|
|
|
April 1st, 2005, 02:56 Posted By: wraggster
In the beginning of March, Microsoft announced that Yoshiki Okamoto, former Capcom executive and current president of Game Republic, will be developing an unspecified number of exclusive next-gen Xbox games. In an interview published in the latest issue of Famitsu magazine, Okamoto hinted that he is currently developing two games for the next-gen Xbox, one of which will require a good network infrastructure but not too many hardware specs. The second will be an extremely large-scale project that requires a lot of funding from Microsoft and a lot of hardware specs.
Okamoto commented in the interview that he decided to develop for Microsoft because one of the projects being created by Game Republic matched perfectly with the infrastructure of the next-gen Xbox. He revealed that the untitled project falls in the party game genre and is being developed with Xbox Live in mind. It's said to present an extremely amicable atmosphere, which is a major change from the action and survival horror games that Okamoto often gets associated with due to his history at his previous company. Okamoto also revealed that he was offered jobs from different companies to develop fighting games but declined all of them since it made no sense to repeat what he was doing in his previous company.
Okamoto added that his aim for the next-gen Xbox is to create a game like the Nintendo 64's Super Smash Bros., in the sense that the game sold an extremely large number of copies when compared to sales of the hardware. He also commented that he hopes his game will boost the sales of the next-gen Xbox in Japan.
Famitsu also interviewed Tetsuya Mizuguchi, who revealed that his game in development for the next-gen Xbox could be categorized as an action one. However, Mizuguchi hinted that his next-gen Xbox title might surprise gamers in the same way as when he released Space Channel 5 after he made Sega Rally Championship. Mizuguchi commented that he was inspired to create a game for the next-gen Xbox after hearing of its hardware specs, which brought a vision of a game to his mind. But he also stated that Microsoft's views on the future of gaming matched many of his own, which made him lean toward making a game for the company’s console.
In terms of the next-gen Xbox hardware, Mizuguchi commented that he sees the machine's high-resolution and HDTV support as its main appeal, since it allows for more-detailed graphics. He also said that Microsoft thought into the sound system for the console and that it is definitely a machine he wants to develop a game for. Mizuguchi also gave high praise to the Xbox Live, commenting that it was a well-thought-out system with a good infrastructure. However, he did not reveal whether his game in development would make use of Xbox Live.
In the latest issue of Dorimaga magazine, Sakaguchi talked about his upcoming role-playing games for the next-gen Xbox. Sakaguchi stated that his interest continues to lie in storytelling and that storytelling is an essential factor when he's giving his best effort in a game's development.
One thing that gamers shouldn't expect from Sakaguchi are games that play like watching a movie, which is exactly what he criticized about recent console offerings. Sakaguchi commented that modern games let bystanders get as excited as the player. But considering they're interactive, Sakaguchi believes that games are really supposed to be something that only the person who's playing should be able to completely understand and enjoy, which is what he expects his games on the next-gen Xbox to be like.
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 |
|
 |
|
|
|
April 1st, 2005, 15:18 Posted By: wraggster
Word has reached the ears of C&VG.com this morning that the forthcoming expansion for Halo 2 is to feature a special bonus in the shape of a side-scrolling, action-platform mini-game.
Speaking under strict conditions of anonymity, an industry source stated that the hidden, unlockable extra will allow fans to play through several of the original Halo levels in 2D.
Although our source was unwilling - or perhaps unable - to reveal how this mini-game will be unlocked, they did have one extremely interesting piece if information to divulge - rather than playing Master Chief, players will in fact control female version of the trooper Mistress Chiefette.
Mistress Chiefette will apparently be bedecked in vibrant pink battle armour, although it's unknown whether her identity will be depicted physically with impressive lady bumps on the chest plate.
In terms of levels, we know that the famous Library map at least is being recreated in 2D, which is good news as it went down a storm with fans.
Halo's full arsenal is expected to be present, and we've also been informed of a diversionary weapon called a handbag which Mistress Chiefette can apparently throw into a group of Covenant, enemies then forced to boogie around the lady's second best friend (the first being the mate who always accompanies them to the toilet) for several seconds.
Unfortunately our source was a little vague when it came to vehicles that are being included, although they assured us that a version of the Warthog - called the Wartsow - will feature.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 1st, 2005, 15:20 Posted By: wraggster
Yes, it’s true. It was only a matter of time until Hello Kitty worked her evil magic upon this particular gadget, as she has on oh so many others. The Hello Kitty Crystal Xbox Console takes that definitively non-pink Xbox and converts it to its long-latent color scheme. During the promotional period the entire bundle comes with a Helly Kitty Crystal Controller and Hello Kitty Mission Rescue Game for $99 with the purchase of selected Samsung LCD TVs, but if you’re not anywhere near Singapore you’re gonna be relegated to shelling out a fortune on eBay someday to get your paws on one.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 3rd, 2005, 20:16 Posted By: wraggster
Nintendo 64 emulator for Xbox by GogoAckman,FreakDave and Artik got updated, heres whats new:
<BLOCKQUOTE>sources updated to latest cvs, which means rice video 5.60, new audio plugins.
* brand new launcher, I let you discover it
* brand new ingamemenu
* lot of options
* input corrected a bit, it is not perfect though
* many other things, too much to tell actually
</BLOCKQUOTE>
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 4th, 2005, 14:15 Posted By: wraggster
Several of the biggest Xbox franchises are already planned for Xbox 2, according to Microsoft Game Studios boss Shane Kim, who has confirmed that Fable, Halo and Project Gotham Racing are all en route to the next-gen console.
Speaking in an interview on the official Xbox.com website, Kim said that he was "very proud" of MGS' track record in terms of the creation of new intellectual properties, and that these will provide Xbox with an "exclusive competitive advantage" in the next generation.
"Without giving away all the surprises we have in store," he commented, "gamers that love franchises like Halo, Fable, and Project Gotham Racing can safely assume we will continue to invest in them as we move into the next generation."
Kim didn't give any further details of the company's actual plans for any of the franchises in question, but the new Halo and Fable games, at least, are unlikely to appear until quite a while after launch - since developers Bungie and Big Blue Box both only finished work on their last games late in 2004.
Speaking about Microsoft Game Studios' role in terms of Xbox, Kim said that "we definitely have the talent and the willingness to create new breakthrough intellectual property."
"I'm actually very proud of our track record here," he continued, "as we have invested significant resources into creating new IP in this generation, with titles like Fable, Jade Empire, and Forza Motorsport. There's a collective vision at MGS about what we need to do to be creating truly original material, and yes, it will be central to how we move into the next generation."
Asked elsewhere in the interview whether Xbox had the potential to "unseat Sony", Kim was bullish on the prospects for the platform. "Absolutely," he responded. "Xbox has incredible momentum right now, and we are well-positioned heading into the next generation of consoles."
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 4th, 2005, 20:13 Posted By: wraggster
More dark snippets from the rumour mill today, this time concerning Xbox 2's hard drive capabilities ...again.
This is a subject that has been much discussed before, with various dark hints, conjecture and additional rumours adding petrol to the bonfire. Will Xbox 2have a hard disk? Will it not? Will it be removable, will it be fixed? Will it come in a number of flavours and sizes depending on which Xbox 2 edition you buy?
The list of hard drive rumours is almost endless but there's further speculation from US magazines today saying that Xbox 2 will not only have a hard drive, but that it will be removable and portable, so that you can carry around all your favourite games, saves and preferences, as well as MP3 files and video, possibly slotting them into other Xbox 2s to share this stuff with your friends and relations.
Our response? Well it's certainly a possibility. For our money Xbox 2 boasting a hard drive is almost a no-brainer, as it is offers one of the original Xbox's most significant advantages in this current generation, allowing you to store additional content, being key to Live and now so cheap, it won't significantly add to production costs.
On the other hand: a portable hard drive? Well it's feasible but not necessarily so. Why? Well broadband's so quick now you can share a lot of this stuff over the ether anyway, so why make your HD portable unless you want people to actually physically lug their digital data around or want to integrate it into another portable device?
So there you have it, or not. Portable HD a key feature or far out and futile? Let us know in the forums
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 5th, 2005, 18:21 Posted By: wraggster
Former Capcom exec Yoshiki Okamoto, whose new studio Game Republic signed up to develop titles for Xbox 2 last month, has hinted that the company is lining up a number of other major Japanese developers to support the platform.
Speaking in an interview with the official Japanese Xbox website, Okamoto said that "I've been hearing that some other designers will also be joining [game development for Xbox 2]. There are a lot of surprises. I find myself saying: 'What, this development studio!? This game!? These people!?'"
Okamoto was named as one of three big-name Japanese designers who would be lending his talents to the Xbox 2 in a flurry of announcements last month, joining Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi and Space Channel 5 and Rez creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi, whose Mist Walker and Q Entertainment studios are also signed up.
That's only the tip of the iceberg, though, if Okamoto is to be believed. "If the current line-up [of titles] in development for the next-generation Xbox was revealed, it would not only surprise users, but the entire industry," he said. "There probably wouldn't be anyone [in Japan] that would still be uninterested in buying the next-generation Xbox when they see the line-up."
Okamoto didn't give any specifics of what titles Game Republic is working on for the next-gen console, but he did confirm that due to the company's deal with Microsoft Game Studios, the titles would be fully exclusive to Xbox 2 - with no chance of them being ported to other consoles, which he described as "a disappointment".
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 7th, 2005, 18:04 Posted By: wraggster
Intriguing news this morning from the east with the apparent leak of a Taiwanese list which purports to show a complete list of publishers and developers who have committed to Microsoft's next generation console the Xbox 2.
No real surprises here, as most of the developers are long standing Microsoft supporters though it is intriguing to see that Capcom - a previous Sony and Nintendo stalwart, are attracted by the lure of Microsoft's next-generation lucre.
