Gas Prices Suck

Okay. So I was putting off going to a gas station, hoping the prices would go down a little. No such luck. I remember when prices spiked about 2-3 years ago and some stations in Plano ran out of gas. Around that time I thought hitting 50 bucks was outrageous. I had about 3 gallons of gas left in my tank. But I always put 93 octane in my car. So it's always more expensive to fill up my car. Now it was about $3.82 a gallon for 93 octane.

Anyway, just thought I'd snap some pix to show how much gas is in Frisco, TX. How're prices elsewhere???

Tactical Shooter Showdown: COD4 vs. R6V2

I spend more time than I should with my Xbox 360. Well, since mine decided to RROD, I figure I have some time to work on my writing skills (I will neglect the the two book reviews and upcoming research paper for the time being). One thing I enjoy is listening to the endless online debate as to the superiority of one game over another. There is nothing better than hearing a 14 year old say that Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is more "tactical" than Call of Duty 4, Modern Combat.

Well, the definition of tactical is "Of, relating to, used in, or involving military or naval operations that are smaller, closer to base, and of less long-term significance than strategic operations." Okay, perhaps tactical is the wrong word. I'll use my own word here: tacti-cool. Tacti-cool is the ability pretty much anything to convey a certain sense of military cool-ness, whether believable or not.

First up, Call of Duty 4. (Click for more)

Last Night Before I Pack It Up.

For those of you that don't know I will be heading to a new career and a new home in Sin City. I will be moving on the 8th and will spend much of the next week packing. The first thing that will get packed up is the 360. Friday Night will be my last night to play, unfortunately I will not be home until 12 AM CST. If any of you are playing COD4 Friday night do me a favor..........WAIT UP!!

Def Leppard Releases Brand New Single for Guitar Hero III

Def Leppard Releases Brand New Single for Guitar Hero III
The rock band Def Leppard releases their new single "Nine Lives" in a three-song pack for the game Guitar Hero III, five days before the song appears on their latest album.

College Hoops 2K8 NCAA Virtual Final Four
Xbox.com provides all the hot gaming news from the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Battle Terrorists with the Rainbow Six Devs
To celebrate the big release of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2, the Rainbow Six team from Ubisoft will be on Xbox LIVE to challenge the community.

Play Call of Duty 4 with Jens Pulver
Three-time UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver will play Call of Duty 4 with Xbox LIVE members on April 18, 2008.

Drillbit Taylor and Bully: Scholarship Edition Sweepstakes
Register your gamertag or download the Drillbit Taylor Gamer Picture for your chance to win. We've got more than 200 prizes to give away, including a 50-inch plasma HDTV.

Bad Company Beta Report
We brave EA's Battlefield: Bad Company beta to tell you what's new, what's improved and what's changed in EA's and developer DICE's vaunted Battlefield franchise.

Halo 3 Legendary Map Pack Play & Win Sweepstakes
Grab the new Legendary Map Pack for Halo 3, then jump online and play in a multiplayer match April 25-27 to enter for a chance to win some great Halo 3 merchandise.

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 Play & Win Sweepstakes
We've got a special sweepstakes to celebrate the release of Rainbow Six Vegas 2. Register your gamertag and play online for your chance to win an Xbox 360 console or other prizes.

The New Hulk

Edward Norton seems like a pretty good choice.

Take the Field with the MLB 2K8 Devs

Take the Field with the MLB 2K8 Devs
As part of the Major League Baseball 2K8 Opening Day festivities, we've got a special event that gives you the chance to play against the developers of the game from 2K Sports.

Halo 3 Championship Tournament
Here's your chance to participate in one of the biggest gaming competitions of the year! The Halo 3 Championship Tournament on Xbox LIVE lets you compete against some of the top Halo 3 players in the country.

Call of Duty 4 LIVE Fire Weekend

Call of Duty 4 LIVE Fire Weekend
To celebrate the release of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Game of the Year Edition, we've got a weekend full of multiplayer action, fun, and competition. Join us for the LIVE Fire weekend and get ready to battle all weekend long.

Embracing the Authenticity of Rainbow Six
We stop playing long enough to hand out a few tips and tricks for using the realism of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 to your advantage.

Speed Racer PGR 4 Challenge
Become a racing legend in the Speed Racer Project Gotham Racing 4 Challenge, bringing together some of the most talented PGR 4 player in the country. The top "Speed Racer" will walk away with a cool thousand dollars in cash!

