Razer Piranha Gaming Communicator Review
Think Computers :: Wednesday, April 30, 2008
“The Razer Piranha Gaming Communicator headset is perfect for gamers of all types. This headset is geared towards gamers, but in my mind, is perfect for anyone looking for a quality headset with a quality microphone, especially those who use voice chat on the PC. Most of the headsets that I have had have been rather uncomfortable for extended periods of time, but the Razer Piranha is different; it provides comfort for extended periods of use. If you’re in the market for a new headset the Piranha is definitely something you should consider.”
Razer Piranha Gaming Communicator Review
Big Bruin :: Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Gaming is where this headset shined. While the Piranha is not a surround sound headset, it did exhibit a great stereo environment. Using Call of Duty 4 as my latest game of choice, I put the Piranha through a long gaming session… I immediately noticed that there were a few details in my game I had been missing.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 – PSP Review
Gamepyre :: Wednesday, April 30, 2008
First of all, the game excluded multiplayer mode, and although there are quite a few successful games that include single player mode only, a sports game will not be successful taking that approach. Most of my friends for example will not even glance at a sports game without multiplayer. Konami, further shot itself in the foot by jumping the gun and releasing Pro Evolution Soccer without proofreading the final product (the game has sections that do not function properly or at all, such as the unplayable penalty mode or the completely vestigial snow/dry environments.
HD DVD Fallout: Nukes 95pct of Toshiba’s Profits
Xbox Scene :: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
[QUOTE] Japanese electronics maker Toshiba Corp. said its profit plummeted 95 percent in the January-March quarter due to costs of its exit from next-generation video HD DVD business.
In Japan, Toshiba said its profit fell to 1.25 billion yen ($12 million) in the January-March quarter from 26.17 billion yen a year earlier. Revenue fell 3 percent from a year earlier to 2.09 trillion yen ($20 billion).
“Our net profit sharply fell due to the end of (the) HD DVD business,” Toshiba spokeswoman Hiroko Mochida said. Most of the decline came from shutting down assembly lines and dealing with inventory, according to Toshiba. [/QUOTE]
Microsoft Lowers Price on Xbox 360 in 4 Asia Markets *Update*
Xbox Scene :: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
[QUOTE] Microsoft today announced it is lowering the estimated retail price (ERP) for its Xbox 360 consoles in Singapore. At the new ERP of S$499 for the Pro version with 20GB hard drive (previously priced at $620), the Xbox 360 will give consumers more accessibility and opportunity to join the high octane world of interactive digital entertainment from Microsoft.
The prices of the Xbox 360 Arcade and Xbox 360 Elite will be lowered too. The Xbox 360 Arcade is now S$399 (previously $459) and the Xbox 360 Elite with 120 GB hard drive is now $699 (previously $799). [/QUOTE]
Update: Price dropped in Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea too … from money.cnn.com
GTA IV Released
Xbox Scene :: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Well it’s past midnight in europe now so GTA IV is officially released! Here are some pictures of the retail copy I just got. For those who will buy the game … njoy and let’s hope LIVE will be able to handle the load this time and not too many Xbox360s will die ;)
MS CSR Changes Your Identity, Preventing You From Getting Your Xbox
Xbox Scene :: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
From consumerist.com (http://consumerist.com/384354/microsoft-csr-changes-your-identity-preventing-you-from-getting-your-xbox ): [QUOTE] Bryan Carroll can’t pick up his repaired Xbox because Microsoft printed his name on the address label as “Brian Dyranerool.” After he scheduled a repair with a CSR in India, Bryan was assured that he would receive a shipping box within 3-5 days. After 6 days had passed, he contacted an apologetic supervisor who said she would simply email him a shipping label and send out a free wireless controller for his wasted time and trouble. However, the name on his shipping label read, “Brian Dryanerool.” He contacted Microsoft about the error and was told that the problem was corrected. The good news is that Bryan’s Xbox was repaired and shipped swiftly to a UPS customer center. The bad news is that his box was addressed to “Brian Dryanerool,” and he was not allowed to pick up the repaired Xbox. [/QUOTE] Full Story: consumerist.com (http://consumerist.com/384354/microsoft-csr-changes-your-identity-preventing-you-from-getting-your-xbox )
Which Version Of GTA IV Should You Buy?
Xbox Scene :: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
From kotaku.com.au (http://www.kotaku.com.au/games/2008/04/which_version_of_gta_iv_should_you_buy_we_compare_the_ps3_and_360_versions-2.html ): [QUOTE] The good news for Grand Theft Auto fans is that whatever platform you have chosen as your own, GTA IV excels on both. They are almost evenly matched, feature for feature. Gamers will have to decide which is more important to them, a slightly more technically sound experience on the PlayStation 3 or downloadable content and Xbox Live integration on the Xbox 360. If this were a personal decision, I’d have chosen the PlayStation 3 edition, mostly based on my preference for the DualShock controller and the performance edge. However, one thing that we have yet to experience is how well the PlayStation Network will handle the online portions of GTA IV, an extremely important consideration. I place less of an emphasis on features like Achievements and Gamerscore, but appreciate how well crafted and important these features are to others. In the end, each version stands on its own, with the only downside to the differences being that those invested in their particularly backed console will expend so much effort focusing on something far less important than the game itself. [/QUOTE] Full Story: kotaku.com.au (http://www.kotaku.com.au/games/2008/04/which_version_of_gta_iv_should_you_buy_we_compare_the_ps3_and_360_versions-2.html )
Release This: Grand Theft Auto IV, Mario Kart Wii Premiere Stateside
Gamasutra Columns :: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Gamasutra’s latest “Release This!” examines a week that brings Mario Kart Wii to retail stores in the United States, as Grand Theft Auto IV sees a simultaneous release in North America and the UK.
Saling The World: The World Ends With You, Persona 3 FES Top Sales in U.S. Debut Week
Gamasutra Columns :: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Gamasutra’s latest “Saling The World” charts find Square Enix’s The World Ends With You leading North American Nintendo DS software sales, as Persona 3 FES takes top honors on the PlayStation 2.
Grand Theft Auto™ IV
Sony Games :: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
What does the American Dream mean today? For Niko Bellic fresh off the boat from Europe, it is the hope he can escape his past. For his cousin, Roman, it is the vision that together they can find fortune in Liberty City, gateway to the land of opportunity. As they slip into debt and get dragged into a criminal underworld by a series of shysters, thieves and sociopaths, they discover that the reality is very different from the dream in a city that worships money and status, and is heaven for those who have them and a living nightmare for those who don’t. Grand Theft Auto™ IV Special Edition also available.
