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$30 Mafia 2 re-release includes all DLC, available now
A week after being ratted out by Amazon, 2K Games has officially announced the Mafia 2 re-release. While the PC version will retain the "Director's Cut" branding, as seen on Amazon, the console re-releases will be labeled as part of the "Greatest Hits" series for PS3 and "Platinum Hits" collection for Xbox 360. All versions will include the same bonus content: the "Betrayal of Jimmy," "Jimmy's Vendetta" and "Joe's Adventures" DLC, plus the four, once-retail-exclusive style packs. The best part: These editions are available at "select retailers" right now -- and for $30 apiece -- with more retail availability to follow next month. %Gallery-120034%
Just Cause 2 now a PS3 Classic, 360 Platinum Hit in the UK
Despite the shortcomings of the product as a whole, there's a lot to love in Just Cause 2 -- most of which having to do with the many, many things you can do with a parachute, grappling hook and some ingenuity. By our calculation, that should earn the game a spot in the video game history books; and it seems Sony and Microsoft agree. The game has reached Platinum Hits and PS3 Classics status in the U.K., with an associated drop in price to £19.99. We've contacted Square Enix to see if the game will receive a similar treatment in the U.S.. We certainly don't see why not. We love explosive stunts just as much as our overseas cohorts.
Borderlands joins PS3, Xbox 360 greatest hits lineups
The core Borderlands game is now $30 as part of the Xbox 360 and PS3's respective "hits" lineups. If you're interested in the full Borderlands experience, the "Game of the Year Edition,", which includes all four DLC packs (regularly priced at $10 apiece), the math suggests you wait until October 12 for the $60 bundle. Borderlands' final piece of DLC, "ClapTrap's New Robot Revolution," is set to begin next Tuesday, September 28. There will also be a free update sometime in October, increasing the game's level cap to 69 and rebalancing the title to accommodate the DLC released over the past year. [Thanks, Azuvidexus]
Amazon: Buy 2 get 1 free on Xbox 360 Platinum Hits
Amazon is having a sweet "but two, get one free" promotion on Xbox 360 platinum titles -- however, the online retailer gave it the more confusing title of "3 for 2." Until March 27, pick up any two platinum titles and receive a third game of equal or lesser value for free. The platinum hits library is quite substantial at this point in the console's life. If you're a new console owner there are plenty of great games to choose from. Console veterans with several RRoDs under their beltsm can probably find some games they missed out on over the years at a fine price.
Amazon: 360 Platinum Hits are buy 2, get 1 free for a limited time
Just in time for Valentine's Day, Amazon is now offering a special buy two, get one free deal on Xbox 360 Platinum Hits titles. The deal is fairly straightforward: just pop three Platinum Hits games into your cart and the cheapest of the three will be knocked down to the wallet-friendly price of zero dollars. It's really the perfect excuse to pick up some great games you might have missed, especially considering many of them have sequels out this year -- notably Fable II, Halo 3, Fallout 3, Mass Effect, BioShock and Dead Rising. You'd better do it quick though, as the offer is only valid through February 13 and only while supplies last. [Thanks, Goldenchild]
Xbox 360 Platinum Hits lineup adds Halo Wars, Orange Box and others
Xbox.com has listed several new games as Platinum Hits, including Fable II (aka Game of the Year Edition), Halo Wars, Left 4 Dead, The Orange Box, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, Ninja Gaiden II, Kung-Fu Panda, Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection, Sonic The Hedgehog, and Sonic Unleashed. A Microsoft PR agent couldn't confirm the full list of new Platinum Hits (are we missing any above?), but said that if a game is listed as such on Xbox.com, it's a Platinum Hits title. The changes seem to have taken effect on major retailer sites, as GameStop and Amazon now reflect the discounted Platinum prices (if not always the the Platinum Hits branding), which range from $20–30. With Orange Box requiring only one Jackson ($20), it's now literally a crime to not own it. Conversely, if you're dead-set on committing a crime, buy someone Sonic The Hedgehog or Sonic Unleashed at $20 each. [Thanks, Stephen]
Left 4 Dead, GTAIV, SFIV join Xbox Platinum Hits
Microsoft has announced that several new titles will soon be joining the ranks of the Xbox 360's budget priced Platinum Hits line. The new additions include some seriously heavy hitters, namely Grand Theft Auto IV, Street Fighter IV, Left 4 Dead, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed and Saints Row 2. Microsoft's announcement (oh so conveniently) neglected to mention prices for any of the titles, but a quick check around the ol' internet points to a price of $29.99 for most of the new additions (though SFIV curiously seems pegged around $40 for the moment). We should also point out that while these are some legitimately great games, both SFIV and Force Unleashed are receiving upgraded, budget versions in the near future -- Ultimate Sith Edition later this year and Super Street Fighter IV in early 2010. It's also worth noting Left 4 Dead is receiving a full-blown sequel only a month from now. Microsoft has also announced that retailers will be offering a "Buy 2, Get 1 Free" promotion for Xbox 360 Platinum Hits through October 31, though the release makes no mention of which retailers are doing so. We've contacted Microsoft for more information on the promotion.
