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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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April 10th, 2007, 11:51 Posted By: wraggster
via joystiq
A number of reports have shown up on the internet concerning a very critical (i.e. game-ending) bug inherent in the new Oblivion expansion, Shivering Isles. It affects both Xbox 360 and PC owners.
The problem has been determined to derive from six scripts which control the patrolling patterns of certain guards. The scripts, which run even if you are not in the area, exhausts the internal allotment of identification numbers which are assigned to every object in the game (e.g. dropped arrows, weaponry). Once all the space is full, newly created objects disappear from the game world.
The bug will occur if you have Shivering Isles installed, whether or not you even access the content. It will rear its ugly head 50 to 120 hours within gameplay, depending upon your framerate (we're not sure if this is hours of play after installation of expansion or total play time). The Xbox 360 version, running at 30 frames per second, is expected to hit the bug at 150 hours.
The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages have chronicled the issue and possible solutions. PC users can enjoy user-made patches; Xbox 360 owners have a suggested, although annoying and short-term (and spoiler-laden) fix they can use. We've contacted Bethesda for an official statement.
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April 10th, 2007, 11:27 Posted By: wraggster
via cvg
The ESRB website is listing Quake 3: Team Arena for release on Xbox 360, and the finger of speculation is pointing to Live Arcade as the culprit.
Microsoft and id Software haven't commented on the post, but the website lists Pi Studios as the developer. Pi has previously worked with Call of Duty, Mercenaries and Halo Vista properties.
For the uninitiated, Quake 3 was id's multiplayer-focused deathmatch shooter. Team Area came later, adding super team support to the formula.
One site speculates that the game will be release via Xbox Live Arcade now that a cap on the size limit of games has been removed.
Fingers crossed this one turns out to be true.
via cvg
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April 10th, 2007, 11:26 Posted By: wraggster
Gears fans get to enjoy the biggest update yet for Epic's wall-hugging shooter this morning, but according to the company's VP Mark Rein you'll have to get out your Microsoft points for future content, thanks to an internal power struggle with Microsoft.
Apparently Epic has a entire new Gears of War map pack in the oven, says Rein, but because of an overruling by Microsoft you'll be expected to surrender your cash for the four battlegrounds the developer has cooked up.
As Mr. R explains via a forum post this weekend, this wasn't the developers choice: "Epic thinks the way to maximise the return on Gears of War is to give the maps away for free and Microsoft thinks the way to maximise the return on Gears of War is to sell the maps.
"So what we've agreed to do is to put these maps on sale at a reasonable price then make them free a few months later," he says. "[Microsoft] did this with the original Halo 2 map pack and it was a huge success. Lots of people bought the maps and lots of people downloaded them when they became free.
"That's what is going to happen and it seems like a fair compromise for both companies and a win-win for Gears players."
It does seem like a fair compromise but would Epic get away with this on the PC? Let us know below.
via cvg
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April 9th, 2007, 23:09 Posted By: wraggster
via joystiq
In the most recent podcast of the 1UP Yours show Tim Sweeney and Mark Rein from Epic Games (Gears of War, Unreal Tournament) sat down and talked about Xbox Live Marketplace and a host of other topics. But the quote that stuck in people's heads was when Tim Sweeney implied Epic would like to give Gears of War maps away for free on Xbox Marketplace (like they did the original maps), but Microsoft won't let them.
Sweeney said, "We already released two [maps] and we have four more maps that we've built. We've been wanting to give them away for a long time but actually Microsoft has been pushing back on us for that. They're trying to build this business model around selling additional content for games and that's a valid idea, but definitely we would like to release more stuff for free, and we haven't been able to do so -- yet. Which is unfortunate, there's a lot of good business reasons for releasing free content for a game."
This naturally sparked some heavy debate on the Evil Avatar forums. Joystiq spoke with Mark Rein over the weekend and he laughed at how out of context the conversation was taken. He asked people to listen to the podcast before they weighed in. He says there are simple business philosophies separating Epic and Microsoft.
After our conversation, Rein posted a statement on the Evil Avatar forum, sending a copy to Joystiq, which said in part, "Quite frankly Xbox Live Marketplace isn't our store. It's Microsoft's store. Like any retailer they have the right to figure out what goes on the shelves of their store and what price they sell it at. They spend the money to operate the store and deliver the content. They've also spent billions of dollars to create and build Xbox and subsidize it's the price so you can afford it and we can make games for it. As our publisher, they also invested tens of millions of dollars marketing Gears of War, and have done an awesome job for us, so they have a right to a good return on that investment."
Rein says both Epic and Microsoft want to make money, they just have different philosophies on how to do it. Epic believes in giving content away for free, building the user base of their product by adding value after initial purchase. A model they've learned extremely well from being involved in the PC market for years. Microsoft believes in charging up front, and in the case of Xbox Marketplace, they have a store to run and infrastructure to pay for -- this doesn't mean the GoW maps won't be given away for free later like the Halo 2 maps. Rein believes it's their job to advocate for their product to maximize users and profits. It's Microsoft's job to maximize their profits on Xbox Marketplace so that both companies benefit. Rein understands Microsoft has a store to run on their console, makes sure to say they "aren't evil" and can't fault them for trying to make money -- he likes money too.
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April 9th, 2007, 23:05 Posted By: wraggster
via kotaku
In his weekly update, Bungie's Frankie says some big things are coming this week. You've got the two new Halo 2 multiplayer maps, Desolation and Tombstone, for $4 hitting next week. Also, there will be a new auto-update for the game, new playlists and they will be resetting all rankings.
Frankie wraps up his update by talking about the new audio for Halo 3 and then closes with some very cryptic statements about "big news."
So yeah. Big changes coming. Big changes and big news. Next week is going to be significant. Until then, enjoy this potted history of Mister Chief's evolution. It's hard to tell if Frankie is all excited about the Halo 2 maps, the update, the ranking reset, the audio or perhaps something he didn't mention. I guess we'll find out next week when it turns out the "big news" is a picture of another weapon.
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April 9th, 2007, 22:47 Posted By: wraggster
via gamespot
In late 2006, those who believe that all downloadable content for the Xbox 360 should be free thought they had found the perfect spokespeople in Epic Games. At the Spike TV Video Game Awards, where Gears of War had just scooped up four awards, Epic president Mike Capps said, "We always take care of our customers, we always give them stuff for free, and we're going to keep doing that forever. That's how we do it. This is Epic."
Unfortunately, it appears that it isn't just Epic who calls the shots. Speaking on the 1up Podcast, Epic vice president Mark Rein and CEO Tim Sweeney dropped the bomb that upcoming map packs for the shooter actually won't be free...at first.
This caused a bit of an uproar among Gearheads, who took to the forums at EvilAvatar to voice their displeasure. Rein responded to put out the fires, clarifying that the map packs would follow a similar business model used with the bonus multiplayer maps released for Halo 2.
"Epic thinks the way to maximize the return on Gears of War is to give the maps away for free and Microsoft thinks the way to maximize the return on Gears of War is to sell the maps," said Rein. "So what we’ve agreed to do is to put these maps on sale at a reasonable price then make them free a few months later. They did this with the original Halo2 map pack and it was a huge success. Lots of people bought the maps and lots of people downloaded them when they became free. That’s what is going to happen and it seems like a fair compromise for both companies and a win-win for Gears players."
Rein also said that the next map pack will feature four multiplayer maps, but was unable to give a price or release period for the download. A Gears of War update, which adds the new Annex gametype, will be available for free later this afternoon.
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April 9th, 2007, 22:45 Posted By: wraggster
via gamespot
One week ago, Gears of War fans got in a tizzy when vice president Mark Rein revealed that the game's next update was "almost here." Rein said the update was out of Epic's hands and in the final stages of Microsoft's certification process.
Today, Microsoft announced that it has given the update the thumbs up and will release it over Xbox Live Marketplace at 4 p.m. PDT.
Not just a few tweaks to bugs, the update will add a new multiplayer mode called Annex. In Annex, two teams will battle to occupy key map locations like a standard King of the Hill or Domination match. Each map contains two to five key locations, and throughout the match the area to be controlled will move.
Also included in the update is VGA cable support, tweaks to the Boomshot and Hammer of Dawn weapons, and several bug and exploit fixes.
