Next week Microsoft kicks off their month of Halo by finally releasing the chatpad messenger kit (includes chatpad and headset) and the Halo 3 wireless controllers with art designed by Todd McFarlane. The messenger kit will retail for $30 and the Halo 3 controllers will be $60. Microsoft will also start selling the Halo 3 wireless headset for $60 as well.
Oh chatpad, you will bring joy to the thousands of people out there that just can't use their voice to send a message, because as we all know, typing is such a faster form of communication than a simple voicemail. Actually, it's a nice deal for someone who may be vocal cord impaired or has completely lost their mind trying to type a message with the analog stick -- or lost their mind insisting to only type messages with the analog stick. It serves a purpose in the grand scheme ... unlike those stupid Wiimote add-ons.
From Monday 3rd September 10.00 UK, the Hidden Fronts Map Pack will join the Annex gametype and Multiplayer Map Pack 1 as another piece of free downloadable content for “Gears of War.”
In the Hidden Fronts Map Pack, players can clash for control of four dynamic areas, including Bullet Marsh, Garden, Process, and Subway:
Bullet Marsh
In this Kryll-infested swamp, an old generator still powers the area lights. A few stray bullets could easily knock out the generator, leaving combatants to fend for themselves against the Kryll.
Garden
This overgrown and crumbling conservatory still has a working fertilization and pesticide system. This system can pose a serious hazard to anyone who ventures into the greenhouse without first venting the air.
Process
Fight for control of this subterranean Imulsion processing plant, still active despite the cessation of the Pendulum wars.
Subway
Timgad 's Central Subway station used to serve as a central hub for commuters. Now the tunnels are crawling with Locust.
The Hidden Fronts Map Pack is available worldwide.
“Cyberball 2072” and “Fatal Fury Special” are coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade! Both titles will be available for download on Wednesday 5th September, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. UK. Additionally, four Xbox LIVE Arcade favourites will be available for half their regular price this weekend.
Rediscover the arcade classic game “Cyberball 2072” from Midway. Take control of your robotic team, and call the plays to move your team downfield for a touchdown. But watch out, the ball gets hot if you don't keep moving! Keep your eye on the ball to make sure it doesn't go critical before you can score.
The third title in the “Fatal Fury” fighting game series from SNK Playmore makes its way onto Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday. Join Terry and Andy Bogard, Joe Higashi and 12 of the toughest titans in one of the biggest matches of the millennium. Set in Southtown, a fictitious American city, players must compete against the ruler of the underworld Wolfgang Krauzer.
Limited Time Xbox LIVE Arcade Price Drop
Celebrate this weekend by downloading four Arcade favourites for half the price! For the 48 hour period beginning at 12:00 a.m. UK on Sunday 2nd September (today) and continuing until 11: 59 p.m. UK on Monday 3rd September the following Xbox LIVE Arcade games will be available for half their usual price:
· “Small Arms” – 400 Microsoft Points (normally 800 Microsoft Points)
· “Zuma Deluxe”– 400 Microsoft Points (normally 800 Microsoft Points)
· “Gauntlet” – 200 Microsoft Points (normally 400 Microsoft Points)
· “Dig Dug” – 200 Microsoft Points (normally 400 Microsoft Points)
Capcom has unveiled its line-up for the upcoming Tokyo Game Show, taking place from 20th to 23rd September.
The majority of games on show will be for Nintendo platforms, although the listings show three new titles yet to be announced. Hopefully one of these will be Resident Evil 5, which we are hoping to play at the event.
Wii offerings will include We Love Golf, Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles, and the hugely promising adventure Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure. Mega Man Star Force 2 and Wantame Music Channel Doko Demo Style will be there for DS.
Elsewhere Devil May Cry 4 will be the headline act for PS3 and 360, with Sengoku Basara 2 HEROES aiming to prove there's still life in the ageing PS2.
We'll let you know as soon as the other games are named.
Nintendo's DS handheld scooped the top four positions in the Spanish chart, according to the most recent data available from GfK International.
There were no surprises in the top 10, with Pokemon, Brain Training, Ratatouille and some PlayStation 2 Platinum releases making up most of the places.
Only three of the ten were non-Nintendo platforms as the company continues to maintain its strong presence in European software sales, while the PC and Xbox 360 platforms were entirely unrepresented.
The PC edition of BioShock has entered the German software chart at number one, with the Xbox 360 version also slipping into the top 10 at number six, according to the latest information from GfK International.
The 2K title managed to disrupt an otherwise Nintendo-centric chart, with DS and Wii titles taking up almost all of the other positions – prevented only by continued strong sales of the World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade expansion.
Japanese top 20 includes just four non-Nintendo platform titles
Another successful week last week of software sales in Japan for Nintendo saw PlayStation platforms represented by just four titles in the top 20.
According to data from Media Create, three of those came in the top 10, including new number one Sengoku Musou: Moushouden.
However, the rest of the top 20 was entirely made up of titles for the DS or Wii, and there was just one PlayStation 3 title in the entire top 50 – Hot Shots Golf 5, at number 17.
There were once again no titles for the Xbox 360 in the chart last week.
The top ten in full:
1. Sengoku Musou 2: Moushouden (PS2)
2. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Rings of Fate (DS)
3. Pheonix Wright 3 (DS)
4. Mario Party 8 (Wii)
5. My Housekeeping Diary (DS)
6. Dragoneer's Aria (PSP)
7. SD Gundam: G Generation Cross Drive (DS)
8. J-League Winning Eleven 2007: Club Championship (PS2)
features
From the legendary creators of the Dynasty Warriors ® series, a new generation of Gundam legend is born. Experience the fast-paced excitement and epic, cinematic action of Dynasty Warriors on the futuristic battlegrounds of the rich Gundam universe!
