Mass Effect 2 DLC ‘Kasumi’s Stolen Memory’ lands on Apr. 6 (don’t forget!)
Mar/100
While Mass Effect 2’s in-game DLC pipeline, The Cerberus Network, continues to transport new weapons (and soon, a new vehicle) to players for free, BioWare has announced the game’s first pack of paid downloadable content. “Kasumi’s Stolen Memory” finally completes Commander Shepard’s dirty dozen, adding a confident female thief to your anti-Reaper repertoire. It’s currently scheduled to launch for Xbox 360 and PC on April 6th.
After downloading the DLC, players can get in touch with Kasumi on the Citadel, either in the middle of an ongoing Mass Effect 2 game or after the completion of the main story (lesson learned from Mass Effect 1 DLC!). Once recruited, Shepard aids Kasumi on a secretive mission of recovery, which requires a suave disguise and a run-in with an influential and predictably corrupt art collector. The content, which also provides the “Locust” SMG, a flash-bang grenade loyalty power and a new Achievement, should take about an hour and a half to complete.
BioWare is currently in the midst of “internal discussion” to determine the price of the DLC, but we’ll keep you updated as soon as it’s finalized. Look for some impressions of “Kasumi’s Stolen Memory” on Joystiq later today. Spoiler: It looks great.
Mass Effect 2 DLC ‘Kasumi’s Stolen Memory’ lands on Apr. 6 (don’t forget!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink?|?Email this?|?Comments
Excerpt from:
Mass Effect 2 DLC ‘Kasumi’s Stolen Memory’ lands on Apr. 6 (don’t forget!)
THQ developing downloadable games based on ‘core’ brands
Mar/100
“Very aggressive” is the phrase THQ executive VP of Core Games Danny Bilson used to describe his company’s plans for downloadable titles across the Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and PC platforms during a GDC 2010 interview with Joystiq. With two studios dedicated to the downloadable space — THQ Digital Studios Phoenix (formerly Rainbow Studios) and THQ Digital Studios UK (formerly Juice Games) — Bilson told us THQ plans to release “up to six” downloadable titles within the next year, some based on the company’s biggest brands.
“We’re going to be building stuff on some of our core brands,” Bilson said, noting the plan is to create downloadable titles within the same universe as THQ’s major franchises in order to improve brand awareness. Surprisingly, Bilson’s plans include “giving away” some of the upcoming downloadable games, although he did not specify how this idea would be executed.
Bilson’s theory is that by getting players “involved” in its franchises via downloadable titles, THQ can help drive pre-orders and awareness for their big-budget (in relation) retail counterparts. While he would not specify which THQ franchises would get downloadable titles, we were told the plan is to roll out this strategy on “two or three” of THQ’s biggest franchises (? la Square Enix’s upcoming Lara Croft game from developer Crystal Dynamics).
But the plan doesn’t end there: Similar to the approach taken by Microsoft’s Fable II: Pub Games experiment, downloadable releases based on THQ’s major brands will unlock content within the retail releases, teasing players with potential advantages to purchasing retail releases; retail games will also unlock content in downloadable titles, to help drive players to explore more content within that franchise’s universe. “You’re going to see some of our core brands built out in different kinds of gameplay to get people involved in the brands and drive awareness towards a launch.”
THQ developing downloadable games based on ‘core’ brands originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink?|?Email this?|?Comments
Read more:
THQ developing downloadable games based on ‘core’ brands
The Secret of Monkey Island 2: Special Edition announced for XBLA, PSN, PC, iPhone
Mar/100
At a pirate-themed party in San Francisco tonight (with special guests Ron Gilbert and Tim Schafer!) LucasArts announced The Secret of Monkey Island 2: Special Edition, coming “this summer” on Xbox Live Arcade, PSN, PC, iPhone and iPod Touch. This isn’t simply the same “special edition” treatment applied to last year’s edition; instead, fans can expect a new control mechanism. “In addition to the point-and-click interface, we’ve added the ability to move Guybrush around, so you feel more connected to him,” said LucasArts’ Craig Derrick, project lead on all Monkey Island products. They’ve also added never-before-seen art from Peter Chan and Steve Purcell and developer commentary (!) for you Monkey Island fanboys out there (that’s you).
