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VellVett performing at the 2014 Gear Live Holiday Bash

One of the biggest updates coming in is the addition of the Firefight mode. Firefight lets you team up with three other friends to take on round after round of enemies. It’s a nice divergence from the standard Halo 3 multiplayer fare, and makes ODST a very attractive package. I was able to spend about 90 minutes playing Firefight yesterday, and I’ve gotta say, I can see this being a new favorite. Firefight is to Halo 3: ODST what Horde is to Gears of War 2 - it allows you to team up with friends against a common enemy, and it doesn’t end until all four of you are dead at once.

We will have our Firefight impressions up in just a bit, but for now, check out all the screenshots we’ve amassed of the maps we were able to check out. There are definitely more, but what we’ve got for you is a look at Crater (Night), Security Zone, and Alpha Site. Have a look at our Halo 3: ODST Firefight Map Screenshot gallery.

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Xbox 360 Avatar Props

Yeah, in case you forgot, today is the day that the masses (including you) get access to all the fancy new features in the latest Xbox 360 Dashboard Update! I’m talking about things like Netflix Movie Parties, Games on Demand, the Avatar Marketplace, etc. You can get the full scoop on all the updates, both major and minor, at the link below. What we wanna know now, though, is how you are liking it. Let us know in the comments.

Oh, and remember, there is more to come in a couple of months, as we still have Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm, and Zune Marketplace with 1080p instant-on movie streaming to look forward to later this fall.

Read More | August 2009 Dashboard Update Details

Halo 2 Friend Limit

A few days ago we posted an editorial begging Microsoft to fix the Xbox Live friend limit that is currently imposed upon both Xbox Live and users. Well, after years of being vague about it, the truth has finally come out. According to G4, a high-level Microsoft employee has revealed that the reason that the friend limit hasn’t increased at all, even after the launch of the Xbox 360, is Halo 2.

Halo 2? Yes. You see, original Xbox games have the friend limit hard-coded into them, and Halo 2 is an original Xbox game. Since it is still so popular, Microsoft thinks they need to keep supporting it. If they increase the friend limit, they need to take Halo 2 offline.

Please, for the love of all that is sane in the gaming world, implore your friends and countrymen to switch to Halo 3, or the upcoming Halo 3: ODST, so that we might have a more social Xbox Live.

Oh, and this still doesn’t explain the whole Zune Social thing, and Microsoft’s belief that it has to be tied to Xbox Live, for whatever reason!

Read More | G4 via Gizmodo


TMNT Turtles in Time ReshelledThat’s right, the arcade classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time comes out tomorrow, August 5th, on Xbox Live Arcade - as part of ‘s ‘Summer of Arcade.’

Re-Shelled promises updated 3-D graphics with the same masterful gameplay. Four player co-op and survival modes will be available both online and locally.

It seems like if you played the 90’s arcade title, you know what to expect. Still, keep your eyes peeled on the game’s Metacritic page for reviews to start pouring in.

It’ll cost you 800 Microsoft Points ($10.)

And by the way, here’s XBLA’s ‘Summer of Arcade’ Lineup:

  • OUT NOW: ‘Splosion Man 800 Points ($10)
  • OUT NOW: Marvel vs. Capcom 2 1200 Points ($15)
  • August 5: TMNT: Turtles in Time Re-shelled 1200 Points ($15)
  • August 12: Trials HD 1200 Points ($15)
  • August 19: Shadow Complex 1200 Points ($15)

Read More | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time Re-Shelled

Xbox Avatar Accessories

This morning, hooked us up with an early preview of the next Dashboard Update. We were able to get a look at the new features (which no longer require a PC,) the Avatar Marketplace, Game Ratings, Games on Demand, and more. While more coveted features like Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm, and Zune Marketplace won’t be landing until the fall, the update is still a solid one. Here are our thoughts on the next update, which lands on your Xbox 360 on August 11 (or sooner if you apply for early access!)

Click to continue reading Hands-on with the August 11 Xbox 360 Dashboard Update

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Xbox 360 Avatar Marketplace

You know that Xbox 360 Dashboard Update we’ve been talking about? Microsoft has finally given it a date, and you can expect it to hit your Xbox 360 on August 11th. This update brings with it Netflix Movie Parties, along with a bunch of other updates, Games on Demand, and the Avatar Marketplace, which allows you to spend Microsoft Points on clothing and accessories. The other features, like Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm, and Zune Marketplace with 1080p instant-on movie streaming will arrive later this fall.

Remember, you still have a chance to apply for early access to the Xbox 360 Dashboard update.


Xbox 360 Update Preview Program

Just like last year, you have the opportunity to apply to receive preview access to the Fall 2009 Xbox 360 Dashboard Update. Major Nelson made the announcement over on his blog, and made sure to mention a few points of interest:

  • We’re looking for multiple thousands of participants, so your chances of making it in are good
  • This opportunity is open to all Xbox LIVE Members in regions where Xbox LIVE is available.
  • Just completing the survey does not automatically get you access to the Preview Program. We’ll be making final selections from the completed surveys and send you an email if you are selected.
  • While both box LIVE Gold and Silver members can sign up, Priority will be given to Gold members in the selection process.

You know you want it, so go ahead and try and secure yourself a spot.

Read More | Xbox LIVE Update Preview Program

Well, how’s this for a slap in the face? It looks like ads that have sound incorporated into them have come to the dashboard. As you can see in the video above, the ad appears in a tile, and if you bring that tile into primary view, sound automatically plays - even if you don’t select the ad. That’s pretty low, considering you paid for the console, paid for the games, and more than likely, pay $50 a year for an Xbox LIVE Gold subscription. Here’s hoping that in the Xbox 360 Fall 2009 dashboard update doesn’t bring even more advertising with it.


VellVett performing at the 2014 Gear Live Holiday Bash

Lucky us, we are getting early access to the Fall 2009 Dashboard Update this coming Monday. We will bring you all our thoughts on everything we are able to try out. We have a list of stuff we will have access to on Monday, which you can see after the jump, but we were also able to put together a gallery of some of the things we will be playing with as well. You can find all those images over in our Xbox 360 Fall 2009 NXE Dashboard Update Preview Gallery.

Click to continue reading Xbox 360 Fall 2009 Update Preview

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DiRT 2 e3 2009 impressions

As a big fan of DiRT and having put in many hours into the game, I was extremely excited to get my hands on the demo at the Microsoft booth at this years .  DiRT 2 looks and feels like DiRT, but with a kick. Powered by the third generation of the EGO Engine’s racing game technology, DiRT 2 offers tuned-up car-handling and new damage engine effects.

It’s all about details and that’s what makes the difference. Depending on your car, tuning or even what type of road you are on, every vehicle will feel different. Find a car you love?  You are able to use your favorite vehicle and tune it with add-ons. With seven vehicle classes and a large collection of officially licensed rally cars and off-roads vehicles, I doubt you will have any problem in finding the best vehicle.

Click to continue reading E3 2009: DiRT 2 impressions


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