Continual Randomness

Monday, January 30, 2006

THAW Review Up

You can cheek out my full review of THAW over here at TeamXbox.com.

I'm truckin' through Quake 4 and Amped 3 right now...I'll be sure to post reviews once I finish them.

This internal memo from GameStop seems to state that Halo 3 will not release this year. Seems fishy to me...but I alreadly suspected that Halo 3 will launch in 2007. But, expect full Halo 3 coverage at this years E3. I think Bungie will probably follow the same release strategy as they did for Halo 2, trailer first, weekly updates, than a release date and demo at the next E3.

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Marble Blast Out

Marble Blast Ultra is now able to be purchased and downloaded on the Xbox Live MarketPlace. It costs 800 MS Points ($10) and is freakin' sweet.

Heres a tip: the first Easter Egg in the game is located in Level One. On the jumping part, you have to get to the higher level on the left. Do a RB and Jump combo (when full blue) to get up there, and than just carefully tread along untill the end.

Still no Full Auto demo, might be out latter tonight. I'll keep you posted.

Monday, January 23, 2006

Who Thought This was Cool?

OK...so now both Amped 3 and TAW do this thing where they "interrupt" your gaming session to switch camera views. Let me be clear on this: your going along, having fun, than bam! right out of nowehere the camera angle shifts, usually to a wide-angle zoom. I get the idea: tyrying to show you how cool the trick looks from a distance...but it does NOT work. At all.

Seriously...just leave my camera alone. When your driving in PGR3...the view doesn't just switch from first person to thrid just becuase your getting some air...so why should these games be any different?

Also....another rant on Amped 3....who the hell uses the X button to select things? Hello, thats what the A button is for dumbasses. I just majorly screwed up trying to quit a challenege and start agin by just pressing A instead. After 4 long years of Xbox gaming, Im pretty set on a few butoon comobs: X to reload, Y to grind, A to jump, R Tigger to fire, AND A TO SELECT MENU ITEMS. Seriously, it works just fine the way it is. If you want to go and be all "inventivie" in the controls, than why don't try doing something IN THE GAME (like, I don't know, using the damn Bumper buttons),

Just some grips. Otherwise great games though.

Sunday, January 22, 2006

Dashboard Update + Texas Hold 'Em

So, the Internet and forums are abuzz over the rumored upcoming Dashboard Update for the 360. Heres my thoughts.

First off...people are making this much bigger than it will ever be. The update will probably add the camera, and fix some of the most noticable achievment bugs. Also, the update will probably do some behind-the-scenes fixes so that the cheating that took place on the XLA titles comes to an end.

But heres my big thought: MS has gone on record stating that the camera will apear both "sooner than you think" and when the first titles to make use of it become available. If the Dashboard update is a reality...and the camera is a part of it (and I realize these are big ifs) than I expect that the Texas Hold 'Em game is coming along with them. No other game currently in the window right now has any chance of supporting a camera. Maybe the Hopp Challenge game...but thats only becuase I have no clue what the hell that game is about.

So, while your reading the thousands of other rumors and theories out there on the Net...kep mine in mind.

Also...I heard somewhere that on the 25th the Full Auto demo will hit the MarketPlace, lets keep our fingures crossed.

Friday, January 20, 2006

Week In Review--1/20/06

Have not had much time to post throught out the week this week as, well, I was pretty busy. Here's a day-by-day recap.

Monday--Purchased FFXI beta and Quake IV. Finished installing FFXI.

Tuesday--Disneyland Trip--rode the new Monsters Inc ride (its great, BTW)

Wednesday--First day of new term classes. Re-log on to FFXI. Complete Child/Father Quest. Gain 200 XP. Play some Quake IV.

Thursday--Play some DOA4 rounds in time attack mode...still about 15 away from the final character. Finsh night with a breif FFXI time play and few rounds in Quake IV.

Friday--Post a recap of the week on a blog no one reads. Begin my weekend. Sleep.

Latter on tonight I will be uploading my THAW review...and perhaps posting a first impression of Quake IV.

Right now, here are some FFXI thoughts.

Graphics are simiply unacceptable. Period. They suck. The worst on 360, hands down.
Long and boaring set p that could and should be alot easier. Will alienate gamers who purchase the retail version of the game.
Bad user interface...just bad.
Lots of fun to play...but alot of work as well.
Super Bunnies? How can I kill three bunnies in four hits and than get killed by one with one hit the next time? WTF?!?
NO VOICE!?! How did MS let Square shove that up their ass?

Monday, January 16, 2006

Just Finished Installing

Almost two hours since my last post...and I just finished the final DL and am in the world playing. I choose basic classes and characters for my first run just to get the feel of the game, but latter on I want to learn some real magic.

I'll be on this and Quake 4 throughtout the rest of the week. See 'ya online!

Installing FFXI

As you can see at right...Im in the middle of downloading and starting the Final Fantasy XI beta. I'm about an hour into it...I think Ive still got a ways to go.

I'll post my thoughts on the supposdly long and stupid process when and if I finish.

Sunday, January 15, 2006

Whats Up With TLM?

So, back in October I told the world that The Lost Man, my Java Halo Project, would be ready for the end of November. That came and went...and so did January 12...the expected release date. Than, in a little PPS update, I said it wasn't coming untill May 2006. Heres the full story.

TLM is still in devlopment. I'm still coding on it everyday. In order to make it the best experiance possible, I need more time to finsih it. Seriously, I get held up in Niovember and Decmber with the holdiays and Xbox 360...and IO have not even finished raw coding for the end.

I expect may will be the final release date for TLM...but nothing is set in stone. If I don't have a good hold on the game by March, I'll push it back again. Sorry, thats just the way it works.

I'll try to update more with WWWU and stuff to keep you posted, but there just really isn't a whole lot to comment on. If all goes well, though, I will have a MAJOR annoucment the begining of February.

Stay tuned...and get ready for The Lost Man to invade your PC this May.

COD2 Review

Just finished and posted my review of COD2 on TeamXbox. Enjoy.

LINK

Friday, January 13, 2006

House of the Dead 4

My secert favorite game series is heading to the Xbox 360...this is the game Ill be playing in secert for years...online support would be AWSOME! Heres a tight new screen. No relase date is currently available, but I think its coming Fall 2006.

Slow News January

I've been active for the last couple of weeks...but theres just nothing at all to report. The biggest news had come in the form of new screen for the March releases of Burnout, Battlefield 2 and others. Oh and the release of DOA 4...which is cool but sooooo hard.

I've manged to finally unlock the Spartan character in DOA 4....but man do I suck. It took me forever to manage to get the Plasma Throw Combo down. All in all....the game is cool, but hard. You can read my full review of the game over at TeamXbox...here.

BTW--heres some news, I am now commited to using TeamXbox's review system to write my reviews. I just finshed THAW and COD2...so I'll be writting up reviews latter on. I'll be sure to post the links here for all to read.

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

HD DVD Add On for Xbox 360

By now I'm sure you've heard about the HD DVD addidtion for the Xbox 360 that Bill Gates just annouced during his CES Keynote. Not much else, incluidng date, price or real specifics, but there is quite a bit of info just from the annoucment.

First--it's an add on, externaly. No internal modification required. This is actualy realy important. On one hand, games won't want to require this drive as not all will have it, yet, some games, like MS ones, may require it just to sell the unit.

More to come latter, rest assured.

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

Thursday, December 22, 2005

Away On Leave

There will prbably be fewer posts the next couple of days as I celebrate Christmas with my family. I'll be at home this year, so if I have anything to report I'll go ahead and post, but I doubt it. If I don't post again, Merry Christmas, Happy Kawanza, Happy Hanuka, Happy Festivus and any and all others.

P.S. Don't forget about the STAR awards on 1/3/06 and the Year in Review on New Years Eve. I'min the middle of finishing both of them for their releases.

P.P.S Halo: The Lost Man is still in development, and won't make a public appearance until May 2006. Sorry.

