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August 1st, 2006, 19:19 Posted By: wraggster
Does for you, like us, killing zombies fills your pants with throbbing joy? Then, fellow undead slaughterers, you should be extra-thrilled with knobs on to learn that a demo of Capcom's fantastic 360 splatterfest Dead Rising is shambling onto Xbox Live.
An arrival date for the demo has yet to be confirmed, but a spokesperson for Capcom's Euro arm informed us this morning that news on that should be released shortly - like within the next 48 hours.
Similarly, it's currently unknown precisely what game content will be in the demo, although we've been told to expect to be able to roam around the game's shopping mall - the main stage for the undead killing action - and, well, splatter zombie parts all over the place.
Dead Rising's an ultra-violent action game with plenty of black humour that finds freelance photographer Frank West battling undead hordes.
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August 1st, 2006, 19:28 Posted By: wraggster
Lost Planet is one of the Xbox 360 titles we're truly looking forward to, with Capcom producer Keiji Inafune (of Dead Rising and Onimusha fame) heading up an ice cold action-shooter set on a ...well you can guess the rest.
Casting you as a hero called Wayne (don't worry it gets better), LP sees you battling alien creatures and facing up to your own dark past on a frozen wasteland of a planet, with sub zero temperatures, advanced weaponry, giant mechs and a whole heap of alien-blasting carnage in prospect. We've seen early builds of the game and mighty fine it's looking too, so it's with great pleasure that we present this latest array of screens for your joy and delectation.
Further thrills will be ours (and yours vicariously) later this month, when Lost Planet debuts its multiplayer credentials at the Leipzig Games Show. However, in the meantime enjoy the latest selection of shots, and don't forget to wrap up warm.
Screens Here
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August 2nd, 2006, 15:13 Posted By: wraggster
It's Wednesday again, which means the mid-week tube delays are in full swing and there's a new game up for download on Xbox Live Arcade - and this week it's the one you've all been waiting for.
After months of release date confusion, Street Fighter II Hyper Fighting has finally made its way on to Live Arcade, and we can already hear fighter fans scrambling for their Xbox 360s. The Arcade edition of the classic fighter has been updated with lovely HD graphics, leaderboards, achievements and full online bouts over Xbox Live, more than enough to warrant the 800 point price tag.
It certainly seems that way for our friends over at OXM 360, who've been beating each other up all morning to bring you a mini review of the game and scoring it a very commendable 9/10.
The fighter is the fourth of five initial releases announced for Microsoft's Live Arcade Wednesdays promotion, which - funnily enough - sees a new Arcade game released every Wednesday. Next week Pac Man munches its way onto the Arcade servers, and new game announcements are expected sometime around its release.
Street Fighter II Hyper Fighting is on Xbox Live Arcade right now for 800 of your Microsoft points. Now, where did we put that Ethernet cable?
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August 2nd, 2006, 15:15 Posted By: wraggster
Army of Two was easily one of EA's most impressive titles at this year's last great E3, and with both PS3 and Xbox 360 coming under the AoT crosshairs, it's a double dose of carnage virtually guaranteed for the next-gen when the game eventually sees the light of day next year.
While not too much has been seen of the PS3 version, we got a big dose of Army of Two's Xbox 360 credentials this year, more of which you can read about here, but it seems some splendid co-op opportunities are in prospect, with your AI controlled team-mate (and quite possibly a real-life one too) being under your direct voice command for an all-action blastathon of the highest order.
Despite our fervent entreaties, EA has remained strangely reluctant to reveal more about the title. Until today that is, when this new array of screens debuted showing off the co-op gameplay plus some rather attractive weapon renders, where you'll see how you can upgrade your basic firearm into a ninja boomstick. For the moment though, enjoy the new shots and we'll try and press EA for even more info on this promising looking shooter on your behalf.
Screens Here
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August 2nd, 2006, 15:17 Posted By: wraggster
Last week Epic honcho Mark Rein posted a message on the official Gears of War forums, promising that a "big announcement" would arrive this week. Speculation has been rife over what the announcement might be, although Rein stated it wouldn't be the release date. Wednesday's come and we're still waiting.
However US retailers Gamestop, EBGames and Amazon have all recently updated their listings with a November date for Gears, though strangely the dates differ by a week. Gamestop and EBgames both list the standard game, along with the rather saucy looking collectors' edition, for November 1st, while Amazon in the US have a November 7th release date for the game, and a November 24th date here in Europe.
While online retailers often list placeholder dates for forthcoming products, they're also often the first to receive official word from publishers. November is widely assumed to be Gears of War's emergence month, and with the PlayStation 3 launching on the 17th it'd be a smart move for Microsoft to launch their big release around the same time.
But is this Epic's "big announcement"? Surely the reveal of Gears' release date, especially in the month that everyone expected it to come, would not warrant being called a "big announcement" as Rein and co hinted it to be. Perhaps there's another revelation coming this week, alongside the release date confirmation?
Either way, we'll soon find out what the hoopla is all about, when Epic lifts its skirts to reveal its big announcement sometime this week. Our breath is truly baited.
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August 2nd, 2006, 15:21 Posted By: wraggster
Pandemic has released a new trailer for Destroy All Humans! 2, its 60s alien-invasion sequel arriving on PS2 and Xbox later this year.
The second game promises split-screen co-op, two-player mini-games and five new environments to invade, including Tokyo, San Francisco and even bits of old Blighty, complete with Nelson's Column and authentic red buses. Unfortunately, it looks like you can't shoot-up the tube with your alien death ray though. Hmmm.
Destroy All Humans! 2 is due out in October. We'll let you know how it turns out but in the meantime feast your eyes on this latest psychedelic trailer.
Trailer HERE
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August 2nd, 2006, 15:40 Posted By: wraggster
For the last two weeks, a demo of Saints Row has been available in stores as a bonus offer for gamers who had already made the decision to preorder and purchase the full game. Now it's available for free for those who haven't quite made up their mind.
Today, THQ announced that a demo of Saints Row has arrived on the Xbox Live Marketplace, just as the publisher had previously promised. The single-player demo features an introduction to the game's character-customization options, campaign-mode storyline, and open-world gameplay.
Saints Row is rated M for Mature and will retail for $59.99. It is scheduled to ship to stores on August
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August 2nd, 2006, 16:16 Posted By: wraggster
New release of the port of Zsnes for the Xbox, heres whats new:
-New GUI thanks to the excellent work of Neverwill.
-Fixed High Res Mode 7 filter.
-Added option to resize the GUI. These settings are separate from the emulation screen settings.
-Added various animation effects to the GUI
-Changed the default skin to the new Zelda skin by Neverwill
-Added a Splash screen
-Added a main menu screen
-Added two new menus: Image Options and Text Options.
-Added the option to move resize most of the GUI text. This includes all the text on the Rombrowser. This will allow people to make GUI's with the rombrowser on the right side of the screen for example.
-Added option to change the FPS and animation speed of the rombrowser animation
-Added support for a preview overlay image. This has to be in png format and ideally will contain a border with a transparent middle.
-Added option to disable the preview overlay
-Added screenshot transparency. The transparency level can be set to 0-255.
-Changed the background music to one more fitting to a Zelda theme.
-Rewrote the video render code to provide even more emulation speedup.
-Fixed (?) the invisible third digit in the cheat code menu. Please post if this digit is still invisible in 720p or 1080i.
More info --> http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=536338
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August 2nd, 2006, 16:40 Posted By: wraggster
Brienj has released a new version of Xbox Save Parser. heres the info:
Lets you parse an Xbox save file to find the signatures if you have the correct AuthKey and HDDKey needed. Also includes a front-end for my Non-XBL AuthKey Patcher v1.0 program.
More Info
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August 2nd, 2006, 23:40 Posted By: wraggster
After nearly three hours of deliberation Tuesday morning, a jury has recommended death for Troy Victorino, 29, and Jerone Hunter, 20, and life in prison for Michael Salas, 20. The three men have been convicted of six counts of first-degree murder. On August 6, 2004, Victorino, Hunter, and Salas, along with Robert Cannon (who would be tried separately, pending the withdrawal of his guilty plea) used aluminum baseball bats to beat to death six unsuspecting victims.
Media attention has focused on Victorino's Xbox, which had been in the possession of one of the victims, Erin Belanger, 22, at the time of the murders. Allegedly, the slayings were provoked by Victorino's desire to reclaim his Xbox and several other belongings, as well as enact revenge on Belanger for evicting him from her grandmother's home. Hunter and Salas' lawyers have argued that Victorino used violent threats to coerce their clients into joining him.
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August 2nd, 2006, 23:53 Posted By: wraggster
New commercial release for Xbox360:
Bomberman: Act Zero reinvents the series new, switching the super-deformed bomb dropper with supersonic, cybernetic warriors and by intoducing new gameplay modes (including a "First Person Bomber" mode set up somewhat like an FPS Deathmatch bout). The game features a new storyling and dark themes, set in a post-apocalyptic world where cyborgs are pitted against cyborgs in a duel to the death. Your "Bomberman" is equipped with armored battle suits and you have to fight for survival through the single player game's 99 levels or go head-to-head online with up to eight players in multiplayer matches.
Pushed back several times, Bomberman: Act Zero for Xbox360â„¢ is finally in stock today, available at a low budget price tag of US$ 34.90 only.
More info / buy here --> http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-19km.html
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August 3rd, 2006, 20:20 Posted By: wraggster
F.E.A.R. was a fine entry into last year's PC shooter pantheon. It mixed visceral blasting action with high impact melee moves, destruction-laden environments, supernatural special forces action and a Japanese-influenced horror theme which made a star of that iconic little red dressed girl who turned out to be quite the little madam.
As you probably know, F.E.A.R. is due to debut on 360 sometime soon, with a nebulous sounding autumn the only clue we have to a real release date. But 360 fans should welcome its coming, it's a top slice of shooting action.
So high time to present some more carnage fuelled screens you'd suspect and, happily, you'd be right as a fine new selection of screens have just come thundering through the window on a special forces zipline, showing some of the blast 'em action and hot melee moves 360 fans will be able to deploy when the leaves turn brown.
Keep an eye out for our extensive 360 preview of the game, appearing on CVG today, including reveals of exclusive 360 content like the Instant Action mode, which PC players missed out on. It should be ready roughly by the time you're set to ingest your lunchtime sarnie.
Screens Here
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August 3rd, 2006, 20:26 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has confirmed a release date for Epic's Xbox 360, erm, epic Gears of War, informing it'll debut on November 12 - in North America,
Gears of War is one of, if not the, most hotly anticipated Xbox 360 games hitting this year. A sci-fi tactical shooter/survival horror title, it relates the tale of mankind's battle against the Locust Horde. We've been drooling over it for more months than we care to remember - let's just hope it doesn't disappoint.
"Our vision is to deliver a one-two punch of cinematic action paired with a thrilling and compelling interactive experience," said Cliff Bleszinski, lead designer at Epic. "With Gears of War we've created a title that will place gamers directly in the shadows of a ravaged world, surrounded by the beautiful remnants of a destroyed city and the horrific dangers that hide in the rubble."
Along with confirming Gears of Wars' North American launch date, Microsoft has said there'll be two editions of the game released. The standard edition will retail at an RRP of $59.99 while a limited collector's edition will retail at $69.99. Additions in the limited edition set include an official Destroyed Beauty art book and a bonus DVD featuring an inside look at the making of the game, and it'll come in a nice metal box.
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August 4th, 2006, 14:55 Posted By: wraggster
With more zombies than you could feasibly shake a rotting severed finger at, Capcom's Xbox 360 splatterfest Dead Rising is already a good 'un in our books. The fact that you can annihilate the undead with everything from a parasol to a lawnmower just adds the icing on the cake for us. Now though, dear reader, you can tackle the shambling hordes yourself as an official demo of the game hits Xbox Live later today.
Arriving at approximately 11 am this morning, the Dead Rising demo sees you taking on the guise of freelance photographer Frank West, who's got 48 hours to get to the bottom of the mysterious arrival of the undead blight. Apparently, the demo is limited to fifteen minutes of play and a single section of the game's expansive shopping mall setting.
Dead Rising, the game proper, is set for release over here on September 8.
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August 4th, 2006, 14:58 Posted By: wraggster
Real Time Worlds has released a fresh batch of screenshots showing off its new Xbox 360 crime-fighter, Crackdown, which if all goes well, hits the streets at the end of the year.
In case you've missed it, Crackdown is the latest brain-child of gaming luminary David Jones, whose previous work includes Grand Theft Auto and Lemmings. With any luck, Crackdown will share some of the quality found in Jones' previous work, because if you ask us, outside of Rockstar's series the GTA school of design is becoming a very tired genre indeed.
Still, here's hoping Crackdown throws down the gauntlet when it hits the shops at the end of the year.
Screens Here
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August 4th, 2006, 15:34 Posted By: wraggster
Via Spong
We told you back in late July all about our recent pow-wow with game development legend Peter Molyneux. Or, as we now like to refer to him in the SPOnG office, ‘our new favourite millionaire developer friend, Peter Molyneux’.
Peter dropped some strong hints in the interview about Lionhead’s next major project informing us that he, “...got the idea for the game… last year - I think it was September 23. If you look in the news, there was an event that went on in the world that gave me the idea for the game."
This of course set off rampant Internet speculation as to the nature of Molyneux’s next game. Was it something to do with the fallout of Hurricane Katrina perhaps? Or the FBI killing of Filiberto Ojeda in Puerto Rico? Or maybe the fact that on September 23, 2005, scientists finally managed to implant human DNA into mice. Or was it all of the above and more? Time will tell. And as soon as SPOnG has any more concrete information, you'll be the first to hear it.
Peter also told us of his admiration for Nintendo ("...the genius of what they did was realise that consumers don't give an arse about how many bits and bobs and flips and flops and that malarkey consoles haveâ€); Sony’s bandwagon jumping (“quite blatantly…and not coming up with such a sexy message, is poor"); and mused on the contemporary trend for daft product naming (“I'm waiting for the Nintendo Poo and then they'd have the set").
Exclusively telling us more about Fable 2, Peter enlightened us about new content in the game and some quirky ideas for merchandising: “… the things we promised, which people thought they were going to see in Fable… There is, for example, the classic acorn growing into an oak tree, that I mentioned in an interview some time and everyone latched onto. As merchandising, I’d love to give away grow-your-own Fable oak trees… So there is going to be a very tongue-in-cheek moment about acorns growing into trees. But there was a list of those things, some of which are things that maybe you wouldn’t initially think of. For instance, I didn’t really feel it was possible to, for example, play the whole game without using any magic, or to play a game as a swordsman, so you’d feel like a real swordsman. And obviously, there’s a new story.
"Those things are normally what goes into a sequel, and then, there are the big surprises. And there’s a very, very, very big surprise in what Fable 2 has got, which I hope will be very unexpected. This is me in my PR mode, I must admit, but I haven’t seen this particular thing – and it is one of the really big pillars of Fable 2 – done well in any game. In fact, it was done very well in one game, and that game is now almost 30 years old. That’s a clue…â€
Aha! Another sneaky clue. Peter likes to drop these in just to keep us all on our toes!
Talking more about the whole aesthetic of Fable 2, Molyneux was clear in his vision: “I want Fable 2 to look absolutely, jaw-droppingly beautiful. That’s why I came away from E3 thinking that there are lots of very dark, shiny, metallic games, but there aren’t very many beautiful games. We’ve been thinking about how to make the Fable 2 world beautiful. Sometimes, it is what I would describe as darkly beautiful – there are sinister and dark elements to it, but it’s still beautiful.â€
Speaking more about Sony, whom he had earlier dismissed as ‘bandwagon jumpers’, Peter told us: “Sony have taken the Live stuff from Microsoft and the controller stuff from Nintendo, and they’ve got this Blu-Ray stuff which offers much more capacity, but it’s a lot more hassle. So there’s everything to prove for Sony, but then 70% market penetration is pretty good…â€
We cheekily asked him if he had made more money flogging Bullfrog to EA or Lionhead to Microsoft, to which he replied: “That’s a very loaded question. Obviously, money wasn’t the issue in either of those transactions. I don’t know, really. I haven’t done the math,â€
SPOnG is sure that he doesn’t really need to ‘do the math’. The bottom line is that Peter, and his teams at Lionhead, are now in a much better financial position since the Microsoft buy-out. Which, whatever your thoughts on the matter, does mean that they can continue doing what they do well – making ground-breaking videogames – without having to worry about securing that all-important next round of funding.
Finally, Peter was upbeat and confident when telling us about the future of game development, telling us:
“There’s going to be more originality in the next ten years than there has been in the history of games so far, I think. Because we’re going to have to. We’ve got everybody who wants to play games; now, we’ve got to create the games for the people who don’t even think of games as entertainment.â€
So there we go, some more nuggets of wisdom from our new favourite millionaire developer friend, Peter Molyneux.
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August 4th, 2006, 15:42 Posted By: wraggster
New Preorder from SuccessHK

Dead Rising follows the harrowing tale of Frank West, an overly zealous freelance photojournalist on a hunt for the scoop of a lifetime. In pursuit of a juicy lead, he makes his way to a small suburban town only to find that it has become overrun by zombies. He escapes to the local shopping mall, thinking it will be a bastion of safety but it turns out to be anything but. It will be a true struggle to survive the endless stream of undead, but players will have full reign of a realistic shopping center, utilizing anything they find to fight off the flesh-hungry mob and search for the truth behind the horrendous epidemic. The variety of different stores in the mall offers players an endless supply of resources including vehicles, makeshift weapons and more. Players will also encounter other survivors along the way and by helping them can acquire valuable clues as to what has happened.

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August 5th, 2006, 00:06 Posted By: wraggster
It looks like Live Arcade is going to be blessed with another classic game series, as Konami's much-loved Castlevania is set to make an appearance on the service, according to US games mag Electronic Gaming Monthly.
Apparently it's PlayStation series entry Symphony of the Night that is making the transition over to Microsoft's Live Arcade, joining other Konami Arcade titles Frogger, Contra, Super Contra, Track & Field and Scramble. Apart from the EMG report, there are currently no details on the Arcade version of SotN, although 1UP reports that the game is tentatively slated for a release in Q1 2007.
We'll have more on Live Arcade Castlevania as soon as official word arrives.
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August 5th, 2006, 00:23 Posted By: wraggster
It was shortly after 1 a.m. PST on Wednesday morning that a chorus of "Round One...Fight!"s erupted across Xbox Live. After a few bumps in the road, Capcom's classic arcade game made it to Xbox 360s, and gamers were apparently ready for some online brawling.
Capcom today announced that Street Fighter II' Hyper Fighting has become the fastest-selling Xbox Live Arcade title to date. The publisher claims that the highly anticipated game became the fastest-selling XBLA game in its first 24 hours, "with hundreds of matches being played every hour."
Hyper Fighting is an Xbox 360 port of the wildly popular classic arcade fighter that sucked quarters back in the early 1990s. The Xbox 360 version is now available for download for 800 Marketplace points ($10), and features the single-player game as well as online head-to-head matches.
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August 5th, 2006, 16:24 Posted By: wraggster
Finally one of the emulators i most wanted to see on the Xbox has happened, heres the news:
Alg5 has released a new version of XVBoy, a Nintendo Virtual Boy emulator port to the Xbox.
Heres whats new:
* Lots of optimisations: compilation in release mode, palette
texture...
* With this version, some games are playable without slowdown!
* SRAM save support for the games supporting it.
* Stretching is implemented.
More info --> http://www.darcelf.tk
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August 5th, 2006, 16:46 Posted By: wraggster
Some info from Team Xbox
Releasing the game five days before the PlayStation 3 launch was your original plan, no matter when Sony releases its next-generation console?
Microsoft Spokesperson: The game is not being held to coincide with any other company’s release schedule. The game is still being finalized and now that Emergence Day has been announced, we’ve set a clear deadline to complete it.
Gears of War will be the first game published by Microsoft Game Studios to cost more than $49.99, with the limited collector’s edition selling for 70 bucks. What is the reason for that change and can Xbox 360 owners expect other first and second party games like Halo 3 or Mass Effect to cost this much?
Microsoft Spokesperson: It's up to publishers to value their games and it's up to the market to decide if publishers get it right. Of course, every game will be evaluated for value on a case-by-case basis - that won't change. As for us, we will ship our games at parity pricing with the current generation.
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August 6th, 2006, 11:14 Posted By: wraggster
News from RUNTIME:
Folks looking to integrate T360 with their own apps will be pleased to know that I finally got off my managed to find the time to knock up a quick primer and some sample code demonstrating how to query and control Transcode 360. For more information follow the link.
In related news, I’ve had word from Brian of My Movies confirming that the integration work is still going ahead and is now in its final stages so stay tuned…
I also found some time to squash a few long-standing bugs and am currently testing a new version of T360 on my new dual core Media Center setup. I’m not sure whether it might make sense to time its release with My Movies. I should be receiving a release candidate any day now so I’ll defer the decision until then.
More Info
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August 7th, 2006, 16:27 Posted By: wraggster
Sega's latest Sonic screen salvo has arrived, and we're happy to report that the spiky one's next-gen outing is looking graphically spectacular, and of course very, very fast indeed.
Alongside the game's wide cast of playable hedgehogs (this is a Sonic game after all, there's no way we could possibly do with just the one spiny mammal), you'll also notice an image showing the series' latest damsel in distress, Princes Elise. Apparently, as the story goes, that troublesome Dr. Robotnik has kidnapped poor Elise, and you have to rescue the princess, while at the same time unravelling her "terrible secret."
To find out what it is, we'll have to wait until Sonic next-gen releases on PS3 and Xbox 360 this Christmas.
Screens Here
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August 7th, 2006, 16:30 Posted By: wraggster
Xmas belongs to Microsoft according to, erm, Microsoft as UK marketing boss issues battle cry
This Christmas will be an Xbox 360 time of unalloyed joy according to UK Marketing boss Steve McGill, who has issued the bold war cry in an interview with trade magazine MCV.
McGill told MCV, "We'll have an installed base of around ten million plus before they [Nintendo and Sony] launch. We had a terrific E3 that showed what a great future Xbox 360 has, that we're the only place for the breadth and depth of choice for games. It had dispelled a lot of the myths around PS3."
It's a bold statement to make, but signals Microsoft's intent to make the most out of its established position while Sony and Nintendo go through their expected launch pangs with games like Gears of War (which is due to debut on November 17th - the day of PS3 launch) aiming to spoil Sony and Nintendo's launch period party.
Microsoft has previously promised plenty of surprises in the run-up to this year's festive season, with Euro Marketing boss Richard Teversham recently avowing spoiler tactics could be on the way. Long-standing rumours of possible price cuts, as well as hardware releases like the camera and steering wheel will see the Redmond giant going on an all-out offensive to make sure this Christmas season is a monster one for 360.
Expect further revelations at this month's Leipzig Games Show and more than a few bold announcements at the annual X06 event in Barcelona in September as MS prepares for one final big push. But is McGill right? Will 360 dominate this last Christmas season before Sony and Nintendo get into full swing? Don't be shy of letting us know how you think it will shape up in the comments field below.
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August 8th, 2006, 17:45 Posted By: wraggster
EA has released a handful of screenshots and renders showing off its new Need for Speed title, Carbon, which is likely set to tear up the charts once again this Christmas.
As you can see from the images laid out across this page, the cars in 'Carbon are looking quite nice. But thankfully, EA is also shaking things up in the gameplay department, by moving the action out of the ghetto and onto some perilous canyon roads. Apparently, to conquer nearby city territories, you'll have to settle your rivalries in head-to-head races alongside deadly pitfalls. It doesn't sound like good news for your paintjob at all.
Need for Speed Carbon is currently planned for release on Xbox 360, PS2 and virtually all current platforms this November. A release date for the PS3 and Wii versions is yet to be announced.
Screens Here
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August 8th, 2006, 17:49 Posted By: wraggster
Legendary Britsoft developer (and Microsoft offshoot) Rare Software is poised to breathe new life into its now aged Xbox 360 title Kameo: Elements of Power. It has announced that it will release a collection of downloadable content for the game entitled the Power Pack, via Xbox Live Marketplace.
As well as new achievements and leaderboards, the Power Pack will add three game modes to Kameo. Namely, Expert Mode, which takes six of the game's levels and ratchets up the difficulty level (when played both solo and co-operatively), and, according to the announcement on Rare's website, comes "Complete with a spanking new set of Armour skins for all the Elemental Warriors".
Time Attack Mode, according to Rare, "pits you against an unforgiving clock but lets you team up with another player (via split-screen, System Link or Xbox Live), while Rune Battle Mode purports to be co-op play, but it pits you against, rather than in cahoots with, the other player. And, apparently, "You've also got Trolls to deal with as you struggle like a mentalist to hoard the most Runes. This one's for those of you who said the game didn't have enough collecting in it."
No word as yet on when the Power Pack will appear on Live Marketplace but, as ever, we'll keep you posted.
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August 8th, 2006, 17:54 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has treated lucky punters the first public demo of its external HD-DVD drive for the Xbox 360. Kevin Collins, senior program manager at the Seattle giant, put the hardback book-sized device through its paces at the DVD Forum in LA, inexplicably choosing to play The Phantom of the Opera, while showing the drive's navigation and interaction features.
Collins refused to be drawn on pricing and a precise launch date, choosing only to assert that it will be one of the cheapest HD-DVD players available, and that it will arrive in the "holiday season". Collins added that: "All the audio and video processing is done inside the Xbox 360," so his claim that it won't break the bank has a ring of plausibility to it.
With prices of standalone HD-DVD and Blu-Ray players likely to be astronomical, and software libraries less than extensive, the battle for the next generation of DVD will only really get under way in earnest when the PlayStation 3 arrives in November with its built-in Blu-Ray drive, and the Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive also takes its bow. What price on Microsoft launching it the week before the PS3 arrives? Leipzig or X06 surely hold the answers.
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August 8th, 2006, 18:03 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft will fulfil its ambition to deliver games to Live Arcade once a week after the current run of Wednesday releases finishes, according to a report from the UK Official Xbox Magazine website.
OXM states that this Wednesday's Pac-Man release will be followed by Texas Hold 'Em (Aug 16), Time Pilot (Aug 23), Scramble (Aug 30) and Lumines Live (Sept 6).
Good news then? Well yes, providing it's true - but while the mag lists Microsoft as a source, yesterday the US arm of the company dismissed the dates as "rumour and speculation" and said it would release a proper schedule in the coming weeks.
We're still waiting for clarification from Microsoft's UK representatives.
Late last month, when asked by Joystiq whether we'd see as many as 30 titles on Xbox Live Arcade this year, worldwide games portfolio manager Ross Erickson said the company would "certainly have enough games in the pipeline - more than enough, in fact - to achieve that goal on a weekly basis".
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August 8th, 2006, 18:05 Posted By: wraggster
The owner of an LA videogames shop has been sentenced to six months of home detention for selling illegally modded Xboxes.
Poor old Jason Jones, owner of the ACME Game Store, yes really, will have to wear an electronic ankle bracelet so that the Feds can keep track of where he is at all times. He's also on probation for three years.
As is his mate, one Jonathan Bryant, who also pleaded guilty to selling the chipped consoles. They admitted to installing more than 50 pirate games on each machine, charging customers between $225 and $500 per Xbox.
Jones and Bryant were nicked after an undercover investigator from trade body the Entertainment Software Association bought one of the consoles at their store. They've been ordered to pay the ESA a fine of $2648.
The po-po have yet to catch up with the third person involved - Pei "Patrick" Cai, who was allegedly the person responsible for modding the consoles. Apparently he's on the run and is now described as a fugitive by the US attorney's office. Best lock those doors and close those windows, then...
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August 8th, 2006, 18:12 Posted By: wraggster
Traditionally, Day 1 Studios has been linked with Microsoft and its platforms. The company's first two games, MechAssault (2002) and MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf (2004), were both published by Microsoft Game Studios. The pair were also both exclusive to Microsoft's sole platform at their respective times of release, the Xbox. The shop is currently working on the Xbox 360 version of F.E.A.R. for Vivendi Games.
Today, though, the Chicago- and Maryland-based studio announced it has a new publishing partner with which it is developing games for a new platform. Speaking with GameSpot, Day 1 president Denny Thorley and director of business development John Kimmich revealed that they have inked a deal with LucasArts to create an all-new original intellectual property for next-generation consoles.
The as-yet-unnamed and un-dated game will be the first collaboration between LucasArts and Day 1. Thorley said he was drawn to the San Francisco-based publisher because of its focus on putting a larger amount of marketing muscle behind a smaller slate of titles than other publishers. "They had done a tremendous job with their games with their 'less is more' approach," said the veteran developer.
Day 1 executives also praised how LucasArts dealt with independent studios. Kimmich cited 2004's free-roaming action hit Mercenaries, which was developed by Pandemic Studios and published by LucasArts, as an example Day 1 would like to emulate. "They embraced the ideas we represented, instead of just focusing on making games prettier and focusing on the same old kind of gameplay, they want to radically change the way games are played," said the executive.
Though they steered clear of specifics, Thorley and Kimmich said that the new game will focus on the online play that was a hallmark of the MechAssault titles. They said it would feature innovative but "approachable" multiplayer modes that would draw on "our heritage ... with the MechAssault series." Kimmich said that "co-op is going to be an important part of games going forward," but would not say specifically whether or not the new game would have a co-op mode.
For his part, LucasArts vice president of product development Peter Hirschmann said Day 1's proprietary development tools were a big factor in LucasArts beginning talks with the studio around the time of last year's Electronic Entertainment Expo. "The phenomenal technology created by Day 1 directly affects gameplay in extremely innovative ways," he said.
Since MechAssault was among the first games to offer downloadable map packs via Xbox Live, it should also come as little surprise that Day 1's new game will also feature online content. "We watched very closely what downloadable content did in terms of player interest in a game, and it was very noticeable," said Thorley. "[Downloadable content] does a good job of keeping the product in the forefront of the player's mind. We’ve gone to school on it and we intend to incorporate it into our next product."
However, while the Day 1/LucasArts mystery project will feature downloadable content, Thorley would not say if it would adopt an episodic model a la Half-Life 2: Episode One and its two models. "With the way [console certification works] the challenge is the economics of [episodic content]," he said. "While we're not prepared to say whether we'll have episodic content for this new title, under certain circumstances it makes a lot of sense."
Last but not least, although Day 1 wouldn't reveal which next-gen console its new game is for, its president did drop some hints. "We're not announcing the platforms [for the game], but I imagine you can guess," said Thorley. Though the seasoned developer wouldn't elaborate, given Day 1's long history with the Xbox platform, his comments appeared to imply that the game would be coming to its successor, the Xbox 360.
That said, the game announcement says specifically it will be a "multiplatform" release. And just because Day 1 has an extensive history making games for the Xbox doesn't mean it will rule out making games for the PlayStation 3 or Nintendo Wii. "The consumer is going to vote on that," said Kimmich regarding the victor of the next-gen console war. "Nintendo and Sony have a ways to catch up in terms of online play, and Microsoft is going to continue to raise that bar. But [the competition means] the consumer is going to benefit, and in many ways the developer's going to benefit, because we get to do more interesting things on the screen."
LucasArts and Day 1 Studios expect to announce more details on their first collaboration later on in the year.
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August 8th, 2006, 18:37 Posted By: wraggster
New from SuccessHK

