XA Blogger Site

Sexy In Videogames

2007-06-13T11:05:00.000-07:00

Brenda Braithwaite is an expert on the subject and she's so very intelligent!

Also why is sex worse than violence in the media... when one is pleasureable and the other is more life threatening. Check out the show!

-by conartistic

XBA Cast

2007-06-12T16:04:00.000-07:00

This will become our new place to blog... we will be having another recording for the our next beta-cast. We are shooting for Thursday June 14 at around 8ish pm Eastern. (NY) contact us if you'd like to join in at mail@xbacast.com

Blacksite Ready To Take On Halo 3

2007-06-12T15:53:00.000-07:00

Blacksite, an FPS(first-person shooter), is a game that's set to come out on September along side another game called Halo 3. Most companies wouldn't launch their game-product around that time to avoid the onslaught of this very huge popular game. Check out the story at CVG... ACK!!!

-by conartistic

Halo 3 Custom Games Revealed

2007-06-01T16:43:00.000-07:00

I have discovered custom games in Halo 3. I made videos about the new features: Banshees, Wraiths, Wraith Turret, Banshee Bomb, Beam Rifle, Magnum, Energy Sword, super speed, and more!

All videos made by ME.

Video 1

Video 2

Video 3

Video 4

XBA cast

2007-06-01T15:39:00.000-07:00

A BETA blogcast... Beta this, beta that... check out our beta cast. Calling to other XAs to join us. Slash, intro! Magaman, Jordman12, and me, conartistic...

Bill Gates & Steve Jobs Share the Stage

2007-05-31T18:14:00.000-07:00

Have you seen Gates and Jobs together. It's a chemistry that caused a lot of people to chatter online. It was quite lovely. Hopefully you can see the link coverage by clicking on the images but if not, click this for the youtube version.

-by conartistic

360 Style Interviews The Xbox Boys !

2007-05-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

"I recently seen your videos over at GTR and I really enjoyed them. Here at 360style.net we are all about spotlighting creativity in the community. Your band 'The Xbox Boys' fits right in with what we are trying to push on this site. We enjoy promoting our favorite system through various forms of entertainment."-Avid

Check out one of our ambassador's interview!!!

-by conartistic

Win a Special Edition Halo 3 Zune!

2007-05-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

Win a Halo 3 Zune! Just head on over to www.gamertagradio.com and post an honest review of their 100th podcast in their forums. It is that simple.

Listen to the podcast and post a review. The winner will be announced in next week's 101st podcast.

Shadowrun for Silver & Gold: SOLUTION

2007-05-23T10:50:00.000-07:00

There are lots of non-believers of the connected PC to console service that Microsoft will be rolling out soon. People that don't pay for the LIVE service won't get to mingle via PC/console and Microsoft is betting and making a huge investment that this would be a phenomenon that takes off like LIVE and Achievements did. They are using Shadowrun to promote this service and many are skeptical about the beta's mixed reviews, or impressions rather.

Are you ready for what I'm about to say though as a possible awesome solution...!!?? Well, listening to Achievement Junkie.com, a listener wrote in by the name of Vince. He suggested something ingenious!!! Vince said, not word verbatim:

Since Shadowrun is the first and only game with huge ambitions for LIVE/Games for Windows service, Microsoft should also make it the only "Silver account" game... meaning that this would be the only game that Microsoft would allow Gold and Silver accounts to play together. I thought that was a huge idea even though I'm getting it(Shadowrun) none-the-less. But I think it would have people starting thinking about getting Gold accounts. Spread the word, maybe Microsoft is listening. What do you all think?

-by conartistic

Xbox Ambassadors: enjoy Halo3 beta

2007-05-17T20:19:00.000-07:00

Everyone is having fun with the Beta, well, at least I am... enjoy xbox ambassador forums and site!!

Halo 3 Beta: Matchmaking Breakdown

2007-05-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

Hey, you all know how great the Halo 3 beta is on the battlefield, but don't forget about the clever presentation options off the battlefield that have helped make the Halo franchise what it is today. The menu screen might not be the sexiest thing in the world, but it's here that you can join up with your party and start mashing heads with plasma pistols.

Just as Halo 2 spoiled us with an excellent matchmaking system as well as clan support, Halo 3 will shine with even more options in this Web 2.0 era: refined matchmaking, persistent rankings, character customization, a ton of multiplayer game modes, different button configurations, movie sharing, different stick configurations, and the most revolutionary Halo feature ever: the toggle crouch.

Fine, maybe we're a little too excited about this, but being able click once to duck and click again to stand makes a lot more sense than the old click-and hold -- a little to slow for out taste. But moving on, here are some of the more important features:

Matchmaking

Your first step in the beta is the Matchmaking lobby. Here is where you join up with friends and get your party together. As of now, you can hit Y to instantly jump to your friends list. There, you can invite players to join you in the lobby, and you can even check your buddies Halo 3 service record and their uploaded movies right there in the dashboard.

For network mode, you can choose between system link, local and Live, currently the only mode available. Although you can play split screen online, there's no local multiplayer yet. You can also set the max party size from one to 16 players.

Start matchmaking. If only hot girls thought this way.
Game modes are currently divided into playlists of ranked and social matches. In ranked, you choose between Rumble Pit (basic deathmatch), Team Slayer (team deathmatch with up to four players on each team) and Team Skirmish, which randomly chooses one of the three available maps and specialty game modes, such as Capture the Flag.

The social playlists include rumble training and team training.

