DeadSpace Prequel “Ignition” Coming This Fall

The popular video game Dead Space 2 isn't due to hit store shelves until early next year but EA has announced that a downloadable prequel will be launching before the end of the year on both Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network. The prequel, dubbed Dead Space Ignition, will over up a very different experience compared to its retail counterpart. EA describes the game as a "comic adventure" that lets players experience the events leading up to Dead Space 2. The game is said to feature a "choose your own adventure" style narrative with multiple endings and three different arcade-style minigames. Additional content can also be unlocked such as new suits and furthermore players will have the ability to use these items in the sequel. Antony Johnston is the story writer (he previously wrote the comic book adaptations of the first game in the series).

Ignition also won't be the last Dead Space spin-off that will be seen either, as EA mentioned having other game extensions in the works in addition to Ignition as well, including a previously announced PSN version of Dead Space Extraction. "Dead Space Ignition is the first of many exciting game extensions we have planned for the launch of Dead Space 2," executive producer Steve Papoutsis said. "The interactive comic-style game will give Dead Space fans a unique perspective on the events leading up to Dead Space 2, but will also introduce the storyline to a brand-new audience of gamers." The prequel is set to hit both XBox Live and PSN this fall so keep an eye out.

Microsoft Predicted To Break $1B+ With Xbox Live Revenue

According to estimates made by analysts, Microsoft's Xbox Live premium gaming service is on the road to generate over $1 billion in revenue for the fiscal year that ended on June 30th. A lot of this revenue is coming from Xbox Live Gold members who offer up cash for additional content such as game add-ons, avatars, and movies. Microsoft was uncharacteristically forthcoming about its Xbox Live memberships and confirmed that over half of its Xbox Live members pay for the premium Gold service at an average price tag of $50 per year. Although it still holds the number two spot underneath Nintendo Wii in total console sales, this is all some pretty good news for Microsoft's gaming division. It bodes well for the upcoming launch of the Kinect motion controller which will hopefully attract a new crowd as well as entertain the old crowd of Xbox Live users.

Will Microsoft Kinect Let You Play Sitting Down?

Despite whether u have your a Nintendo Wii of your own, you have probably seen the commercials or know someone who has one and/or have experienced the gameplay yourself one way or another. With that in mind, we all know that Nintendo intended people to get off the couch and be more interactive with their games. With accessories such as Wii Fit and the games currently out, we all know where Nintendo and even Sony (with its Move) intend for their consumers. But what about Microsoft Kinect?

From what everyone has seen, Kinect, Microsoft's upcoming motion-based gaming peripheral, there are a lot of things going on. Many body movements such as kicking, leaning, slapping, and whatever other innovative ideas game developers think of including in their titles. But what about just sitting on the couch? We know it isn't Microsoft's main goal but obviously standing and moving around so frantically isn't something people would want to do for a long time. We'd expect to use the Kinect while we are still resting as well and Microsoft has even confirmed that the Kinect software fully allows people to sit on their favorite chair, couch, or whatever else they might be sitting on.

There is a catch though, basically it is upto the developers whether or not you'll get to play sitting down or not. The experience basically needs to be developed by those creating the game and it's design. Doesn't sound like people will be able to get away with something like Kinect Adventures while sitting down whereas people "cheat" while using Wii Fit and complain about it. As of right now, there are a few experiences that are designed with sitting in mind. These include navigating through the Xbox 360's Dashboard, or making your way through ESPN, Zune, and Video apps is also plenty capable of having you sit through the experience. The idea thus far is pretty great if you think about it. It has a little something for everyone basically which is exactly how it should be. What do you think of the whole ordeal? Would you rather play while sitting down or are you disappointed you can't play all games while doing that? Share your thoughts and comments below.

New Xbox 360 Features Red Dot of Death

Microsoft claimed that this past week the new Xbox 360 shipping to stores no longer featured the dreaded three flashing lights also known as "red ring of death" (RROD), to alert owners that component failures required servicing. What they failed to mention was that the new $299 Xbox 360 "Slim" model, instead automatically shuts down and warns the user that the system needs to shut down to prevent damage from "insufficient ventilation." Instead of a flashing ring of red light, the new system just flashes a red dot at the center of the power button and informs the user that once the dot disappears, the system will be able to successfully turn on. The flashing red dot is now being referred to as the "red dot of death" (RDOD). An obvious way for the system to communicate with the user but what do you guys think? We wouldn't imagine too many people enjoying their game turning off randomly in the middle of their play but then again, not having to send your system in to Microsoft for several weeks is also a plus.

Share your thoughts and comments below And, stay tuned for more info by following us on Twitter and/or subscribing to our RSS feeds.

