TheXboxLife

If people thought Guitar Hero was fun and addicting, just wait until the new Rockband is released in November 2007. Accompanied by not only a guitar, you and your friends will have the ability to actually create a full-fledged Rockband with the additions of the Drum Pad, Microphone and Bass (maybe). Yes, Rockband will be available for up to 4 players, which will bring the level of gaming enjoyment to a new high. No longer will you have the ‘one person’ in your group of friends who’s the ultimate Guitar Hero player. Instead, you and your posse will be able to have your own Rockband. The only thing to fight about will be who plays what.





The game is also featuring downloadable tracks, which was an addition the public often waited for from Guitar Hero (but never came). Users will be faced with up to 4 lanes on the screen, each assigned to a different instrument. Yes, you will actually have someone on vocals, as long as you have the microphone.





In short, Rockband is going to revolutionize parts of the gaming world, especially ones in relation to reality. Not only is the game-play extremely fun and entertaining, but the song lineup is unbeatable:



* “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” – Jet[4]
* “Black Hole Sun” - Soundgarden[26]
* “Blitzkrieg Bop” – Ramones[27]
* “Brainpower” – Freezepop[28]
* “Celebrity Skin” – Hole[16]
* “Cherub Rock” – Smashing Pumpkins[4]
* “Creep” – Radiohead[4]
* “Dani California” - Red Hot Chili Peppers[26]
* “Detroit Rock City” - Kiss[26]
* “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” – Blue Öyster Cult[13]
* “Enter Sandman” – Metallica[29]
* “Epic” – Faith No More[4]
* “Gimme Shelter” – Rolling Stones[4]
* “Go with the Flow” – Queens of the Stone Age[29]
* “The Hand That Feeds” – Nine Inch Nails[4]
* “Here It Goes Again” – OK Go[4]
* “Highway Star” – Deep Purple[4]
* “I Think I’m Paranoid” – Garbage[16]
* “In Bloom” – Nirvana[17]
* “Learn to Fly” – Foo Fighters[29]
* “Main Offender” – The Hives[13]
* “Maps” – Yeah Yeah Yeahs[16]
* “Mississippi Queen” – Mountain[13]
* “Paranoid” – Black Sabbath[17]
* “Reptilia” – The Strokes[29]
* “Sabotage” – Beastie Boys[4]
* “Say It Ain’t So” – Weezer[17]
* “Should I Stay or Should I Go” – The Clash[4]
* “Suffragette City” – David Bowie[13]
* “Tom Sawyer” – Rush[29]
* “Vasoline” – Stone Temple Pilots[29]
* “Wanted Dead or Alive” – Bon Jovi[29]
* “Wave of Mutilation” – Pixies[16]
* “Won’t Get Fooled Again” – The Who[17]





Considering The Who, The Clash, Beastie Boys, Sabbath and Weezer (love that song) are all listed on the game, Rockband seems to be extremely promising and far better then Guitar Hero.

During this interview I got a chance to catch up with avid XBOX Live Gamer ReaperGND (LIVE name: xXREAPER88Xx), owner of Gamer News Daily and see what he thinks about the new Halo 3, Bioshock and Strangehold games.


How long have you been playing XBOX Live, and other console systems?:
Ive been play video games since i was 3, i have been playing live for 6 years.


What games do you play online:
I currently play Call Of Duty 4 Beta, Rainbow Six Vegas and soon Halo 3


How does competing on XBOX Live compare to PC Games (like CS):
Well on Xbox Live theres little to no lag what so ever, so that helps a lot with FPS problems you may encounter in CS. Your shot registry is also better and more accountable then a game like CS. Also, you are able to use a controller instead of a keyboard, which accounts for more accuracy.


Whats your view on Halo3, and how do you think it’ll do:
Well as being a gaming site owner like yourself I talk to many fans and from the responses I’ve received I’d have to say Halo 3 will be the game of the year. It has already sold out in pre orders, which shows Halo 3 is the next big thing.


Is it worth purchasing the XBOX Elite?:
I currently play on the original 360 and have no plans to switch to the Elite. For the people that are thinking about purchasing a 360 for the first time, I would recommend the Elite.


Have you tried the Halo 3 Mountain Dew yet (if yes, whatd you think?):
Yes I tried it. It’s not as good as regular Mountain Dew. I don’t play on buying it again.


What do you think of the newly released Bioshock and Stranglehold games?:
Well I have both games and I beat Bioshock on easy which was difficult. Bioshock was an awesome game and the people at Gamer News Daily highly recommend getting it. I bought Stranglehold the other day and haven’t had much time to play it, so I don’t really have an opinion on it yet.