Ninety-Nine Nights combines large-scale combat and exhilarating action, all rendered in dramatic high definition video. In a struggle between light and dark, a new world order is established after the destruction of the 'mysterious power stone.' Warriors are destined to battle in a place far beyond their imagination, as a magnificent story spun of drama and emotion unfolds from multiple perspectives. This epic fantasy-action game has massive battles and incredible, upgradeable attacks and intense, near-unbeatable enemies who will challenge you and your party.

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August 8th, 2006, 18:39 Posted By: wraggster
New from SuccessHK

The 2007 edition of EA's unstoppable football franchise. The 2007 edition of EA's unstoppable football franchise. In its 17th installment, you control the running game like never before. For the first time ever, step up as the lead blocker to create a hole, and then take control of the tailback and smash through, overpower, or slash away from would-be tacklers as you fight for every yard. Innovative rushing controls give you a game-breaking ground attack featuring all-new jukes, cutbacks, and the distinct running styles of your favorite backs.
For the Xbox 360, exclusive features include Madden Gamer Level (which tracks your career accomplishments in Franchise Mode for points that you can wager online towards rewards) and a unique Create a Player, which uses mini-games to set skills and off-season Mini-Camps to condition players or rehab injuries to get back on the field faster.

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August 8th, 2006, 18:41 Posted By: wraggster
New from SuccessHK

In Madden NFL 07 Hall Of Fame Edition, you'll control the running game like never before. For the first time ever, step up as the lead blocker to create a hole, then take control of the tailback and smash through, overpower, or slash away from would-be tacklers - as you fight for every yard. Innovative rushing controls give you a game-breaking ground attack featuring all-new jukes, cutbacks, and the distinct running styles of your favorite backs. Between the tackles or in the open field, run to daylight with Madden NFL 07. Special Hall Of Fame Edition includes: Commemorative exterior packaging; Bonus DVD with a John Madden retrospective, the first season of "Madden Nation" (10 episodes), documentary on the Music of Madden, and instructional videos with Tiburon staff giving gameplay hints and tips. Smaller backs escape and break tackles, while bigger runners bowl over defenders in the open field Scout collegiate prospects with the all-new NFL Draft Scouting System and during the College All-Star Game Watch players impact their teams with the new Franchise Player Roles feature Team-Specific Defensive Playbooks - For the first time, use actual plays from your favorite team's defensive playbook to shut down the running game, pressure the quarterback, or force key turnovers.

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August 8th, 2006, 19:27 Posted By: wraggster
New homebrew release for Xbox:
Super Mario War is a Super Mario multiplayer game. The goal is to stomp as many other Marios as possible to win the game. It's a tribute to Nintendo and the game Mario War by Samuele Poletto.
The game uses artwork and sounds from Nintendo games. We hope that this noncommercial fangame qualifies as fair use work. We just wanted to create this game to show how much we adore Nintendo's characters and games.
Features:
- Up to four players deathmatch fun
- a whole bunch of game modes (featuring GetTheChicken, Domination, CTF, ...)
- Comes with the leveleditor - you can create your own maps...
- ... and a lot of people did so. There are currently over 400 maps
- More fun than poking a monkey with a stick
- The whole source code of the game is available
- uses SDL and is fully portable to windows, linux, mac, ...
- CPU Players
- will make you happy and gives you a fuzzy feeling
Download at your usual place
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August 8th, 2006, 22:18 Posted By: wraggster
While most hardcore gamers believe it's the games that will win the next-gen console war, others believe it will come down to something entirely different--movie playback. Sony has been banking on the PlayStation 3's integrated Blu-ray drive to move its console, and Microsoft has countered with an external HD-DVD drive, set to go on sale later this year.
The high-end models of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 are $599 and $399, respectively, but the PS3's price includes the system's Blu-ray drive. Microsoft still has not yet announced a price for the external HD-DVD drive, and its cost could sway the next-gen race.
On the most recent episode of the podcast from Major Nelson, aka Larry Hryb aka Microsoft's director of programming for Xbox Live, Hryb had a few members of the HD-DVD team on his show for an interview. Though they didn't reveal an actual monetary figure for the drive, they did drop a few hints.
Albert Penello, Microsoft's director of global marketing, had this to say about the drive's price. "Here's the truth, we're still thinking about it. Here's what I can tell you for sure, it's going to be the cheapest HD-DVD player you can buy...without a doubt, when it comes out," he said. "Everybody is very enthusiastic with the direction we're going. There's still a few surprises left. I don't want to spill the beans yet, but I think people are going to think it's a great value."
Currently, only a few HD-DVD players are on the market, and they bottom out at just over $420. However, the Xbox 360 external HD-DVD drive won't require all the hardware of a stand-alone HD-DVD player (that will be provided by the Xbox 360), which should cut into its cost.
Penello went on to discuss Microsoft's strategy with movie playback on its next-gen console. "Xbox has always been about choice. It's always been about 'How do you want to game? How do you want to get online? How do you want to communicate with people?' What I'm excited about is that now we're going to say, 'How do you want to pick your next-generation DVD format?' We're not forcing consumers to buy something that may be obsolete, or forcing them to spend a lot of money on something they don't want." He added, "We're not betting our whole console on an unproven media format."
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August 9th, 2006, 19:43 Posted By: wraggster
Hmm, not a very pheasant subhead to greet this rather grey Wednesday morning, but given Mortal Kombat's illustrious and brutal heritage, entirely in keeping with the theme of the series.
And Mortal Kombat Armageddon is all about the series' heritage as it takes its final bow on current gen consoles PS2 and Xbox. It allows you to play as every character from Mortal Kombat's long and bloody history, while also allowing you to create your very own custom fighter and even customise the series' infamous Fatality moves in what Midway is promising is the most 'complete and lethal' fighting experience ever.
Judge for yourself in this round of freshly delivered carnage-filled screens and await Armageddon when it punches through your chest cavity this autumn.
Screens Here
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August 9th, 2006, 19:46 Posted By: wraggster
Pac-Man has arrived on Xbox Live Arcade this morning, marking the end of Microsoft's initial run of Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays.
Namco's yellow pill-muncher is yours for 400 of Microsoft's points (about £3.40), offering 12 achievements to unlock and the vanilla Pac-Man gameplay - which, if memory serves us correctly, we're absolutely useless at past the 35,000 point mark. For cheapskates there's also a trial version of the game, which gives you two rounds of play before asking for your cold, hard cash.
Pac-Man marks the end of Microsoft's initial Live Arcade Wednesdays, although the company has previously expressed its intent to continue the promotion following the first batch of releases. According to our friends over at Official Xbox 360 Magazine, Microsoft will be continuing the promotion sooner than you might think - from next week in fact, and titles will stretch all the way to September 6 with the arrival of the long-awaited Lumines Live!
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August 9th, 2006, 20:04 Posted By: wraggster
Capcom has said that Dead Rising will make it to Europe next month intact, with no cuts made to the version that came out in the USA yesterday.
"Dead Rising's brilliant violence has been completely preserved for European audiences," a spokesperson told Eurogamer. "No cuts have been made to the PAL version."
In light of what happened to Xbox exclusive Ninja Gaiden - shorn of decapitations for the sake of pacifying a few people who probably weren't going to play it anyway - several readers had written in asking whether there was anything to watch out for in Dead Rising's case. Two of them were called Paul, oddly.
You can sort of see why Pauls were concerned though - especially if you've played the demo, out on Xbox Live Marketplace at the moment, where you start off sledgehammering skulls into a fine pâté and then move on to whacking a scythe into necks and jerking heads off. Before really letting go of yourself.
The full game's currently slated for a September 8th release in the UK, although that may change. We'll be bringing you our thoughts on it soon, obviously.
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August 9th, 2006, 20:11 Posted By: wraggster
Kevin Collins, senior program manager at Microsoft, demonstrated the HD DVD drive, which he said is scheduled to hit store shelves for the upcoming holiday shopping season, to attendees of the DVD Forum here.
The device--about the size of a hardback book--played "The Phantom of the Opera" as Collins pulled up a menu bar to display a few of its navigation and interactive features that can be called up on screen while a movie is playing. Collins said Microsoft's HD DVD drive will be among the least expensive of the HD DVD players, but he declined to disclose the drive's retail price.
"All the audio and video processing is done inside the Xbox," said Collins, who noted that research has shown that a majority of Xbox owners already own high-definition displays. An Xbox drive provides them with all the other equipment they need to watch HD DVD movies, he said.
"This gives consumers choice and keeps their cost down," Collins said
Microsoft has chosen to back the HD DVD format over Blu-ray. Both technologies are vying to replace the DVD format and are represented by consortiums that include electronics makers and Hollywood studios.
Video game machines may prove to be a crucial battleground for the two formats, some observers predict.
In November, Sony's PlayStation 3 is expected to debut equipped with a Blu-ray drive. In contrast to Microsoft's strategy to go with an external drive, PlayStation's drive will be built in.
Screenshots Via Comments
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August 9th, 2006, 20:28 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has downplayed the impact of software piracy for its next-generation games console in Korea, confident that the DVD firmware hack will be countered by updates on Xbox Live.
Vendors in Seoul have reportedly increased sales of modified consoles over the past month after hackers altered the embedded software on the DVD drive to allow home-copied CDs to run on the machine.
"We will not place too much attention on it," stated Xbox local product manager Do Jung-han, who remains confident that the problem will be neutralised through software updates, which are automatically detected and prompted for installation whenever the console is connected to Xbox Live.
"Microsoft has warned the people who try to spread the knowledge that they will be subjected to the law. The users of pirated consoles will not benefit from the hardware warranty and they will not be able to download important software upgrades through the Xbox Live network. So we don't think many people will try it,'' he added.
According to local magazine Gamespot however, more consumers are attempting to bypass the security of the machine in order to purchase software at a considerable lower price. The magazine reports that the additional cost for a modified console is approximately KRW 70,000 (60 Euro), noting a marked increase in their availability over the past few months.
Pirated software is said to be readily available for as little as KRW 15,000 (12 Euro), compared to the standard retail price of around KRW 40,000 (33 Euro), making the purchase of a modified Xbox 360 an extremely tempting prospect.
Microsoft's original Xbox console suffered heavily from piracy - hackers broke down the security of the system with apparent ease and modified consoles were readily available worldwide.
The company is, for the time being, confident that the security of its next-gen machine is far more robust, relying on the additional security provided through Xbox Live, which is a key component of both the gaming and community features of the machine.
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August 9th, 2006, 20:33 Posted By: wraggster
A recent Associated Content article is suggesting that XM and Microsoft are working together on some kind of satellite radio functionality for the Zune. Unfortunately their logic is a bit flawed.
The WiFi antenna also will help Microsoft to support XM radio on the Zune, something they've been looking into.
Both XM and Sirius have the ability to stream online. So if the Associated Content is suggesting that the Wi-Fi antenna will be used to stream satellite radio, then it doesn't really matter which big player is involved, because they will both be able to be used over Wi-Fi on the Zune.
But on the optimistic standpoint, are they suggesting that the Wi-Fi antenna will double as a satellite radio antenna? Is that even possible? Any smarty engineers want to shed some light on this?
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August 9th, 2006, 20:42 Posted By: wraggster
After months of speculation, Microsoft announced their choice for director of the film adaptation of their star property, Halo, this morning. After enlisting New Zealand's Peter Jackson to serve as Executive Producer last October, there has been little revealed about the secretive project. Mexican filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro seemed like a brilliant choice -- a proven storyteller with a knack for FX work -- but scheduling conflicts (apparently) couldn't be overcome.
Enter South Africa's Neill Blomkamp, director of last year's exceptional short film Alive in Joburg, a futuristic commentary on Apartheid in South Africa where aliens have become refugees. The film, embedded after the break, blends photorealistic CGI with handheld, documentary style filmmaking.
Described in his bio as "a new breed of director, [who] has harnessed the powers of technology, art and creativity to bring the world imagery never before possible" and by Microsoft as "one of the most innovative and original artists currently working in short films and commercial advertising," Blomkamp seems as unlikely a choice to direct Halo as ... well, as Peter Jackson was to direct Lord of the Rings. The film will be shot in Wellington, New Zealand -- to take advantage of Jackson's state-of-the-art Weta facilities -- and will see a worldwide release in the summer of 2008.
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August 9th, 2006, 20:57 Posted By: wraggster
New From SuccessHK

Bomberman: Act Zero recreates Bomberman, keeping the fun gameplay but adding a modern look and dark storyline. Deep within an experimental underground facility, humans are imprisoned as test subjects and trained to become soldiers. Equipped with armored battle suits, the subjects must fight for survival and eliminate each other to determine who will become the Ultimate Human Weapon. As Bomberman, your objective is simple: destroy your opponents before they destroy you. Up to 8 players can engage in frantic battles for survival online through Xbox Live and earn points to become the ultimate weapon on the World Rankings
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August 9th, 2006, 20:58 Posted By: wraggster
New From SuccessHK

Dead Rising follows the harrowing tale of Frank West, an overly zealous freelance photojournalist on a hunt for the scoop of a lifetime. In pursuit of a juicy lead, he makes his way to a small suburban town only to find that it has become overrun by zombies. He escapes to the local shopping mall, thinking it will be a bastion of safety but it turns out to be anything but. It will be a true struggle to survive the endless stream of undead, but players will have full reign of a realistic shopping center, utilizing anything they find to fight off the flesh-hungry mob and search for the truth behind the horrendous epidemic. The variety of different stores in the mall offers players an endless supply of resources including vehicles, makeshift weapons and more. Players will also encounter other survivors along the way and by helping them can acquire valuable clues as to what has happened.
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August 9th, 2006, 21:52 Posted By: wraggster
+ T + released a new version of FBA-xxx Pro for the Xbox:
Heres whats new:
* All problems with loading games in HDTV video modes should hopefully be fixed.
* Re-fixed Black/White buttons.
* Fixed Beta menu freezing when navigating gamelist.
* Replaced many Neo-Geo drivers with updated versions by iq_132. These contain many fixes and improvements including:
* Several drivers now use less RAM during loading.
* kof2003 is finally using the correct P3 ROM.
* ms5pcb is now working.
* ridhero no longer runs slow in AES mode.
* AES mode fix for cthd2003.
* Protection errors fixed in fatfury2. (Massive thanks to iq for sharing these. )
* Removed all fully decrypted NG sets. They serve no purpose in an emulator like Pro where all protection routines are fully emulated. They also offer no significant improvements in zip compression or loading time compared with the decrypted C sets.
* Fixed problems with ct2k3sp.
* Restored rbff2 V3 ROM to publically available version for now.
* Removed the unavailable jgokushi set for now.
* Several miscellaneous ROMset updates.
* The following sets have been added: ddsomb ; ms5pcbd
* The following beta sets have been added: naname
* NOTE: The setting to enable/disable beta games has been moved to UI Options --] Menu Setting.
More info --> Here
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August 9th, 2006, 22:28 Posted By: wraggster
New release from RedLine99:
Drive Tools 1.00 Build 0001
Some Tools for working with Xbox Drives
Full VB6 Source Included
Full SPTI and ASPI Support
Supports: TS-H943A, GDR-3120L and SH-D162C
(Drives may not support each feature)
Current Features:
Save Firmware
Get Drive Key
Unlock Drive
Get Security Sector
Get PFI Sector
Get DMI Sector
Credit should be given to members of the scene, I've tried to
give credit in the source to the respected authors. In most
cases I've just taken info and work from them and reworked for
my implementation. My thanks go to them and if I've left any
out or boogered it in anyway please let me know.
EDIT: Forgot to mentioned it is mostly designed for the current versions of the firmwares available.
GDR-3120L; garyopa's 2.0+
TS-H943A; c4e all versions designed for ss extraction
SH-D162C; kreon .51+
More Info
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August 10th, 2006, 17:36 Posted By: wraggster
Magical shooter Bullet Witch has finally been confirmed for a European release on the Xbox 360 today, publisher Atari inking in a deal with AQ Interactive to bring the demon-slaying action to these shores on Microsoft's next-gen console.
It's the first title in a new strategic partnership for both companies, bringing some of AQ's intriguing sounding line-up - which includes several PS3 and Wii titles - to a European audience.
Developed by Japanese house Cavia, Bullet Witch is set on the usual post-apocalyptic Earth in the year 2013 (so only seven years to wait kids) with mankind assaulted by a wave of demons intent on wreaking their usual havoc and destruction (surely there must be some benevolent demons somewhere out there - who perhaps tidy up a bit and, unprompted, serve jugs of Pimms to any takers - why do we never get invaded by them?).
Ahem, anyway our last, best, hope as the old cliché runs lies with Alicia, a witch (though clearly not of the pointy hat and beaked nose variety) who's combination of magical skills and demon-slaughtering shooting is the only thing standing between us and total extinction.
Screens Here
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August 10th, 2006, 17:44 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has unleashed what we can only describe as a shit-load of screenshots from Ninety-Nine Nights, the Xbox 360 hack 'n slash-fest that's slicing up local games emporiums at the end of the month.
Ninety-Nine Nights is the product of a collaboration between luminaries of the videogame development world Tetsuya Mizuguchi (Q Entertainment) and SangYoun Lee (Phantagram). In the game, players are caught up in a fantasy saga that can be witnessed from the viewpoint of seven playable characters, with big-scale battles the order of the day as a plethora of combatants flood the screen at once.
Screenshots Here
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August 10th, 2006, 17:54 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo China
To Maximize the cooling effect on the Xbox 360,we design the 2nd fan (the XCM add on fan) to work with the XCM high speed air cooler,after adding this add on fan, the temperature of CPU and GPU of xbox 360 console can be decreased an additional of 3-5 Celsius.the XCM high speed air cooler with add on fan will be the best cooling system for the xbox 360.
Other external fan only exhausts the heat and make the loud noise, XCM high speed air cooler add on fan expels heat to the exhaust fan and the exhaust fan exhausts all the heat out of the console,it is the best efficient air cooler and quiet in working as well.
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August 10th, 2006, 17:55 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo China
The unlock 360 case kit by XCM, using a high quality steel for the screw driver (special design , better than using the handle screw driver) and the metal part of opening tool.
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August 10th, 2006, 18:00 Posted By: wraggster
The British Board of Film Classification has told GamesIndustry.biz that it will stand by the decision to allow Capcom's Xbox 360 horror title Dead Rising to go on sale uncensored in the UK.
The game has already been rejected by ratings boards in Germany, and according to reports, a censored version will be released in Japan. But the BBFC has awarded Dead Rising an 18 rating, and no cuts will be made to the game for its UK release.
"Dead Rising is considered a fairly straightforward 18. We take the view that at 18, unless there is something harmful in the game, we have no reason to intervene as far as adults are considered," said a BBFC spokesperson.
"There is no clear evidence that playing games leads to copycat behaviour. We would only intervene if a game was going further than any other game in terms of interactivity and the 'thrills' it offers a gamer."
According to the spokesperson, the BBFC board did not find rating the game to be particularly problematic due to the nature of its content. "There's a lot of blood in the game, and the player is required to take gory photos, but there are no close-ups and no depictions of sexually motivated violence, which is something we might consider harmful," the spokesperson said.
"The game is gory, but it's not detailed and the violence is not sadistic, and it's focused against zombies. There's a fantasy element attached, and there's a sense of humour, albeit a macabre one."
Dead Rising went on the sale in the States earlier this week and is due to launch in Europe on September 8th.
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August 10th, 2006, 18:08 Posted By: wraggster
You know the Citroen advert where a car turns into giant transformer-like robot and dances around? Well the guy behind that has been chosen to direct the new Halo film.
The ad creator is Neill Blomkamp, a 3D animator from South Africa who has worked on TV series such as Smallville and Dark Angel, as well as producing a number of short films and, of course, dancing robot adverts.
The announcement was made on Xbox.com and accompanied by a statement from the Halo movie producer, Peter Jackson, expressing his delight at Blomkamp's appointment: "As a gaming fan, I'm excited to bring Halo's premise, action and settings to the screen with all the specificity and reality today's technology can provide. With Neill on board, I'm even more excited by the potential of this project."
The Halo film is set for a 2008 release.
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August 10th, 2006, 18:09 Posted By: wraggster
It looks like Capcom is planning on turning Dead Rising - its incredible zombie mashing Xbox 360 action game - into a series, as it's asking gamers what they'd think of a sequel.
Despite not seeing a UK release until 8 September, Capcom is currently running a Dead Rising online survey in which one of the questions is: "If a sequel to this game were to be released, would you buy it?"
While this isn't exactly confirmation of another Dead Rising Capcom has always recognised the value of strong franchises, with series like Street Fighter and Resident Evil being the cornerstone of its success, so it wouldn't take too much of a leap of imagination to expect a Dead Rising sequel.
Also, Capcom is doing all it can to make the game a success as its giving away free game content on Xbox Live. There are eight access keys available, each of which provides a new character costume.
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August 10th, 2006, 18:16 Posted By: wraggster
We know a lot of you out there love you some Battlestar Galactica. Nay we say it's the best show on television? You better frakkin' believe it! Well get ready for more of the Sci-Fi Channel's hit series as it prepares for a PR offensive that includes the "first longform program ever to be offered" on Xbox Live Marketplace, according to GameSpot.
The content being offered up, titled The Story So Far, is in preparation for the third season of Battlestar and more or less sums up everything that has happened in the series. There was no concrete date set (but the new season starts in October) or price. We can only hope because it is basically an advertisement, that the content will be free. If it is, we'd say this is a good sign of varying entertainment options being made available to the 360 and Xbox Live.
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August 10th, 2006, 18:23 Posted By: wraggster
New from SuccessHK

The Xbox 360's first Japnese RPG places you in the control of Atsuma, who early in his adventure manages to inadvertently open a seal which revives the fierce Devil Golem. You'll make use of Golem support characters as you work through the game's strategic battle system. The game has over 100 Golems which can be assembled using ingredient items. Characters can be customized using the "SP" experience points that you gain in battle. As the story develops, players face increasingly difficult challenges and learn to master Atsuma’s special fighting and magical abilities.
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August 10th, 2006, 18:24 Posted By: wraggster
New from SuccessHK

