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Massively Week in Review: January 28 - Feb 4, 2008
Looks like a fairly standard news-week for us at Massively. We had a bit of rumor, some good (and bad) news, and covered a few events. We also threw our two cents in on pretty well everything -- but that's the fun part of the job! If you missed out on anything good, click on through for the top news and views from Massively. News PC titles only 14% of game sales in 2007, WoW leading the way WHA tellz you grots bout da' WAAAGH! The Secret World inspired by 'The Ring' Mabinogi hacked by a 16-year-old for $325K of virtual currency CES 2008: What the heck is Free Realms? Shadowbane resets with Patch 22, on test servers today Rumor: Warhammer Online collector's edition details leaked? Second Life: BBC documentary about virtual adultery IGE founders in legal battle Rumor: New Blizzard MMO to be Starcraft Online? Ladies and gentlemen: Flexiboobs Dungeon Runners releases characters in XML Liveblogged: Metaplace live developer chat today Blizzard defeats Peons4Hire gold farmers in court Sid Meier mentions possibility of a Civilization MMO Myst Online: Uru Live Tap-ped out again Discussion MMOGology: Group dynamics Penny Arcade digs on DDO, encapsulates modern MMO industry Building a better MMOusetrap: The age old debate 8 things NASA needs to get right Ask Massively: No really, ask us! Behind the Curtain: Something Unexpected Games that could be MMOs: Spore The Digital Continuum: Comparing core concepts of WAR and WoW Space for a new style of MMO? Dragonlance: A property ripe for the pillaging
X3F Week in Review: January 25, 2008 - January 31, 2008
Wow, we thought last week was a big week for X3F. One week later and we've put out our first enhanced Fancast and our first video podcast (which we're calling X3F TV, clever right?). We've also got yet another edition of Ask X3F in which we reveal our podcasting secrets and discuss the apparent disappearance of Xbox 360s everywhere. Of course, we've also got plenty of the latest Xbox 360 news and info. Peruse it all at your leisure below.Community Stuff: Xbox 360 Fancast 053 -- Number One Podcast of 2008Our first enhanced podcast! Ask X3F: podcasting is hard editionWhere'd the 360s go? X3F TV: X3F vs Tomonobu ItagakiOur first video podcast! Fanpoll: Burnout Paradise and crash modeDo you miss Crash Mode? News: Video: Bloodshot's forensic funneryWhat you do when you're not fighting hobos Mass Effect Shepard statue nears completionTake that, Gears action figures! Halo 3: get learned in Heavy Weapon tacticsPrepare for the championship Video: Perfect Dark Zero on the black boxThe PDZ that never was Jeff Bell talks HD-DVD, 360 pricing and moreMentions possible relationship with Blu-Ray 360 attach rate now 7 games per console3rd party publishers bathe in money Pirates vs Ninjas Dodgeball's new team: RobotsBetter than pirates or ninjas?
X3F Week in Review: January 18, 2008 - Janurary 24, 2008
It was a pretty big week at X3F. This week week we've got our 52nd Fancast (one whole year!), a Bionic Commando Rearmed interview, Devil May Cry 4 demo impressions, a free copy of Soldier of Fortune: Payback, and the biggest edition of Ask X3F yet. The week was, as Donald Trump would put it, yuge. Oh, and of course we've got all that "news" stuff that people insist we post. Be sure you meticulously pore over it all by clicking the links below. Seriously, you're a bad person if you don't.Community Stuff: Fanswag Weekly: Soldier of Fortune: PaybackFree stuff returns to X3F! 360 Fancast 052 -- Bionic FanboysCelebrating one year in podcasting Ask X3F: grammar lesson editionSo many questions answered, are there any left? X3F Interview: Bionic Commando Rearmed's Ben JuddNo online co-op? What gives? X3F hands-on: Devil May Cry 4 demoWas it worth stealing exclusivity from the PS3? News: Bungie talks new H3 maps and plays with toysThere making more Halo 3 maps? The hell you say! Video: Sega Superstars Tennis makes its debutHey, it worked for Nintendo Schizoid isn't dead, we have pics to prove itIt's not dead, but it's not released either. Frogger 2 is scheduled for a leap onto the XBLASomewhere, Jeff Minter is pissed Epic: no more Gears of War DLC. Us: Duh?We're shocked. Just shocked.
