dean73 writes to mention an article at the SeekJapan site entitled The State of Gaming in Japan. The article runs down the seventh round of the console war from the Japanese perspective. IE: The one where Microsoft is probably going to lose. From the article:
"The Xbox 360 comes to us now with a reduced price, a screwed-up slogan ('do! Game, do! Choice, do! Xbox 360') and a slew of games targeted at the Japanese audience. The trump card is Hironobu Sakaguchi: the Final Fantasy creator's studio, Mistwalker, is due to deliver the first of two Xbox-only RPGs, Blue Dragon, on December 7th. Given that the Xbox has until now lacked any decent Japanese-style RPG (the cocaine of the J-geek world), this might prove just the ticket, and Microsoft is predicting a big hit."
Source: Posts on message boards like the official Xbox forums and Team Xecuter, followed up on by articles at mod-savvy sites like Xbox Scene.
The official story: A Microsoft rep said the company had no comment at this time.
What we heard: Microsoft released its Fall System Update for the Xbox 360 today and Internet forums were quickly buzzing with reports that the update had "bricked" users' consoles, rendering them unable to play games or even boot up normally.
While Microsoft is staying mum on the subject, the bulk of speculation is that the Fall Update is intended to brick Xbox 360s that have been modded. However, some posters are reporting problems with unmodded consoles being bricked, and forum-goers at Xbox Scene are saying that the update is not consistently bricking modded consoles.
Furthermore, Team Xecuter is reporting that bricked consoles can still be repaired relatively painlessly, and that Microsoft isn't banning GamerTags or specific systems from Xbox Live, something that would seem a distinct possibility if the company wanted to come down hard on modders.
So what's the deal here? If Microsoft intended to brick modded consoles, it didn't do a very thorough job of it (perhaps a warning shot to make people think twice about modding systems?). If it's an unexpected bug with the Fall Update, it seems convenient that it's happening primarily to modded systems.
Still, the few reports of the Fall Update bricking unmodded systems are troubling. While fixing the system might be an easy thing for people who cracked their systems open in the first place to mod them, it's still not something the average gamer is bound to be capable of doing.
Whether intentional or not, it seems the Fall Update is turning some Xbox 360s into paperweights. But with varying reports about who it's happening to and why, and Microsoft not explaining what's going on, there's no sure way to say which 360s will be affected by the problem.
Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer 6 (also known as Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007) has sold the most in a game's first week in the UK since Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas debuted two years ago. Those sales see it slip comfortably into the number one slot on the UK all-formats game chart.
FIFA 07's Xbox 360 version joins the game's seven other formats to help keep the title at number two, with sales up 96 percent on last week.
Rockstar Games' Canis Canem Edit (known as Bully outside of the UK) was the second-highest new entry at number five. Bully and PES6 are among seven other newbies this week, including Guild Wars: Nightfall at 15, Singstar Legends at 24, and Mortal Kombat: Armageddon at 27.
There are five titles heading upward, including Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07, up one place to eight; Buzz! The Big Quiz, up four to 14; and Destroy All Humans 2, which went up two places to 19.
The biggest loser of the week is Kingdom Hearts 2, falling a massive 16 places to 32, with The Godfather down 14 to 37, and The Sims 2: Glamour Life Stuff almost out of the charts completely, down 13 to 39.
Next Friday (if UK retailers can manage to stick to the release dates) will see the release of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War expansion pack Dark Crusade, Neverwinter Nights 2, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2, Need for Speed Carbon, and Desperate Housewives: The Game.
Kicking off Microsoft's line of lower-priced, uglier-cased Platinum Hits Editions, Xbox 360 shooter Perfect Dark Zero will get a pack-in of six extra multiplayer maps - including remakes of classic deathmatch grounds Ruin and Facility.
The other four maps were released earlier in the year as an Xbox Live download but Rare shooter fans should welcome the two classic Perfect Dark maps - especially Facility, which hearkens back to GoldenEye and has provided many hundreds of hours of toilet cubicle shoot-out hilarity since N64 days.
For those of you who dutifully bought PDZ on 360 launch day, though, you won't need to pick it up again - the two new maps will be released for free on Xbox Live.
The first fire-breathing screens of movie-based slasher Eragon have hatched from their egg. Previously announced on nearly every format since the VCS 2600, these particular visual gems were laid by Stormfront Studios, the developer of the console version, and creator of Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
Instead of being a hard-boiled hacker, this all-action fighter allows you to not only take on the enemy in cooperative combat but also to call up your flying friend, Saphira, to incinerate any obstacles or opponents that block your way. And in between joining in with Brom or Murtagh to defeat the underlings of Galbatorix, Ergaon himself can also saddle up the ever-evolving Saphira for a number of on-rail levels packed with toasting airborne enemies and stomach-swirling aerial manoeuvres.
While the film is due to be released on 15 December, the game of the film of the book will be released on 24 November.
Bought some movies from Amazon's Unbox Video store but can't figure out how to get it on your TV? Grab your Xbox 360, because it's time to get streaming.
1. Download an Unbox video to your Media Center PC. 2. From the Xbox 360 Dashboard, go to the Media blade and select Media Center. Your Xbox will connect to your Media Center PC. 3. Select "My Videos" and then "Amazon" to see all of your Unbox videos. 4. Choose your Unbox video and enjoy!
Thanks to the recent release of Windows Media Player 11, it may be possible to stream WMV files to your 360 without actually having a Windows XP Media Center PC. We'll look into it, but streaming to 360 fills in the big hole in Amazon's service to allow content to be viewed on TVs. Now to fill in all the other holes.
After two long months Saints Row has been patched -- just in time to go up against the holiday blockbusters. We suppose better late than never, but a number of the issues that the update addresses (e.g., spinning camera, missing store items, "rare" crash bugs, etc.) should have been ironed out during testing phases, or at least patched sooner. What's up with the lackadaisical effort, guys? THQ, Volition, we're lookin' at you.
Sure we've had our moments in the Row, but this gang bangin' romp is gonna be a memory in another week or so. Too little, too late.
Capcom and Microsoft have revealed the Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Online Pack, a Xbox 360 console bundle that will include Capcom's chilli shooter and extra goodies.
The bundle will be released alongside the game in Japan on December 21, for 44,800 yen (200.60 GBP). Only 5000 of the bundles will be up for grabs, but we're sure that the lacklustre demand for the console in the Far East will give Japanese gamers plenty of time to get their hands on one.
The bundle will include the following:
A copy of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition
Lost Planet Xbox 360 Headset
Three months Xbox Live Gold membership
Access card to download extra stages
Xbox 360 console with 20GB hard drive, wireless controller and media remote.
Capcom was unavailable for comment on the possibility of a similar bundle for Europe.
THQ and Volition have released a patch for their Xbox 360 crime-'em-up Saints Row, that sorts out a number of multiplayer issues as well as general glitches.
Additionally, the auto update apparently sorts out lag problems that have been affecting the online mode and there's also some slight graphical improvements, including increased anti-aliasing in 480i and 480p resolutions.
The full list of fixes is as follows:
General
-Enabled 4xAA (anti-aliasing) for 480i standard-def and 480p resolutions (was 2xAA).
-Enabled 4x anti-aliasing during initial player creation screen.
-Added player options to enable v-sync during cut-scenes and/or gameplay, with warning that it will affect framerate.
-Fixed widescreen formatting issues in certain resolutions.
-Fixed issue where button icons would sometimes not appear during tagging activity.
-Fixed problem where camera could rapidly rotate around player when exiting vehicle.
-Added dialog reminding player to save before final mission in the game.
-Fixed rare crash bugs due to variants and fast shader constants.
-DLC - Car dealership now skips paint selection for car if the car has no color data.
-Fixed issue when signing out of a gamer profile on The Wheel Woman unlock screen.
-Added missing audio tracks to music stores, including "Pickin' Boogers."
-Added long sideburns and four other missing hairstyles to Shear Intensity salons.
Multiplayer
-Improvements to the way the game handles packet loss and bandwidth management between players. This addresses issues commonly cited as "lag", and general synchronization problems between the players' clients (vehicles/players warping around, etc).
-Various bandwidth optimizations.
-Fixed connection issues with gang servers (done server-side, update not required).
-The system for rating a player's quality-of-service has been improved, and made less conservative. This means you'll see many more matches with 10-12 player limits.
-Fixed "clothes stealing" exploit. Stolen clothes will be deleted, legit clothes will be unharmed.
-Various changes to Matchmaking phase, to get players in the game faster.
-Team-based, non-Gang games are now required to have even teams. Gang matches still allowed to be off-by-one to allow easier matchmaking, since single people cannot be matched-in.
-Fixed issue that could cause the Blinged Out Ride vehicle to get stuck inside the garage when the driver disconnects.
-Fixed crash that could happen during server migration.
-Fixed rank reporting errors in Leaderboards for Team Gang Brawl and Team Big Ass Chains.
-Fixed problem where end of games stats display could be improperly sorted.
-Fixed issue in server migration where statistics would not be properly updated for the newly selected server.
-Fixed issue where incorrect server was elected for game size.
-Fixed issue where car could get stuck in a chop shop or get pushed out of the level and destroyed. Added caching to pimp hat and multiplayer chains to reduce delay when they are loaded.
-Fixed problem where PC could become bald after importing from single-player savegame.
-Fixed problem where multiplayer garages had problems with client vehicles colliding at the entrance with an invisible mesh mover.
-Item sync improvements.
-Fixed problem that could prevent twelve people from getting into a match due to not having enough security associations.
-Points stored in Big Ass Chains are now being reset between games.
-Fixed issue where gang stats retrieval could fail and not be retried.
-Addressed "standby" hack where a player would temporarily disconnect their network connection to move around without others seeing them.
-The proper number of custom vehicle choices now appears for the Hustlin multiplayer level.
-Gang sizes limited to 100 members.
-Fixed cases where gangs match but not all players get into the game.
-Only servers with sufficient bandwidth are selected to host a match.
-Fixed bug where multiplayer garages had problems with client vehicles colliding against unseen geometry.
-Big Ass Chains points scored stats are now reset between games.
-Fixed bug where player would have pipebombs in inventory but would not be able to throw them.
-Fixed problem in Protect Tha Pimp where a player would respawn at the beginning of a round in observer mode.
-DLC - Always display name of level server has selected, even if client does not have that level downloaded.
Following rumours that a 100GB HDD was heading for the Xbox 360, images have surfaced from Microsoft's Japanese HQ suggesting that a bumped up HDD is indeed on the way, but not the 100 one.
At a conference to highlight the latest dashboard update, an image of an Xbox 360 clearly displaying 59.5 GB of free memory has surfaced, which while not exactly an unofficial conformation suggests that a bumped up HDD is indeed on the way for Microsoft's console.
Further more, considering that the current 20GB HDD allocates almost 7GB of space for system use, could this image confirm a HDD closer to 70GB?
With bumped-up 1080p content now possible on the Xbox 360 a larger hard disk would certainly be welcome, and would also help bridge the gap further between Microsoft's console and the PS3.
Either way, we'll let you know when Microsoft sends us official word.
Microsoft has confirmed what retail suggestions yesterday led us to conclude: that in light of Viva Piñata's having gone gold, the game will appear on European shelves on 1st December. The US version is out on 9th November.
Rare's family-focused effort, which sees players trying to attract piñata animals to a customised garden, will be available for around GBP 44.99, with a special edition version - featuring a preview of the associated TV series now showing in the US, along with demos of Lego Star Wars II, Frogger, Time Pilot and Marble Blast - also lining up at that price in a special curvy box for a limited time.
Gamasutra reports on the three versions of Halo 3 you can now preorder from Gamestop and EB. Aside from the 'normal' edition ($5), you can also spring for the collector's edition ($10) with videos and such. For a down-payment of $25, you can pre-order the 'Legendary' edition. From the article:
"The Legendary Edition will come on four discs and will include all the content of the Collector's Edition plus unspecified extras and a Master Chief helmet replica. The release date for all three versions of the game is listed as November 1st, 2007 - although no official announcement on a date has been made by Microsoft and the date is likely a placeholder by the stores."
This week's Fall System Update for Xbox 360s went very smoothly...for 99 percent of console owners. For the remaining one percent, the past day has been nothing but a next-gen nightmare.
The update, which was released yesterday, added several new features to the Xbox 360's dashboard and the console itself, including 1080p resolution support. But for some Xbox 360 owners, it simply turned their consoles into a $400 paperweight.
Many among the Xbox modding scene believed the update crashed supped-up Xbox 360s, and was a message from Microsoft to modders to stop tinkering with the hardware. Microsoft weren't exactly forthcoming about the problem, but today the company broke its silence.
"A small percentage of consoles were affected negatively by the fall update (less than one percent have reported issues). We’re working with those affected to get them back up and running, whether that be by providing another console, or fixing their existing console. We’re committed to resolving this issue."
Microsoft expects to have the problem solved within the next 12-24 hours, according to the Microsoft's marketing team's Gamerscore Blog. Microsoft urges anyone in North America encountering problems with the update to call technical support at 1-800-4-MY-XBOX.
Gears of War, is about to launch (November 7), and Mad Catz is getting in on the action with a few interesting console accessories. The first is the faceplate plus "Console Skinz", which are graphic coverings for the side of your 360 shown above. This is $29.99.
Then there's four limited-edition faceplates that you can swap in and out, each of which are $19.99. You can see what they look like after the jump. Apparently Best Buy, Circuit City and GameStop are all getting a unique faceplate. That's a pretty cool Pokemon-ish idea.
The third item is a "Console Crate", which is essentially a cushioned box for your 360 in case you wanted to take it to your grandparents place and show them what a gory next-gen shooter looks like. This is $59.99, and you can check that after the jump as well.
We've held the melons, spun the cherries and finally Rainbow Six Vegas has paid out big time with a whole host of new footage, images and details.
It's all here from shooting out gunmen from behind a bullet-proof shield, exploring levels three times the size of Rainbow Six 3, swearing and dead terrorists - lots of dead terrorists. And what's more, developer Ubisoft's own Maxime Beland is on hand to explain everything.
You have a choice. Do you click on the images tab first or head over to the movies one? Well, which one depends on how old you are because the two movies have a 16 age-rating on them, mainly due to some saucy language. So here is the rule, if you are under 16, stick with the screenshots, over that age and you are free to watch both of the clips. Okay? Good.
With Rainbow Six Vegas' Xbox 360 and PC releases nearly on us already - and a PS3 version planned for the future - expect to see much more from this stunning shooter very soon indeed.
features
Fluid control: Improved fundamental controls plus enhanced A.I. enables you to enjoy a truly virtual recreation of international football. Take complete control as the ball and players react to the slightest touch for unprecedented responsiveness.
Real-time analysis: Monitor how each player performs in the game by viewing passing, shooting, and defending stats.
Advanced team management: Utilize all-new fully detailed player styles, with a complete list of attributes, and an advanced player editor. Make the tough calls that decide the match: Pull weak players, switch formations, and control your defensive line with the touch of a button.
Advanced Challenge Mode: Undertake 80+ challenges to test your skills and earn achievement points. Challenges range from winning a key match to using a substitute to score at the last minute.
description
Get caught up in the emotion of the world's favorite sport in FIFA Soccer 07. From the sweet taste of victory to the bitterness of a last minute defeat, savor the drama of every moment as your team battles its toughest rivals in authentic stadiums around the globe.
Whether you’re storming the pitch with a custom team in Manager mode or challenging friends in online Interactive Leagues, enhanced gameplay gives you more control then ever, letting you win possession, turn defenders, and find the net for the score. This is the year. This is the season. This is FIFA Soccer 07.
features
Drive on dangerous curves: Race in all-new environments ranging from narrow city streets to mountain trails to treacherous canyon roads.
Lead a turf war: Battle for turf, scrapping for every city block. When the cops show up, take the races to the hills. You're not racing for slips, you're racing for territory, and every second counts.
Experience autosculpt mode: Tweak your car in every way you can imagine. Do your turf proud with those tiny adjustments that make all the difference.
Tweak exclusive new cars: Take the wheel of dozens of sport racers, including the 2003 BMW M3 GTR, the 2006 Porsche Cayman S, Lamborghini Murcielago, and the 2006 Ford Mustang GT!
description
The cops are on to you and your crew in Need for Speed™ Carbon. The races are already set, but the heat is coming down, so where do you and your fellow racers go? Leave the comforting concrete confines of the city and take to the winding, treacherous curves of Carbon Canyon.
Push your driving and drifting skills to the max with a whole new style of street racing, hugging wicked corners with a rock wall to one side and a sheer drop on the other. Now that you've seen what real racing is like, Carbon is the only game in town. City racing is for kids.
Play Asia posted this list of whats new this week at their shop:
Xbox360™:
Cars ASIA US$ 39.90
Everyparty (Platinum Collection) JPN US$ 34.90
FIFA Soccer 07 ASIA US$ 39.90
Need For Speed: Carbon (Collector's Edition) ASIA US$ 39.90
Need for Speed Most Wanted (Platinum Collection) JPN US$ 34.90
Ninety-Nine Nights (Platinum Collection) JPN US$ 34.90
Project Gotham Racing 3 (Platinum Collection) JPN US$ 34.90
Rumble Roses XX (Konami the Best) JPN US$ 34.90
The Outfit JPN US$ 64.90
Xbox 360 Core System Sale Commemoration Pack JPN US$ 299.90
Xbox 360 Dead or Alive 4 Holiday Bundle [Limited Edition] ASIA US$ 449.90
Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20 GB) JPN US$ 99.90
Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote JPN US$ 32.90
Xbox 360 Wireless Headset JPN US$ 59.90
Xbox Live Vision JPN US$ 39.90
Most Japanese Xbox360™ accessories are expected to be in stock tomorrow.
PlayStation2™:
.hack//G.U. vol. 1//Rebirth US N/A
Devil May Cry Greatest Hits Set US US$ 39.90
FIFA Soccer 07 ASIA US$ 39.90
Final Fantasy XII US US$ 59.90
Gallop Racer Inbreed JPN US$ 48.90
LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy JPN US$ 64.90
NBA Live 07 ASIA US$ 39.90
Phantasy Star Universe US US$ 59.90
Slotter Up Core 9 JPN US$ 34.90
Tsukiyo ni Saraba (Taito Best) JPN US$ 34.90
Xbox™:
Need For Speed: Carbon ASIA US$ 39.90
Sony PSP™:
Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception KOR US$ 49.90
Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception US US$ 49.90
Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded US US$ 39.90
Chotto Shot (w/ Camera) JPN US$ 49.90
Dynasty Warriors 2 US US$ 39.90
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance US US$ 39.90
Need For Speed: Carbon Own the City ASIA US$ 42.90
Silicone Cover Portable (black) US$ 9.90
Silicone Cover Portable (white) US$ 9.90
The Da Vinci Code JPN US$ 37.90
Nintendo DS™:
Children of Mana US US$ 39.90
Emoto Honami no Shiawase Kitchen JPN US$ 48.90
Hoshi no Kirby Sanjyo! JPN US$ 48.90
LEGO Star Wars II JPN US$ 48.90
Love Hamster JPN US$ 48.90
Nintendo DS Lite (Winning Eleven DS Jet Black Special Edition) - 110V JPN US$ 289.90
Pokemon Ranger: The Road to Diamond and Pearl US US$ 39.90
Wallet Pouch DS Lite (black) US$ 18.90
Wallet Pouch DS Lite (blue) US$ 18.90
Wallet Pouch DS Lite (white) US$ 18.90
Winning Eleven DS JPN US$ 39.90
PC Games:
Blitzkrieg II: Fall of the Reich ASIA US$ 29.90
Dark Messiah of Might & Magic ASIA US$ 37.90
Dark Messiah of Might & Magic [Collector's Edition] ASIA US$ 49.90
Gothic 3 ASIA US$ 32.90
LMA Manager 2007 ASIA US$ 32.90
Sid Meier's Railroads! ASIA US$ 37.90
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War Anthology ASIA US$ 49.90
Toys, Books, Magazines & Misc:
Arcadia Magazine [December 2006] JPN US$ 12.90
Comic Calendar 2007: Bleach JPN US$ 29.90
Comic Calendar 2007: D.Gray-man JPN N/A
Comic Calendar 2007: Death Note JPN N/A
Comic Calendar 2007: Gintama JPN US$ 29.90
Comic Calendar 2007: Naruto JPN US$ 24.90
Comic Calendar 2007: One Piece JPN US$ 29.90
Famitsu Wave DVD [December 2006] JPN US$ 16.50
Gyakuten Saiban Official Fan Book Vol.2 JPN US$ 14.90
Ichigo Mashimaro Pre-Painted Figure: Miu Matsuoka (Stewardess) US$ 44.90
Jingai Makyo 1/7 Scale Painted PVC Figure: Ignis US$ 59.90
Moeart Collection 1/6 Scale Pre-painted PVC Figure - Rec: Aka Onda US$ 64.90
Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Phone Strap Gashapon US$ 1.99
Queen's Blade 1/8 Scale Pre-painted PVC Figure - Mori no Bannin Nowa Figure US$ 49.90
Video Game related Soundtracks:
Break Out (Super Robot Taisen Original Generation Intro Theme) JPN US$ 11.90
Ee'Mall & ee'Mall 2nd avenue Original Soundtrack JPN US$ 34.90
Koibana Educator - Full House Kiss Single Collection Vol.14 JPN US$ 15.90
Pop'n Music 14 Fever & ee'MALL Original Soundtrack Set JPN US$ 74.90
Pop'n Music 14 Fever Original Soundtrack JPN US$ 42.90
Red Rocket Rising JPN US$ 9.90
Red Rocket Rising [CD+DVD] JPN US$ 17.90
Seishun Aftermath - Full House Kiss Single Collection Vol.13 JPN US$ 15.90
Tsuyokisu -Mighty Heart- Original Song Series Vol.3 JPN US$ 15.90
Tsuyokisu -Mighty Heart- Original Song Series Vol.4 JPN US$ 15.90
Silicon Knights president Denis Dyack has said he believes the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 are on the same level when it comes to performance.
Speaking to Dean Takahashi of the Mercury News, Dyack said, "Maybe the PS3 has more processing power. The 360 has more available memory. It's pretty much a net, net.
"The public perception of the PS3 was that it was much more powerful. To developers, they look even."
Dyack did go on to say that their could potentially be more power in the PlayStation 3 - but that it's harder to harness. "You have to get the timing right," he said, referring to the challenge of keeping all the Cell's sub-processors running.
Dyack is also less than sold on the platform holders' favourite resolution, 1080p, arguing that the difference between it and 720p is "questionable".
"All of our games are likely to be 720p because of the faster refresh rates," he told Takahashi. "There are all kinds of trade-offs. It takes a lot more RAM to do 1080p. You'll reserve RAM for the textures. 720p is just less pixels. [But] There is definitely a huge difference from 720p and analog."
Silicon Knights is currently at work on the first game in the Too Human trilogy for Xbox 360, which is being built using Unreal Engine 3. The studio has yet to consider making games for the Nintendo Wii, with Dyack stating that it remains to be seen whether the "controller stands the test of time".
On the question of who will win the next-gen console battle he said, "It's a tough one. Microsoft is looking really good. Everyone is looking pretty good. At the beginning, everyone thought Sony would walk away with it. We won't know for sure for two years."
Microsoft has released the second beta version of its XNA Game Studio Express toolst, claiming it's a "near final version of the tool".
XNA Game Studio Express is designed to allow anybody - from fans with zero programming background to academics and seasoned hobbyists - to develop their own little games for Windows and Xbox 360.
The new beta version adds a number of new features, and also coincides with the closed beta release of GarageGames's Torque X, a toolset designed to fit on top of the XNA platform and allow users to create games using a drag and drop interface.
More technical additions to the second beta include the XNA Framework Content Pipeline, which lets users pull in content from other creation packages like Autodesk, 3ds Max, Autodesk Maya and Softimage |XSI, and content importers for .X and Autodesk FBX 3D asset formats.
It also allows users to preview game design for Xbox 360 and pre-compile games ahead of the launch of the XNA Creators Club and the final XNA Game Studio Express on December 11.
XNA Game Studio Professional, which will allow developers who want to profit from their creations to do so, will be released in summer 2007.
Membership of the Creators Club will be available via Xbox Live Marketplace and will allow users to migrate games to 360 and play them there - but at a cost of US$ 49 for a four-month trial of US$ 99 for a one-year membership.
For now though, it's possible to experiment with creating Windows games by downloading the tool from Microsoft.com.
Call of Duty 3, Gears of War, Rainbow Six Vegas and... F.E.A.R. All four games are out this month on Xbox 360, turning November into shooter-love season for Microsoft's console. It's also going to turn our bank accounts into sobbing piles of despair. If only money really did grow on trees...
Anyway, it's F.E.A.R. that we're concerned with here, 15 new screenshots from the horror shooter fired our way by Vivendi. So enjoy. The FPS releases on November 10.
Following last week's Swedish mag revelations, more Halo 3 multiplayer details have surfaced from the French edition of Official Xbox Magazine.
