Miss iRiE : Xbox 360: Games

Splinter Cell Double Agent getting the females skins?

Ana — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 23:53:00 GMT

Yep you heard me right. Over at the Ubisoft's forums a post by Rhoulette, Ubisoft Community Manager, confirmed for us that there will be a downloadable content for the skins. Too bad we didn't get much about when will it be available.

This feature is already planned to be included in the PS3 version of the game. Now why wasn't it initally included on the 360 version? who knows...I wonder if it's going to cost us some MS points, hmmm...

via UBI Forums

Crackdown: Clarification on Halo 3 Beta?

Ana — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 19:07:00 GMT

Chris Paladino who is part of the Microsoft Xbox Community team from Gamerscoreblog.com, just recently clarified a very important concern some us had in regards to this intersting opportunity for the public that wants in on the Halo 3 Beta. Who wasn't able to get thru the Beta at it's initial Phase 1 nor was able to register on time for it.

"The initial shipment of Crackdown at retail will include access to the Halo 3 beta. The "initial shipment" is pretty huge, so there will be enough to go around.

For those Halo 3 fans who are STILL losing sleep over this, you can guarantee entrance into the Halo 3 Beta by purchasing a copy of Crackdown when it launches Feb. 20th."

via GAMERSCOREBLOG.COM | MORE INFO HERE

Xbox 360: Crackdown Demo Impressions!

Ana — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 07:16:00 GMT

Today the demo was out. I wasn't very happy that it took a lifetime to download and the 1.2 GB file size was interesting... I had my friend Godfree waiting for me so that we can play co-op online (btw, I am not much of a co-op player). It was quite hilarious that we had such a hard time trying to make a match and invite each other. I understand that demos aren't always 100% perfect. But for some strange reason when you go to "Host a match" it takes you into the list of the rest of matches that random players can join. Then I had to go search for a match, fulfilling the same options that Godfree had set to the match, so that I could find him. After a few mins of re-search the matches available, his name finally appeared on the list of players. So watch out you will not be able to host private co-op matches (at least in the demo).

Once the game started, it was a different story. The controls were easy to get used to. You click your left trigger to auto aim and you'll be good to go, in case you have a hard time shooting while your running around. Now the voice in the background giving pointers on what to do sounded so much like "Robert Stack" from Unsolved Mysteries. So it was kind of funny hearing his voice from time to time, it brought back memories of the show. The missions that we had to do were pretty straight forward fight gang members and kill the main boss; no doubt it was a blast. There was also some racing missions that you played against the other player and whoever makes it first into the checkpoints wins the race. Another thing that caught my attention was, that when I felt like I was almost running out of amo. I managed to get some again. And friendly fire was always on (nice), I guess some people might not enjoy that.

So the big question, is it worth 1.2 GB long download? Yes it is, because I suggest you at least try it before you buy it or not choose to buy. Plus, the Halo 3 Beta code, is a plus too. Because after playing demo, it sure gave me a different feeling about the game, perhaps when it's released in February that will be my next game to get.

Lost Planet: Extreme Condition (X360)

Ana — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 02:54:00 GMT

An open letter from the developer regarding multiplayer changes following the demo's release...

Hi

Since the release of the Lost Planet multiplayer demo on Xbox Live marketplace on November 23, Capcom has received an amazing amount of feedback and suggestions for the online portion of the game. Our development team has been listening and has not only already made several key changes, but will also be working on a patch that will be available when the game launches in Europe and North America on January 12. The fixes will mostly address Lobby and Matchmaking functionality of the game, adding some elements not included in the demo (as always, demos are a work in progress) and slightly revising others.

Some of these changes had already been anticipated by the team and were included in the final gold master of the game. Others have come straight from the hundreds of thousands of people playing the multiplayer demo. Capcom has been reading boards, emails and blogs, collecting thoughts and ideas directly from our growing community. Capcom would like to thank all of those people who have taken the time to share their thoughts on Lost Planet; the game is now that much stronger for it.

We recently let people know that the team had fixed text display for players with standard definition TVs. The Lobby and Matchmaking system will undergo some major updates to the systems seen in the Multiplayer Demo, based on user feedback. Changes include:

Private slots can be set by host
Invite friends to a match
Number of players in a room will be displayed next to name of the room
Players will not be kicked all the way out to the main menu if they try to join a full game
New button allows players to refresh the match list without going out to the main menu and selecting Quick Match again
Players will now go to a post-game lobby at the end of a match, not kicked back to the main menu
The ability to replay a match with the same group without leaving the post-game lobby
Cycling maps on replayed matches when map selection is set to Random
Text size on the team selection screen will be greatly increased when using non-HD resolutions.
When manual team selection is set to ON, players will have 20 seconds to form teams.
The time limit on each match will be maxed out at 60 minutes, instead of the current unlimited time.
A player’s custom match criteria will now be saved.