Marble Blast Ultra

This new Marble "sim" game comes out tomorrow over Xbox Live Aracde for 800 MS points. The title looks cool to me, and I'll probably end up buying the full version once I get a 1600 MS Point card from my brother on Christmas.

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

New Battlefront 2 DL Content

LucasArts annouced Monday that new DLC has gone out and is planned for BattleFront 2. This week, an update has been released to allow you to play Jedi-Free-For-All on Kayashk. A Premium pack is scheduled for January that includes favorite from the orginal, including Rhen Var and Bespin.

Sunday, December 18, 2005

The Game That's Making Me Glad I Got a 360

...is Elder Scrolls 4. I've never played any of the orginals, but man this game looks good. So much action, so many different things to choose from. I'll go out on a limb and say this is the first game that will show off the Xbox 360'real potential for normal games. This is the next-generations alright. I might have to go out and preorder this title.

Friday, December 16, 2005

Robotron 2084 Out

Robotron 2084 has been released on the Martketplace. I'd say try out the demo, but it is REALLY short (less than a minute in length). If you want another top-down 360 degree shoter to join the ranks of Smash TV, GeoWars, Storm and others, than it's your title. If you, like me, think that 3 is enough, than you should probably hold out.

Thursday, December 15, 2005

360 Launch Day: Part 2

It's offical: Best Buy's across the US will be releasing a second wave of Xbox 360's this Sunday, December 18. Here are the ad's and the insider memo to prove it:

(Click on Image for Full Size)

I might drive by my local Best Buy, just to laugh and make fun of those who are waiting for one. And yes, I do think you should camp overnight. Most stores are only getting around 24. Heres the list.

My store (#150) is getting 60 systems. On the 22nd, they had 97. You do the math.

Finished THAW Classic Mode

As you can see by my GamerScore, I finished THAW Classic Mode last night. I am almost to Tony Alva...and about half-way or so through the Story Mode.

Have bearly started PDZ yet...I'll save that for the next two weeks I have off.

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Wik: Cool New Aracade Game

For those of you with a 360...go and download the new demo of Wik in the Martketplace. The game is pretty fun, in a werid way. It grows on you, and once it does your be hooked. Be prepared to dish out 800 MS Points pretty soon, you'll want this one.

Also, isn't that te coolest GamerPic thing yet?

Saturday, December 10, 2005

What to Get: 2005 Edition

Here's an updated Amazon list for this year as I continue my quest to have the best items under the tree each year.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/registry.html/ref=wlem-si-html_viewall/103-3794184-9385453?id=1T33M25ZJ126N

AWOL Becuase of Xbox 360

I know I've been gone for quite some time now...but it's simply becuase I've been putting in all extra time to the 360, as you can see from my GamerScore.

So far, I've fully completed Madden, beat the SP of COD2 and I am about halfway through THAW (only 2 more Classic Goals!). Today I just got PDZ, and I've got mixed first reactions. The graphics are not that great, and the controls feel funky compared to COD2. The gameplay, hwoever, is pretty fun, and reminds me for some reason of Unreal 2. Odd, I know, but the premise is similar. That may, for me, be a good thing, as I actually liked U2.

I've also been playing around with a few Araca titles, and I've purhcased Geometry Wars 2, Smash TV and Outpost Kaloki X so far. I have trial versions of the others (Pool, and the new weird table games). I have to say that the MartketPlace is my favorite new addition to Xbox. The trailers, demos and content has got me hooked. I literaly have spent hours just going back and forth and seeing whats all their.

I've also manged to get a full 360 set-up between 3 Windows machines and a wireless router, all in under 10 minutes. Thank you MS, their is a God. The picture/song transfer thing is way cool, just wish I could play copy-protected mucis from iTunes.

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Perfect GamerScore: Madden '06

Yesterday I finally finished 30 years of Franchise mode in Madden for the 360, and got a 1000 GamerScore for the Game (Don't belive me? Click on my GamerCard to the right!). Now on to Call of Duty 2. That game is freakin' hard!

Saturday, November 26, 2005

360: First Thoughts

Putting the shortages and some console failures aside, heres my thoughts on Microsoft's new Xbox 360.

It rocks.

There realy is so much to say about it that by saying anything is limiting its pure power. But I'll try anyway.

The Guide is awsome...being able to access it no matter where you are is totally cool. The way it interacts between you, Live and the Internet is amazing. GamerScore is cool too, and provides a realistic back-up for trash-talking online.

The hardware itself is pretty nice. The controlers are sloids and easy to use for the mowst part. The HDD works fine...although it probably isn't being used as much as it should. The Play and Charge Kit (my current only accessory) works great, and really is a must have for all wireless controlers (it provides a warning as to when the battery will die...on screen!)

The graphics and games of course are the meat of the console...but words will not do either justice. You must play it to see what it is. If you didn't stand in line for 21 hours and wern't lucky enough to get one...than head to a kiosk now and set-up permant residence, or fly to Japan or Europe for their luanches (you still have time). There is no excuse not to be playing the 360.

I'm off to go finish Call of Duty 2 to higher my GamerScore! Have to break 1000 this weekend!

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Xbox 360 Is Here

The era of next-gen gaming is here, and I am a part of it. After a long 21 hours outside of my local Best Buy...I managed to score the hottest gaming system in history. And yes, it is everything it is cracked out to be. The graphics are just something tobe hold. Currently, I have three 360 games--Call of Duty 2, Madden '06 and Tony Hawk's American Wasteland.

I posted my GamerCard here before, and I will try to get it as a permanate feature of this blog via HTML. Stay tuned for more news and info as I get a second to tear myself away from the 360.

My GamerCard

EDIT: My GamerCard may now be seen on the right hand side.

Monday, November 21, 2005

Less than 24 Hours

Less than 24 hours before the US release of the Xbox 360...and I'm about to embark on a quest to find one. No, I did not pre-order one...and now I will seek one out using stealth, charm and smarts.

My first stop is Wal-Mart, who has about 150 available for sale at 12:01 tonight. I plan to head over there in about an hour and wait in line.

If I am not successful there, I shall head to Best Buy, which opens at 9 AM to get one there. If I run out of luck, Costco and Circuit City are next.

Expect audio updates here on the progress of my journey. It's gonna be a long day...

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Unpacking Ritual

The guys over at Joystick have just completed most of their unpacking ritual of the Xbox 360. Definatly worth a look.

LINK

(P.S. Whats isnide the metal box????)

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Happy 3rd B-day Xbox Live

Today also marks the 3rd Birthday of Xbox Live. The service was born on this day in 2002. Heres another round on me.

Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday to XBOX LIVE...
Happy Birthday to you...

Happy 4th B-Day Xbox

A Big Happy B-day goes out to Xbox today...it turns 4 years old. It was born on this day in 2001.

Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday to XBOX
Happy Birthday to you...

Train Releases New Single-"Cab"

Train released a new single from their upcoming album today on iTunes. It's Called "Cab" and I like it.

Today seems like Music Tuesday for some reason...with Bowling For Soup, Train, Green Day, Big and Rich and Harry Potter. Next week, it's DVD Tuseday, with Seinfeld (5 AND 6), Polar Express and others coming out. And a little console called Xbox 360 :)

Monday, November 14, 2005

360 Luanch Titles Revieled

The moment you've all been waiting for: the full and complete lineup for the Xbox 360 on launch day (11/22). The following titles will be available on OR BEFORE the Big Day:

Kameo™: Elements of Power™ (Microsoft Game Studios)Go on a journey full of magnificent exploration and innovative morph-into-monster action.

Perfect Dark Zero™ (Microsoft Game Studios)Plunge into a world of corporate espionage and conspiracy as perfect agent Joanna Dark.

Project Gotham Racing 3 (Microsoft Game Studios)Life begins at 170 mph with the ultimate roster of the hottest supercars in existence.

Call of Duty 2 (Activision)Experience the cinematic intensity and chaos of epic WWII battles in this Xbox 360 exclusive.

Need for Speed™ Most Wanted (Electronic Arts)Out-race rivals and evade coordinated police pursuits to become the most wanted street racer.

