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GamePlay Unlimited

BluRay, HD-DVD update

Microsoft released a statement:
"We do not believe the recent reports about HD DVD will have any material impact on the Xbox 360 platform or our position in the marketplace. As we’ve long stated, we believe it is games that sell consoles and Xbox 360 continues to have the largest next-gen games library with the most exclusives and best selling games in the industry. We will wait until we hear from Toshiba before announcing any specific plans around the Xbox 360 HD DVD player. HD DVD is one of the several ways we offer a high definition experience to consumers and we will continue to give consumers the choice to enjoy digital distribution of high definition movies and TV shows directly to their living room along with playback of the DVD movies they already own."

Source: Gamescoreblog

Also, it looks as if MS is just waiting for Toshiba to announce they have dropped HDDVD, Joystiq had this story on a rumor that a BluRay add on for the 360 is already complete and could be to the market in 3 months.

Joystiq Article

McFarlane Halo 3 Figure Site Opens

The site for the Halo 3 action figures has opened with a very distinct Halo 3 theme. The entire site looks like the in-game menu system for Halo 3. Not to mention that these figures are extremely more detailed than their Halo 2 predecessors.

See the site.

HD-DVD is Dead.

Sources from everywhere are stating that Toshiba will soon cut the HD-DVD format. This, along with the previously announced Wal-Mart, NetFlix, and Warner Bros. cut basically signals the end of the format. Question now is whether Microsoft will start supporting BluRay or not. Previous stories have numerous quotes from MS saying that a BluRay player is a possibility. We will just have to wait and see.

(From Reuters)
"Japanese public broadcaster NHK had earlier reported that Toshiba would suffer losses in the tens of billions of yen (hundreds of millions of dollars) as it scrapped production of HD DVD players and recorders and took other steps to exit the business.

The company source told Reuters that Toshiba was in the final stages of planning to exit the HD DVD business and that an official decision would be made soon."

Engadget Story
Reuters Story
Xbox 360 Fanboy Story

Microsoft "Bringing it Home" for GDC '08

(From 1up.com)

"That's right, this year's GDC will be accompanied by "VIP access" to the event via the Xbox Live Marketplace starting February 20th. As usual, all of the downloadable content will be free and so far we know that portions of the keynote from John Schappert (corporate VP of Live, software and services) will be offered as a hi-def download. Schappert's keynote is set to address plans for "unleashing the creative community," which sounds suspiciously like Sony's push this year with Home and LittleBigPlanet. How will Microsoft's plans compare? The keynote is set for February 20th at 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and will be split into highlights and offered on the Xbox Live Marketplace."

*Good to see. Free stuff is always accepted in my book!

360 version of GTA IV to have unique exclusive multiplayer support

RUMOR SMASH:
Apparently the guys at Kotaku contacted Rockstar about this issue and they had this to say:

"To answer your question, the PS3 version of the game will indeed have online multiplayer just as the 360 version does. "

So much for that rumor...

Gameindustry.biz has a story out about GTA IV's multiplayer feature and a few quotes from the Major Nelson podcast with Microsoft's Don Mattrick. It contains some information that is a bit interesting...

"Microsoft's senior VP of Interactive Entertainment, Don Mattrick, has told the Major Nelson podcast that Rockstar's forthcoming super-title, Grand Theft Auto IV, will have multiplayer elements which will be exclusive to the Xbox 360.

"It's an amazing piece of software, and I'm really excited with its downloadable content and online multiplayer support - again, that's something that's unique to 360," he said.

"We think consumers are going to love that, and it's going to create what I would describe, again, as the premium experience on our platform."

While there has been some confusion on the matter, and in the absence of further clarification from Microsoft or Rockstar Games, the news would seem to be a blow for PlayStation 3 owners who will already miss out on the previously announced Xbox 360 episodic downloadable content, which Mattrick also refers to here."

Full article

Spore coming to 360/PS3?

GameSpot just ran a story giving information that the widely anticipated PC/DS game Spore may be coming to the 360 and PS3. Details are still shaky at this moment but we can always hope!

"The Wii version of Spore, which was reconfirmed at an EA analysts' event today, has not yet been dated. However, it may not be the only version of the ambitious evolution-civilization-space-exploration sim to hit next-generation consoles. Speaking to analysts, EA Games president Frank Gibeau said that Spore is "already in development" for the newest generation of consoles, "Wii included." He did not specify further platforms, and EA reps could not clarify his comments as of press time."

Full Story

Arby 'n' the Chief Episode 4

Another hilarious episode from Digital Pheer. Enjoy!
(LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL)

Grand Theft Auto Site updated, new screens

Have you been looking forwards to the next installment of the Grand Theft Auto series? I think I can speak for everyone when I say yes, enthusiastically. Today the site has been updated with a giant Liberty City for your viewing pleasure. As well, new screenshots have been added and IGN has a few new videos to enjoy. (No prostitutes were harmed in the posting of this topic)

PGR4 DLC Coming February 14

Here are the details:

Free Challenge Pack (Free)

"Download the new Free PGR 4 Challenge Pack from Bizarre, and you'll drive the hydrogen-powered 2007 Peugeot Flux, winner of the 2007 Peugeot International Design Competition. Plus, you'll get two new game modes-one of them the player-requested Tourist Mode, which lets you tool around any city in the game checking out sights with your friends. Or play Free Roam Cat and Mouse, where a slow mouse vehicle must avoid enemy cats. And you add another 10 achievements. Get more racing fun for the best price-free!"

