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Hands-on with the August 11 Xbox 360 Dashboard Update

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Downloadable Content, Features, Microsoft, Reviews, Xbox 360, Xbox Live, Xbox Live Marketplace,

Xbox Avatar Accessories

This morning, hooked us up with an early preview of the next Dashboard Update. We were able to get a look at the new features (which no longer require a PC,) the Avatar Marketplace, Game Ratings, Games on Demand, and more. While more coveted features like Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm, and Zune Marketplace won’t be landing until the fall, the update is still a solid one. Here are our thoughts on the next update, which lands on your Xbox 360 on August 11 (or sooner if you apply for early access!)

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Gallery: Hands-on with the August 11 Xbox 360 Dashboard Update


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Ads with sound hit Xbox 360 dashboard

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Culture, Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live,

Well, how’s this for a slap in the face? It looks like ads that have sound incorporated into them have come to the dashboard. As you can see in the video above, the ad appears in a tile, and if you bring that tile into primary view, sound automatically plays - even if you don’t select the ad. That’s pretty low, considering you paid for the console, paid for the games, and more than likely, pay $50 a year for an Xbox LIVE Gold subscription. Here’s hoping that in the Xbox 360 Fall 2009 dashboard update doesn’t bring even more advertising with it.

Gallery: Ads with sound hit Xbox 360 dashboard


Xbox 360 Fall 2009 Update Preview

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Downloadable Content, Features, Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live, Xbox Live Arcade, Xbox Live Marketplace,

Lucky us, we are getting early access to the Fall 2009 Dashboard Update this coming Monday. We will bring you all our thoughts on everything we are able to try out. We have a list of stuff we will have access to on Monday, which you can see after the jump, but we were also able to put together a gallery of some of the things we will be playing with as well. You can find all those images over in our Xbox 360 Fall 2009 NXE Dashboard Update Preview Gallery.

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Gallery: Xbox 360 Fall 2009 Update Preview


Summer of Arcade 2009 brings Turtles in Time, Marvel vs Capcom 2, more

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Action, CAPCOM, Fighting, Release Dates, Retro, Xbox Live Arcade, Xbox Live Marketplace,

Marvel vs Capcom 2 XBLA

The second annual Summer of Arcade kicks off on July 22nd, bringing with it one of the most hotly anticipated games to hit the Xbox Live Arcade: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time Re-Shelled for 1200 Microsoft Points. Over the course of the following four weeks, the excitement continues. Here’s a look at the schedule for the 2009 Summer of Arcade:

July 22: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™: Turtles in Time Re-shelled 1200 Microsoft Points
(Ubisoft Singapore®/Ubisoft®): Cowabunga dude! Marking the franchise’s 25 anniversary, everyone’s favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game is back with a brand new look in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time Re-Shelled.” The arcade classic has been revamped with all new 3D graphics, but the same classic beat ‘em up gameplay.

July 29: Marvel vs. Capcom 2 1200 Microsoft Points
(Backbone Entertainment/Capcom): One of the most popular fighting games of all time, “Marvel vs. Capcom 2,” arrives worldwide on Xbox LIVE Arcade. Choose from 56 legendary characters from Marvel Comics and Capcom history, including Ryu and Wolverine. With online multiplayer over Xbox LIVE and enhanced HD graphics, decide your own dream team in the ultimate tag-team fighting experience.

August 5: Splosion Man™  800 Microsoft Points
(Twisted Pixel Games/Microsoft): Fools they were, to tread where knowledge should stay forbidden.  For what emerged was not a man - it was a Splosion Man. “And all who saw him were sploded, for he was the fire and they were but meat.” Able to splode himself at will, the Splosion Man launches his way through levels as an uncontainable force.  From Twisted Pixel Games, developer of the award winning The Maw™, Splosion Man will keep you on your toes as you play through more than 50 single-player levels and 50 multiplayer levels. Nominated by GameSpy, Gamespot, IGN, and 411mania, this meat-riddled splosion-fest took several Best of E3 awards including Best Platformer and Best Downloadable Game.

August 12: Trials HD 1200 Microsoft Points
(RedLynx/Microsoft): Nominated for GameSpy’s Best Downloadable Game of E3 award, “Trials HD” is guaranteed to get our heart racing.” Put on your helmet, and rev your way through “Trials HD,” a full-featured, physics-based motorcycle racing platformer in stunning HD graphics. Tear up more than 50 tracks and test your metal in two unique game modes: Race and Skill. Create, share and download an unlimited number of free tracks with the level editor, and customize your rider to fit your personality.

August 19: Shadow Complex 1200 Microsoft Points
(Chair Entertainment and Epic Games/Microsoft): Winner of numerous Best of E3 awards including Best Downloadable Game from 1UP, IGN, GameTrailers and G4TV, “Shadow Complex” is the next evolution in downloadable games. “Shadow Complex” marries the quality and depth of a full retail title with the stunning visuals of Epic Games’ industry-leading Unreal Engine 3, and a classic side-scroller. Set in the world of Orson Scott Card’s best-selling novel, “Empire,” Shadow Complex provides more than 10 hours of in-depth gameplay and introduces a compelling universe.

