August 2006 - Posts
If you are wondering how to setup your Gmail account in Vista with Windows Mail, here it is.
Google provides instructions on how to do it, but the numbers never worked for me. I decided to play around with it and got it to work.
The first couple of steps are easy.
- Put in the name you want to display. Click Next
- Enter your email address for the gmail service (include @gmail.com). Click Next.
- The type of server is POP3
- For incoming mail, type in "pop.gmail.com" without the quotation marks
- For outgoing mail, type in "smtp.gmail.com" again with out the quotation marks.
- Click Next
- Enter your gmail username, but make sure you include @gmail.com at the end. Also put in your password for your account. Click Next.
- Do not download the email at this time, as it wont connect. You have to do a couple of more things. I have taken screen grabs using Vista's "snipping tool".
Continue for final steps/images.
The second most popular IM client, AIM, now works. I successfully downloaded and installed the lastest non-beta build onto Vista Pre-RC1 build.
AIM around me is "the" IM client, although I do like Live Messenger more. Its just that all my friends from back home use AIM, so I had to keep in touch with them all.
Woo hoo! No more AIM Express!
This could be one of the final steps for me to make that plung into everyday Vista use.
You know when things are changing, and sometimes you just feel like...meh. Like its going to be a weird change and all. I kinda see that going on (keep in my I am in college), but still.
Alot of changes going on, and the whole atmosphere will be changing. Its going to be weird.
I moved in yesterday into my (on campus) apartment here at Syracuse University. It is a 2 floor, 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment with the kitchen and living room on the first floor. It is a sweet deal.
Anyways, I set my 360 up last night, and put in the request for it to have access to the internet. It was OK'd today. The only real problem is the broadband. It is weak, and apparently I drop. I hope this changes as everyone is moved in and not always on.
So...the cool deal right now, is that I am using the school's network to share my media to my 360 via Windows Media Connect 2.0. It is so sweet, that I decided to write about it.
Also, welcome to those who read gamertagblog.com/97. That is my blog over at gamertagblog.com, that was set up by the one, and only StonyArc. Stonyarc is part of the XUG team, and is a mastermind at coding. He is also part of XCDP and it doing amazing things within that program.
Just got this from Microsoft:
Microsoft announces the global retail launch of new Xbox Live Arcade compilation for Xbox 360 gamers
Microsoft today announced the worldwide launch of Xbox Live Arcade Unplugged Volume 1, a new disc compilation of hit Xbox Live Arcade games plus a free 1 month Xbox Live Gold subscription and downloadable Xbox Live Arcade demos. Priced at $39.99 Xbox Live Arcade Unplugged Volume 1 arrives in stores worldwide on September 5, 2006.
Xbox Live Arcade Unplugged provides a taste of the Xbox Live Arcade experience for gamers everywhere, with a great collection of new and original casual games that are fun, engaging and easy to learn and pick up and play.
Xbox Live Arcade Unplugged Volume 1 includes:
· 6 Xbox Live Arcade hit titles:
1. Geometry Wars® Retro Evolved
· One of the most popular games on Xbox Live Arcade, Geometry Wars Retro Evolved is a space shooter with a frenetic, high-definition twist
2. Wik: Fable of Souls™
· Wik’s beautifully mysterious world of fairytale charm unfolds as you swing by your tongue through 120+ single player levels and 7 modes of play, including same-console multiplayer!
3. Outpost Kaloki X™
· Solve challenges, entertain visiting aliens, and rake in the money in Outpost Kaloki X, the light-hearted space station tycoon game
4. Bejeweled® 2 Deluxe
· With awe-inspiring planetary backdrops, explosive new gems and dazzling special effects, Bejeweled 2 is more wildly addictive than ever before!
5. Hardwood Backgammon
· Play a game of classic Backgammon against the computer, against a friend on a single console, or against on online opponent over Xbox Live
6. Texas Hold ‘em
· This poker title simulates the tournament setting right in your home, and with Xbox Live Vision, you’ll feel like you are in Las Vegas
· Free 1 month Xbox Live Gold subscription
· 3 downloadable Xbox Live Arcade demos:
o UNO ®
o Marble Blast® Ultra
o Feeding Frenzy™
With the accompanying free 1 month Xbox Live Gold subscription Xbox Live Unplugged gamers can sample all of the benefits the world’s largest online gaming and entertainment network has to offer. Connect to Xbox Live and join more than 3 million gamers across 24 countries across the globe; enjoy free game demos, movie trailers and music vides and get together with friends to play in fun, new ways.
