360 tidbits

[Fivespot]

The 360 is surprisingly deep in it's options and functionality. So much so that it's hard to really know every facet of the machine within the first few weeks of owning it.

I'd like to start a thread where 360 owners can share interesting information regarding 360 functionality, options, achievements, gamercards, etc..

For starters, I learned something interesting while listening to Major Nelson's most current podcast (www.majornelson.com).

Did you know that the 360 has personal settings associated with your gamercard that games view whenever booted up FOR THE FIRST TIME?

When you login to your gametag when firing up the 360, highlight your gamercard and then choose personal settings. Those settings allow users to define how they typically play games (inverted controls, prefer manual shifting for racing games, etc...).

If set-up, games being played for the first time will access those personal setting and configure the game's controls based on that information. So if playing a racing game for example, it will know immediately whether you prefer manual or auto transmissions and will default to that setting for you without you having to set it up with each new racing game you play.

[Darwin]

Tired of typing messages to friends with your controller? Are you the kind of person that hates leaving verbal messages. Well, apparently the 360 allows for USB keyboard functionality. I'm running out to Worst Buy right now and will pick up a USB keyboard. I'll let you know how it works.

[Darwin]

The center button on the controller (the one with the
big green X on it) does several things. When you tap
it, it opens up part of the dashboard which then
superimposes its image over half the screen. (Most
games will pause while you do this. DVDs continue to
play, though.) From this half dashboard you can look
at friends, change some settings, send invites, chat,
send messages, and play custom soundtracks. It also
has a visual indicator of your controller?s battery
strength. The center button also performs
context-sensitive functions that relate to messages
that pop up on your screen. For example, if the
message says ?Codename Havok is online? and I
immediately hit the center button, it takes me right
to your gamertag profile. This also works for game
invites and accomplishments.

[ThaMaskedGamer]

I don't have time to experiment with the system yet, all I can manage is to play for an hour or so a day. But when I get the time I will try some of this out. I have yet to even hook up my ipod or mess around with my gamercard.

One thing is for sure the functionality and ease of use of the dashboard is unprecedented. But the feature I'm most in love with is the ability to shut-down and turn on the console with the controller. Now if only something could be done about changing the game discs manually. It would have been cool if they had like a 6 disc changer.

[Fivespot]

Info on the Play & Charge kits available for wireless controllers:

As you may or may not know, MS offers a kit for wireless controllers that contains a rechargable battery and USB charger that can actually be used to charge the controller while playing (although you are then hard wired to the console). The charger easily snaps onto the front of the controller (where wires would be if they had any).

Wireless controllers have two modes of warnings when batteries are running low. First, the ring of light has a slow spin to indicate low battery power. A final warning, fast spin, illuminates when the controller is about to die and needs a recharge.

Charging is pretty self-explanatory - you charge until a green light illuminates on the charger (red means the battery needs further charging).

Interesting facts regarding this kit -

1. You can charge the controller on most devices that have USB ports (like a PC). MS didn't take the time/effort to ensure complete compatibility with all hubs/networks but it should charge fine on most standard USB ports.

2. In addition to charing while playing, you can also charge the controller while the system is off!!!! Simply plug in the Play & Charge Kit, begin charging, and then power off your 360. If controller needs additional charging, the 360 will go into a low-power mode and continue charging the battery until it has been fully charged. When charging has completed in this mode, the charger red light will go off and the 360 will fully power down.

3. When charging, even though you are temporarily wired to the 360, the controller still functions wirelessly using the plug only to power up the battery.

4. The rate in which the battery recharges depends on how the controller is being used during the charge. The fastest method of charging via USB, is to leave the 360 on and not use the controller (or turn off and charge while you are not needing the console). It can also charge while in use but the charge will be diminished dependent on what game you are playing and how much energy the controller needs to play the game. COD2 for example has a lot of rumble so therefore it takes a little while longer to charge while playing this game.

MS is in the process of also releasing another charging device that will plug into the wall and allow two batteries to be charged at once at a much faster rate.

[ThaMaskedGamer]

Info on the Play & Charge kits available for wireless controllers:

As you may or may not know, MS offers a kit for wireless controllers that contains a rechargable battery and USB charger that can actually be used to charge the controller while playing (although you are then hard wired to the console). The charger easily snaps onto the front of the controller (where wires would be if they had any).

Wireless controllers have two modes of warnings when batteries are running low. First, the ring of light has a slow spin to indicate low battery power. A final warning, fast spin, illuminates when the controller is about to die and needs a recharge.

Charging is pretty self-explanatory - you charge until a green light illuminates on the charger (red means the battery needs further charging).

Interesting facts regarding this kit -

1. You can charge the controller on most devices that have USB ports (like a PC). MS didn't take the time/effort to ensure complete compatibility with all hubs/networks but it should charge fine on most standard USB ports.

2. In addition to charing while playing, you can also charge the controller while the system is off!!!! Simply plug in the Play & Charge Kit, begin charging, and then power off your 360. If controller needs additional charging, the 360 will go into a low-power mode and continue charging the battery until it has been fully charged. When charging has completed in this mode, the charger red light will go off and the 360 will fully power down.

3. When charging, even though you are temporarily wired to the 360, the controller still functions wirelessly using the plug only to power up the battery.

4. The rate in which the battery recharges depends on how the controller is being used during the charge. The fastest method of charging via USB, is to leave the 360 on and not use the controller (or turn off and charge while you are not needing the console). It can also charge while in use but the charge will be diminished dependent on what game you are playing and how much energy the controller needs to play the game. COD2 for example has a lot of rumble so therefore it takes a little while longer to charge while playing this game.

MS is in the process of also releasing another charging device that will plug into the wall and allow two batteries to be charged at once at a much faster rate.


My EB didn't have any play and charge kits. But i'm glad they didn't. The whole thing costs too damn much. Plus I already have AA battery recharger for my camera, and I have 8 rechargeable AA batteries for it. I only need 4 for my camera. I'll use that instead, that is after the 4 AA energizer batteries that came with the 360 die(I'm not using the remote control so i'm gonna use the 2 batteries they gave you for that with the controller). But even without the play kit or rechargeable batteries the wireless controller is great. I know i've put in more than 15 hours thus far on it, and my batteries are still strong. With my logictech's they used 4 batteries and lasted a good 40-50 hours. So this using two is great. In fact, I bought a second controller, which is wired, but I haven't opened it and i'm gonna return it to get a second wireless controller. Though Darwin warns the audio quality can suffer on LIVE with the wireless controllers, the headset apparently works better with the wired controller. But I love these wireless controller, they are lighter than the logictechs.

[Fivespot]

I can't speak for Darwin, but in my opinion the wireless controller headset functionality has greatly improved since launch (I will admit however that it had some issues out of the gates).

