I’m pretty sure this goes without saying, but it’s better to report and save an individual from this scam than to let it slip by. So, I’m sure most of you probably have a Facebook account. Most of you gamers have probably seen where they are offering “Beta Testing” on the Next Xbox. Well, Microsoft, via Major Nelson, has confirmed that it is indeed a scam.
So make sure that you do NOT give out any information to these people. I’m sure that Microsoft already has plenty of people that have been Beta testing the new console for months, so please people…don’t give out your information. With that being said, we are eagerly awaiting any news regarding Microsoft’s next home console. It’s expected that news will be coming to the surface here within the next few weeks, so stay tuned!
Capcom confirmed today that their upcoming title Remember Me will be released on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC on June 4th.
Remember Me is a 3rd person action adventure where players take on the role of Nilin, a former elite memory hunter with the ability to break into people’s minds and steal or even alter their memories. The authorities, fearful of her knowledge and capabilities have arrested Nilin and wiped her memory clean. After her escape from prison, Nilin sets out on a mission to recover her identity, helped by her last and only friend. This search for her past leads to her being hunted by the very people that created this surveillance society. During the course of the story, Nilin will start remembering who she was and re-learning all the fighting moves that made her one of the world’s leading memory hunters.Read More
It’s not often that I like to express myself on rumors; with that being said, this one has floated around for a while: the elimination of used games. Now before you go grabbing your pitchforks and go on a witch hunt (keep them at arms reach though), this has not been confirmed by either Sony or Microsoft that it’s true.Read More
It was revealed earlier today that Black Tusk Studios, formerly Microsoft Game Studios Vancouver, has been silently behind the scenes working on not one, not two, but FOUR NEW IP’s for Microsoft’s next home console (whatever it may be named).
It was previously revealed that the studio would be working on the next “the next Halo” in terms of a flagship franchise, not BTS actually working on a Halo game. There’s currently no mention on what any of the four IP’s are titled or may be about at this time.
Jonathan Brown, Black Tusk’s senior product manager and product planner, has been busy since joining BTS back in November 2010 taking on a role as “the primary product manager on four unannounced new IP and have been a key contributor to bringing these IP from the very early concept phase through green light to production. “
So, while not clearly stated, it appears that these new IP’s will be for the next generation of Microsoft’s console. Let’s just hope that Microsoft doesn’t abandon them so early in the consoles life that we don’t ever see a sequel. See Kameo: Elements Of Destruction – which was well received but never got the sequel it deserved.
It’s been a while since the Chinese were able to play on video game consoles; 13 years to be exact. This can change as Chinese authorities are looking to review the 13 year old ban on video game consoles sale, reports a unnamed Culture Ministry source to China Daily.Read More
Halo 4’s Spartan Ops is a lot of fun to play, especially with friends. Starting this coming Monday (the 21st) the weekly episodes of Spartan Ops will return in full force as episodes 6 – 10 will be released throughout the coming weeks. Here is a preview of what’s to come in the next episodes.
Today at CES 2013 in Las Vegas Microsoft has revealed a new proof-of-concept called IllumiRoom.
Combining Kinect and a projector, IllumiRoom will illuminate the area around your television with digital projections of the scenery within the game. Cool right? Microsoft states that IllumiRoom will “change the appearance of the room, induce apparent motion, extend the field of view, and enable entirely new game experiences.”
Here is a live demonstration of IllumiRoom…meaning that there is not any tampering to make this look cooler that what it actually is.
Microsoft announced that over the Black Friday weekend (November 18th to 23rd) they sold 750,000 consoles in the United States alone. I have to admit, I even know some folks that took advantage of the new bundles and wonderful deals available for the Xbox.
Also noted was that Halo 4 sales exceeded expectations. It seemed quite a few retailers were offering gift cards along with the latest adventure in the Halo franchise. Sounds like the new trilogy is off to a great start both in reviews and sales!
Lastly Microsoft reported that on Sunday alone more than 14 million people logged into Xbox Live across the world. Once the newcomer to the console industry, Xbox has come a long way.
In recent memory, Microsoft Games Studios has made great strides in acting as a focused competitor to Sony and Nintendo. However, in a recent statement by Microsoft’s Vice President of the Interactive Entertainment Business and always surprising Phil Harrison, there is sure to be more challenges awaiting for them just around the corner.
Harrison spoke at the London Games Conference, where he had plenty to say from broadening the studio’s horizons to revealing who their new competitors are.