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New Xbox 360 Torn and Modded

Last Sunday (the day before E3 2010's keynote) a leaked italian commercial gave us a first peak of what was supposed to be the new Xbox 360. Then on Monday, Microsoft announced that there was a new Xbox 360 and in fact it was supposed to be released the very same day, giving the members at the conference a new 360 of their own. Solomods didn't hesitate at all and quickly did a tear down of the parts, the pros and the cons, and even modded their very own 360. Check out a video demonstration of their modded xbox below:

[E3 2010] All About Microsoft's Press Conference

The first keynote in this year’s E3 is over! Microsoft held it and they ended up revealing quite a bit of new information. There was the new Xbox 360 as well as information on both the Kinect and a line-up of games for it. The company also shared new features for Xbox Live, an exclusive deal with ESPN, and details on games that are coming up – including a previously unannounced exclusive from the company Crytek. If you missed the keynote, here is everything you need to know:

Microsoft Kinect

The biggest news released during the keynote was additional details on Kinect formerly known as Project Natal. The company demoed quite a bit of games, most of which were leaked yesterday. During the Kinectanimals demo, a girl was able to call over, pet, and play with a tiger cub and Microsoft mentioned that there will be over 40 animals available in the full game. Kinect Sports was shown off with two players racing in a hurdles event, controlling the action by running on the spot and jumping over hurdles. The game is said to offer sports like soccer, javelin, ping-pong, and boxing. Kinect Joy Ride was a cart racer, which you control by holding your hands in front of you as if you are holding a steering wheel. Kinect Adventures is an action game that features 20 different adventures including rafting and a platform game where you jump to avoid obstacles and collect powerups. Some third party games will also be supported, companies such as Ubisoft will be released a game called Yourshape: Fitness Evolved, which tracks the movement of your body to ensure you are doing the exercises properly and features activities like combat training and yoga.

Dance Central from Harmonix, will be a dance simulator in which players mimic the movies of on-screen characters. It features a mode that slows down the pace in order to help teach you the routine and will let players download additional songs after the release of the game. Turn 10 also informed the public that Forza 3 will be getting Kinect support next year and will allow you to control the game without a controller and explore your vehicles in greater detail. You can walk around the car and touch parts of it to learn additional information, on top of being able to get into the cockpit and look around. Information on how the update will be released has yet to be revealed.

The Kinect will be launching in the United States on November 4 with more than 15 games including a Sonic title. The Lucasarts’ light saber game will be launching sometime in 2011. The price wasn’t announced at the keynote but Gamestop has it listed for preorder at $149.99

Blockbuster Titles

As for the non-Kinect blockbuster titles, there were several titles on the show, including some of which we didn’t already know about. Call of Duty: Black Ops will be launching on November 9 and all of the map packs and add-ons that come after the game’s release will launch first on the 360. Hideo Kojima revealed Metal Gear Solid Rising, which features a “Cut at will” gameplay, where players can slice foes into pieces in action scenes that look reminiscent of Ninja Gaiden. A four-player co-op demo of Gears of War 3 was displayed to show off some of the new enemies found in the third iteration of the game. A new mode called “Beast” was also mentioned with more details expected in the near future. Bungie revealed that the upcoming Halo: Reach will feature space battles, letting you control spaceships for the first time in the series. A new partnership was announced with Crytek, the developers behind Crysis, and a 360-exclusive title was announced named Codename: Kingdom.

New Xbox Live Features

Microsoft plans to expand the Xbox Live service, making it available in every country where 360s are currently sold. XBL will also be coming to Windows Phone 7, letting you take your friends, avatars, and achievements wherever you go. The service will soon support Kinect, letting users video chat with their Microsoft Live Messenger friends. The Kinect will also track your movement an allow you to do things like watch film trailers with whoever you are chatting with. Microsoft also announced an exclusive partnership with ESPN, which will give Gold subscribers access to over 3,500 sporting events both live and on demand, most in HD, at no additional cost. This will include NBA, MLB, and soccer. Users will also have real-time access to polls and trivia while they are watching.

Conclusion

Microsoft has revealed both of the things expected, Kinect and the new version of Xbox 360 (the slimmer version) as well as new titles that are to come. We learned more about Kinect and the games that will come with it as well as how Microsoft plans to implement the features of their new device to make the 360 experience more enjoyable.

Stay tuned for more E3 2010 coverage by following us on Twitter and/or subscribing to our RSS feeds.

Halo 2 Gamers To Get XBox Live Termination Incentives

As we all know by now that Microsoft is preparing to pull the plug on online gaming for the original XBox on April 15th. The software giant discontinued the original XBox in late 2008 and officially stopped supporting the aging console in March 2009. With only six weeks to go MS has decided to reward the loyal Halo2 gamers with some consolation prizes.

They are offering –

• A free three month XBox live membership
• 400MS points
• A place on the Halo: Reach beta

For a console that's nearly a decade old, it's understandable that online gaming support would've had to end at some point.

