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EA Sports’ ‘Season Ticket’ Program Gives Fans Early Access to Upcoming Games

Fans of EA Sports’ games who can’t wait until release dates for their games, should get the ‘Season Ticket’ as soon as they can! Having it allows gamers the ability to play games in full, three days before it retails in stores. Along with having early access, ‘Season Ticket’ will allow gamers to receive a 20 percent discount on the content they download for their respective game. This is an annual subscription service that will be priced at $25/year.
The first game in the season lineup is Madden NFL 12, not a surprise seeing as how it’s the next EA Sports game to be released. The full game availability should be out now and will end at 6 am on August 30. There should be no worries on your save data, because it will be available once the full retail version is purchased. The program will be available on the Xbox 360 and the Playstation 3.

Ms Splosion Man Review

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I remember in 2009 when Splosion Man came out, I thought that the guys over at Twisted Pixel’s had really brought a gem onto Xbox Live Arcade. Two years later and they’ve done it again but this isn’t just a rinse and repeat cycle, this is a new experience. Ms Splosion Man is what Ms Packman is to Packman. Faster, better, harder!

The creation of Ms Spolsion Man comes from the celebratory capture of Spolsion Man, where a freak accident makes this female counterpart. She is funny, fast and won’t let anyone or anything stand in her way. She surprisingly has alot of wit and pop culture references that she says as you simply move about in the game. “Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls” and other songs from the 90’s is some of the lines that caught me by surprise in a good way.

The gameplay premise stands the same where all you have is one button that’ll let you explode three times before having to recharge. Exploding on obstacles, platforms and bad guys is all done with one button, like the first. Where it differs is the level of puzzles and sheer number of environments. Spolsion Man seemed limited and sometimes repetitive with each new stage played but the variety has expanded greatly here.

Something to note is that this game is pretty big and is not something to speed through. Sure its fast and sometimes to fast for it’s own good but that has to do with how fast things are happening on screen. The game will make you go through a number of retry’s because of the difficulty. While not immensely hard in the beginning it is harder then Splosion Man and for those who never experienced that may be put off by it. It is very rewarding to stick it out and get through a stage where it seemed to be taking forever. The game still features the skip action if you die to many times in one stage.

One of the biggest features in Splosion Man was the up to four player co-operative play. Players will be required to use each other to explode through obstacles and platforms in the stages in order to complete them. Like the first one as well it features the no lag countdown so everyone could time out maneuvers without error.

There is little to complain about here, if your a die hard Splosion Man fan this is a no brainer. If you enjoy playing XBLA titles this is one of the best ones and if you like to try something new this will not disappoint in the least. Aside the difficulty curve, Ms Splosion Man looks better, plays better and is a more engaging game then the first. for $1200 Microsoft points its well worth the price tag.

Review: XCM RE-Mapper for Xbox 360

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XCM Re-Mapper for Xbox 360
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Amazon
Price: $69.90
Overview : To some, the Xbox 360™ controller is most arguably the best controller, but the button location may not be the perfect place for some games. In order to fix this, you may need to re-map some buttons that will suit your preference and gaming style. What if you’re left handed and like to use the left LT as your shooting trigger and RT trigger for throwing grenades or even switching weapons? The XCM Re-Mapper allows you to re-map ANY button on a wired Xbox 360™ controller (except SELECT, START and Guide button) making gameplay that much easier, enjoyable and playable now.

*You MUST use a wired Xbox 360™ controller. XCM Re-Mapper will NOT work with wireless Xbox 360 controller Play & Charge Kit.

Quality/Usability : Connecting the XCM Re-Mapper is pretty straight forward. First connect the Official Xbox 360™ wired controller to the USB port of XCM Re-Mapper. Then plug the XCM Re-Mapper USB plug to the Xbox 360™ console.

How to Use :
(1). For an instance, if you want the “LT” key to replace the “RT” key:
a. Press the “P” program button once. The program indicator will light up. The XCM Re-Mapper is now entering programming mode. The Manual On/Off switch function is temporarily non-functional.

b. Now press the silver printed word “RT” button on the XCM Re-Mapper. The “RT” button indicator will light up in red. The program indicator will begin to blink.

c. Press the yellow printed word “LT” button and the “LT” button indicator will light up in red. The program indicator will now stop blinking.

d. If you want to remap other keys, follow the above steps “b” and “c” until you are done remapping. If you are done with your remapping of buttons, finally press the program button “P” once. All the indicator lights will turn off and this will exit the programming mode. Now you have the new setting included from the above steps; pressing the “RT” key = “LT” key.

Note: the GUIDE key can not be programmed.

(2). Swapping the Left and Right analog sticks.
Press the program button “P” and the program indicator will light up. Push the Left or Right analog stick in any direction and the program indicator lights will turn off. The functions of these 2 analog sticks are now swapped. If this step is repeated again, the function of these 2 analog sticks will revert back to its default function. This swap procedure does not change the function of the RC and LC key. The UP, DOWN, LEFT and RIGHT directions on the analog stick can not be swapped. This only swaps analog sticks. Left analog stick will now be where the Right analog stick is and the Right analog stick will be where the Left analog stick.

