Microsoft acknowledged two weeks ago that Xbox 360 flaws had reached "unacceptable" levels, requiring it to take a charge of more than $1 billion in the June 30 quarter for replacements and warranty extensions. Microsoft also said cumulative Xbox 360 sales had come in below the 12 million-unit target that it had set for that point.
Xbox 360 jumped out to an early lead over Sony's PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii in cumulative U.S. unit sales, thanks to a yearlong head start. But the lower-priced Nintendo console has been fast closing that gap, leading its competitors in recent monthly sales totals.So far I have not had any problems with my Xbox 360 Elite "Knock on Wood"
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Gears of War and MAC
Gears of War was willing to stray from its Xbox 360 roots, but now we're hearing about an even further departure. In an interview with Game Head's Geoff Keighley, Mark Rein talked up Unreal Tournament 3 and Gears of War and accidentally let the news slip that both games were headed to the Mac platform. Rein confirmed Gears' Mac-bound status when answering Keighley stating that "yes, Gears is going to come to the Mac and so is UT". The news was not followed by a release date or how far in development the Mac versions are.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Gears of War and Unreal Tournament 3
Gears of War and Unreal Tournament 3 are both coming to the Mac. That Unreal Tournament 3 was being released on Mac has been previously announced, but the Gears of War announcement comes as quite a surprise.
The news was let slip during an interview with Mark Rein, Vice President and co-founder of Epic Games, on Spike TV's "Game Head" show. Macworld reports that after being asked whether or not Rein was happy with Epic's commitment to PlayStation 3, Rein reiterated that Epic Games was an independent developer, less concerned with platform than with delivering a good game.
Dropping a bombshell, he then added, "Don’t forget, we’re also doing Macintosh." Disbelieving, the host asked for confirmation, at which point Rein said, "Yes, Gears is going to come to the Mac and so is Unreal Tournament 3."
The news was let slip during an interview with Mark Rein, Vice President and co-founder of Epic Games, on Spike TV's "Game Head" show. Macworld reports that after being asked whether or not Rein was happy with Epic's commitment to PlayStation 3, Rein reiterated that Epic Games was an independent developer, less concerned with platform than with delivering a good game.
Dropping a bombshell, he then added, "Don’t forget, we’re also doing Macintosh." Disbelieving, the host asked for confirmation, at which point Rein said, "Yes, Gears is going to come to the Mac and so is Unreal Tournament 3."
Monday, July 9, 2007
Gears of War music
A compilation of the music from Gears of War will be going on sale across the US on 31st July.
On the CD are all 28 tracks you probably didn't notice when chainsawing Locusts in the facial region, composed lovingly by Kevin Riepl - the same chap responsible for scoring Unreal Tournament 2007 and Soul of the Ultimate Nation (SUN). It's even been performed and recorded by a proper orchestra - the NorthWest Sypmphonia, to be precise.Gamers online forum
On the CD are all 28 tracks you probably didn't notice when chainsawing Locusts in the facial region, composed lovingly by Kevin Riepl - the same chap responsible for scoring Unreal Tournament 2007 and Soul of the Ultimate Nation (SUN). It's even been performed and recorded by a proper orchestra - the NorthWest Sypmphonia, to be precise.Gamers online forum
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Gears of War cog tags
ACT 1 - ASHES - GOW COG Tags
Jacinto Maximum Security Prison
COG Tag 1
When you begin the game you choose a path, left or right (combat or training). Regardless of the path chosen, you'll see a Gears logo straight ahead, just under it is the first COG tag. Look towards the rear of the courtyard across from the cell area if you have trouble finding this right away.
COG Tag 2
This tag is located in the first room where the door is cut open by the enemy locusts. It is in the rear of the room, under the stairway that you came down if you took the training route. You'll see a Gears logo on the wall, the COG Tag is on the floor a bit to the left of the logo.
COG Tag 3
This particular tag's presence is not highlighted particularly well by a Gears logo, but it is still easy to find. As soon as you enter into the courtyard area you'll see some stairs to your left, go up them and turn left at the top and you should see the COG tags. The gears logo is in the southwest corner of the yard, so it's still there, just not exactly where the tags are. if you got sucked into the battle, be sure to grab the tags before heading to the chopper.
Trial By Fire
COG Tag 4
You don't really need help finding this COG Tag, as one of your comrades will point it out to you. In case you didn't hear him, it is in the first small courtyard of the level, near a short wall in the yards center and to the right of the Gears logo.
COG Tag 5
In this area you'll encounter two emergence holes within a building (just after crossing the bridge). The COG Tags are near the second emergence hole, slightly hidden by some weeds. be sure to grab it before you head towards the streets.
Fish In A Barrel
COG Tag 6
After fighting in the streets against troika gunners, and dealing with four emergence holes, you'll find this COG tag in the far left corner, located near some ammunition on the ground. It's right by the fourth emergence hole.
knock Knock
COG Tag 7
Before you begin battle in this area take notice to the white van with the Gears logo on it. You'd suspect the COG Tags be right there, but they're a bit off. To the left of the van follow the large hole in the ground, the COG Tag is all the way down in the corner.
Hammer
COG Tag 8
This COG tag is located in the hallway where Jack is called upon to open the door. You remember, the annoying hallways with a couple dozen Wretches! Anyhow, I suggest waiting until the Wretches have been defeated to collect the tag. The tag is to the far left of the door Jack is opening (if you're watching him open it). It's on the floor just next to a coffin looking figure made from cement.
COG Tag 9
This COG tag is located in the same room where you and the team discover that Rojas has been killed. As soon as you enter the room (by descending the stairs) the tag is hidden partially behind a pillar and in much of the shadows. While you're listening to the cut-scene head towards that pillar and grab the COG Tag.
China Shop
COG Tag 10
After you witness the brutal slaying of a fellow comrade by a hungry, and somewhat annoyed Berserker, you can go grab his COG Tag. Just head to where he was killed, the COG tag is on the ground of the dead end area near some flames.
COG Tag 11
As you are trying to lure the Berserker outside, the Berserker will smash open three doors for you. As the third door is opened, you'll notice before you exit the enclosed area that to the left of that door, in an alcove is another set of COG Tags.
COG Tag 12
Once you have lured the Berserker outside, look for the Gears logo on the wall. If you head left right after you exit the building and go along the curved section of the wall you will find the COG Tag on the ground by the main wall, just after the Gears logo.
ACT 2 - NIGHTFALL - GOW COG Tags
Tick Tick Boom
COG Tag 13
This is in the area right after you have regrouped. You'll enter a small room with two sets of stairways and a couch. Open fire on the couch to destroy it and reveal the COG Tag hidden beneath it.
Grist
COG Tag 14
Once you exit the room with the square shaped catwalk, descend the stairs and go to the back of the alley the stairs are in. The COG tags are located at the end of the alley behind some rocks.
COG Tag 15
As you near the Stranded Settlement, just up the stairs where the Boomer was, you'll see this set of COG Tags near a couple of newspaper vending machines.
COG Tag 16
As you make your way to checkpoint 2 the road curves off to the right. Before heading in that direction look to the left for a propane tank and a shed. Shoot the propane tank and with this new lighting you'll be able to enter the shed, where you'll find COG Tag 16.
COG Tag 17
This COG Tag is located in the area where you guide Dom with the spotlight. As you enter the area, the Gears logo is on the wall behind and to your right, but the COG Tag is to the left, in a darkened area near some rubble. To get this one, guide Dom down the street with the spotlight, then move the spotlight into position to illuminate that far left area were the tag is at. When you exit the building, grab the tag before you meet back up with Dom.
Dark Labyrinth
COG Tag 18
This COG Tag is located in the area where you shoot the propane tank out in the abandoned car and run down the road using the car as a torch. As soon as you enter the area (where you'll see the car in front of you) look on the ground to your right to locate the tag. You may need the extra light from the propane tank in the car to get to it safely. So, shoot the propane tank, quickly pick up the tag and run down the street with the flaming car.
