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.

Duke Nukem 3D takes most played XBLA title of the week

Posted Oct 1st 2008 12:15PM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: News, Xbox Live Arcade

Apparently when Duke told gamers to "come get some," they took him up on the offer. According to Major Nelson, after a four week stranglehold as the most played Xbox Live Arcade title available for the popular downloadable service Castle Crashers has dropped to second place following the release of Duke Nukem 3D, last week. Is it possible the clichéd 90's hero has a place in the industry again? Maybe Duke Nukem Forever is more important that we initially thought. Maybe Duke Nukem Forever will actually be released! Okay, let's not go crazy now.

Duke Nukem 3D on the Xbox Live Arcade transports gamers through the way-back machine to a simpler time of first-person action with nipple tassels and pigs dressed as police officers. Originally released on the PC in January 1996, Duke Nukem 3D follows the title character as he battles an evil horde of enemies through movie theatres, strip clubs and fast food restaurants (to name a few). Rated M for Mature, the Xbox Live Arcade release of the title includes the ability to rewind sections of gameplay, create saved films and boasts numerous multiplayer options.

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Rock Band 2 bonus track registration is online

Posted Oct 1st 2008 11:30AM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: News, Xbox Live Marketplace, Rock Band 2

Free. Is there any word half as awesome in the English language? Harmonix agrees and is now accepting redemption codes for the twenty downloadable tracks that were included with the purchase of Rock Band 2 (the code is located on the back of your game manual). Once the registration information is filled out and you receive your confirmation email you get to play the game ... the waiting game that is.

Unfortunately this process is only a precursor to the tracks being made available which Harmonix promises will be "in a few weeks." When the tracks are available gamers will automatically receive an email that includes a unique code which is then used to grab the tracks from the Xbox Live Marketplace. The track list for the free content has yet to be released, however, the official Rock Band forums has a possible set list if you're eager to spot possibilities. Regardless of the track list, this could be the best "free thing" ever made available on the Xbox Live Marketplace. You know, unless you count those Nacho Libre gamerpics.

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Zune of War, official Gears of War 2 branded Zune revealed

Posted Oct 1st 2008 10:45AM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: News, Gears of War 2

When a company has the luxury of owning the rights to two of the industry's hottest franchises (read that, not the hottest but two of the hottest) you try a little thing called Aggressive Marketing. Aggressive Marketing is a wonderfully terrible thing. It has spawned the likes of Halo branded Mountain Dew, don't kid yourself it was terrible. It makes rotating ads for summer movies a consideration in the map design process (Sup, Rainbox Six Vegas?) and it adds a logo to expensive electronics in hopes of catching the hardcore of guard.

In the market for a Zune? Microsoft has revealed that a limited edition Gears of War 2 Zune bundle will begin shipping on November 7 for $280. The laser-etched "Crimson Omen" plastered 120GB media player comes pre-loaded with 244 pieces of Gears of War media - the soundtrack, concept art, behind-the-scenes videos and other content you've probably already seen here at X3F for free.

[via Engadget]

Mega Man 9 and War World hit the Arcade

Posted Oct 1st 2008 10:00AM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: News, Xbox Live Arcade

Retro and war fans unite. Now available on the Xbox Live for is the retro-sytle adventure Mega Man 9 and the 3D mech action of War World. At 800MS points a piece this week's XBLA releases offer two completely different experiences in another double-shot of Arcade goodness. Survive as Mega Man in the classically designed adventure that is sure to leave a pile of broken controllers strung about your room -or- jump into a giant mech and battle it out in a stylized 3D world against ... you know, other mechs in War World. What are your initial impressions of this week's newest titles?

Xbox Live and Xbox.com back online

Posted Sep 30th 2008 11:59PM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: News

Update 2: According to Major Nelson's Twitter and various reports from readers, Xbox Live is back online. Again, we'd warn you to expect some rolling restarts as millions of gamers attempt to reconnect. "The storm has passed," Major wrote. "Back to Live you all go." Well, then? Go!

Update 1: Looks like Xbox Live and Xbox.com have gone down again. According to the Xbox.com support page, Microsoft is aware of the issue and is currently working on a solution.

