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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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October 31st, 2006, 17:27 Posted By: wraggster
Ubisoft executive Alain Corre has said he believes Microsoft is set to reap the benefits of the European PS3 delay this Christmas in the form of extra hardware and software sales.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Corre - who is executive director of EMEA territories - said, "We had three PS3 games down for Christmas. I would have preferred the PS3 to come in, but it wasn't a big part of our business plan this year, and it can easily be replaced by the extra sales we'll do on 360 games that would have been cannibalised by PS3 games.
"I think that Sony giving an extra Christmas to Microsoft is an issue because the more 360 is established in homes, the less PS3 will be," he continued.
"The PS3 and the 360 are not cheap, so once people buy a machine they won't neccessarily by a second one three months after that or even a year after that. So I think for Sony, the earlier the better now."
According to Corre, the PS3 delay will not just benefit Microsoft but also Nintendo, which is set to launch the Wii in Europe on December 8 priced at GBP 179 / EUR 249.
When asked if the relatively low price point for the console is set to give Nintendo a much bigger advantage over its rivals, Corre replied, "I think it is. Thanks to this machine, Nintendo will convert a lot of non-gamers to the gaming community.
"Women, parents, gamers that used to play on NES or SNES and think games have got too complicated - the Wii might bring them into this business, which is good news for all of us."
Corre believes the games industry is currently going through a transition unlike any that has come before - the major difference being that previously "there were two and a half systems. This time we have three new consoles, which have each a strong possibility to perform and to achieve huge installed bases.
"That's the very first time that's happened in this industry. If you look back 15 or 20 years ago, we had two systems. This time we have three, and that's very good for all of us," he concluded.
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October 31st, 2006, 17:26 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has once again denied that there are any plans to cut the price of the Xbox 360 - at least, not before the end of 2006.
Rumours of a cut began to emerge as early as May, resurfacing in June and July - but each time, MS dismissed them. However, in August, the price of the Core system did drop from GBP 209 to GBP 199, with retailers claiming the initiative was driven by Microsoft and vice versa.
There has recently been speculation that a price cut could be on the way in time for Christmas, in a bid to give the Xbox 360 an extra boost as the Nintendo Wii hits shelves worldwide and the PS3 arrives in the US and Japan.
But speaking to SeattlePI.com, a spokesperson said there are "no plans to adjust the price of the Xbox 360 this year".
It would seem that the company is sticking to its guns for the time being, with more than 6 million consoles sold and a year's head start over Sony and Nintendo. There's also the fact that the PS3 has been delayed in Europe until March, giving Microsoft even more time to establish a healthy installed base over here.
Analysts speaking to SeattlePI.com agreed that a price cut for 360 is unlikely in the near future, with Wedbush Morgan's Michael Pachter explaining that the price gap between Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 gives Microsoft "the luxury of waiting".
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October 31st, 2006, 17:17 Posted By: wraggster
Peter Jackson and WingNut Films officially "postpone" making the Halo movie. Official statement inside
After Universal Pictures and 20th Century Fox pulled out of co-financing the Halo movie, Bungie and Microsoft were quick to state that work would carry on regardless.
A statement has now been released from Jackson and WingNut Films saying all work on the movie has been postponed: "As was previously confirmed, we deeply regret that both Universal and Fox did not choose to move forward with financing the Halo film under the original terms of the agreement.
"At this time Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, along with their partner, Microsoft, have mutually agreed to postpone making a feature film based on the Halo video game universe until we can fulfil the promise we made to millions of Halo fans throughout the world that we would settle for no less than bringing a first class film to the big screen.
We are fully supportive of Director Neill Blomkamp's vision of the film. Neill is a tremendously gifted filmmaker and his preliminary work on Halo is truly awe-inspiring. While it will undoubtedly take a little longer for Halo to reach the big screen, we are confident that the final feature film will be well worth the wait."
The Halo movie was loosely scheduled for a summer 2008 release. Don't expect to see it for a very long time now...
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October 31st, 2006, 17:15 Posted By: wraggster
EA has released a batch of new Medal of Honor: Airborne screenshots, showing off the WWII shooter's new Unreal Engine 3-powered antics.
