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Instant Messaging Comes to Xbox 360

GeekSugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 03:20:45 -0700

Listen up all you gamers - the Xbox LIVE friends list is about to get a whole lot bigger. Microsoft Corp. has announced the launch of Windows Live Messenger on Xbox 360, connecting friends across Xbox 360 consoles, Microsoft Windows-based PCs and Windows Mobile-powered devices. Users will be able to connect and chat directly from their television using Windows Live Messenger, a network of more than 20 billion relationships and more than 260 million active accounts. read more

Here's more:

Beginning the week of May 7, 2007, the Xbox 360 Spring Update will provide Xbox 360 owners worldwide with access to Windows Live Messenger features, broadening the communication options on the Xbox LIVE social network. Members of the 6 million-strong Xbox LIVE community currently send more than 2 million text and voice messages a day and can now use Windows Live Messenger to text chat with up to six people on their contact list at one time, while playing games, listening to music or watching movies. Text chat adds to the variety of options friends and families already have to communicate with on Xbox LIVE, including voice and video chat.

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Get Your Game On: March Releases

GeekSugar — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 06:30:52 -0800

Can you smell that? Not only is Spring in the air, but I'm getting a slight whiff of Super Smash Bros Brawl! Release day is finally drawing near, and although it's not the only game that I'm looking forward to, it's definitely at the top of my "must buy" list this month. Bonus for me, my local Gamestop is hosting an in-store Brawl showdown (with some pretty sweet prizes), to help count down the minutes until midnight when we can take our own copies home!
But there are other games out there for me to get excited about as well. I'm also looking forward to some bugs, some space men and a few ghosts to fill my gaming quota. Check out a few more of my choice selections – while I warm up my Brawling thumbs – when you read more

**New Video Game Releases (March 2008)**
Why You'll Love It	Console/Price	Release Date
Super Smash Bros. Brawl! - We've all been waiting a looong time for this one! Finally hitting the shelves this month, SSBB should be "the" game to own this Spring.	Nintendo Wii, $50	Coming March 9
Insecticide - On an Earth overrun with pesticides, bugs have become the intelligent species. You play as Detective Chrys Liszt, solving crimes in the city of Troi in this film noir action adventure game.	Nintendo DS, $30	Available March 11
Summer Sports: Paradise Island - I have been looking forward to this game for awhile, especially since the weather is still cold. So I can pretend to be on a warm beach playing volleyball, mini golf, horseshoes, and basketball. Like a virtual vacation. Ahhhh!	Nintendo Wii , $40	Get it March 27
Rocketmen: Axis of Evil - This space age shooter has you taking down enemy aliens, of course. Shoot 'em up using one of the many weapons at your disposal.	Xbox 360 Live Marketplace, 800 points	Out now. Get it only on Xbox Live Marketplace
The Lost Crown: Ghost Hunting Adventure - You travel to a forgotten town to uncover the myth of the Saxon Crown. Use ghost hunting devices to coax the dead to guide you through the mystery. If the trailer doesn't creep you out, I'm sure the game will!	PC, $30	Out now. Get it online.
Army of Two - You and a pal rely on each other as you navigate super high-risk military missions in this third person shooter. Plus, you can compete against other "army of twos" online to earn guns and armor.	Xbox 360, Playstation 3, $60	Out now. Order it online.

Get Your Game On: May Releases

GeekSugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 08:00:56 -0700

May is yet another month packed full of movie-to-game titles that I hope (fingers crossed) will be as awesome as the films are. I've been putting in mega OT with Mario Kart and GTA IV, and I hope to add a few more to my schedule this week to give you more in depth reviews so that you can make an informed decision on which ones are worth dropping some cash on! Which games are you looking forward to? Are they not on my list? Let us know which are on your must have list in the comments below!

