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Ask Massively: The order of all the things
This week in Ask Massively, we're fielding two queries about how we position games in some of our weekly roundup columns. As an obsessive list-maker, I understand the need to make sense of list chaos, believe me. I actually have lists of my lists. I'm not kidding. Our first question is from Siphaed, who wondered about the entries in our Week in Review: I'm a bit confused why The Elder Scrolls Online and Star Citizen got above FFXIV. Don't get me wrong, I honestly don't like either game and still prefer the one above all three (Guild Wars 2). However, I see that FFXIV has four key articles dedicated to it this past week and the other two have only three each. I would think that it would get a slight priority in the pecking order based on that. If not, what are the credentials for one game getting priority over the others in the article listing? I love that you guys think we're sitting around steepling our fingers trying to decide which game should go on top and get the golden star sticker for the week, but unfortunately, it's nowhere near that much fun!
Week in Review: Post-order elation
At the end of every week, we round up the best and most popular news stories, exclusive features, and insightful columns published on Massively and then present them all in one convenient place. Miss a big MMO or WoW Insider story last week? You've come to the right post. Early in the week we began to get word that the Star Wars: The Old Republic pre-order was about to hit -- and lo and behold, it did. For fans desperate to get their hands on the title, knowing that there's a copy out there reserved just for them became the next best thing. Unfortunately, we also learned that not every region was to get SWTOR initially, and a few grumpy feelings ensued. Hopefully the other SWTOR news coming out of Comic-Con, such as confirmation of beta weekends in September, is enough to keep the pre-launch anticipation positive and peppy! Hit the jump to see the rest of this past week's top stories.
X3F Week in Review: December 12, 2008 - December 18, 2008
As is our wont, we at Xbox 360 Fanboy have gathered up the various news articles and community features of the past week and arranged them neatly for easy consumption. You can find them all below. Oh, and by the way, we're giving away the Gears of War 2 Combustible Map Pack on Friday. Keep your eyes open or you might miss it.Community Xbox 360 Fancast 95 -- The one with Ross (not Bob)Joystiq's Ross Miller stops by X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Dash of DestructionIt's free. It's about Doritos. GOTY? Ask X3F: Just like Mama used to play editionGames for Mom. X3F is now on Twitter!The world trembles. News NXE audio issues continue to fire up forum users, Microsoft still working on a fixWhat? Can't hear you. Video: Gears of War 2 grenade tags and melees ... through walls?Oh hey, another glitch. Square Enix: 360 easier to develop on than the PS3 Flame shield: Activated Mercs 2 Blow it Up Again DLC available for freeBlow it up again. And again and again ... New COD4 playlists axed, no more DLC likelySurprise!
X3F Week in Review: December 5, 2008 - December 11, 2008
With literally no releases on Xbox 360 this week, you'd think we wouldn't be very busy over at Xbox 360 Fanboy. Not so, however, as we managed to download and play the Resident Evil 5 demo and record our video impressions just for you. We've also got a new podcast episode, the usual news and a chance to win a year of Xbox Live Gold. Scan the links below and harvest the sweet knowledge within.Community X3F TV -- Resident Evil 5 demo impressionsWe've played the Resident Evil 5 demo, so nyah X3F TV: XBLA in Brief: Meteos Wars: PowerUp ForeverA great puzzler and a new shooter hit XBLA Xbox 360 Fancast 094 -- Nein XanderAlexander is missing! Ask X3F: Excellent good friends editionScratched 360 game? Install a friend's! Fanswag Weekly: Win one year of Xbox Live GoldUmmm ... win Xbox Live Gold News Viacom: Rock Band attracts more talentMore artists want their music on Rock Band, says Viacom Ben Heck's new 360 laptop, the Xbox 360 PortableNow with WiFi, detachable memory Retail Rumor: Splinter Cell Conviction in FebruarySam Fisher sneaking onto shelves in February? Nerd out over LOTR Conquest achievementsKill a Balrog. As Gandalf. Nuff said
X3F Week in Review: November 28, 2008 - December 4, 2008
We admit it, the only reason we embedded the video above is because we knew it would make people pay attention to this post. No one ever reads these anyway. We could type almost anything in this space and no one would notice. Froodlegarb. Dunglesnout. See? Completely unnoticed. Find the latest news from X3F below, including our review of Prince of Persia and a look at Banjo Kazooie for Xbox Live Arcade. Also, dimblefippy.Community X3F TV - XBLA in Brief: Banjo KazooieIn which bears fly, sort of Review: Prince of PersiaWelcome back, Prince X3F TV -- Prince of Persia: Platform StringingWho needs floors when you have walls? X3F TV -- Prince of Persia: Elika's AbilitiesSo, if she can fly, why does she need the Prince? Ask X3F: Treasured memories editionEasy ways to keep track of Achievements X3F Impressions: Lips reviewOkay game, awesome microphones News Free online multiplayer for SFII HD, UNO and others for the holidaysSee, Silver is good for something! Don't mess with this guy, he built a real LancerNo, seriously, it's a real gun with a chainsaw on it Peek inside the latest Halo novel, The Cole ProtocolIf you can't play games, read about them MS admits to 360 audio problems caused by NXE, working towards a 'solution'Just don't ask when it will be ready Edge examines Xbox turnaround in JapanBut how long will it last?
