XBox 360 Rally

No, this isn’t a full review — because I’m not done with it yet. But let me just tell you what I think of the game to this point: It’s absolutely fan-freaking-tastic.

Everything from the graphical polish in every street corner, to the ambient sounds of city life going on all around you have been given great care to. The story, from what I’ve discovered so far, looks to be the best in the series and the protagonist in particular, Niko Bellic, is easily the most likable of the bunch.

I haven’t gone online with it yet (I have a thing about completing single-player games before going online), but the single-player is simply second to none. The improvements to the controls, especially the combat, work to the game’s benefit and overall this latest entry into the GTA franchise is, far and away, the best.

A full review is coming, but for now, I’m getting back to the goods.

If you were like me and grew up having a childhood where a lot of things went kaboom, rejoice! Metal Slug 3, what I consider to be the best in the series is making its home on Xbox LIVE.

Like most games that come to the Xbox LIVE Arcade, Metal Slug 3 will include online co-op over Xbox LIVE, as well as improved graphics. You can also expect to see things like a leaderboard and whatnot. Sure, it hasn’t been confirmed yet, but with a game like Metal Slug, you almost have to have it.

So when can we expect to be able to get our hands on this fun little bugger, you ask? Why, January 2nd, 2008 of course! It’ll cost you 800 MS Points.

When you guys are playing that, though… just remember my Xbox 360. Never forget.

Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE Arcade, Metal Slug 3

Odds are if you’re reading this, you’re not on Xbox LIVE. Not because you’re a fan of the site, but rather because Xbox LIVE won’t let you log in. In fact, Xbox LIVE won’t let a lot of people log in. While Microsoft isn’t explaining what is wrong, when you check the Xbox LIVE Service Status you will see the image to the right acknowledging that there is a problem, and that Microsoft has people working on it right now.

Stoners, Insomniacs and Australians everywhere are heartbroken at the news of Xbox LIVE being offline, I’m sure. Not to fear though, the big M is usually quick to fix these problems.

[1PStart]

Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE

Do you own a pre-HDMI Xbox 360 that HASN’T Red Ringed on you yet? If you do, then listen up — MadCatz is bringing HDMI to you in the form of the HDMI Conversion Kit. Outside of the fact that it it will give you the crystal clear quality of HDMI that we’ve been enjoying for a while (this reminds me, I need to buy a bigger monitor), we also know that it will support 1080p, and it comes with HDMI and optical audio cables.

The entire package will sell for $89.99, and will be available at or shortly after the new year.

[GameStop]

MadCatz, Xbox 360, HDMI Conversion Kit

I own it. You own it. Odds are your friends own it. There is simply no denying that Halo 3 is an absolute beast of a game. In its first day in the US, Halo 3 made nearly $200 million, and helped Microsoft by being a definite system seller, pushing 527K consoles out the door in September. But just how impressive are the numbers?

Well, according to the NPD numbers through November, 4.1 million copies of Halo 3 have been purchased in the US. Meanwhile, there have been 7.9 million Xbox 360 consoles sold in the US since its launch just over two years ago. Doing the math, a whopping 52% of all Xbox 360 owners own Halo 3.

That’s more than half, people. And with Christmas looming but a week away, you can expect both Halo 3 and the Xbox 360’s numbers to increase.

[GameDaily]

Microsoft, Xbox 360, Bungie, Halo 3

Tempest is an arcade classic. To say otherwise is to speak blasphemy, and you know this. That’s why I’m so happy to tell you all that Tempest, the game that single-handedly stole several hundreds of dollars from my childhood (rough estimate) is making its way to the Xbox LIVE Arcade!

…oh, and there’s some Sensible World of Soccer game, too. But come on, this is all about the big T, baby! Tempest goes on sale on December 19th, and will retail for 400 MS Points.

If you are by chance a soccer fan (and a big hello to our international readers), Sensible World of Soccer will sell for 800 MS Points, and will also be available on the 19th.

Microsoft, Xbox 360, Tempest, Sensible World of Soccer, Xbox LIVE Arcade

If you live in the United Kingdom, you have reason to rejoice as Microsoft has announced that the Xbox LIVE Video Marketplace, which has allowed manu of us stateside to download some of our favorite films for God only knows how long, will finally be available to UK 360 owners on December 11th. Standard Definition films will run UK owners roughly 250 points, and 380 points for High Definition.

The list of films (which you can see in full after the break) includes the likes of 300, Training Day, and Oceans Eleven. Unfortunately, along with the good you have to take the bad, such as Swordfish and Superman III. But hey, you’re finally getting the Video Marketplace so be happy.

…does England love George Clooney or something? Ocean’s Eleven, The Perfect Storm, Three Kings? Good Lord…

(more…)

Odds are if you’re playing Call of Duty 4, you’re not reading this. If you are, I commend you for your multitasking. Regardless, it has been announced that the fellas over at Infinity Ward are currently working on an update for CoD4 that is sure to make many a player happy.

A full list that I was more than happy to copy/paste from fourzerotwo himself can be found after the break, but some of the highlights of the upcoming update include host migration, kill cam for airstrikes and claymores, and the inclusion of the much talked about “N0M4D” control scheme.

(more…)

Tecmo has released the first image of the Ninja Gaiden II box art, which will surely have fanboys squealing like gleeful children from now until they get to slice their first head off of “Poor Bastard #1″ in the sequel.

God, I can’t wait to get this damn game.

[HIGH RES]

Ninja Gaiden II

Following on a rumor first reported by… well, us (you’re welcome), XueCast is now reporting that they have been able to confirm that Microsoft is currently working with DivX to bring their popular MPEG-4 format to the Xbox 360.

