Resident Evil 5 News

Having confirmed online co-op earlier in the year, it had been believed that Resident Evil 5 would avoid any attempt at a splitscreen mode in fear of a visual downgrade.

However a presentation at Tokyo Game Show has revealed that Takeuchi-san and his team have been able to implement the mode, bringing Chris and Sheva's adventure to those not hooked up to Xbox Live or PlayStation Network. Alot of people were not expecting it to be splitscreen, and this is a surprising turn of event's for people who can't or choose not to play over the internet. Here is video to confirm the split-screen gameplay.

E3 2008 Part II

Los Angeles—As Xbox 360® readies for the next wave of audience expansion, Microsoft today announced a new Xbox experience that will reinvent home entertainment from the inside out, changing the way we play games, watch movies and TV shows, and even become contestants in game shows. It all begins this fall with a bold new look and feel that is fun, social, and simple to use.

"This year more than any other, Xbox 360
has something for everyone."
— Don Mattrick, Microsoft

The announcement was made during the E3 Media and Business Summit in Los Angeles. It came amid the unveiling of an exclusive partnership with Netflix that will give Xbox 360 users instant access to more than 10,000 feature films and television shows with a click of a button.

Banjo and Kazooie highlight an impressive games lineup.

Also on the docket—the best and broadest entertainment lineup the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system has ever seen. In its strongest broadening play yet, Xbox announced Xbox LIVE Primetime, the next evolution in game shows slated for Xbox LIVE this fall. In the Xbox LIVE Video Store, look for TV shows and movies from world leaders in entertainment including NBC Universal, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, SCI FI Channel, and USA Network domestically and Constantin and MGM internationally. The blockbuster game lineup includes Lips, Rock Band 2, Scene It? Box Office Smash, You're in the Movies, and the much anticipated Final Fantasy XIII.

"We're entering a new age in entertainment, and Xbox 360 is uniquely positioned to become the heart of the living room," said Don Mattrick, senior vice president for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. "The new Xbox experience offers more content than you can find from any device that connects to the television. That convergence of entertainment and gaming will bring new people and more families to the category, driving a record year for the games industry."

"This year more than any other, Xbox 360 has something for everyone—whether you love playing games with friends or are simply looking for the best in entertainment," Mattrick said.

Netflix Jumps In
The exclusive partnership offers Netflix subscribers the ability to instantly stream movies and TV episodes from Netflix to the television via Xbox 360. Xbox 360 will be the only game console to offer this movie-watching experience, available to Xbox LIVE Gold members who are also Netflix subscribers at no additional cost.

Fable II is a must-have Xbox 360 exclusive.

From the Netflix Web site, subscribers simply add movies and TV episodes to their instant Queue, which will appear automatically on the TV screen via Xbox 360. Once selected, movies will begin playing in as little as 30 seconds. In addition to instantly streaming Netflix movies to the TV, Xbox LIVE Gold members can browse and rate movies, fast-forward, pause and rewind, all using either their Xbox 360 Controller or Universal remote.

Netflix on Xbox 360 will launch this fall with the release of the new Xbox experience, a new generation of games and entertainment experiences that will be available for Xbox 360 this fall.

The New Xbox Experience
The new Xbox experience represents the first time in history that a mass market consumer electronics device has been reinvented through free software, giving people more fun and intuitive ways to interact, play and enjoy entertainment.

"Xbox LIVE is the world's fastest-growing online social network on TV," said John Schappert, corporate vice president of Interactive Entertainment LIVE, Software and Services Business at Microsoft. "We doubled our membership the past two years, growing from 3 million to 6 million, and then from 6 million to 12 million. And today, we are adding a new member every five seconds. With the best and broadest social entertainment experiences launching this fall, the future is limitless."

Gears of War 2 promises even more intense action.

Check out some of the features that make the new Xbox experience so groundbreaking:

• Entertainment without limits: With LIVE Party, bring your favorite games, TV shows, movies, and pictures to life by sharing those experiences with friends, wherever they are around the world.
• Express yourself: With the new Xbox 360 experience, personalize your entertainment like never before. Create your own avatar, designed exclusively by Rare, and jump into a party with friends from around the world.
• "Must See TV" and more: The biggest names in entertainment worldwide, such as Netflix, NBC Universal, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, SCI FI Channel, USA Network, Constantin, and MGM are bringing their content to Xbox 360.

