DownloadableContent
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Guitar Hero IV to get drumkit, microphone?
Hey hey, what's this? Not only is Activision CEO Bobby Kotick quoted in this month's Conde Nast Portfolio saying that future versions of Guitar Hero will have "other instruments" and "vocals," but our crew over at Joystiq says that a source within Activision has confirmed that Guitar Hero IV will feature a microphone and drumkit, and that Activision is planning on pumping out new downloadable content as often as "weekly" once Guitar Hero: Aerosmith comes out in June. These aren't particularly surprising developments, considering how well Rock Band went over, but here's hoping Activision and Harmonix can set aside their differences at least long enough to make those drumkits compatible -- as anyone with Rock Band knows, they don't exactly disappear in a living room.Read - Interview with Activision CEO Bobby Kotick in PortfolioRead - Joystiq post about Guitar Hero IV
Downloadable content comes to the NES, sort of
It's not exactly the most elegant solution, but those looking to bring their still-kickin' NES a little (and we stress little) more in line with current-gen consoles now have a new option at their disposal, with the freshly-made Glider cart now offering downloadable content of sorts. To take advantage of that feature, however, you'll also need to snag yourself a USB CopyNES board (available for $70), which requires some cutting and soldering in order to be wrangled into your NES. If you're able to do that without doing some irreparable damage, you'll be able to connect your NES to your PC via USB and download new levels for Glider, which can be offloaded directly to the game thanks to its use of flashable cart. Not exactly the sort of thing that'll result in a spike of NES console sales on eBay, to be sure, but just imagine what your 1980s self would have thought of it.[Via Gemaga, thanks J]
SK Telecom and Sony Pictures bring the big screen to your cell
We've heard these type of deals mentioned here and there, but it is kinda nice to see one that may actually bear fruit, not just marketing noise. The deal will see SK Telecom -- the Korean monster in case any of you were getting your hopes up -- offer between 50 and 60 flicks a year for the next four years, or roughly 200 films. Films will cost about 1,000 to 2,000 won (roughly $1 to $2) per download, but of course there's a catch, data costs for these downloads are not included. SKT has suggested that an unlimited data plan is a good option for those that want to get at these films, and we have to say we agree..[Via mocoNews]
VUDU box thrown in with select Sharp AQUOS LCD TVs
While Sony's effectively giving away BDP-S300s when you pick up a BRAVIA HDTV from SonyStyle, Sharp is hoping to up its holiday sales figures by bundling in a VUDU set-top-box. Starting now, consumers who pick up a select AQUOS LCD TV that's 42-inches or larger (trust us, there's quite a few choices) can also expect to receive a $399 VUDU box and a $50 movie credit to boot. Off hand, we don't see a definitive expiration date for the offer, but considering that it's billed as a "holiday" promotion (and only available directly through these two, sadly), we wouldn't sleep on this too long if you're remotely interested.
It's official: Nintendo to launch separate download service
Last month, the rumor gained some steam, and now Level Up's N'Gai Croal says it's official: Nintendo will launch WiiWare, a new service for original downloadable Wii games. Like the Virtual Console, WiiWare will be part of the Wii Shop channel and will be available for (unknown amounts of) Wii points. Croal can also confirm that it's not just the big names coming out with content for WiiWare -- indie developers are more than welcome. Of course, with all good news, there's also bound to be a little bad news ... and here it's that WiiWare probably won't be available until 2008. Still, it sounds like it could be worth the wait.
Picross DS gets downloadable content in the US
We mentioned previously that the European and Japanese releases of Picross DS had weekly downloadable puzzles, some of which were drawn from Mario's Picross and Mario's Super Picross. Well, being total skeptics, we didn't believe we'd see this feature in the US. It's just too cool for us! It turns out we were delightfully wrong. Starting on the game's July 30th release date, players will be able to download new bonus puzzles every week. That should be great for people who, unlike us, will complete more than one puzzle!
