Xbox 360 and Xbox Game Review

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Full Spectrum Warrior Developer Interview - Part 2 of 3

Developer Interview - PART 2 OF 3

Q6: Are Special Forces on all missions, or are regular soldiers are getting missions? (not just SF)

A: There is a greater mix of specialty units in Ten Hammers. There are snipers, heavy weapon’s experts, RPG fighters, even an Insurgent spy in one mission. We found that people really like the specialty units in the first game so we incorporated more in Ten Hammers.

Q7: Will the background setting be destructible, where the use of explosives leave considerable amount of wreckage to the structures of a building? What techniques will be used to achieve this special effect?

A: As in FSW, most props are completely destructible in Ten Hammers. This plays into the strategic component of the game because you can’t just hunker-down behind something like a car for too long before it degrades so much that it provides no cover. Buildings have some degree of destructibility but they cannot be completely brought down to the ground – that’s just not possible in our technology.

Q8: Will the destruction to surrounding structures be only limited to grenades or to certain weapons?

A: Explosives are the most destructive ordnance in your arsenal. Grenades, C4 explosives, mines and RPGs tend to cause the most destruction.

Check back soon for Part 3 of this Developer Interview!

Click here to view the product fact sheet: http://www.hypemakers.net/fsw2/productkit/Full_Spectrum_Warrior_Ten_Hammers-Product_Information.pdf

More information on Full Spectrum Warrior

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

BestBuy Had Your Xbox 360.. For an Hour.

Well, they came and went, and those lucky enough to have heard about the huge deliveries to BestBuy were able to take advantage of news and score their Xbox 360 before Christmas.

Like many Xbox 360 fans, I had heard the news about the BestBuy deliveries last Sunday. I was even able to check my local stores for information about how many units were to be delivered. Much to my surprise, two stores in my area received over 100 units each. HOLY COW!

But my lazy self wasn't able to get to the store before it opened. It was freezing in Chicago, minus 10 degrees with windchill, the car was slow to warm up, so was I, the dog ate my homework, I left my glasses at home, the sun was in my eyes, Neuman! I was too late.

Within 1 hour ever single Xbox 360 had been sold at both of my local BestBuy stores. My chance to score an Xbox 360 before Christmas was now nothing more than a dream.

Sources tell me that another large delivery will take place in two weeks, and this time, no matter what, I'll have one of those units in my grubby little hands... no matter what!

Thursday, December 08, 2005

Test Microsoft Video Games

One of my first jobs was testing video games for Bally Midway back in the 80’s. I actually got paid to play video games, and much to my surprise they even listened to my suggestions. Being a Video Game Test Pilot was one of the most fun jobs I have ever had. I am even more amazed that I still get to do it as an adult. I love my job.

Want to give it a try?

Microsoft is always on the look out for new people to test out their video games. Sure, you won’t get paid, but you will get a nice gift, and the right to say you played it first. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll have your own video game website and be able to sit around all day playing the latest video games with your friends.It’s called “The Playtest Program” and according to Microsoft it’s “The most fun you’ll have testing software”By enrolling in the Playtest program you will be eligible to participate in lab sessions, surveys and site visits. Once enrolled and scheduled to participate in a study, you will be offered a gratuity selection at the conclusion of your study.

Enrollment takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Click here to enroll into the Playtest program.

Sign up to be eligible for Microsoft Game Studio research activities and see for yourself!

Gun - Game Review

By Ronnie Lewis

Platform:XBOX

Publisher:Activision

Copyright:2005

ISBN:B0009Z3HZQ

ESRB Rating:M

Price:$49.99

Rating:7

Synopsis:
Activision's Gun is an attempt at the Old West that has real cowboys spinning in their graves.

Features:
XBOX Live, nope.
Co-Op, nope.

Ride whatever horse you can get your hands on even wild mustangs. That's right without Robert Redford having to whisper to it first.

Completed side missions earn you extra cash to spend in town's general store. All two of the towns.

Watchout for foul language.

Review:
Storyline
Typical story line in the Old West, your father is killed by some renegades and you have to avenge his death. Wyatt Earp this is not your Dodge City anymore, its nobody's Dodge City not even Randolph Scott's. Randolph Scott? Watch Blazing Saddles, best Western ever made!

Gameplay
OK with room for improvement. Example, when you target something you really don't have to be dead on to hit it. I'm not one for in the ball park aiming. However, I did like the controls of the horse.

Graphics
The graphics had me scratching my head as some things were very good and some where not. Good things - the horse shoe prints left in the dirt. Bad things - the size of the hands and feet on the characters. The girls at the saloon looked like Bugs Bunny in drag. With all that extra feet hanging over the shoe.

The Bottom Line
Its a renter and definitely not a buyer. I think that Activision can do a lot better. The game is way too short and the landscaping needs to be crisper.

Xbox 360 Costs Microsoft $153

iSuppli Corp. analysts have reported that Microsoft loses at least $153 on each Xbox 360 video game console it sells.

