Tuesday, November 25

Playstation Store Gobble Gobble Early Update

Those great guys at Sony have shoved out the weekly PS Store update two full days early this week in anticipation for the most gluttonous holiday known to the modern American; Thanksgiving.

Some of the highlights from today's early update includes the "Fall Sale" where you can pick up your very own Echochrome, The Last Guy, Novastrike, PixelJunk Eden, or Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 for the low, low price of 4.99. That's 50% less than retail price, or half off for those of you who aren't very good with percentages.

You can read the whole list of updates complimentary of Destructoid after the break.

Price Promotion

The Last Guy, PixelJunk Eden, echochrome (PS3), Novastrike, and Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 are temporarily priced at $4.99. Promotion ends 12/4/08.
Downloadable Games

Brain Challenge ($9.99)
Boost your brain and relieve stress through 25 Visual, Memory, Logic, Math, and Focus mini-games. Choose your favorite coach and get detailed evaluations of your performances in personal training sessions. Compare yourself with other players online and/or offline in 3 delirious multiplayer modes. Thanks to the special Kid Test and Senior Test modes, gather all your friends and family around the game.
ESRB Rated E
File size 220 MB

Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix ($14.99)
The original MMA series is back! SFHD Remix receives a whole new look while improving on the innovative fighting system of the original game. Updated with 1080p HD redrawn art and online support, the game offers a unique experience that appeals to new fans and Street Fighter purists alike.
ESRB Rated T
File size 303 MB
Add-on Game Content

LittleBigPlanet Turkey Head Costume (free)
A seasonal exclusive costume for SackBoy!
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet Chimera SackBoy Costume ($1.99)
A premium costume for SackBoy! From Resistance 2.
File size: 1.04 MB

Guitar Hero World Tour
For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com

* “Human” by The Killers ($1.99)
* “Losing Touch” by The Killers ($1.99)
* “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers ($1.99)
* The Killers Track Pack ($5.49) - Downloadable Track Pack for Guitar Hero World Tour featuring “Human”, “Losing Touch”, and “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as a part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading.

File sizes: 29 MB - 43 MB (singles), 121 MB (track pack)

Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore 2
Expand your Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore 2 library by purchasing these tracks.

* Unfaithful ($1.49)
* Are You Happy Now? ($1.49)
* Heartbreaker ($1.49)
* All My Life ($1.49)

File sizes: 15 MB - 59 MB

Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

* “Mr. Brightside” - The Killers ($1.99)
* “Smile Like You Mean It” - The Killers ($1.99)
* “Spaceman” - The Killers ($1.99)
* The Killers Pack 01 ($5.49) - this track pack includes all of the above The Killers singles.
* “Caprici Di Diablo” - Yngwie Malmsteen ($1.99)
* “Damnation Game” - Yngwie Malmsteen ($1.99)
* “Red Devil” - Yngwie Malmsteen ($1.99)
* Yngwie Malmsteen Pack 01 ($5.49) - this track pack includes all of the above Yngwie Malmsteen singles.
* “Pretty Noose” - Soundgarden ($1.99)
* “Jesus Christ Pose” - Soundgarden ($1.99)
* “Laid to Rest” - Lamb of God ($1.99)

File sizes: 22 MB - 45 MB (singles), 103 MB - 121 MB (track packs)
Game Demos (free)

Dead Space Dismemberment Demo
Download the Dead Space Dismemberment Demo to get a taste of the most intense game experience of the year! As Engineer Isaac Clarke, strategically dismember the Necromorph hordes as you carve a bloody path to survival.File size: 506 MB
Game Videos (free)

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe Fighting Mechanics Trailer
File size: 190 MB (HD)

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe Story Mode Preview Trailer
File size: 102 MB (HD)

NBA 2K9 Iguodala Trailer
File size: 25 MB (HD)

NBA 2K9 J In Your Face Trailer
File size: 25 MB (HD)

Prince of Persia - Art Video
File size: 69 MB (HD)

Prince of Persia - Dev Diary 1
File size: 119 MB (HD)

Dew Tour: Orlando - Orlando BMX Highlights
File sizes: 95 MB (HD)

Dew Tour: Orlando - Orlando Skate Thrills
File sizes: 94 MB (HD)

Dew Tour: Orlando - Orlando FMX Recap
File sizes: 91 MB (HD)
Movie and Blu-ray Disc Trailers (free)

Punisher: War Zone
File size: 69 MB (HD)

Lost: The Complete Fourth Season
File size: 105 MB (1080)
PS3 Wallpaper (free)

Prince of Persia Wallpaper (x3)
File sizes: 303 KB - 1.75 MB

Super Street Fighter II HD Turbo Remix Wallpaper
File sizes: 275 KB - 1.25 MB
Game Music (free)

Super Street Fighter II HD Turbo Remix tracks (x5)
File sizes: 3.85 MB - 6.80 MB
PlayStation Store for PSP
Downloadable Games

* PBR Out of the Chute ($14.99) (also downloadable via PS3)
Game Videos (free)

* Everyday Shooter Trailer


-Undrallio



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Sunday, September 28

Awesome Things In Gaming #3: Destructable Environments

You're running down a mountain cliff road when suddenly you're faced with what seems like an unbeatable blockade of enemy soldiers, then you notice the explosive barrel on the ledge above them, you carefully aim your semi-automatic 9mm Uzi and open fire.

The barrel lights up like a Christmas tree and cracks the precarious ledge, sending it crashing down to your foes leaving them smashed or tumbling down the mountain side with no hope for survival. You climb over the debris and continue along your journey showing no emotion like the bad ass you are. Awesome.




-Undrallio



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Saturday, September 27

PSN Cards to go on Sale at Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and Best Buy

Even more good news for credit-cardless PS3 owners, PSN cards will be available for purchase at Wal-mart, Best Buy and Sam's Club starting October. The cards will come in $50 and $20 demonetization. Kinda weird that these cards have yet to make their way to Gamestop/EBgames.



-Ryizzel




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Thursday, September 25

EA Announces Fall Roster For Mobile Sports Games

In one of EA's latest press releases they announced that they'll be bringing some of sports gamer's favorite EA Sports titles to the mobile phone universe, so you can get some serious yardage on the go.

Of the titles they announced coming are Madden NFL '09, NCAA Football '09, and NASCAR '09.

With these titles comes this statement from Adam Sussman:

"EA's sports titles are some of our most popular games across all platforms, including mobile," said Adam Sussman, VP Publishing for EA Mobile. "Players will notice the great detail we've put into the games to make them as authentic as possible, including the use of motion capture technology for realistic movements and up-to-the-minute commentary by well-known sportscasters."


Of course we all know that the "great detail" will be nothing but smudged up bit-by-bit characters and a football-esque ball. As for the NASCAR game, don't be expecting to see rubber trailing behind your car as you shred past the competition.

Full press release after the break.

Players are Bound for the Super Bowl, a BCS Bowl Game or the

Sprint Cup Series With the Latest EA SPORTS Mobile Games

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 25, 2008--The EA Mobile(TM) division of Electronic Arts Inc (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced the availability of three EA SPORTS(TM) titles for mobile phones - Madden NFL 09, NCAA Football 09 and EA SPORTS(TM) NASCAR 09. This fall's lineup includes new versions of popular EA SPORTS games that are sure to amp up sports fans' competitive spirit.

"EA's sports titles are some of our most popular games across all platforms, including mobile," said Adam Sussman, VP Publishing for EA Mobile. "Players will notice the great detail we've put into the games to make them as authentic as possible, including the use of motion capture technology for realistic movements and up-to-the-minute commentary by well-known sportscasters."

Madden NFL 09

EA Mobile announces the newest game in the popular Madden NFL franchise, Madden NFL 09 with former New York Giant Michael Strahan as the mobile cover athlete. With full rosters for all 32 NFL teams, players line up their favorite NFL athletes and use the Front Office to trade and substitute as the game progresses. Madden NFL players choose from a pool of over 100 plays in the Madden playbook to outsmart the competition and win the game. New to Madden NFL 09 is the innovative Instant Impact Play function that gives players unprecedented pause n' play control. Now players can take advantage of more big play opportunities using one button touch command. Also, a Field Vision Passing function puts players in the pocket to read the defense and fire a game winner. Two different modes - Play Now or Season - and the option to kick off a seven or sixteen game season, or just a single game, provides tailored gameplay for every mood and desire. All the action is called by legendary sportscasters John Madden and Al Michaels. Whether it's bull rushing to sack the quarterback, or spinning, hurdling and stiff arming to make the touchdown, gamers experience the real thrill of NFL football competition with Madden NFL 09.