The update is free, unlike other Gears of War content which was recently revealed to be offered initially at a "reasonable price" before being free months down the line.
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April 9th, 2007, 22:39 Posted By: wraggster
via engadget
If you're one of the few large-handed gamers out there still pining for the bulk-tastic days of the original Xbox controller, then you're sure to have a great time with Microsoft's new "Text Input Device" QWERTY thumb keyboard add-on. The bulk of the TID is all at the base, so it shouldn't be a deal breaker for the small handed, but we'll have to get this in hand to know just how ergonomic it's going to be to type with. An anonymous tipster, who spotted this before it went official, had these encouraging words to say: "The thumboard beats the hell out of the one on my BlackJack, and once they let me play with it I didn't want to put it down." We wouldn't really say TID vs. BlackJack is the ultimate comparison, but it at least sounds like the tipster had a good time.
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April 9th, 2007, 22:36 Posted By: wraggster
News from Divineo USA
We got our first real batch of Blaster360. We'll ship all the pre-order within the next 48h. We have a small extra quantity that is available. Order now, because we feel that at the end of the week, all the stock will be sold.
Heres more info:
The Xecuter Blaster360 is an external switching device when, once fitted, allows you to flash your DVD Firmware without ever having to open up your Xbox 360 case ever again. In the era of constant firmware updates (30+ so far) this is an absolutley essential tool saving both time and effort, making the firmware update process a walk in the park. Also transfert to your PC is now a fast and simple process. A perfect ergonomic design maeans there is no soldering and no cutting of the external case - just plug 'n' go. You only ever have to open up your case once! No longer will you have to have your Xbox 360 in pieces all the time, no longer will you have to take the Xbox apart every time you need to update new features and functions or essential bug fixes, no longer do you have to have your Xbox 360 in bits every time you want transfert data to your PC.
It was designed to be as ergonomically sound as the Xbox 360 itself. Its functionally perfect and works so good that Team Xecuter believes all firmware modders will be using this as standard by the end of the year, it just makes life SO MUCH EASIER !
Imagine using this along with the X360 USB - Firmware modding has never been so simple !
Features List:
- Once installed never open up the case again to update firmware
- Works with ALL firmware updateable drives (Hitachi and Samsung)
- High Quality Digital Sata Exchange Switching
- No soldering, no external damage, no problem !
- 5 minute install
- Auto switches to PC mode when Blaster360 is connected to molex PSU
- Auto switches to Xbox 360 default mode when not connected to Molex PSU
- Modeb switch for Hitachi
- Eject Button
- High quality Sata Port (to connect to SATA or X360USB externally)
- Samsung MS28 / Power On-Off Switch
- Molex Power connector (no lugging around the 360 PSU plus electrical safety is ensured)
- Superior quality design - no cheap China manufacturing
- Ergonomically matched to the 360 case
- LED Glow feature
- LED Glow Off / Led Perm On / LED Off switch
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April 9th, 2007, 20:22 Posted By: Shrygue
via Xbox 360 Fanboy
In a recent 1UP Yours podcast, Epic's own Tim Sweeney and Mark Rein sat down to discuss Gears of War and downloadable content. During the podcast, Sweeney talked about four new multiplayer maps that they have ready to give out, but are butting heads with Microsoft on how to distribute them. Word on the street is that Epic wants to give away the four new Gears maps, but Microsoft wants Epic to charge for them which is ultimately causing a delay. This of course has caused a community uproar, because we just want our free maps. Cue the Microsoft hating.
But just wait one second. Mark Rein posted Epic's response to this whole podcast interview mess and isn't pointing fingers at anyone. He goes on to say that Epic and Microsoft both want to make money and that they feel "the way to maximize the return on Gears of War is to give the maps away for free and Microsoft thinks the way to maximize the return on Gears of War is to sell the maps". So, they just weren't seeing eye to eye. Instead, Epic and Microsoft came to an agreement that they'll be offering all four multiplayer maps for a small fee on the XBLM and a few months later the content will be available for free ... a la Halo 2 maps. Mark Rein further clarifies things by saying that Epic must play by Microsoft's rules when it comes to the XBLM and as a publisher, but says both companies have the best interest of the consumer and their bank accounts. Still need some clarification? Head over to this post where Mark Rein answers the community's concerns and complaints about all this drama. We swear, it's like high school all over again ...
