Xbox or gun shots?

Maybe the City of Rochester should take a hint!

"MEXICO CITY - Police in vice-ridden Mexico City neighbourhoods hope to take guns off the streets by offering to swap them for computers and video-game consoles.
Police said anyone who turns in a high-calibre weapon like a machine gun will get a computer. Owners can swap smaller guns for cash or Microsoft Corp's Xbox video-game consoles under the plan."
- REUTERS

Article courtesy nzherald.co.nz

New Bullet Witch Content Available On Xbox Live

New Bullet Witch content is now available for download from the Xbox Live Marketplace, including a costume, theme, and missions. The White Witch costume is free, but the missions will cost you a measly 20 points each.
There's one completely brand new mission, "Dynamite Beauty," and two revamped versions of the "Clad in Streaming Black" mission, one with the Great Spells unlocked and one that's just plain wicked hard. More missions will be coming in the near future, and so will new costumes including Pixie, Schoolgirl, and Secretary. What, no Naughty Nurse?

For complete details, click HERE

Article courtesy blog.wired.com

Gears of War Global XBOX LIVE! tournament

Gears of War Global XBOX LIVE! Tournament
Show the rest of the world exactly how good you have become. Sign up between March 29th and April 29th to compete on Xbox LIVE® against some of the best Gears of War® gamers in the world. You will participate in 3 vs. 3 or 4 vs. 4 ranked matches for four intense weeks of leaderboard play.
Register before April 29th 2007
Official Play will be happeningfrom April 9th - May 6th
Winners to be announced in May
Tournament Grand Finals will takeplace in Prague, Czech Republic in July
Gears of War Global Xbox LIVE Tournamentis brought to you by the World Cyber Games

Newsmaker: A black eye for Xbox customer service

Microsoft still doesn't have a fix on how many of its customer service representatives got tricked into helping hackers hijack Xbox Live accounts.
The company does acknowledge that some of its staffers who answer 1-800-4MY-XBOX, the Xbox Live customer service line, reset passwords on accounts for people who did not actually own the so-called gamer tags.

For full article, click HERE
Article courtesy CNET.com

IT"S OFFICIAL!

Microsoft formally announces the release of XBOX 360 Elite!

Redmond, Washington—Microsoft Corp. today announced the upcoming availability of Xbox 360™ Elite, a new model of the video game and entertainment system that includes a 120GB hard drive, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port, a high-definition cable, and a premium black finish for the console, wireless controller, and Xbox Live® headset.

Click HERE for full article

First look from Midway games: Hour of Victory

Hour of Victory Interview
Midway breaks the silence on its work in progress with new details and the real reason the Nazis lost...

March 26, 2007 - World War II is, like, so 2006. But because it's our job and we happen to enjoy shooting things, we've been hounding Midway for additional details on Hour of Victory, its over-the-top WWII title set to hit the Xbox 360 in June. With a few spare minutes, producer Patrick Horne was able to speak to a few of the major features of HoV, including the different soldiers' points of view and various skill sets. Also, he confirms that Bavarian motor cars are in fact better than Bavarian pretzels.

Hour of Victory allows you to play a key role in the pivotal and cinematic battles from the European and North African theaters of World War II, using the skills and gameplay style you choose. Sneak into enemy territory as a covert operative, storm the gates as a British Commando, or snipe from afar as an Army Ranger -- each character's unique attributes will be needed for the fulfillment of the overall objective. Only with all these skills working closely together will you be able to say that you helped define the Hour of Victory.

Article courtesy ign.com

To see complete interview, click HERE

Visit the Midway website for Hour of Victory HERE

What you want to know about the "XBOX 360 Elite"

XBTR has been following stories internet wide regarding the release of the "XBOX 360 Elite" since rumor of the black box solution first became available.