Original Story: Users are emailing us en masse that Xbox Live has just stopped working. Reports are circulating from users across the globe that the online service is no longer allowing players to connect. Xbox Live recently underwent a 26-hour offline maintenance on Monday but throughout the day today users complained of issues from downloading content, playing online games and in minor cases connecting at all.

Xbox.com also appears to be having issues as it is not displaying player profiles and is loading pages slowly. Currently, Xbox.com's support page does not list the service is experiencing any issues other than TruSkill and EXP rewarding problems associated with Halo 3. We'll keep you posted as details come in.

Original Update: According to the Xbox Technical Support phone line Xbox Live is experiencing network issues that are keeping some customers from accessing the service. Microsoft is aware of the issue and is currently working on it and recommends users attempt to reconnect in one hour. Don't shoot the messenger.

Capcom shows us a Bionic figure we may never get

Posted Sep 30th 2008 11:55PM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: News

Today, Capcom decided to reveal the box art and this prototype figure for Bionic Commando through its community blog. Check out Nathan, all decked out in his Bionic logo tank-top and rad arm. Take a really good look though because Capcom hasn't ~~decided if the figure will be made available~~ let customers know when, how or if the product will be made available.

Why would Capcom bother showing you then? Gauge customer interest of course! Looking to add another super solider to your wall of heroes? This might be the one you're missing.

Let's say, for the sake of argument, that this six-inch tall prototype was included in a special edition of Bionic Commando priced to own for an extra $20. Interested now? What if we put Todd McFarlane's stamp of approval on it? Come on. Someone must want this thing kicking around.

Ed. Note: This toy was not developed by McFarlane Toys. The reference was a joke.

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Rock Band's AC/DC package comes complete with fine print

Posted Sep 30th 2008 11:30PM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: News, Rock Band 2

Some of the fine print for Rock Band's upcoming AC/DC track package has been clarified thanks to a report by Variety. What we can now confirm is the 18 song pack will be a standalone product that can be played by itself or transferred to an Xbox 360 and act as downloadable content for Rock Band or Rock Band 2.

The standalone version will feature most, but not all, of the features found in both Rock Band titles. Players can play all four instruments (vocals, guitar, bass and drums), will not play as AC/DC themselves but as standard in game avatars because the product features no character customization. Players can participate in a tour style mode which plays through the entire set list, participate in tug-of-war and a score duels mode but the disc itself does not support online play.

In order to get online with the AC/DC tracks players must transfer the songs to their hard drive, as was required to play Rock Band songs in Rock Band 2 - which also opens up other restrictions such as character customization. Where things get hairy is that transferring the package can only be activated "once per disc," to prevent players from buying one copy and sharing the music with other machines.

The information was parsed from Paul DeGooyer, senior VP of electronic games and music at MTV who also stated the AC/DC tracks were only exclusive to Rock Band for "a term."

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Fable 2 devs trained for maximum authenticity

Posted Sep 30th 2008 11:20PM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: Fable 2

Commitment. Lionhead Studios has it. As the Microsoft owned developer created the world of Albion in Fable 2 the team felt the only way to truly know every aspect of battle would be to train with professional swordsmen. It isn't the most exciting thing you've seen all day but the trailer does prove the team wants Fable 2 to be more than just another adventure. Also, think about the footage we'll never get to see from Hogwarts when they went to train for magic casting animations!

Saint's Row 2 shows us the mayhem!

Posted Sep 30th 2008 11:00PM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: Saints Row 2

Every time we're sent a tip about a new clip from Saint's Row 2 the same thought crosses our mind, "Does it include Uncle Gary?" Unfortunately this clip doesn't but it somehow manages to be entertaining. Watch as, whoever is playing, poorly aims his or her way through causing the most destruction in The Row. Saint's Row 2 is just around the corner, who has it on their "DO WANT" list?

Finally, Left 4 Dead box art fixed!

Posted Sep 30th 2008 10:30PM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: News, Left 4 Dead

You know, we like puns and silly humor here at the Joystiq Network (just look at any headline from Alexander or Ludwig). Valve? Now there's a committed bunch to a joke. Months ago Valve released the box art for its upcoming co-op infused shooter, Left 4 Dead. The box art followed a simple, yet witty checklist: Deformed hand of a dead zombie? Check. Four fingers shouting out to the title and number of players in a squad? Check. But, something was ... missing.