Check out Xbox Live and Xbox.com for continuing updates on exciting new Xbox Live Arcade content available to Xbox 360 gamers.
Going on today's news out of Germany, Microsoft has also announced the bundles and pricing for the ever fun, Xbox Live Vision Camera. Details are seen as below:
Xbox Live Vision camera for the Xbox 360 system
Chat via video, send photo messages, put your own face in a game, and customize your gamertag on the Xbox Live network. The camera will be available in the U.S. on Sept 19 and in Europe on Oct 6 in two packages:
- Xbox Live Vision: This package includes Xbox Live Vision camera, one-month Xbox Live Gold Membership, Xbox 360 Headset, and free* downloads of two full-version Xbox Live Arcade games: the popular UNO® card game and TotemBall, the new 3-D platform game from Freeverse and Strange Flavour Ltd. that is a mixture of platform skills and puzzles (estimated retail price (ERP) $39.99 U.S.).
- Xbox Live Video Chat Gold Kit: This package includes the Xbox Live Vision camera, a 12-month Xbox Live Gold Membership, an Xbox 360 Headset, free downloads of three full-version Xbox Live Arcade games—the popular UNO card game, TotemBall and the classicRobotron 2084 action shooter—and 200 Microsoft Points (ERP $79.99 U.S.).
*Internet connection charges may apply.
**Actual retail prices may vary.
Was reading Trixie's post about the news out of Germany regarding the Xbox360 and Games for Windows.
Microsoft announced that they will be expanding into Eastern Europe adding 4 countries (Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland) this Autumn.
Microsoft also announced pricing and availability of some accessories for your Xbox360 console. Taken from the Press Release:
Xbox Live Vision camera for the Xbox 360 system
Chat via video, send photo messages, put your own face in a game, and customize your gamertag on the Xbox Live network. The camera will be available in the U.S. on Sept 19 and in Europe on Oct 6 in two packages:
- Xbox Live Vision: This package includes Xbox Live Vision camera, one-month Xbox Live Gold Membership, Xbox 360 Headset, and free* downloads of two full-version Xbox Live Arcade games: the popular UNO® card game and TotemBall, the new 3-D platform game from Freeverse and Strange Flavour Ltd. that is a mixture of platform skills and puzzles (estimated retail price (ERP) $39.99 U.S.).
- Xbox Live Video Chat Gold Kit: This package includes the Xbox Live Vision camera, a 12-month Xbox Live Gold Membership, an Xbox 360 Headset, free downloads of three full-version Xbox Live Arcade games—the popular UNO card game, TotemBall and the classicRobotron 2084 action shooter—and 200 Microsoft Points (ERP $79.99 U.S.).
Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel
For true racing enthusiasts who demand unparalleled driving realism at home, this innovatively designed wheel combines form and function with the latest technology in wireless and force feedback. Purchase the wheel and get a limited-edition force feedback version of Project Gotham Racing® 3 while supplies last (ERP $149.99 U.S., available in November).
Xbox 360 Wireless Headset
Providing the ultimate wireless experience, this headset integrates seamlessly with the Xbox 360 console to provide wireless voice chat capabilities, stylish design and superior voice quality over the Xbox Live network (ERP$59.99 U.S.**, available in November).
Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows
By plugging the compact receiver into a Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 port on a PC, use Xbox 360 wireless accessories on your Windows-based computer (ERP $19.99 U.S.**, available in late December).
Xbox 360 Faceplates
Customize your consoles with one of three new special-edition faceplates featuring images from your favorite games, including the Halo® franchise,Viva Piñata™, and Forza Motorsport™ 2 (ERP $19.99 U.S.**, available in early November).
