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More custom Forza cars: Castle Crashers FTW!
There are a few ways to make sure you get noticed here on Xbox 360 Fanboys. One of those ways is to show your love for Castle Crashers. This Forza 2 car was sent to us by Anton Ernst (Gamertag: xXxADRENALiNxXx). The car features Sir Gawain and the Green Knight from Castle Crashers and we just love it. The boys at The Behemoth would be proud. We've added it and a handful of other new cars to our Forza 2 custom car gallery. Go check 'em out. Don't forget, you can submit yours by sending us a tip. We'll add more to the gallery periodically, so keep your eyes peeled for our next addition.%Gallery-3640%
Play Halo 2 Vista ... on Windows XP
What's that you say? You'd like to play Halo 2 on your PC, but you don't have/want Windows Vista? You're in luck then, as Falling Leaf Systems has announced plans to release software that will allow Windows XP users to play Halo 2. Not only that, the company is developing similar software for Shadowrun. To inspire XP users to take the plunge, Falling Leaf is promising a free copy of the compatibility software to those who order either game through their site. Falling Leaf CEO Brian Thomason concludes the press release with some fighting words: "First they claim that it was impossible to implement DirectX 10 compatibility atop Windows XP, and now they also want us to believe that they couldn't successfully launch two DirectX 9 based titles on XP either. We plan to expose both theories as patently false."Assuming this software works as advertised, would you change your mind about picking up either title?[Via HBO]
Halo animated series rumor is result of transcription error
Update: Joystiq has learned directly from GameSpy that the "animated series" comment was the result of a transcription error. The article in question has been appended with an editorial note.Something strange is going on at GameSpy. Speaking about the imminent arrival of Halo 3 as well as the future of the franchise, Shane Kim, head of Microsoft Game Studios, had some interesting words regarding Peter Jackson's ongoing project with Bungie. When asked about Bungie's next project following Halo 3, Kim mentioned Jackson's project, stating, "they have the collaboration with Peter Jackson on the animated series." This lead many, including our own Joystiq, to conclude that Jackson's secret interactive project could be an animated series.It doesn't end there though, the article has since be amended and the word "animated" has been replaced with "interactive." It's worth noting that Kim specifically calls it an interactive series in a response to an earlier question (on page 1 of the interview). The big question is, was this a slip of the tongue by Kim (wouldn't be the first time), or a slip of the finger by a GameSpy transcriber? Joystiq has contacted Microsoft for comment, we'll let you know what they hear.[Via Joystiq]
Halo 3 finishes the fight on two DVDs, box art blowout [update 1]
Update: According to HBO, the second disc is not actually a game disc at all, but rather an "Xbox 360 executable," which will only run on an Xbox 360. What exactly this executable is, we're not sure. Apparently the verbiage on the DVD is preliminary and likely to change. Thanks to Matthew Mac for pointing this out. Bungie.net will have more information in the next weekly update.The quest for the final and real Halo 3 box art is at an end. Microsoft has officially released the art, and they've added a new wrinkle as well. Upon close inspection of the Limited Edition, you can see that there are in fact three discs in the package. This is interesting considering the Limited Edition comes only with Halo 3 and one bonus DVD. Upon even closer inspection, you can clearly see that the DVD on the upper right is labeled "Game Disc Two."What this means exactly isn't clear. Bungie has noted more than once that Halo 3's campaign will be very expansive. It's possible that it's so expansive that it fills more than one DVD. Another possibility is that the campaign is contained on one disc, while multiplayer is contained on the other. Given Sony's stance that more space (i.e. Blu-Ray) is necessary for new-gen games, we'd be remiss if we didn't note the irony that Microsoft's flagship title apparently can't fit on one DVD. Then again, we're not too worried about the 5-foot trek from the couch to the Xbox. Check out the gallery below to see high resolution shots of each edition of Halo 3 (including hi-res shots of the cat helmet).[Via Joystiq]%Gallery-3807%
How-to: make custom Forza 2 paint jobs
