|
|
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
|
September 29th, 2006, 19:53 Posted By: wraggster
For anyone who has ever had a 360 die on them — and, judging by buzz, that's just about everyone — there's an excellent new rumor going around: namely, that the 360 is going to get a processor upgrade as early next year that will hopefully make the Red Eye of Death a thing of the past.
Apparently, the upgrade will change the Xbox 360's 90-nanometer manufacturing process to a 65-nanometer manufacturing process. Yes, that's gibberish to me as well. However, this change will mean the CPUs will require both less power and will output less heat. Therefore, be less likely to spontaneously explode in the middle of Oblivion.
If this rumor is true, the only thing required to win our hearts and minds forever, Microsoft, is letting everyone trade in their old 360 for one that won't sporadically melt down.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
 Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
 |
|
|
|
September 29th, 2006, 19:48 Posted By: wraggster
The Zune accessories we showed you yesterday had a little typo, courtesy of their press release. The FM Tuner is supposed to be an FM Transmitter, you know, like the type to broadcast into your car's radio. The FM Tuner is the thing that's built into the Zune itself.
More Info
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
September 29th, 2006, 19:40 Posted By: wraggster
Yesterday, Microsoft announced the pricing and release date for the first of its Zune MP3 players. Set to hit stores on November 14--three days ahead of the PlayStation 3 and five prior to the Wii launch--the 30GB player will cost $249.99, in line with Apple's 30GB iPod.
Zune will also use Xbox Live Marketplace's currency.
However, unlike Apple's iTunes Music Store, the Zune Marketplace won't just deal in real-world coin. It will use a virtual currency well-known to Xbox 360 owners--Microsoft Points. According to the software giant, "users can purchase songs individually using Microsoft Points for 79 points per track." As anyone who's ponied up for a new set of nonrefundable premium gamer pictures knows, that 80 points comes to about $0.99--the same per-song-cost as iTunes.
Microsoft also clarified that the Microsoft Points used on Zune and XBLM are one and the same--meaning the company is essentially creating its own currency, which it prefers to call a "stored value system." "Microsoft Points ... can be redeemed at a growing number of online stores, including the Xbox Live Marketplace," it said in a statement.
But does the shared currency mean that the Zune and Xbox Live Marketplaces will be unified at some level ? Will there be any connectivity between the two--i.e. will one be able to access Zune Marketplace songs via Xbox Live and download them right to a connected player? (Note: All Mp3 players, inlcuding iPods, can already stream music onto a 360 when when connected via a USB port.) That's unclear for now, as Microsoft had not responded to requests for clarification as of press time.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
September 29th, 2006, 19:31 Posted By: wraggster
The X06 line-up might have impressed the games industry, but Xbox boss Peter Moore has conceded that Microsoft must work harder to attract new gamers if it is to match arch rival Sony and “hit 100 million”.
And, speaking to GamesIndustry.biz in Barcelona earlier this week, Moore revealed that Microsoft is already working on peripheral-based software that it believes can match the market-broadening success of titles like SingStar and Guitar Hero.
“We recognise that what we call the 'Family Funster' stuff, if it's a category, is something we need to do better on,” admitted Moore.
“With Viva Pinata there's this interesting concept of building an animated series – this is Microsoft doing children's television. If we'd said two years ago we'll have stuff for 8-12 year olds on Xbox Live I'm sure you'd have given me a slightly puzzled look. But I recognise that and we are doing a lot of stuff, we're just not ready to announce it yet.”
Asked whether this meant Microsoft is currently working on its answer to the likes of SingStar and Buzz, Moore confirmed: “Oh yeah. And it's more than just games. Buzz, Singstar, Guitar Hero – there are peripherals and stuff of that nature. Things that in some instances take the controller away and give you things you feel more comfortable with.”
Moore argued that the EyeToy-aping camera peripheral, due for release later this year, was an important step in the right direction, broadening the appeal of 360 by opening up “all types of possibilities not just with video chat but interesting ways to interact with the game”.
Senior European publishing execs, who privately expressed concern during the X06 event that Microsoft still lacked the mass-market penetration achieved so consummately by Sony and Nintendo, are likely to be encouraged by this news.
“You make a good point that, in the traditional sense, we're checking the boxes of a lot of genres and that's important,” he continued.
“[But] it's about getting people to interact with the games console, regardless of whether they do it for 30 hours a week or ten hours a week, whether it's my mum or my sister or my daughter. Those are the people we need to get.
“If you're going to hit 100 million you need to address that market. We're still finding ways to be able to do that, but we will. I absolutely guarantee that we will.”
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
September 29th, 2006, 19:26 Posted By: wraggster
Ensemble Studios' real-time strategy 360 title set in Bungie's elaborate sci-fi universe was the biggest surprise of this week's X06 - and a top Microsoft exec has let slip that Halo Wars has been specifically created to appeal to our European gaming chums.
