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Rumor: Rock Band 2 setlist partially leaked
If a segment on X-Play is to be believed a partial list of Rock Band 2 tracks have been revealed. One tipster snapped a photo from the popular G4TV show that listed several tracks, identified as Rock Band 2 songs by a small "2" icon to the left of the track listing. The rumored tracks for Rock Band 2 include: "Panic Attack" - Dream Theater (or Finger Eleven) "Chop Suey" - System of a Down "Give It Away" - Red Hot Chili Peppers "Everlong" - Foo Fighters "Kids in America" - Kim Wilde "Ace of Spades" - Motorhead "Hello There" - Cheap Trick "Anyway You Want It" - Journey "Pinball Wizard" - The Who It's notable that "More Than a Feeling" from Boston and "All the Small Things" from Blink 182 are listed and appear to have a different identifying icon. Considering both were downloadable Rock Band content the icon could signify DLC or an originally released track. For now throw it in the rumor mill but were sure hope these tracks are final. Also, Pinball Wizard? What a great idea![Thanks, StLouisRibs7734. Image via ScoreHero]
UK Rock Band 2 release comment, "a misunderstanding"
UK gamers, you might want to take a seat for this one. Speaking with Eurogamer, EA has stated that there has been a misunderstanding regarding the UK release of Rock Band 2."There was a misunderstanding and there is no confirmed date for Europe," an unnamed spokesperson from EA told Eurogamer. Yesterday we reported an unnamed EA rep hinted at a possible simultaneous release for the upcoming title.Currently the only confirmed release information for the recently announced sequel is the title's Xbox 360 timed-exclusivity for a Stateside launch sometime in September. Could Rock Band 2 also suffer from a late release throughout North America much like the original which launched in December 2007 in Canada? Only time will tell. More information regarding the title is expected at E3 which kicks off on July 14.[Thanks for crushing UK dreams, Boff]
Rock Band 2 expected to hit the UK this September
Looks like UK gamers aren't getting the short end of the stick when the band gets back together this September. Speaking with CVG a representative for Electronic Arts said Rock Band 2 is expected to hit shelves in the UK at the same time as its North American release. "We are expecting to see Rock Band 2 ship in September for the Xbox 360, with other platforms to follow," said the unnamed EA rep.If it were to happen a simultaneous release for Rock Band 2 would be a stark contrast to the original schedule that saw the first title take nearly 8 months to reach UK shores.Announced earlier today, Rock Band 2 promises to offer a wealth of gameplay enhancements, as well as the ability to play all previously purchased downloadable content from the popular original. Interestingly enough, the first Rock Band is still scheduled to release in the UK this August for the PS3, PS2 and Wii -- an Xbox 360 version was released on May 23.[Thanks, Webster1990]
Wake Up! Rock Band 2 hitting this September [Update]
Update: Apologizes, the early hours seem to have hit us. Rock Band 2 is scheduled to release on the Xbox 360 this September with a PS3 release later in the year. Other platforms have not been confirmed at the time of the press release.Are you sitting down? Today MTV, Harmonix and EA surprised no one by confirming suspicion that Rock Band 2 was in the works. Yes, the worst-kept secret of sequels since Microsoft announced Halo 3 is scheduled to hit this September on the Xbox 360 PS3 and other yet-to-be named platforms. In an interview with IGN, Harmonix lead designer Dan Teasdale spilled some carefully worded beans on the sequel. Most importantly Harmonix confirmed all Rock Band downloadable content will also work in Rock Band 2 and Teasdale also teased that new features are planned "that let you play your DLC in different ways." Teasdale also states that new downloadable content will be released for the Rock Band platform when Rock Band 2 is released, meaning you can download all DLC and play on either version. Also, the dreaded profile switching issue in the original is being examined and corrected for a more streamlined experience. While Teasdale also confirms new instruments are in development for Rock Band 2 they are only receiving more reliable and cosmetic changes, meaning your old Rock Band sets will still work as well. While Teasdale doesn't confirm some of the questions posed to him, he does tease at the possibility of and online World Tour and multiple users on vocals instruments. Jump in for a look at the new Stratocaster guitar as well as the top ten bands Teasdale hinted might make it onto the Rock Band 2 retail disc.