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April 9th, 2007, 20:19 Posted By: Shrygue
via Xbox 360 Fanboy
It has been an interesting week of leakage and speculation about the Spring dash update and we now know that it's all true. Microsoft has officially pulled back the curtains on the update's features and when we'll be getting our mitts on the all the goodies. First off, we think it'd be appropriate to recap all the big new features that the update has to offer. Without further adieu, the Spring dashboard update will feature ... - Windows Live Messenger IM integration.
- More informative achievement notifications.
- A brand new Marketplace blade with updated organization.
- Upgraded XBLA friend interaction functionality.
- Auto-off downloading functionality featuring low power mode.
- Enhanced family settings for chatting.
- Ability to watch videos while downloading off the XBLM.
- Hundreds of other random fixes and tweaks.
Not only that, but Microsoft also announced that they'll be releasing a new QWERTY text-input peripheral (seen here) this Summer that attaches to the Xbox 360 controller. Also, Joystiq separately confirmed that the once speculated "Play Game" feature will indeed be included in the new dash update. Now no more guessing which game is in the drive. The Spring update will go live on May 7th with all the new IM integration and updated features. Full press release after the break and be sure to take a look at Joystiq or Engadget's Spring dash photo galleries.
Is there anything you think should have been included in the update or something you're specifically looking forward to? Also, will you be using the Windows Live Messenger integration through your 360? Fanboys, it's your duty to discuss!
Update 1: Xbox.com has more information on the other features included in the dash update including various video playback options.
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April 8th, 2007, 23:15 Posted By: wraggster
via gizmodo
No fancy tech stuff here, just a plain chicken egg and paint. Granted, it's much cooler than the pink and purple pastel eggs we used to get when we younger, so if we could get those matching Wii and PS3 eggs to boot, we might just spare the Easter Bunny. This year.
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April 8th, 2007, 23:03 Posted By: wraggster
via engadget
If you've been cranking out some serious riffs on your Guitar Hero II controller, but have been noticing a few glitches with the ole whammy bar, chances are you've got yourself a malfunctioning unit. According to Red Octane, the bar on Xbox 360 axes could have a "calibration issue that may stem from a feature put in place to ensure accurate scoring." The duo of units in question sport 95065 and 95055 model numbers, but according to various user reports, even boxes with model numbers outside of the two aforementioned figures are on the fritz, too. Thankfully, it appears that Red Octane is working overtime to figure out (and solve) the quirks, but for those who'd rather return their current unit and try out another, that appears to be your prerogative. Be sure to hit the links below for a bit more info, and make sure you find other ways to exercise those phalanges whilst waiting for a return unit if you plan on staying in shape.
More Info
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April 8th, 2007, 23:00 Posted By: wraggster
via cvg
To coincide with the arrival of Xbox Live MSN Messenger integration, Microsoft has revealed a new Xbox 360 keyboard adaptor for painless text input.
The keyboard device attaches to the standard Xbox 360 controller through the headphone jack and features a QWERTY-style key layout with 47 keys. It doesn't look to interfere with the comfort of the pad either and certainly beats having to drag out a full-size keyboard.
The dashboard update arriving on May 7 will allow 360 users to have up to six chat windows open over the top of normal 360 events, and add MSN contacts with gamertags to your friends list.
The keyboard controller attachment is yet to be dated, priced or even named but we'll try and get you more info as soon as we're done munching on Easter eggs and drinking all of Tesco's beer.
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April 8th, 2007, 22:55 Posted By: wraggster
A leaked video showing some of the upcoming updates to Xbox Live appears to have confirmed that Microsoft plans on integrating MSN messenger into Xbox Live.
There's an Xbox 360 spring dashboard update coming Monday, May 7 that will feature MSN messenger according to leaked info doing the rounds. There will also be improved downloading features and a dedicated Marketplace tab.
There's also tweaks to how achievements are displayed; pop-up messages will now list the short name of the achievement unlocked as well as the number of points earned - so you won't have to keep tapping the guide button in future.
