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GUITAR HERO III DROPKICK MURPHY TRACK PACK NOW AVAILABLE

In honor of Saint Patrick's Day, a free song pack from Dropkick Murphy for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of Guitar Hero III is now available for download via the Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Store.

March 14, 2008 Posted by | Activision Blizzard, Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Guitar Hero, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Store, RedOctane, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

GUITAR HERO III FREE TRACK – “DREAM ON” – FEB 16TH – 18TH ONLY

Just a quick note here – to celebrate the announcement of Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, Activision Blizzard is offering a free download of the band's "Dream On" for use with Guitar Hero III to all PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 owners from February 16th through the 18th via the PlayStation Store and Xbox Live Marketplace.

"Santa Monica, CA – February 15, 2008 – Fire up the fret board, crank the amp to 11 and get ready to rock this way with Activision, Inc.'s (Nasdaq: ATVI) Guitar Hero®: Aerosmith®, the first game built around the legendary music of America's Greatest Rock 'N Roll Band: Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer.  Slated for release this June, this latest installment from the franchise with the #1 best-selling video game in 2007, puts players in the shoes of Perry (guitar), Whitford (guitar) and Hamilton (bass), as they rock out alongside frontman Tyler and drummer Kramer.  Gamers will experience Aerosmith's GRAMMY® winning career, from their first gig to becoming rock royalty, in a way that no other entertainment vehicle offers. 

To celebrate this historic, ground-breaking collaboration, Guitar Hero® III: Legends of Rock fans will have the opportunity to download and jam to Aerosmith's "Dream On." The song will be available for free from February 16-18 on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®Store for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.  For more information, please visit www.guitarhero.com." –  Official press release

 No word on if there will be any future option on the song for Wii owners. That's all I've got for you, so get moving and get it downloaded.

February 17, 2008 Posted by | Activision Blizzard, Announcements, Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Guitar Hero, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Store, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

PLAYSTATION 3 GUITAR HERO III BOSS BATTLE SONG PACK NOW AVAILABLE

If you've got the PlayStation 3 version of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and have been waiting for the "Boss Battles" download pack that Xbox 360 users have been enjoying for the past week or so, your wait is over. The Guitar Hero III "Boss Battle" Song Pack is now available through the PlayStation Store as a free download. Approximate file size is 78mb.

Just don't hold your breath hoping for the Halo 3 Mjolnir Mix track to show up for the PS3, okay? Enjoy!

November 30, 2007 Posted by | Activision, Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Guitar Hero, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Store, RedOctane | Leave a comment

FREE HALO 3 THEME SONG FOR XBOX 360 GUITAR HERO III

Okay, so I'm really late on this one – I meant to post it over the Thanksgiving weekend, but obviously that didn't happen due to issues involving gluttony and tryptophan. What I'm talking about here is the long-rumored release of the Halo 3 theme for the Xbox 360 version of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.

While some may gripe that it was first rumored to be a downloadable track for Guitar Hero II, the fact remains that it was never officially promised by Microsoft, Bungie or Activision, so it's not like GHII owners are missing out on something that they were told they'd be getting by anyone other than the internet water cooler.

While the news about the Halo 3 track is good, the second part of the announcement is even better… it's a free download. If you've got the 360 version of GHIII, you've got no excuse to head over to the Xbox Live Marketplace and add this one to your hard drive. Get to it!

November 29, 2007 Posted by | Activision, Bungie, Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Guitar Hero, Halo, RedOctane, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

XBOX 360 GUITAR HERO III BOSS BATTLE SONG PACK NOW AVAILABLE

If you've been waiting to be able to play the tracks used in the boss battles of Guitar Hero III as regular songs on the Xbox 360, you're in luck. The Guitar Hero III Boss Battle Song Pack is now available via the Xbox Live Marketplace, and best of all, it's a free download. Approximate download size is 75mb. Enjoy!

November 17, 2007 Posted by | Activision, Free Stuff, Guitar Hero, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

XBOX LIVE TURNS FIVE YEARS OLD – FREEBIES HIT MARKETPLACE

Xbox Live turns five years old today, and to celebrate Microsoft is rolling out a bunch of freebies for the masses via the Xbox Live Marketplace. That's right – Xbox Live is having a birthday, but we get the presents.

"Wait… presents? What presents?", you ask – well, let me tell you all about them;

  • Carcassonne
    • On Thursday, November 15th and Friday, November 16th, Carcassonne – the Xbox Live version of the classic European board game – will be made available to all Xbox Live subscribers as a free download. The game is normally priced at 800 points ($10), so be sure to grab it during this 48 hour window.
  • Xbox Dashboard Themes
    • Microsoft will be offering the following "special edition" Dashboard Themes available as free downloads;
      • Live is 5ive – A dashboard theme celebrating five years of Xbox Live.
      • Return to Castle Wolfenstein – A dashboard theme based on the game of the same name.
      • Gears of War – A dashboard theme based on the game of the same name.
      • Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 2 – A dashboard theme based on the game of the same name.
      • Halo 2 – A dashboard theme based on the game of the same name.
      • Mech Assault – A dashboard theme based on the game of the same name.
  • Special 5 Year Member Bonus
    • Xbox Live members who have been with the service since the very beginning will be receiving 500 Microsoft points ($6.25) and a few bits of "exclusive content" as Microsoft's way of saying "Thank You". According to the promotional page, those eligible will be receiving more details via e-mail. I've been a member since day one and haven't seen that e-mail yet, so I'm assuming it won't be sent out until the promotion is fully underway.

It's definitely been a fun five years and I think just about everyone will agree that Xbox Live is without a doubt THE defining feature of the Xbox 360. It really is amazing when you stop and think just how fast the service has grown since the launch of the 360.

Think about it – at the time Live was launched, many people said it would never work, that no one would be willing to pay for the privilege of playing their games online.  Microsoft took that challenge and presented a solid service on the original Xbox that many (myself included) felt was well worth the price and then massively expanded the concept with the Xbox 360 while raising the quality of that service even farther. If there is one thing Microsoft has done right since their entry into the console market, it would have to be Xbox Live.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY XBOX LIVE – SEE YOU AT THE 10 YEAR MARK! 

November 15, 2007 Posted by | Announcements, Free Games, Free Stuff, Microsoft, Woot!, Xbox 360, Xbox Live, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

TELLTALE GAMES OFFERS FREE SAM & MAX EPISODE!

The good folks over at Telltale Games have announced that they're offering Sam & Max: Abe Lincoln Must Die (Season One, Episode Four) for the low, low price of free. That's right gang, you too can now try out an episodic adventure of everyone's favorite dog and rabbity thing without having to shell out a single penny.

Telltale's site seems to be down at the moment (no doubt because they're gearing up for the launch of Sam & Max Season Two), but they have been kind enough to leave the download link on their "we're sorry" page as well. Be sure to check it out!

November 8, 2007 Posted by | Episodic Content, Free Games, Free Stuff, Graphic Adventure, PC Games, Sam & Max, TellTale Games | Leave a comment

TELLTALE GAMES OFFERS FREE SAM & MAX EPISODE!