According to the article, DivX CEO Kevin Hell stated that, due to Microsoft’s restrictions and requirements, the Xbox 360 DivX project is running much slower than the PlayStation 3 counterpart. PlayStation 3 DivX support has already been partially implimented.

[XueCast]

Microsoft, Xbox 360, DivX

If you live in Europe, I’m really starting to hate you. First you get the exclusive Xtival 07 from Microsoft which gives you free Xbox LIVE Gold (limited time) and exclusive downloads. Then you get the Simpsons Game PSP bundle. Now, seemingly not pleased yet, Europe has snacked another nugget of shiny awesomeness as, during the Xtival 07 event, one lucky Guitar Hero III fanatic will get the chance of a lifetime by playing a few rounds with Steve Jones.

If you don’t know who Steve Jones is, I’ll give you a helping hand:

Now, the rules for this Game with Fame contest are slightly different. This time around, you have to play through the demo of Guitar Hero III (not available on Xbox LIVE), and when you’ve completed the demo you have to send a picture of your high score to sexpistols@gamewithfame.net, along with why you want to play with a punk rock God. The winners will be sent a copy of Guitar Hero III, and the top three will join Steve online.

The winner will be crowned European Champion, and win a guitar signed by Jones himself.

Once again… I hate Europe.

Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, Guitar Hero III, Steve Jones, Xtival 07, Sex Pistols

Hey boys and girls! I’ve gotten bored and missed working for the ol’ green and grey, so I’m back (at least temporarilly) until we get some new writers for Xbox 360 Rally. And, I come bearing news about potential X-Mas gifts!

According to Punch Jump, Best Buy will be having a couple kick ass deals on some Xbox 360 stuff for the annual “Black Friday” shopping bonanza! First, Best Buy will be selling Xbox 360 Premium consoles bundled with Guitar Hero II and controller for the standard Premium price of $349.99. Naturally, if you’re visiting this site, you probably don’t need a 360. But it’s still something nice to get your friends.

But wait, there’s more! In addition to the bundle, Best BUy is offering both Tony Hawk’s Project 8 (the last GOOD Tony hawk game) and Def Jam Icon for the low, low price of $14.99.

But that offer is on November 23rd, and November 23rd ONLY. So don’t slouch.

[Punch Jump]

Microsoft, Xbox 360, Tony Hawk’s Project 8, Def Jam Icon, Best Buy

Hi, boys and girls. It’s just me, your friendly neighborhood JW, here to remind you all that we’re currently looking for people to replace us here at Xbox 360 Rally. All you have to do is go HERE, fill out the form, and wait to hear back. It’s really not that hard.

So, get to it already — so Paco and I can get to the NEW site!

I want to give you all a heads up on a pretty f’n nice contest being put on next Sunday by our good friends at PlatformNation.com (Home to XBL Radio, The Gamers Pub, The Fanboys, and PSH Radio). The full list of prizes are:

Halo 3 Legendary Edition

20 dollar MS Point Card

10 dollar MS Point Card

5 dollar MS Point Card

Speedfreek from KontrolFreek.com

A Xbox 360 skin from GamerGraffix.com

You are all in luck, as the tournament will be taking place on a Sunday, a day I normally work, so I probably won’t be present, which means you have a chance of winning, as well as I have played with JW, he is a Halo 3 noob who poses no challenge to you if he gets in. Here is the official rules and all that fine print stuff that you need to know:

To sign up add your gamertag to this thread (click the link), nothing else but your gamertag.

The times will be Sunday nights, 6pm Pacific time, so if your unable to make it, please don’t add your name to the tournament.

Teams of 4 people each will be chosen at random, chosen by my tournament software, not any people

This is a single elimination tournament

Sign up will end on the 19th

The tournament will start on the 21st

All the round details (who is playing who, maps and game types)will be out on the 20, you must check the forums to keep yourself updated, I don’t have the time to prep everyone every round.
Each round will be a best out of 3

The final two rounds will be a free for all with the top 4 advancing to the finals and then the top 4 battling it out for the grand prize.

—

Halo 3, Legendary Edition, Contest, PlatformNation, XBL Radio, Tournament, KontrolFreak, GamerGraffix, Microsoft Points

Folks, I don’t think you know how hard it was to find a winner for this contest. Every entry received was like a gift from God herself, yes, corny, I know, but seriously, too many entries kicked mucho ass and it took much fighting between JW and myself to pick the final winner (we do it American Gladiator giant q-tip style if you want to know…… for the younger audience, it looks like this).

As you know from JW’s recent posting, we are both out of here, but, man, we are leaving whoever comes in to fill our giant shoes (hitting G4’s The Feed giant shoes! Hitting the front pages of DESTRUCTOID, Kotaku, Joystiq, and so many other great video game blogs giant shoes!), err.. what was I saying.. oh yeah, we are leaving whoever comes in some of the coolest readers to any site I have been a part of. You know who you are you regulars that may not have always commented, but I check the stats and IPs of who visits like a weirdo (I seriously have OCD about that stuff). This contest really proved it. I can’t put up all entries for this contest (out of pure laziness I assure you), but I really wanted to show some off that made it into the final rounds of the giant q-tip competition.

Note: The following are in no actual order, just wanted to show off some of the work you guys yourself put in, don’t worry if yours isn’t shown below, it was received and treated with as *almost* as much love as the winning entry, which of course you can now see at the top of every page on the site.

(Reading this and want to get in contact with any of the artists/designers above, feel free to hit me up at ocap1 at hotmail dot com and I will get with the designer to let them know you want to give them some freelance work and/or want to know their age/sex/location for hot steamy text sex!)