Hands on With Halo 3 New Map Assembly

(source) 

5 New Fallout 3 Videos

GOODY! Fresh outta PAX.

Escape

Megaton

The Wasteland

Super Duper Mart

Tenpenny

Halo 3 Mythic

UPDATE: Bungie's Brian Jarrard explained that the Mythic picture was taken prior to the PAX kickoff and wasn't meant for public consumption. Jarrad then made it clear that the Mythic screen is "really not that exciting" and has "gotten kind of blown out of proportion." We attempted to get someone at Bungie to talk about it, but mum is the word

Here is a fresh screen shot from Bungie booth at PAX. It shows of an online only version of Halo 3 that I suspect is the expansion pack that Bungie hinted at in their last video. This is HUGE news that will rock the Halo world.  There is not too much info now about what exactly it is but a few things we can see:

• It is online only, no campaign options 
• It is version 1.2 (Halo 3 retail right now is version 1.1)

I will keep you posted on this when Microsoft has an official comment

(source)

Gears of War 2 Achievements

Green as Grass Train the rook (any difficulty) 10
It's a Trap! Story progression in Act 1, Chapter 2 10
Escort Service Story progression in Act 1, Chapter 4 10
Girl About Town Story progression in Act 1, Chapter 6 10
That Sinking Feeling Story progression in Act 2, Chapter 4 10
Freebaird! Story progression in Act 2, Chapter 5 10
Heartbroken Story progression in Act 2, Chapter 6 10
Longitude and Attitude Story progression in Act 3, Chapter 3 10
Tanks for the Memories Story progression in Act 3, Chapter 4 10
Water Sports Story progression in Act 3, Chapter 6 10
There's a Time for Us Story progression in Act 4, Chapter 2 10
Better Wrapped in Beacon Story progression in Act 4, Chapter 3 10
Have Fun Storming the Castle Story progression in Act 4, Chapter 6 10
And the Horse You Rode in On Story progression in Act 5, Chapter 1 10
You Are the Support, Son Story progression in Act 5, Chapter 2 10
Brumak Rodeo Story progression in Act 5, Chapter 4 10
Does This Look Infected to You? Story progression in Act 5, Chapter 5 10
Tourist of Duty Complete all campaign acts on Casual Difficulty 25
Guerilla Tactician Complete all campaign acts on Normal Difficulty 50
Artist of War Complete all campaign acts on Hardcore Difficulty 75
Suicide Missionary Complete all campaign acts on Insane Difficulty 150
Collector Recover 5 collectibles (any difficulty) 5
Pack Rat Recover 20 collectibles (any difficulty) 15
Completionist Recover all 41 collectibles (any difficulty) 30
One-Night Stand Complete 1 chapter in co-op on any difficulty (Marcus or Dom) 10
Open Relationship Complete 10 chapters in co-op on any difficulty (Marcus or Dom) 30
Friends with Benefits Complete all acts in co-op on any difficulty (Marcus or Dom) 50
Once More, With Feeling Perform 30 perfect active reloads (any mode) 10
Takes a Licking Melee 30 Tickers (any mode) 30
Organ Grinder Kill 30 enemies with a cover mounted Mulcher (any mode) 10
Shock and Awe Kill 30 enemies with the heavy Mortar (any mode) 10
Said the Spider to the Fly Kill 10 enemies with a planted grenade (any mode) 10
Crowd Control Melee 10 enemies down with the Boomshield equipped (any mode) 10
Smells Like Victory Kill 30 enemies with the Scorcher Flamethrower (any mode) 10
Variety Is the Spice of Death Kill an enemy with every weapon in the game (any mode) 30
Seriously 2.0 Kill 100,000 enemies (any mode) 50
Standing Here, Beside Myself Win 3 matches of Wingman (public) 10
Beat the Meatflag Capture 10 meatflags in Submission (public) 10
It's Good to be the King Win 10 rounds of Guardian as the leader (public) 10
You Go Ahead, I'll Be Fine Win three matches of King of the Hill (public) 10
Back to Basic Successfully complete the 5 lessons of multiplayer Training Grounds 10
Party Like It's 1999 Play 1999 rounds of multiplayer (any mode) 30
Around the World, Again Win a multiplayer match on each map (any mode) 30
Dirty, Dirty Horde Survive the first 10 waves of Horde (any difficulty, any map) 20
Hoard the Horde Survive all 50 waves of Horde (any difficulty, any map) 30

New Far Cry 2 Trailer

News and Notes

A faulty Gears 2 achievement list was leaked today the real one will be released tomorrow and you know it will be on here.

A big Halo rumor flying around is that Gearbox will be working on Halo 4 and not Bungie.

A new Saints Row 2 video is out: Flying:

The Rockband DLC Album by Rush that was coming this week was delayed due to "Tech Difficulties", it was pushed back a few weeks

On the bright side it was announced that Rockband DLC will be getting full albums from such bands as: Megadeth, RHCP, Foo Fighters, Jane's Addiction and Stevie Ray Vaughn. 

Metal Gear Solid 5 Confirmed

In response to an interview question from Kotaku's Brian Ashcraft, former Kojima Productions assistant producer Ryan Payton let slip that work on Metal Gear Solid 5 is already underway. 

There was no follow up question asked of Payton about further MGS5 details, but we do know most of the team behind MGS4 will be involved (sans Payton, obviously). 

Said Payton of his recent departure from Kojima Productions: "It'll be hard not being involved in MGS5, but I've got the utmost confidence that Hideo Kojima, Ken Imaizumi, and our amazing team will put together another blockbuster game. I'll be cheering from the sidelines." 

Well, now we know why Kojima couldn't pull the trigger in MGS4 and kill off Snake. Sequel money!

[Source]

Let's hope there is some more gameplay in this one.

Some New Trailers For Ya

Mercenaries 2: World in Flames
Money


WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2009
Back Stage Brawl:

Lego Batman
Alfred
Tomb Raider Underworld
Hunting Tigers

Thats a whole lotta video!

Prince of Persia Inside Look

Brand new video diary about the new Prince of Persia game.

Halo Wars Box Art Released

WOAH!!!