More today from engadget.com

Xbox 360 Elite: new, black limited edition Xbox with HDMI and 120GB drive

We've confirmed with trusted sources that the black Xbox 360 is indeed coming (the image above is of the original 360 dev kit, FYI), and will be dubbed the Xbox 360 Elite. Here's what you need to know about it:
The Elite will be limited quantities only; that may be as much or as little as a couple hundred thousand.
The case, controller, and Live headset will all be black. It will have all new packaging.
Elite will cost $479, and will be a 3rd SKU; it will be sold alongside Premium and Core packs.
Eventually Elite hardware (in white plastics) will take the role of the Xbox Premium. That is to say, after the Elite is launched and sold out, future Xbox Premiums will have 120GB / HDMI.
We do not yet know exactly when 120GB / HDMI will become the standard for Premium, but it is loosely estimated to be late summer or fall.
Elite models run cooler than normal 360s, but they are not yet confirmed to have 65nm chips.
Prices may remain the same with the 120GB / HDMI hardware upgrade in the Premium Xbox, but we may still see a price cut on the line when 65nm chips start shipping.
The HD DVD drive will not be internal or bundled -- Microsoft never did or nor does not currently have plans to put an HD DVD drive in the 360.
There are no current plans to integrate WiFi into the Elite or future Premiums (although that can always change).

Are any of you holding off on purchasing a 360 until after the "proposed" system hits the marketplace? Drop us a line at xbtr@rochester.rr.com and let us know?

Getting ready to buy an XBOX 360...DONT!

... at least for the next six weeks. By then, the Xbox 360 "version 2" may finally be available. It seems that Game Informer magazine is reporting in its April issue that an upgraded 360 will soon be hitting store shelves, with at least some of the long-rumored goodies: 120GB hard drive (six times the current model's capacity), HDMI output, and a sweet black paint job. Kotaku (where we snagged the Game Informer page scan shown here) has confirmed with the magazine's editor that the story is legit, not an April Fool's joke. And Engadget followed up with "trusted sources" who verify the crux of the story, as well as fleshing out some other tantalizing details, including the name--Xbox 360 Elite--and whether or not the new version will sport an integrated HD DVD drive and Wi-Fi adapter.
The bottom line: if you're in the market for an Xbox 360, hold off. With the Xbox 360 Elite said to be hitting in late April, it may well be worth the wait.

Article courtesy crave.cnet.com

Pranksters interrupt PS3 launch in Paris and London

Yesterday, Microsoft sent in a love note and beer to gaming site Computer and Video Games (CVG), in an amusing take on the £146 difference between the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 (PS3). Well last night, during the PS3 launch in Europe, several MS pranksters pulled off some acts to disturb the event.Before we continue, we better make sure that you guys are getting the distinction. The beer and the note, that was Microsoft itself. This next instance was committed by some MS supporters. With that out of the way, here's the story: The first incident happened in Paris. As it goes, a big boat sailed past the long queue of people waiting to get their hands on the system. The said boat was Xbox 360-themed and carried the message, "Xbox 360 love you" (alright, "heart" or "less than three" for the nitpicky ones out there). See for yourself in this image from Kotaku. Meanwhile, we'll leave you to formulate your own conclusions.

For complete article, click HERE

Article courtesy qj.net

ArmoredCore 4 giveaway???

Yes, the grapevine is alive and thriving at XBTR, and sources close to XBTR have told us that our colleagues over at "The GhostRider's Zone" will be giving away a copy of the newly released title "Armored Core 4" from the developers at SEGA. We'll be keeping tabs on this giveaway as details become more readily available, or you can cut out the middle man and go right to the source, whatever works best for you.

If you're a MechAssault or MechWarrior fan, this title looks like a solid selection for your game library.

"The GhostRider's Zone" website

"Armored Core 4" website

HaloWars

Halo Wars” is an all-new real-time strategy game based on the legendary “Halo” universe and designed exclusively for Xbox 360 by Ensemble Studios, creators of the “Age of Empires®” franchise. After today's announcement at X06, the official Halo Wars site has gone live with some media including the HD teaser trailer. Check out the official Halo Wars website at www.halowars.com

View the Halowars trailer HERE, its incredible...

