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October 1st, 2007, 15:46 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Activision has popped a fresh pack of Guitar Hero II songs onto Xbox Live.
It features tracks from three bands you have probably never heard of: Detonation by Trivium, Ex's and Oh's by Atreyu ("ARTAAAAX!") and Bury the Hatchet by Protest the Hero.
There's a trailer so you can have a listen before you buy. The Indie Label Pack costs 500 points (GBP 4.25 / EUR 5.82).
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October 1st, 2007, 15:49 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Bungie has responded to claims that Halo 3 doesn't run in a high-definition resolution by saying saying it's "practically impossible to discern the difference".
The developer confirmed the lower 1152 x 640 resolution on its website, but went on to clarify that it used two frame buffers to create its final image - an unorthodox technique used to improve dynamic lighting range. Obviously.
"This ability to display a full range of HDR, combined with our advanced lighting, material and postprocessing engine, gives our scenes, large and small, a compelling, convincing and ultimately 'real' feeling, and at a steady and smooth frame rate, which in the end was far more important to us than the ability to display a few extra pixels," reckons Bungie.
"In fact, if you do a comparison shot between the native 1152x640 image and the scaled 1280x720, it's practically impossible to discern the difference. We would ignore it entirely were it not for the Internet's propensity for drama where none exists.
"In fact the reason we haven't mentioned this before in weekly updates, is the simple fact that it would have distracted conversation away from more important aspects of the game, and given tinfoil hats some new gristle to chew on as they catalogued their toenail clippings."
Halo 3 was released last week on 360, smashing sales records and receiving high scores across the board - especially from us, earning the much coveted 10/10.
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October 1st, 2007, 16:02 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Bungie has hidden secret Ninja Gaiden items in Halo 3, and here are the first shots of them in the flesh.
Players who've already put too many hours into Halo 3 are running around wearing a Hayabusa-style helmet with a ninja sword on their backs. And it's causing a storm in the forums...
The sword isn't a usable weapon - so don't get too excited - but it looks cool. And all you have to do to get it is earn all 1000 Achievement Points. So that means you need to locate all the near-impossible-to-find skulls and the helmet is yours too. Easy that!
Maybe this is why we hear loads of people asking other gamers to help them get multiplayer achievement points BY CHEATING? Shame on all of you! Getting the Overkill achievement will happen in its own good time...
A couple of screenshots here
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October 1st, 2007, 17:23 Posted By: wraggster
via XNA Team Blog:
While we're still hard at work on XNA Game Studio 2.0 we've managed to also bring you a new round of content on http://creators.xna.com for the month of September!
Samples
Collision with a Heightmap
This sample demonstrates how to move objects along a heightmap, useful when creating a game that requires interaction between moving objects and terrain. It is based on the Generated Geometry sample, which creates a landscape from a bitmap.
Custom Model Class
This sample shows how to go beyond the limits of the Model class that comes built in to the XNA Framework, loading geometry data into a custom class that can be extended more easily to cope with specialized requirements.
Mesh Instancing
This sample shows how to efficiently render many copies of the same model, using GPU instancing techniques to reduce the cost of repeated draw calls.
Shatter
This sample shows how you can apply an effect on any model in your game to shatter it apart.
Utilities
Curve Editor
This utility provides an easy-to-use visual editor for creating curves for use with the XNA Framework Curve class. The curve control used to display and edit curves inside the editor can also be imported into your own applications.
Input Reporter
This utility displays input data for all controllers connected to the system. The utility supports multiple controller types, including flight sticks, dance pads, and guitars.
Xbox 360 Controller Button Glyphs
This utility is a set of images that represent the buttons, thumbsticks, and triggers on the Xbox 360 Controller.
Articles
Ship Game Article - 3D Collision using the BoxCollider library
This supplemental article introduces the BoxCollider library provided in Ship Game. BoxCollider is a collision detection and response library that features an octree implementation, collision response with friction effects, and prebuilt collision-aware camera classes.
Enjoy the new content and stay tuned to our blog as we'll have more information coming on XNA Game Studio 2.0 very soon!
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October 1st, 2007, 17:25 Posted By: wraggster
via xbox scene
Tmbinc released the initial version of his linux 'gpu' library for Xbox360 on x226.org:
Triangles on the 360, MANY OF THEM - about 40 million per second, or even more if you write clever code. (But this is not a depth of field, just a blurry screenshot 
I finally polished my GPU stuff far enough so I can risk a release. You need to compile your shaders, so you need Tser's shader compiler (which uses part of the windows XNA libraries).
So, without further words: gpu-0.0.3.tar.gz and romextract-0.0.1.tar.gz (to extract the required ucodes from flash). Have fun!
Ok, some further words: I didn't implemented any standard API yet, right now, the functions are on a very low level, directly above the hardware. Just take a look at gpu.c, and try to understand the example code. Then you should be able to do something more.
You might also be interested in xenkit, which is based on gpu, and adds X11 support and some demos.
http://x226.org/?p=38
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October 2nd, 2007, 19:32 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Microsoft has distanced itself from rumours that it will be splitting with Halo developer Bungie, claiming it never said anything of the sort.
"There's been no such announcement," a spokesperson told us. "We continue to celebrate the tremendous success of the global phenomenon that is Halo 3."
The unsubstantiated claim came from a blog linked to the Seattle Post-Intelligence, which heard from an unidentified "friend in the know" that an announcement on the separation was imminent - apparently Bungie is fed up with just making Halo games.
But the holes in the evidence are vast and varied: the author of post that started it all is Jacob Metcalf (enjoying some publicity) who isn't a member of the usually reliable Seattle Post-Intelligence newspaper, which has consistently distanced itself from user-posted information in blogs.
It also takes a leap of faith to believe that the relationship between Bungie and Microsoft is as bad as this rumour suggests, what with Halo 3 breaking all sorts of records and receiving wide critical acclaim. MS is also the owner of the developer, so a split isn't as easy as it sounds.
Fishy, though, is a reluctance for both Bungie and Microsoft to officially rebuke the rumours and state outright that it isn't true.
We will let you know more when we do.
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October 2nd, 2007, 19:33 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
World in Conflict won't be coming to Xbox 360 until next year, Sierra Entertainment revealed today.
The acclaimed real-time strategy port was previously expected sometime later this Autumn, but has been held back for unspecified reasons.
Internal studio Swordfish is creating the console game, under close supervision from PC developer Massive Entertainment. Among the changes will be remapped controls to fit the pad, as well as a new HUD better suited to couch-based commanders.
World in Conflict was released on PC on September 19th, and received a glowing account from us for its stunning take on the RTS genre and lavish production values.
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October 2nd, 2007, 19:35 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Customers picking up a special edition Halo 3 consoles have reported seeing the new 65nm "Falcon" processors inside.
These cheaper and smaller CPUs use less power, leading to suggestions that units using them will require less cooling as well as be quieter and more reliable.
However, we're still waiting for confirmation from Microsoft that it is the Falcon processors people are seeing, and if so, which consoles feature them.
The unconfirmed word is that 360s sporting them were build on 24th August this year by Canadian outfit "FDOU". Apparently if the barcode sticker on your box shows a lot number of 734 or greater, then you could be in luck.
Or you can get hands-on and try to look through the bottom of your console at your heatsink. Falcon CPUs have no heatpipe, supposedly, so you won't see a coppery pipe if you have one. You can even whip your heatsink off and check to see if your CPU was made in Canada, if you like.
Even if Falcon chips are being put into new consoles, there is still considerable debate as to the actual effect they will have on the performance of the system. It is worth pointing out that many of the overheating problems leading to the infamous red rings of death are caused by the GPU, and not the CPU.
For more debate and a look at the pictures in question, head over to the official Xbox forum thread.
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October 2nd, 2007, 19:37 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
KOEI sends word that a demo of its historical slasher Bladestorm: The Hundred Years' war will hit Xbox Live and PlayStation Network this Thursday, ahead of its retail release in November.
In case you missed it, the generically-titled action game tells the tale of the 14th century conflict over the English succession to the French throne. Epic battles are promised, including appearances from historical celebs like Joan of Arc and Prince Edward. No Jodie Marsh, though.
Supposedly it's quite good as well; PSW mag has given it a hearty 8/10.
Screenshots here
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October 2nd, 2007, 19:38 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Microsoft has said Tetris Splash will be tomorrow's Live Arcade offering, and will cost 800 of your hard-earned points (GBP 6.80 / EUR 9.30).
It's a variation on the classic puzzle theme, one that has six-player free-for-all and team matches over Live. Or you can play on your own and mix things up with new T-Spin and Combo modes.
As with all the other retro revamps on Live Arcade, Tetris Splash will have polished-up graphics, leaderboards and 12 achievements to unlock (netting you 200 Gamerpoints if you can get them all).
You'll also be able to download "exciting" themes for your dashboard and "unprecedented" background aquatic creatures.
So, a touch expensive, but probably predictably addictive. Expect our thoughts on it soon.
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October 2nd, 2007, 19:42 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
With Halo 3 finally out of the way, Microsoft's mammoth PR machine can finally focus on its next big gun Mass Effect, starting with this new character bio.
Nihlus Kryik, one of the Citadel Council's most decorated Spectre agents, reads Microsoft's blurb, has unquestionable skills but is a bit of a hot head. A confidant of Saren, the main villain in Mass Effect, Nihlus has apparently learned a trick or two from the old master.
"Eventually, he stepped out of his mentor's shadow and established himself as one of the Council's top agents," the bio continues. "Since then, Nihlus has completed countless missions as a Spectre, each one more difficult and dangerous than the last.
"Though his methods aren't as brutal as Saren's, he will not hesitate to efficiently and thoroughly eradicate anything or anyone that stands in his way."
Screenshots here
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October 2nd, 2007, 19:46 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
latest round of Xbox Live stat crunching from Major Nelson reveals that Halo 3 has already topped to "Live Activity" rank listing for the week beginning September 24.
"The King has returned. Go Halo 3!", one commentator on Nelson's blog was moved to shout.
Bungie's sequel released last week and the only way to avoid bumping into it was to shove yourself into cryogenic freeze.
Halo 3's swift ascension to the throne means previous king Gears of War has been knocked down to second place in the Live Activity ranks, followed by Rainbow Six: Vegas, Madden NFL 08 and the CoD 4 beta.
Guitar Hero II, BioShock, Forza Motorsport 2, Call Of Duty 3 and Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 (Demo) lie in the bottom half of the top ten.
Major Nelson's list in numbered form is here, for those of you that like that sort of thing.
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October 2nd, 2007, 19:57 Posted By: Elven6
Weekly hardware purchases double; console outsells Wii for first time in 26 weeks (in the uk)
The release of Halo 3 has had a dramatic impact on sales of Xbox 360 hardware, doubling the previous week’s sales to the highest level of 2007.
According to ChartTrack, the system even managed to outsell Nintendo’s Wii for the first time in 26 weeks – a full half year.
Some 68 per cent of Xbox 360 software sales in the week were of Halo 3.
The release pushed overall software sales of Microsoft’s format to its highest sales week ever – comfortably beating the previous best of week 51, 2006.
Via MCVUK.com
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October 2nd, 2007, 21:03 Posted By: wraggster
via xboxscene
Since we have an exploit in the hypervisor (kernel 4532 and 4548) and recently found a way to downgrade to these kernels, some hackers over at the XBH forums are working on a way to boot homebrew code on the Xbox360. Linux was already done via the linux bootloader, but for homebrew we'll need another bootloader obviously that will allow to boot 'unsigned' xbox 360 code.
From Arnezami on XBH:
For the last 4-5 weeks I have been working very hard to reboot the xbox into an unsigned kernel/hv. And I've been making quite some progress. Smiley
I am now capable (using the KK exploit as starting point) to reboot from the moment the CB section starts the CD section up to POST 0x6C (!) in the boot process. Meaning that all three cores are running in an unsigned kernel/hv at that point.
What I'm doing is loading the CD section back into memory (where it would normally be during boot) and restart it. This CD section is changed to contain a kernel/hv patcher (which I now use to debug the kernel startup). So in fact I can already change the kernel/hv at will
The difficulty has been (and still is) to restore the xbox into a state it was during boot. Most of the cpu/mmu related stuff have been restored now and thats why it already goes that deeply into the boot process. But some problems still remain (possibly interrupt/southbridge related). I'm still working on those. I'm also thinking of modifying what I've created into a more replicatable and managable form so others can take a look at some of these issues too (to speed up the progress).
Anyway. If we are successful in re-booting into a (patched) kernel it should also be possible to re-boot into any kernel (including the new ones). If we can do that we can (for example) avoid the whole fuse-burning dilemma (essentially by faking it). For that we would probably also need a second NAND (or some other storage device like a memory card) to store the new kernel/dash/kv/settings etc but thats something to discuss later on.
Back to work...
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October 2nd, 2007, 22:06 Posted By: wraggster
New from Mr Modchips UK
Complete Power and Charging System for Xbox 360 Wireless Controllers.
The Power Combo 360 includes:
- Charge Station 360 - dual port rapid battery charger
- 2 NiMH rechargeable batteries
- Power Kit 360 - play and charge cable with 11 foot (3.2m) cord
Features
• Up to 25 hours of play time on each battery
• Play and charge your wireless controllers simultaneously
• Charge 2 controller batteries in 4 hours
• Everything you need to keep your controllers charged at all times
• Eliminates the need for costly AA batteries
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October 2nd, 2007, 22:09 Posted By: wraggster
New from Mr Modchips UK
The aurora vent lighting system creates more than one illusion: first, that your Xbox is emitting an unearthly glow, but also that you took a lot of time to create a custom LED array for your Xbox vent lights. Instead, this product snaps into the custom LED holders included with the product, and plugs into the onboard power without any soldering.
Can be installed on the case bottom or top (for underglow or vent glow)
Clear or Black PCB holders that snap into the vent holes of your Xbox 360 PCBs are self adhesive and non conductive when used as underglow.
Kit Includes:
2 LED PCBs, custom sized for the Xbox 360 (1 short, 1 long)
1 Energizer Y cable (for using onboard power)
Black PCB Holders (for black cases)
Clear PCB Holders (for clear or OEM cases)
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October 2nd, 2007, 23:07 Posted By: Shrygue
via Gizmodo
Lending a little more credence to all the Zune launch rumors we heard yesterday, the FCC just leaked out some sketches and specs for the flash Zune. It's not even a mystery Toshiba like last time—these 4GB and 8GB mini-Zunes even have the Zune symbol on board. It looks exactly like the display model we saw, down to the circular/square keypad and the play and skip buttons that are moved up. Along with these flash-based players, there's also a charger and what looks like an FM adapter. Looks like it's going to be a war between the skinny long Zune and the fat, wide iPod nanos.
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October 3rd, 2007, 00:38 Posted By: wraggster
Released today at Play Asia
features
Dynamic weather system: Now racing through a track can mean facing an unexpected rain storm or snow flurries in the middle of a race. This results in changing physics when powering around a corner on the wet or icy surface in Shanghai and St. Petersburg or any of the game’s 10 other locations.
Flair and driving style: Pass your opponent at full speed as you pump your fists and exhibit more emotion as you earn recognition with the revised Kudos system. The Kudos will be worthwhile too, because the new A.I. personalities will be able to perform bold new driving maneuvers as they race side by side with other drivers.
Iconic cars: New vehicles are lined up and ready to be driven, including the 2004 TVR Sagaris, 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray, 2005 Vanwall GPR V12, 1993 Toyota Supra Turbo, 2005 Gumpert Apollo, 1997 Panoz GTR-1 Coupe, 2006 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, and 1957 Maserati 250F.
description
Right from the starting line, Project Gotham Racing® 4 creates an emotionally-charged racing experience, where you become attached to your careers, profiles, and vehicles. There are several new features that embody this emotional experience, the most significant being the new career mode.
Get ready to be rewarded with a growing fanbase that cheers you on, reacts to your every move, and supports you through victory. Just imagine hearing the roar of the crowd as you cross the finish line with your own style and flair.
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October 3rd, 2007, 02:22 Posted By: wraggster
Released today at Play Asia
features
Epic story: The thrilling conclusion to the epic Halo trilogy.
Next-gen advantage: Taking full advantage of the power of Xbox 360â„¢, Halo 3 expands on everything that has made the Halo franchise great, adding a wealth of technical and gameplay advancements.
Evolution of design: Next-generation high-definition visuals, enhanced A.I., an advanced real-time lighting engine, and new weapons, characters, and challenges are just a few examples of Halo 3's evolution of design and technology.
Unparalleled experience: Ultimately, these improvements provide gamers with an unparalleled experience and, in the end, tell an even more compelling and engrossing story.
Online multiplayer: The most complete online multiplayer experience ever conceived.
Only on Xbox 360.
description
The epic saga continues with Halo® 3, the hugely anticipated third chapter in the highly successful and critically acclaimed Halo franchise. Master Chief returns to finish the fight, bringing the epic conflict between the Covenant, the Flood, and the entire human race to a dramatic, pulse-pounding climax.
Halo 3 represents the third chapter in the Halo trilogy—an international award-winning action series that grew into a global entertainment phenomenon, selling more than 14.5 million units worldwide, logging more than 650 million hours of multiplayer action on Xbox LIVE®, and spawning action figures, books, a graphic novel, apparel, an upcoming film adaptation, and more.
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October 3rd, 2007, 07:27 Posted By: wraggster
Released today at Play Asia
The epic saga continues with Halo® 3, the hugely anticipated third chapter in the highly successful and critically acclaimed Halo franchise. Master Chief returns to finish the fight, bringing the epic conflict between the Covenant, the Flood, and the entire human race to a dramatic, pulse-pounding climax.
Halo 3 represents the third chapter in the Halo trilogy—an international award-winning action series that grew into a global entertainment phenomenon, selling more than 14.5 million units worldwide, logging more than 650 million hours of multiplayer action on Xbox LIVE®, and spawning action figures, books, a graphic novel, apparel, an upcoming film adaptation, and more.
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October 3rd, 2007, 07:28 Posted By: wraggster
Released today at Play Asia
features
Halo 3 themed artwork from renowned artist Todd McFarlane
Two different themes: Spartan with Master Chief, or Covenant Brute
Limited edition exclusive Halo 3 figurine comes with the controller
High-quality, scratch and wear-resistant controller surface
Award-winning 2.4 GHz RF technology provides a range of up to 30 feet
Integrated headset port for Xbox LIVE® play
Adjustable vibration feedback for longer battery life
Hook up to four Wireless Controllers and four Wireless Headsets simultaneously per Xbox 360 console
Available for only a limited time
description
Play Halo® 3 Like You Mean It. Really get into the game with this Limited Edition Halo 3 Wireless Controller. There are two different controllers available, both showcasing stunning original artwork from comic book master Todd McFarlane. Go for the Spartan theme featuring Master Chief, or the Covenant Brute featuring a Brute Chief. This controller comes with an exclusive collectible Halo 3 figurine from McFarlane Toys, and the controller is only available for a limited time. Hook it up with the Limited Edition Halo 3 Wireless Headset and make Master Chief proud.
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October 3rd, 2007, 07:30 Posted By: wraggster
Released today at Play Asia
This limited release of Halo 3 will come with a highly collectible Spartan helmet case with 2 bonus discs full of exclusive content.
First Disc:
Contains the main game.
Bonus Disc:
Exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and videos, including a high-def "Making of Halo 3" documentary, exclusive gamer pics and dashboard themes, a vast gallery of concept and production art and a fully playable classic "Halo"-themed mini-game.
Legendary Edition Disc:
Exclusive storyboard art collection from Halo 3's cinematics, Halo cinematics reloaded containing remastered, high-def versions of Halo and Halo 2 cinematics with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound plus commentary. Expanded digital bestarium guide to creatures, cultures and worlds of Halo 3. The Cortana Chronicles, a video hosted by Jen Taylor, and all new exclusive machinima from "Red vs. Blue" and "This Spartan Life".
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October 3rd, 2007, 07:32 Posted By: wraggster
Released today at Play Asia
features
Halo 3 themed artwork from renowned artist Todd McFarlane
Two different themes: Spartan with Master Chief, or Covenant Brute
Limited edition exclusive Halo 3 figurine comes with the controller
High-quality, scratch and wear-resistant controller surface
Award-winning 2.4 GHz RF technology provides a range of up to 30 feet
Integrated headset port for Xbox LIVE® play
Adjustable vibration feedback for longer battery life
Hook up to four Wireless Controllers and four Wireless Headsets simultaneously per Xbox 360 console
Available for only a limited time
description
Play Halo® 3 Like You Mean It. Really get into the game with this Limited Edition Halo 3 Wireless Controller. There are two different controllers available, both showcasing stunning original artwork from comic book master Todd McFarlane. Go for the Spartan theme featuring Master Chief, or the Covenant Brute featuring a Brute Chief. This controller comes with an exclusive collectible Halo 3 figurine from McFarlane Toys, and the controller is only available for a limited time. Hook it up with the Limited Edition Halo 3 Wireless Headset and make Master Chief proud.
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October 3rd, 2007, 07:33 Posted By: wraggster
Released today at Play Asia
features
Limited edition graphics with a Halo 3 logo and color scheme
Enhanced audio and voice quality over Xbox LIVE®
Up to eight hours of battery life with a built in rechargeable battery and charging cable
Removable ear grips with two size options for maximum comfort and stability
Communicate wirelessly with a range of up to 30 feet
Hook up to four Wireless Controllers and four Wireless Headsets simultaneously per Xbox 360 console
Available for only a limited time
description
Be Master Chief. Now you can practically be Master Chief with the Xbox 360™ Limited Edition Halo® 3 Wireless Headset. For the Halo® fanatic who is looking for an untethered and immersive gaming experience, the ergonomically designed wireless headset sports a Halo 3 logo with a visor gold power button, all in Master Chief green. The Xbox 360 Limited Edition Halo 3 Wireless Headset is only available for a limited time and can be paired up with the Xbox 360 Limited Edition Wireless Controller for the ultimate Halo 3 gaming experience. The headset utilizes the same 2.4 GHz radio technology employed by the award-winning Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Experience unparalleled clarity and performance without wires to tie you down. Take command wirelessly, and show the world your gaming loyalty with the Limited Edition Halo 3 Wireless Headset.
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October 3rd, 2007, 07:35 Posted By: wraggster
Released today at Play Asia
Choose your car, grab the wheel, and send Mattel's miniature machines come racing into your Xbox with Hot Wheels: Beat That! Players can choose from 30 awesome cars authentically modeled from the design specs of official Hot Wheels car models as they compete against friends or the computer AI on an assortment of tracks that run through bedrooms, backyards, and similar neighborhood settings. Each course offers multiple loops, drop-offs, ramps, and jumps, as players race across multiple laps in a variety of life-sized environments to make it first across the finish line!
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October 3rd, 2007, 07:36 Posted By: wraggster
Released today at Play Asia
Now is your chance to prove you have what it takes to go all in! The ultimate World Series of Poker rival, Phil ''The Brat'' Hellmuth, is out there just waiting to be beaten. But first, you have to build the bankroll and the skills to take him down. Start off with the early tournaments and work your way up, competing against some of poker's greats, including Johnny and Chan. Join the likes of Chris ''Jesus'' Ferguson, Mike ''The Mouth'' Matusow, Greg Raymer, Annie Duke, Phil ''Unabomber'' Laak, Humberto Brenes, and Marcel ''The Flying Dutchman'' Luske. Go for the bracelet and the $10,000 top prize!