Like so many other retailers, Black Friday is a time to get really good deals. Xbox Live is no exception as Microsoft has announced their lineup for Black Friday. There are some really good arcade titles, some Windows Phone games, Avatar stuff, and game add-ons. So check out everything below!
Games on Demand
Left 4 Dead 2 – $19.99
Portal 2 – $19.99
The Gunstringer – $19.99
Dead Island – $19.99
Xbox Live Arcade
Magic 2013 – 400 MSP
Spelunky – 600 MSP
Rock Band Blitz – 600 MSP
Warp – 400 MSP
South Park: Tenorman’s Revenge – 400 MSP
Space Channel 5: Part 2 – 400 MSP
Daytona USA – 400 MSP
SEGA Vintage Collection: Golden Axe – 400 MSP
SEGA Vintage Collection: Streets of Rage – 400 MSP
SEGA Vintage Collection: Monster World – 400 MSP
SEGA Vintage Collection: Alex Kidd & Co. – 400 MSP
Windows Phone Games
Assassin’s Creed HD: Altair’s Chronicles – $1.99
Carcassonne – $1.99
Cracking Sands – $1.99
Gravity Guy – $1.99
Mush – $1.99
Sonic 4: Episode I – $1.99
Game Add-Ons
Sleeping Dogs High Roller Pack – 120 MSP
Sleeping Dogs Top Dog Gold Pack – 120 MSP
Sleeping Dogs The Red Envelope Pack – 120 MSP
Magic 2013 Expansion – 200 MSP
Left 4 Dead 2 The Sacrifice – 280 MSP
Left 4 Dead 2 The Passing – 280 MSP
The Gunstringer El Diablo’s ‘Merican Adventure – 120 MSP
The Gunstringer Real Big Shootin’ – 120 MSP
Darksiders II Argul’s Tomb – 200 MSP
Darksiders II Death Rides Pack – 200 MSP
Dead Island Ryder White – 400 MSP
Dead Island Bloodbath Arena MP Mode + Leaderboards – 400 MSP
Forza Motorsport 4 Porsche Expansion Pack – 800 MSP
Forza Motorsport 4 July Car Pack – 280 MSP
Forza Motorsport 4 August Playseat Car Pack – 280 MSP
Forza Motorsport 4 September Pennzoil Car Pack – 280 MSP
Avatar Marketplace
Ninja Moves Frost Dragon – 120 MSP
Ninja Moves Ninja Training – 120 MSP
Ninja Moves Demon Ninja – 120 MSP
Energy Katanas – 160 MSP
Dual Toy SMGs – 160 MSP
Titan Hammer – 120 MSP
Toy Sniper Rifle – 120 MSP
Underworld Boss Outfit Red – 120 MSP
Future Soldier – 160 MSP
Bat Swarm Prop – 120 MSP
Werewolf Transformation – 120 MSP
Vampire Wings – 120 MSP
Werewolf Warlord – 160 MSP
This sale only lasts until November 26th so make sure you make haste if there is anything you’re wanting to buy.
As someone who uses the ESPN App to peruse the high caliber programming that ESPN has to offer, like re-airings of CFL games or the Scripps National Spelling Bee prelims, it’s nice to know that Major Nelson has announced the big update for the app. The brand-new ESPN App is no longer an over-glorified version of ESPN 3 (where sports are often ignored) and is an absolute collaboration of all things that make up ESPN thanks to the culmination of WatchESPN. Now this app will allow every ESPN channel and its programming available to Xbox Live Gold users, including all their respected broadcasts of NBA, MLB, and Monday Night Football games.
On the other side of the of the app inclusion is the announcement of Karaoke from Stingray Music, which looks to provide Xbox 360 users with a more reasonable karaoke experience that Lips may have abandoned in recent memory. Since Stingray Music has had success with the Karaoke Channel on televisions, computers and even on smartphones, video game consoles seemed like the next logical step. Obtaining music in this is hardly an issue; Instead of downloading songs to sing-along to, the app will stream a random collection of free songs that anyone can enjoy. However, to use the full collection of songs, Microsoft Points are needed and even then it’s only to rent from a few hours to an entire day. Of course a microphone is needed, as you are going to need something to sing into, be it a wired or wireless microphone, or just even a headset.
Both of these will not only utilize Kinect, but are also prepared for Smartglass integration to enhance the app’s usage. The ESPN App is currently available with Karaoke ready for December, and will hopefully provide those that aren’t playing Halo 4 or Black Ops 2 with something more sociable when company is over.