Grand Theft Auto™ IV: Special Edition
Sony Games :: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
The Grand Theft Auto™ IV: Special Edition will be presented in a customized Grand Theft Auto metal safety deposit box. The box will contain: Grand Theft Auto IV with special packaging The Grand Theft Auto IV Art Book, featuring never-before-seen production artwork from Grand Theft Auto IV Selected soundtrack CD from Grand Theft Auto IV, featuring new material from top artists, only available on this release An exclusive Rockstar keychain for the safety deposit box keys Completing the collection is a limited edition Rockstar duffel bag
SNK Arcade Classics Volume 1
Sony Games :: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
SNK brings a collection of classic arcade games to the PlayStation®2.
SNK Arcade Classics Volume 1
Sony Games :: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
SNK brings a collection of classic arcade games to the PSP® system.
NBA Ballers: Chosen One
Sony Games :: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
NBA Ballers: Chosen One is a unique fantasy basketball entertainment experience featuring one-on-one and two-on-two action with the NBA’s elite players. More than 65 of the NBA’s top superstar athletes come to life as the NBA Ballers franchise continues its legacy as the graphical leader in the sports videogame industry. NBA Ballers: Chosen One will put players up-close and into the action with new “action movie” style game cameras that highlight every move.
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 FES
Sony Games :: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Lead a group of high school students with a dangerous extracurricular activity: exploring the mysterious tower Tartarus and fighting the sinister Shadows during the Dark Hour, a frozen span of time imperceptible to all but a select few. However, the end of their quest is no longer the end of the story–witness for the first time the aftermath of the final battle and the students’ struggle to find meaning in their new lives.
Riding Star
Sony Games :: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Baroque
Sony Games :: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Dark, challenging, and wholly immersive, Baroque is a pure hardcore RPG experience. Intense gameplay comes together with perverse creatures and a haunting musical score to create an addictive dungeon crawling experience that has earned Baroque a devout fan following. A cataclysm has destroyed the empires of Man, and it falls to you to fight your way down through the levels of the Neuro Tower in search of absolution. You will find death in the depths, yet learn that death is not the end of the story; in the twisted world of Baroque, it is only the beginning.
Xbox 360 at the Sasquatch Music Festival
Xbox Live :: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Xbox 360 is a proud sponsor of the Sasquatch! Music Festival, and aside from the great music and comedy performers, we’re providing attendees the opportunity to party like a real rock star.
Xbox Live Preps for GTA IV Server Riot
Xbox Scene :: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
From kotaku.com (http://kotaku.com/383885/xbox-live-preps-for-gta-iv-server-riot ): [QUOTE] Jump ahead to next week, we have GTA IV–a game that’s so big that–we’ll let Microsoft’s General Manager of LIVE Services Operations, Derek Ingalls explain that metric: “…we are preparing for a spike that could be much larger than what we saw with the launches of Halo 3 and Activision’s “Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.” So how is Microsoft prepping Xbox LIVE for the not so metaphorical mass rioting that is GTA IV multiplayer? “Last holiday we weren’t properly prepared,” Ingalls admits. “So we are going the extra mile with Grand Theft Auto IV…” Yeah, that was total marketing speak. But it got your ears perked, didn’t it? “The biggest step we’ve taken is to add in more server hardware, which will expand the service’s capacity,” Ingalls explains to us through email. (PR had explained earlier that he was “obviously very busy” this week.) “We have actually doubled our capacity for concurrent users over the last 2 months.” [/QUOTE] Full Story kotaku.com (http://kotaku.com/383885/xbox-live-preps-for-gta-iv-server-riot )
Grand Theft Auto 4 (Xbox 360 and Playstation 3) Review
Gaming Heaven :: Monday, April 28, 2008
The Grand Theft Auto series has been the jewel in Rockstars crown for a long time and the latest incarnation has been surrounded with unparalleled speculation for well over a year now. Surely no game to live up to this hype? Well once again it seems that Rockstar have proved us wrong, everything they touch truly does turn to gold because Grand Theft Auto 4 is quite possibly the best game I have ever played, period.
MotorStorm Review for Playstation 3
RB Mods :: Monday, April 28, 2008
As the best selling Playstation 3 game as of February 2008, there was always a lot of hype surrounding this game. A less-than-typical racer, this game prefers off-road, muddy fun over serious, tight cornering track-based action. But how will it fare, and is its reputation deserved?
Europa Universalis: Rome
Driver Heaven :: Monday, April 28, 2008
Europa Universalis: Rome is the latest title in this long standing franchise and for the first time has a setting in ancient Rome. If you are new to the Europa Universalis series you will be pleasantly surprised to hear that it is much more than just another war game. There are however some game crushing bugs which will ruin it for many.
The game world is divided up into provinces, each of which is ruled by a religion, a culture and a national power. Each province provides tax revenue and manpower to build an infrastructure and to fund technological research. With the help of the tax funding, armies can also be raised. All the events play out in day to day real time so the game works as a RTS and as a very in depth strategic simulator. Obviously if you are a fan of simple and straightforward RTS games this will not be appealing.
Xbox Division Scores Profit
Xbox Scene :: Saturday, April 26, 2008
From next-gen.biz (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10165&Itemid=2 ): [QUOTE] Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices Division posted a healthy quarterly rise on Thursday thanks to strong Xbox 360 console sales, as the games business turned a profit for the third straight quarter. Revenues for ED&D were $1.58 billion for the quarter ended March 31, versus sales of $935 million for the same quarter a year prior, representing a 68 percent rise. Operating income for the division, which includes Xbox, PC games and the Zune media player, was $89 million, up from an operating loss of $324 million for the comparable quarter. As a whole, Microsoft posted sales of $14.45 billion with operating income of $4.41 billion, compared to $14.4 billion and $6.6 billion a year ago, respectively. [/QUOTE] Full Story: next-gen.biz (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10165&Itemid=2 )
Microsoft on GTA IV Leak: ‘Need to Look into this Further’
Xbox Scene :: Saturday, April 26, 2008
With the leak of the PAL version of GTA IV yesterday and the NTSC/U earlier today, here’s what Major Nelson told kotaku.com (http://kotaku.com/383534/microsoft-looking-into-early-gta-iv-players ): [QUOTE] A peek at Gamercard aggregator MyGamerCard.com reveals a long list of Xbox 360 users already racking up achievements on Grand Theft Auto IV since an illegal torrent of the game was leaked yesterday and early copies started showing up in people’s homes. Neither Rockstar nor Microsoft itself have yet responded to Kotaku’s requests for comment. Xbox Live’s Larry “Major Nelson” Hryb, did say, however, that he was unable to comment yet due to the “need to look into this further,” so we can assume that Microsoft, at least, is investigating. [/QUOTE]
Xbox on Facebook
Xbox Scene :: Saturday, April 26, 2008
From Microsoft’s PR Blog (http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/archive/2008/04/23/558754.aspx ): [QUOTE] Do you like social networking sites where you can get poked, shot with super-powers, or asked to fight against Zombies in addition to being in touch with your friends? Well, have we got a treat for you! The Xbox has a Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/xbox )! If you are on “the Facebook” you can sign up and become a fan of the Xbox, sign up for the newsletter, get some wallpapers, write on our wall, watch some videos, or join a discussion. Although I haven’t found it yet, but I think there’s some way to throw virtual water balloons (all in good fun of course) at our friends at the Sony Blog who also announced their Facebook page launch earlier today. I would like to apologize in advance as I may accidentally open up some transdimensional recursion portal when I post this to the blog because our Facebook page has an RSS feed of our blog posts which has a link to the Facebook page which has an RSS feed to our blog – oh no, it’s started already! [/QUOTE]