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October 3rd, 2007, 07:38 Posted By: wraggster
Released today at Play Asia
features
One wire for both digital audio and video
Experience high-definition movies and games at up to 1080p resolution
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound output
Optical/RCA Audio adapter included for non-HDMI supported stereo systems
Plenty of room with the 6.5 foot (2 meter) long shielded cable
description
Unleash the digital high-definition capabilities of Xbox 360â„¢ with the Xbox 360 HDMI Cable. Experience digital high definition of your video and audio all in one cable. Enjoy movies and games at up to 1080p resolution, and superior audio via the Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound output.
Utilize the Optical/RCA Audio adapter for enhanced sound in non-HDMI supported stereo systems. Feel confident connecting your console to high-definition equipment with the quality you expect from an authentic Xbox® product.
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October 3rd, 2007, 19:54 Posted By: wraggster
via engadget
We love a good non-mystery around here, and Microsoft's new Zunes are about as un-mysterious as they get. But we also love a good product refresh, and now that the cat's officially out of the bag we can really dig into the new Zunes, which definitely have a lot going for them. There's plenty to cover, so here's what you need to know.
Hard drive Zunes
It's called the Zune 80 and, shockingly enough, it has 80GB of storage.
Uses the new Zune Pad -- four way touch-sensitive d-pad (with up, down, left, and right buttons).
It will sell for $250 (with "premium" headphones).
Available only in black (to start).
Screen size has increased to 3.2-inches (from 3-inches). As far as we know the resolution is still QVGA.
Dimensions are 61.1 x 108.2 x 12.9mm (2.4 x 4.25 x 0.5-inches), some 1/3rd smaller than the classic Zune.
The classic Zune will now be known as the Zune 30 -- it's not going anywhere. More on that in a sec.
New flash Zunes
Zune 8 and Zune 4 are the names for the 8 and 4GB flash based models.
Also uses the Zune Pad.
These will sell for $200 and $150 respectively.
Both will be available in pink, green, black, and red.
It will feature a 1.8-inch screen (compare to the nano's 2-inch screen).
Dimensions are 41.4 x 91.5 x 8.5mm (1.6 x 3.6 x 0.33-inches) -- compare to the new iPod nano, at 69.8 x 52.3 x 6.5mm (2.75 x 2.0 x 0.26-inches).
Everything else
New Zunes ship in November, date not yet announced.
All Zunes (including the Zune 30) will have a new, redesigned interface and feature parity. In other words, early Zune 30 adopters will have all the same software features as new Zune 80, 8, and 4 users.
Additional native video codecs for h.264 and MPEG-4 -- users no longer need transcode those file types to WMV.
Zune can FINALLY sync video from your Media Center PC! Jeez, took you friggin long enough, guys!
WiFi sync to host computer! Includes moving over music, movies, photos, podcasts, etc.
Podcast support! (Sorry, no over the air downloads -- sync only.) Podcasts can also be shared via WiFi.
The 3x3 song sharing DRM has had its three day restriction removed, but users can still only play files three times.
There is still NO wireless music store.
The Zune software is all new and rewritten, and is supposed to actually be more than a rebadge of WMP10 now. Friggin finally.
The Zune music store is going DRM-free, with over 1m MP3 tracks being made available for download. Other details (like which labels, whether there is a DRM-free upgrade path is for users who've bought music with DRM, price differences, etc.) are not yet revealed.
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October 3rd, 2007, 20:22 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
There's just nine days to go until Project Gotham Racing 4 emerges from the garage of Eurogamer's favourite Scousers, Bizarre Creations. In case you missed it, the Xbox 360-exclusive racer just scored a mighty 9 out of 10 in Tom's review. And to celebrate, Eurogamer TV is showcasing direct-feed footage of Mr. Bramwell's crazy skills in action.
The track in question is Instituto Politecnico, and despite dense fog, Tom hauled his supercar around for a flawless race. All of which he then saved and uploaded to Xbox Live using the nifty On Demand feature. The big show-off. Realistic weather effects, of course, are a major new feature of this second outing of the Gotham series on 360.
And there will be more gorgeous Gothamness elsewhere in the Eurogamer empire this week, with Eurogamer.de hosting a video of a flashy race around central London, while Eurogamer.fr takes a m0t0rb1k3 - all-new to PGR4, of course - for a spin around Shanghai.
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October 3rd, 2007, 20:31 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
Retailers in the US are taking pre-orders for a new Xbox 360 Arcade bundle, due for release later this month.
The Arcade bundle consists of a Core unit, a memory card, wireless controller and five Xbox Live arcade titles including Pac-Man Championship Edition and Uno.
Toys R Us and Amazon.com both have the deal listed, with a price of USD 279.99 – the current asking price for the Core unit.
In the US, leading retailer GameStop has removed listings for the Xbox 360 Core, leading to suggestions that this new Arcade bundle will replace the existing USD 279.99 SKU.
Microsoft was not available for comment at the time of writing.
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October 3rd, 2007, 20:34 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
What started as a dodgy internet rumour is starting look more and more legit; reports are steaming in from various publications backing what we heard yesterday, that Halo developer Bungie is splitting from its parent company Microsoft Game Studios.
8BitJoystick's original source - who doesn't work at Bungie but "knows" someone who does - said that Microsoft has agreed to allow Bungie to become an independent studio, but MS will keep the rights to its cash cow Halo franchise. The source claimed that the split stems from increased friction during the rush to release Halo 3.
Since then other sources tapped up by Team Xbox ("It is more complex than simply Bungie leaving Microsoft or Microsoft letting Bungie go," it claims) and Game Informer (Bungie is "tired of Making Halo, and didn't want to do future Halo games," says its source) have added to the speculation.
The latter report goes on to claim that as well as keeping the rights to the Halo franchise, Microsoft also has "the right of first refusal on future games", which means MS has the first shot at publishing Bungie's future titles.
Perhaps it isn't just a dodgy rumour then? With all the carnage spreading across the internet, an official announcement either way can't be far off.
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October 3rd, 2007, 20:50 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
The boss of Buzz! developer Relentless Software says he's flattered by the controller accompanying Microsoft's Scene It? Xbox 360 quiz game, which bears a remarkable resemblance to Buzz!'s own big-button peripheral.
"It would be easy for me to poke fun of the similarities, so I won't. What's interesting is that when we first talked about Buzz! people didn't understand why we wouldn't just use the PlayStation controller and saw little value in a bespoke peripheral", David Amor told CVG in the latest instalment in our Creative Minds series when queried about the Scene It? controller.
Quiz series Buzz! has become a multi-million selling franchise on the PS2 platform, and Microsoft is obviously hoping to nab some of the market share with Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action on Xbox 360.
Amor went on to say that since the success of Buzz!, the value of the bespoke controller has been recognised.
"...there are lots of subtle tricks we've learnt to use in the games that make them so playable - it looks very straightforward but you'd be surprised at the things that do and don't work", he explained.
"There's more to it than meets the eye. We've had to 'unlearn' a lot of lessons that are employed in more 'hardcore' games."
Our full interview with David Amor will be hitting the site later this afternoon.
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October 3rd, 2007, 20:51 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Activision has ramped up the number of tracks shipping with Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock to 59 with the announcement of 17 new tunes.
- The new tracks are:
- Same Old Song and Dance (by Aerosmith)
- Helicopter (by Bloc Party)
- Stricken (by Disturbed)
- Monsters (by Matchbook Romance)
- Before I Forget (by Slipknot)
- Kool Thing (by Sonic Youth)
- When You Were Young (by The Killers)
- Devil Went Down to Georgia (as made famous by Charlie Daniels Band)
- Sunshine of Your Love (as made famous by Cream)
- Holiday in Cambodia (as made famous by Dead Kennedys)
- Cliffs of Dover (as made famous by Eric Johnson)
- Hit Me with Your Best Shot (as made famous by Pat Benetar)
- Black Magic Woman (as made famous by Santana)
- Story of My Life (as made famous by Social Distortion)
- Pride and Joy (as made famous by Stevie Ray Vaughn)
- The Seeker (as made famous by The Who)
- Black Sunshine (as made famous by White Zombie)
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October 3rd, 2007, 21:37 Posted By: wraggster
Gamasutra reports on hints from around the internet adding up to a new sku for the Xbox 360. The new box, the 'Xbox 360 Arcade' pack, is essentially a core pack with an emphasis on Xbox Live Arcade titles, for a low price.
"Now, a new listing on Amazon, and a separate page at on Toys "R" Us' retail site that has been consequently removed, indicate an October 25th release date and $279.99 price point. The package shot shown at Toys "R" Us prominently features the five-game Xbox Live Arcade pack-in, with icons for Pac-Man and UNO lending more credence to the Ars Technica rumors. Microsoft has yet to confirm any details of the new model, nor has the company officially declared that the Core model - which originally was marketed with no hard drive, external storage, or HDMI output at the same $279.99 price - has been discontinued."
http://games.slashdot.org/article.pl...7/10/03/182217
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October 3rd, 2007, 21:42 Posted By: wraggster
Released today at Play Asia
When the game is on the line and the ball is in your hands, what will you do? Will you penetrate, drive the lane and rise above the rim for a monster dunk, or find an opening on the perimeter and sink a game-winning three? Take control of the game with a full arsenal to win the one-on-one match-up from every spot on the floor with NBA LIVE 08.
Providing an unrivaled level of authenticity to the sport, NBA LIVE 08 introduces hot spots, where real NBA shot data is used to illuminate the locations on the floor where your players are most effective. Couple this with all-new signature go-to Moves that capture the essence of the NBA's best, and you can now play the game on a console like you see it from the stands.
Pass the ball inside and rule down low with 'own the paint' post play. String together combos of fakes and shots to fool your defender into committing and create space for the game-defining bucket.
On the perimeter, in the paint, and with unparalleled depth, dominate with your go-to move with NBA LIVE 08.
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October 3rd, 2007, 21:50 Posted By: wraggster
Released today at Play Asia
description
More Crime-Solving Action
Break down the evidence and bring suspects to justice in five all-new, bizarre crimes. Unravel longer cases, search bigger crime scenes and uncover hidden evidence in unique locations like never before.
Go Deeper into the Evidence
Master new forensic tools and find more evidence than ever. Use the new Garage Lab to examine large pieces of evidence like cars and trucks. Recreate gunfights with ballistic lasers, uncover shocking secrets with video analysis, and much more.
The Ultimate CSI Experience
Experience your very own CSI episodes as you piece together clues with the real CSI actors. Take part in dramatic interrogations, create grisly crime reenactments and explore atmospheric crime scenes inspired by the show.
Now on Next-Gen Consoles
For the first time CSI fans will be able to play on the Xbox 360â„¢ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the Wiiâ„¢ home video game system from Nintendo. Use the Wii Remoteâ„¢ to navigate through a crime scene or experience cinematic-style graphics on the Xbox 360. The user interface has been completely redone with a console audience in mind so that it is more user-friendly and more like the show than ever.
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October 3rd, 2007, 21:51 Posted By: Shrygue
via MCV
After a prolonged period of uncertainty concerning possible format exclusivity, Gamespot reports that Namco Bandai will release both Ace Combat 6 and Beautiful Katamari exclusively on Xbox 360 later this month in North America.
Both are titles that, bar for one outing on Game Boy Advance for Ace Combat, were formerly PlayStation exclusives.
Quirky roll-‘em-up Beautiful Katamari will be released in the US on October 16th at a budget price of $39.99, whilst Ace Combat will arrive a week later on October 23rd.
No news on any European release dates have yet emerged, though it had been suggested at one point that Beautiful Katamari could end up being a download only title.
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October 4th, 2007, 19:01 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
Microsoft has revealed that global sales of Halo 3 have reached over USD 300 million [£147m] in its first week of release.
And the company claims that according to retail sources, sales of Xbox 360 hardware have more than doubled compared with the weekly average.
"Halo is truly a cultural phenomenon, and the launch of Halo 3 is an important milestone for Xbox 360 and for videogames as entertainment and as an art form," commented Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft.
"Halo 3 embodies our vision for the future of entertainment, where some of the world's greatest creative minds will deliver a new generation of interactive storytelling," he said.
Microsoft stats reveal that more than 2.7 million people have played Halo 3 over Xbox Live in the past week, with the first day of release seeing a total of 3.6 million hours of online play, increasing to 40 million hours by the end of the first week.
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October 4th, 2007, 19:11 Posted By: wraggster
This project will help you change a cheap wireless router into a wireless receiver for your Xbox 360. The total cost of this project can be as low as twenty or thirty dollars, compared to the one hundred dollars Microsoft wants for their little wireless dongle.
This tutorial assumes you already have a wireless router to send out wireless access to the Xbox 360.
Parts Needed:
* Xbox 360, any version
* Three Feet or more of Cat 5e Cable (Ethernet Cable)
* Wireless Router
* DD-WRT firmware
http://www.geeksaresexy.net/2007/10/...your-xbox-360/
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October 4th, 2007, 19:12 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Microsoft and BioWare have opened up the Mass Effect Limited Collector's Edition box to show us all what's inside.
First out is an essential guide to the universe known as a Galactic Codex. In here you will find all sorts of details about aliens and places you should visit as you save humanity. You can get a taste of what to expect on the Galactic Codex part of the official site.
Next to be wrestled from the box of memorabilia is an art book made up of concept sketches of the future, which have helped BioWare piece together a convincing sci-fi world. Some will be good, others may have been drawn by me.
And last but not least is obligatory DVD featuring videos focusing on storytelling, art, and general behind the scenes bits and pieces.
It's enough to make you want to wipe out all organic life in the galaxy every 50,000 years, which, coincidentally, is exactly what you're trying to prevent in the game.
You can find out much more about this hotly awaited role-playing game in our Mass Effect gamepage - like an interview with BioWare boss Greg Zeschuck, or over on the official website.
Failing that, you can always phone me up and ask.
Mass Effect will be released exclusively for Xbox 360 on 23rd November.
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October 4th, 2007, 19:15 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Jeff Minter has said he is currently working on redesigning PC scrolling-shooter Gridrunner++ for Live Arcade.
It will be a "much more involved game" than the previous version, according to his blog, and feature sparkly new graphics and new three dimensional shapes.
Gridrunner++ is a, yes, psychedelic shooter where you control a little spaceship with your mouse. It continually fires vertically as you scroll through different levels, where you have to blow up nasties using various collected power-ups.
Minter already has it working on the 360 pad, and is currently ironing out gameplay details before he works on the pretty side of things.
Until then, you can head over to his Llamasoft site to download the demo of Gridrunner++ for a taste of what to expect. Or you can pop over to his Stinkygoat livejournal to keep up to date with how the animals on his farm are doing or how fancy his new iPod Touch is.
Jeff Minter and Llamasoft recently released Space Giraffe on Live Arcade, which received a mixed bag of reviews for its often over-crowded scenery - causing simple people like me to wonder what on Earth had just killed me.
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October 4th, 2007, 21:34 Posted By: Shrygue
via IGN
A demo version of Bee Movie Game, the new movie tie-in title from Activision, is now available for download on the Xbox Live Marketplace.
Based on the Dreamworks animated film of the same name, the interactive incarnation of Bee Movie is an action-adventure game in which you navigate Barry B. Benson through the streets of Manhattan and other scenes from the movie in a mission to save the bees' honey production.
Bee Movie Game will be available this fall for the Xbox 360, PlayStation2, PC, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS.
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October 5th, 2007, 19:03 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
Bungie is to become an independent company again, Microsoft confirmed today.
The platform holder said it will retain an equity interest in the Kirkland, Washington-based developer.
It will also continue to publish games based on the Microsoft-owned Halo IP and other future properties developed by Bungie.
Shane Kim, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios, said the company was "supporting Bungie's desire to return to its independent roots".
However, he added, Microsoft "will continue to invest in our Halo entertainment property with Bungie and other partners, such as Peter Jackson, on a new interactive series set in the Halo universe".
"We look forward to great success with Bungie as our long-term relationship continues to evolve through Halo-related titles and new IP created by Bungie," he added.
Bungie studio head Harold Ryan described the move as "an exciting evolution" of the relationship with Microsoft.
"We will continue to develop with our primary focus on Microsoft’s platforms; we greatly value our mutually prosperous relationship with our publisher, Microsoft Game Studios, and we look forward to continuing that affiliation through Halo and beyond," he said.
Bungie's most recent game, Halo 3, achieved USD 300 million in sales in its first week, Microsoft said yesterday.
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October 5th, 2007, 19:23 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Activision has told us that persistent Call of Duty 4 fans from the UK have forced the publisher to release a special edition box here - just like we forced it to do a Beta Test here.
And boy oh boy has it got some treats in it. Best of which is clearly the two-and-a-half hours of SAS footage that details the elite soldiers' history from their formation in the Second World War up to modern day conflicts.
There's also less interesting stuff like a "Making of" documentary and level walkthrough by developer Infinity Ward, plus an absolutely spiffing hardcover art book with lots of lovely concept pictures from the game - most you probably have never seen before.
You PC owners will have to download your guide from BradyGames on the Internet, but otherwise everything will be the same.
The special edition featuring an SAS DVD made by actual real soldiers with guns will go on sale alongside the normal game on 9th November. Prices are bombing baddies at around the GBP 39.99 mark for PC and GBP 49.99 for 360.
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October 5th, 2007, 20:39 Posted By: wraggster
Scott Guthrie announced yesterday that Microsoft will be releasing the source code for the .NET Base CLass Libraries, Windows Forms, ADO.NET, XML, and WPF in the near future to enable easier debugging support. This is excellent news and will surely be a timesaver for many developers.
Now, before you ask: The XNA team has no current plans to release source code for the XNA Framework or other proprietary tools and runtimes. That doesn't mean it can't happen in the future (never say "Never"  ), but it's not on the table right now.
http://letskilldave.com/archive/2007...-released.aspx
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October 5th, 2007, 20:42 Posted By: wraggster
Speaking to news agency Reuters, Allard was asked what the outlook was for Zune and games, to which he was generally dismissive, saying; "Thus far, the market really hasn't proven out that it is a great scenario. Customer satisfaction with what has been done isn't that high."
"I love games and maybe for someone with a 40-minute commute, it might be an interesting scenario," said Allard. Expanding on his comments of negative customers satisfaction he added: "The other challenge is with the platform. The games that you bought in your fifth generation don't run with your sixth generation. ... The rate of innovation, turnover, and variety of form factors makes it a tricky proposition.
"That said, we have a lot of flexibility and a lot of magical software," continued Allard. "What we've done with XNA is an incredibly portable environment designed to abstract some of the hardware differences. We'll see where that takes us. We're always thinking, but the Zune isn't playing Halo 3 anytime soon."
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/new...hp?story=15742
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October 7th, 2007, 20:45 Posted By: wraggster
Lite-On IT, the largest Taiwan-based maker of optical disc drives (ODDs), has received additional OEM orders for internal DVD-ROM drives for use in Xbox 360 consoles from Microsoft and consequently has given top priority to Microsoft's orders in allocating its total production capacity, according to sources from the ODD components industry in Taiwan.
To meet Microsoft's urgent demand, Lite-On IT has allocated production capacity solely for turning out one million Xbox 360 DVD-ROM drives a month, the sources pointed out. But the capacity is still not enough, and thus Lite-On IT has dedicated additional capacity, the sources indicated.
Lite-On IT is the third OEM maker of Xbox 360 DVD-ROM drives having started shipments in June-July with an initial monthly volume of 300,000-500,000 drives, the sources said. Shipments in September were already likely close to one million drives, not including the additional orders, the sources indicated.
Microsoft has also placed additional orders with Wistron, a Taiwan-based assembly maker of Xbox 360 consoles, the sources indicated.
http://www.digitimes.com/systems/a20071004PD216.html
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October 7th, 2007, 20:45 Posted By: wraggster
IGN has the scoop on the status on the Halo movie project. Neill Blomkamp, the director attached to the project, provided an update on the big screen debut of Master Chief:
"The film is entirely dead. In the configuration it was in. Whatever happens with that movie, assuming that movie gets made, will be a totally different configuration," Blomkamp informed Creativity-Online.com. "It's not so much me as the entire vessel sank. Basically, it was a combination of; there were two studios involved that weren't getting along in the process of making it, Universal and Fox. That kind of stuff happens, it's a fragile industry. So the film collapsed at the end of last year, and it's been dead, ever since then. I'll be curious to see what happens."
http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/14732/...-RIP-20052007/
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October 7th, 2007, 20:46 Posted By: wraggster
Brian Jarrard, franchise and community director for Bungie explains how a phenomenally successful wholly-owned studio can up and walk away from its parent. Next-Gen's interview within...
* How exactly does this whole "split" work out? How does a studio that was acquired in 2000, a wholly-owned studio, just get up and take off with its name and studio intact?
* Well, it was an interesting set of discussions, as you can imagine. It's been going on for quite a while. Ultimately, it was something that we had to do as a group to creatively continue to expand and continue what we want to do. As [Bungie's Jason Jones] so aptly put it, we're a shark that just has to keep moving to stay alive, otherwise we felt that we'd start to stagnate and potentially lose interest, and maybe even lose some of our teams.
Fortunately for us, Microsoft realized that, and they've been very accommodating to help us work through this and come to an arrangement that ultimately is going to reinvigorate and empower Bungie to continue to do great games and make great games for Microsoft's platforms, as well as getting more Halo games to come from our studio as well.
At the same time, it gives us the freedom down the road to explore other opportunities and challenge ourselves and keep us engaged in what we do. It was about putting together a deal where both groups could get what they're after.
* This also means that Bungie can go multiplatform. We know that Bungie will be concentrating on the Xbox 360, but has Bungie been able to tinker around with other platforms? What do you think of PS3, Wii and the handhelds?
* To be honest, we haven't really put any serious thought into that at all right now. Typically speaking, that opportunity could exist for us down the road and possibly those prospects are exciting for some of our engineers, but on the other hand, we've only made one game for the 360 and that game happened to turn out very, very well. The platform's been really good to us, Microsoft has been really good to us. So for now we're just taking it all in stride. We've got our hands full with some 360 commitments and that's going to keep us occupied for quite a while.
Beyond that, anything's possible, but it's too early to say. We don't have any dev kits in the building for other platforms. There's nothing like that going on right now.
http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?op...=7416&Itemid=2
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October 7th, 2007, 20:47 Posted By: wraggster
For the week ending September 30 (six days after launch) Halo 3 has climbed into the 2nd best selling spot of all time for an Xbox 360 title, landing in over 70,000 Australian living rooms.
Software and accessories (including the special Halo 3 edition console) garnered Microsoft over AU$9 million in revenue.
Other points of note from the Halo 3 initial release week
* Xbox 360 hardware sales increased by 55 percent over the w/e 23 September
* Xbox 360 hardware sales for September increased by 158 percent over August
* Xbox 360 was the number one selling console for September
* Xbox 360 held 31 percent total market share for September, more than any other platform
* Xbox 360 hardware, software and accessories generated over $30m in September, over 50 percent more than any other platform
http://www.itwire.com/content/view/14759/532/
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October 8th, 2007, 15:53 Posted By: Shrygue
via Engadget
As reader Ty claims, apparently the above Xbox 360 melting occurred when he and his pals, setting up to conduct a furious Halo 3 LAN match, ran out of space enough for an Xbox everywhere in the house except on the kitchen stove. Someone turns the range on and presto change-o: grilled Xbox.