Reminder: Xbox LIVE Scheduled Maintenance

It happens in about 8 hours and will affect Xbox LIVE and Xbox.com Details are in the post I made about it last week.

Spend Spring Break with Rock Band
Going to Panama City Beach, Florida for Spring Break? Join Xbox 360® and Rock Band™ for the "Spring Break of a Lifetime" from March 1-22.

This Week in Xbox: March 26-April 2, 2008
Games Editor Denny Atkin brings you all the latest in what's going on this week on Xbox.com.

Play Call of Duty 4 with Jens Pulver
Three-time UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver will play Call of Duty 4 with Xbox LIVE members on April 18, 2008.

Join the Battle with Infinity Ward
As part of the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare LIVE Fire Weekend, we've got a special event that gives you the chance to play alongside the developers of the game from Infinity Ward studios.

Chessmaster LIVE Hip Hop Weekend
Play Chessmaster LIVE and win cool prizes during the Chessmaster LIVE Hip Hop Weekend Play & Win April 11-13, and be sure to download a cool 3-D chess set to make your game special.

Halo 3 Legendary Maps Video
Get a preview of the new Legendary Map pack, releasing April 15.

Halo 3 Legendary Maps Video

Halo 3 Legendary Maps Video
Get a preview of the new Legendary Map pack, releasing April 15.

Call of Duty 4 LIVE Fire Play & Win
Just register your gamertag and play Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare online between April 18-20 and you could win a great prize package, including an Xbox 360 Elite console.

Mötley Crüe Releases Brand New Single for Rock Band
The rock band Mötley Crüe has become the first band ever to release a brand-new single through the medium of videogames, in this instance, Harmonix's Rock Band.

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 LIVE Weekend
To celebrate the release of Rainbow Six Vegas 2, you can participate in online activities including a three-day Play & Win sweepstakes and the chance to play against the Ubisoft development team.

This Week in Xbox: April 9-16, 2008
Games Editor Denny Atkin brings you all the latest in what's going on this week on Xbox.com.

Play Call of Duty 4 with Jens Pulver
Three-time UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver will play Call of Duty 4 with Xbox LIVE members on April 18, 2008.

Opening Day MLB 2K8 Play & Win Sweepstakes
Step up to the plate and celebrate the return of baseball with this fun sweepstakes featuring Major League Baseball 2K8. You could win Microsoft Points or authentic MLB merchandise.

Def Leppard Releases Brand New Single for Guitar Hero III
The rock band Def Leppard releases their new single "Nine Lives" in a three-song pack for the game Guitar Hero III, five days before the song appears on their latest album.

Halo 3 Championship Tournament
Here's your chance to participate in one of the biggest gaming competitions of the year! The Halo 3 Championship Tournament on Xbox LIVE lets you compete against some of the top Halo 3 players in the country.

2Old2Pwn Party in San Antonio

Please fill out this survey and then post your name in the comments section so I know who has voted. Thanks for helping with the decisions for a 2Old2Pwn Party and Send Off!

2Old2Pwn Party in SA

The top vote for location was San Antonio (4 votes). If the 2Old2Pwn Party was in the San Antonio Area would you attend? Yes No

If the 2Old2Pwn Party was in late June or early July would you attend? Yes No

Could you attend on a weekday or a weekend? Weekday Weekend Either is fine

If you live in the San Antonio Area could you host the event at your house? The top voted activity was BBQ at someone's house. It would be my pleasure. Are you kidding me, I am not letting in those wild and crazy 2Old2Pwners in my house!

Would you be willing to chip in some bones to help pay for food and beverages for the party? You bet. Lets get steaks and premium alcohol. Sure. I think burgers and beer will do the trick. We really don't need food or drink. Lets just chill and laugh about Atomic Nut Bombs

View Results

Play Call of Duty 4 with Jens Pulver

Play Call of Duty 4 with Jens Pulver
Three-time UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver will play Call of Duty 4 with Xbox LIVE members on April 18, 2008.

Drillbit Taylor and Bully: Scholarship Edition Sweepstakes
Register your gamertag or download the Drillbit Taylor Gamer Picture for your chance to win. We've got more than 200 prizes to give away, including a 50-inch plasma HDTV.

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 LIVE Weekend
To celebrate the release of Rainbow Six Vegas 2, you can participate in online activities including a three-day Play & Win sweepstakes and the chance to play against the Ubisoft development team.