If you listened to the latest episode of the Xbox 360 Fancast (and you really should have), then you'll know that the copious amounts of Forza 2 custom paint jobs hitting the net both amazed and befuddled us. They amazed us, obviously, because the level of work and detail that goes into these cars is amazing. They befuddled us because we had no idea how they were created. Lo and behold, we have discovered a handy how-to on the Forza 2 message boards. Posted by one Neubourn, the tutorial shows you step by step how the many shapes available in the Forza 2 livery editor can be transformed into incredibly detailed works of art. Yup, every custom paint job is merely a collection of shapes in different configurations and transparencies. It seems damned near unbelievable when you view the initial rough outline of Batman's Harley Quinn (see "Before" above), but after some extensive manipulation (and plenty of time we're sure) she came to life as clear as crystal. Hit the "read" link to learn how to make custom designs yourself.[Thanks to murph for pointing this out]
Sakaguchi gives tiny Lost Odyssey update
Details on the progress of Lost Odyssey are few and far between these days, so we'll take what we can get. According to IGN, Hironobu Sakaguchi, head of Mistwalker, has given a small update on Lost Odyssey to Japanese gaming magazine, Famitsu. According to Sakaguchi, the game's background music and packaging are complete. Also, an outside development team known as Feel Plus is currently tweaking the wall system and other gameplay systems. Readers will recall that Lost Odyssey uses a system in which soldiers in the front lines must protect the vulnerable but powerful magic users in the rear. Sakaguchi notes that there will be new details revealed in the near future. IGN speculates we may hear more at E3. Considering this is one of Microsoft's biggest projects, we're inclined to agree.
Forza 2 custom cars make their way to eBay
We've mentioned more than once that we're damned impressed with all the Forza Motorsport 2 custom cars out there (especially this one), but we're not sure if we'd be willing to actually pay for one. You know, with real money. It looks like custom Forza cars have begun to hit eBay. Honestly, we're surprised we didn't see this coming. So far we've found three different auctions for various cars, all priced at $10. These don't have the meticulous custom paint jobs we've seen, so we're guessing they're tuned more for performance. One seller is even creating his cars with individual numbers, hoping to make them collector's items.Our question to you: would you pay real money for the ultimate Forza car?[Thanks, IncredibleBulk92]
Win Shadowrun from Uncle Gamer
Perhaps you find yourself in the difficult position of liking Shadowrun but not liking the thought of laying down $60 bucks for its multiplayer-only antics. If so, we have the perfect solution for you: don't pay for it at all! Uncle Gamer is giving away a copy of Shadowrun for the low, low price of no dollars. That's zilch, nada, naught, and whatever other words for zero you want to throw at it. Head over to Uncle Gamer for your chance to win. Be warned though, winning will take just a teeny amount of work (and listening), but we think you can handle it. Our question to you: if you win, what will you do with all the money you save?%Gallery-3497%
Watch Master Chief suck at Halo 3
What better way to start off your Monday (here in the Western Hemisphere anyway) than with a hilarious YouTube video? No better way, that's what! The fact that it presents a startlingly accurate portrait of Halo on Xbox Live is just a bonus. We present to you Master Chief Sucks at Halo. If any of you have ever played a significant amount of Halo online, then many parts of this video are likely to strike a familiar chord. Without spoiling anything, we suggest you go ahead and watch. (Warning: NSFW. lololololololllololollolol.)[Via Joystiq. Thanks, Jayman007]
Insane custom cars already in Forza 2
Forza 2 hasn't even been out for a week and already we're starting to see shots of custom paint jobs roll in. The designs are all over the place, from anime, to KFC, to iPod, to Jack Sparrow, to Gears of War. We particularly like Reggie Lee seen above. Follow the "read" links below to see many, many more custom Forza 2 paint jobs. Do any Xbox 360 Fanboys out there have custom Forza cars they'd like to share? If so, hit us up with a tip or submit a link in the comments. We'll compile the best ones and stick them in a special gallery. Bonus points to anyone who makes an X3F car.[Via Penny-Arcade]ReadRead
Gears of War book sighted online
Besides eating and sleeping (and the dreaded "working"), you have to do something between gaming sessions. What better way to utilize this dead space than to read books about video games? If Gears of War is your thing, you're in luck, because It looks like a Gears of War book is in the works. We've found it listed at several retailers, including Wal-Mart. Assuming the listing is correct, the book is being written by game history guru, Steven Kent, most famous to gamers for his book, The Ultimate History of Video Games. Clocking in at 352 pages, the book is slated for an August release from Del Ray. We're assuming the title, Gears of War 1, is only a placeholder (it had better be).What say you fanboys, are you in for some light summer reading? You know, explosions, eviscerations, that kind of thing.[Via CVG]
Halo 3 beta T-shirt Giveaway: It's Over!