360 Degrees of Entertainment
The 2008 Xbox 360 entertainment lineup of games, movies and TV shows is its best and broadest ever. Whether for fans of action, role-playing, racing, sports, strategy, party, or action-adventure games, Xbox 360 has the biggest blockbusters and the most exclusive content in 2008 and beyond:

• The new game show: The new Xbox LIVE channel Xbox LIVE Primetime represents an all-new way to play. A collection of virtual game shows such as "1 vs. 100," Xbox LIVE Primetime allows thousands of gamers to become contestants from their living rooms, playing together simultaneously, live with content that is always fresh and relevant. The global phenomenon 1 vs. 100 is created by Endemol, the world's largest independent production company and the producer of the hit show Deal or No Deal.
• Blockbusters: Final Fantasy XIII will be available on Xbox 360 at launch in North America and Europe. Xbox 360 is the only place to play the year's biggest games, such as Gears of War® 2, Resident Evil 5, Fable® II, and exclusive Grand Theft Auto IV episodes.
• Music: Xbox 360 is the preferred stage for all the best music games, including Lips, Rock Band 2, Guitar Hero World Tour and DanceDanceRevolution® UNIVERSE3.
• Family: Xbox 360 gets the whole family playing with titles such as Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts,Scene It? Box Office Smash and Viva Piñata®: Trouble in Paradise.
• Sports: Xbox 360 remains the best place to play sports titles, including leading franchises like Madden NFL, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR, NBA Live, NHL 2K, and more.
• TV and movie entertainment: Xbox is home to the best TV and movie entertainment, including exclusive games such as You're in the Movies and 1 vs. 100, exclusive films and TV from Netflix, and the world's largest online library of on-demand high-definition TV shows and movies.

E3 2008 Part I

Music, movies and megahits. No matter what kind of game makes your heart race, the world of Xbox 360® has become bigger, broader, and more exciting than ever with the game announcements made at the E3 Media and Business Summit (E3) in Los Angeles. Included are new titles for music lovers such as Lips and the exclusive launch of Rock Band 2, family-friendly games from the B-movie maker You're in the Movies to next-generation game shows such as 1 vs. 100, and even surprise announcements to make the hardest-core gamer weak in the knees, such as the reveal of Final Fantasy XIII.

The new music game Lips was announced at E3.

"Xbox 360 delivers entertainment choices so broad that it now rivals what people can find on television and at movie theaters," said Shane Kim, corporate vice president of strategy and business development with Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business. "Whether it's sports, music, movies, game shows, or great games you crave, Xbox 360 is home to the biggest and best out there. From those new to games and eager to jump in, to the hardcore gamer looking for the most intense games experiences, this is truly the year to own an Xbox 360 system."

The New Game Show Experience
Xbox LIVE® Primetime is a groundbreaking channel on the new Xbox experience, a new generation of games and entertainment experiences that will be available this fall. The world's biggest virtual game show stage, Xbox LIVE Primetime, is a place where content is always fresh, play is global, live, and massively multiplayer, and prizes are plentiful. A first-of-its-kind phenomenon, this new generation of interactive game shows lets Xbox LIVE members challenge friends and choose to compete against people from across the globe in real time. Xbox LIVE Primetime launches in the fall with:

• 1 vs. 100 (Endemol): From the makers of Deal or No Deal, Endemol, the world's largest independent production company, brings the popular television game show 1 vs. 100 to Xbox LIVE Primetime. The exclusive game pits one Xbox LIVE member against 100 others from around the world with a live host and great prizes. The goal of "the One" is to eliminate all opposition by correctly answering questions, hoping opponents will answer incorrectly and be eliminated from the game. And stay tuned for 1 vs. LIVE, where one lucky winner will have a chance to compete against the entire Xbox LIVE community.

Bringing Music Games to Life
Whether you're an aspiring groupie, songbird or big-haired rocker, Xbox 360 transforms your living room into a thrilling soundstage for you and your friends. No other system connects you with all the music you love:

• Lips (iNiS/Microsoft Game Studios): An all-new music franchise exclusively for Xbox 360, Lips is the only singing game that offers wireless motion-sensitive microphones and the ability to sing from your own music collection. Start channeling your favorite pop star, because it's you, your friends and, most important, your music that makes this the world's ultimate party experience this holiday.

The Music Studio from Guitar Hero World Tour allows players to share their own created music.

• Guitar Hero^®World Tour (RedOctane/Activision): When the house lights go down this fall, a new generation of axe shredders, drummers, and fearless frontmen will come together and rock with Guitar Hero World Tour. The latest installment from the number one best-selling video game franchise of 2007, this game will transform music gaming by marrying exhilarating guitar gameplay with a cooperative band experience, combining the most advanced wireless instruments with revolutionary new online and offline gameplay modes. The game features a slick newly redesigned guitar, a genuine electronic drum kit and a microphone, as well as an innovative Music Studio music creator letting players compose, record, edit, and share their own rock-and-roll anthems, along with online Band Career and eight-player Battle of the Bands.
• Rock Band 2 (Harmonix/MTV Games): Debuting exclusively on Xbox 360 this September,Rock Band 2 is the next evolution of the franchise allowing you to virtually step into the shoes of your favorite bands as singer, guitarist, bassist, or drummer. This next iteration of the best-selling franchise allows access to all the great songs purchased on Xbox LIVE for the original game, and features new online capabilities and instrument options.

