The End Of The Xbox Halo Franchise As We Know It
February 18, 2010 by Gamestar · Leave a Comment
Halo: Reach is the forthcoming (and final) chapter from current developer studio Bungie, bringing to an end their reign over the Xbox Halo franchise. Set in 2552 on the human planet Reach, and players once more adopt the Spartan colours as Noble 6 and, along with Noble Squad, the gamer will have to defend their planet from the terror that is the Covenant. However, Halo: Reach is a prequel to Bungie's first award winning "Halo: Combat Evolved" title.
Originally designed to be an improved version of the Xbox Halo franchise entry Halo 3, the notion was dropped, Bungie stating they would redesign and improve the quality of the Halo 3 designs. Harking back to the Halo: Combat Evolved concept ideas, this effectively means the new weapon, armour and covenant designs in Halo: Reach will deviate greatly from prior entries but uphold the ethos of the Xbox Halo franchise.
Hinting that Bungie will not cap the Xbox Halo franchise without a bang, the producers are looking to dramatically increase the graphical quality of all gaming areas, even including the weaponry. This clearly required Bungie to create a fresh new engine in Halo: Reach, with the AI augmented and nudged to provide better support for the player as they battle the Covenant.
So after all these promises of fusing greatly refined graphics and improved AI and designs, will Bungie leave the Xbox Halo franchise with a bang and cement their reputation for producing the best FPS for the Xbox 360? The only way to find out is to grab a copy when it is released later this year!
A Sneak peek At The Xbox 360 Project Natal
January 19, 2010 by Gamestar · Leave a Comment
Following hot on the heels of the Wii's motion sensing technology, Microsoft hope to take this one better with Xbox 360 Project Natal. Revealed during 2009's E3 meeting, this add-on accessory for the Xbox 360 is said to allow completely controller-free interaction with games, sensing movement and translating that as controls in the title.
Xbox 360 Project Natal is said to be available around the end of 2010, and Microsoft hope that the accessory will become a vital part of all existing Xbox consoles. They also confirm that this revolutionary technology will stretch the active life of the 360 considerably, and is, for all intents and purposes, a next-gen accessory.
The accessory includes a depth sensor coupled with an RGB camera, which hands the Xbox 360 Project Natal a 360 degree arc of recognition. The recognition is so cutting edge that even tiny facial expressions can be interpreted and converted on-screen. The range of recognition can also be extended or shortened as the gamer wishes, with the possibility of including surrounding objects like tables or cabinets.
Along with movement, the Xbox 360 Project Natal also has the ability to interpret sound. The multi-array microphone within can be employed to recognise sound and relay vocal information on the television. These elements mix to offer total interactivity between gamer and videogame.
As the technology employed to create both Natal and the titles it will interact with is reasonably unique, Microsoft have said that current Xbox 360 titles probably will not support Natal, and that a brand new range of titles are in progress. Some technical demos shown at E3 saw Space Invaders Extreme and Paint Party, a game in which pots of paint are manipulated by the gamer to paint canvasses.
Time will tell as to whether the Xbox 360 Project Natal will instill the awe Microsoft are looking for. Whilst the specs are clearly revolutionary and due to trump even the Wii's signature card, Microsoft need to announce more engaging titles to gain increased customer interest. With the right titles coupled with it, the Xbox 360 Project Natal could actually be the future of videogaming!
Beatles Rock Band Limited Edition
December 5, 2009 by Gamestar · Leave a Comment
If you're a true follower of video games and devices, I am sure you've heard about The Beatles Rock Band Limited Edition. However, if you're still unsure what it is, keep on delving here and you will soon discover the details you want.
The Beatles Rock Band Limited Edition is where the most creative musical video game and greatest band of our time meet. It's the title for music fans, game players, children and veterans alike who gladly hold onto the golden era in music.
| Wii The Beatles: Rock Band - Software Only |
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| Retail Price: $39.99 |
| Amazon Price: $36.99 |
MTV games announced this title will be interesting for both youths and their mom and pop. Youngsters will love it - because they adore games, and folks will be thrilled to participate aswell, since they truly love and respect traditionally popular music as The Beatles delivered. Platforms that house this title are Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360 and Playstation 3.
The Beatles Rock Band Limited Edition will have the game, a Hofner Bass ( custom etched like Sir Paul McCartney formerly played ), a microphone with a stand, extra special content and a real special treat for any music affectionados - Ludwig Drums! The drum set is uniquely customised for this title, with pearl finish and vintage drum hide, similar to the model Ringo Starr employed.
