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Team Fortress 2 Pumpkin Patch update now live

by Griffin McElroy { Oct 30th 2009 at 3:20PM }

In our hurry to tell you about yesterday's two-hour-long Team Fortress 2 fire sale, we didn't really give you all the in-depth info about the accompanying Pumpkin Patch update which you so richly deserve. We'll rectify that now, but not before saying that a few short hours after the announcement was posted yesterday afternoon, the update went live! You can play it right now -- on PC, of course. Oh, you thought it might come to the 360? That's adorable.

The update will temporarily introduce a King of the Hill map called "Harvest" into the mix, complete with Halloween-themed elements like collectible candy, exploding pumpkins, and the ghost of Zepheniah Mann, who temporarily freezes passersby in a gripping, powerful spell of fear. Five Achivements are available during the festivities, as well as a number of "Mildly Disturbing Halloween Hats," or paper bags with scary faces painted on them. If you're lucky, you might just get the one emblazoned with Joan Rivers' visage. Aaaaah!

Uncharted 2 getting title update, Halloween festivities

by Griffin McElroy { Oct 30th 2009 at 2:30PM }

Okay, so our initial observation that Uncharted 2 would soon receive skeletal Helghast was a bit far from the truth. Naughty Dog's Arne Meyer recently announced on Playstation.Blog that the half-tucked title would receive an update which addresses a number of multiplayer issues today. On top of that, anyone who plays the game online during this Halloween weekend will receive a treat infinitely more sweet than a fistful of Necco Wafers: Loads and loads of (in-game) cash money.

Yes, the next few days will be a "Double Cash Weekend" for Uncharted 2 multiplayer matches. As you can probably suss out from the title, you'll earn double the rank-progressing moolah you would normally gain for playing the various online playlists. In addition, a bunch of Naughty Dog staffers will be playing this weekend -- presumably appearing as the crimson-eyed, skinless abominations seen above. We appreciate the work these folks have done, but following our strict undead infestation protocols, they must be purged.

'Splosion Man Avatar awards unlocked; delicious steaks to be distributed

by Griffin McElroy { Oct 27th 2009 at 12:28PM }

We've got good news all around for fans of Twisted Pixel's 'Splosion Man, as well as advocates for tender red meat. The developer has announced that a title update has fixed laggy online multiplayer sessions and added those unlockable Avatar awards to the highly combustible Xbox Live Arcade platformer. To unlock all four shirts seen above (two for female Avatars and two for males), you must accomplish two feats: break a single pane of glass (easy!) and beat the entire co-op campaign (considerably less easy).

Oh, right, the meat thing. In one of the greatest nonsensical partnerships in the history of civilization, Omaha Steaks has teamed up with Twisted Pixel to give away "hundreds of top-quality steak filets" to 'sploders across the nation. To register for the giveaway, just download and equip a special 'Splosion Man gamerpic, and then play a few online multiplayer matches before November 22. If you win, you get steaks. If you're vegan, you give them to us.

Source – Title Update for Splosion Man [PDF]

Over 8,000 updates and bug fixes in latest MAG beta update

by Griffin McElroy { Oct 22nd 2009 at 11:45AM }

Looks like a certain beta testing community hasn't neglected its duties as a stalwart lookout for bugs, errors and other unsavory in-game snafus. This morning, Zipper Interactive launched a patch for the MAG beta client which includes over 8,000 updates and bug fixes. The patch will be automatically downloaded and installed next time you hop into the Shadow War.

A brief synopsis of the important changes can be found after the jump. We elected to not include the full list of 8,000 updates, as it would have delayed this post until mid-April, at which point it would have been fairly useless to you.

Continued →

Datel 'disappointed' by Xbox 360's unofficial memory unit lockout

by David Hinkle { Oct 21st 2009 at 1:30PM }

Outlawed off-white accessory news now, with CVG relaying manufacturer Datel's unenthusiastic response to the the forthcoming Xbox 360 Dashboard update, which intends to kill support for unauthorized, third-party memory units. Datel has said that it's "disappointed" by Microsoft's decision, one that it feels will limit consumers in "exercising their freedom of choice." Specifically, their freedom of choosing a memory solution that doesn't come from Microsoft.