Admittedly, it isn't looking quite up to par with the previous arty-screenshots, but no-doubt there's still plenty of work to be done before Airborne exits EA's revolving doors sometime next year.
Screens Here
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October 31st, 2006, 17:11 Posted By: wraggster
Perhaps the only Xbox 360 game with a muster of anticipation in Japan, we've got two new movies of Blue Dragon, the massive RPG from Hironobu Sakaguchi.
Featuring a colourful cast of characters designed by acclaimed Dragon Ball Z artist Akira Origami, the story has a young lad called Shu and his friends using their magical powers to battle the evil Nene, and work their way through numerous ancient ruins to help save the planet.
Movies Here
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October 31st, 2006, 17:10 Posted By: wraggster
A recent post by Bungie revealed that, thanks to database programmer extraordinaire Roger Wolfson, games of Halo 2 online have 'officially surged over the four billion games played mark'. And that's in a little under two years after the game's launch.
Wolfson also notes that they're pretty close to hitting the four million unique players mark. Along with the update Bungie posted a lovely pie chart, which does more than take us back to our school days. It clearly shows that team-based games are by far the most popular. Take a look below.
Screen Via Comments
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October 31st, 2006, 17:08 Posted By: wraggster
Fresh from Activision's media vault we've got the latest Call of Duty 3 gameplay video, demonstrating the multiplayer section of Treyarch's third instalment of the veteran WWII shooter series.
Call of Duty 3 is certainly looking more impressive than the last series entry, and we can't wait to shoot up some French graveyards. Look out for a full review hitting these pages soon.
Call of Duty 3 is out on Xbox, Xbox 360 and PS2 on November 24, with Wii and PS3 versions to follow.
Video Here
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October 31st, 2006, 17:07 Posted By: wraggster
Classic N64 GoldenEye deathmatch map Facility is being remade for Perfect Dark Zero
There's much nostalgia in the office this morning, as we contemplate the return of possibly the greatest lavatory-based deathmatch arena ever; GoldenEye 007's Facility.
The map, along with the already-released Map Pack download and another N64 remake, Perfect Dark's 'Ruin' will ship with the Perfect Dark Zero Platinum Edition next month, to celebrate the shooter shifting over one million copies.
But the extra-good news is you don't have to shell out for another copy of Rare's launch game to get the nostalgic N64 maps, as Microsoft says that they'll be released for download in November as part of "Map Pack Two" for absolutely free (yes - free!).
Additionally, there's also an update planned to sort out the "cover move" exploit, which previously allowed naughty deathmatchers to hide inside the scenery.
We're off to fire up our GoldenEye soundtrack, and dream of more innocent times...
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October 31st, 2006, 15:40 Posted By: Darksaviour69
Complete Dashboard Update Feature List
New Features
* HD 1080p video mode support over VGA and component cables.
* Xbox 360™ HD DVD Player support.
* Stream WMV video from a Windows PC running Windows Media Player 11, Zune software, or Windows Media Connect.
* Play video from storage devices such as USB flash drives, Xbox 360 Memory Units, etc.
* Play video from CD or DVD data discs.
* Xbox 360 Wireless Headset support, including battery level indicator in the Xbox Guide.
* Video support for 50 Hz HDTV modes (DVD and HD DVD only).
* Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel support.
* Set up automatic downloads of newly released Xbox Live Arcade trial games.
* Support for upcoming release of XNA Game Studio Express (separate download and subscription required.)
* Stream music, pictures and video from a Zune device.
Xbox Live Arcade
* Lightning-fast enumeration and listing of all Xbox Live® Arcade games on the console.
* Find games quickly with two new sort options: Recently Played and By Category.
* Have all new Xbox Live Arcade games at the ready with auto downloads. Auto downloads optionally adds newly released trial versions of games to active downloads when you enter Xbox Live Arcade.
* View full achievement info in Xbox Live Arcade, including icons, achievement point details, and descriptions.
* Friends leaderboard: Compare yourself with friends and view leaderboard details right from the Xbox dashboard.
* Tell a friend: Send a message to a friend about your newest favorite Xbox Live Arcade game.
DVD Player
* Optionally disable notifications from Xbox Live while watching DVD movies.
* Improved support for audio streams on incorrectly authored DVDs.
* Better handling of unreadable discs.