Xbox 360 Is the Life of the Party
Xbox 360 truly gets the party started with a wide-ranging portfolio of exclusive games for the whole family, including the following:

• You're in the Movies (Codemasters/Microsoft): Get ready for your close-up. You're in the Movies brings the cool factor to kitsch as you live out your dreams of becoming a scream queen, zombie, or kung fu fighter. Premiering exclusively on Xbox 360 this holiday season, You're in the Movies is the first and only game of its kind to literally transport players into a magical world of cinema mixed with the hilarious world of improvisation. Using the Xbox LIVE Vision camera, players' actions are captured and placed into short, riotous films. Performances never end up on the cutting-room floor, and are never the same.

Make your own movies with You're in the Movies.

• Scene It?® Box Office Smash (Krome Studios and Screenlife/Microsoft Game Studios): Ignite your game night this holiday season with totally new questions, movie puzzles, and more high-definition content from real movies including some of Hollywood's latest blockbusters. Trivia night goes global as players challenge each other online over Xbox LIVE, customize their own characters, and access extra questions and localized content from films around the world.
• Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts (Rare Ltd./Microsoft Game Studios): Available exclusively on Xbox 360 in November from the creative masterminds at Rare, this action-adventure game breathes new life into a franchise that has entertained people of all ages for a decade. In a platform genre first, players create their own abilities by building vehicles for Banjo to pilot over land, sea, and air in a variety of challenges where choice of vehicle and tactics determines the course of the adventure. Test your customized vehicles against other players' creations online, or simply compare and share inventions with friends. The original Banjo-Kazooie also debuts withStop 'N' Swop on Xbox LIVE Arcade later this year.
• DanceDanceRevolution® UNIVERSE 3 (Konami): Celebrating its tenth anniversary,DanceDanceRevolution UNIVERSE 3 dances its way to you with fun new modes—including DJ Mode and Quest Mode—and settings for players of all skill levels. In addition to one of the biggest soundtracks—more than 70 songs from the 70s to some of today's hottest tracks—you can bring friends together from around the world via Xbox LIVE. Character customization features more than 400 options of clothing, faces, skin tones, and hairstyles, allowing players to create the ultimate dancer.

Dance your way into the heart of DanceDanceRevolution UNIVERSE 3.

• UNO RUSH™ (Microsoft): Developed by the same team that brought the original, best-sellingUNO®to Xbox LIVE Arcade, this challenging and exciting party card game for up to four players boasts a wide range of gameplay and social features—multiple variants, house-rule options, local and Xbox LIVE multiplay, camera support, avatar support, and more—plus fast-paced gameplay to keep the party going. UNO RUSH is coming exclusively to Xbox LIVE Arcade in 2008.
• Viva Piñata®: Trouble in Paradise (Rare Ltd./Microsoft Game Studios): In this sequel debuting in September, venture outside the boundaries of the ever-changing garden to retrieve exotic piñata species from two new lands, the Dessert Desert and the Piñarctic. Developed by Rare, the game allows up to four players to work together to create the ultimate online garden via Xbox LIVE. Race your favorite piñata or enter them into the P-Factor, Piñata Islands' very own talent show and beauty pageant, online against friends, or against other gardeners from the island. Use the Xbox LIVE Vision camera to drop a new piñata right into your garden, change the weather, or share your custom piñatas with others.

The piñatas are at it again in Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise.

Biggest Blockbusters of 2008 and Beyond
With the most blockbuster million-selling games and the most anticipated titles of 2008 and beyond, Xbox 360 is the pre-eminent place to play all the big titles gamers thirst for, including the following:

• Final Fantasy XIII (Square Enix): This eagerly-anticipated title from Square Enix takes full advantage of the superior power and technology in Xbox 360, providing intuitive controls while delivering seamless transitions between real-time gameplay and stunning in-game cinematics. Using the latest in cutting-edge technology, this latest addition to theFinal Fantasy series is worthy of the title "next generation."
• Galaga Legions (NAMCO BANDAI Games): The legend lives on with Galaga Legionsdebuting exclusively on Xbox LIVE Arcade in 2008. Featuring table-turning game dynamics, updated graphics, and vast waves of ferocious enemies, Galaga Legions was created by the same team that developed the best-selling PAC-MAN Championship Edition™for Xbox LIVE Arcade.
• Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 (Bizarre Creations Ltd./Activision): The latest version of the frenetic retro shooter, and debuting exclusively on Xbox LIVE Arcade in 2008, newcomers and pros alike will be blown away by the screen-melting intensity and insane new features, including six action-packed gameplay modes, new enemies, scoring strategies, and a diverse list of exciting Achievements. The game also supports multiplayer mayhem for up to four players, with versus or co-op modes, and features razor-sharp 1080p graphics and new, pulse-pounding music.

