Forza 2 demo coming to XBLM in April - Xbox 360 Fanboy

"Over on the wii60 forums, Doc Steel posted a scan of May's issue of OXM featuring some intriguing Forza Motorsport 2 info. In the scan, you'll notice that on the top right it states there will be a demo coming to the XBLM in April. We're extremely confident in the validity of this news, but are also aware of the nasty Microsoft certification process which could push the demo into late April or early May. But it's good nearly good as gold, we'll probably be seeing a little Forza 2 fun on the XBLM in a few weeks ... vroom!"

Metal Gear Solid 4 Loses PS3-Exclusivity

For months now, rumors have been circulating that Metal Gear Solid 4 would find its way to the Xbox 360, due to the PS3's lackluster performance and dwindling third-party support. This is following revelations that other hotly-anticipated games and former PS3-exclusives, such as Assassin's Creed and Devil May Cry 4, will also show up on the 360.

However, after months of rumor-mongering by various gaming sites, and even a mention in the Dec 06 issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly (page 51), a source at Konami (who wishes to remain anonymous) sent us some juicy details:

"Yes, in fact, we are working on putting Metal Gear Solid 4 on the Xbox 360 and PC, which should both come out roughly 6 months after the PS3 release. However, we've been working with Microsoft so the 360 and PC versions will both take advantage of Xbox Live and Games for Windows Live, with such features as achievements and the ability for 360 and PC owners to play against each other in multiplayer.

I'd love to give you some more details, but this is already pushing it. We are making the big announcement July 11th at this year's E3, so you'll just have to wait until then. Sorry!"

A few months ago, IGN posted a huge lot of speculation detailing the possibilities of MGS4 on the 360, and why and how it may happen. Now that it has, it raises all sorts of questions. Is the PS3 that unprofitable for publishers that they need to make a 360 version to make a decent profit? How many more exclusives does the PS3 stand to lose, and what will Sony be doing about this?

We do find it interesting that it was noted to release "6 months after the PS3" version. Does this simply mean the 360 and PC versions are taking longer to develop, or is Konami bound by a temporary exclusivity agreement?

Start your speculation engines, folks.

Microsoft & Gamestop to Have "Special Trade-In" For 360 Elite?

Could Microsoft and Gamestop be working on a deal where current owners of Xbox 360 Premiums (and Core owners who later bought the hard drive) could trade in their consoles for the new Xbox 360 Elite? Two accounts involving Gamestop management hint towards "Yes."



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IGN: Guitar Hero II (Game & Guitar Controller Bundle) Review

Guitar Hero II on Xbox 360 is the best iteration of the hit music rhythm game yet, but it's also an important addition to the Xbox 360 library. On a console dominated by shooters and action titles, it is one of the few titles that everyone can and will enjoy. RedOctane and Harmonix put their best foot forward with this release The result is a port that adds enough content to make it worth a second look from the hardcore fans, especially with the downloadable songs, and a game that is put together so well that all newcomers should give it a try. It's a bit pricey at $90 and doesn't have the wireless guitar we all hoped for, but worth it.

9.5	Presentation Musical themes are expertly woven into the very fabric of the game. Great options for everyone from beginners to experts.
7.0	Graphics Better than the PS2 version, but nothing special. Flashing lights can cause dizziness.
9.5	Sound A few covers are a bit off, but the whole package is simply superb. Reworked audio makes it even better than the PS2 version.
9.0	Gameplay Simple, addictive, and universally fun.
9.5	Lasting Appeal With downloadable tracks and a boatload of songs, this game will keep on giving.
9.4 Outstanding	OVERALL (out of 10 / not an average)

2 Forza 2 images!

"Turn 10 released these 2 images of Forza Motorsport 2, showing the Top Secret S15 in action, and an Exige going head to head with a Porsche 914/6. Both are from the photo mode, and 100% realtime. This game keeps going up in down in my opinion, this time it's up. Let's hope it's not going down ever again!"

Xboxic » Gears of War - next update almost ready

"Nothing quite gets the chainsaws revving like news of forthcoming content. The patch and new maps released earlier this year were a more than welcome addition and the next update seems to now be just around the corner. Speaking on the official Gears of War forums, Mark Rein Vice President of Epic Games has given some details, including word of a brand new multiplayer gametype.
Gears of War

The statement made today on the Gears of War forums states:

The next title update for Gears of War is currently going through the certification process. We’ll have more detail about the update next week but I can tell you that in addition to fixing a whole bunch of glitches, and providing 720p for VGA users running at 1280×1024, it will contain a brand new multiplayer gametype called Annex.

Some folks who got to play it a few weeks ago said they think it is our best multiplayer gametype yet but I’ll leave it for you fans to decide what you think for yourself when it shows up soon on Xbox Live. More details next week.

What more could anybody ask? Well, a new weapon or two maybe but hey, we can’t complain! A whole bunch of fixes and a brand spankin’ new multiplayer mode. Even Raam himself would be happy with that! Details on the new gametype are few and far between, but the name itself is very revealing. Annex (verb; 1. take as if by conquest) points to a territory based gametype, perhaps we may be seeing some form of capture the flag in the very near future?

As is often the case when new content is announced, gamers instantly fear the depletion of their recently purchased MS Points. However, with the last set of content for Gears of War being made available for free, the fans were quick to respond to Mr Rein’s announcement and ask the question “will it be free?” to which he simply replied “Yes it will be free“.

Smackdown vs Raw 2008 screens are slammin!

THQ just released a few screenshots for their latest wrestling installment WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2008. Xboxygen posted all fifteen newly released screenshots and to be honest ... they are very pretty. The character models are highly detailed, accurately representing their real-life wrestlers without the facial scanning oddities. Seriously, these models are very good. We'll have to see if the environments are equally gorgeous and how gameplay works out, but these shots are promising. Anyone a huge wrestling fan and looking forward to a little WWE wrestling?