* Updated count-down timer.
* HD DVD player support.
* Added zoom support for non-anamorphic content.
* Added support to Family Settings to block Unrated Content
Video Player
* Improved support for extended all black scenes in WMV content.
* Added support for Windows Media Video 9 Advanced profile video.
* Screen saver now becomes active when videos are paused.
* Now shares UI and player controls with DVD player.
* Improved video playback while downloading from Xbox Live.
* Added skip controls (forward approx. 30 seconds, back approx. 7 seconds).
* Improved messaging around unplayable video content.
* Added time elapsed and time remaining displays.
* Improved playback of high bit-rate HD content on fragmented hard drives.
* Improved visual quality of video playback.
* Added selectable display modes: default and letterbox zoom.
Localization
* New locale setting for China
* Improved German translations in console settings.
* Improved German translations in memory area.
* Improved Japanese translations in Family Settings.
* Added localized text for all supported languages in pictures area
* Improved Spanish translations in camera effects.
* Improved locale-specific decimal denominators.
* Added localization support for title menu and main menu in the DVD player.
* Added localization support for “Attempting to Read Media” system message.
Memory Area
* Added support for Xbox 360 HD DVD Player content..
* Added new page for viewing content size by category.
Other System Improvements
* Updated support for new Daylight Savings changes coming in 2007.
* Improved support for games to better handle host migration in multi-player matches.
* Improved Xbox Live Vision camera support for changing room lighting while zooming.
* Background downloaded videos appear in video area
* Improved Xbox Live Vision camera support while using VGA.
* Playing photo slideshows from PC now maintains picture folder hierarchy.
* Improved user experience when playing and deleting videos from the Games or Media areas.
* Improved handling of invalid characters during Xbox Live signup.
* Better handling of watermarks in gamer cards.
* Improved text for Windows Media Connect..
* Improved UI performance in Media Center Extender
* Improved connection support for Buffalo WZR-G108 wireless router when using Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter.
* Redownload of deleted Arcade Games no longer re-enumerates all games on the Arcade page.
* Improved visual display of text in themes.
* Improved support for CD playback after signing up for Xbox Live and losing network connectivity.
* Improved support for long names of items memory area.
* Improved handling of gamer pictures downloaded from Xbox Live.
* Improved background download notifications when downloading many small items from Xbox Live.
* Improved support for custom backgrounds after returning to the Xbox Dashboard from the Account Management area.
* Improved network reliability between Windows Media Center Extender on Windows Vista and Xbox 360 consoles using Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter.
* Improved voice chat quality in Xbox Dashboard and in-game chats.
* Improved messaging when failing to connect to Windows Media Center Extender.
* Improved USB keyboard support when using a USB hub.
* Improved consistency of user experience when deleting various types of content.
* Improved handling of low storage space for background downloads.
* Improved handling of Picture streaming from attached Digital Cameras over MTP protocol
* Improved error messaging for optional iPod support download when storage devices are full.
* Improved handling of multi-key repeating for USB keyboards.
* Expanded Family Settings to include support for blocking unrated DVDs and videos.
* Added ability to clear space from storage devices in download areas.
* Added support for low-speed and full-speed USB keyboards.
* Improved CapsLock behavior for USB keyboards.
* Improved look and feel in Xbox Live Marketplace and Xbox Live Arcade areas.
* Added redeem code option to Xbox Live signup.
* Removed system message at the start of new downloads. Messages will be displayed for completed items.
* Added support for CCV credit card validation field in Xbox Live Marketplace purchase areas.
* Updated “More Information” instructions in the Xbox Dashboard for connecting an Xbox 360 console to a Windows PC to stream digital media content.
* Added auto-scroll to long text descriptions in Xbox Dashboard UI.
* Improved support for DVD insertion while playing a video file.
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October 30th, 2006, 23:36 Posted By: wraggster
Next-generation gaming consoles offer upgraded graphics, PC-like multimedia features, and...hefty price tags. With the PlayStation 3 and Wii launching next month, some have assumed that Microsoft will bolster its yearlong head start in the market with a price drop for the Xbox 360.
According to an article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Microsoft has no plans to drop the price of its new console anytime soon. Citing the higher price of its main competitor, the $499/$599 PlayStation 3, and the fact that Microsoft still loses money on the console, the Seattle PI says gamers will have "to wait awhile for a price cut."