Of course, that’s in addition to all the stuff you’d expect from the special edition treatment, including high-definition art, remastered music, full voiceover track, and the ability to swap between original and “special edition” modes. Derrick even said they’ve “reimagined” each character, citing fan displeasure with Guybrush’s hair in the first special edition. Really? We liked his hair …
The Secret of Monkey Island 2: Special Edition announced for XBLA, PSN, PC, iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink?|?Email this?|?Comments
Read the rest here:
The Secret of Monkey Island 2: Special Edition announced for XBLA, PSN, PC, iPhone
X3F TV — XBLA in Brief: Scrap Metal
Mar/100
Filed under: X3F TV
Your usual host is off gallivanting around San Francisco at GDC right now, so you’ll have to make do with me for the latest XBLA in Brief episode. Today, we take a look at Scrap Metal, a title that instantly recalls the simple fun of the SNES classic Rock N’ Roll Racing.
With a hefty price tag of 1200
($15), Scrap Metal better have a lot to offer, right? Well, there’s variety, there’s some tight gameplay and there’s certainly lots of rocking, rolling and racing. In short: it’s not a bad game at all! Check it out for yourself in the video above.
Shortcut: Download the trial version of Scrap Metal [via Xbox.com]
[iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes.
[Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly.
[RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.
[MP4] Download the MP4 directly.
X3F TV — XBLA in Brief: Scrap Metal originally appeared on Joystiq Xbox on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink?|?Email this?|?Comments
See the original post here:
X3F TV — XBLA in Brief: Scrap Metal
How To Skip Commercials in Windows 7 Media Center
Mar/100
If you use Windows 7 Media Center to record live TV, you’re probably interested in skipping through commercials. After all, a big reason to record programs is to avoid commercials, right? Today we focus on a fairly simple and free way to get you skipping commercials in no time.
In Windows 7, the .wtv file format has replaced the dvr-ms file format used in previous versions of Media Center for Recorded TV. The .wtv file format, however, does not work very well with commercial skipping applications.?
The Process
Our first step will be to convert the recorded .wtv files to the previously used dvr-ms file format. This conversion will be done automatically by WtvWatcher. It’s important to note that this process deletes the original .wtv file after successfully converting to .dvr-ms. Next, we will use DVRMSToolBox with the DTB Addin to handle commercials skipping. This process does not “cut” or remove the commercials from the file. It merely skips the commercials during playback.
WtvWatcher
Download and install the WTVWatcher (link below). To install WtvWatcher, you’ll need to have Windows Installer 3.1 and .NET Framework 3.5 SP1.
If you get the Publisher cannot be verified warning you can go ahead and click Install. We’ve completely tested this app and it contains no malware and runs successfully.
![sshot-2010-03-09-[19-07-48]](http://semibeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/4bad6e0786190748.png.png "sshot-2010-03-09-[19-07-48]")
?
After installing, the WtvWatcher will pop up in the lower right corner of your screen.
You will need to set the path to your Recorded TV directory. Click on the button for “Click here to set your recorded TV path…”
?
The WtvWatcher Preferences window will open…
?
…and you’ll be prompted to browse for your Recorded TV folder. If you did not change the default location at setup, it will be found at C:UsersPublicRecorded TV. Click “OK” when finished.
Click the “X” to close the Preferences screen.
You should now see WtvWatcher begin to convert any existing WTV files.
?
The process should only take a few minutes per file. Note: If WtvWatcher detects an error during the conversion process, it will not delete the original WTV file.?
?
You will probably want to run WtvWatcher on startup. This will allow WtvWatcher too constantly scan for new .wtv files to convert. There is no setting in the application to run on startup, so you’ll need to copy the WTV icon from your desktop into your Windows start menu “Startup” directory. To do so, click on Start > All Programs, right-click on Startup and click on Open all users.
