Posts by Xav De Matos at Xbox 360 Fanboy

Xav de Matos
Toronto, Canada - http://www.thelevelgrind.com

It’s Xav de Matos. That’s like Have with a Z. Public Relations major by day, gaming journalist by night. Xav has been in the industry for over five years with stints in retail management all the way to blogging for www.Xbox360Fanboy.com; part of AOL’s Joystiq Network. Xav's GamerTag is: Snypz. Why is Xav writing in third-person? Xav doesn't know.

Xav de Matos
Toronto, Canada - http://www.thelevelgrind.com

TGS 08: Halo 3 Recon trailer is dark and stealthy

Posted Oct 9th 2008 12:57AM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: News, Halo 3

After finally being confirmed as a standalone expansion for Master Chief's final ride, Halo 3 Recon is the talk of the town walking out of Microsoft's TGS 2008 press conference. Taking on the role as an elite Orbital Drop Shock Trooper for the UNSC, Halo 3 Recon follows a brand new hero in an all new storyline. Taking place between the story of Halo 2 and Halo 3 as Master Chief is away on butt-kicking business, players are in store for what Microsoft is calling "a top-secret mission with a gripping story."

Featuring exclusive multiplayer maps, Forge items and four player co-op as well as saved films, screenshot capability and campaign scoring; Halo 3 Recon is sure to light up Xbox 360's when it releases in Fall 2009.

Gallery: Halo 3: Recon

TGS 08: Halo 3 Recon lands Fall 2009 [Update]

Posted Oct 8th 2008 11:59PM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: News, Halo 3

Microsoft has just confirmed the speculation that the teaser trailer released by Bungie a few weeks ago is in fact a storyline expansion to Halo 3. Taking place prior to the events of the Halo 3 story, Halo 3 Recon (its official title) will put gamers in the shoes of a UNSC marine trooper -- specifically an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper -- and marks the first time since players took on the role as the Arbiter to play through the Halo universe as a character other than the Master Chief.

Halo 3 Recon, the standalone expansion featuring a new hero and new campaign, hits the Xbox 360 exclusively in Fall 2009.

[Update: According to an Xbox.com News Flash, Halo 3 Recon will take place during the events leading to the return of Master Chief to New Mombasa in Halo 3. The game will feature a brand new campaign, four player co-op gameplay and new multiplayer content. Halo 3 Recon will include exclusive new multiplayer maps and Forge options as well as maintain what gamers loved from Halo 3 including Saved Films, screenshots and campaign scoring.]

TGS 08: New Xbox Experience hits November 19 worldwide

Posted Oct 8th 2008 11:45PM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: News

Microsoft has just announced that the New Xbox Experience will release worldwide on November 19. Originally announced during E3 2008, the New Xbox Experience rethinks the way the Xbox 360 dashboard works in nearly every conceivable way. Adding features such as Avatars, the ability to install games to a hard drive and better organization for content, the NXE has been at the forefront of nearly every Microsoft event since it was first revealed. The worldwide release will hit in 26 countries and will be localized in 11 different languages. We anticipate November 19 will be a busy day to sign into Xbox Live.

Gallery: New Xbox Experience - XBLM

TGS 08: Tekken 6 lands on the Xbox 360 in Fall 09 [Update]

Posted Oct 8th 2008 11:34PM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: News

Confirming a rumor that was hinted at long ago, Microsoft has just announced that another famed Namco Bandai fighter is hitting the Xbox 360. Landing in Fall 2009, Tekken 6 will find life on the Xbox 360.

Originally revealed exclusively for the PlayStation 3 in 2005, Tekken 6 joins the brawling fray on the Xbox 360 late next year. Released in Japanese arcades on November 26, 2007, Tekken 6 marks the first time the famed fighter will find itself on a Microsoft console. No other details have been announced.

[Update: Tekken 6 on the Xbox 360 will include the Bloodline Rebellion update that recently went live in Japanese arcades which introduces two new characters, Alisa Boskonovich and Lars Alexanderson.]

TGS 08: Star Ocean secures worldwide release dates

Posted Oct 8th 2008 11:23PM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: News

Just announced at the Microsoft press briefing during the Tokyo Game Show, Star Ocean: The Last Hope will land in North America on March 3 after it debuts in Japan on February 19. Microsoft also announced that the title will be made available in European and Asian markets but did not announce specific release dates.

Developed by triAce and published by Square Enix, Star Ocean: The Last Hope joins the list of strong Japanese style RPGs to find life on the Xbox 360.

Best Buy Canada: Xbox 360 20GB console $199

Posted Oct 3rd 2008 4:45PM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: Deals and Bargains

Best Buy Canada is having its annual Door Crasher Days and gamers may want to take notice. From October 3 until October 9 the outgoing 20GB Xbox 360 console has been marked down to $199, the same as an Arcade bundle would cost.