When you start the matchmaking process, Halo 3 begins to look for players near your skill level, known as Spartan Rating. Then it will slowly widen the search parameters, looking for even better (and worse) players to fill up your match. With so few people online on Friday, the matchmaking process took a bit longer than expected -- sometimes five minutes. But usually, it's a quick process -- about a minute or so.

After the player slots have been filled, you'll be assigned a map and game mode. If you don't like what you see, you can hit X to throw up a veto. While it's not as powerful as, say, George W. Bush dropping the hammer on the Democrats, it is nice that you can switch map and mode if enough players join in with a veto. Rock the vote!

Of course, the ultimate goal of this matchmaking system is to stick players together with players of similar skill levels. This will help make the game more accessible to John Q. Gamer. Who knows? Microsoft may even sell a few more copies.

Game Modes

So far, there are a surprising number of modes included in Team Skirmish, and we also stumbled upon a rockets-only match in the Rumble Pit. Keep in mind that these modes are not final and Bungie is using the beta to decide how to tweak and hone them, and which should be thrown out altogether. Here's what we have seen so far:

VIP
In VIP, each team has one leader that is indicated on the HUD. Teams score points by taking out the other team's VIP -- a nice blend of all-out offense and running your butt off when you are assigned as VIP. The VIP also comes equipped with an overshield, and we've seen a VIP mow down three players in one area thanks to the added protection.

Oddball
A skull is placed somewhere on the map and is visible on the HUD. Teams score by taking possession of the skull and holding on to it for as long as possible, sort of like a moving King of the Hill match. It's a nice blend of offense as you charge in to grab the skull and then a quick transition to taking cover and letting your teammates protect you. If you have the skull, you can't fire a gun, but you can bash people with it. And who doesn't love bashing people with skulls?

Territories

There are five strategic points on the map, and one team takes offense and the other takes defense. Attackers need to take over points by simply standing near them, earning a point for each flag taken. Similar to Battlefield games, the more players that are near a strategic point, the faster they take it over. After a set time limit, the players switch sides. The teams continue and the first team to 10 points wins. A special note: on defense, the teams cannot reclaim points once they are taken.

One Bomb
In this infiltration mode, one team takes offense and the other defense. The attackers need to bring a bomb to the enemy base and arm it. The attacker carrying the bomb cannot fire his weapon, but he can beat-down enemies foolish enough turn their backs.

Defenders need to keep the bomb out of their base for the duration of the round. If the attackers do manage to arm the bomb, defenders will have 10 seconds to disarm it by simply standing close to it (it takes about two seconds to disarm). Stand there for a few more seconds and the bomb will reset back to the attackers' base.

Teams take turn on offense and defense and the first to three successful bombing attacks walks away winners, unlike Ted Kacynski.

One Flag CTF

The same old one flag capture the flag mode from Halo 2. One team defends the flag. The other infiltrates, steals and brings it home.

Controls

It's only the beta, but Bungie has done an admirable job by adding several different control options. Button layouts include southpaw, green thumb, boxer and default. Stick layouts include, legacy, default and southpaw for both -- a simple and great touch that other recent shooters have forgotten about. Look sensitivity ranges from 1-10, with 3 as the default. You can also turn on Auto Look Centering that moves your reticule to the middle of the screen when you start running forward, a gift to gamers new to shooters.

And then there's toggle crouch. Enough said.

Customization

So far, there's no Vision Camera option to import your ugly mug and replace the Chief's helmet, but there are a decent number of customization options already in place. You can change your armor's primary, secondary and background colors as well as select a customizable logo. Similar to Rainbow Six: Vegas, you can also select a service tag -- one letter followed by two numbers. Instead of "IGN," we went with I67, 'cause it kind of looks the same. Sort of.

Of course, none of these modes or options are final, so be sure to voice your feedback to Bungie for what you like and what you don't. Also be sure to support the term "man cannon" as much as possible.

Video: portable lifts and turrets in Halo 3

2007-05-06T19:02:00.000-07:00

More Halo 3 beta leakage rolls in today detailing what the mysterious blue orb is and how (what I think is) the portable turret dispenses evil. From what we can tell in this overly shaky video is that the blue orb is simply active camo. When touched, you can see the "picked up active camo" text on the left side of the screen. Simple explanation yes, but it has been something that has bothered me since I saw the mysterious blue orb in the Last Resort video. Also showcased in the video is what I think is the transportable turret being fired while being ... moved. I say this only because the camera view is pulled back into a third person view when shooting, which I've only seen happen when picking up the movable turret. Whatever the weapon is, it fires some small grenade type projectiles similar to a brute shot. Third person Halo 3 view FTW!

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Forza MotorSport 2:TV Spot

2007-05-06T17:17:00.000-07:00

So... are you guyz ready...?

-by conartistic

Avid X: Trixie 360 Interview

2007-05-02T09:41:00.000-07:00

We have another active Xbox Ambassador, Avid X, doing it up big in the community with his blogcast, or should I say 360stylecast, who also has an interview he did a while back with Trixie 360. So head to his blog and compare notes with the Zaam It interview. Avid X's website should be added to the ever growing vibrant community we have here on LIVE. Interview with Trixie 360

-by conartistic

Trixie 360 Gets the Tables Turned on Her

2007-04-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

One of our active Xbox Ambassadors has done it again on an EXCLUSIVE(don't ya love that word?) interview! Our super amazing well-known Zaam IT has a "Questions & Answers" bit with the one and only, illustrious community angel with a voice I personally could fall for, TRIXIE360!!! With such a chemistry between the interviewer and the 'interviewee', I'm sure you'll get your fill of what a vibrant community like LIVE, has to offer. Enjoy!!!

