tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-276300882024-03-12T18:09:33.858-07:00Xbox 360 news and stuffSurathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-23251169162501549972006-10-04T17:32:00.000-07:002007-03-05T14:38:18.144-07:00Three Burger King games coming (Update: Achievements)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/1600/SneakKing.0.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 178px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/400/SneakKing.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/1600/PocketBikeRacer.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 177px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/400/PocketBikeRacer.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/1600/BigBumpin.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 178px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/400/BigBumpin.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Beginning November 19th, for $3.99 you can get one of three Burger King games along with the purchase of a Value Meal. Developed by <a href="http://www.blitzgames.com/">Blitz Games</a>, they will be similar to arcade games, and although there are no details about what achievements they will include you will be able to get 200 points from each (Update: Achieve360Points has a <a href="http://www.achieve360points.com/game/sneakking/">list of the achievments</a>). Click read more for descriptions of the games.<br /><span id="fullpost"><br />From the <a href="http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/archive/2006/10/02/537753.aspx">Gamerscore Blog</a>:<br /><br /><em>“<strong>Pocketbike Racer</strong>”<b> – </b>In the wild world of Pocketbike racing, players race the King and his miniature motorbike crew through five fun, yet challenging speedways. Each track varies in level of difficulty, and players navigate long straights, tight bends and sharp turns at high speeds while attempting to earn enhancements and tools that they can use as an advantage over opponents. Featuring HAVE IT YOUR WAY® customization options, players select a bike and a driver and then hit the track of their choice -- a BURGER KING® restaurant parking lot, a construction site, a backyard, the King’s garden or the Fantasy Ranch set. In addition to individual play, four players can race against each other in classic split-screen set-up, or eight players can battle it out online using XBOX Live.<br /></em><em>“<strong>Big Bumpin’</strong>”<b> – </b>Big Bumpin’ looks like a traditional carnival bumper car ride and features familiar BURGER KING® personalities, including the Subservient Chicken and Brooke Burke. But, there’s a catch – Big Bumpin’ arenas come with some big hazards, like surprise saws, bottomless pits and “power up” items that let gamers dole out thundering bumps. With several different types of game play, gamers have a chance to hone their bumper car skills in a variety of challenging scenarios. The game features five theme parks, including the “Ice Box,” “Broiler,” “King’s Court,” “The Deep” and “Monsoon of Doom,” and multiple modes of play for each, such as intense four-player and XBOX Live-supported. Easy to learn. Fun to play. Difficult to avoid a major crash.</em><br /><em>“<strong>Sneak King</strong>”<b> – </b>Players step into the King’s royal shoes and use cunning and stealth to sneak up behind unsuspecting people and bestow them with a delicious meal. The goal of Sneak King is to surprise hungry citizens with BURGER KING® sandwiches and other menu items before they pass out from hunger. Whether in a logging yard, construction site, suburban neighborhood or downtown urban scene -- each rich with detail and hidden pathways -- players can hide out and earn points based on how elaborately the delivery is executed.</em><br /></span>Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-86358614883794613812006-09-30T15:48:00.001-07:002006-09-30T15:48:35.161-07:00Play Gears of War before it's out<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/archive/2006/09/29/537712.aspx"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 216px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/400/GoWTexasMassacre.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>You've seen all the videos and read all the previews of how great Gears of War is going to be. But you haven't actually got to <span style="font-style: italic;">play</span> it. Now, that might change. If you are in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, or San Francisico, on Wednesday, October 4th <a href="http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/archive/2006/09/29/537712.aspx">you can play it</a> after an advanced screening of the movie <a href="http://texaschainsawmovie.com/">The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning</a>. But come early, because it will be overbooked and it's first come, first serve. They will also be matching tickets and ID, so make sure to bring yours. If you're interested, you can <a href="http://www.texaschainsawmovie.com/gearsofwar/">sign up here</a>. If you miss it or it's not in your city, this is just the first of three "Match Made in Hell" events happening in October - just hope next time it's where you live.<span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><st1:city st="on"></st1:city></span>Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-67063747295404576832006-09-30T10:11:00.000-07:002006-09-30T10:07:42.028-07:00Gears of War to feature full co-op play<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/1600/DeltaSquad.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/400/DeltaSquad.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>In an interview on <a href="http://www.rewiredmind.com/fullcontactgaming/x06cliffybthegearsofwar">RewiredMind</a> CliffyB reveals some information on Gears of War's co-op. The entire game will be playable in co-op, instead of a few levels added on just for the purpose. In splitscreen, system link, or over Xbox Live, someone can just drop in and play with you, and you can still unlock all the achievements or even play to the end with them (Will there be a way to stop people from joining and playing only the last few minutes of a level with their friends just so they can get an achievement?). If you decide you want to play with a buddy, just invite them and they will join as a spectator of the character they will take over - and when they are ready they just hit Start and take control.<br />[Via <a href="http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18535&">Evil Avatar</a>]Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-47708551466114948562006-09-29T18:40:00.000-07:002006-09-29T16:12:53.912-07:00Bringing it Home on Xbox Live Marketplace: List of all contentSince September 20th, there has been lots of new content on Marketplace every day as part of Xbox Live <a href="http://www.xbox.com/en-US/promotions/bringithome/default.htm">Bringing it Home</a>. Here is a full list of all the content now available as part of it (Click read on for the full list of trailers, gamer pics, themes, demos, and game content):<br /><br />Trailers:<br />X06 Arcade Montage<br />Stranglehold<br />Blitz the League<br />F.E.A.R.