The parts such as processors and manufacturing costs around $552.27 for every machine that retails at $399. Marketing and shipping costs aren't included in the estimates. The premium version of the games machine uses an IBM processor that costs $106. Other IBM chips bring the total cost of chips and integrated circuits to $340 per console, the researcher said.

Bill Gates is betting that the Xbox 360, Microsoft's only unprofitable unit last year, will bolster sales of the company's other products to consumers. The Xbox 360 will also be profitable over the life of the machine, unlike its predecessor. Microsoft gets $7 to $8 hardware royalties for each game made by outside companies, and more on games produced by its own game studio.

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Xbox 360 Zero Hour

Gamers From Around the World to Converge at Massive Xbox 360 Launch Event in Mojave Desert

3,000 Lucky Gamers Invited to “Xbox 360: Zero Hour” Launch Event;

Best Buy Offers Gamers Chance to Buy Xbox 360 Onsite

Microsoft announced details of the Xbox 360 launch event, "Xbox 360: Zero Hour," where thousands of gamers from around the world are invited to make the pilgrimage to an undisclosed location in the Mojave desert to witness the dawning of the next generation of gaming.

In order to get a ticket to attend this exclusive event, gamers must win them from any one of the participating sites listed below. Tickets are limited and distributed on a first come, first serve and random drawing basis. Hopeful attendees should check participating sites frequently since sign-up forms will be posted at unspecified times throughout the day between 12:01 AM PST and 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, November 10. After registration ends, the winners will be chosen and a total of 3,000 lucky gamers will join VIPs from the U.S. "Hex 168" and European "Origen" campaigns to be the first gamers in the world to fully experience all that Xbox 360 has to offer. The first 360 eligible entries registered will automatically receive an invitation for two to attend the Microsoft sponsored "Xbox 360: Zero Hour" event in Southern California. The remaining entries will be entered into a random drawing and 1140 winners will be selected from among all eligible entries received to also win an invitation for two to attend the event.

Microsoft’s massive launch event will feature hundreds of gaming stations, live entertainment and around-the-clock gaming at a venue immersed in the Xbox 360 experience. Attendees need not worry about missing out on one of the thousands of national “midnight madness” events. Best Buy, retail partner of the Xbox 360 launch event, will be onsite where gamers can purchase their Xbox 360 consoles, games and peripherals.

In addition to gaming nirvana, attendees will be able to purchase food and beverages at around-the-clock refreshment stations while they enjoy live entertainment including a genuine “Kaiju Big Battel” (www.kaiju.com) and a musical performance by raucous rock band “Louis XIV.” Attendees will also receive exclusive event give-aways such as “Zero Hour” Xbox 360 console faceplates.

Participating Sites (check back often, new sites may be added)

Xbox.com

MSN Games

GameSpot

GameSpy

1UP.com

Game Informer

GamePro

IGN.com

TeamXbox.com

Artist rendition of the Xbox 360 Zero Hour event
Please review the official rules before entering.

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

From Russia with Love - Exclusive Content

You’re invited to check out our exclusive content: 007 From Russia with Love

Personally, I am a huge fan of the Sir Sean Connery series of 007 films, and from what I have seen so far this game looks like it not only scored big on the look and era of the original films, but they have taken the original excitement and pumped it up to the max!

Enter the Classic World of James Bond

The year is 1963. Your name is Bond, James Bond. And your mission is to slip inside the dangerous and debonair world of the original 007 played by none other than Sean Connery. Travel to exotic destinations such as Istanbul on the Orient Express, connect with a beautiful Russian double agent, and immerse yourself into an authentic re-creation of the classic Bond world. In missions that combine driving and stealth, delve deeper into the plot of the legendary film in an experience that will leave you shaken... and stirred.

FEATURES

Play as Connery's Bond—Step into the shoes of the legendary Sean Connery, the original James Bond.

Enter the World of Classic 007—Drive the vintage cars, meet the beautiful women, and visit the exotic locales, all beautifully rendered in authentic '60s style.

The Best Bond Experience Yet—Fully integrated stealth and driving missions, non-linear level progression, the new zoom and focus aiming mechanic, and a deeply immersive living world add up to innovative, non-stop Bond action.

Brand-New Multiplayer Mode—Third-person, split-screen deathmatch mode offers an engrossing social multiplayer experience.

Control 007 Like Never Before—A new scoring and rewards system allows you to deeply customize the equipment, skills, and abilities you'll use in action as James Bond.

Classic Gadgets Made Modern—Equip yourself with an array of classic weapons and gadgets updated with unique 21st century twists.

Battlefield 2 - Game Review

Features:
Single player story lets you fight for NATO or fight for the Chinese, your choice. Maybe Europe and not the Band either. Maybe you have a soft spot for figting in the Middle East.

Multiplayer is off the chain with battles of up to 24 players.

Drive anything you can get your hands on, boats, tanks, jeeps, and helicopters.