(3). Display the programmed buttons.
By pressing on the program button “P”, some of the programmed buttons will be light up in red. On the XCM Re-Mapper, press the program button “P” again to exit out of programming mode.

If you set the “LT” key to the “RT” key, “Y” key to the “X” key, when pressing on the program button “P”, the yellow printed words “LT”, “Y” and the silver printed words “RT”, “X”, will all be light up.

When using the Official wired Xbox 360™ controller, if pressing the wired controller “RT” key, on the XCM Re-Mapper, the silver printed word “RT” and yellow printed word “LT” will both be light up in the color blue. If pressing the wired controller “X” key, on the XCM Re-Mapper, the silver printed word “X” and yellow printed word “Y” button indicator will both be light up in the color blue.

Note: the setting will be saved for the next gameplay (ONLY for the same game)

(4). How to clear the settings.
a. If you want to clear a single setting, for instance: you had set “LT” key to replace the “RT” key, press the program button “P” once. The silver printed word “RT”, yellow printed word “LT” and program indicator will all be light up in red. Now press the silver printed word “RT” program button once. The program indicator will begin to blink, Press the silver printed “RT” program button again and the program indicator will stay red. The silver printed word “RT” and yellow printed word “LT” indicator will be off. Finally press the program button “P” to exit the programming mode.

b. To clear all the re-mapped settings, simply press and hold the program button “P” until the program indicator starts to blink. Release the button and the program indicator lights will turn off after 3 seconds. All the re-mapped setting are now cleared and reverted back to default settings.

Here is a video on how to use XCM Re-Mapper with Wired Xbox 360 Controller for Xbox360 as well:

What is nice about the XCM Re-Mapper is that you are able to update it if there is ever a new firmware released for it. You can check to see if there is any new firmwares or updates here. You can also find instructions on how to perform an update here.

Conclusion : Overall, the XCM Re-Mapper for the Xbox 360 does what it says. Yes, Xbox 360 games allows you to remap buttons but not all games do and if they do, they may limit you to what can and can not be mapped. The XCM Re-Mapper gives you full reign of re-mapping the buttons on your controller except for the SELECT, START and Guide button.

Unfortunately, in order to get this to work, you’ll need a WIRED Xbox 360 controller. A Play and Charge Kit will not work. This seems to be a standard requirement for XCM adapters on Xbox 360 consoles even if it’s just to activate the XCM adapter. If you already have other XCM adapters for the Xbox 360, you won’t need to buy a WIRED controller. Third party controllers such as MadCatz, HORI and others will work but not all will. OEM Microsoft controllers is your safest bet. Another down fall is that you are unable to use a wired headset. So if you don’t have a wireless headset already, you’ll have to shell out additional money.

Razor Announces First Real Gaming Laptop

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Razer has thrown down two very bold statements with the first being “PC gaming is not dead”, and the second being “The Blade is the first true gaming Laptop”. Taking a page from the Switchblade concept gaming netbook, the Blade will offer LCD keys, and touchscreen to stream information to the player on the fly. The Blade will run a 2.8GHz Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive, a 17 inch LED screen, and an Nvidia GeForce GT 555M with 2GB of video memory all clocking in around 7 pounds of pure gaming tech. The Blade will run you about $2,800 and will be available later on this year.

Gamestop In Deep Doo Doo

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Gamestop has been getting some backlash from consumers for selling semi new games. When I mean semi new, I mean that  they broke the seal on the game before selling it to you. The PC edition of Deus Ex: Human Revolution came with a code for a free digital copy for Onlive, an online game streaming service that isn’t affiliated with Gamestop. Square Enix snuck in the voucher before packaging the game, something that Gamestop wasn’t aware of. Apparently the guys in corporate sent out a memo telling all Gamestops to stop selling current copies so they can pop open the seals and pull the coupon before any more went out.

Video Games Need Your Help!

John Hardie, Sean Kelly, and Joe Santulli are probably names that you haven’t heard of before in the gaming industry. Little did you know the three names actually have a fairly large roll in the industry though. Hardi, Kelly, and Santulli are actually 3 ordinary guys who took it upon themselves to document the history of video games and created the Video Game History Museum. Unfortunately the current museum is based out of their houses, and not a real physical collective building. There have been many museums all over the world, but none with the intent of being based around video games and it’s history. Hardie, Kelly, and Santulli have spent over 25 years cataloging everything they can about games, and have the goal of creating one of the very first physical Video Game History Museums. They recently created a Kickstarter page to fund their goal, with the help of any and all video game fans they hope to have their dreams become reality. Donators can donate to this non-profit charity through Kickstarter, and with each tier of that they donate, they’re rewarded with not just a good deed but material rewards as well!

Rage On iOS Free!

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Rage has been on the iOS for some time now, and with the console game just due around the corner, there’s been a lot of hype. Since their Facebook page has hit over 100,000 Likes id Software is reducing the price of Rage and Rage HD on the iOS platforms for a week. If you haven’t already tried Rage on the iOS platform, I advise you to give it a whirl, after all it is free!

