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Technological News
Microsoft trademarks streamlined Xbox 360 DLC purchasing system
Mar 17th
Nothing derails the excitement of playing games online with your friends quite like finding out that you don’t have a certain piece of DLC required to join their game. The USPTO recently approved a Microsoft patent application (filed way back in August 2008) for a system that would enable users to seamlessly purchase and download game add-ons from the Xbox Live Marketplace when alerted by an in-game prompt, provided the content was required for a particular online game they attempted to launch.
The process would allow you to make purchases without being forced out of a game lobby you might be sharing with friends — though, really, what kind of “friends” wouldn’t warn you about your game’s newfound incompatibility before inviting you in? Read more ...
Xbox 360 ‘Valhalla’ motherboard leaked on Chinese forum?
Mar 17th
Been to the gym lately? If not, then let this be your new motivation. What we’re looking at here is a purportedly forthcoming Xbox 360 motherboard redesign that takes aim at slimming down the portly figure of Microsoft’s console. Sure, there’s a small chance that this diet could be the work of a scarily talented console modder, but it’d still be a near-impossible task to work in what appears to be a CPU / GPU combo chip (pictured after the break) under that greatly reduced heatsink. Note that there’s also an extra SATA port at the top left corner. Perhaps this is the “Valhalla” revision Read more ...
Kane & Lynch 2 dated for August
Mar 17th
Square Enix has sent word that Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days will be released on 27th August.
IO’s sequel – in development for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 – follows the two eponymous criminals through “48 hours of hell”.
There’s an emphasis on a new documentary-style presentation, plus fresh multiplayer modes Undercover Cop, Cops & Robbers and Arcade. Fragile Alliance will return for K&L 1.
“We believe the unique visuals and relentless gameplay has created an intensity never delivered in a videogame before,” said Niels Jørgensen, boss of IO. “In a genre where so many games look and feel the same, Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days will make people double-take. We think it’s going to make quite an Read more ...
F1 2010’s career mode detailed
Mar 17th
Codemasters has lifted the lid on its next Formula 1 game, F1 2010, at a press event in London, revealing an extensive career mode that will simulate the drivers’ life in the paddock as well as on the track.
F1 2010 will allow players to interact with their agent, team-mate, engineer and the media as they build a career for themselves. You’ll start in a lower or middle-tier team aiming to beat your team-mate and championship rivals, in order to increase your standing and negotiate new contracts over several seasons.
As your rank improves, the F1 circus in the paddock will respond differently to you, with media showing interest according to your standing and asking questions relevant to your performance. Finish in the top three in a race and you’ll Read more ...
Skate 3 given solid May date
Mar 17th
EA has announced a 14th May release date for Skate 3 in the UK.
The game’s in development at Black Box for PS3 and Xbox 360.
Skate 3 aims to bring friends together online in teams. Jason DeLang, senior producer, reckons this will be “the most connected, accessible and social skateboarding experience yet”. But then he would say that.
Another interesting addition is the Skate.Park editor, which allows you to make and share skate parks as well as videos and photos.
And on top of all that there will be more areas to skate in and more people to skate as than ever. Funnily enough, there’s no Tony Hawk on the roster. Eric Koston’s there, though, as is Jason Lee as Coach Frank.