Chatting away during Microsoft's lavish post-X06 party, we were told by one top Xbox Europe luminary that, while the firm is thrilled with 360's performance so far, it still needs a bit of a nudge in certain territories.
The firm hopes Halo Wars, from the developer of Age of Empires, will give it just that. "It's for the Germans," the exec confided. "We think this genre of game is perfectly suited to Germany, northern and eastern Europe. It illustrates our desire to release games that are appropriate for gamers in all markets."
This strategy is, of course, also being employed in Japan where the US firm hopes Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey, from FF creator Sakaguchi-san's Mistwalker studio, will affect a dramatic turnaround in the console's ailing fortunes.
Halo Wars, which is set before the events of Halo 1 ("during the UNSC's first deadly encounters with the Covenant," according to Ensemble), is currently without a release date.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
September 29th, 2006, 19:20 Posted By: wraggster
Speaking to CVG at X06, Shane Kim, head of Microsoft Game Studios, believes the recently announced Halo Wars will draw in new audiences to Xbox 360 because they've finally made an RTS work on a pad.
In an interview with CVG at X06, Kim explained, "This is a great opportunity for us to try and expand the appeal and customer base for 360. And we think that with Ensemble Studios - and you'll get to see this for yourselves soon - we've figured out how to make a real-time strategy game compelling on console. They've figured out the controls, which has always been the challenge for those types of titles."
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
September 29th, 2006, 17:17 Posted By: wraggster
As promised a few weeks ago, THQ and Volition have released a bit of extra content for decent-enough Grand Theft Auto clone Saints Row.
The "Funky Fresh Pack" - seriously? - costs 100 Microsoft points and consists of several items of clothing, some tats and hairstyles and whatnot, for use in both single- and multiplayer modes.
You've also got some tiger stripes underwear in there, crazy bunny slippers, and most importantly an eye patch, which next to the samurai helmet, medallions and rattlesnake tattoos is probably the classiest of the bunch.
there's also a demo available on Live Marketplace.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
September 29th, 2006, 17:15 Posted By: wraggster
Ubisoft top dog Yves Guillemot has revealed why the French firm decided to develop the next Splinter Cell title exclusively for Xbox 360 - and it's all thanks to family history.
The announcement, one of many made in a rather impressive display of content from Microsoft at X06, will see the currently multi-platform adventures of Sam Fisher (latest SC title Double Agent is on PC, PS2, X360, Xbox and Wii) fly solo on the next-gen system, though a separate PC version wouldn't surprise us.
"Splinter Cell was created on the first Xbox, so we thought it was important to come back for one volume with Microsoft to create a very good quality title focused on using the full power of the system," Guillemot told our sister site GamesIndustry.biz during the swanky post-X06 party in Barcelona the other night.
"And especially for next year when the big guns will be out, it's very important to have a game that will use 360 to the full, because you will need that to fight against all the other games that will be there. For us it's a good way to win the next-gen battle. We love Xbox 360 because it's easy to develop on and that's why we want to put great quality products on it."
It's certainly quite a coup for 360. And also quite a hole in Microsoft's wallet, we'd imagine. No date for the new Splinter Cell yet, but Double Agent is out on October 20th.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
September 29th, 2006, 17:08 Posted By: wraggster
Lionhead's - and the always ambitious - Peter Molyneux didn't have much to show at Microsoft's X06 event this week, but he did share with us the first details and ideas for his forthcoming adventure sequel, Fable 2.
First up, he spoke about the world in the sequel, which is now significantly more dynamic thanks to the Xbox 360's bulging technical-muscle. In Fable 2, Molyneux explained, if you come across a small campground you can either befriend its inhabitants and or kill them, which will have direct consequences later in the game where the camp could have either grown to a bustling village, or remained un-touched depending on your actions.
Once again, you start things off as a small child in Fable 2, only this time you have the option of having either a male of female character. Apparently, female characters will realistically physically develop as they age, and Lionhead has developed a physics system accordingly. Excellent.
Fable's marriage system has also been bumped-up in the sequel, this time allowing you to knock-up the missus and have some kids. According to Molyneux, your kids will imitate your actions, exchanging a loving hug if you're good and showing off their latest tattoo if you're bad. Fable 2's antagonist, Lucien, will apparently target your wife and kids if you have any, which will certainly be an interesting gameplay feature to watch play out.
Scavenging the last of Molyneux's offered tid-bits, cut-scenes have apparently been chopped from Fable 2 entirely, Molyneux calling them "last generation," and the combat system - which the Lionhead boss was keen to tiptoe around - will apparently be "new and fresh."
