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October 1st, 2009, 13:34 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has issued a statement downplaying the Halo 3: ODST "Unreadable Disc" reports that surfaced last week.
"We are aware of a very small number of people who are reporting they can't play the game," the platform holder told Eurogamer.
"We are looking into it, but at this point it doesn't appear to be a widespread issue."
A 35-page thread reporting the issue on the Bungie forums has now spread to over 60 pages with members still frustrated at the lack of communication from either developer or publisher.
The disc-read error occurs on some Xbox 360s during the Halo 3: ODST's campaign, rendering the game unplayable from thereon out. Other games, including Halo 3, are reportedly affected as collateral, and there are even mentions of hardware problems following the error.
Bungie is busy gathering data from those affected.
Despite the problems, Halo 3: ODST went straight to number one in the UK chart yesterday after selling 64 per cent of its week one total within the first 24 hours.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...not-widespread
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October 1st, 2009, 13:37 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has announced the availability of a new retail bundle for its Xbox 360 Elite in the US in time for the Holiday season.
The Elite Holiday Bundle will sell for USD 299 and include two games - LEGO Batman from Traveller's Tales and Black Rock's Pure.
The pack will also include a wireless controller and headset, as well as a 120GB hard drive - but it won't include an HDMI cable, preferring instead the composite A/V version instead.
Meanwhile Microsoft has also released new colours for its Xbox 360 controllers, which are now available in the US in red, blue and pink.
The platform holder's USD 50 rebate on Elite consoles, announced earlier this month, ends on October 5.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...ndle-in-the-us
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October 1st, 2009, 13:39 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft will launch its Christmas marketing campaign in the UK tomorrow with a firm emphasis on communicating the non-gaming capabilities of the Xbox 360.
The platform holder has already begun its work with third parties, explained senior director for Northern Europe at the company's Entertainment & Devices division Neil Thompson, but there's much more to come.
"We have extensive above-the-line campaigns that have already kicked off, to be honest, with a lot of our third-party publishing partners," he told GamesIndustry.biz. You might have seen a lot of TV work we've already done around some great titles - The Beatles: Rock Band, and so on.
"But from October 2 we're launching our own TV work explaining to consumers the broader entertainment offerings we have on Xbox 360, which is going to centre on our music offerings, movie offerings - and then obviously the unique TV experience we've got in connection with Sky, and the Sky service we're bringing to Live.
"All of that is going to round out for us the broader entertainment platform that the 360 is, and we're working on some fantastic software titles from our end, such as Lips and Forza. Plus we've done a lot of work in the last few weeks, working with Activision on Modern Warfare 2, and other great titles that are coming out for gamers.
"So really it's an extension of what we were doing last year, with perhaps a little bit more emphasis around the broader entertainment offering, as well as all the great games that will be available."
The campaign follows an extensive television advertising spend from Sony in its efforts to put a similar message out to consumers about its new-to-market PlayStation 3 Slim - but Thompson was firm that Microsoft's campaign isn't a copycat ploy.
"In some ways I wish we were that agile," he smiled. "No, we're just focusing on what we think are our core strengths. We think gaming is a core strength of ours, we think the breadth of our entertainment offering is a real core strength. And Live, in many ways, is just our unique value proposition.
"We're very focused on what we think we're offering to consumers, rather than what anybody else thinks they're offering them."
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...eting-campaign
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October 4th, 2009, 16:43 Posted By: wraggster
In a meeting last week with a game developer at the Tokyo Game Show, I asked them if they were planning on trying to incorporate in-game video capture into their title. The type you see in Halo 3.
The answer was interesting and, I believe, accidental.
"We'd love to have video capture in our game, but why work on something that the platform holder is already developing," said the developer, who I'm keeping anonymous to cover for his accidental slip-up.
When I had a chance to sit down with Microsoft's Scott Austin, director of digital games at Live, I asked him about the concept.
Could the ability to capture and share videos from games be the next big software development for the Xbox 360?
"We are always thinking about ways that Live at the platform level can make games better," Austin said. "I'm not going to comment on video capture, but you can assume we are thinking about ways to make things more interactive.
http://kotaku.com/5372976/is-microso...xbox-360-games
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October 4th, 2009, 16:45 Posted By: wraggster
There have been a lot of external "studies" on the failure rates of all consoles, not just the Xbox, and the numbers have been all over the map. The only people that know the actual numbers work for Microsoft, and the numbers are not something Microsoft or any other company would typically disclose for competitive reasons. What I do know is that more than two years ago, Microsoft addressed this issue by extending the warranty to three years for consoles with three flashing red lights. More recently, we extended this coverage to include the E74 error message as well. We continuously invest resources to improve the reliability of our products, and we believe that this issue is largely behind us. Xbox 360 is pleased to maintain the title of "most played console," and is grateful to our loyal and engaged customers, the majority of whom continue to have a terrific gaming and entertainment experience.
http://www.planetxbox360.com/article...60s_RRoD_Study
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October 5th, 2009, 15:01 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released:
features
Four modes of entertaining and competitive gameplay. In Career Mode gamers will need to understand the equipment, topography of the lakes, and specific fish behaviors in order to succeed. Players will be guided by the true rules of tournament bass fishing just like they would if they were fishing in real life
Ten of North America’s greatest lakes are realistically depicted, so players can recognize key landmarks and find their favorite fishing spots
The Strike features a large variety of fresh water fish, including Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Striped bass, and Kentucky spotted bass, Walleye, Northern and more. Each lake also contains a legendary fish of record proportions that will challenge even the best players and experienced fishermen
Players can tailor their equipment by going to the Bass Pro Shops in-game store to select lures, rods, and reels. Players can also win new boats by winning tournaments
The Strike tracks players’ fishing data, ranging from the number of successful casts to the most popular lure. The game also tracks the total weight of each species of fish caught and individual lake totals, tournaments won, etc.
Xbox 360 players will be able to post their fishing stats to online leader boards for the world to see their results
description
The Strike combines authentic environments based on real lakes, engaging gameplay with accurate fish and lure behaviors, and a highly interactive fishing pole controller that allows players an immersive fishing adventure. Players can enjoy 3 different game-play modes including Quick Fish, Career and Bass Pro Shops Invitational Tournament, or compete with friends in mini games like boat races and casting challenges. The lifelike fishing pole peripheral lets the player cast, jig, set the hook, and fight as if a real fish were on the other end of the line. The game takes players to some of North America’s most famous fishing hot spots and features eleven types of game fish including Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Striped Bass as well as Northern Pike and Muskie. In addition, realistic lake bottom topography, real-time time–of-day light effects, advanced graphics, and authentic fishing gear from the Bass Pro Shops stores, all combine to offer virtual anglers the most comprehensive fishing game experience to-date.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-3kqo.html
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October 6th, 2009, 04:28 Posted By: wraggster
When Microsoft told us that the new 802.11n adapter for Xbox 360 would be "another choice for consumers," we began to develop these crazy hopes that it would give consumers the choice to pay less than a hundred bucks for wireless 360 connectivity, either through a lower price point for itself or with a price drop on the existing wireless adapter.
If GameStop's listings are any indication, however, that's not to be. According to the retailer, the new device will sell for the same $99.99 as the current Wi-Fi adapter upon its release on November 3. Though there's still hope for the price on the existing adapter to drop, it too is currently listed at $99.99. Basically, consumers will now have the choice of which wireless protocol they prefer.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/ga...box-360-wirel/
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October 6th, 2009, 04:31 Posted By: wraggster
Hey, not all mods are outlandish and creepy. Some are just plain old... utilitarian. Acidmods got a request for a modded Xbox 360 controller that would move the X, Y, A, and B buttons and the right joystick. The fully functional finished product looks a little odd to the eyes, of course, but it's also done so well that it looks like a stock unit. As you'll see in the video after the break, the modded controller would take some getting used to for most of us, but it sure has character.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/05/a...-360-controll/
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October 6th, 2009, 04:41 Posted By: wraggster
News via http://www.xboxscene.com/
A version of the Free60 JTAG/SMC Hack has been released for Falcon (v3) motherboards. This modified NAND image will boot your Falcon Xbox360 right into XeLL (which allows you to boot linux distros or run libxenon homebrew software) - just like the Xenon version released a few weeks ago.
From the readme:
[QUOTE]
Finally the Falcon JTAG Hack is here 
This is newest XELL (compiled 05.10.09) inserted into 5770 Falcon-Kernel.
Don't wonder about the Filesize, its correct like that. It just flashes the beginning of the NAND so your console specific data like MAC adress will stay.
Of course you should have a working backup of your NAND before you proceed.
Just flash with:
* LPT
nandpro lpt: -w16 falcon_hack.bin 0
* USB
nandpro usb: -w16 falcon_hack.bin 0
SMC-JTAG Hack Wiring
DB1F1 ---|<|--- J2D2.1
RFUnit 2nd row, 2nd Pin ---|<|---- J2D2.2
J2D2.4 --------- J2D2.7
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October 6th, 2009, 15:38 Posted By: wraggster
News via http://www.xboxhacker.net/index.php?topic=12504.0
I am releasing the first version of linux device driver for xbox 360 audio. you can get source from here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=SVAUYFBL. The device driver is alsa compitable, so basically you can compile mplayer and then it should play various music formats for you easily. It supports both analog stereo and digital spdif (only dobly digital by now). Thanks for tmbinc for his finding on 360 audio hardware details and his help on debuging the code. The license for the code is GPL.
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October 6th, 2009, 15:56 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released:
features
You will fight against the Confederates (and the Union at times), facing a staggering number of troops, all fighting in unison. Ready, aim...steady men...FIRE!
You will jump from the trenches in WWI to lead an attack against the Huns. You will fire artillery to hit distant targets. You will defend to the last man!
You will fight in Pompeii, while Mt. Vesuvius is spewing ash and fire into the atmosphere. You will fight amongst a frightened population, fleeing for their lives
Play From Opposing Sides Of Conflicts Nearly every time period offers game play from each side of the conflict. In trying to keep history pure, you have to undo mistakes you make, which may require fighting from the other perspective to "mend"
Unleash Hell With Futuristic WeaponryWhat could you have done with an automatic rifle during the Civil War, or some futuristic laser sighted pulse cannon in the trenches of WW I? There are times where you have no other choice but to bust out the big guns
description
In DARKEST OF DAYS , you'll get to experience some of the most varied gameplay ever released in one title. Things will never get stale as you travel to distant times and fight alongside people from that time period. Fighting in Antietam (the bloodiest day of the American Civil War) feels much different than fighting on the side of the Russians at Tannenberg (where the Russians withstood 140,000 casualties in WWI).
Whether its in Pompeii, Antietam, WWI, WWII, or Little Big Horn you will fight with real weapons from the time period. You will battle against enemies that fight in different ways, all reflective of how fighting was done at the time.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-3hlu.html
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October 6th, 2009, 15:58 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released:
Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection faithfully recreates eight of the most memorable tables from the golden age of pinball in photorealistic 3D. Working closely with Williams to ensure authenticity of each of the games, the collection is highlighted by some of the most popular and innovative Williams pinball tables, including Gorgar, the first-ever talking pinball machine, Black Knight, which introduced "Magna-Save" and Bonus Ball, and Space Shuttle, which took the pinball industry by storm in 1984.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-3929.html
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October 7th, 2009, 06:40 Posted By: wraggster
News via http://www.xboxscene.com/
After the release of the hack for Xenon and Falcon motherboards, today we get the Free60 JTAG/SMC XeLL Hack for Zephyr (v2) motherboards! This NAND image will boot your Zephyr Xbox360 right into XeLL (which allows you to launch linux distros or run libxenon homebrew software).
From the readme/nfo:
[QUOTE]
Finally the Zephyr JTAG Hack is here
This is XELL (compiled 11.09.09) inserted into 4558 Zephyr-Kernel.
!Fixed Version! USB Support was broken
Don't wonder about the Filesize, its correct like that. It just flashes the beginning of the NAND so your console specific data like MAC adress will stay.
Of course you should have a working backup of your NAND before you proceed.
Just flash with:
LPT
nandpro lpt: -w16 zephyr_hack_updxell.bin 0
USB
nandpro usb: -w16 zephyr_hack_updxell.bin 0
SMC-JTAG Hack Wiring
DB1F1 ---|<|--- J2D2.1
RFUnit 2nd row, 2nd Pin ---|<|---- J2D2.2
J2D2.4 --------- J2D2.7
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October 7th, 2009, 07:02 Posted By: wraggster
"Xbox comes from a gaming heritage, and is expanding into a broader entertainment brand," Microsoft's Robbie Bach told us earlier today at its first Open House event in New York. Powering Xbox's expansion into "broader entertainment" is the upcoming Dashboard update, scheduled for beta release later this month. Four services included in the update will expand the 360's social networking and multimedia capabilities: Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm and Zune Marketplace.
While each individual service may not offer the same value that Netflix did when it debuted with the NXE last year, it's hard to ignore the breadth of added functionality offered by this new Dashboard refresh. Yes, it's true that the Xbox isn't the most ideal platform to tweet from. And yes, it's unlikely that you'll spend hours sitting in front of your TV listening to online radio. However, each service adds new reason to stay connected to the Xbox ... and adds more purported "value" to that Xbox Live Gold membership.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/ha...tplace-on-xbo/
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October 7th, 2009, 07:11 Posted By: wraggster
At an Microsoft event today in New York City, exec Robbie Bach talked about how the pricing for the upcoming motion controls Project Natal will work.
According to Variety, Bach said that the pricing will start high and decrease over time. "Relative to Natal," said Bach, "we'll see how the pricing cost works out. But people should except that it will go through the usual price curve."
The tech was first demoed at E3 in Los Angeles earlier this year. Microsoft seems to be approaching Project Natal as its own platform, and not simply a peripheral. When asked when Project Natal will no longer be referred to by its code name "Natal", Bach replied, "When we tell you to call it something else."
Oh.
Elsewhere during the event, Bach discussed mobile gaming, possibly feeding the flames of those waiting for a portable Xbox gaming device. According to Bach, "The portable market is important." He's right, it is. But important enough for Microsoft to launch its own platform? Continuing, Bach stated, "So in the gaming space, you need to make a fork in the road decision on whether you're going to do a portable device or focus on phones. The way technology is advancing with phones, [they are] going to be a very strong platform. The only think holding it back today is battery life."
http://kotaku.com/5375915/details-ab...pricing-emerge
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October 7th, 2009, 15:28 Posted By: wraggster
The next Xbox 360 dashboard update, which will include Facebook, Twitter and Last.FM integration, is going into public beta later this month, according to a Microsoft representative at today's Microsoft Open House event in New York City.
Jennifer Puzio-Brookes, an Entertainment Manager for Xbox, showed off the update in a behind-closed-doors session, and it seemed to include all of the major features promised in Microsoft's E3 press conference. Puzio-Brookes mentioned that a public beta will be released "middle-towards-end of October."
http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2009/...ng-this-month/
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October 7th, 2009, 15:47 Posted By: wraggster
Mary Jo Foley over at ZDNet is reporting some interesting tidbits of information she gleaned from the Microsoft Open House today. Foley spoke with Jose Pinero (Director of Communications for Microsoft's TV, Video and Music Business), who confirmed that Zune's next step will be to mobile phones, but that a "timeline for when that will happen" hasn't been discussed. Really? Not even discussed yet? Now, we've been hearing about (and hoping for) Zune on Windows Mobile phones for quite a spell now, so while we're glad to hear it's still a priority, the lack of a timeline is a bit disappointing. Foley also questioned Pinero about about the possibility of Zune Pass subscription services showing up on Apple devices (and others) at some point in the future. He indicated that Microsoft is "evaluating a lot of options in terms of platforms," which is basically a reiteration the company's Zune-stance all along -- that it's a media service, rather than merely a device. So we're not going to freak out over that yet, though we have to say we'd love to see Zune cropping up all over the place.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/07/z...eline-in-plac/
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October 8th, 2009, 04:27 Posted By: wraggster
Speaking at the First Annual Microsoft Open House in Manhattan yesterday, E&D Division prez Robbie Bach danced around the issue of pricing the company's upcoming motion tech for Xbox 360. "Relative to Natal, we'll see how the pricing/costs work out," Bach said. "But I think people should expect it to be like other things: We work through the price curve, just like we have with other products."
Though muddled, Bach's comment does not suggest that Natal will hit retail costing an arm and a leg (geddit?), but rather the device's launch price will be set high enough for significant discounts to go into effect over time. Using Wii as the bad example, Bach emphasized that Nintendo's launch price and its new discounted price aren't notably different. "When you start at $249, I don't know that a [price drop to] $199 -- I don't know how much difference that's going to make in the marketplace," Bach observed. "We'll see.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/pr...-room-to-drop/
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October 8th, 2009, 15:35 Posted By: wraggster
When questioned about the possibility of a dedicated gaming handheld vs a phone with multimedia functionality, Microsoft's Robbie Bach expressed his hesitation to enter either market to attendees of yesterday's.First Annual Microsoft Open House. The Entertainment and Devices division prez said, "The portable market's an interesting market ... you have to decide which direction the market is going." Rather than pursue the phone with gaming/media functionality route that Apple has taken, Bach thinks current technology simply isn't good enough yet.
"You have to decide if the dedicated devices in the portable market are going to continue to grow, or whether the phone that you get is going to get powerful enough and battery power management is going to get good enough that people are going to look at it and say 'No, I just want one device that's going to have some games on it, some music on it, some video on it.' I'm probably more biased to think that's the direction where the market is going."
Though he didn't mention an iPhone competitor or a dedicated gaming device, Bach hinted at the possibility, saying the Xbox and Zune are integrating at "a steady drumbeat." That steady drumbeat likely won't lead to much in the coming months though, as he noted, "There is a CES two years from now where people will look back and say 'Wow! Look at everything they did.'" At that point we'll only be four years from flying cars and hoverboards, so let's hope that Microsoft has some serious future stuff up its sleeves.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/ro...ing-for-micro/
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October 8th, 2009, 21:37 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
Microsoft and Bungie's Halo 3: ODST has sold approximately 2.5 million units in the two weeks since release.
That's according to a report by USA Today, which notes that the game has generated USD 125 million in sales for the 27 million unit-selling franchise.
The report also points out that Microsoft's 343 Industries division, which handles all things Halo, is also working on new game Halo: Reach, a second Marvel comic book series set for release before the end of the year, the Halo Legends anime to be shown on the Halo Waypoint Xbox Live channel, and more books and figures from McFarlane Toys.
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October 8th, 2009, 21:52 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Downloadable content for flight sim IL2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey has is out now on PSN and Xbox Live Marketplace.
The £7.99 (PS3), 800 MS Point (Xbox) download adds six new single-player missions to the main campaign, and a new plane, the American P47D, that was previously only available to those who slapped down a pre-order for the game. If you don't have the game yet, it throws you in aerial battles during World War II and lets you blow stuff up in one of the better flight sims of recent times. And it's pretty too.
Downloadable content for flight sim IL2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey has is out now on PSN and Xbox Live Marketplace.
The £7.99 (PS3), 800 MS Point (Xbox) download adds six new single-player missions to the main campaign, and a new plane, the American P47D, that was previously only available to those who slapped down a pre-order for the game.
If you don't have the game yet, it throws you in aerial battles during World War II and lets you blow stuff up in one of the better flight sims of recent times. And it's pretty too.
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October 9th, 2009, 05:03 Posted By: wraggster
At a session during the SecTor security conference, Chris Boyd, director of research at Facetime security labs, detailed the myriad methods by which gamers -- and in particular, Microsoft Xbox 360 users -- are under attack by cyber criminals.
"Though the Xbox doesn't have the number one market share, it is the top target for hackers," Boyd said. "Xbox Live has 17 million plus subscribers and that service requires payment."
One way that attackers enumerate their targets is by way of information that is easily publicly accessible. Xbox users gain points during gameplay, which leads to a gamerscore metric. The higher the gamerscore, the more valuable the gamer account. Boyd noted there is no easy way to keep a gamerscore private.
Once the attackers have identified their target, there are multiple methods they use to try and gain control of a user's account. One method that Boyd described is by way of social engineering, a tactic that has plagued regular consumer and enterprise users for years.
http://www.internetnews.com/security...+Xbox+Live.htm
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October 9th, 2009, 05:04 Posted By: wraggster
"What Microsoft has on its pocket is $50 more on its price, which they can pull that trigger anytime they feel like it. You guys all saw the rebate that they have. They did it to see how the market reacted. It's a two week promotion, September 22nd to October 5th and it's done. They want to see what $50 does before they do $50 across the board. They made it a little bit hard to do: you got to cut out a box piece, you got to enter a code on the website. But they're testing it."
When discussing the Modern Warfare 2 hardware bundle, he later added: "They are going to have a 250 gig box. That's the point. They didn't buy 5,000 of these as a test. There's going to be a 250 gig 360 some day. So I actually think you're going to see the 120 gig get priced at $249 whenever they feel like it, which might be January, February, it's going to happen. So, if I were a gamer, I will be watching for that. I think Microsoft got more leverage to pull."
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-6...ice-at-anytime
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October 9th, 2009, 16:34 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released today:
features
Gameplay, Gameplay, Gameplay – With an overhauled gameplay system, NBA LIVE 10 brings the most fluid basketball experience ever seen in the LIVE franchise. From an all new player movement system to improved AI for your teammates, and from a revamped passing system to the numerous options you have when attacking the basket, NBA LIVE 10 recreates the speed, intensity and creativity of basketball to an unparalleled degree
Dynamic DNA—The brain behind the game is powered by Synergy Sports Technology - the premier analytics provider using NBA data for over 25 NBA teams – which evaluates Player DNA that breaks down how a player scores, Team DNA that rates how the players on the floor play as a unit and Tendencies that refer to the percentage a player drives left, right or shoots from each spot on the floor.
Enhanced User Control—–NBA LIVE 10 gives you control never seen in a basketball videogame. From breaking down a defender on the perimeter to driving the basket and choosing to finish strong or with a light touch, NBA LIVE 10 lets you play ball the way you want to.
Authentic Presentation—–From hearing the crowd in Toronto boo Vince Carter when he touches the ball, to seeing LeBron do his trademark chalk toss, NBA LIVE 10 captures all the excitement and passion of an NBA game. A player underperforming? Powered by Dynamic DNA, evolving storylines throughout the season keep the commentary fresh so that when you hit the final games of the regular season you’re still hearing something new.
Team Differentiation—From the Lakers’ triangle offense to Cleveland running their offense through LeBron, no team in the NBA plays the same way, and neither will the teams in NBA LIVE 10. With authentic NBA playbooks powering the AI decisions of the players on your team, and your opponents, look for players to run the same sets that they would in real life.
Player Differentiation – From fast breaks to owning the paint, some players are just better at some aspects of the game than others. In NBA LIVE 10 players mimic their real life counterparts with an alarming degree of accuracy. From speedy point guards to lumbering centers, each individual player will feel uniquely different
Throwback Jerseys, Shoes and more—With throwback, holiday and cultural jerseys, deck your favorite team in some nostalgia. With over 500 shoes in the game that update throughout the course of the season and authentic tattoos on 75 of the top players in the league, NBA LIVE 10 is as real as videogame basketball gets.
description
NBA LIVE is back with the one purpose: To deliver an authentic basketball experience, all season long. From the in-game presentation and enhanced user control to the one of a kind Dynamic DNA and revolutionary Dynamic Season, NBA LIVE 10 is re-writing the book on basketball simulation videogames.
With a new team at the help and a renewed focus on gameplay, NBA LIVE 10 brings a smoother more fluid playing basketball experience than has ever been seen in the LIVE franchise. With improvements to player movement, passing, shooting, blocking, rebounding, dunks and dribbling the entire game has been overhauled to make sure it’s the best playing basketball game on the market. Featuring a dual-layered control scheme, NBA LIVE 10 will be accessible to casual users, while still giving advanced users the enhanced control they crave - giving anyone, no matter their skill level, the ability to create their own highlight reel plays.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-3et1.html
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October 9th, 2009, 16:35 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released today:
features
Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising will deliver the most accessible, engaging and visceral sandbox shooter of the year, with a huge variety of equipment, weapons and tactics available
Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising will give players the freedom to handle military crisis situations on their initiative
As an epic single and multi-player campaign weaves the narrative, players will fight as infantry soldiers in battle, drive tanks in armoured assaults, and infiltrate the enemy in covert special operations utilizing a wide variety of realistic military weapons from knives and rifles to machine guns and grenade launchers
The 220 square km battlefield gives players a multitude of tactical decisions on how to best accomplish missions
description
Taking gamers as close to war as they'll ever want to get, Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising is the much anticipated return of the genre-defining military conflict simulator. Set to deliver the total combat experience, Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising will challenge players to survive the chaos and rapidly evolving situations of modern warfare in a new contemporary theatre.
Players will experience the intensity, diversity and claustrophobia of a modern conflict from the unique perspectives of an infantry marine, a helicopter pilot, a Special Forces officer or a tank commander, each engaged against the full force of the Chinese PLA on a scale never previously experienced in a military action title. Gameplay simulates an immense conflict between advanced forces and provides unparalleled scope with different military disciplines, vehicles and equipment for players to utilize.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-39fn.html
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October 9th, 2009, 21:30 Posted By: Shrygue
via IGN
Microsoft has continued to expand the games library for its Games On Demand service, adding two of Xbox 360's biggest titles.
Starting October 13, Xbox Live users can download Grand Theft Auto IV, which is a perfect setup for the release of the second expansion for the game, The Ballad of Gay Tony, set for release at the end of the month. Dead Space, EA's sci-fi shooter, is also set for release on October 27
No price details were revealed, but we're not holding our breath on a discount.
Here's the breakdown for all the games coming this month:
October 13: - "Grand Theft Auto IV" (Rockstar Games)
October 20: - "Midnight Club Los Angeles" (Rockstar Games)
- "Army of Two" (Electronic Arts)
- "Sonic Unleashed" (SEGA)
October 27: - "Dead Space" (Electronic Arts)
- "DiRT" (Codemasters)
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October 10th, 2009, 06:01 Posted By: wraggster
For the anti-iPod crowd out there (you know who you are), Microsoft's Zune HD has been a long time comin'. As of September 17th, your excuses for not owning one vanished completely, and for those diehards willing to splurge on Redmond's swankest PMP yet, we know you've been toying with it ever since. Still, the Zune HD hasn't thrived without its fair share of hangups, and we get the impression that at least a smattering of users are still frustrated by this or that. If we just rang your bell, you're in the right place. We're curious to hear what actual, honest-to-goodness Zune HD users have to say about their new toy, and better still, how you would've done things differently if you had any power whatsoever over Sir Ballmer. Drop your rant off in comments below, would you?
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/h...softs-zune-hd/
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October 11th, 2009, 04:46 Posted By: wraggster
Though Microsoft has been a bit cagey with a solid release date for the upcoming Facebok/Twitter/Last.Fm update for Xbox Live, eagle-eyed UK readers have spotted the phrase "Service launches 17th November 2009" on the UK Xbox website (seen above).
When we recently got to give the services a spin at Microsoft's First Annual Open House, the company wouldn't give us a set-in-stone release date, though MTV Multiplayer were told a public beta for the services would arrive for XBL Gold Members in the "middle-towards-end of October." We've contacted Microsoft for word on when the services will be arriving on this side of the pond, though ... well ... it's the weekend. We'd suggest you don't go holding your breath for that info until Monday.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/10/fa...ive-in-the-uk/
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October 11th, 2009, 04:52 Posted By: wraggster
news via http://x360.gx-mod.com/modules/news/...p?storyid=2236
New version of the utility of Team MODFREAKz allowing you to preparing a hard disk:
- WD Scorpio BEVS Series / BEAS
- WD Scorpio Blue Series BEVS / BEVT
- WD Scorpio Black Series BEKTAS / BJKT
- WD VelociRaptor Series
to make it usable on your Xbox 360.
New / fixed:
- Fix for Intel ICH9, ICH10 and VIA
- Integration of a progress bar
- Added support for hard drives 80GB and 250GB (subject to possess the corresponding HDDSS.BIN)
Note this version only works with the type of disk drive described above and allows for the moment that the use of size equal to the Xbox 360 hard drive (whatever size hard drive you want to add).
http://www.xboxhacker.net/index.php?...77053#msg77053
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October 13th, 2009, 04:17 Posted By: wraggster
There are few things we hate bearing more than bad news, but, well, it's kind of our job. So, here we go: Hey Champ. Remember how excited you got when you heard the UK Xbox site had listed a release date for the 360 Fall Dashboard Update, which will bring Facebook, Twitter and a whole slew of other services to the platform? Yeah, November 17 -- that's the one! Well, it looks like Microsoft has decided to strip the site of its specificity. Now, it simply reads "service launches Autumn 2009," just like all the other regional Xbox sites.
Aww, come on, Sport. Dry those tear-flooded eyes. The update may still come on Nov. 17, but now it'll be a big surprise. Don't you love surprises? Well, here's one: You're adopted. Makes that whole "disappearing release date" thing seem pretty trivial, doesn't it?