So waste no more time and start rehearsing your well-loved Beatles titles and guitar solos. If you love the music these legendary Liverpool musicians produced, The Beatles Rock Band Limited Edition is sure to rock your soul!
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Xbox 360 News Site
November 10, 2009 by Gamestar · Leave a Comment
Xbox 360 is the second installment for the Xbox line of games machines from Microsoft. The Xbox 360 boasts support of high definition in all titles, movie rentals and gaming downloads from its online marketplace, Windows Media Centre multimedia capabilities and ability to view HD DVD flicks. Due to these, it enjoys huge popularity among console game lovers and is in high demand in the market.
However, what's the source of all this up-to-date news? Well, there are numerous websites loyal to Xbox which cater to the awareness of both developers and players of Xbox 360. But the most outstanding of these various sources is the Xbox 360 News website.
The Xbox 360 News also supplies the latest info and stories on the latest Xbox 360 title offerings. In this manner, it significantly helps our game players as there are plenty of titles to choose from, including soon to be released titles. For folks who want to purchase an Xbox 360, this web site will prove to be helpful. It permits users to purchase their very own Xbox 360. Likewise, players can also take part in various games conducted by sponsors and procure diverse treats.
The capability to access Xbox 360 News through the games machine directly is amongst the most impressive features of this function. A working net connection is all that is needed and the console is all set to visit the Xbox 360 News website for the latest in Xbox 360 titles, releases and patches.
So we see that the Xbox 360 News function can offer you the latest data and info on your favourite gaming console and keep you in the know. In fact, both newbies or vets, as well as developers, can glean a lot from this website. Thus, if you wish to remain updated on the latest about Xbox 360, visit the Xbox 360 News website immediately!
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What Can Xbox Live Offer You?
November 5, 2009 by Gamestar · Leave a Comment
Xbox 360 currently offers gamers the opportunity to communicate with each other, using the add-on feature known as Xbox Live. If you're an Xbox Live user, you are instantly part of the chat list. Therefore, you are able to chat and discuss anytime with your friends and family through the Xbox 360 headset. Moreover, you can interact and organize a gaming throwdown with countless other Xbox users. Xbox Live also allows you to buy content in Xbox Live Marketplace, download additional videogame content and even watch preview videos.
If users are enticed by these functions and wish to become an Xbox Live member, then there are two memberships to choose from, classified into two distinct services - gold and silver.
Up first, the silver service is just the basic version of Xbox Live. Going for this version, users can easily get online and download gaming titles. On top of this, you are given the capacity to use their own voice to talk and meet with other Xbox Live users. However, this is all Xbox Live silver provides subscribers with. If you're searching for the optimum Xbox Live experience, Xbox Live gold is what you must go for.
Secondly, the Xbox Live Gold option has various features that make it an awesome way to play on the internet. Apart from the incredible Xbox Live features, it provides gamers with a host of additional add-ons. There is improved chat compatability, as well as interaction with a host of Microsoft products, including messenger and further chat and video programs. The most prominent feature of Xbox Live gold is the manner in which your online avatar is shown to the world. Every account is free to create a distinct 'motto' showing to other gamers online, even linking to Facebook. Furthermore, you're also able to hold a record of your accomplishments. As you play more and more you gradually forge a reputation, and if users like you they are able to rank you positively, making it easier to avoid interacting with users holding bad outlook.
Players can also build a contact list which will list all of your selected chums. It'll also inform you when any of your buddies come online. There is also a recent player list that will record the last fifty friends that you have met.
Xbox Live is as good as Xbox gaming gets. It not only offers great gaming but also provides you with the chance to share your experience with other users!
PS3 Vs Xbox 360!
July 23, 2009 by Gamestar · Leave a Comment
PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, which console is better? Which is a safer investment? The battle of Xbox 360 vs PS3 will be waged in five fronts. Let's take a look at each and every one of them to determine which gaming console is worth your loyalty.
1. Power. Third party developers have always complained about how hard it is to make games for the PS3 due to its maze-like infrastructure. The Xbox 360 is like a computer system, thus, better to code for. The result : games that are released for both systems generally look better on the Xbox 360.
2. Reliability. The Xbox 360 has long been plagued with bugs and breakdowns. What good is a gaming system if it'll break down in some months, if not a few weeks, right? In the battle of Xbox 360 vs PS3 on this front, the PS3 is the runaway winner.