And after all that, we're also told that Fable 2's most impressive feature is still very much under wraps. Stay tuned for more Molyneux - and Fable 2 - coming soon.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
September 29th, 2006, 17:02 Posted By: wraggster
Visually outstanding and with a mass of promise oozing out of every polygon, Irrational's Bioshock is a game we just never get tired of looking at. Which is why we've been staring longingly at new screenshots to emerge out of Microsoft's X06 event, the images tainted with the spooky and hinting at the disturbing things to come.
Bioshock was announced as an Xbox 360 and PC - or Games for Windows - exclusive at X06. It finds players caught up in weird goings on in Rapture, a failed utopia constructed on the seabed that houses mutated humans and other things of a not particularly pleasant nature. Mwahahahaha....
Screens Here
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
September 28th, 2006, 18:06 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has confirmed its software line-up for the Christmas period, promising a bumper crop of games for the Xbox 360 and Windows PC.
Retailers and consumers alike will be able to get their hands on a wealth of next-generation titles, with 360-exclusive Gears of War leading the charge in Europe on November 17th.
Other titles ready for the holiday season include the third outing for Activision's number one 360 title Call of Duty, as well as fan favourite Dead or Alive: Xtreme 2 from Tecmo.
Younger gamers are catered for with the Xbox 360 version of Cars, a game that has performed very well for publisher THQ, while new Rare title Viva Piñata will hit retail with cross-media promotions due to the animated series showing on 4Kids TV, as well as the promise of licensed merchandise in 2007.
Sports fans will have plenty of choice with the next-gen exclusive FIFA 2007 joining NBA Live 07, NBA 2K7 and NHL 07 in stores, while Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer 6 and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 are both updated for the Christmas season.
EA's phenomenally successful racing franchise returns with Need for Speed Carbon, and the third-party publisher will also be releasing movie tie-in Superman Returns: The Videogame.
Other favourite franchises to appear before year end include Tony Hawk's Project 8 from Activision and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas from Ubisoft.
Showing a continued support for PC gaming, Microsoft will also release expansion packs Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs and Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania, while brand new titles Neverwinter Nights 2 and Flight Simulator X are also confirmed for release this year.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
September 28th, 2006, 18:04 Posted By: wraggster
Honestly. No sooner do you write one item about new content on Xbox Live Marketplace, but a bucketload of new stuff turns up. This time it's headlined by a WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2007 demo.
That's joined by trailers of Tony Hawk's Project 8, Wheelman, Frontlines: Fuel of War and Crossfire, along with what's described as an X06 game montage video.
On top of that, those of you who haven't already picked out a new theme for your dashboard now have the option of an X06 theme or one about Molyneux's latest, Fable 2.
And if you're living in France, Italy, Germany or Spain and missed out on The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion downloadable content, Xbox Live's Major Nelson alerts us to the fact that four packs previously available in other regions are now available to you for 150 Microsoft points each.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
September 28th, 2006, 18:03 Posted By: wraggster
Peter Jackson says that he's "a little bored of movies".
Last night the Lord of the Rings director revealed that he was forming Wingnut Interactive - an off-shoot of his Wingnut Studios company - to explore partnerships with Microsoft Game Studios, including an original chapter of the Halo franchise with Bungie and a second, unnamed title for Xbox 360 and Live.
In a roundtable discussion with Peter Molyneux and Bioware's Dr. Greg Zeschuk this morning, Jackson expanded on his reasons, and said that his changing attitude to film led him to explore other options - of which games are one.
"I've got to the stage now where I just end up catching something on DVD and I'm more excited about games coming out in the next 2-3 months than films," he said.
"That created an awareness in me of the shift in entertainment options out there, and if I'm feeling that other are too." On his approach, he said that his ideas - stories, scenarios and so on - might not always be suitable for film, and that's what he intends to explore with Wingnut Interactive.
"We're not going to force a round peg in a square hole," he said.
On his choice of Xbox 360 as the platform, he told attendees at Microsoft's press conference last night that he saw Xbox 360 and Live as "an amazing living canvas ... which allows the storytellers of our time to express themselves in a new medium".
"From a movie-maker's point of view, it is clear to me that the Xbox 360 platform is the stage where storytellers can work their craft in the same way they do today with movies and books but taking it further with interactivity," he concluded.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
September 28th, 2006, 18:02 Posted By: wraggster
In all the excitement last night, you might have been forgiven for thinking Sensible World of Soccer and DOOM were the only new games announced for Xbox Live Arcade - but of course that's not the case.
Because among the games shown were several new titles, including Assault Heroes from Vivendi, Mutant Storm Empire from PomPom, and Street Trace: NYC from Gaia Industries.
Other games on the reel included Midway's Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 and Defender, Konami's Contra and Gyruss, and indie titles Heavy Weapon: Atomic Tank (PopCap) and Small Arms (Gastronaut Studios).
All those titles should be released before the end of 2006, with the exception of SWOS and Gyruss, which are a bit harder to predict.