Ok, the story doesn't quite add up, but there's no denying the box is melted. And that leaves us preoccupied with wrapping our heads deciding what's more mind-blowingly ironic: that the melted console's owner cared enough about heat that he kitted his Xbox with a 3rd party cooling device, or that despite it all, this particular ring of death apparently didn't even brick the thing.
A couple more pohotgraphs here
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October 8th, 2007, 18:35 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Empire Interactive has said that Speedball II: Brutal Deluxe will be on Live Arcade next Wednesday.
It will cost you 800 points (GBP 6.80 / EUR 9.30) and feature more teams, better graphics - including a 3D option, head-to-head online multiplayer and an improved upgrade system.
Speedball is a sport roughly based around rugby and American football, which takes place in the futuristic year of 2105. Two teams of nine players face off against each other, and score points by throwing an Oympic hammer-like ball through a goal at either end - or against some flashing pads on the wall for bonuses.
Other than that, there are next to no rules, so you're free to - and encouraged to - ram your fist into opposing chops, or casually thrust your helmeted head into squishy facial features
"Live Arcade is the ideal environment for this exciting new high definition version of Speedball," said Ian Higgins, boss at publisher Empire Interactive. "With the addition of extra content packs and downloadable content, gamers will at last have the ultimate version of the game."
Speedball II: Brutal Deluxe will also have the normal spattering of 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerpoints, as well as leaderboards to show everybody how good you are.
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October 8th, 2007, 18:44 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
A demo of THQ's Conan has hacked and slashed its way onto Xbox Live, and is also set to hit PlayStation Network on October 11.
"In the Conan playable demo", says THQ, "the famed barbarian finds himself stranded in the Barachan Isles, a haven for pirates and thieves. A terrible plague known as the Black Death has spread across the land, and Conan must escape before it consumes him as well."
It continues, "Fortunately, Conan crosses paths with the beautiful and fearless warrior queen, A'Kanna, whose ship can provide safe passage from the cursed islands. However, Conan must first save the ship's crew, which has been enslaved by the local cutthroats."
So, ah, you fill Conan's boots and batter "a horde of scurvy pirates". Apparently the demo let's you to execute a portion of the game's 100+ fighting moves and combinations.
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October 8th, 2007, 20:42 Posted By: wraggster
Hot on the heels of a price reduction for all Xbox 360 consoles, Microsoft is now giving holiday buyers even more value by including two great games with every Xbox 360 console and Xbox 360 Elite, a retail savings of $90 for consumers. The acclaimed "Forza Motorsport 2" (Microsoft Game Studios) and "Marvel Ultimate Alliance" (Activision) will both be included for the recently reduced prices of $349.99 (U.S.) for Xbox 360 and $449.99 (U.S.) for Xbox 360 Elite. Both bundles will be available retail-wide by the end of October.
Xbox 360 offers the best value this holiday and is the only place you can play all the titles in the greatest holiday line-up of video game in history. This line-up includes "Halo 3" (MGS), which became the fastest-selling video game ever and is making history as one of the biggest entertainment launches of all time.
"Halo 3" (MGS) is just one title in an incredible holiday line-up that are all only available on one game platform, Xbox 360. Starting with "Madden NFL 08" (EA Sports), Xbox 360 has an unprecedented string of no less than seven blockbuster titles, each of which we expect to sell at least a million units, including "BioShock" (2K Games), the record breaking "Halo 3" (GS) "Project Gotham Racing 4" (MGS), "Mass Effect" (MGS), "Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock" (Activision) and "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare" (Activision).
Xbox 360 is home to the most critically acclaimed next generation games according to Metacritic.com, the leading aggregator of game reviews from more than 100 publications. Of the top 30 next generation game titles on Metacritic.com, 21 are on Xbox 360 and five games exclusive to Xbox 360 score above 90 out of 100. In fact, "Forza Motorsport 2" (MGS) has received an aggregate review score of 90, producing a "Universal Acclaim" rating.
The most-respected game reviewers have spoken and according to them, Xbox 360 has more than double the games of the Playstation 3 and Wii receiving a score of 90 or higher.
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October 9th, 2007, 18:40 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Rockstar's LA Noire won't release on Xbox 360 because Microsoft's console can't handle the sheer size of the game, a blog post on the game is claiming.
Surfer Girl Reviews also has a number of other titbits about the title in development at Team Bondi.
It says it'll be a free-roaming affair, presenting players with a historically accurate recreation of Los Angeles, 1947, with attention to detail going right down to ensuring in-game characters wear the appropriate clothing for the period.
On top of that, it's mentioned that a US Marine plays a key role in the LA Noire story and the game will feature side-missions based on actual cases of 1947.
LA Noire's previously been described as an "interactive detective story set in the classic noir period of the late 1940s". If the information in the blog is accurate, it'll be the first proper details we've had on the title.
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October 9th, 2007, 18:42 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Microsoft could be preparing a special Halo 3 Premium 360 (HDMI) bundle in time for Christmas.
Rumours emerged from Game Portugal (pointed out by Kotaku), who produced a listing stating it would cost 409.96 (GBP 283.68).
This was followed by Spanish forum elotrolado.net publishing pictures of a purchased bundle, flaunting Master Chief on the packaging and a special "bundle" copy of the game.
The photographs also showed the HMDI port, Hitachi DVD drive, general contents and pictures of the receipt, showing EUR 384.90 (266.38) as the price.
Microsoft was unavailable to comment at the time of writing.
Yesterday the platform holder confirmed it would be bundling copies of Forza 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance in with Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Elite units as part of a special Christmas deal in the US, adding up to a saving of around USD 90 if you were to buy the games separately.
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October 9th, 2007, 18:55 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Microsoft sends word that this week's pair of Xbox Live Arcade releases will be addictive RPG puzzler Puzzle Quest and advert game Yaris (which has everything to do with the motor).
Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords, we're told, is the cheapest version yet of the ultra-polished puzzle game, and should already be drawing in the certain journalists in CVG's office who play the DS version in the pub, instead of being sociable or looking at pretty girls.
The XBLA version sports a single-player campaign mode and offline multiplayer bouts. It's yours for 1200 points - well worth the price if you know how addictive it is.
Yaris meanwhile is a Toyota advert game that we know bugger all about. It's probably going to be rubbish but we're not complaining - free achievments!
Read more about Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords on Xbox.com.
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October 9th, 2007, 20:17 Posted By: wraggster
According to Jesse Divnich, an analyst with the simExchange (an online prediction market for the game industry), Microsoft's newly announced holiday bundles (which include Forza Motorsport 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance) will lead to a slight dip in U.S. Xbox 360 hardware sales as consumers wait for the new bundles at the end of the month. The prediction market shows a decreased forecast for Xbox 360 sales in October from an expected 315,000 units down to 304,000 units.
That said, Divnich noted that "Microsoft will more than make up for the lost 10,000 sales in November and December when the bundle is released," and that the bundle "will ultimately increase Microsoft's market share in the home console market and will continue to widen the gap between the Xbox 360 and Sony's PS3."
"The prediction market is expecting a $399 PS3 to have minimal impact on Xbox 360 sales overall," Divnich commented to GameDaily BIZ.
http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/feature/?id=17703
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October 9th, 2007, 21:55 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
A playable demo of the daddy of 360 racing games is now up on Xbox Live Marketplace. Give the bikes a try for yourself...
Take a look at a quick movie we grabbed off the demo to your right.
As we reported back in September, the demo even features content not seen in the final game. This officially makes it a collector's item and we're downloading the 1.3GB demo right now.
You get to race three exotic cars and two bikes across courses based in Macau and a snowy Nürburgring. There's an exclusive Nürburgring Snow Challenge to fail miserably at as well as unique arcade events.
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October 10th, 2007, 19:33 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Bungie has quietly introduced a few matchmaking changes for Halo 3 fans.
"Halo 3's Matchmaking Playlists, just like Halo 2's, are dynamic and ever-changing entities," the developer explained on its website.
"Even now in the perilous Bungie towers, we're looking at new hoppers, gametypes and modes to test for future iterations and changes of these playlists."
This week's changes mean that Big Team Battle matches are now 16-player, while attacking players in one-sided VIP matches now get a waypoint for the VIP and Slayer gametypes appear more frequently in Lone Wolves.
"Shotty Snipers" are now also "greatly reduced" in Team Slayer, and no longer turn up in games they've been vetoed from
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October 10th, 2007, 22:37 Posted By: wraggster
Janco Partners' Mike Hickey estimates 4.4 million Halo 3 units sold in its first week, noting that the figure corresponds to a 67% attach rate to U.S. Xbox 360s and 46% for Europe and the U.S. combined. That's far higher than the 3.3 million units Halo 2 sold in its first three weeks -- a mere 30% attach rate to the U.S. Xbox installed base at the time.
Saying that even anticipating a 20% attach rate for GTA IV was exceedingly conservative, Hickey noted that while it may not reach the 46% rate Halo 3 achieved, even a 30% attach rate would mean first week sales of 6.2 million units -- far above Halo's own.
"If the upcoming release of GTA IV attached at the same rate as Halo 3," said Hickey, "the title could conceivably ship 9.5 million units of game in the first week, producing an astonishing $466 million in sales," concluding that the title, despite the delay, could have a "profound impact" on Take-Two relative to current financial projections.
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/new...hp?story=15793
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October 10th, 2007, 22:38 Posted By: wraggster
Yaris, an Arcade racing shooter that is free to download via Xbox Live in the US and Canada, is the first advergame to be distributed over Microsoft's online games service, reports the New York Times.
"People can time shift, they can do all sorts of different things to avoid advertising," said Kim McCullough, corporate manager for marketing communications at Toyota. "That's why we have to move beyond traditional advertising to do things that are really engaging for people."
http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?op...=7452&Itemid=2
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October 10th, 2007, 22:39 Posted By: wraggster
Jasper is the code name for the next motherboard for the Xbox 360. It will becoming next August, in time for next year's holiday season. Jasper is going to have a 65-nanometer graphics chip from ATI Technologies, as well as smaller memory chips. That isn't much information, but it's enough to tell us about their cost-reduction plan. If you ask me, it's a bit of a slow pace.
I don't know why it will take Microsoft essentially three years to cost reduce the size of the graphics chip through a manufacturing shrink. It doesn't seem like they're in a hurry to launch a redesigned Xbox 360 graphics chip, considering that Intel introduced its first 65-nm chips a long time ago. ATI uses TSMC to make its chips out of Taiwan, and TSMC hasn't been the fastest at moving to 65-nm manufacturing. I understand these tasks are difficult and they take a lot of engineering resources. Microsoft has had to divert a lot of engineers to debugging problems with Xbox 360 reliability. Even so, you would think that they would have moved faster, since the move to 65-nm graphics chip will likely be one of the best things they can do to improve the reliability.
Here's something that Xbox 360 buyers will want to know. Both Falcon and its predecessor Zephyr (used in the Xbox 360 Elite) have different thermal solutions than the original Xbox 360. You've seen the heat sinks in the cut-out photos posted elsewhere. The Microsoft engineers believe those heat sinks will be sufficient as a solution for keeping Xbox 360s from overheating. From their point of view, you don't have to wait until Jasper to get a reliable machine.
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/200...es_jasper.html
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October 10th, 2007, 22:40 Posted By: wraggster
Back in July, Microsoft dropped the price of the Xbox 360 HD DVD player add-on to $179 in the US and threw in five free HD DVD movies as part of the Perfect Offer promotion. Well, that promotion was scheduled to end on September 30th, but now it has been re-instated until next year with a new set of movies to choose from.
The new five free HD DVD offer started October 1st and runs through February 28th, 2008 where with any new HD DVD player purchase, customers will get to choose five free movies.
http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2007/10...ew-movies-too/
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October 10th, 2007, 22:41 Posted By: wraggster
via xboxscene
Kreon has released a new version of the alternate hacked firmware for the Samsung PC SH-D162C and SH-D163A DVD-drives.
From Readme/NFO:
A year has past, and the time has come for a small maintenance release. While the V0.80 release has performed rather well, there's always room for improvements, even though most of them are well hidden and probably won't be noticed by most people.
Changes/fixes in this release..
* Major cleanup of code - the SH-D162C and SH-D163A now share the same code. This has been a painful job to do, but will make future updates so much easier to handle.
* The firmware is now based on the official SB01 firmware as opposed to SB00 for earlier releases.
* Fixed a potential problem with the way that the RPC patching was done.
* The laser head is now parked in a known and safe position following SS extraction. This should fix the clicking noise, that some people experienced from time to time.
* RPC settings stored in flash mem of the drive is now reset. This is not important for the patched firmware, but will leave the RPC settings as they came from the factory, if someone, for some strange reason, should decide to go back to a non patched firmware.
* The feature list has been expanded to hold seperate feature entries for XBOX and XBOX360
* Fixed a bug that caused flashing of the drive to fail under some conditions (read "updating from V0.80.." below)
This is what you get..
* Full challenge/response functionality.
* Two types of unlock for XBOX 360 game discs. One for making xtreme style images and one for making wxripper style images. Both types of iso can be made using isobuster. Ripping using wxripper isn't supported for the time being
* A 'lock' function that will cancel any enabled unlock state. This can be very useful for custom applications.
* 'Error skipping' which basically speeds up the error handling of the drive. A complete wxripper style image (including video) can be obtained in 15-16 minutes, when error skipping is enabled. Getting through the critical area of LBA 19408-20479 will take you more than 20 minutes alone, if error skipping is disabled 
* A much more streamlined command interface which is good news if you intend to write an application that makes use of the drives extra features.
* The drive will default to unlock state 2 and error skip enabled when a 360 media is inserted. You can in other words use isobuster to obtain a wxripper style image without issuing any commands to the drive
* RPC1 support (RPC-2 actually but with automatic change of drive region and RCE support)
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October 11th, 2007, 00:29 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA
Go for the Gold and enter the online multiplayer gaming arena. 2 Million gamers are online to meet, chat, play , strategize and compete together. With your subscription you'll get your own Gamer Card, Gamer Picture, motto, and more. Then through the Xbox LIVE® Marketplace download new game content, trailer, demos, gamer pictures, and more!
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October 11th, 2007, 00:33 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA
Complete your console customization to the extreme with this hard drive shell for Xbox 360 available in several colors matching our full custom console shells.
This replacement hard drive case will take place of the original HD shell and give your console a fresh custom look. It comes with all you need to install it and is quick to install.
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October 11th, 2007, 00:35 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA
The HDMI SWITCHER is a HDMI HUB that allows you to connect your console or dvd player to a tv and easily switch from a device to another with a simple remote control press.
Specifications & extra information
- Approved by HDMI ATC lab
- Fully supports 1080P HDTV
- HDCP Compliant
- Supports DTS, Dolby 7.1 Channel Audio
- GOLD PLATED CONNECTORS
- IR Remote control
- Expand 4HDMI sources on your HDTV device
- Amplifier & Equalizer function enables longer HDMI cables
- Plug & Play, installs in seconds
- RoHS compliant
- 110v-240v auto switching power supply
- HDMI CABLE INCLUDED
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October 11th, 2007, 05:18 Posted By: JKKDARK
via IGN
Today PopCap Games announced it will bring two Greatest Hits compilations to retail: one for the PlayStation 2 and one for the Xbox 360. PopCap began offering online casual games for free and paid download, and the company's games now appear on other services like Xbox Live Arcade and mobile phones.
PopCap Arcade Volume 1 for the 360 will include Bejeweled 2, AstroPop, Feeding Frenzy, and Zuma for $29.95. Each of these games goes for 800 Microsoft Points ($10) on the Arcade, so Volume 1 will save you a bit of cash.
PopCap Hits Volume 1 for PlayStation 2 includes just Bejeweled 2 and AstroPop for $19.95. This will be the first time any PopCap games are available on the PS2.
"We've had tremendous success at retail with the PC versions of many of our games, and these new collections for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 2 are priced even more aggressively, so they should be a hit with holiday shoppers," said Glenn Drover, Director of Retail Sales at PopCap.
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October 11th, 2007, 20:56 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Sierra Entertainment has poked us to say the F.E.A.R. Files demo is now available to download from Xbox Live.
It was expected on the service yesterday, but got lost in a spooky cupboard where it was waiting to jump out on someone to give them a jolly good fright.
The 585MB demo lets you test out the Extraction Point part of the game (the other being the new expansion Perseus Mandate); getting to grips with new weapons like the mini-gun and seeing what spooky little lady Alma has in store for you.
Yesterday Sierra announced that F.E.A.R. Files (360) and F.E.A.R Perseus Mandate (PC) would launch simultaneously in Europe on 16th November.
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October 11th, 2007, 21:02 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Valve's Orange Box compilation burst its way onto Steam yesterday, the reviews have begun to go live, and early indications show its average review score of 98 (so far) is going to beat both Bioshock and Halo 3.
Retail versions have to be released over here but if you're a subscriber to Steam, then you've probably already finished Valve's opus of games.
You can read our review of Half-Life: Episode 2 here, Team Fortress 2 here and Portal on 360 here.
It's early days yet though as there are a few paper magazines that are still sitting on a boat somewhere, slowly making their way to the newsstand. We'll keep an eye on it though.
Could this be the highest scoring game of the year?
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October 11th, 2007, 21:06 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Portsmouth FC boss Harry Redknapp fears that "Xbox culture" is turning English youth off of football, forcing managers to search for players abroad.
Redknapp has insisted that England's gaming culture is the reason for the lack of domestic talent, and managers shouldn't be the target of criticism.
"I'm fed up with managers being made scapegoats for the state of our domestic game," he wrote in his national newspaper column. "The English working class is turning its back on football - and that is not my fault.
"It may sound old and corny but when I was growing up, working class lads like me in the East End lived and breathed football.
"Now I rarely see a kickabout in the park. All I see are the dazzling lights of bedroom windows from the glare of TVs and computers. It seems football cannot compete with an Xbox."
Redknapp adds: "I do have a lot of foreign players at Portsmouth but believe me I'd love nothing more than to field a team of 11 so-called 'home-grown' lads born within the city limits. But it has become harder and harder to find enough kids of the kind of quality required to make the grade without buying an air ticket."
The former West Ham United manager is now looking to Africa as a source of real-life footy passion. He said: "Maybe they have the hunger and drive that working class boys of England had 30 years ago but now is replaced by video game passion."
Is Redknapps argument justified? Some kids might prefer a virtual stadium to a tiny park kick about, but real football and a game of PES are not the same activity at all.
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October 11th, 2007, 22:56 Posted By: wraggster
Now comes further evidence that the Core's days are indeed numbered. Photos obtained by GameSpot show that retailers are already erecting displays touting the Core's long-rumored replacement, the Xbox 360 Arcade SKU. As previously speculated, the display shows the console will come bundled with a wireless controller, a 256MB memory card, and five arcade games. Microsoft declined to offer comment on the photo of the console.
http://au.gamespot.com/news/6180705....s&subj=6180705
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October 11th, 2007, 22:59 Posted By: wraggster
Lazard Capital Markets analyst Colin Sebastian has forecast a 30 percent year-over-year rise in North American September software sales, largely driven by the release of Halo 3.
Microsoft recently announced that Halo 3 had grossed $300m at retail by early October. Sebastian believes the majority of that figure came from North America and suggests that Halo 3 will be the primary factor in ballooning September software sales.
The release of the Bungie-developed shooter, along with prior price cuts to the Xbox 360 range, leads Sebastian to believe that Microsoft's hardware sales will be up for September
http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?op...=7495&Itemid=2
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October 12th, 2007, 16:55 Posted By: wraggster
Daniel Schiappa, general manager of strategy for Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices division, the unit responsible for Xbox and Zune, told attendees at a virtual worlds conference in Austin that "by next year, you'll probably know more about why I'm up here."
Austin360.com reports that later Schiappa hinted in an interview that Microsoft is considering launching some sort of virtual world offering that would span across its gaming, PC and mobile device offerings.
Schiappa said that most likely, any foray by Microsoft into the world of avatars or social networking would begin with PCs, then move across Xbox and finally into its mobile phone business.
http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/14786/...eLike-Service/
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October 12th, 2007, 17:39 Posted By: wraggster
New from Play Asia
Defeat Spider-Man™’s most famous enemies, like Venom™, Green Goblin™, and Doc Ock™to add them to your epic array of playable sidekicks in this movie trilogy inspired adventure. Experience ground-breaking Co-operative Multiplayer, as Spider-Man or a sidekick, in exotic spots around the globe, including Tokyo, Egypt and Nepal.
Inspired by the Spider-Man movies, this Action Adventure game reinterprets big-screen moments and battles with a humorous twist. Replay chapters with different sidekicks and eventually with Black-Suited Spider-Man.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-29hz.html
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October 12th, 2007, 19:50 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
SEGA has whisked a demo for Virtua Fighter 5 onto Xbox Live.
It hops on the scales at 674MB, and lets you test out the latest instalment in the renowned fighting series.
While VF5 has been out on PS3 for some time, Microsoft hopes to win some die-hard fans by being the only version to offer online battles for the time being.
The 360 offering will also feature the latest arcade changes, optional analogue control, rumble support and improved AI. Quest mode has been brushed up, too, and now involves more people to punch-kick with meaning as well as more items to collect and emblems to plaster all over your character.
In addition there are now leaderboards, training move settings and various other improvements to the DOJO mode - hopefully allowing you to get to grips with the notoriously impervious gameplay more quickly.
Virtua Fighter 5 earned itself 9/10 back in March. It was unwelcoming and distinctly hardcore, but we felt complaining about what some interpret as its strengths was foolish.
Virtua Fighter 5 is due out for 360 on 26th October. Look out for our thoughts on this new and improved version soon.
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October 13th, 2007, 15:58 Posted By: wraggster
Even though your "Bros b4 hos" Gamer Motto may be both poignant and accurate, you may want to rethink it if you plan on playing on Xbox Live this weekend. Savings sultan CheapyD warns that his account was suspended for around 24 hours for his seemingly innocuous motto of "Konichiwa, bitches!" Another user on the site got a similar punishment for "called the šhit þoop," which is probably a bit more fair.
http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/12/mi...-gamer-mottos/
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October 13th, 2007, 15:59 Posted By: wraggster
via xboxscene
Kernel Master informed us he released a new version of EkszBox-ABX - an audio extraction/conversion/injection tool which supports multiple xbox/xbox360 audio/container formats.
What's new/fixed:
* 40 formats supported.
* Adf support (GTA: Vice City - PC ver).
* Big support [Beta stage] (EA).
* Cab support (Forza Motorsport).
* Sh4 support (Silent Hill 4).
* Wpx support (Capcom Vs SNK 2 EO).
* X360 Xwc support (Darkness).
* Improved X360 Xwb compatibility.
* Fixed/Improved Fsb support- Full BioShock support (PC).
* Folders contained in container formats are created (rfa, rcf, pod, piz, map, lug, cab).
* Many different spec'd Wma's are now supported in Xwb FileSwap (mono/48/22.5khz etc.)
* Hybrid mode SCX now always uses medium buffer size.
* SCX now calculates Ogg filesizes based on frame info.
* Built in media player which supports audio playback from most Xbox container game formats Plus support for: Mp3, Ogg^, Pcm, Wma, XbAdpcm, Asf, Avi, M2v^, Mpg, Mpeg, Wmv, M3u.
* Media player playlist looping & loop region support.
* Xbox Adpcm codec included: Installer can auto-install/auto-uninstall it.
