Xbox 360 and Xbox Game Review

Full Spectrum Warrior Developer Interview - Part 2 of 3

2006-02-22T18:58:00.000-08:00

Developer Interview - PART 2 OF 3

Q6: Are Special Forces on all missions, or are regular soldiers are getting missions? (not just SF)

A: There is a greater mix of specialty units in Ten Hammers. There are snipers, heavy weapon’s experts, RPG fighters, even an Insurgent spy in one mission. We found that people really like the specialty units in the first game so we incorporated more in Ten Hammers.

Q7: Will the background setting be destructible, where the use of explosives leave considerable amount of wreckage to the structures of a building? What techniques will be used to achieve this special effect?

A: As in FSW, most props are completely destructible in Ten Hammers. This plays into the strategic component of the game because you can’t just hunker-down behind something like a car for too long before it degrades so much that it provides no cover. Buildings have some degree of destructibility but they cannot be completely brought down to the ground – that’s just not possible in our technology.

Q8: Will the destruction to surrounding structures be only limited to grenades or to certain weapons?

A: Explosives are the most destructive ordnance in your arsenal. Grenades, C4 explosives, mines and RPGs tend to cause the most destruction.

Check back soon for Part 3 of this Developer Interview!

Click here to view the product fact sheet: http://www.hypemakers.net/fsw2/productkit/Full_Spectrum_Warrior_Ten_Hammers-Product_Information.pdf

More information on Full Spectrum Warrior

BestBuy Had Your Xbox 360.. For an Hour.

2005-12-20T04:46:00.000-08:00

Well, they came and went, and those lucky enough to have heard about the huge deliveries to BestBuy were able to take advantage of news and score their Xbox 360 before Christmas.

Like many Xbox 360 fans, I had heard the news about the BestBuy deliveries last Sunday. I was even able to check my local stores for information about how many units were to be delivered. Much to my surprise, two stores in my area received over 100 units each. HOLY COW!

But my lazy self wasn't able to get to the store before it opened. It was freezing in Chicago, minus 10 degrees with windchill, the car was slow to warm up, so was I, the dog ate my homework, I left my glasses at home, the sun was in my eyes, Neuman! I was too late.

Within 1 hour ever single Xbox 360 had been sold at both of my local BestBuy stores. My chance to score an Xbox 360 before Christmas was now nothing more than a dream.

Sources tell me that another large delivery will take place in two weeks, and this time, no matter what, I'll have one of those units in my grubby little hands... no matter what!

Test Microsoft Video Games

2005-12-08T04:55:00.000-08:00

One of my first jobs was testing video games for Bally Midway back in the 80’s. I actually got paid to play video games, and much to my surprise they even listened to my suggestions. Being a Video Game Test Pilot was one of the most fun jobs I have ever had. I am even more amazed that I still get to do it as an adult. I love my job.

Want to give it a try?

Microsoft is always on the look out for new people to test out their video games. Sure, you won’t get paid, but you will get a nice gift, and the right to say you played it first. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll have your own video game website and be able to sit around all day playing the latest video games with your friends.It’s called “The Playtest Program” and according to Microsoft it’s “The most fun you’ll have testing software”By enrolling in the Playtest program you will be eligible to participate in lab sessions, surveys and site visits. Once enrolled and scheduled to participate in a study, you will be offered a gratuity selection at the conclusion of your study.

Enrollment takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Click here to enroll into the Playtest program.

Sign up to be eligible for Microsoft Game Studio research activities and see for yourself!

Gun - Game Review

2005-12-08T04:49:00.000-08:00

By Ronnie Lewis

Platform:XBOX

Publisher:Activision

Copyright:2005

ISBN:B0009Z3HZQ

ESRB Rating:M

Price:$49.99

Rating:7

Synopsis:
Activision's Gun is an attempt at the Old West that has real cowboys spinning in their graves.

Features:
XBOX Live, nope.
Co-Op, nope.

Ride whatever horse you can get your hands on even wild mustangs. That's right without Robert Redford having to whisper to it first.

Completed side missions earn you extra cash to spend in town's general store. All two of the towns.

Watchout for foul language.

