Living LIVE News Report 09.06.10
Posted by Trace Aber on 09.06.2010
Xbox LIVE is going to cost more, Kinect only speaks three languages, Microsoft fixes the d-pad, and broken DLC are the main topics of discussion. All this plus the question of the week, along with reviews of indie games Avatar Orbitroid and Ninja Vs Zombie!
Welcome everyone to another issue of the Living LIVE News Reoprt, and as always, I'm your host for the evening, Trace Aber. I have begun playing my first point and click game, Sam and Max Save the World. I just completed the first episode, Culture Shock, and enjoyed it. I'm told the later episodes are better, and I'm about to start the second one soon. My girlfriend bought her very own Xbox 360 on Saturday, and she picked up Final Fantasy XII and Fable II to go along with her console. Even more important, I had steak before the purchase! This week had news of a LIVE price increase, Kinect's limited understanding, and a DLC that prevents you from playing its own game. Then we'll check out what you guys had to say about joining the Kinect beta program, and it turns out we still don't like Kinect. I'll make a final plea to Microsoft, however. Last but not least, I'll review indie games Avatar Orbitroid and Ninja Vs Zombies. They both sound promisingly awesome, but promises are meant to be broken, right? Ladies and gentleman, this is Living LIVE.
This Isn't Going to End Well…an Xbox LIVE Price Increase
In the never ending battle of 360 Vs PS3, fanboys now have a new topic to argue about – XBox LIVE, starting November 1, is going to rise in price $10. After being $50 for the last eight years, Major Nelson made the announcement on his blog earlier this week. Which means, instead of $49.99 for a year, it's now $59.99. One month will cost $9.99 and three months will cost $24.99.
Before everyone jumps into an uproar, there is a special going on that allows you to get another year's worth of LIVE for $39.99, which will save you twenty bucks. Now would also be a good time to stock up on one year activation cards, and get them for the cheap if you can! This price increase is probably to support the new features announced at E3, including the ESPN support. Jesse Divinch, from EEDAR, feels the price is still an incredible deal, even with the increase.
"When originally launched in 2002, a Gold subscription cost the same as an AAA video game, $49.99. When taking into account for inflation ($50 in 2002 is roughly $60 in 2010) and the additional services available to Gold subscribers in 2010, such as ESPN, Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Last.fm and Video Kinect, a $10 price increase still represents an incredible value to consumers."
Personally, I don't have a problem with this increase, because, ultimately, if you can't spare ten more dollars maybe a year's worth of online gaming shouldn't be your focus to begin with. Besides, gold has cost $50 since the beginning and, to be honest, there were few incentives outside of online play up until the last couple of years. While I'm not overly excited about the increase, I don't have too many problems with it. Although I would like to see better deal of the weeks.
Kinect Only Listens to a Select Few
One of the big features of Kinect is its ability to allow your voice to control your Xbox. Seems pretty nifty, huh? And it will be, as long as you speak USA and UK English, Japanese and Mexican Spanish. Confirmed by Eurogamer, the Kinect will not recognize voices if you live in France, Italy, Germany, or, well, anywhere except the USA, UK, Mexico or Japan. Even if you speak fluent English, the Kinect will be region-locked and you'll still be out of luck. Of course, you could just wait until a patch comes out…in SPRING 2011.
How can you ship a product worldwide when all of its features will only work in select areas? I understand that it's difficult to program every major language into the hardware, but why even release it in those countries if you're not going to be able to deliver the full product. And what's even more insulting is that Microsoft lists Spanish as "Mexican." I understand that voice control wasn't the hardest thing pushed, but they're still releasing an unfinished product to the majority of the world and it's a slap in the face to all of those people. If there was any doubt that Kinect would be a failure, allow this to confirm it for you.
Why Correct a Problem When you can Call it a Feature?
Microsoft, ever the marketing geniuses, have introduced a new design to the 360 controller that fixes the directional pad that so many people have complained about, especially fans of fighting games. The new controller has a matte silver finish, concave analog sticks, and monochrome face buttons. The d-pad, however, gets a complete overhaul with the ability to switch between the current disc-based layout and the raised directional pads by twisting it to your desire setting. Here, let's have Major Nelson show us in a horribly produced video…
While I wouldn't call the redesign revolutionary, I do think it's a nice middle of the road solution. While there are some games where I wish the d-pad was more reliable, most games I don't really notice it. This controller would allow me to switch, because when I play on a normal directional pad anymore it does feel a bit weird. Then again, it wouldn't be Microsoft if there wasn't a trick to it. And the trick is that you can only pick this controller up when you purchase a Play and Charge kit, which will set you back $64.99. Is a new d-pad really worth that much to you?