They say all good things must come to an end, and that remains true for us here at Xbox 360 Fanboy. The fantabulous Halo 3 beta T-shirt giveaway has come to an end. Before we bid a fond farewell to our week-long giveaway, we must announce the final winner, who will no doubt accept his or her T-shirt with quiet dignity and grace. The winner of our final shirt, of Large size and brown hue, is ... Gorkinlot, who "likey the free." We all do buddy, we all do. Congratulations, Gorkinlot, we'll be contacting you shortly.We'd like to thank everyone who participated in the giveaway. We'd also like to let you know that we have many more giveaways planned for the coming weeks and months. Stay tuned to X3F and you could be a winner too.
Bungie says Halo 3 graphics will improve
Ever since the first Halo 3 ViDoc surfaced, fanboys everywhere have been complaining that Halo 3's graphics may not be up to snuff. Speaking to Next-Gen, Bungie's Frank O'Connor offers some hope for ailing fans. First, he does note that multiplayer will always be geared towards performance before graphical wizardry. After all, what's the point of beautiful multiplayer if the framerate is unplayable? Still, O'Connor says that there will be "a few nifty graphical improvements in multiplayer," though he notes that he expects the real graphical polish will best be displayed by the single-player campaign.Are you at all bothered by Halo 3's graphics so far, or are you too busy enjoying yourself?
Peter Jackson: no Blomkamp, no Halo movie
The Halo movie has been through its share of ups and downs. Fans will recall that Universal and FOX backed out of the picture some time ago. Speaking to Stuff.co.nz, Peter Jackson, previously brought on as producer of the film, said that he expects Universal and FOX to show renewed interest in the film after the release of Halo 3. Given the game's staggering pre-order numbers, he might be right. Also noteworthy, Jackson states that he won't produce the film without Neill Blomkamp, whom Jackson chose based on his short film work.What do you think, fanboys? Has Halo missed its chance at Hollywood success, or will Halo 3 spark a renewed interest?[Via Joystiq]
Totilo and Croal argue about Halo 3
For the most part, MTV's Stephen Totilo and N'Gai Croal of Newsweek don't seem to like Halo 3. In a new series of back-and-forth journalism called Vs., these two are debating the merits of Halo 3"s multiplayer. There have been two parts to the article so far, and right now the consensus is essentially that Halo 3 is too hard. Specifically, learning Halo 3 can be unforgiving. Unfortunately, for many Halo players, this is completely true. There are no training modes, unless you count the campaign. Most people aren't concerned with teaching others how to play either. This leaves the uninitiated to absorb weapon strategies, map layouts, and gametypes by themselves, which can be a daunting task. Then again, Croal and Totilo also have yet to figure out how to initiate team speak (hint: press any direction on the D-pad, fellas).We have to point out, though, that the Halo 3 multiplayer beta really isn't the best arena to judge Halo 3's multiplayer. That may sound strange, given that it is a multiplayer beta after all, but it's true. Right now, the Halo 3 beta is crowded with a relatively small sample of Halo fanatics (several million short of the projected pre-order numbers). These are people who live and breathe Halo, people who went through the Rule of Three, people who spent $60 on Crackdown just to play the beta. Naturally, you're going to be running into lots of people who are better than you. This smaller sampling also limits the effectiveness of the ranking system, as there are fewer people with smaller amounts of skill disparity. Also, and this is important considering N'Gai's misty-eyed memories of LAN parties gone by, there are no custom games in the beta (not officially anyway). Given that N'Gai is vocal about his displeasure at playing with strangers, custom games with friends sound like just what the doctor ordered.If Stephen or N'Gai is reading this, we'd be happy to show you both some friendly matches of Halo. The rest of you can read parts 1 and 2 of the series below.[Via HBO]Read part 1Read part 2
Fanswag: Halo 3 beta T-shirt Giveaway Day 6