The good folks over at Telltale Games have announced that they're offering Sam & Max: Abe Lincoln Must Die (Season One, Episode Four) for the low, low price of free. That's right gang, you too can now try out an episodic adventure of everyone's favorite dog and rabbity thing without having to shell out a single penny.

Telltale's site seems to be down at the moment (no doubt because they're gearing up for the launch of Sam & Max Season Two), but they have been kind enough to leave the download link on their "we're sorry" page as well. Be sure to check it out!

November 8, 2007 Posted by | Episodic Content, Free Games, Free Stuff, Graphic Adventure, PC Games, Sam & Max, TellTale Games | Leave a comment

XBOX 360 FREEBIE: BUCCANEER TABLE FOR PINBALL FX

Stix over at Gamer's Lounge clued me in to the fact that Buccaneer, a free downloadable table for owners of Pinball FX, is now available in all regions for the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is 30.01MB.

While that alone would be great news, it gets better. Not only is the new table being provided to owners of Pinball FX for free, but it just happens to be a pirate themed table. Take that, Ninjas. 

"Content: Buccaneer Table
Price: Free
Availability: All Xbox LIVE Regions
Dash Text: [ESRB: E (Everyone) MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Avast, scurvy dogs, there be treasure in these waters! Weigh anchor, hoist the Jolly Roger, and set sail for BUCCANEER, a pirate-themed table that will shiver your timbers!" – Major Nelson

A big thanks to Stix for pointing this one out as it was buried inside of Major Nelson's 10/31 marketplace roundup post.

November 1, 2007 Posted by | Free Stuff, Pinball, Pirate!, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Arcade | Leave a comment

PLAYSTATION STORE: EYECREATE

One of the item's released in this week's PlayStation Store update was EyeCreate – a free program for the PlayStation 3 that will allow PlayStation Eye owners to edit their own videos using the console.

"PLAYSTATION®Eye required. EyeCreate™ is the first video editing software for the PLAYSTATION®3. Using EyeCreate™ and the PLAYSTATION®Eye camera, you can capture video, audio and even photos which can then be edited into a movie. An extensive list of special effects such as Color Filters, Distortions, Art Filters and Motion Trails can give your video a professional touch. There are even advanced features such as Time Lapse and Stop Motion to experiment with. Once you're done creating and editing your masterpiece, Export it to watch it on the Video folder of the XMB. EyeCreate™ will let you express yourself and get creative!" – PlayStation Store

While I do understand the need to support the just-released PlayStation Eye camera, I do have to wonder why this wasn't just included with the Eye itself. Ultimately, EyeCreate sounds like a nifty little program for those looking for some simple video creation fun – and since the price is right (free), it certainly couldn't hurt to give it a download.

October 27, 2007 Posted by | Free Stuff, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Store, Sony, Video | Leave a comment

THE ELDER SCROLLS IV: OBLIVION – THE FIGHTER’S STRONGHOLD RELEASED

Bethesda Softworks has released The Fighter’s Stronghold, the final downloadable content pack for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, for Windows and the Xbox 360, and for the period between October 15th and October 21st, gamers can download the pack free of charge.

“Fighter’s Stronghold – DLC6

Defeat the attacking marauders and become lord of Battlehorn Castle. Located in the Colovian Highlands west of Chorrol, this expansive castle will allow you to live the life of a noble warrior, with private quarters, grand dining hall, wine cellar, barracks, training room and more. And what castle would be complete without a few hidden passages and dark secrets?

  • A fully detailed castle for you to explore
  • Knights of the True Horn patrol the castle and do your bidding
  • Secret treasure vault
  • Upgrade the furnishings in every area of the castle
  • Hire a vintner to create special wines to enhance your fighting abilities
  • Hire a combat trainer to spar with
  • Hire a taxidermist to craft lifelike trophies for your great hall
  • Purchase an ancient Dwemer Forge that buffs your Armorer skill” – The Elder Scolls download page

The Fighter’s Stronghold is available to PC users through the game’s official store, while the Xbox 360 version can be obtained via the Xbox Live Marketplace. No information on what price the pack will carry after the 21st or whether or not the pack will be made available for the PlayStation 3 is currently available.

October 16, 2007 Posted by | Bethesda Softworks, Downloadable Content, Elder Scrolls, Free Stuff, PC Games, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | 2 Comments

NINTENDO OFFERS FREE REPLACEMENT WII REMOTE JACKETS

Nintendo has announced that, effective immediately, they will begin including a new protective cover and wristband with all Wii remotes the company ships. So that existing customers don’t feel left out, the company will also begin shipping the covers free of charge to existing Wii remote owners.

“Nintendo is now including the Wii Remote Jacket for the Wii Remotes in all new hardware being shipped. For Wii owners who purchased their systems prior to this addition, we are offering to send free Wii Remote Jackets for their existing Wii Remotes.” – Nintendo.com

Wii owners who would like to request free remote jackets for their remotes should have their console’s serial number handy and fill out the form at this link indicating how many of the remote jackets they’ll need. Nintendo will begin shipping the jackets on October 15th and expects delivery to take between five and ten days.

October 4, 2007 Posted by | Free Stuff, Nintendo, Replacements, Wii | Leave a comment

GEARS OF WAR HIDDEN FRONTS PACK NOW FREE

I’m still feeling a bit under the weather, so I’m keeping today’s update short. As promised by Microsoft, the Hidden Fronts map pack for Gears of War is now available as a free download. The pack includes four new multiplayer maps which I’ve taken the liberty of listing below;

  • Bullet Marsh
    • In this Kryll-infested swamp, an old generator still powers the area lights. A few stray bullets could easily knock out the generator, leaving you to fend for yourself against the Kryll.
  • Garden
    • This overgrown and crumbling conservatory still has a working fertilization and pesticide system. This system can pose a serious hazard to anyone who ventures into the greenhouse without first venting the air.
  • Process
    • Fight for control of this subterranean Imulsion processing plant, still active despite the cessation of the Pendulum wars.
  • Subway
    • Timgad’s Central Subway station used to serve as a central hub for commuters. Now the tunnels are crawling with Locust.

So there you have it – if you’ve been waiting for this pack to go free, head on over to the Live Marketplace and download it.

September 4, 2007 Posted by | Downloadable Content, Epic Games, Free Stuff, Gears of War, Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

XBOX 360 GHOST RECON ADVANCED WARFIGHTER 2 THROWBACK PACK FREE

Looks like Ubisoft is trying to bring the Xbox 360 version of Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 up to par with it’s just released PlayStation 3 sibling. Last week they made the original Throwback Pack a free download and have now released a second Throwback Pack as a free download.

"GRAW2 Throwback Pack 2 consists of 7 classic maps from Ghost Recon’s illustrious history. In addition to the 7 maps, there is a new game mode called Co-op Exfiltration. All of these maps have upgraded visuals and support all of GRAW2’s thousands of customizable game modes." – GRAW 2 Throwback Pack 2 dashboard description

Pretty nifty indeed – remember, free is always good.

