MICROSOFT KICKS OFF CES WITH KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Many, including myself, were hoping that Microsoft's keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) would clear up some of the confusion surrounding the whole HDMI equipped Xbox 360 issue. If you would consider the lack of any announcement regarding a new model of the Xbox 360 proof positive that the HDMI pictures are a hoax, then you'd have gotten your wish. If you didn't... well, then you're in the same boat as the rest of us - and it's getting crowded in here.

That's not to say Microsoft didn't have a ton of news to give the gamer crowd - we certainly did find out a lot about what we can expect from Microsoft in the coming months, so without any further delay, let me break down what gaming related news Microsoft dished out;

• Microsoft reached 10.4 million Xbox 360's sold as of December 31st, thus exceeding their sales projections by over 400,000 units.
• More importantly, Microsoft claims the majority of those users are new to the Xbox brand. (ie they were not owners of the original Xbox)
• Xbox Live now boasts over 5 million subscribers. As usual, Microsoft did not indicate if that number included free Xbox Live Silver memberships.
• The Xbox 360 is still setting records in regards to software and accessory attach rates. (Number of games and accessories sold per Xbox 360)
• Gears of War has now sold in excess of 2.7 million copies, making it a franchise to rival the Halo series. Microsoft also credits it with being a prime mover of Xbox 360 hardware.
• The Windows platform is now over 200 million units strong, and with an installed base of that size, Microsoft wants to continue the "Games for Windows" and "Windows Live" push they started at E3 2006.
• During the "Games for Windows" montage, Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved was shown, indicating that the title may be coming to Windows.
• Halo 2, Uno and Shadowrun were all presented as games that will be cross platform playable between Windows Vista and the Xbox 360 this summer.
• According to Microsoft, HD-DVD movies are outselling Blu-Ray movies.
• While Microsoft plans on keeping the 360's main focus on games, they plan on making the Xbox 360 the center of your home entertainment system. Here's how;
  • They plan on expanding the current Xbox Live video service with more television and film partners.
  • They plan on adding IPTV functionality to the Xbox 360. What's IPTV you ask? Basically imagine it as a cable service for Windows or the Xbox 360 that allows users to watch both TV (and movies) along with DVR and On-Demand type services. Basically, think of it almost exactly as a cable service with some more options (such as shopping, etc) - it will be available via participating cable providers.

For more on IPTV's features, check out the following two press releases over at Gamerscore Blog;

• Microsoft Unveils Wave of New Products and Services at CES - Gamerscore Blog
• Microsoft Integrates IPTV Software Platform With Xbox 360, Creating All-in-One Digital Entertainment Device - Gamerscore Blog

Finally, for the more hardcore members of my audience, here's the link for where MS will be posting the full video of the CES keynote address shortly. It's dry viewing for the most part and about an hour and fifteen minutes long, so plan accordingly;

• Microsoft at CES - Microsoft

THIS WEEK'S RELEASES: JANUARY 8TH - JANUARY 14TH

While it's another thin list this week, there is something to get excited about. Capcom's Lost Planet: Extreme Condition for the Xbox 360 should liven things up at retail when it hits towards the end of this week. If you haven't tried the single player and multiplayer demos in the Xbox Live Marketplace, head on over and grab them now so you can join in the excitement. Here's everything you can expect to see on store shelves this week;

• Lucinda Green's Equestrian Challenge - PC - 1/9/2007
  
• Arthur and the Invisibles - DS - 1/10/2007
  
• Arthur and the Invisibles - GBA - 1/10/2007
  
• Arthur and the Invisibles - PC - 1/10/2007
  
• Arthur and the Invisibles - PS2 - 1/10/2007
  
• Backyard Basketball 2007 - PC - 1/10/2007
  
• Heart of the Empire: Rome - PC - 1/10/2007
  
• Lost Planet: Extreme Condition - 360 - 1/12/2007
  
• Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Collector's Edition - 360 - 1/12/2007

Please keep in mind these are only estimated release dates and could change at any time.

