New "Holiday" Bundles for the 360

Microsoft just isn't letting off the pressure on Sony. Every time Sony does a good thing for their console Microsoft counters right back. Released today on one of Microsoft's marketing sites is 2 new bundles for the 360. One for the Pro/Premium version and one for the Elite (maybe the core is done with huh?). Included in the bundles is not just 1 game (Topspin 2), which currently Best Buy is selling, but 2. Which two you ask? None other than Forza 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance, yeah, not the best games in the world, but decent. No word on the price of the bundle or release date other than Holiday.

[From Kotaku]

The Mysterious Halo 3 Epsilon Revealed

For a while now if you looked at many of the Bungie guys and their Halo 3 tester's Gamercards you would see the name Halo 3 Epsilon. Well now we know what it is. In a E-mail from Bungie to the Beta testers was these words:

Congratulations on being selected to participate in the Halo 3 Epsilon! The Epsilon is now available for download on Marketplace!

First, unlike the Alpha, Beta or Delta, this is a very special test in that not only will you be testing nearly final Halo 3 Matchmaking, you will also be able to:
* Play Multiplayer on six maps: Snowbound, High Ground, Valhalla, Last Resort, Epitaph and our new big map, Sandtrap.
* Play Custom Games and test out full game variant editing.
* Play with the Forge and be able to cooperatively edit and save multiplayer map variants.
* Play up to 4 person co-op on a single Campaign level.
* Play and test the full Saved Film functionality, including screenshots you can view in-game for Campaign, Multiplayer and Forge.

[From Xbox-Scene]

Today's PSN Update

Not to much on this week's PSN update:

• Piyotama game ($2.99)
• Heavenly Sword Anime episode 1 (free)
• Heavenly Sword making of video 1 (free)
• Turok E3 trailer (free)
• 10,000 BC movie trailer (free)
• Fred Claus movie trailer (free)
• Superbad movie trailer (free)
• Perfect Stranger movie trailer (free)

[From PS3 Fanboy]

TimeShift Release Date Announced

Oh, please let this one be true. How many times have we heard this? Sierra has officially announced the release date of TimeShift for the PC and Xbox 360 on October 30th and the PS3 to come soon after in December. Let's all hope the can stick to their release date this time around.

[From CVG]

HDMI 360s CONFIRMED [Update]

The rumors were true once again. Several people have already went to the store and have purchased the new Xbox 360 with HDMI. They were the Premium version of course, but could possibly include the Core model. When Microsoft was asked about this they released this statement:

"Yes, we are offering an HDMI port for Xbox 360 simply as another choice in Xbox 360 owners' games and entertainment experience. Retailers are gradually introducing HDMI-enabled Xbox 360s into the channel to meet demand."

It has not been confirmed, but the very rumors that broke the story also mentioned of the new 65nm chips being in this new version of the 360. For those who don't know, the 65nm chips are exactly the same as the current chips, but are more efficient on energy and also cooler. This could lead to the fixing of the red rings of death everyone has been getting lately. The box will look exactly the same but will sport a HDMI logo. No word on what's included in the box, but it is believed that everything will remain the same, which means no HDMI in the box like the Elite. This new model is also included in the recent 360 price drop.

[From Kotaku]


[Update]

It has been found out that the newly released HDMI 360s do NOT have the 65nm chips everyone was hoping for. On the box instead of the name "Falcon" (the codename for the 65nm chipset) is the name "Zephyr" which is the codename for the same motherboard of the Elite console. So basically your getting an white Elite with a 20 GB hardrive. For some pics of the box check it out at Joystiq.

Better 360s On the Way?

When I was at E3 I had a chance to get a look at the new Halo-edition 360 hardware, and I asked about the HDMI connection. "HDMI will probably be standard moving forward," I was told. I pushed for more information, but was rebuffed. Now, after the price drop announcement, a mole sent us some interesting information about Microsoft's upcoming hardware plans. If you're thinking of buying, you may want to hold off.

First, a few caveats. This is rumor. I won't name the source, but the information she/he provided me matches up with everything I've been told and understand about Microsoft's future hardware plans. I think it sounds solid, but I'm not willing to say this will definitely happen.

According to my source, Microsoft wants to cut through all their existing inventory of hardware. They will then quietly "soft launch" a new version of the Core and Premium hardware in late August or September that will include an HDMI port. It's also expected that this new hardware will feature the 65nm process for the CPU and quieter DVD drives. The new hardware will ship in boxes very similar to what we saw on store shelves now, but there will be a small "call out" on the box so you know you're getting a system with the HDMI connection.

