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Xbox News is a site that brings you the very latest Original Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox One news, the latest games and releases, Part of the
DCEmu Homebrew & Gaming Network.
THE LATEST NEWS BELOW
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January 9th, 2008, 15:52 Posted By: JKKDARK
via Xboxer
Microsoft sent out a few shots of Xbox Live Arcade Ikaruga today, the long-rumoured conversion of the must-have Dreamcast/Gamecube shooter.
Now, Microsoft also has a test version of Xbox Live, called Partnernet, that's not accessible to the general public. It's where developers upload test things and can play against each other without YOU PEOPLE bothering them. You can only access Partnernet if you have a development debug Xbox 360 - and you are NOT ALLOWED to talk about what appears on it, or Microsoft gets very angry.
BUT! The hardcore scrolling shooter fans over at the SHMUPS forum don't care and just just couldn't help themselves when a seemingly complete version of Ikaruga went up for test download recently. It is, after all, the best 2D shooting game of the last decade. And here it is on Xbox 360:
Happily, maker Treasure HAS totally upgraded it for Xbox Live - you're able to download replays of other players' goes and see exactly how they managed to score so many more points than you. Plus, of course, there are leaderboards - so no more lying about being able to "chain" all of level four on Medium. Proof will be viewable by all.
The only downside is the screen borders - they were big enough on a standard 4:3 TV "back in the day" on Dreamcast - on a widescreen TV you're going to end up with more border than actual usable playing area.
BUT! The option to stick your TV on its side and have the entire game flipped to vertical display mode is present in the Xbox Live Arcade remake as it was on Dreamcast, so if you fancy attempting to put your 42" Samsung LCD on its side you will have, by far, the most incredible shoot 'em up experience imaginable. The game also supports the less-famed 16:10 aspect ratio rather than the traditional 16:9, for those of you with odd-shaped pixels.
More screens of XBLA Ikaruga can be seen over at Gamersyde. Hopefully it'll be out very soon, seeing as it's clearly finished and ready to go.
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January 8th, 2008, 23:15 Posted By: wraggster
As any crime beat reporter will tell you, police reports aren't always the most precise source of information about a crime. Take this opening paragraph from The Morning Call, which they say was taken directly from police reports, "The boy wanted his father to look at his Xbox 360 video game system. The father didn't want to. An argument ensued. The boy handed his father a rifle. Shoot me, he said. So the father did." ... Yep. That makes perfect sense. The dad wouldn't look at the 360, the 17-year-old (who's now recovering from a head wound) asked dad to shoot him, dad did. Of course.
Now, if the first sentence ended with "which was displaying three flashing red lights," this might be a bit easier to swallow. A despondent kid, a parent knowing they're about to shell out another $350, it adds up. But as it stands, we're just not getting it. In the interest of full disclosure, we should mention that the dad's ex-wife said of the incident, ''he did the shooting but it was an accidental thing that took place.''
Though we're but a humble video game blog, we feel we can pretty confidently hand out some parenting advice here. Parents, we know it seems like a pretty good way to show your kids you mean business, but you probably shouldn't point a gun at their heads. You know, just on principle.
http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/ma...-360-argument/
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January 8th, 2008, 23:08 Posted By: wraggster
If you can't live without your Peninsula Beauty Supply or illy Caffe discounts, prepare to pay the piper because the Xbox Live Diamond card is moving from free to a $6.95 annual fee. The charge occurs as the ownership and administration of the Diamond Card program moves over fully to Passport Unlimited (which makes it sound like Microsoft is walking away from the table).
Beginning March 1, 2008, the hit or miss discounts offered by the program will require you to input a credit card; those who are already members will stay on free until their memberships expire this year (renewals will naturally require the fee). To those who actually have these cards, do you ever use them?
http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/xb...ve-annual-fee/
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January 8th, 2008, 19:24 Posted By: wraggster
Actually we're not entirely sure what he says. He seems to start speaking tongues halfway into his whole reliability-issue-was-a-hiccup comment. He says something about downloading curve, or something about him, or maybe he mentions peanuts, it's hard to say. This is what I got:
"Xbox live, which was immensely risky, we hadn't been in the hardware business. We even had a hiccup in terms of ahhhhh... me not downloading curve... on that one reliability issue we ran into it. But Xbox alone has been fantastic success. A huge asset for the company."
http://kotaku.com/341813/gates-live-outage-a-hiccup
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January 8th, 2008, 19:23 Posted By: wraggster
On the Hollywood front, DongSoo Jun, Executive VP and General Manager of Samsung's Digital AV Division, believes that the Warner announcement was a tipping point. In short, Blu-ray will win. But! HD DVD doesn't have to slink into a grave next to Betamax yet. It will become the chosen format for "private" (that is, personal) content because the format--ahem, Toshiba and Microsoft--has a stronghold in the PC drive market. He expects Toshiba to really concentrate on the PC HD DVD market since it's deader than disco if it loses there.