Xbox 360 Kiosks Bring Games and Entertainment to Children’s Hospitals
Xbox Scene :: Saturday, April 26, 2008
From the press release: [QUOTE] Microsoft Corp. today announced a new partnership with the Companions in Courage Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and families who are overcoming life-threatening obstacles. As part of its commitment to providing fun, interactive entertainment for children, Microsoft is supplying hundreds of Xbox 360 game kiosks to playrooms in children’s hospitals across the United States, intended to provide a respite for young patients and be a catalyst for fun. In addition to select games, movies and television content, the Xbox 360 kiosks will provide access to a private network that allows hospitalized children across the country to play games and chat in a safety-enhanced environment over Xbox LIVE, the world’s largest social network connected to television. Microsoft is celebrating this partnership and the installation of the first wave of kiosks with three simultaneous events today at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York-Presbyterian, Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center of Seattle and the Children’s Hospital of Orange County in California. Robbie Bach, president of the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft, will attend the Seattle event to commemorate the first group of Xbox 360 kiosks and the launch of the special Xbox LIVE network. [/QUOTE] Full Press Release: gamerscoreblog.com (http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/archive/2008/04/23/558746.aspx )
RockStar Scared of GTA IV Leak Before Launch – Monitors Play *Updated*
Xbox Scene :: Saturday, April 26, 2008
We received information this was sent to people who get GTA IV early… it seems like they are making sure that even if the game was leaked online prior launch (UPDATE: It seems that in meantime the Xbox360 PAL version of the game leaked online …) it will not be usable online and achievements will stay hidden: [QUOTE] Xbox 360 Version: We need your Gamertag because Microsoft will be helping Rockstar Games monitor access to the online modes up to release date. Because of this, we will need to add your Gamertag to the approved list of gamers who can play online prior to release. In addition to supplying this information, if you do intend to go online before April 29th, you will need to change a couple of the basic settings on your Xbox 360 and keep these settings like this till the game comes out, otherwise other people will be able to see your achievements list for GTA IV (even if you are playing another game) and we’d like to keep that information back for the fans. You will have to switch your profile to private and appear off line. We have attached a document that explains exactly how you do this just in case. PS3 Version: There are no privacy settings that can be set on the PS3 but we will still be tracking who is going on line so again it will make it easier for us to identify you as a genuine user if we have your ID. [/QUOTE]
AcidMods Spit Fire Controller Mod
Xbox Scene :: Saturday, April 26, 2008
Dubbed the spitfire 360 controller acidmods (http://www.acidmods.com/forum/index.php?topic=17385.0 ) has chipped 360 controllers to accept programmed chips to aid you and make games between friends a bit more fun. They can be programmed to turn a pistol into a semi automatic or to hit those mad long combos you could never master or possibly to make for some interesting high scores: [QUOTE] This mod is fairly simple to do but it will be lengthy. Setting up the controller to accept pre programmed chips is not hard but there are many components to solder and lots of wires. Luckily Microsoft has given us plenty of space to work with.. Please if you do this mod be considerate and do not use this controller for online matches as it will give you a huge advantage with “Insta Kills”. AcidMods in no way condones cheating or unfair advantages with that being said lets proceed to part one of this lengthy mod. Warning!!!! Using this Mod for Online Multiplayer is Cheating and will get your Xbox Banned!!! All though this mod is undetectable using it against other players with out there knowledge will get you bad feed back and will result in a banned account. Only use this mod in Privite games with friends who know you are using it or playing alone in campaingns. Part one of this mod deals with setting up the socket so you can swap out chips for each game. Since the chips only have so much space to work with and it would be a pain for people to cycle through hundreds of different setups we will limit the macros to five per chip. That means you will have a chip for Halo a chip for Gears of War Etc… [/QUOTE] Tutorial: acidmods.com (http://www.acidmods.com/forum/index.php?topic=17385.0 )
Rockstar’s Sam Houser: 360 ‘Needs To Sort Out’ HDD Usage
Xbox Scene :: Saturday, April 26, 2008
From kotaku.com (http://kotaku.com/382888/sam-houser-360-needs-to-sort-out-hdd-usage ): [QUOTE] 1UP recently interviewed Rockstar’s Sam Houser. Houser says what we’ve been saying for a long time now: the 360 needs to sort out the issue of its non-compulsory HDD usage: “One of the problems with the 360, and it affects games like Grand Theft Auto if you think about how much content we put in the actual machine, is the fact that they don’t have a significantly larger storage medium than the previous systems.” You’re damn right, and-oh. You’re not done. “I think that the 360 is going to have to get ’round this issue we’re talking about. I can think of various ways they can do it. Hopefully, they’re going to adopt one of those in the next year or so, because it’s going to become more of an issue. If we’re filling up the disc right now, where are we going? It’s not like our games are going to get any smaller. I think that issue’s on the table with a bunch of games right now. I’m sure they’ll come through with an intelligent solution.” [/QUOTE] Full Story: kotaku.com (http://kotaku.com/382888/sam-houser-360-needs-to-sort-out-hdd-usage ) | 1up.com (http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=3&cId=3167500 )
Rivet, another 360 Media Sharing App for Mac
Xbox Scene :: Saturday, April 26, 2008
From cynicalpeak.com (http://cynicalpeak.com/rivet/ ): [QUOTE] About Rivet Rivet allows you to access your digital life on your Xbox 360. Browse, play, and view all of your pictures, movies, and video through the Xbox 360’s media blade right in your living room. Rivet will automatically load and give you full access to your iTunes music, iPhoto photographs, and any video or picture folder that you wish to share. Rivet Features: * Music streaming – Listen to your iTunes music library through your stereo system and while playing games. * Video streaming – No need to let your big screen TV go to waste because your video files are all on you Mac. Stream them over to it and fully enjoy them in the comfort of your couch. * Photo streaming – View all of your photos right on your TV. It’s vacation slides for the 21st century. Your family and friends won’t be able to get enough! You can share photos from both your iPhoto library or from folders on your hard drive. * Organize your media – Every movie or photo folder that you share is exactly replicated on your Xbox 360. Organize them into subfolders by TV show, genre, or whatever you want. The entire folder structure will be there. No more scrolling through a huge, flat list. * Auto media updating – Add, delete, or move your media all you want. The changes will automatically appear on your Xbox 360. * Format support – If your Xbox 360 can play it, Rivet can handle it. Supported formats include: AAC, MP3, WMA, H.262, DIVX, AVI, WMV, JPEG, GIF, TIFF, RAW, TIFF, PSD, PDF, and more. [/QUOTE] Official Site: cynicalpeak.com (http://cynicalpeak.com/rivet/ )
360 Lite-On Drives emerge
Xbox Scene :: Saturday, April 26, 2008
From shauno on forums.xbox-scene.com (http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=648236&st=0 )… Hi today i recieved a console back from microsoft repair center in Australia, it had a BENQ drive which didnt seem to flash via dosflash. Apon inspection i believe i have found a new drive revision! Model no. DG-16D2S HW Version. A0A1 FW Version. 74850 We are currently trying to find data sheets on this controller to further analyze security. It appears to be a masked-rom (read-only) setup, similar to that of the xbox original, version 1.6. If you have or can find any spec’s on the MediaTek controller above, please post in the forum thread! News-Source: forums.xbox-scene.com (http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=648236&st=0 )