Peter Jackson's King Kong™ (Ubisoft)Battle for survival on Skull Island as Jack Driscoll and even play as the mighty Kong himself.

Madden NFL 06 (Electronic Arts)Get ready for the most incredibly lifelike and best looking football experience ever created.

GUN™ (Activision)Journey through the Wild West in an immersive story of betrayal, greed, and revenge.

Condemned: Criminal Origins™ (SEGA)Pursue serial killers lurking on the periphery of humanity through squalid urban environments.

NBA 2K6 (2K Sports)Create your own player and guide him through all of the facets of an elite NBA career.

Ridge Racer™ 6 (Namco)With more than 130 cars and 30 courses play all-new online modes, plus downloadable content.

Tony Hawk's American Wasteland (Activision)Enjoy unlimited skating and BMX biking in the vast wasteland of Los Angeles with no load times.

QUAKE™ 4 (Activision)Take the battle to the heart of the Strogg home planet as Earth's only hope for victory.

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 06 (Electronic Arts)Battle through five classic periods of golf with Tiger Woods and legends like Palmer and Nicklaus.

Amped 3 (2K Sports)Get ready for a fat helping of boarding culture and huge snowboxes loaded with killer gameplay.

FIFA 06: Road to FIFA World Cup™ (Electronic Arts)With 72 teams and 1700 players, it's a soccer lover's dream as you advance to the World Cup.

NHL 2K6 (2K Sports)Hockey is back, so strap on your skates and take your favorite team to the Stanley Cup finals.

NBA Live 06 (Electronic Arts)Feel the emotion and intensity with freestyle superstars and more physical play

Sunday, November 13, 2005

Battlefront 2 Review

TeamXbox: 9.0/10
IGN 7.0/10

Opening Thoughts
First, we all know I'm a huge SW fan, and we all know how much I've been looking foward to this game. I have alot of Star Wars experiance, and thus know a lot about every character. I have also played Battlefront 1 and know the way it works. Keep that in mind during the review.

Single Player
Let's get the boring part out of the way. Let it be known that battlefront 2 isn't meant for single player. Sure it has it, but that isn't going to justify a $50 purchase. There are a couple of game types: Galtic Conquest, Rise of the Empire, and Instant Action (no Historical Campaign this time around). Conquest plays out like a board game, where you take turns moving fleets and buying soilders and bonuses. When you run into an enemy, you fight, whereve that may be. Rise of the Empire plays like a mini-game, in that it has specific objectives and things that need to be accomplished within the battle. Instant Action is just the multiplayer game types versus an AI bot.
Score: 4/5

Controls
For some reason, this time the reload is not X, but down on the D Pad. They are totally customizable though, and the game plays perfectly no matter which way they are set to.
Score: 5/5

Sound
Perfect. But it should be, as this is Star Wars. The new songs from ROTS add a nice touch to the others. Sound effects and 5.1 are all there to boot.
Score: 5/5

Graphics
BF 2 isn't the greatest looking game ever, but it works well with what it's got. Some of the planets (Like Felucia) are not too easy to look at, but most of the characters look pretty good. Visually, not much has changed from the first one.
Score: 3.5/5

Gameplay
To put it simply, Battlefront 2 is fun to play- die hard fan or not. The improvemets only add to the game that was alreadly pretty good. The ability to be a Jedi or to fly in space are really great additions. Space battles, by the way, work like a game of Destruction, where you fly into the enemies base and do as much damage as possible. Heroes selection includes Han, Leia, Luke, Chewbacca, The Emperior, Vader, Anakin, Obi-Wan, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Yoda, Mace Window, Boba and Jango Fett, Count Dooku, General Grevious and a few others.

The game works well with what it does. The new maops, which include Tantive IV, Felucia, Death Star, Jabba's Place (sort-of new), Dagobah, Mustafar, Utapa, and others provide great new battles. And the addition of new game modes like Hunt (kill the other species) and CTF (single and double) add even more variety to the game.

The only thing really wrong with BF 2 is that it is too easy, and thus becomes un-fun to play. That's where multiplayer comes in.
Score: 5/5

Multiplayer
BF 2 supports 4-player spiltscreen, 4-person-per-TV System Link and 32 player Live battles (4 players per TV as well). The actual experiance is quite fun, but is lagged with problems. In every type (even spiltscreen) the frame rater suffers as more action is added to the screen. The Live battles are still extra laggy, but are a tad bit better in Dediacted Servers. The new game types, like CTF, add some fun to the Multiplayer, but it's still basic Battlefront.

Don't get me wroung, I have had a great time with freinds on Battlefront 2, but there are sever techinical problems with it that should have been fixed.
Score: 3/5

Overall
Battlefront 2 is a great game, it just has some problems. Perhaps BF 3 will finally fix some of them.
Score: 4/5

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Happy B-Day Halo 2!!

A year and 7 million copies latter, we stumble once agin on November 9. Ahh, remember what you were doing at this time last year. I was in the cold, waiting outside EB Games. Now, I'm waiting to wait outside EB Games for the 360 launch.

Bungie also just revield that both Halo and Halo 2 have been upgraded for the 360 to include 720p support and widescreen. They both look pretty nice.

Now, a round for Halo 2, on me...
Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday to Halo 2...
Happy Bithday to you.

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Why I Won't Buy Half Life 2

Heres the thing: I have no doubt in my mind that HL2 for the Xbox is going to be amazing. However, three things have happened over the last few months that have really pissed me off, and thus, I will not be purchusing this game next week. Here are my reasons, from least to greatest.

Valve suckered up to EA to realse Half Life. Why stoop down to their level!?! WHY!!
It's coming out on Xbox 1, when Xbox 360 will be out just a week latter. Hello! Bad marketing decision. I don't have any extra cash to spend this close to such a huge console release.
There is no Live. None at all. Not even Live aware. Not even a hint of connectivity. In this stage of gaming, that is, in my book, stupid and unforgivable. The last non-Live game I bought was Mercenaires. I don't want to break my streak.

Plus, I have played it before on PC. For now, I'll stick with Counter Strike on Xbox, one game Valve didn't mess up too much (although you think they'd release a single new DLC as a reward for it's success).

Friday, November 04, 2005

WWWU #2

Heres the update on The Lost Man for this week...

Coding contines, and I'm up to about 1000 lines of Java code so far. I probably will not be making any release this mo nth of anything becuase of this low amount (I thought it would be closer to 1500 by now).

So far, the story is pretty cool. I won't spoil anything, but heres some basics of the plot. Again, it's after New Mombasa and before the Cheif takes off to fight the Covies. You start off knowing nothing, and progrss in knowledge untill your true identity and purpose are revield.

Heres some real news: the Moon is in Halo:TLM. It was rumored to be in Halo 2, and it wasn't, so it seemed perfeclty natural for me to include that level in this game. And yes, it fits with the plot.

Weapon choices no include Plasma Riffle, Rocket Luancher, Sword, Battle Riffle, Fists, Brute Plasmas and a shotgun.

Your code/hint for the week is 1927. Enter it before you start and see what happens.

Tune in next week for some more info, a possible screen shot(s) and more info on when I will release the game.

Head up: You will need a JDK and a Java Program to run any pre-release downloads (anything released before June 11, 2006)

Monday, October 31, 2005

Happy Day Before Star Wars Day '05!!

...and Halloween to!

I'll be sure to post my first thoughts on the DVD and BF2 as soon as I get them and get home, which should be around 4 PM PST (damn school). Expect it to be a very cool day.

Have a fun night, be safe, and p-lay some special Halo-ween games (trick-or-treat is my fav)

Saturday, October 29, 2005

Legal Issues My Ass

That's the biggest, lammmest, BS-ist thing I've ever heard. There are no "legal" issues stopping bpeople under 18 from setting up a gamercard!! I know, there aren't! If we could use the forums then, why not now? And why can we everywhere else?

MS you made a horrible, stupid decision. This seriously affectes my wanting of an Xbox 360...you just really DON'T care about who plays your games, do you?

Have fun with the new features and forums...I won't see them untill March (Which, oddly enough, is close to the PS3 launch...)