The Canada-only promo is available in stores and online and is a perfect pick-up for prospective Xbox 360 owners, that second console (for what reason we don't know) or for those who want to throw the rest away and keep that $200 wireless controller. If that last one is your reasoning then you are what's wrong with the world! We're kdding, but are we? As with most promotions the offer is available while supplies last, so get going!

Source
Permalink
Email this
Share
Comments [7]

AC/DC pack will include unique achievements

Posted Oct 3rd 2008 4:15PM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: News, Rock Band 2

When the AC/DC standalone expansion disc was announced for Rock Band 2 we silently wondered, since the pack is its own title will it have its own achievements? The answer is yes.

According to the Rock Band forums, one of the Harmonix developers has confirmed the AC/DC pack will include its own achievement list. HMXHenry wrote: "There will be unique Achievements and Trophies for the AC/DC Track Pack, as well as several that are song specific."

Now the question remains, will it add a gamerscore to Rock Band 2 during transfer or will the achievements only be available while playing from the AC/DC disc? We'll update you as more details are released.

[Thanks, HazyCloud]

Source
Permalink
Email this
Share
Comments [9]

Rumor: Crüe's "Dr. Feelgood" album lands as Rock Band DLC Oct. 14

Posted Oct 3rd 2008 3:15PM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: Rumors, Rock Band 2

According to a post on Imeem.com, Mötley Crüe's 1989 album Dr. Feelgood is being prepped as the latest album for Rock Band, set to release on October 14. No price for the album is listed but the standard $2 per track seems most likely if the information is accurate.

While the information seems plausible, we're waiting on confirmation from Harmonix before we throw confetti in celebration. Our sister site Joystiq has contacted the developer on the matter and we'll keep you informed of any updates.

Source
Permalink
Email this
Share
Comments [3]

Resident Evil 5 kills classic typewriter saving

Posted Oct 3rd 2008 12:30PM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: News, Resident Evil 5

We all know gamers don't like when classic mechanics change but we're okay with letting this one die. According to 1UP, Resident Evil 5 has done away with the ancient mechanic of saving the game via in-game typewriter.

Fans of the series will recognize the mechanic as an idea that changed executions throughout the life of the franchise but was always the core idea behind saving. Now, the entire concept has been removed for a more simple, dare we say Western, approach.

"I really like typewriters; they're really typical of the Resident Evil series," Resident Evil 5 producer Jun Takeuchi told EGM in the November issue. "But this time, the save system will be a combination of checkpoints and chapters." What's next for classic game mechanics? Regenerative health and no more health packs in Halo?! Oh, wait ...

Resident Evil 5 releases on March 13, 2009 for the Xbox 360.

Source
Permalink
Email this
Share
Comments [11]

Viva the Trouble in Paradise and NBA 2K9 demos

Posted Oct 3rd 2008 11:15AM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: Xbox Live Marketplace, Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise

There are metric ton of titles coming out in the next few months but there have been titles released recently that warrant your attention too. Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise may seem like a revamped version of the original but with so many additions it's hard to call it Viva Pinata 1.5. Still on the fence? Check out the demo, now available on the Xbox Live Marketplace.

Sports fan? Also available on the Xbox Live Marketplace is a demo for the upcoming 2K Sports pro basketball entry, NBA 2K9. Play one 4-minute quarter as the Lakers or the Celtics in a demo that relives the first part of Game 6 from the 2008 playoffs. Not sure who to pick? The answer is the Celtics, it's always the Celtics.

Fanpoll: How is Xbox Live working for you?

Posted Oct 2nd 2008 4:45PM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: Polls

Of the last few days a number of users have contacted us regarding the status of Xbox Live. Many, if not most, of our recent messages point to the service working as expected after the service was forced offline, Tuesday night.

We contacted Xbox Live's Major Nelson (aka Larry Hryb) regarding some of the issues a few of our readers have reported, today. Major told us the Xbox Live technical staff have fixed the issues Live was experiencing on Tuesday and nearly all problems have been resolved in relation to the service. According to Major and the Xbox.com support page some users may experience problems browsing the Video Marketplace but the team hopes to resolve the problem very soon.

We take the question back to the streets. How is Xbox Live performing for you as of right now?

Best Buy offers Gears 2 RC tank with limited edition pre-order

Posted Oct 2nd 2008 12:45PM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: Deals and Bargains, Gears of War 2

Maybe we were wrong about our stance on the insanity regarding pre-ordering games. According to the next week's Best Buy circular the retailer appears to be including a free remote control Centaur Tank with pre-orders of the limited edition for Gears of War 2.

Based on the image the tank appears to be pretty small but the $30 value and collective awesomeness should be a big enough factor for gamers when selecting their retailer of choice. Just a heads up though, the tank will on be distributed until November 7 -- the day the game ships.

[via Kotaku]

Former Metal Gear 4 producer joins new Halo team

Posted Oct 2nd 2008 11:30AM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: News, Halo 3, Halo Wars

Yesterday, Microsoft confirmed that former Konami employee Ryan Payton will be joining Microsoft Game Studios. Payton will join a newly formed team that is responsible for all current and upcoming Halo titles.

