Call of Duty 3 Valor Map Pack Available Now, New Screens

Activision has just released the Valor Map Pack (800 Microsoft Points) for Call of Duty 3. Available now for download on Xbox Live Marketplace, the Valor Map Pack contains five new multiplayer maps that will take players through a maze of French locales that serve up settings primed for intense close-quarters action, whether via online, split-screen or System Link play.

Some user who already downloaded the map pack are experimenting some issues and both Activision and Microsoft are aware of this problem and working to find a solution.

In the meantime, check out these screenshots from the five maps:

Xbox

Can the PS3 be saved?

It doesn't take a Phoenix Wright wannabe to observe popular PS3 disdain, its launch mishaps, and concern with early system surpluses. Some have gone as far to call the system a "total disaster" in need of a "do over." In light of its lackluster start, GigaGamez offers a few recommendations for improvement. In summary...

Joystiq

Gates: If you want to play online, get an Xbox

We have this thing that nobody has ever seen before. When you say to your friend, hey let's play online, you say then you have to buy an Xbox. That's what 10 million people say."

Joystiq

Half Life 2: Episode 2 to come in two flavors

Half-Life 2 fans will have some choice when it comes to which version to pick up once Episode 2 is released. I'm excited about Episode 2, I really am. Honestly though, if they could just release Portal tomorrow, I'd be willing to pay the same amount for it. I feel guilty saying that because I don't want Valve to get any ideas, but I'm more excited about Portal than I am any other part of the package. What will we be getting once the game is released?

The Black Box is only available on PC and includes Half-Life 2: Episode Two, Portal and Team Fortress 2. It retails for $39.99.

The Orange Box is available for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 and includes Half-Life 2, Half-Life 2: Episodes One and Two, Portal and Team Fortress. It retails for a modest $59.99.

Opposable Thumbs

Oblivion Shivering Isles Pics FAQ

Is it just for PC, or for Xbox 360 too?
Shivering Isles will be available for both Windows and Xbox 360. The Windows version will only be available in stores. The Xbox 360 version will be available for download via Xbox Live. A retail version is not possible for the 360 at this time. Both versions will be released simultaneously, worldwide.

Kotaku

New Lumines Live! Content Dropping On Xbox Live

According to Microsoft, three new packages of Lumines Live! content will be available next Wednesday, Jan. 24. One of the packages is available at no cost to Xbox Live gold members.

read more

Oblivion Developer Says PS3 Load Times Are Slower Than Xbox 360

The Sony PlayStation 3’s Blu-ray drive is causing some serious issues for Bethesda Softworks port of The Elder Scrolls IV : Oblivion as they try and bring it to Sony’s next-generation console.

read more

Gates Notes Competitor 'Failings'

In an interview with San Jose Mercury News, he talks about the company's decision not to announce a bigger hard drive for Xbox 360 at the same time as the IPTV announcements at CES last week. He also talks at the console wars and the respective strategies of Sony and Nintendo.

Next Generation