Red vs. Blue Wacky 1 Picture Pack

This week on Arcade: Triplets (Catan, Centipede and Millipede)

THREE Arcade titles are dropping this week.  Let me introduce this weeks additions to the Arcade Family:

Catan (800 points)
Centipede and Millipede (Packaged together for 400 points)

Full detail in the media alert below:

Legendary board game "Catan" arrives on Xbox LIVE Arcade

Brush up on your plans for expansion and hone your trading strategies because "Catan" is coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 this Wednesday, May 2 at 0900 GMT (2:00 a.m. Pacific).
 
"Catan" from Big Huge Games is the Xbox LIVE Arcade edition of the legendary multiplayer board game Settlers of Catan. With over 10 million units sold, Settlers of Catan is one of the most popular board games to hail from Europe, and has been translated into twenty-five languages from the original German.

"Catan" for Xbox LIVE Arcade puts players in the role of colonists on a newly discovered island, where they vie for control of valuable territory and resources through strategy and trading. The game can be learned in just minutes, but will challenge players of all skill levels, even the experts!

Klaus Teuber, creator of the original Settlers of Catan board game, had this to say about the collaboration with Big Huge Games: "I had no doubts that Brian Reynolds would do a great job, and the first version of the game exceeded my highest expectations. The AI is so clever that I even lost several games in a row! Hands down, this game for the Xbox LIVE Arcade is an amazing achievement."

"Catan" will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E for Everyone.

Game Features

• Learn As You Play tutorial, making the game instantly accessible even to players who have never played "Settlers of Catan" before
• All New 3D "Living World" Board 
• Play against any combination of 13 historical personalities such as Alexander, Cleopatra and Tokugawa, which provide a range of play styles and difficulty levels that will test players' wits and strategy 
• Fans of the board game will enjoy the inclusion of popular house rules like Friendly Robber and Friendly Resources 
• Multiplayer gameplay over Xbox LIVE for up to 4 players 
• The ability to taunt opponents with engaging animations and use emotes to compliment (or belittle!) the opposition over Xbox LIVE 
• Voice Chat enabled 
• Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

More information is available at  http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade and http://www.catanlive.com.
 

Arthropods Attack! "Centipede" and "Millipede" Invade Xbox LIVE Arcade

Two of Atari's best loved coin-op classics, "Centipede" and "Millipede," will be available for download on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 beginning Wednesday, May 2 at 0900 GMT (2:00 a.m. Pacific).
 
The classic version of "Centipede" challenges gamers to defend their villages against an onslaught of centipedes, spiders, army ants and more. Xbox LIVE Arcade gamers will also have access to an "Evolved" version which features pre-rendered, high definition graphics, special effects like motion blur, trails and particle-based explosions that make this classic as enjoyable today as it was in the arcade decades ago.

In "Millipede," the primary challenge is to obliterate chains of arthropods that creep down from the top of the screen.  Scattered mushrooms are the gamers' main tool to shoot, destroy and redirect the menacing millipedes.  "Millipede" also offers up Xbox LIVE Arcade gamers an "Evolved" version of this coin-op classic.

"Centipede" and "Millipede" will be available worldwide as a joint download for 400 Microsoft Points and are rated E for Everyone.

Game Features

• Two games in one! Enjoy both classic and evolved versions of both "Centipede" and "Millipede"
• Dolby Digital surround sound
• Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade.

Show #223 The one with e and Spiderman and Pinball FX

This week’s show:
Special Co-host: e
Xbox news
Interview: Spiderman 3
Interview: Pinball FX
Name the Game
Xbox 101
Gadgets
…and who knows what else?