Review:
Storyline
Typical story line in the Old West, your father is killed by some renegades and you have to avenge his death. Wyatt Earp this is not your Dodge City anymore, its nobody's Dodge City not even Randolph Scott's. Randolph Scott? Watch Blazing Saddles, best Western ever made!

Gameplay
OK with room for improvement. Example, when you target something you really don't have to be dead on to hit it. I'm not one for in the ball park aiming. However, I did like the controls of the horse.

Graphics
The graphics had me scratching my head as some things were very good and some where not. Good things - the horse shoe prints left in the dirt. Bad things - the size of the hands and feet on the characters. The girls at the saloon looked like Bugs Bunny in drag. With all that extra feet hanging over the shoe.

The Bottom Line
Its a renter and definitely not a buyer. I think that Activision can do a lot better. The game is way too short and the landscaping needs to be crisper.

Xbox 360 Costs Microsoft $153

2005-12-08T04:46:00.000-08:00

iSuppli Corp. analysts have reported that Microsoft loses at least $153 on each Xbox 360 video game console it sells.

The parts such as processors and manufacturing costs around $552.27 for every machine that retails at $399. Marketing and shipping costs aren't included in the estimates. The premium version of the games machine uses an IBM processor that costs $106. Other IBM chips bring the total cost of chips and integrated circuits to $340 per console, the researcher said.

Bill Gates is betting that the Xbox 360, Microsoft's only unprofitable unit last year, will bolster sales of the company's other products to consumers. The Xbox 360 will also be profitable over the life of the machine, unlike its predecessor. Microsoft gets $7 to $8 hardware royalties for each game made by outside companies, and more on games produced by its own game studio.

Xbox 360 Zero Hour

2005-11-10T12:42:00.000-08:00

Gamers From Around the World to Converge at Massive Xbox 360 Launch Event in Mojave Desert

3,000 Lucky Gamers Invited to “Xbox 360: Zero Hour” Launch Event;

Best Buy Offers Gamers Chance to Buy Xbox 360 Onsite

Microsoft announced details of the Xbox 360 launch event, "Xbox 360: Zero Hour," where thousands of gamers from around the world are invited to make the pilgrimage to an undisclosed location in the Mojave desert to witness the dawning of the next generation of gaming.

In order to get a ticket to attend this exclusive event, gamers must win them from any one of the participating sites listed below. Tickets are limited and distributed on a first come, first serve and random drawing basis. Hopeful attendees should check participating sites frequently since sign-up forms will be posted at unspecified times throughout the day between 12:01 AM PST and 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, November 10. After registration ends, the winners will be chosen and a total of 3,000 lucky gamers will join VIPs from the U.S. "Hex 168" and European "Origen" campaigns to be the first gamers in the world to fully experience all that Xbox 360 has to offer. The first 360 eligible entries registered will automatically receive an invitation for two to attend the Microsoft sponsored "Xbox 360: Zero Hour" event in Southern California. The remaining entries will be entered into a random drawing and 1140 winners will be selected from among all eligible entries received to also win an invitation for two to attend the event.

Microsoft’s massive launch event will feature hundreds of gaming stations, live entertainment and around-the-clock gaming at a venue immersed in the Xbox 360 experience. Attendees need not worry about missing out on one of the thousands of national “midnight madness” events. Best Buy, retail partner of the Xbox 360 launch event, will be onsite where gamers can purchase their Xbox 360 consoles, games and peripherals.

In addition to gaming nirvana, attendees will be able to purchase food and beverages at around-the-clock refreshment stations while they enjoy live entertainment including a genuine “Kaiju Big Battel” (www.kaiju.com) and a musical performance by raucous rock band “Louis XIV.” Attendees will also receive exclusive event give-aways such as “Zero Hour” Xbox 360 console faceplates.

Participating Sites (check back often, new sites may be added)

Xbox.com

MSN Games

GameSpot

GameSpy

1UP.com

Game Informer

GamePro

IGN.com

TeamXbox.com

Artist rendition of the Xbox 360 Zero Hour event
Please review the official rules before entering.

From Russia with Love - Exclusive Content

2005-11-09T15:52:00.000-08:00

You’re invited to check out our exclusive content: 007 From Russia with Love

Personally, I am a huge fan of the Sir Sean Connery series of 007 films, and from what I have seen so far this game looks like it not only scored big on the look and era of the original films, but they have taken the original excitement and pumped it up to the max!

