Gears of War 2 Download Torrent Leaked
Monday, October 20, 2008
Gears of War 2 has been leaked onto the internet early, and has hit many popular download and torrent websites, the download is around 6.8gb.
Download at Mininova: http://www.mininova.org/search/gears+of+war+2/leech.
Enjoy!
Madden 2009 Roster Update #8 - 10/17/2008
Madden 2009 Roster updates are coming out today and here is what we have to look forward to. Key additions are Roy Williams to Dallas, Alexander to the Skins. Steve Breaton got a much deserved rating boost for the Cards and even Randy Moss and Drew Brees moved up.
Transactions
FB Byron Storer - Released to Free Agents (IR)
FB Reagan Mauia - Released by Bengals
FB Jameel Cook - Signs with Bucs
TE Darnell Dinkins - Added to Browns
LB Napoleon Harris - Released by Chiefs
LB Rocky Boiman - Signs with Chiefs
CB Nick Graham - Signs with Colts/Released by Colts
DT LaJuan Ramsey - Released by Colts
HB Mike Hart - Released to Free Agents (IR)
HB Clifton Dawson - Signs with Colts
CB Keiwan Ratliff - Signs with Colts
HB Justin Forsett - Released by Colts
S Jamie Silva - Added to Colts
DT John McCargo - Trade to Colts (Voided - Failed Physical)
P Sam Paulescu - Signs with Cowboys
WR Roy Williams - Traded to Cowboys
S Tyrone Culver - Released by Dolphins
S Brannon Condren - Signs with Dolphins
HB Tony Hunt - Released by Eagles
LB Tracy White - Signs with Eagles
FB Zak Keasey - Released to Free Agents (IR)
FB David Kirtman - Signs with 49ers
T Todd Wade - Released to Free Agents
T Andrew Carnahan - Added to Jaguars (Practice Squad)
G Ben Claxton - Added to Lions (Practice Squad)
G Jon Dunn - Removed
LB Tracy White - Released by Packers
HB Kregg Lumpkin - Released to Free Agents (IR)
HB DeShawn Wynn - Added to Packers
LB Danny Lansanah - Signs with Packers
WR Ryne Robinson - Released to Free Agents (IR)
WR Kenneth Moore - Signs with Panthers
CB Ricky Manning - Released to Free Agents (IR)
CB Fakhir Brown - Signs with Rams
S Brannon Condren - Released by Rams
S Eric Bassey - Added to Rams (Practice Squad)
WR Derek Stanley - Added to Rams
S Justin Hamilton - Released Redskins
P Durant Brooks - Released by Redskins
P Ryan Plackemeier - Signs with Redskins
S Mike Green - Signs with Redskins
HB Shaun Alexander - Signs with Redskins
S Reed Doughty -- Released to Free Agents (IR
K Martin Gramatica - Released to Free Agents (IR)
K Taylor Mehlhaff - Signs with Saints
DE Josh Savage - Released by Saints
DE Jeff Charleston - Signs with Saints
WR Terrance Copper - Released by SaintsTE Sean Ryan - Added to Saints
WR Courtney Taylor - Released by Seahawks
WR Jordan Kent - Signs with Seahawks
WR Michael Bumpus - Released by Seahawks
HB Justin Forsett - Signs with Seahawks
T Kyle Williams - Added to Seahawks (Practice Squad)
FB Jeff Dugan - Released to Free Agents
LB Dontarrious Thomas - Signs with Vikings
Ratings Up
- HB Matt Forte - Bears - 82 to 84 - In the top 2 for most impressive rookie running back.
- QB Kyle Orton - Bears - 79 to 80 - I'm sure the Bears couldn't even have even expected Orton to be as poised as he has been at QB.
- LB Dhani Jones - Bengals - 81 to 82 - Your NFL leader in tackles after 6 weeks.
- CB Leodis McKelvin - Bills - 79 to 80 - 1st corner selected in the draft also stars on special teams in the kick return game.