Transfering From the 20 GB HDD to the 120 GB HDD

2007-04-26T22:14:00.000-07:00

Video: Xbox 360 120 GB and Elite Migration

To follow up on the Migration Q&A posted over at the Gamerscore blog, Major Nelson grabbed Albert to show us how it actually works and explain some details regarding the transfer process If you are an existing Xbox 360 owner and you want to purchase of of the new 120 GB HDD or an Xbox 360 Elite then this video is for you. Major Nelson added this video to his iTunes feed, so it will show up in your iTunes the next time you sync.

WMV: Stream it or Download it
MP4: Download it
Edit: Added Soapbox link
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Double 360 Gaming News: CARS

2007-04-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

New Crackdown downloadable content and play-options. Dune Buggies!!

Microsoft officially announced today that Forza Motorsport 2 is slated for retail here in North America on 5/29.

More EXCLUSIVES On 360?

2007-04-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

Well, it didn't hurt that an earlier launch played a huge part in there being more exclusives for the Xbox 360 in this current generation of consoles. Check out the complete list as of April.

-by conartistic

Produce Your Show For XBOX Live

2007-04-24T15:26:00.000-07:00

The top ten will be viewed on XBOX Live. We want the XBOX Live community to get it. Laura interviews Grover and they talk a bit about those user created content.

-by conartistic

XA Halo 2 All-nighter

2007-04-22T06:26:00.000-07:00

Wow, the all-nighter just ended for me since it's 6 am, but it was great. I hosted many gaqmes and we played just about every gametype. It was so much fun. I had a lot of fun gaming with many different people.

I took some pictures of it too. The quality is horrible because my TV isn't HD.

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/3447/haloallnightkc5.jpg
Some capture the flag action

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/5108/haloallnight2om5.jpg
In the pregame lobby

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/6098/haloallnight3kd6.jpg
Right after a CTF game

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/8864/haloallnight5sp7.jpg
Group Picture!

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/5050/haloallnight6sn8.jpg
Superbouncing during a Zombies game

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/3074/haloallnight7he4.jpg
A juggernaut game with the PMS Charlie

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/8509/haloallnight8hg4.jpg
In the pregame lobby with PMS Girls Night

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/6651/haloallnight9za0.jpg
Pregame Lobby agian with PMS Girls Night

Also, I have compiled a list of everyone that participated in my games, so they can be recognized:

ChCwaHI8102
DarkHelmet411
RAMBO BLACKOUT
Louie
Haloaded
J Davis29
Perfect Code
Tikimaster227
kupasoup
Blockhead227
Sgt Giannini
TheHawkster716
Sasquatch360
I B Wombat
UneaseKiller94
RtG BloodOfYou
RtG Dough
DYE ce03
sir hump
RiP R4biD HoBO
littlespyman10
TerrifiedTuna
NumericZach
a BeAna
The Unit 1997
SoccerKrazed247
BLUESHADOW2001
ModdingHerpes
jason651
turtle503
BiG RoB DoT CoM
Luke937
Dominican55
Zero Toast
dead sloth
Crazied Killer
Lady Galahad
In3r7ia
RuThLeSs v2
MYNUTTSONURCHIN
DeadRocketeer
LikingCheese
Ninja Killa Cam
STAT KILLER
shaymus22
BattleFrag
yeah buddy
Smiley PMS
Gypsyfly PMS
PMS Peachiee
BossBlackAries
xXKSI BaLlInXx
HV Darkman
K4rn4ge
ApocalypticNova
ARIES2k3
KSI BtB PrO
P1lls8ury
II Cybershot II
ShadowzKiller
TripleZeroPrime
TheDangerdoll
DNC TEMPAH
PMS Athena Twin
Yt1lataf
YoUr On ViDeO
dj dopeshow
Sergeant Satan
smurf killer1
Chessh2036
PMS Mpiece
PMS NOTSTUPID
Allshallp3rish2
XTRMIN8TR
PMS NeonPanther
H2o Colorado
IXBXR MadnessXI
DPWashington
Warrior Minerva
SteelingBullet
I Aces Wild I
PMS Jaded
PMS Soda Pop

Once again, thanks everyone!

NYTVF & Xbox Presents: XBOX LIVE Orginals

2007-04-18T21:09:00.000-07:00

"The “Xbox LIVE Originals” contest will invite a wide range of artists and Xbox users to create a 5 to 15-minute pilot episode introducing an original television series. The pilots may be live-action, animated or both. All entries must be submitted before June 29th, 2007. A selection of standout finalists will be featured exclusively on Xbox LIVE Marketplace starting in July. The winner of the contest will receive a $100,000 deal with Xbox LIVE to create a six-episode series based on the short pilot as well as an exclusive screening event at the 2007 New York Television Festival." - NYTVF

User Created Content: Haloid

2007-04-18T20:32:00.000-07:00

Wow... this was nice! What do you think? And have you seen this before you reached here?

-by conartistic

IGN VIDEOS: Too Human & Lair

2007-04-14T22:48:00.000-07:00

Capcom Announces Four New Live Games

2007-04-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

Capcom Entertainment today announced the development of several digitally downloadable titles for Xbox Live Arcade, the Playstation Network and PC. Capcom hits including Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix and Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix will appear in all-new form, while licensed games Rocketmen: Axis of Evil and Talisman appear as downloadable games for the first time. These titles reflect Capcom’s new “Digital Initiative,” which has also produced the incredibly successful Xbox Live Arcade title, Street Fighter II' Hyper Fighting.

