Getting an Elite (why I hate dislike Wal Mart box stores that start with "W")
5:45 PM, April 30, 2007
Friday through Saturday I called, and visited, 30+ Wal Mart stores box stores, that start with "W", in the North Texas area and asked about the availability of Xbox 360 Elites. I figured if I found one Saturday night (early morning Sunday) I could sleep-in the next day (I need sleep).
I received several responses to my questioning:
• "We won't get any until May"
• "We've never heard of that"
• "We are not getting them at this store"
• "I don't know what that is"
• "My manager says we can't sell them until further notice"
Finally, one store admitted they got the Elite systems in and would be selling them at midnight. I asked how many the store received and was told: "plenty... if you get here around midnight you should be fine."
Well, I got to the store at 11:00 PM. There was a man standing in the game isle, next to the Xbox 360 display, he said he had been at the store since 3:00 PM (!!!!????). He also informed me that there was a list of customers waiting for the Elite and there were only 4 units for sale (!!!!????!!!!????). The list was full. Most units were going to one family... grrr! I guess they needed one for each room.
I complained a little, then took off for another store 20 miles away. On the way there I called ahead and convinced a clerk to hold an Elite for me until I arrived. This was one of the stores that I visited earlier in the day and that said they would NOT be getting the Elite systems. I also called a few other stores in the area to be told that they had already sold out or had people in line waiting for reserved (via "the list", again) systems.
I finally reached the next store and dashed through the parking lot and into the electronics department. There were three people waiting for one system... and I got mine... right as the shift change happened. I had to wait nearly half an hour for the clerks to close out their registers before I could actually buy my Elite.
I left the store about 1:30 am.
I got my Elite, so I have no reason to complain about that. But what really irritates me is the fact that almost no one knew anything about this launch. I shouldn't be surprised, but c'mon retail-people, learn your stuff!
Sunday afternoon I headed out to a few other stores to see if anyone had any Elites left. Target had one (out of 20 I was told they were receiving) and Best Buy seemed to have none. The employee at Best Buy bragged that they received 95 units and had sold 20. Where were the other 75? Why was there not a huge pile of Elites on the sales floor?
How awful that a system-launch seems so flawed, not by the manufacturer (PS3 and Wii), but by the retail chains.
I'm sure Microsoft wouldn't be so happy if they knew how their distribution chains were acting. Maybe they already know.
Oh yeah, my system works and it rocks... but having to wait for the free data transfer kit is a HUGE pain. I want to transfer my stuff NOW!
Well, Doug? How's the Elite?
2:39 PM, April 30, 2007
Intrepid Punchbutton blogger Doug Boehner supposedly camped out for an Xbox 360 Elite this weekend, and we're all eagerly awaiting the verdict.
Or maybe Doug is this guy (the audio is painful)...
The new E3
2:35 PM, April 30, 2007
I got my formal invitation last week to the new and improved (i.e. smaller) E3 being held this year in July in Santa Monica. In my column that ran in the paper this past weekend, I look at whether the smaller, less expensive show will ultimately hurt the games industry.
Texas Gamer Review - MOH: Vanguard and GRAW 2
2:22 PM, April 30, 2007
A couple of shooters for this week's review. The disappointing MOH: Vanguard and the outstanding GRAW 2. ENJOY!
April 27, 2007
NOW you're planning to boost production?
3:34 PM, April 27, 2007
According to the AP, Nintendo is just now deciding to boost production of Wii's... say it all together: it's about time!
Xbox 360 Elite vs. classic model
3:29 PM, April 27, 2007
Engadget put the HDMI equiped Xbox 360 Elite up against the class Xbox 360 for a comparison test...
MotorStorm patch available soon
2:44 PM, April 27, 2007
MotorStorm patch coming soon (next two weeks).
The patch fixes numerous headaches with the game... hopefully the out-of snyc audio. Read about it HERE.
April 25, 2007
New 'Nights' pics!
11:17 AM, April 25, 2007
The painful wait until 'Nights' is finally released for the Wii can only be soothed by countless screen shots and video clips leading up to the launch.
Here's the first batch of pics from CVG: check 'em here.
'Halo 3' gameplay footage on unannounced map (?)
11:11 AM, April 25, 2007
Aintitcoolnews.com posted a link to this clip of a supposedly unannounced map from the upcoming gorilla 'Halo 3'.
Not sure what the story is on this, but you can check it out.
