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Buy 2 used games and get 1 used game free with code: B2G1FREE Offer ends 8.21.2010.

Save $10 when you purchase any 2 in-stock games priced $34.99 or more with code: 2SAVE10 Offer ends 8.31.2010.

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Pre-Order Halo Reach and Get $20 off Your Next Order at GameStop.com. Offer ends 9.13.2010.

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Arcania: Gothic 4 for PS3 $59.99
Arcania: Gothic 4 for Xbox 360 $59.99
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But numbers earn bragging rights in the action-gaming culture dominated by young males (ever hear someone brag about their power brick?), and it has to be noted that hardware features dictate software features. In that regard, many may find the Xbox 360 and the PS3 rather similar under the hood, despite Sony’s much-ballyhooed “emotion engine” which is said to realistically render facial expressions for a much more engrossing gaming experience. However, each platform has its coterie of near-rabid followers who will swear that there are many major differences between the two. But the catalog of software for each console might appear similar, too. A similar number of titles are offered, with a similar range of action gameplay involved. Yet it’s safe to say that very few even of the most devoted fan of each platform, if any at all, would turn down a rival console should it be received as a gift! (They probably wouldn’t even turn down, say, an Xbox 360 network adapter.)

The real differences, in fact, involve the special features offered by each as well as the respective online experiences. Microsoft has created a noticeably richer online experience compared to Sony, whose online service is not bad at all. But a more extensive experience is offered by the Xbox 360, though the PS3 tries to make up for it with a built-in Blu-ray DVD player, WiFi web browsing, and Bluetooth wireless support. Then again, the Xbox 360 has NetFlix on-demand, possibly ameliorating the PS3’s Blu-ray Disc advantage. Still again, the PS3 is extensively moddable, while the Xbox 360 seems to discourage such hobbyist tinkering.

Finally, there’s the matter of pricing, with the PS3 costing more for its slightly greater number of features. PS3 and Xbox 360 accessories run about even, though. Of course, if you’re a hard-core gamer prices are typically not an issue, with decisions made often based on titles exclusive to each platform. Of course, the hard-core of the hard-core really don’t care about prices and would just purchase both systems!

Follow these links for more information: Xbox 360 Power Brick, Xbox 360 Network Adapter, Xbox 360 Accessories

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If players are enticed by these features and want to become an Xbox Live member, then there are two accounts to select from, divided into two distinct services, these are the – silver and gold accounts.

Firstly, the silver service is just the free version of the Xbox Live. Using this version, gamers can easily go online and download the video games. In addition to this, gamers are even given the capacity to use your very own voice to talk and meet with other Xbox Live gamers. However, this is all the Xbox Live silver provides customers with. If you’re searching for the best Xbox Live experience,the Xbox Live gold account is what you need to go for.

Lastly, the Xbox Live Gold option has additional functions that make it an awesome way to game onthe internet. Apart from the awesome Xbox Live functions, it will provide the users with a bunch of further add-ons. There’s augmented chat compatability, as well as interaction with many Microsoft products, including messenger and other chat and video programs. The most prominent function of the Xbox Live gold is the method in which your web avatar is displayed to the reast of the community. Each account is allowed to create a distinct ‘motto’ displaying to other gamers online, even linking them to Facebook. In addition, you’re also able to hold a record of your achievements. As you play more and more you gradually forge a rep, and if gamers warm to you they are able to rank you positively, making it much better to avoid interacting with gamers holding bad feedback.

Players can also build a full friends list that will list all your chosen buddies. It will also tell you when any of your friends go online. There’s also a recent player list which will record the last 50 friends that you have played with.

The Xbox Live is as good as the Xbox gaming will get. Not only does it provide you with some great gaming but it will also provide you with the opportunity to share your experiences with other users!

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The graphic are outstanding and give a real feel and look of a true simulated race track. It also has a feature not seen in many games, the ability to pick and choose every aspect of the car you race. From how the car looks to what you have under the hood, all the choices are up to you!

Another great experience with this game is the crashes. You are not only able to feel and see the impact, but you driver is also left stunned and disoriented for a few seconds. The game also adepts to the speed that you are driving so that the drivers head is vibrating and the objects that are passing all correspond to how fast you are racing.

And the way you drive is recorded and you are matched with races that are based on your skill level and driving abilities, which honestly makes for a better overall racing experience, since you will be matched with racers that are at your level. Racing has never been this competitive. Single player career mode is just as good as the multi-player mode, but for many the best racing comes from the online experience of racing others in the Xbox live forum.

The only way to describe this game would be: The closest racing experience you will have, without having to get behind the actual wheel of the car! It is honestly the best racing game that has been available on any platform, to date!

The latest racing game that has been receiving a lot of hype is Need For Speed Shift Xbox. It is a excellent game that has the realist feel of actually being on a race track. It is a game that the whole family can enjoy so get your copy today!

[Source]

©2010 Gaming and Collectibles News. All Rights Reserved.

