February 2009 - Posts
With the recent post on the Consumerist, I wanted to point out a couple of posts about Xbox LIVE policy that you may find relevant. The first post is from regular podcast guest Stephen Toulouse. Stephen and his team handle policy for the LIVE service, and therefore spend a lot of time developing the best policies that we use on the service. The second post is from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) where they give their take on the story. Hopefully you’ll take the time to read both which will give you a better understanding of the issues at hand.
2008 was a banner year for Xbox LIVE Arcade titles and we’re going to kick off the Second Annual Arcade Awards on March 3rd. The cool thing is this year, you get to cast your votes directly on your Xbox 360 within NXE.
Voting starts next week, so read up on it before you cast your ballot.
Not sure what game to vote for ? Each Arcade title has a free demo to give you a taste of the action. To get you started, here are the categories and nominees:
Best Overall Arcade Game
Braid
Castle Crashers
Geometry Wars Retro Evolved 2
Street Fighter II HD Remix
Portal: Still Alive
Best Original Game
Castle Crashers
N+
Braid
Penny Arcade Episode 1
Schizoid
Age of Booty
Best Family Game
Boogie Bunnies
Roogoo
A Kingdom for Keflings
Lost Cities
Meteos Wars
Best Co-operative Multiplayer Game
Castle Crashers
Schizoid
Bionic Commando Rearmed
N+
Geometry Wars Retro Evolved 2
Best Competitive Multiplayer Game
Street Fighter II HD Remix
Geometry Wars Retro Evolved 2
Soul Calibur
Meteos Wars
Age of Booty
Best Solo Game
Braid
Mega Man 9
Penny Arcade Episode 1
Rez HD
Portal: Still Alive
Best Innovation in XBLA
Braid (time travel)
A Kingdom for Keflings (use of Avatars)
Fable II Pub Games (retail game integration)
N+ (level sharing)
Duke Nukem 3D (dynamic replay)
Best Graphics
Street Fighter II HD Remix
Geometry Wars Retro Evolved 2
Braid
Castle Crashers
Bionic Commando Rearmed
Best Classic/Remake Game
Bionic Commando Rearmed
Street Fighter II HD Remix
Mega Man 9
Galaga Legions
Rez HD
Content: Makin Bonus Map
Price: Free
Availability: Not available in Japan
Dash Text: [ESRB: M (Mature) BLOOD AND GORE,INTENSE VIOLENCE,STRONG LANGUAGE] Free Multiplayer Map! The tide is out and the sun is high – this daytime version of Makin sheds new light on the battle!
Add this free map to your Xbox 360 download queue
Content: "Get Out of Denver" by Bob Seger
Price: 160 Microsoft Points
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] "Get Out of Denver" by Bob Seger downloadable single for Guitar Hero World Tour. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading. For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: "Her Strut" by Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band
Price: 160 Microsoft Points
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] "Her Strut" by Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band downloadable single for Guitar Hero World Tour. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading. For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: Bob Seger Track Pack
Price: 440 Microsoft Points
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Downloadable Track Pack for Guitar Hero World Tour featuring "Old Time Rock & Roll" and "Her Strut" by Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band, and "Get Out of Denver" by Bob Seger. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading. For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: "Old Time Rock & Roll" by Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band
Price: 160 Microsoft Points
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] "Old Time Rock & Roll" by Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band downloadable single for Guitar Hero World Tour. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading. For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: EXIT 2
Price: 800 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Australia, Hong Kong, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore
Dash Text: The sequel to Exit, the definitive escape puzzler! Escape danger all over the world! There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Add this to your Xbox 360 download queue
Xbox 360 Top Live Titles (based on UU’s)
1 Call of Duty: WaW
2 Halo 3
3 Call of Duty 4
4 Gears of War 2
5 GTA IV
6 Left 4 Dead
7 Halo Wars Demo
8 FIFA 09
9 Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X: Rio Demo
10 Guitar Hero World Tour
Top Arcade Titles (Full Versions purchased)
1 3 on 3 NHL(TM) Arcade
2 Castle Crashers
3 Worms
4 UNO
5 Death Tank
6 Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix
7 A Kingdom for Keflings
8 The Maw
9 Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
10 Minesweeper Flags
The above arcade list is based on full versions purchased.