Get the blogcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3) Listen in iTunes? Submit a review
[RSS] Add the Major Nelson Blogcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically (MP3).
[MP3] Download the show (MP3)

Format:
01:24:20, 24.1 MB, MP3

Link dump (links to things I mention in this episode):
http://live.xbox.com/en-US/profile/profile.aspx?pp=0&GamerTag=e
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VIC_20
http://www.gamesforwindows.com/en-US/Games/Pages/Halo2forWindowsVista.aspx
http://gear.ign.com/articles/781/781719p1.html
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360wirelessgamingreceiver/
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360wirelesscontrollerblack/default.htm
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360wirelessheadset/default.htm
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/marketplace/halo2/maps.htm
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=7078
http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2007/04/26/120-gb-hdd-and-elite-migration-how-to-video.aspx
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/home/home?name=HomePage&bhcp=1
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/s/spiderman3/
http://www.activision.com/en_US/game_specific/d73b038e-954b-4206-91e9-9f73183eefd8.html
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/p/pinballfxxboxlivearcade/default.htm
http://www.pinballfx.com/
http://www.zenstudios.com/
http://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/t/tetrisevolution
http://live.xbox.com/en-US/profile/profile.aspx?pp=0&GamerTag=Trixie360
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayonaise
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/events/mymomsagamer/default.htm
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/personality/trixie/communityspotlights/default.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diet_Coke
http://www.mcdonalds.com/
http://www.turtlebeach.com/products/efx1/home.aspx
https://live.xbox.com/en-US/accounts/PrivacySettings.aspx?Check=true
http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=74994
http://www.samsung.com/Products/TV/DLPTV/HLT6189SXXAA.asp

Show #223 (WMA) The one with e and Spiderman and Pinball FX

This week’s show:
Special Co-host: e
Xbox news
Interview: Spiderman 3
Interview: Pinball FX
Name the Game
Xbox 101
Gadgets
…and who knows what else?

Get the blogcast
[RSS] Add the Major Nelson Blogcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically (WMA).
[WMA] Download the show This is an enhanced blogcast. [?]

Format:
01:24:20, 24.5 MB, MP3

Link dump (links to things I mention in this episode):
http://live.xbox.com/en-US/profile/profile.aspx?pp=0&GamerTag=e
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VIC_20
http://www.gamesforwindows.com/en-US/Games/Pages/Halo2forWindowsVista.aspx
http://gear.ign.com/articles/781/781719p1.html
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360wirelessgamingreceiver/
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360wirelesscontrollerblack/default.htm
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360wirelessheadset/default.htm
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/marketplace/halo2/maps.htm
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=7078
http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2007/04/26/120-gb-hdd-and-elite-migration-how-to-video.aspx
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/home/home?name=HomePage&bhcp=1
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/s/spiderman3/
http://www.activision.com/en_US/game_specific/d73b038e-954b-4206-91e9-9f73183eefd8.html
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/p/pinballfxxboxlivearcade/default.htm
http://www.pinballfx.com/
http://www.zenstudios.com/
http://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/t/tetrisevolution
http://live.xbox.com/en-US/profile/profile.aspx?pp=0&GamerTag=Trixie360
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayonaise
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/events/mymomsagamer/default.htm
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/personality/trixie/communityspotlights/default.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diet_Coke
http://www.mcdonalds.com/
http://www.turtlebeach.com/products/efx1/home.aspx
https://live.xbox.com/en-US/accounts/PrivacySettings.aspx?Check=true
http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=74994
http://www.samsung.com/Products/TV/DLPTV/HLT6189SXXAA.asp

Xbox Live Activity for week of 4/23

Xbox 360 Top Live Titles (UU’s)
1 Gears of War
2 Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas
3 Command and Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars Demo
4 Guitar Hero II
5 Call Of Duty 3
6 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures
7 GRAW 2
8 Oblivion
9 Crackdown
10 Pro Evolution Soccer 6

Top Arcade Titles (Full Versions)
1 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures
2 Pinball FX
3 Castlevania: SOTN
4 TMNT 1989 Arcade
5 Boom Boom Rocket
6 UNO
7 Worms
8 Eets: Chowdown
9 Gyruss
10 Street Fighter II' Hyper Fighting
 
Original Xbox Top Live Games
1 Halo 2
2 Battlefield 2: MC
3 Counter-Strike
4 Forza Motorsport
5 Madden NFL 07
6 Call of Duty 3
7 Star Wars: Battlfrnt 2
8 Street Fighter Anniv.
9 MechAssault 2
10 Ghost Recon 2

These lists are based on global unique users connected to Xbox Live or in the case of Arcade, full versions purchased this week. If the Xbox 360 list and the original Xbox list were combined, then Gears of War continues to be the top Xbox Live title. The arcade list is based on full versions purchased.