Oh, man, you're really crying now. Fine, we'll contact Microsoft to see what's going on. Just ... just don't tell your mother about the whole "adopted" thing.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/12/xb...ook-from-uk-s/
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October 13th, 2009, 04:29 Posted By: wraggster
News via http://www.xboxscene.com/
The last couple of weeks have been very turbulent for all Xbox360 lovers. We have seen some very good developments towards homebrew and better linux.
We had fought with delays caused by the manufacturing and sourcing process which we finally solved. Now, Cygnos360 V2 is on stock at several shops and on the way to others. Production is still slow but ramping up and we are shortening delivery times.
We did however not spend the time waiting doing nothing. We have used the time to significantly improve the functionality and usability of Cygnos360 V2.
* Most interesting new features are:
-Integration of the JTAG hack into our firmware so that we can play the role of the microcontroller doing the JTAG inject. This is running and tested on xenon and falcon mainboards. The other versions will follow via software updates. No taking apart or re-wiring needed. (please note that we cannot (yet) read and program the 256 & 512 Mb jaspers, 16Mb Jaspers are fine)
-The Cygnos360 V2 USB board now has a vertical USB connector. That way it is much easier and cleaner to install in your Xbox360.
This is a photo of the production version of Cygnos360 V2
-We have added the possibility to communicate from "Xell" to Cygnos360 V2, for example to switch kernel via software command. (hotswap)
-We have added the functionality to enable switching between kernels having different SMC versions. It is not necessary to unplug the console for kernel switching, which is the case on current homebrew nand switchers and XD card solutions.
-We have added a back-channel to the Cygnos360 V2 that enables developers to talk back from applications running on the 360 to Cygnos. This way it is possible for example to send data from within the 360 to the PC via Cygnos360 V2. (e.g. temperatures, CPU/DVD key, or other nice stuff)
* Firmware and Toolbox
A flaw in our firmware has been fixed that caused the JTAG hack to work only once every power cycle. The JTAG hack has so far been tested on Xenon and Falcon. Opus is very likely to work as well. We appreciate, if anyone could test this on a Zephyr. Please report any errors!
The new toolbox in conjunction with the firmware will display serial output from XeLL, Linux, etc. in the console window. Here is a screenshot of the new toolbox:
Output coming from the Xbox 360 is colored yellow in order to distinguish it from toolbox messages (green). Since XeLL outputs the fuse settings via serial port, there's now a very convenient way to save these to a file.
Download the new firmware and toolbox from here
* XeLL
Since our microcontroller cannot handle serial communication at 115200 baud, we had to make a minor modification to XeLL. The modification will set the baud rate register of the Xbox 360 to 38400 baud, 8 data bits, no parity and one stop bit. This implies that you have to build a custom JTAG hack image for Cygnos360 V2 with our modified XeLL. You can download the XeLL binaries and sources from here.
* imgbuild
The free60 imgbuild tool does by default not generate a full image as required by our toolbox. We therefore modified the build script accordingly. You can download the whole package from here.
Building your own image under Windows requires the installation of a Python interpreter. The simplest way is to download and install the Cygwin base system along with the "python" and "python-crypto" packages from here[cygwin.com].
Our modified imgbuild tool does not require a full binutils/gcc toolchain to generate an image. We included a precompiled payload binary instead. The SMC config block is taken from a dump of your Xbox 360. A typical command to generate and image would look like this:
python build.py dump.bin CBxxxx.bin CDxxxx.bin xboxupd.bin smc_hacked.bin xell-1f.bin
CBxxxx.bin and CDxxxx.bin are console (Xenon, Zephyr, Falcon, Opus, Jasper) specific, as well as smc_hacked.bin. Please use the xell-1f.bin from our XeLL package.
* Manual
For all interested for more info, check out the installation manual it contains a lot of info:
Happy Hacking!
Team Cygnos
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October 14th, 2009, 15:34 Posted By: wraggster
Windows isn't the only piece of Microsoft technology that hackers are attacking anymore. During a presentation at the SecTor security conference in Toronto, a Facetime security researcher revealed numerous methods by which Xbox users are being hacked today. 'Though the Xbox doesn't have the number one market share, it is the top target for hackers,' Boyd said. 'Xbox Live has 17 million plus subscribers, and that service requires payment.
http://games.slashdot.org/story/09/1...ting-Xbox-Live
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October 14th, 2009, 15:41 Posted By: wraggster
The next home console released by Microsoft will use AMD’s GPU tech, according to reports.
Tech site Fudzilla – which has a mixed record of success with trade speculation – is suggesting that AMD will continue its partnership with Microsoft after developing the Xenos custom GPU for the 360.
“We've learned from industry sources that AMD has already won the GPU deal for the next generation XboX console,†the website says.
“It looks like Microsoft was happy with first Xeons GPU and it wants to continue using the same, especially since the new ATI GPU should keep the compatibility with legacy games.â€
Fudzilla goes on to claim that Microsoft initially intended to release the Xbox 720 in 2010, in-line with a recent gaffe by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, but pulled out of the deal.
The news follows recent speculation that Nvidia has scored a contract to develop tech for the next Nintendo DS.
http://www.develop-online.net/news/3...powered-by-AMD
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October 14th, 2009, 19:16 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft's previously-announced link-up with satellite TV provider BSkyB will see TV programmes available through the Xbox 360 from October 27 in the UK.
The news was announced via Twitter in a posting by Graeme Boyd, Xbox community manager for Europe today, ahead of an official event set to take place next week.
"October 27 - that's the date when you'll be able to watch TV from Sky on your Xbox 360. Channel line-up and pricing to come at launch," read the post.
The partnership between the two companies was first announced just before E3 this year, with bundles available for customers new to Sky as well as access for those who already subscribe.
At an event in Central London in May the launch was pinned to Autumn, but has now been dated - although as the post suggests there are still more details to follow on the precise composition of the packages.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...-on-october-27
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October 15th, 2009, 01:01 Posted By: wraggster
You know that iconic moment in the Ballad of Gay Tony trailer when Luis jumps out of some kind of aerial vehicle? Did you ever wonder what it would look like if, instead of one guy parachuting down into Liberty City, it was eight people? Probably not. Anyway, here's a screenshot of that from Rockstar's latest release, detailing The Ballad of Gay Tony's multiplayer modes.
Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch will see lots of new weapons, of course, but also new Kill Streaks and Assisted Kills, which provide cash bonuses. Free Mode gets a little freer with the addition of Buzzard helicopters, APCs, and, of course, parachutes. We can't wait to see what kind of ridiculous emergent competition comes from parachute-based combat.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/ro...the-ballad-of/
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October 15th, 2009, 01:01 Posted By: wraggster
As it has done in the past, Microsoft is offering early access to its next Xbox 360 Dashboard update (which integrates Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm and Zune Marketplace) to those who sign up -- and are then selected -- to preview it. Major Nelson has just updated his blog with word that the signup process has begun for the program, mentioning that Microsoft is looking for "multiple thousands" of users to test out the update. So, sounds like chances of getting in are good.
Those wishing to put their names in the hat for preview access can do so by hitting the Microsoft Connect site and filling out a survey. The preview program is being offered in all territories where Xbox Live is available, but keep in mind you'll need a Windows Live ID in order to apply. The Major says those who've been picked will receive an email in about a week; after which the update will be pushed out to their consoles, and they can start bragging about their early access via Twitter and Facebook right from their 360s.
If past Dashboard preview programs are anything to go by, everyone who signs up will eventually gain access just prior to the update's release -- which may happen on November 17.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/xb...n-for-signups/
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October 15th, 2009, 01:15 Posted By: wraggster
New special offer from play asia:
Lead from the front in the world’s most immersive and first truly 3D RTS. Assume command on the frontlines of battle!
Experience the rush of battle in ways no other real-time strategy game has ever offered. Stormrise is the first truly 3D, next-gen RTS that, via the 3rd person camera perspective, puts you directly in the action.
Earth’s protective atmosphere has been stripped away by a catastrophic event centuries ago. In a bleak and barren landscape, the planet’s inhabitants have had to adapt radically in order to survive, resulting in the creation of two distinctly different races; the Echelon and the Sai.
With both factions constantly battling for supremacy, the rebuilt civilisation is on the brink of another catastrophe…
Stormrise the action filled strategic game is our weekly special, available at an unbeatable bargain price of US$ 12.90 only.
The Asian version is region free and supports a multi-language system: English, French, Spanish and Italian, choose the one you are most familiar with.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...-26u-84-n.html
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October 15th, 2009, 01:18 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released today:
features
Roam through a massive open-world born from the hellfires of heavy metal
Rev up any vehicle, rock its weapons and crush the enemies of metal
Devastate with your guitar! Play face-melting solos that actually melt the faces of your enemies
Command savage armies and bang skulls in hand-to-hand combat
Rise like a bat out of hell to command blood-drenched action from above
Slay your friends and foes online. Then play guitar licks on their graves
The most ultimate heavy metal soundtrack ever assembled in a game. Ever!
description
Fight your way from Roadie to Rock God in this epic heavy metal fantasy adventure.
From the mind of Tim Schafer (Psychonauts, Grim Fandango) comes the ultimate heavy metal action game starring Jack Black (School of Rock, Tenacious D). You are heavy metal roadie Eddie Riggs, hurled back in time to the mythical Age of Metal when the world was formed and ruled by the power of Rock! Armed with a broadaxe, a guitar, and a big block V8 you set off on an epic quest to assemble an army of headbangers, hotrods, barbarians, demonic dominatrix and the undead. With the wings of a demon and the power of a Rock God, you must lead humanity in an epic war against its barbaric overlords, and carve your name forever into the Brütal Legend™.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-3065.html
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October 15th, 2009, 01:25 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released today:
features
Beautifully detailed graphics powered by the Unreal Engine 3
Original storyline driven by intense themes of love, war, politics, sacrifice and the ultimate question of choosing one’s own fate told through beautifully rendered CGI cut-scenes
A fresh twist on combat that combines strategic turn-based battle concepts and real time gameplay that seamlessly blends world navigation and fighting without any load times or interruptions
A stunning and distinctive photo-realistic manga style with character designs by famed Korean artist Hyung-Tae Kim
description
Love, war and destiny intertwine in an all-new role-playing adventure!
The shadow of civil war looms over the kingdom of Lanzheim and Juto, a boy with no recollection of his past may be the key to ending the cycle of bloodshed. Magnacarta 2 delivers a unique role-playing experience that combines real-time action, timing-based attacks, over-drive combinations and the strategic use of skills, magical power and critical attacks on a journey to discover one’s true destiny in the midst of tragedy and war.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-3d1q.html
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October 15th, 2009, 18:51 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has invited Xbox Live users to sign up for Facebook and Twitter ahead of their launch on the service to enable them to test their functionality.
According to Major Nelson's blog, Microsoft is seeking "multiple thousands of participants" and the beta is open to to worldwide users. Gold members will be given preference, although not to the exclusion of Silver ones.
An official date for the roll out of the social sites on Live is yet to be confirmed, but rumours have suggested a November 17 date.
Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm integration with 360 was announced at E3 this year. Nintendo added a Facebook Connect feature to the DSi in August.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...er-on-xbox-360
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October 15th, 2009, 18:53 Posted By: wraggster
VidZone Digital Media has told GamesIndustry.biz that it will not be pursuing a streaming service on Xbox Live, despite selling music videos on Microsoft's console.
The company charges between £1.70-£2.55 (200-300 Microsoft Points) for individual videos on the Xbox 360, but doesn't intend to push further on the console and follow the runaway success of VidZone's steaming service on the PlayStation Network.
"There's no real plan for us to do anything there, all the focus is going into PlayStation and it's a very different service to what we run on the PS3," director of new music development Michael Russo told GamesIndustry.biz. "The PS3 offering is much more of a proper consumer product."
"[Xbox 360] is a very different service to what we've got on PlayStation. Nothing is given away for free, there's no element of streaming, it's all pay-to-own downloadable music video content," he added. "It's a smaller business for us and we only represent the independent labels."
VidZone is currently in the process of rolling out the streaming service to more European PlayStation regions, and although he would not discuss possible plans for the US, Russo did admit that the company has a lot more services due in the near-term.
"We're on track and should be available to another 11 regions by Christmas, which will take us up to 18 countries.
"We have an aggressive roll-out strategy and there will be numerous additions to the service that we'll announce in the not so distant future - some major features of the product," added Russo.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...eo-on-xbox-360
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October 15th, 2009, 20:38 Posted By: wraggster
A suspect allegedly took his friend's Xbox, but changed his mind after he found himself stuck -- literally.
According to Smith County sheriff's report, a known suspect broke into his friend's home by crawling through a window. He took the gaming system and left the home, but shortly after drove his vehicle into a pond. Officials say the man then brought the stolen item back and apologized. The victim filed a report, but burglary charges have not been filed.
http://www.tylerpaper.com/apps/pbcs....S08/910140361#
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October 15th, 2009, 20:40 Posted By: wraggster
press release:
The new episode in Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City for Xbox 360® - takes the classic fan-favorite modes from the mayhem of Grand Theft Auto IV multiplayer and overhauls every aspect for an action packed, over-the-top experience. New weapons for greater diversity and impact. New, tighter Deathmatch arenas for more fierce matches. And the addition of new gameplay features including parachutes, kill streaks and assisted kills. It's Grand Theft Auto multiplayer made more intense than ever.
The featured modes are: Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, GTA Race, Race and Free Mode
In Deathmatch, with up to 16 players online, your objective is to have the most kills within the set time. Players are awarded contract money for each kill, and can also loot casualties for their dropped cash. The player with the most cash when the game ends wins. In Team Deathmatch, players work as a team to rub out other teams for money - and the crew with the most cash at the end of the round wins.
The Ballad of Gay Tony takes these classic multiplayer modes and gives them a high-powered bump with the addition of new weapons like the Assault SMG, the Explosive Shotgun, the Advanced Sniper Rifle, Sticky Bombs and more. See below for the full list and other specifications.
New Weapons
Pistol .44, Explosive Shotgun, Assault SMG, Gold SMG, Advanced MG, Advanced Sniper, Sticky Bombs and Parachute
Cash for Kills
Make $25 for every assisted kill.
Kill Streaks
Kill streaks of 3, 5 or 10 gives the player health and armor bonuses. Ending other players' kill streaks you earn $125.
Deathmatch Locations
Deathmatch locations are contained areas, making for an even more intense experience. New locations include: CC Plaza, Meadow Hills, Firefly Island, Alderney Building Site, Varsity Heights, Factory, Construction, Acter Power Station, Pier 45, Castle Gardens Park, Boat House, Easton Subway, Warehouse, Hospital, Waste, Trespass, Museum and more.