My most recent online gaming has been much better to this extent with no problems using the headset w/the wireless controllers.

Darwin?

[Darwin]

I can't speak for Darwin, but in my opinion the wireless controller headset functionality has greatly improved since launch (I will admit however that it had some issues out of the gates).

My most recent online gaming has been much better to this extent with no problems using the headset w/the wireless controllers.

Darwin?

Maybe the headset problems are limited to me or a small group of people. Perhaps I have a defunct headset. But, when I plug the original Xbox headset in, it does just fine.

[Fivespot]

Maybe the headset problems are limited to me or a small group of people. Perhaps I have a defunct headset. But, when I plug the original Xbox headset in, it does just fine.

Are you having echo type problems in the headset? I've heard of others having the same problem and understand that one person with bad lag in any given match might cause this problem. If it happens again, check the latency of your teammates and opponents (depending on what you are playing). It might be that someone is lagging badly.

[Fivespot]

A free demo went up today on the marketplace for Fight Night Rd 3. I've been waiting to play this game for a long while and aren't disappointed having played the demo. While not not perfect, you can tell it's a demo with some unpolished bits, the graphics live up to the photos I've seen and the gameplay is even tighter than Rd 2.

Give it a shot and post your thoughts.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

A free demo went up today on the marketplace for Fight Night Rd 3. I've been waiting to play this game for a long while and aren't disappointed having played the demo. While not not perfect, you can tell it's a demo with some unpolished bits, the graphics live up to the photos I've seen and the gameplay is even tighter than Rd 2.

Give it a shot and post your thoughts.

While not a 360 owner yet (should be by the time Oblivion comes out), I have two questions for ya.

1) The Fight Night Rd 3 demo, does it still have the Haymaker controls like the 2nd one, where you have to pull back on the R-stick to get in power punches?

2) The b/c games, are all of them compatible right out of the box? I can't remember if the big list of b/c games are on the HDD or will have to be downloaded. I know the extras like all the Splinter Cell games have to be downloaded.

[Fivespot]

While not a 360 owner yet (should be by the time Oblivion comes out), I have two questions for ya.

1) The Fight Night Rd 3 demo, does it still have the Haymaker controls like the 2nd one, where you have to pull back on the R-stick to get in power punches?

2) The b/c games, are all of them compatible right out of the box? I can't remember if the big list of b/c games are on the HDD or will have to be downloaded. I know the extras like all the Splinter Cell games have to be downloaded.

1) Yes, I believe the Haymaker controls are the same. Don't quote me on this as I haven't played the demo for more than 1/2 hour, but it seems like pulling those moves off properly animate this time around. Haymakers happened far too frequently in Rd. 2 based on the quick animation routines and folks who mastered that move had an unfair advantage and seemed to rely only on Haymakers taking the simulation element out of the game.

To summarize - yes they control the same but seem more realistic due to improved animations and timing.

2) B/C games are not compatible out of the box and require a download from XBOX Live to function. Silver memberships allow for these downloads so they are free. Folks without quick internet connections, can contact MS as an alternative and order a DVD/CD with the required updates. OR users can download the updates from a PC, burn them to DVD/CD, and load the required updates to the HD that way as well. I believe the only 2 games B/C out of the box are Halo & Halo2 (based on some interviews I heard with the B/C team). That may change on future iterations of the hardware however. So 360's manufactured before 11/22 only have the two game updates preloaded and 360's manufactured after _____ may have all game updates on the HD.

Right now I believe just the two are pre-loaded. It's important to note however that the download is painless, quick, and easy without users needing to do anything but put the XBOX 1 game in (if it's on the compatible list and if they have an internet connection or some other means to get the required update).

[Cuddly Knife]

I must be the only one who wishes that they had kept in wired controllers. I've owned two Logitec wireless controllers for my XBOX, and both of them took a crap on me within 2 months.

Anyone know when 360s will be ready to buy from stores again?

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

1) Yes, I believe the Haymaker controls are the same. Don't quote me on this as I haven't played the demo for more than 1/2 hour, but it seems like pulling those moves off properly animate this time around. Haymakers happened far too frequently in Rd. 2 based on the quick animation routines and folks who mastered that move had an unfair advantage and seemed to rely only on Haymakers taking the simulation element out of the game.

To summarize - yes they control the same but seem more realistic due to improved animations and timing.

Thanks. I wasn't in favor of the haymaker controls in Rd 2. I can't explain why, but it just took something away from the series compared to the first Fight Night. I won't dismiss Round 3 right away, though, until I can get some hands-on time.

2) B/C games are not compatible out of the box and require a download from XBOX Live to function. Silver memberships allow for these downloads so they are free. Folks without quick internet connections, can contact MS as an alternative and order a DVD/CD with the required updates. OR users can download the updates from a PC, burn them to DVD/CD, and load the required updates to the HD that way as well. I believe the only 2 games B/C out of the box are Halo & Halo2 (based on some interviews I heard with the B/C team). That may change on future iterations of the hardware however. So 360's manufactured before 11/22 only have the two game updates preloaded and 360's manufactured after _____ may have all game updates on the HD.

Right now I believe just the two are pre-loaded. It's important to note however that the download is painless, quick, and easy without users needing to do anything but put the XBOX 1 game in (if it's on the compatible list and if they have an internet connection or some other means to get the required update).

Thanks for this info. I have Kameo (great deal for it), SC: Chaos Theory and Jade Empire to play when I finally get a hold of a 360, but if you're right about future iterations of hardware, I may not have to worry about downloading anything for those 2 Xbox 1 games.

Anyone know when 360s will be ready to buy from stores again?

From what I keep hearing from EB and Gamestop managers, March/April may be the earliest for walk-ins for 360 systems. I'm sure Target, Best Buy, and Circuit City should get a couple in every week, or other week. For those, you will definitely need to be first in the doors to get one, though, unless you want to have a wrestling match with a soccer mom over a 360. :D

[Fivespot]

NBA2K6 servers appear to be having some problems. My online ranked games are not tracking stats, wins/losses, VIP profile, etc...

I've called MS, contacted 2KSports, visited many forums asking for help yet still have no concrete info on what may be going wrong.

Making matters more frustrating is that some folks have no problems while others are in the same boat as me. What's causing this? Is it a glitch, server problem, do games against friends not count towards stats????

Just thought you should know since it's another 360 tidbit although a crappy one.

[Cuddly Knife]

Maybe this has been asked, but while using the same account, can you go back to playing games on Live on the original XBOX after you've been playing on Live on the 360? Like, say my 360 takes a poo, can I go back and still have my GT and ranks using the XBOX?

[Fivespot]

Maybe this has been asked, but while using the same account, can you go back to playing games on Live on the original XBOX after you've been playing on Live on the 360? Like, say my 360 takes a poo, can I go back and still have my GT and ranks using the XBOX?

