AceyBongos' Xbox Life: Xbox Live Marketplace News

Tomb Raider Anniversary PDLC Drops to 800 MS Points From May 30

Tue, 13 May 2008 08:59:57 GMT

If you like a bit of artifact-bothering but you're also prudent with your MS Points then you'll be pleased to know that Eidos is planning to drop the price of the Tomb Raider Anniversary PDLC packs from 1200 MS Points to 800 MS Points each, from May 30. Each pack contains two episodes of Tomb Raider Anniversary as Lara Croft gets on the trail of the mysterious Scion artifact, and they both also include the Croft Manor bonus level.

Remember that you'll need a copy of Tomb Raider: Legend to play both packs.

Marketplace Update - 13/5

Tue, 13 May 2008 08:52:25 GMT

Did you see that Assault Heroes 2 is the XBLA game tomorrow? I absolutely LOVED the first game so I'm well looking forward to it - details and screenshots over at GamerScore.

Texas Theme: 180 MS Points and available everywhere.
Texas Gamer Pics: 100 MS Points and available everywhere.
Ninja Gaiden II: Hayabusa Clan Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
Ninja Gaiden II: Hayabusa Clan Gamer Pics: 100 MS Points and available everywhere.
VidZone Music - Bloc Party - I Still Remember: 200 MS Points and available everywhere.
VidZone Music - Bloc Party - Banquet: 200 MS Points and available everywhere.
Red Vs Blue Episode 33 - An Audience of Dumb: 80 MS Points and available everywhere.

Marketplace Update - 9/5

Fri, 09 May 2008 20:56:50 GMT

Nice little lot of content today:

Official Civilization Revolution Leaders Gamer Pics: 80 MS Points and available everywhere.
Official Civilization Revolution Leaders Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
Don King Presents Prizefighter Preview Trailer: Free and available everywhere except Austria and Ireland.
Guitar Hero 3 Muse Track Pack: 500 MS Points and available everywhere.
TimeShift Multiplayer Map Pack 1: Free and available everywhere.
Red Vs Blue Episode 31 - Room for Rent: 80 MS Points and available everywhere.
Vidzone: Bloc Party - The Prayer: 200 MS Points and available in the UK and Ireland.
Vidzone: Bjork - Wanderlust: 200 MS Points and available in the UK and Ireland.
Vidzone: Last Shadow Puppets - Understatement: 200 MS Points and available everywhere.
Vidzone: Pendulum - Slam: 200 MS Points and available everywhere.
Vidzone: Paul Weller - Wild Blue Yonder: 200 MS Points and available in the UK and Ireland.
Vidzone: Paul Weller - Here's The Good News: 200 MS Points and available in the UK and Ireland.

EDITED: Marketplace Update - 7/5

Wed, 07 May 2008 09:06:10 GMT

Today's XBLA game is Wits and Wagers, a multiplayer trivia game you can play with the Xbox 360 Big Button controllers (the ones that came with Scene-IT?). It's only available in the UK, sorry about that.

"Just like the award-winning board game, players don’t have to be trivia experts to excel at “Wits & Wagers,” which balances social and betting skills with trivia knowledge. Choose your wacky dancing character and then dive into the game. You can win by making educated guesses, playing the odds or just knowing the interests of other players, whether they are local or online.

Break out the Big Button pad controllers and invite friends over for an entertaining couch vs. couch multiplayer experience on Xbox LIVE, supporting 1-4 players offline and 2-6 players in online multiplayer mode. With 700 trivia questions, great character costumes and dance moves, catchy music, achievements, leaderboards, support for the Xbox LIVE Vision Camera, the Xbox Big Button Pad and more, “Wits & Wagers” is the fun party game you can play with your family and friends starting this Wednesday!"

I've had a go myself and it's a really good laugh, especially with four players (and some forfeits sorted out in advance for the loser!). Some other stuff on Marketplace too:

Wits & Wagers - Picture Pack 1: 100 MS Points and available everywhere.
Wits & Wagers - Picture Pack 2: 100 MS Points and available everywhere.
Wits & Wagers - Picture Pack 3: 100 MS Points and available everywhere.
CP3TV Ep 13: Inside a Jordan Brand Commercial: Free and available everywhere.

EDIT: Wits and Wagers is unfortnately only available in the UK. Apologies, should have made this clear earlier.

Marketplace Update - 30/4

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:13:22 GMT

Feeling a bit hazy this morning - bit of a big night in Liberty City last night...

Chessmaster Live Rayman Raving Rabbids 3D animated chess set: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
Alone in the Dark Fire Tech Demo: Free and available everywhere.
Turok Gamer Pics Pack 5 - Wolf Pack: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.

Marketplace Update - 26/4

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 11:41:15 GMT

I've just downloaded the GTAIV Theme, I've re-watched all the GTAIV trailers and I'm sitting here wearing my GTAIV T-shirt. What a loser. Hurry up Tuesday!

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe Announcement Trailer: Free and available in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom.
Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe - Gamer Pictures: 100 MS Points and available everywhere.
Wheelman Gamers Day Trailer: Free and available in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom.
Madden 09 Cover Announcement Theme: Free and available everywhere.
Madden 09 Cover Announcement Gamer Pics: Free and available everywhere.
NBA Ballers: Chosen One - Launch Title Picture Pack: 80 MS Points and available everywhere.
Unreal Tournament 3 - Gamer Pictures - World: 100 MS Points and available everywhere.
GTAIV Theme 2: 100 MS Points and available everywhere.