The format war ends. The "divide" begins. And it'll be even bigger, in a sense.
http://gizmodo.com/341906/interview-...ood-for-hd-dvd
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January 8th, 2008, 19:22 Posted By: wraggster
Insiders over at the AVS Forums - who are proper, actual insiders who work for companies like Microsoft, Universal and representatives of the Blu-ray consortium - reckon the decision could've gone either way.
Warner dumping HD DVD for Blu-ray went down to the wire - and it could've been persuaded, along with 20th Century Fox, to go exclusively with HD DVD instead.
In fact, they both nearly DID - an agreement was apparently in place between Warner, Fox and HD DVD backer Toshiba for the HD DVD WIN SCENARIO, only for Fox to pull out at the last minute and go crying off to Sony instead. Which gave Warner cold feet, so it went Blu-ray as well. It really was that close to being an HD DVD victory.
So if Warner and Fox had gone for HD DVD it'd be Blu-ray that'd look like the failed format today, and perhaps Bill Gates just might've pulled out an HD DVD-packing Xbox 360 from under his podium at CES last night, rather than blather on about a few new downloadable films instead.
http://xboxer.tv/2008/01/hd_dvd_xbox...because_1.html
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January 8th, 2008, 18:46 Posted By: DPyro
As if the recent Xbox Live issues hadn’t caused enough problems, it now appears that you can actually lose an unlocked achievement as well.
It seems in Microsoft approach to fixing the servers, they've decided to rollback Xbox LIVE achievements to try and resolve the issues.
Click here for details.
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January 8th, 2008, 15:57 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
We've uploaded initial screenshots from new Xbox Live Arcade game Lode Runner for your viewing pleasure.
Lode Runner's a reinvention of the game of the same name that released in the early 1980s. It combined platforming with puzzle elements and the ability to dig holes in the platforms, and the player had to collect all the gold in a level while avoiding robots that could be trapped in the holes.
The resurrection's being handled by developer Tozai Games, and in addition to sticking with the formula of the original it's introducing multiplayer modes. A release in 2008 is expected.
Screenshots
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January 8th, 2008, 15:32 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Activision has confirmed to Eurogamer that it is set to release a standalone version of Guitar Hero II for Xbox 360 in the UK so that people who started off with the third game in the series can go back and see what the fuss was about.
Guitar Hero II's solus release will be arriving in shops in the UK on 25th January, in line with reports last week.
In case you've forgotten, number 2 included the likes of Kansas' "Carry on Wayward Son", Foo Fighters' "Monkey Wrench", Alice in Chains' "Them Bones", Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine", Rage Against The Machine's "Killing in the Name" and The Allman Brothers Band's Top Gear theme, or rather "Jessica".
The game was the first in the series to have co-operative play, although it isn't as developed as GH3's and there's no online play.
So, if you're looking forward to looking back, why not pop your face inside our Guitar Hero II Xbox 360 review and find out whether it's worth your licks.
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January 8th, 2008, 15:27 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
The upcoming Xbox Live Arcade version of Rez - called Rez HD - will not be compatible with the legendary USB trance vibrator peripheral, but don't be too downhearted (or in this case flaccid).
That's because Q Entertainment has apparently included a similar sort of option that allows you to treat up to three additional Xbox 360 controllers as trance vibrators, utilising their rumbling innards to simulate the original functions.
Clever old Joystiq found this out during a meeting with Microsofties at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and also saved us the trouble of looking up the link for the Game Girl Advance post about the trance vibrator with all the kinky pictures that got everyone s******ing about it in the first place.
Anyway, Rez HD - announced just prior to the Tokyo Game Show last year - is a proper HD port of the original Dreamcast/PS2 game and is due out this year.
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January 7th, 2008, 21:09 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released today:
features
Truly universal appeal with music from 70’s to today!
