Xbox 360 Fanboy

Activision's recent conference call had about as many surprises in it as a holiday gift from Grandma. After setting record sales in 2007, both confusing and otherwise, Activision revealed plans for new entries into the Guitar Hero, Spider-Man and Tony Hawk franchises in 2008 as well as their first attempt at the James Bond license, with an adaptation of the latest Bond film, Quantum of Solace, in the pipeline.

According to a report in Variety, gamers should mark their calendars for up to three Guitar Hero releases, two add-ons and Guitar Hero IV in the fall, two game adaptations of the Dreamworks film Kung Fu Panda and one for the upcoming Madagascar 2, and new sequels to Tony Hawk, Call of Duty, Marvel Ultimate Alliance, Spider-Man and the aforementioned Bond game. In fact, we recommend you keep your 2007 calendars and simply change the 7's to 8's. It would just be easier.

[via Joystiq]

It's not like we didn't see this offer headed down the pipeline, but now it's 100% official. This morning Microsoft sent out a press release announcing the release of the planned Xbox 360 holiday bundles. Starting sometime near the end of October, consumers will start seeing all new Xbox 360s and Xbox 360 Elites come bundled with both Forza Motorsport 2 and Marvel: Ultimate Alliance. This bundling of games will of course help with Microsoft's plans at world domination this holiday season and hopefully win over the hearts of Wii crazy mothers.

Next up, the confirmation of the Xbox 360 Arcade which we say will be announced sometime next week. Place your bets.

Well, kiddies, here we are. While a select few have managed to snag a copy early, the vast majority of gamers will be picking up their copy of Halo 3 this week. A good number of those gamers will be standing in line tonight at midnight (including us) to get it as soon as humanly possible. Yes, Halo fans will finally get their sweet, sweet nectar, while the Halo haters will finally get some respite from the terrible beast. We'd love to tell you that this means the end of non-stop Halo coverage on X3F, but don't count on it.

But enough Halo 3! After all, it's not the only game coming out this week. Why, just look at all these other fine games:

• CSI Hard Evidence
• Hot Wheels Beat That
• World Series of Poker: Battle
• Marvel Ultimate Alliance Enhanced: Platinum Hits

Seriously though. If you're waiting in line for Halo 3 tonight, make sure that when you finally get to the checkout counter you ask for a copy of Hot Wheels Beat That. Take note of the confounded look on the employee's face when you ask, and treasure it. Remember, it's the little things in life that matter the most.