And there's stacks of extreme sport videos up everywhere too - you can buy them individually (150 MS Points) or save by buying two volumes of the collected videos (600 MS Points each).

URBAN FREESTYLERS EXTREME : BMX
URBAN FREESTYLERS EXTREME : BREAKDANCE
URBAN FREESTYLERS EXTREME : CLIMBING
URBAN FREESTYLERS EXTREME : GOLF
URBAN FREESTYLERS EXTREME : MOTOCROSS
URBAN FREESTYLERS EXTREME : PARKOUR
URBAN FREESTYLERS EXTREME : ROLLER
URBAN FREESTYLERS EXTREME : SKATE CROSS
URBAN FREESTYLERS EXTREME : SOCCER
URBAN FREESTYLERS EXTREME : TENNIS
URBAN FREESTYLERS EXTREME : VTT
URBAN FREESTYLERS EXTREME PART 1
URBAN FREESTYLERS EXTREME PART 2

Lost Odyssey Triple Bonus Pack Now Available

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:28:57 GMT

As if Lost Odyssey wasn't big enough already... The Triple bonus pack is 200 MS Points and available now!

"Greetings mortals,

New downloadable content is now available to help continue your immortal quest with Kaim and his companions in “Lost Odyssey,” the epic RPG Xbox 360 exclusive. Available on 25th April for only 200 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE Marketplace, this DLC includes a new dream sequence, “The Shattered Beyond” and an invaluable “memory lamp,” which allows you to view previously seen dreams. Also, a new ring is introduced to specialize in fighting against magic powered weapons.

New Dream “The Shattered Bond”

When all of the playable characters have joined the player party, visit the bridge (a demolished bridge) in front of Castle of Uhra with this item in possession. Then the event cut-scene to view episode 31 “The Will of an Old Soldier” will be triggered.

Ring “Killer Machine”

This is a special ring forged to specialize in fighting against Magic-Powered weapons.

The ring will apply the following three effects:

Machine Killer Light LV3
Magic Killer Light LV3
Spirit Magic Killer Light LV3

Valuable “Memory Lamp”

This is a key item for Theater Mode that allows users to view Dreams. You can find this in the Upgraded Nautilus towards the bottom of the screen to the end of the corridor.

An Old Soldier’s Legacy & “An Old Soldier’s Legacy” unlock

This is an example of how the main hero Kaim experiences flashback from the things he sees or hears in the game."

Marketplace Update - 25/4

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:01:41 GMT

If you're looking for a new game to keep your GTAIV hunger sated until Tuesday then NBA Ballers: Chosen One is out today. Or you could indulge yourself in some Marketplace action - couple of cool things worth pulling out today:

Guitar Hero 3 Def Leppard Track Pack Trailer: Sneak peeks at the new tracks. Free and available everywhere.
Guitar Hero 3 Def Leppard Track Pack: 500 MS Points and available everywhere. Contains 3 tracks from the legendary rockers including the new song Nine Lives from their new album Songs From the Sparkle Lounge, as well as classics Photograph and Rock of Ages.

And:

Army of Two SSC Challenge Overview: Sneak peeks at the new maps. Free and available everywhere except Germany:
Army of Two SSC Challenge Map Pack #1: 600 MS Points and available everywhere. Contains four new competitive co-op missions as you and a mate face off against two other mercs. You'll find this content listed under Army of Two (EU).

And here's all the other good stuff!

Bravado - Bullet For My Valentine Theme Pack 2: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
Bravado - Bullet For My Valentine Theme Pack 3: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
Bravado - Motorhead Theme Pack 2: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
Bravado - Motorhead Theme Pack 3: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
Bravado - HIM Theme Pack 2: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
Halo3 ViDoc - Mapmaker: Free and available in France and Portugal.
Ace Combat 6 ORANGE,VIOLET SET: 300 MS Points and available everywhere.
Ace Combat 6 Typhoon -ROT-: 200 MS Points and available everywhere.
Ace Combat 6 F16C -PJ EMBLEM-: Free and available everywhere.
Ace Combat 6 RAZGRIZ SET 03: 400 MS Points and available everywhere.
Ace Combat 6 RafaleM -THE IDOLMASTER IORI-: 400 MS Points and available everywhere.
NBA Ballers: Chosen One - Venue Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
NBA Ballers: Chosen One - Livin Lavish Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
The Wheelman Gamers' Day World Trailer: Free and available in France, Germany, UK, Italy and Spain.
TNA iMPACT! Gamers' Day World Trailer: Free and available in France, Germany, UK, Italy and Spain.

Marketplace Update - 23/4

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:17:28 GMT

Lost Cities, the award-winning card game, is today's XBLA game. it's a bit like a cross between UNO and Catan, and although it looks a bit confusing at first it's actually pretty simple to pick up. Check out details and screens at GamerScore, then download the free demo, then get the full game for 800 MS Points.

Also available today:

GTAIV European TV Ad: Free and available in France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
1942: Joint Strike Game Trailer: Free and available everywhere.
Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars New Gameplay Movie: Free and available everywhere.
Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars New Launch Movie: Free and available everywhere.
Halo3 ViDoc - Mapmaker: Free and available in Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

1942 is going to be NICE!

Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory And Metal Arms: Glitch In The System On Xbox Originals Today

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:06:07 GMT

Two new additions to Xbox Originals today - as soon as Xbox LIVE comes back online at 6pm UK (7pm CET) you'll be able to download Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory and Metal Arms: Glitch in the System for 1200 MS Points each.

As always the wonderful GamerScore Blog team has you covered for full details.