Weapon Classes
Episodic, Automatic, Sniper Rifles, Explosives, Sticky Bombs.
Free Mode
Free Mode is a long-running fan favorite mode that is truly the sandbox equivalent of Multiplayer. No rules, no guidelines, just all out mayhem and anarchy. Join in and go nuts rampaging amongst other Grand Theft Auto lunatics. Or get together with friends and create your own original game in this wide open freeform mode. Now made more insane than ever with the addition of the nimble Buzzard attack helicopter, the devastating N.O.O.S.E. APC and even parachutes to enable you to skydive down from the top of Rotterdam Tower blasting fools from up above.
The Lost and Damned - Multiplayer
Deathmatch and Team DM
New weapons class: Biker Weapons (automatic 9mm, sawed off shotgun, pipe bomb, pool cue, assault shotgun and grenade launcher)
Races
New Race Type: Checkpoint races but each biker is equipped with a bat.
New Race Vehicle Classes:
Race Class: The Lost
Vehicles: Diabolus, Hexer, Lycan, Hellfury, Zombie, Innovation
Race Class: Angels of Death
Vehicles: Wayfarer, Daemon, Wolfsbane, Angel, Nightblade, Revenant
Race Class: Street Bikes
Vehicles: Double T, Double T Custom, Hakuchou, Hakuchou Custom, Bati 800, Bati Custom
Other Race Classes: Vans, Cars and Trucks
New Mode: Club Business:
How to Play: Angus will keep you informed as to what’s on the agenda for The Lost MC. Complete tasks to gain standing within the Club.
Description: Players must work together to complete a variety of different tasks and earn money for The Lost MC. These can include stealing bikes, taking out an enemy biker gang and picking up other members of Club.
New Mode: Lone Wolf Biker:
How to Play: One player is the Lone Wolf Biker, racing to checkpoints while evading the pursuers. Kill the Lone Wolf Biker and it’ll be you getting hunted – and you’ll become invincible for ten seconds. Pursuers can hold Y to respawn their vehicles.
Description: One player starts as the Lone Wolf Biker and must pass through checkpoints while avoiding the other players. If another player manages to kill the Lone Wolf Biker then they will become the new Lone Wolf Biker and must then avoid the pursuers. The winner is the player who has spent the most time as the Lone Wolf Biker when the round ends.
New Mode: Chopper Vs Chopper
How to Play: The biker tries to get to a checkpoint – the pursuer pilots an attack helicopter hunting them down. When the biker dies, the roles are reversed.
Hold Y to respawn your vehicle.
Description: One player starts on a bike and the other player in an attack helicopter. The biker must reach checkpoints dotted around the map and try to avoid being killed by the pursuer. Roles are reversed if the attacker manages to kill the biker. The player who has passed the most checkpoints at the end of the round wins.
New Mode: Witness Protection
How to Play: The N.O.O.S.E have to escort witnesses to police stations around the city, while The Lost try to destroy the transport bus and take out the snitches before they talk.
Description: The Lost MC players must kill the as many of the 3 witnesses as possible before the N.O.O.S.E driver can drop them off at each police station. They can do this by destroying the prison bus or by chasing down the bus and shooting the witnesses as they walk from the bus to station.
One N.O.O.S.E player will be selected as the driver and the other members of the N.O.O.S.E team must protect the witnesses.
The first witness is worth $500, the second $1000 and the third $1500. The team with the highest score at the end of the round wins.
New Mode: Own the City
How to Play: Take as much territory as you can. A territory becomes yours when all its defenders are dead. While you own a territory, members of your club will appear to defend it. Your club’s Gun Van is marked with a square blip on your radar. Drive it near your defenders to equip them with better weaponry.
Description: The Lost MC battles the Angels of Death for control of Liberty City. The chosen location is split up into several different territories. Each team must take over as many of these territories as possible before the round ends. Your team will capture a territory once you have killed all AI defenders and enemy players inside it.
The team in control of the most territory at the end of the round wins.
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October 15th, 2009, 20:41 Posted By: wraggster
Last Friday Disney Pixar released a new game, Car O Rama, which boasted a new Wave 4 protection. Microsoft’s earlier attempts at protecting the Xbox 360 against piracy have all failed miserably, and it seems this one is no exception. Pirates have already created a temporary fix for the iXtreme 1.6 hack firmware, which involves you downloading a 3MB “activate.iso†file and burning it to a DVD9 disc.
This disc can then be used to load games with Wave 4 protection, which currently only include Car O Rama, but will most likely include other games in the future. The official NFO file for the loader states:
One shot boot mode allows you to boot a Wave X or non stealth game by using the activate.iso disc as a flag. Just insert the activate disc and the next disc inserted will boot without any strict checks. This will still utilise full stealth if available. As soon as that disc is booted the flag is cleared, and you will have to re-insert the activate disk again to enable one shot boot. As always use with caution
So it is very possibly that you could be banned if you are using this whilst on Xbox Live.
http://xboxlifestyle.net/2009/10/15/...urity-already/
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October 15th, 2009, 21:29 Posted By: wraggster
Nes6502 released a port of Final Burn v0.517 to Xbox1.
From the readme/nfo:
[QUOTE]
This is an Xbox port of Final Burn 0.517. Source code is included. It supports the following games:
After Burner
After Burner 2
Galaxy Force 2
Galaxy Force 2 Japan
Power Drift
Power Drift Japan
Thunder Blade Japan
Rail Chase
All games run fullspeed even in HD resolutions with filters. The port has the following features:
* Hardware Filters: Point, Bilinear, Anisotropic, Gaussian Cubic
* Software Filters: SuperScale, SuperScale75 (SuperScale + Scanlines), AdvanceMame2X, Simple2X
* Games can be run in 480i/p, 720p, and 1080i
* Flicker Filter can be set from 0 - 5
* Soften can be enabled or disabled
* Preview support
* Saving screenshots
* DVD support (an XISO must be burned). Edit the Path.ini file and set UsePathINI=1 to UsePathINI=0 when running from a DVD.
* All GUI elements can be edited from the GUI
* GUI Background music
* GUI Sound Effects
* All games match MAME 0.134
http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=693803
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October 15th, 2009, 21:37 Posted By: wraggster
While we may be nervous about Microsoft's Project Natal branding strategy -- remember, that's just a codename -- the suits in Redmond share no such concern. That's because the Natal project is following Nintendo's lead in more ways than just easy-to-play, motion-based technology. It's also following Nintendo's branding strategy.
On May 11, 2004 Nintendo president Satoru Iwata announced the "Nintendo Revolution" to the E3 audience and, while he didn't show off the motion-based controller (we wouldn't see that for another sixteen months, at TGS 2005), he did promise "an unprecedented gameplay experience." The Revolution would offer "something no other machine has delivered before." The following May, over two years after first announcing the "Revolution," Nintendo revealed the product's final name just before E3: Wii.
When we asked Microsoft's Robbie Bach, "When can we stop calling it Natal?" at a recent Open House event, the exec wasn't shy about comparing the company's strategy to Nintendo's. "When Nintendo came out with the name 'Wii,' people sort of said 'Oh gosh, that's kind of a goofy, weird name.' I haven't heard a comment about it being a goofy name since the week after they announced the name," Bach said. "And suddenly, people just called it the 'Wii' and moved on." And, specifically, they've moved on to buying them en masse.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/mi...ding-strategy/
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October 16th, 2009, 21:40 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg has said that he fully expects the PlayStation 3 to have outsold the Xbox 360 in September, but Microsoft will still outperform its console rival in the long-term.
Speaking ahead of the release of NPD data for the month – since moved back until Monday due to processing issues – Greenberg also said that price cuts on rival hardware was of no concern to Microsoft.
"It is not a real concern to us – in fact, I can tell you to that when NPD releases September sales... we fully expect PlayStation 3 will come in as the console with the most units sold for the month," Greenberg told Game Informer.
"This is frankly not a real surprise to us or the analysts that follow this industry, as it is typical to see a short term bump following the introduction of new hardware and pricing into the marketplace."
Since Sony introduced a new slim PlayStation 3 and a price cut, the company sold over one million units in three weeks. The entire industry in the US is expected to have rebound during September, after six months of slumping sales.
Despite being outsold in September, Microsoft is looking at the long-term view, said Greenberg.
"What I can tell you is we remain confident that Xbox 360 will not only outsell PS3 for the full calendar year, but for this entire generation."
Greenberg pointed to Sony losing money on sales of PlayStation 3 hardware, asking if it was a sustainable business, and stating that Microsoft has diversified to attain profitability.
"It’s about the entire ecosystem and investing in the future; something we are very focused on," he said.
"There is also the whole financial side of the equation that people rarely seem to pay attention to. Sony, for example, has publicly noted that they lose money on every console they sell and with the price cut, they’re now losing even more money – so even with the PS3 in the market today at $299, you have to question if their business model is sustainable.
"I believe this generation Microsoft has really diversified the business model and the economics of the industry today is that our business is about not just hardware, but also software and services.
"These multiple revenue streams provide not only economies of scale for us and our partners, but award us the benefit of having a profitable business, which in turn allows us to continually invest in the future and remain focused on delivering new experiences and expanding our audience," he added.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...hort-term-bump
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October 16th, 2009, 22:05 Posted By: wraggster
Over at IndustryGamers, everyone's favorite video game predicterer (we're still working on that one) Michael Pachter has taken the reigns of the site and offers his own extensive diatribe on the future of Sony and Microsoft's upcoming new tech: Project Natal and the PlayStation Motion Controller (rumored to be called Sphere). Pachter's assertion is that price will be Natal's biggest selling point and Microsoft will try to expand upon its market of established Xbox 360 owners by offering the device for $50. For Sony's doodad, Pachter says the company is "trying to create an answer to the success of the Wii."
Pachter even likens the future state of a Natal-enabled Xbox 360 to the current state of the iPhone -- with features like Twitter, Netflix, Last.fm and Facebook inside Microsoft's box and its intuitive interface, he says casual or non-playing members of Xbox 360 households will become interested. And then when it's bundled with all new Xbox 360s, he says that'll expand Microsoft's reach even more.
For the motion-controlled competition, Pachter says he'd be surprised if Sony's asking price was over $100, and stresses that both Microsoft and Sony need to keep "the consumer's cost relatively low in order to achieve broad penetration."
[Update: Corrected Pachter's belief that the motion controller would be no more than $100. We sincerely apologize for the misinterpretation and the consequent misinformation.]
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/pa...l-be-over-100/
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October 16th, 2009, 22:52 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released today:
Fight your way from Roadie to Rock God in this epic heavy metal fantasy adventure.
From the mind of Tim Schafer (Psychonauts, Grim Fandango) comes the ultimate heavy metal action game starring Jack Black (School of Rock, Tenacious D). You are heavy metal roadie Eddie Riggs, hurled back in time to the mythical Age of Metal when the world was formed and ruled by the power of Rock! Armed with a broadaxe, a guitar, and a big block V8 you set off on an epic quest to assemble an army of headbangers, hotrods, barbarians, demonic dominatrix and the undead. With the wings of a demon and the power of a Rock God, you must lead humanity in an epic war against its barbaric overlords, and carve your name forever into the Brütal Legend™.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-2ecv.html
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October 17th, 2009, 05:53 Posted By: pibs
When Preview Program members start receiving the Xbox 360 system update next week, one of the changes is that unauthorized Memory Units will no longer work with the Xbox 360. If you’ve moved your profile or saved games onto one to “back it up,” you’d better move it back onto an authorized Xbox 360 storage device prior to taking the update. If you continue to use an unauthorized Memory Unit after the update, you will not be able to access your stored profile or saved games.
If you need help identifying officially licensed Xbox 360 storage devices or accessories you can read more about the licensed accessories program on Xbox.com
From Major Nelson
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October 17th, 2009, 22:46 Posted By: wraggster
New xna release for Xbox360:
Quest For The Enchanted Trogger Will Be My First Full Game. It's a 2d platformer about a young adventurer who is on a mission to eradicate a trogger for causing painfull troggeriness! As you can guess this is not a serious game at all and I'm not planning to make alot of money from it because it will be crap!
http://www.gameprojects.com/project/?id=e803aec185
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October 17th, 2009, 22:48 Posted By: wraggster
News via http://www.xbox-scene.com/
It looks like Microsoft started banning users from Xbox LIVE for playing Forza 3 early (the game was leaked on the internet a few days ago). It's not the first time Microsoft puts out the BanHammer from playing leaked games and it will certainly not be the last time. For now it seems to be an Account BAN and not a Console BAN.
Here's a quote of the email banned users got from MS:
[QUOTE]
Notification of Permanent Suspension: Pre-release title play
This email is to notify you that your Xbox LIVE account privileges have been permanently suspended due to illegitimate pre-release title play.
Your conduct was brought to the attention of the LIVE Enforcement Team through the course of our operation of the service. The LIVE Enforcement Team has reviewed the complaints and other evidence regarding this content and determined it violates the Xbox LIVE Terms of Use and/or Code of Conduct. Because your conduct is in violation, the Xbox LIVE Enforcement Team has enacted this permanent suspension against your gamertag.
During your suspension, you will not be able to log into Xbox LIVE. Your Xbox LIVE privileges will not be reinstated.
Customer Support is not able to modify or provide any further details about your suspension.
Microsoft expects that all customers abide by the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct provides guidelines for appropriate behavior while using the service.
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October 18th, 2009, 18:20 Posted By: wraggster
Call it coincidence or call it fate, but precisely a week after Sony's extra-capacious 250GB PlayStation 3 Slim hits the States for $349.99, Microsoft's 250GB Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 bundle will arrive with a game and a pair of black wireless controllers for $399.99. Both Costco and Amazon have a November 10th ship date listed for the package, though oddly enough, neither site lists the machine as coming with a component cable. It's standard def or bust, y'all.
buy at amazon here
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October 18th, 2009, 21:23 Posted By: wraggster
News via http://www.xbox-scene.com/
Nes6502 released a new version of his port of Final Burn(info) v0.517 to Xbox1.
What's new/fixed:
* Fixed a bug that caused the emulator to crash randomly
* Added a new font system
* Added a zooming screenshot when pausing a game
* Fixed the Simple2X filter
* Remapped the Powerdrift gas and break pedals to the Xbox left and right trigger (Final Burn 0.517 core only)
* Added a core for Final Burn Alpha. The correct core will automatically be selected. However, if a game can be emulated in both cores, then a menu is presented. Either core can be chosen. Typically the Final Burn 0.517 core is faster but less accurate. The Final Burn Alpha core is more accurate but slower (and sometimes glitchy).