Gears of War 2 beta footage leaked [Update]
Update: Even more beta footage, including executions and the "death crawl" can be found after the jump! Looking for even more Gears of War 2 news today? Leaked footage of the Gears of War 2 beta has leaked on YouTube that showcases new environments and weaponry. Earlier in the day we posted new renders and concept art for the anticipated sequel but other details have been scarce. If you're a fan of all things Gears of War 2 you need to watch this footage courtesy of Analog Hype. You know, until they take it down![Thanks, BAK6E & VeHeMeNcE]
Treyarch up to the Call of Duty
When it comes to public perception, Call of Duty: World at War developer, Treyarch isn't naive. Speaking with Develop Magazine, Treyarch senior producer Noah Heller discussed the developer's decision to bring the Call of Duty franchise back into the World War II setting that made it popular even though the series has found new success in a modern setting with Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare -- developed by Infinity Ward."Call of Duty 4 comes along and it is a fantastic game, so how can we live up to that? How do we do World War II after that? We want to show people what we're capable of," Heller told Develop.Call of Duty fans remember Treyarch best for Call of Duty 3 which, the team is quick to remind fans, saw a very short development cycle due to Activision's decision to make the series an annual franchise. "[Look at] BioShock, GTA IV, Modern Warfare of course ... what all these games have is a lot of love and polish." Polish -- which some point at Call of Duty 3 for lacking despite garnering generally favorable reviews.Polish and love added to Call of Duty: World at War or not, fans and critics have labeled the latest installment of the franchise a step backwards but Heller says the team is aiming for the best WWII based title in the market, arguing, "there are stories in WWII we haven't told yet."[via Next Gen]
Tales of Vesperia demo lands on Far East Marketplace
Role-playing fans heed our words! A demo for Tales of Vesperia, the upcoming role-playing game from Namco Bandai, dropped on the Xbox Live Marketplace in Asia and India early this morning. Weighing in at a slim 278 MB, the demo marks the debut of the long standing Tales of series on a Western-made platform. With the full version due later this summer demo for Tales of Vesperia lets gamers sample the action as the warrior Yuri; as he and a group of other whimsically cell-shaded characters navigate Ehmead Hill and battle it out with various creatures in the franchise's popular real-time combat engine. No word on a North American release for the demo but considering the demo is completely in English (including all spoken dialogue) it may find its way Stateside soon.
Dead Space: In space no one can hear you release new screens
The newest action title to be added to Electronic Arts' catalog is the space thriller (sp'riller?), Dead Space. In the third-person action shooter gamers play as Issac, a miner who is decked out in the depressurized space suit dubbed 'The Rig.' Aboard an infested mining ship, Issac battles for survival against an alien species known as the 'Xenomorphs' 'Necromorphs'. The game also features weightless and decompressed environments for all your space Spider-Man, wall-walking desires. Dead Space is expected to release this fall.%Gallery-21371%
Infinite Undiscovery: New trailer and release dates revealed
One of the many role-playing titles showcased at the recent Xbox 360 Japanese RPG event was the interestingly named, Infinite Undiscovery. At the event a new trailer for the Square Enix published, tri-Ace developed RPG was showcased (English version above) that showed off some of the story and gameplay elements of the game. While at the event Microsoft announced the release schedule for the title and it appears gamers all around the world will have their chance to battle it out as a fashionably conscience teenage warrior sooner than expected. Infinite Undiscovery hits North America on September 2, Europe on September 5 with Japanese and Asian markets joining in the fun on September 11.
