Capcom has announced that SF II HD Remix releases today on the PS3 for $14.99 and will be released on November 26th for the 360 at 1200 Microsoft points. On top of getting a fantastic game, Capcom’s direct-to-download music album of hip-hop tracks inspired by the Street Fighter series featuring such artists as DJ Qbert, Hieroglyphics, Redman, Oh No, DJ Toure, Mistah FAB and ZION I will launch today as well. And the best part is the album is free and exclusive to the Playstation network. If you want to check out the tracks you can listen to them at http://www.myspace.com/capcomunity
. Of course this game is online so if any of you out there want to fight on the Playstation network my PSN ID is scotthall187.

Direct Youtube Link

First, I announced yesterday that Microsoft had launched their new NXE which is a new dashboard design and provides many new features. What I forgot to mention was the coolest feature of being able to load games to your HDD. Now you don’t load the full game and have no use for the disc anymore but this will definitely help with loading and performance times for most games. Most games….what doesn’t work you ask. Well probably the biggest would be Halo 3. Yes the most popular game on the system performs worse when you install it to your HDD. Bungie, the creators of Halo, responded as so:

Basically, the game was programmed to copy map files from the disc to the HDD to speed up load times. If you install the game to the HDD, it copies the files from your HDD to…another part of your HDD, which is a lot slower than a disc-to-HDD transfer…….we shipped Halo 3 before Microsoft finalized this particular feature. As a result, we were not able to take advantage of it (or any other potential optimizations we discovered after shipping Halo 3)

No word on if there will be a patch to address this issue or if they will just recommend not installing Halo 3 on your HDD.

On a lighter note below is a video highlighting all the fatalities from Mortal Kombat vs DC. Some of them are kinda weak, but that is expectable for a T rated game. I hope to have my hands on this game soon and will provide my thoughts/analysis on the game. Spoiler alert…I guess.

Direct Youtube Link

And two Microsoft posts in a row, I must be sick or something.

This week has seen most Xbox Live user getting updated to the new Xbox dashboard called “NXE”. This redesign totally changes the look of the previous dashboard while adding new features such as avatar creation (it’s totally not like Mii’s), individual channels for companies and games (once again totally not like the Nintendo channels) and Netflix use that will allow download and streaming of movies through your Xbox. One of the cooler things to come out of this upgrade is Street Fighter II HD Remix has it’s own channel and a suprising release date on it of November 26th, which if this is true we could be playing this game next week (note PS3 would be on the 27th as PSN updates on Thursdays). Right now Microsoft hasn’t rolled this out to everyone yet, but most should have this update if not already but by the end of the week. Below are the top 10 things to do with the new NXE according to Xbox Live guru, Major Nelson.

1. Create (or Customize) your Avatar – You can spend as much (or as little) time as you want in the Avatar Editor to personalize your little guy/girl

Bonus: When you are done with #1, be sure to take a Gamer Picture of your Avatar. In the Avatar editor, choose Gamer Picture. You can use the controls to move your avatar around, zoom in and out or even change the background color (press Y)

2. Explore the all new dashboard. (hint: use the trigger and bumpers to quickly scroll up and down or left and right)

3. PAR-TAY! Check out Xbox LIVE Parties and chat with up to seven of your friends. Go to the Friends channel…choose a friend who is online and press Y to get the party started. You can also hit the Xbox 360 Guide button > Party >Start a Party. Once you do that, send off invites to your party (since one does not make a very good party…does it?)

4. Themes. While any themes you work will NXE, check out some of the new themes via My Xbox and select your profile (second slot) and then change theme. Xbox 360, Spectrum, Day and Night are new themes that available as part of your NXE upgrade…check them out.

5. Marketplace on Xbox.com. This new feature lets you search, browse, and purchase games and videos while you are away from your console. You can also perform account management functions like changing your billing information, viewing your purchase history, and downloading items you already own.

6. Netflix – Xbox LIVE Gold Member and you have Netflix? If you are in the US you can stream thousands of videos (some in HD) directly from Netflix to your Xbox 360. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial at Xbox.com/netflix

7. Install to / Play from Hard Drive. With the game in the tray, return to your dashboard. (pressing the guide button then Y works as always) then go to My Xbox. From here press Y, which will bring up a new menu which will allow, among other things the ability to install a game to your hard drive.
Hint: You can still use the Xbox 360 guide while installing a game to keep in touch with your friends or start a Party.

Bonus: Before you do #7, be sure to set up what happens when you turn on your Xbox 360. My Xbox->System Settings>Console settings. Then choose Start up to to choose Disc, Xbox Dashboard or Windows Media Center. Once you are done there…check the option right below it: Autostart. This tell your Xbox 360 what to do when you insert a game. The choices are enable or disable. I have mine set to disable so I can easily use install to hard drive.

