Xbox Updates - Video Games Forum

codePhoenix · #1 (**permalink**) 05-14-2003, 09:20 PM

Alrighty then...we'll get things started with the Xbox updates thread, here on BlueGoop! The first thing I'd like to start with is the images of Conker: Live and Uncut.

Conker: Live and Uncut
Conker is back in an all new game, developed by Rare and Microsoft Game Studios...we're expecting this to be a lot like Conker's Bad Fur Day, the game that nobody under 18 was allowed to buy, back in 2001. We have some all new images here.

That is a nice interface...and the graphics are outstanding!

What the hell is that?

Well...I'm hoping that we see more of this game soon; it looks like it'll be relatively exciting. Stick with Bluegoop for more E3 updates from the ©odePhoenix. Remember, all news from E3 comes to us from GamerFeed.

codePhoenix · #2 (**permalink**) 05-14-2003, 09:28 PM

New Fable Information, Screens
Here's the official storyline of Fable:

this groundbreaking role-playing adventure game from game designer Peter Molyneux, players' every action determines their character's skills, appearance and morality. The character's life story is created from childhood to death. They can grow from an inexperienced child into the most powerful being in the world, choose the path of righteousness, or dedicate their life to evil. Muscles expand with each feat of strength; force of will increases with each work of wit. Obesity follows gluttony, skin tans with exposure to sunlight and bleaches bone-white by moonlight. Players earn scars in battle and lines of experience with age. Each person they aid, each flower they crush, each creature they slay, will change the world forever. In "Fable," gamers decide: "Who will I be?"

Fable features the following:

Forging a hero based on actions. Heroes age and evolve through the actions players choose and the paths they follow -- be it for good, evil or in between. Those who ply the way of the sword will see their muscles bulge. Those who weave the dark arts will witness power crackle at their fingertips. And those who skulk in the shadows will watch their skin bleach.

Engaging in intense real-time combat. Players collect battle scars as they duel with cunning foes and deadly creatures. They can master an array of deadly weapons as they hone the art of blade-craft, hunt their quarry using subterfuge and stealth, or weave death from the elements as they harness the dark arts of the arcane.

Building a living legend. Through deeds and actions, "Fable" players build a name for their character across the land. They can recruit allies and followers, gain glory or notoriety, make friends and enemies, the whole time interacting with a living world of people, places and events all reactive to them.

Shaping and exploring a living, evolving world. Players champion or manipulate an ever-changing land with competitive and cooperative heroes, dynamic weather systems, and deformable environments teeming with cultures, creatures, citizens and cities.

Honing scores of unique skills and extras. Players master new abilities and add possessions as their character develops. They can learn to ride steeds, master the art of thievery, acquire pets, clothing or tattoos, and more.

Never playing the same game twice. Once an adventure has been completed, players can forge a new tale full of unexpected twists and turns, with new skills, powers, influences, allies and enemies.

Now, we have some new images for you!

NICE reflections!!!

Wow...this game is shaping up...incredibly! I can't wait to hear more from E3! Remember, all E3 information is brought to you by GamerFeed.

codePhoenix · #3 (**permalink**) 05-14-2003, 09:29 PM

From GamerFeed: Xbox Music Mixer Impressions:

Quote:

Written by Jeff Downs, GamerFeed:
When Microsoft unveiled their Xbox Music Mixer software package at the press conference on Monday, a lot of people seemed to have been underwhelmed. Today I was able to go hands-on with the software and, believe it or not, this thing is pretty impressive.

One of the main modes featured in the package is the Media Player mode. Media Player enables users to create custom soundtracks and mix them with 2D and 3D visualizers for some trippy multimedia effects. Think Windows Media Player with the visualization options on a huge TV screen and you'll get a good idea.

Luckily that's just the tip of the iceberg, as there's a Rave mode and Karaoke mode to go along with it. Karaoke is probably one of the coolest features I've seen lately whether it's on the console or the PC. Along with the normal features you'd run across in your average karaoke bar, you can also take music from your custom soundtracks and rip out the voiceovers so you can create your own rendition. Microsoft simply labels this feature "Vocal Stripping" and the representative demonstrated on Avril Lavigne's "Sk8r Boi." One minute I heard that wonderful voice and the next minute -- with the simple touch of a button -- I didn't. Impressive stuff indeed.

Lastly, Rave mode enables users to create custom videos from movies included with the package. You can also upload your own still images from your PC using your Ethernet connection. Overall, all of us were convinced that Xbox Music Mixer wasn't just some niche title that would only appeal to a few gamers. It includes enough features and customization options to make even the most casual gamer want to take a trip into Music Mixer heaven.

codePhoenix · #4 (**permalink**) 05-14-2003, 09:30 PM

[b]From GamerFeed: XSN Sports Impressions:

Quote:

Written by Bryan Dawson, GamerFeed:
If you're unfamiliar with XSN Sports, let me give you a quick rundown of what it entails. Microsoft has created a new website that will allows players to create their own leagues and tournaments, as well as issue challenges to other players. Everything is controlled through Xbox Live and updated automatically every 15 minutes.

The site launches in August with the release of NFL Fever 2004. NHL Rivals 2004, NBA Inside Drive 2004, Top Spin (tennis), Links 2004, and Amped 2 will all support XSN.

When you first sign up for XSN (which is completely free as long as you have Xbox Live), you can choose to create a totally new league, join an existing league, or simply check out player stats (including your own).

If you choose to create a new league, you will be able to create a league name, league motto (optional), and a league type. The various league types are Public, Private, and Sponsored. Public leagues are open to anyone. Private leagues are only open to selective players that the league commissioner (the player who starts the league) selects. Sponsor leagues can only be created by Microsoft or some other company and will basically feature official tournaments. More than likely you will see cash prizes or other incentives for sponsored tournaments.

Leagues and tournaments can feature 8, 12, 24, or 32 players. There is no limit to the number of tournaments going on, but there is an undetermined limit to the number of leagues and tournaments you can subscribe to.

Players will be ranked automatically through several different stats based on the game. They will also receive an overall ranking (based on a five star scale) that will be figured by taking all of your stats into account.

Because XSN is web-based, the system can be updated and changed at any point in time. MS will be taking all player feedback very seriously. They want to make the XSN the best possible online community.

codePhoenix · #5 (**permalink**) 05-14-2003, 09:31 PM

From GamerFeed: Crimson Skies Impressions:

Quote:

Written by Bryan Dawson, GamerFeed:
We had a chance to speak in private with MS about Crimson Skies. The game takes place in an alternate 1930s era that is dominated by planes. Think of Waterworld, only in the air instead of on the water.

Here's a quick rundown of some features:

16 player Xbox Live and System Link support.

4 player split screen support.

Multiplayer capture the flag, dog fight and team battles.

6 Maps

Downloadable content in the form of new planes and maps.

11 different planes not including downloadable content.

Crimson Skies is set for a holiday release and it looked very promising. The game runs very smooth, with large, detailed maps to explore.

They have made the game very simple and arcade-like to control. The Y button accelerates, B slows you down, R controls your machine guns, L fires your special weapon, and the black button will locate the closest enemy. However, advanced players will be able to utilize eight different special moves that will come in handy during dogfights.

You can take damage by running into walls, the ground, or other planes. The more damage you've taken, the less agile your plane will be.

In a similar fashion to other flight combat games, you will have a limited number of missiles and other various special weapons that vary from plane to plane. In addition, each plane features a machine gun that has unlimited ammo. However, if you're gunning someone down for too long, the gun will stall and you'll have to hold off while it recharges.

To make things even more realistic, random planes will fly around the area. If you shoot down too many random planes, the police will chase after you. It's very difficult to avoid the police once they're after you.

In the single player game you can pick and choose your missions as you see fit. While you fly around each map, missions will be pointed out by blue dots on your radar representing other planes. Fly up to one of them and press X to see what kind of mission they'd like you to do. Some may ask for escort, while others may have you fighting another plane or locating something. You can even land your plane and jump into a turret gun to take down more fighters. And landing is all automated to continue the arcade feel.

codePhoenix · #6 (**permalink**) 05-14-2003, 09:32 PM

From GamerFeed: Sudeki Impressions:

Quote:

Written by Jeff Downs, GamerFeed:
Sudeki seems to be one of those games that is currently hovering below the radar; hopefully E3 2003 will change this. Sudeki is a team-based RPG from Climax -- a development studio that employs former members of Squaresoft along with team members from the east and west of the Pacific.

The representative I was interviewing labeled Sudeki as a "Team based role-playing game," although it's a single player game. Basically, you can have up to four characters in your party at anytime (Tal, Elco, Ailish, Euki), as you venture out fighting huge monsters and carrying out various tasks. Each character features unique weapons and abilities, and you'll need to bring each of their powers together to defeat some of the more powerful bosses.

The battle engine incorporates real-time elements with an added twist. When you go into a menu screen to select different items or spells, the time slows down to about 5% speed and you're presented with a very Matrix-esque style with enemies still trying to attack you (albeit slowly). Cool stuff.

The graphical presentation is very bright and colorful with anime styled characters and NPC's littering the environments. The spell effects are top notch, especially the "Spirit Strike" attacks. Spirit Strikes feature multiple characters combining powers together to unleash a barrage of energy splattered with crazy particle effects, and awesome lighting.

codePhoenix · #7 (**permalink**) 05-14-2003, 09:37 PM

Let the Price Wars Begin!
Written Originally by Cody Miller, Bluegoop:

It happened at E3 last year, and I don't think that Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo are going to end this year without a major price war...last year, we saw the drop of the Nintendo GameCube from $199.95 to $149.95, we saw Xbox drop from $299.99 to $199.99, and we saw the Playstation 2 drop from $299.99 to $199.99. This year has been no different so far, as two of the major contenders in the console wars have announced the reduced prices of both of the consoles; the first with Sony's announcement yesterday, that the Playstation 2 would now be available for $179.95. Microsoft, who originally said that there would be no price drop, came out of the closet today and revealed the same price drop, from $199.95 to $179.95. The only contender left to announce a price drop would be Nintendo, with their GameCube, however, a price drop for the GameCube would seem unlikely, due to the fact that a free game comes with the GameCube now.

The price wars have continued once again; but the sales records will show who is winning the war.

codePhoenix · #8 (**permalink**) 05-14-2003, 09:40 PM

Six New Halo 2 Screens!
We have 6 all new Halo 2 screens from E3, courtesy of GamerFeed:

I have to admit, that after seeing these screens, I'm almost in tears...waiting until next year is an ugly thought, BECAUSE I WANT THIS GAME NOW!!!

codePhoenix · #9 (**permalink**) 05-15-2003, 04:17 AM

Grabbed by the Ghoulies Screens
Here we have some screens of Rare's newest game, Grabbed by the Ghoulies.

Rare advertises themselves in this one.

For more on Grabbed by the Ghoulies and any other game being shown off at E3, check out BlueGoop. Remember, all news and info comes from GamerFeed.

codePhoenix · #10 (**permalink**) 05-15-2003, 04:20 AM

Details on XGRA

Quote:

From GamerFeed:
The Extreme-G series has become a hit over the years, with speed-hungry gamers looking to come damn near close to a seizure. Today Acclaim released a few more tidbits on exactly what we can expect from the game.

"The Extreme-G Racing brand continues to set new benchmarks with each installment, and XGRA offers the most intense sense of speed and innovative arsenal of weaponry in the history of our series," said Ben Fischbach, Brand Director for Acclaim. "Building upon the core elements that have made this a perennial favorite among the media and consumers, XGRA will deliver an unparallelled futuristic racing experience."

XGRA: Extreme-G Racing Association includes:

SiNN (Sports Interactive News Network) and the XGRA (Extreme Gravity Racing Association) create a future motor sport unlike anything ever experienced.

8 different teams, all with unique histories, sponsors, and rivalries.

Variable missions and storylines that make each race part of a larger career.

A game structure designed to emulate a true motor sport season with various classes and race types.

Variety of different and completely modifiable vehicle types.

Wide range of characters, each with skills and statistics that affect how they race.

Rewards system that provides unlockable content, including new game modes and tracks, faster bikes and character-enhancing cybernetic implants.

Environments that bring worlds to life, highlighted by variable weather systems and uniquely constructed tracks and buildings.

Interactive HUD that provides all relevant information during the race, which can also be modified during gameplay.

Destructible objects within the race tracks, including gas pipes, bridges and spectators, can dramatically change the outcome of a race.

New weapons system that allows the player to easily select and use
weapons without fear of losing focus on the race.