NCAA Football 09

Players experience NCAA football with EA Mobile's college football game on mobile phones. Play as one of the 32 top NCAA teams in either a seven or 12 game season to win a bid to one of the five BCS Bowls. NCAA Football 09 matches the biggest college rivalries, including Michigan vs. Ohio State, UCLA vs. USC, Alabama vs. Auburn, and more. With real NCAA rules, team-specific offensive and defensive playbooks, fight songs from all 32 teams and colorful commentary from sportscasters Brad Nessler, Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso, NCAA Football 09 provides a genuine gaming experience for BCS football fans across the country.

EA SPORTS NASCAR 09

EA SPORTS NASCAR 09 lets gamers experience the race track as one of 19 top NASCAR drivers, including Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon. Racing against real NASCAR opponents on up to 12 authentic tracks across the country, players draft, block and accelerate their way to the checkered flag. Players can choose to race in their favorite NASCAR event or compete in the entire 26-event NASCAR season. And as the competition gets more intense, players show off pit strategy with repairs, tire changes and fuel ups. A high RPM earns players valuable points to qualify for the Chase and win the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Exciting 3D graphics, realistic effects and dynamic perspectives put mobile gamers in the driver's seat with EA SPORTS NASCAR 09.

Madden NFL 09, NCAA Football 09 and EA SPORTS NASCAR 09 are currently available for purchase in North America. For more information on carrier availability and pricing, please visit www.eamobile.com.

About EA Mobile

EA Mobile(TM), a division of EA's Casual Entertainment Label, is the world's leading wireless entertainment publisher with award-winning games such as Tetris(R), Bejeweled(R), The Sims(TM), and Need For Speed(TM). The EA Mobile portfolio also includes casual games based on the company's partnership with Hasbro, Inc. including MONOPOLY, YAHTZEE and SCRABBLE (in the U.S. and Canada) as well as sports blockbusters from the EA SPORTS(TM) brand, including Madden NFL Football, FIFA Soccer and NASCAR(R). EA Mobile develops games for multiple mobile platforms including mobile phones, smartphones, the iPhone(TM) and iPod(R). For more information about EA Mobile, please visit www.eamobile.com.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, cellular handsets and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS(TM), EA(TM), EA SPORTS Freestyle(TM) and POGO(TM). In fiscal 2008, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.67 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS Freestyle, POGO, EA Mobile, The Sims and Need for Speed are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Madden, NFL, FIFA, NCAA, NASCAR Tetris, Bejeweled, MONOPOLY, YAHTZEE and SCRABBLE are trademarks of their respective owners and used with permission. iPhone and iPod are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.


-Undrallio



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Tuesday, September 23

Fable II Has Gone Gold

Hey guys, Lionhead updated their blog Sunday announcing that Fable II has gone gold, meaning the game will be coming out on October 21st in the U.S. and 24th in the U.K.


[Source]



-Ryizzel



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Monday, September 22

Whoomp! There It Is! (We Cheer)


Gimme a "W"! Gimme an "E"! Gimme a "Cheer"! What does that spell?! A lazy way to cheer out We Cheer! Another new musical-based game for the Nintendo Wii that will have you waggling your Wiimote and Nunchuck around like you're back in high school at a pep rally.

We Cheer will be coming from Namco Bandai and, according to them is "Packed with 30 high-energy master tracks spanning four decades of music from chart-topping artists such as Hilary Duff, Natasha Bedingfield, Paramore and Moby."

Look for the game on September 30th, and do a double back flip over the break to see the whole song list, as released by Namco Bandai.

• "Walking On Sunshine" - Aly & AJ
• "It Takes Two" - Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock
• "If You're Gonna Jump (Paul Oakenfold Remix)" - Natasha Bedingfield
• "Push It To The Limit" - Corbin Bleu
• "I Want Candy" - Bow Wow Wow
• "On Top Of The World" - Boys Like Girls
• "The Great Escape" - Boys Like Girls
• "Godspeed" - BT
• "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)" - C+C Music Factory
• "Eye Of The Tiger (Sunset Crew Radio Mix)" - Crew 7
• "Come Clean" - Hilary Duff
• "Unbelievable" - EMF
• "Calabria 2008" - Enur feat. Natasja
• "Star" - Erasure
• "Perfect Day" - Hoku
• "That's The Way (I Like It)" - KC & The Sunshine Band
• "I Say Hey" - Kinky
• "Footloose" - Kenny Loggins
• "Bodyrock" - Moby
• "Born for This" - Paramore
• "Our Time Now" - Plain White T's
• "C'mon N' Ride It (The Train)" - Quad City DJ's
• "I'd Do Anything" - Simple Plan
• "Jump" - Simple Plan
• "Stamp Your Feet" - Donna Summer
• "Whoomp! (There It Is)" - Tag Team
• "In This Diary" - The Ataris
• "Groovy Train" - The Farm
• "The Power Is On" - The Go! Team
• "Huddle Formation" - The Go! Team



-Undrallio



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Sunday, September 21

Awesome Things in Gaming #2: Competition

Usually when you imagine competition in video games, you picture a bunch of autistic 12 year old kids playing Halo on Xbox Live screeching profanity into their headsets whenever you beat them in a match. Contrary to what you may think however, competition in video games is a beautiful (and demanding) thing.

Since the early days of Pong, competition has always been a huge part of gaming culture. In the 80's teens would flock to arcades and empty thousands of quarters into the machines, desperately trying to knock the all powerful "ASS" off the top of the Pac-Man leaderboards.

Even with the death of the arcades, gamers still compete with each other in numerous ways. Whether it be through fragging each other online, or gathering at home to knock each other out in Wii Boxing, competition in video games always manages to bring us all together to have fun.

Now if you folks will excuse me, I've got some noobs on MGO to frag.




-Ryizzel




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Thursday, September 18

Rumor: Comic Book Movie Producer Buys Rights to Mass Effect Movie

Hey, y'know Avi Arad, the guy who produced all those awesome movies based on comic books? Well it seems there is a rumor going claiming he has acquired the movie rights to Bioware's Space opera, Mass Effect.

If this rumor proves to be true Arad, (whose company is also working on the upcoming Lost planet movie) will have to find a director, screenwriter and some stars for the movie.

...They should totally make Shia Labeouf play as Commander Shepard.











-Ryizzel




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Prince of Persia Gets A Release Date

It seems like now's the time to talk about release dates and Ubisoft joined in on the fun, announcing Prince of Persia's day of retail for December 5th, just in time for the Holidays.

The game will be released on the PC, PS3, and Xbox 360. While a DS title, Prince of Persia: The Fallen King will be coming on the same day.


-Undrallio



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Life With Playstation, Global Release Today



Turn on your PS3s and tune in, that is click on Folding@Home on the XMB and your Playstation will be updated to a new member of Life With Playstation. The newest thing from Sony that allows a more connected feel with Playstation users and the world as well.

Life With Playstation will let you view the weather, cloud coverage, news articles, street view of over 60 cities, and Sony claims they're going to be adding to the list of features as well.

The final upgrade will be a ranking system for Folding@Home so you can now compete with people for helping out on the research. Those who've contributed the most time/power will be higher ranked.


-Undrallio



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Wednesday, September 17

Mirror's Edge Leaps Onto Store Shelves November 11th

Mirror's Edge, DICE's new anticipated and heavily talked about first-person parkour game has just recieved a final, offical release date. The game will be available at retail stores on November 11th for the PS3 and Xbox 360, while the PC users will have to wait until this "winter".

DICE also said that they'll be giving gamers a little taste for the game with a downloadable demo for PS3/360 in the near future, and a special treat for people who preorder with certain retailers in the form of a code that unlocks Time Trial mode for the demo.

While that perk sounds interesting, it's definitely not the best preorder gift that's been handed out, and once that game is in your hands it should feel pretty chincy. But what's a gamer gonna do?

RUN JUMP ROLL!


-Undrallio



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Tuesday, September 16

Peter Molyneux Claims Fable II Pub Games glitch was intentional

It's true what they say about how cheaters never prosper. Those of you who have amassed mountains of gold using an exploit found in Fable II Pub Games are in for a "surprise" when you come to claim your gold in October.

In a recent interview with IGN Peter Molyneux claims that the glitch was intentionally placed into the game and that there will be consequences for those who have abused the bug. Whether this means your character will start out with horns or will be regarded as a cheater by all the NPCs is a mystery. We'll just have to find out on October 21.

Source





-Ryizzel




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Monday, September 15

PSN Pre-paid Cards Now Available at a Blockbusters near you


North American credit cardless gamers rejoice! Sony has finally gotten it's damn act together and made Playstation Network cards available at any Blockbusters....starting yesterday!

The PSN pre-paid cards will act just like Wii Points or MS Points cards and come in $20 and $50 packages. Finally all of us without credit cards can purchase pixeljunk, or that latest rock band add-on.






