What makes Time Magazine a credible source for this kind of nomination? We’re not entirely sure. I mean, Game Informer has a higher paid circulation than Time, if that means anything either.

However you slice it, we’re pretty excited about Natal, especially with the juicy details leaked yesterday.

Project Natal Top 50 Time Magazine Best Innovations 2009

Microsoft previously warned the community that anyone who modded their Xbox Live to play pirated games would face a permanent Xbox Live ban.

Well, that ban just happened, and although Microsoft said the bans reach only a “small percentage” of all Live accounts, a small piece of 20 million is still significant. Some reports place the figure at over 600,000 units.

Speaking with GamesIndustry.biz a Microsoft spokesperson said

“We have taken action against a small percentage of consoles have been modified to play pirated game discs. In line with our commitment to combat piracy and support safer and more secure gameplay for the more than 20 million members of our Xbox Live community, we are suspending these modded consoles from Xbox Live.”

The accounts have only been banned from Xbox Live, and can still be used for offline play, but that won’t help you play Modern Warfare 2 now will it?

The lesson here today. Pay for your games! Stealing is stealing!

Source: GI.biz

These hot details apparently stem from developer visits to Microsoft headquarters, but we can’t imagine the phrase “Releasing Nov. 2010 with 14 day-one launch titles!” was plastered on the walls of Microsoft, leading us to believe some developers have loose lips!

What’s more, the source says that 5 million Natal cameras will be available on day one between standalone units and Natal/360 bundles.

Additionally, pricing details leaked as well and note that Natal cameras will sell for about $80, but might even drop to $50 to make the add-on an impulse-driven purchase.

Me? I haven’t seen nearly enough whatsoever to warrant spending even a penny on Natal technology, but Microsoft still has a year to prove to me, and you, that our money should become theirs.

Source: Kotaku

The event, held at Microsoft’s Cambridge office on Memorial Drive, featured product giveaways, a live DJ and activities such as Halo matches and Rock Band to keep those in the tenth floor lounge entertained between demonstrations of the new operating system. Attendees waiting in line to receive their free copy of the operating system noshed on Windows 7-themed cupcakes as George Matthews, a Microsoft software development engineer, showed off Windows 7’s slick new features via projector at the far end of the lounge. In keeping with the spirit of a student event in Boston, Matthews’ presentation even included an Easter egg of sorts that he claimed proves Microsoft Office’s chief icon designer is a Red Sox fan.

We talked to Marty Cassidy, the general manager of the northeast district for Microsoft, about what makes Windows 7 tick. Here’s what we got:

BLAST: For people that downgraded or stayed with Windows XP, what will be the biggest differences between XP and 7 for users?

MICROSOFT: For current XP users, there are several reasons to upgrade to Windows 7, including enhancements to security, networking and search.

• Security: while Microsoft prides itself on software security measures, the security levels have increased from XP to Vista to Windows 7 making it the most secure operating system on the market today.
• Networking: previously networking all devices took a few extra steps that were challenging for some: now with Windows 7, connecting to a network can be done with a simple click of the mouse.
• Search: with the ability to search across various networks, Windows 7 takes the search for files to the next step. Search functions can also utilize Internet Explorer 8 to provide assistance to those users looking for computer help.

BLAST: What about Windows gaming on 7?

MICROSOFT: Games Explorer is the center for gaming on Windows 7, providing information about games, such as game play statistics, ratings and requirements. In addition, you can find new games or more information about online providers right from Games Explorer. Also, with the Game Update feature within Games Explorer, you can request to be notified whenever there are updates for your games. Parental Controls features also allow specification for which PC games your children can play.

If you’re a gamer, you know how graphics, sound and interaction capabilities are becoming richer. You probably also know that the hardware limitations of 32-bit PCs can limit the gaming experience. As more people opt for 64-bit PCs, new games will be able to take advantage of more robust and powerful processing. Because Windows 7 fully supports 64-bit PCs, you’ll be ready when they arrive.

As part of the newest DirectX Graphics Technology Platform, Direct3D 11 helps game developers create high performance games with richer, more realistic graphics. With a DirectX 11 compatible graphics card, you’ll be playing games with higher frame rates, more organic, realistic looking characters, smarter artificial intelligence, and more natural-looking effects. A large subset of the Direct3D 11 feature set is also available on existing DirectX 10-compatible graphics cards.

All games built to perform on Windows XP will remain available on XP mode.

BLAST: What are the top differences between Windows Vista and Windows 7?