* List has been made virtual (Very fast).
* Functional list item renaming.
* New gui.
* Easy window moving.
* Fixed minimized extract dialog close glitch.
* Files are now numbered according to the max number of files contained.
* Exe file drop support.
* Better drag & drop implementation (Inc. folder support).
* New options inc. AutoSCX, AutoGui-Clear, AutoXpand, Show Hints.
* Exe is no longer compressed (Slightly better general performance).
* Renaming files has been improved, works properly with Scx now also. Put %n in rename files textbox for number, %a for archive name, %f for filename: e.g Music [%n] - (%a).
* Certain Xwb info shown in gui (Looping/remove loop tail etc.) was not being read in release version- fixed.
* Disabled fileswap (Menu) for X360 Xwb's, as they were never supported.
* SpeedHack now sets nearly all status message pause times to zero.
* Illegal filename characters are disabled from being entered.
* 99 character text edit limit imposed.
* Max path check upon file extraction.
* Existing folder check & folder creation error checking.
* Various more idiot protection mechanisms.
* Removed a number of redundant options.
* Fixed: FileSwap drag & drop bug.
* Fixed: Main popup menu appearing when right clicking buttons/textboxes.
* Fixed: Various error checking bugs.
* Fixed: Minor memory leak contained in the extraction code.
* Added BioShock (PC), Capcom Vs SNK 2 EO, GTA: Vice City (PC) to the Xct database.
* Note: Don't use old settings files with newer versions as it may cause problems.
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October 13th, 2007, 16:01 Posted By: wraggster
via xboxscene
i made this PGR2 editor about 3 years ago.
It sits on the PC, has full FTP functionality, so you can go from PC to XBOX via ethernet, and does all the slider-type stuff that people ask for with 2 key extras:
1: A full torque/horsepower graph that can be edited in realtime
2: A peak horsepower/peak torque gear ratio converter, so when you hit peak revs, the next gear will drop you straight into peak torque, so you're always on power.
Oh yeah, lots of sliders!
http://www.martinking.net/content/view/28/38/
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October 13th, 2007, 23:39 Posted By: wraggster
via xbox scene
Arnezami started a thread over at XBH to start of development of a 'rebooter' for the Xbox360 with exploitable HV. The goal is to reboot with a modified kernel and HV that will allow unsigned executables. Arnezami already released an initial version of his rebooter, but some work is still required before we can actually run homebrew code:
This thread/post is about the ability to run an(y) unsigned kernel + hypervisor by rebooting.
***Introduction:
Before going to the juicy stuff I will first address these matters:
* How rebooting into an(y) unsigned kernel and hypervisor is done (using a 4532 or 4548 xbox).
* Why it is required to make substantial progress in the development of homebrew applications and software mods.
* How it can be a solution to the dilemma of having to choose between homebrew/linux vs playing new (or live) games.
* What milestones this project has to reach to arrive at the desired results.
I'm also releasing the first version of the rebooter which does most of the rebooting already. :-) That way other hackers can contribute as well and speed up the progress. I've also made a tool to assemble the rebooter file (using your own xbox-specific information) to allow everyone to create his or her own kernel/hv patches and run (and share) them. And that way there are no copyright issues.
I hope my contribution here will kickstart this project and will give all xbox 360 users a good reason not to update to any future version of the dash/kernel (which will most likely kill any hope of homebrew/linux or whatever else can be done besides what MS wants you to do) but instead to consider downgrading your xbox using the timing attack.
***Rebooting:
First off. We are talking about rebooting. Not about booting. And there is a fundamental difference.
I will explain.
When the xbox 360 is turned on the first thing it does is start look in its ROM (also called the first bootloader or 1BL). In the 1BL there is code which the cpu will execute. There is also a public key in it. This is used to check the validity of second bootloader (the CB section in the flash). Because the key is in ROM (and only MS has the private key) and the ROM is inside the cpu casing there is no way to run unsigned code during normal boot.
We can however run unsigned code on the xbox 360. This is done using the KK exploit. And you need kernel version 4532 or 4548 for this. The problem is when doing the KK exploit there is still a signed kernel in memory. And its "non-trivial" to change/patch it on-the-fly and return to it as if nothing was happened.
In order to run an unsigned kernel/hv (which is required to run unsigned software on the xbox 360) you somehow need to replace the current operating system (kernel/hv/dash etc) completely. The best way to do this is to reboot the xbox but while rebooting change some things on-the-fly (eg. turning off xex-signature checks, the functions that blow fuses etc).
In other words: do a soft-reboot.
Doing a soft-reboot (as opposed to a hard-reset/boot which lets the cpu start in the ROM again) allows us to stay in control. That way we can choose how the to-be-booted kernel/hv/dash should look like (and in principle we can also choose which version we want to run, more on that later).
The rebooter I've written so far does this. It loads the CD section into memory and essentially runs it. The tricky part is to make sure the xbox is put into the same state as it was during the normal boot. But much of this has been done now. The current version of the rebooter can now reliably reboot from POST 0x40 to 0x79 (which is the last POST output during normal boot). The xbox also resets the screen output and seems to detect the wireless again.
***Homebrew:
If we are succesfull in (fully) rebooting into an unsigned kernel/hv we can patch the the kernel/hv to allow execution of unsigned xex-es (among many other things). Right now it is already possible to patch the kernel/hv so the moment we can get it to fully boot it should be easy to turn off the bad stuff... Wink
Creating unsigned xex-es probably requires the ability to compress and encrypt self made xex-es. Although the availabilty of libraries (not on retails boxes) might be a harder problem. But I guess these problems were also solved with the xbox1.
Apart from homebrew applications you can also think of mods: how big do you want your hdd to be? Want to change the dashboard appearance? Want to disable dvd-video or game region check? No problem.
But all of that is only possible if you can run an unsigned kernel/hv. And since we cannot boot into one we have to reboot into one.
Keep in mind that in order to run homebrew or linux you have to downgrade to an exploitable kernel. And this requirement is unlikely to change. Upgrading to the upcoming "fall update" is most likely going to disable the ability to run any old kernel version (well thats what we expect MS to do). So its decision time Wink.
***Solution to the Dilemma:
While it may seem like you have to choose between two worlds the ability to run any unsigned kernel/hv may the solution to the problem.
The idea to run a different kernel from the the one on the flash could work like this:
* You start with a dual nand system where both nands have the same kernel/dash version: 4532/4548
* You boot and start the KK game resulting in the exploit.
* You then hot-switch to the other nand. And reboot into the 4532/4548 dash. The hypervisor is patched to fake any efuse blowing (meaning it writes the new contents of the fuses on the nand or somewhere else )
* You upgrade to the latest kernel. Lets assume this will be the fall update and it blows a fuse in the fuserow 2. However since we are running a patched hv the fuses aren't actually blown. But on the second nand (which is now active) the new bootloaders/kernel/dash is written to including the new fuserow 2 value (in the CB).
* The beauty is: you can still boot into 4532/4548 and run homebrew/linux. And you can also reboot into the fall update by starting in 4532/4548 then switching to the second nand and rebooting into the new kernel.
* Apart from a tiny patch deep inside the hypervisor (which fakes the fuse blowing) there is no way to tell (for an executable coming from live or a new game) that the xbox is running in "unsigned mode". In fact (and this is the kicker) the hv protection system is working for us now Grin. MS can't detect what we're doing because of their own protection system. Talk about irony...
Keep in mind this is still theory.
Of course a dual nand system still requires soldering. But maybe the above is also possible by using a memory card to store the new kernel/dash etc. This is much harder to make stealthier though so live is not really an option. But new games probably are Wink.
***Project phases:
I guess the project can be divided into several phases given the above:
* Phase 1: Rebooting into an unsigned kernel. Making sure no patches are needed to the kernel/hv to simply boot. Main goal is to basicly restore the xbox 360 into the state it was during boot. Also making it possible to restart from CB or even 1BL so if CB changes in any of the new updates we can run it. This would require a "recursive" patcher though.
* Phase 2: Disable all security measures in the 4532/4548 kernel. The ability to run unsigned xex-es (also being able to encrypt them). Basicly removing all the "bad" stuff and paving the way for homebrew. Also being able to disable fuse blowing functions.
* Phase 3: Hotswapping the nand (best software triggered). Fake fuse blowing by storing the new values somewhere (a place a xex can't access, maybe in the kv). Being able to upgrade and dual boot using the rebooter. Making it stealthy by cleaning up all traces.
* Phase 4: Doing the same as in phase 3 but using a mem card or harddrive as storage device (or for example the flash on the hd-dvd drive).
***The rebooter:
And finally the juicy stuff. Go here to try out (and help testing/developing) the rebooter itself:
http://www.xboxhacker.net/index.php?topic=8737.0
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October 15th, 2007, 19:10 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
Viva Piñata developer Rare has questioned why its owner Microsoft decided to back Gears of War with such a high-profile marketing campaign, which left its own new franchise in the shadows last Christmas.
Software engineer James Thomas feels that the new family-friendly IP lost out to Epic's Gears of War, which enjoyed a much bigger marketing budget from Microsoft, helping it top the charts all over the world.
"Most interestingly I think from our point of view, it was interesting to see how the marketing budget was split last Christmas, because obviously everyone knew that Microsoft were publishing Gears of War and Viva Piñata," said Thomas, talking to Gamasutra.
"Yet, so much of the money went towards publishing Gears of War, which is going to sell millions anyway."
"It was a bit like, 'what about the other franchise?' I think we got left in the wake somewhat. Hopefully the PC version this Christmas, it might get something of a second wind."
In the same interview, Justin Cook, who worked as a designer on Viva Piñata, notes that the game has sold "close to half a million sales now, so that isn't a terrible debut for a game."
In contrast, Epic's Gears of War broke records on release, becoming the fastest-selling next-gen console game and hitting 3 million sales within ten weeks, as well as becoming the most played game on Xbox Live.
Epic Games president Michael Capps said earlier this year that much of the success of the game was due to a big marketing budget, and the company was "extremely lucky" to have the backing of Microsoft.
However, Microsoft does still has faith in the Piñata franchise. At E3 this year it unveiled Viva Piñata: Party Animals in development at Krome Studios, and Climax's Games for Windows version of the original is due shortly.
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October 15th, 2007, 19:11 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
THQ has oiled up a new demo for WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 and slipped it onto Xbox Live.
It lets you hop into the Lycra hot pants of Rey Mysterio, Bobby Lashley, Undertaker and Randy Orton, and stamp your feet as you punch each other in single- or two-player head-to-head exhibition matches.
Hopefully it will also give you a good idea of what has changed this year, including the new Superstar Fighting Styles and Struggle Submission System.
We got to twiddle our thumbs on it back in August, and were impressed with what appeared to be one of the strongest iterations in the series to date. The challenge, we said, would be replicating it across all of the platforms.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 is due out for PS3, PS2, Xbox 360, Wii and DS on 9th November. The PSP version will follow on 23rd November.
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October 15th, 2007, 19:16 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
The total cost of the deal comes to a mind-boggling $860 million for the 800-person development entity.
Sterne Agee's Arvind Bhatia expressed some concern over that high price tag, although he reasons that the investment just might pay off.
"We really like EA's acquisition of BioWare/Pandemic, but the price paid ($860 million) on surface seems high to us-more than $1 million per developer," he said in an investor note Friday. "That being said, if EA can generate mid-teens ROI or higher (as per its plan), the acquisition should be nicely accretive and worth the price. We may have to wait a few years to find out, though."
Bhatia also said that in light of Disney's recent $350 million acquisition of Club Penguin makes the BioWare/Pandemic deal appear more reasonable.
On Thursday, EA CFO Warren Jenson said of the deal, "We're very excited about the revenue potential. We see that in both '09 and '10 to be in excess of $300 million."
In a separate note, Colin Sebastian with Lazard Capital Markets wrote, "Although the price tag is significant, we note that the acquisition provides EA with ~800 additional game developers. Also, we believe the addition of BioWare/Pandemic provides increasing visibility to peak earnings expectations for EA in the new cycle."
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October 15th, 2007, 19:37 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Responding to a reported quote from Epic president Mike Capps that Unreal Tournament 3 was "just on PS3," VP Mark Rein has reaffirmed to CVG that the deathmatch shooter is still coming to Xbox 360 next year.
"We are going to release UT3 on Xbox 360 in 2008," confirmed Rein.
Regarding the game's performance, Rein explained, "I would think most of the people who read CVG would actually be able to get a great experience with Unreal Tournament III. We spent a considerable amount of time and effort making sure that gamers will be able to enjoy UTIII even with older gaming rigs," he added.
"The reason we put out a beta version of our demo was to get feedback on how well the game runs on older hardware.
"We're trying hard not to confuse users with a hundred different graphical settings and come up with the right balance of installer-selected settings, easy configuration and end-user documentation. The beta showed that we still have some work to do in these areas but that we're making very good progress.
"In addition it should also be noted that we purposely left out some of the higher detail content in the beta demo levels to keep the download size reasonable and because, as you implied, it is generally already known the game runs well on high-end hardware and we didn't think an over-2Gb beta would get downloaded and tested as much as we'd like to see."
The 700mb demo was released over the weekend, and Stu's home PC still can't handle it. Then again, he did build it for Quake IV...
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October 15th, 2007, 19:40 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
A third console instalment in Rare's Perfect Dark franchise will be revealed sometime next year, claims a report on Indian games site GameGuru.
The sight, claiming sources within Rare, says the British developer is hard at work on a sequel to the original N64 shooter (rather than another PDZ-style prequel) and it'll have something to show of the game by the end of next year.
According to Guru, story will feature a lot heavier this time around, with a Darker, gritter Joanna Dark. "The entire game has tints of grey surrounding all the characters," it says.
Interestingly, a new morality system is also claimed, with different story branches and endings depending on your in-game actions.
With the 360 launch game's decent sales - and space left to fill now that Halo's done and dusted - we're totally expecting a new Perfect Dark to roll around eventually. This time though, we're hoping it's not as disappointing as Zero - Microsoft; let Rare get on with it.
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October 15th, 2007, 19:49 Posted By: Shrygue
via IGN
The quintessential Southern rock band is Lynyrd Skynyrd. But one of the most recognizable Southern rock songs is actually by lesser-known Molly Hatchet. "Flirting with Disaster," the title track from Hatchet's second album (released in 1979) is the latest song added to the growing list for Harmonix's Rock Band.
The Ignorant Sluts, IGN's tribute band, had the chance to play "Flirting with Disaster" the other day. Be warned: This song nearly killed us. Listed as one of the toughest songs in Rock Band, "Disaster" will test the strength of every member of your band. Roper, the Ignorant Slut's dummer, nearly broke down in tears by the end of the song and bassist Davey Clay called it "the most ridiculous and awesome bassline of all time."
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October 15th, 2007, 22:25 Posted By: wraggster
Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter believes that Halo 3 acted as a catalyst for bumper software sales through September, with Microsoft the obvious beneficiary in terms of moving games and Xbox 360 hardware.
Ahead of NPD's forthcoming announcement of September sales statistics, which Pachter expects to be released Thursday October 18, the analyst forecast software sales of $655 million, up 47 percent year-over-year.
The estimate reflects $530 million in sales contribution from new platforms (PS3, Wii, 360, PSP and DS), including $300 million in software sales for the Xbox 360, and current generation software sales of $125 million.
On the home console hardware front, Pachter predicts that Microsoft shifted 450,000 Xbox 360 units during September, in comparison to 425,000 Wii consoles and 150,000 PS3s, and forecasts growth throughout the holiday period.
http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?op...=7528&Itemid=2
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October 15th, 2007, 22:28 Posted By: wraggster
Thanks to Emanuel, an intrepid tipster who went above and beyond the call of duty, we managed to get a full unboxing of the Xbox 360 Arcade before Microsoft has even been able to send out a press release about the thing. Whenever the console officially lands, you can expect to pick up the hard drive free console for $279.99, which includes a 256MB Memory Card, a Wireless controller, an HDMI port minus the cable, and a disc that includes copies of Xbox LIVE Arcade games Boom Boom Rocket, Feeding Frenzy, Luxor 2, Pac-Man Championship Demo, and Uno.
http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/14/x...rcade-unboxed/
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October 16th, 2007, 00:20 Posted By: wraggster
New today from Divineo China
Another exclusive product from XCM, this cable will let you connect your non HDMI Xbox 360 with an HDMI cable to a HD TV or DVI monitor with a high resolution signal of 1080i.
Connect your regular Xbox 360 (the version without HDMI port) to a HD TV or DVI monitor with a high resolution signal of 1080i thanks to XCM HDMI 1080i Cable for Xbox 360 without HDMI Port.
You can now enjoy the same resolutions than people with Xbox 360 Elite!
Specifications & extra information
This cable converts the analog signal to a digital one and acts as a HDMI digital signal solution for HDMI-less Xbox 360's, while also sporting an extra RCA socket and optical socket for connection to speakers. The cable is also come with a HDMI to DVI adapter so it can be used on a PC as well as a HD TV.
Retails for $79 (£40)
Digg This
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October 16th, 2007, 00:47 Posted By: wraggster
New from SuccessHK
Redefining Rally: High-speed next-gen racing on a wide variety of surface types, all within environments from exotic locations around the world.
Groundbreaking GeoDeformation? Proprietary technology creates fully deformable environments and surfaces, ensuring that the race experience changes on every lap.
Fully-Licensed Vehicles: Customizable 4WD, 2WD and Classic vehicles including the Subaru Impreza, Ford Focus, Audi Quattro, Lancia Stratos and Toyota Celica.
Competition: Advanced AI plus online and offline multiplayer for up to six people ensure a healthy level of competition for drivers of any standard.
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October 16th, 2007, 00:49 Posted By: wraggster
New from SuccessHK
Unite Bugs, Taz, Daffy, Marvin and more in a co-operative whack-and-smash romp through time - including online play!
Melee and projectile weapons: Each character's weapon/melee skills can power up three times on the fly as you go.
Vehicle Based Action: Race a jet scooter across an alien environment or wage battle on top of a giant flying Pterodactyl¿the possibilities are endless!
Travel to various locations such as Camelot, Ancient Egypt, Mars, the Wild West and more
Top-notch voice talent provides the characters with their classic voices and an authentic Looney Tunes slapstick adventure, while giving their look an updated, next-generation, modern edge.
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October 16th, 2007, 19:47 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Microsoft has trumpeted that Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom will be out across Europe on 1st February.
It is the best part of a year later than we had previously expected it; presumably developer Blueside felt it needed more time to polish things like four-player co-operative play.
Circle of Doom is an action role-playing game that departs slightly from the strategy (think Dynasty Warriors-like) roots of the series. The idea is to run around and kill things in brutal and glorious fast-paced combat, using combo attacks and fancy special moves to put an end to their wretched lives.
Blueside is also keen to tout its random map generator, which apparently will give you and your friends an endless sea of areas to explore to gain experience and treasure from.
Screenshots
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October 16th, 2007, 19:47 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
A bit like when my mouse cursor goes to sleep, or when Nanna rings to ask why I'm not married yet, the original price of Lumines Live was met with shouting. Good news then for those of you who didn't bother with it, because Q is permanently cutting the price on Wednesday, 17th October.
From then on, it will cost just 800 Microsoft points (GBP 6.80 / EUR 9.30) rather than 1200. What's more, Q is letting you download "Heavenly Star" and "Breeze" skins for free between 17th October and 14th November - providing you're an Xbox Live Gold member.
There's also a "Rockin' Holiday Pack" due for release on Wednesday, priced 400 points (GBP 3.40 / EUR 4.65).
You will still have to pay a few hundred points more than the base 800 to fill out the extra gameplay modes like Puzzle, but it's still not a terrible price for a port of what was - and remains - one of the PSP's best original puzzle games.
Not sure what Lumines is? It's a puzzle game where blocks of two opposing colours fall into a wider-than-it-is-tall rectangular play area and you have to try and arrange them so that they form same-coloured squares of two by two. This is complicated by the fact that they generally descend in little confused clusters of competing colours that have to be disentangled.
When you have same-coloured two-by-two squares arranged neatly in the box, they get all warm and glowy, and a vertical line that sweeps left to right across the play area removes them with its passing. In order to net bigger scores, you want to line up several squares at the same time.
This being a Q Entertainment game, it's all done to the sound of dance and pop music, and is regularly refreshed by new songs and changes of pace for the sweeping vertical line and the rate of the blocks' initial descent.
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October 16th, 2007, 19:51 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
While blogs and consumer websites jumped on unconfirmed reports yesterday that Rare is currently working on Perfect Dark 2 for the Xbox 360, the developer has shrugged off any speculation of unconfirmed projects.
Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, Lee Schuneman, head of production at Rare, has said that it's nothing new – rumours come and go, but the team won't be talking about any possible projects until it's good and ready.
"There's always rumours going around about different games we may or may not be doing but we'd prefer not to comment on rumours at this stage," he said.
Original reports came from the blog GameGuru, which suggested a true sequel to N64 game was in development.
Rare is currently working on a new title in the Banjo-Kazooie franchise, which Schuneman has previously promised will "bring something entirely new" to the series, and is likely to be the major focus for the celebrated developer in the near future.
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October 16th, 2007, 19:52 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Every Extend Extra Extreme (E4) and Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe are this week's Xbox Live Arcade releases, and should be waiting for you to fling 800 Microsoft points (GBP 6.80 / EUR 9.30) at both of them this time tomorrow morning.
As well as being the spiritual home of Dawson's Creek, E4 is the sequel to the PSP Every Extend Extra, which we thought was smashing (we'll give you a couple of seconds to let that one sink in). Like its predecessor (we did like its predecessor!), it sees players trying to cause chain reactions by detonating themselves in the midst of wacky space ships.
Having originated with a lone Japanese programmer as, simply, "Every Extend", the PSP version was adapted by Q Entertainment to centre around music - with chain reactions popping off various musical effects, which gradually intensify and accelerate as you collect power-ups and string together bigger explosions.
The 360 version massively increases the game's visual effects quota (we were playing it last night, and it's like having a firework display in a kaleidoscope), and features a total of five gameplay modes - including a new, actual shoot-'em-up mode and multiplayer.
Meanwhile, as everyone knows, Speedball 2 is a remake of a classic futuristic sports game from when Kristan was only about 38, and followers will also be watching out for downloadable content packs after it's released.
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October 16th, 2007, 19:57 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Film executives are blaming Halo 3 for lower than expected October Box Office numbers, which on the weekend of the 5th were down a whopping 27 percent from the same time last year.
Many film executives, reports Advertising Age, are convinced that punters stayed indoors to play Master Chief's latest, which let's not forget broke all box office records by making $170 million on its first day. It's now gone on to sell well over $300 million.
Ben Stiller's new offering, The Heartbreak Kid (which cost $60 million to make) was expected to clear $20 million in its opening weekend, instead it made only $14 million. Execs blame the Chief.
"The audience on this game is the 18-to-34 demographic, similar to what you'd see in cinemas," said Mike Hickey, an analyst at Janco Partners, adding that "this could last for several weeks."
In its first week of release more than 2.7 million Xbox 360 owners played Halo 3 online - that's more than a third of all Xbox Live subscribers worldwide.
So you can see why a good portion of 18-34s were busy shooting people in the face rather than watching Ben Stiller.
Microsoft is apparently not surprised either: "We marketed it like a film," said Josh Goldberg, a product manager at Microsoft, adding, "and now, we're just as big or bigger than film."
