Realtime hit counterweb stats

Archive | Microsoft News

New Xbox 360 Controller on the Way [UPDATED]

The rumors of an upcoming Xbox 360 controller design have officially been addressed by Microsoft. According to a few of these rumors, the new design would allow players to customize their D-pads for a better Fighting game experience with titles like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. The latest controller design will be released with the Play & Charge Kit in earlier 2011.

As expected, Microsoft issued a press releasing confirming most of the info we needed.

This November, Xbox 360 owners will be able to alter their controller with the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller with Play & Charge Kit – with Transforming D-pad. The matte silver controller contains a transforming directional pad that provides ultimate accuracy and control for both directional as well as sweeping movements. The Xbox 360 Wireless Controller with Transforming D-pad comes complete with a Play and Charge kit for $64.99 (U.S. ERP) and will ship to retailers beginning Nov. 9.

Select the traditional plus for distinct cardinal direction movement in games like “Halo: Reach” to change weapons and perform complicated combinations and deadly finishing moves in “Street Fighter” games, or rotate the D-pad to the disc format for sweeping motions in games such as “Pro Evolution Soccer 2011.” Choose your favorite controller set-up and experience unrivaled precision for all Xbox 360 games.

The award-winning Xbox 360 Wireless Controller is taken to the next level with a unique and premium button design, a matte silver color with grey A, B, X, Y buttons and comfortable, concave analog sticks. The Play & Charge Kit includes a charging cable and rechargeable battery pack for uninterrupted gameplay and up to 25 hours of play per charge.

If that wasn’t enough, Stephen Toulouse released a new photo on his Twitter account. Yes, this is in fact the new controller. The D-Pad can twist and morph into individual buttons. The new controller looks totally sweet!

[update]

New video coming straight at you from Major Nelson himself:

Posted in Gaming News, Media, Microsoft Media, Microsoft News0 Comments

Microsoft raising prices of Xbox Live Gold Membership [UPDATED]

Micosoft’s latest announcement may disappoint loyal Xbox Live Gold subscribers. It was recently confirmed by Microsoft that they will be raising the prices on their Xbox Live Gold service beginning November 1st 2010 in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States.

In the US, the Gold membership will be raised from it’s standard $49.99 to $59.99 (annually) and from $7.99 to $9.99 (monthly). There hasn’t been confirmation of an annual price increase for a Gold Membership in the UK, however they did release details regarding a monthly payment price increase of £4.99 to £5.99. Continue Reading

Posted in Microsoft News0 Comments

Halo Reach Campaign Trailer

Bungie unveils a new Halo: Reach Trailer. Check it out and go wild, Halo Junkies. Halo: Reach releases on September 14, 2010.

[source]

Your Ad Here

Posted in Gaming News, Microsoft News0 Comments

Mass Effect 2 DLC On The Way

This news update comes from the people at EA Games regarding fourthcoming Mass Effect 2 DLC. It’s been months since the release of Mass Effect 2 with fans of Bioware’s first-rate RPG eagerly awaiting more DLC Episodes to pony up the Single Player RPG experience. Read on for the details that we known so far.

Mass Effect 2 Lair of the Shadow Broker DLC Announced

“Lair of the Shadow Broker” is the latest DLC Episode for the self acclaimed RPG. The approaching DLC will feature a new chapter in Shepard’s intergalactic quest to track down the treacherous Shadow Broker with the accompaniment of Liara T’Soni who saved Shepard from the Shadow Broker at the end of the original Mass Effect.

Release date and pricing, as of now, is unknown. You can expect more updates on the incoming DLC in the near future.

Bioware also promised fans to expect a lot more Mass Effect 2 DLC in the future. Hopefully this new content will prep fans for a highly awaited Mass Effect 3.

