Xbox 360, Final Fantasy XIII, Twitter Contest

Final Fantasy XIII, Microsoft and Twitter are coming together and offering the Xbox user base some in game swag if you use your Twitter account to promote the game.  What’s the prize?  Your guess is as good as mine.

Register, Tweet, Win

The Xbox 360 Exclusives of 2010

Hello all,

The O.D.S.T. have dropped down upon us, Modern Warfare 2 has torn apart the online world, and the special infected are ready to rip us a new any day now. So now that 2009 has pretty much played out its hand, what do we green light gamers have to look forward to? Are we left to suffer another year where the Sony Defense Force can flaunt having more key exclusives on their platform as they did in 2009? Not a chance ! Microsoft is poised and ready to strike with some very high-caliber titles to quench the thirst for action and mayhem.

Without further ado, here are the Xbox 360 exclusives of 2010.

 

*** ANNOUNCED TITLES ***

 

Alan Wake

Developer: Microsoft Game Studios
Status: Exclusive

This very long-awaited action/adventure title is set to change the way we look at video games and story telling as its major focus is on being a psychological thriller.  The developers have been pushing the story elements to a “movie-like atmosphere” and will also incorporate the use of light and shadow into the gameplay perimeters. Narrative, puzzles, and combat are all to be blended into a symbiotic mix while presented along in real-time pacing.

 

Crackdown 2

Developer: Ruffian Studios
Status: Exclusive

This open world shooter brings players back into the world of Pacific City to try and reassert the dominance of the Agency. The developer has stated it will bring a much more diverse and useful arsenal of weapons to the table in comparison to the first Crackdown and that they will feature an improved story to motivate the average Agent. Add in four player co-op alongside a sixteen player competitive multi-player death match and you have a lot of new and exciting gameplay experiences to enjoy.

 

Fable 3

Developer: Lionhead Studios
Status: Exclusive

This is the third entry in the highly successful western action RPG series that has re-imagined the concepts of in-game freedom. Lionhead has said they plan to raise the “do as you wish” gameplay style to even greater heights as you will get more expression options. Even better is the fact that you will get the chance to rule Albion as a king (or queen) and directly decide the fates of your citizens and their world.

 

Halo Reach

Developer: Bungie
Status: Exclusive

It’s Halo. What else needs to be said? The final title by long time Halo developer Bungie is set to show gamers a more in-depth look into the history of the well-known halo-verse and will have a large focus on the Spartan soldiers (not like the last entry in the series which focused on the O.D.S.T.). You can expect the same frantic FPS mayhem that millions have come to love along with some surprises that Bungie is bound to have up its sleeve.

 

Mass Effect 2

Developer: Bioware
Status: Console Exclusive

As of today, this is still listed as a 360 console exclusive although heavy rumors are still circulating that it will land on the PS3 later on in the year. That would be heaven on earth for the ears of the Sony faithful IF that comes true.
Why? Because Mass Effect 2 is one of the most anticipated titles of 2010 for gamers on any platform. You continue Shepard’s journey into a now expanded universe (how that is possible, lord only knows) and the developers have made a large effort to improve the combat pacing and intensity for the sequel. Also, there shouldn’t be long and drawn out elevator sequences this time around which should appease the pickier players out there.

 

Ninety Nine Nights 2

Publisher: Q Entertainment
Status: Exclusive

The original N3 was well praised by Famitsu and broke a lot of hack and slash barriers by allowing hundreds of soldiers on-screen at one time with kill counts landing in the thousands instead of hundreds. This sequel promises to bring this mold of gameplay to new heights by introducing new characters, new locales, and co-op gameplay to engulf the hack and slash faithful into a world of battle.
If they can speed the game’s movement just a bit this could have a much warmer reception stateside then the original entry did.

 

Splinter Cell: Conviction

Publisher:Ubisoft
Status: Console Exclusive

This is stealthy series sneaks onto the Xbox 360 with a darker story which centers around Sam Fisher’s deception by the Third Echelon.
Visually impressive graphics, improved melee combat and new stealth options should allow any gamer to enthrall themself into the renegade’s role and take down any who stand in his way.

 

*** RUMORED TITLES/EXPECTED TITLES ***

 

Gears of War 3

Publisher: Epic Studios
Status: Exclusive

Gears of War 2 left all of the battle hardened COG yearning for the finale of the Marcus Fenix story arch. What did the cryptic end game message mean? Will the human race survive or will all of Sera fall under the dominance of the Locust horde? And what new and awesome weapons will be used for utter carnage?
This title is definitely one of the most anticipated titles that hasn’t yet been announced. However, word has been spread around the net saying we might get to see the infamous Delta Squad veterans back in action in the year 2010. We will have to wait and see on this one.

 ________________________________________________________________

I will update this topic as I come across more rumors/announcements for titles appearing on the 360 brand. But even while looking at the confirmed titles alone, we can say with certainty have plenty of different games to look forward to in the year 2010.