About the only really big name missing is SquareEnix, though it's possible there'll be further additions to the roster and possibly a few surprise revelations at this year's E3.
Anyway what follows is the complete list for your perusal and delectation and though relatively credible, we'd certainly treat with a large dose of sodium. Don't hesitate to let us know what you'd like to see on Xbox 2 from each of these names in the forums below...
2KGames
Activision Inc.
Atari Inc.
Bandai Co. Ltd.
Bethesda Softworks LLC
Capcom Co. Ltd.
Codemasters Software Company Ltd.
Eidos Inc.
Electronic Arts Inc.
FromSoftware Inc.
KOEI Co. Ltd.
Konami
LucasArts
Majesco Entertainment
Midway Games Inc.
Namco Hometek Inc.
Phantagram Co. Ltd.
Rockstar Games
Sega Inc.
Tecmo Inc.
THQ Inc.
Ubisoft Entertainment
Vivendi Universal Games Inc.
Webzen Inc.
BioWare Corp.
Bizarre Creations Ltd.
Bungie Studios
Epic Games Inc.
FASA Studio
Game Republic Inc.
Lionhead Studios Ltd.
Mistwalker
Q Entertainment Inc.
Rare Ltd.
Real Time Worlds
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 7th, 2005, 18:18 Posted By: dgb
Hi all,
Advise please - what is the best way of me hooking my xbox up to my tft flatscreen that I currently use with my PC.
Thanks
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 7th, 2005, 18:19 Posted By: wraggster
News from <a href="http://www.lik-sang.com/news.php?artc=3612&lsaid=219793" target="_blank" >Lik Sang</a>
<BLOCKQUOTE>Check in to hell. An intensified, all senses challenging version of hell. Doom 3, without a doubt, is your ticket to the most extreme that First Person Shooter godfathers of ID Software could dress up their infamous genre establishing brainchild of 1993 in. Science has unlocked the gates to the unknown and now only one man stands between the forces of evil and earth.
• TV Commercial (19mb - mov)
• Gameplay Trailer (36mb - mov)
Expect a truly sci-fi horror masterpiece, launching a dramatic storyline, pulse-pounding action and incredible graphics at gamers in order to draw them into the richest frightening and gripping First Person Shooter gaming experience ever created.
If like me, your computer wimped out at the mere thought of running Doom 3, Xbox is the version you've been waiting for, but why sacrifice playability just because it's on a console? Over on the forums there's talk of how well Doom 3 goes together with SmartJoy FRAG, for example how "the mouse is flawless in it", and how "you'd be crazy not to get this game if you have a SJF!" So turn off the lights, crank up the sound, have a fresh pair of underpants ready, and grasp your keyboard and mouse... cause this is Doom 3 how it's meant to be. The game provides brilliant options to help FRAG users, such as the ability to customize the X and Y axis sensitivity, and to turn off Spring Aim and Aim Assist, which are helpful for controller users but just plain disturbances for KBAM players. For US$ 28.90 you'll be fps-ing like hell, without the need of adding new expensive graphics and 3D acceleration cards to your PC.
What makes Doom 3 for Xbox so fantastic is that it allows you to team up with a buddy and chainsaw your way through the relentless hordes of monsters via Xbox Live! The standalone US copy features the Xbox Live exclusive 2-player co-op campaign as well as system-link enabled and online multiplayer for US$ 59.90. Get the Asia Limited Collector's Edition to also receive complete versions of Ultimate Doom and Doom II with full single-player as well as 2-4 player spilt-screen co-op and death match on one Xbox, along with bonus material like ID interviews, a G4 Icon Feature (Behind the scenes of Doom 3) and concept art. Not to be missed due to the small price tag: this superb package ships for only US$ 49.90 at Lik Sang!
</BLOCKQUOTE>
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 7th, 2005, 18:35 Posted By: wraggster
Last year, Microsoft intrigued some and infuriated many with a viral marketing campaign to help hype its now-multi-platinum Xbox shooter, Halo 2. The software behemoth tapped 4orty2wo Entertainment, a company that specializes in "immersive, entertainment-based alternative marketing campaigns."
In particular, 4orty2wo's forte is alternate reality games (ARGs)--what it alternately calls "search operas"--a form of interactive mystery which draws people into a narrative via hidden clues and cryptic messages. The first major ARG was called "The Beast," and was used to hype Steven Spielberg's film A.I. in 2001. It was cooked up by Jordan Weisman, then a creative director at Microsoft, his fellow employee Elan Lee, and novelist Sean Stewart.
The Beast centered on a murder of one Evan Chan, the mystery surrounding which could be solved by a series of clues. These clues were scattered across "Web sites, faxed documents, phone calls, e-mails, newspaper clippings, TV ads, clues from celebrities, and physical locations," according to 4orty2wo. The company claims that eventually three million people participated in The Beast, which earned its makers numerous plaudits in marketing and advertisement circles. Details of the thought process behind The Beast and ARGs in general can be found on Stewart's Web site and in 4orty2wo's case studies section.
So successful was the Beast at reaching consumers through the clutter of advertising that, in 2002, Weisman and Lee left Microsoft--to form 4orty2wo Entertainment. Their first major project was to help their former employer promote Halo 2. The result was Ilovebees.com, a Web phenomenon which grabbed headlines and caused headaches through out the summer of 2004.
The Ilovebees.com ARG centered on its titular URL, which appeared at the end of the theatrical Halo 2 trailer. Though it only flashed across the bottom of the screen for a split second, the URL drew millions of visitors to a site for a California bee farm that appeared to have been the victim of a bizarre hacker attack. However, over the course of weeks, the site began to reveal tidbits of the back story behind Halo 2's opening sequence, when Earth is attacked by the Covenant.
The most noticeable feature on the ilovebees.com site was a large timer on the page counting down to August 24. In the weeks leading up to that day, it began spitting out GPS coordinates to payphones, where small crowds of diehard ARG players gathered at the appointed hour. They were treated to a recorded message which drew them further into the ARG. Those who worked their way through the entire ARG eventually congregated at a series of events on November 4, where Microsoft officials thanked them for participating in easily the most cost-effective marketing campaign in game history.
Given the success of ilovebees.com--which won 4orty2wo Entertainment an innovation award at the 2005 Game Developers conference--it wouldn't be much of a surprise if Microsoft tried a similar trick in the future.
Well, it appears "the future" is "now."
This week, word began to spread in the forums of various Xbox sites about a new Web site called Ourcolony.net. Though the URL is registered to one "U Enzo" at a Chicago PO box--much like Ilovebees.com was registered to a rented San Francisco mailbox--the copy on the site's front page certainly bears the pretensions of prior 4orty2wo campaigns. "You made it to our colony, this is where the game lives, breathes and evolves," read the page. "Colony isn't about alternate reality gaming it *is* reality" (emphasis in the original).
Then there's the site's logo--an ant, which, like a bee, is an insect which lives in a hive or colony. As evidenced in a photo gallery on the ourcolony.net site, flyers that sport the ant and the word "colony" have been appearing all over various major American and English cities, often by game stores. Several such fliers were also plastered around the Sony Metreon in San Francisco right around the time of the PSP launch. The fliers are a classic example of a "teaser" campaign, where a cryptic billboard or flyer stirs interest in a product or service--in this case, ourcolony.net.
Another similarity between ourcolony.net and ilovebees.com is the prominent countdown clock on its home page. The countdown will ends at 8pm PDT on Thursday, May 12, nearly four days to the hour before Microsoft's pre-E3 presentation on the evening of May 16. What will happen on May 12 remains unclear. But, during his keynote at GDC last month, Chief XNA Architect and Corporate Vice President J Allard confirmed Microsoft would use the May 16 presentation to unveil its next-generation Xbox. Unconfirmed reports also say Allard sported a t-shirt with an ant logo on it while at GDC, though no such logo was visible during his keynote address.
That said, there does appear to be more than one direct connection between ourcolony.net and Microsoft. First, one of the distorted images on the ourcolony.net home page features an Xbox power button. When compared to a current-generation Xbox's power button, the pattern is unmistakable, although it is now set against a shiny white background.
But whereas Ilovebees.com was a narrative-driven mystery, ourcolony.net appears to be a competition. After successfully guessing the password to enter the site (Hint: it rhymes with "hay") a message from someone called the "Gamem8ker" asks visitors to form a "colony" or team. "It's colony against colony and to the winner, well, the winner gets all," reads a message from the Gamem8ker.
How does one win? Do the still-unnamed viral-marketing firm's legwork and spread the word about ourcolony.net. After starting a colony, players of the not-an-alternate reality who recruit five to the colony game will get their first "challenge," and will receive more challenges as they recruit more members to join the ad campaign/game. "You're not going to make it to the end if you try to solo this, there's strength in numbers," reads Gamem8ker's message.
The second connection to Microsoft has to do with the rewards doled out to colonies that win challenges. According to posts in the ourcolony.net forums, challenge-winners receive partial pictures of what looks like a white version of a redesigned Xbox controller. Currently, only two images are currently available--both in a folder marked "thesecret" on the site's directory. The first looks like a thumbstick above a D-pad. The second shows the D-pad in more detail, just above a curved edge in what appears to be the middle of a controller. When combined and compared to a current-generation S-controller, the images exhibit a distinctly Xbox-ian layout and feel, although the start and back buttons appear to be missing. As the ourcolony.net competition progresses, it is almost certain that a more pictures of the controller--and perhaps its console--will surface.
The ourcolony.net-Microsoft connection is also circumstantially backed up by the fact most colonies already involved in the game are linked to the Xbox in some way, either in the form of Xbox Live clans or Xbox fan sites.
