News Archive 2005 / 2006

• Chartered to produce 65nm Xbox 360 CPUs for Microsoft

Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing announced that it has signed an agreement with Microsoft to manufacture CPU products using 65nm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology for Microsoft’s Xbox 360 game consoles. This announcement follows Chartered’s manufacturing of 90nm SOI CPUs for the Xbox 360 through an agreement with IBM.

[digitimes]

• Codename: Panzers Coming To Xbox 360

German publisher 10Tacle Studios, again setting its sights on next-gen games, announced with Hungarian developers Stormregion that they're bringing the popular RTS Codename: Panzers to Xbox 360...

[xboxtoday.ca]

• Microsoft confirms HD-DVD drive for Xbox360

Microsoft has confirmed that it will be announcing more details of a HD-DVD drive for the Xbox360 at this years E3 expo in Los Angeles...

[pocket-lint]

• First Taiwan-developed Xbox 360 game to launch in June

FunTown, a Taiwanese producer of PC games, is expected to launch the Xbox 360 version of the traditional Chinese gambling game Mahjong in June of this year, the first among Taiwanese producers of Xbox 360 games, according to senior sales manager Grace Chou for Entertainment & Device Division of Microsoft Taiwan.

[digitimes]

• OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast (Xbox)

OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast is arcade-style racing defined. Well, defined as a compilation of a previously released Xbox titles and an arcade-only update with a few new features thrown in. A game like that -- a game that isn't really offering something new -- is obviously geared toward people who love the series.

[gamespy]

• 360 Gamer Gets "BioShock" Exclusive

A hulking Protector monster from BioShock dominates the cover to 360 GAMER issue eight, with an art style echoing back to the pulp science fiction magazines of the Fifties and Sixties that served as one of BioShock’s many inspirations. The extensive nine-page feature grants readers unprecedented access to this next-generation title, including exclusive never-before-seen screenshots and production concept sketches, along with an exclusive interview from BioShock’s executive producer Ken Levine, the man behind the critically-acclaimed System Shock 2 and Freedom Force series.

[xgp]

• World Cyber Games to pimp Xbox 360 and Windows

The World Cyber Games on Thursday announced that Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 and Windows will sponsor the global tournament through 2008.

In addition, Microsoft will provide hardware, software, and marketing support for the events.

[punchjump]

• PC Alone in the Dark to launch with Xbox 360 version

Alone in the Dark first appeared on PC in 1992, and fourteen years later it is returning, complete with an original gameplay structure, said to make the game appeal to a much wider audience. Atari hopes the game will go beyond expectations for a next-generation title and that it will re-establish itself as the genre leader. It certainly won't be easy, with the survival horror genre now packed with quality franchises such as Resident Evil and Project Zero.

[pro-g]

• Brothers In Arms Hell’s Highway For 360

Ubisoft has announced the production of Brothers In Arms Hell’s Highway for the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and PC gaming platforms.

As the third iteration of the popular Brothers in Arms series, Hell's Highway is set for a holiday 2006 release where it will include a completely overhauled online infrastructure to coincide with the improved gameplay and graphical elements.

[xboxadvanced]

• Microsoft Plans Further Regional Xbox 360 Launches

According to a report in British newspaper The Financial Times, Microsoft is planning to launch the Xbox 360 console in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and South Africa within the next eighteen months.

[gamasutra]

• Xbox360 gamers to get HD movie trailers...

Xbox360 gamers in the US will soon be able to catch the latest Paramount movie trailers such as Mission Impossible III and Jack Black’s Nacho Libre in High Definition.

[pocket-lint]

• Top Spin 2 - Xbox 360

When Top Spin arrived on Xbox in 2003 a legion of new tennis fans were born. The game was innovative, fast-paced, great fun, and brought together the technical elements of tennis alongside the intensive gameplay that’s synonymous with this ‘middle class’ sport.

[hexus]

• Lost Planet Updated Impressions (Xbox 360)

If Capcom’s latest showing of Lost Planet is any indication, the first-quarter 2007 title is right on track. Proof came in a visit to TeamXbox.com, when Capcom showed two solid levels from the third-person shooter, which served up battles against the game’s two main adversaries, the Akrid and Snow Pirates.

[teamxbox]

• Wrestling Ladies Hit the 360: Rumble Roses Xbox 360 Review

If you are a fan of wrestling, you already know that the Divas are now as popular as the male superstars. From endorsements and even the cover of popular Men's magazines, the ladies of the ring are now a staple of the industry. Of course many still argue that the whole Diva concept is nothing more than eye candy to get male viewers to tune in or attend the events.