Halo 3 Legendary Map Pack Weekend
Everyone can get in on the action with the Legendary Map Pack Weekend. Don't miss the Play & Win Sweepstakes, where you could win just by registering and playing a multiplayer match. The Cavegirls and Xbox Ambassadors will also be joining the fun.

Take the Field with the MLB 2K8 Devs
As part of the Major League Baseball 2K8 Opening Day festivities, we've got a special event that gives you the chance to play against the developers of the game from 2K Sports.

This Week in Xbox: March 26-April 2, 2008
Games Editor Denny Atkin brings you all the latest in what's going on this week on Xbox.com.

Artist of the Month: Avenged Sevenfold
For their new self-titled release, sought to delve into genres and recording techniques they had discovered on the road.

Opening Day MLB 2K8 Play & Win Sweepstakes
Step up to the plate and celebrate the return of baseball with this fun sweepstakes featuring Major League Baseball 2K8. You could win Microsoft Points or authentic MLB merchandise.

Drillbit Taylor and Bully: Scholarship Edition Sweepstakes

Drillbit Taylor and Bully: Scholarship Edition Sweepstakes
Register your gamertag or download the Drillbit Taylor Gamer Picture for your chance to win. We've got more than 200 prizes to give away, including a 50-inch plasma HDTV.

This Week in Xbox: March 26-April 2, 2008
Games Editor Denny Atkin brings you all the latest in what's going on this week on Xbox.com.

Def Leppard Releases Brand New Single for Guitar Hero III
The rock band Def Leppard releases their new single "Nine Lives" in a three-song pack for the game Guitar Hero III, five days before the song appears on their latest album.

Skarin Set Loose
SEGA's epic Viking: Battle for Asgard combines intimate, bloody combat with sweeping army-on-army battles in this over-the-top, ultra violent take on Norse mythology.

Surviving Lasria
We provide a few basic tips and boss battle strategies for surviving the world of Lasria in Dark Sector.

Play Call of Duty 4 with Jens Pulver
Three-time UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver will play Call of Duty 4 with Xbox LIVE members on April 18, 2008.

Forza Motorsport 2 Play & Win Sweepstakes
Register and race online with Forza 2 and you could win a Wireless Racing Wheel, a copy of the game signes by the developers, or one of more than a thousand other prizes.

Chessmaster LIVE Hip Hop Weekend
Play Chessmaster LIVE and win cool prizes during the Chessmaster LIVE Hip Hop Weekend Play & Win April 11-13, and be sure to download a cool 3-D chess set to make your game special.

This Week in Xbox: March 26-April 2, 2008

This Week in Xbox: March 26-April 2, 2008
Games Editor Denny Atkin brings you all the latest in what's going on this week on Xbox.com.

Best RPGs Play & Win Sweepstakes
Download extra content for hit Xbox 360 RPGs to enter this sweepstakes. You could win a trip for two to Comicon in San Diego, or a limited-edition Mass Effect Xbox 360 console.

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 LIVE Weekend
To celebrate the release of Rainbow Six Vegas 2, you can participate in online activities including a three-day Play & Win sweepstakes and the chance to play against the Ubisoft development team.

Halo 3 Legendary Map Pack Play & Win Sweepstakes
Grab the new Legendary Map Pack for Halo 3, then jump online and play in a multiplayer match April 25-27 to enter for a chance to win some great Halo 3 merchandise.

Halo 3 Legendary Map Pack Weekend
Everyone can get in on the action with the Legendary Map Pack Weekend. Don't miss the Play & Win Sweepstakes, where you could win just by registering and playing a multiplayer match. The Cavegirls and Xbox Ambassadors will also be joining the fun.

Spend Spring Break with Rock Band
Going to Panama City Beach, Florida for Spring Break? Join Xbox 360® and Rock Band™ for the "Spring Break of a Lifetime" from March 1-22.

Artist of the Month: Avenged Sevenfold
For their new self-titled release, sought to delve into genres and recording techniques they had discovered on the road.

Unlocking Achievements in Rainbow Six Vegas 2
From single-player to Terrorist Hunt and adversarial multiplayer, we offer tips for unlocking some of the most challenging achievements in Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2.

Judas Priest Releases Entire Album for Rock Band
The influential metal band Judas Priest will release their entire classic 1982 Screaming for Vengeance album for Harmonix's Rock Band videogame.

This Week in Xbox: April 9-16, 2008

This Week in Xbox: April 9-16, 2008
Games Editor Denny Atkin brings you all the latest in what's going on this week on Xbox.com.