Xbox LIVE Scheduled Maintenance Completed – Matchmaking Issues
Xbox Scene :: Saturday, April 26, 2008
From majornelson.com (http://majornelson.com/archive/2008/04/21/two-new-xbox-originals-now-available-and-the-scheduled-maintenance-is-complete.aspx )/XBL status (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/SUPPORT ): [QUOTE] The Xbox LIVE Scheduled Maintenance is now complete. A few folks may still be seeing sign in or matchmaking issues. Engineers are looking in to this at this time. Users may experience connectivity issues and difficulties with matchmaking within games on Xbox LIVE. We are aware of the problem and working to resolve the issue. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience. [/QUOTE]
MS Keeps Repaired Xbox for 4 Months, Calls You a Thief for Wanting it Back
Xbox Scene :: Saturday, April 26, 2008
From consumerist.com (http://consumerist.com/381798/microsoft-keeps-your-repaired-xbox-for-4-months-calls-you-a-thief-for-wanting-it-back ): [QUOTE] Microsoft hasn’t returned Tiffany’s XBox 360 for four months because they think she is a thief, even though she has her original receipt and a credit card statement proving that she is the console’s rightful owner. Microsoft repaired the XBox back in January and tried to return it via FedEx, but a shipping snafu landed the box back at Microsoft’s service center. Tiffany has called repeatedly. She even sent a letter to Microsoft’s legal department, after sending her receipt and statement, asking how else she could prove ownership. That was 22 days ago. She has yet to receive a response. [/QUOTE] Full Story: consumerist.com (http://consumerist.com/381798/microsoft-keeps-your-repaired-xbox-for-4-months-calls-you-a-thief-for-wanting-it-back )
Talismoon New Chrome Xbox 360 Full Controller Shell
Xbox Scene :: Saturday, April 26, 2008
Talismoon released a new Evolve360 Full Controller Shell: [QUOTE] Another evolution has occured within the Evolve line of Xbox controller faceplates! Our new line of Xbox 360 controllers now have new unique features and better durability. (http://pictures.xbox-scene.com/xbox360/XCM-controller/2.jpg ) (http://pictures.xbox-scene.com/xbox360/XCM-controller/3.jpg ) A new version of an old favorite, the new version Silver Chrome Controller fits both wired and wireless versions of the OEM controller. New highlights include: * Matching top and bottom controller faceplates give your controller a more consistent look * Removable bits allow the same bottom controller plate to be used for wired and wireless controllers * New chrome plating technology is 10x more durable than the last generation of Evolve Controller Covers * Larger, further clarified instructions included in every kit, as well as the tools needed for disassembling the wired or wireless controller. * Improved package design is cleaner and takes up less space. [/QUOTE] Official Site: http://talismoon.com (http://talismoon.com )
XNA boss defends Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Scene :: Saturday, April 26, 2008
From eurogamer.net (http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=133026 ): [QUOTE] Microsoft XNA general manager Chris Satchell has rejected the suggestion that Xbox Live Arcade has lost the initiative when it comes to supporting independent games. “I think we still get an amazing amount of interest. Normally we have way more interest than we kind of have publishing slots to put things in,” Satchell told Eurogamer, when asked whether PS3 and Wii were starting to steal XBLA’s thunder. “And when you think about the community and what we’re doing with distribution on XNA Game Studio, nobody is going to have that combo. I don’t think anybody has got that level of innovation integrated the way we have.” [/QUOTE] Full Story: eurogamer.net (http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=133026 )
Microsoft: We’ve Won the Core Gamer
Xbox Scene :: Saturday, April 26, 2008
From next-gen.biz (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10041&Itemid=2 ): [QUOTE] Xbox 360 group product manager Aaron Greenberg told Next-Gen in a phone interview Thursday following the release of March’s NPD sales figures, “I think the battle for the core user is sort of over, if you will. We’re heading now well beyond 20 million in console sales.” “I feel we’ve secured that core buyer, and that gives us quite a bit of an advantage versus PS3, which is late to the game and still at a price disadvantage relative to the Xbox.” Greenberg said Microsoft is forecasting Xbox 360’s installed base in the US to be two- to three-times that of the PS3 by the end of 2008. In addition, he said in the US and in EMEA territories, the Xbox 360 version of Grand Theft Auto IV has had more pre-orders than the PS3 version by a 2:1 margin. That game launches on April 29. [/QUOTE] Full Story: next-gen.biz (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10041&Itemid=2 )
UK: Price cut fails to push Xbox 360 past PS3
Xbox Scene :: Saturday, April 26, 2008
From reghardware.co.uk (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/04/18/xbox_360_european_sales_double/ ): [QUOTE] Microsoft this week claimed to have more doubled the Xbox 360’s European sales thanks to its recent price cut, but that still hasn’t been sufficient to put it ahead of the PlayStation 3 or the Wii in the UK. However, a Sony spokesman today hit back at the company’s arch rival, telling Register Hardware that the PS3 has outsold the Microsoft console every week for the last 15 weeks. “Even this [price cut] hasn’t been enough to put them ahead of UK PS3 sales,” he said. UK console sales monitor Chart Track confirmed that for the past 15 weeks the PS3 has largely kept ahead of the Xbox 360. However, a spokesman admitted that the two machines’ units have been “extremely close” in some weeks. [/QUOTE] Full Story: reghardware.co.uk (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/04/18/xbox_360_european_sales_double/ )
Xbox 360 System update now available (no new features)
Xbox Scene :: Saturday, April 26, 2008
From majornelson.com (http://majornelson.com/archive/2008/04/18/xbox-360-system-update-now-available-no-new-features.aspx ) (FYI: MS owned blog): [QUOTE] A few minutes ago, the team released a system update for the Xbox 360 over Xbox LIVE. Sometime over the next few hours when you sign in to Xbox LIVE you’ll recieve a prompt to accept this mandatory update. This update contains code to ‘prepare for future growth of the service.’ There are no other changes or enhancements in this update…in other words no new features. The next obvious question you’ll have is about the Spring update. At this point we have nothing to announce, and the moment there is information to share I will do so. [/QUOTE]
EEDAR on NPD: 360/PS3 Price Cuts In Sight
Xbox Scene :: Saturday, April 26, 2008
From gamasutra.com (http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=18292 ): [QUOTE] Consumers might be seeing price cuts for Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 in the coming months, claimed analyst Jesse Divnich of research firm EEDAR in a report sent to Gamasutra following today’s NPD sales figures for March. Divnich pointed to the lower-than-expected sales of Xbox 360 and PS3 as evidence that the systems might be plateauing. “These hardware results would indicate that both systems have likely saturated their potential market at their current price points,” he wrote. “If we do not see any price cuts in the coming weeks, we can likely expect some hardware cuts once GTA IV loses some steam (before July) or if the GTA IV release significantly drives hardware sales for one console over the other.” Still, he cautioned against being too expectant of an adjustment. “It would be erroneous to start shouting price cuts as we are only a few weeks away from one of the big releases in gaming (GTA IV),” he admitted. “March’s hardware results could very well be the ‘calm before the storm. ‘” As for why the systems performed as they did, Divnich points to a lack of high-profile flagship releases. “In terms of the continued battle between the PS3 and Xbox 360 we were not surprised that both consoles fell relatively close to each other as neither system offered any significant first party releases or new promotions to sway the trends,” he said. [/QUOTE] Full Story: gamasutra.com (http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=18292 )
Assassin’s Creed Director’s Cut Edition PC Review
Tweak Town :: Friday, April 25, 2008
TTGamer have today posted a review of Assassin’s Creed Director’s Cut Edition for the PC. This console original actually feels quite at home on the PC, but most criticisms remain.
