XFPS 360 Video 2: In Action

THAT'S what I want for Christmas.. =)

Microsoft Extends Xbox 360 Warranty

 

Call it a Christmas present to the nearly ten million Xbox 360 owners worldwide. Microsoft will extend the warranty from 90 days to one year for all consoles sold in the future, as well as those still in their first year of ownership.

Source: Microsoft Extends Xbox 360 Warranty
Originally published on Fri, 22 Dec 2006 16:11:29 GMT

Pandemic Working On 360 Version Of Mercenaries 2?

 

Developer's video blog might have revealed their secret.

Source: Pandemic Working On 360 Version Of Mercenaries 2?
Originally published on Fri, 22 Dec 2006 22:05:07 GMT

Carmageddon's Spiritual Successor

 

Okay, so there wasn't much spiritual when it came to Carmageddon, but that doesn't mean its spirit can't live on. Developer Stainless Games has released a game called Novadrome onto Xbox Live Arcade this morning, an arena-based car combat game that lacks the carnage and piledriver bonuses that made Carmageddon so great, but appears to have the looks and gameplay to be successful in its own right. And, with eight-player Xbox Live matches, 15 arenas, and 20 cars, it's pretty good value for your 800 points.

We'll be back with more detailed impressions later once we get a chance to get our hands on the game. Oh, and the above screen, while pretty close to the 360 version, actually dates back to 2004 when the game was going to be hitting the PS2, Xbox, and GameCube. Seems it never found a publisher back then!

Destroy or Be Destroyed in the Arenas of "Novadrome" on Xbox Live Arcade

Stainless Software, the creators of the renowned vehicle-combat franchise “Carmageddon,” return to their roots with “Novadrome,” an original 3-D smash-’em-up game. This unique combat-driving game will be available for download on Xbox Live® Arcade for Xbox 360™ beginning Wednesday, 20th December at 9.00 a.m. GMT

In “Novadrome,” gamers blast, smash and crash their way to victory as they fight for survival among friends and foes alike in one of the 15 detailed 3-D arenas. Abducted by robots from the planet Nova, the players must stop their captors before they launch a full-scale invasion against Earth. Gamers will need to use their speed, wit and determination to defeat robot gladiators and other abductees in a series of combat-driving competitions in high-powered armored vehicles equipped with front-mounted automatic weapons. “Novadrome” also provides gamers with a frantic multiplayer mode for up to eight players via Xbox Live*.

“Novadrome” will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points.

GAME FEATURES

* Frantic eight-player combat driving action set in a far-out alien world
* More than 20 off-road-buggy-style combat vehicles
* Fifteen arenas full of non-stop, furious action. Combat arenas feature upgrades, power-ups, obstacles and mines.
* A wide range of dynamic vehicle-mounted weapons. Players can destroy their enemies and acquire their weapons as power-ups.
* Adrenaline-pumping boss encounters. Humans in vehicles battle a variety of gladiatorial robot opponents.
* Multiple gameplay modes and event types to choose from. Modes are Career, Arcade Challenge, Free Play, and Multiplayer.
* Top of the class. Gamers can experiment with the various modes and master their gameplay to top the online “Novadrome” leaderboards.
* Twelve achievements. Players can increase their gamerscore by 200 points with 12 diverse achievements.

WHERE CAN I GET IT?

“Novadrome” can be downloaded beginning Wednesday, 20th December at 9.00am on Xbox Live Arcade.

“Novadrome”: 800 Microsoft Points, Rated E10+ (Fantasy Violence)

More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade.

Source: Carmageddon's Spiritual Successor
Originally published on Wed, 20 Dec 2006 13:30:29 GMT

Crackdown in stores Feb. 20, demo on Jan. 18

 

Microsoft's crack at the Grand Theft Auto crown, from Grand Theft Auto creator David Jones and his Real Time Worlds studio, is set to hit streets February 20. Admittedly, Crackdown shares more in common with Mercenaries than it does with any of the GTA titles, as it's less structured than Rockstar's series and not mission-based -- you're charged with taking down three criminal organizations however you see fit. Of course, the ability to become a 'super freak' (leap buildings, transform vehicles, throw semis, etc.) puts Crackdown in a niche of its own -- if not the superpowers, then the cel-shaded visuals. It's totally like being inside a graphic novel! Right?...
For those of us still concerned that Crackdown lacks some of the cohesive elements necessary for a mainstream hit, Microsoft is offering a demo, set to hit Xbox Live Marketplace on January 18. The demo will include -- for Xbox Live Gold members -- a preview of Crackdown's full-scale online co-op, which gives the game a huge boost over its competition. Free-form gang-stomping with a buddy? Yes please.
[Via press release]

Continue reading Crackdown in stores Feb. 20, demo on Jan. 18

Source: Crackdown in stores Feb. 20, demo on Jan. 18
Originally published on Thu, 21 Dec 2006 15:25:00 GMT

Virtua Fighter 5 Confirmed for Xbox 360

 

The slow death of the third-party exclusive.

