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[Psychotext]

seriously just download every single demo on the service and go from there. that goes for indie games too. you can normally tell within 4-5 minutes if the game is worth playing or not.

Probably better to stick to the best rated games at this stage. 4 or 5 out of 5. Will pretty much cover you for all the good games and anything lower than three is usually rated that way for a reason.

 

[UraMallas]

People seem to always forget it so I'll recommend it many times to make up for it:

HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON

 

[.:Wesker:.]

Page 360 of 360

Wow.

 

[Flyguy]

People seem to always forget it so I'll recommend it many times to make up for it:

HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON

HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON

 

[nextgeneration]

HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON

Yes, great game, especially survival mode.

 

[JLateralus]

No one ever gives Triggerheart Exelica any love. It's not a great shooter by any means, but I'd say it's still worth picking up if you're a fan of the genre.

I'll second this. Plus, the game is on the easy side, which is good if you like shooters but aren't that great at them (like me).

 

[twinturbo2]

Put Penny Arcade 2 in my download queue. Got the previous one when that one was at 800, too.

So, how are you fine fellows doing? I'd really love to see more racing games on XBLA. Out Run was awesome, Joy Ride looks cool, but I really want some Rush 2049/Hydro Thunder/Daytona USA action, too. What about you guys?

 

[Annihilator]

HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON
HEAVY WEAPON

That's right! First game I was ranked #1 at a long time ago.

 

[JLateralus]

I'd really love to see more racing games on XBLA. Out Run was awesome, Joy Ride looks cool, but I really want some Rush 2049/Hydro Thunder/Daytona USA action, too. What about you guys?

Yeah, I'd really love Rush 2049 on here. Outrun was a good start on XBLA, but more arcade racers would be nice.

 

[dcard]

I second that. I've been waiting for MS to make it a deal of the week.

I've been pushing for a Deal of the Week promo for a while now, and it just won't happen. MS won't let us drop the price permanently either, so we're stuck. I really wish we could make it a $5 game, but apparently the only way is via Arcade Hits, and our sales numbers don't qualify us for that.

 

[POWERSPHERE]

Good lord there are a ton of games to check out. Pretty sure i'll quickly drop $100 on XBL games before I even know whats going on. :lol

Trials HD & Splosion Man should be at the top of your list, IMHO

 

[Kafel]

Should I buy Shadow Complex GAF ?

The demo gave me a mixed feeling about its ability to be more than another Metroid-like.

 

[user_nat]

Should I buy Shadow Complex GAF ?

The demo gave me a mixed feeling about its ability to be more than another Metroid-like.

It's pretty good.

Easily one of my favorite arcade games.

 

[RadarScope1]

Should I buy Shadow Complex GAF ?

The demo gave me a mixed feeling about its ability to be more than another Metroid-like.

You act like it's a twin stick shooter or tower defense game. How many Metroid-likes are out there, honestly? Even counting the handheld Castlevanias, there aren't many games in this vein.

 

[Shard]

Interview: Hudson On Military Madness: Nectaris

http://www.gamerbytes.com/2009/09/military_madness_interview.php

udson Entertainment are starting to ramp up their digital download processes - while previously working on a lot of WiiWare projects, they are now attempting the near impossible - cross-platform development for the Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and WiiWare, starting with Military Madness: Nectaris.

We speak with Peter Dassenko, Producer on the project on how this project came to be, and how a cross-platform title like this is developed, including team sizes and development time.

Military Madness: Nectaris will be available on Xbox Live Arcade on the 30th of September 2009, with the PlayStation Network and WiiWare versions to follow shortly after.
mmscreenshot002.jpg

Backbone previously worked with Hudson with Bomberman Live, how was Military Madness decided for the next project? Why bring it back now?

PD: Hudson has a large catalog of titles – with Military Madness standing out as a really great strategy title. It was one of the original turn based strategy games & all it needed was a little graphical update.

The original Military Madness came out back in 1989, a time when games were a much more difficult and tutorials were not the norm. What changes have been made to help accommodate those who play games today?