Capcom may offer more game collections in 2010
With the recent release of the Capcom's Xbox 360 Platinum Hits Triple Pack, many are wondering if we'll see similar, value-oriented bundles from Capcom in the future. Chris Kramer, Capcom's resident PR dude, told VG247 that while Capcom doesn't have any immediate plans for other titles, he "wouldn't rule out more collections in 2010."Though the last $40 pack, containing Lost Planet, Devil May Cry 4 and Dead Rising, certainly appealed to our interests, our miserly ways have forced us to wait for some more triple-packs to arrive ... and then get a triple-pack of those. Sure, the cover art will be have degraded considerably by then, but just think of the money we'll save!
Capcom offers up $40 Platinum Hits Triple Pack for Xbox 360
If your gaming time has been sorely missing some Capcom TLC, then know the company is set to offer up a few of its older titles in one Xbox 360 package. Starting September 8, gamers can snatch up Capcom's Platinum Hits Triple Pack, which is pretty much just that: A package containing Dead Rising; Lost Planet: Extreme Condition - Colonies Edition; and Devil May Cry 4.It's all well and good to try and introduce gamers to some of your almost-classics, but we think Capcom seriously missed a chance to get some Bionic Commandos out there into the world. Yes, we get it's a Platinum Hits bundle, but what could you possibly be doing with all those discs, Capcom? Building a fort in the break room?
Mass Effect pops up early on XBL Games on Demand service
It appears as though Microsoft's plans for an August launch of its Games on Demand service is popping up a bit early. Why just this morning, we spotted a listing for the already confirmed Mass Effect (sporting its snazzy new Platinum Hits packaging) in our Xbox.com Marketplace RSS feed. Unsurprisingly, the listing has been removed from the website itself, though RSS feeds won't allow for editing after something has been published.As 360sync.com rightfully points out, game manuals will be provided virtually through the Xbox.com Marketplace website according to the listing, so you've got that going for ya (which is nice). We're not sure when these puppies are showin' up on XBL for sure, but from the looks of things, we'd say sooner rather than later. For a video tour of the upcoming Games on Demand service, hit the break.[Via 360sync]
Xbox 360 Platinum Hits are numerous, cheap, rebranded
This one's just about as confusing as it gets, folks, but here goes nothing. Microsoft is repackaging eight of its titles under a new moniker: "Greatness is Earned." Though these titles still fall into the Platinum Hits category (and as such, are priced at $19.99 and up), a number of them are receiving the treatment for the first time. And this is where things get confusing: We've seen the "Greatness is Earned" logo before, nearly a month ago now, on the repackaged Gears of War (Platinum Hits edition, mind you) seen above. At the time, Microsoft wouldn't comment on the images.Considering Viva Piñata and EA Sports Fight Night Round 3 are among them, we're doubting (and hoping) they won't all get the dark and brooding look. We've listed all eight titles after the break in for your perusal. We'd also like to point out that, while snooping around the Microsoft press site for images of these games, we noticed Halo 3 "Classics" in the "Upcoming Games" category -- the same note found next to all other Platinum Hits games. Interesting, hmm?Update: We've replaced the image above with shots of the new "Greatness is Earned" pack shots of Gears of War, Forza 2 and Mass Effect. For giant shots, peep the gallery below!%Gallery-63475%
MS announces new Platinum Hits ... for Singapore
A tipster informs us that Microsoft has announced a new batch of Platinum Hits for Singapore. The new titles include Project Gotham Racing 4, Forza Motorsport 2, Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom, Halo 3 and Lost Odyssey. The new hits all appear to sport the new packaging that was spotted last week. All the games, incidentally, are priced at SGD $39.90 (USD $26).It's worth noting that all of these games, aside from Forza 2, have yet to become Platinum Hits in North America. Granted, each region has different titles in the value range, but we'd say it's a safe bet that at least PGR4 and Halo 3 should make the cut on this side of the pond. Hopefully the redesigned packaging is a sign that Microsoft will announce new titles soon. Stay tuned.[Thanks, Cylus]
New 'Platinum Hits' packaging spotted in the wild, looks snazzy
Though we've yet to run into one ourselves, word on the internet street is Microsoft has quietly released new packaging for its bad economy-friendly "Platinum Hits" collection -- specifically, Gears of War. Moving decidedly away from the green and white that we've all come to know over the years, the new packaging adopts a darker tone (which may be why we've only seen it on the M-rated Gears franchise, eh?). What'll become of Viva Piñata's adorable box?!Microsoft apparently doesn't want people to know what it's done just yet, as a representative told us, "We have nothing to announce at this time," though we did spot the banner above on Xbox.com, together with "Greatness is Earned," the new motto found on the Gears of War box. To be clear: Microsoft may have changed the dress on the "Platinum Hits" version of one its key franchises but won't admit to it or explain why -- or even send us a picture. That being said, if you fine folks spot one at your local brick-and-mortar, snap a pic and send us a tip! We give great hugs as rewards!