Source: Virtua Fighter 5 Confirmed for Xbox 360
Originally published on Thu, 21 Dec 2006 17:32:01 GMT

Bethesda giftwraps Oblivion's Mehrunes Razor

 

Content pack for Xbox 360 version of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion free to download December 22-31, returns to original price after.

Source: Bethesda giftwraps Oblivion's Mehrunes Razor
Originally published on Thu, 21 Dec 2006 14:31:08 GMT

Halo 3 NEW 7 min Video Documentary!

 

The documentary will run for almost exactly seven minutes (coincidence? UNLIKELY!) and contains a first peek at the bad guy you will grow to love and hate in Halo 3. Well, mostly hate, but you will love fighting him. You’ll see what amounts in a way to the first glimpse at Campaign content.Availible on the marketplace now!

Source: Halo 3 NEW 7 min Video Documentary!
Originally published on Wed, 20 Dec 2006 19:30:02 GMT

Xbox 360 HD-DVD Video Review

 

“Game Gear” reviews the Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive, which offers “innovative interactive content [that] enables PIP commentary, scene selection, and menu access, all while the movie is playing.” Product page Video after the jump.

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Source: Xbox 360 HD-DVD Video Review
Originally published on Wed, 20 Dec 2006 21:00:15 GMT

New CoD3 Maps Coming for 360

 

Source: http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/call-of-duty-3/new-co...

For those of you who can't get enough of re-fighting World War II over and over via Xbox Live, Activision announces new multiplayer maps for Call of Duty 3 to be released sometime 'after the holidays', a period that spans January 2nd, 2007 to the end of the universe as we know it. They have release specifics on the maps themselves, giving you something to wait for until an unspecified amount of time passes. They are releasing one free map, labeled Champs, which takes place in Port Royal de Champs, created for small to medium games. Then for 800 MS points you'll be able to download the Valor Map Pack, containing five new maps set in France. No word of map updates for the PS3 version yet, and I am assuming they just won't happen for the Wii since it lacks online multiplayer in the first place. even with the maps supporting split-screen play. Read the full press release after the jump to sample Activision's amazing "forward-looking statements" statement, which is the ultimate in covering-your-assery. more @ source.

Source: New CoD3 Maps Coming for 360
Originally published on Wed, 20 Dec 2006 23:15:17 GMT

Furry Xbox 360 controller faceplate

 

I’m at a loss for words. Now we just need fuzzy dice that hang from the headset port. These will set you back $15 a pop. Also available in barn-yard cow.

Source

Source: Furry Xbox 360 controller faceplate
Originally published on Mon, 20 Nov 2006 17:55:37 GMT

December '06 Back Compatibility Update

 

Just in time for the holidays and now with Psychonauts! The backwards compatibility update is now available over Xbox Live. This free update brings the complete list of original Xbox games that you can play on your Xbox 360 to over 300. Remember, your original Xbox games will look better than ever on Xbox 360 running in 720p and 1080i with anti-aliasing.  You can also play cross-platform between Xbox 360 and the original Xbox over Xbox Live.
December 2006 Back Compat titles added/updated:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer  
Burnout 3: Takedown UPDATED
Conker: Live and Reloaded  
Dead Or Alive Ultimate  
Destroy All Humans!  
Dynasty Warriors 4 / Shin Sangokumuso3   
Evil Dead: A Fistful of Boomstick  
Ex Chaser   (Japan Only)
Family Guy  
Far Cry: Instincts  
Fahrenheit/Indigo Prophecy  
I-Ninja  
Leisure Suit Larry: Magna *** Laude  
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon  
MotoGP  
Incredibles/ Mr. Incredible (J)  
Muzzle Flash  (Japan Only)
MX Unleashed  
Open Season  
Pariah  
Plus Plumb 2  (Japan Only)
Psychonauts  
Psyvariar2 Extend Edition  (Japan Only)
Rainbow Six: Lockdown  
Rapala Pro Fishing  
Rent-A-Hero No. 1  (Japan Only)
Scarface  
Shark Tale  
Shenmue II  
Soul Calibur 2  North America only
Splinter Cell: Double Agent  
Tenerezza  (Japan Only)
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie  
Ultimate Spider-Man  
Wakeboarding Unleashed: Featuring Sean Murray  
Whacked!  
Winback 2: Project Poseidon  
Xiaolin Showdown 

Here is a PDF of the complete list. You can always get this list from Xbox.com, but this file may be handy for those of you that work in a store, or like to carry the list with you.

[Download the December 2006 Back Compat list in PDF format] (75k)
Don’t have Xbox Live, but still want to get the update? Head over to Xbox.com to download the update in .ISO form.