* Added support for the following games (by user request):
Turbo Out Run (Cockpit) - toutrun.zip
Turbo Out Run (Outrun) - toutrunu.zip
Turbo Out Run (Upright) - toutrun2.zip
G-Loc Air Battle (US) - gloc.zip
G-Loc 360 - glocr360.zip
Strike Fighter (Japan) - strkfgtr
Cotton (World) - cotton.zip
Cotton (US) - cottonu.zip
Cotton (Japan) - cottonj.zip
A.B. Cop - abcop.zip
Super Monico GP (World) - smgp.zip
Super Monico GP (US) - smgpu.zip
GP Rider (US) - gprider.zip + gprider1.zip
Racing Hero - rachero.zip
Enduro Racer - enduror.zip
Altered Beast - altbeast.zip
Out Run - outrun.zip
Shinobi - shinobi.zip
Hang-On - hangon.zip
Super Hang-On - shangon.zip
Golden Axe - goldnaxe.zip
Space Harrier - sharrier.zip
http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=693996
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October 19th, 2009, 17:00 Posted By: wraggster
Upcoming Xbox 360 dashboard update will render non-Microsoft memory cards useless
Third party memory card manufacturers have been given an unwelcome headache from platform holder Microsoft with news that the next firmware update for the Xbox 360 will stop third party memory cards from working with the machine.
Word comes from Microsoft’s Larry Hryb, who states on his Major Nelson blog:
“When Preview Programme members start receiving the Xbox 360 system update next week, one of the changes is that unauthorised Memory Units will no longer work with the Xbox 360.
“If you’ve moved your profile or saved games onto one to “back it up,†you’d better move it back onto an authorised Xbox 360 storage device prior to taking the update. If you continue to use an unauthorized Memory Unit after the update, you will not be able to access your stored profile or saved games.â€
As well as cutting off one revenue stream from third party accessory manufacturers, retailers may also have trouble with customers who have bought goods for their machine which will cease to function once the machine is updated.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/36174/Time...0-memory-cards
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October 19th, 2009, 17:01 Posted By: wraggster
Latest Call of Duty becomes the first in the series to get an 18 certificate from the BBFC
The BBFC has confirmed that it has granted Activision’s upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 an 18 certificate – making it in the first in the series to receive the highest age restriction.
All previous titles in the series have been rated at either BBFC 18 or PEGI 16+. And considering the gratuitous flesh-burning and execution scenes seen in the last game, World at War, the violence level in the new title must be quite extreme.
There isn’t much in the way of information in the BBFC’s ruling, though it notes that the game contains around 40 minutes of cut scenes. The rating was arrived at based on 45 minutes of in-game footage.
Some media outlets have also noted that the certificate refers to the game simply as Modern Warfare 2, with no mention of Call of Duty – reigniting the long-running debate.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/36178/Mode...are-2-rated-18
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October 19th, 2009, 20:01 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released today:
features
With over 15 different endings, every action you take will cause a chain of events to occur, allowing for multiple outcomes and replay-ability. Every action has a reaction and the following consequences open up new paths to explore
Craft your own unique weapons from over 200 different parts and materials, creating the ultimate weapon that suits your taste and fighting style. Create lethal blades, spears, pole axes and more while discovering new abilities and skills with increased use. Become a master of one or of many. The choice is yours
Performing different feats will reward a player with Samurai Points and a Title, which in turn will unlock new features and characters within the game. Fight honorably in the way of the samurai, live your life as a bandit or strive to uphold the government. These choices will net different points and values, encouraging multiple play throughs to unlock everything
Fight your opposition with force or take the diplomatic route, using subtle gestures like the unsheathing of your sword. With an extensive dialogue tree, weapons combo system and more, this hybrid title delivers on multiple fronts
description
The consequences of your actions will determine your fate. Choose to fight along side good or evil during the tumultuous time of the Sengoku Era and carve your name into history. Become a hero or become infamous, the choice is yours.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-3hlz.html
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October 19th, 2009, 22:30 Posted By: wraggster
News via http://www.eurasia.nu/modules.php?na...ticle&sid=2475
[source: ikari @ freeBOOT-0.01.zip] Finally, here it is - freeBOOT, a rebooter for the Microsoft Xbox 360. This version of freeBOOT allows you to reboot into kernel 2.0.8498 on a Xenon or Falcon console, which can be exploited by the JTAG hack. Support for Zephyr, Opus, and Jasper consoles will follow shortly. As freeBOOT needs a second flash memory to store kernel 2.0.8498 and associated data, a Cygnos360 is required at the moment. Read through the following instructions carefully. Building your own images is yet a complicated task involving many steps. Future versions of freeBOOT will be easier to build.
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October 20th, 2009, 11:15 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft's Halo 3: ODST has attracted over 5 million unique players since launch, racking up over 116 million hours of gameplay on Xbox Live, according to the company.
The stats were released as NPD data showed that Halo 3: ODST sold over 1.52 million units during September, making it the best-selling game for the month.
The company also noted that during September, third-party sales on the Xbox 360 accounted for over $154 million, with US consumers spending $404 million on Xbox 360 hardware, software and peripherals during the month.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...ox-360-product
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October 20th, 2009, 15:52 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA
IntensaFire Mod Kit for Xbox 360 Controllers
What does it do? The INTENSAFIRE rampsup the XBOX 360 controller; allowing it to control a 5-mode with sleeper settings rapid fire, and has built in customizable user program mode to set your own speeds.
The INTENSAFIRE uses the existing Sync button to toggle between modes. Advanced modifiers can use an optional button as well to quickly turn the INTENSAFIRE on and off. It also enables "dual rapid-fire" - usable in all XBOX 360 games, including gamer favorites like: Left 4 Dead, Call of Duty series, Halo series, and Gears of War series.
How is this better? YES, 5-mode sleeper mod kits exist. Dual rapid-fire mod kits exist. The INTENSAFIRE mod kit has both.
There are controllers on the market, prefabricated with a RF device, that do what the INTENSAFIRE offers, each controller going for well over $100. The INTENSAFIRE is an extremely simple to installation kit, taking no more than 3 minutes for an experienced user and installs with minimal tools. Other mod kits require intensive soldering, drilling, wiring, and deconstruction of your controllers.
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October 20th, 2009, 22:46 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Third party peripheral firm Datel, who make a range of Max Memory storage units for Xbox 360, says it's "disappointed" with MS's decision to stop unofficial memory units working with the 360's upcoming dashboard update.
"We are following this issue and awaiting the outcome like everyone else," a Datel rep told CVG.
"If the Major Nelson blog is to be taken at face value then we're disappointed to see that Microsoft are taking these steps to prevent customers from exercising their freedom of choice.
"Everyone is looking for ways to make their cash go further at the moment and we believe that Max Memory offers a good value, high capacity, alternative to the official Memory Unit."
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October 20th, 2009, 23:28 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA
Infectus Homebrew is a DEVELOPER ACTEL BOARD. It allows you to load your own STP files generated from ACTEL LIBERO DEVELOPER SUITE.
Infectus Homebrew works like an ACTEL JTAG Programmer too, you will be able to program external ACTEL IC in a easy and fast way.
Infectus Homebrew Version is provided with a public Key to encrypt the code to test, the only change between the normal and homebrew version is the Key inside. In the normal version the Key is secret and is used to protect Infectus firmware releases.
Infectus Homebrew is a complete kit that gives the developers the tools to write and test the VHDL or VERILOG code in a few minutes.
Infectus Homebrew will be sold with a special package that includes: electric schematic, some VHDL code examples, a special flat cable for JTAG ACTEL programming
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October 20th, 2009, 23:32 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA
InFeCtuS is the most versatile chip ever released in the market.
Infectus developed this device with an OPEN concept, they used a core reprogrammable board, a 512kb flash on board and an USB interface for the PC communication.
Specs:
- The core of INFECTUS is the new ACTEL ProASIC3 FAMILY, the new family after the famous APA075.
- It use a 512Kb parallel flash SSTSF040, with a high transfer rate and performance.
- Finally, it got a REAL USB2.0 processor. This high quality component can manage the communication between ACTEL and PC (mini usb connector).
- All of the chip PLD/FLASH/USB parts are 100% reprogrammable via USB communication.
- For security reasons, all of the applications stored in the flash are AES 128-bit encrypted, to protect the work against chinese market!
- Produced in Europe with the last technology of BSDL testing.
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October 20th, 2009, 23:38 Posted By: wraggster
There has been another development in the never-ending battle that is Microsoft trying to keep its gaming system closed to unauthorized use. Xbox-scene reports that a new hack called freeBOOT v0.01 allows the Xbox 360 to upgrade to the newer kernels, but allows the option of rebooting to an older kernel in order use the JTAG exploit and gain access to the hardware.
In case you missed it, the JTAG hack is a way to run homebrew code on an Xbox 360. Exploiting this hack makes it possible to boot a Linux kernel in about five seconds. We’ve long been fans of the homebrew work done with XBMC on the original Xbox and hope that advances like this will lead to that end. We want this because the older hardware cannot handle high definition content at full resolution but the Xbox 360 certainly can.
This exploit is still far from perfect. It currently requires that the Cygnos360 mod chip be installed on the system. A resistor also needs to be removed from the board to prevent accidental kernel updating. That being said, this is still progress. If you’re interested in step-by-step details, take a look at the text file instructions provided.
http://hackaday.com/2009/10/20/freeb...hack-new-life/
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October 20th, 2009, 23:39 Posted By: wraggster
When the house lights go down this fall, a new generation of axe shredders, drummers and fearless frontmen will be born with Activision's Guitar Hero® World Tour.
It transforms music gaming by expanding the signature guitar gameplay into a cooperative band experience.
It combines the most advanced wireless instruments with new revolutionary online and offline gameplay modes, including online Band Career and eight-player "Battle of the Bands," which allows two full bands to compete head-to-head online for the first time ever.
The game features a slick newly redesigned guitar, an authentic electronic drum kit and a microphone, as well as an innovative Music Studio music creator that lets players compose, record, edit, and share their original rock 'n' roll anthems.
Strap on your guitar and embark on your tour. Guitar Hero World Tour is our weekly special and is available at the unbeatable bargain price of US$ 19.90 only. The Asian version is region free and supports an array of European languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...-274-84-n.html
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October 21st, 2009, 00:00 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released today:
features
Experience incredible layers of gameplay depth with excitement of first-person action and vehicular combat
Features life-like character animations, impressive real-time physics, and customizable vehicles
Players can freely join or leave the game at anytime
Game creates thousands of unique, randomly generated missions, weapons and situations
Allows multiple players to share same game experience simultaneously online
description
A sci-fi / action RPG from acclaimed developer Gearbox, Borderlands combines the best in first-person action with player customization and vehicular combat for incredible layers of gameplay depth.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-2hlh.html
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October 21st, 2009, 00:04 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released today:
features
With over 15 different endings, every action you take will cause a chain of events to occur, allowing for multiple outcomes and replay-ability. Every action has a reaction and the following consequences open up new paths to explore
Craft your own unique weapons from over 200 different parts and materials, creating the ultimate weapon that suits your taste and fighting style. Create lethal blades, spears, pole axes and more while discovering new abilities and skills with increased use. Become a master of one or of many. The choice is yours
Performing different feats will reward a player with Samurai Points and a Title, which in turn will unlock new features and characters within the game. Fight honorably in the way of the samurai, live your life as a bandit or strive to uphold the government. These choices will net different points and values, encouraging multiple play throughs to unlock everything
Fight your opposition with force or take the diplomatic route, using subtle gestures like the unsheathing of your sword. With an extensive dialogue tree, weapons combo system and more, this hybrid title delivers on multiple fronts
description
The consequences of your actions will determine your fate. Choose to fight along side good or evil during the tumultuous time of the Sengoku Era and carve your name into history. Become a hero or become infamous, the choice is yours.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-3hlj.html
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October 21st, 2009, 02:06 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft is inviting select Xbox Live subscribers to sign up between now and October 21 for what it calls an "exclusive pilot rewards program," promising unspecified "cool stuff" to those who register.
The company sent email to a limited number of subscribers, some of whom forwarded their invitations on to consumer weblog Kotaku for its report. "So, you click the button below and register to let us know you want in and pretty soon we'll let you know if you got in or not - and not everyone will (that's why it's called exclusive)," instructed the emails.
"This offer is for a select few - you can't send it to anyone else (why would you send something this awesome to someone else, are you nuts?). If you make the cut, you can pass or opt-out whenever you want. But then you'll never know how it ended."
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/new...hp?story=25723
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October 21st, 2009, 02:07 Posted By: wraggster
Michael Pachter, the internet's favorite gaming soothsayer, turned up on GameTrailer's Bonus Round once again this week. What did the Wedbush Morgan analyst see in his crystal ball this time around? Not only did he declare that Microsoft has given up on PC gaming, but he also predicted that the price of Xbox Live Gold subscriptions will be going up sometime in the future.
"It's a profit deal," Pachter claimed, responding to a fan question about the dearth of ports from Xbox 360 to PC. "Microsoft wants you to never play a game again on your PC and play everything on your 360,".
"You can't hook a guy into Xbox Live Gold if he's playing on PC. So, I mean, that's the other problem is you really wanna hook every gamer who has a 360, you want them to buy all their games on 360, play everything multiplayer, pay you 50 bucks a year so that in a couple years, it's 100 bucks a year. And that's going up -- we all know that."
http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3176540
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October 21st, 2009, 02:08 Posted By: wraggster
EA Sports boss Peter Moore (and of course former Microsoft exec) has predicted that Microsoft will launch a new console before Sony or Nintendo.
He explained his thoughts at the LAY conference at UC Berkeley where Moore also stated that he believes it will be at least ten years before we see the end of physical media for games.
http://xbox.boomtown.net/en_uk/artic...w.php?id=18719
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October 21st, 2009, 16:30 Posted By: wraggster
Entertainment chain HMV will support the UK midnight launch of Activision's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.
The publisher is hosting a big screen event at Leicester Square in London on October 9, with HMV's Torcadero store opening at midnight to begin selling the highly anticipated title.
The game comes in various SKUs – the basic game controversially had its RRP pushed up to £54.99, while a limited Prestige edition of the game will retail for £119.99.
In the US, retailer Best Buy is opening over 500 stores at midnight to meet consumer demand.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...dern-warfare-2
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October 21st, 2009, 20:51 Posted By: wraggster
After working with the motion-control system for the best part of a year, the head of design at Rare has described Natal as a "massive ocean of possibilities"
George Andreas spoke to games™ during the magazine's exclusive trip to Rare's studio in Twycross. Discussing the advantages of working with Natal over traditional game controllers, the developer said: “When you work on a conventional controller you reach the limitations of that very, very quickly. From a design perspective you know what it does, you know what the buttons do, and you know how you’re going to interact with the software."