What to do if you're the owner of one of these bad boys? Unless you want to stay offline forever, you'll have to back up your data and transfer it to an official memory unit or hard drive. Failing that, you could just lift anchor in protest and set sail for Redmond, but we wouldn't suggest doing that unless you're English and living in 1983.

Xbox removes Nov. 17 release date for Twitter/Facebook from UK site

by Griffin McElroy { Oct 12th 2009 at 10:30AM }

There are few things we hate bearing more than bad news, but, well, it's kind of our job. So, here we go: Hey Champ. Remember how excited you got when you heard the UK Xbox site had listed a release date for the 360 Fall Dashboard Update, which will bring Facebook, Twitter and a whole slew of other services to the platform? Yeah, November 17 -- that's the one! Well, it looks like Microsoft has decided to strip the site of its specificity. Now, it simply reads "service launches Autumn 2009," just like all the other regional Xbox sites.

Aww, come on, Sport. Dry those tear-flooded eyes. The update may still come on Nov. 17, but now it'll be a big surprise. Don't you love surprises? Well, here's one: You're adopted. Makes that whole "disappearing release date" thing seem pretty trivial, doesn't it?

Oh, man, you're really crying now. Fine, we'll contact Microsoft to see what's going on. Just ... just don't tell your mother about the whole "adopted" thing.

Xbox Dashboard update demo'd on video, hilarity ensues

by Griffin McElroy { Oct 7th 2009 at 12:58PM }

Out of the bajillion self-involved Tweets which were released unto the internet yesterday, one 140 character dispatch in particular pierced the din -- "I'm tweeting from Xbox Live," exclaimed Andrew Yoon, our correspondent from a future where such technology is within the realm of possibilities.

Fine, he's not from the future -- he was actually tweeting from a Microsoft Open House event where the Fall Xbox Dashboard Update was previewed for a number of outlets. Check out the above video (shot by our cohorts at Engadget) to see the new Facebook, Twitter, Last.Fm and Video Marketplace functionality in action. Make sure you stick around for the last minute, in which the conversation breaks down in a hilarious, Comedy of Errors-esque manner.

Wii System Update 4.2 bricking unmodded consoles

by Griffin McElroy { Oct 1st 2009 at 3:57PM }

We've received a ton of tips from readers reporting that the recently released Wii Menu Update 4.2 has killed their console. The patch was designed to remove homebrew applications from modded consoles, providing users with the following warning: "Because unauthorized modifications to save data or program files may impair game play or the Wii console, updating to Wii Menu version 4.2 will also check for and automatically remove such save data or program files." However, a number of Nintendo forumites are complaining the update has bricked their completely unmodified Wiis.

This problem can be attributed to the fact that the update makes changes to the Wii's all-important bootloader. If any problems arise during installation, the bootloader becomes corrupt, and the Wii becomes incapable of loading any software. A Nintendo technician has responded to the reports, saying anyone who's experienced these problems on their totally legit hardware can send it in for free repairs.

In the mean time, you should probably shy away from installing Update 4.2. Unless, of course, you're using a modded console. In that case, you totally deserve your comeuppance.

[Via Escapist]

Battlefield Heroes update 'Heroes of the Fall' now live

by Justin McElroy { Sep 30th 2009 at 5:13PM }

It may seem like a contradiction, but it is possible to make "free" an even better value. Just look at Battlefield Heroes; the game just added a boatload of new content (we've got a full list after the break) as part of its "Heroes of the Fall" update, and it's still all delectably free.

If you can't be troubled to read a whole list, some of the most notable changes include a new map called "Riverside Rush" and some improved social networking functionality. And, as you can see above, the update features a guest appearance by the Sepia-Toned Village People, who we hear are huge in the Netherlands.

Continued →

PlayStation Home patch 1.3 adds universal game launching ... kind of

by Griffin McElroy { Sep 30th 2009 at 4:45PM }

One of the most attractive promised features of PlayStation Home was the ability to meet up with friends in Sony's virtual space, pick a PS3 title and join in the multiplayer offerings of said title as a group. Sony's delivered on that promise by adding this functionality for a few select titles, such as MotorStorm and Street Fighter IV. However, these capabilities are going "universal" with the release of Home Patch 1.3, which will add "simplified game launching" to the service.

