Riot-Act
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Crackdown patched on arrival
When you pop in your Crackdown disc next week to download the Halo 3 beta (we kid ... the beta won't be live until at least March) you'll be momentarily stalled for a title update. Noticing some considerable lag during co-op matches, both online and off (system link), Realtime Worlds cracked open the gold copy and got back to work. The update should address these issues. Phew, last minute patchwork sure beats a recall...
Crackdown the world over
Sometimes the best Photoshop work is the simplest and most subtle. Flickr user Agent G has "scoured the earth" and unearthed agility orbs at world's greatest architecture. (There's two at Easter Island waiting for you.) Also revealed were Secret Orbs that developer Realtime Worlds have placed in the most inconspicuous of locations, from Viva Pinata all the way to old episodes of Knight Rider. If Halo 3 was not advertising enough for this game, perhaps Microsoft Games Studio might think of a clever television marketing campaign based on this Flickr gallery. [Via Xbox 360 Fanboy; thanks, Jonah Falcon]
Crackdown creator's ego intact after Halo 3 boost
Buy the Halo 3 beta and receive a free copy of Crackdown! That was the joke that hurtled across the chattering landscape of the internet, as soon as it was revealed that Microsoft's supercop-in-a-sandbox game would ride the coattails of a ruthlessly marching Halo 3. But that's okay, according to Crackdown creator, David Jones. "It's really scary to think you could make a really great game that nobody has ever heard about," he notes in an insightful interview with Stephen Totilo of MTV News. The main problem, Jones states, is that Crackdown simply doesn't look good in screenshots. Perhaps a "snapshot" makes for a better word, as he feels that the game's qualities are conveyed far better when it's in motion -- the seamless world, the explosive physics and the player character's constant evolution. Since it takes a while for Crackdown's protagonist to build up his attributes and start leaping over buildings, the game can't be readily grasped in the first five minutes or indeed, in a snapshot. As Totilo aptly puts it, it's a "gradual sell." The Real Time Worlds developer goes on to explain how his desire to reward players resulted in a lifting of Microsoft's achievement limit from 50 to 80 per game, and that "90 percent of the fight is just getting people to try something." Though the Halo 3 beta business may have inadvertently made some gamers doubt the game's quality, the demo currently available on Xbox Live should do much to help allay any GTA fan fears.
Japan invited to Halo 3 Beta, will anyone RSVP?
Siliconera reports that copies of Riot Act (a.k.a. Crackdown) will contain download codes for Halo 3 Beta, extending Microsoft's promotion to Japanese gamers. Peter Moore recently reiterated to IGN that Microsoft is "not going to back down" in its aggressive campaign to popularize the Xbox brand in Japan. Including the download code inside Riot Act retail boxes is a friendly gesture, but it's not going to generate as many sales as the promotion will in North America or Europe, where Halo is a dominant franchise; and FPS in general, a leading genre. Still, Moore insists that the beta promotion isn't about boosting Crackdown's exposure, but rather, is simply an opportunity to pair potentially M-rated Halo 3 with an M-rated title. Guess that explains why Viva Piñata didn't include keys to the beta. Riot Act will be available on February 22 in Japan, two days after the game is released in North America. Halo 3 Beta download codes will also be included with the European version of Crackdown.
Halo 3 Beta invite guaranteed in every 'initial' copy of Crackdown [update 1]
While previous sources have stated otherwise, IGN claims to have received information from an unnamed Microsoft rep who has confirmed that every copy of Crackdown will include an invitation to Halo 3 Beta. If you're not interested in Crackdown, playing Halo 2 (you do own a copy of Halo 2, right?) for a few hours is still the best way -- and only other way -- to gain access to the beta. But it's good to know that a golden ticket, albeit an expensive one (if you plan to throw away the "chocolate bar"), will be sitting on the shelf at the local retailer, accessible at your leisure. Update: Microsoft sent along word that "every copy in the initial shipment" of Crackdown will have the download code for Halo 3 Beta. Each box will be specially marked. Microsoft did not specify how large the initial shipment would be. Don't cancel those pre-orders just yet... [Thanks, dork]
Crackdown gold, you know what that means...
Crackdown is gold and on schedule for release February 20. Microsoft has made a point to highlight Crackdown's apparent pre-release popularity, citing a "significant number of pre-orders" purchased in advance. Excited as we may be about David Jones' twisting of his own Grand Theft Auto creation, Microsoft's tying of Crackdown to the Halo 3 Beta should not be understated. It's likely that many pre-orders were placed to secure an invitation to the beta, which will only be bundled with Crackdown for a limited time. Those who haven't pre-ordered are likely holding out to play the demo, which, according to ads posted on Xbox Live yesterday (now removed), was supposed to be released yesterday. As announced Tuesday, the demo has been delayed (guess marketing didn't get the memo). But Microsoft is sticking to its promise that the demo will be delivered before the month is up -- hopefully in time to consider Buy.com's slight discount.
Crackdown demo slips through a slight crack
Microsoft PR has informed us that the Crackdown demo has entered the final certification process, but will miss its scheduled release on Thursday. A press release states the delay will only span "several days," but IGN cites several weeks (anytime before the end of the month). The retail version will ship February 20 as expected. Microsoft also confirmed that the demo will not support "jump-in" co-op gameplay, a major feature of the retail version. Instead, players will have to organize co-op games through the demo's pre-game interface -- a slight, but notable nuisance. The demo is set in one of four major gang-held territories and gives players an opportunity to enjoy some of the game's advanced abilities through enhanced leveling. In related news, Buy.com is offering Crackdown, plus Halo 3 Beta invite, for $58.39 (includes S&H). [Via press release]
Crack down on Crackdown, Germany refuses to issue rating
The German ratings board has refused to issue a rating for Crackdown, marking the third instance in which an Xbox 360 title will be ostensibly blacklisted in the country. This peculiar circumstance does not make Crackdown illegal, but its sale to minors is. In addition, the game cannot be displayed or advertised by retailers, and all purchases of Crackdown must be made in person. The ratings board was likely turned off by the game's violence, which has yet to draw attention from other critics. See also: Dead Rising banned in Germany Germany says NEIN to Gears of War German states mull violent game ban
Buy Halo 3 Beta invitation, get Crackdown (for free!)
According to an ad in the latest issue of Gamepro, Microsoft will start selling Halo 3 Multiplayer Beta invitations for $60 beginning February 20 -- oh, and each golden ticket comes with a game called Crackdown. Fine print reads: Limited time offer -- look for specially marked boxes. [Thanks, zewone]
Crackdown in stores Feb. 20, demo on Jan. 18
Microsoft's crack at the Grand Theft Auto crown, from Grand Theft Auto creator David Jones and his Real Time Worlds studio, is set to hit streets February 20. Admittedly, Crackdown shares more in common with Mercenaries than it does with any of the GTA titles, as it's less structured than Rockstar's series and not mission-based -- you're charged with taking down three criminal organizations however you see fit. Of course, the ability to become a 'super freak' (leap buildings, transform vehicles, throw semis, etc.) puts Crackdown in a niche of its own -- if not the superpowers, then the cel-shaded visuals. It's totally like being inside a graphic novel! Right?... For those of us still concerned that Crackdown lacks some of the cohesive elements necessary for a mainstream hit, Microsoft is offering a demo, set to hit Xbox Live Marketplace on January 18. The demo will include -- for Xbox Live Gold members -- a preview of Crackdown's full-scale online co-op, which gives the game a huge boost over its competition. Free-form gang-stomping with a buddy? Yes please. [Via press release]
Realtime Worlds gets $31m in funding
Realtime Worlds, developer of upcoming Xbox 360 action-cop shooter, Crackdown, has secured $31 million in funding from New Enterprise Associates. Two members of NEA have joined the board of directors at Realtime Worlds, suggesting that the companies expect the partnership to be a long-term collaboration. Founded in 2002, Realtime Worlds has yet to ship a product, although Crackdown is due in 2007. Unless Realtime Worlds has developed expensive tastes -- and we remember watching that happen to dot-com companies -- we expect the funding to keep it strong well past any Crackdown success or failure. (From our look at the game, we're betting on "success.") See also: Joystiq hands-on: Crackdown (Xbox 360)