You can stop holding your breath now. No… please

If you’ve been waiting with baited breath to get Bioshock 2, Heavy Rain, Max Payne 3, Red Dead Redemption or Mafia 2 into your grubby little paws, you should maybe find another hobby. All of these have been put back to 2010. Official reasons for this vary, but given that nobody has a lot of spare cash right now, it might just be that they’re hoping sales levels will have improved by then… [Source]

So if you’re feeling like a wet weekend, there’s just 6 days until you can get your hands on the new Rock Band Country Track Pack, containing 21 country hits. Sob along to tracks like “Cry Lonely” by Cross Canadian Ragweed, “Gone” by Montgomery Gentry and “Can’t Let Go” by Lucinda Williams. Full track list here.

One to make you smile: Xbox Live and PSN players have been competing to be the first to unlock the new Coral Sea map on Battlefield 1943. Needless to say, XBL won – by a margin of more than 20 million kills. Jury’s out on why this is, but it seems there were more XBL downloads – plus we all know the Xbox beats the PS3 for accuracy any day. [Source]

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Project Natal is Microsoft’s name for the new full body motion controller that’s pegged for a launch later this year. Despite Nintendo’s “we thought about it, but we think we have a better solution” attitude, reported in an interview with Shigeru Miyanoto on Wired, Microsoft is all set to do a major launch for the system.

In an interview with Kotaku Shane Kim, Microsoft’s head of long-term Xbox 360 strategy, said “”Conceptually, the launch of Natal will be… similar to how you would think of the launch of a new console. It’s got to have a great launch line-up” with “enough content experiences”.

1Up are saying that the launch won’t just be like a new console launch, but will actually include a new console, with a new name. If so, then Kim is keeping stum – it doesn’t match what he’s been saying, but time will tell.

Halo 3 fans might want to help out a confused player. He wants to know what killed him:

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But with all things that are software and hardware based, there are possibilities that things may not go as planned. In the case of the Xbox 360, this all became obvious after it was released and a raft of sites around the internet began reporting cases of hardware failure that ultimately meant an Xbox 360 repair was needed.

One of the main causes of the Xbox’s problems was overheating. Due to the non-stop game play that these consoles were experiencing they began to overheat which meant the Xbox required repair.

Poor air flow was another reason that some of these consoles were experiencing hardware failures. If you do experience a problem with your Xbox then the first step you will want to take is to check the following website: xbox 360 repair

If you are one of the lucky ones that still do have a warranty then that’s great, you can either choose to have a replacement console or an Xbox 360 Repair. Make sure however that if your Xbox is still under warranty you don’t open the console case at any cost, as this will in fact void your warranty and you will not be able to get a free repair.

Still if on the other hand you have had your ‘box for a while and it is no longer is under warranty you may want to try and fix the console yourself, or you can choose to send it to a Xbox 360 repair service center where they can fix it for you at a cost that is likely to be in excess of $100. In addition you will have to wait a few weeks before they can actually repair it and send it back to you.

As I mentioned previously you may want to try to repair your Xbox yourself. There are many sites on the internet that can take you step by step through the repair operation. Ie recommend that if you do buy one of these guides that you make sure they offer video instructions as well, as just the process of taking apart the Xbox 360 can be quite daunting itself – but when you are actually watching somebody do it you can follow along which makes the whole process easier.

There are currently several websites that offer ebook and detailed video instructions of Xbox disassembly, the Xbox repair and of course reassembly so you should exercise due diligence when selecting which product to purchase. The repair itself (when heat related) is quite simple and can often be done in less than an hour.

©2010 Gaming and Collectibles News. All Rights Reserved.

UK gamers will be interested to hear rumors that SkyPlayer is soon to be available on Xbox – which means they can watch TV stations previously only available via satellite, including sport and pay-per-view. It’s not definite, so costs aren’t known, but if the rumors are true, it may be bad news for Sky Satellite. Source

Microsoft is happily trumpeting total sales of Xbox 360 to date have reached 30 million (and 20 million XBL users), after a 28% jump in sales last year. Seems like the strategy of extending warranties for RROD paid off big time. Source

There’s a video review for Terminator Salvation here. He gives it a rating of 6.3:

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What’s most interesting about this is that apparently “Many of these technologies are plausible, or in development” – read the full story for more details, but I’m sure it’s a dream for many generals to have equipment like this.

Australia is to be offered a new Gears of War 2 bundlle, containing the console (in plain white, but they can always add a GOW 2 Red Skin to match the box), plus both Gears of War and Gears of War 2, but seemingly not the All Fronts Collection addon. Priced at AU$449, it’s due to hit the stores on June 4. Source

Capcom and Infinity Ward both released figures published today. Capcom’s Resident Evil 5 has hit 5 million sales (4.4 in the first month), and they say they only expect to sell another half million over the next year because “games with a hardcore, existing audience such as Resident Evil 5 sell well in their first few months” and then drop off. Source

Call of Duty 4‘s figures are much more impressive, reaching 13 million unique users, according to an interview on XBL. Source

On the subject of COD4, take a look at this vid and take note. I guess a few people will try and ape this technique, as it seems to work ok:

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Sign up here: http://www.Halo3-Tourney.com/credits

Be sure to buy your pass fast because they will sell out fast!

