LOTR: The Battle for Middle-earth II Movie #4, SpaceStationSim Demo, and more
Gamer’s Hell :: Saturday, December 31, 2005
Tank Killer Announced check it out
– SpaceStationSim Demo check it out
– LOTR: The Battle for Middle-earth II Movie #4 check it out
– Trainz Railroad Simulator 2006 Demos check it out
Splinter Cell 4 Subtitle Confirmed and Trailer
Gamer’s Hell :: Saturday, December 31, 2005
Splinter Cell 4 Subtitle Confirmed and Trailer check it out
Vivisector: Beast Within Demo Released
Gamer’s Hell :: Saturday, December 31, 2005
Vivisector: Beast Within Demo Released check it out
Xbox 360 Costs $715 to Make!
Gamer’s Hell :: Thursday, December 29, 2005
Quote: “A high ranking friend at IBM, from the Chip Design division, the guys responsible for parts of the XBOX 360 chip design, tipped us regarding the real expenses involved in manufacturing the XBOX 360, and when we mentioned the $126 Microsoft loss, he said:
“$126? It costs Microsoft approximately $715 make, the manufacturing costs are still too high, another reason why they’re producing relatively small quantities, Microsoft can take it though”
ALFA Antiterror Official Demo Released, War Plan Orange: Dreadnoughts in the Pacific 1922-1930 v.1.1
Gamer’s Hell :: Thursday, December 29, 2005
Take Command: 2nd Manassas Announced check it out
– Got Game Entertainment Signs Scratches check it out
– ALFA Antiterror Official Demo Released check it out
– War Plan Orange: Dreadnoughts in the Pacific 1922-1930 Patch v.1.151 Released check it out
Xbox 360 Controller for Windows @ Techgage
Techgage :: Thursday, December 29, 2005
Quote: Have you ever wished that you could use your consoles controller on your PC? Usually, they are designed much better than anything PC makers can release so it seems to only make sense. Finally, Microsoft has stepped up to the plate and made their Xbox 360 controller available for Windows.
America’s Army: Rise of a Soldier Xbox Review
Gamer’s Hell :: Thursday, December 29, 2005
Review – America’s Army: Rise of a Soldier Xbox Review check it out
True Crime: New York City GameCube Review
Gamer’s Hell :: Thursday, December 29, 2005
Review – True Crime: New York City GameCube Review check it out
Kameo: Elements of Power Review
Gamer’s Hell :: Thursday, December 29, 2005
Kameo: Elements of Power Review check it out
Serious Sam 2 v2.066 Patch
Gamer’s Hell :: Thursday, December 29, 2005
Serious Sam 2 v2.066 Patch check it out
Xbox 360 Self-booting burnable DVD
OCModshop :: Wednesday, December 28, 2005
*** YES YOU CAN BURN THIS ISO AND PLAY IT IN YOUR XBOX-360 *** Microsoft left us with this blanket statement: “Xbox 360 retail kiosks have started arriving at retailers. Due to the nature of the distribution process, not all kiosks are hitting simultaneously, but are continuing to pop up in retailers across the country in the coming weeks. The kiosks are designed for a retail environment and feature game samples, game trailers and product information.” Team Pi leaves you with this Pillow statement: “It seems Microsoft was in such a hurry to get this stuff out that they forgot to set the media protection on this disc. This leaves hackers with the posibility to hack around with this disc that load from a normal DVDR5 backup! – Team Pi also notes that the all datafiles on this disc isn’t signed in any way, and will allow for extensive modification for producing exploits to further our efford to hack this box!” Playable (hackable) games on this disc: Call of Duty 2, Hexic, Kameo, King Kong. Also includes lots of game and accessory demos in video format. Nothing ripped, just foreign videos were downsampled to fit onto a normal DVDR5!
Xbox 360: Perfect Dark Zero @ Bytesector
Bytesector :: Wednesday, December 28, 2005
“If you’re lucky enough to have scored an Xbox 360, then you’re probably already playing Perfect Dark Zero. One of the most anticipated games at launch, the hype surrounding its release was only rivalled by that of the epic Halo 2. PDZ cannot escape comparisons to the massive hit, but it’s important to remember that PDZ is not Halo 2, nor does it purport to be. The creators of the prequel to N64’s Perfect Dark were able to use Halo: CE and Halo 2 as role models in creating the controls and overall idea behind PDZ, since all fall under the genre of first-person shooters. However, PDZ is a futuristic spy shooter, while the Halo franchise falls under futuristic sci-fi shooter. PDZ does not exude the seriousness or the realism of Halo 2, but continues to incorporate the ideas of the original-reconnaissance, espionage, and silly characters (remember Elvis?). While a bland storyline runs through this intense shooter, the gameplay redeems its faults. ”
X-Arcade Trackball Mouse Review #629
3dgameman :: Wednesday, December 28, 2005
It’s interesting to note, even with the complexity of games like Call of Duty 2, F.E.A.R., and Quake 4, that arcade products like these still exist and are thoroughly enjoyed. The hardware required for playing these games can set you back thousands. While this controller is not meant for these games it’s still a blast to revive and play the oldies. Some of you younglings don’t remember games like Asteroids or Pong, but I do…” ~3dGameMan.com
Starship Troopers, X3, Shrek Superslam, Stubbs the Zombie Reviews
Strategy Informer :: Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Starship Troopers Review
check it out
X3: Reunion Review
check it out
Shrek SuperSlam
check it out
Stubbs the Zombie Review
check it out
Castlevania: Curse of Darkness Xbox Review
Gamer’s Hell :: Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Castlevania: Curse of Darkness Xbox Review check it out
The Matrix: Path Of Neo PC Review
Gamer’s Hell :: Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Review – The Matrix: Path Of Neo PC Review check it out
XboxMediaCenter (XBMC) 2005-12-25 CVS T3CH build
Xbox-Scene :: Monday, December 26, 2005
T3CH released a new CVS compile of XboxMediaCenter(info). This T3CH-compile is a BAREBONE package (with just a few thirdparty scripts and with just the default skin) compiled with XDK v5849. Here’s the changelog since the 2005-12-18 CVS release:
* added: getshares command to HttpApi
* added: workaround for stacking multipart rar sets (ie, filename.partXXX.rar)
* added: HttpApi: FileSize to GetCurrentlyPlaying and the use of “;;” as a literal “;” rather than a separator
* added: Support for treating stacked files as a single volume. Set “Bypass CD Selection” to “Immediately” to test.
