Living LIVE 05.04.09: The 19th Edition
Posted by Trace Aber on 05.04.2009
Reviews of Banjo-Tooie and Virtual On highlight a week in which we see both Max Payne games released, and FOUR demos. Check these out and more as Trace Aber takes you through another week in the world of X-Box LIVE!
Opening Comments
Last week saw that old problem of cheating pop up, yet again. This time it was in Gears of War 2 and an announcement was posted as such;
"As you know, we are committed to keeping Xbox LIVE a safe and fair place to play for the more than 17 million active members. As part of our regular safety monitoring we have pinpointed a group of players who have unlocked specific Gears of War 2 Achievements through an unauthorized hack. Deliberate cheats like these are in direct violation of the Xbox LIVE Terms of Use and will not be tolerated. As I post this, we've begun taking steps to reset the Gamerscores of the offending players. As I have mentioned in the past, this is something we do occasionally to keep the service free of cheating in order to maintain a fair and level playing field for everyone. If you play fair and earn your achievements without glitching or cheating, you have nothing to worry about."
Cheating has always been in a problem in online gaming and despite all of the efforts taken to prevent cheaters for gaining an unfair advantage there has yet to be a true solution that has had any long term effects. That's the problem with hacking - no matter what you create to stop them, they create stoping to bypass it. It's good to see Microsfot making efforts to stop cheaters, but we'll see just how long this actually works.
I'm Trace Aber and this is Living LIVE.
Game Marketplace - A weekly look at the arcade games, demos, and add-ons released this week.
Banjo-Tooie (1200MP)
Banjo-Tooie is the sequal to the popular Banjo-Kazooi game and takes place two years after the first game. The storyline is pretty simple as Gruntilda the Witch has come back with sisters in tow and plan on restoring her body to its former glory, so you must stop them before it's too late. Gameplay is obviously similar to the original game though some things have changed, with my favorite feature being the fact that, for the most part, all of the levels are connected through a hub world instead of using some magical power to teleport players.
The graphical update really helps the draw distance
The graphics have recieved an update along with what seems like slightly crisper sound effects, but there is very little difference between the graphics of the first game and this one. The controls are responsive and easy to understand, especially if you remember anything about the first game. As always, there are a ton of random sounds that help you make some interesting music when you're bored on the pause menu, but the overall sound of the game is great considering it was an N64 title. Stop 'N' Swop is also used, a feature never fully implemented in the original games, which for those of you that don't know it was basically a method to get items from one game to another, but due to the technology at the time not making it a realistic idea, the plan was canceled. The replayability of this game is huge for any fan of secrets and collectibles as it seems there are an seemingly unlimited number of items to collect, ranging from eggs, feathers, musical notes, jigsaw puzzles, and more. While 1,200MP may seem like a lot of points for an old game, you defintely get your money's worth as Banjo-Tooie gets high points in nearly every category and is one of the last great platformers from the N64-era. Recommendation: Get it.
Cyber Troopers Virtual On Oratorio Tangram (1200MP)
Released in 1998 on arcade machines and later on the Sega Dreamcast (the most underrated system ever), Cyber Troopers Virtual On Oratorio Tangram features not only the most confusing name ever but over 14 virtuaroids to do battle on a variety of stages. And by virtuaroids I mean badass robots who shoot missiles at one another and destroy everything in their path. I actually remember playing this game at my local bowling alley (which I assure you I did not spend too much time at) but thought it was pretty cool and unique, which it is...at least in my experience. Graphically, the game does look a bit dated (being 11 years old and all) but are passable and look crisp, no doubt in part to the HD graphics they've put in. The camera can be a bit tricky, though I think some of that may be just having to adjust to the way the game plays more than anything.
Is it me or do three of those dudes look exactly alike?
The overall controls are a bit tricky, however, especially understanding movement. I figured it out eventually but this game is far from 'pick up and play' if you want to truly experience the game. Simple things like the turbo can be confusing when trying to aim as, well, it seems like you can't really control it. The game also features online battle which helps recreate the arcade experience a little bit, though I seem to remember the arcade cabinets looking far more badass than my couch could ever hope to look. Overall, Virtual On in a decent and unique fighter but ultimately doesn't hold up to the test of time. Hardcore fans of the series will defintely find something here to enjoy, but for the rest of us there isn't 1,200MP of content here - especially with Banjo-Tooie being released the same week. Recommendation: Only for fans of the series, though you should defintely check out the demo.
Community Games
Let's Draw a Picture Together! (200MP)
Another community "app" program, "Let's Draw..." is a slightly-cooler looking version of Microsoft Paint except with online features. You get your standard tools of paint, such as pencil, paintbrush, and my personal favorite - the bucket (I was never one for trying too hard). There's no music to be heard, but I guess it would just mess up your concentration anyays. The is a gallery feature that allows you to save your paintings and view them side by side, which is a nice little feature. I could honestly see some people making some pretty cool stuff with this program, albeit taking a long time to do so. So, for aspiring painters, this is the community app for you. Recommendation: If you like to paint, get it. If you don't like to pain, well, don't.
Go 3D (200MP)
Doesn't this look like the most exciting piece of video game photography ever?
I've been hearing a lot about the game Go recently. And by "a lot" I mean one other time when I read a sign about a Go club at my college. Go is an ancient Chinese strategy game, so you know it's mystical and good! The goal of the game is to surround your opponent before they surround you, if that makes any sense, which, if you're me, it doesn't. Graphically, there's not much there besides a board, the pieces, and some stereotypical Chinese rooms, along with the smokey-room music you've all learned to grow and love. But, when it comes down to it - you're playing Go. It's interesting to watch for a minute, but then you realize even Connect 4 is more exciting. Recommendation: Avoid.
Tank Strike (200MP)
Tank Strike is a turn-based artillery game, which seems to be a growing genre. Like most games in the genre, you are given a wide variety of landscapes to plan your attack, with each map needing a different gameplan. The one thing that sets this game apart from the others, however, is an extensive shop feature where you can purchase weapons (such as land shifters, digging clusters, and lead bombs), modifiers (landmasher, vampire drain, and position swapper), and shields (float, bounce, and solid shields), all of which have their own special traits about this. This alone adds a lot of depth to the game in a genre that has pretty shallow games in terms of variety.
There is a lot of depth to be found in the game, but in the end it's pretty much the same as every other turn-based artillery game.
Graphically, the game is a mixed bag. On one hand, the menus in the game look terrific and very promising, though the actual in-game action is far from great. In fact, it's bare-bones and the animations move slowly and don't look quite right sometimes. It's hard to get into the game when the ammo is at times bigger than the tank you are playing, and you can barely see either one. Perhaps this looks fine on a bigger TV, but I don't want to purchase a 64 inch TV just to play Tank Strike. The sound effects work, though don't offer too much besides what you hear from nearly every community game - some form of techno music. Seriously, can we please have a community game without techno music. The gameplay is about what you would expect from a game in this genre, so there's not much to comment on there. Recmmendation: Avoid unless you feel the need to purchase every turn-based artillery game on the planet.
X-Box Originals
Max Payne (1200MP)
Max Payne is a man with nothing to lose. A fugitive, undercover cop framed for murder, he is now hunted by cops—and the mob. With his back against the wall, Max is fighting a battle he cannot hope to win.
Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne (1200MP)
Between a cop, Max Payne, and a femme fatale murder suspect, Mona Sax. Dark, tragic, and intense, the story is a thrill ride of shocking twists and revelations.
Demos
Disney-Pixar UP!
The UP video game will take players on an exotic adventure with Carl Fredricksen and his young sidekick, Wilderness Explorer Russell Kim, as they set off on a wild journey through undiscovered jungles of South America. Playing as one of three characters - Carl, Russell, Dug the talking dog - players will encounter exciting, new environments as a single-player, or play with a friend cooperatively throughout the entire game. Players will navigate through treacherous jungle terrains and trek the slippery slopes of the Amazonian Tepuis, battling beasts along the way while evading captivity by the villainous Charles Muntz and his loyal army of talking dogs. In addition, the game also features multi-player game modes, including an epic level that will allow up to four players to compete in aerial combat.
X-Men Origins Wolverine
Unleash the razor sharp adamantium claws, feral instincts, and mutant regeneration powers of the world's fiercest Super Hero – Wolverine – and uncage the story of how the ultimate weapon was created. Take on impossible odds and exact vicious revenge in the year's most satisfying action game.
Bionic Commando Multiplayer
Be Bionic! The 20 year wait is over as Bionic Commando® swings back into action on Xbox 360® . The first true sequel to the original classic combines 3D swing-and-shoot gameplay with stunning new environments. Soar into the high-flying madness of 8 player deathmatch by downloading the demo today!
Battlestations: Pacific
Experience one war through two epic sagas where you will be a part of history or change it. This is the official demo for Battlestations: Pacific and includes one mission from the US campaign and 2 multiplayer modes available to play in single player only against the AI. The full game features 2 single player campaigns with 28 missions in total, over 100 air, sea and undersea units and 5 new multiplayer modes that can be played with up to 8 players.
Game Add-Ons
Rock Band
Nothing's Shocking (1,280MP)
"Pigs in Zen" by Jane's Addiction (160MP)
"Thank You Boys" by Jane's Addiction (160MP)
"Jane Says" by Jane's Addiction (160MP)
"Idiots Rule" by Jane's Addiction (160MP)
"Summertime Rolls" by Jane's Addiction (160MP)
"Standing in the Shower...Thinking" by Jane's Addiction (160MP)
"Ted, Just Admit It" by Jane's Addiction (160MP)
"Had a Dad" by Jane's Addiction (160MP)
"Ocean Size" by Jane's Addiction (160MP)
"Up the Beach" by Jane's Addiction (160MP)
Guitar Hero: World Tour
"Stay Away" by Nirvana (160MP)
"Sappy" by Nirvana (160MP)
"Very Ape" by Nirvana (160MP)
Nirvana Track Pack (440MP)
Lips
"Dance Floor Anthem (I Don't Want To Be In Love)" by Good Charlotte (160MP)
"Hard to Handle" by the Black Crowes (160MP)
"Why Does it Always Rain on Me?" by Travis
Wheelman - Premium Street Showdown Pack (400MP)
Have you got what it takes to be the first across the finish line? The Premium Street Showdown pack features 5 unique races that put you head-to head against 5 other opponents. Will you put your foot down and head for the line using pure speed, or will you use all of your skills in vehicle melee and projectile attacks to eliminate your opponents in a no-holds-barred, all out assault?
Wheelman - Free Street Showdown Pack (Free)
Have you got what it takes to be the first across the finish line? This FREE Street Showdown pack features a unique race that puts you head-to head against 5 other opponents. Will you put your foot down and head for the line using pure speed, or will you use all of your skills in vehicle melee and projectile attacks to eliminate your opponents in a no-holds-barred, all out assault?
Sonic Unleashed - Mazuri Adventure Pack (250MP)
Download an all-new Mazuri adventure! From tree-tops to sand-stone structures, four daytime & two nighttime stages await you in this exotic town built on reddish-brown soil. This pack includes three brand new stages and three new missions. Be sure and download the other location packs to unleash the full Sonic experience! Note: These stages are accessed in Mazuri, so unlocking Mazuri is a requirement to play these additional stages.
LIVE Activity for the Week of April 20, 2009
Xbox 360 Top Live Titles
1 Halo 3
2 Call of Duty: WaW
3 Call of Duty 4
4 Gears of War 2
5 Left 4 Dead
6 GTA IV
7 UFC 2009 Undisputed Demo
8 RESIDENT EVIL 5
9 FIFA 09
10 Halo Wars
Top Arcade Titles
1 Hasbro Family Game Night**
2 OutRun Online Arcade
3 Castle Crashers
4 Lode Runner
5 The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai
6 Peggle
7 Worms
8 UNO
9 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1989 Classic Arcade
10 DOOM
Original Xbox Top Live Titles
1 Halo 2
2 Star Wars: Battlfrnt 2
3 Counter-Strike
4 Fable
5 Conker: Live Reloaded
6 Splinter Cell Chaos
7 Doom 3
8 Star Wars: Battlefront
9 SW: Republic Commando
10 Burnout 3
Top Community Games
1 RC-AirSim
2 Rumble Massage
3 Aquarium HD
4 BluePrint Racer 4D
5 StrikeForce-Psi
6 DrumKit
7 Drum XPlosion
8 Remote Masseuse
9 Rabid Gophers
10 Ping Time
Video Marketplace
Grindhouse: Death Proof (480MP, 320MP) For Austin's hottest DJ, Jungle Julia (Sydney Tamiia Poitier), dusk offers an opportunity to unwind with two of her closest friends, Shanna and Arlene (Jordan Ladd and Vanessa Ferlito). This three fox posse sets out into the night, turning heads from Guero's to the Texas Chili Parlor. Not all of the attention is innocent: Covertly tracking their moves is Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell), a scarred, weathered rebel who leers from behind the wheel of his muscle car. As the girls settle into their beers, Mike's weapon, a white-hot juggernaut, revs just feet away…
The Burrowers (360MP, 240MP) The Dakota Territories 1879. A handful of brave pioneers maintain isolated settlements in the badlands beyond civilization. Irish immigrant Fergus Coffey is near to winning the hand of his beloved Maryanne when she is suddenly taken from him, her family brutally abducted in a nighttime attack on their homestead. Suspicion falls immediately on hostile Indians. Experienced Indian fighters Will Parcher and John Clay form a posse and set out to rescue the kidnapped settlers. But as men vanish in the night, and horrific evidence accumulates with the dead and dying, the group discovers that their prey is far more terrifying than anything human, and their prospects are far more terrible than death.
Special (480MP, 320MP Everything changes for Les the day he is accepted into an experimental drug study. As Les begins to take the drugs, an unexpected side effect occurs – he begins to develop special powers: the ability to levitate, to read peoples' minds, and even walk through walls. Convinced that he is a superhero, he hits the streets to fight crime and protect the world from the forces of evil.
Cyclops (NA, 320MP
When a terrifying Cyclops is terrorizing the Roman countryside the corrupt emperor, Tiberius, sends in his strongest general, Marcus. Soon the Cyclops is captured and brought to the great city to fight as a gladiator, but the tables quickly turn on Marcus who must fight as well. Bitter enemies become great allies to over throw the tyrannical power of Emperor Tiberius and his nephew.
Beat (NA, 240MP) Courtney Love stars as Joan Vollmer, the second wife of writer William S. Burroughs (Keifer Sutherland), in this picturesque look at death and travel among a group of traveling college students who would go on to become the best-known of the "Beat" writers. From their early college years to becoming expatriates in Mexico, William and his wife Joan are haunted by the murder of a friend in college by another one of their closest friends. Their obsessive love eventually pushes them to the limits and once again murder is part of their legacy.
Hounddog (480MP, 320MP A provocative Southern tale set in rural Alabama in the late 1950s, HOUNDDOG is the story of a spirited young girl, Lewellen (DAKOTA FANNING) who lives with her stern grandmother, but spends most of her time with her much-adored Daddy in his dilapidated shack. Daddy's wild side is tempered by his beautiful but troubled girlfriend, Ellen (ROBIN WRIGHT PENN) who has a mysterious history but calming influence on the lonely, young girl. When Elvis Presley comes to town for a concert, Lewellen is desperate to go but has no money for a ticket. In a naive attempt to get a ticket, Lewellen falls into a compromising situation that steals her innocence and leaves her feeling more alone and hopeless. It is up to the caretaker, Charles (AFEMO OMILANMI) to help Lewellen overcome the wounding of her spirit and save her soul. He teaches her to use The Blues to turn her tragedy into a gift...bringing light out of darkness and hope out of adversity.
