Of all the Halo Reach Live Action Trailers, Deliver Hope is the most dramatic. Today, we have an extended version of that trailer. Being that this is the last Halo game, they are really going all out and we are grateful for that. The video is posted above, try not to shed a tear.

Yes I know this is Xbox360 digest, but this is just damn cool and it relates!!! It’s a liquid cooled beast of a hybrid computer. It’s got both an Xbox360 in it and a very high end PC. All I have to say is that I want one badly, but the two that are available are priced way out of my range at $7669 and $16,999. Yes that’s $17,000 for an Xbox360 and a PC!

ORIGIN PC is proud to unveil The Big O, their latest creation designed for dominance and destined to make high performance computing enthusiasts and gamers to drool uncontrollably.  The Big O fuses the capabilities of the fastest computing hardware on the market, ORIGIN’s expert overclocking, and a built in Xbox 360 to create the ultimate gaming weapon.

The Big O is featured in CPU Magazine’s annual Dream Machine review roundup, an epic competition between system builders.  “If you want the ultimate PC, the Big O is it” said CPU Magazine.  “By integrating an Xbox 360, the Big O offers everything and the kitchen sink.”

Absolute Power – With Intel’s Xeon X5680 processors there is nothing you can throw at The Big O that will slow it down. Each X5680 features six-cores, twelve threads, supports ECC memory—and that’s before we add a second CPU and overclock it to a lighting fast 4.3GHz. Add in up to 24GBs of Corsair GT 2000MHz memory and then dare any computer task to slow down your Big O.

Quad Damage – A strong core with excellent liquid cooling is the key to lasting performance and EVGA’s GeForce® GTX 480 FTW graphics cards delivers the best graphical power money can buy.  This power is multiplied in a SLI multi-GPU configuration creating the most immersive visuals imaginable in gaming and beyond.  The Big O provides the unmatched graphics performance that will shatter any benchmark thrown at it.

The X-Factor – To empower gamers with the most comprehensive gaming platform on the planet, ORIGIN integrates a liquid-cooled Xbox 360 slim directly into each Big O.  Every Big O system is strategically modified so the Xbox ports are easily accessible with liquid cooled processors for extreme performance.  You can even game on the Xbox 360 while your computer is busy dominating whatever other task it is assigned.

Liquid Cooled to Perfection – ORIGIN keeps your Big O cool with its state of the art liquid cooling system that maximizes performance from the CPU, motherboard, graphics card and even the integrated Xbox 360 slim. The ORIGIN custom liquid cooling system aggressively dissipates heat and eliminates fan noise ensuring your system remains cool and whisper quiet.

“The Big O will satisfy the demands of even the most power hungry gamer, but when you create the ultimate personal computer system it has to be designed to go above and beyond gaming” said Kevin Wasielewski, CEO and Co-Founder of ORIGIN.  “From the hottest games on the market to digital video editing and 3D rendering you will have the power to perform at every level. To have the best you have to build using the latest in computer technology that guarantees unmatched performance and that is exactly what you get with the Big O.”

“Wow, we can honestly say we’ve never seen a system like the Big O before,” said Ujesh Desai, general manager of the GeForce GPU business at NVIDIA. “The components selected by ORIGIN, including up to quad GeForce GTX 480 GPUs will definitely have gamers salivating for the win.”

The Big O features a 1 year free shipping and free part replacement warranty backed with the best in class integration, quality testing and support. ORIGIN offers a free life-time phone and online service guarantee and each customer has a dedicated support team and free life-time labor for upgrade needs.  Pricing for The Big O starts from $7,669 and can be configured one on one with an ORIGIN specialist through http://originpc.com/thebigo-features.asp.

• Untold Stories Bundle 560 MS Points
• Desperate Escape 240 MS Points
• Lost in Nightmares 240 MS Points
• Versus Mode 240 MS Points

Around Retailers

Kmart

• Get a $10 Xbox 360 gaming coupon with a purchase of a 1600 MS Points Card $19.99
• Get a $20 Xbox 360 gaming coupon with a purchase of a 4000 MS Points Card $49.99
• Spider-Man Shattered Dimensions with $20 gaming coupon $59.99
• NHL 11 with a $20 gaming coupon $59.99
• R.U.S.E. $44.99 (only from Sept 7th to Sept 11th via KmartGamer.com)

Target

• NHL 11 with $10 gift card $59.99

Toys-R-Us (Buy 1 get 1 50% off the following)

• Lego Harry Potter
• Red Dead Redemption
• Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2
• NHL 2k11
• NCAA Football 11
• Tiger Woods PGA 11
• Madden 11
• Kane & Lynch 2 Dog Days
• Toy Story 3
• Spider-Man Shattered Dimensions

GameStop

• Shrek Forever After $29.99
• Transformers: War for Cybertron $49.99
• Read Dead Redemption with Legends and Killers DLC free $59.99

Also currently on Dell.com you can pre-order Halo Reach for $44.99.

