Archive for the ‘Xbox 360’ Category

Introduction Necessary

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009

Hello out there to all you fellow gamers, I’m KalbooseThe180, and I would like to say that I take gaming with the utmost seriousness. So in that I deem to give all of you my complex thoughts and immense logic behind what I believe gaming to be. I am very excited at being able to discuss gaming down to the very core, so let us begin…

First off I will say that I’m predominantly a 360 fan though that does not exclude me from enjoying other systems. As for the systems that I own I have an Xbox360, Xbox, PS2, Wii, numerous PCs, and a retro GameBoy. It is a great honor to be requested by Kuefler to discuss and elaborate on the world of gaming, so that’s really all that you need to know and once again I look forward to write for Kuefler and this Blog.

To give you something to chew on for the meantime I recently had money burning a hole in my pocket so I decided to pick up two new games. Now I will start by telling you that I highly respect games that try something new, different, or have an interesting way of playing them(I like First Person Shooters as much as the next gamer, but it’s done a lot.). So one of these games happened to be Ubisoft’s Prince of Persia (I am always skeptical about anything that has numerous titles that tie together). Now I’ll admit that I was somewhat skeptical about them making a new PoP game, mainly due to how the trilogy ended with PoP: The Two Thrones. So after purchasing it and cracking the case open and popping the game in I was relieved to find that it was in fact a reboot of the series, and may I say a very good one at that.

I can say for certain that those of you who enjoyed the pervious titles on the PS2 and Xbox will be happy to find that the series still has its appeal and basic construct of gameplay (Acrobatics and acrobatic fighting). But the reason that PoP is one of the shining examples of the kind of games I like is because for one the game is cell shaded, which adds a unique characteristic to the environment and to be honest I hardly noticed the cell shading after playing through it, the game also used the separation of regular gameplay and combat so you knew when you where fighting and when you where just playing (Unlike in the other PoP games where enemies where free roaming.). Another aspect that surprised me was the open world and pick-your-own-path within the game. Which I believe that the industry is moving closer and closer to games that are open and choice oriented. Also another interesting thing I noticed about PoP was the Achievements (Xbox360) could be obtained in a flowing constant manner, there were a few that you had to work for, but personally apart from Fable II’s achievement system I think that PoP has some of most obtainable achievements just through regular gameplay each around 10 to 20 points. Finally the best for last about PoP was that you could never die in the game, though you still received penalties for ‘almost dying’ but still the concept that in game you can never ‘die’ is another thing that I believe developers should be looking at and they have been. The aspect of gaming ‘death’ has plagued us all as gamers, I for one enjoyed the fact that I would never die in game, though there where penalties for failing.

And that was just a taste of what is to come, I hope you enjoyed this small insight into my opinion of gaming and I assure you that I will do my best to provide you with accurate information regarding anything that I discuss. So I say good luck to you all, and good gaming!

Trip to the Game Store: December 30, 2008

Wednesday, January 7th, 2009

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A week ago, I went out for my last trip to the video game store for 2008. I of course went to Game Stop, not like I have much of a choice there with their monopolization of the market.

I was looking forward to buying two more controllers for my Xbox 360, in addition of the two that I already own, but I was sadly disappointed when I found that they only had new wireless controllers and new Controller and Charger Bundles in stock. That’s right, no used wireless, no new wired, no used wired, no used off brand wired, and no new off brand controllers. The store only had the two most expensive packages for controllers. Why not have the used and cheaper controllers? Did Microsoft give money so Microsoft could dominate the controller market? Who knows.

So what did I actually buy? Well, I just got Xbox 360 games, including Saints Row, Assassin’s Creed, Mass Effect, Sneak King(technically a classic Xbox game), College Hoops 2K6, and Sonic The Hedgehog. Sonic the hedgehog is a glitchappaloosa©. While you are playing, you are repeatedly reminded that it’s a game, with all of its visual problems. As soon as Sonic hits the water, his dies in the same fashion as he would if he fell of a cliff, same speed, same camera-follow, same everything; it’s very annoying. The game constantly has visual issues; the camera often doesn’t display the terrain at all, just displaying the non-terrain objects and Sonic. Oh yeah, the stickers where such a problem to get off, more then usual. Do they really need to put the stickers on the sleeve itself?