Halo 2 finally joins Xbox 'Platinum Hits' collection
As one of the strongest titles in the Xbox library, Bungie's Halo 2 has been notably absent from Microsoft's "Platinum Hits" series, which features high-selling games at reduced prices a few years after their release. Now, it seems that Halo 2 has finally gone "platinum," with the required ugly box art remix, and an expected price drop down to $19.99 USD. Said ugly box art remix was recently added to Microsoft's press site.Currently priced at $29.99, Halo 2's inception into the Platinum Hits would certainly be a good thing in terms of price. The bad side? The slick cover art of Master Chief has been cropped to make way for all the Platinum Hits gobbledeegook, and includes a big ugly inset reminding everyone that it's the "Best Selling Xbox Game Ever." The new box also reminds players that Halo 2 is playable on 360 (provided you have a hard drive). If you have yet to pick up this modern classic, the price drop certainly makes it a good time to reconsider a purchase. When this beauty hits brick-and-mortar shelves, though, we recommend hunting down the old-box versions and requesting the new lower price. Nothing says "uncool" like owning the "greatest hits" version.[Update: Microsoft has confirmed the news. An official announcement is forthcoming.]
Halo 2 decides it wants to be a Platinum Hit [update 2]
Update 2: Microsoft has now confirmed that Halo 2 definitely headed for Platinum Hits. The shock of the confirmation nearly made us spew out our iced tea. Nearly.After being on the market since 2004, earning an average metacritic score of 95 and selling millions upon millions of copies, Microsoft decided Halo 2 could sit among the Max Payne and Shark Tales of the world and officially become a Platinum Hit. Woohoo! Actually, we bet it was the other way around. Halo 2 finally decided it was time to lower itself to the Platinum Hits catalog and force Microsoft to quit milking its $39 retail price tag as its retail teets have become sore and gone dry (yeah, bad mental picture).We confirmed Halo 2's Platinum Hits status after recently spotting the game's retail box art (viewable above) over on one of Microsoft's press websites. We also can't help but point out that Halo 2's Platinum Hits box is chalk full of marketing goodness including a "Plays on Xbox 360" stamp and a rather large blue inset that tells everyone that Halo 2 is the "Best Selling Xbox Game Ever". You know, just in case weren't aware. Anyway, the new Halo 2 Platinum Hits edition should be shipping to retailers sometime soon and will carry the typical Platinum Hits price of $19.99 even though we're sure you can find the game clearance priced for cheaper. But who wouldn't want a copy of Halo 2 in that iconic and oh so brag worthy silver jewel case. Right?
Gears of War goes Platinum Hits ... in Japan
If you have yet to purchase Gears of War the first question that comes to our mind is why the heck not? Seriously, why haven't you purchased the game? And if we're any good at reading minds then we're sure your response has something to due with the fact that the game released last year and still retails for $59. Good point, but if you live in Japan or are all about ordering region-free games online then you no longer have an excuse.Gears of War has officially gone Platinum Hits and received the discounted price tag for our friends in Japan. But you can still get a copy, because Play-Asia has the cheaper and region-free GoW Platinum Hits title for only $29 with $3 in shipping charges. Not too shabby. Also, if you are a proud owner of a Japanese Xbox 360, you can pick up a Platinum Hits double pack featuring both Gears of War and Dead Rising and for $49. Also, not too shabby. Our only question to Microsoft is; when the heck does Western civilization get Platinum Gears?[Via Xboxic]
Saints Row and Lego Star Wars II are platinum
Both Saints Row and Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy are officially turning into Xbox 360 Platinum Hits. As part of Xbox.com's May newsletter, Microsoft announced both titles were going to be retailing for the standard $29.99 Platinum Hits price. We know Saints Row will appeal to some gangster fans, but we can nearly guarantee that most fanboys will find Lego Star Wars II worth the $30 price tag. Congratulations Saints Row and Lego Star Wars II, you're part of the somewhat special Platinum Hits club and now it's time to cash out on that retirement fund.
New Platinum Hits games coming in March
The Gamerscore Blog guys are confirming a few games that will be headed to the Xbox 360 Platinum Hits lineup on March 16th in North America. If you didn't know, the Platinum Hits program is a list of games that have been singled out to retail for $29.99, because they "supposedly" achieved greatness during their lifetime. We may not always agree with certain games that come to the Platinum Hits, but nobody can disagree with the cheaper pricetag. Below is a list of games that will become Platinum Hits in North America. Battlefield 2: Modern Combat Burnout Revenge Call of Duty 2 Dead or Alive 4 Fight Night Round 3 Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter Top Spin 2 Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis
New 360 Platinum Hits for $29.99
Microsoft has officially announced the first batch of Platinum Hits for the Xbox 360. The games are: Perfect Dark Zero Project Gotham Racing 3 Kameo: Elements of Power Need for Speed Most Wanted Conspicuously missing from the list is Call of Duty 2, the 360's first million seller. The first four Platinum Hits will be available for the bargain price of $29.99 starting October 15th -- the second set should be announced in the spring of 2007. It's a far cry from what we considered a bargain last gen, but it's definitely better than nothing. So, for those of you that haven't picked these up yet, will a $29.99 price tag make you reconsider? See the full press release after the break.