Friday, October 28, 2005

This Sucks

So, the new forums and MY Xbox are up...and so is another "bug" or idiotic MS idea. Apparently, I'm too young to registar. I have to go now, but I'll be back for sure latter to rant on the stupdidty of this.

Thursday, October 27, 2005

Help Bungie "Fight the Flood"

The Bungie Charity auction to benift the victims of hurricane Katrina has started...go cheek it out. Help thousands of people get their lives back while scoring some very cool Halo orginals. Sounds pretty good to me.

LINK
http://nikon.bungie.org/bma/

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Weekly Whats What Update #1

I'm going to start a weekly update feature to let you know how progress is going on my Halo RPG Project...here's update the first...

Work on H:TLM (a tentative title, likely to latter be changed) has begun, and I'm alreadly well into Version 1.0.03. The first two versions just didn't work out. They are still playable, and will in fact be included in the final package I release on June 15, 2005, but they are not what I want the game to be.

1.0.02 included a change to the code style basically, and had no outer effect to the user. I switched from using if-else and for loops to switch cases.

1.0.03 included several changes to the end user, including a new weapon system. In all other versions, weapons were added and dropped in the actual code, as in I would have one part for Room 1 with gun, and another for Room 1 without a gun. This just got too complicated when I intoduced other weapons, so I have switched to a code-based entry system that I like alot better.

That's where the cool part is. Each week in every update, I will be giving out a new code for a better use of a weapon. Weapons are not hard to get, but are harded to learn how to use well. I will be handing out a code a week, that will either boast a weapon or give you a special new one. The code will only be included for the week in which the update was included (In other words, next week, I will delete this one).

This week's code is 8841. it will give you better aim with all Human Weapons (Skill Level 2). This will be more clear when the game is released, but for now, write it down and save it for when the game is released. (Also note that these codes may only work with the finhsed version released in early January)

...And We're On

Just to report, Xbox.com and XBL are now up and running. Things have smoothed out since 4 AM when the service first went on. Originally, there were a few hiccups, but all is calm now.

Additionaly, MN just rported that the first Xbox 360 has been seen on Xbox Live. Swing over to his site and cheek out the historic photo.

I like the new layout of Xbox.com...colorful, short and simple, just the way an official site should be. What will be interesting-and what I think we all really waiting for-is how the new forums and My Live sections look.

Sunday, October 23, 2005

First Chance to Play the 360

Looks like several retialers have got 360 kiosks up and running. Head on over to Wal-Mart or EB Games and cheek it out. I just wanna know how the controller feels.

LINK

Saturday, October 22, 2005

Halo and Halo 2 Will Be Updated for Xbox 360

Yes, you heard it here first...and I must say I'm surprised no body else picked this up as it's pretty big news. Here's a quote from the Bungie WWWU:

"There is a very slight possibility I might play PGR3 or Perfect Dark Zero first. But then, straight onto Halo one. We’re going to have more to tell you about how Halo one and two look on 360, and it’s all good news."

It was currently thought that all games would be stright ports, due to the method MS choose to copy games to the 360. However, this little hint deffinatly says something about the furutre of Halo and Halo 2. Even if it's only better HD support, it's still more than most people were hoping for.

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Xbox 360 Online Features Revieled

Today, XZbox.com unveiled the secerts to the upcoming "new" Xbox.com wbesite and Xbox Live.

Xbox Live is being redone to include the famous Gamer Card, the thing that will track your status and stuff across games.

Xbox.com will be changed to include support for this new Gamer Card. In the works is online viewing and editing, and even easy-access HTML so you can drag it as a Sig or to your Blog. (Yes...there will definatly be one here very soon).

The forums are alos being redone. Your forum name will now simply be your gamertag, and it will have easy access to your GamerCard. Sweet.

All in all, it definatly seems worth the 24 hour downtime on 10/24. The only thing that sucks is I think BF 2 comes out around then...hopefully not on the same day. Talk about bad timing.

LINK (Also cheek out MN's Blog for some pics and stuff)

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Working on The Lost Man

I've started work on The Lost Man, the current codename/devlopment title of my text-based RPG. It's loosly based on the Halo storyline, but you don't play as the Master. Instead, the game has you as a common Marine solider in battle for Earth.

You start out in the cliche' RPG-way of having no clue who you are (you even have to open your eyes) and than discover what's going on. The Cehif does show up towards the middle of the game, and helps play out some the early battles...but other than that, your on your own.

The real plot of the game involves you searching for the reason behind the Covenant attack on Earth, after the battle of New Mombasa in Halo 2. In your search, you find clues to a hidden relic on Earth...and dsicover your true identity and how it is intrictly linked to the Halo uinverse.

Just so were clear, this is a school-based, non-profit fan-fiction game that is in no endorsed, sponswered or in any way affilated with Bungie, Microsoft, Xbox, or any of the things related to those companies. I belive this dosn't violate any legal issues, as I don't plan on making a penny on this, it's just an AP Computer Science (Java) project.

If I can, I will give the world access to the game by November 22, 2005. I expect to have the final, version 1.03.06, released by January 12, 2006. Don't count on the early version to be completly great or completly finsihed for that matter. But be sure to cheek it out, as so far, after only a week of actual hardcore coding, its coming along pretty nicely.

Also, the program will be open-source based, but I will NOT be able to release the code untill June 11, 2006, after the course is over for school reasons.

Xbox Live Bows Down to the 360

MS just annouced that Xbox.com and the Xbox Live service will be down from 10/24 to 10/25, 2005, in order to prepare for the launch of Xbox 360. Should we expect a new site when it goes Live again? Perhaps not intentially, but very soon. MN hinted doing his Blogcast that a new site is coming very soon, but said he would discuss it next week. So, maybe this will materialize on the 25th...but I wouldn't hold my breath.

Let's all hope for a new forum system....like we've been promised for over a year.

Saturday, October 15, 2005

Lets Get the Coutdowns in Order, Please

So many hot things coming out so soon...it's time to get a little organized. Here's my Countdows to the hottests items for the rest of 2005. (For the record, my coutdowns are true style, they don't include today but do include the day of release)

Series of Unfortunate Events Book 12--3 Days

The last book before the last book is finally coming. Can't wait to be more confused about the VFD and life itself. October 18, 2005.

SW: ROTS on DVD and BattleFront II -- 17 Day

Two hot sequals to the best things in the Star Wars Universe? Thats what I call Star wars Day. Novemer 1, 2005.

Xbox 360-38 Days

MS promises the 360 will be awsome...and I belive them. The onyl real question is how long after this do I have to wait?

DVD Day 2005- Seinfeld, War of the Worlds-38 Days

The list of DVDs coming out on November 22 gets longer almost everyday. The Biggies include the Seinfeld Seasons 5 & 6 Collector's Set, with Puffy Shirt, War of the Worlds, The Polar Express, and a few others. Makes the November 22 trip about $80 more expensive.

Thanksgiving 2005--40 Days

This Thanksgiving, theres going to be alot of Xbox playing going on.

UC Applications--46 Days

College applications make me want to scream. Including them in this list of cool things makes them a little less stressful. But I still must scream. AHHHHHH!!!

Christmas 2005--71 Days

This is probably when I'll actually get a 360. Untill than, I will cry myself to sleep every night.

2006--77 Days

Thus begins my last year as a child. Such sweet memeories...

iTunes 6.0-Tunes with Video

I upgraded to the 6.0 version of iTunes yesterday. It supports the new video features for all new iPods, which is cool. No awsome cool or "OMG" cool, but just cool. The service allows you to purchuse and download TV shows (Lost, Desperate Houswives, and some other ABC shows) and a few Pixar short flicks. There are also a very limited amount of video podcasts that are free, and about 2000 music videos that cost $1.99.

I bought the Pixar short "For the Birds" to test it out, and I must say I was impressed. It download in about the samne time as a song does, and it plays pretty well. The resolution holds up well for all modes except full-screen, bu even there it isn't too bad. And, BTW, "For the Birds" is halarois. Unfortunatly, my new nano dosn't support video (of course) so I have no idea about how the iPod video works. But I wouldn't worry to much about the size of the screen. It's probably just big enough to wok with most of the stuff the have out right now. The big news is: wheres the NFL?

