November 22nd is coming up and is the magic date in which we'll be able to download movies and TV shows via Xbox Live. We've already touched on what is going to be offered, HD and SD content, along with movie rental and TV ownership. The only problem I foresee with this service is not how much content will be available, but how much the content will cost. If movies cost less than what I could rent them for at the local video store, XBL purchases could be a possible option. Same thing with TV shows. If they are relatively cheap based on what the cost per episode is if I bought the whole season on DVD, then I'd be inclined to make XBL purchases. My magic numbers are $2 SD movie rental, $3 HD movie rental, and $3 SD/HD TV show purchase. What are your magic numbers?
The right price for XBL TV and movie content
November 22nd is coming up and is the magic date in which we'll be able to download movies and TV shows via Xbox Live. We've already touched on what is going to be offered, HD and SD content, along with movie rental and TV ownership. The only problem I foresee with this service is not how much content will be available, but how much the content will cost. If movies cost less than what I could rent them for at the local video store, XBL purchases could be a possible option. Same thing with TV shows. If they are relatively cheap based on what the cost per episode is if I bought the whole season on DVD, then I'd be inclined to make XBL purchases. My magic numbers are $2 SD movie rental, $3 HD movie rental, and $3 SD/HD TV show purchase. What are your magic numbers?
Zune hits retailers today!
Microsoft's little mp3 player that could the Argo ... I mean Zune has hit retailers today! Yes, I know this is a blog about Xbox 360 and not mp3 players, point taken. But, have you forgotten the rumors that the 360 and Zune would play nice and possibly be able to show off some gamercard goodness? And of course Microsoft makes the Xbox 360 and Zune, both headed up by our buddy J Allard. Hmm, I think this whole post was about me trying to justify why there should be Zune news on this blog. Go buy your Zune today! (Zune news will be sparse from here on. I plomise.)
Don't blink, Forza 2 running at 60fps
A while back at TGS and X06 the press got a little hands loving with Forza 2 and were impressed with the visuals, but came away with a bad taste in their mouths. Everyone felt that Forza 2 was pretty eye candy, but quite choppy due to framerate issues. Well the framerate issue seems to be no more Forza fans, because the development team has announced that Forza 2 is running at blazingly sweet 60 frames per second with most particle/lighting effects turned on! And did you know that the original Forza ran at a measly 30fps ... interesting ain't it? I doubt Forza 2 will remain at 60fps when it launches, but I'm sure the framerate will be higher than its older (less attractive) brother.[Via IGN]
Bet on it, Rainbow Six Vegas delayed [update 1]
You'll have an extra week to exercise your slot machine arm and practice your craps throwing wrist action, because today Ubisoft announced that Rainbow Six Vegas would ship in December. Rainbow Six Vegas was originally announced to ship on November 24th, but according to their updated list of release dates it has been delayed to release one week later. I guess it's just one week, nothing to big. But I have a feeling that Ubisoft has something against November and Thanksgiving. Ubisoft hates turkeys and that's not a fact.Update: I forgot to mention this delay affects only Europe. My bad.
The better matchmaking method, Gears or Halo?
With all the excitement surrounding Gears of War this past week, I thought I'd compare its multiplayer with that of my other favorite Xbox game, Halo 2. Of course both games have great multiplayer aspects to them and both are quite fun, but for the sake of this blog post I'm not interested in what the multiplayer is like, I'm looking at how the matchmaking system is implemented. I really want to know how easy is it to get into a game that is ranked, how easy it is to setup a game in which your friends can play, and overall how the multiplayer experience is managed. I pick at my brain for these answers to this multiplayer conundrum ... after the break.
Continue reading The better matchmaking method, Gears or Halo?
Let's compare visuals: Ridge Racer
With the release of the Playstation 3 this week we'll undoubtedly see comparisons between it and the Xbox 360 in terms of visual prowess. It's inevitable, because some gamers base their purchasing decisions strictly on which console can produce the prettiest looking environments and coolest HD particle effects. I figured I'd add fuel to this upcoming fire by posting a little comparison between the Xbox 360 version of Ridge Racer 6 and the PS3 version of Ridge Racer 7. What's cool about these comparison shots is that they are of roughly the same environments and locations, depicting a direct and accurate comparison. Though, the screen grabs are just that, off-screen grabs of the games and the article is in a language I have yet to study. Take a look at some comparison shots, which would you give the blue ribbon award for graphics to?[Via, Digg]
Crackdown screens are promising
Today Xboxygen got their hands on some new screen grabs of the upcoming 360 game Crackdown. The art style for this game looks somewhat cartoon based and simplistic, but the screenshots are promising to what amount of interaction you can have with the world. I'm especially fond of the super-human jumping in this game and the random environment destruction, because destruction is so much fun. Keep your eye on Crackdown as it's set to release sometime next year.