"The thing that I’ve personally seen over the last nine or ten months working closely with Natal is that boundary just isn’t anywhere in sight yet. It’s a massive ocean of possibilities and it really is going to open up the mind. At the moment we haven’t got anywhere near the limitations of what that hardware will be able to bring to entertainment in the future.â€
“It's a massive ocean of possibilities and it really is going to open up the mindâ€
With a special edition of Resident Evil 5 due to debut for Sony's motion controller, there's been plenty of speculation over the game genres best suited to the technology – Andreas believes any associations are just in the mind, however. “With a great development team you should be able to create any game experience with Natal,†he adds.
http://xbox-360.nowgamer.com/news/15...ny-experience#
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October 21st, 2009, 22:09 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Here are some brand new shots of the XBLA remake of N64 classic Perfect Dark running on 360 hardware.
As you can see, the blurry resolution and texture quality of the N64 original are now pin-sharp, the guns look to have been re-skinned with more detailed textures and Elvis has had a techie make-over too.
Perfect Dark on XBLA will also feature online play via Xbox Live, which should be ace.
MS said it'd do it's best to answer any questions we have about the remake. So we asked some:
Other than a re-skins is there any other added content in the game?
MS rep: Not talking about that at the minute
When is it out?
MS rep: Release is still planned for 'Winter'
Does it have updated dual-analogue controls?
MS rep: Let me check to see if we have spoken about this yet.
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October 22nd, 2009, 16:49 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has appeared to suggest that a Blu-ray drive will shortly be made available for the Xbox 360 as a standalone accessory.
In exerts from a forthcoming interview at Gizmodo, Ballmer responded to a question about Blu-ray compatibility on the Xbox 360 by saying: "I don't know if we need to put Blu-ray in there - you'll be able to get Blu-ray drives as accessories".
Although the quote appears unambiguous Ballmer has a history of inaccurate comments regarding Microsoft's Xbox business. Most recently he was forced to retract a statement which implied that a new Xbox 360 model would be released at retail this year - after he apparently became confused over plans for the forthcoming Project Natal hardware.
A statement from Microsoft, also obtained by Gizmodo, states: "Our immediate solution for Blu-ray-quality video on an Xbox 360 is coming this fall with Zune Video and 1080p instant-on HD streaming. As far as our future plans are concerned, we're not ready to comment." Neither service be available outside of North America this year.
As Eurogamer affiliate Digital Foundry points out a Blu-ray peripheral makes little sense given the technical difficulties and the inadvisability of splitting the Xbox 360 market by releasing games on the format - presumably leaving any potential add-on as a movie-only player similar to the ill-fatted HD-DVD peripheral.
As Digital Foundry suggests Ballmer actually seemed to be talking about standalone Blu-ray players and may simply have used the word "accessories" by accident.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...s-for-xbox-360
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October 22nd, 2009, 16:54 Posted By: wraggster
Peter Molyneux confirms motion support for his studio’s Xbox 360 RPG
Microsoft’s European creative director of Microsoft Game Studios Peter Molyneux has confirmed that Lionhead’s upcoming RPG Fable III will support the motion-sensing Natal camera.
News first came from Gamesbrief’s Nicholas Lovell, who was in the audience at Molyneux’s BAFTA seminar last night.
Seeing as Molyneux’s Lionhead studios, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2006, was behind Natal’s impressive E3 Milo demonstration, news that the developer is looking to integrate Microsoft’s tech into its next game is to be expected.
Whether Natal will be utilised in expense of or alongside the standard Xbox 360 joypad is yet to be seen.
http://www.develop-online.net/news/3...le-III-project
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October 22nd, 2009, 17:29 Posted By: wraggster
News this morning suggests Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has done it again, pre-empting official announcements by confirming to Gizmodo that the company is planning a Blu-ray expansion drive for the Xbox 360.
When asked if forthcoming 360s will get an internal Blu-ray drive, he replied: "Well I don't know if we need to put Blu-ray in there - you'll be able to get Blu-ray drives, can get Blu-ray drives as accessories."
It looks self-explanatory out of context, but then context is king, and if you watch the original clip it's easy to reach the conclusion that he was talking about buying yourself a separate player for the lounge if you fancy a Blu-ray player, and simply used the magic word "accessories" by accident. Especially as he then talks about video-on-demand being the future in the next sentence.
That said, there's no technical reason it couldn't happen. Assuming an external drive similar to the ill-fated HD-DVD add-on, the technical challenges of bringing Blu-ray to the Xbox 360 are significant, but most of the legwork has been done already. The HD-DVD codebase within the 360's dashboard features support for the same MPEG2, h264 and VC-1 codecs found in the Blu-ray spec.
The only question mark concerns the throughput levels the code is capable of: HD-DVD handled 30Mbps max, while Blu-ray ups the ante to 50Mbps. At the time of the HD-DVD add-on's launch, Microsoft talked about how a combination of both CPU and GPU power was required to handle the decoding. Assuming there's no overhead in the code, it could require significant re-engineering to get it up to BD specs.
Even then, Microsoft would be in the unenviable position of having to charge a premium for a BD playback solution fundamentally inferior to PlayStation 3 performance, most notably due to the limited surround sound options in the lower-spec HDMI 1.2 controller found in the Xbox 360.
Over and above that, Microsoft's strategy thus far has been to say that gamers don't need Blu-ray, and any kind of expansion device would suddenly be suggesting the opposite. Far from offering more value to the Xbox 360, it would immediately make the keenly priced all-in-one PS3 Slim far more of an attractive proposition. Validating Sony's decisions isn't Microsoft's style.
As for games arriving on Blu-ray for Xbox 360: forget it. Some figures bandied about at the time put the penetration of the HD-DVD add-on at a mere three per cent. A BD device would probably be more popular, but the take-up would still be far too low to risk muddying the waters with games available on multiple disc-based SKUs.
In a sense, the Xbox 360's reliance on DVD has defined the storage threshold for this generation. The vast majority of its first-party titles use just the one disc. Third-party cross-platform titles are, with the odd exception, invariably targeted towards the 6.8GB storage limit imposed by the Xbox 360 DVD, to the point where even the PS3 versions are much the same size. The success of the Microsoft console has defined the size of almost all cross-platform games this generation, effectively making the 25GB and 50GB storage limits of Blu-ray superfluous.
In terms of HD movies, Microsoft probably reckons its download-only strategy stands just as much of a chance of success as Blu-ray over the longer term as broadband streaming speeds increase. Its service is also inherently more suitable for the Xbox platform: it's immediate, it's available to all Xbox 360 owners out of the box, it adds value to Xbox Live, and, crucially, Microsoft will make more money from it. Releasing a BD peripheral gives the firm no recurring revenue stream and effectively share-steals from its own services.
Moving into the next generation, all bets are off. The next Xbox will require a higher level of storage and by the time that comes about, a Blu-ray drive will be the cheapest way to deliver that. In the here and now, any kind of move into the BD market would be too little, too late. And besides, Xbox 360 seems to be doing well enough without it.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/di...nse-blog-entry
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October 23rd, 2009, 16:21 Posted By: wraggster
Larry Hryb (aka Major Nelson) has claimed that Microsoft has no plans to introduce a Blu-ray drive for the Xbox 360, despite apparent comments to the contrary from CEO Steve Ballmer.
Writing on his popular blog, from his position as director of programming for Xbox Live, Hryb claimed that "Steve was referring to Blu-ray accessories for the PC. As we have said in the past, we have no plans to introduce a Blu-ray drive for the Xbox 360."
Ballmer's comments yesterday appeared to be unambiguous, as he answered a question about Blu-ray compatibility with the Xbox by saying: "I don't know if we need to put Blu-ray in there - you'll be able to get Blu-ray drives as accessories".
However, as many observed the rest of the interview did not appear to support the implications of his statement. Ballmer also has a record of making erroneous comments about the Xbox business, for which a Blu-ray peripheral appears to make little practical or strategic sense.
Highlighting Microsoft's continuing focus on downloadable movie content Hryb added: "In fact, the future of home entertainment starts very soon when Xbox 360 becomes the first and only console to offer instant-on 1080p streaming HD movies. With a library of thousands of TV shows and movies to choose from, Xbox 360 owners can instantly watch the movies they want, when they want, in the highest form of high definition."
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...y-on-xbox-talk
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October 23rd, 2009, 21:13 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has reported its first quarter financial results today, with a headline fall in revenue, operating income, net income and earnings per share - although the company did note strong consumer demand for Windows and Xbox products.
Overall revenue fell by 14 per cent to USD 12.92 billion for the three months to the end of September when compared with the same period last year, while profit dropped by 18 per cent to USD 3.57 billion.
Meanwhile EPS was down by 17 per cent to 40 cents, although USD 1.47 billion of revenue was deferred relating to Windows 7 business sales, which would have therefore meant an EPS of 52 cents - a rise of 8 per cent.
In total the Entertainment and Devices division - including the Xbox business - posted a modest rise in revenue to USD 1.89 billion, which translated into an operating income of USD 312 million - almost double last year's figure.
"We are very pleased with our performance this quarter and particularly by the strong consumer demand for Windows," said Chris Liddell, chief financial officer at Microsoft. "We also maintained our cost discipline, which allowed us to drive strong earnings performance despite continued tough overall economic conditions."
Microsoft stock jumped sharply on the opening of the US markets today and currently stands at USD 28.42, a 6.7 per cent rise on yesterday, at the time of writing.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...ine-in-profits
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October 23rd, 2009, 21:38 Posted By: wraggster
Even though the Sky Player is headed to Xbox 360s in the UK next week (October 27 to be exact), we have yet to see any kind of demonstration of the streaming television service. TechTV101 came across what looks like some footage (after the break), given to the site by an anonymous tipster. However, without any known source and with the ominous disclaimer "This is only representative of what Tuesday's launch could look like" on the site, we're going to call this a rumor just in case.
The demo shows the channel selection displayed not only in the familiar NXE interface, but also in a "guide" format like those used by cable and satellite boxes. Another NXE-type menu allows for choosing TV shows and movies by category. And yes, you are treated to an ad for Batman: The Brave and the Bold, along with other footage of the actual watching TV part in action.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/ru...xs-sky-player/
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October 25th, 2009, 20:14 Posted By: wraggster
Yesterday in an interview with Gizmodo, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer was asked if the company had any plans for adding a Blu-ray drive to the Xbox 360 and set the internet ablaze with his response, suggesting that consumers will eventually be able to purchase Blu-ray drives as accessories. Ballmer's comments come after a year's worth speculation and denials from Microsoft as to whether or not they would ever adopt the next-gen disc format after their failed endeavor with an add-on HD DVD drive, so naturally, our interests were piqued. Unfortunately, the glimmer of hope given to Blu-ray fans was stripped away when Microsoft's "Major Nelson" Hryb reiterated that the company has no plans for Blu-ray in, on, or around the Xbox 360, and that Ballmer's comments were in reference to PC accessories.
Despite the mass confusion, it seems Microsoft is sticking to its guns when it comes to Blu-ray and the Xbox 360. Why is Microsoft so staunchly opposed to brining the high-definition disc format to their gaming platform? Is it lingering bitterness from the failure of HD DVD? Hopes for a digitally distributed future? We explore these theories and more.
Convenience or Quality?
Traditionally, the home entertainment industry has thrived on advancements in audible and visual fidelity, but now for the first time, companies have couched quality in exchange for convenience with the advent of digitally distributed media. Although Blu-ray offers the highest quality audio and video available, more and more consumers are warming up to the vast array of readily available digital content offered by services like Netflix, VUDU, and others. While VUDU and others offer high-definition content, there are inherent limitations to digitally distributed media that prevent the format from matching hard copy high-definition formats, such as bandwidth caps, variable connection speeds, and compression. Audio/videophiles will go down kicking and screaming before adopting an inferior format, but a growing market of consumers, especially those who use online outlets like YouTube and Hulu, seem to be more than happy to trade audio/visual presentation for convenience, a fact Microsoft seems to have recognized long before the fall of HD DVD.
In November 2006, Microsoft launched the Xbox Video Marketplace, a service built directly into the Xbox 360 dashboard for the digital distribution of movies and television shows, which later became the launching platform for the company's partnership with Netflix, which added a library of over 12,000 streamable movies and television episodes. In February of this year, only three months after it was launched, Microsoft reported that over 1 million Xbox Live users had utilized the console's Netflix feature. While there is no doubt that user activity for the feature was attributed largely to the free trial offered at the time of the service's launch, it does suggest a large interest in digitally distributed content.
Digital is Cheaper
Despite monthly subscription fees for consumers and huge infrastructure investments for companies, digital media is ultimately a cheaper, faster, and more efficient method of distribution. The process of finalizing, manufacturing, and then distributing media to retailers is a lengthy and expensive process that requires the regular utilization of manpower, production materials, and time, whereas digital services are more reliant on IT and strategic partnerships. Although the cost efficiency of digital media hasn't trickled down to consumers in most cases, there are benefits for consumers beyond the almighty dollar, like, for instance not having to get off the couch, which saves gas, time, and the previously mentioned effort.
You also have to consider the cost of producing and purchasing hardware to support Blu-ray on the Xbox 360. Microsoft would have to design a new add-on drive for the console and you'd have to pay for it. On the surface that seems like a perfectly viable solution; Microsoft likes money, right? Why wouldn't they want your money? Of course they do, but their profits would be offset by the cost of producing, marketing, and distributing such an add-on, thus their strategy of strictly digitally distributed media is a much more profitable solution. Outside of the monetary gains for Microsoft, there is also the question of how much of a value of an add-on drive would be to the consumer. Clearly Microsoft has no intention of adding a built-in Blu-ray drive to the Xbox 360, so what would gamers stand to gain from an add-on? Blu-ray movie playback, of course, but the add-on drive wouldn't be able to play Blu-ray-based games, so what's to stop gamers from just picking up a cheap Blu-ray player?
Microsoft Likes to Play It Safe
There are two prevailing strategies in the tech industry: evolution and revolution. Many manufacturers take the cautious evolutionary route, building upon industry standards and the precedent established by competitors, while others take the plunge and commit to an emerging technology in the hopes that it will ultimately succeed. Microsoft seems to have found a nice balance of both with their strategy with the Xbox 360, building a strong foothold for the digital revolution but holding the door open for hard copy media. With Xbox Live Microsoft has taken a strong step toward a more digitally-enabled future, but should digital distribution for whatever unforeseeable reason fail, Microsoft could easily adopt a new hard copy format with the next Xbox or by revising the current generation.
