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Hexic 2 and Texas Hold 'Em feelin' update love
There are two things you can count on in life, taxes and random Texas Hold 'Em title updates. And that's what is headed down the infamous Microsoft certifcation tube, a new title update for XBLA games Texas Hold 'Em and Hexic 2. There is no specific date for when the title updates will roll out, but we do know that the leaderboards for the games will be reset (to keep things fair) and that the Texas Hold 'Em update is geared more towards fixing bankroll exploits while the Hexic 2 update is aimed at fixing or improving bomb and timer gameplay elements. So, welcome the changes with open arms when they get rolled out otherwise the XBLA police will break down your door and rough you up. Not that we know from first hand experience or anything ... we heard about it from a friend. Full list of all the changes coming for these XBLA games can be viewed after the jump, happy gambling and happy bombing!
Hexic 2 and Ecco available on XBLA
It's Wednesday, which could only mean that this week's XBLA twofer is here, offering up both Hexic 2 and Ecco the Dolphin for purchase. Hexic 2 is available for 800 Microsoft points and builds upon our favorite free puzzle game Hexic, adding multiplayer gameplay, new pieces and a new mechanic look. SEGA's Ecco the Dolphin can be purchased for 400 Microsoft points and is a classic port in the truest sense with a single player campaign that spans twenty-five levels of watery fun. Both games are waiting for your download, so don't let them down and begin the XBLA downloading ritual right quick.
This Wednesday: Hexic 2 and Ecco the Dolphin on XBLA
As much as we'd love to skip to commenters complaining about how this week's Xbox Live Arcade releases weren't the ones they were hoping for, we figured we should at least tell you what they are first: Hexic 2 (800 points, $10) and Ecco the Dolphin (400 points, $5) are both due tomorrow. Ecco the Dolphin is, of course, a graphic and audio-enhanced version of Sega's classic tale of love and betrayal under the sea that manages to perfectly capture an experience that practically no one was ever curious about. Hexic 2 is a sequel to the original puzzler. Though there are new features, it sadly lacks its predecessor's most important feature: Not costing money. The complaining may now commence. %Gallery-5837% %Gallery-5838%
Hexic 2 and Ecco twofer on XBLA Wednesday [update 1]
We just got word from Microsoft that this Wednesday we'll be treated to an XBLA twofer, Hexic 2, and Ecco the Dolphin. Hexic 2 will feature new formations, such as "lines" as the Achievements would suggest, new pieces, and a head to head multiplayer mode. Fortunately Alexey Pajitnov, who made the original Hexic, as well as Tetris, had his hand in this sequel, so fans should feel right at home. Ecco will also be available as part of the SEGA Vintage Collection, and will have Leaderboards for "Best Times" for the levels and enhanced sound and graphics. No official announcement on the pricing, but if you wanted our "professional" opinion, Hexic 2 will go for 800 Microsoft Points, and Ecco at half that price. Update: Prices confirmed on Gamerscoreblog.
Fresh screenshots for upcoming XBLA games
With this week's announcement of upcoming Xbox Live Arcade games that will be releasing soonish comes a batch of marketing offered screenshots. And we figured what better way to share the visual stimulation that these XBLA screenshots have to offer than with official X3F galleries! So, that's exactly what we did. Check out the newly uploaded screenshots for upcoming XBLA games Hexic 2, SPFIITHDR, War World and Puzzle Quest by giving them a quick click-through. We even got you started in your screenshot browsing by embedding the SPFIITHDR gallery below. Go already, go get your daily dose of XBLA screenshot love. %Gallery-5729%
Hexic HD leaderboard fix coming soon
Carbonated Games employee Jesiatha posted on the Xbox.com forums about a Hexic HD leaderboard fix that'll be coming soon via an auto update. The update will allow high scores for continuing games to show up on the leaderboards and not just those that are completed. This will of course shake up the current top 10 leaderboard, but we think deservingly so. And isn't it kind of cool for the guys over at Carbonated Games to support a game that's over a year and a half old? We think so, so cheers to them! Any fanboys out there working on some crazy high Hexic HD scores (somewhere around the 100,000,000,000 score range) and going to benefit from the leaderboard update? [Via XBLArcade]
Video: Hexic HD glitch 477 days later
Sure, Hexic HD has been available for a long time, but maybe this will help those that still don't have the Grand Pearl Pooh-Bah Achievement. Anyway, since the video is under 15 seconds long, we'll let you watch it first, then go on about what it means for you Hexic addicts ... Done? Good. So, apparently you can do "double moves" with a starflower piece and have it only count as one turn, as the bomb suggested. We're not sure if you can combo it into more than one extra rotation, but it should help you in the right situations. The technique involves pulling the appropriate trigger twice with the proper timing. We're not sure if this maneuver can be performed on standard or black pearl pieces, or if it can be used to "skip over" moves that would result in a potentially disastrous combo chain, but definitely worth practicing to find out. Still, that begs the question makes us wonder, are any of you still playing Hexic HD enough to care? Also, the same site features what's called a "starburst combo" as well as clips from a 24 billion point Marathon game, which placed 2nd on the leaderboard. [Via Digg]
Most played games of 2006 [update 1]
Major Nelson painstakingly compiled all the data from 2006 and came up with one gigantic list of the top games of 2006. Be sure to note that his list takes into account only unique users that played the game on Live. Gears of War is awarded the top spot for most played Xbox 360 game, Halo 2 takes original Xbox game honors, and the dark horse for XBLA games is UNO. Interesting note that Hexic HD came in second under Xbox 360 games, when were under the impression that it was an arcade game. Hmm. If you're jonesing for some Xbox Live data in chart form, jump on over to Major's site ... he's the stat master.Update 1: We overlooked the note that the top list contains all 360 content including Arcade games. So, Hexic HD you're not so shady after all and we simply can't label you as an XBLA game either.