The OXM previews three new multiplayer modes. Ninjaball, which - funnily enough - is about getting ahold of a ball, Elimination where the object is to kill off opposing team members and Tankflag, which is basically capture the flag with an erm, tank.
There's also more details on the new Spartan Laser weapon, which is apparently balanced in that you have to lock-on to a vehicle for three seconds before unleashing a ground-scorching laser of death.
Meanwhile the "Man Cannon" - which is a euphemism commonly used around the CVG office - can apparently be used to shoot explosive barrels and even vehicles around the map, which can be shot down or fired from whilst in mid-air.
Halo 3 is currently in the alpha stage of development, with a typical non-committal release date of "when it's ready".
With Need For Speed Carbon out this Friday, EA has kicked off its Xbox 360 downloadable content plans with the release of the Collector's Edition Upgrade and various smaller bundles.
The Collector's Edition Upgrade isn't such a bad idea - aimed at gamers who either couldn't find or regret not buying the slightly more expensive retail Collector's Edition, it opens up access to all that version's extra content.
The difference in price on shop shelves ought to be around a fiver, and it's not that bad here - asking for 800 Microsoft points (GBP 6.80 / EUR 9.30) and offering 12 new tracks, six new Challenge series missions and ten exclusive cars for the price.
That includes the '92 Nissan 240 SX, the '07 Jaguar XK, the '06 Camaro Concept, and the Koenigsegg CCX. It's worth noting, though, that the bonus cars cannot be modified further once downloaded, and cannot be used in Career mode.
And if you're buying the game but can't actually be bothered to play it, EA's got you covered too, with its now-standard range of downloadable content designed to let you toy with advanced kit without having to go through the painful process of playing the game to unlock it.
On the turning front, there's the Performance Drivetrain Bundle (400 points), giving you access to all Street and Pro packages for engine and transmission upgrades; the Performance Engine Boost Bundle (400 points), which is the same but nitrous and turbo parts; the Performance Handling Bundle (400 points), which is suspension, brakes and tyres; and the Ultimate Performance Bundle (800 points), which is all three of the above in one handy download.
There's also the Muscle Car Autosculpt Body Kit (300 points), which features 12 autosculpting kits allowing you to play around with the front and rear bumpers, skirt, chop top and bonnet on muscle cars; the Autosculpt Tuner Body Kit (300 points), which is 13 kits for tuner cars; and the Autosculpt Exotic Body Kit (300 points), for exotics.
Not only that, but EA's throwing in the option to buy some cars too, with the '99 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34, the '04 Lamborghini Murcielago and the '06 Dodge Viper SRT-10 all available for 80 points each. All of the stuff in the last three paragraphs either says that the individual pieces of content or "many of the items" in them "can be achieved without purchase by progressing through Career".
The connectivity kit V2 is an improved, USB version of the popular connectivity V1. Now connecting through USB port, it makes operating this device even easier!
It's hard to shake the sense that F.E.A.R. is 'so last-year.' With Gears of War and Call of Duty 3 both just days away, and Rainbow Six Vegas debuting later this month, we're not sure there's reason to invest in Monolith's shooter -- at least, not until it lands in the bargain bin. Bottom line: a mostly stable port of the solid PC original, with some decent extras, like Instant Action, tacked on (the achievements are a bitch though).
Peep the word:
IGN (91/100) - "F.E.A.R. for me was a totally new experience and, as console games go, an excellent one ... While F.E.A.R. has been low on the hype meter for a while ... I think hardcore gamers will discover its greatness real quick" [Another Take].
Team Xbox (87/100) - "While F.E.A.R.'s core story is essentially run-of-the-mill in terms of video game plots, the game makes up for it by creating a world in which danger lurks around every corner. ... If you're looking for an intense shooter that will occasionally scare the living crap out of you, F.E.A.R. is exactly what the doctor ordered."
Game Informer (Second Opinion) (80/100) - "Maybe it's because I've played this game before, but F.E.A.R. doesn't get my blood pumping like it once did ... Or maybe it's just because I've played more intense shooters since the original came out ... Those who have played through F.E.A.R. on the PC don't have much reason to pick up the console version..."
Current overall average: 87/100
features
Action and suspense: F.E.A.R. features cinematic quality gunfights so intense they will leave the most jaded FPS fan gasping for breath.
Fierce enemies: Squads of tactical teams use coordinated attacks and flanking maneuvers to pin you down and take you out.
Cinematic FX: An advanced Special FX system showers you in sparks, smoke, and debris, making combat as intense and exhilarating as an action movie.
Hi-tech arsenal: Employ high tech firearms and classified weaponry such as the corkscrew missile launcher, rapid-fire battle cannon, and a plasma cannon capable of searing flesh from the bones of your enemies.
Advanced game technology: The latest in DirectX 9 rendering technology uses real-time per pixel lighting, shadow volumes, normal mapping, and advanced shaders to create a world so convincing you'll forget you're playing a game.
Multiplayer: With support for up to 16 players playing simultaneously, game modes include Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Elimination, Team Elimination, and Capture the Flag.
description
F.E.A.R.™ (First Encounter Assault Recon) is an award-winning first-person shooter featuring an intense combat experience with a rich atmosphere and an engaging story. F.E.A.R. immerses you in a unique blend of stylized first person combat and supernatural horror in which you are an elite soldier trained to deal with situations that are unexplainable.
Take on the role of the point man in the F.E.A.R. unit. Armed with hyper-sensitive reflexes, you can slow down time and experience the game's close-quarter battle sequences in vivid detail. You'll need every advantage you can get as you square off against some of the most ferocious A.I. ever seen in a game. F.E.A.R. contains both a single player campaign and multiplayer modes that are available for play through Xbox Live® or System Link play.
That wireless Guitar Hero controller sounds nice then, eh? Doesn't it? Unfortunately, it's starting to look like an Xbox 360 version of it is unlikely.
That's according to RedOctane's Bryan Lam, who told website eToychest that Microsoft's proprietary wireless controller technology is not available to third party manufacturers "at the moment".
In other words... Well, in fact, in Lam's words: "until they allow us to [use it], we aren't able to [do a wireless 360 controller]". Well, some of them were his words.
That means, obviously, that if what you want's a wireless Guitar Hero controller, you're going to need to buy one of the PlayStation 2 ones when it comes out in the US this month (at a cost of US$ 59.99).
As for whether we're getting them over here at all, the situation remains unclear, with a RedOctane spokesperson offering "no comment" when we asked about it.
Fortunately, Guitar Hero II itself is due out in the US on 7th November and over here on 24th November, so you can at least look forward to that.
Someone by the name of "Brett" went all out to prove how hot the XBox 360 can really get. So hot, the heatsink boils water on contact, but not only that, it can make a delicious meal. Be warned though, this video may not be suitable for those with weak stomachs!
You've got a voice. Now use it. Experience enhanced voice chat with the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset. Designed specifically to work seamlessly on your Xbox 360™, this hands-free, wire-free headset employs the same technology as the award-winning Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Pair up both accessories for superior performance, freedom, and comfort. Use up to four Wireless Controllers and Wireless Headsets simultaneously on one Xbox 360 for the most intense multiplayer gaming sessions ever.
features
Maximize your Xbox Live Gold subscription with video chat and video messaging (Gold membership required for video chat).
Put a face on your gamertag and make yourself known to the people on your friends list.
Bring gesture-based games to life using your body movements to control the action.
Supports games designed with "face in game" technology for a personalized gaming experience—add your face to your character in-game.
Crystal-clear images are a snap with VGA 640H x 480V video at 30 frames per second and still photos at 1.3 mega-pixels.
description
Put a face to your gaming experience and make the most out of your Xbox Live® Gold subscription with crystal clear video chat and messaging. Both Xbox Live Vision packages also include the Xbox Live Arcade hits UNO and Totemball, available for download from Xbox Live Marketplace.
While most limited editions of games offer up the same helping of concept art books, making-of videos, and the occasional game soundtrack, Capcom is taking a different route.
The publisher is hoping that the Collector's Edition of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition convinces multiplayer maniacs to pay an extra 10 bucks not only for the requisite bonus goodies, but for exclusive early access to a multiplayer map. The Lost Planet CE will retail for $69.99 (versus the $59.99 standard edition) and will hit shelves on January 12.
Capcom did not give specific details on the multiplayer map, but it did say that it would be free to everyone sometime in the summer. Also included in the CE is a concept art book, multimedia files including wallpapers, videos, and screenshots, and a soundtrack of select songs from the game.
Bungie used a similar incentive with Halo 2 to get gamers to pay for multiplayer maps. A few maps were made available for gamers willing to pay for early access to them, and then several months later were made free for all gamers.
The 360 HD DVD player may not be available just yet, but you can get some breathing room on everyone else this Xmas by pre-ordering yours today. Amazon has it only $199 with a release date of November 7. Goes great with the recent 360 update that enabled 1080p, but broke 360s, then was re-released.
Can Gears of War topple the mighty Halo 2? Probably not, but according to Microsoft the game has been in very high demand, second only to Master Chief's last outing in terms of presold copies and support from retailers. More within...
It's no secret that Microsoft Game Studios (MGS) is positioning Epic Games' Unreal-powered shooter Gears of War as the game for Xbox 360 owners to pick up this holiday season. In fact, even as early as this year's E3 Shane Kim, head of MGS, told us, "I do think that Gears of War is going to be that next big blockbuster."
Well, it appears that everything is going according to plan. Kim informed Reuters that demand for Gears of War has been so high that it's only second to the blockbuster Halo 2. As you may remember, Halo 2 set a record with day-one sales of $125 million. The game had pre-orders of 1.5 million and an additional million copies were sold in its first day of release.
Kim would not say exactly how many copies of Gears have been presold, but it's obviously quite high. "I can say that the demand, at least in terms of pre-orders and support and demand from retail partners, has been outstanding all over the world," he commented. "For Microsoft Game Studios it is the number two behind only Halo 2. That's a significant number."
So can Gears do the unthinkable and match or even topple Halo 2's numbers? There's certainly plenty of hype. As Reuters points out, a Google search for the game churns out well over 7 million results, which is apparently about 25 percent more than a search for Halo 2. That said, Halo 2 had the advantage of being released three years into the life of the original Xbox and gamers were clamoring for more Halo action, whereas Gears is a new IP, comes with a heftier price tag ($59.99) and is being released only one year into the life of the 360.
As Kim pointed out, "It's very unfair to compare any title to Halo, which is arguably the biggest franchise in our industry today. Halo 2 is just an unfair comparison for any title because that was just a different animal."
Nevertheless, he does expect Gears to have a significant impact on the success of 360 and Xbox Live. "In the same way that Halo 2 really drove Xbox Live and Xbox Live subscriptions, we think Gears of War will do the same for the Xbox 360," he noted. "We feel great [about] where we [are] going to be at the end of this holiday."
Kim went on to say that Gears is part of a two-pronged approach for Microsoft, as he stressed the importance of Rare's Viva Pinata, which the company hopes will bring more young gamers to the 360. "We intend to win this generation," Kim said regarding the competition.
Following the barrage of Halo 3 info that has exploded onto the net over the last week, the latest issue of EGM offers even more details on the seminal third shooter, including the first single-player details since this year's E3 in May.
Apparently a 20-second single-player preview was shown to the mag, with Master Chief "tearing" around a huge industrial compound with gunfire coming from all kinds of covenant craft, including a hulking Wraith and "what looks to be a new Brute Ghost".
Predictably that's all EGM managed to get out of Bungie on solo affairs, but there's also plenty of new multiplayer info in the mag, including "military" ranks separate from matchmaking, new voting options and further elaboration on the saveable movies, which can apparently be re-viewed in either first or third-person or in a "fly-it-yourself bird's eye view".
Game settings such as speed can now be assigned for individual players, with gravity and weapons players can pick up available for tweaking. This time around you can even give different handicaps to the winning or losing teams, such as making them more visible by setting them on fire (!).
Furthermore the purple spray-gun of death, the Needler is no-longer dual-wieldable, although Bungie apparently says that the new version of the weapon will be stronger, more balanced and "useable".
That's it for now, but we will of course be straight on the case when more info trickles from whatever magazine squeals next.
While the latest instalment of Tom Clancy's acclaimed tactical shooter Rainbow Six Vegas is waiting deployment on Xbox 360 later this month - with PSP and PC versions following hot on its heels - Ubisoft has unleashed a new screen barrage to whet your appetites for the R6 goodies to come.
Focusing on the garish Downtown area of the covert ops team's latest assignment, the new shots seem to illustrate you'll have plenty of time for targets of opportunity amidst the neon hell/paradise which is downtown Las Vegas.
Basically it's a whole lot of R6 Vegas screen goodness and will surely providing a scintillating taster of the action to come, enjoy.
Thanks to our colleagues at Gamefront.de we have managed to get our hands on some more screens and info on Ubisoft's much-desired Assassin's Creed.
As part of keeping the game grounded in history, the gameplay will remain realistic meaning that success in a sword fight will depend on good observation and timing rather than mastering combos. As Altair's acrobatics are modelled on those of a real-life, highly-trained athlete, don't expect him to be able to sustain regular knocks to the head without suffering the consequences.
More information has been revealed about the side-missions that Altair can choose to take on, which mostly revolve around helping the populace to get them on side. One mission revolves around the distinctly Robin Hood-flavoured notion of stealing money back from the corrupt to return it to the poor. The more allies you gain, the more help you'll receive in your future fleeing from the scenes of your crimes.
Konami's classic shooter Contra is blasting onto Xbox Live Arcade later this week, Microsoft has revealed.
The game will be available at 8am GMT this Wednesday, and can be purchased for 400 Microsoft points. As well as the original single-player game there's eight co-op levels for live or single-console play, as well as leaderboards and the usual list of achievements to unlock.
Look out for a review of some kind in the near future and in the meantime you can share your memories of the rock hard shooter (fave versions, bosses and golden moments) in our comments field below.
Senior VP of Atari Chris Bergstresser states that all of the games will be "Enhanced with leaderboards, achievements and multiplayer support, bringing these classic franchises to a whole new level - offering gamers an experience like they've never had before." The games will also apparently feature support for HD and enhanced sound effects, although it is unclear if the 'evolved' versions will feature updated graphics and gameplay tweaks from their classic iteration.
In combination with the earlier announcement of Contra surfacing this week on the download service, Live Arcade is maintaining its position as the place to go for new gamers to sample these retro classics.
As Sonic the Hedgehog speeds towards its release, we managed to rattle some new screens off him as he zoomed past.
These shots show how the blue 'hog has been humanised (read: given longer legs), but in our opinion it looks a little strange as he carries a lady to safety. Hopefully some sort of interspecies hedgehog / human love story isn't on the cards...
We will review the game shortly, but until then check out our preview.
Sonic the Hedgehog hits 360 on November 24, with a PS3 version to follow when the console finally hits Europe next year.
Pro Evo aficionados have hailed its next-gen debut on the Xbox 360, but there appears to be still room for improvement in Seabass's latest footy outing, especially in the online arena where Live users have been reporting a below par online play, with especial difficulty being reported in ranked matches.
But hats off to Konami who has acted swiftly to appease their collective displeasure with a freshly released statement to calm the pre-match nerves of the faithful. Posting on the always excellent PESFAN.com it stated; "Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH in Europe is aware of problems with the online elements of its Pro Evolution Soccer 6 titles. Konami apologise for any problems that some people might experiencing at times, and can reassure fans of the series that we are currently investigating the situation in order to present solutions as quickly as possible."
Such a swift mea culpa from any company is always welcome and it's nice to see Konami reacting so rapidly to the PES fans' concerns. Still, our good friend, CVG alumnus and Xbox Community guru AceyBongos has invited Pro Evo 6 players with issues to post their gripes here , so if you feel the need to let rip or let Konami know your PES 6 woes , now you can.
Before you can share a half-time virtual orange with us and post any problems you have experienced PES 6 online in our comments box below...
Epic Games has hinted further at plans to develop a sequel to Gears of War, in a pair of interviews with CVG.
"We've spent time developing a rich universe for Gears, and the story is absolutely larger than the one told in the game," says company president Mike Capps. "One could even argue that the ending cinematic leaves room for a sequel".
However, Mr. Capps goes on to state that the company has "no plans as of yet" for a sequel, and that the dev team "have a fair amount of rest and relaxation to worry about first "
Lead designer Cliffy B is also cautious over Gears 2 in our interview, saying he'll "wait for the gamers out there to play through the game before coming to any conclusions about future products."
However, a bit more optimistically he adds: "I love the universe and everything involved in it and if the game does amazingly well I wouldn't rule anything out!"
The XCM 360 Face Plate Pack 2 (there is 2 packs available) is a set of 5 Xbox 360 face plate including all of the flaps, springs, and IR cover you'd expect from a quality faceplate. They will not only make your Xbox 360 look unique, you can change its look often with the choice of 5 transluscent colored plastic plates.
Being transluscent, you can expect soon to be able to customize your Xbox 360 even more with lights!
This set (pack 2) includes the following colors:
- Diamond Clear
- Amethyst
- Sky Blue
- Crystal Lemon
- Romantic Pink
Theres also another set with
This set (pack 1) includes the following colors:
- Ocean blue
- Equinox black
- Woodland brown
- Apple green
- Ruby red
The Goat Store is well known to Dreamcast Fans and the Dreamcast Community as they are supporters of Dreamcast Homebrew and have published Homebrew games as Commercial releases.
They are also one of the Worlds best stockists of Retro Consoles and Games covering systems such as:
Atari
2600
5200
7800
Lynx
Jaguar
Jaguar CD
Nintendo
NES
Super Nintendo
Virtual Boy
Nintendo 64
Sega
Master System
Genesis
Game Gear
Sega CD
Sega 32X
Saturn
Dreamcast
Other
Odyssey 2
Intellivision
Colecovision
Turbografx-16
3DO
Check out The Goat Store, emulation is good but playing on the real thing cant be beaten.
Microsoft has struck a deal with major TV and movie companies in the US to offer downloadable content through Xbox Live.
The deal covers over 1000 hours worth of content, and includes full-length movies such as Superman Returns and Nacho Libre, popular TV shows CSI and Pimp My Ride and sports programming including Ultimate Fighting Championship and NASCAR – all of which will be available in standard and high-definition.
"This ground-breaking announcement is a win for everyone," said Peter Moore, Xbox VP for Microsoft.
"It connects our partners with one of the most coveted audiences in entertainment today, and provides even greater value to our Xbox Live community, allowing them to enjoy the games and entertainment they want, when they want it."
The initial catalogue of content has been promised before the end of the year in North America.
Warner Bros. will offer blockbuster movies The Matrix, Superman Returns and Batman Forever, while Paramount Pictures will release Mission: Impossible III, Nacho Libre and Jackass: The Movie via the service.
Content from The Cartoon Network will include Robot Chicken and Aqua Teen Hunger Force, while SpongeBob SquarePants and Avatar: The Last Airbender are due from Nikelodeon, along with Skyland and The Nicktoons Network Animation Festival from Nicktoons Network.
CBS is offering CSI, Survivor and remastered episodes of classic Star Trek, which will join Comedy Central's South Park and Chappelle's Show, and Hogan Knows Best and Breaking Bonaduce from VH1.
Spike TVs Carpocalypse and Raising the Roofs will join select episodes of UFC: All Access, Nascar.com's Race Rewind and MTVs Pimp My Ride and The Real World in rounding out the package.
Electronic Arts' racing franchise Need for Speed once again debuts at the top of the UK All Formats Charts, with latest offering Carbon claiming pole position with a lead over its nearest rival of just over 1000 units.
Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer 6, last week's number one, sits behind at number two in the charts, with FIFA 07 and The Sims 2: Pets at number three and four, respectively.
Rockstar's Canis Canem Edit fails to climb the charts, staying at number five, while the publisher's PSP title Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories makes its debut at number six.
Falling down the charts are Sega's Football Manager 2007 at number seven and Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent at eight.
The only other new entry in the top ten is THQ's expansion pack Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Dark Crusade at number nine, which sits ahead of VU Games' Scarface: The World is Yours at ten.
The other new entries in the top forty are Atari's Neverwinter Nights 2 at number 14, Activision's multi-format Marvel Ultimate Alliance at number 24 and Atari's Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenaichi at number 29.
THQ and Saints Row developer Volition have released a downloadable multiplayer map for the latter's Xbox 360 exclusive gangster-'em-up.
And before you go into auto-rant mode, as befits a lot of recent premium content releases, this one - the "Industrial Map Pack" - seems to come in at a reasonable price point of 80 points.
According to those involved, it takes place in an abandoned factory and is available for "Gangster Brawl and Big Ass Chains", which I stick in quotes partly because I've not played Saints Row a huge amount and partly because I haven't got time to wash my hands!
1up and EGM have had some time in the last month with the next iteration of Microsoft's Halo series. Several folks at the site have put up their impressions of the current build of the game, including some multiplayer feelings from EGM editor-in-chief Dan Hsu, a bunch of nice crunchy details from Mark Macdonald, a nostalgia-laiden look at the game from Luke Smith, and a potpourri of details from Crispin Boyer. From Luke's writeup:
"Maybe it was the first shooter I played that had some substance? Maybe it was that my best friend bought me a copy of the game for my birthday and I didn't even have the console yet. Maybe it was all of the traveling to play in Halo tournaments on weekends in college, but somewhere between Halo: Combat Evolved's release and now, Halo became my Mario. It is the game that made me care about video games like I did when I was 10."
Gears of War® is the first game developed by Epic Games exclusively for Microsoft Game Studios and Xbox 360™. Gears of War thrusts you into a deep and harrowing story of humankind’s epic battle for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of creatures that surface from the bowels of the planet.
In this third-person tactical action/horror game, live and breathe the role of Marcus Fenix. A disgraced former war hero, Marcus seeks personal redemption as he leads his fire team against an onslaught of merciless warrior fiends. Immerse yourself in an experience so intensely emotional and gut-wrenching that playing will be like controlling a blockbuster action movie.
Gears of War utilizes the breathtaking new Unreal Engine 3 to create cinematic, high-definition visuals for a gaming experience that truly ushers in the next generation. Experience beautifully rendered interactive environments and characters so lifelike they appear to be made of flesh and bone. The next-generation visuals create a world in which the tiniest detail is vivid in the largest battle.
Gears of War unites next-generation technology with classic, emotional storytelling and a revolutionary tactical combat system, engrossing the gamer in a horrifying epic story of war and survival.
An initial shipment of Microsoft's highly anticipated Gears of War for Xbox360™ has arrived today. Today's supply will be just enough to cover around 10% of all Asia Version Limited Collector's Edition preorders. More supply is expected during this as well as following week.
ollowing release version, guide books and sweaters are on sale at Play-Asia.com:
Gears of War ASIA US$ 39.90
Gears of War [Limited Collector's Edition] ASIA N/A
Gears of War US US$ 59.90
Gears of War [Limited Collector's Edition] US US$ 69.90
Gears of War Euro US$ 69.90
Gears of War [First Print Limited Edition] JPN US$ 64.90
Gears of War Signature Series Guide US US$ 19.90
Gears of War Limited Edition Strategy Guide (Leather Bound) US US$ 34.90
Gears of War Sweater (L) N/A
Gears of War Sweater (XL) US$ 19.90
Source: A picture snapped at a Microsoft Gears of War launch party last night by Flickr poster Plaid Ninja.
The official story: "We have not made any announcements at this time. Regarding a larger hard drive, it is always a possibility. The device is modular and there's the possibility that different hard drives will be available in the future. To reiterate, we have no plans to announce such an accessory in the near future."
What we heard: The specter of a 100GB hard drive has been brought up a number of times before, most recently last month in the form of a presentation at the Korean X06 event. And just like every other time it's come up, Microsoft is pointing out that it hasn't made any announcements. So since those previous rumors weren't followed by announcements of a larger hard drive, why is this one any different?
Well, for starters, yesterday Microsoft announced its impending introduction of on-demand video content for the Xbox 360 in the form of downloadable TV shows and film rentals, some in high-definition. With full-length HD movies taking up 5GB on the hard drive, there will soon be more demands than ever placed on 360 players' 20GB hard drives, many of which are already packed with ripped music, downloaded content, and Xbox Live Arcade games.
However, the appearance of a larger-than-normal hard drive at Microsoft's press event last night is a far cry from confirmation that the company will release such hardware options into the consumer market anytime soon. The gaming press is well accustomed to trying games out on non-standard hardware, from development kits to debug units; it doesn't mean those things are going to show up at Wal-Mart next week.
That said, Microsoft designed the system with a detachable hard drive in the first place, so larger drives are a very likely part of the company's master plan. And given yesterday's announcement, the crunch of hard drive space is likely to become a problem for gamers sooner rather than later. Still, for the moment, there's nothing concrete.
