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Cross-platform multiplayer free on Xbox 360 [update: limited-time only]
When Microsoft recently flipped the switch to turn Games For Windows Live into a free-for-all, several cross-platform multiplayer games apparently brought their Xbox 360 denizens with them. That's right, all three cross-platform titles (Shadowrun, Universe at War: Earth Assault and Lost Planet: Colonies) can be played online by any Xbox 360 user with a high-speed internet connection -- freeloading Xbox Live Silver account holders specifically -- according to a thread on Xbox Forums. Of course, the catch is you've got to have a copy of one of the participating game discs. So when Joystiq went to verify the reports, we realized our chest-o-games only contained the good ones. Any far less snobby readers care to shout out a "yea" or "nay" on the matter? [Update: X3F's Xav de Matos has confirmed that the Xbox 360 version of Lost Planet: Colonies can be played online using a Silver account.]In the interim, we've contacted Aaron Greenberg, group product manager for Xbox 360, who told us we can expect Microsoft to issue an official statement shortly.Update 7:10pm: And we've heard back from a Microsoft rep who tells us, "Last week we announced that we were taking off the Gold-only restriction for multiplayer gaming over Games for Windows- LIVE. For a limited time, we are offering free online multiplayer on Xbox 360/ Games for Windows titles that offer LIVE cross platform play. This promotion won't last, so we encourage everyone to take advantage of it while they can." You heard the man, go take advantage of it!
Universe at War demo attacks the Marketplace
Major Nelson just sent a note our way informing us that a new Universe at War: Earth Assault demo is available for download off the Xbox Live Marketplace right this very moment. The demo is available to all Xbox Live subscribers, weighs in at a quite manageable 546MB and includes two of the three factions featured in the retail build. As always, we recommend you download, play, get an opinion then voice said opinion. Now, get to it!
Shipping this week: Frisbee knife edition
Well kids, this is it. The first "next-gen" game evar is finally on its way to retail shelves. That's right, Dark Sector, the one time space stealth action game turned Eastern Europe stealth action game, will soon see the light of day. Is it any good? We'll have to wait and see. But wait! There's more! Not only are we getting Dark Sector this week, but also Universe at War: Earth Assault and Viking: Battle for Asgard. Viking is a hack and slash action game in the vein of God of War, while Universe at War: Earth Assault is a new entry in the RTS genre. Readers may recall that Universe at War is somewhat unique as it offers cross platform play between the PC and Xbox 360. Given the 360's lack of mouse and keyboard support -- and the fact that the PC version has been out for months -- we're anxious to see if console players will even stand a chance.[Via Joystiq]
SEGA: Rally Revo this Fall, Condemned 2 in Feb
Today, SEGA must have felt a little left out of the E3 hubub and as a result decided to share its video game release schedule through 2008. SEGA isn't giving out concrete dates, but has announced that Xbox 360 games Virtua Fighter 5 and SEGA Rally Revo will be available this Fall, The Golden Compass this December, Condemned 2: Bloodshot is penciled in for February, Iron Man next Spring, Universe at War: Earth Assault Q1 of 2008, and The Club will make its way to retailers Winter 2008. So, later this year SEGA will grace us with some online Virtua Fighter 5, SEGA Rally Revo and The Golden Compass and anything releasing in 2008 we won't comment on, because 2008 is way too far in the future for our A.D.D. minds to care about. Bring on the 2007 games!
Universe at War features cross-plat play
Sega has announced that their upcoming RTS title, Universe at War: Earth Assault, will support cross-platform play between 360 and PC players. This makes Universe at War the third title to utilize Live Anywhere (along with Shadowrun and UNO) and the first third-party title to do so. Sega announced the title in February. It's an RTS featuring three alien races warring over control of Earth (humans, it seems, really get the short end of the stick in Universe at War). The game comes from Petroglyph Studios, creators of Star Wars: Empire at War.Okay, we admit it. PC vs. 360 in an FPS game like Shadowrun may be decently balanced, but cross-platform play in an RTS seems downright unfair. This is especially so given that PC players will be playing Universe at War this year. 360 players will have to wait until 2008 to prove themselves.[Via Joystiq]%Gallery-4367%