GameStop To Start Selling 250GB Hard Drives For Xbox 360

Microsoft has said in the past that they don’t plan on selling the larger drives without a bundle, contrary to Microsoft indicating otherwise, GameStop has figured out what makes it’s customers happy. GameStop is planning on selling the 250GB Xbox 360 hard drive marked for release on 3/23 online. This hard drive is sold individually.

Microsoft has sold a number of special edition Xbox 360 console bundles that usually features some cool paint jobs and larger hard drive. Like Modern Warfare 2 bundle, a larger 250GB. We are pretty sure that there will be similar and even larger sizes bundles to come.

Some gamers just want more storage not a new console, but Microsoft would rather you spend hundreds of dollars on a bundle rather than selling the hard drive separately, It’s frustrating.

The drives will be on sale $129.99. There is very little information about this hard drive, and no indication whether its new or used or how they came about with selling this drive separately. We just have to wait and see as we get closer to the release date.

Project Natal’s Lag Time Reviewed

Ever since our hands on, we've been shamelessly  been excited about Project Natal, except for one key piece: The slight but undeniable lag. And now, MTV has actually put the difference between your movement and onscreen response to a stopwatch.

Over the course of several demos, MTV found that the lag ranged from .08 seconds to .12 seconds, and .10 proved to be a pretty consistent average. (You can time .10 seconds here.)

During the demo, the delay was linked in a driving game to steering an old Cadillac. Indeed, as an input device alone, such a delay will mean certain game play situations just aren't possible.

However,  we still see the delay as a non-issue for the aspect of Natal, that's still gone without mention by most publications - that of head tracking. You'll see what I mean in in this demo by Johnny Chung Lee who, it just so happens, works on the Natal team now. The same can be said for vocal commands, facial recognition, and heck, even just spotting your exact position in a room.

2010, Biggest Year in Xbox 360 Gaming History?

Fire up the flat screen and crank up the volume for the biggest year in XBox 360 gaming history. At X10 Microsoft proved to the world why 2010 will be a landmark year for gamers of all types, and it showcased a barrage of exclusive games that defy traditional genres and create new experiences filled with emotion, adrenaline, and suspense. But rumor has it that it will once again blow your socks off with Project Natal.

Be mindful about putting too much stock into an admittedly far off rumor, Microsoft set to release a new XBox console in Fall 2010, and that current media wonderful Project Natal is "the cornerstone" of that progression. Specs-wise, it's suggested we're looking at only a marginal boost analogous to Nintendo's GameCube-to-Wii transition - place your bets on how long it'll take to "max out" this time, as well as a rebranding (XBox Natal, anyone?) aimed at attracting the highly popular, more mainstream, casual audience, before Mario and the crew grab a second wind with the oft-rumored Wii HD.

There's nothing wrong about boggling about these whispers, but yet  again, Fall 2010 is quite a ways off where anything can happen in the meantime.

Microsoft Announces XBox Live on Original XBox goes away April 15th

Microsoft is slowly pushing original XBox owners to upgrade to the XBox 360. The software giant discontinued the original XBox in late 2008 and officially stopped supporting the aging console in March 2009. In a final effort to encourage folks to upgrade, Microsoft has announced that it will be pulling the plug on XBox Live for all original XBox consoles and XBox-compatible games starting April 15th.

As always Microsoft promises that you won’t be disappointed.

Xbox Live Games Coming to (Possibly Only Windows) Mobile Phones?

How do you take a great idea like Xbox Live games coming to cellphones and ruin it? By only bringing those games to Windows Mobile phones, which may be what Microsoft has planned.
As you can see by the image above, taken from some internal Microsoft marketing material from last month, Xbox Live is spread across the Xbox 360, Windows and...Windows Phone. Now, this could just be a stand-in for many phones, or a new branding for game content to be available on many platforms. But it also could mean the games are just heading to Windows Mobile phones, which would pretty much kill the entire initiative right off the bat.
Also conspicuously absent from these plans: the Zune. No love for the Zune, Microsoft?

MS developer talks tech, Natal 'correctly positions your hand even if it's held behind your back'

We now know that Natal is going to make it out before the end of the year (if all goes well), but the company is still keeping a lot of secrets about the technology and being rather stingy with hands-on time. Natal lead developer Alex Kipman is spilling a few notable beans, however, indicating that the team has gathered terabytes of photos and video of people playing games, amassing a library of data that the system uses to anticipate where you might move next. Because of this the system can predict your hand position, even if it's obscured, based on the location of other parts of your body. He also indicated that the software required for all this will only take up about 50MB on your Xbox's (probably near-full) storage device, and that the algorithms it uses will suck down about 10 to 15 percent of the 360's overall processing power. That's certainly a substantial hit, but this is the price you pay for getting to kick virtual balls with physical feet.