PD: We’ve put in a MASSIVE help section in the game. So – if you’ve never read a help section before in a game, maybe this is the one to read. There’s also a section that explains what each unit does, from movement to attack to defensive stats.

The game is set to debut on Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and WiiWare. Were there any difficulties getting the game to work on all platforms?

PD: It’s always challenging to take a game built for XBLA or PSN and adjust it for WiiWare. For the first two platforms – our developer could make simultaneous builds with few problems. They did a great job for WiiWare, and we ended up with a game that really doesn’t differ all too much from the XBLA & PSN versions.
mmscreenshot007.jpg

3 SKUs mean more people must be on board. How many people are working on this game, and how long has it been in development for?

PD: There were about 13 people at the developer & 3 of us here in the product development group at the Publisher. The development and QA have taken a total of about 10 months.

Does the WiiWare use Wii Remote pointer controls?

PD: No, this series is made for simple button controls and we didn’t want to tack on any unnecessary features. Besides, some Military Madness maps, especially the later ones, can take 45 minutes or more. I can’t imagine anyone wants to point their arm at their TV for that long.

How does the multiplayer work? Is online multiplayer included in all versions?

PD: Multiplayer is brand new to the title. Mostly because the internet didn’t exist as we knew it when this game first game out – that alone, it turns out, significantly hampered any online play. For XBLA & PSN there are ranked / scoreboard matches respectively that are 1 v 1. The unranked / un-scoreboard matches are any combination up to 4 people, this includes teams.

The Wii also gets online – but without all that ranked/unranked business.
mmscreenshot012.jpg

Are there any plans for expansions down the line – be it multiplayer or story based?

PD: Not at this time. The story doesn’t – and I don’t want to spoil it – really end on a cliffhanger we could build on. But – there’s always the Multiplayer possibility.

Anything else you would like to say to the longtime fans of Military Madness?

PD: It’s just like the original, only much prettier and with some killer multiplayer. You’re going to love it. If you don’t, let us know what you’d want to see in a sequel, if we end up making one.

Thank you for your time.

PD: Anytime. I’m usually at my desk, working so hard I rarely have time to surf the web or watch any videos, so this has been a real treat & a welcome change of pace.

 

[InfectedZero]

So some how I have 10,000 Microsoft Points. Guess I'm set for the next year or so lmfao. My bank never looked so negative.

 

[Keyser Soze]

Twisted Pixel (The Maw, Splosion Man) have said they are going to reveal a new game (new IP too) at PAX in a short video presentation at their booth on 4MP PT on Friday.

I am interested, loved their first two titles.

 

[JLateralus]

Twisted Pixel (The Maw, Splosion Man) have said they are going to reveal a new game (new IP too) at PAX in a short video presentation at their booth on 4MP PT on Friday.

I am interested, loved their first two titles.

Woot woot! I'm really excited about that too. I have loved their stuff so far. They seem pretty talented, so I'm excited that they're able to keep coming up with new IPs.

 

[Shard]

Castle Crashers is top rated and best selling XBLA game

http://www.el33tonline.com/past/2009/9/2/castle_crashers_is_top_rated/

The Behemoth has announced that Castle Crashers is the top rated and best selling Xbox Live Arcade title as of the 1st of September.

The developer thanked fans of the game for their support and promised to award them with free stuff as a “gesture of [their] appreciation” over the next few days.

 

[Barrett2]

Got my 360 today, bought Shadow Complex. Seems pretty cool so far. Probably gonna check out PacMan C.E. and Trials HD next. So many choices.....

Only complaint so far is the horrific 360 interface. Endless pages of stuff, I can barely find anything. :lol

 

[Shard]

New Ion Assault Preview

http://worthplaying.com/article/2009/9/2/previews/68029/

Geometry Wars was arguably Xbox Live Arcade's first real hit. Something about the game filled a niche that few modern games did, bringing an arcade-style experience to the Xbox 360 while maintaining its own unique and interesting gameplay. Since then, XBLA has found itself home to everything from puzzles games and rail shooters to full-length RPGs and action games, but many gamers still have a hankering for the fun pick-up-and-play arcade action that was present in Geometry Wars. Ion Assault is looking to fill that niche by giving us a game that, while clearly inspired by Geometry Wars, is quite unique on its own.

