360 Rant Rave Forums

Grand Theft Auto IV launched today - but if you really need 360 Rant Rave to tell you that, then it’s time to crawl out from under that rock you’ve been living under. 

Watch for 360 Rant Rave’s review ASAP. 

Game on!

Electronic Arts Inc., announced today that former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre will be featured as the cover athlete of Madden NFL 09, coming to stores across North America on August 12 from EA SPORTS™. Madden NFL 09 marks the 20th anniversary of one of the best-selling and most critically-acclaimed videogame franchises of all time, and the game will feature adaptable gameplay tailored to every type of gamer, online enhancements and a broadcast style presentation delivering an authentic NFL experience.

“Madden NFL Football and Brett Favre are sports icons who have set the standard and revolutionalized their positions within their respective genres,” said Madden NFL Executive Producer Dale Jackson. “Brett Favre is a perfect fit for the Madden NFL 09 cover, as he epitomizes everything the franchise has stood for the past 20 years - longevity, excellence, and a love of football.”

For passionate Madden NFL fans, this year’s iteration will take authenticity and depth of gameplay to an entirely new level with more than 85 new features and enhancements, including the all-new Virtual Trainer tutorial mode. Utilizing a holographic environment, this mode teaches gamers simple concepts about playing football and how to use the controls in quick, fun and stylized drills. In Madden NFL 09, the game engine is continually assessing the player’s performance and will adapt a custom experience to every type of gamer, from newcomer to the veteran Madden NFL player.

Madden NFL 09 will also feature a network-inspired broadcast presentation. Players will benefit from the authentic football knowledge of an in-booth play-by-play and color commentary team featuring Cris Collinsworth and Tom Hammond. In addition, numerous graphical enhancements have been made, including realistic weather and grass, sleeker player models and exterior stadium views.

Madden NFL 09 gives gamers the ability to create online leagues. Avid Madden NFL fans can now take their rivalries online and compete in leagues with up to 32 teams. Online league play will feature in-depth stat tracking, player trades and a flexible scheduling option.

Favre’s legacy is cemented as one of the most beloved players of his generation and one of the most admired NFL players to ever grace the cover of Madden NFL. The future Hall of Famer is the league’s only three-time Most Valuable Player and he holds the NFL record for most consecutive starts for quarterbacks. He completed his 17-year career as the NFL’s all-time leader in touchdowns, completions, attempts, yards, and wins.

Last year, Madden NFL 08 was named the 2007 Game Critics “Best Sports Game” award at the E3 Media and Business Summit, “Best Team Sports Game” at the Spike TV Video Games Awards, “Best Sports Game of the Year” by GameTrailers. The game also earned GameSpot’s “Best Sports Game” Reader’s Choice Award and was named one of MSNBC’s “Best Sports Games” of 2007. Over the past 20 years, the Madden NFL franchise has sold more than 70 million* copies and, since 2002, Madden NFL football has been the top selling sports game** each year in North America.

Madden NFL 09 is developed in Orlando, Florida by the award-winning EA Tiburon studio, which also produces NCAA® Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® and NASCAR® racing.

Madden NFL 09 will be available for the Xbox® and Xbox 360™ video game systems from Microsoft, PlayStation®2 and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment systems, Wii™, Nintendo DS™, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system and is rated RP by the ESRB.

Game on!

Is Microsoft OK with people having free Live Gold accounts?  Apparently they are. 

An Xbox Live gamer, who we’ll refer to here only as ‘H’ to preserve his anonymity, has found the secret to free Live Gold forever - and he’s shared his secret with 360 Rant Rave.  We’ll be sharing the how-to of this process with you as well, but there is a catch!  Keep reading to learn more. 

When Live was young, back on the original Xbox, there were lots of gamers out there who didn’t care that much about maintaining just one Gamertag.   It didn’t matter as much back then, because Gamerscore and the Achievement system weren’t even blips on the horizon yet.  So changing tags didn’t mean losing anything. 

Because of this, gamers would try to get as much free Live play as they could.  This was usually done by means of those free 2-month Live trial cards that came with so many titles.  Well, H was one of those gamers who had a habit of making lots of new accounts using these 2-month trial cards. 