In response to a rumor that Payton had been tapped as the lead producer for the long awaited Peter Jackson Halo Project, Microsoft would only confirm Payton was one of many employees recently hired to make up the new team, according to EDGE Online.

Among the other members of the Halo team announced is fan favorite ex-Bungie employee, Frank O'Connor. as well as former members of Gearbox, id and Pseudo Interactive.

Payton, who is best known for his work as an assistant producer on Metal Gear Solid 4, left Konami in August.

[via Joystiq]

Source
Permalink
Email this
Share
Comments [10]

Left 4 Dead demo coming early November

Posted Oct 2nd 2008 10:45AM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: News, Left 4 Dead

We're ready, zombie-plan in hand for the upcoming apocalypse -- sponsored by Valve. While we're confident our survival guide is top-notch we wouldn't mind a test run before the actual catastrophic event takes place, luckily Doug Lombardi confirmed a Left 4 Dead demo is headed our way soon.

Speaking with IGN, Lombardi -- VP of Marketing at Valve -- confirmed an upcoming demo of Left 4 Dead will drop prior to the game hitting store shelves and will take place, "from the front of the Survivor's first campaign (including the opening movie)." The two map (or level) demo showcases the first two missions of the game where four survivors attempt to work their way to the roof of Mercy Hospital for extraction.

While a specific date for the demo has not been confirmed, Lombardi did tell IGN that gamers should expect the demo to land on the Xbox Live Marketplace and Steam early in the month of November. Left 4 Dead hits stores on November 17.

[Thanks, Patrick]

Source
Permalink
Email this
Share
Comments [7]

Zombie Wranglers listed early on the XBLA [Update]

Posted Oct 2nd 2008 10:05AM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: News, Xbox Live Arcade

Looks like someone jumped the gun at XBLA HQ. One of our tipsters just discovered that the recently revealed Zombie Wranglers, yet to be released, Xbox Live Arcade title is available on the service now through the promotional Shocktober pages on the Marketplace.

Clicking through the Arcade recommendations for the Halloween themed promotional page reveals Zombie Wranglers is intended to be released in October but clicking on the title actually reveals it is already available for purchase on the service for 800MS points. Unfortunately no demo is available, which is why we assume the title was accidentally placed on the service.

Looking forward to Zombie action? Get it while it's hot ... because as soon as Microsoft discovers it, it will most likely be pulled for the actual planned release date. More images of the menu after the jump.

Ed. Note: When searching through the Xbox Live Arcade titles normally, Zombie Wranglers is not listed and can only be found if you come across a promotional banner for Shocktober - which pops up randomly among other ads. We've only had the ad appear on accounts in the USA.

[Update: The content is listed but not available for download at this time.]

[Thanks, FR3SH JIV3]

Continue reading Zombie Wranglers listed early on the XBLA [Update]

< Previous Page | Next Page >

Name	Date
Fallout 3	Oct 28
MotoGP 08	Oct 28
Scene It? Box Office Smash	Oct 28
Score International: Baja 1000	Oct 28
Madagascar 2	Nov 4
EndWar	Nov 4
High School Musical 3	Nov 4
History Channel Civil War: Secret Missions	Nov 4
Secret Service: Ultimate Sacrifice	Nov 4
James Bond 007: Quantum of Solace	Nov 4
Legendary	Nov 4
NPPL Championship Paintball 2009	Nov 4
Namco Museum Virtual Arcade	Nov 4
New and Upcoming XBLA Releases

The Story	Find More
XBLA in Brief: Portal: Still Alive	XBLA in Brief
X3F Hands-on: Gears of War 2 - Act One	Gears of War 2
First Halo 3: Recon details emerge	Halo 3: Recon
Teen runs away from home, parents blame online games	News
Fable II players report game breaking glitch	Fable II

Why Sony sells music videos on Xbox 360, not PS3 Image importing coming to LittleBigPlanet by Xmas New Resistance 2 commercial asks you to resist	Ask A Beta Tester: Questions I wish we'd been asked Around Azeroth: Stardust WoW Insider Show Episode 62: Why doesn't Tame Beast work on Druids?
Shipping this week: Boring edition Naruto: The Broken Bond demo breaks to the XBLM Review: Gears of War 2	Sorry, Rock Banders, no Beatles for you Rapid fire mod creates a Wiimote of mass destruction Retail and download releases for the week of November 3rd
Walking with the DSi DS Daily: Countdown DS Daily: Crafting a songlist	Get 20% off used PSP games at GameStop Worldwide PSP releases for the week of November 2 PSP is on top of its game in Japan
Mac Monday: Majestic Forest Judi Dench talks about her role in Quantum of Solace Reminder: Freaky Creatures beta giveaway	John Daly Can Explain Drunken Hooters Adventure: It Was a Misunderstanding Colin Montgomerie Knows He Has Man Boobs, Unaffected by Criticism Painter Refuses to Do Portrait of Colin Montgomerie Because of His Man Boobs

Xbox 360 Fanboy