We're starting to think its time to pack this journalist lark in, and sell bootleg Master Chief shirts out the back of a VW. Who's with us?
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October 16th, 2007, 20:02 Posted By: wraggster
Three is a trend, or so the saying goes among journalists. So what are we to make of the steady exodus of highly acclaimed developers from the warm embrace of Microsoft Game Studios into the arms of others? Last Thursday's news that Electronic Arts had acquired BioWare Pandemic from Elevation Partners for nearly $800 million marked the third time in just three weeks that a top developer of multiple Xbox games has jumped ship. First, on September 26th, Activision announced that it would be purchasing the previously-independent U.K. studio Bizarre Creations, which made four Project Gotham Racing games for MGS between 2001 and 2006. A week later, rumors began to mount that Bungie--the brightest light in the MGS firmament by virtue of its three best-selling Halo games and the only one of the three Killer B's actually owned by Microsoft--had repurchased its independence from the Redmond giant. The rumors proved true, and by the end of the week, both parties released statements attesting to that fact. When EA made its announcement not even a week later, that BioWare--makers of the MGS titles Jade Empire and the forthcoming Mass Effect--and Pandemic would be joining its Murderer's Row, much of the focus was on whether or not EA overpaid (we'll tackle that in a subsequent post) and was it good or bad that EA's already formidable power was spreading unchecked throughout the industry like the baleful Eye of Sauron. Left relatively unexamined, with the exception of a few message boards, fansites and podcasts, was this: what does it say about Microsoft Game Studios that three of the industry's most renowned developers have slipped through its fingers in less than a month's time?
http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/level...-all-mean.aspx
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October 16th, 2007, 20:03 Posted By: wraggster
Last Thursday in San Francisco, Cadence held a roundtable discussion with high-level staff responsible for some of the most crucial processors in the gaming space.
According to AMD's Feldstein, who led the design for the Xbox 360 GPU, "The great thing about game console chips is that you're not bound by the linear path the PC has to take -- the dictators who say where the PC is going, like Microsoft." Feldstein even said Microsoft behaves differently when it comes to the 360. "You're also looking at a longer time. You're looking at something that has to live for years rather than months. It's a closed environment, you don't have the open factors of PC. It's a great place to prototype and design."
Setting the tone for his comments throughout the session, Intel's Randy Stude, whose company has no current console products since the cease in production of the original Xbox, argued that consoles do not help with innovation. "Throw Moore's Law out of the window when you talk about consoles -- except every five or ten years when one comes out. Moore's Law applies to the PC industry."
However, IBM's Jim Kahle, chief architect of the Cell project which resulted in the processor for the PS3, disagreed totally. "Moore's Law is about density, and density applies to cost. On consoles you're trying to get the cost down."
Peddie then posed the question that Stude argued earlier -- can consoles be considered a place for innovation in processing?
Feldstein said, "360 is where we got our 'go forward' architecture. You can make interesting tradeoffs in these convergence devices. If you don't oversize your system you have a system that attacks the problem -- especially in the game consoles, more entertainment."
Feldstein suggests that since game development has made a major shift to consoles, so too does chip innovation. "If you talk to [software] developers today, their prime target is the console first. This is almost universal. Then they spread it out to the PC. I don't think it was this way five years ago. This year they're starting to go to the consoles first, because it's a more consistent place to play games."
Feldstein talked practicals. "Cost downs are a real pain if you were Intel or AMD doing new processors, because you can't change anything." As processors shrink, "significant parts change. If you're doing an Xbox or a Sony, everything has to be consistent, the last game has to [run] the same as the first game that was bought. NVIDIA and AMD, we're so hell-bent to do the performance and the density and you have to restrain yourself because things have to stay the same." However, when questioned about the AMD GPU's role in the Xbox 360's billion-dollar unreliability issues, Feldstein demurred comment.
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/new...hp?story=15861
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October 16th, 2007, 21:13 Posted By: wraggster
New from SuccessHK
Skate anything you can see!
Sneak into spots only you can find - use ladders, ledges and wires to skate secret spots, find rooftop ledges, secret pools and hidden sewer tunnels
Avoid security guards who will toss you out of the choice locations.
Use skate checking on jerks that get in your way
Compete in races and impress skaters!
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October 17th, 2007, 19:22 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Eidos has said that the Xbox 360 version of Tomb Raider: Anniversary will be in European shops next Friday.
But, if you don't want to move, then you can wait until November when you will be able to download it from Xbox Live in two episodic instalments for a total of 2400 points (GBP 20 / EUR 28).
Each of these will have two chapters and the mansion level bundled in, but you will need to be an owner of the Tomb Raider: Legend disc to be able to download them.
Anniversary is a remake of the very first game responsible for rocketing Tomb Raider to worldwide success, which eventually prompted Hollywood to make a film based around it starring big-lips Jolie.
The PlayStation 2 and PC version came out back in May, and bowled us over with its back-to-its-roots approach, restating why most of us fell in love with Lara in the first place.
Those of you with a 360 will likely enjoy slightly polished-up graphics, as well as some picture packs and other Live guffery to go with it.
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October 17th, 2007, 19:43 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Ken Levine has been dropping hints about the direction 2K Boston might take with BioShock's downloadable content.
Speaking to Games for Windows Magazine in Americaland, Levine cited Diablo II as "a great model for an expansion, because it enhanced the original game, but also extended the game, too".
As you might imagine, he's not keen on the idea of dumping in new levels, and admits he's "confused as far as how to expand the narrative experience", and says instead that he's a fan of "enhancing the original experience and adding replayability to that experience".
So, new plasmids then? Could be. We'd like a post-completion toggle to help us find all the diary recordings, personally. What about you, Eurogamers?
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October 17th, 2007, 19:44 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
If you like a bit more strategy in your shooter you'll be pleased to hear that Ubisoft plans to release the GRAW 2 Co-Op Collection on Xbox Live late next month, bolstering its tactical blaster with a shed-load of new content.
The pack includes five brand new campaign missions continuing the story from GRAW 2 and nine adversarial maps for online play. Seven of those nine are remakes from Ghost Recons past (Caves, Railroad Bridge, Battlefield, Plantation, Swamp Airfield, Prison and Castle), leaving two that are totally new (Business Park and Rooftop).
And if this study's anything to go by, sales and review scores will no-doubt see a boost from the extra Achievements, offering an addition 125 gamerpoints for your efforts.
More details including pricing are due from Ubisoft later today.
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October 17th, 2007, 21:42 Posted By: wraggster
While Nintendo and the Wii have been credited with expanding the gamer audience over the last year and bringing in more casual players, it's actually Microsoft's Xbox 360 that may prevail during this crucial holiday season, according to Janco Partners analyst Mike Hickey.
As part of an investor note for Electronic Arts, Hickey commented that this holiday may see more of a hardcore focus. "We believe the recent release of killer content (Halo 3 - BioShock), lower hardware price points, and limited Wii (hardware/software) supply could shift market focus from Wii casual to 360 hardcore this holiday," he said.
http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/feature/?id=17791
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October 17th, 2007, 21:46 Posted By: wraggster
To bag your free five DVDs, first you need the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player - you can buy one now. Then print out this form, pick your DVDs from our great selection and send it off. Easy. Already got the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player? If you bought it after 1/10/07 and kept the receipt then you're laughing all the way to the post box.
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October 18th, 2007, 19:29 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Llamasoft will be tinkering with Space Giraffe later this week, and the results will be free to download.
You will no longer be allowed to indefinitely hold the power zone at its maximum on a given level, for starters, and enemies have wised up to being juggled and will not let you do it any more. And so they should; bullies.
Because of this, the leaderboards and start level bonuses will be refreshed, although you will still have all of your unlocked content available.
Space Giraffe is a tale of a safari animal that flew to the moon, as interpreted by the psychedelic mind of Jeff Minter. Like, but also not the same as, his older creation Tempest 2000, the idea is to navigate a grid-like area and blast enemies to rack-up a great big score.
We took a while to come around to it. Initially we found it confusing and bewildering, but after spending more time at its mercy found it to be addictive and satisfying.
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October 18th, 2007, 19:53 Posted By: Shrygue
via IGN
Another one bites the dust - this time, the bloodthirsty Soldier of Fortune: Pay Back, part of Activision's early 2008 line up, has been refused classification by the OFLC. This comes off the back of an initial delay for the game to separate it from the impending release of Call of Duty 4 in Australia. We contacted Activision on the classification refusal. They refused to comment on the classification itself, but reiterated that the initial delay had nothing to do with the OFLC's refusal.
They offered this explanation for the now-moot delay:
"We decided to move Soldier of Fortune: Payback to early 2008, in order to give the title a more opportunistic launch window. We're currently working at 110% in getting our Q4 titles to market with the likes of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock, and therefore moving Soldier of Fortune: Payback puts it in a less cluttered launch window and allows the Activision Australia marketing team to focus the attention to it that it deserves for a successful launch. We apologise to Australian gamers for the delay."
Again, Activision declined to comment directly on the classification refusal.
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October 18th, 2007, 19:56 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
The unfortunately named 'slutmaster chip' proved today that some people really do need a license and a few lessons in how to use the mighty Spartan Laser in Halo 3.
Or perhaps someone needs to tell him you can't shoot through the shield doors?
Trailer here
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October 18th, 2007, 19:58 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Microsoft Entertainment and Devices boss Robbie Bach has been talking freely about the Xbox 360 Arcade pack that's set to target the casual market.
The $279 Arcade pack will include a wireless controller and a number of casual titles including Pac-Man, Uno (pictured) and Luxor 2, and will be released in time for the crucial holiday season sales period, the Financial Times reports.
The Xbox 360 Arcade, Microsoft hopes, will largely appeal to the family-friendly market currently gravitating towards Nintendo's Wii, which retails for $250.
"Arcade becomes [for us] the ability to bring in a new set of audiences," said Bach. "They're probably a little bit more casually focused, they're looking for a new family experience or they're more price focused."
While the launch of the Arcade Xbox 360 has long been rumored, with photos of the new SKU in stores even showing up recently, Bach's comments offer the first official confirmation of its existence. According to retailer listings the console will be available in the US later this month.
Next-Gen contacted Microsoft to clarify whether the Arcade 360 would be launching in Europe only to be met with a stiff "no comment."
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October 18th, 2007, 20:58 Posted By: wraggster
Show of hands who had their Halo 3 bonus disc all scratched up by the crummy tin box. One, two, three...OK, thousands of you.
The replacement discs have started turning up at homes, and while the new soft, beige packaging might not be as easy on the eye as a dark metal tin, it has done a better job of delivering functioning game discs to your 360 console.
http://kotaku.com/gaming/halo-3/excu...ere-312221.php
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October 18th, 2007, 20:59 Posted By: wraggster
Hello fellow artists and creative folk! Blackbolt here sending out a message to everyone who has created skins for MC360 or is wanting to get their work available on the MC360 theme download service.
This weekend, Sunday 21st October 2007 at 11.59pm PDT will be the cut-off time for submittions to our forum. All skins will be judged by myself and then made available for download by MC360 the following day. These skins will only be available via the download service within the updated MC360 Live Place, not via the website.
So if you think you've already got a great skin, post a link in the official showcase thread and let me know about (no PMs!!!!) or if you've nearly finished an excellent skin, then hurry and get it uploaded!! Theres no limit to the number of skins that will be added, it could be 10, it could be 50, who knows, only me thats who! Just make sure your skin is online and still downloadable after sunday evening.
So get cracking guys!
http://blackbolt.x-scene.com/index.php?post=1192493096
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October 18th, 2007, 21:01 Posted By: wraggster
I can't figure out which I find more disconcerting. The sheer overwhelming fuglatude of these shoes or the fact that just don't make any sense what so ever. What the hell was going through their minds when they came up with this?
Brent: I know, let's take a pair of sneakers and slap the gutted remains of an Xbox 360 controller to the sole.
Frasier: Wow, grand slam Brent! Now, lets go roll around in the pool of money we made off of kids who like to skate on the back heels of their shoes.
http://kotaku.com/gaming/shoes/heely...ver-312114.php
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October 19th, 2007, 19:25 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
You have come to this page to feast your eyes on no less that 30 new screenshots from Sega's Virtua Fighter 5 on Xbox 360, so go ahead and get eating.
VF5's already released on PS3 of course and we recently captured footage of both versions for visual comparison.
Screenshots here
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October 19th, 2007, 19:26 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
Speaking to the Financial Times, Microsoft's Robbie Bach has confirmed the Xbox 360 Arcade console.
"Arcade becomes [for us] the ability to bring in a new set of audiences," he said. "They're probably a little bit more casually focused, they're looking for a new family experience, or they're more price focused."
The Arcade model will retail for USD 279, and will include a wireless controller and a 256MB memory card. The console will have HDMI output.
The package will also contain five Xbox Live Arcade games, hence the title, but it is unclear whether these are full versions or merely demos. Since the system does not have a hard drive, the arcade titles are likely to come on a separate disc.
While the Xbox 360 Arcade console had been widely rumoured, Bach's statement marks the first time that Microsoft has confirmed its existence.
It is expected that the Arcade console will replace the current Core unit.
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October 19th, 2007, 19:28 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
A report has appeared on a technology website that claims Microsoft and Toshiba are working on a new Xbox.
Insiders at Toshiba (owner of the HD-DVD patents) claim that Microsoft is working on a new Xbox that will incorporate a HD-DVD drive, a larger hard drive and new entertainment software.
The device is apparently being developed in response to "the PS3 driving sales of games software and Blu-ray content in several countries." A recent Sony study conducted in the UK, Australia, France Germany and Spain revealed that a big factor why consumers are buying a PS3 is because of the Blu-ray player.
This new Xbox device will be positioned as an entertainment hub that includes gaming and extensive wireless networking capabilities as well as 1080p playback. Games will also be played on it too.
It's all rumour and speculation at the moment and it doesn't take a genius to work out what Microsoft would say. Read the full report here.
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October 19th, 2007, 20:40 Posted By: wraggster
A pretty convincing rumor reports that Microsoft is teaming up with Toshiba to make a new Xbox 360 to compete with Sony's HD-enticing Blu-ray PS3. Here are the potential proposed specs that would come standard in the new device:
- HD DVD
- 1080p w/HDMI (doesn't sound much different)
- Wireless Networking
- dual HD tuners with program guide (no dvr?)
- MP3 player dock (possibly a new open standard ala ipod...won't happen, Zune is USB)
- Toshiba is also exploring a 40-inch TV that can dock the 360
- This same TV dock could allow for more hard drive or component swappability
- Expected in late 2008 or CES 2009
http://kotaku.com/gaming/rumor/toshi...360-312930.php
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October 19th, 2007, 21:02 Posted By: wraggster
* A new XCM 360 replacement case with HDMI port will be released soon, the first 3 colors will be Christmas joy pack (bundle with Sexy Red wireless controller pad shell) , Black Knight with X logo and White.
* XCM 360 Air tube (Chameleon) will be released soon
XCM 360 Airtube wind tunnel, match perfectly with our XCM 360 replacement case ,and come with a light system that changes between various colors (6 colors in rotation).
http://www.teamxtender.com/
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October 19th, 2007, 21:05 Posted By: wraggster
Just a year-and-a-half since they launched, high-definition players are breaching the $200 barrier. If reports on the Web are correct, HD DVD is poised to break the $200 mark before the holidays. Toshiba has told me there's no official pricing moves with regard to their MSRP; however, reports on the Web indicate Wal-Mart may be prepping to sell a $198 HD DVD player.
If so, this is a significant and aggressive move in favor of Toshiba and the HD DVD format: They would be delivering what--up until now--only a no-name manufacturer based in Hong Kong has promised. And even then, Venturer Electronics has yet to release its $199 HD DVD player to market.
http://blogs.pcworld.com/staffblog/archives/005711.html
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October 19th, 2007, 21:07 Posted By: wraggster
GameDaily BIZ has received the September sales data from The NPD Group, and the impact from Halo 3 could probably be felt around the world. Total video game sales rose to $1.36 billion for the month (a 74 percent increase), led largely by a dominating performance from Halo 3 sales and Xbox 360 hardware sales.
The three SKUs of Halo 3 (standard, limited edition, legendary edition) combined to sell 3.3 million units during the NPD reporting period. This had a great effect on Xbox 360 hardware adoption as sales for Microsoft's console topped all platforms at 527.8K units.
Nintendo's Wii, despite not really having any significant new software releases, was close behind with 501K units sold. The DS handheld also did quite well, selling another 495.8K. Looking at Sony's platforms, the PS3 sold just 119.4K units, while the surging PSP sold 284.5K and the PS2 maintained healthy sales at 215K. At the bottom of the pack, the old GBA sold 75K units.
http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/feature/?id=17836
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October 19th, 2007, 21:08 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Dubbed as a follow-up to the arcade shooters back in the '80s, the re-visualisation is being developed by Backbone Emeryville.
The crazy-hard arcade shooter is being revamped for Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network. Expect a release this winter. But take a look at the first ten screens right here.
Screenshots here
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October 20th, 2007, 16:12 Posted By: wraggster
After reading of the MTV intern's plight to create a Master Chief costume earlier this week I remembered that some reader had sent me a picture showing a pal of his wearing the helmet from the Legendary version of the game on his head.
I had asked him to email me the details on how it was achieved and then never heard back. So I decided to do it myself... big mistake.
Before I walk you through this let me point out two things: I had to use a glue gun to put my helmet back together. That's because the center black piece that takes up all of the headroom is in fact also the frame that holds the whole thing together. The second reason? I'll leave that no-brainer till the end.
http://kotaku.com/gaming/feature/how...met-312046.php
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October 20th, 2007, 16:13 Posted By: wraggster
According to a pair of new surveys released by IDC and IDG Entertainment (IDGE), the booming market created by online-capable consoles means that online console download revenues will triple from $133 million in 2006 to $583 million in 2007, with bigger increases expected in the future.
"By the end of 2007, over 31 percent of online capable video game consoles in North America will be in active online use by 14 million online console gamers," said Pidgeon. "The increase in revenue derived from the online use of game consoles, including subscriptions (mostly Xbox Live), downloadable content, and advertising represents the largest growth in the console software sector. In North America alone, online console revenue will triple from $133 million in 2006 to $583 million in 2007. Consumers are increasingly purchasing games by non-traditional means such as downloads or subscriptions."
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/new...hp?story=15932
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October 20th, 2007, 16:14 Posted By: wraggster
Following NPD's release of September sales results, Wedbush Morgan's Michael Pachter and simExchange's Jesse Divinch have said the industry is on "solid footing," and predicted that the Xbox 360's victory over Wii should be short-lived.
Pachter noted that other analysts will likely note that without Halo 3's contribution to both software and hardware sales, growth was actually down 7 percent year over year. He added, though, "Although sales of Halo 3 accounted for all (and then some) of the growth during the month, the game clearly drove hardware sales that will position the industry for even greater sales in November and December, when many Halo players will be ready for a new challenge."
Finally, though the Xbox 360 saw higher sales than both the Wii and DS, Divinch says the victory "is expected to be short lived with the Wii regaining the top spot for the remaining months in 2007."
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/new...hp?story=15930
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October 21st, 2007, 01:49 Posted By: sourced
via Gizmodo
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/zune-2/zu...ing-313227.php
As some of our astute readers have pointed out, the Zune 2 looks like it will support a Wi-Fi text messaging service. The extract from the leaked support document details an inbox feature, which "is where customers can send and receive text messages with other Zune users." The added functionality would sure make the social a lot more social, but the exact details are not clear.
Apparently, there are three types of messages, including text, artist or album. What the artist and album message formats will allow is not clear. (Simply a message with the information seems unlikely, but anything beyond that also seems a little unlikely). What has not been touched upon is a method for text entry; we sure hope there is some form of a solution to make this doable. Given the hardware infrastructure we cannot see a solution, but we'd love to be proven wrong
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October 21st, 2007, 16:55 Posted By: wraggster
Generally speaking, it's Microsoft that has the most to worry about this holiday season. I believe the Xbox 360 will take the day when this whole console battle is over, but all in all, it looks like the next few months will be tough.
A quick glimpse at the Gamestop release calendar will tell you everything you need to know for this holiday season. In a word, the games lineup is mediocre -- at best. Sure, games like Call of Duty 4, Assassin's Creed, and Mass Effect will be hitting shelves, but only the latter will be exclusive to the Xbox 360. And to be quite honest, it's the exclusive titles that will shape this holiday season.
Microsoft has already done what it had to do -- get Halo 3 out the door and enjoy unprecedented hardware and software revenue. In fact, the release of Halo 3 solidified the company as a major player in this business for years to come. But the main problem with its strategy of releasing the game so early is the lack of true hardware-sellers. Sure, Mass Effect looks neat, but is it on par with a game like Halo, which is the main reason the majority of people bought an Xbox 360 in September? I doubt it.
Overall Xbox 360 outlook for the holiday season: mediocre.
http://blogs.cnet.com/8301-13506_1-9800502-17.html
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October 21st, 2007, 19:34 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft is partnering with Toshiba to turn the Xbox into a full fledged HTPC. With built-in HD DVD, a larger hard drive, revamped "MCE" interface, and possibly HDTV tuners, the Xbox would be in a better position to compete against the PS3 in the race to serve as the defacto entertainment hub for couch potatoes. According to the article "The new device is expected to be released late in 2008 or at the 2009 CES show in Las Vegas.
http://games.slashdot.org/article.pl.../10/21/1411243
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October 21st, 2007, 19:53 Posted By: wraggster
New from Mr Modchips (UK)
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
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October 21st, 2007, 19:54 Posted By: wraggster
New from Mr Modchips (UK)
The Xbox 360 Disc Case Stand & Cooling Fan lets you keep your Xbox 360 cool, when you're having those all-night gamer sessions! This unique stand will extend the lifecycle of you Xbox 360, by letting it operate at a cooler temperature. Xbox 360 electronics are heat-sensitive, and by keeping them cool you'll make sure your Xbox 360 has a longer life & better performance.
Features:
- Low noise yet powerful cooling system
- Work with indicator and console-stand function
- All in one design: Emplacement for console and for remote control
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October 21st, 2007, 20:05 Posted By: wraggster
New from Mr Modchips (UK)
Experience the beauty of chrome in its entirety.
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!
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October 21st, 2007, 20:08 Posted By: wraggster
New from Mr Modchips (UK)
Reduce the internal operating temperature of the 360 while prolonging the consoles lifespan. The Intercooler 360 is a snap on cooling attachment that easily connects to the Xbox 360 to significantly reduce the internal heat of the console. The Intercooler 360 provides increased air flow throughout the 360 which allows the internal circuitry to perform at cooler temperatures and last longer. No internal modification of the Xbox 360 is required. A pass through power connection utilizes the existing Xbox 360 power supply negating the need for an extra AC adaptor. The unit also powers on and off automatically with 360 and the intercoolers small size will fit in tight spaces like entertainment centres with your 360 displayed in either horizontal or vertical format.
Specifications:
Fan Cooling System:
Significantly reduce the internal temperature for added reliability and console life
Pass Through Power Connection:
Runs off the existing Xbox 360 power supply and powers on and off automatically
Easy Installation:
Easily snaps onto the back of the console. No internal modification needed
Universal:
Works with the 360 in vertical or horizontal position and fits easily into entertainment centres
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October 22nd, 2007, 07:14 Posted By: pibs
Don't have TH: Proving Grounds? Don't need it to play the GH3 demo.
