Overview : 360 Elite has a HDMI port, its only missing motion sensing. XCM Bestilt is a simple to solder, bottom half of the 360 controller pad shell with a MOTION SENSING feature built-in. You can turn the tilt feature ON or OFF. See the video for a preview.
With an easy installation that requires only 5 wires, and a supplied bottom wireless controller plate, you will be able to enjoy motion sensitivity gameplay for a new sensation on Xbox 360.
Available in Black or White color
On/Off Switch to enable/disable the tilt function
Bottom wireless controller faceplate included
Quality/Usability : The Xbox 360 came out a year before the Nintendo Wii and Sony PlayStation 3. With the release of the Wii and PS3, both nex-gen consoles feature motion sensing controllers except for the Xbox 360. Microsoft has not addressed this issue but 3rd party peripheral manufacturers have and have stepped up to fill in the void.
Team Xtender aka XCM is first out of the gate with their Bestilt. It is available in two colors, white and black to match whatever colored controller you own. Each Bestilt includes a Xbox 360 backplate with the chip already on the backplate with wires attached. It would have been nice if they had included a torx screwdriver to help assist with opening the back of the Xbox 360 backplate.
Performing this modification will require some soldering experience. If you do not have any experience with using a soldering iron, its best to have someone who does help you. That is of course, unless you dont care on spending additional money on another controller if you mess up. Hey, at least its a $50 or so controller rather then a $400 system.
The Bestilt requires you to solder 5 wires to 5 points on the Xbox 360 PCB board on the controller. Of the 5 points that needs to be soldered, 3 of them are fairly easy as they big enough to solder to. The other 2 however are fairly small and near each other. I actually have no experience with soldering so I took a shot at this. I messed up my controller when I went to solder the two small points. So I went out and bought another controller in hopes that I wont mess this controller up as well. Being more careful the second time around, I was able to soldering the wires successfully. Once the wires have been soldered on, its smoother sailing from here.
After closing up the controller, its time to test out the Bestilt. The switch to turn ON and OFF the motion sensing is located on the case but where the battery is located. Honestly, this is a very bad location. Each time you want to turn it ON or OFF to switch between motion sensing and analog, you must take the battery out. Of course, if you're using a wired controller, you do not have to deal with the battery. Trying to access the switch will require a pen or something sturdy to be able to flip the switch unless you have long nails or very skinny fingers.
Having tested the Bestilt with Blazing Angels, the controlling was smooth and pretty accurate. It may take a little practice getting use to the motion sensing controller as pressing a button to fire will cause the controller to move which in turn, moves your character or vehicle. I also tested the controller mod with Project Gotham Racing 3. Again, the controller faired well and the game responded very well with the controller.
You can view a video of the Bestilt in action:
Conclusion : Overall, the Team Xtender Bestilt Controller Mod is a very unique product. Xbox 360 owners can no longer be felt left out when it comes to motion sensing. Unfortunately, since this is not an Official Microsoft product, developers do not have plans of developing games that uses motion sensing like the PlayStation 3 or the Nintendo Wii. The procedure to get the Bestilt working can be troublesome to those who do not have the soldering experience. What would of been nice was the ability to customize settings on the Bestilt such as instead of having to press a button in PGR3 to accelerate, just tilting the controller forward to accelerate or tilting the controller back would brake would of been great.
New from Divineo USA is a weekly Deal of the Week, heres this weeks deal:
This week deal is:
- One XBOX Case Green
- One Underglow Kit Green
- One Controllers Ports Lighting Kit Green
- One LCD Green
- One kit of Torx Drivers
all for 15$ link above for details:
features
Acclaimed developer: The Darkness was developed by Starbreeze, the team behind the award-winning The Chronicles of Riddick™: Escape from Butcher Bay.
Faithful adaptation: The game story was written in collaboration with acclaimed comic-book author, Paul Jenkins, and it's based on the comic book The Darkness, created by Top Cow.
Intense action: Experience extremely intense cinematic action in this gritty, first-person, action-adventure game with a horror twist: You are the horror!
Lurking horror: Varying manifestations of the Darkness allow you to devour, impale, or implode your enemies. Cannibalize the corpses of your slain victims to level up your powers.
Shadowy evil: The absence of light feeds and replenishes the Darkness so seek the shadows wherever possible.
Dark environments: Fight your way through the dark and seedy underbelly of New York City as well as the ethereal realm of the Darkness.
description
On his 21st birthday, the awesome and terrible powers of the Darkness awaken within Jackie Estacado, a mafia hitman for the Franchetti crime family. With his new powers, Jackie is able to wreak terrifying havoc on his enemies. Jackie must learn to fully command the Darkness so he can take back control of the Franchetti family, which is ruled by his uncle Paulie, a despicable man who is almost universally despised.
features
Play to win and see if you can make it to the World Series
Train your players in action-oriented mini-games
Earn power-ups trigger special effects, like a massive windstorm to prevent sluggers from belting a big home run
All kinds of mini-games and Exhibition modes
Jump into the game yourself with create-a-player mode
description
The Bigs elevates America's favorite pastime to new heights with the larger-than-life ballparks, heroic gameplay, and incredible player models. Setting this MLB experience aside from anything you've ever seen before are spectacular power-ups, stunning special effects, and a totally unique career mode. Featuring fantastic pitching, batting and fielding animations, The Bigs brings new meaning to the term highlight reel. Multiplayer online support for up to four people Pinball-inspired action mode lets you mix things up a little.
features
Relive the movie's best action scenes through the eyes of Remy and Emile
Smell your way through each adventure using Scent-a-Vision
Five different action-packed worlds to explore
Over 20 challenging missions and mini-games
Go head-to-head with multiplayer games
description
Ratatouille is based on the Disney/Pixar film and brings the fun and laughs of the movie to your Xbox 360. Ratatouille features an acrobatic rat named Remy who must balance his love for cooking with loyalty to his family. Features major voice talent from the film.
features
Real racing with real consequences. Stay in control or watch as your car dramatically crashes into a barrier and barrel-rolls, crushing every panel and spewing debris across the track.
A wide variety of off-road and rally disciplines to experience: Rally, Hill Climb, Rally RAID, Rally Cross, the CORR desert series, and more.
Photorealistic tracks painstakingly recreated from real-world location photography and satellite data.
Incredibly detailed models of 46 licensed vehicles bring the action to life.