Between Turtles in Time, Marvel vs. Capsom 2, and Shadow Complex, this is going to be one expensive summer.

Read More | Major Nelson

Gallery: Summer of Arcade 2009 brings Turtles in Time, Marvel vs Capcom 2, more


Bioshock 2 promotional vinyl

Posted by Drea Avellan Categories: Culture, PC, PlayStation 3, Survival Horror, Xbox 360,

Bioshock 2 vinyl record

I’m a sucker for video game promotional items. Why? Well, they are usually extremely creative and make a great addition to any game collection. Also, the bragging rights are kind of nice. The fine folks over at Destructoid got such item last week from 2k Games promoting Bioshock 2.  The package delivered a 7” vinyl and well – lots of mystery. Assuming we all carry around a record player (which obviously we do), we could find that the vinyl contained a Rapture anthem which is later interrupted by some crackling by the voice of a young girl calling out, “Daddy”. Now, I know I can make all kinds of clean jokes about this, but it’s not the same if you, the reader, have not yet been graced by these sounds.  You can head over to There’s Something in the Sea and after the page loads, click the yellow arrow on the left and then click on the record player. You will then be able to hear what the vinyl contained. You know what they say—it ain’t no fun if the homies can’t have none.

Read More | Destructoid

Gallery: Bioshock 2 promotional vinyl


Latest Xbox 360 Portable from Ben Heck

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Hardware, Microsoft, Mods/Hacks, Portable/Mobile, Xbox 360,

Portable Xbox 360 Ben Heck

Just leave it to Ben Heck to continually amaze us with how he can take a modern-day game console like the , and turn it into an amazingly delicious portable system. Check out the stats of his fifth revision of his portable Xbox 360:

  • Built-in Ethernet port, finally.
  • Built-in WiFi adapter, as usual.
  • Digital pushbutton volume control rather than a clunky knob. I used a different audio amp as well, and it sounds a lot better.
  • Flush-mount DVD door and side panels (such as the memory card slots)
  • IR sensor for the remote control.
  • Two user USB ports.
  • More air holes!
  • Jasper motherboard.

Yeah, who wouldn’t want one of these? You throw that into a suitcase, surrounded by clothes, and you are ready to travel. Check out a video of the awesome contraption after the jump.

Click to continue reading Latest Xbox 360 Portable from Ben Heck

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Gallery: Latest Xbox 360 Portable from Ben Heck


Project Natal demoed live on Jimmy Fallon

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Casual, Hardware, Xbox 360,

made an appearance this evening on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, with Fallon and his guests getting to try out the controller-less add-on. Kudo Tsunado was on hand to show off Project Natal, and just like at E3, he was wearing his huge sunglasses despite being indoors. Jimmy Fallon and crew got to slap balls around, and also played a little Burnout Paradise. Check out the video above.

Read More | Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

Gallery: Project Natal demoed live on Jimmy Fallon


E3 2009: DiRT 2 impressions

Posted by Drea Avellan Categories: Driving, E3, PlayStation 3, Reviews, Xbox 360, Xbox Live,

DiRT 2 e3 2009 impressions

As a big fan of DiRT and having put in many hours into the game, I was extremely excited to get my hands on the demo at the Microsoft booth at this years .  DiRT 2 looks and feels like DiRT, but with a kick. Powered by the third generation of the EGO Engine’s racing game technology, DiRT 2 offers tuned-up car-handling and new damage engine effects.

It’s all about details and that’s what makes the difference. Depending on your car, tuning or even what type of road you are on, every vehicle will feel different. Find a car you love?  You are able to use your favorite vehicle and tune it with add-ons. With seven vehicle classes and a large collection of officially licensed rally cars and off-roads vehicles, I doubt you will have any problem in finding the best vehicle.

Click to continue reading E3 2009: DiRT 2 impressions

Gallery: E3 2009: DiRT 2 impressions


Milo: A Project Natal demo

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Casual, E3, Xbox 360,

So we’ve told you everything we know about Project Natal, now we are going to show you Milo. You’re probably wondering, what else can you do with this besides haphazardly do karate in your living room, right? Well, with , you can do more than just play active games, because the platform can use it’s sensing abilities in many other ways. Check out Milo, a game being developed by Peter Molyneaux, and see what the amazing possibilities are of Project Natal. We want this. Now.

Gallery: Milo: A Project Natal demo


Project Natal FAQ and video

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: E3, Features, Hardware, Microsoft, Xbox 360,

blew our minds yesterday during the Xbox Media Briefing. Project Natal is a new method of playing Xbox 360, with no controller required. Instead, it “sees” your entire body, and tracks your movement in 3D, and even responds to voice commands, directions, and even your face. We’ve got a video demo for you above, which you should take a look at, as well as a bunch more info on this exciting product. Read on.

 

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Gallery: Project Natal FAQ and video


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