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Rare to build new studio in Birmingham, England
by Richard Mitchell 
{ Mar 2nd 2010 at 7:00PM }
The announcement notes that Digbeth's proximity to "several universities and colleges" makes the new facility "ideally placed for recruiting staff." We'd like to point out that Digbeth is also home to several pubs and bars, which should come in handy during crunch time.
Stadium Events sells for $41,300, becomes most expensive NES game ever
by Griffin McElroy { Feb 27th 2010 at 7:00PM }
According to Video Game Price Charts, that auction has turned Stadium Events into the most expensive NES game ever sold. There are around 200 copies of the game still floating around out there -- which should be enough to send most of you rushing to your local pawn shop in a Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory-esque tizzy.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Stay for the entire XBLA Block Party and receive parting gifts
by Randy Nelson { Feb 22nd 2010 at 10:00PM }
For Xbox Live Silver members that purchase all three Block Party titles released next month -- Toy Soldiers, Perfect Dark and Scrap Metal -- and then download the free Game Room "client," Microsoft will credit your account 400
($5). So, 3200 ($40) spent on the participating XBLA titles will get you back five bucks. If you're a Gold member, though, the deal gets a little sweeter: Purchase the three titles, download Game Room, and you'll get the 400 refund and a free month of Xbox Live Gold service (worth $4 and change if you're an annual subscriber) credited to your account.A free "everyone's a Gold member" (no, not that Goldmember) weekend is also scheduled, permitting Silver members to play the three Block Party releases online (but only the Block Party releases) from 12pm ET on Friday, March 26 through 12pm ET on Monday, March 29.
Perfect Dark XBLA will keep GoldenEye maps
by Richard Mitchell { Feb 19th 2010 at 3:15PM }
Of course, there really wasn't any reason to think they wouldn't be, but it's nice to hear all the same. So, if you've got the unlocking talent, you'll be mowing down your friends with a Klobb* in the Felicity, Temple and Complex maps in no time.
*Yes, GoldenEye fanboys, or the RCP-90.
X10: A perfect storm of Perfect Dark media
by David Hinkle { Feb 12th 2010 at 4:00PM }
It's been a crazy 48 hours, thanks to all of the news coming out of X10. Attendees were greeted with various playable demos, a box full of mullets and, in the case of this post, the above trailer and gallery full of screenshots for Rare's upcoming XBLA port of Perfect Dark. Featuring graphics of up to 1080p and small grey alien sidekicks named Elvis, it's one of the more high-profile games coming to Xbox Live Arcade as part of the Block Party promotion.
Gallery: Perfect Dark XBLA (X10)
X10: Perfect Dark, Game Room, Scrap Metal, Toy Soldiers part of XBLA Block Party this March
by Justin McElroy { Feb 11th 2010 at 5:06PM } 
So, what do you have to look forward to? Well, Toy Soldiers kicks things off on March 3. If that doesn't grab you, don't worry, it'll be followed throughout the month by Scrap Metal, Perfect Dark and classics hub Game Room. Also, if it's anything like every block party we've ever been to, cocktail weenies will also be served. So that's something.
Perfect Dark XBLA playable at X10, new screen
by Richard Mitchell { Feb 5th 2010 at 1:45PM }
click to Perfect-size
With appearances expected from Fable III, Alan Wake, Halo: Reach, Final Fantasy XII, Splinter Cell Conviction, Crackdown 2 and the Microsoft Game Room, X10 is certainly shaping up to be quite an event. Rest assured, we'll be covering it from the get-go next week.
Rare: 'No shortage of possibilities' for revisiting IP
by Richard Mitchell { Jan 19th 2010 at 7:30PM }
What game would you like to see Rare resurrect? Cast your vote in the poll below, and feel free to name some other choices in the comments.
Xbox 360 Platinum Hits lineup adds Halo Wars, Orange Box and others
by David Hinkle { Jan 14th 2010 at 7:15PM }
A Microsoft PR agent couldn't confirm the full list of new Platinum Hits (are we missing any above?), but said that if a game is listed as such on Xbox.com, it's a Platinum Hits title. The changes seem to have taken effect on major retailer sites, as GameStop and Amazon now reflect the discounted Platinum prices (if not always the the Platinum Hits branding), which range from $20–30.
With Orange Box requiring only one Jackson ($20), it's now literally a crime to not own it. Conversely, if you're dead-set on committing a crime, buy someone Sonic The Hedgehog or Sonic Unleashed at $20 each.
[Thanks, Stephen]
Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts now on demand
by Justin McElroy { Jan 5th 2010 at 11:16AM }
Go ahead ... your secret's safe with us.
Shortcut: Purchase and add Banjo-Kazooie: N&B to your Xbox 360 download queue [via Xbox.com; $19.99 in US]
See screens and video from Perfect Dark on XBLA
by David Hinkle { Dec 28th 2009 at 2:45PM }
Head past the break for video of Perfect Dark's Carrington Institute level or, if you're one who worries about a sudden outbreak of motion sickness, check out some stills from the game over on GTR's flickr page. Perfect Dark is currently scheduled for a "Winter 2010" release.
Source - Screens from Perfect Dark
Source - Carrington Institute level video
OFLC posts rating for Perfect Dark on XBLA
by Mike Schramm { Dec 22nd 2009 at 9:15PM }
If a release is imminent, now might be the perfect time to play through the 360 prequel, Perfect Dark Zero, and get further acquainted with Joanna Dark before you can revisit her debut adventure in high resolution.
Banjo-Kazooie hit the track in Sega All-Stars Racing trailer
by David Hinkle { Dec 18th 2009 at 12:15PM }
'Tis the season: Rare holiday theme available
by David Hinkle { Dec 16th 2009 at 4:30PM }
Click image for hi-hi-hi res
Rare has seen fit to brighten up your Xbox Dashboard with a new holiday-inspired theme. Everyone will be able to download this new free theme -- wait, it's not free? It costs 240? Wow, we guess Christmas really is all commercial now.Shortcut: Add Rare Holiday Theme to your Xbox 360 queue [Via Xbox.com]
Gallery: Rare Holiday Dashboard Theme
Viva Pinata: Party Animals now party on demand
by Richard Mitchell { Dec 15th 2009 at 3:45PM }
As promised, Viva Piñata: Party Animals is now available on Xbox Live Games on Demand. Before you get too excited, just remember that Party Animals is the Viva Piñata themed party game. It doesn't involve the wonderfully addicting gardening and breeding aspects of the original Viva Piñata or its sequel, Trouble in Paradise (which is also available on demand, incidentally). That said, if you're looking for a decent game for the kids, you could probably do worse. In the US of A, the game can be had for $19.99. Be sure to check Xbox Live Marketplace for the price in other regions.Shortcut: Add Viva Piñata: Party Animals to your Xbox 360 download queue (via Xbox.com)
[Via Major Nelson]