3.Game library. The Xbox 360 was released a year before the PS3. Developers also say that they'd rather make games for the Xbox 360 because it's a better system to work with. Activision, developers and distributors of the widely acclaimed Call of Duty series, have even promised to stop developing for the PS3 out of sheer disappointment. It comes as little surprise, then, the Xbox 360 has a deeper game library and wins this round of the Xbox 360 vs PS3 fight.
4. Exclusives. Despite Xbox's Halo, Gears of War and Fable, the PS3 has Killzone, Resistance, Uncharted, Ratchet and rattle, little Big Planet and more. When it comes to sheer variety, the PS3 wins this facet of the battle.
Pretty equal pegging, then. In the end, it's all about personal preference, take that for what it's worth deciding on which console to purchase.
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5 Xbox 360 Exclusives That could find Their Way To The Play Station 3
June 20, 2009 by Gamestar · Leave a Comment
The current generation of console wars between Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3 has its dark side. There are reports of corporations paying game developers so that the latter's games will be completely exclusive to their systems.
However, in the fickle world of todays game industry, there are no permanent coalitions. For example take a look at Nintendo and Square. At Nintendo and Sony. Microsoft and Rare. Look at Microsoft and Bungie Soft.
They might be Xbox 360 exclusives today, but it is only a matter of time before these five titles will appear on the Sony Play Station 3:
1. Dead Rising. Capcom's "other" zombie hit was one of the first titles for Microsoft's then fledgling computer game machine. Reviews about the game were mixed. Some called it cutting edge, while others called it repetitive. Others described it as a technological marvel, while some claimed that it was all icing. There was applaud for the game being pure fun, while others protesting that they did not get the "scares" that they predicted. Without regard for the reception about Dead Rising, the fact is, it is not an exclusive "exclusive." It has since been ported to the Nintendo Wii, and industry commentators are envisioning that it's simply a matter of time before Dead Rising rises on the PS 3. Also, Capcom is currently keeping mum on the question of what system the announced Dead Rising 2 will be appearing on, something which many people believe is a clear sign the franchise is heading for the PlayStation 3.
2. Mass Effect. People are mistakenly under the impression that Microsoft owns the rights to the Mass Effect franchise. The intellectual property belongs to Bioware, which has an exclusive developer's contract with Microsoft. When this contract ends, Bioware can bring its property wherever it pleases - and the PlayStation 3 might be the new home of this controversial space-faring, lesbian-loving, science Fiction RPG.
3. Star Ocean : The Last Hope. It is not common for seemingly exclusive RPGs to jump shift to another. Most Eastern developers only agree to a "timed exclusive" clause, any way. Such is the case with Eternal Sonata and Tales of Vesperia which were first released on the Xbox 360 but finally found their way to the PlayStation 3, with added content to boot. Tri-Ace's newest masterpiece, as published by Square-Enix, may follow that lead, as Sony's line of consoles are the conventional houses of JRPGs (Japanese Role Playing Games ) .
4. Blue Dragon. The dream team that encompasses Mistwalker are reportedly unhappy with the performance of their first game for the Xbox 360, and the first JRPG for the claimed system. Microsoft's console only has a limited base in Japan, and this made a contribution to the poor sales experienced by Blue Dragon. Once the timed exclusive agreement with Microsoft expires, folks envision that Mistwalker will bring their franchise to the Sony Play Station three. But first, they must publish one game under such an agreement - Blue Dragon 2.
5. Ninja Gaiden II. This is a given. One of the highest rated action platformers today will appear on the Sony PlayStation 3, eventually. Of course, an improved of its predecessor, Ninja Gaiden Sigma, made the jump a year after debuting on the Xbox 360.
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Star Trek D-A-C
May 8, 2009 by Gamestar · Leave a Comment
Following the release of the highly anticipated new Star Trek film by J.J Abrams, it is clear it is not a continuation from the last Star Trek film Nemesis, which was the last voyage of the Next Generation crew, but instead a reboot of the franchise from the beginning. It will not try and remake classic Star Trek films like The Wrath of Khan, it is instead a Star Trek in an alternate reality.
So what does this have to do with games? Well, as most blockbuster action films come with video games so does the new Star Trek film, Star Trek D-A-C.