Instructions are:
Burn to a CD or DVD
You have to get the "Content" folder and put that (with everything in it) onto the DVD/CD, the demo will be where the other demos on your 360 normally are (game blade, demos and more).
5 songs on the demo
Hit Me With Your Best Shot
Pat Benatar
Lay Down
Priestess
Even Flow
Pearl Jam
Rock You Like A Hurricane
Scorpions
The Metal
Tenacious D
Source:http://digg.com/xbox_360/Burn_the_Guitar_Hero_III_Demo
Could this be used as an exploit for homebrew on the 360? Probably not, but what do you guys think?
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October 22nd, 2007, 19:10 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
Microsoft has slashed prices for the Xbox 360 in Japan and introduced a new bundle to help boost flagging sales.
Effective November 1, the 20GB Premium unit will retail at JPY 34,800 (EUR 214), down from JPY 39,795, while the Core SKU will sell for 27,800 (EUR 171).
Microsoft will also introduce a Value Pack bundled with first-party titles Viva Piñata and Forza Motorsport for JPY 34,800, although there will be no HDMI cable packed in.
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October 22nd, 2007, 19:11 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
Smarthouse, an Austrailian technology site, has reported that Microsoft is working on a new Xbox 360 console that will include a built-in HD DVD drive.
Microsoft currently sells an HD DVD player as an attachment for the Xbox 360, but it has not revealed sales figures for the peripheral.
According to the article the new Xbox console will be positioned as an entertainment hub that includes gaming and extensive wireless networking capability as well as 1080p playback. There is also talk of including a dual HD TV tuner and EPG capability and a docking port for an MP3 player.
Toshiba owns the HD DVD patents, and recently entered into an agreement with Sony to jointly manufacture cell processing chips, despite the fact that Sony is the lead backer of the Blu-ray Disc format competing with HD DVD.
A senior Toshiba executive in Singapore told SmartHouse "An Xbox with a built in HD DVD drive is critical. They and we are working on it. It also has to be more than a gaming machine. Microsoft recognise [sic] this. A version of the device may also be sold under the Toshiba brand name."
"The PS3 has been extremely successful for Sony in getting Blu-ray off the ground and for Microsoft, the omission of a built in HD DVD player is set to hurt sales going forward as consumers are aware that the PS3 comes with a Blu-ray player," said Scott Browning, the marketing director of Australian electronics retailer JB HiFi.
According to the article, the new console will be released late in 2008 or at the January 2009 CES show in Las Vegas.
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October 22nd, 2007, 19:46 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Activision has said that the official Guitar Hero III demo will be on Live Marketplace tomorrow, otherwise known as a day before my birthday.
We say official because earlier we told you that clever, maths-liking folks from Internet had worked out a way for you to download it already, then burn it to disc and play it on a normal, unmodified 360.
The demo builds up to a Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Weekend that will offer prizes to fastest fingers, and even let you shred-off against members of the development team.
The competition runs from 2nd to 4th November, and could see you walking away with a limited edition guitar faceplate signed by hairy guitar player Slash.
Activision will be popping the official website for the competition up tomorrow, where you will be able to find a full list of terms and conditions like if you have to be in the US to win, for example.
The publisher also stamped confirmation on the 23rd November date for the PS3, 360, PS2 and Wii versions of the game earlier today, although Aspyr Media is handling the PC version so we aren't sure about that one.
Pop over to our Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock gamepage to for all sorts of information about the game, like why it should be very good and not everyone is waiting for Rock Band.
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October 22nd, 2007, 19:47 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Xbox 360 sci-fi RPG Mass Effect has gone gold and, as previously confirmed, will hit Europe on November 23.
It's a title that's been hotly anticipated thanks to it spawning from the development loins of RPG powerhouse BioWare, which has consistently impressed with its role-playing game experiences. Let's hope we're not left disappointed.
Mass Effect is the first part in a planned trilogy, and BioWare's suggested that all three games will remain exclusive to Xbox 360 following the developer's buyout by EA, but of course the future isn't written in stone.
UPDATE: Microsoft also sends word of the Limited Collector's Edition which includes a fiction book titled "Galactic Codex: Essentials", a 36-page guide to the Mass Effect universe, an art book titled "A Future Imagined" and a bonus DVD of exclusive "Mass Effect" background material and additional content.
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October 22nd, 2007, 19:49 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
THQ has said that a demo for the Xbox 360 version of Frontlines: Fuel of War will be available in December.
Confirmation came from a US press event, where Frank DeLise, boss of developer Kaos Studios, confirmed plans to Team Xbox. And this was later backed up by a spokesperson from THQ.
However, THQ Europe was unavailable to tell us when we might expect PS3 and PC versions, leaving the closed PC beta test as the only way to test out the title for now.
Frontlines: Fuel of War is a open-world first-person shooter set not too far in the future, and also not too dissimilar to a Battlefield game; there is a single-player element, but the trump card is a large and tactical multiplayer offering.
We had a chance to see it back in March, and were impressed with the level of polish and range of ideas on show. Pop over to our Frontlines: Fuel of War preview to find out more.
Frontlies: Fuel of War is due for release on PC, 360 and PS3 in January 2008.
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October 22nd, 2007, 19:53 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
It's only been out in the USA and Japan for a matter of days and the stupid slack useless tosser postal service hasn't delivered my import copy yet, but Namco Bandai has already released downloadable premium content for owners of Beautiful Katamari based in Asia.
The four new levels - "Milky Way Constellations", "The Weaver Girl", "Shopping Spree" and "High-calorie Katamari", according to the Major - each cost 200 Microsoft points, which is about GBP 1.70 / EUR 2.33 in old money. In other words, it's four new levels for nearly seven quid. And this is just week one. What's the Japanese for "horse armour"?
Namco Bandai has said previously that it planned to offer premium downloadable content, of course, so this shouldn't come as any surprise. We just hope that it doesn't mean the game itself is on the light side, and we'll be aiming to tell you once and for all in the near future - just as soon as our good friends at Royal Fail catch up with the backlog.
For more on Beautiful Katamari, check out our first impressions. It's out now in the US and Japan on Xbox 360. There's currently no word on a PAL release.
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October 22nd, 2007, 20:33 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
In a recent interview with Next-Gen, Harmonix head Alex Rigopulos assured us that his studio will deliver individual instrument controllers for the upcoming Rock Band post-haste.
"The highest priority is to make sure that as many people as possible can have the multi-instrument band experience this holiday," he said. "We are working diligently to get individual instruments into the channel as soon as humanly possible and we have a huge effort in place to make this happen."
Although he didn't give a specific time frame as to when individual instruments will be shipping, Rigopulos hoped to ease worries among anxious gamers that they'll have to wait for an extended period of time for non-bundled instruments.
Rock Band, published by MTV Games, will launch in November as a $169 bundle for Xbox 360 and PS3, which includes the game, a guitar, microphone and a drum kit (and a USB hub for the wired Xbox 360 version). The PS2 version will retail for $159.
"Also, note that standalone software will be available at launch," Rigopulos added. "Harmonix supports open platform standards in our game design, so people will most likely be able to use their existing peripherals with Rock Band. Furthermore, we know that many, many friends are planning to purchase a Rock Band bundle together, along with extra copies of the software, and then share the individual instruments among them."
No prices for the separate instruments have been announced. The game allows for a bassist, guitarist, singer and drummer to play simultaneously. Rigopulos' statements are part of a Next-Gen interview running this week.
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October 22nd, 2007, 20:37 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Despite the FIFA Street series only receiving a mediocre reception to date EA has chosen to plough ahead and deliver a third game in the football-for-rude-boys series.
A first trailer from FIFA Street 3 is viewable now in our video player on the right. Watch in awe - or, like us, in our chairs - as Ronaldinho pulls off some ball tricks and, for some reason, a bit of dancing. It also shows the new art style for the sequel.
FIFA Street's all about over-exaggerated tricks and non-realism in five-a-side footie on the, er, streets. The new game is supposed to feature a revised control system making it easier to pull off OTT moves.
We'll have a hands-on report with you soon.
FIFA Street 3 is in development for Xbox 360 and PS3.
Screenshots
Trailer
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October 22nd, 2007, 21:53 Posted By: wraggster
During the Assassin's Creed demo down at the Australian Maritime Museum today, creative director Patrice Desilets commented on remarks he made two weeks ago on cramming all the game's data onto the Xbox 360's puny DVD format, and into the PS3's questionable memory density.
According to Desilets, his boss called him the day after the comments were made and they exchanged a few words. All Desilets was willing to say today on the Xbox 360 issue was:
"There's no problem anymore. It's gone."
http://www.kotaku.com.au/games/2007/...ssues_fix.html
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October 22nd, 2007, 21:55 Posted By: wraggster
An Australian website has reported Toshiba as saying Microsoft will release an Xbox 360 with a built-in HD DVD drive by the end of next year.
As with every 'Microsoft to add HD DVD to 360' rumour - currently at about one a month - Microsoft is dismissing the claims. But so is Toshiba.
A spokesperson for Tosh told us: 'It's got nothing to do with us. But we know Microsoft doesn't want to include the HD DVD drive so as not to limit the user's experience.'
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/stuff/20071...d-6017cbb.html
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October 22nd, 2007, 21:57 Posted By: wraggster
Via xboxscene
As of right now, only nforce and VIA chipsets are supported in 100% software read/write of the BenQ drive with DosFlash(info). Success varies dependent upon which motherboard you have (intel (ICH) seems to be problematic combined with VIA)
- BenQ optimization in unlocking the flash chip, it should now be possible to read/write/erase the flash without any soldering or wire tricks, the drive is polled for the correct mtk unlocking status after power on, this only works for VIA cards and NForce boards atm
- DosFlash32 has one additional parameter, if you start it with the parameter "EnableDrives" all the DVD-ROMs are enabled in device manager after flashing, this could give BSOD on some systems, therefor you need to create a DosFlash32 link and add that parameter manual to use it
- DosFlash16 has one additional parameter "Send ATAPI Device Reset" in manual mode, this could give better chances for soft flashing on some VIA - motherboard combinations
- better support of Intel chipsets, drives can now be flashed if the controller is not set to native mode in the BIOS
- the following controller list includes vendor and device IDs that are hardcoded to identify the controller type (IDE or SATA), this is needed if the BIOS uses IDE ports like 0x01F0 or 0x0170 as SATA and not as IDE channels, this list is NOT related to soft flashing
NOTE: This is a *BETA*. It is being released to help fix any problems within the program, and to hopefully increase compatibility. Your *constructive* feedback is wanted! So please post in either the XBH or the X-S threads below with your success/failure and specific steps. Use at your own risk!!!
Also, there is NO 'xtreme' firmwares for this drive yet, so as of right now this tool is only useful for getting your key, and using a different drive as a replacement. ixtreme for benq is nearly complete, and in testing stages. No ETA given for release.
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October 23rd, 2007, 00:02 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released at Play Asia
features
Rolling in 720P - Katamari leaps into the next generation with an upgrade into the HD era with increased visual depth and seamless Katamari growth.
All new soundtrack - Pick up items at your leisure to a brand new catchy soundtrack.
New Levels - New levels and objects present the player with more craziness to conquer like keeping your cool and collecting frosty items in the Ice House!
New characters - New cousins join the fun to bring the total to over 50 playable characters, each with their own quirky animations and style.
Offline multiplayer - Share the experience with another player as you race to collect more objects than each other.
Online multiplayer - For the first time ever, the Katamari franchise rolls into the online world.
Downloadable content - The world’s ever changing as your game will continue to give you joy through downloadable content ready to give you a fresh experience every time you fire up your system.
description
The King of All Cosmos and the Prince have returned in amazing Next Generation brilliance! The game that took the video game world by storm is set to continue rolling with new stages, cousins, and visual style.
Play as the Prince or one of the cousins, new and old, to roll up objects in all-new stages and missions as you explore this brand new creative exploration. With this new era, the hit style of gameplay is able to present an experience only hinted at in previous versions. Seamless katamari growing and animated presents add to the experience that has captivated hardcore and casual gamers everywhere.
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October 23rd, 2007, 00:03 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released at Play Asia
description
In the 14th century a quarrel over English succession to the French throne escalated into what history would call the Hundred Years’ War. This ongoing war had exhausted the standing armies of both sides and there was a growing dependence on mercenary soldiers.
Now, take charge as a mercenary leader and contract your army to the English and French. With arrows raining from above, knights charging on horseback, and cannoniers firing volleys at heavy infantry, armies will collide in unprecedented scale and startling chaos on the battlefield.
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October 23rd, 2007, 00:05 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released at Play Asia
Region Free Gaming
features
Experience the visceral fun of interacting with a theme park you create.
Build and ride your own creations, talk and joke with all your guests, and play dozens of minigames.
Visit 15 themed areas, like Battleville, Winterville, Spaceville and Aeroville, all spread throughout five new parks.
Distinguish your rides even more with enhanced customization options. Attach animatronics, flowers and flaming hoops to all of your coasters and rides.
Smarter guests, better dialogue, and more focused two-way conversation make Thrillville's socialization aspects even more amusing than before.
Conversation more directly impacts the story than in the original Thrillville.
description
Thrillvilleâ„¢: Off the Railsâ„¢ amps up the family-friendly mix of gameplay that made Thrillville the best-selling original children's intellectual property of 2006 with some of the most outlandish roller-coaster concepts ever imagined, as well as new ways to talk to park guests and a new array of carnival games.
Off the Rails lives up to its name with 20 death-defying rides so outrageous, they inspire the same word from every park visitor who sees them: "WHOA!" Players build these incredible "WHOA Coasters" to leap from one track to another, launch through the air like cannonballs, blast through a burning rings of fire and more.
A new lighthearted story ties together more than 100 missions, complete with 34 playable multiplayer theme-park games and social interaction with park guests that's better than ever. The in-depth conversations both advance the plot and suggest better ways to manage the park. But is every guest to be trusted?...
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October 23rd, 2007, 00:19 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released at Play Asia
features
pages: 352
Platform: PC, Sony PlayStation 3 and X-Box 360
Multiplayer Strategy: Attack and defend strategies for every map, detailed strategy for each load-out, and tricks to dismantling the most difficult opponent.
Labeled Maps: Detailed maps showing every pathway, all available equipment/weapons, every puzzle, and hidden item.
Walkthroughs: Step-by-step strategies to defeating the toughest enemies and the most complicated puzzle.
Art Section: Art section dedicated to showcasing all of the beautiful artwork fans of the series have come to love.
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October 23rd, 2007, 07:36 Posted By: wraggster
Oh our god you guys, Microsoft totally just blew our minds and officially announced this new version the Xbox called the Xbox 360 Arcade. It's like the Core, right? Except now it comes bundled with five arcade style games (Pac-Man, Boom Boom Rocket, Feeding Frenzy, Luxor 2, and Uno), a wireless controller, HDMI, and a 256MB memory card for $280. (But like the Core, there's still no hard drive.) We so had no clue this was coming, Microsoft just completely, totally blindsided us. Damn you, Redmond, for being so very clever.
http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/23/m...xbox-360-core/
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October 23rd, 2007, 18:19 Posted By: wraggster
via xboxscene
The XIR has been around for several years now.
It is not a make once and forget project. Continually being updated to meet the demands of the users and increase functionality.
Version 2.5 adds a much requested feature, the ability to turn on the xbox via the Eject button.
The previous revision allowed users to eject the dvd tray, but this allows modchip control.
This means that users with modchips that are enabled/disabled via the eject button can now be fully controlled by the XIR.
The XIR is now 100% able to control 3rd+ generation modchips without soldering a single wire.
The second addition is the that of a simplified USB Programming cable, no more serial cables, no more jumpers.
Installs in no time and uses the latest plug and play features of USB.
Do remember the Programming Cable is only need to change the default settings.
As always I stand by my product and will continue to offer free upgrades for all existing customers.
All new V2 orders as of October 19th will be shipping with the new V2.5 Firmware.
Thanks again to the great xbox community.
http://xir.us/
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October 23rd, 2007, 18:21 Posted By: wraggster
According to a just-issued press release from Paramount, the HD DVD edition of 'Transformers' sold over 100,000 units in its first day of release, and went on to sell an additional 90,000 units over next six days, making it the fastest and best-selling week one release on either high definition format, as well as the best selling HD DVD ever.
The standard-def version of 'Transformers' also made news, moving over 8.3 million units in its first week, and 4.5 million copies on day one, a new record for the year 2007.
http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/sh...s_Records/1093
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October 23rd, 2007, 18:22 Posted By: wraggster
If you're a cheater or an online trouble-maker in Halo 3, Bungie has it in for you. Last Friday they posted a message--more of a threat, really--saying that they know who you are, and they're not happy.
"There are those of you doing things you shouldn't be in Halo 3. Some of you have gotten a little too famous for your own good. This ain't a church and there is no redemption or salvation once you have been judged. Apologies are now officially too late to save you.
The storm approaches.
Love, Bungie"
http://arstechnica.com/journals/thum...n-hammer-ready
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October 23rd, 2007, 20:07 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Mutant Storm Empire will be released on Xbox Live Arcade next Wednesday, 31st October, PomPom has told Eurogamer.
It's going to cost 800 Microsoft points, which is about GBP 6.80 / EUR 9.30 in old money, and will of course have a demo along with it.
You may remember Mutant Storm Reloaded as one of Xbox Live Arcade's better earlier shooters. Those with even longer memories may remember the original Mutant Storm's popular presence on Xbox Live Arcade for Xbox 1.
The new one, Empire, is similar but enjoyably different. Using two-stick shooter controls, it tasks you with blasting your way through 16 levels, full of "beasties" who need to be blown away to make progress.
Its strength lies in the quality of the increasingly devious level design, which changes pace and style often enough to keep you guessing, despite maintaining a sensible difficulty curve.
You can tackle things alone in one of two ways - Adventure mode is a straightforward trek through all 16 levels, with a high score awarded for your best streaks between the loss of the six lives you get per level, and the ability to restart on any unlocked level.
Then on top of that you've got Tally mode, which tasks you with trying to set a top score for each individual level, and then builds an overall score for the entire game out of your best efforts.
There are of course leaderboards, not to mention co-operative modes offline and over Xbox Live, and 12 fairly tricky Achievements to unlock.
So, lots to look forward to. Look out for our verdict nearer release next week.
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October 23rd, 2007, 20:14 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Atari has whipped a new demo for Eternal Sonata up onto Xbox Live, so that those of you who were unsure about buying it last Friday can try it out.
You will be able to have a go at an early part of the adventure, following musical characters Polka, Allegretto and Beat as they make their way to Tenuto Village and Heaven's Mirror Forest.
The idea is that you will hopefully be captivated by the really rather lovely cartoon-inspired graphics, unusual but satisfying combat system, and wonderful score played by a Russian chap who can really tickle the ivories.
Eternal Sonata revolves around the legend that famous composer Frederic Chopin entered a dream world hours before he died of Tuberculosis. Here he apparently encountered lots of other people suffering from incurable diseases and embarked on a wonderful adventure.
It hit all the right notes with us, although more variety would have elevated it into the realms of an instant classic. Pop over to our Eternal Sonata review to find out why.
Eternal Sonata will also be coming out on PS3 in 2008.
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October 23rd, 2007, 20:15 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
EA has eased a Need For Speed ProStreet demo onto the Live Marketplace starting grid.
It is light and speedy at 655MB and - good grief the girl on the website is rather attractive - should let you in on what is new in the illegal street racing scene this year.
We can help you a bit there, too, hopefully. The biggest new feature is the ability to actually modify how your car performs, not just scribble rubbish patterns on the outside. EA wants you to spend ages tinkering with your creations so you can head online and show them off, you see.
Your speedsters will also pick up lasting damage that will further help personalise your ride, as you wear dents and scratches like battle scars.
There has been lots of tidying up and work done across the board as well, like lots of fresh game modes, better visuals, new courses, more cars to pick from and better overall performance.
Need For Speed ProStreet will be released for PS3, 360, PC, PS2 and DS on 23rd November. A Wii version will follow on 30th November, and a PSP offering should join it some time next month.
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October 23rd, 2007, 20:17 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Microsoft sends word that continuing on from last week's brilliant releases (E4 and Speedball II) on Xbox Live Arcade, this week sees the excellent Exit and slightly less exciting Battlestar Galactica arrive on Xbox 360.
Taito's Exit was originally released on PSP with 220 levels of puzzle escaping fun. Now, it's looking even prettier on XBLA and is yours for 800 Microsoft points (£6.80). This one's not to be missed.
Battlestar Galactica meanwhile has you leading a squadron through fast-action multiplayer space combat, as well as a single-player campaign based on episodes of the cult telly program. This one's 800 points - somebody let us know if its any good.
Both games will be available from this morning.
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October 23rd, 2007, 20:29 Posted By: wraggster
New from SuccessHK
 
2.4GHz wireless technology with 30-foot range
Use up to four controllers simultaneously on one console
Integrated headset port for Xbox LIVE play
Adjustable vibration feedback for longer battery life
New left and right shoulder buttons are designed for ease of use
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October 24th, 2007, 19:33 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
Toshiba has rubbished reports that it is currently working with Microsoft on an Xbox 360 with a built-in HD DVD drive.
Rumours surfaced last week, but an unnamed Toshiba exec has now stated that Toshiba is not involved in any such hardware developments.
"It's got nothing to do with us," said a spokesperson to gadget site Stuff. "But we know Microsoft doesn't want to include the HD DVD so as not to limit the user's experience."
Microsoft currently sells the HD DVD player as a separate peripheral for the Xbox 360, and offers various deals for users who want to upgrade their console to a hi-definition movie player.
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October 24th, 2007, 19:55 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Ninja Gaiden 2 will let you slice off serious chunks of flesh - we knew that from seeing these ultra-gory screenshots of the game in action, and now more specific details are starting to trickle in.
According to reports, the face-chopping sequel will have you murdering rival ninjas in real-world environments, including settings in Tokyo, Venice and Times Square in New York, although we wouldn't count on there being passer-by grannies to punch.
The fighting system has been enhanced with improved enemy AI and new moves. Enemies can perform co-operative attacks, while Ryu will get a new Obliteration technique - a series of fatal blows delivered if you hit Y immediately after removing an enemy limb.
A main rival ninja is also said to feature, who series producer Itagaki apparently described as "bad ass".
On a not-so-positive note, there's no multiplayer mode planned, according to a preview reported to feature in the December issue of American magazine, EGM. Look out for new screens soon.
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October 24th, 2007, 20:06 Posted By: wraggster
Firing off big-headed predictions is just part of the business, but when Xbox 360 group product manager Aaron Greenberg told Next-Gen that Microsoft expects to have "at least seven titles that will each sell over a million units" this holiday, maybe he wasn't being so bold -- just optimistic. "I don't think any other platform will even come close to that," Greenberg concluded. He's right. But can Xbox 360?
Let's add it up: Halo 3, yes, of course. Madden too. That's two. By year's end, BioShock also will have had plenty of time to reach the million-sold mark; and Microsoft is counting on its other big exclusive, Mass Effect, to get there too (though in considerably less time). That's four. Guitar Hero III, Call of Duty 4, and Assassin's Creed are the three other most likelies to bring the tally to seven, but even Rock Band, The Simpsons, Orange Box, skate, Tony Hawk, PGR4, Need for Speed ProStreet, or an NBA game could move enough units -- are we missing any?
http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/mi...iday-at-least/
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October 24th, 2007, 20:07 Posted By: wraggster
In its Q3 2007 call to analysts, video rental service Netflix said that it would consider delivering movies to its subscribers via internet-connected HD-DVD and Blu-ray devices, which include the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
Said Netflix president, CEO and Board chairman Reed Hastings as recorded by financial site Seeking Alpha, "In terms of enabling the viewing of online content on the television screen, we are exploring a variety of options, including Internet connected, high definition DVD players, internet connected game consoles, and dedicated internet set tops, with a variety of partners, trying to understand the best ways to provide inexpensive viewing of online content on the television."
