Xbox 360: New Year, New Dash, New Features

In recent years we’ve become used to seeing the latest and greatest games running alongside a shiny new 360 dashboard. In fact, I’ve become so accustomed to seeing one every E3 that I almost expect it. This year’s show pulled no punches. Read more »

Red Sun Gamer’s Awesome Live Translation of Catherine

The Persona Team’s first HD title, Catherine, was released in Japan this Thursday. While I still wait for my copy to arrive, the guys over at Red Sun Gamer have done a fantastic job of translating it on the fly during a four hour playthrough – someone get these guys a fucking medal!

Now be warned, major spoilers ahead! So steer clear if you plan on waiting for a localised version, which I think is highly likely judging by the sheer quality of this game. For those that don’t mind spoiling the first couple hours, be my guest and dive right in! Read more »

Catherine Demo Hits Xbox Live/PSN Japan

Amid the onslaught of NGP (PSP2) news this morning, a demo for a game I’ve been eyeing for months went live - Catherine. Available to download now on both Xbox Live and PSN (providing you have a Japanese account). 

I thought the demo was pretty fantastic, and I’ll be, without a doubt, picking up an import copy next month. The main portion of the game consists of you moving blocks to create a stairway, and despite being skeptical of the game’s block moving elements, I was convinced quickly once I sank my teeth into it. Seriously, once you wrap your head around the gameplay mechanics, it’s really quite terrifying enjoyable! Video playthrough after the break. Read more »

Metroid: Other M Gets Live-Action Spot

With the release of Metroid: Other M only days away, Nintendo of America have taken it upon themselves to run a live-action ad for the upcoming action-adventure. The moody sixty second spot sees a Zero Suit Samus reflecting on her past, and if the commercial is anything to go by, Other M will live up to its promise to deliver the best story-driven experience ever to grace a Metroid title.

Metroid: Other M for the Wii will release later this month in North America (Aug 31), and early next month in Europe (Sept 3).

Hydro Thunder: Hurricane Review

“HYDROOOO THUNDER!” Ah yes, how can those of us who poured quarters into the arcades in the late nineties forget about the classic, boost-filled arcade racer. For those of you less familiar with the franchise, Hydro Thunder was an arcade game released in 1999 that benefited from it’s over the top jumps, drops and roaring high-speed boats. The series had been left untouched for years until Vector Unit and Microsoft Game Studios teamed up to reimagine the sequel, Hydro Thunder: Hurricane. Does the successor live up to its famous arcade predecessor – hit the jump to find out! Read more »

Live Action Short: How to Make a Spartan

Didn’t manage to catch the brand new Halo: Reach live-action short that premiered across television networks this evening? Watch it here in all its glory.

Directed by award-winning director Noam Murro, Birth of a Spartan tells the tale of (future Noble Team leader) Carter 259’s transformation from man to Spartan. An extended version will launch tomorrow on Xbox Live, including the launch of (www.welcometonobleteam.com) which will apparently allow users to upload photos of themselves to be converted into Spartan-IIIs – hopefully the process isn’t as painful.

Original Xbox Live Service Discontinued in April

Major Nelson has revealed that as of April 15, 2010 Microsoft will be discontinuing the Xbox LIVE service for original Xbox consoles and games, including Xbox 1 games playable on Xbox 360. Read More »

New Record: Over 2 Million on Xbox LIVE

Xbox’s own Major Nelson has just tweeted that Xbox LIVE has set a new record! Over two million users are currently connected to the service at once. Well done Xbox though I’m sure a certain game helped towards that number.