|
|
|
May 1st, 2008, 19:39 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
A mysterious timer clock has appeared on the official site for Grand Theft Auto 2. Yes, that's right; the ten-year-old game.
The clock on the official site seems to be counting neither up or down (the minutes don't change) but the date 'May 22' is clearly displayed underneath.
Could the long-rumoured Xbox Live Arcade and PSN versions of Grand Theft Auto 1 & 2 be just around the corner then? We can't think of anything else it could be relating to - the game's quite old, after all.
Rockstar's UK office was unfortunately unavailable to comment when we picked up the phone (they're probably playing Cops 'n Crooks), but we'll let you know when the time ticks away.
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 |
|
 |
|
|
|
May 1st, 2008, 20:12 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Video game industry researcher DFC Intelligence has claimed that the Xbox 360 is "starting to look like a senior citizen" and is likely to be the biggest loser in Europe.
In a Next-Gen article, the research company has said the Microsoft's 2007 Christmas line-up has had little impact on the company's position in the marketplace and predicts that PS3 will secure second place this generation.
The research company also had some words to say about Nintendo. "The Wii product line and control system are an evolution of what made the PlayStation 2 so successful in Europe," it says, claiming that Sony's success last generation was due in part to the mass-market appeal of SingStar and EyeToy.
"A key driver behind these products was Phil Harrison, the U.K.-based president of SCE Worldwide Studios. However at the end of February 2008, Harrison left Sony. In many ways this departure is symbolic of how the torch in Europe seems to be passing to Nintendo."
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 1st, 2008, 22:25 Posted By: wraggster
Just hold on a little while longer, Canadian Zune-lovers -- it seems that your wait is almost over. A job listing just popped up on the Vancouver Craigslist, looking for a "Microsoft Zune Program Coordinator" who will "represent our client Microsoft on their launch of Zune in the Canadian marketplace." The job calls for applicants to be available between May 12 and June 20, so if it's legit -- and we hope it is, just because we prefer to believe no one is sad enough to fake this -- it looks like the Zune will finally roll into Canada in just a few weeks.
It might be in a slightly smaller posse, though: the crew over at ClicZune recently took a gander at Microsoft's Candian Zune promo page and noticed that the Zune 30 and the green flash Zunes are conspicuously absent. (Also missing is the recently released red Zune 80, but that was announced after the pages in question were made.) It's hard to tell what this means -- do Canadians hate green things? Are the 30 and green on their way out in the US as well? -- but hopefully we'll get some answers in just a couple weeks.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/01/z...maller-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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 1st, 2008, 22:27 Posted By: wraggster
The watch-dog group Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has set its sights on the rating of GTA IV, primarily because a player can drive drunk in the game. MADD released a statement saying that 'Drunk driving is not a game, and it is not a joke. Drunk driving is a choice, a violent crime and it is also 100 percent preventable.' MADD also is asking Rockstar Games to consider removing GTA IV from distribution 'out of respect for the millions of victims/survivors of drunk driving.' Rockstar replied to MADD by saying 'we have a great deal of respect for MADD's mission, but we believe the mature audience for "Grand Theft Auto IV" is more than sophisticated enough to understand the game's content.' As expected, Jack Thompson is making his usual attention-whoring remarks by comparing GTA IV to the polio virus
http://games.slashdot.org/games/08/05/01/147224.shtml
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 2nd, 2008, 18:13 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
Microsoft has said that it expects the success of Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto IV to boost the number of Xbox Live subscribers.
Released this week, the game has broken sales records in the UK, while Sony of America has claimed the game is helping to sell new PlayStation 3 hardware.
"GTA is unique because it appeals to such a large audience," commented Aaron Greenberg, director of product management for Xbox, reports Reuters.
"It will likely be the the best-selling game launched all year and we expect it will drive a lot of new members to Xbox Live."
Billy Pidgeon, IDC analyst, agrees that the game could eclipse the current Xbox Live favourite and attract consumers who aren't interested in first-person shooters – the dominant online genre.
"This has the capabilities of being more popular online than Halo 3," he said.
"I think the console, even more so than the PC, has the potential to have lots of different types of games be popular online. GTA is an important piece of that. It can lead the way online for a large contingent of players who don't play first-person shooters."
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 2nd, 2008, 18:26 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Microsoft has told Next-Gen that the Xbox 360 version of Grand Theft Auto IV is outselling the PlayStation 3 version by a wide margin in the US, but Sony questions Microsoft's claims.
"What we've heard anecdotally from our retail partners is that the Xbox 360 version of the game is outselling the PS3 version by a margin of two-to-one," said Aaron Greenberg, director of product management for Xbox 360 and Xbox Live during an interview Thursday.
"That mirrors what we saw with pre-orders, but it continues to hold true at retail, at least for the first couple of days. It's a great sign."
But a SCEA rep questioned Microsoft's findings, saying that Microsoft's two-to-one ratio "doesn't line up" with what Sony has been hearing from its retailers. The rep declined to say exactly what Sony has been hearing from its retail partners until more concrete data can be compiled.
Rockstar's GTA IV launched on Tuesday.
In day-one sales in the UK, the Xbox 360 version of GTA IV outsold the PS3 version: 335,000 versus 274,000, respectively, according to Chart Track.
One of the big questions hovering around the release of GTA IV is just how much of an impact the game will have on sales of Xbox 360 and PS3.
SCEA released a statement Thursday saying that GTA IV drove a boost in PS3 sales on the game's launch day, although the company has yet to release hard figures.
Microsoft also has yet to release post-GTA IV hardware sales figures, but Greenberg said, "We've heard from our retailers that the consoles saw strong lifts during the week. We typically wait for [research firm] NPD to give us a better read on that.
"But we expect that GTA IV is definitely driving a lot of people to Xbox 360. ... The fact that we know that we're outselling [the PS3 version] two-to-one on the game is a pretty good sign that a lot of those games are going with a new console out the door."
Asked if April NPD results would definitely show a GTA IV-driven Xbox 360 hardware boost, Greenberg said, "I think we'll have solid performance in April, but I think you might actually see a bigger impact in May."
Analysts (and Sony) point out that the GTA series has deep roots in the PlayStation brand, which still has strong pull with mainstream gamers who have yet to upgrade from their PS2s.
But Greenberg suggested that many gamers are ignoring PlayStation brand loyalty in the case of GTA IV because of the exclusive downloadable content that will be available for the Xbox 360 this fall.
"That's making a big difference in peoples' console purchase decisions. ... GTA fans are switching over to Xbox 360 just like Guitar Hero fans and Madden fans did. ...The same thing is happening with Grand Theft Auto IV."
Greenberg also said that many gamers are "graduating" from the last generation of consoles to this generation via Xbox 360 and GTA IV.
Heavy Xbox Live play
Greenberg said that on day one, roughly 1 million GTA IV users went online with the game on Xbox Live.
"It's been the number one game on Xbox Live since its launch, so it's knocked off Halo 3 and Call of Duty 4," said Greenberg. "At launch, our data shows that out of all of our members on Live, the majority of them were playing GTA IV.
"With a community of over 10 million members, that's pretty rare."
Greenberg also said that 2 million GTA IV achievements were unlocked in the first 24 hours of the game's release. In addition, over 15 million Gamerscore points were added to users' accounts in the first day.
1.5 million cross-game invites also occurred during that period.
Microsoft has been keen to leverage GTA IV's strong online multiplayer component by including a one-month Xbox Live gold subscription with all GTA IV launch copies. The firm hopes the game will drive Xbox Live adoption. Gold subscriptions cost $50 for a full year.
"Our teams have been doing a lot of work in advance of this game, in fact, months. The operations team has been working on scaling our infrastructure around building and increasing our server capacities," he added.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 2nd, 2008, 18:44 Posted By: Shrygue
via IGN
GTA fan hopes rose today with a report from qj.net suggesting that GTA 2 was coming to XBLA and/or PSN at the end of May. This was due to a countdown clock found on Rockstar's site. We're sorry to report that this is not the case.
The clock is old and was counting to the release of GTA 2 on PlayStation One. Checking the source code for the site, the page is credited as being designed in 1999. The code includes a date correction for the 1900s, with a note stating, "apply correction for this century only." Simply put: This code does not understand that the 21st century exists. If you've been searching for a Y2K error, you've found one.
Rockstar confirmed to IGN that the clock is in error and is not counting down to a re-release of GTA 2.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 2nd, 2008, 18:57 Posted By: Shrygue
via Kotaku
Face it: The Xbox 360 hasn't done so hot in Japan. That doesn't mean everyone in Japan hates it. Oh, no! Not at all. In fact, at least a handful people really like the Xbox 360. Look at the above picture. This individual likes the 360 so much, he/she/it bought back-ups. If that's not undying adoration, we really don't know what is.
More photopgrahps here
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
May 2nd, 2008, 18:57 Posted By: wraggster
Xna Game released from sharky
Take to the skies in frenetic WWII dogfighting. Fight it out with up to 10 aircraft - friend and foe!
Single player & 2 player drop-in/drop-out Split-screen.
Battle or Co-op in 5 vs 5 combat.
Fly your choice of 2 legendary WWII aircraft the Spitfire & BF109 - each with their own performance characteristics.
A Special Maneuver control is very handy for avoiding mid-air collisions, or when trying to shake the foe off your six!
Stay tuned for more info and releases at my blog: http://sharky.bluecog.co.nz
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 2nd, 2008, 18:59 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
The Blu-ray Xbox 360 rumours just won't die. Chinese newspaper Economic Daily News is the latest publication to point towards the union of Sony's format and Microsoft's console. Apparently assembly deals for the Blu-ray 360 have already been signed.
According to the publication, Pegatron, a subsidiary of electronic component giant ASUS, has won the order from Microsoft to assemble the Blu-ray-enabled Xbox 360 and shipments are expected to begin in Q3 this year.
It's unclear whether the paper is pointing towards a HD-DVD-style add-on or an entirely new console, but either way it seems to make sense now that the Xbox 360 is left supporting none of the current HD media formats (all one of them) in the shops.
Would Microsoft be able to get away with another Xbox 360 SKU though? Certainly, as PS3 owners, we wouldn't bite.
Microsoft UK was unavailable to comment when we picked up the phone.
In it's latest Blu-ray rumour debunk last month, a company spokesperson said: "As we have stated, games are what are driving consumers to purchase game consoles and we remain focused on providing the largest library of blockbuster games available."
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 2nd, 2008, 19:03 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
That screenshot that you can see over on the right is the latest from Fable 2, Lionhead's RPG sequel.
It's a graveyard, with gravestones, and eldritch mist hovering above the ground. We want our mummies.
There's a lot riding on Fable 2, and anything less that an RPG revolution will be met with huge disappointment.
But the latest demo didn't just hint at massive features, it actually showed them occurring in-game. It's got us sold - Fable 2's going to rewrite the book... Find out why here.
One screenshot
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 2nd, 2008, 19:04 Posted By: wraggster
An awesome looking XNA game coming soon:
Torq2 will be an open-terrain racing game with checkpoint-style races. So far we've implemented a geoclipmapping terrain engine, atmospheric scattering for the sky and terrain, basic physics for the car, shadow maps, and simple checkpoints. It's still in the early stages, so no code or demos yet. As you can see from the FPS count, we've still got some optimisation to do! The gameplay will take the form of randomly assigned checkpoints (within certain limits), and you can get to the next checkpoint any way you like. We'll probably implement network play before we attempt AI opponents.
http://www.gameprojects.com/project/?id=3c68a2457b
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 2nd, 2008, 19:05 Posted By: wraggster
psycadelik has updated his terrain editor for the XNA.:
Create or modify heightmaps and color distribution maps.
Rise, lower, flatten or smooth the terrain.
Generate a random terrain.
Paint textures on your terrain.
Day-Night lighting cycle.
Import/Export heightmaps and colormaps
Save/Load Terrain xml files
and more..
(Updated for XNA 2.0)
http://psycad007.spaces.live.com/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 2nd, 2008, 19:07 Posted By: wraggster
A great looking football game for the XNA in the making:
Arcade football game, developed using XNA.
Fitba is a response to the bland, formulaic approach of current football games, harking back to the days when gameplay was king and rejecting the current obsession with animation-driven games. Fitba gives you football with soul.
The demo has now (10/04/08) been updated to fix a missing dependency in the install, which had caused it to not run on certain machines, and has had mouse support added to help those without a 360 pad connected to their PC.
Nae arms, nae legs, nae worries.
http://www.triplebgames.com
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 2nd, 2008, 19:10 Posted By: wraggster
A library you use for zune games for a nice way to display menus, controls, or simple game information. Great for multi-platform games that would require menu redesigns for the zune.
Features
- Customizable displayed control sets
- Customizable Game Info bar
- Sleek skin thats easy on the eyes
- Created so that it can be switched from portrait/landscape easily
- Menu system that allows for implementing so you can create your own controls (progress bar, volume meter, anything!)
- Nice transistions
Coming Features
- Custom skins
- Icons for displayed control sets
- More default menu control types (progress bar, etc.)
- On-screen keypad
NOTE: Since the XNA 3.0 is still not out, the current version only runs on pc. It will run the same as on the zune.
http://www.gameprojects.com/project/?id=9044342b62
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 2nd, 2008, 19:13 Posted By: wraggster
More XNA Goodness 
Field Pong a physics-based pong game written in C# using XNA 2.0 and the Farseer Physics engine. It's played in a gravitational field which is represented with a grid very much inspired by that in the Xbox Live Arcade game Geometry Wars. You have to have an Xbox 360 game pad to play.
You have full control over your paddle with the left thumbstick and can skilfully spin it using the triggers to whack the ball across the arena. You can shoot out gravity balls with X that suck in the ball and the obstacles with their gravitational fields. Finally, you can shoot bullets with the right thumbstick that bump into the ball and obstacles, pushing them through space. With a bit of practice you can shoot at the ball and push it past your opponent.
I'd love to hear your feedback. If you have any suggestions for new features, please send them my way! I'm always open to new ideas.
http://www.gameprojects.com/project/?id=27fb4c132a
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 2nd, 2008, 19:16 Posted By: wraggster
XNA Game
Agent MOO: Maximum Overdeath is a multiplayer 2d shooter built in XNA. The objective of the game is simple, use all of the weapons and vehicles at your disposal to out-score your opponents! There are currently two game types:
* Free For All:
Classic deathmatch; eliminate other players for points, the player with the most kills wins the game!
* Ghost Ride the Whip:
Jump out of a moving vehicle and bounce off of it for points. The more damage you take, the more points you recieve! Eliminate other players with your weapons to keep them from mooching on your ride.
http://agenmoo.com/ammo
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 3rd, 2008, 01:29 Posted By: wraggster
For all of Microsoft's denial, the Xbox 360 Blu-ray console rumors just will not die. In fact, they are getting more and more specific. The Chinese language Economic Daily News is reporting that Pegatron, an OEM subsidiary of ASUS, has won the order from Microsoft to assemble the Xbox 360 with Blu-ray Disc ROM drive -- shipments are expected to being in Q3 of this year. Now come on Microsoft, just come clean on the matter, we won't tell anyone.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/02/x...-by-september/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 3rd, 2008, 01:33 Posted By: wraggster
Qmotions has been hawking various specialty sports controllers for a while now, but it looks like the company is about to take the next-gen plunge with an upcoming skateboard controller called the Qmotions Big Air for the Xbox 360 -- and best of all, Microsoft is going to let the company build official wireless peripherals. That's an honor Microsoft is pretty hesitant to dole out, but it seems like the ability to wirelessly rip up some Tony Hawk swayed J Allard and co. (We hear Ballmer is a monster in the pipe.) No word on price or game compatibility other than "skateboard games currently on the market," but look for this one to ollie into your heart sometime later this year.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/01/q...rs-to-the-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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 3rd, 2008, 12:04 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released today
Based on the blockbuster movie by Marvel Studios, Iron Man? blasts onto all major gaming platforms May 2008. Immerse yourself in hardcore shooting action and explosive combat from the film as well as exclusive content created just for the game. With freedom to move anywhere in the environment, customize your Iron Man suit and seamlessly transition between ground combat and open air flight as you battle against armies of fighter jets, tanks, armored Super Villains and more. You are a One Man Army. You are Iron Man.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-2hld.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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 4th, 2008, 10:59 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer had admitted that Microsoft had been working on support for Blu-ray under Windows during this year's Mix08 conference. Rumors began to swirl and many began to expect Microsoft to announce a Blu-ray peripheral for the Xbox 360. However, Microsoft came out and denied all rumors, stating that they were not exploring any kind of Blu-ray add-on or in talks with Sony about integrating Blu-ray into the Xbox experience. After months of rumors and denials, the Xbox 360 with a Blu-ray disc drive is due to be manufactured soon and shipped in Q3 of 2008. Pegatron Technology, an OEM subsidiary of Asustek Computer, is reported to have received the winning order from Microsoft for a Blu-ray equipped Xbox 360
http://games.slashdot.org/games/08/05/03/2113247.shtml
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 4th, 2008, 11:03 Posted By: wraggster
Between the comprehensive in-game map, the GPS-imbued minimap, and the TomTom-esque functionality of certain vehicles, we've yet to misplace ourselves within Liberty City's digital boroughs. Still, if you find yourself lost whilst playing Grand Theft Auto IV, we guess this Liberty City map application (mapplication?) using the Google Maps interface would come in handy.
A number of user contributions have already been made to the map, showing the location of hidden items, easter eggs, pigeon locations, stunt jumps, and yes, even hookers, whom we assume were fitted with GPS locaters by trained prostitute handlers before being released back into the wild. It makes for a useful cartographical companion for those with a laptop near their console of choice -- if you don't mind ruining the fun of exploring the nooks and crannies of Rockstar's intricately crafted metropolis for yourself, that is.
http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/03/ex...p-application/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 5th, 2008, 01:28 Posted By: Elven6
For years man has wondered how do I get Internet on my Xbox 360? Today you will need to look no further! I have found a way to have a Internet browser run on the Xbox 360 without no illegal modifications! You must have the following for this to work:
An Xbox 360 with a Internet Connection (Duh!)
Windows OS (XP SP2, Vista)
Windows Media Center hooked up
Steps to follow:
Install Windows Media Center Extender on your Xbox 360 using the following guide
Download and install this program
Once the program is installed check to see it works fine on your PC by doing the following:
Open up Windows Media Center
Scroll over to “Online Media” and enter the “Program Library” Menu
The first program you see their should be called “Browser”, enter it and test it out!
4. Repeat the process on your Xbox 360
Their you have it, a web browser for your Xbox 360, have fun! I have not tested out everything in the browser yet but at least it works! I don’t see why Microsoft would say anything since we are not modifying anything.
The “PC world” knows about this program and its wonders, so I am assuming someone may have tried it on a Xbox 360 already. But a majority of Xbox 360 owners are clueless.
Just a tip: To type press “Y” to open up a virtual Keyboard, maybe a real one will work as well.
Full Article
Please Digg This
So what are your thoughts?
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 5th, 2008, 19:53 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo UK
Music CD's, CD-ROM's, DVD's and games CD's scratch very easily often making the data difficult to read properly. This means read-errors, faults and lost data, as result the data carrier is often worthless.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 5th, 2008, 19:55 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo UK
Locked inside every xbox is a surprising secret: you don't have to play your original xbox games in poor TV quality, you could be playing in Full 16:9 HDTV with Dolby Digital 5.1 stereo sound.
The new Frozen VGA HDTV cable helps you to realize the full potential of the original xbox by allowing you to plug your xbox signal in a vga input.