<br />Army of Two<br />Tony Hawk's Project 8<br />Wheelman<br />Frontlines Fuel of War<br />X06 Game Montage<br />Crossfire<br />COD3<br />Banjo Kazooie<br />Marvel Ultimate Online<br />Viva Pinata<br />Assassin's Creed<br />Splinter Cell: Double Agent<br />Blue Dragon<br /><span id="fullpost"><br />Lost Odyssey<br />Bioshock<br />FIFA 07<br />Rainbow Six Vegas<br />Halo Wars<br />Kane & Lynch: Dead Men<br /><strong></strong>Forza 2 Physics & Damage<br />NBA 2K7<br />Sonic The Hedgehog<br />Shrek 3<br />Just Cause<br />NHL 2K7<br />The Darkness<br />Battlestations Midway<br />Eragon<br />Import Tuner Challenge<br />Need for Speed Carbon<br />The Darkness<br />Virtua Tennis 3<br />NBA Live 07<br />NHL 2K7<br />Forza 2 Customization<br />Vista Game Montage<br />Fusion Frenzy 2<br />Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom<br />Team Fortress 2<br />Tenchu Senran<br />Half-Life 2 - Episode 2<br /><br />Other Video:<br />TGS Showfloor video 3<br />TGS Showfloor video 2<br />TGS Showfloor video 1<br /><br />Gamer pictures:<br />X06 Picture Pack<br />Halo Wars Picture Pack<br />Mass Effect Picture Pack<br />Battlestar Galactica (US Only)<br />TGS Picture Pack<br /><br />Themes:<br />Fable 2 Theme<br />X06 Theme<br />Halo Wars Theme<br />Forza 2 Theme<br />TGS Theme<br /><br />Demos:<br />WWE Smackdown vs. RAW 2007<br />Sonic the Hedgehog<br />Lego Star Wars II<br />FEAR<br />NBA 2K7 (Not in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore or Taiwan)<br /><br />Game content:<br />LEGO Star Wars II 360 Downloadable Character Pack (200 Microsft Points - Not in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, or Taiwan)<br />BFMEII Aragorn’s Journey - Map Pack 1<br />BFMEII Northern Badlands - Map Pack 2 – (350 Microsoft Points)<br /><br />The Xbox Live Arcade games Spades, Hearts, Backgammon, and Bankshot Billiards were also updated to work with the Xbox Live Vision Camera. If you already own any of them, an auto update will add the camera support.<br /><br />The Arcade game DOOM is now on Marketplace<br /><br />Content Exclusive to Japan<br /><br />Trailers:<br />Vampire's Rain<br />Table Tennis trailer<br />DOA X2 E3 Trailer<br />Project Sylpheed<br /><br />Other Video:<br />Interview Day 3 Briefing Backstage Pass<br />TGS Showfloor video Day 3<br />TGS Showfloor video Day 2<br />Gamers' Interview<br />Xbox Live The Party #5<br />Xbox Live The Party #6<br />Xbox Live The Party #7<br />Xbox Live The Party #8<br />Xbox Live The Party #9<br />Xbox Live The Party #10<br />Game Creator Interview<br /><br />Demos:<br />Tenchu Senran<br /></span>Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-85162984004977355072006-09-29T15:58:00.001-07:002006-09-29T15:58:35.548-07:00Assassin's Creed gameplay and info (Updated)From X06, here is the first video of <a href="http://assassinscreed.us.ubi.com/">Assassins Creed</a> gameplay:<br /><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gOk5j-iGuTM"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gOk5j-iGuTM" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></object><br /><br /><a href="http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/736/736325p1.html">IGN</a> also has some info on the slight differences between the PS3 and 360 version:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> While the PlayStation 3 and 360 versions of Assassin's Creed are virtually identical, Raymond did say that on the 360 the team is putting a special emphasis on achievements. The hardware also allows for improved threading, which will improve even further the crowd AI.<br /></span><br />One of the (few) advantages of the PS3 is its better hardware, yet the Xbox 360 is getting better AI. This could be because they have had a year to work with the 360 already, but the hardware is the part that enables the improved AI, not the fact that they know it more thoroughly. This probably won't make too much of a difference, but this isn't the first time a PS3 game is <a href="http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/sony/tony-hawks-project-8-drops-online-play-for-ps3-201307.php">lacking</a> some features from its 360 counterpart.<br /><br />[Video via <a href="http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2006/09/28/x06-assassins-creed-gameplay-video/">Xbox 360 Fanboy</a>]<br /><br />Update:<br /><a href="http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/736/736325p1.html">IGN</a> has updated their article, taking out the part about improved AI and replacing it with this:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And while the 360 hardware enables Ubisoft's team to use multiple threads to enhance the crowd's AI, the end result for the game on both systems will be the same. "While the method for distributing AI load is different on each platform, the AI code itself is the same. Players will experience the exact same crowd results on PS3 and Xbox360," Ubisoft explained.</span><br /><br />[Via <a href="http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18876&">Evil Avatar</a>]Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-78827517133153098712006-09-29T13:20:00.001-07:002006-09-29T13:20:38.359-07:00Star Wars Battlefront coming to Xbox 360<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.oxm.co.uk/articles/news/3rd_person/star_wars_battlefront_gets_radical_on_360%21"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/400/Frd.0.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>The <a href="http://www.oxm.co.uk/articles/news/3rd_person/star_wars_battlefront_gets_radical_on_360%21">Official Xbox Magazine</a> on the U.K. reveals that Star Wars Battlefront is coming to Xbox 360. That's not all. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Radical_Design">Free Radical</a>, the company behind the <a href="http://www.ea.com/official/timesplitters/timesplitters/us/">TimeSplitters</a> games, will be the ones bringing it to 360.Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-48872146790286744412006-09-28T20:41:00.001-07:002006-09-28T20:41:35.326-07:00Xbox 360's Holiday game line-upXbox 360 games that will be available this holiday:<br /><br /><b style="">Gears of War (Epic Games Inc.)</b><b style=""><br />Viva Piñata (Rare Ltd.)<br /></b><b style="">Call of Duty<sup>®</sup> 3</b> <b style="">(Activision)</b><strong><br /></strong><strong>Disney</strong><strong><span style="font-family:Symbol;">·</span>Pixar’s Cars (THQ) </strong><strong></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></strong><b style=""><br />Dead or Alive<sup>®</sup>: Xtreme 2 (Tecmo Inc.)