While obvious, the connection between ourcolony.net and Microsoft is not official--and likely won't be before E3. When presented with the images from ourcolony.net and the sites similarities with ilovebees.com, a Microsoft spokesperson would only give the following statement: "We’re aware of the fact that ourcolony.net has captured the imagination thousands of gamers across the world, and that these gamers have taken control of the site and are making it their own."
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 8th, 2005, 21:46 Posted By: wraggster
With just over a month remaining until Microsoft reveals its next-gen console at E3, the company has unveiled what it describes as an "all-star line-up" of publishers already committed to Xbox 2, including the likes of EA, Rockstar, Ubisoft and Vivendi.
Microsoft says the new hardware will "deliver on the company's vision of the HD Era" by offering "high-definition graphics, extraordinary benefits of constant connectedness and exceptional personalization abilities."
In order to achieve this, Microsoft says, it has assembled a line-up of heavyweight publishers who have already collectively sold more than half a billion copies of titles for the current Xbox, and approximately 70 per cent of all console games sold in 2004.
"The key to bringing the vision for the HD Era of gaming to life is our partners: world-class publishers and developers that have molded and shaped the history of interactive entertainment for tens of millions of gamers worldwide," said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of Xbox global content and marketing.
"This stellar lineup of publishers and developers is poised to deliver games experiences our customers only dreamed were possible, and is ultimately committed to elevating video games to be the No. 1 form of entertainment."
The full list of publishers is as follows: 2K Games, Activision, Atari, Bandai, Bethesda Softworks, Buena Vista, Capcom, Codemasters, Eidos, Electronic Arts, FromSoftware, InterServ, KOEI, Konami, LucasArts, Majesco, Midway, Namco, Phantagram, Rockstar, SCi, SEGA, Tecmo, THQ, TWP, Ubisoft, Vivendi and Webzen.
Microsoft Game Studios - whose stable includes Bioware, Bizarre Creations, Bungie, Epic, FASA, Lionhead and Rare - will produce exclusive titles for Xbox 2. As will legendary Japanese developers Yoshiki Okamoto (Resident Evil, Street Fighter), Tetsuya Mizuguchi (Rez, Lumines) and Hironobu Sakaguchi (Final Fantasy), all of whom have recently announced their commitment to the platform.
"The next-generation Xbox titles will provide exhilarating entertainment experiences that will drive the HD Era," said Microsoft.
"Gamers can expect technological advancements such as multichannel audio fidelity that will plunge them into a world so realistic, even the faintest enemy footsteps can be heard.
"These advancements will be fueled by richer online communication and by an abundance of on-demand content delivered by the Xbox Live service."
Microsoft went on to add that the announcement did not mean it was no longer committed to the current Xbox. "This year alone, Xbox publishers and developers will deliver more than 200 games to the platform," the company said. "Gamers can expect an amazing pipeline of titles into 2007."
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 8th, 2005, 21:47 Posted By: wraggster
Hot on the heels of yesterday's report on Ourcolony.net comes further evidence that Microsoft is waging a viral marketing campaign to promote its next-generation console.
During his 2005 Game Developers Conference keynote address, Microsoft corporate vice president and chief XNA architect J Allard showed off some of the features that will be part of the next iteration of Xbox Live. One of those features was the "Gamer Profile," an online profile that will feature basic information like a person's Xbox Live tag, stats, gaming achievements, and motto.
The Gamer Profile will also include a picture of the gamer. When Allard demonstrated the Gamer Profile in action, he showed his own profile. Next to his Gamer Tag--"Hiro Protagonist," named after the main character in Neal Stephenson's cyberpunk novel Snow Crash--was a photo of Allard sporting a green T-shirt. On the front of the T-shirt was a large white ant with a distinctive mark on its abdomen that resembled an "X."
As can be seen in a side-by-side comparison, that same ant is also the emblem of Ourcolony.net, a Web site that appears to reward players of an alternate-reality game with partial pictures of the next-generation Xbox. Although it has been up and down almost all day today (presumably due to increased traffic), the site does display the same ant prominently on its home page underneath the password field and in an intermittent circular image. The ant is also the emblem that appears on the anonymous fliers that have been popping up all over major cities in the US and UK.
The addition of the photographic link to an already existing pile of evidence all but cements Ourcolony.net to a next-generation Xbox teaser campaign. However, Microsoft dodged the assertion that the site is another alternate-reality game/marketing tool in the vein of Ilovebees.com. "J [Allard] is a gamer and there are a lot of gamers playing Ourcolony.net," was all a spokesperson for the company told GameSpot.
However, Microsoft's implication that Allard is just a player of the game is somewhat undermined by a few facts. Though the Ourcolony.net URL was registered on February 4, 2005, the first comment in its forums is dated April 5, 2005. So unless the forums had been cleared or launched at a later date--unlikely, given that they are key to recruiting players to join the site's group-centric game--Ourcolony.net launched on April 5. Allard's GDC presentation was given on March 9. Together, the facts beg one big question: How could Allard be a fan of Ourcolony.net nearly a full month before the site went live?
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 9th, 2005, 15:10 Posted By: wraggster
More rumours are doing the rounds today regarding the specifications and software delivery methods of Microsoft’s Xbox 360 console. Hard disk size is currently being touted as around the 40 gig mark – which seems fairly large but not staggering, though this will be subject to change as costs are juggled before the device goes into production late this summer. The machine is said to feature two video outs, one of which can be connected to a monitor, and will not, allegedly, be backwards compatible. It’s also being suggested that purchase via download is going to be offered, with games bought in this way sold earlier and cheaper to sweeten the deal.
And speaking of games on the HDD, the new console with be sold with Halo 2 pre-installed on the console, obviously beautified to make the most of the system’s power.
This isn’t all, though. There’s also talk of a 120 gig add-on hard drive for the new Xbox which comes pre-loaded with software.
We’d like to stress that all of the above is nothing but rumour at the moment.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 9th, 2005, 20:32 Posted By: wraggster
Despite the fact that the next generation of the Xbox console is expected out before the end of the year, via Evil Avatar a story stating that Microsoft is committed to the original Xbox through 2007. From the article: "A Microsoft spokeswoman told Reuters that 2007 is not a hard stop, but rather a guideline for the last releases of new games developed for the Xbox. Microsoft has not said whether its next console will be compatible with the current Xbox.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 10th, 2005, 21:45 Posted By: wraggster
When you’ve got shots like these to work with, you can’t ever be so positive about their validity (we know, we know). But it’s circulating that what we’ve got here are some leaked shots of the Xbox 2/Xbox 360 controller—kind of unlikely given how MS is apparently now apparently prone to using decoys to draw out moles in the project, but we’ll bite anyway. Note that you don’t see any wires, but you do see what appears to be a battery pack. Yum!
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 11th, 2005, 19:11 Posted By: wraggster
Looks like Microsoft has sparked off a fresh round of Xbox 2 speculation with its ourcolony.net viral marketing malarkey. With only a month to go before the world finally sets its eyes on the next-gen console speculation is rampant about its features and what its late 2005 arrival will mean for the current Xbox.
Of greatest interest is the appearance of two blurry photographs of what purports to be an Xbox 2 joypad. Apparently originating on ourcolony.net, the images of slick white controller are extremely similar to the current Xbox S pad, albeit with a sleeker sheen, more elongated 'wings', and the noticeable lack of a wire. You can check them out here.
Wireless Xbox 2 controllers have been discussed for a while now but Microsoft has not confirmed whether they will come with the new console as standard. We're all for the wireless feature although we're unsure about the colour scheme (which could offer some clues about the design of the console unit itself). Virginal white pads won't stand up well to the rigours of sticky, dirty paws.
The next issue causing tsunami-sized waves of internet speculation is whether Xbox 2 will be backwards compatible with its little brother. Again, Microsoft are staying mum on the subject for now, but the future of the Xbox was addressed in last week's press release detailing the third-party publisher support secured for Xbox 2.
Reacting to allegations that the Xbox was being phased out this year, the release said, "In addition, Microsoft is fully committed to this generation, and gamers can expect an amazing pipeline of titles into 2007."
Since Xbox 2 is expected to launch around the world before the end of this year, that would mean that Microsoft plan anything up to two years worth of continued support for the current Xbox. Some are speculating this means Xbox 2 will be backwards compatible since Microsoft would want as many people as possible to buy the Xbox games.
Another whisper, which manages to cram about fifteen pieces of speculation into one super-powered rumour, speaks of an enhanced version of Halo 2 pre-installed on the Xbox 2's hard drive (if indeed it does come with one).
What's the official word from Microsoft on all these slippery rumours? Take a guess. "Microsoft does not comment on internet rumour and speculation."
So we asked if ourcolony.net was being used to reveal images of Xbox 2 hardware. "We have not confirmed whether ourcolony.net is officially endorsed or supported by Microsoft," said the spokesperson.
One thing's for certain: With the global unveiling of Xbox 2 set for May 12/May 13 on MTV, and the console's appearance at E3 the week after, we shouldn't need to deal with all this speculation for too much longer
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 11th, 2005, 19:13 Posted By: wraggster
With all the Xbox 2 speculation that's fizzing around the internet it's heartening to know that Microsoft has confirmed that the next-gen console's debut will happen not at E3, but on MTV.
The Xbox 2 will be busted out in a "high-energy half-hour program" called MTV Presents: The Next Generation Xbox Revealed. The program will air at 8pm in the UK on Friday, May 13 (unlucky for some?), with other European countries also getting the program on that evening. In the States jammy MTV viewers will see the program an evening earlier on May 12 at 9.30pm. We've listed the full list of times and dates for you below.
Microsoft and MTV are promising "an exclusive look at the Xbox vision for the next generation," with "never-before-seen, action-packed gameplay of future Xbox games, a peek into the future of the Xbox Live online gaming service, backstage celebrity interviews and exclusive insider footage," making up the meat of the show.