Trixie talked about it, Gamerscore Blog talked about it:
Don’t Delay! Download ‘Texas Hold ‘em’ Poker in the next 48 hours and it’s yours for free
Being patient might help you win a hand at poker, but it certainly won’t help you get ‘Texas Hold ‘em’ for free. All Xbox 360 gamers who log on to Xbox Live Marketplace between 1am Pacific Wednesday, August 23 through 1am Pacific Friday, August 25 can download ‘Texas Hold ‘em’ for free.
GAME FOCUS:
‘Texas Hold ‘em’ for Xbox Live Arcade simulates the real poker atmosphere and gameplay only found in competitive poker rooms around the world. Persistent Bankroll and lifelike graphics make this game a must-have for any poker fan. Play against the dealer or play online with or against your friends and turn every night into poker night.
GAME FEATURES:
‘With high-definition graphics, Xbox Live Achievements and Leaderboards, the Xbox Live Arcade version of this all-time classic game provides hours of fun.
‘Texas Hold ‘em’ includes:
- Persistent Bankroll
- Online multiplayer and tournaments
- Original music and sound effects
- High definition graphics
- Leaderboards
- Achievements
WHEN CAN I GET IT: Download ‘Texas Hold ‘em’ today, Wednesday, August 23, at 1am PST on Xbox Live Arcade.
Microsoft Game Studios: Free between 1am Pacific Wednesday, August 23 through 1am Pacific Friday, August 25. Beginning 1:01am Pacific Friday, August 25, the title is available for 800 Microsoft Points
For more information please visit Xbox.com
Got word from MS, that the rumored download schedule is already incorrect, so you can expect more of it to be.
Although many will love a demo of Forza 2, it will NOT be releasing during Leipzig. Heck, no demo is even known to exist right now.
Played Uno last night for the first time with the Live Vision Camera. It is one heck of a time! It was just fun to play around with the buddies I played Uno with almost nightly. The fun factor was 100/100 with this camera.
Can't wait for Texas Hold Em!
So, I received an Xbox Live vision camera today, and will be hopefully utilizing it later tonight for some uno.
If anyone wants to see it, try shooting me a friend request and we'll try to set up a quick game session.
Alrighty, so today Microsoft announced that Texas Hold 'Em will be releasing on August 23rd, and it will be free. The catch? Download it in the first 48 hrs and it will be free. Outside of that and it will cost money.
The press release that went out with that info came with some others. This is taken from XBLArcade.com:
Texas Hold-em will be released Aug. 23 and will be free for the first 48 hours.
4 Cloning Clyde picture packs @ 100 points each are available today.
Time Pilot will be available August 30th for 400 points.
Scramble will be available September 6th for 400 points.
I have seen alot of good word from this, from various sources. One was Brandon LeBlonc at MSTechToday.com, and some other MVPs via email. This is definetly a cool thing and I really want to see how this all works. I want to see if I can add some footers (HTML code) that appears and works for blog stat tracking.
In this part, I've decided to take you into the multiplayer map we played. We played what the team called "Mansion". First off, this was a new level that was not played at E3.
The basis of Mansion, is that you are playing on a mansion. Simple. Yes, I know. The mansion appears to have been invaded and parts of the structure have been destroyed and demolished.
The level is very symetrical. Each team has an entrance to the Mansion. It will be on the right or left, depending on which of the 2 starting points you are at. Each team also has an entrance to the courtyard. The courtyard (after going up a flight of stairs) also has an entrance to the Mansion. This is the main entrance, and as you look in, you see the upstairs and the set of staircases leading up there.
The courtyard is filled with places to take cover. I have provided a rough, read rough, skematic for what the level looked like. Each top corner (top right and top left) were starting points, in which you alternated in the first to 5 sessions.
CliffyB was there at the NYC session and that can only mean one thing. Gears of War. I was introduced to CliffyB by Godfree (Gamertagradio.com). We talked with Clif, who is an amazingly down to earth guy, for a couple of mins. He asked if we would like to see the E3 demo that he played. I, obviously, obliged and we sat while he played through the game showcasing alot of the features.