Online play for intense multiplayer competition.
description
DiRT blends death-defying offroad action, precision control, and the tricked out intensity of street racing into one visually stunning motorsports masterpiece. Choose from a wealth of officially licensed cars and real-world locations, then go careening through gravel, dirt and mud, doing whatever it takes to bring the trophy home.
features
WWII Combat the way you want it - Play as a covert operative, Army Ranger, or British Commando depending on your style of play – sneaking, sniping, or guns blazing.
Authentic WWII Vehicles – Yours for the Taking - Use any of the vehicles you find on the battlefield to accomplish your mission. Jeeps, the Opelblitz, Kubelwagon, Panzer, Tiger, T34 and Sherman Tanks all ready for your command.
Not Just Another Grunt - You’re the Victor - Unlike other games where you’re just another cog in the war machine, you are the key to success on the battlefield – you are present at the Hour of Victory.
Exclusive Xbox 360 Title - WWII brought to the Xbox 360 with Unreal Engine 3 generation graphical splendor and exhilarating Multiplayer action for Xbox Live.
description
Hour of Victory allows you to play a key role in the pivotal and cinematic battles from the European and North African theaters of World War II, using the skills and gameplay style you choose. Sneak into enemy territory as a covert operative, storm the gates as a British Commando, or snipe from afar as an Army Ranger - each character's unique attributes will be needed for the fulfillment of the overall objective. Only with all these skills working closely together will you be able to say that you helped define the Hour of Victory.
features
Protect or destroy: Protect Earth as Autobots or destroy it as Decepticons.
Morph as needed: Instantly morph from a larger-than-life robot to a high-powered vehicle.
Smash everything: Every object in the game world can be crushed and wrecked, or even used as weapons.
Fly, drive, fight, and shoot: Play as an army of characters and utilize their unique abilities.
Enjoy combat variety: Engage in melee or long-ranged combat with attacks unique to each character.
description
Control the outcome in the battle for Earth this summer with TRANSFORMERS: THE GAME, the official game of the upcoming blockbuster film from Producer Steven Spielberg and
Director Michael Bay.
Protect civilization as Autobots or destroy it as Decepticons as you lead the TRANSFORMERS in the epic battle for control of planet Earth!
SouthPeak has blown its fantasy trumpet this morning to announce a collector's edition of Two Worlds.
Each version will come in fancy holographic packaging, include a map of the world you can take to work and tack up on the wall [incorrect - Ed], plus you'll get a bonus disc with extra content and a whopping 72-page colour fantasy book. Fantasy that.
PC owners will also be treated to exclusive in-game items, while Xbox 360 adventurers can relish a 48-hour Live Gold Trial card.
Both will be available across America on 7th August at USD 69.99 and 59.99 for Xbox 360 and PC respectively. We're waiting to hear back on the exact European details, although 10th August costing GBP 49.99 and 39.99 wouldn't be out of the question, if you ask us.
Two Worlds is a free-roaming and sprawling role-playing game from developer Reality Pump. And although it bears a striking resemblance to Bethesda's Oblivion, there's a few key differences. The most drastic of these is a persistent-world-style multiplayer offering that promises to keep the adventures fresh and challenging for days to come.
Koei has stamped a fresh release date of September on the Xbox 360 version of Fatal Inertia.
But the poor old used-to-be-exclusive PS3 copy is still lagging behind, and a spokesperson for Koei was coy when it came to suggesting a date. It's all down to that Unreal Engine 3, you see, which is apparently less fiddly when used with Microsoft's console.
The spokesperson also told us a Live demo is planned for sometime before launch, although the exact timing is yet to be confirmed.
Fatal Inertia is a futuristic racer that's not too dissimilar to WipEout; you drive a fast spaceship-car around canyons at ridiculous speeds and use bizarre weaponry to slow the progress of your chums.
It's been on the cards for a while, and we're keen to get our twiddly thumbs on a fresh playable version soon.
Microsoft plans to repeat its trick of beaming E3 into your living rooms next week, promising that high-definition trailers and playable game demos will be among the treats that form part of its second annual "E3: Bringing It Home" selection on Xbox Live Marketplace.
Last year's E3 offering included a playable demo of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition, and while the platform holder isn't confirming which games will be offered in playable form this year, it has identified some of those that will be covered by a range of "trailers, themes, gamer pictures and demos" - including Assassin's Creed, BioShock and Project Gotham Racing 4.
The other name-checked titles are Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation, Blue Dragon, Burnout Paradise, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, FIFA 08, Guitar Hero III, Lost Odyssey, Madden 08, NCAA Football 08, Need For Speed: ProStreet, The Simpsons, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 and WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008.
The release of assets on Live will take place between Tuesday, 10th July and Friday, 13th July. The company's pre-E3 press conference, held on 10th July at 8.30pm PDT (or 4.30am BST on Wednesday, 11th July for you), will be offered as a high-definition video download during that period, but won't be simulcast on Live. (Do you like the word simulcast? We're thinking of using it more often. Also: caribou.)
Anyway, Microsoft says that you should keep an eye on its E3 Marketplace Ticker for more information on things as they emerge. And of course don't be surprised to see games missing from the above list emerge in some form as well. We're sure there's something that's not on there. Something to do with gnomes.
Bungie's Halo 3 multiplayer beta may have shut up shop but the fun continues today with no less then 30 - yes, that's 30 - new screenshots from the multiplayer bit of the hotly anticipated Xbox 360 shooter.
Many of the shots show the remake of the Zanzibar level - renamed Last Resort for Halo 3 - that's being squeezed in but there's also new map Shrine and Brute Chopper action to be had. Let your eyes rampage all over the goodness.
September 26 just can't come quick enough for us here at CVG Towers. No doubt it can't for you lot either.
We're sorry, we apologize, and we ask for your forgiveness. This Week in HD DVD is a day late in reporting your HD DVD releases this week due to unforeseen circumstances. Well, mostly because yesterday was a tad hectic and we forgot, but still that was unforeseen. But the good news is that you won't have to wait to pick up your HD DVD fix this week, because all the movies listed below are available today! Go ahead friends, check out what this week has to offer and make your purchase today.
I know this technology isn't brand new but I don't think many people have heard about or experienced this yet. I don't understand why consoles are not utilizing the idea of 3D sound. This would be especially good for handhelds since this is best when used with headphones. Ken Kutaragi (If that is his name) even talked about 4D gaming but didn't mention 3D sound. Trust me, you will want to listen to this with headphones. Without further ado, here's the link:
Capcom, a publisher that once ruled the video arcade on the strength of its fighting games, hasn't produced a traditional 2-D fighter in over three years, much to the chagrin of its fan base. Today, their Japanese arm decided to rile up said fan base by posting a teaser trailer for a new 2-D fighting game, to be unveiled soon.
No details were given as to what that game might be. The site says the game is a "Capcom original," which could mean that it's a new franchise, but could also simply mean that it is not based on an outside license.
Fan speculation has already run the gamut: Street Fighter IV? Marvel vs. Capcom 3? Rumormonger "neo2046" at GAF says that it's based on their Devil Kings (Sengoku Basara) franchise, and developed by Guilty Gear makers Arc System Works.
I doubt it'll be a Street Fighter game, as I believe the rumors that control of the storied martial arts franchise has been handed to Capcom's US division and the artists at Udon Comics. But apart from that, your guess is as good as mine, at this point.
SEGA released several new screenshots of Condemned 2: Bloodshot. The original Condemned: Criminal Origins was visually impressive when it was released alongside the Xbox 360 in the end of 2005. The new screenshots show more of the detailed, gritty environment along with a couple of grisly images, keeping the visual bar rising. Condemned 2 will undoubtedly continue to race our hearts.
About Condemned 2: "Players will assume the identity of Ethan Thomas, former Serial Crimes Unit investigator, who has been called back to duty to track down his missing partner. The disturbing events from Ethan’s past have left him a broken man – a desperate burnout drifting aimlessly through society in an inexplicable decline. Fighting inner demons throughout his one-man investigation into a sinister conspiracy, Ethan will need to use anything and everything in the environment to survive as he unravels the mysteries shrouding the city in darkness."
Import Gaming store Play Asia have posted all of this weeks import gaming releases, heres the full list from Play Asia
Xbox360™:
Colin McRae DiRT US US$ 59.90
Hour of Victory US US$ 59.90
Overlord ASIA US$ 49.90
Ratatouille US US$ 49.90
Ratatouille ASIA US$ 44.90
The Bigs US US$ 59.90
The Darkness US US$ 59.90
Transformers: The Game US US$ 59.90
PlayStation3™:
Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII JPN US$ 64.90
Boku no Natsuyasumi 3 JPN US$ 59.90
The Bigs US US$ 59.90
The Darkness US US$ 64.90
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas US US$ 64.90
Nintendo Wii™:
Chicken Shoot US US$ 39.90
Driver Parallel Lines US US$ 49.90
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix US US$ 49.90
Pokemon Battle Revolution US US$ 49.90
Ratatouille US US$ 49.90
Transformers US US$ 49.90
PlayStation2™:
Ape Escape 3 (PlayStation2 the Best Reprint) JPN US$ 20.90
GI Jockey 4 (Koei the Best) JPN US$ 34.90
God of War II KOR US$ 59.90
Grim Grimoire US US$ 49.90
Ratchet & Clank 4th Girigiri Gingano Giga-battle (PlayStation2 the Best Reprint) JPN US$ 20.90
Sangokushi IX (Koei Selection) JPN US$ 24.90
Super Robot Taisen OG: Original Generations KOR US$ 59.90
Winning Post 7 (Koei the Best) JPN US$ 34.90
Nintendo DS™:
B-17: Fortress in the Sky US US$ 24.90
Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol JPN US$ 48.90
DS Calorie Navi JPN US$ 39.90
DS:Style Series: Anata mo DS de Classic Kiite Mimasenka? JPN US$ 39.90
DS:Style Series: Chikyuu no Arukikata DS (France) JPN US$ 29.90
DS:Style Series: Chikyuu no Arukikata DS (Italia) JPN US$ 29.90
DS:Style Series: Chikyuu no Arukikata DS (Thai) JPN US$ 29.90
DS:Style Series: Hana Saku DS Gardening Life JPN US$ 39.90
Dokidoki Majo Saiban JPN US$ 48.90
Doko Demo Yoga JPN US$ 39.90
Hoshigami Remix: Ruining Blue Earth US US$ 34.90
Kado-Chan Shiki Doko Demo Kin Trai-Navi JPN US$ 42.90
Kururin Doughnuts: Okashi Recipe JPN US$ 39.90
Puchi Puchi Virus JPN US$ 29.90
Ratatouille US US$ 34.90
Touchmaster US US$ 34.90
Treasure Gaust: Gaust Diver (Crimson Red) JPN US$ 48.90
Treasure Gaust: Gaust Diver (Deep Purple) JPN US$ 48.90
Sony PSP™:
Final Fantasy US US$ 39.90
Hayarikami Portable (The Best Price) JPN US$ 29.90
Hot Wheels Ultimate Racing US US$ 24.90
Jeanne D'Arc (PSP the Best) JPN US$ 29.90
Ratatouille US US$ 39.90
Rengoku 2: The Stairway to H.E.A.V.E.N. (Hudson the Best) JPN US$ 29.90
The Bigs US US$ 39.90
TraxxPad US US$ 39.90
PC Games:
Attack On Pearl Harbor ASIA US$ 36.90
Colin McRae: DIRT ASIA US$ 36.90
Dungeon Siege II: Deluxe Edition ASIA US$ 36.90
Haikyou Gakuen (Slim Version) (DVD-ROM) JPN US$ 64.90
Jade Empire: Special Edition ASIA US$ 36.90
Lost Planet: Extreme Condition ASIA US$ 34.90
Magazine & Book releases:
Arcadia Magazine [August 2007] JPN US$ 12.90
Dead Rising Delusions Replay JPN US$ 22.90
Famitsu Wave DVD [August 2007] JPN US$ 16.50
Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Artbook JPN US$ 27.90
Official Nintendo Pokemon Battle Revolution Player's Guide US US$ 14.90
Pokemon Battle Revolution: Prima Official Game Guide US US$ 16.90
Toys & Misc:
27MHz Dragonfly Set (Blue) US$ 49.90
40MHz Dragonfly Set (Green) US$ 49.90
47G-4A Helicopter (Red) [220V] US$ 28.90
Bleach EX 2 Phone Strap Gashapon JPN US$ 2.90
C3xHobby 1/7 Scale Pre-painted PVC Figure (Devil Ver.) JPN US$ 64.90
Champion High Performance RC Helicopter [220V] US$ 31.90
Excellent Model Core Queen's Blade R-1 1/8 Scale Pre-painted PVC Figure - Experienced Mercenary Echidna JPN N/A
Excellent Model Core Queen's Blade R-1 1/8 Scale Pre-painted PVC Figure - Mori no Bannin Nowa JPN US$ 53.90
Fate/Stay Night Pre-painted PVC Action Figure - Black Saber JPN US$ 20.90
Fine Scenery Noir et Blanc 1/7 Scale Pre-painted PVC Figure - Diana (White Angel) JPN US$ 60.90
Fine Scenery Noir et Blanc 1/7 Scale Pre-painted PVC Figure - Morte (Black Angel) JPN US$ 60.90
High Speed RC Helicopter [220V] US$ 27.90
High Speed X-1 RC Helicopter [220V] US$ 27.90
Jinki Extend Pre-painted PVC Figure - Tsuzaki Aoba & Moribito 2 JPN US$ 44.90
Lingerie Soldier Papillon Rose 1/8 Scale Painted PVC Figure - Papillion Rose JPN US$ 54.90
Megamisama Chuuihou 1/8 Scale Painted PVC Figure - Fauna JPN US$ 54.90
Muv Luv Alternative 1/8 Scale Painted PVC Figure - Meiya Mitsurugi JPN US$ 57.90