No, this form of launching won't allow you to group up with friends in Home and jump into a game of your choosing as a single, conglomerated entity. Rather, it lets you ... well, launch your games without having to return to the XMB. It was a wise choice to cut the middle man out of the game-booting equation, but it seems for the "full" game launching experience, Sony's going to have to add that functionality one title at a time.

Also added in the update is an in-game camera, in-store item previewing, new categories of clothing, new emotes, new spaces, and whole lot more. Check out PlayStation.Blog for the full scoop on the update.

Wii System Update 4.2 now live

by David Hinkle { Sep 29th 2009 at 8:45AM }

Just like the previous Wii System Update, 4.2 offers little in the way of surprises or features and mainly provides "behind-the-scene fixes," designed to "improve the overall system performance." The update also removes unauthorized save data (it wouldn't be a real update otherwise!), so if you've been using things like the Homebrew channel, expect to be annoyed for the few minutes it takes the community to implement a workaround.

Rock Band 2 patched on 360, PS3 update going through cert

by Griffin McElroy { Sep 25th 2009 at 4:16PM }

Ludomusicians, rejoice! The Xbox 360 version of Rock Band 2 received a massive title update earlier today, adding a whole slew of oft-requested features to Harmonix's beefy music platform. The most notable of these additions is that the game now supports wireless microphones, such as those used with Lips. Other changes include improved hammer-ons and pull-offs, background downloading for music store purchases and the "Audition Mode," which allows Rock Band Network users to test out their homebrewed Rock Band tracks.

In a Rock Band forum thread, Harmonix's Sean Baptiste explained the PS3 version of the update is currently working its way through Sony's certification process. We've yet to hear mention of a Wii version of the patch. C'mon, Harmonix! Waggle-rockers need love too!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Xbox 360 system update preps Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm

by David Hinkle { Sep 23rd 2009 at 10:42AM }

If you're playing hooky from work or school today to get in some quality time with Halo 3: ODST, you know that a mandatory system update is putting a pause on your action. Major Nelson reports that the new system update doesn't bring any immediate changes to the Dashboard and only prepares some backend support for the upcoming additions of Twitter, Facebook and Last.fm to Xbox Live later this year.

Oh, and if you do decide to link up your Twitter and Facebook accounts to your Xbox 360 when that update launches, be careful about faking sick when the next Halo rolls out. We'd hate for your boss or principal to find out you're all too well "pwning n00bs!"

Valve commends Team Fortress 2 'Guard Dog' concept creator

by Griffin McElroy { Sep 22nd 2009 at 2:29PM }

A Team Fortress 2 forum poster named Pyranodon recently uploaded a magnificent piece of fan art for the cartoony shooter: A fake TF2 Class Update detailing the abilities of the game's new "Guard Dog." Though this canine is obviously way too overpowered to be implemented (it's a spy-tracker and a Jarate dispenser!), it's a pretty convincing mock-up -- so convincing, in fact, that Valve's Saxton Hale recently drafted a letter of commendation to the update's creator.

Well, perhaps "drafted" isn't the appropriate word to use there. Now that we think about it, neither is "commendation." We don't want to spoil it for you -- check out the fake update, check out the letter, and then join us as we happily remember why we love Valve so very much.

NCSoft promises at least one major Aion update every year

by Griffin McElroy { Sep 21st 2009 at 6:30PM }

Though NCSoft's winged MMO Aion doesn't go live until tomorrow (or Friday for Europeans), the developer is already promising additional content for the title. Speaking to VG247, NCSoft's Christian-Peter Heimbach explained, "there will be at least one major update a year," and later added "there will be free content updates for all players, and we're looking then at how big the major updates will be."

It's awfully presumptive for an MMO developer to assume its game will still be alive and kicking one year after its launch date -- however, with a strong base of 400,000 pre-orderers, it seems unlikely that Aion will hastily go the way of Auto Assault.