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New F.E.A.R. 2 DLC, 'Armored Front' coming May 21
This is one of those weird situations where we're not really sure we're talking to anybody, but here goes: F.E.A.R. 2 is getting some new DLC, the "Armored Front" Map Pack on May 21. For 540 MS points on XBL or $6.99 on PSN, you'll get two maps, "Conductor" and "Decoy", (we've got descriptions after the break) as well as four interchangeable character heads, which is just creepy.But are you still playing F.E.A.R. 2 multiplayer? Or could Warner Bros. just as productively upload these maps to the darkest recesses of space? Speak up in the comments.
NCAA Football 10 adds two new modes to pigskin playground
EA's lock on the world of video game football continues with NCAA Football 10, and they're still of the mindset "if it sells well, don't fix it." Plus they're piling on more features with each iteration, and that means soon you'll have a football game in there somewhere, buried under mountains of minigames, training modes, fantasy football managers, mascot uniforms, and cheerleader tryouts.New to 10 only on the PS3 and Xbox 360 editions will be Season Showdown, where you compete for credits over a four-month long competition by playing games with your chosen team on or offline and answering trivia questions on EA's website. You can also lose points in the Sportmanship category where doing things like going for it on 4th down when you're on your own 10 yard line or kicking an onside kick actually subtract from your credit bank. What about winning one for the gipper?Also new to the PS3/Xbox versions is TeamBuilder, where you can create your own team by importing your own logos, customizing everything like the uniforms, the stadiums and of course the rosters, where apparently LSU defensive back Tyson Andrus is a white guy. You'll be able to upload your created teams to the EA server, and you can also download any other created teams. We smell a Team Joystiq coming, complete with our old Pong-style logo.%Gallery-63242%
Xbox Live deal of the week: NBA Live 09 subscription
So what if we've known about this week's Xbox Live Deal of the Week -- NBA Live 09's downloadable "Live 365" feature -- for, oh, say, three weeks now? That doesn't make it any less rebateful at 560 ($7), down from the usual 800 ($10). What does, however, make the now bargain-priced content less valuable, is the impending end of the 2009-2010 NBA season and the relative uselessness of the feature during the off-season. For a feature that touts "updated player trades, injured players, free agent signings, starting lineups, as well as hot and cold streaks of players," buying the DLC at this moment, just months from the end of the NBA season, might not be the most fiscally responsible idea. How is EA Sports going to push all those hot, up-to-the-minute statistics to you when there isn't a season to push out?[Thanks, Samit!]
Director complains about making Xbox video content
Though James Gunn's Xbox Live short dropped on the service last year, the director is just now voicing his distaste with the way Microsoft treated his production. The piece, named Sparky & Mikaela, was part of the Horror Does Comedy series released in late 2008. "I wasn't too happy with the version of S&M that was shown on XBox [sic], as they cut the living s**t out of it," he writes. He also notes that S&M wasn't his first attempt for the game publisher, saying he made "the most balls-out, f*****d up thing [he's] ever shot," named Humanzee, which was flat out rejected by Microsoft. While he voices his steadfast love for the system as a gaming platform, he calls the company, "the most dreadful, non-talent friendly company I've ever worked for" -- and one we're guessing he won't likely work with again.
Video: Rare celebrates the holidays with Stop 'N Swop
As an early Easter present, Rare has compiled the video you see above and released it onto Xbox Live. Like the good bloggers we are, we traversed the virtual landscape of Xbox Live to retrieve it for you. In fact, many Bothans ... ah, nevermind. The video shows off the Stop 'N Swop feature in Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie, which unlocks content for one of the games granted you achieved a certain goal in the other title, and was promised in the original N64 games, yet never fully implemented. Now, with Banjo-Tooie on its way to Xbox Live Arcade, Rare has had ample time to get the feature into the games, and offers the above video as a teaser on what to expect.