Disclaimer: Couple of things. I work outside alot, so I was fairly tan from that. Couple that with the immense heat inside the studio, and me being irish, I showed up very red. Also, do not take the graphics on the TV as the game, because cameras never do justice.
Now on to the Multiplayer:
Wow. It was that simple. That is the way I felt after I completed the 2 hour session (got about a good 90 minutes of playing in).
To be straight out of the gate, it was only multiplayer (system link) on 1 level. But damn, this level was BEAUTIFUL. I believe they called it Mansion. We had a 4v4 session of the multiplayer game from 4pm-6pm.
Ok, not to the actual gameplay. It freakin ROCKED. Heres a little list:
- You can easily cycle your weapons with the D-Pad. We had a pistol (down), the assault rifle/chainsaw (right), smoke grenade (up) and the shotgun (left).
- Get close to a wall and press A You will slam into coverage.
- The Roddy Run Rocks! You can hold down A, you guy crouches and begins to run. The camera changes to a different view, regarded to by CliffyB as "the CNN Camera view". It really does look like a journalist running behind your character, as it is off center (to the right) and shakes as you run.
- If you run towards a wall during your Roddy Run, keep holding A, and you will slam into coverage.
- While in coverage:
- If you hold the right trigger to shoot your weapon you will shoot while staying in coverage. It lacks accuracy, but you can control the direction they spray.
- If you hold down the left trigger, you will go into a zoomed 3rd persion view. It gives you the accuracy, but takes away from your coverage.
- If you are at a corner, you can lean your guy. Again, just pressing the right trigger shoots, but holding the left will give you the accuracy.
- You can revive your teammates. If your teammate goes down (and are still on their knees), and are not officially dead, you will see a red circle with a way point. It will direct you in the direction of your teammate. If the circle becomes 100% filled with red, your teammate dies. This could be from you taking too long, or the enemies finishing them off. If you are to get there in time, just run up and press "X" and you will revive them. My team was pretty good at that.
We were setup to play 4v4 matches. I forgot the game type, but everyone had 1 life, and the remaining team one. It was up to 9 rounds, with it going to the first to 5. After struggling at first, my side made a run and won a couple of games. We went into a funk again, until later in the session. I moved over to a different 360. Godfree and S4Lee joined my team, and we went on a run of atleast 4 consecutive wins. We were so good, that at points, the other team didn't even kill us.
One of the rounds that we won 5-0, the other team had 2 total kills. It was great. In the game, CliffyB decided to join for 2 of the rounds. On the first round, I was shooting a man atop the staircase (actually situated in the center oval, between the 2 staircases), and I heard CliffyB yelling for help. I was poking out of coverage and shooting him. It gave me the kill, and I then turned and looked, and CliffyB has just died. I killed the man at his own game. It was the highlight of my session.
Overall, this game will be amazing. It will have a big battle to fight, not just again the locust, but agaist the PS3 this coming November 12th.
CliffyB is into posing for images now. We all said "OK".
Microsoft held an event here in NYC the past 2 days (August 2nd and 3rd). It was a showcase for the games that will be selling before or during the holiday season.
I took the railroad into the City and headed over to the place where the event was held. It was held in a studio in Manhatten. I got up there and met my MVP and Xbox's Online PR Community Manager, Tony Hynes (aka Bastelyon). He gave Godfree, DirtyDiva, S4Lee and I the rundown of the event. They were going to showcase some Games for Windows, and Xbox360 games. For the Xbox360 games (Sorry if I missed one), they had:
Test Drive Unlimited
I am pretty excited about this game. I love racers, and what they are offering is pretty amazing. I was told that the game (with in game and post release download content) will feature 45 different manufactuers totalling 150 cars and bikes. With that you have the seamless play from Single player to Multiplayer. Ooo, take a left there and go to MP rounds, or take a right and continue with single player. It is definetly an awesome system they have with "M.O.O.R" (Massive Open Online Racer). I was talking to the game representative there, and talked about how sweet MOOR is. He then instructed me to drive through these different paths just to see how stunning the environment is. Yes, it is stunning.
