Want to make a name for yourself, as well as pad your wallet? Doritos and MLG have teamed up to bring another year of Unlock Xbox. Last year’s winner was Dash of Destruction, one of the rare free arcade titles. If you think you have what it takes, check the official rules out at UnlockXbox.com
Doritos Joins Forces with Major League Gaming in Partnership to Discover Next Generation of Pro Video Gamers
NEW YORK and PLANO, Texas, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ — Major League Gaming and the Doritos brand today announced a partnership to bring pro football’s combine concept to the competitive video game world. The Doritos MLG Skills Combine will be a nationwide, multi-day competition where amateur players are put through their paces by MLG League officials and pros, with an eye towards evaluating their potential for participation in the MLG Pro Circuit.
This week starts the epic beginning of releases. Releasing into the public’s hands includes the new Guitar Hero 5 with Xbox Live Avatar Support. Section 8 also releases on Tuesday. In terms of Xbox Live Arcade, Defense Grid: The Awakening, and Yo-Ho Kablammo both release for 800 Microsoft Points.
This September, grunge legend and Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain will appear in Guitar Hero 5. He will be available as a playable character for two of Nirvana’s legendary songs from the 1991 album “Nevermind.” The songs are the iconic “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and a previously unreleased live version of “Lithium.”
“Kurt Cobain is one of the most recognizable frontmen in rock ‘n’ roll history and it’s an honor to have two of Nirvana’s masterpieces included in Guitar Hero 5,” said Tim Riley, Vice President of Music Affairs for Activision. “This is the first time the original recording of ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ has ever been licensed in an entertainment property and we’re thrilled to offer Guitar Hero fans exclusive access to the unreleased live version of ‘Lithium.’” Every time a previously unreleased Nirvana single is made public it’s a pretty big deal, so expect a lot of hype around this track.
This feature of the upcoming game will be a big deal for many people who grew up in the 1990s and identified with Nirvana’s music. His appearance will be cool, if nothing else. Let’s just hope Courtney Love stays out of the game.
For those nostalgic for the dead, also being resurrected for a guest appearance in GH5 is Johnny Cash, playing “Ring of Fire.”
Best Buy is currently having a sale on Xbox 360 games. While it’s a limited set of games, it’s a pretty large list with a lot of great games. I even see COD: Modern Warfare 2 and Halo 3:ODST on the list, meaning the discount applies to pre-orders too!
Mix or match top-notch games. Either way, you save!
For a limited time, when you order a select Xbox 360 title, you can get 50% off a second title of equal or lesser value.
Shop from a hefty list of action-filled games, and choose two priced $79.99 or less. Plus, you’ll get free shipping on both titles.
Follow these steps:
1. Select a qualifying Xbox 360 game from this extensive list.
2. Return to this page.
3. Use the link above to shop for your second game.
The savings will be reflected in your cart, with 50% off the title of equal or lesser value. Items may ship separately. One half-priced title per order. See offer details.
The upcoming DLC for GTA IV by Rockstar, The Ballad of Gay Tony, will be releasing its first trailer this Tuesday. While the actual expansion release isn’t due out till October 29th, we will probably be seeing more screenshots and clips as we near the launch date. Expect the DLC to sell at a perfectly reasonable 1600 MS points ($20).
This may be an isolated incident, but nonetheless I thought it was newsworthy, as I personally saw it at a Target store I was visiting. Despite the fact that the game releases next week, it’s still rather unusual to see accidental releases like this. I snapped the shot at right with my phone at the Target in Grafton, WI today (8/28). Anyone else see this out early anywhere (specifically Target) or was it just a store error?
UPDATE: It seems the Target I visited wasn’t the only one. Looks like it might be sporadic all over the country.
Despite the console price drops and Goldbox event today, Amazon seems to be sweetening the deal even more, by offering all kinds of system deals on all three Xbox systems.
Southpeak has been pretty busy lately and for good reason. With their blockbuster game set to launch next week, there are high hopes around the community for the upcoming FPS, Section 8. While the term, ‘Halo Killer’, gets used very liberally these days, this is one of the few titles to warrant such a name. From what I’ve see thus far, the amazing visuals coupled with an intriguing design shows a lot of promise for the release. They’re banking on the addition of new gameplay elements to separate itself from the pack of FPS games currently flooding consoles. Hopefully all the potential behind this title will be fully realized come release time.
Section 8 will be dropping into stores on September 1 for Xbox 360, and September 4 for PC in North America. Then burning into UK/Asia Pacific shelves for both Xbox 360 and PC on September 11, the rest of Europe will get the game September 18.
While that news may seem exciting enough, the below release regarding the game’s clan and statistic portal continues Section 8’s streak of improving and redefining the standards for the first-person shooter genre.
SECTION 8™ OFFERS GROUND-BREAKING CLAN AND STATS PORTAL
Redefining What Gamers Should Expect From Their Multiplayer Games
Midlothian, VA – August 27, 2009 –SouthPeak Games and developer TimeGate Studios are pleased to announce their clan and statistics portal for the upcoming Section 8™ sci-fi FPS. This extremely robust online center offers players unprecedented information and coordination for everything they do in the game. It also allows for full clan management and recruitment. Everything will be accessible at www.joinsection8.com/stats and be available next week when the game ships in North America.
Amazon Germany recently posted a listing for an Xbox 360 with Forza Motorsport 3 and 2 Wireless Controllers. Now this is coming from the same website that leaked the PS3 Slim 2 weeks before it came out, and had the right SKU. This bundle has a 250GB hard drive, and is listed at 279 euros ($400). Consider the release date for Forza is October 23rd, don’t expect this until then.
2K Sports, makers of the reigning king of the hardwood, NBA 2K, has released NBA 2K10: Draft Combine on Xbox Live. Along with Draft Combine, 2K Sports has released a trailer featuring the cover athlete, Kobe Bryant. As expected, NBA 2K looks fantastic and is poised to once again hold the crown.
NBA 2K10: Draft Combine, developed by Visual Concepts, is now available for Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 for 400 Microsoft Points in North America, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and India. The title will be available in North America and Korea on September 3, 2009 for the PlayStation®Network for PLAYSTATION 3 system for $4.99. For more information about NBA 2K10: Draft Combine, please visit www.2ksports.com/games/nba2k10dc
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: 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 fans of the series playing while bringing 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
GENRE: Action
PRICE: $59.99
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
Want to make a name for yourself, as well as pad your wallet? Doritos and MLG have teamed up to bring another year of Unlock Xbox. Last year’s winner was Dash of Destruction, one of the rare free arcade titles. If you think you have what it takes, check the official rules out at UnlockXbox.com
This week starts the epic beginning of releases. Releasing into the public’s hands includes the new Guitar Hero 5 with Xbox Live Avatar Support. Section 8 also releases on Tuesday. In terms of Xbox Live Arcade, Defense Grid: The Awakening, and Yo-Ho Kablammo both release for 800 Microsoft Points.
This may be an isolated incident, but nonetheless I thought it was newsworthy, as I personally saw it at a Target store I was visiting. Despite the fact that the game releases next week, it’s still rather unusual to see accidental releases like this. I snapped the shot at right with my phone at the Target in Grafton, WI today (8/28). Anyone else see this out early anywhere (specifically Target) or was it just a store error?
Despite the 
Southpeak has been pretty busy lately and for good reason. With their blockbuster game set to launch next week, there are high hopes around the community for the upcoming FPS, Section 8. While the term, ‘Halo Killer’, gets used very liberally these days, this is one of the few titles to warrant such a name. From what I’ve see thus far, the amazing visuals coupled with an intriguing design shows a lot of promise for the release. They’re banking on the addition of new gameplay elements to separate itself from the pack of FPS games currently flooding consoles. Hopefully all the potential behind this title will be fully realized come release time.