[Thanks, Gaetge]
Emergence Day 2006
It's been a very long wait, but the day has finally arrived. By now you've had your copy of Gears of War for a few days, put in some multiplayer time, dabbled a little in the campaign, and mastered the art of the cover system. Hopefully you had a good nights rest, put on extra deodorant, bought some eye drops, and fed your hamster, because you've been summoned to play 24 hours of Gears of War on Xbox Live. Don't fret for you are strong, the locusts are no match for you ... it's November 12th and Emergence Day 2006 has arrived. Jump online, win some cool prizes, download exclusive content and most importantly kick the Epic development team's ass. Sera needs you soldier, get to it!
Black Friday deals on 360 games
It's that time of the year when consumers wait outside stores for hours on end to get the best holiday deals. Black Friday is the unofficial start of the holiday season, presents are purchased, kids begin to beg Santa for gifts, and a huge amount of money is spent. And what would Black Friday be without leaked ad scans weeks in advance? Word on the street is that Best Buy will be having a sweet $18.99 sale on a few Xbox 360 games including R* Games Presents: Table Tennis, Condemned, Amped 3, and NBA Live 06. So, if you feel like participating in the Black Friday ritual, make the holy trek to Best Buy and pick up a few games ... just be sure to bring a roll of Tums, because we all know the day after Thanksgiving wreaks havoc on the belly.
A lil look at the HD-DVD player, YouTube style
I'm not the biggest fan of HD movie players and really not all that interested in the new Xbox 360 HD-DVD player. Hey, I'm being honest! I just don't see the point of dropping $199 on basically a movie player so you can see your flicks in HD glory. And yes, I'm jaded ... and bitter. Anyway, check out the YouTube video after the break and get a quick introduction to the new HD-DVD player for your 360. I must say, the splitting of the eject button is quite spiffy and the load times are rather quick. And I do agree that if you are in the market for a HD movie player that this is one of the best deals around. Anyone out there in fanboy world picking this up and willing to give your opinion/review? (FYI: Flaming is not welcome here, it's only allowed on Tuesday mornings.)[Via, Kotaku]
Continue reading A lil look at the HD-DVD player, YouTube style
GoW: Race to Launch
On Monday night set your DVR, TiVo, VHS recorder or just tune into MTV's little documentary Gears of War: Race to Launch airing at 8:30PM. Oh and by the way, this is the same special that a GearHeads of War ultimate fan was chosen for. Seriously, you can't have enough Gears of War or Cliffy B interviews ... that's just how it is right now.
Frankie is obsessed with water
Frankie's most recent Bungie Weekly Update talks about various things, anything from a sales update on the new Halo novel, to how pretty Halo 3's water is. Above all the meat and potatos of Frankie's update is that next week there will be some BIG Halo 3 news revealed. I can't help but think that the BIG news coming out next week is due to a certain console being launched, just call me crazy. I for one can't get enough Halo 3 news, who's with me on that?
Half Life 2 delayed
For everyone looking forward to living in Gordon Freeman's world early next year, it looks like you'll have to wait just a little bit longer. Recently Doug Lombardi, Valve's Director of Marketing, told CVG that Half Life 2: Episode 2 will be delayed until Summer 2007. I guess the Xbox version of Half Life 2 could hold you over if you can't bear the wait, but I want my episode 2 now!
Play what in 2007?
With the recent release of Gears of War you may be asking yourself, "man this game roxorz, but what other games can I look forward to in 2007?" It's okay my friend we're here to enlighten you, because About.com compiled a nice list of the most anticipated Xbox 360 games dropping in 2007. I'm already saving up for games like BioShock, Lost Planet, Halo 3 (duh), Alan Wake, Too Human, Assassin's Creed, and Guitar Hero II. I'm going to shed a tear ... just look at what we'll be playing in 2007.[Via, Digg]
XBL survey fuels rumors
The other day a select few Xbox Live users were contacted by Microsoft for a little survey fun. And yes I agree with you, normally surveys are yawn inducing, but this survey was extra special as it revealed new products and ideas Microsoft has been planning. Xbox Live users were asked their opinion on various new products including an arcade joystick, a mini keyboard that connects to your controller, a premium black controller, a web browser, and a rundown of various pricing options for new content and media. I know I'd love to get my hands on that sexy black controller, but which of these new products would you like to see hit retail?[Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]
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