Yes, it really shouldn't matter since LIVE is set-up to exist across both platforms. Gamerscores however are specific to the 360 so you would lose that functionality switching back to the XBOX (but all else would remain the same).

[Fivespot]

A follow-up to the NBA 2K6 problem I mentioned last week. Finally found a helpful person in the XBOX360 forums who knew how to resolve this issue (2K Sports didn't respond to my e-mails by the way).

My live account was set-up with a "Recreation" gamer zone as I felt it most fit my playing style. Apparently 2K sports assumes that a gamer zone of "Recreation" indicates that users don't want to participate in the online stat tracking, ranking, etc... - WRONG.

So by changing my gamer zone from "Recreation" to "Pro" or "Underground" resolved all issues. Since my switch to "Pro" everything began working properly.

I sure wish this info would have been included in the instruction manual for NBA2K6 or on the game's homepage or something...... That would have saved me a lot of time, hassle, and headaches.

[Cuddly Knife]

Awesome! When you're playing DOA4, and you are on the stage that is a wrestling ring, you can see your game quote.

[Fivespot]

Awesome! When you're playing DOA4, and you are on the stage that is a wrestling ring, you can see your game quote.

I know - that's pretty cool. It scrolls in lights around the arena.

Other stages show your gamer motto as well but I won't ruin it for you - just be on the look out.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

How is DOA4, compared to DOAU and DOA3?

Also, does anyone know if the future Xbox games will be automatically b/c, or if MS will have to make patches for those games?

[Cuddly Knife]

How is DOA4, compared to DOAU and DOA3?
It's awesome! The graphics are great, and the action is really fast. My favorite part about the game so far is the levels. Tons more detailed than DOAU, and the amount of interactivity within the levels is so well done, you'll know that this kind of quality can only come from next-gen systems.
Also, does anyone know if the future Xbox games will be automatically b/c, or if MS will have to make patches for those games?
All I know is that Burnout 3 is not compatible, and that really blows, since I consider myself to be one of the better Burnout 3 players on Live. :)

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

It's awesome! The graphics are great, and the action is really fast. My favorite part about the game so far is the levels. Tons more detailed than DOAU, and the amount of interactivity within the levels is so well done, you'll know that this kind of quality can only come from next-gen systems.

It's good to hear some good things about DOA4. I'm not a big fighting game fan, but I've always enjoyed the DOA series. The new one will end up in my collection, eventually, though I have to get a 360 first.

I'm curious if games like Starcraft: Ghost and Dreamfall: The Longest Journey will be b/c. I would guess SC: Ghost will be due to its LIVE functions, but I just don't know about Dreamfall.

[Cuddly Knife]

What's the purpose of your Gamerscore?

Is there any way to get Marketplace points other than having to buy them?

Say I wanted to put some DMC3 combos vids on my 360. How do I do that?

[Fivespot]

What's the purpose of your Gamerscore?

Is there any way to get Marketplace points other than having to buy them?

Say I wanted to put some DMC3 combos vids on my 360. How do I do that?

The purpose of the gamerscore is so gamers can display which games they've finished, played, started but didn't complete, etc... Points are earned based on achievements that each publisher creates. Games have a total of 2000 available achievement points spread throughout numerous achievements. Achievements vary greatly by title but typically are geared around completing levels, finishing a game, beating a game on it's hardest difficulty, online ranking/wins, etc.... XBOX Live Arcade have less achievement points available - I believe they are more like 200-500 points each (can't remember exactly).

Marketplace points can only be purchased and are not related to gamerpoints so you cannot earn marketplace points for beating a game or anything like that. Marketplace points can be used to download XBOX Live Arcade titles, gamer pictures, XBOX 360 themes, additional content, etc...

Re: adding DMC3 combo vids to the 360 - the only way I can think of adding that content to the 360 would be through your PC utilizing the Media Center functionality. I haven't streamed any vids from my PC to the 360 however so I'm afraid I don't know how all that works.

[Fivespot]

The purpose of the gamerscore is so gamers can display which games they've finished, played, started but didn't complete, etc... Points are earned based on achievements that each publisher creates. Games have a total of 2000 available achievement points spread throughout numerous achievements.

Oops - games have 1000 achievement points available (mistakenly typed 2000 previously).

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Fivespot, did you get an extended warranty, and do you think it's necessary to get one if you're not a launch day owner?

[Cuddly Knife]

Can you see someone playing Jade Empire or any other Aware game when playing on the 360?

[Fivespot]

Fivespot, did you get an extended warranty, and do you think it's necessary to get one if you're not a launch day owner?

Yes, I bought an extended warranty through Gamestop but did so mainly because I bought my console at launch and didn't yet know how dependable these units would be.

Considering MS offers a 90 day warranty out of the box, you should be allright if you decide not to pony up for an extended warranty. My thought is if you have a defective unit, you'll know within the first 90 days.

[Fivespot]

Can you see someone playing Jade Empire or any other Aware game when playing on the 360?

Yes. I see you playing Burnout 3 all the time (although not as much as I used to) :)

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Yes, I bought an extended warranty through Gamestop but did so mainly because I bought my console at launch and didn't yet know how dependable these units would be.

Considering MS offers a 90 day warranty out of the box, you should be allright if you decide not to pony up for an extended warranty. My thought is if you have a defective unit, you'll know within the first 90 days.

I was thinking about it, and I'm going to shell out for a 1-year at EBGames. I just feel safer having one, with it being new hardware and all.

Too bad I can't get one at one of my old ma and pa gaming stores. They give out 1-year warranties on anything bought, w/o paying extra.

[Glockstar]

So are Hunter and I the only "xbots" left that haven't gotten a 360 yet?

I got a couple of questions for ya:

1) Can you tell me more about that signature of yours, Five? I know it links to your 360-Xbox Live account somehow, and I just think that's cool. It also looks like the bottom row is made up of games-that-you've-played-icons, but how does that work... is it limited to five? Is it just the last/most-recent five? And what's with the big picture on the left... that appears to change... is that just some avatar-thing?

2) Game saves... I know of two ways to save games: 1) to memory card and 2) to the HD... but is there any other way? Like uploading/downloading to some Xbox-Live server? (Did they ever implement that? And/or can you transfer 360 files to your PC?

[Fivespot]

So are Hunter and I the only "xbots" left that haven't gotten a 360 yet?

I got a couple of questions for ya:

1) Can you tell me more about that signature of yours, Five? I know it links to your 360-Xbox Live account somehow, and I just think that's cool. It also looks like the bottom row is made up of games-that-you've-played-icons, but how does that work... is it limited to five? Is it just the last/most-recent five? And what's with the big picture on the left... that appears to change... is that just some avatar-thing?