Enter the Classic World of James Bond

The year is 1963. Your name is Bond, James Bond. And your mission is to slip inside the dangerous and debonair world of the original 007 played by none other than Sean Connery. Travel to exotic destinations such as Istanbul on the Orient Express, connect with a beautiful Russian double agent, and immerse yourself into an authentic re-creation of the classic Bond world. In missions that combine driving and stealth, delve deeper into the plot of the legendary film in an experience that will leave you shaken... and stirred.

FEATURES

Play as Connery's Bond—Step into the shoes of the legendary Sean Connery, the original James Bond.

Enter the World of Classic 007—Drive the vintage cars, meet the beautiful women, and visit the exotic locales, all beautifully rendered in authentic '60s style.

The Best Bond Experience Yet—Fully integrated stealth and driving missions, non-linear level progression, the new zoom and focus aiming mechanic, and a deeply immersive living world add up to innovative, non-stop Bond action.

Brand-New Multiplayer Mode—Third-person, split-screen deathmatch mode offers an engrossing social multiplayer experience.

Control 007 Like Never Before—A new scoring and rewards system allows you to deeply customize the equipment, skills, and abilities you'll use in action as James Bond.

Classic Gadgets Made Modern—Equip yourself with an array of classic weapons and gadgets updated with unique 21st century twists.

Battlefield 2 - Game Review

2005-11-09T05:01:00.000-08:00

Features:
Single player story lets you fight for NATO or fight for the Chinese, your choice. Maybe Europe and not the Band either. Maybe you have a soft spot for figting in the Middle East.

Multiplayer is off the chain with battles of up to 24 players.

Drive anything you can get your hands on, boats, tanks, jeeps, and helicopters.

"Hotswap" from infantry to sniper or sniper to helicopter with the push of a button. Allows you to play all over the battlefield.

Challenges are extra opportunities for gaining rank and medals.

Review:

Storyline
Not that a storyline matters because this game is all about the killing. Yeah for WAR!!! Depending on who you choose to be, the stories will vary. I played back and forth between NATO and the Chinese. Basically its defend or attack, and while the missions are kind of short they are packed with action.

Gameplay
Battlefield 2 has a lot going on, so its not a sit and wait shooter. Its a "you better be moving or you're dead" shooter. The "Hotswap" function really added to the games fun factor, and makes you think about how to complete the missions. The weapons and vehicles are realistic, especially the helicopters. I was nauscious a little bit just from the realism of turning and shooting and flying. Auntie Emme its a twister. Toto we're not in Kansas anymore are we? Seriously, the helicopters were definately my favorite thing to be in except for when you get shot out of the sky by a Stinger mounted on the ridge. You'll hear the missle lock beeping and you can't do a thing about it.

Graphics
The graphics are very good. Seeing the ground spin out of the helicopter window in first person is kind of scary. Uniforms were tight and looked good from up close. Scenery was real enough for such a fast paced game.

The Bottome Line
EA does two things great, sports and war. This is a very fun game to play, and with the added multiplayer capability its like being in a fight simulator. The missions are kind of short, but intense! There are a lot of enemies to shoot at with all the toys you accumulate. Go Get it!!!

by Ronnie Lewis
xbox-game-review.com

Star Wars Battlefront 2 Game Review

2005-11-08T04:55:00.000-08:00

The geniuses at Lucasarts Entertainment have taken the popular Star Wars Battlefront game and made it even better. With all new open-ended, mission-based objectives, the ability to play as a Jedi, and even the introduction of space combat, Star Wars Battlefront II could quit possibly be the best Star Wars game ever!

Story Line

Fans of the first Star Wars Battlefront will surely recognize the slightly revamped Galactic Conquest single-player mode with more toys and even more freedom. In addition to the classic Galactic Conquest, players can now choose to partake in “Rise of the Empire” which follows the exploits of Darth Vader’s own 501st cloned infantry division. It all begins with the traditional tutorial on Geonosis and then blasts off into utter mayhem as the clones fight their way across the galaxy under the orders of the evil Supreme Chancellor Palpatine.

Gameplay

The original Star Wars Battlefront’s awesome game play is what made it such a hit with Xbox players of all ages, and this latest release does not disappoint. With the addition of new characters, improved flight controls, space combat, and the ability to play as a Jedi, Star Wars Battlefront II has all the ingredients to entertain even the most experienced of gamers.

Let’s face it, everyone wants a Jedi on their side, and now you not only can have one on your side, but you actually take control of the light saber wielding heroes yourself and begin to inflict some serious damage on upon your enemies. At times the Jedi can appear to dance around the screen like mad puppets dangling from an invisible harness, and when playing against them online the effect is even worse. It can seem almost impossible to win against the Jedi, and large online multi-player battles with loads of hero’s can sometimes seem a little mindless and chaotic. All that said, the ability to play with and against the Jedi in new ways is a worthy and welcome addition.

One of my favorite things to do is take control of a classic Star Wars vehicle and begin to wreak havoc. Battlefront II has improved upon the controls and even added some new vehicles from episode III. The new vehicles seemed to have been slightly toned down in their destructive nature, however an affective pilot can really do some damage.

One of my favorite additions to Battlefront II is the space combat. You now have the ability to fly in space against your enemy or even board enemy ships destroying them from the inside. The space combat is fun enough in itself to make this game a worthy purchase.

Graphics

Battlefront II’s graphics are extremely well done and even an improvement over the already impressive original version. It’s easy to submerse yourself into the environments and the realism is apparent throughout the game. A+

Multiplayer.

While many players will surely enjoy the game for it’s unique single player game play, those of us who have played the original Battlefield online know it’s potential. This new version does not disappoint, and with added environments and the ability for increased amounts of players, the fantastic online gameplay really adds value to this already worthy purchase

The Bottom Line.

Get this game! While it may seem at times to be very similar to the original, due to the fact that we are talking about Star Wars, this game does a great job improving upon what was already considered a must have title. With the addition of the new characters and vehicles, combined with fantastic online multi-player gameplay, this game has quickly become one of my top picks for 2005. Get this game, you will not be disappointed.

Sponsor Xbox Game Review

2005-11-04T16:01:00.000-08:00

We are looking for new sponsors for Xbox Game Review, and Bob Narley’s Xbox 360 and Xbox Game Review

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Many of the top video game promotion companies have already come to us to help promote the launch of high profile video games for the Xbox and Xbox 360. It's easy to see that with so many Top 20 search engine positions for "Xbox 360 Game Review" that we are well positioned for the future of the Xbox.

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The Outfit - Game Info - Trailer - Screenshots

2005-11-03T05:59:00.000-08:00

THQ and Relic Entertainment take the explosive World War II combat to the next geration in an all-new 3rd Person Action Game - The Outfit.

Click Here for More Information - The Game - Trailer - Screenshots

From the website:

Experience the cinematic intensity of WWII combat through 12 epic Single-player mission or go online for a variety of Multiplayer modes, including Co-Op and Versus. With 720p HD: 16:9 Widescreen and 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound - The Outfit takes full advantage of Xbox 360's High Definition gaming expereince.

What are Xbox Live Points?

2005-10-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

Xbox Live Points are due to be released on December 15th, 2005. Xbox Live points, also called Microsoft Points, or Xbox Live Marketplace Points, are relatively cheap prepaid cards which will enable Xbox Live players the ability to purchase game enhancing features such as new game levels, new characters, and subscription fee’s for upcoming games.

Xbox Live Marketplace is the one-stop download center for additional game-related content like free trailers and demos as well as content that adds more to games, such as new levels, characters and weapons.

In a nutshell, Xbox Live Points are the virtual currency that enables you to download the cool stuff from the Xbox Live Marketplace.

Did you know that Xbox Live is FREE with the Xbox Live 360?

It’s true, the basic level of Xbox Live for the Xbox Live 360 is called the Silver membership, and it’s completely FREE.

In addition to the free Xbox Live Silver membership available to every Xbox 360 owner, for only $49.99 (U.S.) or $59.99 (CDN)* gamers can amplify their gaming experience with a 12-month Xbox Live Gold membership. Gamers looking for a truly engaging and immersive online multiplayer experience can pick up one of the Xbox Live Premium Gold Packs, which include the new Xbox 360 Headset, Xbox Live Arcade games, Microsoft® Points for use in Xbox Live Marketplace, and mail-in rebates for up to $20 (U.S.) off any Xbox 360 game.