In the Summer of 2005, a few months before the Xbox 360 was released, there was a major update to Xbox Live.  This update added a bunch of new, yet to be released features to Live, which would become part of the original Xbox 360 Live experience.  When this update occurred, H had 5 free Live accounts on his Xbox; each created using the free 2-month cards. 

Right after this update was released, some gamers including H discovered a major glitch in the Live system.  After receiving the update, H found that if he went to account management, to the field where you could input a subscription code to extend the length of your Live subscription, you could input a false code.  Instead of inputting a valid code, you could input: ccccc-ccccc-ccccc-ccccc-ccccc. 

Upon inputting this ‘dummy’ code, H was rewarded with 3 free months of Xbox Live.  The glitch even allowed H to input this code twice, giving him 6 free months.  Just a few months later, the Xbox 360 was released and H recovered all 5 of his free accounts on his Xbox 360.   

Shortly before these 5 accounts were set to expire (and thus begin auto-billing for Live renewal - as you had to have a credit card on your Live account prior to the 360), H called Xbox support and asked Microsoft to cancel all 5 accounts.  Microsoft cancelled the accounts and confirmed to H that he would not be billed. 

About a week after Microsoft cancelled the accounts, however, H found that all 5 accounts still showed as Gold on his Xbox 360. Concerned that he would be billed for the accounts (5 accounts at $50/each = Uh oh!), H immediately called back support. 

After checking his account thoroughly to ensure the 5 Live accounts had in fact been cancelled, the support rep. was stumped.  Just like H, he didn’t understand how the accounts were still showing as Gold.  When H asked the support rep. what he should do, the rep. simply responded, “Enjoy the free accounts, Sir.” 

The result is that H has 5 completely free Xbox Live Gold accounts that he will never be billed for and that will never expire.  He has also provided 360 Rant Rave with a video clip, showing him logging on to Live with the free accounts - after his 360 tells him that the accounts in question have “No subscriptions”. 

VIDEO (Portions blurred-out to preserve anonymity.)

So what’s the catch?  This process no longer works.  The glitch that allowed H to input ccccc-ccccc-ccccc-ccccc-ccccc to receive 6 free months of Live only worked on the original Xbox, and only until the first update after the Xbox 360 was released. 

Only a small number of gamers ever discovered the glitch that facilitated this process, but those lucky few now get their Live Gold absolutely free.  If allowing those gamers to get Live for free was an issue for Microsoft, I’m sure they would have found a way to ‘plug the hole’ by now.  So Microsoft must be OK with these gamers getting their Live absolutely free. 

If anyone has any questions about this process or how H discovered it, feel free to post your questions on the 360 Rant Rave forums, and I can pass them along to H to get you answers. 

Game on!

Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today announced the launch of the official Operation Darkness demo on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. This epic fantasy WWII turn-based strategy game demo features one mission, offering a variety of attack options and access to some of the more unique spells in the game (werewolves, anyone?).

Operation Darkness is currently scheduled for release on June 24 for the Xbox 360(R)
video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

About Operation Darkness:
Enter an alternate WWII-era world where history and fantasy collide! Leading an
army of ruthless officers and unearthly creatures, Adolf Hitler marches through
Europe, leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. With his powers on the
rise and his armies on the move, it falls on you and your team of elite soldiers to
cut deep into the heart of the Third Reich and strike a fatal blow to Hitler’s
ever-growing legion of evil!

Key Features:
-History and fantasy collide - Play the hidden battles of WWII as you combat the
occult forces of Hitler’s regime! Nazis, vampires, werewolves, and the undead
inhabit this epic alternate WWII strategy RPG.
-Engrossing squad-based tactical gameplay - Pit your strategy skills against the
Third Reich as you choose the combination of soldiers, weapons, and movements
necessary to win a war.
-Huge arsenal of weapons and skills - Outfit your team with a wide selection of
arms, artillery, and magic skills.
-Xbox LIVE cooperative play - Enlist up to three other players in Xbox LIVE
multiplayer co-op mode.

Operation Darkness has been rated “M” for Mature with Blood and Violence by the ESRB.

 For more information & screenshots, visit the official Operation Darkness website. 

Game on!