2) Game saves... I know of two ways to save games: 1) to memory card and 2) to the HD... but is there any other way? Like uploading/downloading to some Xbox-Live server? (Did they ever implement that? And/or can you transfer 360 files to your PC?

My signature is my XBOX 360 gamercard (although I'm using a third party to display that picture on this site; mygamercard.net). My actual gamercard is on XBOX.com and obviously local to my 360. The bottom row is the 5 most recent games I've played (from left to right is the order of most recent to least recent 5 games). When viewing my gamercard on XBOX.com you can view all the games I've played not being limited to just the 5. If you haven't done so already, go to XBOX.com and link your gametag. After doing so, you can view my full card through the friends list on that website.

The avatar is my gamer picture and can be changed via the 360. My current pic is an Amped3 related item. The 360 comes with a set of standard gamerpics and you can also download additional ones using marketplace points. You can change it whenever you like (I tend to mix mine up here and there).

Game saves are only to memory card or HD; no other format from what I can tell. I don't believe you can save game files to your PC when using media extender either.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

I think this question was answered earlier, but I forgot and can't find the thread that answered it. Exactly what is/was on the HDD when you first fire up your 360?

[Glockstar]

My signature is my XBOX 360 gamercard (although I'm using a third party to display that picture on this site; mygamercard.net). My actual gamercard is on XBOX.com and obviously local to my 360. The bottom row is the 5 most recent games I've played (from left to right is the order of most recent to least recent 5 games). When viewing my gamercard on XBOX.com you can view all the games I've played not being limited to just the 5. If you haven't done so already, go to XBOX.com and link your gametag. After doing so, you can view my full card through the friends list on that website.

Aha!

That is cool.

[Cuddly Knife]

I think this question was answered earlier, but I forgot and can't find the thread that answered it. Exactly what is/was on the HDD when you first fire up your 360?
Um, there is some commercials, for Adidas or Reebok, I think. A CD worth of crappy music. There are also a few high-def movie commercials? The cool thing is them giving you sets of skins from a number of 360 games to use on your main menu area. I think about six or seven gigs is used for the B/C. There might be more stuff, but I'm too burnt to remember.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Um, there is some commercials, for Adidas or Reebok, I think. A CD worth of crappy music. There are also a few high-def movie commercials? The cool thing is them giving you sets of skins from a number of 360 games to use on your main menu area. I think about six or seven gigs is used for the B/C. There might be more stuff, but I'm too burnt to remember.

Thanks for the info. I can see myself deleting a few things as soon as I get my 360.

[Fivespot]

I can see myself deleting a few things as soon as I get my 360.

I can see you doing that also :)

[Cuddly Knife]

Are you going to be on Live RBH? If so, then send me a friend request.

And Fiveski, when you see me playing Burnout 3, I'm playing it on my original XBOX. I was talking about the b/c games being Live. Are they, and what about the b/c games that didn't have Aware before? What shows when I'm playing those?

[Fivespot]

Are you going to be on Live RBH? If so, then send me a friend request.

And Fiveski, when you see me playing Burnout 3, I'm playing it on my original XBOX. I was talking about the b/c games being Live. Are they, and what about the b/c games that didn't have Aware before? What shows when I'm playing those?

Yesterday (or the day before) I noticed that my 360 said you were playing "Back Compat". Maybe that is how b/c games are displayed over live when you play them on the 360.?

[Cuddly Knife]

Must be what it was, because I was listening to the Jade Empire theme songs for a few minutes.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Are you going to be on Live RBH? If so, then send me a friend request.

I'm going to skip LIVE for a while, again. Unlike last (or current) gen, I may give it a shot somewhere down the line, even if it's for downloading some demos or something. Whenever I do, I'll definitely send a friend request.

[Cuddly Knife]

Damn, I just learned that you can't put your high scores on Live unless youre playing the game and get the score while being on Live. I finally got over a million points, but while playing, my connection was lost, so for some reason it didn't give me my high score to put on the leaderboards. It allowed me to keep my achievement, though. So, it took me two days to get me over a million again. Grrr. I was also not able to get me Green Belt achievement on Mutant Storm because of the same thing.

Is it like that on every game?

[Fivespot]

I'm not sure Cuddly - I'm always online when playing my 360 so I haven't experienced that yet.

I remember reading or hearing however that achievements should display the next time you log in rather than you having to re-earn them. Apparently that isn't true? :(

Nice score by the way. 1,000,000 (and to think I was excited for getting 100,000).

[Fivespot]

Wait, nevermind. I now see that your achievement registered but your score didn't. LIGHT BULB.... I get it now.

Sometimes it takes me an hour after work before I finally relax enough to think clearly. Funny how that works, even though I need my brain more at work, it functions best at home with the videogame goofiness :)

[Fivespot]

Just read this article that pointed out a really interesting fact about the 360 media remote. It controls custom game music while in game without the needing for having to bring up a blade/menu.

The media remote all of a sudden seems much more important based on this new info.

http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/17/media-remote-controls-in-game-custom-music-xbox-360-delight-01/

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Just read this article that pointed out a really interesting fact about the 360 media remote. It controls custom game music while in game without the needing for having to bring up a blade/menu.

The media remote all of a sudden seems much more important based on this new info.

http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/17/media-remote-controls-in-game-custom-music-xbox-360-delight-01/

Can you mix both the custom music and the game's soundtrack, or are they always separate?

[Fivespot]

Can you mix both the custom music and the game's soundtrack, or are they always separate?

No, you can't mix the two.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

It looks like MS has finally updated their in-store 360s that are on display. I can't remember what they took off, but I did notice a new Madden 06 demo, a couple of Burnout 360 stuff (including a downloadable car and something else), and I believe a Top Spin 2 video.

I played around with Madden 360, and it looks great and seems to be enjoyable, though I only played half a game, which was only one or two mintues to each quarter. Whenever there's a significant price drop, I'll go after this one (should have 360 before then).

[Fivespot]

Madden 360 is above average if you can get past the fact that most of the game modes and features were eliminated (training camp, mini games, historic rosters, etc, etc..). The gameplay is also less than optimal as certain plays seem like "money" plays where they work a bit too often.

Madden 06 on the other systems was very refined having had many years of revisions with the football gameplay in awesome form. The 360 version is a step backwards in that regard but then again they did build an entirely new game so I suppose that would be expected.

I'm predicting that next years' 360 version will be the best Madden game EVER surpassing it's current gen brothers and previous year entries.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Madden 360 is above average if you can get past the fact that most of the game modes and features were eliminated (training camp, mini games, historic rosters, etc, etc..). The gameplay is also less than optimal as certain plays seem like "money" plays where they work a bit too often.

Madden 06 on the other systems was very refined having had many years of revisions with the football gameplay in awesome form. The 360 version is a step backwards in that regard but then again they did build an entirely new game so I suppose that would be expected.

