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Microsoft to show off "fantastic surpirses" at this year's E3

Dean Tripp | Associate Editor — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:06:33 -0500

E3 and Fantastic Surprises have always gone hand-in-hand. Last year there was Halo 3 gameplay, Call of Duty 4 gameplay and a whole bunch of other news that we can't remember. This year, according to David Gosen, Microsoft's Marketing Executive, is supposed to be no different, with announcements that should rock our socks. He also discussed how they are going to use this year's E3 to make a bunch of announcements that we have never heard about, in rumors or not, and we can't wait. The Electronics Entertainment Expo will be kicking off July 14, 2008, when Microsoft delivers their press conference, expect some seriously awesome announcements during that!Via - CVG

Blitz: The League II looks bone-crunchingly good

Dean Tripp | Associate Editor — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:06:33 -0500

How many times can you say 1337 Pwned during a CGI trailer? Well, I think we have a new record with Blitz: The League 2's Debut Trailer which aired last night on GTTV. While it isn't gameplay, it's a Debut Trailer, Hello!, it is perhaps the most hard-core football game I have ever seen, with constant obliteration it's not a matter of whether they use steroids, rather it's how much. The game looks seriously gritty, with mud and rain and broken bones the usual decor of the arena. Expect to see great things from this game, even if it doesn't have all those precious NFL Licenses.Via - Gametrailers

Rock Band 2 to have 80+ songs, To Be Announced at E3

Dean Tripp | Associate Editor — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:06:33 -0500

In a recent interview conducted by the Associated Press, Alex Rigopulos, CEO of Harmonix, was able to confirm that Rock Band 2's setlist is to ship with more than 80 songs which are all master recordings. Thank God, considering some of the terrible covers like the "Ten Speed of God's Blood and Burial" Cover, which sounded so terribly bad. Rigopulos was also able to confirm that DLC for the game will be far more diverse, featuring Country, R&B and Hip-Hop music. We can only hope that some Marky-Mark and the Funky Bunch will somehow slither it;s way onto the DLC list, because truly, we can't resist the Marky-Mark.Via - Xbox360Fanboy

Bungie Day gets us some free stuff

Dean Tripp | Associate Editor — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:06:33 -0500

Bungie Day comes but once a year, and this year, it's coming with some extra goodies. For instance, there are of course, free gamerpics and a theme. But something far greater is included with the Bungie Day Celebrations. The map, Cold Storage, announced a while back, is going to release for free! Also, the Legendary Map Pack will be discounted to 600 Microsoft Points, but as far as we know, all these goodies only last a day, so get them ASAP when Bungie Day kicks off on Monday, July 7, 2008.Via - Major Nelson

Mortal Kombat podcast offers something new from Midway

Hamza Dar | Editor in Chief — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:06:33 -0500

The cool cats over at Midway are doing something pretty interesting. Available for download, is a new podcast from them. Themed Mortal Kombat, it is called the MKast, which is said to feature a bunch of neat features, such as MK Secrets and Q&A with much more. Check out WorldsCollide.com for more information.First Episode: DL LINK [right]Via- GamersHell

Happy 4th of July from all of us here at XBO

Hamza Dar | Editor in Chief — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:06:33 -0500

Hey everyone. We'd just like to take some time to wish all of you a Happy Fourth of July. So take the time off, kick back, relax, invite some friends over, have a bbq put video games in the mix and have a safe and happy Independence Day (oh and did we mention that it's Friday? Long Weekend! So yeah sleep in tomarrow .). Ofcourse, the coverage here on XBO will continue as normal, so keep checking back!

Mercenaries 2 gets a Developer Walkthrough

Dean Tripp | Associate Editor — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:06:33 -0500

Releasing at the end of the Summer, Mercenaries 2: World in Flames, focuses on 3 mercenaries all attempting to take down a fictitious Venezuelan Dictator who ended up shooting the most bad-ass merc, Matthias Nielson in the butt. This obviously upset them all into action, and now, they're doing a lot to take this guy down, doing various missions to get the money and recognition they need to kill the Dictator (we're pretty sure they went into action for other reasons too). The developer walkthrough showed various methods of doing the same mission, using the different mercenaries and their special abilities and their experience. We must admit that the most intense part was the MOAB, but we'll let you find out what that is, rather than telling you that.Via - Gametrailers

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 maps out now!

Dean Tripp | Associate Editor — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:06:33 -0500

Recently, we mentioned some DLC will be releasing for Vegas 2 this month, and the other day, the update featuring High Stakes mode and other small fixes released, and today, three free maps released. The pack is called the Rainbow Six Vegas 2 Gift Pack and features 3 maps for the very reasonable price of free. The maps are, CQB Training (Night), Murdertown (Night) and Calypso Casino, which has to be our favorite. Head on over to the marketplace now and expect it to take about 250 MB.Via - MajorNelson

XBO Giveaway: Command and Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath Grand Finale

Hamza Dar | Editor in Chief — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:06:33 -0500

Hey guys, the XBO Command and Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath (Xbox 360) giveaway has ended and we have chosen the winners randomly. Congratulations to all who won, and we appreciate all the enteries.Winners of Kane Swag:1. hh2news2. DubCThang3. YagerXWinners, please check your e-mail inboxes immediately.

