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Resident Evil 6's Xbox timed-exclusive DLC modes detailed
Capcom today detailed Resident Evil 6's post-launch downloadable content, which includes three multiplayer game modes called Survivors, Predator, and Siege. The announcement came shortly after a UK Xbox Marketplace listing disclosed three modes as the 360's timed-exclusive content first announced at this year's E3.Survivors Mode is a last-man-standing versus mode, but with killed players respawning as "enemy characters" (presumably zombies), able to resurrect fully after killing two humans. Predator Mode sees human players try to survive against a sole Ustanak, while Siege Mode sees each team trying to protect (and eliminate) a non-player character. Let's just hope that NPC is more Sheva than Ashley.The three modes become available shortly after Resident Evil 6 comes out on October 2. The demo arrives on PSN and for gold members on Xbox Live next Tuesday.
HSN details Nook Color update for 'mid-April': Android 2.2, Flash, apps and push email
Spent some quality time watching the Home Shopping Network this morning to hear just how the Nook Color will be improved? That's what we thought... but we bit the bullet and tuned in ourselves to get the details for you. Simply put, HSN says Barnes and Noble will start rolling out an over-the-air software package in "mid-April" that will update the Nook Color to Android 2.2, bringing Adobe Flash Player, Angry Birds, and push email of some sort. It'll also apparently include "lots of Nook apps," though the channel's pitchmen only had one to show on TV -- a kid-friendly sketchpad, with a variety of drawing utensils and colored paper. HSN hosts also claim that customers who purchase the Nook Color on the show are "guaranteed to be the very first people updated," though we're not sure we'll take them at their word, considering some of the other fabulous exaggerations we just heard on the air. %Gallery-119775%
HTC Thunderbolt exclusively hits Best Buy for $250 at launch, rooted prototype provides hope for easy unlock
Though hard facts on the HTC Thunderbolt's availability were hard to come by, conflicting rumors were flying fast and strong -- now, a Best Buy ad seems to clear most everything up. Like we'd originally heard, the 4.3-inch LTE smartphone will launch for $250 on a two-year contract -- or a wallet-crushing $750 without -- but the key ingredients here are three words at the very top. The Thunderbolt is apparently a "national retail exclusive" for Best Buy, which explains how the device could simultaneously face Verizon delays and yet come in for a Valentine's Day landing at the big box store. You'll also note that the ad mentions Skype video and 4G mobile hotspot functionality, so we'd be surprised if the phone came without, though it's also possible that the whole kit and kaboodle has been delayed to match -- Droid-Life says this ad comes from a February 20th circular, so we might not see anything until then. In case you needed an additional reason to be excited about the Thunderbolt, the developers at AndIRC have some related news -- they've already rooted a prototype version (which just so happens to have the familiar codename Mecha) and believe the same technique will work on retail devices. Wouldn't it be nice to have root on day one... whenever that is? [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Lost Planet 2 could be an Xbox 360 timed exclusive in Japan [update]
Capcom's Japanese site for Lost Planet 2 has been updated with estimated release periods for both the Xbox 360 and newly-announced PlayStation 3 versions. The Xbox 360 version is listed as coming out this winter, but the PlayStation 3 version has an undetermined date. It appears, then, that Lost Planet 2 will be a timed exclusive for the 360, at least in Japan. Unless Capcom's unnanounced PS3 release window turns out the same as the 360 release window.Unofficial sources (by which we mean gamestop.com) show the same North American release date, February 23, for both versions, but that could be a placeholder. We're currently inquiring with both Capcom and Microsoft to determine the timing of the North American releases. We're more apt to believe, by the way, that the delay in Japan is due to starting the PS3 version later, and not due to any agreements -- because why on earth would Capcom agree to make something Xbox 360 exclusive in Japan for any period of time?Update: Capcom has confirmed plans for a simultaneous PS3/360 release of Lost Planet 2. Read all about it here.%Gallery-45837%[Via Siliconera]
Activision: Tony Hawk Ride still multiplatform in UK
