Latest Headlines

Halo 3 Pulls Down Over $170 Million in the First 24 Hours

Microsoft today announced that the Xbox 360 exclusive game “Halo 3” has officially become the biggest entertainment launch in history, garnering an estimated $170 million in sales in the United States alone in the first 24 hours. The Xbox 360 title beat previous records set by blockbuster theatrical releases like “Spider-man 3” and novels such as “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”

Within the first 20 hours alone, we’ve seen more than a million Xbox LIVE members come online to play Halo 3 – that makes September 25 the most active Xbox LIVE gaming day in history.”

More than 10,000 retailers hosted Midnight Madness events to celebrate the launch of this third installment in the billion-dollar franchise. In New York, Seattle, Miami and Los Angeles, Microsoft and retail partners hosted marquee launch events that featured contests and appearances by local celebrities and professional athletes who are fanatical about the “Halo” franchise, including Ludacris and Zac Efron and Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates.

More than 1.7 million copies of “Halo 3” were preordered in the United States before a single store opened its doors at midnight, Sept. 25, making this the fasting pre-selling game in history, surpassing the previous record-setting pre-sales of “Halo 2.” Well beyond just a U.S. phenomenon, the launch of “Halo 3” was a worldwide celebration that released in 37 countries and available in 17 languages.

New Forza Content On XBL

Microsoft today announced 10 brand new racers and muscle cars in a downloadable car pack for “Forza Motorsport 2,” which will be available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace this weekend.

First up the 2007 SEAT Leon Cupra will be available as a FREE download to bolster the already extensive collection of “Forza” racers and for 400 Microsoft points, Forza fans can own the track taking laps in 10 great vehicles including a race ready turbo diesel (the Audi R10) and a low performance class inline 4 that’s an absolute tuner’s dream (the Honda Civic Si Coupe). Show your muscle with an American classic, the 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T or turn it up another notch behind the wheel of the 415 horsepower, 8,400 rpm 2007 Porsche GT3 RS.

A full list of the available cars is below:

• 2007 SEAT Leon Cupra (FREE DOWNLOAD)
• 2006 Audi R10 (#8 Audi Sport Team Joest) Prototype
• 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Hemi
• 2006 Dodge Challenger Concept
• 2006 Honda Civic Si Coupe
• 2007 Honda Civic Type-R
• 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400
• 2006 Lamborghini Miura Concept
• 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997)
• 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line
• 2007 SEAT Leon Supercup

NBA 2K8 Demo Hits Marketplace

If you are thinking about scoring a three pointer, you can now power up your xbox 360 and play some of NBA 2K8 tonight. The demo is now available for download on Xbox Live Marketplace.

Gamers can download the free demo that delivers a four-minute exhibition game of NBA 2K8, allowing basketball fans to experience the most exciting NBA simulation title this year.

The latest installment of the #1 rated* NBA® 2K series, NBA 2K8 delivers true next generation visuals and gameplay, setting new standards never experienced before in a sports title. Highlights include a host of new contact animations that bring a new level of physical play in the post and while playing defense, new offball play system, and hundreds of new Signature Style animations that capture all the jump shot, dribble, and dunk moves performed by every major NBA athlete. NBA 2K8 also introduces the new NBA Blacktop features highlighted by the exciting Sprite Slam Dunk Contest.

Believe + Halo 3 + Hype = More Midnight Madness Event Details

With seven days and counting, the anticipation for “Halo 3″ has reached a fever pitch. To help further stoke the anticipation for what promises to be one of the biggest entertainment launches in history, Microsoft today confirmed further exciting details around the Midnight Madness events happening across the United States starting Monday, September 24 and culminating with the game’s sale at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, September 25.

More than 10,000 retail stores in the U.S. alone will be opening their doors at midnight on September 25 to usher in one of the biggest days in entertainment history, and fans will be invited to participate in activities at local retailers to countdown to “Halo 3’s” launch.

