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Just posted some pictures of the Halo 3 accessories, anyone interesting in buying them?

Click to view larger pics

Just read this on gamerscoreblog:

Gamers, Ready Your Weapons. Stop. New “Gears of War”

Multiplayer Achievements Added. Stop. End transmission.

http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/archive/2007/06/13/GOWGS.aspx

I just checked the achievement list and they aren’t actually available yet….

Update  12:14 PM:  Just got the official word on this one, posted below.

Thursday, June 14, at 2 a.m. GMT, the stakes get even higher as “Gears of War®”, rated M for Mature, releases eight new Achievements for the “Annex” gametype and the “Hidden Fronts” Multiplayer Map Pack on Xbox LIVE®.

In addition to adding new Achievements, worth a total of 250 points, “Gears of War” developer Epic has improved the Roadie Run controls so players have greater control of their movement and can better annihilate their pestilent enemies. The title update will also help squash multiplayer exploits and provide general housekeeping.

For more details visit http://gearsofwar.com/news/

For those who have yet to man up and join the battle, the “Annex” gametype is now available for free and the “Hidden Fronts” Multiplayer Map Pack is available on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for 800 Microsoft Points. All four multiplayer maps will be made available at no cost over Xbox LIVE® on Sept. 3, 2007.

Ok, this is my first time playing the Forza series, and the first time I ever actually tried to make a custom car, but here are the results of my first attempt:

What: Prince of Persia Classic
When: 06/13/07 04:00 AM EST
How Much: 800 Microsoft Points  ($10)
Screen Shots: My Gallery
More Info: Prince of Persia Classic

Originally developed by Jordan Mechner, “Prince of Persia” broke molds and made waves when it launched for the PC in 1989. By using hours of live footage of his younger brother running and jumping and a technique called rotoscoping, Mechner achieved a natural sense of movement, which was widely perceived as a great leap forward in the quality of animation seen in computer games. Additionally, Mechner utilized intense sword fighting action vs. the widely popular use of projectile weapons in video games at the time. With clever puzzles and deadly traps, the original “Prince of Persia” spawned a rich sub-genre of games, where sprawling, non-scrolling levels and fluid animation became the norm.

Now dubbed “Prince of Persia Classic,” the Xbox LIVE Arcade remake of the original game is available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated T for Teen (Animated Blood and Violence).

Game Features

• Enhanced character designs, animations and visuals
• New traps, puzzles and enemies to tackle further augment the classic experience
• 12 Achievements will be available – ranging from the simple (finding the sword in the first level) to the near impossible (finding all the potions in the game or finishing the game without dying!)
• The title will feature 3 different leaderboards:
  • Normal Mode: Complete the game as fast as possible, which saves at the end of each level
  • Time Attach Mode: Complete the game as fast as possible – but be prepared to start from the beginning if you fail to save the Princess in under 60 minutes
  • Survival Mode: Complete the entire game in under 60 minutes – without dying

What: Vampire Rain
When: 07/03/07
How Much: $59.99 MSRP

Microsoft today announced that “Vampire Rain,” the frighteningly entertaining Xbox 360 title developed by Artoon, has gone gold and will be shipping to stores on July 3 with an estimated retail price of $59.99.

“Vampire Rain” combines stealth, survival horror and shooter aspects of your favorite games as you lead a black ops unit to secretly eliminate one of the deadliest supernatural enemies you will ever face. Known as Nightwalkers, this highly evolved new breed of Vampire is intensely fast with super agility and they are converting humans to their kind at an alarming rate. Gamers prepared to enlist in an elite hit squad to rid the world of Nightwalkers can find additional information at the game’s official website, which launched today at www.vampirerain.com.

For the truly courageous, and those who aren’t afraid to go out in the rain without their umbrellas, the game’s official Fan Site Kit is also available and can be downloaded at www.vampirerain.com. The Fan Site Kit includes artwork, skins, screenshots, forum avatars and more assets for webmasters to create their very own “Vampire Rain” fan site.

Still not scared of the Nightwalkers? Check out a new trailer of the game, which will surely make players want to sleep with the light on. The trailer is available for free download on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and at www.vampirerain.com.

