Posts Tagged ‘Live Arcade’

Game With Fame presents…Play Call of Duty: World at War with Chris Henderson of 3 Doors Down

Tuesday, January 6th, 2009

 

Chris Henderson

Chris Henderson

Rock Ridge Music, a full-service record label with artist management and marketing services presents its Vice President of A&R, and current guitarist for the rock band 3 Doors Down, in a Game with Fame event as Chris plays Xbox LIVE® members January 7 in Call of Duty®: World at War. If you’re an Xbox LIVE Gold member, and you want a chance to play with Chris Henderson, send a friend request to the following Gamertag and be online half an hour before (4:30 P.M.) the Game with Fame session starts on Wednesday, January 7, 5:00 P.M. ET.

 

Multi-platinum selling band 3 Doors Down have released two self-titled albums, the latest in 2008, and have racked up six number one hits in a career that has seen them go from the anthemic “Kryptonite” to the marvelous “It’s Not My Time” and “Train” off the new album. Chris notes, “I think it’s … fair to say we are one of the only Southern bands who has the balls to put a song like ‘Train’ out there these days.” He states, “We’re not a band that just goes through the motions. We go at everything hard.” That kind of attitude is what has made the band 3 Doors Down such a hit among fans. If you get a chance to play with Chris Henderson, we want to hear about it! Send an e-mail to xlmail@microsoft.com with the subject: “GWF - Chris Henderson.” Be sure to include your Gamertag and home town.

Game with Fame with Chris Henderson of 3 Doors Down
When: January 7th
Time/Where: Nashville, TN from 4 - 6PM (CST)
Game: Call of Duty 4: World at War
Gamertag: Chris 3Doors (space between Chris and 3Doors)
URL: http://www.xbox.com/gwfchris4doors

Xbox Live Arcade 2008

Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008

Oh the weather outside is frightful – so grab a cup of cocoa and enjoy this year’s biggest hits on Xbox LIVE Arcade. Gamers and critics agree that 2008 was a stellar year for Xbox LIVE Arcade, which saw record numbers and the most impressive line-up of titles ever.

Santa’s making a list and checking it twice – he knows that Xbox LIVE Arcade is home to the best pick-up-and-play downloadable games available and some of the year’s best titles. In fact, the games have been so good that people have earned more than 1.25 billion (yes, that’s billion with a “b”) Gamerscore and unlocked nearly 100 million Achievements in Xbox LIVE Arcade titles to date.

The Xbox LIVE team launched some of the highest rated titles this year, with more than 60 games scoring an industry-leading metacritic rating of over 75.

“Braid,” beat out big-budget blockbuster retail titles and was named the #2 video game of the year by TIME, “Best Independent Game” of the year by G4TV, and #5 game of the year by Associated Press. Developed by Number None, Inc. and published by Microsoft Game Studios, “Braid” is the No. 1 highest-rated game of all time on Xbox LIVE Arcade, and continues to be one of the top Xbox 360 games available. It even had the highest metacritic rating of any downloadable game this year with an astounding 93 (which was on-par with retail titles like critically acclaimed “Gears of War 2” and “Fallout 3”).

Gamers’ wish lists may also include this year’s favorites, “Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2” (90), “Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix” (89), and “Portal: Still Alive” (89). Last month, Bizarre Creations announced that there are now more than one million combined leader board entries for Geometry Wars Retro Evolved 1 & 2 – that’s a lot of people! Crowd pleaser “Castle Crashers” is also an indisputable favorite and was chosen as Wired Game|Life’s #3 Xbox 360 game of 2008 alongside blockbuster titles “Gears of War 2” and “Fable II.”

We know gamers have been enticed by this impressive line-up – 110 million trial games have been downloaded on Xbox LIVE Arcade to date.

“Momentum for Xbox LIVE Arcade has been incredible this year,” director of digitally distributed games for Microsoft Scott Austin, said. “Xbox LIVE Arcade has really become the top destination for premium downloadable games. And we’ve got a long list of games coming out in 2009 that we think will be just as incredible as what we already have on the service.”

While these new records ring in a winter wonderland, they come hot on the heels of the scorching Summer of Arcade – the most successful season Xbox LIVE Arcade had ever seen. The summer’s best titles which were released over the course of five weeks including “Bionic Commando: Rearmed,” and “Galaga Legions” led to a 58 percent increase in unique members purchasing titles. August broke the monthly revenue high at the time by 67 percent.

After all the eggnog and holiday pudding is gone, Xbox LIVE Arcade has another blockbuster-packed lineup of games coming out in 2009 – so look out for titles including “Lode Runner,” “The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai,” “South Park,” “Puzzle Quest: Galactrix,” and “R-Type Dimensions” to ring in the new year.

Jigsaw Puzzle on XBLA this Wednesday

Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008

Strategize and solve the biggest online jigsaw puzzle in “Puzzle Arcade” available on Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday!

Puzzle fans, get ready to take on a colossal brain challenge in “Puzzle Arcade,” the most expansive online jigsaw puzzle to ever hit Xbox 360. The title is making its way to Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday, December 24 at 9 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. PDT).

Players are invited to test their jigsaw genius and solve their way through the extensive “Puzzle Arcade” library, complete with more than 35 jigsaw puzzles, a variety of downloadable picture packs, and 20 puzzle challenges. With three levels of difficulty, as well as Classic and Turbo modes, players are sure to have a brain-busting experience.

Challenge your friends to interactive puzzle game play, showcase your cleverly completed puzzles in the Puzzle Gallery, and share it all through your Xbox LIVE vision camera. Go ahead, put your mind to a monumental test and become the Master of the Jigsaw Universe!

Published by Eidos Interactive Ltd. and developed by Ctxm/Say Design, “Puzzle Arcade” will be available for 800 Microsoft Points worldwide, with the exception of Japan and Korea. The game is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

For more details on “Puzzle Arcade”  please visit: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/p/puzzlearcadexboxlivearcade/

Game With Fame presents…Play Madden NFL ‘09 with Darius Rucker

Monday, December 15th, 2008

Some fans may initially think of Darius Rucker as the front man for the phenomenally popular group Hootie & the Blowfish, but you’re going to have to start thinking of him as a bona fide country music star. Rucker’s first country album, Learn to Live on Capitol Records Nashville, is pure country all the way, and the hit single “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” rocketed to the top of the country charts earlier this year.

“This CD is a journey,” Rucker says. “I realized I’m 42. I’m not going to write many songs about drinking, chasing girls or booty calls. I was going to write songs about having kids and stuff, songs about life. So many people in pop try to write all these psychedelic crazy lyrics, and I’m sure I’ve been part of that, but that’s something you don’t find in country music. The thing I like most about country songs is that they keep it simple. I love that, and I love the melodies.”

Rucker worked with some of the best songwriters in the business for this album, including Rivers Rutherford, Frank Rogers, and Clay Mills, who co-wrote Rucker’s huge hit “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It.” And country stars Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, and Alison Krauss all make appearances on the release. Country music has rolled out the welcome mat for Rucker. “The reception has been unbelievable,” he says. “People listen to country music because they know it’s where you can find songs.” Darius Rucker is committed to making great country music. And that’s exactly what you’ll find on Darius Rucker’s Learn to Live, great, meaningful songs. Be sure to look out for Darius Rucker videos on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace!

Xbox Live Game With Fame with Darius Rucker
Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Time: 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. ET/11 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. PT
Game: Madden NFL 09
Gamertags: Darius GWF

Link: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/calendar/gamewithfame/2008/1216-dariusrucker.htm

Check out Darius’ Artist Of The Month page:
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/artist/country/dariusrucker.htm

Two Southpeak updates

Monday, December 15th, 2008

Things on Wheels (XBLA):

Things on Wheels is all about what you choose to remotely drive. Vintage cars have exceptional handling, making them the easiest cars to learn to drive. However, their low speeds and power make it near impossible to catch up to other racers if they are driving faster cars. Envy is slow but its power and moderately high handling can give it the upper hand when driven by a skilled racer. Its ability to turn sharply will give Envy an edge over most other fast cars as they tend to make wider turns. Glammy’s moderately low speed is only made worse by its very low power. However, this vintage has high handling which can help it close large distance gaps between competitors during turns.

 

Big Bang Mini (DS):
Luxor

A pixilated version of pyramids and palm trees creates the theme for the Luxor World. Draw a horizontal line on the touch screen to create the world’s new ability, the Mirror Shield. Along with the Homing Missiles, this temporary upgrade will not only protect you, but send the enemies’ fire right back at them. When you reach the Egyptian Pharaoh boss level, complete him and make him vulnerable by bumping his separate pieces with your ship. Sometimes enemy fire will be so intense you must use your shield to survive, and in turn, defeat the enemy quickly with their own fire. Remember that your shield does not last forever so keep an eye on it. When it starts blinking, be prepared to get your ship to somewhere safe. When fighting the boss, bump your ship upwards into his headpieces as they come onto the screen. Fire rapidly before he moves off screen or you’ll have to repeat the process.

World Upgrade: Mirror Shield: The Mirror Shield will deflect and reflect enemy fire. Activate it by swiftly drawing a straight line horizontally across the screen. Remember, like the Vortex, the Mirror Shield needs time to recharge

Biology Battle’s Holiday Blast Challenge, to promote its community games!

Wednesday, December 10th, 2008
Bangkok, Thailand, December 10, 2008 – Thailand’s XNA game pioneer Novaleaf Game Studio is pleased to announce “Biology Battle Holiday Blast Challenge!” a set of global challenges for Biology Battle on Xbox live community games, the challenge spans a month’s time and the winners of each category wins a sweepstake!

During this holiday event, players can compete their scores/ranks with other players globally in the 5 categories and win a Microsoft Point.

Holiday Blast Challenge Modes
1) Global Top Scorer Challenge (1600pts x2)
2) The 20th Place Gamer (1600pts)
3) The 50th Place Gamer (1600pts)
4) The 100th Place Gamer (1600pts)
5) The Magic ZERO Challenge (1600pts)

Sweepstakes
The winners of each category will receive US 1600MS-Points code messaged to their gamerTag. Players with a different region can contact us for more details.

Event Schedule
The event begins on December 14, 2008 at 9:00 AM Pacific Time (5:00 PM GMT on London, UK), and ends on January 15, 2009 at 2:00 AM Pacific Time (10:00 AM GMT January 15, on London, UK)

The Biology Battle team wishes all of our players a very fun and joyful holiday season!

For more details on the event, visithttp://games.novaleaf.com/biology-battle-challenge01
How to get the game?
Xbox 360 owners – add to download queue clickhttp://games.novaleaf.com/xbox_download.html, or go to community games from your Xbox 360 console.

About Biology Battle:
Biology Battle is a unique take on the classic space shooter genre. Take control of medical nano-bots during its mission inside of its target cell. The game takes the best aspects of the “shmup” genre, including 360 degree movement and firing, and revolutionizes the action with a truly HD experience, so players can fight off an onslaught of enemies with precision and clarity. Biology Battle’s full version includes single player modes and 10 brand new multiplayer versus games, including Turrets, Survival, Lasso, WireCycle, and Frog Hop. Also, the competitive players can compete online for the highest score.

Powerup Forever on XBLA this week

Tuesday, December 9th, 2008

 

Gamers, get ready to hone your battle skills in the thrilling action-shooter game, “PowerUp Forever,” where no two encounters are ever the same. The title is making its way to Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday, December 10 at 9 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. PDT).

Players must extend their power to survive by hunting and defeating dangerous enemy Guardians! Harvest their glowing energy cores to assimilate their power and increase the size of your ship and stock of weaponry. As a player’s ship evolves their world and enemies shrink to insignificance, revealing enemies that were too massive and powerful to see before.

Think you’ve got it beat? Well think again - endless levels that extend for infinity, an armory of weapons which includes lasers, shields and bombs, and procedurally-generated enemies and environments provide a completely new challenge with every game session. Gamers can battle it out in a variety of modes of play, including Survival Mode, Guardian Mode, Defender and Overkill Mode.

Published by NAMCO BANDAI Games America and developed by Blitz Arcade, “PowerUp Forever” will be available for 800 Microsoft Points worldwide. The game is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

For more details on “PowerUp Forever” please visit: http://www.namcobandaigames.com/games/powerupforever/

Be Expressive, Be Social, Be Entertained Game With Fame presents…Play NHL ‘09 With Heartfelt Rockers Thriving Ivory

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008

ilmti_2067b_flat_hiresThe rock band Thriving Ivory will be on Xbox LIVE® December 8 to play members in NHL® 09. If you’re an Xbox LIVE Gold member, and you want a chance to play with Thriving Ivory, send a friend request to the following Gamertag and be online half an hour before (2:30 P.M.) the Game with Fame session starts on Monday, December 8, 3:00 P.M. ET.

Thriving Ivory is a California rock quintet consisting of Clayton Stroope (vocals), Scott Jason (keyboards), Drew Cribley (guitar), Bret Cohune (bass), and Paul Niedermier (drums). Their self-titled debut album just released earlier this year on Wind-up Records, and its signature song, “Angels on the Moon,” is getting significant airplay from rock music stations. The album’s personal and deeply felt emotional music has a strong appeal to fans everywhere. Song writer and keyboardist Jason says, “We want our songs to be something that will stand the test of time.” That shouldn’t be a problem. If you get a chance to play with Thriving Ivory, we want to hear about it! Send us an e-mail with the subject: “GWF - Thriving.” Be sure to include your Gamertag and home town.

Thriving Ivory is the artist of the month at the Xbox LIVE Music Showcase program (http://www.xbox.com/ThrivingIvory). Any surfer can access and download gratis the band’s “Angels on the Moon” video and an exclusive “Backstage with Thriving Ivory” promotional clip created for this event from Xbox LIVE Marketplace. For a preview of Thriving Ivory on the Game with Fame YouTube channel, click this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-GTnOOP6Y8

GAME WITH FAME featuring Thriving Ivory
DATE: December 8th
LOCATION: Little Rock, AR
TIME: 2PM - 4PM (Central Time)
GAME: NHL ‘09
GAMERTAG: Thriving GWF (space between Thriving and GWF)
URL: http://www.xbox.com/gwfThrivingIvory

Be Expressive, Be Social, Be Entertained Game With Fame presents… Play Halo 3 With Punisher: War Zone Rockers Seether, Hatebreed, Senses Fail & 7 Days Away

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008

punisher

The much-anticipated Punisher: War Zone movie releases December 5, and to celebrate, we have four of the hottest musical bands who appear on the movie soundtrack from Lions Gate Records here on Xbox LIVE®. They’ll play Halo® 3 with Xbox LIVE members on Thursday, December 4.

If you’re an Xbox LIVE Gold member, and you want a chance to play with members of the bands Hatebreed, Seether, Senses Fail, and 7 Days Away, send a friend request to the following Gamertags and be online half an hour before (2:30 P.M.) the Game with Fame session starts on Thursday, December 4, 3:00 P.M. ET. If you get a chance to play with any of these bands, we want to hear about it! Send us an e-mail with the subject: “GWF - Punisher.” Be sure to include your Gamertag and home town.

Information on bands included:

Hatebreed
Hatebreed contributed the song “Refuse/Resist” to the Punisher: War Zone soundtrack. They’ve released five full-length metalcore albums and will have a new release out in the early part of 2009. Hatebreed consists of Jamey Jasta (vocals), Frank Novinec (guitar), Sean Martin (guitar), Chris Beattie (bass), and Matt Byrne (drums).

Seether
South African band Seether’s track “Fallen” is showcased on the movie soundtrack. This quartet has released four major albums (and one previous album when they were known as Saron Gas). Their latest album, Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces, was featured on this site’s Artist of the Month showcase. Band members include Shaun Morgan (vocals, guitar), Dale Stewart (guitar), Troy McLawhorn (guitar), and John Humphrey (drums).

Senses Fail
Senses Fail has released three albums on Vagrant Records, and their contribution to the movie is the song “The Past Is Proof.” Based out of Ridgewood, New Jersey, the band consists of James “Buddy” Nielsen (vocals), Garrett Zablocki (guitar), Heath Saraceno (guitar), Jason Black (bass), and Dan Trapp (drums). Senses Fail can now be considered a three-time veteran of the Game with Fame process, having played Grand Theft Auto IV(TM) and Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare(TM) previously on Xbox LIVE.

7 Days Away
New band 7 Days Away scores big with their track “Take Me Away” on the Punisher: War Zone soundtrack. They were hand-picked by Shaun Morgan of Seether to win the contest among thousands of unsigned bands to be on the soundtrack. They’ve released two hard-rocking albums (Death Cannot Separate and Stigmata) and will be on tour in early 2009. The band features Jay Bales (vocals), Skylar Nichols (guitar), Blake Snoddy (bass), Zach Jackson (guitar), and Trey Sturgeon (drums).
GAME WITH FAME:
Punisher Soundtrack session featuring Seether, Hatebreed, Senses Fail and 7 Days Away
DATE: December 4th
GAME: Halo 3
TIME: 3-5PM (EST)

GAMERTAGS:
SeetherPUN GWF (space between SeetherPUN and GWF)
HatePUN GWF (space between HatePUN and GWF)
SensesPUN GWF (space between SensesPUN and GWF)
DaysAwayPUN GWF (space between DaysAwayPUN and GWF)

URL: www.xbox.com/gwfPunisher

Check out the trailer for Punisher: War Zone here:
http://music.lionsgate.com/punisher/vids/trailer1.mov
http://music.lionsgate.com/punisher/vids/trailer2.mov

DAYS OF WRATH – ON WHICH SIDE WILL YOU STAND?

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
DEVELOPER DISCLOSES MORE INFORMATION

Foxy Films and Bay Area based game developer United Coders announced in September they had entered an agreement to develop a video game based on the movie “Days Of Wrath”, and in October they further announced the first gaming platform was Microsoft Xbox LIVE® Arcade.

The developer has now revealed the initial game download will feature the playable cities of Los Angeles, New York and Miami. Other cities are planned to be developed in the future and released as separately purchased add-on packs, and those cities include Atlanta, Chicago, Houston and San Francisco.

The four gangs available to play are the Triple-7s (featured in the film version of Days of Wrath), the Rollin Hustlers (urban gangsters with one foot in the world of Hip Hop and one foot in the grave), the Red Menace (old school Eastern European organized crime) and finally the Hellcats (an all girl gang).

Regardless of which gang you choose to play, your objective is clear: To become the most powerful gang in the country! Each gang will have unique strengths and weaknesses; you must take over and control the other gangs, using whatever means necessary – violence, extortion, corruption, drugs, money, and weapons.

The “Days Of Wrath” game is scheduled for a spring release 2009, and a trailer of the movie can be viewed by visiting www.daysofwrath.com.