Major regional events will also be held in select locations including New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle and Miami, and those consumers who participate will not only be a part of history in the making, but can also score free merchandise and get a chance to play “Halo 3″ with local celebrities in on-site Game with Fame sessions.

Specific event details include:

New York

Where: Best Buy, 529 5th Ave, New York, NY, 10017

What: Located in the heart of 5th Ave. and only a few blocks from Times Square, the Best Buy store on the corner of 5th and 44th Ave. will be the first to provide consumers in the U.S. with their copies of “Halo 3.” The event, which will begin early afternoon on Monday and can be seen on televisions nationwide via live broadcasts from both Spike TV and G4, will feature day-long activities. People are encouraged to demonstrate their fanaticism for Halo through costumes, distance traveled, best signs and more. Additionally, fans in line may get to play “Halo 3″ prior to launch against on-site celebrities from early Monday afternoon through midnight. Every hour, a new personality will enter the fray with the fans. At midnight, attendees can expect a spectacle unlike any other. A number of Bungie team members and local professional athletes will be on hand to participate in the launch festivities.

Los Angeles

Where: GameStop, 1000 Universal Studios Blvd, Universal City, CA 91608

What: From the entertainment capital of the world, GameStop’s flagship store at Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles will host the Halo 3 West Coast launch. The event begins Monday evening and will lead up to the first sale of the game at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, September 25, and will feature a celebrity autograph session, Halo trivia contest and a special appearance by the man of the hour, Master Chief, as well as a number of Bungie team members. Fans in line will also have a chance to be one of the lucky few who can battle it out against a celebrity on “Halo 3″ prior to the launch. The event can be seen on televisions nationwide via live broadcasts from both Spike TV and G4.

Seattle

Where: Best Buy, 457 120th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98005

What: Seattle fans are invited to join the celebrations at Bellevue’s Best Buy, which will open its doors at 12:01 am on September 25 to sell the highly anticipated and final chapter in the “Halo” trilogy. To commemorate the release of “Halo 3″ in the game’s hometown, fans will be able to celebrate the occasion with product giveaways. People in line may also get a chance to play against Bungie team members and local professional athletes.

Miami

Where: Circuit City, 8575 Northwest 13th Terrace, Miami, FL 33126

What: Hosted by Circuit City, Miami’s Midnight Madness event of choice will feature product giveaways and contests starting at 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. Current Miami Dolphins stars, Chris Chambers and Joey Porter will be on hand signing autographs as well as challenging fans in “Halo 3″ inside Circuit City. Additionally, a number of Bungie team members will be on hand to participate in the launch festivities.

Attendees at the regional events will also have an opportunity to receive the following giveaways as part of the festivities:

• Halo Action Clix from WizKids
• Collectible trading cards from Topps
• Halo Ghosts of Onyx by Eric Nylund from Tor
• Frag Fest t-shirts from Mighty Fine
• Accessories and hats from Changes
• Messenger bags from Enmon Accessories
• Console sling bag and hardware organizers from BD&A
• Halo Graphic Novels published by Marvel
• 2008 Halo calendars from Trends International
• Halo Uprising Comic (issue one) from Marvel
• Halo soundtracks from Sumthing Else Music
• Weapon replicas from Master Replicas
• Zune Halo 3 edition
• Limited-edition figurines from the diorama created for the “Halo 3″ ad campaign and many other great pieces of merchandise.

Behind The Scenes Shots and Short Film for ‘Halo’ Live Action Movie

The short film “Combat: Part I,” is available now, and will take viewers deeper into the “Halo” universe for a firsthand look at mankind’s struggle against the Covenant, a religious coalition of aliens that threaten the very existence of humanity. In Blomkamp’s interpretation of “Halo” you’ll see for the first time real UNSC soldiers piloting a Warthog in throes of combat, “Halo’s” most fearsome warrior caste, called Brutes, and weapons like the Plasma Rifle in action.