You can then enjoy all the xbox games in 480i, 480p, 720p or 1080i
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 5th, 2008, 20:01 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo UK are the Chameleon 360 Cases With HDMI Ports
 
For Xbox 360 that include a HDMI port (Elite etc.), this is the ultimate case mod: Great design, XCM Chameleon system with rotating colors, full custom White case
*NOTE*
Controller Faces and HD Shell are not included.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 5th, 2008, 20:03 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft's still isn't solid on a final consumer release date for XNA games for the Zune, but they are aiming for the first CTP (community technology preview) to be released in May. We also learned that Zune games can support ad-hoc wireless play with up to eight players, the devices won't support any hardware 3D acceleration, the "16MB for storing games" we heard before actually refers to how much Zune RAM games can take over, and Microsoft's got at least four games running on the platform (which may or may not ever be released to the public): Zauri (which we've already seen -- video after the break), as well as Hexic, Potato Chase, and Alien Takeover.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/05/z...aimed-for-may/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 5th, 2008, 20:04 Posted By: wraggster
We're beginning to lose count of how many times we've been around this carousel, but just in case you thought yet another rumor would bring the Blu-ray-infused Xbox 360 any closer to reality, Microsoft's out to put the kibosh on your wildest hopes and dreams. Following up on the latest round of whispers that surfaced last Friday, Redmond proclaimed to GamePro: "As we have stated, we have no plans to introduce a Blu-ray drive for Xbox 360." The statement also noted that "games are what drive consumers to purchase game consoles, and we remain focused on providing the largest library of blockbuster games available." Right -- which totally explains your prior relationship with HD DVD.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/05/m...rts-yet-again/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 5th, 2008, 20:14 Posted By: wraggster
New Zealand's Office of Film and Literature had to reiterate this week that store clerks can't sell Grand Theft Auto IV to parents purchasing it for their children. The New Zealand Herald reports the office had to repeat itself after receiving calls from clerks who didn't know what to do when a parent "demanded" to buy GTA IV with their 14-year-old in tow.
GTA IV is rated R18 by the New Zealand government and it's illegal to make it available to anyone under that age. In New Zealand, even if it's their own kid, the adult could be jailed for 90 days or pay $10,000 fine; however, the law has never been enforced.
http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/ne...buying-gta-iv/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 5th, 2008, 20:35 Posted By: wraggster
A lot of New Yorkers, myself included, are getting a little extra kick out of the vibe of Grand Theft Auto IV's Liberty City, which recalls our home boroughs with just enough accuracy to be disorienting.
The farmacias and bodegas in East Holland, the Starbucks-esque cup in every hand, the prevalence of "Craplist" social interaction, even the thriving Russian community beside the boardwalk in Hove Beach where the story begins all capture that tickly feeling of home. But MTV Multiplayer's Stephen Totilo notes that from Bohan to Schottler, there are a few things about New York that GTA IV gets wrong, and he's compiled a tongue-in-cheek list of eight key items that are, as he says, "grossly misrepresented."
1. We are not a car town: No sensible New Yorker uses a car as their primary means of transportation in the city, unless — maybe — they commute from the suburbs. Car ownership doesn't make much sense. There are never any parking spots. Parking garages are prohibitively expensive. And, most importantly, the subway is a faster, cheaper and more efficient means of transportation. We don't drive here. Niko, to be a real New Yorker, should rely on the subway. But what would he be left to grandly thieve?
True enough. Certainly, in New York, only rich commuters who live in swanky penthouses or in the outlying boroughs have cars. Rent here for the average denizen is pricey enough without the cost of gas and parking — and, that aside, I'd never even think of owning a car here just due to the crushing traffic and inconvenience.
But there are a lot of cars here nonetheless, and having been many times a pedestrian nearly clipped by some crazy speeder cornering badly, it's a fun turnabout to be behind the wheel this time. If you do happen to be in a car, people always seem to be wandering into the crosswalk at the worst of times — that, at least, is accurate.
Totilo picks more hangups: There are no dinosaurs at the Met! Times Square — er, Star Junction — should be much more congested with pedestrians, it's true. And bagels are a quintessential part of our diet, unobtainable in Liberty City.
8. We eat bagels: Have I missed something or is it not possible to eat a bagel in "Grand Theft Auto IV"'s Liberty City? Niko can eat burgers, hot dogs and go to diners. But bagels? The most famous New York City food? Never fear, visitors to our town, we have bagels that can be eaten and enjoyed, whether Liberty City acknowledges it or not. Burgers? Waste of time. You can eat them in any town.
Two more that he missed: First, why do Liberty City's pedestrians walk so slowly? You can always spot a tourist as the one who's ambling casually down the sidewalk, neck craned upward to eyeball the skyscrapers. But real New Yorkers, everyone knows, walk at a breakneck pace, head down, heedless of who they shoulder aside, as we are all on the way to someplace very important and you'd better get out of the way.
And finally, where are Manhat— um, Algonquin's legions of tiny, tiny little doggies? It's the must-have accessory for Upper East Siders. We don't mean to quibble with such a fantastic game world, but, you know.
http://kotaku.com/387115/where-are-t...-new-york-city
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 6th, 2008, 11:59 Posted By: JKKDARK
via Gaming Bits
Some new green and meaty screenshots for the upcoming Incredible Hulk videogame were released by SEGA today. See the screenshots here from the Xbox 360 release. The screenshots look better lit than the previously released shots (here). Or maybe the night provides better ambiance for the Hulk?
Go red with rage with the GameStop exclusive Red Hulk. Looks like that will be exclusive to the Xbox 360 system.
The Incredible Hulk will be available from SEGA in June 2008 for the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, Wii, PS2, Nintendo DS and PCs. The game release will likely be in time for the movie's release on June 13, 2008. Visit the official website here.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
May 6th, 2008, 21:17 Posted By: wraggster
From the publisher: Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2 – the sequel to the award-winning next-generation first-person shooter – returns to Sin City. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is your last chance to rescue America’s sexiest city from an escalating terrorist siege that will force you into heart-pounding action from beginning to end. The best are back and this time winner takes all.
Recipient of numerous awards, including 2006 Best First Person Shooter and Best Online Game, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2 will push the top-selling franchise to new heights with new gameplay features and groundbreaking co-op and multiplayer modes.
The Asian version of UBI Soft's critically acclaimed shooter Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 for Xbox360â„¢ is now available at a bargain price of US$ 34.90 only. Although it is an Asian version, the dialogue and texts are completely in English, and the software itself is region free so you can play it on any Xbox360â„¢ console.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...9-en-84-n.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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 6th, 2008, 21:36 Posted By: wraggster
If you haven't yet gotten the chance to update to Zune 2.5, here's a screenshot tour that takes you through the new and notable changes. A lot of the stuff is the same—it's only a point update and not one to change the fundamental features—but there are great updates in the social portion of the software. Hit the jump for the full tour.
http://gizmodo.com/387596/zune-25-up...creenshot-tour
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 6th, 2008, 21:39 Posted By: wraggster
Hear that? That's the sound of dozens of Canadians rejoicing as they finally get a launch date for the Zune in Canada, a year and a half after Zune's debut in the US. As rumored, Canadians will have a slightly limited lineup on offer, with no 30GB or green versions to puzzle over, but the red Zune 80 will indeed be making an appearance, along with the rest of the players. Prices range from $140 to $250 Canadian Dollars, which sources tell us is a real currency akin to salt traded by the ancients or a Starbucks Card.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/06/z...-on-june-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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 6th, 2008, 21:41 Posted By: wraggster
While we're still waiting for the early year flirtations of NBC and Apple to sprout into a renewed relationship, it looks like Microsoft is picking up the ball and running with it. The new Zune Marketplace TV lineup includes NBC favorites "The Office, "Heroes" and "30 Rock," in addition to popular shows from Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, and Sci Fi Channel. Over 800 episodes in total are available at the moment, and all of them are going for 160 Microsoft Points -- about $2.00.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/06/z...some-nbc-love/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 6th, 2008, 21:46 Posted By: wraggster
And you thought $49.99 was cheap. Word on the street has it that Microsoft's Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on, which has been seen as slightly less valuable since Toshiba pulled the plug on the once mighty red format, has stooped to €9.99 across the pond at GameStop (among other locales). For those not savvy on the absurd depreciation of the US dollar, we're talking $15.47 -- and that's with a Media Center remote bundled in, too. We're totally straight-faced when we say that's actually not a half bad deal if you're a fan of the media already out there, but the parsimonious among us are definitely waiting for these to come bundled with our favorite cereals before pulling the trigger.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/06/x...99-in-ireland/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 6th, 2008, 21:48 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has quite a bit in store for the Zune faithful with its new Zune version 2.5 software update. The high points are the new Zune Card integration and the addition of TV show downloads on Zune Marketplace, but much-requested features like gapless playback, improved syncing controls, meta data editing, auto playlists and other tweaks have also been included. On the marketing front, Microsoft is really pushing the Zune Pass going forward, and will be launching a new TV commercial to help plug it. Subscribers will particularly benefit from the new Zune Card sharing, which lets you automatically score copies of your pals' favorite songs, artists and recent plays -- non-subscribers can view that Zune Card info, but will have to buy the tracks if they want to have a listen. Unfortunately, news on the video store front isn't so compelling: Microsoft is only adding TV shows at this point, no movies, and there's no way to pull video you've bought on your 360 over to your Zune. There's no reason Microsoft can't close this loop and turn some scattered media offerings into a compelling ecosystem, but until then we suppose we'll have to thank our lucky stars that we can shell out 160 MS Points ($2.00) for TV shows we can watch for free online. The 2.5 Spring Update is a free download and should be available nowish.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/06/z...-card-sharing/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 6th, 2008, 21:52 Posted By: wraggster
Niko Bellic apparently isn't stopping with conquering with Liberty City, he's now extended his dominion as Grand Theft Auto IV took the top slot on the weekly Xbox Live activity charts, dethroning longtime king Call of Duty 4. The rest of the top five was rounded out by Halo 3, Guitar Hero III and that old stalwart, Gears of War.
To anyone who's grown accustomed to their friends list just being a solid column of "GTA IV" this shouldn't come as much of a surprise. But we'll be interested to see if the game's multiplayer can help it hang on in the charts even after fans start finishing Niko's story en masse.
http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/gt...box-live-hill/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 6th, 2008, 21:53 Posted By: wraggster
Take-Two has sued the Chicago Transit Authority for violating its free speech and contractual rights after the authority pulled ads for Grand Theft Auto IV on the transit system without explanation. Reuters reports that Take-Two accuses the CTA of violating the contract for the $300,000 ad campaign that involved running GTA IV ads around the transit system for six weeks between April and June.
The suit seeks an order for the CTA to run the ads, as well as at least $300,000 in damages. Reuters states the GTA IV posters were removed following a FOX news report on the ads. Now, we're not lawyers (although we do have one writing for us), so we can't say if the CTA violated a basic contract, but Chicago residents should let us know if they see the ads back up and snap a photo.
http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/ta...ng-gta-iv-ads/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 6th, 2008, 21:59 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
Chart-Track has released finalised UK sales data for Grand Theft Auto IV's launch date and first full week, showing sales of 926,000 units for the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions combined.
Day one sales were 631,000 units. The first week sales were spread across five days. According to Chart-Track, GTA IV software revenue is bigger than the entire software market revenue of any week so far this year after the first week of 2008.
Chart-Track also reported that the first week of GTA IV software units has already surpassed all but the top three All Formats titles of 2007 - FIFA 08, Brain Training and Call of Duty 4.
514,000 copies were sold for Microsoft's Xbox 360 and 413,000 copies were sold for Sony's PlayStation 3 - a split of 55 per cent to 45 per cent.
Chart-Track is reporting that GTA IV's launch had almost the same effect on console hardware sales for both systems - with PS3 hardware sales up 127 per cent from the previous week and Xbox 360 hardware sales up 125 per cent.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, which launched on 29 October 2004, sold 501,000 copies on its first day and 677,000 units during its first week - which consisted only of two days. At the time it was released, the PS2 had an installed base of approximately 6.6 million.
San Andreas still holds the day one and week one record for the individual format, but GTA IV is the new record holder for all formats.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 6th, 2008, 22:17 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Microsoft has unveiled this week's Xbox Live Arcade title, Wits and Wagers.
It's billed as "the trivia party game where you don't need to know the right answers to win". You can achieve success just by making educated guesses, playing the odds or knowing your competitors well.
There are more than 700 trivia questions and up to four players can take part in online games. Up to six of you can play offline. The game supports the Xbox Live Vision Camera and the Big Button Pad that comes bundled with Scene It!
Wits and Wagers will be available for download from Wednesday, priced at 800 Microsoft Points - that's GBP 6.80 / EUR 9.60 in the old money.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 7th, 2008, 18:51 Posted By: wraggster
New from Consolesource
Team Xecuter has done consumers a huge favor by developing a solution to the “red ring of death†problem that plagues so many Xbox 360 consoles. Installation is a snap and the price can not be beat at only $11.99 per kit. Order the Xecuter RROD Red Ring Of Death Fix For Xbox 360 today at ConsoleSource.com
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 7th, 2008, 18:52 Posted By: wraggster
New from Consolesource
XCM has just updated their popular first person shooter adapter for the Xbox 360. The XFPS Sniper Plus offers increased compatibility and accuracy over previous models. The XFPS Sniper Plus is available now for $94.95.
Compatible with all Xbox 360â„¢ games
Compatible with all versions of Xbox 360â„¢ consoles
Compatible with new version of Xbox 360â„¢ wired controller
Can map all the 360 controller keys (include both analog sticks) to any key of the keyboard.
Compatible with 95% of different kind of mouse and keyboard.
High sensitivity, precision and smoothness
Built in Turbo (Auto Fire) functionality. Independent Auto fire buttons: Eight customizable auto-fire buttons
Can adjust the mouse sensitivity from 2 extra wheels with 16 levels of
adjustment for X and Y sensitivity to adapt perfectly to every mice.
Connect PS2â„¢ compatible controllers to your Xbox360â„¢
Compatible with PS2â„¢ joypads, light guns, racing wheels, dancing mats & more
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 8th, 2008, 01:27 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft is apparently quite happy with the hardware sales boost it received with the release of GTA IV in Europe. GameDaily reports that a representative for Microsoft Europe said, "Today is has become clear that consumers are finding Xbox 360 the best way to experience Liberty City." Microsoft stated that Xbox 360 console sales jumped 125% in the UK, "reflecting the popularity of this franchise on the platform."
Not to rain on Microsoft's parade, but the company didn't actually reveal a sales number to go with that 125%. So, for all we know, the week before GTA IV released the company sold 10 consoles in the UK, and the following week it sold about 23. Let's put an end to the war of percentages! We know victory is 200% sweeter when fought that way ... but we believe that's true only 33% of the time.
http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/gt...ump-125-in-uk/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 8th, 2008, 01:37 Posted By: wraggster
Yesterday, NBC jumped aboard Starship Zune after its protracted breakup with iTunes. It's clear why—and going with NBC's pricing was only part of it. Saul at the NYTimes says that Microsoft has agreed to develop a copyright filter that would block pirated content from being played on Zunes. Which is exactly what NBC was demanding from iTunes. Sucks, right? Well NBC's president of digital distribution just thinks you don't know what's good for you:
http://gizmodo.com/388219/microsoft-...irated-content
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 8th, 2008, 01:45 Posted By: wraggster
One lonely Zune owner in West Hollywood is searching Craigslist high and low for one of his own—a simple lady to "rocket sweet tracks up each other's Zune slots." Isn't looking for a Zune-using soulmate the technological equivalent of being the last unicorn, fervently searching Earth for a companion, but ultimately settling on a one night stand with a horse* on its way to the glue factory? We mean, what was meant to be a one night stand. Before her kids moved in. Of course, if this is a viral ad, it's far less funny. And it probably is.
*Admittedly, we have to place in our Zune-unicorn metaphor for the role of the horse. So you can just assume the Zune owner resorts to herpes-covered prostitute who uses a Rio or something
http://gizmodo.com/388212/zune-owner...ove-connection
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 8th, 2008, 01:46 Posted By: wraggster
While at the Zune Media Event in Redmond on Monday, the media had some downtime between presentations, and naturally the conversation moved to Microsoft vs. Apple. The mix of bloggers, reporters and Microsoft advertorial/internal bloggers provided some predictable replies. iPhone's keyboard sucks...WinMo's browser is blah...The iPhone isn't mainstream because my grandma doesn't care about it...on and on. Then the convo turned to iPod vs. Zune, and the question of Zune's lack of Mac support came up. The closest anyone came to giving a good reason was suggesting Mac users bought Apple products more for the logo than the actual product, meaning they'd never abandon the iPod for a Zune. A fair point, perhaps, but a silly reason for a company to justify their lack of support for another platform.
http://gizmodo.com/388190/seriously-...upport-for-mac
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 8th, 2008, 19:51 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
On May 16 - that's next Friday - you'll be able to pick up PS2 and Xbox 360 versions of PES 2008 on the cheap(ish).
Both iterations are going budget, you see, the Xbox 360 version to retail at £24.99 and the PS2 version at £19.99. Konami calls the trip to the bargain bin for the duo "the essential summer signing".
PES 2008 was received reasonably well by critics - well, apart from the PS3 version, which Pro Evo creator Sebass himself has admitted was "far from what we wanted".
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 8th, 2008, 19:58 Posted By: Shrygue
via Joystiq
Reports that Xbox 360's Jasper chipset will begin shipping in August continue to hum along, as China Economic News Service has named three Taiwanese companies that have been contracted to manufacture, test and package the pair of 65nm microprocessors in preparation for a summer rollout. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) will build the chips, Advanced Semiconductor Engineering will test and package them, and Nanya will supply flip-chip packaging substrates (which sure do sound important). The Jasper combo will ideally use less power, simplify cooling and, most importantly, cut back on the console's jibba jabba.
Industry analysts have also pegged TSMC as the primary candidate for Valhalla chipset production (in addition to the Jasper contract, TSMC has also built 90nm chips for an older version of Xbox 360). Valhalla is rumored to be a single super-chip that combines the properties of a 65nm CPU and 65nm GPU, and is expected to be incorporated into Xbox 360 hardware in the fall of 2009.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 8th, 2008, 20:07 Posted By: Shrygue
via IGN
Get your Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 connected to the net today and you'll find yourself the opportunity to grab a demo of Race Driver: GRID, Codemasters' latest racer that looks to wow petrolheads this coming summer – and as an extra incentive to take up some of your beloved hard drive space, there's the chance to win a BMW 3-Series car for EU players who can bag the fastest lap.
Offering up a generous cross section of Codemasters' comprehensive take on the world of racing, the demo allows players to get behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang GT-R in San Francisco, a Nissan S15 Silvia around the docks of Yokohama and a BMW 320si on the Spanish Jarama circuit.
The BMW 3-Series – which would normally set you back to the tune of over £20,000 – will be contested for in a final showdown in the zavvi store on London's Oxford Street on May 23, with the top five players taken from the European online leaderboards and duking it out face to face.
Xbox 360 owners can get their hands on the demo now, and it's expected to land on the PlayStation Network later today.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 8th, 2008, 20:11 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Someone at Microsoft must've realised that Ninja Gaiden II's out next month, because it's gone and stuck EVERY screenshot and movie left of the Tecmo slasher onto the internet; that's 41 screenshots and three movies of ninja carnage.
It's out on June 6 and there's a demo planned to appear on Xbox Live Marketplace sometime before release (hopefully this month).
We recently did a week of coverage on the 360 sequel, including this hands-on preview with the latest version of the game - New York City and katana-wielding dogs included. Have a read while the thumbnails below struggle to load.
Trailers
Screenshots
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 8th, 2008, 20:19 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Liverpool-based developer Bizarre Creations has finished all work on Project Gotham Racing 4 and won't be working on any further downloadable content packs.