ACT 3 - BELLY OF THE BEAST - GOW COG Tags
Downpour
COG Tag 19
This is in the rainy area outside. There are two buildings, one with a generator in it and another with an elevator inside. You'll come up on the one with the elevator first, they're on the right. Behind that building, towards the sea, is a long plank, follow the plank to the end to discover the COG Tag.
Evolution
COG Tag 20
This COG Tag is located in the room that has the rotting wooden floor boards that you will fall through. It's in the far right corner of the room. If you fall through before you find it, just head to the ladder in the corner and repeat until you get the COG Tag.
COG Tag 21
This COG Tag is located in the cart control room. Head down the stairs, near the cars, and turn around. The COG Tags are to the left of the stairs you just came down.
Darkest Before Dawn
COG Tag 22
After you ride the drilling platforms down, stick to the right. You'll see a Gears logo, near is a grenade pickup and some COG tags.
COG Tag 23
On the path along the right side you'd see a building with a Gears logo. After some battle, you can head near the logo and pick up the COG tags to the right of the stairs and platform.
COG Tag 24
Shortly after getting COG Tag 23, you will choose a path, battle, and then reunite. You'll then fight your way through a narrow area. This area has allot of cover, before you leave the area look to the right, on the narrow ledge overlooking the pool of liquid you'll find this set of COG Tags. Grab them before heading to eliminate the Corpser.
ACT 4 - THE LONG ROAD HOME - GOW COG Tags
Campus Grinder
COG Tag 25
As soon as you enter the Campus Grinder area look to your right. You'll find this set of COG Tags near the second staircase on your right side.
Bad To Worst
COG Tag 26
You'll see a rusted car in this area. The COG Tags are behind that car on the sidewalk.
Imaginary Place
COG Tag 27
When you are in the Fenix Estate enter the room that is oval shaped on the one side. In this room you'll find a desk, destroy it to reveal the COG tags. In fact, destroy other things while in this building, sometimes it leads to ammo or grenades.
ACT 5 - DESPERATION - GOW COG Tags
Train Wreck
COG Tag 28
This COG tag is located on the fifth passenger car, as soon as you enter, to the left. This is just after Jack rips open the door.
COG Tag 29
Before you climb the ladder to exit to the third passenger car's roof, you'll see the COG Tags on the ground, be sure to pick them up.
Troika Central
COG Tag 30
This COG Tag is located on the fifth passenger car, in the cabin area. Once you release the cylinders, go forward and enter the interior to grab the tags and some ammo.
Congrats
You have all the COG Tags in Gears of Warand you have unlocked the following achievements:
Time to Remember - 10 points.
Recover one-third of the COG tags (on any difficulty)
Honor-Bound - 20 points.
Recover two-thirds of the COG tags (on any difficulty)
For the Fallen - 30 points.
Recover all of the COG tags (on any difficulty)
Jacinto Maximum Security Prison
COG Tag 1
When you begin the game you choose a path, left or right (combat or training). Regardless of the path chosen, you'll see a Gears logo straight ahead, just under it is the first COG tag. Look towards the rear of the courtyard across from the cell area if you have trouble finding this right away.
COG Tag 2
This tag is located in the first room where the door is cut open by the enemy locusts. It is in the rear of the room, under the stairway that you came down if you took the training route. You'll see a Gears logo on the wall, the COG Tag is on the floor a bit to the left of the logo.
COG Tag 3
This particular tag's presence is not highlighted particularly well by a Gears logo, but it is still easy to find. As soon as you enter into the courtyard area you'll see some stairs to your left, go up them and turn left at the top and you should see the COG tags. The gears logo is in the southwest corner of the yard, so it's still there, just not exactly where the tags are. if you got sucked into the battle, be sure to grab the tags before heading to the chopper.
Trial By Fire
COG Tag 4
You don't really need help finding this COG Tag, as one of your comrades will point it out to you. In case you didn't hear him, it is in the first small courtyard of the level, near a short wall in the yards center and to the right of the Gears logo.
COG Tag 5
In this area you'll encounter two emergence holes within a building (just after crossing the bridge). The COG Tags are near the second emergence hole, slightly hidden by some weeds. be sure to grab it before you head towards the streets.
Fish In A Barrel
COG Tag 6
After fighting in the streets against troika gunners, and dealing with four emergence holes, you'll find this COG tag in the far left corner, located near some ammunition on the ground. It's right by the fourth emergence hole.
knock Knock
COG Tag 7
Before you begin battle in this area take notice to the white van with the Gears logo on it. You'd suspect the COG Tags be right there, but they're a bit off. To the left of the van follow the large hole in the ground, the COG Tag is all the way down in the corner.
Hammer
COG Tag 8
This COG tag is located in the hallway where Jack is called upon to open the door. You remember, the annoying hallways with a couple dozen Wretches! Anyhow, I suggest waiting until the Wretches have been defeated to collect the tag. The tag is to the far left of the door Jack is opening (if you're watching him open it). It's on the floor just next to a coffin looking figure made from cement.
COG Tag 9
This COG tag is located in the same room where you and the team discover that Rojas has been killed. As soon as you enter the room (by descending the stairs) the tag is hidden partially behind a pillar and in much of the shadows. While you're listening to the cut-scene head towards that pillar and grab the COG Tag.
China Shop
COG Tag 10
After you witness the brutal slaying of a fellow comrade by a hungry, and somewhat annoyed Berserker, you can go grab his COG Tag. Just head to where he was killed, the COG tag is on the ground of the dead end area near some flames.
COG Tag 11
As you are trying to lure the Berserker outside, the Berserker will smash open three doors for you. As the third door is opened, you'll notice before you exit the enclosed area that to the left of that door, in an alcove is another set of COG Tags.
COG Tag 12
Once you have lured the Berserker outside, look for the Gears logo on the wall. If you head left right after you exit the building and go along the curved section of the wall you will find the COG Tag on the ground by the main wall, just after the Gears logo.
ACT 2 - NIGHTFALL - GOW COG Tags
Tick Tick Boom
COG Tag 13
This is in the area right after you have regrouped. You'll enter a small room with two sets of stairways and a couch. Open fire on the couch to destroy it and reveal the COG Tag hidden beneath it.
Grist
COG Tag 14
Once you exit the room with the square shaped catwalk, descend the stairs and go to the back of the alley the stairs are in. The COG tags are located at the end of the alley behind some rocks.
COG Tag 15
As you near the Stranded Settlement, just up the stairs where the Boomer was, you'll see this set of COG Tags near a couple of newspaper vending machines.
COG Tag 16
As you make your way to checkpoint 2 the road curves off to the right. Before heading in that direction look to the left for a propane tank and a shed. Shoot the propane tank and with this new lighting you'll be able to enter the shed, where you'll find COG Tag 16.
COG Tag 17
This COG Tag is located in the area where you guide Dom with the spotlight. As you enter the area, the Gears logo is on the wall behind and to your right, but the COG Tag is to the left, in a darkened area near some rubble. To get this one, guide Dom down the street with the spotlight, then move the spotlight into position to illuminate that far left area were the tag is at. When you exit the building, grab the tag before you meet back up with Dom.
Dark Labyrinth
COG Tag 18
This COG Tag is located in the area where you shoot the propane tank out in the abandoned car and run down the road using the car as a torch. As soon as you enter the area (where you'll see the car in front of you) look on the ground to your right to locate the tag. You may need the extra light from the propane tank in the car to get to it safely. So, shoot the propane tank, quickly pick up the tag and run down the street with the flaming car.
ACT 3 - BELLY OF THE BEAST - GOW COG Tags
Downpour
COG Tag 19
This is in the rainy area outside. There are two buildings, one with a generator in it and another with an elevator inside. You'll come up on the one with the elevator first, they're on the right. Behind that building, towards the sea, is a long plank, follow the plank to the end to discover the COG Tag.
Evolution
COG Tag 20
This COG Tag is located in the room that has the rotting wooden floor boards that you will fall through. It's in the far right corner of the room. If you fall through before you find it, just head to the ladder in the corner and repeat until you get the COG Tag.
COG Tag 21
This COG Tag is located in the cart control room. Head down the stairs, near the cars, and turn around. The COG Tags are to the left of the stairs you just came down.
Darkest Before Dawn
COG Tag 22
After you ride the drilling platforms down, stick to the right. You'll see a Gears logo, near is a grenade pickup and some COG tags.
COG Tag 23
On the path along the right side you'd see a building with a Gears logo. After some battle, you can head near the logo and pick up the COG tags to the right of the stairs and platform.
COG Tag 24
Shortly after getting COG Tag 23, you will choose a path, battle, and then reunite. You'll then fight your way through a narrow area. This area has allot of cover, before you leave the area look to the right, on the narrow ledge overlooking the pool of liquid you'll find this set of COG Tags. Grab them before heading to eliminate the Corpser.
ACT 4 - THE LONG ROAD HOME - GOW COG Tags
Campus Grinder
COG Tag 25
As soon as you enter the Campus Grinder area look to your right. You'll find this set of COG Tags near the second staircase on your right side.
Bad To Worst
COG Tag 26
You'll see a rusted car in this area. The COG Tags are behind that car on the sidewalk.
Imaginary Place
COG Tag 27
When you are in the Fenix Estate enter the room that is oval shaped on the one side. In this room you'll find a desk, destroy it to reveal the COG tags. In fact, destroy other things while in this building, sometimes it leads to ammo or grenades.
ACT 5 - DESPERATION - GOW COG Tags
Train Wreck
COG Tag 28
This COG tag is located on the fifth passenger car, as soon as you enter, to the left. This is just after Jack rips open the door.
COG Tag 29
Before you climb the ladder to exit to the third passenger car's roof, you'll see the COG Tags on the ground, be sure to pick them up.
Troika Central
COG Tag 30
This COG Tag is located on the fifth passenger car, in the cabin area. Once you release the cylinders, go forward and enter the interior to grab the tags and some ammo.
Congrats
You have all the COG Tags in Gears of Warand you have unlocked the following achievements:
Time to Remember - 10 points.
Recover one-third of the COG tags (on any difficulty)
Honor-Bound - 20 points.
Recover two-thirds of the COG tags (on any difficulty)
For the Fallen - 30 points.
Recover all of the COG tags (on any difficulty)
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Xbox 360 and Xbox titles
For the week ended June 25, the most popular title based on global unique users connected to Xbox LIVE is once again Gears of War. Microsoft and Turn 10's racing simulation takes second place with Rainbow Six Vegas, Guitar Hero II and Call of Duty 3 filling out the top 5.
If the Xbox 360 and Xbox titles are combined, Gears of War would still be the most played. Halo 2 remains the most played original Xbox title.
For the same period, the most purchased Xbox LIVE Arcade title was Price of Persia Classic, followed by Band of Bugs, UNO, Pac-Man Championship Edition and Carcassonne.
If the Xbox 360 and Xbox titles are combined, Gears of War would still be the most played. Halo 2 remains the most played original Xbox title.
For the same period, the most purchased Xbox LIVE Arcade title was Price of Persia Classic, followed by Band of Bugs, UNO, Pac-Man Championship Edition and Carcassonne.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Shadowrun demo
Shadowrun demo still remains more popular than the full game, showing that curious gamers are still unwilling to take the plunge with a game that does things a little differently. Crackdown remains popular despite the end of the Halo 3 beta some weeks ago and Guitar Hero II produces a strong showing despite the lack of online play.
New Live Arcade title, Carcassonne, doesn't do as well as other recent Live Arcade releases, whilst Uno enjoys a surge in popularity. New gamers forum
New Live Arcade title, Carcassonne, doesn't do as well as other recent Live Arcade releases, whilst Uno enjoys a surge in popularity. New gamers forum
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