Living LIVE 07.13.09: The 29th Edition - Battlefield 1943, Get the Ball, Button Memory, Gamerbots, More
Posted by Trace Aber on 07.13.2009
Featuring reviews on Battlefield 1943, Get the Ball, Button Memory and Gamerbots, plus all the latest on the newest DLC, movies, and more in this week of Living LIVE!
Opening Comments
This last week has seen me playing a lot of Oblivion again, mostly thanks to the new HD TV we got at the house. It's almost as if every game I own is a brand new game. I like it. Friday saw me nearly breaking my back while I was going working with some guys for a wrestling promotion I work for. Some new guy dropped me during a bodyslam and it was either a hurt back or a broken neck, and I chose the back one. I've been in a lot of pain ever sense, but what can you do?
In other news, the 2nd Annual Summer of Arcade kicks off July 22nd, and here is what's in store for all of us;
July 22: Splosion Man™ 800 Microsoft Points
(Twisted Pixel Games/Microsoft): Fools they were, to tread where knowledge should stay forbidden. For what emerged was not a man - it was a Splosion Man. "And all who saw him were sploded, for he was the fire and they were but meat." Able to splode himself at will, the Splosion Man launches his way through levels as an uncontainable force. From Twisted Pixel Games, developer of the award winning The Maw™, Splosion Man will keep you on your toes as you play through more than 50 single-player levels and 50 multiplayer levels. Nominated by GameSpy, Gamespot, IGN, and 411mania, this meat-riddled splosion-fest took several Best of E3 awards including Best Platformer and Best Downloadable Game.
July 29: Marvel vs. Capcom 2 1200 Microsoft Points
(Backbone Entertainment/Capcom): One of the most popular fighting games of all time, "Marvel vs. Capcom 2," arrives worldwide on Xbox LIVE Arcade. Choose from 56 legendary characters from Marvel Comics and Capcom history, including Ryu and Wolverine. With online multiplayer over Xbox LIVE and enhanced HD graphics, decide your own dream team in the ultimate tag-team fighting experience.
Aug 5: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™: Turtles in Time Re-shelled 1200 Microsoft Points
(Ubisoft Singapore®/Ubisoft®): Cowabunga dude! Marking the franchise's 25 anniversary, everyone's favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game is back with a brand new look in "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time Re-Shelled." The arcade classic has been revamped with all new 3D graphics, but the same classic beat 'em up gameplay.
August 12: Trials HD 1200 Microsoft Points
(RedLynx/Microsoft): Nominated for GameSpy's Best Downloadable Game of E3 award, "Trials HD" is guaranteed to get our heart racing." Put on your helmet, and rev your way through "Trials HD," a full-featured, physics-based motorcycle racing platformer in stunning HD graphics. Tear up more than 50 tracks and test your metal in two unique game modes: Race and Skill. Create, share and download an unlimited number of free tracks with the level editor, and customize your rider to fit your personality.
August 19: Shadow Complex 1200 Microsoft Points
(Chair Entertainment and Epic Games/Microsoft): Winner of numerous Best of E3 awards including Best Downloadable Game from 1UP, IGN, GameTrailers and G4TV, "Shadow Complex" is the next evolution in downloadable games. "Shadow Complex" marries the quality and depth of a full retail title with the stunning visuals of Epic Games' industry-leading Unreal Engine 3, and a classic side-scroller. Set in the world of Orson Scott Card's best-selling novel, "Empire," Shadow Complex provides more than 10 hours of in-depth gameplay and introduces a compelling universe.
Also, in the comments somebody suggested I talk about the deals of the week, which is actually a pretty good idea. The biggest problem, however, is my article needs to be submitted by Sunday night for it to be up on Monday. This means that, basically, unless they advertise the Deal of the Week in advanced (which sometimes they do, just not this week), I can only say if people should have got the deal of the week, which I'm not really sure counts as helping anyone. But, seeing as how the Deal of the Week was N+, knocking the price from 800MP to 400MP, I must say this is a great chance to see why everyone loves this game so much. I personally think it's over rated, but still a fun game. At 400MP, however, I can defintely see where the love comes from. Check it out if you get the chance. And, with that...
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.
Battlefield 1943 (1200MP)
Battlefield 1943 is a fast-paced multiplayer shooter set in World War II that may be one of the best Live games released in quite a while. You get three different maps that provide enough variety so that every type of player will have plenty of spots to do their thing. Each level has various vehicles laying around it too, though sometimes it can be tricky moving around in such a crowded area when the full 24 people are playing. Developer DICE has added a ticket system which sets a limit on how many times one team can respawn before they run out, which, while a good idea, sometimes doesn't work out too well if one person on the team is doing particularly bad, but this is only a side note. You are given three classes, the scout, rifleman and infantry, so your typical FPS fair.