**New Video Game Releases (May 2008)**
Why You'll Love It	Console/Price	Release Date
Iron Man - I got a sneak peek of the film, and I'm hoping the game is as jam packed with action as the movie! Plus, with Robert Downey Jr. lending his voice, the game should transition from the big screen just fine!	XBox 360,PS2, PS3, PSP, Wii, DS, PC, $30 to $60	Out today! Get it online.
Speed Racer - The film of the same name starring Emile Hirsch takes to the small screen with this fast paced racing game. Bonus - you get to use the Wii Wheel!	DS and Wii, $30 and $50	Coming May 6.
Chronicles of Narnia - Prince of Caspian - The next installment of the Chronicles has the Pevensie children traveling back to Narnia, which is ruled by an evil tyrant in this movie tie in.	Xbox 360, PS2, PS3, Wii, DS, PC, $30 to $50	Out May 15.
Wii Fit - Not only is it one of my May Must Haves, but it's on Fit's list as well! Wii Fit is finally hitting the shelves this month after much anticipation so you can work, balance, and sculpt your way to fitness, the Wii way!	Wii Fit, $90 with Balance Board	Work it out May 21.
UEFA Euro 2008 - Players from over 50 European soccer teams that are realistically modeled? Sign me up! Not to mention that this is one game that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, just as you are when Manchester plays Chelsea.	Xbox 360, PS2, PS3, PSP, $60	Out May 19.
Myst DS - The classic PC puzzle game from the '90s comes to the DS where you figure out puzzles to unlock a mystery on a deserted island. One of my all time faves when I first started playing games!	DS, $30	Get it on May 20.

Get Your Game On: February Releases

GeekSugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 07:02:14 -0800

**New Video Game Releases (February 2008)**
Why You'll Love It	Console/Price	Release Date
Devil May Cry 4 - In this fourth installment of Capcom's uber popular series, you play newcomer Nero as you hunt demons, natch.	PS3, XBox 360, $59.99	Available now. Purchase it online.
Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore - If you didn't make it to this year's auditions, at least you can keep up with the competition in this Idol-tastic karaoke game.	PS2, Xbox 360, Wii, $39.99-$69.99	Out now. Purchase it online.
Jumper - Based on the upcoming movie starring Hayden Christensen and Rachel Bilson, you play as a "Jumper" who can teleport anywhere in the world at any time. Sweet!	PS2, Xbox 360, Wii, $39.99 - $59.99	Coming Feb 14th.
The Experiment - In this PC game, you are using security monitors to help guide a woman to safety through an old grounded ship where she is being held captive.	PC, $29.99	Available Feb 15th.
Agatha Christie: And Then There Were None - In this adaptation of the best selling novel, you and 10 other guests must find your way through an estate, trying to stay alive while you search for an unseen serial killer.	Wii, PC, $29.99	Get it Feb 25th.
Patapon - If you liked Loco Roco, you'll love this rhythm based action game for your PSP. A totally cute, totally crazy 2D platformer that will keep you entertained for hours.	PSP, $19.99	Out Feb 26th.

Get Your Game On: December Releases

GeekSugar — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 09:00:11 -0800

With visions of Hungry Lumas still dancing in my head and some seriously calloused fingers from shredding it up Guitar Hero style, I would have to say that this has been a satisfying year for gaming indeed. Now that game releases are slowing down to a crawl for the holiday season, there are a few good choices left and a slew of movie-to-game titles if you are looking to pick up something for yourself or trying to cram for last minute gift ideas. Not only are games a great gift, but so are gaming bundles and game rental subscriptions for those budding geeks in your life. Check out these great December releases and stay tuned - as much as we loved gaming in 2007, there's sure to be some amazing things in store for 2008!

**New Video Game Releases (December 2007)**
Why You'll Love It	Console/Price	Release Date
Nights: Journey Of Dreams - A follow up to the beloved "Nights: Into Dreams" from Sega Saturn, this new Wii installment is sure to bring back fond memories a la Super Mario Galaxy.	Nintendo Wii, $49.99	Coming December 19th
The Golden Compass - Based on Philip Pullman's novel and now a big hit at the box office, you take on the role of Lyra, making your way through mystical lands as you search for missing children.	PSP, PS2, PS3, XBox360, Wii, DS, PC $29.99 - $59.99	Out Now. Get it here
Alvin And The Chipmunks - Not only have these little guys had a TV series, but now they star in a feature film and a video game where they battle their way through the "Rockathonpalooza"! What can't these critters do!?	Wii, DS, PS2, PC, $19.99 - $49.99	Out now. Purchase it online.
Beowolf - You have seen the movie, now play the game. You play as Beowolf - a Norse hero- leading your army into battle. The fact that you have the power of 30 men should make this easy, right? Right!?	PSP, PS3, XBox360, PC, $19.99 - $49.99	Out now. Buy it online
Rock Band for PS2 - The ultimate band experience hits the PS2 and will have you and your band mates putting in some extra practice time. Score some much needed points with the neighbors and make sure your encore ends at a decent hour!	PS2, $49.99 for the game, $159.00 for the bundle	Get it Now. Order it online.

