XBox 360 Rally

Enterbrain, a research company from Japan, has reported on this beautiful Friday morning that Halo 3, which was released in Japan yesterday, sold 45,000 copies.

When you consider that Blue Dragon, the highest selling Xbox 360 title in the land of the rising sun, sold 83,000 it’s first week, I’d say Halo 3 may become a moderate success over there.

In an effort to differentiate my two articles, here’s a little added something: I never could understand why the Japanese hate the Xbox so much. I know that our vastly differing cultures make it difficult to sell one product in the other’s home territory, but come on. Japan is the only market where the PS3 is beating the 360, and that just tells me something is wrong here… or there. Whichever.

[Xbox360Only.nl]

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As the time of Halo 3 draws near and there is some sort of news about the game every.. eh.. 20 minutes or so, comes the biggest news of them all…. Halo 3 will have DLC!! This comes from a recent sit down with Next-Gen, having Jonty Barnes and Jay Weinland representing Bungie. When asked about what will happen after Halo 3 is actually released, their reply was:

JW: Although we haven’t announced details, we have talked about downloadable content at some point.

JB: Yeah, I think that’s inevitable. We have released DLC in spring this year for Halo 2, a game that is two-and-a-half years old. We’ve still got 300,000 players of Halo 2 still playing the game. The last DLC was purely to support the call-outs from the community. I imagine seeing more of that in DLC for Halo 3.

I’m really excited by the Forge [Halo 3's map editing feature], and we don’t really think we understand what the people are going to create.

Being a huge Time Splitters fan, I can’t lie, I am very excited about the map editing feature myself more so than having to pay for levels. All I can do is remember the days when they were free, hopefully Bungie will do the honorable thing and stick with what they did with Halo 2 and have a certain time frame for people to buy the levels or whatever else they offer, then give it for free 3 months later or something).

Another note from Barnes sitting down with GameSpot was a quick quote about the Beta and preparing their servers for the horde that will be playing very soon, “The amount of polish feedback was especially helpful, and we also found we had to triple our server capacity.”

[Source 1Pstart.com | Header image stolen from JW because it was too damn funny I had to steal it]
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NeoGAF user Hooterville somehow got himself a copy of Halo 3 early (hmmmm), chose to go with the “Limited Edition” version, and it came scratched brand new. He shows with three pics the packaging and the disc, and it is pretty easily seen why exactly the discs are scratching. You know that little circle thingy that actually holds the disc in place, it seems that someone forgot to put it there, I mean, there is something that resembles what would hold a disc in the middle, but it is more of a shadow of a little circle thingy than a full on nub that would hold the disc in. Enough of my scientific big words, look no further than the pictures below:

Is this how all our copies will come if we went with the Limited Edition (This was the one I wanted to get, Legendary was too much, but I can’t just get the regular). If you pre-ordered in store somewhere, make sure to open up your copy in the story at the clerks desk to ensure if it is scratched they seen you open it right in front of them and keep making them hand you over a new one. If you pre-ordered online, I pray for you, just expect the discs to be floating in the box and hope they aren’t bad enough where you can’t play. Thanks again Microsoft!
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CVG was able to snag an interview with co-founder and president of Bioware, Dr. Greg Zeschuk and pull some good info for you to chew on as we all keep waiting for this title. Here is the cliff notes of what went down:

• Most challenging designed game they have ever done.
• Downloadable content is a must, he states the obvious of it “can really help and drive the longevity of a game“
• Because the way Mass Effect was designed, the DLC could not only be just extra weapons and features, but do not rule out more missions, as those could be added to bridge the gaps in storyline between Mass Effect one and the sequel.
• Still undecided if a demo is coming or not (This could go either way, Gears of War did fine without it, I have no doubts Bioshock killed in sales with the help of their demo)
• All three Mass Effect games will be on Xbox 360, however, they cannot comment on exclusivity.
• Without answering yes or no to the infamous “Will there be gay aliens,” the lack of an answer means “yes”

If you haven’t, I highly suggest checking out “Just the Facts” part 1 here, as when you put all the information for this game together, it shows depth like no other game out there.
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As reported by 1PStart.com Call of Duty 4 has rightly not gone gold. I know myself and all my friends I have made through the Beta have strong opinions on some things, but overall, this is one fast action paced FPS. Battlefield 2 on steroids, quote me on that.