One of my favorite aspects of this game is that you are able to destroy almost anything you desire in your path. This makes the game a bit more difficult for those who enjoy to camp or sniping, but I'm a pretty big fan of it myself. One, it's fun to blow stuff up, and two I'm tired of campers. Though the maps are good, having three to choose from and no more kind of puts a damper on thing, but at $15 you get what you pay for. This is also true since there's also no single play campaign, meaning you have to have Xbox Live Gold. Still, this is a solid multiplayer experience and one that should have a lot of people playing it, so if you're looking for a cheap multiplayer FPS, this is a must-buy. Rating: 9.0
Community Games
Get the Ball (200MP)
Get the Ball is a pretty simple game, as the objective is the name of the game. You are a green orb competing against a red orb as you race to catch a ball until someone reaches the score limit. In the trial version not a whole lot can be changed, but in the full version you can modify the speed of the ball and yourself, the number of points, and a few other things that allow you to switch the game up a bit. The game does support local multiplayer, so with full speed and four players I could see things getting a little crazy. The problem with Get the Ball is, while it is fun enough for a bit, the trial gave me all of the enjoyment I see myself having with the game. There's not any real challenge or purpose other than getting the ball, which hurts the lasting appeal.
Button Memory (200MP)
Another simple game this week, Button Memory is a virtual Simon Says. You are given the face buttons and you must repeat a sequence that the computer creates, with (at least on Easy mode) the computer adding one more button to the sequence. The full version comes with three other modes of difficulty, though the basic idea is still the same. There's really not much else to say about Button Memory except that it's a waste of 200MP. Rating: 3.0
Gamerbots:Third-Robot Shooting (400MP)
Gamerbots is a third-person over the shoulder shooter that has you controlling a customized robot doing various missions. The biggest aspect of the game is the customization, which is pretty impressive. You can modify the head, purchase weapons and ammo, upgrade various weapons and change the color of your robot. All of these modifications cost money, which you earn through completing missions. The map I played is pretty standard, but the graphics of the game are nice. The controls work, though they are slightly awkward at first (using the right bumper to shoot never sits well with me). Still, for a different take on shooting games, along with a nice, albeit simple upgrade system, TRS is not a bad purchase at all for 400MP. Rating: 7.5
Game Demos
Fuel
In an alternate present, vast swathes of America have become no-go areas as the devastating effects of global warming ravage the continent. But these danger zones become a playground for a new breed of racer. With a stockpile of fuel to be burned, adrenaline junkies head into the wilderness to compete against each other in spectacular races against themselves and the elements. This playable demo offers a taster of one race and one challenge from the full game, as well as the chance to try out Free Ride in a small section of the wastelands.
Ghosbusters: The Video Game
Who Ya Gonna Call? The Ghostbusters are back for an all new adventure! The year is now 1991: Who haunts Library? What happened to the Grey Lady? Try this demo to get a taste of the new supernatural spectacular haunting Manhattan. Take the role of a new recruit joining the famous Ghostbusters team and be equipped with a variety of unique equipment and gadgets as you hunt, fight and wrangle a wide range of ghosts in an all-new battle to save New York City from its latest paranormal plague.
Game Add-Ons
Rock Band
Mayhem Tour 2009 Pack (1080MP)
"This is Exile" by White Chapel (160MP)
"Black Magic" by Slayer (160MP)
"Disposable Teens" by Marilyn Manson (160MP)
"Embedded" by Job For a Cowboy (160MP)
"Empire of the Gun" by God Forbid (160MP)
"Hammer Smashed Face" by Cannibal Corpse (160MP)
"What a Horrible Night to Have a Curse" by Black Dahlia (160MP)
"Conquer All" by Behemoth (160MP)
"Know Your Enemy" by Green Day (160MP)
"East Jesus Nowhere" by Green Day (160MP)
"21 Guns" by Green Day (160MP)
Green Day Pack 01 (400MP)
Band of Bugs - Tales of Kaloki (240MP)
Download the Tales of Kaloki expansion pack and experience some of the most game-changing DLC available. With a host of new features including spaceships, lasers, robotic villains and more, the new campaign launches your Band of Bugs game into the stars.
Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires - Additional Music Set (Free)
Add these additional "Dynasty Warriors" music tracks to the game's BGM Select screen.
Guitar Hero: World Tour
"I Am The Arsonist" by Silverstein (160MP)
"Bomb The World" by The Sleeping (160MP)
"NJ Legion Iced Tea" by A Day To Remember (160MP)
Victory Track Pack (440MP)
Lips
"Get The Party Started" by P!nk (160MP)
"Don't Let Me Get Me" by P!nk (160MP)
"So What" by P!nk (160MP)
P!nk Song Pack (440MP)
Skate 2 - Maloof Money Cup Pack (240MP)
Hit the course of one of skateboarding's biggest contests, then battle some of skating's heaviest hitters for some serious Maloof loot.