Peter Moore, corporate vice president of worldwide marketing and publishing for Xbox at Microsoft, reckons the unusual unveiling will go down a storm. "Just as MTV revolutionised the way the world experiences music, the next-generation video game console from Xbox will spark a revolution in how consumers experience games and other forms of digital entertainment. We are ecstatic about our alliance with MTV and unveiling a video game platform in a way that has never been done."
Renowned ring stroking specialist Elijah Woods will be on hand to do the presenting and The Killers will provide some tunes. Other celebrities are also involved, leaving us to wonder for just how long the actual console will be shown.
Here's the full list of international dates and times for the show. Enjoy!
U.K.: Friday, May 13, at 20:00
North America: Thursday, May 12, at 9:30 p.m. (21:30)
Japan/Asia: Friday, May 13, at 11:30
Europe:
France: Friday, May 13, at 19:00
Germany: Friday, May 13, at 19:00
Italy: Friday, May 13, at 23:30
Netherlands: Friday, May 13, at 19:30
Poland: Friday, May 13, at 21:00
Portugal: Friday, May 13, at 20:00
Romania: Friday, May 13, at 20:00
Scandinavia: Friday, May 13, at 22:00
Spain: Friday, May 13, at 21:30
Australia: Friday, May 13, at 19:00
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 11th, 2005, 19:14 Posted By: wraggster
We can’t divulge the source of this information (what else is new?), but we’ve learned that Microsoft is going to be teaming up with Pepsi for a major promotion this fall in which they’ll be giving away over 9,000 Xbox 2/Xbox 360 consoles in the weeks ahead of the next-gen console’s official release. The contest will use an under-the-cap registration method (much like Pepsi did before with those iTunes giveaways), and supposedly they’ll be giving away one console every ten minutes, 24 hours a day, for nine weeks straight.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 11th, 2005, 19:17 Posted By: wraggster
A number of new appointments to key positions within Microsoft's European Xbox team have been announced by the company, with three new faces joining the management team while a number of promotions have reshuffled the EMEA marketing team.
Industry veteran Stefan Lampinen is joining the company as EMEA Sales Director, covering all Xbox hardware, software and related products. Coming from a background at Nokia's games unit and Electronic Arts, Lampinen replaces Owen Roberts, who has moved into a role as senior director of sales in the company's Redmond HQ.
Another former EA executive, Francisco Arteche, has been appointed as senior regional director for the Central and Southern European region; while former Apple advertising manager Francois Ruault has joined as director of the French territory.
"I am very pleased to have Stefan, Francisco and Francois joining our EMEA team," enthused the Home and Entertainment Division's EMEA vice president, Chris Lewis. "The regional team are incredibly important to the success of the Xbox business and we welcome these three talented individuals to an exceptionally strong group of people, working to continue and increase our success in the region."
Meanwhile, in the marketing department, former EMEA head of customer relationship marketing Dom McBrien has been promoted to head of online marketing, while Beatriz Diaz has been placed in charge of Xbox.com, reporting directly to McBrien.
Last but by no means least, Michele Marchand moves over from the UK subsidiary to join the Xbox EMEA PR and Events team as an events manager, and will work on events including the FIFA Interactive World Cup and the X0 event series.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 11th, 2005, 19:19 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft's next-generation Xbox console is set to be unveiled to the world not at E3, as was previously believed, but in a half-hour long special to be aired on MTV the week previously, on May 12th.
The move is a massive break with tradition on Microsoft's part, and will get the Xbox 2 in front of consumers several days ahead of the unveiling of Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Revolution in Los Angeles the following week.
"It doesn't make sense to unveil the product behind a closed door, at a trade-only event," according to Microsoft corporate VP Peter Moore. "We wanted to talk directly to the consumer first."
The half-hour show will be a star studded affair, hosted by Lord of the Rings actor Elijah Wood and featuring a range of athletes, celebrities and even a live performance from rock band The Killers.
Last week it emerged that Sony's pre-E3 press conference has been scheduled to take place a few hours ahead of Microsoft's event, reversing the running order of previous years and supposedly giving the PS3 a head-start over Xbox 2 in the coverage war.
Xbox 2 - or whatever the console is eventually called, as it's believed that both Microsoft and Sony have ditched the sequential numbering system for their new machines - will be launched late this year, with an October / November date currently on the cards. Neither Sony nor Nintendo is expected to launch new hardware until 2006.
Microsoft is also running a viral marketing game to lead up to the May 12th unveiling of Xbox 2, with the "OurColony" game mimicking many features of the hugely successful Halo 2 "I Love Bees" viral game, and giving players tantalising sneak peeks at some aspects of the console and controller's design - although so far the main info to be gleaned is that the controller is probably white, which ties in with reports from sources close to Microsoft that it has gone with a white colour scheme for the system this time around.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 12th, 2005, 20:51 Posted By: wraggster
Goldman Sachs said it confirmed with Microsoft (nasdaq: MSFT - news - people ) that the company is unlikely to discontinue production of the Xbox videogame console with the launch of Xbox 2. Microsoft will provide a sneak peek of the Xbox 2 console on a television special on May 12 on MTV in North America and on May 13 internationally. "We had expected Xbox 2 to shown for the first time at the E3 videogaming conference in Los Angeles (May 17-20, 2005)," Goldman said. "This appears to be a tactical effort to show Xbox 2 before Sony (nyse: SNE - news - people ) demonstrates the PS3 [PlayStation 3 videogame console] at E3." The research firm, which rates Microsoft at "outperform," expects Xbox 2 to be available for retail sale in October or November at a retail price of about $249 to $299. Goldman said the Xbox console would cater to the lower-end of the consumer segment. The firm expects Microsoft to ship about 3 million units of the Xbox 2 worldwide in the December quarter. Sony is expected to debut the PS3 at E3, "although the product is not expected to be available in the U.S. until mid-2006 (perhaps a Japan launch in the fourth quarter of 2005 although more likely in the first quarter of 2006)," Goldman said.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 13th, 2005, 00:22 Posted By: wraggster
As the countdown to the next Xbox's unveiling progresses, the all-but-official teaser site for the device, Ourcolony.net, has released another teaser image related to the console. However, instead of being a glimpse of the hardware, the image appears to be one of the games for the next-gen console.
Early this morning, players of the Ourcolony.net game were briefly treated to a high-resolution image of a red sports car. The incredibly detailed image shows the front right quarter-panel of the car, including its right headlight and part of its grille. The high resolution of the image lets the viewer see the makeup of the headlight, which shows three distinctive lights within an external glass canopy.
Car fetishists and fans of all things speedy will recognize these features as being unique to the Ferrari 360 Modena. A side-by-side comparison of the Ourcolony.net image with a real-life photo of the same area of a Modena shows that the two pictures are clearly of the same model.
Though the image is not official, a chain of circumstantial evidence points to it as being the first for Project Gotham Racing for the next-generation Xbox. First, a red Ferrari is the signature cover car of the Project Gotham Racing series. 2001's Project Gotham Racing featured a scarlet Ferrari F50 on the cover, while the box for 2003's Project Gotham Racing 2 sported a crimson Ferrari Enzo.
Second, Microsoft Game Studios' Shane Kim has confirmed that a third Project Gotham Racing is in development for the next-generation Xbox. Third, Ourcolony.net has been linked to Microsoft, although the company still refuses to concede that it is behind the site. The fourth and most tenuous link is that the 360 Modena shares the same numeric designation as the Xbox 360, currently considered the most likely name for Microsoft's new console.
Is the image coincidence or evidence? The public will have to wait until May 12, when the still officially unnamed next-gen platform will be unveiled on MTV. For now, a Microsoft spokesperson would say only the following: "Looks like a car to me. Can you believe how great it looks?"
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 13th, 2005, 19:02 Posted By: wraggster
The Xbox 2 could sell for under $300 (around £160) and three million of the next-gen consoles could be available around the world before the end of the year, according to analysts.
The cleverclogs over at Goldman Sachs have drawn up some research notes that indicate Microsoft could be about to unleash the Xbox 2 sooner and cheaper than anyone was expecting.
The analysts predict that the system will be available in US stores in October of November this year, sporting a rather slimline salestag of anything between $249-$299 (around £130 to £160).
This would place Xbox 2 at the lower end of the consumer market and make it more accessible to gamers, according to the analysts.
The Xbox 2, which is set to make its public debut during a special MTV show on May 12/13, was already widely expected to be available before the end of the year. Rumours of a simultaneous worldwide release have so far remained unconfirmed but Goldman Sachs estimates that three million will be available across the globe before Christmas.
Representatives from Microsoft were unavailable for comment at the time of press.
The Goldman Sachs analysts also addressed Sony's PS3, stating that they expected a late 2005/early 2006 Japanese launch for the console with a US and European launch to follow in mid 2006.
All interesting stuff, but totally unconfirmed at the moment. More news soon as the next-gen express thunders onwards.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 13th, 2005, 19:09 Posted By: wraggster
There are none of the usual array of blurry cameraphone pics to back this up, but Eurogamer is claiming that Microsoft’s next-gen console has been spotted in the UK, and that, get this: it’s white. Or at least it’s probably going to be white. They’re saying that it could turn out to be silver-colored instead, though if it were white that would match those leaked controller pics that surfaced over the weekend (oh, and save your comments about them ripping off Apple, no one owns the color white, ok?). They’re also confirming that the name for the new console will indeed be called the Xbox 360 (just like we said it would be), and that it will have a concave design, stand upright (or at least that you’ll have the option of positioning it that way), and sport a logo that is a “simple, round nexus†(whatever that means).