</b><b style=""><span style="color:black;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-weight: bold;">FIFA 2007 (E</span><b style="font-weight: bold;">A</b><span style="font-weight: bold;">)</span><b><span style=""><br />NBA 2K7</span></b><b style=""> (<span style="">2K Sports/Visual Concepts<span style="">)</span></span></b><span style="font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';"><o:p></o:p></span><b style=""><span style=""><br />NBA LIVE 07 (EA)<br /></span></b><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span><b style="">NHL</b><b style=""><span style="" lang="EN-GB">™</span> 07 (EA)</b><b style=""><br />Need for Speed™ Carbon (EA)</b><b style=""><br />Pro Evolution Soccer 6 (Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH)</b><span style="" lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span><b style=""><br />Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega)</b><b style=""><span style=""><br />SUPER</span></b><span style="font-weight: bold;">MAN RETURNS™: THE VIDEOGAME (EA)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 07 (E</span><b style="">A)<br /></b><b style="">Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas (Ubisoft)<br /></b><b style="">Tony Hawk’s Project 8 (Activision)<br /></b><br />Other games for 360 either announced or shown at X06:<b style=""><br /><br /></b><b style="">Assassin’s Creed (Ubisoft)</b><b style=""><o:p></o:p></b><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:7;" ></span></span></span><b style=""><br />Crackdown™</b> (<b style="">Real Time Worlds</b><br /><span style=";font-family:Symbol;color:black;" ><span style=""><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:7;" ></span></span></span><b style="">Fable<sup>®</sup> 2 (Lionhead Studios)</b><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:7;" ></span></span></span><b style=""><br />Forza Motorsport™ 2 (Turn 10)</b><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:7;" ></span></span></span><b style=""><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">H</span></b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span>alo Wars</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> (Ensemble Studios)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Half-Life® 2 (EA/Valve)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lost Planet™: Extreme Condition (Capcom)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mass Effect (BioWare)</span><b><span style=""><br /></span></b><span style=""></span><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:7;" ></span></span></span><b>Project Gotham Racing<sup>®</sup> 4 </b><b style="">(<span style="">Bizarre Creations</span>)</b><b style=""><br />The next game in the “Banjo-Kazooie<sup>®</sup> Franchise (Rare Ltd.)</b><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"></p>Xbox 360 games shown or announced that will also be for Windows:<br /><br /><b><span style="">Alan Wake (Remedy Entertainment)<br /></span></b><span style=""></span><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:7;" ></span></span></span><b style="">BioShock (2K Games)<br /></b><span style="color: rgb(34, 0, 0);"></span><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:7;" ></span></span></span><b>Crossfire (Eidos, Pivotal Games)<br /></b><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:7;" ></span></span></span><b><span style="">Alone in the Dark (Atari)<br /></span></b><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:7;" ></span></span></span><b>Kane and Lynch: Dead Men (Eidos, IO Interactive)<br /></b><span style="" lang="EN-GB"></span><span lang="EN-GB"></span><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""></span></span><b><span style="">Marvel Universe Online (Cryptic Studios)<br /></span></b><b>Shadowrun™ (FASA Studio)</b><b style=""><br />Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Double Agent</b> <b style="">(Ubisoft</b>)<br /><b style="">The next Splinter Cell title (Ubisoft)<br /></b><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""></span></span><b style="">World Series of Poker<sup>®</sup>: Tournament of Champions (Activision)</b><b style=""><o:p></o:p></b><br /><br />Guitar Hero II was also <a href="http://360stuff.blogspot.com/2006/09/guitar-hero-ii-coming-to-360.html">announced</a> to be coming to 360<a href="http://360stuff.blogspot.com/2006/09/guitar-hero-ii-coming-to-360.html"></a>.<br /><br />[Via <a href="http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/archive/2006/09/28/537693.aspx">Gamerscore Blog</a>]Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-46978525375700044212006-09-28T16:02:00.001-07:002006-09-28T16:02:37.701-07:00Guitar Hero II coming to 360<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://investor.activision.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=212541"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 156px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/400/Guitarhero360controller.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Red Octane's game Guitar Hero II is going to be released on Xbox 360. In the <a href="http://investor.activision.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=212541">press release</a> it says:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"The tour will continue the rockin' gameplay Guitar Hero fans have come to enjoy, and will now include expanded Xbox 360 capabilities," said Kai Huang, president of RedOctane. "With Guitar Hero II for Xbox 360 rock rhythm, lead, or bass guitar tracks with downloadable content and the new X-Plorer® controller, designed specifically for the Xbox 360."</span><br /><br />[Via <a href="http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/archive/2006/09/28/537695.aspx">Gamerscore Blog</a>]Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-69309166534708553262006-09-28T12:51:00.001-07:002006-09-28T12:51:49.925-07:00HD DVD player: Available mid-November for $199.99The HD DVD player for the Xbox 360 will be available in mid-November in North America, the U.K., France, and Germany. It will retail for $199.99 and €199.99 (£129.99) in the different territories. Included is the Xbox 360 <a href="http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360universalremote/">Universal Media Remote</a>, and for a limited time the HD DVD version of <a href="http://www.kingkongmovie.com/">King Kong</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/1600/HD%20DVD%20drive.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 308px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/400/HD%20DVD%20drive.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360universalremote/"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/400/Xbox360universalmediaremote.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.kingkongmovie.com/"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 181px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/400/kingkonghddvd.