Mass Effect 2 Lair of the Shadow Broker DLC Announced

Mass Effect 2 Lair of the Shadow Broker DLC Announced

Posted in Gaming News, Microsoft News, PC News0 Comments

EA Games Announces Shank Release Date

Shank blends classic side-scrolling action gameplay and unique stylized 2D art direction with a revenge story penned by award-winning game writer Marianne Krawczyk. The game was recently nominated for multiple “Best of E3” awards. Shank will be available for download on the Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Store on August 24th (PSN) and 25th (XBLM)

We committed ourselves completely during the development of Shank and it’s been extremely gratifying to see the support we’ve received from the gaming community and press,” said Jamie Cheng, CEO of Klei Entertainment.

“Watching people play and seeing them smile; it’s fantastic to see them latch onto the things we love most about Shank — the art, the story and of course the gameplay.”

Shank tells a classic story of gangland betrayal through a mature, pulp-fiction lens. Gamers will play as Shank, getting their hands bloody as they uncover the secrets behind Shank’s past and the reasons he is hell-bent on revenge. With a deep and intuitive combat system, players unleash a tremendous number of creative combinations as they take down the waves of enemies standing in their path. Shank also features a special co-operative mission, designed to be played with a friend locally, which tells the backstory to frame the revenge plot. This prequel mission allows players to play as Shank or his partner-in-crime Falcone, with deadly double-team moves and gameplay that encourages teamwork.

See more Game Videos at EA.com.

Posted in Conventions, E3 2010, Gaming News, Microsoft News, Sony News0 Comments

Xbox Live Marketplace Update

AVATAR MARKETPLACE

Dense Jungle…unforgiving desert…even the vacuum of space. Avatar Marketplace has something for every climate. Celebrate the launch of “Monkey Island™ 2 Special Edition: LeChuck’s Revenge™” (Lucas Arts) on July 7 with new apparel and set out for a trek through the desert with clothing and props from “Prince of Persia The Forgotten Sands™” (Ubisoft) on July 8. One week later, choose from a selection of “Deadliest Warrior The Game™” (SPIKE GAMES) gear from history’s greatest fighters, releasing July 14. On July 15, turn your Avatar into a Spartan warrior with duds from what promises to be the biggest game of 2010, “Halo®: Reach” (Microsoft Game Studios).

XBOX LIVE ARCADE

Whether you’re a deadly warrior, a manic monkey, or searching for an elusive artifact to save the world, Xbox LIVE Arcade has the best selection of downloadable games to keep you playing all summer long. Be on the lookout for new “Game Room” (Microsoft) titles, including “Utopia” (Intellivision) and “Major Havoc” (Atari). For full game release updates, check out the “Game Room” Facebook andTwitter pages.

Blacklight: Tango Down (Ignition Entertainment)

July 7 | 1200 Microsoft Points

In “Blacklight: Tango Down,” experience the bleeding edge of advanced warfare. Participate in the “NetWar”: a hyper-realistic battlefield letting you fight tomorrow’s conflicts with or against your friends in the gritty Blacklight universe. Customize your character and weaponry from among thousands of combinations to become the ultimate soldier. The battle begins July 7 on Xbox LIVE Arcade! “Blacklight: Tango Down” is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.

Monkey Island 2 Special Edition: LeChuck’s Revenge (LucasArts)

July 7 | 800 Microsoft Points

We told you about it last week, and now it’s all here! More Pirates! More Adventure! More Monkeys! Relive the second hilarious swashbuckling misadventure of the wannabe pirate Guybrush Threepwood as he searches for the lost treasure of Big Whoop, attempts to win back the beautiful Elaine Marley and takes on the now evil zombie pirate, LeChuck! “Monkey Island 2 Special Edition: LeChuck’s Revenge” is rated E10 for Everyone 10+ by the ESRB and available worldwide.

Deadliest Warrior The Game (SPIKE GAMES)

July 14 | 800 Microsoft Points

“Deadliest Warrior The Game” allows you to choose from history’s greatest warriors, equip them with signature weaponry, and go head to head against the greatest fighters that ever lived. “Deadliest Warrior” features five play modes, customizable warriors, and true-to-life action with interactive environments. This is a unique fighting game that is easy to play, hard to master, and filled with the brutal action of the hit SPIKE TV series. “Deadliest Warrior The Game” is rated M for Mature by the ESRB and available worldwide (except Germany, Korea, Japan).