Madden 08 Theme Vince Young - Madden NFL 08 Cover Announcement

Medal of Honor: Airborne The First Step is Everything Trailer (720p)

BioShock: Theme and Pictures

Name: BioShock Theme
Price: 150 Points
Availability: Not available in Asia
Dash Details: The official theme to the first person shooter BioShock

Name: Character Picture Pack
Price: 80 Points
Availability: Not available in Asia
Dash Details: A picture pack to the first person shooter BioShock. This pack contains five gamer pics focusing on the characters of BioShock.

Name: Artist Picture Pack
Price: 80 Points
Availability: Not available in Asia
Dash Details: A picture pack to the first person shooter BioShock. This pack contains five gamer pics focusing on the environmental and character design of BioShock

Edit: I completely missed the BioShock trailer that was posted earlier this week. Sorry about that. Grab it if you want. Water never looked so good.

Your Music to the Best Games - Video

Name: Your Music to the Best Games - Video
Price: Free
Availability: Only available for Gold members in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom
Dash Details: Help us create a new experience merging your music and your favourite game trailers with Xbox Soundtracks. We'll provide the games; you provide the music. Then you get to vote for the best of the best on Xbox.com! The winners will be rewarded with a visit to a recording studio to lay down their track with one of the Universal Music team. It all kicks off on 9 May 2007. Don’t miss it. (Not Rated).

Tetris Evolution: In Game backgrounds and skins

The following is in game content for Tetris Evolution

Name: Waterfalls Background Set
Price: 100 Points
Availability: Not available in Asia, Mexico or Australia
Dash Details: Relax with a soothing set of video and background pictures!

Name: Fireworks Background Set
Price: 100 Points
Availability: Not available in Asia, Mexico or Australia
Dash Details: Celebrate with this explosive set of video and background pictures!

Name: Games Background Set
Price: 100 Points
Availability: Not available in Asia, Mexico or Australia
Dash Details: Play with these sporting set of video and background pictures!

Name: Blue Tahiti Skin
Price: 80 Points
Availability: Not available in Asia, Mexico or Australia
Dash Details: Add this cool Blue Tahiti skin to your collection!

Name: Bugs Skin
Price: 80 Points
Availability: Not available in Asia, Mexico or Australia
Dash Details: Add this drippy, gooey, and cool skin to your collection

Name: Flowers Skin
Price: 80 Points
Availability: Not available in Asia, Mexico or Australia
Dash Details: Add this pretty, sweet, flowery skin to your collection!

Name: Pet Shop Skin
Price: 80 Points
Availability: Not available in Asia, Mexico or Australia
Dash Details: Add this bright Pet Shop skin to your collection!

Xbox Big Day Out 2007 Video

Name: Xbox Big Day Out 2007 Video
Price: Free
Availability: Only available for Gold members in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom
Dash Details: "The Xbox Big Day Out was a four day explosion of world-class music, festivities and snowboarding. Headlining this year were the Scissor Sisters, Fabio & Grooverider and the Scratch Perverts. Check out the action in this video. (Not Rated).

Blue Dragon: In Game Content

Name: 「シャッフルダンジョン」
Price: 300 Points
Availability: Japan
Dash Details: ＢＤ本編だけでは遊び足りない？そんなあなたにオススメするのが、このシャッフルダンジョンです。遊ぶたびに変化する謎に包まれた洞窟と仕掛け、一筋縄ではいかない強力なモンスターたち、ここでしか手に入らない３０種を超える新アイテムに、１０種以上の新しいボスを加え、歯ごたえたっぷりのコンテンツに仕上げました。腕に覚えのあるプレイヤーは、いますぐ挑戦を！（推奨レベル50以上。super/hardモードに対応）注。シャッフルダンジョンへのワープキューブに入るためには、シナリオ終盤付近のセーブデータが必要です。© 2007 BIRD STUDIO / MISTWALKER, INC. All Rights Reserved.© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.BLUE DRAGON contains AT&T Natural Voices®Text to Speech technology licensed from Wizzard Software Corporation. Microsoft, the Microsoft Game Studios logo, Blue Dragon, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. 詳細については www.xbox.com/live/accounts を参照してください

120 GB HDD and Elite Migration How To Video

To follow up on the Migration Q&A posted over at the Gamerscore blog, I grabbed Albert to show us how it actually works and explain some details regarding the transfer process If you are an existing Xbox 360 owner and you want to purchase of of the new 120 GB HDD or an Xbox 360 Elite then this video is for you.  