[xboxsolution]

• Battlefield 2: Modern Combat Ships

Today, EA has announced that Battlefield 2: Modern Combat has shipped to stores across the nation for the Xbox 360. This is the first next-gen installment of the Battlefield franchise, and it will drop players right into the front lines with a new physics engine, environmental damage modeling, improved AI, and breathtaking visuals.

[talkxbox]

• Datel Drops XSATA 360

Datel announced today the release of a new product for the Xbox 360, dubbed the XSATA. The device allows users to access their 360's HD from their PCs via a USB 2.0 cable. Using free file management software like Xplorer 360, files can be transferred to and from the 360's HD, freeing space on the 360's somewhat small 12GB user partition. The XSATA sits between the HD unit and the 360 itself, and allows for access by both the 360 and PC while installed.

Moving demos, saves, and other media to and from the 360 is a cool idea, though as many have discovered, many files and the 360 are locked to the console or Xbox Live account, meaning sharing the data you pull from the 360's HD may be a bit tricky.

[ign]

• Burger King Confirms Xbox 360 Game Dev

Turns out that despite all those breaking into people’s homes, running across football fields and trying to shove people off high rises, the King isn’t as cheerful a guy as one might suspect.

[kotaku]

• 2K Sports Announces Major League Baseball(R) 2K6 for Xbox 360

2K Sports, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today that Major League Baseball(R) 2K6 for Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the only official MLB(R) video game for the platform, is now available in stores across North America.

[businesswire]

• X-Men: The Official Game Hands-On (Xbox 360)

With a list of X-Men related titles under their belt, Activision is gearing up for its latest mutant release that coincides with this May’s big screen blockbuster X-Men: The Last Stand. Developed by Z-Axis, X-Men: The Official Game will be released May 16, just over a week before the movie opens up in theaters across the nation. Serving as a bridge between X2: X-Men United and X-Men: The Last Stand, X-Men: The Official Game takes place between the events of the two films. We had the chance to spend an evening with the game on both the Xbox and the Xbox 360 last week in San Francisco to bring you our hands-on impressions.

[teamxbox]

• Microsoft starts music video downloads via Xbox360

Microsoft has announced an agreement with Epic Records to offer exclusive artist content and high-definition music video downloads free for all Xbox360 gamers for a year.

The move clearly shows that Microsoft is hoping to use the games console and more than just a gaming machine and could be the company’s backdoor entry into the music video and more importantly movie download business.

[pocket-lint]

• 'The Specialist' hacks Xbox 360 firmware...

A hacker, codenamed "TheSpecialist" claims that he has installed his own custom firmware into the Xbox 360.

He now claims to be able to 'create bootable backups of the originals, circumventing the Xbox 360’s content checking by ignoring the required disc signatures that are present on retail games.'

'The Specialist' reveals that Microsoft didn't sign the firmware, meaning he has full access to the intenal hard drive.

[hexus]

• Halo 3 no more -- meet Forerunner

An Xbox.com forum poster, DM Duo Maxwell, is claiming to have reproduced, in its entirety, an exclusive Game Informer article from the upcoming April issue that reveals details about Bungie's next project—Duo Maxwell did not supply an actual scan because Xbox.com does not permit images that violate copyright laws. According to the post, Bungie's next project will be a Halo game for the Xbox 360, currently codenamed, Forerunner. In Halo lore, the Forerunners are a technologically advanced race that mysteriously vanished from the universe.

[joystiq]

• Microsoft to pimp Viva Pinata to Xbox 360

Microsoft and 4Kids Entertainment on Wednesday announced the introduction of a new property for the Xbox 360 called Viva Pinata.

Viva Pinata is a social video game where players can customize, create, and maintain a living garden of piñata animals that grow in real-time.

The game will allow owners to host more than 60 species of wild piñata and interact with others via Xbox Live.

[punchjump]

• College Hoops 2K6 for Xbox 360 Now Available

2K Sports, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., announced today that College Hoops 2K6 for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft is now available at retailers across North America. As the only college basketball game available for Xbox 360, College Hoops 2K6 delivers a truly authentic collegiate experience, showcasing superior next-generation graphics, unmatched gameplay, all of the fan-favorite features found in the current-gen versions and an updated and expanded roster of teams and players.

[giw]

• Ridge Racer 6 trial demo drops to Xbox 360

Namco's Ridge Racer 6 for Xbox 360 is now available as a trial download via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

The 600MB download features 21 vehicles and the Harborline 765 race track.