Get in the cockpits of your favorite Mobile Suits, the ultimate weapons of war, and fight across a host of futuristic battlefields – both terrestrial and stellar – at lightning fast speed and rendered in high-definition graphics!
Live as a legendary hero: Play out the action of the rich Gundam universe spanning the Universal Century to the Future Century as any of your favorite heroes and villains!
Turn the tides of battle as you fight against impossible odds. Take on thousands of enemies attacking you at breakneck speed in signature Dynasty Warriors style gameplay.
Dive into a new epic mythology like never before: Explore and live adventures in the rich and detailed setting of the Gundam multi-verse from a myriad of perspectives.
Dynamic gameplay modes from proven franchises: Enjoy a variety of action-packed game modes: Official Mode; Original Mode; Versus Mode and more!
A galaxy of upgrade-able Mobiles Suits and characters! Choose your favorite characters and Mobile Suits from more than 6 different animated TV series based on the Gundam universe and strategically strengthen their power, skills, and abilities.
description
Powered by Omega Force, the legendary creators of Dynasty Warriors®, Dynasty Warriors:GUNDAM brings the fast-paced action-filled excitement and epic, cinematic gameplay experience of Dynasty Warriors to the futuristic battlegrounds of the rich Gundam universe.
Players can assume the roles of the legendary heroes and villains of their choice and get in the cockpits of their favorite Mobile Suits, the ultimate weapons of war, to fight across a host of battlefields of the future—both terrestrial and stellar–at a lightning fast speed! Put your ever-strengthening will and skill to the test to turn the tides of battles as you lead your army of Mobile Suits against impossible odds!
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Combat racing: In this brave new world of combat racing, gravity-defying machines are no longer confined to the speedways and stadiums of centuries past. In this grand spectacle of racing, the amphitheatre where drivers must prove their superiority is the untamed wilderness.
Fast-paced game play: Powered by the award-winning Unreal Engine 3 from Epic Games, Fatal Inertia boasts fast-paced single and online multiplayer experiences, eight racing series, six distinct racing environments, plus full racecraft customization.
description
In the middle of the twenty-second century, mankind's thirst for excitement has spawned an evolutionary sporting event that draws from the combined disciplines of rally racing, demolition derby, and high-performance aeronautics.
In Fatal Inertia, each craft is armed with a unique array of unconventional weapons that manipulate velocity, force, and even time. Explosive magnets that impact racecraft stability and rockets that can counter thrust and velocity are just some of the dangers drivers must face.
Through harsh environments spanning dense rainforests to immense glacier fields, and canyons of razor-sharp rock there is little room for error as drivers will reach speeds of over 500 mph. But Fatal Inertia is not merely a test of speed. The brave men and women who choose to compete must face the mental and physical punishment of low-altitude combat maneuvering.
features
The exclusive official MotoGP licensed game on the Xbox 360.
2007 MotoGP championship season: Featuring updated riders bikes and tracks to accurately recreate this year’s season.
Extreme mode: Play 17 street racing tracks and customize your bike.
16 player online races.
Recreates the spectacle and passion of attending a live MotoGP event.
On-line Pink Slip racing in Extreme Mode.
description
Experience the sheer passion, speed, excitement and spectacle of MotoGP, the most thrilling motor sport in the world! MotoGP’07 brings the excitement and energy of the fans and media into the game world like never before.
MotoGP '07 is the fifth game in the critically acclaimed MotoGP series and the definitive motorcycle racing game for the Xbox 360. Building on the success of MotoGP '06, the game focuses on expanding the atmosphere and depth of the series, capturing the passion, excitement and spectacle of the sport, as well as rounding out the whole experience into the most accomplished racing game on Xbox360.
features
You are the Stuntman - Feel the rush of pulling off the most breathtaking, death-defying stunts ever filmed
Intense Driving Action - Perfectly execute a series of dangerous, high-speed vehicle stunts through intense, precision driving
Build Your Career - Amp up the action by improvising reckless maneuvers during movie stunt runs to unlock bigger-budget movies and commercial jobs
Online Multiplayer - Steal stunts from rival stuntmen as you battle on the film sets or through custom built back-lot multiplayer arenas
Stunt Constructor - Devise your own insane stunt runs and challenge other stuntmen online to beat you at your own game
Unique Vehicles - Master your control of more than 25 unique vehicles, including exotic sports cars, motorcycles and hovercraft
Welcome to Hollywood - Showcase your skills in a wide variety of big-budget action films, commercial shoots and tournaments
description
Plunge into the adrenaline-fueled role of a Hollywood stunt driver in Stuntman: Ignition, and master the most breathtaking, death-defying vehicle-based stunts ever filmed. As the newest stuntman in Hollywood, you must rise to stardom by combining reckless maneuvering with perfect execution to unlock big-budget blockbusters and lucrative commercial deals. Create movie-magic in 6 uniquely-themed films on 36 different stunt runs with over 25 vehicles, or take the action online to challenge rival stuntman in the ultimate backlot showdown.
features
Epic RPGs are one of the hottest genres right now, and Two Worlds is the best of 2007’s batch. Its bigger and badder than Oblivion.
MMO gameplay! Up to 8 player co-op, side by side play allowing users to quest together to overcome more difficult tasks than playing alone.
Seamless transition from Indoor to Outdoor environments – no loading screens.
For the 1st time in the history of the genre, unique magic system allows the players to assemble their own magic spells.
6 Different mounts you can ride and fight from including horses, lizards, and beasts.
Hyper-realistic environments along with seasonal weather changes in the worlds.
Music composed by Grammy award winner Harold Faltermeyer (Top Gun, Beverly Hills Cop)
A freedom of choice unseen in any other Role-Playing Game. The world comes to life, reacting and changing to decisions made by the player.
Open and unlimited character development. Players can experiment with different careers and even reverse their choices.
Spectacular and dynamic combat that combines intuitive controls, intense action, tactical challenges and movie-like visuals.
A deep and intuitive weapon upgrade and enchanting system.
Traps and snares are at the player's disposal, allowing them to weaken the enemy before closing in for the kill.
description
A fragile peace between the civilized races and the hordes is at stake. When the dwarven mining expedition discovered an ancient temple dedicated to an unnamed deity - all of the world's most powerful factions saw it as a possible clue to the place of Azriaal's burial ground. A silent war has now begun and it will soon ignite the fires that will lead to the holy crusade of the Orcs. However, the real danger lies somewhere else. A powerful force churns silently - weaving a secret plot of fear and destruction. In the end one of the Two Worlds will remain. It is up to you to save the world …or destroy it!
Exclusively for the Xbox 360 - The Virtua Fighter 5 Limited Edition Arcade Stick! Put the smack down on your friends in style with this, officially licensed and endorsed limited edition arcade stick.
features
Platform: PC, Sony PlayStation 3 and X-Box 360
Pages: 144
Killer Combos - Kill enemies while swinging from chandeliers, slide down hand rails and dive onto dinner carts, live every exciting moment of action from your favorite John Woo films.
Maps - Maps of all the levels make it easy to navigate your way through the mayhem and carnage.
Boss Strategies - Don't get stopped in a single boss battle, turn to the Prima guide for all the strategies you need to keep the story moving.
Tequila Bomb - Master Tequila's special devastating moves.
features
Platform: PC, Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PlayStation 3, WII and X-Box 360
Pages: 192
Environments: With fully intractable terrain, learn to leverage your environment to help give you the advantage or to take out troops in heavily fortified positions.
Secrets: Locations of all secrets, unlockables, & weapon/ammo locations.
Enemies: Tips and tricks to dismantling the most difficult troops while conserving ammo.
Equipment: Equipment tutorials to help you choose the right weapon for the right job.
Maps: Detailed maps will outline the best landing locations, objectives, sniper and ambush positions.
The consortium responsible for the HD-DVD format have named the Xbox 360 add-on as one of a handful of players that will experience a slight dip in price throughout mainland Europe.
The news was confirmed at the IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung) consumer electronics fair in Germany, where the new price was announced at EUR 179 - a 20 Euro saving on the original cost.
However, the announcement didn't come from Microsoft itself, which is yet to give its official take. That may include an update on the UK price, but, again, this is far from confirmed.
On the heels of a recently announced Conservative Party mini-manifesto on violent videogames, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has outlined plans for a public review of violent and sexual imagery in games.
According to the Daily Mirror, Brown promised to look again at banning violent videogames.
"I know... that parents are concerned about whether children are too exposed to harmful violence and sexual imagery in video computer games and on the internet," said Brown, "so as we launch the court consultation on our children's plan we will be looking at all the evidence on the effects of this material, whether we need new rules for the advertising and sale of these products to children and young people."
Mr. Brown intends to put the plans to a "Citizens' Jury" this week, in which members of the public will have a direct influence on policymaking, airing their views and offering suggestions.
Another "Citizens' Jury" on crime and gang warfare will follow next week.
Mr. Brown said that "It will look at how we can empower people to work with police to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour."
Square Enix has wheeled out a list of the titles it will be showing at the Tokyo Game Show later this month.
Among the line-up are lots of playable versions of its games, although headline acts Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy Versus XIII are shrouded in uncertainty - listed simply as "undecided".
The ninth and DS-exclusive instalment in the Dragon Quest series will be there, however, as will The Last Remnant - but sadly both only in trailer form.
We're still waiting to hear back from the European arm of the publisher for final confirmation on the Famitsu-produced list. Cast your eyeballs down a bit for the full banana.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates - Playable
Final Fantasy Tactics A2 - Trailer and Playable
Final Fantasy IV (DS) - Trailer and Playable
Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon - Trailer and Playable
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII - Trailer and Playable
Dragon Quest Monster Battle Road - Playable
Dragon Quest Monsters Joker- Playable
Slime Mori Mori Dragon Quest 2 - Playable
Dragon Quest IV - Playable and Trailer
The Last Remnant - Trailer
Dragon Quest IX - Trailer
Final Fantasy XI Online: Divine Soldiers of Atlanta - Trailer
Final Fantasy VII Advent Children: Complete - Trailer
Uh-Oh, it looks like Sony Computer Entertainment has another embarrassing PR situation on its hands; one of its employees has been caught editing the Halo 3 Wikipedia page.
As you can see by the cold, hard evidence on the right, the line "it won't look any better than Halo 2" was added to the entry by IP address 217.18.23.2, which leads straight to SCEE in Liverpool. Tsk, Tsk.
It's not the first company to be caught fiddling with Wikipedia entries either; last month EA was spotted tinkering with its own entry, removing references to the controversial business practices of founder Trip Hawkins.
Platform holders; for goodness sake go to a web café first.
The Tokyo Game Show is coming up, which means the rumour fires surrounding what we are and aren't going to see are already well aflame - the latest title under the crosshair being a sequel to Capcom's Dead Rising.
According to internet reports, the sequel will be making a brief appearance at the Japanese event later this month, alongside Capcom's already announced lineup of Devil May Cry 4 and others.
Interesting, the always reliable word on the net says that the second Zombie basher won't be exclusive to Xbox 360 either, which backs up Capcom's commitment to getting the most out of its franchises.
If they do make the sequel, lets hope it doesn't share the first's stupid, bloody useless save system (... and breath).