80gig PS3. Already?
11:00 AM, April 25, 2007
Kotaku has evidence that 80gig PS3's have already hit the wild:
Should be easy to spot. They will be piled high next to the giant piles 60gig PS3's.
April 23, 2007
TXG, DMN, pb! Video Podcast!
6:02 PM, April 23, 2007
Now that some time has passed, what do we think about the current next-gen systems?
April 20, 2007
Xbox 360 BC updated
3:15 PM, April 20, 2007
Xbox 360 backwards-compatibility update has been released and a few decent games made it to the less-than-enthusiastic bc project.
Of note, 'Jet Set Radio Future', a few 'Call of Duty' titles, 'Panzer Dragoon ORTA' and 'Mercenaries'.
Kinda cool.
Disecting the Xbox 360 Elite
12:20 PM, April 20, 2007
llamma.com has broken open their Xbox 360 Elite.
Interesting to see the design changes (there is evidence that the core processor is SLIGHTLY different): peep the guts here
April 19, 2007
360 Elite, early?
12:26 PM, April 19, 2007
Engadet has evidence detailing that some place may be selling the Xbox 360 Elite a little earlier than they're supposed to.
It seem that a Target store was one of the gun-jumpers; and of couse that system has already made its way to the "bay"... read the story here
April 18, 2007
Texas Gamer Review - Cooking Mama: Cook Off
2:11 PM, April 18, 2007
If you can tolerate the inconsistent controls, you might find some enjoyment in this quirky title, just not for very long.
Neo Geo on Wii VC!
10:40 AM, April 18, 2007
Fig. 354: Please release these
Many many years ago (early 90's), I can recall purchasing a game system for $700. And worse than that, the game cartridges were $200 to $300, each!
Really.
It was the infamous Neo Geo Arcade System; and I think I bought about five carts total before throwing in the towel (I still have the thing, somewhere).
IGN.com posted their conversation with SNK detailing the release of Neo Geo games on the Wii Virtual Console (hoo-ray!). Games will be slightly over the current NES price of $8.
$10 vs. $280? Hmmmmmm.
SNK also plans to release an "assortment" from their 120 title Neo Geo catalog.
Please, SNK, let that include 'Samurai Showdown (1 & 2)' and 'Viewpoint' (the game I could never find).
April 17, 2007
I only camp in the woods
5:26 PM, April 17, 2007
No way am I buying the Elite. While it would be nice if Microsoft sent me a review unit to test, there's simply no way I'm going to spend $480 for HDMI and a bigger drive when I've already got a premium 360.
It does sound like GameStop is going to offer a surprisingly decent trade-in deal for standard 360s, though.
New 'Halo 2' maps for sale! Yummy yummy maps for sale!
3:16 PM, April 17, 2007
Two new 'Halo 2' maps are available on your Xbox 360 and regular 'ole Xbox. They're 4 bucks apiece and require credit card payment (no Live points).
Bungie says "both are remakes of Halo classics, Hang ‘Em High and Derelict, now renamed Tombstone and Desolation, respectively. "
Also, Bungie is warning Xbox Live users to not get too depressed when they see gamertags reporting that players are in the midst of 'Halo 3' competitions. Bungie says these creeps are internal Microsoft beta testers.
GRRR, Bungie, I'm already upset.
Who's camping out with me?
11:19 AM, April 17, 2007
I'm the only person I know willing to buy the Xbox 360 Elite on the 29th.
I'm getting there early.
Anyone else?
April 16, 2007
'Guitar Hero II' patch fixes whammy bar and more!
12:13 PM, April 16, 2007
The patch for the Xbox 360 version of 'Guitar Hero II' was released over the weekend.
It worked flawlessly for me. For others... it bricked their 360's (or did it?).
Here's more info... CLICK
April 13, 2007
'God of War 2' HD mode revealed...
10:38 AM, April 13, 2007
Not sure why this was a hidden feature to begin with, but the maddening promo site for 'God of War 2' (islandofrhodes.org) has revealed the HD mode (480p) setting for the game.
How do YOU find the settings? CVG has the answers: HERE
April 11, 2007
Fanning the flames. Which is better, 360 or PS3?
12:34 PM, April 11, 2007
Here's an interesting graphic comparison between the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of 'Splinter Cell: Double Agent.'
HMMM, which looks better: the answer here
And then sadness... 'Guitar Hero' might not whammy
10:38 AM, April 11, 2007
Red Octane posted this to address the problem.