Article courtesy news.teamxbox.com

Devil May Cry 4 on Xbox 360, PC, PS3

Capcom has announced that the highly anticipated 'Devil May Cry 4,' which was in development for Sony's PlayStation3 (PS3), is now also in development for Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Windows PC platforms. The company said that each version of 'Devil May Cry 4' will be created so as to take maximum advantage of the consoles' strengths, leading to a spectacular visual and game play experience. Making this announcement, Mark Beaumont, Executive Vice President of Consumer Software Publishing (the Americas and Europe), Capcom, said, "Capcom is committed to making its titles available to as wide an audience as possible, and has been building its technology base to meet that goal. This announcement means that PS3, Xbox 360, and PC owners worldwide will be able to experience the latest installment of one of Capcom's pillar franchises." According to Capcom, 'Devil May Cry 4' immerses gamers in a gothic supernatural world, where a new protagonist clashes with a familiar hero. As the new leading man, Nero, players will unleash incredible attacks and non-stop combos using a unique new game play mechanic, the powerful 'Devil Bringer' arm. And, with advanced graphical capabilities of next-generation consoles, game play will come alive as players explore newer and more exotic locales. The main ingredients of 'Devil May Cry 4' are the game's dynamic action, its undeniable style, unprecedented fighting options, and gripping storyline, according to Capcom. It is learnt 'Devil May Cry 4' will be released simultaneously for the PS3 and Xbox 360 systems, with the Windows PC version to follow sometime later. Capcom has not revealed release dates of the game.

Article courtesy techtree.com

Microsoft probes possible fraud on its Xbox live gaming: CNET News

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Microsoft Corp. (MSFT :
Microsoft Corporation is investigating possible fraud on its Xbox Live online gaming service, the company said Tuesday, CNET News.com reported on its Web site Wednesday.
The investigation comes after gamers reported having their Xbox Live accounts hijacked and their credit cards used to buy "Microsoft Points," the virtual currency on Xbox Live, which has more than 6 million users, Cnet News.com added.
"Recently, there have been reports of fraudulent activity and account theft taking place on the Xbox Live network," a Microsoft representative said in a statement provided to CNET News.com. "Security is a top priority for Xbox Live, and we are actively investigating all reports of fraudulent behavior and theft."
Newspaper Web Site: http://www.cnetnews.com.com
-Contact: 201-938-5400

Xbox LIVE Reaches 6 Million Members 4 Months Ahead of Schedule

At E3 this past year, Microsoft announced the goal that the Xbox LIVE community would be 6 million members strong by June 2007. We underestimated how fast gamers would discover that the real joy of next-generation gaming is online.
Microsoft is proud to announce today that more than 6 million gamers worldwide are connected to Xbox LIVE, a milestone that was reached 4 months ahead of schedule. Xbox LIVE, the premier online entertainment network, offers the best in online gaming, ubiquitous voice, video and text chatting, Achievements, demos, trailers and more.
And, with Xbox LIVE Video Marketplace, gamers can download thousands of hours of premium entertainment content, from high-def TV shows like “CSI” or “Robot Chicken,” to full-length films such as “Saw III” or “Crank.” And, as announced this past week, Xbox LIVE members can download the first ever HD episode of “South Park,” exclusive to the Xbox 360 and available free starting today, March 6.
Below you will find the latest in Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE momentum data, including how many Achievements have been unlocked to-date and the top 5 Xbox LIVE Arcade list.

Surprise, surprise! Nielsen: Most Game-Console Owning Adults Are Parents

Video games aren't just for the kids anymore.

More than one in three U.S. adults who go online, or 37 percent, own a video game console and 16 percent own a portable gaming device, Nielsen/NetRatings (NTRT) said on Tuesday.
The majority of those console owners, 71 percent, are married and 66 percent have at least one child in the household.