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 13th, 2005, 19:13 Posted By: wraggster
The next-generation Xbox console will be priced at $249 to $299 when it launches in October / November, according to leading analyst firm Goldman Sachs, which expects Microsoft to ship three million units of the console by the end of the year.
The firm gave its projections for the Xbox 2 launch in the wake of Microsoft's decision to show off the console to the public in an MTV special to be broadcast on May 12th in North America, and May 13th worldwide.
The October or November launch date has been widely reported by sources around the industry, but Goldman Sachs' suggested price point, while in line with near-launch prices for similar hardware in recent years, is somewhat higher than the circa $400 prices being proposed by some other analysts.
However, it's worth noting that most hardware launches in the past few years have come in at lower prices than those expected by many market analysts - with the Nintendo DS and Sony PlayStation Portable being the most recent examples of this trend.
Forbes reports that the Goldman Sachs analysts went on to say that Microsoft would ship three million units of the Xbox 2, which is powered by multiple IBM processors and a next-generation ATI graphics chip, by the end of the year. The console is expected to launch worldwide during the third quarter, which would generally imply a million units at launch for every major territory, but Microsoft is likely to be cautious in terms of shipments to Japan - where the Xbox failed to sell in any numbers - and favour North America and Europe with larger shipments instead.
The report also confirmed that Microsoft does not plan to discontinue production of the Xbox console when Xbox 2 launches. The company has already given assurances that Xbox software production will continue through to 2007 - although few studios appear to be working on original or exclusive titles for Xbox in that timescale, with most key Xbox developers having refocused on Xbox 2.
The decision to continue Xbox hardware production will mean that Microsoft still has hardware at retail at a price point which challenges Sony's PlayStation 2 and Nintendo's GameCube this Christmas, as well as having the only next-generation console on the market.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 13th, 2005, 19:14 Posted By: wraggster
British sources have confirmed that the next generation Xbox is indeed called Xbox 360, that the logo is a simple, round nexus, and that the console itself has a concave design - and a platinum white finish.
Many rumours - some of them conflicting - have been circulating in the past months regarding Microsoft's next generation system, but speaking under conditions of strict anonymity, a British source who is privy to Microsoft's marketing documents for the console has now cleared up much of the speculation.
The name of Xbox's successor is Xbox 360, we can confirm, and the design of the machine is indeed a concave shape.
The machine can stand upright and hollows in at the middle, like it's "sucking in its cheeks," our source told us today. Previous rumours had put the console as light silver, although fresh information says the final design may be white. It's impossible to tell from the documents, our source explained - although the glimpse of the machine's controllers given on viral marketing website OurColony does suggest a platinum-white colour scheme for the hardware.
According to the source, the rumoured slot for the hard drive module - which was apparently at the top of the machine - is not obvious on the document, and the person was unable to clarify where the slot for discs is actually located.
One other aspect we've been unable to confirm is the rumoured customisation features on the box. It's been speculated that the emphasis on customisation which J Allard touted at the Game Developers Conference last month could extend to allowing users to change the "skin" of the console, but this feature was not mentioned by our source.
As for the logo of the console, it is described as a simple, round nexus with "Xbox 360" written inside it. Previous rumours had simply the numbers "360" in the disc. This branding tends to suggest that we can expect to see "360" appearing after many game names, as happened with the Nintendo 64.
Microsoft will show the console for the first time in a half-hour special on MTV on May 12, a week ahead of E3. The company's press conference, on Monday, May 16, will be the first viewing of the console to the trade en bloc.
Xbox 360 is expected to receive a global release in late 2005.
When contacted today, Microsoft simply said that it does not comment on rumours and speculation relating to next generation product.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 17th, 2005, 20:40 Posted By: wraggster
In 1999, Sega used the MTV Video Music Awards to introduce the Dreamcast to US audiences. The man behind that effort? Peter Moore, then marketing boss for the US subsidiary. The following year, the VMAs were the chosen platform to give the Sega.net initiative standing with the coveted gamer demographic. Again, it was Moore who spearheaded the effort.
This year, Moore, now part of the massive Xbox team at Microsoft (he is Corporate vp of Worldwide Marketing and Publishing) has once again chosen MTV as the primary vehicle for introducing a new product to the North American marketplace--this time the next-gen Xbox.
We spoke with Moore earlier this week.
GameSpot: Peter, how does a deal like this evolve?
Peter Moore: A year ago my team and I sat down to try and figure out how we bring this platform to life, not only to the trade show crowd at E3, but more importantly, to the tens of millions of people that have got us to where we are today with Xbox. And the tens of millions of more that are going to join us in the next generation.
We discussed how do we do it in an entertaining way, in a constructive manner, and unexpectedly. And how do we do it with a great partner, and do it simultaneously, globally. And tie in music and celebrity, and all that cool stuff.
GS: So you picked MTV…
PM: As you might remember, in my past life, I worked with MTV on a regular basis, using the VMA's as a launch platform for one particular console.
So I went to see my old friends there in April of last year; we got into some great conversations about an entertaining way to do this. We've been working on this ever since.
Only a few weeks ago, finally got all the details nailed down and felt comfortable in announcing this at the right time and the right place, and that's what we did last week.
GS: Does this send a message that E3 isn't as big as it used to be--as a platform to broadcast news to the game industry?
PM: Not at all. Not at all.
We have so much to say. We wanted to say things first to the consumer, and give them a sneak peek--albeit in a 30-minute television show--that will give them a peek under the tent of what's going on and allow them to see it at the same time as the rest of the world does.
GS: What's left for the E3 audience?
PM: Then on the Monday night, May 16, we do a real deep dive and will show the games in their full glory--getting into more detail in the Rob, J and Peter show [Robbie Bach, J Allard, Peter Moore].
And, of course, then on the E3 show floor itself…where we can really show you the power of the platform.
GS: What grade do you give Xbox, version one, in the area of marketing and advertising?
PM: I'd say a B. One of the things that probably stopped us from being an A- is, [even though] we created a very cool and aspirational brand, we need to broaden the appeal of the brand. Not losing, or disenfranchising in any way, the gamers that got us there today--which is always a marketing challenge--but we have to grow.
But at the same time, we need to make sure we continue to talk to the more hard core gamer, the early adopters. That has been an important part of our success, and we fully intend to do that. At the same time, we need to provide an even more approachable feel and tonality to the brand, and we need to do things differently.
GS: Is there an area you feel Xbox excels at?
PM: We're the thought leader in this generation. We need to turn that into market leadership in the next generation, and this is just one small example of how we will do that, and do that in a very aggressive manner, globally.
GS: Is there a little bit of cat and mouse with Sony behind this move--to show off the new console the week before E3?
PM: Not really.
GS: Not really?
PM: A number of people have asked me: "was this in response to Sony moving their press conference and getting first place for the unveil?" I don't know. As I said, regardless of what our competition wants to do, we had a very clear plan in mind that goes back a year now to meetings in New York at the MTV headquarters.
GS: Is it a two way street with MTV…any upside for them?
PM: We are very important to them. We're starting to drive an entertainment business that rivals music. As Nielsen reported two weeks ago, consumers are spending more money on video games than they are on music. That wakes people up.
But you have to have your own strategy and you've got to stick with it once it's nailed down. This is part and parcel of a strategy that's been in development over fifteen months now.
GS: How many people are you expecting to reach with this MTV effort?
PM: We haven't put any metrics behind it, but clearly you want millions upon millions of people to see it. I certainly think that with MTV, we should get those numbers.
What I've always been impressed with--and my consumer marketing hat goes on here--is how they've changed their entire persona to the outside world, from a network that just broadcasts three-minute video music clips to being the originators of reality television with Real World, and Pimp My Ride, and MTV Cribs, and Meet the Osbornes; when you think of all the stuff on TV right now, it was born on MTV--someway, somehow. Celebrity Deathmatch, Jackass…
GS: This is the Xbox audience?
PM: I think that they are a major part of the generation that is part of Xbox nation, yes.
GS: You called the MTV program a "first look." What are you going to talk about?
PM: We'll talk name. We'll show the hardware--as much as you can do in a television show. You'll get a little glimpse of games, but we're saving most of that for you guys at E3.
GS: Is the MTV event all figured out?
PM: We're still developing the script, if we can find ways to talk entertainingly about features, we will do that, but we won't do anything that is boring or feels like an infomercial.
GS: You talked about 'you guys,' by which you mean the enthusiast press. Who's got the power now to best communicate your message? The enthusiast press? The mainstream press?
PM: Particularly in the early go, the enthusiast press still has the ability to create the stories that talk to the evangelists. But let's make no bones about it, it's not you, me, or anyone...it's the consumer that has the power. It's the guy that had to fish several hundred dollars out of his or her wallet when they want to make a purchase on a console--and over the lifetime, total cost of ownership, several hundred dollars more. Those are the people that are in control, and we've got to find ways, we--and I mean you and I--have got to find ways of talking to them in a relevant and entertaining manner, otherwise they're not going to read your stuff and they're not going to buy my stuff.
GS: What's the connection with The Killers, the musical group in attendance on the May 12 MTV broadcast?
PM: A: We love them; B: They've been on Game with Fame, on Xbox Live. They are hard core Xbox gamers--and very good gamers. I can't think of a hotter band right now. I've been listening to their album Hot Fuss for about six, seven weeks on my MP3 player as I run. I love Mr. Brightside. I think they have the right attitude.
GS: And what happens to Ourcolony.net on the night of May 12?
PM: Don't know. Don't know. Have to keep watching that thing. I'm not quite sure about that thing. It's difficult for me to follow...I'm from a different generation. It's way too complex.