More Arcade goodness with Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2.

• Portal^™: Still Alive (Valve/Microsoft): Portal: Still Alivefeatures the full award-winning Portalsingle-player game from Valve plus a new challenge mode. Designed to change the way players approach, manipulate, and surmise the possibilities in any given environment, Portal has earned more than 70 industry honors for its innovative gameplay, with more than 30 Game of the Year Awards. Solve physical puzzles and challenges by opening portals to maneuvering objects, and yourself, through space. The game debuts on Xbox LIVE Arcade in 2008.
• South Park (South Park Digital Studios/ Doublesix/Microsoft): Based on the Emmy- and Peabody-award winning show, a South Park game (title TBA) is coming exclusively to Xbox LIVE Arcade in 2009.
• Fable® II (Lionhead Studios/Microsoft Game Studios): This Xbox 360 exclusive action role-playing game offers players an epic storyline and an unprecedented level of freedom and choice. Every decision defines who the player becomes and influences the evolving world around them. The game features an innovative dynamic cooperative mode, allowing you to invite a friend on the same couch to play or over Xbox LIVE to experience the world together. The journey begins in August with a first-of-its-kind exclusive Xbox LIVE Arcade title, where you can get a head start on earning gold to transfer to the rich world ofFable II when it arrives at stores in October.
• Gears of War® 2 (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios): Epic Games' design director Cliff Bleszinski gave a stunning new look at the Gears of War 2 campaign during E3, and confirmed the ability to ride the fearsome Brumak. Also detailed was the all-new five-player cooperative mode Horde, where players unite to battle a seemingly endless onslaught of Locust Horde forces. This most-anticipated Xbox 360 exclusive title releases worldwide November 7.

The world awaits Gears of War 2.

• Grand Theft Auto IV™ (Rockstar North/Rockstar Games): Continuing its blistering pace on the Xbox 360 platform, the first of the Xbox 360 exclusive downloadable episodes for this record-breaking game will be available this fall—the only console with new Grand Theft Auto IV content available this holiday season.
• Halo Wars™ (Ensemble Studios/Microsoft Game Studios): Microsoft expands the Halo universe with Halo Wars, the blockbuster strategy game designed exclusively for Xbox 360. A piece of the Halo Wars story is revealed through "Five Long Years," a trailer from Ensemble Studios and Microsoft, showcasing the brutal struggle for control of Harvest early in the Human-Covenant wars. Halo Wars puts gamers in command of the entire battlefield, leading both UNSC and Covenant forces.

Continue the Halo experience with Halo Wars.

• Infinite Undiscovery™ (Square Enix): In the newest fantasy role-playing console game from Square Enix, experience a real-time world woven of countless threads where player choices spin untold discoveries, and only on Xbox 360. Players are confronted with a variety of dramatic situational battles, such as executing a daring escape while a gigantic ogre follows in hot pursuit, or waging battle amid towering tidal waves. Dynamic environments change and respond in real time, creating an entirely new experience never before seen in the genre. The title is scheduled to release exclusively on Xbox 360 in North America on September 2, 2008.
• The Last Remnant™ (Square Enix): A new role-playing game crafted using the finest artistry and technology Square Enix has to offer, The Last Remnant is set in a fantasy world, war-torn, and scarred by years of conflict. Gameplay revolves around mysterious artifacts—Remnants—that possess magic powers. Groundbreaking graphics possible only on Xbox 360 bring the intensity to a whole new level. The game launches worldwide on November 20 exclusvely on Xbox 360.
• Resident Evil 5 (Capcom): Destined to bring new fans to the series, Resident Evil 5 is the sequel to one of the highest-rated video games in history (according to Metacritic.com and Gamerankings.com). Promising to revolutionize the series by delivering an unbelievable level of detail, realism and control, Resident Evil 5 unleashes an unprecedented level of fear for the next generation. New technology developed specifically for the game, as well as incredible changes to both the gameplay and the world, make this a must-have game for gamers across the globe.
• STAR OCEAN®: The Last Hope™ (Square Enix): The long-awaited continuation of the celebrated science fiction and fantasy role-playing game series is slated for release on Xbox 360 in spring 2009. This prequel set during the aftermath of World War III spans multiple planets and the vastness of space itself to recount the origins of the STAR OCEAN universe. Exhilarating combat expands upon the franchise's famous real-time battle system, introducing the amazing graphics and visual effects possible only on Xbox 360.
• Too Human™ (Silicon Knights/Microsoft Game Studios): An epic action game with integrated role-playing game elements, Too Human will be available in North America August 19 and in Europe August 29. The game features a rich storyline with deep character development, both hallmarks of Silicon Knights' legendary tradition of video game development.

