Devil May Cry 4 Comes to Xbox360
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 20, 2007
From the press release: [QUOTE] Capcom Co., Ltd., a world-wide leader in the gaming industry, is proud to announce the development of “Devil May Cry 4” for the PLAYSTATION3, Xbox 360 and PC platforms. “Devil May Cry” is a series of popular, stylish action games, with a cast of unforgettable characters. Since the release of the original “Devil May Cry” in 2001, the series has shipped 6,800,000 copies as of December 31st, 2006, proudly making it one of Capcom’s flagship titles. The series appeal is not limited to games; an animated TV series to be broadcast on Japan’s WOWOW network is slated to air Spring 2007. The latest iteration, “Devil May Cry 4” will take advantage of each platform’s hardware strengths to achieve the most stunning visuals in the series to date, and the introduction of a mysterious new protagonist will keep the action fast and fresh. Even before its release, “Devil May Cry 4” has been met with tremendous anticipation, as fans patiently endured long lines at TOKYO GAME SHOW 2006 for the chance to play the demo. “Devil May Cry 4” will be released simultaneously for the PLAYSTATION3 and Xbox 360 platforms. [/QUOTE] Read the whole press release on capcom.co.jp (http://ir.capcom.co.jp/english/news/html/e070320.html )
Xbox 360 Design: The Back Story
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Fastcompany.com (http://www.fastcompany.com/subscr/114/open_features-less-hulk-more-bruce-lee.html ) profiled JDK designer Michael Jager, and gives some insight into the design of the Xbox 360: [QUOTE] It was David versus Goliath, with Attila the Hun thrown in to make it interesting. Microsoft had invited three brand designers to Redmond, Washington, in 2004 to present a new identity for the upcoming Xbox 360. (…) Led by Xbox’s global brand director at the time, Don Hall, some 20 members of the gaming division gathered to hear the back-to-back-to-back presentations. First up was Michael Jager, JDK’s creative director. Standing before the tribunal, Jager (pronounced like the Rolling Stone) illustrated his vision through a combination of street theater, design psychology, and cultural fluency. Comparing the original Xbox with the Incredible Hulk, Jager used a razor to slash an X in a sheet of paper and then thrust his head through the hole. “X today is all AARGGHHH!” he bellowed. Pure aggressive power. He then withdrew his head, flipped the paper, and revealed how that X could become a doorway, “an invitation to an experience.” Jager acknowledged power as a critical component separating Xbox from its competitors but urged the company to see it–and express it– differently. “Our approach was to transition Xbox from this hulk of escaping power into this quiet power that is lurking, something still incredibly dangerous but with more of an elegance and grace,” he recalls. “The analogy we used was Bruce Lee.” And thus were two firms felled by a single stone. “We were all just blown away by JDK,” Hall remembers. “As soon as Michael and his team walked out, I looked around the room and knew it was just a formality to sit through the other presentations.” Indeed, Jager’s illustrative shorthand became a mantra for the 360 team as it created the look and feel of the new system. “Whenever we evaluated our work in terms of guiding our decisions for Xbox 360,” Hall says, “it was like, ‘This is too Hulk’ or ‘We need more Bruce Lee.'” [/QUOTE] Full Story: fastcompany.com (http://www.fastcompany.com/subscr/114/open_features-less-hulk-more-bruce-lee.html )
‘Final Fantasy should come to Xbox 360’, says Sakaguchi
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 20, 2007
From computerandvideogames.com (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=160232&skip=yes ): [QUOTE] After leaving the company to bring his RPG duo Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey to Xbox 360, Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi says that Square Enix should bring Final Fantasy to Microsoft’s console. The Mistwalker boss told Gamespot: “I feel that the Final Fantasy series should come to Xbox 360 as well. This is wise. It makes so much sense to me…it has so much potential in North America and in Europe. So there’s a great chance for the series to succeed on 360 as well.” Continuing the chat Sakaguchi-san suggested that Square Enix could port its upcoming PS3 instalment Final Fantasy XIII to 360 fairly simply, because “they made the White Engine open platform”. [/QUOTE] Full Story: computerandvideogames.com (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=160232&skip=yes )
Microsoft Responds to Nintendo’s Comments