Soul Calibur out on XBLA for download

Hamza Dar | Editor in Chief — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:06:33 -0500

Hitting up the arcade arena this Wednesday is a single...highly anticipated title, Soul Calibur. Popular throughout the gaming world, Soul Calibur can be yours for a grand total of 800MSPoints. The game comes in with some serious upgrade in the graphical sense, and is playable in full high definition. Some DLC on Wits & Wagers has also been made available for 320MSPoints and is available Canada, the United States and UK. Via- GamerscoreBlog

Yuke's Double D Dodgeball, gameplay

Hamza Dar | Editor in Chief — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:06:33 -0500

Yuke's upcoming XBLA title, Double D Dodgeball has some gameplay footage that has reached the internetz. We think we'll pass on this one (when we first saw it, we had the "wtf?" reaction). Take a look below...Via- GameTrailers

Gamers in control of next Spider-Man game box art

Hamza Dar | Editor in Chief — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:06:33 -0500

Now stright in the line of Call of Duty 4, Activision wants you gamers to pick the box art for Spider-Man: Web of Shadows, the next game in the franchise. Both boxes look pretty cool. Head on over to this link to place your vote. Full press relase right after the break.Via- SeizeControl

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 Fanpack Part I released, where's the maps?

Dean Tripp | Associate Editor — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:06:33 -0500

When Ubisoft announced that it would be releasing a Rainbow Six Vegas 2 DLC pack on Xbox Live and PSN this July, we didn't expect it to come without notice, and so early. But it seems as though it did, because sign onto Vegas 2 today and you will be met by all the updates promised by the Fan Pack, except of course the DLC maps. So where are they you ask? Frankly, we have no idea, it seemed only right for it to be a simultaneous release but it doesn't seem to be the case. Just a reminder, the three maps in question are supposed to release for free and they are, Murdertown (Night), CQB Training (Night) and Calypso Casino, perhaps Vegas 1's best map. Stay tuned for the official update announcement, which should happen soon, but we can only ask ourselves, was this a glitch in the system? Updates with no new maps? Or is it all planned? To pass the time, why not watch the Fanpack Trailer!

Guitar Hero 3 gets some Independance Day DLC

Dean Tripp | Associate Editor — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:06:33 -0500

No, not the alien movie, for the Fourth of July we mean! The content comes in the form of a free song from the classic movie "Top Gun" which starred Tom Cruise (pre-crazy). The song is entitled the "Top Gun Anthem" and will be free starting July 3. It is unclear as to whether or not it is only available in the U.S, but rest assured world, we can share!Via - Xbox360Fanboy

Final Reminder: XBO Giveaway, One Day Left!

Hamza Dar | Editor in Chief — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:06:33 -0500

Hey guys, just a reminder that the XBO Giveaway is still going on for one more day! Featuring merchandise/swag for Command and Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath (Xbox 360), we've got three prize packs to giveaway courtesy of EA. Each pack includes some variation of merchandise such as Talking Kane Bobbleheads, hats, cups, etc.. All you have to do to enter is, head on over to the XBO Contact page and tell us what your all time favorite game is. Contest ends tomorrow July 2nd, 2008 at 9:00PM EST.

XBO RUMOR PATROL Is the Price cut real? If so, Is it making room for a new model?

Dean Tripp | Associate Editor — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:06:33 -0500

These are the questions that have arisen thanks to two more sites jumping on the Rumor-Train. According to their unnamed sources, the Premium Xbox 360 Console will be dropping to $299 as it is being replaced by a new Console with a 60 GB HDD. The rumored 60 GB console would cost the $349 that the Premium now costs. According to the site, the price cut may be announced before E3 rolls around but it is unknown about what could happen to the Arcade or Elite's prices. Take these both with a grain of salt, but a price cut does seem realistic, as does a 60 GB console, but that's just wishing.Via - Xbox360Fanboy

XBO HARDWARE REVIEW: Turtle Beach Earforce X3 Wireless Xbox 360 Headset

Hamza Dar | Editor in Chief — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:06:33 -0500

