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Joystiq X08 interview: NHL 09 producer Andy Agostini
Who says a sports franchise can't reinvent itself? For EA Sports, the NHL game franchise has done just that over the last three versions. After introducing the analog control mechanic in NHL 07 along with the AHL teams and Create-a-Play feature in NHL 08, it would appear the franchise has gone as far as it can. Well, sports fans, NHL 09 attempts to break the mold once again with its Be a Pro mode. The mode is instantly recognizable to fans of FIFA 08 but different because it's spread across seasons in NHL 09, rather than single games. In an interview with Joystiq at Microsoft's X08 in Toronto, NHL 09 producer Andy Agostini discussds the Be a Pro mode, annual creativity and the hardships of updating rosters after a title ships. [MP3] Download this interview in MP3 format
X08: Gears 2 DLC to ship 'soon' after game release
In a recent X08 interview with Cliff Bleszinski, our Joystiq compadres learned some information regarding Gears of War 2's planned downloadable content. Most importantly, that it's currently in the works and will ship "very soon within' the [Gears of War 2] launch timeframe."Mr. Bleszinski confirmed that the Gears 2 DLC will be "multiplayer map focused" and will make its release within the magical Gears 2 release window timeframe. As far as pricing goes, Epic isn't saying much, which is totally understandable seeing the controversy surrounding the original Gears DLC was probably a giant headache to deal with. Gears 2 DLC is being worked on and confirmed for release within the launch timeframe. Huzzah!
X08: Cliff Bleszinski talks Gears of War 2
During the X08 event in Toronto last night, Joystiq was able to sit down with Epic Games lead designer Cliff Bleszinski and talk chop about Gears of War 2. Cliff discussed the pacing and intensity of Horde Mode, the trouble with too many players in co-op and his quick impressions of Too Human.X08 Toronto allowed invited gamers in the Greater Toronto Area (yes, the GTA) to participate in a showcase of upcoming Xbox 360 retail and Arcade releases. Gears of War 2 was a surprise showing with a multiplayer build from E3 2008. Everyone was on the edge of their seat. Jump in for a few choice comments from Cliff Bleszinski, perfect for those of your reading this in a library and unable to listen to the actual interview! [MP3] Download this interview in MP3 format
X08: XBLA Duke adds saved films, rewind feature
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/xbox/XBLA_Duke_adds_saved_films_rewind_feature'; According to a Microsoft representative at X08 in Toronto, Duke Nukem 3D will include two new features when it releases "sometime in September": A saved film and gameplay rewind feature. As explained by the rep, the rewind function allows players to rewind a portion of the game if they had a particularly enthralling firefight with LARD troops or to undo any major mistakes (e.g. including death). The saved film feature works as you would imagine: Players are able to take saved clips from multiplayer and share them online with friends. With this much new content added for an Arcade release Duke Nukem might just become popular again. Someone should really look into releasing a new game in that series ... oh, wait.
X08: Hands-on Portal: Still Alive (XBLA)
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/xbox/Hands_on_with_Portal_Still_Alive'; A buzzing noise fills the room as you are shaken awake. Bright lights bounce off the windowed walls of your 4 foot by 5 foot holding cell, making them twice as bright. As you rise from your bed and adjust your eyes a timer clicks from beyond your transparent walls and immediately you can't help but to fear you've seen this all before.Portal: Still Alive is the upcoming Xbox Live Arcade title based on the critically acclaimed original found in The Orange Box from Valve. Those who were unfortunate enough to never play the original Portal are in luck as Portal: Still Alive is essentially the exact same experience but with a few added bonuses.
X08: Infinite Undiscovery discovered on two discs
Terrible news for immobile couch potatoes: According to a Square Enix representative, Infinite Undiscovery will ship on two discs when it releases exclusively on the Xbox 360 in September. The real-time role-playing title from tri-Ace marks the first game to be published by Square Enix on an Xbox platform since 2006's space shooter, Project Sylpheed. Shipping on September 2 in North America, September 5 in Europe and September 11 in Japan, Infinite Undiscovery promises an epic 20-25 hour adventure for the Xbox 360. And that's just while you're busy changing discs.
X08: Cliff talks Gears of War 2 achievements, Seriously 2.0
In an interview with Gears of War 2 lead designer Cliff Bleszinski at X08 in Toronto, Canada, we learned of an upgraded version of the original "Seriously" achievement, first seen in the popular franchise's previous installment. The achievement, "Seriously 2.0," requires 100,000 kills across the single and multiplayer campaign of the anticipated title. Yikes!Stay tuned for the entire interview where Cliff reveals his thoughts on the single-player experience, Gears of War 2's Horde mode (first revealed at E3 2008), Too Human and, err, his desire to pee. Yeah, he went there.
X08: Cliff talks Gears 2's 'Seriously 2.0' achievement [update]
Update: We made a mistake! The Seriously 2.0 achievement's 100,000 kills are taken from EVERY game mode spread across the entire game. Meaning that every kill in campaign single or co-op, ranked or social multiplayer matches and even Horde games count towards the 100,000 kill finish line. Also, there will also be an achievement tracker notification that will randomly pop-up and update you on your Seriously 2.0 progress. Sorry for the confusion, we blame Xav ;)While at today's Canadian X08 event, our own Xav de Matos had a chance to chit-chat it up with Epic's Cliff Bleszinski (lucky turd) and learned something very, very interesting about Gears of War 2's achievements. Specifically, Cliff confirmed that Gears 2 will include an upgraded achievement based on Gears of War's original "Seriously" achievement. The freshly new "Seriously 2.0" achievement will require a whopping 100,000 kills to unlock. Yes, you read correctly, 100,000! But fear not, the achievement task isn't what you think, because "Seriously 2.0"'s 100,000 kills come from both single and co-op campaign gaming as well as all multiplayer modes including Horde. So, no multiplayer kills will count. We say, bring on the Locust and give us our second helping of Seriously Gamerscore.
X08: Duke Nukem 3D coming to XBLA 'sometime in September'
In an interview with Xbox representative Jason Ing, it was revealed to Joystiq that Duke Nukem 3D, developed by 3D Realms, has passed certification and is expected to release "sometime in September." The Xbox Live Arcade revival, which sports the same minimal graphical enhancements as Doom did on the service, is being published by Microsoft and is an exclusive release for the platform.
Joystiq & X3F invade X08 Toronto
If you were lucky enough to score an invite when we tipped you off earlier in the week you should be making your way down to Toronto for Microsoft's X08 event later today. Promising a ton of hands-on experience with games from Microsoft Game studios, EA, Activision and Warner Bros., X08 is sure to have something for everyone. The event kicks off tonight from 5PM until 8PM EST. Remember, this was an invite only event so dropping by and hoping for the best isn't recommended.If you're going make sure to say hello to X3F and Big Download staffer Xav, X3F alum Knuckles Dawson and one of our more seasoned comment/tipsters DjDATZ, who just celebrated his 2 year anniversary on the site.
X08 attacks Toronto, X3F strikes back!
On Thursday, August 21, Microsoft will once again host an X0 event in Toronto. A preview event, and not the big Microsoft X0 branded conference held each year, X08 Toronto will showcase upcoming titles from Microsoft, Activision, Electronic Arts and many more. Unfortunately the event is by invitation only but Xbox Canada's community figure Jade has posted details for Canadian gamers looking to score a way in. The event runs from 5PM - 8PM EST in Downtown Toronto, Canada. We'll be there and hope to see you kicking around!