We're currently chasing Capcom for its own speculation, but we doubt we'll have much to give you. The show kicks off on September 20 - we'll see you there.
So we snagged ourselves an Xbox 360 Messenger Kit (aka Chatpad + Chatpad headset), unboxed the hell out of it, and here's what we think:
Blister packs suck. Microsoft, we're sick of 'em.
The Chatpad is a little difficult to get on and off, but once engaged it fits perfectly on the controller (duh), and feels like a seamless extension. Unfortunately there are two awkwardly placed screw holes on the underside, but you'll learn to ignore 'em.
Players with longer fingers may be annoyed, this thing kind of prevents finger-wraparound.
The keys are nice and tactile. And with the keyboard sounds the 360 makes in text entry you can be sure your typing is getting through. Still, thumb touch-typing on this is going to be almost out of the question for most, the thing is basically a straight up button grid.
The shift / caps / alt green and amber buttons were kind of wonky and took some getting used to. No big deal though.
It feels light at first, but after not too long it really starts to affect the balance of the controller, and could weigh you down a little. We suggest removing it when you don't need it.
The headset now has an inline mute / volume switch (with clip), so now you have move your hand off the controller mid-play to adjust the audio. Super lame.
The Chatpad headset can be used on the controller without the Chatpad, but why would you want to? The old style headset is more efficient (see above) and sounds just as good.
In fact, while we're on the topic, the original headset doesn't use those two data paddles either -- so we have no idea why they Chatpad didn't just skip bundling a second headset and instead include a port that could accept the original kind. We suspect this was to raise the consumer price of the package without raising Microsoft's cost much more. Either way, it's sucky.
Should you buy one? Well, $30 isn't really too crazy of a price for this thing, but we'd say if Microsoft releases a $20 version that doesn't come bundled with the new headset (and can use the old headset kind), yeah, plunk down. Otherwise, we have a feeling only completionists and heavy message senders will really need this thing.
Microsoft has sent a message to users on Xbox Live giving notice of scheduled downtime on Monday, reports Eurogamer.net.
The service will be taken down from 09:00 BST (UK) in order for maintenace to be performed, and will be up and running again at around 13:00.
Microsoft won't say what the maintenance is for, although signs point towards the annual autumn update. However, last year, the update was not applied until the end of October.
Unconfirmed reports hint the eventual Live update will include a parental timer, which will let you allocate and limit the amount of time selected users spend playing.
EA is declining to comment on rumours that Mercenaries 2: World in Flames has slipped into 2008.
Yesterday, reports claimed that Pandemic's open-world action game would miss its expected autumn/winter launch. EA has told Eurogamer.net that this is unconfirmed, but won't reveal whether the title will be out in time for Christmas.
Mercenaries 2: World in Flames is in development for PS3, 360, PS2 and PC.
The original Mercenaries was released in 2005 for PS2 and Xbox. It was published by LucasArts. It is regarded as one of the most successful attempts to build on the open-world genre popularised by Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto series.
If Mercenaries 2 does end up delayed, it will be in good company. Grand Theft Auto IV's release has also been postponed from late 2007 to 2008.
Rare has confirmed that it will not produce any further downloadable content for Xbox 360 title Viva Piñata, GamesIndustry.biz reports.
The Microsoft-owned developer made the comment on its own website in response to a question from a fan. Rare also said the Viva Piñata team is working on an alternative project.
"We aren't doing any downloadable content for Viva Piñata because we are much too busy doing something else," wrote a member of the Viva Piñata team in the Scribes column.
The revelation echoes comments made by Rare late last year. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, lead designer Gregg Mayles expressed scepticism about the value of producing downloadable content for Viva Piñata unless there was significant demand.
"The jury is still out," Mayles said at the time.
"It's almost pointless doing a huge amount of work at this point, because if it's not going to be successful you may as well put that effort into making a new game."
Viva Piñata has not been the mass market success Rare and Microsoft were hoping for. It sold poorly on its release in late 2006, failing to break into the UK all-formats top 40.
However, although the original release will not be supported with DLC, both developer and publisher are committed to developing the Viva Piñata brand further.
PC and Nintendo DS versions have been announced, along with a spin-off party game, Viva Piñata Party Animals, which is in development at Krome Studios.
At present it is unclear whether the "something else" being developed by the Viva Piñata team is an extension of the franchise or an all-new project.
It might be an annual update but it's still worth taking a look at the new features for Tiger Woods 08 in our handy little movies captured directly from the final game.
Are you one of those gamers who absolutely loves EA's Tiger Woods golf games but is always unsure about whether or not to buy the 'new' version every year? If you are, allow us to take some of that weight off your shoulders with these handy little movies of what's new for the 08 version.
First up is GamerNet, an impressive feature that connects you with the global Tiger Woods community and allows you to take part in various challenges to prove your worth. As you win you'll advance up the ranks of the world's best. See if you can count how many times Mr Overdub Man says EA Sports GamerNet.
You can also take a detailed look at the Photo Game Face mode, which, among more pressing matters like how to get your face in the game, walks you painfully through how to take a digital picture. It's one of the "best new features" says Mr Overdub Man.
Last but not least is something called Shot Confidence, which sounds like it needs an asbo. It basically stalks you right through the Career mode.
The movies were taken from the 360 version of the game, which is in shops now.
A 5 in 1 video selector: 4 HDMI and 1 DVI input with 1 HDMI and 1 DVI output. Also features a unique extra audio plug and socket to connect to a loudspeaker.
Cool your Xbox 360 console for optimum gameplay during those all night gaming session with the improved version of the Thermostatic Cooling System! Just plug and cool (and play . Instant results! And with its auto temperature sensor, it only turns on when really needed.