Positive review scores; Epic's Gears of War for the 360 is getting them in spades, and not just with the early birds. The game is being pitched as a tactical action/survival horror third-person shooter heavy on the co-operative side. Oh, and from what the reviews have implied, you've never seen better console graphics before. With a current average review of 95/100, here is some launch day praise for the game:
DailyGame (90/100): "It's not nearly as epic as we would have liked, but the gameplay provides some fantastic moments and introduces some new aspects to a mainstream shooter. The graphics and online co-op are simply phenomenal."
IGN (94/100): "There is a healthy learning curve to the cover system, but those who master it will find Epic's twisting and turning and rolling an exciting change-up in the shooter genre, a blend of fast-arcade action and basic, tactical maneuvering. The Insane difficulty level gives Gears legs months after you've finished the relatively-short campaign, and even with a friend it is an impossible, irresistible challenge."
Game Informer (95/100): "This is one of the best co-op games I have played, especially when you crank the difficulty past Casual and up into the Hardcore and Insane levels. Working with your buddy to flank and outwit the enemy is a blast."
1UP (100/100): "Each stage is memorable...They all combine for an unforgettable adventure through 36 hectic, desperate hours of a group of soldiers' lives...A visual and visceral masterpiece."
Good to see the game living up to the hype. Nice work Epic, and it should be interesting to see how well this golden title can keep eyes turned to the 360 in a post Wii and PS3 world later this month.
Well, right now what we’re doing is really specific to the XBOX 360. It’s also for the U.S. only, but the platform is built and we’re able now to get more locally relevant content on the market as we span across the world. We also, as you know, are doing things to bring the functionality of Live to Windows and mobile phones, and things like that. Right now, this entertainment strategy is really focused on adding TV, movies, and other entertainment content to the XBOX 360 experience.
Well this is certainly a pain for the people in the UK, Australia etc... looking forward to this service, I still hope the separate account workaround will still be working when this thing launches.
Novadrome, developed by Stainless (the minds behind Carmageddon), is an arena-based battle game in which players control of "biggy-like" vehicles, armed to the teeth with various paticle, beam and physics weapons in huge sci-fi environments.
A total of 24 vehicles will be available, which can be thrashed around the selection of 15 arenas in the game.
Both online and offline modes will be included, with Career, Arcade and Freeplay modes available, as well as multiplayer which will allow players to do battle over Xbox Live in "highly-customisable" multiplayer bouts.
Novadrome will be available for download through Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade service in December.
H3Enterprises, the "first publicly traded company dedicated to the Hip Hop culture and lifestyle" announced today that it will be launching the "H3TV," purportedly the first flat screen display specifically for "video gamers"-their quotes, not ours.
The press release revealed that the H3TV will "contain multiple Xbox 360s" as well as "GenAudio's 4D 'Astound Sound,' the finest sound system available." No other specs were revealed, other than the proclamation that the display will boast "the highest resolution in the industry" and was "designed to be the LCD flat screen of the 'hip-hop generation.'"
Adrian "Hollywood" Walton and a person named HarlemHoopHero will be holding a demonstration of the product in St. Petersburg, Florida on November 8. "Hollywood" Walton enthuses in the press release, "Everyone I know, particularly all the real Players, wants to load up with flat screens everywhere."
No doubt 'holmes. We're assuming the Players he refers to are the hip hop 'playas' and not the "video gamers" previously referenced, but that's okay since we like LCDs everywhere too. We contacted H3 PR representatives for further information, like size, price, pictures, and exactly what the apparently numerous built-in Xbox 360s will be used for, but have been told we'll have to wait until Monday for specific information of this sort.
Still rubbish at Need For Speed Carbon? Then EA's offering the chance to download a few cars that you're too rubbish to unlock in the Career mode. You disgust me.
Achievable without purchase through the Career mode, according to Major Nelson's blog, the NFS Carbon extras are the 2004 Mercedes SLR McLaren, the 2004 Porsche Carrera GT and the 2004 Lamborghini Gallardo.
All cost 80 Microsoft points, and all are presumably very shiny.
Last night, Microsoft unveiled an ambitious plan to make available a sizeable offering of high-definition movies and television shows on Xbox Live on demand. As is becoming common in the increasingly acrimonious next-gen console war, one side was quick to respond with a scathing criticism of the other's latest move.
"I think they are doing a disservice to their consumer base because they are ignoring all those people who bought the Core system," said Sony Computer Entertainment America PR chief Dave Karraker, referring to the lower-end $299 Xbox 360 system. Said system does not come with the attachable hard drive necessary to store content downloaded off of Xbox Live.
Naturally, SCEA's head spokesman pointed out that both the $499 and $599 models of the PlayStation 3 have hard drives built in. "We would never segregate or shut out any of our consumers from our entertainment experience because they didn't buy the top of the line system," said Karraker. The HDD-equipped premium Xbox 360 costs $399, and the hard drive itself costs $99.99 when bought separately.
The executive also pointed out the fact that 7 gigabytes of the Xbox 360's 20-gigabyte hard drive are taken up by preloaded content, such as the game Hexic, and its operating system. He did not point out the fact that nearly 4GB of said content is deletable. Since only test units have been made available to the press, it is unknown how much of the final retail PS3s' hard drives, which weigh in at 20GB or 60GB, will be taken up by their operating systems and preloaded content.
Microsoft plans on launching its video and movie service on November 22. Sony executives said at its 2006 Gamers Day that the company will eventually tap its vast library of music, video, and movie content to distribute online to PS3s, but they won't say when. "We haven't announced when other entertainment content, beyond games, will be available from the PlayStation Store," said Karraker.
NBC Universal Digital Studios has entered into a deal with MSN to produce exclusive content for web distribution. Universal plans to unveil A Big Life With Sissy Biggers this fall, which will be completely exclusive to MSN and will have interactive features.
A Big Life is not exactly a program most gamers would normally watch; the show is a humorous approach to various lifestyle activities such as gardening and cooking. However, if this formatting becomes popular, production of shows friendly to traditional gamers is a reasonable assumption.
If the MSN exclusives become a hit, could we expect Microsoft to move the format to the 360 and produce exclusive HD content? Convincing studios to make 360 shows could be a powerful weapon in Microsoft's arsenal to battle the PS3. The 360 is already getting digitally distributed television shows, but would you be more willing to buy television shows and movies for your 360 if you knew that was the only place you could watch them? Word on the street is Bill Gates is planning a weekly series where he acts out scenes from your favorite games. I'd buy that.
Last Tuesday, we found ourselves rushing out to a local Toys "R" Us to pick up Microsoft's official VGA cable after our trusty Dell 2405FPW balked at dishing out 1080p over component. Regardless, we wanted to watch our 1080p upscaled DVDs and -- due to all sorts of arcane legal restrictions -- Microsoft is only able to offer that service over VGA and not component (note: reason #38 why we want an HDMI connection).
So, you'll appreciate our dismay when we plugged in our new ($50!) cable, only to find that our display had serious issues with the 360's VGA connection -- it was entirely washed out, a known issue with the Xbox 360's VGA implementation apparently. But there's more! Any resolution, not just 1920x1080, exhibits a significant amount of screen tearing, which isn't replicated using component. And one last thing. Some televisions, most notably Sony's LCD XBR series, that are supposed to accept 1080p over component just flat out refuse. Just reading through the AVS Forums thread on the topic should be enough to convince anyone that something's rotten in the state of 1080p on the 360.
Microsoft podcaster Major Nelson brings word that the team in Redmond is aware of the 1080p issues and are working on a fix ... at around 8 minutes into his latest 'cast (number 200, congrats!), he says the display issue is "kind of this bug that the guys are working on and they are aware of." He limits it to simply the 1080p over component issue, so let's hope that Microsoft takes the opportunity to isolate and correct the outstanding VGA issues as well.
features
Feel the power: Experience the first WWII combat game built exclusively for next-gen. See the battle come to life with advanced graphics, a new physics engine, and animations and environments that deliver you right into the heart of the action.
Take up arms: Choose to get up close and personal with your enemies using an all-new battle mechanic. Adapt to situations and improvise as you disarm traps, assemble explosive devices, and use your cunning and reflexes to escape a host of battlefield situations.
Make the call: New, next-gen level design offers multiple attack routes, allowing for branching mission paths that let players decide how to confront the enemy. Will you flank your opponents or hit them head-on? Each unique path will require special tactics, from sniping to demolition to all-out, straight-ahead clashes.
Go to war: Battle it out online with up to 24 players in either single or split screen play. Run and gun or commandeer multiple occupancy vehicles including tanks, motorcycles, and jeeps. A ranking system and soldier classes with unique abilities offer a diverse combat experience like no other.
Try to hide: New environmental physics allow players to destroy soft cover hideouts, exposing their enemies. Force your opponents into the open, but watch out that your cover isn't eliminated, exposing you!
description
The follow-up to the best-selling next-generation game, Call of Duty® 3 delivers more intense combat than ever before. Follow the Allies on the Normany Breakthrough campaign as they push inland to liberate Paris and take the first step on the path to Berlin.
Through a seamless narrative that delivers the rush of unrelenting battle and breathtaking action, players assume the roles of four ordinary Allied soldiers—American, British, Canadian and Polish—and are thrust onto an authentic, living battlefield for an unprecedented variety of combat.
Experience advanced high-definition graphics, detailed character animations, and explosive on-screen action, delivering the most immersive and cinematically intense war experience ever.
New Wireless keyboard that works on PS3 and Xbox 360 has been released, heres the details:
features
RF wireless keyboard
Japanese keyboard style
2 meter operating distance
Officially licensed accessory
Ideal for online gaming, such as Final Fantasy XI and others
The high season for the game industry is coming _ Christmas and the New Year. Game developers and distributors are ready to unveil blockbuster games, filling the markets with new games and giving gamers more choices.
Microsoft seems to be even busier this season with the release of new games for Xbox 360 and also for the preparation of the battle with other new consoles _ PlayStation3 of Sony and Wii of Nintendo _ which launches are due from in November.
``We need to act like a leader in order to be a leader,¡¯¡¯ Tae Lee, global marketing manager of Microsoft, told The Korea Times last week. ``We¡¯re now heavily investing in new exclusive games on the platform with a lot of online features, just trying to win the hearts and minds of gamers.¡¯¡¯
Lee visited Seoul last week to promote the upcoming games along with his colleague Hees Kyung, global product manager of Microsoft. The two Korean-Americans, who now work at the headquarters in the United States, came here with the robust lineup of upcoming blockbuster titles, and their visit to Seoul was part of the Asian promotional tour.
Tae Lee, left, global marketing manager of Microsoft, and Hees Kyung, global product manager, visited Seoul last week to promote upcoming games on Xbox 360.
The launch titles include strategy action game ``Gears of War¡¯¡¯ due on Nov. 10, simulation game ``Viva Pinata¡¯¡¯ on Nov. 17, role-playing game ``Blue Dragon¡¯¡¯ on Dec. 7, with a fully localized version due in March, the first-person-shooting game ``Crackdown,¡¯¡¯ and racing game ``Forza Motor Sports 2¡¯¡¯ due in the early 2007.
At first glance, it is obvious that Microsoft made an effort to release games in diversified genres. It is largely attributed to the fact that their first console Xbox was a commercial flop in Asia mainly because it did not provide enough games appealing to players in the region.
In the past, they had only one strategy to tap foreign markets, but they are now customizing approaches depending on the characteristics of each different market and gamer, which is the reason that they will release many exclusive games such as ``Blue Dragon¡¯¡¯ and ``Viva Pinata¡¯¡¯ for Asian gamers, Lee said.
``At the end of 2006, we¡¯re planning to sell more than 10 million consoles. And when we hit that goal, I think that¡¯s when we reach the mass market. With 10 million console owners out there, it¡¯s going to spread much quicker and the publishers are going to be much more willing to develop more games on the platform,¡¯¡¯ Lee said.
Lee agreed that the Korean game market has been somehow neglected because it is too small compared to others in the U.S. and Japan and it is dominated by online games, but he believed that the Korean market has huge potential.
``Personally, I¡¯ve been pushing the Korean region as one of the biggest markets for us. Per capita, a Korean spends more money on entertainment than any other country in the world. In terms of online gaming, consumers spend more money toward that,¡¯¡¯ Lee said.
As many start to appreciate other types of games in Korea, he thinks Xbox 360 can be very successful. They will release more exclusive games in the future, and many of them will also be developed by Korean or Japanese companies to add Asian touches and flavors for appeal, he said.
Team 17 boss Martyn Brown has revealed that the Xbox Live Arcade version of Worms is in "final certification stages".
An announcement about when we can expect it ought to be made soon, by the sound of it, with discussions with Microsoft planned for next week.
"MS has a schedule of releases and we'll soon find out how we fit into that," he told the developer's official forum.
It's not the only digitally distributed Team 17 game out soon mind you, as the company's also responsible for the PlayStation 3 e-Distribution Initiative's version of Lemmings 2.
Talismoon released a small kit that allow to install a window on your XBOX 360.
More Info
The Talismoon Xray Window kit for Xbox 360. The Xray is a top quality molded acrylic one piece window. Features include an attractive bevel on the edge, which is complemented with a 'frosted" pattern that helps to make a good transition between the OEM case and the new internal view that awaits you. 16 integrated hooks clip firmly and quickly to the OEM microsoft case.
Universal instructions are printed on an adhesive template used when you cut your OEM case. And Talismoon includes a microfiber polishing cloth so that your Xray window kit will be so clear that your friends will swear it is not even there.
If you have a clear Xbox 360 or a window installed on your oem case like the Talismoon X-Ray, you absolutely need a new fan duct. The oem one is so boring. Talismoon just released three fan ducts to fix that: Crystal Flow, Chrome Flow and Twilight Flow.
More Info
Let the heat out of your console with the Chrome Flow tunnel by Talismoon. Just snap it in place of your OEM Xbox 360 fan duct and enjoy the better look!
Made of polycarbonate, the *highest* quality --top clear-- plastic, our Crystal Flow fan duct for Xbox 360 is as clear as possible. This means no distortion or fog, and it means that you can see more details on your xbox mainboard than ever before. The Crystal Flow is a direct replacement for the OEM fan duct, with minor modifications. A great compliment to the Xray window kit, or a clear xbox 360 case.
Well looky looky here, we landed an Xbox HD DVD drive. We're already all well aware of what it can and can't do; we just know you want the pics of the unboxing, it sitting next to the Xbox, and maybe a few bonus shots next to a real life HD DVD player. Hell, we'll even throw in some pics of it next to the competition (you know what we're talking about). Click on, enjoy!
PlayStation2™:
Area 51 JPN US$ 64.90
I's Pure JPN US$ 64.90
Mai-Kinoto Hime JPN US$ 64.90
Mai-Kinoto Hime [Limited Edition] JPN N/A
New Jinsei Game (PlayStation2 the Best) JPN US$ 39.90
Okami (English language Version) KOR US$ 59.90
Okami (Japanese language Version) KOR US$ 59.90
SSX On Tour (EA Best Hits) JPN US$ 34.90
Simple 2000 Series Ultimate Vol. 33: Ururun Quest JPN US$ 25.90
Simple 2000 Series Ultimate Vol. 34: Sakigake!! Otokojuku JPN US$ 25.90
More supply of the Mai-Kinoto Hime [Limited Edition] is confirmed to arrive on or before Monday.
Nintendo DS™:
Black Jack: Hi no Tori Hen JPN US$ 48.90
Elite Beat Agents US US$ 39.90
Konductra US US$ 39.90
Me de Unou wo Kitaeru: DS Sokudoku Jutsu JPN US$ 29.90
Mezase! Shoujo Manga Ka! Chao Manga School JPN US$ 48.90
Scurge: Hive US US$ 39.90
Touch Detective US US$ 39.90
Zaidan Houjin Nippon Kanji Nouryoku Kentei Kyoukai Koushiki Soft: 200 Mannin no KanKen: Tokoton Kanji Nou JPN US$ 39.90
Sony PSP™:
BattleZone US US$ 39.90
Death Jr. II: Root of Evil US US$ 39.90
Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony US US$ 39.90
Every Extend Extra US N/A
FIFA Soccer 07 KOR US$ 49.90
Gangs of London ASIA US$ 42.90
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories US US$ 49.90
Harukanaru Jikuu no Uchi de 2 (Koei Selection) JPN US$ 19.90
Killzone Liberation US US$ 39.90
La Corda d'Oro (Koei the Best) JPN US$ 29.90
Lumines II US US$ 39.90
NBA Live 07 KOR US$ 49.90
Need For Speed: Carbon Own the City (Chinese Packing) ASIA US$ 42.90
Nobunaga no Yabou: Tenshoki (Koei the Best) JPN US$ 29.90
Powerstone Collection US US$ 34.90
Rush US N/A
Sangokushi V / Romance of the Three Kingdoms V (Koei Selection) JPN US$ 19.90
Sangokushi VI / Romance of the Three Kingdoms VI (Koei the Best) JPN US$ 29.90
Toys, Books, Magazines & Misc:
Dot-S Puzzle: Super Mario Bros. 3 (04-Type A) US$ 9.90
Dot-S Puzzle: Super Mario Bros. 3 (04-Type B) US$ 9.90
Dot-S Puzzle: Super Mario Bros. 3 (05-Type A) US$ 9.90
Dot-S Puzzle: Super Mario Bros. 3 (05-Type B) US$ 9.90
Fairy Musketeers Figure Collection Vol.1 US$ 4.90
Fate/Hollow Ataraxia 1/6 Scale Pre-painted PVC Figure - Caren Ortensia [Prologue Ver.] US$ 64.90
Final Fantasy XII Official Strategy Guide US US$ 22.90
Gears of War Sweater (L) N/A
Gears of War Sweater (XL) N/A
Gears of War Sweater (XXL) N/A
Ikkitousen: 1/7 Scale Painted PVC Figure - Kanu Untyou (Red Version) US$ 44.90
Keroro Collection Keychain Bell Gashapon US$ 2.49
Mai-Hime Z 1/10 Scale Pre-painted PVC Figure - Shizuru Viola US$ 59.90
Naruto Collection Candy Toy - Kuchiyose no Zyutsu US$ 5.90
Neon Genesis Evangelion 1/6 Scale Pre-painted PVC Figure: Asuka Langley (Waterdrop Ver.) US$ 79.90
OS-Idol: 1/7 Scale Painted PVC Figure - Win Chan Ver. 2 US$ 36.90
Shakugan no Shana 1/8 Scale Pre-painted PVC Figure - Shana (Contract of Fate Version) US$ 54.90
Shakugan no Shana 1/8 Scale Pre-painted PVC Figure - Shana (The Girl from Tendokyu Version) US$ 54.90
To Heart 2 1/8 Scale Pre-Painted Figure: Lucy Maria Misora US$ 49.90
Toypla Original Mutsuki School Girl Pre-painted PVC Figure US$ 54.90
Video Game related Soundtracks:
Mermaid Prism Original Soundtrack JPN US$ 27.90
Naruto Konoha Spirit Original Game Soundtrack JPN US$ 18.90
Ryu-Koku -Original Drama Collection- JPN US$ 27.90
Tenshou Gakuen Gekkou Hasumi Original Soundtrack JPN US$ 31.90
Tsuyokisu -Mighty Heart- Original Song Series Vol.5 JPN US$ 15.90
Tsuyokisu -Mighty Heart- Original Song Series Vol.6 JPN US$ 15.90
Sources at Taiwan optical disc makers makers indicated demand has been warming up for DVD+R/-R DL (single-sided double-layer) discs recently, following the increased availability of a modding hack that allows for the playing of pirated games on Xbox 360 consoles.
According to various media reports, the hacked games need to be burned onto a dual-layer DVD using a special process before they can be played.
Before the hack became widely available, sales for DVD+R/-R discs had been sluggish due to its relative high retail price and limited applications. Demand is also driven from the extending penetration rate of DL-support recorders, the sources added.
Global DVD+R/-R DL disc shipments are expected to reach 100 million in 2006 and should double in 2007, according to Japan-based Fujiwara research. Taiwan players are more optimistic about shipment trends, projecting sales of more than 100 million DVD+R/-R discs for this year.
Current DVD+R/-R DL disc shipments are dominated by Taiwan makers including CMC Magnetics and Ritek, with CMC taking about a 20-30% share of the market while Ritek has 60-70%. With Japanese vendors placing more emphasis on Blu-ray Disc (BD)-R/-RW and HD DVD-R deployment, Taiwan vendors should see stronger side benefits accordingly.
The DS lite sales fall back to normal levels after last weeks big increase, as the PS2, PSP GBAs continue their slow, but steady decline.
But good news for MS as Xbox 360 Sales increase over 4 fold, putting them in (a distant) 4th place. Xbox 360 should get another sales boost when the 2nd Core System is launched (Dec-7).
But before that the PS3 will be making a big impact with it's launch on the 11th Nov, (well a 80,000 max impact)
On a sad note, RIP Xbox (original) with no sales this week
All hardware sales dropped in October, just before the holiday rush. The DS continues to dominate the sales. The 360, still struggling to beat the PS2 but the gap is closing, while on the other hand, the gap between the GBA and PSP grows.
Rounding out the bottom of the chart, the Xbox and Gamecubes sales keep falling as they give way to the next gen.
Lost Planet's multiplayer demo will be released onto Xbox Live Marketplace on 23rd November, Capcom has announced.
It'll be free, obviously, and will offer four gameplay modes (Elimination, Team Elimination, Post Grab and Fugitive) with support for 16 players on the "Pirate Fortress" multiplayer map.
There you'll be able to sample some of the game's weapons on-foot, like the meaty rocket launcher, and also tackle one another in the Vital Suits (mechs) that form part of the action.
"Well in excess of 500,000 people have downloaded Lost Planet's single player demo," Capcom Europe president Hiroshi Tobisawa revealed.
"We are now pleased to offer Xbox 360 gamers the opportunity to sample the game's adrenaline pumping multiplayer mode and test their skills against players around the world," he added.
The full version of Lost Planet, Capcom's second major Xbox 360 exclusive after Dead Rising, is due out in Europe on 12th January.
Xbox 360 titles Forza Motorsport 2, Crackdown, Shadowrun and Too Human are now down for release at the end of June 2007, Peter Moore has admitted.
Speaking to MTV, the Xbox boss also said he'd recently played a build of Halo 3 - expected by most to release in late 2007 - and that it was "everything people would expect to see in a next-generation version of Halo".
Sadly though he didn't have an update on what film director Peter Jackson's doing, with no word on whether any of his Xbox projects would launch in 2007.
Moore's comments come in the same week as Microsoft revealed its plans to launch digital TV and film downloads in the US on 22nd November - with the Xbox man describing it as "a shot across the bow" of competitors Sony and Nintendo.
And on the subject of films, he also had some encouraging words for those still hoping for the Halo film to get going. "While we have no deals to announce, everyone in Hollywood is looking at it," he said. In fact, "several studios" have popped round to see the work that's already been done.
"For the magnitude of what the script is - I've read the screenplay - and what we need to do to uphold the 'Halo' universe for its legion of fans in the way they want to see a movie being made, no, it won't be next year," he added.
Finally, he responded to criticisms recently of publishers' behaviour on Xbox Live Marketplace - where Electronic Arts in particular has come under fire for charging consumers for things they can unlock in-game, and holding some elements back to sell separately.
"The consumer has the ability to vote. And they vote with the A-button most of the time. Either they download it or not," he said. "I think publishers, and we're a publisher as well, will get the message."
The latest studio to be approved by Microsoft as an Xbox 360 developer is Frozen Codebase, a Wisconsin-based independent developer which has been founded by veterans from a number of major studios.
The firm started work on Xbox 360 titles earlier this year, and boasts former staff from developers including Raven Software, Radical Entertainment, GarageGames and Astral Entertainment among the talent who have come together to create the studio.
One of the interesting aspects about Frozen Codebase, which was founded by industry verteran Ben Gelsler, is that it is funded with venture capital rather than depending on publisher advances from the outset - a relatively rare thing among independent development studios.
"Frozen Codebase is receiving fantastic feedback on our first game and is poised for success," claimed Gelsler in a statement today. "We have a strong working relationship with Microsoft whose XBox 360 console provides an exciting game development platform. GarageGames is providing the underlying 'Torque' game engine."
None of which, sadly, gives us any idea of what exactly Frozen Codebase is working on for the 360 - but given the talent involved, and the creative freedom which being venture capital funded gives a studio, we'll be sure to keep an eye on it.
Microsoft may be happy with a second Christmas without next-generation competition from Sony, but it wants to go head-to-head with its rival so that consumers can finally compare the two console offerings.
Speaking exclusively to GamesIndustry.biz, Xbox boss Neil Thompson also stated that he only sees Nintendo's Wii as a product that will compete with 360 in the most basic sense this Christmas – as a product that may steal consumer pounds.
When asked about Microsoft's reaction to the news that the PS3 would not launch in Europe this side of Christmas, Thompson replied: "In some ways it would have been good if it had, because then people could have really made the comparison. Sometimes it's worse when you're fighting a myth, than when you're fighting reality."