X3F Week in Review: January 18, 2008 - January 24, 2008
It was a pretty big week at Xbox 360 Fanboy. This week week we've got our 52nd Fancast (one whole year!), a Bionic Commando Rearmed interview, Devil May Cry 4 demo impressions, a free copy of Soldier of Fortune: Payback, and the biggest edition of Ask X3F yet. The week was, as Donald Trump would put it, yuge. Oh, and of course we've got all that "news" stuff that people insist we post. Be sure you meticulously pore over it all by clicking the links below. Seriously, you're a bad person if you don't.Community Stuff: Fanswag Weekly: Soldier of Fortune: PaybackFree stuff returns to X3F! 360 Fancast 052 -- Bionic FanboysCelebrating one year in podcasting Ask X3F: grammar lesson editionSo many questions answered, are there any left? X3F Interview: Bionic Commando Rearmed's Ben JuddNo online co-op? What gives? X3F hands-on: Devil May Cry 4 demoWas it worth stealing exclusivity from the PS3? News: Bungie talks new H3 maps and plays with toysThere making more Halo 3 maps? The hell you say! Video: Sega Superstars Tennis makes its debutHey, it worked for Nintendo Schizoid isn't dead, we have pics to prove itIt's not dead, but it's not released either. Frogger 2 is scheduled for a leap onto the XBLASomewhere, Jeff Minter is pissed Epic: no more Gears of War DLC. Us: Duh?We're shocked. Just shocked.
X3F Week in Review: January 11, 2008 - January 17, 2008
As we attempt to wrap our heads around the awesome revelation that is Bionic Commando Rearmed, we find ourselves strapped to a demonic chair, a chair designed by our hedonistic overlords at Joystiq. Said chair occasionally moistens our eyeballs, the lids of which it conveniently stretches taught, keeping us alert. The chairs purpose: to restrain us until the weekly roundup is complete. Thus we present you this collection of powerful and hard-hitting Xbox 360 news whilst pleading with our masters to loose us from this place, that we might again enjoy the comforts of an Xbox 360 and a scholarly game of Carcassonne. Community Stuff: X3F Vs. Tomonobu Itagaki: Ninja Gaiden II difficulty concernsOne question for the man in shades Xbox 360 Fancast 051 -- Use the ForceYoda makes his triumphant return Ask X3F: yet more questions editionWhatever happened to N+? News: Pics of Halo 3 series 2 McFarlane figures unleashedCollect 'em all! Fable 2 video diary 4 breaks the wallYou can actually go where you want ... finally Master Chief transformer, maximize!Optimus Chief? Bungie's homegrown Forge tipsHow to get the most out of your maps XBLA in brief: Boogie BunniesIn short, there are better puzzle games on XBLA Video: RSV2 to feature a re-worked reward systemVegas 2: rewards system spans campaign and multiplayer Halo 3 Spartan Laser suicide for the agesRecreate this. We dare you
X3F Week in Review: January 4, 2008 - January 10, 2008
This was a big week for Xbox 360 Fanboy. Not only because we were forced to confront the reality that Force powers and gigantic mammaries would soon converge in Soul Calibur IV, but because we produced the 50th installment of our award winning Xbox 360 Fancast. It took two days to edit, but it was worth it. Filled with some of our best moments and lots of celebrity shoutouts (from the likes of Red Vs. Blue, Major Nelson, and others), it's something you really shouldn't miss. Oh, and we've got all of our regular hard-hitting news and stuff too.Community Stuff: Xbox 360 Fancast 050 -- Being the 50th EpisodeHoly hell! We've made 50 of these! And this one is over two hours long! Ask X3F: assume the