DeathSpank™ (Electronic Arts)

July 14 | 1200 Microsoft Points

For uncounted years the wanderer, DeathSpank, has been a Dispenser of Justice, a Vanquisher of Evil, and a Hero to the Downtrodden. Throughout his adventures, DeathSpank has searched for a powerful artifact called…The Artifact. Forged by unknown hands for unknown purposes some unknown time in the past, The Artifact is now within DeathSpank’s reach, but what is The Artifact and what evil tyrant seeks to steal it? “DeathSpank” is rated T for Teen by the ESRB and available worldwide (except Japan and Korea).

ACTION ARCADE DEAL OF THE WEEK

This week, get your favorite action arcade games up to 50 percent off with the Action Arcade Deal of the Week. Download and play some of the fastest, fiercest and funniest titles including:

Mega Man™ 10 (Capcom)

Week of July 5 | 400 Microsoft Points

The original 2-D classic, “Mega Man.” returns in the all new “Mega Man 10!” “Mega Man 10” continues to bring the series back to its old-school roots, with retro platforming action and classic 8-bit graphics and sound. Rediscover Mega Man with new, classically-inspired boss characters, each with unique weapons and vulnerabilities. The year is 20XX and Roboenza – the Robot Flu – has spread like wildfire, incapacitating robots everywhere. One month after the outbreak, the situation worsens. Infected robots have gone out of control and have destroyed the city! It’s up to Mega Man to get to the bottom of this viral mystery. “Mega Man 10” is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and available worldwide.

After Burner Climax™ (SEGA)

Week of July 5 | 400 Microsoft Points

The classic arcade game, “After Burner,” returns for a new generation of gamers. “After Burner Climax” is fast and frantic action, putting you in the cockpit of the world’s fastest fighter planes. Dodge planes, rockets, and bullets while trying to target multiple on-screen enemy aircraft. Built for all skill levels, everyone can take to the air and blaze through a branching storyline over 20 stages. Unlock Achievements along the way to win an exclusive Avatar award using your experience and expertise. “After Burner Climax” is rated E10 for Everyone 10+ and is available worldwide.

Death By Cube™ (Square Enix)

Week of July 5 | 400 Microsoft Points

“Death By Cube” is an exhilarating action game in which you must take out endless hordes of enemies. Leo is a robot, one who awakes to find that he has lost his memory. All he knows is that he must reboot the heroine robot, so he sets forth on a mission hoping to regain his memory. To his surprise, he finds the world is now filled with battalions of enemy robots, drenched in bright red oil, and shooting bullets every direction. “Death By Cube” is rated T for Teen and available worldwide.

Scrap Metal™ (Xbox LIVE Arcade)

Week of July 5 | 800 Microsoft Points

Drift around corners with guns blazing and take out legendary competitors in the fast-paced, top-down racing game, “Scrap Metal™.” Fight your way through explosive, action-packed missions and defeat cunning bosses to add their vehicles to your garage. Customize your newly-acquired cars and then return to the track to blast through more enemies. Jump online with Xbox LIVE ® to race against your friends and crush their cars with the wheels of your monster truck in pulse-pounding online multiplayer matches. “Scrap Metal™” is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and available worldwide.

SPECIAL SOUTH PARK DEAL OF THE WEEK

The following week, we’re giving you more reasons to figure out who killed Kenny by checking out the South Park game and music track from Rock Band. Help protect the mountain town of South Park and download “South Park LET’S GO TOWER DEFENSE PLAY! (Microsoft Game Studios), and rock out with your bad self in a special South Park track from “Rock Band” (MTV Games). Also, if you’re in the US and an Xbox LIVE member, check out 50 percent discounts on South Park Video content July 12 – July 18. Tune in to the wise words of South Park Elementary’s youngest philosopher in “South Park: The Cult of Cartman” or choose to throw back with Matt and Trey’s favorite episodes from 2001-2005 in “South Park – The Hits, Vol. 1 – Matt and Trey’s Top Ten.”