HDMI EQUIPPED XBOX 360 ON THE WAY?

If you've been surfing the game sites across the 'net in the last few days, no doubt you've heard the rumors that pictures and video of a prototype Xbox 360 with a built in HDMI port have been leaked. We'll go into what I think of those rumors for a moment, but before I do that, I feel the need to state something for the record for those who aren't aware... The Xbox 360 is already capable of displaying games and movies at 1080p. Should this "v2" Xbox 360 be real, the only true difference would come to those who would either like to free up a slot on their TV or receiver by using the HDMI port or those with the add-on HD-DVD player who would be affected by the restrictions in movie resolution should the upcoming HDCP protection scheme be implemented on HD-DVD movies. In other words, if you have no plans on buying the HD-DVD drive, the only thing you would really be losing out on is a connection option.

Let me also take a moment to say that I'm in no way saying this is a hoax or a fake - I don't have enough information to go on - I'm just saying something smells fishy here. If I had to bet on it, I'd bet that this is a modded 360 that's been turned into a hoax. It should also be noted that this isn't the first time a HDMI port has been reported as appearing on a 360 motherboard.

That said, let's take a look at the evidence that's being presented on the internet. From what I've seen, there are two pictures and one video floating around. We'll start with the pictures that have been seen at Xbox-scene and Engadget.

Now then, unless by some coincidence two different prototypes were leaked at the same time, something fishy is going on here. Here are some things to note;

1. In picture two the supposed prototype has a almost completely smooth back - and while the "I/O" marking is still on the right, the "V/O" marking that’s above the vid ports on a normal 360 are missing - if MS was going to go through the trouble of putting the I/O marking on, why wouldn't the do the same for the video port?
2. There are other markings on the first picture that don't exist on the second - some lines around the changed port, a few dents and some weird mark to the right of the rear USB port - those suddenly vanish in the second "cleaner pic"
3. That second picture just looks a little too smooth. If I had to guess, I'd say that's a third party case - it's just a little too barren.
4. If you look very closely, the HDMI port doesn't seem to sit cleanly in place. (and if you look at the larger picture over at Xbox-Scene, you'll see it's scuffed to all hell too)

Looking at those differences, I can come to only two conclusions;

1. These are 2 different prototypes. .
2. Some Photoshop work has been done to combine a picture of an original Xbox 360 case and a modified Xbox 360 case. In other words, the first picture was originally one of the rear of a normal 360 that had parts of the second image (a modded Xbox 360) photoshopped onto it - it would explain why the picture is so dark. (To hide any obvious photoshop marks)

Xbox-Scene also has a few motherboard and chip shots, but I won't go to deep into them as they could easily be just a mock-up or photoshopped.

However, this doesn't explain away the video Xbox-Scene managed to get their hands on. Here's a look at that video;

While I'd be tempted to call the above video proof of something, there are some inconsistencies here too. The video starts off by showing someone inserting a HDMI/DVI adapter into the new HDMI port on the 360. They then connect a DVI cable to that adapter and run it to a DVI port on their TV. They make sure to show you that the cable running from the 360 is connected to the TV and that there are no other video devices connected to the TV. However, when they pan away from the TV, it goes completely off the screen - meaning that anything could have happened to that TV during that time. It should be noted the 360 in the video appears to be the one in image #2. Here are some things to consider;

1. Some TV's have inputs in different areas, so there's always a chance that there are other inputs on that TV with an Xbox 360 connected to it.
2. When the TV goes off-screen after the initial "proof" shots, who's to say that another normal Xbox wasn't connected to the television to provide for the 360 boot up images?
3. They even could have plugged another 360 into the used DVI slot using the 360 VGA cable and a VGA/DVI adapter. I can't make out what video mode comes up on that TV, but using the HDMI to DVI adapter could be an easy way to explain away the fact that the tv was running in DVI mode if that's what the box at the top left indicated. (Which it would do if they used a hidden 360 with a VGA cable and a DVI adapter)
4. Why doesn't the TV have a HDMI port? Either this is footage taken in a Microsoft lab, in which case I can't believe that they would be testing a HDMI equipped product without a HDMI equipped TV or the prototype is actually out in the "open" - which would lead to a question of why more pictures and videos haven't appeared yet.
5. The music that's been added to the video could have been done to either cover up whatever was originally said in the video or to cover the sounds made by some of the swaps I mentioned could have happened in filming the video.

The thing that I really wonder on this whole thing, especially given that video, is whether this was just a really great mod job that someone did to add a HDMI port to an existing Xbox 360 that was then changed to become an 360 HDMI version hoax. It would explain the 2 photos being different (pic two being the modded third party case, pic one being a photoshopped pic made for the hoax) and it would explain the music in the video. (Maybe the original video had voice over saying "look, we managed to put a HDMI port on a 360!")

Bottom line? Despite all the inconsistencies I've pointed out, I believe this 360 probably does exist and isn't just a photoshopped hoax. If someone asked me to put money on it, I'd bet this one was a modded 360. Don't take that as gospel though, it's just my guess and I've been proved wrong many times before - this one could easily go either way. If it is a new model of the 360, keep what I said about 1080p at the start of the article in mind before you freak out. Maybe we'll learn a bit more when the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) kicks off tomorrow.

For more information, check out the following stories;

• Exclusive: 360 HDMI Proof - HR Pictures and Video - HANA Scaler - Xbox Scene
• The second Xbox 360 revealed: codename Zephyr - Engadget
• Xbox 360 with HDMI Port - YouTube
• Xbox 360 Getting HDMI? - IGN (June 2006)

Still no video in the archives, so use the above links.

CHILD'S PLAY CHARITY COLLECTS OVER ONE MILLION DOLLARS

The final numbers on the Child's Play 2006 charity drive are in, and I'm proud to say that this year gamers all over the world donated over one million dollars in toys, books and cash. That's a huge number when you stop and think about it - more importantly, those donations are going to bring a whole lot of much needed smiles to the faces of kids who really need something to smile about.

For those of you who want exact numbers, and I know you're out there, the final total was $1,024,400. Keep that number in mind the next time you have to hear some story about how gamers are lazy, unmotivated and anti-social so you can just respond "and how much money did you help raise for charity last year?" and then direct them to Child's Play's website. While that's not the point of why you should support Child's Play, it's certainly a nice side-benefit. If you donated this year, give yourself a pat on the back from me - and if you didn't, well... just keep it in mind for next year - I'm sure there was a solid reason for it.

For those looking for a bit more on the wrap up of the 2006 drive, head on over to the Child's Play website and click around for a bit. If you read some of the letters and e-mails they've received, I think you'll see just how much your help is appreciated.

GRIPSHIFT NOW AVAILABLE FOR PLAYSTATION 3

Gripshift, Sony's downloadable cart style racer for the PlayStation 3, is now available for purchase via the online PlayStation store. I took a little time out to try this one tonight, and I've got to say I'm not really that impressed. My first impression of the game is that It feels like just about every other generic cart racer you've ever played. Worse still, it's got some unfinished edges to it - specifically in regards to vehicle explosions and the lack of any real kind of graphic for them. Basically, think "Cart Racer X meets Marble Blast Ultra" and you should have an idea of what to expect. Here are the particulars;

Name: Gripshift
System: PlayStation 3
Publisher: Sony Online Entertainment
Release Date: 1/04/07
Size: 121mb
Resolution: 720p
Players: 1-4
Price: $9.99
Demo: Yes

From the PlayStation.com product description page;

"GripShift features totally enhanced HD graphics, refined gameplay and four player online multiplayer. Choose between six different vehicles in this hybrid stunt-driving, platform-action driving experience. Enjoy either single-player racing action or online multiplayer gameplay with up to three of your friends in head-to-head action. Totally re-mixed for the PLAYSTATION®3 system and available for purchase through the PLAYSTATION®Network, GripShift is a ‘MUST HAVE’ game for your PLAYSTATION 3 digital library.

