Xbox 360
Xbox 360 console licenses now transferrable
When you download content on your Xbox 360, it's linked not only to the Xbox LIVE account that downloaded it, but also to the console on which it was downloaded. That console license allows any profile on that particular console to access the content, not just the user that downloaded it. Unfortunately, only one console license can exist for each piece of content, so if you replace your Xbox 360, or lose it due to theft or disaster, you can't use that content again without being signed on to Xbox Live. Well, not until now.
Microsoft has just released a new tool to allow you to transfer your console licenses to a new console, meaning that people who have replaced their Xbox 360 may now re-download content and have it be accessible to any profile logged into that Xbox 360. It helps simply the licenses, and makes content more accessible, at least on one console. Microsoft still doesn't allow content to have two console licenses, which would be useful for people with multiple Xbox 360s, but as always, content can be accessed from anywhere using the Xbox LIVE account that the content is linked to.
Major Nelson (Larry Hryb) has posted a small story explaining the process and linking to a walkthrough video that shows how it all works.
Content License Transfer Tool (aka the DRM Tool) now available [MajorNelson.com]
Review: Lost Planet: Extreme Condition COLONIES EDITION
Many games are released in different editions. Collectors Edition, Ultimate Edition, Barnyard Edition, whatever. Usually these editions involve different packaging, a bonus comic book or artwork, or maybe even a figurine. After a game has been released and sells well, it may even be re-released in a "Game of the Year" Edition, or in the case of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition, the COLONIES EDITION. There have been a few changes to the game since its original release, but are those changes enough to tempt new consumers? Read the full review below to find out!
Review: Rocky & Bullwinkle
Whenever people talk about mini-game collections these days, the games likely end up being for the Nintendo Wii. However, a new mini-game collection has recently come to the Xbox Live Arcade in the form of Rocky & Bullwinkle. Can a traditional controller bring as much fun to the living room as a motion-sensing remote control? Let's take a look at this mini-game collection from a few different perspectives, and find out.
The Rocky & Bullwinkle Enthusiast
On the surface, this game sounds like a great fan service to all the Moose & Squirrel fans that like mini-games. Unfortunately, the graphics don't have the same endearing quality as the original TV programs. All the characters are here, but they won't animate the same way they did on the show, and none of the characters actually talk. Audio clips play at the beginning of each mini-game, but no video from the original series plays except in short, soundless montages at the beginning of each "show."
Click read more to read the rest of the review.
Review: Rocketmen: Axis of Evil
They say you cannot judge a book by its cover, so I guess sometimes you cannot judge an Xbox Live Arcade title by its demo. Rocketmen: Axis of Evil is one such title. What seems dull at first look became an addicting romp through a colorful world of action packed adventure.
The first two levels included in the demo give you some idea of the weapons available, the enemies you will face and the gameplay that you will experience. I cannot explain exactly when I started to like the game, but I do know that a large part of it is the RPG element of upgrading your weapons and character through loot and experience points. Enemies drop three different types of 'money' which can be used for armor, weapons and secondary items between missions. The XP you earn allows you to improve the stats for your Rocketman (or woman). I played enough to fully upgrade my Rocketwoman , and it is quite a joy to blast through endless waves of enemies when you are at your quickest and toughest.
Click the read more link below for the rest of the review
Gears of War 2 coming November 2008
Microsoft and Epic Games have been denying rumors of a Gears of War sequel since the original came out in 2006, with only a "wait and see" comment here and there. At the Game Developers Conference today, Microsoft had a short teaser trailer and Cliff Bleszinski came on stage to announce that Gears of War 2 would be arriving this November. Our network site Gears of War Realm has the latest:
Providing a dramatic close to Microsoft’s GDC keynote address, Epic Games Inc.’s lead designer Cliff Bleszinski announced that the epic saga of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad continues exclusively on the Xbox 360 this fall with Gears of War 2. This highly anticipated sequel to the 4.5 million-selling blockbuster Gears of War delves deeper into humanity’s struggle for survival against the nightmarish Locust Horde, and promises to take high-definition visuals to a whole new level.
To our team the original game was just a tease, the appetizer to the ‘Gears of War’ characters and new style of gameplay. We were so amped to get to the next chapter, and dig deeper into the universe of this franchise," said Cliff Bleszinski, lead designer for Epic Games. "Gears of War 2 is an even bigger, better, and more badass experience than the first game, and we can’t wait to get it in the hands of eager gamers this November."
There's sure to be more info available at E3 2008 later this year, keep an eye on Gears of War Realm for all the latest news.
Gears of War 2 Announced for November [Gears of War Realm]
Gears of War 2 teaser trailer
Microsoft adds Virtual Parenting to the Xbox 360 with Family Timer
This Christmas season, Parents who want to control their children's playing habits a little more autonomously will receive a gift from Microsoft. The Family Timer will allow limits on playtime to be set on a daily or weekly basis, forcing children to spend more time at their friend's houses who don't have such restrictions. This definitely will help control the video gaming experience, which is Microsoft's main goal.
"As a leader in interactive entertainment, it's Microsoft's responsibility to provide parents with tools they can use to manage their children’s video gaming and online experiences, and we have made that a priority from the very start," said Robbie Bach, president of the Entertainment & Devices Division at Microsoft.
Microsoft claims this is the first time parents have been able to control the amount of time their child spends on the Xbox 360. Although this may be true of built-in software, 3rd party products have been around for many years that allow you to lock down almost any device. Products like Play Limit and Time Scout will likely die off as console manufacturers implement features like the Family Timer in all their respective consoles. Microsoft doesn't even broach the subject of parents simply setting rules and forcing their children to follow them; perhaps this is such an antiquated idea that they doubt anyone would use it.
Details for how the restrictions will work have not been announced; Are limits placed on gamertags, or machines? There will be ways to get around the system, if by no other means than simply playing at a friend's house, but this does provide a way for parents to more tightly control how much time is spent playing on the game system in their own home.
This Thanksgiving be thankful for Mass Effect
Mass Effect is pushing the envelope of what is considered "next-gen" with its graphics, and is highly anticipated for its life-like conversations that are controlled by the player. A release date has finally been announced, November 20th, which places it squarely at the beginning of the holiday shopping season.
From the creators of the critically-acclaimed “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” and “Jade Empire,” comes an epic space saga for Xbox 360 that spans the entire galaxy. Combining RPG and tactical action elements, “Mass Effect” offers an engaging mix of gameplay set against a deep, multi-directional story.
“With ‘Mass Effect,’ BioWare is delivering an incredible next-gen gaming odyssey. Our fans will journey through a vast, futuristic universe as they are challenged to make impactful decisions that will determine the very fate of the galaxy,” said Ray Muzyka, chief executive officer, BioWare Corp. Added Greg Zeschuk, president of BioWare Corp., “The best games bring players into an immersive, realistic world that is fun to explore from beginning to end. We’ve achieved that in ‘Mass Effect’ by putting the player at the center of a compelling, cinematic storyline full of realistic characters and hundreds of exciting locations.”
A $60 game is not an easy purchase for most people, but the RPG elements allow the game to played in several different ways, with varying outcomes. By releasing before "Black Friday" on November 23rd, they guarantee the game will be available to be picked up by boys and men alike that are looking for a quality title to get or give this Christmas.
Realm Media Networks interviewed the man behind the music of Mass Effect, Jack Wall, when he visited Dallas with Video Games Live.
Also visit our Mass Effect Image Gallery