I'm predicting that next years' 360 version will be the best Madden game EVER surpassing it's current gen brothers and previous year entries.

The main missing game mode (Owner's Mode) is probably the reason I can enjoy this Madden. After '04, I notice you can't turn that thing off, and even if ignoring it an entire season, it comes back to haunt during the game's offseason. I'll miss the training camp after my first season in a franchise, but I like having the players attributes increase during the season than in training camp.

I can see Madden 07 being a better game, especially if they bring all the modes back. I wouldn't mind getting the older one, though, since it could be my only Madden for a few years.

[Fivespot]

An update from Infinity Ward has been recently posted on the XBOX forums/Call of Duty 2.

Here is the post:

begin post–

Dear Call of Duty Community:

As you recall, we announced plans that we were working on our second Title Update for Call of Duty 2, improving the Xbox Live multiplayer functionality. We’re happy to report that this update is currently in the final stages of testing and all is going well. In fact, we will be releasing it soon, so stay tuned. To give you a better understanding of what we have been working on, the second COD2 Title Update will have the following enhancements:

1. Player Lag has been addressed

Plus, we have added the following functionality:

2. Private Game Lobbies / Reserved Slots

3. Enabled the Live Host to set custom game options

4. Map Preferences setting

5. Post Game Lobbies (all players at end of match will return to their game lobby)

6. Enemy Player Name Notification

7. Ability for the Host to kick a player

8. In game Lobby - Game Type, Map and Host Notifications

Again, thank you for your support…and stay tuned for future updates!

- Infinity Ward

–end post–

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Thanks to someone canceling their pre-order in the last known shipment for EB until April, I finally got a 360. :D

[Cuddly Knife]

Good job, RBH! What games are you going to stary off with?

Wow about CoD2 not having a better-designed multi-player. Maybe that's why I couldn't get into it.

Random thought- And it's BS about the HDD being too small. I have about 100 CD's stored on it right now, and I still have over 8 gigs left.

[Glockstar]

Thanks to someone canceling their pre-order in the last known shipment for EB until April, I finally got a 360. :D

CONGRATULATIONS!

Now what? :p

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Good job, RBH! What games are you going to stary off with?

Right now, I'm going to stick with Kameo and Jade until Oblivion comes out (I've had Kameo since Dec). After that, Saint's Row. I'll probably rent a game or two as well. I do want NFS: MW, DOA4 and Madden, but I'll wait a while for those.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Now what? :p

I dunno. I miss the plotting and planning already, though it was a pain waiting for EB to get in some systems. They only had 1 shipment of 360s come in for the entire month of Feb. That sucks. If I decide I want a PS3 around or right after release, I'm going to just pre-order and be done with it.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Right now, I'm going to stick with Kameo and Jade until Oblivion comes out (I've had Kameo since Dec).

This statement is now false. I want another 360 game :( .

[Superior Beatslayer]

I'm finally on Xbox Live for the first time. I managed to own a couple of punks of PGR3, noobs couldn't handle the F50 GT, tuned their asses up for damn sure!

Anyway, my gamertag is jkatan420 and I have PD0 and PGR3 right now so if you guys wanna hooks it up I'm down for that ****.

[Cuddly Knife]

I'd say get DOA4, but that one is only lasting if you have Live. Otherwise, it get's a little old fighting the single-player mode.

That also excludes you from getting Live Arcade games.

Condemned.


Ninja Gaiden Black is also something that might be good to get, especially if it was kicking your ass before. Now that the b/c for this game is shot and there is mad slowdown, it makes it slightly easier to play.

[Glockstar]

This statement is now false. I want another 360 game :( .

I hear ya!

And I know what game I want. Amped 3. I was renting this game, but have to return it today. Well, I really like it. It's far from perfect, but I don't care, I'm getting it.

Do we have a thread for posting 360 game impressions?

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

I hear ya!

And I know what game I want. Amped 3. I was renting this game, but have to return it today. Well, I really like it. It's far from perfect, but I don't care, I'm getting it.

Do we have a thread for posting 360 game impressions?

I'm not sure. I guess this can be for game impressions, unless there's already game-specific threads already out.

I grew a bad taste for all things involving baseball games, so I got rid of it and picked up Madden 06. Now I'm going to sit and wait for Oblivion.

I also got a play and charge kit and pre-ordered Tomb Raider: Legend and the PS2 version of the Godfather at Blockbuster. Yeah, I'll give them one last chance to save face with me. Screw up and I'm done with them.

I thought about DOA4, but since I'm not the biggest fighting game fan, I don't think I would get my $$ worth right now. A couple of years and a price drop, then I'll check it out.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Ninja Gaiden Black is also something that might be good to get, especially if it was kicking your ass before. Now that the b/c for this game is shot and there is mad slowdown, it makes it slightly easier to play.

Is the original Ninja Gaiden also affected by this slowdown?

Well, my Madden experience has come to a halt, excuse me, make that a freeze. A few freezes in fact. Too many for me to keep the game, unfortunately (I was having fun, too). I may re-think DOA4 if I want to get another 360 game.

[Cuddly Knife]

Mortal XBLA Kombat
Midway announces new Live Arcade titles for 2006.
by IGN Staff

March 1, 2006 - Get over here! At Midway's Pulse event in Los Angeles yesterday, the publisher announced five titles that are in development for Xbox Live Arcade. Sometime in 2006, 360 owners can look forward to Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, the arcade-classic Defender, Cyberball, Root Beer Tapper and the NES-classic Paperboy.

Midway didn't announce any dates other than 2006, nor did it announce the cost of the downloads. UMK3 should, however, have online play. We'll keep you posted as Midway announces further details.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

What games have been known to freeze in consoles?

The only one I know for a fact is Madden 06, and I heard about NFS: MW freezing in other gamer's 360s.

[Cuddly Knife]

What games have been known to freeze in consoles?
Well, I had to rid of my PGR3 because after about twenty or so races(not at once) in single-player, the game kept freezing every time I'd try and do a new race.

Now that I think of it, I probably could've kept the game, since I don't think it had that problem on Live.
_____________________

When I turned on my 360 yesterday, it gave me an update. Anyone know what it was for?

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Well, I had to rid of my PGR3 because after about twenty or so races(not at once) in single-player, the game kept freezing every time I'd try and do a new race.

Now that I think of it, I probably could've kept the game, since I don't think it had that problem on Live.
_____________________

When I turned on my 360 yesterday, it gave me an update. Anyone know what it was for?

I wanted to keep Madden as well, but when it freezes 60% of the games played, it was time to return it. I haven't had any problems with Kameo or DOA4 (so far, though it has been 1 day).



I think this is what your update was about.