-Ryizzel




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World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Release Date Announced


Today Blizzard has announced the global release date for the second expansion to the ever popular World of Warcraft. You should be able to pick up Wrath of the Lich King at most major retailers on November 13th, 2008.

"We're looking forward to launching Wrath of the Lich King and finally giving World of Warcraft players a chance to take on Arthas and his minions," said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. "Until then, we'll continue to refine and playtest the expansion content to make sure it provides a highly polished and entertaining experience."


Not only will you be able to finally own the expansion, but Blizzard has offered up a Collector's Edition for the hardcore WoW'ers. Besides containing the game itself, the Collector's Edition will have all of the following:

  • A 208-page art book titled The Art of World of Warfcraft: Wrath of the Lich King
  • An exclusive in-game pet, a baby frost wyrm
  • A Behind-The-Scenes DVD
  • The offical soundtrack CD with 21 songs from the game, including some bonus tracks
  • A mousepad made special with a map of the continent of Northrend
  • World of Warcraft Trading Card Game March of the Legion starter decks
  • Finally, two special edition trading cards that are only available with the Collector's Edition

    Now that's a good deal, why can't more game companies be like that?


    -Undrallio



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  • Sunday, September 14

    GTA IV PC specs up

    Games for windows has released the recommended system specs for GTA IV's upcoming port to the PC which will arrive in stores November 18th.

    The PC port will include an improved multiplayer, a replay editor and an enhanced graphics engine.

    Here are the specs:
    * OS: Windows XP SP2
    * Processor: Dual core processor (Intel Pentium D or better)
    * RAM: 2GB
    * Hard Drive: 18GB free hard disk space
    * Video Card: 512MB Direct3D 10 compatible video card or Direct3D 9 card compatible with Shader
    * Drive: DVD-ROM dual-layer drive



    -Ryizzel




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    Novastrike: Goes Down In Skill Level, Goes Up In Extras

    Tiki Games, the Playstation Network game Novastrike's publishers, announced that a major update for Novastrike is now available.

    The update lowers the difficulty of the game as well as adds Trophy support (16 of em in fact) and a few other goodies.

    “At the start of June we released NOVASTRIKE and quickly discovered a lot of customers found the difficulty settings to be too challenging,” said Kevin McCann, president and creative director of Tiki Games. “Subsequently, the update really focuses on making the difficulty modes more accessible while also still retaining challenging modes for players that are very experienced with shooters.”

    “Trophies became available while we working on the update so we included sixteen trophies for players to earn,” continued Kevin McCann. “We also included customizable controls, XMB music playlist support, and more. Supporting our customer-base is and always will be an extremely high priority for Tiki Games.”

    NOVASTRIKE Update highlights include:
    Reduced difficulty for RECRUIT, SOLDIER, and VETERAN modes. A new HARDCORE mode has also been introduced for shooter fans wanting a real challenge

    -16 trophies to unlock – twelve bronze, and four silver

    -Fully customizable controls

    -XMB music playlist support

    -Weapon info pane that details newly acquired weapons

    -Multiple saved game support



    -Undrallio



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    Come September 24th, The XLA Gets A Lot More Manly


    3D Realms has announced recently that Duke Nukem 3D will be visiting 360 owners on the Xbox Live Arcade on September 24th.

    For those whom don't know, Duke Nukem 3D was a very fun First Person Shooter back in the day that spawned a cult following all hoping (in vain most of the time) for Duke Nukem Forever.

    No price has been announced as of yet, but general speculation says it may be around 800 MS Points.


    -Undrallio



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    EA gives up on Take-Two acquisition

    After months of missed deadlines and private talks, EA has finally given up on trying to acquire Take-Two. Today EA issued a press release stating:

    "Electronic Arts... today announced that while EA continues to have a high regard for Take-Two's creative teams and products, after careful consideration, including a management presentation and review of other due diligence materials provided by Take-Two... EA has decided not to make a proposal to acquire Take-Two and has terminated discussions with Take-Two."


    Meanwhile, Take-Two has made a press release of it's own saying:
    We remain focused on creating value for our stockholders and our consumers. This has been our goal since EA launched its conditional and unsolicited bid six months ago, a bid which was repeatedly rejected by our stockholders. As part of that commitment, we remain actively engaged in discussions with other parties in the context of our formal process to consider strategic alternatives. We're especially proud of the success we've enjoyed over the past eighteen months and we remain confident in our ability to generate value for stockholders.



    Full press releases for both companies after the break.

    Electronic Arts Terminates Discussions with Take-Two

    REDWOOD CITY, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Electronic Arts Inc. (“EA”) (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced that while EA continues to have a high regard for Take-Two’s creative teams and products, after careful consideration, including a management presentation and review of other due diligence materials provided by Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. (“Take-Two”) (NASDAQ:TTWO), EA has decided not to make a proposal to acquire Take-Two and has terminated discussions with Take-Two.

    John Riccitiello, Chief Executive Officer of EA, said: “EA is tracking toward a record breaking year. We’re launching 15 new games including award-winners like SPORE, Dead Space and Mirror’s Edge, great new titles from the Sims, new family titles with Hasbro, and the highest quality slate of EA SPORTS titles on this generation of consoles. We’re also expanding beyond our core business with a series of direct-to-consumer launches including Warhammer Online.”

    About Electronic Arts

    Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company.

    Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, cellular handsets and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS(TM), EA(TM), EA SPORTS Freestyle(TM) and POGO(TM). In fiscal 2008, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.67 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

    Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Comments on EA Announcement

    NEW YORK—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) today responded to Electronic Arts Inc.’s (NASDAQ:ERTS) announcement that it does not intend to pursue an acquisition of Take-Two at this time.

    Strauss Zelnick, Chairman of the Board of Take-Two, commented, “We remain focused on creating value for our stockholders and our consumers. This has been our goal since EA launched its conditional and unsolicited bid six months ago, a bid which was repeatedly rejected by our stockholders. As part of that commitment, we remain actively engaged in discussions with other parties in the context of our formal process to consider strategic alternatives. We’re especially proud of the success we’ve enjoyed over the past eighteen months and we remain confident in our ability to generate value for stockholders.”

    “Take-Two’s business has continued to strengthen since the time EA first made its offer. We have delivered terrific products to our consumers and we’ve been rewarded with very strong financial performance. We have an exciting future ahead of us, powered by our profitability, a significant cash position, the absence of debt, an undrawn credit facility and a terrific lineup of games. We are confident in the unique value of our business given our strong position in what is a growing and dynamic industry,” said Ben Feder, Chief Executive Officer of Take-Two.

    About Take-Two Interactive Software

    Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Xbox 360® and Xbox® video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo GameCube™, Nintendo DS™ and Game Boy® Advance. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games, 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play, and distributes software, hardware and accessories in North America through its Jack of All Games subsidiary. Take-Two's common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com. All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

    All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.




    -Ryizzel




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    Awesome Things In Gaming, #1: Selection


    This is a brand spanking new concept for B&W, and I'm proud to announce it.

    In this section, Awesome Things In Gaming, once a week either ryizzel or I will try to do a post where we discuss an awesome thing in gaming. Whether it be a certain series, system, genre, occasion, or....you get the point right?

    Well let's get this show on the road! Hop over the break and we'll talk about the first Awesome Thing In Gaming .

    Choices, there aren't too many hobbies out there that offer up a plethora of options like gaming does. There are literally thousands of games spanning over hundreds of systems; there is something for everyone.

    You could load up a game on your Playstation 3, Xbox 360, or Wii and play the latest platformer, shooter, role-playing game, or any other genre you can think of.

    Or you could go down nostalgia road and throw in some old school carts. The Magnavox Odyssey for die-hards, Nintendo Entertainment System, even the Dreamcast is considered classic nowadays.

    For me, gaming is my truest passion. I've played and own hundreds of games over a bunch of different systems. There are games that I haven't enjoyed so much, but then there are ones that have completely defined a certain periods of my life.

    No matter what you're into there will be a game you can enjoy. Even crotchety old men and women (my mom and dad for instance) will find something to love. Game on people.


    -Undrallio



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    Saturday, September 13

    Apocalypse Strikes Fallout 3 Survival Edition Stock (Sold-Out)



    I was planning on buying the Survival Edition of Fallout 3 on the PS3 from Amazon.com (only place you can get it dontchaknow) but it seems that the old saying is true. I snoozed, and I losed. Er..lost...

    The whole stock of the Survival Edition has been snatched up by excited Playstation 3 owners, no doubt wanting the life-sized Pip-Boy 3000 replica, but the 360 and Games For Windows remain up for grabs.