"In a lot of ways we'd like people to put the system side-by-side and see whether people want a platform where they're paying for Blu-ray straight away. Is Blu-ray that important to you that you want to buy into that platform right now and spend GBP 500 doing that? Or do you want a gaming system that has more high-definition gaming content today, has a better online service and provides you the choice of whether you want to upgrade to the next-generation of DVD platform in the future?"
"We would have quite liked to have gone head-to-head on those issues because we feel very strongly that we have an incredibly compelling offering," he added.
And despite Nintendo warning retail channels its Wii console may sell out in Europe this Christmas, Thompson is adamant that the new system will not encroach on Microsoft's space.
"It has the potential of taking consumers spend and wallet share away from us in general, but at a product comparison level it's not competing with us at all. It's an innovative, low-definition product," said Thompson.
"People will make a clear decision as to whether they want that sort of product – a kids toy – or they want high-definition gaming and entertainment and all that it brings."
"They are only a competitor in so much as they'll take consumers pounds and I'd like to have as many of those as I can," he concluded.
features
Signature Style - Every player’s play style has been captured for the first time in a simulation for a look and feel that plays as individually as the athlete.
Shot Stick Pro - The award winning technical achievement of 2K6 is back with more intuitive shooting touch, control and finesse than ever.
24/7: Next - Play your way through street mode with a fully developed storyline where you can prove you belong with the NBA's elite.
Isolated Post Play - Dominate your opposition in the paint with authentic NBA motion captured post moves like quick spins, drop steps, hooks, and fade aways.
The Association™ - Take total control of the deepest franchise mode in the business now with multiplayer franchise, 3 team trading, progressive fatigue, and season awards races.
2K Sports Online Play - Go head-to-head and compete in leagues and tournaments against the best players on the planet.
Game Soundtrack - A Tribe Called Quest, Mos Def, Fabolous, E40, and many others. Production by Dan the Automator.
Player Creator - Experience the deepest create a player feature in gaming today. With powerful new technology, every single aspect of creating a player is now at your fingertips.
V.I.P. System™ - After your game, save your friends’ profiles to compete when they’re not available! Learn their tendencies, moves, & logic for more heated battles.
description
Voted best current and next-generation NBA hoops franchise by both press and gamers, NBA 2K7 will continue its legacy of dominance this year on the hard court. With incredible graphics, tight control and a revolutionary shooting game, NBA 2K7 is poised for another run as #1 rated NBA simulation.
Sony have seemingly dropped a bombshell already with news on one of their sites that reads:
PLAYSTATION®3 allows any desired third-party system software to be installed on it besides its system software provided by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Details will be posted on this site soon.
Is homebrew from the start a reality, well we all hope so, keep your eyes focused on PS3 Evolution for any breaking details regarding homebrew on the PS3.
Viva Piñata may not be out here until 1st December, but the game's launch in the US has prompted the game's first downloadable content.
Available now (we checked) for 90 Microsoft points, the Viva Piñata accessory pack consists of the Vela Wig and Juno Helmet, which apparently fit most piñata. You'll be able to obtain them from Paper Pets in the village.
If you ask us, this sort of thing is only likely to reawaken the debate about whether day-one downloads that probably could've been bundled on the disc are ethical - but we'll leave that bit up to you.
The comfort, I suppose, is that you can do as Peter Moore suggested and "vote with your A button" rather easily on this one, since the only people who have it are the ones who imported it.
This obviously sounds way too good to be true, so consider it rumor/unicorn-caliber fantasy at this point, but Techcrunch is saying they have a "rock solid source" telling them that mega-retailer Amazon will be selling some Xbox 360's for $100.
Yeah. $100. That isn't a typo. $100. Just to be clear, that's $100. Got it? One hundred dollars. American.
They point to the "Core System" as the model to be promotionally slashed, but don't give any other specifics about what else to expect. Keep your eyes peeled and your F5 well-oiled for maximum cheap ass gaming potential.
Teen put in hospital by 36-year-old man as a result of stock shortages
While it’s normally hardware launches that prompt violence and silliness, it would seem that recently reviewed title Gears of War reached such a level of hype that some customers were actually prepared to use their fists to secure themselves a copy.
According to reports currently floating around the internet, a 15-year-old boy was attacked and actually put into hospital by a 36-year-old man who kicked off in a queue outside a branch of Gamestop in Detroit.
Apparently, the argument developed after store clerks informed the crowd that stocks were running out, at which point the 36-year-old customer attempted to cut in line and when challenged swore at and repeatedly punched the 15-year-old who was to receive the last copy of the game.
Naturally the police were called and the man was arrested for aggravated assault and is currently awaiting arraignment at a local correctional facility.
The kid on the other hand was so badly beaten that he had to go to hospital for treatment to wounds on his face, head and neck. The real bummer though is he doesn’t even have his rightful copy of Gears of War to play as he mends either – this is currently being held by police as evidence.
Microsoft is staking a serious claim for Christmas supremacy with a £14 million total marketing spend on Xbox 360 and triple-A titles like Gears of War.
While Nintendo readies its own £12.5m push and Sony cracks open a £7m marketing warchest, Microsoft is set to lead the pack with what is a record spend for the platform holder.
“It’s probably well in excess of double what we’ve typically spent on a Christmas,” Xbox marketing boss Stephen McGill told MCV. “With Sony not being here and Nintendo coming in with limited stock the opportunity for us is pretty significant. Most of the £14 million will be spent on getting consistent TV airtime.”
And as Xbox 360 approaches its first birthday, Microsoft is targeting the platform’s range of product as the key differentiator.
“Our whole thing is about choice. We’ve got two different versions of the console, and a huge choice of games. It's also about how much you want to engage with it - if you want to get online or play Live Arcade games, gamers can go for it. It’s up to them.”
With the small matter of a hardware launch to organise, Nintendo will be looking to make an impact too. As revealed by MCV, the firm is splashing £6.5m on Wii and backing DS with a series of initiatives totalling £6m.
“You won’t be able to miss Wii on TV this Christmas,” Nintendo product manager Rob Lowe told MCV. “We will be supported with our heaviest ever online spend, and a large-scale print and cinema campaign,”
And of course Sony is ramping up its efforts too, with £7 million earmarked to push both PS2 and PSP. “PlayStation has always had a focus on TV at Christmas and this year will be no different,” said UK marketing manager Mary Tristram. “We will make sure that we extend the experience online and in print but the majority of the spend will be based on TV.”
A new version of Connect360 has been released, Connect360 is a tool to stream your music, images and also wmv videos from your Mac to your Xbox 360.
What's new
* (v2.8) Adds WMV+WMA video playback (Use Flip4Mac to convert your videos to WMV)
* (v2.8) Minor bug fixes
* (v2.6) No longer shows empty Podcasts playlist if podcasts are not being shared
* (v2.6) Improves iTunes 7 compatibility
* (v2.6) Fixes artist tag missing when viewing song information on the 360
* (v2.5) Added "Do not share podcasts" option
* (v2.5) Fixes browse Albums by Artist bug
* (v2.5) Performance optimizations
All lists are based on World Wide Unique Users on Xbox Live. These lists are based on title usage (while connected to Xbox Live.)
Xbox 360 Top Live Titles (UU’s)
1 Gears of War
2 Call of Duty 2
3 Splinter Cell Double Agent
4 Need for Speed™ Carbon
5 Madden NFL 07
6 Ghost Recon 3
7 Saints Row
8 Pro Evolution Soccer 6
9 Call Of Duty 3
10 Final Fantasy XI
Top Arcade Titles (Full Versions)
1 Contra
2 UNO
3 Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
4 Texas Hold 'em
5 Geometry Wars Evolved
6 Hexic HD
7 LUMINES LIVE!
8 DOOM
9 Street Fighter II' Hyper Fighting
10 Bankshot Billiards 2
Original Xbox Top Live Games
1 Halo 2
2 Battlefield 2: MC
3 Madden NFL 07
4 Counter-Strike
5 Rainbow Six 3 BA
6 Star Wars: Battlfrnt 2
7 Forza Motorsport
8 Splinter Cell-DA
9 Splinter Cell Chaos
10 Rainbow Six 3
If the Xbox 360 list and the Original Xbox list were combined, then Halo 2 would be the top Xbox Live title, followed by Xbox 360 titles.
Maybe when Gears of War comes out in Europe on friday, it could unseat Halo 2 from the top seat?
If Christmas wasn't expensive enough, Microsoft has just made sure it'll break your piggy banks this year.
December 1 sees the release of the 360 HD-DVD player (originally touted for a Nov. launch) at £129.99 with a copy if HD-DVD King Kong.
The same day will also see the launch of the £89.99 Wireless Racing Wheel, bundled with PGR3 (while stocks last). Before that though a wireless headset is due to land on Nov. 17 for £34.99.
"It's horse party time!" is the cry that's going out as we discover that our US copy of Viva Piñata works fine on a PAL Xbox 360. We thought you'd want to know.
That puts it in good company of course, with Gears of War having been confirmed as region-free last week too. Except in Viva's case, the wait for the PAL version would otherwise be longer - now you can nab it from the US without having to hang around until 1st December.
The XBox 360's affordable HD-DVD, with the help of some custom drivers and a specific player, has been hacked to work with any Windows XP machine. This may have created the cheapest HD-DVD player on the market to date
Halo 3 developer Bungie has hinted that some "BIG surprises" about Master Chief's third outing will be coming our way in the next few days, to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the launch of Halo: Combat Evolved - first released in the US this week back in 2002.
The teasing hint appears in Bungie's latest weekly update during which the super-dev also promises to take a "lingering look at the series to date" for Halo's birthday week.
Bungie loves to drip feed hungry eyed gamers with lip-smacking nuggets of Halo info, so expect to be pointing your eyes at some big news before the weekend
The utterly unmissable Xbox 360 shoot-'em-up Gears of War gets its UK release this Friday. And to celebrate we've teamed up with Microsoft and Epic Games to offer five lucky winners a copy of the special edition version of the game and a limited edition Gears of War faceplate for your 360. Can't say fairer than that.
The game scored 10/10 in our review and we can honestly say it's brain-meltingly, face-chainsawingly good. But this special edition makes a brilliant game even better by including an embossed metal case, Destroyed Beauty hardbound art book and a bonus DVD featuring, among other things, a 'making of' documentary.
So, what do you have to do to be in with a chance of winning? It's dead easy - just email us the answer to the following question and the first five names out of the hat will grab the gear. Here goes:
What did Gears of War score in our review?
a) 6/10
b) 9/10
c) 10/10
If you think you know the answer, click here to email us with your answer, name and full address. The closing date for entries is Monday 11 December 2006. Due to the game's 18 certificate, the competition is open to over-18s only.
You've got a voice. Now use it. Experience enhanced voice chat with the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset. Designed specifically to work seamlessly on your Xbox 360™, this hands-free, wire-free headset employs the same technology as the award-winning Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Pair up both accessories for superior performance, freedom, and comfort. Use up to four Wireless Controllers and Wireless Headsets simultaneously on one Xbox 360 for the most intense multiplayer gaming sessions ever.
New from SuccessHK is the extremely popular Xbox 360 game, Gears of War
Gears of War thrusts gamers into a deep and harrowing story of humankind's epic battle for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of creatures that surface from the bowels of the planet. players live and breathe the role of Marcus Fenix. A disgraced former war hero, Marcus seeks personal redemption as he leads his fire team against an onslaught of merciless warrior fiends. Gamers immerse themselves in an experience so intensely emotional and gut-wrenching that playing will be like controlling a blockbuster action movie. Control Marcus Fenix and his fire team as they pit advanced human technology against the overwhelming and horrific Locust Horde.
Patch in the pipeline to make Gears work better online
It might not be out yet in the UK - and rumours of Tesco selling it early aren't true - but Epic is already working on a patch for the mighty Gears Of War.
A post made by the game's lead programmer revealed, "A patch is in the works to address the connection issues as well as several other bugs that have been reported."
There's no specific date for the update at the moment, but we're sure it won't be too long with the European launch looming this Friday.
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.
- Plug & play and easy to set up
- Lower your Xbox 360 working temperature to expand console lifetime and avoid console crashes
- Manual and Automatic power switch
- Use Xbox 360 power directly, no extra power supply needed
- Instant lower temperature with 2 large cooling fans
- Auto temperature sensor: Switch ON/OFF automatically depending on your console temperature
Microsoft's casual games boss, Kim Pallister, has told GamesIndustry.biz that he doesn't believe the growth of digital distribution will have an effect on retailers - at least not in the near future.
Speaking in an interview at the Montréal International Games Summit last week, Pallister said, "In terms of the short term, I don't think they're going to suffer a great deal for a number of reasons.
"Number one, most of the digital distribution today, the vast majority of it is done in places like the casual games space where the download size is not so formidable as to limit that. We're still a ways away from a six gigabyte image being something you can easily transfer out.
"So in some ways, it doesn't overlap. It also grows the industry in different ways; it allows for titles that maybe couldn't do the volume for an individual retailer to justify the shelf space."
Pallister went on to suggest that an increase in digital distribution could even benefit retailers by allowing them to reach different types of consumer who wouldn't normally visit games shops.
"You see some of the more successful casual games that kind of bubble up eventually doing boxed products to tap into that type of consumer who likes to shop in that environment," he added.
"So in the short term, I don't think there's necessarily a threat; I think they complement one another, if anything... It'll cause some shifts, but I don't think [retailers are] doomed any day soon."
When asked about the possibility of full size Xbox 360 games being distributed digitally, Pallister replied, "Will we eventually get there one day? Possibly, but it's quite possible that the games grow in size and outsize the bandwidth growth or whatever.
"I think it's really a matter of giving consumers choice and different paths to getting to their content," he concluded.
features
Interact with the piñatas: Getting to know and understand the personalities and requirements of your piñatas is essential if you want them to stay happy and thrive.
Interact with the characters: Decide how much help you want from the local guides, shopkeepers, and work force. Go it alone or get them involved—you choose
Watch them grow: Discover the secrets of more than 60 different candy-filled piñata animals to see them grow, change, fight, and even dance!
Anything can happen: Guide a constantly evolving, vibrant world to keep your piñata happy and protect them from dangers threatening to break them open.
Tend your garden: It’s not just new piñata species that are drawn to your world—untamed sour piñatas with bad attitudes and troublemaking ruffians do their worst to spoil your creation and must be dealt with.
Maintain harmony: Maintaining harmony within a growing community isn’t always easy when rivalries, illness, injuries and even candy-spilling fights occur. If you turn your back, who knows what their piñatas will do?
Personalized world: Customize your world and your piñata animals to reflect your style and create a pet paradise unlike any other.
Interact online: Via Xbox Live, contact other gamers to lend a hand, lay down a competitive challenge, or trade items.
description
Viva Piñata™ is a window to another world where wild-roaming, living piñata animals inhabit a growing, changing garden world. Take control of this environment and the piñata within it, influencing its contents to create your very own pet paradise.
Once you have resident piñatas, begin to personalize your loyal community. Piñatas can be individually named and given their own personally designed tag to put on display as a declaration of their home turf. The customization doesn’t end there. Make the colorful critters more distinctive by customizing them with all kinds of costumes and accessories.
features
Drive with confidence and zero loss of performance knowing that the wheel is powered by the same award winning wireless technology used in the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller.
High quality force feedback performance replicate the yanks and shudders that a racecar driver feels while blasting around the oval.
Real world automotive design with comfortable and intuitive ergonomics immerses you in the action with a uniquely authentic racing experience.
Choose the Lap mount or the Table mount to race the way you want to.
description
Racing has never felt so real! Hold on tight as you hug corner after corner, skid through the sand, or trade paint with rival cars fighting for position—the wheel simulates all the resistance and force, immersing you in a relentless and unparalleled racing experience.Featuring sleek design and cutting edge technology like dual Rumble motors and powerful Force Feedback, the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel is a masterpiece of form and function.
Today Bungie announced that a public beta of Halo 3 multilayer will hit Xbox Live Marketplace this Spring. Yep, come Spring 2007 we’ll all be able to get our hands on a multilayer build of Halo 3, allowing Bungie to collect feedback from the community as the team march onwards to a November release for the third instalment of the series.
Spring will also see the release of exclusive Xbox 360 multilayer maps for everyone’s favourite Halo 2. With Halo 2 still riding high at the number one spot online (something even the mighty Gears of War has so far failed to dent) this is great news, but these maps are not free, the will "cost something". In the latest update from Bungie’s website, Brian Jarrard states:
“These maps are shaping up to be really cool and once we can start talking more about them, I think our fans are going to be very, very happy with what’s in the works.”
Halo 1 maps?
Also bungie have released a new high-res screenshot of halo 3, unfortunately the shot does not show much...
We're not sure if it still counts as Arcade Wednesdays but the latest arcade classic reborn for MS's Xbox Live service will be Defender, which is due to hyperspace onto the service today.
Appearing in both demo and full fat form, Defender will set you back some 400 MS points or around 3.4 of our great British quids.
However, don't expect it at the traditional 8am launch time as according to Major Nelson's blog, it's coming hot out of the certification process, so launch window is unconfirmed although the team are apparently pulling out all the stops to bring it to you today.
We're not even too sure whether it'll be the ancient classic faithfully recreated or multiple versions possibly including Defender II which have been brought up to date and enhanced for the HD era.
We recently welcomed Elite co-creator David Braben into the fastness of CVG towers for a natter and you may have enjoyed (or not) his thoughts on Sony and the launch of the PS3 yesterday.
During the course of a fascinating chat - which will be published in full on CVG soon - we felt compelled to ask the driving force behind The Outsider, whether given the success of Xbox Live Arcade, was he ever tempted to plunder his own back catalogue and bring back some classics like Virus and Zarch from the Frontier archives?
Mr Braben told us, "Well maybe, it's something we've thought about and maybe we could do. I think the rights to those have all come back, because they were licenses."
Unfortunately we couldn't get him to commit any further than that, but it's clearly something Braben's contemplating and an intriguing prospect, especially for gaming veterans like ourselves who fondly remember seeing Zarch running on an Archimedes for the first time or the heady and innovative gameplay of Virus and its sequel V2000.
Heck, we even remember with affection Darxide and the much underrated Infestation. Possible candidates for the XBLA treatment?
Of course, the one game missing from that list is the seminal classic Elite, but don't worry, we'll have some hot news on that for you tomorrow as Braben has dropped some crucial pointers on the future of the series exclusively to CVG. Keep 'em peeled, we'll be bringing you hot news on that - Thursday am.
Meanwhile, if you too would like to see some Frontier classics on XBLA - why not let us know in the comments field below. The campaign begins here!
A low price cable to charge your Xbox 360 wireless controller with an indicator of charge level. It can be used while playing, and only requires 3 hours for a full reload!
- Fully compatible with Xbox 360 wireless controllers
- Only 3 hours for a full charge
- A LED on cable indicates charge load: Red while charging, Green when fully charged
We think it's about time to feel the ground, folks, it may be a bit frigid. Blue Dragon -- Microsoft's latest answer on the big standardized test that is Japanese game market penetration -- is showing initial signs of acceptance. Not just regular "ho-hum" acceptance, but enough to turn some heads (assuming Microsoft didn't hire people to vote).
In a recent Famitsu poll, Blue Dragon somehow clawed its way up to #3 on the list of most anticipated titles. Blue Dragon managed to knock off big hitters like Metal Gear Solid 4 and Twilight Princess, #4 and #6 respectively. The big, white box also managed to pull another nod with Dead or Alive Xtreme 2, which fell in at #15.
Microsoft is getting some much needed help in boosting its image, especially now that the PS3 has finally landed (in limited quantities anyway) in the public's grubby hands. Of course, Blue Dragon's big push won't mean much if MS can't keep the Japanese-friendly games flowing; Japanese gamers are known for being fickle and trading in game machines after finishing a game.
Cranberry Publishing Ltd, a UK publisher specialising in emedia, recently launched 360Zine, the world's first free, interactive emagazine dedicated to XBox 360.
The magazine has been written by well known games journalists from the UK, and the lead review on issue 1 is Gears of War, written by Kieron Gillen. Other highlights include a F.E.A.R. review, WWE SmackDown vs RAW, previews of The Darkness and Lost Planet as well as an interview with COD3 lead developer.
The emagazine runs to nearly 40 pages and is created in PDF format, so you only require Adobe Reader v6 or above. No registration is required and the emag is completely free to readers.
What's even better is the pages have been enhanced with multimedia, so you'll see videos and animated screenshots on the pages.
Xbox360™:
NBA 2K7 ASIA US$ 39.90
Viva Pinata ASIA US$ 39.90
Viva Pinata [Limited Edition] ASIA US$ 44.90
WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2007 ASIA US$ 44.90
Xbox 360 Wireless Headset ASIA US$ 49.90
Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel ASIA US$ 149.90
PlayStation2™:
Guitar Hero II US N/A
Guitar Hero II (with Guitar) US US$ 109.90
Honkakuha 2000 Series: 3D Mahjong + Janpai Tori JPN US$ 25.90
Karutagura: Tamashii no Kunou (2800 Collection) JPN US$ 34.90
Kashimashi! Girl Meets Girl (Best Collection) JPN US$ 34.90
Naruto: Konoha Spirits JPN US$ 64.90
Negima!? 3-Jikanme (Live Version) JPN US$ 59.90
Negima!? 3-Jikanme (Theater Version) JPN US$ 64.90
Prince of Tennis: Gakuensai no Oji-sama (Konami the Best) JPN US$ 34.90
Rhapsodia (Konami the Best) JPN US$ 34.90
Sengoku Musou 2 & Sengoku Musou 2 Empires [Premium Box] JPN US$ 89.90
Sengoku Musou 2 Empires JPN US$ 44.90
Sengoku Musou 2 Empires ASIA US$ 39.90
Sengoku Musou 2 Empires [Treasure Box] JPN US$ 79.90
Suigetsu Mayoi-Gokoro (Best Version) JPN US$ 34.90
White Princess the Second (2800 Collection) JPN US$ 34.90
Nintendo DS™:
Akumajou Dracula: Gallery of Labyrinth / Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin JPN US$ 48.90
Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses US US$ 29.90
BomberMan Land Touch! US US$ 39.90
Digimon World DS US US$ 34.90
Magic Taizen JPN US$ 39.90
Puzzle Series Vol. 5: Slitherlink JPN US$ 29.90
Puzzle Series Vol. 6: Illust Logic JPN US$ 39.90
Puzzle Series Vol. 7: Crossword 2 JPN US$ 39.90
Yoshi's Island DS US US$ 39.90
Sony PSP™:
Activision Hits Remixed ASIA US$ 24.90
Metal Gear Acid 2 (PSP the Best) JPN US$ 29.90
Plus Plum 2 Again ASIA US$ 42.90
Plus Plum 2 Again JPN US$ 48.90
SOCOM US Navy Seals Fireteam Bravo 2 US US$ 39.90
Sudoku JPN US$ 29.90
Vulcanus JPN US$ 48.90
Vulcanus ASIA US$ 42.90
Gameboy Advance™:
Final Fantasy V Advance US US$ 39.90
Polarium Advance US US$ 24.90
PC Games:
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent ASIA US$ 34.90
Guide Books:
.hack//G.U. Vol. 1//Rebirth Official Strategy Guide US US$ 17.90
Final Fantasy V Advance Official Nintendo Power Player's Guide US US$ 16.90
Gears of War Signature Series Guide US US$ 19.90
Grand Theft Auto Vice City Stories Official Strategy Guide US US$ 18.90
Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles Prima Official Game Guide US US$ 18.90
Tales of the Abyss Official Strategy Guide US US$ 18.90
Toys & Misc:
Disney Night Museum US$ 4.90
Disney Presents A Pixar Film Cars - Lightning McQueen Pullbax Motor US$ 4.90
Disney Presents A Pixar Film Cars - Luigi Pullbax Motor US$ 4.90
Disney Presents A Pixar Film Cars - Mater Pullbax Motor US$ 4.90
Disney Presents A Pixar Film Cars - Ramone Pullbax Motor US$ 4.90
Jingai Makyo 1/8 Scale Painted PVC Figure: Ignis US$ 54.90
Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny Pre-Painted PVC Figure: Luna Maria Hawke (Ver. 5) US$ 17.90
Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny Pre-Painted PVC Figure: Stellar Loussier (Ver. 5) US$ 17.90
Mon-Sieur Bome Collection Vol.17: Oni-Musume She Devil Version 4 US$ 44.90
Neon Genesis Evangelion Pre-Painted PVC Figure Collection: Special Mission #3 - Asuka Sohryu Langley US$ 17.90
Neon Genesis Evangelion Pre-Painted PVC Figure Collection: Special Mission #3 - Rei Ayanami US$ 17.90
Nintendo Prize Collection Series Family Computer Controller Type Television Remote Control 2 US$ 19.90
Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Keychain US$ 4.99
Smile 600 Fate/Stay Night Collective Memories Figure US$ 6.90
Super Mario Bros. Plush Doll: 1Up Mushroom (4 Inch) US$ 14.90
Super Mario Bros. Plush Doll: Bullet Bills (6 Inch) N/A
Super Mario Bros. Plush Doll: Goomba (6 Inch) N/A
Super Mario Bros. Plush Doll: Mario (6 Inch) N/A
Tales of Phantasia 1/8 Scale Pre-painted PVC Figure: Arche Klaine US$ 39.90
Video Game related Soundtracks:
Exciting Kitakubu Hangabu Dance Hen JPN US$ 19.90
Garou Densetsu / Fatal Fury 15th Anniversary Box [CD+DVD] JPN US$ 147.90
Justice to Believe /Aoi iro (Playstation2 Version Wild Arms Vth Vanguard Intro Theme) JPN US$ 9.90
Amazon are having a vote, for a "ridiculous" deal, four products, the first being a Xbox 360 (core pack) for $100.
