We're not exactly how much impact this will have the next time a civilized conversation with a gaming buddy sinks into the depths of fanboy warfare, but here it goes: According to a recent survey conducted by Game Developer Research, as reported by IGN, there are more developers working on Xbox 360 projects than there are on the Playstation 3 or Wii. Specifically, 78% of those surveyed were working on 360 projects, 58% were working on PS3, and 42% were working on Wii. As the numbers imply (notice they don't add up to 100%), they include both cross-platform games and developers that happen to be working on more than one console. This also means that the 360 doesn't necessarily have the most games in development. Still, it has the most individual developers of any console.
Now just find some way to spin that into a catchy slogan and you've got some new fanboy ammunition (fanmunition?) to go with your new (toy) fanboy gun.
It really feels like this week belongs to Xbox Live Arcade. The whole month really, considering a slew of AAA titles are on the way. This week we got Bionic Commando Rearmed, which is everything a Bionic Commando fan could hope for. If you haven't already, definitely give it a try. You can check out our latest XBLA in Brief episode to see what's new. And let's not forget that you can now start earning Fable II goodies with Fable II Pub Games, which is also featured in this week's episode.
Mr. James Silva, wearer of all the development hats for upcoming XBLA game The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai, just sent us ten, you heard right, ten fresh screenshots from The Dishwasher. And again, we have to admit, we're extremely impressed! The art style sells us instantly and the not so subtle touches of gory violence makes us get a tingly feeling in our stomachs. Yup, it's Dishwasher and it better release soon before our patience wears thin and we're forced to partake in our own real life samurai-style killing spree. Admittedly though, new screenshots like these do take the edge off those urges.
Good news Halo 3 sports fans, Grifball getting off the bench and taking on the Halo 3 Double EXP Weekend. Prepare for high flying hijinks complete with hammers, energy swords, and one highly explosive ball. Honestly, there isn't much more to say about things. We assume you're familiar with Double EXP Weekends. They ... um ... give out twices as many experience points in Halo 3. Oh, and you'll need the Heroic Map Pack. Then again, that's free, so if you don't have it, you probably weren't going to play anyway.
Those lucky jerks passionate journalists at Joystiq recently got a chance to try out the online co-op in Mercenaries 2. Not only that, but they were playing it with a member of the Pandemic development team. From the sound of things, it sounds like they had a blast. It was quite literally a blast actually, what with the hands-on preview mentioning inappropriate use of surface-to-air missiles, using a tank to punch holes in concrete walls and calling in air support to sink a ship. And that's only a handful of everything that went down. Head over to Joystiq to check out the full preview.
We've been so busy playing Bionic Commando Rearmed that we'd nearly forgotten a full-fledged 3D remake heading our way. Fortunately, the marketing folks at Capcom made sure to include a trailer for the new Bionic Commando inside of the Rearmed database. GameTrailers has taken the liberty of posting that trailer and we have to say it looks pretty hot. It details the evolution of the series, from the NES version to Rearmed to the upcoming retail Bionic Commando. The trailer showcases some of the new moves available in Bionic Commando and all of them look pretty slick, particularly the 360 degree bionic arm whip near the end. Also, if you keep your eyes peeled, you'll see the unlockable Radd Spencer character skin, which actually looks pretty good.
Brand new Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise media released earlier today showing off some gameplay and how much the game looks, plays and feels just like the original Viva Pinata. Not that that is a bad thing, really, it's just an observation. Though, we can't help but say it mirrors its predecessor in every way, but is more refined, perfected and feature-rich. In other words, it's what Viva Piñata should have been, four player online co-op and all. Give the videos (one embedded after the break) a watch, take in all the piñata love and see how to trap pinatas. Yup, in Viva 2 you can box up those piñatas who are unlucky enough to be attracted to your garden by a vegetable. How devilish!
Above you'll see the introduction of Mega Man 9, Capcom's return to the Blue Bomber's 8-bit roots. We're still not quite sure what to make of the decision to release a Mega Man game using antiquated graphics and recycling bosses yet again, but we have to admit that the introduction does conjure up some good memories. Hopefully the actual game manages to do the same thing. It would help if it was fun too.
Also, keep your eyes out for Chun-Li, who has apparently abandoned her quest to be the strongest woman in the world for a more mundane career.
Hardcore gamers rejoice for Bionic Commando Rearmedis finally here! What's more, it's good. Definitely not for the faint of heart though, so take heed. We also get Fable II Pub Games, which are ... pub games. While they may look simple on the outside, make no mistake because they are very addictive. The only problem: no online multiplayer. That actually applies to Bionic Commando as well, though it does have offline co-op and versus multiplayer. Overall, we've got two solid games this week, and one of them is free if you pre-order Fable II. Check out the latest episode of XBLA in Brief to see if either one is worth your hard-earned MS Points.