Neon Genesis Evangelion School Phone Strap Gashapon JPN US$ 2.49
Nohohon Stitch US$ 9.90
Persona 3: Mitsuru Kirijo 1/7 Scale PVC Figure JPN US$ 49.90
Pia Carrot G.O. Pre-painted 1/8 Scale PVC Figure: Ayano Kunugi (Special) JPN US$ 19.90
Pioneer High Performance RC Helicopter [220V] US$ 44.90
RC Mosquito Helicopter [220V] US$ 29.90
Roboraptor US$ 69.90
Robotpet Set (Pink) US$ 69.90
Robotpet Set (White) US$ 69.90
Shin Megami Tensei Nocturne The Best One Coin Figure Series 1 And 2 JPN US$ 5.90
Shining Tears 1/7 Scale Painted PVC Figure - Mao JPN US$ 47.90
Snort RC Helicopter [220V] US$ 34.90
Super Real Figure DX Series: Denshi Maid Techou - Koi no Iroha JPN US$ 37.90
Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu 1/8 Scale Painted PVC Figure - Yuki Nagato JPN N/A
Vampire Saviour: Lilith 1/8 Scale Prepainted PVC Figure (Regular) US$ 19.90
Vampire Saviour: Lilith 1/8 Scale Prepainted PVC Figure (Special Variant) US$ 19.90
Voltron Masterpiece Edition Action Figure N/A
Video Game related Soundtracks:
beatmania IIDX 14 Gold Original Soundtrack JPN US$ 39.90
beatmania IIDX 14 GOLD Original Soundtrack & dj TAKA First Album - milestone JPN US$ 76.90
Bleach Way JPN US$ 19.90
Bleach Way [CD+DVD] JPN US$ 24.90
dj TAKA First Album - milestone JPN US$ 39.90
Hudson Premium Audio Collection JPN US$ 29.90
Kiniro No Corda 2 - Felice JPN US$ 28.90
Neo Romance Trillion Splash Summer JPN US$ 28.90
The Best of Tales JPN US$ 26.90
The Best of Tales [CD+DVD Limited Edition] JPN US$ 66.90
Microsoft is taking a charge of more than USD 1 billion in the most recent quarter due to the cost of a new extended warranty program for the Xbox 360.
According to a Reuters report, Microsoft cited "an unacceptable number of repairs to Xbox 360 consoles".
Microsoft expects to charge between USD 1.05 and 1.15 billion before taxes for the quarter ended June 30.
The company said that customers who experience general hardware failure indicated by three flashing red lights will now be covered by a three-year warranty.
Microsoft did not confirm or deny earlier reports that a design flaw was to blame for overheating, or that it had made internal changes to the Xbox 360 to add a new heatsink.
Did everyone enjoy the Lucky Summer Sale? Well gather round, because we're very happy to announce another special promotion for our customers. Play-Asia's Summer Smoothie is here to quench your entertainment thirst, plus it tastes great too! From now until Friday, July 12th, the Play-Asia.com Summer Smoothie promotion will commence with massive savings on all items for our regular and new customers alike.
Take a sip of Play-Asia's Summer Smoothie! All "in-stock" items have now been reduced by a stunning 20%. That's thousands of great reasons for you to grab one or more items and save plenty of cash in the process.
Looks good, tastes great! Don't forget, this offer is strictly limited until July 12th and only applies to products that are presently "in-stock" at Play-Asia. In other words, some offers will expire quickly, while others will be added during stock arrival on every single day. Get in quickly to avoid disappointment!
Mmmmm, smoothie. Don't waste any time, browse as fast as you can and save on some of the best deals you can find online.
In the latest episode of GameSpot's On the Spot, In Joon Hwang, Product Marketing Manager for Namco Bandai, revealed that a demo for Ace Combat 6 should be available on Xbox Live Marketplace next week. Ace Combat 6 is the first in the flight combat series to appear on a non-Sony console and also the first new-gen entry in the series. Hwang notes that the game's support system has been revamped, and players will now be able give commands to naval, air, and ground combat units during play. Expect to hear more about Ace Combat 6 from E3 next week.
SEGA of America, Inc. and SEGA Europe, Ltd. announced today that the highly-anticipated arcade fighting game, Virtua Fighter 5 for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, will feature an online versus mode at launch in fall 2007. The Microsoft Xbox 360 version of Virtua Fighter 5 is based on the latest arcade version update and features both analog stick and D-pad control, as well as vibration support. The game also includes an improved Quest mode featuring more CPU rivals, items, and emblems for character customization. The DOJO mode has added features including leaderboards, training move settings, improved throw escape training, and the option to change your opponent’s position and recovery type. These all work to create a more refined DOJO mode where players can improve their fighting strategy.
Now featuring an online two-player versus mode via Xbox Live, Virtua Fighter 5 will allow Virtua Fighter players to compete online. Players will also be able to select one of the 17 characters or customize a character in Quest mode. Customization features allow players to modify their characters by decorating a selection from four base costumes by attaching a wide range of unlockable and earnable items. Players will not only achieve victory by defeating highly-skilled opponents, but also by competing for prizes and earning in-game money which allow them to buy many items at an in-game shop.
“Virtua Fighter™ 5 is the most intense fighting experience available on next-generation consoles,” said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Marketing, SEGA of America. “The addition of online multiplayer support opens up the competition to a global scale enabling players to compete and challenge anyone, anywhere, anytime, using Xbox Live.”
Created by the renowned development team AM R&D Department #2 out of Japan, Virtua Fighter 5 will be rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB and will have an MSRP of $59.95. For more information, please visit the official Web site at www.sega.com/VF5.