Sunday, October 09, 2005

Still Alive...For Now

I know its been about a month since my last post...which is wayyy to long. But I've been busy, and now I'm back. Back with a vengence. So, whats been happening in my absence? The world's gone crazy, thats what.

Sun and Google join together in a third attempt to beat out Microsoft. You just gotta feel sorry for the guys...they've got so much heart.
Google gives free WiFi to San Franisco...at dial-up speeds.
Xbox 360 annouces lunch lineup...much to the dissappointment of fans. Can MS do anything right?
And some other stuff.

Here's whats been happening in my world.

Took the SAT I yesterday again...and of course it sucked. 4 hours is just too long for any kind test. Even the A.P.'s don't seem that bad.
My iPod nano came in (by the way, I ordered one). It's pretty cool, and very small. Expect a review to come some time in your life.

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

Mark Your Calendars

Late-breaking news: The Launch Date of the 360 is here.

(Pulling up sleeve to show tatoo...lol)

November 22, 2005.

This is perhaps the biggest Xbox 360 annoucment yet. Get your HTML hats on...its time to make some counters! Is nano small enough?

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Big News Teusday

Two more things...two more BIG things...for today (there was a lot, huh)

First...ESRB MANDATES RATING REVIEW
As part of the continual fallout of the GTA:SA ESRB change, today, the rating board sent out e-mails stating that all games made within the last 12 months (from 9/1/04 on) will have to sumbit to the ESRB a review and/or discloser of any and all hidden content, ment to be played or not, by January 2006 or face punitive penalites. This means that all developers, including Bungie, have some work to do...

Second...NINTENDO REVIELS GAMEBOY MICRO PACKAGING
And it looks like this:

It looks weird, but cool. However, I still can't see me buying this. I don't need another device to play Game Boy Advance titles. Make a better format alreay!

9/11 Remberance Ceramony

Yesterday, my High school held a ceramony, as seen above, to comemorate the tradgedy of September 11, 2001. You can see me if you squint really hard...I'm in the band (front, center) in the Percussion area, first head left of the blue bass drum.That's my dot!

Also, Sunday was a moment of silence in honor of those who died.

ekype?

Today, Ebay annouced that it has purchused the VoIP provider, Skype, for $2.6 billion. Will we now have to bid to talk over the Internet? Of course, we'll have to pay in PayPal...lol

LINK

PS2 Recalled

Thousands of new slim-design PS2s have been recalled, due to an overheating power supply. This, of course, marks the second mass recall for the PS2, and also the second mass recall of a console due to overheating.

LINK

Monday, September 12, 2005

Easy Way to See The Tree's Secerts

Over at OrigenXbox360.com...the tree is holding omse pretty well-hidden secerts. You can easily find out something about them though by viewing the page as "Source" or in HTML.It will tell you what week its in, and the secert or change for the week so at least your know what to look for. What it dosn't say, however, is when Halo 3 is coming out...

Saturday, September 10, 2005

Did You Buy a Shirt Yet?

Remember to head over and buy the Flood shirt from Bungie. They've nearly collects $120,000 to donate to the Red Cross...that number should be higher by now. We all need to join together to help fellow Americans. Buy a shirt now. Already bought one? Buy another. Theres still people out there that need help. Heck, buy three, even four or five. BUY!!!!!!!! And tell others to as well!!!

http://www.bungiestore.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=322

Cool Logo Makers

Nothing new...but these are old favorites of mine:

Google Page Creator
Favorite Logo of Mine
A Dream of Mine

Yahoo Logo Creator
Favorite Logo of Mine

Thursday, September 08, 2005

Now I'm Interested

I never got into the whole Origen thing (The ILB like viral thing for the Xbox 360)...until now. In fact, I had never visted the site until today.

What changed me? This update from TeamXbox. It seems to me that there is lily some kind of connection between it and Halo 3. Not sure how big...but anything that mentions Halo is worth my time. I'll spend today trying to get up-t0-pace with the Origen thing...but untill then, heres some Latin that may be as famous as I Love Bees:

in hoc spatio arbor noster floruit, fecundus pomies Elysii ignoti, qui in loco ludent electi, ab Originis angelis circumdati.

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

The New iPod: Nano

Today, Apple annouced the birth of the next big thing in MP3 players: the iPod Nano. As you can see from the picture, its pretty much a bigger version of the Shuffle...with a screen. It's flash based...which means it should be dock-free. It's scdueled to be available sometime this week, for $199 +. It holds 500-1000 songs (I belive there is two versions, geussing 500 and 1000). Apple plans on making the Nano replace the iPod Mini.

Apple also annouced the alreadly-known deal involving the iTunes cell phone deal with Mortorla.

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

Support Bungie in Helping Fight The Flood

Don't listen to the fools over at the TeamXbox forums...Bungie really is trying to help those hurt by the devestating effects of Katrina. While I am far away from its immediate effects, I too am deeply hurt by this great disaster. Buy a shirt...help save lives. And remember, for every ugly, dirty, rotten no-good scum of-the-Earth lotter, there are 1,000 good people just stuck there, and tens of thousands more trying get to them.

LINK TO SAVE AMERICA
(PLEASE BLOG THIS LINK EVERYWHERE. INLCUDE IT IN ALL FORUM SIGS)
http://www.bungie.net/News/Story.aspx?link=8495D2B1-3505-4EF4-A6DE-A99B109A332B

Monday, September 05, 2005

from my psp

this post is coming coming from my psp ... i just updatd now 2 vers. 2.0

Sunday, September 04, 2005

From The Del Coranado Hotel

Yes...I am once agai on vaction with my insane family...thistime to an actual tortsist place. I am blogging this fro a $9.99 Internet access thing on my TV in h room (ye..Ipaid fr it, altough I didn't like it. Sorry for the poor spelling and the like...this key boar sucks).

Nothing new to really report (No WWWU from Bungie) except that I won my Fantasy -ball game. Go Carp! Oe more copetegame is al I need to win BIG!!

Thursday, September 01, 2005

Second Test of the Year

Today I had (dun-dun-dundah!) the second test of the year, and again, it was in Computer Science. Well, actually, its more like the forth or fifth...but CS is the only class I care enough (I guess, I actually really like gov) to blog about. Today it was on basic code structure. Heres some q's I remeber for you:

T or F: GUI stands for Graphical Interface

What symbal will make Java ignore everything that comes after it? (Highlight below for answers)

Number 1: True
Number Two: Double slash: //

Come on Major: UPDATE

Latter on last night, MN did do a repost to the new information. Was this becuase of the report I had just made? Did I cuase history to happen? I doubt it...but a guy can dream.

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Come On, Major

We all know Major Nelson, as a rep for MS, will usually tend to gloss over any article that shows either the 360 in a bad light...or the PS3 in a good one. Thats just the way it is...and thats cool. I understand. Everyone does it...from the NY Times to our faithful and war-loving president.

Today, however, I have no understanding for Major. This goes beyond the normal "Everyone loves the 360" news to the "your just being unfair". Heres how it goes down:

August 31, 2005 8:34 AM PST-
TeamXbox posts this story, about the PS3 chip being less powerful than some other cool PC chip alreadly out.

August 31, 2005 10:53 AM PST-
Major Nelson posts a link to the article. "Team Xbox has this article up that has some interesting details about next gen video cards". He's nice, and not baised. Kudos, MN.

August 31, 2005 4:16 PM PST-
TeamXbox retracts (sorta) the story, saying the PS# is more powerful.

August 31, 2005 7:53 PM PST-
At time of writting, nothing from MN...

Note on that Q's

I tricked you...The answer is really false. Java uses UNIX, and yes, I did that on purpose.

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

First Test of the Year

Yesterday I had my first test of the school year, in Computer Science. I manged a 27/30, which, when curved was about a 94%. I'm off to a good start.

