Friday 18 April 2008
Fallout 3: “360 is our lead dev platform,” says Bethesda
Speaking to videogaming247.com in London today, Bethesda marketing boss Peter Hines has confirmed that the lead development format for Fallout 3 is Xbox 360.
“The 360 is our lead development platform, so we got it working on that one first,” he said. I mean, we develop them all simultaneously, but one of them’s got to be the lead, so it was 360.”
The choice was made more by the timing of the console’s release than anything else, Hines added.
“We had a year’s head start on the 360 because it came out a year earlier, so we had final dev hardware to work with earlier on than we did with PS3,” he said. “But as this point all three of them are pretty much on par. The goal is that, if I get three versions in here and hide the console or PC and just had them running on the screen, that you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.”
Hugely anticipated action-RPG Fallout 3 will release for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 this autumn.
“The 360 is our lead development platform, so we got it working on that one first,” he said. I mean, we develop them all simultaneously, but one of them’s got to be the lead, so it was 360.”
The choice was made more by the timing of the console’s release than anything else, Hines added.
“We had a year’s head start on the 360 because it came out a year earlier, so we had final dev hardware to work with earlier on than we did with PS3,” he said. “But as this point all three of them are pretty much on par. The goal is that, if I get three versions in here and hide the console or PC and just had them running on the screen, that you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.”
Hugely anticipated action-RPG Fallout 3 will release for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 this autumn.
GTA IV Version Wars: Xbox 360 vs. PlayStation 3
By Jeremy and David ⋅ April 16, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment
Grand Theft Auto IV is undoubtedly the most highly anticipated and massively hyped multiplatform release of 2008. With April 29th just around the corner, gamers are salivating in anticipation of getting to cause massive amounts of chaos alone and with friends in Liberty City. While gamers agree that this game is most likely going to kick insane amounts of ass on both consoles, people who own both a Xbox 360 and a Playstation 3 are going to have to make a tough decision. Are they going to buy GTA IV on the 360 or the PS3? Despite the fact that Rockstar officially stated that both versions will look and run identically, The Exploding Barrel’s own Jeremy and David tackle the issue for gamers everywhere. Jeremy is here to explain why the Xbox 360 is the only console gamers should consider for GTA IV, and David tackles why the PS3 wins the day. Much like the theory of evolution, the debate may never be truly settled, but its fun to argue about meaningless shit anyway, right?
Grand Theft Auto IV is undoubtedly the most highly anticipated and massively hyped multiplatform release of 2008. With April 29th just around the corner, gamers are salivating in anticipation of getting to cause massive amounts of chaos alone and with friends in Liberty City. While gamers agree that this game is most likely going to kick insane amounts of ass on both consoles, people who own both a Xbox 360 and a Playstation 3 are going to have to make a tough decision. Are they going to buy GTA IV on the 360 or the PS3? Despite the fact that Rockstar officially stated that both versions will look and run identically, The Exploding Barrel’s own Jeremy and David tackle the issue for gamers everywhere. Jeremy is here to explain why the Xbox 360 is the only console gamers should consider for GTA IV, and David tackles why the PS3 wins the day. Much like the theory of evolution, the debate may never be truly settled, but its fun to argue about meaningless shit anyway, right?
Jeremy’s Argument for the Xbox 360 Version
The question on whether or not gamers should buy GTA IV for the Xbox 360 should really be changed to “Why wouldn’t you buy GTA for the 360?” The Xbox version of the title blows the PS3 version out of the water in almost every single category that is important to gamers. Let’s take a look at just a few of the reasons why the 360 is the superior console for GTA IV gaming madness.
Change that dial!
The Grand Theft Auto series is already known for its stellar in-game soundtrack. While it’s fun to flip through the radio and jam to the game’s tunes and funny commercials when mowing over pedestrians, eventually the game’s soundtrack becomes exhausted. While PS3 owners are stuck with the same (albeit awesome) in-game songs, 360 owners can make customizable soundtracks from their personal music library to rock out to when driving around Liberty City. This adds a tremendous amount to game immersion because there is nothing like doing a drive-by to your favorite song. Personally, I prefer my homicide with a little side of Britney Spears. “Hit me Niko one more time.”