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Microsoft responds via computerandvideogames (http://computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=160252&skip=yes ) to Fils-Aime’s (Nintendo of America boss) statement that the Xbox360 isn’t performing well in Europe (http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox1data/sep/EEZuFEyZZVDIxNQTli.php ): [QUOTE] Microsoft has told CVG that it is “very happy with how Xbox 360 is performing in Europe” in response to earlier claims made by Reggie Fils-Aime that the console was underperforming. “We’re very happy with how Xbox 360 is performing in Europe. We do not release figures by country, but we are on target to meet our goal of 12 million consoles sold worldwide by the end of June 2007, have sold more than 10.4 million consoles globally as of December 2006, and have built a global Xbox Live community of more than 6 million people. [/QUOTE] Full Story: computerandvideogames (http://computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=160252&skip=yes )
Analyst: Next-Gen Hardware Sales Are Disappointing
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 20, 2007
From teamxbox.com (http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/13034/Analyst-NextGen-Hardware-Sales-Are-Disappointing/ ): [QUOTE] GameDaily.biz reports a note issued by Deutsche Bank’s Jeetil Patel, in which the analyst labels sales for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 as “poor.” “Next-gen hardware sell-through of 700K units in Feb-07 brought its total HW installed base to 8.0mn in the US, still 30% less than the prior cycle at 11.2mn units at equivalent stages. Xbox 360 (230K) and PS3 (130K) unit sales were below expectations of 250K-300K and 200K respectively. Retail checks reveal that ample supply exists, suggesting a demand problem for next-gen consoles,” explained Patel. “Particularly disappointing is Xbox 360 HW sales of 230K in February, which puts its installed base at 5mn or in-line to the original Xbox which was an unproven console and faced substantial competition from the PS2,” Patel added. [/QUOTE] Full Story: teamxbox.com (http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/13034/Analyst-NextGen-Hardware-Sales-Are-Disappointing/ )
Nintendo: 360 isn’t performing well in Europe
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 20, 2007
From gamesindustry.biz (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=23591 ): [QUOTE] Speaking in an interview with the San Jose Mercury News, Fils-Aime (Nintendo of America boss) stated that the Wii is trouncing sales of its only next-gen rival in European territories. “360 is selling well only in one country: UK,” he said. “Across the rest of Europe, it is not performing well. Wii on the other hand, is selling exceptionally well all through Europe.” [/QUOTE] Full Story: gamesindustry.biz (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=23591 )
Xeno Top Gear: First Shipments Sent!
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 20, 2007
From xenotopgear.com (http://www.xenotopgear.com/ ): [QUOTE] We are happy to announce that the first batch of XENO TOP GEAR shipments went smoothly. Just a reminder, each XENO TOP GEAR ships with a detailed instructions set as well as the COMPLETE OPENING TOOL, absolutely free. We would also like to take this opportunity to respond to some of our competitor’s claims: a) THE XENO TOP GEAR is 100% reliable on Flashing Firmware and Dumping game data to the PC. Tested in our vigorous QC process. b) No additional Separate Power Input needed, reducing the weight of shipment to retailers and end users alike reducing shipping cost c) DELUXE Xbox 360 unlocking kit included ABSOLUTLEY FREE d) Conservative installation approach reducing risk of short circuiting unit (responsible way to show users the safest path to install) e) LED function for future versions (coming soon) f) High quality build (Proud to be made in China – unlike others who ARE made in China and lie about it) – we have a bullet proof QC process and our factory manufacture for various major Japanese / US brands g) Vigorous months of QC and testing and ensure our high quality product. h) ORIGINAL Design. We have our unique approach to the application. Supporting the anti-competition claims means supporting a MONOPLOY in the Xbox 360 scene and is encouraging the competition to be GREEDY, Charging more $$$ and ripping off customers. i) Huge Community support for our young team. [/QUOTE] Official Site: www.xenotopgear.com (http://www.xenotopgear.com/ ) Buy Now ($45): Divineo.com (http://www.divineo.com/php/affstart.php?affcode=xboxscene&prod=dd-36-topg ) | ModchipStore.com (http://www.modchipstore.com/customer/product.php?productid=16431&partner=scenyx ) | Divineo.cn (http://www.divineo.cn/php/affstart.php?affcode=xboxscene&prod=360-xtg )
How much longer can Xbox Live charge consumers?
