a chair with a headrest without knocking the headset off. Just generally I'm not impressed with the headset.
  
  
• Great , but invest in the Halo 2 headset
  By A2IITV9AEOFI5G on 2005-01-08
  The Xbox live community, based on mostly Halo 2, seems great, despite a few flaws. These are:
  1. Some people find it funny to quit right when the game starts. Not only does it ruin your teammate's game, it ruins the game for the other team, as they won't have a fair match. Although you do garner some good respect if you play shorthanded because some kid leaves, it is still one of the worst and most annoying things about a match.
  2. Some people find it funny to swear to excess while playing online. While I accidentally let slip the occasional bad word online, people who decide to make a whole sentence using swear words are generally intolerable. If you are reading this review and you do this, trust me, only you think its funny.
  3. The headset that comes with live it pretty bad. If you want a good headset that blocks out background noise(like other people talking) then invest in the Halo 2 headset. (this is a bit nitpicky, but seeing as a got the Halo 2 headset for free when I got the Xbox, I know which is better.)
  
  Overall, despite the people that try to ruin it for everyone, the experience is ultimately more enjoyable than trying to beat single player for the 400th time, and is definitely worth the $50 a year investment.
  
  
• This RULES but bundle with a new game already, PLEASE!
  By AFCVJUOGMKRDK on 2005-04-06
  Before I get to all the good stuff. It would be nice if XBOX bundled with a different game already!!! We all have that game, we all need another headset, we all need to renew. So bundle with a new game! (I realize this needs to be said to XBOX not Amazon, but they probably read these reviews.)
  
  XBOX Live is the greatest thing that ever happened to video games! You will find your self not even finishing games because online play is so much fun and addicting. No matter how sophisticated developers make the ai, it can never compare to human intelligence and challenge. After playing online you will go back to the game campaign with new skill. Xbox live adds an infinite amount of life to games. Some games have a much more advanced Live experience then others, ie. Halo2 with matchmaking and ranking systems, that really adds to the experience and playability.
  
  Guarantee...You will spend way too much time playing Live! The house could catch fire and you will not put the controller down. You will find yourself thinking about yesterdays matches while you should be thinking about your work/school. You will be so wired, sleeping is just not an option. Your sex life will go down the tubes, unless she plays Live with you (let her win, and don't tell her she sucks.) You will forget you have kids. Dinner, what for? What day is it? Yes this will happen to you.
  
  Be aware (in all games) for cheaters and those that taunt, swear and spray racist comments. This is a problem with the Human race not XBOX Live. Some people can really get carried away and ruin the experience for all of us.
  
  
• Best $60 ever spent
  By A2OE0RA95MG1Y9 on 2005-07-05
  This is a very good product. I would recommend it to anyone with DSL/Cable/Broadband internet. For me it was a bit of a pain to start up but once it was i couldn't put the controller down. The Crimson Skies game was a nice addition but the repetitive play makes only last about a week. The headset is nice. I would highly recommend you get Halo 2 if you don't already for the online play.
  
  
• You Have To Get This
  By A3PPPKFRLJKP70 on 2005-08-11
  If you have high-speed internet, a xbox and an xbox live compatible game. YOU HAVE TO GET XBOX LIVE! Xbox would be alot worse without this online play. Especially "Halo 2", a really fun game to play online along with the sports games that you can play online.
  
  This comes with a headset, a cd to install it etc. Its really worth it, you usually get it for a year free sometimes more. My first one didnt suspend until 2 1/2 years later so you never know.
  
  If you got Xbox live already then go buy the subscription card if you want to make a new account or whatever
  
  
• If you have high-speed and an xbox, this is a must!
  By A214Q9I8LMP89D on 2006-08-11
  First off, this is a really good deal. You get a new game (I got Crimson Skies), headset, communicator, and a 12 month subscription. Xbox Live is probably one of the best add-ons (just under the DVD plug in) that you can get for your money. I would recommend this to everyone.
  
  Before using the 12-month subscription, look around for any 1 or 2 month trials. My Halo 2 came with one. It said it was expired, but the code still worked. After the trial ends, then use 12 month subscription.
  