- HB Michael Pittman - Broncos - 81 to 82 - Might not be another back that runs with as much urgency. Was impressive in a start last week vs. the Jags.
- K Matt Prater - Broncos - 78 to 82 - This year has drilled 13-14 field goals. Before that he was 1-4 in his career.
- LT Ryan Clady - Broncos - 81 to 82 - Committed his first holding penalty vs. Jacksonville, might be the most athletic offensive lineman in the league.
- LB Nate Webster - Broncos - 79 to 80 - Was thumping Jags players last week. Starting MLB for the Broncos.
- RT Ryan Harris - Broncos - 79 to 81 - Solid pass blocking RT for the Broncos.
- HB Earnest Graham - Bucs - 84 to 85 - Averaging 5.6 YPC and lined up at fullback last week due to injuries.
- LT Donald Penn - Bucs - 80 to 82 - Has excelled in taking over for Luke Petitgout in Tampa.
- DT Gabe Watson - Cardinals - 80 to 82 - Run stuffing DT for the Cardinals.
- LT Mike Gandy - Cardinals - 89 to 92 - Underrated left tackle who played a great game vs. DeMarcus Ware. Surrendered 1.5 sacks last season.
- DE Bryan Robinson - Cardinals - 74 to 77 - In the rotation at DT and DE in the Cardinals hybrid 3-4 defense.
- WR Steve Breaston - Cardinals - 78 to 82 - Showed he has the complete game at WR in the last few weeks picking up the slack for Boldin. Caught the ball better than expected in a crowd.
- DE Antonio Smith - Cardinals - 83 to 84 - Not producing the gaudy numbers, but he is a handful at end.
- LB Derrick Johnson - Chiefs - 93 to 94 - Starting to come into his own as a future elite NFL linebacker. Playing in KC won't help, but he is all over the field.
- DT Jay Ratliff - Cowboys - 85 to 87 - Trouble maker for offenses in the middle of the Dallas defense. Can line up all over the defensive line and create problems with pressure.
- S Courtney Brown - Cowboys - 67 to 69 - Saw time on passing downs the past couple weeks due to injury.
- DT Jason Ferguson - Dolphins - 84 to 85 - Offseason acquisition from Dallas has helped sure up the run defense in the middle.
- LB Joey Porter - Dolphins - 88 to 89 - Only has 12 solo tackles, but 6.5 of them are sacks and countless other QB pressures.
- T Vernon Carey - Dolphins - 87 to 88 - Neutralized Mario Williams every time he has matched up opposite him, extremely impressive showing vs. Houston.
- DT Broderick Bunkley - Eagles - 84 to 85 - Beast of a man in the middle for Philly.
- S Brian Dawkins - Eagles - 92 to 93 - Has returned to being all over the field at safety after whispers that he had gotten old.
- HB Correll Buckhalter - Eagles - 82 to 83 - Showed again last week he is a more than capable running back when called upon.
- S Quintin Mikell - Eagles - 85 to 86 - Leads the team in tackles with a pair of INT's.
- CB Brent Grimes - Falcons - 77 to 78 - Has emerged as Atlanta's best corner after being called up off the practice squad end of last season.
- DT Grady Jackson - Falcons - 80 to 82 - The Atlanta run defense was once a gaping hole up the middle, now the run defense is a somewhat respectable 20th.
- LT Sam Baker - Falcons - 79 to 80 - Pass blocking left tackle who has the feet and head to be elite.
- QB Matt Ryan - Falcons - 83 to 84 - Was extremely impressive firing the ball on a banged up Chicago secondary. Does not look like a rookie QB.
- RT Tyson Clabo - Falcons - 78 to 80 - Has stepped in at RT and has neutralized opposing ends.
- DE Justin Smith - 49ers - 89 to 90 - Never stops going and has been pressuring the QB quite often. Also has 32 tackles from the end position.