Key Game Features:

• Original Combination of Genres:Stunt Driving, Platform-Action and Puzzle-Solving genres combine to offer the ultimate driving experience.
• Vibrant 3D Environments in HD:Navigate through roller-coaster style tracks and four themed worlds (Desert, Jungle, Ice and Horror) that come alive with brilliant 3D HD graphics at 720p, stunning lighting and dynamic visual effects.
• All-new Gameplay and Content:Enhanced vehicle handling provides more responsive controls while new game content includes 125+ new and re-mixed levels, 25 race tracks, and an all-new music soundtrack." - PlayStation.com

THE WARBEARS ARE BACK!

Last April, I told you about a fun little web-based graphic adventure game called Warbears. The original game was a humorous, yet oh so frustrating game in which you controlled team of four special ops polar bears who were attempting to thwart a bank robbery in their home city of Bedtime City. Because of just how popular the game became, creator Gionatan Iasio took out a website and stated that a sequel was in the works.

Months passed and the Warbears website went silent, other than the occasional note that work was still progressing on the next game in the series. Well, the wait is finally over and not only has a new Warbears mission been released, but Iasio has also created a community system based on Bedtime City along with some Warbears merchandise. It's an interesting concept, but unless he can churn out Warbears episodes at a faster pace, I'd wonder just how well this venture will turn out for him.

As for the new episode, this time around we get to take the Warbears team on a training mission, that while not as complex as the bank heist adventure can be just as frustrating. It seems the one thing that hasn't been updated is how easy it is to lose and find yourself having to start over from scratch. If there's one thing the Warbears franchise needs, it's a "take back last move" option. On the upside, the new mission keeps the same level of humor and spirit of fun as the first game and adds multiple endings to the mix. If you're a fan of graphic adventure games and you can deal with the frustration of how easy it is to lose the game (and thus have to start over), then you owe it to yourself to give the game a try.

Click here to head over to the new and improved Warbears site, pick a mission and get going.

SAM & MAX EPISODE 2: SITUATION COMEDY NOW AVAILABLE

By the time you're reading this, Situation Comedy, the next installment in Telltale Games episodic Sam & Max series should be available for purchase. Of course, what this also means is that I never managed to put my thoughts down on what I thought of the first episode prior to it's release. I'm going to try and get a full review of both episodes up this weekend.

For those of you who haven't picked up Culture Shock yet and are wondering if the series is worth grabbing, I'll sum up some of my feelings on it like this - I feel that while the writing (and surprisingly the voice acting) of the first episode was dead on, the episodic nature of the game seems to be hurting the gameplay elements of the title. Simply put, because each episode is a small, compartmentalized part of the story, all the puzzles tend to be fairly straight forward and really only involve a few items that are always near at hand. In addition, the number of locations available to the player in Culture Shock was a bit of a letdown as well - it felt more like you were trying to solve a web based puzzle game than playing a full scale graphic adventure game.

I'm hoping that Situation Comedy can reverse that issue and begin moving the game towards puzzles that could begin in one episode but not be solvable until another - or at the very least, will require some long term effort to solve within an individual episode.

For more information on Telltale's Sam & Max series as well as the links required for purchase of the game, check out Telltale's official Sam & Max website at this link.

KOTAKU SHOWS OFF THE XBOX 360 GUITAR HERO II BUNDLE

It was a hectic day as far as gaming news went today, so I'm going to start off with the stuff you may not be seeing on every gaming blog out there and then try to catch up with the more popular news over the weekend.