March 2006 System Update for Xbox 360
By: César A. Berardini - "Cesar"
Mar. 2nd, 2006 5:34 pm

Microsoft has just released a mandatory software update that prepares your Xbox 360 console for future system and title updates. An official statement by Microsoft says:

The March 2006 Xbox 360 update will prepare your Xbox 360 console for future system and title updates. This free update is available to all Xbox Live members. Your console will be updated the next time you sign in to Xbox Live.

So there you have it. Just log into Xbox Live and you should be ready to update your Xbox 360.

[Cuddly Knife]

An update to prepare us for future updates? Uh...OK.

[Fivespot]

Fortunately, I've had no freezing problems w/my 360. Sorry to hear you guys have.

Yes, I didn't understand that mandatory update either. If all it does is prepare for some future enhancements, why not just do it all at once (when the future enhancements are available). Maybe they were fixing something but didn't want to announce it and concern people...... Who knows.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Fortunately, I've had no freezing problems w/my 360. Sorry to hear you guys have.

I hope it's because of the game(s) and not the system. I need to try out some more launch games and post-launch games and compare, because it could just be some launch titles that are causing the freezing.

[Fivespot]

I've played Full Auto over a couple hours now and have returned to downgrade my initial impressions. After playing it awhile longer, I have to agree with most reviewers in that it's quite shallow. I'd say it's worthy of a C+ grade in my opinion.

Not to take anything away from the game's fun factor - it's a good time if played in small doses. I haven't yet tried the online play however. My comments relate to the 1up career mode.

Anyone picking up any of the new 360 games this week; Burnout Revenge, College Hoops, or Ghost Recon? I have GRAW reserved and PIF. I wonder how good Burnout Revenge will bed. I loved BO3.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

I've played Full Auto over a couple hours now and have returned to downgrade my initial impressions. After playing it awhile longer, I have to agree with most reviewers in that it's quite shallow. I'd say it's worthy of a C+ grade in my opinion.

Not to take anything away from the game's fun factor - it's a good time if played in small doses. I haven't yet tried the online play however. My comments relate to the 1up career mode.

Anyone picking up any of the new 360 games this week; Burnout Revenge, College Hoops, or Ghost Recon? I have GRAW reserved and PIF. I wonder how good Burnout Revenge will bed. I loved BO3.

Will you keep Full Auto?

I thought about Ghost Recon, but then I remembered how much I hated GR2 for Xbox. So I'm going to pass on that one. College Hoops? I have a feeling it will be similar to NBA 2k6.

[Superior Beatslayer]

I've played Full Auto over a couple hours now and have returned to downgrade my initial impressions. After playing it awhile longer, I have to agree with most reviewers in that it's quite shallow. I'd say it's worthy of a C+ grade in my opinion.

Not to take anything away from the game's fun factor - it's a good time if played in small doses. I haven't yet tried the online play however. My comments relate to the 1up career mode.

Anyone picking up any of the new 360 games this week; Burnout Revenge, College Hoops, or Ghost Recon? I have GRAW reserved and PIF. I wonder how good Burnout Revenge will bed. I loved BO3.

Fiveski how the hell do you have 5000? My gamerscore right now is 150! I play PGR3 and PD0 online and I was wondering how I can get more points? I just started playing a week ago and I'm fairing pretty decently against other people so......my gamertag is 'jkatan420'.

[Fivespot]

my gamertag is 'jkatan420'.

Send me a friend's request SB. I'd love to add you to my list.

[Fivespot]

My score is high for a couple reasons:

1. I've had my 360 since day 1.

2. I've beaten a few games thus far; COD2, Kameo, Condemned, & Amped3
NOTE - by beaten I'm referring to the single player campaign / not beating it by earning every last stinkin' achievement.

3. Play lots of sports titles against my cousin which are easy achievement points (easier than non-sports games IMO) - NBA2K6, Madden, Fight Night.
NOTE- I didn't play them to earn achievements - I like sports games.

4. I own quite a few 360 titles- the more you own the more points you can earn

I can honestly say that I'm not as good a gamer as someone like Cuddly for example who focuses more of his attention on getting in the top leaderboards. He deserves more points than I do.

I think over time they will change the way achievements are handled making them harder to earn and rewarding more for hard to earn achievements like being in the top 10 of Geo Wars for example.

Re: Full Auto - no plans to trade it. I'm doing my best to keep as many titles as I can w/out trading them for much less than I paid. This has become especially important to me after starting to pay $59.99 a title during this next generation.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Re: Full Auto - no plans to trade it. I'm doing my best to keep as many titles as I can w/out trading them for much less than I paid. This has become especially important to me after starting to pay $59.99 a title during this next generation.

Same here. I'm definitely trying to keep my 360 games, which makes it important for me not to impulse buy something that's not worth keeping, especially for $60. Games like NFS and DOA4 will stay in the collection just because they fill the need in racing and fighting. The sports games are going to be the hardest when it comes to keeping and getting rid of stuff. Fortunately, I won't have to think about that until NCAA 08 and NBA Live 08 comes out.

[Cuddly Knife]

I plan on getting Burnout Revenge, mainly because I'm getting kind of tired racing the same old tracks from Takedown. Most of the top racers on Takedown don't like Revenge for a few reasons(jumps, shortcuts, and no battling), but I think I'll like it just fine. I don't really have a problem paying full price for this one, since all I ever played of Revenge on the XBOX was a demo, so it'll still be a new experience for me. If I had gotten Revenge for the XBOX(which I was going to a number of times), I wouldn't even think about getting it for the 360.

[Fivespot]

Let us know how it is. I really liked #3 Takedown and didn't play anything more than the demo for Revenge. At the time, it didn't seem much different than it's predecessor and not worthy of full-price purchase. But now with it coming for the 360, I'm most curious in knowing if it's a next-gen game or a last gen game with next gen paint (I'm sure you know what I mean).

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

I thought about Ghost Recon, but then I remembered how much I hated GR2 for Xbox. So I'm going to pass on that one.

I may have to reconsider GRAW. Considering I'm in need of some type of action, shooting type of game, I'll have to do some reading on it.

[Fivespot]

Hey Cuddly, I am in need of you BO expertise.

I'm thoroughly enjoying this game and are having fun getting a perfect on each board. The Burning Reverse Laps (I think that's what they're called) are causing me some headaches however. Any advice? I see you blasted through the first two levels w/perfects on all tracks. I on the other hand are stuck on two boards both being timed events.

What's the secret to these? Should I look for short-cuts? Do you have to run the track perfectly boosting the entire time while not crashing a single time (even when I do that I miss the target time by a few secs.)?

[Fivespot]

MS updated the XBOX.com functionality today. Anyone else use that website using the passport.net sign-in after linking it to your gamertag?

As of today, you can manage your friends list online (PC - online that is). Added features include- sending friend requests, approving/denying any friend requests you've received, removing friends, and the other things you can also do with regard to your friends list within the 360's interface.

