Major Nelson of the X-Box team has announced a whole slew of new content for Crackdown that will soon be available on the X-Box Live Marketplace. Even better, they’re offering two different packs of downloadable content: a free one and a “premium” one. The free pack will mostly contain updates to the original game that fix some bugs and resolve some other technical issues. But the real fun stuff can be found in the “Getting’ Busy Bonus Pack,” which is available for 800 points. This pack will feature 3 new vehicles, 5 new weapons and gadgets, 4 new game types, and 7 new achievements. The video posted above shows off the new weapons, but you can check out the full details of both packs along with more videos here.

Project Gotham Racing 4 `St. Petersburg` Trailer
Microsoft has released the first of several forthcoming sneak peeks at Project Gotham Racing 4. This particular video shows the in game footage of a rain-slicked St. Petersburg track. Maybe it’s the music or something, but this footage feels kind of soothing. It’s kind of like aromatherapy for gamers.

EA has launched the official site for Army of Two, the much-hyped third person shooter coming out later this year for the PS3 and X-Box. The site has a slew of new screenshots, trailers, and information about the upcoming game. They’re also hosting a weapon design contest where people can submit different ideas for a weapon to be used in the game. The winner of the contest will have their weapon put in the game as a special unlockable, pre-order item.

We’ve all heard about the release of Halo 2 for Games for Windows Live. Now, the PC’ers will take on the consolers in Shadowrun, which will be released in North America on May 29th. Shadowrun will be the first game to support play between Windows Vista and the XBox 360.

You can grab the 360 version for $60, or the PC version for $50. If you want to play cross-platform, you need an XBox Live Gold Account and a GFW Live Gold Account. If you’re a Vista Silver Account holder, you can playu online multiplayer, but no matchmaking or Live Anywhere.

So, as I have wondered before, who wins these matchups? Are the PC players in the drivers seat? Or do consolers hold the edge?

Coming this fall to a gaming console near you, are THE SIMPSONS (working title). Granted there are many Simpsons titles out there, specifically the twisted and hilarious Hit and Run, but this one promises to be a bit different than any of the other installments to date. The look and feel of the game will be as close to the animation of the show, with some cell shading thrown in with it. No console will be left behind either, as it will be available for: PSP, PS2 & PS3, the 360, the Wii, and the DS. Read the full article »

Today, Microsoft rolls out the first update of 2007 for the XBox 360. The update was set to be available for download from XBox Live around 10am GMT.

As we’ve discussed here before, this update will introduce Microsoft Live Messenger to the XBL community. With this tool, players will be able to participate in up to six conversations at a time. You can even chat with your friends whether they’re on the dashboard, gaming, jamming to some tunes, or watching movies. The really interesting thing about the Messenger service is that users can chat with PC, 360, or cell phone users.

Read the full article »

GRAW 2 Throwback Pack Trailer
Ubisoft has announced the release of the Throwback Pack for Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2. The video above shows you wahat you’ll get from the pack. It will feature 7 maps from past Ghost Recon titles, all with improved graphics and gameplay elements from GRAW 2 incorporated. All this can be dowloaded via the X-Box Live Marketplace. for 800 Microsoft points.

 

The new television spot for the X-Box version of Guitar Hero II may remind you of a Gorillaz music video, and there’s a reason for that. Pete Candeland (I don’t know how that’s pronounced, but I sure hope it’s the same as “Candyland”), of the production company Passion Pictures, has directed both, and his style seems to show well here. Every so often, an ad comes along that actually makes games look like a viable art form. In world saturated with far too many derivative commercials, it’s always a breath of fresh air to see someone put some effort into making one that does more than just show you the product.

Move over rover, and the gamers take over! Ok, I admit that the obscure Hendrix lyric was a bit much, but considering how excited I am that Harmonix will be making the Fender Stratocaster for the new game ROCK BAND, try a little tenderness.

Ex-developers for Guitar Hero are working on a new game for EA, and MTV where you can jam with your buds and create the ultimate rock band. Roland synthesizers (awesome), and BOSS guitar pedals have apparently signed on as well, although there is no word yet on drums or microphones. They have a few songs planned, but no official word yet on the play list, but it should run the whole rock gambit (no RUSH please).

Let’s just hope that MTV won’t muck this up like they did their music channels. As far as EA goes, well, we’ll see. Hopefully it will be a nice way to channel our inner Clapton, Page and Stevie Ray.

Time Shift `Clock Song` Trailer (Large)

Even though the new video of Timeshift for the X-Box 360 may not show any new gameplay footage, I’m still saying this is the best trailer I’ve seen in awhile…for anything. Based on this trailer alone, I’m already willing to buy a Timeshift movie, soundtrack, action figure, and lunchbox. And yes, I will be using that lunchbox. Even while dining at home.