If Xbox wins the vote, then only the customers that voted can buy it at that price, but they are limited to 1,000 units ( one per customer).
Voting closes Tuesday at 9 p.m. PST. The winning deal goes on sale Thursday at 11 a.m. PST. First come first served, its seems. This is only for Americans... the lucky so and so's...
After the hype surrounding Gears of War, and positive reviews, Microsoft expects the title to shift one million copies worldwide by Christmas.
Chris Lewis, regional VP E&D said: "Gears of War is a title we know will deliver on all of its promises, and we expect the game to reach 1 million copies faster than any new titles for Xbox.
"This Christmas is an extremely important one for the entire industry... We've put an enormous emphasis on bringing new and exciting titles to market, and Gears of War is a key example of Microsoft's commitment to developing original and immersive titles for gamers everywhere."
The question is, will it be the biggest next-gen game this Christmas, with Nintendo about to unleash the Wii and Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess to millions of eager fans this Christmas? Will they all be able to get a console? We'll see.
Epic's Mark Rein has also confirmed that more Gears multiplayer content is in the pipeline, but he couldn't (or wouldn't) reveal when it's expected to hit Live.
In a world seemingly dominated by popular young upstarts (we're looking at you, Halo and Gears of War), it's good to see that granddaddy of FPS genre, Castle Wolfenstein, is still keen to stake a claim in the genre it arguably created.
Id's Kevin Cloud said in an interview that the company and Raven (who has already collaborated on Quake 4) "are working together to take advantage of all the graphic capabilities that the Xbox 360 has to offer, and what we're doing with Wolfenstein is creating this one, large empire that is seamlessly loaded to the player as he explores his world."
This will mark the first time that Id will develop a Wolfenstein away from the PC, but developer John Carmack is keen to put gamers at ease, claiming that "the Xbox 360 is the first console that I've ever worked with that actually has development tools that are better for games than what we've got for the PC."
Cloud added that the new Wolfenstein "is really a way of redefining the way first person games are experienced." Bold words, but with the release date of the game on the distant horizon we'll have to wait to see if Wolfenstein can truly evolve this over-populated genre.
While the Xbox 360 edition of Defender didn't arrive in the traditional early-morning time frame of Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday releases, things are by no means quiet on the console's Marketplace today. A host of new content hit the downloadable service today, starting with a demo for Electronic Arts' Superman Returns.
Weighing in at more than 905MB, the Superman Returns demo gives gamers a taste of the open-world adventure set to ship to retail next week. Xbox Live Gold members can now download the demo for free, while Xbox Live director of programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb said on his blog that Xbox Live Silver subscribers will be able to take the Man of Steel for a spin on November 22. A "Man of Steel" theme is also available to download for 150 points ($1.88).
Backing up the Superman content is a slate of other offerings from Electronic Arts. First, there are three new cars up for Need for Speed Carbon, with each one running customers 80 points ($1), and a pack of FIFA 07 Pitch Crests for 100 points ($1.25) that will let gamers put their favorite team logos on their in-game practice arenas.
There's also new downloadable content for Epic Games' shooter Gears of War, but not in the form fans might have hoped for. For 100 Microsoft Points ($1.25), gamers can download BradyGames' Angry Titan Strategy to defeat the game's Corpser boss.
On July 5, Electronic Arts released The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II for the Xbox 360. Initial reaction was skeptical, since real-time strategy had long been the realm of the PC, and commanding an army with a console controller seemed like a dubious scheme at best. However, the critically acclaimed game did fairly well at retail, selling just under 150,000 copies in two months on the 360--around half of what it sold on the PC.
Now, EA is adding another, more storied RTS franchise to its 360 portfolio. Today, the company revealed that Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars would also come to Microsoft's console. Previously announced for the PC, the latest entry in the decade-long series takes place in 2047, when the Global Defense Initiative and the Brotherhood of Nod once again lock horns in a battle for world domination.
Like its PC counterpart, the Xbox 360 version of C&C3 will feature online multiplayer action. It will also follow the lead of other recent EA titles by having a variety of content add-ons available from Xbox Live Marketplace. C&C3 will also feature a bevy of voice talent, including Splinter Cell's Michael Ironside, Empire Strikes Back's Billy Dee Williams, and Battlestar Galactica's Grace Park and Tricia Helfer.
No ship date or rating was given for the Xbox 360 edition of Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars. It, like the PC version, now bears a general "2007" release window.
Blue Orb's Texter transforms the Xbox 360's thumbsticks into a makeshift keyboard -- and comes with decals. The device plugs in between the console and gamepad, and registers as a USB keyboard. A simple double-click of the left thumbstick activates Texter, allowing users to bypass Xbox 360's clunky on-screen keyboard. But is Texter any more efficient?
Unless you take the time to memorize the character inputs (see diagram above), we're not convinced Texter warrants a purchase. But given the limits of a controller, we should give Blue Orb points for being clever. (up-right, left) (right, up) (up-right, up) (right, up-right) (RB) (left, right) (RB) (left, left) (up-left, up-left) (up, up-right) (right, left) (right, left)?
We’re just so excited by our latest spot of customization magic that we thought we’d give you a sneak peak at what’s to come. With the Talismoon upcoming range of Evolve ‘Wild Jungle’ edition for the PSP and Xbox 360, gamers will be treated to extreme levels of comfort thanks to a soft ‘like fur’ finish, as well as refreshing and unique new look. Both sets of faceplates for PSP and Xbox 360 will come complete with everything needed for a pain-free install, and each fur faceplate pattern will be unique. Initial stocks will consist of a ‘cow’ or striking ‘leopard’ fur finish and will go on sale for approximately $14.99 relatively soon.
Please note no animals were hurt in the production of the ‘Evolve Wild Jungle’ edition faceplates. More information on the series will be released in the coming weeks.
The DS remains King of Japan, dispite the challenge from the PS3. But with the new Playstation arriving the other 2 Playstations sink below the 20K mark.
The 360 sales half after last weeks boost, but still selling double than their normal weekly average (about 1,500)
The old Gameboys, and Gamecube slowly slip away into the night, while 3 people got confuse with xbox is which...
The interest thing look look out for next week, how many ps3 will be sold (if there are any to sell)
So hoorah finally it's here, November 17, Emergence Day, when many of you will finally get your hands on Gears of War, Cliffy B and Epic's awesome shooter which is the first true second generation game (check out our review here for the full and definitive story).
And so no doubt you'll be champing at the bit to get home, slip that shiny disk into your 360 and fire up your massive HD telly to truly see what the high definition era can deliver. But we have to tell you, HD is already dead, because we've already experienced the ultimate way to play Gears and it makes High Definition look like a steam-driven, clockwork- powered prehistoric relic.
Houlihan enjoys the ultimate way to play Gears
"Huh? We hear you cry, how can that be possible? My home HD set up provides pixel perfect perfection, awesome surround sound and visuals so realistic I can see the hairs up Marcus Fenix's nostrils."
But now we laugh at your 1920 x 1080 resolutions, mock your HD screen and giggle disparagingly behind our hands at your ultimate home rig, because we've experienced the ultimate way to play Gears and sadly, since, everything else just seems like a pale imitation.
The reason? Well a week or two ago, we played Gears on the Waterloo IMAX, with a 360 hooked up to its truly massive screen, full Dolby surround sound, earth shattering resolutions and even a drink holder in our chair to boot.
It was an experience so profound, so jaw-droppingly, earth-shatteringly immense that words fail us ...well almost. But trust us when we say a chainsaw kill isn't a chainsaw kill unless you can feel your kidney's turning to a quivering jelly from the vibrations, and blood spurts aren't blood spurts unless they're measured in metres rather than pixels, and Gears isn't Gears until you've experienced it in humungous format IMAX death-o-vision - that's the way Gears truly must be played.
After ten minutes of this unprecedented gaming goodness, the 360 controller quite literally had to be wrenched out our hands and ourselves escorted from the building by burly security blokes while we kicked and screamed 'give it back, give it back'.
We have seen the future and it's Gears IMAX. Now we just have to work out how to rob the Waterloo cinema of its gear, knock down a few walls and install it all at home.
Some stories are simply too sensational to be true, thus giving us every reason we'd ever need to just blow it off, but there's one saving grace to a whacked-out story: pictures. Reportedly, an Xbox 360 owner was rammed in a hit and run style accident, where his Chevrolet S-10 "rolled over three or four times," launching the helpless console and a bevy of accessories onto the freeway. While the fellow (thankfully) survived the ordeal with little more than a "bruised elbow," his beloved console suffered quite a beating; the Xbox 360, its power brick, and several controllers were ran over by oncoming vehicles, leaving "tire marks" everywhere and "squishing" the metal supports within. After the turmoil subsided, this hardcore gamer was (understandably) more concerned with the life of his toy than whether or not his insurance policy had expired, so he rushed home to try things out. Although his trigger arm was a bit sore, the console managed to boot up, play games, and even play back a DVD, providing an assumed sigh of relief for traumatized lad.
Microsoft is predicting that Gears of War, which goes on sale in Europe today, will accumulate sales of more than one million copies worldwide this Christmas, and become the fastest-selling original game for Xbox 360 in the process.
Gears is already the most played Xbox 360 title on Xbox Live, according to Microsoft's stats, and in Europe in particular - where Nintendo Wii is still three weeks away and PlayStation 3 isn't out until March - the game's likely to be one of the most recognisable symbols of the next generation this festive period.
Those of you heading out to the shops to make Microsoft's Christmas dream come true will be able to pick between a regular edition of the game or a special double-thick tin-box version featuring a dinky art book and a bonus disc featuring some trailers and making-of material.
Apparently there's some new console out in America today but at this point we're more interested in the news of a Rainbow Six Vegas multiplayer demo on Xbox Live.
It is indeed there, weighs in at 985MB and allows you to play in Attack and Defend and Terro Hunt modes. Attack and Defend involves a bomb in a casino, apparently, while Terro Hunt is a four-player co-op mode where you all work together to kill lots of terrorists.
It's available in all regions, happily, but you won't be able to download it to an Xbox Live Silver account until 24th November.
Incidentally, the full version of Rainbow Six Vegas is due out on 1st December alongside the PC version, and not on the 24th as previously planned.
It's the one you've all been waiting for! Yes! THQ's Xbox 360 version of Cars is now available to demo on Xbox Live Marketplace. Phew.
450MB's worth of data awaits you, allowing you to race as Lightning McQueen through Radiator Springs or tip tractors as Mater.
Incidentally, this is another demo that you'll only be able to nab if you're an Xbox Live Gold member, with Silver users getting it on 23rd November.
Oh, and Major Nelson, Xbox Live's director of programming, notes that it's not available to 360 owners in Asia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway or Switzerland, however golden they might be.
Regional freesheet Metro has told GamesIndustry.biz that Microsoft's total spend for the huge advertising campaign in today's edition amounts to around GBP 500,000.
Microsoft has bought up almost all the ad space in today's paper, with huge adverts for first-party titles such as Gears of War, Viva Piñata and Ninety-Nine Nights. There's a competition to win a 360 and home cinema system, plus ads promoting the Xbox Live Vision Camera, the Classic range, the forthcoming HD-DVD player, wireless accessories and Xbox Live Arcade.
In addition, the paper features ads from companies such as PC World, Samsung, HMV, GAME, GameStation and BT which all prominently feature Xbox 360. Plus there are plus third-party software ads from Activision, THQ, Capcom, Sega, Rockstar, Ubisoft, EA, Atari and Konami.
"One of the reasons they've done it is to cause a reaction," said Metro ads exec Chris Brown.
"It costs £500,000 to do a whole issue, but they'll make a profit out of that. Our readership is 2 million people every day, so if 100,000 of those people make a £50 purchase, that's £5 million.
"So you might think it's a lot of money, but think of the money they'll make off the back of it."
According to Brown, Metro is an ideal fit for Microsoft's advertising campaign because it is mainly read by "young affluent communters with disposable income they're willing to spend".
"About ten years ago, gamers were either kids or a particular type of people; now adults are bigger kids than kids and play videogames just as much, and every adult can buy a game which appeals to them," he added.
Today's edition of The Sun also features a heavy Microsoft presence, with a four page Xbox 360 supplement promoting titles such as Gears of War, Viva Piñata, Pro Evo 6 and FIFA '07. There's also a competition to win a console and five games plus a round-up of accessories and new releases.
EA's recent Lord Of The Ring RTS 360 game was dogged by dodgy controls but EA say that C&C Tiberium Wars' gameplay is "ultra-responsive, smooth-as-silk".
But is that all just PR talk. Probably, but with Ensemble Studios proclaiming the coming of the console RTS with Halo Wars, EA might have been forced to raise its game.
Check out the first two screens of the Xbox 360 version via comments
With Talismoon range of Evolve ‘Wild Jungle’ edition for the PSP and Xbox 360, gamers are treated to extreme levels of comfort thanks to a soft ‘like fur’ finish, as well as refreshing and unique new look. Both sets of faceplates for PSP and Xbox 360 controller come complete with everything needed for a pain-free install, and each fur faceplate pattern will be unique. Styles consist of a ‘cow’ or striking ‘leopard’ fur finish.
features
Engaging and disturbing cinematic story: Massively scoped worlds, memorable characters, and an epic storyline play out like an intense and unsettling blockbuster action film.
Fire team co-op action: All game modes, levels, and scenarios are designed for cooperative fire team play (A.I. or human).
Unprecedented visuals: Gears of War ushers in the next generation with unprecedented visuals.
Hyper-realistic and intense combat: The battlefield is a lethal place—to foolishly stand out in the open is to die.
Xbox Live® action: Gears of War will embody the next-generation Xbox Live experience and extend it even further.
description
Gears of War® is the first game developed by Epic Games exclusively for Microsoft Game Studios and Xbox 360™. Gears of War thrusts you into a deep and harrowing story of humankind’s epic battle for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of creatures that surface from the bowels of the planet.
In this third-person tactical action/horror game, live and breathe the role of Marcus Fenix. A disgraced former war hero, Marcus seeks personal redemption as he leads his fire team against an onslaught of merciless warrior fiends. Immerse yourself in an experience so intensely emotional and gut-wrenching that playing will be like controlling a blockbuster action movie.
Gears of War utilizes the breathtaking new Unreal Engine 3 to create cinematic, high-definition visuals for a gaming experience that truly ushers in the next generation. Experience beautifully rendered interactive environments and characters so lifelike they appear to be made of flesh and bone. The next-generation visuals create a world in which the tiniest detail is vivid in the largest battle.
Gears of War unites next-generation technology with classic, emotional storytelling and a revolutionary tactical combat system, engrossing the gamer in a horrifying epic story of war and survival.
features
A complete walkthrough of the entire game.
Extensive area maps.
Detailed item and equipment lists.
Complete enemy listing.
Expert strategies for all gameplay modes.
Game secrets uncovered!
Pages: 160
features
A comprehensive guide to the chilling single-player game, with every clue uncovered
Statistics for every weapon, and strategies on when to use it
Walkthroughs for every Instant Action map and bonus mission
Labeled maps for every multiplayer arena, with a visual guide to important strategic points
In-depth information about every evil enemy you'll face, including statistics and combat strategies
Pages: 176
First off a thank you to all those who help post news, help and moderate the sites and forums, without you all DCEmu wouldnt be what it is today.
We are now entering the most exciting time in years with the Next Gen battle field erupting with the release of the Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii along with the Xbox 360. Games from all 3 consoles will be amazing.
DCEmu employs a great News submitting system which is as easy as a forum post, infact it is a forum post, which means if your a coder or you want a review posting or you want to post/submit news for your favourite console you can.
So if you have any Gaming or Hardware reviews for any consoles or any Hacking/ Homebrew news etc then let us know via our Submit News forum.
If you're incensed about wasting your weekend (and part of last week) cruising around in futility trying to locate a Playstation 3 or Nintendo Wii, the GamerBUS can provide the ultimate painkiller -- provided you live around the Virginia Beach area, that is. If you've got 63 friends or so, and you're not claustrophobic, you can pack your posse into the 37-foot customized RV and get your game(s) on. Sporting a bevy of comfortable seating options, sixteen Xbox 360 "gamer stations" (pictured after the jump) with their own 23-inch Philips HDTV, and all the CAT5 cable / electricity you could ever need, this redefines the party on wheels. Essentially offering a mobile gaming LAN, the bus operators will gladly wire up a 16-person system-linked round of Halo 2 (or a variety of other titles) while you provide the Cheetos and air fresheners. Although weekday hours boast an understandable discount, weekend rates range from $125 to $150 per hour, depending on how long you occupy the vehicle. Notably, no connection has been drawn between this newfangled gaming service and the Va Beach entrepreneur trickster hitting it big on vulnerable ATMs.
Xbox Live's director of programming Larry Hryb says that Gears of War has finally overtaken Halo 2 and become the most popular game on Microsoft's multiplayer service.
Even with Call of Duty 2 and titles like Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter attracting huge crowds in the Xbox 360's early months on sale, Halo 2 has always managed to maintain its position on the top of the pile - and its ousting in favour of a new, 360-exclusive property is likely to be seen as a big deal.
There's a bit of movement elsewhere in the most-played charts, too, with Call of Duty 3 perhaps predictably overtaking Call of Duty 2 to slot in behind Gears, while Contra is the third most-played 360 game amongst connected users, despite the release of Midway's Defender last Wednesday.
Nintendos Wii Console Launched today in the USA, read every bit of news from the best Wii News site over at Nintendo Wii News. With so much news on the Wii youll need to be checking several times a day to not miss any.
And for those who are PS3 Fans then check out the excellent PS3 Evolution like the Wii news site it has every news item going.
Both sites will provide the best in news for each system.
One Question remains, Has anyone got a Wii and a PS3 ?
Team Ninja's Tomonobu Itagaki has let slip that work has commenced on a fifth instalment in the Dead or Alive beat-'em-up series.
According to a report on OXM.co.uk, Itagaki spilled the confirmation beans at a 10th anniversary event for DoA, where he further revealed he has in mind the first in-game play concepts. In addition, it's reported that the tag battles witnessed in previous DoA games are being dropped for number five.
And that's your lot. A release date wasn't mentioned, and neither were formats but, considering recent DoA titles' ties with Microsoft, we wouldn't be at all surprised if Dead or Alive 5 turns out to be exclusive to Xbox 360.
To celebrate this Friday's release of Phantasy Star Universe on PS2, Xbox 360 and PC, we've teamed up with publisher and developer Sega to offer one lucky winner an Xbox 360 Premium Pack and a copy of the game to play on it. Four runners-up will bag themselves a copy of the Xbox 360 game.
The gameplay of online RPG Phantasy Star Universe is based on real-time action, so expect plenty of peril and fun with your newfound online friends, even though you may be thousands of miles apart. Of course, if you haven't got a broadband connection you can tackle the single-player quest, which takes you on a journey across three different worlds.
So what do you have to do to be in with a chance of winning this superb prize? Just email us the answer to the following question and you'll be in entered into the draw. Here goes...
What kind of game is Phantasy Star Universe?
a) Online role-playing game
b) Racing game
c) American Football game
If you think you know the answer, click here to email us with your answer, name and full address. The closing date for entries is Monday 18 December 2006.
Come on DCEmu ers lets all enter that comp
features
EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF BEING A WWE SUPERSTAR LIKE NEVER BEFORE: A brand new Analog Control Grappling System makes fighting more realistic than ever with intuitive movement and new elements of control.
EXPLORE NEW LEVELS OF HIGHLY REALISTIC ACTION: In and out of the ring, dozens of user-controlled environmental hotspots let players take advantage of anything at their disposal to inflict damage on opponents in new and unique ways.
BATTLE BEYOND THE RING AND CLOSER TO THE CROWD: Experience the intensity of WWE fans in a brand new, fully loaded interactive fighting area.
DISCOVER THE NEXT GENERATION OF WWE VIDEO GAMES: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 offers multiple enhancements, including incredible high definition graphics, updated rosters for both Raw and SmackDown, an expanded General Manager Mode, online multiplayer game play with voice chat support and much more!
description
Don't just watch it — live it! WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 brings the intensity of being a WWE Superstar to the next level by offering players unprecedented levels of choice and control. The #1 wrestling franchise in the world delivers the next generation of WWE video games with key new features, incredible graphics and engaging, highly realistic WWE action in and beyond the ring.
When villains run rampant, only one man can rescue a world in peril. Will you be able to master your superpowers to save Metropolis? Inspired by the Warner Bros. Pictures feature film and more than 60 years of lore from DC Comics, SUPERMAN RETURNS™: THE VIDEOGAME creates the ultimate open-world super hero experience.
As a superhero, Metropolis affects your ability to progress. You must face the internal conflict facing Superman at every turn: Will you pause your pursuit of super villains to stop a massive tornado sweeping through the city and save its civilians? Every decision made is critical to Metropolis' existence.
This is the Superman game you've always wanted to play. Utilizing more than 60 years of rich history, Superman Returns: The Videogame is the ultimate Superman experience.
Playing in The League is your dream but you’ve paid the price. Your arms ache from weight-room reps and painkillers are blurring your vision. The dirty hits you’ve laid on QBs are career-enders but they also keep you employed. Two more sacks and you get your bonus, paying for your fast cars and faster lifestyle. Its 4th and 3 and you are up by 7. Stuff the offense, beat your opponents bloody and win at any cost.
features
Three enormous planets to explore. A gigantic overworld and more than 20 enormous dungeons are featured.
All-new enemies to fight. Along with a brand-new roster of standard opponents, there are more than 15 major bosses to challenge.
Player-controlled vehicles. Players no longer need to travel everywhere by foot, adding a new dimension to exploration.
The best online Phantasy Star experience to date. Features a game world that will evolve with new content over the course of several years.
description
The long awaited new title in the beloved Phantasy Star series is here! Phantasy Star Universe delivers a rich, ever evolving world and provides hours of entertainment to both online and offline RPG enthusiasts. Single-player fans embark on an offline quest as Ethan Waber, a 17-year old cadet intent on saving his sister from an invasion of mysterious life forces called THE SEED. While online players create their own characters from a range of races, and then set off to explore all three planets in the Gurhal solar system. Fans travel with a squad of other adventurers through urban sprawls teeming with hundreds of other players, while developing their avatars into powerful warriors.
features
Interact with the piñatas: Getting to know and understand the personalities and requirements of your piñatas is essential if you want them to stay happy and thrive.
Interact with the characters: Decide how much help you want from the local guides, shopkeepers, and work force. Go it alone or get them involved—you choose
Watch them grow: Discover the secrets of more than 60 different candy-filled piñata animals to see them grow, change, fight, and even dance!
Anything can happen: Guide a constantly evolving, vibrant world to keep your piñata happy and protect them from dangers threatening to break them open.
Tend your garden: It’s not just new piñata species that are drawn to your world—untamed sour piñatas with bad attitudes and troublemaking ruffians do their worst to spoil your creation and must be dealt with.
Maintain harmony: Maintaining harmony within a growing community isn’t always easy when rivalries, illness, injuries and even candy-spilling fights occur. If you turn your back, who knows what their piñatas will do?
Personalized world: Customize your world and your piñata animals to reflect your style and create a pet paradise unlike any other.
Interact online: Via Xbox Live, contact other gamers to lend a hand, lay down a competitive challenge, or trade items.
description
Viva Piñata™ is a window to another world where wild-roaming, living piñata animals inhabit a growing, changing garden world. Take control of this environment and the piñata within it, influencing its contents to create your very own pet paradise.
Once you have resident piñatas, begin to personalize your loyal community. Piñatas can be individually named and given their own personally designed tag to put on display as a declaration of their home turf. The customization doesn’t end there. Make the colorful critters more distinctive by customizing them with all kinds of costumes and accessories.
Gears of War takes top place, becoming the fastest selling Xbox 360 game ever, the 2nd fastest Microsoft game ever (behind Halo 2) and the 3rd fastest Selling game this year!
GOW knocks NFS:Carbon and WWE:SVsR, down a place each. Fifa 07 ,The Sims 2: Pets, and Pro Evo 6 all swap places which each other this week, while Call of Duty 3, drops 4 places to 7th.
Lego Star wars holds firm at 8, while Bratz: Forever Diamondz jumps 27 places up with the DS release. While the PSP exclusive Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, hangs on into the top 10 after dropping 3 place.