Crackdown 2 DLC Cracks Your Game
Not in the good kind of game cracking either…it prevents it from running at all. I was tasked with reviewing the DLC and upon loading the game up it crashed every time on the loading screen. Which was really upsetting, because it seemed as though the DLC would have been able to make the game fun. Thankfully, after a few days, it was fixed yesterday with an official statement from Ruffian;
"The Crackdown 2 DLC Toy Box was initially released with a series of bugs caused by incorrect configuration of the DLC package. These included:
* Crash on loading
* Problems with DLC specific achievements
* Problems with the Voice Of The Agency
These issues were caused by problems mastering the DLC package. They have now been resolved with a new version of the Toy Box DLC that Microsoft has released today.
However if you are unlucky enough to have downloaded the bugged version you will need to:
* Delete the Toy Box DLC from your system
* Re-download the DLC
After that all will be fine. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope you will now be able to enjoy the game's new DLC"
I haven't redownloaded the content just yet, but it's good to know this problem has been fixed. Wonder what happened in the mastering though?
Monday Night Combat to Have Three DLC Packs
So it turns out that XBLA hit Monday Night Combat will be supported by not just one DLC pack, but three of them. It also turns out that the first DLC pack will be entirely free and include a patch as well to fix some minor things. While very few details were given about the pack, it is expected to bring new content and gameplay adjustments. Whether this means more maps (which I hope) or another class is yet to be determined. Uber Entertainment have announced that they want to keep the online community strong and will continue to support it through these packs. A release date hasn't been set either, but more information is expected as we inch closer to that date.
The Digital Downloads
This week saw the prologue to Dead Rising 2, Dead Rising 2: Case Zero released for 400MP, and you can read my review of that by clicking here. Those looking for more of a full game can download Cabela's African Safari and Bully: Scholarship Edition for $19.99 a piece. Another piece of Bioshock 2 DLC was released, called Minerva's Den for 800MP that features a new, self-contained story.
Avatar Orbitroid (80MP)
Avatar Orbitroid sees your avatar going on a dangerous mission in which they must rotate around an evil core floating in space while killing twenty six different types of UFO's. Why your avatar is doing this, or how they got the job, is never discussed. Fortunately, the experience is a unique, if somewhat disorienting, experience.
WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
In each of the game's eight levels you go through waves of enemies while working your way down to the core itself. Your movement, as well as the enemies, are all relative to this core, so maneuvering around and aiming can be a bit of a trouble in the beginning. After some practice though, it works pretty well and allows for unique combat and a nice spin on the shooter genre. There is little explanation of what you're supposed to do, though, so the game is a bit confusing as well. You do, however, have three bombs and a shield that you can activate after filling up a bar.
Avatar Orbitroid, besides having a cool name, has a good twist that provides something different in the oversaturated market of indie games. The game features good graphics and a variety of levels. Despite the cover showing four avatars doing battle, there appears to be no co-op, which could have been fun. It's fun, but not a must buy either. Rating: 7.0
Ninja Vs Zombie (80MP)
20XX Years, By the zombie who appeared suddenly, the people faced a crisis. Where do they come over from? But. There was the man who located the place. The name of the man is Hanzo. He is a ninja living in the present age. "This research institute is doubtful…" Ninja vs. Zombies. An intense fight to select human fate as begins.
When You push the attack button for a long time andf let go, strong attack is given. When you apply a strong attack to the enemy, the enemy is blown off. A strong attack derives to three kinds (side, slant, upper) by the combination with the movement button. The zombie does not die in the damage of attack. The zombie dies when sticking in the needle. Thanks to the game for all of that. Now, as far as gameplay go, it's not nearly as bad as I expected. You have a few different attacks, but the main thing to know is you want to send zombies into spikes. They also have puzzles that you have to solve, though nothing particularly mind blowing. At no point did I feel challenged, which is always a bummer.
The game is also ugly.
Ninja Vs Zombie is kind of a lie, since all it equates to is an excuse to make only one enemy. And despite the puzzles they threw in, it's doesn't fix a boring game. Which is a shame, because this should have been an awesome battle of death. Instead, it's a disappointing platformer with lame puzzles. Rating: 5.0
Question of the Week
Last week I questioned if people would be willing to give up their ability chat to non-beta members as well as losing all avatar clothes. Let's see what you had to say;
80's Kid: The real question is am I willing to get the required lobotomy to think that joining the Kinect beta is a good idea.If I wanted motion controlled gaming, I would have bought a Wii. I didn't so I didn't buy one. Am I going to now that X-Box is going to be doing it? NO!!!!!!!!!!!
