In November 2002, Microsoft released the Xbox Live online gaming platform, bringing Xbox subscribers together from all around the world. Today it reaches more then 2 million gamers around the world. Although rumors are spreading like wildfire across the community indicating that Sony is planning to launch a "full-frontal assault" on Xbox Live with their upcoming “PlayStation Network," Microsoft continues to seamlessly one-step the competition in this online area. You see, us online gamers always want more: more features, more activity, and more customization. With the new face of Xbox Live that came with every Xbox gamer's fantasy, the Xbox 360, Microsoft proved that they were listening to their audience. Here are some of the features many of us Xbox gamers are already enjoying in the new revolution of online console gaming:

Talk to Other Gamers

Ok, so some stuff is still basc, but nevertheless essential. Voice communication is hands down the most important feature to us Xbox gamers. No matter what type of games you play, voicecomm just brings something to console gaming that was lacking before. Use this feature to plan strategies with your teammates, talk to players from around the world, or just kick it with your friends. For you Xbox users that still do not have Xbox Live, I cannot stress enough what you are missing. No longer do you have to cram 4 TVs in your living room or spend your lunch money on LAN centers (although many of us Halo and Madden fans will still be huddled in our houses together) to play with a group. Also, Xbox Live games support voice masking. While I am not a personal fan of the technology, some think it is cool to sound like a robot or an alien. Annoyed by that robot voice, or the smack talker who will just not shut up? Go ahead and hit the mute button, a feature all of us have found useful at one time or another.

From Gamer Tag to Gamer Profile…

On the original Xbox with Xbox Live, your gamer tag was really just a name the gaming community knew you by. Now with Xbox 360, you will have access to a Gamer Profile instead of just an ingame handle. What does this mean to you gamers out there? How about these options:

Gamer Score
This is a number given that represents your accomplishments in the Xbox 360 games you play, online and off. It essentially shows how much of a badass you are at Xbox.

Reputation
Tired of those smack talkers hiding behind the anonymity of their headsets? Sending bad feedback and not getting results? Now you can view the bad reports on players! Likewise, go ahead and give good feedback to those awesome gamers that still remember they are playing with real people everyday!

Gamer Zone
What type of gamer are you? Choose out of four categories: Recreation Zone (casual gamers' delight), Family Zone (family-friendly gaming), Pro Zone (hardcore gamers), and Underground Zone (anything goes).

Achievements
This gives you something to brag about! Want to show off all those hours of game play and levels you achieved on the games? This is your virtual trophy case. So show off the bling-bling!

Gamer Card
Wrap up all the above in one little package to show off on sites everywhere! The gamer card is a quick look at your gaming history mentioned above in one. Other gamers can see all of this information on one little screen. Use it as your sig on websites, and let people know what kind of Xbox gamer you REALLY are!!

Xbox Live Marketplace
Keep your games current by downloading new maps, characters, weapons, and more! Game options change all the time, letting you keep the novelty factor you first got when you opened that case for the first time! One of the hottest things about Marketplace is that it brought arcade games back (No quarters needed, although a credit card probably will be). Try a variety of classic titles, then purchase and download your favorites. Also, through Xbox marketplace, gamers are able to purchase personalized pictures for the Gamer Card, play free game demos, watch trailers of games, and customize the look of their Xbox dashboard.