Update: Well, that was fast! VG247 managed to get a more definitive answer out of Activision, as the company admits the game will be multiplatform in the UK, despite reports to the contrary. An Activision spokesperson said, "We apologise for the confusion caused by this morning's mail out and we would be grateful if you could update your coverage to reflect the correct details above." So, UK gamers, expect Tony Hawk Ride to be available on the PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii, as previously reported.However, Eurogamer is remaining skeptical. They seem to doubt the wording of Activision's statement, and assume that Microsoft is still working toward an Xbox 360 exclusive release of the game. We'll be sure to update you as the story develops.Original post: As of right now, Tony Hawk Ride is still a multiplatform title in the UK, but Microsoft is hoping to change that. MCV reports that the Redmond-based giant and Activision are working toward a deal to ensure that Tony Hawk's new venture is only available on the Xbox 360 initially in the UK.Edge contacted Activision to get the dirt on this deal, and apparently found out that the game is still intended for multiplatform release, though this could change should Activision and Microsoft manage to come to an agreement. It wouldn't be the first time such a deal has been made, as Sony recently secured Ghosbusters rights there. Oh, and who could forget Rock Band's timed Xbox 360 exclusivity deal?Source - Initial MCV reportSource - Activision's response to Edge's inquiry on the matter
Rock Band Euro price won't 'magically' drop
In a post on the official Rock Band forums Harmonix product development manager Greg LoPiccolo told gamers that wishing the European price of Rock Band would drop won't do any good. "We're not gouging you, primarily because doing so doesn't serve our interests," LoPiccolo said. "You may conclude that Rock Band isn't worth the price charged, and that is your prerogative. But it's not magically going to get cheaper because you wish it to be so."LoPiccolo's comments come days after EA and Harmonix announced plans to release Rock Band exclusively on the Xbox 360 on May 23 in Europe, with other console versions hitting in the summer, at a shocking $360 US for the game and the three main peripherals (game sold separately, Instrument Pack includes wired guitar, drum kit and microphone)."We're not making a killing on Rock Band in Europe. We are incredibly sensitive to pricing issues. We are painfully aware that the higher the price we charge, the less copies we'll sell." LoPiccolo went on to blame shipping costs throughout the region as a primary factor in the price of Rock Band, but did not detail how the pricing structure breaks down for legal reasons.While the price point is still quite shocking, we're reminded of the delay Canadians saw when Rock Band released a month later than their American neighbors which was blamed for shipping and package localization reasons -- yet there was no change in price. Like what LoPiccolo says or not, his comments are the straightest answer we've seen regarding the issue. So, to our loyal European X3F Army members we ask, do the comments made by LoPiccolo change your mind regarding your May purchase plans?
UK Rock Band in May, timed Xbox 360 exclusive
Today EA, MTV and Harmonix have confirmed the UK release of Rock Band is set for May 23. News of a release date has been expected for quite some time; however, in an unexpected coup Harmonix has announced the popular music rhythm game will be a timed exclusive for everyone's favorite HD-platform.In a press release early this morning Harmonix confirmed the Xbox 360 version Rock Band will hit the UK in "an exclusive launch window of May 23," while other platforms will see the title released later this summer. However, the news may not be as peachy as UK gamers would like.The game will be sold separately from an "Instrument Edition," which is only includes the drum set, guitar and microphone peripherals, priced at GBP 129.99 (EUR 169). When factoring in the price of the software the package will cost gamers roughly $360 US. Additionally, UK gamers will have the option of purchasing wireless guitars separately for GBP 59.99 (EUR 79.99), while the standard drum kit will go for GBP 69.99 (EUR 89.99).The UK version of Rock Band will include all 58 tracks found in the North American release, as well as feature nine new tracks spanning German, French and UK hits.Considering the popularity of the game Stateside, Microsoft has definitely stolen one of the biggest releases out from under Sony's nose -- in a heavily pro-Sony market. While the exclusivity may boost the sales of the Xbox 360 in the region we wonder how UK gamers will feel swallowing the steep price to get their rock on.[Via Joystiq]
Tales of Vesperia Xbox 360 exclusive, for now
There are very few franchises in the role-playing genre that have maintained a top level of quality throughout it's lifespan, the Tales series is one of them. Widely regarded as one of the finest second-tier role-playing games (here in the West), the Tales series dates back to the Super Famicom so a new installment was to be expected. Namco Bandi recently revealed Tales of Vesperia, the latest in the franchise, is exclusive to the Xbox 360 - for now. The tenth in the series hitting the X360 echoes a strong backing for the western-made console by Namco Bandai, who have previously released Beautiful Katamari, Ace Combat 6 and Eternal Sonata on the Microsoft platform. While the title is currently an Xbox 360 exclusive everyone, including the game's director Yoshito Higuchi, expects the title to find it's way onto the PlayStation 3 eventually. During an interview with Play Magazine Higuchi was very direct when asked if the title would ever breathe life on Sony's platform. "Yes, I won't deny the possibility," Higuchi told Play. "But we're not thinking about it yet-there are so many other things to concentrate on first." [Thanks, Steve. Via Deeko]
