Gamernode: Latest Xbox 360 News

Square Enix Unveils new franchise for Xbox 360

Let's admit that the Xbox 360 RPG scene still isn't the best. It's certainly better than it used to be, but it's still the one area where Microsoft's console is lacking the most. Square Enix, being clever, has decided to capitalize on this weakness by being one of the premiere providers for the RPG genre on the 360. They are specifically creating an RPG franchise unique to the Xbox 360. That franchise is called Infinite Undiscovery, and will be hitting stores on Sept 2nd.

Predictably, the game looks like it will go deep into the roots of the Japanese RPG genres of the past in terms of both story and gameplay. Infinite Undiscovery will tell the tale of a young boy who must save the world from an evil Dreadknight and his organization, the Order of Chains. It's not entirely original, but it ...

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Microsoft adding XNA games and increasing download...

Now that Microsoft is finally getting a little bit of competition from both the PlayStation Network and Nintendo's WiiWare, one might wonder what they plan to do to keep their edge. Game Xbox Live Arcade worldwide portfolio planner David Edery asserts that XNA-created content is next on Microsoft's plate, and will help the company "leapfrog the competition."

"I certainly think from an innovation perspective it's going to help us leapfrog the competition, effectively until they find a way to duplicate it, assuming they ever do.

To some extent it will certainly help us have more innovative content than either of them, just by definition. With all this random stuff coming from the community, every once in a while there's going to be a real gem in there that you just couldn't have found otherwi...

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Cliffy B says GoW2 will have 5 times more action

Cliff Bleszinski, aka Cliffy B, the lead designer for Gears of War 2, said that the game would be "larger," but didn't really go too deeply on the comments he made earlier this week. But in an interview with CVG, Bleszinski added a tad more elaboration for Gears fans.

He said Gears of War 2 would have five times more action than the first Gears.

"The character lighting is vastly improved, the environment is chippable and the tress get knocked down as physics objects. There's just so much sh*t going on, it's five times bigger this time. I think it shows the [Unreal Engine] got smoother."

The original Gears was no sloth in the action area and Cliffy is promising five times more in the new Gears? How did his development team do it?

"It's sheer hard work, a lot of practice, having artists that a...

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Microsoft Unveils TouchWall

We seem to keep getting closer to the computing experience Minority Report introduced with its vision of the future. Touch based computers, or machines which respond to gestures as input are all the rage these days with the software researchers.

Nintendo has put a basic form of it to use in the Nintendo Wii, with much success. Now Microsoft has unveiled another prototype in its drive to create a touch based computing experience known as TouchWall. Like Surface, Microsoft's tabletop touch based computer, TouchWall responds to user input when they touch a huge glass screen.

Microsoft's goal is make computing accessible everywhere, whether it is the kitchen, living room, or hallways. Imagine taking the laundry through a hallway and glancing at the wall to your left check if your received any ...

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Done! Castle Crashers finished, on XBLA by 2009

My most favoritest developer blog, The Castle Crashers Development Blog of Love, has announced that the long awaited XBLA game Castle Crashers is indeed complete. The game, originally announced in 2006, looks to be reminiscent of the sidescrolling beat em ups like Turtles In Time, and River City Ransom...only with knights, and really cool art.

The Development Blog of Love says that the game is done and it is off to Microsoft certification where it will take "a couple months at the very least from this point." Knowing what little I do about the actual cert process it could be more than a couple of months. If MS doesn't like what they see it could be more than six months, and that brings us into good old 2009.

Dan Paladin was appreciative of the fanbase through this long development saying, "...

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Some new Gears of War 2 info

In recent news, Cliff Bleszinksi, creator of the popular Gears of War game for the Xbox 360 has his hands all tied up with the newest installment in the series, Gears of War 2. Luckily he was cool enough to show us some sneak peaks of new gameplay from Gears of War 2.

Bleszinksi sat down with GamePro and talked about some of the features you are expected to see in this Gears of War installment that was not implemented in the previous. He confirmed that the single-player campaign in Gears of War 2 would be "longer" than the one featured in the original Gears of War, addressing one of the most common complaints about that game. He also said that the game's multiplayer mode would be "bigger and better," but held off on explaining any more details for the time being.

Expect a few new moves that ...

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Xbox 360: 10 million served

Microsoft has just announced that the Xbox 360 has become the first console this generation to sell 10 million units in the US. In addition to the 10 million now sold in the US, Microsoft has sold 9 million consoles in other parts of the world, making the total sales for the Xbox 360 19 million.