When asked about what might be in a future update from the team, community man Ben Ward explained: "I'm afraid Bizarre Creations won't be adding anything more to PGR4 in the future. We've completed the hand-over to Microsoft, so any further add-ons will come from them and not us I'm afraid."
There's been no word from Microsoft on PGR's next move as of yet.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 9th, 2008, 00:29 Posted By: wraggster
While our primary gripe with the 360 continues to be drive noise, any improvements to the console that might subdue the impression it's eating our games and heating our continent would certainly be welcome. Microsoft's Jasper 65nm chipset has been in the works for the Xbox 360 for a while, and now reports are coming fast and furious that Taiwanese companies are picking up the contracts for the chips, and the new setup will be sucking down less wattage and pumping out less heat by August of this year. After that attention will turn to the rumored Valhalla, to be built by the same Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., which will combine the CPU and GPU into a new super-efficient chip for fall of '09 if these reports are anything to go by.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/x...ugust-release/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 9th, 2008, 00:46 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft's recently refurbished Zune store features a lot of NBC content like Heroes and The Office, but it looks like it may have come at what could be a steep price: NBC recently told the New York Times that it's working with Microsoft to develop "copyright filters" for the Zune that would "remove pirated movies and videos." (We'll pause for a moment so you can gape appropriately.) Granted, it's not clear whether NBC wants to actually delete non-DRM'd media or simply block playback, but apparently the network thinks it's an issue on par with variable pricing, and it's not in the iTunes Store because Apple refuses to cooperate. Microsoft, on the other hand, is apparently cheerfully working on such a solution, dubbed the "copyright cop," and says that it's sympathetic to NBC's concerns because it also suffers from piracy issues. Sigh. Of course, none of this is new territory for NBC or Microsoft: the two companies are working in similar content filtering systems to be implemented at the ISP level with AT&T, and NBC and SanDisk are working on a filter for Sansa players as well. Still, if Microsoft is serious about competing with the iPod, signing up for consumer-hostile DRM systems that actually block playback and potentially delete files just isn't the way to do it -- let's hope this one dies on the vine.
Update: Although a spokesperson told the NYT that Microsoft was working with NBC on anti-piracy efforts, the company is now saying that it has no plans to implement a "copyright cop" in the Zune, and the Zune Insider blog confirms. Great, now just cancel the ISP-level filtering system and we'll be all set.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/07/m...ters-for-zune/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 9th, 2008, 01:04 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft is teaming up with the Boys & Girls Club of America to help kick-off the inaugural National Family Fitness Day on May 12.
The event will take place at the Children’s Aid Society’s Dunlevy Milbank Center Boys & Girls Club, New York and inclide a chance to play DanceDanceRevolution UNIVERSE 2 on the Xbox 360 for free. Supermodel Christie Brinkley and health expert and physician Dr. Carlon Colker will both be on hand to kick things off.
Boys & Girls Clubs in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Seattle will also be hosting similar Family Fitness Day events, though none of them will be getting a super model on hand.
“Making sure that my children stay active and healthy is my top priority,†Brinkley said. “My children and I love to find new and exciting ways to get up and get moving, and playing games like ‘DanceDanceRevolution’ on Xbox 360 lets my kids have fun and get fit at the same time. And I have to admit, I have a blast playing it too.â€
The event is happening the week before Wii Fit takes over a part of Central Park with their own fitness expert: Ashley Borden
http://kotaku.com/5008300/xbox-360-s...ly-fitness-day
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 9th, 2008, 19:35 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Microsoft is set to showcase its 2008 Christmas line-up of Xbox 360 games at a North American media summit early next week, US press have blabbed.
The event, which happens on Tuesday, May 13, will showcase several of the platform holder's 2008 games including Fable II, Gears of War II and (finally) the first look at Rare's mysterious Banjo-Kazooie sequel.
There are also rumours doing the rounds that we'll finally see the curtain lifted on the heavily rumoured 360 motion controller, though we know about as much as you do on that one.
We'll be reporting live next week from whatever San Francisco floor space MS decides to flog its wares from, so look out for our live reports and hands-on impressions throughout the next week.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 9th, 2008, 19:39 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Microsoft bigwig Aaron Greenberg has attacked Sony for what he sees as a failure to deliver on promises.
Among his targets were Killzone 2, PlayStation Home, PSN functionality, 1080p support, Blu-ray, Sixaxis and rumble.
"We have been fighting Sony's promises from the day we entered the market. Three years ago at E3 they showed what PS3 games would supposedly look like with the Killzone 2 video, that we are now learning will ship four years later. That means that we will have shipped Gears of War and Gears of War 2 before they can even get Killzone out the door," Greenberg told Destructoid.
"Think back to GDC 2007 when Sony promised to leap ahead in online with the Sony Home unveil. Here we are two years later and multiple delays for a product that has appears to have little to no buzz. Where are the achievements? The friends list integration across all games? Where is the long-promised video store?
"Where are all the other products using and networking with their Cell chip? How come Blu-ray did not result in better games? What happened with Sixaxis and rumble? Where is the complete 1080p game library we were promised? If Blu-ray, as they said, would be such a catalyst to PS3 console sales, then why have PS3 sales over the past couple months not seen any lift since the format victory?" he added.
The reality for Greenberg is that the Xbox 360 "is leading this generation" because it has sold more consoles, has more games and exclusives as well as "the leading online service and community". Unsurprisingly he's confident Xbox 360 will extend "its lead" over PS3 this year.
Greenberg says Microsoft has a 5 million unit lead over Sony around the world. That's double the PS3 in the US, and one million more in Europe, which, er, is not what Sony Europe boss David Reeves said earlier this week.
"The days of Sony snowing the consumers and the press are over, I think the pressure is now really on them more than ever to deliver on all of these promises," concluded Greenberg.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 9th, 2008, 19:43 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
The first gameplay footage of Gears of War 2 will be released on Xbox Live Video Store tomorrow at 7am BST, Microsoft's just announced.
Featuring a "personal introduction by Epic Games design director Cliff Bleszinski", it will showcase "chainsaw duels, large scale fire fights with Locust Horde and stunning new visuals" all from within the game.
Gears of War 2 is due out in November exclusively on Xbox 360.
Check out our Gears of War 2 gamepage for everything we already know, including the existing trailers.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 9th, 2008, 23:38 Posted By: wraggster
Madmab released a new version of Atarixlbox - a Atari 800/5200/130/320/XL/XE Emulator port for Xbox1.
What's new/fixed (Atari core related changes):
* Fixed new pokey sound issues. Using a modified new_pokey engine by foft, author of the GP2x port of atari800.
* Core updated to ver 2.03 with the exception of the pokey engine.
* New NTSC palette code using some routines created by Kr0tki.
* Autoconfiguration for select games. If you do not have a game configured and the emu finds a matching crc in the configs\game directory it will ask you if you wanna use it.
* 5200 Overlay support!! Now you can bring up the corresponding overlay for whatever 5200 title you are playing. Just use the same button used to bring up the onscreen keyboard (currently left trig+x for 5200). Use left analog or digital pad to select a keypad button. Right analog moves the overlay around. Black makes more transparent, white less transparent. The overlay location is saved for each title.
* Support for the 5200 analog stick. It is only read when in 5200 mode.
* Dual Analog support! Yeah Dual Robotron and Space Dungeon baby!! Just check out the configuration screen and enable dual analog.
* Trackball support! Use for games like Missile Command and Centipede(info). Plus a trackball/analog stick sensitivity mode to make certain games more playable. 100 is the default. 70-80 is a decent setting for titles like Missle Command and Super Breakout.
* Replaced generic keyboard with 130xe look alike (only used within game). Keyboard can be moved with right analog stick. Keyboards location and transparency are saved in each games configuration.
* Extra functionality for the virtual keyboard. Cursor can be moved with the analog stick. X button toggles shift key. Y toggles ctrl key. Start presses enter and back backspaces. White/Black change the keyboard transparency.
* Lightgun support. Barnyard Blaster, Bug Hunt, Crossbow, and Special Forces play pretty well.
* New default "Miner 2049'er skin" you can change it to the "old_atarixlbox" if it rakes on your nerves.
* Ability to pick a file from within a zip file. That way multi-disk games can be zipped now. Code stolen from the ViceX emulator. Keep in mind that if you play any game that "saves" to a floppy, that disk has to be a seperate UNZIPPED file.
* New option in the "Game Options" menu to display what files are "loaded" in drives 1 thru 4. Plus I added a rotate disks option. Press the A button when viewing the loaded disks.
* Added rotate_disks option to the controller setup.
* Option in configuration menu to allow swapping of joystick in port 1 and 2. I think like a total of two 8-bit and 1 5200 game use this.
* Rewind and slow down functionality. This was already in the last release by x-port but I just wanted to re-iterate. :P
* Ability to turn on/off player/missile/playfield collisions (for cheating). Try it on games like Pacman or Jumpman. The collision setting is not saved, but the sprite collision detection settings are saved on exit. So all it takes is a simple hop into the options menu to re-activate it.
* Added in to configuration menu "do not allow activating attract mode". Really only useful in demo's. This and above idea borrowed from AwinPlus.
* Paddles 0 & 1 are now mapped to sticks 1 &2, or 3&4 depending on what port you have the mouse set too.
* Added built in disk menu for using with megaimages. When you turn this option on the emulator will read the disk and display all games on it for your selection. It's under the "computer specific options" and it's called "Use built in disk menu". Thanks to HiassofT for letting me use Picodos as the built in disk menu.
* Add in the ability to play SAP music. I used the ASAP code made by Piotr Fusik. Playback speed (for SAP files) can be set to either NTSC or PAL. For those not in the know SAP is like the Atari equivalent of the SID collection for the C64. Check it out at "http://asma.atari.org". The player can also play the following formats, CMC (Chaos Music Composer), CMR (CMC Rzog), DMC (DoublePlay CMC), MPT (Music ProTracker), MPD (MPT DoublePlay), RMT (Raster Music Tracker), TMC, TM8 (Theta Music Composer 1.x), TM2 (Theta Music Composer 2.x).
* modified the cheat code system to read/write values the way an Atari would. That way you can check, for example, the player/missile collision registers to see if a collision happened. Or you could (in theory) disable certain sound channels, etc.
* Added ability to add in cheat codes from a Gameshark compatible database (see description below). This includes the ability to export the cheat codes in a game to "share" with your friends. Cheat/rumble codes are included for most 5200 games. When "adding" codes from the gameshark DB it will move you to the entries with a matching CRC. If not you'll have to manually find the game (sorry, only one CRC per game).
* Fixed artifact mode selection option, it can now be used for games like (drol, lode runner, etc).
* Fixed screenshot saves. The colors are now correct.
* Corrected screen not displaying properly when no filter is selected. (look at the ladders in games like donkey kong and jumpman). Filters still place garbage on the right and bottom of the screen though. Thanks to x-port for advice.
* Record/playback now work correctly. Thanks to x-port for advice. It now also records all keyboard presses and 5200 analog movement as well as Paddles 0 & 1.
* Added a record analog (yes/no) option so you can double the record time for those 5200 games that do not really need the analog stick (galaxian, pitfall, etc). Analog stick will be disabled.
* Changed so player/missile detection still occurs when fast forwarding.
* "autodetect" for media type. In most cases you can exit the options screen and be good to go (see tips on getting a game to run). Unfortunately cart types have to be selected, but I did make it easier (see "oddball cart types" below).
* Turned on code for upload/downloading configurations to website.
* Thanks to Brian Berlin (aka eegt97) 5200 Star Trek and Pitfall can be started now. Brian did the pc 5200 emu kat5200. Be sure to check it out!
* 5200 games like Missile Command, Centipede, Pole Position, Pengo, and Xari Arena are playable. Super Breakout is a little more playable.
* Thanks to Kr0tki Bounty Bob is now playable. There are only two working versions of Bounty Bob that I know of. The correct 5200 dump and the cassette version released in the UK. I highly suggest the 5200 version, UK version is a little slower. Set the UK version to PAL for it to work properly.
* Netplay should now work properly and it passes keypresses as well. No analog yet though.
* For Interface related changes and Internal changes, check the full changelog
http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=650067
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 10th, 2008, 00:23 Posted By: wraggster
Ever wonder where Zunes are designed? Well, right now it's all done in a fairly non-descript and temporary office building on Microsoft's sprawling campus in Redmond. (Soon enough a few hundred Zune employees will be packing up and moving to a new building that's currently under construction, though.) We recently got a chance to peek around the cube farm and spend some time with employees in the laid-back Zune lounge -- check it out!
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/09/z...ers-mini-tour/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 10th, 2008, 00:56 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released today:
features
BRUTAL IN-YOUR-FACE COMBAT with brand new vicious combo attacks and over-the-top finishing moves. Bare-fisted combat, grappling, bone breaking and neck snapping - whatever it takes to disable the enemies.
ONLINE GAMING for up to eight players with three unique modes for both Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. Never before has the Condemned universe supported online action!
A BAD-ASS ARSENAL now totally expanded to include items taken straight from the environment. Tire irons, bricks, toilet seats, antlers, flaming 2x4s, mannequin arms and mop buckets, just to name a few. Pick your punishment!
MASSIVE GUNPLAY made possible by powerful projectile-based weapons like the sub-machine gun, crossbow, shotgun, 9MM handgun, and .45 caliber pistol.
OWN YOUR INVESTIGATION with an inventive approach to solving crime scenes naturally sewn into the action. You will be rewarded with unlockable weapons and achievements along the way.
GRITTY REALISTIC ENVIRONMENTS with secondary objectives and multiple path solutions so that players never get bored. Atmospheric elements and chilling ambiance that will make every player cringe at every turn.
SMART AND DEVIOUS ENEMIES featuring highly realistic AI behavior -- befriend them, and they just might fight on your side.
description
Condemned 2: Bloodshotâ„¢ ratchets up the bone-crushing brutality of the popular psychological thriller with an all-new fighting system and for the first time, online multiplayer modes. As Ethan Thomas, the unstable and disgraced Serial Crimes Unit investigator, you will face horrifying enemies and endless heart-stopping surprises in the shadows of a strange and sinister world. Utilize a new set of high-tech forensic tools and fight off violent enemies on the perilous hunt for your missing partner. You'll need to use anything and everything in the environment to survive as you unravels the mysteries shrouding the city in darkness. Condemned 2: Bloodshot is set to horrify the masses in 2008.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-2nnh.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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 10th, 2008, 01:02 Posted By: wraggster
By installing the vmcNetflix Plugin to a Vista Premium Media Center computer, you can watch streamed Netflix content on an Xbox 360. It's buggy, but its a lot better than watching Netflix on a laptop screen. (Providing you have Netflix, an Xbox 360 and a Vista Media Center.) Maybe Netflix should open up streaming to lots of devices, not just windows PCs as of today. I know Mac support is coming, but combining wide support for their online services with disc delivery, it could be a pretty sweet hybrid of the old and new.
http://gizmodo.com/389185/watch-netf...-your-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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 10th, 2008, 21:18 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft is still toiling away at the Zune, but there isn't a whole terrible much to show for it so far in regards to market impact. They just broke the 2 million mark, almost a year after they hit 1 million in May 2007. That means growth has hardly accelerated since the second-gen players hit the scene. Zune's overall market share has grown from three to four percent, but that's most likely a steal from Creative (which sunk from four to two percent) than a steal from Apple or second-place SanDisk (with a billionty and 11 percent, respectively). But don't worry, we're sure that 2.5 update is going to change everything.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/10/z...eative-not-ap/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 12th, 2008, 20:01 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
The first images from Rare's upcoming Banjo-Kazooie 3 (said to be called Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts) have been leaked online, showing off the art style and a vehicle creation screen for the very first time.
As we reported last week, Microsoft is rumoured to be showcasing this year's Christmas line-up tomorrow at a North American media summit.
Banjo 3 was tapped to be unveiled, along with Fable 2 and Gears of War 2. Unfortunately for Microsoft, the bear has jumped out the door prematurely.
It's not all bad, though. As you can see from the screens we nabbed from NeoGaf, the game looks set to be not only a lot pretty than previous Banjo games, but a little different to your usual platformer.
We'd like to point out that this isn't a Banjo kart racing game even though most of internet seems to think it is.
A spokesperson from Rare told us, "People haven't seen the half of it yet and we'd rather people wouldn't draw their own conclusions until Rare's had a chance to properly talk about the game."
They'll get their chance tomorrow at 5pm (BST). Be there (here). We can't say any more than that. But check back tomorrow.
16 screenshots here
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
May 12th, 2008, 20:02 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Rare has told Eurogamer that Banjo-Kazooie 3 is not a racing game and that you are better off waiting for its official unveiling tomorrow before jumping to conclusions.
The developer was responding to the leaked screenshots of the game that arrived this morning and featured plenty of vehicles, some of which appeared to be racing, or chasing each other.
"We haven't revealed the gameplay mechanic yet," George Kelion, Rare community manager, told us. "It's not a racing game, and people are honestly better off waiting until tomorrow when we are going to be talking about it extensively before drawing their own conclusions.
"The honest truth is that people don't know the half of it yet. The game is not just a graphical showcase."
Banjo-Kazooie 3 is due out exclusively on Xbox 360 this Christmas.
Expect more information from the Microsoft press event this week.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 12th, 2008, 20:04 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
Microsoft has said that during the first week on sale, 40 per cent of new Xbox 360's were sold with a copy of Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto IV.
The news comes days after Microsoft revealed other significant sales figures claiming 60 per cent of software sales were of the Xbox 360 version, and that the spike pushed hardware sales by 54 per cent.
"The game is attaching well to new consoles, roughly 40 per cent of 360s going out the door had a copy of GTA IV going with them," said a spokesperson on the Major Nelson podcast.
Chart Track data in the UK shows that 514,000 Xbox 360 copies of Grand Theft Auto IV were sold in its first week, while 413,000 copies sold were of the PlayStation 3 SKU.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 12th, 2008, 20:06 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Marty McFly has put five free TimeShift maps on Xbox Live. Biff tried to stop him but Doc helped and everything turned out alright in the end.
This Futures-Past bundle is based around the multiplayer side of things, and all fresh locations will be compatible with every game type.
TimeShift came out at the end of last year on PC and 360 but failed to have the sort of impact its time-bending premise had promised. It came out on PS3 a bit later.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 12th, 2008, 20:24 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Assault Heroes 2 is due out on Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday and Sierra Online has confirmed a price tag of 800 Microsoft Points. You knew all this, of course, but it never hurts to remind yourself.
Developed by Wanako Studios (still funny), it's a two-stick shooter in the same vein as the first game, but with a bigger campaign, more destructible environments, more exotic vehicles and an extra edge to the on-foot gunplay.
It also has fancier bosses, as you'll know if you've watched our Assault Heroes 2 bosses trailer, which should put up more of a fight during the two-player co-operative mode, which was a "pleasurable romp" good enough to rescue the first game from relative mediocrity.
At least that's what some idiot wrote when the first one game out in late 2006. Whether the sequel will achieve this much will be a question of how it copes with tougher competition from the likes of Heavy Weapon (well, Kristan liked it) and also Mutant Storm Empire.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 12th, 2008, 20:27 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Microsoft's 'Ninja Gaiden assets man', as we call him, has been busy again, firing us five short videos of the face slasher this morning.
You've already seen plenty of Ryu going mental with his sword (after screenshot man's previous explosion last Thursday), so these videos are instead custscenes intro-ing five big baddies who need their faces chopped.
If you missed it, Ryu had his face plastered all over CVG a few weeks back, when we got our hands on an early version of the game to plough through.
Check out this detailed hands-on preview, and hold tight for the game's June 6 release.
Video clips here
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
May 12th, 2008, 23:07 Posted By: masterchief929
via http://gizmodo.com/389597/one+eyed-a...ts-an-xbox-360
This modder is obviously very talented.