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-53566159889524751842006-09-27T15:55:00.000-07:002006-09-27T15:31:04.228-07:00Games announced for Xbox 360 at X06: New Halo, Splinter Cell 5, PGR4, and moreNew games that were announced for Xbox 360 at X06:<br /><br />A new Halo game (In addition to Halo Wars) and a completely new original property. From the <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2006/sep06/09-27X06ShowcasePR.mspx">press release</a>: "A landmark partnership announced between Academy Award-winning writer, director and producer Peter Jackson, Academy Award-winning screenwriter Fran Walsh, and Microsoft Game Studios will create two new interactive entertainment series exclusively for Xbox 360 and Xbox Live<sup>®</sup>. The first series will be a collaborative effort with Bungie Studios to co-create the next great chapter in the “Halo<sup>®</sup>” universe. The second series will be an entirely original property targeted at bringing new audiences into the captivating world of interactive entertainment. In addition, Microsoft Game Studios will partner with Jackson and Walsh to establish Wingnut Interactive, a studio dedicated to the creation of world-class interactive entertainment." There is no information on what the new property will be about, but Bungie had this to say about the new Halo game on <a href="http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=bungieatx06">their website</a>: "...we can tell you it will be a blend of gameplay and storytelling quite unlike anything the games industry has ever seen before." If that doesn't get you excited, there must be something wrong with you.<br /><br />Halo Wars, a Halo RTS. <a href="http://360stuff.blogspot.com/2006/09/halo-wars-halo-rts.html">Here are all the details</a>, along with an amazing video.<br /><br />Another Splinter Cell game (After Double Agent). It will be console exclusive to the Xbox 360. That's right, no Splinter Cell for the PS3 or Wii.<b><br /><br /></b>Project Gotham Racing 4<br /><br /><!--</span-->Banjo-Kazooie. From the press release: "The beloved “Banjo-Kazooie” franchise will breathe new, high-definition life on Xbox 360 exclusively from famed developer Rare Ltd.; astonishing next-generation visuals and presentation reunite beloved characters Banjo, Kazooie and Gruntilda — among other fan favorites — with their sharp wit and hilarious sense of humor."<b><br /><br /></b>Marvel Universe Online<br /><br /><a href="http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/d/doomxboxlivearcade/default.htm">DOOM</a> for Xbox Live Arcade. It is now available for download, costing 800 Microsoft Points ($10).<br /><br />Sensible World of Soccer, also for Xbox Live Arcade. From the press release: "Based on the classic 1994 Amiga title, “Sensible World of Soccer” will let gamers choose between the original graphics or an updated, high-resolution look and feel — while still capturing the original’s entire world of football."<em></em><br /><br />Some other news about already announced titles:<br /><br />Grand Theft Auto IV. Just a few months after it's release (October 16th in North America, October 19th in Europe), two downloadable "epic episodes" will be available, each coming with hours of new gameplay. These will be exclusive to Xbox 360.<br /><br />Bioshock will be released exclusively on Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows.<b><br /></b>Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-38975988136455352952006-09-27T14:56:00.001-07:002007-03-05T14:43:53.054-07:00Halo Wars: The Halo RTS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://halowars.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 237px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/400/HaloWars.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Today a new game based on the Halo universe was announced: <a href="http://halowars.com/">Halo Wars</a>. It is a Real-Time Strategy game, made by Ensemble Studios, the creators of Age of Empires (this explains the seemingly unfair <a href="http://360stuff.blogspot.com/2006/09/halogen-halo-rts-that-could-have-been.html">shut down of the fan created mod Halogen</a>, also a Halo RTS). Exclusive to Xbox 360, you will control a group of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Space_Command">UNSC</a> soldiers, the "Spirit of Fire", and learn more of what happened before Halo 1. You may also be able to play as the Covenant, but the website won't say for sure.<br />"The folks at Ensemble are the only team we trusted to make a Halo RTS and from what we've already seen (and played), it's going to be awesome," Bungie says on <a href="http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=bungieatx06">their website</a>. There is no information on when it will be released, but here is a pre-rendered trailer (also available on Xbox Live Marketplace or the <a href="http://halowars.com/trailer.html">Halo Wars website</a>):<br /><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5bLjqxYlZVM"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5bLjqxYlZVM" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></object>Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-28273651248748114622006-09-24T22:12:00.000-07:002006-09-24T22:13:32.416-07:00This Week's Releases: September 24th, 2006Here are the games releasing this week:<br />Monday, September 25th:<br />NBA Live 07<br />NBA 2K7<br />Tuesday, September 26th:<br />Import Tuner Challenge<br />Wednesday, September 27th:<br />Just CauseSurathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-76062197171010799942006-09-24T21:30:00.001-07:002006-09-24T21:30:09.648-07:00A black Xbox 360?On <a href="http://uk.gamespot.com/events/tgs2006/live.html?event=tgs2006">this</a> Gamespot page, there is a Best Buy ad (You may not see it right away since there are a number of different ads, but if you refresh the page enough it should eventually show). It cycles through different gaming products, one of which is an Xbox 360. But the picture displayed is not what you would expect: It shows an all black 360. I captured a picture here:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://view.atdmt.com/AVE/iview/gmsptbb70030000061ave/direct;wi.300;hi.250/01/2006.09.24.23.38.13?click=http%3A%2F%2Fadlog.com.com%2Fadlog%2Fe%2Fr%3D10218%26s%3D687589%26t%3D2006.09.24.23.38.13%26o%3D12755:%26h%3Dpi%26p%3D%26b%3D4%26l%3DEn_US%26site%3D6%26pt%3D6192%26nd%3D12755%26pid%3D%26cid%3D%26pp%3D100%26e%3D%26rqid%3D00c17-gne-ad3450FD0812580475%26event%3D58%2F"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/400/Black360ad.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>And if that's not enough, the ad can also be seen <a href="http://view.atdmt.com/AVE/iview/gmsptbb70030000061ave/direct;wi.300;hi.250/01/2006.09.24.23.38.13?click=http%3A%2F%2Fadlog.com.com%2Fadlog%2Fe%2Fr%3D10218%26s%3D687589%26t%3D2006.09.24.23.38.13%26o%3D12755:%26h%3Dpi%26p%3D%26b%3D4%26l%3DEn_US%26site%3D6%26pt%3D6192%26nd%3D12755%26pid%3D%26cid%3D%26pp%3D100%26e%3D%26rqid%3D00c17-gne-ad3450FD0812580475%26event%3D58%2F">here</a>. This is only an ad and so doesn't mean too much, but why would they put a picture showing a black Xbox 360 if they aren't going to sell them? Plus, this is not the first time there have been these rumors. In the October issue of the <a href="http://www.officialxboxmagazine.com/">Official Xbox Magazine</a>, the "Rumor Mole" claims one of its "trusted sources" says there will be a "$600 dollar <span style="font-weight: bold;">jet-black Xbox 360</span> with a built-in HD-DVD drive, an HDMI A/V port, a 250GB hard drive, and TiVo-like PVR functionality." I guess we'll just have to wait and see if this ever happens, but why else would the 360 in the ad be black?