Living LIVE News Report 05.02.11
Posted by Trace Aber on 05.02.2011
News on a Modern Warfare 2 phishing scam, PS3 owners switching to the Xbox 360, Telltale Games signing a deal with Microsoft, DLC for Dragon Age II and Mortal Kombat, oOberidiot takes this week's Indie Spotlight and more!
REPLY POSTED
I almost bought couple Sonic games, but after playing the trial. I found out how bad my reflexes are
Posted By: Guest#7623 (Guest) on April 25, 2011 at 01:16 AM
Which Sonic games? I've noticed a lot of people I know have troubles playing games like Sonic or Mario if they didn't play them a lot as children. My girlfriend has the same problem, but to be fair she kicks my ass in fighting games since she grew up with those. I'd say pick one of the earlier ones up and take some time getting to know the physics and little tricks – the games are definitely worth it. I must have beat the original trilogy over a hundred times now.
I still think that the Kinect killer app is it being part of a control scheme, not the control scheme. If it gets incorporated into the next COD, Gears, or Halo, in some fashion, along with the regular controller, then you might have something to hook the hardcore fans.Even with the Lucas blessing, I can't see a Kinect marathon the same way you can play regular games for hours.
Posted By: Wii60 (Guest) on May 01, 2011 at 12:22 AM
I agree with you and it's something I've brought up in the past. Being able to give commands or call plays using the Kinect microphone would be a small addition that would really engross the player, and giving out one-handed gestures to plan a sneak attack on the enemy would be amazing for team-based multiplayers. I think we'll see games incorporate these features in the future, but the technology apparently isn't fully understood yet, at least not on the console it's intended to be used for.
Welcome everyone to another issue of the Living LIVE News Report, and as always, I'm your host for the evening, Trace Aber. There won't be an issue of the report coming from me next week, as I'll be in Chicago at the annual meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association, presenting a study on religiosity and outgroup attitudes. Terribly exciting stuff, I know. But I'll be back the following week, and I'll probably do an extra review or something to even it out.
Hulu Plus Comes to Xbox LIVE
For whatever reason, Microsoft couldn't get a limited exclusivity contract on Hulu Plus, and 360 owners have been behind PS3 owners in terms of having the streaming television subscription service, Hulu Plus for the last year. That changed on April 29th, when North American users were FINALLY given access to Hulu Plus.
That's not all though, thanks to advertiser Jack Link's Beef Jerky, we'll be able to use the service from April 29 to May 6 free of charge! You'll still have to set up a trial account, but I've been using it and will probably pick up the service for a couple of months to catch up on The Office and 30 Rock. While the service is mostly known for its TV offerings, they do have a modest collection of movies, though it doesn't compare to Netflix's selection just yet. For those considering getting the service after the trial is up it'll set you back about $8 a month.
Call of Duty: Black Ops - Taste of Escalation Trailer
Some PS3 Owners Thinking of Switching to 360
Xbox LIVE may be seeing a jump in users over the next month or so if a new survey is any indication. As I'm sure just about every knows, Sony was recently attacked by an outside source leading to the shutdown of the Playstation Network, leaving PS3 owners (myself included) offline for the time being. What's worse is the loss of information, including names, addresses, telephone numbers and, although unconfirmed and supposedly unlikely, there's the small chance credit card information has been stolen. Some anecdotal accounts have been reported of credit fraud because of the attack, but I personally haven't experience any problems. But, with this huge fiasco (and before anyone gets upset, it should be noted Xbox LIVE had some problems of its own a few years back), many PS3 owners are thinking of jumping ship.
A survey conducted by CouponCodes4U included 2,132 United States citizens, with 41% of them owning PS3 consoles. 89% of those PS3 owners are concerned about their private data, while 65% said their trust in Sony and, consequently, the PSN, has been "greatly affected" by the attack. Most shockingly, however, was the 21% who said they were contemplating selling their PS3 and purchasing an Xbox 360.
Now, CouponCodes4U isn't exactly the most reputable survey center in the world, but the numbers are interesting. The fact that over one fifth of the PS3 users are thinking about switching is very telling, however, and could mean a continuation of the bad news for Sony and some good news for Microsoft.
Modern Warfare 2 Phishing Scheme Detected
Microsoft has sent out warnings that a possible phishing scam over Xbox LIVE has popped up while playing popular FPS Modern Warfare 2. The attempts tend to take place during matchmaking, when users are sent a message asking for sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card information.
While not as severe as Sony's problems, the timing does seem a bit odd. Either this has been going on for a while and in an effort to cover their ass Microsoft is being more cautious than normal or the phishing scheme is a much lazier version of the PSN attack. Regardless, users should never send anyone their personal information, which you'd think in this day and age would be common knowledge.
Random News and Notes
Some DLC news, as Dragon Age II, Portal 2 and Mortal Kombat will see some content getting added shortly. Dragon Age II's latest DLC, Item Pack 1, has weapons, armor, and follower items for each of the game's three classes for 400MP, or you can purchase each class separately for 240MP. Valve's latest will have DLC Pack 1 hit later this summer and will feature new test chambers, leaderboards and some challenges for PS3, 360 and PC, and the best part is that it's free! Finally, all of the DLC already on the disk of Mortal Kombat will be released this Wednesday, according to a leak provided by Toy ‘R' Us of all companies, with no official price announced.