X3F Week in Review: November 14, 2008 - November 20, 2008
Believe it or not, the New Xbox Experience isn't the only thing that happened in the land of 360 this week. Oh no, we also have ... other things like ... um ... you know, stuff. Ooh, like A Kingdom for Keflings came out. It's a really cool XBLA game because ... it lets you use your Avatar as a playable character. Okay fine, it's all about the NXE this week.Community Xbox 360 Fancast 092 -- Total ImmersionLike radio ... on the internet! X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: A Kingdom for KeflingsReally addictive ... but why? Ask X3F: Splitting screens editionBring a guest! The New Xbox Experience: What do you think?It's out. You've got it. How is it? News Video: Winning a chainsaw duel in Gears 2Hit that B button Halo MMO received green light approval before managment canceledSo, would Recon have been an epic armor set? New 360 bundles hit Europe November 21Now for only slightly less than retail! Kim: 360's lifespan 1 day longer than PS3Apart from the whole Red Ring of Death thing, anyway The Xbox Live Marketplace on Xbox.com is alive!Now you can spend real money on fake money at work!
X3F Week in Review: November 7, 2008 - November 13, 2008
Gears of War 2 may finally have launched, but things aren't slowing down at X3F. This week we've got a new installment of the Fancast, a new Gears of War 2 page and plenty of news to go around. We've also got some very cool giveaways coming up in the near future (including one tomorrow), so be sure to keep your browser pointed to X3F for all the latest.Community Xbox 360 Fancast 091 -- Ironing is fun!Yet another one. Ask X3F: Foul-mouthed editionAnonymity makes for serious jerks The X3F Gears of War 2 pageMore Gears than you can shake a chainsaw at Spoiler Warning: Gears of WarGet caught up on the Gears of War story News No button 360 controller modNeat looking: yes. Useful: not sure. Infinity Ward goes off on Activision for 'bullsh*t quotes'Not for the timid McFarlane unveils final Halo Wars figure sculptsGood thing too. Master Chief is getting lonely New screens and trailer of Avatars in Kingdom for KeflingsRun, giant Avatars! Video: Marcus Fenix asks 'who wants toast?'Funny Gears 2 easter egg
X3F Week in Review: October 31, 2008 - November 6, 2008
It's all about Gears of War 2 at X3F this week. You can check out lots of Gears 2 features in the links below, and we have more on the way before the week is out. More importantly though, we have an absolutely huge giveaway going down tomorrow. We're not just giving away the game either. Oh no. It's much bigger than that. You'll find out what it is tomorrow (at 10:00am), but for now we'll just tease you with the image above.X3F Gears of War 2 launch week Xbox 360 Fancast 090 -- GearstravaganzaTalkin' bout Gears 2. A lot. X3F TV -- Gears of War 2: Multiplayer Map Preview Part OneLearn the ins and outs of Gears 2 multiplayer maps X3F TV -- Gears of War 2: Flashback Map PackOld maps made new Gears of War 2: Heroes of SeraLearn about the heroes under the armor Review: Gears of War 2Turns out it's pretty good
X3F Week in Review: October 24, 2008 - October 30, 2008
Lots of good stuff this week. First and foremost, we partnered (mostly willingly) with Joystiq to produce a massive video preview of the New Xbox Experience. Definitely check it out if you haven't already. We also have a hands-on preview with the first act of Gears of War 2. Beyond that, we've got new installments of our weekly features, including a look at the creepy digital Jeff Foxworthy found in the XBLA release Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?. Check it all out via the links below.Community Video tour: New Xbox Experience ExposedSeriously, watch this. Xbox 360 Fancast 089 -- A Golden Shower of GamesProof we will never mature X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Penny Arcade Episode 2, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?These games sure have long titles X3F Hands-on: Gears of War 2 - Act OneKilling locusts is a lot like learning to ride a bike News Chronicles of Riddick picked up by Atari, now has brand new campaignNow an actual sequel Splatterhouse teaser leaves everything and nothing to the imaginationCan you say "teaser?" 1600 MS points FREE with Gears of War 2 purchase at Circuit CityThat'll buy a lot of DLC Fable II glitch fix completed, missing DLC codes resolvedNo word on when the fix will be released The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai coming soonReally soon, we hope.