Blu-ray is Sony's Game
Above all else, let's not forget that the Blu-ray Disc Association, the consortium of electronics giants that launched the Blu-ray format, was spearheaded by Sony. Sony placed all of their eggs in the Blu-ray basket, making it a staple of the PlayStation 3, and won, and although Microsoft later joined as one of the board of directors, it is still a house that Sony, in part, built. Of course that would stop Microsoft from embracing the format for profit, but as we mentioned, there seems to be little monetary incentive in producing an add-on drive.
http://uk.gear.ign.com/articles/103/1038663p1.html#
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October 25th, 2009, 20:39 Posted By: wraggster
News via http://www.eurasia.nu/index.php
modrobert writes: "Mputten over at the Xbox-Scene forums reports of new Xbox360 consoles with Philips Lite-On DG16D2S-09C drive which currently seems unreadable by DOSflash ('Invalid Drive Data'). Also, this model comes without the 2nd-GPU heatsink/heatpipe (like the early Xenon consoles). This is the European Forza3-pack Xbox 360 Elite with MFG 2009-08-17, LOT 0942 (Drive HW: A0A2, SW: 83850C).
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October 26th, 2009, 01:02 Posted By: wraggster
The first batch of people who signed up for the upcoming Preview Program Dashboard on the XBOX 360 went live last night. As always, the dashboard update is now leaked online, making anyone who has a flash drive have the ability to update. The last Preview Program worked by just installing the leaked update, so this time, Microsoft made sure that anyone who installs this update without the Microsoft invite will be blocked from the XBOX Live access until the official update comes out on November 17.
If you see an update leaking around the internet, don’t get tempted. Just wait it out, or maybe try signing up for the Preview Program once there is an open slot. Remember, no access to XBOX Live if you installed this!
http://www.justpushstart.com/2009/10...orking-on-xbl/
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October 26th, 2009, 19:25 Posted By: wraggster
Modern Warfare is one of the best first-person-shooters in recent memory. What if the sequel was not only a FPS. What if it was also a third-person-shooter?
Someone snagged an early copy of Modern Warfare 2 in France on the PS3 and streamed it on the internet. If it's real, the game appears to feature third person mode. If it's not real, then it won't. Easy as that.
http://kotaku.com/5389842/rumor-mode...-shooting-mode
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October 27th, 2009, 16:23 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has launched its streaming film and television content service in association with Sky TV for the UK and Ireland today.
The Sky Player for Xbox 360 will allow Xbox Live Gold members to watch programmes from 24 different channels live, with an additional selection of on-demand channels featuring key shows from the past month as well as over 400 movies on offer from the current Sky Movies channels line-up.
For Gold members that already have a subscription to Sky, the content will be free, depending on that level of subscription - Sky Sports and Sky Movies content will require appropriate accounts - although as with the PC-based Sky Player users will also need to pay a GBP 5 Multi-Room charge if they don't already.
Non-subscribers will be able to receive the service as an internet-only offering, not requiring the installation of a satellite dish, for a fee of GBP 15 per month for the basic Entertainment Pack, rising to GBP 50 for the full Sports and Movies pack, with ESPN access also included.
Meanwhile, for Xbox Live Silver members, Sky News will always be free, while a special Sky Player Retail bundle pack will be available in stores from today which will include one month of the Sky Sports subscription pack, a three-month Live Gold membership and a Media Remote for GBP 29.99.
"Today our customers enjoy film, music, videos and games on Xbox 360 and TV is another significant step forward in our entertainment vision," said Microsoft's senior regional director at Entertainment & Devices for the UK and Ireland, Neil Thompson.
"And now Xbox owners will have the variety and volume of entertainment along with unique services such as the avatar community which allow you to share, celebrate and chat - it is clear that Xbox 360 is taking entertainment beyond the living room with unique social interactive entertainment experiences.â€
As well as watching content through the Xbox 360, users will be able to watch with other people on their friends list and have their avatars sit on a virtual sofa, side-by-side with others. At the same they'll be able to communicate via an emote wheel on-screen, with a number of pre-set avatar animations available, or talk directly through the 360's headset.
"What makes it really interesting is at this point, if you've got a headset on, you can be talking to that person directly," said Thompson in a media preview last week. "If you're watching sport, you can chat about what you're seeing. If it's a movie, you can chat about that. It's a whole new way of consuming entertainment socially.
"This sort of experience is unique to the Xbox Live service - you don't get this sort of interaction on any other entertainment service," he added.
Content will only be available in standard definition in order to ensure that the streaming service is as seamless as possible to the highest number of users, and will be available in three different quality levels - with a maximum line speed requirement of around 2mbps.
While the number of available channels currently stands at 24, it's likely that Sky will opt to add more channels to the offering over time, with a theroetical maximum of around 140, although it was noted that the 360 line-up is unlikely to extend that far as the "+1" channels wouldn't be included. There are no details at this time as to which channels may be added, but currently no UK terrestrial channels will be available at launch.
The full channel line-up is as follows:
Entertainment Pack
G.O.L.D.
Sky Real Lives
Sky Arts 1
MTV ONE
Sky Sports News
British Eurosport
ESPN Classic
Sky News
National Geographic
Nat Geo Wild
History
Eden
Cartoon Network
Boomerang
Nickelodeon
Disney Channel
Nick Jr
Sport Pack
Sky Sports 1
Sky Sports 2
Sky Sports 3
Sky Sports XTRA
ESPN (additional cost)
(Plus all sport video on-demand channels)
Movies Pack
Sky Movies Screen 1
Sky Movies Screen 2
(Plus over 400 movies on-demand)
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...360-sky-player
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October 27th, 2009, 19:36 Posted By: wraggster
I love Xbox Live, I really do. But man, how am I supposed to keep track of what usernames my friends are using? We need aliases, and we've needed them for a while.
On Adium, the AIM client I use, I put in aliases for everyone on my buddy list. How the hell am I supposed to remember everybody's ancient screennames that are references to something obscure from high school? Instead, they come up as, you know, their names.
On Xbox Live, I have literally no idea who some of my friends are. I have vague guesses based on their avatars, and I knew who they were when I added them, but everybody has such goddamned goofy usernames, it's impossible to keep track of them all.
Wouldn't it be easy to allow people to enter their real names as well and then give users a choice about which to display, the handle or the real name? Or allow people to create custom aliases for each person on their friends list? Because not knowing who your friends are kind of defeats the purpose of having a friends list in the first place, doesn't it?
http://gizmodo.com/5391018/hey-micro...live-gamertags
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October 27th, 2009, 19:42 Posted By: wraggster
This isn't exactly the same magnitude as last year's Z2K scare, but it's still an all-around bummer for all you Zune nuts. According to a spate of complaints posted to the Zune.net forums as of late, certain Zune HD units are not syncing their playcounts properly with the user's PC and Zune Social accounts. To be a little more specific, it seems that if you let a song play through on the device it will not be counted as played -- but if you skip to another tune before it has a chance to complete (but after 20 seconds or so), the play will be counted. A real pain, right? Of course, this is not only bad news for obsessive list keepers, but for Zune Social fans as well: if your listening habits aren't being properly tabulated, how are you supposed to make new friends and discover new music? Certainly not by going to noisy rock clubs and talking to people! Apparently a Microsoft Zune support team member has acknowledged the issue, but the company has made no statement relating to the bug -- or possible firmware fix -- as of yet. We'll keep you posted.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/z...re-fix-in-sit/
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October 27th, 2009, 20:33 Posted By: wraggster
If you want to make Xbox 360 accessories you have to get approval from Microsoft first. Those are the rules. Unfortunately, the makers of the X-Arcade stick don’t have Microsoft’s blessing. However, they found a way to make their arcade stick work with an Xbox 360 and it’s a creative solution.
First, you need to plug a PlayStation 2 adapter to your X-Arcade stick. Then you plug that adapter into an Xbox 360 to PlayStation 2 adapter and link a wired Xbox 360 gamepad to it. Finally, plug the daisy chained device into your Xbox 360 and like magic the X-Arcade stick and any other PlayStation 2 accessories become Xbox 360 compatible. Want to connect two players to a dual stick? Better get two adapters and two wired controllers.
The X-Arcade is a sturdy arcade stick replica, but I’d still choose Hori’s arcade sticks over this solution because they fit in your lap.
http://www.siliconera.com/2009/10/27...sory-lockdown/
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October 27th, 2009, 20:40 Posted By: wraggster
New special offer from Play Asia:
In Overlord II, a new Overlord and a more powerful army of Minions take on an entire empire in a truly epic adventure, inspired by the rise of the Roman Empire.
As the Glorious Empire conquers kingdoms and destroys any sign of magic it finds, it's time to go Minion Maximus and send in the horde.
The Minions return smarter, deadlier (and funnier) and are ready to fight in large scale battles that will see their wild pack mentality squaring up to the organised legions of the Glorious Empire.
As ever, they'll do anything and everything the Overlord commands of them, especially now that they can run ravage and wreck buildings and scenery.
They've also learn to ride: Minions will be able to mount up and ride wolves and other magical creatures around the landscape and take them into battle, making our band of merry fighters faster and fiercer than ever before.
Become a natural disaster in Overlord II. The game is available for the unbeatable bargain price of US$ 19.90 only. The Asian version is region free and supports an array of European languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...9-en-84-n.html
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October 27th, 2009, 20:42 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released today:
features
The advanced high definition graphics and 3D animation technologies create the most impressive HD visuals in Tekken history
Master 40 unique fighters representing the world’s top martial arts styles! The character line-up includes 34 beloved characters, such as Jin, Heihachi and Kazuya, as well as 6 brand new characters with unique fighting styles and combo systems!
Prove your supremacy against players from around the world with online VS mode!
Venture beyond the traditional boundaries of a fighting game in the brand new Scenario Campaign Mode. Jump into single player or two player online co-op campaigns to experience the intense drama and large-scale battles that unfold
Create new characters and customize them with every imaginable detail. Customize their hairstyles, apparel, fashion accessories, tattoos, etc. Then take your own ultimate fighters online!
Punch your enemies through concrete walls or kick them through floors to open a whole new battleground. The stages go through dynamic changes ranging from a sudden attack helicopter crash to vehicle explosions!
description
Armed with jaw-dropping HD graphics running flawlessly at 60 fps; the largest character roster ever in Tekken gaming history; ground-breaking online game modes and robust character customization system; the greatest fighting game franchise soars onto the PlayStation®3 Computer Entertainment System and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system!
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-39g1.html
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October 28th, 2009, 20:54 Posted By: wraggster
"Very fast," "a dream," "fantastic." It looks like you can add "on hiatus" to the list of superlatives -- at least for the time being. That boffo Sky Player that Microsoft debuted for the Xbox 360? "Suspended." Why, you ask? "Due to an unforeseen technical issue." Luckily for Britons and ex-pats, the £15 monthly service should resume tomorrow, barring any further technical issues. In the meantime, it looks like the poor avatar above will be stuck watching Benny Hill on Netflix like the rest of us. Statement after the break.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/m...-for-xbox-360/
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October 28th, 2009, 21:29 Posted By: wraggster
A video of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has leaked onto the internet, showing the player participating in the massacre of innocent civilians in an airport.
The video, which is poor quality but appears genuine, first appeared on YouTube yesterday but has been removed "due to a copyright claim by Activision". It can still be seen at LiveLeak (via Kotaku). GameSpot reckons it's from the same source as the first footage of the game's third-person mode.
The footage shows the fourth level in the game's first act. The level begins with the player emerging from a lift in an airport with four other men, dressed in suits and Kevlar vests and carrying machine guns. After a short pause, the men open fire, mowing down crowds of civilians and causing panic and screaming. The player joins in, and is seen shooting wounded people as they crawl for freedom.
The airport scenes are familiar from the official trailers released so far, although this is the first indication the player would take the side of the terrorists.
The pre-mission briefing (which is in French) suggests that the player is an undercover agent, infiltrating the terrorist organisation of a man called Makarov.
"Yesterday you were a solider on the front, but today the front is a thing of the past. Uniforms are too. War is everywhere, and there will be victims," says the voiceover.
"Makarov... obeys no law. He has no limits and stops at nothing: torture, human traffic, or genocide. He's guided by no ideals, respects no rights, no countries. He trades blood for money. He is our new friend."
It ends with dire warnings about how much it will cost the player to "get close to" Makarov.
The first Modern Warfare tackled some politically sensitive themes and imagery head-on, and it seems Infinity Ward is looking to top that in the sequel. It has guaranteed itself some sensationalist headlines in the process. But has it gone a step too far?
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/sh...footage-leaked
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October 28th, 2009, 21:33 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft reckons we'll be waiting a while before streaming services like Gaikai and OnLive are the norm. The good old DVD-plus-DLC model, said European Xbox Live boss Jerry Johnson, will continue for "the foreseeable future".
"Streaming technology is something that the industry is betting on longer term," he told a BAFTA audience at the London Games Conference, reported by TechRadar (via VG247). "Right now I don't believe that technology can scale out against the experience we can offer on a local machine."
"The technology will continue to improve. As an industry we'll have to accept that and move with it - but I don't think it's on an accelerated timeline for the foreseeable future."
Cloud services like Gaikai and OnLive use 'clouds' of computers to power games that you can control remotely over the internet. This does away with the need to keep up with the PC and perhaps console hardware rat-race - hence Microsoft's interest.
We delved into David Perry's Gaikai - now in public beta - earlier this year. OnLive, a more balls-out, gaming-focused platform, is also open for the public to test.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/xb...-gaikai-onlive
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October 28th, 2009, 22:23 Posted By: wraggster
There was something of an outcry in the Xbox community when Microsoft announced that the upcoming Xbox 360 Dshboard Update would disable "unauthorized" memory units. Datel, a manufacturer of such devices, recently expressed its disappointment following the announcement. Fortunately, it looks like it takes more than that to keep a good company down, as Maxconsole.net reports that Datel intends to release a solution to the problem.
In a letter to retailers, Datel stated it was "aware of the changes that are required to remedy this problem and will shortly release a solution in readiness for this potential update." Naturally, the company didn't elaborate on the necessary changes. Datel also didn't supply a precise release date for the updated memory units, saying only that they would be available "shortly." Still, it's good news for folks that want more memory for less-than-exorbitant prices.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/da...-360-memory-u/
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October 28th, 2009, 22:47 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released today:
One of the coolest jobs in the world is the DJ! Feel the rhythm in your blood and the sway to your music as you swipe at the discs in DJ Hero. You have another mission, you have to save your best friend in the family action game Ratchet & Clank Future.
From the publisher: Expanding upon the revolutionary easy to pick up/challenging to master gameplay mechanics developed and refined in Guitar Hero®, DJ Hero™ delivers an all-new interactive music experience that allows players to rule the party and not only experience, but to hear music in an all-new way.