Read more about the headsets after the jump.

The first and most expensive is set at $249.99:

For the professional gamer who demands the highest levels of audio quality, the Call of Duty: Black Ops Dolby Digital True 5.1 ProGaming Headset delivers uncompromised performance and a highly dynamic surround sound field.  Complete with fully braided cables and gold plated connectors, the True 5.1 ProGaming Headset connects to the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 console and through a total of eight drivers (4 in each ear cup), delivers a wholly authentic Dolby Digital 5.1 experience.  Each ear cup houses a front, rear, center and sub driver, which replicates a traditional 5.1 speaker configuration, immersing gamers in the action like never before and producing a 100% accurate audio environment.  Detachable boom microphone allows gamers to communicate via Xbox Live™ or PSN™, and a convenient backlit in-line audio controller, with ‘break away’ safety feature places audio controls within easy reach, allowing gamers to adjust in-game audio and chat levels. In addition, gamers can individually adjust the front, rear, center and sub channels to match their personal preferences.  Two sets of ear pads are included, allowing gamers to choose between leather and cloth textures.  Fashioned with authentic Call of Duty: Black Ops artwork, the True 5.1 ProGaming Headset features a stealth ‘backlit’ glow, illuminating both ear cups when in use.  Comes complete with an exclusive high quality padded Call of Duty: Black Ops Travel Case which allows for easy transportation for headset and cables.  When purchased in North America, the Call of Duty: Black Ops Dolby Digital .

The second headset is price at a more affordable, but still expensive $199.99

Designed for professional gamers everywhere, the Call of Duty: Black Ops Dolby Headphone 5.1 ProGaming Headset utilizes Dolby Digital and Dolby Headphone technology to deliver precision audio and crystal-clear in-game voice communication.  Complete with fully braided cables and gold plated connectors, the ProGaming Headset connects to the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 console and uses the included Dolby Digital set top encoder box to deliver a fully immersive 3D audio environment via the precision balanced 2-channel 40mm headset drivers.  Fully detachable boom microphone allows gamers to communicate via Xbox Live™ or PSN™, or simply detach the mic and use the headset as high quality headphones should they wish.  Convenient in-line audio controller, with ‘break away’ safety feature places audio controls at the fingertips, allowing gamers to adjust in-game audio and chat levels to create a personalized listening environment.  Two sets of ear pads are included, allowing gamers to choose between leather and cloth textures.  Fashioned with authentic Call of Duty: Black Ops artwork, the ProGaming Headset comes complete with an exclusive high quality padded Call of Duty: Black Ops Travel Case which allows for easy transportation for headset and cables.  When purchased in North America, the Call of Duty: Black Ops Dolby Headphone 5.1 ProGaming Headset will be available exclusively at GameStop®.

The third and least expensive is set at $149.99 but is only available for the PC, but could probably still work with the Xbox 360.

For the professional PC gamer who demands an authentic 5.1 surround sound experience, the Call of Duty: Black Ops True 5.1 ProGaming Headset delivers uncompromised performance and a highly dynamic surround sound field.  When used with gamers’ pre-existing 5.1 sound cards, the True 5.1 ProGaming Headset connects to the analog audio outputs on the gamers’ PC and delivers authentic surround sound reproduction via a total of eight drivers (4 in each ear cup).  Each ear cup houses a front, rear, center and sub driver, which replicates a traditional 5.1 speaker configuration, immersing gamers in the in-game experience.  Detachable boom microphone allows gamers to communicate with crystal clear accuracy when playing online and convenient in-line audio controller, with ‘break away’ safety feature places audio controls within easy reach, allowing gamers to adjust in-game audio and chat levels. In addition, gamers can individually adjust the front, rear, center and sub channels to match their personal preferences.  Two sets of ear pads are enclosed, allowing gamers to choose between leather and cloth textures.  Fashioned with authentic Call of Duty: Black Ops artwork, the True 5.1 ProGaming Headset features a stealth ‘backlit’ glow, illuminating both ear cups when in use.  Comes complete with an exclusive high quality padded Call of Duty: Black Ops Travel Case which allows for easy transportation for Headset and cables.