Much about this information makes sense. We can expect the 65nm machines to launch any time now, and with the launch of the Halo-edition system only the Cores and Premiums will lack the HDMI, this revision will make the connection standard. We also know Microsoft will be fixing the heating issues that caused their costly warranty extension, and bundling all these updates into one product moving forward would be a smart move.

[From Opposable Thumbs]

Wii System Update Breaking Freeloader

For those of you who don't know, freeloader is used to play imported games on the Wii. BE AWARE! The new System Update for the Wii, version 3.0, will not let you use your Freeloader in any way. When Nintendo was asked about the problem they gave this statement:

...because it isn't an official product approved by Nintendo, there was nothing it could do.

There you have it. If you want to continue using your freeloader DO NOT update your Wii. It looks like Nintendo isn't planning on fixing the issue anytime soon.

[From Kotaku]

Band of Bugs Contest

From the Press Release:

BECOME A WINNER WITH BAND OF BUGS NEW EXPANSION PACK, RED KINGDOM

New story, new characters, new challenges and one huge contest await gamers

Orem, Utah - August 8, 2007 - NinjaBee, a division of Wahoo Studios and a leading independent developer of Xbox LIVE Arcade titles, announced today its newest expansion pack, Red Kingdom, for its Band of Bugs title. With this new expansion pack comes more content for the level editor, leading to Ninja Bee's own "Design a Level Contest."

Red Kingdom moves the action from the Western Kingdom to the Southern Kingdom, and adds two new troop types - artillery and cavalry - and ten exciting new missions. The Southern Kingdom's arid desert comes to life with new main characters with special powers and a higher level cap. Players will be happy to see new Achievements have been added, as well as new cinematics which further the saga. The game can be enjoyed single player or co-operatively as well as in multiplayer battles.

Band of Bugs gained popularity for its level editor, which allows any user to create unique content for their friends and the community. Red Kingdom pushes the editor further by adding in desert tile sets and items such as stone huts, rock formations and more cactus types than any Bug needs. To make sure these new levels get seen, NinjaBee is hosting a contest for level editors. Once gamers have designed their entry level, they only need to post a description and screen shots to the user forums at www. NinjaBee.com. Members of the forum will vote for their favorite levels and NinjaBee staffers will take the top 3 levels with the most votes, play through them and select the number one level. Winners will get 4,000 Microsoft Points and a special edition NinjaBee tee-shirt. All levels are due by August 16, 2007. Contest rules will be posted on www.ninjabee.com.

Band of Bugs was released June, 2007. It is available on Xbox LIVE Arcade as both a free trial and as a full game for only 800 Microsoft Points. It supports 1-4 players in co-op or in multiplayer versus modes and also supports the Xbox LIVE Vision camera. One of the few turn-based tactics games available, Band of Bugs provides gameplay deep enough to be satisfying to established fans of the genre, but friendly enough to appeal to casual gamers. The game has fifty levels, and also features a level editor allowing gamers to design custom scenarios and play them solo or over Xbox LIVE with friends.

This Week's XBLA Release

Back to the ol' one game a week thing. Here is this Week's Release:

Content: Track & Field
Price: 400 Microsoft Points
Availability: All Xbox Live regions
Dash Text: Single Player, Xbox LIVE Multiplayer 1-4, Local Multiplayer 1-4, HD (High Definition). Step into the winner’s circle with six classic events to test your skills. Race in the 100mDash and 110mHurdles, test your skills with the Javelin and Hammer Throw, and hop to it with the Long Jump and High Jump. Compete with up to four players on Xbox LIVE and global rankings will compare your skills and announce the World Champion.

[From Major Nelson]

Sony Having Emulation Problems on PSN

After pulling MediEvil last week Sony has now pulled Spyro 2 and Crash Bandicoot 2 from the PSN. Sony has released these statements:

“We are currently investigating the reports of issues associated with MediEvil and Spyro 2. This investigation is highly technical and requires some time to work through. We are making progress and we will be communicating with people who bought these items directly within the next 10 days.

"For Crash Bandicoot 2 the situation is more clear as its removal was purely precautionary. We are optimistic that the title will be back in the store shortly.”

Looks like Sony has been trying too hard to catch up with Live Arcade and the Wii's Virtual Console.

[From Next Generation]

360 Price Drop OFFICIAL

All the internet buzz over the past several months have now come true, sorta. The core has dropped down to $279, the premium to $350, the Special Halo edition (same as premium, just spartan green) $400, and the elite will be $449. Not exactly true to the rumors, but close enough I suppose. I would have really liked to see Microsoft drop the core to $250 to give the Wii a little more competition and to drop the elite to $400. Oh well, a price drop is never bad news from the consumer's standpoint. What next? The Wii, anyone?