* added: Selecting a file from the FileBrowser dialog is equivalent to pressing “Ok”.
* fixed: playlist caching
* fixed: list and textbox spincontrols in python
* fixed: HttpApi: GetDirectory
* fixed: dvdplayer would drop frames / stall on a dvd cell change when previous cell didn’t have audio and next did
* fixed: GUI Calibration screen was constantly allocating/deallocating it’s resources.
* fixed: Musicdatabase upgrade to 1.4 failed if songs from the same album had different thumbid’s.
* fixed: [ 1380153 ] DVD playback with subtitles not in sync
* fixed: dvdplayer could stall on rewind due to full audio buffer
* fixed: Thumbpanel highlighting wasn’t working correctly.
* fixed: some menu overlays did not display properly or not at all in the dvdplayer
* fixed/changed: dvdplayer reported wrong total time for movie / dvdplayer now uses libdvdnav’s time seek for seeking
* fixed: [ 1378710 ] DVDplayer crash when swithing from fullscreen to thumbnail
* fixed: potential deadlock when using ffmpeg demuxer in dvdplayer and it returns a negative package size
* changed: moved music library into a directory class. MusicDatabase will be updated to version 1.4
* changed: moved sorting and available view as controls out of the my music windows
* changed: My Music Library would incorrectly handle artists and albums that were blank as if they were the “all” item. These items are now filtered out of the display.
* changed: dvdplayer now checks for eof on read error. if the error is really end of file, exit player, otherwise retry.
* changed: Moved resume time saving into the application class.
* changed: Better solution for genre problem in libid3tag.dll.
* changed: improved seeking accuracy in dvdplayer. (fixed libdvdnav.dll time_search to use time map in dvd)
* changed: tuned FF/RW for dvdplayer (only enabled in debug builds)
* updated: Swedish, Korean, Italian, German, Norwegian, Dutch language file
Keep in mind this is a CVS snapshot of the current development tree. It’s not an official (stable) point release. Use only if you know what you are doing.
Japan Xbox 360 HW sales Week 2: 8623 units sold or 1.39ptc share
Xbox-Scene :: Monday, December 26, 2005
The Xbox 360’s second week on the charts, though, has been even more disappointing than the first, with the console, showing 8,623 units sold, failing to outsell even the GameCube. This is a performance so far in Japan beneath even the low standards of the original Xbox’s launch – in large part thanks to the continued non-appearance of Dead or Alive 4 or any other prominent Japanese-developed titles.
The PlayStation 2 was the third best selling console this week in Japan, with a 8.92 percent market share and 55,342 units sold. The Game Boy Advance family of consoles was next with a 5.48 percent overall share (Game Boy Advance SP: 19,098, Game Boy Micro: 14,432, Game Boy Advance: 416), followed by the GameCube at 2.88 percent and 17,849 units sold. Despite plenty of stock the Xbox 360, as mentioned, could manage only a 1.39 percent market share and 8,623 units sold, beating only the original Xbox on 0.03 percent and 182 units sold.
11 Design Mistakes of the Xbox 360
Xbox-Scene :: Monday, December 26, 2005
After a month with the Xbox 360, I’m ready to talk about all the mistakes that the Microsoft Xbox 360 team made in developing their console. The feedback is designed to be constructive.
Mistake #1: Overheating CPU or GPU
Mistake #2: No MSN Music
Mistake #3: No HDMI support
Mistake #4: 20GB is too small
Mistake #5: Microtransaction Security
Mistake #6: No Web Browser
Mistake #7: No WMV-HD DVD Playback
Mistake #8: No MPEG-4 AVI playback (i.e. XviD, etc)
Mistake #9: No System-Wide Video Calibration
Mistake #10: Poor DVD Playback Quality
Mistake #11: No pressure sensitive face buttons
A Linux, Mac, x64 Streaming Solution for the 360
Xbox-Scene :: Monday, December 26, 2005
It won’t stream video, but TwonkyVision’s UPnP MediaServer software will stream music and photos to the Xbox 360 from a variety of platforms, including Linux and Mac OS X. This is great news for users of alternative computing platforms who have thus far been unable to duplicate the functionality of even an iPod or PSP on their 360. TwonkyVision lists the 360 under supported “Media Players” writing “Microsoft only allows to stream music and pictures. Microsoft neither allows video streaming from Windows Media Connect Servers nor from 3rd party UPnP servers.” So there you have it.
Xbox 360 Launch Items Collection
OCModshop :: Monday, December 26, 2005
Taunting owner drops Xbox 360 out of moving car
Xbox-Scene :: Monday, December 26, 2005
According to the poster of the video, some teenagers “thought it was funny to drive by and show off their Xbox 360 to everyone in line.” Well apparently the idiot taunting the people in the line didn’t have a good grip, as he “accidentally dropped the console” whilst waving it out the window. A few seconds after they drop the console, you can see the submitter’s buddy run off with the Xbox, closely followed by the screaming driver! Comedy. Gold.
Microsoft XBox 360 @ t-break
t-break :: Monday, December 26, 2005
The music section rips CDs to the hard drive and allows you to play them, streams music from computers or mp3 players, or plays music from CDs. The video section plays movies that are stored on the hard drive. The Media Center button connects the Xbox 360 to a Windows Media Center or Windows XP based PC on a network. From here you can stream live-recorded TV, watch On-Demand movies, listen to music, and watch photos stored on your PC.
