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Well as some of you may or may not know - the guys at XBLRadio asked us to do a little spot on the .0 shows (which come out every other week).  I just finished recording the ‘friendspot spot’ and if there are no problems with it - it should be included on this tuesday’s episode of XBLRadio.

I am still getting used to this whole thing, and stutter an stammer a bit - but I think I got my mic issues sorted out at least - feel free to leave me some feedback on the blog here, or on 360friendspot, or even at XBLRadio, wondering what people think of the little segment we have going here…do you care?  do i sound like a fool?  etc etc.

Thanks to the guys at XBLRadio for letting 3fs have a running segment on the show!

Want to invite me to a game of the latest xbox live arcade game Carcassonne?  Want to get some Gears of War action going?  Sounds great, but you are going to have to count me out.  Luckily I dropped the cash on a new video card and picked up Halo 2 Vista, and a free copy of Shadowrun for the PC a while back or I would be going through quite a gaming withdrawl.  From what I hear the repair queues are backed up more than ever - and strangely enough about 3-4 people I know personally (as much as a gaming contact can be known personally) have to send our 360’s out for repair.

So there you have it SquidBox III is going out on a little vacation (once his coffin makes it here) and i presume Squidbox IV will be recieved sometime within the next 2 weeks to 1 month. 

What: Blue Dragon
When: August 28, 2007
How Much: $59.99 MSRP
Rating: T

Bringing top Japanese developer talent to the Xbox 360, “Blue Dragon” is a culmination of the work of famed game producer Hironobu Sakaguchi of Mistwalker game studio and developer Artoon. This epic RPG features the character design of Akira Toriyama, who designed “Dragon Ball Z,” and music by Nobuo Uematsu, the composer for “Final Fantasy.”

Gamers will find themselves exploring and discovering the vast world of “Blue Dragon” as they assume the role of Shu, a young boy who along with his band of four friends, embarks on a quest to combat the evil forces that have come to their world. These unlikely heroes possess miraculous strength and the magical power to control their phantom shadow creatures that range from a Minotaur to a phoenix to a dragon and more.

“Blue Dragon” will be available on August 28, but anxious adventurers can head over to http://www.xbox.com/redwhiteandbluedragon now to check out the “Red, White and Blue Dragon” feature, based on the premise of “American Independence and Japanese Games.”

In addition, adventurers can bring Shu, his friends and their quest to save the world to their websites with the official “Blue Dragon” Fan Site Kit, which is available for download from http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/b/bluedragonxbox360/. The Fan Site Kit includes artwork, skins, screenshots, forum avatars and more assets for webmasters to create their very own “Blue Dragon” fan site.

What: Carcassonne
When: 06/27/07 05:00 AM EST
How Much: 800 Microsoft Points  ($10)
Screen Shots: My Gallery
More Info: Carcassonne Page

I got to give this a quick try on the gamerscoreblog tour, and sadly I was utterly defeated by Morgon @ Mygamercard.net - but it was still pretty fun.  Easiest way to describe it would be to take Catan and merge it from a card game to a board game - at least thats what I thought of when we played.  I say definately give the demo a spin you might like it :)  Official press release to follow:

Build a Medieval Empire on Xbox LIVE Arcade with the Popular German Board Game “Carcassonne”

The classic, well-known European board game “Carcassonne” arrives on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 this Wednesday, June 27 at 9:00 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. Pacific).

Named after the medieval fortified town of Carcassonne in southern France, famed for its city walls, “Carcassonne” for Xbox LIVE Arcade starts with an empty landscape and a single square tile. Using strategic tactics and a little luck, one to five four players take turns selecting from 72 tiles displaying various features of a city including roads, the walls of a castle or fields. The medieval countryside thrives as players and their opponents place tiles and complete towns, roads, and farms while competing to accumulate the most points.

The rules of the game are easy with no elimination and fast gameplay – perfect for just about anyone! Although simple, devoted players will find layers of strategy that will keep them coming back for more. Combining a fresh visual experience and the opportunity to always have a playing partner, “Carcassonne” is the future for board game fanatics.

“Carcassonne” from Sierra Online is the Xbox LIVE Arcade edition of the hit multiplayer tile-based German board game of the same name, designed by Klaus-Jurgen. Shortly after its release in Germany in 2000, the board game won Spiel des Jahres in 2001, the European equivalent of a Game of the Year Award.

“Carcassonne” will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E for Everyone.

Game Features

• Special AI settings to challenge any skill level
• Challenge your friends – Up to five players can play over Xbox LIVE or up to four players can play on the same Xbox 360
• Interact with new and old friends alike over Xbox LIVE while you play “Carcassonne” with the Xbox LIVE Vision camera
• Helpful step-by-step tutorial to teach you the game in minutes
• Skill-based matchmaking for ranked games
• The complete “Carcassonne” includes 72 tiles and all rule sets
• “Carcassonne” includes the “Rivers II” expansion set - 12 additional tiles
• Earn up to 200 Gamerscore and 12 Achievements

Before we get into the current battle at hand in “Project Sylpheed,” we must discuss the history of the conflict. Originally titled “Silpheed,” the Game Arts-developed side-scrolling arcade classic of the 1980s has gone through multiple iterations over the years, prior to arriving on Xbox 360. The evolution to the next-generation console allows gamers to witness the illustrious cinematic cut-scenes and stellar space-shooter gameplay of “Project Sylpheed,” while proudly showcasing the roots of the iconic original “Silpheed.”

Set in the 27th century, the Xbox 360 exclusive “Project Sylpheed” combines aerial combat and customizable star-fighter weaponry into an engaging story, providing a unique arcade-style experience into a full space-combat game. Supported by a multi-leveled storyline and almost an hour of polished cinematic cut-scenes, “Project Sylpheed” features intense aerial combat combined with a dramatic tale of friends turned foes.

“Project Sylpheed” is developed by Game Arts and SETA Corporation, and published by Microsoft and Square Enix, and will be landing at retailers starting July 10.

For additional information and game art please visit: www.xbox.com/projectsylpheed, and the game’s official Web site www.project-sylpheed.com.

What: Band of Bugs
When: 06/20/07 05:00 AM EST
How Much: 800 Microsoft Points  ($10)
Screen Shots: My Gallery
More Info: Band of Bugs
Achievements: x360a achievement details

“Band of Bugs” Storms onto Xbox LIVE Arcade This Wednesday, coming to you from NinjaBee (creators of “Outpost Kaloki X” and “Cloning Clyde

Wednesday, June 20th at 9 a.m. GMT (2 a.m. PDT).

“Band of Bugs” is a fun, strategic diversion for fans of tactical gameplay, while the unique animations and environments in the game make it a fun, approachable title for newcomers as well. “Band of Bugs” is one of few turn-based tactical strategy games available on Xbox LIVE Arcade. Players will enjoy unlimited variety in their gameplay choices with the Xbox LIVE Arcade’s first ever free built-in level editor, which they can use to create custom maps and play with friends over Xbox LIVE.

Available worldwide, “Band of Bugs” can be downloaded for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E for Everyone.

Game Features

•  Choose to play through a story-based campaign, stand-alone missions or skirmishes
• Story-based campaign: Action and adventure in a single-player campaign story!
• Follow the adventures of young Maal as he leads an elite team of bug warriors to protect the kingdom from evil insect enemies.
• Stand-alone missions: Try your hand at one of these unique single-level scenarios. These short battles include a background story, unique events and custom goals.
• Skirmish: Test your skills on a variety of individual maps, including custom maps designed by the player with the in-game editor! Select a game type (Elimination, Capture, or Escape) and choose to control any party in the battle to demonstrate your superior tactical skill.
• Four unique multiplayer modes for up to 4 players either locally or over Xbox LIVE, including:
  • Elimination: The first team to lose all the bugs in one party loses the battle!
  • Capture: Capture (or defend) a strong point.
  • Escape: Reach an escape point, or stop the enemy from reaching it.
  • Mission: A unique scenario with custom story, events, and goals.
• Challenge friends to Spider Hunter, a more relaxed game that allows up to 8 people to join and leave on the fly!
• Use the game’s built-in level editor to design your own custom scenarios for play against others over Xbox LIVE (a first for an Xbox LIVE Arcade game!)
• Xbox LIVE Vision camera support in all Xbox LIVE multiplayer modes.
• Mystery leaderboard where players earn points for items they are not told about – Players can check the board and figure out what will help them get to the top of the leaderboard!
• Earn up to 200 Gamerscore and 12 Achievements.

When checking the default xbox live arcade page, the first game in the list is Bomberman Live.  Previously whatever game was in this slot has been the release for this week, but there has been no official announcement yet - but I am placing bets on bomerman live on xbox arcade this wednesday.

Update 1157 AM: No Bomberman this week, Band of Bugs is the winner - thats what I get for making a guess

  
About the game:
This is the third Pac-man game to be released to the Xbox Live arcade - but the first one that is exclusive to xbox live arcade, and the first new maps from the original game creator in 26 years.  The maps actually change as the game progresses, unlike the original pac-man and ms. pac-man which mostly just changed the speed of the ghosts that you were avoiding.  Each of the new game modes (and all in this edition of pac-man) have time limits so not only must you try and survive you must try and gain as many points as you can before the time runs out.

Read the Review

The PGR4 team released a new video showing some racing in the snow on tracks in Nürburgring and Quebec.

Since our last update, we wanted to check in and provide you with the latest details on all things “Project Gotham Racing® 4,” which will be speeding its way onto store shelves this fall. But first, be sure to download the new gameplay video, “The Snow in Nürburgring,” from: www.xbox.com/pgr4video

In this video, we’re excited to show you how snow will present new opportunities to show off unique and stylized maneuvers, while gaining admiration and recognition from the crowd. The dynamic weather system will bring Mother Nature right to your doorstep! Check out the video and see for yourself how cool drifting and powering through the big white flakes looks, but also how exciting and realistic the elements can feel while driving. We’re not about adding things just for flair you know…

You’ll also notice that the video takes place on the beautiful Nürburgring track. Additionally, we’re excited to announce that you can tear through the streets of stunning Quebec. These two locations, along with Shanghai and St. Petersburg, are four of 10 locations that will be available in “PGR 4.” We promise to disclose the rest of the cities soon so stay tuned. After all, there’s a lot more road to hug out there…

”PGR 4” will also feature some of the world’s most iconic cars, as new vehicles are lined up and ready to be driven, including the following:

• 1967 Toyota 2000GT
• 1978 Lamborghini Countach LP400
• 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STi
• 2004 BMW M5
• 2007 RUF RGT
• 2007 Lotus GT3RR

Be on the lookout next month for additional updates as we roll out the game’s impressive new features, locations and vehicle list.

Until next time, keep your car in fifth and two wheels on the pavement!

Your “Project Gotham Racing 4” Team

This morning the “Mass Effect” Web site (www.MassEffect.com) has been updated with new content on the Krogan race.  Go learn more about these repitilian creatures.

Native to the planet Tuchanka, the Krogan race suffered a huge setback at the dawn of their nuclear age, as a global war decimated the species. For 2000 years, the Krogan were reduced to primitive warring clans struggling to survive a nuclear winter of their own creation until they were discovered by the salarians. Similar to other reptilian species, the Krogan reproduce and mature at an astonishing rate, while their thick hides are virtually impervious to cuts, scrapes or contusions. However, the Krogan’s most amazing physiological feature of the species, are the multiple instances of major organs; these secondary systems are capable of serving as back-ups in the event of damage to the primary biological structures, making the Krogan incredibly difficult to kill.

To learn more about the Krogan and view new screenshots, visit the “Mass Effect” Web site, which will be updated on a regular basis. Throughout the month we’ll continue to uncover more “Mass Effect” information and details on the Krogan race, so keep your eyes peeled for additional posts.