- CB Corey Webster - Giants - 86 to 87 - While Aaron Ross was falling all over his self Webster was playing solid man coverage displaying great instincts.
- HB Brandon Jacobs - Giants - 89 to 90 - Now 99 trucking with Barber. No back has as much power as Jacobs when he lowers his shoulder in a defender.
- CB Rashean Mathis - Jaguars - 95 to 96 - Brandon Marshall had 9 for 98 vs. the Jags, but none of them were vs. Mathis - Mathis locked up Marshall .
- S Brian Williams - Jaguars - 87 to 88 - Versatile safety for the Jags. Plays a lot of man coverage and is active in stopping the run.
- DT Kris Jenkins - Jets - 93 to 94 - Jets currently sport the #3 rush defense in the NFL at 2.9 YPC. The reason is the middle being contained allowing the LB's to make plays.
- WR Laveranues Coles - Jets - 91 to 92 - Tied with Cotchery at 26 receptions. Leads the team with 328 yards.
- WR Jerricho Cotchery - Jets - 90 to 91 - Leads the team with 4 receiving TD's. Has developed into a very good WR.
- CB Dwight Lowery - Jets - 77 to 79 - For my money the best rookie CB so far except for a few hiccups.
- WR Randy Moss - Patriots - 98 to 99 - Sorry Randy. Proved over the last couple games that even if the QB can't get him the ball and his effort is terrible he still can beat anyone deep. Beat the Charger defense deep at least 3 times and the QB couldn't get him the ball.
- DT Kedric Golston - Redskins - 80 to 84 - Has moved into the starting lineup on one of the better defenses in the NFL. #6 rush defense in the NFL.
- CB Carlos Rogers - Redskins - 89 to 90 - Is all the way back from a knee injury. An impressive season so far.
- LB Jonathan Vilma - Saints - 92 to 93 - Also looks back from a bad knee injury. Displays top notch instincts.
- WR Lance Moore - Saints - 79 to 80 - Appears to be a legitimate NFL receiver and not some product of Drew Brees.
- QB Drew Brees - Saints - 95 to 96 - Received a boost in arm strength in how the Saints have been airing the ball out the past couple seasons. Does not have the weak arm some suspected from his career in college and his start in San Diego.
- DT Craig Terrill - Seahawks - 76 to 78 - Only good thing to say about the Seahawks in Week 6, relentless in trying to get off blocks.
- HB Mewelde Moore - Steelers - 78 to 80 - Extremely versatile player in his first year in Pittsburgh. Filled in for Willie Parker and might have to do it a few more weeks.
- HB Steve Slaton - Texans - 80 to 82 - Got some more speed after he displayed his burst a few more times vs. Miami.
- G Mike Brisiel - Texans - 77 to 78 - Came out of nowhere last year to finish the season at RG, continues to start there and does a nice job run blocking.
- T Eric Winston - Texans - 85 to 87 - Locked up Matt Roth and whoever else lined up against him. The Texans gave him a contract extension and it's easy to see why.
- HB Chris Johnson - Titans - 82 to 83 - Recovering in his bye week after not faring as well vs. grown men in Baltimore.
- DE Kyle Vanden Bosch - Titans - 93 to 94 - One of those "high motor" guys. Never stops in trying to get to the QB.
Ratings Down
- DT Tommie Harris - Bears - 96 to 94 - Bears run defense isn't what it was, and whether its injuries or what he isn't either.
- WR Earl Bennett - Bears - 76 to 74 - Can't get on the field in Chicago. Very polished product coming out of college.
- HB Chris Perry - Bengals - 81 to 79 - For my money the worst running back so far this year. Averaging 2.6 YPC with 5 fumbles. Bring on Cedric Benson.
- G Andrew Whitworth - Bengals - 86 to 84 - Got a nice contract extension and has got lazy maybe. The Bengals can't run or pass block.
- LB Kamerion Wimbley - Browns - 87 to 86 - Has done virtually nothing since his promising rookie year. 6 sacks in his last 21 games is unacceptable for a player whose job is to rush the QB.