[punchjump]

• THQ Delivers The Outfit for Xbox 360

THQ and gaming studio Relic Entertainment today said they’d shipped The Outfit, a World War II focused third person, squad-based combat game. It is priced at $59.99 and available for Microsoft’s Xbox 360.

[designtechnica]

• Final Fantasy XI Preview (Xbox 360)

Square-Enix hosted its third Final Fantasy XI Fan Fest at the Santa Monica Pier this past weekend, and despite the unseasonable weather (a chilly 50 degrees and mostly overcast with blasts of rain throughout the day), it didn’t deter fans from coming to the event to meet other players, try out some of the game’s new features, listen to developers chat about their plans for future expansion and get their hands on the Xbox 360 version for the first time. TeamXbox.com was there to bring you the details.

[teamxbox]

• World Cup Xbox 360 screens

"The FIFA World Cup will be the single most watched sporting event by a worldwide television audience, bringing together football fans from around the world," said Joe Nickolls, lead producer of the game. "Our game, 2006 FIFA World Cup celebrates this passion by capturing all of the national rivalries in-game, enabling fans to play their heroes and be a part of 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany."

[boomtown]

• BioWare Working On MMORPG For Xbox 360

BioWare, the creators of some amazing RPG's including the Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic franchise has announced today that they have begun work on a Massively-Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG). The game is being developed by its newly opened Austin, Texas studio. The Austin team will be headed up by James Ohlen whom happens to be BioWare's Creative Director. He has previously worked on Knights of the Old Republic, Neverwinter Nights, as well as Baldur's Gate.

[xboxtoday]

• Xbox 360 Bundles Starting To Ship

Giving credence to reports that Xbox 360 shortages are coming to a close, Game Stop has several bundles up for grabs for lower prices with a promised start of shipping date set for Friday, March 17.

[igniq]

• Fight Night Round 3 Xbox 360 review

A boxing game… very fitting that it was the first game in quite some time to give me actual physical injuries. Certainly the blisters on my fingers are less impressive than the bone crunching knock downs present in the game, but during the course of playing I think I’ve figured out the whole video games causing violence issue once and for all.

[boomtown]

• Datel Announces 360-to-PC Transfer Kit

Datel has announced a rather nice new utility for the Xbox 360. Aptly titled the Transfer Kit for Xbox 360, Datel's creation is a software and USB dongle package that allows a user to transfer saved games from the Xbox 360's memory card to the PC.

[ign]

• Revealed: Secret XBox 360 Game is a Table Tennis Game from Rockstar Games

The secret new Xbox 360 game announcement today is: table tennis. And the developer: Rockstar Games. Rockstar games, makers of the notorious series of Grand Theft Auto games where you can kick prostitutes to death and steal cars and shoot people - even to the tune of a lawsuit for a hidden sex scene, is rolling out a game on TABLE TENNIS. Say wha dawg? It seems the guys at Rockstar love a little ping pong and so their next title is taking on the little green table - no hos, pimps or guns to be found.

[realtechnews]

• Sneak Peek: Xbox 360 USB Camera Add-on

It looks as if Microsoft is getting set to release a new USB camera peripheral for the Xbox 360 in the not too distant future. According to documentation obtained by IGN, the USB camera is aimed at improving the user's gaming experience, but it also adds several new potential capabilities to an already powerful home media hub.

[ehu]

• Strike Force Red Cell to shoot Xbox 360

Graffiti Entertainment, LLC on Monday announced that it has acquired the North American publishing rights to the first-person shooter Strike Force Red Cell.

The shooter is a counter-terrorist game offering for the Xbox 360 and PC.

[punchjump]

• Japanese relaunch for Xbox 360 in June?

Internet rumors declare that Microsoft is planning a relaunch in Japan for its console flag bearer, Xbox 360. The launch in Japan was shadowed by hype from Sony's and Nintendo's next-generation consoles, and as expected was rather hard to hit it big. As the German website GameFront reports are stated in ComputerAndVideoGames.com, "MS is planning a major relaunch for the console in the Land of the Rising Sun beginning on June 29."

[afterdawn]

• Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter Review...

When I first heard about Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter (GRAW), I was worried about the future of the franchise. Previous entries in the Ghost Recon franchise were all about fighting outdoors in vast expanses and infiltrating remote outposts, but this game takes place primarily in urban Mexico City.

[vggen]

• Hitman: Blood Money sets sights on Xbox 360

In a stealth attack maneuver worthy of Agent 47, the fourth iteration of Eidos' Hitman series, dubbed Hitman: Blood Money, will be released on Microsoft's next-gen Xbox 360 system, in addition to the previously announced PC, Xbox, and PS2 platforms. The real coup de grâce is that it will be released alongside those versions this spring!