Rock Your Way to Bonnaroo Play & Win Sweepstakes
Xbox Live :: Thursday, April 24, 2008
You could score a VIP trip for two to the Bonnaroo Music Festival, a four-day, multi-stage camping festival held on a beautiful 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee every June.
SSC Challenge Map Pack
Xbox Live Marketplace :: Thursday, April 24, 2008
This new Marketplace download gives you a chance to test your skills in a different setting while retaining the action-packed co-op intensity of Army of Two.
MLB 08 The Show PSP Review
Gamepyre :: Wednesday, April 23, 2008
I’ve seen baseball games before, but none of them have compared to the latest Sony release – MLB 08: The Show. If you’re a hardcore baseball fan odds are that you’re not even bothering reading this review; you probably had this game pre-ordered and are now already playing it and loving it. However, if you’re the kind of person that is indecisive about baseball games in general then you should purchase MLB 08: The Show and find out once and for all where you stand (if you hate this game I’d advise staying away from baseball period). As a matter of fact, I’d recommend this game to absolutely anyone who even remotely likes baseball. The only way you will be disappointed with this title is if you just don’t like the sport.
Euro 2008 (Xbox 360 and Playstation 3) review
Gaming Heaven :: Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Pro Evolution Soccer has been a successful franchise since its inception, however it has been rather stagnant in recent years; nearest competitor FIFA (while having a huge plethora of options) does not quite have the same depth of gameplay. However fear not because corporate giant Electronic Arts has unleashed Euro 2008 on both Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. Euro 2008 has some of the most amazing multiplayer options I have ever seen, however will this be enough to guarantee the number one spot for EA?
Lost Odyssey Releases Bonus Pack
Xbox Live Marketplace :: Wednesday, April 23, 2008
New items and a new dream are released for the RPG Lost Odyssey.
Chameleon
Sony Games :: Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Critical Reception: Atlus’ Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 FES
Gamasutra Columns :: Wednesday, April 23, 2008
This week’s edition of Critical Reception examines online reaction to Atlus’ Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 FES, an expanded version of last year’s RPG hit Persona 3 that critics describe as “an all around quality title.”
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue for Sony PS3 Review
i4u :: Tuesday, April 22, 2008
“The game is sort of an appetizer to the full Gran Turismo 5 game due out in a year or so and it is well worth the cost of admission. In my testing I used the Logitech Driving Force wheel designed specifically for the game. The force feedback features in the game are surreal. Each car has a different steering feel and handles differently. Go into a corner and you feel when the wheel leaves the road if you get into the grass, slide and you can feel it. Jump off the throttle too fast going into a curve and you can feel the car fighting to spin on you. It’s great.”
Dark Sector
Bjorn 3d :: Tuesday, April 22, 2008
I am back and this time we take a plunge into the blood bath that is Dark Sector, recently released for the Xbox 360 and PS3. A third person shooter with a dark and eerie twist, Dark Sector has the potential supply hours of on the edge of your seat fun. Published by D3 Publisher of America we will be evaluating the Xbox 360 version. Time to see if Dark Sector puts out!
Interview With Sacred 2 Development Team
Gaming Heaven :: Tuesday, April 22, 2008
We sent our guy John Erikson to talk to the Sacred 2 team, one of the most awaited forthcoming games to hit both PC and Xbox 360 platforms.
We would like to thank Hans Arno Wegner and Heiko Tom Felde for their time as well as many of the development team behind Sacred 2.
Codemasters’ Turning Point: Fall Of Liberty
BIOS Magazine :: Monday, April 21, 2008
“Turning Point: Fall of Liberty is a great concept and has a fascinating storyline, but its execution is poor. It doesn’t look good, play very well, nor does it offer anything new in terms of a gaming experience. Though to be fair, the way you can grapple an enemy character can be fun. Very much a linear game, very few exciting things happen along the way. And aside from moving through the maps, there’s nothing else to keep your attention. There are no secrets to be found, no hidden paths, no collectible items and few exciting scripted events. If you must shoot Nazis, pick up a title in one of the Brother’s In Arms or Call of Duty series, they’ll offer a much more rewarding WWII experience. Turning Point: Fall of Liberty is a big disappointment – shooting Nazis in the streets of major cities should be a whole lot more fun.”
Rainbow Six Vegas2
Technic 3d :: Monday, April 21, 2008
“The Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2 PC Game from Ubisoft arrived Technic3D. Explore Vegas hot spots as the environment changes from dusk to bright daylight to dawn . Better than the First Part? See you in the following Review.”
Wii Fit Review (Nintendo Wii)
Gaming Heaven :: Monday, April 21, 2008
Are you a chubby overweight dude with little desire to go outdoors and join a gym? If so then Wii Fit might be just the game for you, a way to lose weight and stay in shape within the comfort of your own bedroom. For £70 you get a copy of the game and a balance board peripheral packaged in one of the lovely pure white boxes Nintendo loves to use. Hell they even throw in the four AA batteries to sweeten the deal!
Release This: Pokemon Mystery Dungeon, Persona 3 FES Make U.S. Debut
Gamasutra Columns :: Monday, April 21, 2008
Gamasutra’s latest “Release This!” explores a week that brings Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 FES and a pair of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon sequels to North America, while SingStar Summer Party hits the UK.
