Isn't Halo: Reach supposed to take the series a more gritty, serious direction? I think thats why I was intrigued for this one.If its really more of the same...just "another" Halo in a sense then I guess I'd lose interest.
The closet is opened: Xbox Live welcomes LBGT signifiersBy Ben Kuchera | Last updated 2 days agoMicrosoft hasn't been the most progressive company when it comes to dealing with gay and lesbian issues on Xbox Live, but the company has just announced a small but important change to its Code of Conduct for the service. You can now describe your relationships with a number of preapproved words."Under our previous policy, some of these expressions of self-identification were not allowed in Gamertags or profiles to prevent the use of these terms as insults or slurs," Xbox Live General Manager Marc Whitten wrote. "However we have since heard feedback from our customers that while the spirit of this approach was genuine, it inadvertently excluded a part of our Xbox LIVE community. This update also comes hand-in-hand with increased stringency and enforcement to prevent the misuse of these terms."You can now describe your orientation as Gay, Bi, Straight, Transgender, or Lesbian. The new code also notes that other words are verboten, and these accepted words are contextual. "Other terms regarding relationship orientation are not allowed. In addition you may not use these terms or any other terms regarding relationship orientation to insult, harass, or any other pejorative use against other users," the document explains."I truly believe that our diversity is what makes us strong: diversity in gaming and entertainment options, and diversity in the people that make up this amazing community. I look forward to seeing you on LIVE soon," Whitten said. It may seem like a small thing to some, but now gamers don't have to hide their sexual orientation to play on Xbox Live.
Blur's multiplayer beta hints at a spectacular gameBy Michael Thompson | Last updated about 2 hours agoBizarre Creation's Blur is shaping up to be a great arcade-style racing game for the PC, PS3, and 360. The game's multiplayer beta is officially launching today on Xbox Live; we got to spend some time with it this weekend, and it's a ton of fun to play. The beta lets players check out four tracks, four play modes, eight power-ups, and fourteen vehicles.Getting access to most of this content utilizes a ranking system that will seem familiar to anyone who's played a game with competitive multiplayer play. In order to increase your rank, you have to earn fans. However, since power-ups are picked up on the race track, every one of them is available to players from the beginning. These power-ups are actually a blast to play with, as they help make the gameplay feel unique; there's a lot of strategy involved in determining what kind of power-ups you want to use with specific cars on certain tracks. It's also particularly satisfying to watch a homing missile wreck one of your nearby opponents.Earning fan points isn't that difficult. You'll snag a boatload when you complete a race, and there are bonuses that can be earned just about any way you can imagine during your time on the track. Drifting, surviving attacks, launching attacks, activating speed boosts, surviving a lap without using a repair boost, and using a repair boost are only a few ways to earn fan bonuses. Thankfully, speedy accumulation of fans means that it only takes about an hour to gain access to the majority of the beta's content.As you advance through the ranks, new cars, mod types, and game modes are unlocked. Initially, you're stuck in the basic race mode and can only use the beginner car models. That means you're probably going to get pummeled if some higher-level players are in a race against you, since they're likely driving more powerful vehicles. There are also a number of challenges that players can achieve by accomplishing certain tasks like surviving a specific number of attacks or completing a race within a time limit without using any power-ups.Based on the multiplayer beta, Blur seems like it's going to be a blast. It should be noted that the race tracks feel a little generic, but the gameplay is fun and different enough to make things interesting. Overall, it feels like a cross between Project Gotham Racing mixed with Mario Kart, with just a bit of the Burnout destruction mixed in. If the rest of the game is as fun and fast-paced as the multiplayer is, then Blur can't make it to stores fast enough.
Armor Abilities are a refined version of Halo 3's Equipment feature, where instead of being used once, each ability will be reusable, with a cool down time between uses. It is unknown whether these may be picked up and traded, or earned and equipped like armor permutations. Sprint Allows the player to move at increased speed for a certain length of time. Active Camouflage Provides players the ability to have Active Camouflage for a period of time. Jetpack The Jet Pack ability allows players to fly upwards and maneuver in mid-air. Overshield Increases your shield by 200% allowing you to take more damage. Hologram The hologram is used to distract or confuse enemies during combat. Radar Cloak This ability will make you invisible in the enemies radar when activated. Leap Used to evade incoming fire and move faster.
*Redlum starts tempting Apprentice and Blu_Vice*http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360elitesystem/default.htmHalo ODST and Forza III with Elite system....Halo Reach Beta around the corner fellas! LOL
The image above shows the motherboard of an Xbox 360 slim. But the catch here is that it’s the new chip design for the rumoured Xbox 360 slim, which is undergoing testing in China. This new design combines the GPU and the CPU together which makes it small. Its not a little modification- it’s a total redesign of the system.Also with Project Natal due this year, it might actually be a good idea to launch the slim version along with it. However we will advice that you take this with a grain of salt.