This mod did not actually include the harming or death of an alligator, crocadile, or any other creature alike.
This was made with hand sculpted layers of Bondo that was painted and had a clear coat applied.
The power button is an eyeball made out of plastic.
I think that it is a very cool affect. HEY MICROSOFT! HINT! HINT! errrr...
Anyway, you can follow the link and find pictures of before, during, and after.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 12th, 2008, 23:23 Posted By: masterchief929
via: http://gameplasma.com/index.php?do=viewarticle&id=489
Gears of War 2 is probably one the highest anticipated games that will be coming out later this year. Some of the guys down at GamePlasma.com got to play a level.
In this level you are riding in a new vehicle called a Derrik. It is basically a large truck with the ability to dig into the ground and find out where the Locust are hiding. They got to experience some of the new gameplay features that have been added. The one that i am looking forward to the most is the ability to snap a Locust's neck. :thumbup:
Some of the new gameplay features also include:
-chainsaw battles (you and an opponet attack each other with a chainsaw at the same time and press a button repeatedly to kill the opponet.)
-smoother chainsaw action
-Locust can now sink entire cities,
-the ability to have more locusts on screen,
-more destruction,
-new vehicles.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 13th, 2008, 20:03 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
The Xbox 360 version of Grand Theft Auto IV has heavily outsold the PS3 version at North America's largest specialist videogame retailer.
According to sales data obtained by Level Up, 64 percent of the copies of Grand Theft Auto IV sold at GameStop during the game's first week of availability were for Xbox 360, while the remaining 36 percent were for PS3.
According to pre-April NPD sales data, Microsoft's Xbox 360 had an installed US base of 9.9 million units, compared to a PS3 installed base of 4.1 million units. Of the combined total of 14 million hardware units, Xbox 360 commanded a 70.7 percent market share and PS3 a 29.3 percent share. Arguably therefore, the Xbox 360 version of the title has underperformed at GameStop, while the PS3 version has exceeded expectations.
Here's what Microsoft and Sony had to say about the GameStop GTA IV sales figures.
"... It is fantastic to hear that we beat PS3 two to one on Grand Theft Auto sales from a major retailer like GameStop," said Xbox group product manager Aaron Greenberg. "These sales results add GTA IV to a long list of franchises that have switched over from PlayStation to find a new home on Xbox 360 similar to what happened last year with titles like Madden and Guitar Hero."
SCEA's senior vice president of marketing Peter Dille countered, "There's a larger installed base right now on Xbox 360 than on PS3. So it's not surprising that there's going to be more selling on Xbox 360 than PS3... With an installed base lead that's close to 3-1, if you're bragging about a 60-40 software split, it's clear evidence that the PlayStation 3 consumer is overindexing on GTA IV, and the PlayStation brand loyalty that we've been talking about is bearing itself out in the marketplace as we speak."
The NPD Group is expected to release April videogame hardware and software sales data after market close on Thursday, which should give a much clearer indication of how GTA IV has performed on both platforms relative to their installed bases.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 13th, 2008, 20:10 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Microsoft has said Too Human will be released in Europe on 29th August, and in the US ten days earlier on 19th August.
This is the Silicon Knights action role-playing game that has been in development for a long, long time, and kicked up considerable controversy along the way.
It's part of a trilogy rumoured be the most expensive in videogame history, with each instalment said to cost between USD 80 million and 100 million.
The stigma attached to it resulted in rather negative feedback after a sketchy demo was shown at E3 2006, probably resulting in its absence at the event a year later.
Silicon Knights also kicked up a considerable legal argument with Unreal Engine 3 creator Epic along the way.
Too Human takes place in a futuristic Norse land set in an ancient past, confusingly. You play Norse god Baldur and slash or shoot your way through a storyline alongside other deities wearing equally fancy armour.
Perhaps most exciting is its four-player co-operative play where you and your friends can meet up in a hub-like area and tackle the game content on much harder difficulty settings all in the name of elusive loot to either keep or trade online with others.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 13th, 2008, 20:11 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Microsoft has just chimed in to say Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One will be available next Wednesday on Live Arcade.
Not only is it a long title, but it's made by adventure game legend Ron Gilbert with the help of the artistically gifted chaps from Penny Arcade: Mike 'Gabe' Krahulik and Jerry 'Tycho' Holkins.
Rain-Slick, as we are calling it [we're not - Ed], is described as an RPG-adventure that takes place in a 1920s-style world featuring bonkers characters and adult humour.
PAA Episode One, as we're now calling it, will cost 1600 Microsoft Points (GBP 13.60 / EUR 19.20).
Expect our thoughts soon.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
May 13th, 2008, 20:24 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Following yesterday's Banjo-Kazooie 3 splurge, Fable 2 is the latest game to have its secrets slapped all over the internet.
Tonight at 5pm (BST) was when the shots should have been released but there's clearly some internal issues that need to be dealt with. The shots have appeared here, but you can also find them on this very page.
As with the Banjo shots, the screens on their own don't really tell you the full story. But all words are under NDA until later today. The screens were too, but that didn't stop the leak.
Be sure to check back at 5pm (BST) for much more Fable 2-related goodies.
Screenshots
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 13th, 2008, 20:26 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
A couple of rumours have appeared in the latest issue of US mag Game Informer about Microsoft's future plans for the next Xbox. And there's some good news for Achievement fanboys if this particular rumour does turn out to be true.
Of course we won't know if it's true for a few years yet, it's not like MS would confirm the stories. But those Xbox 360 gamers who pride themselves in having a MASSIVE gamerscore over a car, mortgage, family and cat, should know that all their hard work might not be for nothing.
Yes, as funny as that sounds, Game Informer's rumour section says that MS will have your achievements carry over.
File this one under 'rumour' for the time being but there are at least seven people in the office who said 'awesome' when we told them.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 13th, 2008, 21:18 Posted By: Shrygue
via Joystiq
Curious to see what sort of "trouble" is brewing in Viva Piñata's candy-colored paradise? The six screenshots Microsoft released this morning don't offer many clues (Graveyards? Volcanoes? Evil tiki guys?) but should be enough to whet your appetite if you're eager to get back to Piñata Island.
Screenshots
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 13th, 2008, 21:45 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Criterion has fixed the frame-rate issues in the 360 version of its Bogart Burnout Paradise patch and re-released it to the masses.
The problems began on 28th April, prompting the developer to recall the update and get its wrench out.
Bogart is the first of several planned updates for the game, with Cagney due at the end of June, Davis due in August, and Eastwood out in the autumn.
Cagney will bring with it a Hunter Olympus car, fresh Freeburn modes, 70 new timed multi-part challenges, liveries, custom soundtracks for the PS3, plus plenty of bug fixes and updates.
Davis is our favourite because it introduces motorbikes, and also adds a day and night cycle to Paradise City.
Eastwood, on the other hand, will be the first of the island updates you can get to from Paradise City. Head over to the official site for the first aerial footage of it.
These downloadable additions a part of the much talked about ongoing commitment Criterion has to its Burnout Paradise community.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 14th, 2008, 00:36 Posted By: wraggster
Today Microsoft Game Studios (MGS) and industry luminaries from the world's top development studios will be on hand to show off the latest features of the year's most in-demand titles; present will be Epic Games' Cliff Bleszinski, Lionhead's Peter Molyneux, TECMO/Team NINJA's Tomonobu Itagaki and Silicon Knights' Denis Dyack. This year, the visage of Marcus Fenix joins the likes of Ryu Hayabusa, Banjo, vivacious piñatas, cybernetic gods and a hero with a loyal dog sidekick in the all-star 2008 MGS lineup that promises to make Xbox 360 the console of choice for players everywhere.
Attendees of the MGS San Francisco showcase event will witness the first extended taste of "Gears of War 2," the sequel to the blockbuster third-person tactical action game that sold nearly 5 million units. Epic Games Design Director, Cliff Bleszinski, will demonstrate dramatic new gameplay elements and stunning visual effects in a campaign sequence from early in the game - where Marcus Fenix and COG forces engage in pulse-pounding firefights between two Derrick transports, fend off vicious Reaver fly-by attacks and rabid Brumaks - all in the same rollercoaster ride of a level. As the most anticipated Xbox 360 exclusive title of the 2008 holiday season, "Gears of War 2" offers an unforgettable gameplay experience that blends a gripping story with visceral combat on a grand scale.
MGS will also crack open "Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise," set to appear on store shelves this September. Developed by the creative masterminds at Rare, this sequel to the colorful, sleeper hit builds upon the gameplay of the original and adds innovative twists to the mix. In an effort to help Piñata Central rebuild their computer database of piñatas, players will send piñatas at full candiosity to parties all around the world while using their creativity and imagination to attract, capture, protect, train and manage more than 100 newly discovered and existing piñata species. An exciting, new "Just for Fun" setting makes getting into the game fast and easy. For the first time, players will be able to collaborate together on a garden through a rich co-op experience, connect and play with others online via Xbox LIVE as well as instantly introduce new piñata species to their garden through an innovative new feature utilizing the Xbox LIVE Vision Camera.
MGS will also pull back the curtain on another beloved franchise with the triumphant return of Banjo, one of Rare's most successful characters, in "Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts." Defying the laws of nature, a bear, a bird and a backpack team up to embark on another incredible adventure this November. MGS is breaking the rules of traditional platformer games by putting the power to invent new abilities for Banjo directly into the players' hands. By using their ingenuity to build imaginative vehicles that can be combined with infinite variations, gamers help Banjo successfully complete missions through multiple terrains. Through exploration, discovering hidden secrets and solving puzzles to win rewards, players will continually find increasing ways to customize and improve their contraptions, creating an unprecedented level of user-generated content and emergent play for a 3-D adventure game.
These instantly recognizable franchises join the enviable company of "Fable 2," "Too Human" and "Ninja Gaiden II" from Team NINJA/TECMO, making Xbox 360 the home of the best blockbuster game experiences this year.
Other news and features of 2008 Xbox 360 blockbusters:
* "Fable 2": The wait is almost over for the sequel to THE biggest action role-playing game in Xbox history. Swords, guns and now the newly unveiled magical power round out the combat in this action RPG from acclaimed developer Peter Molyneux and Lionhead Studios. Players will have even more choices to continuously shape who their characters become in a world 10 times the size of the iconic Xbox game. "Fable 2" introduces a host of exciting new features for gamers, including a first-of-its-kind Xbox LIVE Arcade experience, and a genre-stretching multiplayer experience, allowing gamers easily play "Fable 2" with friends and family side-by-side from the comfort of a living room couch. Players can immerse themselves in this vibrant world that only Lionhead and Molyneux could create, beginning this holiday.
* "Too Human": Today, MGS and Silicon Knights will confirm that the wait is almost over - "Too Human" will be available on August 19 in North America and August 29 in Europe. "Too Human" is an epic, highly anticipated action game with integrated RPG elements and features a rich storyline with deep character development, both hallmarks of Silicon Knights' legendary tradition of video game development. Additionally, Silicon Knights is showcasing for the first time, the title's online cooperative play via Xbox LIVE; allowing gamers to experience "Too Human" with friends in a multiplayer setting.
* "Ninja Gaiden II": Team NINJA/TEMCO will reveal today that gamers can get a head start on expanding and customizing their "Ninja Gaiden II" experience with the release of Gamerpics and Themes, available as PDLC on Xbox LIVE beginning today. The Gamerpics packs include five new images each, at 100 points per pack; and the Themes, which focus on heroes and bosses, are 150 points per pack. Soon gamers everywhere will follow Ryu Hayabusa's entire blood-drenched mission - through cities like Venice, New York and Tokyo - to avenge his clan and prevent the destruction of the human race. "Ninja Gaiden II" slashes its way onto store shelves on June 3 in North America and June 6 in Europe. Additional "Ninja Gaiden II" PDLC will be available for download on May 20, with subsequent releases throughout the summer.
* "Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One" on Xbox LIVE Arcade provides a first-of-its-kind RPG-Adventure experience based on the popular Web comic. The creative collaboration between Penny Arcade creators Mike 'Gabe' Krahulik and Jerry 'Tycho' Holkins, legendary game designer Ron Gilbert and producers at Hothead Games results in a 100-percent authentic Penny Arcade experience that pushes bizarre characters, outrageous combat and adult humor to the precipice of darkness. "Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One" will be available on Xbox LIVE Arcade May 21, 2008.
Microsoft Game Studios is the home to many of the industry's biggest franchises and continues to set the bar for top-quality entertainment experiences for players of all types. Characters from the game universes of "Gears of War," "Fable," "Banjo-Kazooie," and "Viva Piñata" have enthralled gamers young and old all over the world. In 2007, MGS made history with some of the biggest video game launches ever, including Halo 3," "PGR4" and "Mass Effect."
With games often among the highest rated in their class by critics, Microsoft Game Studios delivers the best and most complete game experiences exclusively on Xbox 360, fueled by the passion of 10 million gamers worldwide playing on Xbox LIVE.
This is just the beginning of what promises to be another landmark year for games on Xbox 360. Stay tuned for more announcements in the coming months.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 14th, 2008, 00:53 Posted By: wraggster
We think we've already got a handle on the various chipset revisions planned for Microsoft's too-beautiful-for-this-world Xbox 360*, but it looks like that planned 45nm "Valhalla" combined CPU / GPU motherboard design we've been hearing about might also come in a redesigned, smaller case. That's certainly news to us, but TG Daily has the refresh happening on the same fall-2009 timeline we've been hearing about, so at least all these sketchy rumors line up. We'll see when we see -- it sounds like the 65nm Jasper units are coming off the line for that August release in the meantime to keep us all warm at night.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/13/x...ision-in-2009/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 14th, 2008, 01:01 Posted By: wraggster
Failure is not an option in this week's special: Fight dirty in Soldier of Fortune: Payback at US$ 24.90 only - offer valid for 1 week
From the publisher: When a routine mission goes horribly wrong, you find yourself battling an insidious enemy that knows no boundaries. It’s up to you to terminate an extremist plot aimed at throwing the world into global chaos. Only an underground gun-for-hire can succeed in a war this dirty!
The saga continues with the organization known as the shop where players take on the role of a hired mercenary. Players will experience all the thrills and dangers of mercenary combat blasting through high intensity combat situations in the world’s most dangerous hotspots in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe.
Using any means necessary, players will need to uncover a complex plot and defeat an extremist organization determined to throw the world into global conflict. Failure is not an option.
Another great Xbox360â„¢ game is chosen as a weekly special. Activision's region free Austral-Asian edition of Soldier of Fortune: Payback is now available at a bargain price of US$ 24.90 only!
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...9-en-84-n.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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 14th, 2008, 20:56 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
The spring Xbox Live update may be just around the corner, and ready to introduce support for "motion sensor devices".
That's according to a list of features leaked to Kotaku that originated from a supposed internal source at Microsoft.
There's no date attached to the leaked spring feature list; last year it went up on 6th June and we'd heard about it as early as April.
Most of the 80 bullet-point tweaks are rather trivial, but a couple caught our eye: "Option to donate Microsoft Points to anybody with a Windows Live ID," and, "Calibration options for motion sensor devices."
The first because we are greedy and the latter because, er, what is this "motion sensor", eh? It could, of course, be some sort of Live Vision support, and not necessarily the bizarre Wii remote-alike device blueprints that popped up on the Internet in April.
"We don't comment on rumour and speculation, and we have not announced anything regarding Xbox LIVE updates," was all a Microsoft spokesperson had to offer.
The full and rather lengthy list can be found below:
Xbox LIVE- Option to delay sign-in to Xbox LIVE upon booting console (to allow user to set Online Status).
- Option to promote Child Account from Family Settings.
- Disallow Child Accounts (over 18) to override Family Settings by launching Privacy Settings through a title.
- Option in Family Settings for Child Accounts to enable child-oriented/non-mature advertisements.
- Introduce a group chat (4) for Private Chat and conferences through Video Chat.
- Support to indicate media being watched to gamercard status (video content from Marketplace only).
- Extend height for Bio field in Personal Profile, easier navigation through text.
- More fields present in Personal Profile - recent achievements, interests, games, movies, links, custom section.
- Compact Personal Profile for new fields (navigating to field will open it up).
- Mandatory option to delete duplicate titles from gamercard (excludes Games for Windows - LIVE). User disconnected from Xbox LIVE when booting any title until action complete.
- Option to remove payment information from gamertag.
- New payment methods for international users.
- Download History on Account Management better organized - games, genre, type, download date, miscellaneous.
- Long descriptions of items on Marketplace can be scrolled using right stick.
- Better organization of free content on Marketplace.
- Option to 'ping' when testing connection.
- Allow re-connection to Xbox LIVE if Ethernet cable is re-inserted whilst powered on.
- New strip colors available to developers, staff gamercards.
- New corner icon available to ambassadors.
- Re-introduce Messages button for Inside Xbox updates only.
- Option to store up to 10 messages permanently on server (excludes invites, status messages).
- Increase character limit for text messages between friends only.
- Option to disable invites from non-friends or all players.
- Option to disable invites from titles not on gamercard (excludes demos).
- Option to have smaller items moved up in Active Downloads.
- Automatically re-connect to Xbox LIVE if disconnected unexpectedly (set intervals).
- Option to download gamer picture (if available) from a gamercard being viewed.
- Display random tips to replace static text on Xbox LIVE and Games blades.
- New button on Marketplace for optional dashboard features - uses Storage Device memory.
- Option to donate Microsoft Points to anybody with a Windows Live ID.
- Option to purchase Membership for charities (includes benefits).
- Integrate file-sharing for selected titles on Xbox LIVE and Games for Windows - LIVE.
- Disable notifications to friends of user repeatedly signing into service (set period).
- Option to see 'snippet' of text message in notification.
- Windows Live Mail integration - includes support for Xbox LIVE Vision.
- Web feeds integration - text, images, audio. Includes support for specific item codes on Marketplace.
- Option to display gamer picture or standard picture as display picture in Windows Live Messenger.
- Support for headset, Xbox LIVE Vision in Windows Live Messenger.
- Support for limited 'winks' that display on dashboard interface. Option to disable 'winks' and 'nudges' added.
- Notifications separate from Windows Live Messenger to Xbox 360 notifications.
- Disable multiple languages from being used in any Xbox LIVE editable fields.
Games- Option to delete titles from gamercard with 0 gamerscore and 0 achievements (excludes some titles that will be re-added to launch another title).
- Organize My Games at the Games Library section better (includes disc-based titles) - sort by genre, platform (Games for Windows - LIVE), percentage completion.
- Support to display friends leaderboards for disc-based titles.
- Show dates of an achievement unlocked when comparing.
- Preload Games Library upon dashboard bootup for faster access.
- Game updates now shown as items in Memory, increased amount of updates on Storage Device.
- Option to delete game updates, removed 'cheat code' as no longer needed.
- Support for more titles to display banner when accessing guide in-game.
- Option to re-introduce awarded gamer pictures from titles that do not have their own re-introduce feature (requires saved game).
- Disable gamer pictures from being awarded from trials.
- Support for titles to store installation data on Storage Device for faster loading.
- Synchronization to achievements offline/online that were deleted and then re-added from developers.
Media- Option to hold LT and RT for rewinding/fast-forwarding video content.
- Option to delete individual music tracks from storage device.
- Option to rip music CD at different quality.
- Copy non-protected files (pictures, music, videos) from USB storage devices, CDs and computers to proprietary storage devices.
- Support for menu, top-menu features on video content downloaded from Marketplace.
- Section added for audio delivered through feeds (podcasts). Option to stream, download to Storage Device.
- Support added for video titles/description to gamercard status.
Dashboard/Miscellaneous- Option to navigate quickly out of several menus back to respective blade home (applies to Games, Media, System).