MICROSOFT: Windows 7 builds upon innovative features from Windows Vista and feedback from our customers. The greatest difference users will notice with Windows 7 is that it works the way people want with less time needed for boot-up sequences and shut down. Some of the top differences include:

• Better and faster performance: start-up times and boot-up sequences have been decreased as users interact with a faster and more efficient operating system
• Increased integration beyond the operating system: Windows 7 has upgraded the pop-up message when connecting a device, as more drivers will be supported and more device-specific options including links to manufacturer’s website which will allow you to see additional related software that supports the device
• Improved taskbar: Windows 7 will improve on the many advancements of Windows Vista by allowing for personalization of icons to display on the taskbar
• Less storage requirement: storage requirement for the operating system has been nearly reduced by half
• Multi-touch capability: users can interact directly with the PC through finger keystrokes
• Enhanced media center: features include Internet TV with greater telecasting capabilities

BLAST: What are the brand new features in 7?

MICROSOFT: Microsoft continues to further innovation and produce technologies that people want to use and that will help manage their busy home and business lives. Many of the latest features in Windows 7 are designed to decrease search times while increasing access across multiple devices. Some of the highlights include:

• Desktop: introducing improved taskbar previews, bigger icons and creative ways to personalize
• HomeGroup: takes the headache out of home networking, so it’s easier to share files and printers
• Jump lists: speedy access to your favorite pictures, songs, websites, and documents
• Snap: a quick (and fun) new way to resize and compare windows on your desktop
• Windows Live Essentials: must-have software for your PC — free. Get Mail, Photo Gallery, and other favorites
• Windows Search: at last, searching your PC is as simple as searching
• Performance improvements: it’s designed to sleep and resume quicker, be less memory hungry, and spot USB devices faster
• Full 64-bit support: Windows 7 makes the most of powerful 64-bit PCs, the new desktop standard
• Power management: new power-saving features are designed to help laptops run longer on battery
• Easier wireless networking: Windows 7 gets you online in fewer clicks
• Windows Media Center: watch, record, and pause live TV (additional hardware required)
• Windows Touch: pair Windows 7 with a touch-sensitive PC and you won’t always need a keyboard or mouse

BLAST: What new programs/apps are there in Windows 7?

MICROSOFT: Those top applications that worked on previous operating systems will continue to operate on Windows 7 as new apps are being continuously developed. Many of the latest programs are designed to connect multiple units, creating greater collaboration amongst devices.

• PC interaction – Windows Touch and improved handwriting recognition provide new and more direct ways of interacting with your PC
• Navigation: the customizable taskbar presents previews in a larger, clearer format. You can get to documents, applications and tasks faster with jump lists
• Home collaboration: creating a home group has easier set-up, easier file and media sharing across multiple PCs, along with one step printer sharing, simple security control
• HomeGroup: connecting multiple devices and sharing music, photos, documents and more
• Direct Access: this feature enables IT managers to provide mobile users with reliable and security-enhanced access to corporate network resources when they are on the Internet, without having to initiate a VPN connection. It also allows servicing and updating of remote PCs, even when they are on the road. This helps ensure that all mobile PCs are always up to date, and Windows Powershell means IT pros can automate many standard tasks to help reduce helpdesk costs, minimize user disruption and ease PC management. Direct Access is delivered by Windows 7 with Windows Server 2008 R2
• BranchCache: delivered jointly by Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, this feature enables IT pros to decrease the time branch office users spend waiting to download files from remote servers by caching the previously accessed content locally in a branch’s network
• Libraries: helps you find files faster. Gives users a single view of content across multiple sources

The Windows 7 upgrade edition costs $119 for the Home Premium version and $219 for the Ultimate edition. We highly recommend it.

Inside every new copy of Forza 3 will be a code good for two exclusive race tracks, the High Speed Ring and Sidewinder Proving Grounds, and these ten additional vehicles listed below.

• ‘65 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA
• ‘64 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage
• ‘81 BMW M1
• ‘60 Chevrolet Corvette
• ‘69 Dodge Charger
• ‘57 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa
• ‘80 Fiat 131 Abarth
• ‘67 Lamborghini Miura P400
• ‘71 Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R
• ‘65 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe

The press release, issued by Microsoft this morning, made no mention of whether or not this DLC will remain exclusive or will be, at some point down the road, made available to the masses in one way or another. For now, the only way to score the extras is by purchasing a new copy when the game releases October 27.

The software uses Microsoft’s own Dynamic Signature Service which fingerprints threats constantly, without having to wait for new definitional updates. The tool is low-resource, and minimizes CPU and memory usage while the computer in use. Of course, the biggest advantage will come when the vast majority of users have installed the software, preventing the spread of malware between users. While Microsoft has no plans to push MSE out to its users, the real benefit will come when it decides to do so.

MSE has remained largely unchanged since the beta tests, and requires no registration, trials or renewals and will be available for download directly from Microsoft for XP SP2 through Windows 7, although users will have to pass a Windows Genuine Advantage test to download the product.

Reuters are reporting today that Microsoft could be interested in buying mega-publisher Electronic Arts.

Shares of both EA and Microsoft surged 4 percent today behind the speculation.

“There’s talk that Microsoft might be interested in acquiring Electronic Arts. It’s unsubstantiated chatter, but it’s out there,” said Frederic Ruffy, options strategist at WhatsTrading.com in New York.

For now classify this story as a mega-rumor, but if it does build steam, we’ll keep you in the loop.

Praised today as the title that brought 4-player split-screen multiplayer mayhem to the forefront of the first-person-shooter genre, and arguably one of the best video games based on a film to date, this title will forever rest in the shadows according to Rare.

When addressing a reader question concerning Goldeneye’s return on Nintendo’s Virtual Console or the Xbox Live Arcade, Rare answered with a resounding “nope.”

“That was some time ago, my friend. Fate was against us that day. Destiny conspired to raise the hurdles even as we attempted to clear them, resulting in unpleasant groinal injury. I suspect we’re long past the stage where an agreement was on the cards, but you never know. Stranger things have happened… somewhere … probably.”

Sounds to us like past and present Bond license holders Nintendo, Microsoft, and Activision can’t agree on this one, and that’s a shame. Well, the door isn’t completely shut. But it looks like this is as close, and as awesome, as we’re going to get for now.

via Kotaku

No, not because his title with the company is unnaturally long and tiring. Rather, in a statement released by his spokesperson, the move was “completely voluntary, with Kim saying a desire to spend more time with his friends and family lay behind the decision.”

Kim, who oversaw the release of major Microsoft franchises including Fable, Halo, Age of Empires, Gears of War, and Forza when running Microsoft Game Studios, will leave behind quite a legacy. One that spanned 19 long years, and one that Phil Spencer, the man assuming Kim’s position, is ready to embark upon.

via GameSpot

It’s the first home webcam to offer widescreen video with an onboard 720p sensor. It also auto focuses, keeping video sharp from a minimum distance of just four inches.

It’s also one of the only webcams marketed to work well in low light, and it has image stability and de-noising abilities that reduce graininess.

The LifeCam’s onboard noise canceling microphone also make it perfect for Skype.

Check out the fact sheet here.

In response to Apple’s millimeters-thick stainless steel keyboard, Microsoft’s latest announcement is the Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000, their thinnest keyboard ever.  The entire keyboard is only slightly thicker than the AAA battery that powers it at the back. The stylish keyboard has Microsoft’s familiar ergonomic curved layout.

Something missing from most laptops these days is a number pad. For anyone who uses numbers with any frequency, an external keyboard becomes a necessity. The downside is that a number bad adds a great deal of bulk. Microsoft solved this but making the keypad a standalone product that comes with its own carrying case. Pair it to your computer when you need it, and stow it away when you don’t.

The Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 will retail in October for $90, while the number pad will be $45. Certainly not the cheapest keyboard set ever, but probably worth taking a look.

New Elite packaging

The new price tag for the Elite hides a bit of shame, as composite cables only, not even component, or HDMI (like they used to) cables are included in the box, and you’ll have to shell out the extra bones to fully enjoy your gaming.

About that temporary $50 price cut on the Pro model? That’s because as of today , production of said model has been nixed, no more, forever and always.

When supplies of the middle-of-the-pack Pro system run out, available options for 360 gamers will be the $199, hard-drive lacking Arcade model, and the new (and still black) $299 Elite.

What’s more is this announcement from Microsoft comes after Sony very recently revealed a new PS3, the “Slim,” for $299. Console war anyone?

Is anyone just jumping into the high-definition gaming generation now? Who are you siding with in this war of electronics? Let us know in the comment section!

Halo 3 ODST drops this September 22 exclusively on Xbox 360 and is now a full-on $60 title where you’ll play as The Rookie, instead of the normative and boosted Masterchief. Nope, you won’t be able to jump as high, you’ll be subjected to heavier recoil due to lack of ‘Chief strength, and you’ll have to collect health-packs to stay alive. No more regenerating shields!

As if a departure from predictable Bungie storytelling wern’t enough, an intriguing game-mode dubbed FireFight will be included on Disc 1, and in this game, which is similar in theory to Horde mode in Gears, you’ll slay wave after wave of Covenant alongside your Marine buddies either locally or over Xbox Live.