Luckily mine is still rockin'! Is yours?
Awesome new downloads on Xbox Live
10:20 AM, April 11, 2007
Also, the long awaited follow-up (but not sequel) to 'Geometry Wars' from Bizarre Creations, 'Boom Boom Rocket," finally makes it to the Xbox Live Marketplace. It kind of reminds me of that fireworks game that launched with the PS2 in Japan (oh yeah, 'FantaVision') combined with Dance Dance Revolution... but don't confuse it with th eold Sega game 'Chu Chu Rocket,' or that 'Rocketboom' blog. Here's all the info you need
April 10, 2007
In the paper...
2:51 PM, April 10, 2007
SOURCE: NPD Group, via Nintendo
Here's my game column from this weekend's DMN, looking at hardware sales data at the launches of the last several consoles. Basically, good start for the Wii, slow start for the PS3, but those early results don't guarantee anything. After all, the GameCube was quicker out of the gate than the PS2, while the Xbox trounced both of those systems in the early going.
And here's my review of Super Paper Mario for the Wii that ran in the paper today. I liked it, but it didn't knock my socks off. I think the sooner Nintendo stops bringing these GameCube leftovers to the Wii, the better.
Halo 3 Mulitplayer Beta available in May
9:07 AM, April 10, 2007
Just got this release form our friends at Microsoft....
Halo 3” Multiplayer Beta Hits Xbox LIVE Worldwide on May 16
Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios offer gamers exclusive first experience of one of 2007’s most anticipated entertainment releases.
REDMOND, Wash. — April 10, 2007 — Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios today confirmed the multiplayer beta of “Halo® 3” will debut to audiences worldwide via Xbox LIVE® on May 16 at 5 a.m. PDT and run through June 6 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Coming exclusively to the Xbox 360™ console this fall, “Halo 3” is the highly anticipated third chapter in the groundbreaking “Halo” trilogy from legendary developers Bungie. “Halo 3” lets gamers experience Master Chief’s greatest battle as he launches an epic mission to stop the Covenant, destroy the impending Flood threat and ultimately save mankind.
Made possible through Microsoft Corp.’s Xbox LIVE gaming and entertainment network, which provides a robust online service for more than 6 million gamers worldwide, the multiplayer beta for “Halo 3” will give anxious Xbox 360 gamers their first opportunity to get their hands on the new levels, weapons, vehicles and game types, as well as a chance to provide valuable data that Bungie will use in continued development. Starting May 16, gamers who secured their admission to the multiplayer beta either through the “Rule of Three” promotion or by purchasing a specially marked copy of “Crackdown™” for Xbox 360 will be able to don their Spartan armor, download the beta on Xbox LIVE, and jump online using their Xbox LIVE Gold account* to battle other gamers from around the world.
When gamers gather online to play the multiplayer beta via Xbox LIVE in May, they will be treated to three richly detailed, action-oriented maps: Snowbound, High Ground and Valhalla, which represent a mixture of large- and medium-scale combat environments and are brand-new to “Halo 3.” Each map will test gamers’ mettle as they are placed behind the controls of new “Halo 3” vehicles such as the agile Mongoose all-terrain vehicle, and armed with deadly weapons such as the new and improved Assault Rifle, the ferocious Brute Spiker, the devastating Spartan Laser and the treacherous new Spike Grenades. This is just a taste of what gamers will experience later this fall when “Halo 3” goes on sale.
“‘Halo: Combat Evolved’ and ‘Halo 2’ changed the face of console gaming forever,” said Shane Kim, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios. “Gamers from around the world have logged more than 800 million hours on Xbox LIVE playing ‘Halo 2,’ and years after its launch it remains the No. 1 title on our Xbox LIVE network. Bringing an early look at the multiplayer elements of ‘Halo 3’ to our passionate fan base is tremendously exciting for us.”
Gamers worldwide who did not participate in the “Rule of Three” promotion but are interested in joining the multiplayer beta of “Halo 3” can still participate through the purchase of the critically acclaimed Xbox 360 title “Crackdown,” which was launched in February. “Crackdown” sets players loose in a free-form, persistent city for action-packed crime fighting that requires a bigger, faster and stronger hero that evolves as a more efficient weapon through continued gameplay. Each copy of “Crackdown” has been specially marked with a “Halo 3” beta sticker prior to the beta period, and starting May 16 the game will act as a key for gamers to download and participate in the “Halo 3” multiplayer beta.