By: Hamza Dar; Editor in Chief at XboxNowOnline.comINFORMATION PANEL:Company: Turtle Beach Price: $99.99 Model: X3 Wireless Xbox 360 Headset Type: Wireless Color: White with Gray XBO gives this device an 9.2 out of 10. This means that the device in question is very good, but has a few setbacks. In this case these were the not-so-good microphone quality and the minor hiss sound with low volumes. Most gamers enjoy late night gaming, whilst the people surrounding them may not. So with that in mind Turtle Beach came forth with a fairly interesting product, which allows for late night gaming without disturbing others around you. We got a chance to review the Turtle Beach Earforce X3 Wireless gaming headset, made specifically for Xbox LIVE. Now what's neat about this is the general wireless capability. You can get sound from your television set, straight to your earphones via a wireless infrared receiver. The sound that you get is of good quality, and so long as you're in range of the IR receiver, you should have no problem.There is a little hiss noise that comes in at low volumes, but when you get up to normal to high volume, it's barely noticeable. We didn't find this as a huge fault, but what really impressed us was the bass boost. Really even without the bass boost, the sound is very richly filled. The headphones are very comfortable, as far as leaving them on for a while go. The foam edge of the earphones are soft and generally fit right over or around your ears eliminating irritation. One more feature that we found fairly useful was the stereo expander feature. This attempted to in a way give that surround sound effect, and came very close. The stereo expander had that effect of things moving away or coming closer, and added to the realism as far as sound goes.You could choose to turn it on of off via a small toggle switch, and same goes for the bass boost. We also have some complements as far as the microphone goes. The mic is covered with a foam padding which is to reduce low frequency noise, such as outside noise or light whisper. We also liked the fact that the speaker could hear themselves talk. This really reduced the need to yell into the mic. But that's really how far the complements with the microphone go. Often, we experienced that the speakers voice ended up being a bit on the quiet end, and were at times muffled. The use of the microphone is not wireless, as you have to connect a very light cable to the controller. This cable is the same as the standard headset mic. You can disconnect the cable from the headset when the microphone is not in use. Gamers might be wonderning of how the microphone and chat goes along with the game sound. Well, our judgement on that is that we felt both even eachother out. The sound for both listening to chat and game sound kind of blended in and one didn't cancel the other out. So that's another plus. All in all, we found that the headset achieved its purpose and for $99.99, it is going for a great price. If the headset was rechargeable, we would've really found that to be a great "pro", but unfortunately it isn't. Two AAA Batteries are required for use, but again, no big deal as they prove useful for a long time. We also found this set to be very useful for watching television and movies. Turtle Beach has come out with a product of very good quality, and we would recommend it to any gamer who loves late night gaming. The Turtle Beach Earforce X3 Xbox LIVE gaming headset gets a 9.2 out of 10.

Rock Band 2 set for September release and to be simultaneous in UK

Dean Tripp | Associate Editor — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:06:33 -0500

Yes, Rock Band 2 is set to release this September, and it is set to release at the same time in the United Kingdom as it is in the United States, something that Rock Band didn't get right on any console. The game released for the Xbox 360 back in May but for a ridiculously high price. This may or may not concern you, but what should is.. Holy Crap! Another Rock Band already?! Yeah, and it's going to let you play all previous DLC that you have for the first Rock Band and feature a lot more songs than before. I suppose it is in an attempt to counter-act the release of Guitar Hero: World Tour, so the only question now is, which one are you buying?Via - CVG

Rumor destroyed: No MyGamerpad coming our way

Hamza Dar | Editor in Chief — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:06:33 -0500

Remember when we made a post about a rumor stating that a "HOME"-like service was making way to Xbox. Well, that "MyGamerpad" thing is officially debunked by DCEMU. And yes it was a photoshopped image which was presented. The image specifically came from a Deviant Art page, by user Saffiq. So kids, no horrible looking service is going to be heading over to Xbox anytime soon.Via- Xbox360Fanboy

Legendary's creatures get a chance at the limelight

Dean Tripp | Associate Editor — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:06:33 -0500

Legendary is looking pretty cool, I mean, you were tricked into opening Pandora's Box and in turn unleashing all unimaginable terrors onto the world. "Good job..," they say, "..now fight to save the planet." It looks to be rather fun with all kinds of weapons at your disposal to take on a whole who's who of enemies. From Griffins to Minotaurs, you fight them all, and this video that Gametrailers was able to acquire truly shows off their power as they smash through buildings and lift unsuspecting civilians into the clouds. Check it out and figure out if you are a believer.Via - Gametrailers

XboxNowOnline-XBO | Xbox and Xbox 360 Latest News and Blog | H-ZONE Media : XBO News

Microsoft to show off "fantastic surpirses" at this year's E3

Blitz: The League II looks bone-crunchingly good

Rock Band 2 to have 80+ songs, To Be Announced at E3

Bungie Day gets us some free stuff

Mortal Kombat podcast offers something new from Midway

Happy 4th of July from all of us here at XBO

Mercenaries 2 gets a Developer Walkthrough

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 maps out now!

XBO Giveaway: Command and Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath Grand Finale

Soul Calibur out on XBLA for download

Yuke's Double D Dodgeball, gameplay

Gamers in control of next Spider-Man game box art

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 Fanpack Part I released, where's the maps?

Guitar Hero 3 gets some Independance Day DLC

Final Reminder: XBO Giveaway, One Day Left!

***XBO RUMOR PATROL*** Is the Price cut real? If so, Is it making room for a new model?

XBO HARDWARE REVIEW: Turtle Beach Earforce X3 Wireless Xbox 360 Headset

Rock Band 2 set for September release and to be simultaneous in UK

Rumor destroyed: No MyGamerpad coming our way

Legendary's creatures get a chance at the limelight

XBO RUMOR PATROL Is the Price cut real? If so, Is it making room for a new model?