EA’s Casual Entertainment Label and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announced on April 22nd that the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™ video game will be released later this year to coincide with the Warner Bros. Pictures film based on J.K. Rowling’s sixth Harry Potter book.

“We believe that the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game represents a milestone in the movie tie-in genre,” said Harvey Elliott, Head of EA Bright Light studio in the UK where the Harry Potter franchise has its home. “Building on the technological advancements of previous games in the series and with a particular focus on the unique control system of Nintendo’s WiiTM, the team here is working closely with the filmmakers to create an immersive interactive experience that captures the story, the action, the excitement and, above all, the fun of the film. ”

“Working with EA, we look forward to offering fans a compelling Harry Potter video game, one which captures the thrilling storyline and high visual quality of the movie,” said Scott Johnson, Vice President, Business Development for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The adherence to the rich fiction is a trademark of this franchise and with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince fans will experience the most authentic and enjoyable game in the series to date.”

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort’s defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn’t counted on Romilda Vane’s chocolates! And then there’s Hermione, simmering with jealously but determined not to show her feelings. As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.

In the game of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, players will return to Hogwarts to help Harry survive a fraught sixth year. They will also have a chance to engage in exciting wizard duels, mix and brew magical ingredients in Potions class and take to the air to lead the Gryffindor Quidditch team to victory. Players may even get sidetracked by Ron’s romantic entanglements as they journey towards a dramatic climax and discover the identity of the Half-Blood Prince.

Under development by EA Bright Light Studio, the team behind the worldwide success of the Harry Potter library of games, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is scheduled for release in time for the movie launch this fall for the WiiÔ, PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360™, PlayStation®2, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), Nintendo DSÔ, Windows PC, Macintosh and mobile devices.

Game on!

The Casual Entertainment Label of Electronic Arts Inc. today released additional details on MONOPOLY (working title), the first Hasbro-branded video game set to launch on next-generation consoles including Wii™ and the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system. MONOPOLY will also be appearing on the PLAYSTATION®2 computer entertainment system as well as mobile phones and Pogo.com™. The multiplatform video game is inspired by Hasbro’s highly anticipated MONOPOLY HERE & NOW: The World Edition board game. Currently, the MONOPOLY video games are set to release this fall simultaneously with the global launch of the new board game.

The MONOPOLY video games promise a fresh take on the timeless classic with accessible gameplay for players of all ages and skill levels. The all-new digital gaming edition brings a party twist and features 4-player simultaneous play, ensuring that everyone is engaged and allowing the whole family to get involved in the fun and play together. Faster gameplay eliminates downtime freeing up players to wheel and deal their way through some of the most recognizable cities and landmarks from around the world. Families can fill up their passports as they try to unlock new and never-before-seen game boards or challenge each other to fun interactive mini-games like breaking out of the jail cell and running away with all the loot. Play in offline single or multi-player mode and compete to own it all and win!

“EA is taking MONOPOLY’S core gameplay and bringing it to life in a way never before imagined,” said Chip Lange, Vice President and General Manager of EA’s Casual Label. “With this dynamic take on Hasbro’s classic board game, we’ve accelerated the pace of play, added new interactive mini-game sequences and integrated multi-player moments designed to make MONOPOLY a non-stop party for the whole family.”

“It promises to be a very exciting fall for MONOPOLY fans worldwide,” said Mark Blecher, General Manager of Digital Media and Gaming at Hasbro. “EA has done a tremendous job of re-imagining the world’s most popular board game by remaining true to the traditional gameplay that millions of consumers have come to love while also creating new digital twists that can only be achieved in an interactive world. Rolling the dice and passing go will never be the same.”

Game on!

Calling all private military contractors! Electronic Arts announced, April 18th, that its 3rd person co-op shooter, ARMY OF TWO™, is expanding its two-man combat experience by releasing the new Security and Strategy Corporation (SSC) Challenge mode and maps. The unique SSC Challenge mode has two teams of two competing in an intense obstacle course for the chance to join the SSC, the Private Military Corporation in ARMY OF TWO. The new maps will be available on April 24 in North America and Europe on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace. The download pack will also come to the PLAYSTATION® Store on April 24 in North America and May 2008 in Europe.