On September 8th, Microsoft Corp. released an announcement that credit cards will no longer be required to create an account on Xbox Live for Xbox 360, thus removing one of the biggest barriers to entry. Gamers can purchase 12-month Xbox Live subscription cards via cash or other payment methods at any participating retail store. Subscriptions will also be available for purchase by credit card in one-month, three-month and 12-month increments through the Xbox Live Dashboard.

The Xbox Live Marketplace and Xbox Live Points promise to bring even more value to your gaming experience.

Bob Narley
http://xbox-game-review.com

Xbox 360 Microprocessor Screams

2005-10-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

International Business Corp. has finally revealed the details regarding the screaming fast microprocessor that powers the much anticipated Xbox 360 video game console.

The original Xbox, which was released in 2001, used a microprocessor from Intel Corp., a 733-megaherts Pentium III. All the way back in 2003, the gurus at Microsoft decided to switch to a completely different vendor for the next-generation Xbox, and wisely choose IBM.

The new IBM-built chip boasts three customized PowerPC computing engines, which are able to run two simultaneous tasks each, at amazing clock speeds in excess of 3 gigahertz. Yeah baby!

“Working with IBM gave us the flexibility to design a processor to give game developers the kind of targeted power they need to make great games” Todd Holmdahl, Microsoft VP of Xbox Hardware.

Sounds fast right? It gets better.

The tech heads at IBM also incorporated high-speed connection between the microprocessor and the Xbox 360’s graphics processor, which was developed by ATI Technolgies Inc. Now the graphics hardware will benefit from being able to read directly from what’s stored on the primary processor’s onboard memory.

With a price tag expected to hit $399.99, the Xbox 360 shows every indication of taking video games to the next level. I can’t wait. Can anybody bum me $400?

XBOX.com and XBOX Live Back Online with Serious Upgrades

2005-10-25T05:10:00.002-07:00

After 24 hours of shakes, sweats, and hallucinations, it’s good to know that the new XBOX.com website is back online. Gone are the funky boarders that we had all come to know and love. The new website is very straight forward and logical and packed with important information that is well worth the time to read.

The first thing I checked out was the Xbox Live information. “The cat’s out of the bag: Xbox Live has a new pricing program for Xbox 360 owners, and it’s golden.” Straight from the Xbox.com website, Xbox 360 has two levels of Xbox Live membership; Silver and Gold.

While it appears that both Silver and Gold memberships allow you to play the same great online multiplayer experience that the Xbox has excelled at, the Gold membership does have it’s privileges. Xbox Live Gold is enhanced for Sbox 360, you have total control over your online experience. Check out the articles on the feedback system, enhanced friends list, matchmaking, Gamer Zones, and tournament systems for full details about each component of Xbox Live Gold.

The Feedback system finally comes into play, the player review system is now a matchmaking tool that directly affects a player’s reputation based on user-submitted feedback. The system will know who you’ve had a good game experience with, and assigns a higher priority to those people that you prefer, based on your feedback submission. Negative player reviews work the same way, but with the opposite effect. In a nutshell, the jerks will get matched up with the jerks, while the rest of us play with good sports. This is welcome news to all of us who have been forced to finish out a loosing battle with quitters and cheaters.

Another great new feature of Xbox Live is the “Gamer Zone”. Four differenet zones are available for your choose from and will help tell others the kind of player your are. It’s another great way the Xbox Live experience will now match you up with other like-minded players during matchmaking. The four levels are: Recreation – designed for casual gamers who just want to have fun. Family – where “kids of all ages” can gather for family-friendly gaming. Pro – designed for the Hardcore gamers like me who are there to play and to win, improving their gamescore, Underground – where anything goes and usually does, perfect for the annoying human beat box and betraying team killers.

It looks like Xbox Live has delivered what it’s promised and has taken the terrific multi-player online game-play a step in the right direction. It’s always been a frustrating task when trying to play a serious online game and improve your ranking while some young jerk starts to betray the whole team. Finally, they will have their own clubhouse to go play in and leave us hardcore Xbox Live fans to real game. Kudos Xbox.