- New blade trim styles added.
- Introduce expanded Inside Xbox as a portal to news, weather, entertainment, help and community features.
- New sounds for various functions (notifications, blades, navigation).
- Calibration options for display/sound.
- Calibration options for motion sensor devices.
- New effects for Xbox LIVE Vision and dashboard background.
- Disable changing of Theme when on Memory to prevent 'hanging'.
- Preload recent, limited items upon dashboard bootup on Memory.
- Faster loading of Themes section on guide.
- Option to see what items will not work offline due to DRM license changing from Memory.
- Option to automatically associate new DRM to items downloaded for free.
- Indicate 'charging' status on guide when Play & Charge kit is connected.
- Option to change text colors on guide to better contrast some backgrounds.
- Language improvements.
- Word censor updated for fields.
- Privacy Settings/Family Settings updated for new features.
- Voice, picture messages can be read at Xbox.com (Gold accounts).
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 14th, 2008, 20:58 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Straight from the Xbox spring showcase, here's the first footage of the gorgeous Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts in action.
The long-awaited platformer follow-up is a bit of a break from the traditional B-K formula, sporting Lego-like building mechanics that allow you to shape and construct your own cars, planes and boats from scrap. It looks fantastic.
We traveled down to Rare's Twycross HQ ahead of the event, and you can read our full hands-on impressions with the game right here. Don't forget our exclusive interview with Rare either.
Trailer here
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
May 14th, 2008, 21:02 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Silicon Knights boss Denis Dyack has told Eurogamer there are plans to release a demo of Too Human via Xbox Live.
"We haven't announced a date yet. Our goal is to try to get it out obviously before the game releases, and we'll announce the specific timing of that shortly," he said.
"But a demo is absolutely planned. We think it's critical for the game. If things go as planned, gamers should get a demo well in advance before the game's released."
Too Human is out in the US on 19th August, and in Europe on 29th August. So will we see a demo before the month of August kicks off? "Yes, that's the plan."
According to Dyack, they're still debating what the demo will consist of. "The more we put in the demo, the more challenging it's going to be. We're probably going to focus on the first level of the game," he stated.
"We really want people to focus on the gameplay, because the fusion between RPG and action is something really new. You can't really tell what the game's like till you sit down and play."
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 14th, 2008, 21:03 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Lionhead boss Peter Molyneux has told Eurogamer there will be no playable demo for Fable 2 - at least not if the decision is left to him.
Speaking at Microsoft's Spring Showcase event in San Francisco Molyneux said, "There's no plan for a demo at the moment. Demos are probably the trickiest and hardest things to design, because there are probably 60- or 70- odd features we introduce to the player, and it takes us about ten to 15 hours to introduce all those.
"Trying to squeeze some of those down into a demo is really hard, if not impossible," he observed. "So I would vote not to do a demo."
Fable 2, an Xbox 360 exclusive, is due out this "holiday". According to Molyneux, Lionhead is "at the end of the road now" as far as development goes, and all the game's main features are in place.
"There aren't any new ideas going in," he confirmed. "In fact - and this is something I've had to learn - each idea is like a little baby. You have to nurture it and grow it. But I've learned over the years that if something doesn't fit, you have to get rid 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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 14th, 2008, 21:11 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Team Ninja's Tomonobu Itagaki has declared Ninja Gaiden II the last game in the fantastic series.
The series has reached its peak with the 360-exclusive sequel, reasoned Itagaki, who says he looks to move onto something "completely new".
"Personally I think we were able to create the definitive 3D game in this series so I'm not planning on making any other games in the series," said Itagaki, adding: "So I hope fans treat this as a swan song for the franchise.
He went on: "I think we were able to achieve everything we wanted with this game so anything else would be extraneous," according to Kotaku (featuring a photo of Itagaki with a bloke that looks strangely like a less-green Incredible Hulk).
Itagaki brushed off the possibility of a "swan song" NG game for PS3 as "ridiculous", presumably while donning his iconic giant shades.
So what's next? Itagaki says he wishes to move on to something "completely unrelated to anything I've done before. Not any part of any existing franchises," expressing an interest in working with a US developer on "a game based on the Pacific Theater," or a game set in space.
Boo. More angry ninjas and decapitations, please.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 14th, 2008, 21:35 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
We'll all agree that the first Banjo game was massive back on N64. Not just in terms of sales but in size too. But what does the man who helped crate Banjo Kazooie think about a game's length in today's terms?
"I guess people are now less tolerant of really, really long games," Rare's head of design, Gregg Mayles, told CVG. "Or if you're going to have a really long game it has to be structured in such a way that the majority of the players play the game up to a certain point and are happy with it, but that section is shorter and then make sure the tail-end of the game suits the people that want to carry on."
He continued, "The trick is not forcing everybody to play it for a colossal amount of time. So if people want to try and complete it in like 20 to 30 hours that's fine. If people want to then carry on, that's fine."
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 14th, 2008, 21:36 Posted By: Shrygue
via IGN
Microsoft has announced its next set of Xbox Originals that will be put up for download on the Xbox Live Marketplace on May 19. Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse and Gauntlet: Seven Sorrows will be made available at a cost of 1200 Microsoft Points ($15 US) each. Gauntlet will not be up for sale in Japan and Korea while Stubbs the Zombie won't be sold in Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Korea and Japan.
Xbox Originals are digitally distributed versions of Xbox titles. They run on the same backwards compatibility software that allows you to run Xbox titles in an Xbox 360 and so the experience is largely identical.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 14th, 2008, 21:39 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Microsoft Game Studios boss Shane Kim has played dumb when quizzed on the rumoured Xbox 360 motion controller, at the Xbox spring showcase today.
The Xbox 360 'Wii Remote' was said to be codenamed 'Newton', and speculated to be on the market by the end of the year, but Microsoft isn't saying anything (much)...
"The stock answer is that we don't comment on rumour and speculation," Kim told CVG this afternoon, and then commented anyway.
"I will say, look, we have a lot of research and development going on all over the place, in Live and in Hardware and we have a ton of success in the accessory business - and that's probably a story that doesn't get told enough.
"We're going to continue to look at new ways we can introduce different things - the third parties are doing this as well with the music controllers. So there's opportunities for us there too. We're an R and D company at heart."
Talking hypothetically, Kim said Microsoft would have to be careful with the 'me too' trend if it did decide to craft its own motion-sensing controller.
"What's interesting is that you have a lot of third parties that are trying to rush to the Wii phenomenon, but if you look at the data, the vast majority of software that has sold on Wii has come from Nintendo. So it's not turned out to be a great third party eco-system.
"But I've never heard of a motion sensing controller... I don't know what you are talking about..."
Read the full interview with Kim here.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
May 14th, 2008, 21:58 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Microsoft is "confident" that the Xbox 360 will live out at least a 7 year life-span, accommodating all three games in the Too Human trilogy, Microsoft Game Studios boss Shane Kim told CVG.
Speaking at the Microsoft spring media summit in San Francisco, Kim said it was the plan from the beginning that the 360 had a "long tail".
"We said from the beginning that we expect the Xbox 360 to have a long tail," he said. "Clearly we didn't do that with the original Xbox, which was a strategic decision we made. Admittedly, we don't have any experience doing this, but we're pretty confident 360 will have a long tail."
Sony has already gone on record that it has a "ten year plan" for the PS3, so it's not entirely surprising that Microsoft is also planning for the long haul with Xbox 360.
When quizzed on what this means for the Xbox 360 hardware, which will probably start to age down the line without a hi-def disc format and mandatory hard drive, Kim said Microsoft would continue to tinker with technology.
"You're going to continue to see technical innovation, it might be additional capabilities to the current format - but honestly we haven't made those kind of decisions yet.
"As far as technical limitations? We're not seeing those. I think there's the potential for more multi-disc titles, we've already shipped a few of those already. But I don't think this is so drastic that people will start saying that Microsoft missed a trick with not using Blu-ray. I just don't believe that.
"What we've been able to see with the vast majority of titles on Xbox 360, is the range of experiences that haven't been restricted with the lack of a hard drive and a larger capacity disc."
Hit this link for the full interview.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 15th, 2008, 01:09 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft Corp. today announced that the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system has sold over 10 million units in the U.S., making it the first current-generation gaming console to break the 10 million mark in the U.S. The U.S. install base contributes to global sales of over 19 million, more than any other current-generation console.
"This year will be the largest in the history of the video game industry, with Xbox 360 leading the charge in the U.S. and abroad," said Don Mattrick, senior vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business in the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. "History has shown us that the first company to reach 10 million in console sales wins the generation battle. We are uniquely positioned to set a new benchmark for the industry."
This announcement comes on the heels of one of the biggest entertainment launches in history, "Grand Theft Auto IV," on April 29, 2008. Gamers eager to experience "Grand Theft Auto IV" online helped boost Xbox LIVE global membership to over 12 million this month. Fueled by an unparalleled combination of access to friends and family, the best online gaming features, and the best entertainment content, the Xbox LIVE service has doubled in membership in only one year's time.
"Reaching an installed base of 10 million consoles in the U.S. is a significant achievement and an essential milestone on the road to market leadership," said Billy Pidgeon, research manager at IDC. "Perhaps more important is the Xbox 360 worldwide online base -- 12 million Xbox LIVE gamers is the largest community in the connected console games sector, which represents the greatest growth opportunity in the console market and where Microsoft has been the leader for two generations."
Xbox 360 leads with the industry's highest software attach rate, more than any other console this generation, and is home to the best-selling games. With the launch of Grand Theft Auto IV in April, Xbox 360 is now the home to more than 16 platinum titles that have sold through one million units or more including hits like "Halo 3," "Madden NFL 07" and "Madden NFL 08," "Gears of War," "Guitar Hero II" and "Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock" and "Call of Duty®2, Call of Duty®3 and Call of Duty®4: Modern Warfare™," giving Xbox 360 two times more platinum-selling titles than the Wii and a 16:2 lead over the PlayStation 3 in game titles topping one million in sales.Games not only sell better on the Xbox 360, they play better, too: Xbox 360 has 91 titles with a Metacritic review score of 80 or higher, compared with just 22 titles for Wii and 50 titles for PlayStation 3.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 15th, 2008, 01:10 Posted By: wraggster
Reader Grant says that his gamer tag "theGAYERgamer" was recently banned by Xbox Live. He hoped that a call to customer support would sort things out but all he received was a confusing explanation from an Xbox Live supervisor. According to the supervisor, it wasn't that she found the name offensive, but it was the "greater Xbox community" that found it offensive.
We think you deserve a better explanation than this. Despite what this Xbox Live CSR told you, we're not convinced that it's the "greater Xbox community's" job to classify offensive material. At best it sounds like this "supervisor" was trying to pass the buck. At worst, it's downright homophobic discrimination. Would "theHETEROgamer" also be banned?
http://consumerist.com/5008908/gay-p...d-by-xbox-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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 15th, 2008, 01:12 Posted By: wraggster
A library you use for zune games for a nice way to display menus, controls, or simple game information. Great for multi-platform games that would require menu redesigns for the zune.
Features
- Customizable displayed control sets
- Customizable Game Info bar
- Sleek skin that is easy on the eyes
- Created so that it can be switched from portrait/landscape easily
- Menu system that allows for implementing so you can create your own controls (progress bar, volume meter, anything!)
- Nice transitions
- Media Library Navigator
Coming Features
- Icons for displayed control sets
- On-screen keypad
http://www.gameprojects.com/project/?id=9044342b62
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 15th, 2008, 01:17 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo China
  
Core Cooler V2 is a high end version of XCM popular Core Cooler. Now compatible with all Xbox 360 and also coming with Twin Fans for double cooling power, it still features great lightning to add a custom look to your console.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 15th, 2008, 01:49 Posted By: wraggster
Sounds like that rumor about a new, smaller Xbox 360 coming next year might have a shorter life than a red-ringing console. Specifying the release of "slimmed down SKU in 2009", Microsoft representative let us know today that "While we don't normally comment on rumors like this, we can tell you that we have no plans to release a new console in 2009". Yep, rumor assassinated, just like that. Of course, there still exists the possibility that Microsoft's just playing coy to prevent a little bit of Osborne effect from creeping in during their heated battle with the PS3 -- but they did go out of their way to directly comment on the rumor, so take it as you will.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/13/m...-360s-in-2009/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 15th, 2008, 19:58 Posted By: Shrygue
via IGN
US, May 15, 2008 - A single-player demo of Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit is now available for download on Xbox Live Marketplace. The download, which weighs in at roughly 450mb, offers two single-player scenarios. You can play Saiyan Arrival, which pits Goku against Raditz and Saibamen Strike, which throws Yamcha at Saibamen.
Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit hits stores in early June.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 15th, 2008, 20:50 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Xbox Live "banhammer wielder" Stephen Toulouse has explained the decision behind banning "theGAYERgamer" Gamertag.
Toulouse and his team deemed the name to contain sexual innuendo, which is against the Gamertag terms of use. They were not, apparently, swayed by the weight of complaints from what the "theGAYERgamer" said can be an anti-homosexual audience.
"We received a complaint on the Gamertag and determined that it did indeed contain sexual innuendo. Granted, there could be an argument that the text is not pejorative to homosexuality and should therefore be allowed. But there is no context to explain that," explained Stephen "Stepto" Toulouse on his blog (spotted by Kotaku).
"Gamertags are visible to everyone and it would be hard for me to defend to a parent of a young child who saw it that the name did not contain content of a sexual nature."
"We do not take action based off the number of complaints, or how often people complain in a given day. Whether it's one complaint or 20, we will look at it the same way," he added.
Grant, "theGAYERgamer", mailed the Consumerist blog with a letter explaining he had just found out he would need to alter his Gamertag to continue to be allowed on Xbox Live.
He had first-hand experience of anti-homosexual comments directed his way during bouts of Halo 3, and so phoned Microsoft to determine if their complaints were the cause of the problem.
Grant was told that the "greater Xbox community" found his name offensive.
"To answer the question another way, yes 'TheStraighterGamer' or 'TheHeterosexualgamer' would have gotten the same treatment and would have been found to be in violation and forced to be changed. We've actually done that to tags like that before," Toulouse further explained.
"Racism, hate speech, bigotry, homophobia, all these things have no place on Xbox Live and are in violation of our Terms of Use and Code of Conduct."
Toulouse went on to reveal the "good news" that complaints like this make up a "tiny, tiny fraction" of a percentage of the total users on 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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 16th, 2008, 01:58 Posted By: wraggster
I'm very happy we didn't get into it, because launching a handheld platform is like launching another Xbox 360," he said. "You have to be fully committed, as an organisation, from a resource standpoint, to doing that."
"Frankly we've got a lot on our plate with Xbox 360 and Xbox Live. We don't have any experience in that space. Our content assets don't naturally lend themselves to driving success in that particular market. So we're happy to let Sony and Nintendo slog it out."
http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=140526
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 16th, 2008, 01:59 Posted By: wraggster
On Wednesday, Microsoft announced that Xbox 360 has sold over 10 million units in the U.S. SVP of Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business Don Mattrick stated, "History has shown us that the first company to reach 10 million in console sales wins the generation battle."
But analysts quizzed by Next-Gen question the logic behind the "first to 10 million wins" idea.
Mike Hickey with Janco Partners says that he sees "little significance" in Microsoft's announcement, calling it little more than "a corporate catalyst for a press statement and a last-chance chest-pounding moment."
"It's unclear to us if Microsoft considers the Wii console from Nintendo to be a competitive product, but we expect the Wii's installed base will likely eclipse the Xbox 360's installed base in CY08, and eventually win the console war by a wide margin."
Michael Pachter with Wedbush Morgan Securities simply called Microsoft's announcement "spin," adding, "Nintendo will pass them this month."
http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?op...10485&Itemid=2
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 16th, 2008, 20:29 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
The first set of screens are in for the XBLA remake of the first Soul Calibur game. That's the Dreamcast one and not Soul Blade of the PSone era.
We reported a few weeks back that Namco had confirmed the title for Xbox Live Arcade, saying, "Leaderboards yes. Online multiplayer no. This might have something to do with the fact that Soul Calibur IV will be out soon after and no one wants to shoot themselves in the foot do they?" Probably not.
Screenshots
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 16th, 2008, 20:34 Posted By: Shrygue
via IGN
Despite rumors running rampant over the Internet that say otherwise, we've just received confirmation from a Microsoft representative that no announcement has yet been made in regard to Gears of War 2 having four-player co-op play. The rumor started because of a GameSpot.com video interview in which Cliff Bleszinski -- Creative Director at Epic Games -- stated, "Co-op's drop-in, drop-out, multiple difficulty settings for co-op players." That's where people got a bit confused. In the interview Cliffy B. puts an odd emphasis on "for co-op players" making it sound like a confirmation for "four co-op players." See the difference? One is a number, the other is not.
While there's no doubt that many expect Gears of War 2 to have four-player co-op play, Microsoft is backing away from anything resembling an announcement for the time being. IGN was able to confirm this with a Microsoft representative but is still waiting on an official statement.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 16th, 2008, 21:07 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Remember this speculation over how long GTA IV could dominate Xbox Live over shooting giants Halo 3 and Call of Duty 4? Well, it's still going strong.
The list for most played Xbox Live games for the week of May 5 puts Niko Belic's urban romp right at the top again. That two weeks and two wins for Rockstar.
Microsoft expected as much, forecasting that it had the potential to be one of the few non-FPS games to dominate the most played lists.
But others, including Official Xbox Magazine editor Jon Hicks, queried how long it could hold off the might of the Xbox FPS games. "I wouldn't like to speculate on the longevity of its stay as number one online game. The Halo 3 and Call of Duty 4 communities aren't going anywhere, so it'll be interesting to see if a dedicated GTA player base will form to keep them off the top spot," Hicks told CVG.
It's still early days, though. Want the full list? Here you go:
Xbox 360 Top Live Titles - Week beginning May 5
1 GTA IV
2 Call of Duty 4
3 Halo 3
4 Guitar Hero III
5 Gears of War
6 Rock Band
7 Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2
8 GRID Demo
9 FIFA 08
10 Bourne Conspiracy Demo
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 17th, 2008, 00:38 Posted By: wraggster
It's a good thing that Microsoft got its gloating in about selling 10 million units in the US, because the Wii will not only hit that number, but probably surpass it this month. Deutsche Bank analyst Jeetil Patel did the math and found that the Wii currently sits at about 9.5 million units in the US. If Nintendo's console sells another 700k units (like it has been) this month and the Xbox 360 sticks to its 200k level, the Wii will blow right past its competition's US install base.
It'll also be interesting to see the impact Wii Fit has on the numbers when it launches next week. Microsoft can take solace in knowing that it can always fall back on saying the Xbox 360 still has the "largest global install base of any current gen, high definition gaming console" ... right?
http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/wi...se-this-month/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 17th, 2008, 12:21 Posted By: wraggster
New from Play Asia:
Devil May Cry 4 is a critically acclaimed large scale action that caters to players of both third generation consoles, the Xbox360 and PlayStation3. The book contains every scrap of information and illustration on the characters, both on the heroes' sides and on the villains' side.
There are rough sketches and initial designs on new characters and redesign information on the existing ones. Aside from sketches, the book also contains some high quality CG illustrations to show the end product of the character design processes.
To ensure that the book is thorough, even the sketches and information that have been discarded during the design stages are collected and edited into the archive.
Capcom's comprehensive Devil May Cry 4 - Devil Material Collection is in stock today, shipping for US$ 29.90 only.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-2oky.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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 19th, 2008, 01:29 Posted By: wraggster
Next week, the XNA Creators Club Online site will be shut down for a short time in preparation for the launch of our new site featuring the Community Games on Xbox LIVE Beta. We're excited about the new design and functionality of the improved XNA Creators Club Online web site, and we eagerly look forward to your return! In the meantime, please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause during the outage
http://blogs.msdn.com/xna/archive/20...ming-soon.aspx
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 19th, 2008, 19:45 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Top shop HMV is offering free Microsoft Points to anyone pre-ordering Ninja Gaiden 2.