8. Delete Zero Gamerscore games. You can remove any games from your games played list that you have earned no achievements or gamerscore. Press the Xbox 360– guide button, navigate left to the games section and choose Achievements. From here choose the game with zero gamerscore you want to remove and press X (Delete Game History.)

9. Press the Xbox 360 button on your controller to see the all new Guide. The team has added more functionality than the old guide, while making it more responsive. It’s a quick way to check your messages, see who is online or start a party.

10. Take a look at Community Games in the Games Marketplace. For the first time in the history of console gaming, thousands of games developed by the creative community will be available to the public.

All photos courtesy of Microsoft.

Direct Youtube Link

First, I want to say that I’m an Apple guy.  I think their business practice of using superior technology, looking towards the future, and making great looking products has put them a good head (and maybe a shoulder) above other tech companies.  I’ve owned an Apple since the IIe days and think the iPhone (and more importantly the Mulit-Touch display) has created the next evolution of how we interact with a computer, just like they did with the the original Macintosh user interface.  I’m an IT guy in a XP environment all day so I have the pleasure of using both systems in detail.  Microsoft has lagged behind, while using a lot of the successful features of Apple, with XP and Vista.  It looks like they’re doing it again with their previously shown Surface touch tables (basically what I would say is a table sized iPhone).  SecondLight is the next step from Microsoft and WOW does it look nice.  This looks like something from Apple, which is the best compliment I can give.  Watch the video and see what lies ahead in the soon to be future….

Thanks to Gizmodo for this story!

Well, it was bound to happen sooner than later. Namco has released images of Vader fighting Yoda, hyping up their release as DLC for the PS3 and Xbox 360. Yoda will now be available for download on PS3, while Vader will be available on the Xbox. Currently there is no date established for the content to be available in the US but Japan will have the oppurtunity to download these characters stating on October 23, so I assume the US date wont be far behind that. Pricing points established for each character is about $5.99 for the PS3 download and 400 Microsoft points for the Xbox.

Images courtesy of Kotaku

So I’m trying something new in regards to posting multiple stories of the day instead of multiple posts throughout the day. We’ll see if it lasts.  Anyway, I have three interesting stories that have gotten my attention this morning involving the best fighting game ever, a presidential candidate and the xbox.

First it appears that the ESRB has rated Marvel VS Capcom 2 for the Xbox360 and PS3. The ESRB website has been very accurate in the past in regards to games coming out that have not been announced (they were correct about Mega Man and Mega Man 2 for the virtual console). Now if this is correct and MVC2 is coming to Xbox live and the PSN network, we will be getting a fantastic fighting game for a reasonable price along with the possibility of online matches. With copies of this game selling on eBay for up to $100, this will be a huge benefit to us fans who don’t have copies anymore or for those who want to give the game a try.

With Microsoft launching their new Xbox Experience (basically replacing the old dashboard and offering a smattering of new features) it was noted that the update would require 128MB of save space. This really doesn’t work too well for all the Arcade owners who do not have a hard drive or limited memory card space. So in order to eliviate the pain, Microsoft has opened the website www.xboxstorageupgrade.com. This site will allow you to enter in your console serial number along with the console ID and it will be determined if you are eligible for a free 512MB memory card or a refurbished 20GB hard drive for $19.99

Finally it appears that even video games can not escape presidential campaign ads. Recently if you go online with EAs hit racer, Burnout Paradise, you will see billboards promoting Barack Obama. These ads have been paid by his campaign and are 100% legit. Interesting to see this going on, but it really does make sense. Young voters love their god damn video games and this is a great place to attract their attention. If only we had a new Top Gun game, then possibly we could have McCain as a downloadable costume for the Maverick character….one can dream I guess.

Images courtesy of Kotaku

Microsoft has teamed up with the Rock the Vote folks to allow people to register to vote through Xbox Live. This is definitely an interesting way of going by reaching out to the video game crowd. In the past Rock the vote has worked with MTV, Puff Daddy (I voted so I didn’t die that year) and the WWE. Now if you haven’t registered to vote you can do so and help the Republicans keep control of the White House as they should. Press release below.

Xbox and Rock the Vote to Give Voters a New Platform for Change
First-of-its-kind partnership creates new ways to register to vote and jump into 2008 election.

REDMOND, Wash. — Aug. 21, 2008 — A leading gaming and entertainment platform just became a leading platform for change. Microsoft Corp. and Rock the Vote today announced a groundbreaking partnership that will allow Xbox 360 owners to register to vote, participate in presidential polls and voice their opinions to the presidential candidates. It will all happen through Xbox LIVE starting Monday, Aug. 25, the first day of the Democratic National Convention.

“Xbox is a natural partner to help us reach out to youth voters,” said Heather Smith, executive director, Rock the Vote. “To realize our goal of registering 2 million young Americans by this fall, we need to go where young Americans are, and there’s no doubt in our minds that many are on Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE.”

