As promised, Baxy-Z site version 3.0.2 is now upon us and live. Although the updates are small, they are here to make your experience with us even better! Here's the full update list:
- Fixed and updated some URL links - Grammar errors - Deleted un-used things in design - Fixed most news formatting - Fixed categories errors - Comments can now be posted by anyone - Design new button and text field - Add new designs for submit and text fields - Add Facebook; Youtube; Twitter icons to homepage - Updated security - Update review settings - Updated CSS
It's been far too long since I last updated the website with what the hell is actually going on. You're clearly on the website and everything's changed: the colour scheme, the display, the CMS, the content... pretty much everything is new! So I just wanted to take the chance to finally say welcome. Welcome to your new source of gaming updates.
As you can see, there's a lot of new things going on and I have a lot of explaining to do, especially in terms of where everything is and what you can expect from us from here on out and in the future.
Well, well, well. It seems that Microsoft have finally caved in, and looks like they will be adding a Blu-ray add-on to the Xbox 360.
A recent interview with Microsoft's CEO Steve Ballmer was held, and he was asked if we'll ever see a Blu-ray disc drive built into future Xbox 360 models.
"Well I don't know if we need to put Blu-ray in there—you'll be able to get Blu-ray drives as accessories," said Ballmer "I think the future of movies is on-demand actually, as opposed to via distribution on physical media. So we're just going to keep driving forward and try to make [Xbox 360] the best overall entertainment experience, and not just gaming."
Although not confirmation, this is certainly another case of him letting slip of valuable information. What makes it even more assuring this is likely to happen, is the fact Microsoft quickly tried to cover his statement.
"Our solution for HD quality video on an Xbox 360 is coming this fall with Zune Video and 1080p instant-on HD streaming. As far as our future plans are concerned, we're not ready to comment," said Microsoft.
So, the possibility is certainly there, and it looks like Microsoft are definitely looking into a Blu-ray disc drive. We'll keep you updated.
OXM were able to have a chat with Epic Game's VP Mark Rein, and he shared with them that he thinks that when Microsoft release Project Natal, it will come bundled with future Xbox 360 models.
As the title says, this is pure rumour. He doesn't officialy know that this might happen, but the fact that Epic Games stated that the next Gears of War will use Project Natal, it's interesting to hear the company think this might happen.
Microsoft are remaining quiet concerning the statement. But if this were to happen, the price of the console would certainly increase, and with the price wars going on at the moment, it could be a bad idea for them to reveal the plans yet.
Again, this isn't confirmation, but gives a good indication that Epic Games have been talking to Microsoft about the possibilities.
The latest Xbox 360 update didn't bring Sky TV to Xbox 360 owners, but in the latest sky mag, on page 17 if you have it, details were revealed about the service, which will be available "mid-October".
More details about the service surfaced as well. Xbox Live Gold members will get access to the Sky Player similar to the PC implementation, but you will need a Sky subscription with the appropriate channels to view Sky Sports and Sky Movies.
Get ready stealth fans, as Ubisoft have today announced that Splinter Cell Conviction will be launching exclusively on the Xbox 360 on the 23rd of February 2010.
The trailer below shows brand new, never-seen-before gameplay as well as brand new areas which will appear in the game. But watch it for yourself to see just how awesome it will be.
This October, we will receive a new peripheral bundle, (Unofficially) called "the popcorn box". This box will contain a few peripherals to get connected and entertained by the Xbox 360.
The box contains:
•Mini universal remote
•Wireless network adapter
•3 months of Xbox Live Gold
•800 Microsoft Points
•No popcorn
I called my nearby retailer, and he confirmed the bundle. Pricing will be around 79,99 euros, the normal cost of the wireless adapter. It will be available throughout Europe starting 1 Oct.
One thing though, before you rush to your nearest store, the odds are very likly that Ms will release a new Wireless Adapter, which will be faster because its using 802.11n signal.
I don't have any sized pictures yet, but don't worry, you'll see the box faster on the shelves!
Another Forza 3 post today, but this time as an announcement for the new Ferrari supercar, the 458 Italia. The 485 Italia (let's call him, Italia, for short) will be featured as one of the first cars in the first DLC pack for Forza 3. This holiday, you will be able to download this supercar (I admit, I feel some love for this car).
And look! they even made a nice little video!:
The video also features the other Ferrari's in the game.