    If you missed it, the Survival Edition includes:

    * Fallout 3 (yes, it has the game)
    * A life-size replica of the Pip-Boy 3000, the wrist-mounted device worn by characters in the game.
    * Vault Boy Bobblehead: Your very own Vault Boy collector’s item is direct from Vault-Tec.
    * The Art of Fallout 3: Features nearly 100 pages of never-before seen concept art and commentary from Bethesda Game Studios artists.
    * The Making of Fallout 3 DVD: An exclusive, inside look at Bethesda Game Studios and the team behind the game.
    * Vault-Tec Lunch Box: A fully customized metal lunch box.





    -Undrallio



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    Friday, September 12

    Anti-spore Blog is the work of a Troll

    This past week I've been hearing a lot about a blog called antispore that claims spore is teaching our children very, unchristian values. Now normally, I would have writen about this site the second I heard of it, but something seemed...very off about it.

    Heh, I'm glad I waited.

    Well, it turns out anti-spore is just the work of the most epic troll in internet history. Seriously, never have I seen that many people get trolled so easily.

    I guess this proves us gamers are a very touchy group of people after all.



    -Ryizzel




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    Thursday, September 11

    No More Exclusives from Capcom

    Further proving that the days of exclusive titles are numbered, Capcom has declared in its fiscal 2008 shareholder's report, "All major titles launched during the next fiscal year or thereafter will be developed as multi-platform games".

    But wait, there is more, Capcom will be using their, "internal MT Framework technology, "an integrated development environment built to provide common development tools for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC platforms."

    ....So wait...The wii doesn't count as a Next generation console now, seriously capcom?



    -Ryizzel




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    Kano Kicks The Flash, AKA MK Vs DC Line-Up


    The official Mortal Kombat Vs. DC Universe character line-up has been announced, bringing super villains and heroes against the bloodthirsty Mortal Kombat denizens.

    I'm a little disappointed that Goro didn't grace Mortal Kombat's ranks.

    FINISH HIM!! (Click through for the list)


    Mortal Kombat

    • Scorpion
    • Sub-Zero
    • Sonya
    • Jax
    • Shang Tsung
    • Liu Kang
    • Raiden
    • Kitana
    • Kano
    • Baraka
    • Shao Kahn


    DC Universe

    • Batman
    • Superman
    • Catwoman
    • Green Lantern
    • The Joker
    • Shazam
    • The Flash
    • Wonder Woman
    • Deathstroke
    • Lex Luthor
    • Darkseid


    Dibs on Lex and all cakes he might be stealing.



    -Undrallio



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    Wednesday, September 10

    Take A Listen: Star Ocean 4 Battle Music

    I'm pretty gosh darned excited about Star Ocean 4, even though us Americans wont be seeing the game grace our shores until Spring 2009, but that wont stop me from fantasizing of what can only be the best Star Ocean to date.

    To make this even better, a "video" was just put out on the internet (YouTube) that gives us a delicious taste at what we can expect from the battle music. I'll tell ya, it's pretty extreme. Good extreme, not the bad kind. I wouldn't be making a post about bad extreme.

    Anyways, enough rambling, check it out!





    -Undrallio



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    Resistance beta applications up

    Sup folks, Myresistance.net is now taking applications for the Resistance 2 Beta. Better hurry up before all the spots are filled.



    -Ryizzel




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    Rumor confirmed: Ensemble Studios Closing

    Following reports of Ensemble shutting down, Microsoft has confirmed that the studio will be closing.

    Microsoft released this statement about the closure, "This decision does not reflect at all on Ensemble's talent or the quality of Halo Wars -- in fact, many people who have had a chance to test drive Halo Wars agree that it is on track to being a fantastic game."

    Though the studio may be closing, Ensemble's "leadership team" will form a new development team and has agreed to support Halo Wars post launch and several other MGS titles.



    -Ryizzel




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    Tuesday, September 9

    Bethesda globally censors Fallout 3



    Following Australia's decision repeal the ban on Fallout 3, Bethesda has decided to edit all versions of the game to be identical.

    Changes made to the game include the removal of real-world drugs and "the reward and incentive" for in-game drug use has been reduced.






    -Ryizzel




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    Rumor: Ensemble Closing Shop After Halo Wars is Finished

    You guys soooo didn't hear this from me but, rumor is Ensemble studios is closing down after the completion of it's latest RTS, Halo Wars. Apparently anyone not on the development team for Halo Wars has been fired, with incentives being offered to anyone on the team to stay until the game's completion.



    -Ryizzel




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    New Sly Game Quite Possible


    Who loves Sly Cooper? Damned near everyone, and if you say you don't it's quite possible you're someone made of pure evil and yucky. The thieving raccoon is one of the more loved of the plethora of platformer games that came out on the PS2 and we miss him.

    Though, from the sounds of a discussion between Sucker Punch and videogamer.com at the Leipzig Games Convention a Sly game is very possible to be created at some point. That some point being once the PS3 gains more young players, the traditional target audience for such a cute little raccoon.

    "... we only make one game at a time, and we all really focus on it. Right now we're making Infamous," said Fox. "However, we all really love the Sly franchise and would love to get back to Sly."

    Fox noted that the current PS3 user base doesn't suit the Sly Cooper franchise. "Right now, in the lifecycle of the PlayStation 3 the people that own them are largely adults. As we get deeper into the lifecycle more kids will have access to them. It makes sense for us to do an adult game or a teen rated game earlier on," he explained.

    He concluded: "I can't imagine that I won't make another Sly game in my life. It's really fun."




    -Undrallio




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    The Gamer Bill of Rights


    A couple weeks ago (yes, I'm terribly late on this one) Brad Wardell, CEO of Stardock made headlines with what he called the Gamer's Bill of Rights. They are a list of 10 things that he feels PC gamers should be granted, regardless of publisher or developer.

    Not only that, but Brad says Stardock follows the BoR as well; believing it will help boost sales and the PC game industry itself.

    Which if I do say so myself, should definitely help pick it up if enough devs get into this. Surely PC gamers are sick of throwing tons of money into updated graphics cards, more RAM, bigger HDs and then go out and buy the newest FPS only to have it be a broken shell of what could have been an awesome game.

    "As an industry, we need to begin setting some basic, common sense standards that reward PC gamers for purchasing our games," explained Stardock CEO Brad Wardell. "On the PC, publishers can release games that are scarcely completed, poorly supported, and full of intrusive copy protection."



    Check out the Gamer's Bill of Rights after the break, and yell out your battlecheer (whether it be w00t, yarrr, or KHAAAAAAAAAAN).

    The Gamer's Bill of Rights
    We the Gamers of the world, in order to ensure a more enjoyable experience, establish equality between players and publishers, and promote the general welfare of our industry hereby call for the following:

  • Gamers shall have the right to return games that don't work with their computers for a full refund.

  • Gamers shall have the right to demand that games be released in a finished state.

  • Gamers shall have the right to expect meaningful updates after a game's release.

  • Gamers shall have the right to demand that download managers and updaters not force themselves to run or be forced to load in order to play a game.

  • Gamers shall have the right to expect that the minimum requirements for a game will mean that the game will adequately play on that computer.

  • Gamers shall have the right to expect that games won't install hidden drivers or other potentially harmful software without their express consent.

  • Gamers shall have the right to re-download the latest versions of the games they own at any time.

  • Gamers shall have the right to not be treated as potential criminals by developers or publishers.

  • Gamers shall have the right to demand that a single-player game not force them to be connected to the Internet every time they wish to play.

  • Gamers shall have the right that games which are installed to the hard drive shall not require a CD/DVD to remain in the drive to play.



  • -Undrallio




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    Monday, September 8

    Reggie Says Storage Solution Not Necessarily a HD

    Since the end of the last console generation it has become increasingly obvious that Nintendo thinks its still 1985. Whether its by forcing us to trade 90 digit friend codes to play with each other, or limiting the memory on the Wii to microscopic levels to ensure we can't download everything on the virtual console, Nintendo knows just how to make us wonder "...are you mad at us?"

    In the latest issue of the Latin American magazine, Club Nintendo Reggie Fils-Aime says this regarding Nintendo's solution to the Wii's puny HD, "We are working on a storage solution ... We have never said that it will be a hard drive nor have we mentioned how we will fix this issue, but we are going to deliver a better way to store the games."

    Funny, I didn't know it was possible to resolve a storage problem without actually implementing HD.





    -Ryizzel




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    Project Origin Gets A Name Change

    Just a little snippet of news here, but Project Origin, the first full sequel to F.E.A.R. just got a name change and is officially titled "F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin".

    Personally I preferred just plain old Project Origin, but a lot of people seem fairly pleased about this one so I'll let it slide.


    -Undrallio




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    VC/WiiWare Update for September 8th - 14th (Final Groovy Trains?)

    Well heck, it's Monday and that means that the virtual console is getting it's weekly update. This time around there's three new games for you to download and play (at the rate of $1 = 100 pts).