The only other new releases in the top forty are Activision's Tony Hawk's Project 8 at number 18 and Square Enix's Final Fantasy VII: Dirge of Cerebus at number 28.
Next Week: As Xmas gets closes the releases come thick and fast. Titles to look out for:
Call of Duty 3 for the PS2 should help it back up the chart. Eragon will be release on main platforms, Guitar Hero II, critically aclaimed = great sales? Phantasy Star Universe could be a hit for sega Sonic The Hedgehog poor reviews but the public could keep buying it, for the 360
All being well, Gastronaut's Xbox Live Arcade game Small Arms will be available via the service on November 22 for 800 Microsoft Points.
Small Arms is an action game combining beat-'em-up and shoot-'em-up genres that finds up to four combatants duking it out in a variety of wacky levels with lots of platforms. It features 12 characters in total, each with a unique weapon, is playable online and offline and is reminiscent of Power Stone and Smash Brothers.
We were beginning to think that Halo 2 would be the most played game on Xbox Live until Halo 3 launches sometime next year.
Having an Xbox as still the most played Live game a year after the 360 launch was beginning to say something about 360ïâs portfolio. Were 360 gamers unwilling to give anything else a try or is there nothing as good as Halo 2 online?
Xbox Live insider Major Nelson says in his latest update, "If the Xbox 360 list and the original Xbox list were combined, then Gears of War would be the top Xbox Live title. To put it another way: Gears of War is now the top game on Xbox Live."
A sequel to Gears wouldn't really be a surprise to anyone. But a trilogy? Now that's a different story. Speaking to GameDaily, Microsoft's Corporate VP of Global Marketing Jeff Bell, seems to have let slip that Epic and Microsoft have big plans afoot. "The goal of the ad is to establish Marcus Fenix as the hero of the Gears of War trilogy," said Bell.
Don't expect an official announcement anytime soon...
Lose the headset and communicate with friends and gamers from around the world with the Neo Communicator for Xbox 360. Compact ‘plug-and-play’ design allows you to be up and chatting in seconds and with integrated Speaker and Microphone plus no batteries to worry about, you’re free to chat as long as you want!
Hironobu Sakaguchi has said that he's already looking toward a sequel for Xbox 360 exclusive RPG Blue Dragon, which is due out in Japan on 7th December.
Speaking to Famitsu, in an interview partly translated by IGN, Sakaguchi also said that Japanese RPG fans who buy Blue Dragon can look forward to free downloadable content in the first few months of next year.
The first game is now finished, he revealed, and will ship on three DVDs - uncompressed, it actually takes up a whopping 30GB of disk space.
IGN also reports that Sakaguchi said he's currently working on Cry-On (X360), A.S.H. (DS) and is involved in three other as-yet unannounced projects.
Microsoft has yet to reveal when Blue Dragon will be released in the west.
Hawq on IRC just posted a link where some body was selling 3 Playstations not PS3s theres some crafty wording in the auction saying about dont preorder and the 20gb version etc and the auction sold for $900
Thats a tad expensive for 3 PS1 consoles, remember please read the auction very carefully.
The latest issue of Jason Kraft and Chris Kwak's 'Video Game Journal' for the Susquehanna Financial Group examines the software attach rate for the Xbox 360, and explores why such an "alarmingly high" rate may not bode well for Microsoft's next-generation console.
Specifically, the report cites the recently announced Xbox 360 attach rate of around five games per console sold as confirmed by Microsoft in October, a number that was up from the roughly four games per console attach rate announced by the company at the console's launch in 2005.
It concludes: "We believe the unusually high attach rate on the 360 is a sign of an increasingly unhealthy console growth rate, and should be worrisome to publishers and investors."
The analysts further explain their hypothesis by offering that a significant portion of the Xbox 360 consoles currently in circulation were purchased by hard-core gamers, who, by definition, purchase a lot of games.
In conclusion, the authors state, "If the Xbox 360 sports an attach rate of ten by holiday 2007, it will probably be because it has failed to gather critical momentum. What does it benefit publishers and investors if ten games are being purchased by a total audience of 10 million 360 owners? It doesn't take effort to see that a console with an attach rate of 8 and an installed base of 50 million is superior to a console with an attach rate of 12 with an installed base of 20 mln."
Today, Electronic Arts announced the development of a videogame based off of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The game's release is scheduled for July 2007 in order to coincide with the release of the feature film also based on the book.
The events and locations of the game are designed to closely replicate those of the novel and the film. Players will be able to explore each of the film's key areas, while contending with magical adversaries like only Harry can do. The game gives players the ability to play multiple characters including Harry Potter, Dumbledore, and Sirius Black.
Under development by EA's UK Studio, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is scheduled for release on the Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PSP, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance, and PC.
Check out Harry Potter News for the latest news from Hogwarts including a 4 minute trailer of the upcoming film.
Finally the Xbox360 Site gets a much needed new design and with a new homebrew scene incoming its about time we made the site into a must see site at DCEmu. It already is a great source of Xbox 360 News but with a new look it will hopefully spur us on to make it the killer site it needs to be.
All the main (not coders) sites will be getting a fresh new look, thanks must go to Soully for another great design template and also to Martin for his amazing work behind the scenes to help DCEmu become even bigger and better.
With Xbox 360's Gears of War already leaving a trail of bloody competitors in its wake at the top of the UK chart, Microsoft has announced a console-and-game bundle will go on sale this Friday to try and tempt some more newcomers.
Priced at GBP 299.99, the bundle consists of a premium edition Xbox 360 console and a copy of the game, which has been reviewing very strongly, and has already usurped Halo 2 as the most-played game on Xbox Live.
In a separate announcement, Microsoft revealed last night that Gears has now sold more than one million copies worldwide in just two weeks. "That makes Gears of War the fastest-selling original Xbox game of all time (non-sequel)," the semi-official Gamerscoreblog noted.
Update: A few hours after we received word about the Gears bundle, Microsoft got back in touch to add that this Friday will also see the release of a bundle including WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2007 and another featuring Call of Duty 3. As with the Gears bundle, it's a premium console (including 30 days of Xbox Live Gold membership, it's worth noting) and the game for GBP 300.
It took the PS2 15 months to get its first Million selling game, Capcom's Onimusha: Warlords. But Today on the Xbox360's birthday, Gears of War has broken the 1 Million Mark, in just 2 weeks, 3 months sooner than the PS2.
Gears of War is also the most play Xbox game, Knocking Halo 2 of it's perch earlier this week.
Some more statistics from Microsoft "more than 850,000 unique gamers have engaged in 10 million [Gears of War] gameplay sessions while unlocking an impressive 7 million achievements." Since the game went on sale November 7, the rate of Xbox Live Gold subscriptions, which are required for online play, has increased over 50 percent. According to Microsoft, the impressive subscription rate is because over 85 percent of Gears players play one of the game's various multiplayer modes, which include full campaign co-op.
Video Marketplace pricing (both Gold and Silver):
High-definition TV shows: 240 Microsoft® Points ($3.00 USD) per episode.
Standard-defenition TV shows: 160 Microsoft Points ($2.00) per episode.
New release movies in high definition: 480 Microsoft Points ($6.00) each.
New release movies in standard definition: 320 Microsoft Points ($4.00) each.
Classic feature films in high definition: 360 Microsoft Points ($4.50) each.
Classic feature films in standard definition: 240 Microsoft Points ($3.00) each.
* Purchasing high definition content grants you access to the same standard definition content.
Examples of the download-to-own TV shows and download-to-rent movies available on the network on Nov. 22 include the following:
· “CSI,” “CSI: Miami,” “CSI: New York,” “NCIS” and “Star Trek” from CBS
· “Chappelle’s Show,” “Drawn Together” and Emmy and Peabody award-winning “South Park” from COMEDY CENTRAL
· “Pimp My Ride” and “Punk’d” from MTV
· “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and “SpongeBob SquarePants” from Nickelodeon
· “Skyland” and “Invader Zim” from Nicktoons Network
· “Chinatown,” “Star Trek VII: Generations,” “Patriot Games,” “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” “The Sum of All Fears,” “The Untouchables” and “We Were Soldiers” from Paramount Pictures
· “Aqua Teen Hunger Force,” “Frisky Dingo,” “Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law,” “Sealab 2021” and “The Venture Bros.” from Turner Broadcasting
· Some of the most intense fights from Ultimate Fighting Championship
· “Breaking Bonaduce” and “Hogan Knows Best” from VH1
· “Perfect Storm,” “Poseidon,” The Shining,” “Strange Brew,” “Three Kings” and “V for Vendetta,” as well as “The Nine” and “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” along with the CW show “Veronica Mars” from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
The inevitable Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix videogame is being brought to - wait for it - Wii, PS3, Xbox 360, PS2, PSP, DS, GBA and PC by EA in 2007.
It's launch set to coincide with the release of the Order of the Phoenix movie next July, the game relives the fifth-instalment adventures of Potter and pals as the wizard and witch war between Lord Voldermort and his minions and the good guys escalates.
"The close and synergistic relationship between book, film and videogame is more defined in the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix videogame than ever before. Players will be able to explore the many key locations within Hogwarts in minute detail, each one a visual match to its film equivalent, while being engrossed in the thrilling adventures outlined in the rich narrative of the book", EA informs.
Potter fanatics can look forward to controlling many of the series famous characters - Harry obviously, along with the likes of Dumbledore and Sirius Black - throughout the tale in locations that EA promises "accurately reflect the world showcased in the film".
There's a clear divide in the CVG office this morning, as we set apart those too young to remember Grange Hill cult hero Zammo, and those old and wrinkly enough to actually find excitement in his Xbox Live appearance tomorrow.
Yes - the round-headed 80s legend, last seen protecting rotund Roland from daily beatings and shoving various illicit substances up his nose in the toilets, will be playing Live Arcade classic Marble Blast between 5pm and 7pm tomorrow evening.
For a chance to play with the Zamster simply add his gamertag 'Zammo360', un-tuck your shirt and then keep an eye on your tie for deadly peanut attacks. If he wins, just say 'no'.
The latest title to hit Xbox Live Arcade, Small Arms is now available for download for 800 Microsoft points.
The sidescrolling blaster was created by pint-sized developer Gastronaut Studios, and apparently has you playing as various 'wacky' characters like a cyborg cat or mutant chimney sweep in a 360 degrees blast-fest.
The most interesting feature of Small Arms though is it's unique "social networking" achievement, which can only be unlocked by playing with another player who already has it. At present this means your only change of getting the "Six Degrees of Small Arms" achievement is by nabbing a game with the title's four creators, but we're sure every man and his dog will have it in a few months time.
We'll let you know if anyone else follows in Small Arms' lead with this fancy achievement.
Word has come via Japanese gaming bible Famitsu that Sakaguchi believes Xbox 360 does have a future in Japan, which will be music to Peter Moore's ears.
Blue Dragon pre-orders were recently snapped up and the game is due out in the coming weeks, to be followed by all manner of downloadable content further on down the line.
And a sequel is already on the drawing board. Let's hope we get to play the original first though, there's still no word on a European release. when we'll get to play it.
The first Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Xbox 360 expansion Knights of the Nine is now available for download from Xbox Live Marketplace, for 800 Microsoft points (6.80 GBP).
The expansion sports a whole new quest line featuring new items and enemies, and is the biggest release thus far for Bethesda's insanely-massive RPG.
Not feeling left out, PC owners can get at Knights of the Nine this Friday with the arrival of a boxed version in shops (which also includes previous add-on items), or can wait until December 4 and download it from OblivionDownloads.com for 9.99 USD.
The Xbox 360's video download service is here. Before you start laying down your cash, er, Micro$oft points, here's what you need to know about it, with some help from our friends at Kotaku.
Delivery: It doesn't stream movies and shows. It downloads them in their entirety first, before you can watch them.
There's No Porn: Not even in Standard Def. Not even amateur clips. No, no jubblies.
TV Pricing: High definition shows are $3 (or 240 points). Standard definition shows cost $2 (or 160 points.)
Movie Rental Pricing: For a 14 day rental, high-def movies are $6 bucks (480 points.) Regular def flicks are $4 (320 points.)
Jump for the rest.
Old Movies, like Mad Max 2, Pricing: $4.50 in high-def and $3 bucks in standard-def ($3).
Goonies?: No.
Background DL: When you game, things continue to download. When you game on Xbox Live, things stop downloading. So you're not going to be able to hang with your friends playing a game while your flick comes down the wire.
Why?:" "After purchasing a high-definition TV show or movie, gamers can download the standard-definition version at no additional charge."
Live Account: You can buy movies with a free Silver account. But the people with Gold accounts won't come to your dinner parties anymore. Class divisions are the new race.
The entire list of 48 movies, and TV shows:
Movies:
9 1/2 Weeks
Akira Kurosawa's Dreams
Analyze This
Art of War
Ask the Dusk
ATL
Ballistic: Ecks Vs. Sever
Batman Forever
Chariots of Fire
Chinatown
Clash of the Titans
Congo
The Core
Cradle 2 the Grave
The Dead Pool
Deep Blue Sea
Exorcist III: The Heretic
Failure to Launch
Gallipoli
The Hunger
The Lake House
Looking for COmedy in the Muslim World
Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior
The Matrix
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Natural Born Killers
Patriot Games
The Perfect Storm
Pootie Tang
Poseidon
Rat Race
Rebel Without a Cause
Romeo Must Die
Rosemary's Baby
The Shining
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Star Trek VII: Generations
The Sum of All Fears
Superfly
Tequila Sunrise
Three Kings
THX
Timeline
Unforgiven
Untouchables
V is for Vendetta
We Were Soldiers
Zoolander
TV Shows:
Aqua Teen Hunger Force
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Beavis and Butt-Head: The Mike Judge Collection
Breaking Bonaduce
Carpocalypse
Chappelle's Show Uncensored
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
CSI: Miami
CSI: NY
Day Break
Draw Together
Family Guy
Fights
Frisky Dingo
Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law
Hogan Knows Best
Invader Zim
Jackass
Jericho
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
Mind of Mencia
Moral Orel
Muscle Car
NCIS
Pimp My Ride
Punk'd
Raising the Roofs Uncensored
Robot Chicken
Sealab 2021
Skyland
South Park
Space Ghost Coast to Coast
Spoongebob Squarepants
Star Trek: The Original Series
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Supernatural
The Adverntures of Chico and Guapo
The Andy Milonakis Show
The Nine
The Real Word
The Venture Bros
Veronica Mars
Viva La Bam
Viva Pinata
Wildboyz
Wonder Showzen
Xtreme 4x4
The ability to purchase TV shows to watch on your TV through your Xbox 360 has always struck me as superfluous at best. When I heard you couldn't play the shows on a portable player, like say Microsoft's own Zune, I was incredulous, to put it mildly.
But it gets worse. According to the official Usage Restrictions for TV downloads you can't do anything with them but keep em on your 360.
Video Purchase You are granted a limited, non-transferable, non-commercial license to view and privately display this content solely via your Xbox 360 console as provided herein ane more fully described in the Xbox Live Terms of Use. You may download this content only on your initiating Xbox 360 console and view the content only via such console or via a "roaming" Xbox 360 console in accordance with the Xbox Live Terms of Use.
features
The Girls: The gorgeous women of Team Ninja'sDead or Alive come to life in a fun and beautiful island environment, complete with the flawless graphics of the Xbox 360™. Take pictures of the girls in the new unlockable Virtual Pictoral mode and save the best shots to your hard drive.
The Competition: Beach volleyball is back and better than ever, but now you can also experience all-new exciting and addictive events like jetskiing, Butt Battle, Beach Flag, and everyone's favorite, the Water Slide! Compete in single-player mode, in versus with a friend, or take your game online with Xbox Live®!
The Clothes: Unlock hundreds of swimsuits and accessories along with other outfits to customize your wardrobe and keep the DOA girls looking their best.
The Nightlife: Take some time away from the beach with the updated Casino feature. Gamble the night away and test your luck as you hang with the girls, unlock special items, and earn more money!
description
Join the DOA girls once again on Zack’s Island for Dead or Alive: Xtreme 2. Play at your own pace as you compete in exciting, all-new island activities. Play as any of nine different DOA girls and experience first-hand the resort life as it was meant to be enjoyed.
features
Stunning video and immersive surround-sound audio with up to six times higher resolution than standard DVD.
Innovative interactive content enables PIP commentary, scene selection, and menu access, all while the movie is playing!
Only HD DVD offers a 'combo' disk: DVD on one side allows playback on all your existing DVD players in your home or car.
Enjoy hundreds of great HD DVD movies this holiday from major studios such as Universal, Warner, Paramount, Studio Canal, and more.
Independent research of gamers and players shows HDTV owners prefer HD DVD two to one over Blu-ray.
description
You've experienced next-gen gaming on Xbox 360™ … now experience next-gen DVD movies with HD DVD. The Xbox 360 HD DVD Player is the most affordable way to jump into the next generation of DVD technology, along with the flexibility to enter when you are ready. Just plug Xbox 360 HD DVD Player into Xbox 360 and enjoy the ultimate home theater experience with more clarity and detail than broadcast, cable or satellite HD. Feed your HDTV the high definition content it craves with HD DVD on Xbox 360!
The List of Region free games for the Xbox360 has risen quite a bit of late, heres the full list:
Assassin's Creed
Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII
Call of Duty 2
Call of Duty 3
FarCry Instincts Predator
F.E.A.R. First Encounter Assault Recon
Gun
Hitman: Blood Money
Just Cause
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
MotoGP '06
Open Season
Prey
Quake 4
Saints Row
Table Tennis
Tomb Raider: Legend
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent
WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2007
X-Men: The Official Game
Have an Xbox 360 but secretly prefer your PS2 Dual Shock controllers over Microsoft's offerings? XCM's just released some photos of its latest adapter prototype, the XFPS 360, which include a pair of USB plugs, two PS/2 (the boring kind) jacks, and a place for your beloved PS2 (the fun kind) controller. In some ways, this is just a role reversal for that Xbox controller to PSP hack we spotted last year, don't you think? Anyway, the XFPS 360 hasn't quite yet entered mass production, so we've got no price or availability deets for the time being.
Play Asia one of the worlds biggest sellers of Video Games and Consoles have posted a full listing of whats been released this week:
Nintendo Wii™:
Avatar: The Last Airbender US N/A
Call of Duty 3 US US$ 59.90
Cars US N/A
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 US US$ 59.90
Excite Truck US N/A
GT Pro Series (with wheel) US N/A
Happy Feet US N/A
Madden NFL 07 US US$ 59.90
Marvel Ultimate Alliance US N/A
Monster 4X4: World Circuit US N/A
Monster 4X4: World Circuit (with wheel) US US$ 69.90
Need for Speed Carbon US N/A
Nintendo Wii (incl. Wii Sports) + The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess US US$ 599.00
Rampage: Total Destruction US US$ 39.90
Rayman: Raving Rabbids US N/A
Red Steel US US$ 59.90
SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature From the Krusty Krab US N/A
Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz US US$ 59.90
The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy US N/A
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess US N/A
Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam US US$ 59.90
Trauma Center: Second Opinion US US$ 59.90
PlayStation3™:
Call of Duty 3 US N/A
D Terminal Cable US$ 32.90
Genji: Days of the Blade US US$ 64.90
Madden NFL 07 US US$ 64.90
Mahjong Taikai IV JPN US$ 49.90
Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire US US$ 64.90
NBA '07 US US$ 64.90
NBA 2K7 US US$ 64.90
NHL 2K7 US US$ 64.90
Need for Speed: Carbon US N/A
Resistance: Fall of Man US US$ 64.90
Ridge Racer 7 US US$ 64.90
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 US N/A
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 ASIA US$ 49.90
Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom US US$ 64.90
Xbox360™:
Blitz: The League US US$ 49.90
Culdcept Saga JPN US$ 69.90
Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 ASIA US$ 39.90
Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 [First Print Limited Edition] JPN US$ 79.90
Gears of War Euro N/A
NBA Live 07 JPN US$ 64.90
Spectral Force 3: Innocent Rage KOR US$ 59.90
Superman Returns: The Videogame ASIA US$ 39.90
Viva Pinata [Limited Edition] US N/A
WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2007 ASIA US$ 44.90
X-Men: The Official Game JPN US$ 64.90
Xbox 360 Faceplate (Dead or Alive Xtreme 2) JPN N/A
Xbox 360 HD DVD Player JPN US$ 199.90
PlayStation2™:
Capcom Classics Collection Volume 2 US US$ 29.90
Galaxy Angel Animation-ized Box Set JPN US$ 169.90
Galaxy Angel: Moonlit Lovers (Broccoli Best Quality) JPN US$ 34.90
Guitar Hero II US US$ 59.90
GuitarFreaks V2 & DrumMania V2 JPN US$ 64.90
J-League Winning Eleven 10 + Europe League '06-'07 JPN US$ 64.90
K-1 World Grand Prix 2006 JPN US$ 64.90
Kohitsuji Hokaku Keakaku! Sweet Boys Life JPN US$ 64.90
Kohitsuji Hokaku Keakaku! Sweet Boys Life [Limited Edition] JPN US$ 79.90
NBA Live 07 JPN US$ 64.90
Naruto Uzumaki Chronicles US US$ 49.90
PlayStation2 Console Pink (SCPH-77000PK) JPN US$ 179.00
PlayStation2 Satin Silver (SCPH-77000SS) JPN US$ 179.00
Sega Genesis Collection US US$ 29.90
Tenshou Gakuen Gekkou Hasumi JPN US$ 64.90
The King of Fighters NeoWave (SNK Best Collection) JPN US$ 34.90
Twinkle Star Spirits: La Petite Princesse (SNK Best Collection) JPN US$ 34.90
White Breath: Kizuna JPN US$ 64.90
White Breath: Kizuna [First Print Limited Edition] JPN US$ 79.90
Nintendo DS™:
Bokura no Taiyou: Django and Sabata JPN US$ 48.90
Charlotte's Web US US$ 34.90
Exclusive Cleaner Set US$ 9.90
Final Fantasy III US US$ 39.90
Goutouchi Kentei DS JPN US$ 39.90
Gunpey DS US US$ 34.90
Jump Ultimate Stars JPN US$ 48.90
Lite Slipon Puff (black) US$ 9.90
Lite Slipon Puff (blue) US$ 9.90
Lite Slipon Puff (pink) US$ 9.90
Lite Slipon Puff (white) US$ 9.90
Minna no DS Karingu JPN US$ 19.90
One Piece DS Lite Accessory Set N/A
Oshare Majo Love and Berry (DS Collection) JPN US$ 58.90
Oshare Majo Love and Berry (DS Collection) Special Pack JPN N/A
Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop 2 US US$ 34.90
Sony PSP™:
Brave Story JPN US$ 14.90
Jeanne D'Arc ASIA US$ 42.90
Jeanne D'Arc JPN US$ 48.90
Layer Cake JPN US$ 37.90
Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy KOR US$ 49.90
Medal of Honor: Heroes (Chinese language packing) ASIA US$ 42.90
Medal of Honor: Heroes (English language packing) ASIA US$ 42.90
Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny Special Edition II - Each Sword JPN US$ 37.90
Mortal Kombat Deception: Unchained US US$ 39.90
Need For Speed: Carbon Own the City KOR US$ 49.90
PSP Accessories Pack AV Pack US$ 37.90
PSP Accessories Pack Game Pack US$ 37.90
PSP PlayStation Portable - Pink (PSP-1000PK) JPN US$ 199.90
Riviera: Yakusoku no Chi JPN US$ 48.90
Misc Accessory:
Upscan Converter+ TV US$ 119.90
PC Games:
Eragon ASIA US$ 34.90
Guide Books:
Call of Duty 3 Official Strategy Guide US US$ 17.90
Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Revised & Expanded US US$ 24.90
F.E.A.R.: First Encounter Assault Recon: Prima Official Game Guide US US$ 19.90
Final Fantasy III Official Strategy Guide US US$ 18.90
Gears of War Limited Edition Strategy Guide (Leather Bound) US US$ 34.90
Phantasy Star Universe Official Strategy Guide US US$ 22.90
Resistance: Fall of Man Signature Series Guide US US$ 19.90
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Player's Guide US US$ 16.90
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas: Prima Official Game Guide US US$ 18.90
Yoshi's Island DS Player's Guide US US$ 16.90
Toys & Misc:
Dance Dance Revolution: Strawberry Shortcake US US$ 39.90
Dead or Alive Xtreme 2: Ayane Poster US$ 9.90
Dead or Alive Xtreme 2: Helena Poster US$ 9.90
Dead or Alive Xtreme 2: Hitomi Poster US$ 9.90
Dead or Alive Xtreme 2: Kasumi Poster US$ 9.90
Dead or Alive Xtreme 2: Kokoro Poster US$ 9.90
Dead or Alive Xtreme 2: Lei Fang Poster US$ 9.90
Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball 2 Calendar US US$ 19.90
Dragon Quest Metallic Monsters Gallery - Type 10 Metal Rider US$ 20.90
Dragon Quest Metallic Monsters Gallery - Type 11 Metal Chimera US$ 20.90
Dragon Quest Metallic Monsters Gallery - Type 12 Stoneman US$ 24.90
Dragon Quest Metallic Monsters Gallery - Type 7 Slime Knight US$ 20.90
Dragon Quest Metallic Monsters Gallery - Type 8 Chimera US$ 20.90
Dragon Quest Metallic Monsters Gallery - Type 9 Goldman US$ 24.90
Exceed A Generation Figure Collection Vol.1 US$ 7.90
Fate/Hollow Ataraxia 1/6 Scale Pre-painted PVC Figure - Saber Swimsuit Version US$ 54.90
Gundam Seed Destiny Cosmix Figure Collection US$ 6.90
Jump Ultimate Stars Postcard Book US$ 9.90
Let's! TV Play Naruto - Naruto- Ninja Body Induction Datebayo JPN US$ 69.90
Monster Hunter - Hunter Goods Collection Life Figure US$ 4.99
Tales of the Abyss 1/8 Scale Pre-painted PVC Figure - Tear Grants US$ 39.90
To Heart 2 1/7 Scale Pre-Painted Figure: Kousaka Tamaki Frill Bikini Ver. US$ 54.90
Video Game Soundtracks:
Drama CD Tales of the Abyss Vol.3 JPN US$ 27.90
Eternity (Blue Dragon Theme Song) JPN US$ 10.90
Front Mission Alternative Original Soundtrack JPN US$ 19.90
Galaxy Angel II Mugen Kairo No Kagi Intro Theme: Wing of Destiny Repackaged Version JPN US$ 11.90
Hokenshitsu He Yokoso-Original Audio Collection- JPN US$ 27.90
Korochan Pack PSP Playstation Portable Software: LocoRoco [12-cm CD + Picture Book] JPN US$ 11.90
Mizu No Senritsu 2-Hi No Kioku-Character Song Flame Series 1 JPN US$ 23.90
Mobile Suit Gundam: Target In Sight Original Soundtrack JPN US$ 28.90
Palais De Reine Perfect Audiotracks JPN US$ 27.90
Project Sylpheed Original Soundtrack JPN US$ 19.90
Remember Memories JPN US$ 11.90
Sen No Yoru To Hitotsu No Asa/Hoshi No Inori (Hi no Kioku Theme Song) JPN US$ 11.90
Tenchu Senran Original Soundtrack JPN US$ 27.90
Utawarerumono - Chiriyuku Mono e no Komoriuta - Original Soundtrack JPN US$ 23.90
Watashi no Namida to Sora (Blue Dragon Intro Song) JPN US$ 10.90
Yell! (Anime Super Robot Taisen OG Divine Wars) JPN US$ 11.90
Microsoft Corp., the world’s leading maker of software, is earning money selling the Xbox 360 hardware, according to updated teardown analysis from research firm iSuppli. The information means that the software giant has managed to lower the price of its latest game console by nearly 40% in one year.