South Park LET’S GO TOWER DEFENSE PLAY! (Microsoft Game Studios)

Week of July 12 | 800 Microsoft Points

Play as Stan, Kyle, Kenny, Cartman or any number of your favorite South Park characters in “South Park LET’S GO TOWER DEFENSE PLAY!” It’s the fast-paced action/strategy game, where you play to save the town of South Park. The game combines snowball-throwing action with tower defense strategy, and is designed for players of all skill levels. Unlock special content and new characters throughout the game for your in-game scrapbook. Play locally with up to four players or team up on Xbox LIVE in the story-based campaign or the extra-demanding Challenge levels. “South Park LET’S GO TOWER DEFENSE PLAY!” is rated M for Mature by the ESRB and available worldwide (except Korea).

Rock Band® Eric Cartman’s “Lady Gaga’s ‘Poker Face’ (South Park Edition)” Game Add-On (MTV Games)

Week of July 12 | 160 Microsoft Points

“Rock Band” offers something for everyone, and you’ll go gaga over Eric Cartman’s “Lady Gaga’s ‘Poker Face’ (South Park Version)”: you wanna hold ‘em like they do in Texas plays? The stage is ready, but just don’t let him see your p-p-poker face. “Rock Band®” is rated T for Teen by the ESRB and is available worldwide (except Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea and Taiwan). U.S. will have only video content.

GAME ADD-ONS

Whether you’re on the market for a new car in “Forza Motorsport 3” (Microsoft Game Studios) or looking to amp up your time on the field in “NCAA® Football” (Electronic Arts), Xbox LIVE Game Add-ons deliver new rides, songs and game modes that make blockbusters from every genre that much better.

Dragon Age: Origins: Leliana’s Song Game Add-On (Electronic Arts)

July 6 | 560 Microsoft Points

Assume the role of Leliana, a young bard involved in a criminal ring that deals in political secrets. Accompanying her mentor Marjolaine on a high-risk mission, Leliana soon finds herself entangled in a game of intrigue that she cannot escape with just her beauty, charm, or stealth. The only way out of this game is to kill or be killed. “Dragon Age: Origins” is rated M for Mature and available worldwide (except Japan).

Worms™ 2: Armageddon Battle Pack Game Add-On (Team17 Software Ltd)

July 7 | 400 Microsoft Points

Incoming! Say hello to the “Worms 2 Armageddon Battle Pack.” This Game Add-on package adds to “Worms 2 Armageddon” with the addition of six new weapons, thirty new single-player missions, and all-new game mode called “Survivor,” ten new Forts, new speechbanks, Player Titles, leaderboards, additional Achievements and much, much more! It’s a package high on content and explosive goodness, a must for all “Worms” fans out there. “Worms 2 Armageddon” is rated E10 for everyone 10+ and is available worldwide.

Forza Motorsport® 3 Game Add-on (Microsoft Game Studios)

July 13 | 400 Microsoft Points

Nab ten new cars and with the “World Class Car Pack” for Forza Motorsport® 3. “Forza Motorsport® 3” is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and available worldwide.

NCAA® Football 11 Game Add-ons (Electronic Arts)

July 13 | Price Varies

With multiple Game Add-on packs, including the “Power Pack,” “NCAA Football 11” delivers unique game play and traditions for each of the 120 schools through the “TruSchool” system, which blends offensive styles, coaching tendencies, areas of talent, stadiums and traditions to bring the pageantry and rivalry of college football to life like never before. “NCAA Football 11” is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and available in the U.S. only.

Rock Band®: Credence Clearwater Revival (MTV Games)

July 6 | 1600 Microsoft Points

A bad moon is rising over “Rock Band.” Croon your favorite CCR hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s with this new Add-on. “Rock Band®” is rated T for Teen by the ESRB and is available worldwide (except Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea and The Republic of Taiwan).

Rock Band®: The Vines (MTV Games)

July 13 | 680 Microsoft Points

The Aussies invade “Rock Band” when hits from The Vines drop on July 13. Their musical style has been called a hybrid of ’60s rock and ’90s alternative, but we prefer to simply call it “Aussome.” 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4! “Rock Band®” is rated T for Teen by the ESRB and is available worldwide (except Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea and The Republic of Taiwan).