To view article, click HERE
Aticle courtesy foxnews.com

HALO 3 Legendary Edition to Cost $130, No Xbox Live Compatibility with PC

Microsoft invites you this autumn to join Masterchief and finish the fight in the third and last part of the popular Xbox saga, but you’ll have to pay a heavy price for that. Microsoft Game Studios and HALO-developers Bungie Studios confirmed today, through the voice of John Porcaro, Senior Group Manager at Microsoft's Global Games Marketing Team, that the craved sequel of the most anticipated game of 2007 for the Xbox platform is arriving this autumn.Since we are talking about HALO 3, producers have thought at preparing three surprises to hardcore fans: the game will be sold in three packages, each individualized through its unique or rare content.The Legendary Edition ($129.99) will come out in limited supplies, being wrapped up in a highly collectible Spartan helmet case that no hardcore “Halo” fan should miss, along with two bonus disks full of supplemental content. The first disk will provide exclusive, behind-the-scenes footage and videos, including a high-definition “Making of ‘Halo 3’” documentary showcasing the Bungie team and its effort to create the most anticipated title in the industry’s history; numerous high-definition featurettes documenting the creative design processes involved in developing the game; and even a look at some early game concepts and their evolution through the game’s development. The disk will also include an audio-visual calibration tool, never before seen on a video game and custom designed by the “Halo 3” graphics and audio team to make the most of fans’ high-definition home theaters, for the ultimate “Halo 3” and Xbox 360 audio and video performance.

Rest of article HERE

Article courtesy playfuls.com

Microsoft to PC gamers: Prepare to go Live

LOS ANGELES, California (Reuters) --
Microsoft Corp. Wednesday said its Live online service, which has attracted 6 million Xbox 360 console gamers, will be open in May to PC gamers who use its new Windows Vista operating system.
The move comes nearly a year after Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates said the company's vision was for "anywhere" gaming that would link video game consoles, cell phones and computers, and is a key step toward reaching that goal.
The PC version of Live will debut on May 8 with the launch of the Windows Vista version of "Halo 2," Microsoft's popular alien shooter game.
In June, Microsoft Game Studios will release "Shadowrun," the first game where Live will support competition between players on the Xbox 360 and PCs.
Live members will need just one account, whether they play on the Xbox 360, the PC, or both machines.
Microsoft offers two Live subscription levels. Silver membership is free and the Gold level, which includes cross-platform play and other multiplayer features, costs about $50 per year.
Microsoft's online gaming service has been a key selling point for its Xbox 360 video game console, which was released in November 2005 and competes with Sony Corp.'s PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Co. Ltd.'s Wii for top billing in the $30 billion global video game market.

"BIOSHOCK" MOST ANTICIPATED GAME FOR IGN EDITORS

IGN Editors Dan Adams, Steve Butts, and Charles Onyett chose BioShock as their most anticipated game this year. Dan and Steve had it as their #1 pick, and Charles selected it as a close second, saying that "Irrational hasn't made a bad game yet and this won't be the first. It promises so many solutions and gameplay scenarios from so many genres that I may have to start my own underwater utopia where all we do is play BioShock."

Full story HERE

About:

BioShock is a revolution in the shooter genre that will forever change the expectations for the FPS. Going beyond "run and gun corridors," "monster-closet AIs" and static worlds, BioShock creates a living, unique and unpredictable FPS experience. BioShock is the Shooter 2.0.
After your plane crashes into icy uncharted waters, you discover a rusted bathysphere and descend into Rapture, a city hidden beneath the sea. Constructed as an idealistic society for a hand picked group of scientists, artists and industrialists, the idealism is no more. Now the city is littered with corpses, wildly powerful guardians roam the corridors as little girls loot the dead, and genetically mutated citizens ambush you at every turn.

Windows Media Center option for XBOX360

Recently, I purchased two new notebook PC's (one for my wife, and one for myself), both systems equipped with the newly released Windows Vista OS. While reviewing the capabilities of the new computers, I noticed Windows Media Center was included on the systems. This immediately drew me toward my 360, as on many occasions, I have seen the Media Center option on the 360 desktop.