<br /><br />[Via <a href="http://www.xboxic.com/news/1676">Xboxic</a>]Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-1405462155931461672006-09-16T11:49:00.001-07:002006-09-16T11:49:41.189-07:00Top Games on Live (Week of September 11th)From <a href="http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2006/09/16/Xbox-Live-Activity-for-week-of-9-11.aspx">Major Nelson</a>, here are the top ten most played games while connected to Xbox Live, based on World Wide Unique Users:<br /><br /><strong>Xbox 360 Top Live Games<br /></strong>1 Saints Row<br />2 Madden NFL 07<br />3 Call of Duty 2<br />4 Test Drive Unlimited<br />5 Ghost Recon 3<br />6 DEAD RISING<br />7 Oblivion<br />8 Texas Hold 'em<br />9 Chromehounds<br />10 BFMC <p><strong>Top Arcade Titles (Full Versions)<br /></strong>1 Texas Hold 'em<br />2 Hexic HD<br />3 Street Fighter II' Hyper Fighting<br />4 UNO<br />5 Geometry Wars Evolved<br />6 Time Pilot<br />7 Scramble<br />8 PAC-MAN<br />9 Marble Blast Ultra<br />10 Bankshot Billiards 2 </p><p><strong>Original Xbox Top Live Games<br /></strong>1 Halo 2<br />2 Battlefield 2: MC<br />3 Madden NFL 07<br />4 Counter-Strike<br />5 Pro Evolution Soccer 5<br />6 Splinter Cell Chaos<br />7 Star Wars: Battlfrnt 2<br />8 Rainbow Six 3 BA<br />9 Forza Motorsport<br />10 Ghost Recon 2: SS<br /></p>Overall, Halo 2 is the most played game.Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-4836548104183262452006-09-15T16:02:00.001-07:002006-09-15T16:02:50.230-07:00Microsoft sued because of Xbox Live<a href="http://www.paltalk.com/">Paltalk</a> has filed a case against Microsoft claiming that Xbox Live infringes on their patent. Some things from <a href="http://www.theinquirer.net/images/articles/PaltalkversusMicrosoft.pdf">the case</a> (Downloaded from <a href="http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=34362">the Inquirer</a>):<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Game play on the Xbox or Xbox 360 through the Xbox Live online gaming service infringes the PalTalk patents. As a result of Microsoft's unauthorized and infringing use of Paltalk's patented technology, Paltalk has suffered damages in at least the tens of millions of dollars.<br />...</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Microsoft has, without authority, consent, right or license, and in direct infringement of the PalTalk Patents used the methods claimed in the PalTalk Patents in this country.</span><br /><br />It continues on about how Microsoft has "actively induced" others to use it, and provided software and hardware for use in "practicing the methods" PalTalk has claimed in it's patents.<br /><br />The patent Paltalk says Microsoft infringed on states:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">PalTalk's technology provides for efficient handling of communications between players necessary to maintain a consistent game environment for all players. PalTalk's technology covers a number of aspects of online gaming, including communications through a group message server as well as establishing groups for online play.</span><br /><br />There is more, adding details of what it does and how it works.<br /><br />Whether Microsoft wins this case or not, they have plenty of money to spare if PalTalk decides to ask for it. It probably won't really change anything besides possibly taking a small sum from Microsoft's vast pool of money.<br /><br />[Via <a href="http://www.xboxic.com/news/1623">Xboxic</a>]Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-29780616599411553152006-09-15T14:27:00.000-07:002006-09-15T14:26:38.467-07:00XB Stream - RSS feeds and podcasts on your 360<a href="http://www.xbstream.com/xbs/about/">PG4</a> just released <a href="http://www.xbstream.com/xbs/">XB Stream</a>, which allows you to view RSS content and listen to podcasts on your Xbox 360. From the website:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">XB Stream in a nut shell is an RSS/XML feed reader/aggregator that works with the XBox 360 video game console. XB Stream allows you to view xml based content feeds (xml, rss, rdf) on your Xbox 360 video game console; you can also listen to podcasts and blogcasts as well. XB Stream automatically downloads and converts text based content feeds into images that can be viewed from the </span><b style="font-style: italic;">media>pictures>computer</b><span style="font-style: italic;"> blade and hear audio podcasts/blogcasts from the </span><b style="font-style: italic;">media>music>computer</b><span style="font-style: italic;"> blade</span><br /><br />Details on Version 1.0 <a href="http://www.xbstream.com/xbs/archives/6">here</a>, <a href="http://www.xbstream.com/xbs/screenshots/"></a>and the download <a href="http://www.xbstream.com/xbs/downloads/">here</a>.<br /><br />[Via <a href="http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox1data/sep/EEVlkZlkZEsNyfoBFX.php">Xbox-Scene</a>]<br /><br />Here are some screenshots:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/1600/screen5.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 103px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/400/screen5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/1600/screen6.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 102px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/400/screen6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/1600/screen3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 115px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/400/screen3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/1600/screen4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 117px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/400/screen4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-41516089225244492892006-09-15T13:45:00.000-07:002006-09-15T13:46:41.550-07:00Weekly Arcade Rundown: Scramble released, HoopWorld in 2007, Roboblitz soon, and Small Arms gameplay<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/s/scramblexboxlivearcade/default.htm"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 80px;" src="http://www.xbox.com/NR/rdonlyres/7DD4471E-0F0E-49C3-B931-D7C34CCE5286/0/bntscramble.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>After a one week <a href="http://360stuff.blogspot.com/2006/09/weekly-arcade-rundown-scramble-delayed.html">delay</a>, Scramble was released on Wednesday and is now <a href="http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2006/09/13/Xbox-Live-Arcade-Scramble.aspx">available for download</a>. It will cost 400 Microsoft Points, or $5.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.hoopworldgame.com/"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 179px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/400/lola_lg.