Why kill alone when you can kill with friends?
Yes, the Playstation 3 has online play for GTA IV, but anyone who isn’t a diehard PS3 fanboy will admit that the service pales in comparison to Xbox Live. With some amazing looking multiplayer modes, it only makes sense to buy GTA IV for the console that has the best online service. Despite its recent hiccups, XBL is simply the better place to game because there are more gamers to play with and it is just a more reliable service. Sure, the PSN is free, but users have been plagued with connection issues and empty lobbies. What do you think is going to happen to the network when the GTA IV bomb is set off? It’s possible that the massive influx of online players will strain both services, but XBL has a better infrastructure to deal with the load and boasts a subscriber rate much larger than the PSN. Sometimes you get what you pay for.
You down with DLC?
There has been a tremendous amount of speculation about what exclusive content will be available for the 360, but no one really knows what Rockstar developed for the console. One thing is for sure, with all the money Microsoft paid for the extra content, it’s going to be much more than a few extra outfits for Niko. While no one is a fan of paying more money for game content (damn you microtransactions!), DLC gives gamers the opportunity to make a played game fresh again with new levels, new missions, and area maps. The thought of not even having the option to purchase loads of extra content should send chills down completionist gamer’s spins. Sure, PS3 has promised some exclusive content, but it definitely won’t be 50 million dollars worth…Microsoft will make sure of that.
All of this brings us back to the original question, “Why wouldn’t you buy GTA IV for the Xbox 360.” You won’t buy GTA IV for the 360 if you like massive installs on your hard drive just so the game won’t lag. You won’t buy it for the 360 if you enjoy shoddy online service, and you definitely won’t buy it for the 360 if you love not getting all of the available content for the game
All of this brings us back to the original question, “Why wouldn’t you buy GTA IV for the Xbox 360.” You won’t buy GTA IV for the 360 if you like massive installs on your hard drive just so the game won’t lag. You won’t buy it for the 360 if you enjoy shoddy online service, and you definitely won’t buy it for the 360 if you love not getting all of the available content for the game
.David’s Argument for the PS3 Version on link below
Iron Man Demo Coming to Xbox Live Tomorrow
Sega of America announced today that the demo for their upcoming action title, Iron Man, will be downloadable on Xbox Live tomorrow and up on the PlayStation Network soon! Everyone should check this game out because after getting my hands on it I am very excited to finish the final version.
March 2008 NPD: Microsoft's Take
Following the release of the March 2008 U.S. video game sales report, Microsoft sent a press statement that reads as follow: Going into March, some key U.S. retailers were still experiencing the trickledown effect of Xbox 360 console shortages. By the end of March, supply issues had improved and we expect retailers to be fully stocked with Xbox 360 consoles in time for the “Grand Theft Auto IV” launch. According to NPD, 262,000 Xbox 360 consoles sold in March, reclaiming the #2 position in the next-gen console category. In just two weeks, Xbox 360 will extend its industry lead with the year's most anticipated game launch, GTA IV. Launching April 29, GTA IV will be coming to Xbox 360 on day one. GTA IV will feature the first ever online multiplayer for the franchise and Xbox 360 is also the only place you can earn GTA IV Achievements and increase your gamerscore. Starting this fall, only Xbox 360 owners will have access to exclusive GTA IV episodic content. Whether it’s the results of online polls or data from pre-sells, consumers have made it clear that the benefits of Xbox LIVE and exclusive access to GTA IV episodic content are making Xbox 360 the chosen place to play GTA IV. Xbox 360 drives industry growth with record attach rates
March NPD data shows a new U.S. Xbox 360 software attach rate of 7.5, a record for any game console.
In Europe, Xbox 360 continues to enjoy the highest software attach rate of any game console with more than 7.0 games sold per console (PS3: 3.8; Wii: 3.5) after 27 months on the market..
Xbox 360 sales in Europe have more than doubled in the wake of recent retail price changes, solidifying its leadership position as the number one next-generation console in EMEA, owning 42 percent of the market in terms of life-to-date revenue. (Microsoft estimates based on ChartTrack and Gfk data).