A History of Violence: Ninja Gaiden Retrospective
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/xbox/A_History_of_Violence_A_Ninja_Gaiden_Retrospective'; Twenty years ago a gaming icon was born. A ninja. Originally unknown to the world, gamers everywhere now know him as Ryu Hayabusa--star of today's hottest new release Ninja Gaiden II.As the warrior Ryu steps into the shadows never to return again, we look back at his origins and humble beginnings. From the arcade, a brief stint at Sega, his wonder years at Nintendo and the new generation of HD-limb separating on the Xbox 360. This is his legacy, his legend, his history of violence.Jump in and read the history of the videogame industry's favorite ultimate ninja!
Street Fighter IV: It's an 'Epic' trailer
We're really intrigued by Street Fighter IV, but not nearly as intrigued as we are by the trailer released by Capcom at Captivate08. Reminiscent of a fan-made YouTube video, the latest trailer for Street Fighter IV plays out as Faith No More's hit-song, "Epic," blasts in the background. We never thought we'd see Street Fighter marketed that way. Either way, the footage looks solid and we can't wait to get some quality time with Capcom's best-selling franchise again. Wait, Jean Claude Van Damme played Guile didn't he? Guess no one knows how Street Fighter should be marketed!
Fracture: New trailer, like love, can move mountains
Lucasarts debuted the latest trailer for the upcoming action-shooter, Fracture, on GameTrailers early Saturday morning. Setting the stage for a war that takes place between a split United States, two factions face-off for dominance over the nation. The evil-doers, known as the Pacificans, have altered DNA to create a stronger, more dominant race while the Atlantic Alliance have put their effort into creating advanced cybernetics to thwart a Pacific attack. With an interesting concept and unique gameplay (terraform weapons look awesome!) can Fracture make a name for itself when it hits this October? Time will tell. Also, Pacificans? Really?
Gears 2 flamethrower, other weapons spotted in scans
Hey, it's just after 2 PM EST so it's time for another obligatory Gears of War 2 news post. One of our X3F Soldiers tipped us off to scans of a recent article that showcased the new weapons and enemies in Gears 2. Since the other weapons spotted in the scans had been seen in the recent Assault gameplay video, we thought it would be a good time to introduce you to the flamethrower.This no nonsense inferno-spitting handheld burns red hot and promises to cook a steak in 9 seconds flat, and we don't mean a filet mignon or nothing--we're talking a "half the cow is on your plate, why is my belt still on?" man-steak. We can't even imagine what the execution will be for the flamethrower, but we're sure Epic has something brutal up their sleeve. Hell, as long as Marcus sprinkles some salt and pepper on a dude's charred face afterwards, we're cool with whatever. More scans available at Recenzeher.[Thanks, BAK6E]
2008 Yearbook: Microsoft Game Studios
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/xbox/2008_Yearbook_Microsoft_Game_Studios'; After a solid year for the Xbox 360 in 2007 many thought the system could never showcase the same amount of quality exclusives in a single year.In the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios Yearbook, we've compiled a list of this year's graduating class with a detailed account of each title's current status and the stories surrounding them.From heartbreaking cancellations, surprise feature announcements and expected sequels, the 2008 MGS Yearbook is filled with fun facts and information on your soon-to-be favorite titles. Also included in the yearbook are special joke awards given to each title that releases in 2008 that poke fun at the details most commonly argued about in the comments.From Ninja Gaiden II to Alan Wake, the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios Yearbook will have something for everyone.Ladies and gentlemen allow us to introduce the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios graduating class ...
Next Gen: Ninja Gaiden II's major design flaw, a bad camera
Not all previews of the soon-to-be releases Ninja Gaiden II have been glowing. According to impressions from Next Gen: Edge the game is cursed with a major design flaw, a bad camera. "This isn't a problem with it getting caught on a corner occasionally, nor the odd confusing switch of perspective. It is a constant problem: obscuring foes, breaking up combos, losing track of Ryu, and flicking back and forth between positions."While this isn't the first preview we've read citing the camera as an issue, previous impressions came from older builds of the game, however the most recent build shown at press events was the final code. So are we in for heartbreak when Ninja Gaiden II drops next month?While the preview does praise Ninja Gaiden II for being one of the best 3D fighting engines ever made, they wonder how Team Ninja got the basic design of camera control utterly wrong. Remembering the original Ninja Gaiden had camera issues, is this something you'll be able to deal with or did this just break the deal for you and cancel that Ninja Gaiden II pre-order?
