The greatest thing about Indie publishing is the ability to do fun, addictive little games that no major studio would touch. To that end, Lighthouse Games released its best title to date today, Avatar Cannon.
In this game, you literally shoot your avatar out of a cannon on the savannah plains of Africa, using meerkats, rhinos, and other animals to assist with death-defying (and occassionally tragically-ending) stunts. This little Indie features 3D graphics, unlockables, and global leaderboards. A free demo is avaliable, or the whole game costs 240 MSP.
Bonus code for all you X3D.com readers: at the About menu option, press X X Y X on the controller to unlock the Fanboy Reward.
We will be online for our official Xbox community playdate Wednesday, March 24, starting at 8:00 P.M. ET (5:00 P.M. PT) playing Modern Warfare 2. All you need to do to join us is send a friend request or game invite to one of these Gamertags below. In order to insure maximum participation from our community anyone who has sent us a friend request has been noted. You should receive a game invite on Wednesday. (Don’t worry if your request is not accepted, as we’ve received hundreds of requests today alone.)
Pkort
BillyK128
FlashAK
TNT82
Teh Emo Penguin
RZAN0L0GY
Zayden1620
DragonSteelMods
alliednations26
richintheory
G CARMINE
As a thank you to our devoted readers we are offering a chance to ensure a spot in our games. Leave a comment below with your Gamertag and send a friend request to Xbox360Digest to be invited to the first sets of games.
More information is available on the official Xbox.com page here.
Bioware just announced another paid for DLC for Mass Effect 2 set to release on March 23. Included in this are some new outfits for Garrus, Thane and Jack. Jack’s outfit is the only one that looks drastically different from her usual attire, complete with a funky new visor that looks like it was taken straight out of some 70’s disco party. Thane and Garrus’s new outfits are hardly different from the default ones provided. This seems like it should just be a free download from the Cerberus Network instead of paying 160 MS Points ($2) for it. After all, it’s just some new outfits.
Hot on the heels of Street Fighter IV having swept the fighter genre by storm, Aksys Games announced the resurrection of its own bestselling 2D fighter, BlazBlue, in BlazBlue: Continuum Shift. The new title releases this summer, along with a storyline-accompanying comic series.
In the new title, Aksys promises a return of all the original arcade characters, each with additional moves and weapons. BB:CS also features three new characters, Tsubaki, μ-12, and Hazama. The game also have full XBox Live support, allowing players on XBL to either play worldwide, or observe and chat with players. If you’ve never played BlazBlue, Aksys promises new beginner and tutorial modes to assist.
Robert Bowling, community manager for Infinity Ward, announced today that there is going to be a double XP weekend from April 2-5. Timed to coincide with the Stimulus Package, this is the first of hopefully more double XP weekends to come.
Next week, a ten song collection will be heading to Rock Band, while the usual amount of Guitar Hero tracks, 3, will be heading to Xbox live Marketplace as a Track Pack. A new addition to the Weekly Music DLC Roundup, a list of all the Rock Band Network songs that were released this week is also included! Read on for the full list!
Microsoft has just confirmed the official release date for Mass Effect 2’s next DLC, ‘Firewalker’. Coming out to the Cerberus Network on March 23, it will add 5 new missions to the game which use the new Hammerhead Hover Tank. Keep your eyes peeled for its release, and check back on Xbox 360 Digest for more information about its price tag.
Inside MGC has put up a list of the achievements that will be accompanying Microsoft’s new Game Room. Set to release on March 24th (the same night as our Community Playdate!), they’re really making an effort to get people to participate. The list totals out to 1,000 achievement points, so all of you achievement hunters get ready.
Rockstar has released a list of all the preorder bonuses for Red Dead Redemption. Hit the jump for details and video footage of all the notable bonuses available.
Say you’ve an Aussie flatmate. And for the past year he’s been claiming your thrashing him in MLB is because the game’s “all wrong”. Now’s his chance to put up or shut up.
Today Codemasters announced International Cricket 2010, featuring a laundry list of game features that sound awesome, but probably won’t mean anything to the Yankees in the audience (like “bowling singles” and “quick slog”). Things like local and online play, fully customizable team, 90mph pitches, and 360-degree directional control we can definitely get behind. The title features 16 countries and 21 stadiums from around the world, and is licensed by the ECB (England/Wales Cricket Board) and Cricket Australia.
So send your batsmen up to stroke, and wager a little friendly over some Foster’s. International Cricket 2010 releases this summer.
We’ll be online for an official Xbox community playdate on Wednesday, March 24, starting at 8:00 P.M. ET (5:00 P.M. PT) playing Modern Warfare 2. If you're a Gold Member, send a friend request to one of these gamertags, and we’ll add you to the list! (You’ll also get a friend request from Xbox 360 Digest confirming your interest.) Pkort BillyK128 FlashAK TNT82 Teh Emo Penguin RZAN0L0GY Zayden1620 ...
Review: Perfect Dark
The Digest: A Nintendo 64 classic makes its way to XBLA and retains all the wonderful qualities that made it a landmark title back in 2000. While the things that defined it as an innovative, landmark game a decade ago are now commonplace and even outdated, the game retains its charm and value as an extremely entertaining FPS with a super hot main character and tons of spirit.
THE FACT SHEET
RELEASE DATE: March 17, 2010
PUBLISHER: Xbox LIVE Arcade
DEVELOPER: Rareware
ESRB RATING: “M” for Mature
GENRE: FPS
PRICE: 800 MS Points ($10)
Review: Toy Soldiers
The Digest: Signal Studios brings gamers back into the muddy trenches of World War One, promising a unique blend of classic RTS elements and real-time control of individual units. Mustard gas, flamethrowers, heavy artillery and even biplanes are all part of your arsenal as you face the enemy in wave after wave. Combined with solid multiplayer, Signal Studios delivers an arcade title that’s perfect for everyone.
THE FACT SHEET
RELEASE DATE: March 3, 2010
PUBLISHER: Microsoft Game Studios
DEVELOPER: Signal Studios
GENRE: Action
ESRB RATING: "T" for Teen
PRICE: 1200 MS Points
Review: Greed Corp
The Digest: A unique turn-based strategy game that will either thrill you to the core or make you want to jam freshly-sharpened pencils in your eyes. To put it right out there - Greed Corp is not a game for those new to the strategy genre. While the premise of the game is rather simple, it has many elements that will drive an unseasoned TPS player to madness without a lot of hesitation.
THE FACT SHEET
RELEASE DATE: February 24, 2010
PUBLISHER: Xbox LIVE Arcade
DEVELOPER: Valcon Games LLC / W!Games
ESRB RATING: “E” for Everyone
GENRE: Strategy & Simulation
PRICE: 800 MS Points ($10)
Insane Mass Effect 2 Class Guide
The recommendations in this guide are geared toward the Hardcore/Insanity difficulty. Since almost all enemies have an extra layer of protection or two (Armor/Barrier/Shield), this takes into account which combinations are most effective at stripping away an enemies defense. On the lower level difficulties, where you don’t need to worry about extra defensive layers, then feel free investing points into other abilities such as Pull, Throw, Cryo Blast, etc. When you mainly only need to take into account enemy health, then that’s where classes such as the Adept and Vanguard, shine.
Review: Bioshock 2
The Digest: 2K Marin dives back into the depths of Rapture to experience life like never before, as a Big Daddy. As a giant walking through the depths of the unknown, 2K Marin and Digital Extremes deliver all of the excitement from the original game, while improving it, and add a great multiplayer that will be sure to keep you playing this game for months.
The Fact Sheet
RELEASE DATE: February 9, 2010
PUBLISHER: 2K Games
DEVELOPER: 2K Marin, 2K Australia, Digital Extremes, and 2K China
ESRB RATING: “M” for Mature
GENRE: Shooter
Review: Bayonetta
The Digest: Somewhere in some secret lab, someone decided to combine the DNA of Dante from Devil May Cry, Ryu Hayabusa of Ninja Gaiden and Kratos from God of War. The result had to be the creation of one bad ass... Witch. I wouldn’t normally picture a witch carrying guns, but carrying guns on her boots? Yeah, only a witch could pull something like that off.
THE FACT SHEET
RELEASE DATE: January 5, 2010
PUBLISHER: Sega
DEVELOPER: Platinum Games
ESRB RATING: “M” for Mature
GENRE: Action
Bioshock 2 Collector’s Edition Review
The Digest: I'd like to note right away that I won't be talking about the game at all in this review - one of our other team members is taking care of that soon. This review is specifically about the contents of the Collector's Edition set for Bioshock 2 and whether or not it justifies the additional $40 price tag.
In short, the answer is yes. Read on to find out what all it includes, how it is packaged and see photos of the items. This isn't your normal junky bunch of plastic action figures and gimmick items, ...
Indie Review: Creed Arena
The Digest: Like all Indie games, Creed Arena uses a basic premise for the game. This works well as the focus is solely on game play. The dual shooter views come in handy, but they usually cater to the particular weapon you’re wielding. While it is a solid first attempt by developer Safari Studios, there are certainly improvements to be made.
THE FACT SHEET
RELEASE DATE: January 1st, 2010
DEVELOPER: Safari Studios
Platform: Xbox LIVE® Indie Games
GENRE: Shooter
PRICE: 400 MS Points
Review: Mass Effect 2
The Digest: Mass Effect 2 is nothing short of a masterpiece. The days of Square Enix ruling this market are long gone as BioWare continues to set the standard for future RPG’s. Improving upon all facets, while fixing many of the problems that plagued the first, the second chapter is leaps and bounds ahead. Using a combat heavy focus with a plethora of new weapons and powers, I can safely move this into one of my all time favorite games. THE FACT SHEET RELEASE DATE: January 26th, 2010 PUBLISHER: Electronic Arts ...
Review: Konnet Power Pyramid (Controller Charging Station)
Hello All! Today I’ve got another Xbox360 accessory review for you, this one though is for your controllers. Buying the charge and play kits can be expensive, and it’s cheaper to just buy a battery by itself as we know. The problem here is that you’ll need at least one charging cable, and then if you’ve got four controllers you have to share that cable with all of them so charging can take quite a while. Konnet has sent me over the Power Pyramid Xbox360 Controller Charging Station for review today. The Power ...
Review: Alien Breed Evolution (Episode 1)
The Digest: Famously known for their Worms franchise, developer Team 17 has gone back to their roots. This remake of the Amiga classic does what the title suggests. While improving upon the originals top-down view with an isometric camera angle and improved graphics and sound, Alien Breed Evolution will have you wishing Ripley was right by your side.
THE FACT SHEET
RELEASE DATE: December 16th, 2009
PUBLISHER: Team 17
DEVELOPER: Team 17
ESRB RATING: T (Teen)
GENRE: Action
PRICE: $10 (800MSP)
Most Anticipated in 2010
With 2009 having wrapped up a strong year in gaming, you can expect more of the same in the next 12 months. While there are a plethora of other games that will garner plenty of attention and praise, here’s a list of what we here at Xbox 360 Digest are most excited for.
In chronological order of release date (Confirmed & Expected), hit the jump to see the list.
Review: Xbox 360 Starter Pack
Most of the reviews we’ve done here are games, but I think it’s time we got started with some accessory reviews as well. MobileFun is a company based out of the UK and they carry mobile stuff like phones and accessories. They also carry game related products so they sent me over a nice little, inexpensive starter kit for the Xbox360 for review. It’s aptly named the Xbox 360 Starter Pack and it includes a nice long HDMI cable, full sized headset and a remote that is similar to the Xbox one but only smaller. The price is about $30, ...
Review: Assassin’s Creed II
The Digest: Assassin's Creed II creates a phenomenal sequel, while incorporating the most lethal Italian on this side of the Mushroom Kingdom. The improvements made to the formula established in the first Assassin’s Creed are what will bring new fans into the fold. Now, me writing this review and you reading this review is robbing us of some valuable AC2 time!! THE FACT SHEET RELEASE DATE: November 17th, 2009 PUBLISHER: Ubisoft DEVELOPER: Ubisoft Montreal ESRB RATING: “M” for Mature ...
Review: Borderlands
The Digest: Borderlands has to be one of, if not THE sleeper game of the year. If you’re not prepared, you’ll see the wrong game coming. This is a game that I felt took inspiration from the original Xbox title Deus EX with its brand of RPG/FPS gameplay or as those in the “know” call it, RPS (Role Playing Shooter). I’m not in the “know”, but it says it on the back of the box.
THE FACT SHEET
RELEASE DATE: October 20th, 2009
PUBLISHER: 2K Games
DEVELOPER: Gearbox Software
ESRB RATING: “M” for Mature
GENRE: RPS (Role Playing Shooter)
PRICE: $59.99
Review: Forza Motorsport 3
The Digest:
After much hype and promise, the Microsoft gem, Forza, has returned for another generation of simulation goodness. Turn 10 has been hitting hard from the very first Forza, and with this latest release, I can assure you that they’re not showing any signs of slowing down.
THE FACT SHEET
RELEASE DATE: October 27, 2009
PUBLISHER: Microsoft Game Studios
DEVELOPER: Turn 10 Studios
ESRB RATING: “E” for Everyone
GENRE: Racing
PRICE: $59.99
PRODUCT OVERVIEW:
Review: Left 4 Dead 2
The Digest: Alright, fine... I'll put down my controller long enough to type a review...
Today was a prevalent day for Xbox 360 owners, showing us the release of two heavy-hitting sequels. Assassin's Creed 2 was launched, the follow up to the ever-popular and ever-repetitive Crusade action game. Hopes were high that the sequel would retain the joyous elements of the first title, while fixing the things that made it a tedious punch in the face after a few hours.
But alas, I am poor, so I am only here to comment about the other big-time release for today: Left ...
Review: Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City
The Digest: Another amazing performance from Rockstar. Grand Theft Auto as usual, with a brand new storyline, weapons and vehicles all set in the massive, detailed Liberty City. For the $39.99 price tag, definitely a must-buy.
THE FACT SHEET
RELEASE DATE: October 29, 2009
PUBLISHER: Rockstar
DEVELOPER: Rockstar
ESRB RATING: “M” for Mature 17+
GENRE: Action
PRICE: $39.99
PRODUCT OVERVIEW:
Review: NBA 2K10
The Lowdown: The King is back. Several new layers of realism have been added to create the best basketball experience to ever make it to the console. While some minor technical issues hold this title back from reaching it's full potential, this 10th anniversary edition is the basketball game to own.
THE FACT SHEET
RELEASE DATE: October 6th, 2009
PUBLISHER: Visual Concepts
DEVELOPER: 2K Sports
ESRB RATING: “E” for Everyone
GENRE: Sports Simulation
PRICE: $59.99
Rockstar has released a list of all the preorder bonuses for Red Dead Redemption. Hit the jump for details and video footage of all the notable bonuses available.