August 29, 2007 Posted by | Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Ghost Recon, Tom Clancy, Ubisoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

XBOX 360 GRAW2 THROWBACK PACK NOW A FREE DOWNLOAD

Just a quick note here – Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry “Major Nelson” Hyrb has announced that Ubisoft has made the Xbox 360 “Throwback Pack” for Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 a free download. The pack was previously priced at 800 points ($10) – no announcement was made regarding refunds for anyone who purchased it recently, so I wouldn’t hold my breath hoping for one.

August 25, 2007 Posted by | Demo, Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Ghost Recon, Tom Clancy, Ubisoft, Xbox 360 | Leave a comment

FREE FORZA MOTORSPORT 2 THEME & GAMERPICS AVAILABLE

Just a quick note here, Nissan is making a free Forza Motorsport 2 theme and set of gamer pics available via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Here are the details as per Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb.

  • Theme: Forza Motorsport 2

    • Content: Nissan Sentra SE-R Theme
    • Price: Free
    • Availability: United States
    • Dash Text: Download the Forza 2 Theme and you will be registered in the Nissan Sentra SE-R Forza 2 Challenge (subject to verification of eligibility) where you can race to win a trip to Los Angeles and a new car! For rules and details, please visit http://www.xboxlivetournament.com/Tournament.aspx?t=forzatwochallenge.
  • Gamer Picture: Forza Motorsport 2

    • Content: Nissan Sentra SE-R Gamer Picture
    • Price: Free
    • Availability: United States
    • Dash Text: Download the Forza 2 Theme and you will be registered in the Nissan Sentra SE-R Forza 2 Challenge (subject to verification of eligibility) where you can race to win a trip to Los Angeles and a new car! For rules and details, please visit http://www.xboxlivetournament.com/Tournament.aspx?t=forzatwochallenge.

Sure it may only be a bunch of promotional materials for the Sentra, but free is free.

August 21, 2007 Posted by | Forza Motorsport, Free Stuff, Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE FORZA MOTORSPORT 2 THEME & GAMERPICS AVAILABLE

Just a quick note here, Nissan is making a free Forza Motorsport 2 theme and set of gamer pics available via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Here are the details as per Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb.

  • Theme: Forza Motorsport 2

    • Content: Nissan Sentra SE-R Theme
    • Price: Free
    • Availability: United States
    • Dash Text: Download the Forza 2 Theme and you will be registered in the Nissan Sentra SE-R Forza 2 Challenge (subject to verification of eligibility) where you can race to win a trip to Los Angeles and a new car! For rules and details, please visit http://www.xboxlivetournament.com/Tournament.aspx?t=forzatwochallenge.
  • Gamer Picture: Forza Motorsport 2

    • Content: Nissan Sentra SE-R Gamer Picture
    • Price: Free
    • Availability: United States
    • Dash Text: Download the Forza 2 Theme and you will be registered in the Nissan Sentra SE-R Forza 2 Challenge (subject to verification of eligibility) where you can race to win a trip to Los Angeles and a new car! For rules and details, please visit http://www.xboxlivetournament.com/Tournament.aspx?t=forzatwochallenge.

Sure it may only be a bunch of promotional materials for the Sentra, but free is free.

August 21, 2007 Posted by | Forza Motorsport, Free Stuff, Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE FORZA MOTORSPORT 2 THEME & GAMERPICS AVAILABLE

Just a quick note here, Nissan is making a free Forza Motorsport 2 theme and set of gamer pics available via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Here are the details as per Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb.

  • Theme: Forza Motorsport 2

    • Content: Nissan Sentra SE-R Theme
    • Price: Free
    • Availability: United States
    • Dash Text: Download the Forza 2 Theme and you will be registered in the Nissan Sentra SE-R Forza 2 Challenge (subject to verification of eligibility) where you can race to win a trip to Los Angeles and a new car! For rules and details, please visit http://www.xboxlivetournament.com/Tournament.aspx?t=forzatwochallenge.
  • Gamer Picture: Forza Motorsport 2

    • Content: Nissan Sentra SE-R Gamer Picture
    • Price: Free
    • Availability: United States
    • Dash Text: Download the Forza 2 Theme and you will be registered in the Nissan Sentra SE-R Forza 2 Challenge (subject to verification of eligibility) where you can race to win a trip to Los Angeles and a new car! For rules and details, please visit http://www.xboxlivetournament.com/Tournament.aspx?t=forzatwochallenge.

Sure it may only be a bunch of promotional materials for the Sentra, but free is free.

August 21, 2007 Posted by | Forza Motorsport, Free Stuff, Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE FORZA MOTORSPORT 2 THEME & GAMERPICS AVAILABLE

Just a quick note here, Nissan is making a free Forza Motorsport 2 theme and set of gamer pics available via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Here are the details as per Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb.

  • Theme: Forza Motorsport 2

    • Content: Nissan Sentra SE-R Theme
    • Price: Free
    • Availability: United States
    • Dash Text: Download the Forza 2 Theme and you will be registered in the Nissan Sentra SE-R Forza 2 Challenge (subject to verification of eligibility) where you can race to win a trip to Los Angeles and a new car! For rules and details, please visit http://www.xboxlivetournament.com/Tournament.aspx?t=forzatwochallenge.
  • Gamer Picture: Forza Motorsport 2

    • Content: Nissan Sentra SE-R Gamer Picture
    • Price: Free
    • Availability: United States
    • Dash Text: Download the Forza 2 Theme and you will be registered in the Nissan Sentra SE-R Forza 2 Challenge (subject to verification of eligibility) where you can race to win a trip to Los Angeles and a new car! For rules and details, please visit http://www.xboxlivetournament.com/Tournament.aspx?t=forzatwochallenge.

Sure it may only be a bunch of promotional materials for the Sentra, but free is free.

August 21, 2007 Posted by | Forza Motorsport, Free Stuff, Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE FORZA MOTORSPORT 2 THEME & GAMERPICS AVAILABLE

Just a quick note here, Nissan is making a free Forza Motorsport 2 theme and set of gamer pics available via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Here are the details as per Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb.

  • Theme: Forza Motorsport 2

    • Content: Nissan Sentra SE-R Theme
    • Price: Free
    • Availability: United States
    • Dash Text: Download the Forza 2 Theme and you will be registered in the Nissan Sentra SE-R Forza 2 Challenge (subject to verification of eligibility) where you can race to win a trip to Los Angeles and a new car! For rules and details, please visit http://www.xboxlivetournament.com/Tournament.aspx?t=forzatwochallenge.
  • Gamer Picture: Forza Motorsport 2

    • Content: Nissan Sentra SE-R Gamer Picture
    • Price: Free
    • Availability: United States
    • Dash Text: Download the Forza 2 Theme and you will be registered in the Nissan Sentra SE-R Forza 2 Challenge (subject to verification of eligibility) where you can race to win a trip to Los Angeles and a new car! For rules and details, please visit http://www.xboxlivetournament.com/Tournament.aspx?t=forzatwochallenge.

Sure it may only be a bunch of promotional materials for the Sentra, but free is free.

August 21, 2007 Posted by | Forza Motorsport, Free Stuff, Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE FORZA MOTORSPORT 2 THEME & GAMERPICS AVAILABLE

Just a quick note here, Nissan is making a free Forza Motorsport 2 theme and set of gamer pics available via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Here are the details as per Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb.