Saling The World: GT5 Prologue Leads U.S. PS3 Sales; Mario Kart Wii Tops UK Charts
Gamasutra Columns :: Friday, April 18, 2008
Gamasutra’s latest “Saling The World” charts see Mario Kart Wii on top in the UK and Japan, while North American sales are headed by the just-released Gran Turismo 5 Prologue.
Assassin’s Creed Xbox 360 Review
Gamepyre :: Thursday, April 17, 2008
If you have a 360, or even a PS3 or just a PC, do yourself a favor and check out Assassin’s Creed. The newly released PC version is supposed to have more side missions added in to keep you busy. Whatever system you get it for though, have some spare controller batteries around if you aren’t running wired, you’ll need them. This game can draw you in that much. Games like this should make you all happy you choose gaming as a pastime, and manages to deliver on every level, although a tiny bit more variation in missions would have been nice.
Okami (Wii) Review
Gaming Heaven :: Thursday, April 17, 2008
Okami was originally released for the Playstation 2 two years ago and it has been recently released on the Nintendo Wii. The big question however, can Capcom make this port as enjoyable as the excellent original?
Interestingly Okami was destined for the Wii at the same time development occurred for the PS2, however this release is over a year late. Okami creator Clover Studios dissolved so it was up to Capcom to find a suitable replacement to handle the Wii version. Developer Ready At Dawn were drafted to handle the coding duties from remnants of half finished code.
Age of Conan (PC)
Primo Technology :: Thursday, April 17, 2008
If you’re the type of MMORPG player who enjoys nothing more in life than to crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentation of their women, Funcom’s upcoming online action-RPG Age of Conan might be just the thing to satiate your bloodlust. At a recent Eidos press event held in Manhattan, we had the opportunity to see the game demoed live by the team’s product director, Jørgen Tharaldsen.
Critical Reception: Sony/Polyphony Digital’s Gran Turismo 5 Prologue
Gamasutra Columns :: Thursday, April 17, 2008
This week’s edition of Critical Reception examines online reaction to Sony’s racer sim preview Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, which critics describe as “a consistently pleasurable experience.”
Gran Turismo™ 5 Prologue
Sony Games :: Thursday, April 17, 2008
The award-winning Gran Turismo™ franchise returns with its 5th installment, Gran Turismo™ 5 Prologue, exclusively for PLAYSTATION®3. With its signature realism and unrivaled physics, this highly anticipated precursor to Gran Turismo™ 5 continues to blur the line between simulation and reality. Race over 60 cars from worldwide automotive manufacturers, precisely modeled both inside and out. All-new interior dash view, featuring full driver animation and working gauges. Compete on 6 tracks with 12 total layouts, including Fuji Speedway, Suzuka Circuit, and for the first time ever, Daytona International Speedway. Online racing with up to 16 players, complete with detailed rankings, plus downloadable ghost cars and race replays of top racers. Two-player split-screen offline racing. New online community features including Gran Turismo TV, featuring worldwide automotive and motorsport programming. Tune vehicle performance, from suspension and tires to gear ratio and engine modifications. Rendered in stunning 1080p at 60 frames per second with crisp, realistic lighting and camera effects (replays rendered in 1080p 30fps).
Speed Racer PGR 4 Challenge
Xbox Live :: Thursday, April 17, 2008
Become a racing legend in the Speed Racer Project Gotham Racing 4 Challenge, bringing together some of the most talented PGR 4 player in the country. The top “Speed Racer” will walk away with a cool thousand dollars in cash!
Halo 3 Legendary Map Pack Weekend
Xbox Live :: Thursday, April 17, 2008
Everyone can get in on the action with the Legendary Map Pack Weekend. Don’t miss the Play & Win Sweepstakes, where you could win just by registering and playing a multiplayer match. The Cavegirls and Xbox Ambassadors will also be joining the fun.
Trials 2: Second Edition PC Review
Tweak Town :: Wednesday, April 16, 2008
TTGamer have today posted a review of Trials 2: Second Edition for the PC. This might be the least complex game released on PC in 08, but also quite easily one of the more addictive and challenging.
Worms: A Space Oddity (Nintendo Wii)
Driver Heaven :: Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Worms has been a successful franchise running since mid 90’s and the latest version hits the Wii platform with the intention of using a very clever control system to separate it from the previous releases.
Mario Kart (Nintendo Wii) Review
Gaming Heaven :: Monday, April 14, 2008
It was some time coming, but the long standing Nintendo racing institution has finally made it to the Wii. With several less than inspiring versions throughout the years, it will be reassuring for Mario Kart fans to hear that the latest incarnation has recaptured the magic that made this one of the most successful franchises ever made.
Sins of a Solar Empire – PC Review
Gamepyre :: Monday, April 14, 2008
Sins of a Solar Empire is successful in every aspect. As a space game, it has beautiful graphics and all the space “junk” we expect. As an RTS is surpassed every expectation in the sense that its one of the most balanced RTS released, the AI is amazing, works on strategy rather than the zerg, and it was able to incorporate the 4X strategy found only in turn based games until now. In my opinion this is must have game.
Ikaruga (Xbox 360) review
Gaming Heaven :: Monday, April 14, 2008
The Dreamcast and Gamecube arcade shooter Ikaruga has finally made its way onto Xbox live, in the shape of an enhanced version costing only 800 gamer points. Can it capture the magic of the original title which is now hailed as a classic?
Release This: Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, Okami Wii Premiere in U.S.
Gamasutra Columns :: Monday, April 14, 2008
Gamasutra’s latest “Release This!” details a week that brings Gran Turismo 5 Prologue and a Wii port of Okami to North America, while Europe gets an early look at The World Ends With You.
XIII Century – Death or Glory (PC) Review
Driver Heaven :: Friday, April 11, 2008
The Total War series on the PC has been a huge success for years, with its indepth army style tactical element appealing to a wide array of strategic gamers. XIII Century: Death or Glory is a game in a similar vein (with a lower budget) by developer Unicorn Games Studios, but is it worth your money?
Conflict: Denied Ops
Bios Magazine :: Friday, April 11, 2008
“Conflict: Denied Ops is a simple and enjoyable shooter for the casual gamer. Gameplay is rudimentary and fans of Army of Two and Rainbow Six Vegas will laugh at the co-op, but if you grab it for a bargain and don’t take it too seriously, it could be a great fix for a wet weekend. The sound effects are loud and the music is fully interactive (reacting to your movements), but the graphics and physics are dated compared to the likes of COD 4 and Gears of War. But if you’re not bothered about unoriginal and generic gameplay, there’s no reason not to enjoy Conflict: Denied Ops.”
Assassin’s Creed (PC)
Driver Heaven :: Friday, April 11, 2008
Assassin’s Creed has been out for around six months now on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 and has proven to be not just a big seller but a very good game. Finally it has made the leap to the PC platform and I am pleased to say it has been worth the wait.