Update: This giveaway is now closed. To see the winner, click here. To enter the latest giveaway, click here.This is it folks, the final day of our Halo 3 beta T-shirt extrabonanza. Let's not much up this post with extra wordiness. Time to announce the winner of yesterday's Large brown T-shirt. The winner is ... sam johnston, who proudly proclaims that he is the winner. How did he know? Congratulations, sam johnston, we'll be contacting you soon.Now, on to the last, final, and ultimate T-shirt to be given away. Today's shirt is brown, size Large. If you'd like to get your grubby little mitts on it (or your delicate, clean mitts), all you have to do is submit a comment on this post (limit one entry per person. Limited to U.S. residents 18 and older). Leave your comment and good luck!Click here for the Official Halo 3 beta T-shirt Giveaway rules
Video: Sword and Wraith unlocked in H3 beta
After the secret got out that custom games were accessible in the Halo 3 beta, it hasn't taken long for more vehicles and weapons to be revealed. Of course, the latest GamePro has some official information, but we've got these positively unofficial videos. The first video, embedded above, shows off the Energy Sword as it appears in Halo 3. It's noteworthy that the sword does have a battery. If you look at the top right corner, you'll notice that the charge decreases as the player makes successful hits. Also displayed in the video, it seems that movement speed has been increased and gravity decreased, making for a sort of Benny Hill version of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Check out the second video, which features a Wraith tank, after the break.
Fanswag: Halo 3 beta T-shirt Giveaway Day 5
Update: This giveaway is now closed. To see the winner, click here. To enter the latest giveaway, click here.It's nearly that time folks, the Xbox 360 Fanboy Halo 3 beta T-shirt Giveaway extravaganza is nearly over. But fear not, for there are still shirts to be won. And now, on to today's winner. The winner of an Extra Large green Halo 3 beta T-shirt is ... gibber9583, who informs us that Master Chief is very handsome. That's true, so long as you can get past the whole "pale as a cave fish" thing. Congratulations, gibber9583, we'll be contacting you soon.For today's giveaway we have a Large brown beta T-shirt. If you want to win this sucker, you're going to have to comment on this post. Just as a change of pace, why not post something completely irrelevant like, say, some random celebrity gossip? Everybody likes celebrity gossip, right? At any rate, simply post a comment below for your chance to win (limit one entry per person. Limited to U.S. residents 18 and over). We've only got one left after this one folks. Hop to it!Click here for the Official Halo 3 beta T-shirt Giveaway rules
H3 beta custom games unlocked, pistol spotted
Remember all the hullabaloo over the custom game menus uncovered in the Halo 3 beta? Unfortunately, it was somewhat muted thanks to the fact that custom games were still unplayable. At least, that's what we thought. It turns out that a few people have managed to actually start custom games of Halo 3 using the beta. Both of the videos in this post (one posted after the break) show a custom game of VIP. In the videos we see a few things that are not currently available in the beta, including multi-team gameplay and the M6G pistol. There is also one instance of automated team switching in the video, which would allow for more complex gametypes, such as the popular Zombies gametype. Unfortunately, it seems that the custom games created so far have been created by accident, so none of the custom options -- such as adjustable gravity -- have been tweaked.Here's hoping Bungie opens up custom games in a future beta update.Update: Be warned that the first video is NSFW thanks to some salty language. Thanks to Mrfreezie from pointing this out.
Fanswag: Halo 3 beta T-Shirt Giveaway Day 4
Update: This giveaway is now closed. To see the winner, click here. To enter the latest giveaway, click here.The X3F Halo 3 beta T-shirt Giveaway now enters it second and final week. We've given away 3 shirts already, and we have 3 more in store. Before today's prize is announced, let's pick a winner from Friday's giveaway. The winner of an Extra Large, brown, and super comfy Halo 3 beta T-shirt is ... dave, who tells us he's willing to trade us both his girlfriend and his sister for it. Dave, something tells us your better half won't have any qualms about leaving when she hears about this.But enough relationship troubles, on to today's giveaway! Today's T-shirt is green and Extra Large. This is our last green shirt, so if you've got your sights set on one, this is your last chance. For your opportunity to win, simply submit a comment below (limit one entry per person. Limited to U.S. residents 18 and over). Get to commenting and good luck!Click here for the Official Halo 3 beta T-shirt Giveaway rules