GTA IV's 'The Lost and Damned' found by many, many people
Move over Bionic Commando: Rearmed and Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, because there's a new top earner on Xbox Live, and it's GTA IV's "The Lost and Damned". Rockstar's Xbox 360-exclusive DLC pack featuring Johnny and his crazy motorbiking buddies has set a record on the service, as its first-day sales revenue has eclipsed all other titles that have debuted on Xbox Live (note: at $20, The Lost and Damned is also more expensive than the previous record holders). Sadly, exact sales figures aren't given, so we don't know how much Microsoft and Rockstar have made off the DLC yet. When we know, we'll be sure to let you know.GTA IV's "The Lost and Damned" DLC pack is available now on Xbox Live Marketplace for 1600.%Gallery-37692%
PlayStation Network snags 20M users, Xbox Live still way more profitable
Sony announced a landmark this week for its PlayStation Network: 20 million users worldwide, as of February 20. According to the presser, that breaks down to 5 million in the first 14 months of service, 5 million more 8 months later, and an additional 10 million the 7 months after that. There's quite a few caveats to consider here, as that includes PSP and PS3 users as well as anyone who wishes to use the official PS forums, whether or not they own one of the aforementioned consoles. However, more interesting to us is a note about the service generating $180 million life to date in revenue. It's a stark contrast to Xbox Live's reported $1 billion revenue since its 2002 launch, as of E3 2009. Based on figures from leaked to Seattle P-I this week, which said XBL had 10 million subscribers worldwide and a 56 percent Gold subscriptions rate in February 2008, we can do some fuzzy math. Assuming those Gold members paid the $50 annual subscription -- or $4.16 monthly, the cheapest per month option -- that amounts to $23.3 million for the month, not accounting for discounts or free Gold trials. Presuming no subscription growth for sake of argument -- we know it's growing -- that's $280 million annually, well over PSN's life to date revenues. Say what you will about mean ol' Microsoft charging for online play, the numbers seem to go in its favor.[Via Joystiq]Read - Leaked XBL dataRead - Comparing XBL vs. PSNRead - Sony press release
The Daily Grind: Do you want more console MMOs?
MMOs are primarly a PC business. They started here, and they're certainly dominating the PC gaming industry, one hard drive at a time. But why must we limit the MMO to simply the PC machine? What about the untouched masses of the console market? Why must we keep our games to ourselves when we should share freely with the others?Ok, ok, controller vs. keyboard issues aside, what do all of you think about console MMOs? We already have Final Fantasy XI and Phantasy Star Universe on the Xbox 360 and PS2. We also have The Agency eventually making a debut on the PS3 and the rumored Age of Conan release on the Xbox 360, but 4 MMO games is nowhere near the many many games we have on our PCs.Do you want to log into Xbox Live or PlayStation Network and boot up your favorite MMO? Would you rather sit on your couch and raid instead of your computer chair? Can cats and dogs live together in harmony? Readers, we need your opinions!
Gamerpick: Xbox Live Rock the Vote polled, Obama ahead
The get-kids-voting people behind Rock the Vote recently spread out beyond the limitations of MTV's core demographic and decided to enlist the Xbox Live community, long known to be an e-bastion of enlightened political discourse. So, being the politically (and mathematically!) astute bloggers we are, we took a look at the live poll results, as presented by MyGamerCard.net.As of press time, Democratic-nom Barack Obama had a commanding lead over Republican oppollnent John McCain, with 4,623 gamerpics in circulation versus just 2,076 – a nearly insurmountable lead of 2,547 gamerpics. That's fine, but what's the real story here? How the pundits and the pollsters – clouded by the corruption and cynicism of a two-party election system – have ignored the dark horse in this election: Gears of War skull face guy, who right now controls a most impressive 87,626 of The People's votes. Ignore the political machine and vote your conscience! [Via Cheap Ass Gamer]
Zombies!!! coming to Xbox Live Arcade???