New HOW TO PLAY, TRIAL and SUPER EASY modes aimed at first-time players and beginners
Very accessible for all skill levels
Freestyle Mode debuts on Xbox 360® – dance how you want to dance without arrows (perfect for kids or anyone with two left feet)
Brand new Quest Mode lets you build your own character
Play online, download new music and more via Xbox Live®
Enhanced graphical design in high definition
description
The dancing universe expands further on the Xbox 360® with Dance Dance Revolution® UNIVERSE 2. Exclusively designed for the Xbox 360, Dance Dance Revolution UNIVERSE 2 has true universal appeal with multiple options and settings for players of all skill levels, cool smash-hit songs and exclusives and robust online and offline support.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-2h2e.html
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January 7th, 2008, 20:58 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo China
The Whisper Max - with the new nitro switch, has more cooling options and tuning options than any xbox cooler available! The ultimate Xbox 360 cooling fan.
The new Whisper Max is a deluxe version of the standard original Whisper fan with additional features:
1) COOLING: Nitro switch allows you to change between 12v and 5v power, more than doubling your air output with the press of a single button! Suitable for use with "game mode" and "movie mode"
2) LIGHTING: One product, 3 colors. When you install your whisper, you can choose between Blue, Green, or Red lights, or not install any at all. You can even change colors later.
3) QUALITY: Ball bearing construction is higher quality, lasts longer.
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January 7th, 2008, 19:41 Posted By: wraggster
A leaked internal Microsoft memo apparently sent by head of the corporation's Games division, Don Mattrick, to his employees, states that the Xbox 360 is on course to become the next-generation console winner.
The memo, originally leaked to and reprinted by Dean Takahashi, also implies that the Xbox 360 is generating more third party revenue that its rivals.
"History has shown that the eventual winner of each console generation was the console that generated the most third party revenue, and according to the most recent NPD data, Xbox 360 generated more third party revenue in 2007 than Nintendo and Sony combined," it stated.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=31891
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January 7th, 2008, 18:19 Posted By: JKKDARK
via cbc.ca
In a night of beginnings and endings, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates rocked. Well, almost.
In his keynote speech Sunday night that officially kicked off the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Gates was challenged by Microsoft's president of entertainment and devices, Robbie Bach, to a game of Guitar Hero 3. But before either could strum their plastic Xbox 360 guitars, Bach played his ace card by calling out a ringer — Guitar Hero 3 champion Kelly (TipperQueen) Law-Yone, who shredded through the opening notes of Welcome to the Jungle by Guns 'N Roses.
Not to be outdone, Gates trumped Bach with his own ringer — the Guns 'N Roses guitarist Slash, who emerged onto the stage in his trademark top hat playing the licks live on a real guitar.
The foursome closed out Gates's address, his 12th and final CES opener, as a packed auditorium laughed and cheered.
Gates's speech was light on news and heavy on humour. Along with several product managers, Gates — who steps down from his full-time duties at Microsoft in July to concentrate on his philanthropic endeavours — announced a few tidbits, including the Canadian availability of the Zune MP3 player. The device, which Bach said has grown into a "viable alternative to the iPod," will be available in Canada in the spring.
The Microsoft chairman also announced that ABC and Disney television shows, including Desperate Housewives and Lost, will be available for download over the company's Xbox Live service, as will movies from MGM.
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January 7th, 2008, 15:59 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
Microsoft has revealed a number of user statistics for Xbox Live now that the popular online gaming service has registered over 10 million users.
Unsurprisingly the most popular game based on Xbox Live connectivity in 2007 was Bungie's Halo 3, even though the game wasn't released until late September. Last week, Microsoft stated that the game has sold over 8.1 million units worldwide.
Third party titles also registered highly on the service, with Epic's Gears of War, Activision's Call of Duty 3 and 4 and Ubisoft's Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas all in the top five.
The majority of best-selling Xbox Live Arcade titles for 2007 were familiar franchises and retro ports rather than original titles.
Konami/Ubisoft's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1989 Arcade was the most popular seller, with Worms, Bomberman, Castlevania and Uno all in the top five.
And of the original Xbox titles still played via the service, multiplayer shooters were the most popular genre. Halo 2 was the number one game, with Star Wars Battlefront 2, Counter-Strike, Battlefield 2: Modern Combat and Doom 3 all in the top five.