Hexic hacks don't affect Xbox Live
Larry Hryb (aka Major Nelson) of Microsoft did some digging and determined that our report of Hexic haxxoring was only partially correct. While it's true that the game has been extracted from kiosk disks used for European Xbox 360 kiosks, and while it's true that the game has been modified, and while it's even true that tinkerers have been able to make it appear as if they're winning achievements, the fact of the matter is that none of this has any effect on the Xbox Live leaderboards. An email from the Xbox Live Arcade team to the good Major stated: "While Hackers can play the game and trigger the achievement awarded animation as if is still there but they don't actually earn anything since they can't connect to Xbox Live." There you have it! Back to collecting black pearls the old fashioned way.
Xbox 360 hackers cheat at Hexic, make inroads into hacking the 360 [Update1]
The hacking community has been very busy this weekend. Accomplishments include: Successfully ripping Hexic off of a kiosk disc and executing it in a PC browser (it runs very slowly) Successfully modifying Hexic and running it on an Xbox 360 connected to Xbox Live Hacking Hexic to earn several of the achievements without doing any of the work Successfully running simple Flash applications that were never on the Xbox 360 (such as a clock application) Modifying certain aspects of the King Kong kiosk demo to create the simple program pictured here Speculation: Could this third item be behind the reset of the Xbox Live leaderboards? We hear people were earning some sick scores in Hexic before the reset (according to a blog post by Xbox Live's Larry Hyrb, the reset is a technical glitch having nothing to do with security issues.) These findings might make it possible to run a flash-based browser, flash-based media players, or even other flash games not available on Xbox Live Arcade There are many avenues of research that the hacking community is exploring. Given the history of past efforts by Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft to prevent modification (all to no avail), it seems inevitable that one or more of these seeds of opportunity will yield fruit How far away are we from a gamer points reset, given that some gamers have been able to cheat to obtain them? Will it become possible to cheat at other games? That's the surest way to sap the enjoyment from any game, as Halo players on Xbox Live who have been the victims of cheaters can attest. [Update1: linked to statement from Microsoft's Larry Hyrb regarding the leaderboard reset.]
Fanboy QuickTake: Hexic
Our friends over at Joystiq have already reviewed Hexic HD, the Xbox Live Arcade puzzle game that comes preloaded on the 360's hard drive. Posing the best value for money out of all arcade games (provided you have the hard drive), it's an excellent starter into the world of Xbox Live Arcade and the concept that the 360 can be used for things other than expensive store-bought games. The gameplay is deceptively simple. Rotate triplets of hexagons to form clusters of three or more of the same colour, which vanish from the board. New hexagons drop in to replace them, repeat ad infinitum. It's like a psychedelic episode of Blockbuster. There are three game modes: Marathon has a gradual difficulty increase and is the most fun, while Timed mode provides those adrenaline rushes, and Survival mode is for patient nitpickers who like their boards kept clean. There are no real changes from the PC version, but somehow playing it on an Xbox 360 makes it more fun.