  • Theme: Forza Motorsport 2

    • Content: Nissan Sentra SE-R Theme
    • Price: Free
    • Availability: United States
    • Dash Text: Download the Forza 2 Theme and you will be registered in the Nissan Sentra SE-R Forza 2 Challenge (subject to verification of eligibility) where you can race to win a trip to Los Angeles and a new car! For rules and details, please visit http://www.xboxlivetournament.com/Tournament.aspx?t=forzatwochallenge.
  • Gamer Picture: Forza Motorsport 2

    • Content: Nissan Sentra SE-R Gamer Picture
    • Price: Free
    • Availability: United States
    • Dash Text: Download the Forza 2 Theme and you will be registered in the Nissan Sentra SE-R Forza 2 Challenge (subject to verification of eligibility) where you can race to win a trip to Los Angeles and a new car! For rules and details, please visit http://www.xboxlivetournament.com/Tournament.aspx?t=forzatwochallenge.

Sure it may only be a bunch of promotional materials for the Sentra, but free is free.

August 21, 2007 Posted by | Forza Motorsport, Free Stuff, Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE FORZA MOTORSPORT 2 THEME & GAMERPICS AVAILABLE

Just a quick note here, Nissan is making a free Forza Motorsport 2 theme and set of gamer pics available via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Here are the details as per Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb.

  • Theme: Forza Motorsport 2

    • Content: Nissan Sentra SE-R Theme
    • Price: Free
    • Availability: United States
    • Dash Text: Download the Forza 2 Theme and you will be registered in the Nissan Sentra SE-R Forza 2 Challenge (subject to verification of eligibility) where you can race to win a trip to Los Angeles and a new car! For rules and details, please visit http://www.xboxlivetournament.com/Tournament.aspx?t=forzatwochallenge.
  • Gamer Picture: Forza Motorsport 2

    • Content: Nissan Sentra SE-R Gamer Picture
    • Price: Free
    • Availability: United States
    • Dash Text: Download the Forza 2 Theme and you will be registered in the Nissan Sentra SE-R Forza 2 Challenge (subject to verification of eligibility) where you can race to win a trip to Los Angeles and a new car! For rules and details, please visit http://www.xboxlivetournament.com/Tournament.aspx?t=forzatwochallenge.

Sure it may only be a bunch of promotional materials for the Sentra, but free is free.

August 21, 2007 Posted by | Forza Motorsport, Free Stuff, Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE FORZA MOTORSPORT 2 THEME & GAMERPICS AVAILABLE

Just a quick note here, Nissan is making a free Forza Motorsport 2 theme and set of gamer pics available via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Here are the details as per Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb.

  • Theme: Forza Motorsport 2

    • Content: Nissan Sentra SE-R Theme
    • Price: Free
    • Availability: United States
    • Dash Text: Download the Forza 2 Theme and you will be registered in the Nissan Sentra SE-R Forza 2 Challenge (subject to verification of eligibility) where you can race to win a trip to Los Angeles and a new car! For rules and details, please visit http://www.xboxlivetournament.com/Tournament.aspx?t=forzatwochallenge.
  • Gamer Picture: Forza Motorsport 2

    • Content: Nissan Sentra SE-R Gamer Picture
    • Price: Free
    • Availability: United States
    • Dash Text: Download the Forza 2 Theme and you will be registered in the Nissan Sentra SE-R Forza 2 Challenge (subject to verification of eligibility) where you can race to win a trip to Los Angeles and a new car! For rules and details, please visit http://www.xboxlivetournament.com/Tournament.aspx?t=forzatwochallenge.

Sure it may only be a bunch of promotional materials for the Sentra, but free is free.

August 21, 2007 Posted by | Forza Motorsport, Free Stuff, Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE FORZA MOTORSPORT 2 THEME & GAMERPICS AVAILABLE

Just a quick note here, Nissan is making a free Forza Motorsport 2 theme and set of gamer pics available via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Here are the details as per Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb.

  • Theme: Forza Motorsport 2

    • Content: Nissan Sentra SE-R Theme
    • Price: Free
    • Availability: United States
    • Dash Text: Download the Forza 2 Theme and you will be registered in the Nissan Sentra SE-R Forza 2 Challenge (subject to verification of eligibility) where you can race to win a trip to Los Angeles and a new car! For rules and details, please visit http://www.xboxlivetournament.com/Tournament.aspx?t=forzatwochallenge.
  • Gamer Picture: Forza Motorsport 2

    • Content: Nissan Sentra SE-R Gamer Picture
    • Price: Free
    • Availability: United States
    • Dash Text: Download the Forza 2 Theme and you will be registered in the Nissan Sentra SE-R Forza 2 Challenge (subject to verification of eligibility) where you can race to win a trip to Los Angeles and a new car! For rules and details, please visit http://www.xboxlivetournament.com/Tournament.aspx?t=forzatwochallenge.

Sure it may only be a bunch of promotional materials for the Sentra, but free is free.

August 21, 2007 Posted by | Forza Motorsport, Free Stuff, Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE FORZA MOTORSPORT 2 THEME & GAMERPICS AVAILABLE

Just a quick note here, Nissan is making a free Forza Motorsport 2 theme and set of gamer pics available via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Here are the details as per Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb.

  • Theme: Forza Motorsport 2

    • Content: Nissan Sentra SE-R Theme
    • Price: Free
    • Availability: United States
    • Dash Text: Download the Forza 2 Theme and you will be registered in the Nissan Sentra SE-R Forza 2 Challenge (subject to verification of eligibility) where you can race to win a trip to Los Angeles and a new car! For rules and details, please visit http://www.xboxlivetournament.com/Tournament.aspx?t=forzatwochallenge.
  • Gamer Picture: Forza Motorsport 2

    • Content: Nissan Sentra SE-R Gamer Picture
    • Price: Free
    • Availability: United States
    • Dash Text: Download the Forza 2 Theme and you will be registered in the Nissan Sentra SE-R Forza 2 Challenge (subject to verification of eligibility) where you can race to win a trip to Los Angeles and a new car! For rules and details, please visit http://www.xboxlivetournament.com/Tournament.aspx?t=forzatwochallenge.

Sure it may only be a bunch of promotional materials for the Sentra, but free is free.

August 21, 2007 Posted by | Forza Motorsport, Free Stuff, Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

BIOSHOCK DOWNLOADABLE ART BOOK AVAILABLE

No sooner did I finish writing that last article did I remember what I actually wanted to tell you about today – always seems to work like that, doesn’t it? 2K Games Cult of Rapture website has a downloadable book featuring art from their upcoming title BioShock. The book was originally one of the options gamers voted on for inclusion in the Collector’s Edition boxed set, but apparently it lost out to the Big Daddy figure, the mini-soundtrack CD and the making of DVD. (Ok, I get how it could lose to the Big Daddy figurine, but to be voted down as opposed to a mini-soundtrack and "making of" disc? what were those people thinking?)

Anyway, the book is available in both standard and high definition formats and can be downloaded via this link. One word of warning – 2K’s Elizabeth Tobey advises that you NOT read the forward of the book until you’ve actually played through the game as it contains several spoilers. I’d suggest downloading it but not actually looking at it until you’re done just to be safe.

August 19, 2007 Posted by | 2K Games, Bioshock, Free Stuff, PC Games, Xbox 360 | Leave a comment

XBOX 360 F.E.A.R. BONUS MAP PACK NOW AVAILABLE

Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb has announced that a free multiplayer map pack is now available for the Xbox 360 version of F.E.A.R. The pack can be obtained via the Xbox Live Marketplace in all regions except Mexico and Asia. The pack includes three multiplayer maps and weighs in at approximately 135MB.

"With this FREE Bonus Map Pack you’ll gain access to 3 never before available Multiplayer levels for your Xbox 360! Take advantage of the lush vegetation in Ecosphere to showcase your sniping skills or battle it out in a dilapidated building where enemies lurk behind every corner in Hotel. If dark spaces and close quarters combat are more to your liking, then prepare for some epic fire fights in the twisting tunnels of Sewers." – F.E.A.R. Bonus Map Pack dashboard description

You know, the more of these free map packs I download, the more I keep thinking I’m going to need that 120GB hard drive soon. Hopefully Microsoft will give it a much needed price drop sometime soon.

August 14, 2007 Posted by | Demo, F.E.A.R., FPS, Free Stuff, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE FORZA MOTORSPORT 2 CONTENT TO HIT LIVE TODAY

In a post over at ForzaMotorsport.net, the folks at Turn 10 announced that Nissan will be sponsoring a free downloadable car pack for Forza Motorsport 2 along with several Nissan themed events to be held via Xbox Live.

Naturally, the most exciting thing about the announcement is the addition of three free cars starting today. The Nissan car pack will include the 2007 models of the Nissan 350Z, Sentra SE-R and Altima. I said it back when Cadillac sponsored a car pack for Project Gotham Racing 3, and I’ll say it again – this is the way in-game advertising should be done. It’s unobtrusive, shows off the product and is something people will actually go out of their way to obtain. Sure, this example really only works for racing games, but it’s still a case where the end user doesn’t feel like they’re being pimped out by a game they’ve spent sixty or more dollars on.

As if that’s not enough, Nissan will also be hosting several events including a Sentra SE-R tournament race as well as a car customization contest. As an avid collector for Forza 2 cars, I certainly can’t wait to see what people come up with for that one. (Though I wonder if we’re going to see some controversy surrounding people using unlocked vinyls and claiming them as their own.)

While we’re on the subject of Forza 2, I should also note that one “premium” car will be debuting in the Xbox Live Marketplace tomorrow. A paintable Peugeot 908 race car will be sold for 50 Microsoft Points ($0.63).

August 1, 2007 Posted by | Downloadable Content, Forza Motorsport, Free Stuff, Microsoft, Racing, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

XBOX LIVE BRINGING IT HOME: COMIC-CON 2007 – DAY ONE

While all of these items may not be specifically related to the Bringing it Home promotion for Comic-Con 2007, they do all have two things in common;

  1. They all appeared in the Xbox Live Marketplace on the first day of Comic-Con
  2. They’re all FREE downloads.

So, because we all love freebies, here’s the list of the free stuff that appeared in the Marketplace on July 26th.

Trailers
Content: New Resident Evil 5 2007 Trailer
Price: Free
Availability: All regions except Japan
Size: 143.45 MB
Dash Text: [ESRB: RP (Rating Pending)] The Resident Evil series continues with this highly anticipated sequel. Witness real-time footage from Resident Evil 5!The story unfolds in a land simmering in the heat of a merciless sun where the contrast between light and dark enhances the feeling of dread as a new evil draws closer.

Content: All-Pro Football 2K8 Trailer
Price: Free
Availability: Only in Canada, United States
Size: 67.56 MB
Dash Text: [ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10+) MILD LANGUAGE] Over 240 NFL legends make their return to the gridiron, including Hall of Famers such as Johnny Unitas, Dick Butkus, Joe Montana, Mike Singletary, Reggie White and Walter Payton. Legends have their own signature moves in the game – Barry’s spin, Walter’s scissors kick, and Jerry’s one-handed grab.

Content: Surf’s Up Trailer (HD)
Price: Free
Availability: All regions except Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan
Dash Text: [ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10+) CRUDE HUMOR,LANGUAGE] Surf’s Up Game Trailer

Content: Looney Tunes ACME Arsenal Trailer (HD)
Price: Free
Availability: Only in United States
Size: 54.96 MB
Dash Text: [ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10+) Cartoon Violence] Download this trailer.

Content: Looney Tunes ACME Arsenal Trailer (SD)
Price: Free
Availability: Only in United States
Dash Text: [ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10+) Cartoon Violence] Download this trailer.

Content: Looney Tunes ACME Arsenal Trailer 2 (SD)
Price: Free
Availability: Only in United States
Dash Text: [ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10+) Cartoon Violence] Download this trailer.

Content: Looney Tunes ACME Arsenal Trailer 2 (HD)
Price: Free
Availability: Only in United States
Size: 150.61 MB
Dash Text: [ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10+) Cartoon Violence] Download this trailer.

In Game Content
Game: Test Drive Unlimited
Content: Free Holden Efijy Concept
Price: Free
Availability: All regions
Dash Text: Download the Holden Efijy Concept for free (in-game currency still required for purchase at respective dealer).

Game: Splinter Cell Double Agent
Content: XBOX360 DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT
Price: Free
Availability: All regions
Dash Text: [ESRB: M (MATURE) BLOOD, LANGUAGE, VIOLENCE] 2 new multiplayer maps (Kinshasa and Secret base), 4 new challenges on those maps and a brand new character with 3 outfits : the Spy Girl.
Size: 83.48 MB

Game: Project Sylpheed
Content: 6 New Missions & Weapons + Leaderboards
Price: Free
Availability: All regions except Japan
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) FANTASY VIOLENCE,MILD BLOOD,MILD LANGUAGE,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES,USE OF ALCOHOL] Think you are truly an ace pilot? 6 new missions will challenge your skills and add 6 new super-weapons to your arsenal plus Xbox Live Leaderboard suppport to track your rank. Requires Project Sylpheed full retail game. Access Challenge Missions from the EXTRAS menu.

Game: Vamipire Rain
Content: VR Bonus Level 2
Price: Free
Availability: All regions except Japan, Korea, Taiwan
Dash Text: [ESRB: M (Mature) BLOOD AND GORE,INTENSE VIOLENCE] Thanks for supporting Vampire Rain. Ready for another gathering mission? Play as Duane Hanson in this bonus level to see how fast you can pick up all required equipment for your mission. Difficulty: 3 stars. Requires full retail game.

Gamer Pictures
Content: Comic-Con 2007 Gamer Picture
Price: Free
Availability: Only in United States
Dash Text: Download this gamer picture.

Content: Alien Hominid HD – Vehicle Picture Pack
Price: Free
Availability: All regions
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) BLOOD AND GORE,CARTOON VIOLENCE] This set of 5 pictures contains some of the most destructive vehiciles that our little yellow friend uses in the game. Get your hand on these 5 Gamer Pictures today!

Video
Content: MLG Heavyweight Match 1 Video (HD)
Price: Free
Availability: All regions
Size: 902.29 MB
Dash Text: [ESRB: RP (Rating Pending)] 2V2 Halo 2. The debut episode features up and coming pros Lunchbox and Roy vs. Halogod and VictoryX. Let the games begin!

July 27, 2007 Posted by | Bringing it Home, Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Microsoft, Promotion, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

XBOX 360 LOST PLANET MAP PACKS 1 & 2 TO BECOME FREE DOWNLOADS TODAY

According to Major Nelson, Capcom will be making the first two map packs (Map Pack 1 and Map Pack 2) for the Xbox 360 version of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition free downloads starting today. This is apparently being done in the spirit of fairness as the four maps are being released (for free) on the PC version today as well. Free is always good, so if you’ve got the game and haven’t bought the map packs yet, now is the time to do it.

Please note that the Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Map Pack 3 will not be included as a free download.

July 20, 2007 Posted by | Capcom, Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Lost Planet, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

XBOX 360 LOST PLANET MAP PACKS 1 & 2 TO BECOME FREE DOWNLOADS TODAY

According to Major Nelson, Capcom will be making the first two map packs (Map Pack 1 and Map Pack 2) for the Xbox 360 version of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition free downloads starting today. This is apparently being done in the spirit of fairness as the four maps are being released (for free) on the PC version today as well. Free is always good, so if you’ve got the game and haven’t bought the map packs yet, now is the time to do it.

Please note that the Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Map Pack 3 will not be included as a free download.

July 20, 2007 Posted by | Capcom, Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Lost Planet, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

XBOX 360 LOST PLANET MAP PACKS 1 & 2 TO BECOME FREE DOWNLOADS TODAY

According to Major Nelson, Capcom will be making the first two map packs (Map Pack 1 and Map Pack 2) for the Xbox 360 version of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition free downloads starting today. This is apparently being done in the spirit of fairness as the four maps are being released (for free) on the PC version today as well. Free is always good, so if you’ve got the game and haven’t bought the map packs yet, now is the time to do it.

Please note that the Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Map Pack 3 will not be included as a free download.

July 20, 2007 Posted by | Capcom, Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Lost Planet, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

XBOX 360 LOST PLANET MAP PACKS 1 & 2 TO BECOME FREE DOWNLOADS TODAY

According to Major Nelson, Capcom will be making the first two map packs (Map Pack 1 and Map Pack 2) for the Xbox 360 version of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition free downloads starting today. This is apparently being done in the spirit of fairness as the four maps are being released (for free) on the PC version today as well. Free is always good, so if you’ve got the game and haven’t bought the map packs yet, now is the time to do it.

Please note that the Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Map Pack 3 will not be included as a free download.

July 20, 2007 Posted by | Capcom, Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Lost Planet, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

XBOX 360 LOST PLANET MAP PACKS 1 & 2 TO BECOME FREE DOWNLOADS TODAY

According to Major Nelson, Capcom will be making the first two map packs (Map Pack 1 and Map Pack 2) for the Xbox 360 version of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition free downloads starting today. This is apparently being done in the spirit of fairness as the four maps are being released (for free) on the PC version today as well. Free is always good, so if you’ve got the game and haven’t bought the map packs yet, now is the time to do it.

Please note that the Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Map Pack 3 will not be included as a free download.

July 20, 2007 Posted by | Capcom, Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Lost Planet, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

XBOX 360 LOST PLANET MAP PACKS 1 & 2 TO BECOME FREE DOWNLOADS TODAY

According to Major Nelson, Capcom will be making the first two map packs (Map Pack 1 and Map Pack 2) for the Xbox 360 version of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition free downloads starting today. This is apparently being done in the spirit of fairness as the four maps are being released (for free) on the PC version today as well. Free is always good, so if you’ve got the game and haven’t bought the map packs yet, now is the time to do it.

Please note that the Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Map Pack 3 will not be included as a free download.

July 20, 2007 Posted by | Capcom, Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Lost Planet, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

XBOX 360 LOST PLANET MAP PACKS 1 & 2 TO BECOME FREE DOWNLOADS TODAY

According to Major Nelson, Capcom will be making the first two map packs (Map Pack 1 and Map Pack 2) for the Xbox 360 version of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition free downloads starting today. This is apparently being done in the spirit of fairness as the four maps are being released (for free) on the PC version today as well. Free is always good, so if you’ve got the game and haven’t bought the map packs yet, now is the time to do it.

Please note that the Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Map Pack 3 will not be included as a free download.

July 20, 2007 Posted by | Capcom, Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Lost Planet, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

XBOX 360 LOST PLANET MAP PACKS 1 & 2 TO BECOME FREE DOWNLOADS TODAY

According to Major Nelson, Capcom will be making the first two map packs (Map Pack 1 and Map Pack 2) for the Xbox 360 version of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition free downloads starting today. This is apparently being done in the spirit of fairness as the four maps are being released (for free) on the PC version today as well. Free is always good, so if you’ve got the game and haven’t bought the map packs yet, now is the time to do it.

Please note that the Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Map Pack 3 will not be included as a free download.

July 20, 2007 Posted by | Capcom, Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Lost Planet, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

XBOX 360 LOST PLANET MAP PACKS 1 & 2 TO BECOME FREE DOWNLOADS TODAY

According to Major Nelson, Capcom will be making the first two map packs (Map Pack 1 and Map Pack 2) for the Xbox 360 version of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition free downloads starting today. This is apparently being done in the spirit of fairness as the four maps are being released (for free) on the PC version today as well. Free is always good, so if you’ve got the game and haven’t bought the map packs yet, now is the time to do it.

Please note that the Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Map Pack 3 will not be included as a free download.

July 20, 2007 Posted by | Capcom, Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Lost Planet, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

XBOX 360 LOST PLANET MAP PACKS 1 & 2 TO BECOME FREE DOWNLOADS TODAY

According to Major Nelson, Capcom will be making the first two map packs (Map Pack 1 and Map Pack 2) for the Xbox 360 version of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition free downloads starting today. This is apparently being done in the spirit of fairness as the four maps are being released (for free) on the PC version today as well. Free is always good, so if you’ve got the game and haven’t bought the map packs yet, now is the time to do it.

Please note that the Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Map Pack 3 will not be included as a free download.

July 20, 2007 Posted by | Capcom, Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Lost Planet, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

XBOX 360 LOST PLANET MAP PACKS 1 & 2 TO BECOME FREE DOWNLOADS TODAY

According to Major Nelson, Capcom will be making the first two map packs (Map Pack 1 and Map Pack 2) for the Xbox 360 version of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition free downloads starting today. This is apparently being done in the spirit of fairness as the four maps are being released (for free) on the PC version today as well. Free is always good, so if you’ve got the game and haven’t bought the map packs yet, now is the time to do it.

Please note that the Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Map Pack 3 will not be included as a free download.