aquisition editionYour burning questions answered with the soothing salve of knowledge News: 2K is still shipping out Big Daddy replacementsHe may have a tiny drill, but he's got a big heart Halo 3 video: more Forge suicide anticsAn even more complicated way to bump yourself off Sega dates Q1 games for EuropeBum Fighter 2 ... er ... Condemned 2 in March The most played Xbox Live games of 2007We bet you can't guess No. 1 Transformers Unlockables: 500 MS Points gets it allActivision pulls and EA, sells cheat code DLC Holy Hobbes! New Fable 2 rendersAlmost too cute to slay. Almost. Arby 'n' the Chief continues "Master Chief Sucks" seriesAnd yes, the Chief still sucks SCIV: See Darth Vader and Yoda in actionWell, see them pose for the camera anyway
X3F Week in Review: December 28, 2007 - January 3, 2008
While this is technically the first edition of the X3F Week in Review for 2008, it is in fact dealing with the final days of our favorite console in 2007. Regardless of your console allegiance, it can't be denied that the Xbox 360 had some killer software released this year. So, click on for our favorite games of 2007, our last Fancast episode of the year, and the second edition of our community-powered feature, Ask X3F.Community Stuff: Xbox 360 Fancast 049 -- Full Names OnlyDon't call him Alex. He won't hear you. Best 360 games of 2007: Richard's PicksNo Halo 3 on this list. Shocking, no? Best 360 games of 2007: Dustin's PicksOh, there's Halo 3! Ask X3F: edition the secondWe actually help someone this week. No, really! News: MS explains Marketplace age restrictionsCan't download an M-rated demo? Blame the ESRB Rumor: Boogie Bunnies to hop onto XBLA soonBunnies like Xbox Live Arcade Really real and wearable Halo 3 Recon helmetEasier to make than to earn Next Gen compiles best of 2008: GTAIV on topPredicted to sell at least 3.5 million copies in 3 months First Halo Wars multiplayer screens surfaceNo Flood in sight ... damn
X3F Week in Review: December 21, 2007 - December 27, 2007
Well, the holidays are nearing an end and it's time for people to get back into that daily grind once more. Allow us to help you settle in by providing you with the Xbox 360 tidbits you may have missed over the last few days. Of course, you should read them all, but we heartily recommend the first edition of Ask X3F, in which we give advice and counsel that we were actually asked to give. We've also got some delectable Ninja Gaiden II footage, the usual Halo 3 shenanigans, and a delightful story about Sony refusing to let Official Xbox Magazine review a Bravia HDTV (even though OXM's Dan Amrich actually owns one). Last but not least, you'll want to take a peek behind Microsoft's silicon curtain and check out the Inside Xbox blooper video embedded above.Community Stuff: Xbox 360 Fancast 048 -- HolidazzleWith a special guest appearance by Elmo Ask X3F: the first editionYou have 360 questions. X3F has answers News: Ninja Gaiden II video madness continuesBlood. Lots of Blood Video: some more Ninja Gaiden 2 decapitationEvery time you behead a ninja, an angel gets its wings The best use for Inside Xbox so far: bloopersMajor Nelson drops and F-bomb. No, really! Gears of War action figures now up for pre-orderA Marcus Fenix to watch over your desk Bungie lays out matchmaking map changesFind out where that Mauler went Sony refuses to let OXM review Bravia HDTVDoesn't like money, apparently Microsoft Points are now giftableGive the gift of overpriced DLC Video: A forged Foundry is good for sucides tooIf Rube Goldberg were trying to bump himself off...