“Following in the footsteps of our highly successful Street Fighter II Xbox Live title, these projects represent the beginnings of a much larger ‘Capcom Digital Initiative’ focused around the limitless creativity and community development that can happen with downloadable content models. We’re extremely excited about the ability to address the needs of specific market segments without sacrificing game quality,” said Jack Symon, director, brand marketing, Capcom Entertainment. “We intend to be a major player in this space by using a combination of classic Capcom IP, licensed IP and, in the future, harnessing some of the biggest names in game development to create new classic experiences.”

Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix

Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix downloads Capcom’s incredibly popular puzzle game into the new generation. This fall, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo comes to Xbox Live Arcade, Playstation Network and PC in its greatest incarnation to date. The new version of the game features newly created 1080p HD graphics, several new game modes, improved game balance, new stage backgrounds courtesy of Udon Entertainment and online play.

Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix

The Capcom arcade classic receives a whole new look as Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix comes to both the, Playstation Network and Xbox Live this fall. Capcom will maintain the integrity of the popular game by utilizing the original game code while upgrading the graphics with new artwork and high resolution 1080p images. Again, all of the art, from character animation to stage backgrounds, will be completely redrawn by Udon Entertainment, the company responsible for the official US Street Fighter series of comics. Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix will include both online and offline competition for one to two players.

Rocketmen: Axis of Evil

WizKids’ popular constructible strategy game comes to Xbox Live Arcade and Playstation Network this fall with Rocketmen: Axis of Evil. In this arcade shooter, players will join the heroes of the Alliance of Free Planets in their white-knuckled, frenzied struggle to free the Solar System. Up to four players will be able to cooperatively shoot their way through multiple levels, powering up their weapons, picking up bonuses and laying waste to anything that moves.

Talisman

Based on Games Workshop’s classic board game, Talisman is the quintessential fantasy hybrid board/role-playing game for up to four players, either online or offline. The game takes place in a fantasy realm and is based very closely on the board game through a 3D representation of the map with animated productions. Players scour dungeons, attack other creatures, cast effects-laden spells and use magical items and weapons to enhance their actions. Talisman will be rolling its way onto Xbox Live Arcade, Playstation Network and PC in Q4 2007, while the highly anticipated 4th Edition of the board game is due for release from Games Workshop’s Black Industries imprint in winter 2007.

Xbox 360 Keypad -Video

2007-04-11T20:18:00.000-07:00

Tina Wood interviews Jerry Johnson and Aaron Greenberg showing texting and dashboard in action... it's an early prototype so it's not the final design. on10.net

Xbox Ambassador Update

2007-04-10T22:22:00.000-07:00

There are a couple of new updates for the xbox ambassadors.

First, Trixie made a post on xbox.com for the ambassadors:

"Hellooooo Ambassadors. Thanks to all of you who continue to come to the aid of those who ask for help. You are awesome!
I get a lot of email asking "what do we do now?" For those of you who need a 'project'...I've got one for you. As most of you know, two new Halo 2 maps are coming out on April 17. The following Saturday, April 21 will be an Xbox All-Nighter featuring the new maps.
Who among you fabulous Ambassadors is willing to play nice on the new maps for those people who might need a little help, or at least a patient friendly person to just play for fun?
Post your tags here please. You don't have to commit to staying up all night. Thanks

And, no I'm not looking for any new Ambassadors at this time."

Forum Post

Our first official "project." I will be getting these maps, so I'll gladly help out.

Secondly, there is a new contest on the way for mother's day:

My Mom's a Gamer Contest

Is your mom a gamer? Here's your chance to show her some Mother's Day love and take a shot at winning Mother's Day flowers for your mom and an Xbox 360™ Elite system for yourself!

Here's how it works: Write an original essay about your mother (or female legal guardian) and gaming. Is your mom a lifelong gamer, or new to gaming? What games does she play? Does she support your gaming habit? Is she a n00b, or can she hold her own? Do you play together?

Your essay should be at least 250 words, but no more than 500 words, and must be received by 11:59 P.M. Pacific Time on May 6, 2007. Essays should be emailed to xlmail@microsoft.com. Be sure to use the subject line "My Mom's a Gamer" and don't forget to include your gamertag.

Who's eligible to enter this contest?
You must be 13 years of age or older (if a minor wins the contest, the prize will be awarded to his/her parent or legal guardian). You must be a legal resident of the 50 United States, District of Columbia, and Canada (except for Quebec).

What are you looking for in this essay?
We'll be evaluating the essays for creativity and originality, appeal to Xbox.com readers, and ability to effectively show respect and admiration for his/her mother/female legal guardian.

When's the deadline?
We must receive your entry by 11:59 P.M. Pacific Time on Sunday, May 6, 2007.

Where do I sent my entry?
Send it to xlmail@microsoft.com, subject "My Mom's a Gamer" and include your gamertag.

If I win, how will my mom get the flowers?
We'll give you a gift certificate worth a hundred bucks to the florist of your choice.

What if I'm under 18, can I still win?
Yes, your entry can win. But we will have to award the Xbox 360 Elite to your parent or legal guardian.

How can I get more information?Read the official rules.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

That's all of the latest XA news for now!

Halo 3's mystery X button function revealed!

2007-04-10T22:20:00.000-07:00

X marks the... what?