"This year will be the largest in the history of the video game industry, with Xbox 360 leading the charge in the U.S. and abroad," said Don Mattrick, senior vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business in the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. "History has shown us that the first company to reach 10 million in console sales wins the generation battle. We are uniquely positioned to set a new benchmark for the industry."  

No doubt the sales were fueled by GTA4, which also he...

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Xbox 360 games list and launch dates revealed

Microsoft released its list of blockbuster games on the Xbox 360 for the rest of the year and the mix looks like a nice balance for both hardcore and casual gamers.

First on the illustrious list is Penny Arcade Adventures. Next is Ninja Gaiden II, followed by Too Human, Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise (which will offer online co-op), Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts, Gears of War 2, and Fable 2.

The release dates for these games are as follows:

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Xbox 540 coming in 2009

About a year ago, Chartered begun the process of creating a smaller CPU for the Xbox 360, from 90 nm to 65 nm. At this point Microsoft ordered approximately 10,000 300 mm wafers from TSMC, which will help Microsoft economically support the company's ongoing strategy to reduce the production cost of the console.

TGDaily reported that the Xbox 360 is scheduled to ship in an "all 65 nm" package this August.

"Consumers won't notice the refresh, unless Microsoft decides to put a Blu-ray drive into the Xbox 360. We were not able to receive a confirmation either way, and we keep digging to find out if the Asustek subsidiary Pegatron will manufacture regular Xbox 360's or units with an integrated Blu-ray drive. In any case, Celestica, Pegatron and Wistron will have a busy summer cranking out milli...

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Gears of War 2 debut gameplay video

If you've played Gears of War, then you are probably looking forward to Gears of War 2, which hits store shelves this November. Epic has released the sequel's first gameplay footage in an excerpt from a level entitled "Assault." It looks like there are going to be some very intense action scenes in this game - something fans will be happy to partake in. Check it out:

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Return of the Microsoft Wiimote

The rumor has cropped up again that Microsoft has their version of a Wiimote up their sleeve, or hiding in their very deep pockets. According to Kotaku an anonymous tipster claims that Microsoft will be showing off their new controller as early as next week to certain members of the press.

"Microsoft plans to show off some of its 2008 and 2009 wares at an event next week, one that hits during the Game Critics Awards at which some of the "Best of E3" awards are judged. Occasionally, NDAs and embargoes ensure that what is shown at the Game Critics Awards doesn't go public until E3 proper, which may keep details on a the rumored new Xbox 360 controller under wraps.

However, Microsoft's event next Tuesday, at which the new Banjo Kazooie is confirmed to be shown to North American press, comes wi...

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Crackdown developer pushing for GTA MMO

With the awesome success that is GTA IV, we're all wondering how GTA developer Rockstar Games will capitalize on the newly introduced yet insanely popular multiplayer modes in the official fourth title. Two days ago, we proposed a question if a GTA MMO could triumph World of Warcraft; could this question actually come to fruition?

According to a credible source, Crackdown developer Realtime Worlds purposely bought the rights to its upcoming MMO All Points Bulletin in order to sell back to Rockstar Games as GTA Online.

Realtime Worlds has strong connections with the GTA franchise; its founder David Jones assisted in development of the original GTA title. The company also employs other developers that helped in the GTA franchise.

The source elaborated on how the company would support the game, ...

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Gore Verbinski to direct BioShock film

Remember that BioShock film rumor we reported back in January? Apparently the rumor was 100% true because Pirates of the Carribean director Gore Verbinski is all set to direct and produce the movie adaptation of BioShock.

Screenwriter John Logan (Sweeny Todd, The Aviator, The Last Samurai) is currently in talks to write the film's screenplay. Publisher Take-Two Interactive will receive a "multimillion-dollar advance against gross points on the film."

The director said that a release date has yet to be planned but will start pre-production as soon as Logan can write the script. In addition, Verbinski noted that the game's setting design and characters (particularly the Big Daddys and Little Sisters) inspired him to create the game into film.

Verbinski said, ""I think the whole utopia-gone-wron...

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Jasper chipset for the Xbox 360...cooler and quiet...

No matter how great the Xbox 360 is the console is louder than hell. Those fortunate enough to still own an original model will agree that having to turn up the volume on the television not so you can hear the game, but because you need to hear it over the fan on the 360, is annoying.

Microsoft has made improvements to their chipset by rolling out the Falcon chipset in the past. The Falcon has helped, but the noise issues are still there.