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/new...hp?story=15766
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October 24th, 2007, 20:10 Posted By: wraggster
Arcade-In-A-Box (www.arcadeinabox.com), announces the immediate availability of single and dual-player authentic arcade controllers for the Xbox 360. The Xbox 360 control panels feature authentic arcade controls that are identical to those used on your favorite arcade machines including Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and Galaga. In addition to being compatible with the Xbox 360, the arcade controllers can also be used with a Windows PC.
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October 24th, 2007, 20:12 Posted By: wraggster
A new XCM 360 replacement case with HDMI port will be released soon, the first 3 colors will be Christmas joy pack (bundle with Sexy Red wireless controller pad shell) , Black Knight with X logo and White.
http://teamxtender.com/
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October 25th, 2007, 19:20 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
THQ is the latest publisher to set its sights on Xbox Live Arcade, with four games planned for release on Microsoft's downloadable game service - including two as soon as next month.
The first of them is an original title called Screwjumper, which reportedly involves destroying intergalactic mining equipment while in freefall. There's talk of being able to form destruction chains, if you want to guess some more, and whatever it ends up being there will be split-screen and Xbox Live multiplayer options in addition to single-player.
The other November-bound THQ XBLA title, meanwhile, is SpongeBob SquarePants: Underpants Slam! The exclamation mark is their emphasis, but we can only assume you'll all share it! Based on the Nickelodeon TV show of the same name, the latest in the licensed game series will certainly mark a change of pace for a download service usually stuffed with fiddly shooters and ageing arcade relics.
Looking a bit further ahead, THQ has named its other two projects as Elements of Destruction and Rocket Riot, although details on those are even fewer. Expect more information to pop up as we hone in on their various unconfirmed release dates. Vague enough?
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October 25th, 2007, 19:55 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
A batch of new Forza Motorsport 2 download content will be hitting Xbox Live this Friday, but don't get too excited - it looks a bit familiar...
Included in the new DLC are four "variations" of Japan's Twin Ring Motegi course, which basically means the same tracks with different ways to drive around them. Yipee.
Just to rub salt in the wound, you're going to have to shell out 600 Microsoft Points (£5.10) for it. Any takers?
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October 25th, 2007, 21:08 Posted By: wraggster
Today I'm going to show you all the prototype for the new single handed controller I have designed and built, which I've been calling the "Access Controller". This is actually the second prototype, a more refined version of the first. Alongside the new Elite-based Xbox 360 laptop (yes, it is coming) this has consumed most of time in recent months, hopefully explaining the drought of new projects.
Here's the basic principle: You lay this controller on your leg, table or arm of a chair and all the buttons are available on the top surface. The gag is that each of the five sections is removable and you can plug them anywhere you want. This not only makes the controller work for both left and right handed use (simply mirror the layout) but it also allows the user to optimize the button placement on a game-by-game basis. Even if the user has partial use of both hands it should still be easier to work with than a standard controller.
This unit is currently in pre-production for manufacturing thanks to the folks at eDimensional.com and will first appear as a wireless model for the PS2/PS3, with an Xbox 360 version pending.
http://benheck.com/10-24-2007/benhec...oller-revealed
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October 25th, 2007, 21:09 Posted By: wraggster
Todo Juegos is reporting that Microsoft is planning a new promotion for Europe. Said promotion should run between November 1st, 2007 until January 31st, 2008. The gist of it is pretty simple. Just get a friend to purchase a new 360 at some point during the promotion, attach a copy of the receipt to a special coupon (PDF link), mail it in, and both you and your friend will receive ten free Xbox Live Arcade games. The games reportedly offered are:
* Sensible World of Soccer
* Sonic the Hedgehog
* Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting
* Bomberman LIVE
* Marble Blast Ultra
* Spyglass Board Games
* Small Arms
* 3D Ultra MiniGolf Adventures
* Assault Heroes
* Zuma Deluxe
http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2007/10...ee-xbla-games/
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October 25th, 2007, 22:45 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA
Keep your Xbox 360 Elite running at optimal conditions. The Intercooler EX for Xbox 360 is a snap on cooling attachment that easily connects to the Xbox 360. The Intercooler EX provides increased air flow away from the 360 which allows the console to perform in a cooler, better ventilated environment ideal for cramped entrainment centers. No internal modification of the Xbox 360 is required. A pass through power connection utilizes the existing Xbox 360 power supply negating the need for an extra AC adaptor. The unit also powers on and off automatically with 360 and the Intercooler's small size will fit in tight spaces like entertainment centers with your 360 displayed in either horizontal or vertical format.
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October 25th, 2007, 22:49 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA
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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October 26th, 2007, 19:25 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
The Internet has finally discovered what Steven Gerrard has known all along: that complaining loudly as you walk past someone does change their mind and get you what you want.
What the hell are we talking about? Well, as the headline suggests, Forza Motorsport 2 developer Turn 10 has had a bit of a think and decided that the widespread anger at its price for downloadable race-track Twin Ring Motegi was a good enough reason to change it.
The result is that instead of paying 600 Microsoft points (GBP 5.10! EUR 6.98! Manners!), you will now be asked to fork over just 400 Microsoft points (GBP 3.40 / EUR 4.65 / good show) for the privilege of spinning around one of Japan's most popular circuits.
According to community manager Che Chou, the track should be buyable from Xbox Live Marketplace as of 9am GMT this morning (is it still BST? I don't know any more), with an associated website scoreboard going live today too and an auto-update for other Forza fans so they can see said 'board in-game.
For more on the thinking behind Twin Ring Motegi's selection, check in with what lead designer Dan Greenawalt had to say when it was announced.
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October 26th, 2007, 19:29 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Ubisoft has announced that Assassin's Creed is gold and will be released on 16th November for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
In a short missive to the press, Ubi stated that the stealth action game, which plunges players into a ruthless 12th century Holy Land and tasks them with eliminating key figures, will be rated 15 by the BBFC.
"We've been working very hard for nearly four years to make Assassin's Creed a reality and now there is a confirmed date when players will get to experience the results of our efforts," said producer Jade Raymond, who will be in London on Saturday to show it off.
"This is a huge event for the team. Our biggest reward will be everyone having a lot of good, solid fun."
For more on Assassin's Creed, check out our E3 first impressions. Or, you can read about a forumite's exclusive trip to Ubisoft Montreal to play the game, or pop along to Fuse 07 next week for a live gameplay demo.
However, as Raymond herself said recently, an actual downloadable demo won't be happening, so you'll have to hang about for our review if you want to know more. Watch out for that as the official release date approaches.
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October 26th, 2007, 20:06 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Gears of War has put a chainsaw through the competition to run away with The Sonopress Xbox Game of the Year 2007 award.
We all WWII action of Call of Duty 3, open spanning worlds of The Elder Scrolls: Shivering Isles, strummed through Guitar Hero II and looked after a cute piñata, but its stamping on people's faces that we enjoyed the most.
And people say gamers are violent. Pah...
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October 26th, 2007, 23:40 Posted By: Elven6
October 25, 2007 - Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division, which includes the Xbox 360 segment, generated $165 million in profit during the first quarter of its fiscal year, on revenue of more than $1.9 billion, the company reported today.
During the corresponding quarter last year, the division lost $142 million on revenue of about $1 billion. Microsoft in part credited the massive launch of Halo 3 with the games segment's success this quarter. The title generated more than 3.3 million units during the second half of September, a performance Microsoft bills as the biggest entertainment launch in history.
Overall, Microsoft Corp. reported revenue of $13.76 billion for the first fiscal quarter, a 27% increase over the same period of the prior year. Operating income and net income were $5.92 billion and $4.29 billion respectively.
"This fiscal year is off to an outstanding start with the fastest revenue growth of any first quarter since 1999," said Chris Liddell, chief financial officer at Microsoft. "Operating income growth of over 30% also reflects our ability to translate revenue into profits while making strategic investments for the future."
http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/830/830446p1.html
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October 27th, 2007, 00:00 Posted By: wraggster
The battle for the future of the high-definition DVD has taken an intriguing turn: For the first time, mega-retailer Wal-Mart has begun selling a player for less than $200.
In various online forums, enthusiasts have reported seeing the Toshiba HD-A2 HD DVD player available in stores for $198, significantly less than its common price of $230-$280.
"We reduced our HD DVD Toshiba player, the generation-two, to $198 earlier in the week," Wal-Mart spokeswoman Melissa O'Brien confirmed. "It's happening now, and that's really all I can tell you. We don't give any information on what we're planning to do for the holidays. We know HD DVD and Blu-ray are going to be popular items this holiday season for some of our customers. ... They will be more popular this year than they were in previous years."
O'Brien said rumors that each Wal-Mart store would stock only 18 units of the Toshiba player were false. "There are no limited quantities for stores or purchases."
http://bigtech.blogs.fortune.cnn.com...for-under-200/
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October 27th, 2007, 00:02 Posted By: wraggster
via xboxscene
Our developer, Soulheaven, has released a new tool that allows you to prepare a firmware for a new drive on your Xbox 360.
How it works:
1. You dump the two drives firmwares you want to swap.
2. You hack the firmware of the drive you want to use.
3. Launch 360Drive_switcher and set it like this:
+ The firmware of the drive you don't want to use anymore in the "Original firmware file"
+ The firmware of the drive you want to use in "Destination firmware file"
4. Check the informations that the tool gives you
5. Click on "Generate..."
Now, you have just to flash the new firmware created on the drive you want to use...and have fun.
What's new/fixed in v1.0.1.14:
* fixed some small bugs
* more explicit error message if you try to load a totally corrupted firmware
* Auto-update feature added
* Important: After several tests, it looks like the ixtreme v1.2revC patch doesn't work correctly with spoofed firmwares. The spoof line isn't fully imported in the ixtreme firmware. That can result in an error66 or error65. To void any errors, if you're spoofing a drive (either using this software of Firmware Tool Box), do it AFTER the iXtreme patch.
Official Site: x360.gx-mod.com
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October 27th, 2007, 00:04 Posted By: wraggster
via xboxscene
A new special edition of the homebrew game 'Super Mario War(info)' for PC and Xbox(1) has been released.
What's new/fixed:
* Complete graphics, sound and music update for halloween
* New levels full of cauldrons, castles, pumpkins, mummies and more!
* Update by: Link901, GeneralGuy, KingPepe, Tanuki, Fabian G, and Mr. Mister
* Comments/Questions - http://forum.72dpiarmy.com/viewtopic.php?t=6401&start=0
* Have fun this Halloween!
Official Site: http://smw.72dpiarmy.com
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October 27th, 2007, 00:05 Posted By: wraggster
From an interview with Arcade-In-A-Box on gamingnexus.com about their Xbox360 Arcade Controller:
* Did you work closely with Microsoft on the product and if so how was that relationship?
* I've never spoken to anyone at Microsoft, so I guess our relationship is the same as most people. I'm a gamer, and they make a good console, and good games.
* If you have no current relationship with Microsoft, will there be any licensing issues by creating a controller that's going to be used for the Xbox 360?
* That I have no idea. If there is a problem I guess it would come from MadCatz since I'm using their pcbs. Maybe I didn't think through that aspect of it. Maybe MS will step up and provide me a means . I wish MS would make it easier for small companies like me to create products for their systems.
* What are the chances that we'll see a wireless versions of the two 360 controllers?
* Probably not until after the holidays, if at all. The first problem is making the batteries easy to get to so you swap them out, where at the same time, making the unit still pretty to look at. The second problem is by removing the usb, you remove direct compatibility with windows PCs. Sure the wireless will work with windows, but you need to buy additional hardware to make that happen.
http://www.gamingnexus.com/Default.a...Article&I=1620
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October 27th, 2007, 00:07 Posted By: wraggster
Ok, here's a strange one. Remember how yesterday, Toshiba supposedly nixed the rumor of a Tosh-branded Xbox 360 with built-in HD DVD[see news]? Well, get this: we were contacted by Nelsom Bostock Communications, Toshiba's PR company (in the UK at least), and asked to take down the post (which we haven't). According to NBC, "The comment that ran initially on stuff.tv in relation to the Xbox 360 was a misquote." The quote that Toshiba's PR company wants us to run says, "Toshiba has no comment to make on this matter. The Xbox 360 is not a Toshiba product."
http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/25/t...-hd-dvd-rumor/
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October 27th, 2007, 16:20 Posted By: wraggster
We just learned that Aaron just got his 360 back from Microsoft repair this week. We also know that his dash version isn't any different than the one that is already out (2.0.5787.0) leading us to believe that his 360 doesn't have the Fall update. But the new options are definitely related to the IPTV service as more options were discovered in his 360's settings.
We investigated and noticed that this new TV icon option wasn't normal and replaced the "Video Marketplace" option that we see on our dash. The second thing we noticed was that, when hovered over, the description for the mysterious TV icon option reads:
* Use television services. Live & recorded TV
* On-demand movies
* Chat while watching TV
Sounds like IPTV options to us. Once clicked, an error message pops up stating that it was "unable to start" and to contact support at www.microsoft.com/tv. That URL will take you to Microsoft's Mediaroom website ... also interesting.
http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2007/10...d-fall-update/
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October 27th, 2007, 16:21 Posted By: wraggster
Last week I made a post explaining that I would be collecting many MC360 Themes and putting them up onto the XBMC Live Place theme section. Well today that idea was scrapped in favour of something much grander. Martomo and asg, members of the Xbox-Scene forums have created a new website along with the help of timdog, Archigos and Nimrod that is to hopefully become the new home of all XBMC skin themes. The XBMC Black Market already has hundreds of themes available for download and from today, you can download these themes with previews right from within MC360's own Live Place section. The new XBMC Black Market Theme Browser script is in it's early stages, so we appreciate your patience and help with stomping out any bugs that you come across. A dedicated forum thread has been created in our 'Themes' section of our forums, the link is below, if you would like to comment on the theme browser or help with bug testing, please use that dedicate thread.
MC360 has also recieved a few bug fixes courtesy of our resident coding superhero, Jezz_X. You can find fixes for some guide window problems and also a new layout for the XBMC Live Place. We've adjusted the layout and removed the XBMC Scripts downloader which was no longer working.
http://blackbolt.x-scene.com/
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October 28th, 2007, 17:32 Posted By: wraggster
As you can see from the Gamestop mem we obtained, Gamestop is no longer offering Xbox360 Product Replacement Plans on any new console. The plans currently out there will stay good until they expire. When we asked our source why this is happening, we were told it was because GS is losing too much money on the program!
http://www.gamersreports.com/news/68...-plans-images/
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October 28th, 2007, 17:36 Posted By: wraggster
via xbox scene
A iXtreme firmware installment for the BENQ VAD6038 drive ..
Features:
(v1.1) Extra compatability for some DVD movies
(v1.0) Defeats all current Xbox Live detection attempts
(v1.0) Boots all Xbox 360 originals
(v1.0) Boots all compatible Xbox 1 originals on Xbox 360
Use on Xbox Live at own risk
Technical details
------------------------
Defeats all current and some future Xbox Live detection attempts.
Thanks to all the beta testers,everyone involved for without their effort this would not have been possible. Schrtom for Dosflash. Caster420 for firmtool. Keep up the good work everyone.
Note: The version is 1.1 due to internal changes, there was no public 1.0.
Dosflash: The only way to read and flash a Benq drive is with DosFlash(info) 1.3. There is a support thread here to help with users experiencing problems. It is recommended to try the dos16 version first. It ONLY supports VIA and NFORCE sata chipsets. When using a VIA card, please be sure to disable both your IDE and/or SATA chipsets as they usually interfere with dosflash.
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October 29th, 2007, 17:16 Posted By: wraggster
via xboxscene
Welcome back everybody. We are proud to announce the release of NME-360 v2.0!
We have been silent for the last few months in order to continue our developments to meet the new market needs. The result of our long and hard work is the birth of NME-360 v2.0 which is a fully upgradable DVD-drive mod for the Xbox360. It supports all Samsung MS25 + MS28 drives, all Hitachi 46 - 79 drives (FL and FK) and all BenQ drives. Once a new Xbox360 DVD-drive hits the market it will be an ease for the customer or wholesaler to upgrade the chip to make it compatible to that new drive too. Besides the cool upgrade feature we have added another security feature which is the optional ability to either disable the back USB port or the internal network adapter of the XBox360. This way you can install the NME-360 depending on how you are going online, wlan or lan, and use the network off feature anyway. Using the Actel A3P060 technology we are meeting the highest standard in the industry which automatically results in a very stable working chip with no dre's whatsoever. Final samples have already reached a few resellers who are pretty amazed of the stable booting especially in BenQ drives. The first sales batch will hit the market in the first or 2nd week of November.
Features of the NME v2:
- one chip for all drives: Samsung ms25 and ms28, Hitachi/LG 46,47,58,59, 78 FL/FK, 79 FL/FK, all BenQ drives!!!
- Added logic to support possible future Hitachi/LG versions as well
- 100% Auto detection of Backup or Original on Samsung and Hitachi drives (BenQ requires manual switching)
- boots stealth and non-stealth backups - optional: Power Led will turn off when a Backup is detected
- optional: disables the network when playing backups
- optional: disables the rear USB connection when playing backups (for disabling USB Wlan)
- no DVD writer model issues. Works with all DVD writers
- now working with pioneer 111d and Pioneer based burners as well as all LG burners.
- 100% Firmware Stealth, when MS tries to read the Firmware then it replies as 100% original unmodified. No error code E66.
- optional: 100% Live secure when playing Backups
- teh result of 1000s of hours of research and programming
- based on Actel Logic for most possibly stability
- Manufactured with highest quality Logic, PCB and components. Made in Europe.
- Complies with RoHS directive (lead free). Gold plated solder pads, for easy soldering.
Official Site: http://nme2.com
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October 29th, 2007, 17:17 Posted By: wraggster
Frank Yu answered my call with a note on the state of next generation piracy in China (slightly edited):
Yes, the Xbox 360 hardware is totally broken for pirated games...however, if you leave your mod chip active MS will detect it and shut you out of Xbox Live. I have heard rumours of mod chips that can be switched off so that it toggle between a modded Xbox and an unmodded one to go on Live. I have brought many MS Xbox people to the shops here in China that do the modding (its not illegal to install the chip as far as I know but it is illegal to technically sell the console) (Editor's Note: Frank used to work for Microsoft in China). Folks at MS are always impressed by the speed and workaround that hackers and modders do to the motherboard. Of course we don' t tell them we're MS...there are a lot of foreigners who go to these shops too.
http://www.playnoevil.com/serendipit...-Frank-Yu.html
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October 29th, 2007, 19:05 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Microsoft sends word that a demo of its family-edged Buzz! Rival Scene it? Lights, Camera, Action is now up for download on Xbox Live - though you'll have to play it without the fancy buzzer controllers.
The final game ships with four controllers for buzzing in your answers, so there's plenty of similarities between it and Sony's trivia series.
Having seen the game running over someone's shoulder (we were more interested in Halo 3 and the free bacon sarnies) it looks a bit deeper than just Trival Pursuit HD, but to be honest you're going to have to investigate it yourself. Because our internet's slow, and we can't be arsed.
The demo weighs in at 610MB. Have a look and let us know if it's worth downloading.
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October 29th, 2007, 19:15 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
The Orange Box on Xbox 360 is definitely amazing, but Team Fortress 2 players have also been complaining of amazing lag, so Valve has released an update that it reckons fixes it.
Chief amongst the TF2 enhancements in the new patch are reductions in network bandwidth usage, improvements to overall game performance, and adjustments to the search facility so ranked games are found with greater ease and results are set to favour preferred host conditions.
You should find yourself downloading it next time you fire up the game, thanks to Xbox Live's mum-when-you're-ill ability to know exactly what you need.
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October 29th, 2007, 19:16 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Microsoft has piped up this morning to tell us about some fresh downloadable content for role-playing game Blue Dragon.
It comes as a handful of new items to collect, and is available now for 200 Microsoft Points (GBP 1.70 / EUR 2.33).
The best of the goodies is a set of Shuffled accessories that boost your magical power but harm your Speed. However, when Helmet, Breastplate and Splint are all equipped, then the Magic effect is quadrupled and the Speed effect reversed, leaving you with +160 Magic and +40 Speed. Very good, in other words.
Elsewhere there is a Spring-wind Scarf that boosts your Health and Speed by 20 per cent - useful if you have enormous statistics already - and Whimsical Mind, a growth item that randomly bolsters Shadow Classes by 0-4 levels.
There is also the Way of Thieves loot that lets you steal rare bits and pieces from enemies while fighting.
Those of you who are gluttons for punishment will like the new Nothing Glasses, which mark out all of the areas you will get "Nothings" from looting. Yes it sounds ridiculous, but these can be collected up and traded in later for fancy bits and pieces - rare items that you will collect elsewhere anyway. All very pointless if you ask me.
Or you can listen to the new Devee Ponograph, which lets you listen to the Devee-tribe dance again and again until you realise you were already fed-up with the high-pitched wailing of character Marumaru to begin with.
A little extra to drag out an already laborious game then, and no I am not bitter just because I only got 100 Gamerpoints for 55 hours of gameplay.
You might also like the difficulty package that Microsoft released in September, which adds a trio of settings to give your high level characters a bit more of a challenge.
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October 29th, 2007, 19:28 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Following a swift withdrawal by film studios Fox and Universal, Microsoft is already in talks with other distribution projects to continue development of the Halo film, says Peter Jackson's representative Ken Kamins.
Prep work on the Halo film continues, Kamins tells Variety, mostly thanks to the involvement of exec producers Jackson and Walsh. Most of the pre-production is being done at their visual effects studios in New Zealand, Weta Digital and Weta Workshop, so there will be no stalling.
Both of the studios who backed the flick abruptly pulled out. Rumours say the studios were concerned over a budget rising above $135 million, but Kamins says disputes came after Fox and Universal tried to lower Microsoft's profit margines.
"What happened was this: Universal, on behalf of both studios, asked for a meeting with the filmmakers just prior to the due date of a significant payment," says Kamins.
"Basically, they said that in order to move forward with the film, the filmmakers had to significantly reduce their deals. They waited until the last minute to have this conversation. Peter and Fran, after speaking with their producing partners and with Microsoft and Bungie, respectfully declined."
Speculation also centred around the Halo film's newcomer director Neill Blomkamp, who's already filmed several Halo 3 shorts.
"Everybody is supremely confident in Neal," Kamins said. "Part of what excited Peter and Fran was Neal's vision. We're very confident this film will move forward with the creative partners intact, who will take the film to production."
The Halo shorts looked bloody great to us, and who knows; maybe they'll help the Microsoft's flick actually come to life this time. It'd be a shame to waste those real life Warthogs.