The prospects of an early price drop aren't unsubstantiated. Six months after the original Xbox was launched, Microsoft cut the system's price by a third, going from $299 to $199 in an effort to match Sony's pricing moves. At that time, the PlayStation 2 had been on the market for about a year and a half.
However, roles have been reversed this time around as the Xbox 360 was the first system out of the gate last November, giving Microsoft the option of holding onto its original price point longer.
When asked about a price drop for the Xbox 360, a Microsoft rep would only say, "We have no announcements at this time."
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October 30th, 2006, 23:35 Posted By: wraggster
Via Slashdot:
After several months of silence it was more or less accepted that Microsoft wasn't going to do anything about the firmware hacks that allow Xbox 360s to play backups. Rather surprising, considering the 'inventor' of the hack confirmed in March already that the mods are easily detectable, and the reports that piracy is running rampant in countries like China. It appears that Microsoft is finally taking action against them though, although they may be hitting the wrong persons
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October 30th, 2006, 23:32 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft to release 360 dashboard update tomorrow with 85 enhancements including 1080p and HD-DVD support
Microsoft has revealed that the latest Xbox 360 dashboard update will be streaming across the world tomorrow morning.
In addition to the long awaited 1080p resolution bump-up and HD-DVD add-on support, the update will also include a start menu item for XNA-developed games, improved Xbox Live Arcade and Marketplace functions, along with over 80 other additions and goodies.
Improvements to Live Arcade include the ability to automatically download trial games, an expanded achievements view, refreshed indexing of downloads and a new "tell a friend" feature to wax lyrical to your mates about your latest Arcade purchase.
In addition, the update also offers the ability to stream WMV videos from a PC using Windows Media Player 11, as well as play video files from CDs and DVDs and bolstered support for 50hz HDTV display modes.
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October 30th, 2006, 17:31 Posted By: wraggster
Apart from staggering under the hefty title of the 'game that is going to save 360 in Japan', Blue Dragon is also a rather stunning-looking RPG, as this clip of the combat system in action demonstrates.
Created by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the chap behind the first editions of the Final Fantasy series, the game harnesses the same traditional elements of orthodox turn-based encounters, random battle and wailing guitar solos, while also adding next-gen graphics and spectacular effects. Sounds good doesn't it? Well it's designed to push more buttons for hardcore RPG-fans than Daley Thompson's Decathlon.
And you can see it all for yourself via the movies tab above, where a click will reveal the game's all-powerful Shadow Change creatures. These blue behemoths provide the muscle for your party of child warriors developing into specialist Sword, Assassin and Power varieties and levelling up as your heroes do.
Enjoy this footage while you can because, while Blue Dragon is released with a Wii-spoiling 7 December date in Japan, it looks like we will have to wait quite some time to see a converted and translated version over here.
Screens Here
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October 30th, 2006, 17:12 Posted By: wraggster
In November, Oblivion fanatics will be able to get their great, dirty hands on Knights of the Nine, a new update for the RPG epic on PC and Xbox 360. Bethesda's dipped into its media vault and presented us with first screenshots from the expansion.
KotN beefs up Oblivion with a brand new faction which players can join and found their very own order of holy knights. Bethesda's recently revealed that we'll be able to lead an order "into battle against a sorcerer-king and his demonic minions while exploring massive dungeons and searching for legendary relics - the holy armor and weapons of the Divine Crusader."
In addition, the new content features new quests for noble characters and "answers many of the questions surrounding the Ayleid ruins found throughout Oblivion", the developer's explained.
Knights of the Nine will be available via Xbox Live Marketplace for Xbox 360 and www.OblivionDownloads.com for PC on November 21. A Windows boxed retail product is also to be released around the same time that contains KotN along with all downloadable content previously released for Oblivion.
Screens Here
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October 30th, 2006, 17:11 Posted By: wraggster
The Unreal Engine 3-powered Rogue Warrior has been officially unveiled in the latest issue of Xbox 360: The Official Xbox Magazine. UPDATE: You can now see first Rogue Warrior screens on this page. The game has also been confirmed for PS3 and PC.