We’re excited for this game, believe us. But now enjoy this trailer.

In an interview with VGChartz.com Bungie’s Lars Bakken and Microsoft Game Studios Ryan Crosby answered questions regarding the future of the Bungie developed Halo brand after ODST’s successor “Halo: Reach,” adamantly stating:

“Reach will be our last Halo game. We are currently working on a new IP but obviously can’t reveal anything at this stage. Reach is it for us.”

Bungie spokespeople have been master equivocators for some time. Saying one thing and meaning another, but really, how can they dance around that firm declaration?

A new intellectual property means something other than Halo, and I will gladly laud their future endeavors, whatever they may be, but am still very interested to see how the whole “we’re not making Halo games” claim works out. Microsoft is so fixed on the franchise, both from a monetary standpoint as well as the idea of brand recognition for the Xbox that I cannot see the gaming giant give up the IP wholly. That said, Microsoft owns the IP and can farm out development duties to whomever they damn well please.

While it’s unexpected that such an announcement would come today, it actually makes sense in the grand scheme of things. When one looks at all the web applications Google offers—Gmail, calendar, Google Docs, a desktop search—organizing these programs into a tightly integrated package at a good price seems very logical. When one considering that Google’s price for just about everything is “free,” it seems like an even better deal. It’s worth nothing that such a concept isn’t strictly original. In the recent past, Wal-mart sold a $199 computer that came with a Ubuntu distribution, gOS, which featured web applications heavily.

Google already has one operating system, but Android is a mobile platform, and Google says in its blog post that Chrome OS is a “is a new project, separate from Android.” Most applications written for Chrome OS would reside in the Chrome browser, making it exceptionally cross-platform. (This is, of course, assuming Chrome ever makes it to OS X. Our fingers are crossed.) Google also promises the OS will be lightweight so it can boot and get you to the web quickly where you can do your business.

Why should you care? Because now Google is going after Microsoft, Apple, and everyone else at the throat. No longer are Microsoft’s cash cows safe; with Google Docs rapidly becoming a viable web alternative to Office, Google Chrome OS could now start to threaten the Windows user base as well. Clearly the take over isn’t going to occur overnight. Depending on who’s counting, Google Chrome users make up about 2% of the browser share, while Firefox is at about 20% and IE remains king at around 60%.

But Android, which currently runs on only one phone offered by T-Mobile, has still managed to attract a huge number of application developers and amassed a sizable app library. Between Google’s solid web applications, these dedicated developers, the general drive to offload computing to the “cloud,” and Google’s bottomless pockets, this very well could develop into more than just a twinkle in Google’s eye.

While we would love to get our hands on an OS X version of Chrome alone, we’re even more excited by the prospect of running an entire Google OS on our computer. We’ll keep an eye out to the future for you.

Still, there are a few situations that an optical drive is quite necessary for, and installing something like a new operating system is probably one of them. While the number of times which we’ve used the optical drive on our MacBook is less than we can count on two hands, upgrading from Tiger to Leopard was certainly one of them.

Netbooks, in case you’ve been sleeping under a log for last couple years, are tiny, ultra-portable, and underpowered notebook computers. Because there’s only so much room for all the components their tiny batteries are tiny, hence they can sustain only so much and optical drives are usually left out to compensate.

With impending operating system updates on the horizon for both Windows and OS X users, Microsoft might for once be a leader in working around this problem. Striving to make Windows 7 a viable operating system for new netbooks, CNET is reporting that Microsoft is considering delivering Windows 7 on flash drives to allow optical drive-less users to easily install or update their operating systems.

Another thing to consider is that since Vista proved too bloated and resource intensive to run on netbooks, most users opt to run XP. Upgrading XP to Windows 7 will require a clean install with a data backup; delivery on a flashdrive with room to spare could neatly solve this problem.

Windows has made no such official announcement about delivery, but it will be interesting to keep an eye out for innovation, especially when it comes from Redmond.

Schappert first embarked into the uncertain waters of the gaming industry in 1997 as a software engineer at EA working on quite a few projects and later upgraded to overseeing some of EA’s largest franchises. Ah, the good ole 90’s!

In 2007 Schappert left EA to become Corporate Vice President of the Microsoft Interactive Entertainment Business, and a total sweet-talker on the E3 stage.

“We are thrilled to welcome John Schappert back to EA,” said EA Chief Executive Officer John Riccitiello. “He has a great track record as a leader and innovator in our industry. His years of experience with EA and in Microsoft’s Xbox business, provide him great insight into recognizing what consumers want.”

“After nearly two decades working in or around this company, I’ve got EA in my blood,” said John Schappert. “This is a team that is intensely focused on quality and innovation. I’m looking forward to rejoining EA as Chief Operating Officer and helping grow the business on new platforms and in new markets.”

What does this mean to you? Probably nothing, and if you’re like me, could care less who’s running the show, as long as we get great games of course.

Image credit

The promotion is available for a “limited time only;” however long that means is uncertain, but what we do know is that after the 30 days are up, you’ll be charged for the next 11, which, thankfully you can decide not to continue.

So those wading in the waters of Xbox Live with a Silver membership, now may be the time to give Gold a go, you know, if you’re into multiplayer gaming and exclusive downloads.

If you’re hoping to slay some foes in Halo 3 or any Call of Duty title, sorry, today is not your day.  So when the “Can’t connect to Xbox Live” icon pops up don’t fret, as it’s not y-o-u-, it’s the system.

However, when this day is over and the service is back up and running add my GamerTag, eddie not eddy, to your friends list and look for an incoming game invitation to whatever I’m playing!

However, the hammer has fallen, and Microsoft will indeed be selling ODST with the full price-tag come September 22 but an inquisitive gaming blog, Joystiq, inquired within, and received the following response from Microsoft:

“At the time of those statements, the overall scope of Halo 3: ODST was not yet finalized, and since then the project has grown increasingly more ambitious. We believe this standalone experience is much more than just an expansion. Halo 3: ODST provides a new campaign from the point of view of an entirely new character. Combine that with three new multiplayer maps, the entirely new cooperative mode called Firefight, and the complete Halo 3 multiplayer collection on a standalone disc, we feel this is a good value and tremendous addition to the Halo franchise.”

Valid points, but for Halo-heads like myself, and a LOT of you, we’ve already got all the multiplayer maps and might feel a bit jipped at having to pay again for them.  However, the inclusion of the final three Halo 3 maps, Firefight mode (essentially Horde for Halo), and interestingly unnamed by Microsoft in the above statement, Halo: Reach multiplayer beta access is more than enough to sell the game.

What do YOU think. Is Microsoft simply milking every penny out of the franchise, or is ODST truly worth $60?

via Joystiq

Before you go ape know that Microsoft is doing this to prepare for a slew of new features, including the addition of last.fm, Twitter, and Facebook to the paid service. So yes, you won’t be able to connect for up to a day, but the rewards will be worth the momentary downtime.

Also, this maintenance is simply maintenance, and is merely preparing for the addition of said updates, and will not mark their arrival to Xbox Live.

Hop on over to the Xbox Live Web Marketplace or fire up your trusty 360 to start your download for Gears of War 2’s Combustible Map Pack now on sale for 560 MS Points instead of the normal 800.

The three new maps in question are Flood, Gold Rush, and Station but as a caveat know that the All Fronts collection, which will include EVERY piece of DLC and much more in Gears 2 is due out July 28.

But why am I telling you this? Probably because….

Microsoft and MacFarlane Toys have teamed up to release  an action figure in the name of “The Rookie” from Halo 3:ODST when the game launches September 22 and looks attractive to fans like myself, and collectors in general.

If you didn’t know, The Rookie is the main character in ODST and to me, with his silenced SMG and black finish, has quite an edge over the leaping Masterchief, at least in desk appeal.

Take a gander at the beautiful workmanship below.

via Kotaku

After a few matched test searches, Bing is a decent search engine; its results are relatively similar to Google’s for most searches. The site provides an auto-suggest before you search, terms to search within your results on the left bar, and related searches on the right side. Image and video searches are included when appropriate, though be careful what videos you’re searching for because the results auto-play when you mouse over them. If you mouse over the right side of a search result, a nifty summary box will pop-up. Also, the home page features a daily rotating wallpaper with related facts, which is certainly interesting if not entirely necessary. In essence, you could probably do worse than Bing.

As for real advantages to using Bing though, we found none. The subpage links that Google provided are certainly much more useful than Bing’s. A search for “iPhone” on Google turned up the Apple page, the Wikipedia page, shopping results, and video results. Bing’s results had images, but its suggested related searches were “iPhones software” and “iPhones accessories,” which basically made the results feel spammy and dirty, not to mention grammatically incorrect.

When I “binged” myself — don’t you see how odd that sounds, Microsoft? — we had to get to the fourth page before there was a web result related to me. Googling us turned up our Google profile on the front page. Google also found our Twitter before Bing did. Granted, we have a name that’s relatively common in the Western Hemisphere, and we haven’t really done anything to merit much Internet fame, so your mileage may vary. And yes, we know, searching for yourself isn’t the most necessary use for a search engine, but it is fun, and everyone does it anyway, so the search engine we use should do it right.