According to several sources within MS, apparently quite a few other enhancements are being prepared for delivery. I'm referring here to many comments made by Major Nelson and co-workers on the LIVE team during his interviews/podcasts.

I can't imagine XBOX LIVE getting much better and are excited by whatever else they might have planned. Obviously the camera will add a bunch of features when it releases later this year but I've heard enhancements unrelated to the camera are coming as well.

[Cuddly Knife]

A coupla Q's.

1. I traded in my 360 for a new one(kept the HDD), and now my profile doesn't automatically log in anymore. What's the deal?

2. When I play(or played, heh, heh) Burnout 3 on the original XBOX, sometimes I could hear the chime that you can hear when friends go Live. Am I hearing things?

These days, I hear that noise in the strangest places at the strangest times...

3. Camera?

[Fivespot]

1. I traded in my 360 for a new one(kept the HDD), and now my profile doesn't automatically log in anymore. What's the deal?[/QUOTE]

Go into the settings and enable auto sign-on. I'm assuming it's turned off.

2. When I play(or played, heh, heh) Burnout 3 on the original XBOX, sometimes I could hear the chime that you can hear when friends go Live. Am I hearing things?

Not sure about that - haven't heard anything about it neither.

3. Camera?

Like an eyetoy basically. Except it's supposed to be higher resolution among other enhancements. Intended for voice chat, adding your face to games, possibly adding your pic to your profile or gamer pic, functionality in games like what Sony's eyetoy does, live video chat during online multiplayer games using a picture-in-picture type set-up, etc, etc...

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/697/697661p1.html

[Fivespot]

A new back compat update was just released. Here are the new titles added or existing titles corrected:

New games:

BLACK™
Star Wars Battlefront™ II
World Soccer Winning Eleven 9

Updated games:

Darkwatch™
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas™
Half-Life® 2
Fable®
Fable®: The Lost Chapters™
Forza Motorsport™
Ninja Gaiden®
Ninja Gaiden® Black
SSX 3
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell® Chaos Theory™
kill.switch
World Series Baseball® 2K3

I for one have been really interested in trying some Star Wars Battlefront 2. But then again I'm currently downloading the Battlefield 2 demo for the 360. Still, gotta give the Star Wars version a shot. I really liked some of the available scenarios in that game.

[Cuddly Knife]

I'm thoroughly enjoying this game and are having fun getting a perfect on each board. The Burning Reverse Laps (I think that's what they're called) are causing me some headaches however. Any advice? I see you blasted through the first two levels w/perfects on all tracks. I on the other hand are stuck on two boards both being timed events.

What's the secret to these? Should I look for short-cuts? Do you have to run the track perfectly boosting the entire time while not crashing a single time (even when I do that I miss the target time by a few secs.)?

Sorry for the late reply, but I barely saw this post for the first time.

You definitely want to look for shortcuts, but you also want to make sure that the "shortcuts" are where you can gain time. What works as a shortcut on a regular track can sometimes become nothing more than extra mileage for the same track reversed. Constant boosting is a neccessity. Try to hit as many ramps as possible, also. If you can time it right, you can get a boost(up to 260 MPH!) by tapping the brake(while holding left turn or right turn, or beginning a drift) a fraction of a second before you land. It takes practice to get that down, but it does pay off, especially online. The main way that I got through the burning laps and preview laps was by mainly sticking to the side of same-going traffic and getting my boost from near-misses and jumps. You pretty much can't crash at all if you want to get a Perfect rank.

A new back compat update was just released. Here are the new titles added or existing titles corrected:

New games:

BLACK™
Star Wars Battlefront™ II
World Soccer Winning Eleven 9
Still no Burnout 3. Still no Stranger's Wrath. Still no Otogi 2 or Silent Hill 4 or Fatal Frame 2...

Updated games:

Ninja Gaiden®
Ninja Gaiden® Black
Hmmm.... I'll test this one out when I get home from work tonight.


I for one have been really interested in trying some Star Wars Battlefront 2. But then again I'm currently downloading the Battlefield 2 demo for the 360. Still, gotta give the Star Wars version a shot. I really liked some of the available scenarios in that game.
I thought Battlefront and Battlefield were totally different beasts. Isn't Battlefront a 3rd person game vs FPS for Battlefield? I guess they're all EA though.

[Fivespot]

I thought Battlefront and Battlefield were totally different beasts.

Don't know how the hell I got that confused. Might be the names. So many friggin' war type games now-a-days that I can't differentiate titles any longer...

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Isn't Battlefront a 3rd person game vs FPS for Battlefield?

You're right. Battlefront (Lucasarts) is a 3rd person shooter (whoo hoo!!!!!!!!!) while Battlefield (EA) is a FPS (boooo!!!!!! hiss!!!!!!!!).

It's good to see MS hasn't given up on b/c, even if I pretty much have. Maybe there's still a slight chance for Dreamfall.............though I doubt it.

[Cuddly Knife]

Ninja Gaiden Black works like a charm now! Stick that in your corncob pipe and smoke it, haters! I guess I should put this post in SW.

[Fivespot]

Kameo has a new download available for free on XBOX Live. This is the long awaited enhancement that will allow multiplayer coop over Live.

Anyone going to finally attempt to earn the multiplayer achievements in Kameo?

I never considered that as an option prior as I don't know anyone locally that also has this game and that could come to my house and spend hours with me playing through the entire game again in multiplayer.

I personally haven't played the game since launch but may have to fire it up again and check this out.

[Cuddly Knife]

That's awesome news! I'm down to play this game with anyone over Live to unlock the co-op achievements!!! I usually game from 10:00am(mountain time) to 4:00pm and throughout the day on the weekends.

[Cuddly Knife]

No takers, huh? Well, them's the breaks.

Anyways, I just learned that I can hear my ipod on my 360, but it doesn't play any of the music that I downloaded form itunes. POS.

[Fivespot]

No takers, huh? Well, them's the breaks.

Anyways, I just learned that I can hear my ipod on my 360, but it doesn't play any of the music that I downloaded form itunes. POS.

I believe a download is available to make the AAC tunes compatible. Can't remember where or how, but I recall an update being made available to resolve that issue.

Re: Kameo coop. Sorry I missed ya but those hours you posted are during my daytime gig so unfortunately I'd never be available during that timeframe.

[Cuddly Knife]

The cut-scenes look and run like crap in Ninja Gaiden Black. The game still runs fine, though. I wonder why?

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

The cut-scenes look and run like crap in Ninja Gaiden Black. The game still runs fine, though. I wonder why?

Which cut-scenes, the cinematics or the ones using the in-game engine?

[Cuddly Knife]

Cinematics. Even the Team Ninja one at the beginning. There has been a few moments during in-game action where the game stutters, probably because of what's going on on-screen.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Oh, ok. I can kind of see the game still having problems with b/c if it's the cinematics, especially since I think it's running on a slightly different code than the rest of the game. If it was the in-game, then that would really make no sense.

This b/c thing is so half-a**ed and half thought out, I seriously think I'm going to avoid it completely, even if that means getting something like a slightly inferior Black on PS2 than on Xbox. It just seems more problematic that it should be.

[Cuddly Knife]

I think it just depends on the games, somehow. I had 0 problems with Jade Empire or GTA: SA.
____________________________________
I also dl'd the ipod update, but it still doesn't let me hear my tunes ripped from iTunes.
____________________________________
Can anyone tell me if you can watch and rip movies(downloaded from the net and put onto a cd) onto your 360?
____________________________________
I also have a game for the PS1 called CyberSpeed which has some of the grooviest techno-trance that I've heard, and so I tried to put the OST on my 360(lots of PS1 games have the OST "burned" onto the cd that can be accessed from any cd player or the hidden music option on the PS1 menu), but it wouldn't let me. The title on the main 360 menu for the cd is Mixed Media Disc. The options when I go to Play All are JCT, MATHS, MISC, MOVIES, SFX, SHIPS, and TRACKS. All of them give me nothing when I click them, except TRACKS. Inside TRACKS are folders titled B01-5, H01 and 2, P01 and 2, S01 and 2, and W01-6. Clicking any of these folders takes me to another screen where I can select an Objects folder or Texture folder. Clicking on those does nothing, but Y says "play folder, so hitting it takes me to the place where I would be hearing my song, but no sound comes out. Is there a way to get the music extracted somehow?

How about the whole game?:):)

[Fivespot]

Can anyone tell me if you can watch and rip movies(downloaded from the net and put onto a cd) onto your 360?

I've watched burned DVD's on my 360 but haven't tried any other file types. The burned DVD's worked well.

Re: the ipod files, not sure. Have you considered converting your AAC files to MP3's or would that present a storage issue on your hard drive?

I used to keep strictly AAC files but they are not too compatible with other devices/software/hardware so I converted everything to MP3. Sure it takes up more hard drive and it also takes up more space on my Ipod but it's a small price to pay in my opinion.

Now I can plug my Ipod shuffle directly into a front USB port of the 360 and play tunes. I can then access those tunes for in game music as well (if I remember correctly).

[Fivespot]

Holy Shiznit!!

Xbox Live is back up with some cool new features. Haven't turned on my 360 yet, but xbox.com is completely revamped with many sweet additions.

I won't ruin it for you. Go check it out!

[Fivespot]

Here are a list of items being released over XBOX Live next week in connection with E3:

the first-ever Gears of War high-definition game trailer on Xbox Live Marketplace, the playable demo of Capcom’s Lost Planet: Extreme Condition, and Game with Fame multiplayer sessions live from the floor with celebrities like Dave Navarro (Panic Channel), Method Man and Jenny McCarthy.

During E3 week, Xbox 360 fans will be able to download game demos and trailers from the hottest E3 titles and experience them in high definition. Over 60 pieces of new downloadable content will be available to gamers this week including:

Playable game demos and/or trailers from highly anticipated titles like:
- Test Drive: Unlimited (Atari)
- Moto GP™ ’06 (THQ)
- Crackdown (Microsoft Game Studios)
- Dead or Alive® : Xtreme 2 (Tecmo)
- The Lord of the Rings ™, The Battle for Middle Earth™ II (EA Los Angeles)
- Lost Planet: Extreme Condition (Capcom)
- Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega)
- Splinter Cell: Double Agent ™ (Ubisoft)
- Viva Piñata (Microsoft Game Studios)
Plus a flood of HD trailers from games that have yet to be announced

- Call of Duty®2 – New Multiplayer Map Packs (Activision)
- The release of UNO on Xbox Live Arcade
- Game with Fame celebrity gaming sessions with stars like Jenny McCarthy, Method Man and Panic Channel (Featuring Dave Navarro, Stephen Perkins, Chris Chaney and Steve Isaacs).
- Play and Win contests with the latest Xbox 360 and Xbox Live Arcade titles
- Exclusive high-definition blockbuster movie trailer downloads
- Limited edition E3 Gamerpics and Themes
- A Backstage Pass to see developers preparing for E3



MS was smart to do this. Think about all the websites that post information but do so after applying their own spin (sometimes in a negative light). So now MS can steer Live members this route where it's all hype. No filteration via media presentation, no clouding of judgement, etc..

Besides that, I'm just excited for E3 next week and all the upcoming announcements and information that will be released.

[Cuddly Knife]

Don't forget about the free Live for all non Gold members during the week of E3. I'm not sure about the actual dates, though.

Yum on the COD2 map packs. Maybe we can get some VGR multi-player action if the other guys still have their copies.

Boo! on Uno. I want Hoopworld and SF2.

[Fivespot]

Pandemic is preparing to make a next-gen sequel to Mercenaries. I know RBH will be excited about this. I also enjoyed the last game. No platforms have been officially announced but they did say it's "next gen"

http://www.gamespot.com/e3/e3story.html?sid=6148903

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Pandemic is preparing to make a next-gen sequel to Mercenaries. I know RBH will be excited about this. I also enjoyed the last game. No platforms have been officially announced but they did say it's "next gen"

http://www.gamespot.com/e3/e3story.html?sid=6148903

You bet I'm excited. E3 is already looking very interesting, and this is just icing on the cake. I expect the game will be for 360 and PS3, and hopefully Pandemic announces a tentative release date. Thanks for the link.

Glockstar predicted a Mercs sequel at E3. I wasn't so sure. Glad I was wrong.

-

As powerful as the 360 is, how come the thing doesn't keep time whenever it's unplugged?

Also, how are you guys cleaning your 360s? I read in the manual that not only are those CD cleaner discs are not recommended, the air-in-a-can isn't recommended either.

[Fivespot]

Also, how are you guys cleaning your 360s? I read in the manual that not only are those CD cleaner discs are not recommended, the air-in-a-can isn't recommended either.

I take more of a preventative approach with regard to keeping my consoles clean. Rather than using cleaning discs or compressed air, I make sure to meticulously keep my videogame area clean with special attention placed on dusting (clean that area almost twice every week).

I know this may be a different approach, but I've never had any problems. I have a few friends on the other hand that don't dust or clean as often and I recall each having a few console problems over the years.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

I do pretty much the same thing as far as dusting (though it's more like once a week), but I also take it a step further. Not immediately, but after I finish gaming, I'll cover my 360 or PS2 up with a plastic cover. It's nothing I bought in store, actually, it's the thing that is wrapped around a brand new, out-of-the-box PS2 that feels like a combination of plastic and styrofoam (not sure if one came with 360). Yeah, it looks kind of tacky, but I've never had problems with my PS2, so I use the same technique with my 360.