July 20, 2007 Posted by | Capcom, Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Lost Planet, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

XBOX 360 LOST PLANET MAP PACKS 1 & 2 TO BECOME FREE DOWNLOADS TODAY

According to Major Nelson, Capcom will be making the first two map packs (Map Pack 1 and Map Pack 2) for the Xbox 360 version of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition free downloads starting today. This is apparently being done in the spirit of fairness as the four maps are being released (for free) on the PC version today as well. Free is always good, so if you’ve got the game and haven’t bought the map packs yet, now is the time to do it.

Please note that the Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Map Pack 3 will not be included as a free download.

July 20, 2007 Posted by | Capcom, Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Lost Planet, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

XBOX 360 LOST PLANET MAP PACKS 1 & 2 TO BECOME FREE DOWNLOADS TODAY

According to Major Nelson, Capcom will be making the first two map packs (Map Pack 1 and Map Pack 2) for the Xbox 360 version of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition free downloads starting today. This is apparently being done in the spirit of fairness as the four maps are being released (for free) on the PC version today as well. Free is always good, so if you’ve got the game and haven’t bought the map packs yet, now is the time to do it.

Please note that the Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Map Pack 3 will not be included as a free download.

July 20, 2007 Posted by | Capcom, Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Lost Planet, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

XBOX 360 LOST PLANET MAP PACKS 1 & 2 TO BECOME FREE DOWNLOADS TODAY

According to Major Nelson, Capcom will be making the first two map packs (Map Pack 1 and Map Pack 2) for the Xbox 360 version of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition free downloads starting today. This is apparently being done in the spirit of fairness as the four maps are being released (for free) on the PC version today as well. Free is always good, so if you’ve got the game and haven’t bought the map packs yet, now is the time to do it.

Please note that the Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Map Pack 3 will not be included as a free download.

July 20, 2007 Posted by | Capcom, Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Lost Planet, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

IT’S BUNGIE DAY!!! – FREE XBOX 360 THEME AND GAMERPICS

Today is July 7th, 2007 – a day that most media outlets tell me is supposed to be the luckiest day of the century. Well, I don’t know about that, since apparently my version of “getting lucky” was oversleeping until 3:30pm, but I’m sure someone out there is having a great time.

The point of the matter is that for no actual reason, Bungie has declared today Bungie Day and made some gifts available for today and today only. Now that I’ve got your attention, those gifts take the form of a special Halo 3 theme and gamerpic set available to Xbox 360 owners via the Xbox Live Marketplace. As I stated before, these freebies will be taken down at the end of the day, so donwload them now or lose out forever.

July 7, 2007 Posted by | Bungie, Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Halo, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | 10 Comments

BOTH XBOX 360 RAINBOW SIX VEGAS PLAYER’S PACKS NOW FREE

This story has been sitting on my “to post” list for about a week now and seeing how as of tomorrow both player’s packs for the Xbox 360 version of Rainbow Six Vegas will be free downloads, I figured now was the time to post it.

Back on June 29th, Major Nelson reported that Ubisoft had finally fixed the problems they were having with the recently released Player’s Pack: Black Edition for the Xbox 360, and announced that the pack was supposed to have been a free download. As a way of making up for the confusion, Ubisoft had opted to put the “Black Pack” back on Live as a free download and announced that the older Player’s Pack: Red Edition would also become a free download effective July 6th – you know… today.

“Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas Black Pack Downloadable Content for Xbox 360 Live was originally intended to be free content for the fans of Rainbow Six Vegas. We apologize for the error. All players who purchased the Black Pack will be reimbursed automatically.* The Black Pack will be posted Saturday June 30th and will be free of charge. Also, as a token of our appreciation for the Rainbow Six community, we are making the Red Pack free as of Friday July 6th as well. Thanks for playing and we hope you enjoy this free content.” – Ubisoft

That’s a whole lot of freebie goodness right there, so if you have R6V and haven’t picked up either pack yet, you should be golden by the end of today. One last thing to note is that anyone who purchased the Black Edition pack during it’s short time as a pay download can expect to see a refund automatically within 8-10 weeks.

July 6, 2007 Posted by | Downloadable Content, FPS, Free Stuff, Tom Clancy, Ubisoft, Xbox 360 | Leave a comment

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

June 28, 2007 Posted by | Downloadable Content, F.E.A.R., Free Stuff, PC Games, Sierra, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

June 28, 2007 Posted by | Downloadable Content, F.E.A.R., Free Stuff, PC Games, Sierra, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

June 28, 2007 Posted by | Downloadable Content, F.E.A.R., Free Stuff, PC Games, Sierra, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

June 28, 2007 Posted by | Downloadable Content, F.E.A.R., Free Stuff, PC Games, Sierra, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

June 28, 2007 Posted by | Downloadable Content, F.E.A.R., Free Stuff, PC Games, Sierra, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

June 28, 2007 Posted by | Downloadable Content, F.E.A.R., Free Stuff, PC Games, Sierra, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

June 28, 2007 Posted by | Downloadable Content, F.E.A.R., Free Stuff, PC Games, Sierra, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

June 28, 2007 Posted by | Downloadable Content, F.E.A.R., Free Stuff, PC Games, Sierra, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

June 28, 2007 Posted by | Downloadable Content, F.E.A.R., Free Stuff, PC Games, Sierra, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

June 28, 2007 Posted by | Downloadable Content, F.E.A.R., Free Stuff, PC Games, Sierra, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

June 28, 2007 Posted by | Downloadable Content, F.E.A.R., Free Stuff, PC Games, Sierra, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

June 28, 2007 Posted by | Downloadable Content, F.E.A.R., Free Stuff, PC Games, Sierra, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

June 28, 2007 Posted by | Downloadable Content, F.E.A.R., Free Stuff, PC Games, Sierra, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

June 28, 2007 Posted by | Downloadable Content, F.E.A.R., Free Stuff, PC Games, Sierra, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

June 28, 2007 Posted by | Downloadable Content, F.E.A.R., Free Stuff, PC Games, Sierra, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

June 28, 2007 Posted by | Downloadable Content, F.E.A.R., Free Stuff, PC Games, Sierra, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

June 28, 2007 Posted by | Downloadable Content, F.E.A.R., Free Stuff, PC Games, Sierra, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

THE OUTFIT: COLLATERAL DAMAGE MAP PACK NOW FREE

Major Nelson reported today that the Collateral Damage Map Pack for The Outfit is now available in the Xbox Live Marketplace for free. The pack was originally priced at 500 points ($6.25) but as was done with the Halo 2 premium maps, it has now been reduced to a free download. I’m sure there will be plenty of griping from the 6 people out there who bought it.

July 26, 2006 Posted by | Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, THQ, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

TOYS R US – ANIMAL CROSSING: WILD WORLD VIRTUAL GIFT

Tenwyn at the Gamer’s Lounge forums posted that he received an e-mail from Nintendo stating that Toys R Us will be offering a free downloadable Animal Crossing: Wild World item from July 23rd through July 30th.