[Download the update (ISO) from Xbox.com]

Source: December '06 Back Compat Update
Originally published on Thu, 14 Dec 2006 23:07:00 GMT by Major Nelson

Conan set to rule on Xbox 360

 

MMO given green-light by Microsoft

Source: Conan set to rule on Xbox 360
Originally published on Tue, 12 Dec 2006 16:19:24 GMT

Arcade: Assault Heroes

 

Name: Assault Heroes
Price: 800 points
Available in: All Xbox Live regions
Dash Details: Single Player, Xbox Live Multiplayer 1-2, 5.1 Surround Sound, HD (High Definition). Buy Assault Heroes - the ultimate arcade shooter! Destroy an underground lab filled with deadly contents. Blast your way through enemy-infested territory. Take out choppers, boats, tanks, and monstrous weapons of doom with your heavily armed 4x4 and speedboat. Battle alone or with a comrade in online co-op. Buy the full game now and unlock guaranteed nonstop action!

 

Source: Arcade: Assault Heroes
Originally published on Wed, 13 Dec 2006 09:05:00 GMT by Major Nelson

Capcom listens, fixes Lost Planet multiplayer

 

It turns out that Capcom's Lost Planet multiplayer demo has doubled as an impromptu beta test, eliciting numerous complaints that the developer has taken quite seriously. The online team has managed to include several key improvements in the final version of the game and will have a patch available on launch day (January 12), addressing the remainder of reported issues.
In addition to enlarging text displays, Capcom's update highlights include:

• Private slots (assigned by host)
• Ability to invite friends to match
• Number of players in match displayed next to name of match (in search list)
• Players not being kicked out to main menu when they try to join a full match
• Option to refresh match list without going back to main menu and re-selecting Quick Match
• Players going to post-game lobby at end of match (not being kicked back to main menu)
• Ability to replay match with same players (without leaving post-game lobby)
• Cycling maps on replayed matches when map selection is set to Random
• 20-second time limit to form teams when team selection is enabled
• Max match time limit set to 60 minutes (instead of unlimited)
• Saved custom match criteria

[Via press release]

Continue reading Capcom listens, fixes Lost Planet multiplayer

Source: Capcom listens, fixes Lost Planet multiplayer
Originally published on Wed, 13 Dec 2006 22:25:00 GMT by James Ransom-Wiley

Phantasy Star Universe Xbox 360 Hacking Status

 

If you are a Phantasy Star Universe player on the Xbox 360, then you might want to know the lengths that some have gone to hack into accounts. Any RPG-like...

Source: Phantasy Star Universe Xbox 360 Hacking Status
Originally published on Tue, 12 Dec 2006 14:23:29 GMT

The XNA Game Development Studio for Xbox 360 and PC

 

Microsoft has officially released the final version of the XNA Game Development Studio, which aims to make writing games easier than ever before. We'll see if the days of the basement coder have come again.

Source: The XNA Game Development Studio for Xbox 360 and PC
Originally published on Wed, 13 Dec 2006 02:00:00 GMT by news@arstechnica.com (Ars Technica)

Smash TV Invincibility Glitch

 

(Hold the Y and A Button at the same time for 2-3 seconds)
Theirs this one Smash TV Glitch which makes you untouchable. Here's, the method to do it "hold the Y and A buttons at the same time for 2-3 seconds" kind of confusing and but if you can't pick up any prices or weapons it worked.Theirs a down side to this, you have to do this on every stage and when I did it you can't stop moving or the glitch will go away.

Source: Smash TV Invincibility Glitch
Originally published on Sat, 04 Nov 2006 07:31:00 GMT by Andy

Ebay 360 Scam

 

News at GameSpot: "The hot holiday item, if one believes the media hype, is the Xbox 360. Short supply and high demand have left many holiday shoppers looking for the console empty-handed. While the...
GET GAMING NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB IN ONE PLACE>>>>>

 

Source: Ebay 360 Scam
Originally published on Fri, 23 Dec 2005 18:17:52 GMT by m_tabr88

CNET's James Kim and family missing -- have you seen them?

CNET's James Kim and family missing -- have you seen them?
Posted Nov 30th 2006 8:45PM by Ryan BlockFiled under: Announcements
We've received word that a respected member of our tech community, James Kim (whom many of you may know as CNET's senior editor of digital audio), and his family have gone missing. As we understand it, last weekend James, his wife Kati (above right), and his very young girls Penelope (left) and Sabine (baby), drove from their home in the SF Bay Area to Seattle. They were expected back some time Sunday, but were last seen by a hotel clerk at 5:45 PM on Saturday in or between Gold Beach or Portland, Oregon. We sincerely do hope they are all safe, and our hearts go out to the Kim family.We'll have more information as we get it. If you have any information as to the Kim family's whereabouts, please contact the SFPD at 415-558-5508 during normal business hours, and 415-553-1071 after hours.