Overall, to us, Google wins on the sheer integration it has with all of its services. When one search turns up images, videos, a stock quote, a search within the site box, and considers my vast search history, searches my desktop and my email, all on top of good results from the Web at large, what use is there for another search engine? Google also has a decent partnership with many social networking sites that return results from those sites. With your Internet identity becoming almost as important as your real one, this is quite a boon.

Maybe Bing will prove useful one day when Google fails us or to those who don’t know how to reset their default search engine in Internet Explorer, but until then, we won’t hold our breath.

I have been hoping for a long time–basically since the arguments started–that both Nintendo and Microsoft would come to an agreement so that both the Wii and Xbox 360 users could relive this wonderful title, but as of now, it looks like just the 360 crowd will have it. Still, it’s a good first step.

I’ll let you in on a little fanboy secret here, the kind of thing I normally like to hide while writing. I have spent days of my life (literally days; the game keeps track of your days, hours and minutes played) playing Perfect Dark’s multiplayer mode. I still play it now, even in 2009–I have a smaller HDtv that my Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast are hooked up to, and I play a bit of Joanna Dark’s finest hours when I get the itch (in 16:9 widescreen no less, since Rare implemented that in a game from nine years ago). Unless something horrific happens between now and the game’s release, I’ll be buying this, and hopefully, I’ll see you online, where we can tag-team hordes of Dark bots. Horribly unfair Dark bots.

Hat tip to Kotaku, for publishing this story first.

• The first 10 songs in The Beatles Rock Band are…
• Tony Hawk shows off Tony Hawk: Ride
• Left 4 Dead 2, Crackdown 2 announced
• Modern Warfare 2 DLC details
• Microsoft owned Big Park and Epic Games show their goods
• Forza 3 arriving this October
• Halo: Reach announced, ODST shown, dated, detailed
• Twitter, Facebook, last.fm, updated Netflix on the way to Xbox Live
• Halo 3: ODST branded Xbox controller first look
• Meet the case of Left 4 Dead 2
• Alan Wake is indeed alive and arriving spring 2010
• Final Fantasy XIII coming to Xbox 360 in spring 2010
• Halo 3: ODST is a full-priced game
• Ubisoft will reveal Red Steel 2, Avatar
• Project Natal, what we know so far
• The Old Republic MMO features all voice acting, no text
• Electronic Arts media briefing chock full of games
• Metal Gear Solid: Rising trailer
• Electronic Arts to publish All Points Bulletin
• What Tecmo is bringing to the show
• No More Heroes 2 to support MotionPlus?

A Bungie developer played through what looked to be the opening cinematic from the title, set weeks before Halo 3, with a single ODST, or Orbital Drop Shock Trooper, falling from space, to the city of New Mombasa.  Once landed, the Bungie employee spoke to how the narrative will unfold.  He stated that the story will be told in a “unique way,” and one that will move freely around many members of the ODST clan.

You’ll visit the past, or flashbacks from the eyes of many ODST’s in order to solve the puzzle of New Mombasa and get out alive.  We were shown “The Rookie,” the first new playable character, but we were also taken inside the body of “Dutch” in another mission.

New features include 2 suppressed fire weapons, a see-in-the-dark visor and a new, urban setting perfect for raising hell in.  We were walked through a scene in which a bridge, full of Covenant scum, was obliterated with a couple shots from the Spartan Laser.  Bad ass? Indeed, can’t wait to see, and hear more from Bungie throughout the week.

Halo 3: ODST arrives on shelves September 22, 2009.

However, what you’re most likely much more interested in is Bungie’s latest endeavor, “Halo: Reach.”  Officially announced today, Reach is mostly under wraps at this point, but from the trailer we were shown, all signs point to a Halo 1 prequel, as a planet, most likely the Spartan home of Reach was destroyed as readers of the novel can confirm.

Interestingly, should you purchase Halo 3: ODST you’ll be granted beta access to Halo: Reach’s multiplayer component.  These signs seem to indicate that Halo: Reach is not simply Halo 4, rather a staggering revision, in mechanics to the series.

Halo: Reach is likely very far away from release, but Bungie has claimed fall 2010 to be the season and  year.  We’ll see.

Packed full of accelerometers and motion sensors, the board will truly revolutionize the skateboarding genre, accoridng to the man.

A video depicting various other professional skateboarders including teenage heart-throb Ryan Sheckler was shown and the board’s credibility was buffed from testimony throughout.