Left 4 Dead Sneak Peek

GeekSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:01:14 -0700

As one of my top five picks for this year's scariest games, I jumped at the chance to get an early look at the zombie shooter Left 4 Dead at a recent preview party here in San Francisco. Coming next month to your Xbox 360 and PC, I already knew the plot would have you trying to find your way out of a zombie-filled city with you and your three pals. But what I didn't know was that players will also get the chance to play as the zombies, trying to stop the humans from escaping (and eventually becoming dinner). There are four different "mutant" zombies, all with a unique attack style, which made it fun to switch between the characters and see who could cause the most damage.

Although Left 4 Dead is fun to play, I do have a few gripes about it. To see my thoughts on this early preview, and to check out a gameplay video (containing violence toward zombies aka blood and guns), just read more.

My early impressions of the game were good - fun co-op play and an easy objective (stay alive as long as possible) - but there were a few glaring concerns. While playing with three of your friends on a game night would be totally fun, playing alone might leave something to be desired. If you do play Left 4 Dead solo, you'll be stuck with three AI buddies, and although I didn't get a chance to play the solo mode, I would imagine it to be kinda boring.

Additionally, there were so many things to remember controlwise. At times even I got confused about which button did what - and I own a Xbox 360! I'm sure after more playing, it would become second nature, but still, not too easy for beginners or those of you who are picking up a 360 controller for the first time. For those of you who like a shooter and are really into killing zombies, check out my gameplay video below. It's short and sweet, yet you'll instantly get the point of the game!

What do you think - will you play Left 4 Dead?

Get Your Game On: November Releases

GeekSugar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 11:00:15 -0800

Hopefully in the midst of sorting through your must-have list for November and preparing for your annual Thanksgiving feast, you have also been gearing up for a feast of a different kind. The kind that involves the return of a certain plumber, a large helping of a new band, a serving of an interstellar society, and a side order of a pimped-out race car. It's November friends, and that means gorging yourselves for the next month on some of the hottest games to hit the market all year. Please, please-help yourselves!

**New Video Game Releases (November 2007)**
Why You'll Love It	Console/Price	Release Date
Super Mario Galaxy - Bowser is at it again and this time has taken Princess Peach's entire castle into space! With the help of Princess Rosalina, Mario must venture out into new worlds to save Peach.	Nintendo Wii, $49.99	Out Nov. 12. Order online.
Rock Band - Were not talking just a guitar here. Were talking guitar, drums, bass, and a mic for the ultimate band experience. Online action lets you compete against other bands, post band photos, blogs, and bios. You better start getting your band together now, cause there's sure to be a lot of competition out there. Now just to settle on a name....	Playstation 3, Xbox 360 $59.99 for the game, $169.00 for the bundle	Rockin Out Nov. 20
Mass Effect - One of the most anticipated games of the year. Incredibly customizable, this role playing game thrusts you into an emotional battle with many species of aliens while trying to maintain the trust and respect of your crew. With you at the helm, you must help save human kind from a force that is hell bent on destroying a colony called Eden. Developed as a trilogy, plan on investing in this one for the long haul.	Xbox 360, $59.99	Coming Nov. 20
Mario and Sonic at the Olympics - With games like fencing, archery, shooting, gymnastics, swimming, and table tennis, this multiplayer game is sure to have you and your pals squaring off for hours. A great game to get the family together after Thanksgiving dinner to work off all that turkey and stuffing!	Nintendo Wii, $49.99	Out now. Buy it.
Need for Speed: Pro Street - Lots of challenges, lots of cars, and – most of all - lots of speed. With all the custom options you can get on your brand new 2009 Nissan GT-R, you may want to take those turns a little slower so you don't scratch up your killer paint job. Or on second thought, maybe not.	Xbox 360, Playstation 3 $59.99 and Playstation 2, $29.99	Out Nov. 14
Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 - In this around-the-world installment, RRR2 is packed with 50 minigames in single or multiplayer mode. One game that brings back thoughts of the playground has you out-burping your opponents and causing damage to their surroundings. Let the games begin!	Nintendo Wii, $49.99 and DS, $29.99	Out Nov. 13

