Gaming Blog

Xbox 360

Prey downloadable content to be offered free

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Prey

One of the most beneficial effects of the new trend to put hard drives into game consoles is that it is now possible to not only patch console games (previously impossible of course) but also to get new content for various games, like new maps, new levels, or even new episodes of a game. Of course the current debate is how much downloadable content for the games should actually cost and that would still take a lot of time before everyone agrees on something.But then there surely be no argument if the downloadable content is offered for free. And this is what most gamers are banking on.

Fortunately, if reports are to be believed, even game companies are on the same page on this one. In the forum of the 3D Realms web site, a representative of the company has said that the new batch of downloadable content for Prey � its sci fi First Person Shooter for the Xbox 360 and the PC � will be made available free of charge.

Based on previous reports, the game developer is at present working on new multiplayer maps and skins but have indicated no firm timetable for when the said content will be made available to gamers, only a cryptic �it will come out when it is done� line is being given to the media and to forums.

Prey was released only last July and has acquired an M rating for Mature. Personally, I wouldn�t mind waiting if the content will be offered for free anyway. I mean, it won�t cost me a penny to wait, right?

Xbox360�s Chromehounds patched

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One of the great things about a console that has a hard drive attachment is the fact that you get a great feature that computers have been enjoying for years � the ability to patch a game after it is released.A patch is quite helpful especially if there are bugs in the final product that were not identified before it was distributed for sale. A patch can fix certain glitches in the on and, for the more problematic problems, may even prevent some catastrophic errors (you wouldn�t want to repeat a game if your saved game was erased after you�ve spent 20 hours playing it). Putting out a patch also means that a company is committed to their product long after they have gotten your money.

Sega has recently announced a patch for its Xbox 360 title Chromehounds � the first mecha game for the platform. The patch is automatically going to update when the game is booted and when the console contacts Xbox Live.

Sega has already posted this bit of news on its message board and according to a representative from SEGA, the patch is expected to solve certain issues for the North American gamers who have already bought the game. According fans the patch will mainly fix some issues with online play, namely, stability of the network that is created when logging onto the game server, issues with negative funds which is addressed from within the server, updating of the search function to correct the labeling problems associated with the game.

Assassin�s Creed to come out in Xbox 360

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Assassin's Creed

Over the past year, the status of Ubisoft�s Assassin�s Creed had been the source of much speculation. Some say that the supposed secret has been poorly kept anyway while others contend that there is a good and legitimate secret behind the closed doors and hushed voices.

But now the secret is finally out and owners of Microsoft�s Xbox 360 has reason to rejoice.

Ubisoft has finally revealed to the public that Assassin�s Creed is coming out on the Xbox 360 exactly as it was being speculated in so long. The particular announcement came after the renowned games publisher admitted that the same game will be heading to the PC.

This bit of news actually finally settles one of the most speculated topics in the gaming industry for the year. For most of the year there was an unending debate on whether or not the game is actually going to be heading to the Xbox 360 in addition to the Playstation 3. The confusion came because of a series of weird goings on in the various gaming expos held all throughout the year. It was initially announced during Microsoft�s X05 event as Project Assassins way back in 2005. But the game was first shown as Assassin�s Creed and announced as a Playstation 3 game at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in 2006. No mention was made of an Xbox 360 and PC version for the game.

From a gamer�s point of view this is great news, since they won�t have to buy a PS3 just to play this potentially awesome game. But for Sony this is going to be a significant blow. Exclusivity is a great way of forcing consumers to buy their consoles and this is one high profile title that has yet slipped through Sony�s hands. With the loss of Grand Theft Auto as another exclusive Sony title, the company has its work cut out for it come launch time � which is just three months away.