One of the many unfortunate things in this industry is that we see many developers, publishers, and even gaming industry media outlets being shut down year after year. It seems like that number is on the rise even more so here recently. Such is the fate of the people at Xbox World. So first I would like to say our thoughts go out to all that are affected over there. We wish them luck in finding new jobs swiftly.
There’s really not a decent way to break away from the above paragraph to get this next part. So, in spite of the closure…one thing that has been unveiled is new rumored details on the next-gen Xbox console. In the article of the magazine Xbox World states that the next console will simply be called “Xbox”. Not Durango, Xbox 720, or whatever else you may have heard…just Xbox. Personally, I think it fits. I don’t like the idea of “720” and Microsoft can’t go with Xbox 3 as it would create the illusion that the PS4 was a higher number so it would be better. Which, that’s not to say that the PS4 won’t be better, but that’s an argument for another time.
More details that are given in the last issue are the next-generation Kinect 2.0, it will use Blu-ray discs and feature directional audio, a TV output AND input, ‘innovative controller’ and Augmented Reality glasses according to CVG. As well as 8GB of RAM and “four hardware cores, each divided into four logical cores”.
Here is a mock-up that was designed from Xbox World by gathering leaks from Microsoft and some industry insiders as to what the Xbox could potentially look like.
“We built ours with the same glossy face and patented VapourMG magnesium alloy Microsoft uses for its Surface tablet, and modeled the silver band after its new ‘Wedge’ touch keyboard and flexible Arc Touch mouse. The future will be black, sharp and curved.” Editor in chief Dan Dawkins told CVG: “Xbox World has been at the cutting edge of Durango coverage for over 12 months. Unless something really dramatic changes, everything we reveal in our penultimate issue will be revealed long before E3 in June.”
One thing I have to say is I hate it when Microsoft, Sony, & Nintendo state they have “innovative controllers”. I don’t think you can improve the Xbox 360 controller (or the PS3 either). But again, this is all rumor as of now and without having trying the controller out I can’t really speculate to much.
So, what do you all think about all of this? Blu-ray was a definite must and this Augmented Reality should be interesting…if it proves to be true.
Just the sound of the word has many meanings to many fans around the world. There are bands and there are even ideologies of a “halo”. For many people around the world, it is a major part of life. Spanning fans from many countries around the world, it’s no longer just a video game. It is a universe. The universe of Halo spans multiple mediums from video games, movies, music and reading material. This year, we celebrate the legacy of Master Chief and his AI Cortana for a whole new trilogy, starting with Halo 4.
Halo 4 was released on November 6th, 2012. Admittedly, Halo 4 was completely off my radar. I never thought I would have been writing this review today. I had causally been watching videos of the game and reporting on the news that broke out. I did eventually get an interest and what has transpired in the last week has not only been a hell of ride, but one of the best video gaming experiences on Xbox this generation. Not only is this a new trilogy, but this is a whole new generation of Halo. A refresh, if you will. Gone is Bungie who have left the series into the very capable hands of 343 Industries; the very same people that helped Bungie make Halo: Reach and having played through most of the Halo franchise myself, I know a thing or two about some Halo.Read More
It seems as though there was a slip-up over at the Microsoft legal department. Mature rated games will be finding their way back into the picture in the Windows 8 Marketplace when Windows 8 launches.
Currently, under section 6.2 of the Microsoft App Store guidelines sections 6.2 states that apps or games rated PEGI 16, ESRB Mature or a corresponding rating under other ratings systems would not be added to the Windows 8 Marketplace. In video game community this alienated both consumers and developers as both would have to look else where to find games. Games like Dishonored or Bioshock Infinite would most likely be banned in the Marketplace if this rule were to be followed.
Gizmodo recently sat down with Windows Corporate VP of Web Services Antoine Leblond and said that:
It basically ends up disqualifying games that would be ESRB Mature. This is to give developers a heads up that that’s where we’re going, so they can have the peace of mind around developing the kinds of games that will have those ratings.
Leblond also went on to announce that these changes would be changed in December and the current guidelines will be updated to include mature rated games in the Marketplace.
This will hopefully clear up confusion and will make buy games on Window’s platforms a little bit easier.
The Halo series has had it’s share of live action wonderment before, Produced by David Fincher and directed by Tim Miller this launch trailer for Halo 4 continues that trend. Mr Miller is the visual effects creative supervisor behind Scott Pilgrim and is the director of the new Deadpool movie.
A nice touch of the launch video is that it never shows Master Chief’s face and cleverly obscures it the entire time.
Are you excited? November 6th is fast approaching!