"Hotswap" from infantry to sniper or sniper to helicopter with the push of a button. Allows you to play all over the battlefield.

Challenges are extra opportunities for gaining rank and medals.

Review:

Storyline
Not that a storyline matters because this game is all about the killing. Yeah for WAR!!! Depending on who you choose to be, the stories will vary. I played back and forth between NATO and the Chinese. Basically its defend or attack, and while the missions are kind of short they are packed with action.

Gameplay
Battlefield 2 has a lot going on, so its not a sit and wait shooter. Its a "you better be moving or you're dead" shooter. The "Hotswap" function really added to the games fun factor, and makes you think about how to complete the missions. The weapons and vehicles are realistic, especially the helicopters. I was nauscious a little bit just from the realism of turning and shooting and flying. Auntie Emme its a twister. Toto we're not in Kansas anymore are we? Seriously, the helicopters were definately my favorite thing to be in except for when you get shot out of the sky by a Stinger mounted on the ridge. You'll hear the missle lock beeping and you can't do a thing about it.

Graphics
The graphics are very good. Seeing the ground spin out of the helicopter window in first person is kind of scary. Uniforms were tight and looked good from up close. Scenery was real enough for such a fast paced game.

The Bottome Line
EA does two things great, sports and war. This is a very fun game to play, and with the added multiplayer capability its like being in a fight simulator. The missions are kind of short, but intense! There are a lot of enemies to shoot at with all the toys you accumulate. Go Get it!!!

by Ronnie Lewis
xbox-game-review.com

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Star Wars Battlefront 2 Game Review

The geniuses at Lucasarts Entertainment have taken the popular Star Wars Battlefront game and made it even better. With all new open-ended, mission-based objectives, the ability to play as a Jedi, and even the introduction of space combat, Star Wars Battlefront II could quit possibly be the best Star Wars game ever!

Story Line

Fans of the first Star Wars Battlefront will surely recognize the slightly revamped Galactic Conquest single-player mode with more toys and even more freedom. In addition to the classic Galactic Conquest, players can now choose to partake in “Rise of the Empire” which follows the exploits of Darth Vader’s own 501st cloned infantry division. It all begins with the traditional tutorial on Geonosis and then blasts off into utter mayhem as the clones fight their way across the galaxy under the orders of the evil Supreme Chancellor Palpatine.

Gameplay

The original Star Wars Battlefront’s awesome game play is what made it such a hit with Xbox players of all ages, and this latest release does not disappoint. With the addition of new characters, improved flight controls, space combat, and the ability to play as a Jedi, Star Wars Battlefront II has all the ingredients to entertain even the most experienced of gamers.

Let’s face it, everyone wants a Jedi on their side, and now you not only can have one on your side, but you actually take control of the light saber wielding heroes yourself and begin to inflict some serious damage on upon your enemies. At times the Jedi can appear to dance around the screen like mad puppets dangling from an invisible harness, and when playing against them online the effect is even worse. It can seem almost impossible to win against the Jedi, and large online multi-player battles with loads of hero’s can sometimes seem a little mindless and chaotic. All that said, the ability to play with and against the Jedi in new ways is a worthy and welcome addition.

One of my favorite things to do is take control of a classic Star Wars vehicle and begin to wreak havoc. Battlefront II has improved upon the controls and even added some new vehicles from episode III. The new vehicles seemed to have been slightly toned down in their destructive nature, however an affective pilot can really do some damage.

One of my favorite additions to Battlefront II is the space combat. You now have the ability to fly in space against your enemy or even board enemy ships destroying them from the inside. The space combat is fun enough in itself to make this game a worthy purchase.

Graphics

Battlefront II’s graphics are extremely well done and even an improvement over the already impressive original version. It’s easy to submerse yourself into the environments and the realism is apparent throughout the game. A+

Multiplayer.

While many players will surely enjoy the game for it’s unique single player game play, those of us who have played the original Battlefield online know it’s potential. This new version does not disappoint, and with added environments and the ability for increased amounts of players, the fantastic online gameplay really adds value to this already worthy purchase

The Bottom Line.

Get this game! While it may seem at times to be very similar to the original, due to the fact that we are talking about Star Wars, this game does a great job improving upon what was already considered a must have title. With the addition of the new characters and vehicles, combined with fantastic online multi-player gameplay, this game has quickly become one of my top picks for 2005. Get this game, you will not be disappointed.

Friday, November 04, 2005

Bob Narley's Xbox Game Review takes a hard look at the latest releases for the XBOX and XBOX 360 systems and XBOX Live, including cheats, walk throughs, and hints.

: Name: Bob Narley; Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Bob Narley is a well known rock radio personality, a self proclaimed video game addict, and a practicing musician with over 30 years of experience on the guitar, bass, and keyboards. He has performed live, solo, and with his comedy band The Killer Kona Buds, in front of record crowds at festivals such as Livestock and Guavaween. He's been recognized for his talents at comedy production and endorsed for his skills at Digital Audio Production.

View my complete profile

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