Beijing 2008

Bring home the Gold! Compete in Beijing 2008™ - The Official Video Game of the Olympic Games alone or online as you strive to break records in 38 events across ten official Olympic sports including track and field, aquatics, gymnastics, and cycling!

• Over thirty official events and national teams: Represent the country of your choice and compete in such sports as track and field, aquatics, gymnastics, cycling, judo, table tennis, and canoe-kayak for the highest honor across ten authentic-looking stadiums.
• In-depth Olympic Games and Competition modes: In Olympic Games mode, players organize their daily schedule and customize their national teams with agility, power, stamina, and speed for competition in 38 events. With up to three friends, players can participate in either single or multi-event challenges in Competition mode.

• New gameplay mechanics: Controls vary across events, including a time-based system where timing, power and angle are essential, a rhythm-based method that requires increasing and sustaining speed, and a targeting system to aid players in accurately hitting targets.

• In the zone: Players are pulled right into the athlete's mind, getting them closer to the action and giving them time to accurately control every move.

• Global online competition: Face challengers from other nations, compete in exhibition events, and track your progress on the leaderboards, which allow you to prove yourself before the world.
• Capturing the Olympic spirit: As the exclusive official videogame, Beijing 2008™ offers an authentic look and feel of the Games, ultra-realistic recreations of the Beijing stadiums, and a chance to soak up the atmosphere from the Olympic host city in your own home.

Unreal Tournament 3

The return of the world's premiere first-person shooter comes to Xbox 360®. The full power of the Unreal Engine 3 is unleashed, taking graphics, gameplay, and challenge to a whole new level. Players engage in intense battles with other human players online, or against Unreal artificial intelligence that sets the industry standard. With the most powerful futuristic weapons and vehicles available, this is FPS action at its best!

• Next-gen gaming: Unparalleled graphical and physical realism from the award-winning Unreal Engine 3 technology delivers the most compelling first-person shooter experience to date, online and offline.
• Vast arsenal of weapons: Detonate your opponent from a distance with the ever-popular Shock Rifle or blast away at close range with the Flak Cannon. Over two dozen upgraded and enhanced weapons and vehicles are provided.

  

• New single player campaign: The Necris invasion has begun, and your clan was one of the first to be slaughtered. Head to the front lines and join this epic battle to defend humanity while taking your revenge.

• New and favorite characters: Fight side-by-side with or compete against new and returning characters from the Unreal universe, all with enhanced abilities and distinct personalities.

• Online innovations: All the award-winning online features of previous Unreal Tournament games are included, along with seamless loading of servers, improved matchmaking, cooperative online campaign play, an all-new Warfare mode, and more.
• Exclusive Xbox 360 features: New characters, a two-player split-screen mode, and five additional maps are provided for the Xbox 360 experience.

Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution

Hall of Fame Game designer Sid Meier has been called "The Father of Computer Gaming" with such early hits as F-15 Stealth Fighter, Railroad Tycoon, and Pirates. He put computer gaming on the map in 1991 when he delivered Sid Meier's Civilization to the gaming world, launching the "God Game" genre and creating one of the most award-winning and immersive games on the planet. Civilization remains one of the world's top-selling game series with over eight million units sold, and is recognized by the press as one of the greatest game franchises ever created.

In Sid Meier's Civilization® Revolution™, strive to become the Ruler of the World by establishing and leading a civilization from the dawn of man into the space age. Wage war, conduct diplomacy, and discover technologies as you go head-to-head with some of history's greatest leaders. Build the most powerful empire the world has ever known …

• Civilizations:Choose from 16 Civilizations throughout history (from Africa to Germany to America to China) to lead to victory. Defeat a rival civilization and add an exhibit to your Hall of Achievements, paying homage to your great accomplishments.