Nightwalkers beware, it’s about to rain, or better yet, it’s about to pour!

About the game:
Think about R.C. Pro-Am, think of Diddy Kong Racing, think of micro machines and wind up cars - now mash those all together and throw it on a pool table for example and you have a good starting point for mad tracks.  You drive mini cars on very interesting tracks covering a bunch of different game types, and an assortment of power ups and weapons, and the car is powered by a spring which refills when you let off the gas.

Read the Full Review

If you haven’t noticed I have been putting some time into Mad Tracks recently - after getting a quick preview at the gamerscore blog tour. I just have to type up my review of the game - I am planning on having this posted sometime tonight, depending on things go at home.

I haven’t even downloaded this yet, but between writing up the mad tracks review, and I am sure some other gaming with friends I will be spending some time on the latest edition of pac-man for the xbox live arcade. There was a lot of flames flying around after this was officially announced, which most of you are probably more then aware of, but the goal is to review the game for what it is - without being directly affected by all the chatter based on the actuall announcement of the game.

What: Pac-Man Championship Edition

When: June 06 2:00 AM PST

How Much: 800MP ($10)

Screen Shots: My Gallery

More Info: Pac-man Champion Edition Xbox Page    

Well there was a bit of a buzz all over the interenet yesterday that started over at gamertagradio, which some pretty big hype followed and was picked up by xbox360fanboy shortly after.  It seems like now that its officially announced, there is quite a bit of a buzz going on - mostly people pissed about the hype that came from top secret announcement.  Looking back, it should have been relatively obvious that the announcement might not be as ground breaking as many were expecting, and almost definately pac-man related (it was to be announced at the world tournament).  So I start to wonder, what ground breaking Pac-man related news would have stood up to the hype, and how much are we reallly responsible for raising the hype to this level?  I mean based on the original post, it was (admittedly) a teaser about some big news, and the first new maze added to pac-man in 26 years exclusive to xbox 360 is big news.  Just perhaps not the big news people were expecting.  I am sure my opinion doesn’t matter much - and based on what I have read around the interweb - its definately not the most popular one, but I think I made at least a few valid points. 

Personally I am fine with a new pac-man game, it might be a bit on the pricey side (800 points : $10), and I just hope that they at least change the achievement list considering there is all ready Pacman, and Ms Pacman on the live arcade - both of which have the exact same achievements.  Official press release to follow:

Today marks a special day in video game history as Microsoft Corp. and NAMCO BANDAI Games unveiled the “Pac-Man Championship Edition” in New York City at the first-ever Xbox 360 Pac-Man World Championship, presented by Quiznos.

From four continents and eight countries around the world, 10 participants competed to be the first ever Xbox 360 Pac-Man World Championship today at The Supper Club in New York’s Times Square.

As an exclusive surprise from Pac-Man game designer, Toru Iwatani, and NAMCO BANDAI Games, the 10 tournament competitors became the first in the world to play and compete on the “Pac-Man Championship Edition” before the game launches on Xbox LIVE Arcade on the Xbox 360 tomorrow.

The “Pac-Man Championship Edition” features the first new Pac-Man mazes in more than 26 years. Think of it as the same beloved “Pac-Man” game played in pizza parlors and arcades of the 80’s but updated with new features that former “Pac-Man” fanatics and new generations of fans alike will love. It includes new mazes that dynamically change shape during gameplay, six new timed game modes, new soundtracks and high-definition (HD) graphics.