Under threat from rival gangs and corrupt officials, the 3rd Street Saints must conquer the city of Stilwater or face destruction. From the spectacular opening battle to regain control of the local hood, Saints Row offers the freedom to explore StilWater, a living, breathing city. Players are free to engage in the multitude of different activates at their leisure, all while building up respect in a gameplay-rich world. Build enough respect and the 3rd Street Saint's lieutenants will trust the player with more dangerous missions.
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August 10th, 2006, 18:49 Posted By: wraggster
RedLine99 has released a new build of drive tools for the 360.
Drive Tools 1.01 Build 0004 ChangeLog
* Fixed a couple SRB_DIR_IN to SRB_DIR_OUT
* Fixed Unlocking
* Fixed VB Bug for Radio Buttons
* Added SDG-605B/616T/616F Support (C4E 605b0800.bin)
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August 11th, 2006, 16:09 Posted By: wraggster
Our gaming cousins States-side who have snapped up Capcom's Dead Rising in a flurry of frenzied zombie-splattering anticipation can now download content for the Xbox 360 title from Xbox Live Marketplace.
Offered for free, the content consists of eight keys (each 108Kb in file size) that provide access to different costumes/clothing in the game that can be donned by lead character Frank West. The freelance photo journalist can now stun the zombies with incredible fashion sense thanks to the Miami Nights Key, the Casual Key, the Weekender Key, the Round Shades Key, the Burgundy Wine Key, the Grandpa Key, the Pink Parparazzi Key and finally the Man in Black Key
Dead Rising, if you really need reminding, is a violent gore-fest with plenty of black humour that finds West battling zombies that have overrun a shopping mall in a suburban town. It hits the UK on September 8 and is currently getting extensive zombie-mashing outings on our office 360.
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August 11th, 2006, 16:13 Posted By: wraggster
We already knew the Zune was going to come in a triad of colors, but we didn't have much of any idea as to the price they were going to stick you for. Common sense would dictate it would be at or slightly below what the iPod is asking for their device -- but not above -- and if TWiCE is correct with their information, the Zune will run for an on-par $299. They're also reporting the Zune won't allow for music purchases on the go, which kind of flies in the face of that whole "connected entertainment" thing, as well as the idea of putting WiFi in a portable, so we're looking at it somewhat skeptically for the time being.
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August 11th, 2006, 16:16 Posted By: wraggster
French developer Load Inc. has decided to delay its Xbox Live Arcade racing title Mad Tracks in order to add multiplayer options - even though, to our knowledge, it hadn't nailed down a release date in the first place.
In a statement this week, the company said it would take several more months to rewrite the PC version's network code to suit Xbox Live, but that demand had been so great it felt compelled to respond.
"We're very excited to add this feature that undoubtedly makes a great difference with other next gen consoles," top bod Denis Bourdain said, commenting on the delay.
Bourdain also hopes to attract potential investors with a display at Leipzig's Games Convention in two weeks' time.
Mad Tracks, which began life as a budget-priced PC title, is a toy car racing game with complex, twisty tracks and a dozen or so power-ups.
Despite news of the delay, there's still no word on when the game will actually appear on the service - although press bumf suggests it had originally been targeting October.
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August 11th, 2006, 16:17 Posted By: wraggster
Newly announced Halo film director Neill Blomkamp has spoken out about how he's approaching the film's coveted source material, and about his views on Halo in general.
Speaking to film website Ain't It Cool News, Blomkamp said - naturally - that he was a massive fan of both Halo titles, but that he prefers Halo 1 from "a conceptual and story perspective".
It also sounds like the Chief will be a mixture of a man-in-a-suit and computer-generated visuals. "The film has to have a feeling of reality, and so that means that I want to keep him real as much as I can," he said, but there's going to be a need for some CG.
He also explained that while he wants to be as faithful as possible to the source material, he obviously wants to film to stand on its own - and in some senses it's impossible to maintain complete loyalty to the pixels and polygons.
"Master Chief is certainly something that I do not want to change too much at all, there are certain things inside the Halo universe that are sacred and he's the main one," he said of the game's hero.
"Having said that, there is a need to revise certain parts of him, just from a purely technical standpoint, he has to actually be able to move, like a human, and the game design right now does not allow for full motion freedom, which we will have to achieve."
The same applies to the Covenant, he said - "the most important thing is that viewer thinks they are looking at something that lives and breathes".
"From an organic standpoint they have to be believable, they also need to be terrifying, and alien, and the best way to start doing that is to break that human silhouette, although many of them are bipedal anatomically, you can still shift the overall body to be something very alien."
Blomkamp's also a huge fan of the Flood, he says, and he's been very impressed so far with Peter Jackson's input as executive producer and the work Weta has done on preparing Halo for the big screen.
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August 11th, 2006, 16:24 Posted By: wraggster
Bullet Witch, the explosive Xbox 360 shooter developed by Japan-based Cavia, will definitely be released in the UK now that publisher Atari has snapped up the game.
Bullet Witch is set in a nightmarish futuristic vision of Earth, where mankind is under threat from an invasion of demons - you know the kind of thing. Just when it seems all hope has gone, up pops a witch called Alicia.
Rather than riding a broomstick and living in a house made of gingerbread, Alicia is the type of witch that carries a huge gun to splatter demons. She also has a few magic tricks up her sleeve to help her out of tricky situations.
No official release has been confirmed but we expect Bullet Witch to be released some time next year.
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August 11th, 2006, 16:32 Posted By: wraggster
The honeymoon's over. We were in love. Our shotgun wedding with the Xbox 360 gamepad and subsequent months of marital bliss have come crashing down. We've had our first fight ... err, 2D fighting game that is.
Anyone who's been playing the recently released Street Fighter II on XBLA has undoubtedly noticed the Xbox 360's D-pad seriously cramps your combos. Fear not DIY-friendly gamers, there is a solution: Don't use the Xbox 360 gamepad. Remember the Sega Saturn, geared for 2D in a world of 3D consoles? The good news is the Saturn's gamepad has a well respected D-pad and, with some soldering skills, you can start rocking it on Xbox Live.
Here's how it works: Saturn controller gets plugged into a breadboard connected to a gutted Xbox 360 controller, so the whole thing is wireless (sort of). Fine, so this isn't the most attractive hack, but it illustrates a demand for an alternative gamepad. How long before some enterprising peripheral company makes a wireless Xbox Live Arcade pad?
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August 11th, 2006, 16:33 Posted By: wraggster
Survey of Xbox 360 games 101: Here are the current top 10 rated Xbox 360 games based on cumulative reviews by both Game Rankings and Metacritic. But these guys never catch the hidden gems (if any).
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2K Games) 94.0%
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter (Ubisoft) 90.8%
Call of Duty 2 (Activision) 90.0%
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved (Bizarre Creations) 88.9%
Burnout Revenge (Electronic Arts) 88.7%
Project Gotham Racing 3 (Microsoft Game Studios) 88.4%
Dead or Alive 4 (Tecmo) 85.8%
Fight Night Round 3 (EA Sports) 85.2%
Dead Rising (Capcom) 84.2%
Need for Speed Most Wanted (Electronic Arts) 83.2%
For system owners, where has the console shined, what is it lacking, and has it met your gamer expectations thus far? For those who have yet to make the plunge, what's it going to take for the world's largest software company to pocket your skrilla?
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August 11th, 2006, 16:58 Posted By: wraggster
The port of the Snes emulator Zsnes to the Xbox has had an update, heres whats new:
* ZsnexBox now comes with two excellent (Zelda and Metroid) skins to choose from by Neverwill. Be sure to try them both.
* Added an animation to the Metroid skin
* Skin switching supported. Up to 15 skins are supported. Add additional skins to the skins folder. In each folder put a copy of the ZsnexBox.ini that has the correct text/image placement in this folder. It must be named the same as the folder name. For example, the Metroid skin is in the D:skinsMetroid folder and contains a Metroid.ini
* Added more text placement options. Virtually all the text can be adjusted.
* Changed the main menu, controller, and emulator options text to be centered.
* Added a Help/FAQ Menu option. This screen contains information about the use of ZsnexBox as well as an updated FAQ. Please look here "before" posting a question on the forums.
* Added option to adjust the clipping window for the Help text.
* Added a new Help background image for the Help screen
* Tweaked the timing and animation code. The animations now run much smoother.
* Fixed the HD corrupt graphics problem some users were getting. ZsnexBox should display correctly in 720p and 1080i for all Xbox versions (regardless of the dashboard used to launch it)
* Fixed Player 3 and 4 controls
* Added the ability to change the Rombrowser text clipping. The width can now be increased or decreased.
* Created a new menu called GUI Options and moved the Text and Image Options to this menu.
* Added a GUI transition between screens. The fade effect duration can be adjusted
* Added support for a zooming logo/graphic for the rombrowser.
* Fixed a bug where some text was too far to the right in HD modes.
* Fixed the invisible digit bug on the cheat menu in HD modes.
* Changed all GUI images to PNG format. JPG's are no longer supported anywhere. This alone frees up around 4MB of RAM and as a result, all of the previous HQ previews work again. The GUI looks even better as well.
* Changed the "Show ROM Info" option to be off by default.
* Fixed a bug where the Option screen would be dimmed if screen resizing was done outside of the emulation.
* Fixed a bug where the preview border values were not being saved correctly.
* Added a confirmation screen for exiting ZsnexBox.
* Added options to change the zooming logo animations on the main menu and rombrowser. The values that can be changed are minimum size, maximum size, and speed of animation.
* Decreased the amount of time before the rombrowser animation repeats.
* Added option to change the distance the rombrowser animated character moves (if it moves at all). The default value is 100. So a value of 50 would cause it to repeat in half the time.
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August 11th, 2006, 20:52 Posted By: wraggster
It seems video games really can cause violence -- but only on the dumb, ignorant scale. Recently, a few Neanderthals in the Seattle area were so enraged with each other over an Xbox that windows were broken and fires were started because of it.
Police say a 20-year-old former resident of the home in the 700 block of 20th Avenue, there as a guest, was arguing with a current resident about possession of an Xbox. The former resident then threw the console through a window and into the front yard.
Then after this rather violent altercation, the former resident marched back to the house and burned the sucker down. Yes, all this over an Xbox. Remember people, sharing is caring. There are plenty of Xbox's to go around, no need to shed blood over them.
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August 11th, 2006, 21:00 Posted By: wraggster
News from Team Xecuter:
We are pleased to give to the scene the first full source code for an on the fly Xbox 360 dvd patcher. It is now in your hands to make this do what you like and to work as well as you like.
The first release is for Samsung drives.
Package includes:
SX18 code fully comented
Version v1.0 , Auto detect media type
Put in disc and away you go
NO SLEEP mod as this is SX18 (SX28 will have sleep)
SS PSN Patched to FC021E, Hombrewers can change it to whatever they want
SS PSN currently set for NME Iso Images.
Works well but its way off perfect - it's the first release after all
Its an ASM file and you can edit it as a txt file, put comments after ( ; )
Also included is the HEX file
We will prepare a full step by step of how the code works and do some LA state listings showing address and data and timing.
The Hitachi release is much easier and far better as the thing runs slower. That will be released in the next few days - just making it work well with ALL versions of firmware all in one mod.
We will keep updating the Samsung and add things to make it better and more stable but the idea is to get budding hackers out there to work with this.
If you have nothing to contribute and just want to bitch at Xecuter for doing this free project by making up some lame bull****, you already make yourself look like a moron so be our guest.
If you like to tinker with such projects and feel you can contribute something then good luck to you and we hope you have fun !
This mod is non profit and shouldn't be used by anyone for commercial gain. All credits for any releases or ammendments should be given to Team Xecuter with a link to this website. All discussions and ammendments and releases should be posted to the XHM Forums. Could all news sites please also link to these forums so we can keep development all in one tidy place - thank you.
More Info
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August 12th, 2006, 11:58 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo UK

The Official Licensed Xbox 360â„¢ Body Bag is designed to carry and protect the
Xbox 360 Console.
Unique features include;
•Padded compartments.
•Compartments to house Xbox 360 controllers,
hard drive, power pack and cables.
•Internal Body Bag light
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August 12th, 2006, 12:19 Posted By: wraggster
Looks like Xbox 360 game MSRP's just got a little more flexible, though previous games have been released below the console's default $59 price point. From now on, it appears that release schedules will also include game prices:
$39.99 Games:
Arcade Unplugged 9/5/6
Test Drive Unlimited 9/5/6
Cabela's Alaskan Adventure 9/19/06
World Series Of Poker Tour Of Champs 9/19/06
Pimp My Ride 11/14/06
Cabela's African Safari 12/05/06
Gears of War 11/7/06 (We kid! You'll have to buy either the $59 or $69 sku)
$49.99 Games:
Bomberman: Act Zero 8/28/06
Lego Star Wars: Original Trilogy 9/7/6
Samurai Warriors 2 9/19/06
Just Cause 9/26/06
Blitz: The League 10/16/06
Fuzion Frenzy 2 10/31/06
Viva Pinata 11/01/06
Cars 11/01/06
Rayman Raving Rabbids 11/14/06
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August 14th, 2006, 07:27 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA

The official Unlock Tool from Team Xecuter is designed to offer the best opening tool on Xbox 360.
It includes 2 unlock tools specially design for quick opening of the console and of a full high quality T10 screwdriver (with handle).
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August 14th, 2006, 18:21 Posted By: wraggster
Prey developer Human Head Studios has revealed that new content for the first-person shooter will be released shortly.
In a Prey monthly update feature appearing on 3D Realms' website, the FPS's project lead (PC) and Human Head's Chris Rhinehart has let slip that new maps and new player characters are in the pipeline for both PC and Xbox 360 versions of the game.
Firstly, elaborating on the upcoming content, Rhinehart's said we can expect four new maps that "work better" with two- to four players, following requests from the community for multiplayer levels "that function well as 1v1 maps" - although, he adds, "you can still play with more than four in the maps, but they can get pretty insane".
In addition, and on the new player character front, he's said that a total of six new characters are to be added. The line-up includes four female characters - "Jen, Elhuit, Mother, and Becky (the blond victim you see occasionally on slabs in the single player Prey)" - and two hunter characters, Hunter and Elite Hunter.
As yet, there's no release date for the new Prey content, but we're told we'll receive this information once the package is closer to release. Also, it's not yet been determined whether Xbox 360 users will be charged for the goods.
Finally, Rhinehart has given word that patches for both the PC and Xbox 360 versions of Prey are in the works.
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August 14th, 2006, 18:28 Posted By: wraggster
Vivendi Universal sub-label Sierra has inked a deal with developer Spark Unlimited, which will see the latter creating a next-gen action game (slated for release in 2007) which the former will publish.
Since Spark Unlimited's previous effort was Call of Duty: Finest Hour, that's definitely something to anticipate fondly. At the moment details of the project are at a premium, although the game will apparently have a more "contemporary" theme than CoD: FH.
Craig Allen, Spark Unlimited's CEO, said: "We couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to work with Vivendi Games and Sierra Entertainment. We share a common creative
vision for this upcoming project, but even more importantly, a desire to deliver a truly unique and incredible game experience." Bland words maybe, but unique and original gameplay is what we crave. As soon as any more details reach our shell-likes, we'll of course, pass them straight on to you.
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August 14th, 2006, 18:30 Posted By: wraggster
Project Offset (working title), an in-development, fantasy-setting game for PC that's received numerous plaudits to date, has now been backed by a "major publisher" according to the game's developer Offset Software. Well, congratulations Offset which, for some reason, is currently choosing not to disclose publisher details - so who could it be?
Meanwhile, in highly related news, it's all but confirmed that Project Offset will actually appear on Xbox 360 as well as the PC platform - the game's official website carries word that the dev team is searching for an Xbox 360 programmer whose primary responsibility is to "handle porting, maintaining, and optimizing the codebase for the Xbox 360", you see.
Project Offset is the brainchild of former members of the team behind S2 Games' Savage - a PC title combining RTS and FPS gameplay. Offset Software describes its game as "a first-person shooter set in an epic fantasy world", and promises a full-on single-player and multiplayer fantasy experience as adventurers strap on hero boots and romp through impressive game environments, fighting, collecting loot etc.
Screens Here
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August 14th, 2006, 18:33 Posted By: wraggster
Reports suggest Silicon Knights is ditching UE3, because it "does not work well with the 360 hardware"
Long-in-development sci-fi adventure game Too Human is ditching Epic's popular Unreal Engine 3, according to an unconfirmed report on Advanced Media Network.
Citing strict anonymity for its sources, the report claims that developer Silcon Knights is abandoning Unreal Engine 3 in favour of its own engine, saying that Unreal Engine 3 "does not work well with the Xbox 360 hardware." Hm, try telling that to Cliffy B.
Although Too Human's poor E3 reception might seem to provide a reason for an engine-change, we're filing this one very much in the realms of speculation for the time being. Considering the amount of impressive-looking UE3 titles coming for Xbox 360, like BioWare's Mass Effect and Epic's own Gears of War, we find the article's claims that the engine isn't performing well, a touch hard to swallow.
Still, we'll sit tight for the time being, and wait for official word from the developer before condemning this one to the news bin of justice.
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August 14th, 2006, 18:34 Posted By: wraggster
XNA Game Studio Express may sound dull, but it promises to make Xbox 360 developers of us all
Now we can all become Xbox 360 (and PC) developers. Microsoft has unveiled a software suite called XNA Game Studio Express - which will be available free to all Windows XP users - that is designed to let individuals and impecunious indie studios develop Xbox 360 and PC games.
Actually, XNA Game Studio Express isn't quite free - those wishing to use it to create Xbox 360 games will have to pay an annual $99 "Creators' Club" subscription - and you won't be able to sell games made using the software, although they could appear on Xbox Live Arcade. For the commercially minded, who do want to sell the games they make, Microsoft is readying another toolkit entitled XNA Game Studio Professional.
Microsoft's Peter Moore, in typically bombastic style, said: "It's our first step to creating a YouTube for videogames". Chris Satchell, general manager of Microsoft's Game Developer Group, added: "We are looking forward to the day when all the resulting talent-sharing and creativity transforms into a thriving community of user-created games on Xbox 360." An admirable idea that harks back to the days when a generation of schoolkids discovered the joys of programming for the ZX Spectrum - although Moore added that Microsoft would regulate resulting games for appropriateness and intellectual property issues, although creators would own the rights to their efforts.
The beta version of XNA Game Studio Express is imminent - it's due on August 30 - although the full version is not likely to arrive until around Christmas. XNA Game Studio Professional is due for a spring 2007 release. The whole exercise makes eminently good sense, given the success of Xbox Live Arcade - now is the time for you budding Peter Molyneuxs and Will Wrights to turn your game ideas into reality.
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August 14th, 2006, 18:43 Posted By: wraggster
More rumours swirl around on Ubi's medieval killer - PC and 360 versions to stealth into sunlight at Leipzig?
Assassin's Creed is certainly one of the hottest next-gen titles in development at the moment (and if you need to know more - and you do - check out our recent PS3 preview). But with only the PS3 version officially announced, 360 and PC players have been pondering an Assassin-less future where PS3 fans get one of the best toys in the cupboard and they're left with a great big void to fill.
Still, despite fervent and repeated statements from Ubisoft that the game remains announced for PS3-only, strong rumours continue to swirl that Assassin's Creed will be heading to at least 360 and probably PC as well, with the full announcement being saved up for next week's Leipzig Games Show.
More fuel to the fire has been added over the weekend with 1up's Dana Jongewaard
saying in her blog, "For the first year at least, there are very few big titles that are PS3 exclusive. GTA4 and Assassins will be available for the 360 at the same time."
So a simultaneous release on 360 may well be on the cards if Jongewaard's correct, but as you'll know, it's something we've long been predicting and indeed expecting for next week's show. However we also reckon there's also a very strong possibility that a PC version will be unveiled at Leipzig too (why not if you've developing a 360 version?) and indeed, why stop there, with a PSP version also a logical extension for one of the most exciting games in development at the moment?
Leipzig, as ever, will hold the answers when we'll either be consuming the cake of wonderful foreknowledge, or eating the humble pie of rumour prediction doom.
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August 14th, 2006, 18:45 Posted By: wraggster
User-created games are nothing new, but now that they've got a nice Web 2.0 buzzword to glom onto, maybe they can amount to something. Microsoft is developing a new app to allow hobbyists to build their very own playable titles for Xbox Live. The program, called XNA Game Studio Express, will cost $99 a year, and will be available for Windows XP and Vista. Apparently the toolset is a heavily trimmed down version of the one available to actual developers, and will still require at least basic programming skills, but users will own their work. Peter Moore calls it "our first step of creating a YouTube for videogames." He also added "I'd love to send a royalty cheque to a kid," but we'll believe that when we see it. It doesn't sound like anything incredibly complicated will be possible with the system, but if YouTube video bloggers are any indication, you don't need snazzy effects -- or necessarily talent -- to make it big on the Internet.
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August 14th, 2006, 18:57 Posted By: wraggster
Even on a console where every game looks stunning, Xbox 360 shooter Lost Planet really stands out as a beauty and we've got the latest pictures to prove that.
The Capcom-developed game follows the fate of a band of humans fighting for survival on an icy planet where the hostile conditions alone would cause concern, but then there's the attentions of the indigenous creatures to see off, too.
Real-time loading will offer up a seamless adventure and Capcom promises explosive Xbox Live action with both cooperative and competitive gameplay.
Lost Planet is due out in Japan this Christmas but it looks like we'll have to wait till next year for the UK release.
Screens Here
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August 14th, 2006, 19:13 Posted By: wraggster
New release of the port of the best Snes emulator for the Xbox, heres whats new:
Version 2.6:
Added support for enabling/disabling all 4 background layers
Added support for enabling/disabling the sprite layer
Added support for enabling/disabling all 8 sound channels.
Version 2.5:
Added a higher quality Zelda animation (higher resolution and more frames) to the Zelda skin
Fixed a bug that was causing garbage to be written to the ZsnexBox.ini. Hopefully this will fix the problem some people were getting with changing the skin.
Fixed a savestate loading bug that would cause a crash in Super Mario Kart and Pilotwings.
Added skin previews for the skin selection menu.
Tweaked the GUi a little.
Updated the FAQ
Added the ability to specify exactly how many frames the rombrowser animation is. This can only be set in the ini and not in the GUI. Each skin will only load the exact amount of frames specified. This cuts down on the memory usage for the Metroid and Zelda skins. Animations up to 18 frames are supported.
Note:
There may be an issue (Xbox lockup) loading DSP1 (Super Mario kart, Pilotwings, etc...) savestates generated in previous versions of ZsnexBox
More Info
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August 15th, 2006, 00:27 Posted By: wraggster
Digitimes of Taiwan seems pretty darn sure that the Xbox 360 HD DVD is going to be released for $200. They also seem pretty sure it's going to be available by Christmas, but that's something everyone pretty much figured already.
External drives have more flexibility than built-in models, the companies pointed out, while adding that despite BD having a much larger storage capacity than HD-DVD, pre-installation of BD drives may decrease the market competitiveness of PS3 units.
We're not sure where their sources are from, but they could be from Taiwanese manufacturing companies that are contracted to actually build the HD DVD unit. Either that, or Digitimes is just making stuff up
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August 15th, 2006, 17:18 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft is currently investigating ways to modify the Xbox 360 controller, with a possible view to releasing a 'finer-tuned' version of the device in the future.
According to a report on Shacknews, Microsoft's Robert S. Walker - product unit manager, hardware - has recently revealed how the company is peering at the controller's right analogue stick and mulling over how it could be designed to better function in genres that require very precise movement - e.g. first-person shooters.
When or if we'll see such a revised controller is topped by a pretty hefty question mark however - apparently, such a device is a maybe rather than a definite at this stage. But if it does see the light of day in months to come, it's a peripheral that would be released alongside the standard 360 controller as an optional purchase rather than a replacement.
Would seem like a fairly decent move to us and with Gears of War and then Halo 3 on the horizon, a revised FPS controller would be just the ticket for hitting them right between the eyes.
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August 15th, 2006, 17:19 Posted By: wraggster
Just Cause, Avalanche Studios' tropical GTA-a-like (with parachutes) is set to get some demo love later this month with both Xbox 360 and PC versions ready to rock on August 24, according to a brief word on the game's official site.
Not much more than that to tell you we're afraid, with little or no details forthcoming on what the demo might contain. Still, we're sure one of Sweden's finest will produce some decent ops to check the game out. We've had a bit of an extended blast on the 360 version of the game and it's actually pretty promising, with you taking on the role of a secret agent sent to overthrow a corrupt island government in a sun kissed mix of Far Cry and GTA with bullets, babes and covert CIA action all thrown into the mix.
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August 15th, 2006, 17:21 Posted By: wraggster
Legendary games designer Peter Molyneux - lined up to deliver a keynote at the Leipzig Games Convention, has spoken to GameSpot about the skills required to design games, likely winners of the next-gen console wars, escalating development costs and how he'd like to bring some of his old games up to date.
Here's the Lionhead head honcho's blueprint for those taking academic courses which they hope will lead to a career in game design: "I have spoken to a few educational establishments about the games-design courses, and they are teaching very sound technical skills, but they don't focus as well on the more esoteric design skills that are needed for the job. Designers need to be able to communicate, inspire, and listen, and I see these skills as being just as necessary as an appreciation of the technical side. A good feel for design is also fundamental, and I think this is a talent rather than a skill that can be taught."
Despite his obvious alignment with Microsoft - to which he sold Lionhead earlier this year - Molyneux is taking a surprisingly even-handed approach to the console wars, although he does reckon Sony has become "lazy": "Nintendo has done a great job of convincing us that next-gen is about gameplay rather than high-tech specs. Microsoft has done an incredible job of expanding games online and making them more mass-market. Sony, in my view, seems to have been rather more lazy with its message. How all this pans out really depends on the brilliance of the titles that appear on each platform over the next two to three years. I expect the system with the greatest games on it to end up on top." Not great news for Sony, then, given the perceived weakness of its launch line-up.
And what can be done about spiralling development costs (not really something Molyneux need worry about now Lionhead has access to Microsoft's voluminous funds)? "It should be remembered that there is a law of diminishing return here, so if you spend $5 million and double that to $10 million, you don't get double the quality. This trend really can't continue, and the industry must face the fact we need to stabilize our costs. This will mean that reuse of technology and assets needs to be much better managed." Outsourcing companies take note.
And finally, Molyneux, unsurprisingly, asserts that he would like to revisit some of his old efforts, but admits that it is very unlikely, with one possible exception: "Aside from the licensing complications, some sort of next-gen online version of Syndicate would certainly be popular with gamers. I 'd love to reprise games like Syndicate, Populous, and Dungeon Keeper, but as you point out, we'd need some business development people to sort this out."
And, of course, business development is the last thing on Molyneux's mind as he gets stuck into Fable 2 and another, as-yet unspecified project for his Microsoft paymasters.
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August 15th, 2006, 17:43 Posted By: wraggster
1up was there to cover Microsoft's annual Gamefest event, and came away with some interesting information. Across all of its gaming platforms (Xbox Live, Games for Windows, MSN Games, etc.), the company claims 100 Million gamers per month. Xbox Live, in particular, received attention at the event. The company talking about more demos, downloads, and microtransactions being the hallmarks for the future of the service. From that article: "While Microsoft wants demos and add-ons to be a critical part of the plans for games, they also iterated the importance of other parts of the Marketplace. The personalization options offered by the Gamer Pictures and Themes is something Microsoft will continue to encourage developers to create. However, the notion that these 360-pieces of flair would regularly appear free on the Marketplace should be squashed, for now. Microsoft indicated that they have very strict limitations on free content and that they intend on keeping the gamer pictures and themes pretty consistently priced."
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August 15th, 2006, 17:50 Posted By: wraggster
Bethesda Softworks has announced that all the actors who have played Star Trek captains throughout the show's multiple series will be collaborating on the forthcoming Star Trek: Legacy.
Marking the first time all five actors have worked together on a single project, Bethesda is aiming to provide fans of the series with a true representation of the show and its principle stars, drawing on the famous voices for a storyline which spans every Star Trek series.
Todd Vaughn, Bethesda's VP of development, commented: "We are absolutely thrilled to have the five actors who portrayed the Star Trek captains take part in this project. Their participation, especially since it takes place during the series’ 40th anniversary, will add to the fun and excitement of the game and emphasizes our commitment to provide fans with the most authentic Star Trek experience possible."
William Shatner will resume his role as the original Captain James T. Kirk (1966-1969), Patrick Stewart voices The Next Generation's Captain Jean-Luc Picard (1987-1994) and Avery Brookes returns as Deep Space Nine's Captain Benjamin Lafayette Sisko (1993-1999).
Star Trek Voyager's Captain Kathryn Janeway (1995-2001) will be voiced once again by Kate Mulgrew, with Scott Bakula resuming his role of Captain Jonathan Archer for Star Trek: Enterprise (2001-2005).
Commenting on the move, veteran actor and original captain William Shatner stated: "I am delighted to have the chance to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Star Trek with my fellow captains by providing our voices to Star Trek: Legacy.
"Bethesda Softworks has done an excellent job in creating an exciting game that stays true to Star Trek’s roots and accurately incorporates elements from each series."
The game is being developed by Mad Doc Studios, under guidance and direction from Bethesda. Star Trek: Legacy's scripts have been collaboratively created by veteran Star Trek writer DC Fontana, and the game is scheduled for an autumn release on PC and Xbox 360.
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August 15th, 2006, 18:20 Posted By: wraggster
Ridge Racer 6 has become the first Xbox 360 game to hit a suggested retail price of $19.99. Pretty much every major online retailer is now offering the game brand new for a third of its original $59.99 tag.
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August 15th, 2006, 18:36 Posted By: wraggster
Well, it's got everything else—from shoppin' and pie eatin' to picture takin' and shootin'. Reader Ieatrocks sent word that there's also nudity:
Anyways, head into the Entrance Plaza, top floor, north end; and the shop called "In the Closet". Put on the grey tank top outfit and have a good look at the print on the front; it's plainly a topless woman. The image is pretty low res, B&W, and people rarely look at the front of Frank, but it's there.
I unsuccessfully tried to confirm this on the Dead Rising demo . Any truth to this? Pics would be appreciated, because gawd knows how we love the jubblies.
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August 15th, 2006, 21:58 Posted By: wraggster
Yet more glorious-looking screens and character/vehicle renders for you to put in your pipe and smoke
Scottish industry legend Dave Jones' free-roaming shooter-and-driver Crackdown is one of the hottest upcoming properties on the Xbox 360, and we've unearthed a veritable heap of new screens and character/vehicle models for your delectation.
The game's stylised, primary-coloured style comes through loud and clear, we think you'll agree -- and we reckon that some of those characters will have personalities as outlandish as their looks.
Screens Here
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August 15th, 2006, 22:08 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo UK