Ion Assault's basic controls are really not too different from your usual overhead-view space shooter. The left analog stick controls your ship's movement, while the right turns it and changes its direction. The big gimmick in Ion Assault is how your ship's weapon functions. Every stage in the game is covered by a thick cloud of ion particles that don't interfere with your ship in any way, but form a strange psychedelic backdrop for the stage. You can convert these ion particles into weapon energy by using your ship's mass reactor. Holding down the left trigger causes your ship to begin sucking in the nearby ion particles, and releasing it causes the ion particles to be converted into a blast of energy. The power of your weapon's blast is directly connected to how many particles you suck in before you fire. Drain the area of ion particles, and you'll launch a devastating burst, while a quick tap will only result in a light shot. You have to balance this out with the fact that ion particles are drained from the surrounding area by your mass reactor. If you launch a powerful attack, you'll find that it's a lot harder to power up your weapon in the same general area. You have to keep moving and stay near swarms of particles if you want your ship's weapons to be at their most effective.

Your primary goal in Ion Assault is to destroy the asteroids that are littering the stage. Asteroids are large and durable and can sustain multiple shots from weaker weapons, so you have to make sure to charge your weapon appropriately in order to crush them. However, winning the stage is not the same as winning the stage well. Each time you destroy an asteroid, it will drop a score orb, which you should collect to increase your score. Collecting multiple score orbs in a row will multiply the effect, so in order to get a high score, you'll have to destroy asteroids quickly and efficiently or else you'll find yourself finishing the stage with an abysmal score.

The other major way to increase your score is by destroying multiple asteroids with one high-powered shot. Eliminating multiple asteroids causes them to drop score orbs that are worth more than usual. Thus, the best way to earn a high score is to destroy multiple asteroids as quickly as possible. This may sound easy, but since the ion particles get drained from a specific area very quickly, you have to make each shot count. There are also enemies who float around the stage and try to hinder your progress. Some fly around and try to ram you, while others will launch blasts of their own and try to destroy your ship. Like the asteroids, you are rewarded for destroying these enemies with score orbs. They're also completely optional so you don't have to kill a single foe to finish most stages, although if you're looking for a good score, you really should be taking out anything that blocks your path.

For the most part, you've only got yourself and your ship to rely on, but there are some power-ups that you can find to make the game easier. These power-ups come in two forms: passive and active. Passive power-ups give a temporary boost to your ship's abilities. The Gravity Boost, for example, increases the power of your mass reactor so that it'll suck in more particles than usual, and it allows you to create powerful attacks much faster. A Power Shield makes it easier to collect score orbs and also gives you a temporary defense against enemy attacks. Finally, the Chrono Stasis ability slows down everything on the map, making it much easier to dodge enemies and blast asteroids. You can collect active abilities and activate them at will, and although they have limited uses, their effects can be utterly devastating. For example, in the realm of weapon upgrades, the Plasma Torus causes all the particles that your mass reactor collects to turn into a whirling blade of plasma energy that surrounds your ship so that you can do ridiculous damage to anything by simply flying close to it. The Vortex Grenades form a vortex of ion particles wherever they are shot, resulting in a deadly Plasma Storm. Ion Seekers are tiny drones that will launch forth and collect ion particles for you, while also firing their own blasts at enemy units. These active abilities are the key to getting a high score in Ion Assault, but you have to be careful to save them for exactly the right moment, or you'll have a hard time destroying clustered asteroids fast enough to get a high score.

Ion Assault allows players to take on the main campaign in a co-op style so that two players can work together to try to earn the highest possible score. It also offers a competitive multiplayer mode, which is quite different from the main game. Versus mode is built around the idea that each player has a base and a ship. Their ship is armed with a particle cannon, which fires powerful bursts of energy but can only do so in short bursts without overheating. Players have dogfights against one another, blasting each other as effectively as possible.

