Xbox Live Deal of the Week - August 14th, 2012 - The Third

The Third what? Are we talking about Ender? Nope, Saints Row: The Third! Let me tell you, if you haven't played this game yet and are a fan of GTA style games, you should definitely check it out. It takes a much more light-hearted approach though. The opening sequence will leave you going, "What the $%#@!" but in the best way possible. The game adds a certain level of hilarity to the genre but still is able to maintain enjoyability. Just wait for the first time you hijack a car and make sure you are running towards the car.

For those Gold Members who have played the game, this Deal of the Week may interest you. Microsoft has three DLC packets available for half off. Volition tried even harder to make the game crazier with these DLCs. Gangstas in Space anyone?

• DLC - Saints Row: The Third - Genkibowl VII 280 560 Microsoft Points
• DLC - Saints Row: The Third - Gangstas in Space 280 560 Microsoft Points
• DLC - Saints Row: The Third - The Trouble With Clones 280 560 Microsoft Points

Xbox Live Deal of the Week - August 7th, 2012 - Day of Reckoning

The company that made Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, 38 Studios, may have sadly had it's day of reckoning already (they have been dissolved due to massive debt), but the game lives on! The game is published by EA so it still has that going for it. Just don't expect any new DLC packets or downloadables for the title. The fall of 38 Studios was a sad tale. Founded by the baseball great, Curt Schilling, with great promise, they ended up without a shilling and Rhode Island with a huge hole in their back pocket ($70+ million). Anyhoo~ this week on Xbox Live we are served up some DLC from Kingdoms of Amalur for half off. So if you're still into the game you might want to pick some of these up.

• DLC - Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning - Teeth of Naros 400 800 Microsoft Points
• DLC - Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning - The Legend of Dead Kel 400 800 Microsoft Points
• DLC - Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning - Weapons & Armor Bundle 200 400 Microsoft Points

New XBLA releases for August 1st, 2012 - Deadlight

This week we see one new title hitting the Xbox Live Arcade: Deadlight. It looks like a 2D platformer similar to a previous XBLA game called Shadow Complex. However Deadlight looks like it uses an interesting lighting style. Characters in the foreground appear darker - almost black and white - in contrast to the detailed and colorful backgrounds. However, here's perhaps a better description:

Deadlight - 1200 MSP

The world has ended. There is no hope. No new beginning. Only the survivors. DEADLIGHT follows the journey of Randall Wayne, a man searching for his family across Seattle during the aftermath of a 1980s event that has decimated life on earth. This visually stunning Cinematic Survival Platformer will challenge you to run, jump, climb, and struggle for your life as you look for answers and the ones you love.

It's August... that means a new 20 point survey!

If you haven't gotten into the drill yet, a new month means a new opportunity for a free 20 Microsoft points. All you have to do is complete a simple survey that uses up just a few minutes (at most) of your time. So if you haven't done so already, head on over to the Xbox Live Rewards web site and complete the survey! No immediate rush but make sure you guys complete it by August 31st.

Xbox Live Deal of the Week - July 31st, 2012 - Tomb Raiding Time

If you're a fan of Lara Croft and her two friends, this is your lucky week. The Xbox Deal of the week is DLC for Tomb Raider Underworld and Lara Croft: Guardian of Light. Perhaps you've already played the heck out of them but were too cheap to purchase any of the DLC. Then this week is your week. Check out the discounts. It's interesting to note that Challenge Pack 2 never was released on Xbox for GoL.

• DLC - Lara Croft: GoL - All The Trappings Challenge Pack 1 200 400 Microsoft Points
• DLC - Lara Croft: GoL - A Hazardous Reunion Challenge Pack 3 200 400 Microsoft Points
• DLC - Lara Croft: Raziel & Kain Character Pack 200 400 Microsoft Points
• DLC - Tomb Raider Underworld Beneath the Ashes 400 800 Microsoft Points
• DLC - Tomb Raider: Underworld - Lara’s Shadow 400 800 Microsoft Points

New XBLA releases for July 18, 2012 - Wreckateer

To be more correct, perhaps it should say new release instead of releases. This week we get one new title on the Xbox Live Arcade roster: Wreckateer Featuring Avatar Famestar. Avatar Famestar? I don't know what that is. I haven't had a change to try it out yet. Also note, this is a Kinect Arcade title meaning that the Kinect is required to play this game. From the looks of it, you get to use your Xbox avatar and wreak havoc and destroy various castles throughout the realm with a ballista. Better to do this in the digital world than in the real world!

