http://www.busygamernews.com/ News, reviews and advocacy for gamers who have a life. en Copyright 2008 Sat, 04 Oct 2008 21:13:29 -0800 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Rock Band 2 glitch may cause you to inadvertantly lose your character or render your band inaccessible. Those who experienced the bug believe it happened after pairing an Xbox Live-enabled leader with a non-Live bandmate. If you enter Quickplay mode after the problem strikes, your character may be lost. Any songs that are unlocked remain so, but having to start your career over - sometimes after hours or even days of progress - can be frustrating. Harmonix so far hasn't addressed whether they have identified and will patch the problem, so you may want to only play with friends with active Live accounts or just work on your solo career for now... ]]> http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/10/be_careful_out_there_rock_band.html http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/10/be_careful_out_there_rock_band.html Xbox/Xbox 360 Sat, 04 Oct 2008 21:13:29 -0800

• Arcade: Mega Man 9 ($10) and War World ($10)
• Rock Band/Rock Band 2 Blood Sugar Sex Magik album ($20 for 16 songs, or $2 each) by The Red Hot Chili Peppers (if you want "Give It Away" you'll need to buy Rock Band 2)
• Soul Calibur IV weapon sets ($3.75 each)
• Infinite Undiscovery B Voucher (free), similar to last week's A Voucher, provides access to item creation materials
• Demos: NBA 2K9, Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 and Viva Pinata: Trouble In Paradise
• Game Videos: Brothers In Arms: Hell’s Highway, Fable II, Gears of War 2, Pro Evolution Soccer 2009, Tom Clancy’s End War, Tomb Raider: Underworld, TNA Impact! and Warhammer: Battle March
• Themes: Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3, Dead Space, Mega Man 9, Pure, Soul Calibur IV and Family Guy ($1.88 each)
• Pictures: Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 ($1.25), Mega Man 9 ($1.25 each), Pure ($1.25), Rock Band 2 (free; sweepstakes entry) Major League Gaming ($1.13), Family Guy ($1 each) and Shocktober (free)

]]> http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/10/xbox_live_marketplace_mega_man.html http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/10/xbox_live_marketplace_mega_man.html Xbox/Xbox 360 Fri, 03 Oct 2008 23:49:56 -0800 Gran Turismo 5 Prologue fans is a free update that adds the Ferrari California, GT by Citreon Concept and Lotus Evora plus changes to the time trial penalty system, better responsiveness when using a wireless controller and various tweaks throughout.Here's what else you'll find thanks to this week's PlayStation Store update:

• Soul Calibur IV Weapon Sets ($4 each)
• Rock Band/Rock Band 2 Blood Sugar Sex Magik album ($20 for 16 songs, or $2 each) by The Red Hot Chili Peppers (if you want "Give It Away" you'll need to buy Rock Band 2)
• NBA Live 09 Oklahoma City Pack (free) adds the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise and NBA Live 365 ($20), a subscription to daily updates that's free if you buy the game new but will cost you if you get it secondhand
• Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 Firestone Country Club ($7.50)
• PSP Games: Work Time Fun ($10) and Untold Legends: The Warriors Code ($15)
• Demos: BioShock, Brothers In Arms: Hell’s Highway, Beijing 2008, Eternal Sonata and NBA 2K9
• PixelJunk Eden Soundtrack ($3)
• Game Videos: Facebreaker, LittleBigPlanet, MotorStorm: Pacific Rift, SOCOM, Tom Clancy’s End War, Tomb Raider: Underworld, Bluetooth Headset and more AST Dew Tour
• Movie Trailer: Jerry Maguire
• Theme: Iron Man movie

]]> http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/10/playstation_store.html http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/10/playstation_store.html PS2/PS3 PSP Fri, 03 Oct 2008 21:30:10 -0800 Pirates of the Burning Sea now offers a 14-day free trial. Enter your e-mail, get your key and get to keelhauling...]]> http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/10/try_this_game_pirates_of_the_b.html http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/10/try_this_game_pirates_of_the_b.html PC Fri, 03 Oct 2008 21:02:18 -0800 This week, I have not one but four prizes: original Xbox "Duke" controllers. These are the oversized controllers that shipped with the Xbox and were beloved by many and ridiculed by many more. These units have never been used so they should last a good long time. If you still have an original Xbox and miss the good ol' days with this oversized but still amazingly comfortable-for-most controller, or perhaps want something to mod into a fishbowl or planter or some other artistic yet geeky creation, enter now.

I'll draw four winners this time, or if only four people enter then you'll make my job even easier. Don't have an original Xbox but know someone who does? Let them know so they can try for one.