Microsoft has yet to officially revealed details of the spring XBL update, but if you've seen the movie on YouTube, you'll be in no doubt it's all true.
via cvg
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April 7th, 2007, 17:11 Posted By: Shrygue
via Kotaku
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April 6th, 2007, 22:30 Posted By: Shrygue
via Joystiq
The USB-equipped X-plorer guitar that ships with the just-released Guitar Hero II for Xbox 360 has some interesting tricks up its nonexistant but metaphorically convenient sleeve. No, we're not talking about breaking or shape-shifting (sheesh) -- we're talking about things like effects pedals and oh, what's this, Windows support? Randy tipped us off that the guitar controller works in Windows Vista, but we had to check for ourself. The above image was captured in Windows XP. The five frets control the first five buttons, Back and Start control buttons 7 and 8, the d-pad and strummer control the Point of View Hat, the whammy bar controls the X Rotation, Star Power controls the Y Rotation, and the Z Axis sorta just wiggles when you move the guitar. The X Axis / Y Axis does nothing (gotta save something for that effects pedal, no?).
Of course, we quickly fired up freeware PC clone, Frets on Fire, to see if we could manage to get these two to play nicely together. Sure enough, after a minute of changing the control configuration, we were able to rock out! Unfortunately, while Mac OS X recognized the device immediately (pic after the break), it failed to be detected as an HID-compliant gamepad by either GamePad Companion or the open source Xbox 360 Controller driver. Additionally, this blogger couldn't convince the Mac OS port of Frets on Fire to load so we're unable to determine if the game would support the device directly. Any Mac using 'stiqers able to get the X-plorer to work?
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April 6th, 2007, 21:55 Posted By: wraggster
via engadget
Although the Wiimote (and the SIXAXIS, under certain conditions) already enjoy the luxuries that tilting can bring, it looks like those sticking with Microsoft's console will now be able to get in on fun as well. Thanks to a partnership with "specialist peripheral makers" Talismoon, the highly-regarded tiltBoard is reportedly getting an commercial makeover as it readies itself for "mass production." Details are admittedly scant right now, but the forthcoming product -- "which will bring tilt sensitivity for the Xbox 360 to the masses" -- is said to be "worth the wait" from its presumably jovial creator. And if you can't visualize just how spiffy it'd be to control your 360 titles without touching the analog or D-pad, be sure to click on through to see what the tiltBoard can do for you.
More Info
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April 6th, 2007, 21:23 Posted By: Shrygue
via Xbox 360 Fanboy
The other day beta testing for the upcoming Xbox Live and Windows PC integration started with a bash ... a Bug Bash. Xboxic got the details and found out those who signed up for the PC version of Xbox Live were invited to test the service with a free "game" download called Bug Bash. Once downloaded, beta testers could start up the "game" and be signed into Xbox Live via their PC. What's most interesting is that all the Xbox Live features were enabled and running including their friends list, text messaging, and even voice chat. Though, all the Xbox Live functionality was only accessible through the Bug Bash game and wasn't a stand alone application, something that'll hopefully be fixed when the service goes live this May. Was anyone bashing bugs the other day and if so (ignoring your NDA) what did you think?
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April 6th, 2007, 21:21 Posted By: Shrygue
via Xbox 360 Fanboy
Ever think about Guitar Hero II's advertised song list? On the box it clearly states the game features 70 songs, but if you don't already know, you only have access to 6 off the get go as others are only playable if you unlock them. Though, this may be obvious and even acceptable to some, over at Game Stooge they've openly expressed their distaste with this unlocking method. Ultimately they feel ripped off by paying $90 for the game and then having to unlock new songs just to get to play the content that was promised on the box. If you beat the game in easy, you only have access 36 of the 70 tracks and the rest could potentially be too difficult for some to unlock. Heck, Game Stooge would settle for having access to the tracks in just practice mode. Then at least a person could play them.
What do you guys think? If you're plopping down $90 on a game do you think you it's your right to have access to all the content in the game or do you feel it's okay for the developers to make you work for it? We're not sure if it the comparisons Game Stooge uses are fair, but we agree ... we just want a way to rock out to all 70 songs.
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