With Xbox 360 now on the market and in substantial supply, there’s a new graphical benchmark for gamers to aspire toward. While that’s “cool,” not as many are impressed with the depth of gameplay, which is said to be no different than on the old Xbox.

Video game critics are debating the true outcome of the Xbox 360’s release. With the new graphics processor, Xbox 360 has four times the polygon and pixel capacity of the original Xbox.

“The two systems are not even comparable in terms of graphics,” said Gamezone.com reviewer Gabe Boker.

“The Xbox 360 has unparalleled specs and is currently the most powerful home console on the market,” he added.

Michael Knutson, a fellow game reviewer, said the graphics of the Xbox 360 are more advanced, but it isn’t as large a leap from the original Xbox as there has been between other consoles in the past.

“There are a few games that are outstanding,” he said, “but until developers come to grips with the hardware, which we already see happening, you will not see a huge graphical difference.”

In at least one reviewer’s opinion so far, the games aren’t as exceptional as the graphics.

“So far it’s been pretty unoriginal,” said Rob Watkins, a Gamezone.com reviewer. “I can’t wait for developers to start using a system’s power to do more creative things with gameplay rather than just make the games look better.”

Part of the lack of exceptional new games could be a marketing strategy by Microsoft, the company behind Xbox 360.

“For the most part there is no “revolutionary” new gameplay in any of the games out, but that is due to the system just coming out and developers putting out games that they know will sell,” Knutson said.

Overall, game reviewers have mixed feelings on the system.

“All in all, I feel that the Xbox 360 is a huge triumph for Microsoft. The original Xbox proved to be an industry giant, and I expect the 360 to be no different,” Boker said.

One reviewer, however, remains unimpressed with the system.

“Certain games certainly do look great, but they are currently ports that you can purchase for the other consoles. Until I see some impressive 360-only titles, I’ll remain unimpressed,” Watkins said.

Kyle Mork, a senior biology major, said overall, he is satisfied with the system’s performance.

“I haven’t had any problems with it. The little stuff added to the system helps a lot,” Mork said.

Scot Special, a freshman electrical engineering major, said he is impressed by the graphics.

“Compared to similar systems, the graphics make it seem like you are more in the game because of the different angles and views. The system is worth [the] money,” he said.