The top ten Xbox Live games of 2007 follow:
Xbox 360 titles (unique users):
1. Halo 3
2. Gears of War
3. Call of Duty 4
4. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas
5. Call of Duty 3
6. Crackdown
7. Oblivion
8. Guitar Hero II
9. Forza Motorsport 2
10. Lost Planet
Top Xbox Live arcade titles (sales):
1. TMNT 1989 Arcade
2. Worms
3. Castlevania: SOTN
4. Uno
5. Bomberman Live
6. 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures
7. Sonic the Hedgehog
8. Pinball FX
9. Geometry Wars FX
10. Texas Hold 'Em
Original Xbox titles (unique users):
1. Halo 2
2. Star Wars Battlefront 2
3. Counter-Strike
4. Battlefield 2: Modern Combat
5. Doom 3
6. Forza Motorsport
7. Madden NFL 07
8. Conker: Live and Reloaded
9. Call of Duty 3
10. Rainbow Six 3
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January 7th, 2008, 15:48 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
The ten best-selling Xbox Live Arcade games of 2007 have been revealed thanks to Mr Major Nelson's blog. They are, in a very particular order:
- TMNT 1989 Arcade
- Worms
- Castlevania: SOTN
- UNO
- Bomberman LIVE
- 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures
- Sonic The Hedgehog
- Pinball FX
- Geometry Wars Evolved
- Texas Hold 'em
Seems like the oldies are still the goodies in terms of making you part with your cold, hard-earned cash.
Plenty of more retro action to come this year, we hope. Like Sabre Wulf! Tell us what you want to see below.
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January 7th, 2008, 15:43 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
From 9am tomorrow, a demo for The Club will be available to download across Europe and Australia on the Xbox Live.
Developed by Bizarre Creations, The Club mixes score based challenges with core based challenges with bloody violence.
In the demo, you'll play Renwick, a detective stuck in a disused, crumbling penitentiary. Renwick is forced to fight in a shadowy underground blood-sport run by a secret group of sick millionaires.
We're not exactly clear on how you specifically fight them, apart from the game itself is a quirky third person shooter that our friends on OXM called, "Space Invaders for the Quentin Tarantino generation".
Our present opinion of Quentin Tarantino and his recent films aside, The Club sounds bonkers enough to be worth checking out.
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January 7th, 2008, 15:42 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Microsoft has skirted speculation that Rare is working on a Live Arcade game called The Fast & The Furriest by making no sounds shaped like comments.
Presentation details for the title were supposedly leaked to Xbox 360 Fanboy, who outlined Furriest as a collection of sporty mini-games controlled by Live Vision Camera motion sensing - or a controller if you feel less ambitious.
Each of you will get to choose from familiar characters such as Banjo or Conker, then take a picture of your face and put it on their body. Good god. Your mugshot will also be splashed across scoreboards and reflect off of things like ice or a bald person's head.
Events like 100 meter dash, bungee running and hurdling will be in the initial package, with Rare apparently readying downloadable additions for the future.
The developer is also said to have toyed with the idea of including a wand-like gesture controller, but gave up and went back to sandcastles because it was too difficult.
Rumour and speculation for now, then, but far from impossible.
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January 7th, 2008, 15:41 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
Microsoft and BT have announced that Xbox 360 owners will be able to access IPTV service BT Vision this summer.
The service will offer "hundreds of movies and thousands of hours" of sporting events, TV programming, music videos and other digital services for users with a BT Broadband connection.
"We are pleased to partner with Microsoft to deliver a truly compelling connected entertainment experience to our customers," said Dan Marks, CEO of BT Vision.
"For the first time consumers in the UK will be able to experience the advantages of an advanced TV service together with the benefits of next-generation gaming.
"Our aim is to provide BT Vision on multiple platforms — giving customers greater convenience, control and flexibility over what they watch, when they watch and how they watch TV. It also means that we are able to potentially expand our BT Vision customer base by tapping into the popularity of Xbox 360," he added.
BT Vision customers will be able to access the service via Xbox 360 or set-top box. Xbox Live features will be integrated into the service, allowing users to send and receive messages while playing games or watching TV content.
"This is an exciting moment in home entertainment," said Enrique Rodriguez, corporate vice president of the Connected Television Division at Microsoft.
"Last year at CES, we announced Xbox 360 on Microsoft Mediaroom as a powerful platform capable of enabling new entertainment experiences for consumers, and we are pleased to team with BT to bring this service to market.
"Together we are enabling BT Vision customers to be the first in the world to enjoy this next-generation TV and gaming entertainment experience," added Rodriguez.
BT works with all three console manufacturers in the UK on a number of gaming related partnerships.
Nintendo and BT launched Wi-Fi Connection hotspots for the DS in more than 600 retail stores across the country in 2006, and last year it revealed a partnership with Sony for the PSPs Go! Messenger service.
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January 7th, 2008, 04:46 Posted By: Elven6
I just finished watching the keynote, a huge announment for a lot of Canadians is that the Zune will be released in Spring of 2008. I beleive it was Robbie Bach who broke the news, he also claimed it will be launched in other territorys as well, so Im assuming 08 is also the year it will come to Europe.
I can't really source a live video stream, oh and Bill had Slash play "Guitar Hero" for him!
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