Microsoft has announced its first lineup of Platinum Hits for the Xbox 360 console. The Platinum Hits series are games that account for more than 16 million units in sales and will be available for $29.99.
The first wave of Platinum Hits (in US) include:
Kameo™: Elements of Power™ (Microsoft Game Studios)
Need for Speed™ Most Wanted (Electronic Arts)
Perfect Dark Zero™ (Microsoft Game Studios)
Project Gotham Racing® 3 (Microsoft Game Studios)
"The Platinum Hits program allows existing gamers and new gamers alike to have access to great games at a great price," said Mitch Koch, corporate vice president of Worldwide Retail Sales for the Interactive Entertainment Business. "Xbox 360 will have a ten million unit head start by the end of 2006, and there will be plenty of new console owners eager to jump in to the best-selling Xbox 360 games."
Look for the second wave of Platinum Hits on the Xbox 360 to be announced in Spring 2007.
The CEO and chairman of Activision, Robert Kotick, revealed that Guitar Hero II will be coming to multiple gaming platforms in 2007. Xbox 360 gamers eager to get the hit rhythm/action game with its unique guitar controller will be glad to hear it is coming. The original Guitar Hero is a Playstation 2 exclusive.
Guitar Hero II will see its first release on the Playstation 2 platform in November 7, 2006. Listen to some tracks coming to Guitar Hero II on the official web site here.
LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy has sold over one million units across eight different gaming platforms in its first week of release. The classic Star Wars IV, V, VI are presented in a light-hearted adventure, in LEGO form. Released alongside the original un-altered movie versions of the Original Star Wars Trilogy, the classic combination of LEGOs and Star Wars has been a way for parents to share the Star Wars experience they had as a kid with their children. With the easy, join anytime co-op play, two players can play through memorable Star Wars scenes.
"There’s definitely something for everyone in LEGO Star Wars II, and the sales and reviews so far are proving it,” said Jim Ward, president of LucasArts. “This is the type of fun, accessible game everyone in the family can enjoy. It appeals to so much more than just the traditional gaming audience.”
Even if you are going at it solo, it's a fun game that is easy to pick up and discover new things. There's plenty of LEGO pieces to collect and build classic Star Wars vehicles, even after you have finished the adventure. LEGO Star Wars II definitely has a high replay value. Its always fun to see the creative depiction of Star Wars characters and vehicles in LEGO form. Where else can you see a LEGO Luke running from a shiny, cute looking Rancor monster?
The musical selection process for Saints Row (Xbox 360) was given to Cornerstone, a “lifestyle marketing company.“ Out of many options for tracks in Saints Row, Cornerstone picked 210 music tracks of many genres, including hip-hop, classical, metal and more.
From a THQ press release: “Cornerstone licensed songs from bands including Jane's Addiction, Mudhoney, Fall Out Boy, Great White, Husker Du and lined up original tracks from Ghostface Killah, Rhymefest, Daz Dillenger, Ratt, Strong Arm Steady featuring Xzibit and David Banner.”
Cornerstone's music supervision department has also handled projects for brands such as Nike and Apple.
Microsoft has revealed that games and movies on the Xbox 360 will support 1080p (High Definition) Resolution. Pricing for the Xbox 360 HD DVD player has also been revealed, for the Japanese market.
From the press release: "Microsoft announced pricing and availability details for the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player in Japan. The accessory will launch on Nov. 17, 2006, priced at ¥19,800 (estimated retail price), and will come with an Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote. In addition, Microsoft announced that its fall software update, scheduled for release later this year, will allow all Xbox 360 consoles around the world to output game and movie content in 1080p resolution."
What are Akrids, Snow Pirates and NEVEC? Get geared up with all the info on the upcoming Xbox 360 game, "Lost Planet: Extreme Condition," from its newly updated web site. Tons of detailed game imagery, character bios, storyline info, media downloads and more (a pretty killer interface too!). Multiplayer details will also be revealed on the web site soon.
Capcom's on to something with its Xbox 360 games. With Dead Rising under its belt, Lost Planet is looking like another killer exclusive from Capcom on the Xbox 360.
The Nintendo Fusion Tour will feature the Wii as part of its tour lineup and will be playable by attendees. Games playable at the Nintendo Fusion Tour include: Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Wii Sports, Excite Truck, WarioWare: Smooth Moves and Activision's Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam.
The tour kicks off September 27, so if you are planning on attending you'll be among the first to get a chance at playtime with the Wii. Look for Nintendo DS games to be playable as well.
Okami debuts at gaming retailers today for the Playstation 2 console. Okami proves the Playstation 2's staying power with its unique, exclusive experience only available on the console.
Capcom's press release summarizes the unique qualities of Okami: "Featuring a visually stunning art style, Okami comes alive through beautiful scenic 3D levels that have the appearance and texture of paper scrolls brushed with watercolor-like calligraphy art. Throughout the vibrant and distinctive surroundings,players must also interact with a dynamic cast of characters, building their faith to uncover clues and hints. The blend of stylized graphics and unique gameplay will result in a rich and dynamic experience never seen before."
Nintendo has released the box art for its upcoming Zelda adventure on the Wii and GameCube, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Check it out below. A gameplay video trailer is below as well. EB Games and Game Stop are currently taking deposits for pre-orders of the Wii and GameCube versions. Reserves for the Wii version began last Friday (9/15/06). Read more on The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess here.