Full details on all these great new additions follow.

Navigation Changes

In the demo version of Lost Planet, selecting Player Match presents three options: Quick Match for searching for all available games, Custom Match for defining search criteria to search for specific game types, and Create Match to create and host a match. This step remains the same in the final version.

Searching for a game brings up a list of open matches. This screen will undergo a number of changes.

First of all, due to user feedback, next to the name of each host hosting a match will be a readout of the number of players already in the room compared to the maximum number of players allowed, so players will know how full a room is before they enter.

The second update will be that if the player tries to enter a room that has been closed or where the match has already begun, the player will not be forced back out to the first player match menu to then re-search for games.. Rather, the player will be able to immediately browse and select a different session to join.

There will also be a button set to allow the player to Refresh the match list without having to perform a Quick Match search again.

Post Game Lobby, Rematches and Friend Invites

The second major area to receive an update based on user feedback is the addition of a post-game lobby where players can rematch. We heard you.

Currently in the demo, after a match is over the scores are shown. This screen shows the team placement for Team Elimination matches, as well as individual rankings and points, and the user’s own stats such as Kills and Deaths. When players exit this screen, they are taken back to the Online menu where they can select Ranked or Player match or any of the other menu options (Ranked and other options are currently greyed out in the demo).

However the game will be updated to give all players in a match the option to play again with the same players. If the player that hosted the match opts not to play again, the game will be closed and all players will have to search for a new match to join. But if the match host opts to continue and rematch, anyone else who elects to rematch will be taken back to the host’s lobby, and the match will be open for new players to join.

Rematches will use the same match settings as originally set, including the stage. However, if the stage is set to Random, this will select a new stage at random with each match, much like Gears of War cycles through the stages in order when the stage is set to Custom Cycle. So players can continue to play with the same game type and same people, letting the game switch the stage each time. In order to change the game settings, the match must be disbanded and created again with the desired settings, just like in Gears of War.

Additionally, one option available in the retail release but not seen in the demo version is the ability to invite friends and reserve slots through Private Slots.

When setting up a match, the host will have the ability to reserve Private Slots for friends up to the max number of allowed players to allow Friends special access. With this, it is possible to hold completely private matches, and matches with enough slots for friends with room for additional players.

Combined with the Rematch option, players will be able to stick with their friends through multiple games.

So, if you wanted a fully private game in a party setting, all a host would have to do is specify that all 16 slots are reserved for friends and invite them in, set the map to random, and enjoy your session. If you wanted a semi-private game, but wanted to max out or increase the number of players beyond that of your friends, you can do that too by specifying a lower number of players for friend slots and letting Xbox Live fill in the rest.

Team Formation Changes

The next major set of updates is being made to the match launch countdown screen.

First of all, it was noted that the text for the Gamertags listed in the middle of the screen, showing which team each player is on with the option to change teams (when the Change Team option is turned on, something that was not available in the demo but that will be available in the final version), is currently small and difficult to read on SDTVs. The size of the text will be increased dramatically. However the development team has noted that in the event a game, such as Fugitive, has 1 player versus 15, the 15 names for the one team may spill over to outside the list area and possibly cover up the team name. But this unavoidable issue is minor and most likely will not be a probably for the majority of matches.

Additionally, another point that was raised regarding the match launch countdown screen was team selection. Currently there is no team switching available in the Demo version. However in the final version, the team selection will take place on this screen. Players will be able to press the button corresponding to the team they wish to join (2~4 teams).

When team switching is set to ON, the countdown timer will give participants 20 seconds to finalize teams on this screen. When team switching is set to OFF, players will be given 10 seconds to view the team list and confirm team sides and teammates.

Kind regards

The Lost Planet Team

Xbox Live Marketplace - 2 demos available for download!!!

Ana — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 17:04:00 GMT

An undercover agent is sent in to overthrow a corrupt government on an idyllic tropical island, by using whatever means necessary. As you parachute down through the clouds, high above the islands of San Esperito and admire the archipelago view, begins.

Pushing the capabilities of any console, Just Cause is set on an unprecedented scale in terms of missions and size. The massive world will take the average gamer over 40 minutes to cross, from one end of the island to the other, and that's without being distracted by one of the 300+ missions you could choose to accept along the way.

