Replacement DVD for Xbox 360

When I first got my Xbox, it was probably the most expensive thing I owned. I still think that the Xbox is probably one of my most prized possessions but I have since stopped taking care of it like I did before. Still, I wish someone had been there to teach me a thing or two about proper maintenance of the console, it may have delayed the RRoD for at least a year or so.

The DVD drive in the Xbox 360 spins at a high speed and is not as stable as you might think. Whatever you do, never move your console while you hear the tray spinning. Even a small movement can cause the disk to come into physical contact with the reading light and not only put a huge scratch on your disc but also potentially render your drive inoperable forcing you to get a replacement xbox 360 DVD drive which can cost you quite a bit if you go through Microsoft to get it replaced.

If you don’t want to go through Microsoft, you can also go to a third party but careful because it voids your warranty. Also, keep in mind that you can always DIY if you purchase a replacement online!

Facebook and Twitter may be coming to the Xbox sooner than expected! Now you can get status updates from your friends while playing Halo! Ok we’re kidding about that last part, but if Social networking sites are a part of your life, this promises the convenience of keeping your ass plotted on the sofa instead of walking the 5 feet over to your computer to check on your Facebook. We still don’t have a definite date yet but it is definitely due out some time in the Autumn season. Don’t get your hopes up though as it has been confirmed that this will not be part of the August dashboard update. The applications will be independent of the dashboard.

[Source: Eurogamer]

In an interview with Cliff Bleszinski, the lead developer of Gears of War, he stated his admiration for games like Deus Ex and Bioshock. These games were both FPS games that had a dash of RPG in them. Both those games were also critically acclaimed masterpieces in gaming history. Bleszinski has since hinted that there may be elements of RPG gameplay in the next installment in the Gears of War franchise. While there has been little news on the third installment, it is definitely in the making. While I’ve always been a fan of Bioshock and Deus Ex, I am not so sure the RPG elements would work well especially when introduced in the middle of a franchise. After all, we’ve all gotten used to the unchanged formula that makes Gears of War so successful a game.

[Source: IGN]

10) Tomb Raider Underworld – Lara Croft will be returning on November 18th 2008. This time, her movements will be captured by Gymnastics champion Heidi Moneymaker.

9) Mirror’s Edge – Expect to begin your virtual parkour November 11th 2008. Don’t try this at home… Read the rest of this entry »

Microsoft posted a job listing this morning looking for someone to help create a “Connected Entertainment experience, realized through the Zune service, that spans multiple devices such as Zune, Xbox, PC and Mobile phones.” Rumors of such a device have been all over the Internet for sometime but now it seems like Microsoft is really pushing to make it a reality. Having the features or the ability to control your PC and Xbox 360 with a Zune like mobile phone would amazing, and if done right could give the iPhone 3G a run for its money! Check out the Microsoft job posting for more details.

-Ray

[Source: zunerama]

I’m pretty sure eveybody heard the news. There is a new Dashboard update coming this November. Check out this review from Chris Thomas, creator of RPG-TV. Read the rest of this entry »

The rumors have been flying around again. And this time it seems to be true. According to gaming blog Joystiq, all three Xbox 360 models will be getting a price cut. The gaming blog stated the following:

“A few of our retail contacts, some of whom have given us good intel in the past–and who all work for separate corporations–have sent us identical information regarding a price drop.”

The rumors seem to be true due to a recent Radio Shack newspaper advertisement. All three Xbox models on the advertisement have a price drop. The 120GB Xbox 360 Elite is listed at $399, a price drop from $449. The new 60GB Xbox 360 Pro model is listed at $299, a price drop from $349. And the Xbox 360 Arcade, which does not have a hard drive, is listed at only $199, a price drop from $279. These price drops make them very competitive with the Sony PS3, which is listed at $399 for a 80GB model, as well as the Nintendo Wii, which is listed at $249. Microsoft has yet to have a official response to the rumors.

- Geoff

[Source: Joystiq]

Rumors, rumors, rumors. We hear them all the time. So what rumors do we have today? Rumors have been flying around the floors of the Leipzig Games Convention that Mircosoft will be releasing Xbox 360 controllers with a revised d-pad. Although the actual controller will have a similar appearance as the older models, but the new revised d-pad will have 32 direction support. Eurogamer has posted pictures of the new controllers. If the rumors are true, this would improve the gameplay of a lot of games. But the question it poses now is how many games would support the new and improved, or rather just revised, d-pad? And will this sexy green controller be available in the market? Stay tuned for more information.

- Geoff

[Source: Eurogamer]