[joystiq]

• TOMB RAIDER LEGEND XBOX 360 TRAILERS...

GameSpot has blown the competition clean out of the water with the release of five sensational new movies showcasing Tomb Raider Legend on Xbox 360. Sporting an incredible 1280x960 Ultra HQ resolution and weighing in around 50Mb per item, the clips feature Lara Croft in all game sectors.

[trc]

• Bandai making 360 mech game

According to the latest issue of Famitsu, Bandai is currently making a new Xbox 360 mech game titled Zegapain XOR for a summer release in Japan. The game is being developed by Cavia, best known as the studio that worked on Square Enix's Drakengard series. Cavia is also working on two other Xbox 360 titles: an action game titled Bullet Witch, and a role-playing game named Cry On, which is being produced by Hironobu Sakaguchi's Mistwalker.

[gamespot]

• Microsoft patents motion-sensing tech!

It looks like Microsoft likes the Revolution controllers too, as the company has registered patents for motion sensing technology which many assume will go into future Xbox 360 controllers (or even PC stuff).

[ign]

• Odd Xbox 360 Dashboard Upgrade

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

[playfeed]

• Elder Scrolls Release Date Announced For Xbo 36

Bethesda has announced that their hugely anticipated game, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, will be available in stores in North America and Europe during the week of March 20 for the Xbox 360 and PC.

[xboxtodayca]

• Xbox 360: Roundup and Review

In the ensuing war of the third-generation video-game consoles, Microsoft launched the first volley this past November with the release of its Xbox 360. Despite ample publicity, the Xbox 360 has come under scrutiny. A much-hyped launch fell short of meeting demand with limited quantities of the console available and individual stores seeming to define their own rules as to how units would be sold.

[upi]

• Xbox 360 Burnout Revenge golden

To date, there are three racing games available for the Xbox 360: Need for Speed Most Wanted, Project Gotham Racing 3, and Ridge Racer 6. However, the fourth racing game for the console is generating a lot of interest, despite being already available--and highly acclaimed--on the Xbox and PlayStation 2. That game would be Burnout Revenge, the first next-gen installment in the high-intensity racing series from publisher Electronic Arts and developer Criterion Games, which went gold today.

[mtv]

• Far Cry Instincts Predator Xbox 360 video & new screens...

The second wave of Xbox 360 redux releases have thus far put the initial wave to shame. Enhancements made to GUN and Tony Hawk's Underground: American Wasteland pale in every fathomable comparison to the upcoming new 360 versions of Burnout Revenge, Battlefield 2: Modern Combat, Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII, and of course Far Cry Instincts Predator.

[themanroom]

• Final Fantasy XI Xbox 360: A Work In Progress...

Square Enix has come a long way since the company first released Final Fantasy XI over two years ago. The game has a solid community of over 500,000 players, with an Xbox 360 version on the way next month. While it varies a bit from other Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs), it does a lot of things right. I've spent a good deal of time with the Xbox 360 beta and from my preview, you can see that I'm enjoying myself. However, the skies are not always clear in Vana'diel and things are not always great in Final Fantasy XI.

[gamedaily]

• Battlefield 2 Modern Combat slips into April...

"The launch of Digital Illusions' game Battlefield 2 Modern Combat for Xbox 360 will be in April 2006," reads the press release. After checking out EA's UK press site it would seem that the game is now set for an April 14 release, across Europe at least. No reason for the delay has been given, but at least this gives gamers a bit of breathing space in March as it was looking like a pretty busy and expensive time to be a gamer.

[pro-g]

• First look at Superman Returns: The Videogame on Xbox 360

So who doubted EA's Tiburon studio, most famous for the legacy that has become Madden NFL games, could pull off a superhero game? The first glimpse of Superman Returns: The Videogame that showcases an epic battle versus Metallo should help quench those fears. It will draw from not only classic villains over the past 60 years of comics but also the new Brian Singer-helmed film to create the first multi-dimensional open-world super hero experience.

[themanroom]

• Analyst: Xbox 360 Inventory Increasing, MS Ahead of 4-5M Target

Could the long Xbox 360 hardware drought be coming to an end? Analyst P.J. McNealy conducted a retailer survey and the results reveal that the inventory situation is improving. McNealy expects MS to top its own 4-5 million shipment target for this June, and to reach 10-12 million by the end of 2006.

[gamedaily]

• EA fires more Battlefield 2 to Xbox 360

EA on Friday released new images from its Xbox 360 offering, Battlefield 2 Modern Combat.