These headsets will be available this holiday season.

• Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions
• Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. 2
• R.U.S.E.
• NHL 11

New at Arcade on Wednesday, two titles will be available:

• Plants vs. Zombies – 1200 Microsoft Points
• Dance! It’s your Stage – 800 Microsoft Points

New Game Add-ons on Wednesday include:

• Mass Effect 2 – Lair of the Shadow Broker – 800 Microsoft Points
• Dragon Age: Origins – Witch Hunt – 560 Microsoft Points

If you have managed to resist buying Battlefield: Bad Company 2 for this long, this deal is for you. Amazon.com currently has the Ultimate Edition for only $40.99. If you don’t remember, the Ultimate Edition contains Battlefield 1943, Onslaught Mode, Limited Edition’ Unlocks, and VIP Downloads to accompany the game. As an added bonus, Amazon features free Super Saver Shipping. The only bad part of buying this game is that it’s going to have to compete for your playing time with Halo: Reach.

[Amazon.com]

PAX, PAX, PAX! Even though I’m currently at PAX myself, I still have enough time to keep you updated with next week’s DLC.

Yes, I played Rock Band 3. Bohemian Rhapsody on Vocals. Jealous?

Guitar Hero and Lips DLC have not been announced yet.

Snoop Dogg

No, you’re not looking at something wrong. Next week, Snoop Dogg brings Hip-Hop to Rock Band for the first time with a whopping eight songs.

• “Beautiful”
• “Drop It Like It’s Hot”
• “Ridin’ In My Chevy”
• “Sensual Seduction”
• “Snoop’s Upside Ya Head”
• “Tha Shiznit”
• “That’s Tha Homie”
• “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?”

I’m always welcome to new genres in Rock Band! You can snag the Snoop Dogg Pack 1 for 1,080 Microsoft Points. Not surprisingly, none of the songs are playable in LEGO Rock Band. I know you’re sad about that.

Rock Band Network: Recent Releases

“Determined (Vows of Vengeance)” – Kataklysm
“Girls Love Techno” – Scott Attrill
“Evil Inside Me” – Amberian Dawn
“Revolution” – Bang Camaro
“Head Up High” – Firewind
“Pale Sister of Light” – Free Spirit
“Lionheart” – Amberian Dawn
“time-bomb” – buttercup
“White Table” – Delta Spirit
“Welcome to My World” – Nerf Herder
“Buy You A House” – Noah Engh The Kid Fantastic
“Return to Blood Beach” – The Riptides
“Disco Rocket” – Scott Attrill
“Burn Her Out” – Shokkher
“Cherry Red” – Sideburn

The Digest: Almost everyone has played a platformer in the lives, but very few have played a bouncing one. DeRail Games brings us a brand new spin on “retro-platformer” by adding one thing: bouncing. This unique and simple twist combined with a large variety of challenging, but fun, maps will keep you hooked until you’ve beaten your high score five times.

THE FACT SHEET

RELEASE DATE: August 25, 2010
DEVELOPER: DeRail Games
PRICE: 80 MS Points
GENRE: Platformer

PRODUCT OVERVIEW:

Test your skill and learn to master the brain-racking world of spikes and sawblades in 50 levels of pure splatmania, including 10 additional hardcore “Director’s Cut” maps inspired by old arcade games from the 80s and modern platform games of today. Jump’n Bounce is a 1.00 dollar old-school platform game with modern-day gameplay featuring a bouncing emoticon with hardcore abilities.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

• 50 playable maps including 10 challenging and exciting Director’s Mode levels
  
• Bouncing Protagonist
• Unique and interesting map layouts
• Retro style music and gameplay

Right from the beginning of the game, it feels as if you’ve played this game 20 or 30 years ago. DeRail Games has done an excellent job with bringing the arcade-like theme of early 90’s and late 80’s gaming. However, the biggest difference between a traditional puzzle platformer and Jump’n Bounce is that… well… your character bounces. Unlike Mario who can jump at will, Hug the Bouncing Emoticon is a ball and constantly bounces. He also has the ability to double jump once in the air by pressing A while mid-air, and can jump early at will by pressing B.

Having to guide Hug through endless mazes of death spikes and death balls while he consistently jumps the same height as (and sometimes into the path of) the moving death balls is still one of the biggest adaptations I need to make while playing. Literally speaking, if you can master the bounce you’ll have a great advantage as tucked away in every level are power ups which increase your score and extra lives. They’re almost always protected with enough death spikes and balls where you need to time your bouncing right to get past them.

There are a total of 50 maps available, with 10 unlockable through the Director’s Cut mode which is obtainable once you beat the first 40. Each map has a unique layout and the method to get to the goodies in each level changes with each map. If the level is long or challenging enough, checkpoints will be scattered throughout the map which helps greatly when the biggest challenge is overcoming the moving death sphere right next to the map start.

Certain blocks are destructible by bouncing down manually on them, and usually the open up a new passage or a power up. There are even some levels where all the platforms over a giant spike pit are invisible, and the only point of reference is a map of the level above. The Director’s Cut levels add a new meaning to challenge, as from there on out the difficulty curve shoots up. Generally speaking Jump’n Bounce has a high initial learning curve which eases down for the first few levels but then starts rising as you get in the later ones.

Being a platformer, the game judges you based on time and score. The amount of powerups and extra lives carries throughout each level only for one sitting or until you die. If you exit, your live count is set back to the default 5 and your score is set to 0. Once you’ve run out of lives, the game asks you to input your name which is then placed on a leaderboard- just like old times. Since saving wipes out your accumulated score but lets you play on the level you quit on, players can’t slowly inch towards a 1,000,000 score and then reload a save when they die.

That being said, Jump’n Bounce isn’t without its downsides as minor as they may be. There isn’t an option to choose a specific level from the main menu, meaning if you wanted to show your friend the really cool layout of Level 32 you’d have to start a new game or continue (depending on which one is closer) and get to Level 32 manually. It also only allows for one save file per storage device, something that can be disastrous as the main menu controls are slippery, the continue and main menu options are next to each other, there’s no confirmation screen to start a new game, and it automatically saves at the beginning of the level… This major glitch be the difference between starting a continue at Level 39 or Level 1.

Another small complaint is that there isn’t any local multiplayer. N+ is a similar platforming game which can have up to 4 players playing together at one time. With as many level variations and challenges that Jump’n Bounce has, it would’ve been nice to have been able to play them with friends.

Conclusion: Overall, Jump’n Bounce creates a unique retro-platforming experience. The addition of bouncing creates another layer of challenge in completing levels and the introduction of new and unique maps keeps the gameplay interesting. With a price tag of only 80 Microsoft Points, the amount of gameplay and replay value you get for only $1 makes Jump’n Bonce one of the best Indie Games this reviewer has ever played.

Single Player: 5/5 | Multi-Player: N/A

Special thanks to DeRail Games for providing us with a copy of the game for review.

For those of you keeping it indoors this holiday weekend, you can use it to rack up some serious XP in 2 popular games.

Modern Warfare 2 will be running a 2x XP event for all three days of the weekend across all playlist.

As was eluded to last month, Gears of War 2 will also be running a staggering 25x multiplier this weekend. Yes, you read that correctly, twenty-five. In addition to the 25x multiplier, lancers are of the golden variety, and Horde sports a “Torque Bow Tag” as well.

Both are active at the time of writing, and should last through Monday September 6th.

Ubisoft has announced yet another up-coming title for the Xbox Live Arcade Marketplace titled Outland. Outland is a brand new platformer inspired by epic adventures such as the Prince of Persia series and is being developed by Housemarque, the award-winning development team and creators of Super Stardust HD.

Outland shall put players into the middle of a world of balance and chaos, where their efforts allow them to resort the ancient dived or the doom the world to complete destruction. The adventure behind Outland shall place players between light and darkness, forcing players to adapt to the ever changing world around them. The Light/Dark core game play has been said to be inspired by the arcade classic Ikaruga. 

Within the beautiful world doomed by chaos, players will test their swordplay by running, jumping and climbing to dodge the deadly traps of a world on the brink of collapse. Outland will also feature unique high-definition graphics; clearly seen in the screenshots as well as a soundtrack composed by Ari Pulkkinen, acknowledged for his work on the award-winning Trine project.