The action in Test Drive: Unlimited takes place on the open, diverse roads spanning the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Making full use of Xbox Live online gaming service, racers around the world will challenge others to join them in the virtual paradise of the game's persistent online racing world. Players can engage in online challenges, and build communities by creating or joining exclusive members clubs to talk, trade cars, and race with other like-minded drivers in one of the most comprehensive online racing experience to date.

Players will build collections of the most sophisticated and fastest licensed cars in the world from manufacturers including Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Mercedes, Audi, Lotus, Dodge, Pagani, TVR, Jaguar and many more. All vehicles are rendered to reflect their real-world counterparts, with unrivalled interior detail boasting full car functionality, including radio, horns, windshield wipers and more. Drivers can customize their vehicles with parts and accessories from the actual manufacturers' catalogues to suit their individual tastes.

Gamers can create challenges or races from more than 50 game rules and settings. Online competitions and tournaments can be held between club members or between different clubs. Division-based rankings will help separate the top drivers from the casual car enthusiasts, helping reinforce the status of Test Drive: Unlimited as the only complete online driving experience.

Xbox Live Vision!

Ana — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 03:52:00 GMT

This week I got one of the nicest surprises, the Xbox Live Vision. First of all, if you are worried about how hard it is to connect to either the 360 or your PC? All you do is connect to the USB port on your 360 and you're good to go. Same situation with the PC, all you do is connect it, your PC will detect it right away and you can start having fun.

On the Xbox 360 you have a few room options, lighting options, and different effects you can add to your picture. I am really looking forward to seeing if there's possible updates for this camera???

Here's some pictures I took using my PC just for fun!

Here's some 360 examples of Godfree acting like the true freak that he is:

Here's DirtyDiva's on her Mac!

The Xbox Live Vision will be release on Sept 19, 2006. You can add me ( Miss iRiE ) if you want or here's some of the MVP's that you can add so that you can see how it looks:

Godfree
Surly Duff
Litheon
Zamees
Fragmaster B
Coola
Rainmaker2112
neda
Mastaglach820

And of course Tony (Bastelyon), Aaron (BigVIP) and John (Stalalem). Also, we are currently posting pictures here.

Texas Hold 'em Next Wednesday, Free for 48 Hours!

Ana — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 03:50:00 GMT

Source: GamertagRadio.com

This coming week when you download Texas Hold 'em, it will be completely free of charge! This full feature poker title for the Xbox Live Arcade on Xbox 360 will launch on Wednesday, August 23 at 0800 GMT (1am Pacific). For 48 hours only "Wednesday, August 23 through 0800 GMT (1am Pacific) Friday, August 25" as a special limited-time only promotion, gamers can download (and own) the game at no charge (for all Xbox Live Gold and Silver members). Starting at 0801 GMT (1:01am Pacific) Friday, August 25, "Texas Hold'em" for Xbox Live Arcade will be available for 800 Microsoft Points.

"Texas Hold 'em poker is the most realistic poker game around. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, enjoy the thrill of the perfect hand or the perfect bluff. Test your skills in ring games and tournaments, or fine-tune your skills playing the scenario you always wanted to be in. Customize the game however you want. The comprehensive help provides details on each aspect of the game. Texas Hold 'em has it all - play it today! It's the closest thing to actually being there."

In addition to the exciting release of "Texas Hold'em" on August 23, gamers can also look forward to new game titles and premium downloadable game content on Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays from August 16 to September 6, including:

"Cloning Clyde Picture Pack", the action adventure/puzzle game created by Wahoo Studios/NinjaBee (developer of the popular "Outpost Kaloki X" for Xbox Live Arcade), will have 4 new gamer picture packs available on Xbox Live Marketplace on Wednesday, August 16, allowing gamers to check out more unique pictures of Clyde. Each gamer picture pack: 100 Microsoft Points (each).

"Time Pilot", the futuristic fighter pilot classic from Konami, lets gamers fight through different eras like never before. High-definition graphics and enhanced gameplay designed specifically for Xbox Live Arcade makes this version even better than the original from 1982. Gamers can download "Time Pilot" on Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday, August 30. Available: 400 Microsoft Points.

"Scramble", the classic side-scrolling "shoot'em up" coin-op title from Konami takes off on Xbox Live Arcade. The 1981 classic, widely considered the first "multi-level shooter", launches on Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday September 6. Available: 400 Microsoft Points.

All Xbox Live Arcade games can be demoed for free on Xbox Live Marketplace. Check out Xbox Live and Xbox.com for continuing updates on exciting new content available to Xbox 360 gamers. As always, all launch dates are subject to change. Gold subscription is required for multiplayer features. A memory unit or hard drive is required to download content from Xbox Live Marketplace.