GAMES ON DEMAND

Fight for a title, compete for homecourt advantage, or wage a war for survival itself in Games on Demand this July! Delivering the titles you want 24×7, straight to your Xbox 360, this month’s offerings will all be a fight to the finish.

Fight Night Round 4 (Electronic Arts)

July 6 | Releasing worldwide (except Japan and Korea)

Building off its critically-acclaimed predecessor, “Fight Night Round 4” delivers an all new physics-based gameplay engine, differentiated boxer styles and the fastest and most true to life representation of the “Sweet Science.” Add to that the most impressive boxer roster ever, including the return of the legendary Iron Mike Tyson, and “Fight Night Round 4” takes video game boxing to an entirely new level. In “Fight Night Round 4,” you are only one clean punch away from victory, or from getting put on the canvas. “Fight Night Round 4” is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.

Frontlines™: Fuel of War™ (THQ Inc.)

July 6 | Releasing worldwide (except Japan)

“Frontlines: Fuel of War” brings players into the world’s next Great War. As society succumbs to a worldwide energy crisis, a new global depression takes hold. Amidst this desperate backdrop, two superpower alliances emerge. Join the battle on the frontlines of tomorrow as the Western Coalition or the Red Star Alliance. “Frontlines: Fuel of War” is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.

NBA STREET Homecourt (Electronic Arts)

July 13 | Releasing worldwide (except Asia)

Take to the streets, defend your homecourt, and showcase every wicked move in your arsenal on your way to becoming a legend in “NBA STREET Homecourt.” With new Gamebreaker Battles and the revolutionary Trick Remixer, your legendary status awaits you in the next evolution of the “NBA”

[source]

Posted in Microsoft News4 Comments

Kinect to Only Feature Two Player Support.

According to UK internet retailer, Play.com, Microsoft’s Xbox 360: Kinect will only support two players per game with 6 active users. From what we read, we can assume “2 active players” means two player gameplay. The “6  people” most likely relates to ability to read Live Avatars.

We’re not sure about you, but the way Microsoft marketed the device was to make it seem like it was a device for not only a single player experience, but a multiplayer party experience as well. I’m sure that when we get the impression “Party Experience” we assume four-player action. I feel this is going to ruin Kinects credibility if this isn’t a typo.

According to Play.com, there are the product specifications:

Sensor
Colour and depth-sensing lenses
Voice microphone array
Tilt motor for sensor adjustment
Fully compatible with existing Xbox 360 consoles

Field of View
Horizontal field of view: 57 degrees
Vertical field of view: 43 degrees
Physical tilt range: ± 27 degrees
Depth sensor range: 1.2m – 3.5m

Data Streams
320×240 16-bit depth @ 30 frames/sec
640×480 32-bit colour@ 30 frames/sec
16-bit audio @ 16 kHz

Skeletal Tracking System
Tracks up to 6 people, including 2 active players
Tracks 20 joints per active player
Ability to map active players to LIVE Avatars

Audio System
LIVE party chat and in-game voice chat (requires Xbox LIVE Gold Membership)
Echo cancellation system enhances voice input
Speech recognition in multiple
This information is based on specifications supplied by manufacturers and should be used for guidance only.

Your Ad Here

Posted in Conventions, E3 2010, Feature Articles, Gaming News, Microsoft News1 Comment

Hulu is coming to PlayStation 3

Today, Hulu has officially announced “Hulu Plus“, a new premium service that will allow a select few of Hulu members to access Hulu on their PlayStation 3, iPhone, iPad, iTouch and select Bluray Players. The premium service will go for around $10 and will grant users HD access to full season shows from Fox, ABC and NBC. Shows like Glee, The Office, 30 Rock, House M.D., Modern Family, Family Guy, and Grey’s Anatomy,

Hulu will feature content from hundreds of show providers ranging from Modern to “Classic” shows. Expect more from this list in the recent months to come. The Premium HD services will stream full shows in 720p (HD), if available.