As with other Nintendo handheld games, there’s also a bit of community building involved here as there are actually six different items available and players can swap, sell or simply give the items away. Those wanting to get more than one of the items may be forced to do a bit of wheeling and dealing. Here’s what you have to do to get yours as per the Nintendo Event site;

  • Insert your Animal Crossing: Wild World Game Card into your Nintendo DS. Power up.
  • Purchase Bottle Mail at Tom Nook’s Shop.
  • Write a message and release your Bottle Mail into the river or at the beach. Save and end your game.
  • Visit the specially marked Animal Crossing: Wild Word promotion in the video-game section of your nearest Toys ‘R Us July 23-30. At the main menu, tap Tag Mode.
  • Watch and wait for something to arrive in your town!
  • Restart your game and comb the beach for Bottle Mail containing a special rare item!

Check out the Nintendo Events detail page here for more details and start thinking of ways to convince five of your friends with Animal Crossing to go visit Toys R Us so they can score you some free swag. After all, what are friends for?

July 20, 2006 Posted by | Free Stuff, Nintendo, Nintendo DS, Toys R Us | Leave a comment

FREE DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT FOR CHROMEHOUNDS

Sega has released a new free downloadable content pack for Chromehounds on the Xbox 360. The content pack includes 2 light arms, 2 heavy arms, 1 assist part and 1 new color scheme. The pack can be downloaded via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

July 20, 2006 Posted by | Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Sega, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | 1 Comment

FREE XBOX LIVE ARCADE TEXAS HOLD’EM GAME DATED

Gamespot is reporting that the upcoming Xbox Live Arcade Texas Hold’Em game will be released via the marketplace on August 23rd at no cost to Xbox Live subscribers.

“Gamers won’t be able to play for money, but that shouldn’t bother too many because the game itself is free, making it the second free game for the Xbox 360 after Hexic HD (available gratis on the optional 20GB hard drive). Card sharks will be able to play standard games, tournaments, and various scenarios, as well as create their own poker variants for up to eight players.” -Gamespot

I may not be a fan of Texas Hold’Em, but I sure am a fan of free stuff. My guess is Microsoft will use Texas Hold’Em as a way to popularize the upcoming Xbox Vision camera, as the game was used to demonstrate the face mapping features of the camera at E3. Check out the Gamespot story here as you do the “I’m getting something for nothing” dance!

July 13, 2006 Posted by | Free Stuff, Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Arcade, Xbox Vision Camera | Leave a comment

UNREAL TOURNAMENT 2004 COMMUNITY MAP PACK 3 RELEASED

The Unreal Community Map Pack Team has released their final set of maps for Epic’s Unreal Tournament 2004. The pack, titled Community Bonus Pack 3, includes 4 Deathmatch maps, 1 Capture the Flag map and 1 Assault map. As always the pack is provided free of charge, the trick currently is finding it online at an unburdened server. According to this post over at Beyond Unreal, right now they are the only ones hosting the map pack, so start your search there.

June 14, 2006 Posted by | Epic Games, Free Stuff, Mods, PC Games, Unreal Tournament | Leave a comment

PLAYSTATION 3 ONLINE GAMING TO BE FREE?

ArsTechnica is reporting that In comments to Japanese website PC Impress Watch, Sony Computer Entertainment President Ken Kutaragi hinted that online matchmaking and gaming will be provided for free on the Playstation 3, and that Sony plans on keeping the service profitable by selling online content, much the way Xbox Live does.

“We don’t charge for the basic functions of the network like matching services. Things like that are taken for granted on a PC, aren’t they? There’s the feeling of why a game console gets to charge for a service that’s normal on a PC. So, we just made the basic services available, and based our business on the contents,” -Ken Kutaragi, Sony Computer Entertainment as translated by ArsTechnica staff

Sony has apparently been bouncing back and forth on what they plan on offering for free and that statement seems a little vague to me, specifically as it’s based on what Sony would consider “basic services”, but if free online play holds true, it could be the first weapon Sony has come up with in their battle against the Xbox 360 that hasn’t blown up in their faces.

The real question here is, does digital distribution make enough profit to cover the expenses of running a free online service would generate, and if it doesn’t, will Sony scrimp on the online experience to cut costs. Either way, it’s nice to see something positive announced about the Playstation 3, especially when it comes to something that’s not going to further increase the buy-in price.

Check out the ArsTechnica article here and keep your fingers crossed. Who knows, with Microsoft having bought online advertiser Massive, maybe they’ll respond by killing the fees on Xbox Live Gold membership and relying on advertising revenue and content downloads to make their money back. (Yeah, right)

June 14, 2006 Posted by | Free Stuff, PlayStation 3, Rumors, Sony | Leave a comment

PLAYSTATION UNDERGROUND G.A.P. MEMBERS – CHECK YOUR E-MAIL

Sony has sent out invites for the public beta test of Gran Turismo Online. If you’re a Playstation Underground Gamer’s Advisory Panel (G.A.P.) member, you may have received the invite via e-mail, and if so you need to hurry up and grab your spot as it’s limited to the first 3,000 people to sign up. The invite I got seemed to be directed only to G.A.P. members, so I’d love to hear if regular Playstation Underground members are being offered the chance to join in as well. The usual Non-Disclosure Agreements apply.

June 13, 2006 Posted by | Beta test, Free Stuff, G.A.P., Gran Turismo, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Underground, Sony | Leave a comment

XBOX LIVE SUMMER OF FUN

Gaming site ClubSkill is reporting that they’ve obtained a leaked magazine article showing Microsoft’s plans for Live this summer. While normally the summer is caught up in the post E3 dearth of games, if the article is to be believed, Microsoft plans on exploiting this slow time of the year. According to the page scan, here’s what summer has in store for Live and the 360;

  • June 2006
    • Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting – Xbox Live Arcade – 400 points
  • July 2006
    • Perfect Dark Zero Map Pack #2 – 500 points
    • Project Gotham Racing Pack #2 – 500 points
      • 5 New Cars
      • “Cat & Mouse” game mode
      • “Proximity Based” game mode
    • Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfigher – price TBA
      • Maps & co-op Scenarios
    • Kameo: Elements of Power Hardcore Package- 500 points
      • Harder difficulty Single and Co-op campaign mode
      • New skins
      • Competitive co-op game mode
    • Cloning Clyde – Xbox Live Arcade – 800 points
    • Call of Duty 2 Map Pack – 500 points
      • 5 new multiplayer maps
  • August/September 2006
    • Frogger – Xbox Live Arcade – 400 points
    • Lumines Live – Xbox Live Arcade – 1,200 points
    • Roboblitz – Xbox Live Arcade – 800 points
    • Pac-Man – Xbox Live Arcade – 400 points

While nothing on that list would be a major surprise even if the article is false, I somehow get the feeling that unlike the other classic arcade ports, Street Fighter II is going to hit at a higher price than 400 points ($5). I also think that at 1,200 points, Lumines Live had better have an option not to be forced into watching the artists Microsoft plans to feature via their agreement with Warner records. I’m not familiar with the reliability of ClubSkill, but check out their article here.

June 12, 2006 Posted by | Demo, Downloadable Content, Free Stuff, Microsoft, Promotion, Xbox 360, Xbox Live, Xbox Live Arcade | Leave a comment