  Ive heard the the communicator breaks off at the clip. I will say it does look like it is easily broken, but I havent had any problems. It can be uncomfortable for long periods of time.
  
  If you are new to the whole Xbox live, be careful. Once inside, people realy like to trash talk. So if you cant put up with insults and bad mouthing, you might want to consider it as a factor.
  
  There is lagging. But its not like it happens everytime. maybe once or twice in an hour. But I would guess that depends on your service provider.
  
  An additional piece of equipment that might help is the Netgear WGE111 Game adapter. It saves a lot of time, and a lot of cords. I got mine for about $35 refurbished. Not too hard to set up either.
  
  The drawback to Xbox Live is that you have to have a credit card. The trials, or even the 12 month subscription DO NOT charge them unless your time runs out. I guess Microsoft needs the credit card for verication. Make sure you switch subscripions if time is running short, or you could end up paying.
  
  Have fun and enjoy!
  
  
• Brings a new dimension and challenge to gaming
  By A2OOWV7ER621F8 on 2004-12-27
  I bought XBox Live 3 weeks ago and have stopped playing my PS2 all together. The challenge of fighting or racing a real opponent is addictive.
  
  This is an ABSOLUTE MUST for anyone with broadband and an XBox.
  
  128kbs Upload speed is required to play smoothly, and if you can play people geographically close to you it will run much smoother.
  
  Buy it now, it's cheaper than a game!!!
  
  
• The Reason For Buying Halo 2
  By A34BRZBWH33VVY on 2005-03-10
  Now I got xbox live back in 2003 but I never really saw a reason to use it
  In November 2004
  I recived a package in the mail
  as soon as I opened it I screamed at the top of my lungs HALO 2!
  I started to play it and it was so fun
  but there was something missing
  something that didnt feel right
  And as soon as I could put my finger on it I knew what it was
  Xbox L.I.V.E. (Livin In Virtual Ectasy)
  I rushed and found my microphone and all of my stuff
  and the rest is history
  Now alot of people says that halo 2 story mode was pretty bad
  and right away u have to know that
  theyve never played xbox live
  with xbox live
  ur halo 2 experience is
  complete
  the friends list is in all live games
  but it doesnt work as well in other games
  than it does in halo 2
  buy it
  and ull see the reason
  why xbox rules
  1
  
  
• Credit card needed?
  By AF48596YLSFUU on 2005-12-11
  Okay, so I just got my xbox a few days ago. I got Halo 2 along with it as well. So everything was going great in the sign-up process for xbox live (i'm a new user using the free 2 month trial) until i got to the part where you enter a credit card. So i'm only a teen and have no credit card, and my mom refused to enter hers. Does this 12 month starter kit require you to enter a credit card number? Please reply to me at: Septemberbabe920@aol.com
  
  
• The best online experience currently available
  By A1JUFEK4258SE3 on 2005-06-22
  There is no other online experience on any other system ever that can compare to Xbox Live. It's as simple as that. The use of a headset alone puts Xbox Live way above anything else out there. The requirement for broadband means you will usually get lag free games and alot of content. 56k users usually limit the potential of online games. Then there are the numerous other features like friends list, voice messaging, content download, communities, optimatch, quickmatch and much more. Some may not like the idea of paying to play online but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for and it certainly holds true in this case. For the experience you get and the ability to play online compatible games with one subscription, it is worth every penny.
  
  
• thank god for xbox live
  By on 2005-06-22
  Life was bleak and depressing untill i finally wired a cat-5 line to my basement and ordered DSL. Now i can play halo 2 against anyone at any time! Come on, the story's okay, but things get really great when you bring it online. After playing PS2 online, i became furious at the horrible lag caused from dial up users. Im so glad Xbox made their online high speed only, really makes playing games more enjoyable!
  
  

• The Official Xbox Magazine [1-year]
• Electronic Gaming Monthly
• Play
• Tips & Tricks Magazine

• Microsoft Wireless-G Xbox Adapter
• Halo 2
• Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter
• Xbox 360 Live 12 Month Gold Card plus 1 Month Bonus
• Halo 3