Sony Announces PS3 Price Drop and inFamous 2 Bundle

PlayStation 3 320GB

 

Yesterday, Sony announced that they have dropped the price of their 160GB and 320GB PlayStation 3 consoles to $249 and $299, respectively. That’s a $50 price cut. Sony will also be releasing a inFamous 2 bundle. The bundle retails for $299 and includes a 320 GB PlayStation 3, a copy of inFAMOUS 2 and a 30-day membership to PlayStation Plus.

Hello PlayStation Nation,I have some exciting news to share with you today. As many of you know, it has been nearly five years since the PS3 first came to the U.S. market with its built in Blu-ray player, integrated hard-drive, built-in wireless, and unmatched hi-def gaming. Today, more than 50 million PS3’s have been sold worldwide, more than 2,495 Blu-ray titles are available and the PS3’s expansive portfolio of games and video content on PlayStation Network exceeds 60,000 titles.

While others in the space are losing steam, PlayStation 3 is gaining momentum and giving gamers everywhere more of what they want: an unparalleled line-up of exclusive games and access to the best in sports, movies and TV, all at a great value.

Today, I believe that value becomes even more evident. I’m excited to share with you that effective immediately at retailers throughout North America, the 160 GB PS3 and the 320GB PS3 are now available for $249 and $299, respectively. In addition, a limited edition inFAMOUS 2 bundle is now available at participating retailers across North America. The bundle retails for $299 and includes a 320 GB PlayStation 3, a copy of inFAMOUS 2 and a 30-day membership to PlayStation Plus.

The new price will make the PS3 more accessible than ever before, so there’s never been a better time to join PlayStation Nation. We know that while future-proof technology is important to you, content is still king — that’s why we continue to focus on bringing you exclusive “must have” titles that are unmatched by anything else on the market. With games like Resistance 3, Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One and one of my personal favorites, Uncharted 3, all on the horizon, there’s a lot of great entertainment in store for you.

Of course, PS3 owners also have free access to PlayStation Network and its lineup of marquee content services for watching hi-def movies, TV and sporting events. Netflix. Hulu Plus. Vudu. MLB.TV. NHL Gamecenter. We have them all for you…and it just keeps getting better.

We take our commitment to the millions of PlayStation fans out there very seriously. We don’t just want you to be part of the PlayStation Nation, we want you to be proud to be a PS3 owner. We have many exciting things planned for you in the months ahead, but suffice it to say we are hard at work to bring you more of what you want and more of what you expect. Stay tuned, there’s more to come…

Xbox 360 S’ Are Being Matted!

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That’s right everyone, the shiny looking Xbox 360 slims are slowly losing their shine. Starting in the on coming weeks Microsoft will be shipping out new slims with a matte black finish, rather than the shiny gloss finish. I guess Microsoft is trying to cut back on spending on the 360 systems. The matte black take over has begun, so get your shiny 360’s while they’re still in stock. Also, if you’re worried about your limited edition consoles not being shiny, you don’t have to worry. The limited Gears of War 360, and Star Wars 360 will still be shiny.


[Source: Major Nelson]

White Knight Chronicles II Preview: A hole lotta Japanime RPG bang for your buck!

white knight chronicles 2Out of all the games that D3 was showing the other day, everyone seemed collectively excited by White Knight Chronicles 2. The sequel picks up about a year from the end of it’s predecessor as your group seeks out the fifth and final knight so you can stop the evil Magi. For those unfamiliar of White Knight Chronicles, the game plays like a 3rd person realtime rpg mixed with an almost Dynasty Warriors kind of feel, in the way you stomp through the levels. The designers really listened to the fans this time around, with a much improved and sped up combat mechanic that allows for distance/accuracy compensation. Two things that really stood out was the addition of dash attacks and armor classes. This adds some real stylization and diversity to your gaming approach. The only bummer was that while your active character is playing, the other members of your team take a powder break. You do have the option of quick switching between characters which adds some strategy and diversity to your experience, and for you attention span deficient gamers they even added quick travel on the map.

This sequel gets a big bump in graphics compared to the first game, and is wonderfully drawn in a very “Final Fantasy” sort of way. As an added bonus they included the ENTIRE first game on the same disc with completely revamped graphics. We’re talking almost 100 hours of game play here people! Oh, and as an added bonus if you’ve played through the first game already you can import the character data into WKC2 with all the same items and stats. Don’t worry, the enemies will be leveled up to make it a challenge.

Boss battles were pretty sweet. The one they showed us had our character transforming into this monsterous creature to duke it out (not completely unlike an episode of power rangers). Each boss has his own weakness which is conveniently marked with glowing parts. Glowing parts aside, my money is on the family jewels being every monster’s weakness…

The game will be priced at the usual $59.99 and should come out in September. While I don’t know if it will have the mass appeal of Skyrim this season, it should definitely be a contender for those who’re a fan of the RPG genre.