If you don’t get an invite, or don’t wish to subscribe to Hulu Plus, a free version will still be available to download and use with limited access to shows and compatible devices.

Expect Hulu to also branch out into other devices like Sony TVs, VIZIO TVs, and even Xbox 360 support, which will launch early 2011.

Keep in mind that the premium service will permit only a select amount of people to access the new content. If you wish to request for an invite, you may do so here. Hulu says the update will be launching in the upcoming months.

Shows featured on Hulu Plus

  • 24
  • American Dad!
  • Bones
  • Brothers & Sisters
  • Castle
  • Cougar Town
  • Dancing With The Stars
  • Desperate Housewives
  • Dollhouse
  • Find My Family
  • FlashForward
  • Friday Night Lights
  • Happy Town
  • Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution
  • Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
  • Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
  • Lie To Me
  • Losing It With Jillian
  • Lost
  • Mercy
  • Minute to Win It
  • Parenthood
  • Parks and Recreation
  • Private Practice
  • Saturday Night Live
  • Shark Tank
  • Supernanny
  • The Biggest Loser
  • The Cleveland Show
  • The Good Guys
  • The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
  • The Wanda Sykes Show
  • Trauma

Posted in Blu-Ray News, Feature Articles, Gaming News, Media, Microsoft Media, Microsoft News, Sony Media, Sony News, iPhone/iTouch News0 Comments

Gallery

img_2303.jpg cut_01.jpg blob_announce_012.jpg 2.jpg

Video Game Releases

CLICK HERE TO SEE ENTIRE LIST


August 1st
-Alter Ego (PC)

August 3rd
-Superstars V8 Racing (PC, X360, PS3)
-Monster Rancher DS (NDS)
-Disney Sing it: Family Hits (PS3, Wii)
-Dora’s Big Birthday Adventure (NDS)

August 4th
-Castlevania: Harmony of Despair

August 5th
-Privates (PC)

August 7th
-A Take In the Desert 5 (PC)

August 9th
-Enjoy Your Massage! (Wii) “LOLWTF?”

August 10th
-Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (PS3)
-Madden NFL 11 (PSP, X360, PS3, Wii, PS2)
-Galactic Taz Ball (NDS

August 11th
-Monday Night Combat (X360)

August 12th
-Burn Zombie Burn (PC)

August 13th
-Academagia: The Making of Mages (PC)
-Victoria 2 (PC)

August 15th
-Xsyon (PC)
-Battle vs. Chest (PC)

August 17th
-Harvest Moon: Grand Bazaar (NDS)
-Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days (PC, PS3, X360)
-City of Heroes: Going Rogue (PC)
-Ys Seven (PSP)
-Everquest 2: Extended
-Top Gun (PS3)
-Gold’s Gym Dance Workout (Wii)

August 18th
-Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light (X360)

August 21th
-Star Ruler (PC)

August 24th
-Crazy Pig (NDS)
-Elemental: War of Magic (PC)
-Mafia 2 (PC, PS3, X360,)
-NHL 2K11 (Wii)
-Grease: The Official Video Game (Wii, NDS)
-Ivy the Kiwi? (Wii, NDS)
-Gunblade NY & LA Machineguns Arcade Hits Pack (wii)
-Martian Panic (Wii)
-Shank (PS3, X360)

August 25th
-Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game (X360)

August 26th
-Worms Reloaded (PC)

August 27th
-Ship Simulator Extremes (PC)

August 30th
-TNT Racers (X360, PS3, Wii)
-Ghost Pirates of Vooju Island

August 27th
-Horrid Henry (NDS, Wii, PC)
-Cthulhu Saves the World (X360)
-Guilty party (Wii)
-Metroid Other M (Wii)
-Hydrophobia (X360)
-KORE (Wii)
-Super Meat Boy (PC)
-Ace Combat: Joint Assault (PSP)
-Valkyria Chronicles 2 (PSP)

Gaming Console Network Users Log-In

[Register with GCN]