After conducting some research, I decided this might be a nice option for my home, especially since I have a new JVC digital surround system due at my home any day from Best Buy.

I've provided a couple of links for those of you interested in putting this solution to work for you as well.

Enjoy....IcemanXBTR

Got your Media Center PC? Got your Xbox 360? Is your home network up and running? It’s time to bring room-to-room entertainment to your home!

You have your Xbox 360 and Media Center PC up and running, now you’re ready to let the fun begin. Here is some information that will help you get the most out of your system.

Check out the latest information on Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 and Xbox 360. We’ll gather the latest buzz on features, hot offers, new products, and the latest announcements. And we’ll serve it all up for you here.

Do you already own a Media Center Extender set-top box or a Media Center Extender for Xbox? Find information on these products here.

Wireless Networking Adapter for 360

Usually, first-party accessories are simply peripherals that exist because of the console manufacturer’s obligation to offer such products. These accessories are usually outdone by third-party manufacturers who find ways to improve the basic first-party design with additional features, and even sometimes, better performance. However, the first-party accessory we are reviewing today will definitely be an exception. The Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter is one of the most innovate, well designed first-party accessories ever created. Manufacturers of networking gear will have a tough time offering a competitor to this terrific device. Aside from its compact design and Xbox 360 aesthetics, how good does the adapter perform? We find out.

To see the rest of the article, click HERE
Article courtesy teamxbox.com

CNET.com: Editors' picks: The 20 most anticipated games of 2007

This one is obvious: Halo 3 is easily one of the must-have games of 2007. In addition to seeing Master Chief in high-def for the first time, I'm hoping that Bungie makes good on its promise to one-up Halo 2's single-player campaign and online multiplayer support.

Click HERE for the rest of CNET's 2007 picks...

South Park in HD on Xbox Live Marketplace

Download a FREE episode of South Park in high-definition exclusively from Xbox Live® Marketplace. In "Good Times With Weapons," the boys go ninja, transforming into anime warriors, battling the destructive Professor Chaos. Even better, the episode is available first as a free digital download over Xbox Live from March 6-20 to all members.

For the rest of this article, click HERE

'Crackdown' tries, but ultimately falls flat

New Xbox 360 game lacks visual polish — and a good storyline

“Crackdown,” the new Xbox 360 game from Real Time Worlds, has ambition.
The cops-and-thugs adventure contains a promising mix of successful genres and features. You can engage in gun battles with criminal scum as you climb and leap from skyscrapers. You can recruit a buddy for online co-op play. You can sculpt your character to your heart’s content. Throw in the “Halo 3” beta, which ships with the game, and you’ve got a winner. Right?
Wrong. Everything that “Crackdown” has under its hood has been done before — and has been done better. Despite being a next-gen game, “Crackdown” feels hollow, lacking visual polish and that sense of your virtual habitat being a living, breathing world. That, and a story......

For rest of story click HERE

Story courtesy MSNBC

Your LIVE! Gamertag? Available to XBTR members?

One of our members recently asked for a list of the Gamertags of members of XBTR as well as the Gamertags of those who participate or have participated in our LAN events. While XBTR maintains a database of all the Gamertags of its members, we have not in the past made public this information, in the interest of keeping member information private. Please click the "comment" button directly below this posting and let XBTR know what you think about this practice. Should we continue to keep your Gamertags private? Should we have a place online where your Gamertag could be placed so people who wanted to play you could send you a request? Give us your thoughts.

NYKO Intercooler for XBOX360, a good thing or bad thing?!?

NYKO, manufacturer of the popular "Intercooler" attachment for XBOX360, claims its device will "reduce the internal operating temperature of the 360 while prolonging the consoles lifespan.", but is this actually the case?

Several stories I discovered while briefly surfing the net suggest that the Intercooler system may be more a part of the problem then a solution.