 

Live and let game.

Have Hackers Already Beaten the Microsoft Ban Hammer?

Well, I can’t say I’m too surprised that the tech savvy gamers have already found a way around Microsoft’s massive ban hammer in just a matter of days…allegedly. 

I am NOT one of the tech savvy gamers, however, so I can’t say if the following instructions will indeed work. According to a post from xbox scene, this is what you need and what you need to do to best the power f the ban hammer. 

“what you need:
your 8955 live console + cpu key
a 2nd unbanned console
nandpro b + flash cable
xell loader
degraded
1888 fs
robinsod’s flashtool

process:
use nandpro and dump nand from unbanned console.
flash xell and use jtag hack to obtain cpu key.
use flashtool to extract file system.
dump nand from 8955 console.
use flashtool to patch nand dump with kv.bin from unbanned console.
save patched file (patched_kv.bin).
open degraded + 1888 fs.
create 1888 downgrader image (downgrader.bin) from your patched_kv.bin file.
flash downgrader.bin to 8955 console.
attach hdd + ethernet cable and boot console.
connect to live and update to 8955 dashboard.

console is now fully working and unbanned!”

 

 

Final Fantasy XIII Hits North America and Europe March 9

This it people!  You’ve been anxiously patiently for the official announcement and here it is.  Final Fantasy XIII will launch in Europe and North America on March 9th 2010.  That’s a little more then 4 months away.  If you haven’t pre-ordered the game yet I think now you can.

 

GLG Video Blog 11/13/09

This will be one of many videos this week.  I’m making up for the weeks I didn’t make any and there was alot going on this week.  I couldn’t just let all this stuff happen without commenting.

**EDIT**

Here are the links to the other videos:

Xbox Live Ban

Halo Waypoint Discussion

Netflix and Facebook Discussion

Modern Warfare 2 Sells Twice as Many Copies on the 360

We have heard from electronic theatre The general impression from retailers is that the biggest release of 2009 (CoD: Modern Warfare 2) has sold much better on the Xbox 360 than on the Playstation 3. 

Current estimates show a difference of 2-1, meaning that for every one copy of MW2 sold on the PS3, two were sold for the Xbox 360.

No whether or not this is due to the release of Uncharted 2, the superior online community of the 360 (as Valve itself has stated) or any other miscellaneous x-factor, numbers don’t lie. The 360 has been far more lucrative for Activision and InfinityWard, so hopefully they decide to further support the 360 and maybe release some exclusive DLC at some point.

GLG Review: Dragon Age Origins

 

Presentation

Do not let the commercials for this game fool you as the title looks nowhere near as appetizing as EA/Bioware would lead you to believe. The character models are simply ugly as lack a high level of detail in the body structure. The battle effects looks like it was developed with a PS2 development kit (go cast tempest or inferno and tell me you think otherwise, and I was playing on a 1080i ready HDTV). The environments lack depth or any semblance of adequacy that you would come to expect from the developer of Mass Effect. Overall I was tragically disappointed in this area.
However, I will note that the aforementioned ugly characters’ voice synching was spot on (lips and facial expressions were precise to the dialogue) and I liked how any piece of unique equipment showed on your character.

4.5/10

Story

This game personifies the old saying that “You can’t judge a book by its cover”. What it lacks in aesthetics it more than makes up for with an epic story that is told unlike any title currently seen on the platform. You can start off as a character of your choice (elf, human, or dwarf) and have them be the class of your preference (mage, warrior or rogue). This may not seem as if there would be a lot of room for differentiation but alas there was.
Your character will start off in one of six unique backstories (origins) depending on what you choose. I played all six of them and they blew my mind in terms of the profound power found in each tale. Rape, murder, betrayal, honor, vengeance, so many powerful themes across a wide emotional palette  are painted with a masterful style of presentation that will grab you and have you engulfed in the drama laden plot. That level of excellence never falters and will reward the committed gamer with untold hours of epic storyline.