    Groovin' Blocks
    (WiiWare) - A fun music-based puzzle game, totally radical maaan.
    Final Soldier (Virtual Console) - Old school 2-D vertical shooter, ah nostalgia.
    Cho Aniki - One word, weird.

    For full descriptions straight from Nintendo and screenshots hit the break.


    Groovin’ Blocks (Empty Clip Studios, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): A music-based game like no other, Groovin’ Blocks adds innovative musical game play to an addictive action/puzzle game foundation. Play to the rhythm of the music to increase your score, and try to hit “Superbeats” to double your multiplier. Go for the high score in each of the 27 stages as you collect stars to unlock 15 levels of power-ups. Groovin’ Blocks features three skill levels, from the accessible Casual to the fiendish Hard mode. Play with your friends in co-op mode or against them head-to-head. Head-to-head brings it up a notch as the power-ups now become attacks on your opponent. Play head-to-head with people of all skill levels using a golf-style handicapping system.




    Final Solider (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone—Mild Fantasy Violence, 700 Wii Points): A vertically scrolling shooter from the well-known Soldier series. In the 23rd century, invaders from the future suddenly attack Earth. Controlling a fighter created by the world’s scientists, you rise to meet the enemy. Collect power-up units, such as LASER, E-BEAM, FIRE and MISSILE, and then equip them in Options to launch a variety of attacks. For each of these weapons, you can freely select from three different types in SET-UP. Anticipate enemies’ strikes and deftly switch between weapons to defeat the invaders. In addition to NORMAL GAME, there are also 2 MINUTE GAME and 5 MINUTE GAME score-attack modes. The most perfect blend and balance of any game in the series, Final Soldier is a title you don’t want to miss.




    Cho Aniki (TurboGrafx16 CD-ROM, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone and Older—Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, 900 Wii Points): The odd world in this shooter made for quite the conversation piece in its day. Players control either Idaten or Benten, celestial warriors out to bring an end to the tyrannical rule of the emperor of Planet Builder, who holds muscular prowess to be the supreme virtue of the universe. Aided by able-bodied muscle-head options Adon and Samson, they must battle to defeat the emperor’s army across five stages. Use the buttons to fire away and lay into the Builder forces. Power up your character and options with protein from defeated enemies to have them “bulk up” with a yell, and take their macho battle to the next level.



    -Undrallio




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    Sunday, September 7

    Demo/Beta Confirmed for Left 4 Dead

    In an interview with GameTrailers, Chet Faliszek, the writer for Left 4 Dead confirmed that there will be a demo/beta for both the 360 and PC versions of the game available before release.

    Regarding the online play, dedicated servers will be set up so players can experience the least amount of lag as possible. You will still be able to blast zombies solo or with your friends via system link however.


    Interview after the break.





    -Ryizzel




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    Life With Playstation On the Way



    The Playstation Blog has just revealed that their newest project Life with PlayStation is going through some final paperwork, but what is Life with Playstation you might ask?

    Convenient paragraph from the PSBlog ahoy!


    We’re going to offer this as a free service that will be easily accessible directly from the XMB. Life with PlayStation will feed live content to your PS3 with updates on news and weather on a visually stunning and interactive global map. Imagine being able to wake up to your PS3 to see if you need to pack an umbrella for the day. Or just relax as you listen to your favorite tunes while reading up on top news from around the world.


    Sounds just like the Wii's news section, but better thanks to the fact you can listen to music or run Folding@Home while you read up on the day's headlines.



    -Undrallio



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    Thursday, September 4

    Call of Duty: World at War Release Date Announced.

    Those of you tired of playing COD4 will be happy to hear that Activision has announced that Call of Duty: World at War will being hitting store shelves November 11. The shooter will be released on all consoles (even the ps2) and the PC simultaneously.

    Also, anyone who pre-orders Call of Duty: World at War for the 360 and PC will be treated to the multiplayer beta in October.



    -Ryizzel




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    PSN DLC on PSP UMD....Oh the Acronyms.

    Just around the corner (2009) you can expect to be buying what was previously Playstation Network exclusive downloadable content on hard copies of UMDs for your PSP.

    What sort of DLC can you expect on your PSP? Right now there's two themed packs that have been announced and they are as follows:

    Power Pack: flOw, Beats, and Syphon Filter: Combat Ops

    Puzzle Pack: Lemmings, Go! Sudoku, and Go! Puzzle

    Ok, a little bit of gamer creamage here....but I can't think of a much better portable game than flOw. You can lose hours to that game by accident.


    -Undrallio




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    Ghastly, Spooky, Freaky, and Early?


    In the spirit of Halloween, EA has decided to be ever so merciful and ship out Dead Space for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 a full week early, October 14th! Their reason being? So it doesn't cut in on your trick-or-treating time.

    From that excuse I'm pretty sure we can all assume that EA employees treat Halloween like I did when I would go trick-or-treating, plan out the neighborhood a few weekends before hand and hit all the major houses first. Clusters of houses are best, while the rich people would fall next in line.

    Sometimes though, the rich people would give out a piece of laffy taffy when poor retired Mrs. Johnson just shoved a full sized Snickers bar in your pillowcase.

    Now thanks to Dead Space's early release you'll have plenty of sleepless nights to plan out your attack on the town. Thanks EA!

    PC version isn't being released till the 20th of October though, so bummer there.

    Dead Space Set to Ship Early – Oct. 14, 2008

    Get Your Halloween Treat Earlier This Year! Originally scheduled to ship on October 21st, the award-winning action/adventure game, Dead Space will ship for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 on October 14, 2008 giving players a full 17 days before Halloween to step out into space for the fright of their lives. The development team at EA Redwood Shores is getting into the Halloween spirit early this year so fans can celebrate with Dead Space without cutting into their trick or treat time.

    The Dead Space experience is all about surviving in its sci-fi world through strategic dismemberment, so experience the horror before the Necromorphs dismember you. After all, you are never truly safe in Dead Space. When an immense mining ship, the USG Ishimura, comes into contact with a mysterious alien artifact in a remote star system, its communications with Earth are mysteriously cut off. Engineer Isaac Clarke is sent to repair the Ishimura’s communications array, but he arrives to find a living nightmare—the ship is a floating bloodbath, the crew unspeakably mutilated and infected by an ancient alien scourge. Clarke’s repair mission becomes one of survival as he fights not just to save himself, but to return the artifact to the planet … at any cost.

    The PC version of the game will be shipping on October 20, 2008.






    -Undrallio





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    New Details Revealed about PS3 Headset


    Yesterday the Playstation blog revealed some details about the new PS3 Bluetooth headset coming to stores this fall. The headset will be bundled with SOCOM: Confrontation and sold as a standalone peripheral at $50.


    * "High-Quality" mode with use on PS3, offering noise cancellation and a better chat quality on the console.
    * The quality of the headset will allegedly allow for more accurate commands of AI-controlled squad mates in Confrontation. There will also be "voice animation" where the player's avatar will "mimic" them during voice chat.
    * There will be an in-game status indicator exclusive to the headset. It will display connection status, battery charge, speaker volume and mute status.
    * Cradling the set back on the dock will turn it into a "desktop microphone" while charging.



    [Source]



    -Ryizzel




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    Wednesday, September 3

    Spore Cracked Already!?!??!?!?!

    As if you didn't expect it to happen sooner, spore has been cracked by a group called "RELOADED" and is now being downloaded by pirates all over the interblag.

    Apparently some Australian stores have been sellings copies of the game before it's scheduled release date.

    Seems kinda pointless to download it though, as the online most likely won't be available until after the official release date.

    [Source]




    -Ryizzel




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    Dedicated Or Peer?

    Torrance Davis over at the Bitbag recently wrote a fairly interesting article about the way servers are hosted in online games, dedicated servers and peer-to-peer servers.

    He went into some research and contacted both Sony and Microsoft about how most games are run, and found out that it all depends on the developers if a server is going to be dedicated. The costs are just too high for some companies, while big business freaks like EA have no problem covering the bill.

    He does make a few brief, but good points. Don't judge a game based on how it's server happens to be run, judge a game based on how it plays. That's what I've always said, and Torrence said it just as well as I could have.

    Go read about the servers now. Game on.


    -Undrallio




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    New Disturbingly Awesome Battlefield Heroes Trailer

    Ever dream of running through a war zone wearing nothing but a kilt? Well Battlefield Heroes might just be the game to fulfill those weird fantasies.

    EA has released a new trailer for Battlefield Heroes showing off the player's ability to play dress up with their character.

    You can view the video here, or you can just click read more to see the video right on B&W thanks to Gametrailers.







    -Ryizzel




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    September 5th, What's So Special?


    The long rumored price-cut of Microsoft's Xbox 360 is what so gosh darned special about the 5th of September!

    Everyone knew it was coming, and once the cut in Japan hit we all were just waiting for the officials to do their official stuff and put out that wonderful official announcement. Hit the jump to check out the prices and whatnot.