• Intense combat: Triple your strength by combining up to three units into one powerful army and destroy your enemies. When your units win tough battles, they will become veterans and then elites. Choose from a list of powerful upgrades that will give elite units even more strength to dominate in war. Your Army wears a distinct uniform representing your Civilization, so you will easily see them on the screen as you lead them into battle.
• Xbox LIVE play: Up to four players can battle as teams, head to head, or have a complete free-for-all online. Auto-matching, ranked games, leaderboards, and achievements make the online play more versatile and fun than any previous version of Civilization. Additionally, Xbox Live and PSN users will be able to download multiplayer maps and scenarios post launch.

• Custom made for the console: Developed from the ground up to take advantage of the hardware, Civilization Revolution introduces an intuitive control scheme, advanced physics, cutting edge visuals, 5.1 surround sound, and the non-stop action that console fans have been craving.

• Newcomers and longtime fans: Guided tutorials teach the necessary tools that will put you on the fast track to global dominance.
• Game of the Week: Each week, a new map will be highlighted that you can compete in. Finish the game with the highest score you can achieve, and have it posted to the "Civ Game of the Week" leaderboard.

Too Human Demo Next Week

Microsoft has announced that, as part of their annual "Bringing it Home" series, the Too Human demo is coming to Xbox live next week (via IGN). No word yet about what else will be available, but expect the usual videos, themes, gamerpics and other random surprises. So how does Dyack's epic stack up to the hype? Find out yourself next week. Hopefully it will be good, it has only been in development for nine years.

Game Details:
This third-person epic action game from renowned Canadian developer Silicon Knights. As the cybernetic god Baldur, players are thrust into the midst of an ongoing battle that threatens the existence of mankind. An ancient machine presence has forced the hand of the gods, and now Baldur is charged with defending humanity from an onslaught of monstrous war machines bent on the eradication of human life.

Experience a nonstop barrage of action powered by the seamless integration of melee and firearms combat, plus deep role-playing game elements fueled by breathtaking visuals. Battles unfold in awesome scale as players engage with vast numbers of enemies. Gamers can also take it to the next level by playing the entire game individually or cooperatively via Xbox LIVE®.

Bungie Teases New Halo Game?

The Pieces are Coming Together. Over the past few days, there have been rumors that a new Halo game will be announced at next week's E3 and today we have enough clues to believe the rumors are indeed true. First, Kotaku discovered that in Bungie's latest podcast, Brian Jarrard and Luke Smith teased about something being revealed at E3.

Brian: Isn't there something going on on July 14th or something like that?
Luke: Yeah, around then.
Brian: Somehow that's sticking in my head for some reason. Guess we'll have to see.
Luke: Yep, we'll just have to be patient. Who could say?

Furthermore, the I Love Bees web site has resurfaced today, leading us to believe that there's definitely something going on.

Halo 3: 7/7 "Bungie Day"

Each year the developer makes a point to use this date to treat fans to something special – usually new content, a free download or other surprise. This year, Bungie is celebrating this day with the release of new multiplayer map Cold Storage, as well as new gamer pics and a Bungie Day Xbox 360 dashboard theme, all for free on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. The “Halo 3” Legendary Map Pack will also drop in price to 600 Microsoft points in honor of the occasion. This year marks the best “Bungie Day” yet, as eight million plus “Halo 3” players can now download Cold Storage, a free new multiplayer map inspired by the original map Chill Out found in “Halo: Combat Evolved.” The Cold Storage facility was once a vibrant, active research center on Installation 05. An accidental contamination resulted in an unforeseen outbreak, which compromised the Forerunner center. Now, emptied and silent, watched only by a local caretaker, the abandoned structure serves as a reminder of how something as powerful as science is ultimately beholden to nature. Fans will need to be sure they download these on 7/7, because they will be available for one day only.

Three Games To Notice This Week

It looks like we have three new games coming out this week from three different genres. How exciting! I cant wait to rent them and see which ones I want to buy. The games releasing for this week are:

Unreal Tournament 3: Another soon to be smash hit for the Xbox 360 by epic games. Releases earlier this year on PS3. Now we finally get to play! With the considerably better Xbox live multiplayer should be awesome. I mean come on, its the studio that brought us Gears Of War. My number one selling point of this game? I know, I know there is no mods on the Xbox 360 version but.. we get two player split-screen
online! Finally, there is so little games out that offer that. I want to be able to play with my buds on the couch playing on xbox live. I don't want to system link thank you very much! Put this one on your list.

Civilization: Revolution: Well the renowned epic single-player campaigns featuring with the incredible re-playability and unmatched addictive gameplay is back but this time on the console! Yes, now you can crush the world under your shiny boot-heel from the comfort of your living room. The "revolutionary" features like real-time interaction with leaders and advisors, the extensive multiplayer capabilities via Xbox live and integrated video and voice chat make this a definite contender.