“We want to support our fans with new content that delivers on the two-man gameplay but with a unique twist,” says Alain Tascan, VP and General Manager of EA Montreal and Executive Producer of Army of Two. “The SSC Challenge gives players a chance to test their skills in a different setting while retaining the action packed co-op intensity that gamers have come to expect in Army of Two.”

Intertwined with over-the-top combat, feverish action and challenging obstacle courses, players will work as a team to race to the finish in the four new co-op maps. The team that completes the course with the most cash will be crowned the ultimate two-man military outfit. The SSC Challenge mode and maps will be available for $7.50 in North America and €4.75 and £3.80 in Europe.

Game on!

On August 12, when the all-new NFL Head Coach 09 becomes available in retail stores as part of the special Madden NFL 09 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition, consumers will discover an entirely redesigned NFL Head Coach game that will offer a complete NFL coaching experience. With deep strategic game planning features, NFL Head Coach 09 will place you in the coach’s seat, allowing you to scout the opponent, build playbooks, and develop a team that will adapt to the philosophy and system of your NFL franchise. The authenticity and depth of NFL Head Coach 09 is unrivaled; yet its reinvented design will allow you to navigate through the game with ease.

NFL DRAFT
The in-game NFL Draft feature creates an authentic rendition of the NFL’s biggest off-season event. As the head coach, you’ll have the opportunity to draft your next superstar, trade up or down and receive draft pick suggestions from your coaching staff. You will have access to an extensive amount of information, but it’s up to you to make decisions that could create a dream franchise!

LIVE EVENTS
The heat is on as you negotiate contracts and make crucial choices about free agents and trades. You will be under pressure as the seconds tick away on the live clock while you attempt to execute on decisions that you believe are in the best interest of your franchise.

PLAY CREATOR
Because a coach’s playbook is fundamental to a team’s success, in NFL Head Coach 09 you will be able to build your own customized playbook with “Play Creator”. Play options are endless, as you will have the ability to create customized plays step-by-step. Your personal playbook will automatically be available in your profile when you load Madden NFL 09 and you can even share plays with users online.

VIDEOS:

Game Trailer

Game Overview

Play Creator

SCREENSHOTS:

Screenshot 1

Screenshot 2

Screenshot 3

Screenshot 4

Screenshot 5

Screenshot 6

Screenshot 7

Screenshot 8

Screenshot 9

Screenshot 10

Game on!

Prepare for the gold rush! This summer, the blockbuster action event of the season will not be in theatres. EA DICE, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. today announced that Battlefield: Bad Company™ will ship to retail outlets on June 23. Action fans and gamers worldwide will get their chance to join the ‘B’ company on exciting, sometimes irreverent, missions that take them through deserts, cities and mountain terrain to capture the spoils of war. Players will experience the tactical, destructive power in the deep single player campaign or go online for intense multiplayer action that only the Battlefield team can deliver.

For a limited time only, gamers will be able to purchase the Gold Edition of Battlefield: Bad Company. The Gold Edition pack features exclusive content with behind-the-scenes action and strategy videos giving Battlefield: Bad Company players tricks and tips on how to own the battlefield. The Gold Edition also gives gamers early access to five unique weapons that players can take into battle. These weapons can also be unlocked after the launch of the game by ranking up to the highest level in multiplayer mode.

“Players can forget about using walls as cover as we’ve fundamentally changed the way to play shooters offline and online through the use of tactical destruction,” says Karl-Magnus Troedsson, Senior Producer for Battlefield: Bad Company. “Players will get the chance to reap the spoils of war this summer as they annihilate the enemy and search for gold in the dark, character-driven, single player storyline while returning Battlefield fans will love the intense and vehicle heavy multiplayer.”

Game on!

You, yes YOU can help stop Uwe Boll!

Don’t let this horrible director & severely dilluded individual continue to destroy more game to movie adaptations. 

“Are you aware that there is a petition online, signed by 18,000 people, requesting that you stop making movies?
Yeah, I know that. 18,000 is not enough to convince me.

How many would it take?
One million. Now we have a new goal.”

Let’s reach that One Million goal and then pressure Mr. Boll to stop making game to movie adaptations.  You can find the petition to sign HERE. 

Go!  Sign!  Before he destroys another one. 

Game on!