XBOX Game Review - Xbox 360 Game Review

2005-10-24T16:39:00.000-07:00

It always amazes me when one of my websites takes off and becomes extremely popular. This Blog, Xbox-Game-Review, was started out of my love for the XBOX and XBOX Live, and in only a matter of a few months has become one my most popular websites to date.

Thanks to some great search engine positions, listed as #3 on Yahoo for Xbox Game Review, and high subscription rates, I have decided to take this project to the next level.

I’m very pleased to announce my latest website http://xbox-game-review.com/. The new website features all of the same great Xbox game reviews, hints, cheats, and walk-throughs, plus many more features.

The new website has all of the latest Xbox news from around the globe, updated automatically every hour. Along with the usual news and tips, we have a forum where members are encouraged to share their tips and reviews. It is my hope that you will join us at http://xbox-game-review.com/ and help make it one of the largest free resources for Xbox Game Reviews for the Xbox and the Xbox 360.

Membership will always be free.

Bob Narley.

Xbox Game Reviews

Xbox 360 Game Reviews

Xbox Live Outage: October 24th

2005-10-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

Xbox live fans, prepare for withdrawals!

The Xbox live system is scheduled to be down for the whole of October 24th, 2005.

Why?

This is in preparation for the launch of Xbox Live on Xbox 360. Woo hooo! The Xbox team says that the interruption will be brief and should return on Tuesday, October 25th. Fear not young Jedi, Leaderboard information for tournaments will not be affected.

At the same time, Xbox.com will also undergo a complete overhaul and redesign, and will re-launch with new features, new forums, and exciting new content soon after the Xbox Live service outage.

This is a good thing! And pretty damn exciting! After this brief interruption of service, Xbox Live will be primed and ready to go with all-new features enabled by Xbox 360, ready to blow us away with the launch of the system on November 22nd in North America, December 2nd for our friends in Europe, and December 10th in Japan.

Have you been saving your money? I know that I’m still short, however there is no way that I am going to miss out on being one of the first Xbox Live fans to get their hands on the new Xbox Live 360.

Xbox Live Bags an Emmy!

2005-10-21T11:03:00.000-07:00

Xbox Live®, the premier global online console games and entertainment network, announced today that the service has been awarded a prestigious Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Technology and Advanced New Media. The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) will honor Xbox Live for Outstanding Achievement in Multiplayer-Backend Console Game Technology, in recognition of pioneering leadership and continuous innovation, as part of the upcoming 57th Annual Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards on September 29, 2005 in Princeton, New Jersey.

Xbox Live continues to transform and unite Xbox game communities worldwide, with more than 300 games planned by end of holiday 2005 for Xbox and Xbox 360 across 24 countries worldwide. As the first global, unified online console games network connecting more than two million members worldwide, Xbox Live continues to take online gameplay and entertainment to unprecedented heights.

Founded in 1955, NATAS presents Emmy awards in the area of Technology and Engineering for ground-breaking work in television broadcast and production systems, interactive television, and other new media technologies.

“Gaming and its particular needs have been a significant source of new technology development in the areas of video and television-centric activities. It is quite natural that this work should be recognized in the same way we’ve recognized the achievements in broadcast technology,” said Seth Haberman, Chair of Video Gaming and Technology awards panel for NATAS. “Given Microsoft’s long considerable achievement in the area of gaming, I was particularly proud that the committee was able to acknowledge those efforts with an Emmy.”

"Xbox Live is the ultimate online gaming experience avidly enjoyed by millions of gamers around world,” said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of worldwide marketing and publishing for the Home Entertainment Division at Microsoft. “We are extremely honored to receive this Emmy Award in recognition of our pioneering innovation in advanced new media and online gaming technology and entertainment."

Darkwatch - Xbox Game Review

2005-09-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

Xbox Review Darkwatch

Capcom once again returns us to the old west, but this time to fight a totally un-cool vampire named Lazarus and a bunch of his zombie type friends. The release on this first person shooter had been delayed for what seemed like eternity, nothing unusual from the Capcom when it comes to Old West shooters. Let’s see if it’s worth buying, or if it’s just another western shooter rental.