Dungeon Lords v1.4 Unofficial English Patch, Singles 2: Triple Trouble v1.3 Patch, and Cellblock Squ
Gamer’s Hell :: Monday, December 26, 2005
Out of Hell 24 December 2005 check it out
– Singles 2: Triple Trouble v1.3 Patch check it out
– Dungeon Lords v1.4 Unofficial English Patch check it out
– Cellblock Squadrons v2.2 Patch check it out
Developing for Xbox 360 Not Limited to Licensed Publishers
Xbox-Scene :: Monday, December 26, 2005
At this time, access to development tools for the Xbox 360 video game console is limited to developers working on approved titles for licensed publishers. This will change over time, so check back for more information in the future.
If you want to learn more about how you can prepare for Xbox 360 development using a Windows PC, this document covers some of the basics.”
No WPA2 Support for Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter?
Xbox-Scene :: Monday, December 26, 2005
The Xbox 360 wireless adapter does NOT support WPA2 even thought it says it all over the packaging, manual [see: page 10] and website. I’m pissed and set up a website.
I have audio from the Xbox connectivity project manager up there too where he says WPA2 is not supported. At this point, it can work by lowering security to WPA but that sucks. People are paying rolls-royce prices for a pinto!
Team Xodus Announced Xenium GOLD 24K
Xbox-Scene :: Monday, December 26, 2005
Half-Life 2: 64-Bit – Reason to get excited?
Techgage :: Monday, December 26, 2005
Quote: Finally, a 64-Bit version of Half-Life 2! Is there any reason to get excited about this, or is it something you just want to bypass? We take both versions through a few quick tests to see if the 64-Bit has what it takes to be the preferred version.
CivilianLab Tech-Recon LT Covert Harness System Reviewed
Futurelooks :: Monday, December 26, 2005
As Futurelooks has discovered in the past, there are always Pro’s and Con’s to clothing designed to stash your technical gear. CivilianLabs has decided to allow you to “Tech Out” your existing clothing collection with a highly functional and configurable harness system. Did CivilianLabs get it right? Let’s find out!
Have a happy happy gaming holiday
Hexus :: Monday, December 26, 2005
This year, like every year before it, is going to be the best year ever for fantastic game performance, exciting games, super powerful platforms, affordable prices, and community playing in both your living room and on line. And next year will be even better – but why wait?
SmartXX v3 Quick Install Guide and Production Pictures
Xbox-Scene :: Monday, December 26, 2005
Official Xbox Magazine – Jan ’06 – Playable Demos for Xbox360 and Xbox
Xbox-Scene :: Monday, December 26, 2005
Xbox Live Diamond Card Announced
Xbox-Scene :: Monday, December 26, 2005
Who’s partnering with Xbox Live to bring you special Diamond card offers? How about Ticketmaster, Cambridge Soundworks, Timberland, McDonald’s, and hundreds more? Thought that would get your attention.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Xbox Review
Gamer’s Hell :: Monday, December 26, 2005
Review – The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Xbox Review check it out
Call of Duty 2: Big Red One GameCube Review
Gamer’s Hell :: Monday, December 26, 2005
Review – Call of Duty 2: Big Red One GameCube Review check it out
Shrek SuperSlam Xbox Review
Gamer’s Hell :: Monday, December 26, 2005
Review – Shrek SuperSlam Xbox Review check it out
Pac-Man World 3 PS2 Review
Gamer’s Hell :: Monday, December 26, 2005
Review – Pac-Man World 3 PS2 Review check it out
Christmas v2005 Is Out!
Gamer’s Hell :: Monday, December 26, 2005
Christmas v2005 Is Out!
check it out
Call of Duty 2 v1.01 Patch
Gamer’s Hell :: Monday, December 26, 2005
Call of Duty 2 v1.01 Patch check it out
Act of War: High Treason Trailer
Gamer’s Hell :: Thursday, December 22, 2005
Act of War: High Treason Trailer check it out
Blitzkrieg II v1.3 Patch
Gamer’s Hell :: Thursday, December 22, 2005
Blitzkrieg II v1.3 Patch check it out
Armed Assault Trailer, RTL Ski Jumping 2006 German Demo, and more
Gamer’s Hell :: Tuesday, December 20, 2005
RTL Ski Jumping 2006 German Demo check it out
– The Sims 2 Open For Business Movie #3 check it out
– Pokemon Trozei Announced check it out
– Armed Assault Trailer check it out
The ButtKicker Gamer Review @ Legit Reviews
Legit Reviews :: Tuesday, December 20, 2005
“The Buttkicker Gamer provided a completely new feature to the games, movies, and music on my computer. Most of us are already able to watch and listen to the games and movies we interact with, but the Buttkicker Gamer activates a third sense: the ability to feel what we are watching. For me, this took my gaming experience to the next level and made some of the games I’ve already played ‘new’ again…”
Xbox 360: Call of Duty 2 @ Bytesector
Bytesector :: Wednesday, December 14, 2005
“The Xbox 360 launched with three first-person shooters in its lineup: Quake 4, Perfect Dark Zero, and Call of Duty 2. Each of these games has at least one predecessor and more importantly, at least one successful predecessor. All three of these Xbox 360 launch titles come highly anticipated by gamers the world over but the question is, which to buy if you can only afford to buy just one. After playing all three, I can without hesitation say that Call of Duty 2 is, in my books, the top Xbox 360 FPS-here’s why. Call of Duty 2 takes us, once again, to the days of World War II. Unless you’ve been living under a proverbial rock for the past few years, the concept of a World War II game probably sounds just about as exciting opening your lunch bag to find the usual egg salad sandwich. Thankfully, Call of Duty 2 makes things a little more interesting by dropping you into the battles you don’t usually see.”