X3F Week in Review: December 14, 2007 - December 20, 2007
Well, the weather played hell at the offices of Fanboy Towers this week, as evidenced in our, shall we say, less than exemplary episode of the Fancast. We make up for it though, by introducing a new feature (Ask X3F) and re-introducing Fanswag Weekly (in which you can nab a free copy of Undertow for XBLA). We've also got some hot holiday deals, some GTAIV goodness, interesting backwards compatibility news, and an awesome Halo 3 Forge experiment (which you can see in the video above). Enjoy.Community Stuff: Xbox 360 Fancast 047 -- Revenge of the MongooseThe dangers of podcasting revealed Fanswag Weekly: UndertowFree stuff! Yay! Got a question? Introducing X3FNo, we don't know where that wart came from News: Holiday deals: $10 APF 2K8, $8 Monster MadnessOblvion for $20? Not bad Forged Halo 3 marble maze is inspiringIs there anything Halo 3 can't do? Preview the characters of Grand Theft Auto IVPut some names to those faces It's a Halo Thing: it's Halo, animated and hilariousHungry for wooorms? Violent Saints Row 2 co-op details discoveredBecause gangsters prefer to work in pairs Back compat games showing up on GamercardsAchievements hitting Xbox 1 games? (No, most likely) Entire Paradise City map revealed and it's bigTwisting mountain roads? Yes, please
X3F Week in Review: December 7, 2007 - December 13, 2007
We're closing in on the end of the year, but that doesn't mean the Xbox 360 is slowing down. This week we've got the latest in Halo 3 (as usual), an exclusive interview with CrunchTime Games head James Goddard, and a hands-on with Xbox Live Arcade's first real dungeon crawler Arkadian Warriors. Peruse the links below, click them, and enjoy. Oh, and did we mention that Sensible Soccer hits XBLA next week? Because it does.Community Stuff: Xbox 360 Fancast 046 -- Ferret ApprovedOne for the record books X3F interview: Shred Nebula's James GoddardAn XBLA space shooter with something new News: Gorgeous high res Halo 3 rank insignia artworkYou ask "why?" We ask "why not?" X3F hands-on: Arkadian WarriorsDungeon crawling on XBLA? Yes, please Canadian Video Marketplace pricing unearthedAnd the Canadians get hosed again Fan created Halo 3 forged face illusionAnd Ebert says games aren't art .... Double confirmed, Sensible Soccer will release next weekSounds sensible to us Halo 3 Standoff eggs: Is that a face in my moon?You know, we still can't see it
X3F Week in Review: November 30, 2007 - December 6, 2007
Even the cold, cold weather can't stop the locomotive that is Xbox 360 Fanboy. Believe it or not, there was more to the last seven days of Xbox 360 than the hullabaloo surrounding the Fall Update. We've got pirates, ninjas, Johnny Rotten, Black Friday, Too Human, and all kinds of stuff. Reach on in there and pull out something that tickles your fancy. While you're at it, be sure to enter for your chance to win a copy of Lost Planet, the coldest game of the year. Also, be sure to check out this week's Xbox 360 Fancast, in which we borrow the talents of Joystiq's Alexander Sliwinski and David does the best GLaDOS impression you've ever heard.Community Stuff: Fanswag Weekly: Lost Planet double doseA chilly game for a chilly season Xbox 360 Fancast 045 -- Huge SuccessCome for the Sliwinski, stay for the outtakes Vote for X3F in the 07 Xbox Community AwardsVote for us. Do it. News: 360 Black Friday Sales rival Wii, double PS3So says Microsoft anyway Johnny Rotten loves GHIII for the wrong reasonsSays it teaches you "how not to be a rock star" Fall Update won't erase all XBLA trials from historySome people actually care about this! Too Human dev diary 2 discusses game theoryGreat, can we have the game now, please? Video: replica Halo plasma rifle gets reviewedThe most expensive game of laser tag ever Pirates Vs. Ninjas Dodgeball: first trailerNinjas win. There, we said it X3F hands-on: Culdcept SagaMagic: the Monopoly? Monsteropoly? Happy Day of the Ninja: new NG2 video and screensGuts and gore galore