[From Kotaku]

Singstar PS3 Dated

At a Sony Computer Entertainment America event held Friday at the always-classy House of Blues in Chicago, the publisher revealed the first 15 tracks from the North American release of Singstar for the PlayStation 3, which will feature extensive downloadable content when it ships on November 13th. Additional tracks are likely forthcoming, but for now, check out the first batch of songs that you'll embarrass yourself to this holiday season (with help from the PlayStation Eye).

• The Automatic - Monster
• Britney Spears - Toxic
• David Bowie - Let's Dance
• Franz Ferdinand - Do You Want To
• The Killers - Mr. Brightside
• Ne-Yo - So Sick
• Outkast - Hey Ya!
• The Pixies - Here Comes Your Man
• Queens of the Stone Age - Go With the Flow
• Radiohead - No Surprises
• R.E.M. - Losing My Religion
• Scissor Sisters - I Don't Feel Like Dancin'
• U2 - Beautiful Day
• Weezer - Buddy Holly
• Wolfmother - Love Train

[From 1up]

360 Gets Minor Dash Update

There must be something about today, this just seems to good. First, we get the Wii System update and now we get the 360 dash update. Don't get too excited though. Not to much to say about this update other than giving the 360 the functionality to use wireless guitars for 2 upcoming games (I'm sure you know what they are). Nothing more than that, but we won't have to wait long the fall dash update will be here soon enough.

[From Major Nelson]

Wii System Update 3.0 Released

Late last night the Wii received another system update. Man, it's nice to see that blue light again. Well here's what's packed in the update:

Wii Menu
- The weather forecast will now be displayed on the Forecast Channel icon in the Wii Menu.
- Headline news will now be displayed on the News Channel icon in the Wii Menu.
- The current time will now be displayed in the Wii Menu.
- The area around the Wii Message Board button will now flash when a message arrives..

Wii Message Board
- You're now able to rearrange the order of your Wii Friends in the address book.
- You're now able to go into the Wii Friends registration screen by pressing the A Button on a blank spot in the address book.
- Envelope message icons will now appear on the calendar only on the dates when a message is received.
- Your message sending history will now be displayed in Today's Accomplishments.
- You can now scroll the message text by pressing the B button on the message screen.

Wii Shop Channel
- The search function on Virtual Console has been enhanced.

[From Nintendo]

Very nice update. I highly recommend checking out the updated shop channel. I also really like the clock added to the Wii menu.

This Week's VC Update

Wave Race 64 (Nintendo 64, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): Take to the waves on your own personal watercraft and experience some of the best water effects in video game history. Choose one of four characters, each with his/her own unique abilities and style, and master the game's excellent controls. Make your way through nine courses, each with its own challenges. If the ramps, mines and hairpin turns aren't enough, you'll also have to deal with varying weather conditions that can make the water choppy or cover the course with fog. And if you ever feel like taking a break from racing, then try out Stunt Mode to polish your skills by pulling off handstands, rolls and more. Get good enough and you might even be able to ride a dolphin-just don't get seasick.

ADVENTURES OF LOLO (NES, 1 player, rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): This was the first game in the Eggerland puzzle series to be released in North America. After the love of his life, Lala, is kidnapped by the Great Devil and taken to a haunted castle, our hero Lolo sets out to rescue her. The journey is perilous because the Great Devil's fortress is guarded by a massive army. But Lolo has a few tricks up his sleeve, including a Magic Shot that turns enemies into eggs and an Emerald Framer that shields him from attacks. Combining clever environmental puzzles with tricky enemies and an engaging style, ADVENTURES OF LOLO is a true classic.

GALAGA '90 (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): This is an updated version of the classic arcade shooter Galaga. Set in the vast reaches of space, you will fight your way through all 29 rounds to reach the enemies' stronghold on Planet Galaga. Game levels consist of a few rounds with changing enemies and backgrounds. To top it off, the nostalgic "Galactic Dancing" lives on to mark the end of each level. With the new addition of dimensions, you can choose your attack route. Collect capsules and open dimension warps at branch sections to take on even tougher enemies. GALAGA '90's inclusion of the triple fighter, scrolling backgrounds, boss Galaga and even new system effects make it nothing less than a masterpiece.