X3F Week in Review: October 24, 2008 - October 30, 2008xt
Lots of good stuff this week. First and foremost, we partnered (mostly willingly) with Joystiq to produce a massive video preview of the New Xbox Experience. Definitely check it out if you haven't already. We also have a hands-on preview with the first act of Gears of War 2. Beyond that, we've got new installments of our weekly features, including a look at the creepy digital Jeff Foxworthy found in the XBLA release Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?. Check it all out via the links below.Community Video tour: New Xbox Experience ExposedSeriously, watch this. Xbox 360 Fancast 089 -- A Golden Shower of GamesProof we will never mature X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Penny Arcade Episode 2, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?These games sure have long titles X3F Hands-on: Gears of War 2 - Act OneKilling locusts is a lot like learning to ride a bike News Chronicles of Riddick picked up by Atari, now has brand new campaignNow an actual sequel Splatterhouse teaser leaves everything and nothing to the imaginationCan you say "teaser?" 1600 MS points FREE with Gears of War 2 purchase at Circuit CityThat'll buy a lot of DLC Fable II glitch fix completed, missing DLC codes resolvedNo word on when the fix will be released The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai coming soonReally soon, we hope.
X3F Week in Review: October 17, 2008 - October 23, 2008
We've gone kind of Fable II crazy at X3F this week. We've got some special Fable II features, including a look at the game's environments as well as its enemies. We also dedicated this week's episode of the Xbox 360 Fancast to the game. Oh, and we're also giving away six copies of the game. You might want to get in on that.Community Stuff Review: Fable IIIt delivers Xbox 360 Fancast 088 -- Fable 2 Baby, Yeah!Lots of Fabley goodness Fanswag: Mega Fable 2 giveawaySix copies of Fable II, just for you A Guided Tour of AlbionLearn about the places you'll go in Fable II The Albion Bestiary CompendiumThe many dangerous creatures of Fable II XBLA in Brief: Portal: Still Alive14 new maps, 1200 MS Points. Worth it? Ask X3F: co-op editionGames built for two News Zombies!!! confirmed for Xbox Live ArcadeZombies? Board game? XBLA? Hell yes. Lionhead forum users complain of Fable II freezing issuesNot related to any ice spell Cooperative Left 4 Dead achievementsKill zombies, get cheevos. X3F Hands-on: The beginning of Far Cry 2 on a movie theater-sized screenFar Cry 2 does it in the jungle Call of Duty: World at War beta impressionsToo much of a good thing?
X3F Week in Review: October 3, 2008 - October 9, 2008
We might as well face the fact that this week's biggest Xbox 360 news pretty much happened yesterday and this morning, so that's what you'll be finding in the news section below. We also have new installments in our community features, so be sure to check those out. Might we specifically recommend that you check out XBLA in Brief, as it can save you from the heinous mistake of even downloading the trial version of Beat'n Groovy.Community Xbox 360 Fancast 086 -- Proof, Meet PuddingIn which a myth is dispelled X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Beat'n Groovy, MLB Stickball, Shadow Assault / TenchuOh, man is Beat'n Groovy awful Ask X3F: Cheevoholic editionGotta get them Cheevos News Avatar customization and NXE requires 256MB storageThese updates don't store themselves, y'know Video: Halo Wars demo (with the Flood!)A brief glimpse of the ultimate organism TGS 08: Halo 3 Recon lands Fall 2009You can has Recon next year TGS 08: New Xbox Experience hits November 19 worldwideThe time of the season for Avatar lovin' TGS 08: Tekken 6 lands on the Xbox 360 in Fall 09Oh no they didn't! Live members report 360 freezing issuesShould be fixed now
X3F Week in Review: September 19, 2008 - September 25, 2008
We'd like to pretend this week isn't all about Bungie's teaser for a new Halo 3 campaign expansion. We'd like to tell you this week is really about things like our look at Duke Nukem 3D for XBLA or the fact that Peter Molyneux is already conducting the hype train to his next game. We'd love to say that, but it just isn't true. We love teh Halos and we love Orbital Drop Shock Troopers, so the week belongs to Bungie. This time ....Community X3F TV: Video analysis of Bungie's Keep It Clean teaserKeep It Clean: Analyzed X3F-TV -- XBLA in Brief: Duke Nukem 3DThe reason we liked Duke in the first place Hands-on: RACE ProIt's got cars! And racing! Xbox 360 Fancast 084 -- Fanboys Tell 'emThis one is a good one, honest. Ask X3F: Frame City who editionRemember Frame City Killer? News Portal XBLA achievements offer more original content than actual gameWe do what we must because we can. Golden Axe video is missing somethingIt starts with 'multi' and ends with 'player' RumorDestroya: Xbox 360 Slim spotted? Sorry, noStupid, deceptive cameras! Molyneux: Next project is 'very different' and 'ridiculously ambitious'So what else is new?
