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Microsoft annouced today that the Xbox Live service will be discontinued for original Xbox consoles and all original Xbox games (even those playable on the Xbox 360), as of April 15, 2010.

From MajorNelson.com:

“On April 15, 2010 Microsoft will discontinue Xbox LIVE service for original Xbox consoles and games, including Xbox 1 games playable on Xbox 360. Our first step in this process will be to turn off auto-renewals for those members who only use Xbox LIVE on a v1 Xbox. While I can’t comment on the specifics, this change will allow us to continue evolving the LIVE service with new features and experiences that fully harness the power of Xbox 360 and the Xbox LIVE community. We did not make this decision lightly, but after careful consideration and review we realize that this decision will allow us unprecedented flexibility for future features.“

While I understand some of the limitations imposed by keeping all original Xbox games active on Live (the 100 friend limit on the friend’s list, for example), I’m sure this decision will not go over well with some gamers.  Particularly, those who still prefer Halo 2’s multiplayer over Halo 3’s. 

For further details about this change, you can read a letter with more details from Marc Whitten - Xbox Live General Manager, HERE. 

Game on!

So almost a full year after Bethesda announced the next Fallout title we get a lovely little teaser trailer for Fallout:New Vegas and a Twitter/Facebook contest to win signed posters. I for one can’t wait for this not-a-sequel to hit the shelves. Tons of hours were spent playing Fallout 3 and I expect nothing less from New Vegas!

Check out the teaser trailer here.

Contest details here.

It’s Halo.  It’s Reach.  The graphics look amazing.  Need I say more? 

Video Games | Spike TV VGAs 2009 | Halo: Reach Exclusive In-Engine Debut

XBox 360 | Playstation 3 | Nintendo Wii

Game on!

Deal of the Week continuously delivers more fun to Xbox LIVE Gold Members for less points, so take advantage of these supreme deals each week in December.

Week of December 7:

“Fallout® 3 Operation Anchorage” Game add-on (Bethesda) | Japan: 560 Microsoft Points, rated M for Mature by the ESRB

Week of December 14:

“Lips: Coldplay Track Pack” (Microsoft Game Studios) | Worldwide except Japan and India: 240 Microsoft Points, rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

“Pinball FX” (ZEN Studios) | Japan: 400 Microsoft Points, rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

Week of December 21:

“Shadow Complex™” (Epic/Chair Entertainment) | Worldwide: From the producers of Gears of War comes “Shadow Complex,” a modern and masterful side-scrolling shooter. Winner of nine ‘Best of E3’ awards, “Shadow Complex” combines the quality and depth of a retail title with the accessibility you love, available exclusively on Xbox LIVE Arcade. December 21 through December 27, get “Shadow Complex” for 800 Microsoft Points, a 33% savings. “Shadow Complex” is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.

Week of December 28:

“The Maw” (Twisted Pixel) | Worldwide: 400 Microsoft Points, rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

So I loaded up the early access demo to Bayonetta and was greeted with a very nifty intro sequence (i.e., “the story thus far”). After just enough plot to get you thinking, you are whisked to the title screen that reads Bayonetta – First Climax (giggidy spoiler?) and whispers the name of the protagonist.

I stifled a snicker and pressed the start button. Much like most of the storyline, my options here were also showcased on a rolling film reel. Tutorial, The Falling Clock Tower, and The Angel’s Metropolis were ready to play. Since it looked pretty linear I decided to tackle this from the ground up – Tutorial mode first.

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The 2009 Video Game Awards will air December 12th on Spike TV, but before the awards can air the winners must be selected. 

So what do you think was the best shooter?  The best racer?  The best RPG?  Game of the year?  Now is the time to go and cast your vote and have your say in who wins what.

VOTE HERE

Game on!

The highly anticipated Xbox 360 Fall Update arrives tomorrow (11/17/2009).  This is the update that will provide access to:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• last.FM
• Zune Marketplace with full 1080p streaming

Facebook®—Facebook and Xbox LIVE join forces to connect you with your friends as you interact with the largest entertainment and gaming network on TV. Share real-time status updates and photos with your friends on Facebook, or share your favorite gaming moments on Facebook right from your television.

Twitter™—Keep connected to your friends and family by reading and posting “Tweets” on the Twitter service from the comfort of your living room via your Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE. You can quickly and easily read, reply, and post updates online right from your Xbox 360.

Zune® on Xbox Live—Zune comes to Xbox LIVE to deliver instant-on 1080p HD streaming video on your Xbox 360 console. It delivers the selection of a video megastore, in the highest possible clarity and with the convenience of cable. Watch the movies and TV shows you want, when you want them, with instant-on 1080p streaming video and 5.1 surround sound with no downloads and no delays.

Last.FM® on Xbox Live

• Unique, personalized music discovery Powered by millions of passionate fans
• New Gamer Channels -Curated tag stations filled with game-inspired content
• Watch and Listen
• Photo slideshows to enhance your listening experience
• Connect with other players previewing Last.fm on Xbox LIVE and join the official group.

This update will occur automatically when you start up your Xbox 360 system on 11/17/2009.

Game on!

In a video posted yesterday, details on Ubisoft’s UPlay have begun to take shape.

Ubisoft’s brand-specific feature is currently in beta testing, but it appears to get a leg up on the award systems of both Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. Instead of offering a vague description of what must be done in order to, for example, unlock an article of clothing for one’s Avatar, a player is instead able to set after more detailed objectives in order to accumulate points that can be exchanged for awards on the UPlay site.

The player must first sign up before he or she can access the UPlay site via Ubisoft games played on the console. After a brief registration process, the online UPlay channel can be accessed through Ubisoft’s games with a mere button press. The aforementioned video notes that Ubisoft will utilize UPlay for all of their titles, but it is unspecified whether previous titles will get any special treatment.

Though the true revelations are brief and appear at the end of the video, it is shown that Assassin’s Creed 2 will be compatible with UPlay. As the clip reveals, objectives such as “Welcome to Animus 2.0″ and “Old Friends Return” can be met, granting points that can be exchanged for the theme, additional throwing knives, Altair’s outfit, and an exclusive map. R.U.S.E. and Splinter Cell: Conviction appear to also get the special UPlay treatment, the latter game presenting the opportunity to unlock “Merchant Market” and “Weapon Upgrade” awards.

Introduction:
The original Modern Warfare (AKA Call of Duty 4), was the first title in the CoD series to stray from the battles surrounding WWII. It was also the first CoD title to receive a ‘Mature’ rating from the ESRB (rather than Teen, like the previous iterations). It was a welcome change of venue, and the arrival of Modern Warfare 2 has been eagerly anticipated. Does it live up to the hype? Let’s take a look.

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That’s right!  MW2 may have just arrived, but we’ve got the scoop on Ifinity Ward’s next installment, Modern Warfare 3!  Have a look:

Ultra-Realistic Modern Warfare Game Features Awaiting Orders, Repairing Trucks

Game on!