Wreckateer Featuring Avatar Famestar - 800 MSP

Wreckateer uses the Kinect to put you in control of a massive castle-wrecking Ballista. With the help of Wreck and Tinker, use 6 magic projectiles to travel the land and destroy 60 castles.

Xbox Live Deal of the Week - July 24th, 2012 - Brother in the Hood?

Maybe not a brother in the hood, but this week's deal of the week has for us Assassin's Creed Brotherhood DLC on the cheap. I find it interesting how large this franchise has become and how many games there are now. Personally, this game never appealed to me. I couldn't get behind the whole idea of genetic history from the first game. It seemed hokey and highly unbelievable. It's not to say other games have believable stuff. But perhaps it's a within the game realm thing. But anyway, don't mind my blabbering, if you enjoy the game pay no heed. And before I forget here is the the deal of the week:

• DLC - Assassin's Creed Brotherhood - The Da Vinci Disappearance 400 800 Microsoft Points

New XBLA releases for July 18, 2012 - Tony Hawk is back?

Tony Hawk refuses to retire! Either that or Activision is still trying to wrench every dollar that can from that franchise still. Activision has a history with these kind of practices. $$$$. How many of you have played Diablo III? Is the in-game auction house just ridiculous? Anyway, just a few new titles today that have hit the Xbox Live Arcade to speak of. Yup, one of them is a Tony Hawk title. The other is actually a version of a free-to-play action MMORPG on PC called Dungeon Fighter. As always, I recommend playing the trials before throwing any money at Activision or other companies.

Tony's Hawk Pro Skater HD - 1200 MSP

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD is a downloadable title for Xbox LIVE Arcade that takes the best elements of the classic THPS games and gives them a fresh update to create an all new skateboarding experience. Tapping into fans’ muscle memories, the gameplay returns to controllers and focuses on the satisfaction of linking sick tricks for maximum points. Combining sharp visuals with the best controls ever in a Tony Hawk game, the feel is cutting edge yet timeless. The game was rebuilt and polished by Robomodo using Neversoft’s original code and includes the best seven levels from THPS and THPS2 (Warehouse, School 2, Mall, Phoenix, Hangar, Marseilles and Venice). There is a combination of new school and old school pros (Nyjah Huston, Chris Cole, Eric Koston, Andrew Reynolds, Rodney Mullen, Lyn-z Adams Hawkins Pastrana, Riley Hawk and Tony Hawk himself) and the soundtrack is half classic THPS tracks and fresh ones. Multiple online multiplayer modes round out the action!

Dungeon Fighter LIVE: Fall Of Hendon Myre - 800 MSP

Hack-and-slash action and 2D side scrolling meet multiplayer mania in Dungeon Fighter LIVE: Fall of Hendon Myre. Take on the role of three classic Dungeon Fighters—Slayer, Gunner, and Fighter—to defend Hendon Myre from monsters spreading Phantasmalia. Customize your heroes by creating and enhancing gear, and deliver unique attacks by chaining and combining skills, all while playing with up to 4 players on the same console or via Xbox LIVE!

How to earn Xbox Live Rewards

The Xbox Live Rewards program has changed a little bit over time with a few new ways to earn reward points. Check out their latest chart of how to earn points:

Don't forget about the July Xbox Rewards Survey. Earn 20 Free Microsoft Points!

It's already mid-July and the new survey has been up for slightly more than half a month. However, for those of you who aren't aware, don't forget to fill this survey out! If you do, you are denying yourself an easy 20 Microsoft Points that you can earn for just filling out a survey. I should note, the surveys have become a little bit longer as of late but can still be completed in a few minutes.

So if you haven't done so already, head on over to the Xbox Live Rewards web site and complete that survey!

Apologies again for the long break...

Sometimes life does get too busy where it's difficult to do something that seems as simple as updating a blog. Well, I'm attempting for a second time to get this site back on track with Xbox updates and news. Perhaps I need better time management. Sorry again, everyone!

20 More Free Microsoft Points from XBox Rewards!

It's the beginning of May so of course for those of you who know the drill by now... it means 20 more free points from XBox Rewards. These have to be the easiest points to get. You just have to do a simple survey that takes less than one minute. I just did it myself in fact and had to only answer two questions. Boom. 20 points. So get on it! Link at below. XBox Rewards May Survey - 20 Microsoft Points

Twitter Contest Now Running for Xbox - Win Warp

Warp looks like a fun downloadable game on the Xbox Live Arcade. Part puzzler, part action. And now you have a chance to win the game from Microsoft! They're currently running a Twitter contest to win the game.