Third party publishers find more success on Xbox 360. In March, Xbox 360 accounted for $220 million of all third party game sales this generation, or 49 percent of share. Third party publishers win on Xbox 360 more than any other platform. (March NPD data)
Games for the Xbox 360 platform accounted for four of the top ten games for this generation. (March NPD data) Xbox 360 most widely used system for online gaming
Xbox 360 delivers social entertainment experiences to more than 10 million Xbox LIVE gamers around the globe. (Microsoft internal data)
On April 2, NPD released a study called “Online Gaming 2008” which reported that 42 percent of people ages six to 44 play video games online. Their console of choice? Xbox 360. Half of online gamers prefer the Xbox 360 over other current-generation gaming consoles. (“Online Gaming 2008”)
Xbox LIVE now delivers 4,800 hours of TV and movie entertainment including family favorites like “Hannah Montana,” “Lost,” and “Superman III.”(Microsoft internal data)
Thursday 17 April 2008
PS3 GTA IV has five-minute “mandatory install”, 360 version’s is optional?
This could be very funny. “Skip” - Andrew Pfister, the writer of 1up’s GTA IV preview - has posted on Neogaf saying that the PS3 version of GTA IV features a five-minute mandatory install. Unsurprisingly, teh internets have gone grade A crackers for it.
We’re also reliably informed this morning that the 360 version features an “optional install” as well. We’ll drop Rockstar a note asking for confirmation.
Posted in: Action, PS3, Rockstar, Rumour, Xbox 360
We’re also reliably informed this morning that the 360 version features an “optional install” as well. We’ll drop Rockstar a note asking for confirmation.
Posted in: Action, PS3, Rockstar, Rumour, Xbox 360
CVG writes: GTA IV Xbox DLC will be bigger than San Andreas
Massive new city on the cards for Xbox 360Future Publishing have just released their CVG GTA IV special. The whole magazine is dedicated to the biggest videogame franchise of the 21st Century. What stands out is their blatant lust for the Xbox 360 version over the PlayStation 3 version. Why? Because of the Downloadable Content of course. CVG compares the Xbox 360 exclusive DLC to the Vice City & San Andreas games in space and scope, and claims the DLC will feature a brand new city.I've included the whole quote here so the comments can be viewed in their full context."Of course, to call games as vastly ambitious as Vice City or San Andreas mere 'expansion packs' seems childish, but nevertheless, the downloadable content (DLC) coming for the Xbox 360 version of IV has repositioned those games in just this way. DLC so far has meant the odd new car, jumper of bit of horse armour, but GTA IV is set to completely redefine the idea with expansions that are to GTA IV what Vice City or San Andreas were GTA III. Yes, Rockstar is clearly hinting at new downloadable cities; and the chances of them being London, Vice City or SA again are slim to none. So that's new as in brand new. GTA IV's Liberty City is the beginning. Think about that and be excited."
Microsoft’s GTA IV Push to Rival Halo 3’s
Microsoft says its Grand Theft Auto IV Xbox 360 marketing campaign will be on the same scale as Halo 3’s
The platform holder’s UK promotional campaign begins this week with lifestyle press and web advertising before hitting TV screens this weekend. It will run through and beyond the game’s April 29 worldwide release.
“Rockstar will naturally be doing their own campaign to launch what obviously will be a massive title for them, but Microsoft sees GTA IV as a fantastic title to showcase how great Xbox 360 is,” said Stephen McGill, Xbox UK’s head of gaming and entertainment.
“As such you can expect a large awareness campaign from us, showcasing how great GTA IV on Xbox 360 is, and what great value the Xbox 360 console is too. Our campaign is the same sort of scale as our Halo 3 campaign last year so you can expect to see and hear a lot about GTA IV on Xbox 360 over the coming weeks.”
“Rockstar will naturally be doing their own campaign to launch what obviously will be a massive title for them, but Microsoft sees GTA IV as a fantastic title to showcase how great Xbox 360 is,” said Stephen McGill, Xbox UK’s head of gaming and entertainment.
“As such you can expect a large awareness campaign from us, showcasing how great GTA IV on Xbox 360 is, and what great value the Xbox 360 console is too. Our campaign is the same sort of scale as our Halo 3 campaign last year so you can expect to see and hear a lot about GTA IV on Xbox 360 over the coming weeks.”
European Xbox 360 sales 'more than double'
Microsoft have revealed that European sales of their Xbox 360 console have more than doubled, since they recently reduced the price of the console.
Xbox 360 Takes 42% of All Videgame Sales In Europe
The momentum behind Xbox 360 continues to grow, as Microsoft today announced that European sales have more than doubled in the wake of recent adjustments of the estimated retail price (ERP), solidifying its leadership position as the number one next-generation console in Europe and significantly broadening the console’s audience.“Xbox 360 is truly the next-generation console of choice among consumers, and today’s numbers are proof that we are delivering on our commitment to achieve critical mass in Europe,” said Chris Lewis, Vice President, Microsoft Interactive Entertainment Business Europe. “The highly competitive ERP, coupled with entertainment content that’s appealing to everyone in the home, makes Xbox 360 the ultimate high-definition entertainment choice, and it’s clear that we’re already seeing this resonate with consumers.”Xbox 360 is the number one next-gen console in EMEA, owning 42% of the market in terms of life-to-date revenue. Xbox 360 continues to enjoy the highest software attach rate of any game console in Europe with more than 7.0 games sold per console (PS3: 3.8; Wii 3.5) after 27 months on the market.On Friday, 14th March, Microsoft lowered the ERP for its Xbox 360™ family of consoles in Europe. Now with an entry-level ERP of £159.99, Xbox 360 is a video game and entertainment system that is appealing to an even broader audience. Upcoming releases of blockbuster games such as “Grand Theft Auto IV,” “Rock Band,” “Lego Indiana Jones” and “Ninja Gaiden 2,” will continue this momentum and give consumers even more reasons to buy Xbox 360.
More Details About Namco Bandai’s Afro Samurai
High-style action comes to the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system this fall with Afro Samurai® from NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. Join Afro in his tale of revenge as he searches for his father’s murderer and the holder of the coveted number one headband. Based on the hit animated series starring and co-produced by Samuel L. Jackson, Afro Samurai blends modern hip hop and technology with traditional Japanese culture into a brutally fresh cinematic experience.“Afro Samurai’s unique mash-up of urban hip hop culture with traditional Japanese aesthetics and innovative combat mechanics provides a fresh new approach to the action adventure genre,” said Todd Thorson, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for NAMCO BANDAI Games America. “Afro Samurai delivers an episodic experience with addictive, immersive and compelling gameplay that’s literally dripping in style.”
Follow Afro Samurai as he fights to become the number one warrior, a title currently held by Justice, the man who killed Afro’s father when he was a child. The game follows the plot of the original series with added material and background for fans and new comers alike.Blood is beautiful™ in this hip hop infused action adventure as Samuel L. Jackson reprises his role as Afro and Ninja Ninja. A striking art style gives Afro Samurai a truly unique look and feel across beautifully animated open environments as he wages war against his adversaries to become number one. Using an innovative gameplay system, enemy AI is affected by the beat of the musical score produced by RZA of Wu-Tang Clan fame. These dynamic battles ensure stylized encounters throughout the game that affect the overall tone of gameplay. Slice and dismember opponents as Afro acrobatically leaps from one location to the next, interacting with anything and everything in the environment to help him on his journey.
Sega Dreamcast’s Soul Calibur Coming to XBLA
While Namco Bandai was busy pitching all their upcoming projects and games to the media, they broke out some new that they apparently didn’t think was that big. The Sega Dreamcast classic – Soul Calibur – will be available for download later this year
Wednesday 16 April 2008
Cowon iAudio D2 Review
The D2 is Cowon's first ultra portable video player and their first foray into the wondrous world of touch screens. Although similar in appearance to the iriver clix, the D2 sports some significant differences under the hood: things usually not found in this class of players like TV output, support for lossless audio codecs, and an SD/SDHC card slot for unlimited expansion.
Spiritlorre recommends Cowon D2 mp3 its awsome, amazing sound & features in this small beautiful package.
full review below
New Halo 3 Map Pack On Marketplace
The new Halo 3 "Legendary" map pack is now up on Marketplace and ready to be downloaded. This map pack will cost you 800 Microsoft points and will bring three new maps to Halo 3. The new maps are titled: Ghost Town, Avalanche & Blackout.