In addition, gamers who can’t wait for the multiplayer beta this May can get an even earlier look at “Halo 3” with a new, behind-the-scenes video feature available at http://www.bungie.net and in high definition over Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Starting today, viewers can go behind the scenes at Bungie Studios to learn about the people, technology and process that are making “Halo 3” an unforgettable multiplayer experience, and to get a taste of what to expect from the upcoming “Halo 3” multiplayer beta. The latest multiplayer video documentary, titled “Is Quisnam Protero Damno!,” will offer a glimpse at how “Halo 3” multiplayer maps are being designed, built and architected, and how these amazing spaces are converted into fun places in which to play. Gamers can also catch the first-ever glimpse of brand-new “Halo 3” multiplayer levels in their early stages of evolution and construction.
April 9, 2007
Oh, it's a clip-on!
3:37 PM, April 9, 2007
The QWETRY keypad controller-thingy from Microsoft, for your Xbox 360, actually clips-on to your existing controller.
This is so cool, I thought it was a whole new controller.
Score again, Microsoft!
Xbox 360 Spring Update announced
11:55 AM, April 9, 2007
My favorite features:
• Now users can use Windows Live Messenger (I hate that name) on their 360.
• Achievements are listed instantly and more descriptively.
• Watch video as you download it.
• Better background downloads.
• Auto downloads for arcade trial games.
All the wonderful details here
Then later this Summer, the introduction of the QWERTY controller... it looks completely fake, but it's real and very cool.
The update hits May 7th, the QWERTY later in the Summer. Something to look forward to!
April 5, 2007
New 'Wipeout' for PSP
4:27 PM, April 5, 2007
I haven't actually seen the press release, but there are a few pics and news bits flying around... a new 'Wipeout' is headed to the PSP.
Yea!
April 4, 2007
'Burnout 5' shots
4:52 PM, April 4, 2007
Fig 1: I want this car!!
I had to see it officially before I believed it...
3:49 PM, April 4, 2007
It was too close to April Fool's for me to believe the circulating 'Nights' for Wii rumor.
I'm so happy it's officially on the Sega page: see, it's here
... and it's coming out this year!
Too much time on your hands?
2:34 PM, April 4, 2007
This person has created a 'Half Life 2' mod that's a startlingly accurate trip through the 'Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror' ride at Disney World in Florida.
It's cool. I combines two of my favorite things (games and rides). It's a complete waste of time.
Awesome.
My fingers are bleeding...
11:18 AM, April 4, 2007
I picked up 'Guitar Hero II' for the 360 yesterday. Finally!
I almost contemplated a pre-order for 'Rock Band,' but the thought of shelling out $340 for a game, two guitars, a drum kit and a mic hasn't begun to appeal to me.
Anyway, I played for a few hours and barely progressed through the game. But man, it rocks. What a blast to finally play this on the 360.
The tutorials are ridiculously simple (they ARE worth the achievement points), but if you're new to the game (kinda like me), it's worth the time to learn the 'Hammer-On' / 'Left-Off' techniques... just like a real guitar.
The song choices (so far) have been great. I forgot how much I liked the Toadies and I never really liked Pearl Jam, until now. This game is gonna cost me another hundred bucks on iTunes!
Chords and quick note progressions seem impossible at first, but become second nature as you practice a bit... I was becoming so relaxed with the game that I was watching the screen upside down in my giant living room bean-bag (that sounds weird... and completely ineffective when trying to tilt the guitar into a vertical position for STAR POWER).
Instead of really progressing through the game, I went back and played "Possum Kingdom" over and over again because I forget how much I like the song and how much fun it was to have it in the game. And because it's from a local group and Possum Kingdom lake is just a two hour drive from my house... anyway... the power of 'GHII" is that you don't feel like you have to keep progressing, you can just hang out and do what you want. It's that much fun.
The GHII graphics (what little you will notice) look great too. The characters are well animated, adequately cartoony and a lot of fun to watch. The creepy camera shake looks eerily real but helps the game establish a cool, in-the-club, feel. The whole presentation looks tremendous.
Load times are fairly fast and the menus, although strange to navigate through via a guitar, are creative and simple.
I could have easliy stayed awake all night and rocked my house, but man, my fingers hurt... really. And this morning, I noticed I've got a blood-blister. Use caution when proceeding with 'Guitar Hero II.'