Beijing Olympics 2008: I'm actually excited for this one to come out. I played the previous Olympic games and after seeing the gameplay videos of the swimming and archery I'm throughly excited. The visuals are incredible. I had to double check to see that it was gameplay footage and not a recorded event. I have high hopes for this one. Not to mention I heard you can compete against people from around the world via Xbox Live! Hello simulated Olympics minus the effort and sweat and tears and...well you know, Couch Olympics anyway.. I have no doubt my thumbs will be contenders for gold.

Holiday

Going to be gone for the Fourth of July weekend. But I will be back on Monday!

And remember...If it explodes.. its probably going to be awesome.

Have a happy Independence Day!

Updated & Improved Reviews

I have decided to go ahead and review some of the games I mentioned earlier in my posts. Starting today I'm going to post a more in depth review then I have in the past. Today we will be looking at the recently released game:


Ninja Gaiden II

1 Player > Action > Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Team Ninja >ESRB: M

This latest offering features a brand new health recharge system. This oddly enough seems to be built for the sole purpose for the game to throw seemingly endless hordes of enemies your way. It works by recharging your health bar to a certain point depending on if you took any damage in a fight, if you did it will not recharge as much. The challenge people played the previous installments of Ninja Gaiden for is still here but to make the game apparently more consumable they have added an easier difficulty called the Path Of The Acolyte. This is a great starting point for people who don't want to experience the terror that the game offers or for people just starting out. Returning Veterans can jump straight into the harder Path Of The Warrior. Which enables a few different enemies. Players wanting to challenge themselves to the extreme can unlock two more difficulties, Path Of The Mentor and Path Of the Master Ninja. The action is fast paced and incredible. Ryu can weild an whole plethera of weapons from duel swords to the Sycte. Controls are tight and easy to control. There is no online multiplayer however, but it does offer a leaderboard system which displays your ranking among the worlds ninja elite. The new Ninja cinema allows players to share their gameplay videos with friends in the community. The story is sadly unnessecary to the explosive action this game offers and sadly forgettable. The women are still sterotypically built perfectly. A few loading issues sometimes arose during play as well as a few contextual control issues which make it hard to perform some of the simple tasks in the game. The platforming elements such as wall running are touchy and the get "key A" to unlock "Door B" is tired. If you can tolerate these annoyaces in the game then this game will grab you for the ride of your life. Let's hope if they revisit Ninja Gaiden again they add something new to the mixing pot Try out the demo live on marketplace.
Review Score: 8.7

Price Cut For Xbox 360

The Hollywood Reporter got confirmation from a major retailer that the rumored $50 price cut for the 20GB Xbox 360 is real. A Radio Shack ad confirms the rumor too. It's coming around July 6th, and the new price will be $299.99. If you don't have a Xbox 360, maybe it's time to buy one?

Now to the Future

Now to look into the future at games you cannot afford to miss. It's a great time to be an Xbox 360 owner.

In the near future we have Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution it is the latest offering in the legendary award winning Sid Meier’s Civilization series of strategy games, featuring the famous “just one more turn” addictive gameplay that has made it one of the greatest game series of all time. Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution has been designed and built (by the legendary Sid Meier and his team at Firaxis) from the ground up for consoles and handhelds delivering graphics, gameplay and controls that take full advantage of the hugely popular gaming platforms.

Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution is a watershed game offering players a chance to experience the epic empire building world of Civilization in a whole new way – in an accessible, visually immersive, fast paced, action-packed world that gamers crave.The demo is on the xbox live marketplace for anyone to check out. The game is so addictive and the demo only gives you a limited number of turns which believe me are not enough. This releases for Xbox 360 on July 8th.


They went with a more cartoonish look but the Civilization we know at love is preserved intact and is very pretty to look at nonetheless and with online multiplayer via xbox live!

Gears Of War 2: Gears of War 2 continues the story of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad, locked in an increasingly desperate battle against the nightmarish Locust Horde for the survival of humanity. Gears of War 2 is an epic saga of survival, loss, and retribution. Gears of War 2 raises the bar even further with the amazing technological advances of Unreal Engine 3, delivering a bigger, badder, and more intense experience as the story continues. Only on Xbox 360!






Fallout 3: Vault 101 – Jewel of the Wastes. For 200 years, Vault 101 has faithfully served the surviving residents of Washington DC and its environs, now known as the Capital Wasteland. Though the global atomic war of 2077 left the US all but destroyed, the residents of Vault 101 enjoy a life free from the constant stress of the outside world. Giant Insects, Raiders, Slavers, and yes, even Super Mutants are all no match for superior Vault-Tec® engineering. Yet one fateful morning, you awake to find that your father has defied the Overseer and left the comfort and security afforded by Vault 101 for reasons unknown. Leaving the only home you’ve ever known, you emerge from the Vault into the harsh Wasteland sun to search for your father, and the truth. This is by Bethesda Studios, the same developer who made the Elder Scrolls Oblivion for Xbox 360.