On Ghost Town the best game types, according to Bungie, seem to be Team Slayer, One Flag CTF, Multi-Flag CTF & One Bomb. On Avalanche the best game types seem to be Multi-Flag CTF, One Flag CTF, One Bomb, Team King & Team Slayer. Finally on Blackout the best game types seem to be Team Slayer, One Flag CTF & One Bomb.
Don't forget that the Halo 3 "Heroic" map pack is also available on Marketplace and that particular one is a free download.
On Ghost Town the best game types, according to Bungie, seem to be Team Slayer, One Flag CTF, Multi-Flag CTF & One Bomb. On Avalanche the best game types seem to be Multi-Flag CTF, One Flag CTF, One Bomb, Team King & Team Slayer. Finally on Blackout the best game types seem to be Team Slayer, One Flag CTF & One Bomb.
Don't forget that the Halo 3 "Heroic" map pack is also available on Marketplace and that particular one is a free download.
Kane & Lynch New DLC Arriving This Week
Beginning on April 17th there will be some new downloadable map packs for the controversial game, Kane & Lynch Dead Men. You will be getting four new maps four maps entitled: Clean Cut, Flying High, Hooker's Trail and Hasta La Vista. Check out the trailer below and if you are a fan of the game keep your eye out for when these new maps show up on Marketplace.
Bourne Demo coming to Xbox Live...
it looks very much like it does justice to the film and book franchise, taking action gaming to a whole new level. Thankfully we won't have long to wait to get our hands on it, as Sierra have confirmed they'll be releasing a Bourne Conspiracy demo to Xbox Live Marketplace early in May, giving gamers the chance to experience the frenetic action for themselves.
Monday 14 April 2008
OXM Gives Grand Theft Auto Perfect 10
You won’t need to take a seat for this one as there shouldn’t really be any shock involved. The first reviews for Grand Theft Auto IV are leaking out and the results are positive. The first official review leaking out is that of Official Xbox Magazine.
OXM has given the game the distinguished 10 out of 10. This would be a bigger deal if Future Publishing, the parent company of OXM, hadn’t brokered a deal to publish the first review. Whenever a deal is made to publish a review, we fell there might be a little bias. This isn’t to suggest the game isn’t a 10 though.
The OXM review praises GTA IV’s storyline, while also giving a big thumbs up to the new visuals and huge multiplayer environments. According to OXM, it’s all good. This is definitely good news for Take-Two (Rockstar’s parent company).
OXM did have one criticism. The magazine did find the new cover system, similar to Gears of War, a bit confusing. While we’re not sure how a cover system inspired by a popular cover system can be confusing, we’ll have to wait and see for ourselves. The review also claims that the backdrops seem to be filled with far too much repetition in the form of burning trash cans, burning cars, and bodies. That’s nothing new and something we expected. So no biggie there right?
As for the exclusive DLC headed to the Xbox 360; OXM claims these downloadable missions will provide an additional 10 hours of gameplay. Sounds pretty good to us.
You can check out the latest OXM when it goes on sale this week
OXM has given the game the distinguished 10 out of 10. This would be a bigger deal if Future Publishing, the parent company of OXM, hadn’t brokered a deal to publish the first review. Whenever a deal is made to publish a review, we fell there might be a little bias. This isn’t to suggest the game isn’t a 10 though.
The OXM review praises GTA IV’s storyline, while also giving a big thumbs up to the new visuals and huge multiplayer environments. According to OXM, it’s all good. This is definitely good news for Take-Two (Rockstar’s parent company).
OXM did have one criticism. The magazine did find the new cover system, similar to Gears of War, a bit confusing. While we’re not sure how a cover system inspired by a popular cover system can be confusing, we’ll have to wait and see for ourselves. The review also claims that the backdrops seem to be filled with far too much repetition in the form of burning trash cans, burning cars, and bodies. That’s nothing new and something we expected. So no biggie there right?
As for the exclusive DLC headed to the Xbox 360; OXM claims these downloadable missions will provide an additional 10 hours of gameplay. Sounds pretty good to us.
You can check out the latest OXM when it goes on sale this week
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