New Halo Online Update

There are a lot of changes coming to Halo3 online on September 16.

In this week's update, Luke Smith informs us of these changes:

On September 16, the Halo3 title update will coincide with the Matchmaking playlist update.

Before we drill into the playlist specific changes, here’s the list of changes that will affect all of matchmaking:
* Added Epilogue – Epitaph with no Shield Doors. Added alongside default variant.
* Added Boundless – Snowbound with reduced Shield Doors. Added alongside default variant.
* Added Sand Tarp – Sandtrap sans Elephants, default team spawns switched in one-sided games. Added alongside default map variant.
* Added Pit Stop – The Pit with inaccessible spawn hives. Added alongside default map variant.
* Ghost Town – No longer appears in any symmetrical gametype.
* Team Slayer – Spawning configuration in default Team Slayer now includes a secondary weapon – the magnum
* Shishka is shuffling up the existing suite of playlists, moving things around, deleting others and adding some new playlists.



Lone Wolves
* Player count increases from six players to 8 players.


Team Objective
* Crazy King Hill times increased to one minute. Hill Movement set to Sequence (was Random).


Team Doubles
* This playlist now requires ALL content (Cold Storage, Legendary and Heroic maps are being used in Team Doubles)
* Objective Gametypes have had their appearance frequency reduced.
* Crazy King Hill times increased to one minute. Hill Movement set to Sequence (was Random).


Ranked Big Team Battle
* This playlist is retired.


Introducing Squad Battle
* Squad Battle is a Ranked six on six Playlist designed to fill some of the void left by excising Ranked Big Team Battle from the Halo 3 Playlists. Squad Battle gametypes are focused on Slayer and Capture the Flag and this playlist currently requires the Heroic Map Pack.


Big Team Social
* This playlist is retired.


Rocket Race
* This playlist is retired.


Multi Team
* Rocket Race has been added to the gametypes and set with a low weighting.


DLC Playlists
* Since Big Team was cut from Social, eight on eight action is reborn in the overhauled DLC playlists section of Matchmaking. DLC Slayer and Objective are both retired. These playlists require Halo 3 Downloadable Content (at least up through Legendary, but in the case of FFA, it requires all DLC) to participate.


DLC FFA
* This is an eight-player Free For All hopper focused on DLC content. The gametypes contained herein are a mix of Slayer, Objective and Infection modes.


DLC Big Team
* Eight on eight Social Slayer and Objective action (Gametypes from Big Team Social)
* Focused on DLC content (Requires both Heroic and Legendary Map Packs)


Team SWAT
* Objective Gametypes, SWATGuns set to skip after veto
* Weighting on all Objective games, SWATGuns and Magnums reduced
* Player Damage Resistance set to 150% (was 200%), players no longer spawn with grenades
* SWAT map variants now have Carbines and grenades available to pick up.


Head to Head
* This playlist is retired.

EDIT FOR NEW MAP INFO: “Purple Reign,” officially named “Assembly,” will be available to play (at PAX). This Covenant themed map is a symmetrical battleground, not too unlike Midship but a bit larger. (NOTE: This is NOT Midship nor is it meant to be a remake of Midship, it’s purple, but otherwise it’s all new and awesome).

(SOURCE)

(Shoutout to Tufo over at X3F for posting this)

HaHa

This is the new front page video on Yahoo!
Video Games Bad?

Blasphemy!!!!

News and Notes

• There is a rumor flying around that the Arcade's price will be lowered at the holiday season to $199. That is not even the big news though. The BIGGER rumor is that it will include a motion controler.
• Cliffy B announced that there will be Gears 2 DLC shortly after GOW 2's release. The DLC will be multilayer map focused
  
• New Soul Caliber Demo is coming to the XBL arcade
• Duke Nukem will be able to take and rewind videos during gameplay
  

Neverwinter Nights is a grand scale RPG

Neverwinter Nights -- This is a HUGE RPG game that will take your character from an adventuring academy to sending him/her out to save the city of Neverwinter and the region of Faerun. The city of Neverwinter has been besieged by a plague, called the "Wailing Death", and the officials of the city have acquired magical creatures that might be able to provide a cure. The plague has taken thousands of lives already, and threatens to spread throughout the Sword Coast, therefore Neverwinter has closed its gates and permitted no one to leave or enter the city. Lady Aribeth, the matriarch Queen of Neverwinter, has issued a call to all adventurers to aid her in a search for a cure and to help enforce the quarantine.

The game starts at the Academy within Neverwinter, and this is pretty much where you receive your training for whichever character class you choose during creation. So this is the Training part of the game, and causes one of my complaints, in that I feel that there should have been a more detailed Training module, preferably a whole section that could have been accessed from the main menu. After you go through your training, the Academy is attacked and the Waterdavian creatures that Lady Aribeth had collected to help create a cure for the plague have been stolen. Aribeth requests to meet you, and you set off on your adventure to try to find the missing creatures so that her mages can perform the ritual that will create a cure.

There are six basic abilities that make up your character. They are Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. The alignment of your character will also need to be set, and as the game progresses, it will change according to your actions toward the races of Neverwinter. This alignment is rooted in concepts of good and evil, law and chaos. Before you begin your adventure, you must create a character to play. This process is known as Character Creation, and if you are eager to skip this section and start playing, then there is an option to choose a premade character, which will set-up all the specifics of a character class and send you on your way to an exciting adventure. I would personally suggest that you take the time to make your own character, because this gives you a feeling that your character is unique to your own likes and dislikes, therefore being more involved with your character and the adventure he/she is embarking on.

If you decide to create your own character, then these are the things you will be deciding:
1) Gender: Of course your options are Male or Female.
2) Race: There are seven playable races, and they are Human, Dwarf, Elf, Gnome, Half-Elf, Half-Orc, and Halfling. Each race will have Special Abilities like Darkvision, or Immunity to Sleep spells. Many will also require adjustments to ability scores, some good and some not so good. The Favored Class for each race will be listed as well.
3) Portraits: The game will have several pictures for you to choose from, some better than others.
4) Class: This is a VERY important part of Character Creation. Many things within the game will be determined by what type of adventurer you are, such as attack speeds, armor class, skills, and spell resistance. You can choose from the following classes: Barbarians, Bards, Clerics, Druid, Fighter, Monk, Paladins, Rangers, Rogues, Sorcerers, and Wizards. On the right side of the screen, important info will be listed about each of these classes, such as alignment restrictions, Hit Die, Proficiencies, and Skill Points. To make each class unique and worthwhile to play, this game incorporates Special Abilities that are specific to each class. Here is an example for each class: Barbarian -- Rage, Uncanny Dodge Bard -- Bardic Knowledge, Bardic Music Cleric -- Turn Undead, Spontaneous Cast Druid -- Woodland Stride, Nature Sense Fighter -- Bonus Feats Monk -- Flurry of Blows, Evasion Paladins -- Lay on Hands, Divine Grace Ranger -- Animal Companion, Favored Enemy Rogue -- Sneak Attack, Uncanny Dodge Sorcerer -- Summon Familiar Wizard -- Summon Familiar, Bonus Feats Many times during your adventure, these abilities can turn the tide of battle, and turn what may seem like a possible defeat to a stunning victory. One of my favorites is the Lay on Hands for the Paladin, in which he/she can actually heal themselves or companions. The Favored Enemy for the Ranger is very useful as well. He or she will gain damage bonuses when fighting this particular creature. The Sneak Attack for the Rogue make this class a very deadly fighter. When they use this ability during melee attacks, it deals extra damage. In addition to these abilities, there are also skills and feats that a character can master as the game goes on. Each time your character levels up, he or she will be given points to use on skills. Some skills are available only to certain classes, While others are available to all classes. Examples of skills include Discipline and Move Silently. The feats are used to really specialize your character. One is given at the time of character creation, and after that the frequency at which you gain a feat depends on the character class, but most of the time it is within 3 or 4 levels. Examples of feats include Ambidexterity and Extra Turning. For the players who prefer to dabble in the magical arts, Neverwinter Nights offers the following schools of magic: Abjuration (used to shield the caster), Conjuration (Summoned Allies), Divination (being able to anticipate), Enchantment (gain control of creatures), Evocation (manipulate energy), Illusion (alter perception), Necromancy (create or destroy life), and Transformation (transform the recipient).

In Neverwinter Nights, your NPC's or companions are referred to as "Henchmen". There will be six available for your use, and they can be found at a local tavern. I have always enjoyed the concept of NPC's as I think it can really help you in combat, since most of the time games can be extremely tough if you try to play them solo. The only problem I had with this game rule concerning "Henchmen", was that you were only allowed one at a time. But I was overjoyed to find out later in one of the expansion games that they expanded that number. It will be possible at times to also have a third ally. This will happen if you or one of your "Henchmen" have the ability to summon creatures or have the animal companion skill. Unfortunately you cannot control your "Henchman" inventory. This means that the weapons and armor that the "Henchmen" start the game with, will be the equipment that they must use throughout the entire game. But I will give you something to look forward too, and tell you that this changes when you play the expansion games. There is also another VERY unique feature to this game. At some point in the game, you will be given a recall stone, and this stone acts as a teleportation device that will automatically transport you to the temple within Neverwinter. Once there, you will have the chance to heal, and for a certain amount of gold, you can transport back to where you last used the stone. This can come in real handy during a difficult battle, and if you die during battle, the stone will transport you to the temple as well. If it was death that brought you to the temple, than you can resurrect (respawn) yourself, but this will cost you experience points and a fair amount of gold. There are tons of things to see and do in this game. Most of your experience points will be earned by completing quests and killing monsters. There are your main quests that drive the story, which is a VERY interesting one, and then there are plenty of side quests as well to keep you busy. The "Henchmen" have their own stories as well, so it would be wise to take the time to get to know them. They will have their own quest for you to help them with, and you might even receive some powerful objects in return for helping them out. As you mighht imagine, this fine game is not lacking in combat, and there are plenty of challenging monsters to fight. You can expect to encounter the following foes while traveling in Neverwinter: goblins, skeletons, zombies, vampires, trolls, rakshasas, golems, balors, and dragons. One very convenient feature that this game offers, is called the Quickbar. There will be 12 slots at the bottom of the gaming screen, and they represent the 12 function keys on your keyboard. This feature lets you drag any item from your inventory page, and place that item on any of the 12 slots located on the Quickbar. Anytime during gameplay you can use these items quickly by just pressing the corresponding function key on your keyboard. This makes for an excellent way of quickly using items, such as potions, magic rods, and magical harps.

The graphics are superb in this game. The cities and environments are extremely detailed, and you are pulled into a world that is vivid with colors and textures.

The sound is great, with plenty of ambient sounds, and a background music score that drives your party of adventurers toward their goal. There is also a wide variety of voices for your companions and many other NPC's you will meet in Neverwinter. During character creation, you will be given the chance to choose a voice track that will be used for your character.

The interface for this game is excellent, with everything being a mouse click away, and as I have already mentioned in other reviews, that is just how I like my RPG's. You will have access to many tools that will help you along your journey. There is a map that can be brought up at any time, and you can even keep it up during gameplay, and that was a very nice option. It pops up in the upper lefthand side of the screen and will stay there as long as you like. Your character portrait will be shown in the upper right hand corner of the screen, with options such as Journal, Quest Log, and Character Stats available right under it. Below that will be a smaller portrait of your "Henchman" and any summoned or familiar characters. Clicking on your character's portrait will bring up the inventory page. Neverwinter Nights offers an amazing amount of equipment that can be purchased from merchants or found during your adventures. When you bring up the inventory screen, you will be able to equip the following: helmet (protects the head), armor (covers torso and legs), cloak (can provide additional protection), belts (can enhance Strength and other attributes), boots (protects feet and can enhance speed), weapons (melee and ranged), shield (from bucklers to tower shields), rings, and amulets. There are also slots available for ranged weapon ammo, such as bolts, arrows, and bullets for slings.

The replay value is great because this is such a large game that there is no telling how many new areas or new objects can be found when you play it again.
There is a multiplayer option to this game, so that is another way that you could experience it all over again.

The gameplay is superb, with so many quests and monsters to battle in this game, you will be entertained for hours, and probably lose some sleep over it.....LOL

The learning curve is not that bad for this game, mainly because most everything you need is VERY easy to find, and can be found by clicking the icons on the gaming screen. What I have read in other reviews is that some people believe that the D&D rules and so forth could have been explained better, but most of that IS explained thoroughly in the manual, and all of those numbers and calculations are done automatically by the computer, so I do not see that this as an issue for this game.

Finally, there is one other VERY unique feature to this game that nust be mentioned in any review of it. I have not used this feature very often myself, but it is still a great addition to the game, and most gamers will say that this is what makes Neverwinter Nights stand out from all of the other RPG's. Included with Neverwinter Nights is a toolset that will actually let you build your own adventures. It uses the same tools and programs that the game designers used to make the single player campaign, and they offer it to you as well. You can create an entire world with it, and even be the Dungeon Master!!!!!!!! At the back of the manual, there is a section that tells you how to use this toolset, and then you will be on your way to creating adventures.

This is the biggest review I have ever written, so that should tell you how much there is too this game. I would HIGHLY recommend this game, and be prepared to spend hours, days, and maybe even months playing it. You might even forget going to work, or taking a bath. LOL

Congrats to All Olympians

This is a little late but congrats to Michael Phelps and all of our olympians over at the Beijing Games.

Sony Pulling Out the Big Guns

SCE America Announces Limited-Edition Uncharted: Drake's Fortune Bundle Featuring New 160GB PS3
PS3 Bundle Includes Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, PLAYSTATION Network Voucher for PAIN and DUALSHOCK 3 Wireless Controller, Offering Tremendous Value to Consumers.

August 20, 2008 - Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced plans to introduce a new 160GB PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system in North America as part of the limited-edition Uncharted: 

Drake's Fortune(TM) PS3 system bundle. The increased storage size enables entertainment enthusiasts to store even more movies, television shows, and games downloaded from PLAYSTATION(R)Network, as well as more videos, music, and photos from their personal collection. Slated to launch in November for $499.99 (MSRP), the 160GB PS3 system will come bundled with the hit game, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune(TM), a PLAYSTATION Network voucher for PAIN, and a DUALSHOCK(R)3 wireless controller. The previously announced 80GB PS3 system ($399.99 MSRP) has started shipping to retailers.

"As PLAYSTATION Network continues to evolve with our recently launched video delivery service and more exclusive games, PS3 owners are demanding more storage capacity," said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. "Consumers also

 are utilizing PS3 as an entertainment hub for their digital media, placing content such as their entire music collection on the hard drive. The 160GB PS3 system addresses this growing consumer demand in a compelling bundle that delivers significant value."

The Uncharted: Drake's Fortune PS3 bundle includes the following components:

-- 160GB PS3 system -- The 160GB PS3 is a complete entertainment system comprising a Blu-ray(TM) Disc player, HDMI output, an integrated Wi-Fi connection, and Cell Broadband Engine(TM).
-- Uncharted: Drake's Fortune -- A 400-year-old clue found in the coffin of Sir Francis Drake sets a modern-day fortune hunter, Nathan Drake, on an exploration for the fabled treasure of El Dorado, leading to the discovery of a forgotten island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The search turns deadly when Drake becomes stranded on the island and hunted by mercenaries. Outnumbered and outgunned, Drake and his companions must fight to survive as they begin to unravel the terrible secrets hidden on the Island.
-- PAIN PLAYSTATION Network Voucher* -- PAIN boldly tackles a rarely explored area of video-gam

ing ... comedy. The unique mechanic of the game allows the player to load a character into a human-sized, ultra-powerful slingshot, and fire the character into an active, physics-controlled environment, filled with precarious and humorous situations. Download PAIN from PLAYSTATION Store (Select Country/Region) to your PS3 system with the included voucher.
-- DUALSHOCK 3 Wireless Controller -- DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller provides the most intuitive game play experience with pressure sensors in each action button and the inclusion of the highly sensitive SIXAXIS(TM) motion sensing technology.

The additional storage space of the 160GB model will benefit consumers, as several highly anticipated PLAYSTATION Network and PS3 games along with add-on content will be available for download soon, including PAIN Amusement Park, Ratchet & Clank(R)Future: Quest for Booty(TM), SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation, and The Last Guy(TM). The bundle is also a great option for consumers who want to utilize PLAYSTATION Network's video delivery service, which offers new blockbuster movies and popular TV shows for download on an ongoing basis.

Holy Shit!

New Killzone 2 Multiplayer Trailer

OMG OMG OMG
SO COOL
CANT WAIT

Duke Nukem Comming to XBL

Duke Nukem has been officially confirmed as a game coming to the XBL arcade. Not too much news yet but here is a celebratory video.

The Godfather II Debut Trailer

Just started playing the first game last week. Great title. Pick it up if you have not played it yet. The Second one looks better!!!! EA is shooting out some good games!

The Force Unleashed Demo Coming This Week

The Force Unleashed Demo is hitting the Xbox Live Marketplace and the PSN Marketplace this week. You can try out unleashing your Sith anger this Thursday. Here is a little bit of info about the demo from PS3 Fanboy:

The demo takes place in one of the early levels in the game known as the "TIE Fighter Construction Facility" -- it's a level you've probably seen many times before in trailers. The mission briefing goes: a Jedi General named Rahm Kota is attacking and it's your job to dispose of him, but to do so in secret (read: kill everyone, no witnesses). That sounds promisingly evil and very much Sith-like. Let the dark side coercion begin.

A Few Blog News and Notes

• Hi all, just wanted to inform you that we have a new writer named Mitch and we may be adding other new writers as well. We needed to replace Joe because he is claiming that his Google account and I don't think he likes posting. 
• Also I got a profile picture that is also my sig on Xbox 360 Forum. Check it out and tell me what you think.

New Saints Row 2 and NBA 09 Video

Saints Row 2- Sons of Samedi 

NBA Live 09-

Not So Good Rockband DLC

Rockband's DLC is getting hit by the 80's. I know what your thinking; that sucks and I agree with you. Devo (pictured below) and Duran Duran (pictured right) are each getting 2 songs on the marketplace each costing 160 MS points. We all know how 80's songs do in music games so why do they keep trying to force it? Here is the song list:

• "Girl U Want" by Devo - 160
• "Through Being Cool" by Devo - 160
• "Girls on Film" by Duran Duran - 160
• "Rio" by Duran Duran - 160
• "Get Your Rock On" by The Janitors - 80

Griffball Double XP Weekend

Its everyone's favorite time the weekend and you know what that means? It's a Halo double XP weekend and this weekend it is one of my favorites of the games; Griffball. Thats right now you get to be the Darren McFadden of halo by running that bomb up and down the field.  So get ballin' kids this starts Thursday and double up your XP points. (I prefer the Hammer) 

Elite Bundle 350!!!!

Dell is selling an elite bundle with 2 games for only 350!!! 

For only $349 with free shipping, United States Dell.com purchasers can grab an Xbox 360 Elite bundle complete with the console itself,Forza 2, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance and two additional faceplates. Though, to get the $349 pricing, you'll have to use a $100 off coupon code. To do this, simply head to Dell.com, click "Customize It", then click "Buy Now", then "Add to Shopping Cart". Now, once at the checkout screen, enter coupon code V8Q199$GCXJWL$ in the "Coupon Entry" field. Shazaam! The $449 price tag magically drops to $349. Note too that the coupon is only good through August 20th.

Halo 4?

Avatar Customization Rumor

Here are all the options for your new avatar that is rumored to be coming to the 360! Enjoy!

Rumored Avatar Customization Options
Hats:
Black Baseball Cap
Baseball Cap
Flat Cap

Hair:
Side Parting Hair (and with hat)
Slicked Parted Hair (and with hat)
Clean Cut Hair (and with hat)
Compact Hair (and with hat)
Crew Cut Hair (and with hat)
Slicked Hair (and with hat)
Ponytail Hair (and with hat)
Swept Hair (and with hat)
Flat Hair (and with hat)
The Captain Cut
Old Hair (and with hat)
Bun Hair
Thick Hair
Pig Tails
Hair Layered with Fringe Hair Tied On Top
Bob with Fringe Hair
Spiked Hair
Studious Hair Number 66
Shaped Hair
Basin Hair

Eyes:
Happy Eyes
Sharp Eyes
Half Moon Eyes
Focused Eyes
Harmless Eyes
Passive Eyes
Relaxed Eyes
Surprised Eyes
Soft Lashes
Restful Eyes
Monday Morning Eyes
Bold Eyes
Soft Eyes
Funky Eyes
Wild Eyes
Comforting Eyes
Droopy Eyes
Content Eyes
Slim Eyes
Excited Eyes
Eagle Eyes
Polite Eyes
Rested Eyes
Puppy Eyes
Rounded Eyes
Strong Eyes
Boxed Eyes
Thin Eyes
Studious Eyes
Tranquil Eyes
Dark Eyes
Dot Eyes
Tilted Eyes
Delicate Eyes
Almond Eyes
Wavy Eyes
Thick Lashed
Eyes Wide
Awake Eyes
Calm Eyes
Slender Eyes
Kind Eyes
Drowsy Eyes
Acorn Eyes
Sunset Eyes
Genial Eyes
No Features

Eyebrows:
Normal
Straight
Arched
Studious
Curvy
Large
Familiar
Thick
Small
Angled
Big and Flat
Delicate
Small and Thin
Short and Thick
Straight and Thick
Half Moon
Soft
Strong
Monobrow

Ears:
Fantasy Ears
Butterfly Ears
Round Ears
Elven Ears
Long Ears
Prominent Ears
Shapes Ears
Small Ears
Spiked Ears

Nose:
Define
Boxer's Nose
Curved
Drooped
Angled
Hooked
Bulbous
Large
Sharp
Perked
Rough
Rounded
Small
Straight
Long
Tiny
Wide
Soft

Mouths:
Spiked Puzzles
Gentle
Small and Rounded
Curvy
Deep Lips
Smirk
Grin
Vibrant
Unhappy
Cheeky
Lined
Cute
Fearsome
Tongue Out
Teethy
Full
Happy
Open
Bunny
Vampire
Wide
Small
Locked Teeth
Glamor
Thin Lipped
Square
Thick Lipped

Chins:
Jaw Stubble
Large
Thin
Long
Chiseled
Rounded
Sharp
Square
Small
Wide

Accessories:
Funky Shades
Hip Watch
Sports Wristband
Gold Ring
Silver Ring
Watch With Leather Strap
Plain Bracelet
Pink Bling Ring
Green Bling Ring
Cool Earrings

Tops Etc.
Zip-Up Jacket with Chain Power T-Shirt (Green)
Power T-shirt (Purple)
Red T-shirt
Polo Shirt
Studious Checkered Shirt
Blue Shirt Black Jacket with Zips Alt T-Shirt
Manly T-shirt
Cheap T-shirt
Green Flowered Vest
Tight T-Shirt (Orange)
Tight T-shirt (Blue)
Move T-Shirt Open Neck
Navy Top
Grey Shirt
Yellow Cardigan with Green Vest
Cowgirl Shirt
Black Crop Top with Sweat Bands
Short Brown Jacket Tight
Green Flowered Vest

Bottoms Etc.
Blue Jeans
Grey Skirt with Thread Detail Three Quarter Length
Camo Trousers
Short Frilly Black Skirt
Layered Black Skirt with Belt Denim
Short Shorts
Hawaiian Hotpants
Grey Jogging Bottoms
Turn-up Surfer Shorts
Fitted Black Trousers
Polkadot Skirt
Jeans with Pattern Detail
Jeans with Side Stitching
Beige Chinos
Brown Trousers
Faded Jeans
Navy Jeans
Brown Camo Jeans
Surfer Shorts

Shoes:
Formal Shoes
Orange Sneakers
White Trainers
Hiker Trainers
Brown Decks
Light Loafers
White and Red Trainers
Orange and Blue Trainers
Dark Brown Decks
Sky Blue Decks
Orange Decks
Pink Decks
Brown Sandals
Black Boots with Buckle
Sports Trainers

Gender and Basic Options:
Male Body
Female Body
Male Body Head
Texture Head

Neutral Animations:
Closet Examine
Lower Closet Examine
Shoes Closet Examine
Upper Closet
Spin Animation
Creator Walk On
Creator Walk Off
Creator Look Down
Creator Look Left
Creator Look Neutral
Creator Look Right
Creator Look Up
Creator Turn Left
Creator Pick Me Start
Creator Pick Me Stop
Creator Pick Me
Generic Clap
Generic Stand 0
Generic Stand 1
Generic Stand 2
Generic Wave
Generic Celebration

Male and Female Animations:
Angry
Confused
Idle Looks Around
Idle Check Nails (female only)
Idle Shifts Weight (female only)
Idle Stomp Spider (female only)
Idle Stretch (male only)
Idle Turn Around (male only
Laugh
Sad Cry
Shocked Surprised
Yawn

Fable 2 Achievements

The Paragon -15g

Reach 100% Good or Evil.

The New Hero -50g
Defeat your first great opponent.

The Whippersnapper -25g
Collect 5 gold pieces during the Hero's childhood

the Pooch Pamperer -5g
Play fetch with your dog.

The Archaeologist -5g
Dig up something your dog has discovered

The Dog trainer -5g
teach your dog a trick.

The persuader -5g
Convince a villager to give you a present

The Show-off -5g
Impress a villager with a perfect expression

The Romantic -10g
take a villager on a perfect date.You will need the right location and expression.

The spouse -10g
Marry a villager.

The Parent -10g
have a child.

The hunter -5g
Kill a sweet,innocent,fluffy bunny rabbit(remember,safety's off!)

The Gargoyle -25g
Find the gargoyles Legendary Treasure.

The Chicken kicker -5g
kick a chicken a respectable distance. As if kicking chickens was remotely respectable.

The Cliff Diver -5g
Cliff dive 500 feet.

The Workhorse -10g
Get a high enough chain while performing a job.

The Hero of Many names -5g
Change your heros title

The Teaser -5g
Get bandits to respond to expressions with fear,anger,mirth,and confusion. During combat!

The property magnate -10g
Sell a property for twice the price you paid for it.

The Rogue -5g
something undetected from a building while there are people nearby.

The Illustrated hero -5g
Tattoo every part of your hero's body.

The Executioner -10g
Sacrifice 10 people in the Temple of Shadows.

The Gambler -10g
Win 500 gold at a pub game in one sitting, having tried each game type at least once.

The Bigamist -10g
get married a second time, whilst still married to your first spouse.

The Swinger -5g
Take part in a orgy, responsibly

The Pied Piper -10g
Start a party where at least 5 villagers are dancing.

The Party Animal -10g
Get 15 villagers drunk in under three minutes

The menace to Society -5g
Commit an act of public indecency

The Black Knight -10g
Shoot the weapons from a hollow man's hands, blow off his head and then kill him for good!

The Duelist -10g
String together a full-speed chain attack

The highwayman -10g
hit 3 enemies with one shot.

The Archmage -10g
Kill 5 human enemies with one spell.

The Ruler of Albion -100g
Increase the value of your real estate holdings to over 2.5 million gold!

The Hoarder -25g
Collect every silver key.

The Goth -5g
Dye your hair black, wear an outfit made entirely out of black clothes, and wear some black makeup.

The Completionist -50g
Get all expressions, pet tricks, titles and abilities.

The Extremist -15g
Reach 100% purity or corruption.

The celebrity -50g
Reach 50,000 Renown.

The Artisan -10g
Succeed at one job to Level 5

The Dollcatcher -10g
Collect all the hero dolls.

The Muse -5g
Inspire the Bard to compose songs celebrating your great deeds.

The Companions -10g
Perform a perfect co-op expression.

The blood brother -10g
get a co-op combat bonus.

The Philanthropist -10g
Send a gift to an xbox live friend.

The Hero of strength -100g
Complete the Hero of Strength

The hero of Will -100g
Complete the Hero Of will.

The hero of Skill -100g
Complete the hero of Skill

The Sacrifice -25g
Choose "The needs of the many"

The Family -25g
Choose "The needs of the few"

The Egomaniac -25g
Choose "The needs of the one"

New World at War and Saints Row 2 Videos

COD World at War

I AM SO TIRED OF WW2 (sorry grandpa)

Saints Row 2: Brotherhood

Rock Band 2 Achievements

Rock Band 2 releases in just over a month, that means it's time to get ready. New games mean new achievements. Here is the whole list, everything you have to do to get the full 1000 points.

Name	Acheivement Description	Points
Solid Gold, Baby!	Gold star any song.	25
Flawless Fretwork	100% a song on Expert guitar.	25
Flawless Drumming	100% a song on Expert drums.	25
Flawless Singing	100% a song on Expert vocals.	25
Flawless Groove	100% a song on Expert bass only using up-strums.	25
Flawless Guitar Solo	100% a guitar solo using only the solo buttons.	20
The Bachman-Turner Award	Maintain deployed Overdrive for 90 seconds.	25
Million Point Club	Earn more than 1,000,000 points in a single song.	25
Bragging Rights	Defeat a player in either Score Duel or Tug of War.	15
Comeback Kid	Defeat the last player beat you in either Score Duel or Tug of War.	15
Band Savior	Be a savior 3 times during one song.	20
Hello Cleveland!	Deploy Vocal Overdrive 4 times in a single song.	20
Overdrive Overdose	Achieved an 8x Band Multiplier	25
Got Wheels	Won a Van in World Tour	20
Open Road	Won a Bus in World Tour	20
Jet Setter	Won a Jet in World Tour	20
Worldwide Sensation	Gain the ability to play around the world	25
West Coast Performer	Played a set on the West Coast of North America	10
God Save the Band	Played a set in the United Kingdom	10
Heartland Performer	Played a set in Middle America.	10
Western Europe Performer	Played a set in Western Europe.	10
East Coast Performer	Played a set on the East Coast of North America	10
Eastern European Performer	Played a set in Eastern Europe.	10
Road Dog	Played in every venue in the world	30
One Million Fans	Reached 1 million fans in Band World Tour	30
SECRET	This is a secret achievement regarding progression.	20
SECRET	This is a secret achievement regarding progression.	20
SECRET	This is a secret achievement regarding progression.	30
SECRET	This is a secret achievement regarding progression.	50
SECRET	This is a secret achievement regarding progression.	25

News and Notes

Amazon started pre-sale on the replica lancer. It will run you $139 but it comes with a copy of Gears of War 2. Add an extra $10 and you can get the limited collectors edition. It looks pretty sweet

• Realtime World is regretting on not immediately getting to work on Crackdown 2 after the first Crackdown release. The door is not shut though, Realtime is trying to get Microsoft to wave the flag on a Crackdown sequel now.
• In the Fable Collectors edition players will also get access to play as a medieval Master Chief character (seen right >). Wow now I might just need to get the Fable 2 special edition. 
• Also I am going away until sunday so the blog posts are all up to the newbie Brent. Let's hope he can live up to the challenge :). 

Madden 09 Acheivements Released

Here is the link.

Achievement whores start whoring. 

PS3 Bioshock Trailer Released

It looks like 2K has cleaned the game up a little bit for the PS3. Take a look: 

Rapture Awaits Trailer

Fable 2 Release Date: Oct 21th

Lionhead released today that Fable 2 will be released on the 21th of October. They also released what will be included in the limited collectors edition. The Collectors edition will sell for 80$ and will include a few goodies for those Fable fanboys. It will include:

• Bonus DVD
• Bonus in-game content
• 5 printed "Fate Cards"
• 48-hour Xbox LIVE trial card
• Collectible Hobbe Qee figurine (you remember Qees, don't you?).

The Fable 2 pub games will be released on the marketplace on August 13th and will run you for 800 MS points. Those who reserve the game (at select retailers) will get them free of charge. I don't think that I will be getting the Limited Edition. I am just going to stick with the normal one. 

GRID - Xbox 360 - My Review

Today, I picked up Codemaster's GRID, their newest edition to the racing scene. Overall, the game is great. Here are some key points I'd like to point out.

Graphics
They're as crisp as a burnt piece of toast. Everything you see looks absolutely stunning; from the details of the cars, to the road, trees and other scenery, the game inspires you to keep on playing.

Menus
The menus are simple, yet elegant; Small, yet in-depth. I personally love the menu system. Everything it right where it needs to be and easy to find.

Racing Physics
I'd say GRID is a mix between Forza 2 and Need for Speed in this department. Your car is easy to drive, yet has the real effects of an actual car. Hit the gas too hard coming out of a turn, and you'll be doing a 360 faster than you can say "My great aunt has thunder thighs."

Overall, I'd give this game a 8/10. It feels right, looks great, but the lack of car customization takes away from the games true possibilities.

Warhawk Trophies Announced

The popular online PS3 game Warhawk is getting trophies. Thats right and from the looks of the trophy arial ballet they will be also adding a Jetpack. Also the trophy Secret Safety Violation tells of a new level! Here is the compete list of trophies:

Bronze Trophies

• Secret Anti-Camper -- Kill an enemy in a Missile or Flak Turret after that enemy has achieved at least five kills in that type of turret.
• Secret Daredevil -- Get 100 feet off the ground in a ground vehicle. Does not count if the vehicle is being carried by a Dropship.
• Secret Hit List -- Kill every member of the opposing team at least once during a round.
• Secret Minesweeper -- Get killed by Proximity Mines five times in a single round.
• Secret Reckless -- Pilot Commit suicide in a Warhawk by running into your own Aerial Mine.
• Secret Vengeance -- Kill an enemy within 60 seconds of that enemy killing you.
• Secret What's That Green Line? -- Get killed by a Binoculars strike while piloting an aircraft.
• Anti-Air Ninja -- Shoot down a Warhawk with any infantry weapon other than a Rocket Launcher.
• Bandit Award -- Earn all in-game badges at Bandit level.
• Chief Sergeant -- Achieve a rank of Chief Sergeant.
• Collector -- Capture four cores at once in Collection mode.
• Combat Driver -- Complete Vehicle Combat Training.
• Cowboy -- Play a perfect Team Deathmatch (top player, no deaths).
• Dead-Eye -- Achieve a sniper kill from more than 2,500 feet away.
• Dumbfire -- Destroy an enemy aircraft with a dumbfired Swarm or Homing Missile.
• Emergency Evasion -- Break at least 6 simultaneous missile locks using Chaff.
• Enlistee -- Join a clan.
• Ground Pounder -- Complete Ground Combat Training.
• Hat Trick -- Get three flag captures in a single round of CTF.
• How Did You Do That? -- Destroy an enemy aircraft with a Cluster Bomb.
• Invincible -- While on foot, take at least 250 damage within 10 seconds without dying.
• Irony -- Kill an enemy with his own Proximity Mine.
• Lone Wolf -- Play a perfect Deathmatch (top player, no deaths).
• One In A Million -- Shoot down an enemy aircraft using the tank's main cannon.
• Overkill -- Destroy an enemy aircraft with a volley of 8 Swarm Missiles.
• Pilot's License -- Complete Warhawk Combat Training.
• Recognition of Merit -- Earn any five in-game medals
• Remote Pilot -- Destroy an enemy aircraft with a TOW Missile.
• Resourceful Driver -- Achieve a road kill and a .50 cal kill using the same 4x4, without dismounting.
• Rivalry -- Win a clan match (red server) as either clan leader or a regular member.
• Saboteur -- Destroy an enemy vehicle with the Field Wrench.
• Survivalist -- Survive for one minute as the hero in Hero mode.
• Tail Shaker -- Destroy an enemy aircraft with an Aerial Mine within 5 seconds of deploying it.
• Taxi Driver -- Help a teammate capture the flag (in CTF) or cogs (in Collection) by transporting him back to the base, using any vehicle.
• Warlord -- Create a clan and get nine other members to join. (Awarded at ten members while you are the clan leader.)
• World Victory -- Control all capturable bases in a Zones match, and reduce the enemy's home base to level 1.

Silver Trophies

• Secret Canyon -- Run Using a Warhawk, shoot down an enemy Warhawk in the central gorge in Vaporfield Glacier.
• Secret King of the Jungle Gym -- Retrieve the Proximity Mines from the top of the dome on the Omega Factory Rumble Dome layout.
• Secret Safety Violation -- Kill a distant enemy from on top of the salvage crane in Tau Crater.
• Aerial Ballet -- While flying a jetpack, kill an enemy (who is also flying a jetpack) with any weapon other than the Rocket Launcher.
• Are You Aim-Botting? -- Snipe an enemy who is flying a jetpack.
• Behind Enemy Lines -- Drive an APC into the enemy's home base, then have at least one teammate spawn into that APC.
• Commander -- Achieve a rank of Commander.
• Decorated Soldier -- Earn any 15 in-game medals.
• Flying Fortress -- Awarded to the driver and all six passengers of a fully-loaded Dropship.
• Giant Killer -- Shoot down an enemy Dropship while using a Warhawk.
• Lt. Colonel -- Achieve a rank of Lt. Colonel.
• Master Award -- Earn all in-game badges at Master level.
• Shield Breaker -- Break an enemy E-POD shield using the Lightning Shell.

Gold Trophies

• Bandwidth Donor -- Host a ranked dedicated server for four consecutive hours.
• Executive Honor -- Earn all in-game medals.
• General -- Achieve a rank of General.
• Porcupine -- Destroy an enemy Warhawk with the APC's E-POD shield.
• Surgical Strike -- Shoot down a Dropship with a Binoculars strike.
• That Was Some Bug -- Kill an enemy who is flying a jetpack by hitting him with any vehicle or aircraft.
• Warhawk Award -- Earn all in-game badges at Warhawk level.

Platinum Trophy

• Warhawk Supreme Achievement -- All your base trophies are belong to platinum.

I am buying Warhawk now :)

This patch will launch August 27th 

New Square Enix Video

Here is some fresh Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts footage. Enjoy!

My New Baby: PS3

Hey guys! Today is a good day, picked up a PS3 from Gamestop today along with Resistance and Metal Gears Sold 4. Now that I am a proud PS3 owner (I also own the 360(duh) and the Wii) I have all of the gaming consoles covered so this blog with have a few more Ps3 based stories now as well. My PSN is ProfessorChaos7. Here is a picture of the latest edition to my gaming setup. 

GTA4 Pulled From Shelves in Thailand

After Polwat Chino, an 18 year old high school student, robbed and killed a 54 year old taxi driver, he was taken into custody. He told investigators that he "wanted to find out if it was as easy in real life to rob a taxi as it was in the game."

Sweet Gears Case Mod

Not too much news today. Just thought I would share a sweet Gears case mod I came across over on X3F. Here it is:
Wicked Cool
Mad Props to Spectrax over at X3F (it is his first case mod)

Xbox Games Release Dates List UPDATE

Ign updated its upcoming games release dates list for the 360. Here is the link. Thats a whole lot of games.

Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2

The best way to one-up your predecessor is of course, to pack in some more goodies for people to play with, and Retro Evolved 2 does just that. With 6 game modes, you'll spend a good amount of time just trying to unlock them. Then sharpening your skills in each mode will have you coming back for more.

The first game mode is EVOLVED. The same game mode you've come to love in the first installment. Three lives, three bombs, and a never ending army of enemies.

Next, comes PACIFISM. In this mode, you are not allowed to shoot. Instead, you must cross through checkpoint gates to destroy your enemies.

WAVES mode, as seen in PGR4 brings enemies from all sides, coming in at you as you shoot away to destroy them all.

SEQUENCE mode brings 20 challenges that you must complete in order, in 30 second intervals.

In mutliplayer, the action gets even more intense with random power-ups, including: speed, freeze and extra firepower. All six game modes can be played with 3 other local players, including 2-v-2 team play, and individual scoring. There will be no online play included, which is saddening to see, since GW has set the limits for the XBLA.

The visuals look better, the controls smoother, and you no longer lose your multiplier when you die. How could this get any better? Having played the first installment of this series, and testing out the demo of the second edition, I recommend anyone to pick this up.

We Have A New Author

Brent is our newest author here at C & C Game News. We are glad to have him aboard. 

Soul Caliber IV

McCain vs O'Bama....

To celebrate the release of Soul Caliber IV here is a funny video.

New Halo Game Creative Director Job Opening

Microsoft is looking for a new Creative Director to head up its new Halo project. Here is the listing:

Micro

soft Game Studios’ Halo team is looking for a superstar Creative Director to help develop a ne

w experience in the Halo universe. This is your chance to contribute to one of the most exciting and creative properties in the entertainment industry. 
The Creative Director for this team will need to define and drive a vision that takes a beloved IP and delivers a new and innovative experience. The ide

al candidate is a source of inspiration, leadership, creative focus, and most importantly, is a guiding light for the project team. Boundless imagination is balanced with a deep understanding of the game develop

ment process; the ability to ideate is combined with the communication skills to concisely direct. And yeah, you have to have be

en around the block… a lot. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 
As Creative Director, you will work with the Executive Producer and other team leads to define the game vision and execute on that vision with excellence.
Direct the tone and timber of the project w

ith an eye towards compelling character development, visionary narrative progression, and addictive ga

meplay
Partner with key Hollywood talent to collaboratively craft a masterful game experience
Bridge the g

ap between storytelling and the interactive experience while delivering on the Halo soul.
Collaborate with game play designers, story writers, game writers, and said external luminary to deliver on a unique game in the 

Halo universe
Set clear creative goals and deliverables; lead and focus efforts across the design team to ensure a cohesive experience across the game
Anticipate threats to quality and innovation an

d work effectively with the team leads to mitigate
Build and maintain a collaborative relationship with Art, Dev, Audio, and Production that ensures a best-in-industry 

production process.

Quentin Tarantino is the lead candidate for the job. He says he wants the player to play the game from end and work back to the beginning. (not really (for the gullible people)