2OpGaming

This on the 2Opinionated podcast I am joined by Damon from Maddenplanet.com . Damon and I discuss the Xbox live arcade and the confirmation and subsequent blocking of the release of Goldeneye for the Xbox live arcade. Kane and Lynch selling a million copies off the strength of its advertising alone. I also discuss the Rock Band that DLC that seems to eclipsing what was released on the retail disc.

The main treat this week is a conversation about the divisional weekend in the NFL and the upcoming NFC and AFC championships games. We review the improbable week that was and look ahead to the upcoming week and what we think will be the is. Also, Damon discusses the development cycle of Madden football, pros and cons, what was missing from this year’s games, community issues with Madden, and what we can expect in the coming year regarding Madden development. Check it out.

Comments, suggestions, love of the show? Hatred of the show? Send WitchKing9 a voice mail at (206) 337 - 1282 or contact me directly via email at sgd@2opgaming.com

2Op Episode 10 Direct Download Link

Subscribe to the 2Opinionated RSS Feed

Subscribe to TheGamersGarage RSS Feed

 

 2Opinionated Ep 10 - Maddenplanet's Damon: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Xbox LIVE Arcade Ends Year with Arcade Hits and Fresh Lineup of Upcoming Titles

Top-Selling Arcade Titles Available Tomorrow at Discounted Prices with Launch of Xbox LIVE Arcade Hits

This week’s Xbox LIVE Arcade Wednesday is coming a day early with the Tuesday, Dec. 4 launch of the Arcade Hits program, offering some of the best-selling Xbox LIVE Arcade games at permanently reduced prices. Timed with the Xbox LIVE Fall Update, Arcade Hits can be found within the Xbox LIVE Arcade section of the new Game Store, making it easier than ever to build a library of great downloadable games. The first games to become Arcade Hits:

· “Bankshot Billiards 2” (PixelStorm). “Bankshot Billiards 2” improves on the original with nine game styles: classic 8-Ball, 9-Ball, Cutthroat, Euro 8-Ball, 14.1 Continuous, 3-Ball, Trick Shots, Time Trial and Golf. The game will be available for 800 Microsoft Points.

· “Lumines LIVE!” (Q Entertainment Inc.). “Lumines LIVE!” is a deep and entertaining game experience, enhanced with vibrant music and newly designed skins that players can custom-select in Skin Edit mode. The game will be available for 800 Microsoft Points.

· “Marble Blast Ultra” (Garage Games). In “Marble Blast Ultra,” players compete against each other by navigating marbles through moving platforms and dangerous hazards, while collecting rare gems and power-up enhancements, in an effort to complete each course in record time. The game is available for 400 Microsoft Points.

· “Small Arms” (Gastronaut Studios). Easy to pick up but hard to put down, “Small Arms” is a frantic multiplayer action game with the feel of an arcade shooter. The game is available at 400 Microsoft Points.

· “Zuma Deluxe” (Oberon Media). Gamers can explore more than 20 realms in Adventure mode and put their skills to the test in this fast-paced puzzle game. The game is available at 400 Microsoft Points.

With free trial downloads for every game and over 100 games to choose from, Xbox LIVE Arcade offers something for every member of the family. Last month, Xbox LIVE Arcade celebrated two major milestones: its 100th title release on Nov. 14 and its two-year anniversary on Xbox 360 on Nov. 22, highlighting the platform’s leadership position as the premier destination for digitally distributed, high-definition original and classic games. The fun continues through the New Year as Xbox LIVE Arcade prepares to release several new titles in the coming weeks:

· “Arkadian Warriors” (Sierra Online). Gamers can play as one of three heroic shape-shifting warriors embarking on a trek of epic proportions to release the Land of Arkadia from the evil Gorgon’s stony gaze. An original title on Xbox LIVE Arcade, “Arkadian Warriors” features treacherous dungeons where cooperative hack-and-slash role-playing action enhances a deep single-player storyline. The game includes a robust LIVE-enabled cooperative multiplayer mode for two players online or on the same console.

· “Brain Challenge” (Gameloft). An entertaining brain training program, “Brain Challenge” boosts brain activity and helps players develop stress-management skills thanks to a wide variety of games. A personal coach helps players develop their abilities in several areas of cognitive function, including logic, math, memory and visual thinking, in a fun and entertaining way.

· “GripShift®” (Sidhe Interactive). Through a mix of sky-high platforming and stunt driving, “GripShift” combines automotive and puzzle-solving skills across 120 challenge levels, 25 rubber-burning racetracks and 20 deadly Deathmatch arenas. Gamers can zoom to victory with four players over Xbox LIVE or race solo, all while enjoying a customizable music experience.

· “N+” (Slick Entertainment and Metanet Software Inc.). Gamers can play as an acrobatic ninja in this addictive action-puzzle platformer. “N+” features inadvertently homicidal robots, stylish graphics, a level editor and intense multiplayer awesomeness.

· “Omega Five” (Hudson Entertainment). “Omega Five” is a next-gen, high-definition shooter with awe-inspiring graphics. Gamers can fly through dangerous 3-D environments in this side-scroller and do battle with enemies that come at them from all sides, even the background. “Omega Five” comes to Xbox LIVE Arcade this winter.

· “Poker Smash” (Void Star Creations). Players will experience a whole new puzzle game with a poker twist as “Poker Smash” delivers stunning visuals and radical features such as super-slow motion and card-blasting bombs. Gamers should get ready for a fast-paced innovative game with amazing HD graphics and a custom soundtrack that will blow them away!

