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Fable, Alien Hominid HD get slashed for March Deals of the Week
Before Peter Molyneux and Co. captured our GOTY hearts with Fable II, Lionhead introduced the world to Albion in Fable -- on the original Xbox. Next week -- billed as the figurative pot of gold for St. Paddy's Day -- the Xbox Originals release of Fable will be discounted to 800 ($10) on March 16, down one third the standard (Read: Overpriced) tag of 1200. March 23's Deal of the Week isn't nearly exciting, discounting the Iowa Mission Pack for Battlestations Midway by 20%. Finally, to put an Irish kiss on the end of the month, the Deal of the Week beginning March 30 will be the XBLA title Alien Hominid HD, discounted by 50% to 400 ($5). Those are some quality price drops... Irish I had some more MS Points.
Lips receives Coldplay, Boys Like Girls DLC
You know what today is -- time to check your lip balm reserve! New Lips DLC tracks have been released, and, while we were expecting all three to be from Coldplay, only two of those lovely Brits's songs made the cut. The third track on today's release list is now courtesy of Boys Like Girls: "The Scientist" by Coldplay (180) "Speed of Sound" by Coldplay (180) "The Great Escape" by Boys Like Girls (160)
More DLC confirmed for Fable II
Hmm, see, this is one of those cases where you didn't really need to read the post. Fable II is definitely getting more DLC and here's all we know about it, just in from our friends at Lionhead:"Will there be any more DLC for Fable II? The answer is quite simple: 'Yes'."That's like, the whole thing. There's more DLC, it's in the works, confirmed. But hey, maybe you can nab one of 20 Knothole Island NXE Theme codes they posted, if you're quick enough. See, aren't you glad you read the post now? Yeah, we thought so.
Rumor: British talk show host lending voice to Fable 3
British talk show gadabout Jonathan Ross let slip on his Twitter feed that he's lending his voice to none other than Fable 3. Writes Ross, "Goodnight all. Must go to bed. Got asked to do voice in Fable 3 tonight. Subarashi. Oyasuminasia. Woss out." Now, it goes without saying that a follow-up to Joystiq's favorite game of 2008 will someday be made, but it seems far too early to be recording voices already. Still, could this latest remark mean that the sequel is further along than we dare hoped? Microsoft has offered no comment. However, Ross' following tweets read like mild psychosis mixed with a panic attack; Molyneux and his goon squad are not to be trifled with.
Ninja Blade demo takes giant spider warfare to XBLM
There's a new 473MB Ninja Blade demo available for download off the Xbox Live Marketplace and it's full of ninja stunts, button mashing sequences and a touch of Japanese-inspired content.To give everyone a taste of what Ninja Blade is all about, we recorded a short video of the demo's green tinted gameplay and embedded it above. An acrobatic ninja evading a ginormous arachnid, all while attempting to navigate skyscrapers: it's Japanese game development at its finest![Via Major Nelson]
BrySi says goodbye with final Halo 3 song
It had to end sometime. Bryan Simon, maestro of original Halo 3 songs has written his final anthem to Bungie (embedded after the break). The subject of this heartfelt goodbye: Recon armor gives you cooties. Frankly, we're inclined to agree, as we are overcome with the urge to explode any poor sap we see wearing Recon. There's something about it. It just makes you want to kill the person wearing it. We're not sure if that's what Bryan meant, but hey, the song is pretty, so who cares?He didn't say where his music will take him from here, but we have a suggestion: Halo Wars. It only seems natural, really.[Original image: Sgt Spiffy]
Xbox Live Deal of the Week: PGR4 Challenge Pack DLC
In solidarity with the embattled auto industry's ongoing fire sale, Project Gotham Racing 4's Premium Challenge Pack DLC is now available for purchase on the XBLM for 240 as part of Microsoft's Deal of the Week program.The discount begins today and will be offered through Sunday, March 15. As always, Deal of the Week offers are only available to Xbox Live Gold subscribers.