[From Kotaku]

Pre-Order Your Version of MGS 4 for 360 TODAY [Update]

The site HMV is now taking Pre-Orders for Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, obviously the site is taking orders for the PS3 version, but also listed right under the PS3 version is a Xbox 360 version. This does seem rather odd since Sony and Konami have both come forward to confirm that MGS 4 in fact is a PS3 exclusive title. Just a mistake maybe? Well the release date of the game seems to be no mistake. The release date for the PS3 version is listed as 4-18-2008 and the 360 version to come a few months later on 9-26-2008. This further strengthens the many rumors floating around on the web of MGS 4 coming to the 360 soon after the PS3 version. So, what do you think? Is this a mistake or have we been lied to yet again by Sony? Well I guess technically it wouldn't be a lie because it would make MGS 4 an exclusive, a "timed" exclusive.

[From CVG]

P.S.: Just in case it does get taken down the pic above is from the HMV site.


[Update]

As expected the site has taken down the Pre-Order and have released this statement:

"In his enthusiasm, one of our online games team indicated that hmv.co.uk would start taking pre-orders for MGS4 on Xbox 360, when, in fact, he simply meant to ask customers if they wished to receive an alert in the event of this title one day coming out on this platform."

An alert, huh? That's why there was a release date of September 26th, 2008, right?

New Releases: Week of 8/5

Title	Platform	Genre	Release Date
Attack on Pearl Harbor	PC	Simulation	Aug 10, 2007
Boogie	WII	Puzzle	Aug 7, 2007
Combat Mission: Shock Force	PC	Strategy	Aug 10, 2007
Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars	PSP	Action	Aug 7, 2007
Lego Fun Pack V2	PC	Puzzle	Aug 10, 2007
Mega Man Star Force: Dragon	DS	Role-Playing	Aug 7, 2007
Mega Man Star Force: Leo	DS	Role-Playing	Aug 7, 2007
Mega Man Star Force: Pegasus	DS	Role-Playing	Aug 7, 2007
Pet Alien	DS	Action	Aug 6, 2007
Tomb Raider: Anniversary	PSP	Adventure	Aug 8, 2007

[From Gamespot]

Enemy Territory: Quake Wars Release Date Announced

Starting October 2nd you can purchase Enemy Territory: Quake Wars for the PC. Also announced in the Press Release was the game is also in development for the PS3 and Xbox 360, although no release date was mentioned. Here's the Official Press Release:

ID SOFTWARE CONFIRMS LAUNCH DATE FOR
ENEMY TERRITORY: QUAKE WARS (WINDOWS PC) AT QUAKECON 2007

Santa Monica, CA - Aug. 3, 2007 - Gamers in attendance at QuakeCon 2007 were rewarded with a special announcement when id Software and Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) unveiled that Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars™ Windows PC will be on EU store shelves on September 28, 2007 and North American store shelves beginning October 2, 2007. The game, which is in development by Splash Damage, pits the armies of Earth's Global Defense Force (GDF) against the invading alien Strogg in the multiplayer strategic shooter that transports players to the front lines of an epic new war for Earth.

Offering the ultimate in objective-based multiplayer action either online or offline with bots, Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars is set within the expansive QUAKE® universe in the year 2065. Gamers choose to play as the human GDF or alien Strogg in one of five unique character classes. Employing an arsenal of weapons, vehicles and deployable armaments, players engage in an action-packed test of skill and coordinated teamwork through a series of combat objectives. Persistent character growth and achievements reward players for teamwork, while clearly defined mission and class objectives guide new players to meaningful contributions on the battlefield.

Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars is also in development for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft (Nerve Software) and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system (Activision Foster City).

Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars has been rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB.

Heavenly Sword Release Date Announced

Heavenly Sword can be purchased at a store near you starting September 12th. Hope the game lives up to the hype. Maybe it could be the game to push me over the edge to buy a PS3. Maybe.

[From IGN]

Warhawk Date and Price Revealed

Starting August 28th you can pick up Warhawk physically or digitally. What do I mean by that you ask? Well everyone knows you can pick up the disk at the store for the retail price of $59.99, but you can also get the game digitally from the PSN for $20 cheaper. That's right for the price of $39.99 you can get your very own download of Warhawk. The download does have its downfalls. First, it doesn't come with a bluetooth headset. Second, no box or manual, you know how some people (I'm one of them) like to have a box for all their games. Finally, the box version will contain some extra video content. I don't know, you would have thought that since Sony does save some manufacturing cost on the download that it would be a better deal, but it doesn't seem that way so in my opinion, stick with the box set, don't download. For the extra $20 you get more for your money.

P.S.: If you were one of the top 100 Warhawk beta testers you will recieve this free Warhawk pin. [above picture]

[From Kotaku]