To celebrate the announcement of the multiplayer Beta date, Bungie have released their second Halo 3 Vidoc entitled “Is Quisnam Protero Damno!” - catchy huh?

But despite featuring Alpha footage of the multiplayer in action, many of you have been left scratching your heads - just what does the elusive X-button function actually do?

Promised to be revealed in the video for the first time by Bungie's own Frankie (which incidentally sounds like a Eurovision entry), even we had furrowed brows upon viewing. Fear not, for the aforementioned web-monkey has posted the following explanation on Bungie.net; "X Button is DEPLOY EQUIPMENT. You saw three kinds in the vid. It has nothing to do with nades or power ups." Ahhh, of course, the good old equipment deployer, thingy.
Errm, what?

On closer inspection we are picking the super map-crossing launch pads, aka the man-cannon, trip mines and bubble shield as three applications of this new equipment deploying X-function seen in the video, but are we wrong?

Watch Bungie's newest Vidoc!

Halo 3 - Beta

2007-04-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

"Microsoft has officially confirmed that the multiplayer beta of Halo 3 will commence worldwide via Xbox Live on May 16 at 5am PDT (1pm GMT), and will run until June 6, 11:59pm (June 7, 7:59am GMT)."-Tom Ivan @ Next-Gen.Biz

"Now, I will say this again and again – the game you’re going to play one month from now, is Beta software – and while it will look somewhat close to the final game, it IS Beta – and will contain quirks, a couple of roughedges and all that jazz. But we’re pretty confident you’ll find it a dynamic and exciting taste of what’s to come in Fall." - Frankie @ Bungie.net

Now, I here all over the net that has been officially announced, and I was selected by email before I even bought my Crackdown... but how come I haven't received the official announcement email? Anyhow, although I heard it from IGN.com and Next-Gen.biz first... here's the official details.

Xbox 360 Dashboard Spring Update

2007-04-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

It's all over the net! Windows Live Messenger chat inclusion (up to 6 people), a blade dedicated to Xbox Live, also a "low-power" mode for downloading stuff over a long period of time... and I'm guessing more. But the part that caught my attention is the new attachment to the controller. To make texting friendly...

I got the story from Game Stop.com but at this time, they took down the story... so I don't know how official any of this is. So, just incase... there's the heads-up! The update looks to be aimed at the week of May 7th.

Update: I doubt the picture is true because I just compared it to my controller and it doesn't look like the same proprotions but would be a cool idea I think.

Update: I stand corrected after seeing the official announcement.

-by conartistic

Hackers Target Online Consoles

2007-04-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

Hackers and their malicious code-cracking antics have run riot on PCs for years, but experts predict videogames consoles and online games will come under increasing fire this year.

Computer security experts say that hackers may divert their efforts to attacking gamers, targeting payment systems and hijacking accounts. "I haven't seen any malicious code that is specifically designed to run on a PlayStation 3 or an Xbox but I would expect it is not very far away," said, security analyst for Australia's Computer Emergency Response Team, MacLeonard Starkey, noting the increased integration of online connectivity in today's games consoles.

These predictions come after Xbox Live users complained of hijacked accounts, after Microsoft admitted call centres had been duped into revealing critical details to unauthorized callers.

Security software maker CA 1's Stefana Muller spoke of the hacker's motivation for cracking their new targets: "I think it's going to be an 'I did it' kind of target, 'I got to exploit this gaming console'. It's obvious that once a new thing comes out, if it's cool, it will be exploited."

Money is also a motive for hackers who steal valuable items to sell to other players, as Starkey explains: "They can log in and steal the items that players have collected over, in some cases, four or five years. There's actually some pretty good money in that."Starkey's advice is to keep your PC secure. "The malicious code is often coming through from vectors other than the games themselves, usually via a site that you're directed to go to, sometimes from a MySpace profile or an email, and the code then targets a particular online game," he explains. Be careful, you don't want a bricked PS3 or hefty Xbox Live bill, do you?

ConArtistic on Vista

2007-04-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

April 5 - 2007, I officially got Vista on my new M2010 Laptop and I figure I would share my experience with who ever is interested. I committed to being a test subject for the new OS, and I was still nervous about it not knowing what to expect. I got my Xbox 360, Zune, and Vista all communicating... they are now on good terms with each other.

This won't be my review as of yet since I have some more things to go through but all in all my experience hasn't been too much of a headache thus far.

Lastly, any Xbox Ambassadors, msg me, PM me, contact me if you've typed up your Vista experience or review and I shall post them as "XA's on Vista,360, or Zune".

-by conartistic

Game Theory Show

2007-04-04T07:10:00.000-07:00

My favorite podcast show has been made number one this week. A cast for the informed-adult gamer:

"This week (4/4/07) we hear from Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg about Xbox Live and Xbox 360 Elite, including our grumbles about price and hard drives."-GTShow

-by conartistic

Xbox 360 Warranty and Service Enhancements

2007-04-03T08:25:00.000-07:00

It was brought to my attention by the Next Gen site that details have been posted on the Xbox.com site about enhanced warranty and service program being introduced:

“We are committed to delivering an improved Xbox customer service experience for our Xbox 360 console customers, one that is faster, more efficient and includes shipping free of any charge. From our customer service representatives to our executive team, the entire Xbox team has made delivering on this commitment a top priority.”-xbox.com

-by conartistic

Subscribe to the Feed!