To enter:

]]> http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/10/free_stuff_friday_xbox_duke_co.html http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/10/free_stuff_friday_xbox_duke_co.html Xbox/Xbox 360 Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:09:49 -0800 After denying rumors for months, Nintendo has confirmed the next iteration of its dual-screen portable line: the Nintendo DSi. Due November 1 in Japan but not until next year in the U.S. and other markets, the DSi finally does away with the GameBoy Advance slot in trade for larger 3.25-inch screens, a really poor 640x480 camera, unspecified "audio enhancements" (rumored to be related to a music player feature!), an SD memory slot for photos (and music?!), a built in Web browser and the option to buy games ("DSiWare") directly from an online DSi Shop. Pricing for U.S. is not known, but the Japanese version will cost the equivalent of $180 and come in white and black at launch...]]> http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/10/news_flash_nintendo_announces.html http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/10/news_flash_nintendo_announces.html DS Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:08:59 -0800 registration for the 20 free downloadable songs promised to Rock Band 2 customers when they bought the game. Filling out the form will confirm your e-mail to receive the code for the songs "in a few weeks." There is no official word on which tracks we'll get, but the prevailing rumor is that these are the songs (many were on the original rumored launch list and one was already released for sale and will ostensibly be replaced with something else):]]> http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/10/song_watch_rock_band_2_bonus_t.html http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/10/song_watch_rock_band_2_bonus_t.html PS2/PS3 Wii/GameCube Xbox/Xbox 360 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:11:45 -0800 Grand Theft Auto IV is getting a PC release this November under the still awkward-sounding Games for Windows Live monicker. The good news is that Microsoft is promising service updates to coincide with the title's release including "a redesigned game interface, out-of-game client and marketplace." Wonder if this means you'll be able to buy the Xbox 360 episodic expansions on the PC as well. They are due, coincidentally, in November. If you're wondering if your PC is powerful enough to run the game, here are the recommended requirements:

• Dual core processor, Intel Pentium D or better
• 2GB RAM
• 512MB Direct3D 10 compatible video card or Direct3D 9 card compatible with Shader
• 18GB free hard disk space
• DVD-ROM dual-layer drive

]]> http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/09/first_look_grand_theft_auto_iv_2.html http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/09/first_look_grand_theft_auto_iv_2.html PC Tue, 30 Sep 2008 23:06:31 -0800 Since there are only two entries (another coin flip!) and I've been catching up on work and unable to promote the contest, I'm extending entries until 12:01 a.m. Thursday. I'm still working out what to give away next time; hopefully if entries pick up it will be something pretty cool.

Although if you never played it, Jet Set Radio Future is one of the coolest experiences ever. Rail grinding around cel-shaded Tokyo, tagging corrupt police and collecting paint cans to a J pop soundtrack is even more fun than mere words can describe. And it will play on the Xbox 360!

Comments are disabled on this post. If you want to enter, post your comment here. If you've had problems with comments on this site before, don't worry - I fixed them! (They were actually working all along, but now there's no error!) ]]> http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/09/free_stuff_friday_dont_miss_ch.html http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/09/free_stuff_friday_dont_miss_ch.html Free Stuff Friday Xbox/Xbox 360 Mon, 29 Sep 2008 23:30:21 -0800 Wii:

• WiiWare: Bomberman Burst ($10) and Art Style: Orbient ($6)
• Virtual Console: SNES's Super Turrican 2 ($8)
• DS Demos: Lock's Quest and MySims Kingdom are the news ones, plus the usual repeats
• Videos: Art Style: Orbient, Bomberman Burst, Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 2, Iron Chef America: Supreme Cuisine, Lego Batman, Littlest Pet Shop, Lost in Blue: Shipwrecked, Mario Super Sluggers, N+, Rock Band 2 and We Cheer

]]> http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/09/wii_stuff_bomberman_burst_art.html http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/09/wii_stuff_bomberman_burst_art.html DS Wii/GameCube Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:51:48 -0800 fall dashboard overhaul rumored to be out in November. So if you've been putting off your License Transfers and/or recovery, do it now or you may find yourself unable to access some of your purchased or downloaded games, add-ons and videos while the service is offline. While you're at it, don't forget to boot up Halo 3 and get your title update and then download the new "Keep It Clean" teaser video for an apparent campaign expansion. Here's what you'll find if you login:

• Arcade: Duke Nukem 3D ($10)
• Rock Band/Rock Band 2 Moving Pictures album ($11 or $2 each) with seven songs, and additional tracks ($2 each) "Sorrow" by Bad Religion, "She Sells Sanctuary" by The Cult, "Bandage" by Hot Hot Heat, "Shoot the Runner" by Kasabian, "You’re No Rock n’ Roll Fun" by Sleater Kinney and "Love Spreads" by Stone Roses
• Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 Firestone Country Club ($7.50)
• Infinite Undiscovery A Voucher (free) that provides access to item creation materials not normally sold in the in-game shops
• Soul Calibur IV Customization Equipment 2 ($1.88)
• Tales of Vesperia costume and item packs ($2.50 to $3.75 each)
• Game Videos: Duke Nukem 3D, Halo 3 new campaign experience and Legendary
• Themes: Duke Nukem 3D, Midnight Club and Soul Calibur IV ($1.88)
• Pictures: Duke Nukem 3D ($1.75 each) and Midnight Club ($1)

]]> http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/09/xbox_360_roundup_downtime_mond.html http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/09/xbox_360_roundup_downtime_mond.html Xbox/Xbox 360 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 22:26:30 -0800

• Wipeout HD ($20), complete with unusally long epilepsy warning
• Burnout Paradise ($30)
• Geon Emotions ($10)
• MegaMan 9 ($10)
• Buzz! QuizTV Question Packs ($6-8 each) National Geographic: Safari, Sci-Fi and Videogames
• Soul Calibur IV Customization Equipment 2 ($2)
• Rock Band/Rock Band 2 Moving Pictures album ($11 or $2 each) with seven songs, and additional tracks ($2 each) "Sorrow" by Bad Religion, "She Sells Sanctuary" by The Cult, "Bandage" by Hot Hot Heat, "Shoot the Runner" by Kasabian, "You’re No Rock n’ Roll Fun" by Sleater Kinney and "Love Spreads" by Stone Roses
• Demos: MegaMan 9, NBA 09: The Inside and NBA Live 09
• Game Videos: Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway, Burnout Paradise Bikes expansion, Dead Space, Pain Amusement Park, Resistance 2 and Tomb Raider: Underworld
• Themes: Buzz! QuizTV and Wipeout HD
• Wallpaper: Soul Calibur IV
• Movie Trailers: 88 Minutes and Made of Honor

]]> http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/09/playstation_store_wipeout_hd_m.html http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/09/playstation_store_wipeout_hd_m.html PS2/PS3 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 22:09:53 -0800 When the original Xbox needed a boost, Microsoft put together a bundle that included two killer games on a single disc: Jet Set Radio Future and Sega GT. Jet Set Radio Future is one of the most fun and innovative games from the last generation with rail-grinding action, cool moves, graffiti tagging, deep exploration and a great J pop soundtrack. Sega GT is a solid, challenging racing title. Both play on the Xbox 360 thanks to backward compatibility updates. If you missed these games, here's your chance to enjoy a nice slice of gaming history for free.

Lucky for you, I have an extra copy of this game-packed disc, and it's yours if you win.

To enter: ]]> http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/09/free_stuff_friday_jet_set_radi.html http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/09/free_stuff_friday_jet_set_radi.html Free Stuff Friday Xbox/Xbox 360 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:01:00 -0800 Halo 3 was updated the day my laptop died, adding playlist ratings (now separate from your global rating, so you can more accurately compare yourself with others on the same playlist) and 10 new achievements. Three of the achievements are worth zero points, and the other seven total 250 and reward your prowess on Legendary multiplayer maps. The patch does not include any of the rumored Forge map editor enhancements, though it does add new and improved ways for Bungie to ban cheaters. Consider yourself warned... ]]> http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/09/patch_this_game_halo_3_1.html http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/09/patch_this_game_halo_3_1.html Xbox/Xbox 360 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:26:14 -0800 Call of Duty: World At War (due in November) will have preorder and special edition only weapon unlocks will either have you running to your nearest GameStop or cancelling your plans to buy the game in disgust. Dubbed the "Day 1 Advantage," Activision revealed that if you preorder at GameStop you'll get instant access to the M1A1 Carbine Assault Rifle, which you would otherwise have to unlock through gameplay. And if you cough up an extra $20 for the collector's edition, there's an exclusive FG 42 Machine Gun with your name on it, plus double multiplayer experience points for a week and a "uniquely colored clan tag." Which means if you had planned to shave a few bucks off the game at Costco or earn some points by buying it at Best Buy, you might as well get used to being pwned by people with more money than you... ]]> http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/09/stupid_marketing_tricks_call_o.html http://www.busygamernews.com/2008/09/stupid_marketing_tricks_call_o.html PC PS2/PS3 Xbox/Xbox 360 Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:58:33 -0800