Drag and drop, or cut and paste, the WtvWatcher desktop shortcut into the Startup folder.
DVRMSToolBox and DTBAddIn
Next, we need to download and install the DVRMSToolBox and the DTBAddIn. These two pieces of software will do the actual commercial skipping. After downloading the DVRMSToolBox zip file, extract it and double-click the setup.exe file.? Click “Next” to begin the installation.
?
Unless DVRMSToolBox will only be used by Administrator accounts, check the “Modify File Permissions” box. Click “Next.”
When you get to the Optional Components window, uncheck Download/Install ShowAnalyzer. We will not be using that application.
When the installation is complete, click “Close.”
??
Next we need to install the DTBAddin. Unzip the download folder and run the appropriate .msi file for your system. It is available in 32 & 64 bit versions.
Just double click on the file and take the default options. Click “Finish” when the install is completed. You will then be prompted to restart your computer.
After your computer has restarted, open DVRMSToolBox settings by going to Start > All Programs, DVRMSToolBox, and click on DVRMStoMPEGSettings.
On the MC Addin tab, make sure that Skip Commercials is checked. It should be by default.
?
On the Commercial Skip tab, make sure the Auto Skip option is selected. Click “Save.”
?
If you try to watch recorded TV before the file conversion and commercial indexing process is complete you’ll get the following message pop up in Media Center. If you click Yes, it will start indexing the commercials if WtvWatcher has already converted it to dvr-ms.
Now you’re ready to kick back and watch your recorded tv without having to wait through those long commercial breaks.
Conclusion
The DVRMSToolBox is a powerful and complex application with a multitude of features and utilities. We’ve showed you a quick and easy way to get your Windows Media Center setup to skip commercials. This setup, like virtually all commercial skipping setups, is not perfect. You will occasionally find a commercial that doesn’t get skipped.
Need help getting your Windows 7 PC configured for TV? Check out our previous tutorial on setting up live TV in Windows Media Center.
Links
| Similar Articles | Productive Geek Tips |
| Latest Software Reviews | Tinyhacker Random Tips |
Excerpt from:
How To Skip Commercials in Windows 7 Media Center
Restore Files from Backups in Windows Home Server
Mar/100
If you use Windows Home Server to backup the machines on your network, your in luck if you accidentally delete important files or they become corrupted. Today we take a look at getting your data back from backups on your home server.
Open Windows Home Server Console and click select the Computers and Backup tab. Right-click on the computer you need to restore files for and select View Backups.
This will open a list of your recent backups. Highlight the one you want to open, then click the Open button in the Restore or View Files section.
If this is the first time you’re restoring a file, you’ll be asked to verify installation of the device software. Check the box next to Always trust software from Microsoft Corporation and click Install.
Now wait while the backup data is retrieved.
After the backup data has been retrieved, an explorer windows opens up to drive (Z:) which is the backup data. It’s just like if you were opening a drive on your local machine. Now you can browse through the backup and find the files your missing. You can open the files directly, or drag them onto your machine to the location you want to restore them.
?
Restoring your data is actually a very easy process with Windows Home Server. Of course you’ll want to make sure the computers on your network are being backed up to WHS. if you need help with that, check out our article on how to configure your computer to backup to WHS. If you want to backup your home server shares, check out our article on how to backup WHS folder to an external drive.
| Similar Articles | Productive Geek Tips |
| Latest Software Reviews | Tinyhacker Random Tips |
Go here to read the rest:
Restore Files from Backups in Windows Home Server
PlayStation First to Sell HD Movies from All Major Studios – Mashable (blog)
Mar/100
 Mashable (blog) |
PlayStation First to Sell HD Movies from All Major Studios
Mashable (blog) PSN competitors like Apple's iTunesiTunes Store and Apple TV set-top box and Microsoft's Zune Marketplace and Xbox 360 console offer formidable libraries of … |
Original post:
PlayStation First to Sell HD Movies from All Major Studios – Mashable (blog)
Tiger Woods 11 to support PlayStation Motion Controller
Mar/100
Much like the star it’s named for, it seems the Tiger Woods PGA Tour franchise isn’t adverse to trying new things. EA has announced that the next iteration, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11, will support the PlayStation Motion Controller to “give gamers an authentic interactive swing experience.”