The images reveal close-ups of the enhanced detail that will grace the Xbox 360 version of the game.

[punchjump]

• CoD 2 Xbox 360 update soon...

The news comes in a post on the Xbox.com forums, Call of Duty 2 developer Infinity Ward has discussed the patch currently being tested for Xbox 360. Here is the post...

[boomtown]

• Xbox 360 Review: Full Auto

Back when the Nintendo 64 and Playstation were butting heads, Activision's marketing team released an ad campaign for Vigilante 8. The tagline was simple: "Blow sh*t up." What a shame that line was wasted on a game where the only thing exploding were the cars instead of holding it back for Full Auto. That singular line describes this superbly crafted action title, its hook, and the appeal.

[blogcritic]

• Test Drive Unlimited New Xbox 360 Screenshots

Test Drive Unlimited is the ultimate automotive experience for car and bike enthusiasts alike. Visit the most sophisticated car and bike dealers to purchase new vehicles or simply take them for a spin. Collect and trade rare performance parts and customise each vehicle to make it one-of-a-kind. Test Drive Unlimited challenges players online to experience the most exotic and fastest vehicles on more than 1000 miles of diverse Hawaiian roads.

[itvibe]

• THQ announces MotoGP '06 for Xbox 360 due this summer...

"It's exciting for us to present Xbox 360 owners with the most exhilarating racing experience available and one that genuinely raises the bar of photorealistic gaming. The developer, Climax, has combined an unprecedented level of detail, sense of speed, and the very latest MotoGP season content to create a game that will appeal to MotoGP fans as well as those gamers craving the most thrilling racing experience on Xbox 360."

[itvibe]

• 86 Xbox 360 Titles Set For Release In 2006

Provided you’ve managed to get your hands on an Xbox 360, you might be getting tired of the titles available for this first machine on the next-gen console scene. If boredom is setting in and dust is starting to collect on your console, you’re in luck. Joystiq is reporting a list of 86 new releases set to debut during 2006 for the 360.

[igniq]

• GAME offer promotion on Xbox 360 games - 99p!

GAME are offering Xbox 360 games at only 99p! The catch is that you'll have to trade in two existing Xbox 360 games to take advantage of the special offer. The offer started yesterday and runs until next Thursday. It's available at all GAME stores.

[hexus]

• Datel to release portable 4GB HDD for Xbox 360

Datel, makers of the 4GB PSP HDD, have announced a similar peripheral for the Xbox 360. The portable 4GB hard drive, which powers directly from the 360, connects via USB 2.0 and features a glowing green power button.

[joystiq]

• 'Ninety-Nine Nights' enough to raise Xbox 360 sales in Japan?

Microsoft is counting on the game to drive sales of Xbox 360s in Japan after sales of consoles in the first month fell short of those in the failed launch of the original Xbox four years ago.

[cnet]

• Call of Duty 2 Patch Now Available

Many gamers have had the horrible luck of having their single-player campaign save files corrupting – essentially making them unusable. While this might not be a big deal on the default difficulty level, for those gamers putting in 15+ hours in Veteran, starting over from scratch is the equivalent of hot poker in the eye.

[teamxbox]

• 360 Burnout Revenge coming 3/7/06

In addition to Burnout Revenge's ship date, EA also revealed that it will help hype the game via a campaign reminiscent of Nintendo's DS Japanese download kiosk program. Starting tomorrow, retailers such as Best Buy, GameStop, Wal-Mart, Target, and Circuit City will offer a Burnout Revenge download for free via their in-store Xbox 360 kiosks. To get the download, Xbox 360 owners must bring in their memory cards and insert them into a kiosk.

[gamespot]

• Team Ninja’s plans For Xbox 360

Team Ninja's Tomonobu Itagaki appeared in the latest issue of Famitsu Xbox 360 in not one, but two interviews in which he discusses his teams plans for the Xbox 360.

[xboxaddict]

• 360 Resident Evil 5 far off, Chromehounds coming along...

Japanese publishers talk Xbox 360 development: Konami targeting US audiences, AQ Interactive considering 2-3 more titles, Capcom cautious.

[gamespot]

• Xbox 360 Live Update Fixes Bugs, Freezes Hacking

A new mandatory update for the Xbox 360 has been released over Xbox Live. The update, available upon signing on to the Xbox Live service with a 360, offers a few minor bug fixes, as well as a seal over a minor security hole that would-be system hackers had been experimenting with.