Xbox LIVE Scheduled Maintenance

On Monday April 21st from 0200-1000 PT Xbox Live will be offline for maintenance. As a result, the ‘My Xbox’ section of Xbox.com will be unavailable, and the Xbox forums will be in read only mode (you won’t be able to post.) The remainder of Xbox.com will be available.

Find out what time the maintenance will begin in your time zone

This is for maintenance, there are no new features on your that will appear on your Xbox 360 console or Xbox.com when the service comes back online. This is server maintenance only

Embracing the Authenticity of Rainbow Six
We stop playing long enough to hand out a few tips and tricks for using the realism of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 to your advantage.

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 Play & Win Sweepstakes
We've got a special sweepstakes to celebrate the release of Rainbow Six Vegas 2. Register your gamertag and play online for your chance to win an Xbox 360 console or other prizes.

Chessmaster LIVE Hip Hop Weekend
Play Chessmaster LIVE and win cool prizes during the Chessmaster LIVE Hip Hop Weekend Play & Win April 11-13, and be sure to download a cool 3-D chess set to make your game special.

Call of Duty 4 LIVE Fire Play & Win
Just register your gamertag and play Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare online between April 18-20 and you could win a great prize package, including an Xbox 360 Elite console.

Okay, so now the achievements have bugs too!

Finished Rainbow 6 Vegas 2 on Realistic, but I get the achievement for it? NO! I ranked up several times, but I still don't have the stupid achievement for that private rank. What's up with that??? For those who don't believe, here's a "documentary" film I found for your edification.

Crushing Defeat!

One Heck of a way to go out!

Prelude to tonights Friday Night Frag Fest maybe??

Chessmaster LIVE Hip Hop Weekend

Chessmaster LIVE Hip Hop Weekend
Play Chessmaster LIVE and win cool prizes during the Chessmaster LIVE Hip Hop Weekend Play & Win April 11-13, and be sure to download a cool 3-D chess set to make your game special.

Embracing the Authenticity of Rainbow Six
We stop playing long enough to hand out a few tips and tricks for using the realism of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 to your advantage.

This Week in Xbox: April 9-16, 2008
Games Editor Denny Atkin brings you all the latest in what's going on this week on Xbox.com.

Halo 3 Legendary Map Pack Play & Win Sweepstakes
Grab the new Legendary Map Pack for Halo 3, then jump online and play in a multiplayer match April 25-27 to enter for a chance to win some great Halo 3 merchandise.

Kane and Lynch: Dead Men - The Dope Bag

The following (free) in game content for Kane and Lynch is now available on Marketplace:

Content: The Dope Bag
Price: Free
Availability: Not available in Japan
Dash Text: [ESRB: M (Mature) BLOOD,DRUG REFERENCE,INTENSE VIOLENCE,STRONG LANGUAGE] The Dope Bag contains 4 new scenarios for Fragile Alliance: Clean Cut, Hookers’ Trail, Flying High and Hasta la Vista. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.

Mötley Crüe Releases Brand New Single for Rock Band
The rock band Mötley Crüe has become the first band ever to release a brand-new single through the medium of videogames, in this instance, Harmonix's Rock Band.

2008 Principal Financial Group Family Fun Fest
The Principal Financial Group Family Fun Fest is the country's first and most extensive traveling baseball festival in history. In 2008 Xbox will continue on the tour with a state of the art video game trailer, radio giveaways, and support of "Pitch In For Baseball."

Return to Sin City
We take a look at what's new, what's improved, and what's thankfully still the same in Ubisoft's Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2.

Drillbit Taylor and Bully: Scholarship Edition Sweepstakes
Register your gamertag or download the Drillbit Taylor Gamer Picture for your chance to win. We've got more than 200 prizes to give away, including a 50-inch plasma HDTV.

Opening Day MLB 2K8 Play & Win Sweepstakes
Step up to the plate and celebrate the return of baseball with this fun sweepstakes featuring Major League Baseball 2K8. You could win Microsoft Points or authentic MLB merchandise.

2Old2Pwn Send Off Party Location Poll

My Ballot Box

Are you ready to send Ken (Army Strong) off to Iraq with a proper 2Old2Pwn Party? Hell ya! My name is Debbie Downer and I don't like to party. Ken who?