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.hoopworldgame.com/">HoopWorld</a> was originally going to be released this year, but now it will be available sometime in 2007. Developer Streamline describes the game as an "over-the-top, three-on-three multiplayer trick-game that fuses elements of arcade-style street basketball and the ancient Mesoamerican game of tlachtli to create a unique hoops experience. Through the combination of stylized multi-ethnic characters, multiple hoops, richly imaginative interactive locations, and an innovative points system based on collaborative 'tricking', HoopWorld is a new experience in what a downloadable arcade game can become". More at <a href="http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=10843">Gamasutra</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.roboblitz.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 119px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/400/Roboblitz.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Although that game is still a long way off, another is almost complete: <a href="http://www.roboblitz.com/">Roboblitz</a>, developed by Naked Sky. From a <a href="http://www.roboblitz.com/forum/topic.php?tid=36">post on the official website</a>, here's what one of the developers said:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The game is super close to complete. Design and art wise, we're pertty much locked, now we're just making sure the game is bug free and fully optimized. An exact release date...still don't have one. But considering the state of the game, it can't be much longer. Believe me, we want the game out asap! The only thing we know for sure is that it'll be 1200 MS points, and the PC version will include (TBA) bonus content. SOOOON!!<br /><br /></span>[Via <a href="http://thrillskilla.wordpress.com/2006/09/10/roboblitz-is-close-to-being-finished/">K1lla's Xbox Domain</a>]<br /><br />Lastly, I know many of you have probably seen this, but for those of you who haven't here is a video of <a href="http://www.smallarmsgame.com/">Small Arms</a> gameplay:<br /><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QD7V8vL-kQU"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QD7V8vL-kQU" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></object>Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-6610094254746045752006-09-14T20:40:00.001-07:002006-09-14T20:40:39.552-07:00Peter Jackson on the Halo movie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.aintitcool.com/node/30050"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 286px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/400/Master-Chief-hollywood.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Peter Jackson, Executive Producer of <a href="http://360stuff.blogspot.com/2006/05/halo-movie.html">the Halo movie</a>, has been <a href="http://www.aintitcool.com/node/30050">interviewed by Ain't It Cool News</a>. It's a good interview, and definitely worth checking out if you're interested in what's going on with the Halo movie.<br />[Via <a href="http://kotaku.com/gaming/halo/peter-jackson-interviewed-about-halo-200793.php">Kotaku</a>]Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-69461450406014444642006-09-14T16:12:00.001-07:002006-09-14T16:12:42.979-07:00Xbox 360 bundled with GRAW for $400?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.clubskill.com/Game_News/4349/GRAW%20Xbox%20360%20bundle%20arriving%20this%20September"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 185px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/320/360GRAWbundle.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.clubskill.com/Game_News/4349/GRAW%20Xbox%20360%20bundle%20arriving%20this%20September">Club Skill says</a> that on September 30th, an Xbox 360 bundle will be available for $399.99. According to the article, it will be the Premium package along with Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter and <a href="http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/x/xblarcadeunpluggedvol1/default.htm">Xbox Live Arcade Unplugged</a>, which is a collection of six arcade games: Geometry Wars, Wik: Fable of Souls, Bejeweled 2, Outpost Kaloki X, Hardwood Backgammon, and Texas Hold 'Em. This hasn't been confirmed, but if it is true it is a great deal: You're pretty much getting a full game and six XBLA titles for free.Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-27822346284883747482006-09-13T21:56:00.001-07:002006-09-13T21:56:29.251-07:00Halogen: The Halo RTS that could have been<a href="http://www.slipstreamproductions.net/">Slip Stream Productions</a> has been working on a mod that would make a Halo <acronym title="Real Time Strategy">RTS</acronym>. But just a few days ago, Microsoft asked them to shut it down. In the forums on their website, they <a href="http://forums.slipstreamproductions.net/index.php?showtopic=3239">posted this letter</a>:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Dear Friends,<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">For the last three years, we've worked incessantly to bring you the best Halo mod that we could. There have been a lot of ups and downs, but somehow Halogen has always managed to come out kicking. The problem with using copyrighted intellectual property as a base for a fan project is that you're very susceptible to legal action. We always figured that since Halogen was such a different take on the Halo franchise, we might manage to make it without incident. That changed today.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Hours ago, we finally recieved the words we've been dreading since the mod started to get noticed. Microsoft has decided that we are infringing on the intellectual property of Bungie Studios and has asked us to stop development on Halogen.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I was going to write a big sappy letter here, but what's the point. So..that's it then, I guess. The forums, site, and Moddb profile will all be shut down within the week. I can't say it hasn't been fun. It's a shame it has to end like this, but I suppose that's how it goes. Thanks, guys, for all the time you've spent supporting us. It's been a pleasure. We hate this as much as you do.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- The Halogen Team </span><br /><br />The Halogen site <a href="http://halogen.slipstreamproductions.net/">has been closed</a>, and the mod is officially over. It really is too bad, as it looked like it would have been awesome if it had ever been released. Why did Microsoft wait three years, after so much hard work had been put into it, to tell them to stop? <a href="http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3153524">Luke Smith at 1UP speculates</a> that maybe Microsoft is planning on making their own Halo RTS. But no matter what Microsoft's plans are, something that could have turned out to be one of the coolest mods ever will now never be finished.