Rocky & Bullwinkle and Battlezone Available on XBLA Now!

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:43:03 GMT

It's a double XBLA day today! Rocky & Bullwinkle (800 MS Points) is a collection of minigames based on the classic cartoon series, and Battlezone (400 MS Points) is a remake of the old-school Atari tank blaster. Of course, you can always download free demo versions of both to try them oot.

Gamerscore Blog has screens and videos for both games.

In other news I just read OXM360 UK's review of GTAIV. Needless to say, I am more moist than ever about the whole thing. It really does sound like my dream game. The new issue of OXM360 UK with the review is in shops tomorrow - I won't spoil it by telling you what score it got, but I bet you can guess...

Halo 3 Legendary Map Pack Available Now

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:31:28 GMT

The Halo 3 Legendary Map Pack is available now for 800 MS Points - three huge new levels means three hundred more hours of multiplayer goodness.

You should also check out the interview that Ryan Treit did with Frank O'Connor from Bungie about the new maps - it's on the UK Inside Xbox feed now!

Ikaruga On XBLA Today

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:26:42 GMT

Just a quick reminder that ultra-hardcore shooter Ikaruga is available now on XBLA for 800 MS Points. It's the kind of game that grabs you by the nostrils, yanks you towards the screen, and punches you repeatedly in the face. It's BRILLIANT.

Check out the demo for free, but stick with it - it takes a whole to get used to the black/white mechanics (you can flip your ship between black and white, and you can only be killed by the opposite colour of enemy bullet).

Marketplace Update - 4/4

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:07:08 GMT

Gah! I'm having severe computer/network issues at the moment and therefore I'm writing this on my personal laptop rather than my work one (which is the one that has all the good stuff on it ). I'm a wee bit stuck for access to Marketplace content and so on until I get sorted out, so in the meantime check out our good friend Major Nelson for all your update needs.

One thing you should check out is the trailer for the Halo 3 Legendary Map Pack. The Map Pack itself will be available from April 15 but this trailer gives you a brilliant idea of what to expect from the three new multiplayer maps.

And don't forget that Condemned 2 and Dark Sector are both out today. Squeaky bum time!

Call of Duty 4 Variety Map Pack Available Today @ 14.30 UK!

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:51:10 GMT

Phew! After a bit of confusion and gnashing of teeth it looks like the Call of duty 4 Variety Map Pack will hit marketplace today after all! It'll hit at around 2.30pm UK time (maybe a bit earlier, maybe a bit later), it's 800 MS Points and includes 4 new maps. more details over at www.IAMFourZeroTwo.com, the Infinity Ward Community Manager Robert Bowling's blog.

And to give you a taster for the maps we've also got the video we shot at the Call of Duty 4 Boot camp event going up on Inside Xbox UK later today. I'm really pleased with how it's come out so let me know what you think!

Sorry for any hassle or confusion and I hope you enjoy the new maps!

Call of Duty 4 Map Pack Release Date Confusion

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:16:50 GMT

I understand there's a bit of confusion over the release date of the Call of Duty 4 Variety Map Pack on Marketplace. Activision has mentioned April 4, but this looks unlikely now and they have changed the details on their code redemption site to April 10.

Once I have a totally confirmed date from the Marketplace team I'll let you know. Apologies for the confusion.

Marketplace Update - 2/4

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:42:36 GMT

Hope you enjoyed the April Fool's edition of Inside Xbox yesterday - I was loving the Xbox 360 Recon, would have been ace for taking on camping holidays so I could keep my Gamerscore rush to 20k going! Not that I go on camping holidays, right enough...

Your XBLA game today is Mr. Driller Online, which makes me giddy with excitement. It's 800 MS Points or the trial version is free as a bird. There's also a new downloadable table for Pinball FX themed on the old cartoon series Rocky & Bullwinkle - that's 200 MS Points.

And since people have been asking, just a quick reminder that there was no update yesterday. The downtime was for regular scheduled maintenance, so no new features or anything just yet.

Big batch today:

Pinball FX - Rocky and Bullwinkle Table: 200 MS Points and available everywhere.
MLG/Gamebattles Picture Pack: 90 MS Points and available everywhere.
FIFA Street 3 Brazil Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
FIFA Street 3 England Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
FIFA Street 3 France Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
FIFA Street 3 Italy Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
FIFA Street 3 Germany Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
FIFA Street 3 Mexico Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
FIFA Street 3 Spain Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
FIFA Street 3 USA Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
FIFA Street 3 Australia Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
Mr.DRILLER Online Theme 1: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
Mr. DRLLER Online Gamer Pics 1: 100 MS Points and available everywhere.
Rainbow Six Vegas 2 Launch Trailer: Free and available everywhere.
Need for Speed- Pro Street Producer Diary - Extender Pack Download: Free and available everywhere.
Turok Gamer Pics Pack 1 Creatures: 80 MS Points and available everywhere.
Turok Gamer Pics Pack 2 - Wiskey Company: 80 MS Points and available everywhere.
Turok Gamer Pics Pack 3 - Wolf Pack: 80 MS Points and available everywhere.
Turok Gamer Pics Pack 4 - Variety: 80 MS Points and available everywhere.
CP3TV Ep11 CP gets "jazzed" up for Men's Vogue: 80 MS Points and available everywhere.
DICE Sessions: 20 Questions with Shane Kim Video: Free and available everywhere.