First Choice of city to have 2Old2Pwn Send Off Party? San Antonio, TX Dallas, TX Lubbock, TX Coast of Texas Other (Please specify in the Comments Section)

Second Choice City San Antonio, TX Dallas, TX Lubbock, TX Coast of Texas Other (Please specify in Comments Section)

What month is best for you? June July August

Are you a 2Old2Pwn or AGE Member? Yes No Both

What kind of activity do you want the party to be? BBQ at someones house Meet at a Restaurant/Bar Go Fishing Other (Please specify in Comments Section)

If we make plans are you really willing to show? Yes Maybe No

View Results

Embracing the Authenticity of Rainbow Six

Embracing the Authenticity of Rainbow Six
We stop playing long enough to hand out a few tips and tricks for using the realism of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 to your advantage.

Vegas with Friends
We dig deep into the multiplayer offerings of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2, including cooperative Story mode play, new adversarial modes, and game mechanics.

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 Play & Win Sweepstakes
We've got a special sweepstakes to celebrate the release of Rainbow Six Vegas 2. Register your gamertag and play online for your chance to win an Xbox 360 console or other prizes.

Halo 3 Legendary Map Pack Play & Win Sweepstakes
Grab the new Legendary Map Pack for Halo 3, then jump online and play in a multiplayer match April 25-27 to enter for a chance to win some great Halo 3 merchandise.

College Hoops 2K8 NCAA Virtual Final Four
Xbox.com provides all the hot gaming news from the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Chessmaster LIVE Hip Hop Weekend
Play Chessmaster LIVE and win cool prizes during the Chessmaster LIVE Hip Hop Weekend Play & Win April 11-13, and be sure to download a cool 3-D chess set to make your game special.

Skarin Set Loose
SEGA's epic Viking: Battle for Asgard combines intimate, bloody combat with sweeping army-on-army battles in this over-the-top, ultra violent take on Norse mythology.

This Week in Xbox: April 9-16, 2008
Guest columnist Ryan Treit brings you all the latest in what's going on this week on Xbox.com.

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 LIVE Weekend

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 LIVE Weekend
To celebrate the release of Rainbow Six Vegas 2, you can participate in online activities including a three-day Play & Win sweepstakes and the chance to play against the Ubisoft development team.

Forza Motorsport 2 Play & Win Sweepstakes
Register and race online with Forza 2 and you could win a Wireless Racing Wheel, a copy of the game signes by the developers, or one of more than a thousand other prizes.

The Devil May Cry 4 Hardcore

The Devil May Cry 4 Hardcore
Hardcore offers up another slate of twisted challenges, using the already difficult Devil May Cry 4, as the foundation for a ruthless test of gaming skill.

Halo 3 Legendary Maps Video
Get a preview of the new Legendary Map pack, releasing April 15.

Call of Duty 4 LIVE Fire Weekend
To celebrate the release of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Game of the Year Edition, we've got a weekend full of multiplayer action, fun, and competition. Join us for the LIVE Fire weekend and get ready to battle all weekend long.

Return to Sin City
We take a look at what's new, what's improved, and what's thankfully still the same in Ubisoft's Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2.

Chessmaster LIVE Hip Hop Weekend
Play Chessmaster LIVE and win cool prizes during the Chessmaster LIVE Hip Hop Weekend Play & Win April 11-13, and be sure to download a cool 3-D chess set to make your game special.

Call of Duty 4 LIVE Fire Play & Win
Just register your gamertag and play Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare online between April 18-20 and you could win a great prize package, including an Xbox 360 Elite console.

Halo 3 Championship Tournament
Here's your chance to participate in one of the biggest gaming competitions of the year! The Halo 3 Championship Tournament on Xbox LIVE lets you compete against some of the top Halo 3 players in the country.

Byrdman's Future Son

He's not here yet, but he's coming. Byrdman, here's a preview of things to come.

Vegas with Friends

Vegas with Friends
We dig deep into the multiplayer offerings of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2, including cooperative Story mode play, new adversarial modes, and game mechanics.

Artist of the Month: Bow Wow and Omarion
The new album Face Off marks a quantum leap in creative and artistic musical expression for Bow Wow and Omarion.

Bad Company Beta Report
We brave EA's Battlefield: Bad Company beta to tell you what's new, what's improved and what's changed in EA's and developer DICE's vaunted Battlefield franchise.

Artist of the Month: Avenged Sevenfold
For their new self-titled release, sought to delve into genres and recording techniques they had discovered on the road.

MLB 2K8 Opening Day Weekend
We've got lots of MLB 2K8 events planned for Opening Day Weekend, including an exciting Play & Win Sweepstakes and a chance to play against the developers of the game.