The Storyline

Truth be told, I really don’t care much about a story line. I like good action, graphics, and game play, however this storyline had me interested. You rob a train, only to find out it contained an evil vampire in the vault. He turns you into a vampire, you hook up with some government chic named Cassidy Sharp, and you spend the rest of the day shooting up zombies as you try to kill Lazarus the evil vampire and save your pitiful soul.

In 3 words, Western Zombie Shooter.

Gameplay

There are some interesting twists to the controls of your character, Jericho. Once his vampire like abilities start to kick in he can do some pretty interesting double jumps with tons of hang time, decent dives, and a fun melee attack with will surely become one of the easiest ways to kill your stupid enemies.

Your character has 4 vampire powers, and depending on which path you chose, good or bad, will influence the powers. Several points in the story line determine your path, that and killing civilians for no reason. Ah, the power of the dark side.

Melee attacks and early shootouts aside, Darwatch’s gameplay didn’t really impress me. The controls were o.k. and the game featured some interesting twists as far as character abilities, but after an hour or two it’s the same old same old.

Graphics

I have heard mixed reviews about the graphics. Everyone agrees that the pre-rendered scenes blow, however the zombies blow up really well and twist and turn like there bones are broken. That’s Fun stuff.

The background scenes were empty and flat in my opinion. I don’t know, I guess I just expected or hoped for more as far as the graphics.

Multiplayer

Everybody knows that I’m all about the multi-player. If you make a game, it better have good mutli-player or in my opinion its not worth the purchase price. Darkwatch does not deliver on mutli-player. I quickly became disinterested. Plop.

The Bottom Line

The story line has holes and was a little disappointing. Some odd monster noises when there are none visible in the game distracted me from the game play. The Halo-ish vehicle controls were unnecessary and awkward. The graphics could have been better. It’s fun to blow up the zombies and watch them fling around in mid air, but with only about 6 hours of game play and worthless multi-player action, I have to say that Darkwatch is a cheap rental at best. It’s fun to play, for all of 6 hours maximum, but not worth the purchase.

Win A Free Xbox 360 Every 10 Minutes!

2005-08-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

What Vidiot wouldn’t love to save themselves several hundred hard earned dollars and win a free Xbox 360?

Mountain Dew/Pepsi has now made the opportunity available to you with their latest promotion. As usual, the good people at Pepsi have made it as easy as possible; simply look for codes on specially marked Mountain Dew and Pepsi products. Each code is a chance to win! You can actually earn up to 5 extra codes by referring the promotion to your friends.

I have included a link to the promotions website which has all the information that you could possibly need.

http://pepsi.yahoo.com/everyten/home.php

Good Luck Gamers! And I’ll see you online.

New Halo 2 Maps on Xbox Live, July 5 2005

2005-06-30T06:31:00.000-07:00

Great News! On July 5th, 2005 the new Maptacular Pack will be available for download via Xbox Live. The new Maptacular expansion Pack will include “the final 5 action-packed multiplayer maps” for only $11.99 in US Dollars. Relic, Elongation, Terminal, and Backwash, all promise to add some interesting variety to the already fantastic Xbox Live Multiplayer game of Halo 2.

New Halo 2 Maps FREE on Xbox Live Today!

2005-06-28T06:13:00.000-07:00

It’s all about Killtacular, the 2 downloadable maps that were previously only available to the Halo 2 fans who shelled out the $5.99 are NOW FREE! Those of us who have been playing these maps since their release will all tell you that it’s a worthy download.

The two maps included in the Killtacular pack are Sanctuary and Turf. Sanctuary is an outdoor map that features twin bases, each stocked with turrets and the highly sought after Sniper Rifles. A sword can be found in the middle pool and you have plenty of cover and options to help you make your way across the bullet ridden paths. Turf is a very tight and fast action street fighting situation where every turn is a blind corner. The Warthog’s Gauss Gun can really tear up the enemy if you place it in the right location although you won’t find it an easy task to drive around the streets. I’m sure you will agree that the two new maps add some cool variety to the multi-player game play.

Download your Free maps from the main menu and I’ll see you in the lobby.

