XBox 360 Rally

Before Sam Fisher became a homeless man, he was a superspy who could probably take Solid Snake in a one-on-one spyoff (Michael Ironside FTW). Now you’ll be able to play through one of Sam’s earlier adventures once again as Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, along with Metal Arms: Glitch in the System, are now Xbox Originals.

Look, everyone has played Splinter Cell in the past. I’m confident in saying that. But I would be willing to bet that most of you haven’t played Metal Arms, and for that you should be kicked square in the pants. It’s one of the most underrated titles in the Xbox library, and well worth the 1,200 MS Points they’re asking for.

[Major Nelson]

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…

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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!

We have a good varied week of gaming for the 360 this week, some titles stick out more than others, I just wish them all well since Halo 3 has claimed so many souls (seriously, I have spoke with some other video game related writers/owners, and stats are down all around, Halo 3 has killed the internets).

Crash of the Titans
FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage
NBA 2K8
NBA Live 08
Project Gotham Racing 4
Spider-Man: Friend or Foe

Notes on the games:

I think the obvious “Winner” this week that *might* take people away from Halo 3 for a little while is going to be PGR4.

I have noticed on my friends list almost on a daily basis that people have been playing that Ultimate Carnage demo, so that might have some kind of chance of getting sales.

My ban of all things 2KSports has been lifted starting with this NBA 2K8 title, as someone on the Xbox forums has informed me that the Reel Maker “download” is no longer something they are going to be charging you extra for, so now back to hating just EA.

If you have a kid, make sure to pick up the Spider-Man game for them and steer clear of that “Crash of the Titans” game, it has N64 graphics and PS1 game play, download the demo and see for yourself, it is terrible.

Remember everybody, Tetris Splash XBLA in two days! (Phone games in HD ftw!)
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Xbox Live Arcade, Tetris Splash, Crash Bandicoot, Crash of the Titans, Spider-Man, NBA Live 08, NBA 2K8, PGR4, Project Gotham Racing 4, Xbox 360, FlatOut, Ultimate Carnage

Yes. I am a Tetris nerd. I scoured 3 Wal-Mart’s the night that “Tetris Evolution” came out. Within a few days I had obtained 1000/1000 achievement points (still the only 360 game I have done this with). I lurk the forums over at TetrisConcept.com. I am even on the fence of buying a Nintendo DS just for that damn Tetris game! (Zelda DS is helping push that buy). Even with the terrible terrible terrible (terrible) d-pad that the Xbox 360 has, Tetris Splash is an instant buy. For all you old school Tetrinet players on PC’s back in the day (oh those IRC days), it is looking like there finally might be a near equivalent of that coming to the Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday at 9am EST, yes, I will set my alarm clock so I can buy it, and no, I am not kidding. Taking the multiplayer mode of Tetris to a new level with the addition of teams, I honestly can’t wait for this. The details from Xbox.com are as follows:

Modes of play: Three different modes of play including Tetris, T-Spin, and Combo, plus a unique screensaver mode.

Multiplayer: Playable solo, competitively or in teams, with an online multiplayer mode via Xbox LIVE® for up to six players.

New twists: New, enhanced graphics, and beautiful aquatic backscapes add a real splash to the fun of Tetris.

Content and themes: Exciting downloadable content will be made available including themes and background aquatic creatures.

Achievements: Twelve new achievements to master and conquer.

[Via 1pstart]
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Tetris Splash, Tetris Evolution, Tetris, Xbox Live Arcade, XBLA, Xbox 360, Best Game in the World

Odds are you’re going to be heading out tonight for the highly-anticipated Halo 3 launch. Hell, it’s very possible that you’re already there, reading this on a laptop… in which case, I pity your soul. But, all the same you should know what to do to survive this Halo 3 onslaught, and get through the night.

So, after the break I’m going to give you a few survival tips to help you get through the long, difficult night ahead.

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This is it, the biggest edition of “New Releases” for a while. You want to know why!?!

World Series of Poker 2008: Battle for the Bracelets is finally coming out!!! The game that will bring you:
* Your poker skills will be put to the ultimate test by over 30 of the world’s top poker champions
* Phil Hellmuth, Chris Ferguson, and Mike Matusow will teach you their tips and tricks in a poker school setting
* With successful wins, you will unlock valuable poker tools that will enable you to become an even more skillful player
* Build your bankroll at all the favorite locations of previous years such as Harrah’s New Orleans, Grand Tunica, Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino and new this year, the hottest poker rooms of the Las Vegas strip!
* ESRB Rated RP for Rating Pending
(At least according to Amazon.com’s description, I never heard of this game beforehand)

The actually pretty good looking CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Hard Evidence is being released.

Oh yeah, I forgot, another title… HALO 3!!!!!!!!!!!11!!!!!!!!!ONG!!!!!!

Yes, the game that is going to be literally selling systems, the game that took over 7-11, Mountain Dew, and Burger King, is here. People will be calling in sick, schools will close, and possible riots will ensue, can’t wait to jump in on some multiplayer.
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World Series of Poker 2008, Battle for the Bracelets, Halo 3, New Releases, Microsoft, Bungie, Xbox 360, Burger King, Mountain Dew, 7-11, CSI, Crime Scene Investigation Hard Evidence

Ok, people, here’s the deal — Paco and I are on our way out. We’re taking over at 1PStart.com in an effort to restore it to it’s former glory. …that, and I just plain want to write about another game every once in a while, is that so wrong?!