· “Rez HD” (Q Entertainment). The psychedelic, cult-classic shooter created by Tetsuya Mizuguchi, “Rez HD” makes its way onto Xbox LIVE Arcade early next year. A frenetic, wire-frame adventure backed by industrial beats, the story of “Rez HD” takes players deep into the world’s computer network, where they must hack the system, alter the visual output and take over the music, creating their own rhythms and eye candy as they dig deeper into the cyberworld.

· “Sensible World of Soccer” (Codemasters). The game that inspired a generation, “Sensible World of Soccer” lets players experience both the classic and modern HD version. With multiple play modes, they can play a quick game, start a career mode, manage a team or take part in their own Champions league.

More than 100 games are now available on Xbox LIVE Arcade, including dozens of original intellectual properties and classic titles updated for this generation. Specific game information about each title will be available on http://www.xbox.com in the coming weeks.

Sort of like platinum hits for arcade titles. Good move and couldn’t come soon enough.

Boost your brain power with “Word Puzzle,” a new spin on the classic word search game, and make Sir Isaac Newton proud as you embrace the laws of physics with “Switchball” on Xbox LIVE Arcade. Both games will be available this Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. PST).

The traditional pen and paper word search game is taken to a whole new level this week as InterServ brings “Word Puzzle” to Xbox LIVE Arcade. This brain-busting game features intricate 3D boards, exploding word bombs and a whole host of synapse melting challenges and special effects. With five unique game modes, LIVE support for up to four players and Xbox LIVE Vision Camera support, “Word Puzzle” will keep you playing with friends and family for hours. The game will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E.

· For more details on “Word Puzzle,” please visit http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/w/wordpuzzlexboxlivearcade/default.htm

In “Switchball,” players conquer breathtakingly beautiful labyrinthine mazes as they manipulate the unique physical properties of an ever-changeable ball to solve clever puzzles. Morph into the Metalball and ram objects out of your way, charge the Powerball to dash up ramps and jump over obstacles, switch to the Airball to float over physics based death traps or use the Marbleball for speedy rolling around action. Created by Sierra Online, “Switchball” empowers players to harness the laws of physics and triumphantly roll their way through five elegantly detailed 3D environments or they can join friends in 2 player co-op or 8 player competitive racing fun through Xbox LIVE. The game will be available worldwide (with the exception of Korea) for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E.

· For more details on “Switchball” please visit http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/s/switchballxboxlivearcade/default.htm

Cockpit, Austin, TX – November 1, 2007 – Gamecock Media Group announced today that Blazing Lizard’s Pirates vs. Ninjas™ Dodgeball will debut on Xbox LIVE™ Arcade on Xbox 360™ in early 2008. The title looks to answer the age-old question of which much-revered profession is better, by settling the score…with (dodge)balls.

“It is no secret that Pirates and Ninjas have beef,” stated Chris Stockman, Studio Director of Blazing Lizard. “But it turns out both have a great love for dodgeball and unique skills when it comes to playing the game. We are bringing together sworn enemies for what I can guarantee will be explosive dodgeball action.”

Pirates vs. Ninjas™ Dodgeball will have sea-faring thieves squaring off against stealthy martial artists in beautiful environments. The game will allow for up to eight players and offer five teams, including pirates and ninjas and three more that will announced soon. Each team has their own unique style and techniques and is hell-bent on destroying the opposition.

Look for Pirates vs. Ninjas™ Dodgeball to hit an Xbox near you in early 2008.

This throws a wrench into the Doritos beta eh? There’s already a dodgeball game coming

A very very spiffy looking arcade game. I don’t get excited about most XBLA titles, but this one looks really good. Check out the screens and Press release

Meet Ruby, Omega Five’s lithe heroine

Hudson Entertainment today unveiled details and new screen shots of Ruby, a well-rounded warrior who’s both nimble and deadly—if just a bit under-dressed. With a stockpile of awesome weapons and dangerous attacks, Ruby is a formidable foe.

Weapon Type A: Vulcan Laser Cannon –

Ruby’s initial weapon blasts enemies with rapid-fire laser beams. As the weapon is upgraded, the rate of fire increases, allowing her to unleash a non-stop barrage of laser fire.

Weapon Type B: Reflecting Laser Beam –

Ruby’s second weapon is a continuous laser beam that allows her to cut a swath of destruction through lesser enemies. Upgrades increase the power of the beam, splitting it in two, which also reflect off of certain surfaces. This lets Ruby attack enemies from around corners.

Weapon Type C: Lightning Gun –

Her final main weapon is a high-intensity lightning gun that roasts enemies. Upgrades increase the power, letting Ruby slice through enemies at will, as well as adding secondary lightning bolts that shoot out from the main beam at nearby enemies, doing incremental damage.

Alternate Attack –

Ruby has one alternate attack, which sends out a satellite that can instantly destroy lesser enemies or anchor onto stronger enemies. After the satellite latches onto an enemy, it deals damage and Ruby’s weapon auto-aims to that spot, giving her near-perfect accuracy until the enemy dies or the satellite detaches. Additionally, while the satellite is floating around Ruby, it can block enemy fire.

Temporal Dodge –

All characters can quickly teleport to another dimension for a brief time, allowing them to avoid enemy attacks, though at the expense of a small amount of life.

Ultimate Burst –

All characters can unleash an enormously destructive nuke-like attack, after having collected at least 100 p-chips (the pink triangles that appear after defeating enemies) to fill one p-jail (the golden triangles at the bottom left of the screen).