X3F Week in Review: September 12, 2008 - September 18, 2008
With the industry resting on the edge of the impending holiday, news seems to be a mix of rumors and (this week, at least) unexciting Xbox Live Arcade releases. Maybe everyone figures we deserve a little downtime before the real onslaught begins. During this quiet before the storm, we offer you the latest XBLA in Brief, which covers the sheer excitement of Feeding Frenzy 2 and Domino Master. Yeah, well, Duke Nukem 3D comes out next week, so have faith, 'mkay? In the meantime, check out the latest news and community features below.Community Xbox 360 Fancast 083 -- Totally BonedA new buzz word is born Ask X3F: Microsoft Game Shenanigans editionIs Microsoft Game Studios in trouble? (No.) X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Domino Master, Feeding Frenzy 2Fish and Dominos. Hooray? News Too Human cracks NPD Top 10So there! NHL 09 disc error also known as the cache time-bombExtended play causes error Rumor: Bungie and Rare set to announce new projects next weekWhere'd we put that grain of salt? UK deal: Gears 2 and replica gold lancer for £129Real gold? No. Real classy? Yes. Rumor: Zombie Wranglers shambles to XBLA soonIf you don't wrangle zombies, who will?
X3F Week in Review: September 4, 2008 - September 11, 2008
Okay, for this edition of the X3F Week in Review, forget all the news. Forget the new, hilarious podcast. Forget that we have a newly revamped version of X3F mobile. Just know this: we are giving away a tiny mountain of PAX swag. Autographed Halo swag, autographed Gears of War swag, Dead Space swag, we've got it all and we're giving it away to one lucky winner. Go get it.Community X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Gin Rummy, Shred Nebula, Pirates vs Ninjas DodgeballWhat has cards, pirates, ninjas, and space? Ask X3F: puzzling hits editionWhat makes an Arcade Hit and Arcade Hit? Xbox 360 Fancast 082 -- ExpeditionIn which we meet our biggest fan Fanswag: Post-PAX Giveaway part deuxCome get some sweet PAX swag iPhone and mobile users: read X3F at i.xbox360fanboy.comX3F mobile gets a shot in the arm News Death Tank rolling to XBLA for real, first videoOh, sweet nectar McFarlane announces Halo Wars figures for '09Itty-bitty plastic Spartans Devs say Little Big Planet not possible on the 360We pretend not to care Far Cry 2 dev diary goes to AfricaSleeping with actual lions
X3F Week in Review September 5, 2008 - September 11, 2008
Okay, for this edition of the X3F Week in Review, forget all the news. Forget the new, hilarious podcast. Forget that we have a newly revamped version of X3F mobile. Just know this: we are giving away a tiny mountain of PAX swag. Autographed Halo swag, autographed Gears of War swag, Dead Space swag, we've got it all and we're giving it away to one lucky winner. Go get it.Community X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Gin Rummy, Shred Nebula, Pirates vs Ninjas DodgeballWhat has cards, pirates, ninjas, and space? Ask X3F: puzzling hits editionWhat makes an Arcade Hit and Arcade Hit? Xbox 360 Fancast 082 -- ExpeditionIn which we meet our biggest fan Fanswag: Post-PAX Giveaway part deuxCome get some sweet PAX swag iPhone and mobile users: read X3F at i.xbox360fanboy.comX3F mobile gets a shot in the arm News Death Tank rolling to XBLA for real, first videoOh, sweet nectar McFarlane announces Halo Wars figures for '09Itty-bitty plastic Spartans Devs say Little Big Planet not possible on the 360We pretend not to care Far Cry 2 dev diary goes to AfricaSleeping with actual lions
X3F Week in Review: August 29, 2008 - September 4, 2008
This week pretty much rounds out our PAX 2008 coverage. We've got interviews with The lead artist and writer behind Gears of War 2 as well as an interview with the creator of Schizoid. Let's not forget our hands-on look at Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball and a chance to win a copy of Smash Court Tennis 3. Click on.Community Xbox 360 Fancast Special -- PAX 2008Listen. Or don't. But seriously, listen. Fanswag Weekly: Smash Court Tennis 3We're giving it away for free. It's tennis! X3F TV -- Watch the Rock Band song export processPrepare for the future PAX 08: Lead GoW2 artist and writer talk Lancer polys, deaths and comicsTalkin' 'bout Gears of War 2 Ask X3F: The solitude of space editionSo ... how's your girl? PAX 08: Wrapping up the X3F Sticker GalleryYou got stuck, son! News Hands-on: PvN Dodgeball's new multiplayer modesPirates? Ninjas? Dodgeball? Vs? PAX 08: Torpex talks Schizoid, sales, marketing strategies and XNA developmentOn Schizoid sales PAX 08: Hands-on Halo 3's AssemblySo purple ... PAX 08: Castle Crashers patch promised to release ASAPIt had better Official list of Gears of War 2 achievementsBeat that meatflag!