2007-04-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

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~die coward~

Zune Firmware Update

2007-04-02T08:51:00.000-07:00

To all you that own a Zune

Zune Firmware Update 1.3 March 28 - After some delay the latest 1.3 version of Zune firmware is available for installation. These are the specific fixes according to Zune team member and infamous blogger Cesar:

We’re fixing the skipping problem that some users were experiencing – that is, content acquired from Zune Marketplace will no longer skip when played on the device.
Improved device and software reliability, when it comes to device detection, and improved sync'ing.
We’ve made some changes to the FM Tuner so it no longer drains the battery when in sleep mode.

-by conartistic

MGS4's Kojima on the 360

2007-04-02T07:16:00.000-07:00

On my Game Informer Magazine, it mentions Metal Gear's Hideo Kojima stating and expressing his strong interest in creating something for the Xbox 360. Whether it will be a new Metal Gear Solid game hasn't been exposed as of yet, although it has been frequently rumored; Kojima also said, "In the U.S. and Europe, it is selling, and I think it will sell a lot this year as well. I'm a fan of Gears of War as well, it's very interesting." Besides the sale figures, I've noticed many companies' interest in the 360 has either come from or have been heightened by the production of GoW and all it's accolades. It is hard to deny GoW's massive success. Epic has impacting the development community in an epic way, pun intended!

There is also mention of Sony Picture securing the rights to a Metal Gear Solid movie.

-by conartistic

Family Night

2007-03-29T05:41:00.000-07:00

Despite some of the bad (and wrong) news about how damaging games can be, reality shows that it is a healthy hobby that embraces not only the young ones, but the whole family together.

The Xbox Ambassadors program was a kick off to have friendly faces online. Thanks to their active participation, many gamers felt encouraged to start playing online and have fun with other members via the Xbox Live. People knew that the online experienced was not a hostile environment at all.

Settings like the Parental Control are very helpful for parents.
With the appropriate usage, one can be sure that their children are safe and they don't need to be around all the time.

A brand-new feature of the Xbox Live Calendar is the Family Night. Our dearest Trixie did it again!

Now kids, parents, grandparents and everyone else have the chance to come together every Tuesday to play a different game and have TONS of fun.

For more information on the Family Night, including its Calendar, visit its page on Xbox.com. And don't forget to share your thoughts and images afterwards. ;-)

*happy gaming with the whole family*

Angel

Bored Of 1080p: Get 1440p Instead, huh...

2007-03-28T20:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know... it's unofficially announced but it sounds like it is already being worked on. My cousin just called me up and told me he read somewhere that Sony PS3 later this year will be getting an upgrade to a 1440p as well. And the new cable to support it is the new HDMI 1.3. News courtesy of EngadgetHD.com

Anyhow, I'm even more comfortable with my 720p now more than ever! This is getting a little silly and over board.

-by conartistic

Game Theory Show

2007-03-28T14:11:00.000-07:00

The Next-Gen podcast has now become Game Theory podcast...

Planet Xbox 360 podcast has now become Acheivement Junkie podcast...

All the top rated podcast have been moving... what's going on...? Oh well, at least they haven't stopped. Check out their new homes!!!

In today's blogcast on Game Theory, Sony's Phil Harrison talks about the Europe Launch of PS3... I must say, his responses sound so "corporate"... just a week before he was so down to earth admitting to lie about the lack of rumble and online before the current announcements.

-by conartistic

Microsoft Unveils Xbox 360 Elite

2007-03-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

Redmond, Washington—Microsoft Corp. today announced the upcoming availability of Xbox 360™ Elite, a new model of the video game and entertainment system that includes a 120GB hard drive, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port, a high-definition cable, and a premium black finish for the console, wireless controller, and Xbox Live® headset.

The sleek Xbox 360 Elite is a digital entertainment powerhouse.

Xbox 360 Elite has enough space for a library of Xbox Live Arcade games and thousands of songs, as well as downloadable high-definition TV shows and movies available on Xbox Live Marketplace. The new 120GB hard drive also will be sold as a stand-alone accessory to give current Xbox 360 owners greater choice and flexibility in their games and entertainment experience.

Additional Xbox 360 Elite accessories, such as the black Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit, and the Xbox 360 Rechargeable Battery Pack, will be available separately. The Xbox 360 Elite and its accessories are expected to begin arriving in U.S. stores on April 29.

"Today's games and entertainment enthusiast has an insatiable appetite for digital high-definition content," said Peter Moore, corporate vice president for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. "Xbox 360 Elite's larger hard drive and premium accessories will allow our community to enjoy all that the next generation of entertainment has to offer."

Distinguished by its black finish and signature metallic detailing, Xbox 360 Elite will have an estimated retail price of $479.99 (U.S.), and comes packed with components and accessories for the ultimate high-definition entertainment experience:

Xbox 360 Elite console: The console is equipped with a premium black finish and three powerful core processors capable of producing the best in HD entertainment (up to 1080p), 16:9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound, HDMI output and DVD playback with upscaling capabilities right out of the box.

Xbox 360 120GB hard drive: The 120GB detachable hard drive lets you save your games and store television shows, movies, music, pictures, trailers, levels, demos, and other content available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace. The hard drive is sold separately for an estimated retail price of $179.99 (U.S.).

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller (black): This award-winning, high-performance wireless controller, now in black, features the Xbox® Guide Button for quick, in-game access to friends and music. It has a range of up to 30 feet and a battery life of 30 hours on two AA batteries. It is sold separately for an estimated retail price of $49.99 (U.S.).