Original “Pac-Man” Creator Surprises World With First New Mazes in 26 Years — Only on Xbox 360
New “Pac-Man Championship Edition” unveiled and played for the first time in the world at the Xbox 360 Pac-Man World Championship, presented by Quiznos.
NEW YORK — June 5, 2007 — The year was 1981: Big hair, high-waisted jeans and popped-up collars were popular fashions, “Bette Davis Eyes” topped the charts, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” hit theaters, and everyone was saving up quarters to play the latest video games. Also that year, a new video game by game designer Toru Iwatani at NAMCO LTD. (currently NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc.) hit arcades around the world and would soon become a pop- culture phenomenon and one of the most beloved games of all time. That game was “Pac-Man®,” and today Microsoft Corp. and NAMCO BANDAI Games made video game history by unveiling the “Pac-Man Championship Edition” — featuring the first new Pac-Man mazes in more than 26 years — available only on the Xbox 360™. This brand new game was introduced today in New York City at the first-ever Xbox 360 Pac-Man World Championship, presented by Quiznos. As a special surprise from Iwatani and NAMCO BANDAI Games, the 10 tournament competitors became the first in the world to play and compete on the “Pac-Man Championship Edition” before its launch at 0900 GMT (5 a.m. EDT) on June 6, 2007, only on Xbox LIVE® Arcade on the Xbox 360.
 The “Pac-Man Championship Edition” is the same beloved “Pac-Man” game played in pizza parlors and arcades of the ’80s but is updated with new features that former “Pac-Man” fanatics and new generations of fans alike will love. It includes new mazes that dynamically change shape during gameplay, six new timed game modes, new soundtracks and high-definition (HD) graphics. Details include the following:

• Classic 2-D “Pac-Man” presentation with a new, modern look in HD
• Six new, timed game modes:
  • The Championship Mode. This is the main game mode designed by NAMCO BANDAI Games and Iwatani specifically for the championship round of the Xbox 360 Pac-Man World Championship. This mode – as well as all others within the “Pac-Man Championship Edition” – features redesigned mazes with wide maze walls and a widescreen configuration to better enable high-speed game play. Timed limit of five minutes.
  • Challenge Mode 1 (Patience and Reward Course). This mode is an evolution of the Championship Mode. Patience mazes strategically offer fewer Power Pellets and Reward mazes provide a large number of Power Pellets – providing unique challenges and rewards for the player. Timed limit of 10 minutes.
  • Challenge Mode 2 (The Darkness Course). In this mode, only the area directly around Pac-Man and the Ghosts is visible and the maze walls are completely hidden. Timed limit of 10 minutes.
  • Extra Mode 1 (The Freeway Course). An extremely high-speed mode for advanced players, this mode features warp-speed Pac-Man and Ghosts and plenty of tunnels. Timed limit of five minutes.
  • Extra Mode 2 (The Manhattan Course). A mode inspired by the streets of Manhattan — the home for the first-ever Xbox 360 Pac-Man World Championship. Timed limit of five minutes.
  • Extra Mode 3 (The Overall Course). A mix of all other modes resulting in extreme mazes for the most devout Pac-Man fans. Timed limit of 10 minutes.
• Xbox LIVE leaderboards, Achievements and Gamerscore
• Rated E for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board
• Costs 800 Microsoft® Points
• Available for download only on Xbox LIVE Arcade on the Xbox 360 starting at 0900 GMT (5 a.m. EDT) on Wednesday, June 6, 2007