The test was pretty easy...covering mostly the history of computers and some of the basic elements of code and Java. Sample question: True or False, Java uses ASCII to encode. True.

Expect more updates like this from my school life--it's part of my commitment I made at the 1-year mark to reinvent this blog.

Monday, August 29, 2005

Root Me On!

I made to the second week of the playoffs in my Fantasy B-ball league. Come anr root me on... link to the scoreboard page is below (May have to have a CBS accoutant...sorry).

Right now I am up 18-13. Carp got a win...he's two got losses!

LINK

No More Spam

I've turned on word type for comments. No more spam! You get to type random squiggly letters!

Probably Won't See This On MN's Blog

$5 says you won't see Major Nelson posting link about this Xbox 360 story...probably becuase it realistically describes the situation the video game world Xbox 360 is about to create by launching without a HDD. Heres a quote from Valve (the 2nd best videogame company in the world, right behind Bungie in my book) leader Gabe Newell:

"Look, I spoke to some people at Microsoft, and as I said, I can't point to a single feature in Vista that I care about that solves problems for us at all. And I had the same conversation with the Xbox 360 guys. It's like, Xbox 360 doesn't make my life any better, and in fact, it makes it a lot worse, as you're telling me I can't count on having a hard drive."

Finally, someone important says what we've all been thinking: MS was nucking futs in spilting the Xbox 360 population.

LINK

Sunday, August 28, 2005

Coffee: Actually Good For You?

LINK

This just seems too good to be true...but it is just one more excuse to make a trip to Starbucks.

Friday, August 26, 2005

Thats My HS

LINK

Note: I wasn't the student who saw it.

Thoughts on The Week

Ahhh...the first weeks of school. The last first week of school for me. Monday was the first day of my senior year in high school. I wanted/planned to blog during the week...but with homework and band, and then Blogger not working right on Wednesday...I just didn't.

So, anyway...the week went by prettty smootly. First period I have Honors Computer Science (Java) which is cool. So far 've learned some basic system.out.println(" My Name is Chris "); codes, and a cool temperature converter. Second is Trig...nothing more should I have to say. Third is A.P. Gov, which is a cool class but a hell of lot of work. It's basically a full years worth of stuff (a full 400 pagen textbook) crammed into a 9-week course. Then it's band.

Alotta things happened this week in the outside world actually. Google launced an IM client that looks cool, but I havn't had a chance to play around with it yet...The PSP 2.0 update was released which is very cool...and Leo is back on TV with "Call For Help." Perhaps there is a God after all. Now...if the show could just get moved to a time when I'm actually home...oh wait, thats what TiVo is for...thank you!

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Who Is This Fool?

Wanna get mad? Cheek out the site below. Who the hell does he think he is? It's people like him that make me want to be a lawyer. Video games don't kill people moron...stupid people kill people...

LINK

iBook Sale Causes Riots

$50 for an iBook? I might stampede for that too.

LINK

Reaction to the Price

Heres some posts from Major Nelson's blog abiut the 360 price point. Ignore the links, please.

starchief Says:
That price range is going to be over my head….. guess I will hve to wait a couple of months to pick one up.

--> Vella Says:
Wait, what the %^&*! The cheap version, which you would have to be a fool to buy, isn’t even fucking metallic?
Yeah, Major? Preorder=&*^ Cancelled.

--> expletive Says:
My initial reaction to this is that splintering the market with “hard drive” and “no hard drive” units is a big mistake. It seems the MS felt it was critical to offer *something* at the supposed magic $299 price point. Didnt the original ps1 sell for $399 when it came out or does my memory not serve me?
How will non-hard drive owners download content and updates to games via live? Wont a portion of the market not having hard drives make developers think twice about offering these types of value add services?
I dunno, this sounds bad all around. They should have figured a way to get a HD in the core unit, even at $349.
John

--> Black Says:
no, you are wrongps1, ps2 and psp was launched @ 299
preorder of x360 cancelled

--> Vanquish Death Says:
Actually PS1 was released at 399…for about 5 months…

--> Marco Says:
dissapointing really ….
this goes against anything which MS has stated before…

--> krypt0nian Says:
Never thought i’d say this but I’m out.
• Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter. With this, gamers can chat with friends and play games via Xbox Live, as well as stream videos and music to Xbox 360 from a Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC, all without the clutter of wires (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S./€79.99 /£59.99*).
Unbelieveable.

--> Kurt Says:
I’m dissapointed to say the least.

--> Garulon Says:
I’m getting a 360, but I [b]rilly[/b] wish the Core System didn’t exist. No HDD as standard is [b]dim[/b].

--> TheRedShadow Says:
My first post here.Very, very disappointingI’ll still be able to pick one up but now it looks like I’ll have to cut back on a few games. I’m curious to see how everything sells when it is released.

--> Hasan Ahmad Says:
So this is what i waited for german convention? im cancelling my pre-order, Good riddance MS

--> Mynameisbt Says:
I really feel mislead now. I was under the impression that wireless controllers and the HD would be standard. I spent so much time prasing the 360 on forums praising the 360 and convincing ps3 fans to get 360, and now i feel slapped in the face.
My interest level in 360 went from a 10 to a 4 now. Definately not getting this at launch and gonna wait and see for the ps3 to make my decision this generation.

--> swoosh bnd Says:
Agreed, I was looking forward to a wireless controller, silver level of xbox live, Hard drive, and a headset (headset was not officially announced) right out of the box for every xbox 360 console. I guess they could’ve done that but they would’ve raised the price to $399.99 and then we still would’ve been dissappointed.

--> Cold Shot Says:
Not sure why some of you seem upset. These are the price points and configurations (with drive / no drive) rumored for MANY months, and they seem quite reasonable. Four years ago, $299 was the price for the original Xbox. This is certainly more bang for the same bucks. I am looking forward to grabbing the premium addition and some extra controllers day 1. Thanks for the detailed post Major.

--> Boogieman Says:
Very, very poor decision.

--> Draft Says:
no HDD standard = super weak.
What is the freaking point of making Live’s silver service free if you have to buy the premium box to use it?! And with the HDD being an addon, it’s usefulness extends to storing MP3s and some bullcrap Velocity Girl made.
I was on the fence about X360, and this announcement has firmly pushed me onto the “wait for a price drop and/or halo 3″ side.

--> BlindMaphisto Says:
I can’t believe microsoft is stupid enough to fracture the hard drive base.

--> BraveQuail Says:
I’m still going to buy a xbox360 but i think microsoft let us down by creating two versions of the console. I think they should have upped the price by $50 and have the 20gb harddrive included. I still think it will sell well cuz $300 for a next gen consol is a decent price i mean the PSP cost $250 when it first came out.

--> Eliot Says:
There is now way i can afford 400 bucks, so i’ll by the 300 dollar version, and pick up the hard drive for christmasThats is a tad bit of a dissapointment though.

--> Hasan Ahmad Says:
Only an idiot will buy the 299 Console because
1) You cannot play Backward Compatible Games2) You cannot play it on an HD-TV3) You cannot download any Xbox Live Content4) You cannot use Xbox Live because it needs HD5) You cannot save games unless you buy a seperate memory card (PS2)6) You are basically F’d up
Maybe God punished J Allard on the mountain for lying to us.

--> Vella Says:
Agreed. My Xbox does more than the core 360. This is ridiculous. I’m going to have to wait until the price drops on the premium version.

--> Vanquish Death says:
Hasan?
Umm
1) Microsoft has stated on MANY accounts that you will NOT have to recompile your games on the Xbox 360.
2) Actually you still can play it on an HDTV…
3) True.
4) No, Xbox Live does NOT need an HDD to play.
5) True, but this has been going on for almost a decade…
6) Your opinion based on false information.
Don’t get me wrong, I am still kind of upset that I will be spending $400 on a system in November instead of $300. But what the Hell? Better then the $500> price tag on the PS3.

--> thies Says:
400eur for a usable setup? Too expensive, not buying. What’s that messed up stuff with the harddrive only being on the expensive model anyway?

--> starchief Says:
I will have to stop my pre-order and wait a couple of months or a year for a price drop.