Rare hints at Nuts & Bolts 'LOG's Lost Challenges' DLC
In its own coy way, Rare is teasing that Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts DLC is in the works and that we'll actually receive details next week. According to a post by the Lord of Games (L.O.G.) on Rare's official website, we're told that Nuts & Bolts "news on potential lifespan-lengthening activities will be incoming very soon" and are given a "LOG's Lost Challenges" image. We ain't no smarty-pants geniuses, but if we had to take a guess at what L.O.G. is talking about, we'd go with DLC that boasts new vehicle building and task-based challenges. Now that we think about it, the Banjo-Kazooie Contraption Contest Rare held back in December may have something to do with this content. We wouldn't be too surprised to see the winner's creation as a part of next week's announcement.
Download a digital copy of the Halo Wars tech tree
To give us a better understanding of Halo Wars' units and all the upgrades available, Xbox.com posted a downloadable Halo Wars tech tree chart (PDF).The Halo Wars tech tree (not to be confused with the plantable type) is an easy-to-use reference guide that visually explains the technology progression of both Covenant and UNSC units, as well as each of their Leaders' unique powers. The chart comes in especially handy when creating the nearly invincible Grizzly and ODST combo. It's a strategy we nicknamed the "Drop Shock and Awe."[Via HaloWars.com]
Play Halo Wars online and (possibly) win prizes
Microsoft is hosting another Play & Win giveaway. This time, Halo Wars is required to participate in the "odds are slim that anyone reading this is actually going to win anything" prize-winning fun.To enter, download this gamer picture, play Halo Wars multiplayer between March 6-8, then patiently wait for the winners to be announced. Microsoft is giving away an assortment of prizes, including a 52" television, a Halo Wars themed Xbox 360 (nice!), an assortment of MS points and even an overpriced Ultra Series 1000 Monster Cable.
Video: The Halo Wars universe expands even further
As if we haven't already been smothered with gobs of Halo Wars footage lately, a second Halo Wars: Universe Expanded documentary has made its way onto the Xbox Live Marketplace. Us being the ninjas that we are, we captured the video and uploaded it to the internet for everyone's viewing pleasure.Just like the first Universe Expanded vid, this second ViDoc talks about the scope of the Halo Wars story, explains the key players involved and Adam Sessler is seen expressing himself using grand hand gestures. It's a great watch and a superb example of how to artistically decorate a film set using honeycomb shapes.
X3F TV -- Behold: The Halo Wars Limited Edition unboxing
Joystiq Xbox presents to you the fantabulous Halo Wars Limited Edition unboxing video. Gasp as you see the iron-on patch unveiled. Scream as you eye the coveted Mythic Map Pack DLC redemption card. Shriek as you peer at naked Elite flesh in the graphic novel (no, seriously).If none of that works for you, you could always just watch the video in thoughtful silence. You should definitely watch it, though.[iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes.[Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon).[RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[M4V] Download the M4V directly.
XBLM Deal of the Week: Ninja Gaiden II DLC
The latest content inducted into the recently revived XBLM Deal of Week program is the Ninja Gaiden II Mission Mode DLC, which will be available for 560 ($7). A $3 savings off the normal price.According to a comment made by Major Nelson on his official blog, the Ninja Gaiden II DLC will be available for purchase off the XBLM at the cheaper price beginning Monday, March 2 and will remain discounted until Sunday, March 8.As is with all Deal of the Week offers, only Xbox Live gold members can purchase the marked down content. Something that may have bothered Live silver members last week when Braid was only $10, but probably not so much this time. Seven smackers for the Mission Mode DLC is still mighty expensive. Especially for a game whose all-star ninja has been off the gaming radar for quite some time.%Gallery-11370%
GameStop plans nationwide Halo Wars midnight launch events
This coming Monday, March 2 at around 10 pm, over 2,000 GameStop stores Stateside will be hosting Halo Wars midnight launch events.No, there won't be a DJ or any beverages being served at these gatherings. Instead, GameStop plans on wooing midnight launch goers with trivia challenges, a dress up contest, some sort of Warthog races and (because it's Halo'verse related) a Halo 3 tournament. Some attendees can even win (get this) a Halo themed Xbox 360 skin. We only hope their employees are prepared for the influx of fanboys that will descend on their teeny-tiny establishments.A list of stores participating in the midnight launch can be viewed here (PDF alert), but we recommend giving your local GameStop a ringle-jingle. Also, if one night of Halo Wars excitement just isn't enough to satisfy, be sure to check out their pre-launch Halo Wars tournament that takes place this weekend.
