Richard received a BFA from the University of Oklahoma. Foregoing the endless rejection that is the life of an actor, Richard opted instead to follow his true passion, games. Lucky for him, the internet has turned writing about games into a financially viable occupation. Otherwise he would be condemned to a life in hell, also known as community theatre.
We have got an absolute doozy of a show for you this week folks. Not only is it super long -- clocking in at nearly two hours -- but we invited Mr. Dave Hinkle to join in the shenanigans once again. With Xav back on the show, that's like four times the mayhem ... or something. We also talk about the greatest threat mankind has ever faced: The ODSB. What's an ODSB, you ask? You'll have to listen to find out.
Also, shout out to Menno B, who brought our attention to the meticulously crafted, custom Dropbear Mazda Protege in Forza Motorsport 3. Check out another image of it right here on the X3F Facebook group (you should join!). Be sure to drop us a line if you create or find any X3F-themed goodies out there!
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One of the conveniences introduced by the NXE last year was the ability to install games onto the Xbox 360 hard drive. Unfortunately, a select few games don't support the feature. Chief among the unsupported titles is Crackdown, Microsoft's addicting open-world action game. At least, it was until now, as Major Nelson has informed the masses that a title update is now available on Live that enables HDD installation of Crackdown.
Remember agent, installing isn't just for convenience, it's also for saving wear and tear on the DVD drive -- especially in games like Crackdown, which stream data constantly.
This is just a quick public service announcement to remind all the Halo fans out there today that the first episode of Halo Legends is available on Halo Waypoint today. Entitled "The Babysitter," it tells the story of a squad of ODST soldiers on a mission to assassinate a Covenant Prophet. The only catch is that a Spartan has been assigned to lead the squad. ODSTs and Spartans don't necessarily get along, so things get a little complicated.
The episode is only available today, so be sure to grab it quick. And remember, something related to Halo Legends will be airing on Waypoint every week, so keep an eye out for future installments.
We knew that the first installment of the Halo Legends anime project was debuting November 7 on Halo Waypoint, but now Microsoft has revealed the dates for most of the remaining episodes. Beyond Waypoint simply airing each episode, Halo fans will also be treated to "making of" features for each episode. All told, you can expect something related to Legends every week from now until January 9, 2010 (and likely beyond, as there are still some episodes unrevealed). Grab your calendar and a nice permanent marker, then check out the schedule after the break.
Boy, we've seen a lot of real-life custom Halovehicles lately. First there was a tiny, completely huggable Warthog, then a full-size Warthog and now we've got a working, custom Mongoose. The vehicle was spotted on Craigslist and, according to the seller, it was originally used as part of a Halo 3 launch event. A modified 2007 Kawasaki KFX 700 ATV, the seller claims it was won in a drawing, but now he has to sell it. If you could use a "mint condition" Mongoose -- and have $9000 laying around -- this baby can be all yours.
Once you pick it up, all you'll need is a buddy and a (Nerf) rocket launcher and you've got instant good times.
Everyone loves Achievements. That's a fact. As such, we really appreciate it when developers put some thought into their Achievements. While the 'cheevos for Madden NFL Arcade -- as unearthed by MGC -- are fairly standard in their execution, the names are all pretty amusing. We're particularly fond of "Like a Boss," likely named for the (incredibly NSFW) song of the same name. One that we're not so fond of is "2 Points 1 Win," making Madden NFL Arcade the second game to riff on an abhorrent internet meme that we refuse to explain (don't investigate if you value your sanity). Hit the source link for the full Achievement list.
This week's episode of XBLA in Brief will likely seem a bit familiar. The reason for that is because the trial version of the final three Wallace & Gromit episodes is exactly the same as the trial version for the first episode. Suffice it to say that you won't see anything new if you've already tried the first episode. For the rest of you, watch the latest XBLA in Brief and see if the charm of Wallace & Gromit appeals to you.
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Remember Greg Strope? No? Perhaps you'll remember his dog, Oscar, who purchased 5000 Microsoft Points -- worth $62.50 -- last week while his owner slept. At the time, we reported that Strope was out of luck thanks to Microsoft's "no refunds" policy. As it turns out, Microsoft contacted Joystiq to inform us that it will refund Strope's money after all, and will be "providing extra for good measure." In addition, Microsoft is sending Strope an extra controller and an Xbox Live subscription just for Oscar. The company even set the dog up with his own Gamertag: Oscar The K9.
Now, if Microsoft would just introduce a canine Avatar model, Oscar would be set for life.
We discuss a lot of things on this week's Fancast. Borderlands bugs,Modern Warfare 2 controversy, all kinds of stuff. None of that is really important though. What is important, is that we apprise our audience of the very real danger posed by dropbears. What's a dropbear, you ask? You'll have to listen to the show to find out. However, as a teaser, please direct your attention after the break, where you will find an artist's rendering of the vicious creature -- as drawn by guest host Dave Hinkle. Now listen. Listen and learn.
(Also after the break, see what Richard, Xav and Alexander dressed as for Halloween.)
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Don't worry, no one actually shot an Xbox. No, this box was decoratively riddled with bullets. Specifically, notice that the face buttons on the controller as well as the buttons on the console are actually bullet shell casings. And let's not forget the custom Modern Warfare 2 artwork on the side, which is back-lit by LEDs inside the case. In short, it's a pretty nice mod. It was created by one Mr. Tornado and is featured at ModernWarfare2Forums.net. As you might expect, it's up for auction on eBay, and the bid is already over $200.
We think it would look great with the Prestige Edition of Modern Warfare 2 and, let's face it, if you can afford one of those, then snatching up this Xbox should be chump change. Hit the source link for more pictures.
Update: Turns out Microsoft refunded Strope's money after all. The company even set the dog up with his own Xbox Live account. Read about it here.
While most Xbox owners are patently aware of the dangers of late night, impulse Microsoft Point purchases, we imagine no one ever worried about their dog doing the same thing. And yet Greg Strope of Richmond, Virginia tells Fox News that his dog, Oscar, purchased 5000 Microsoft Points, adding up to a total of $62.50. Strope says he received an email while he was sleeping and discovered it was a purchase confirmation from Microsoft. When he went to check his Xbox 360, he found that his controller had been chewed by his dog, and he presumed the animal had not only managed to turn on the console, but subsequently purchased the points.
Strope noted that Microsoft has a no refund policy and he wishes the company make it more difficult to purchase points. Our suggestion to Strope: Don't leave your controllers (or your Xbox, for that matter) within reach of the dog. Also, don't drink and play Rock Band. See Strope's interview after the break.
We're not sure if it was intentional, or if someone at Microsoft pulled the wrong lever, but the Forza 3 LCE premium theme -- previously reserved exclusively for those that bought the collector's edition -- is now available to the masses for free. We're guessing this was probably a mistake, as the theme is only showing up on the Xbox.com Marketplace, and we were unable to find it in XBLM on an actual console. If you really like Forza, or you just like cars, you'd best get it now before someone in Redmond gets wise.
Marvel has finally confirmed the price and release date for the first batch of DLC for Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2. The pack will debut on November 5 for $9.99 on the PSN and 800 ($10) on Xbox 360. Included in the pack will be new simulator missions, boosts and, most important of all, three new characters. Namely, players will be able to get their hot little hands on Carnage, Psylocke and Cable.
In addition to the DLC pack, Juggernaut will also be released as a downloadable character. Originally, he was available only as a pre-order bonus but, starting November 5, anyone will be able to tell Charles to get out of their head for the price of $1.99 on PSN and 160 ($2) on Xbox 360.
Disruptive Media announced today that it has released new university Avatar apparel on Xbox Live. The clothing covers thirty different universities, with apparel ranging from 40 ($0.50) wrist bands to 250 ($3) varsity jackets. Unfortunately, if you happen to root for -- or have attended -- one of the universities that isn't on the list, you're out of luck (no OU? Seriously?). The press release does mention "plans for collegiate expansion," so you might consider holding onto your money until then. Or, you know, you could spend it on games. Up to you, really.
Darwinia creator Introversion announced during this week's Eurogamer Expo that its upcoming Darwinia+ should arrive on Xbox Live Arcade by "the next side of Christmas." The game should be submitted to Microsoft certification in the coming weeks, hopefully ensuring a release early next year. Darwinia devotees will remember that the game began its journey to XBLA all the way back in 2006, and, according to Eurogamer, Introversion isn't exactly happy about it.
The company's Chris Delay noted that Microsoft required several changes to the game, most notably the inclusion of multiplayer. Said Delay, "We were trying to satisfy Microsoft. That's the most awful motivation in the world for making a videogame." Here's hoping the developer's devotion to bringing the game to XBLA has paid off.
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($10) on Xbox 360. Included in the pack will be new simulator missions, boosts and, most important of all, three new characters. Namely, players will be able to get their hot little hands on Carnage, Psylocke and Cable.