Anything else you’d like to say?:
Don’t forget to Finish The Fight on September 25th


Thanks for the interview ReaperGND, and don’t forget to visit his web site Gamer News Daily

Newly found cheat codes for Stranglehold:

John Woo, famous for his jaw dropping, action filled films, makes his first appearance in a video game with Stranglehold. This game reminds me a lot of the online game Gunz by MAET, because of it’s fast paced, jump off of anything, crazy weaponry game, which is a good thing.







Theres so much action in this game it’s rediculous, and the best part is you never have to reload. You encounter so many enemies from all directions that if you DID have to reload, you’d be dead instantly.







During the game you complete 7 chapters, which end up being extremely long battles with to many enemies to count. While jumping off any object or wall in the game, you’ll only have seconds to regain your target before you’ll be barraged with bullets. The good thing is that your character can withstand a few thousand bullets (seriously, it’s rediculous).



Along with the different guns you’ll find throughout the game, your player also encounters 4 different “Tequila Bombs” which give you special powers to accompany your bullet barrage. The bombs come in the form of health, invulnerability, and a few other “kill everyone on the screen” powers.



The few problems with the game are minor glitches, but minor enough to frustrate even the most calm headed gamer. Occasionally you’ll dive into a rail instead of riding down it, and the same goes for the walls. Overall, the bugs aren’t a total set back, glitching in the middle of battle can be annoying.







In the end, Stranglehold holds to be a very good game (even though the single player only lasts 6-8 hours), and Woo doesn’t dissapoint with his first video game, and offers a multi-player (up to 6 players) Deathmatch game mode where it is literally an all out blood bath between you and your friends.



9/10

If your looking for a quick video of the leaked version, check here

Gamers around the world were hoping for this to happen, but so early? Recent findings show that an Australian eBayer has begun selling copies of the BETA version of HALO 3 on eBay. Here is a quick summary of the new additions to HALO 3.

Weapons

• Spiker - a new Brute weapon
• Spartan Laser - a laser that tears vehicles apart
• Nail Grenade - sticks into walls, sends nails everywhere

Vehicles

• Mongoose - the ATV that was cut from Halo 2; seats two, but no weapons; designed for recon

New Feature

• “Man Cannon” - what it sounds like; launches you into the air (think: jump pads from Unreal, Quake Arena)

Controls

• Bumpers are used to reload the right and left weapons independently
• X-button has a “secret” function

Misc.

• Secondary weapon is now visible when not in use (slung over shoulder)

Collector’s Edition

• “Legendary Edition” - box is a replica of Master Chief’s helmet, includes 4-disc set:
  • Disc one: game
  • Disc two: documentaries and developer commentary
  • Disc three: spin-off material (Red vs. Blue, Spark of Life, etc.)
  • Disc four: all cut scenes from Halo 1-3 in HD
  • Bonus: sneak peek of Halo movie will be included on one of the discs

Thanks to Jumbo Cheats

To unlock the following, insert the passwords on the main menu (where campaigns can be selected, et cetera)…


G1 Jazz Skin - Left, Up, Down, Down, Left, Up, Right
G1 Megatron Skin - Down, Left, Left, Down, Right, Right, Up
G1 Optimus Prime Skin - Down, Right, Left, Up, Down, Down, Left
G1 Starscream Skin - Right, Down, Left, Left, Down, Up, Up
No Vehicles, Military, or Police - Right, Left, Right, Left, Right, Left, Right
Robovision Optimus Prime Skin - Down, Down, Up, Up, Right, Right, Right
Unlock All Missions - Down, Up, Left, Right, Right, Right, Up, Down
Unlock both Cybertron Missions - Right, Up, Up, Down, Right, Left, Left
Unlock Unlimited Ammo - Up, Down, Left, Right, Up, Up, Down
Unlock Unlimited Health (Invincibility) - Left, Left, Up, Left, Right, Down


Unlockable: Character Skin


G1 Jazz - Complete all sub-missions (both campaigns)
G1 Megatron - Acquire all Decepticon icons
G1 Optimus Prime - Acquire all Autobot icons
G1 Starscream - Finish the Decepticon campaign
Robovision Optimus Prime - Finish the Autobot campaign


Unlockable: All Missions


To unlock all missions for both the Autobots and Decepticons, insert the following code at the game’s main menu (where the campaign options are listed, et cetera): Down, Up, Left, Right, Right, Right, Up, Down.

In order to get three controllers aligned to the same team, do the following. Keep in mind that the 2nd player has to be using a wireless controller.

With all three controllers on, choose the same side with controllers one and two. During gameplay, press start on controller one and enter the menu. Turn the second controller off. Then, with the first controller, head to settings and controller setup. Slide the third controller to the same side. Go back to the start menu, and just before resuming gameplay, turn controller two back on (there should be a rumble on the second controller). Changes will come into effect after the first play. (unverified)



Thanks to JBCtoronto for the cheat.

Hint: Avoid Excessive Celebration Penalties

To avoid excessive celebration penalties, simply pause the game and then resume when you feel you’re in jeopardy of possibly getting called to avoid the penalty.

To use injured players while in Dynasty Mode, simply start the game as normal and play through the first kickoff, pausing the game and restarting thereafter. This will restart the game, and miraculously, your injured players will be able to play. (This has only been verified on the PS2 version).

Unlockable: All-Star Squads

Bow Down – Unlocks All-Star Washington Squad
Death Valley – Unlocks All-Star Clemson Squad
Fumble – Unlocks 2004’s All-American Squad
Gig Em – Unlocks All-Star Texas A&M Squad
Go Blue – Unlocks All-Star Michigan Squad
Killer Nuts – Unlocks All-Star Ohio State Squad
Mighty – Unlocks All-Star UCLA Squad
Roll Tide – Unlocks All-Star Alabama Squad
U Rah Rah – Unlocks All-Star Wisconsin Squad
War Eagle – Unlocks All-Star Auburn Squad
We Are – Unlocks All-Star Penn State Squad
Woopigsooie – Unlocks All-Star Arkansas Squad

Unlockable: Big Game Trophies

By playing in specific games, you can unlock the trophies below. Teams appear to only have to play one another, and not necessarily appear as the home or away team. The trophies are bolded on the left while the teams that must play in order to unlock the trophy in question are on the right in regular text.

Administaff Bayou Bucket Trophy - Houston & Rice
Anniversary Award Trophy - Bowling Green & Kent State
Apple Cup Trophy - Washington & Washington State
Backyard Bowl Trophy - Pittsburgh & West Virginia
Battle For Illibuck Trophy - Indiana & Ohio State
Battle For The Bell Trophy - Southern Miss & Tulane
Battle of I-10 Trophy - New Mexico State & UTEP
Battle of I-25 Trophy - New Mexico & New Mexico State
Battle of I-75 Trophy - Bowling Green & Toledo
Bedlam Game Trophy - Oklahoma & Oklahoma State
Beehive Bell Trophy - Utah & Utah State
Beehive Boot Trophy - BYU & Utah State
Big Game Trophy - CAL & Stanford
Black and Blue Bowl Trophy - Memphis & Southern Miss
Black Diamond Trophy - Virginia Tech & West Virginia
Border War Trophy - Colorado State & Wyoming
Civil War Trophy - Oregon & Oregon State
Clean Old-Fashioned Hate Trophy - Georgia & Georgia Tech
Commander-in-Chief Trophy - Air Force & Army
Commonwealth Cup Trophy - Virginia & Virginia Tech
Cy-Hawk Trophy - Iowa & Iowa State
Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry Trophy - Auburn & Georgia
Egg Bowl Trophy - Ole Miss & Miss
Florida-Georgia Game Trophy - Florida & Georgia
Floyd of Rose Dale Trophy - Iowa & Minnesota
Fremont Cannon Trophy - Nevada & UNKV
Golden Boot Trophy - Arkansas & LSU
Governor’s Cup Trophy (I) - Florida & Florida State
Governor’s Cup Trophy (II) - Kentucky & Louisville
Governor’s Victory Bell Trophy - Penn State & Minnesota
Holy War Trophy - BYU & Utah
Ireland Trophy - Boston College & Notre Dame
Iron Bowl Trophy - Alabama & Auburn
Iron Skillet Trophy - SMU & TCV
Jefferson-Eppes Trophy - Florida State & Virginia
Jewels Shillelagh Trophy - Notre Dame & USC
Keg of Nails Trophy - Cincinnati & Miami (Oh.)
Legends Trophy - Notre Dame & Stanford
Lone Star Showdown Trophy - Texas & Texas A&M
Mayer’s Cup Trophy - Rice & SMV
Missouri-Nebraska Bell Trophy - Missouri & Nebraska
Old Oaken Bucket Trophy - Indiana & Purdue
Palmetto State Trophy - Clemson & South Carolina
Paul Bunyan Trophy - Penn State & Michigan State
Paul Bunyan’s Axe Trophy - Minnesota & Wisconsin
Peace Pipe Trophy - Miami (Oh.) & Western Michigan
Purdue Cannon Trophy - Illinois & Purdue
Ram-Falcon Trophy - Air Force & Colorado State
Red River Rivalry Trophy - Oklahoma & Texas
Rocky Mountain Showdown - Colorado & Colorado State
Seminole War Canoe Trophy - Florida & Miama
Shillelagh Trophy - Notre Dame & Purdue
Shwartzwaler Trophy - Syracuse & West Virginia
Sweet Sioux Tomahawk Trophy - Illinois & Northwestern
Telephone Trophy - Iowa State & Missouri
Textile Bowl Trophy - Clemson & NC State
The Big Game Trophy - Arizona & Arizona State
Third Saturday in October Trophy - Alabama & Tennessee
Tiger’s Rag Trophy - LSU & Tulane
Victory Bell Trophy (I) - Cincinnati & Miami (Oh.)
Victory Bell Trophy (II) - Duke & North Carolina
Wagon Wheel Trophy - Akron & Kent State
Williams Trophy - Rice & Tulsa