[gamasutra]

• EA preps Battlefield 2 for Xbox 360

EA on Friday offered a sneak peek of its upcoming Xbox 360 offering, Battlefield 2 Modern Combat. The multiplayer war combat game has seen critical and retail success on the PC.

The Xbox 360 version will feature 24-player battles via Xbox Live, more than 30 military vehicles and more than 70 weapons.

[punchjump]

• Top Spin 2 Xbox 360 screenshots

We've got 10 additional Top Spin 2 screenshots featuring a number of the different playing venues as well as players. All are, of course, taken from instant replay angles and not actual gameplay.

[themanroom]

• Xbox 360 in short supply, consumers and analysts are not thrilled...

Microsoft Corp said that it was delaying the launch of its next generation gaming console Xbox 360 in Australia due to supply problems. These same problems forced Redmond to scale down the sales forecasts for the next three months, but the software giant said that it would be selling 4.5 million and 5.5 million consoles by the end of June.

[earthtimes]

• New "Burnout Revenge" Xbox 360 screenshots!

As it stands, other than the obvious visual and audio enhancements, the big changes on Xbox 360 will be the inclusion of a Save and Share system where you can upload your favorite saved wreck highlights to Xbox Live, and a Live Revenge mode where you can call out rivals and track your history against them - also on Xbox Live.

[themanroom]

• Over 10 Taiwan Firms Developing Xbox 360 Titles

According to Microsoft Taiwan, more than 10 local developers are currently working on Xbox 360 titles. Most titles are expected to arrive months after the March 2nd launch of the console in that country however.

[vggen]

• Fight Night Round 3 Xbox 360 screens...

Who would have thought that a boxing game would be so popular? If I look at my Xbox Live friends list on any given evening I'll see at least a quarter of them playing the Fight Night Round 3 demo recently released via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

[boomtown]

• Geometry Wars Leads Xbox 360 Arcade Downloads

In an official statement to consumer website IGN, Microsoft has revealed details of the most popular downloads on the Xbox Live Arcade service for the Xbox 360 console, one of the most consistently praised aspects of the Xbox 360 launch.

1. Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved
2. Gauntlet
3. Smash TV
4. Bejeweled II
5. Zuma
6. Bankshot Billiards 2
7. Outpost Kaloki X
8. Mutant Storm Reloaded
9. Joust
10. Wik: Fable of Souls

[gamasutra]

• The Godfather: Xbox 360, PSP Versions Delayed

With a title as important as The Godfather, Electronic Arts has to get things right, which is why the company officially delayed the game last year at its annual July Hot Summer Night event. Today, Electronic Arts has again delayed the Xbox 360 and PSP versions, while staying on schedule for an Xbox, PS2, and PC March release.

[ign]

• Xbox 360 to get HD-DVD optical drive...

It turns out the Xbox 360 will get a next-generation optical drive after all. Microsoft announced last week at the Consumer Electronics Show that it will release an external HD-DVD drive for the Xbox 360 later this year.

[kvue]

• Stream DivX movies to your Xbox 360 using Media Center

This article shows how to stream DivX (and XviD) movies to an Xbox 360 using a Media Center. For the picky people, it doesn't actually stream DivX ... it converts to WMV on the fly to stream. The core process for accomplishing this is taken from a thread found on the Xbox forums...

[hexus]

• Microsoft: No Blu-Ray for 360

Microsoft stated today that the company is fully committed to HD-DVD and has "absolutely no plans" to support other formats such as Sony's Blu-Ray technology.

[ign]

• EA to bring Medal of Honor Airborne to Xbox 360...

This upcoming Winter I'll get the chance to pick my landing zones in every mission of EA's newly announced Medal of Honor Airborne, the latest entry in their fabled World War II first-person shooter series, Medal of Honor. Unlike typical FPSers, Airborne puts you in the shoes of a member of the 82nd Airborne Division who is repeatedly dropped behind enemy mines.

[themanroom]

• OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast!

Outrun has been pleasing driving fanatics ever since the series' debut back in the mid-80's, so it should be no surprise that the brand still continues to make magical shower waves today.

[gamedaily]

• Rockstar to drop brand new game to Xbox 360

Take-Two Interactive on Wednesday said that it will drop a title based on a new brand to Xbox 360.

The undisclosed game is expected to be released in fiscal 2006.

[punchjump]

• Interpreting that Xbox 360 Live statistic

During the Bill Gates keynote address at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas yesterday, Microsoft announced that over half of all Xbox 360 owners are using the console's Xbox Live service. If this is true, the company has increased the usage of Xbox Live service tremendously from the estimated 10% usage rate for the original Xbox.