Today, Valve corrected one tiny error to make the joke complete. The original image on the box art has been flipped to appear as though it were a left hand. Get it? Left. 4. Dead. We really hope no one paid extra for a few Photoshop keystrokes.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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10 things parents should know about The Force Unleashed

Posted Sep 30th 2008 10:00PM by Xav de Matos

Recently Star Wars fans were treated to The Force Unleashed and while the game has faced mudslinging for certain technical issues, fans of the franchise have been touting it as a better story experience than the prequel films. In a nutshell, The Force Unleashed puts players in control of a "bad guy," at least in the beginning, and because of this distinction the line it straddles as a T-rated title can become blurry. The team at What They Play have compiled a list of 10 points gamer parents - which some of you are - should know about the title before allowing your children to play or at least be in the same room as it is played.

Not surprisingly most of the list is compiled of points that reference the story specifically. For instance, players take on the role of a Sith and are often tasked with killing innocent characters. A point that is now widely known is that Star Wars: The Force Unleashed has two endings: one for those who end the game as a good guy and one for those who continue through the path of the Dark Side. However, another point in the list is that players are unable to make their allegiance selection from the beginning of the game and must progress through the story as a villain before the choice is presented.

Looking for a helpful guide to aide in your Force related parenting? Check out What They Play today.

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Just how violent is Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway?

Posted Sep 30th 2008 9:30PM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: Fan stuff

Want to know a secret? Videogame adaptations of war can be pretty violent. Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway is the recently released first-person shooter from UbiSoft that proves our point. Setting itself apart in gameplay style, Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway features a light tactical overlay within its squad based system that allows players to control nearly all aspect of the soldiers under their command. According to Metacritic, if that's your thing, Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway has been given generally favorable reviews; currently sitting with a score of 76. The trailer, found after the jump, showcases some of the more violent action in the game. Looking to see how insane war can be or just want to watch sheep react to physics through a grenade blast? Jump in.

Continue reading Just how violent is Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway?

Gears of War isn't a game, it's a platform

Posted Sep 30th 2008 9:00PM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: News, Gears of War 2

Speaking with Videogamer247, Gears of War 2 lead designer Cliff Bleszinski said that the additions to the upcoming shooter are so substantial that it has moved the title beyond being a game and into a "platform."

"It's no longer a game: it's a platform," Bleszinski said reiterating that the title was designed for replayability. "Basically you can play through the campaign and then Horde, as well as the many multiplayer modes."

Cliff rounded out the comment by stating again that the title is jam packed with enough content to be enjoyed for "months, if not years, to come." Something tells us he's a fan. Oh yeah, it was Cliff when we spoke to him about Gears of War 2 at X'08 in Toronto.

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Shellshock 2 goes all gritty in Vietnam ... with zombies!

Posted Sep 30th 2008 8:30PM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: News

There are a few times the use of Lynyrd Skynyrd's classic track "Free Bird" are not cool to use. Showcasing a violent first-person shooter with zombie-like creatures in a Vietnam setting should be in the top three. However, Eidos have released a trailer for its upcoming shooter Shellshock 2: Blood Trails using that very tune. The Vietnam War is a difficult war to engage in the videogame world as it traditionally does poorly due to, at least in part, the blurry lines of good and evil. How do you combat those blurry lines? Infect people with some crazy disease that turns them nuttier than Mr. Peanut hence making it a monster shooter instead of a realistic one, of course!. Shellshock 2: Blood Trails hits the Xbox 360 this November.

Dead Space dev to be re-branded, develop more titles

Posted Sep 30th 2008 8:00PM by Xav de Matos
Filed under: News, Dead Space

Quick question hotshot. Who is currently developing Dead Space? Electronic Arts isn't the right answer, they're publishing it. To those who know (or have returned from Wikipedia) congratulations if you said EA Redwood Shores. EARS, as they are affectionately known around the office, has continuously impressed industry professionals, horror masters and gamers alike and EA has seen fit to give them a proper name, reports Variety.

Glenn Schofield, the head-honcho of EARS, revealed EA's plan to rename the studio is part of an over-arching plan to pitch the developer to gamers and potential employees as one of "creativity, originality, and high quality third person action adventure titles". What does that mean exactly? Well, after the inevitable Dead Space sequel the team may become EA's go-to studio for all things third-person action. Take that EA Montreal and your buggy Army of Two!

[via Joystiq]

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