Hopefully that's enough punctuation in one headline for you. Apparently an eager gamer had sent in some ideas on how to turn their Zombies!!! game, which pretty much keep them rolling in brains and entrails, into an Xbox Live Arcade title, and was told "that they were already underway with this very project." We decided this was something we needed to look into ourselves, given our love of tabletop gaming.We caught up with Todd A. Breitenstein of Twilight Creations in the extremely slim booth congregation at Comic-Con's gaming portion and he said, "I can neither confirm nor deny the existence of such a project... but do you think it would be cool?" A tile-flipping game was an escape from ravenous zombies plot? Heck yes, we would. While we enjoy getting our game on in Catan, Carcassonne, and even Ticket to Ride, we'd also love to see some good old-fashioned killing of the undead happening as well. Maybe they could even include their flipside game Humans!!! in the deal.[Thanks, Barry!]
PSN boss disses Xbox Live's interface, game delisting
No sooner does Sony (briefly) improve the PS3 user interface with the much-talked-about version 2.4 firmware update, than some at the company feel cocky enough to start badmouthing the competition's interface. Speaking to Next-Gen, PlayStation Network Director of Operations Eric Lempel took the bait, comparing Sony's redesigned PlayStation Store to Microsoft's Xbox Live Marketplace. "I think if I look over at the competitors' UI they may have some issues just displaying content," Lempel said, "and scrolling up and down lists isn't the easiest way to find things." Tell that to McSweeny's, why don'tcha?Lempel also pointed out that the PlayStation Store interface has "a lot of room with virtual shelf space to put a lot of things," a not-so-subtle jab at Microsoft's recently announced plan to de-list some Xbox Live Arcade games. "Depending on what type of UI you have you can accommodate a lot of titles," Lempel continued, "and specifically with our new store redesign which launched back in April we have a great ability to merchandise a wide variety of titles." That's all well and good, assuming your PS3 is currently working.[Via X3F]
Microsoft brings Chobot, 'IGN Strategize' to XBL
Not to be trumped in the online flesh-and-blood female host arms race by Sony and Qore's Veronica Belmont, Microsoft has announced a partnership with IGN to bring its popular "IGN Strategize" segments to Xbox Live, hosted by IGN host/celebrity Jessica Chobot (who may or may not lick a 360 controller). Larry Hryb, Xbox Live's "Major Nelson," made the announcement this morning via his Twitter feed. A brief preview clip of himself and Chobot chatting has subsequently hit the "Inside Xbox" section of Live. IGN Strategize will soon join the other regular Inside Xbox segments and focus on tips, tricks, and strategies, hence the name.
Sessler constructively rants about Xbox Live bigots
In the latest Sessler's Soapbox, a regular video diatribe by G4TV personality Adam Sessler, he expresses his severe distaste for the bigotry and homophobia found on Xbox Live. Having actually spent time at GDC discussing this very issue with Sessler and his wife -- she's a lovely and charming woman by the way -- let's just say that Sessler is actually quite restrained regarding his feelings on the issue in the video we've placed after the break.Although we joke about it in the picture above, Catan is one of the rare Xbox Live games where civility can be found. However, we understand that trash-talking is part of the competitive Xbox Live experience, so might we suggest the Shakespearean Insult Generator for those compelled to disparage others. And parents, please control your children online.
Japanese XBLM to get NG2 demo on 5/30
After the demo news disappeared from the game's official site, many of us were worried that there would be no Ninja Gaiden 2 demo at all. Fortunately the demo does exist, and it should be online shortly. In Japan. Only.Now we know that the 360 is no big success in the East, so why not just release the demo everywhere at once? No one knows. Posting on NeoGAF, Chris Paladino (Hi Chris!) of Gamerscore blog confirmed that the demo would be hitting in Japan, and that there would be a demo release in the other territories "soon". Whether the demo would have helped sales of the game pre-launch or not is going to be a moot point soon. Microsoft better get it online!
Poll: Xbox Live back in business, how is your experience?