Original Xbox Top Live Titles (based on UU’s)
1 Halo 2
2 Star Wars: Battlfrnt 2
3 Counter-Strike
4 Fable
5 Splinter Cell Chaos
6 Conker: Live Reloaded
7 Doom 3
8 Star Wars: Battlefront
9 Call of Duty 3
10 Street Fighter Anniv.
Top Community Games NEW! (Full Versions purchased)
1 RC-AirSim
2 Bowling X
3 Miner Dig Deep
4 Rumble Massage
5 Remote Masseuse
6 bricks4ever
7 Golden Royal Blackjack
8 Barf And Beer
9 A Game of Tennis
10 Simply HangMan
These lists are based on global unique users connected to Xbox Live or in the case of Arcade and Community Games, full versions purchased during the week.
Edit: I fixed the bad copy/paste job on the Original list.
Content: MLB 2K9 Demo
Price: Free
Availability: Asia, Canada, Mexico and United States
Dash Text: [ESRB: E (Everyone)] Check out the Major League Baseball® 2K9 demo, available now for download. Put your skills to the test at Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park by playing three full innings as the Tampa Bay Rays or Philadelphia Phillies. The demo supports one or two players, local only, and features newly improved pitching, hitting, fielding and baserunning controls. Fans will also get previews of some stunning new Signature Style™ animations and the exciting new broadcast team, Gary Thorne and Steve Phillips. 2K Sports’ Major League Baseball 2K9 delivers the Major Leagues™ down to the minor details. Play Ball 3.3.09!
Add this demo to your Xbox 360 download queue
Content: Alt Country Pack 01
Price: 680 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Asia
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Alt Country Pack 01. This pack includes "Satellite Radio" by Steve Earle, "Can't Let Go" by Lucinda Williams, "3 Dimes Down" by Drive-By Truckers, "Time Bomb (Live)" by Old 97's, and "People Got a Lotta Nerve" by Neko Case. PLEASE NOTE: Rock Band game disc is required to play song game tracks. This song game track pack includes 5 song game tracks at a discounted rate over individual purchases. Many Rock Band songs are available as both a multipack and as a single game track. These songs are exactly the same. Be aware that it is possible to download the same song twice so please carefully consider your purchases. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: "3 Dimes Down"
Price: 160 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Asia
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "3 Dimes Down"--Drive-By Truckers. PLEASE NOTE: Rock Band game disc is required to play song game tracks. Many Rock Band song game tracks are available as both a multipack and as a single game track. These song game tracks are exactly the same (unless expressly noted as a special version or remix). Be aware that it is possible to download the same song game track twice so please carefully consider your purchases. For music credits, visit www.RockBand.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: "Time Bomb (Live)"
Price: 160 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Asia
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Time Bomb (Live)"--Old 97's. PLEASE NOTE: Rock Band game disc is required to play song game tracks. Many Rock Band song game tracks are available as both a multipack and as a single game track. These song game tracks are exactly the same (unless expressly noted as a special version or remix). Be aware that it is possible to download the same song game track twice so please carefully consider your purchases. For music credits, visit www.RockBand.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: "Satellite Radio"
Price: 160 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Asia
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Satellite Radio"--Steve Earle. PLEASE NOTE: Rock Band game disc is required to play song game tracks. Many Rock Band song game tracks are available as both a multipack and as a single game track. These song game tracks are exactly the same (unless expressly noted as a special version or remix). Be aware that it is possible to download the same song game track twice so please carefully consider your purchases. For music credits, visit www.RockBand.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: "People Got a Lotta Nerve"
Price: 160 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Asia
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "People Got a Lotta Nerve"--Neko Case. PLEASE NOTE: Rock Band game disc is required to play song game tracks. Many Rock Band song game tracks are available as both a multipack and as a single game track. These song game tracks are exactly the same (unless expressly noted as a special version or remix). Be aware that it is possible to download the same song game track twice so please carefully consider your purchases. For music credits, visit www.RockBand.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: "Can't Let Go"
Price: 160 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Asia
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Can't Let Go"--Lucinda Williams. PLEASE NOTE: Rock Band game disc is required to play song game tracks. Many Rock Band song game tracks are available as both a multipack and as a single game track. These song game tracks are exactly the same (unless expressly noted as a special version or remix). Be aware that it is possible to download the same song game track twice so please carefully consider your purchases. For music credits, visit www.RockBand.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: "Lucky Denver Mint"
Price: 160 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Asia
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Lucky Denver Mint"--Jimmy Eat World. PLEASE NOTE: Rock Band game disc is required to play song game tracks. Many Rock Band song game tracks are available as both a multipack and as a single game track. These song game tracks are exactly the same (unless expressly noted as a special version or remix). Be aware that it is possible to download the same song game track twice so please carefully consider your purchases. For music credits, visit www.RockBand.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: "Futures"
Price: 160 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Asia
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Futures"--Jimmy Eat World. PLEASE NOTE: Rock Band game disc is required to play song game tracks. Many Rock Band song game tracks are available as both a multipack and as a single game track. These song game tracks are exactly the same (unless expressly noted as a special version or remix). Be aware that it is possible to download the same song game track twice so please carefully consider your purchases. For music credits, visit www.RockBand.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: "Sweetness"
Price: 160 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Asia
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Sweetness"--Jimmy Eat World. PLEASE NOTE: Rock Band game disc is required to play song game tracks. Many Rock Band song game tracks are available as both a multipack and as a single game track. These song game tracks are exactly the same (unless expressly noted as a special version or remix). Be aware that it is possible to download the same song game track twice so please carefully consider your purchases. For music credits, visit www.RockBand.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: Jimmy Eat World Pack 01
Price: 440 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Asia
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Jimmy Eat World Pack 01. This pack includes "Sweetness," "Futures," and "Lucky Denver Mint" by Jimmy Eat World. PLEASE NOTE: Rock Band game disc is required to play song game tracks. This song game track pack includes three song game tracks at a discounted rate over individual purchases. Many Rock Band songs are available as both a multipack and as a single game track. These songs are exactly the same (unless expressly noted as a special version or remix). Be aware that it is possible to download the same song twice so please carefully consider your purchases. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
We’re happy to (officially) announce the Exclusive Red Xbox 360 Resident Evil Limited Edition Console.
Available the same day Resident Evil 5 ships to store shelves, Friday, March 13, Xbox 360 fans will be able to pick up the bundle featuring an exclusive red Xbox 360. Included will be the Limited Edition red Wireless Controller, black Xbox 360 Headset, a 120 GB Hard Drive, exclusive premium “Resident Evil 5” theme (downloadable via Xbox LIVE) and more all included at no additional charge for the price of US $399. (ERP) Supplies are very limited, so if you want in on this action, you may want to pre-order soon.
The bundle contains:
- Xbox 360 Elite Console with Exclusive Red Finish
- Matching red wireless controller
- 120GB hard drive
- Resident Evil 5
- Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix
- Exclusive Resident Evil Premium Theme
- Xbox 360 black wired headset
- HDTV-ready component HD AV, HDMI and Ethernet cables
Edit: Added links to Xbox.com. Here are some high rez images to get a better look at the bundle.
Update: I’ve posted an unboxing video so you can see the bundle for yourself.
Exit 2 will be available this Wednesday for 800 points.
Edit: Correction: Exit 2.
After the successful run the deal of the week had last December, we’re bringing it back on a regular basis. Starting Monday, February 23rd Xbox LIVE Gold members will receive a discount on a different piece of content each week (Arcade games, Game Add-Ons, Xbox Originals.)
With this announcement of the program, I am also able to give you a tip on what the first deal of the week will be.
Braid the award winning Xbox LIVE Arcade title normally 1200 points will be available for Gold Members in all Xbox LIVE regions starting Monday for only 800 points, a 33% savings.
Braid will be available for the special price after Monday February 23rd at 13:00 GMT/0800ET/0500 PT *
Here are some details around the program:
The special deal pricing is available for Gold Members only
I’ll post the new deal each Monday morning when it becomes available at the special price
The Marketplace team is doing their best to make a Deal of the Week available in Xbox LIVE regions
*You must be signed in as a Gold Member on the web marketplace to see the lower prices
Coming later this month, Xbox LIVE Gold members will also have exclusive access to steep discounts on Game Add-ons for Ninja Gaiden II and Project Gotham Racing 4, as well as the original Xbox classic, Fable.
This week’s show:
Co-host : e
Interview: Jeronimo Barrera, Grand Theft Auto IV The Lost and Damned (11:55–26:13)
Tina Wood stops by to tell us about her latest project
Name the Game
Xbox 101
Much more…
Get the blogcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3) Listen in iTunes? Submit a review
[RSS] Add the Major Nelson Blogcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically (MP3).
[MP3] Download the show
Format:
1:15:10, 34.4 MB, (MP3)
Link dump (some of the things mentioned in this episode:)
http://marketplace.xbox.com/games/offers/0ccf0001-0000-4000-8000-0000545407f2?cid=MajorNelson&partner=MajorNelson
http://channel9.msdn.com/shows/History/
http://www.xbox.com:80/en-US/support/familysettings/console/xbox360/familysettings-familytimer.htm
HP 2140
Samsung NC10
http://marketplace.xbox.com/games/offers/00000001-0000-4000-8000-0000584108ce?cid=MajorNelson&partner=MajorNelson
Content: Monsters vs. Aliens the Video Game Demo
Price: Free
Availability: Not available in Asia
Dash Text: [ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10+) CARTOON VIOLENCE,COMIC MISCHIEF] Save the Earth as only a monster can in Monsters vs. Aliens™ the Video Game, based on the new movie from DreamWorks Animation! Gallaxhar’s giant robot army is invading, and your team of monsters must stop them! Bash, slam, and ooze your way to victory as The Missing Link, Ginormica, and B.O.B.! Download the demo.
Add this demo to your Xbox 360 download queue
I want to take a moment to talk about Windows LIVE ID’s and Gamertags. Recently,
there have been a few stories about Gamertags becoming unrecoverable. I want to set the record straight, and let you know what is going on, and what we’re doing about it.
What happens:
In the rare case that you DO NOT sign in to Xbox.com or another website that uses Windows LIVE ID (like Hotmail) it is possible that your Windows LIVE ID expires (goes dormant.)
An Xbox LIVE Gamertag is unrecoverable from the system only when the associated Windows Live ID has become dormant and the Gamertag has been deleted from all Xbox 360 consoles.
Members with dormant Windows Live IDs can continue to enjoy the benefits of their Xbox LIVE Gamertags on their Xbox 360 consoles, including earning Achievements; however, they will not be able to use their expired Windows Live IDs for activities such as account management on Xbox.com.
It is important to note that an Xbox LIVE Gamertag is unrecoverable from the system only when the associated Windows Live ID has become dormant and the Gamertag has been deleted from all Xbox 360 consoles.
What you can do to prevent having any problems:
We recommend that people log into their Windows Live ID on Xbox.com or Xbox LIVE Marketplace on the Web at least once every four months.
What we’re doing:
We are actively working on an update that will allow you to link your Gamertag to a new Windows Live ID if one becomes dormant.
If anyone should have an issue regarding their Xbox 360 or Xbox LIVE account should visit xbox.com/support so we can assist you.
Content: "Jet" by Wings
Price: 160 Microsoft Points
Availability: All regions
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] "Jet" by Wings downloadable single for Guitar Hero World Tour. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading. For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: "Hi, Hi, Hi" by Wings
Price: 160 Microsoft Points
Availability: All regions
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] "Hi, Hi, Hi" by Wings downloadable single for Guitar Hero World Tour. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading. For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: "Junior's Farm" by Wings
Price: 160 Microsoft Points
Availability: All regions
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] "Junior's Farm" by Wings downloadable single for Guitar Hero World Tour. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading. For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: Wings Track Pack
Price: 440 Microsoft Points
Availability: All regions
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Downloadable Track Pack for Guitar Hero World Tour featuring "Junior's Farm", " Hi Hi Hi", and "Jet" by Wings. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading. For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: Deleted Scene - Brute Force
Price: 100 Microsoft Points
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions
Dash Text: [ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10+) MILD CARTOON VIOLENCE] In this "deleted scene" from The Maw, the Bounty Hunters have sent in members from their new elite strike force, the Brutes, to stop Frank and Maw. The two must use powers from the Beetull and Gastro creatures to avoid capture. This part of the story occurs between the Bulb Valley and Chaindown levels. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts
Add this to your Xbox 360 download queue
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