Tune in later this month for geekalicious reviews of Super Mario Galaxy and Rock Band! Want more games now? Check out past game releases.

Get Your Game On: January Releases

GeekSugar — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 08:00:31 -0800

Welcome to 2008! Hopefully by now you've caught up on all the awesome titles that are coming your way this year. This time, let's switch gears and focus on the games that will be available sooner rather than later since I know you're all itching to get started on expanding that game collection. I can't think of a better way than to start off a new year than spending those holiday gift cards on some great games that you can enjoy all year long!

**New Video Game Releases (January 2008)**
Why You'll Love It	Console/Price	Release Date
Endless Ocean: Dive, Discover, Dream - How would you like to spend some time exploring what's under the sea with an endless supply of oxygen and a camera? I know I would. Just think of it as a virtual vacation!	Nintendo Wii, $29.99	Coming January 21st.
Samurai Warriors: Katana - Playing through a game wielding a samurai sword (or long range rifle, cannon, or boomerang if you prefer!) an all-in-one hand has never been more satisfying!	Nintendo Wii, $49.99	Out January 15th
Burnout Paradise - The joy of destruction is back with this Burnout installment, only this time Paradise City is open and free for exploration! Fun stuff like online play and license photo capabilities make it worth the $60 price tag!	PS3 and Xbox 360, $59.99	Get it January 21st
Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games: DS - Mario and Sonic's Olympic fun comes to the DS!	Nintendo DS, $34.99	Out January 23rd
Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice - A band of hell raising villains have plotted a major takeover - while you're at the altar! Good thing for you, you're a chopper pilot and your fiance is a super cop. Oh, and did I mention that you are both members of the crime fighting crew Pursuit Force? Never mess with a woman on her wedding day!	PSP, $29.99	Coming January 29th
Bomberman Land - Battle Modes and now Story Mode - where you make your way through various levels - bring this classic to life on the Wii. Look out for "wii mode" where you take full advantage of the Wii remotes point and shoot capabilities.	Nintendo Wii, $29.99	Get it January 30th

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Do You Have More Than One Video Game Console?

GeekSugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:00:29 -0700

When I spotted Heidi and Spencer coming out of their Facebreaker release party with two Xbox 360s - ostensibly, one for each of them - I scoffed, "Do Heidi and Spencer really need two Xboxes?! Really?!" (You remember Facebreaker, the game where they knock each other out. Real healthy for the relationship).

Of course, I feel semi-hypocritical, since I actually have three consoles at home - albeit not the same ones (a Wii, PS3 and Xbox). And yes, I really do think I need all of them. The games aren't the same, and though they're all next-gen consoles, the game play is completely different (not to mention the Blu-ray player and other media capabilities of my PS3).

And, as undeniably geeky as I am, I don't think it's that geeky to have more than one gaming console, but rather common, actually. So tell me: Do you have more than one video game console in your place?

Pacific Coast News Online

What Video Game Console Do You Want For Christmas?

GeekSugar — Sun, 10 Dec 2006 14:56:20 -0800

The Nintendo Wii, XBox 360 and Sony Playstation 3 are all hot items this Christmas, but it's still unclear which console will take the cake. Right now the Wii, which was marketed as woman-friendly and approved, is leading the pack with more than 1 million units sold in the U.S and Japan and Nintendo says they expect to sell at least 2 million units by January. If you're wondering how, check out this video of a Japanese woman shaking her groove thing while playing tennis. It's just plain addictive.