X3F Week in Review: November 23, 2007 -- November 29, 2007
It seems like only a week ago we were writing a wrap-up post just like this. Oh wait, we were. This week we must stress that we have an awesome Fancast featuring James Silva, creator of the Dream-Build-Play winner The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai for XBLA. The game sounds awesome. Give the Fancast a listen and find out why. Oh, and while you're at it, why not get your shot at winning a Dead Samurai T-shirt?Community Stuff: Fanswag Weekly: Dishwasin' Samurai TeesOne of the coolest upcoming XBLA games on a shirt. Win it Xbox 360 Fancast 044 -- The Fancasters: Dead FanboysWith James Silva, creator of The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai for XBLA Hooray for a new comment system!Like them fancy Joystiq comments? Ours are better News: Oh teh noez! Some iPods not working on the 360No Touch support for you! No more dev blogging for Jeff MinterFrom now on it's just life and Llamas Soft, cuddly, and adorable Xbox 360 plushiesYour Xbox 360 made huggable SubSpace inspired Shred Nebula headed to XBLANot just another space shooter. No, really. More proof of incoming Video Marketplace for Europe, CanadaBuried deep in the terms of service it lies ... waiting Heroic Map Pack FAQs: Satellites and ForgingYour burning questions answered
X3F Week in Review: November 16, 2007 - November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving, 360 fans. Enjoy this week's wrap-up, and enjoy your turkey-fueled gaming binge. Just remember, switch to something a little less sleep-inducing if you're planning some late night Live sessions. And please, make sure you check out the video of a two-year-old rocking out to Rock Band. You'll find the link below.Community stuff: Fanswag Weekly: Live turns five mega giveawayFive games, limited edition controller, and MS Points. Nice X3F: the 382nd reason to love your Xbox 360Only because the list is alphabetical, we're sure Xbox 360 Fancast 043 -- MultiplatformA bit too much Wii discussion perhaps News: Canade gets in on the Mass Efect LCE funCanada's Mass Effect deal becomes un-raw How to get your 500 point Live is 5IVE presentBeen on Live since '02? Get your free points 360 predicted to outsell PS3 2 to 1 this holidayAnd also the Wii (not) Ghostbusters website and footage materializeWho ya gonna call? X3F! 1UP previews Ninja Gaiden II, tons of videoGOTY 2008 indeed Rocky and Bullwinkle headed to XBLAWhat about Fractured Fairytales? Central Dark site teases Alone in the Dark (probably)A bit more than probably, really Adorable alert: two year old on Rock Band drumsCuter than the cutest thing you've ever seen
X3F Week in Review: November 9, 2007 - November 15, 2007
Some big news this week, from Xbox Originals to DivX to Xbox Live's birthday. Check out all the latest headlines below and get yourself caught up. Once you're done doing that, make sure to enter for your chance to win Need For Speed Pro Street. Then you can check out our latest Fancast and Fanpoll. And then, you can join us this evening for some Halo 3 action. Or not, but we heartily suggest that you do. Community Stuff: Xbox 360 Fancast 042 -- InterventionHelp us stop someone from playing Yaris Fanswag Weekly: Need for Speed Pro StreetEnter now, drive later Fanpoll: will you use the Xbox Original ServiceShare your opinion with us X3F Live: celebrating a birthday with Halo 3Celebrate by playing Halo 3 with X3F News: The Club tutorial talks speed, precision, styleKill that guy. No, you're not doing it right! Rumor: 360 DivX support to be a fall featureNot just for the PS3? Halo 3's latest tool of destruction: a traffic coneNow let's see you use one on purpsoe Xbox Live is 5IVE events roundupCelebrate Xbox Live's birthday in style Screwjumper and Shrek N Roll release to XBLADon't bother with either Xbox Originals to be achievementlessNo disc, no achievements
X3F Week in Review: November 2, 2007 - November 8, 2007