- Adjustable Microphone for optimum sound quality.
- Volume Control and Mute Switch allows for unprecedented communication flexibility.
- Noise-Cancelling Microphone for improved game response to voice commands.
- Crisp and clear voice communication between players.
- Lightweight, over-the-head design enabling comfortable during sustained play.
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August 15th, 2006, 22:34 Posted By: wraggster
XNA Frequently Asked Questions
XNA Framework and XNA Game Studio Express Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is XNA Game Studio Express?
A: XNA Game Studio Express is a new offering, targeted at students and hobbyists for game development. XNA Game Studio is based on Visual C# Express 2005 and lets developers target both Windows and Xbox 360. XNA Game Studio Express contains the following:
* The XNA Framework, a set of managed code development libraries which will allow game developers to be more productive when creating games for Windows and the Xbox 360.
* The XNA Framework Content Pipeline which is a set of tools that allow developers to more easily incorporate 3D content into their games.
* XNA Game Studio Express also contains a full set of documentation, how-to’s and starter-kits that demonstrate how best to utilize the content pipeline and XNA Framework.
A beta of XNA Game Studio Express will be released on August 30. To receive a notification on when the Beta is available, please go to http://connect.microsoft.com and select "Available Connections." Then choose the XNA connection and follow the link to sign up for the XNA Game Studio Express Beta. (Note: A valid Windows Live ID is required, if you do not have one, you will be given the option of creating one.)
Q: What is the difference between XNA Game Studio Express and the XNA Framework
A: XNA Game Studio Express is a set of tools based on Visual C# Express 2005. The XNA Framework is included with XNA Game Studio Express and it is the set of managed (.NET) libraries based on the .NET Framework 2.0 that developers use.
Q: Can I use the XNA Game Studio Express or XNA Framework to build a commercial Xbox 360 game?
A: XNA Game Studio Express will enable you to create Windows and now Xbox 360 console games much more easily. These games are limited to non-commercial scenarios for 360 titles created with XNA Game Studio Express. However, XNA Game Studio Express may be used to create commercial games which target Windows. We will be releasing XNA Game Studio Professional next spring which will allow developers to create commercial games for Xbox addition to Windows.
Q: What if I have an 360 Developer Kit – can I use the XNA Framework with a title that I intend to send through certification?
A: We will be releasing XNA Game Studio Professional next spring which will support the creation of commercial games on the Xbox 360 using an Xbox 360 developer kit. Titles created with XNA Game Studio Professional by developers with approved titles will be able to be submitted for certification unlike games made using XNA Game Studio Express.
Q: How much will XNA Game Studio Express/XNA Framework cost?
A: The XNA Game Studio Express tools and runtime environment for Windows is completely free. To develop, debug and/or play games on the Xbox 360 you will be required to purchase a XNA “Creator’s Club†subscription on the Xbox 360 through Xbox Live Marketplace. The subscription is available in 2 options, $99 a year or $49 for 4 months.
Q: Is the XNA Framework running in emulation mode on the Xbox 360?
A: The XNA Framework makes use of a custom, native implementation of the .NET Compact Framework 2.0 CLR on the Xbox 360.
Q: Is the XNA Framework available on non-Microsoft platforms?
A: At this time, the XNA Framework will only be available on the Windows and Xbox 360 platforms.
Q: Isn’t managed code in the XNA Framework interpreted and therefore slow?
A: No, it is not interpreted. The IL is just-in-time (JIT) compiled into native code when it is initially loaded by a process, prior to execution. This allows hardware-specific optimizations unique to the PC and Xbox 360 architectures.
Q: Why isn’t there any Xbox 360 support in the beta?
A: Microsoft does not release beta software on the Xbox 360 for security reasons. Thanks to the design and implementation of the XNA Framework on both Windows and Xbox 360 however, games developed using the XNA Game Studio Express beta starting August 30th will be easily adapted to run against the Xbox 360 retail console upon availability of the finished tools later this holiday.
Q: What exactly is the XNA Framework?
A: The XNA Framework allows game developers to create modern games using the C# programming language and a rich set of development libraries. The XNA Framework provides its own content pipeline to make it easy to get rich content (3D, 2D, sound, etc.) from content creation sources into a game. The XNA Framework also provides a very high level of API unification across the Windows and 360 implementations, thus virtually eliminating the cost and effort required to port games between these two platforms.
Q: How is this different than the .NET Framework?
A: The Framework is the leading development stack for building general purpose Windows-based applications. The XNA Framework was designed to leverage many familiar elements of the Framework, such as core class libraries and a Common Language Runtime, but is optimized for game development and execution. The XNA Framework includes a custom set of cross-platform libraries built from the ground up specifically for game development.
Q: How exactly can I share my 360 game to other 360 users? Will my game only be available to people with the XNA “Creators Club†subscription? Will it be available to all 360 users that have an Xbox Live account?
A: There is currently no supported way to share binaries on the Xbox 360. Currently, there are four requirements that must be met in order to share a game targeting Xbox 360 which is developed with XNA Game Studio Express.
1. The individual you are planning to share the game with must be logged in to Xbox Live and have an active subscription to the XNA Creators Club
2. The receiving user must have downloaded the XNA Framework runtime environment for the Xbox 360
3. The receiving user must have XNA Game Studio Express installed on their own development PC
4. The game project, including all source and content assets, must be shared with the receiving user. The receiving user then compiles and deploys the game to their Xbox 360.
Q: Can I store my XNA Game Studio Express game on my memory card and share it with a friend?
A: No. Games developed using XNA Game Studio Express cannot be shared through a memory card at this time.
Q: Do I need a hard drive to run XNA-based games on my Xbox 360 console?
A: Yes. The XNA Framework runtime environment for Xbox 360 requires that a physical hard drive be present on your Xbox 360 retail console.
Q: Can I create non-gaming applications (such as a Media Center/Player) with XNA Game Studio Express?
A: On Windows this is possible, but the initial release on Xbox 360 is tuned to writing games. This is an area we are actively looking to the community for feedback on the types of applications they want to write for their Xbox 360.
Q: Will the XNA Framework require D3D9 hardware?
A: A Direct3D 9.0 card, capable of supporting Shader Model 1.1, is the minimum. The recommended level is a card that supports Shader Model 2.0, since most samples and starter kits will require a Shader Model 2.0-compliant card.
Q: Will the XNA Framework ship with the DirectX SDK?
A: Currently, the XNA Framework for Windows ships with XNA Game Studio Express and not the DirectX SDK. The XNA Framework for Xbox 360 is only available through Xbox Live Marketplace once a subscription to the XNA “Creators Club†has been purchased.
Q: What will be the support policy around the XNA Framework?
A: XNA Game Studio Express customers will be able to seek support in our XNA Framework and XNA Game Studio Express forums accessible through the Game Development forum links on our XNA Developer at http://msdn.com/xna/forums.
Q: D3DX has feature X. Will feature X be available on the XNA Framework?
A: We have implemented or refactored a large number of features from D3DX in the XNA Framework. We are actively investigating any additional functionality from D3DX that may be required by game developers that may have been missed. We will be taking feedback through the newsgroup forums as well as through xna@microsoft.com.
Q: What does this all mean regarding Managed DirectX (MDX) 1.1?
A: MDX 1.1 is in sustained engineering mode, and will not have any new functionality added to it. If you have a gaming scenario that needs a specific feature found only in MDX 1.1, please let us know and we will consider it for the XNA Framework.
Q: How does the XNA Framework support audio?
A: The XNA Framework will provide support for audio playback through managed XACT.
Q: Does the XNA Framework support XINPUT or DirectInput?
A: The XNA Framework will provide support for input devices in games through managed XINPUT.
Q: Does the XNA Framework include the ability to use Xbox Live?
A: The initial release of the XNA Framework on the Xbox 360 will not have any support for networking. We realize this is a big area of interest for game developers and are actively working on a solution for the next release.
Q: How can you debug XNA-based games running on the Xbox 360?
A: Debugging on the console is supported through a remote debugging connection from a Windows desktop running XNA Game Studio Express.
Q: Which versions of Windows does XNA Game Studio Express support?
A: XNA Game Studio Express is currently limited to Windows XP SP2 only. Once Windows Vista is released, XNA Game Studio Express will be fully supported on that version of Windows.
Q: Does the XNA Framework replace my version of the Framework on my Windows desktop?
A: No. The XNA Framework will not replace or interfere with your existing Framework installation. The XNA Framework on Windows is a set of class libraries built against the .NET Framework 2.0.
Q: Does the XNA Framework support Windows and Pocket PC devices?
A: The XNA Framework currently does not support Windows Mobile or Pocket PC devices, but based on customer feedback this may be a direction we expand the XNA Framework in the future. We know that developing games for is a hot area of growth and one we would like to support in the future.
Q: When will there be a full-featured beta of the XNA Framework?
A: The XNA Framework beta will be available as part of the XNA Game Studio Express beta offering on August 30. If you are interested in being notified when the XNA Game Studio Express beta is available for download, go to http://connect.microsoft.com and select "Available Connections." Then choose the XNA connection and follow the link to sign up for the XNA Game Studio Express Beta. (Note: A valid Windows Live ID is required, if you do not have one, you will be given the option of creating one.)
Q: How will the XNA Framework be available to developers?
A: The XNA Framework will be made available to Windows game developers via a free download. In order to develop for the 360, developers will need to join the XNA “Creators Club†which includes everything a developer needs to build non-commercial games for an Xbox 360 retail console.
Q: How can I learn more about the XNA Framework?
A: We will continue to provide updates to the game development community via future events and our XNA website (http://msdn.com/xna). You can participate in community discussions at http://msdn.com/xna/forums. In addition, you can also email xna@microsoft.com if you have any questions, but we cannot guarantee a response to every email we receive.
Q:Is the XNA Game Studio Express subscription available for programmers worldwide? Are you planning on localizing the software?
A:XNA Game Studio Express development tools and environment for Windows will be available for download worldwide from http://msdn.com/xna. The XNA Game Studio Express subscription for Xbox 360 is available in nearly all countries currently shipping Xbox 360 retail consoles and with Xbox Live connectivity. The current version of the tool is available in English only.
Q: What’s the difference between XNA Game Studio Express, XNA Game Studio Pro and XNA Studio?
A: XNA Game Studio Express and XNA Game Studio Pro are related products targeting non-professional game developers and established professionals respectively. Both products integrate with Microsoft Visual Studio. XNA Game Studio Express is intended for the hobbyist/small development group and therefore designed to help create non-commercial games. XNA Game Studio Pro will include additional functionality such as libraries supporting Xbox Live (Achievements, Leaderboards, Multi-player) needed by professional game developers wishing to create commercial, signed titles. XNA Studio will implement enterprise wide solutions aimed at the production pipeline and process by which games are developed in large AAA studios.
Q: How exactly will I be able to run a game built with XNA Game Studio Express on my Xbox 360?
A: On Windows, you’ll be able to develop, test and distribute software created with XNA Game Studio Express for free. When you sign up for the nominally priced annual subscription to XNA Game Studio Express for Xbox 360, you’ll be able to write a game on Windows, then send it to your Xbox 360 to test and enjoy. Eventually, you’ll be able to distribute that code to other Xbox 360s, opening up a unique publishing avenue which will democratize game development on consoles.
Q: Will I be able to develop a game and run it on both Xbox 360 and Windows?
A: You will have to compile the game once for each platform. In this release, you will have to create a separate project for each platform, and compile them both. Our goal is to allow as much code as possible to be shared between those two projects, allowing you to use the same source files in both projects, but platform-specific code will need to be conditionally-compiled.
Q: Why doesn’t the XNA Framework Content Pipeline support my favorite content creation tool?
A: We feel we have chosen a robust set of file formats for the release of the content pipeline that allow you to work with a wide rage of available content creation tools. More importers supporting more content creation tools will become available in the future.
Q: What is the C# language?
A: C# is a modern, object-oriented programming language designed with developer productivity in mind. C# is used by millions of software developers worldwide and provides full access to building applications based on the .NET Framework, the Compact Framework, and ultimately the XNA Framework as well.
Q: What are the benefits of managed code?
A: The managed execution environment provided by the common language runtime provides developers with a wealth of productivity benefits. Such managed code benefits include garbage collection, hardware abstraction, thread management, and a sandboxed security model. For more information about the Common Language Runtime and the Framework please visit http://msdn.microsoft.com/netframework.
Q: How widely used is C# in the gaming industry?
A: The vast majority of game studios recognize the productivity benefits of C# and are already using it for creating internal tools within their studios. There are even a few great games for Windows written using C#. But before the advent of the XNA Framework, doing true cross-platform development with C# targeting both the Windows desktop and the Xbox 360 was not a reality. That’s why we believe the XNA Framework represents an exciting opportunity for game studios. Managed DirectX Q&A
Q: Is the XNA Framework different from Managed DirectX (MDX) 1.1 or MDX 2.0?
A: Yes. The XNA Framework is a completely different set of technologies targeted at game developers. It does share similarities based on the fact that the underlying technologies are still based on DirectX. The XNA Framework also leverages other technologies such as XACT and X/Input.
Q: Does the XNA Framework include Managed DirectX 2.0?
A: The XNA Framework will contain much of the functionality found in Managed DirectX 2.0 and will also provide much more functionality designed to help game developers write great games. It is important to note, however, that there will be some differences between what is available in the MDX2.0 beta and what is available in the XNA Framework. We will provide guidance to help customers migrate from MDX2.0 beta to the XNA Framework as early releases of the XNA Framework become available.
Q: Will there be any more improvements to Managed DirectX 2.0?
A: The current Managed DirectX 2.0 beta libraries have been unchanged since the April 2006 SDK release. There will be no further changes to MDX 2.0 beta, nor will MDX 2.0 ever release officially. The MDX 2.0 assemblies will be removed from the DirectX SDK once the XNA Framework beta is released.
Q: Does the XNA Framework replace Managed DirectX?
A: The XNA Framework will have a managed API for working with hardware on the Xbox 360 and Windows. This API will subsume functionality in MDX 2.0 beta today.
Q: Does MDX 1.1 support development with the .NET Framework 2.0?
A: MDX1.1 is fully compatible with the .NET Framework 2.0.
Q: Will my MDX 1.1 code run inside the XNA Framework?
A: We will provide a migration guide that describes how to migrate MDX 1.1 code to the XNA Framework.
Q: I’m a game studio and I have made a significant tools investment on MDX 1.1, does this mean Microsoft will not support MDX 1.1 anymore?
A: Microsoft will continue to support MDX 1.1 as per our standard support policy. Once the XNA Framework ships we will provide guidance on how to move from MDX 1.1 to the XNA Framework
Q: What does XNA stand for?
A: XNA’s Not Acronymed
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August 15th, 2006, 23:28 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft released today an update to retail Xbox 360 sales figures and forecast for the current fiscal year. By holiday 2006, Microsoft expects to ship in excess of 10 million Xbox 360 consoles along with a library of 160 games. And by the end of their fiscal year in June, 2007, between 13-15 million consoles worldwide are forecasted to ship.
Microsoft also provide some updated info on peripherals and game sales. Based on this month’s NPD data, the industry standard for tracking US momentum and market share, Microsoft states:
Xbox 360’s accessory attach rate held steady for the fourth consecutive month at 2.9 accessory units sold per console. At nine months into the lifecycle, Xbox 360 is still setting a record with the highest accessory attach rate of a console launch in the US.
Xbox 360’s software attach rose this month to 4.6 games per console. This surge continues to show the depth and breadth of Xbox 360’s video game library.
Xbox 360 had 4 of the 10 top selling titles across consoles:
- “NCAA Football 2007†(EA)
- “Prey†(Take 2)
- “Chromehounds†(Sega)
- “Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle Earth II†(EA)
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August 16th, 2006, 17:14 Posted By: wraggster
It's Wednesday again which means it's time for Microsoft to "freshen-up" Xbox Live Arcade, like the club toilet attendant of the gaming world. Except there's no game this week, just a bunch of Cloning Clyde gamer pictures. Hmmm.
But before you grab you flaming torches and pitchforks, take a glance at this newly-refreshed Live Arcade Wednesdays release list, which extends the promotion all the way to September 6. The first game on the list is the long-awaited Texas Hold 'Em, which arrives on August 23 for absolutely nowt. Nope, don't adjust your set - for the first 48 hours after its release, Microsoft is generously giving the plucky card game away for absolutely free, before returning to business as usual at 800 Microsoft points thereafter. We've marked our calendars already.
:Following up the Arcade version of Essex's favourite drinking game are a pair of titles from Konami. On August 30, classic dogfighter Time Pilot will arrive on Live Arcade, apparently sporting lovely HD graphics and "enhanced gameplay". The second of the duo is CVG favourite Scramble, which storms onto the service on September 6. Both Konami offerings will be available for 400 of your Microsoft points.
Microsoft hasn't detailed any more of its special Wednesdays beyond these three - and we're still wondering where Lumines:Live! is - but we'll let you know when it opens its big, green gob.
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August 16th, 2006, 17:16 Posted By: wraggster
Reports that Silicon Knights has abandoned Unreal Engine 3 in favour of its own engine for its in-development Xbox 360 sci-fi title Too Human have been shot down by Microsoft.
Addressing the rumour on the tech switch - allegedly due to Unreal Engine 3 not functioning well with Xbox 360 hardware - which surfaced on Advanced Media Network recently, Microsoft has stated that Silicon Knights "continues to build Too Human using the Unreal Engine 3, tailoring it to fit the needs of the game and ensure the most efficient use of the technology".
It continued: "Rumors of Too Human experiencing production challenges that will cause massive delays are false. Too Human is progressing very well and we expect that gamers will be extremely excited with Too Human when we next show it".
Well, that's cleared all that up then.
Silicon Knights' Too Human is a third-person, sci-fi action yarn that shoves players into the boots of a cybernetic god called Baldur who must defend mankind from monstrous war machines. The game is the first instalment in a planned trilogy.
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August 16th, 2006, 17:23 Posted By: JesusXP
Original URL http://www.xboxic.com/news/1437
Article:
So yes, we still remember Microsoft executives saying “Xbox 360 gamers will never require a hard drive to play gamesâ€, only to be shocked by the Football Manager packshot stating that the game did require the HD after all. Similarly, the Xbox guys were even more adamant about that the games would never require a larger disc than the current dual layer DVD, and that HD-DVD would only ever be used for displaying HD movies through your 360. Will that turn out to be “slightly off the truth†as well?
Click the image to the right for one page of what Warren News published in their Consumer Electronics Daily newsletter today. Some spicy quotes about HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray, sure that’s a hot topic. The nasty one is at the bottom though:
Microsoft hasn’t determined yet whether to do Xbox 360 games in blue-laser HD DVD, but has ruled it out for “this holiday†when it ships its HD DVD drive for movie playback through the Xbox 360, said Dave Luehmann, gen. mgr. - Microsoft Games Studios. “Speed of loading†is Microsoft’s big concern about HD DVD games on the Xbox 360, Luehmann said.
OUCH. Let’s all hope this is a wildly inaccurate misquotation and that the HD-DVD promises don’t go down the same drain as those stating the Core Pack will play all 360 games. Something tells me we’ll be seeing some damage control press releases soon.
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August 16th, 2006, 17:32 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has announced new details regarding its Live Vision camera for the Xbox 360, which is expected to ship this September - complete with a free gesture-control software title.
Announcing its plans at the Seattle Gamefest event this week, Microsoft's Jeff Stone confirmed that the peripheral will be shipped together with Totemball, a new game developed by UK firms Strange Flavour and Freeverse.
The peripheral will track user's arm movements, challenging them to guide a wheeled totem pole around various environments, collecting items and attempting to avoid obstacles to reach the goal within a specific time limit.
Both Strange Flavour and Freeverse have a history in the development of gesture control, having worked on several titles for Apple's iSight peripheral for the Macintosh. Stone confirmed that additional titles are currently in development, although no specific games were announced at this point.
Rivalling Sony's EyeToy camera for the PS2 and PS3 - which also shipped with a compendium of gesture control titles called EyeToy Play when it first launched - Microsoft's Live Vision camera will also be utilised for video chat and face mapping in titles such as Uno and Activision's World Series of Poker.
Microsoft stopped short of announcing a price point for the device, although US retailer GameStop has the Live Vision camera listed at US$39.99 with a release date of September 19th.
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August 16th, 2006, 17:33 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has published a new set of stats for the Xbox 360, revealing healthy attachment rates for software and accessories and a high download rate for Xbox Live Marketplace.
Following the recent release of titles such as NCAA Football 2007, Prey, Chromehounds and Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle-Earth II, all of which have secured a place in the 360 top ten, the software attachment rate rose to 4.6 games per console this month. The Xbox 360 also has the highest accessory attachment rate among consumers, with 2.9 units sold per console.
Microsoft also announced that more than 80 per cent of Live users have downloaded content from Xbox Live Marketplace - bringing the total number of downloads to more than 46 million.
Almost 70 per cent of Live users have downloaded music videos, movie and game trailers, and 65 per cent have downloaded at least one game from Xbox Live Arcade.
The number of Xbox Live Arcade downloads since launch now stands at more than 8 million, and the most popular titles are Geometry Wars, Uno, Bankshot Billiards 2, Marble Blast Ultra and Street Fighter II Hyper Fighting.
Microsoft did not reveal how many Xbox 360 consoles have been sold, but reaffirmed that it plans to ship 10 million units by the end of the year, with a library of more than 160 software titles. The Redmond giant went on to predict that between 13 and 15 million consoles will be shipped to retail by the end of the fiscal 2007 period next June.
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August 16th, 2006, 17:37 Posted By: wraggster
When Microsoft debuted its Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays program, it specified that hump day was going to be the day for new games on Live Arcade, but it wouldn't guarantee a new game each and every Wednesday. The first wave of XBLA Wednesday titles ended with last week's release of Pac-Man, but Microsoft has given digital downloaders a few more release dates for upcoming anticipated Arcade games.
There will be a slight break in the flow of games, however, as this week's Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday release is four new picture packs for Ninja Bee's XBLA platformer Cloning Clyde. Each picture pack will go for 100 Microsoft points ($1.25).
The gaming action picks up again next week as the long-awaited Texas Hold 'Em finally arrives on August 23. The game will have persistent bankrolls attached to each Xbox Live gamertag, so players who bet recklessly and come out on the losing end will have to go back to the lower stakes tables in order to work their way back into the games with heavy action. Texas Hold 'Em will normally be available for 800 points ($10), but Microsoft has announced that it will actually be free for download for the first 48 hours.
After Texas Hold 'Em hits the Marketplace, the next two Wednesday release slots will be occupied by a pair of Konami titles. On August 30, arcade dogfigher Time Pilot will arrive with HD graphics and "enhanced gameplay" for 400 Microsoft points ($5). That will be followed on September 6 by the 1981 side-scroller Scramble, also for 400 Microsoft points ($5).
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August 16th, 2006, 17:38 Posted By: wraggster
Source: Popular hardware destination HardOCP.com, Taiwan-based Digitimes, and game-info site Digitalbattle.
What we heard: Ever since the Xbox 360 was first shown to the public in May 2005, rumors have surrounded it. Once the specs for the console were revealed, the speculation shifted from what the console could do at present, to what it will be able do in the future.
Microsoft answered part of that question at E3 this year, unveiling several new peripherals, announcing Live Anywhere, and taking the wraps off the 360's external HD-DVD drive. Soon, many speculated that premium, hard drive-equipped 360s fitted with the unpriced HD-DVD drive would cost around $600 a pop--i.e. $399 plus a rumored $199. That's as much as the high-end model of the Blu-ray drive-equipped PlayStation 3, which has taken considerable flak for its premium price point.
This week, two sources reported that the 360 HD-DVD drive will indeed ring up at around $200. First was Digitimes, which stated flatly on Monday that "Microsoft will launch external HD-DVD drives for its Xbox 360 at a retail price of US$200 by Christmas of this year."
Seconding that opinion was HardOCP, which yesterday included the HD-DVD price point report as part of a piece titled "Xbox360 Roadmap Peeked At." The site elaborated on the add-on, saying it would "only require component inputs. ... No HDMI in sight." It also said that Microsoft would be releasing a cable to support 1080p video output. However, "Little more information is known on [1080 output] or if there will be a gaming performance impact."
Last but not least, HardOCP revealed that the Xbox 360 would soon get functionality borrowed from a Windows Media Center PC. "While this is not a term that Microsoft used, the Xbox360 will be seeing an added on 'media jukebox' for handling tons of movies, video, pictures, and music," said the site. No mention was made as to whether Microsoft was going to release larger capacity "outrigger" hard drive to store said media, since many 360 owners' 20GB HDDs are getting nearly full of game demos, trailers, and saves.
In other 360-rumor news, Digitalbattle reported that Microsoft is mulling a second controller specifically for first-person shooters. "The new controller would have an improved and more precise right analog stick for games requiring higher precision," read the report, which sourced Microsoft’s product unit manager Robert Walker's presentation at the Microsoft Gamefest developers' conference. Strangely, though, first-hand accounts of Walker's Monday speech, like the exhaustive recap of the session on FiringSquad.com, make no mention of a FPS-centric controller.
The official story: So what does Microsoft have to say about all this? Not much, unsurprisingly. Regarding the HD-DVD, "We haven't announced any pricing or availability at this point so we'll keep you posted," a rep for the game giant said regarding the HD-DVD. The same rep wouldn't comment on 1080p support and media jukebox functionality, and also would only say that "We have not made any announcements about a new Xbox 360 controller."
Bogus or not bogus?: $200 360 HD-DVDD? If bogus, it's a close estimate. Support for 1080p? Almost certainly. Media jukebox? Sounds probable, given the fact Windows Media Center PCs already have similar functionality. New FPS-specific controller? The jury's out on that one, but it would make sense.
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August 16th, 2006, 17:51 Posted By: wraggster
The elusive "casual market" has recently become quite the sought-after prey for game publishers, each one attempting in its own way to hunt down those who would normally shy away from complex and scary video games. Nintendo isn't the only company to have Grandma firmly set in a Zapper scope -- the other major players are also taking aim, Microsoft with Xbox Live Arcade and Sony with Singstar microphones.
With this in mind, Alex Petraglia decided to test whether or not Microsoft in particular was actually hitting their target. After all, he had the equipment necessary to conduct such an inquest: one Xbox 360 console, several Xbox 360 games and one willing female parental unit. Alex introduced his mom to a wide variety of XBLA and full retail titles, documenting her performance and struggles. The article places his thoughts alongside those written by his mother and it makes for some very interesting reading.
It seems the most difficult acclimations involved controls and finding the correct path through a level. The 53 year-old Mrs. P notes that "the biggest problem is a simple lack of experience. It seemed like, in a game such as Prey, you [Alex] knew exactly where to go after looking at a puzzle or roadblock, whereas it'd take me an exorbitant amount of time to move onto the next task or area. And it took me a very long time to develop the ability to move freely in the game and feel comfortable with the controls, to some extent."
Other points of interest include her first interpretation of Geometry Wars ("she flew directly into the first target, thinking maybe that was the point of the game") and her eventual favorite, Condemned (!). "I think strong dramatic elements, like story and visuals and music, would be a bigger draw to older generations than unique gameplay mechanics or what have you."
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August 16th, 2006, 18:03 Posted By: wraggster
New from SuccessHK