April 3, 2007
Wow, Microsoft is so nice...
10:09 AM, April 3, 2007
Several dozen blogs alerted me to this...
Microsoft is replacing scratched or damaged Xbox 360 discs. Thank you, Microsoft!
April 2, 2007
PSP, $169, starting Tuesday
6:02 PM, April 2, 2007
According to Kotaku, the PSP drops to $169, starting tomorrow.
Cool news, I'm wondering why.
New hardware on the way?
Retailer pressure?
Apocalypse?
Space Invaders mystery solved!
4:32 PM, April 2, 2007
Invading Dallas
Last year, I posted a photo I took of a Space Invaders mosaic affixed to a column in a parking garage near my office.
I had no idea where it came from, but thought it was cool. Today, Kotaku posted a find of a similar mosaic in Amsterdam, and noted casually that "everyone is probably familiar" with this series of mosaics. Well, no. I'm as a big gamer nerd as there is, but I'd never heard of this.
Turns out, it's actually part of an effort by a French graffiti artist named Invader to plaster the vintage video game franchise across cityscapes around the world.
Good to know!
Are You ready to rock?
11:45 AM, April 2, 2007
This press release just came down the wire. I am already clearing out some room in my garage for the band to start rehearsing.
HARMONIX, MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION AND EA ANNOUNCE ROCK BAND - THE ULTIMATE INTERACTIVE MUSIC VIDEOGAME EXPERIENCE
Creators of Guitar Hero™ Franchise Partners with Major Record Labels and Music Publishers for Unprecedented Access to Artist Catalogs and Original Masters for New Game
CAMBRIDGE, MA – April 2, 2007 – Harmonix, developer of the blockbuster Guitar Hero™ franchise, MTV: Music Television, a division of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), and Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced Rock Band, an all-new platform for music fans and gamers to interact with music like never before. Rock Band will allow gamers to perform music from the world’s biggest rock artists with their friends as a virtual band using drum, bass/lead guitar and microphone peripherals, in addition to offering deep online connectivity. Built on unprecedented deals with the world’s biggest record labels and music publishers, the music featured in Rock Band will span all genres of rock and include many of the master recordings from the biggest songs and artists of all time. Rock Band is slated for release on PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® in holiday 2007.
The leading music publishers - EMI Music Publishing and Warner/Chappell Music - are allowing unrivaled access to their catalogs of incredible songs for use in Rock Band. The record labels - EMI Music, Hollywood Records, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group's Universal Music Enterprises and Warner Music Group's Rhino Entertainment - have agreed to supply master recordings by their artists for use in the game.
“Harmonix was founded to create new ways for everyone to experience the pleasure and satisfaction that comes from playing music. Our work on Guitar Hero was an instrumental step toward that goal,” stated Alex Rigopulos, co-founder and CEO of Harmonix. “But Rock Band is Harmonix’s most ambitious project to date, and it will take music gameplay to an entirely new level. MTV has given us the freedom and the resources to really swing for the fences and make the game we’ve always wanted to make.”
“Our vision for Rock Band is to completely change the way people interact with and enjoy the music they love,” said Jeff Yapp, EVP, MTV Program Enterprises. “By joining forces with EA and the music industry’s largest record labels and publishers, we are striving to create a groundbreaking new platform that allows people to connect with their favorite music and artists in ways they never have before.”
“Rock Band is a revolutionary new way for gamers and music fans to experience music,” said David DeMartini, vice president and general manager of EA Partners. “The team at EA Partners is thrilled to help MTV and Harmonix launch this incredible game on the global stage and get it into the hands of gamers worldwide.”
As previously announced, Electronic Arts will serve as the exclusive distribution and marketing partner for Rock Band, managing distribution for the game in US, Europe and Australia.
For more information on Rock Band and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockbandgame.com and www.harmonixmusic.com.
Weather effects from PGR4 (Xbox 360)
11:44 AM, April 2, 2007
Very cool, indeed.
- Getting an Elite (why I
hatedislikeWal Martbox stores that start with "W") - This kid is EVIL!
- Well, Doug? How's the Elite?
- The new E3
- Texas Gamer Review - MOH: Vanguard and GRAW 2
- NOW you're planning to boost production?
- Xbox 360 Elite vs. classic model
- MotorStorm patch available soon
- New 'Nights' pics!
- 'Halo 3' gameplay footage on unannounced map (?)
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