Borderlands: An extraordinary cooperative experience, allowing for multiple players to share the same game experience simultaneously online. Players can freely join or leave each other’s games at anytime, or choose to play in the full single-player mode. Borderlands features life-like character animations, impressive real-time physics, and customizable vehicles.

Gearbox Software has developed revolutionary new technology to create Borderlands’ incredible layers of gameplay depth. Borderlands features a groundbreaking content generation system allowing for near-endless variety in missions, environments, enemies, weapons, item drops and character customization.

Return Part 2

Well, finally after I had just posted my return on my blog my computer decides to join the junk heap and I had to replace it. But, I'm back now and now I have a spare computer in case of calamity. I know I have been gone a super long time and I apologize. Looking back on my last posts I realize just how much I have to post. I will post mini-reviews of what I have played and enjoyed to keep the space to a minimum.

Grand Theft Auto IV:

Grand Theft Auto IV is the greatest game to come out for the Xbox 360 so far. Hands down the best open world game ever. And with the promised episodic content planned for later this year it can only get better. With the addition of online multiplayer it's even better. But come on its Grand Theft Auto what more do you need?




Battlefield Bad Company:

Built from the ground-up for next-generation consoles using Digital Illusion s’ bleeding-edge Frostbite™ game engine, Battlefield: Bad Company drops gamers behind enemy lines with a squad of renegade soldiers who risk it all on a personal quest for gold and revenge. Featuring a deep, cinematic single-player experience loaded with adventure and dark humor, the game delivers the series’ trademark sandbox gameplay in a universe where nearly everything is destructible.





Alone in the Dark:

Provides a complete next-generation, action-packed experience within a highly detailed, free-roaming environment, featuring a mixture of astonishing real-time physics and full environmental interaction. The game is being developed by Eden Games, a leading first-party studio of Infogrames/Atari and considered amongst the finest in the industry. (Debuted worldwide for the first time at the Microsoft X05 event in Amsterdam. Original PC game released in 1992 is widely considered the first "survival horror" game.)

- I wanted this game to be good so badly. It wasn't the worst game I have played but the camera gives you endless headaches and makes you want to quit. It's a pretty good rental if anything.

Ever since THQ released a title update for Frontlines: Fuel of War that enables all multiplayer maps to support up to 50-player online battles on Xbox Live I have been playing it every now and then as well. It's not the best shooter I have played but it adds some pretty interesting elements to gameplay. Climbing up a one hundred foot crane in a huge city and sniping is quite the memorable experience. Not to mention that it now bosts the highest player count to date for online console game-play.

For Stratagy Fans: Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath

Just released. The single player campaign will allow players to experience a new story that spans 20 years – from the rebirth of the Brotherhood of Nod after the Second Tiberium War through the dramatic events of the Third Tiberium War and beyond. The story is told through a new set of high-definition live action video sequences starring a celebrity cast. Joe Kucan, the original actor who portrayed the character Kane in Command & Conquer games over the last decade, will reprise his role as the megalomaniacal leader of the Brotherhood of Nod.

Well, even to this day Call Of Duty 4 is still at the top of the number one played game on Xbox Live. You just can't beat the polish Infinity Ward puts into their games. These are just a fraction of what has come out since my last post. These are the ones that I'm personally playing at the moment. A few of the others such as:

Condemned 2: Bloodshot - Awesome Game. Recommended. Lighting and atmosphere make the tension palpable.
Dark Sector: -Weird Storyline but main weapon is awesome. Finishing moves almost make the game worth buying.
Turning Point: Fall of Liberty: -Wow, just...*ugh* its crap. Alternate ending to WWII and an end to this game. Poor...everything.
Lost Odyssey: -Incredible game. Four discs of turned based combat with an engrossing story. Voice acting is really good and extremely hilarious at times. But the packaging for the game....
Conflict: Denied Ops: -Based for co-op gameplay. Didn't enjoy it that much. Played the demo saw the flaws and decided to pass on it.
Devil May Cry 4: -Devil May Cry action is back in form on the xbox 360. But you don't play as Dante...at least not at the beginning?
Ninja Gaiden 2: -You must play this game. Incredible selection of weapons you can wield. And seriously, your a friggin Ninja who can sever your opponants in half with the grim reapers blade..
Turok: -Adds interesting elements like dinosaurs to online play but story falls flat. The close quarter knife kills never get old..