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Xbox LIVE Preview Program: Zune, Facebook and Twitter October 15, 2009

The following is the official post by Major Nelson.

”

I am happy to announce that we’re doing an Xbox LIVE Update Preview program for upcoming features such as Zune, Facebook and Twitter. Much like we have done in the past, you’ll need to visit the Microsoft Connect site from this link and sign in with your Windows LIVE ID that is connected to your Xbox LIVE Gamertag.

Once you do that, you need to fill out the “Xbox LIVE Update Preview Sign Up” survey in order to be considered for receiving the Preview System Update. We’re asking a few questions about where you live, your home network, ISP connection and a few other pieces of information. We are looking for a good cross-section of our members in order to get the best feedback we can.
The Xbox team will then review all of the applications and if you’re selected we’ll send you an email notifying you of your acceptance in the program.  A couple of points before you head off to register:

• We’re looking for multiple thousands of participants, so your chances of making it in are good
• This opportunity is open to all Xbox LIVE Members in regions where Xbox LIVE is available
• Just completing the survey does not automatically get you access to the Preview Program. We’ll be making final selections from the completed surveys and send you an email if you are selected.
• While both Xbox LIVE Gold and Silver members can sign up, Priority will be given to Gold members in the selection process.

For additional details and specific requirements, head to Xbox.com.

If you are accepted, you’ll hear from us in about a week. Make sure your information on Connect is updated with a current email address so we can email you if you are accepted.

Sign up for the Xbox LIVE Update Preview Program

Good luck!”

Rockstar drops details of new multiplayer October 15, 2009

With the release of Grand Theft Auto’s new episode The Ballad of Gay Tony to be releasing October 29th rockstar is giving out new information on the new multiplayer experience. A quote from the site sums it up “New weapons for greater diversity and impact. New, tighter Deathmatch arenas for more fierce matches. And the addition of new gameplay features including parachutes, kill streaks and assisted kills. It’s Grand Theft Auto multiplayer made more intense than ever.” We can all just hope that these new add-ons to the game will be a whole new experience and one we can all enjoy.

Modern Warfare 2 map pack planned for Spring 2010 October 1, 2009

As part of the Modern Warfare 2 promotional push, Activision teamed up with the Monster Beverage Drinks company to create a Modern Warfare 2 branded energy drink. On said energy drink pack was a giveaway that would give 5,000 winners a free Modern Warfare 2 map pack which had a “planned release [of] Spring 2010.”

We know that there are two timed exclusive Modern Warfare 2 map packs initially planned and whether this is one of them, we’re not sure. Either way, just expect a Modern Warfare 2 map pack in spring 2010.

Closing Game Crazy stores begin clearance sales this weekend September 30, 2009

The 200+ Game Crazy stores expected to close by the end of October will begin a liquidation sale, starting this weekend. Locations expected to shutter have received boxes and a list of items that are to be sent back for redistribution, which allegedly includes “all systems, major first party accessories (controllers, memory, etc).” The “majority” of games released within the last year will be also be sent out, “both new and used.” Several employees have commented that closing stores will likely be “pretty bare” by the time the sale starts.

The timetable for the liquidation, corroborated by several sources:

• 10/3-10/11: 30% off everything in the store
• 10/12-10/18: 50% off everything in the store
• 10/19-Closing: 80% off everything in the store

There doesn’t seem to be a consistent date for when the stores will close, but we haven’t heard of any location staying open beyond October 27.

Avatar Marketplace update: Mass Effect dress shirt, Mako RC September 30, 2009

• Mass Effect Alliance Dress Uniform – 160 ($2)
• Mass Effect Mako RC – 240 ($3)

Dead Space 2 entering production in ‘next few months’ September 30, 2009

. A recent job posting on the professional networking site, created by EA senior recruiter Jeff Ballard, reports, “The previous installment in the Dead Space franchise received numerous awards … and the same core team is in place to create an even better follow up.” The posting adds, “The game is in the later stages of pre-production, ready for production in the next few months, with many of the navigational and combat mechanics in place.”

With the point-n-shoot spin-off, Dead Space Extraction, releasing this week for Wii, confirmation that the core-series sequel (expected for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC) will soon roll into production phase comes as welcome news to fans looking for the franchise to stay the traditional course. Hopefully, EA and developer Visceral Games’ transmissions will continue to pick up from here on out.

Xbox Live Arcade News: 5 Game Announcements, South Park Release Date and Joy Ride Details September 27, 2009

Snoopy Flying Ace will allow you to join Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang in a fast-paced airborne combat game.  Battle your friends online in a game that features simple flight controls and a hangar full of customizable planes and weapons.  The game will also feature a bunch of single-player and co-op challenges that will test your skills against the Flying Circus of the Red Baron.

Toy Soldiers is going to be a new strategy-based game which will allow you to control armies of antique toy soldiers while using  an exciting arsenal of weapons including tanks, fighter planes, and flame throwers in vintage WWI dioramas.  There will be over 50 unique units across two distinct armies, which can either fight on their own or be controlled from a third-person mode.  The game is being developed by Signal Studios and will be available exclusively on the Xbox 360.

There isn’t any additional information other than the announcements of Square Enix’s 0 Day Attack on Earth, Hudson’s Bomberman Live: Battlefest and Taito’s Raystorm HD at the moment but we will make sure to get any information to you as it reaches us.

Another exciting bit of information on the Xbox Live Arcade front coming out of Tokyo Game Show is that South Park Let’s Go Defense Play! has finally received a release date and price point.  The game will launch on Xbox Live Arcade on October 7th for 800 MSP.  Only two weeks away!

Lastly, it was also announced that Joy Ride will have a community unlockable level when the game launches.

Volition Announces Red Faction DLC Pack #3 September 27, 2009

Volition and THQ  announced that their third DLC pack for Red Faction: Guerrilla, the “Smasher Pack,” will launch this coming October 1st for 400 Microsoft points.

The Smasher Pack will feature 8 new maps for the Wrecking Crew mode and will also feature what Volition like to call their new “Behemoth” mode. The Behemoth mode will allow players to leave the usual traditional weapons behind and jump into one of the game’s Walkers – the three that could be found in the single player campaign.

The Smasher Pack is coming October 1st to Xbox Live (and the PSN) for 400 Microsoft points.

Rock Band 2 patched on 360, PS3 update going through cert September 27, 2009

The Xbox 360 version of Rock Band 2 received a massive title update , adding a whole slew of oft-requested features to Harmonix’s beefy music platform. The most notable of these additions is that the game now supports wireless microphones, such as those used with Lips. Other changes include improved hammer-ons and pull-offs, background downloading for music store purchases and the “Audition Mode,” which allows Rock Band Network users to test out their homebrewed Rock Band tracks.

In a Rock Band forum thread, Harmonix’s Sean Baptiste explained the PS3 version of the update is currently working its way through Sony’s certification process. We’ve yet to hear mention of a Wii version of the patch. C’mon, Harmonix! Waggle-rockers need love too!

Batman: Arkham Asylum Free DLC Details September 14, 2009

On September 17th (on PS3, PC and 360), you’ll be able to download the “Totally Insane” combat challenge, which pits the Dark Knight against escaped lunatics in Arkham’s records facility, as well as the “Nocturnal Hunter” predator challenge, where you and Bats will rely on the shadows of the Arkham watchtowers to remain hidden.