Xbox 360 headset (black): Now available in black, the headset lets you strategize or trade taunts while playing games and send voice messages to friends on Xbox Live.

Xbox 360 HDMI cable: New to Xbox 360, HDMI allows you to get HD video (up to 1080p) and multichannel surround sound, all from one cable.

Xbox Live Silver Membership: With this, you can chat with friends online, collect achievements and gamerscores, send and receive voice and text messages, and access Xbox Live Marketplace content such as gme demos, HD movies and TV, as well as the best in downloadable games from Xbox Live Arcade.

One-month subscription to Xbox Live Gold: An Xbox Live Gold Membership provides a complete online entertainment experience. Subscribe to this premium service and engage in competitive online multiplayer matches, tailor your matchmaking via feedback and accomplishments, chat with more than one person at a time, and take advantage of unique privileges in the Xbox Live Marketplace and Xbox Live Arcade.

The following accessories for the Xbox 360 Elite console will only be sold separately:

Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit: Complete with a charging cable and a black rechargeable battery pack, the Xbox 360 Play & Charge kit lets you recharge your Xbox 360 Wireless Controller without interrupting your game.it is sold separately for an estimated retail price of $19.99 (U.S.).

Xbox 360 rechargeable battery pack (black): The rechargeable battery pack provides more than 25 hours of gameplay per charge. It is sold separately for an estimated retail price of $11.99 (U.S.).

Grand Theft Auto 4 Trailer

2007-03-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

I heard it's supposed to take place in Europe this time. Anyone else got more info...? March 29th First trailer...

-by conartistic

Major Nelson's BlogCast Mid Week Special: New 360

2007-03-27T21:13:00.000-07:00

The show about the new xbox 360, the Elite is announced!

Black360, 120GB Harddrive, both cables (HDMI & Component
), HDMI port, Transfer Cable. The Elite will retail for $479.99.

It will also ship a standalone 120GB hard drive for existing Xbox 360 owners on April 29. That will be priced at $179.99. Microsoft will also offer black accessories, including a black wireless controller as well as a rechargeable battery pack and Play and Charge kit.

The pics...

-by conartistic

360 Exclusives Almost Every Month!

2007-03-27T12:35:00.000-07:00

From what I understand from XBL Radio Ver. 39.5 blogcast, and correct me if I'm wrong but here are the list of exclusives (in Bold are my prediction on what will sell the most):

February: Crackdown
March:
April: Shadowrun
May: Forza (Mass Effect?)
June: Mass Effect
July: Blue Dragon (Too Human?)
August: Bioshock
September: Alan Wake
October: **Probably reserved for Grand Theft Auto
November: Halo 3?
December: Lost Odyssey

**Fable 2 to be announced...

-by conartistic

Windows Vista Hits 20 Million

2007-03-27T10:19:00.000-07:00

When talking sales in these numbers(20 mill in less than 3 months) so soon... and then comparing that to gaming console sales (5 mill in over 3 month), it just makes me wonder.

If you see this post and you have Vista... leave comments or a quick snap shot review on your experience. Something like: "the good, the bad" and a letter grade or something. Because I may be upgrading pretty soon. Thanks!

"That means Vista is selling at more than twice the rate of its predecessor - it took Windows XP two months to achieve sales of 17 million." - click here

How many of you xbox owners game on your PC?

-by conartistic

Xbox Live Downtime

2007-03-25T02:48:00.000-07:00

Next Tuesday, March 27, the Xbox Live service and Xbox.com will be offline. This is necessary in order to do some regular maintenance on the servers.

This downtime is expected to last 14 hours and it will be feeled more in continents like Europe than in the USA itself. It will begin at midnight Pacific Daylight time, which correponds to 8AM GMT.

Of course that you can still play offline, watch movies with your HD-DVD, stop by the Xbox Ambassador blog and leave us some comments, among many other things.

These downtimes are necessary to maintain the quality of the Xbox Live service. Microsoft not only wants to keep on offering gamers new possibilities, but to continue providing top level features as well.

Boku: Video Game Teaches How to Program

2007-03-24T13:34:00.000-07:00

Want to teach your 5 year old to program? Well, check out this game, Boku. Laura interviews Matthew MacLaurin, in MS Research, about it and I thought it was pretty cool. I guess there's a lot more Little Big Planet concepts happening...

-by conartistic

PS3 launches in Europe

2007-03-24T06:17:00.000-07:00

Even though Sony probably invested a lot of money closing the area around the Eifel Tour for its party and to welcome the crowd (???) of crazy fans willing desperately to get their PS3, it all went down the drain.

There wasn't much to see anywhere around the core launch event of Sony's newest console in the old continent. The very first buyer only showed up two hours before the begin the selling and at another point of the city, at FNAC (a large magazine where they were also offering a major event), only 5 gamers showed up to get their consoles.

Well, maybe next time. Maybe...

Until then, we have lots of fun with the Xbox 360, the Xbox Live and all great titles available for Microsoft's console.

Why Games Cost $60

2007-03-22T08:50:00.000-07:00

Where does the money go when you buy a game like GoW... well, a nice fact sheet at Forbes.com explains quite a bit. The quick summary looks like this:

Programming And Engineering: 20% (about $12)
Retail: 20% ($12)
like BestBuy or GameStop

Publisher profit=1.5%
like Epic or EA

Distributor: 1.5% (about $1)
Corporate Costs (quantitative analysis, management overhead): 0.3% (about 20 cents)
Lawyers?

