Content: Summer Challenge
Price: Free
Availability: Xbox LIVE regions in Europe
Dash Text: Summer Challenge – Athletics Tournament offers fun for all sports enthusiasts and the entire family. Immerse yourself in the most popular summer sports, alone or with friends. The realistic graphics and the fantastic sound backdrop will transform your living room into a virtual track-and-field stadium. Summer Challenge offers a variety of interesting sports with competitions for up to four players, a complex single player career mode, and online leaderboards that allow you to compete against athletes from all over the world.
Add this free demo to your Xbox 360 download queue
If you are a Trials HD fan, then you’ll want to check out the Big Thrills Contest. It’s pretty simple…design a track and if you get chosen you’ll win cash and your track will be included in the Big Thrills expansion pack coming later this year.
Sound interesting? Head over to www.BigThrillsContest.com for details and instructions.
Edit: Be sure to read this Track Creator Guide (PDF) by Lee Rowlands, the lead level designer for Trials HD
As announced last week, you now have a chance to decide the fate of Gears of War 3 character Clayton Carmine.
Head over to the Xbox LIVE Avatar Marketplace and register your vote by purchasing your choice of shirts:
He’s the last one…he can’t die! SAVE CARMINE (Male) (Female)
Screw it…he’s outta here: CARMINE MUST DIE (Male) (Female)
The proceeds from the sales of the Save Carmine and Carmine Must Die avatar gear will go to Child’s Play, so cast your vote, donate to charity, and have your say in the future of the oldest member of the Carmine Clan.
Content: Hydro Thunder Hurricane
Price: 1200 Microsoft Points
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions
Dash Text: (ONLINE INTERACTIONS NOT RATED BY THE ESRB) This all-new sequel to the legendary arcade hit features amazing dynamic water physics, transformable rocket-powered boats, gorgeous visuals and over-the-top interactive environments. Single player games include Race and Championship, and two brand new modes: Ring Master and the explosive Gauntlet. Combine local 4-player split-screen and online multiplayer games with 8 players over Xbox LIVE. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Add the free demo to your Xbox 360 download queue
Content: Madden NFL 11 demo
Price: Free
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions
Dash Text:
Madden NFL 11 is SIMPLER. QUICKER. DEEPER. Experience an all-new streamlined playcall system, FULL games in HALF the time, and intuitive Dual Stick Control- all to the exciting play-by-play of Gus Johnson. For added strategy, dive deep into the playbook and create custom Game Plans. Download the demo, and get rewarded for sharing it with friends.
Add the free demo to your Xbox 360 download queue
Like the demo? Pre-order the game
Content: LOTR: Conquest
Price: Check pricing in your region
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions except Japan
Dash Text: This game supports English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish. Download the manual for this game by locating the game on http://marketplace.xbox.com and selecting “See Game Manual". Middle-earth stands on the brink of destruction. You will unite to save it or destroy it. Each race is bound to this one fate. Choose your allegiance There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Purchase full game and add it to your Xbox 360 download queue
Content: SmackDown vs RAW 2008
Price: Check pricing in your region
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions except Japan
Dash Text: (Online Interactions Not Rated by the ESRB) Download the manual for this game by locating the game on http://marketplace.xbox.com and selecting “See Game Manual". With 8 Superstar Fighting Styles and a whole new level of control, how will you play? There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Purchase full game and add it to your Xbox 360 download queue
Content: SmackDown vs. RAW 2009
Price: Check pricing in your region
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions except Japan
Dash Text: (Online Interactions Not Rated by the ESRB) This game supports English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish. Download the manual for this game by locating the game on http://marketplace.xbox.com and selecting “See Game Manual". Have more fun playing with friends. Alone you're great, but together you're unstoppable! There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts
Purchase full game and add it to your Xbox 360 download queue
Content: Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days Demo
Price: Free
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions except Japan
Dash Text: Play Kane & Lynch 2, a raw and brutal crime shooter that redefines the way you experience gaming, delivering an unmatched sense of realism and intensity. Demo includes relentless action in single player and online multiplayer. Play as psychopath Lynch, wanted by the entire underworld and on the run in the backstreets and rooftops of Shanghai. And play Fragile Alliance, the acclaimed multiplayer heist game based on greed, betrayal & revenge, now extended with more risk and more rewards. Get in, steal the loot, and get out in 4 minutes, but trust no one. For 8 players.
Add the free demo to your Xbox 360 download queue
Like the demo? Pre-order the game
Xbox LIVE Gold members can save 50 % on Game Add-ons for Borderlands.
Secret Armory, The Underdome and Zombie Island are each 400 Microsoft Points this week only.
Today at Comic Con in San Diego, we announced the Xbox 360 Limited Edition Halo: Reach bundle which will be available September 14th when Halo: Reach launches.
