Microsoft has replaced the previously bundled LEGO Batman and Pure with a couple different games for their new Xbox 360 Elite Spring 2010 Bundle. And to say that it is an upgrade would be sort of an understatement. Starting next week, you can pick up an Xbox 360 Elite bundled with copies of Microsoft exclusives Forza 3 and Halo 3: ODST.
Amazon has these new bundles available for pre-order at $299.99. It will be launching the same day as the $399.99 Final Fantasy XIII "super-elite" bundle. The Halo 3: ODST/Forza 3 bundle will include a 120 GB hard drive. TheFinal Fantasy XIII bundle will include a 250 GB hard drive as well as an additional wireless controller.
Perfect timing on Microsoft's part to get Halo 3: ODST in as many players' hands as possible. This is just in time for the beginning of the Halo: Reach beta which begins May 3rd.
The Ars Technica mole reported today on a new batch of Xbox 360 bundles to be out in the near future. According the Ars Technica, the console bundles will launch alongside their respective games (March 9th for FFXIII and April 16th for Splinter Cell).
The bundles will include the console (white for FFXIII and black for Conviction), game, 250GB hard drive, two wireless controllers, wired headset, ethernet cable, and standard A/V cable. (Note: controllers and headsets will be colored to match the console: white or black respectively.) The bundles will retail at $399.99, not a bad deal for an extra controller, a game, and expanded hard drive space.
It seems like Microsoft is really trying to sweeten the pot to compete with the PS3 price drop. At the matching price point of $299 for the console only, the PS3 just has more to offer. If Sony decides to do some kind of bundle like this in the near future, the Xbox could have some real trouble competing (especially since the PS3 finally has a library of games worth owning).
If you're like me.... poor.... then you probably try to get the most bang for your buck when buying video games. The Microsoft Points system has long been a source of frustration for me. For those who don't know, the major issue here is that it seems like no matter how you try to spend your freshly purchased points, you always have a few hundred left over. It's usually enough that you don't want to waste it, but not enough to buy something with. This forces you to buy even more points which you can then never spend all of.... it's a circular argument, but you get the point.
Well, this could soon come to an end. An attorney in Philadelphia is putting together a class action lawsuit against the Big M for what he calls "fraudulent handling" of his account. Although it was a good business decision for Microsoft at the time, LIVE users are becoming increasingly irritated by it. I think it's time for Microsoft to be a little more flexible or they risk alienating their consumers.... not that we really have any other options.
Anyone who subscribes to Game Informer magazine has seen the first batch of screenshots for Halo: Reach in the February issue. For those of you who don't subscribe, today is your lucky day. Seems EB Games accidentally posted the screenshots to the game's product page before yanking them off. Continue reading after the break to take a look and as always, let us know what you think in the comments.
Halo: Reach is scheduled for release in Fall 2010 for the Xbox 360.
Bioware and EA have revealed The Cerberus Network, an in-game portal in Mass Effect 2 that will keep fans engaged with the rich and dynamic Mass Effect universe through downloadable content (DLC) and news. The Cerberus Networkis activated exclusively by original purchasers of Mass Effect 2 through a single use unlock code that comes included in retail and digital versions of the game worldwide. The Cerberus Network is a conduit for players to receive bonus content as well as daily messages and news on upcoming releases for Mass Effect 2 for no extra charge. For players who do not buy the game new, The Cerberus Network can be unlocked through a one-time, in-game purchase of a new activation code.
We're thrilled to be able to reward loyal BioWare and Mass Effect fans with ongoing, high quality content and provide a direct channel for our players to dive deeper into the intriguing lore of Mass Effect.
Players who access The Cerberus Network will receive the first DLC pack on January 26th (launch day in North America) featuring new missions and in-game items. Included in this pack is a mission that introduces Zaeed, a rugged and deadly gun-for-hire who is recruited to join Commander Shepard's mission to save mankind.
After launch, BioWare will release another DLC pack for Mass Effect 2 that introduces the Hammerhead, a new vehicle in the Mass Effect universe. This agile hover tank features improved handling on rough terrain and maneuvers deftly in combat, a necessity for players traveling across harsh planetary environments throughout the galaxy. In addition to this new vehicle, BioWare will release new missions and unique in-game items, including Cerberus Assault Armor which boost shields, health and heavy weapon ammo and the M-22 Eviscerator Shotgun.
How does the new trend of providing DLC as an incentive to buy the game brand new make you feel? Leave us a comment and let u know what you think.
Larry Hyrb (aka Major Nelson) has updated his blog with the upcoming January release schedule for Xbox LIVE. Highlights include Dead Rising coming to Games on Demand on the 26th and both Mass Effect DLC packs for $3 each on the 18th. Don't own a copy of The Orange Box (what's wrong with you)? Well, you'll be able to pick up the XBLA version of Portal: Still Alive for $10 starting the week of the 25th.
Want to know what else is coming your way? Curiosity did kill the cat. Don't worry though, that doesn't apply here. Just hit the jump after the break for all the details.
In an exclusive Post Game Report interview, the male voice of Commander Shepard, Mark Meer, confirmed that the voice over work for Mass Effect 2 DLC has already begun. Meer had this to say when asked about his Mass Effect 2 schedule:
And then of course, there is the downloadable stuff. In a couple of weeks, I will be doing some more downloadable.
This news probably comes as no surprise to anyone; it is just reassuring to know that the DLC is currently in the works.
Make sure you listen to the complete interview later this week on the Post Game Report.
Microsoft announced a new virtual space coming both to Xbox LIVE and Games for Windows LIVE called Game Room at this year's Consumer Electronics Show. Game Room will be a hangout spot for you and your friends' avatars where you can purchase some old school arcade cabinets with games from a much simpler time. We have learned some information on the pricing structure and titles available when Game Room launches later this Spring.