We're going to start off with some new information on the Xbox 360 version of Guitar Hero II - Kotaku has managed to get a pic of the retail packaging for the Xbox 360 GH2 Game/Guitar bundle, and I've got to say that while it looks pretty sweet, I'd like the design a bit more if it came in black. I'm also a bit concerned about the placement of the start and back buttons - while I haven't had a chance to hold RedOctane's 360 axe, based on that picture they look like they'll be a bit more difficult to access in the middle of a song when compared with the PlayStation 2's standard SG guitar.

Since by now you're dying to see the packaging, I'll shut up and get with the linking - click here to head over to Kotaku and take a look at what to expect when Guitar Hero II hits the 360 in a few months. In answer to the other questions you're about to ask;

1. Yes, it's currently slated to be a wired controller. Microsoft is apparently still sticking with their policy of only allowing first party accessories to be wireless.
2. Yes, the current plan is for additional songs to be made available (for a fee of course) via the Xbox Live Marketplace. My guess is that the first batch of add-ons will see are going to be the tracks from the first Guitar Hero.
3. No, there isn't an official price on the bundle at this time.

MICROSOFT REVEALS THIRD WAY TO GET INTO THE HALO 3 MULTIPLAYER BETA

If you've been following along with the home version of our game, you already know the first two ways to get into the Halo 3 beta, but as of today, Microsoft announced a third way to get a slot in the coveted Halo 3 multiplayer beta test via their in-house employee blog, Gamerscore Blog. Before we get to the new method, we'll cover the first two options - just in case you've been slacking. Here we go;

1. Have signed up at the Halo 3 beta test signup page - This method is no longer an option if you didn't sign up for it back in early December. This method is now closed and those who applied will find out if they've been selected to get the coveted golden ticket sometime in January. See what happens when you don't check gaming news often enough?
2. Specially marked copies of Crackdown for the Xbox 360 will also include access to the Halo 3 beta - I've noticed that with today's official announcement, Gamestop has listed it as a feature on their pre-order copies of the game "for a limited time only" - So even if you signed up via the beta test site, you may just want to check with your local store to see if reserving a copy today will guarantee you a Crackdown "beta test" box. After all, if you applied for the beta via option 1 and get selected, you can always cancel your pre-order.

And now we come to the latest option being offered by Microsoft, though this one is going to require a little more work on your part than the others, but if you missed the signup and don't feel like shelling out $60+ for Crackdown, here's what you need to do - take it away, Microsoft;

"Beginning Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007, at 12:01 a.m. EST, all gamers need to do is participate in at least three hours of “Halo 2” multiplayer sessions, via Xbox Live, before Feb. 3, 2007, at 11:59 p.m. EST and then be among the first 13,333 to register at http://www.halo3.com. The “Rule of Three” program is currently planned for gamers in the 50 United States (includes District of Columbia) age 17 years and older who have access to an Xbox 360 Pro console or an Xbox 360 Core console with hard drive, a valid Xbox Live Gold subscription and the “Halo 2” game. Gamers around the world are encouraged to visit http://www.halo3.com in the coming weeks for more information on the “Rule of Three” program in their region." - Gamerscore Blog

If you're trying to get in via one of the non-assured methods, I wish you the best of luck - and if you want to see the full text of Microsoft's announcement, I wish you'd head over to this link and read it.

STAMPER BROTHERS LEAVE RARE LTD

1UP.com is reporting that Tim and Chris Stamper, founders of Rare Ltd., have left the company effective immediately. While the official word on their departure has all the usual wording about the brothers leaving to pursue other opportunities, there is no actual word on whether they left the company of their own free will or were forced out. Simply put, Rare certainly hasn't performed the way Microsoft hoped it would when they purchased it from Nintendo in 2002 for 377 million dollars.

I don't know about you, but if I were Nintendo, I'd probably be dialing the Stamper's right now to remind them of past successes and offer to help them form a second party development house for the Big N.

For more information on this story, check out the 1UP.com article here. If you're interested in a quick history of Rare Ltd, check out their Wikipedia entry here.