GS: Ah yes, Peter...way too complex [wink, wink]. Thank you, Peter. We'll be watching.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 17th, 2005, 21:48 Posted By: Hawq
N64 emu for the Xbox,heres whats new:
Beta3 FreakDave :
Fixed:
-Controller ports 3 and 4 did not work
-Slowdown in Zelda Majora's Mask
-Changing MemPak/RumblePak via submenu did not work
-Enable/Disable Controller option via submenu did not work
Added:
-Rice 5.10
-Rice 5.31
-Experimental 128 MB support
-some videoriceini editing
GogoAckman :
-X button in the menu to decrease
-bug of the 4 controllers solved (but there is another strange bug -] solved, removed others xbinput from project and linked to include)
-romlistcache readded
-emu now know if it runs from cd or hd, so it can now boot from (not tested)
-sensitivity -100% to +100%
-X button in place of B button by default
-debug info and find the screen size in rice5.60 but I am still looking for left and top offset position.
-removed some input.cpp from project, not needed (there are still unneeded files I think)
-debug info
-configappsave2 by crc
-include rice 510 and 531 (error compiling)
-see if there is a bug when editing controllers (done, apparently no bugs)
-launcher music
-loading bar corrected
-corrected freeze when no roms found
-Added skin by Neverwill
Beta 3a update
-Corrected PJ64 not booting with rice5.31 (typo error, sorry about that, thanks to prodigyxp)
-Corrected some romlist bug result in crashing
As ever no dl, find at the usual sources
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 18th, 2005, 14:01 Posted By: wraggster
An 'Autoupdate' for Halo 2 is being released by Bungie today as the developer continues its efforts to present fans with a ship-shape multiplayer battlefield to enjoy. A number of cheat exploits, bugs and glitches are being addressed in the update, and Bungie has also taken the opportunity to balance the game's weapons in both Live and system link play.
Melee damage, grenades, the Magnum pistol and the SMG-Plasma Rifle dual wield combination have all been tweaked by the developer, which has handily posted a complete run-down of all the changes on its home on the internet. Fans would do well to check this out, as Bungie also explains the reasons behind the changes here and talks about the effect they'll have on the all-important Halo 2 leaderboards.
In related news, Halo 2's imminent expansion is teasing us with its wares once again thanks to a 3D screenshot of new level Containment.
Explaining what's shown in the screenshot, Bungie says: "...Tinman and Sketch thought they were making the perfect flag run. They threw the switch, took out everyone in the base with gauss fire, grabbed the flag, and was back out before the gate had time to close. However, Shishka had a plan. Well, no I didn't. What I did have, though was a Scorpion. And with that, I taught Sketch and Tinman about Containment's own special brand of pink death- the large land mines scattered about the level."
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 18th, 2005, 14:03 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft will finally announce the true name of the Xbox 2 and briefly show the system itself and a selection of games on a special half-hour MTV programme, according to the console's marketing executive.
The Seattle-based computing giant announced last week that the world's first glimpse of Xbox 2 would not be at E3, but the week before on a worldwide MTV broadcast called MTV Presents: The Next Generation Xbox Revealed.
Speaking to GameSpot.com, Microsoft's corporate vice president of worldwide marketing and publishing Peter Moore said that the decision was taken to reward the Xbox's consumer fanbase.
"We wanted to say things first to the consumer and give them a sneak peek under the tent of what's going on," he said.
The half-hour timescale of the show, complete with guest appearances from celebrities and musical sets from rock band The Killers, has encouraged critics to ask just how much Xbox 2 Microsoft is planning for the programme.
Not too much, according to Moore: "We'll talk name. We'll show the hardware as much as you can do in a television show. You'll get a little glimpse of games, but we're saving most of that for E3."
The worry is that the Xbox 2's more technical details - the stuff that has hardcore gamers salivating like dogs in the midday sun - could turn off viewers. "We won't do anything that is boring or feels like an infomercial," said Moore.
Moore denied that the move was a snub to E3 and the specialist videogames press and assured huffy journalists there would still be bones for them to pick. "On May 16 [at Microsoft's pre-E3 press conference], we'll do a real deep dive and will show the games in their full glory. And then on the E3 show floor itself we can really show you the power of the platform."
Both Sony and Nintendo are also expected to unveil next-gen consoles at E3. Moore refuted speculation that he was playing a game of one-upmanship with his competitors. "Regardless of what our competition wants to do, we had a very clear plan in mind that goes back a year now."
More revelations on brain-melting Xbox 2 viral marketing website ourcolony.net are also promised, although Moore was dramatically cagey about the details. "You'll have to keep watching that thing. I'm not quite sure about that thing."
MTV Presents: The Next Generation Xbox Revealed will air on Thursday May 12 at 9.30pm in North America and Friday May 13 at 8pm in the UK. You can get the schedule for the whole world here.
We'll bring you all the Xbox 2 news from the MTV show, Microsoft's pre-E3 conference and the showfloor at E3. Until then, we suspect there'll be a few more Xbox 2 nuggets to chew over...
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 18th, 2005, 22:17 Posted By: wraggster
Publisher THQ has announced that it will be supporting Microsoft's Xbox 2 when the next-gen console hits shelves, currently thought to be before the end of the year.
THQ's internal studios Relic Entertainment and Volition have already signed up to create new and Xbox 2-exclusive content. That doesn't mean they won't be developing for any other format, but does mean that any Xbox 2 project they create will be exclusive to Microsoft's next-gen system.
No clues as to what these games could be yet, although a shuffle through both development team's back catalogues could provide some clues. Interestingly, Relic does most of its business with PC strategy titles. Titles like Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War, Impossible Creatures and the Homeworld series suggest Relic's first Xbox 2 title could push our brain cells as much as the console's tech specs.
Volition on the other hand has far more experience in the console market and recently scored a bloody hit with The Punisher. The Red Faction FPS series was also developed at Volition's Illinois studios, so perhaps we'll be looking at a third or first-person shooter come Xbox 2 time.
We squeezed reps at THQ for more info but the phrase 'blood from a stone' springs to mind.
Still, Jack Sorensen, THQ's executive vice president of worldwide studios did have this to say: "Microsoft's next-generation technology will enable a level of realism never before experienced by gamers. The teams at Relic and Volition have been working closely with the development team at Microsoft to ensure that our titles utilize the new system to its fullest potential."
The Xbox 2 will be unveiled during a special MTV programme broadcasting around the world on May 12/13 (full details here), then Microsoft plan to show it off properly at E3 the following week.
All being well we should discover more about THQ's Xbox 2 plans at E3.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 19th, 2005, 18:29 Posted By: wraggster
As if we didn't already have enough cryptic next-gen info to pick over thanks to ourcolony.net, now Microsoft has sent out a media invite for its grand pre-E3 Xbox 2 unveiling on May 16 - and it's packed with clues.
Reading between the lines of these invites and the website they refer attendees to, it seems that the Xbox 2 may well be called Xbox 360 (a notion that has been gathering pace like a post-piss Paula Radcliffe for some time now), will feature something called the 'ring of light', and will employ a white, grey and green colour scheme.
The first thing that strikes about the invite is its enthusiastic use of rings and circles in its design. This is becoming an increasing trend in Microsoft's Xbox 2 marketing, suggesting that the 360 moniker is the one to put your money on.
This concentration on the circle may also offer clues as to the design of the machine itself. Should we expect a circular unit, or just lots of circles and rings built into the Xbox 2's body?
The 'ring of light' connection is a little more mysterious. This phrase has been doing the rounds for a while now and shows up in the Flash animation intro for the online media registration site (we've taken some screens for you to spy). Is it another Xbox 2 design feature? Possibly a circular light that rings the console when the power is on? Or just more illuminated circles on the console's body?
The colour scheme malarkey is thankfully a little easier to understand. Talk of a white console and matching controllers has been cracking for weeks and the exclusively white, grey and green colour scheme of the press invite and website seems to confirm these rumours.
In addition to all that, the website also chucks a couple of enigmatic phrases at you. "Amplify everything" seems to be a reference to the console's increased power and support for HD audio and visual equipment. "Hit reset on your reality" suggests Xbox 2 will be unlike anything we could have expected or thought up.
You can check out the media registration website here.
Of course, all this could just be more column-inch stealing tomfoolery from a Microsoft marketing campaign that's already storming the imagination of gamers. We'll find out for sure on May 12 when Microsoft reveal the Xbox 2 on MTV, and we'll find out even more at E3.
In the meantime, do you remember a little next-gen console called PS3? It seems to be getting forgotten in Microsoft's marketing wake, so we sincerely hope Sony have something major to bust out at E3...
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 19th, 2005, 18:44 Posted By: wraggster
With Xbox 360's May 12th unveiling fast approaching, talk is starting to extend to the console's third-party software, with THQ and EA both revealing preliminary details of their wares this week.
THQ yesterday released a brief missive stating that its internal studios Relic Entertainment (Homeworld, Dawn of War) and Volition, Inc. (Red Faction, The Punisher) are working on "exclusive content" for the new format.
EA, meanwhile, has gone a step further, announcing that it plans to broadcast a 60-second advert for its next-generation version of Madden NFL during the NFL draft on American sports TV channel ESPN this Saturday, April 23rd.
EA didn't specify format, but Xbox 360 must be a safe bet, and a PlayStation 3 version is almost certainly on the cards at some point too. A single teaser image of the game - previously seen at an investor conference in the USA - has also been released by the firm, and can be seen on our sister site, Eurogamer.net.
As we draw closer to May 12th, fully expect there to be plenty more of these little snippets. Although Microsoft recently announced a list of publishers committed to the next-generation format, and confirmed that Fable, Project Gotham and Halo would appear on the console, discussion of the software itself has otherwise been limited to the odd glimpse of games on release schedules. Only relatively small projects from independents have really been shown in any detail as they pitch for publisher support.