10/10

Gameplay

If you noticed in the story section I mentioned that the committed gamer is the one who is rewarded, not just a normal gamer. What I meant by that is if you are willing to grind through the very slow and uneventful combat, you will get to enjoy the game’s finer points.
The core game experience works as a partially linear experience, meaning you will go from beginning to end of a basic story arch for your chosen origin. However, you will alter that basic path depending on what forces you side with, who you decide to aid and how you decide to solve problems in the towns you come across. You will feel the impact of your decisions as the story progresses as there is ramifications for virtually every decision you make. Some will produce special loot or rewards but you are never made aware of what choice will reap the effect you want, you will have to do your best to decide what is the best way to proceed.
This all sounds great and all but it is bogged down by a very tedious and tiring combat system. It is very much akin to World of Warcraft which I personally found very dull. When you press the attack button the character seems to have a delayed response as the launched offensive goes so slowly you would think he is covered in body weights. The attack skills work similarly, press the button for them and watch a slow and uneventful assault. For mages, you can use a spell, watch the little bar fill up and then attack. However, that can be interrupted by enemy attacks and then you have to repeat this mind numbing process. The saddest part of this is that the amount of varying skills is vast and a lot of them sound great in theory and could have been something of legend. Sadly they fall flat.
Now, if you crank up the difficulty to make it worth playing, it then becomes anally difficult and requires a lot of attention to your tactics in how you approach every battle. This might add into the fun factor for some, but prepare to die fairly often and retread lost ground. Also, you don’t seem to ever be on even footing with the enemy (notably bosses) on higher difficulties so it almost feels cheap. Luckily, you can finely tune your AI into competent warriors by adjusting their actions to take in battle, similar to Final Fantasy 12’s gambit system.
All in all, if you were expecting some relatively engaging combat like that of Fable 2 or Star Ocean: The Last Hope, you will be tragically disappointed. If a very slow and methodical battle system does it for you, this shouldn’t be so bad.

5.5/10

Achievements

A lot of these aren’t difficult but based on story progression. However, you will need to do several run throughs to try and max it out, a minimum of two run throughs to get the majority of the points. This is a fairly lengthy title, so be prepared to be on your couch an awful lot.

5/10

Overall

This game will be a love it or hate it type of experience. If narrative in a game is a major selling point and you don’t mind a very slow and slothful combat engine (with some well thought out skills and modules) then by all means you should love it. The story telling in this game is some of the finest in this generation of consoles so you would be a fool to pass it up. 
However, if you need some type of intensity in your battles or want a quicker pacing in your gaming, this is one to avoid. Rent this to try it on for size.

7/10

Recommendation: Rent

Microsoft Bans 1,000,000 User From Xbox LIVE

The Ban Hammer strikes and it’s strikes HARD!!   Microsoft has taken extreme action against LIVE subscribers who mod their consoles and play pirated games.  According to reports on MSNBC anywhere between 600,000 – 1,000,000 users have been banned from Xbox LIVE for breaking Microsoft’s Terms of Service.

“All consumers should know that piracy is illegal and that modifying their Xbox 360 console to play pirated discs violates the Xbox Live terms of use, will void their warranty and result in a ban from Xbox Live,” Microsoft issued a statement with this waring on Wednesday.

Just remember that it is just the console that is banned from the service not your gamertag.  You can still use the service if you aren’t using a modded console.  Microsoft made it very clear in the early days of Xbox LIVE that it would police the service and piracy would not be tolerated.  Big Brother is watching you!  They know what you are doing and if they don’t know about you right now, THEY WILL EVENTUALLY.

Piracy is illegal and bad for the gaming industry.  Look at what piracy is doing to the PC market!!  Developers are turning their backs on it!  I’d hate to see a price increase for console games due to piracy and companies trying to recoup their losses.  That’s definitely some thing that could happen if something isn’t done about it.  What Microsoft are doing is for the industry.

 

Project Natal Launching November 2010? $50 Price Tag

According to report from MCV Microsoft are planning to launch it’s motion control camera “Project Natal” November 2010.

Project Natal which debut at this year’s E3 will allow users to play games without a controller.  The user will only use it’s body to control the action on the screen.  Microsoft reports that Activision Blizzard, Bethesda, Capcom, Disney Interactive, Electronic Arts, Konami, MTV Games, Namco Bandai, Sega, Square Enix, THQ and Ubisoft all have “Natal” dev kits and will have 14 games ready at launch.

But what’s really interesting about this report is the pricing of this peripheral.  It is reported that the camera will be sold for around $50!  Microsoft selling a peripheral at a reasonable price?  This has to be a rumor!  Considering that Microsoft are about to release a wireless N adaptor for the 360 with a $99 price tag!!!  And they are asking for a pint of blood and your first born child for a 120 gig hard drive.  There’s no way the Natal camera will come cheap!  Or has Microsoft finally realized that selling this add on at a loss to the “casual” gamer is the only way it will be successful.

A Natal 360 bundle will also be made available.

Modern Warfare 2 Breaks 7 Million Copies Sold

In a major case of obvious, Modern Warfare 2 broke seven million in sales on day one and is the fastest selling game of all time.

So is this the unheralded king of shooters? Well, I would like to add one food for thought.

Halo 3 broke three million in sales on day one. However, it was only available on one platform (as of launch). Now, Modern Warfare 2 sold seven million copies but was available on three platforms, the PS3, the 360 and the PC. Also, the 360’s installed base as of the launch of Halo 3 was much smaller than it is today while MW2 enjoyed a much larger installed base on all three platforms. So in terms of copies to console ratio, Halo 3 would actually be superior to MW2.

But that’s just some fun food for thought for the 360 fanboy, now isn’t it?

Happy gaming !

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