Saling The World: Mario Kart, Monster Hunter Lead Japan Sales
Gamasutra Columns :: Friday, April 11, 2008
Gamasutra’s latest “Saling The World” charts find Japanese Wii sales headed by the recently released Mario Kart Wii, while a rereleased God of War II finds new popularity in the United States.
Arcana Heart
Sony Games :: Friday, April 11, 2008
Seeking to harness the energy of extra-terrestrial beings from a world that borders ours, the mysterious Mildred Avalon is trying to form a rift in the boundary and merge the worlds. Should her plan succeed, life on our world will never be the same again. Only the Maidens, with the help of their Arcana, can prevent her from bringing an end to all humanity.
Get Ready for a Legendary Experience
Xbox 360 Games :: Friday, April 11, 2008
We go hands on at Bungie with the downloadable Legendary Map Pack for Halo 3. Discover what’s new, what’s classic, and what’s changed.
Artist of the Month: Avenged Sevenfold
Xbox Live :: Friday, April 11, 2008
For their new self-titled release, sought to delve into genres and recording techniques they had discovered on the road.
Call of Duty 4 LIVE Fire Weekend
Xbox Live :: Friday, April 11, 2008
To celebrate the release of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Game of the Year Edition, we’ve got a weekend full of multiplayer action, fun, and competition. Join us for the LIVE Fire weekend and get ready to battle all weekend long.
Call of Duty 4 LIVE Fire Play & Win
Xbox Live :: Friday, April 11, 2008
Just register your gamertag and play Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare online between April 18-20 and you could win a great prize package, including an Xbox 360 Elite console.
Join the Battle with Infinity Ward
Xbox Live :: Friday, April 11, 2008
As part of the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare LIVE Fire Weekend, we’ve got a special event that gives you the chance to play alongside the developers of the game from Infinity Ward studios.
Play Call of Duty 4 with Jens Pulver
Xbox Live :: Friday, April 11, 2008
Three-time UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver will play Call of Duty 4 with Xbox LIVE members on April 18, 2008.
Get Ready for a Legendary Experience
Xbox Live Marketplace :: Friday, April 11, 2008
We go hands on at Bungie with the downloadable Legendary Map Pack for Halo 3. Discover what’s new, what’s classic, and what’s changed.
Rocketmen Axis of Evil
Bjorn 3d :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Today we take a gander at Rocketmen: Axis of Evil, an overhead shooter published by Capcom. What makes this special is that you will not find it on the shelf at your local game store. Instead, Rocketmen: Axis of Evil is found at the Xbox Live Marketplace or the Playstation Store. If you are like most people you are aware that many games are offered via download for your console, but have yet to dive in and see what you get. Well, let’s do just that as we dissect the Xbox 360 version of Rocketmen: Axis of Evil.
Need For Speed Pro Street PSP Review
Gamepyre :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
White in itself, Need for speed is plum packed with content, that content however is ruined by the blur effects of the game. While the cars are rendered beautifully, the only way to take advantage of that is by looking at them in your garage. The second you hit the tracks, the blur takes over. If you are a racing fanatic like me, maybe then this game is worth it. If you are a car collector, this game offers a decent variety, so this game might be fun, but if you are the average Joe looking for a fun game to purchase, then you may want to look elsewhere. This really should be a lesson to future racing games: give us the option to turn settings on or off. By my standards, this is a no-buy; not until it hits the $20 shelf anyhow.
Razer Piranha Gaming Communicator
PC Frags :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Today we’ll be looking at Razers Piranha Gaming Communicator, it’s a Midrange gaming head set with a built in boom microphone. Can it make a difference in the world of MMORPG, and stand alone gaming? Will it give you that Team edge communicating during that intensive in game Fire Fight when you need to pass Mission Critical information to your Team Mates to keep them out of the Fur Ball?
“Still Alive” Song from Portal Free Download for Rock Band
Xbox 360 Games :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
The song “Still Alive”, featured in the end credits of Portal, is offered as a free song track download for the game Rock Band.
This Week in Xbox: March 26-April 2, 2008
Xbox 360 Games :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Games Editor Denny Atkin brings you all the latest in what’s going on this week on Xbox.com.
MLB 2K8 Opening Day Weekend
Xbox 360 Games :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
We’ve got lots of MLB 2K8 events planned for Opening Day Weekend, including an exciting Play & Win Sweepstakes and a chance to play against the developers of the game.
Opening Day MLB 2K8 Play & Win Sweepstakes
Xbox 360 Games :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Step up to the plate and celebrate the return of baseball with this fun sweepstakes featuring Major League Baseball 2K8. You could win Microsoft Points or authentic MLB merchandise.
Take the Field with the MLB 2K8 Devs
Xbox 360 Games :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
As part of the Major League Baseball 2K8 Opening Day festivities, we’ve got a special event that gives you the chance to play against the developers of the game from 2K Sports.
Chessmaster LIVE Hip Hop Weekend
Xbox Live :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Play Chessmaster LIVE and win cool prizes during the Chessmaster LIVE Hip Hop Weekend Play & Win April 11-13, and be sure to download a cool 3-D chess set to make your game special.
Rainbow Six Vegas 2 LIVE Weekend
Xbox Live :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
To celebrate the release of Rainbow Six Vegas 2, you can participate in online activities including a three-day Play & Win sweepstakes and the chance to play against the Ubisoft development team.
Rainbow Six Vegas 2 Play & Win Sweepstakes
Xbox Live :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
We’ve got a special sweepstakes to celebrate the release of Rainbow Six Vegas 2. Register your gamertag and play online for your chance to win an Xbox 360 console or other prizes.
Battle Terrorists with the Rainbow Six Devs
Xbox Live :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
To celebrate the big release of Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2, the Rainbow Six team from Ubisoft will be on Xbox LIVE to challenge the community.
SEGA Superstars Tennis Demo
Xbox Live Marketplace :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Sonic and three friends take center stage in party-filled environments unleashing their Superstar powers to hold court in the wackiest tennis game around! Have a ball in Match Mode where you can wreak havoc in the action-packed environments and unleash crazy superstar powers or challenge a horde of zombies in the House of the Dead mini-game to experience eye-popping madness with every stroke!
GRAW 2 Co-op Collection 2
Xbox Live Marketplace :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Nine new maps are provided for Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2, with five new campaign missions continuing the story.
Halo 3 Legendary Maps Video
Xbox Live Marketplace :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Get a preview of the new Legendary Map pack, releasing April 15.
Emerging Artist: Underoath
Xbox Live Marketplace :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
The hard-rocking band Underoath is Xbox LIVE Marketplace’s Emerging Artist for the month of April.
“Still Alive” Song from Portal Free Download for Rock Band
Xbox Live Marketplace :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
The song “Still Alive”, featured in the end credits of Portal, is offered as a free song track download for the game Rock Band.