This Week in Xbox: April 2-9, 2008
Games Editor Denny Atkin brings you all the latest in what's going on this week on Xbox.com.

Call of Duty 4 LIVE Fire Play & Win
Just register your gamertag and play Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare online between April 18-20 and you could win a great prize package, including an Xbox 360 Elite console.

Halo 3 Championship Tournament
Here's your chance to participate in one of the biggest gaming competitions of the year! The Halo 3 Championship Tournament on Xbox LIVE lets you compete against some of the top Halo 3 players in the country.

Marketplace Roundup for April 8, 2008 (All free)

Theme

Title: Aliens vs Predator - Requiem

Content: Alien vs Predator - Requiem theme
Price: Free
Availability: United States
Dash Text: Download this free Alien vs Predator - Requiem theme. Also check out the free gamer pictures.

Title: Ford Sync

Content: Ford Sync Raging Monk Theme
Price: Free
Availability: United States
Dash Text: Download the Ford Sync Raging Monk Theme.

Trailer

Title: Viking

Content: The Making of Viking (HD)
Price: Free
Availability: Not available in Asia, Austria, France, Germany, India, Spain
Size: 524.12 MB
Dash Text: [ESRB: M (Mature) BLOOD AND GORE] Download The Making of Viking for SEGA’s Viking: Battle for Asgard™. The talented development team at Creative Assembly talk frankly about Viking hero Skarin, walk you through brutal battle scenes and explore the realm of Midgard. Experience Viking!

Gamer Picture

Title: Aliens vs Predator - Requiem

Content: Alien vs Predator - Requiem Gamer Pictures
Price: Free
Availability: United States
Dash Text: Download this free Alien vs Predator - Requiem gamer picture pack. Also check out the free theme.

Title: Ford Sync

Content: Ford Sync Raging Monk Picture Pack
Price: Free
Availability: United States
Dash Text: Download the free Ford Sync Raging Monk picture pack.

Content: Ford Sync Raging Monk Picture Pack 2
Price: Free
Availability: United States
Dash Text: Download this Ford Sync Raging Monk picture pack.

Video

Title: GameSpot

Content: DICE Sessions: 20 Questions with Shane Kim Video SD
Price: Free
Availability: All Xbob LIVE regions
Size: 444.03 MB
Dash Text: [ESRB: RP (Rating Pending)] Get up close and personal with Microsoft Game Studios VP Shane Kim.

Play Call of Duty 4 with Jens Pulver
Three-time UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver will play Call of Duty 4 with Xbox LIVE members on April 18, 2008.

Artist of the Month: Bow Wow and Omarion

Artist of the Month: Bow Wow and Omarion
The new album Face Off marks a quantum leap in creative and artistic musical expression for Bow Wow and Omarion.

This Week in Xbox: March 12-19, 2008
Games Editor Denny Atkin brings you all the latest in what's going on this week on Xbox.com.

This Week in Xbox: April 9-16, 2008

This Week in Xbox: April 9-16, 2008
Guest columnist Ryan Treit brings you all the latest in what's going on this week on Xbox.com.

"Still Alive" Song from Portal Free Download for Rock Band
The song "Still Alive", featured in the end credits of Portal, is offered as a free song track download for the game Rock Band.

This Week in Xbox: March 19-26, 2008
Games Editor Denny Atkin brings you all the latest in what's going on this week on Xbox.com.

Forza Motorsport 2 Play & Win Sweepstakes
Register and race online with Forza 2 and you could win a Wireless Racing Wheel, a copy of the game signes by the developers, or one of more than a thousand other prizes.

This Week in Xbox: March 26-April 2, 2008
Games Editor Denny Atkin brings you all the latest in what's going on this week on Xbox.com.

Spend Spring Break with Rock Band
Going to Panama City Beach, Florida for Spring Break? Join Xbox 360® and Rock Band™ for the "Spring Break of a Lifetime" from March 1-22.

Army of Co-Op
We examine EA Montreal's uniquely cooperative shooter ARMY OF TWO, including details on the Aggro system, co-op skills and multiplayer modes.

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 LIVE Weekend
To celebrate the release of Rainbow Six Vegas 2, you can participate in online activities including a three-day Play & Win sweepstakes and the chance to play against the Ubisoft development team.

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 LIVE Weekend

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 LIVE Weekend
To celebrate the release of Rainbow Six Vegas 2, you can participate in online activities including a three-day Play & Win sweepstakes and the chance to play against the Ubisoft development team.