- LB Willie McGinest - Browns - 85 to 84 - Heard his name once in the Monday night game but this guy is old and shouldn't be counted on for too much production.
- HB Edgerrin James - Cardinals - 91 to 89 - Behind Chris Perry this guy is in the conversation for most unimpressive at HB. Hightower looks twice as quick, James is incredibly slow at this point in his career.
- CB Antonio Cromartie - Chargers - 92 to 91 - Still a work in progress in man coverage. Can be beaten easily cause he is so eager to make a big play.
- G Kris Dielman - Chargers - 92 to 91 - The famed left side of the Charger line isn't blowing people off the ball like in years past.
- TE Antonio Gates - Chargers - 98 to 97 - Injuries have cost this guy the ability to get open. Takes forever to get going and to change directions.
- DT Ron Edwards - Chiefs - 83 to 78 - Completely out of the rotation at DT in the favor of going young in KC. Played pretty well last season.
- FS Jarrad Page - Chiefs - 83 to 81 - Habitual tackle whiffer leading to big plays.
- LB Donnie Edwards - Chiefs - 92 to 90 - Is banged up and has been out the past few weeks. Not a stretch to say his time in KC is up after this season.
- TE Tony Gonzalez - Chiefs - 98 to 97 - We can't remember how good you are because of the ineptness of the Chiefs passing game.
- TE L.J. Smith - Eagles - 85 to 83 - Wants to be more involved in the offense? Difficult when LJ is usually hurt.
- CB Chris Houston - Falcons - 78 to 77 - Extremely raw still trying to play man coverage which is supposed to be his strength. Very similar to his speedy predecessor at corner at Arkansas - Ahmad Carroll.
- FB Tony Richardson - Jets - 90 to 88 - Thought something was up with Minnesota made no attempt to resign him, appears to be old.
- C Dominic Raiola - Lions - 87 to 85 - Part of the giant mess known as the Detroit offensive line.
- CB Brian Kelly - Lions - 82 to 80 - Is in and out of the starting rotation in Detroit which says enough. Can't really be counted on in man coverage.
- G Stephen Peterman - Lions - 80 to 77 - Has been out with injury and didn't do a whole lot when he was in there.
- S James Sanders - Patriots - 86 to 83 - Has not been involved at all in pass coverage.
- S Michael Huff - Raiders - 87 to 85 - Is apparently a candidate to be benched in Oakland. Has not made any big plays in his time in the NFL.
- DT Rocky Bernard - Seahawks - 84 to 83 - Seahawks can't really stop anyone on the ground or anywhere else for that matter.
- CB Kelly Jennings - Seahawks - 87 to 86 - Solid corner who has beaten deep too often this year. Now benched and plays in nickel situations.
- QB Charlie Frye - Seahawks - 80 to 77 - His lack of poise was startling for a QB that has been in Seattle for over a year now. Looked bad vs. a so so Green Bay defense.
- S Deon Grant - Seahawks - 87 to 85 - Has not been good this year in pass coverage.
- S Brian Russell - Seahawks - 86 to 85 - No INT's on the year and hasn't teamed up with Deon Grant to be the safeties people expected.
- DT Amobi Okoye - Texans - 92 to 89 - Might be in a sophomore slump after big things were expected of him. In and out of the lineup.
- C Matt Birk - Vikings - 95 to 93 - The holes aren't there in the middle for Peterson.
- G Anthony Herrera - Vikings - 88 to 87 - Has struggled so far, especially in pass blocking.
- RT Ryan Cook - Vikings - 87 to 84 - Has not been playing very well, and looked completely inept vs. Detroit and Jared DeVries.