Telltale Games, makers of the Sam and Max series, have recently signed an Xbox 360 Publisher licensing agreement with Microsoft. CEO Dan Connors was quoted as saying, "Adding console support to our acknowledged expertise in digital downloads is another positive step in our long-term growth strategy. We are pleased to expand the size of our potential audience by encompassing the Xbox 360 console consumer and bring our vision of video gaming to them."
In an interview with Complex, Gears of War design director Cliff Bleszinski spilled the beans on why we never got to see Master Chief in a Gears of War game. The first problem is the different between the two games, and in his words, "Gears is like Mortal Kombat and Halo is like Street Fighter." It makes sense, actually, and Bleszinski did approach Microsoft with the idea. "I actually approached Microsoft on getting Master Chief into the game, but those guys are kind of squeamish," he said.
The Digital Downloads Arcade Games
Nin2-Jump (400MP)
Outland (800MP)
Trouble Witches NEO (800MP)
Games on Demand
Tekken 6 ($19.99)
Dead Rising 2 ($39.99)
BlazBlue ($19.99)
DLC
WWE All Stars Compatibility Pack 1 featuring Honkey Tonk Man (Free)
WWE All Stars American Dream Pack (160MP)
Super Street Fighter IV Ultra Complete Alternate Costume Pack (1440MP)
Kinect Sports Calorie Challenge Pack Add-On (320MP)
oOberidiot (240MP)
In land where idiots reign supreme, the cheese is smelly and plentiful, and the people are governed by the oOberidiot who guards the cup of sanity, well, not a lot gets accomplished I'd imagine. But you have a chance to become the newest and greatest oOberidiot, and all you have to do is run vertically up a seemingly endless tower filled with all types of obstacles. See, being an idiot is easy – navigating is tough.
Our game opens up with an extremely serious video package, detailing the world of oOberland and you're quest to the top of the tower. What follows is a rather simple game that only requires extremely fast reflexes and good memory. Though the game supports four difficulty modes (from oObereasy to Korean), the only difference in gameplay is the speed at which your avatar runs. Using the analog stick or the triggers, players must navigate through narrow passes, jump over gaps and reach the top of the tower without dying. Trust me, it's a lot harder than it sounds and will require a lot of practice.
oOberidiot's music is also top notch and makes your quest seem that much more epic. The graphics, though limited, are well done and create a beautiful environment for an indie game. There doesn't seem to be multiple levels, though I may be wrong as I was only given the trial to play. I think this game would be better priced at 80MP as opposed to 240MP, but at the same time if you try to complete the tower you might get your money's worth. I'd definitely check it out before buying, as it's a niche title, but still pretty fun. Rating: 7.5
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!
Thanks. I see I made the right decision. I got Sonic 1 & 2
Posted By: Guest#7623 (Guest) on May 01, 2011 at 11:38 PM
Thanks. I see I made the right decision. I got Sonic 1 & 2
Posted By: Guest#7623 (Guest) on May 01, 2011 at 11:38 PM
yes, some ps3 owners are going to switch to 360's just in time for live to get hacked and go through it all again.
Posted By: Steve (Guest) on May 02, 2011 at 11:44 AM
Is the Games on Demand service finally getting a reality check? All three you listed are actually in line with Amazon and Best Buy. This doesn't count for the used market of course but maybe this is hope? They should start making every big title available on the service at launch day. Maybe they know what they are doing after all...
Posted By: Wii60 (Guest) on May 06, 2011 at 03:52 PM
"All three you listed are actually in line with Amazon and Best Buy."
Games on Demand pricing has been the MSRP on them for quite some time, but stores will often sell below MSRP if it's an old title. Microsoft can't, without the stores raising a fuss about losing sales of games that weren't selling well anyway...and until digital distribution is powerful enough to tell brick and mortar stores to pound sand, we have to deal with prices that stick to MSRP.
Posted By: Rod Oracheski (Guest) on May 07, 2011 at 01:44 PM
Has anyone ever bought from games on demand though? Are the figures good?
Posted By: Stewart Lange (Registered) on May 09, 2011 at 03:34 PM
"All three you listed are actually in line with Amazon and Best Buy."
Games on Demand pricing has been the MSRP on them for quite some time, but stores will often sell below MSRP if it's an old title. Microsoft can't, without the stores raising a fuss about losing sales of games that weren't selling well anyway...and until digital distribution is powerful enough to tell brick and mortar stores to pound sand, we have to deal with prices that stick to MSRP.
Posted By: Rod Oracheski (Guest) on May 07, 2011 at 01:44 PM"
MS can easily match prices if they really wanted to. I ran a warehouse for many years and can tell you physical distribution is far more expensive than digital distribution. It's just that companies are too scared of b&m chains dropping them and that they love the windfall profits.
Posted By: mogamer (Guest) on May 13, 2011 at 11:09 AM
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