[joystiq]

• Pulse LINK to Demonstrate Wireless Connectivity Between Xbox 360 and HDTV Display

Demonstrations include the industry's first wireless DVI/HDMI equivalent; ultra-low latency wireless HD gaming between an Xbox 360 and a HDTV; wireless PC to HDTV Flat Panel connections; and the first ever UWB over coax solution capable of supporting IEEE 1394 S400 (400 Mbps) throughput for whole-home connectivity.

[teamxbox]

• Xbox 360 Final Fantasy XI begins beta...

Xbox 360 owners will soon get the opportunity to take a sneak peek at the world of Vana'diel, because the Final Fantasy XI beta testing period for Microsoft's new console has officially begun. Gamers can register for the beta now at Square Enix's PlayOnline Web site, which handles all subscriptions for Final Fantasy XI.

[gamespot]

• CES: Street Fighter 2 Available on Xbox Live Marketplace by March

During Microsoft's Keynote address at the Consumer Electronics Show, Corporate Vice President Peter Moore announced that there would be 20 Xbox Live Arcade titles available by March. While the Xbox Live Arcade showing has been fairly weak since launch, this announcement includes one of the most popular fighting games of all-time. Yes, Capcom's Street Fighter 2 will be one of the titles soon available for purchase in the Xbox Live Marketplace.

[vggen]

• Robotron: 2084 Review (Xbox 360)

Way back in 1982 a little game called Robotron: 2084 was released upon the world and video games were never the same again. While the contours of the industry have undoubtedly changed quite a bit in the past twenty-four years that doesn’t necessarily mean that Robotron has lost any of its luster in the eyes of gamers.

[teamxbox]

• Bill Gates Announces External HD DVD Drive for Xbox 360

Highlighting key consumer products such as Xbox 360™ and offering the first broad demonstration of the consumer features of Windows Vista™, Microsoft Corp. Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates showed how the company is delivering on its vision for a digital lifestyle where devices, services and applications work together seamlessly.

[teamxbox]

• New 'Quake' shakes up Xbox 360

In Quake 4, developed together by id Software and Raven Software and published by Activision, you play the role of Marine Matthew Kane (as always, he seems to be an excellent soldier but completely mute). An alien race known as the Strogg is attempting to gather humans to be made into more Strogg and it’s up to you and your fellow soldiers to launch an assault on the evil alien race and stop them for good.

[wham]

• Japan only: Xbox 360 Tetris

One of the games that may have slipped under the radar for the Xbox 360 is Tetris: The Grand Master Ace. The game was a Japanese launch title and is currently not available in North America.

[joystiq]

• Halo 3 for Xbox 360 rumors flying once again...

While no official date has been given on when Halo 3 will be available for the Microsoft Xbox 360, many feel that it will be launched the same time as the Sony PlayStation 3.

[gameshout]

• Nissan unveils car equipped with Xbox 360...

Car manufacturer Nissan has joined forces with US computer giant Microsoft to create a concept car that will allow motorists to play the Xbox 360 game console when parked.

[999today]

• CES 2006: Xbox 360 gets liquid cooling!

Since the Xbox 360's launch, there have been complaints by some buyers about overheating problems. While there have been some inventive do-it-yourself solutions, CoolIT Systems will offer a retail liquid cooling solution in the future. The company will be showing off a liquid cooled Xbox 360 at the CES 2006 show in Las Vegas and could enter the retail market if enough interest is shown, TG Daily was told.

[tgdaily]

• 2005 Xbox 360 success?...

So was the Xbox 360 2005 launch a success in your eyes? Were you happy with the games?

[joystiq]

• Vampire’s Rain On Xbox 360

One of the first titles announced by newcomer Japanese publisher AQ Interactive at its product unveiling press conference earlier this week was Vampire's Rain, a horror-themed action-adventure being developed by Artoon (Blinx, Blue Dragon) and produced by Naoto Oshima (Sonic the Hedgehog). The latest issue of Famitsu has an update on the title, which is in development both for the PS3 and Xbox 360.

[xboxaddict]

• "MotoGP URT" Xbox 360 screenshots...

Bizarre Creations' Project Gotham Racing 3 raised the bar for photo-realistic racing environments, even this early in the Xbox 360 lifecycle with litte competition. THQ's MotoGP Ultimate Racing Technology, being developed exclusively for Xbox 360, looks to give PGR3's New York City and Las Vegas a run for its money in 2006.

[themanroom]

• Xbox 360 mod chips almost available!

ACCORDING TO cdrinfo.com, a mod chip for the Xbox 360 is likely to show up "within weeks."