Star Trek D-A-C is simple top down space game based on J.J Abrams aforementioned movie reboot of the series. It pitches the Federation against the Romulan Empire. Star Trek D-A-C allows you to choose between three ships, each with its own unique abilities that can help turn the tide of war. On offer are nimble fighters, powerful bombers and the almighty flagships. The new, sleek looking U.S.S Enterprise is available to Starfleet commanders.
The game features three modes of play, singleplayer, online multiplayer and online co-op. For each individual mode there are a further three more game types, Assault, Conquest and Team Deathmatch.
Star Trek D-A-C is not like most film-based video games. The film-based video games have a similarly “big budget” as there film counterparts do, though not usually the same scale. Film-based games try to have a side story to the film and try to enhance on what the film did in the theatre. Examples of these are the newly released X-Men Origins: Wolverine game and the upcoming Terminator Salvation game. Star Trek D-A-C is completely different. First off, Star Trek D-A-C is not available in stores but instead available for download through the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network services. Secondly, it looks to not have the budget these games tend to carry with them, which isn’t a bad thing. The top down 2d approach, similar in style to an RTS type game, works for Star Trek D-A-C. The not too fancy graphics also work, the lack of story to “complement” the film is also a good thing.
So your thinking there is nothing much too it then? Well yes, it is an incredibly simple game. Up to 6 people per side battle it out in a the depths of space. The game is classed as being 2D, but really it is played from a perspective that makes it look 2d. The game does, however, play on a 2D plane, which limits vertical movement, but in the background the developers have managed to create a sense of depth to the game, with lots of activity going on in the background. All the ships are rendered in 3D, and will even tilt when turning, other objects like space stations and asteroids are also in 3D.
Star Trek D-A-C is not a master revision of any Star Trek games, mainly because there aren’t many good ones worth remaking, like the movie it comes from, nor is it a mastery revision of film-based video games. It is just a simple space combat shooter that takes influence from the new film, and so far it’s the only game where you can control the new U.S.S Enterprise! And that’s what makes it stand out from the rest. On a last note, Paramount Digital Entertainment have kept what the D-A-C stands for a tight secret and will announce what it means later. Have any guesses? Ours would be on the lines of the three game types, Deathmatch, Assault and Conquest, boring yes so lets hope it means something better!
Star Trek D-A-C is out this month initially for the Xbox 360 via the Live Arcade service, and will be released later for the PlayStation 3 via PSN and PC.
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Dante’s Inferno: Poem to Game
May 6, 2009 by Gamestar · Leave a Comment
To be honest we're suprised this videogame hasnt been made sooner, but Dante's Inferno is finally coming to a console near you. Based on the epic literary classic of the same name, the idea of adapting a poem into a game initially seems a bit strange, but consider the structure of the poem; the hero must journey through the various circles of hell in order to win his way into heaven. Sounds almost perfect for a game, right?
As you may expect, adapting a classic for the modern day gaming audience requires a certain amount of re-jigging. The quest begins with the titular hero confronting and defeating Death himself, in order to take his scythe. It's with Death's scythe that Dante is later able to overcome demons and other monstrosities that bar his way. As with the poem, Dante is fighting to find his love Beatrice, who resides in Heaven awaiting his return.
The gameplay is drawing paralells to Devil May Cry, with frenetic action grounded in the use of combos. However, Dante's Inferno looks to play a little slower than its counterpart, with more of an emphasis on longer, more devastating combos. There's a wide range of low, mid and high level attacks to string together in order to combat the increasingly monstrous enemies you'll encounter throughout the adventure.
Dante's Inferno also implements two further game mechanics worthy of note. Firstly, it is possible to attack and break enemy beasts into submission, thus providing you with a mount. These monstrous mounts can be used to bolster your strength in combat, and also to cover large travelling distances. Secondly, throughout your travels you will encounter Lost Souls that plead for absolution from their sins. It is your choice as a player to either absolve or punish them, and either outcome can be used to earn a form of currency which can be used to level up, augment weapons etc. Absolving or punishing Lost souls triggers a mini mission which needs to be completed, and choosing to absolve a sin will often prompt a more difficult mission.
Dante's Inferno is scheduled for release on the PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 sometime early next year. Will it be another Devil May Cry/ God of War clone, or could this game actually offer something original? Time will tell....
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Movie adaptations to look out for!
May 1, 2009 by Gamestar · Leave a Comment
It’s the time of the year when this years blockbuster movies come out in succession. It’s also the time when movie games, based on said movies, come out to coincide with the movie release. Video games based on films tend to sell very well, but don’t tend to be very good. This year, however, the games are looking fantastic. So what is in store for this summer?