Yesterday Xbox Live was scheduled to go online at 1:00PM EST after an 8-hour hiatus for maintenance. However, like any guarantee, Xbox Live suffered from staggered connection issues well into the evening. According to the Xbox.com support page and Major Nelson, Xbox Live was back to business early this morning. Today, in a rare poll, we wonder what your experience is like. Fire up the Xbox 360 and connect to Live, play a game or two online and let us know what your experience is like now that the dust has settled on the connection problems.%Poll-13094%
Raiden Fighters Aces demo on Japanese Xbox Live
So, you say you're a fan of unscrupulous activities and/or top-down shooters? Boy, have we got news for you! A demo for Raiden Fighters Aces has just been dropped onto the Japanese Xbox Live Marketplace. And just in time, the old "imaginary Japanese XBL account" trick is back in full effect.So, what can you expect? Well, a decidedly old-school, top-down shooter experience for starters. But, perhaps more noticeably, the most aggressive soundtrack we've ever heard in a game. Seriously, it's the sonic equivalent of being repeatedly gut-punched by Ving Rhames. This doesn't seem like the kind of thing that will come stateside, so you may want to give it a whirl while you can.[Thanks, SidearmS]
Michigan kids exposed to nudity via XBL Vision Cam
*Sigh* Here we go again, the latest overblown news story to come out of the mass media regarding video games. This time it regards a pair of kids who were playing online (its unknown what game, as all the article says is: "while playing a game on X-Box Live, a video game that allows you to play against people anywhere in the world." Now whether of not "X-Box Live" is a video game in and of itself isn't really the issue here, the fact the the article mentions receiving pictures is. Because that setting can be disabled. While the education of parents as to the extent of their own ability to filter their children's content is a problem, some of the statements made in the news article are downright silly. Things like: "Jennifer (the mother) now fears the safety of her children" do much more harm than good. So for all readers out there who could find a moment to educate those folks who aren't quite so up speed, it would benefit us all.
Getting a new Gamertag? Get Catan for free
Microsoft has a new promotion for those gamers who are just getting into the the Xbox Live scene. Those gamers who have just created a Gamertag can register via a .NET site to receive a download code for the XBLA version of the classic tabletop game Settlers of Catan. The article is formally for recommending friends, but any user who has created a Gamertag since the twenty-fifth of this month can sign up. The offer ends exactly one month from inception, and so you new Live users have until the twenty-fifth of March to get in on the action. A word to the wise though, the site decrees that (even though the whole thing involves not a single sheet of paper) it will take between six and eight weeks for your "gift" to arrive. Jeez Microsoft, speed it up bit would ya?[Thanks, Chris Freiburg]
COD4 continues XBL dominance; Halo 3 cowers
As seen before, the battle for the most-played game on Xbox Live seems to be slowly showing signs of finality. With COD4 holding the top spot for several weeks in a row now, we could be seeing the long term dethroning of the old master of the top played game of the service. Major Nelson released his list of most played games, as he does each week, and it seems that the collective 360 population has moved on from the older Halo formula, and onto the more gritty, "realistic" gameplay of COD4. Whether or not the release of the new Auto-Update for Halo 3 will lure players back and let the game regain the top-spot will just have to wait until next week.
Disney Channel programming launches on Live Marketplace
We were planning on accompanying this post with a poll asking how many of our readers regularly watch Hannah Montana, but we're pretty sure we can guess the results of that questionnaire -- half of our readers would fess up to watching the pre-teen pop queen, and the other half would be bold-faced liars. Fine, you don't have to admit it -- but if you have a friend (wink, wink) with an Xbox Live account, that friend (nudge, nudge) can now download episodes of Hannah Montana as well as a plethora of other Disney channel programming on Live Marketplace. It's just like having that dreamy Zac Efron live inside of your Xbox 360 hard drive, ready to serenade you at your behest, just one ashamed button press away from your Veteran career on Call of Duty 4.[Via Gamerscore Blog]