Injuries
- P Mat McBriar - Cowboys - IR
- HB Brian Leonard - Rams - IR
- S Gerald Alexander - Lions - IR
- QB Jon Kitna - Lions - IR
- G Marshall Yanda - Ravens - IR
- LB Tavares Gooden - Ravens - IR
- T Drew Radovich - Vikings - IR
Contracts
- WR Roy Williams - Cowboys - 7 years
Xbox 360 Beta Codes for Call of Duty: World at War
I just received an email today that Fileplanet will be giving away Xbox 360 Multiplayer Beta Keys tomorrow October 21st for for Call of Duty: World at War.
The beta includes Team DeathMatch, Free for all, War, and Capture the Flag on three different maps Makin, Roundhouse and Castle.
Right now there is no set date for when the The Call of Duty: World at War beta will end, but Treyarch studios has come out and said that the beta will only last for a few weeks.
Call of Duty: World at War is set to release on November 11, 2008.
Gears of War 1 & 2 Graphics Compared Side by Side
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Gears of War 2 Flashback Map Initial Impressions: Gridlock
The lighting of this map is impressive and changes the overall tone of the map. The mountain in the back jumped out at me first and adds scale. Also after looking at it more, the textures on the ground and in the vehicles make this map far more impressive to me in this comparison.
Gears of War 2 Flashback Map Initial Impressions: Subway
Again lighting has changed and the rain is gone. The buildings, both foreground and background, have more textures and there appears to be less foliage. The feeling that I get from this map is that it may look better but possibly at the cost of some character. Many of the FPS multiplayer maps we play on in current games share this exact color palette.
Gears of War 2 Flashback Map Initial Impressions: Mansion
When I think scary mansions, I think stereotypical night and rain. That is not shown in the screen from the new game. This time we get a haze and a better look at the mansion itself as well as a lamp post and foliage in the foreground. I do like that on the right side you can see the tall tree and get a feel for the environment around the residence.
Gears of War 2 Flashback Map Initial Impressions: Tyro Station
Tyro Station is the first of the two maps that are actually cooled off by the color palette. Also this map stands out to me as being vastly improved visually. Almost all of the textures are far more detailed, the environment is far more full, and the additions of things like trees make the environment seem more real. Notice the crane in the back and the big pipe coming towards the foreground. This may be my pick of the group.
Gears of War 2 Flashback Map Initial Impressions: Canals
Canals is the other cooled down map. This almost looks icy with all of the blue throughout. The trees are gone and the ornament on top of the building in the center has been taken out as well. This opens up the space more and adds to the cold feel of the map. You can also see a little more artistry in places like the bridge. The lamps appear to be tweaked and aren't glowing either. This map looks to have a feel that should translate into the gameplay.
GTA: San Andreas Heading to XBL Marketplace
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas will be heading to the Xbox Live Marketplace on October 20th. Similar to the original Xbox release, GTA: San Andreas on the 360 will still support the custom soundtrack feature and up to 480p HD resolution. The title will be available for 1200 Microsoft Points.
Call of Duty: World at War Multiplayer Details
Call of Duty 5 Multiplayer Beta Started
The multiplayer beta of Call of Duty: World at War has hit the Xbox Live Marketplace for the Xbox 360. Activison announced the release, and a few beta testing weeks are scheduled for this stage in development.
The multiplayer beta of Call of Duty: World of War offers gamers to play as either the United States Marines, the German Wehrmacth, the Japanese Imperial Army, and the Russian Red Army in the series of different multiplayer game modes (Team Deathmatch, Free-For-All, Capture the Flag, and War) and three different maps: Castle, Makin and Roundhouse.
For more information about the beta testing and instructions on how to get a token code in order to access the beta, visit the official COD5 site. The final version of Call of Duty: World at War is scheduled for release on November 14th for the Xbox 360, PC, PlayStation3, Nintendo WIi, and Nintendo DS.
Konami Considers Metal Gear Solid 4 for Xbox 360
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tom Clancy’s 'EndWar' Demo Now Available on Xbox Live
Resident Evil 5 - First New Screenshots for Xbox 360
Monday, October 13, 2008
It looks like they made a definite improvement on the graphics, and from what we have seen so far, the game play will be great! Resident Evil never ceases to amaze us.
Obama Ad Spotted in 'Burnout Paradise' Xbox 360 Game
The obvious answer is “yes.” Au notes that the Xbox 360 occupies a third of American homes. Combine that with historically low voter turnout from young people, and this looks like another way to bring out the vote.
Utility for the political candidate aside, it’s worth finding out whether these ads actually work. Obama has been hailed for leveraging new technology in his campaign—My.BarackObama, Facebook, an iPhone app—and this is another piece of the puzzle. Unlike those other methods, which can convey detailed information, this is literally billboard advertising, but in a new, virtual space. Given the tendencies of young people to avoid polling places on election day, the Democratic Party–and the Republicans, for that matter–would be wise to study the impact of Obama’s methods.
If in-game political ads prove successful, members of Congress could try it again during midterm elections, particularly if the technology exists for location-based advertising.
Halo 3: Recon - Brand New Halo Game from Bungie
Saturday, October 11, 2008
To the delight of devoted fans across the world, at the Tokyo Game Show Microsoft debuted Halo 3: Recon, developed exclusively for Xbox 360® by acclaimed developer Bungie. This new chapter in the Halo saga lets you experience events leading up to the epic story told in Halo 3 through the eyes of a new hero in the Halo universe. The stand-alone expansion, set to release in fall 2009, extends the award-winning Halo 3 experience with hours of new campaign excursions and multiplayer gameplay.
So you heard it you guys dont sell those halo 3 games just yet because they might be adding more achievements.
Game Details
This new chapter in the Halo universe includes the following:
- All-new campaign content: The Halo 3: Recon campaign is an intriguing side story that takes place during the terrifying events leading up to the Master Chief’s return to New Mombasa in Halo 3. Experience the fate of Earth from the brand-new perspective of a special forces ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper), adding a unique outlook and new gameplay elements to the events that unfold in the trilogy’s finale. While the feel of this new chapter greatly resembles that of previous Halo experiences, Halo 3: Recon will require you to employ more elements of stealth and cunning than ever before.
- Prepare to drop: Known for their courage, valor and, at times, insanity, ODSTs are among the fiercest UNSC soldiers, priding themselves on being the first unit deployed into hostile situations. While not as large or supernaturally gifted as their Spartan comrades, these “Hell Jumpers” more than compensate with their ferocious attitudes and unwavering nerve.
- Expanded multiplayer collection:No Halo experience would be complete without groundbreaking multiplayer content, and Halo 3: Recon gives fans more of what they love. With exclusive new maps and expanded Forge options, Xbox LIVE® Gold members will find more multiplayer content than ever before with Halo 3: Recon.
- Ever-growing community options: Enjoy all the great Halo 3 technological innovations, including Saved Films, screenshots, Campaign Scoring, and four-player co-op. All of the new multiplayer maps fully support the Forge editor, offering endless gameplay customization possibilities.
Avatar Customization and NXE Require 256mb Storage
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Update 2: Some clarification. The release mentions that (at minimum) a 256MB memory card is required for the NXE and Avatar customization, BUT doesn't say how many MBs out of the 256MBs are needed for the update itself. Technically, the update could use up only 150MBs leaving 256MB memory card owners with some extra storage. What's guaranteed is that 64MB card owners or those who have no storage medium are out of NXE and Avatar luck.
Update: Upon further investigation, Microsoft's press materials state; "The New Xbox Experience is available this fall through a free download to anyone with an Xbox 360 system, a broadband connection and a storage device of either a hard drive or 256MB memory unit or larger." So, we guess the entire NXE update will require an additional 256MBs of storage and Avatar customization will be a part of the NXE package.
Verbatim, the Avatar disclaimer reads "customizing avatars requires a 256 MB memory unit or greater" which really isn't that big of a deal, unless you are a Core or Arcade 360 owner. 256MB of storage would mean that Core owners are totally out of Avatar customization luck (though, we doubt they care) and Arcade owners would have to max out their bundled 256MB memory card. That means our Arcade friends would have to choose: Avatar customization or saving game progress. Decisions, decisions ...
Launch Date for Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3
Eurogamer has reported the launch dates for Command and Conquer: Red Alert 3 that were officially announced by Electronic Arts. The first date is for the PC version, that will be released on October, 31st. The RTS will be available for Xbox 360 on November 13th. No news yet for the PlayStation 3 version, since the development for the Sony console was halted by EA last June.
The typical atmosphere from the series seems to be present in this new episode, which also features a rather famous cast on the movie scenes, names that include Gemma Atkinson, Jenny McCarthy, George Takei, JK Simmons and Jonathan Pryce.
Top 10 Games for the Xbox 360
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The Xbox 360 is known for it's large selection of games, but which ones are the best? From the casual platformer to the hardcore shooter, there's something for everyone on this system, and we've listed the very best right here, these are the best games money can buy.
10. Grand Theft Auto IV
Why It's Great: You already know what Grand Theft Auto IV is. You know, your friends know, your family knows, and that random guy walking down the street knows. For better or worse, GTA4 ranked among the most eagerly-anticipated games of all time, and when it finally came out, it did so with a bang that singed mainstream media's eyebrows. Some call it the Godfather of gaming, others call it trash. Most who have played it can agree that it's a seminal experience. Put your hands together for Rockstar, because it doesn't matter what you have or haven't heard: This game simply must be played.
8. Burnout Paradise
Why It's Great: It lives by its name. Burnout Paradise has everything a Burnout should: perfect crashes, slow-mo destruction, more crashes, and much more destruction. But the Paradise City setting is what raises this game a step above the competition. It's a load-free, perfectly seamless world that you can fling yourself across to your heart's content, blowing apart just about everything (including you), and earning loot for yourself all the while. No game taps into the primal desire to see Big Things Go Boom better than this one.
Why It's Great: It's the best Rainbow Six that's ever existed, bar none. The visuals are powered by Unreal Engine 3, which means the neon lights pop, the slot machines sing, and the characters move with the strength and grace that Team Rainbow always deserved. The controls and cover system are smooth as a bullet casing and completely intuitive. And the co-op game is as polished as the single player experience and twice as thrilling. Accept no substitutes: Vegas 2 is the definitive Rainbow.
Why It's Great: Never in gaming has there been a better bang-for-the-buck deal than the Orange Box. You get Half Life 2 and its episodic sequels, a single-player rollercoaster of rich storytelling and multi-award-winning gameplay. You get Team Fortress 2, a multiplayer classic polished to absolute perfection. And you get Portal, three hours of what is perhaps the most innovative first-person puzzle gaming you'll ever play. It's a must-own compilation if ever there was one.
Why It's Great: Turn down the lights and pull on the wetsuit -- it's mighty moist in Rapture. 2K Boston constructed a marvel of storytelling, morality, and environmental suspense with BioShock, diving its players far beneath the Atlantic and sealing them into a submerged dystopia. Beautiful water effects and devilishly fun weapons lured us in, but it was the brutal Big Daddies and twisted Little Sisters that had us holding our breath down every leaking passage. BioShock is a must-buy if you love shooters, horror, RPG elements, or any combination thereof.
Why It's Great: It's a masterpiece. That, and you've got a chainsaw on your gun. Sure, the combat is visceral and mercilessly bloody. Sure, the cover system's excellent and the world is rough and tangible. Sure, the set pieces are brilliant and undeniably memorable. And yes, it's true that Epic Games went from being "the studio that made Unreal Tournament" to "the guys that gave us Gears of War." But all that pales in comparison to one simple fact: You've got a chainsaw on your gun.