SEGA's just hit us up with a barrage of new screens, artwork and info for its upcoming shooter, The Club. Because SPOnG doesn't feel there are enough sports in the world that involve ragtag mercenaries and homeless people hurting each other, we thought we'd share.
First up is a spot of detail on NYPD hard-ass Renwick. SEGA tells us:
“A tough, no nonsense, NYPD Detective of more than 30 years standing and one of the most decorated cops on the force. Renwick first picked up rumours of The Club – some kind of freak-circuit, under ground snuff show entertainment – from his contacts in the New York underworld. Intrigued and sickened by what he was hearing, he tried to investigate further, but found all his official lines of inquiry blocked by NYPD bureaucratic intransigence. The harder he pushed the more resistance he encountered. The Club must have powerful allies within the Mayor’s office or the NYPD, because not only was Renwick taken off the case, but, when he tried to go to the press with his suspicions, convincing but trumped-up allegations of bribe-taking were suddenly brought against him.
“Forced to resign to avoid a scandal and possible criminal charges, Renwick continued his investigation unofficially, using his own time and money to try and break the veil of secrecy surrounding The Club. He must have got closer than he knew, or finally irritated The Club enough to make them do something about him, because what he thought was a new lead turned out to be an ambush, with The Club enforcers waiting for him. The Club’s money men were obviously unimpressed with Renwick’s persistence.”
Next up is the Siberian Dragov, affectionately known as 'The Beast':
”Heavily-tattooed, mountainously-built, a Siberian hunter, a trapper and a bandit, Dragov is unarguably the most wanted criminal in Russian history. Originally, it took three platoons of Spetsnaz Special Forces to capture him, but they couldn’t keep him captive for long and he broke free, slaughtering his way out of Russia’s most secretive and brutal gulag prison, fleeing on foot across hundreds of miles of frozen tundra wilderness.
“Military helicopters were sent in hot pursuit, snipers aboard given strict orders to shoot to kill. But someone somewhere had heard of Dragov's brutal and daring escape and decided he would be worth a lot more alive than dead. A swift phone call was made directly to the powers that be at the Kremlin and almost immediately the helicopter snipers were ordered not to kill Dragov, but to bring him in alive. Swapping their bullets for tranquiliser darts, they tracked Dragov down and fired shot after shot into the fugitive figure. Finally, with a terrifying bellow of rage, Dragov collapsed and spiralled into unconsciousness. Upon awaking he would discover that he had become the newest recruit to The Club, with freedom promised for surviving the deadly contest.”
Also dished up was some information on a couple of the locations you'll get to 'club out' pain in. You can find out more about the Prison Cells here, and the Steel Mill (which SPOnG had a bit of a poke around when we previewed The Club) here.
Now, without further ado, cast your eyes over the screens and artwork of the Steel Mill and Dragov below.
Hi all been a rough few days with rumours coming to me that they thought Sony, Nintendo or Microsoft had taken us down. But as we dont host illegal files and we are only interested in Homebrew and Supporting the consoles we cover then we are not a threat to the wellbeing of any console maker.
The last week had seen the server go down numerous times and even going into recovery mode, it got so bad that the files were backed up and the server was restored.
What that does mean is that everything should be running much faster and smoother.
So have no fear the only network to cover PSP. Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii, PS3, PS2, GBA, Gamecube, Dreamcast, Sega-Saturn, GP2X, GP32, Gizmondo, Xbox, Xbox360, Tapwave Zodiac and Mobile Phone Emulation and Homebrew is going nowhere
Its nice to be newsposting again, as always a Massive Thanks to Martin our Server Admin for coming to the rescue . Busy weekend of releases coming with GBAX 2007 on the doorstep.
E3, the gaming industry's major annual event kicks off in Santa Monica this week - but the game has changed.
A backlash over the massive Electronic Entertainment Expo began last year.
Major publishers decided the huge money needed to showcase their wares to impress thousands of gaming journalists and industry people wasn't worth it - much like the cut-backs in costs for movie producers now getting their scripts from comic books.
It was too big, too noisy and too hard to get the message out above the cacophony.
There is a much smaller industry-event this year with announcements from the major console makers and only a handful of publishers.
The others are staying away.
But that hasn't stopped the usual flurry of wild rumours of what gamers might get their hands on.
There are a lot of interesting, and widely speculated topics being thrown about.
- Console price drops (Sony denied a PS3 drop but rumours persist)
- A handheld xBox will be displayed, along the lines of Microsoft's iPod rival, the Zune.
PS3 debuts its Second Life-type online gaming platform called Home and announces a public beta is being launched
- PSP gets a redesign
- The Wii gets a proper hard drive storage solutionSo the rumours go.
PS3 and Xbox Live will let gamers see what they've announced by posting stuff including game trailers to their online networks for console fans to peruse.
And as the third-generation consoles are a reality this year - unlike last E3's unveiling of the then-up-and-coming Wii and PS3 - the biggest excitement will be about games instead.
Will that excitement be more trailers of Xbox 360'd Halo 3 or Sony's Killzone 2 for the PS3?
Will we be swamped with trailers for new PS3 games showing off the console's potential?
Will there be more shown of the next Gran Turismo, the next Grand Theft Auto, or an eagerly awaited Metal Gear Solid 4?
And no doubt lots of Mario for Wii!
Will Microsoft announce the popular Gears of War for PC/Vista?
Also anticipated is the arrival of Call of Duty 4 and you can already see E3's HD trailer.
For more previews of some of the hot ones, there is Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed, EA's Burnout Paradise, and a new Simpsons game.
Desperately awaited are confirmed dates for the release of EA's Spore, created by Sims founder Will Wright and Mass Effect, presently scheduled for the end of this year.
What game sequels would you like to see? Are you hoping for changes to the consoles in design or price?
features
Supernatural foes: Battle the most lethal, wicked fast enemies ever.
Squad tactics: Lead an elimination squad using covert operations to survive and succeed.
Hi-tech advantage: Use specialized equipment like Necrovision and UV Knives to detect and defeat the Nightwalkers.
Environmental advantage: Use your surroundings wisely—rain, darkness, and rooftops are your allies.
Lethal reactions: Whatever you do … don't miss! Nightwalkers will overtake you within seconds.
description
As a member of a black ops unit, your mission in Vampire Rain™ is to secretly eliminate a growing population of deadly vampires known as Nightwalkers. Your hands will sweat and your heart will pound as you use stealth, strategic thinking, and specialized weapons to face your supernatural foes. Be careful out there—because if you make one mistake, you're history.
features
Compatible with 3 consoles (Wii™, PS3™, Xbox 360™).