Definitely one way to look at it. I do have a Wii, but don't really play any games for the motion controls. I must have missed the lobotomy requirement in the beta agreement, which is probably a good thing I didn't sign up for it. I'm pretty happy with my entire brain, thank you.
After currently-on-hiatus 411'er Rod Oracheski pointed out to 80's Kid that, lobotomy or not, it's still free, he clarified his statement;
80's Kid: Yes, I'd be out. I'm just not interested in Kinect at all.
Wii60: I saw that Turtle is part of the Kinect beta program on Entourage last night.I'd be willing to be part of the beta, my avatar only wears free clothing, like me. I never understood the appeal of buying stuff for a fake person that lives on Xbox Live.And I'd rather be part of a HuluLive, DirecXboxTV, Internet Xplorer or some other beta for something I might actually use.
I must admit that I do have some purchased avatar clothing, but only to get rid of some spare points. For some reason having only 40MP or 50MP seems wrong. But I don't even think my avatar is wearing any of them…he actually looks as creepy as humanely possible. See for youself…
Looks like rape personified. Wow, really got off topic there. Anyways…I agree about wanting to be in betas for other stuff that we'd actually use, but that's not how life works most of the time. I did get to test out the dashboard redesign, but it wasn't anything particularly exciting.
el_pieablo: If I was interested In Kinect then I prob would take part in the Beta test, avatar clothing or not. I'm not interested in avatar clothing either so that's not an issue for me. Heck I'm not interested in what I actually wear on my person so why would I care bout what my non existent avatar wears?
I think that, despite all of my hate for the damn thing, if I were sent a free Kinect device I'd check it out. Assuming it would work in my room at all, that is. But, I'm willing to give it a chance as long as it's free. Hear that, Microsoft? This column could be Kinect-positive for once…all I need is a free version so I can promptly sell it for cash once the beta ends.
Another reader had a question they wanted to ask me, and since turnabout is fair play…
Guest#2781: What will happen When (Not If) we get to the $20 price point for downloadable games? What do you think sales will be like for games that reach this hefty pricetag? What do think would justify a $20 Downloadable game?
I could see $20 arcade games within the next eighteen months, probably sooner. But whatever game starts that trend needs to be hyped big and sell even better…otherwise the experiment will fail and companies will have to wait before trying it again. A game worth $20 needs at least 6 to 7 hours of main play, with plenty of replayability. Be that online multiplayer, side quests, it can get old fast. It also needs a fair amount of levels (or the equivalent), as well as fleshed out stories. Nothing spectacular, but if I'm paying $20 I expect something decent. If it's a fighting game or something of the sort, I need at least 15 characters. Off the top of my head, the games I have legitatemly got $20 worth of entertainment out of are Shadow Complex, Geometry Wars 1 and 2, Castle Crashers, Trials HD, Crystal Defenders and Defense Grid. But, in spite of that, I don't think I would have bought most of them if they cost $20 at the time. So it's a real tricky situation, but you're right – it's going to happen at some point. I just don't want some analyst telling me it's a good value for me.
This week's question shouldn't too shocking. If you got a response, e-mail me or post it in a comment below and I'll discuss it next week.
With the price of Xbox LIVE rising $10/year starting November 1, do you feel this is a fair price or are you going to stop subscribing altogether?
Signing Out
That does it for me this week. Be sure to check back next week as we discuss all of the latest Xbox 360 news, including releases, rumors and reviews! Also, don't forget to bookmark 411Mania! And a note to all of the Indie Game developers out there – if you have an upcoming title that's going to be released soon drop me a line at traceaber@gmail.com and let me know. I'll write a full review of your game to be posted on 411Mania.com, which is a great way to get your game promoted!