I added this video to my iTunes feed, so it will show up in your iTunes the next time you sync.

WMV: Stream it

MP4: Download it

Edit: Added Soapbox link

Edit: WMV Download link is being funky so I am removing it.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance: Trailer and in game content

Name: New Playable Hero and Villain Trailer
Price: Free
Availability: Not available in Austria, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Switzerland or Taiwan
Dash Details:Check out the new playable heroes and villains for Marvel: Ultimate Alliance in this video. The largest alliance of super-heroes ever just got bigger.

The following is in game content for Marvel Ultimate Alliance

Name: Playable Hero/Villain Pack Combo Deal
Price: 800 Points
Availability: Not available in Austria, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Switzerland or Taiwan
Dash Details: ESRB: T (TEEN) Mild Language, Violence] Play with 8 entirely new characters, 4 heroes and 4 villains. Free title update required to play. Do not download this pack if you have purchased Marvel:Ultimate Alliance Gold Edition, due out in May 2007, as the new playable characters are already included in that version of the game.

Name: Playable Hero Pack
Price: 500 Points
Availability: Not available in Austria, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Switzerland or Taiwan
Dash Details: [ESRB: T (TEEN) Mild Language, Violence] Play an entirely new team. Hulk, Cyclops, Nightcrawler and Hawkeye. Free title update required to play. Do not download this pack if you have purchased Marvel:Ultimate Alliance Gold Edition, due out in May 2007, as the new playable characters are already included in that version of the game.

Name: Playable Villain Pack
Price: 500 Points
Availability: Not available in Austria, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Switzerland or Taiwan
Dash Details:[ESRB: T (TEEN) Mild Language, Violence] Play an entirely new team. Doom, Venom, Sabertooth and Magneto. Free title update required to play. Do not download this pack if you have purchased Marvel:Ultimate Alliance Gold Edition, due out in May 2007, as the new playable characters are already included in that version of the game.

Alien Hominid HD: Picture Packs and in game content

Name: Alien Hominid HD - PDA Euro Pack
Price: 150 Points
Availability: All Xbox Live regions
Dash Details: These 100 levels have never been seen in the United States. Be the first to try out these great European flavored levels.

Name: Alien Hominid HD - Boss Picture Pack
Price: 100 Points
Availability: All Xbox Live regions
Dash Details: This picture pack contains some of the biggest, baddest, and most destructive bosses in Alien Hominid. This pack contains 5 Gamer Pictures.

Name: Alien Hominid HD - Super Soviet Series
Price: 100 Points
Availability: All Xbox Live regions
Dash Details: This Super Soviet Series contains some serious Soviet action! With the fan favorite Yeti, and the menacing KGB Blimp, these 5 pictures will make your Gamer Card happy.

BradyGames Gears of War COG Tag Locations strategy videos (5)

Name: COG Tags: Act 1
Price: 100 Points
Availability: All Xbox Live regions
Dash Details: Learn the locations of Act 1 COG Tags in this strategy video from BradyGames.

Name: COG Tags: Act 2
Price: 100 Points
Availability: All Xbox Live regions
Dash Details: Learn the locations of Act 2 COG Tags in this strategy video from BradyGames.

Name: COG Tags: Act 3
Price: 100 Points
Availability: All Xbox Live regions
Dash Details: Learn the locations of Act 3 COG Tags in this strategy video from BradyGames.

Name: COG Tags: Act 4
Price: 100 Points
Availability: All Xbox Live regions
Dash Details: Learn the locations of Act 4 COG Tags in this strategy video from BradyGames.

Name: COG Tags: Act 5
Price: 100 Points
Availability: All Xbox Live regions
Dash Details: Learn the locations of Act 5 COG Tags in this strategy video from BradyGames.