    That's right, it's official (did ya get that yet?); but how big of a price drop is taking place? Good question, check out the stats:

    Xbox 360 Arcade $199
    Xbox 360 $299
    Xbox 360 Elite $399

    If you've been procrastinating a 360 due to price, or you really want some certain 360 exclusives *cough* Too Human, Mass Effect, Halo 3, etc *cough* those are some pretty sweet prices to pay for that.



    -Undrallio




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    Tuesday, September 2

    Xbox Live Arcade Gaming Trio Coming Wednesday

    Get your Microsoft points cards in hand for this upcoming Wednesday, there will be a total of 3 Xbox Live Arcade games being released Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at 9 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. PDT).

    Those games are: Shred Nebula, Pirates Vs. Ninjas Dodgeball, and last but not least Gin Rummy. Read all about them and how much they'll go for after the break.

    No one knows what lies in the center of the galaxy. Pilot the experimental R.I.P. Rocket through the galaxy in search of the Lost Expeditions … no ship has ever returned from the vastness of interstellar space! Will you be the first to discover the secrets of the gravitational region known as The Shred and make it home alive?

    Shred Nebula will be available for 800 Microsoft Points worldwide and is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

    Developed by Blazing Lizard, and published by Gamecock Media Group, Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball transforms the innocent childhood game of dodgeball into a vindictive, heart-thumping battle between outlandish groups of characters including ninjas, pirates, zombies, and robots! Use a red rubber ball to tag opponents out of the game, and utilize a variety of weapons, including ninja and pirate swords, to harm enemies along the way. Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball features different arenas with unique gameplay challenges, from sandy beaches and snow capped forests to a spooky graveyard.

    Pirates vs Ninjas Dodgeball will be available for 800 Microsoft Points worldwide and is rated E 10+ for Everyone over the age of 10 by the ESRB.

    Enjoy challenging variations of the classic card game Gin Rummy! Strategically select the right cards to complete sets of combinations, minimizing the risk of getting caught with a poor hand. 'Knock' out your opponent with high scores and bonus points, and video chat with players from around the world for endless hours of casual card game fun.

    Gin Rummy will be available for 400 Microsoft Points worldwide and is rated E Everyone over the age of 3 by the ESRB.




    -Undrallio




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    Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2

    My dear readers, I am so truly overjoyed that tears are flowing from my eyes like water over New Orleans' dikes, but the tears are destructive and by overjoyed I mean completely confused and distraught. You see, Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2 is on the way for the Playstation 3, Playstation 2, and Xbox 360.

    Rather than go on and on about how much I disagree with another installment of this series, I'll just jump to the facts.

    Major changes in this one would be mainly the online versus play and this: "With mecha parts collected throughout the course of the game, players will be able to adapt a Mobile Suit which can be piloted into combat."

    Being co-published by Koei and Namco Bandai we can expect to see it sometime in 2009. You can read all about it after the break in the press release.

    Santa Clara, CA - September 2, 2008 - NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. and KOEI Corporation announced today a co-publishing agreement that will bring DYNASTY WARRIORS®: GUNDAM®2 to North America in 2009 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.

    “DYNASTY WARRIORS: GUNDAM was a sure-fire hit for the PLAYSTATION 3 system and we are ecstatic to continue our relationship with KOEI on this amazing franchise,” said Todd Thorson, director of marketing and public relations at NAMCO BANDAI Games America. “DYNASTY WARRIORS: GUNDAM 2 promises to deliver an outstanding sequel with even larger Mobile Suits, more epic battles and compelling storyline.”

    “Last year NAMCO BANDAI Games and KOEI combined forces to create DYNASTY WARRIORS: GUNDAM. The result became one of the fastest-selling PLAYSTATION 3 system games in Japan, and to date the game has sold over 800,000 units across multiple platforms worldwide,” said Amos Ip, Senior Vice President for KOEI Corporation. “Our companies have come together once again, and we are excited about reuniting two very powerful cultural icons for another monumental gaming experience.”

    In the future, rebel space colonies launch a brutal war of independence with a series of coordinated orbital strikes against Earth. The chaotic assault signals the dawn of a new age of combat and the ultimate instrument of warfare is born, the Mobile Suit.

    DYNASTY WARRIORS: GUNDAM 2 combines the devastating power of the Mobile Suit, the rich legacy of the GUNDAM universe and the furious Tactical Action game play of the DYNASTY WARRIORS series. The game will thrust players into incredible battles against legions of enemy Mobile Suits on distant planetary surfaces and in the far reaches of outer space. For the first time, DYNASTY WARRIORS: GUNDAM 2 will let players engage in melee battles against colossal enemies such as the Psycho Gundam. The massive Psycho Gundam can quickly reconfigure their bodies into titanic mobile fortresses which can move with remarkable speed. However, highly-trained pilots can utilize their own Mobile Suit’s speed, agility, and of course firepower to defeat these deadly juggernauts.

    DYNASTY WARRIORS: GUNDAM 2 will also include new stories featuring mecha from the latest Gundam anime, plus mecha from Char’s Counter Attack and more. With mecha parts collected throughout the course of the game, players will be able to adapt a Mobile Suit which can be piloted into combat.

    Developed by KOEI’s award-winning Omega Force team, DYNASTY WARRIORS: GUNDAM 2 will also include online versus play. For more information please visit www.namcobandaigames.com or www.koei.com.



    -Undrallio




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    Molyneux gives Fable II a "9 out of 10"


    Since his apology for Fable, Peter Molyneux has been understandably tight lipped about the sequel. However, with the October release approaching rapidly, Molynuex has decided to share his feelings about his studio's latest project.

    In an interview with CVG Molyneux said he gives Fable II "a 9 out of 10," when asked if he'd fulfilled his original vision with Fable II. Molyneux goes on to say Fable II is "the best, most complete game I've ever worked on."

    You've gotta hand it to Molyneux for not giving Fable II a perfect score. Lets just hope we all share his feelings about the game in October.

    [Source]




    -Ryizzel


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    Priceless Prince of Persia Pre-order

    Listen up Prince of Persia fans! For a limited time only Ubisoft is offering a free upgrade on pre-orders for the new Prince of Persia remake. That is, to make it more clear, you order the normal game and you get the limited edition at no extra charge!

    The FREE Limited Edition Upgrade is only available by pre-ordering and will include in addition to the regular SKU:
    • Collectable Limited Edition packaging
    • An exclusive look at the making of Prince of Persia
    • A Prima® digital mini-strategy guide full of developer's secrets to help players master the year's best action-adventure game
    • A digital art book that chronicles the game's journey from concept to winner of Best Artistic Design at E3 2008
    • The original soundtrack scored by master composer Inon Zur
    • And much more…


    Even after all of that, Ubisoft is teaming up with the dude's from Penny Arcade to create a comic book that gives you insider info on the story of the game, and the relationship between Elika and the Prince. It's also going to be 32 pages long, 4 times the average Penny Arcade comic length.

    Seems like a helluva deal if you ask me. Full press release after the break.

    UBISOFT ANNOUNCES FREE LIMITED EDITION UPGRADE WHEN YOU PRE-ORDER PRINCE OF PERSIA

    UBISOFT ALSO TEAMS UP WITH PENNY ARCADE TO CREATE EXPANDED COMIC BOOK BASED ON THE NEW PRINCE OF PERSIA GAME

    SAN FRANCISCO, CA – September 2, 2008 – Today, Ubisoft announced that gamers who pre-order the new Prince of Persia title in North America will receive a FREE upgraded Limited Edition version of the game.

    The FREE Limited Edition Upgrade is only available by pre-ordering and will include in addition to the regular SKU:
    • Collectable Limited Edition packaging
    • An exclusive look at the making of Prince of Persia
    • A Prima® digital mini-strategy guide full of developer's secrets to help players master the year's best action-adventure game
    • A digital art book that chronicles the game's journey from concept to winner of Best Artistic Design at E3 2008
    • The original soundtrack scored by master composer Inon Zur
    • And much more…

    Additionally, Ubisoft announced a partnership with Penny Arcade for the creation of a comic book based on the new Prince of Persia title. Penny Arcade, known for creating short video game-based comics, has accepted this sizable project as a response to their readers' overwhelming excitement about Prince of Persia's fresh new artistic style.

    The expanded 32-page comic book will span roughly four times longer than the usual Penny Arcade comic and will allow the Prince's story to be creatively told in a robust, illustrative format. The comic book will also give readers a unique knowledge of the new Prince of Persia game as well as an enhanced understanding as to the relationship between Elika and the Prince.

    Prince of Persia will be available Holiday 2008 for the Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and PC. Also available this holiday exclusively for the Nintendo DS(TM) system, Prince of Persia: The Fallen King will complement the version coming out on consoles and PC.