There aren’t any other details about Motion Controller implementation at the moment, but the game is slated for release on June 8 — well before the Motion Controller’s projected fall release. (And before you ask, no mention has been made of support for Microsoft’s Project Natal.)
It may be less flashy, but series fans may be interested to hear the game will also feature the Ryder Cup, allowing for two 12-man teams to face off against each other.
We say 12-man, but we guess it could be 12 women against 12 men, right? Heck, maybe even 12 women against one man. Can you imagine, one guy trying to keep up with all those women? We sure can’t.
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 will be available on June 8 for Wii (with MotionPlus support), Xbox 360, PS3 and iPhone.
Tiger Woods 11 to support PlayStation Motion Controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read?|?Permalink?|?Email this?|?Comments
See the rest here:
Tiger Woods 11 to support PlayStation Motion Controller
Final Fantasy XIII launch party equips +10 awkwardness
Mar/100
What do Cerny Games’ Mark Cerny, Gas Powered Games’ Chris Taylor, Microsoft’s Corrinne Yu, and Obsidian’s Feargus Urquhart have in common, besides being game developers? Absolutely nothing. Yet, Square Enix managed to sit them down for an hour long roundtable discussion to talk about one thing: how awesome Final Fantasy (and Final Fantasy VII, in particular) is. To say it was awkward is a tremendous understatement.
Certainly, there’s much cause for celebration. With the game first announced nearly four years ago, the impending release of Final Fantasy XIII feels like a much needed breath of relief. It was Square Enix’s night to celebrate its work, and with a red carpet entrance for key producers and voice actors it carried an aura appropriate for the return of the long-awaited flagship franchise. With some glowing reviews, this launch party could have rested solely on the game’s merits.
A cheerful (and perhaps slightly mistranslated) speech from Square Enix president Yoichi Wada set the right tone for the evening, with Wada wearing a Fal’cie tattoo on his hand calling the audience to join him in a quest to save the world; however, the evening took a quick turn for the bizarre. A visually breathtaking 3D trailer for Final Fantasy XIII was marred by the host’s obnoxious desire to watch it a second time in quick succession. The roundtable discussion that followed highlighted the franchise’s accomplishments, twisting them into an overview of these developers’ shortcomings. There was an almost defeated attitude with the panel, many admitting their inability to match the sheer production values of a Square Enix joint.
The evening escalated to quite possibly one of the most awkward toasts we’ve ever encountered. A Microsoft spokesperson took the stage, congratulating Square Enix on bringing Final Fantasy XIII to Xbox 360. Shortly thereafter, a Sony spokesperson also took the stage, emphasizing how Final Fantasy is a PlayStation franchise, and how XIII is best on PS3, on a single Blu-ray disc — the way it was meant to be played. The audience was abuzz like a Joystiq comments thread, and champagne was had by all. Congratulations on releasing Final Fantasy XIII, Square Enix!
Final Fantasy XIII launch party equips +10 awkwardness originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink?|?Email this?|?Comments
Excerpt from:
Final Fantasy XIII launch party equips +10 awkwardness
Advert
Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes trailer offers taste of high-def wizardry
Mar/100
Following up yesterday’s announcement that Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes is getting an HD facelift and coming to Xbox Live and PSN, Ubisoft has revealed the first teaser trailer for the game. Amidst all of the quoted accolades and plumes of smoke are some actual tidbits of gameplay.
In short: this looks purty.
Permalink?|?Email this?|?Comments
Excerpt from:
Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes trailer offers taste of high-def wizardry