Video: The expanded Halo universe of Halo Wars
With the release of Halo Wars less than a week away, Microsoft has released a new video examining the expanded Halo universe present in the game. Believe it or not, Halo actually has a very detailed background. Over the years, it's been laid out in books, graphic novels, comic books and even ARGs. Still, for a great deal of Halo fans, Halo Wars will be the first time players get to experience the history behind the first three games.Check out the video and learn your Halo history, because it's much more fun than learning about real history.
Wrap your Lips around Coldplay, Hinder, 311 and more
Those in need of more sweet, sour and slightly bitter DLC should direct their mouths eyes to Microsoft's latest list of upcoming Lips content.Over the next three weeks, the Xbox Live Marketplace will receive new Lips music from bands including Angels and Airwaves, The Rasmus, Hinder, Metro Station and a three-pack of songs from Coldplay. Also, a title update will be released sometime in March, providing "improved scoring, better vibrato detection and initiate global leaderboards."View a complete menu of upcoming Lips DLC after the break and start choosing which songs look appetizing enough to consume purchase.
Microsoft explains 'Halo 3: ODST' name change
Microsoft has explained that its decision to rename the upcoming Halo 3 storyline expansion was made to "accurately reflect" the gameplay "experience" of the Fall 2009 release. So, if you're the kind of user who thought Halo 3: Recon -- the game's original name -- was based around being some kind of perverted Covenant voyeur, Halo 3: ODST leaves nothing to the imagination. Microsoft Game Studios product manager Ryan Crosby told GamePlayer that the change helps showcase the new stars of the action, the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers. Not familiar with the elite unit? The ODSTs are to John McClane as Master Chief is to Superman ... and if you still don't get it, read a book or something. Correction: Ryan Crosby is an employee of Microsoft Game Studios, not Bungie. [Via Gamepro]
Free Blue Dragon anime appears from the shadows
Joystiq PSA: An episode of Blue Dragon anime is available as a free (and 100% legal) download.The Blue Dragon anime's pilot episode, "The Shadow Comes Forth", can be grabbed from the iTunes Store for free, through March 10. That's a savings of $1.99. We can only hope that watching an episode of Shu search for the Night Master, while attempting to prove he isn't a child, doesn't involve any form of digital disc swapping.Source - iTunes StoreSource - What They Play
Wheelman, Crackdown designers join Ruffian Games
It's fully a month on and we're still no closer to discovering just what newly founded Ruffian Games is up to than we were when it first broke ground. The fledgling company was first announced in January, formed by team members having worked on such titles and franchises as Fable 2, Grand Theft Auto and Crackdown. Now a pair of new faces have joined the Scotland-based studio's eclectic cast, including Steve Iannetta, former lead world designer on Wheelman for Midway Newcastle. Iannetta was also a designer on Crackdown alongside Ed Campbell, who also joined the company. With so much former Crackdown talent on Ruffian Games' payroll (most everyone at the company had at least some part in the game's development), the smell of open worlds and explosions coming out of the Ruffian's kitchen is unmistakable.
Lips Open Mic Contest demands your musical creativity
Rejected by American Idol? Fear not, there's still hope: Microsoft wants all aspiring musicians who think they can carry a tune, write lyrics and perform in front of a camera to enter the Lips Open Mic Contest.To enter, first check your age and address (you've got to be a United States resident, age 18 or older), and then record your performance of an original song and upload it to the official contest site before March 13. One grand prize winner will have his or her original tune made available as Lips DLC and will be idolized by tens (if not hundreds) of Lips singers around the globe.