Various accomplishments while playing the game will unlock a slew of trophies to add to your collection. Read the list below, listed alphabetically by trophy name. Next to each trophy name will be the accomplishment that needs to be completed in order to win any given trophy.

AT&T Bowl Trophy - Win the AT&T Bowl
Back-to-Back National Champs Trophy - Win consecutive national championships
BCS National Champ. Trophy - Rank first in college football
Big East Champ. Trophy - Win the most games in the Big East
C-USA Champ. Trophy - Win the most games in the C-USA
Capital One Bowl Trophy - Win the Capital One Bowl
Chick-Fil-A Bowl Trophy - Win the Chick-Fil-A Bowl
Davey O’Brien Trophy - Have the top-rated QB
Doak Walker RB Trophy - Have the top-rated RB
Gator Bowl Trophy - Win the Gator Bowl
GMAC Bowl Trophy - Win the GMAC Bowl
Hawaii Bowl Trophy - Win the Hawaii Bowl
Heisman Memorial Trophy - Have the best player in the NCAA
Holiday Bowl Trophy - Win the Holiday Bowl
Independence Bowl Trophy - Win the Independence Bowl
Insight Bowl Trophy - Win the Insight Bowl
Jim Thorpe Trophy - Have the top-rated defensive back
Las Vegas Bowl Trophy - Win the Las Vegas Bowl
MAC Championship Trophy - Win the most games in the MAC
Maxwell Trophy - Win “College Player of the Year”
Meineke Car Care Bowl Trophy - Win the Meineke… Bowl
Motor City Bowl Trophy - Win the Motor City Bowl
MWC Championship Trophy - Win the most games in the MWC
New Orleans Bowl Trophy - Win the New Orleans Bowl
Orange Bowl Trophy - Win the Orange Bowl
Receiver of the Year Trophy - Have the top-rated WR
SEC Championship Trophy - Win the most games in the SEC
Sugar Bowl Trophy - Win the Sugar Bowl
Sun Belt Championship Trophy - Win the most games in the SBC
Three-In-A-Row National Champs Trophy - Win back-to-back-to-back national championships
WAC Championship Trophy - Win the most games in the WAC

Thanks Team XBOX!

The new release from EA, NCAA Football 08 has been very promising, and has had a great response from consumers. Though there are not a ton of new additions/changes, the ones that were made definitely improved the game overall. Look forward to a new Game Mode, Campus Legend, which gives the user the ability to go back to Senior year of High School, compete in the State Tournament, and basically decide your own collegiate career. Schools will offer you different options, depending on the program and specifically, your stats from the State Tournament. This is a very cool new game mode, considering if your school doesn’t offer you a spot, you can always try to make it as a walk on.



When you first start earn your D1 spot on the depth chart, you’ll move up by participating in practices to earn points. Eventually, you’ll make it to the #1 spot, and you’ll never be removed for not going to practice. As a student, you will also go to class, and take on other extra-curricular activities. This will give you the ability to gain even more points to climb the depth chart.



The Dynasty mode is still the same, so the developers didn’t touch that (thank you). You’ll have all the same options to choose your school, change playbooks, pick your schedule and play your games. There is also the mock layout of ESPN.com to display all the ‘current’ college football news.



As for the game play, it hasn’t changed. Offense is the same, while Defense offers a new Hit Stick 2.0. This may, or may not turn out to be an advantage for the Offense, because it’s a little difficult to get used to hitting a player high or low. This means that Offensive players may leap over you because you tackled low, when you really meant to hit them high. Of course, in between plays you’ll see players walking through each other, but in the end, who’s really that picky about something like that?



Overall, great game, and should do well to compete with other new college football game releases.



9/10