Lumines Live was also shown briefly, and as far as creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi knows, that's due out in the middle of October.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
September 28th, 2006, 18:01 Posted By: wraggster
Although most of you will have supped on DOOM's Live Arcade appearance yesterday evening, there have been plenty of additions to the download-list since then - including themes and picture packs for Halo Wars.
The trailer for the Ensemble Studios-developed strategy title, announced and demonstrated in Barcelona last night, can also be found on Live Marketplace this morning, along with videos from X06 for Banjo-Kazooie, Marvel Universe Online, BioShock, Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey.
Plenty of previously announced games are trailed too, including Call of Duty 3, Viva Pinata, Assassin's Creed, Splinter Cell: Double Agent, FIFA 07, and Rainbow Six Vegas.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
September 28th, 2006, 17:58 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo UK
World's First Xbox 360 HDD, DVD** & ANY SATA Hard Disk to USB Converter All-In-One. You can now connect your Xbox 360 HDD & DVD** to USB on your PC. You can also connect ANY SATA Hard Drive. The X360 USB is a "plug and play" device that is easily recognized by Windows. The X360 USB supports USB 2.0 for super fast file transfer with speeds up to 480 mbps.
More info
Backup HDD Game Saves:
Back up all your Xbox 360 HDD Game Saves and media files onto your PC with ease and comfort. Utilize your Xbox 360 Hard Disc storage space to the max by transferring files onto your PC.
- Update DVD Firmware:
You can now read and write to your DVD drives firmware chip. Get the latest updates to keep your drive running at its peak performance, no more SATA frustrations and incompatibilities. Compatible with all programs such as Birdy & Garyopa
- Portable:
X360 USB does not require the XBOX to be powered while in use. You can detach the Xbox 360 HDD & DVD and connect directly to your USB port (DVD Powered by Xecuter 360 Connectivity Kit). The X360 USB is the first and only device in the world that converts both the Xbox 360 HDD & DVD to USB
- No Sata?, No Problem!
Will also work for ANY Sata hard drives to use them on your PC if it lacks Sata ports, or no ports are available.
- Extremely Compact:
Can be easily hidden away behind your computer.
- Clearly Visible LED's:
Power, Activity, and Status LED's clearly visible on top of the unit.
- SS Dumper:
Dump X360 Disc SS's with appropriate firmware flashed DVD's.
- All Cables Included:
We also provide a high quality USB & SATA cable.
Also included, the new Connectivity Kit v2:
-NEW- Power On/Off for ease of hotswapping
-NEW- PCB Design eliminating risk of shorts
-NEW- Cool LED Design (Why? who cares - it looks cool)
-NEW- Better connectors to eliminate risk of cable damage
All the standard Modeb / Eject Features are still there of course.
We are also STILL throwing in the 360 HDD adapter for FREE !
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
September 28th, 2006, 17:53 Posted By: wraggster
The collective love for BioWare's latest RPG, Mass Effect, is clear in CVG office - short of tattooing Commander Shepard onto our white bits, we couldn't be more excited about the 360 epic.
Fresh from Microsoft's green Barcelona floor-space, we've got some gorgeous new screenshots of the RPG, showing off the new characters and environments as well as another glimpse of the game's real-time combat system.
Screens Here
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
September 28th, 2006, 17:52 Posted By: wraggster
Splinter Cell: Double Agent continues to impress in new screenshots and footage that have sneaked out of Ubisoft HQ today.
Just in case you've recently emerged from cryogenic freeze, Double Agent finds Sam Fisher going undercover to infiltrate a terrorist organisation. In this sequel, the special agent will be conducting operations for the both the good and bad guys, resulting in our hero - well, you the player really - being forced to make difficult moral decisions throughout the course of the action.
Screens and Trailer Here
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
September 27th, 2006, 22:57 Posted By: wraggster
Well, they say ‘range’, but in truth, just four games have been announced as re-issues as Microsoft’s next/current-gen machine approaches its first birthday. Still, with a UK price tag of just £24.99 as of October 13, Perfect Dark Zero, Kameo: Elements of Power, Condemned and Peter Jackson's King Kong look like bargains to us.
A quick call to the good folks at ChartTrack in Olde London Town to see if these games would fall into their budget bracket yielded a positive response. Indeed, our definition of a console budget game turned out to be the same as ChartTrack’s. £19.99 and under is the criteria for all games bar PC and Game Boy Advance releases. However, ChartTrack will accommodate the £24.99 pricepoint for these and future 360 reissues in its budget listings. Given recent news of PS3's full price point, we fully expect that, 18 months from now, the first Platinum games will follow the 25 quid route.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
« prev
696
697
698
699
700
701
702
703
704
705
706
707
708
709
710
711
712
713
714
715
716
next » |
|
|