WarRock Free Full Game
Gamer’s Hell :: Wednesday, December 14, 2005
I guess this is a free game… I can’t tell because GAMER’S HELL NEVER GIVES A FREAKIN’ DESCRIPTION OF THEIR NEWS POSTS!…
but I digress…
WarRock Free Full Game check it out
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex PSP Review
Gamer’s Hell :: Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex PSP Review check it out
Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil Xbox Review
Gamer’s Hell :: Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil Xbox Review check it out
Unreal Tournament 2004 Mega Bonus Pack
Gamer’s Hell :: Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Unreal Tournament 2004 Mega Bonus Pack check it out
Quake 4 Stupid Angry Bot Alpha 8 Released, Unreal Fortress: Evolution Beta 1 Released, and more
Gamer’s Hell :: Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Out of Hell 12 December 2005 check it out
– First New Sam & Max Comic Released check it out
– Meridian4 And Space Hack Expands Online With Chips & Bits check it out
– Quake 4 Stupid Angry Bot Alpha 8 check it out
– Midway Arcade Treasures: Extended Play in Stores check it out
– Gauntlet: Seven Sorrows Ships check it out
– Unreal Fortress: Evolution Beta 1 Released check it out
Quake 4 v1.0.5 Beta Patch
Gamer’s Hell :: Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Quake 4 v1.0.5 Beta Patch check it out
Lik-Sang Real-Life Report of Xbox 360 Japanese Launch
Xbox-Scene :: Sunday, December 11, 2005
Event which was embarrassingly anticipated with much lower expectations in Japan than in the western world, analysts predicting the 360 to be yet another big flop for Microsoft in the mother country of video games. Tim Rogers, who braved the cold and went on “36 hours without sleep mode” again for the occasion, reported a situation that fits with what we all came to expect: there wasn’t such a big of a party going on and it was incomparable with crazy release days that Japan is known for when it comes to a new PlayStation, a new Nintendo system or even a new Dragon Quest or Final Fantasy opus.
Tim Rogers reports: “We — that is, me, Tim Rogers, my friend Francis “Chuck” Franklin-Dorstervelt, Matt, Israel, and Jake all met in front of the lounge at a little before seven-thirty. Our goal was to go inside and shoot a little video of the games and the really hip look of the place. Well, that wasn’t going to happen: they’d locked the place down. The reason was because they were planning a party, some kind of countdown to the launch. They weren’t letting us near the door. The window shades were down. We loitered around outside, got a little angry, and headed down Tokyo Highway Route 246, headed for Shibuya. We ended up in front of the Tsutaya store — where, uh, nobody was doing anything. There was no one in line, nothing going on. We went inside and went upstairs, and saw a few new-release Sony PlayStation 2 titles (the wonderful Ryu ga Gotoku and amazing Rogue Galaxy — both worth importing, you know. Go ahead, buy them!) hogging all of peoples’ attention. We shot a video of four Japanese people lined up to play Mario Kart on DS . . . and no one touching the 360. Hmmm.”
Xbox 360 ISOs and Game Dump Extractor!
Xbox-Scene :: Sunday, December 11, 2005
The ‘PI’ group released Xbox 360 game ISOs today. Note that downloading such releases is illegal and you can’t do anything with them yet (they will not boot on your Xbox 360). You can find the NFO of one of their releases here[Condemned – nforce.nl]. They also released an open-source tool to extract these releases (basicly it’s an ‘x360-ISO extractor’) so you can check out the files in the image. It will NOT work on original discs as a PC DVD-ROM can’t read those. Just like the original Xbox (xdvdfs) the 360 does not use the ISO9660 or UDF filesystem for the content on game DVDs. This tools allows you to extract the files from an image in the ‘Xbox 360 DVD file system’, it does NOT bypass the protection that prevents you from reading an original Xbox 360 disc on your PC. From readme/nfo:
[QUOTE] So you’ve seen all our raw dumps? but what can you use them for? Nothing in their current form, yet! – But here we go with a nice extractor tool so that you can extract the dumps and check out the files, we even decided to release the source code, so that you can figure out the filesystem and make even nicer tools and clean up our horrible looking code, cause we are lazy and old! Usage: extract360.exe gamename.360 [wildcard]… For example: extract360.exe pi-nfsmw.360 Sit back and relax, and enjoy, these xbox360 games are quite large!
And a note to the tech guys: Yes, once you get past the protections and down to the raw bits on the disc, its just the standard xboxdvdfs, however the offset and layer breakpoint are different!
IBM Paper with Details of Xbox 360 CPU Design
Xbox-Scene :: Sunday, December 11, 2005
The Xbox 360 system has a single chip (with 165 million transistors) for its CPU. This chip is in fact a three-way symmetric multiprocessor design. The three PowerPC cores are identical, except that they are physically reflected through the X and Y axis. Each of the CPU cores is a specialized PowerPC chip with a VMX128 extension related to (and partially compatible with) the VMX instructions in the G4 and G5 CPUs. The three CPU cores share a 1MB Level2 cache. Each processor has 32KB each of data and instruction Level1 cache. The chip’s front-side bus/physical interface has a 21.6GB/second bandwidth, and runs at 5.4GHz. The high frequency clocks are generated on-chip by four phase-locked loops: two for the core clocks, two for the PHY clock.
The Xbox 360 CPU chip has testing and debug functions, including tracing, configuration control, and performance monitoring features. Access to these functions is through the block in Figure 1 labeled test/debug. The block labeled Miscellaneous IO provides a JTAG port, a POST monitor, and an interface for a serial EEPROM in case patch logic configuration was needed during bring-up.
Fix the Xbox 360 DVD Drive to protect against scratched discs
Xbox-Scene :: Sunday, December 11, 2005
After the reports of users having their DVDs scratched if they changed their Xbox 360 from vertical to horizontal position, the guys over at Llamma posted a guide to ‘patch’ the HL360 DVD-drive. Keep in mind that this requires opening your Xbox 360 and thus it will void your warranty. What they did is add rubber pads on the DVD-drive case on the opposite side of the laser. Now when moving the console, which results in the disc inside moving too, the disc will hit the rubber pads first. These rubber pads will limit the inclination angle of the disc so it can’t touch the metal laserblock and get scratched. It’ll touch the rubber pads, but that shouldn’t scratch the disc.
watch the video
read the guide.