Beware of the 'Meat Shield'
Sometimes it almost feels like people are trying really hard to start controversy where there isn't any. Arizona's KTVK-TV is the latest in a long line of videogame fear mongering by warning parents of the horrors of the 'meat shield,' according to Game Politics.Citing a Yahoo!Games report detailing features in Gears of War 2 KTVK-TV warns, "A popular video game for the Xbox 360 is getting a sequel this year - and it seems to be raising eyebrows with its level of gore and detail ... The game certainly attracted attention for its realistic visuals and battle scenes, but caused some pause when game designers showed off a new attack players can use in the game."The report continued to warn, "Players can pick up the corpses of fallen enemies and use them as a "meat shield" to protect themself from enemy fire as they engage in battle from behind the corpse."As good as Gears 2 looks, calling it's visuals realistic is like saying E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial is based on a true story. Are we really resorting to hyping-up hate for a game months before it releases?
Rick Nash covering NHL 2K9
Two key announcements have been made for fans of 2K Sports' NHL franchise. First, and more importantly of course, Rick Nash has been tapped as the cover athlete of NHL 2K9. This coming from a memorable season for the Columbus Blue Jackets where they, you know didn't make the playoffs. But that's besides the point!The second, and way less important, is developer Visual Concepts is "taking over" the development reigns of the game instead of working with Kush Games and promises to rebuild the game from the ground up. Surprising changes would be made due to the fact that 2K8 was one of the second best hockey game available according to Metacritic.Some things you may want to consider about this post. One, Rick Nash? Really? Two, building the title from the ground up? Thank goodness. Three, there were only two hockey games last year.Oh, sorry to any Nash or Blue Jackets fans. I'm a Leafs fan, so what do I know?
Lost Planet: Colonies goes gold
There are two things we know for sure about Lost Planet: Extreme Condition - COLONIES Edition. First, someone at Capcom needs to fire the guy who makes these names up, for serious. Second, the Xbox 360 and PC exclusive is almost here.Yesterday Capcom announced the platinum release of Lost Planet, which includes new missions, multiplayer maps and modes (including the ability to play as the evil Akrid), has gone gold. So throw on your parka and make a warm cup-o-coffee, it's about to get chilly up-in-this 'ma.Lost Planet: Extreme Condition - COLONIES Edition *sigh* hits retail on May 27.
Gears of War 2: 4 screens from Assault
Microsoft released four screen grabs from the first gameplay footage of Gears of War 2. Hitting this November, Gears 2 is the sequel to the critically and commercially successful Gears of War which released exclusively on the Xbox 360.In Gears 2 humans are bringing the fight to the Locust, utilizing new moves, weapons and various ways to cut dudes in half.%Gallery-22746%
Battlefield: Bad Company demo dropping June 5
Anyone who wasn't lucky enough to experience the closed beta of the slightly controversial EA first-person comedy-shooter (not kidding), Battlefield: Bad Company, will soon have their chance. Today EA announced that a demo for the DICE developed title will hit the Xbox Live Marketplace and PSN on June 5. The single and multiplayer demo promises to showcase what was in the beta as well as the wacky characters found in the campaign mode. Gamers who decide to pre-order the title from select retailers will be treated an early download of the demo beginning May 29. For those at home keeping score you'll remember pre-ordering and playing the demo will give gamers access to two of the five controversial weapons found in the beta. Pre-ordering gives gamers access to the QBU88 Sniper Rifle while downloading and playing the demo nets players the UZI Submachine Gun. Battlefield: Bad Company ships on June 25.