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Who wouldn’t like to control a regenerating, virtually indestructible, claw wielding superhero? Well, in X-Men Origins: Wolverine you get to do just that! Developed by Raven Software, Wolverine is the video game companion to Marvel’s summer blockbuster of the same name. The plot for the game is not directly related to the movie, but it does feature Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in both his likeness to the character and his voice.
For a Marvel video game it is quite a bloody affair. Wolverine’s claws rip through Weapon X security guards, leaving pools of blood and dismembered body parts all over the place. This is no surprise, since Raven Software created one of the most bloodiest game series ever, Soldier of Fortune. It seems Raven have took the idea of Wolverine having these claws and put them into context in the real world and in the real world sharp metal claws equals blood, blood and more blood!
Graphics-wise Wolverine looks great, but this is to be expected. Movie video game tie-ins are expected to be as good looking as the films they represent. This usually has a unfortunate effect on the rest of the game as the developers focus on making it look like the movie and sacrifice gameplay, AI and other important aspects. However, in this case Raven Software have managed to not sacrifice the important aspects. The controls are fluid and intuitive with moves being mapped to only a few buttons and AI is generally good with the usual inclusion of cannon fodder.
In essence, X-Men Origins: Wolverine is just like its main protagonist, a raw, animalistic beast, and that’s what makes it so good. Wolverine is available on the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.
Terminator: Salvation
The new Terminator Salvation movie looks awesome. Many people doubted whether another film should be done especially after Terminator 3. The same could be said for the games. Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines was a poor game at best with the only cool thing about it was it had terminators in it. Then again most movie based video games generally aren’t that great, but there are a few exceptions, and Terminator: Salvation is looking to be one of those games that will buck the trend.
The main reason for this is the inclusion of two-player co-operative play. While only limited to split screen, co-operative play has been a big hook since its inclusion in Gears of War. Not only that, GRIN the developers have put a lot of time and effort into creating a believable post-apocalyptic world and its shows.
In this post-apocalyptic world you, as John Conner, and your team carry out specific missions to take the fight to the machines. Conner can take cover behind various objects and trade fire whist behind them. But GRIN have designed the combat system to allow you to flank the enemy by exploiting the environment. This is a neat feature and adds another dynamic to the gameplay.
The games story takes place two years before the film when John Connor is in the military. It follows you as John Connor on his missions before the events of the film and his development into the heroic leader most fans know him as in the first couple of films. GRIN seem to have nailed the post-apocalyptic world of the Terminator universe, co-operative play and have developed a combat system that allows for various ways of taking down the machines. Terminator: Salvation looks like a movie video game worthy of the attention. Terminator: Salvation will be available on the PS3 and Xbox 360 when released.
Ghostbusters:
Yes Ghostbusters was released in the 80’s but this is a game based on a movie franchise worth writing about. In essence the Ghostbusters game is the third film in the series (even though a third film has been announced). The story is written by the writers of the original film, Dan Acykroyd and Harold Ramis, so already it’s a must!
The original cast has been faithfully recreated to look almost identical to what they looked like in the two films. The game negates having a heads-up-display to show information, like health, and instead opts for a similar system to Dead Space, were your proton pack displays all you vital information.
Now about those proton packs, apart from crossing the streams, you need to also worry about overheating, luckily you don’t need to worry about ammo. The ghost-trapping gameplay works a treat, with you throwing out traps and slamming them with your proton beam, everything feels just as it should. The developers, Terminal Reality, have also managed to create an atmosphere that borders between scary and humorous. As you walk down spooky corridors you comrades start making fun of you or crack a joke of and occasionally shout out advice.
The graphics of Ghostbusters depends on which version you purchase, the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions have very realistic, shiny graphics that the owners almost expect to see these days, where as the Wii version has a more cartoony look to it. This maybe due to the lack of powerful hardware in the Wii, but it the chosen graphics work extremely well. You could go as far as saying it makes it feel that more Ghostbusters-y. Rumours have been flying around about co-operative play being included then taken out. If this is the truth it would be the only negative in what looks to be a great game. Hopefully, there is co-operative play as there would be nothing better than playing this game with three of your friends.
Which ever version you pick up, Ghostbusters looks to be a video game treat. Many fans have been waiting for a Ghostbusters game like this, me included. Ghostbusters will be released 16/06/2009 for the DS, PS3, PC, Xbox 360 and Wii.
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