Joystiq's massive Xbox 360 launch weekend blowout: the aftermath
There's a strong possibility that many of you out there were cryogenically frozen in antarctic glaciers over the weekend, so we won't fault you if you missed out on our 48-hour Xbox 360 playathon. Just bought a 360 and wondering what games are worth your while? On the ropes about whether or not the console is for you? Or do you just want a peek at some hardcore uncensored unboxing action? Whatever it is you're looking for, chances are we've got you covered. And for more in-depth game and console coverage, check out James' hands-on Xbox 360 experience from last month's New York press event. The Setup Unpacking the Xbox 360; hot unboxing action Our sweet test setup Our sweet speaker setup Our sweet screen setup Fuel for a 48-hour gaming fiesta Blockbuster & Hollywood Video: 350 what? The Hardware Joystiq, PGR3 and faceplate. PGR3 and faceplate, Joystiq Invasion of the Xbox 360 faceplates Xbox 360 controller range: Can you hear me now? Side-by-side of Xbox 360 remotes Titlefight: 480p v. 720p for the championship! Parasitic Play-and-Charge controllers get juice from Windows, but Windows gets nothing in return Xbox 360 heat concerns are no concern Xbox 360 fan noise ranked The Services Visualize this: Xbox 360's visualizer taken for a spin Game trailers available on Xbox Live Live: best way to download game trailers Best and worst trailers from Xbox Live Marketplace Gaming trailers are insulting to gamers 360 plays videos, but controls are lacking MP3s streamed to Xbox 360 via laptop Xbox Live arcade titles added: free to try, $5 to $15 to buy Our first Xbox Live friend: you like us, you really like us Joystiq Guide: iPod on the Xbox 360 The Games 3 copies of Kameo = MS wants us to play it 2K on the 360: NBA 2K6, Amped 3, & NHL 2K6 Joyswag caption contest: win a copy of Kameo Joystiq review: Geometry Wars demo Joystiq review: Bankshot Billiards 2 demo Joystiq review: Gauntlet demo Joystiq review: Hexic HD Are we perverse? There's nothing retro about this experience! Joystiq review: Joust demo, thy game is over Joystiq review: Bejeweled 2 Deluxe demo Kameo's in the house, er... 360 tray Super-frustrating boss fight in Kameo Joystiq is better than GameSpot And the best Xbox 360 launch title is... Them's a lotta links! And while we're still recovering from a full weekend of hectic gaming, great fun was had by all, and we can hardly wait for our 48-hour Revolution blowout to roll around... You listening, Nintendo? And if that's still not enough reading material to quench your thirst for Xbox 360 coverage, check out the newest member of the Joystiq family, Xbox 360 Fanboy. Response has already been overwhelming, and it's all thanks to you guys!
Joystiq review: Hexic HD
Hexic HD is a single-player puzzle game that comes installed on the Xbox 360's hard drive when you buy/win/obtain the $399 system (at least in its current incarnation). Unlike the other Live Arcade games being made available in the Marketplace so far, you don't need to spend any Microsoft points to get the full version as it's fully unlocked from the get-go. Features include Xbox Live-enabled leaderboards, and game modes such as Marathon, Timed, and Survival. Ambient music ebbs and recedes in a mostly acceptable ways, though the total volume can swing quite a bit from soft to loud if you're trying to hit that late-night volume sweet spot at home. Hexic looks like your typical puzzle game from its shiny and brightly colored panels, but the way you play it is mainly by rotating trios of hexagons around central axes in a hexagonal grid to strategically remove clusters of tiles from the board. As the official Microsoft site for the game says, you must use "bonus pieces and starflowers to boost your score and discover new ways to play. But watch out for bombs--clear them before they explode or it's game over."
360 marathon results in sleepy bloggers
We knew that playing games was hard work, but who knew that system crashes would apply to our writers, too? Check out Vlad in his nightly best above, and then Chris next to one of his speakers after the jump. Lest you worry that the marathon fell apart due to human frailty, understand that this blogger dutifully kept at Hexic HD through thick and thin while some folks took their power naps. Expect more posts as the weekend marches on!
21 Xbox Live Arcade games at launch, 35 games by summer 2006
Microsoft has announced the list of titles expected to be available during the holiday season for Xbox Live arcade. Not all of these will be available from launch day, but all of them are expected within the next few months. We're particularly excited to play Joust. If there's an Xbox Live matchup feature for Joust, there's hope yet that 30-somethings will find at least one game where we can still hold our weight against whippersnappers with better reflexes and more free time. Robotron 2084 is in there too! Here's the list of titles:
Joystiq hands-on: Xbox 360--Live Arcade
I was pleasantly surprised with Microsoft's enthusiasm for the Xbox 360's Live Arcade. The team is determined to do it right this time around-no hunting around for an installation disk. At launch, 12-15 games should be available, 15-20 by the end of the holiday season. Here's a list of definite launch titles: Hexic HD (original game from the makers of Tetris; comes pre-installed on the HDD) Bankshot Billiards 2 (it's pool) Geometry Wars (upgraded port) Joust (upgraded port) Marble Blast Ultra (original title) Mutant Storm (upgraded port) Wiki: Fable of Souls (original title)
Xbox 360 hard drive content revealed
In another X05 announcement, our favorite Michael Stipe look-alike, J Allard, gave us the goods on the content that will be pre-installed on the 360 hard drive - for those of us who pony up for it (the more budget-conscious can stop reading now). This bonus content will showcase the 360's "user experience" features such as system wallpaper and gamer profile customization, as well as a sample soundtrack. Also included is the puzzle game, Hexic, and a behind-the-scenes video of the 360's evolution. While many were anticipating backward compatibility files for games like Halo 2, Microsoft has chosen to remain mum on the subject. Let's hope this isn't another Windows 95 Plus! pack. TyeDye desktop theme, anyone?