A report released by casual gaming mecca PopCap Games indicates that white collar workers play games constantly throughout the day. The study indicates that as salaries and titles improve on the organizational chart, the amount of gameplaying in a given day increases substantially.
"Considering that the casual games market is around 200 million people, PopCap estimates that the executive crowd is very much into casual gaming, with about 80 million 'white collar' workers playing. 24 percent of the 'white collar' employees said they do play at work, and that number jumps up to 35 percent for CEOs, CFOs and other senior executives. 98 percent said that they play casual games at home too."
features
Experience the intensity of a cinematic, story-driven game with the freedom of NON-LINEAR missions in a free roaming FPS environment.
Start each mission with a fully interactive airdrop into enemy territory. Your landing spot can dramatically change the way each mission is played out.
Develop skills on your personalized weapon with field modifications that remain persistent throughout the entire game.
Utilizing the very latest technology to deliver truly believable humans within the gaming environment.
description
Medal of Honor Airborne™ is the latest video game from EA's acclaimed Medal of Honor franchise, credited with pioneering the WWII first-person shooter genre after its debut in 1999. This is the first game in the Medal of Honor™ series to be released on next generation platforms.
While building on the key tenets of the franchise including historical accuracy and authenticity, Medal of Honor Airborne is set to redefine the series by introducing players to an entirely new way of experiencing a WWII FPS - notably the fully interactive Airborne experience.
features
Platform: PC, Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PlayStation 3, WII and X-Box 360
Pages: 192
Environments: With fully intractable terrain, learn to leverage your environment to help give you the advantage or to take out troops in heavily fortified positions.
Secrets: Locations of all secrets, unlockables, & weapon/ammo locations.
Enemies: Tips and tricks to dismantling the most difficult troops while conserving ammo.
Equipment: Equipment tutorials to help you choose the right weapon for the right job.
Maps: Detailed maps will outline the best landing locations, objectives, sniper and ambush positions.
There was an exploit (it's been resolved), in the call of duty 4 beta. The public beta had 100k valid participants who qualified and were provided special tokens which allowed them to download the COD4 beta from marketplace.
There was an exploit that enabled valid beta participants to sign in with their accounts on a different machine, use their beta token and download the beta. The beta was then fully functional for any LIVE profile on that 2nd machine (even after the beta participant's account was removed). Approximately 23k consoles were used to take advantage of this exploit to illegitimately access the COD4 beta.
The exploit has been fixed to prevent any additional users from illegitimately accessing the COD4 beta.
The current POR is to issue a 24-hour console lockout that will prevent these 23k users from using their consoles to sign in to LIVE. These users will also receive a message in the dash with an explanation as to why their console has been locked out for 24 hours for violating the LIVE TOU [Terms of Use] and a warning that more severe actions may be taken if they attempt a similar action in the future (console could be banned permanently, etc.). Again, this is not a permanent console ban - it's more of a "slap on the wrist" and a warning to these 23k users who used this exploit
The Smooth As Silk full shells for Xbox 360 wireless controller have been colored using a special process that makes the surface extra smooth and very pleasant to use for gaming.
The green version comes in 4 versions: All smooth, all Halo (clear), top halo/bottom smooth, top smooth/bottom halo.
EA has bounced a new demo for NBA Live 08 onto the cheesy-smelling floor of Xbox Live.
It hits the scales at a trim 563MB, and will let you grow a few inches to see what EA has improved this year.
You might notice the better ball handling, for example, or enjoy the refined shooting and trick controls. But then there's always those new signature moves to pull off, or the better Live integration to try out - not to mention better looks and smarter physics.
It all sounds as though EA has learned from the rushed efforts it has produced for the last two years running, which have made it increasingly hard for us to recommend any but 2K's consistently well polished efforts.
NBA Live 08 is coming to 360, PS3, Wii, PS2 and PSP on 5th October. We'll let you know our thoughts closer to the time.
Heres this weeks list of releases from Import Store Play Asia
Xbox360™:
Blue Dragon US US$ 59.90
Dynasty Warriors: Gundam US US$ 59.90
Fatal Inertia ASIA US$ 59.90
Fatal Inertia JPN US$ 64.90
HORI Fighting Stick EX2 US US$ 79.90
Medal of Honor: Airborne ASIA US$ 44.90
MotoGP '07 ASIA US$ 44.90
MotoGP '07 US US$ 59.90
Stuntman: Ignition ASIA US$ 49.90
Stuntman: Ignition US US$ 59.90
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 US US$ 59.90