This is the first time that Rock the Vote has joined forces with an entertainment partner such as Xbox to reach voters under 30. Xbox LIVE is the largest online social network connected to the television, with membership totaling 12 million — if Xbox LIVE were a state, it would rank as the country’s seventh largest, giving it approximately 20 electoral votes.

“The Xbox LIVE community is active, vocal and passionate,” said Marc Whitten, general manager of Xbox LIVE. “We’re thrilled to partner with Rock the Vote to make it easier than ever for youth voters — and our members — to register and be heard.”

Through the Rock the Vote partnership, Xbox LIVE members will be able to register to vote, voice their opinions to the candidates through an exclusive forum and participate in potentially election-predicting polls. They will also be able to download Rock the Vote public service announcements.

Xbox also will have a presence at both the Democratic and Republican conventions, promoting the Rock the Vote partnership and educating delegates about creating a safer entertainment environment on Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE using the built-in parental controls known as Family Settings. These industry-leading settings allow parents to limit their children’s access to video games and movies and manage their activity and communications on Xbox LIVE. For more information on Family Settings and other safety-enhancing gaming tools and resources, delegates can stop by the Xbox on-site kiosk or visit http://www.xbox.com/isyourfamilyset.

I guess it was bound to happen sooner than later. It was reported last month that a few stores were having problems keeping systems in stock due to the release of Tales of Vesperia, which is a popular RPG series. Now it appears that all stores are completely sold out of system. So much the fact that Microsoft had to release an official announcement on the situation.

To all customers

We truly thank you for all your patronage in the past.

Currently, the Xbox 360 is sold out, and retailers are unable to restock their supply. This is a result of our own sales targets being exceeded by the actual customer sales. We deeply apologize for this inconvenience to our customers, retailers and business partners.

Here at Microsoft, we are moving forward quickly with console production, and plan to ship the standard Xbox 360 model out this September. Furthermore, we will sequentially be shipping out the Elite and the Arcade models. We ask that you please patiently wait until the console is shipped.

We truly thank you for your patronage hereafter.

Microsoft
Home and Entertainment HQ

The 360 has not been a dominant console over in Japan when compared to the Wii and PS3, but with the release of a strong RPG that appeals to the Japanese audience we could be seeing the system become more popular as more games are released.

Well according to 3D Realms, creators of Duke Nukem, not only is the game ready for XBLA but it has passed Microsofts certification as well. So you Xbox fans should be seeing this game available for download soon. Does this mean that we will finally get Duke Nukem Forever? Probably not, but at least you can still enjoy his old game.

With the announcement coming at E3 that the Xbox 360 pro model dropping to from $349 to $299, there is word that we could be expecting more price drops next month for the Elite and Arcade units.  The arcade units are rumored to drop $50 down to $199 and the Elites dropping to $399.  This could be Mircrosofts big push to compete with the Wii as it is still the most dominant when it comes to system sales.  With the 80GB PS3 starting at $499, Microsoft would definitely have the leg up by offering more storage space for the same price.  But in my opinion I say just buy a PS3.

Great news for you Guitar Hero fans that don’t want to spend a great deal of money on official guitars from Activision.  Logitech, who in my opinion are the best 3rd party developer for console controls, has just given word on developing “premium” instruments for Guitar Hero World Tour.  So hopefully these will be comparable or less expensive then the 1st party brands, but we’ll see.

Activision Collaborates With Logitech to Develop Premium Instruments for Guitar Hero(R) World Tour
SANTA MONICA, Calif. and FREMONT, Calif., July 31, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ — Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVID) and Logitech International (SWX: LOGN) (Nasdaq: LOGI) today announced a collaboration to develop and market premium instrument controllers for Guitar Hero(R) World Tour, the latest installment of the world’s best-selling music-based video game franchise, which ships this fall for the Xbox 360(TM) video game system from Microsoft, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system and Nintendo Wii(TM).
Logitech plans to offer premium instruments for each of these platforms, the first of which will be available later this year. Logitech’s products will be compatible with Guitar Hero World Tour’s advanced feature set, allowing players to elevate their Guitar Hero(R) jam sessions to full-fledged rock concerts.
“Logitech is the leading producer of peripheral devices and the company is widely considered to be the gold standard for innovation and quality peripheral products,” said Charles Huang, vice president business development for RedOctane. “With Logitech, we know we have found the right partner who can deliver top-quality premium hardware that consumers have come to expect from Guitar Hero.”
“As huge fans of Guitar Hero(R), we are very excited about the opportunity to bring the Logitech experience to the Guitar Hero franchise,” said Bruce Lancaster, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s gaming business. “A few years ago, Logitech refined the consumer steering wheel market with high-end controllers that enhance racing games. Now we are looking forward to elevating the market for premium music-based video game controllers in a similar fashion.”
Guitar Hero World Tour is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system. The Wii(TM) version is being developed by Vicarious Visions. The PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system version is being developed by Budcat.