Xbox Tweet:

Tweet w/ #XboxHouseParty to enter to win a copy of #Warp (M17)! Download the free trial now! [Rules http://on.fb.me/ymJtsS] #spon

Well there you go! Get on your Twitter account and tweet with the hashtag #XboxHouseParty to enter for your chance to win. If you want more details be sure to check out their rules link. Links to Facebook. Microsoft is really using these social media networks, aren't they?

Xbox LIVE Deal of the Week February 14 - February 20, 2012 - I'm Batman!

For those of you Gold members who are still trying to get more content from your copy of Arkham City, you are in luck this week. The Xbox Live Deal of the Week is exclusively Arkham City DLC. Well I suppose some items are Arkham City themed avatar props, but hey, it's still Batman.

And may I present to you, Master Wayne, the deals of the week.

• DLC - Nightwing Bundle Pack 360 560 Points
• DLC - Robin Bundle Pack 360 560 Points
• Avatar - Bat Signal 160 240 Points
• Avatar - Batarang 220 320 Points
• Avatar - Batmobile Toy 220 320 Points

Back with Xbox Live Reward News!

Sorry for the long hiatus, folks. Sometimes life just gets a bit crazy. But I look to get right back into the thick of things! Let's first start with some of the offerings from the Xbox Live Rewards program for the month of February.

The big news this month is their "Stay Gold and get 5% back on your February Marketplace purchases." To qualify for this you basically have to have Xbox Live Gold status through the entire month of February, 1st through the 29th. So not much you have to do for this deal if you're already Gold. Just make sure your subscription doesn't expire before the 29th or that you renew the same day it expires. And lastly, it requires you buy something from the Marketplace.

In addition to the 5% back, the survey for the month of February rewards you 40 Microsoft points. That's double the usual 20 points they give you. So head on over to the rewards page and fill out the survey!

Another great way to earn some reward points is to Refer-a-Friend. No friends or all your friends already Gold? Sorry. But how do you take advantage of this? Just enter your friend's gamertag on this page and they will be sent a message. And if they sign up, bam! 100 point for you!

New XBLA releases for October 26, 2011

Sega has really been making a presence for themselves on the Xbox Live Arcade the past several weeks. This week is no different. Today we see one of their arcade classes, Daytona USA, arrive on XBLA. With enhanced graphics, leaderboards, and all that jazz added of course. From the screenshots provided, it looks like the enhanced graphics are probably things like anti-aliasing and higher resolution. The textures definitely have the old school style to them. But if you're a fan of this game you'll definitely want to check it out. The other two games to arrive with Daytona USA are The War of the Worlds and Zombie Apocalypse: Never Die Alone. The great thing about The War of the Worlds is it is narrated by Patrick Stewart! That alone makes it worth it.

Daytona USA - 800 MSP

It’s time to get revved up with Daytona USA! Based on the classic arcade title, Daytona USA features enhanced graphics, tracks for all skill levels, and the original, hit soundtrack! Save your quarters - we’re bringing the arcade straight to your living room with steering wheel and multiplayer support. Challenge your friends with up to eight player online races or the whole world via Xbox LIVE leaderboards!

The War of the Worlds - 800 MSP

The War of the Worlds is a dark and breathtaking new vision of the classic H.G. Wells novel, retold as a 2D side-scrolling platformer, and narrated by the acclaimed actor, Patrick Stewart.

Zombie Apocalypse: Never Die Alone - 800 MSP

Four unlikely heroes find themselves caught in a fight for their lives when the Zombie Apocalypse hits their Canadian community. Banding together for both humor and survival - and armed with everything from guns to cricket bats - the four must find a way off the island... together.