Limelight Networks Leveraged as Content Delivery Network for Xbox 360
Xbox-Scene :: Sunday, December 11, 2005
Limelight Networks today announced that it is the Content Delivery Network for Microsoft’s just-launched Xbox 360 video game system and Xbox Live, the online gaming service for the Xbox video game system from Microsoft now included with every system. Microsoft is leveraging Limelight Networks for delivery of trailers and game demos during one of the most important product launches in its history to ensure that Xbox Live audiences receive the best performance with any downloaded content.
“With the launch of Xbox 360 we’re taking Xbox Live to new heights. Now that our customers can download game demos, high-definition movie trailers, and more, we need to be prepared for dramatic increases in traffic,” said Xbox Live Operations Manager Eric Neustadter. “Working with Limelight Networks allows us to easily scale to any level of demand.”
US Xbox 360 compatibility list updated *Updated*
Xbox-Scene :: Sunday, December 11, 2005
The backwards compatibility team has updated the list of original Xbox games that can be played on your Xbox 360. If you have an Xbox 360 with the HDD, and you are connected to Xbox Live, you’ll automatically get a prompt to download the auto update when you toss in an original Xbox game disc. Thanks to the team for listening to the community feedback and working hard to make more titles work in BC mode. (Splinter Cell…cool!)
*UPDATE* There was a problem with Halo 2 running in wide screen mode and other games with the December BC update. The team worked through the night to fix it, so if you downloaded the version with problems, go download it again now.
see the list here.
read how compatibility works here.
Microsoft: ‘Xbox 360 More Powerful than PS3’
Xbox-Scene :: Sunday, December 11, 2005
Xbox chief financial officer Bryan Lee says Xbox 360 is “on balance” more powerful than PlayStation 3.
He was demonstrating Xbox 360 to delegates at this week’s UBS Global Media Conference in New York. During an hour-long speech he progressed through the usual demo of Live, Arcade and the machine’s connectivity. He then said, “If Sony does hit the specs which they’ve said they’ll have there’s a debate. There are a couple of categories where they outdo us, and there’s several categories where we outdo them.” He added, “On balance I think most people who study the space will tell you our system is slightly more powerful than theirs from a hardware standpoint. But for the purposes of this discussion I think it’s fair to say they’re both Ferraris”
Xvectrx emulator for Xbox beta 0.1
Xbox-Scene :: Sunday, December 11, 2005
>> Darcelf released a new emulator for Xbox. Xvectrex is a port of vecx, a vectrex emulator. The Vectrex is an 8-bit video game console developed by General Consumer Electric (GCE) and later bought by Milton Bradley Company. The Vectrex is unique in that it utilized vector graphics drawn on a monitor that was integrated in the console; no other console before or after the Vectrex had a comparable configuration. It was released in late 1982 at a retail price of $199. As the video game market declined and then crashed, the Vectrex exited the market in early 1984.
Pelican Product – 360 Fan Stand
Xbox-Scene :: Sunday, December 11, 2005
For a mere $19.99 you can purchase Pelican’s Xbox 360 Fan Stand, which promises to “extend the life of the system’s hardware by operating at cooler temperatures.” The problem is, last we checked, it wasn’t the 360 unit itself that has an overheating problem. I guess there nothing stopping you from putting your PSU on this stand, or just stick with the homemade version.
On the other hand, it should also give your 360 “added stability when standing,” which should help with the disc scratching problem, should a bump occur.
Xbox 360 Low Chip Yield: Delayed launch was considered
Xbox-Scene :: Sunday, December 11, 2005
Tucked away at the bottom of an an interview today in The Ottawa Citizen, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said, “In these new consumer electronics devices based on new chips, there’s always the question of what yield will you get out of the manufacturing process of the new chip. We’re getting a little less, but not much less than the yields we expected, and we know that the yields we expected will probably outrun supply.”
He added, “We decided to go ahead and launch rather than wait until post-Christmas and get a few million units out into the hands of users. We’re doing our best.”
Ten things to hate about the Xbox 360
Xbox-Scene :: Sunday, December 11, 2005
>> CNET’s David Carnoy wrote an article about 10 things he ‘hates’ about the new Xbox 360. It’s a bit different then those “all good” reviews we’ve been seeing over the last few weeks: 1. Beige isn’t the new black
2. No killer games at launch
3. Accessories cost a small fortune
4. The hard drive isn’t big enough
5. Limited keyboard/mouse support at launch
6. No built-in Wi-Fi
7. Not enough USB ports, especially on the back
8. No HDMI or DVI connectivity
9. No built-in card reader
10. You can’t get it.
Xbox 360 ‘XStress Retail Media’ Disc
Xbox-Scene :: Sunday, December 11, 2005
Balboa says that in a PC it acts just like an Xbox 360 disc (DVD movie: VIDEO_TS and AUDIO_TS dir), on the Xbox 360 it acts as data CD with an audio, pictures, testvcd, varied formats and video folder. It’s unknown at this moment what exact files are on the disc, but if all above info is true it looks like a CD to test all the media features of the Xbox 360.
Microsoft’s CEO will have to shop for his Xbox 360
Xbox-Scene :: Sunday, December 11, 2005
Microsoft Corp.’s Chief Executive Steve Ballmer will have to shop around for an Xbox 360 game console this holiday season just like the rest of us — it doesn’t come with his job. “The Ballmer children do not have their Xbox 360 yet. I’m in the same boat as many of you,” Ballmer said. “Thanks to the wonders of Sarbanes-Oxley, management does not get a free Xbox 360,” he quipped at a meeting of technology industry executives.
OpenDocument @ HardwareHell
Gamer’s Hell :: Sunday, December 11, 2005
Did Dr. Seuss write this article?…
However, there’s one company whose involvement in the OpenDocument format is very interesting – Sun. […] Has OpenDocument influenced Star/OpenOffice development, or perhaps Star/OpenOffice development has influenced OpenDocument’s development? If the latter is true, doesn’t it imply that Sun has extra control over OpenDocument’s future?