The Xbox 360 exclusive is out on June 6th. Buy it at HMV for GBP 39.99 and you'll get 1000 points - equivalent to GBP 8.50 / EUR 12.
Amazon is offering the game and no points for GBP 32.99, while at GAME it will set you back GBP 34.99.
You can expect a full review of Ninja Gaiden 2 shortly. In the meantime, why not read a brief history of the 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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 19th, 2008, 20:02 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released today
Shikigami No Shiro III (aka. Castle Shikigami III) is an arcade shooting game developed by Alfa System and originally released on the Type X arcade board. Shikigami no Shiro III resembles past entries of the character driven scrolling shooter series, with its vertical display and anime cut-ins. This time around, players select from 10 warriors whom they directly navigate. The game includes five stages of blasting action, each cumulating in a major boss fight.
New for the home versions is a Dramatic Change Mode, where you can change between two characters on the fly. As a result of this new mode, you can now enjoy the two-player exclusive scenarios from the arcade version even when playing by yourself. The home version also includes a gallery mode.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-2b1d.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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 19th, 2008, 20:25 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
The transition to its own engine after ditching Epic's "inadequate" Unreal Engine 3 has been "fantastic", says Too Human mastermind Dennis Dyack.
"We completely threw out the Unreal Engine and focused on something that would work for what we're doing, and it's been fantastic," said Dyack, speaking to CVG at Microsoft's spring showcase last week.
In case you missed the commotion, Too Human dev Silicon Knights served Epic with a lawsuit, claiming it was "misled" over how complete the Unreal Engine 3 code actually was, thus putting a pretty big kink in its development schedule for the game.
The developer's now using its own in-house engine work, and thankfully everything's looking good again for the 360 exclusive brawler, which has finally been dated for August 19.
"Co-op is awesome, the number of enemies on screen, the responsiveness, the framerate... everything we're really happy with," said Dyack.
When asked if he felt uncomfortable sharing a room with the Epic team, who were showcasing Gears of War 2 just metres away, Dyack said: "I haven't seen them today, so I can't comment."
Fight! Fight! Fight! etc
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 19th, 2008, 20:29 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Writer Frank O'Connor has said he is quitting Bungie to continue working on the Halo brand at Microsoft.
"I am leaving you. I am off to work more closely with Microsoft on the Halo franchise, so I shan't be too far away, but I wanted to take this last chance, appropriately enough in a Weekly Update, to tell you a very fond thanks," wrote a teary-eyed "Frankie" on the official Bungie website.
"It was very hard for me to make the decision to move on, but one thing that made it just a bit easier was seeing the amazing work that's coming down the pipe. I was busy working on a story for one of our next games, an experience that is destined to surprise, amaze and entertain like nothing we've ever made before. That game has an amazing team invested in it, and one that will be tasked with building the Next Big Thing. You should see what they've already achieved, you truly should.
"And there are other things rumbling at Bungie, just as secret, just as epic and just as incredible. And the thing that turns all that rumbling into incredible gameplay experiences is, has always been and will always continue to be, the people. The brilliant, talented, industrious gang of geniuses who brought you everything from a monochrome Pong clone to the staggering vistas and vision of Halo 3," added O'Connor.
Frank O'Connor was lead writer at Bungie and oversaw everything from character and combat dialogue to board game scripts to weekly community updates.
He joined the developer after a background in games journalist, writing for Amstrad Action, Total! and Computer and Video Games, the paper one.
Bungie decided to break away from Microsoft and become independent last October, after the third Halo game and conclusion to the sci-fi trilogy had been released.
Microsoft will still retain an equity interest in the developer and continue create titles based on the Halo brand, such as Halo Wars from Ensemble and the Peter Jackson projects.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 19th, 2008, 21:39 Posted By: wraggster
I had a tip off today that August 22nd is when Microsoft is scheduled to finish the first batch of "Jasper" motherboard powered Xbox 360. This are going to use a newer cooler 65 nm GPU as well as a 65 nm CPU. They are expected to hit the stores on the first week of September 2008.
I can't totally vouch for the source of this particular tip off but it seems to jive with what I've heard elsewhere.
Now this is just when they are going to switch to the motherboard design. The still could change the bundle (Like changing the 20 gig hard drive on the Pro system to the 60 gig one that they have been working on) or change price between now and then.
I can't wait to see when someone figures out that the Xenon Xbox that they sent off to get RRODed repaired AKA "RnR" was sent back with an "Opus" motherboard. That is likely to be identified by it using the same power consumption as the "Falcon" system but in a "Xenon" case.
Microsoft is probably not going to be making a big deal about the switch to the newer motherboard design but since the "Jasper" is going to be using a new GPU chip it is going to be using less power and can probably be identified by the power consumption rating on the box.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/d...ves/139165.asp
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 19th, 2008, 21:43 Posted By: wraggster
A library you use for zune games for a nice way to display menus, controls, or simple game information. Great for multi-platform games that would require menu redesigns for the zune.
Features
- Customizable displayed control sets
- Customizable Game Info bar
- Sleek skin that is easy on the eyes
- Created so that it can be switched from portrait/landscape easily
- Menu system that allows for implementing so you can create your own controls (progress bar, volume meter, anything!)
- Nice transitions
- Media Library Navigator
Coming Features
- Icons for displayed control sets
- On-screen keypad
NOTE: XNA 3.0 CTP Version
http://www.gameprojects.com/project/?id=9044342b62
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 20th, 2008, 01:38 Posted By: wraggster
Apparently not one to let a tacky trend pass him by, Bill Gates has commissioned 100 mother of pearl-clad Xbox 360s to be used as extra special gifts, the first of which was given to South Korean President Lee Myung-bak earlier this month, prompting a response that we can only imagine to be, "gee, thanks." To be fair, the design by Korean artisan Kim Young-jun is a bit classier than most of the crystal-encrusted gadgets we come across, but the same can't quite be said for the move of bringing a bit of thinly disguised self-promotion to a visit with a head of state. We can also only assume that Gates is dreading the day that the President calls him up and asks him what the red rings on his Xbox mean.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/19/b...outh-korean-p/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 20th, 2008, 02:20 Posted By: wraggster
This is one of the reasons why you don't cheat on your women my friends—because they will hit you were it hurts. And that usually means a swift kick in the nuts followed closely by a thorough dismantling of your precious gadgets. The poor Zune pictured here met its demise after a scorned woman found videos on it featuring her then-boyfriend in the act of cheating.
http://gizmodo.com/391818/buy-a-chea...e-dirty-videos
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 20th, 2008, 17:20 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released at SuccessHK
UEFA EURO 2008 features the world’s best players and teams and all of the official stadiums that will be part of UEFA EURO 2008. Take on the challenge of leading one of 53 European national teams to glory as UEFA EURO 2008 recreates all of the drama and excitement of the official tournament in Austria and Switzerland. Play as your favorite country from qualification right through to a virtual reproduction of the championship tournament.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 20th, 2008, 20:44 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
With Nintendo's WiiWare launching today across Europe, and Sony's PSN establishing itself as a credible download service for the PlayStation 3, Microsoft has told GamesIndustry.biz that Xbox Live Arcade is about to "leapfrog" the competition using XNA-created games.
First unveiled at the Games Developers Conference in February, the Community Games initiative will become a channel for professional and amateur developers to deliver experimental titles on Xbox Live Arcade.
"I certainly think from an innovation perspective it's going to help us leapfrog the competition, effectively until they find a way to duplicate it, assuming they ever do," stated David Edery, Xbox Live Arcade's worldwide portfolio planner.
"To some extent it will certainly help us have more innovative content than either of them, just by definition. With all this random stuff coming from the community, every once in a while there's going to be a real gem in there that you just couldn't have found otherwise, it wouldn't have found its way on to a console," he added.
The initiative is expected to go live before the end of the year, and Edery believes the service will help identify and create niche audiences that have so far not been served by a download service on home consoles.
"The example I always like to give is will someone finally make that scuba diving game, where there's really only 15,000 people interested in a hardcore scuba diving simulation, but they really, really want one? And maybe through XNA someone can profitably get one out there," he said.
"Today, there's not really a venue for that. I'm not going to green light a hardcore scuba diving game for Xbox Live Arcade today because there are not enough people who are interested in that. But with XNA it's perfectly possible.
"So I'm much more interested in it from a perspective of can it be used to satisfy more people, with more diverse content, than anything else," added Edery.
There are also hopes that the service will be used by established developers and publishers to put experimental ideas and new game mechanics out to an audience able to get hands-on and offer feedback.
"Who knows, maybe a guy like Will Wright will spin out a game in three weeks, toss it out on XNA and see what happens.
"This could become a wonderful test bed and you'll start to see super-cool stuff coming from guys who wouldn't really have that opportunity to do that kind of test marketing," offered Edery.
The full interview with David Edery, where he discusses Community Games in detail, as well increasing the size and rate of games on Xbox Live Arcade, can be read here.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
May 20th, 2008, 21:01 Posted By: Shrygue
via IGN
Xbox Live Arcade games have been getting larger and larger, and Microsoft has responded by gradually upping the maximum allowable file size for its downloadable offerings.
The original cap was 50 MB, exceeded by Castlevania: Symphony of the Night in January 2007. Microsoft then bumped the limit to 150 MB, a threshold that both Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix and Bionic Commando Rearmed intend to smash.
As a result, Microsoft is moving the bar once again. In an interview with the gaming business site GamesIndustry.biz, Xbox Live portfolio manager David Edery confirmed that the new limit is now or will soon be 350 MB, more than doubling the current cap.
"We've been listening to our partners, listening to our customers to try and get a feel for what's right," Edery told GI.biz. "We don't want the size limit to hit the roof because we think there's some value in promoting small pick and play experiences that don't cost $20 million, it's good for the ecosystem."
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 20th, 2008, 21:54 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Mistwalker's Lost Odyssey sees some decent download content; the 'Seeker of the Deep' Dungeon Pack is out on Xbox Live this weekend, May 23 for 400 Microsoft points (about three quid).
The pack was released in Japan last month, while we had to make do with the comparatively rubbish 'Triple Pack', which had you pay for three items that let you replay game scenes. Cheers for that.
Assuming the Dungeon Pack is the same as the Japanese version, you can expect a single rare item and a new boss encounter at the end.
To get to the dungeon, says Microsoft: "download the DLC pack. Then, once the Nautilus can fly, fly to the centre of the gulf on the right of the inland sea on the north of the Tower of Mirrors (near Saman, the City of Merchants), and dive into the water. When the game displays either "Examine" or "Enter" at the bottom right corner of the screen, press the A button, and delve into the Seeker of the Deep!" How can you miss that?
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 21st, 2008, 03:30 Posted By: wraggster
The clever men and women at Rare actually figured out a way to offer connectivity between Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise on the Xbox 360, and the Viva Piñata game on the Nintendo DS. Unfortunately, they figured it out a bit too late in development, and the unprecedented "Three-Six-DS" (say it out loud) connection will not make it into either game.
How would it have worked? Trouble in Paradise on the 360 uses the Live Vision Camera to interpret special codes on Viva Piñata trading cards. The camera's resolution is high enough to even read card codes off of digital screens, like iPods, Zunes (lawl) and portable gaming systems.
According to MTV's Stephen Totilo, Rare realized that codes could be placed in the Nintendo DS Piñata game to allow content to be transferred from the portable to the 360 version. Sadly, this realization came too late in the development cycle of the DS game, and reportedly could not be included. It's the thought that counts, right?
http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/vi...-not-happenin/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 21st, 2008, 20:57 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Hollywood director James Cameron has revealed that Ubisoft already has a version of its Avatar movie tie-in game running in "stereoscopic" vision.
This means you can see a 3D image if you put on special glasses like the ones you might have worn at one a Disney theme park as a youngster. But a bit more futuristic.
Cameron made no mention of whether the game will require 3D glasses like his Avatar film will, but had plenty to say about the benefits of "stereo" vision.
"When you are viewing in stereo, which is what we do, more neurons are firing. More blood is pumping through the brain," said Cameron at the Microsoft Advanced '08 advertising conference (watched by News.com).
"Stereo production is the next big thing. We are born seeing in three dimensions. Most animals have two eyes and not one. There is a reason, I think."
The biggest area to benefit from this will be games, according to the Aliens, Terminator and Titanic creator.
"You are in the game. This is the ultimate immersive media," said Cameron.
Stereoscopic pictures needn't necessarily require 3D glasses, either; Cameron goes on to suggest that laptops, phones, Zunes, and even Windows should be capable enough of producing the three dimensional picture themselves.
Ubisoft was unavailable to comment, but will be pestered mercilessly at its UbiDays event in Paris next week.
Avatar takes place 200 years in the future, and is centred around an ex-marine thrust unwillingly into a colonisation project on an exotic planet. This new world is rich in things us greedy humans want, and will get - if our exploitation schemes go to plan.
But our hero soon finds himself with a conscience and ends up leading the aliens in a battle for survival. The same aliens that can apparently manifest themselves by possessing humans, hence the name Avatar.
Cameron has previously gone on record as saying he expects nothing but the best from Ubisoft with its virtual interpretation, and will certainly not settle for a typical movie tie-in affair.
The Avatar film is set to launch next year. There are no dates or platforms mentioned for the game just yet, but an Xbox 360 version is rather obviously in the works.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 21st, 2008, 21:16 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
EA has confirmed that the demo for Battlefield: Bad Company will hit Xbox Live and PSN on June 5.
But, however, EA is promising access to the demo a full week early, on May 29, to those of you keen enough to pre-order the title now.
The demo will include a snippet from the single-player campaign, apparently giving you an "early look into the quest for Gold with Bad Company".
On the multiplayer side, you get "the all-new Gold Rush mode on the Oasis map, featuring land, sea and air vehicles," and if you reach Rank 4 in the demo, you'll unlock "an exclusive in-game weapon".
Go to the official page and follow the links through to participating retailers to get in the whole pre-order deal.
Oh, and if you want to know why you might want to put in that order, check out this Bad Company preview while you're at 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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 21st, 2008, 21:17 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Namco Bandai will be adding a fleet of new planes to its surprisingly popular flight sim, Ace Combat 6, in new DLC packs launching May 29.
Five separate download packs will bring a total of nine new planes to the game, if you fancy spending the points to get them all, that is.
The Su-47 -Grabacr Emblem, comes alone and is free (just the way we like it). The Su-33 - Type Ace2 plane will set you back 200 MS Points (around £1.70).
300 MS Points (about £2.75) gets you the Razgriz Set 04, containing three more planes. There's a two-plane Jungle flamingo set, which will also go for 300 points, and for a hefty 400 points (£3.40) you can get another two planes in the oddly-named Idolmaster Ami,mami Set.
Whether you'll want to blow 1200 points on some planes is another issue, but there's some screens of them below, if you're minted and actually considering it.
Screenshots
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 21st, 2008, 21:43 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
Shane Kim has said that officially Microsoft has no plans for a motion-sensing controller for the Xbox 360, but the company continues to invest heavily in hardware, online and services.
Speaking to Wired, the corporate vice president of Microsoft would neither confirm or deny the existence of the heavily rumoured peripheral, which many expect the company to unveil in a bid to compete directly with Nintendo and it's Wii controller.
"We don't have anything like that under development," said Kim.
"Here's my point about hardware: You know that were investing pretty heavily into hardware, online services and content. And regardless of what the underlying technology is, we're going to continue to push innovation in a whole bunch of different places."
"Whether that's in motion-sensing or some other area, we'll see," he added.
During the interview Kim also said that it was to early to call a winner in the latest hardware generation, at least until "somebody's well on their way to reaching 100 million units."
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 22nd, 2008, 01:16 Posted By: Shrygue
via IGN
Square Enix sent out a surprise announcement today of the release date for Infinite Undiscovery in North America and Japan. RPG fanatics will be able to get their hands on the tri-Ace (makers of Star Ocean and Valkyrie Profile) developed title on September 2, 2008. Yes, you read the year properly. The game is coming out in just a few months.
"With the simultaneous release of Infinite Undiscovery, Square Enix is entering an exciting new period of delivering great gaming experiences to our fans all around the world at the same time, creating new global communities," said John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix, Inc. and Square Enix, Ltd. "This is something that we have aimed to do for a long time and we look to continue to deliver worldwide gaming experiences across all platforms well into the future."
Infinite Undiscovery promises a real-time world where "every decision you make leads to a myriad of discoveries and affects every encounter." Stay tuned for more.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 22nd, 2008, 22:21 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Square Enix has confirmed that its first Xbox 360-exclusive RPG, Infinite Undiscovery, will be released worldwide on September 2.
The game is being developed by Star Ocean and Valkyrie Profile dev Tri-Ace, and has been described (by Square Enix) as an epic RPG where "various situations unfold in a world that changes in real time, with players' choices leading to unknown discoveries."
After Valkyrie Profile 2's excellent reception last year, this could turn out to be a good'en.
Have a look at the latest, bloody gorgeous screenshots here.
UPDATE: Square Enix has informed us that the European date is September 5, and the earlier one is for North America. We've added five new screenshots as well.
Screenshots
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 23rd, 2008, 19:19 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
Microsoft has said that it will be removing underperforming Xbox Live Arcade titles from its console download service.
Titles that have suffered an average review score of less than 65 per cent and have a trial conversion rate of 6 per cent will be taken off the service after a three month grace period, reports Gamasutra.
The move comes following confirmation that Microsoft is to raise the file limit of game downloads to 350MB.
Microsoft will not be releasing a spring update for the Xbox 360 dashboard as it has done in the past, but wil instead work on server issues
The firm will also establish a new internal develoment team focused on downloadable content.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 23rd, 2008, 19:21 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Shane Kim has said that a future version of Project Gotham Racing could be developed by Forza Motorsport developer Turn 10.
Speaking to Kikizo recently, Kim said, "Our goal is to roll the studio so that they can do more creative execution within the racing space. So you can imagine a future where they would develop a new version of Project Gotham Racing."
Nothing is set in stone, he said, but he did add that "after four versions of PGR, it's really important for us to take a fresh creative approach to it and to really think about what we want the next version of PGR to be if we do that".
PGR began life in another guise, Metropolis Street Racer, on Dreamcast with Bizarre Creations, who went on to steer the series through four critically acclaimed Xbox platform-exclusive iterations.
However, with the developer's acquisition by Activision, announced last September, Microsoft had to rethink. "Project Gotham Racing is a signature racing franchise for Xbox 360 and Xbox Live and we plan to continue the series but we have nothing further to announce," the company said at the time.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
May 23rd, 2008, 22:14 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Are you good at Guitar Hero III? Not by the standards of a man named Daniel Johnson, you're not, because if you were you'd be the world record holder. He's broken the world record for a Guitar Hero III score, is what we're saying.
He scored 890,971 on the Xbox 360 version of the game doing the "Through the Fire and Flames" song by Dragonforce on Expert level. That's completely insane. The previous record-holder was a guy called Chris Chike, who scored 880,920 in March.
According to Guinness, who were on hand to record his achievement, Johnson was competing at a Guitar Hero 24-Hour Marathon presented by Blockbuster in Dallas. The idea was to drum up awareness for Education is Freedom, a non-profit foundation that does something to do with children. We didn't bother to learn.
If you're interested in videogame world records, incidentally, be sure to check out The King of Kong, a documentary about two guys competing for the Donkey Kong world record. It's brilliant and out on Region 2 DVD on 16th June.