Art/Design: 25% (about $15)
Console Owner Fee: 11.5% (about $7)
to Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo

Marketing: 7% (about $4)Market Development Fund: 5% (about $3)
Manufacturing Costs, Packaging: 5% (about $3)
Blu-Ray might cost more

Licensing: 5% (about $3)Publisher profit: 1.5% (about $1)
Hardware development costs: 0.05% (less than 3 cents)

I got the info listening to one of my favorite podcasts at Next-Gen.biz.

-by conartistic

New Line nabs 'Gears of War'

2007-03-21T16:02:00.000-07:00

New Line has won feature rights to Microsoft and Epic Games' hugely popular vidgame "Gears of War," with Stuart Beattie penning the adaptation and Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey producing via their Temple Hill banner.

CAA conducted the auction, which featured a 21-page treatment by Beattie, who wrote "Collateral" and the upcoming "3:10 to Yuma" and "30 Days of Night."

Studio's deal is with Epic, the game's developer, which held onto all ancillary rights to the property when Microsoft signed on to publish the game. Though not announced yet, a sequel vidgame is assured. If development of both projects goes smoothly, New Line and Epic would surely love to see the film and a game sequel come out around the same time.

"Gears" has sold more than 3 million units and is the most popular game on Microsoft's Xbox Live service, which allows players to compete against each other online. Though released in November and available only for the Xbox 360 console, it quickly became the fourth-bestselling game of 2006 in the U.S. It won game of the year kudos at the Game Developers Choice Awards and the Interactive Achievement Awards.

Story, which is only modestly developed in the game, concerns a world reeling from an invasion by aliens known as the Locust. A small group of elite soldiers, including main character Marcus Fennix, who is rescued from prison at the beginning of the game, fight to retake the planet Sera for its surviving humans.

Epic developed an extensive backstory in hopes of utilizing it for a film as well as potential novels.

"We wanted to make an entertainment property that's not just for games but for other media," said Epic VP and co-founder Mark Rein.

"I'm not a gamer, but what blew me away about 'Gears' was how it captures the mythology of a war mission and how high the stakes are," Godfrey told Daily Variety.

Once Beattie's completed the script, Bowen and Godfrey will start looking for a director. They're aiming at a summer 2009 release.

"Gears" lead designer Cliff Bleszinski (known in gamer circles as CliffyB) will exec produce the film and consult on its development for Epic.

Game is Microsoft's most successful since "Halo," which had an ill-fated life in Hollywood. After developing a script itself, the software giant sold the project to Universal and Fox in 2005. Peter

Jackson signed on to exec produce, and Neill Blomkamp to direct, but the project fell apart last fall after the studios balked at the final budget.

Numerous other hit game franchises are in development for feature adaptations, including "World of Warcraft" at Legendary, "Metal Gear Solid" at Sony and "Hitman," on which Fox is starting production March 29.

Many movies based on big game franchises, such as "Doom" and "Super Mario Bros.," have fared poorly with critics and auds. Rein said he and the Epic team considered that history carefully when mulling a movie deal.

"Our first and foremost philosophy is to do no harm, so we debated heavily the idea of doing a movie at all," he said. "But we feel we stacked the deck in our favor by working with the best players."

"Gears" is the third New Line project announced recently for Bowen and Godfrey. They're also producing "Dear John," an adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' bestseller, and crime actioner

"Parcour" -- both with Channing Tatum attached to star.

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ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Xbox Ambassadors' action in Belgium

2007-03-21T14:25:00.000-07:00

As you probably know, the Xbox Ambassador program is not limited to the USA. All over the world, you can find gamers willing to provide you support and information about the Xbox, Xbox Live, Marketplace and games in general.

These friendly faces (or should I say, gamertags) are also present in Europe. I myself, live in Belgium, and with the support of Microsoft Belgium, I organize the Sunday Afternoons.

These monthly online events have as objective promotion the Belgian Xbox Community and the interaction among its members. For two hours on the last Sunday of the month, we play games, make friends and game partners.

Our next session will take place on March 25 at 3PM GMT.

If you are Belgian and would like to know more about the project, please visit us at http://sunday-afternoons.spaces.live.com/. Even if you are a Silver member, you can participate. Just check the blog and see how it happens.

I will be updating you more with Xbox Ambassador's news from this side of the ocean.

*happy gaming everyone*

Angel

Go Claim your rewards!

2007-03-20T23:36:00.000-07:00

Go to the xbox rewards page and you can claim your gamerpic and the arcade game "Contra" if you won it.

Deacon Blade 360 Talks Shadowrun

2007-03-20T14:38:00.000-07:00

Since I'm interested in the game, I'd like to hear about his first hand experience... and he said it was interesting, lol.

-by conartistic

Devil May Cry 4 Coming to the 360

2007-03-20T06:02:00.000-07:00

One-time PlayStation 3 exclusive Devil May Cry 4 is set to also be released on Xbox 360 and PC according to publisher Capcom.

I'm sure you may have already heard this but his must come as a huge blow to Sony. We speculated, but now it's official.
-by conartistic

Want to post?

2007-03-19T16:13:00.000-07:00

If you would like to post on this blog, send me a message on xbox live with your email address and tell me how you will contribute. Send the message to die coward.

YOU MUST BE AN AMBASSADOR AND YOU MUST CONTRIBUTE TO THE SITE SOMEHOW.

Hello Xbox Ambassadors AKA... XAs

2007-03-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

I welcome those of you contributing to post away and sign at the end of your posts... this is a first test!!