<br /><br />I've put together a <a href="http://youtube.com/view_play_list?p=2B0D04DBBA97A5E9">collections of videos</a> showing Halogen. Here they are:<br /><object height="370" width="530"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/p/2B0D04DBBA97A5E9"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/p/2B0D04DBBA97A5E9" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="370" width="530"></object><br /><br />[Via <a href="http://kotaku.com/gaming/top/msoft-pulls-plug-on-halo-rts-mod-199568.php">Kotaku</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/13/ms-shuts-down-halogen-mod-why-now/">Joystiq</a>]Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-80249503178654997302006-09-13T19:03:00.000-07:002006-09-13T19:02:32.651-07:00Xbox 360 with an internal HD-DVD drive? (Update: Microsoft says nope)<a href="http://digitimes.com/systems/a20060913A6035.html">DigiTimes says</a> that Microsoft is planning on releasing an Xbox 360 with a built in HD-DVD drive, as early as the first half of 2007. According to their site, sources in Taiwan's optical disc drive industry say Microsoft is selecting manufacturers in Taiwan to build the drive for a second generation Xbox 360. <span style="font-style: italic;"></span>Microsoft <a href="http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/archive/2006/06/30/536031.aspx">has previously stated</a> that they have no plans for an internal HD-DVD drive, and I don't think there will be one any time soon.<br />[Via <a href="http://www.oxm.co.uk/articles/news/hardware/is_an_internal_hd-dvd_drive_inbound_for_the_xbox_360">OXM UK</a>]<br /><br />Update:<br /><a href="http://gamerscoreblog.com/user/Profile.aspx?UserID=13193">Tony Hynes</a>, or Bastelyon, the Online Community Manager in Microsoft's Global Games PR department, <a href="http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/archive/2006/09/14/537431.aspx">has posted on the Gamerscore Blog</a> to say once again that there are no plans for an internal HD-DVD player:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Rumors of a built-in HD DVD sku are greatly exaggerated. We’re proudly launching the HD DVD Player as an accessory this holiday. Turns out you want a say in how you spend your entertainment dollars. So who are we to burden every customer with the cost of expensive movie technology?</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-80337565370088854322006-09-12T16:20:00.000-07:002006-09-12T16:19:23.765-07:00The Xbox 360 Laptop (Update: Added pictures)<a href="http://benheck.com/">Ben Heckendorm</a> has modded many consoles, but his latest creation is one of the best ever made.<br />He has taken an Xbox 360, and after three months of work completely transformed it into a laptop. Costing about $1200 in parts, material, and machining, <span></span>it "became the most monstrously difficult [project] since I've been into this "portablization" thing" he says on his website. So what did he end up with? The screen is a 17" 1280x720 progressive-scan LCD VGA monitor. The Xbox 360 is water-cooled, and has a custom built radiator. Wi-Fi is built in, along with a keyboard, and if you want to connect anything else it has 3 USB ports. The screen and the system use a single customized power brick supply. On the back there are ports for a component TV, VGA monitor, analog or TOSlink sound system, and composite video. It is encased in all alluminum, with the exception of the plastic keyboard, ring of light, and screen control area. All of this, with water loaded, weighs in at 14 pounds, with these dimensions: 16.75" x 10.75" x 2.8".<br /><a href="http://benheck.com/Games/Xbox360/x360_page_1.htm">Here is a step by step description</a> of how he accomplished it, and <a href="http://benheck.com/Games/Xbox360/x360_page_5.htm">here are pictures and videos</a> of the final product.<br />Here are some pictures, just click on them for the full size:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/1600/DSC02494.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 138px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/320/DSC02494.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/1600/DSC02495.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 142px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/320/DSC02495.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/1600/DSC02493.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 170px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/320/DSC02493.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/1600/DSC02489.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 138px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/320/DSC02489.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/1600/DSC02496.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 139px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/320/DSC02496.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/1600/DSC02474.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 139px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/320/DSC02474.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/1600/detail_labeled_large.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 369px; height: 232px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/320/detail_labeled_large.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />[Via <a href="http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17591&">Evil Avatar</a>]Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-75859353615519590022006-09-10T15:43:00.000-07:002006-09-10T15:51:49.166-07:00This Week's Releases: September 10th, 2006Here are the games releasing this week:<br />LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy<br />NHL 07<br />NHL 2K7<br /><br />Those are all releasing on Tuesday, and then on Wednesday the <a href="http://360stuff.blogspot.com/2006/09/weekly-arcade-rundown-scramble-delayed.html">delayed</a> XBLA game, Scramble.Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-70128455120734750652006-09-09T13:21:00.001-07:002006-09-09T13:21:13.253-07:00Top Games on Live (Week of September 4th)<a href="http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2006/09/09/Xbox-Live-Activity-for-week-of-September-4-2006.aspx">Major Nelson</a> has last week's top played games on Xbox Live. Based on world wide unique users, here they are:<br /><table class="topclass" style="width: 185px; height: 348px;" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr style="font-style: italic;"><td colspan="2"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Xbox 360 Games</strong></span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">1</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Saints Row</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">2</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Madden NFL 07</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">3</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Call of Duty 2</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">4</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Ghost Recon 3</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">5</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Texas Hold 'em</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">6</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Oblivion</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">7</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">DEAD