Two Worlds [Collector's Edition] US US$ 72.90
Xbox 360 Messenger Kit ASIA US$ 29.90
PlayStation3™:
Bladestorm: The Hundred Years' War ASIA US$ 64.90
Dynasty Warriors: Gundam US US$ 64.90
Lair US US$ 64.90
Warhawk (w/ Bluetooth Headset) US US$ 64.90
Yamasa Digi World SP Pachislot Sengoku Musou JPN US$ 59.90
Nintendo Wii™:
Carnival Games US US$ 44.90
Shin Chuuka Taisen: Michael to Meimei no Bouken JPN US$ 59.90
PlayStation2™:
A.C.E. Another Century's Episode 3 The Final JPN US$ 68.90
Dear My Sun JPN US$ 64.90
Dear My Sun [Limited Edition] JPN US$ 89.90
EA Sports Rugby 08 JPN US$ 64.90
Final Fantasy XII International Zodiac Job System KOR US$ 59.90
God of War (Best Price) JPN US$ 19.90
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories JPN US$ 39.90
Wild Arms 5 10th Anniversary Edition US US$ 49.90
Will O' Wisp JPN US$ 64.90
Will O' Wisp [Limited Edition] JPN N/A
Nintendo DS™:
ATV: Thunder Ridge Riders / Monster Truck Mayhem US US$ 24.90
Adventure Pouch DS Lite (blue) JPN US$ 14.90
Adventure Pouch DS Lite (yellow) JPN US$ 14.90
Garfield's Nightmare US US$ 24.90
Hard Pouch DS Lite (pink) US$ 9.90
Hard Pouch DS Lite (silver) US$ 9.90
Hoshigami Remix: Ruining Blue Earth KOR US$ 49.90
Imagine: Happy Cooking ASIA US$ 34.90
Kidou Gekidan Haro Ichiza: Gundam Mahjong + Z: Sara ni Deki Ruyouni Nattana! JPN US$ 48.90
Mondai na Nihongo JPN US$ 39.90
Pet Alien: An Intergalactic Puzzlepalooza US US$ 24.90
Professional Fisherman's Tour: Northern Hemisphere US US$ 24.90
The Legend of Zelda Fabric Case (blue) JPN US$ 8.90
The Legend of Zelda Fabric Case (green) JPN US$ 8.90
The Wild West US US$ 24.90
Theta JPN US$ 39.90
Sony PSP™:
Blood Diamond JPN US$ 14.90
Dead Head Fred US US$ 39.90
Monster Hunter Freedom 2 US US$ 39.90
NHRA: Countdown to the Championship US US$ 24.90
Naruto Ultimate Ninja Heroes US US$ 39.90
PC Games:
Monster Madness: Battle for Suburbia (DVD-ROM) ASIA US$ 39.90
Guide Books:
John Woo presents Stranglehold: Prima Official Game Guide US US$ 19.90
Lair Signature Series Guide US US$ 17.90
Medal of Honor: Airborne Prima Official Game Guide US US$ 19.90
Toys & More:
Aliens 1/12 Scale Power Loader (Limited Version) JPN US$ 139.90
Aliens 1/12 Scale Power Loader (normal version) JPN US$ 139.90
Busou Shinki Pre-Painted PVC Figure: MMS Type Builder - Grapprap JPN US$ 25.90
Busou Shinki Pre-Painted PVC Figure: MMS Type Calf - Vitulus JPN US$ 36.90
Busou Shinki Pre-Painted PVC Figure: MMS Type Tiger - Tigris JPN US$ 36.90
Darkstalkers Painted PVC Figure: Felicia JPN US$ 64.90
Excellent Model Core Queen's Blade P-3 1/8 Scale Pre-painted PVC Figure - Elina JPN US$ 52.90
Excellent Model Core Queen's Blade P-3 1/8 Scale Pre-painted PVC Figure - Tomoe JPN N/A
Fate/Hollow Ataraxia 1/8 Scale Pre-painted PVC Figure - Saber (High School Uniform Ver.) JPN US$ 72.90
G-Shock Watch Batman JPN US$ 139.00
G-Shock Watch Superman X JPN US$ 139.00
Garamon Monster Soft Vinyl Figure: Garamon (Green Version) JPN US$ 99.90
Garamon Monster Soft Vinyl Figure: Garamon (Regular Red Version) JPN US$ 99.90
Halo 3 - Master Chief ArtFX non scale prepainted statue JPN US$ 99.90
Ikkitousen: 1/7 Scale Painted Figure - Untyou Kanu (Adesugata Ver.) JPN N/A
Ikkitousen: 1/7 Scale Painted Figure - Untyou Kanu (Strawberry Milk Ver.) JPN US$ 64.90
Masterpiece of Shunya Yamashita No 1: Rudy 1/7 Scale Figure (HK Comic Fair Special Version) JPN US$ 54.90
Melty Blood Series II Painted PVC Figure: Ciel JPN US$ 54.90
Neon Genesis Evangelion Horror Summer Mini Display Figure JPN US$ 5.49
Nintendo DS Character Touch Pen Bomberman Version Gashapon JPN US$ 2.49
Rozen Maiden Non Scale Painted PVC Figure - Shinku JPN N/A
Shining Wind Trading Figure Collection JPN US$ 6.90
Street Fighter Action Figure: Gen (Blue) US$ 8.90
Street Fighter Action Figure: Gen (Green) US$ 8.90
The Art of Shunya Yamashita 1/7 Scale Pre-Painted Figure: Mirei San (HK Comic Fair 2007 Special) JPN US$ 64.90
Ultimate Action Neon Genesis Evangelion DX Figure (New Theater Version) JPN US$ 5.49
Whip X Nonoko - Nonoko: moon 1/6 Scale Figure JPN US$ 54.90
Video Game Soundtracks:
Etrian Odyssey Drama CD JPN US$ 31.90
Etrian Odyssey Super Arrange Version JPN US$ 29.90
Hiiro No Kakera Series Original Soundtrack JPN US$ 27.90
Neoromance Trillion Aromatic Autumn JPN US$ 28.90
Que Character Image Mini Album Vol.7 JPN US$ 19.90
Star Drops (Hoshifull Seito Gakuen Tenmon Dokokai Intro Theme) JPN US$ 11.90
Super Eurobeat presents Initial D Battle Stage 2 JPN US$ 32.90
Super Robot Taisen OG: Original Generations Original Soundtrack JPN US$ 36.90
Activision announced today that Infinity Ward’s Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare multiplayer beta will launch via Xbox LIVE in the UK and Ireland on Friday 7th September. Users can visit www.cod4beta.co.uk for details on how to obtain their token and the opportunity to experience some of the maps and modes available in multiplayer before the game hits store shelves on November 9th
The beta came out in north america in August, but there was a bit of touble caused by an exploit.
Gordon Brown has pledged to work with the TV, advertising and games industries to reach a consensus on the issue of violence in the media and potentially introduce voluntary controls.