Rumor is Microsoft is going to roll out a third version of their chipset called Jasper. Like the Falcon it is supposed to produce less noise and overall make the Xbox 360 run at a cooler temperature. The launch of this new chipset is going to be August, if rumors prove true.

[Via Kotaku]

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"Big-ish" Fable 2 news next week

Sam at the official Lionhead Studios Fable 2 development blog comes a tantalizing little statement alluding to some big Fable 2 news in the very near future.

By "alluding to," of course I mean flat-out telling us that Lionhead has something for eager Fable fans next week. The post reads:

"I also came into work on Monday with about 70 other people and today is just a normal working day. A lot is happening, if you are anxious to find out something new about Fable 2, I suggest you make sure you've got access to the internet, next week! Yes we are planning something (quite) big-ish."

I'm not quite sure what sort of big thing he's referring to, but we will all find out sometime next week.

[via Lionhead]

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Microsoft Cancels Yahoo Bid

For the past three months both Microsoft and Yahoo had been in negotiations in which the outcome could have had huge ramifications for the internet community.

For those not following the news, Microsoft was attempting to buy Yahoo to integrate it into the Microsoft empire, and give Redmond Washington the leverage to become a powerful force online.

Unfortunately or thankfully, based on who you speak to at Yahoo, Microsoft pulled out its offer to purchase Yahoo after the price became too steep. This happened even after Microsoft had increased the offer by five billion dollars. Yahoo still wasn't satisfied. Wisely, Microsoft decided to step out of the deal as explained by Steve Balmer.

"After careful consideration, we believe the economics demanded by Yahoo do not make sense for us, and it is ...

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GTA IV sold 6 million copies worldwide

To no one's surprise, Take-Two Interactive announced today that Grand Theft Auto IV has sold over 6 million copies worldwide with an estimated retail value of $500 million earned within the first week of the game's release. Of the 6 million copies, 3.6 million copies were sold on its opening day earning about $310 million.

Ben Feder, CEO of Take-Two, said, "Rockstar's goal is to make each new title in the Grand Theft Auto franchise even better than those that preceded it, and Grand Theft Auto IV is a smashing success on that score. Grand Theft Auto IV makes full use of the power of next generation technology, and offers players an experience unique in the interactive entertainment medium. This game sets a new standard in the industry, with critics hailing it as both an artistic and technolo...

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Mirror's Edge gameplay footage

Holy cow, I was pretty blown away after watching this trailer. Mirror's Edge is an upcoming open-world action title from EA DICE where you play Faith, who practices parkour. The gameplay seems so fluid and I'm a big fan of the "bodily awareness" thing too, so leaping over fences and traversing city buildings with ease sounds so cool. Also don't forget the neat unarmed combat system. It looks like EA is trying some new things here.

Expect this game later this year for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

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What's the real cost of the 360 120GB HDD?

Upgrading a PS3's HDD to 120GB is as easy as going to an online store and selecting the proper 2.5" drive and buying it. Cost? Around $70-$80. If you want to upgrade your Xbox 360's HDD, you'll be facing a price tag of $179. 

Ouch.

So why the big difference in price? Microsoft says that it's because of special things and magic it has to add to the hard drive before they sell it to you. But iSuppli, a company that likes to track down the real costs of products did a little sleuthing to figure out how much Microsoft's pricey 360 drive might actually cost.

According to iSuppli, the main drive itself probably is either a Toshiba or Seagate that is pre-loaded with software and other tidbits. Cost of the basic unit is probably around $75. Add another $5 for packaging and other frills and the total ...

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Want free Rock Band tracks? Settle for a dollar ea...

For anyone who has torn through Rock Band forward and backward, but has yet to pick up any downloadable content, this news is for you. Beginning today, select tracks will be available to download for the low, low price of 80 MS points. That's just a dollar, and half off the regular price of Rock Band DLC.

Xbox Live's Major Nelson reports that this promotion is the result of a Harmonix, MTV, and McDonald's(?) tag team marketing effort that will continue until June 1st. Two tracks will be discounted each week, for a total of eight by the end of May.

Here is the official schedule:

5/6/08-5/12/08 :Crushcrushcrush - ParamoreRock 'n Roll Band - Boston

5/13/08-5/19/08 :Shockwave - Black TideSugar Magnolia - Grateful Dead

5/20/08-5/26/08:We Care A Lot - Faith No MoreAll the Small Things - Blink 18...

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