RISING</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">8</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Chromehounds</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">9</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">BFMC</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">10</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Final Fantasy XI</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table class="topclass" style="width: 185px; height: 476px;" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr style="font-style: italic;"><td colspan="2"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Original Xbox Games</strong></span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">1</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Halo 2</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">2</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Battlefield 2: MC</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">3</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Madden NFL 07</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">4</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Counter-Strike</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">5</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Pro Evolution Soccer 5</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">6</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Splinter Cell Chaos</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">7</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Rainbow Six 3 BA</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">8</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Star Wars: Battlfrnt 2</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">9</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Forza Motorsport</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">10</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Ghost Recon 2: SS</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Overall, Halo 2 is the most played, followed by all 360 games.<br /><br /><table class="topclass" style="width: 186px; height: 388px;" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr style="font-style: italic;"><td colspan="2"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Xbox Live Arcade (Full Versions)</strong></span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">1</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Texas Hold 'em</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">2</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Time Pilot</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">3</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Street Fighter II' Hyper Fighting</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">4</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Hexic HD</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">5</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Geometry Wars Evolved</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">6</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">UNO</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">7</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">PAC-MAN</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">8</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Frogger</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">9</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Marble Blast Ultra</span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">10</span></td><td style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Bankshot Billiards 2</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2006/09/09/Xbox-Live-Activity-for-week-of-September-4-2006.aspx">Go here for the top 20</a>.Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27630088.post-70691020824519490022006-09-08T15:50:00.000-07:002006-09-08T15:49:27.614-07:00Weekly Arcade Rundown: Scramble delayed, board games, Small ArmsThis week's Xbox Live Arcade re<span style="font-size:100%;">lease was supposed to be Scramble, but at the last minute</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> <a href="http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/archive/2006/09/05/537254.aspx">Microsoft decided it wasn't ready</a>:</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> "D</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="sz3" style="font-family:TimesNewRoman;">uring the final testing and certification of the title, we discovered some minor issues that should be addressed, so we're going to take an extra week and</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="sz3" style="font-family:TimesNewRoman;"> fix these items to ensure a high quality game experience for you when the title launches".<br /></span>The game will now be available Wednesday, September 13th, and since there was no game this week Micrsosoft released the Project Gotham Racing 3 The</span>me Deck for UNO.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2006/09/06/Xbox-Live-Arcade-Uno-PGR3-Deck.aspx"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 144px;" src="http://www.xbox.com/NR/rdonlyres/76C6A9AB-53CA-46FB-8225-810C772D6556/0/pbh180unoPGR3theme.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.xboxic.com/news/1561">Xboxic</a> has found the first screenshots of the upcoming XBLA board games Settlers of Catan, Carcassonne, and Alhambra. Here they are:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/1600/SettlersOfCatan1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 103px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/320/SettlersOfCatan1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/1600/SettlerOfCatan2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 104px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/320/SettlerOfCatan2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/1600/Carcassonne.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 103px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/320/Carcassonne.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/1600/Alhambra.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 103px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/320/Alhambra.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Although the game <a href="http://smallarmsgame.com/">Small Arms</a> looks very interesting, there is not much information on it. So if you want to know more about it, check out the <a href="http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2006/09/05/small-arms-interview-don-wurster/">interview Xbox 360 Fanboy did</a> with Don Wurster<span style="text-decoration: underline;">.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2006/09/05/small-arms-interview-don-wurster/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 304px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6664/3372/400/unit-51.png" alt="" border="0" /></a>Surathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14054219992772217834noreply@blogger.com0