According to iSuppli’s most recent analysis, the premium version of the Xbox 360 game machine equipped with hard disk drive has a manufacturing and materials total of $323.30, based on an updated estimate using costs in the fourth quarter of 2006. This total is $75.70 less than the $399 suggested retail price of the Xbox 360. Even though it is obvious that Microsoft still has to subtract freight, toll, retail partner’s profit and other possible charges, it is highly likely that Microsoft has either managed to reduce its loss to minimal, or is making a tiny profit selling the $399 flavour of the Xbox 360.
A year ago the total bill of materials (BOM) cost for the Xbox 360 Premium, including hard disk, the DVD drive, enclosures, the Radio Frequency (RF) receiver board, power supply, wireless controller, cables, literature, and packaging, reached $525, well above the retail price of $399, according to iSuppli. Considering the up to date BOM, Microsoft has managed to reduce the pricing of its console by over 38.5%.
The lower manufacturing cost will allow Microsoft to decrease the unit price of its console or even introduce a new version featuring more capabilities at the existing price tag. For example, Microsoft could equip its Xbox 360 premium with HD DVD drive and selling it at $399 still maintain price $100 lower price compared to Sony’s PlayStation 3, which is available at $499 and $599.
Microsoft’s arch-rival on the console scene – Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. – currently sells its PlayStation 3 game consoles at $241 – $306 loss. If the company manages to trim the production costs by 40% in a year, it will cost $483 to manufacture the $499 version of the PlayStation 3 and $504 to make the $599 flavour.
A new teaser trailer and screenshots are shedding fresh light on Dark Sector, Digital Extremes' intriguing third-person action game that was first unveiled in 2000.
It's the first we've seen of the project in some time - in fact, we have to trip back nearly a year for the last info, when it was revealed that the dev had ripped out the original space-based theme for its project and replaced it with a scenario that finds players battling in a near-future where bio-weapons have unleashed hell and havoc.
You play Hayden Tenno, a character with the ability to morph into different combat forms - you get a glimpse of him in the new trailer.
Dark Sector is currently carrying an autumn 2007 release date, and we're expecting it to hit Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. Get teased by the first of many official blogs on the game.
Koei has changed its plans for the previously PS3-exclusive titles Fatal Inertia and Bladestorm: The Hundred Year War, revealing that they'll now be heading to the Xbox 360 next spring.
Both games are pencilled in for a March 2007 release on the two next-gen consoles, Fatal Intertia - if we remember correctly - being a futuristic racer with fancy weapons and physics, and Bladestorm the latest troop-commander from the Omega Force team, the chaps behind the Dynasty Warriors series.
There's no 360 screens as yet, but we'll let you know when any new media or info arrives.
The promised multiplayer demo of Capcom's gorgeous 360 shooter Lost Planet: Extreme Condition is finally heading to Xbox Live today, in anticipation for the game's release in little over a month's time.
The demo lets you play with multiple weapons, those big stompy mechs and four modes of play; Elimination, Team Elimination, Post Grab and Fugitive.
Xbox Live Gold members will be able to download the demo from today, however poor Silver chaps will have to wait until next Thursday before they can join the battling snow pirates online.
On Xbox 360 Lara's latest will offer multiplayer tournaments such as the ICC World Cup 2007 and ICC Champions Trophy 2006, leagues, exhibition and warm up matches. Leadboards and achievements - such as scoring a century - are also planned.
On PC meanwhile, the game will support LAN games and online play and offer all of the same tournaments, leagues and matches as its 360 counter-part.
On both formats up to 16-player simultaneous multiplayer tournaments will be possible, including the ICC-licensed events and the option for up to eight spectators to watch your virtual cricket unfold - although you'll probably have to make your own beer tent for that one.
Lara '07 is also heading to PS2, which will apparently feature a variety of 4-player multiplayer modes in addition to the single-player shenanigans.
Brian Lara International Cricket 2007 will be out on all free formats in March. We'll let you know how it turns out. Hopefully it'll be better than England's start in the Ashes...
Konami has confirmed that an update for its latest footy opus Pro Evolution Soccer 6 is heading for Xbox Live today, resolving several online issues.
The update will automatically download upon starting the game and apparently fix the connection problems that have plagued the online mode up to now.
PES players have previously reported problems in the online arena such as below par Xbox Live play, with especial difficulty being reported in ranked matches.
Konami say that the update will make for a "smoother online experience" - we'll let you know if they're right.
Xbox360 News was relaunched a few days back and we need a ton of new content and we would love to have reviews from our users, the game playing public are often better reviewers than some overpaid journalist.
So if you have a review please post it in our Submit News forum and we will do the rest.
Get your reviews noticed by many thousands and the best will be put up on our site as well
We Accept any Gaming and Hardware for Xbox360reviews
Staffordshire police are after a hijacking gang who turned over a £500,000 lorryload of Xbox 360 consoles and games in the early hours of Monday morning.
At least three men in two cars - believed to be a Range Rover and a Rover saloon - flagged down the truck near Lichfield, shortly after it left a distribution centre. The men indicated there was something trapped beneath the wheels.
The 46-year-old trucker was then attacked and his vehicle, owned by distribution firm Hellman Worldwide Logistics, was stolen. It was carrying a shipment of a new WWE: Smackdown vs Raw 2007 Xbox 360 bundle which is due to launch tomorrow, according to Amazon.
The driver was later treated in hospital for superficial injuries. The emptied trailer was discovered abandoned on the A38 near Sutton Coldfield the same day.
Police are appealing for the driver of a red Subaru parked on a road leading to the distribution centre at 5am on Monday to come forward. The Mirror reports it is the second attack in five days on the distributor's Xbox shipments and the firm is conducting an internal security review.
Call of duty 3 (COD3) was released a couple of weeks ago for the xbox 360 and was perhaps the most anticipated game for the system after the mighty gears of war(GOW). Unfortunately COD3 was released in the same week as GOW so inevitably reviewers would have to compare the games to each other rather than just comparing COD3 to its COD2.
This reviewer is not even going to bother with gears of war because he hasn't played it yet . with a minor gaming budget I had to opt for one of the two and CoD2 had been so good I had to go for what i was certain would be a sure thing . first impressions:
treyarch ? who's treyarch? where's infinity ward ? huh? they didn't make it ? damn .. oh well. I skipped the intro and went straight to the multilayer . this isnt a single player review because I havnt played the single player yet . I'm just not interested in the single player mode because a) humans make better targets and b) there is no engaging story in these types of games , its just shooting from one checkpoint to the next. in all the time I had COD2 i never played the single player missions after I had finished the game once , why would I when multilayer is so good ?
The first thing that strikes You about COD3 is the way it looks . its not a huge departure from COD2 but everything looks...just a bit more real, life like , as if they've injected a little bit of DNA in to everything . the other thing that hits you and impresses straight off the bat is the way that the background blurs when u aren't looking at it . its the same as when u look at a near object and whatever further away goes out of focus... this is a very nice touch and is still impressive when i play it now , simple and effective . over all a big graphical improvement with all the trees , weeds and plants. thumbs up. and the sound is the same if not better .
now then on to the game play . reviewers have said that the weapons function the same as they did in COD2 , and I'm here to tell you they don't . minor differences in ever single weapon but only a COD2 veteran would notice. the car took a bit of getting used to , it looks different and is it less accurate ? or is it that the maps are so big that the soldiers are further away now? I don't know... but after a bit of practice it does start to feel the same . i haven't really practised with the sniper because its for wimps as everybody knows . OK, maybe not so much anymore , but in COD2 anyone who was a sniper was either a noob to the game or just a bad player. here the sniper seems to fit better in to the game because the maps are so huge and it does make the game feel much more like a war .
here lies my biggest grips with the game . the maps, although big don't seem to have the same attention payed to them as COD 2. in COD2 every map was fun to play . the buildings were actually USED. people went inside them and threw grenades in. we actually ran into and out of buildings and they were as much a part of the game as the streets and roads. there was a 'cat and mouse' feel about the game . peopel used to hole up inside a building and the other team would try and rush them . no such fun here. the level where this neglect of design is most apparent is poison. in this vast map the designers decided to clump most of the buildings in the centre . basically the streets in this little grouping are almost empty . players just skirt around the sides with tanks or rifles and hardly anyone goes into the rooms here, because if you do you will rarely find a target. you will not be running through the rooms chasing people here... its just a deadplace . very disappointing .
aside from this , which is my major irk with the game , the improvements are many . more players , 24 . time will tell if this is a good thing or bad. at first I couldn't get into the games because in a busy i was getting shot left right and centre, but as time goes by and the weapons and maps become familiar i can say that it is improving and some levels are great. the village les oures and the dam are great levels. poison , although flawed is also a great map. the bunker level played at night ( i forget its name ) is a huge improvement on alhamein , which i think was everyone's least favourite level in COD2.
the Thompson is as great as ever but i haven't tested any new guns other than the ones from COD2. they all feel different , but i guess they just have to be learned again . the addition of vehicles is very welcome , however i do think the tanks spawn a bit too fast .
the added ranks within game is great too. medics, support etc, they all give the game a sense of comaradary and im sure they will be back in COD4.
closing comments :
so, my verdict ? its an improvement in many ways but it has taken a step back in the pure game play fun . and that's basically my thoughts . 2 steps forward and one step back . but its not a huge step back , just a half step. In COD2 you could play 10 games and 7 or 8 would be engaging , focused , and fun , but that has dropped to maybe 4 or 5 out of ten , partly because of the huge maps and silly spawn points. some time you die and have to run all the back to the action only to die agan and do the same thing again . I hope infinity ward to the business with COD4 and design better maps , which are the only reason theis game isn't as good as COD2.
Here's more hands on experience with the Xbox 360 Video Store, 24 hours after its launch.
Speeds Should Get Better...Maybe: The system is getting hammered, and downloads are going slug-slow, or failing all together. The service stopped my movie download half way, and wouldn't download more unless I bought it again. Then I tried buying an HD movie, which failed, but took my cash anyhow (see image)
If the system knows it took my money without showing me what it had to show me, don't you think you should give me a refund?
Other things I've learned:
•You can't FF or Skip Chapters in a movie until its completely downloaded.
•Also, downloaded movies can't be re-downloaded, even within your rental period.
•You can't download movies on other machines if you're within your grace period, either.
Microsoft has said it will refund any money lost by American gamers struggling with its new Video Marketplace service, which went online on Wednesday.
The service allows Xbox Live users in the US to download film and TV show content in standard and, in some cases, high definition formats.
However, high levels of interest among the 360's userbase have left the service reeling, with Xbox Live's Major Nelson admitting, "these technical issues have resulted in a very unpleasant experience for our members, including extremely slow downloads or not receiving the content they purchased".
Microsoft says a team is working around the clock to sort out the problems, and anybody who has experienced a problem or lost points to a purchase but not completed the download should call 1-800-4MYXBOX.
There's also a Video Marketplace forum on Xbox.com where staff will try and answer questions.
"Thanks for your patience, and please know that the team is prepared to make things right for those affected, including refunding Microsoft Points where appropriate and as quickly as possible," Nelson's blog concludes.
Video Marketplace has yet to launch outside the US, due to the complexity of the content licensing deals that allow it to operate, but Microsoft has previously said it hopes to introduce the service elsewhere in the future.
Downloaded the Lost Planet demo yet? Along with the single-player demo from May, it should give you a pretty firm idea of whether you're going to buy it when it comes out on 12th January.
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If the answer's in the affirmative, Capcom suggests pre-ordering from Game, GameStation, HMV, Virgin or GameStop, because if you do you'll also get a special "token card" which unlocks a second multiplayer map called "Dilapidation" to go along with the "Pirate Fortress" level in the basic demo.
And yes, that means that a one-level demo effectively becomes a two-level one, albeit for a small pre-order fee. Up to you really.
DS keeps kicking ass, as always and the Sony are making PS3 as fast as they can for the Japanese public to snap them up.
But not so good news for Sony's other children, the PS2 understandable sales drop, but the PSP just keeps falling to near the 15,000 mark, is this the beginning of the end for the PSP in Japan?
The 360, has pick up its pace in the last few weeks, and the is the only console (bar the GameCube) to impove sales this week. But its still lags far behind, Can the hotly anticipated "Blue Dragon", kick xbox sales up the ass? we will find out on the 7 of Dec.
"Gears is a trilogy? Why would we have to stop at three?" says Epic's Mark Rein
Last week the first hint landed that our dreams of more Gears goodness might become a reality, as Microsoft's Corporate VP of Global Marketing Jeff Bell referred to Epic's series as the "Gears of War trilogy", suggesting at least two more entries for the (ahem) epic series.
After the expected internet commotion caused by Bell's comment, Epic decided to respond to the commotion with a post on its forum, adding even more fuel to the fire by asking why - after the shooter has managed to fly off the shelves and sell over a million copies - they'd leave the series at just three.
"Gears is a trilogy? If we can keep making quality games that fans obviously then why would we have to stop at three," said Epic VP Mark Rein.
"I don't see the Metal Gear Solid, Mario, Grand Theft Auto or Final Fantasy series (among others) stopping at three and they're still delivering compelling entertainment content that's easily worth the money (see Unreal Tournament as well). There's definitely, as many of you have pointed out, a lot more to learn about what's really happening on the plant Sera and in the lives of the members of Delta Squad."
For the moment Epic is concentrating on supporting the first Gears with download content and enhancements:
"In the mean time," added Rein, "we're working hard to support Gears of War (the first one) and come up with some great enhancements you'll hopefully see before too long. We're not ready to provide any details yet but I assure you we're on the job."
A lorry containing £750,000 worth of Xbox 360 consoles has been hijacked by organised thieves, Staffordshire police has reported.
The crooks made away with the consoles - of which the CVG calculator estimates to be around 2,508 units - near a depot in Staffordshire.
The robbery is the second in a week, as a trailer containing £260,000 worth of the console was stolen from a depot owned by the same firm - Hellman Worldwide Logistics - about a week ago. This together puts the monetary value of the consoles swiped this week at over £1 million - in comparison that'll get you almost 12 whole PlayStation 3's on eBay (hoho.)
Apparently, the thieves managed to convince the lorry driver that something was caught under his wheels (perhaps a Badger, we speculate), and then upon exiting the vehicle beat him and left him on the roadside of the A38 at 5am on Monday. The gang, who were initially driving a Range Rover and Rover Saloon, then dumped the lorry minus the next-gen consoles.
Peter Stevens of the Staffordshire police made a call for witnesses to step forward: "We are appealing for information from anyone who is offered these games in suspicious circumstances, such as in a pub, at a car boot sale or off the back of a lorry".
The price of manufacturing the hard disc drive enabled Xbox 360 has now dropped low enough that Microsoft could be breaking even, according to a report from technology analyst iSuppli.
After assessing that the Sony could be losing as much as US $300 on the 20GB PlayStation 3, iSuppli have calculated that Micorosft has reached the point where lower manufacturing costs total US $75 less than the retail price.
"The HDD-equipped Xbox 360 has a manufacturing and materials total of US $323.30, based on updated estimate using costs in the fourth quarter of 2006," said the report. "This total is US $75.70 less than the US $399 suggested retail price of the Xbox 360."
As the estimates only take into account the component costs, it does not consider other factors such as retail margins, packaging and distribution costs. Also, the Core Xbox 360 is still more expensive to manufacture, with a retail cost in North America of US $299.
Breaking down individual components, iSuppli lists costs for the Xbox 360 motherboard (US $204), optical drive (US $19.45), hard disc drive (US $43), power supply (US $25.50), case (US $20.50) and only US $6.10 in manufacturing costs.
features
New Leader, New Team – Team Rainbow ushers in a new breed of heroes. With a new team comes added responsibility. Tactics play a MAJOR role in your team’s success, as each member comes equipped with his own skill set.
Special Order Location – Experience a new level of squad-based realism as your teammates, Michael and Jung, offer you real-time tactical suggestions like busting through walls or hacking computers, all in a race against time to locate the heart of the terrorist cell.
Observe - Plan - Assault – Use tactical planning to maneuver through multiple-path Vegas environments, while utilizing high-tech equipment such as snake cams to strategically “tag” terrorist targets to your teammates, prior to entering a room
Real-Time Immersion – Prepare yourself for a new level of in-game immersion with real-time mission briefings, all in the midst of the most intense combat ever played.
Advanced Gameplay Animations – Motion-captured assault and recon techniques such as fast roping, rappelling, window entry, blind-cover fire, and more. All captured by an experienced Hollywood animation expert.
Next-Generation Artificial Intelligence – Next-generation technology brings a higher level of artificial intelligence to Rainbow Six. As you get past the grunts and advance closer to the center of the terrorist cell, encounter deadlier, more skilled enemies who work together as a group to counter every move you make
Customizable Multiplayer Experience – Create your own multiplayer character that evolves as you play online, unlocking new equipment and achievements as you go.
Ubisoft Montreal Returns – Rainbow Six is back in the hands of Ubisoft’s Montreal studio, creators of the award-winning and highly acclaimed Rainbow Six 3.
description
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six makes its next-generation hardware debut in the most dramatic installment of the renowned first-person shooter franchise to date.
Rainbow operatives take to the chaotic streets of Las Vegas as an escalating terrorist siege in “Sin City” threatens to take world terrorism to new, uncontrollable heights. The future of global security hangs in the balance as you battle to defend classic Vegas locations and environments like Fremont Street, the Strip, and casinos.
Experience Las Vegas like never before – through revolutionary next-generation technology as you work against the clock to keep one of the world’s most recognizable cities from utter devastation.
Microsoft said it has sold more than 1 million copies of "Gears of War" in its first two weeks. We'll see if it has prompted sales of new Xbox 360s as well. In other news, Microsoft has stores stocked with its new HD-DVD movie player. I have one in the garage, but for some reason it stopped working. Microsoft also has its Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel and Xbox Live Vision Camera accessories on the market as well.
Microsoft still says it expects 10 million consoles to be sold by the end of the holidays. That means it will have shipped that many units from its factories to its distributors. Lastly, Microsoft is now allowing movie and TV show downloads on Xbox Live. You pay for the shows in points, but HDTV shows sell for the equivalent of $3, while standard TV shows are $2. HD new release movies are $6, and standard new release movies are $4. There's a rumor that the company will offer a larger hard-disk drive soon, but the company hasn't confirmed that yet.
In Dead or Alive promotional material? Noooooooo. Impossible! On November 22nd, Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 hit Japanese store shelves. Retailers, such as Game City (pictured), rolled out in-store advertisements like this Ayane poster that features next-gen teats. The shocking thing isn't that boob dials were included in promotional material, but that it took right up till the game's release for someone to notice.
Legacy is an epic game of Starfleet combat covering the entire Star Trek Universe. Players become the Admiral of a task force of warships and must lead their fleet to victory in large-scale battles. As the Admiral of the Fleet you choose the ships, equipment, and captains that you will lead into battle. The game is designed to provide an immersive strategic and tactical experience by emphasizing the dramatic excitement of large-scale battles without the hassle of complex starship management.
We are now selling the V1.1 of the Mod360, the popular low price equivalent of the NME 360.
Now with lower wire count but still its low price!
More info :
Overview of the product
Low wire count, 4 or 5 wires
one chip for Toshiba-Samsung drive
one chip for Hitachi - LG drive
Auto boot NME360 type backups.*
Auto boot backups that is in dual format (xtreme/NME360). *
Auto boot original games.*
Mod360 will disable patching if an original game is detected. (perfect for xbox live)
* This is region specific. However, some games are region free
Xeno comes again with a smartly priced solution for Xbox 360 this time in the form of a modchip for Samsung drives. Fully in stock today
Xeno 360 Lite for Samsung drive
Overview of the product
- Auto boot NME360 type backups.*
- Auto boot original games.*
- Xeno 360 will disable patching if an original game is detected. (perfect for xbox live)
Specifications & extra information
- Samsung drives: 4 wires
- Patchmod for XBox360 DVD Drive
- Original Firmware stays unchanged
- No flashing or damaging of your firmware
- Supported drives: T/S MS25, T/S MS28, (Samsung Loader)
- SS required at offset #FC021E (NME-Style)
The new Treamcast version, a collector for hard core Sega fans, is now available: Meet the Treamcast SE, more portable Dreamcast for retro fans!
Overview of the product
Treamcast Special Edition is the latest edition of the Treamcast family. This special edition comes in matt black with a sharp TFT screen for optimum performance. This collectors edition has also be redesigned using the some of feedback we have received from happy users.
Specification
- Matt Black for a more sleek look.
- The first 128bit console
- Advance PowerVR graphics chip
- Samsung 5” TFT screen for optimum performance
- Brightness and Volume control
- Headphone output
- Plays all region Dreamcast games
- Plays Dreamcast homebrews
- 12v car adapter
- 100-240V auto switching power adapter comes with 2 pin cable (cable can be changed to suit your needs)
- Comes with an original Dreamcast controller for optimum performance
- Can be connected to a normal TV (cable not supply and its outputs a NTSC signal for best compability)
This is the most complete 360 case on the market, with high quality plastic that gives the appearance of glass (nobody wants murky clouded plastic cases)!
This is the only case in the world that comes with a clear DVD drive lid, which actually lets you the DVD spinning while you play! Inside this amazing kit is also a clear fan tunnel, without this vital piece you wouldn't even be able to see your circuit board! This piece opens up the whole inside of your console so you can see everything going on inside (this also allows for your custom lighting kit to light up everything in the case)!
With this kit you really are getting a CLEAR Xbox 360. Specifications & extra information
COMPLETE kit includes:
* Complete Xbox 360 Case Replacement
* Includes Custom Dual Light Kit
* Clear DVD drive lid
* Clear dual Fan Tunnel
* Comes with Opening Tools
* Extremely High Quality !
* Complete Xbox 360 Case Replacement
7 CommentsThe MSN article offers no concrete sales numbers for the past week's North American next-gen console battle, only stating that "retailers and analysts across North America confirm that the hottest selling gaming console this past weekend was the Xbox 360."
Despite high demand both Sony and Nintendo failed to supply enough consoles to satisfy hungry gamers, leaving MS to bask in the glory of being the only system in the shops - oh, and that game Gears of War probably had something to do with the bumped-up 360 sales as well.