I'm undecided. My subscription doesn't expire until middle of next year. I'd love to rack up on the LIVE for $39.99, but I don't do the cc thing
Posted By: Guest#4006 (Guest) on September 05, 2010 at 11:34 PM
Like Guest#4006 my Live subscription doesn't expire till mid niext year. I'll proably go ahead and buy a couple years worth now so I don't have to worry about it. (3 pay increases within a month help with doing that)
Posted By: Guest#2446 (Guest) on September 06, 2010 at 02:21 AM
I agree 10 more dollars for a whole year isn't that insane. I just frankly don't understand what is supposed to make it worth it. My TV lets me access twitter, facebook, pandora,netflix and even more and I don't have to pay ANYTHING for it. My Bluray player lets me access twitter, facebook, pandora, netflix, etc for free. I can also access that all on my Roku box with no charge. I can also access all that on, big shock, my computer. Outside of Netflix, all this stuff they claim is so great, and that we need to pay extra for, is a HUGE waste of time for most of their customers. I have no problem with a price increase if I'm getting something for it, but I don't see what I'm getting. ESPN? The ESPN on my TV works just fine.
Posted By: lethargic (Guest) on September 06, 2010 at 02:59 AM
It isn't about affording it or not, it is about being sensible with your money. You can spin it whatever way you want to spin it. But, the fact is this: Microsoft is raising the price to put in features only a few will use.
Should they lower the price for people that do not want their insipid extras? You will probably say no because that is probably too much common sense for someone to actually process.
Here is a fitting quote for all of the fanboys: "a fool and his money will soon part."
Posted By: Guest#5718 (Guest) on September 06, 2010 at 03:54 AM
I have no problem with the increase especially since I can stockpile on gold cards.
I just hope this might delay the pay-to-play idea for games like COD.
Posted By: Bittermidget (Guest) on September 06, 2010 at 09:33 AM
Oh my. I was really excited about Kinect because Microsoft were at least trying something completely different to the Wiimote, but it is turning into a real train wreck. According to what I've read, we might not get voice support in Australia until March/April, even though we speak English and English voice control will be available in two other regions on launch. I guess my next electronic toy of choice will be the 3DS, with breaks to play Fallout: New Vegas and Dragon Age 2.
Posted By: Guest#4972 (Guest) on September 06, 2010 at 11:46 AM
Man, Kinect is gonna be the biggest fail of a hardware launch ever. There's no reason to buy it at launch. You'd be better off waiting until they patch in all the features (even the US, UK Mexico and Japan will have to wait for voice control apparently), and hopefully the price will have dropped by then.
Move may be an overpriced rip-off of the Wii, but at least you get all the features out of the box.
Posted By: Guest#4491 (Guest) on September 06, 2010 at 11:55 PM
I'm off the opinion that its only 10 pounds(If that'll be the British increase!) so that's not a lot. But I tend to agree with some of the posters. Why is the price going up unless there is going to be more available on Live for gold members. The thing is I hate multiplayer in games as I don't have the time to put in, I dont use the twitter, Last.fm, zune, and I barely use the Facebook thing, so why am I paying for Live! in the first place? Mainly as its advertised as a must have for users of the Xbox. But I'll prob by a years membership to top up my present one which runs out in June 2011
Posted By: el_pieablo (Guest) on September 07, 2010 at 02:36 PM
I don't have a problem with the increase because you can't do anything about it, either you pay it or you don't. It's like cable, pay for it or no TV. Whatever.
I wish MSFT would have thrown something in there for the $10, maybe they still will, but I think they are approaching the ceiling on their rate.
With Apple TV and Roku boxes all at the $99 price point, not to mention more and more blu ray players come with netflix, facebook, etc included, the idea of paying $60 a year is going to become outdated.
I pay for my Gold subscription more for the media features and less for the online gameplay. With more options, there will be a tipping point for most consumers.
Now if MSFT were smart, they would throw in a free streaming Netflix account for the Gold Members, split the revenue with Netflix, then they could legitimize the increase. Or Hulu Premium. Or something.
Posted By: Wii60 (Guest) on September 07, 2010 at 02:43 PM
"Now if MSFT were smart, they would throw in a free streaming Netflix account for the Gold Members, split the revenue with Netflix, then they could legitimize the increase. Or Hulu Premium. Or something"
I vote no. This is exactly what I do NOT want from Microsoft. At the end of the day the Xbox 360 is a VIDEO GAME SYSTEM. It has some extra uses that are fine as a bonus, but the #1 use for Xbox and the #1 reason buy it is to play video games. If I have to pay to use Live, any bonus should be directed at the gamers. How about throw us a bone and give us one free old arcade game that nobody pays for anymore a month? How about give us a few Live points a month? Stop people like EA from charging extra for online play. SOMETHING. I'm a hardcore gamer and a hardcore Xbox fanboy. But I'm starting to feel like the money I'm paying Microsoft isn't getting ME anything, it's going toward non-gamers interests.
Posted By: lethargic (Guest) on September 08, 2010 at 06:50 PM
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