Bully: Taking on Bullworth
From swirlies to stink bombs, we explore Rockstar Montreal's hilarious open-ended take on teenage rebellion at Bullworth Academy.

Halo 3 Legendary Maps Video

Halo 3 Legendary Maps Video
Get a preview of the new Legendary Map pack, releasing April 15.

This Week on LOST

This Week on LOST
We dig into Ubisoft's LOST: Via Domus, based on the hit ABC television series, following the adventures of Elliot Maslow, a previously unexplored survivor of Oceanic Flight 815.

Return to Sin City
We take a look at what's new, what's improved, and what's thankfully still the same in Ubisoft's Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2.

Embracing the Authenticity of Rainbow Six
We stop playing long enough to hand out a few tips and tricks for using the realism of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 to your advantage.

Opening Day MLB 2K8 Play & Win Sweepstakes
Step up to the plate and celebrate the return of baseball with this fun sweepstakes featuring Major League Baseball 2K8. You could win Microsoft Points or authentic MLB merchandise.

Battlefield Bad Company: Multiplayer Beta Review

Battlefield Bad Company: Multiplayer Beta
by Navneet Prakash from techtree.com

I remember the first time that I came across Battlefield 1942 from EA; it was a very pleasant experience. The game had an awesome intro with an inspiring background score and really amazing gameplay. Many versions of this popular series released after the original, most notably BF2 and BF2142, were at par with the original in terms of quality. I was wondering what the BF team will do after so many sequels featuring the same mechanics. I finally got to my answer when I participated in the Multiplayer Beta recently and came back very pleased. In this particular feature, I will not indulge into the single player specifics and concentrate solely on the multiplayer.

BF: Bad Company is different in comparisons to the previous games; this time around you do more than capture points to reduce tickers. This time you play for money in a multiplayer match that is simple, fast and very rewarding.

The game mode is called Gold Rush, with two teams called Attackers and Defenders. Every map has a limited number of Gold Crates. The attackers' objective is to destroy the crates while the defenders have to defend it; the simplest definition ever. The game mode is very simple yet it delivers hours of intense multiplayer action. Having said that, it's not that linear either. There is some amount of strategy involved in the game. Attackers die more often than defenders, so they have more reinforcements.

The more crates they destroy, the more reinforcements they get. The defenders on the other hand have a happy time killing all the attackers and depleting their reinforcement pool. If you think that the game is favorable to the defenders, you are wrong because in BF: Bad Company there is total freedom. I will explain that later in the article. The attackers can destroy the crates by either shooting or placing a special charge on them. It is never easy to reach the crates as defenders wait for your every move. Every time you destroy a gold crate, a new area on the map is accessible and the fight moves on to that area. The Gold Rush mode is a mash-up of popular game modes but it works really good.

The multiplayer is in beta phase right now so there are only two maps available:

Ascension: This is a small map that resembles a small village. The map is pretty sneaky with many dark corridors to hide in.

Oasis: This is a large open map and a total relief after the dark corridors of Ascension. There are many vehicles here including boats and choppers.

There are many unit classes to choose from as well like Assault, Recon, Support and so on. Each class has its pros and cons. You can customize each class with weapons and tools. There are many vehicles involved and anybody can use them. You can also repair the vehicles using the repair tool. All this may sound very familiar to other games but what makes this game different is the total freedom to destroy almost any obstacle. I am also talking about buildings, fences, walls and so on.

You can destroy almost everything that may be an obstacle and make new ways to tackle a problem. My multiplayer beta experience was smooth and virtually lag free, and I thouroughly enjoyed it. The game's graphics will improve drastically over the coming weeks and the final release will look way better to what it is now. So I wont comment on the graphics. What I will do is list a few cool gadgets that can be found in the game

(Developer's description):

Some special Gadgets :

Tracer dart pistol

Used by the specialist, the tracer dart pistol attaches a transponder to enemies, which emits a high frequency signal that links up to the guidance system of friendly rockets. When the dart is in place, all demolitions class will be advised, and are then able to lock on and launch a homing missile at the target. While not smart enough to navigate streets, the missile will home inexorably in on the unfortunate target. Though this requires a high degree of coordination, skilled squads will be able to link up and
utilize this combination to deadly effect.

Mortar Strike

The mortar strike allows player to call in mortar barrages from off map batteries that will cause huge destruction. The mortars use anti-personnel warheads, and so are largely ineffective against armored targets, but will tear through buildings and infantry causing huge damage.