Or you could buy the Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition 2008, which features contributions from a number of Eurogamer regulars. Just in case you ever wanted Wikipedia in hardback.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 24th, 2008, 00:51 Posted By: wraggster
Video-game retailer GameStop has decided to stop selling Microsoft's Zune players at its stores due to what it sees as insufficient demand from customers.
"We have decided to exit the Zune category because it just did not have the appeal we had anticipated," said a GameStop spokesperson. "It (also) did not fit with our product mix." GameStop made the decision about a month ago. GameStop said it will sell Zune players online until it clears out its inventory.
Microsoft said Friday that the Zune continues to be carried by other big-box retailers. "We have a set of great partnerships that give Zune a strong presence at retail including Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart and others," said Adam Sohn, director of marketing for Zune, in a statement. "We will continue to invest in retail partnerships and have seen good momentum online and at retail over the last few months."
http://www.thestreet.com/s/gamestop-...FREE&cm_ite=NA
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 24th, 2008, 00:53 Posted By: wraggster
A new beta version of the homebrew game 'Super Mario War(info)' for Xbox has been released.
What's new/fixed:
- New world match type and world editor (prototype) with working screenshots
* Stages, paths, bridges, lots of the stuff from SMB3
* Item menu system with new types of multiplayer style items like change controls, score multipliers and stage resurection
* Moving stages in the form of hammer brothers and tanks
* Bonus houses to visit and a pipe minigame to play
* Doors/keys and warp pipes
* New pipe minigame
- Added suicide timer so players that sit still for too long will countdown and die
- New enemies: spiny, buzzy beetle, paragoomba and parakoopas to stomp
- New powerups: freeze wand, podobo, bomb, tanooki, leaf and pwings powerups
- New map hazards added: flame cannon, bullet bills, pirhana plants, fireball strings, and rotodiscs
- New map items: Springs, Spikes and Kuribo's Shoe!
- New modes: Greed, Collection, Health and Phanto
- Added hidden blocks option to note blocks, powerup blocks, flip blocks
- Added ability to search map field for more than just a single character by typing multiple chars
- Added glide option to chicken in chicken mode (unlimited leaf powerup for player that is the chicken)
- Added new jail key item to jail mode
- Added exploding eggs option to Yoshi's eggs mode
- Added center flag option to capture the flag mode
- Added 3 new map filters for item destroyable blocks, hidden blocks, and map hazards
- Added push only kills option to timed and frag modes (sumo mode)
- Added two new types of platform paths -> continuous path and ellipse path
- Updated straight paths to allow the path to be at any angle, not just vertical and horizontal
- Added team specific spawn areas
- Added new options to yoshi's eggs mode to allow for 4 different colors of yoshis and eggs
- Added warp lock options - enterance only, exit only, both, whole connection, all warps
- Added kill credits for pushing other players into hazards
- Added mode specific extra time powerup for time limit and star modes
- Level editor can now specify where flag bases and race goals will start in a map
- Updated bonus wheel - only 10 bonuses are displayed and the player can choose when to stop the spinner
- Added 11 new tile types: Including right and left death tiles, ice solid on top, ice + death and super death tiles
- Added weapon destroyable blocks that can only be destroyed by that weapon - i.e. fireball breakable blocks, hammer breakable blocks, etc.
- Added fish, snow, leaves, rain and bubble eyecandy availalbe in 3 different layers
- Flipped over shells when hit with POW, MOd, spin attack or bounced from below
- Red and Gray throwable blocks (bounce and keep going when they hit a player/enemy)
- New spin move for tail and cape powerups
- Allow powerup weights to be specified in the map and added options to use weights from game, map or an average of both
- Added two alternate modes to jail "Owned" and "Free for All". Named the 1.7 jail mode to "Classic"
- New animated tileset that gives you complete control over animated tiles in multiple layers
- New tail powerup that can spin attack and allow the player to float down slowly
- Added super stomp move to kuribo's shoe and tanooki statue
- New "poof" gfx for transforming player into different forms
- Expanded tilesets - allows player to use any number of customized tileset inside the game (ships with SMB1, SMB2, SMB3 and SMWorld)
- New blue and orange note blocks
- Removed dependency on tileset.tls -> this file is now only used for default tile types assigned in the level editor
- Added ability to jump off of falling donut blocks
- Added mode settings to tours -> all mode settings are now settable using the tour file and old tour files are still supported (settings default to what they are set in the game mode menu)
- Added view blocks (from AFE), similar to powerup block except you can see what you're going to get when you hit it
- And tons more stuff!
http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=651234
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 24th, 2008, 01:26 Posted By: wraggster
Just like we said, the Zune has made its first retail appearance in Canada. Come June 13th, our friends to the north will be able to get their hands on Microsoft's media players, starting at $139.99 (for the 4GB flash variety), up to $249.99 for the big-daddy 80GB version. Pre-orders are being taken now, but something tells us you'll be able to get one on launch day regardless.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/23/z...-june-release/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 24th, 2008, 01:30 Posted By: wraggster
We'd been getting pretty used to getting an Xbox 360 Dashboard updates every other season or so, but it looks like it's going to be a barren spring: there's no update coming this spring, according to Xbox Live manager Marc Whitten. In an interview with Next Generation, Whitten said that Redmond's focusing resources on "building the proper infrastructure and scale for the service" -- which hopefully means those Live outages will soon be a thing of the past. Whitten also said that the Live team is working on a Live DRM update that'll allow XBLA games to be re-licensed and played offline if you swap consoles, and that underperforming XBLA titles with Metacritic scores under 65 percent will be eligible for delisting. Sure, sure -- just make with that wacky motion-sensing controller soon, okay?
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/23/m...coming-this-y/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 25th, 2008, 14:46 Posted By: wraggster
With the launch of our Community Games on Xbox LIVE (beta), I'd like to issue a renewed call for our entire Creator community to submit their games written using XNA Game Studio 2.0 for distribution over Xbox LIVE. The newly launched site is in beta and we're still looking at the official release later this holiday. There is no better time than now to take the system for a test drive. We have several different roles for all of our XNA Creators Club Premium members:
- Create & Submit: Create your dream games or something wacky just for fun using XNA Game Studio 2.0
- Peer Review: Check out and review games submitted by your peers and help the community overall to create and share the best games possible
- Play: XNA Creators Club Premium members in the USA can also download and play the games directly from Xbox LIVE Marketplace after games successfully pass Peer Review
So whether you have a game and want to share it, simply enjoy reviewing games that others are creating and submitting or just want to play all the amazing games created by your peers - there's more than enough for all our Creators to do! Over 20 games have already made their way to Xbox LIVE Marketplace and more are on their way!
http://blogs.msdn.com/xna/archive/20...mes-redux.aspx
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 25th, 2008, 14:47 Posted By: wraggster
You may have seen the Next-Gen.biz article with Marc Whitten, and it may have left you confused.
Don't panic - we've seen your questions, and we have some answers for you.
We've upped the XBLA size limit from 150mb to 350mb.
We've stated that underperforming games on XBLA may be delisted. To be delisted, a game has to meet all three of the following criteria:
Been on the service for at least 6 months
Have less than a 65 Metacritic rating
Have a conversion rate of less than 6%
Now, let's get into your delisting questions:
Q: What's "conversion rate"?
A: When people download a trial XBLA game, and then purchase that game, that's called a conversion. So if less than 6% of all trials downloaded lead to full game purchases - that's one of the 3 criteria we look at when deciding to delist a game.
Q: Why are you delisting games?
A: We have a LOT of XBLA titles onto the service. By filtering out the lower performing games, it will actually make it easier to find the games you really want.
Q: If I bought a game, and deleted it, can I redownload it even if it's been delisted?
A: Yes, you can. Go to Download History under the Account Management section of marketplace (far left blade).
Q: Can I still play a game after it's been delisted? What about playing online? What about leaderboards?
A: Yes, yes, and yes. The game will function normally even after being delisted. You can continue to play the game single and multiplayer, as well as use the leaderboards as you normally would.
Hopefully this helps clear up some of the confusion. Leave comments here and we can pass on feedback, and attempt to answer any other questions you may have.
While I'm sure I'll get a lot of hatred here in the comments, please keep it constructive.
While it may feel good in the short-term, calling us idiots and swearing isn't going to help make a better product unless you explain WHY you think we're idiots.
http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/archi...24/559300.aspx
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 26th, 2008, 02:13 Posted By: wraggster
Truth be told, we still can't believe this is the first commercially available glow in the dark Xbox 360 chassis, but then again, glow in the dark hasn't been remotely fashionable since Bill Clinton left office. Still, if history is beginning to repeat itself, you know you want to be first on the bandwagon, and there's no better way to throw it back than with the XCM Glow Pearl case. As it stands, the shell isn't quite ready to be ordered, but we're sure it'll be worth every penny when your BFF sees just how gnarly this thing is in the dark.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/25/g...-back-to-1992/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 26th, 2008, 11:23 Posted By: wraggster
We're pretty sure that everyone and their dog played the original Gears of War the first time around (aside from most Border Collies, who are, in fact, devout PS3 fanboys), but if you've yet to divide a competitor using a firearm/lumberjack tool, a Gamestop pre-order listing for a $40 Gears re-release might tickle your fancy. We've yet to hear from Microsoft about details for the title (or a confirmation of the game's existence, for that matter), but as the listing reads "Gears of War with Maps", we can only assume it will contain the Hidden Fronts DLC as well as the Raven Down and Old Bones levels, rather than the hit song by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. With less than a month until the game's supposed release date of June 24, we're sure to hear more soon.
http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/25/ga...ease-launches/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 26th, 2008, 12:54 Posted By: wraggster
Earlier this month Sony Computer Entertainment Europe chief David Reeves happily announced that over five million units of PS3 hardware have been sold across Europe, allowing the console to surge past Microsoft's Xbox 360 despite the 360's 16-month head start in the region. In an interview with Wired, however, Microsoft Game Studios' Shane Kim seemed to dispute those numbers.
Moreover, when GameDaily BIZ contacted Microsoft, a spokesperson told us that Xbox 360, not PS3, is in the lead: "In Europe, our hardware sales have doubled in the wake of GTA IV, and we remain the number one next-generation console in Europe. We do not disclose our internal sales data, but our figures show we enjoy a comfortable lead against PlayStation 3 in the region. We lead not only in console sales but also in software sales: overall European performance is excellent with a 7.0 game attach rate that beats the competition (3.8 PS3, 3.5 Wii), and we enjoy 39% of the market in terms of life-to-date revenue. Gamers prefer games on Xbox 360 – just look at GTA IV, where the Xbox 360 version outsold the PS3 version by 20%."
So Microsoft continues to claim a "comfortable lead" and yet when we reached out to Sony, the company maintained that the PS3 was winning. Perhaps what it really comes down to is the definition of Europe?
Here's what a Sony rep told us, "The statement was based on the fact that cumulative sales of PS3 in Europe since its launch now exceed the cumulative sales of Xbox 360 in Europe since their launch, despite Xbox 360 having had a 16 month lead on PS3. Europe means the whole of Western Europe, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Russia. SCEE sources its market data from official sources such as ChartTrack and Gfk, from their retailers and from a variety of additional sources. SCEE has been using the same methodology for the last 10 years or so."
We continue to press both companies and we'll let you know if we ever get a real answer that straightens this mess out.
http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/ne...-europe/?biz=1
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 26th, 2008, 18:22 Posted By: wraggster
Unconfirmed! Apparently, Capcom is releasing Street Fighter IV this winter on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. Capcom accidentally announced this on a press site, states French site Jeuxvideo. Of course this multi-plat release would fall in line with how Capcom releases everything (PS3, Xbox 360 and PC). However, Jeuxvideo didn't provide a link to where this tidbit was discovered, so stay tuned.
http://kotaku.com/5010962/street-fig...pc-this-winter
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 26th, 2008, 19:04 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released in the UK at Amazon UK
When Gears came out i never heard of it or any of the hype surrounding it, so when i went round my mates and picked up the game case and asked him to play it i didn't know what i was in for. After playing it after 5 minutes i was already drawn in by the incredible graphics created by the unreal engine. First thing i thought to myself after playing that game is i must get a 360! So i eventually did and you bet this was the first game i got for it! I'm so glad i bought this game.
If you new to the 360 and looking for some games this i would very highly recommend it is incredible.I am seriously unsurprised that it has become a Classic for the Xbox 360. BUY NOW!!!
Graphics 10/10
Game play 10/10
Online 10/10
Campaign 9.5/10
Overall 10/10
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 27th, 2008, 03:09 Posted By: wraggster
Aaron Greenberg, Xbox's director of product management, has confirmed that Live users are now downloading in the region of 1 million pieces of content daily.
"People are now downloading about a million things every day from the service," he said. "When we first launched 360, it took us four months - 120 days, more or less - to get 10 million downloads. And now we're doing 10 million downloads in ten days."
"We're at 17,000: the PlayStation Network is just around 600 items," he said. "This is like comparing a Wal-Mart superstore or a Cost-Co to your local Quickie Mart, right? It's at extreme ends... In the first year we had more than 600 items. We were way ahead of that."
"I think Sony has had a history of over-promising and under-delivering. [I was] just using actual facts of all the things that they had promised. I think I talked to some folks about this afterwards, but I think as an industry, we owe it to our customers to be straight with them. I think that some of the stuff we've talked about, while the reaction may not always be positive, we're going to tell you... People just want you to be straight with them. We know titles slip, we know things happen, and there's little we can do to control that, but if we promise something - I think as an industry - we need to start living up to our promises. As an organisation, i think Xbox has a pretty good track record of doing that."
http://www.videogaming247.com/
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 27th, 2008, 12:14 Posted By: Darksaviour69
'Penny Arcade Adventures' records the highest-grossing debut in the history of Xbox Live Arcade games with a whopping $330,000 in just over 3 days (helped by the high 1600MS point price). Penny Arcade Adventures is the 3rd highest debut in terms of units sold in 2008.
1 Aegis Wing (Free) 17,712
2 Penny Arcade Adventures 16,502
3 Undertow 14,265
4 Uno 13,238
5 Assault Heroes 2 8,530
6 Texas Hold'em 7,500
7 Yaris (Free) 6,792
8 Bomberman Live 6,681
9 Worms HD 6,582
10 Carcassonne 6,510
11 Geometry Wars Evolved 6,362
12 TMNT 5,865
13 PacMan CE 5,859
14 Bankshot Billiards 2
15 Sonic the Hedgehog 2 5,201
16 Boom Boom Rocket 4,878
17 Doom 4,813
18 N+ 4,740
19 Street Fighter 2 HF 4,487
20 Brain Challenge 4,442
Source VGchatz
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 27th, 2008, 14:51 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released today:
features
A comprehensive walkthrough of the entire pulse-pounding game.
Detailed area maps pinpointing critical locations.
In-depth listing of all available items and equipment.
Expert boss strategies to defeat even the toughest boss.
Tactics for each mode of gameplay.
Signature Series guide features bonus foldout and more!
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-1rul.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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 27th, 2008, 15:01 Posted By: wraggster
newly released today
features
New online modes: Six new online modes allow you to play as an Akrid, steal Akrid eggs from your opponent, and more.
Four new multiplayer maps: Take the battle to Crossfire City with its wide streets and sniper cover or get on board a space ship in Assault Space
New perspectives: Switch to first-person view or over-the-shoulder view for even more intense action
New weapons: Use four new weapons for the humans including a hand cannon, and try out four new weapons for the VS, including the devastating Laser Lance!
description
Lost Planet™: Extreme Condition Colonies Edition provides explosive action for both offline and online players, and allows cross-platform play between Xbox 360® and PC. Gamers who missed the original Lost Planet will have the opportunity to experience the epic gameplay that made the original a global hit with the added bonus of fresh new content and cross-platform gameplay all at a great value price. Fans of online action will thrill to the new online game modes, maps, and weapons.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-2oui.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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 27th, 2008, 15:03 Posted By: wraggster
newly released today
features
Be familiar with the “Gachi†button, by timing your opponents attacks and pressing the gachi button in time, you can guard yourself from combo attacks.
By combining the direction pad and the gachi button presses, launch combo attacks against your opponents.
Launch skills and special character attacks at the expense of your MP gage
Press onto your attack button without releasing it to charge up your attacks, the longer you charge, the more powerful your attacks are.
When you are at a close range to your opponents, you can pick them up and throw them into the air. When you are caught by your opponents, on the other hand, make use of your timing and gachi button to escape from their grips.
Catch yourself by timing your gatchi button presses when your opponents threw you into the air.
description
After six great wars, darkness has once again fallen on this earth and it is up to the next generation of heroes to rescue their land from the clutches of evil and show their people the light. Each of the four heroes are fighting for their own objectives, some of them are fighting for justice, some for their instincts and others for ascertaining their objectives.
This beautiful fighting game differs from games of the same genre by making use of RPG elements like having a large scale story mode. The characters are fully voiced, animated and are very expressive, you can see the look of concentration or fear on their faces when they launch special attacks or are about to be hit. The game runs on high resolution screens in the arcades and is going to push the limits of your third generation consoles. With a network mode, you can fight matches with people from all over the world.
Other modes are:
Survival mode where you fight strings of battles until your HP bar depletes completely.
Time attack mode where you have to defeat a set number of enemies under a time constraint.
Practice mode where beginners learn how to launch special skills and attacks.
Gallery mode where you view the event CG and movies you have collected in the story mode.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-2neb.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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 27th, 2008, 19:59 Posted By: Shrygue
via IGN
The Oddworld universe is to be explored further, with series creator Lorne Lanning recently confirming reports that a new title is being planned.
Maxis co-founder Jeff Braun revealed he was working with Lanning's Oddworld Inhabitants on a new game, stating in a recent talk at a Canadian University that it would harness a cinematic scale that would put it on par with CGI films. Lanning today confirmed the title's existence to gamesindustry.biz, though would not be drawn to reveal further details. Don't be expecting the game anytime soon, however – in his talk, Braun stated that the game could be 'years' down the line.
Oddworld games have enjoyed a consistently high critical reception, with the last installment coming in the shape of Oddworld: Strangers Wrath, a well received first person shooter that launched on the original Xbox in January 2005.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 27th, 2008, 21:14 Posted By: Shrygue
via IGN
Xbox Live's director of product management Aaron Greenberg fleshed out the near future of the service this weekend on Major Nelson's podcast, reiterating a few upcoming changes and expanding on Microsoft's plan to "de-list" some games on Live.
During his guest spot on the podcast, hosted by Xbox Live programming director Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb, Greenberg expanded on Xbox Live general manager Marc Whitten's statements last week that the company will soon clean house, removing some underperforming Xbox Live Arcade titles.
Games that have been on XBLA at least 6 months, have an average rating of less than 65 percent and have a conversion rate of less than 6 percent will be removed from the listings. Microsoft counts a conversion every time someone downloads the trial version of a game and then follows it up with a purchase of the full version.
In general, Greenberg said, new games and top-selling titles will never be on the chopping block. Rather, Microsoft is attempting to make newer, more popular games easier to find by removing some of the clutter.
Although an unfortunate few will be removed from the list of downloadable XBLA games, the de-listed titles will never be permanently removed from the service, Greenberg said. They just won't be available to new customers and won't show up when browsing the list of games.
"You will always be able to play the games you own," Greenberg said. "If you buy a game, we're never going to take it away."
De-listed games will also be available for re-download, he said, to gamers who have purchased them in the past. Leaderboards and other Live support will also continue for de-listed games.
While on the podcast, Greenberg also shared some updated Xbox Live numbers:
Total Xbox Live games: About 130
Average daily downloads: About 1 million
New XBLA game file size cap: 350 MB
Percent of first-week U.S. GTA IV purchases for Xbox 360: 65
Number of items on Xbox Live: About 17,000
Number of items on PlayStation Store: About 600
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 28th, 2008, 14:09 Posted By: Darksaviour69
“Buku Sudoku,” the first Sudoku game available on Xbox LIVE Arcade and Atari’s arcade classic “Warlords,” both launch on Xbox LIVE Arcade Today.