Marketplace Update - 1/4

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:31:48 GMT

Happy April Fool's day! No nonsense from me here, just the facts! Just remember that LIVE is down until around 1pm UK time so you'll only be able toget this stuff after lunch:

Army of Two Demo: Free and available everywhere except Germany.
Nick Busby InkBlots #2 Gamer Pictures: 60 MS Points and available everywhere.
Rainbow Six Vegas 2 Picture Pack Elite: 60 MS Points and available everywhere.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Weapons Picture Pack: 140 MS Points and available everywhere.

Football Manager 2008 Demo Up Now

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:46:34 GMT

Grab yer sheepskin coat and prepare some footballing cliches for the media - a demo for the beautifully life-destroying Football Manager 2008 is now available on Marketplace. It's available everywhere except Austria and Germany.

Call of Duty 4 Boot Camp Event Debrief

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:14:38 GMT

First of all, I have two confessions to make:

1. I forgot my camera, and therefore have no pictures of the event to post. What a numpty

2. While I was interviewing Infinity Ward programmer Jon Shiring I claimed to have beaten the last level of the game (the one storming the 747) on Veteran. I haven't. I've only done it on Hardened. Whoops! If that makes it into the Inside Xbox I know someone is going to check my Achievements and slate me...

Other than that, the Call of Duty 4 Boot Camp event was immense! I've seen lots of great feedback from those who attended so thanks for your kind words, and I'll definitely pass them on to Activision. Someone at Acti was telling me they were unsure how successful the event would be so I'll make sure they hear just how much you enjoyed it and appreciated it!

In terms of Inside Xbox stuff we recorded three interviews. One was with an ex-SAS officer called Robin Horsfall who was about as cool and nails as you would expect. He was telling us how he was an SAS sniper and helped design the modern Ghillie suit (the one you wear in the 'All Ghillie'd Up' level) and had some interesting views on how videogame interpretations of war differ from the real thing.

Then we spoke to Jon Shiring, one of the legendary programmers from Infinity Ward and a bloody nice bloke too. He had loads of interesting stuff to say about the maps, how the community helped shape them, and how Inifinty Ward still love playing the game after all the work they've done on it.

Finally there was Mark Rubin, Call of Duty 4's producer. Again, he was ridiculously nice and friendly - not only is Infinity Ward a stupidly talented dev studio it's obviously a nice place to be too. We had a great chat with Mark about the CoD phenomenon and he was always quick to point out how important the community has been in the game's success.

And I'm not forgetting Lee (sorry mate, can't remember your Gamertag but I know the cameraman has it), Dark Knightfall and Atheistium who gave us some quality voxpops on the new maps. Good work! Hopefully all three of you will make the final Inside Xbox cut.

We're looking to have the Inside Xbox vd ready for later this week, so I'll keep you posted. I think we're also going to cut the three seperate interviews too since they're too good to waste, so I'll let you know what we do with them.

And as for the Call of Duty 4 Variety Map Pack, according to the freebies we got at the event it will be released on April 4 for 800 MS Points. I have heard April 3 mentioned too, so I'll try to find out tomorrow and let you know. The overwhelming opinion was that all four are quality additions, so should be good.

Fine, fine work Activision - hopefully there'll be another event like this soon...

Marketplace Update - 30/3

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 15:52:46 GMT

Nice to see the clocks go forward this weekend, and it seems like it's brought some nicer weather too. I managed to get some quiet time yesterday to play loads of Bully - I'm about 50% complete now and areally enjoying it. I've also been grinding Forza 2 a bit. I have loads of Achievements still to unlock that I thought I'd never get, but someone recently reminded me that you can hire drivers to do the dirty work for you! I feel a bit guilty about it, but hey - I'm putting virtual food in the virtual stomachs of the virtual children of virtual race drivers for hire...

DICE Sessions: BioWare, Harmonix, and 2K Boston Panel: Free and available everywhere.
Dark Sector Voiceover Featurette video: Free and only available in the UK.
Dark Sector Webisode 2: Free and available everywhere.
Dark Sector Webisode 3: Free and available everywhere.
Dark Sector Webisode 4: Free and available everywhere.

UEFA Euro 2008 Demo Back Up

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 15:42:53 GMT

As loads of you have pointed out already (thanks guys - brilliant to see you all updating the site when I'm not online!) the UEFA Euro 2008 demo is back up and ready to rock. I believe there was a bit of confusion about whether the demo should be up or not as the US and Europe release dates are different, but hey ho.

I was playing the full game at work the other day and it's definitely getting better all the time (especially since in this version I can lead Scotland to its rightful place in Austria/Switzerland). You need to step up this year, Pro Evo...

Marketplace Update - 28/3

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:43:30 GMT

Just got back from the Call of Duty 4 Boot Camp event - was great, but more on that soon.

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 Theme Pack: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
Rainbow Six Vegas 2 Picture Pack Deluxe: 60 MS Points and available everywhere.
Turok Multiplayer Map Pack In-Game Content: 400 MS Points and available everywhere.
Too Human Video Diary 3: Free and available everywhere.

Where Has The UEFA Euro 2008 Demo Gone?

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:39:10 GMT

Er, not sure - but I do know that we've temporarily removed it, so if you're looking for it I'm afriad you'll have to wait. I didn't have time to remove the Inside Xbox page today so apologies that it's still promoting it.

Will let you know when it's back up.

GTA IV Trailer IV Available Now On Marketplace and Xbox.com

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:02:27 GMT

Wow wow wow wow. The new Grand Theft Auto IV trailer - "Good Lord, What Are You Doing?" AKA "Everyone's A Rat" - is available now on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and Xbox.com (UK, Ireland, Spain, Italy, France and Germany tonight, everywhere else tomorrow). AND IT'S AMAZING. Honestly, can this game look any better?

You can also check out the trailer and loads more info on Liberty City at www.rockstargames.com/IV/.

Thoughts? Excited much? I seriously cannot wait...

Marketplace Update - 27/3

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 20:15:26 GMT

Sorry I'm posting so late today, had some computer-based 'mares and assorted busy-ness. Boo! Did manage to head over to OXM's office this afternoon to record another podcast, will let you know when it goes live next week.

Some cool stuff today:

Chessmaster Live Egypt Chess Set: 80 MS Points and available everywhere.
Chessmaster Live Mongol Chess Set: 80 MS Points and available everywhere.
Chessmaster Live Mushroom Chess Set: 80 MS Points and available everywhere.
Chessmaster Live Pyramids Chess Set: 80 MS Points and available everywhere.
Chessmaster Live Spheres Chess Set: 80 MS Points and available everywhere.
Halo 3 Heroic Map Pack Favorite Things Video: Free and available everywhere.
Red vs Blue: Episode 29 - Radar Love: 80 MS Points and available everywhere.
UEFA Euro 2008 Demo: Free and available everywhere.

Marketplace Update - 26/3

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:10:22 GMT

Today's XBLA game is TiQal, a puzzle game drawing on Mayan art. Cultural! More details on TiQal here. It's 800 MS Points or free for the trial version.

There's also a new update for SwitchBall today - it delivers improved graphics and new high score opportunities.

FIFA Street 3 Arena Theme Bunde #1: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
FIFA Street 3 Arena Theme Bundle #2: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
TiQal Pyramids Theme Pack: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
TiQal Locations Theme Pack 1: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
TiQal Totems Picture Pack 2: 100 MS Points and available everywhere.
TiQal Masks Picture Pack 1: 100 MS Points and available everywhere.
Gears of War 2 Unreal Engine Demo Trailer: Free and available everywhere.
Samsung Video: Free and available everywhere.
Dark Sector: Boss Strategy Video (Stalker): 50 MS Points and available everywhere.
Dark Sector: Boss Strategy Video (Nemesis): 50 MS Points and available everywhere.
Forza Motorsport 2 March Car Pack trailer: Free and available everywhere.
Red vs Blue: Episode 28 - In Stereo Where Available: 80 MS Points and available everywhere.

Halo 3 Heroic Map Pack Now Free

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:57:01 GMT

Don't forget - you can now pick up the Halo 3 Heroic Map Pack for free. Sweet, sweet free-ness.

AND! The Halo 3 Legendary Map Pack will be released on April 15.

Marketplace Update - 25/3

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:36:19 GMT

Hope you had a cracking Easter weekend - I had a great (and tiring...) time in Brussels. The mighty Gaints even managed to win a game (doubling our win tally for the season!), the high point of which was a team goal reminiscent of that Argentina goal from the last World Cup where just about every player touched the ball before it hit the net. The assist was mine, by the way...

Back to business with a quick round-up of stuff that went live over the past couple of days:

Dark Sector: Boss Strategy Video (Colossus): 50 MS Points and available everywhere.
Corbis Sexy Sprites Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
CP3TV.com: "This is my Louisiana…": Free and available everywhere.

REMINDER: Easter Video Store Special Offer

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:00:44 GMT

Don't forget that the following movies are currently on special offer - 100 MS Points for the SD version and only 150 MS Points for the HD version! The offer expires at midnight tonight, but if you kick off the downloads before then you'll pay the reduced price and be able to keep the movie for two weeks on your hard drive, so it's definitely a good deal!

UK/Ireland

Transformers
Swordfish
1408
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Naked Gun

Germany

Black Snake Moan
Ocean's 13
Lucky You
Matrix Revolutions
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

France

Lucky You
Ocean's 13
Black Snake Moan
Shooter
Zodiac

Marketplace Update - 21/3

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 12:57:47 GMT

Happy Easter weekend! Wanted to remind you that I'm off to Brussels for the weekend in about an hour so no more posts from me this weekend - have a great time and make sure you eat plenty of chocolate.

Out today to keep you busy on your time off:

Rainbow Six Vegas 2
SEGA Superstars Tennis

And new on Marketplace:

This is Vegas World Trailer Announcement: Free and available in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain.
Fable 2 - Dev Diary: Episode 5: Free and available everywhere.
Need for Speed- Pro Street CCF0022: Porsche GT3 RS [Booster Pack]: 120 MS Points and available everywhere.
Need for Speed- Pro Street CCF0032: Porsche 997 GT3 [Booster Pack]: 100 MS Points and available everywhere.
Need for Speed- Pro Street CCF0037: Porsche Carrera GT [Booster Pack]: 200 MS Points and available everywhere.
Need for Speed- Pro Street CCF004C: Aston Martin DBR9: 200 MS Points and available everywhere.
Need for Speed- Pro Street CCF004D: Aston Martin DB9: 170 MS Points and available everywhere.
Need for Speed- Pro Street CCF004E: Audi R8 [Booster Pack]: 140 MS Points and available everywhere.
Need for Speed- Pro Street CCF004F: Bugatti Veyron [Booster Pack]: 250 MS Points and available everywhere.
Need for Speed- Pro Street CCF0051: Dodge Challenger [Booster Pack]: 60 MS Points and available everywhere.
Need for Speed- Pro Street CCF006E: Energizer Lithium Extender Pack: Free and available everywhere.
Need for Speed- Pro Street CCF006F: Coke Zero Booster Pack: Free and available everywhere.

I'll admit that I'm a bit confused by all the NFS: Pro Street content so if you need more info best to check out the dash details directly!

Dreamfall: The Longest Journey Coming to Xbox Originals in Germany, France, Netherlands and Switzerland

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:01:56 GMT

Dreamfall: The Longest Journey is coming to Xbox Originals on Monday (March 24) but it's really important to note that it will only be available in the following European countries: Germany, France, Netherlands and Switzerland.

That's because the original Xbox game was never released in any other European country, so cannot therefore be released on Xbox Originals. Sorry everyone else, but enjoy it if you're in one of those countries!

Here are full details on the game, and I'll bring you more news on other upcoming Xbox Originals games when I have it:

Dreamfall: The Longest Journey

Funcom
US Rating: ESRB M (Mature - for Blood, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, and Violence)
1200 Microsoft Points
(Available only in US, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, India, Australia, New Zealand)

Dreamfall: The Longest Journey, winner of multiple E3 awards as the best game in its genre, is the continuation of a saga that began with the award-winning The Longest Journey. In Dreamfall, prepare for an epic journey of exploration and adventure as you venture through a thrilling and emotional story line.

Dreamfall features a fully interactive world where beautiful music, stunning graphics, fascinating characters, and unparalleled gameplay variety promises to bring the adventure genre into a new era. Prepare for a spiritual, fantastic, and powerful gaming experience.

Unparalleled variety: Use your brains or your brawn—sneak, fight, or talk your way through the many challenges the game offers. Be polite or rude, threaten or sweet talk—in Dreamfall you make the choice, resulting in a game where you never quite know what to expect next.
Three characters: Experience the story from three separate perspectives, and learn how their destinies blend together in an epic finale. Each character has unique abilities and world views, giving you constant gameplay variations.
Three worlds: Dreamfall spans three beautifully realized worlds, multiple chapters, and a stunning number of detailed locations. Travel across a futuristic version of our earth, journey into a magical fantasy realm, and unravel the mysteries of the Winter.
Unique interaction: Bridging the gap between the classic "point and click" adventure game (where you could click on any given point at the screen) and the action adventure (where you need to move up to an object to interact with it), Dreamfall introduces the brand new focus field feature. In this easy-to-use context-sensitive interface, scan your entire visible environment as seen by the characters, and use it to get information on far away objects and trigger remote gameplay opportunities.
Thrilling story line: Dreamfall delivers a mature and compelling story line that mixes the futuristic, fantastic, and spiritual with a tale of murder, deceit, and a conspiracy threatening our very existence. Bringing the classic adventure game into the world of the modern action game, Dreamfall is a rare and special story experience.
Stunning sounds: Listen to an emotional and epic soundtrack in 7.1 Surround Sound. Hear gripping voices as recorded by more than 50 professional actors, and enjoy soundscapes bringing you to the edge of your seat.
Wide-ranging appeal: Half of the players of the original The Longest Journey were women. With its cinematic approach, believable characters, mature story line, and easy-to-grasp interface, Dreamfall is a game that any teenager or adult can pick up and enjoy, regardless of their gaming background.

Marketplace Update - 20/3

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:45:05 GMT

Last day before the Easter long weekend! I kind of wish I was staying at home to get some serious gaming in, but I'm also properly excited about shooting off to Brussels with the mighty Gaints for a footie tournament. What do you have planned?

Here's today's content:

Dead Space Halloween Announcement Trailer: Free and available everywhere except Germany.
Need for Speed- Pro Street CCF0052: Honda S2000 [Booster Pack]: 60 MS Points and available everywhere.
Need for Speed- Pro Street CCF0056: McLaren F1 [Booster Pack]: 250 MS Points and available everywhere.
Need for Speed- Pro Street CCF0057: Mercedes SL 65: 180 MS Points and available everywhere.
Need for Speed- Pro Street CCF005D: Booster Car Bundle #1: 400 MS Points and available everywhere.
Need for Speed- Pro Street CCF005E: Booster Car Bundle #2: 400 MS Points and available everywhere.
VG Cats Picture Pack 1: 200 MS Points and available everywhere.

That Dead Space looks interesting, was just reading about it in the new issue of OXM360 UK. Aliens: Colonial Marines looks awesome too (it's the cover story) - I'm well up for some 'Game over man, game over' action...

Halo 3 Legendary Map Pack Hits April 15

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:56:45 GMT

Time for more Halo 3 maps...

"The Fight Continues - Halo 3 Legendary Map Pack Arrives in April
The award-winning “Halo 3” multiplayer experience continues to evolve with three new maps available only on Xbox LIVE Marketplace

More than 7.3 million copies of “Halo 3” have flown off store shelves, upwards of 500 million hours of frag-tacular online gameplay have been logged on Xbox LIVE and the Heroic Map Pack has been downloaded by 1 million plus gamers and counting. But it’s not over yet…

Microsoft and Bungie today announced that April 15 will mark the release of the next wave of “Halo 3” downloadable content. Available exclusively on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for 800 Microsoft Points, the Legendary Map Pack will introduce three new maps to the title’s award-winning multiplayer experience, Ghost Town, Avalanche, and one map yet to be revealed. And with the addition of some exciting Forge options, fans can explore new ways to create and share their custom “Halo 3” content.

Ghost Town is a battle-scarred maze of narrow passages and dangerous ruins outside the once-prosperous city of Voi. Collapsed ceilings and shell-battered buildings provide both valuable cover and deadly traps, as catwalks and stairways take the fight from claustrophobic ground combat to dizzying rooftop battles. Ghost Town is a mid-sized map ideal for Team Slayer games and smaller, objective types.

The second map, Avalanche, is a tribute to Sidewinder, a “Halo: Combat Evolved” fan-favorite. This massive, vehicle-oriented objective map adds a twist to its classic predecessor with all new interiors, dramatically reshaped exteriors and brand new vehicle variants. Take a ride and admire the visual variety from the cockpit of the retuned Hornet.

The third map to be included in the Legendary Pack has yet to be announced, but stay tuned to Bungie.net for full details on another returning classic… fans of smaller Slayer maps, it’s time to get excited.

Be sure to check out www.xbox.com and www.bungie.net for all the latest information and screenshots of the new maps."

EDITED: Marketplace Update - 19/3

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:59:53 GMT

ASSAULT HEROES 2! I loved the first game so can't wait for this one. Some other stuff too today:

Trailer - Assault Heroes 2: Free and available everywhere.
Trailer - Boogie Bunnies: Free and available everywhere.
Forza Motorsport 2 #1 Peugeot 207 S2000: Free and available everywhere.
Forza Motorsport 2 FINAL March Car Pack: 400 MS Points and available everywhere.
CP's New Signature Shoe Video: Free and available everywhere.

EDIT: Michael from DK reminded me that there are two new additions to Arcade Hits today - you can now get Assault Heroes and Doom for only 400 MS Points each (formerly 800 MS Points). Like I said, Assault Heroes is immense so definitely give that a go!

Forza 2 March Car Pack Available Now

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:31:40 GMT

13 gorgeous motors, 400 MS Points, available now.

2007 Audi S5
2007 Audi TT S-Line
1971 BMW Motorsport 3.0 CSL
2008 BMW Motorsport M3
2007 Ferrari 430 Scuderia
1989 Ferrari F40 Competizione
1996 Ferrari F50 GT
2007 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640
2007 Maserati GranTurismo
2006 Maserati MC12 Corsa
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR
2007 Peugeot #1 Peugeot 207 Super 2000
2008 Porsche 911 GT2

Still no Nissan Micra, but luckily I get to drive one in real-life. VROOM! Loads more info and screenshots on www.ForzaMotorsport.net, and here's a snippet from an interview I did for the XCN with Forza 2's lead Game Designer Dan Greenawalt about the pack:

"What’s the overall theme of this car pack?

DG: Each of the car packs we’ve released so far have had little mini-themes. For instance, in the September Car Pack, we had a couple of late model Civics, and a classic/modern pairing of the Lamborghini Miura. But I think the way to look at DLC so far is to see them as one complete package. Since Forza 2 launched last summer, we’ve released 35 of the hottest cars that didn’t make it on disc, many of which are related across the different packs to make up an overall “theme”, like new vs. old, exotic vs. everyman, and everything in-between.

Could you pick out some of your favourite cars in this pack and tell us why you like them?

DG: I think the March Car Pack is our strongest batch of cars added to the roster yet. Every one of these cars are absolutely incredible in the real-world. Starting with the three Ferraris we included: the 430 Scuderia, the F40 Competizione, and the F50 GT… each of these cars symbolize the best of what the prancing stallion has to offer. Joining our families of Mitsubishi Evos and BMW M3s is the Evo X and the stunning new M3 coupe. My personal favourite probably has to be the 2008 Porsche 911 GT2, with its upgraded 3.6 liter Flat-6 and innovative expansion intake system. Of course no matter which car you fall in love with, each of these rides are yours to totally customize and make your own in Forza 2."

Easter Video Store Promotion - Great Movies, Great Prices!

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:21:44 GMT

We all love a good movie over the Easter weekend, right? Well, this Friday you can take advantage of the great flicks on Xbox LIVE Marketplace Video Store in the UK, Ireland, France and Germany with a great special offer. From midnight on Good Friday (March 21) to midnight on Easter Saturday (March 22) you'll be able to rent the following movies for only 100 MS Points for SD, and only 150 MS Points for HD!

UK/Ireland

Transformers
Swordfish
1408
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Naked Gun

Germany

Black Snake Moan
Ocean's 13
Lucky You
Matrix Revolutions
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

France

Lucky You
Ocean's 13
Black Snake Moan
Shooter
Zodiac

Remember that the films will only be at this special price for 24 hours, but if you download them during that time they will stay on your hard drive for 14 days (so long as you don't start watching the film, at which point it switches to 24 hours), so you can rent them cheap then watch them another time!

Marketplace Update - 18/3

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:12:46 GMT

Not much of an update today I'm afraid!

FIFA Street 3 Arena Pack: 3 new arenas. 300 MS Points and available everywhere.

And that's yer lot! Inside Xbox video from Play.com Live is coming along nicely, should have it up before we're off on holiday this Friday.

Forza 2 March Car Pack Out Wednesday

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 10:54:22 GMT

If you haven't checked this out already take a look over at www.ForzaMotorsport.net for details on the new Forza 2 March Car Pack. 13 vehicles, 400 MS Points, thousands upon thousands of lovely, gleaming horsepower, and it's all available on Wednesday March 19.

Videos and details over at ForzaMotorsport.net, and check back there later for a huge feature on all the new cars.

Marketplace Update - 17/3

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 10:51:18 GMT

Well, I had a lovely weekend. Saturday at Play.com Live was great, and then yesterday I had a brilliant day of football and Bully: Scholarship Edition. The mighty Greenford Gaints unfortunately got beaten again in our last game of the season (6-1, but it was against the best team in the league) so we're 100% relegated - but to be honest I think going down a division will make the games a wee bit more enjoyable next year! At least we've got our end of season trip to Belgium this weekend to look forward to (that means there'll be no posts from me by the way).

And Bully? Loving it. I can't help but love Rockstar's games. I love that feeling of having so much to do and thinking 'right, I'm going to go and do that', and on the way you get sidetracked by something else that leads to something else and something else and before you know it you're running around holding a bag of dog poo and wearing an Eiffel Tower hat. I got past the first Chapter yesterday and when the whole town opens up to you it feels like the possibilities are endless - brilliant, and a great appetiser for GTAIV!

Here's today's content:

Dead Space Comic Panel Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
Dead Space Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
Viking: Battle for Asgard – The Glory of War HD Trailer: Free and available everywhere except Germany.
SEGA Superstars Tennis HD Trailer: Free and available everywhere.

Marketplace Update - 15/3

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 10:30:26 GMT

Some new music vids for you today:

VidZone: Arctic Monkeys - Fake Tales Of San Francisco: 200 MS Points and only available everywhere.
VidZone: Arctic Monkeys - View From The Afternoon: 200 MS Points and only available everywhere.
VidZone: Lil Jon - Snap Yo Fingers: 200 MS Points and only available everywhere.
VidZone: LMC vs U2 - Take Me To The Clouds Above: 200 MS Points and only available everywhere.
VidZone: Michael Gray - The Weekend: 200 MS Points and only available everywhere.

Marketplace Update - 14/3

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 10:10:08 GMT

Two new games out today - The Spiderwick Chronicles and Turning Point: Fall of Liberty. There's also a fat stack of Marketplace content too:

Lost Planet Colonies Trailer: Free and available everywhere.
Bravado - Nickelback Theme Pack: 150 MS Points and only available in the UK.
Bravado - StoneSour Theme Pack: 150 MS Points and only available in the UK.
Disruptive Art: Liquid Light Renders Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
Mass Effect "Bring Down the Sky" Adventure Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
Race Driver: GRID CGI Trailer: Free and available everywhere.
NBA Ballers Chosen One World All Star Trailer 2: Free and available everywhere.
Condemned 2: Bloodshot – Characters Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere except Germany.
Condemned 2: Bloodshot - Fight Club Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere except Germany.
Condemned 2 Gamer Pictures Pack 1: 120 MS Points and available everywhere except Germany.
Condemned 2 Gamer Pictures Pack 2: 120 MS Points and available everywhere except Germany.
Condemned 2 Gamer Pictures Pack 3: 120 MS Points and available everywhere except Germany.
Condemned 2 Gamer Pictures Pack 4: 120 MS Points and available everywhere except Germany.
Condemned 2 Gamer Pictures Pack 5: 120 MS Points and available everywhere except Germany.
Blind Ferret Ctrl+Alt+Del: Episode 3: 250 MS Points and available everywhere.
SXSW: Virtual Scandals Panel: Free and available everywhere.

Marketplace Update - 13/3

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:40:44 GMT

OXM Awards video should go up on Inside Xbox tomorrow - looking forward to hearing your thoughts! I'm also heading out to Play.com Live in Wembley Stadium this weekend to shoot more video - good fun!

Frontlines: Fuel of War Theme Pack #1: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
Frontlines: Fuel of War Gamer Pic Pack #1: 80 MS Points and available everywhere.
SXSW: Screenburn Arcade Exhibit: Free and available everywhere.

UPDATE: There's also a three GHIII song track pack from the Drop Kick Murphy's up to celebrate St Paddy's day. It's free too!

Bliss Island - Correct Pricing

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:35:43 GMT

If you've noticed that Bliss Island is priced at 800 MS Points on Marketplace when we've been saying everywhere else that it's 400 MS Points, then sorry! The price is being changed to 400 MS Points now as that's what it is supposed to be. Apologies for the hassle.

Marketplace Update - 12/3

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 11:04:14 GMT

There just aren't enough hours in the day at the moment! Still recovering from the BRILLIANCE of World Cyber Games, and I was at the OXM UK Awards on Monday night filming some more stuff for Inside Xbox. You'll be able to check that out later this week.

I hope you've had a chance to see all the vids we shot at WCG too - and I hope you liked them!

Don't forget that today's XBLA games are minigame collection Bliss Island (400 MS Points) and brain-trainer Brain Challenge (800 MS Points). As always you can download trial versions for free. More details over on GamerScore.

Today's other Marketplace content (with some from yesterday, since I didn't get a chance to post. Sorry!).

Two Worlds: Multiplayer Maps Pack 1: 600 MS Points and available everywhere.
Rock Band at Sundance Video: Free and available everywhere.
Viking: Battle for Asgard – A Viking's Rage HD Trailer: Free and available everywhere except Germany.
Viking: Battle for Asgard – Theme: 100 MS Points and available everywhere except Germany.
Viking: Battle for Asgard – Gamerpics: 80 MS Points and available everywhere except Germany.
SXSW: dorkbot Event: Free and available everywhere.

Marketplace Update - 10/3

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:37:23 GMT

Few other interesting bits and pieces up today too. Soul Calibur IV Yoda is in, yes?

Alone in the Dark: Real World Rules Trailer 2: Free and available everywhere.
Soul Calibur IV Trailer 3 - Yoda: Free and available everywhere.
The Darkness MP_Haunt Multiplayer Map: Free and available everywhere except Germany.