Designed by Bungie, the Xbox 360 Limited Edition Halo: Reach Bundle includes all the features of the newly designed Xbox 360 console, such as a 250 GB Hard Drive and the fastest built-in Wi-fi. Additionally, you’ll receive two Limited Edition Wireless Controllers and a standard edition copy of Halo:Reach. The bundle will be available for US $399 in limited quantities and only while supplies last.
More pictures on my Flickr
Official Press Release
Bungie unboxes the console for you
Edit: The bundle is now available for pre-order along with the special edition controller and wireless headset
Content: LIMBO
Price: 1200 Microsoft Points
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions
Dash Text: Uncertain of his Sister's Fate, a Boy enters LIMBO. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Add the free trial to your Xbox 360 download queue
Today we have officially confirmed pricing for Kinect. Plus, we have also announced a new 4GB Xbox 360 Console and a special Kinect Holiday Bundle.
Here are the details:
Kinect Pricing: Existing Xbox 360 owners can purchase Kinect and Kinect Adventures for $149.99 (U.S. ERP). Remember, Kinect will work with every Xbox 360 ever made.
Xbox 360 4GB Console
The new Xbox 360 4GB Console includes built in Wi-Fi N, 4GB of internal flash memory and a black matte finish. The console begins shipping August 3rd and will be available for $199.99 (U.S. ERP).
Kinect Holiday Bundle: Available later this year will, the bundle will contain: Xbox 360 4GB console, the Kinect sensor and Kinect Adventures packaged together for $299.99 (U.S. ERP).
Pre-order Kinect or the Xbox 360 Kinect Console Bundle today, and at launch receive a token to download three exclusive game levels for Kinect Adventures, the game included with Kinect.
Kinectimals, Kinect Sports and Kinect Joy Ride will retail for $49.99 (U.S. ERP) and are part of the 15 Kinect games that will be available at launch.
Kinect on Xbox.com
Here is a list of upcoming content scheduled for the Xbox LIVE Marketplace*
Please see the blog post I’ll make for each of these for pricing and/or regional availability.
Summer of Arcade kicks off this week. First out of the gate is Limbo, followed by Hydro Thunder Hurricane, Castlevania Harmony of Despair, Monday Night Combat and we finish it off with Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light. Also remember that if you purchase all five titles, and you’ll receive 1200 Microsoft Points back. Complete schedule and details here
Xbox LIVE Deal of the Week** :
Week of July 26: Borderlands Add-Ons
Secret Armory, 400 Microsoft Points
Zombie Island, 400 Microsoft Points
The Underdome, 400 Microsoft Points
Week of August 2: : Forza 3 Cars And Track Packs
AutoWeek Car Show Pack, 240 Microsoft Points
Hot Holidays Car Pack, 240 Microsoft Points
Jalopnik Car Pack, 240 Microsoft Points
Nürburgring GP Track Pack, 240 Microsoft Points
The Road & Track Car Pack, 240 Microsoft Points
**Special pricing available for Xbox LIVE Gold Members
Xbox LIVE Games on Demand:
July 27: The Lord of the Rings: Conquest
July 27: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008
July 27: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009
Xbox Avatar Marketplace:
July 22: Dragon Age: Origins
July 23: Halo:Reach
Xbox Game Add-Ons
July 27: Alan Wake: The Signal, 560 Microsoft Points (If you purchased a new copy of Alan Wake, don’t forget to check your game case for a token card to download this debut Add-on at no cost, only on Xbox LIVE)
July 27: Skate 3 After Dark Pack 400 Microsoft Points
July 27: Super Street Fighter IV Costumes Pack, 1200 Microsoft Points
You may want to follow my Twitter account if you want to be reminded when many of the above items become available.
*Current schedule. Subject to change. All content may not be available in all Xbox LIVE regions.
Content: Stuntman: Ignition
Price: Check pricing for your region
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions except Japan
Dash Text: (Online Interactions Not Rated by the ESRB) This game supports English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish. Download the manual for this game by locating the game on http://marketplace.xbox.com and selecting “See Game Manual". Plunge into the adrenaline-fueled role of a Hollywood stunt driver in Stuntman®: Ignition™, and master the most breathtaking, death-defying vehicle-based stunts ever filmed. As the newest stuntman in Hollywood, you must rise to stardom by combining reckless maneuvering with perfect execution to unlock big-budget blockbusters and lucrative commercial deals. Create movie magic in six uniquely themed films on 36 different stunt runs with over 25 vehicles, or take the action online to challenge rival stuntmen in the ultimate backlot showdown. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Purchase this full game for direct download to your Xbox 360
Content: NFL Tour
Price: Check pricing for your region
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions except those in Asia
Dash Text: (Online Interactions Not Rated by the ESRB) Download the manual for this game by locating the game on http://marketplace.xbox.com and selecting “See Game Manual". You are the star of the NFL's traveling summer road show in NFL Tour! This is a hard-hitting, high-flying, pulse-pounding game of 7-on-7 football under the night lights and fireworks of some of America's most beautiful cities. Take complete control over the game as you lower your shoulder and plow through defenders, drag tacklers and perform special reversal maneuvers. Unleash the full fury of your defensive unit and overwhelm your opponent with the SMASH meter. This is football the way you always wanted to play it -- NFL Tour! There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Purchase this full game for direct download to your Xbox 360
Content: FaceBreaker
Price: Check pricing for your region
Availability: North America
Dash Text: Download the manual for this game by locating the game on http://marketplace.xbox.com and selecting “See Game Manual". FaceBreaker™ brings you a pretty sweet game that you should totally play. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Purchase this full game for direct download to your Xbox 360
Xbox LIVE Gold Members can grab the following Assassin's Creed II Add-Ons and Avatar gear for a special discounted price this week only:
Host: Larry Hryb, Xbox LIVE’s Major Nelson (Xbox LIVE ) (Twitter)
Co-host : lollip0p (Xbox LIVE) (Twitter)
Co-Host: Stepto (Xbox LIVE) (Twitter)
Interview: Johnny Christ, Avenged Sevenfold (42:18 - 49:28)
Name the Game
Xbox 101 and more
Note: I’ve added the above show notes to the ID3 Lyrics data field. Check your device if this is supported
Links to some of the things mentioned in this episode:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nantucket
http://comic-con.org/
Xbox Comic Con schedule
How you can see Kinect BEFORE it goes on sale
1v100 Takes a Bow
Crackdown 2
http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/june-npd-hardwares-way-up-red-dead-reloads/
Show Details:
| Duration (approx): | 1:16:57 |
| File size (approx) : | 35.3 MB |
| Format: | MP3 |
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Programming note: Due to travel and schedules there will be no show next week.
Kinect will go on sale in November, but if you want to try it out early, let me tell you how. Starting this weekend we’re hitting the road with the Kinect Experience mobile demo tour. We’re going taking Kinect across the US to various places incuding some big fairs and festivals. If you can’t wait to try your hands (and feet) at controller free gaming, here is your chance:
Kinect Experience Mobile Demo Tour (Dates subject to change)
East Coast:
July 17–18 Manhattan, NY Macy’s
July 20–22 East Falmouth, MA Barnstable County Fair
July 24–25 Manhattan, NY Seaport-Lower Manhattan Entertainment Area
July 28–Aug. 1 Washington, DC Six Flags America
Aug. 4–6 Canton, OH Football Hall of Fame – Rib Burnoff
Aug. 7–8 Canton, OH Football Hall of Fame Festival Weekend
Aug. 11–15 Chicago, IL Air Show/Navy Pier
Aug. 19–21 Detroit, MI Woodward Dream Cruise – Auto Festival
Aug. 26–30 St. Paul, MN Minnesota State Fair
Aug. 30–Oct. 24 Tampa, FL Westfield Citrus Park Shopping Mall
Sept. 3–6 Indianapolis, IN Rib America Festival
Sept. 10–13 Nashville, TN Tennessee State Fair
Sept. 15–16 Atlanta, GA Atlantic Station – Entertainment Plaza
Sept. 18–19 Atlanta, GA Atlanta Arts Festival
Sept. 23–26 Charlotte, NC Festival in the Park
Oct. 1–2 Orlando, FL Disney Wine and Dine Marathon
Oct. 8–10 Valdosta, GA Wild Adventures Theme Park
Oct. 14–17 Dallas, TX Texas State Fair
Oct. 21–24 Shreveport, LA Louisiana State Fair
West Coast:
July 15–Aug. 22 Minneapolis, MN Mall of America
July 25–26 San Diego, CA Youth Surf Cup – Soccer
July 28–Aug. 1 Sacramento, CA California State Fair
Aug. 6–8 Portland, OR Bite of Oregon Food Festival
Aug.10–11 Seattle, WA Woodland Park Zoo
Aug. 13–15 Seattle, WA Taste of Edmonds – Food Festival
Aug. 19–22 Vancouver, BC Summerfest
Aug. 27–Sept. 1 Pueblo, CO Colorado State Fair
Sept. 3–6 Denver, CO Elitch Gardens
Sept. 9–12 Albuquerque, NM New Mexico State Fair
Sept. 16–19 Salt Lake City, UT Utah State Fair
Sept. 24–26 Los Angeles, CA Universal City Walk
Oct. 1–3 San Diego, CA Miramar Air Fest
Oct. 7–11 San Francisco, CA Fleet Week – Military Ship and Air Festival
Oct. 15–17 Phoenix, AZ Arizona State Fair
Oct. 20–24 Las Vegas, NV PBR World Finals
Kinect is also available to demo in all four Microsoft Retail Stores, located in Scottsdale, Ariz.; Mission Viejo, Calif.; Denver; and San Diego.
Official press release here.
If you get a chance to join us at any of these stops, let me know what you think.
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