Winning isn't quite as simple as shooting your opponent, though. As you fight, your bases build up squadrons, which are groups of autonomous fighters. When you press either of the bumpers, these fighters will launch an attack on the nearest enemy base. This is the only way to harm an enemy's defenses, but these fighters are defenseless until they reach the base so your fighter has to protect them from enemy assaults while they're moving toward enemy territory. Players are awarded points for successfully safeguarding their squadrons until they reach the enemy base. It requires a very different sort of play style from the main game, and since it can be played both on- and offline, it should make a very interesting party game.
Ion Assault is an interesting take on the Geometry Wars formula. Most games of this type ask you to fire as often as possible, while Ion Assault is focused on making sure that every single shot counts. The end result is still very similar: It's a game about dodging enemies, earning high scores and watching pretty psychedelic fireworks go off with every blast of energy. The multiplayer mode adds an interesting variation on the gameplay and encourages players to put some tactical thought into combat, instead of just holding down the firing button and watching things explode. All in all, Ion Assault is shaping up to be an interesting addition to Xbox Live Arcade's action-arcade lineup, and it should do a lot to help satisfy gamers who are looking for more Geometry Wars-style gameplay.

 

[Keyser Soze]

Got my 360 today, bought Shadow Complex. Seems pretty cool so far. Probably gonna check out PacMan C.E. and Trials HD next. So many choices.....

Only complaint so far is the horrific 360 interface. Endless pages of stuff, I can barely find anything. :lol

You can buy on Xbox.com, and queue up the download to your 360 which makes things much easier if you are looking for something specific.

 

[Nelo Ice]

Got my 360 today, bought Shadow Complex. Seems pretty cool so far. Probably gonna check out PacMan C.E. and Trials HD next. So many choices.....

Only complaint so far is the horrific 360 interface. Endless pages of stuff, I can barely find anything. :lol

theres a web marketplace as well same as browsing on the 360 except u queue up dls
http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/default.htm

also trials hd will be worth it!

 

[Shard]

New Ion Assault videos:

http://media.xbox360.ign.com/media/019/019337/vids_1.html

 

[Sean]

Twisted Pixel (The Maw, Splosion Man) have said they are going to reveal a new game (new IP too) at PAX in a short video presentation at their booth on 4MP PT on Friday.

I am interested, loved their first two titles.

Twisted Pixel sure seem to be pumping out these games rather quickly (not that I'm complaining).

The Maw - January 21
Splosion Man announced - April 1
Splosion Man released - July 22
New IP announced - Sept 4?

Pretty impressive how fast they are getting these out when other developers seem to take like 2+ years.

 

[Barrett2]

Thanks for the tip about the web interface, this looks much easier to use. I haven't had a 360 since early 08, can't believe how badly they bungled the interface. My god... its bad enough there are endless tiles to scroll through, then they leave so much screen real estate blank. Ugh..

Anyways, is Castle Crashers only really worth it if I have people to play it with? Still worth buying at this point?

 

[Keyser Soze]

Anyways, is Castle Crashers only really worth it if I have people to play it with? Still worth buying at this point?

If you are unsure about Castle Crashers then I'd wait, as it am sure it will be a Deal of the Week before the end of the year.

 

[xbhaskarx]

If you are unsure about Castle Crashers then I'd wait, as it am sure it will be a Deal of the Week before the end of the year.

I doubt Castle Crashers will be a Deal of the Week anytime this year, based on how well it sells.

 

[MightyHedgehog]

Lawblob, use the Guide button to get to the old Blades interface to make things faster if you don't like the NXE front end. Much, much faster and you can do virtually everything and get to everything from it.

 

[enzo_gt]

Thanks for the tip about the web interface, this looks much easier to use. I haven't had a 360 since early 08, can't believe how badly they bungled the interface. My god... its bad enough there are endless tiles to scroll through, then they leave so much screen real estate blank. Ugh..

Anyways, is Castle Crashers only really worth it if I have people to play it with? Still worth buying at this point?