Works on both PAL & NTSC system.
Double scan conversion (31.5KHz for NTSC, 31.25KHz for PAL,67.5KHz for 1080p).
Output resolution: up to 1080p
Plug and play installation.
Connect compatible YPbPr device to your VGA monitor
Integrated YPbPr to RGBHV converter
Supports 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p
Applications: TFT LCD monitor, CRT monitor, Set-top box, Display projector
Works on LCD TFT monitors
Video output: VGA
Automatic video source mode detection (film/graphic)
Motion-adaptive interfiled de-interlacing
Use power from USB port, no extra power supply needed
Comes with 3pcs of XCM cables, 1. PS3™ shielded component cable, 2. XBox360™ shielded component cable and 3. Wii™ component cable.
It's been discovered that SEGA has filed a trademark for the name 'Primeval Hunt' with the US Patent Office. With no further details to go on this leaves plenty of room for imaginative game ideas.
The 'Primeval' part of the title suggests something featuring beasties from the earliest age in human evolution which, given the second part of the title, players will find themselves hunting. Given SEGA's light-gun heritage, perhaps a new arcade shooter is in development.
We might hear more at E3, but then again we might not.
Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today a diverse lineup for the E3 Media & Business Summit that contains the latest entries from its celebrated Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy franchises, as well as the resurgence of beloved classics that have helped define the legacy of one of gaming's most innovative companies. Additionally, Square Enix, Inc. announced that Front Mission, the origin of the renowned mech strategy saga, is currently in development for North American audiences and will be playable for the first time in English.
On display at the Barker Hangar at booth #113 from July 11 - 13, the following titles will have playable kiosks: DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker, FINAL FANTASY II,
FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS, FINAL FANTASY TACTICS: THE WAR OF THE LIONS, FRONT MISSION and HEROES of MANA. Featuring six playable titles, Square Enix is delivering a wealth of deep and engaging experiences for the Nintendo DS and PSP (PlayStation Portable) system to all of this year's attendees.
E3 2007 Lineup
DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Release Date: November 6, 2007
DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker is the latest installment in the venerable RPG franchise, developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS and arriving in North America on November 6, 2007. Scout, train and synthesize a colorful array of over 200 classic
DRAGON QUEST monsters as you compete in the Monster Scout Challenge. Already achieving sales of more than 1 million units in Japan, DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker is a breakout title that combines the depth of a classic DRAGON QUEST RPG with the addictiveness of a monster-catching adventure.
DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors
Platform: Wii
Genre: "Virtual Experience" RPG
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Release Date: TBA
Developed from the ground up to take advantage of the Wii and its motion-sensing technology, DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors is set to slice its way onto Nintendo's next-generation platform. This exclusive title utilizes the Wii's motion-sensing controls as players use the Wii Remote to slash, parry and blast their way through a land filled with trademark DRAGON QUEST foes. Developed with both longtime fans and casual players in mind, DRAGON QUEST SWORDS:
The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors is poised to take video gaming to an entirely new level of fun and interaction.
FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: Action-RPG
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Release Date: Spring 2008
Few titles epitomize the very essence of multiplayer camaraderie like the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES series. Released in 2004 as an innovative title that took advantage of the Nintendo GameCube-to-Game Boy Advance connectivity,
FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES bred an entirely new gameplay experience that expanded the horizons of conventional RPG gaming. Primed for a release on the
Nintendo DS, FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates is poised to continue this tradition by providing fans with two distinctly unique games: a fully fleshed single-player RPG experience and an addictive multiplayer element for up to four players.
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS: THE WAR OF THE LIONS
Platform: PSP system
Genre: Tactical RPG
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: October 9, 2007
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS: THE WAR OF THE LIONS is a portable update to 1997's turn-based strategy game FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - an undisputed classic that gave birth to the world of Ivalice. In this first title of the IVALICE ALLIANCE, players take center stage as the events of an epic conflict threaten to destroy the lands and peoples of Ivalice - the same world featured in such classic titles as FINAL FANTASY XII and FINAL FANTASY TACTICS ADVANCE. FINAL FANTASY TACTICS: THE WAR OF THE LIONS features
PSP system-exclusive content such as stunning CG sequences, powerful new jobs, a widescreen presentation, head-to-head multiplayer, new storyline elements, and an all-new English translation. FINAL FANTASY TACTICS: THE WAR OF THE LIONS will be released simultaneously in North American and European territories.
FINAL FANTASY II
Platform: PSP System
Genre: RPG
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: July 24, 2007
Originally released in 1987 in Japan, FINAL FANTASY was hailed by gamers and critics alike as one of the first RPGs to create a fantasy world that captured the imagination of players around the globe. Now its sequel, FINAL FANTASY II, seeks to continue the
Square Enix tradition of providing quality RPG experiences on a wide variety of formats and platforms. Featuring completely redrawn graphics, 16:9 widescreen presentation and an all-new dungeon, FINAL FANTASY II carries on the legacy of the award-winning franchise that has shipped more than 75 million units worldwide.
FINAL FANTASY XI: WINGS OF THE GODDESS
Platform: PlayStation 2 system, Windows, Xbox 360
Genre: MMORPG
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Release Date: Winter 2007
Experience the next chapter in the immersive and ever expanding world of Vana'diel in FINAL FANTASY XI: WINGS OF THE GODDESS, a content-rich expansion pack that brings exciting new features to the world of FINAL FANTASY XI. Delve into new quests, meet new players, view new sights and experience the fourth chapter in the award-winning MMORPG that has a community of more than 500,000 active subscribers and over 1.7 million characters from around the world. FINAL FANTASY XI is the only title capable of triple-platform simultaneous multiplayer, allowing players to take up arms together on the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, Windows and Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, whether they are in North America, Europe or Japan.
FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Release Date: November 20, 2007
Following the story of the beloved classic that captivated more than 5 million players around the world, FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS continues the tale that won numerous accolades from the industry's top publications. Developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS, FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS is an all-new experience that uses the unique features of the Nintendo DS to their fullest. Utilizing full Touch Screen functionality,
FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS allows players to control massive armies, unleash special moves and activate Gambits, all with the use of the stylus. As the next installment in the IVALICE ALLIANCE, the world of Ivalice comes alive through the respected musical stylings of Hitoshi Sakimoto, the guidance of Akitoshi Kawazu and the direction of Motomu Toriyama, director of FINAL FANTASY X-2 and the upcoming FINAL FANTASY XIII.