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October 29th, 2007, 20:54 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo China
The ultimate way to utilize a keyboard and mouse on your Xbox 360 console just got even better! XCM has lisented to customer feedback and have produced the Sniper Edition XFPS 360 console which allows for total keyboard and mouse control on the Xbox 360, which results in a vastly improved gameplay experience on top selling titles such as Halo 3 and BioShock. The Sniper also supports the use of Playstation controllers on the Xbox 360 and this simply could not have come at a better time with the release of Pro Evolution Soccer 2008. XCM are sure that this latest build is the gateway to perfect keyboard and mouse play and promises greater sensitivity, greater smoothness and greater sniper like precision.
The XFPS 360 is an innovative keyboard and mouse adapter for the Xbox 360 which begins an unrivalled First Person Shooter (FPS) experience to the next-generation gaming console. Not only is the XFPS 360 compatible with all standard PS/2 input devices but also modern USB keyboards and mice. But wait, there's more! The XFPS 360 even makes traditional PS2 DualShock2 controllers compatible on the Xbox 360, as well as a plethora of peripherals. This exquiste device even manages to bring auto fire functionality to the Xbox 360, now that tops off what promises to be the must have peripheral for years to come!
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October 29th, 2007, 20:57 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo China
Recharge your Xbox 360 Wireless Controller while you play and kiss disposable batteries goodbye! Complete with a charging cable and rechargeable battery pack, the Xbox 360 Play and Charge Kit is all you need to juice up your Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, even in the midst of battle.
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October 29th, 2007, 21:12 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released at Play Asia
features
Become a Legend: Face off against guitar icon Slash and others in insane boss battles featuring original tracks recorded exclusively for Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.
Rock Out Online Or Party Offline: Defeat opponents to achieve legendary status in head-to-head competition including the all new guitar battle or share the glory with a friend in the new co-op career mode.
Fully Immersive Concert Experience: Realize a true rock concert experience with all new venues, incredible lighting effects, authentic instruments and sick character moves.
Incredible Soundtrack: Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock features over 70 of the biggest and loudest songs ever compiled in a game! Rock out to songs such as: Welcome to the Jungle, Rock You Like a Hurricane, Sabotage, Suck My Kiss, Cherub Rock and Mississippi Queen.
Guitar Hero WIRELESS Les Paul Guitar Controller: Strap on your Guitar Heroâ„¢ WIRELESS Les Paul Guitar Controller, power on, and CRANK IT UP!
description
Crank Up the Volume and prepare to rock around the globe with Guitar Heroâ„¢ III: Legends of Rock. Battle against some of the greatest legends to ever shred on a guitar and become one yourself! Take your skills online against other Guitar Hero players from around the world.
Box contents
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Software for Xbox 360â„¢
Guitar Hero WIRELESS Les Paul Guitar Controller
Les Paul Guitar Faceplate (black)
2x AA Batteries Included
Guitar Hero Sticker Pack
Standard 1" Wide Guitar Strap
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-2c1x.html
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October 29th, 2007, 21:13 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released at Play Asia
Conan is an all-new action combat game featuring a story of adventure, true evil, and brutal, visceral combat. The game follows the journey of Conan the Cimmerian as he fights an epic battle against a variety of enemies and an elusive evil power that threatens to consume the world. Using anything and everything at his disposal, including hand-to-hand weapons, objects in the environment, and powerful elemental magic, Conan takes the fight to his enemies across the massive continent of Hyborea.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-2a8m.html
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October 29th, 2007, 21:20 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released at Play Asia
Based on the upcoming DreamWorks Animation movie written, produced by and starring Jerry Seinfeld, Bee Movieâ„¢Game allows players to race, chase, fly and blast their way through the adrenaline-fueled world from the feature film and beyond. As the witty and courageous Barry B. Benson, gamers are propelled on an exciting adventure to save the bees' production of honey.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-23di.html
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October 29th, 2007, 21:21 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released at Play Asia
A spectacular, creative, and unflinching realisation of a Clive Barker nightmare for next-gen console platforms and PC, Clive Barker’s Jericho is a new supernatural horror concept with story by the master mythmaker, novelist and filmmaker Clive Barker.
Jericho deals with the mysterious reappearance of a lost city in a remote desert. When a form of evil that goes right back to the dawn of days resurfaces from there, a Special Forces squad, trained in both conventional warfare and the arcane arts, is sent in. Their mission: Hunt down and destroy the evil that lurks at the heart of the city before it destroys humanity.
Jericho is designed as an action horror title that will up the stakes in visuals and phantasmagorical special effects. Mingling the darkest elements of Barker’s horror fiction and films with an ambitious, age-spanning story, aimed at mature gamers, fans of Clive Barker and horror fiction enthusiasts.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-23d4.html
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October 29th, 2007, 21:23 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released at Play Asia
In 1996, the original Tomb Raider was launched. The 3D game design, controls and graphics were truly ground breaking for their time. Furthermore, gamers were also presented with a unique, female human playable character with which they could become emotionally attached, Lara Croft. The original Tomb Raider sold over seven million copies and is still heralded as an absolute classic and one of the best action adventure games ever. Tomb Raider defined the PlayStation and changed the way that people played games.
In tribute to this and to celebrate and commemorate the continuing development of the Tomb Raider franchise and its central character, Crystal Dynamics are developing a new Tomb Raider adventure for Lara. Inspired by the original Tomb Raider video game; Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary faithfully preserves the elements which made the original Tomb Raider game such a classic.
Using an enhanced 'Tomb Raider: Legend' game engine, the graphics, technology and physics bring Lara's adventure and pursuit of a mystical artefact known only as the Scion right up to today's technology standards and will offer gamers a completely new gameplay experience.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-28pn.html
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October 29th, 2007, 22:49 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released at Play Asia
features
Platform: Xbox 360
pages: 144
Detailed listing of all available planes and weapons.
Extensive information on all enemy aircrafts.
Expert strategies for each mode of gameplay.
BradyGames is Official and Exclusive on this title.
description
Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation takes air combat warfare to new heights as it
boasts the new "Dynamic Operation System" where massive battles unfold on
a "living battlefield," as up to six independent land, sea or air conflicts can
break out at any time at multiple locations as allies and enemies clash in realtime.
Players can experience the realism of war when battlefields come alive
with engagingly authentic audio and visual effects: thundering explosions,
dense vapor trails of air to air missiles, piercing machine gun fire, booming
anti-aircraft artillery fire, mid-air explosions, gigantic columns of black smoke
and more. Players prove their supremacy on a global scale as they pilot highly
detailed, authentic aircraft online via Xbox Live. For an all out worldwide battle
for the sky, players can choose from a variety of different online modes
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-298u.html
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October 30th, 2007, 19:09 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Microsoft has issued a statement saying that IPTV functionality will not be included in the fall 360 firmware update.
It has also suggested that we might not even see it this year, as was originally promised by Bill Gates at the CES show earlier in 2007. Apparently the fancy new technology will only be given to service providers by Christmas, landing the final release-ball in their court.
"Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) features will only be available from the Xbox 360 through a service provider who has deployed Xbox 360 with Microsoft Mediaroom (IPTV) services," MS told Gamespot in a statement.
"Xbox 360 with Microsoft Mediaroom (IPTV), will be available to service providers by the end of the year. Microsoft's IPTV service providers will ultimately determine the timing of Xbox 360 with Microsoft Mediaroom deployments."
Rumours that IPTV would be included in the looming firmware spiralled from a customer whose console was exposed to the new features while being serviced. Whoops. Apparently it allows on-screen chat while watching telly, recorded shows or on-demand movies.
"This was an isolated incident where these features were inadvertently exposed while the customer's console was being serviced and is unrelated to the fall update," continued the statement.
We are currently waiting to hear back from Microsoft about what exactly will be in the update and when we can expect it to be released on Live.
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October 30th, 2007, 19:11 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Microsoft has confirmed that Mutant Storm Empire will be released on Xbox Live Arcade tomorrow, priced 800 Microsoft points (GBP 6.80 / EUR 9.30), and has also highlighted some of the other XBLA titles due out in "the coming weeks".
First up on the alphabetical list is N+, from Slick Entertainment and Metanet, in which players control a tiny acrobatic ninja through tons of levels of puzzly platforming.
It will soon be joined by THQ's recently unveiled Screwjumper and SpongeBob SquarePants: Underpants Slam. The latter is in a very small minority of kids-focused XBLA titles, but the addition of Activision's Shrek-N-Roll puzzle game to the line-up potentially gives it a naptime companion.
Elsewhere, Sierra Online's Switchball, a physics puzzler about directing a ball along a course suspended in midair, brushes up against Chair Entertainment's Unreal Engine 3-powered Undertow, while InterServ's Word Puzzle - yes, pen and paper word-search brought to digital life - rounds out the list of seven games set to join XBLA soon.
Look out for our Mutant Storm Empire review very soon.
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October 30th, 2007, 19:40 Posted By: Shrygue
via IGN
Naruto: Rise of a Ninja has shipped to North American retailers for the Xbox 360, publisher Ubisoft announced today.
Based on the popular anime series from VIZ Media, the title is the first original Naruto game developed for North America and combines free-roaming action/adventure and head-to-head fighting.
Uzumaki Naruto is a ninja-in-training learning the art of ninjutsu with his classmates Sakura and Sasuke. The trio study under the instruction of their teacher, Kakashi, who helps the group face challenges.
In addition to a single-player campaign mode, Naruto: Rise of a Ninja also includes an Xbox Live multiplayer battle mode.
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October 30th, 2007, 19:41 Posted By: Shrygue
via IGN
Virtua Fighter 5 has shipped to North American retailers for the Xbox 360, publisher Sega said today.
The latest installment in the arcade fighting series comes to the 360 with an all-new online two-player VS. mode over Xbox Live.
"This is the moment Virtua Fighter fans have been waiting for - online head-to-head fighting for Virtua Fighter 5," said Rick Naylor, director of marketing at Sega of America. "The introduction of online play opens up the Virtua Fighter competition arena to a global scale, enabling players to compete and challenge anyone, anywhere, anytime, using Xbox Live."
Players can select one of the 17 characters and customize a character in the game's Quest mode, opening up costume changes and a range of unlockable and earnable items.
Virtua Fighter 5 is based on the latest arcade version update and features both analog stick and D-pad control, as well as vibration support. The DOJO mode also has added features including leaderboards, training move settings, improved throw-escape training, and the option to change your opponent's position and recovery type.
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October 30th, 2007, 19:43 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
EA has uploaded the first download content for Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 in the form of one new course - the Doral Golf Course.
For 400 Microsoft points (that's £3.40 in real money) you get 18 holes on one of the toughest courses in the world, for you to master.
That's a bit steep, but let's hope they don't go the way of Guitar Hero II (500 MS Points for three lousy songs) and start charging £3.40 for a new FIFA stadium.
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October 30th, 2007, 19:50 Posted By: Shrygue
via Engadget
While we're already fairly well acquainted with most of the Rock Band kit, the much-need Xbox 360 USB hub has so far been kept under wraps, leaving the amount of clutter soon to be occupying many a living room entirely up to the imagination. The folks at 1Up have now changed that situation, however, posting a slew of pictures of what they say is the finalized four-port USB hub.
As you can see above, it's a powered-hub, meaning you'll have yet another cable snaking its way to your power outlet and, for those curious, it's apparently made by a company called ViPowER. If that shot above isn't enough to whet your appetite, you can find plenty more by hitting up the read link below.
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October 30th, 2007, 20:01 Posted By: wraggster
Are gamers affected by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act? The Entertainment Consumers Association argues that they are. The group has just announced its support for the FAIR USE Act in an attempt to make the world safe for democracy backing up game discs.
The ECA is a relative newcomer to the political scene. Founded in 2006, it's a nonprofit that wants to represent gamers in a way that the Entertainment Software Association can't. The ESA, despite having the resources to battle bad video game legislation across the country, looks out for the interests of the game developers and publishers.
The Act is a watered-down version of the Digital Media Consumers' Rights Act, which Boucher and Doolittle have been pushing for years without success. The idea was that circumvention of copy controls would be legal so long as the intended use of the material was legal. In the FAIR USE Act, though, the actual exceptions proved much more narrow and did not include this broad immunity.
The upshot is that the FAIR USE Act is good for hardware manufacturers, but only moderately good for consumers.
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post...ca-reform.html
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October 30th, 2007, 20:04 Posted By: wraggster
Both the Xbox 360 and the Wii have graphics processing units designed by AMD, and speaking in a Gamasutra-exclusive interview, the company's VP of strategic development, Bob Feldstein, provided some insight on the future of console gaming chips, speculating that GPUs and CPUs may someday be a single entity:
"I'll say that what I see the future as is a combined CPU/GPU, where the delineations are not there anymore. You combine them into a chip; you have compute elements of both, and jobs get kind of -- threads get kind of put on the resources that are best suited for them. GPU-like resources, vector engines for problems that simulate the real world, graphics, and physics. And for sequential problems, about other parts of this, you know, you've got your typical sequential processor."
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/new...hp?story=16028
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October 30th, 2007, 23:31 Posted By: wraggster
Slysoft Inc released a new version of its AnyDVD software, which is claimed to bypass the 4th generation HD DVD and Blu-Ray copy protection (MKB v4), found in latest high-def movie releases.
The latest build is capable to process the Blu-Ray movies which include the 4th generation media key block (MKB), according to Slysoft. The MKB v4 was recently released by the AACS LA and it is an updated version of the special code placed on the Blu-ray media that is essential for the authentication and thus the reproduction of Blu-ray movies on updated Blu-Ray players. Movies that feature the new MKB keys include the U.S. versions of the "Transformers" HD DVD, and "Spiderman 1-3" Blu-ray. Slysoft said that it would support all MKBv4 discs in a future release of the software.
"SlySoft was recently honored by AACS-LA, being declared as public enemy number one in the ongoing battle for copyright protection. To prove them right and to take on the challenge, SlySoft has just released the latest AnyDVD version which beats the latest 4th generation HD-DVD and Blu-Ray copy protection MKBv4, which was expected to be unbreakable," the company said in a statement.
Slysoft also said that it is ready to defeat the upcoming BD+ feature of the Blu-ray titles.
"All that AACS-LA has to offer now is BD+, but even that is on the verge of being circumvented and a release is expected by the end of this year," said Slysoft.
http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/News...x?NewsId=21709
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October 31st, 2007, 07:30 Posted By: wraggster
You can't run around launching fancy new music players these days without a secondary offensive of cases and car chargers following close behind, and Microsoft's new Zunes have a veritable cavalry behind them. In addition to the official accessories we've already heard about from J Allard and crew, the company's lined up a number of third-party manufacturers to crank out 60 different Zune-friendly products, including Polk, Belkin, DLO, Monster, Altec Lansing, Targus, iHome, Memorex and Griffin. Microsoft's new pals will be releasing everything from speaker docks to RCA cables, so it looks like you'll be able to build a happy little home for that new Zune of yours when it launches next month.
http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/30/m...e-accessories/
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October 31st, 2007, 07:40 Posted By: wraggster
New from Play Asia
The Simpsons™ Game features a hilarious, sprawling, and mind-busting storyline crafted by the TV show’s Emmy Award-winning writers. The action-comedy will also feature the full cast of voice actors from the TV show who will reprise their roles for the game. In The Simpsons Game, Homer, Marge, Bart, and Lisa use exciting, all-new powers to save the world from rising chaos. To help the Simpsons, gamers at home must journey through all of Springfield (as well as vast worlds beyond!), vanquish an amazing array of villains, and fight their way through parodies of popular games.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-2901.html
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October 31st, 2007, 19:22 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
Microsoft has again warned Xbox 360 users not to share Live account information with other player's online.
Some users share accounts in order to have other players boost their Gamerscore and unlock difficult Achievements, but if shared accounts begin taking advantage of paid content and registered credit cards, they are breaking the Xbox Live Terms of Use.
"I have mentioned this a couple of times on my podcasts, but I want to make sure those that don't listen to the show get the message. Specifically, don't share your account information," writes Larry Hryb, Xbox Live director of programming on the Gamerscore blog.
"If you run into that person in Halo 3 who claims if they could have your Live ID name and password to recover your Xbox Live account to their Xbox and they'll rank you up or find you all the hidden skulls in Halo 3, I urge you not to fall to temptation.
"If that 'friend' of yours decides not return your account and buys a bunch of Arcade titles and movies on your account, there is nothing we can do except cancel the account since you willingly shared your information," he warned.
And any tampering of 360 Gamerscores or Achievements by "nefarious" means is likely to result in harsh penalties – accounts can be cancelled, Gamerscores removed, and consoles banned from the popular online service.
"If you decide to employ some nefarious techniques to artificially increase your Gamerscore or obtain achievements by manipulating the Xbox software without playing the game, bad things will happen," continued Hryb.
"If you use tampered gamesaves to boost your Achievements and Gamerscore, you may sign in to Xbox Live one day and discover that we have removed your Gamerscore. Once we do that, you will never be able to re-earn those achievements on that account. Even worse, you might have your account and/or console banned from Xbox Live."
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October 31st, 2007, 19:23 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Viva Piñata: Party Animals will be trampling all over my memories from 16th November onwards, Microsoft said this week, as the game launched in the US to dire reviews. (Poor choice of w... actually, I'll leave it.)
As you probably don't care, Party Animals is a Krome Studios-authored mini-game compilation, which draws on the Viva Piñata TV show and original game for inspiration.
Up to four players are invited to crowd around the telly or the Internet to take part in a series of foot races, interspersed with Wac-A-Mole, Hot Potato and other fairly generic fare built around bashing, chasing, whacking or button-matching, while characters from the TV show say funny things over the top.
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October 31st, 2007, 19:25 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Cheapskates, mark your calendars; 'Xtival 07' marks a weekend of free Xbox Live Gold access for Xbox 360 owners with a broadband connection, and it's all happening in a few weeks time.
According to various fan sites under Microsoft's community wing, the online event will take place on the weekend starting November 23, when all Xbox 360 owners with a broadband connection will be able to access Gold account luxuries such as online play.
A "full line-up" of Xbox Live events, competitions and exclusive downloads are promised for the weekend and it's only open to European countries - so you've only got swearing, 13-year-old Frenchmen to worry about.
Microsoft wasn't available to confirm the event at time of writing.
So... fantastic news, or more excuse to moan about Xbox Live's comparatively harsh pricing structure next to the free PlayStation Network? Go ballistic in the comments below. Please.
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October 31st, 2007, 19:26 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Bungie is getting into the Halloween festivities by letting loose the spooky infection game type onto Halo 3 servers.
The spookiness will run until 10am tomorrow morning, and lets one or two of you start as Zombies before gradually infecting and bolstering your ranks with victims from the Human team.
There are a couple of variations to keep things fresh, too. Save One Bullet gives the Humans a limited ammo supply so they can't hold the Zombies at bay for ever, and Creeping Death where Zombies are slower but invisible and much more deadly.
There is also a third alternative called Creeping Rockets, where Humans get bigger weapons but Zombies are also harder to take down.
Infection games will act like regular ranked matches, and a maximum of four of you can join in a group. You will need eight people minimum to start, and cannot exceed the upper limit of 13.
Those of you who enjoy yourself will be pleased to know that Bungie plans more of these festive escapades in the future, and that any time you play these variations in Matchmaking you will save them in your Recent Games queue and be able to use them again in your Custom matches.
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October 31st, 2007, 21:22 Posted By: wraggster
Kmart has decided not to carry Blu-ray players due to their high prices, instead focusing solely on HD DVD this holiday. While it may no longer be the bastion of discount stores it once was, Kmart's move highlights the problems facing Sony's format as HD DVD continues to get cheaper.
The HD DVD Promotions Group said that Kmart's decision to go exclusive wasn't related to an end-cap purchase (where vendors can buy specific shelf space and lock out competitors), but rather because the cost of Blu-ray players are more tailored to home theater enthusiasts. HD DVD meanwhile, will have players under $200, with even deeper discounts after Thanksgiving.
http://www.betanews.com/article/Kmar...ice/1193854397
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October 31st, 2007, 21:28 Posted By: wraggster
From gamepro
XBOX 360
Evil...evil...
The D-pad sucks
This one hurts. The Xbox 360 controller is a fine device in most ways, but its directional pad is an inaccurate mess. Part of the problem is that Sony and Nintendo own all the best directional pad patents (ever wonder why you always see the same d-pad design on Sony and Nintendo consoles?), and Microsoft had to engineer its own solution. We're excited about the upcoming release of Street Fighter II HD ...but not about having to execute Dragon Punches using that awful, awful d-pad.
The continued hardware failures
The Xbox 360's games are grand; its hardware isn't. Microsoft made a major gamble by rushing development of the Xbox 360 so they could hit their 2005 launch, and unfortunately gamers are paying the price for that haste. The Xbox 360 is one of the poorest-constructed game consoles in recent memory, with a huge number of known hardware flaws, several of which can permanently kill the system. Heat is the key problem, and it's a problem that Microsoft has carefully dodged. It took a team at Nikkei Electronics to confirm the overheating problems, and their thermal design expert commented "the heat sink on the graphics [chip] is so small, I wonder if it can really cool down the board." They even found that a supposedly "repaired" unit had the exact same heat flaws, which included a too-small fan and an overly cramped interior that reduced air flow.
Red Rings: happening all-too frequently
Not good. Microsoft made a few other key errors, too, such as promoting the Xbox 360's vertical orientation -- a configuration that actually blocks the largest vent on the Xbox 360, increasing heat and further risking damage. The company should be commended for extending its Xbox 360 warranty (three years!) to cover victims of the dreaded Red Ring of Death. But if you read the fine print, there's a catch: the warranty extension only covers the Red Ring failures. That's a major limitation, because some Xbox 360 manufacturing runs are known to use substandard DVD drives that scratch discs or give false disc read errors.
So there's no major fix here, no magic button that Microsoft can press to fix all of these hardware problems. Upgrading the warranty to cover DVD-related flaws would be a great step, as would offering vouchers to existing 360 owners for a discount on the inevitable
No Wi-fi on the Elite
Who wants more cables and clutter? Apparently Microsoft. Integrated Wi-fi on the Xbox 360 Elite should have been a no-brainer, but Microsoft didn't include it when every other console maker did - even the handhelds have Wi-fi! So why Microsoft's blatant omission? The only possible reason is cost-cutting, but even that's a lame excuse: Wi-fi chips cost under $10 when bought in bulk.
Enough with the double-As
Short and sweet here. Microsoft should include the rechargeable controller pack as a standard feature, at least in the Pro and Elite lines. Who buys disposable batteries anymore, anyway?
Same 120GB hard drive, half the price
Overpriced hard drives
On what planet does a basic 120GB external hard drive cost $179 plus tax? Planet Microsoft, apparently. Identical 120GB drives run for $85 on Newegg, which means Microsoft is essentially marking them up 100 percent. Memo to Microsoft: please stop nickel-and-diming gamers.
Subscription fees: lose 'em!
Xbox Live is the leader in online game matchmaking and community. But with Sony and Nintendo offering free online alternatives, Xbox Live is also the leader in charging way too much for online play. To keep costs low, Microsoft could introduce a few banner advertisements and reserve ranked play for paying subscribers. http://www.gamepro.com/gamepro/inter...s/144429.shtml
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October 31st, 2007, 22:01 Posted By: wraggster
New from Mr Modchips:
New version HITACHI079 KEY 1.2 that support all "FL" firmwares!
Start Drive in ModeB automatically
Enable Software Reading and Flashing
12 Wires to Solder
Supports all models of Hitachi 79 drives
Onboard disable jumper
Status LED connection
Upgradeable
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