Desert Conflict CTF v0.1, Classic Doom 3 v1.0 Released, and more
Gamer’s Hell :: Sunday, December 11, 2005
Desert Conflict CTF v0.1 check it out
– The Strangerhood Machinima Episode 9 check it out
– Angry Halo 2 Player Video check it out
– Classic Doom 3 v1.0 Released check it out
Sony PlayStation 3, a Close-Up @ DataFuse.net
DataFuse :: Sunday, December 11, 2005
“During these last couple of weeks we have kept a close eye on Microsoft and its Xbox 360, detailed information on our quest for gaining information about the metal box can be found here. While the Nintendo Revolution is struggling to get its little piece of the spotlight. The Sony PlayStation 3 remains in the darkness, as if calling its name would summon dark rituals. ”
F.E.A.R. Review
Gamer’s Hell :: Sunday, December 11, 2005
Review – F.E.A.R. Review check it out
Keepsake German Demo
Gamer’s Hell :: Sunday, December 11, 2005
Keepsake German Demo check it out
Nintendo Revolution in Close-Up, Specs @ DataFuse.net
DataFuse :: Thursday, December 08, 2005
“After the introduction of the Xbox 360 and the future release from Sony and its PlayStation 3 quite some people are showing real interest in Nintendo and its Revolution. The Nintendo Revolution is a different approach to the growing console market where speed and graphics are King. Nintendo wants to shift back to “its all about the fun”. ”
Xbox 360 – First Two Weeks
Techgage :: Thursday, December 08, 2005
Quote: It’s been a little over two weeks since I’ve gotten my Xbox 360, and I’m here to give my experiences with the system so far. This console certainly has it’s issues, but do the pros make up for the cons?
Neocron Arcade: The N.M.E. Project Free Full Game and Full Auto Trailer #2
Gamer’s Hell :: Thursday, December 08, 2005
Neocron Arcade: The N.M.E. Project Free Full Game check it out
– Full Auto Trailer #2 check it out
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (PC) review
Strategy Informer :: Thursday, December 08, 2005
Review of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (PC) published:
check it out
Suikoden Tactics Review
Gamer’s Hell :: Thursday, December 08, 2005
Hello, – Review – Suikoden Tactics Review here
Quake IV Xbox 360 Review
Gamer’s Hell :: Thursday, December 08, 2005
Hello, – Review – Quake IV Xbox 360 Review here
Half-Life 2 Xbox Review
Gamer’s Hell :: Thursday, December 08, 2005
Hello, – Review – Half-Life 2 Xbox Review here
Dungeon Siege 2 Mod Tools v1.1 Released, Splinter Cell 4 Subtitle Rumors, and more
Gamer’s Hell :: Tuesday, December 06, 2005
– RoboBlitz Announced check it out
– World Championship Poker 2 PSP Screens check it out
– DROD Remastered and Re-released check it out
– Dungeon Siege 2 Mod Tools v1.1 Released check it out
– Warhammer 40K Dawn of War Updated Mod Tools check it out
– Emergency 3 German Patch 1.03 Released check it out
– Splinter Cell 4 Subtitle Rumors check it out
FEAR Freestylers Movie, Navy Field Client v1099, and more
Gamer’s Hell :: Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Age of Empires 3 Soundtrack Released check it out
– CDV Signs Heroes of Annihilated Empires check it out
– Navy Field Client v1099 check it out
– Xenosaga Episode 3 Trailer check it out
– Combine Destiny v1.0 check it out
– FEAR Freestylers Movie check it out
– Live Chat With Justin Prince check it out
DH Review: Need For Speed Most Wanted
Driver Heaven :: Tuesday, December 06, 2005
As the holiday season fast approaches, more and more people are out in the shops searching for the perfect presents. With major celebrations soon arriving, this year?s end is extremely interesting because there are many good gifts available for the slightly gaming addicted person. Go into any shop that sells video games and you’ll see countless masterpieces for every format, whether it be the PC, console or handheld. Of course, the videogame giant EA anticipated this perfectly and thus, they released on every format imaginable their most famous franchise ever: Need for Speed.
Quake 4 v1.0.5 Performance @ Phoronix
Phoronix :: Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Infected New Screens/Movies, HistWar: Les Grognards Movie #5, Commandos Strike Force Screens #3, and
Gamer’s Hell :: Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Commandos Strike Force Screens #3 check it out – Out of Hell 5 December 2005 check it out – Infected New Screens/Movies check it out – Rose Online Patch v1.05 Details check it out – Rumble Roses XX Xbox 360 Trailer Released check it out
Battlefield 2: Modern Combat Xbox Review
Gamer’s Hell :: Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Hello, – Review – Battlefield 2: Modern Combat Xbox Review check it out
Saitek Cyborg Evo Force Joystick @ ThinkComputers.org
Think Computers :: Monday, December 05, 2005
Quote: “Professional Joysticks have advanced pretty far since the days of the Atari joystick, some of you may be too young to remember them, but they had a square base, 1 button and a short stick coming out of the middle. None of the stuff you see on today’s joysticks, and game pads were non-existent, unless you count the pads that came with Intellivision, I guess that was sort of a game pad. Today’s joysticks are pretty complicated, especially the high-end ones, with many buttons and customizations available to the professional gamer. Saitek is one of the companies that specialize in professional joysticks and game pads. Today for review I have the Saitek Cyborg Evo Force joystick. It could be considered a professional joystick for the hardcore gamer or enthusiast. It features many buttons and customizations, and has the force feedback feature as well.”