X3F Week in Review: August 22, 2008 - August 28, 2008
It's time for yet another X3F Week in Review, girls and boys. It's been a Silicon Knights week here at X3F, with our own Xav de Matos spending some quality time at the company's headquarters in Ontario. We've got tons of coverage from a Silicon Knights studio tour to an interview discussing the fate of Eternal Darkness. These have been floating around Joystiq for a few days, but if you haven't already, you should definitely check them out. Finally, there's still a chance to win Castle Crashers if you hurry!Community Xbox 360 Fancast 081 -- Pacifism is a Strange WordInterview with Matthew McCarthy, writer of the Geometry Wars song X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Castle CrashersThe beat 'em up lives again Ask X3F: That Virtua Feeling editionSoul Calibur or Virtua Fighter? X3F Presents: Silicon Knights studio tourNo one ever knights us X3F TV: Denis Dyack, "Origin of the Knights" interviewRemember Legacy of Kain? X3F TV: Denis Dyack, "Too Human" interviewDenis discusses Too Human's reception Denis Dyack, "Future Knights" InterviewOn the future of Silicon Knights Fanswag: Win a copy of Castle CrashersYou will probably win, I bet.
X3F Week in Review: August 15, 2008 - August 21, 2008
Lots going on at X3F this week. We've got a Dennis Dyack interview, a video hands-on with Galaga Legions and more. Best of all, Fanswag Weekly returns with five XBLA redemption codes for Bionic Commando Rearmed (which is awesome, by the way). Peruse the links below and feed your inner fanboy. We won't tell anyone.Community X3F @ Too Human Hometown launch signingWe have pictures X3F Interview: Five minutes with Dennis DyackStill won't talk about Eternal Darkness 2 Fanswag Weekly: Bionic Commando RearmedGet into the swing of things Ask X3F: Friendship editionBorrowing games can be a tricky business Xbox 360 Fancast 080 -- Football!They actually let us make 80 of these... X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Galaga LegionsYou can move up and down now! News A dirty PURE demo to release to the XBLM in SeptATVs are dangerous Rare promises Banjo Kazooie demo before its November releaseTry the vehicle editor. Seriously. Viva Piñata 2 demo in certification, releasing soonMultiplayer gardening FTW! Rumor: Xbox 360 price cuts; 60GB $299, Elite $399, Arcade $199Cheaper than Wii? New Sacred 2 trailer shows off 4-player co-opMmm ... dungeon crawling
X3F Week in Review: August 8, 2008 - August 14, 2008
It really feels like this week belongs to Xbox Live Arcade. The whole month really, considering a slew of AAA titles are on the way. This week we got Bionic Commando Rearmed, which is everything a Bionic Commando fan could hope for. If you haven't already, definitely give it a try. You can check out our latest XBLA in Brief episode to see what's new. And let's not forget that you can now start earning Fable II goodies with Fable II Pub Games, which is also featured in this week's episode.Community Xbox 360 Fancast 079 -- Ah, EuphemismsPlease, get our minds out of the gutter X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Fable II Pub Games and Bionic Commando RearmedBionic Commando Rearmed. 'Nuff said. Ask X3F: Backwards IncompatibilityShort and sweet this week X3F Season Update: Madden NFL 09Boom! X3F Insight: Why should we care about Braid?Braid is good. SRSLY News Fable 2 receives a visit from Master Chief himselfFlintlock Pistol vs Plasma Pistol Analysts: Xbox 360 outsold PS3 in JulySee what cheap 360s can do? Gears 2 Lancer bundle selling like hot cakesCliff Bleszinski imitations on the rise Red Faction: Guerilla beta dropsSay "Guerilla beta" three times fast. It's fun.