The console is looking to do even better numbers in Europe, where Sony's delay of the PS3 to March 2007 makes the 360 the only high-end next-gen console in shops this Christmas.
"Retailers had a great four-day run and pretty much everything is gone. Sony dropped the ball and Nintendo didn't do that much better," MSN quotes one Canadian retailer as saying. "They over-promised and under delivered in terms of the quantity of Wii systems that were available. Sony on the other hand warned everyone that supplies would be severely limited. Microsoft was the big winner. They had lots of systems and they had them priced right with game bundles that gamers were interested in."
Sony and Nintendo are yet to release official sales numbers for their launch weeks, although both consoles are widely reported to be sold out across North America.
So the Xbox 360 looks to be the big winner this Christmas, but while the Microsoft-owned MSN might be ready to claim the next-gen console war over, we think we'll wait for PlayStation 3 and Wii to be readily available in stores before we hoist the green MS flag.
Last week Halo dev Bungie released the first high-res screenshots of Halo 3's gorgeous multiplayer mode, and now it's decided to dissect the shots piece by piece - just like a proper magazine.
"[The Ghost has] received a pretty awesome graphic overhaul," the dissection reads. "It's subtle at first but we've been noticing it more and more. The surface is now a lot shinier than before, the reflection on it is real-time, which we just tested by throwing grenades in front of it and watching their reflections." "Basically, the Ghost has been pimped."
Talking about the new Spartan Laser and nippy Mongoose quadbike, Bungie says "it is small and unarmed, but it's fast. There's no easy way to take it out. You can use the Spartan Laser, but that's kind of difficult as the laser needs to charge for three seconds before it discharges."
"While it's firing, you've got about half a second or so to get it over the target. Unless it's coming straight at you and even if it is, that can be kind of difficult. [The Spartan Laser will] definitely take some getting used to before you can consistently hit a moving target with it, but then it's all the more satisfying."
You can try out Halo 3's multiplayer for yourself, when the Xbox Live beta lands in spring 2007.
It's the season to be ten whole English pounds jollier. Microsoft has knocked ten quid off the price of the Xbox 360 Core System in the UK.
During ITV's I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here*, Microsoft unleashed an Xbox 360 ad-break frenzy; three ads in less than four minutes.
Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter and Gears of War aren't a surprise and have been shown many times already over the past few weeks, but the first ad showcased the platform's swelling portfolio of games, stating the price of the console as "from £199.99 RRP".
Robbie Bach, the president of Microsoft's entertainment and devices division, has said that he believes Sony is focusing on too many different areas - and is feeling the strain as a result.
Speaking to the San Jose Mercury News, Bach defended Microsoft's decision to introduce new music player Zune to market, rather than a new gaming handheld.
At present, he said, the company's priority is to make sure that, "The second holiday for Xbox 360 is set up right, that we've got the quantities we need, that we've got the games we need, and anything I do to distract those guys is probably a bad thing.
"I think Sony, frankly, suffers a little bit from this problem, which is they're spread really thin across all these areas. And trying to do PSP, competing with Nintendo, PSP to DS; competing with us, 360 to PS3, I think it does strain - it would naturally strain any organisation," he added.
When it comes to competing with the PlayStation 3, "Right now we are thinking about how to cost reduce the Xbox 360. That seems to be the first order of business," Bach said.
"You have to ask the question, over the life cycle, who has the cost advantage? Who can price most effectively? Who can reach the price points quicker? That has a huge impact on what gets driven.
"Most publishers are doing their initial development work on the Xbox 360. That plays to our benefit. Because we are out there first, we have a bigger installed base of consoles. We can drive down the manufacturing curve sooner and faster. And because we designed a box that was fundamentally easier to manage on costs, we’re going to have that advantage," he concluded.
According to Bach, Xbox 360 will be "a great logical choice" for gamers who want to buy a new console this Christmas season, particularly as PS3 shortages continue - adding, "Our value proposition is just better."
He said that Microsoft's decision not to introduce a 2006 holiday price cut for Xbox 360 "was not that hard", explaining, "When your competitor is supply constrained, it’s not clear what price buys you.
"Sony is going to sell as many units as they can ship in the US. I don’t know that a lower price would make a difference in the outcome. As you go out into later years, cost and price are both important issues."
When asked how long it will be before Microsoft starts making money on Xbox, Bach replied, "To be clear, we have said that in fiscal 08, entertainment and devices makes money. That’s not exactly Xbox. We don’t break profit down by business. And there are parts of entertainment and devices that make money. Xbox doesn’t. Xbox has to make significant progress to enable E&D to get there."
Overview : With Talismoon range of Evolve 'Wild Jungle' edition for the Xbox 360, gamers are treated to extreme levels of comfort thanks to a soft 'like fur' finish, as well as refreshing and unique new look. Xbox 360 controller come complete with everything needed for a pain-free install, and each fur faceplate pattern will be unique. Styles consist of a 'cow' or striking 'leopard' fur finish. Jungle Edition is also available for PSP.
Quality/Usability : Packaging design is very thought out and cleaver. With the inclusion of an installation guide, torx wrench and screwdriver, installation would be very easy. The quality of build is top-notch. Talismoon has never disappointed anyone with their line of products. The face of the faceplate of the controller feels really nice. I guess its similar to like a fur coat but not as long. Not to mention, you dont have to worry about it shedding. Unfortunately, no buttons or joysticks included so you'll have to use the original. The faceplate fits perfectly on the controller without any problems.
Included:
1x complete Xbox 360 controller faceplate
1x screwdriver
1x tamper resistant torx t8 wrench
1x installation guide
Conclusion : Overall, the Evolve360 Wild Jungle Edition is a great product and unique as well. It has a nice feel to it so its not bothersome. Since its made of "fur", the only problem would be for those with sweaty palms. Would it smell? Getting stains on it and removing it would be hard as well. Besides that, this is a great product. I wonder if they would come out with a product with snake skin or something like that.
Evolve360 Chrome Controller Faceplate
Manufacturer: Talismoon
Site: Buy from Divineo China
Price: $16.95
Overview : Thanks to the Talismoon Evolve 360 controller faceplate range, you can now take the customization of Microsoft's next generation gaming machine to a new level! The Evolve 360 controller faceplate features everything you need for some serious fine tuning of your controller in one complete package. Talismoon Evolve 360 plates do not only shine with vibrancy but also through a unique combination of plastic construction provide a reinforced shell for increased resistance and a longer life.
Ultra-gloss finish is the result of meticulous handling throughout the production process, to the point where the final customer is the first person to actually touch the finished product.
Right from the beginning the Xbox 360 is all about customization; now it's time do this prophecy justice with Talismoon Evolve 360 controller faceplates!
Quality/Usability : With the inclusion of an installation guide, torx wrench and screwdriver, installation would be very easy. The quality of build is top-notch. Talismoon has never disappointed anyone with their line of products. Unfortunately, no buttons or joysticks included so you'll have to use the original. The faceplate fits perfectly on the controller without any problems. If you're loosing in a game against your friend, just turn the controller a certain way and blind them =).
Included:
1x complete Xbox 360 controller faceplate
1x screwdriver
1x tamper resistant torx t8 wrench
1x installation guide
Conclusion : Overall, the Evolve360 Chrome Controller Faceplate is a great product. The chrome will give the controller a unique and different look. Only problem with chrome is the potential fingerprints and smudge marks appearing. If you're anal and dont like marks, you might want to avoid this.
Hi all, since the death of Lik Sang and Problems with Paypal i have been trying to get a new sponsor for the coding competition but to no avail, at present all Paypal donations were refunded and with the loss of 2 of the remaining 4 prizes it has caused a problem for the competition.
So its with sadness that im going to temporarily postpone the Coding Competition until after the new year and secure some new sponsors for the Coding Contest.
I aplogise to all those who have entered so far, i have been trying for a month to secure new prizes etc but the postponing for now will help me get things sorted and maybe have a bigger comp for the likes of PS3, wii and xbox360 also.
So again to the coders who have already entered a big sorry to you, luckily theres about 20 other coding comps at the mo and some with better prizes than what we had to offer.
Are parts for the system finally cheaper than it sells for? Analyst says 'yes.'
Tech analyst firm iSuppli issued a report where they speculate that Microsoft's Xbox 360 might, just a year after release, cost less to produce than the unit retails for, according to GameIndustry.
The HDD-equipped Xbox 360 has a manufacturing and materials total of US $323.30, based on updated estimate using costs in the fourth quarter of 2006," said the report. "This total is US $75.70 less than the US $399 suggested retail price of the Xbox 360.
The Core pack isn't turning a profit, yet. If just a year after launch when sales for the system have remained relatively sluggish, Microsoft's production costs are lower than their retail price -- that puts them in an enviable position (considering iSuppli guessed that Sony was losing $300 per PS3) going into next year -- which could be one of the best in recent memory in terms of software (both industry-wide and for Microsoft).
Claims MS bigwig, before laying into Sony. For a change.
Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's entertainment and devices division, has claimed that Microsoft is already thinking about the machine that will succeed the Xbox 360. "You know how these things work. The engineering team is always thinking about the future," replied Bach when asked by the San Jose Mercury News about Microsoft's next console. However, he was also keen to recognize the fact that, y'know, Microsoft has a console out now to worry about, adding that, "Currently, we're thinking about how to cost reduce the Xbox 360. That seems to be the first order of business."
That may be the first order of business, but goading Sony also seems to be high up on Microsoft's action plan at the moment. And, true to form, Bach had his own piece to say about Microsoft's fierce rival, which he described as being "spread really thin across all these areas. Trying to do PSP, competing with Nintendo, PSP to DS; competing with us, 360 to PS3, I think it does strain - it would naturally strain any organization."
Of course, Bach was rather more optimistic about Microsoft's chances over the Holiday season, proclaiming that, "The second holiday for Xbox 360 is set up right - we've got the quantities we need, we've got the games we need, and anything I do to distract those guys is probably a bad thing. You have to ask the question, over the life cycle, who has the cost advantage? Who can price most effectively? Who can reach the price points quicker? That has a huge impact on what gets driven."
More corporate cat fighting as it reaches our twitching ears.
Fans of driving games traditionally either had to put up with filmsy wheels that made racing less convenient than using the standard analog stick controllers. With the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel from Microsoft, lousy first party racing accessories are a thing of the past.
In all honesty, this was the best racing experience we've ever had.
Build quality was excellent, since the wheel was incredibly solid and grippy and the paddles were placed just right for easy shifting. Although you can't spin the wheel 720 degrees like in a real car, it did give you tight control of whatever car you were driving.
The pedals were also extremely lifelike, since your ankles hold them in place, and both the gas and brake had enough push-back to keep you on your toes, so to speak.
But the big question is how these behaved with games? The answer: fantastic.
The wheel ships with a modified version of Project Gotham Racing 3, which also comes with the drivers necessary to make the wheel work on other games. The best example of how well this wheel works would be the F50 GT that everyone loves to use—because it's the fastest—but is incredibly hard to control. Using the wireless racing wheel, driving the beast felt like cruising down the I-5 in a Honda Civic. No problems at all!
The other game we tried was Need for Speed: Carbon. The older NFS game doesn't have wheel support, but Carbon does in spades. Our experience with Carbon can be summed up like this. After a day of playing with the standard 360 controller, we were set to return the game since it wasn't that much better than the other Need for Speed. After we got the wheel, however, everything just felt right. Our mouths were agape, and our tongues were wagging in a Jordanesque fashion trying to nail those tight corners.
Long story short, this is the best thing to happen to Xbox 360 racing games. Ever. If you're a racing fan—or just want to become a racing fan—get this controller. Seriously.
Microsoft and FASA Studios are set to run a public beta test for Shadowrun, starting in mid December and concluding in March.
Reports suggest it's focused on the Xbox 360 version, and that the beta will require you to own a premium console with a hard disk and an Xbox Live Gold account (that said, the sign-up page itself claims that it's also for high end PCs running Windows Vista).
Unlike next spring's Halo 3 beta though, this one requires you to jump through a few hoops - you need to fill out an application, enter some codes and sign up for a forum, and FASA says it's looking primarily for people with enough time to play regularly and a "willingness to communicate" on the forum. So make sure you fill out all those boxes, eh?
Helpfully Major Nelson's on hand to walk you through the sign-up procedure on connect.microsoft.com, although beware that I was only able to get it to work in Internet Explorer. Might just be me though - I can barly==ely use a computer properly.
The full version of Shadowrun, of course, is due out next year, and will be one of the first games to feature "Live Anywhere" programming that enables first-person shooting PC players to battle against third-person thwacking 360 owners. It'll be interesting to see how that works, and hopefully the beta will give us a better sense of what's going on. Let us know if you manage to get in.
Hey presto! New Rainbow Six: Vegas goodies have popped into our inbox.
What goodies? Well, it's a little showcase of the tactical shooter's co-op mode, revealed in a fresh batch of screenshots and a new trailer - all of which is dancing on this very page for your attention. Rainbow Six: Vegas is out on Xbox 360 this Friday, with a PC version out on December 15. A PSP version is also coming, due in January 2007.
An update for the popular Live Arcade game Texas Hold 'em will hit Xbox Live tomorrow as part of Microsoft's Xbox Live Wednesdays promotion, Microsoft has revealed.
The update will be available from 8am and feature sped-up gameplay and fixes against cheating, and as a result all Xbox Live leaderboards will be reset to eliminate the current inflated scores.
The full list of changes and features in the update are as follows:
- Post the blind and play right away! - Players can now, if they wish, start playing immediately when joining a table by posting the big blind, rather than having to wait for the blind to come to them.
New 'Away' mode - Players can now set their status to 'Away'. Hands will be auto-folded and blinds auto-posted until the player returns.
- New 'Auto-boot' mode - Players who continuously let the timer expire (more than three times in a game) will be booted from the table
- Faster overall pacing - Timers and messaging durations have been adjusted to speed up game-play among experienced players, but still allow novice players plenty of time to play.
- Improved blind structure - Initial blinds, as well as blind increases, are now more proportional to table stakes, ensuring more meaningful increases during game-play.
- Matchmaking improvements - Players are no longer matched into games they cannot afford
- Improved interface controls - Improvements to controls, such as increasing/decreasing stake amounts
- Leaderboard display - A player's full winnings and rank are now properly displayed
- Art and text improvements - Game art and spelling issues have been addressed
- Online exploits addressed - Certain known exploits that enabled cheating have been addressed. As a result, the online multi-player leaderboards will be reset to eliminate inflated scores as a result of these exploits.
Next spring can't come quick enough for the first-ever public Halo 3 beta.
To be in with a chance of competing against the world's elite, we suggest you memorise the layout of the maps in these new screens. They just might be the maps that get released to the public.
Bungie recently gave us a run down of how the developer expects the gameplay to pan out on the first three maps. Read more on that here.
Microsoft will follow Sony's lead rather than surprising us all with a 360 price cut
1 CommentsSpeaking in an interview published yesterday, Microsoft's Robbie Bach said that manufacturing costs of the Xbox 360 have come down significantly, making a price cut for the console a viable option. The only question is when.
Next-gen.biz gathered some of the industry's leading analysts for their opinion on when MS will shave the pennies off of its next-gen console, and concluded that it will likely follow Sony's lead, rather than surprise us all with a price cut.
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"Notwithstanding Robbie's comments to the contrary, Microsoft is not a charity, and they won't cut price just because they can," said Michael Pachter of Wedbush Morgan Securities. "Rather, I think Microsoft is a price taker, and they will cut only when Sony does."
He adds, "And I don't think we will see a cut from Sony in the conventional sense during 2007. Instead, I think that they may add wi-fi to the 20Gb model and keep it at $499. Microsoft might then cut, but probably not below $349."
When it launched, each Xbox 360 cost Microsoft $525 USD (£270 GBP) to produce, but iSuppli estimates that today the premium console costs only $323 USD (£166 GBP) to create, leaving potential margin for a price cut.
Next-Gen speculates with all the money lost from the original Xbox, Microsoft would ultimately opt for profitibality over position as market leader.
With Talismoon range of Evolve ‘Wild Jungle’ edition for the PSP and Xbox 360, gamers are treated to extreme levels of comfort thanks to a soft ‘like fur’ finish, as well as refreshing and unique new look. Both sets of faceplates for PSP and Xbox 360 controller come complete with everything needed for a pain-free install, and each fur faceplate pattern will be unique. Styles consist of a ‘cow’ or striking ‘leopard’ fur finish.
Talismoon provides a new way to add personality to your Xbox 360 console by offering the Jungle Fury fur edition. Appealing to consumers who want a more "natural" solution, the fur faceplate provides a cool way to go "low tech" while providing warm and fuzzy reactions from all your friends. Make your Xbox remarkable ... make it unique ... make it with Talismoon.
Thanks to the Talismoon Evolve 360 controller faceplate range, you can now take the customization of Microsoft's next generation gaming machine to a new level! The Evolve 360 controller faceplate features everything you need for some serious fine tuning of your controller in one complete package. Talismoon Evolve 360 plates do not only shine with vibrancy but also through a unique combination of plastic construction provide a reinforced shell for increased resistance and a longer life.
Ultra-gloss finish is the result of meticulous handling throughout the production process, to the point where the final customer is the first person to actually touch the finished product.
Right from the beginning the Xbox 360 is all about customization; now it's time do this prophecy justice with Talismoon Evolve 360 controller faceplates!
In the run up to Christmas, Electronic Arts has taken FIFA 07 back to the top of the All Formats charts, knocking last week's number one, Gears of War, down to number three.
Shifting gears to take the number two position is Need for Speed Carbon, a franchise that has taken the coveted Christmas number one title in previous years.
EA also takes the number four position with The Sims 2: Pets, while Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer 6 manages to climb this week, up one place to number five.
THQ's wrestler WWE Smackdown Vs RAW drops three places to number six, just ahead of three titles all staying in the same position as last week: Call of Duty 3 at seven, Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy at eight and Bratz: Forever Diamonds at nine.
Cars manages to sneak back into the top ten at number 10, proving there's still plenty of life left in the movie tie-in.
This week's only new entry in the top forty is Activison and RedOctane's Guitar Hero II, making its debut at number 16.
Meanwhile, a number of high-profile new entries have failed to make the top forty, including SEGA's Sonic The Hedgehog on Xbox 360, the multiformat Happy Feet from Midway, EA's Cricket 07, Deep Silver's Warhammer: Mark of Chaos and Eidos' latest Who Wants to be a Millionaire: Party Edition.
Microsoft is reportedly planning to shut down "fake" Xbox Live accounts set up by 360 owners looking to bypass regional lockdown on certain demos and movies.
Interest in the practice, which involves creating an account using false contact details, has grown on both sides of the Atlantic recently - with American gamers keen to access the Rainbow Six Vegas demo we had before them, and European gamers now keen to try out the US-only Video Marketplace.
Reports of Microsoft's intention to shut the bogus accounts emanate from website Xbox-Archiv, which claims it heard about the plan confidentially. The German website has since removed its story after what sounds like a bit of shouting from Microsoft.
Meanwhile, representatives for the Xbox platform holder here in the UK declined to comment "for legal and security reasons".
Those are likely to stem, in particular, from the finer points of its Video Marketplace content deals, which see 360 owners able to download TV shows and films - some in high definition formats - under agreements put in place with the likes of HBO. That those deals only apply to the US is obviously the problem.
TVersity opens up the real-time video streaming to the Xbox 360 without the need for MCE
Previously, only Windows Media Center PCs could send videos of any format to Xbox 360 for viewing on the big screen (using software such as Transcode 360). Then, in the Fall Dashboard Update, Microsoft opened up video streaming from any Windows XP PC as long as the file was in WMV format. Software such as Encode360 automates the entire process of converting your videos for Microsoft’s console, but does not offer the process streamed in real-time.
Today, a small wonder in software was released that should garner cheers from Xbox 360 media addicts. Video manager software TVersity Media Server released its latest beta version 0.9.9 and added to its list of features is on-the-fly video transcoding for the Xbox 360, giving users the ability to play videos in all formats, including MPEG-4, on the console. TVersity also supports media receivers such as the Philips SLA5500 and Sony Vaio VGP-MR100U.
Granted, to transcode a high-resolution video to the Xbox 360 in real-time requires some decent processing power, but everything works as advertised and without the need for Windows Media Center. The software allows for various quality and resolution settings for scaling to a PC’s speed. Videos may also be upconverted to high-definition for those with fast computers.
In addition to the video streaming, TVersity will also send audio to the Xbox 360, allowing the user to listen to music, podcasts and internet radio through the console.
If you don't remember this beauty go and ask your dad. It was a classic and one of the first fighting games that lets two players kick and punch their way through level after level of punks to save a hot pixelated honey at the end.
OXM360 reports that the download is only 12.56MB and the Live Arcade version will feature enhanced graphics as well as co-op mode you can play over Live.
There's no word on cost and price of the download yet.
Heres the full list of whats new this week from the HongKong Shop Play Asia:
PlayStation2™:
Kamen Rider Kabuto JPN US$ 59.90
Need For Speed: Carbon ASIA US$ 39.90
Summon Night 4 JPN US$ 64.90
Tales of Destiny ASIA US$ 59.90
Sony PSP™:
Bleach: Heat the Soul 2 (PSP the Best) ASIA US$ 24.90
Bokujou Monogatari: Harvest Moon Boy and Girl (PSP the Best) ASIA US$ 24.90
Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee (English language version) (PSP the Best) ASIA US$ 24.90
Nintendo DS™:
Futari wa PreCure: Splash Star Panpaka Game de Zekkouchou! JPN US$ 48.90
Headphone DS Lite US$ 9.90
Tank Beat JPN US$ 48.90
Zoids Battle Colosseum JPN US$ 48.90
Misc Hori/PSP™PS3™ compatible accessories:
Clear Case Portable (crystal) US$ 9.90
Clear Case Portable (graphite) US$ 9.90
D Terminal Cable HG Metal JPN US$ 24.90
FM Transmitter Portable US$ 39.90
Multi Card Reader/Writer US$ 24.90
S Terminal Cable HG Metal JPN US$ 22.90
Sony HDMI Cable (1 meter / 3.3 ft) US$ 39.90
USB Cable Portable US$ 5.99
USB Cable Portable (Rolling-Up Type) US$ 6.99
Toys:
Blue Dragon Character Collection N/A
Creators' Labo 1/7 Scale Pre-Painted PVC Figure: Burst Angel Meg - Special Color Version (Pink) US$ 62.90
Dragon Quest Legend Items Gallery US$ 5.99
FineScenery Super Black Jack Painted PVC Figure: Rio US$ 67.90
Happiness 1/8 Scale Painted PVC Figure: Haruhi Kamisaka US$ 56.90
Petit Studio School Rumble Figure Collection US$ 5.99
Witchblade 1/6 Scale Pre-Painted PVC Figure: Maria US$ 69.90
Popular Soundtrack releases:
Super Eurobeat presents Initial D Absolute Album feat. Keisuke Takahashi [Limited Edition] JPN US$ 37.90
Together / Kimi no Soba de -Hikari no Theme- (TV Anime Pocket Monster Diamond & Pearl Intro & Outro Theme) JPN US$ 12.90
Together / Kimi no Soba de -Hikari no Theme- (TV Anime Pocket Monster Diamond & Pearl Intro & Outro Theme) [CD+DVD Limited Edition] JPN US$ 17.90
Looks like Capcom's learned its lesson about text size in Xbox 360 games.
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Earlier this year, there were howls - howls! - of disappointment as Dead Rising owners with standard TVs tried and failed to make sense of the tiny on-screen text.
But, following feedback on the recent Lost Planet multiplayer demo, the publisher's come out and said that it will amp up the text size if the final game detects that you're using a standard definition television set.
In the meantime, you can still enjoy the single and multiplayer demos available on Xbox Live if you, er, squint.
* Game-play has been sped up.
* Post the blind and play right away! - Players can now, if they wish, start playing immediately when joining a table by posting the big blind, rather than having to wait for the blind to come to them.
* New 'Away' mode - Players can now set their status to 'Away'. Hands will be auto-folded and blinds auto-posted until the player returns.
* New 'Auto-boot' mode - Players who continuously let the timer expire (more than three times in a game) will be booted from the table.
* Faster overall pacing - Timers and messaging durations have been adjusted to speed up game-play among experienced players, but still allow novice players plenty of time to play.
* Improved blind structure - Initial blinds, as well as blind increases, are now more proportional to table stakes, ensuring more meaningful increases during game-play.
* Matchmaking improvements - Players are no longer matched into games they cannot afford.
* Improved interface controls - Improvements to controls, such as increasing/decreasing stake amounts.
* Leaderboard display - A player's full winnings and rank are now properly displayed.
* Art and text improvements - Game art and spelling issues have been addressed.
* Online exploits addressed - Certain known exploits that enabled cheating have been addressed. As a result, the online multi-player leaderboards will be reset to eliminate inflated scores as a result of these exploits.
. Instant results! And with its auto temperature sensor, it only turns on when really needed.