Neuro Hunter German Demo, Kameo: Elements of Power Deep Blue Trailer, and more
Gamer’s Hell :: Monday, December 05, 2005
Neuro Hunter German Demo check it out
18 Wheels of Steel: Convoy Patch v1.02 Released check it out
Kameo: Elements of Power Deep Blue Trailer check it out
Warhammer 40K Dawn of War v1.41 Full Patch check it out
Evenings on a farm near Dikanka Screens #2 check it out MechMod Project Closed check it out
DH Review: Serious Sam 2 (PC)
Driver Heaven :: Monday, December 05, 2005
Serious Sam: The First Encounter was a smash hit for the PC back in 2001 because it was a straightforward, intense, and downright enjoyable shooter. Instead of worrying about delivering a deep plot or trying to impress the audience with state-of-the-art visuals, First Encounter offered gamers a lot of killing without a hefty price tag. Four years later, the developers at Croteam have the next title in the Serious Sam universe ready to go, cleverly entitled Serious Sam II. Sam Stone is back in action with a whole bunch of new weapons to fire, environments to explore, and baddies to be destroyed.
Illinois Videogame Law Ruled Unconstitutional
Primo Tech :: Monday, December 05, 2005
District Court Judge Matthew Kennelly ruled late on Friday that Illinois’ recently enacted restrictions on the sale of videogames deemed harmful to minors are unconstitutional and that the state is barred from enforcing the law..As Judge Kennelly so concisely put it: “In this country, the state lacks the authority to ban protected speech on the ground that it affects the listener’s or observer’s thoughts and attitudes.” In doing so, the Judge confirmed yet again that videogames are protected under the First Amendment and deserve treatment no different than film and literature.
Microsoft Xbox 360 @ Viperlair
ViperLair :: Monday, December 05, 2005
“There are three IBM PowerPC-based processors, each clocked at 3.2GHz and capable of handling 2 hardware threads each. The processors are each armed with 1MB of L2 cache and within the Xbox, operate as symmetrical cores. What this means basically is that the Xbox 360 is capable of executing 6 hardware threads simultaneously. While the launch titles currently available will not require that much power, future titles certainly may.”
GUN (XBox 360 , PC) Review @ Gaming Illustrated
Gaming Illustrated :: Monday, December 05, 2005
Snippet : GUN is a showcase title for Xbox 360 and is highly recommended as the game of choice if you’re lucky enough to be picking up the 360 this holiday season, or you can just get the game on another platform and still be amazed. The graphics, sound, and gameplay all add up to an amazing gaming experience that is fueled by a well crafted story.
Call of Duty 2: The Big Red One
Gaming Illustrated :: Monday, December 05, 2005
Snippet : Call of Duty 2: The Big Red One is an immersive and cinematic game featuring a storyline plenty of action enough to spare. The Big Red One is a separate game that marks what will likely be a final (and worthy) appearance by the series on this generation of consoles.
Quake 4 PC Review
Gamer’s Hell :: Monday, December 05, 2005
The guys just get right to the point, no snippet or nuttin:<
Hello, – Review – Quake 4 PC Review
check it out
Call of Duty 2: Big Red One Xbox Review
Gamer’s Hell :: Monday, December 05, 2005
Hello, – Review – Call of Duty 2: Big Red One Xbox Review
Shadow the Hedgehog GameCube Review
Gamer’s Hell :: Monday, December 05, 2005
Hello, – Review – Shadow the Hedgehog GameCube Review
check it out
Peter Jackson’s King Kong (PC) review
Strategy Informer :: Monday, December 05, 2005
New review of Peter Jackson’s King Kong (PC)
Jetfighter 2015 (PC) review
Strategy Informer :: Monday, December 05, 2005
1 new review for today; Jetfighter 2015 (PC):
check it out
Battlefield 2 v1.12 Unranked Server for Windows
Gamer’s Hell :: Monday, December 05, 2005
Hello, – Battlefield 2 v1.12 Unranked Server for Windows
check it out
Live for Speed: S2
Gamer’s Hell :: Monday, December 05, 2005
Live for Speed: S2 v0.5Q Demo/Dedicated Server/Patch here.
Civilization 4 Demo
Gamer’s Hell :: Monday, December 05, 2005
Hello, – Civilization 4 Demo here.
Hunting Unlimited 3 Demo
Gamer’s Hell :: Monday, December 05, 2005
Hunting Unlimited 3 Demo here.
Quake 4—Activision
Home Theater Magazine :: Sunday, December 04, 2005
Ah, the vaunted Quake series. In 1996 id Software brought forth a revolution in gaming with the original Quake . While all other first-person shooters were mucking around with 2-D sprites in a 3-D world, id launched us into the world of full 3-D. That wasn’t all. The game itself-and it’s frenzied multiplayer-were simply amazing. A year later, Quake II pushed what we expect of graphics in a game even further. Once again, id was the king of the world. Then, well…then there was Quake III: Arena . It was pretty looking but was only a multiplayer game. Kind of a let down. Then there was nothing. In 2004, id resurfaced with another attempt at revolutionizing the FPS with Doom 3. In addition to their now-normal fast action and beautiful graphics, they added fear. Like a bad horror movie, things would jump out at you in the dark. Cheap scares are just that. Hey, some people liked it. Using the Doom 3 engine, Raven Software has developed the next chapter in the Quake series: Quake 4. (I guess “IV” was too confusing.)
Half of Mario Kart DS Owners Try Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi Net News :: Sunday, December 04, 2005
The folks at Nintendo report 45 percent of owners of this Internet-enabled game have used it over Wi-Fi hotspots: The company struck international deals to allow free usage by Nintendo DS owners of networks like those at McDonald’s (U.S.) and run by The Cloud in the UK. They sold 112,000 copies of Mario Kart DS up until last Sunday; 52,000 unique users (who are identified by a code in the DS player) used one of these Wi-Fi Connection locations. Two more games are in the pipe for Dec. 5 and March 20 release.