3. Halo 3
Why It's Great: You don't really need to be told, do you? Halo 3 is the crescendo to a majestic orchestral trilogy, the single finest example of gameplay perfection as it can be experienced on the Xbox 360. Its story is soaring and timeless; its single-player campaign a symphony of exhilaration and suspense, of heroism and redemption. Its multiplayer has defined what it means to be a shooter on Xbox Live, from the customizable matchmaking to the smack-talking preteens. Other games may steal the crown now and then, but Halo 3 will always have rightful claim to the throne.
Why It's Great: They took one look at Guitar Hero and said, "we can do it better." They did. Great as Guitar Hero is, Rock Band's addition of a drum set saw gaming bands pop up from coast to coast. Innovations in the controller's design turned soloing into an art form. New tracks are added onto Rock Band's song list almost before you've finished downloading old ones. And there's no danger in buying them, because they're all backwards-compatible with Rock Band 2. The game's not much fun without friends, but if you've got them, you're golden.
1. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Why It's Great: The moment we realized how sick and tired we were of WWII clones, Infinity Ward stepped up with Call of Duty 4. Modern Warfare got knocked early on for telling a too-linear story with too-linear level design, but we'd forgotten just how much we missed living in a story as it unfolds. Thanks to an engine with everything from depth of field to bullet penetration and freaky-accurate physics, CoD4 is the closest we've come to actually stepping out onto the battlefield. And when you consider that the multiplayer game is so good, it's actually giving Halo 3 a run for its money, it's no wonder we count CoD4 among the very best. This is the definitive modern shooter: accept no substitutes.
There you have it, the Top 10 Games for the Xbox 360, now go spend some money!
New Info on Xbox 360 Holiday Bundles Surfaces!
Keeping with the tradition, Microsoft is releasing q "Holiday Bundle" for each of their three Xbox 360 systems. If you remember in 2007, Microsoft included two bonus games with it's Xbox, Forza 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance. For 2008, here's what you'll find included in each of the new holiday bundles (click for the CompUSA pre-order pages):
- Xbox 360 Arcade Holiday Bundle ($199.99) - Includes Xbox Live Arcade Unplugged Volume 1, and SEGA Superstars Tennis game.
- Xbox 360 Pro Holiday Bundle ($299.99) - Includes bonus LEGO Indiana Jones and Kung Fu Panda games.
- Xbox 360 Elite Holiday Bundle ($399.99) - Includes bonus LEGO Indiana Jones and Kung Fu Panda games.
The bundles also note a free trial for Netflix in November 2008, when the new Xbox Experience should be ready for us!
Gears of War 2 Countdown Clock
Tuesday, October 7, 2008A cool countdown clock to the release of Gears of War 2 for the Xbox 360.
EA Announces 'The Dark Knight' Video Game for Xbox 360 and Playstation 3
Electronic Arts has just confirmed that they will be releasing 'The Dark Knight', based on the popular summer Batman blockbuster, for the PS3 and Xbox 360.
Electronic Arts and Pandemic Studios have just confirmed that the Dark Knight is indeed coming to home consoles, which is based on one of the best blockbuster action adventure movies of recent years.
The Dark Knight is currently scheduled for a 2009 release, but more on the release date and details will be posted as soon as they become available.
New Holiday Xbox 360 Bundles for Europe
Microsoft is fighting to break the close race against Playstation 3 in Europe and hopes to further their lead in the UK by releasing a few new holiday deals this season. Here’s what the bundles have to offer:
Xbox 360 Arcade Bundle: People who purchase the arcade system bundle can look forward to receiving copies of Xbox Live Arcade Unplugged Volume 1, which includes games like Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved, Wik: Fable of Souls, and Texas Hold 'em. Also in included in the bundle Superstars Tennis.
Xbox 360 Premium & Elite Bundles: Those who purchase the Premium or Elite system will receive Lego Indiana Jones and Kung Fu Panda: The Game. The bundles will be available from October 17th.
These bundles aren’t exactly for the hardcore gamers, but are geared more towards the all-important parents and kids demographic.