According to Microsoft man Major Nelson, just dandy.

The Xbox Live manager tweeted today that the company recently eclipsed 30 million consoles sold and has amassed over 20 million Xbox Live subscribers. Quite a feat indeed for a company marred by criticism concerning the dreaded red rings of death issue.

Congrats, Microsoft, on a system well-sold. I’m damn sure we’ll hear these statistics again, and again, and probably again next week at E3 during the company’s press conference.

While details for the device aren’t plentiful, we do know that the device will have an integrated HD radio receiver, a 480 x 272 pixel OLED multi-touch screen, and is Wi-Fi enabled with a web browser optimized for multi-touch browsing. But perhaps the biggest announcement is that the device will integrate with the Xbox Marketplace, allowing users to transfer items purchased there to and from their devices.

Looks-wise, the Zune HD is clearly going after the iPod touch, and now that users can transfer files between the Xbox Marketplace and a device, Microsoft has the Sony PSP arrangement in its sights too. While we may have wanted to count the Zune as a has been, it’s still fighting to stay alive. We’ll have more next week from the E3 convention when we can (hopefully) get our hands on one.

Microsoft was even kind enough to include the sandals with socks look sarcastically promising stares from the ladies should you choose to adorn your avatar with the pair.

For the male contingency, flip flops, high top sneakers, socks and sandals, and 70’s Leather Platforms are available for your likeness.

According to the quip, those from Venus (ladies) have what Microsoft calls sunny day sandals and the aforementioned white 60’s boots ready to slip on.

When you fire up Xbox Live and the avatar editor you’ll see the new footwear highlighted by a gold star for easy perusal.

Have a look at the new shoes below.

Via Major Nelson.

1960's boots.

High Tops

Sandals with socks

Sunny Day Sandals

Why would the pals at Microsoft want a company founded in 2007? Maybe because individuals with BigPark have a combined 80 years of experience in the field working on such titles as FIFA Soccer, NBA Street, and Need for Speed? Yeah, that probably has something to do with it.

The talent at BigPark will now report to Microsoft Game Studios and actually for the past year have been crafting an uber secret title most likely to be unveiled at E3 in June.

Phil Spencer, general manager, Microsoft Game Studios solidifies this claim by saying:

“We believe BigPark has tremendous potential to create new properties and innovative gaming experiences for our platforms, one of which we’re looking forward to showcasing at the E3 Expo in June.”

There we have it, another studio gobbled up by the hungry, hungry, hippo mouth of Microsoft.  However, if you’re in the hunt for a job in games, BigPark is on a hiring spree and you’d do well to check them out if you’re interested.

The All Fronts Collection is first and foremost a brand new SKU with glorious new boxart to soak up the walls of retail outlets worldwide July 28.

For a grand total of $19.99 you’ll get your hands on every piece of DLC for Gears 2 to date, as well as 7 brand new multiplayer maps in what is being called the “Dark Corners” add-on.

But what if you’ve already downloaded all or most of the post-launch DLC?  Well, a collectible poster, strategy guide, Xbox Live theme, and commentary from Cliffy B are also packaged in the bundle.

via Kotaku

Available in May at a retail price of $399 the GOTY bundle includes an Xbox 360 Elite, Fable 2, Halo 3, and passionate hopes for world domination.  In all seriousness, the bundle offers everything fans hoping to get the most out of the Microsoft gaming experience could ever wish for.

Personally, Halo 3 and Fable 2 are my two favorite titles on the system and with a 120 GB hard drive, the space available for the recommended game installs is plentiful.

In comparison to the $299  60GB Xbox 360 Pro Model, which offers Kung Fu Panda and LEGO Indiana Jones, this new and exciting GOTY bundle is for gamers who wish to crank the intensity up to 11.

Certainly the $400 price tag is chilling, but the replayabilty and lasting value of both titles coupled with the massive storage space of the Elite makes the investment absolutely worth it.

via Major Nelson

The trade show has promised to restore the glamour and sizzle of past years and with many companies promising information packed keynotes and an overdue attempt to take back the Donkey Kong world record, things are looking up.

Microsoft upped the ante with this larger-than-life contest, with the lucky winner taking home the following:

• A trip for two to LA to attend the Microsoft E3 Press briefing
• $3000 cash  (1k for travel and 2k for car taxes)
• A home theater system that includes a Flat-Panel HDTV, Bose Home Theatre System, Xbox Elite Console, 120gb Zune, plus one year of Xbox LIVE Gold and Zune Pass. (valued at $4,800)
• A 2010 Kia Soul Sport (valued at $18,000)

To enter, because you really want you, first make sure your contact information is correct, as that is how Microsoft will contact you once you’ve won, and then download the Kia gamer picture pack (it’s free don’t worry), which will automatically add your name to the hopper.

Here’s to hoping you win! Cheers!

Verify your contact info here and download the picture pack here.

via Major Nelson

Microsoft wants to believe so, but a new hardware failure issue, identified by the call sign E74 has been popping up all over the place as of late begging the question: is E74 the new RRoD?

A post on Xbox Live’s Major Nelson’s blog indicates that: “The team is aware that a very small percentage of our Xbox 360 customers have reported receiving an error that displays E74 on their screen and after investigating the issue, we have determined that the E74 error message can indicate the general hardware failure that is associated with three flashing red lights error on the console.”

If you’ve been through the month long process of a Microsoft repair you understand how much it sucks.  However, Microsoft shed a shard of humanity today by including the E74 error in the three year warranty under which the red rings is currently housed.

In addition, Microsoft is offering total monetary restitution to anyone who already paid for E74 repairs.

via Major Nelson

However, it now seems as if Microsoft Games Studios not only creates the setting for these remarks, but also perpetrates them in person as well.

British newspaper “Telegraph” reports that a veteran graphics designer, Jamie Durrant, employed by the Xbox side of Microsoft’s house has sued the company for £45,000 claiming harassment for an extended period by coworkers who indulged in name calling and nasty notes.

Durrant worked for Lionhead for over ten years in such time was actively involved in production of major titles Fable, Black and White, and The Movies.

Durrant told the newspaper:

“I have never hidden my sexuality from the office and I felt this could be targeted at myself. This was not the first time there was homophobic content in the office. Previously, I had tried to deal with it myself. This time, I did not feel that I could.

I was very surprised that Microsoft did not have any policies relating to this sexual orientation harassment… I feel like they’re making out that I’m the one with the problem and not the homophobic aspects of the company.”

The Human Rights Campaign foundation in 2008 granted Microsoft a perfect score for their treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees, consumers and investors, so it will be interesting to learn specific details from the forthcoming suit from Durrant.

via GamePolitics

Friday night, as is customary, Bungie clued the fan-base in on all things Bungie in the weekly update, and this week’s wordy installment seemed to lack any substantive matter until the very, very end.

Bungie left us with an ominous “PS 04/09/09″ remark leading to crazy speculation of what the date meant.  Halo 3:ODST released in just a few weeks? An announcement regarding ODST? The apocalypse?

Bungie has kept mum about the April date, but Microsoft broke the silence in a press release today dating the Mythic DLC for the aforementioned date as well as the Gears of War map pack due out March 31^st.

There you have it.  In a few short weeks, on a Thursday, the Mythic Map Pack will release featuring Orbital, Assembly, and the forge-happy Sandbox maps for 800 MS Points on the Xbox Live Marketplace.

However, if somehow you can wait until “Fall 2009,” when Halo 3: ODST hits retail, at a reduced price point and containing each and every selection of DLC as well as a non-Master Chief story, well you’ll certainly be a smart shopper, but wont the suspense kill you?

Check out our hands-on review of the Mythic Map Pack and get a glimpse of Bungie’s latest offering.

Source: Kotaku

Greenberg, in an interview with GamaSutra points out that “We have over 130 titles rated over 80 on Metacritic; no other platform even has 100 at that level, as well as a per-system average software attach rate of 8.2, along with exclusive online content.”

Exclusive online content you say?  Greenberg went on to reveal that the exclusive Lost and Damned expansion to Grand Theft Auto 4 was “the most successful game add-on content we’ve ever launched.”

Greenberg claims that if the Lost and Damned were sold at retail it “would have outsold Killzone 2,” and while he did not spit out specific sales figures regarding digital purchases, we know that Killzone 2 sold 323,000 units in February meaning the GTA expansion sold even more.

Greenberg not only praised his company’s efforts, he trashed-talked the competition, namely Sony when he describes their business model as “hemorrhaging” with PS2 owners upgrading to the value-minded Xbox 360 instead of the bank-buster PS3.

“You can’t underestimate that we’re half the price of the PS3 at a time when consumers were looking for great value,” he said. “The PS3 was down in February two percent even with the launch of Killzone 2 — that’s months of year-over-year declines. Xbox continues to head north while the PS3 is heading south. We’re gaining share.”

With both industry analysts and would-be PS3 owners calling for a price cut, will Sony finally give in, or weather the storm hoping for the best?

Read the full interview over at GamaSutra