Tony Hawk's Project 8
We all know the Tony Hawk series, and we are now on the 8th iteration of the game (I didnt even realise). What initially caught my eye was just how good this game looked. So, I sat down and decided to see whats up. After the rep gave me a run through with the game, showcasing the cool new features, I gave it a little try. Simply, it plays just as well as any Tony hawk game has ever played. A is your Olly, B is your grab tricks, X are your flip tricks and Y is for your grinds. A new feature (if I remember correct), was called "Hit the Trick". As you Olly, you click one or both of the tricks (sorry cant remember), and it goes into a zoomed mode of your board, where you control your right and left left with the joysticks, respectivly. It is a little difficult at first, but when you get it, it is definetly something cool. You can also go into "focus" mode, at any time in the game, when you click the right joystick. It slows the game down for you to nail everything.
Now for terms of story. There was always "do this trick" and "do that trick". But, now they all have levels. Lets give an example. You have to grind this rail to complete the objective. BUT, there are now 3 levels, Amateur (ama), Professional (pro) and sick. To achieve th ama status you have to grind 25 feet, the pro you have to grind 50 and the sick level, you have to grind 100 feet. It is definetly a cool system, and he said that for "sick", they wanted to make it hard so it lived up to its name. This new system is definetly cool and a great addition to one of the top 5 best selling franchises of all time.
World Series Poker: Tournament of Champions (Xbox360
I am not going to lie, I am not an avid poker player. I play with buddies, and in a friendly tournament every once in a while, but I am in no way close to my brother. He plays multiple times a week with his friends and if he isnt playing with them, he is on FullTilt Poker. But, to play poker online (for fun), this game is going to be good. It uses the Xbox360's Live Vision camera to mask your face onto your character. Seeing the examples they did in front of us, with the right lighting, it looks pretty freakin close. Couple that with the fact that the camera shows you decided what to do with your cards on your turn, makes it very very fun.
Crackdown
This is a fun third person shooter. I spent about 5-10 minutes with the game (finished off the level), to get a feel for it. They are encorporating the cell-shading type graphics. I was talking with the Project Manager for the game, and I was discussing how this was just a fun shooter. It was a very run and gun shooter. If you are looking for a pretty fun game, make sure to check out crackdown.
Dead Rising
Fun. Its a simple as that. It is fun and funny. The concept is that you are in a mall and have 72 hrs to complete the objectives, which relates to about 12 hrs in real time. But, this game is a game, like GTA, where you can play just to kill the zombies. You can pick up many objects that can become your weapons, like bowling balls, sickles, dumbells, and much much more. The games finish is depended on what you can complete. You can pick up the demo now on the Xbox Live Marketplace.
Saint's Row
I did not play this game at the event because I have been playing the demo that has been available on the Xbox Live Marketplace since earlier this week. The game is similar to Grand Theft Auto, but has its own signiture feel. I haven't played it enough to make a decision on it though, but make sure you download the demo to get your own impression.
Splinter Cell Double Agent
You are still Sam Fisher...but a different Sam Fisher. You are now a rogue agent. The gameplay was very similar to the 3 previous Splinter Cell games, and that is good. The gameplay has been really great across the whole series. The one big different with this game is that there is barely a HUD. It is good, like Fight Night Round 3. It lets you see more of the environment, and just has that "cool" feel about it.
Madden NFL 2007
This is another version in the most popular sports franchise to ever hit the gaming world. It has distintive features for the 360 include the mini camp, where you can train your athletes. Check for it in stores soon.
NBA 2k7 and Smackdown Vs Raw
These are two games I did not get to sit down and play. NBA 2k7 (watching and listening to others) was another great iteration in the series. The graphics look a bit more realistic, and the gameplay is still good. The wresting game, looked very well, but not being a wrestling fan, it did not truly interest me. Again, basing it off what I have heard it is a pretty good game.
Gears of War
Finally, you read all that. Wow. What I saw/played was that. You can find my impressions inthis post.
Edit: Fixed some grammar.
Edit 2: Swapped "HUD" in for UI in the description of Splinter Cell Double Agent.