LIVE Activity for week of June 29th
Xbox 360 Top Live Titles
1 Halo 3
2 Call of Duty: WaW
3 Call of Duty 4
4 Gears of War 2
5 GTA IV
6 FIFA 09
7 Left 4 Dead
8 UFC 2009 Undisputed
9 Fallout 3
10 Rock Band 2
Top Arcade Titles
1 Worms 2: Armageddon
2 Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers
3 THE KING OF FIGHTERS'98 ULTIMATE MATCH
4 Castle Crashers
5 UNO
6 Hasbro Family Game Night
7 Worms
8 Sonic The Hedgehog 3
9 GAROU -MARK OF THE WOLVES-
10 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1989 Classic Arcade
Original Xbox Top Live Titles
1 Halo 2
2 Star Wars: Battlfrnt 2
3 Counter-Strike
4 Fable
5 Splinter Cell Chaos
6 Conker: Live Reloaded
7 Doom 3
8 Star Wars: Battlefront
9 SW: Republic Commando
10 SW: KOTOR
Top Community Games
1 Kodu Game Lab
2 RC-AirSim
3 myFishtank
4 A Perfect Massage
5 A Morons Challenge
6 Illusions 360
7 DrumKit
8 Rumble Massage
9 Shiatsu Massage
10 Aquarium HD
Video Marketplace
Revolutionary Road (NA, 320MP) Based on the award-winning novel, Revolutionary Road follows the hopes and aspirations of the Wheelers, a young couple living in Connecticut. Entrapped under the social confines they so desperately tried to avoid, the Wheelers hatch a plan to leave Connecticut behind for the great unknown of Paris. But when the plan is put in motion, each spouse is pushed to extremes – one to escape whatever the cost, the other to save all that they have, no matter what the compromise.
Bobby (480MP, 320MP) "Bobby" re-imagines one of the most explosively tragic nights in American history. By following the stories of 22 fictional characters in the Ambassador Hotel on the fateful eve that Presidential hopeful Senator Robert F. Kennedy was shot, writer/director Emilio Estevez and an accomplished ensemble cast forge an intimate mosaic of an America careening towards a moment of shattering change – as different characters navigate prejudice, injustice, chaos and their own complicated personal lives, while seeking the last glimmering signs of hope in Kennedy's idealism.
Defiance (480MP, 320MP) Based on an extraordinary true story, Defiance is an action packed, epic tale of family, honor, vengeance and salvation during World War II. Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell star as brothers who turn a primitive struggle to survive the Nazi regime into something far more consequential – a way to avenge the deaths of their loved ones by saving thousands of others.
Strike (NA, 320MP) To become a legend in professional sports, it takes passion, courage, and enormous balls. Ross (Ross Patterson) is an out-of-work actor, minimum wage pizza delivery drone, and a really good bowler. His animal-care girlfriend Lindsay (Tara Reid) has just been fired for causing a crazed penguin orgy. But when their stoner roommate suggests they hit the highway as polyester pimps "Ross Vegas" and "Lil' Reno," the trio takes the alleys and gutters of the professional bowling tour by storm. Will the pressures of stardom now split their friendship forever or is that just how a playa rolls?
Near Dark (NA, 240MP) Country boy Caleb Colton (Adrian Pasdar) whittles away the quiet rural nights hunting local girls – but when he falls prey to the mysterious and beautiful Mae (Jenny Wright), Caleb unknowingly becomes the hunted. Mae is no ordinary girl, Caleb soon learns; she is part of an outlaw band of vampires and their love is about to lure him into a terrifying world of bloodlust, mayhem and absolute horror. Will Caleb pay the ultimate price for love and eternal life – or will he find a way to defeat the evil growing inside him each night?
Let the Right One In (480MP, 320MP) (Swedish Soundtrack with English Subtitles) Lonely, 12-year-old Oskar is regularly bullied by his stronger classmates. A new friendship develops when Eli, a pale, serious young girl who only comes out at night, moves in next door. Coinciding with her arrival is a series of inexplicable disappearances and murders. As Oskar becomes more aware of Eli's tragic plight, he cannot forsake her. However, Eli knows that to continue living, she must keep relocating. But when Oskar faces his darkest hour, Eli returns to defend him the only way she can...
Events
Monday: Music Monday - Lips
Tuesday: Family Game Night - Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
Wednesday: GamerchiX Ladies Night - Guitar Hero: Smash Hits
Thursday: Indie Games Night - Fitba
Friday: Frag Doll Friday - Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood
Sunday: Community Playdate - GamerchiX (Halo 3)
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.
If there are any community game developers who are looking to promote a game, give me an e-mail at traceaber@gmail.com and we'll set up an interview.