The Game Room itself will be a free download. There will be three pricing tiers for the arcade cabinets. First up, 400 points ($5) gets you a dual platform license. You will get unlimited play on your Xbox 360 and PC. Don't need Centipede for both platforms? Well, 240 points ($3) will score you a virtual cabinet for either platform of your choice. If you want to be really old school, you can drop 40 points ($0.50) for a single play-through of a game. Snacks and soda not included. Games will be displayed in 1080p with multiplayer for up to two people. They will also support leaderboards and achievements with the ability to try out a game at a friend's arcade before you purchase it.
Microsoft promises "over 1000" titles to be released with thirty available at launch. Continue after the break for the list of launch titles. All I need is a hyper color shirt and it's like I'm a kid again.
Microsoft has chosen to close out the year with a deal on EA's XBLA title, Battlefield 1943. Originally 1200 points ($15), you can grab one of 2009's most enjoyable online shooters for a mere 560 points ($7).
Remember, this deal is for today only (at the time of this post). Not a bad way to close out the year in my opinion. Now if only EA and DICE would get to supporting the game with some DLC for all the new recruits. See you all on the battlefield, and everyone have a safe New Year.
Microsoft is bringing us a pretty good deal today as we wind down 2009. You can grab Castle Crashersfor 560 points ($7) off Xbox LIVE Marketplace for today only (at the time of this post). That is a markdown of over 50% off the original price of 1200 points ($15). Fans of arcade style co-op brawlers like The Simpsons Arcade Game and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles should definitely give this game a shot.
As the year comes to an end, I have realized it really has been a great year for downloadable games. Both the PSN and XBL have had great exclusive games while WiiWare has become more consistent with their offerings. What is your favorite downloadable game of the year? Let us know in the comments.
Time to get back to work everyone. I know, bummer huh? Well, we got one bit of news that might cheer you up. A little public service announcement reminding everybody that this week's Deal of the Week on Xbox LIVE Marketplace is The Maw for 400 points ($5). That's a savings of 50 percent.
The Maw is brought to you by Twisted Pixel, the company behind last summer's 'Splosion Man. As someone who is still working on ( I will succeed ) clearing that game, I am very much interested in picking this one up. Anybody try it out yet? Let us know if it's worth plopping 400 points on in the comments.
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction ups the ante with a co-op campaign mode that acts as a prequel to the single player storyline. Follow the trail of intel from St. Petersburg to the Caucasus as the player works in tandem with their teammate or engage in one of four co-op battle modes via Xbox LIVE or split-screen.
Four Russian EMP weapons have been stolen and need to be retrieved before they are sold on the black market. Third Echelon and their Russian counterpart, Voron, must work together to recover the warheads, sending American agent Archer and Russian agent Kestrel deep into the heart of Russia's dark and perilous underworld. Together, Archer and Kestrel will embark on a mission that will require their cooperation and combined skills that will test their mettle every step of the way.
This is the true next step in co-op gaming and the proper co-op sequel to the ahead of its time Splinter Cell Chaos Theory. So watch this video walkthrough, be amazed and then realize we all have to wait until February 23rd, 2010 to experience it for ourselves.
Microsoft announced today all of its upcoming December releases for Avatar Marketplace, Games on Demand, Deal of the Week and Xbox LIVE Arcade. They will also be having one day specials from December 18th to December 31 on select Marketplace content like movies, games, themes and premium add-ons. Be sure to check out the dashboard daily for the scoop on those deals.
Microsoft doesn't usually throw so much release information at us at once. The PR department must have a nice holiday vacation schedule coming up. Continue after the break for a rundown of the month's upcoming releases.
Good news for all our Canadian readers. Seems like you have access to Microsoft's new Halo Xbox 360 Elite Bundle. The bundle comes with a 250 GB hard drive, two black wireless controllers, and copies of Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST. This special edition will set you back $399.99 CAD ($380 USD) and will stay exclusive to Canada.
Really not a bad deal if you've missed out on Bungie's beloved series. Now get to your local retailer because they are only available for a limited time.
IGN is reporting that Rare might have dropped a little morsel of confirmation for the return of the Killer Instinct franchise during an interview with Games TM Magazine. Not only would it be returning after a 13 year hiatus, but the control scheme could be radically different.
"It's about timing, and it's about the opportunity creatively and gameplay-wise that it would offer," said Rare's Mark Betteridge. "Street Fighter IV looked great and they've done a great job, and I'm a big fan of those products, but with KI we want to do something different rather than go back into that arena." He also implied Natal functionality by saying, "I think it's about doing something different than with a conventional controller."
A new Killer Instinctgame seems to always be high on the rumor pile. But with Rare (a Microsoft owned studio) done fiddling with Xbox LIVE avatars, now seems like the perfect time for it to combine a beloved franchise with Microsoft's new motion sensing technology due next year. This exciting news to all you fighting game aficionados? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Re: Finally tried to purchase a PS3 last weekend - bucho the great - Quote: Sounds like Sony may be using the same strategy Nintendo is using. Every few months, Nintendo won't ship any Wii's to our store (GameStop) or store...
Re: The new and improved Party Thead - deschain - Quote: I wanted you guys to know. My father died this morning. Im conflicted about it because we were extremely estranged. Van, my condolences and prayers as well.
Re: Finally tried to purchase a PS3 last weekend - deschain - Quote: Sounds like Sony may be using the same strategy Nintendo is using. Every few months, Nintendo won't ship any Wii's to our store (GameStop) or store...
Re: The new and improved Party Thead - pherlonzo - Quote: I wanted you guys to know. My father died this morning. Im conflicted about it because we were extremely estranged. sorry to hear Van....regardless of the relationship you had, it's still tough to lose a parent...I'll send my prayers southward my friend
