Beta Post

Well this is my first post with my impressions of the Halo 3 Beta before my final impressions when the game launches.
First of all I have to confirm that my fears with regards to the graphics in the early pictures shown have turned out to be true (sorry folks but it's true), this game is no Gears of War in the looks department and is basically higher resolution Halo 2 graphics (ok that was a bit harsh but you get my point).
Luckily for Bungie it's not all about the graphics and the gameplay is still ace. Basically if you loved Halo 2 deathmatches (and lets face it who doesn't) you will love this.
However I still feel disappointed that the biggest title to ever be released on the 360 does not show off the 360's power. I hate to sound like a graphics whore, but imagine Halo 3 with graphics better or on par with Gears of War!
So now we must wait to see if Halo 3 single player returns to Halo 1 glory.....fingers crossed Bungie might have been keeping secret that the single player game uses a different engine to the multiplayer (eg. much better graphics).

Finish The Download!

The good news is that it appears the problem with Crackdown not allowing access to download the Halo 3 Beta has been fixed. I am currently downloading the demo as I type and yes you noticed the time stamp correct it is 6:28am (no I'm not sad, I start work at 7am.....ok I am sad, but only because I have to go to work!).

Halo 3 Wait-a!

It seems quite fitting that my last post (way back on 10th of April) was with regards to the Halo 3 Beta. However like most people today I am left waiting wondering when it will be released (although I can't really complain as anyone waiting for my site to update will have had a longer wait!.....or would that technically be less of a wait???). Anyway I'm glad I didn't take the day off work like a saddo (I'll save that for the 26th of September!).

Halo 3 Beta

The Halo 3 Beta has been officially dated - May 16th is the date to set in your calendars. I have also added a countdown to this site to help.

GTA Next Next Gen?

By now everyone in the world has seen the GTA 4 teaser trailer - if you haven't it is posted on this very site here. Anyway although this is the first next gen version of GTA to be released, in years to come could GTA look like this on a future console?

This video is actually a real life spoof of the trailer and is impressive work (and rather clever).

Achievement Unlocked

For any Xbox 360 gamer there is no sweeter sound than the achievement unlock sound byte that signals an increase in your gamerscore - however how annoying is it that to see exactly what you have achieved and the points gained can only be done via the guide button (interrupting your gaming).
This will all change with the new dash update, see a pic below that shows the new style achievement notification - it now tells you exactly what achievement you have unlocked and displays the gamer points given.

It's Good To Type

Following on from Wilkys post regarding the new dashboard update heading for the 360 - pictures have been released of the new mini keyboard add-on for the standard xbox 360 pads.

It attaches to the pad where the wired headsets used to go - but don't worry for all those users without a wireless headset, from the pictures below you can see it has another socket so you can still talk online.

This add-on makes sense with Microsoft pushing the new integrated messenger features over live. I'm just glad that the keyboard can be added to the pads all 360 owners already have rather than a totally new pad being required.

The Dream Machine?

CVG has an interesting article on the Sega Dreamcast which documents the rise and fall of this great console. Follow this link for the full story.

Mad World!

Oblivion was a game that I hated (granted I had hardly played it), so imagine my surprise when I suddenly found myself buying the expansion pack "Shivering Isles" which was recently released.
However the key word from the previous paragraph is "was" - as I now love Oblivion and believe it is worthy of it's status as a great game. So why the change of heart? Well I actually played the game, giving it more time than my first attempt and suddenly found it drawing me in, the same day I started to get into Oblivion I decided to buy the expansion pack - further enhancing my enjoyment of the game as I can now journey between the two worlds at leisure.
The title of the expansion is misleading as there is no snow or cold weather in sight - however instead you journey to a crazy world....or should that be "mad world" ruled by the most insane leader.
I recommend Oblivion to all and curse myself for ignoring this game for so long!

GTA 4

The title pretty much says it all. The teaser trailer for Grand Theft Auto 4 has been released. Like probably every website in the world - you can watch the video below: