Xbox 360 Top Live Titles (based on UU’s)
1 Call of Duty 4
2 Halo 3
3 GTA IV
4 Gears of War
5 Madden NFL 09
6 Rock Band
7 Guitar Hero III
8 Battlefield: Bad Company
9 SOULCALIBUR IV
10 Fable II Pub Games

Top Arcade Titles (Full Versions)
1 BC:Rearmed
2 Fable II Pub Games
3 Braid
4 Geometry Wars Evolved²
5 UNO
6 1942: Joint Strike
7 DOOM
8 SOULCALIBUR
9 N+
10 Worms
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 Fable
4 Counter-Strike
5 Fable: Lost Chapters
6 Splinter Cell Chaos
7 Conker: Live Reloaded
8 Doom 3
9 Battlefield 2: MC
10 Call of Duty 3

These lists are based on global unique users connected to Xbox Live or in the case of Arcade, full versions purchased that week.

Content: "Rio"
Price: 160 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Asia , Australia and New Zealand
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Rio"--Duran Duran. 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: "Girls on Film"
Price: 160 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Asia , Australia and New Zealand
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Girls on Film"--Duran Duran. 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: "Through Being Cool"
Price: 160 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Asia , Australia and New Zealand
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Through Being Cool"--Devo. 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: "Girl U Want"
Price: 160 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Asia , Australia and New Zealand
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Girl U Want"--Devo. 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: "Get Your Rock On"
Price: 80 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Asia , Australia and New Zealand
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Get Your Rock On"--The Janitors. 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.

The Summer of Arcade rolls on with Galaga Legions available this Wednesday for 800 points.

This week’s show:
Co-host : e
Xbox News
Interview: Jonathan Blow, Developer - Braid (12:46–37:01)
Interview: Ben Judd, Producer - Bionic Commando Rearmed (37:03–57:34)
Summer of Arcade
Name the Game
Much more…

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Format:
01:37:47, 44.7 MB, (MP3)

Link dump (some of the things mentioned in this episode:
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/events/summerofarcade/
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/b/braidxboxlivearcade/
http://braid-game.com/news/?p=260
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/b/bcrearmedxboxlivearcade/default.htm 
http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/july-npd-everyone-sees-red-nintendo-still-on-top/
http://www.pcworld.com/article/149912/xbox_360_beats_playstation_3_in_japan_weekly_sales_chart.html

Out of the three pub games, which is your favorite? I’ve run into a very unique situation. I left the game on in my office at home, and I came back in an hour later to find my wife playing the games. Now, she’s not a gamer unless I put the controller in her hand, so this was a bit surprising. What happened next was even more surprising.

Here is how the conversation went:
Me: Hi..what are you doing?
Her (staring at the screen playing Keystone): (no answer)

Me: Hello? What are you doing?
Her: Playing
Me: Why?
Her: I saw these games, and they looked interesting. I’m not very good at them though.
At this point, I am a bit panicked, since the gold you win (or lose) will transfer to Fable II
Me (getting nervous): Umm…are you winning?
Her: No. I think I’ve lost about 3000. 3000 things.
Me (getting more nervous): What do you mean things?
Her: I don’t know…is this Dollars? Cents? Euros?
Me: It’s Gold.
Her: Ok. Gold. (Switches to Fortune’s Tower)
At this point I am trying to get the controller away from her.
Me: Why don’t you let me play?
Her: I like these games. I’m not very good….but they’re fun.

Me: Well, we have a little problem.
Her: What?

Me: Well, you know that game you liked on the original Xbox? Fable?
Her: The one where you could kick chickens? This music reminds me of that one.

Me: Well this game should remind you of that one since these games are from the sequel coming out this fall called Fable II.
Her (now 3400 in debt): Are you going to play it?
Me : Well. That’s where we have a problem.
Her: What’s the problem?

Me: Well, any gold you win in the game you can transfer to the game when it comes out.
Her: Cool. (pause)

Her: Wait. (now playing Spinnerbox) What about the gold you lose?
Me: You mean the gold YOU lost?

Her: Yea. the gold we lost?
Me: No…you lost.

Her: Yea, the gold we lost.
Me (sigh): Yes, the gold you lost. That’s where we have the problem. I’ll now start Fable II in debt. As in poor. As in owing money.

Her (turning to look at me for the first time since I walked in): Wow. That sucks. (she put the controller down and walks out of the room)
Her: I hope you can pay off that debt before the game comes out. I am going out, see you later.
All totaled, as I post this, I am about 3650 in debt. I have some work to before the game releases in October. So if you have any Pub Game tips feel free to post them in the comments.

Oh, and don’t leave your Gamertag signed in to Xbox LIVE playing the Fable Pub Games, as you may suffer the same fate I have.

Content: Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 Demo
Price: Free
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions
Dash Text: [ESRB: E (Everyone)] Everyone Plays in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 09 – Play the demo featuring 3 holes on the new course, Gary Player Country Club in South Africa. After playing you’ll receive custom feedback from Tiger’s very own personal performance coach, Hank Haney. Hank will provide you with custom drills to improve your Power, Accuracy, Short Game or Putting.  You’ll also be able to go into the all new Club Tuner and maximize your swing by customizing you’re clubs.  

Content: SBK08 Demo
Price: Free
Availability: Not available in Asia or North America
Dash Text: [PEGI: 3+] SBK08 is the official videogame of the Superbike World Championship. The game features all the real teams, riders, bikes and tracks simulating every aspect of the Superbike Championship. This demo allows you to race on two different tracks with all of the teams. riders and bikes. Test your bike riding skills with different weather conditions and alter the bike handling to match the conditions. Experience the excitement and realism of Superbike racing including the glamour of the starting grid.

Xbox 360 Top Live Titles (based on UU’s)
1 Halo 3
2 Call of Duty 4
3 GTA IV
4 Gears of War
5 Rock Band
6 Guitar Hero III
7 SOULCALIBUR IV
8 Battlefield: Bad Company
9 Braid
10 Madden NFL 09 Demo


Top Arcade Titles (Full Versions)
1 Braid
2 Geometry Wars Evolved²
3 1942: Joint Strike
4 UNO
5 SOULCALIBUR
6 N+
7 DOOM
8 Worms
9 Marble Blast Ultra
10 Golf: Tee It Up!

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 Fable
4 Counter-Strike
5 Fable: Lost Chapters
6 Splinter Cell Chaos
7 Doom 3
8 Battlefield 2: MC
9 Conker: Live Reloaded
10 Call of Duty 3

These lists are based on global unique users connected to Xbox Live or in the case of Arcade, full versions purchased that week.

Edit: Corrected the Arcade list.

Content: Fable® II Pub Games
Price: 800 Microsoft Points
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions except Portugal
Dash Text: [ESRB: RP (RATING PENDING)] HD (High Definition). Unlock the full version of the Fable® II Pub Games and you’ll get all three great pub games that will also be in Fable® II! Each game has multiple variants, plus the ability to earn and transfer gold and unique items to your character in Fable® II (assuming, of course, that you also have Fable® II). Either way, you’ll also get access to minigames, leaderboards, achievements, and all the fun of these backroom games of chance! This game requires the Xbox 360 hard drive or the 512MB Memory Unit for storage. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
 
Edit: If you received a download code from a pre-order for Fable II, I am being told that they codes should be working later today. Apologies for the delays.  All codes should be working now. Thanks for waiting.

Content: Bionic Commando: Rearmed
Price: 800 Microsoft Points
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions
Dash Text: [ESRB: M (MATURE) BLOOD AND GORE, LANGUAGE, VIOLENCE] Single Player, Local Multiplayer 1-4, HD (High Definition). The classic 8-bit side-scroller reports back for duty in a stunning remake, complete with all-new HD graphics and features that puts 2D gaming back on the map! There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/Live/accounts.

Content: "Sleepwalker"
Price: 80 Microsoft Points
Availability: All regions except Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Sleepwalker"--Megadeth. 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: "Aesthetics of Hate"
Price: 80 Microsoft Points
Availability: All regions except Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Aesthetics of Hate"--Machine Head. 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: "My Curse"
Price: 80 Microsoft Points
Availability: All regions except Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "My Curse"--Killswitch Engage. 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: "Constant Motion"
Price: 80 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Asia, Australia or New Zealand
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Constant Motion"--Dream Theater. 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: "Clouds Over California"
Price: 80 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Asia, Australia or New Zealand
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Clouds Over California"--DevilDriver. 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: "Runnin' Wild"
Price: 80 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Asia, Australia or New Zealand
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Runnin' Wild"--Airbourne. 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: Roadrunner Records Pack 01
Price: 480 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Asia, Australia or New Zealand
Size: 224.53 MB
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Roadrunner Records Pack 01. This pack includes "Runnin' Wild" by Airbourne, "Clouds Over California" by DevilDriver, "Constant Motion" by Dream Theater, "My Curse" by Killswitch Engage, "Aesthetics of Hate" by Machine Head and "Sleepwalker" by Megadeth. PLEASE NOTE: Rock Band game disc is required to play song game tracks. This song game track pack includes six 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). It is possible to download the same song twice. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.

Later today we'll start posting Inside Xbox videos from the Maddenpalooza event here at the Rose Bowl. You can also check in on Spike TV which will start broadcasting LIVE (in HD) at 9p ET. Geoff and company are set up right on the field and will be doing live breaks through out the Spike showing of the classic football movie Rudy. Hopefully you will be joining us, either in person or virtually.
If you're curious what the event looks like, here are a few photos I just took from the press booth before everyone shows up.

Bionic Commando Rearmed will be available this Wednesday for 800 points.

I am headed down to Pasadena for the Madden event, so no show this weekend. Watch Inside Xbox for all the Madden coverage, as well as my Friendfeed for updates from the event. See you at the Rose Bowl!
P.S. The Olympics kicked off this weekend, so check your local TV listings or for a much more interactive and deeper experience head over to NBC Olympics.com  for updates on your favorite Summer sports.

 

Behind The Maps - Flying the UltraCam

Mark Brown on the Virtual Earth team has an interesting post and video (above) that give you a behind the scenes look at the UltraCam and the process involved in getting those high resolution images (Bird’s Eye View) that are used in Virtual Earth. If you are a geek who likes maps (like me) you may enjoy this.

Update: If you don’t want to install Silverlight to see the video, here are versions in other flavors:
iPod (MP4)
Zune
PSP
WMV