Joystiq hands-on: Crackdown (Xbox 360)
Future-cop shooter, Crackdown, prides itself on nonlinear, sandbox play. It's set in a sprawling city with many areas to explore, and I had fun wandering through a pre-release version at a recent meeting with developer, Real Time Worlds. The game is violent and visceral; you play a Judge Dread Dredd-style super-cop with no moral ambiguity. Every criminal you kill is a victory, and any bystanders that die between you and the baddies were just doing their part for their city. This premise is sure to appeal to the adolescent boy in all of us (and actual adolescent boys). But for a game that gloats about its open, let-the-gamer-decide play-style, I thought that the violence was sometimes too mandatory and too realistic. I had fun with Crackdown, and I want to play more. I enjoyed the sandbox elements -- blowing up parts of the city, jumping between rooftops, and driving cars -- but those activities didn't always help me progress. It seemed like I needed to keep killing thugs to advance through the game, and that repetition may violate the sandbox ideal. To Crackdown's credit, the Xbox 360 game doesn't take time to dwell on its blunt-instrument kill-the-enemy-gangs premise -- it even approaches it with a crooked smile. And the game's frenzied pace doesn't pause for soul-searching or deep social commentary; gamers will pick it up for its action, not nuance.
Moore: Too Human, Crackdown, Forza 2, Shadowrun by end of June
Speaking with MTV's Stephen Totilo, Peter Moore promised that Crackdown, Forza Motorsport 2, Shadowrun, and Too Human would all see release by the end of June 2007. While Shadowrun's debut has always hinged on the availability of Windows Vista (FASA's game is cross-platform), the other three titles were once expected to round out Xbox 360's exclusive holiday lineup this year. As it goes, Gears of War and Viva Piñata will have to convince shoppers to pass on PlayStation 3 and Wii -- or shortages will. Still, with PS3 likely in short supply early next year, Microsoft has an opportunity to attract potential consumers with well-timed releases throughout the tail end of winter, leading into summer. But don't be surprised if a few of these exclusives continue to slip, landing alongside Master Chief in next year's holiday release batch.
X06: ...and the rest
Quick impressions and thoughts on some other noteworthy games shown on the X06 show floor. Guitar Hero II (360): Not playable, but demo'ed continuously by two rock gods with the stamina of heavyweight boxers (see picture). They confirmed that the final Xbox 360 guitar controller would look like a Gibson Explorer but refused to comment on wireless capabilities or the intriguing D-pad on the base. Game itself looked nice in hi-rez, but graphics lagged a bit with the music at this early stage. Viva Piñata: Playable tutorial walks you through building a house, attracting new piñatas and making baby eggs. Rare demo with ten hours of progress showed a thriving garden brimming with life and fully accessorized piñatas. Hired helpers prevent the game from becoming a micromanagement chore. Looks like it could be a hit with the Pokemon set. Forza Motorosport 2: Game had major frame rate issues, making it very difficult to play and/or judge. PR handlers say it's 60 percent complete... that last 40 will be an uphill battle. Halo 2 (PC): Game played great with the mouse and keyboard, and looked great on the decked out Dell Dimension 9150 with large widescreen monitor. Other than that, it's still Halo. Map editor was not available for demo. Crackdown: Grand Theft Auto meets Hulk: Ultimate Destruction in a mess of a game with rough graphics, sloppy controls and an awful camera system. Needs serious work to be a worthy contender. That about does it for X06 posts from Barcelona. Sorry if I didn't cover your favorite game, but there wasn't enough time to do justice to everything available on the show floor. If there's anything you're still wondering about that wasn't covered in our X06 posts, I'll do my best to answer specific questions in the below comment thread in the coming days.
Crackdown: gimme what he's smokin'
Realtime Worlds' Crackdown brings new meaning to the term 'car-jack,' as GTA mastermind Dave Jones has seemingly enlisted the BALCO boys to inject some juice into the sandbox genre. Despite only moderate hype, Microsoft considers Crackdown to be one of the most promising upcoming titles for the Xbox 360. Today, Worthplaying posted a slew of new screenshots and some general details. Get familiar!