“Combat: Part I” is the second of three live-action short films that will be directed by Blomkamp, showcasing his vision of the now iconic “Halo” world. “Combat: Part I” will be available for download on Xbox LIVE Marketplace on Tuesday August 28 in high-definition.

Lost Planet For Xbox 360 Gets Network Upgrade

In a continuing effort to ensure the best possible gameplay experience for Lost Planet Xbox 360 players, Capcom has developed an extensive network update which will optimize the online gameplay experience.

On Thursday, August 30 ^th, a network update will be implemented where players will be able to select from three different connection types when creating an online match.   By allowing players to select the best connection type for their environment, the patch aims to improve the game’s connectivity for any players that have had previous problems.    

There are 3 connection types. Players should choose the option that suits their configurations:

[Default]

This is the standard setting regardless of upload speed.

[Pattern A]

This is more suitable when your upload speed is fast.   Try this if your connection is unstable with Default.

[Pattern B]

This is more suitable when your upload speed is slow and your connection is not stable with Default.   Try this if your connection is unstable with Default.

After the update is released, you may experience some problems if you join a multiplayer match where players who have installed the patch and those who haven’t are participating. The expected problems are as follows:

·        Glitches with screen text

·        The game stops progressing at certain screen.

·        Disconnection (disbanded mission, etc)

If you experience problems like these, please try signing out once and signing in again.

Lost Planet is an epic gaming masterpiece combining a gripping single player campaign and intense multiplayer modes.  Lost Planet contains sophisticated visuals, with an unmatched level of detail as advanced light sourcing is used to ensure a realistic presentation that enhances every explosion, smoke and particle effect.  Enormous world maps unfold as players battle hostile creatures in blistering weather conditions across vast snowfields and blazing volcanic areas either on foot or in armed, robotic Vital Suits.  

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Tonight on xbox Live!

Activision, announced today that Infinity Ward’s Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare multiplayer beta will launch via Xbox LIVE on Monday, August 27 at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. Users can visit Charlie Oscar Delta (www.CharlieOscarDelta.com) at noon for their chance to receive a Token and experience some of the maps and modes available in multiplayer before the game hits store shelves the week of November 5th.

The beta will enable players to experience the most advanced and powerful arsenal of modern day firepower in customizable multiplayer battles from the world’s most treacherous hotspots. Players will be able to customize their experiences by utilizing new features including create-a-class, player-ranking and the new perk system. Gamers will also be able to ease seamlessly into multiplayer matchmaking with the party system or even join games in-progress. New recruits will enlist for battle across a series of action-packed maps and dynamic game modes to test their mettle in the ultimate multiplayer gameplay arena.

“From day one we’ve set out to make Call of Duty 4 the best multiplayer experience ever,” said Grant Collier, Studio Head, Infinity Ward. “We’re excited to bring to our fans around the world this early look at Call of Duty 4 multiplayer. The gameplay possibilities are limitless from leveling-up and utilizing perks, to creating-your-own class and matchmaking. We’re only days away, so get ready!”

You can go to www.charlieoscardelta.com for the latest information about the worldwide beta including how to become a part of it, specifics on perks as well as the eventual end date of the beta. Entry to the beta and availability will vary by territory. U.S. residents will able to log on for a chance to receive a token on a first come basis.

OVERLORD Demo for the PC and Xbox 360

Don the Overlord’s illustrious armor, assemble a team of fighter minions and head off for a session of serious destruction in the once tranquil area of The Mellow Hills. Descend upon the unsuspecting populace and wildlife, use your loyal minions to gather life-force from the somewhat unwilling sheep, grow the size of your minion horde, and let the Halflings-gone-bad know there’s a new boss in town.

Make use of minion upgrades, including pumpkins as minion helmets, throw in some peasant intimidation and a show-down with the Guard Troll and you’ll have a taste of the havoc that a minion horde can wreak.

Experience the power of the mighty Overlord with the PC demo now available from www.codemasters.com/overlord. A demo is also available from Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox™ 360. Overlord release date is June 29th for PC and Xbox 360.