“Pac-Man Championship Edition” made its official debut during today’s New York City finals for the Xbox 360 Pac-Man World Championship, presented by Quiznos. The 10 participants from four continents and eight countries around the world —Austria, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the U.S. — competed at The Supper Club in New York City’s Times Square. To advance to the championship finals, each participant had to earn the highest “Pac-Man” score in their respective home country during the qualifying rounds that took place from May 4 through May 10, 2007. In an exciting finale, these top players competed on the new “Pac-Man Championship Edition” several hours before its upcoming launch on Xbox LIVE Arcade — the online games service exclusively for the Xbox 360 that today offers more than 60 downloadable game titles, including well-known arcade classics, card and puzzle games, and innovative original titles. The event was capped off with Iwatani crowning the first Xbox 360 Pac-Man World Champion — Carlos Daniel Borrego, a 27-year-old man from Pachuca, Mexico.
“It feels great to be the first-ever Xbox 360 Pac-Man World Champion,” said Borrego, who has been playing “Pac-Man” since 1985 and achieved a score of 222,160 on the “Pac-Man Championship Edition” during the final match. “It is a thrill to hold the title and to have won it by playing on the new game. This is amazing, and I want to dedicate it to my family and Mexico!”
Along with the distinction of being the first in the world to play the “Pac-Man Championship Edition” and the international acclaim for being the first Xbox 360 Pac-Man World Champion, Borrego was awarded other great prizes, including 26 years of free Quiznos toasted subs (one sandwich a week for 26 years, a $13,520 [U.S.] value); 100,000 Microsoft Points for games, movies and other fun content available on Xbox LIVE; and a one-of-a-kind Xbox 360 signed by Iwatani and featuring a special design inspired by “Pac-Man.”
“I’m deeply honored that people view ‘Pac-Man’ as my lasting legacy and am so excited to come full circle by releasing the ‘Pac-Man Championship Edition’ with its exciting new mazes and modes on Xbox LIVE Arcade on the Xbox 360,” said Iwatani, creator of “Pac-Man” and currently a professor at Tokyo Polytechnic University. “It gives me great joy to know that my final contributions in my corporate career were to crown the Xbox 360 Pac-Man World Champion and to leave the world with an amazing new ‘Pac-Man’ game for generations to enjoy.”
 Since launching in 1980 in Japan and in 1981 around the world, “Pac-Man,” its host of ghosts and its famous “wakka wakka wakka” sound have become global pop-culture icons. This arcade game played an instrumental role in establishing the video game industry in the 1980s, while the launch of Xbox LIVE in 2002 was a key factor behind the rapid growth in popularity of online gaming. Today, Xbox LIVE Arcade is the premier online destination for digitally distributed HD games offering fans around the globe a great opportunity to connect, compete, and enjoy the fun.
“‘Pac-Man’ was the game that ignited the world’s passion for video games, with every member of the family hooked on avoiding Clyde and eating up all the Power Pellets,” said Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of Global Marketing for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “It is a tremendous honor that NAMCO BANDAI and Toru Iwatani are going to use the power of the Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE Arcade platform to deliver the next evolution of ‘Pac-Man’ to the world.”
“We would like to tip our hats to the players who traveled from far and wide to display their ‘Pac-Man’ talent to the world and to congratulate Carlos from Mexico on his victory,” said Steve Provost, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Executive for Quiznos. “There couldn’t have been a better way to celebrate the 26 year anniversary of Quiznos’ chef-inspired toasted sandwiches than to help make the first-ever Xbox 360 Pac-Man World Championship into a reality.”

After having huge success on Xbox LIVE Marketplace with content from MTV, Comedy Central and VH1, this month MTV Networks is bringing two more properties to the service:

• Country Music Television On June 6, country music fans on Xbox LIVE will enjoy a great lineup of TV shows from CMT, the #1 country music network in the nation. Fans can download the first seasons of hit shows such as, “Comedy Stage,” “Foxworthy’s Big Night Out” and “Prankville” starting tomorrow, with more series and episodes rolling out this summer.
• Logo On June 11, Xbox 360 will become the first gaming console to offer content from Logo, the network for the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender audience from MTV Networks. Xbox LIVE will offer a bevy of popular Logo shows, from comedies “Wisecrack,” and “The Big Gay Sketch Show,” to scripted dramas like “Noah’s Arc,” and other programs including, “Curl Girls” and “Real Momentum Documentaries.”

Beginning June 12, two of the biggest anime distributors in the US will join current Xbox LIVE partner ADV Films with popular shows, movies, gamer pics and themes, making LIVE Marketplace an unparalleled online source for quality anime content:

• FUNimation. The epic adventure series “Samurai 7,” adapted from Akira Kurosawa’s legendry film “Seven Samurai,” is coming to Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Also coming from FUNimation: “Trinity Blood,” “Gunslinger Girl,” and “Basilisk.”
• Geneon Entertainment. Die-hard fans and those new to the genre alike will enjoy the U.S. HD debut of the anime classic “Akira,” available exclusively from Geneon on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Also available from Geneon Entertainment at launch: “Gun Sword,” “Last Exile,” “Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo” and “Lupin the 3rd.”

June will also bring award-winning films and blockbuster hits to Xbox LIVE Marketplace, starting with ‘Team America World Police,’ which launched in HD on the service on June 1st. Other top new films coming this month include:

• Dreamgirls
• Letters from Iwo Jima
• Shooter
• Black Snake Moan
• Pan’s Labyrinth

For a full list of new content launching each week, visit http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/marketplace/moviestv.