The Xbox 360's first Japnese RPG places you in the control of Atsuma, who early in his adventure manages to inadvertently open a seal which revives the fierce Devil Golem. You'll make use of Golem support characters as you work through the game's strategic battle system. The game has over 100 Golems which can be assembled using ingredient items. Characters can be customized using the "SP" experience points that you gain in battle. As the story develops, players face increasingly difficult challenges and learn to master Atsuma’s special fighting and magical abilities.
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August 16th, 2006, 18:04 Posted By: wraggster
New from SuccessHK

Sengoku Musou 2 is developed based on the story of the warlord period in Japan and the game system of the Shin Sangoku Musou series. A number of generals are introduced for the first time. Besides, the gaming system has been improved and different characters will have their own growing system.
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August 17th, 2006, 00:30 Posted By: wraggster
Even though we've been 99% sure that the Zune is going to have video support at launch—but no video store—it's nice to have a definite confirmation from an official Microsoft source. The Zune Insider blog says that the video The Kill from the band 30 Seconds To Mars is going to be pre-loaded onto the Zune.
Since the first generation of the Zune has that gigantic screen, which has been confirmed by insiders, it makes sense for it to support video. Now we just need to find out what codecs the Zune supports.
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August 17th, 2006, 16:56 Posted By: wraggster
Fresh from the loins of EA's chugging screenshot factory are 19 (yep, count 'em, 19) new screenshots of arguably its most impressive title of this year's E3, Army of Two.
Don't let the masks mislead you - this is neither a wresling game nor a gimp simulator, but a high-adrenaline co-op blaster of the highest degree. At E3, we sampled a taste of the game's impressive-looking campaign, which included a team mate-assisted building rappel, an intense parachute/sniper section and a mission which concluded with the two running up the side of the a massive, sinking aircraft carrier, dodging jets sliding off the deck. Certainly, It was almost a trip to the local trouser emporium after that showing.
Stay tuned to CVG next week, when we'll get a fresh look at EA's co-op extravaganza at the Leipzig Games Convention, and bring you every morsel of info we can possibly get our hands on.
Screens Here
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August 17th, 2006, 16:57 Posted By: wraggster
A job advertisement attached to Lionhead Studios is causing us to ponder whether the developer's mysterious Project Dimitri could shortly be unveiled - properly - for the very first time.
According to reports, Lionhead is currently on the look out for a Senior XSI Animator, whose role will include leading and inspiring "the team working on an exciting new title for Xbox 360".
Now, admittedly it's speculation on our part that the 'exciting new title for Xbox 360' is Project Dimitri, but with that being one of two known games Lionhead is working on - the other being Fable 2 - it's highly possible. And, assuming it is Dimitri, dare we take the phrasing of the quote to suggest the title is further into development than we thought. Yes, of course we do.
Here's hoping Dimitri is present at Microsoft's X06 jamboree which takes place at the end of next month.
All we know about Project Dimitri to date is details we scored exclusively from Peter Molyneux in early 2005. At the time, he described a typically ambitious Lionhead venture: "It's a game about... you. It allows anyone who plays the game to relive their life, their entire individual life". Intrigued? So are we.
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August 17th, 2006, 17:05 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has been quick to pull the teeth from recent speculation that the forthcoming HD-DVD drive will be used as a games platform in the future, saying that it would negatively impact the game experience.
Addressing the speculation in his corporate blog, Microsoft's John Pocaro explained, "Since announcing the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player accessory at E3 2006, we've been clear that it is designed exclusively for playing HD DVD movies. It will not play games on HD DVD."
He continued: "At this point, we haven't seen anything to suggest that next-gen DVD formats offer a better game experience than current DVD. What we do know is that these formats will bring added cost to game developers, disc manufacturing, and could even result in added costs and longer load times for the consumer, which would negatively impact the game experience."
We are focused on making great HD games available to consumers now, and games like The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion clearly show that beautiful high def graphics and huge, immersive worlds to explore are possible on the DVD9 format," Pocaro concluded.
Quite right too. To start releasing games that require a device that may well only be adopted by a limited number among the entire installed Xbox 360 user base would be downright silly. We'd never, ever want to be forced into a situation where we have to purchase the HD-DVD drive now, would we?
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August 17th, 2006, 17:18 Posted By: wraggster
Just a few weeks after the release of PC and Xbox 360 shooter Prey, 3D Realms' Scott Miller has confirmed that a sequel is already in development.
Speaking in an interview with Next-Gen, when asked what he's working on these days, Miller replied: "Prey 2, of course!"
So what have we got to look forward to next time around? Well, Miller wasn't very forthcoming, but he did say: "We are addressing concerns about combat, as well as adding in more gameplay innovations." Which sounds nice.
This isn't the first time 3D Realms has suggested that a sequel is on the way. As we reported last month, a message at the end of the first game reads: "Prey will continue" - so it comes as little surprise to learn that it is indeed, er, continuing.
Here's hoping that Prey 2 won't take quite as long to get here as the first game, though - which was first announced back in 1997.
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August 17th, 2006, 17:20 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has announced plans to further integrate its Xbox Live Marketplace service into games, producing "consumable" items that users must pay for, such as in-game currency.
The controversial strategy could mean that once consumers had purchased a full price title, they would need to fork out more moneyto buy exclusive in-game items.
Differing from content such as expansion modules, extra levels and new characters which have proven to be a hit with players of games like Oblivion, the consumable items would have a limited lifespan. A suit of armour, for example, would eventually disintegrate in-game and the player would have to pay more money to replace it.
Xbox Live Marketplace business manager Rohan Oommen also told the Gamefest audience that the company plans to more comprehensively integrate Marketplace transactions into retail releases.
For example, players may be able to interact with in-game vendors to select required items, before switching to Marketplace to add real cash to complete the transaction - or spend real money on Marketplace to secure the equivalent in in-game currency.
The company has a number of ideas on how best to integrate the service into full price games. However, it's not clear how well consumers will take to the idea of spending more money on perishable game items, having already paid for a full-price game.
Oommen stated that the Marketplace updates were likely to be implemented into the next dashboard update for the Xbox 360, along with a number of changes and enhancements to the user interface.
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August 17th, 2006, 17:29 Posted By: wraggster
Format war over, HD-DVD wins by way of pornography appearing on it first. Over in Japan GLAY'z, known for its "Brand-new-century-visual-super-exprotion-entertainment," just released the world's first adult film on HD-DVD entitled (if machine translation isn't too unreliable) "Slave Room." Public fornication aside, it's pretty significant since everybody and their mom knows that whatever format the adult industry supports is automatically the winner, or at least that's how the story goes.
The movie includes both an HD-DVD and standard DVD version due to HD-DVD's small penetration rate thus far. It retails for about $52. Screenshots can be found on GLAY'z Web site (Google it). Needless to say, it's NSFW.
Xbox360 HD DVD Looks more enticing now :P
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August 17th, 2006, 17:32 Posted By: wraggster
Thanks to our awesome tipsters, we scored this exclusive picture of the Microsoft Zune. Yes, it looks almost exactly like the images we've shown you before on Gizmodo. The player also comes with a pair of magnetic headphones, which as you can see from the picture, stick to each other so they're easier to manage.
The reason the shot is in black and white is because Microsoft assigned a unique color scheme to every Zune prototype in existence right now—all 150 of them—so any leaks could be traced to the employee who leaked it. We don't want to be jerks and get anybody fired.
Also, check in later today for some "handy-er" info about the Zune. You won't want to miss it.
Screen Via Comments
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August 17th, 2006, 17:41 Posted By: wraggster
How fast can you beat Halo 2? In August of 2005, Cody Miller managed to take on the Flood on Legendary difficulty in 3 1/2 hours ... without dying. It's an amazing feat, so much so that the 2007 Guinness Book of World Record lists Cody's stunt.
If any Joystiq readers can get a scan of the page, let us know and we'll update. The Guinness website does not have it listed yet, unfortunately.
You can check out Cody's explanation of the feat here, as well as check out the video here. Congratulations, and for those naysayers who say his run is no big deal, we'll let the guys at Bungie's tell you off:
"I bet that about 40 of you will say, "ZOMG I TOTALLY DID THAT TWO YEARS AGO IN HALF THE TIME." But you're lying. I know it, you know it and your mom knows it good and hard. So just don't."
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August 17th, 2006, 17:54 Posted By: wraggster
SPOnG took an interesting call earlier this week from a seemingly non-fanboyish and fairly knowledgeable reader who claims to have spoken to a Microsoft employee earlier in the week, who told our him that a 360 price cut was imminent ("between £50 and £100"), that a 100GB 360 Premium Pack would launch before Xmas and that Microsoft had definite plans to make games available on HD-DVD.
Whoa! Now, whilst the Microsoft employee in question was only a 'mere' customer services rep, and it sounded to SPOnG like he was just shooting the breeze and trying to impress our reader with his 'insider' knowledge, this is clearly how Internet rumours start. Indeed, these particular three mentioned above have spread across the Internet like a dirty virus.
So, instead of printing the bog-standard games website 'ZOMG! 360 to pwn PS3' type unsubstantiated news ('someone called us and told us they talked to someone else and they said it was definite' etc.) we've approached Microsoft in the UK to ask them to comment on all the above rumours. Whilst we have still to receive a reply from their office on all of this, we will literally eat our hats if they say anything other than 'Microsoft does not comment on rumour or speculation'.
However, there has been an official response on the HD-DVD games rumours from John Porcaro, group manager of PR and communications, who clearly states on the GamerScore blog that it's not part of the masterplan: "Since announcing the Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player accessory at E3 2006, we've been clear that it is designed exclusively for playing HD-DVD movies. It will not play games on HD-DVD."
Remember, you read that here first. Should there be a change in strategy in 2007, which many suspect is on the cards if Microsoft is to combat the 'Blu-ray menace', then we will remind Mr Porcaro of his words.
Mr Porcaro also added: "At this point, we haven’t seen anything to suggest that next-gen DVD formats offer a better game experience than current DVD. What we do know is that these formats will bring added cost to game developers, disc manufacturing, and could even result in added costs and longer load times for the consumer, which would negatively impact the game experience. We are focused on making great HD games available to consumers now, and games like “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion†clearly show that beautiful high def graphics and huge, immersive worlds to explore are possible on the DVD9 format."
As for the rumours of an imminent price drop and the introduction of a 100GB Premium Pack for the 2006 Christmas holiday money-spunking season, we'll keep you posted as soon as we hear back from Microsoft on those.
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August 18th, 2006, 02:40 Posted By: wraggster
Not only are the first party controllers for Xbox 360 coming fast and furious, third party manufacturers are also getting into the game. This time, Mad Catz is putting out a retro arcade joystick controller for the 360. It's got the same amount of buttons as a regular 360 controller, except instead of a stanadard left analog stick it has an arcade stick.
It's, conveniently enough, called the ArcadeStick, and should be released October 1 for $70. We're not sure if it's going to be wireless, but it should make Pac Man and Frogger more fun to play on Xbox Live Arcade.
Screen Via Comments
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August 18th, 2006, 19:45 Posted By: wraggster
It's been a long, long time coming, but after momentarily plopping off the radar, it seems that there is light at the end of the tunnel for the long awaited Xbox 360 Live Vision Camera. The US edition of Official Xbox Magazine is reporting that the peripheral has been granted a stateside release of September 19 release date, and will be available in two bundle deals.
In case you don't know, the Camera is designed to abet online gamers communicative methods with the added bonus of video messaging for games compatible with the device. Although such games seemed focused towards specific Live Arcade titles, certain developers have begun tinkering with its capabilities in mind. Ubisoft, for example, is integrating support in its Rainbow Six: Vegas for visual hand gesturing. And we don't mean the sort of gestures you might wag to a moron who's just driven over your foot in a clapped-out, family Volvo.
The two bundled deals rumoured to be available from September 19 are:
STANDARD KIT(expected RRP $39.99 - £21)
-Xbox Live Vision Camera
-Xbox Live Headset
-One 'free' month on Xbox Live Gold
-TotemBall Live Arcade Game
-Uno Live Arcade Game
GOLD KIT (expected RRP $79.99 - £42)
-Xbox Live Vision Camera
-Xbox Live Headset
-'Free' Xbox Live Gold subscription for a year month
-TotemBall Live Arcade Game
-Uno Live Arcade Game
-A third Xbox Live Arcade Game (tbc)
-200 Microsoft points
Personally, we're not entirely sure how the two Live Gold subsciptions can be described as 'free', when such a service seems to be the most substantial reason behind the 100% price hike between the two bundles. Hmmm, yes. Somebody needs their head testing on that one.
As for what the TotemBall game entails, well, it supposedly works along similar lines as the PS2's EyeToy games, with you balancing or guiding balls on the end of a totem pole, culminating in entry to some kind of giant pinball game. Two-player co-op options exist for this one.
So, overall, good news then that the Xbox 360 Live Vision Camera appears to have returned to the scene. No news on what the European release date will be, mind. There was originally talk of the hardware being launched simultaneously across the globe, but we certainly don't recommend you take that as a given. Don't worry though, we'll be right back as soon as we hear something more concrete.
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August 18th, 2006, 19:46 Posted By: wraggster
New 360 and PS3 Battlefield extension shooting up next-gen!
Blimey, well we've pretty much shot our wad with both headline and subheadline there because that pretty much tells you all we know about a new Battlefield game which is currently underway and confirmed today for both PS3 and Xbox 360 and EA reps.
Undoubtedly it's in development over at D.I.C.E., but further details are proving pretty damn elusive, because the game's subtitle Bad Company is pretty much all we know for now, apart from the fact that it's absolutely nothing to do with PC shooter Battlefield 2142.
More info as it charges onto the battlefield.
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August 18th, 2006, 19:48 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo China
Heres what they posted:
We are now taking orders for all 4 colors of the new XCM360 full (top and bottom) wired controller chrome case (matching their full console case in chrome). They are available in red, blue, green and yellow, and require 3 wires to be soldered to light up all buttons. This is for the official Microsoft wired controller only, the wireless version is coming in 1 week.

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August 18th, 2006, 19:52 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo China

This is the most complete 360 case on the market, with high quality plastic that gives the appearance of glass (nobody wants murky clouded plastic cases)!
This is the only case in the world that comes with a clear DVD drive lid, which actually lets you the DVD spinning while you play! Inside this amazing kit is also a clear fan tunnel, without this vital piece you wouldn't even be able to see your circuit board! This piece opens up the whole inside of your console so you can see everything going on inside (this also allows for your custom lighting kit to light up everything in the case)!
With this kit you really are getting a CLEAR Xbox 360
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August 18th, 2006, 19:59 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo UK

The official Unlock Tool from Team Xecuter is designed to offer the best opening tool on Xbox 360
It includes 2 unlock tools specially design for quick opening of the console and a high quality T10 screwdriver (with handle).
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August 18th, 2006, 20:19 Posted By: wraggster
Contrary to what the recently deceased EB Games page indicated, the newly revealed Xbox Live Arcade Stick from Mad Catz will actually retail for $49.99 and will come bundled with extras. Several full Live Arcade games are to be included with the purchase, simultaneously enhancing the stick's value and implying that someone working for the prolific peripheral producer does, in fact, have a functioning brain. We're rather fond of those.
The leaked (and still very small) sales sheet was promptly yanked because Mad Catz is still gripped by the process of finalizing which games they'll be tossing in. If we weren't barred entry from metaphorical casinos, we'd place our brightly colored chips on Frogger, Galaga and Pac-Man being the survivors of a rigorous selection process. It's unclear as to what kind of an endorsement would make the Arcade Stick itself survive the retail world, though a sticker reading "Not the standard D-pad!" would probably suffice.
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August 18th, 2006, 20:33 Posted By: wraggster
New release of the port of the best Snes emulator for the Xbox, heres whats new:
-Added support for the SNES mouse via the Xbox controller. All SNES mouse only games are now fully playable.
-Added support for the SNES Super Scope via the Xbox controller (a crosshair is drawn on the screen). All super scope games are now fully playable.
-Mapped each of the two mouse buttons and Super Scope buttons to the SNES gamepad Y and B buttons.
-Added the ability to control the speed the cursor or crosshair moves. A setting of 1 is recommended for Mario Paint. A setting of 2 or 3 is recommended for all other Mouse games. A setting of 3 is recommended for all Super Scope games.
-Added an option to allow or not allow the rombrowser animation to repeat.
-Added options to the controller config that allow the setting of the controller type (joypad, mouse, or super scope) as well as the cursor speed.
More Info
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August 19th, 2006, 11:22 Posted By: wraggster
News from Divineo China

The Fractal 360. A universal, comprehensive and efficient solution which is pushing the boundaries within this mod category.
Fractal 360 specs :
- Reduced number of wires to solder
- On the fly patching! Your on-board firmware will stay unchanged
- Fully compatible with actual Security sectors without need to reburn games
- Media fix for hitachi readers (increased media compatibility)
- Security sectors and game ripping on both hitachi and samsung readers
- Fully automatic disable feature for original game boot
Preorder at Divineo China
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August 19th, 2006, 11:25 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo UK

External Xbox 360 air coolers can only cool the temperature of the Xbox 360's outer surface but do not cool the temperature of the CPU/GPU; therefore, making them useless to combat CPU/GPU overheating.
The XCM high speed air cooler directly cools the 360 CPU and GPU. Using internal temperature measuring devices, this product monitors the temperature of the 360 CPU and GPU.
XCM high speed air cooler's external controller will allow you to control the speed of the fan while it monitors the temperature of the 360 CPU and GPU. AUTO mode will automatically adjust the fan speed depending on the temperature of the CPU and GPU.
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August 19th, 2006, 11:36 Posted By: wraggster
At Microsoft's GameFest earlier this week, Gamasutra got up close and personal with the Xbox 360 Live Vision camera, including more information about packed-in game TotemBall, as well as the Xbox 360 facemapping tech from Digimask, and most interestingly, the gesture-based Xbox 360 software from GestureTek. This includes face and motion-tracking, as well as "a solution for tracking individual, non-facial objects on-screen, such as handheld peripherals". Could Wii-like control schemes work on Xbox 360 using this tech?
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August 19th, 2006, 12:27 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft is considering new controllers for Xbox 360, one designed to suit fans of the first-person-shooter genre, another that's motion sensitive.
On optional Xbox 360 controller featuring a redesigned analogue stick is under consideration at Microsoft, according to the firm's hardware manager Robert S. Walker. The revelation came during a discussion panel at Microsoft's annual Gamefest conference held in Seattle earlier this week, geared around Xbox 360 gaming peripherals in general.
Since Microsoft is adamantly resisting the release of a mouse-keyboard arrangement for Xbox 360, in order to differentiate the gaming experience from that on PC, an FPS-friendly right-analogue stick could be the way forward. Also, according to reports from the event, Microsoft is looking into a possible motion sensing controller, a la Wii and PlayStation 3.
At the moment the above developments are probably no further than the drawing board stage. However we do have the Xbox 360 camera on the immediate horizon, almost certainly guaranteed to deliver EyeToy-style experiences on the console. More related news is expected to emerge from X06, Microsoft's Xbox-oriented conference taking place in Barcelona next month.
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August 21st, 2006, 12:39 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA

The Fractal 360. A universal, comprehensive and efficient solution which is pushing the boundaries within this mod category.
Fractal 360 specs :
- Reduced number of wires to solder
- On the fly patching! Your on-board firmware will stay unchanged
- Fully compatible with actual Security sectors without need to reburn games
- Media fix for hitachi readers (increased media compatibility)
- Security sectors and game ripping on both hitachi and samsung readers
- Fully automatic disable feature for original game boot
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August 21st, 2006, 13:01 Posted By: wraggster
It's a whole month early -- Microsoft's Xbox Live Vision camera is still due for actual release on 9/19 -- but during a recent Toys 'R' Us run lucky tipster Leo managed to walk away with his very own Live Vision camera, courtesy of an evident stocking snafu. The shiny package includes a headset, the camera, codes for 1 month of Live Gold and a registration key for fan-fave Uno. Of course, we don't suppose he'll be able to get much use out of it until Microsoft launches the device officially, but it makes for a good Flickr set, and some decent bragging rights.
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August 21st, 2006, 13:16 Posted By: wraggster
According to Japanese analyst firm NikkoCitiGroup, Capcom's success with Dead Rising has not only been a surprise, but also a signal of potential PlayStation 3 exclusive Capcom titles migrating to the 360 and PC. The firm says Capcom shipped 320,000 copies of Dead Rising in the first week and has forecasted shipments to reach 450,000 units by today.
NikkoCitiGroup analyst Soichiro Fukuda says because of the "healthy sales" of 360 titles, Capcom could take franchises like Devil May Cry and Monster Hunter away from PS3 exclusivity and into multi-platform availability. As 360 hardware and software numbers rise, what's going to stop publishers from letting go of exclusivity with the PS3?
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August 21st, 2006, 13:31 Posted By: wraggster
A new Version of FinalBurn Alpha for the XBOX has been released, heres whats new:
* rumble disabled when pad is not used since 5 seconds, useful for intros in game supporting rumble
* fixed nasty video bug when using launch command
* detects if the game supports 2 or 4 players in the controller menu
* fixed xbox buttons color in controller menu
* now display "return to 'name of game'" in the minimenu
* changed "fbaxxx is decrypting and loading rom" to "please wait"
* corrected some bug in moves menu, the game found was not the correct game
* corrected going back to moves menu via exit with A button
* changed the way moves menu is presented, the background is now the in-game
* mini menu now uses an alpha channel, it means it is now darkened a little, it will be more easy to read
* added adjust screen option in mini menu
* fixed simple1x (none in software filter)
* removed donations informations from splash menu (see main page to find out why)
More Info
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August 21st, 2006, 13:34 Posted By: wraggster
A new release of the Snes emulator for the Xbox, heres whats new:
-New excellent Mario skin by Neverwill. Be sure to give it a try.
-Added support for graphics packs. New games supported:
Far East of Eden Zero (J)
Far East of Eden Zero - Shounen Jump no Shou (J) [!]
Momotarou Dentetsu Happy (J) [!]
Super Power League 4 (J) [!]
-Added new filters:
Elsemi Superscale 2x
Elsemi Superscale 2x + 75% scanlines
Elsemi Superscale 2x + High Resolution Mode 7
Elsemi Superscale 2x + 75% scanlines + High Resolution Mode 7
-Made SuperScale 2X the default filter. SuperScale 2X looks just as good (if not better) than Advance MAME 2X and it is a lot faster. For example, the spinning title screen for Yoshi's Island with Advance MAME 2X, the FPS averaged in the low 50's. With Superscale, it is a rock solid 60 FPS. If you are an Advance MAME 2X user, I recommend using this instead.
-Updated the FAQ. Added several more question/answers. Please read this before posting a question on the forum.
More Info
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August 21st, 2006, 13:39 Posted By: wraggster
Likely to the delight of fans, the update also confirms that the Master Chief's third outing will take a back to basics approack and be similar in feel to the first Halo: "There's lots of the feel of the original Halo, where you'll find yourself in a huge (dangerous) and intrinsically fascinating environment and just want to go tool around and check things out," the update reads. The Halo sequel was previously criticised for having more confined environments and weaker pacing compared to the first game, and according to our friends on OXM "The ending F***ING SUCKED!" Ahem.
"It's still Halo, but there's a bigger feeling scope to some of these levels that has me reminiscing about the original game," the update continues. We'll keep you posted when more Halo 3 hints escape Bungie's iron fortress.
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August 21st, 2006, 21:55 Posted By: wraggster
Two new next-gen console projects Midway has - or had - hiding up its sleeve have been exposed via employment openings at the company's Austin, Texas arm that have been advertised on the internet.
According to the employment positions, one of the projects in question is Area 52 - surely a sequel to Midway's Area 51 - for which Midway is seeking an 'Animator' and 'VFX Artist'. The second is named Criminal, which has been revealed via listed job posts 'Cinematic Lead Artist' and 'Environment Modeler' that are attached to the title.
Details on both projects are, unfortunately, scant, but judging by the job positions, Area 52 is an Unreal engine-based FPS, with at least Xbox 360 and PS3 versions in the frame. Criminal, meanwhile, additionally appears to be destined for Xbox 360 and PS3 and looks set to use Epic's Unreal Engine 3. And that's your lot.
Midway was unavailable for comment on both projects at the time of writing, but should we hear more we will of course let you know.
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August 22nd, 2006, 18:32 Posted By: wraggster
EA has released first official details - and an image - on Battlefield: Bad Company, the latest title in the Battlefield series that we recently revealed is in development at Digital Illusions for PS3 and Xbox 360.
According to the publisher, the game focuses on a squad of renegade soldiers operating behind enemy lines who "risk it all on a personal quest for gold and revenge". We're promised a deep and cinematic single-player experience "loaded with adventure and dark humor", and EA has gone on to inform us that Bad Company "delivers the series' trademark sandbox gameplay in a universe where nearly everything is destructible."
:In addition, the game features numerous multiplayer options, we're told, that boast "deep gameplay modes designed to take full advantage of the game's massively destructible environments". Crikey. Oh, and Bad Company is being built from the ground up for Xbox 360 and PS3, powered by Digital Illusions' "bleeding-edge" Frostbite game engine.
Karl Magnus Troedsson, senior producer at the developer, has offered further word on the game.
"The heart of DICE's multiplayer games is the frenetic, unpredictable nature of the sandbox experience, where anything could happen at any moment, and that's what we're bringing to the core of Battlefield: Bad Company's single-player campaign," he's explained.
"In a world that's 90 percent destructible, the gameplay possibilities are infinite - the battlefield is always changing, forcing players, team mates, and enemies to react accordingly. Gamers will have total freedom to adapt to and tackle challenges in creative Battlefield-style ways."
Battlefield: Bad Company is due out next year. The first - not particularly revelatory - image from the game can be seen on this here page.
Screen Here
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August 22nd, 2006, 18:35 Posted By: wraggster
Lionhead's Peter Molyneux has called for a rethink in the way combat is handled during his opening keynote to the Leipzig Games Convention.
Despite beavering away on Fable 2 for Microsoft, following Lionhead's recent acquisition by the Redmond giant, Molyneux was at pains to point out that his speech apparently did not refer to anything we'd see in the eagerly awaited 360 RPG, but was more a general muse on the way developers and designers think about the traditional combat model.
Calling for combat to become 'dramatic, varied and innovative' Molynuex said that gaming could learn a lot from movies and went on to show some scenes from Kill Bill, where Uma Thurman slaughters the 88's in a welter of spectacular one-shot violence. Molyneux said he believed one sword blow should be enough to kill in a game and he thought that if designers adopted a 'one-hit one-kill' system it would intensify the combat and the drama to unprecedented heights.
Molyneux also pondered the fact that he reckoned 80 per cent of gamers only ever really used one button at a time, suggesting that new developments in game context sensitivity would mean that a single button press could be assigned to many actions. Molyneux also went on to possibly commit gaming swordfighting heresy by asking 'do we need a block button anyway?' although he admitted that wasn't a very popular view amongst his Lionhead colleagues.
Elsewhere in a highly amusing speech, Molyneux took time out to give himself a gentle poke in the ribs over the original Fable, desribing it as a 'bit repetitive' and also admitted that he didn't have the energy or indeed inclanation to wave around a Wii controller for hours on end.
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August 22nd, 2006, 18:46 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has distanced itself from suggestions that it plans to officially cut the price of the Xbox 360 Core System in the next few days, arguing that retailers have already chosen to do this of their own accord.
"Retail price is set by our retail partners," a Microsoft spokesperson told Eurogamer. "Retailers are already selling Xbox 360 Core System from £199.99, which we believe is outstanding value to consumers."
The Core System, which is a stripped down Xbox 360 sold without a hard disk, among other things, retails in most locations for £209.99, but various firms - most notably Play.com - have recently moved to a £199.99 price point.
The full Xbox 360 package, which includes a 20GB hard disk as well as an Xbox Live headset, retails for £279.99. Microsoft has repeatedly denied that it plans to cut the system's price in the run-up to Christmas.
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August 22nd, 2006, 18:49 Posted By: wraggster
THQ has championed the use of Xbox Live Marketplace to distribute pre-release demos of Xbox 360 games, revealing that the recently released Saint's Row demo was downloaded 350,000 times during its first week online.
The demo release forms part of a wider pre-release marketing campaign, which also includes television advertising in seven countries, cinema campaigns in Europe and Asia Pacific, print advertising, and retail pre-order campaigns.
Those pre-ordering in-store will be able to take home a specially made DVD containing the Xbox 360 demo, a "making of", original music and Marketplace icons and themes.
The full game is due out on August 29th in the US and on September 1st in the UK, and is exclusive to Microsoft's next-generation console platform.
"We've put significant resources behind the Saint's Row marketing campaign, generating tremendous buzz with creative grass roots efforts and the strategic timing of pre-release content," said THQ's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, Bob Aniello.
"Our multi-million dollar advertising campaign will continue to fuel anticipation in the weeks leading up to launch and we believe extensive plans for post-launch downloadable content will further establish it as a must-have title this holiday season," he added.
Pre-release Xbox 360 downloadable demos have proved immensely successful so far, with Fight Night Round 3 said to have enjoyed a 40 percent demo-to-purchase conversion rate following the release of its demo.
Meanwhile, the Dead Rising demo is currently one of the ten most popular activities among 360 owners with Live connectivity - with strong US sales pushing the full game to second in the same list behind Call of Duty 2.
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August 22nd, 2006, 18:58 Posted By: wraggster
New from Lik Sang:

Product Features
Highly efficient cooling system
Console stand with cooling and game holder
Holds up to 4 games on the side of the console
Description
The 3-in-1 stand for Xbox 360 includes three features. One, a stand for your console, secondly dual-fans providing additional cooling for your Xbox 360 and finally 4 holding slots for your favourite Xbox 360 games.
More info --> http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?pro...1&lsaid=219793
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August 22nd, 2006, 19:00 Posted By: wraggster
New from Lik Sang:

Product Features
Highly efficient cooling system
Smart design with working indicator and console stand function
All in one design: Emplacement for console and for remote control
Low noise operation
Description
The Power Cooling System Vertical Stand provides additional cooling for your Xbox 360 while holding the system firmly upright. The unique design also holds your Xbox 360 Media Remote in place.
More Info --> http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?pro...0&lsaid=219793
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August 22nd, 2006, 19:08 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has announced details of its scheduled South African launch for the Xbox 360, which will hit retail on September 29th, followed by four additional launches throughout Europe.
The next-gen console's debut in South Africa will coincide with further launches in EMEA territories, reaching Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland before the end of the year and bolstering the console's presence in the region from 16 to 21 countries.
Cindy White, Microsoft's Group Marketing Manager for South Africa, commented: "South Africa is a country where the appetite for console gaming is growing in leaps and bounds - expanding to Africa allows us to build a successful business ecosystem for our partners, and to bring more gamers amazing next-generation gaming and entertainment experiences."
The console will launch for R2,699 (295 Euro) for the Core System and R3,699 (405 Euro) for the Premium System with Hard Drive and additional accessories.
Confirmed launch titles for the country include Project Gotham Racing 3, Kameo and Perfect Dark Zero, with Gears of War, Crackdown, Viva Pinata and Forza 2 arriving in the weeks following launch.
"We’re committed to ensuring gamers in South Africa have a great Xbox 360 experience. To that end we’re taking steps so that a full portfolio of great games, tailored to appeal to local tastes, is available as well as accessories that complement the gaming experience," White added.
Microsoft plans further launches around the world to aid reaching its target of 10 million units by year-end, including India on October 21st, as well as Chile and China later in the year.
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August 22nd, 2006, 19:10 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft today unveiled its roadmap for PC and Xbox 360 cross-platform gaming, predicting that "the floodgates will open" for software playable across the two formats by 2008.
Speaking in a session at the Games Convention Developer Conference in Leipzig, Microsoft UK third-party account manager Steven Blackburn offered delegates an update on the firm's Xbox Live service. He also provided details of future plans for marketplace, Live Arcade and the Vista and 360-linking Live Anywhere service.
Blackburn confirmed that the first truly cross-platform playable title, Shadowrun, will launch in early 2007 - before revealing that Microsoft will incorporate a number of online-only gamer achievements to help deliver "first blood" in persuading gamers to try out the online functionality between PC and console.
Blackburn added that the first third-party cross-platform content would arrive in autumn 2007, by which time the application and certification process will have been finalised, with the "floodgates to open for all titles" in 2008.
Elsewhere in the presentation, entitled 'Xbox Live - Now' and in the Future', Microsoft claimed that 80 per cent of connected Xbox 360 owners are using Marketplace, while 30 per cent use Microsoft points to purchase content with an average of 25 items downloaded per user.
Blackburn added that 65 per cent of connected 360 users have tried Arcade, with over five million downloads from the service already made.
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August 22nd, 2006, 19:39 Posted By: wraggster
Classic99X is a Texas Instruments 99 Emulator ffor the Xbox.
Features:
- Emulates the Texas Instruments 99
- Excellent compatibility - ported from Classic99
- All standard XPort features
- Relax/SMB support (not 100% ZIP support - see below)
- Save states
- Rewind support
This is now a core feature of the XPort UI and will be added to all
other ports (eventually) as long as the port supports saving states.
Important Notes
===============
How to Play Cartridge Games
---------------------------
Place your cartridge games in the TIGAMES directory.
The file format for TI99 cartridge images is rather strange. Each cartridge
game consists of 1 to 3 files. These files need to be named in a specific
manner to be correctly interpreted. The naming is like this:
XXXXXC.BIN
XXXXXD.BIN
XXXXXG.BIN
Where XXXXX is the descriptive name of the game and C/D/G represent the different
parts of the cartridge ROM.
All you have to do to play these is select one of the C/D/G files. Classic99X
should be able to locate all of the appropriate pieces and put them together.
Be sure to select "Cartridge" as the image type during game configuration.
Due to this strange naming, there is not currently any formal support for ZIPped
cartridge images. You should use the uncompressed BIN files instead.
How to Use Disk Files
---------------------
Place your disk files in the DISKFILES directory.
Select one of the disk files and choose "Program File" as the image type.
This will also automatically generate some text that can be pasted into
the emulator that will assist you in running the program file you selected.
After configuring the game, you will enter the emulation. You can select
regular or extended BASIC. Once the BASIC selection is loaded, go to the emulation
options menu (press RTHUMB) and then select "Paste Lines into Emulator" to
initiate a command sequence that should launch the program. You can hand-edit
these lines to be pasted if you wish.
If you use a cartridge game that needs to read information off of a disk drive
device (DSK1) then you can place the files it needs in the DISKFILES directory.
The DISKFILES directory is always mounted as the DSK1 device whenever you
launch a cartridge image. If you launch a disk file image, then DSK1 will be
mounted as the directory in which the disk file image is located.
Tunnels of Doom
---------------
Tunnels of Doom is a cartridge game that needs to read information from the disk
drive (DSK1). The required disk files (PENNY, QUEST, PENNIES) are already in
the DISKFILES directory. So when you launch the TunnelsOfDoomG.BIN file, it will
ask you where to load from. Select #2 to load from disk and then enter either
PENNY, QUEST, or PENNIES as the filename.
How to Use the TI99 System
--------------------------
Please consult the section "USING TI PROGRAMS" of the LoadingFiles.txt file for
useful information on how to use TI99 programs.
Rewind
------
Default button mapping to enable rewind is BLACK+WHITE.
Once rewind is enabled, press LTRIGGER to actually rewind.
More Info
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August 22nd, 2006, 19:40 Posted By: wraggster
Chip8X is a CHIP8/SuperCHIP8 Emulator for the XBox.
Features:
- Emulates the CHIP8/SuperCHIP8
- Excellent compatibility - ported from Chuit
- All standard XPort features
- ZIP/Relax/SMB support
- Save states
- Rewind support
This is now a core feature of the XPort UI and will be added to all
other ports (eventually) as long as the port supports saving states.
Notes
-----
Put games in the CHIP8ROMS directory
Default button mapping to enable rewind is BLACK+WHITE.
Once rewind is enabled, press LTRIGGER to actually rewind.
More Info
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August 22nd, 2006, 19:41 Posted By: wraggster
SoftVMUX is a Sega Dreamcast VMU Emulator for the XBox.
Features:
- Emulates the Sega Dreamcast VMU
- Excellent compatibility - ported from SoftVMU
- All standard XPort features
- ZIP/Relax/SMB support
- Save states
- Rewind support
This is now a core feature of the XPort UI and will be added to all
other ports (eventually) as long as the port supports saving states.
Notes
-----
Put games in the VMUROMS directory
Default button mapping to enable rewind is BLACK+WHITE.
Once rewind is enabled, press LTRIGGER to actually rewind.
More Info
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August 22nd, 2006, 19:44 Posted By: wraggster
PokemonMiniX is a Pokemon Mini Emulator for the XBox.
Features:
- Emulates the Pokemon Mini Handheld
- Excellent compatibility - ported from Minimon
- All standard XPort features
- ZIP/Relax/SMB support
- Save states
- Rewind support
This is now a core feature of the XPort UI and will be added to all
other ports (eventually) as long as the port supports saving states.
Notes
-----
Put games in the PMROMS directory
Default button mapping to enable rewind is BLACK+WHITE.
Once rewind is enabled, press LTRIGGER to actually rewind.
There aren't that many games for it, but the ones that do exist are quite fun.
More Info
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August 22nd, 2006, 19:45 Posted By: wraggster
VirtualBoyX is a Virtual Boy Emulator for the XBox.
Features:
- Emulates the Nintendo Virtual Boy
- Excellent compatibility - ported from Red Dragon
- Sound
- All standard XPort features
- ZIP/Relax/SMB support
- Save states
Notes
-----
Put games in the VBROMS directory
Rather slow, but very playable with 2-3 frameskip.
More info
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August 22nd, 2006, 20:13 Posted By: wraggster
Alg5 has released XSupervision, an Xbox port of Potator, a Supervision emulator, heres the details:
It's my first port using OpenXDK(info): so it's 100% legal.
Supervision is one of the handheld game console that arise following the Game Boy.
Game are worst that game boy, but this handheld was sells for some years in some countries.
Thanks to the people behing OpenXDK.
Download and Give Feedback Via Comments
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August 23rd, 2006, 00:37 Posted By: wraggster
Madden, Mississippi—Microsoft Corp. and Electronic Arts Inc. today declared "Maddenoliday" in Madden, Mississippi (population 74), joining forces to celebrate the launch of Madden NFL 07 on Xbox 360™, the only next-generation console available at the beginning of the football season for fans to experience the new and exciting features of the most popular sports game in the country.
As part of the celebration, NFL greats Jerry Rice, Warren Moon, and Marshall Faulk surprised the town by giving away free Xbox 360 units to all Madden residents in a small-town ceremony, while hundreds of families from surrounding communities were among the first in the country to play Madden NFL 07 on Xbox 360 kiosks.
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August 23rd, 2006, 12:34 Posted By: wraggster
No less than 17 new screenshots from the Xbox 360 version of first-person shooter F.E.A.R. landed in our laps but a few moments ago, so we've moved mountains - well, clicked a few buttons and stuff - to splurge them all over this here page as speedily as possible. Gorge your eyeballs on the FPS goodness.
F.E.A.R. has already proved an impressive action beast on PC and the paranormal-horror-FPS is blasting onto Microsoft's machine with extra bullets, so it should be a real treat. 360 owners can look forward to new single-player and multiplayer content and oodles of gun combat and scares, as, part of classified strike team, they investigate mysterious and violent events within a multi-billion dollar aerospace compound.
Screens Here
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August 23rd, 2006, 12:42 Posted By: wraggster
News from Divineo USA that the NME-360 Samsung LE in stock!
Heres more info about the Xbox 360 Modchip:

The NME-360 autodetects the inserted media. If the inserted media is a cdr/dvdr, the NME-360 react and enable the DVD drive to boot the disc. If the media is an original game, or anything else, which doesnt require any further action of the NME-360 then it simply falls asleep so there is no need for an external switch whatsoever.
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August 23rd, 2006, 12:49 Posted By: wraggster
It's poker time, kids. Well, it's not, since I'm writing this in a hotel in Germany at 6am and Texas Hold 'Em won't be released on Xbox Live Arcade until 8am, but you get it.
Texas Hold 'Em is yet another of Microsoft's XBLA Wednesdays games, although they seem to have dropped the name. More importantly, it's free for 48 hours! Completely! Which is great news if you happen to be at home in your house within the next 48 hours and not, say, in a hotel in Germany.
The full game promises a persistent bankroll element across online multiplayer, although no betting for real money. You will be able to earn the usual raft of achievements, however, with online leaderboards to boot.
It's only free until Friday morning though, so get downloading - otherwise, like idiots who can't download it until Friday, you'll need to cough up 800 Microsoft points.
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August 23rd, 2006, 12:50 Posted By: wraggster
Bungie has been dropping hints about the exploratory nature of Halo 3's campaign levels, but caution against us getting all excited about how freeform it is.
In the usual weekly website update, webmaster Frank O'Connor said he'd been playing the campaign mode "purely for kicks". "Exploring, in fact. There's lots of the feel of the original Halo, where you'll find yourself in a huge (dangerous) and intrinsically fascinating environment and just want to go tool around and check things out," he wrote.
"At this stage in development, the encounters are very carefully placed. Sometimes that means you're in frantic firefights (on a significantly bigger scale than in Halo 2, although all I will confirm numerically is at least one more Grunt) but there's also time for exploratory reflection and the, 'Oooh, maybe I can climb up there and check that thing out,' sort of play," he said.
But he added a qualifier too. "Don't get me wrong. It's not GTA - it's still Halo, but there's a bigger feeling scope to some of these levels that has me reminiscing about the original game. And yet, conversely, I'm super excited about the new stuff. Using the debug menu, I dropped in a couple of items of new equipment. Maybe they're for killing, maybe they're for getting around, maybe they're for both. Who's to say?"
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August 23rd, 2006, 15:49 Posted By: wraggster
Next-gen versions of Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer 6 and EA's FIFA 07 will only release on Xbox 360, according to latest reports.
So says news on trade publication MCV's website, Microsoft has secured a 12-month exclusivity period for both soccer games, which apparently means neither title will release on PS3 or Wii. So, if that's indeed the case, Sony's and Nintendo's next-gen machines will simply have to wait on the sidelines for PES 7 and FIFA 08.
FIFA 07 on Xbox 360 is due to release in the autumn (September), PES 6 the following month.
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August 23rd, 2006, 15:52 Posted By: wraggster
As well as news of securing FIFA and PES for a year, Microsoft's Leipzig conference brought with it a bit of release date clarity and a bit of release date confusion - with the HD-DVD drive now listed as "autumn" (or "fall" in American) and Forza Motorsport 2 swerving perillously close to 2007 with its new "this winter".
Winter obviously spans the two years, but it's the first time Microsoft's used the description, having previously referenced the "holiday season" e.g. Christmas. Slip of the tongue? We're badgering them about it right now.
In other software news, the company said it had three more board games in store for Xbox Live Arcade - Carcassarone, Alhambra and Settlers of Catan - although we somehow managed to keep our seats when we heard.
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August 23rd, 2006, 15:58 Posted By: wraggster
The Xbox 360 hasn't been cracked per se, but the scene has made some pretty good progress since the first firmware hacks were released earlier in the year, the latest of which is the X360. Developed by Team Xecuter (think of them as the elder statesman of the Xbox scene), the X360 allows users to connect the Xbox 360's hard drive and DVD drive (the HITACHI-LG GDR-3120L drive only, right now) to a PC using a USB 2.0 connection. More importantly, it permits dangerously easily DVD drive firmware flashing since you no longer have to mess around with SATA connections. Of course, you wouldn't be flashing the DVD drive to play backups or anything like that. That'd be silly and immoral.
Besides making it easier to flash the DVD drive's firmware, the X360 lets you back up data from the Xbox 360's hard drive to your PC, so in case something happens to your 360's hard drive, you'll always have a copy of the data on hand.
The X360 isn't available just yet, but it will be very shortly. Team Xecuter estimates that it'll cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $44.95 on all the popular unofficial accessory online stores.
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August 23rd, 2006, 16:29 Posted By: wraggster
Just a small update - the official site for the Xecuter X360 USB will be
www.team-xecuter.com/x360usb
All news / information / downloads / instructions will be hosted there.
Also heres a peak at the packaging - expect it to be on shelves within 2 weeks - there was a small delay due to CE and RoHS Certification. Also here is a pic of what the release version of the X360 USB looks like.
Here is a re-cap of the features:
World's First Xbox 360 HDD, DVD(**) & ANY SATA Hard Disk to USB Converter All-In-One
You can now connect your Xbox 360 HDD & DVD(**) to USB on your PC. You can also connect ANY SATA Hard Drive. The X360 USB is a "plug and play" device that is easily recognized by Windows. The X360 USB supports USB 2.0 for super fast file transfer with speeds up to 480 mbps.
* Backup HDD Game Saves
Back up all your Xbox 360 HDD Game Saves and media files onto your PC with ease and comfort. Utilize your Xbox 360 Hard Disc storage space to the max by transferring files onto your PC.
* Update DVD Firmware
You can now read and write to your DVD drives firmware chip. Get the latest updates to keep your drive running at its peak performance, no more SATA frustrations and incompatibilities. Compatible with all programs such as Birdy & Garyopa
* Portable
X360 USB does not require the XBOX to be powered while in use. You can detach the Xbox 360 HDD & DVD and connect directly to your USB port (DVD Powered by Xecuter 360 Connectivity Kit). The X360 USB is the first and only device in the world that is designed to convert both the Xbox 360 HDD & DVD to USB
* No Sata?, No Problem!
Will also work for ANY Sata hard drives to use them on your PC if it lacks Sata ports, or no ports are available.
* Extremely Compact
Can be easily hidden away behind your computer.
* Clearly Visible LED's
Power, Activity, and Status LED's clearly visible on top of the unit.
* All Cables Included
We also provide a high quality USB & SATA cable.
(**) HITACHI-LG GDR-3120L ONLY
We are currently working on the Samsung version and are very close to having full MS25 and MS28 USB compatibility. This has to be 100% stable so it will be ready when its ready - when we know - you will know.
Why USB?
We get asked this a lot. Those that have had trouble with the Sata setup already know the answer to this question But basically, flashing your firmware is no easy task with Sata. You have to have a particular compatible Sata chipset for it to work and then its not plain sailing, costing you time, money & frustration. The X360 USB is just plug and play - you can use it on ANY computer that has USB - you can even use it on a laptop !
It's also very fast and you can hot swap the drives without having ever to reset your machine. Example: In a test we flashed 10 Hitachi drives using the Birdy flasher in just under 4 minutes. Yes you read correctly
Not to mention the fact you can connect any SATA HDD to your USB - perfect if you have a spare sata hdd and you dont have any free sata ports - or if you want to quickly access a sata hdd that is not connected to your pc without having to shut down windows - I actually use this all the time in my workshop and its very fast !
We have no RRP yet but resellers tell us it will be in the region of $44.95/£24.95 however that isn't our call - no doubt Divineo will set the price for others to follow. We've taken a lot of time and investment to develop this correctly, and also paid a great deal of attention to its design to make sure it was aesthetically pleasing. Don't forget you would normally have to buy a Sata card if you can find one that works, or a new motherboard and its still pot luck if it works, and of course you'd have to mess around with all your Sata configuration and have to reset your PC every time you did a flash - so more risk of not recovering from a bad flash. You can also use this any time anywhere as its portable - so laptop users should be happy !
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August 24th, 2006, 01:05 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft today outlined the future of Games for Windows and announced Xbox 360 exclusivity for football titles, among a number of announcements in a packed Leipzig conference.
During a packed Xbox 360 and Games for Windows conference in Leipzig, the platform holder said that it had fashioned a deal to bring Pro Evolution Soccer 6 and FIFA '07 to Xbox 360 exclusively for the next 12 months - with no other next-generation versions to appear.
It also reiterated that its HD-DVD drive would launch this autumn, although Xbox 360 heavy-hitter Forza Motorsport 2 will be here "this winter" having previously been labelled as "Christmas" - something we're seeking clarification on now.
Later in the year, the company said, its Games for Windows branding campaign would come into full force, with a logo to be visible on many PC game boxes signifying compatibility, parental controls and other features set to become standard with Windows Vista.
Trumpeting the worldwide success of Xbox 360 in its first 10 months on the market, Microsoft also announced plans to launch the console in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Czech Republic on November 3rd.
Other announcements included the pledge of three new board games to Live Arcade - Carcassone, Alhambra and Settlers of Catan - although there was no news on the release dates for in-development titles like Lumine Live.
Gamers who want to use wireless peripherals with Windows will be able to do so later this year too, thanks to the Windows Wireless Gaming Receiver, priced EUR 49.99, while the Xbox Vision Camera - due out on October 2nd - will retail for EUR 49.99 or EUR 89.99 when bought with a 12 month Xbox Live Gold subscription.
There was also room to announce a partnership deal with BMW/Mini, through which there will be an Xbox Cup for racing taking place in 2007.
The conference played host to innumerable trailers - mostly comprised of already-seen footage, admittedly - as well as product demos of FIFA '07, Live Anywhere on mobile phones, Viva Pinata on Xbox 360 and various Windows Vista titles. Developers including Bill Roper professed their support.
And as part of its XNA strategy for empowering gamers to create their own games, Microsoft also demonstrated a quick and easy drag-and-drop process for creating a side-scrolling shoot-'em-up game.
XNA can create other types of game too though, it said, including one, called Culture, which involves circling weeds on a spherical planet using other flowers.
XNA will also be added to the curriculums of several universities in Europe - three in the UK (Hull, Nottingham and Bradford) and two in Germany (Karlsruhe and Munich's Technical University).
Microsoft also took the opportunity to reiterate that it aims to ship 10 million Xbox 360s worldwide by the end of 2006.
The Leipzig Games Convention continues.
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August 24th, 2006, 01:06 Posted By: wraggster
Capcom has revealed the multiplayer mode of its blug-blasting shooter, Lost Planet, and we've got some chiling new screenshots direct from its Leipzig press disc.
Stay tuned for more on Lost Planet, as we unwrap our exclusive Leipzig interview coming soon to these pages.
Screens Here
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August 24th, 2006, 01:16 Posted By: wraggster
Today at the Leipzig Games Convention, Microsoft made all sorts of bold pledges about PC support - and announced the Windows Wireless Gaming Receiver, which will allow PC users to play games using Xbox 360 wireless peripherals.
Up to now, we've had to make do using a wired 360 controller, but before the end of the year the new Receiver, priced EUR 49.99, will sort that out for us. There'll also be a headset option, Microsoft said.
Microsoft's also planning to re-release the Intellimouse Explorer 3.0, thanks to widespread demand, and introduced the new HABU Laser Gaming Mouse, made in association with game peripheral specialist Razer.
During a packed conference, Microsoft also showed off some of the tools that make up a part of the PC XNA development suite, with which gamers will be able to build their own 360 games. Using a drag-and-drop interface, MS' Chris Satchell produced a small side-scrolling shooter featuring an aeroplane, showing off how you can drag elements and then resize them and play the game immediately.
Satchell also showed off a small game called Culture, which is about killing weeds on a spherical world by surrounding them in flowers.
The platform-holder, keen to emphasise the importance of its Games for Windows brand, also dragged out a bunch of developers - including Bill Roper - to testify to the brilliance of Windows Vista and its DirectX 10 features. At one point, we were shown an image of DirectX 9 Flight Simulator X and then a mock-up of what a DX10 build would look like, with near-photorealistic water the most obvious thing.
XNA will also be added to the curriculums of several universities in Europe - three in the UK (Hull, Nottingham and Bradford) and two in Germany (Karlsruhe and Munich's Technical University) - the company said.
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August 24th, 2006, 01:24 Posted By: wraggster
It's not just divas and fashionistas who like to accessorize. Peripherals and accessories are becoming big business for gaming companies, and new technology is letting even more high-tech gadgets to hang on the arms of next-generation systems.
Microsoft today dropped the final details of its fall lineup of Xbox 360 peripherals (and one PC accessory), including the pricing and release dates for the console's Web cam, wireless steering wheel, and wireless headset.
As previously stated (but not officially announced), the Xbox Live Vision camera will be released in the United States on September 19, though some stores have apparently already begun selling them. Rumors circulating that the camera would be available in a bundle for $39.99 were right but didn't tell the whole story--an additional $79.99 bundle will also be offered.
The $39.99 package will include the camera, a one-month subscription to Xbox Live Gold, an Xbox 360 headset, and two Xbox Live Arcade games that support the camera--Uno and TotemBall. For two more $20s, gamers get everything in the previous bundle plus an upgrade to a full-year subscription to Xbox Live Gold, a third Xbox Live Arcade game (Robotron: 2084), and 200 Marketplace points.
Microsoft also announced the previously released Xbox Live Arcade games that would support the camera. Bankshot Billiards 2, Texas Hold 'Em, Hardwood Hearts, and Hardwood Spades will all incorporate video chat.
The Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel will rev up cyber drivers in November for $149.99. As a bonus, Microsoft will also include a copy of a force-feedback version of Bizarre Creations' Project Gotham Racing 3 (while supplies last).
Those irked by the confinement of a wired Xbox Live headset will be able to free themselves up later this year. The Xbox 360 Wireless Headset will retail for $59.99 in November.
PC gamers won't be left out in the cold on these new wireless accessories. Microsoft is also releasing the Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows which let wireless peripherals designed for the next-gen console be used with PCs. The receiver will be available in late December for $19.99.
While the above items focus on the gameplay, they don't do a whole lot for the Xbox 360's aesthetics. Microsoft will also give Xbox 360s a makeover with some new faceplates. In early November, gamers can add Viva Piñata and Forza Motorsport 2 faceplates to their consoles for $19.99 each.
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August 24th, 2006, 01:25 Posted By: wraggster
During the first day of the Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany, Microsoft released a wealth of details regarding its upcoming accessories for Xbox 360 and PC, as well as a few morsels about its upcoming lineup of games.
Fittingly for a conference in Germany, the new games announced for Xbox Live Arcade had a European board-game heritage. Outpost Kaloki X is about to have some genre company on Xbox Live Arcade, as all three titles will call on strategic thinking from the players. The announced games include the civilization-building Settlers of Catan, the tile-based city-building game Carcassonne, and the Arabian-themed stock-market game Alhambra set to be available through the Xbox.
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August 24th, 2006, 01:31 Posted By: wraggster
Test Drive Unlimited certainly is living up to its name--the "Test Drive" part at least. Atari today announced that a second free trial of the Xbox 360 racer will be headed to Xbox Live Marketplace tomorrow. The new demo will include three new cars--the Ferrari F430, the Ford Mustang GT, and the AC Cobra--as well as a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R motorcycle.
Along with the new wheels comes new avenues to burn rubber on. The demo will feature four new offline challenges and two new online challenges that support up to eight racers, or drivers can challenge others they meet on the road or simply cruise the coasts of an accurately replicated Oahu, Hawaii. Other basic gameplay improvements, such as improved online performance and car handling and sharper graphics, have also been added.
Those who try the demo and want to purchase the game won't have to wait long. Today, Atari also announced that the game has finished development and that its gold master has been sent off for replication. The game is scheduled to ship to stores on September 5.
Test Drive Unlimited is rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older and will retail for $39.99.
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August 24th, 2006, 01:49 Posted By: wraggster
A tour promoting HD DVD is launching in September, and Microsoft will be providing its Xbox 360 + HD DVD combo as an example of the experience. Looks like a sign of confidence that the HD DVD extension will be on par with other HD DVD players -- whether the price will also be on par has yet to be seen.
Here are the tour dates:
September 14 - 17: Denver Colorado Convention Center
September 22 - 24: Dallas Plano Balloon Fest (Texas)
September 29 - October 1: Minneapolis, MN
October 5 - 6: Chicago, IL
October 10 - 15: New York, NY
October 20 - 22: Washington, D.C.
October 26 - 28: Philadelphia, PA
November 2 - 4: Richmond, VA
November 15 - 16: Los Angeles, CA
November 24 - 28: Seattle, WA
December 6 - 10: San Francisco, CA
In other news, the HD DVD players outsold Sony-backed Blu-ray players by 33% during their respective launch windows, according to NPD.
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August 24th, 2006, 02:55 Posted By: wraggster
Newly on sale at Mr Modchips:

World's First Xbox 360 HDD, DVD** & ANY SATA Hard Disk to USB Converter All-In-One
You can now connect your Xbox 360 HDD & DVD** to USB on your PC. You can also connect ANY SATA Hard Drive. The X360 USB is a "plug and play" device that is easily recognized by Windows. The X360 USB supports USB 2.0 for super fast file transfer with speeds up to 480 mbps.
* Backup HDD Game Saves
Back up all your Xbox 360 HDD Game Saves and media files onto your PC with ease and comfort. Utilize your Xbox 360 Hard Disc storage space to the max by transferring files onto your PC.
* Update DVD Firmware
More via the Link Above
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August 24th, 2006, 22:09 Posted By: wraggster
For Xbox 360 footie fans, yesterday's news that Pro Evolution Soccer 6 will be next-gen-exclusive to the 360 for 12 months must have felt like they'd just penalty shot their way to World Cup glory against their bitter rivals.
Aiding their celebrations, we've signed up the first batch of Xbox 360 screens from the footie sim, giving you a taste of what's to come. (Or not to come, depending on your console allegiance).
In addition to the obviously improved visuals, Konami is also promising upgraded player AI for such stuff as intelligent off-ball running and being able to turn defenders so that they look more humiliated than a Sunderland centre back. You should also get refined shooting, new tricks and dribbles, and a batch of new licenses, including the French Championat league.
So there you go, easily enough stuff for 360 folk to get on with and taunt their imminent PS3 opponents with. Just be alert for any retaliatory Zidane-approved headbutts. Could be dangerous...
Pro Evolution Soccer 6 will release for Xbox 360 in October, along with PS2, PC, PSP and DS versions.
Via CVG
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August 24th, 2006, 22:36 Posted By: wraggster
And you thought Resident Evil 4 was a series reinvention - the new Alone in the Dark game, Near Death Investigation (due in 2007), is set in a massive recreation of Central Park, allows you to drive vehicles, has an innovative analogue-stick control system for using items, and some of its biggest shocks are from fiery infernos.
We have five more shots of the PC, PS3 and 360 game showing off some of its varied elements: head on up to the images tab above if you dare (we'll warn you, there's a downright nasty bit of cheek-slicing going on).
Screens Here
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August 24th, 2006, 22:39 Posted By: wraggster
1up reports that ATI has debunked a rumor that Xbox 360 could be upgraded to support DirectX 10 via a patch. "Xbox360 cannot run DX10," an ATI spokesperson told 1up. Currently, Microsoft's console runs an advanced version of DirectX 9, which, according to ATI, features "memory export that can enable DX10-class functionality such as stream-out."
It's difficult to say when and if studios that are developing cross-platform titles for Xbox 360 and Vista will hit a roadblock because of DirectX variances between the two platforms, but certainly a game like Crytek's Crysis, which does support DX9 with some DX10 features, could be optimized and ported to consoles.
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August 25th, 2006, 15:00 Posted By: wraggster
Developer Avalanche has just launched a PC and Xbox 360 demo of the sprawling, free-roaming action adventure Just Cause, inviting you to explore a bespoke island a tiny fraction of the size of that which features in the finished game.
Xbox 360 owners can grab it from Xbox Live. The finished title is set to navigate its way onto said formats, as well as Xbox and PS2, at the end of September.
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August 25th, 2006, 15:36 Posted By: wraggster
News from Lik Sang
Microsoft brought to you the Exchangeable Faceplate concept on Xbox 360, letting you update the look of your console based on your mood. For those in need of true freestyle though, there is nothing better than jumping the screwdriver. The first wave of tuning products for Xbox 360 systems and controllers have been on the market for a couple of months already. In the meantime, we have seen private efforts popping up all around the Internet: water cooling system or complete re-vamping of the console, anything goes. Today, we are receiving delivery of fresh products that go a step further. From full replacement cases for systems and pads to internal cooling fan installation, we cover it all hereunder.
Ultimate Fancy Case for your Xbox 360 Controllers
If you want a cool-looking gimmick that will turn heads and show off your 'tude, this is the shit. We just got in some brand new replacement cases for the Xbox 360 official controllers. They come in the popular chromed metallic silver look, with extra glowing buttons, either green or blue. It sure looks unique! Also, for having tested this mod' here in our Gaming Room, I can tell you that it makes the overall experience of beating down colleagues at Fight Night Round 3 much more enjoyable.
An eye-catcher of a mod, this kit changes hands for US$ 24.95 only. Fitting it will require a couple screwing and unscrewing steps, for some of which the use of the Torx T-8 model happens to be a must. Please note that by opening up your Xbox 360 controller, you are automatically voiding your warranty from the manufacturer. Also, connecting the LED lights to a power source will necessitate two soldering points. If you are only willing to exchange the external shape of the controller, keeping the original buttons in, soldering won't be required though. Please also make sure to order the appropriate piece of kit, keeping in mind that we are stocking different versions for either the wireless or the cabled editions of the Microsoft joypad.
The Solution to all Overheating Problems - High-end Internal Cooling Fan
Also in today is a high-speed internal cooling fan solution for the Xbox 360 overheating problems. The manufacturer's hype claims the following: "External Xbox 360 air coolers can only cool the temperature of the Xbox 360's outer surface but do not cool the temperature of the CPU/GPU; therefore, making them useless to combat CPU/GPU overheating. The high speed air cooler directly cools the 360 CPU and GPU. Using internal temperature measuring devices, this product monitors the temperature of the 360 CPU and GPU. XCM high speed air cooler's external controller will allow you to control the speed of the fan while it monitors the temperature of the 360 CPU and GPU. AUTO mode will automatically adjust the fan speed depending on the temperature of the CPU and GPU."
We have a sample unit running in one of our game-lounge's 360 systems for a good two weeks. No problem so far. In fact, since we got the proto in, I personally am behaving like one of these geek-chic idiots who play with the thing like a kid with his new toy. I keep monitoring the temperature of the GPU and CPU live on the LCD screen, while switching from auto to manual mode, while waiting during the load times in between rounds [Editor: that would be a second reference to Fight Night Round 3, for those who don't follow anymore already].
Installation took not more than 15 minutes for us here, but then again we have a technician who is used to open up Xbox 360s just for the fun of it. If you never did such a thing, installation times may vary. But it's not rocket science, just a bit of unclipping work to do, and unscrewing 5 or 6 bits with the T10 screwdriver supplied in the product box, clipping some stuff together and re-assembling the whole build. Follow this link for a detailed step for step guide of the installation process. If you never opened an Xbox 360 before, here is an url to follow for the explanations on how to do that.
If you are not so keen neither on opening up your brand new 360 nor on losing your rights for free repair of it, we also have in stock a couple of external cooling fans. For sure not as powerful and not as impactful as the internal solution exposed above, these do not necessitate the use of a screwdriver whatsoever and ship for a very affordable price, at just US$ 19.95 each, while the high-speed internal air cooler wears a US$ 49.95 tag.
Cool-Looking Full System Mods Coming Soon
In the last couple of weeks, some more systems mods have been coming out, from spray-painted gold to cherry red. Nothing exceptional so far, but spotted on the horizon is a very special replacement case that we hope to carry soon. Black Knight is the name of the concept, it comes in full black color, with an X shaped window glass, through which some LED lights are glowing (in the color of your choice). Hopefully soon in stock on the Lik-Sang.com warehouse shelves. Don' go 'way.
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August 25th, 2006, 15:42 Posted By: wraggster
New From Lik Sang

Product Features
Replace your boring controller faceplate with exclusive new colors
Does not include buttons or screws (original screws and buttons supplied with Xbox 360 controller must be swapped)
Necessitates removal of 7 screws on your Xbox 360 controller
Exchanging faceplates will void your Xbox 360 controller warranty
Includes LED kit for the controller buttons
Full case replacement, front and back
This repair part can be used in case your original controller shell is damaged
This product is not manufactured or approved by the console manufacturer
Description
The chrome controller shells are FULL replacement cases for your Xbox official WIRELESS controller. Comes with an LED kit set for the controller buttons.
NOTE: Installation requires basic soldering.
More Info --> http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?pro...5&lsaid=219793
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August 25th, 2006, 15:44 Posted By: wraggster
New From Lik Sang

Product Features
Replace your boring controller faceplate with exclusive new colors
Does not include buttons or screws (original screws and buttons supplied with Xbox 360 controller must be swapped)
Necessitates removal of 7 screws on your Xbox 360 controller
Exchanging faceplates will void your Xbox 360 controller warranty
Includes LED kit for the controller buttons
Full case replacement, front and back
This repair part can be used in case your original controller shell is damaged
This product is not manufactured or approved by the console manufacturer
Description
The chrome controller shells are FULL replacement cases for your Xbox official WIRED controller. Comes with a LED kit set for the controller buttons.
NOTE: Installation of LED's requires some basic soldering.
More info/buy here --> http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?pro...2&lsaid=219793
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August 25th, 2006, 15:46 Posted By: wraggster
UK retail has confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz that Microsoft has officially dropped the RRP of the Xbox 360 Core pack to GBP 199, effective from today.
The readjustment from the previous RRP of GBP 209 is the first formal hardware price cut since the system launched across Europe last December.
Many UK vendors had already started selling the lower-spec version of the next-gen system, which lacks a hard drive, for the reduced price - taking a hit on their own margins. The premium system still has an RRP of GBP 279.
Microsoft UK refused to confirm the cut when questioned earlier this week, commenting: "Retail price is set by our retail partners. Retailers are already selling Xbox 360 Core System from £199.99, which we believe is outstanding value to consumers."
However, GI.biz has received confirmation of the reduction today from retailers in the independent, supermarket and High Street entertainment sectors.
“The Core version has dropped by £10 today - they've issued it directly so it's not been driven by retail,†a spokesperson for a leading entertainment retailer explained.
Official UK distributor Gem declined to comment and Microsoft remained unavailable at press time.
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August 25th, 2006, 15:47 Posted By: wraggster
Blizzard COO Paul Sams has expressed his personal admiration for Microsoft's Xbox 360 console, but argues that console online services can't compare to Battle.net and World of Warcraft.
"When you look at Battle.net and you look at the subscribership we have with World of Warcraft, even Xbox Live is not even close to us," he said, speaking exclusively to GamesIndustry.biz in Leipzig.
At the time of writing, Sams says that World of Warcraft has over 6.5 million players worldwide and is "just shy of seven" - a figure he believes the massively popular online RPG can reach by the end of 2006.
The release of the Burning Crusade expansion this winter will help, he believes, and as we learned yesterday the company aims to release one new expansion every 12 months.
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August 25th, 2006, 15:49 Posted By: wraggster
The Xbox Europe boss claims football deals will give Microsoft the edge in next-gen battle.
Following the revelation of next-gen exclusivity on market leading football franchises FIFA and PES, a confident European Xbox boss Chris Lewis has claimed Microsoft now has the console war sewn up for the year ahead.
Speaking exclusively to Eurogamer TV immediately after the firm's press conference at the Leipzig Games Convention, where the US giant revealed that EA's FIFA 07 and Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer 6 would be exclusive to 360, Lewis said: "It's a great opportunity for us to reinforce the fact that for next-generation gaming, Xbox 360 is the only option for the next 12 months. And given the religious fervour for football in Europe it's particularly important to be able to make an announcement like that here in Leipzig."
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August 25th, 2006, 15:56 Posted By: wraggster
Kane & Lynch, the new PC and Xbox 360 project from Hitman developer, Io Interactive, will feature a brand new, never before seen multiplayer mode.
After taking us through two of the game's single-player levels, Io game director, Jens Peter Kurup, revealed that the multiplayer experience will be completely new to gamers.
"It's based on one single idea and we cannot figure out why nobody else has done it yet. We find it gorgeous and we would hate anybody else to do it before us."
Unfortunately, after tickling our interest, Kurup made it clear that Io won't be revealing its multiplayer mode for quite some time: "We hope to keep it under wraps for at least half a year... or more."
Thankfully, the Kane & Lynch solo campaign isn't classified information and we'll be bringing you a report on what we were shown behind closed doors at the Leipzig Game Convention real soon.
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August 25th, 2006, 16:40 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has just announced that the Xbox Live Arcade Unplugged Vol. 1 compilation for the 360 will be hitting store shelves on Sept. 5 for a robust price of $39.99. The whole package will include six XBLA games plus a free month of Xbox Live Gold subscription and three downloadable XBLA demos.
The games included are: Geometry Wars, Wik: Fable of Souls, Outpost Kaloki X, Bejeweled 2 Deluxe, Hardwood Backgammon, and Texas Hold 'em.
At $39.99 and with a free month of Gold service, is this a good deal for the games offered or not quite enough to warrant a purchase?
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August 25th, 2006, 21:26 Posted By: wraggster
Tyre-burning racing round the streets of London seems to have been put on hold for a while at UK studio Bizarre Creations, which is reportedly set to follow up the success of its Live Arcade game Geometry Wars with three new board games for the online community.
The team, more famous for its Project Gotham series, is translating three German (yes, German) board games for Microsoft. These include Settlers of Catan, Caracassonne and Alahambra. 'What the hell are they!', we hear you yell. Well, certainly not Monopoly, Guess Who and Operation, that's for sure, but we shall do our best to explain...
Settlers Of Catan does actually boast considerable worldwide popularity outside its native land of curled sausages, and challenges players to establish their settler colonies by successfully managing their resources in a sort of table-top RTS. I guess you could say it has elements of Risk about it.
The tongue-troubling Caracassonne, which sounds more like a cheesy pasta dish, is actually a territorial medieval game, where 2-5 players strive to spread their ownership by collecting and placing titles.
And finally, Alahambra is yet another 'build your wealth' type game, this time with cards as well as tiles, and is supposed to be partly inspired by the stock market.
We should hopefully have further details of these projected titles, along with release dates, in the very near future.
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August 25th, 2006, 21:27 Posted By: wraggster
2D beat-'em-fans pounding fists of fury on Xbox Live Arcade thanks to Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting's arrival on the platform, have further bone-crunching delights to look forward to: SNK is, by all accounts, planning a Live Arcade version of Fatal Fury Special.
Sadly, there's no further details on the Live Arcade iteration of the game at this time - well, other than that it's been listed as one of SNK Playmore's title's that'll be present at the Tokyo Game Show next month. So all we can say at the moment is: stay tuned.
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August 25th, 2006, 21:31 Posted By: wraggster
When we were treated to a preview of Turok earlier this year, the game positively reeked of male machismo - there you were, one hulking Special-Ops warrior rampaging through a jungle, and shotgunning away dinosaurs with the ease of a kid powerlifting a tube of Smarties.
The game, of course, is a sort of total reworking of the series that first appeared on N64. And reworking it most certainly is. Instead of playing a Native American, you're reinvented as a US commando and his buff buddy, as you deliver death to dinosaurs and super soldiers with weapons that range from jagged stealth knives to machine guns no normal mortal could realistically lift.
It's being published by Buena Vista Games, and promises bloody lashings of stealth, action and gore to both Xbox 360 and PS3 gamers. Here's the Xbox 360 latest screens for you to run the beedies over. It releases sometime in 2007.
Screens Here
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August 25th, 2006, 21:54 Posted By: wraggster
3 New Full Case mods for sale at Divineo USA, heres the pics and details:
  
This limited special edition of the XCM 360 Black Knight case feature a big X shape hope on the top of the case which gets lit up by a LED kit available in Red, Blue and Green.
The LED kit is plug and play and easy to install.
It gives you a special look that will amaze anyone in the dark!
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August 25th, 2006, 22:14 Posted By: wraggster
With our last throw of the dice before the Bank Holiday weekend, we've hit the jackpot with exclusive new screens of Rainbow Six Vegas and a video interview with the game's Creative Director, Maxime Beland.
The clip shows more footage from the level walkthrough we posted earlier this week but with added insight into the game's design and the tactical planing you'll need to get ahead when the game arrives for PC, PS3 and 360 next year.
Of course, we'll be bringing you more info on this high-pedigree shooter very soon. Until then, hit the movies and images tabs above and start practising your best Elvis/ZZ Top impressions. Altogether now: 'Viva, Las Vegas...'
SCreens and Movie Here
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August 25th, 2006, 22:17 Posted By: wraggster
What can you expect from the first "next-gen" Madden to hit the virtual gridiron this year? Well, it's certainly gotta top the wackness that was last year's rushed 360 attempt. RIght?
The current verdict seems to indicate that EA Tiburon has yet to discover where snazzy new hardware can take this franchise. Not only that, but Tiburon still can't seem to figure out how to include all the features of the Xbox version in the 360 version. What up with that? Perhaps, with a guaranteed $60 contribution from each blindly fanatical loyalist, EA's in no rush to sort out this mess. And why should they be? It's not like there are other gaming options out there for football enthusiasts...
Yahoo! Games (80/100) offers the key to improvement: "EA's challenge is not to simplify their simulation or stop adding detail, but to integrate those features so well that players can simply marvel at how advanced the game has become."
Gamespot (79/100) concludes rather bluntly: "There's no denying that Madden NFL 07 comes up short on delivering all the improvements one would hope for after last year's disappointing debut on the 360."
1UP (70/100) suggests that maybe the Xbox version is a better buy: "...those who plan on spending most of their time offline in solo play will want to take a long look at the arguably more polished and superior current-gen versions before committing to one or the other."
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August 26th, 2006, 10:37 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA

The official Unlock Tool from Team Xecuter is designed to offer the best opening tool on Xbox 360
It includes 2 unlock tools specially design for quick opening of the console and of a full high quality T10 screwdriver (with handle).
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August 26th, 2006, 10:39 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA

The basic item for any xbox 360 tuner, the Orby Power Cable, is now in stock. The Orby is a solderless solution that allow tuner to have a 5v from their Xbox360. The universal Molex connector allow any add-on to be plugged without any soldering!
The Orby Y sports custom black connectors and is pre-sleeved with high quality PET sleeve. When you install your new case window, you certainly won’t be hiding these stylish wires. What’s more is that you will be able to regularly update your visual masterpiece without hassle due to the plug and play nature of the Orby Y.
The gateway to shockingly great Xboxâ„¢ 360 customization!
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August 26th, 2006, 10:44 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA
Reserve your X360 USB with free Connectivity Kit v2 today, and get the 5$ rebate from the normal price.
The X360 USB is the world's first Xbox 360 HDD, DVD & ANY SATA Hard Disk to USB Converter All-In-One!

World's First Xbox 360 HDD, DVD** & ANY SATA Hard Disk to USB Converter All-In-One. You can now connect your Xbox 360 HDD & DVD** to USB on your PC. You can also connect ANY SATA Hard Drive. The X360 USB is a "plug and play" device that is easily recognized by Windows. The X360 USB supports USB 2.0 for super fast file transfer with speeds up to 480 mbps.
UNIT RETAIL PRICE: 44.99$
UNIT SPECIAL PRICE FOR PRE-ORDER: 39.99
** HITACHI-LG GDR-3120L ONLY
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August 26th, 2006, 10:47 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA

The official IR mod by Team Xecuter with USB Programmer INCLUDED!
A very advance IR mod compatible with any modchip and with very advanced programming functions.
Features:
1. Blue status led
2. Compatible with any modchip
3. Enable/Disable Modchip upon boot.
4. Easy to use programming software
5. Learning functionality allows virtually any remote control to be used
6. User programmable buttons for all functions, such as wich button turns on the xbox or turns it off
7. Safety Off (tm) makes sure you press the 'OFF' button 3 times before turning off the xbox to prevent unintended xbox shutdown
8. Turn ON and OFF the XBOX with the XBOX Dvd remote control, and any RCA DVD compatible remote (and there are hundreds of these)
9. Perfect-Press (tm) - The length of emulated press of front panel 'Power' button can be finely tuned to work with any modchips' needs (ie. long press is 100msec - mod on, short press is 10msec - mod off)
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August 26th, 2006, 10:49 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA

This is the most complete 360 case on the market, with high quality plastic that gives the appearance of glass (nobody wants murky clouded plastic cases)!
This is the only case in the world that comes with a clear DVD drive lid, which actually lets you the DVD spinning while you play! Inside this amazing kit is also a clear fan tunnel, without this vital piece you wouldn't even be able to see your circuit board! This piece opens up the whole inside of your console so you can see everything going on inside (this also allows for your custom lighting kit to light up everything in the case)!
With this kit you really are getting a CLEAR Xbox 360.
COMPLETE kit includes:
* Complete Xbox 360 Case Replacement
* Includes Custom Dual Light Kit
* Clear DVD drive lid
* Clear dual Fan Tunnel
* Comes with Opening Tools
* Extremely High Quality !
* Complete Xbox 360 Case Replacement
Available in Crystal Clear. The clear colored cases also glow vibrantly under black light. Installation only takes 15 minutes and the tools are included in the kit (to open your Xbox 360 and install).
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August 26th, 2006, 10:50 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA

XCM 360 Chrome controller shells are FULL replacement cases for your Xbox official WIRED controller. They come with a LED kit set available in in BLUE or GREEN, which requires to solder 3 wires to light up all buttons.
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August 26th, 2006, 10:51 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA

Using this DVD cover with an Xbox 360 crystal case, you can see through the DVD rom and actually what the game discs, how does it spin, loading etc.
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August 26th, 2006, 10:53 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA

XCM 360 cases are FULL replacement case for the Xbox 360.
They include the 360 face plate and a screwdriver to install the case. Easy to install and totally custom design!
This is the special deluxe *CHROME* version, for people looking for a very exclusive Xbox 360!
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August 26th, 2006, 11:14 Posted By: wraggster
A visit to the local Gamestation this afternoon turned up a bit of trouble for Eidos Interactive's ultra-violent Reservoir Dogs game. We like the staff at the aforementioned shop; they’re always helpful, they know their stuff. Dagnabbit, some of them we'd even refer to as our friends. But had we been in the mood to suggest an exchange of monies for said game, we'd have been disappointed.
It turns out that the Xbox version of the game has been recalled. A quick call to one of the other local game shops turned up a similar response; the Xbox version is not available. Thankfully the staff at Gamestation made it completely clear why the Xbox game is not on sale; somebody somewhere forgot to put the BBFC 18 age rating logo on the disk. The packaging carries the rating logo, but without the logo on the disc the game cannot legally be sold by UK retailers. Our man was told that the PS2 version was perfectly legal, and has been available since this morning.
A call to Eidos turned no further info, as our contact was unable to comment on the recall and when we could expect the Xbox version to be reissued.
So if you go looking for Reservoir Dogs on Xbox this weekend and Mr Shopkeep won’t let you take one away, don’t say we didn’t tell you about it.
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August 28th, 2006, 18:06 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo China

Low wire count, 4 or 11 wires
-one chip for Toshiba-Samsung drive
- one chip for Hitachi - LG drive
Make sure to order the version you need!
- Auto boot NME360 type backups.*
- Auto boot backups that is in dual format (xtreme/NME360). *
- Auto boot original games.*
- Mod360 will disable patching if an original game is detected. (perfect for xbox live)
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August 28th, 2006, 18:32 Posted By: wraggster
Xport is at it again, heres the details:
Atari7800X - Atari 7800 Emulator for XBox v1
http://xport.xbox-scene.com/
http://www.mess.org/
Features:
- Emulates the Atari 7800
- Excellent compatibility - ported from MESS
- All standard XPort features
- ZIP/Relax/SMB support
- Save states
- Rewind support
This is now a core feature of the XPort UI and will be added to all
other ports (eventually) as long as the port supports saving states
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August 28th, 2006, 21:03 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA

This limited special edition of the XCM 360 Black Knight case feature a big X shape hope on the top of the case which gets lit up by a LED kit available in Red, Blue and Green.
The LED kit is plug and play and easy to install.
It gives you a special look that will amaze anyone in the dark!
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August 28th, 2006, 21:17 Posted By: wraggster
Adam Pletcher is a Volition veteran and technical artist on Saint's Row. He translates artistic vision into strings of code and is concerned with the 360's number-crunching power every day. What does he see as the biggest technical problem in the new system?
"The streaming stuff."
"The Xbox 360 is a wonderful machine and we can do a ton more, but one thing that hasn't changed is the dvd transfer speed," Producer Jacques Hennequet explained. "It's become the new soundbarrier."
And his colleagues agree. With all the worry about graphics chipsets and processor cores, no one questioned the transfer speed of DVD. Sure, Sony has talked about blu-ray until they've become blu in the face, but early blu-ray players aren't significantly faster than standard DVD: the same speed players we will see in the PS3. Can DVD technology get faster? Blu-ray can. Theoretically 12x blu-ray could reach transfer speeds of 400mb/s while 16x DVD only clocks in at 21mb/s.
But such is a moot point. Sony and Microsoft cannot simply put faster drives into their existing console platforms. The very idea of performance-based upgrades applies to PCs, not game consoles.
For my final interview of the day I spoke with Randall Turner, Engineering Architect on Saint's Row. (I hope that's his title - a very loud fan from a PS3 dev kit really messed with my audio). Before video games, Turner worked for the military developing software for multiprocessing computers, his area of expertise.
"The amount of data we need to display one building [in Saint's Row] is 4 times that of Xbox - maybe more, actually," Turner explained, "...probably more like 8 times as much."
And all that data has to come from somewhere, Turner explained. Even with games like Saint's Row utilizing 90% of the 360's processing power, even with advanced development tools not available to true first generation 360 titles, even with more efficient coding that programmers are bound to design, titles on the 360 (and PS3 for that matter) will always be limited by the narrow bandwidth of DVD technology.
"What I see as potential solution is in the next, next gen, [is] an increase in ram that is so enormous you can store gigabytes [in the ram]," Hennequet said.
I asked if a bigger hard drive might be a solution - even in this generation of consoles. "Even the hard drive is not going to be fast enough," he replied.
But despite the bandwidth limitations, Volition feels optimistic for the future of the Xbox 360 platform.
"We have tons of room to grow," Turner promises. "From first to second generation it's not even hard."
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August 29th, 2006, 11:20 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has updated its Xbox 360 backward-compatibility list, this time adding 39 new games and updating support for nine more. That brings the total number of Xbox games playable on the Xbox 360 up past the 250 mark.
When the last update to the list was made in June, it added only 27 games to the list, a half-dozen of which were Japanese Xbox games like Bistro Cupid or Mahjong Seminar. That update was released in the wake of controversial comments from Microsoft VP Peter Moore, who was quoted as saying that nobody really cares about backward compatibility anymore.
As with most backward-compatibility updates, there are a mix of big-name games (Burnout 3: Takedown, the unreleased Lego Star Wars II, True Crime: Streets of L.A.) and some odd titles that likely just happened to work with the system's latest software emulation (Aquaman, Catwoman, Shincho Mahjong). The full list of new and updated games follows:
New Games
Aggressive Inline
All-Star Baseball 2005
Aquaman: Battle of Atlantis
Burnout 3: Takedown
Catwoman
Counter-Strike
Dead to Rights
ESPN Major League Baseball
Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Director's Cut
Freaky Flyers
Gauntlet: Seven Sorrows
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon - Island Thunder
IndyCar Series 2005
The Legend of Spyro: A Beginning
Lego Star Wars II
Links 2004
Maximum Chase
MTX: Mototrax Featuring Travis Pastrana
MX vs. ATV Unleashed
Namco Museum 50th Anniversary Arcade Collection
Outlaw Tennis
Over the Hedge
Sid Meier's Pirates!
Richard Burns Rally
Rogue Trooper
Serious Sam
Shincho Mahjong
Smashing Drive
Spy Hunter: Nowhere to Run
The Suffering
Taz: Wanted
Torino 2006 Winter Olympics
Trigger Man
True Crime: Streets of LA
Vietcong: Purple Haze
Wrath Unleashed
X-Men II: Wolverine's Revenge
Updated Games
All-Star Baseball 2003
Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth
Crash Bandicoot: Nitro Kart
Digimon Rumble Arena 2
Ford vs. Chevy
Half-Life 2
The Incredibles: Rise of the Underminer
Kabuki Warrior
Magatama
Mortal Kombat: Deception
Sneakers
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August 29th, 2006, 11:21 Posted By: wraggster
The highly anticipated arrival of Capcom's Street Fighter II' Hyper Fighting on Xbox Live Arcade was quickly followed by a wave of player complaints. Two of the frequently brought-up problems were lag when playing online, and a record-keeping system that didn't punish unscrupulous players for disconnecting from matches when it appeared they were about to be defeated.
It appears Capcom has tried to address those two issues, as there is a new auto-update available to patch the game. Xbox Live director of programming Larry Hryb posted the following note about what exactly the update does on his blog, Major Nelson:
The title update will address connection and time out issues that have been reported by players. In addition, the Leaderboards will be cleared in order to offset players that have cheated by causing intentional disconnections.
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August 29th, 2006, 11:22 Posted By: wraggster
Earlier this month, multimedia giant NBC Universal announced that it would distribute an episode of Battlestar Galactica via Xbox Live Marketplace free of charge in "mid-September."
The news was notable because it marked the first time that a full-length television program would be made available by the service, and because it stirred up interest among gamers everywhere, since many are fans of the Peabody Award-winning Sci Fi Channel series.
As it turns out, the Sci Fi channel's statement was only half true. Today, the episode went online early, and is already available for free to all Xbox Live Gold subscribers. The special, which summarizes the first two seasons of the show to help hype the third season's September premiere, weighs it at a hefty 492.20MB. It is also currently only available in standard definition, dashing some gamers' hopes of high-definition Cylon action.
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August 29th, 2006, 11:24 Posted By: wraggster
Over the past decade, an unofficial part of the professional football preseason has become the release of the annual edition of Madden NFL on game consoles. Now, with Microsoft's Xbox Live service offering free demos of games, another pre-pigskin tradition is in place.
Today, Electronic Arts released the demo for Madden NFL 07 for the Xbox 360. The file is available in the US, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand and takes up approximately 750MB of space. Demo time is limited to games of one-minute quarters.
This year's version of Madden NFL for the Xbox 360 adds blocker control, which lets players control the lead blocker to open holes in the defensive line, then switch control over to the running back to move the chains. Also included in the 360 version is superstar mode, which wasn't in last year's next-gen version.
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August 29th, 2006, 12:29 Posted By: wraggster
Xport has updated his Playstation emulator for the Xbox:
* Brought up to date with core UI features
* Multiple XBEs for PCSX cores:
+1.4 : PCSXBox version 1
+1.5 : PCSXBox versions 2-13
+1.6 : new as of version 14
* Selectable SPU cores:
+1.6 : PCSXBox versions 1-11
+1.9 : PCSXBox versions 12-13
* Selectable GPU cores:
+1.12 : PCSXBox versions 1-7
+1.15 : PCSXBox versions 8-11
+1.16 : PCSXBox versions 12-13
* Bugfix recMTC2: Medievil works now in the recompiler instead of just the CPU interpreter mode (possibly other games as well). Medievil actually always worked if you enabled "Use CPU interpreter" from the CPU fixes menu, but it was unbearably slow. Set Frameskip and Framelimit off and set the SPU settings to the fastest possible. It's still far from fullspeed, but it's playable now.
* ISO9660 support
* Save state selection menu now has timestamp next to each used state.
* Each game gets its own set of memory cards
* Added new game configuration section "Set SPU Fixes"
+XA Sound - disable/enable (disable to speed up performance), default was on
+XA Speed Fix - if XA sound is too fast, try enabling this, default was off
+Reverb - better reverb effects at the expense of performance, default was Best/Slowest
+Interpolations - better sound effects at the expense of performance, default was Gaussian/Good
+Wait for CPU Action - Fixes games like Valkyrie Profile (tested) and Metal Gear Solid (untested)
+IRQ in Decoded Sound Buf - Fixes Crash Team Racing (untested) (Setting Reverb and Interpolations to None/Fastest can give noticeable FPS increases since all prior versions had them set to better/slower values.)
* See notes about Memory Cards
* Rewinding does not work (not that it ever did anyway)
More Info
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August 29th, 2006, 14:27 Posted By: wraggster
At the end of the year, Microsoft is scheduled to release an external HD-DVD drive for the Xbox 360 to compete with the PLAYSTATION 3's Blu-ray capabilities. Microsoft Taiwan has apparently said the HD-DVD player for the 360 won't be released in Asia. Says tech site DigiTimes Systems:
This is because the external HD-DVD drive is designed to play back movies pre-recorded on HD-DVD blue-laser discs, and the supply of HD-DVD movies in Asia is not sufficient to support the sale of such hardware, for the time being at least, Microsoft Taiwan pointed out.
Odd, because rumblings I have heard here in Japan are that the add-on is scheduled for release. Also remember reading a recent interview with the Xbox Japan boss in which he discussed the product. So either, the article has been poorly translated or Japan is no longer part of Asia. Continental Drift, anyone?
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August 29th, 2006, 22:09 Posted By: wraggster
Burnout is easily one of our favourite racers here on CVG. You can forget your fancy wheel-nut-perfect simulations and g-forces modelled to the nth detail, just give us balls-out automotive action and some gratuitous carnage from that master of destruction Criterion, and we're happier than a pig in the proverbial.
So welcome, though hardly surprising news today, in the form of the announcement of Burnout 5, a twin next-gen successor burning up Xbox 360 and PS3 to deliver the awesome thrills, spills and mayhem which has long been the series' hallmark and one of its most attractive USPs.
Promising the most explosive gameplay yet and a brand new direction in the form of the 'seamless racing battleground of Paradise City', it looks like Burnout 5 will feature no loading and no waiting either, as you'll be able to cruise around your new home and set up races and challenges on the fly. One interesting morsel though is the development of a new driver's license feature, which records your every smash, crash and burn behind the wheel in a hall of infamy. Attract enough heat and you'll soon be going head to head with some of Paradise City's most infamous burners - legendary racers who'll stop at nothing to stop you crossing the finish line.
"Burnout 5 is a complete reinvention of the series, built from the ground up for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360," said Criterion boss Alex Ward. "To create truly next-generation gameplay, we needed to create a truly next-generation game, from top to bottom."
Sounds splendid. Not many more details to share with you at the moment other than Burnout 5 is set to roar off the grid in 2007. We'll bring you more soonest.
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August 29th, 2006, 22:16 Posted By: wraggster
News from Divineo USA

DuoX2 GS back in stock. DuoX2 Light (which can be installed faster) is also available.
More Info
One chip for v1-v1.6 Xbox.
- Very easy to disable mod for xbl.
- 512KB bios.
- 9 solder points + 2 wire Installation or LPC port rebuild + 2 wire.
- includes v1.6 quick rebuild board.
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August 29th, 2006, 22:28 Posted By: wraggster
Eidos has confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz that the Xbox version of movie tie-in Reservoir Dogs has been removed from shop shelves following a printing error.
The game went on sale in the UK last Friday. Although the PC and PlayStation 2 versions are still available, Xbox gamers will have to wait a while longer to get their hands on a copy.
"Eidos has recalled the Xbox version of Reservoir Dogs due to a printing error," a spokesperson told GI.biz.
"We are working with retail to rectify the situation as quickly as possible."
It's thought that the game has been withdrawn because the 18 certificate logo was not printed on the Xbox discs. However, Eidos has yet to confirm that this is the case, and did not give any indication as to when the game will go back on sale.
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August 30th, 2006, 16:35 Posted By: wraggster
Xbox 360 owners are in for a real treat with F.E.A.R., not simply because the shooter's already impressed on PC but also because console jockeys will get to lap up brand new content. Yummy.
And here's something else tasty: a selection of freshly minted new screens. No news yet regarding a release date, alas, but we'll keep you updated.
Screens Here
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August 30th, 2006, 16:45 Posted By: wraggster
It's Wednesday, which can only mean one thing: a new game on Xbox Live Arcade. This week, Time Pilot takes a bow.
Yup, that's the old arcade classic from Konami, in which -- as the name might just suggest a teensy bit -- you pilot an experimental aircraft which can travel backwards and forwards in time and hence engage in dogfights against both biplanes and UFOs.
Time Pilot is yours for the paltry sum of 400 Microsoft points, squire, and boasts single and multi-player modes as well as fistfuls of unlockables. Nice!
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August 30th, 2006, 16:57 Posted By: wraggster
Eidos has announced that PC and Xbox 360 title Battlestations: Midway, which was originally due out this autumn, is now down for a 2007 release.
The game follows the adventure of a young naval recruit by the name of Henry Walker. You'll start out as a gunner at Pearl Harbor, but as the game progresses you'll get to relive all manner of WWII air, sea and underwater battles.
You can take direct control of aircraft, subs and warships - so instead of just telling units where to go, you can steer them yourself. And it's entirely up to you which strategies and tactics you use, since you have the freedom of the whole battlefield. In short, it's a great big RTS-action combo platter.
Most of the missions are based on real historical events, although the development team has taken a bit of licence here and there. That doesn't mean you can expect giant enemy crabs though, sadly.
Up to 16 players can take part in battles over Xbox Live, and you'll be able to chat to your teammates via headset. Downloadable maps are promised, too.
Eidos has yet to announce exactly when Battleships: Midway will hit the shops - but a little birdie tells us it'll be here by spring.
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August 30th, 2006, 17:20 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft’s external HD-DVD drive for Xbox 360 will not be available in Asia, according to reports quoting sources from Microsoft Taiwan.
While the peripheral is set to launch at the end of this year in both the American and European markets, website digitimes is claiming a Microsoft source as stating there is not a big enough market for HD-DVD movies in the region.
The peripheral will not launch "because the external HD-DVD drive is designed to play back movies pre-recorded on HD-DVD blue-laser discs, and the supply of HD-DVD movies in Asia is not sufficient to support the sale of such hardware, for the time being at least", says the report.
The Xbox 360 HD-DVD player connects to the home console and will play movies recorded in Toshiba’s high-definition DVD format.
Although no official price has been forthcoming, retail sources have previously indicated to GamesIndustry.biz that the add-on will be priced below GBP 130.
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August 30th, 2006, 17:20 Posted By: wraggster
Dead Rising, Capcom’s first original title for the Xbox 360, has shipped over 500,000 units in its first two weeks of sale in the US.
The game was released August 8th in North America, where Capcom claims Dead Rising is the fastest-selling next-generation title for a Japanese publisher.
“Response to Dead Rising from the trade, press and consumers has been tremendous,†said Charles Bellfield, VP of marketing at Capcom Entertainment.
“The success of the game is a result of Capcom’s recognition of the Xbox 360 system’s possibilities and starting development early on in order to deliver such a high-quality game.â€
Dead Rising will be available at retail September 8th in Europe and September 28th in Japan.
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August 30th, 2006, 17:51 Posted By: wraggster
Some news slipped out during the Leipzig convention in Germany that Crytek senior game designer Bernd Diemer said their upcoming first-person shooter Crysis was too über for the next-generation consoles -- the 360 and PlayStation 3 specifically. The heart of the matter related directly to DirectX 10 and it being the only way to truly unleash the beast behind this beautiful game.
Diemer was quoted as saying that "next generation consoles like the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 do not offer the sufficient power" needed for some high-quality Crysis action. This news comes counter to the recent news that the Crytek team was looking for some PS3 worker bees for a possible Crysis port to the system. We may not see Crysis on the PS3, but it's still entirely possible we may see Crysis-like games in the future on Sony's console.
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August 30th, 2006, 17:53 Posted By: wraggster
In case you didn't know, third-person action/adventure thug titles keep gamers glued to TV sets and sell a lot of product. Enter THQ's GTA rip-off for the 360 with a current average review score of 84% according to Metacritic:
GamePro - 95%: "Parental units should take note: Saints Row definitely ain't for the kiddies. If anything, it's even sleazier than the GTA titles... [but] Saints Row is just too good to miss."
IGN - 85%: "Saints Row, despite its distinct lack of originality, is fun. It starts out fun and it stays fun. It gets deeper and more engaging, and the storyline and the characters come to life, and you're compelled by seeing the narrative unfold just as much as getting all of the 10- and 20-point Achievements."
Games Radar - 80%: "It looks good, plays great, offers plenty to do and it's even funny at times - though in a much cruder way than GTA's more sly, subversively socially relevant sense of humor."
1UP - 70%: "Sure, GTA's story and sense of humor were pretty infantile most of the time, but it was still damn funny and did a bang-up job of satirizing American pop culture and consumerism. In Saints Row, however, it all feels obligatory. Like it was something they just had to do, and the result is pretty lifeless."
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August 31st, 2006, 02:17 Posted By: wraggster
Researchers at Rutgers University don't seem to have lost any of their homebrew skills, taking an Xbox and an Essential Reality P5 gaming glove to create a low-cost alternative to traditional virtual reality rehabilitation systems -- systems which can cost up to ten times as much. This project uses some custom-made software to deliver exercises designed to help stroke patients regain hand movement, with one "game" consisting of wiping "dirty pixels" off four vertical bars, while another asks the patient to make a fist fast enough to scare a butterfly off the screen. Of course, the system isn't quite up to snuff with the more expensive options -- it has poorer accuracy and no force feedback, for instance -- but the researchers say it could still be a boon to clinics that can't afford the pricier gear and could even potentially be further modified to allow for home-care with monitoring via an Internet connection.
More Info
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August 31st, 2006, 02:28 Posted By: wraggster
As promised earlier this month, Microsoft today released the public beta for its XNA Game Studio Express. As part of an effort to lower the technological and financial hurdles facing new game developers, the tech giant has embarked on the XNA Game Studio development platform, "a far easier environment" that small developers, game enthusiasts, and students can use to make games. XNA Game Studio is an extension of Microsoft's cross-platform XNA technology, which offers gamemakers a standardized set of tools for both PC and Xbox 360 development.
Novice developers can download the beta now from the official site and use it to start developing PC games. Later this year, they will be able to join the XNA Creators Club to move their creations over to the Xbox 360. The Creators Club carries an annual fee of $99, although Microsoft is also offering four-month trials for $49. The Creators Club will go live when the final version of the XNA Game Studio Express arrives this holiday season.
Developers looking to make money off of their XNA Game Studio creations will have to wait until next spring for the XNA Game Studio Professional. That piece of software won't be free (no price has been disclosed yet), but it will feature more functionality and be geared toward more experienced developers.
Microsoft called the response to its program since the original announcement "overwhelming." More than 100 schools expressed an interest in incorporating the development tool into their curricula, with "nearly 20 leading universities worldwide" already set to bring the tech tool into their classrooms.
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August 31st, 2006, 02:41 Posted By: wraggster
Gamers who enjoyed Microsoft's E3 E3 Xbox Live promotion and the free week of Xbox Live Gold service, downloadable game demos, and fresh content from the show will be happy to know that the publisher is preparing to do it again--for Japanese gamers, at least.
Famitsu.com reported today that Microsoft Japan will be offering Tokyo Game Show-related content through the Xbox Live Marketplace service September 20-24. The publisher's "Bring It Home ~Oiede Tokyo Game Show!" event will be used to distribute high-definition videos, on-site reports, screenshots, and game demos.
Furthermore, there will be special sessions of Xbox Primetime, and the perks of a Gold Live membership will be free to Japanese Xbox Live users. A similar program is also in the works for the Barcelona X06 event, also scheduled for September.
When asked whether this program will be made available to Xbox 360 owners outside of Japan, a Microsoft rep only said, "We haven't made any announcements at this time."
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August 31st, 2006, 02:52 Posted By: wraggster
Xbox 360 gamers will be able to download Star Wars prequel characters from Xbox Live Marketplace to feature in their Lego Star Wars II game when it is released in September.
As if you needed more reasons to fall in love with Lego Star Wars II, the ability to import characters from Episodes I to III with a save from the original game was the transparent red bit to crown the plastic cake. It did, however, leave a question over how Xbox 360 owners - who didn't get Lego Star Wars the first time round - would be able to share in the fun.
Happily, publisher LucasArts has now revealed that the prequel cast will be available as a download from Xbox Live Marketplace - for a fee, but one that should be a fraction of the original game's cost.
Now you next-gen types have no excuse not to pit ninja Yoda against the rancor, or allow General Grevious to see the error of his ways and fight for peace, justice and 'accidental' Ewok smitings on the forest moon.
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August 31st, 2006, 18:34 Posted By: wraggster
After some rummaging through our massive pile of Leipzig press discs, we've discovered these new Lost Planet screens, which give a rather-gorgeous look at the single-player game in Capcom's wintery bug-blaster, heading to Xbox 360 next year.
In case you've missed it, Lost Planet is the second 360 offering from Keiji Inafune, the mind behind the excellent zombie-bruiser Dead Rising. Essentially, the game offers a no-nonsense blaster experience; lots of big bugs, a copious amount of guns and some massive mechs for you to stomp around in. But if you're still none the wiser, there's a demo waiting on Xbox Live Marketplace to stream down your broadband pipe.
Lost Planet: Extreme Condition is out in Q1 2007. Apologies for our lateness.
Screens Here
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August 31st, 2006, 18:35 Posted By: wraggster
As the launch of Rainbow Six: Vegas looms, those lovely chaps at Ubisoft have sorted us out with a fistful of new screenshots, as well as a developer-narrated video explaining some aspects of its gameplay.
Which, natch, we reproduce here for your general enlightenment. Alas, we can't yet report that the game has a firm release date -- Ubisoft will only say Q3 2006. But the latest, most sophisticated Tom Clancy special forces epic is bound one of your and our most wanted items this Christmas. We'll be heading Vegas-ward soon to shoot some dice and find out just what the R6 has in store, so keep in tuned for more Vegas goodness soon.
Screens Here
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August 31st, 2006, 18:39 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft's launched the public beta version of XNA Game Studio Express, technology that allows every man - and woman - and his dog have a stab at game development. It's kind of like the return of the bedroom videogame development scene.
Anyway, interested parties/wannabe game creators can download the XNA Game Studio Express pubic beta from msdn.microsoft.com/xna and get cracking developing games for Windows XP and Windows Vista (for free).
Eventually, users will be able to migrate games created for Windows using XNA Game Studio Express to Xbox 360. This migration action will actually kick off at the end of the year and is "part of the XNA Creators Club subscription for $99/€99 a year, or a four-month trial cost of $49, opening up retail console game development to anyone for the first time", explains Microsoft.
The final version of XNA Game Studio Express and the XNA Creators Club for building and distributing games on the Xbox 360 will launch simultaneously around Christmas time. XNA Game Studio Professional will be available in spring 2007.
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August 31st, 2006, 18:40 Posted By: wraggster
Codemasters has unveiled Fall of Liberty (working title) this afternoon, a new FPS for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC that's being developed by Spark Unlimited - responsible for Call of Duty: Finest Hour.
Fall of Liberty shoves players into an alternate reality in which 1950s America has been overrun and occupied by the Nazis. According to Codemasters, the game "Will deliver an explosive action experience in a world where famous real-world locations appear startlingly different under Nazi occupation." So, someone's scribbled a Hitler moustache on the Statue of Liberty and, er, Ronald McDonald goose-steps and executes Nazi salutes? Um, probably best if we give up there...
But, happily, Codemasters is on hand to describe how 1950s America under Nazi occupation actually looks and acts: "In Washington, the Swastika flies from The White House, and in a show of force to end rebellion, a nuclear attack on Manhattan is being planned. The odds are overwhelming, the reality of the situation shocking, but for players, it's time to join the resistance and fight a guerrilla war in the newly occupied territories."
And that's all we have for now, other than that Fall of Liberty is currently pencilled in for a Q4 2007 release. Hopefully we'll get first screenshots soon.
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August 31st, 2006, 18:48 Posted By: wraggster
While it's looking increasingly likely that there won't be enough PS3s to go round when the console launches in November, Microsoft Europe boss Chris Lewis has pledged that there will be "no shortages anywhere in the region over Christmas" for Xbox 360.
The launch of the 360 last year was dogged by widespread unavailability of the system, due to the huge logistical challenges involved with managing a simultaneous global launch - leaving many gamers frustrated and many shopkeepers a bit fed up.
But after a shaky start, Lewis believes Microsoft now has the infrastructure in place to make good on its one-year head-start over bitter rival Sony.
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Lewis's comments came in an interview with Eurogamer TV at last week's Leipzig Games Convention. When asked if he was confident of having enough consoles to meet demand over the peak period, Lewis replied: "Very confident. We were pretty tight after this last Christmas, [but] we tripled production; we put plenty of inventory in the air rather than using the water because it was important to get the stock to the right places at the right time.
"I'm very confident that we have the production capacity to suit our ambitions. And there will be no stock shortages anywhere in the region over this Christmas period, I can assure you of that."
Lewis' confident statements, made alongside a boast that Xbox 360 is the only option for the next 12 months thanks to Microsoft's exclusive deals on FIFA and PES, come at a time when Sony is under mounting pressure to spell out its launch strategy. PS3 made a surprising no-show at last week's German games show - despite having been fully playable at E3 in May.
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August 31st, 2006, 18:54 Posted By: wraggster
Exclusive access to event for consumers
Microsoft Japan will be offering Xbox Live consumers access to demos, trailers and other content from the Tokyo Game Show and Barcelona X06.
A report on Japanese website Famitsu reveals that the promotion will run for the length of the Tokyo event, September 20th – 24th. Barcelona X06 follows on September 27th – 28th.
Japanese consumers will also have access to a free week of Xbox Live Gold membership, during which high-definition content and playable demos will be made available.
Microsoft ran a similar promotion last May for the E3 event, offering consumers access to trailers and playable demos of Capcom’s Lost Planet and Atari’s Test Drive Unlimited.
Microsoft’s plans for European and North American access to TGS content are yet to be announced.
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August 31st, 2006, 19:00 Posted By: wraggster
A Japanese game shop is selling Kameo, PGR 3, FIFA: Road to the World Cup, Madden 06, King Kong, Tiger Woods 06, Need for Speed Underground and NBA Live 06 for the bargain basement price of 500 yen (US $4.27) a pop. Cheapy points out:
This is not evidence of the Xbox 360 failing in Japan! These are the North American versions of the games which won't work on a Japanese 360... That's got to be the cheapest price anywhere new or used.
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August 31st, 2006, 19:10 Posted By: wraggster
Good old Electronic Arts announces to the world today that they have signed a deal to bring 'dynamic' in-game advertising to a selection of their most popular titles. The agreement is with Massive Incorporated, a subsidiary of Microsoft set up with one goal - to further the penetration of adverts into the medium of the video game.
Under the terms of the deal, which will affect only EA's PC and Xbox 360 titles - the first will be Need for Speed Carbon - a portfolio of games will be incoporated into Massive's Video Games Network. Massive will then work with developers of the games and decide between them what they are going to advertise, and where. The idea is that adverts will be placed in areas where people most susceptible to them will find them. This is different to the static roadside adverts you may have seen in recent Need for Speed titles, and is described as 'dynamic' advertising.
How it will manifest itself in-game is anybody's guess. Perhaps if you've been playing a game for four hours, you'll suddenly stumble across messages promoting comfy chairs and tasty burgers. Both parties seem pretty pumped about the deal, with EA's online commerce VP commenting that the feature would be "...not only nice to have, but... an essential component to create the fiction of being there. This agreement with Massive allows us to vary what relevant ads are served to the game player".
Massive head honcho Mitchell Davis had this to add:
"Dynamic advertising opportunities in top EA titles across two platforms represents an unprecedented marketing opportunity for advertisers to target the youth demographic in the most engaging medium."
See? They care about you, kids. They really care.
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August 31st, 2006, 19:26 Posted By: wraggster
The Czech branch of the software maker Microsoft will launch the game console Xbox 360 on the Czech markets on Nov. 3, the company’s general manager Michal Čupa confirmed to CBW, and in the initial phase “two games available in the Czech language.â€
Microsoft said that the level of piracy in the Czech Republic is low enough that Microsoft expects gamers to buy the local language game versions in sufficient numbers to warrant their investment, but declined to comment on the game titles. Polish and Slovak launches are also scheduled in the coming months, Microsoft announced at the Leipzig Game Convention in Germany, from where rumors are circulating that the available game titles will be “Perfect Dark Zero†and “PGR3.â€
“In the first phase we will concentrate on people who already have gaming experience, and the localization of the game isn’t so important for them,†Čupa said, adding that in the second phase the number of games will increase but there is no set minimum or maximum number for games in the Czech language.
“[The number] will depend on the reaction of the market,†he said about the second phase, due to begin a few months after Christmas 2006.
Microsoft’s Czech branch has a “quite exact†sales plan for the launch, but won’t reveal it, and is tight lipped about the price of the Xbox game console, although it has repeatedly said it will be very competitive. Both the core and the premium systems will be available and in other markets retail around for around $300 (Kč 6,620/€ 235) and $400, respectively.
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