Fantastic 4 - Best Buy Cheat Codes: Hell and Latvia Levels

2005-06-27T15:16:00.000-07:00

Fantastic 4 is due to be released on 6/28/2005

Enter the amazing universe of Marvel Comics with the Fantastic 4. Explore the world of super-heroes and help Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm use their mind-boggling abilities in an epic battle against the evil Dr. Doom and other nasty enemies. Immerse yourself in classic comic book missions as you put your powers to work to save the human race from ultimate disaster.

The dark, fiery "Hell" level is loaded with comic book style, and is a perfect playground for the F4. You can get there, and to another bonus level, "Latveria," with this code.

Right, Right, X, B, Left, Up, Down

Cheat Codes - Medal of Honor European Assault

2005-06-22T20:11:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the codes for Medal of Honor European Assault.

To enter a code, pause the game during gameplay and hold L1 + R1 while pressing CIRCLE, CIRCLE, LEFT, TRIANGLE, CIRCLE, X.

Disable HUD
CIRCLE, DOWN, CIRCLE, UP, TRIANGLE, CIRCLE

Disable Shellshock
L2, R1, L2, L1, TRIANGLE, TRIANGLE

Get Documents
UP, X, R2, R1, UP, SQUARE

Kill Level's Nemesis
DOWN, L2, L1, UP, SQUARE

Suicide
X, TRIANGLE, CIRCLE, RIGHT, TRIANGLE, CIRCLE

Halo 2 World Champion

2005-06-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

King Tuur of The Netherlands scored big and beat out 50,000 other contestantants for the title of Halo 2 World Champion. This was the first tournament of its kind on Xbox Live and included players from each of Xbox Live's 24 regions worldwide. The competition was played entirely online via Xbox Live.

Here is what King Tuur won:
* A 50' Samsung Flat Screen DLP HDTV
* A Samsung DVD Player/Recorder
* A Personalized Xbox Live Halo 2 Global Champion Trophy featuring a gold Halo 2 game disc
* The U.S. equivalent of $1,500 in cash

Congratulations to King Tuur and the rest of the finalists. I'll be looking for you online.

Game Review - Medal of Honor European Assault

2005-06-14T06:11:00.000-07:00

EA games Medal of Honor European Assault is the next first person shooter in the Medal of Honor series. It’s a big improvement over Rising Sun, with many new features to keep the game play interesting; however fans of Xbox Live will find that this new release is not supported on Xbox Live.

Finally, the end of linear game play. Sure, the first few dull tutorial style missions will seam very linear to play, however once they have been completed we find some pretty cool environments that are ours to roam. Secondary missions are revealed as we progress through the mission, and while they are not mandatory, they do reward with some much needed revives upon completion. I really felt that this open environment is a huge improvement for the series and really added to the overall game play. Thank god. I hate linear game play.

Another new feature is the Squad-based game play. This time, our character is joined by three companions who can be guided around the war zone through the use of fairly simple commands. I felt that the AI on our buddies was a little suspect at times as they continuously ran out in front of bullets and tanks. Maybe I got stuck with the retarded soldiers. I affectionately named one of them Corky.

A new feature that this game could have lived without is the Adrenaline Meter. Yes folks, build up your adrenaline meter and you are suddenly some weird undefeatable super soldier, with Hollywood style slow motion and everything. um. wow. I felt that it really took away from the realism that many of the WW2 First Person Shooters are known for, and made it seem very arcade like. Luckily, it’s not an overpowering factor in the game.

One of my favorite parts of any Xbox video game is the multi-player, and more specifically the Xbox Live Multi-Player ability and game play, and this game doesn’t have it. NO Xbox live multi-player! This game is strictly a single console, split-screen multiplayer game. Sorry Metal of Honor, you just lost my sale.

O.k. Here’s the bottom line. The new squad based and non-linear game play is a very welcome addition and a big improvement over Rising Sun. The stupid Adrenaline Meter I could have lived without. The graphics have never been that great, and that hasn’t changed. The audio is outstanding and well thought out. The fact that this game is without Xbox Live kills the deal.

My Advice: It is a fun ww2 shooter. If your looking to entertain yourself for about 8 hours, go rent this game, but don’t buy it. $39 for just 8 to 10 hours of game play is NOT a good deal. Sorry EA, I love your games, but I won’t recommend a game without Xbox Live Multi-Player.

Buy Medal of Honor European Assault