Well, almost. As I post this, we have about 7 hours until the release of the game. It has arrived. Here is the press alert:
‘Street Fighter II’ Hyper Fighting’ punches its way into Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays on August 2
One of the most anticipated games of the summer, ‘Street Fighter II’ Hyper Fighting’ hits Xbox Live Arcade today, Wednesday, August 2. The old-school classic from Capcom stays true to its roots with an amazing retro feel, and brings multiplayer action to the classic title for the first time. ‘Street Fighter II’ Hyper Fighting’ melds the best of retro arcade gaming with the preeminent next-gen features that only Xbox 360 and Xbox Live can offer.
GAME FOCUS:
As a true tribute to this critically acclaimed arcade fighting game, ‘Street Fighter II’ Hyper Fighting’ delivers the game in original form but also includes all new content specifically designed for Xbox Live Arcade. High definition video resolution, Achievements, Leaderboards, and online multiplayer combat over Xbox Live including the all new innovative "Quarter Match" takes this classic franchise phenom to next generation levels.
GAME FEATURES:
‘Street Fighter II’ Hyper Fighting’ comes packed with high-definition graphics, Xbox Live Achievements and Leaderboards plus online multiplayer matches providing endless hours of fun.
‘Street Fighter II’ Hyper Fighting’ offers:
o Online Multiplayer Mode – The game has both Ranked matches and Player matches, including the 4-player Quarter Match option.
o Quarter Match – entirely new mode for Xbox Live Arcade which is a spectator-based system as a tribute to the arcade roots, allowing online competitors (2 competitors and up to 2 spectators) to use a “virtual quarter” to “buy into” heated two player matches
o Arcade Mode – simulates the single-player experience where gamers must work their way through a ladder of opponents until they face off against the final boss
o Vs. Mode – allows two friends to select characters and battle it out
o Fully customizable controls – players can map attacks to any of the main buttons and have the choice to map all three punches and/or all three kicks to a single button which simplifies complex moves
o Comprehensive leaderboards – tracks overall and monthly best players using a point based system as well as rankings based on who is the best using each game character and most consecutive winning streaks
o Achievements – complete 12 challenging offline and online objectives and earn your Achievements
WHEN CAN I GET IT: Download ‘Street Fighter II’ Hyper Fighting’ today, Wednesday, August 2, at 1am PST on Xbox Live Arcade.
‘Street Fighter II’ Hyper Fighting’ (Capcom): 800 Microsoft Points
For more information please visit Xbox.com
Ok, its a little late, but Robert Scoble would probably like that another Microsoft Product group is adopting RSS. Ill surely be utilizing these new feeds. There are feeds for:
Games
Get the latest about all the new and upcoming games from Xbox.com! See all the action with video trailers, browse the high-definition screenshots, get gameplay strategy and tips, uncover hidden secrets and cheats, and read exclusive interviews with the makers of the games.
Xbox Live
Xbox Live is the hot spot in online gaming! Find out the newest content in Xbox Live Marketplace: free demos, content downloads, gamer pictures and themes, music videos, and high-definition movie trailers. Get announcements about community events like Game with Fame, Frag Doll Friday, and Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays.
Community
Find out what’s happening in our thriving and growing Xbox community with the latest articles from TriXie, Major Nelson, Elle, and Hardcore, event coverage, news, and more. Find out how you can get involved in Frag Doll Friday, Game with Fame, contests, tournaments, Mystery Gamer, Girls Night In, and GamerSpeak.
Hardware and Support
Get the latest on Xbox 360 hardware and accessories, like the incredible variety of games, the wireless experience, and the complete digital entertainment lifestyle. We have complete help and support information on Xbox.com, including system setup and use, connecting to Xbox Live, and Family Settings.
Descriptions of RSS feeds courtest of Xbox.com
Some people have been noticing my new gamer motto, for my gamercard. It is "10 days..." as of right now, and tomorrow it will change to "9 days...". Here is a little quick Q&A to answer the most common questions.
- What does "10 days left..." mean?
- It is a countdown.
- Countdown for what?
- Something I think is cool, that I hope will happen 10 days from today. I am hoping for it to end that day, but, can not make a guarentee towards it.
- Is it related to Xbox?
- It could be related to anything.
- Can you tell me what it means?
- No, thats the best part of the suspense...not knowing.