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 20, 2007
From joystiq.com (http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/17/how-much-longer-can-xbox-live-charge-consumers/ ): [QUOTE] As Xbox … Live for Windows starts to bubble up as a topic of conversation, we begin to recognize the absurdity of paying for Xbox Live. Live for Windows will charge the same fees as Xbox Live, but since when did we ever have to pay for easy-to-use matchmaking service on a PC? Australian site Screen Play asks the same question, “Microsoft has realized that most PC owners certainly won’t pay for features they have become accustomed to getting for free, even with the sweeteners of a single Gamertag, Gamerscore and common Friends list. But they are still asking PC owners to pay $80 (Australian) a year just for cross-platform play and match-matching, surely the height of optimism.” [/QUOTE] Full Story: joystiq.com (http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/17/how-much-longer-can-xbox-live-charge-consumers/ ) | theage.com.au (http://blogs.theage.com.au/screenplay/archives//005371.html )
Xeno Top Gear Videos: FW Flashing and HDD-Transfer
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 20, 2007
We received some videos of the Xeno Top Gear in action – one video shows how you can flash your Xbox360 DVD-ROM firmware with the device, the other shows how you can use it to transfer Xbox360-HDD Data to your PC. Official Site: www.xenotopgear.com (http://www.xenotopgear.com/ ) Buy Now ($45): Divineo.com (http://www.divineo.com/php/affstart.php?affcode=xboxscene&prod=dd-36-topg ) | modchipstore.com (http://www.modchipstore.com/customer/product.php?productid=16431&partner=scenyx ) | Divineo.cn (http://www.divineo.cn/php/affstart.php?affcode=xboxscene&prod=360-xtg )
Chris Satchell about ‘YouTube For Games’
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 20, 2007
From next-gen.biz (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4943&Itemid=2 ): [QUOTE] XNA Game Studio Express is a Do-It-Yourself game programming tool, that enables consumers to create console games from home. It has the potential to change the way games are consumed, and how they are perceived. It also has the potential, like similar initiatives in the past, to slip quietly into oblivion. The investment is significant. The core team of about 36 people have been working on this for three years. Plus, other resources internally have been pulled in. You’re certainly looking at tens of millions of dollars. Why is Microsoft spending all this money on XNA Game Studio Express? Creators will, some time next year, be able to upload their games (assuming approval) to a new channel on Xbox Live dedicated to community games. Satchell says, “Anybody on Xbox Live can pick your game up. You’ll have an audience of six million people that can go and play your game. You don’t have to have a publisher, you can now just share with the world. It’s a really good differentiation for our platform to have those tiers of content, ranging from Triple A to Arcade to Community.” “I guarantee publishers are going to be looking at these games, looking for new talent, looking for new ideas, just like Epic Records trolls MySpace looking for new people.” [/QUOTE] Full Story: next-gen.biz (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4943&Itemid=2 ) (2 pages)
Team Xecuter: Shipping to Retailers of Blaster360
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 20, 2007
From Team Xecuter (http://www.team-xecuter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45194 ): [QUOTE] Shipping of the Blaster360 has begun. Retailers should expect to recieve stock in the next few days. We have also included a 360 Case Unlock Tool that would normally retail for $10 at no extra cost. We should recap on a couple of points raised on the forums when asked what the difference was between the Blaster360 and other cheap rip offs. The Blaster360 includes the following major differences…. * Electronic Digital Sata Exchange – 100% reliability on Flashing Firmware & Dumping Game data to the PC – ESSENTIAL FOR RELIABILITY! * Seperate Power Input – Auto internal switching unit that completely isolates the power to the ODD away from the Xbox. Also no need to carry around the Xbox360 Huge Power Supply. * Built In Connectivity Kit (Modeb / Eject / Samsung MS28 Power on/off) * We include the Xbox360 Case Unlocking tool that retails for $10 * Easier & faster installation – no ripping apart the metal frame * LED function for Xbox mode & PC mode (also includes Glow feature and can be disabled) * Much higher quality build – no cheap China rips offs. * Months of real testing by ourselves and many scene members – all with 100% results. * Original Xecuter Design – Support the makers not the fakers. * Huge community support The Blaster360 manuals and guides will be hosted in the next few days at www.team-xecuter/blaster360 (http://www.team-xecuter/blaster360 ) The PS3 HDXT will be shipped to retailers in the next 10 days and is already on pre sale with the likes of www.divineo.net (http://www.divineo.net/index.php?affcode=xboxscene ). You can buy the PS3 HDXT seperatley from the SATA to IDE convertor to keep your costs down to a minimum – not everyone would require this so why buy it if you don’t need it? [/QUOTE] Official Site: www.team-xecuter.com (http://www.team-xecuter.com ) Blaster360 Installation Guide: here (http://www.xbox-scene.com/tutorials-xbox360/blaster360.php ) Buy Blaster360 ($75/€59/?40): Divineo USA/CAN (http://www.divineo.com/php/affstart.php?affcode=xboxscene&prod=dd-36-blaster ) | ModchipStore USA/CAN (http://www.modchipstore.com/customer/product.php?productid=16427&partner=scenyx ) | ShopNeo UK (http://www.shopneo.co.uk/xecuter-blaster360-pre-order-c-366-p-1-pr-16704.html ) | MrModchips Europe/UK (http://www.mrmodchips.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?ref=14&products_id=433&affiliate_banner_id=1 ) | Divineo Asia (http://www.divineo.cn/php/affstart.php?affcode=xboxscene&prod=360-blaster )
(USA) Lazard: Feb SW Sales Up 25-30pct – 400k Wii, 275k 360, 200k PS3
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 20, 2007
From gamasutra.com (http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=13155 ): [QUOTE] In his latest note to investors, Lazard Capital Markets’ Colin Sebastian expects the NPD’s February software sales results scheduled to be released later today will show a 25-30 percent rise, driven by Xbox 360 exclusives Crackdown and Lost Planet, as well as Nintendo’s Wii Play and 2K Game’s movie inspired Ghost Rider. The analyst added: “We believe console hardware unit sales remained solid in February, with approximately 400k Nintendo Wii’s (still in short supply), 300k PS2s, 275k Xbox 360s, and 200k PS3s. We also believe DS handheld sales remain strong, while we expect Sony to focus more attention on expanding the PSP market in 2007.” [/QUOTE] Full Story: gamasutra.com (http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=13155 )
Bizarre Wanted Geometry Wars to be Free
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 20, 2007
From xbox360fanboy.com (http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2007/03/14/bizarre-wanted-geometry-wars-to-be-free/ ): [QUOTE] In an interview with IGN about their upcoming game Boom Boom Rocket, Bizarre Creations’ own Ben Ward revealed the true ambitions behind that uber hit Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved. When asked about their experience with the XBLA and comparing the risks involved between Boom Boom and Geo Wars, Ward said that, “Geometry Wars was really intended as a gift to hardcore gamers and we initially wanted to give the game away for free. When it became evident that we couldn’t do this, we said to Microsoft “what’s the absolute bare minimum we can charge”. They said 400 points, so we went with that.” [/QUOTE] Full Story: xbox360fanboy.com (http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2007/03/14/bizarre-wanted-geometry-wars-to-be-free/ ) and xbox360.ign.com (http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/772/772651p1.html )
Review: GRAW 2 (XBOX 360)
Primo Technology :: Monday, March 19, 2007
What is certain is that GRAW 2 (from here on in) is considerably better and more enjoyable than its prequel. That’s good news if you’re among the majority that loved last year’s Ghost Recon and even better news if you were as frustrated by its shortcomings as I was. While many dissenters may argue that GRAW 2 was rushed out, given its release date’s relative proximity to the first title’s, I counter that it feels even more polished and thought-out than GRAW 1 ever did.
GRAW 2 Xbox 360 Review
Tweak Town :: Monday, March 19, 2007
TTGamer have today posted a review of Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 for the Xbox 360.
Revoltec Gaming Desktop
Driver Heaven :: Monday, March 19, 2007
Revoltec is a company based in Germany, well known throughout Europe for their line-up of many gaming and modding products. Revoltec products are competitively priced, which is their main selling point in today’s computer market. Today we will have a look at a new series of Revoltec products, input devices which are designed with the gamer in mind. The Fightboard Advanced is a keyboard designed to aid the hardcore FPS gamer, while the Fightmouse Advanced is a high precision gaming mouse with adjustable sensitivity. Revoltec have also released three new mouse pads, which we will also have a look at today.
OCZ Actuator lets you play video games with your brain
Madshrimps :: Monday, March 19, 2007
“OCZ’s latest brainchild is the Actuator, a device which tracks movement of your eyes, monitors brain waves and picks up facial muscle movements, it uses these recorded signals to link them to input commands on the computer, allowing you to play Tetris or even a first person shooter like UT2004. We visited the OCZ booth at Cebit where they had a live demo, (view)read our (video)report on this impressive technology which will change the way you interact with your PC!”
Murder on the Orient Express PC Review
TweakTown :: Monday, March 19, 2007
TTGamer have today posted a review of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express for the PC – an adventure title featuring the famous Belgian crime solving character Hercule Poirot (although not as the main character in the game funnily enough!)