--> swoosh bnd Says:

Yeah, microsoft was in a very strong running for preorders as of yesterday and being able to easily beat sony. Now the preorders will be readily available and they aren’t in as much contention until you hear sony’s price.

--> FlaminMarz (Keith) Says:
I am pretty disappointed as well. Some of the accessories are OVER PRICED like the faceplates for $19 ??? and the tiny wireless adapter for $100? I couldnt even believe it. What makes it worse is that the core system doesnt come with the harddrive, then gamers and going to be thinking…..how will I download games?…..then gamers will also see that the harddrive sold separately will cost them $100, so might as well buy the full 360 package for $399.
And I thought that ALL controllers would be wireless…….didnt they say that the next generation will be wireless? And now they’re putting a WIRED controller in the core system package WHICH ONLY COSTS $10 LESS THAN A WIRELESS CONTROLLER.
Especially for the faceplates for $20? Its crazy, I thought they would be around $10. Im in Canada, so these prices are a lot higher.

Xbox 360 Pricing

Here it is, the moment from Germany we've been waiting for:

Microsoft Announces Xbox 360 Price for Europe and North America: Starts at $299.99 U.S./€299.99/£209.99Feature-packed system brings high-definition gaming to the masses this holiday season.
LEIPZIG, Germany — Aug. 17, 2005 — Ending weeks of speculation about which upcoming video game platform will give gamers the most bang for their buck, today at the German Games Convention, Microsoft Corp. revealed that consumers can get their hands on Xbox 360™ — the most powerful and feature-packed next-generation video game and entertainment system — for as little as $299.99 U.S./€299.99/£209.99 starting this holiday season. For gamers who want to experience the ultimate digital entertainment thrill ride, Microsoft also announced a model with hundreds of dollars worth of accessories for $399.99 U.S./€399.99/£279.99, giving consumers the definitive entertainment experience at an unbelievable value right out of the box.
The Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Core System — along with an impressive lineup of high-definition game titles from the world’s best publishers and developers — will make their debut in North America, Europe and Japan in time for this Christmas holiday, several months ahead of the competition. Although details for the Japan launch will be addressed at the Tokyo Game Show in September, the unprecedented three-region launch signifies an industry first.
The Xbox 360 platform will deliver the most powerful console, the best games, the next generation of the Xbox Live® service, and amazing digital entertainment experiences never seen in console entertainment.“The sheer entertainment value of Xbox 360 cannot be overstated,” said Robbie Bach, chief Xbox officer for Microsoft. “While the system has the muscle to power awe-inspiring graphics, audio and online play, it’s also got the intelligence to serve as a one-of-a-kind entertainment device that plays CDs, DVDs, MP3s and digital content from an array of devices, including portable music players and digital cameras.”
With its built-in Ethernet port and free Silver level of service right out of the box, Xbox 360 also connects players to Xbox Live, the premier global online console games and entertainment network. With Xbox Live, gamers can chat with friends online, build and share gamer profiles, send and receive text and voice messages, and access Xbox Live Marketplace for new content such as game demos, trailers and casual games from Xbox Live Arcade. Subscribers to the Gold level of service will also enjoy access to online multiplayer gaming in their favorite games, as well as great promotional programs such as worldwide tournaments, the chance to play online with their favorite celebrities, and opportunities to win big prizes.

For gamers who want the ultimate experience (and the best value) right out of the box, Microsoft will offer the $399.99 U.S./€399.99/£279.99 Xbox 360 console. This premium edition — distinguished by signature metallic detailing on the console itself — comes fully loaded for the ultimate gaming experience, with components and accessories that would cost more than $200 if sold separately:
• Xbox 360 console. Sexy styling that packs a punch — three powerful core processors are poised to pump out 720p/1080i output, 16×9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound and DVD playback right out of the box.
• Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20 GB). 20 GB and detachable, the hard drive allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos and community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace.
• Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming features the Xbox® Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music and games libraries as well as a range and battery life of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of life on two AA batteries.• Xbox 360 Faceplate. The removable Faceplate comes in stylish “chill” (white) and can be swapped out with custom Faceplates to reflect gamers’ personalities or decor.
• Xbox 360 Headset. This lets gamers strategize with teammates or trash-talk opponents while playing games on Xbox Live.
• Xbox 360 Component HD-AV Cable. This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360 games and graphics through high-definition and standard-definition connections.
• Xbox Live Silver membership. With this, gamers can chat with friends online, send and receive voice and text messages, and access new content from Xbox Live Marketplace demos such as trailers and casual games from Xbox Live Arcade.
• A bonus Media Remote. Included for a limited time, the integrated control center for the entire digital experience lets consumers play DVDs, movies and music, as well as access their Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC’s controls with a single remote.

At $299.99 U.S./€299.99/£209.99, the Xbox 360 Core System comes standard with what consumers need to jump right into next-generation games and media, and is fully expandable to the complete Xbox 360 experience:
• Xbox 360 console. As with the premium edition, three powerful core processors pump out 720p/1080i output, 16×9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound and DVD playback right out of the box.
• Xbox 360 Controller. This wired controller features an extended nine-foot cable and a comfortable, enhanced ergonomic design.
• Xbox 360 Faceplate. Like no other console before, the Xbox 360 console allows customization and a removable Faceplate that comes in stylish “chill” (white), which can be swapped out with other custom Faceplates to reflect gamers’ personalities or decor.
• Xbox 360 Standard AV Cable. This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360, delivering great next-generation graphics and games using standard-definition connections.

The Xbox 360 console also comes ready for customization. With an array of Xbox 360 accessories, gamers can trick out their systems to suit their individual tastes and personalize their experiences. In addition to an ever-growing selection of eye-catching Faceplates ($19.99 U.S./€19.99/£14.99), Xbox 360 Controller (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€34.99/£24.99*) and Component HD AV Cable (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€29.99/£19.99*), the lineup includes a wealth of accessories that brings next-generation gaming entertainment to its optimum:
• Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20 GB). 20 GB and detachable, the hard drive allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos and community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace and more (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S./€99.99/£69.99*).
• Xbox 360 Memory Unit (64 MB). Easily portable, this lets gamers save games, in-game achievements and unique gamer profiles for quick and easy access on the go (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€34.99/£22.99*).
• Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. The same hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming that comes with the premium edition features the Xbox Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music and games libraries as well as a range and battery life of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of life on two AA batteries (estimated retail price $49.99 U.S./€44.99/£32.99*).
• Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit. This allows plug and play for high-performance, precision wireless gaming with the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Gamers will be given ample warning when the end of battery life is nearing so they can connect the Play & Charge cable for uninterrupted play (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S./€19.99/£14.99*).
• Xbox 360 rechargeable battery pack. This provides up to 25 hours of gameplay for wireless gaming fun (estimated retail price $11.99 U.S./€14.99/£9.99*).
• Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter. With this, gamers can chat with friends and play games via Xbox Live, as well as stream videos and music to Xbox 360 from a Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC, all without the clutter of wires (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S./€79.99 /£59.99*).
• Xbox 360 Headset. This heightens the Xbox Live experience by letting gamers strategize with teammates or trash-talk opponents while playing games (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S./€19.99/£14.99*).
• Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote. Sold as an accessory, this integrated control center for the entire digital experience lets consumers play DVDs, movies and music, as well as control a TV and their Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC controls with a single controller (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S./€29.99/£19.99*).
• Xbox 360 S-Video AV Cable (U.S. only) Xbox 360 SCART AV Cable (Europe only). This versatile cable works for both high-definition and standard-definition TVs that use S-Video or composite video inputs. It provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S./€24.99/£17.99*).
• Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable. Gamers can experience high-definition gaming on flat-panel TV or VGA monitors. This cable provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€29.99/£19.99*).

“With both the Xbox 360 and the Xbox 360 Core System, we’re offering consumers real choice and real value,” said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of worldwide marketing and publishing for the Home Entertainment Division at Microsoft. “We’re bringing true next-generation experiences into gamers’ living rooms this Christmas holiday.”