Anyways, here is what we’re looking for: A competent, capable writer with a love for all things Xbox. Now, by competent writer, we mean someone who spells “you” correctly, and knows when to capitalize. If you can do that, you’re a shoe-in. So, CLICK THIS DAMN LINK, do the required stuff, then get paid to play video games and write about stuff.

…hell, Mike and I did the hard stuff already, and YES, the GTA4 Banner contest will continue, and I will still give you a copy of GTA IV… or something. So, hop to it.

Xbox 360 Rally, JW, Stuff, Job Openings

Well, well, well, another week, another set of new releases for you Xbox fans out there. This week, with but a week before a release week that will be dominated by a particular Spartan fellow who I will not mention by name *coughJOHNcough*, we have a few games that will surely hold your attention for a week.

Blazing Angels 2: Secret Missions of WWII

Eternal Sonata

Warriors Orochi

Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights

Now, I know that Eternal Sonata is one of those games that RPG fans are psyched for, and I get that. Also, Blazing Angels 2 seems like a perfect sequel for fans of the original.

However, if you buy Juiced 2, you’re part of the problem.

Microsoft, Xbox 360, New Releases, Blazing Angels, Secret Missions of WWII, Eternal Sonata, Warriors Orochi, Juiced 2, Hot Import Nights

Much like the other recent “meet one of our characters” videos that are coming out as of late (Jericho, Mass Effect), another video is here, but this time for a maybe not so known game, Dark Sector. Check the video, then read below to get some information on this game which by the looks of the video, seems to have a feel like “The Darkness” .. in a good way:

Look for it on shelves Jan 22nd 2008. Some of the devs are co-creators from the original Epic Games’ Unreal. The game features no HUD, very cool, you will see how much damage is being done to you based on just physically looking at your character. 3rd person perspective. Powers that evolve as you play through the game. Multiplayer they literally said, ‘Details to be revealed at a later date.” .. so at least it is going to be there. With so many titles on a daily basis I deal with news on, this is one that I am looking forward to seeing how it progresses.
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This week we have a crap-ton of gaming goodness coming to the Xbox 360. In order of my personal importance, this week’s new releases are…

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Game of the Year Edition

Skate.

NHL 2K8

NHL 08

Fatal Inertia

Kengo: Legend of the 9

You may wonder why I have Oblivion above Skate. Well, I have Oblivion #1 because, quite frankly, it’s Oblivion. I would vote Oblivion GotY again if I could, but I can’t. Skate. may be awesome, but last I checked skateboarders can’t kill unicorns for fun, now can they?

I didn’t think so.

Microsoft, Xbox 360, New Releases, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Game of the Year, Kengo: Legend of the 9, Skate., NHL 2K8, NHL 08, Fatal Inertia

Even I have to accept that the Transformers movie was awesome, even if the game was a generic piece of next-gen poo. Well, now Transformers will be on both DVD, and splended High-Definition HD-DVD on October 16th, and Hasbro has today announced all the goodies we can expect with both versions.

So, what can you expect to find on the HD-DVD copy of Transformers, you ask? Well, in addition to the movie, you’ll receive ALL of the following!

Disc 1:

TRANSFORMERS H.U.D. (Heads Up Display)–In this mode, viewers can access running text-based behind-the-scenes background information on the production during the feature. Users can also watch relevant picture-in-picture b-roll and video with Bay, Spielberg and other filmmakers during select sequences.

Transformers Intelligence Mode web-enabled features consist of:
– Transformation Mode
– Health Meter
– Weapon Mode
– Robot Bio
– In Scene Indicator
– Text Ticker
– GPS

Disc 2:

TRANSFORMERS Tech Inspector - Gives viewers an unprecedented look at the TRANSFORMERS robots through the exquisitely detailed models created by ILM artists. Users can zoom in on each detail for a closer examination and pause and change the rotation of the models.

…huh. You get more special features in the Special Edition DVD, it seems. As someone who is a complete freak for Special Features, this is the primary selling point for me. All the same, you can’t beat the visual quality of HD, then the HD-DVD package is the way to go. But if you, like me, love features, go with the Special Edition.

Full Press Release after the break. Sexy.

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Sometimes, a video is enough for a post, this is one of those times, our spanish brethren Juegos (Xbox666) has posted a video that I just had to share as well. Instead of the usual ads of a game showing various split scenes of action, The Simpsons just went ahead and did a parody of war video games. From what I understand, a lot of the game itself is going to be parodies of other video games as well, and with the last Simpsons title, “Hit & Run” being a pretty good game, im actually really looking forward to this new title.

For a few more Simpsons clips if you missed them, click here.

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This week has two releases that are sure to become hits with the Xbox LIVE Arcade crowd. The first is, of course, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix (Jesus Christ, that’s long). It’ll cost you 800 MS Points.

The other game, which has been a mystery for a while, is finally known: Streets of Rage 2. Costing 400 MS Points, Streets of Rage 2 on XBLA will finally allow you to get online and play one of the best beat ‘em ups of all time with your friends. If you don’t buy this, you suck.

Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, Xbox LIVE Arcade, Streets of Rage 2, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix