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Is Xbox EMEA desperate for attention?
Tomorrow morning I will be giving away a number of Xbox 360 games. This is NOT a competition, scam or anything else. All you have to do is read the following.
Details
Date: 05th February 2009
Location: North Finchley - Contact me directly for the exact address.
Time: 08:00 - 10:00am
Games: Random assortment of old and new games from various game publishers.
I have a number of products within my household that will not be coming with me. Some of my stuff will be sold, some will be given to charity, the rest I will given away to family, friends and readers of my blog that read and follow the above details.
You’d think Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game developers and publishers of video games could develop an entertaining and unique gaming experience. Well, guess what, you’d be wrong.
Do NOT buy Assassins Creed or Far Cry 2 instead try renting them out for a few days. You should notice that the gameplay is identical to the extent where you are forced into doing boring and repetitive tasks again and again.
Also, why does Ubisoft release so many sequels? Well, they’re a very greedy company and french but surely, as a global company they have some ‘talent’ that can come up with a unique game concept(s) instead of releasing tireless crap?
I’ve only played 23% of Far Cry 2 but I’m getting incredibly bored of it, however, I’m glad I didn’t waste forty quid on Far Cry 2. I’m thinking about giving it away or using it as a fizz bee but one thing is for sure, I’ll be avoiding Ubisoft at all cost’s from now on.
We were browsing through our Xbox Live Achievements and noticed a very strange error. Take a look at the pictures below:
Is the achievement’s system busted or what?
Yesterday afternoon I was given a code to use on the Xbox Live Marketplace. The code enabled me to download the new Call of Duty 4 maps. The Variety Map Pack took about twenty minutes to download and consists of four maps for the multiplayer aspect of the game. I’ve posted the official map descriptions with screenshots below:
Broadcast
With it’s size and alternate routes, Broadcast is a must for large team games. The multi-floored media facility overlooks a collection of buildings, perfect for sniper fire. With it’s multiple vantage points, tightly wound office spaces and roof-top access, Broadcast is sure to become a fan favorite.
Chinatown
A revision of the classic Call of Duty 2 map Carentan, Chinatown brings players into the foggy night life where the full moon lights the battle below. With multiple interiors, windows overlooking the courtyard and an intricate rooftop design, Chinatown is perfect for any size party and gametype.
Creek
A secluded village getaway doesn’t mean this creek is a nice vacation spot. With sniper friendly foliage, a deep ravine perfect for ambushes and an underground cave, Creek is an extensive map for large scale operations. Creek is a dream for an ambush plan, just hope you aren’t walking into one of your own.
Killhouse
An enclosed warehouse made up of plywood structures primarily used for S.A.S. speed tests, Killhouse is ground level carnage waiting to happen. You’d better enjoy respawning because in Killhouse you’ll always be coming back for more.
Once I had downloaded the new map pack, I had to download an update for the game. I didn’t have a lot of time last night but I was able to play the new maps briefly and I’m pleased the developers have created some great new content. Obviously, I need to spend a lot more time playing the maps to provide you with a detailed overview but I quite like ‘Broadcast’ and ‘KillHouse’ maps. ‘Creek’ is fun but that map is more geared towards snipers.
Also, Eurogamer has posted an interview with the developers and CLUK21 will be hosting a CoD4 tournament at their next LAN event. The Call of Duty 4 Variety Map Pack was released earlier this month via the Xbox Live Marketplace and costs 800 points.
I posted about Warner Bros. Entertainment dropping Microsoft’s and Toshiba’s HD-DVD format in favour of Sony’s Blu-ray format but why the sudden switch?
Warner has a number of movies on Microsoft’s Xbox Live Video Marketplace service. As a matter of fact, WB has the most movies available for rental on the limited UK service. WB will release all of its movies on Blu-ray discs, instead of HD-DVD discs. I wonder, will Warner continue digital movie distribution via Xbox Live while releasing movies on Blue-ray discs?
Warner Bros. Entertainment has announced that it will discontinue production of HD-DVD’s in May 2008, and they’ll be focusing exclusively on Sony’s Blu-ray format.
This news is disappointing.
This news is going to be really disappointing for Xbox 360 HD-DVD player owners, especially the ones that own a lot of HD-DVD movies.
The timing of this announcement is interesting considering the fact that the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) starts tomorrow and Microsoft is due to make an number of announcements during Bill Gates keynote speech.
Is the HD format war now over?
Microsoft launched the Video Marketplace on the UK’s version of Xbox Live earlier this month. The service was rolled out with a number of movies. You can buy rent movies in either Standard Definition (SD) or High Definition (HD) for a two week window. You have just 24hours to watch the media but you can watch it as much as you like within the 24hour window.
The cost of the movies is comparable to services provided by BlockBusters and LoveFilm but obviously you get a lot longer than twenty-four hours to watch the media. I’d be inclined to use the service if I could keep the media longer than 24hours because there is no way I’d be able to watch a film again and again on the same day.
It would be good if the service had TV shows instead of music videos. If the Video marketplace showcased TV shows like Battlestar Galactica then I’d be using the service.
I received a copy of TimeShift on Tuesday. Once you get used to the time shifting abilities, the game is a lot of fun. I’m currently making my way through Act 4 and at times the game can be a little frustrating but if you use the correct time shift ability at the right time, then it’s possible to save yourself from a bullet in the head… I’ve not had a chance to try out TimeShift’s multi-player but I’ve heard a number of good things about it. If I can, I’ll try out the MP later on today and let you know what I think of it.