As reported by the Guardian, Brown was speaking at his monthly press conference. He stated, "Where there is pornographic or violent material, any parent is going to be concerned.
"This is not the Government telling people what they should do... This is society reaching a conclusion with all those people involved about what are the legitimate boundaries.
Brown continued, "I think we have got to look at this as a society. I hope this is one of the areas where there can be common ground between all parties. I think you need to review this with a large number of representative groups, from parents, from the different industries itself and from other areas of public life."
The Prime Minister's comments come just days after he announced the launch of a Government review which will focus on the way violence in the media affects children. It will be conducted by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The initial announcement raised concerns amongst gamers and the industry regarding potential censorship of videogames - but Brown's latest comments seem designed to allay these fears.
"I am not interested in censorship at all, but I think we do need rules governing some aspects of the Internet and videos where children are involved," he stated.
"This is not an area where you can proceed, in my view, without trying to establish both what the boundaries are and what is the consensus you can build around these boundaries."
That's right, you don't have to download the Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles expansion to play it on your Xbox 360, Bethesda today confirmed that the pack will be going to retail in October and will also include the Knights of the Nine content.
The retail disc will sell for $30, no word yet on whether they will be doing the same for the Playstation 3, though I'm told they are looking into options.
Bethesda also let us know that Prima is releasing a new nearly 500-page Game of the Year edition of their Oblivion Game Guide which will cover all of the content released to date.
PRESS RELEASE - Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Announces Sale of Joytech Video Game Accessories Subsidiary
New York, NY - September 7, 2007 - Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) today announced that it has sold substantially all of the assets of its wholly owned Joytech video game accessories subsidiary to Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (AMEX/TSX: MCZ). The Joytech sale reflects Take-Two's previously announced plans to divest its non-core businesses.
"The sale of the Joytech assets is consistent with one of the key goals we established in our 100 Day Plan: to develop strategic alternatives for any operations that we determined to be outside our core publishing business," said Ben Feder, Take-Two's Chief Executive Officer. "We are particularly pleased that we accomplished this goal in a manner that will allow substantially all of our Joytech employees in the U.S. and U.K. to join Mad Catz, which is a highly respected provider of video game peripherals."
The Joytech sale is not expected to be material to Take-Two's financial results.
I personally like Joytech products more than Mad Catz. But good thing about this, Joytech products will now be featured on shelves in retail stores. Usually its Mad Catz, Pelican and Nyko taking up all the pegs on the wall or shelf space.
Chart-Track has released new statistics which show a 260 per cent week-on-week increase in UK sales for Microsoft's Xbox 360 in the UK - while the PSP has suffered its worst week of sales since launch.
As reported by MCV, the change in fortunes for both machines are down to hardware line-up changes.
In Xbox 360's case the sales spike coincided with the introduction of the new Elite model, and a price reduction for the existing Premium and Core versions.
Strong sales continued into a second week, falling by only 20 per cent.
The blame for the crash in PSP sales is attributed to retailers and consumers anticipating the imminent launch of the new Slim and Lite model of the handheld on September 14.
ChartTrack declined to supply specific sales figures for either Xbox 360 or PSP.
It seems like just yesterday when online functionality was a new, exotic feature that was far from required for most games. Now, it seems, online functionality is practically a must if a publisher wants to squeeze as much money as possible from a release. Reuters is reporting on a new study by research firm Electronic Entertainment Design and Research that shows, so far in this generation, console games that allow online play bring in nearly twice as much revenue as games that don't.
This isn't that surprising, considering mega-sellers like Madden, Gears of War, and Resistance are weighing on the online side. Would these same exact games make half the money without an online component? It's hard to say, but it's definitely a possibility, and one that should worry online-shy Nintendo. According to the study, only two percent of Wii games included an online component as of June 1, compared to 23 percent of PS3 games and a whopping 77 percent of Xbox 360 titles. That could translate to a lot of early revenue left on the table for the big N. Look, just make the Super Smash Bros. Brawl's online functionality relatively painless and all will be forgiven, all right?
features
Over-The-Top Action – Engage in 18 high-stakes missions where you will bomb bridges, steal secret weapons, destroy Zeppelins and more.
Fly Never Before Seen Aircraft – Pilot over 50 authentic planes and prototypes including the Gotha Go 229, DH Vampire F Mk 1, Me-163 “Komet”, Meteor and many more.
Unusual Experimental Weapons Get the advantage in combat by using experimental WWII weapons including High Velocity Cannons and TV-Guided missiles.
Exotic WWII Setting – Engage in epic battles in some of the world’s most captivating environments such as Cairo, the Himalayas, Moscow’s Red Square, Rome’s San Pietro’s Cathedral, the Swiss Alps and more.
Next-Gen Graphics – Experience improved depth of field, jaw-dropping cinematographic lightening and outstanding sound effects.
Fast Paced Multiplayer Action – Challenge up to 16 players in free-for-all, co-op and squad-based missions, including the all new Epic Battle and Capture the Flag modes.
Epic Boss Battles – For example, go up against a giant German Zeppelin over the pyramids of Cairo. Take out its nine gun turrets while you expose its vulnerable underbelly.
description
In this game, you are the leader of Operation Wildcard, an undercover and elite squad of pilots secretly created by the American government. Your mission is to sabotage and destroy the Third Reich’s evil plans to create a weapon of mass destruction. During this mission you and your team discover that the bad guys also have an elite team of their own. In an attempt to disarm the enemy, you engage in dramatic and movie-like spy missions in some of the world’s most exotic locations using experimental weapons and flying never-before-seen prototype aircraft.