Clerks II (480MP, 320MP) Ten years ago best friends Dante Hicks and Randal Graves were New Jersey mini-mall clerks still slacking off together in their early 20s. Now, Kevin Smith checks back in to see what kind of changes have rocked their lives -- in work, romance and their eternally raucous life philosophy. What he discovers is that never before have so many still done so little while having so much fun doing it. Now working in the fast-food universe, Dante and Randal have managed to maintain, and even hone, their in-your-face attitudes, agile skill with vulgarities and unbridled love of screwing with the customers. But they're also faced with such shocking new prospects as marriage, leaving Jersey and finding real careers. Smith pushes his nothing-is-sacred humor right to the edge and then takes a leap as Dante and Randal invade the world of Mooby's fast food restaurant, where the slogan is "I'm Eating It." Behind the counter, where the only other employees are an uber-nerd and an entirely too sexy manager, Dante and Randal are free to offend anybody and everybody who so much as orders fries in their inimitably irreverent way. But, even as riotous debates rage between them over such burning matters as George Lucas v. Peter Jackson v. Jesus, change is on the horizon. When Dante announces that he's going to leave Jersey forever and marry Emma Bunting, Randal plots a going-away party so shocking it will draw the police, the fire department and potential protests from PETA, while altering their lives forever.
The Life of Lucky Cucumber (NA, 320MP) Aspiring filmmakers Phillip Fellini and Forrest Fonda discover a cave-dwelling, beer-guzzling human oddity named Lucky "Cucumber" Cavanaugh in the wilds of Missouri, a man rumored to possess the most extraordinary luck on Earth. The pair believes they've found their ticket to fame and fortune, only to learn that Lucky's incredible luck always results in devastating consequences for himself and everyone around him. Phillip, Forrest and Lucky find themselves up against gun-toting drug addicts, mental patients, sex offenders, alcoholism and, of course, each other.
The Girlfriend Experience (1200MP, 800MP) Set in the weeks leading up to the 2008 presidential election, The Girlfriend Experience is five days in the life of Chelsea , an ultra high-end Manhattan call girl who offers not just sex to her clients, but companionship and conversation – "the girlfriend experience." Chelsea thinks she has her life totally under control—she feels her future is secure because she runs her own business her own way, makes $2000 an hour, and has a devoted boyfriend who accepts her lifestyle. But when you're in the business of meeting people, you never know who you're going to meet...
Dumb and Dumber (360MP, 240MP) For Harry and Lloyd every day is a no-brainer. Golden Globe-winner Jim Carrey ("Man on the Moon," "The Truman Show") and Golden Globe-nominee Jeff Daniels ("The Squid and the Whale," "Speed") star as two good-natured but incredibly stupid friends who drive across the United States to return a clients briefcase in this comedy blockbuster. Also starring Lauren Holly ("What Women Want," "Any Given Sunday") and Academy Award-nominee Teri Garr ("Tootsie," "Mr. Mom").
Dumb and Dumberer (360MP, 240MP) Harry meets Lloyd and assembles a ragtag team for a high school experience unlike any other in this prequel to the hit comedy, Dumb and Dumber.
Darkman III: Die Darkman Die (360MP, 240MP Arnold Vosloo returns as Dr. Peyton Westlake, a.k.a. Darkman, the crime-fighting master of disguises. In this action-packed adventure, Westlake matches wits with underworld drug-dealing villain, Peter Rooker (Jeff Fahey), who will do anything to unmask the secret of Westlake's superhuman strength. Agreeing to an experimental operation on his ravaged body, Westlake is flung into a vicious game of survival for himself, his priceless research and the lives of two innocent people. One false move and he will be locked into darkness forever. From Executive Producers Sam Raimi and Robert Tapert, creators of the original film, Darkman III: Die Darkman Die, like its predecessors, is jam-packed with surprises, staggering special effects and never-ending thrills.
Events
Monday: Music Monday - Guitar Hero: World Tour
Tuesday: Family Game Night - Hannah Montanta the Movie
Wednesday: GamerchiX Ladies Night - Guitar Hero World Tour
Thursday: Halo Wars
Friday: Only on Xbox 360 - Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and the Damned
Saturday: Community Playdates - GameHounds (Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Closing
Join us next Monday for more of the latest news, reviews, and downloads on Xbox Live! Any questions or comments can be posted below! Also, don't forget to bookmark 411 as your homepage, because, I mean, you come here everyday anyways. Just save yourself the trouble.