Xbox LIVE Deal of the Week October 25 - October 31, 2011 - Deal Rising

With this week's Xbox Live Deal of the Week, you can get see how the saga of Dead Rising began. Pretty much all is available on sale this week except for Dead Rising 2. Anyway, just in time for Halloween. Check out the deal for this week:

• GoD - Dead Rising $14.99 $19.99
• XBLA - Dead Rising 2: Case West 400 800 Points
• XBLA - Dead Rising 2: Case Zero 200 400 Points

Xbox Games on Demand for October 25, 2011 - Scary Games for Halloween.... plus Rio

Microsoft always seems to have some theme going with the game releases and then ruin it with something completely unrelated. Well, perhaps ruin isn't the right word. However, being that Halloween is drawing near games like Saw II and Blood Drive definitely fit the bill for a Halloween-type game. And then on the side is Rio. Or perhaps it's one of those situations where something doesn't fit and is so cutesy it becomes frightening in and of itself. Maybe? Well anyway, here's the scoop on today's releases for the Xbox Games on Demand.



Blood Drive - $49.99 - 1.69GB

The Games on Demand version supports English. It’s the bloodiest and deadliest entertainment sport for a twisted new age: contestants in weaponized vehicles battle swarms of undead and each other in an orgy of ultra violence and self-preservation. You have stepped into the most ruthless modern-day gladiator arena on the planet. With the last man standing as the only survivor, you’ll need to crash, smash, shoot and mutilate your way to live another day!

Saw II - $39.99 - 2.14GB

The Games on Demand version supports English, French, Italian, German, Spanish. Step into the dark and tormented world of SAW II and experience the gruesome traps that Jigsaw has created to test your will to survive. With newly implemented puzzles and combat system, players will need to think fast and react to pass the rigors of the tests Jigsaw has engineered.

Rio - $59.99 - 1.84GB

The Games on Demand version supports English, French, Italian, German, Spanish. From the makers of the hit ICE AGE series comes RIO, a 3D comedy adventure about taking a walk on the wild side. The game focuses on Blu, a rare domesticated bird who travels to the exotic land of Rio. With the help of his female counterpart, Jewel and a group of wise-cracking and smooth-talking city birds, Blu goes on the adventure of his life! Along the way Blu journeys through Rio, dodging soccer balls, collecting tropical fruits and soaring across the beach. He participates in carnivals with new friends and ultimately, forms a conga line and dances his way to first place at the carnival ceremony. While the main character is Blu, players will also have a chance to play as the other characters from the movie in this multiplayer party game!”

New XBLA releases for October 19, 2011

Finally Dungeon Defenders lands on consoles and the PC. If you have been following this game at all, you may have previously been tricked about earlier release dates. But to the defense of Trendy Entertainment, the game was released on both the iOS and Android platforms. However, those games were somewhat lacking. Whether it be in the controls or the graphics department. The game is also free on Android with the developers opting for an in app purchase system to make money to support the game. However, that is all gone for the console versions. Pay it up front! However the game looks great! The other XBLA game to speak of this weeks is none other than a third installment of our beloved puzzler, Bejeweled. However, the price seems a bit steep for Bejeweled. $15.00? I dunno about that...

Dungeon Defenders - 1200 MSP

An ancient evil has been unleashed on the land of Etheria and it’s up to you to defend it in this online (and offline) action RPG! Create your own hero from one of four distinct classes to summon towers and traps and fight back hordes of enemies! Customize and level your hero by defeating enemies, looting equipment and upgrading your gear and pets. Take your character through multiple difficulty modes and challenge/survival missions to earn more experience & even better treasure. To top it off, you can do all of this with up to 4 friends on the same console or over Xbox LIVE! With the content of a full retail release and graphics powered by Unreal Engine 3, Dungeon Defenders is one of the true AAA downloadable titles available on Xbox LIVE!

Bejeweled 3 - 1200 MSP

The biggest, brightest Bejeweled ever! Discover all-new ways to play the world’s #1 puzzle game. Find your perfect match with 8 breathtaking game modes that meet all your moods — ease into Classic Bejeweled for cascades of fun, journey through 40 challenging Quest puzzles, charge into the electrifying Lightning for non-stop action, and tailor your experience in Zen for a revolutionary new way to relax. Enjoy the amazing sights and sounds and engage in endless gem-matching fun, and earn flashy achievement badges as you soar to dazzling new heights!

Xbox LIVE Deal of the Week October 18 - October 24, 2011 - Reach for the Halo

Just a couple of deals to report for this weeks Xbox Live Deal of the Week. 50% off a couple of the Halo Reach map packs. Check them out:

• DLC - Halo: Reach - Defiant Map Pack 400 800 Points
• DLC - Halo: Reach - Noble Map Pack 400 800 Points

Visit the Xbox Marketplace Deal of the Week