DLC has yet to find the sweet spot
Reuters writers (we rhymed!) have jumped head first into the whole downloadable content debate and discuss how it's changing not only the consumer's view, but how developers think. They bring up topics like how big the microsotransactions market is, how much Microsoft profits, and how developers are now approaching additional content. Most importantly, they touch on how companies have yet to find a perfect formula for pricing DLC that is universally accepted and even mention how angry the community was when the GoW map pack turned out to be $10. Full article after the jump.We've already crossed this bridge before and know that from a gamer's point of view overpriced content sucks big time. But do you think developers are making progress in finding a pricing "sweet spot" that you can live with? Or are you preparing yourself for DLC pricing to only get worse?[Thanks, un1qu3 n3wy0rk]
R6:Vegas Red Edition DLC delayed
Well, there's about half an hour left in March, and we it looks like Rainbow Six: Vegas' downloadable content, the Player's Pack Red Edition, did not make it to Marketplace as Ubisoft would have hoped. The pack is currently still under development, and Ubisoft will be sure to let the community know when there is news regarding its availability. That being said, Ubisoft stated that there has been no change in what's to be included in Red Edition since its announcement. So, while you continue to wait, you might as well refresh your memory on how it looks, too.
New Marvel UA DLC + Achievements in April
In the coming month, Marvel Ultimate Alliance will have two new character packs featuring 8 new playable heroes and villians. The Good Guys™ are comprised of Hawkeye, The Incredible Hulk, Nightcrawler and Cyclops, and the Baddies™ include Dr. Doom, Magneto, Sabretooth, and our personal favorite, Venom. Individually, the packs will run you 500 MS points, but you can nab both for 800, saving you $2.50 USD, or $3.20 CAN. On top of the new content, their will be additional Achievements available, most likely to coincide with the new characters. Once they are unveiled, we'll give you the details. So, would you pay up to play as these characters in Marvel UA?
UK GRAW 2 preorders getting exclusive weapon [update 1]
Our UK friends who preordered Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 at their local GAME store will be receiving a special treat. Xboxic discovered that preorders will be emailed a code that will allow them to download a new gun called the Famas. Of course this begs the question whether or not it is really fair for certain players to have weapons that others either can't get or would have to pay for. We don't agree with messing up the "balance" of GRAW 2's multiplayer weapons system (if there is balance) by allowing exclusive weapons and not having a level playing field. What do you think, should developers offer rare or purchasable weapons in FPS or do you think it just isn't fair?Update 1: Chris stopped by the forums to set things straight. This free code is for the Famas gun in the single player campaign and not multiplayer. Everyone will have the gun in multiplayer. You can now rest, everything is zen-like in the world.[Thanks, dpcough]
Downloadable quests hit Monster Hunter 2 in Japan
Yesterday in Japan, Monster Hunter fans were able to go to their local game stores and download new quests from the demo kiosk's "PlayStation Spot". In addition to quests and more, PSP owners who don't own Monster Hunter Portable 2nd can download a demo of the game. With reports of Monster Hunter 2 coming outside of Japan, let's hope this additional content is either included in the version we get, or that we can similarly download the content. I personally dig the idea of downloadable content on the PSP and I hope more games start to feature it. Does downloadable content appeal to you as well? [Via Game Watch]
Arm your Battlestations with DLC
Eidos' Battlestations: Midway is getting a boost in content in March. The 600 MS points pack will come with a new single player mission, multiplayer map, and 5 new vehicles for you to use. Hmm, wouldn't new vehicles give players a potential advantage in online matches. As such, shouldn't the vehicles be free? Two ways around this would be making the vehicles only available for use in the new maps, or releasing a separate pack with just the vehicles for free to level the playing field. None the less, we know Scott Strickland absolutely loves the multiplayer in the game, and will be all over the content. Also, as an added bonus we have a video of the new mission for you after the break.
Video: Guitar Hero II DLC Details and More???
GameTrailers sat down with Bryan Lam of Red Octane to talk about Guitar Hero II, and he touches on a lot of the latest topics regarding the title. He brings up the amount of downloadable content they're bringing, the availability of the original Guitar Hero songs on Marketplace, wireless guitar controllers, Neversoft taking the helm for the next game, and even implementing online co-op in the future. All in all it's a very interesting sheds light on many things that are on gamer's minds about GH II. It's also available in HD if you're into that resolution.
Screens of new Lost Planet maps
As you may have noticed from the previously reported video, Capcom is releasing new content over Xbox Live Marketplace for Lost Planet: Extreme Condition. It will come in the form of two new maps named "Island 902" and "Radar Field", and will be priced at slightly expensive 400 Microsoft Points. That's an Arcade title right there! Well, none the less, the screens look pretty, so its not all bad. Still, two maps for 400 points seems a little sketchy. Is that a little too pricey for you, or given how Ubisoft has been acting lately, is it par for the course? More screens after the break.