    About Prince of Persia
    Set in a land rooted in ancient Persian mythology, the Prince finds himself caught in an epic battle between the primal forces of light and darkness: the God of Light, Ormazd versus his brother Ahriman, the destructive God of Darkness. The Prince arrives just in time to witness the destruction of the legendary Tree of Life – an act which threatens to plunge the entire world into eternal darkness. Manifested in the form of the Corruption, a dark substance that physically contaminates the land and the skies, the Prince must partner with Elika, a deadly companion, to heal the world from the evil Corruption.


    -Undrallio




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    Exclusive PS3 DLC For Mirror's Edge


    Everyone's ready to run, leap, and roll around in the upcoming parkour-esque game Mirror's Edge; but it seems that Playstation 3 owners will have some extra goodies to gain with their version of the game due to PS3 exclusive downloadable content on the Playstation Network.

    Nothing has been said about what the DLC will end up being, whether it be more missions, levels, guns, or whatever but we do know that yes, it will be coming.

    This bit of news was released by Sony when they crushed the rumor that Mirror's Edge would be getting an early PS3 timed release.



    -Undrallio



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    Tuesday, May 20

    IGN gives Haze a 4.5

    Being quick on the draw, IGN has released it's review of Haze, Free Radical's very anticipated and constantly delayed FPS for the ps3.

    Unfortunately for Haze, IGN didn't care it too much, describing it as a, "generic first-person shooter with bland visuals, a weak plot and laughable characters."

    Ouch, I guess they can't all be perfect like GTA IV.




    -Ryizzel


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    Saturday, May 17

    MySims Kingdom Announced

    The next installment in the cutesy Nintendonized world of MySims is slated for release, and even has a title to go along with that announcement; MySims Kingdom.

    Launching exclusively on the Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ platforms, MySims Kingdom sets you on a story of adventure, discovery and exploration to help King Roland and his subjects revitalize the Kingdom.


    There's going to be a lot more to do, build, see, and interact with in MySims Kingdom, and you'll be able to do it all sometime in the Fall of 2008. Get your God powers ready to control another weird little world.

    EA announces MySims Kingdom, the next experience in the popular MySims franchise, coming in Fall 2008

    Guildford, UK — May 14, 2008 — The Sims™, an Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) Label, today announced first details for MySims™ Kingdom, the next experience from the creators of MySims™. Launching exclusively on the Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ platforms, MySims Kingdom sets you on a story of adventure, discovery and exploration to help King Roland and his subjects revitalize the Kingdom. Launching globally in autumn 2008, MySims Kingdom for the Wii and Nintendo DS puts the creativity in your hands to make the Kingdom something to behold!

    MySims Kingdom for the Wii
    King Roland needs your help to make the Kingdom a better place. Throughout this tale to bring the Kingdom back to its former glory, you must help new and old friends alike, discover new lands and build to the limit of your imagination.

    Your MySims Kingdom experience begins in The Capital, the majestic land at the center of your story-telling. Check out the Castle, explore this first land and begin to meet your first set of new friends, including King Roland, Princess Butter, and the Wizard Marlon. Find out more of what awaits you here and then get in your boat to sail to many more lands on the horizon!

    Throughout your journey new characters, lands, and clever new contraptions will be revealed. Construct and do everything from tending your pigs to finding treasure chests. Newly-added building options will help you accomplish the tasks you're challenged with along the way, including building broken bridges. In true MySims fashion, everything is customizable, allowing every creation within your world to have a signature look.

    There is a lot more to discover in regions beyond The Capital, so stay tuned for more characters, contraptions and lands that are yet to be revealed!

    MySims Kingdom for Nintendo DS
    Take the Kingdom with you! MySims Kingdom on Nintendo DS adds a new chapter to the saga, challenging you to help the King thwart the plans of evil in a far flung corner of the Kingdom. Many new activities and mini-games are included to help you persuade the King that your island is the ultimate royal destination.

    "MySims has been met with such enthusiasm by players and families everywhere, we are excited to make MySims its own franchise within The Sims Label," said Rod Humble, Head of Studio for The Sims Label. "MySims Kingdom has players helping King Roland and his subjects make the MySims world a better place by completing rewarding quests, building houses, bridges or even making contraptions powered by electricity or water. And MySims Kingdom on Nintendo DS, adds many new activities such as kayaking, ski jumping, populating the town zoo and many others!"

    Since its launch in September 2007, MySims quickly rose to global success and is loved by players everywhere, having sold 2.8 million copies worldwide to date. The second installment in the franchise, MySims Kingdom, will hit retail shelves across North America, Europe and Asia in Fall of 2008. For more information on MySims, please visit www.mysims.com.






    -Undrallio


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    Deadline Passes Silently

    In case you're still keeping track, the deadline for EA's deal to the stockholders of Take-Two has passed...rather silently. Last Friday Take-Two released this statement about the deal, "It is in (EA's) court." There has been no word from EA regarding the deal.







    -Ryizzel


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    Friday, May 16

    DualShock 3 Makes Over 10.9 Million in Sales

    Not surprising anyone in particular, DualShock 3 is doing pretty well in America. According to SCEA the DualShock 3 has generated more than $10.9 million in sales.

    This is pretty good news, considering Sony will be dropping the sixaxis controller in the near future.






    -Ryizzel


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    SCEA Finally Replaces Phil Harrison


    So everyone remembers when Phil Harrison became the Dictator for Life President of Infogrames right? Did anyone notice that SCEA (Phil's former company) was without official direction for a while? Me too.

    That problem has now been solved however, Shuhei Yoshida, the former Senior Vice President of Product Development at SCEA has gathered up his possessions and moved into Phil Harrison's previous title slot.

    Congratulations Yoshida, you now are trying to fill the shoes of the super awesome Philinator.






    -Undrallio


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    Thursday, May 15

    CBS Acquires CNET

    Today CBS announced that it will be acquiring CNET for $11.50 a share, which amounts to 1.8 billion dollars. Through this acquisition CBS will add Gamespot, BNET, CNET news.com, UrbanBaby, CHOW, Search.com, MP3.com, mySimon, ZDNet and Tech Republic to it's vast online network.

    The transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of this year.


    ....Sooo, I guess Gamespot is going to change the ratings of the CSI game to a 10/10 now, right?

    Press release after the break.

    NEW YORK and SAN FRANCISCO, May 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS) has entered into an agreement to acquire CNET Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: CNET), it was announced today by Leslie Moonves, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS Corporation. Under the terms of the agreement, CBS will make a cash tender offer for all issued and outstanding shares of CNET Networks for $11.50 per share, representing an equity value of approximately $1.8 billion. The acquisition will make CBS one of the 10 most popular Internet companies in the United States, with a combined 54 million unique users per month, and approximately 200 million users worldwide.

    "There are very few opportunities to acquire a profitable, growing, well-managed Internet company like CNET Networks," said Moonves. "CBS stands for premium content and unparalleled reach, and CNET Networks will add a tremendous platform to extend our complementary entertainment, news, sports, music and information content to a whole new global audience. Together, CBS and CNET Networks will have significant additional exposure to the fastest- growing advertising sector and can accelerate our growth through a number of new content, promotion and advertising initiatives. We could not be more pleased with the prospect of adding CNET Networks and its tremendous team of people to the CBS family. I look forward to working with Quincy Smith, Neil Ashe and the considerable combined talent at both companies, as we build upon our success."

    Based in San Francisco, CNET Networks owns many of the Internet's leading entertainment, news and information sites including CNET, ZDNet, GameSpot.com, TV.com, mp3.com, CNET news.com, UrbanBaby, CHOW, Search.com, BNET, MySimon and TechRepublic. The company, which reported significant profits in 2007 on revenues of $406 million, has a large international footprint, particularly in China.

    Upon closing, CNET Networks' sites will be combined with CBS's stable of dynamic and growing interactive businesses. These include CBS.com, CBSSports.com, CBSCollegeSports.com, MaxPreps.com, CBSNews.com, last.fm, Wallstrip, MobLogic, CBS Radio and CBS Television Stations digital media platforms, and the distribution network of the CBS Audience Network, which is made up of more than 300 partner Web sites and reaches 82% of all online users in the United States.

    "The core businesses of CNET Networks and CBS Interactive represent near perfect category symmetry in premium online content," said Quincy Smith, President, CBS Interactive. "Together we will have a terrific opportunity to not only grow our established businesses, but to build new attractive verticals of content as well. This is the beginning of an era for both CBS and CNET Networks; plus, it's going to be great to work with Neil and his team, many of whom I have known for many years."