Anyways, I’m having fun with my new games, I’ll be sure to report back if I feel anything needs to be shared about my experiences with them.

Catch-up

Friday, December 26th, 2008

Well, let us begin the catch-ups so be can go to business as usual as soon as possible. First off, on a personal note, the Mario carving sold, but the Yoshi chainsaw carving sold is still up for grabs. In late November, I also got an Xbox 360, bundled with Kung Fu Panda and Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures. I also recent bought Call of Duty: World at War.

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Nintendo announced the release of the DSi. The new system is 12 percent thinner than the DS lite and the GBA slot is now gone. The new system will have an external 3 megapixel camera, as well as a front-facing camera, an SD slot, internal storage, and a DSi Shop(like the Wii Shop channel for the DS). The system was released in Japan on November 1, 2008, and will be released in North America in Spring of 2009.

Rather than Wii points, the DS and Wii will now have Nintendo Points. Once you buy the new points, you will have to chose whether you will use all the points for the DS shop system of the Wii Shop system; you will not be able to split the points between the new systems. The DSi will be somewhat, if not completely region locked.

Now on to homebrew, many new updates to thwart home brewers where released, but the home brewers found work arounds. The Wii Homebrew Channel turned 1.0. The DSi render all the old hombrew cards useless, but it appears that one new card, called Acekard 2i, will work on it.

Some big games that where released during Game Influence down time include: Call of Duty: World at War, Animal Crossing: City Folk(with the Wii Speak peripheral), de Blob, Wario Land: Shake It!, Guitar Hero World Tour, Chrono Trigger, Spore, Resistance 2, Fallout 3, the re-franchised Prince of Persia, and Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia. A personal favorite, Wrath of the Lich King, was released in November, My girlfriend gave me this for my birthday, if you think about it, it’s quite ironic.

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Not much in terms of digital releases, although Mega Man 9 was released for the Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3World of Goo was also released as a Wii Ware title.

Some big games that where announced or gained a greater popularity with a future release during Game Influence’s down time include: No More Heroes 2, Resident Evil 5, Sin & Punishment 2, Sega’s The Conduit, Killzone 2, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, and games from the Wii remake program. The Wii remake program will release games from the Game Cube to the Wii, with updated controls. Games in the Wii remake program include Metroid Prime 1, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, Pikmin, Mario Tennis, Chibi Robo, and Pikmin 2.

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Recently, Nintendo finally provided American with a service that Europe and Japan have had for quite some time, Club Nintendo. Club Nintendo launched December 15. Before the service’s launch, Nintendo confirmed that Club Nintendo allowed users to earn Coins for registering Nintendo products and completing surveys, redeem Coins for limited edition Rewards, earn a set amount of Coins each year to gain Gold and Platinum status, create a Family Account and invite members of your family to join, and register your newly purchased Wii console or Nintendo DS on Club Nintendo and extend your warranty.

Well, I’m sure I missed a lot of news, If I remember anything I missed, I’ll try to bring it up laiter.

Sonic Unleashed

Thursday, April 3rd, 2008

First off, sorry about the lack of updates, I’ve been busy with working on Nintendo Destination and school. Well a while back some photo’s and a video was apparently leaked about a new Sonic game called Sonic Unleashed. We finally got confirmation that this game would indeed be heading to the PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, and the Wii.

Sonic and the Secret Rings was the first step towards bringing sonic back to it’s roots. Sonic Unleashed will offer classic Sonic the Hedgehog game play with new flashy 3D graphics.

The the “leaked” video has been removed from YouTube. Below is a few of the “leaked” and not “leaked” images of Sonic Unleashed, followed by the recently released press release.

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SONIC IS UNLEASHED! SEGA’s newest Sonic title is set to combine amazing next gen capabilities with classic Sonic 2D gameplay!

LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO (April 3, 2008) – SEGA®of America and SEGA of Europe Ltd., today announced that everyone’s favourite hedgehog will be breaking new ground yet maintaining his roots, in the upcoming title, Sonic Unleashed™. Developed by renowned studio Sonic Team, the latest installment in the multi-million selling franchise, will take players on an unforgettable high-speed journey around the globe in a way never before experienced in the world of Sonic. The game is set for release later this year and will be available for the Xbox 360™ videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo and PLAYSTATION®2.

Sonic Unleashed is built on a powerful new “Hedgehog Engine”, which introduces seamless 3D to classic 2D camera transitions, whilst delivering a rich and expansive world with multiple paths to choose from. Under development for three years, the Hedgehog Engine produces a visually rich next generation look and feel with elements of classic Sonic gameplay mechanics. The Hedgehog engine will help re-define the gameplay experience for Sonic fans and newcomers to the franchise alike.

“By combining rich and vibrant scenery with dynamic viewpoints Sonic Unleashedwill provide an immersive 3D experience whilst keeping alive the 2D gameplay elements and fantastic worlds that Sonic fans know and love” commented Gary Knight, European Marketing Director for SEGA Europe. “In addition to this classic Sonic gaming experience, when darkness sets in Sonic Unleashed players will be able to experience a completely new way to play as Sonic… making this his most exciting adventure yet!”

Having been broken apart by the evil Dr Eggman, it’s down to Sonic to put the pieces of the world back together again by retrieving the power of the chaos emeralds. In doing so, Sonic will find himself in a race against time and faced with an unusual situation that will challenge him in ways never before seen. By completing a wide variety of action-packed stages, spanning the seven broken continents of the world, gamers will need to unleash Sonic’s amazing abilities to save the world, and himself!

The opportunity to engage in Sonic in different ways during the day and night time levels brings a completely original way of playing to the Sonic franchise, in addition to running at high speeds in classic Sonic style, combat fighting will become possible. Super quick Sonic’s speed skills will be highlighted by four new modes, whilst the all new combat, movement and functional abilities will offer depth and variety to the game. As the sun sets in Sonic Unleashed, a different type of adventure will awaken in Sonic’s newest quest….

Sonic Unleashed is scheduled for release worldwide in late 2008.

Press Release

Banjo Kazooie 3: Not Traditional, Multiplayer Component

Thursday, February 14th, 2008

Banjo

The Rare Staff have announced that Banjo Kazooie 3 will not be your traditional platformer. No, it will not be a shooter, but it will not be like the others in the series. No details were given, but this can make or break the game. It will also have multiplayer. This step was taken with Conker: Live and Reloaded for the XBOX, and the results were not as good as people had hoped. Will this turn out the same for Banjo Kazooie 3 for the XBOX 360?

Kotaku

Next Call of Duty Comming to Wii

Friday, February 8th, 2008

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We’re finally getting some more information on the new Call of Duty title. Very few new details(if you can call them that); we now know that the next Call of Duty title will shoot it’s way to the Wii, PS2, Xbox 360, PS3, and personal computer.

I don’t think Activision can release a Call of Duty 5 without leaving those living in the Nintendo-only universe dazed and confused, oh wait it was release on the Nintendo DS. I can’t help but think that Nintendonians will feel like they weren’t invited to last years Christmas party; some may hold a grudge and not go to this years party, will others will just be happy they were invited this year shindig. There’s only one way for Activision to combat this, branch of into anther sub-franchise or give it a subtitle, like all franchise inevitably transform due to cross-platform issues; Medal of Honor, Burnout, Hitman, Splinter Cell, Rainbow Six, Ghost Recon, Tony Hawk, Brothers in Arms, Mario Bros., Twisted Metal, Sonic, Battlefield, and Mega Man, to name a few.

Activision is also telling us that the Tony Hawk franchise will heading in a “new direction” (maybe not as different of a direction Tony himself was talking about).