FRONT MISSION
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: Strategy RPG
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Release Date: October 23, 2007
Discover the origins of the FRONT MISSION series in this explosive handheld saga that was never before localized for North America. Reborn exclusively on the Nintendo DS,
FRONT MISSION introduces exciting new features, such as dual screen presentation and multiplayer modes that update the classic that gave birth to seven beloved sequels. Using Touch Screen functionality, players command a squad of customizable mechs known as wanzers and direct them through turn-based skirmishes across the battlefields of the 21st century.
HEROES OF MANA
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: Strategy RPG
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)
Release Date: August 14, 2007
Developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS, HEROES of MANA breathes new life into the WORLD of MANA by taking it into an entirely new dimension. For the first time in the history of the series, stylus-wielding generals must plan, plot and strategize their way to victory on the battlefield. Utilizing the Touch Screen to the fullest, players take full control of the battle as they gather resources, assemble armies and experience an all-new perspective on the ever-evolving battle for the world of MANA.
$80 off Elite, $50 off Premium models to maintain pricing advantage
Following Sony's USD 100 price cut announcement, leading industry analyst Michael Pachter has gone on record predicting that Microsoft will quickly follow its rivals' lead and slash prices on all Xbox 360 models.
The Wedbush Morgan analyst expects the recently released Xbox 360 Elite to go from USD 479 to USD 399, the Premium model to see a drop from USD 399 to USD 349 and the Core system to be reduced from USD 299 to USD 249.
"We expect Microsoft to follow with a price cut of its own," said Pachter.
"Last week, Microsoft announced a slight Xbox 360 shipment shortfall and we do not believe that the company is prepared to allow Sony to erode its pricing advantage.
"We think that the console manufacturers will continue to cut price as their production costs come down, and expect sales to ramp significantly this holiday season," he added.
The company does not expect Nintendo to reduce the price of the Wii or DS, "as sales for both are still very strong and are anticipated to remain so through the end of the year."
Related Information
According to a Mercury News report, (a reputable source of Xbox news) Microsoft will switch to a 65-nanometer production process, meaning new consoles will feature smaller microprocessors and graphics chips as opposed to the 90-nanometer processors found in current models.
The smaller, more cost-efficient 360 innards will add a range of benefits to the system, while lower production costs would also facilitate any plans for a future price drop.
If these new production methods are implemented, overall console reliability would be increased. The risk of overheating, an issue that has strongly been linked to the three red lights of death failure, would also be reduced, while more space would be freed up inside the console itself. The report speculates that this new space could be used to house the current brick of a power supply that comes with 360s.
Microsoft is reportedly in the process of qualifying the new Falcon chips and motherboard, with 360s containing Falcon innards expected to hit retail this fall.
“We have a bunch of different projects that cost reduce and improve quality as you find issues, as does our competition. Once you get millions in the field, you learn about the box under all kinds of different circumstances, you can adjust and tweak what you do accordingly,” said Peter Moore, head of games at Microsoft, when questioned about Falcon.
Bizarre Creations has finally confirmed that Project Gotham Racing 4 will feature our favourite robotic friends, motorbikes.
But these won't just be any old two-wheelers, the developer was keen to point out on its website - instead they will be special PGR4-styled machines. This means they'll have the same lavish amount of detail the cars enjoy, with a heavy emphasis on fun rather than realistic and difficult handling.
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So, yes, you'll be able to wheelie irresponsibly, or brake too sharply and thrust your rear in the air. In fact, just pulling off dare-devil bits and pieces like this will actually reward you by giving you Kudos points. Power-sliding through corners and hitting the ominous "Stunt Button" will be the best ways of racking this up.
And don't worry about the effect motorbikes will have on the overall game. Bizarre is still insistent that cars are the real first love, although there won't be that much difference between the two vehicles if they're both top of the range - you'll be in for a tough race whichever you choose.
However, should you be a little fussy, then cars might handle better through tight corners and bikes sometimes display better acceleration.
Bizarre plans to show off the robotic horses of the 21st Century in new videos over the coming weeks, once it gets the all clear from publisher Microsoft. Included in these will be a look at the iconic machines in the line-up - each selected for its historical impact, so no scooters allowed - as well as a new game map in the shape of Chinese mainland city Macau.
Microsoft has revealed that the Xbox 360 Elite will launch in Europe and Canada August 24.
Speaking at Microsoft's pre-E3 conference in Santa Monica, VP of marketing Jeff Bell also stated that the Video Marketplace service will arrive in Europe before the end of the year.
"We're committed to bringing Xbox 360 to the world," offered Bell.
According to Microsoft, so far USD 125 million has been spent on Video Marketplace content in North America. The service offers over 2000 hours of content, from 28 different studios.
New to the offering is a partnership with Disney, with content from the leading movie studio added to the US service from today.
Membership of Microsoft's Xbox Live service has grown to over seven million users, the company has revealed.
And Microsoft now intends to ramp up the number of users with the hope of attracting 10 million punters by this time next year.
"Last year we said Xbox Live would grow to six million members. I'm happy to announce we've eclipsed the seven million mark," said Jeff Bell, on stage at the company's pre-E3 conference at the Santa Monica High School.
Bell boasted that the service is attracting one new Live member every 8 seconds.
"Before next year's E3, we're forecasting we will cross the 10 million mark," he said.
With a total of 45 million game downloads to date, the format-holder has also promised a total of 100 Xbox Live Arcade titles by the end of the year.
New titles on show during a demo reel at the event in included War World from Ubisoft, Hexic 2, and Codemasters' Sensible World of Soccer.
Peter Moore has unveiled a new Halo 3 Special Edition Xbox 360 at the company's pre-E3 conference, backed with a plethora of new software announcements.
Games took centre stage at the press briefing, with Xbox boss Peter Moore boasting that, "This is the first E3 briefing in which every demo you see will be coming this year."
Setting the scene, Moore stated that the Xbox 360 has the largest install base of the next-generation home consoles, with 5.6 million units sold in the US. "Xbox 360 is driving this industry," he said.
"We're in a tight race with Wii, and outselling PS3 two to one," said Moore. "Xbox 360 is selling more games than anyone else."
Game demo's, rolling footage and clips of some of the most highly-anticipated titles were on display, including Halo 3, Assassin's Creed, Call of Duty 4, and Project Gotham Racing 4.
The Halo 3 Special Edition console was left until last, with Moore declaring, "We're announcing a new console for the Halo nation." It is expected to go on sale around the same time as the release of Bungie's shooter, due September 25.