No pricing for this DLC yet, but I'll keep you updated!
Forza Motorsport 3 will receive a demo tommorow! Its only for Gold members at this time, but could change in the next few weeks.
The demo will contain 1 track, the fictional Camino Viejo and 5 cars:
2007 Porsche #80 Flying Lizard 911 GT3-RSR
2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro
2009 Ferrari California
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR
2009 Mini John Cooper Works
In the demo, You can test out the rewind feature, roll over and best of all, get your hunger for Forza 3 stilled. On the same day as the demo, a few Forza avatar items will be available, with prices from 80 to 320 msp.
Dorling Kindersley, the publisher of, you know, books, announced earlier today that their Halo Encyclopedia will available on Novemeber 2nd. The book will feature every single item in the halo (game-)universe. It wont feature any info from the books or Halo: Reach.
The book contains 352 pages, -the same as a full clip of ammo for the Assault Rifle- and will consist of the following chapters:
o Timeline
o Humans
o Spartans
o The Covenant
o The Flood
o The Forerunners
o The Human-Covenant War
o Science and Technology
o Transport
o Locations
o Weapons
It also contains new artwork and a foreword from Frank O' Connor, who helped, alongside with Microsoft Gaming Studios and 343 Industries, create the book.
The book will be available on the 2nd of November and will be priced £30.
For those readers in Europe, you may have caught the short version of this advertisement during the Manchester City - Manchester United game on Sunday. EA has released an extended version of that advertisement which is over a minute and a half longer! Just watching this ad makes me excited for the game. I'll have some impressions up later this week after getting some hands-on time with the game. Enjoy the ad.
There is some more exciting news with FIFA '10. As you may have noticed, the Dutch national team was not fully licensed in FIFA '09. Well Netherlands fans rejoice, the Dutch national team will be fully licensed in FIFA '10! This game keeps sounding better and better.
Believe it or not, there's a rumour going around where EA would like to snatch up THQ. According to Minyanville.com, this could indeed happen.
"Video-game software publisher THQ (THQI) is being looked at as a target for media companies, including Electronic Arts (ERTS), Time Warner (TWX), and News Corp. (NWS). The stock is up sharply on heavy volume, and options-traders are busy scooping up calls."
Like I said, this is rumour for now, but if this were to happen, imagine the kind of impact it would impose upon the gaming industry. Anyway, keep you eyes peeled on Baxy-Z where we'll keep you informed.
Kai Huang, president and co-founder of RedOctane, has stated that he is interested with working with Project Natal, as well as other technologies.
"Natal is very interesting because there's so many different things you can do with it, whether it's the motion detecting, maybe sensing how you're playing, or the ability to use it for interactivity purposes and taking advantage of it for party purposes. I think the technology is very exciting. We're evaluating it, and I think it's likely that sometime in the future we'll have those technologies integrated into our games."
Mr. Sportouch just keeps making things worse and worse lately. In a recent interview, he claims that Guitar Hero is good value for money. Fortunately, he isn't taking shots at other products this time, but he really is plugging his own products, which is fair enough. Anyway, check out what he had to say below.
When we think about the pricing of our products it's about value for money for the consumer - we think today we didn't have a negative reaction from the consumer on our price, and our value for money. So it's not just about what the consumer price is, it's about what represents value for money - how many hours of entertainment are we delivering? And so far our audience has reacted very well. If you take Band Hero, with the microphone, drums, guitar and the disc, yes - there is a price to pay. But the number of hours of fun and entertainment... we think - and not only us, but our consumers thing - it's great value for money. - Michael Sportouch, Activision.
I somehow don't think that everyone will agree with that opinion. Do you?
That's right folks, Guitar Hero boss Michael Sportouch has stated on record that he wants retailers to stop selling rival products. He claims that retailers shouldn't be selling products that don't sell through as he believes that his products are the only ones with retail value.
"One thing I do say to retailers is that they should stop selling those rival products which don’t sell through, and instead focus on the products that are selling through and generate retail value and return on investment. I’m not here to talk about the competition, but one of our competitors we outsell nine to one, eight to one or seven to one depending on the week," said Michael Sportouch, Senior Director of Guitar Hero. "The last GfK research showed that we have a 50 per cent market share of the music category – which includes Rock Band, Wii Music, SingStar and every other music game."
So is this Activision being even more greedy? I would personally say so.
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