Xbox 360 is due to be unveiled by Microsoft in a half-hour MTV special on May 12th in the US, rebroadcast around the globe a day later. Microsoft then plans to unveil the console in more detail at its pre-E3 press conference on May 16th.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 19th, 2005, 18:45 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft's is still planning to ship two different versions of its Xbox 360 console at launch, according to sources close to the company - while reports suggest that the high-end version may feature the firm's WebTV system.
It's long been thought that Microsoft plans to ship two different Xbox 360 bundles, one with a hard drive and one without, and give users the option of upgrading the low-end system with a hard drive accessory.
Sources close to the firm have confirmed this week that there's much talk of two distinct price points, which seems to indicate that this is still the plan for launch - while a report on well-connected gaming blog Kotaku gives an indication of how the two different models will be differentiated.
The site reports that the basic edition of Xbox 360 - the version without the hard drive - will not have backwards compatibility, while the "premium" version with the hard drive will ship with Microsoft's WebTV functionality built-in.
WebTV is Microsoft's effort at bringing internet communication and media functionality to the living room, and includes basic functionality such as web, e-mail and IM access along with the ability to stream music and video channels from the 'net or from local PCs.
Integrating the system with Xbox 360 would be a logical move, and a major land-grab for Microsoft in this space - which is tipped to become more important in the coming years as increasing amounts of content are broadcast over the Internet as opposed to over traditional TV networks.
A major question mark over the possibility of a the two-tier Xbox launch, however, lies with the question of customised content - one of J Allard's most vaunted goals for the new system - and how that would tie in with a low-end Xbox 360 without a mass storage device.
One part of the answer to that question is the inclusion of a high-capacity solid state memory device with the system, which wouldn't be large enough to store music or movies in any significant volume - or to act as a cache for Xbox games, as the existing Xbox' hard drive does - but would be able to act as a cache customised game assets.
Indeed, last year Israeli flash memory specialist M-Systems confirmed that it is working on a memory solution for Xbox 2, with CEO Dov Moran stating that "when users want to save their e-mail messages, copy music, or anything like that, the only storage they’ll have is what we give them."
Another part of the answer to that question may come from Kotaku's sources, who indicated to the site that around 80 per cent of the systems produced for launch would be the "premium" version - suggesting that the lower-end model is, more than anything else, a concession to launching a competitively priced "games only" system.
Sony is also widely expected to launch multiple versions of the PlayStation 3 console, which is due to arrive in 2006, with both "home media server" and stripped down "basic console" versions believed to be on the cards.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 20th, 2005, 19:02 Posted By: wraggster
News From <a href="http://www.lik-sang.com/news.php?artc=3620&&lsaid=219793" target="_blank" >Lik Sang</a>
<BLOCKQUOTE>Last September we received, to much delight and 'testing' I might add, NubyTech's Street Fighter 15th Anniversary controllers for the PlayStation 2. Four different versions, for Ryu, Ken, Akuma and Chun-Li featured unique colors fitting with the characters of choice, and a lenticular N-Imation hologram sat in the center of the pad. Depending on which angle you looked at it, you'd see three different poses of their signature move.
Long-time SF loyalists raved over the attention to detail and build quality, praising a pad designed purely for 2D fighters. The 3D analogue stick for example was replaced with a good old digital paddle, which any pro will testify is the only way to play. The d-pad was enlarged and made extra comfortable, and L1 & R1 buttons were shifted over to the right side of the controller, in order to provide a total of six convex fire buttons in two parallel lines. But the essence of those Street Fighter Controllers was definitely their perfectly ergonomic shape, designed to fit for your palms like shoes for feet. Holding the controller felt a bit like having the Saturn pad in your hands again (praised for its great design when enjoying 2D games), or the Ascii Fighter Pads which the brawling purists among you will remember for sure.
Now NubyTech has confirmed that they are brining the same killer design to Xbox, slightly enlarged to accommodate all Xbox buttons, and with brand new characters to please the collectable minded gamers out there. Not being hindered by the controller lets you fight full force, and with these you can perform as many Shoryukens as you want without fearing to hurt your thumb 
The first Xbox controller features Guile, a member of the Green Berets, sent into the jungles of Thailand to try and incite a rebellion against M. Bison. Which brings us to the second controller, Mr. Bison. A criminal mastermind who lusts after world domination, one of his favourite phrases is "I'm happy you are alive, you are still capable of feeling pain". Friendly chap. Finally the third pad goes to Akuma (also known as Gouki Long), who was the most popular of all the PS2 editions!</BLOCKQUOTE>
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 20th, 2005, 19:07 Posted By: wraggster
News From <a href="http://www.lik-sang.com/news.php?artc=3621&&lsaid=219793" target="_blank" >Lik Sang</a>
<BLOCKQUOTE>It's soon that time of the year again... E3 Expo is just a month away from us and you can already see the whole industry warming up for the largest video game convention on earth (the Tokyo Game Show people will beg to differ but hell we'll state the same about them in September anyway, to make sure all parties are happy). Xbox 360 on MTV, PlayStation 3 live on the 18th, Nintendo Revolution this, next Gameboy that, it's going to be memorable year, for an industry at crossroads once again. Back to real life, not all of us have entrance tickets and flight arrangements, and even those who do are not guaranteed full access behind the VIP curtains for special interviews and personalized presentations of megahits to come. Not to mention those nextgen systems being shown only at special press conferences with strict screening process at entrance. So, if you want to see the whole thing as an insider, from the first day till the last, game by game, A to Z, frontline and backstage, there is only one way for this: NextGenVideos' E3 ACCESS.
For the fifth year in a row, Lik Sang is teaming up with these fine people to deliver to hardcore gamers worldwide this high-quality 4-DVD-Set boasting over 13 hours of exclusive content. IGN GameSpy are also co-sponsor of this baby, while it is granted official support by the ESA, the organization behind this whole E3 event. Preorders are now taken for US$ 19.99 only, delivery date being expected to be some time in June or at the latest in the first week of July, after long post-editting sessions and mass-production of the DVD sets have taken place. As with past editions of the DVD, this year's effort will be REGION FREE.!</BLOCKQUOTE>
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 21st, 2005, 20:34 Posted By: wraggster
Of course, as usual we can’t speak to the validity of the photos in question (we wouldn’t be doing our job if weren’t at least a little skeptical), but it sort of makes sense for them to be using a Mac G5 as an alpha for the Xbox 360/Xbox 2’s dev environment kit, as the console is supposed to be running a tri-core version of IBM’s PowerPC processor. The G5 in question is also supposedly equipped with that ATI R420-based adapter and a paltry 512MB of RAM. It also makes sense that the stickers refer to it as the “Xenonâ€, since Xenon has been confirmed as the console’s codename. Real or not, some stickers slapped on a G5 is still not nearly as impressive as that Sony PSP dev system we saw before.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 21st, 2005, 20:39 Posted By: wraggster
At least two Japanese publishers are already making games for the next-generation Xbox, says Famitsu. Both Sega and From Software are currently developing multiple games for the console. No details on any of the games were revealed.
From Software president Naotoshi Jin revealed in an interview that at least one of his company's games in development is slated to be a next-gen Xbox launch title.
When asked what genres will be represented in the From Software next-gen Xbox software library, Jin said given that his company is known for its mech games (including 2003's Murakumo: Renegade Mech Pursuit), the company "could not leave these out of the lineup."
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 23rd, 2005, 09:15 Posted By: wraggster
A British Microsoft source has claimed that Half-Life 2 on Xbox is now likely to ship in September in Europe, quashing rumours that the port is to grace Microsoft's next generation console as a launch title later this year.
Valve's Doug Lombardi added credence to the news this morning, but fell short of specifying a release date.
"We plan to finish development of Half-Life 2 Xbox in late summer and have it available everywhere very shortly thereafter," he told Eurogamer. "No specific date to share just yet." US reports are suggesting that the game is to be finished in August.
Lombardi added, "Aftermath is currently planned as a PC release," when asked whether or not the newly announced add-on would be included in the console package. That'll be a "no", then.
Microsoft and Vivendi both declined to comment on the release date of Half-Life 2's Xbox version yesterday. The content of the game for Xbox is now thought to be exactly the same as the PC outing, although some dilution of texture detail and auto-aiming are likely to grace the port.
Sequel to the 1998 classic, sci-fi FPS Half-Life 2 wowed the PC community last year with its excellence across the board and showed a glimpse of things to come to the retail world by successfully rolling out through Steam, Valve's online distribution system, before it even hit stores.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 23rd, 2005, 09:21 Posted By: wraggster
As, without a doubt, the most talked about thing in gaming right now, Xbox 360's steamroller campaign has been given an extra boost this morning thanks to a multitude of revelations in the world of Xbox.
First came leaked photographs of the Xbox 360 dev kit, Xenon, apparently first sent to a French Xbox website by an internal developer working with the hardware.
As you can tell by the pictures on the right, it's basically an Apple G5, as pointed out by numerous sources in the past.
More interesting than this, though, was a vague, arty photo of a chrome variant (the actual Xbox 360 hardware is 'Apple' white) of the Xbox 360 hardware, released from Ourcolony.net as yet another reward to its members for successfully completing another mind-numbing task.
This ambiguous image, also shown on the right of this very page, has set the internet on fire. Rumour and speculation from fansites is rife as they make assumptions about the machine based on its vague appearance in the photo.
Lastly, MTV has released an arty advert building up to its exclusive unveiling of Xbox 360.
"A momentous event is coming to MTV," the advert's narration begins. "An unveiling - a revelation that will change entertainment forever," it continues, before reaffirming the 12 May airing of the event.
No actual hardware is shown in the video, it's just lots of shots of people looking to the sky in amazement as lots of Xbox green floats about above them. It's kind of like that bit in Ghostbusters where Walter Peck shuts down the containment unit, releasing streams of spirits back into the world...