Premium Challenge Pack (400 points)

"The Premium PGR 4 Challenge Pack from Bizarre, available for 400 Microsoft(r) Points, gives you seven new cars-the 2008 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Concept, 2007 Volkswagen Golf GTI W12-650, 2007 Peugeot Flux, 1987 BMW M3 E30 DTM, 2007 Ferrari 430 Scuderia, 2008 Honda S2000 CR, and 2008 Callaway C16 Speedster. You get three new bikes-the 2007 Yamaha YZF-R1, 1995 Aprilia RS 250, and 1998 Aprilia RSV 1000 Tuono R."

"Plus, new World Challenge Arcade Mode gives you 20 arcade events in 3 themed chapters, including 5 events that can only be done on platinum. In Tourist Mode, get a free ride with friends around any game city. In Free Roam Cat and Mouse, a slow mouse vehicle runs from enemy cats. Ten new achievements fill out the pack."

Zero Punctuation: Call of Duty 4

In his most requested review of the year(s) Yahtzee takes on Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare by Infinity Ward.

New Mass Effect DLC March 10th

From BioWare's official site:

"To date, over 1.6 million gamers have explored the engaging sci-fi universe of Mass Effect. Beginning on March 10, fans everywhere will be able to expand the “Mass Effect” experience with the release of the first ever downloadable content for the award-winning saga.

The Bring Down the Sky downloadable content pack will be released to Xbox LIVE Marketplace on Monday, March 10 at 2 a.m. PST, and will be available for 400 MS points. This is the first in a series of planned downloadable content that further expands the Mass Effect universe and continues the adventures of Commander Shepard and the Normandy crew.

Bring Down the Sky includes a new uncharted world that introduces the notorious and feared alien race of the Batarians. A Batarian extremist group has hijacked a mobile asteroid station in the Asgard system, setting it on a collision course with the nearby colony world of Terra Nova. Only Commander Shepard can save the millions of innocent civilians before the asteroid completes its deadly descent.

Bring Down the Sky contains approximately 90 minutes of heart-pounding action and a new Achievement worth 50 Gamerscore points.

Mass Effect is exclusively available on Xbox 360 and is rated M for Mature by the ESRB."

Midway announces "This is Vegas"

Open World, Lifestyle Action Experience Allows Players to Fight, Gamble, Drive and Party in the World's Most Decadent City

CHICAGO - February 6, 2008 – Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY), a leading interactive entertainment software publisher and developer, today announced This is Vegas™, an open world, lifestyle action experience, where players will live out their Vegas fantasies by fighting, gambling, driving and partying their way through the most decadent, fast-paced and wildest city in the world. Developed by Midway's acclaimed Seattle-based internal studio, Surreal, This is Vegas is expected to ship for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows-based PC in Winter 2008.

The first screenshots, video and game information for This is Vegas are being unveiled throughout the week at IGN (http://www.ign.com), the Web's top site for videogame information.

"We are thrilled to be unveiling the first-ever videogame experience which allows players to live out their wildest Vegas fantasies," said Alan Patmore, studio head, Surreal. "Whether it's partying in the hottest night clubs, racing in underground circuits, testing your luck at the tables or getting into a barroom brawl, This is Vegas has it all."

For the latest game information, trailers and more, please go to http://vegas.midway.com.

About This is Vegas

When a powerful businessman begins turning Vegas into a family-friendly tourist trap, you must start your own powerful empire and resurrect the famous adult playground. Party hard at the hottest clubs to make VIP connections. Grow your bankroll by hitting high stakes tables. Race the fastest cars on the underground circuit to raise your reputation. Fight off enemies with fists and firearms to prove your strength. Where you go and what you do is your call whether counting cards, seducing dangerous women, cruising the strip or starting bar brawls, you must put the sin back in sin city.

About Midway

Midway Games Inc. (NYSE:MWY), headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with offices throughout the world, is a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for major videogame systems and personal computers. More information about Midway and its products can be found at www.midway.com.

Gears of War 2 in GamePro

UPDATE: Apparently there won't be much coverage of Gears 2 in the new GamePro, in a post on the official Epic Games forum Mark Rein had this to say:

"It is complete nonsense," he writes. "We have not announced a sequel to Gears of War to GamePro or anyone else for that matter."

*So who knows how long it will be until the sequel is announced...


As seen in the cover image, it looks like fans will get a sneak peak of Gears of War 2 before this month's GDC '08. I can't help but wonder what kind of preview Epic let GamePro get their hands on. I guess we will have to wait and see.

"GamePro issue 234, which hits news stands on Feb. 12 and mailboxes next week, has the goods on Rainbow Six Vegas 2, including new information, new weapons, game modes, and features. In addition to exciting developments revealed in the mag, GamePro.com will be announcing a bit of Vegas 2 news on Monday. Rainbow Six fans, keep it locked right here."

Want to download your Halo 3 Fileshare Videos?

Try this method:

To up load your videos and put them onto your PC here is what you need to do

First you will need Firefox and something called Downloadhelper

first download firefox first then download Downloadhelper

When Downloadhelper is done is done downloading the icon for it will appear on the right hand side of the adress bar.

Next step is go register at www.geevee.com and then go click on Grab and fill out all the info it request for you then upload your video to it. After your video is done uploading click on the link you your video.

When you click on your video the Icon for Downloadhelper will flash. Hold down on it and download the .flv file to your video. After that is done head to www.media-convert.com. When at www.media-convert.com get the file and make sure the imput format is set to .flv and the output is set to .wmv. The .flv will be converted to a watchable .wmv file. From there you can get lots of clips and edit them together and anything.

(Thanks to wwm0nkey for the tutorial)