IGN

DLC Coming to Mass Effect

Wednesday, February 6th, 2008

Microsoft and Bioware have announced today that Mass Effect will now include downloadable content. It will cost you 400 Microsoft Points, which is like $5, and will be approx. 90 minutes and includes 50 achievement points. “Bring Down the Sky”, is what the new DLC is, and it is an all-new world to explore.

Aliens of the new world

Video of the Day: Febuary 5, 2008

Tuesday, February 5th, 2008

Video of the day

Yahtzee Croshaw reviews Mass Effect for the Xbox 360..

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Video of the Day: Febuary 4, 2008

Monday, February 4th, 2008

Video of the day

Yahtzee Croshaw reviews Guitar Hero III for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii, PC, and Mac.

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Released this Week: February 4, 2008

Monday, February 4th, 2008

United States:

    Wii:
    • Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore
    • My Horse & Me
    • The Spiderwick Chronicles

    Xbox 360:

    • Culdcept Saga
    • Devil May Cry 4
    • Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore
    • The Spiderwick Chronicles
    • Turok

    PS3:

    • Devil May Cry 4
    • Turok

    PS2:

    • Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore
    • Nobunaga’s Ambition: Rise to Power
    • The Spiderwick Chronicles
    • Twisted Metal: Head On

    Nintendo DS:

    • Assassin’s Creed: Altair’s Chronicles
    • My Horse & Me
    • Paws & Claws: Pet Resort
    • Puppy Palace
    • Real Soccer 2008
    • The Spiderwick Chronicles
    • Zoo Tycoon 2

    PSP:

    • Downstream Panic!

    PC:

    • 20 Questions
    • Medieval II Total War: Gold Pack
    • Merv Griffin’s Crosswords
    • Sins of a Solar Empire
    • Spaceforce: Captains
    • The Spiderwick Chronicles

Europe:

    Nintendo Wii:
    • Agatha Christie: And Then There Were None
    • Arctic Tale
    • Cars: Mater-National
    • Medal of Honor Heroes 2
    • Nitrobike
    • PDC World Championship Darts
    • Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure
    • Showtime Championship Boxing

    Xbox 360:

    • The Club
    • Conflict: Denied Ops
    • Devil May Cry 4
    • Turok

    PS3:

    • The Club
    • Conflict: Denied Ops
    • Devil May Cry 4
    • NFL Tour
    • Turok

    PS2:

    • Art of Fighting Anthology

    Nintendo DS:

    • Arctic Tale
    • Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends: Imagination Invaders
    • Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games
    • Pic Pic
    • Professor Kageyama’s Maths Training
    • Tangram Mania

    PSP:

    • Final Fantasy
    • Final Fantasy II

    PC:

    • The Command & Conquer Saga
    • Conflict: Denied Ops
    • Democracy
    • Medieval II Total War: Gold Pack
    • Speedball 2

Japan:

    Wii:
    • Major Wii Nagero! Gyroball
    • Oneechanbara Revolution

    Xbox 360:

    • Battlestations: Midway

    PS3:

    • Transformers: The Game

    PS2:

    • Dengeki SP: Shakugan no Shana
    • Princess Maker 5
    • Transformers: The Game

    Nintendo DS:

    • L: The Prologue to Death Note Rasen no Wana
    • Patto Tokueru: Indo Suugaku Drill

    PSP:

    • Coded Soul: Uke Keigareshi Idea
    • Kidou Senshi Gundam: Giren no Yabou Axis no Kyoui

    PC:

    • Sega Rally Revo

Video of the Day: Febuary 2, 2008

Saturday, February 2nd, 2008

Video of the day

Yahtzee Croshaw reviews Assassin’s Creed.

Video of the Day: January 31, 2008

Thursday, January 31st, 2008

Video of the day

Yahtzee Croshaw reviews Clive Barker’s Jericho for the PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360.


Video of the Day: January 16, 2007

Wednesday, January 16th, 2008

Video of the day

Mario Meats Halo? Count me in!