The advert finishes in a collection of green circles, further confirming that the name of Microsoft's next machine is indeed Xbox 360.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 24th, 2005, 23:12 Posted By: untold
I got back from church this morning and a friend emailed me a page in pdf containing this pic of the XBOX360.
I had to take a screen shot of the page showing this pic in the pdf document, and crop it, so as to remain anonymous as possible.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 25th, 2005, 21:30 Posted By: wraggster
A new image purporting to be the Xbox 360 console has been "leaked" onto the Internet, and is being widely reported as the final design for the hardware, which is due to be revealed in an MTV special in under three weeks time.
The new picture shows a small platinum/silver unit with a concave design, which appears to be designed to either sit flat or stand like a miniature tower unit - all of which ties in with the information from a British source who has seen the new console which we published two weeks ago.
Crucially, the design also fits perfectly with a zoomed-in teaser image of the console released on viral marketing "game" site OurColony, and the features on the case certainly seem to fit with other reports about the Xbox 360's functionality.
Interestingly, no controller ports are visible on the front of the system - the console supports wireless controllers out of the box, while USB connections for wired controllers are apparently concealed behind a small panel on the right hand side of the fascia.
Two slots for memory units appear on the front panel, while a "hood" supposedly concealing the location of the removable hard drive module is to be found on the left hand end of the console (the top of the unit if stood upright).
The size of the unit can be divined by looking at the DVD tray, which occupies almost half of the length of the console - suggesting a device far smaller and sleeker than the current Xbox console.
It's not clear where the "leak" came from, assuming of course that it is a leak at all and not simply a very clever mock-up; however, the original image which appeared online was in CMYK colour format, which is generally used in images destined for professional printing systems.
As might be expected, Microsoft's reaction to the image has been to issue their standard response: "Microsoft don't comment on rumours and speculation."
The firm plans to unveil the Xbox 360 (even the name of which remains unconfirmed, officially) in an MTV special to be broadcast in North America on May 12th, followed by international broadcasts on May 13th.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 26th, 2005, 11:58 Posted By: wraggster
A new version of FBAxxx which is a port of FBA to the Xbox has been released.
Heres whats new:
* fixed slammaster and s1945p/pn (thx to +T+)
* fixed muscle bomber duo
* added kof10th driver by manto + alternate moves (thx ferchogtx)
* readded cthd2k3n driver
* fixed power spikes 2
* fixed soccer brawl
* removed frameskip option
* removed flash support
* added Low resolution filter (in software filter)
* added credits
* changed the way controls are configured
* removed dat generation in the beginning and moved it to main menu (forced generation when asked)
* fixed bakraider sound
* fixed rastan
* fixed psikyo sound + crash in striker 1945
* releases will now be on xbe directly, after all, it doesnt make difference for authors
* I'll include a default skin with the release (but try to grab skins.rar on the forum to enjoy a little more)
More info on this emu <a href="http://xbox-emulation.dcemu.co.uk/fbaxxx.shtml" target="_blank" >Here</a>
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 26th, 2005, 19:17 Posted By: wraggster
Today, NEC Electronics has confirmed that Microsoft will incorporate leading-edge embedded DRAM (eDRAM) technology from NEC Electronics in the Xbox 360.
This custom memory has been created mostly to perform anti-aliasing operations and help overcome today's biggest problem in graphics: memory bandwidth. By using this embedded RAM, which is similar to a processor's cache memory, the Xbox 360 will be able to run games at 720p HDTV resolution, that is 1280x720, with full screen anti-aliasing and almost no impact on framerate.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 29th, 2005, 21:31 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft and Samsung, sitting in an HDTV, K, I, S, S, I, N, G. That's how we'd describe the newly announced love-fest between the Seattle-based computing giant and the Korean consumer electronics company if we were five years old.
But, alas, we're not. So we should say that Microsoft has announced that Samsung will be the preferred supplier of High Definition television sets (HDTV) for the Xbox 360.
Microsoft is making a big deal about the whole High Def thing, with J Allard's keynote speech at March's GDC discussing how HD technology will be an important part of the next-gen Xbox experience. "In the HD Era the platform is bigger than the processor," he said, "[this] new technology will redefine entertainment as we know it."
The Xbox 360 will be specially designed to exploit the greater quality and resolution available on HDTV sets, leading to more immersive and impressive game experiences. Thanks to this partnership Samsung will be the recommended manufacturer of these HDTV sets.
"Samsung is a natural partner to showcase the richness of the next-generation Xbox," said Peter Moore, Xbox's corporate vice president of worldwide marketing and publishing. "Samsung HDTVs will provide Xbox enthusiasts with the truest high-definition gaming experience available."
Samsung HDTV sets will be installed in over 25,000 Xbox 360 retail pods around the world to give gamers a taste of the HD love.
Technically speaking, Samsung's HDTVs offer super-fast 12 millisecond pixel switching speed, which means more stuff can happen on screen without blurring or ghosting. The Fixed Pixel Device eliminates scan lines, consigning judders and flickers to the bin. And improved audio technology means sound will be crisper, deeper and richer than ever before.
Of course, this announcement is more commercial than technical in nature. The partnership is essentially a marketing tool for both companies, and indeed huge cross-promotions on TV, cinema, and print media are planned. Interestingly, Microsoft states that the first Xbox 360 High-Definition game will "incorporate Samsung-branded products as well as instances of Samsung's logo as part of the overall HD gaming experience". Perfect Dark Zero, perhaps?
It's all very cosy, but surely the real question is how many people are willing to splash out on a new, expensive TV to go with their new games console? Let us know what you think in the forums.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 29th, 2005, 21:33 Posted By: wraggster
It's barely two weeks until Microsoft finally unveils the Xbox 360 to the world and yet we're still discovering scraps of info to sink our teeth into.
It doesn't help when Xbox Live's director of programming Larry Hryb, also known as Major Nelson, chucks out little teasers like this. Apparently he's just been privy to the 360's start-up screens and it's looking pretty sweet.
Writing in his weblog, Hryb said, "A lot of what I see and do during the day I can't talk about, but I am going to break that theme for just a moment. Today, I became one of the very first people to see the opening animation for the next generation console. That's the animation that you see when you turn the unit on. I can't say much more then that...but I will say this: it's really cool and goes by very quick... So quick that I asked to see it again."
Despite the pleading cries from Hryb's forumites the man would not be budged for more information. It has already been suggested that the start-up animation could resemble the end of the MTV commercial trailing May 12's unveiling. You can see it here.
It's a pretty weird state of affairs when the boot-up animation of a console gets us all excited, but such is our desire for the latest Xbox 360 details we can't help it.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 29th, 2005, 21:49 Posted By: wraggster
Following a spate of recent leaks, none of which Microsoft has been prepared to comment upon, news reaches us from the USA that the Xbox 360 next-generation console logo will feature swirly green lines on a white background.
Microsoft is, er, unprepared to comment, reminding this website that a logo has not been revealed.
"We have not announced the logo for our next-generation platform. I would recommend you tune in to MTV on the 13th of May if you're curious," a spokesperson told us this morning.
What's interesting about this particular "leak" is that the swirly design is very similar to that emblazoned upon the shiny invites Microsoft has been distributing to the press for its pre-E3 press conference on May 16th. It also matches up with an image seen in the trailer for the MTV show.
You can take a look at the logo - originally posted on GamerCentric - and a photo of the Microsoft E3 invite side by side over at our sister site, Eurogamer.net.
As you can see, there's an uncanny resemblance. The question, of course, is whether someone's simply taken a look at that and fashioned an image to fit. We'll know for sure on May 13th.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 29th, 2005, 22:05 Posted By: wraggster
Software giant Microsoft has announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2005, revealing that while the company overall saw solid profit growth, the Xbox division slipped back into the red with a $164 million operating loss.
Revenues in the Home and Entertainment Division, which primarily houses the Xbox project, actually grew year on year - rising to $583 million from $519 million in the same quarter last year.
The operating loss in the division also dropped year on year, falling to $164 million from $204 million, which could be seen as very positive - but can equally be interpreted in light of the fact that the previous quarter, ended on December 31st, saw the division post its first quarterly profit since the launch of Xbox.
That profit, $84 million on revenues of $1.27 billion, was largely driven by sales of Halo 2, while the first calendar quarter of 2005 has been much quieter for Microsoft on the software front. The firm will undoubtedly be hoping that the current quarter will be healthier, however, thanks to the launches of Jade Empire and Forza Motorsport.
In terms of Microsoft's overall performance, a little hit from the Xbox division certainly hasn't made any dent in the giant's progress. Overall revenues of $9.62 billion were reported for the quarter (up from $9.17 billion last year), with a gigantic operating income of $3.3 billion (up from $1.3 billion).
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 30th, 2005, 11:00 Posted By: wraggster
Rockstar Games gave IGN some of the first details on the Xbox port of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Thanks to the superior hardware, the game will see upgraded graphics, 480p and 16:9 progressive widescreen, high-res textures, and increased draw distances. Gamers can customize their own soundtracks and a 30-second instant replay feature is being included.
http://xbox.ign.com/articles/608/608722p1.html
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 30th, 2005, 19:32 Posted By: wraggster
Sure, we’ve received tips about this “leaked†Xbox360 logo. People have been talking about it a lot, going over the fine points of the concentric circles and the font choice. Personally, I’ve avoided the thing. I don’t want to look at it. I refuse to believe this is genuine, especially since I’m really liking what I see of the console itself.
For the sake of argument, let’s assume it is the official design…
It looks absolutely awful. The font is clumsy and bulky. The circle design looks like it was slapped together by a bad wed designer circa 1997. Whoever made it was trying to be clever with the thinner lines; they ended up doling out headaches. If the logo is hard to look at, people won’t look at it. Is that the point of this thing?
What do you think of it?
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
