Rumor: November Launch of Project Natal

A rumor has sparked from Microsoft's visits to developer with Natal.  Natal, if you don't know, is Microsoft's newest Xbox 360 peripheral that allows users to use their bodies to control the game.  More info after the jump.

Xbox Live Post-Maintenance Glitches

Microsoft is having glitches from yesterday's crippling maintenance. Users are unable to preorder the new Ghost Busters game, or find entire games missing from their hard drive. Oops. But, here's Microsoft's excuse-I mean "reason":

"Users may experience difficulties when attempting to use Marketplace and/or making purchases. We are aware of the problem and working to resolve the technical issues. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience."

Xbox Live will be down today

Xbox Live, Microsoft's online gaming service, will be down today for maintenance. Microsoft has said: "On Tuesday, June 16 beginning at 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. PDT (2009-06-16 0701 to 2009-06-17 0659 UTC) Xbox LIVE and Xbox.com will be offline for scheduled maintenance."
I suspect someone pushed the big red button.

Microsoft E3 Summary

Microsoft's Press Conference showed us many things, here are videos of some of the coolest stuff.

Halo 3:ODST Has been rumored for a while now. Instead of taking control of the usual Master Chief, the super-soldier Spartan, you take control of of an ODST soldier, the "ninjas" of the Halo world. They have silenced weapons and incredibly powerful pistols (remember Halo 1?, that, but WAY MORE DEADLY).

Video Games | Halo 3: ODST | E3 09: Press Conference Gameplay HD

XBox 360 | Playstation 3 | Nintendo Wii

Project Natal is Microsoft's new baby. It is a camera that you stick to your tv and allows YOU to be the controller.

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Other notable titles include Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and The Beatles: Rock Band (shown below).

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Microsoft also announced new features to the Xbox. They will be adding Facebook and Twitter access from your Xbox, if you have Xbox Live to use it. There will also be changes to Netflix, including HD video and a queue list.

This Week in Games 2/20/09

This week saw the announcement if the Nintendo DSi's launch date in America and the closing of Ensemble Studios. Ensemble made such memorable games as the Sid Meier series and the Civilization series. But many other things happened in the gaming world this week.

Nyko's Wii Wand
Nyko showed us at the Consumer Electronics show its new Wiimote alternative. The Nyko Wand used electronic triggers to transmit data, unlike the Wiimote, that uses mechanical triggers. The Wand will has larger buttons than the Wiimote, and does not feel cheap, though it looks that way. It also has a wireless Nunchuck (they call it a Kama) that, because of the eletronic triggers can vibrate. The Wand "Core Pack" will have the wirless Kama and the Nyko Wand. There is also another package they come in, The Wand "Action Pack" that has a Pistol Grip Accessory that, unlike the Wii Zapper, uses electonic input to map the users presses, similar to a Guitar Hero 3 Wii Controller.






















Red Xbox 360 Elite "Officially" Announced
A quick glance at the email to New Zealand retailers below seems shows that it's an email about getting Halo Wars as an Xbox 360 bundle for their stores. But wait, in the fine print, does that say that you cannot get the bundle with Red Xbox 360 Elite consoles that are exclusively at EB Games. Someone's getting fired (or sacked) for this one.

"Auckland, New Zealand – 19 February 2009 – Buy a new Xbox 360 console and for a limited time we'll throw in a copy of Halo Wars*.

You all know how awesome the Halo franchise is, so we won't bore you with details, just look out for this deal at major console retailers now. Conditions apply*. Enquire in store and they'll set you right: http://www.xbox.com/en-NZ/games/wheretobuy/

· Halo Wars launches 26 February 2009.

· Promotion valid 26 February 2009 – 26 March 2009 while stocks last.

* Xbox 360 Halo Wars Standard Edition, $99.95 RRP. This Halo Wars offer does not apply to the Red Xbox 360 Elite console which is exclusive to EB games.

About Halo Wars

Halo Wars is a strategy game based on the legendary Halo universe. Command armies of UNSC units, both familiar and new, in their initial encounter against the Covenant, an alien coalition threatening to obliterate mankind. Experience an early period of the storied Halo universe, in a time leading up to the first Halo game.

With the guidance of Serina, a spirited A.I. persona, direct legions of UNSC soldiers, Warthogs and Scorpions against Covenant Grunts, Elites, Ghosts and Scarabs, each group having its own strengths and uses in battle. Strategic-minded players who react well under pressure will emerge victorious.

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is a premier video game and entertainment system. It is home to the best and broadest games. The digital center of the living room, Xbox 360 blends unbeatable content, including personal pictures and music, with a unified online social network to create an entertainment experience that can be shared at home or across the globe. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360."

The Xbox 360 "Arcade"

No, I'm not talking about Microsoft's ploy to get the Xbox to compete with the Wii. I'm talking about a full-fledged arcade cabinet with an Xbox 360 inside of it. This retro system is a 1990's midway cabinet modified for an Xbox. Inside of it is a 60gb Xbox 360 with a wifi adapter, and is able to play and 360 game. If you get tired of the retro joysticks and buttons you can always use a wireless controller with it. But, at $2,250 and only a standard definition screen, I wouldn't rush out and by it all that soon.