They were once human but were infected and consequently resurrected by the T-Virus. A zombie will continue its search for food even with severed limbs or when missing the lower half of its body. The Labcoat Zombie Action Figure features ball-jointed neck and shoulders, swivel wrists and waist, and Crow and Severed Limb accessory. Note: photo is of unapproved production sample. Final figure may be different from item shown. Available exclusively at Transworld stores in the U.S. and all retailers overseas.
Manufactured by NECA and licensed by Capcom, the Resident Evil 2nd Anniversary Edition 7" Action Figure: Labcoat Zombie is in stock today, shipping at US$ 19.90 only.
A nine-year-old boy who saved his father's life by taking the wheel of a speeding big rig when his dad suffered a seizure and blacked out has finally gotten his wish.
When asked last month what kind of reward he would like for his bravery, Matty Lovo said he would like a new PlayStation.
When readers of the story suggested pitching in and buying the boy a PlayStation, his father, Matthew Lovo, initially declined to accept the offer while thanking the community for its generosity.
Eventually, after Sony called to donate one, Lovo Sr. agreed to accept it.
"We've seen this topic talked about as far away as the UK and all over the U.S. People like the story a lot," Lovo Sr. said.
The company presented Matty with the gift Wednesday evening at KGW.
"I'm gonna let my dad play this one. He needs to have a spin,” Matty said.
Matty said his real reward is that his father recovered after the seizure.
The incident occurred in Saint Helens, Ore., in August. A Good Samaritan who noticed a child at the wheel of the huge truck jumped out of his own car to help stop the vehicle.
TV parenting expert Tanya Byron is to head the inquiry into violent and sexual content in video games and other media, the BBC is reporting. The review was announced by Prime Minister Gordon Brown earlier this week.
Byron presented the BBC TV shows 'The House of Tiny Tearaways' and 'Little Angels', but decided to end her career as a TV presenter earlier this year.
Byron will talk to parents and the entertainment industry about how better to protect children from unsuitable material. The inquiry will study the availability and prevalence of violent games and internet pornography in particular, and look at the effectiveness of existing laws.
"It is essential that parents and anyone involved in the care and development of young people are familiar with the material they will access and view - and of the potential and actual risks therein," said Byron.
Byron will report to the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
"It is not about stopping children having fun," said Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families. "It is about making sure they can do so safely."
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Brown said that the study would not lead to increased censorship.
The current hardware sales situation in Japan is listed below.
DS Lite: 94,339
Wii: 39,371
PSP: 22,196
PS3: 18,068
PS2: 14,280
Xbox 360: 1,635
Game Boy Micro: 263
Game Boy Advance SP: 195
Gamecube: 73
Game Boy Advance: 16
DS original: 0
Nintendo is on the top as usual but with reduced sales on all consoles compared to the last weeks' reading. PSP, PS2 and the Xbox 360 has also experienced a slight drop too. Only the PS3 has seen a slight increase roughly by some 1,600 units.
Microsoft is apparently making strong examples of anyone trying to sneak into the Halo 3 Epsilon test. The crackdown came to light when a 17-year-old Minnesotan who goes by the handle "Scar" posted a tale of woe on the forums of the Halo-focused modding site Se7ensins.com. His post was accompanied by a photo of his ban notice from Xbox Live, which expires on December 31, 9999 AD--some 7,447 years after the events in Halo are supposed to take place.
How did the eternal banhammer fall on Scar? "A friend said he got the Epsilon from a friend and offered me to glitch it onto my account with what you call the two-controller exploit," he told GameSpot. "I downloaded it from Marketplace and played it for maybe six hours or so all alone, in custom games and campaign. [Then] it would kick me offline every time i tried to play Epsilon. It wasn't until the next day when i signed on that I found out i got banned."
Despite being a self-described "achievement whore" with a GamerScore of over 61,000, Scar--who doesn't want his real name made public--has no plans to appeal his ban. "Other people i know that had this happen to them at the same time as me called support and had no luck," he rued. "I know of at least 10 others that downloaded it and got banned till 9999."
When asked for comment, reps for Microsoft said the company was not officially commenting on the 7,992 year bans. However, a source close to Bungie said the ban screen "looked legit," wryly adding, "Sorry, great, great, great, great, grandkids."
Always have an ample supply of battery power when you need it most. The Charge Station 360 gives gamers the power to always keep two Xbox 360 wireless controller battery packs charging at all times. The Charge Station includes the dual port charging base and two rechargeable battery packs. Easily plug the Charge Station into the wall to keep battery packs charged. It takes just 4 hours to fully charge 2 battery packs. LED charge indicator lights designate when each battery is fully charged. The high quality NiMH batteries are designed to work with Microsoft wireless controllers and each provide an average of 25 hours of additional play time. They can be recharged repeatedly eliminating the need for costly AA batteries.
Now for those not familiar the Iphone has already seen a mass of homebrew released for it including Nes Emulators, Frotz, Doom and MAME is being worked on.
With the worldwide popularity of the iPod and this much easier way to get homebrew on it coupled with the Touch Screen we could see a major homebrew scene in the making. Interesting times ahead.
Apple News will have all the latest news as it happens.
This device pulses any LEDs you connect to it with the beat of the music coming from your console.
It can also fade your LEDs when the console is off.
This device also works on the Xbox360's Ring-of-Light to pulse and fade it.
Multiple modes allow you to turn it off quickly, or set your LEDs to dim, on, fading, VU, or a select combination of those.
Change modes easily by using an existing button on your console, rather than opening your console each time or installing another switch.
Connect up to 150 LEDs, or with a SICKmods Power Extender to add 3Amps of power (~150 more LEDs).
Midway's highly anticipated action game Stranglehold is shipping today as region free US edition for Xbox360. The game is available as Regular and Collector's Edition. The latter includes a copy of John Woo's masterpiece Ha
. Instant results! And with its auto temperature sensor, it only turns on when really needed.