Went back to this game the other day and it is SO amazing. Holds up to this day, even in multiplayer. Totally worth $15 but if you decide to wait thats cool too.

 

[NightWarrior]

Great news.

 

[SapientWolf]

New Ion Assault videos:

http://media.xbox360.ign.com/media/019/019337/vids_1.html

Do want.

 

[RadarScope1]

I doubt Castle Crashers will be a Deal of the Week anytime this year, based on how well it sells.

Not for a looong time.

Went back to this game the other day and it is SO amazing. Holds up to this day, even in multiplayer. Totally worth $15 but if you decide to wait thats cool too.

After all these many years? :lol (sorry, couldn't resist)

 

[Jonnyram]

Puzzle Bobble Live
30 September
800 points

http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20090903_312716.html

 

[Dark Octave]

Got my 360 today, bought Shadow Complex. Seems pretty cool so far. Probably gonna check out PacMan C.E. and Trials HD next. So many choices.....

Only complaint so far is the horrific 360 interface. Endless pages of stuff, I can barely find anything. :lol

Try to find Namco Museum.

It has Pacman CE and about eight or nine other full XBLA games on it plus about twenty more 80s arcade games. I got a new copy for $10 on clearance (same price as CE by itself).

 

[JLateralus]

Puzzle Bobble Live
30 September

Unlike Bubble Bobble, let's hope that this one comes out at the same time in Japan and the US.

I know it doesn't matter, but Puzzle Bobble Live totally sounds better than Bust a Move Live.

 

[pr0cs]

So I just bought a 360 Elite today, should be here on Thurs.

Anyone want to recommend me a few 'hidden gems' on the XBLA store? I know i'll be buying Shadow Complex, Braid, PacMan CE, etc., but beyond that my knowledge of the available games is thin. So what are a few games I shouldn't overlook? Thanks.

post yer gamertag at least in your profile so some of us will free space on our friends list can still add you

 

[Jonsoncao]

dun forget Qubed will be out the week after next, which is a compilation disc of Lumines Live, E4 and Rez HD

 

[Barrett2]

post yer gamertag at least in your profile so some of us will free space on our friends list can still add you

My gamertag is -

Spoiler

lawblob

Feel free to add me. Now that im' done with school I am officially "working from home" the next few months; ie: playing games non-stop. So, im' online quite a bit. I just bought L4D, so if anyone out there still plays that, definitely shoot me an invite. I hear the co-op is awesome.

 

[Dr Zhivago]

I'd avoid Namco Museum to be honest. Even if you install the game, it keeps the DVD spinning whilst you're playing any of the XBLA games.

 

[Shard]

Xbox 360 Showcases the Best Games of 2009 at the 6th Annual Penny Arcade Expo


Microsoft Game Studios and Xbox LIVE shower fans with the hottest exclusives, creators’ panels and the Microsoft Dream-Build-Play Challenge



Fans craving this holiday season’s biggest blockbusters like “Halo 3: ODST,” “Forza Motorsport 3” and “Left 4 Dead 2,” the downloadable smash hits of Xbox LIVE Arcade and award-winning Xbox LIVE Indie Games unite! At the 2009 Penny Arcade Expo, Xbox 360 is your one-stop destination for this year’s most exciting gaming experiences.



In celebration of PAX, Xbox LIVE is helping your Avatar dress the part with new Penny Arcade Avatar Marketplace clothing. Available starting today, Xbox LIVE members can now show their Penny Arcade pride with the latest designs inspired by the webcomic.



That’s not all! Six new Xbox LIVE Arcade titles will be on the show floor, and ready for fans to experience, including “South Park Let’s Go Tower Defense Play!,” “Serious Sam HD,” and “The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom.”