Nintendogs @ Bytesector
Bytesector :: Saturday, December 03, 2005
“Parents rejoice! The time has come where you can finally give your child the gift of a canine companion without the unwanted responsibility, mess, and inevitable boredom that arises when the dog is no longer a cute little puppy. The world went crazy for Tamagotchis, Nano Pets, and the other types of virtual pets that reared their heads almost ten years ago, and now it’s time for a new generation to experience the new more sophisticated, more advanced virtual pet. Make way for Nintendogs.”
HEXUS.gaming :: Finally time for some UK XBOX 360 action!
Hexus :: Saturday, December 03, 2005
Now we’re allowed to officially write about that creamy white box that’s been sitting here for the last 10 days, Team HEXUS has passed the time reading all about Microsoft’s latest console on pretty much every gaming site on the web. I swear, if we see just one more picture of the front of an Xbox 360, unless it’s got a naked and oiled Kiera Knightley dangling off it, I’m going to scream!
HEXUS.lifestyle :: Powerful free Xbox 360 video converter from Videora
Hexus :: Saturday, December 03, 2005
The latest addition to Videora’s range of free video-converter programs is the Xbox360 Converter. This is said to be able to convert a variety of video types into MPEG-2 files suitable for playing on Microsoft’s new all-singing-and-dancing Xbox 360 console.
Xbox 360 In Game, Ad Commercial @ DataFuse.net
DataFuse :: Saturday, December 03, 2005
“You know we’ve followed the Xbox 360 story from day one, but recently since the Xbox has been released we are looking for alternative action to feed your thirsty minds and hungers. So we are constantly on the prowl to gain more information and this time we’ve found another Ad Commercial for the Xbox 360. ”
Review: FEAR @ PrimoTechnology
Primo Tech :: Saturday, December 03, 2005
From the opening cinematic right up to its closing moments, F.E.A.R. doesn’t politely ask to be noticed. Instead, it grabs hold of your shoulders, shakes violently, and then, when it’s sure that you’re paying attention, beats you over the head a few times just to be safe.
Chicken Little PS2 Review
Gamer’s Hell :: Saturday, December 03, 2005
Like it or hate it, Chicken Little is making money for Disney hand over fist! If you have kids, then you’ve no doubt heard the chorus of “One Little Slip” about 10 million times! But I digress… Gamer’s Hell has posted a review of Chicken Little for the Playstation 2!
check it out
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines v1.9 Unofficial Patch
Gamer’s Hell :: Saturday, December 03, 2005
A new version 1.9 of Vampire: The Masquerage – Bloodlines was released. What does it do and why it is unofficial? Hopefully they are answered in the link.
check it out
Call of Duty 2 Xbox 360 Review
Gamer’s Hell :: Saturday, December 03, 2005
Gamer’s Hell has a review of Call of Duty 2 for the Xbox 360.
check it out
Super Monkey Ball Touch & Roll Screens
Gamer’s Hell :: Saturday, December 03, 2005
New Super Monkey Ball Touch & Roll Screens, if you’re into that sort of thing…
check it out
Battlefield 2: Special Forces (PC) review:
Strategy Informer :: Saturday, December 03, 2005
Battlefield 2: Special Forces (PC) review:
check it out
City of Villains (PC) review
Strategy Informer :: Saturday, December 03, 2005
To start the day with City of Villains (PC) review:
check it out
Unreal Tournament 2004 Patch v3369
Gamer’s Hell :: Saturday, December 03, 2005
A new patch has finally been released for Unreal Tournament 2004!
check it out here
Need for Speed Most Wanted Review (PC)
Strategy Informer :: Saturday, December 03, 2005
Need for Speed Most Wanted (PC) review:
check it out
Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes Xbox Review
Gamer’s Hell :: Saturday, December 03, 2005
Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes Xbox Review
check it out
HardwareOC Half-Life 2 Benchmark 1.7
Gamer’s Hell :: Saturday, December 03, 2005
There’s a Half-Life 2 benchmark! Now version 1.7!
check it out
Out of Hell 2
Gamer’s Hell :: Saturday, December 03, 2005
Out of Hell 2 December 2005
get the Hell out and check it out
New review of Vietcong 2 (PC)
Strategy Informer :: Saturday, December 03, 2005
New review of Vietcong 2 (PC) at:
check it out
Heroes of Might and Magic V
Gamer’s Hell :: Saturday, December 03, 2005
Heroes of Might and Magic V Details/Screens #5
check it out
Splinter Cell Chaos Theory BenchMark v1.1
Gamer’s Hell :: Saturday, December 03, 2005
HwOC Splinter Cell Chaos Theory BenchMark v1.1
check it out
Weirdest Japanese Game to date
Gamer’s Hell :: Saturday, December 03, 2005
Weirdest Japanese Game To Date at check out the weirdness
Hammer & Sickle Demo
Gamer’s Hell :: Saturday, December 03, 2005
Hammer & Sickle Demo
check it out
24hr Server Strike Proposed On Call of Duty
Gamer’s Hell :: Saturday, December 03, 2005
WTF?
see what this is all about
XG Vortec 600 Power Supply @ LAN Addict
LAN Addict :: Thursday, December 01, 2005
There are a lot of connectors for different devices. 8 standard legacy 4-pin molex connectors, 2 floppy drive connectors, two SATA connectors, and one PCI Express power connector, as well as the 20+4 pin connector for the motherboard. All of these cables are sleeved in UV reactive red latex. The switch on the PSU was also easy to find in the dark, as it glowed as well as the fans.
Nintendo Revolution to be released May 9, 2006 @ DataFuse.net
DataFuse :: Thursday, December 01, 2005
“Since recently most people see me as a Sony PlayStation 3 fanboy. This might have something to do with this article. But what people don’t know is that I’m actually neither, I couldn’t care for the Xbox 360 or the PS 3 from Sony. The real catch of 2006 will be Nintendo and its Revolution. ”
High-end Gaming PC Buyer’s Guide
Sharky Extreme :: Thursday, December 01, 2005
Today on Sharky Extreme, we’ve posted the latest update to our High-end Gaming PC Buyer’s Guide, where we take $2500 in search of both AMD and Intel gaming systems: