Game Time: Xbox 360 Releases Week of August 3rd - August 9th

Nothing really coimg out this week except for and XBLA Game. Nothing to see here folks.

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Braid
Platform: Xbox 360
Release Date: 8/6/2008

Braid is a puzzle-platformer, drawn in a painterly style, where the player manipulates the flow of time in strange and unusual ways. From a house in the city, journey to a series of worlds and solve p ... more

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Around the Hawk: The New Xbox 360 Experience

I know, another YouTube video. Sorry. But hey, it's pretty informative! This fall update is going to be freakin massive! Let's just hope it doesn't bog down Xbox Live like Halo 3 did during Christmas...

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Madden 2009 Demo Is Out!

The Madden 2009 demo was released a day early and is now available for download on the Xbox Live Marketplace. The demo contains a madden moment and part of the IQ test. In the madden moment you take over as the Giants as you try to lead your team down the field and score the go ahead touchdown. The IQ test contains rush offense,pass offense,rush defense, and pass defense.
Some quick impressions:
-The IQ test is more fun then I thought it would be
-The presentation is amazing
-The graphics are the best I have ever seen on a sports game
-I'm a little disappointed that you can't user strafe catch on offense
-The gameplay feels very smooth and I love the new animations

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New COD4 Playlists Coming

Infinity Ward community head fourzerotwo has informed the masses that all four of the new Call of Duty 4 playlists tested the weekend before last have made the cut and will soon find their way into the game. The four new playlists are:

• Bare-Bones Team Deathmatch
• Hardcore HQ
• Multi-Bomb Search and Destroy
• Hardcore FFA

Harcore HQ and FFA are simply more hardcore versions of standard gametypes. They include higher damage and no HUD, so tactics are key. Multi-Bomb Search and Destroy, unsurprisingly, gives all memebers of the attacking team a bomb for their planting pleasure. Bare-Bones Team Deathmatch may be the most intriguing of the bunch, as it removes all perks and kill streak rewards.

The new playlists are currently "In Testing," so there is no ETA on exactly when the playlists will arrive, though fourtwozero promises to keep everyone up to date on their progress.

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Welcome Our Newest Analysts, Kerken and NYYDallasCuse!

TheXBLN.com has signed yet more analysts! We welcome NYYDallasCuse to the site and Kerken. NYYDallasCuse is going to be an analyst for XBL Total Access and America's Game. While Kerken will be our very own Trixie like figure. She will be the host of the Network Spotlight. Help us out by welcoming our new analysts. If you want to become an analyst, give us the word and it can happen!

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America's Game: The Flynn Chronicles

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

In this game I was South Florida and Invizible Angel was Purdue. Now we have a intense rivalry that goes back and forth so its always great to beat him . The game was somewhat close when this play happen but after this play I went on for the easy 55-29 win . I was amazed by how my defensive back was able to break 3 tackles on his way to a 108 yard return.

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Be A Star With Network Spotlight

Xbox Live Network will have a whole new experience for our viewers. We will now have, Network Spotlight where gamers will be interviewed for thier likes, dislikes, and personal question. This is to bring the community together so we can all become United. To be featured on Network Spotlight, shoot us an email. Network Spotlight is coming VERY SOON!

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Rock Band 2 Game Play Trailer

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Midnight Club: Los Angelos 'Pursuit' Trailer

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Live Top Ten Week of July 21st

Xbox 360 Top Live Titles
1 Halo 3
2 Call of Duty 4
3 GTA IV
4 Gears of War
5 Guitar Hero III
6 Rock Band
7 Battlefield: Bad Company
8 Too Human Demo
9 Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2
10 NCAA Football 09

Top Arcade Titles
1 1942: Joint Strike
2 UNO
3 Golf: Tee It Up!
4 SOULCALIBUR
5 N+
6 DOOM
7 Worms
8 Marble Blast Ultra
9 Geometry Wars Evolved
10 Puzzle Quest

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XBLNCS NCAA Football 09 Dynasty Cancelled? Not Quite!

Deus Legend, League commissioner released this statement today to all the participants of XBLNCS:

Due to problems beyond my control, XBLNCS is cancelled :(. The Dynasty file will not load up on my console. I have tried multiple things but nothing works. If you will like to join the XBLNCS for Madden 09, let me know.

Thanks
-TheXBLN.com

Xbox Live Network will be starting up XBLNCS Madden NFL 09 when Madden 09 releases. More on that next week. Stay tuned for anymore breaking developments on this issue.

-From the desk of the Editor-in-Chief, Deus Legend
TheXBLN.com

BREAKING NEWS: THE LEAGUE HAS BEEN RESURRECTED!!!

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Around the Hawk: What To Look Forward To

Besides Madden 09 and Rock Band 2, this one tops my list of good games to look forward to. It'll probably be a mix of Oblivion (since it's created by the same company, Bethesda) and Mass Effect. The gruesome effects in the shooting looks a little bit like Gears of War in my opinion, which will be really cool! But don't let the children see it, they might get nightmares. Or I might get nightmares... Yes this was the trailer at E3, but I thought it was cool enough to put on here.




Next is Saints Row 2, which I think will blow away the slow and boring GTA IV which had its chance to be a good game (which it was), but failed with an extremely slow story line with little to do. Saints Row 2 looks to offer an extremely satisfying story with plenty of side missions to do. Like the trailer said, October 14th, expect this game! And in case you were wondering how Saints Row ended, the video below is how Saints Row Part 1 ended, so if you don't want to know, then don't click on it. But this explains why the Saints Row 2 trailer begins with you in a hospital bed...





Skate 2, although it's not supposed to be released until March, is a must get! If you haven't already played Skate, I truly recommend this game. So much detail, so much better than Tony Hawk. EA really did a good job with this game. A big part of Skate too that I thought was a great idea was the Skate Reel. If they were to have something like this in NCAA Football and/or Madden, it would be a big feature. The Skate Reel is where you can view other people's uploaded videos and images right on the game, you don't even have to go on the computer. You can rate their videos too from 0 to 5 stars, and if you got 20 votes on one uploaded image or video you got an achievement. The most I ever got was 4 votes, and I wish I could upload them to this website but there's no way to share them unfortunately.

Also topping my "wish list" would be Guitar Hero World Tour, Midnight Club L.A., Smackdown vs. Raw 2009, Tiger Woods 09 and UFC 2009, but trailers for those games are already on this website.

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America's Game: The Jerhawk Chronicles

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

In an epic battle right down to the very end between me (Utah State) and Flynn4DaWin (Idaho), Flynn4DaWin came away a champion after I couldn't unfreeze myself in a 40+ yard field goal attempt to tie the game. Idaho prevailed 52-49, but I prevailed on this play with another lucky tipped pass, this time going for a touchdown. Poor Flynn, this is twice already I've done this too him. How lucky...

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Madden NFL 09 Celebrations

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Soulcalibur IV Review

TeamXbox has posted up the first Soulcalibur IV Review. Here is what TeamXbox had to say:

Nearly every bit of Soulcalibur IV is pretty sweet and there are a lot of bits that Namco put into its latest fighter. The sheer amount of features, including the Star Wars characters, makes Soulcalibur IV worth its premium asking price for those that adore this franchise. But it’s the synergistic power of these parts coming together that makes Soulcalibur IV a good recommendation to any player looking for a fresher take on the fighting game genre.

[Thanks, TeamXbox]

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60 GB Xbox 360 Showing Up In Stores Already?

Amazon and Circuit City might have that new 60GB Xbox 360 SKU up for pre-order with delivery in August, but Microsoft's game console has always tended to pop up in Targets first.

[Thanks, Engadget]

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Xbox Live Arcade Rest of the Summer Release Schedule

The full “Summer of Arcade” lineup is:

• July 30: “Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2” – The latest version of the wildly popular retro shooter offers screen-melting intensity and insane new features, including six action-packed gameplay modes, new enemies, scoring strategies and a diverse list of exciting Achievements. “Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2” is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and will be available at 800 Microsoft Points.

• August 6: “Braid” – From acclaimed developer Jonathan Blow, “Braid” is a mind-bending and artistic puzzle-platformer where the player manipulates the flow of time in strange and unusual ways. “Braid”is rated E10+ for Everyone 10+ by the ESRB.

• August 13: “Bionic Commando: Rearmed” – The classic 8-bit side-scroller reports back for duty in a stunning remake, complete with all-new HD graphics and features that put 2D gaming back on the map! “Bionic Commando: Rearmed” is rated M for Mature by the ESRB

• August 20: “Galaga Legions” – The legend lives on with “Galaga Legions,” a reimagining of the classic arcade shooter. Featuring table-turning game dynamics and updated graphics, the game was created by the team behind the bestselling “PAC-MAN Championship Edition” from Namco Bandai Games. “Galaga Legions” is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

• August 27: “Castle Crashers” – Award-winning studio The Behemoth brings red hot arcade adventure to Xbox LIVE Arcade with “Castle Crashers,” featuring hand-drawn characters and an array of weapons to choose from as you defend your kingdom and save the princess. “Castle Crashers” is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.

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America's Game: JRC865 vs. Stopable

I just finished an intense game against Stopable in the XBLNCS on NCAA Football 09. Stopable was playing as his Penn State Nittany Lions and I was using my Illinois Fighting Illini.

Before I get into what happened I want to say good game to Stopable.

Alright lets get to the details.

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

This was the first score of the game, Stopable going up top to his WR for the score. One of two nice user catches in the game.

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

My answer to Stopable's touchdown drive, with one of my own. Screen passes were very crucial in this game, as you will see later.

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

This was the second nice user catch by Stopable. This put Penn State up 21-10.

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

Here was my response to Stopable's TD. I went for two points and converted which gave me the opportunity to tie with a field goal.

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

Here is the play of the game, a 99-yard screen pass to put my team in the lead with :20 left on the clock. In case your wondering how I ended up on the 1-yard line its because I stuffed him on the goal line.

This was an unbelievable game, and one of the most fun I have played.

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Around the Hawk: Rock Band Setlist Song Previews (Last Time)

Part 1



Part 2



Part 3


I know I've posted these before, but here they are all together. This should be a really fun game, coming out September 15th (hopefully!). There's so much variety, it will be fun to play this and Guitar Hero World Tour, knowing that this game will have 84 songs and Guitar Hero will have 85, that's like 169 songs! Not to mention that with Rock Band 2, you can keep playing your downloaded songs from the first ones and the songs from the original Rock Band can be played on this one as well if you save the songs to your hardrive! What a great idea! Thanks EA! Can't wait! Now with online Band World Tour, this game will have so much replay value like Rock Band has had.

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America's Game: The Jerhawk Chronicles

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

I thought this was a pretty sweet highlight in my Campus Legend mode. I'm the lefty quarterback for the Washington State Cougars, and this highlight is against Cal. Very acrobatic!

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

This one I thought was so hilarious. This was again in my Campus Legend, and I threw this touchdown after scrambling out of the pocket, the CPU receiver made some nifty moves, then tarnished his touchdown by looking like a complete idiot after scoring. Funny!

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Rumor: Gears of War 2 to Get Its Own Legendary Edition?

It is rumored that a $130 Gears of War 2 bundle that is said to include a miniature replica model of a Lancer. Something we should have expected seeing that we caught word from our own source that a mini Lancer would grace some sort of Gears of War 2 edition. Microsoft has yet to confirm this $130 Gears 2 edition, what other content will be included or when it'll be available, but we expect news to trickle in soon.

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Impressions, Virtuoso Track Pack

As promised earlier, here is the follow-up to my previous post about the Virtuoso Track Pack being released for Guitar Hero III. The track pack was 500 MS points.

All three of these tracks are fairly challenging I think. The tracks seem more like the boss battle tracks like you see from Slash or Tom Morello. Which is nice because theres plenty of solos and difficult sections. I think "Soothsayer" by Buckethead is the most difficult out of the three tracks, and is fairly long on top of the level of difficulty.

I would recommend this track pack to just about any Guitar Hero III fans. I had never heard of Joe Satriani or Steve Vai, but they were both great tracks aswell. Worth the 500 MS points in my opinion.

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Game Time: Xbox 360 Releases Week of July 27- August 2

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Soulcalibur IV
Platform: Xbox 360
Release Date: 7/29/2008

Developed by Project Soul, the legendary team behind Soul Blade and Soulcalibur I-III, Soulcalibur IV will re-introduce classic warriors from the series as well as introduce new characters that will b ... more

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Spectral Force 3
Platform: Xbox 360
Release Date: 7/29/2008

The first of the series to land in the Western hemisphere, Spectral Force 3 delivers challenging strategy RPG gameplay, a classic fantasy story, and tons of character and item customization options! L ... more

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Double D Dodgeball
Platform: Xbox 360
Release Date: 7/30/2008

Launching this summer, this exclusive Xbox LIVE Arcade title features a unique look and environment combined with intuitive controls and intense gameplay that fans of the classic playground sport will ... more

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Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2
Platform: Xbox 360
Release Date: 7/30/2008

Developed by the industry veterans at Bizarre Creations, Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2, the sequel to the smash hit, takes players on an all new adrenaline ride through six different action-packed g ... more

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XBLN Expands Lineup: Game Time!

LISTEN! ITS TIME! Xbox Live Network is proud to announce our all new show to our ever expanding line-up of shows, Game Time. This show is designed to bring you the latest game release dates, game delays, and game announcements. Enjoy Game Time!

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Rumor: Vader DLC bringing dark side to Xbox 360 Soul Calibur IV

Never mind that we totally caught Yoda and Vader face to face in a Soul Calibur IV trailer months ago, Namco Bandai's official line has remained: Yoda is in the Xbox 360 version, Darth Vader in the PlayStation 3 one. While some of us assumed both characters could be unlocked in either version, Namco Bandai has apparently come up with a better idea. Why not sell Darth Vader as DLC to Xbox 360 owners? GamersReports has allegedly obtained another "quality exclusive" in three screenshots that depict Vader as a selectable character in the Xbox 360 version of Soul Calibur IV. To be fair, the report only suggests that Vader would be offered as an "add-on download" and does not specify whether or not that would be paid content or a fan service freebie. The site adds, "No word on when, or even if ever it will be released."

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NBA Live 09 Athlete Sizzle Video

This latest NBA Live 09 video from EA shows off "athlete sizzle". This year's global cover athletes are Tony Parker, Pau Gasol (Spain), Andrea Bargnani (Italy) and Luol Deng (England).

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Rock Band DLC for Week of July 29th

Next week we have a nice little cross section of tracks. We have the amazing Testament, members of System of a Doom in Scars on Broadway, perennial favorites Staind, and a .99 track from The New No 2. The Scars on Broadway track and the Staind track are both singles from their new albums being released through Rock Band. Awesome!

Tracks will be out on Tuesday on Xbox Marketplace and Thursday on the Playstation Store.

TRACKS:

Scars on Broadway - They Say $1.99 (160 MS points)

Staind - This is It $1.99 (160 MS Points)

Testament - Electric Crown
$1.99 (160 MS Points)

The New No 2 - Yomp
99¢ (80 MS Points)"

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XBLN Specials: Geometry Wars Retro Evolved 2 Gameplay

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Guitar Hero III, Virtuoso Track Pack

Starting yesterday you could download the latest track pack from Activision for Guitar Hero III, the Virtuoso Track Pack. You can download the track pack for 500 MS points.

Here are the tracks you can expect to play:

• Joe Satriani - "Surfing with the Alien"
• Steve Vai - "For the Love of God"
• Buckethead - "Soothslayer"

Sounds like the track pack is pretty sweet, here are some comments from IGN.com.

"Amazing Track Pack, this is the only one I've ever bought."

"I just played all 3, these songs are awesome."

"Holy crap, this will get me to put down Rock Band and actually play Guitar Hero for the first time in 9 months, great song choices all around"

I am going to be purchasing this once I get home from work, and will post my impressions. So stay tuned for that.

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Splinter Cell: Conviction Delayed Yet Again

Well this one gets delayed once again. Ubisoft announced a while ago that they were going to shift gears on this game. Apprantly, it is going to take them longer than expected.

Ubisoft has delayed Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction until its fiscal 2009-10 year. The announcement was made in a financial statement released today. Previously scheduled for a 2008 fourth quarter release, Splinter Cell Conviction was delayed to bolster the publisher's future release list. In addition, the delay also allows more time to work on the game, the latest in the stealth action series.

Ubisoft's fiscal year ends on March 31; hopefully we won't have to wait until 2010 to get our hands on the next iteration of the stealth action franchise.

[Thanks, IGN]

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XBLN Humor Corner: Fake Guitar Hero World Tour Leaked Setlist

This list is not confirmed so don't get to excited just yet. Here it is:

Eagle Rock High School Tour:

• "Dope Nose" by Weezer
• "The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World
• Encore: "Today" by Smashing Pumpkins

Big City Kids Tour:

• "Roland" by Interpol
• "Santeria" By Sublime
• Encore: "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers

Feelin' Nostalgic Tour:

• "Take It on the Run" by REO Speedwagon
• "Hold the Line" by Toto
• Encore: "Rebel Yell" by Billy Idol

Vixens Tour:

• "Heartbreaker" by Pat Benatar
• "All Around Me" by Flyleaf
• Encore:"Misery Business" by Paramore

Undertow Tour:

• "Stinkfist" by Tool
• "Lateralus" by Tool
• "Schism" by Tool

Synchronicity Tour:

• "Guitar Battle Vs. Sting" (Guitar Career Only)
• Encore: "Every Breath You Take" by The Police

Fight the System Tour:

• "The Kids Aren't Alright" by The Offspring
• The Good Left Undone" by Rise Agaisnt
• Encore: "Bleed it Out" by Linkin Park

QQ Tour:

• "Face Down" by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
• "The Kill" by 30 Seconds to Mars
• Encore: "Thank You for the Venom" by My Chemical Romance

Rockin the Carnival Tour:

• "Dammit" by Blink 182
• "When You Heat Stops Beating" by +44

Neva' Forget Tour:

• "Jumpin Jack Flash" by The Rolling Stones
• "Don't Fear the Reaper" by Blue Öyster Cult
• Encore: "Light My Fire" by The Doors

We Want the Funk Tour:

• "Take it Away" by Red Hot Chili Peppers
• "Renegades of Funk" by Rage Agaisnt the Machines
• Encore: "No Sleep till Brooklyn" by The Beastie Boys Feat. Kerry King

Rockin' the Joint Tour:

• "Are You Gonna Go My Way" by Lenny Kravitz
• "I Don't wanna Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith

On Top of the World Tour:

• "Man in the Box" by Alice in Chains
• "Kickstart My Heart" by Mötley Crüe
• Encore: "Spin the Black Circle" by Pearl Jam

G. Stinger Tour:

• "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana
• "Car Chase City" by Tenacious D
• Encore: "Everlong" by Foo Fighters

Lands End Tour:

• "Animal" by Def Leppard
• "Runaway" by Bon Jovi
• Encore: "Paradise City" by Guns N' Roses

Doin' it Different Tour:

• "Song for the Dead" by Queens of the Stone Age
• "Vasoline" by Stone Temple Pilots
• Encore: "Assassin" by Muse

Hootin' and Hollerin' Tour:

• "The Boys Are Back in Town" By Thin Lizzy
• "Life in the Fastlane" by The Eagles
• Encore:"Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd

All Pissed Off Tour:

• "Here to Stay" by KoRn
• "Dragula" by Rob Zombie
• Encore: "Bat Country" by Avenged Sevenfold

Here Me Roar Tour:

• "10,000 Fists" by Disturbed
• "Duality" by Slipknot
• Encore: "Toxicity" by System of a Down

S.D.M.F. Tour:

• "Guitar Battle Vs. Zakk Wylde" (Guitar Career Only)
• Encore: "Demise of Sanity" by Black Label Society

Fathers of Metal Tour:

• "Don't Talk to Strangers" by Dio
• "Heaven and Hell" by Black Sabbath
• Encore: "Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osbourne

Making Progress Tour:

• "The Spirit of Radio" by Rush
• "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd
• Encore: "Pull Me Under" by Dream Theatre

Eruption Tour:

• "Beat it" by Micheal Jackson Feat. Eddie Van Halen
• "Hot for Teacher" by Van Halen

Tooth Fang & Claw Tour:

• "Guitar Battle Vs. Ted Nugent" (Guitar Career Only)
• Encore: "Stranglehold" by Ted Nugent

Decades of Metal Tour

• "Warriors of Time" by Black Tide
• "Leather Rebel" by Judas Priest
• Encore: "Hallowed be Thy Name" by Iron Maiden

Livin' in a Nightmare Tour:

• "Angel of Death" by Slayer
• "Tornado of Souls" by Megadeth
• Encore: "Master of Puppets" by Metallica

Legends of Rock Tour:

• "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry
• "The Wind Cries Mary" by Jimi Hendrix
• Encore: "Purple Haze (Live)" by Jimi Hendrix

Bonus Tour:

• "45″ by Shinedown
• "96 Quite Bitter Beings" by CKY
• "Bombshell" by Powerman 5000
• "Clavado en un Bar" by Maná
• "Enjoy the Silence" by Lacuna Coil
• "Feuer Frei" by Rammstein
• "Fury of the Storm" by Dragonforce
• "Never Too Late" by The Answer
• "Nottingham Lace" by Buckethead
• "One Armed Scissor" by At The Drive-In
• "Satch Boogie" by Joe Satriani
• "Schrei" by Tokio Hotel
• "Soul Doubt" by NOFX

• "We're An American Band" by Grand Funk Railroad
• "Guitar Battle Vs. Sting" by Sting
• "Guitar Battle Vs. Ted Nugent" By Ted Nugent
• "Guitar Battle Vs. Zakk Wylde" by Zakk Wylde

Sample Songs:

• "Untitled Drum Sample" created by Chad Smith
• "Untitled Drum Sample" created by Dave Grohl
• "Untitled Drum Sample" created by Travis Barker
• "Cliffs of Dover" created by Neversoft
• "Misirlou" created by Neversoft
• "Walk This Way" created by Neversoft
• "YYZ" created by Neversoft

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Facebreaker Demo Coming July 31st

The demo for Facebreaker is expected to hit Xbox Live Marketplace on Thursday July 31st.

Demo Details:

One round of action (90 seconds) will be featured in the demo, with three playable characters and two arenas to choose from. The best part though is that they’ve included the ability to upload a face. While you’ll be limited to placing a face on one of the included characters, with the full game that will expand to allow full character creation.

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Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 Release Date Announced

Featuring all the signature eye-popping visuals, lightning-quick action and mesmerizing music that fans have come to know and love, gamers can now test their skills and prove their prowess in up to six different gameplay modes. Providing a complete package, Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 offers an all-new adrenaline rush to gamers of all shapes and sizes with the opportunity to compete either head-to-head, or blast enemies cooperatively with up to four players in multiplayer pandemonium.

Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 is now scheduled for release on July 30 for 800 Microsoft Points.

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NBA Live 09 365 Trailer

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Xbox 360 MIA's at E3 2008

Mass Effect 2
The original Mass Effect wowed RPG fans in 2007 with its boggling depth of character and interactive story telling. Game conclusions don't get much better than saving the entire universe. Yes, the combat had a couple of problems but fixing them is just one of the many things we could look forward to in the upcoming sequel. Why couldn't those secretive buggers at Bioware have at least teased us with a Mass Effect 2 trailer?

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Bungie's New Project
In many ways Bungie's new game was the most disappointing absentee from E3 2008. Bungie itself shares our disappointment because as it says on its website it was all set to reveal its new game during E3 but was prevented from doing so by the game's publisher. Although we still don't know what Bungie's new game is we expect it will be something entirely new and not related to Halo.

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Skate 2
The first game was one of the biggest standouts of 2007 so we're dying to see what's next for the franchise. We desperately hope EA doesn't mess with the winning formula too much though. What we know of the sequel is that it's set five years after the original and police have cracked down on skating, putting caps on rails and generally making life miserable for skaters. What we loved about the original was the way it ditched all the gimmicky crap Tony Hawk had become obsessed with and instead focused on simple to get into but hard to master controls that nailed the skating feel. Don't mess it up for the sequel, EA.

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Just Cause 2
We really wanted to see Just Cause 2 at E3. Yes the original had a lot of problems but it also had more potential than any other GTA-clone we've seen. The ability to use a grappling hook to snag passing vehicles (including choppers), then kick the drivers out or jump on the roof of vehicles and pull the ripcord on your chute to fling you into the air was a refreshingly dynamic and exciting take on the genre. With its vastly improved combat, AI and weapon customisation we're tipping Just Cause 2 to be a sleeper hit.

Indiana Jones
What the hell has happened to Indiana Jones? Its E3 2006 demo (based around the same terrific destructible tech as Star Wars: The Force Unleashed) looked amazing and that was two years ago. The fact that LucasArts has let both the Indiana Jones movie release and E3 2008 pass without showing off any new glimpses of the game makes us strongly suspect the game has been cancelled.

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Bioshock 2
We needed our Big Daddy at E3. Bioshock 2 would have been a contender for game of the show if it had made an appearance this E3. We desperately want to dive back into the demented world of Rapture. New weapons, new plasmids, bigger Daddies. We can't wait.

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Alan Wake
Old Al's gone into some serious hibernation over the last couple of years. It hasn't been seen for nearly two years, so this E3 would have been the perfect time to bring it back with a bang. Remedy had already invested so much work into it when we last saw it so we really doubt it's been cancelled. We're tipping a fresh reveal soon (Leipzig looks likely).

Runners up:

Peter Jackson's Halo Project
It's been two years since he announced it, and he's hardly been busy with any movies either. So where's the game?

Duke Nukem Forever
Arguably the longest running game in development ever reminded us it was still coming with a new trailer six months ago.

Destroy All Humans!: Path of the Furon
Crypto may have been at THQ's recent gamers day but he was disappointingly absent from E3.

Aliens: Colonial Marines
A first-person shooter based around one of the best sci-fi flicks ever? Where do we sign up?

Need For Speed Undercover
EA's yearly racing sim was conspicuously absent from its E3 range. We'd bet our pink slips it'll make an appearance real soon.

L.A. Noire
Four years in development and we've still only got a skimpy trailer to look at. Surely it's time to unveil this one, Rockstar.

Splinter Cell: Conviction
Sam's been skulking in the shadows for too long. Show us an update already.

2 Days to Vegas
To be honest it's very likely this game will never be released but we hope we're wrong.

[Thanks, IGN]

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Games for Windows - Live Goes Free

Microsoft announced today that Games for Windows – Live, the online multiplayer gaming service for Windows that connects Windows gamers to the Xbox LIVE community, is now completely free. Below is the new description for the service:

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Free multiplayer is just the beginning.

Introducing Games for Windows – LIVE, the free gaming service built for Windows that makes great Windows games even better. With Games for Windows – LIVE, you get an online identity – called a gamertag – and a friends list that works across multiple games, the XBOX 360, and even the Zune music service. You can easily find and communicate with your friends online with text and voice chat. Earn achievements and Gamerscore that lets you track and compare your accomplishments.

Play multiplayer games with your friends, or play against new opponents online using our exclusive TrueSkill™ matchmaking system – with other Windows® players or with or against XBOX 360 players (in supported games.)

All of this is possible today – and at no charge.

[Thanks, TeamXbox]

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America's Game: Viewer Submission

This comes from one of our viewers Yankeesgod/Flynn4dawin.

"This play happen in a online rank match against one of my freinds. I was Illinois and He was Florida State . I bomb it out into the endzone and took user control of Benn( the wr) and went up for the catch at the right time I guess. As I was fading away he bobbled it but he managed to regain possession just as he got his feet down."

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

We look forward to more user submissions. Keep those camera's rollin'.

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America's Game: Deus Legend Vs xHusker1Nationx

In a close battle all the way up to the fourth quarter. The score was tied at 28 all. Deus Legend was able to pick the ball off at the final seconds of the game. In the process, Deus Legend unlocked the "Ice In Your Veins" Achievement. Check out the one of the greatest plays ever. With a greatness of 4109.

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

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NCAA Football 09 Online Dynasty Bug?

Xbox Live Gamer and XBLNCS Contender xHUSKER1NATIONx has brought it to my attention that there is a bug with the NCAA Football 09 Online Dynasty Mode. Here is what he says:

"Anyone who created a online dynasty in NCAA 09, there is a bug if you end the dynasty before people leave it, they cannot remove it from their list of dynasties and are unable to join others. So if you running one, let everyone leave before ending it."

Hopefully EA Fixes this soon. Some people might already be affected by this.

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