With over 100 individual songs, including hip-hop, R&B, pop, rock and electronica, DJ Hero delivers the most diverse and international collection of music ever assembled in a music game.
Created exclusively for DJ Hero, the turntable controller immerses fans into the authenticity of DJ culture and a sea of music as they utilise and master various DJ techniques including scratching, blending, cross fading and sampling.
It leaves room for creative expression with a variety of effects and player chosen samples and scratches, transforming a face in the crowd into the life of the party.
The realistic DJ game is available for your home consoles today:
Xbox360â„¢
DJ Hero (w/ Turn Table Bundle) ASIA US$ 139.90
DJ Hero (w/ Turn Table Bundle) US N/A
PlayStation3â„¢
DJ Hero (w/ Turn Table Bundle) US N/A
DJ Hero (w/ Turn Table Bundle) ASIA US$ 139.90
Nintendoâ„¢ Wii
DJ Hero (w/ Turn Table Bundle) US US$ 129.90
PlayStation2â„¢
DJ Hero (w/ Turn Table Bundle) US N/A
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...-27c-84-n.html
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October 29th, 2009, 16:27 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft and Sky have said that consumers demand is to blame for the service being pulled from Xbox Live on the same day it launched.
The companies apologised for the delay, and intend to roll-out the movie and TV viewing service in stages to avoid similar problems.
"Sky Player on Xbox 360 launched on Tuesday 27th October and was met with phenomenal demand, with many tens of thousands of customers attempting to sign up within the first hour of launch," said the companies in a statement.
"Unfortunately due to the unprecedented levels of simultaneous demand, we did not have the capacity to satisfy all service requests and therefore temporarily suspended all access to the service.
"Today, the roll-out will be implemented in phases to ensure that consumers experience both a smooth sign-up process and high-quality experience. We apologise to all customers that have not been able to experience Sky Player on Xbox 360, we assure them that this is being rectified and we thank them for their patience," added the companies.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...layer-problems
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October 29th, 2009, 16:30 Posted By: wraggster
UPDATE: Paramount-backed bundles on offer from distributor Gem
UK distributior Gem is readying two new Xbox 360 Elite bundles, MCV can reveal.
The new bundles have been put together with Paramount Pictures to support the upcoming releases of Star Trek and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen on DVD.
However the packs don't include the movies on DVD - the films are instead provided on USB, and bundled with the Elite consoles.
The details were originally published in Gem Distribution's The Future supplement, published with this week's MCV.
The Star Trek bundle includes the Elite console, plus the movie on a themed USB stick with the movie on it as well, 800 MS Points - described 'to download Star Trek PDLC', presumably the XBLA game from Paramount - and an extra controller.
Meanwhile the Transformers bundle includes an Elite, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen on a themed USB stick, the latest Transformers game and extra controller.
The bundles are a special offer being put together by Gem and Paramount.
Pricing is not yet known, nor is the exact release date or price. it is assumed the packs will appear once the respective movies' DVDs are released, which are November 16th for Star Trek and November 30th for Transformers.
MCV understands that Gem and Paramount will be making an official announcement of the bundles shortly, and that details of which retailers will offer the packs is still to be decided. A representative from the distributor said the packs might end up as a special offer available only through indie retailers.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/36293/New-...les-revealedrn
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October 29th, 2009, 16:35 Posted By: wraggster
Activision, quick to patch a wound, has explained that Modern Warfare 2 is "designed to evoke the atrocities of terrorism".
The publisher spoke after a leaked video showed shocking footage of the player massacring innocent civilians.
"Infinity Ward's Modern Warfare 2 features a deep and gripping storyline in which players face off against a terrorist threat dedicated to bringing the world to the brink of collapse. The game includes a plot involving a mission carried out by a Russian villain who wants to trigger a global war," Activision told Kotaku.
"In order to defeat him, the player infiltrates his inner circle. The scene is designed to evoke the atrocities of terrorism."
Furthermore, Modern Warfare 2 - rated 18 by the BBFC - offers a warning that "an upcoming segment may contain disturbing elements", and allows you to skip the playable section.
Risky. Ground-breaking?
Modern Warfare 2 will be released on 10th November for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/mw...ism-atrocities
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October 29th, 2009, 22:31 Posted By: wraggster
News via http://x360.gx-mod.com/modules/news/...p?storyid=2274
Zouzzz proposes a new version of its small PC utility that allows to download various updates Xbox 360 and the display of various information from them.
New / fixed:
Changelog / fix 8955 to 8955-8:
- Replacement window with a form changelog
- Automatic Update
- Error opening file not PIRS / LIVE
- Fix double download bug (and / or)
- Added option 2.0.7258 fall08
- Added option 2.0.8498.0 + Avatar (82 MB)
- Added various info
- Added multi-server (random choice) + MS server to 2.0.7357 + Avatar
You can retrieve the version v8955-1 below and then update via the button "Update Program".
http://gueux-forum.net/index.php?showtopic=182873
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October 29th, 2009, 22:34 Posted By: wraggster
News via http://x360.gx-mod.com/modules/news/...p?storyid=2281
The Team CodeJunkies updates its Windows utility for their product (Datel Xport 360 XSATA).
Xport is a little competitor Xplorer360. No need to have one of the 2 adapters named above to use Xport in fact the application is compatible with all kinds of adaptations homemade or commercial (CK, CK-like ...).
Changes / fixes since version 2.06 when we were arrested on Gx-Mod:
- New option "Undelete" to recover deleted files or folders. Read page 25 of manual note the important instructions on using this function.
- Fixed: Zero length files are copied when they were not created. The only place where you will find files of zero size is in the "FFFE07D1 (Gamerpics & Themes), but this is all resolved now.
- Now the folder "FFFE07D1" is labeled as "Data Dashboard - Gamerpics, Themes, Profile Data, etc."
- Now the folder "FFFE07DF" is labeled "Data Dashboard - Avatar Profile Data, Updates, etc".
- Minor correction in the crash file and if you selected 'yes to all ". The message will not appear constantly.
- Fixed a bug with file entries FATX which contained a name of 42 characters. They are now created and displayed correctly.
- Integration of the latest code FATX & Device which should correct some problems with memory cards
- Added check for corrupted file entries in the FAT.
- Fixed a problem with memory cards Xbox 1 (8/16/32/64).
Despite an update dated today, we may regret the lack of support for 250GB hard drives.
http://uk.codejunkies.com/
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October 30th, 2009, 16:17 Posted By: wraggster
Lobbyist group calls for re-classification of highly-anticipated shooter
An Australian lobbyist group has called for Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 to be reclassified after it emerged gamers can play as a terrorist in the game.
Leaked gameplay footage showed a player gunning down civilians at an airport earlier this week. The Australian Council on Children and the Media has now demanded the Australian government to revise Modern Warafe 2’s rating of MA 15+.
Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, council president Jane Roberts said: “The consequences of terrorism are just abhorrent in our community and yet here we are with a product that’s meant to be passed off as a leisure time activity, actually promoting what most world leaders speak out publicly against.
“If that material was on the internet about how to become a terrorist, how to join a group and how to wipe out people – that would be removed because it would not be acceptable.â€
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/36303/AUST...errorism-scene
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October 30th, 2009, 23:32 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released today:
features
Featuring the latest and greatest production offerings as well as the world's fastest and most exotic street cars, Forza Motorsport 3 offers more than 400 fully customizable and tunable cars from over 50 of the world's leading manufacturers
All 400-plus cars in the game have been built with more than 10 times the amount of polygons as Forza Motorsport 2
Rise above the distinction between simulation and arcade games
Painters and tuners can showcase their creativity through the celebrated Livery Editor, Auction House, and deep tuning garage
This epic racing game features more content and more ways to play than any racing title today
description
Whether it's an exotic sports car like the new Audi R8 V10, a classic American muscle car such as the Ford GT, or a hot Asian import such as the Nissan 370Z, everyone has a dream car. Now you can drive that dream with Turn 10's latest racing epic, launching this October exclusively for Xbox 360®, Forza Motorsport 3. The game makes it possible for everyone to experience the thrill of owning the world's most exotic and exquisite cars. Live the most realistic racing experience ever as you take the wheel of more than 400 of the most-beloved cars on over 100 renowned real-world tracks and exotic road courses from around the globe. With breathtaking HD graphics and the most advanced vehicle performance modeling in a video game, Forza Motorsport 3 includes a host of driving assists and adjustable skill levels to make the game a gripping pick-up-and-play experience for audiences of all ages and skill levels. A love of cars lives in all of us. Forza Motorsport 3 is the automotive playground we've all been waiting for.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-3f2u.html
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October 31st, 2009, 00:04 Posted By: wraggster
News via http://www.eurasia.nu/modules.php?na...ticle&sid=2479
IXtreme fw for Benq and Samsung drives!
Features
--------
-Strict Wave 4 compliance! hybrid (modified disks) will not boot!
-Strict Wave 3 compliance! hybrid (modified disks) will not boot!
-Strict drive speed compliance - 12x only for game discs!
-Support for SS V2!
-Integrated 0800 for game dumping including SS v2!
-Full support for all known game exceptions! eg ddr etc!
-One shot boot mode! - allows a one off boot of gamedisc without -stealth/partition checks (will still use stealth), use activate.iso disk to activate each time!
-Support for easy drive key/version info cmd, same as liteon!
-Strict stealth/wave checking, one shot boot mode will boot wave(x)!
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October 31st, 2009, 00:33 Posted By: wraggster
News from Consolesource
The Xecuter 360 Blaster CK3 is the latest revision from Team Xecuter and replaced the previous model the Blaster 360 NE, they have now added Lite-On v1 & v2 support and the kit has a probe to use on Lite-On v1 drives to obtain the key without any soldering. The Blaster CK3 comes with a Hitachi PCB Fix is an external switching device when, once fitted, allows you to flash your DVD Firmware without ever having to open up your Xbox 360 case ever again. In the era of constant firmware updates with over 40+ so far, the Xecuter 360 Blaster CK3 is an absolutely essential tool saving both time and effort, by making the firmware update process a walk in the park.
Another incredibly cool function is being able to dump your game backups to your PC using Xecuter 360 Blaster CK3, this is now a fast and simple process, as most of you know a Kreon drive can cost nearly as much as the Blaster CK3 alone, so buying a blaster is a great way to keep your drives firmware up to date, and if you want to make backups of your original games this can be done with the drive in your console rather than having to get a Kreon drive as well. A perfect ergonomic design for the 360 Blaster CK3 means there is no soldering and no cutting of the external case – just plug her in and off you go. You only ever have to open up your case once! No longer will you have to have your console in pieces all the time, and no longer will you have to take the console apart every time you need to update new features and functions or essential bug fixes, no longer do you have to have your Console in bits every time you want to dump a game backup to your PC. The 360 Blaster CK3 is an essential tool for those who wish to go down the firmware path rather than chipping.
Order the Xecuter Blaster CK3 from ConsoleSource.com for as low as $59.95.
Once installed never open up the case again to update firmware
Extensively tested on ALL Hitachi and Samsung (inc Hitachi 46 and 47)
High Quality Digital Sata Exchange Switching
No soldering, nor any cutting of the Xbox 360 case or shell is required
5 minute install
Modeb switch for Hitachi
Eject Button
High quality Sata Port (to connect to SATA or X360USB externally)
Samsung MS28 / Power On-Off Switch
Superior quality design – no cheap China manufacturing
Ergonomically matched to the 360 case
Colour co-ordinated cables making installation a snap
LED Glow feature
LED Glow Off / Led Perm On / LED Off switch
Streamlined internal design
No need for a separate PSU – saving you more money and time
Includes free T10 screwdriver & 360 Case Unlocking Tool
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October 31st, 2009, 01:13 Posted By: wraggster
News via http://www.xbox-scene.com/
A new version of Nand Pro has been released a few days ago (sry for the late posting). It's a PC tool that allows you to read and write on the Xbox 360 NAND via USB or LPT with some simple wiring (for LPT at least).
From the readme/nfo:
[QUOTE]
This release fixes a bug when a sector fails to write, ie it will retry the block now.
Before it could corrupt the rest of the write. Reading was unaffected.
Also new feature, allows a "virtual nand device": Which is a RAW file, that nandpro pretends is a nand
It can then extract/inject individual blocks from a image, instead of a nand (ie no hardware)
For example you could inject a small xell into a large image with the following:
nandpro completerawimage.bin: -w16 xell.ecc
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October 31st, 2009, 01:14 Posted By: wraggster
News via http://www.xbox-scene.com/
We're currently seeing lots of discussions on our forums (like here or here) and on IRC about console/hardware bans again, so it seems Microsoft is busy with a new Xbox LIVE console (not gamertag) ban wave atm.
Right now we don't have a lot of details, except it doesn't seem to be linked to any particular FW version or drive model, as users with all type of FWs and drives report bans, while others with the same configuration still seem fine.
Report your status in the thread below.
More details soon ...
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October 31st, 2009, 21:18 Posted By: wraggster
"A small percentage" of Xbox Live users with modded consoles that allowed pirated games to play woke up to find an early treat in their Halloween bag: a banhammer.
IGN noticed scuttlebutt about bannings in technical feedback forums and asked Microsoft about it. A spokesperson confirmed they banzored some modded consoles. Said the spokesperson to IGN:
"We have taken action against a small percentage of consoles that have been modified to play pirated game discs. In line with our commitment to combat piracy and support safer and more secure gameplay for the more than 20 million members of our Xbox LIVE community, we are suspending these modded consoles from Xbox LIVE."
Microsoft wouldn't say exactly when the action was taken, although IGN speculates that, from the chatter, it's been happening over the past week.
http://kotaku.com/5393994/xbox-live-...mer-on-pirates
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October 31st, 2009, 23:28 Posted By: wraggster
News via http://x360.gx-mod.com/modules/news/...p?storyid=2288
A few days Datel indicated work a new version of its memory cards Memory Max to bypass the restrictions of Microsoft on the use of such cards.
In order not to harm the owners of Max Memory become unusable if the update of the Xbox 360, Datel has established a procedure for exchanging Max Memory 2GB USA (yet) to be replaced by the new version compatible with the latest update.
Hopefully, this replacement procedure will be extended to Europe.
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November 1st, 2009, 00:25 Posted By: wraggster
New xna release for xbox 360:
Journey To Brown Town will be my first full game. It's a 2d platformer about a young adventurer who is on a mission to eradicate a trogger for causing painfull troggeriness! As you can guess this is not a serious game at all and I'm not planning to make alot of money from it because it will be crap!
http://www.gameprojects.com/project/?id=e803aec185
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