Featuring four-player Live co-op and space for up to 24 players online, Rogue Warrior is aiming directly for Ghost Recon's counter-terrorist comfort zone - especially with its online play over Xbox Live.
Bethesda and Zombie are touting a multiplayer tiling system, which allows players to build multiplayer maps from sections of other maps. According to the magazine, each level is made up from three sections - you choose one, the other team picks another, the then centre section is plucked out of the list at random by the Xbox 360 (from over 200 combinations).
Opposing teams won't know what the other team has picked until they're in the game. The main aim of this feature is to stop players getting bored of playing on the same maps, according to the makers.
The only release offered was '2007'.
Screens Here
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October 30th, 2006, 16:59 Posted By: Darksaviour69
Japanese website Famitsu has recently had an advanced look at next Xbox 360 update, and they report that it’s going to be released tomorrow.
The improvement are :
* 1080p support
* HD-DVD support
* Improved Xbox Live Arcade and The Marketplace features
* XNA Game Studio Express functionality
* WMV support
* Support for the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset
* 80+ further improvements
Will the West be getting the same?
Source:Famitsu
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October 30th, 2006, 14:28 Posted By: Darksaviour69
Scans from the Swedish magazine, Level. View via comments.
Just to recap, the new Halo 3 Info
Weapons
Spiker - a new Brute weapon
Spartan laser - a laser that tears vehicles apart
Nail Grenade - sticks into walls and sends nails everywhere
Vehicles
The Mongoose (original dropped from halo 2) - An ATV. It seats two and has no weapons. Designed from recon and quick travel.
Multiplayer
The "Man Cannon" - Extremely rapid transport. Players can still shoot in the air, and can be shot down.
Controls
The X button has a new, still secret feature. Reloading has now been allocated to the bumper buttons. Right bumper reloads the right weapon, and the left bumper reloads the left.
Miscellaneous
You can now see your secondary weapon when it's not in use. In other words, it's actually slung over your shoulder instead of magically appearing out of thin air. Also, a 4 DVD "Legendary" edition is planned that will have material from Red Vs. Blue, documentaries, and a collection of all cut scenes from the games of the whole series.
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October 29th, 2006, 23:13 Posted By: wraggster
According to Swedish games mag Level, you're going to have three Halo 3 packages vying for your attention next year; the standard version, Collector's Edition and the all-encompassing Legendary Edition, which comes with multiple discs and a helmet (yes, a helmet).
The miniature Master Chief helmet (which is unfortunately too small to put on your head) wields four discs, the first of which has documentaries and developer comments, the second offering a selection of creative content (Red Vs. Blue, Spark of Life etc) and the third with cut-scenes from the entire series in HD. Oh, and apparently it comes with the game as well.
Also revealed in the mag are the first solo and multiplayer details of the game.
No pricing details have been revealed as yet, and we're still waiting for that all-important snap of the disc-holding Master Chief noggin - but we'll be sure to holler down our internet megaphone when either reach our ears.
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October 28th, 2006, 12:04 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft announced late yesterday that the company has shipped 6 million Xbox 360s worldwide since the console's November 2005 launch. CFO Chris Liddell said the company is "confident" in hitting the targeted 10 million shipped units by year's end which is widely believed to be the break even point to start seeing black in its entertainment and devices division.
Note: "Confident" is commonly used by companies when they're not really sure what's going to happen. That uncertainty makes sense in this scenario, however, since the Q4 holiday season will be the Xbox 360's toughest as it competes for consumer dollars against Sony and Nintendo for the first time this generation. Microsoft also appears to have squandered its intended lead by a lack of AAA titles during the 360's first year. So aside from the console's solid performance thus far, is four million shipped units by year's end even likely?
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October 28th, 2006, 10:50 Posted By: wraggster
Nyko's Intercooler for the Xbox 360 causes more trouble than it's worth, according to Microsoft representative contacted by Elektriq. The problem is its construction: the Intercooler steals some of the power originating from the supply, decreasing the joules the console actually receives to inadequate levels. One representative even reported that the Intercooler has caused "scorch marks" on the console.
For those who simply must have a cooling accessory, one Microsoft representative suggested the Pelican Fan Stand, whose power comes from a USB input. Microsoft does not make a first-party cooling unit.
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