Eric Rudder of Microsoft gave the opening keynote at Tech Ed Middle East in Dubai and demoed an Indian Jones game on both his Windows Phone 7 Series device and an Xbox 360. Surprisingly the game was developed in Visual Studio as a single project but runs on a PC with a keyboard, a Windows Phone 7 Series with an accelerometer/touch screen and an Xbox 360 with a controller. As an added bonus, when you finish playing on 1 outlet, the game saves online and lets you finish the level on another platform like your Xbox. Does this mean achievements will be available on your phone too? Only time will tell. Check out the video below for the complete demo.
There has been some talk of this in the past, but this serves as further proof that there will be some tie in with Xbox and Windows Mobile in the near future. Dubbed “Xbox Live Games", they are described as “the mobile version of the Xbox LIVE service available on Windows phones.” Hopefully this is part of Windows Mobile 7 and we’ll here more at Mobile World Congress next month.
As we reflect back on 2009 and the games it brought us, there are several ways to compare some of the newest additions to our gaming collections. One of those ways is by looking at review scores, on a site such as Metacritic. For those unfamiliar with Metacritic, it compiles the review scores of dozens of websites across the web to form one composite score, out of 100. Metacritic scores are regarded very highly, as they most accurately resemble the gaming community, as well as the entertainment industry.
According to Metacritic, the top Xbox 360 titles (and DLC) for 2009 were:
Despite the current status of retail video games (and the economy for that matter), GameStop is hiring 15,000 “part-time seasonal” employees. With the release of several hot titles for the holidays, GameStop will likely need the help. The 15,000 will be added to all of GameStop’s 4300 stores, and increase their workforce by 46%.
For our female readers out there without a Halloween costume yet, SEGA has put together a website for instructions on how you can become Bayonetta for Halloween!
By heading over to BayonettaHalloween.com, you can learn how to become like Bayonetta. Information on the outfit, glasses, hair, weapons (and attitude) are all available.
For more information on the upcoming game releasing in January, click here.
This seems like a great idea, as I know it can sometimes be difficult to track down sheet music for some of the more popular, modern songs. No word on a pricing, but it shouldn’t be too bad.
Sheet Music Plus Gives Gamers the Gift of Music with Offerings from Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and More
As music-driven video games continue to explode in popularity, video games and music are entwined now more than ever. The leading Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises have surpassed more than a combined $3 billion in sales creating a revival in the classic rock that defined the music 20 years ago with gamers of all ages now rocking out to bands like Queen, Rolling Stones and the Beatles. Sheet Music Plus, the nation’s leading online provider of sheet music, wants to help gamers channel their passion into becoming active musicians. Whether it’s for Rock Band, Rock Band 2, Guitar Hero, Guitar Hero 2 or Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, Sheet Music Plus has the sheet music they need to graduate from rocking in front of the TV to rocking the stage.
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 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.
Well I first posted the Genesis Poll a few days back. Earthworm Jim easily won the vote, but all that was for naught. Well sort of. Apparently Gameloft/Interplay have already acquired the license to Earthworm Jim and are already planning a remake of it. They already removed Earthworm Jim from the list of potential games and now it looks like Toejam and Earl is going to walk away the winner this time around. This comes as great news because now we get 2 classics ported over to XBLA. Win win!
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Genesis, Sega is now holding a vote for the next XBLA game. There are 4 games that I would love to see brought over, but since there’s only 1 winner, I’m hoping that Earthworm Jim wins the vote. Head over to Genesis Poll and participate in picking the next classic Sega game to be converted over to XBLA. This poll will be up until August 21, so get your votes in now!
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
DragonSteelMods
alliednations26
richintheory
G CARMINE
For more information, visit the official Xbox.com page here.
Look for more details coming soon!
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
@fourzerotwo Care to join us for our official #MW2 Community Playdate on Wednesday? Detail are on Xbox.com or http://tr.im/playwithx3dMarch 20, 2010 3:15
@lauralollipop Care to join us for our official Community Playdate on Wednesday? Detail are on Xbox.com or http://tr.im/playwithx3dMarch 20, 2010 3:14
@thevowel Care to join us for our official Community Playdate on Wednesday? Detail are on Xbox.com or http://tr.im/playwithx3dMarch 20, 2010 3:14
@majornelson Care to join us for our official Community Playdate on Wednesday? Detail are on Xbox.com or http://tr.im/playwithx3dMarch 20, 2010 3:14
Eric Rudder of Microsoft gave the opening keynote at Tech Ed Middle East in Dubai and demoed an Indian Jones game on both his Windows Phone 7 Series device and an Xbox 360. Surprisingly the game was developed in Visual Studio as a single project but runs on a PC with a keyboard, a Windows Phone 7 Series with an accelerometer/touch screen and an Xbox 360 with a controller. As an added bonus, when you finish playing on 1 outlet, the game saves online and lets you finish the level on another platform like your Xbox. Does this mean achievements will be available on your phone too? Only time will tell. Check out the video below for the complete demo.
Despite the current status of retail video games (and the economy for that matter), GameStop is hiring 15,000 “part-time seasonal” employees. With the release of several hot titles for the holidays, GameStop will likely need the help. The 15,000 will be added to all of GameStop’s 4300 stores, and increase their workforce by 46%.
This seems like a great idea, as I know it can sometimes be difficult to track down sheet music for some of the more popular, modern songs. No word on a pricing, but it shouldn’t be too bad.
Want to make a name for yourself, as well as pad your wallet? Doritos and MLG have teamed up to bring another year of 
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?
Well I first posted the 