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Bizarre just sent word that the Geometry Wars Retro Evolved 2 leaderboards are now live over on the official GeoWars website allowing you (or anyone else) to search for where a Gamertag's score ranks in the grand scheme of leaderboard life.
All six gametype leaderboards are searchable where you can also browse the all-time highest ranking scorers in the world. Viewing the record setting scores (1.6 billion in Pacifism, jeebuz!) is, of course, an extremely sobering realization that you really aren't that talented at Geometry Wars. That's why we've posted the record setting high scores after the break. Seeing such crazy high scores is sad, sort of depressing really. But we'll cover up our hurt and lack of confidence by playing the "at least I have a life" card.
If you missed out on Dell.com's last amazingly cheap Xbox 360 Elite bundle deal and are willing to pay $50 more, then we think we have the perfect deal for you.
For only $349 with free shipping, United States Dell.com purchasers can grab an Xbox 360 Elite bundle complete with the console itself, Forza 2, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance and two additional faceplates. Though, to get the $349 pricing, you'll have to use a $100 off coupon code. To do this, simply head to Dell.com, click "Customize It", then click "Buy Now", then "Add to Shopping Cart". Now, once at the checkout screen, enter coupon code V8Q199$GCXJWL$ in the "Coupon Entry" field. Shazaam! The $449 price tag magically drops to $349. Note too that the coupon is only good through August 20th.
Hear that light, tapping noise echoing from various homes in your neighborhood? That's the sound of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 fans golf-clapping to the demo released for the game on the Xbox Live Marketplace. Clocking in at just over 1GB, the demo showcases some of the new additions of the latest entry of the popular simulation golf franchise from EA Sports -- and by popular we mean it's the only simulation golf game available anymore. On the fence regarding a potential Tiger Woods 09 purchase or just looking to improve your stroke? Check it out today!
Note: We were only kidding, we know Tiger is a popular franchise regardless of its lack of competition! Also note that this is the only time we'd be able to use the phrase "improve your stroke" without getting into trouble, so we kinda had to say it.
Posted Aug 14th 2008 10:00AM by Dustin Burg Filed under: News
Great news for the Minion slave driving fanboys among us! Codemasters just announcedOverlord II and that it is currently in development for release on the 360, PS3 and Wii sometime in 2009. Huzzah!
Developer Triumph Studios promises that the sequel "massively increases the scope of the original concept," being a much more realistic, less fantasy driven Overlordwhere players will encounter political problems and environmental issues all while remaining true to Overlord's unique style of Minion commanding humor. Fart jokes included. And, heck, the sequel looks much prettier too. We can't wait!
ShackNews has an interesting rumor regarding the release of Rock Band 2 and its timed exclusivity on the Xbox 360. They're reporting that the Rock Band 2 Special Edition bundle (the "big box" which includes all the instruments) has been delayed by a month and will release on October 19th while the stand alone game will make it into retailers, as promised, on September 14th. Their proof? Both the official Rock Band store and other online retailers list the 360 Special Edition bundle's release date for October 17 which is coincidentally the release date for the PS3 and Wii versions. If true, this will make for a tough Rock Band 2 purchasing decision. Buy the game itself in September or wait an entire month to get the $199 bundle ... decisions, decisions.
When potential prices leaked from the official Xbox Japan blog, gamers feared the possibility of paying over $20 for Castle Crashers on the XBLA. While Microsoft strongly denied the controversial pricing of both Braid and Castle Crashers the former ended up releasing for the leaked price of 1200MS Points. Today, Xbox owners waiting for the sky to cave in on them when Castle Crashers was officially priced are breathing a sigh of relief.
On its official blog developer The Behemoth has confirmedthat Castle Crashers will ask 1200MS Points when it releases on Wednesday, August 27 -- rather than the rumored 1800MS Points. Arguably the most anticipated Arcade release this summer, Castle Crashers promises a classic single player and co-op beat-em-up experience wrapped in The Behemoth's classic art style. We're excited and for 1200MS Points we think the game has the potential to set the XBLA world on fire.
Note: Obviously, the time shown in the image of this post is off.
We're not exactly how much impact this will have the next time a civilized conversation with a gaming buddy sinks into the depths of fanboy warfare, but here it goes: According to a recent survey conducted by Game Developer Research, as reported by IGN, there are more developers working on Xbox 360 projects than there are on the Playstation 3 or Wii. Specifically, 78% of those surveyed were working on 360 projects, 58% were working on PS3, and 42% were working on Wii. As the numbers imply (notice they don't add up to 100%), they include both cross-platform games and developers that happen to be working on more than one console. This also means that the 360 doesn't necessarily have the most games in development. Still, it has the most individual developers of any console.