They go on to say that a "member of a hacker group" implied that they will be done making the first mod chip in a couple of weeks.

[inquirer]

• XBox 360 FFXI Beta

Square Enix Ltd. and Future, the international special-interest media company are delighted to announce a deal that sees the next issue of Xbox 360: The Official Xbox Magazine exclusively covermounting the FINAL FANTASY® XI Beta version for Xbox 360...

[myth-games]

• Far Cry Instincts for Xbox360?

A new GS Xbox 360 list shows Far Cry Instincts as an upcoming game for the newest next-gen console. It could be a listing error, but a new Far Cry or Instincts remix could be in the works.

[joystiq]

• Secret Game in Xbox 360 Advert!

The latest Xbox 360 advert has a hidden game within it that can be accessed by pressing the red interactive button on your digital remote.

[gi]

• Xbox 360 to Be Able to IM Mobile Phones

Jason Langridge, Enterprise Mobility Solution Specialist at Microsoft UK division, has revealed that the software giant is working on a new feature that will allow Xbox 360 users to send instant messages using the MSN Messenger infrastructure, thereby reaching any device running the program, including cell phones.

[teamxbox]

• Hackers find first Xbox 360 cracks!

Only weeks after the introduction of the Xbox 360, hackers appear to have cracked their way into the software that runs the Microsoft game console. A group called "Team PI Coder" claims to have found a way to extract the source files of Xbox 360 games as they get loaded onto the console. The glimpse at game code represents the first move toward hacking the Microsoft device, said Steve Manzuik, a security product manager at eEye Digital Security.

[gamespot]

• Xbox 360 Doesn’t Have True HD Functionality?

Phil Harrison, the president of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios, has claimed that the Xbox 360 “doesn’t have true HD functionality” and that consumers looking for such functionality will have to wait for the PlayStation 3 to arrive.

[teamxbox]

• Ridge Racer 6 Xbox 360 Review

No you are not imagining things. One of Sony's most well-known series by Namco, Ridge Racer has landed on the Xbox 360! Now I know deep down inside Bill must be laughing at the fact that Namco's arcade racer is now on the 360 and you know what he has a right too.

[xboxsolution]

• Xbox 360 Core System is critical to global market - Moore

Peter Moore has reiterated Microsoft's conviction that Xbox 360 will exceed expectations in Japan, and has spoken in more detail about the importance of offering a "Core System" alternative outside the region - both in terms of price-sensitive regions at launch, and as the system matures throughout its life cycle.

[gi]

• Microsoft expects Xbox 360 shortages to continue...

Shortages of Xbox 360 consoles in the U.S. and Europe aren't expected to be resolved anytime soon, a Microsoft Corp. executive said Saturday after the company launched the console in Japan.

[infoworld]

• Lik-Sang Selling JPN Xbox 360

Lik-Sang will soon be offering Japanese region Xbox 360 consoles for sale. The problem is, certain games will be region locked, meaning you won't be able to play US/EU games on a Japanese 360.

[myxbox360]

• 360 backward-compatibility update re-released

When Microsoft first released the backward-compatibility list for the Xbox 360, many gamers were shocked by some names that weren't on it. Nowhere to be found were three of the top franchises for the original Xbox: Ghost Recon, Rainbow Six, and Splinter Cell.

[yahoo]

• IBM Reveals Details of Xbox 360 CPU Design

IBM has made public a Fall Processor Forum 2005 paper that explores the customized IBM PowerPC processor designed exclusively for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system.

[teamxbox]

• The Chronicles Of Narnia in High Definition on Xbox 360!

Walt Disney Pictures / Walden Media and Microsoft are offering a unique opportunity to watch The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe trailer in 720p High Definition and 5.1 surround sound on Xbox 360™, the next-generation defining video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

[xboxsolution]

• Smash TV Review (Xbox 360)

Without much setup, players are dropped directly into the action as the game’s announcer begins the game and the participant enters the arena. Smash TV is composed of a series of levels that are made up of rooms that have doors on each wall of the room. Players will be able to decide the path they take to the marked destination on the map.

[ign]

• Where are you, Second 360 Shipment?

There has been a buzz on the net since Microsoft has shipped the Xbox 360 out wondering when stores would be restocked with new units. Microsoft has claimed to shipping out new 360s every week, but so far the US has been totally dry.

[ign]

• Solid gold Xbox 360 face plate

An anonymous auctioner is selling a solid 24kt gold Xbox 360 face plate on Ebay. The starting bid: A whopping $36,000. We presume it’s the going rate for a gold bar maybe. From the