Buku Sudoku has multiple themes that allow players to choose the audio and visual environment, over 1,200 puzzles total and three levels of difficulty. Multiplayer modes feature support for up to four players offline and up to eight players via Xbox LIVE. More casual players can experience the game with friends and family through the cooperative mode, and competitive players will enjoy an new concept – an active duel where the player’s performance directly impacts his opponent’s puzzle.
Buku Sudoku is available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points
Warlords offers single and multiplayer action as up to four players battle to protect their fortress from attack, while battering down their opponents fortress! Defend yourself from incoming fire with your shield and smash down your enemies’ defenses by firing flaming balls at them, or blast a hole through and bring their Warlord tumbling down along with his castle walls......or more simply put, Pong with forts.
Warlords features both the original arcade cabinet game, plus a brand new “Evolved” version featuring shiny new 3D graphics and the a live video feed. Single player is supported, along with 2, 3, and 4 player local and Xbox LIVE multiplayer choices.
Warlords is available worldwide (with the exception of Japan and Korea) for 400 Microsoft Point
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 28th, 2008, 14:26 Posted By: Darksaviour69
German developer Deck13 has taken the wraps off its next RPG project, Venetica - a 16th century romp which rather unusually casts you in the role of Death's daughter.
Yes, that Death. Skeleton, black robe, scythe - the eternal concept of death made corporeal. We're not sure where or when exactly he found time to shake his bones with a willing female, but he's got a daughter, she's called Scarlett, and you're playing her.
Information on the game is a little sparse at the moment, but we know that it's coming out on the PC and Xbox 360 sometime next year, and that it'll be published by dtp Entertainment.
Deck13, if the name isn't familiar to you, are a fairly well established creator of RPGs and adventure games in Germany. The Frankfurt based team was responsible for the Ankh series, as well as the more recent Jack Keane.
Source = Eurogamer
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 28th, 2008, 16:49 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released in the UK at Amazon UK
Experience the ultimate team- and mission-based multiplayer warfare, defined by award winning Return to Castle Wolfenstein Multiplayer, now set in the legendary QUAKE universe. Choose to play as the human Global Defence Force or the invading alien menace, the Strogg. Each side has distinct classes, vehicles, and weapons to choose from, giving players countless ways to join the battle.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 28th, 2008, 19:53 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
US retailer GameStop continues to scatter information around about an upcoming Special Edition release for Gears of War - revealing last week that it exists, and this week, telling us what's in it.
Actually, what's in it isn't necessarily all that exciting. According to a full list published by TeamXbox, the new edition will come with new content for both Gears of War and its upcoming sequel, Gears of War 2, but only two elements of that are actually playable - the two multiplayer map packs for Gears of War, now included on the game disc.
The rest is just a smorgasbord of trailers, gamer pictures and themes - some from the first game, some from the sequel - including Cliffy B's "Emergence Day Message" video and a selection of teaser and gameplay trailers from Gears of War 2.
One for the absolute completists, then, rather than a must-have for Gears of War fans - assuming, of course, that it ever comes to these shores. With Microsoft in the USA still not confirming the existence of the special edition, we've also heard nary a word here in Europe. We've contacted Microsoft to ask what's going on, so we'll let you know when they get back to us.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 28th, 2008, 21:31 Posted By: Shrygue
via IGN
Yuke's Company of America announced today that Double D Dodgeball has received certification for a release on Xbox Live Arcade. The title will be exclusive to the Microsoft download service and will arrive this summer at a cost of 800 Microsoft Points ($10 US).
Double D Dodgeball will bring the much loved playground game to XBLA with four ball types, multiple playing surfaces, eight player online matches and several different playing modes. It will also feature both Eastern and Western rules.
"With Double D Dodgeball, we've been able to capture the spirit of classic playground dodgeball that we all grew up with, integrate a defined set of rules known in the East and West, and take it to Xbox Live," said Ken Koyama, Manager of Product Development at Yuke's Company of America. "Instead of meeting up on the hot playground, you can go on Xbox Live Arcade and blast your friend with ball from the comfort of your couch."
You may be wondering what the heck the difference between East and West rules are. The press release accompanying the announcement has those details:
West Arena
Traditional method where two teams square off in an arena separated by a center line.
Hit an opponent to knock them out.
"Out" players are sent to the sidelines located behind their team's side of the court.
Return when a teammate knocks out an opponent.
East Arena
Arena contains a center line, and an outfield located around the outside of the court.
One player from each team starts in the opponent's outfield and can throw balls at the other team.
"Out" players are sent to the outfield. Hit an opponent from there to reenter the match.
Double D Dodgeball has been rated "E" for Everyone by the ESRB.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 29th, 2008, 02:05 Posted By: wraggster
The offerings over at Zune Marketplace are about to see a nice little update as Microsoft adds 400 new episodes of various television shows. That's not gigantic if you start analyzing shows by 24-episode seasons (and even less when you scale it to dailies like The Colbert Report), but if you were to scale that in terms of MTV seasons, that's like 100+ new shows! Holy crap! Here's the full rollout schedule of the new content:
Zune Marketplace Video Store Update Schedule:
· Wednesday, May 28: COMEDY CENTRAL
o "The Colbert Report"
o "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart"
· Friday, May 30: NBC Universal
o "Friday Night Lights"
o "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"
o "Law & Order"
o "Life"
o "Lipstick Jungle"
o "Saturday Night Live"
· Tuesday, June 3: SCI FI Channel
o "Battlestar Galactica Classics"
o "Destination Truth"
o "Ghost Hunters International"
o "Ghost Hunters"
o "Who Wants to Be a Superhero?"
· Friday, June 6: USA Network
o "Dr. Steve-O"
o "In Plain Sight"
o "Law & Order: Criminal Intent"
o "Monk"
o "Psych"
o "The Starter Wife"
http://gizmodo.com/393758/zune-marke...ch-of-tv-shows
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 29th, 2008, 03:53 Posted By: pibs
Via:http://www.bingegamer.net
In a bit of crime news that will probably find its way into t3h w31rd this Sunday, a student at the University of Evanston had his Xbox 360 stolen — and replaced with a Xbox. A classic Xbox. The black one.
On May 11th a hall government member went down to the basement, and locked his Xbox 360 in a closet. When said student returned eleven days later, he found that the closet was still locked, but that the Xbox 360 was gone, replaced with the classic black brick.
The student says that only two people have access to the closet, including himself. So whoever this second person happens to be is either a complete idiot for thinking that this other guy wouldn’t notice that the slim, proper Xbox 360 was replaced by the Borg Cube, or he’s a thief with a heart and just couldn’t bring himself to steal the 360 without leaving some kind of consolation prize for the original owner.
Sucks to be you, kid. Sucks to be you.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 29th, 2008, 13:43 Posted By: Darksaviour69
American gaming mag (of the "dead trees" variety) EGM has a treat for fans of Gears of War this month - a pretty extensive cover feature going into some depth about the sequel's multiplayer modes, as well as an interview with the game's creator, CliffyB.
Skimming through the highlights of what's on offer, Gears of War 2 will now allow up to 10 players to participate in multiplayer deathmatches, with EGM hinting that AI bots may be available to fill up matches. (There's also a very vague hint which could either imply that 4-player co-op is on the cards, or simply that CliffyB is very excitable.)
Plenty of new weapons will make their debut in the game, with the high rate of fire Gorgon Burst Pistol and the powerful, once-per-map Scorcher flamethrower being detailed in the feature. The old weapons are being tweaked, too - and Epic is promising more superweapons, similar to the Hammer of Dawn from the original game.
There also seem to be interesting change afoot with the various features and window-dressing surrounding the multiplayer mode. There's a screenshot capture function, which allows you to play future-war photographer briefly, then upload your creations to a public site where others can vote on them - and you also get scored on how good the action in the picture is in-game (Dead Rising, anyone?).
It's speculation at this stage, but EGM also reckons that a Halo-style function for saving replays of the action and uploading them to Xbox Live is in the works - and Epic is also apparently considering a scrolling ticker in the game to show you live stats as you play.
What else? Well, there are new game types - including Wingman, where four teams of two face off, and Meatflag, where you have to capture an opposing team member. The multiplayer maps are a mixture of brand new locations and tweaked favourites (Gridlock and Subway both return).
Oh, and just in case you didn't find the first Gears of War's grunting, macho, man-on-man action to be overtly homoerotic enough, it turns out that the Epic team's term for killing someone with a chainsaw from behind is "Chainsodomy". On the plus side, the pun only works if you've got some kind of colonial drawling accent, so we can't see it catching on on this side of the Atlantic. Phew.
There's only a brief stub of the article online at the moment, so if you're lucky enough to live near a newsagent with a decent import mag section, you might want to hunt down a copy of July's EGM and have a read.
Source= Eurogamer
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 29th, 2008, 16:26 Posted By: Darksaviour69
Infogrames president Phil Harrison has revealed when we can expect a playable demo of Alone in the Dark to arrive.
Speaking to Eurogamer last week he said, "There's an Xbox Live Marketplace demo which'll be up a week before the game comes out."
That'd be some time around 13th June then, seeing as Alone in the Dark for Xbox 360 is out on 20th June. PC, PS2 and Wii versions will be released on the same date, with a PS3 game to follow in the autumn.
When asked whether we can expect any downloadable content in future Harrison said, "We've not made any announcements on that yet."
Source: Eurogames
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 29th, 2008, 19:40 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
THQ has delayed the release of Saints Row 2 by two months due to product quality and marketing considerations.
The game will now be released on October 14 instead of August 26, meaning it will miss the publisher's fiscal second quarter.
THQ is counting on Saints Row 2 and Red Faction Guerilla to be sales drivers during the current fiscal year after failing to meet its revenue and profit targets during the financial year ended March 31, 2008.
Bob Aniello, senior vice president of worldwide marketing, told Reuters that Saints Row 2's delay will not affect the company's financial outlook for its 2009 fiscal year.
Saints Row 2 is the sequel to 2006's Xbox 360 exclusive Saints Row, a wholly owned THQ intellectual property which sold over a million units. Developed by Volition, the open world action series offers a free-roaming experience in the Grand Theft Auto mold.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 29th, 2008, 19:42 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Following Splinter Cell: Conviction's disappointing no-show during last night's Ubidays press conference, Ubisoft has moved to quell speculation by claiming the game simply needs more "polishing".
Speaking to Eurogamer in Paris earlier today, global development boss Christine Burgess-Overmard insisted: "The team is still working on it". Nevertheless, speculation on the status of the high-profile project has been mounting after a lengthy information blackout since its unveiling a year ago, further fuelled by a recent magazine report suggesting the game was undergoing a major overhaul.
"Splinter Cell is one of our major IPs, so we don't let them go out before they're perfect, and it's not yet perfect," Burgess-Overmard explained. "So the team is polishing it so we can have a great game to offer the consumers." However, when pressed on a timeframe for the next reveal, she refused to be drawn, adding: "Not yet. When it's ready."
Splinter Cell: Conviction - at least as it was presented last year - focuses on a now-fugitive Sam Fisher stripped of his usual techy toys and forced to use crowds and his environment to avoid detection.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 29th, 2008, 19:55 Posted By: Shrygue
via Joystiq
If you've got Microsoft Points burning a hole in your pocket, and are left wanting for yet another Xbox Live Arcade puzzler, next Wednesday's release of Roogoo may be just up your alley. Publisher SouthPeak has announced that it will drop the puzzle game onto the service for 800 MS Points ($10), promising all the fun you and up to three other players can have by sliding pegs of different shapes into their appropriate holes ... all while trying to save an alien race.
While the game draws more than a little influence from toys aimed at toddlers, our recent hands-on time with Roogoo still managed to keep us entertained, though you can judge for yourself when the puzzler drops onto XBLA on June 4.
Screenshots
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 29th, 2008, 20:46 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Lucas Arts has told CVG that a demo of Fracture will be released simultaneously on PSN and XBL in "August or September".
The third-person shooter takes a punt at innovation with a terrain deformation system that allows you to literally morph hills and craters into the ground using a gun called the Entrencher.
Lucas Arts told us that the demo would be the same as the version we played yesterday, which contained a tutorial stage leading into an action level in which you can try out all the land-bending trickery.
Multiplayer options were not included.
Look out for hands-on impressions of the game, along with brand new assets, on CVG soon.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
May 29th, 2008, 21:47 Posted By: wraggster
SX has released a new version of openbor for the Dreamcast, PSP, Gp2x and Xbox, heres the release news:
New Features:
Official OpenBOR Logo, Menu and Icons is now in place. Thank You Fightn Words!
All new Menu for Windows/Linux/PS3/GamePark (Other platforms will be upgraded too!).
Two Types of Window Releases (DLL linked executable and the new Single file executable).
Previews for Mods are now available within the menu!
Music playback for mods are now available within the menu!
Logfile Viewer is now available within the menu!
Auto detection for widescreen mode is now done for menu.
Auto detection for Windowed/Fullscreen mode is now done for menu.
Automated Build system now compiles every platform including XBOX!
Menu now automatically boots to mod if only one mod is found. (Great for mod creators!)
Updated Credits screen, to reflect Fightn Words contributions.
Bug Fixes:
Bilinear & Bilinear Plus Widescreen filters are now fixed.
Special Animation is now being checked properly (No longer a required animation).
Engine Crash while Switching filters during mid-level now FIXED!
Known Issues:
GP2X controls are screwed up! Need testers that provide quick feedback! Otherwise it remains broken!
New filters still need to be implemented officially into PSP, Dreamcast, XBOX and GP2X.
Switching filters in options does not update screen until I leave current menu (Only applies for MMX filters). Currently investigating
Probably a whole lot more I'm not aware of....lol
Notes:
Delete settings.sav prior to using it!!!
All developers can now resume working on SVN. I have finished all major rewrites!
http://www.lavalit.com/index.php?PHP...9&topic=1476.0
Download & Give Feedback Via Comments
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 29th, 2008, 23:45 Posted By: wraggster
From the ground up port of Manic Miner to the Zune. The same code base will run on Windows and Xbox 360 but those projects are not included here - I'm looking to make this available to Zune users as there is a buzz around that device at the moment.
There are a few gaps in terms of the levels (Kong, Skylab) but it's pretty complete. Also, there are no sound effects - sorry about that. If there's interest, I'll fix these things up.
You'll need Visual Studio Express 2008 and the XNA Game Studio 3.0 CTP to build and run this on your Zune.
http://www.gameprojects.com/project/?id=a38efb04f0
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 30th, 2008, 10:28 Posted By: Darksaviour69
Ubisoft is asking for beta testers for Tom Clancy's EndWar. The Private Beta will take place for 3 weeks in June and July, and will be available in English only. The Beta will feature 3 maps and be playable exclusively online in 1v1 and 2v2 matches. The Beta will be available for Xbox 360, and you will need to be an Xbox Live Gold Member, with a broadband internet connection, and 3 GB of free space on your Xbox 360 Hard Drive.
Sign up now
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 30th, 2008, 12:15 Posted By: Darksaviour69
Silicon Knights Shows Off the Inner Workings of “Too Human’s†Co-Op Mode, Available for Download on Xbox LIVE Marketplace this Friday, May 30. Denis Dyack and Team Showcase the Features of Co-Op Mode.
Silicon Knights’director and president, Denis Dyack, and director of design, Henry Sterchi, explain how players will distribute their loot, build their characters and execute killer combos. Both Dyack and Sterchi also demonstrate additional features, such as the ability for players to explore skill trees to discover the depth and diversity of classes, as well as the ability for players to begin levels in different sections – a convenient feature for those who want to jump out of a game and jump back in without losing significant progress within a stage.
The video diary also includes the second installment of the three-part documentary titled, “The Goblin Man of Norway: The Examination.†Researchers and scholars continue to shed light on the findings and examination of the “Goblin Man.†For more information and updates on “The Goblin Man,†viewers can continue to visit http://www.norwegianfilmcommittee.org/.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 30th, 2008, 20:46 Posted By: Shrygue
via Joystiq
Microsoft just sent out a press release stating that a video showcasing Too Human's co-op mode is now available on the Xbox Live Marketplace. Silicon Knights' president, Denis Dyack, and design director, Henry Sterchi, host the video and explain how the four-player two-player co-op will work.
Of course, if you don't want to do the whole download thing, we've also conveniently placed the video after the break. Be prepared, it's almost 15 minutes long.
Trailer here
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
May 30th, 2008, 21:27 Posted By: Shrygue
via Joystiq
Several Joystiq readers have clued us in on a private beta for Tom Clancy's EndWar coming in June. Now Ubisoft has posted a signup page for those who have received an invitation, and a few details are given.
The three-week beta will take place during both June and July and is available only for Xbox 360 players. You will be able to play three maps in online 1-on-1 and 2-on-2 matches. The beta, available in English only, requires participants to have Xbox Live Gold membership, broadband internet connection and 3GB of hard drive space. The beta is available in English only.
Screenshots
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 30th, 2008, 21:34 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
The Xbox Live demo of Ninja Gaiden II is now live - but only if you can get on to the Japanese Marketplace to download it.
Unfortunately we can't read Japanese and so can't tell you exactly what's in the trial, but previously the official blurb has been that it comprises of a single level which has you "guide Ryu on his mission to avenge his clan."
If you're incredibly impatient like us, the process of accessing the demo is simple enough; just tell porkies about where you live on your Gamertag profile, and don't tell Microsoft we sent you.
According to Major Nelson, the European demo is still on the way: "A demo for all other Xbox Live regions is planned," he said. "I don't have any additional information at this time (like when it will release) but the moment I do, I will let you know."
Read our verdict on the full, boxed game here.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
May 30th, 2008, 22:41 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Huxley developer Webzen has unveiled new details about its online shooter Huxley, confirming the single player will be free to play and that the Xbox 360 version will include extra content.
According to OXM UK, Producer Kijong "KJ" Kang told its US counterparts that the Xbox-exclusive campaigns and PVP battles will "reveal more secrets about world that you will never find in the PC version."
Kang also confirmed that the game will first launch for PC later on this year and then appear on 360 a few months later. Players can expect to pay a standard subscription model to access the MMO segment of the game, but can also play offline for free.
In case you've forgotten, Huxley is FPS shooter that combines twitch combat and vehicles with a persistent world that includes PvP, PvE and a proper levelling system.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
May 30th, 2008, 22:57 Posted By: Shrygue
via IGN
Rock Band will add tracks from two decidedly different artists to its online setlist next week in a nod to both fun-loving baby boomers and their angst-addled offspring.
Three Jimmy Buffet songs and three songs by the Chicago-based metal band Disturbed will hit Xbox Live and PlayStation Network on Tuesday and Friday of next week, respectively, Harmonix and MTV Games announced today.
In a news release announcing the upcoming tracks, the companies said Buffet, who is apparently a big Rock Band fan, re-recorded versions of his hit songs "Margaritaville," "Cheeseburger In Paradise" and "Volcano" specifically for the game. Each Buffett track will be available for $1.99 per track (160 Microsoft Points) or $5.49 (440 Microsoft Points) for the three-pack.
MTV Games has also partnered with Best Buy to offer Disturbed fans free downloads of two tracks from the band's new album Indestructible by pre-ordering the record through the retailer's Web site. Both of those songs ("Indestructible" and "Inside the Fire") will now be available to all Rock Band players, along with a third new track, "Perfect Insanity." Each Disturbed track will be available for $.99 per track (80 Microsoft Points) for a limited time, or $2.99 (240 Microsoft Points) for all three.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