We're back again with the X3F weekly roundup of news and community happenings. Rather than rehash it all in this paragraph, we suggest you simply scan the neatly organized list below. We're also going to stress that we're giving away a free copy of Call of Duty 4 this week. Is Joystiq doing that for you? No. No they're not. Just imagine what other wonders you could uncover if you made the short trip to X3F.Community Stuff: Xbox 360 Fancast 041 -- Organized SportsFootball, Guitar Hero III, ninjas, pirates, and more Fanswag Weekly: Call of Duty 4: Modern WarfareWe're giving away COD4. Go enter. Win. News: We got 'em, Mass Effect achievementsSpoilers and romantic rendezvous await Which MP maps we'd like to see remade for Halo 3Turf. 'Nough said The Club videos shoot up the placeSelect generic character. Shoot. Repeat. X Marks the Spot: search, find, and winWinning stuff: made easier with the internet! Big Daddy figurine replacement (mini) updateNot too much longer now Find the perfect avatar with Gamerpic ScoutTime to replace that Master Chief icon, doncha think? Party Time! Xbox Live is turning 5IVEHappy birthday, Xbox Live Target's Black Friday Xbox 360 DealsFree Halo 3? Orange Box for $48? Count us in. Home made Assassin's Creed wrist bladeEqual parts creepy and cool
X3F Week in Review: October 26th, 2007 - November 1st, 2007
Here we go, another exciting edition of the X3F Week in Review. This week we got a chance to talk with Burnie Burns from Rooster Teeth productions. He tells us about the new Red Vs. Blue miniseries, Recovery One. He also talks about some terrifying moments of being a gaming parent. We've also got a super sexy Rock Band unboxing. Check it all out below.Community Stuff: Xbox 360 Fancast 040 -- Roosters don't have teeth!We talk with Burnie Burns of Rooster Teeth Fanswag Weekly: Two Worlds and moreWin Two Worlds and some bonus swag News: New Blue Dragon items now on XBLMWant the best equipment in the game? Pay for it Build it yourself, a paper Halo 3 Legendary EditionCheaper (and smaller) than the real thing First RvB Recovery One episode will cost youNew miniseries on XBLM ... for a price McFarlane planning los of Halo figures in 2008Three different series detailed Halo: Contact Harvest releasedDon't just play Halo. Read it! GHIII: Foo, Velvet Revolver, and BB DLC discoveredNew songs spotted on GHIII leaderboard Come one, come all for a Rock Band unboxingShow me those drums, you sexy thing No Mass Effect CE for Canada, Australia, Latin AmericaNot quite massive enough
X3F Week in Review: October 4, 2007 - October 11, 2007
It's time for the first ever Xbox 360 Week in Review, fanboys. If you haven't quite ascertained the portents of the headline above, it means we're breaking down all the best stories from the previous week and sticking them right here in an easily digestible list format. Go forth and click.Fanswag Weekly: Win Project Gotham Racing 4We give something away every Wednesday, just so you know Xbox 360 Fancast (you do listen to our podcast, right?): Xbox 360 Fancast 037 -- Ebb and FlowTalkin' bout Bungie and MS breakin' up News: Japanese developers talk Xbox PerformanceIs there any hope for 360 in the land of the rising sun? Shchizoid video is Pac-Man-esqueNew video of the first XBLA game created with XNA Frankie talks Bungie's independenceThe face of Bungie talks about the split from MS Viva Piñata toys busting out of BKA little piñata with your Whopper Does this armor match my Needler?Find the perfect Halo 3 armor combo without powering up that pesky Xbox Halo 3 Gaming with Fall Out BoyCompletely unrelated to The Simpsons Molyneux on games as art: "Of course they are."Peter Molyneux chimes in on the games as art debate Party Animals achievements hide gamer in jokesViva Piñata Party Animals achievements allude to Contra, Resident Evil, etc. Halo 3 stats missing? Fear notDon't worry. They'll be back Truckloads of new movie content on Video MarketplaceFinally, The Wiggles: Getting Strong is up for download