*subject to change

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Game Boy Micro Set For September

Just saw this pop up over at IGN.com...looks like the Game Boy Micro will be ready for a September 17, 2005 release. Now...can I find out what the thing is?

IMAGE CREDIT: WWW.IGN.COM

Stay Here For Complete Civerage From Germany

Tomorrow, at around 6:30 AM PST, major annoucments will be coming for the world of Xbox from Liepeig, Germany in their version of E3. Continual Randomness will be your place for up-to-the-minute coverage...starting at 6 AM. I will personally be searching the web for any and all updates on not one...but two computers. Stay here for any news from Xbox, GameCube, PlaySation, PSP, GBA, DS, and PC.

Xbox 360 Box?

Cheek out this image, taken from the official Xbox web site. Is that the official box for the 360? Looks like it!

I'm Getting Worse...

This site is certified 99% EVIL by the Gematriculator

Red Vs. Blue Season 4

Rooster Teeth confimed that the fourth season of Red V. Blue, the popular Halo mini-series, will continue on August 29, 2005. Cheek it out at redvsblue.com

Zelda's Late and the DS is Cheaper

Nintendo annouced two potentialn shockers to the world today. First, the much-anticipated Zelda: Twilight Princess has been delayed into April 2006. They cited the fact that "the game wasn't ready yet" as the reason for the delay.

Also, Nintendo annouced that starting next week, the DS will now be $129 in the US. Nintendo is obviously trying to make the most out of the anticipated Nintendogs that also goes on sale next week.

Monday, August 15, 2005

Who I Need To Win

It's Week 20 in my Fantasy BBall league this week. It all comes down to this. $400 is on the line...and a trip to the playoffs. Heres what pitchers I need to win this week:

Carptender (Preferably a CG SO)
Oswalt
And another win by Herdandez (won tonight)
Plus a couple of saves by Codero of the Nats

Go Third Echelon!

NBA 2K6: Powered By Desail

2K just annouced that Shaq, center for the Maimi Heat, will the the cover man for NBA 2K6. Does that mean that Shaq will now be totally unstoppable? Will he come with a special genie power-up? Kazaam!

Saturday, August 13, 2005

PSP 2.0 Arrives Next Week

After some pushbacks and vague annoucments, SCEA has made it "official", at least for now, that the 2.0 update for the PSP, the one with the browser update, will launch next week, August 15- 21, at some point. Until then, Wipeout Pure will have to do the trick.

TiVo Jumps on the Online Bandwagon

Looks like TiVo is working on getting connected to the Internet to directly download shows oonto its HD. Media Center PC owners may be syaing "So what?" but heres the catch: get the shows before they air. It's probably just a gimick...but still, catching an early "CSI" would be something that perks my attention.

LINK to Story

Friday, August 12, 2005

Mostly Good...But Not 100%

From soem weird rating thing that uses "vaules" of words...click on pic for info. MN blog got 17% evil, TriXie's got 99% good.

This site is certified 40% EVIL by the Gematriculator

Cheek This Screen Out

From Quake 4 on the 360. Looks like its real-time...and it looks good. Nothing "Oh My God!!" but still pretty nice looking. This game is looking pretty sweet!

IMAGE CREDIT: TEAMXBOX.COM

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

Current TV?

Last night I just found Current, the new Al Gore TV channel thing. I watched it probably for about 2 hours or so...and its pretty good. Different, but good.

Current dosn't have shows...it has pods. Little seven minute video things, mostly made by amatures. In between are some cool Google stats )Popular searches with "symtoms') and one commerical at a time. The channel also has old news footage from historical days, but I only saw one on the LA Riots...not to sure what else is included.

It seems like a cool channel that can keep you really hooked...but two drawbacks: No Tivo (Its listed as just one 6 hour long block) and it could get old fast

Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Blogger Down

Just an update for those who, for some reason might care, Blogger will be down at 6 PST Wednesday, August 10, 2005 (thats tomorrow). My blog my not be accessable at this time.

G-Phoria 2005 Winners

Skip the boring speeches, the lame bands and the overall G4 crappyness and just read the winners below. No, I'm not physcic, nor was any hacking needed...TeamXbox posted the list last month. Here 'ya go:

Alt Sports Award Fueled by Mountain Dew
NBA Street V3

Best Adaptation
LEGO Star Wars The Video Game

Best Action Game
God of War

Best Boss
Halo 2 - Scarab Battle

Best Cinematic
God of War

Best Graphics
Half-Life 2

Best Handheld Game
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

Best Innovation
Katamari Damacy

Best Licensed Soundtrack
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Best Multiplayer Game
Halo 2

Best Original Game
God of War

Best Original Soundtrack
Halo 2

Best Racing Game
Burnout 3: Takedown

Best RPG Star Wars
Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords

Best Shooter
Halo 2

Best Sound Design
Halo 2

Best Traditional Sports Game
Madden NFL 2005

Best Voice Performance - Female
Half-Life 2 - Merle Dandridge

Best Voice Performance - Male
Halo 2 - David Cross

EB Gamers Choice Award
World of Warcraft

Favorite Character
God of War - Kratos

Game of the Year
Halo 2

Legend Award Presented by Jeep
Ralph Baer

So, Halo2 ends up with 7 awards...pretty good. Perhaps the biggest surprise was KOTOR 2's win...but then again, there really wern't a whole lot of good, popular RPGs this year...save maybe Fable. Expect G-Phoria 2006 to be crowded with all Xbox 360 games... I can hardly wait.

Monday, August 08, 2005

Happy B-Day Blog!

It's offical: this blog is exactly one year old. It was this day last year when I registared for a Blogger accountant and posted my very first entry into "Continual Randomness". Since then, the blog has changed over the months, gone days without updates, and then dozens of updates in one day.

At the start, the blog was desgined for my Black Arrow days. Then it morphed into antipatication for "Star Wars Day 2004", then into a singing coutdown for Halo 2. Since November 9, it served as mostly a Halo 2 fan page...before morphing into just an all-around everything blog that it is now.

What does the future hold for Continual Randomness? I geuss whatever my future holds. Hopefully, this year maybe I'll get serious about blogging, desgin some HTML and maybe even do a PodCast with the blog. Expect more updates about better stuff, and lots more pictures and links of "random" things. This year, I'm heading right to the roots of the blog..."Continual" meaning a lot more posts, and "Randomness" meaning stuff about everything. Some of next years, which starts right now, highlights include:

My Senoir Year at YHS, including college stuff and graduation.
The Launch of Xbox 360, PS3, and the Nintendo Revolution.
The (maybe) release of Bungie's next game.
Windows Vista and its new wave of crappyness.
More globe trotting
Harry Potter #7 build up
Star Wars Day 05, release of ROTS DVD and BF 2
More Xbox Live attachments
And more...

Thats just a list of someof the stuff I know will happen in the rest of 05 and 06. I'm sure there will be plenty of more stuff to talk about...and maybe I few surprises I know about but can't yet say.

Also, I may try to either regroup or start a new blog for this year, as the links on the side are getting kinda long.

Maybe latter I'll set up a special B-day Poll...cheek back here latter and vote.

Lastly, thanks readers. Without you, no one would read. Heres to another year just as good as this one.

StarDrummer

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Interesting Star Wars Theory

Found this theory to be just too good to pass up. Read it here, over at the offical Star Wars Blogs.

I think it may be reading into things a bit much...but there is some reason why Anakin was just born all of a sudden. The more that I think about it...the more likely it seems. The only real question is: why Tatooine? Why Shimi? Out of all of the people in the universe, why a slave on some outer rim dust ball?

Star Wars Day: Part Two

In 2004, it was September 21. In 2005, the new date is November 1, 2005.

Today, Lucas officals annouced that on November 1, now known as "Star Wars Day", Episode III and Battlefront II will be available to purchuse.

Alreadly fans are debating whether Battlefront II will be playable on the Xbox 360. I belive that it, as well as any other November releases, will have to be, with the new console releasing so soon.

Battlefront II promises new battle places, playable Jedi and space combat. No word yet on if you will actually get to play the game without lag cutting you off.