Xbox LIVE Indie Games is brimming with so much excitement this year that it needed its own booth. Stop by booth #141 to check out the game finalists from the Microsoft Dream-Build-Play Challenge, which awards indie game developers with a share of $75,000 and an opportunity to receive an Xbox LIVE Arcade publishing contract. The game finalists represent the best design, graphics and gameplay innovation from over 350 contest submissions. The Xbox LIVE Indie Games booth will also feature an Xbox LIVE Indie Games “Texas Hold ‘em” poker tournament on Saturday, Sept. 5 at noon. All previously selected participants will receive a Zune digital media player, but the grand prize winner will also receive an Xbox 360 with games and other great prizes. More information on the contest can be found on the tournament's facebook page.



Experience the following games, available only on Xbox 360 this holiday, at the Xbox 360 booth, #412:



Get acquainted with six new Xbox LIVE Arcade titles at the Xbox 360 booth


� “Alien Breed Evolution: Episode 1” – Only available to see on the show floor this Saturday, “Alien Breed” is back in “Alien Breed Evolution: Episode 1” for Xbox LIVE Arcade! With stunning visuals and awesome weaponry to combat enemies, including spectacular jaw-dropping boss encounters, battle your way solo or co-op with a friend through five seat-of-the-pants levels and unravel the mystery surrounding the Breed’s revival!

� “Darwinia+” – Only available to see on the show floor this Friday, enter the beautiful digital retro world of Darwinia. Save the Darwinians from an evil computer virus, or challenge your friends to strategic combat online in this IGF award winning action-strategy classic from Introversion Software.

� “Panzer General” – Panzer General is back with an all-new turn-based strategy game! For the first time on Xbox LIVE Arcade, recreate actual battles during the last phase of World War II and experience the dramatic events of D-Day as they unfold in your hands.

� “Serious Sam HD” – The indie sensation “Serious Sam: The First Encounter” is reborn in glorious high-definition. Featuring dazzling visuals and revamped design, gamers take control of the legendary Sam ‘Serious’ Stone as he is sent back through time to ancient Egypt to battle the overwhelming forces of Lord Mental and the Sirian army.

� “South Park Let’s Go Tower Defense Play!” – Launching exclusively on Xbox LIVE on Oct. 7, to coincide with the premiere of new episodes of “South Park” on COMEDY CENTRAL, “South Park Let’s Go Tower Defense Play!” is a fast-paced action/strategy game that combines “South Park’s” characters with snowball battles and strategic defense tactics.

*

“The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom” – Available to see on the show floor this Sunday in the Xbox 360 booth, Mr. P.B. Winterbottom is a villainous gentleman with a predilection for pies. That first taste changed him into something quite extraordinary, granting him the ability to break the rules of time. But on his journey to devour every pie, Winterbottom must mind the signs…the perils of being unstuck in time.




Get up close and personal with 2009’s most anticipated Xbox 360 exclusives

� “Forza Motorsport 3” – On Oct. 27, Microsoft Game Studios invites fans to get behind the wheel of their dream car in the most realistic console racing game ever made, taking the turns on more than 100 renowned real-world tracks and exotic road courses from around the globe. Through a host of driving assists and adjustable skill levels, players of all ages will have fun driving, painting and tuning more than 400 of the world’s most-beloved cars and sharing their custom creations with their friends over Xbox LIVE. Be sure to follow the PAX activities on the Turn 10 twitter.

� “Halo 3: ODST” – Launching Sept. 22 and developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by Bungie, “Halo 3: ODST” lets people experience the events leading up to the epic story told in “Halo 3” through the eyes of an ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper). In the new cooperative multiplayer mode, Firefight, players will take on waves of increasingly challenging enemies. Drop by the Halo Waypoint twitter to keep an eye on all the action.

� “Left 4 Dead 2” – Available exclusively for Xbox 360 on Nov. 17, “Left 4 Dead 2” is the sequel to the best-selling and critically-acclaimed co-operative multiplayer smash from Valve, creators of the “Half-Life,” “Portal,” “Team Fortress” and “Counter-Strike” game properties.



Have some down time from the flurry of activities? Xbox 360 invites you to join us for a series of fun and informative panel discussions at PAX:



PREPARE TO DROP

Friday, 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Serpent Theatre

Join members of the Bungie team for an in-depth behind the scenes look at “Halo 3: ODST.” Hear about early origins of the game, initial concepts and how the ODST characters and city of New Mombasa came to life and evolved over the course of development. What makes “Halo 3: ODST” different from any prior Bungie or “Halo” game? What was it like working with a star-studded cast of voice actors? How will the “Halo 3: ODST” soundtrack accentuate the new tone and mood of the game? Who/what is the Superintendent? Who is “Sadie”? Answers to all of these questions and a few surprises await.

Panelists include Joseph Staten (Writer/Creative Director), Paul Bertone (Design Director), Marty O’Donnell (Composer/Audio Director), Curtis Creamer (Executive Producer), Lars Bakken (Senior Designer), Michael Wu (Art Lead) and moderator Brian Jarrard (Community Director).



BREAKING INTO THE GAME INDUSTRY THE EDUCATED WAY

Friday, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m., Raven Theatre

Computer and video gaming industries have grown from niche markets to mainstream. How can any curriculum keep up with the breakneck pace gaming technology is advancing? Educators and professionals discuss the real world value of a game degree.

Panelists Include: Denise Novosel [Moderator] - (Staffing Manager IEB and E&D, Microsoft), Kim Swift (Game Designer, Valve Software), Kelvin Sung (Associate Professor Computing and Software Systems, University of Washington Bothell), Ron Jenkins (The Guildhall at SMU, Deputy Director), Joshua Hernandez (Producer, Metamoorephosis)



WHAT IS AN ‘INDIE GAME’?

Saturday, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Wolfman Theatre

The rise in game platforms and distribution mechanisms has elevated the cultural profile of indie games. But along with this increased attention is an increasing debate about how to break through in the market. This panel will examine the success stories within the indie gaming community to begin to expand and educate developers and gamers about this in-demand space.

Panelists include: N'Gai Croal [Moderator] - (Consultant, Writer, Columnist, Hit Detection LLC), Boyd Multerer (XNA General Manager, Microsoft), Simon Carless (Chairman, Independent Games Festival), Derek Yu (Editor-In-Chief, The Independent Gaming Source) James Silva (President, Ska Studios), Mitzi McGilvray (Producer TikGames)

 

[Nelo Ice]

twisted pixels next game!

http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/102/1021596p1.html

- Twisted Pixel, the crazy group behind the XBLA hits 'Splosion Man and The Maw, has revealed its next project. Judging by the trailer, this one looks to be inspired by the classic SEGA game, Comix Zone. It goes by the name of Comic Jumper, and it stars a pinheaded hero that has a grumpy star-shaped character stuck on his chest. In traditional super-hero fashion, this hero and his side-kick have a bit of a love-hate relationship.

Sound weird? Well, watch the trailer for yourself and you'll see what we're talking about.

 

[Sanjuro]

twisted pixels next game!

http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/102/1021596p1.html

That looks wonderful. My god.

 

[Nelo Ice]

the trailer is awesome too
cant wait for this to hit xbla!

 

[Peff]

Looks very interesting. Twisted Pixel <3

 

[Red]

Man, that trailer :lol

Twisted Pixel is pretty great, this game looks fantastic. A superhero smiley :lol

 

[xbhaskarx]

twisted pixels next game!
http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/102/1021596p1.html

Brilliant detective work by IGN:

Twisted Pixel has not announced a release date or a platform for Comic Jumper. Given its past work, digital download services such as XBLA, PSN, and Steam seem like likely candidates.

On Saturday the 5th of September, we are going to give PAX goers a quick glimpse at our third original IP title coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade.

 

[Relaxed Muscle]

Brilliant detective work by IGN:

Not only the detective work, but their logic it's flawed, because given their previous works, Xbox Live arcade should be the only candidate....

 

[sciplore]

That comic jumper trailer was awesome. Did some of you catch the comic parodies during part 1:40? I saw a powerpuff girl imitation and something that looks Will Eisner inspired. The other ones were kinda generic or I just did not recognize them. Cannot wait to see actually game play for it.

 

[OMG Aero]

I love that Twisted Pixel have different logo intros for each game. It reminds me of Rare.