Buying a team pass will allow you to compete in our halo 3 sponsorship event in which we financially support the dreams of the winners of the tournament to compete at Major League Gaming. This is a once in a lifetime event to become a sponsored team and have a shot at becomming a professional gamer!

For more information:

http://www.halo3-tourney.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5674

Previous Sponsorship Event:

http://www.halo3-tourney.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5556

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If you understand the troubles that are commonly experienced by Xbox 360 players, you can see what is going wrong, and even more important, resolve how or whether the problem can be fixed. Many of the hardware troubles that may take place with the Xbox 360 include the famous red light error, and DVD drive issue. Commonly, there are 3 basic cases of light errors that that may happen to your Xbox 360.

If a green light is displayed, you can be sure Xbox is functioning properly. If the red light is on, then something is wrong with the Xbox 360.

1 red light error is an E74 error; if there is two red lights error it shows that the unit has overheated and if there are 3 red lights it indicates general hardware failure. Those problems that are experienced with the Xbox 360 are shown as red lights on the power button when you are starting your console. If one red light is displayed, you’ll usually see an error message on the screen. This one red light error indicates an E74 error, and that means that the unit’s scaler chip has burned out.

This scaler chip is the thing that gives the Xbox 360 its quality graphics. If you are experiencing this fault, you should send it to Microsoft to be fixed. They just announced that they will be covering this on an extended warranty, as the cause is the same as the rrod.

If you are dealing with 2 red lights on the power button, then this indicates that your unit has overheated. You can fix this problem by turning off the game console, and letting it cool off for a while. You need to try to avoid overheating in the future, as this could eventually lead to hardware problems or the all too common red ring of death, also famous as the 3 red lights error.

If your Xbox 360 overheats, you should clean it to remove the dust from the cover. Also, make sure to put console unit out in an open area with adequate ventilation.

If you suffer the 3 red lights error, your Xbox 360 has experienced a general hardware problem, and you will need to send it to Microsoft for fixing.

If you get 4 red lights on. That’s typically nothing to be concerned with, because it might only be that the cable isn’t properly connected. Check the connector and you will usually solve the problem.

The problem of DVD drive error, or if the Xbox 360 is unable to read the game discs is also caused by overheating. If you experience this problem, you will need to send the Xbox to Microsoft to be fixed.

Check out our Best Xbox 360 Games website for more information on Xbox console

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A review of the upcoming Assassin’s Creed 2 in Game Informer magazine and spilled online by Zapages on NeoGaf reveals the usual new weapons, new abilities including swimming, flying and disarming – and using the opponent’s lost weapon against him, new enemy types and 16 distinct mission types, none of which are easy dropping or pickpocketing missions. AC2 is meant to “address concerns people had with AC1″ the biggest of which was lack of variety. There’s no news as to when it comes out. Source

The Beatles come to Rock Band on September 9 to form The Beatles: Rock Band Limited Edition Premium Bundle, priced at a hefty $249.99 Рthough you can get the software only for $59.99. For your extra $190 you get a H̦fner Bass controller, Ludwig-branded Rock Band drums with classic pearl finish, a metal kick pedal and a vintage replica drumhead ; plus a microphone with stand and, additional special content. Source

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Just in case you haven’t seen it already, here’s the song that’s going the rounds, with Halo footage to go along with it. The song “Halo (All I Play-Oh)” is by Jude Kelley and Dan Amrich based on an original by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and the video is by Usethefork. Source

The Pitt, dlc for Fallout 3, gets a thumbs up from Adam Larck, who seems well impressed with the new weapon, the Auto-Axe.

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If you’ve ever hankered after a motion controller like the Wii, your dreams will come true “by the end of the year”. The picture shows the device, which is scheduled to be launched at the Games Developers 09. It’s coming with a mini games collection called Squeeballs. No details on price yet. [Source]

BitTorrent for the Xbox may have been a dream, but now it could be a reality – IF you have a PC and it’s networked with your ‘box. The torrent software, Vuze, actually runs on the PC, and the downloads can then be dragged to the Xbox using the sidebar. Source

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Joystiq are runnin a comp to win a Limited Edition Resident Evil 5 Xbox 360 bundle. The Xbox 360 bundle includes: the red console with 120 GB hard drive, a red wireless controller, the Resident Evil 5 game (standard edition), and download codes for Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix (XBLA) and the Resident Evil NXE Theme.

One entry per person. You must be a resident of the US or Canada.

You must get your entry in before 3:59 pm ET on Thursday, March 12.

Here’s the link for the competition again: Joystiq

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