But first-party offerings weren't just about content for the dedicated 360 fan, Microsoft's VP of marketing Jeff Bell came on stage to talk about the company's focus on the family audience.
Central to this was a spin-off from Rare's Viva Piñata, and a collaboration with DVD boardgame company Screenlife.
Viva Piñata: Party Animals is a mini-game compilation in development at Krome Studios, while Screenlife's Scene It? movie trivia game will make the jump to 360, complete with a specially-tailored buzzer peripheral.
Blockbuster gaming brands were on full show at the event – Activision's Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare may be a multiformat title, but Microsoft has managed to tie-up an exclusive online beta test for Xbox consumers.
Games for Windows will benefit from new titles, including Viva Piñata and top-seller Gears of War, complete with new content and features. Games for Windows Live technology will also now be built into Epic's leading Unreal Engine 3 middleware.
Another first-party title, BioWare's Mass Effect, has been dated for November in the US, while EA Sports have promised that every title in its portfolio will now run at twice previous speeds on the Xbox 360.
Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto IV was shown, with Microsoft claiming the footage was captured on a Xbox 360, and Moore referring to 360's exclusive episodic content by stating, "Where the GTA IV experience stops on other platforms, it continues on Xbox 360."
A brief trailer was shown for Capcom's Resident Evil 5, “The only game that won't launch this year,” said Moore, with an full trailer promised for July 26.
Microsoft has also revealed that the Xbox 360 Elite will be coming to Europe and Canada August 24, with the Xbox Live Video Marketplace set to launch in the regions before the end of the year.
The Xbox 360's Live service now boasts over 7 million users, and is expected to reach around 10 million in the next 12 months.
Disney ABC has joined Microsoft's Xbox Live Video Marketplace, offering movies for online rental in the US.
Titles from Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone Pictures, Hollywood Pictures and Miramax Films will all be offered over the high-definition service.
"We're always looking for more ways to let people experience our films," said Dan Cohen, executive vice president of pay television and interactive media for Disney-ABC Domestic Television.
"With the millions of Xbox 360 consoles in living rooms today with a direct, high-speed internet connection, Xbox Live really has become a terrific device for the delivery of digital entertainment content."
At the E3 Media & Business Summit, Microsoft revealed that the popular online service will be coming to Europe before the end of the year
Phil Harrison has told GamesIndustry.biz that Sony intended to set expectations incredibly high with its controversial E3 2005 trailer for Killzone 2 - and plans to exceed them with the finished product.
"It's a very important game because the anticipation was set so high, which we were conscious of - it was not accidental," Harrison told gi.biz following a presentation of the game in Santa Monica.
"It was important to demonstrate clearly that we have a real-time playable game that exceeds the expectations that we set for it."
Harrison said that Killzone 2 conveyed "the technical capability of the platform and the creative capability of the platform", and paid tribute to developer Guerrilla Games' "incredible skill and talent".
Killzone 2 would, he said, "deliver their original vision" when it launched exclusively on PlayStation 3. "For many reasons, it's an important product for us," he concluded.
The game, whose first in-game screenshot generated enormous interest when it was unveiled today, casts the player into a non-stop war against the semi-human Helghast, with Guerrilla telling journalists that the demo shown on Tuesday evening drew upon virtually all of the PS3's many important capabilities - including Blu-ray discs, which it said were necessary for the game to offer visual detail in depth.
An updated version of Bungie's first-person shooter Marathon: Durandal is to be released over Xbox Live Arcade later this summer.
The game was originally released in 1995 for the Apple Mac, and is currently in development at Totemball studio Freeverse.
During Microsoft's E3 Media & Business Summit presentation, Jeff Bell, VP of marketing said Microsoft intends to release a total of 100 XBLA games on the service before the end of the year.
Buzz designer Relentless has told GamesIndustry.biz that it's flattered that Microsoft is copying the game's controller design for the newly announced Scene It? title – but warned that success isn't as easy as modelling a product on the BAFTA-winning franchise.
Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action was unveiled at Microsoft's E3 press briefing, with VP of marketing Jeff Bell showing off the title complete with four bundled controllers that look very similar to those in Sony's hit Buzz! franchise.
"They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery so right now we're basking in adulation," said David Amor, creative director of Relentless.
"We knew it would be coming but we were a little surprised at the extent that the design had been inspired by Sony's."
Noting that Microsoft's Xbox Live Vision camera has not seen nearly as much success as Sony's equivalent, Amor suggested that the software will prove the deciding factor to the quiz games success.
"I think the test for Microsoft will now be on the software. If you compare the success of Sony's EyeToy against the Xbox camera the value of high quality games is clear."
"Though I don't know too much about Microsoft's forthcoming Scene It? game, I know we have some aces up our sleeve with our forthcoming Buzz! titles," he added.
Thats right everyone, a special limited edition Halo 3 Xbox 360 has been announced! Know your Zune can also match your 360! According to the console's page the Halo console is pretty much just a Elite with a cool looking design.
Heres what it comes with:
Halo 3 Special Edition Console
Halo 3 Special Edition Wireless Controller
Halo 3 Special Edition 20GB Hard Drive
Halo 3 Special Edition Wired Headset
Halo 3 Special Edition Gamer Pics and Theme (Exclusive download via Xbox LIVE)
Microsoft will be selling the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit in the US for USD 29.99 from September 6.
Containing a keyboard attachment for the contoller – dubbed the Chatpad – and the standard 360 headset, the peripherals are designed to make communication via Xbox Live Messenger more convenient.
Microsoft is also making different coloured controllers available for USD 49.99, in Pink, Dark Blue and a Light Blue model for the European market, due this October.
Not much more you can say, really. It's not looking as slick as the Killzone trailer, but then, it is using a ton of random in-game footage. Best bit? About 1:12 in. It's good to see (what I can only assume is) the Arbiter again.
Talismoon’s Tiltboard sports a unique u-shaped board that puts the two Tiltboard control buttons within easy reach of gamers fingers, with one button conveniently located on either wide of the wireless controller battery pack. This gives gamers the ability to make on the fly tilt adjustments during a game without even stopping. This comes in particularly handy for instances in games when it is necessary to switch between both stick and tilt control.
The Tiltboard is an intelligent piece of kit and comes pre-loaded with TiltTune ™ technology which is the most user friendly firmware available for such a device. Gamers have the option to adjust the tilt sensitivity, adjust the 0 degree in order to hold the controller at the most comfortable angle,