Motion sensor

Using miniaturized motion sensing technology, the recon class is able to throw a limited lifetime sensor that will reveal all hostiles on the mini-map. This can be used to aid a team-mate's advance, showing him the layout of enemy positions, or can also be helpful to alert the sniper if he has decided to hole up for a while.

The Gold Rush mode looks really promising and with the mix of cool weapons, vehicles and destroy-anything ability, this game will most definitely enjoy multiplayer success. Wait a few more months before the game is out, look forward to a more detailed game preview very soon.

Two for Tactics

Two for Tactics
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The Devil May Cry 4 Hardcore
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Play Game Developers on Xbox LIVE
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Forza Motorsport 2 Play & Win Sweepstakes
Register and race online with Forza 2 and you could win a Wireless Racing Wheel, a copy of the game signes by the developers, or one of more than a thousand other prizes.

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 Play & Win Sweepstakes
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Artist of the Month: Chiodos
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Artist of the Month: Bow Wow and Omarion
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Spend Spring Break with Rock Band
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Might and Magic Comes to Xbox 360
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Best Xbox 360 Features We Never Use

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COD4 map pack update

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Halo 3 Legendary Maps Video
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2008 Principal Financial Group Family Fun Fest
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This Week in Xbox: March 5-12, 2008
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Artist of the Month: Chiodos
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Halo 3 Championship Tournament
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Return to Sin City

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This Week in Xbox: March 5-12, 2008
Games Editor Denny Atkin brings you all the latest in what's going on this week on Xbox.com.

This Week in Xbox: March 19-26, 2008
Games Editor Denny Atkin brings you all the latest in what's going on this week on Xbox.com.

Path of the Elect Expansion Pack for Undertow
The new Path of the Elect downloadable content for Undertow adds five new single-player and co-op levels and features a new playable race, the Elect.

Demo: SEGA Superstars Tennis
Content: SEGA Superstars Tennis Demo
Price: Free
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions
Dash Text: [ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10+) MILD BLOOD,MILD FANTASY VIOLENCE,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Take a trip to Planet Superstars and play some crazy tennis with SEGA's greatest heroes!

Might and Magic Comes to Xbox 360
The Might and Magic series storms Xbox 360 for the first time with class-based gameplay, immersive, visceral combat, and feature-filled multiplayer matches over Xbox LIVE.

This Week in Xbox: April 2-9, 2008

This Week in Xbox: April 2-9, 2008
Games Editor Denny Atkin brings you all the latest in what's going on this week on Xbox.com.

2008 Principal Financial Group Family Fun Fest

2008 Principal Financial Group Family Fun Fest
The Principal Financial Group Family Fun Fest is the country's first and most extensive traveling baseball festival in history. In 2008 Xbox will continue on the tour with a state of the art video game trailer, radio giveaways, and support of "Pitch In For Baseball."

Best RPGs Play & Win Sweepstakes
Download extra content for hit Xbox 360 RPGs to enter this sweepstakes. You could win a trip for two to Comicon in San Diego, or a limited-edition Mass Effect Xbox 360 console.

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 Play & Win Sweepstakes
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"Still Alive" Song from Portal Free Download for Rock Band
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Rock Band Rock Your Weekend
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Battle Terrorists with the Rainbow Six Devs
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Artist of the Month: Bow Wow and Omarion
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Halo 3 Championship Tournament

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Drillbit Taylor and Bully: Scholarship Edition Sweepstakes

Drillbit Taylor and Bully: Scholarship Edition Sweepstakes
Register your gamertag or download the Drillbit Taylor Gamer Picture for your chance to win. We've got more than 200 prizes to give away, including a 50-inch plasma HDTV.

Rockband: Still Alive (free)

Rockband: Still Alive (free)
This week’s Rockband content is up a little early and for free. I am not sure how long it will be free, so grab it while you can:

Content: "Still Alive"
Price: Free
Availability: Canada and United States
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Still Alive"--GLaDOS and Jonathan Coulton. PLEASE NOTE: Many Rock Band song game tracks are available as both a multipack and as a single game track. These song game tracks are exactly the same (unless expressly noted as a special version or remix). Be aware that it is possible to download the same song game track twice so please carefully consider your purchases. For music credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

 

Edit: I just learned that this content being free is NOT a limited time offer. It will be free ‘forever’

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Bring Down the Sky: A Mass Effect Vignette
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Army of Co-Op
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Artist of the Month: Chiodos
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Burnout Paradise Valentine's Day Event
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2008 Principal Financial Group Family Fun Fest
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