Critical Reception: NIS/Gust’s Mana Khemia
Gamasutra Columns :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
This week’s edition of Critical Reception examines online reaction to Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis, an alchemy-centric PlayStation 2 role-playing game that critics describe as “a nice, light RPG” and “a fine way to pass the time.”
Release This: Mario Kart Wii Premieres in UK and Japan
Gamasutra Columns :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Gamasutra’s latest “Release This!” examines a week that brings Baroque and Arcana Heart stateside, as Europe and Japan prepare for the release of Mario Kart Wii.
Saling The World: Monster Hunter 2nd G, Crisis Core Top Japanese Charts
Gamasutra Columns :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Gamasutra’s latest “Saling The World” charts find Capcom’s PSP action/RPG Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G continuing to clean up in Japan, as Crisis Core tops domestic PSP charts, and demand for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue builds overseas.
Critical Reception: D3/Digital Extremes’ Dark Sector
Gamasutra Columns :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
This week’s edition of Critical Reception examines online reaction to Dark Sector, an original third-person action title that critics describe as “fun, but not perfect.”
Release This: Mana Khemia, Star Ocean 2 Highlight Worldwide Lineup
Gamasutra Columns :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Gamasutra’s latest “Release This!” examines a week that sees the North American release of Mana Khemia, while Japan receives awaited sequels in Star Ocean: The Second Evolution and Pro Yakyuu Spirits 5.
Saling The World: Crisis Core, C& C3 Top U.S. Charts
Gamasutra Columns :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Gamasutra’s latest “Saling The World” charts see Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII debuting to fast sales in North America, while Gran Turismo 5 Prologue finds a successful first week in the UK.
Critical Reception: Square Enix’s Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
Gamasutra Columns :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
This week’s edition of Critical Reception examines online reaction to Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Square Enix’s anticipated RPG prequel that critics call “the finest role-playing experience available on the PSP.”
Release This: Ninja Gaiden DS, Crisis Core Premiere in U.S.
Gamasutra Columns :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Gamasutra’s latest “Release This!” examines a week that brings North American debuts for Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII and Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword, while the UK gets Gran Turismo 5 Prologue.
Warriors Orochi
Sony Games :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
In Warriors Orochi the characters from both franchises must team-up to wage war against this new, yet powerful force. The game boasts an amazing roster of 79 playable characters, while four action-packed “crossover” storylines feature amazing team-ups and some long-awaited confrontations between characters from both series. The game’s new “Team Battle System” and “Weapon Fusion” push Tactical Action to a whole new level.
Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis
Sony Games :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Mana Khemia is the 5th entry in the Alchemy RPG series that began with Atleier Iris; Eternal Mania. The game is quest based, classic style RPG where players adventure on to various missions to complete the game. However, unlike the ordinary classic style RPG, alchemy is the main focus of the game. Meaning players will discover and create items, weapons and even character stats through the use of alchemy.
Obscure: The Aftermath
Sony Games :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Obscure: The Aftermath is a Survival Horror game that crosses new boundaries by incorporating 2 player co-op gameplay with the ability to drop a second player in or out of the action at any time. Players can work together to solve puzzles, combat hideous monsters and enjoy hilarious dialogue. Fight the Black Aura, a mysterious and sinister black flower, as it infests the campus of Fallcreek College and ratchets up the student body count.
Fatal Fury Battle Archives Vol. 2
Sony Games :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Fatal Fury Battle Archives Vol. 2 includes Real Bout Fatal Fury, Real Bout Fatal Fury Special, and Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers.
This Week in Xbox: April 9-16, 2008
Xbox 360 Games :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Guest columnist Ryan Treit brings you all the latest in what’s going on this week on Xbox.com.
Bad Company Beta Report
Xbox 360 Games :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
We brave EA’s Battlefield: Bad Company beta to tell you what’s new, what’s improved and what’s changed in EA’s and developer DICE’s vaunted Battlefield franchise.
Embracing the Authenticity of Rainbow Six
Xbox 360 Games :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
We stop playing long enough to hand out a few tips and tricks for using the realism of Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2 to your advantage.
Vegas with Friends
Xbox 360 Games :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
We dig deep into the multiplayer offerings of Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2, including cooperative Story mode play, new adversarial modes, and game mechanics.
Skarin Set Loose
Xbox 360 Games :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
SEGA’s epic Viking: Battle for Asgard combines intimate, bloody combat with sweeping army-on-army battles in this over-the-top, ultra violent take on Norse mythology.
Halo 3 Legendary Maps Video
Xbox 360 Games :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Get a preview of the new Legendary Map pack, releasing April 15.
This Week in Xbox: April 2-9, 2008
Xbox 360 Games :: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Games Editor Denny Atkin brings you all the latest in what’s going on this week on Xbox.com.
Fanatec Porsche 911 Turbo Wheel
techPowerUp :: Friday, April 04, 2008
The Porsche 911 Turbo wheel is an exact replica of the real wheel and comes with hand stitched leather and wireless technology for unrestricted racing fun. The pedals and choice of gear box round up the exclusive package. The gearbox is available as either 6+1 speed H-pattern gear stick or a sequential version.
Super Smash Bros Brawl – Wii Review
Gamepyre :: Thursday, April 03, 2008
As I stated earlier, many people bought a Wii while waiting for this game, Super Mario Galaxy, and a few titles that have yet to be released. I have to say, these people made the right decision, because Super Smash Bros Brawl delivers on all it promises, and even some ways it never mentioned before. If you’re looking for a good multiplayer game to play when a few people are over, but need a faster pace than Mario Party, then this is right up your alley. Nintendo did a great job delivering an incredibly fun title, free of gimmicks. To me, games like this are what have kept Nintendo alive since I was a child, and will support them for many years to come.
Hot Shot Golf: Out Of Bounds – Playstation 3
Gaming Heaven :: Wednesday, April 02, 2008
This is the first title in the long standing Clap Hanz’s franchise to hit the Playstation 3 console and many gamers will be expecting the same accessible yet deep gameplay the prior titles have delivered.
Out Of Bounds brings all the fun parts of the previous titles, yet introduces a new mechanic to play the game as well as obligatory high resolution graphics.
Army of Two
Bjorn 3d :: Wednesday, April 02, 2008
EA is no stranger to top-notch games and they hope to continue the tradition with Army of Two. Hyped as no ordinary third person shooter, will Army of Two give gamers a reason (outside of the sports genre) to connect a second controller to their console? Let’s find out as we take a closer look at the Xbox 360 version.
Super Smash Bros Brawl: Nintendo Wii
Driver Heaven :: Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Is this possibly one of the greatest computer games ever? We think so…
Army Of Two (PS3)
Gaming Heaven :: Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Army Of Two has been getting huge amounts of hype since screenshots and videos of it emerged last year. The whole concept of the game is cooperative game play with a human or AI player, you take control of a two man task force who hire their military services to the highest bidder. It is another title in the ever growing Electronic Arts catalogue.