The infamous “fourzerotwo” who has been giving the CoD4 updates as of late, posted on this blog about the features that are still being tweaked, “We’re still testing Single Player and using beta feedback to fine tune the multiplayer experience via tweaks of spawn logic, optimizing netcode on the backend, tweaking matchmaking and game performance now that we see how it will handle with hundreds of thousands of players on at once. Keep in mind that we can tweak and use your feedback for the multiplayer portion of the game all the way to ship, and even after launch via Patches. So keep your beta feedback coming, it’s not going to waste simply because we’re putting the polishing details on Single Player. A lot of what we change in Multiplayer is able to be done on the backend here at the studio.”

It is also worth noting that he mentions that since the Beta has come out, there hasn’t been a Xbox Live Top Ten list posted, so there is no way to tell how just a Beta is comparing to other games (I can see this Beta being right up there with Bioshock this past week or so).
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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.

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Over 10,000 stores are going to be opening at midnight for you Halo geeks (I swear not me!). However, only four stores are going to be bringing out the big assault rifles.

New York: Best Buy on 5th Avenue (by Times Square)
Both Spike TV and G4 will broadcast from there, as well as appearances from Bungie team members and random celebrities.

Los Angeles: GameStop at Universal CityWalk location
Again, Spike TV and G4 will be there, also contests, celebrity autograph session (who, which celebrity?!), and an appearance by Master Chief himself (well, I guess that answers my celebrity autograph question).

Miami: Circuit City (8575 Northwest 13th Terrace)
Some Bungie people will be here too! Along with some Miami Dophins players .. meh, they are going to sign autographs and play against fans. I *might* attempt to get to this Miami one as it would only be a couple of hours drive for me. I do love seeing geeks in groups.

Seattle: Best Buy (457 120th Ave NE, Bellevue)
Some Bungie people will be here, woo!

All four locations will have chances for prizes (shirts, books, other swag, even a Halo 3 Zune)
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UK Halo fans, you have my condolences. It appears that all Halo 3 midnight launch plans in the United Kingdom have been scrapped. You see, the people in Westminster (no idea where that is) fear that so many people would show up for the midnight launch, that there would be panic in the streets of London.

Man, that must suck for you guys, not being able to get your Halo fix at midnight. As for me and my fat, stupid, bloated, self-righteous American ass? …yeah, I’ll be at my local GameStop, getting my hands on some Legendary Edition goodness. For those of you in Westminster… you’ll get yours on the 25th.

[CVG]

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I have emailed Hudson with no reply on whether this is pure lulz coming from the Dtoid guys, which though is possible, this is looking to be pretty true so far. A little background, much like sites such as Joystiq or Kotaku, Destructoid was a gaming blog, but with a little twist, they are more community driven and just a lot more fun, all while still keeping up with the video game news. Destructoid is pure indie, there is no AOL or other such “network” of sites backing them up, pure independent media. So for them to get the connections with Hudson, who is a company that would certainly have the fun enough attitude to support an indie web site that had a recognizable character that represents them (Mr Destructoid) into their game, it all does make sense.

If you see their announcement page for this news (Here) you will see the other new character models and levels that will come in the “Bomb Up Pack 2″ later this month. I have yet to get a press release for the pics of the new characters and levels, so I just await an email back from Hudson to at the least take this out of the Mill o Rumor section. No matter what, hats off from myself and JW here at Xbox360Rally.com for making it into one of the best XBLA games made (if its true!)

For now, here is the other updates that we should be seeing in the DLC pack:

* * Ten New Characters – In addition to Destructoid, other new characters include “Bomberella” the cavewoman and “El Bombito” the matador, resulting in countless new ways for players to customize their in-game Bomberman. Other characters include Alien Bomber, Bomb the Fool, Bomberbell, Flower Bomb, Debbie Downer, Bomber X, and Bomb of Doom. Check out the gallery for a first look at the other characters!

* * Two Additional Levels – New arenas include “Medieval Times,” a level in which bombs and sorcery collide and that allows players to select any gimmick they want, and “Full Tilt,” a level set at a racetrack which features speed circles that dictate how fast players move.
* * One New Game Mode – “Bomb Shelters” will allow players to hide from explosions in a small, fireproof building.
* * Two New Leaderboards – Dominate the competition on two new ranking systems on the Xbox LIVE® network. The new leaderboards will track performance on both a weekly and an all-time basis for the speed circle gimmicks on the new “Full Tilt” map.

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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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Michael Pachter, or who I consider the Mel Kiper of the gaming industry, has come out and stated that he expects to see Halo 3 sell [three] MILLION copies in the first twelve days. Pachter also says that we can expect to see Halo 3 drive console sales, possibly pushing as many as 400,000 Xbox 360s out the door, in what would (obviously?) be the highest figures of any non-holiday month since it’s launch in November, 2005.

Now, it goes without saying that Halo 3 is going to be a system seller. Halo 3 was the quickest to one million pre-orders, and the hype machine surrounding the game’s launch is on par with most presidential campaigns. Everyone knows it’s coming, most if not all Xbox 360 owners are psyched for it, and when that fateful Monday night gets here, sidewalks will be crowded with dozens of Halo 3 fanatics.

Which reminds me — I’ll be doing Halo 3 launch coverage. It’s going to be awesome.

[Gamasutra]

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The newest NPD numbers are out, and it’s lookin’ good for the Xbox 360. In the month of August, the 360 sold 276,700 units, coming in second out of the three consoles (and third overall, DS being #2) behind the Wii.

Also, two Xbox 360 titles were in the Top 20 SKUs for August: Madden NFL 08 at 896,600 units, and BioShock at 490,900 units. Two Workds, Guitar Hero II and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 for the Xbox 360 were also in the top 20, as well as Madden NFL 08 for the Xbox.

You can see a full list of consoles AND games after the break.

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Chip Ganassi Racing, in association with both Target and Microsoft, have revealed the new Halo 3 paintjob that will adorn driver David Stremme’s #40 Dodge Avenger. The paint scheme, which will replace Stremme’s usual Coors Light sponsorship, will make it’s only appearance of the 2007 Nextel Cup season at Dover International Speedway on September 23rd, 2007.

In addition to having the sponsorship and rather sharp paint scheme, there will also be kiosks at DIS, allowing NASCAR fans the opporitunity to try our the final, complete version of Halo 3 two days before it’s official launch on the 25th.

Read the full press release, as well as get a closer look at the #40 Halo 3/Target Dodge Avenger, after the break.

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In a bit of news that is sure to break the hearts of all twelve people who bought Shadowrun, FASA Studio has shut down. On a forum post at the official Shadowrun message boards, a Mr. “Mitch” informed the world that FASA Studios has shut down, and that yesterday was the last official day for those who had not moved on to other positions within Microsoft Game Studios.

Dear Friends,

It is my sad duty to announce that FASA Studio has officially closed its doors. Today was the official last day of employment for those of us who had not moved on to other positions within Microsoft Game Studios. While the rumors have been circulating forever, we chose to wait on an official announcement because we didn’t want people’s attention distracted from our last product, Shadowrun, a game we love.

As a testament to the team’s commitment to Shadowrun, we released three title updates to improve the product even after the team learned we were losing our studio. We have kept our Community Manager and Technical Support Manager on the job to aid and support you and will continue to do so while people continue to play our game. I am pleased that about half of us have found great positions elsewhere in MGS and Microsoft where they can share their experience and passion with the great people there.

But now, as the last of us say our goodbyes to each other, I’m saying goodbye to you on behalf of a group of talented and dedicated professionals who busted their humps for the love of the game. I am proud to have worked with and represented them to you and know that wherever they go, they will continue to kick ass.

Mitch

While no one wants to see a game studio go belly-up, when you release games like Shadowrun… it’s bound to happen. Not every studio can be like Acclaim, where they survived for years and years by making high-profile, low-quality turds.

But that isn’t to say that FASA was a bad developer, far from it. Games like MechWarrior 4 and Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge were both critical hits, not to mention a blast to play. All I’m saying is that it’s a shame that a promising studio had to go out on such a low note.

[Shadowrun Forums]

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Wow, Microsoft is kicking ass at a recent briefing in Japan during the Tokoyo Game Show. Some pretty big news, not only is Team Ninja developing Ninja Gaiden 2 exclusively for the 360 it is also being published by Microsoft themselves. Awesome news. Keeps getting better. We also have the Ninja Gaiden official brand spanking new trailer:


Square-Enix jumps on stage to discuss with everyone two new titles, “Infinite Undiscovery” and “The Last Remnant” (Though we have covered Last Remnant on the Rally before)

As JW just pointed out that Lost Odyssey is 95% done .. it also has a release date of February 2008! Not too far away, not like there isn’t enough games in the mean time to play. I have been waiting on Lost Odyssey for so long I had to make sure this news hits you from two posts!

A lot more random, not as important, but still read worthy information on just about all the games coming out for basically the holiday season, has been put out in a press release, to read, just click below:

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