There have also been some questions as to whether or not this device has any negative impact on the actual manufacturers warranty from Microsoft. Can the device be safely attached without jeopardizing the newly extended 1 year manufacturers warranty?

I've provided a few links below which give the good and the bad about this now controversial XBOX360 modification.

NYKO website w/their take on the Intercooler

engadget.com article - "Intercooler scorches XBOX360 consoles"

gear.ign.com review - "Keep your 360 frosty and alive with Nyko's external cooling solution"

Gamingtarget.com article - "by attaching the Intercooler to your 360, you effectively void your console’s warranty"

By D. Jeremy DeMar - XBTR

Halo ActionClix collectible miniatures game

If the Halo video games, action figures, and dubious body armor aren't enough Master Chief goodness for you, then you'll be happy to know that the alien-fighting supersoldier is getting his own collectible miniatures game. WizKids, makers of the HeroClix and HorrorClix miniatures games, is creating a new "-Clix" game based on Halo. Halo ActionClix will feature dozens of tiny, plastic Master Chiefs and Spartan soldiers, each equipped with tiny, plastic weapons, and able to pilot not-quite-as-tiny plastic vehicles.
Like the other -Clix games, Halo ActionClix is a tactical tabletop game where players can collect tiny figures from starter and booster packs. The games' names come from the clicking wheel in every figure's base. The wheel displays that figure's abilities and statistics, and it changes by "clicking" the wheel when they heal or take damage. It's a handy system that does away with countless rules books and databases for character stats.
Halo ActionClix won't be ready until this fall, so you'll have to wait a while before raising your tiny army of Master Chiefs. Considering that Halo 3 is also scheduled to launch later this year, perhaps we'll see a Collector's Edition of the system-selling game that comes with its own unique Halo ActionClix figure. WizKids could not comment on this prospect, but it wouldn't be surprising; the Collector's Edition of City of Villains came with its.....

For rest of story click HERE

Story courtesy crave.cnet.com

Black XBOX360 coming?

Black XBOX360 to arrive May 1st???

Late last week, retailer Game Crazy's POS (point of sale) system had an sku listed for a black, 120GB Xbox 360. The retail price was S479.99 and it was scheduled for release May 1st. That much is fact. Whether or not there is an actual product to accompany the sku is fiction rumor.
Such a system is further speculated to support HDMI and a general meaner aura than the original wussy white console. What's our take on the rumor? We hope it's true because our 20GB hard drive just isn't big enough. And we hope it isn't true because our 20GB hard drive just isn't big enough. – Mark Wilson

Article courtesy GIZMODO.com

Trustedreviews.com: Crackdown

I think we all owe crackdown an apology.

First of all it was branded a simple GTA clone, albeit one with interesting cel-shaded graphics. Then it was regarded as the sort of lightweight effort that needed a bundled entry to a Halo 3 beta to make sure it flew off the shelves. Well, it turns out that we were wrong on both counts.

The first is just nonsense. Unlike, say, Saint’s Row or Scarface, Crackdown has nothing to do with the usual gang-banging, pimping, dealing tosh. It’s played third person, involves cars and takes place in an urban open-world setting, but there the comparisons end. And while the Halo 3 beta is a definite bonus, Crackdown doesn’t need it to get our attention. This is a game that can stand proudly on its own two feet.

Perhaps one day we might be able to play an open world game without mentioning GTA, in the way we don’t now inevitably mention Command and Conquer or Doom every time a new RTS or FPS comes out. For now, instead of thinking GTA, you might consider two more meaningful comparison points. First, last year’s Just Cause, both for its assassination set pieces and the way getting around was part of the fun, and second, 2005’s Hulk: Ultimate Destruction. Why the latter? Because it’s probably the most successful game to involve super-powers in an open world, and because those super-powers are instrumental in making that open world fun. All the above is true of Crackdown.

View the rest of the article HERE at trustedreviews.com