    "We're thrilled to join CBS and combine our interactive media experience with CBS's world-class content," said Neil Ashe, Chief Executive Officer, CNET Networks, Inc. "CNET Networks operates some of the most important premium online brands, serving the most sought after online audiences. Today's announcement brings together two organizations that complement each other and working with Leslie, Quincy and the talented people at CBS, we look forward to taking our business and our brands to the next level."

    "We look forward to completing the acquisition of CNET Networks and the terrific benefits it brings to CBS as Quincy, Neil and their combined teams build upon our success," Moonves concluded. "At the same time our strong cash flow allows us to pay among the highest dividends in the industry, and we are committed to continue to pay our attractive dividend to return value to shareholders."

    The Board of Directors of CNET Networks has unanimously approved the merger agreement and unanimously recommends that CNET Networks stockholders accept the tender offer and tender their shares.

    The transaction is subject to customary conditions and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of this year.





    -Ryizzel


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    Platinum Games Announces Four Game Deal

    Platinum Games, previously Seeds and the masterminds behind Resident Evil, Devil May Cry, Steel Battalion, Viewtiful Joe, and Okami have announced that they have a 4 game publishing deal with Sega, and have revealed 3 of them to us.

    They are: Madworld, Bayonetta, Infinite Line, and one not-yet revealed game. Check em out with some screenshots after the jump.

    Madworld on the Wii, full of "Irreverent humor and over-the-top violence."



    Bayonetta on both the PS3 and the Xbox 360 which the creator of Devil May Cry defines as "Magnificent over-the-top action taking place in stages that are a veritable theme park of exciting attractions.



    The last one is Infinite Line on the DS "Gives players the ability to control, build, outfit and customize more than 150 spaceships. One of the most complex RPG titles developed for the DS to date."



    All three of the games are scheduled for '09 releases, and the fourth will probably be announced soon(ish).

    Is it just me or does the guy in the Madworld screen look like Hellboy?



    -Undrallio


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    Euro Nintendo Marketing Director Says Casual Gaming Doesn't Exist

    When you hear the phrase, 'casual gamer' you probably associate it with the Wii and short, non-involving games for people who don't want to spend the time needed to invest in a role-playing game or platformer.

    Well the senior marketing director of Europe Nintendo, Laurent Fischer, doesn't seem to think that. In fact, he claims that there is no such thing as a casual gamer, there are only people who play games and those whom don't.

    "Someone who is fifty-years old who only plays Brain Training, but plays it like a core gamer is a core gamer," Fischer added.

    "I don't like this word casual so much. Because people consider that casual needs to be something easy. If you're good at any game you can play at a high difficulty level.

    "Take Tetris. There is incredible gameplay, it's very simple, very easy to understand, but it's also very different. I think a game can be a light enough to enjoy and for all gamers to become a core gamer on it."

    Fischer concluded: "There is no casual gaming. There is just a different way to play."

    He does bring something into light, the older generation who have recently gotten into the gaming world via "casual" games like Brain Training or Wii Sports are also gamers, just like you and I.

    [source CVG]



    -Undrallio


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    Wednesday, May 14

    Microsoft Denies Rumored List of Updates

    A list of updates rumored to be implemented on the 360's next software update has been floating around the web.

    Don't think you'll be seeing "Support for titles to store installation data on Storage Device for faster loading," anytime soon though. Microsoft has confirmed that the list is fake.


    "We don't comment on rumors or speculation, but what we can tell you is we've never seen this list before."


    The list(posted after the break), which apparently came from an inside source contained frequently requested features and even included "Calibration options for motion sensor devices." Which seems to refer to the rumored Xbox 360 motion sensor remote.


    * Option to delay sign-in to Xbox LIVE upon booting console (to allow user to set Online Status).
    * Option to promote Child Account from Family Settings.
    * Disallow Child Accounts (over 18) to override Family Settings by launching Privacy Settings through a title.
    * Option in Family Settings for Child Accounts to enable child-oriented/non-mature advertisements.
    * Introduce a group chat (4) for Private Chat and conferences through Video Chat.
    * Support to indicate media being watched to gamercard status (video content from Marketplace only).
    * Extend height for Bio field in Personal Profile, easier navigation through text.
    * More fields present in Personal Profile -- recent achievements, interests, games, movies, links, custom section.
    * Compact Personal Profile for new fields (navigating to field will open it up).
    * Mandatory option to delete duplicate titles from gamercard (excludes Games for Windows - LIVE). User disconnected from Xbox LIVE when booting any title until action complete.
    * Option to remove payment information from gamertag.
    * New payment methods for international users.
    * Download History on Account Management better organized -- games, genre, type, download date, miscellaneous.
    * Long descriptions of items on Marketplace can be scrolled using right stick.
    * Better organization of free content on Marketplace.
    * Option to 'ping' when testing connection.
    * Allow re-connection to Xbox LIVE if Ethernet cable is re-inserted whilst powered on.
    * New strip colours available to developers, staff gamercards.
    * New corner icon available to ambassadors.
    * Re-introduce Messages button for Inside Xbox updates only.
    * Option to store up to 10 messages permanently on server (excludes invites, status messages).
    * Increase character limit for text messages between friends only.
    * Option to disable invites from non-friends or all players.
    * Option to disable invites from titles not on gamercard (excludes demos).
    * Option to have smaller items moved up in Active Downloads.
    * Automatically re-connect to Xbox LIVE if disconnected unexpectedly (set intervals).
    * Option to download gamer picture (if available) from a gamercard being viewed.
    * Display random tips to replace static text on Xbox LIVE and Games blades.
    * New button on Marketplace for optional dashboard features -- uses Storage Device memory.
    * Option to donate Microsoft Points to anybody with a Windows Live ID.
    * Option to purchase Membership for charities (includes benefits).
    * Integrate file-sharing for selected titles on Xbox LIVE and Games for Windows - LIVE.
    * Disable notifications to friends of user repeatedly signing into service (set period).
    * Option to see 'snippet' of text message in notification.
    * Windows Live Mail integration - includes support for Xbox LIVE Vision.


    Marketplace

    * Option to display gamer picture or standard picture as display picture in Windows Live Messenger.
    * Support for headset, Xbox LIVE Vision in Windows Live Messenger.
    * Support for limited 'winks' that display on dashboard interface. Option to disable 'winks' and 'nudges' added.
    * Notifications separate from Windows Live Messenger to Xbox 360 notifications.
    * Disable multiple languages from being used in any Xbox LIVE editable fields.


    Games

    * Option to delete titles from gamercard with 0 gamerscore and 0 achievements (excludes some titles that will be re-added to launch another title).
    * Organize My Games at the Games Library section better (includes disc-based titles) -- sort by genre, platform (Games for Windows - LIVE), percentage completion.
    * Support to display friends leaderboards for disc-based titles.
    * Show dates of an achievement unlocked when comparing.
    * Preload Games Library upon dashboard bootup for faster access.
    * Game updates now shown as items in Memory, increased amount of updates on Storage Device
    * Option to delete game updates, removed 'cheat code' as no longer needed.
    * Support for more titles to display banner when accessing guide in-game.
    * Option to re-introduce awarded gamer pictures from titles that do not have their own re-introduce feature (requires saved game).
    * Disable gamer pictures from being awarded from trials.
    * Support for titles to store installation data on Storage Device for faster loading.
    * Synchronization to achievements offline/online that were deleted and then re-added from developers.


    Media

    * Option to hold LT and RT for rewinding/fast-forwarding video content.
    * Option to delete individual music tracks from storage device.
    * Option to rip music CD at different quality.
    * Copy non-protected files (pictures, music, videos) from USB storage devices, CDs and computers to proprietary storage devices.
    * Support for menu, top-menu features on video content downloaded from Marketplace.
    * Section added for audio delivered through feeds (podcasts). Option to stream, download to Storage Device.
    * Support added for video titles/description to gamercard status.


    Dashboard/Miscellaneous

    * Option to navigate quickly out of several menus back to respective blade home (applies to Games, Media, System).
    * New blade trim styles added.
    * Introduce expanded Inside Xbox as a portal to news, weather, entertainment, help and community features.
    * New sounds for various functions (notifications, blades, navigation).
    * Calibration options for display/sound.
    * Calibration options for motion sensor devices.
    * New effects for Xbox LIVE Vision and dashboard background.
    * Disable changing of Theme when on Memory to prevent 'hanging'.
    * Preload recent, limited items upon dashboard bootup on Memory.
    * Faster loading of Themes section on guide.
    * Option to see what items will not work offline due to DRM license changing from
    * Option to automatically associate new DRM to items downloaded for free.
    * Indicate 'charging' status on guide when Play & Charge kit is connected.
    * Option to change text colours on guide to better contrast some backgrounds.
    * Language improvements.
    * Word censor updated for fields.
    * Privacy Settings/Family Settings updated for new features.
    * Voice, picture messages can be read at Xbox.com (Gold accounts). [*]






    -Ryizzel


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