Guitar Hero II aims to have the most Marketplace content
In an interview that featured more ducked questions than a limbo contest at a mallard convention, Red Octane's Ted Lange managed to boast a little regarding their plans for Guitar Hero II and the Xbox Live Marketplace. When asked about the service, Lange points out that while they're still working on the fine details, Red Octane's current plans include having the most content available for any game to date. This can, of course, be a very good thing or a very bad thing. Still, a bold statement nonetheless.What could Red Octane possibly offer in order to follow through with these plans? The most obvious chunk of content are songs from the original Guitar Hero, but it could also be anything from new characters skins to original songs. Our wallets can only hope that they recognize the thin line between what is a micro- and what is a macro- transaction.
Full Details on R6:V Player's Pack Red Edition
A mere two hours ago we brought you the screens for Rainbow 6: Vegas' new content due at the end of March, now we have our hands on the official press release, which gives plenty of information one what you're getting in the "Player's Pack Red Edition". First off, the two relit maps are Killhouse and Border Town. That covers the content you've seen before, albeit at a different time of day. The fresh meat in terms of arenas are Roof, Doscala Restaurant, and Marshalling Yard. The two multiplayer modes can be played on all 15 maps, and look interesting. Total Conquest is a team-oriented "King of Hill/Territories" game type, with three static control points on a given map. The goal is to control at least 1 point for the specified time. Assassination has the attackers gunning for the VIP, who is being escorted to the extraction zone by the defending team. Essentially, it is Saints Row's "Protect Tha Pimp", without the bitch slapping. Now you know how it looks, and how the new gametypes work. If the screens didn't grab your attention, does this? Additional details on the three new maps can be found through the "Read" link.[Via DCEmu]
Rainbow Six: Vegas Marketplace Content Images
Ubisoft released five images of the to-be-priced Xbox Live Marketplace content for Rainbow Six: Vegas. The expected release date is the end of March, and will include two new multiplayer game modes, and 5 maps. That being said, two of the arenas are modifications of currently existing ones, which may just be a fancy way of saying "relit". Still, it's good to see Ubisoft continuing their tradition of supporting their new gen titles with downloadable content. Screenshots of the maps after the break.
Bethesda talks Shivering Isles download and price
Bethesda Vice President of PR Pete Hines sat down with Gamasutra to talk about Oblivion's Shivering Isles expansion. In the Q&A, Hines stated that the the content will only be available through Xbox Live Marketplace. According to Hines, stand-alone expansions can not work with another existing product on the Xbox 360, leaving Marketplace downloads as the only viable option. Despite Bethesda wanting to have a version for the retail market, they were unable to do so because of this. Should implementing expansions via disc become possible after some extensive work on Microsoft's part, Bethesda plans to explore that option for Shivering Isles. As for price point, Bethesda doesn't have anything concrete yet. They are still in talks with Microsoft to find the proper balance between value and profitability. After Shivering Isles releases, Hines said that they are planning one or two more pieces of content for Oblivion, albeit not the size of the forthcoming expansion. So are you going to download Shivering Isles? If so, how much are you willing to pay?[Via Digg]
Fixed map pack and update soon for COD3
Many were disappointed last week when the new Call of Duty 3 maps were unplayable. Following the discovery of this error, the developers promised that a fix was coming. One of the games developers, known on the Xbox.com forums as AxisOf3vil, has announced that a fix will be available in the "very near future." Accompanying the re-release of the Valor Map pack will be an update to Call of Duty 3 that should fix two of its major problems. The update should keep players from being booted out of a ranked match lobby when the countdown hits zero, and it should fix an issue that causes players to fall out of the map at the beginning of ranked matches. The maps and the update are undergoing final testing and should be released soon.[Via Xboxic]
Guitar Hero II to have Original's tracks on Marketplace
Gamespot held an interview with RedOctane's Dusty Welch about the much anticipated Guitar Hero II for Xbox 360. One question came up that is probably on the minds of many fans of the series: Will Guitar Hero's tracks be available for download over Marketplace? Welch didn't outright spill the beans that all of the tracks would be there for the taking on launch day, as no specifics on the content has been confirmed yet. What he did say, however, was that fan feedback had high demand for the original's set list, and it would be a safe bet to see a good portion of the songs.So, should Guitar Hero's tracks be available for download to play on GHII, how would you want the content organized? One big 47 song download featuring all the tracks, broken up into the same sets as the first game, genre based, or even single song downloads of the "fan favorites"? We'll be satisfied as long as "More Than A Feeling", "Killer Queen", "Sharp Dressed Man", and all the other top-notch tunes are confirmed.
