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First of Four "Wallace and Gromit" Titles on Xbox Live

27 May

The first of the episodic, downloadable titles from TellTale games starring the iconic clay-mation duo of Wallace and Gromit was made available on Xbox Live today. Fright of the Bumblebees tells the tale of one of Wallace and Gromit’s many comical adventures, the demand for the pair’s new honey business exceeds their supply, Wallace attempts to increase the rate of production by juicing up the bees with a growth serum, with disasterous, and entertaining results. Available for 800 Microsoft points, the English-language version of the game comes with subtitles in French, German, and Spanish. The rest of the Wallace and Gromit-themed games, as well as TellTale’s episodic franchise based on the popular Sam and Max license, will be made available on Xbox Live in the coming months.

Those wishing for the stand-alone title on the PC can purchase it for $9 at www.telltalegames.com, with the option of upgrading their purchase to the entire 4-episode season for $26.

"Lips: Number One Hits" to Perform this Holiday

27 May

May 27, 2009

Announced from Microsoft’s vaults today is the follow up release to the popular karoake-music game, Lips. Titled Lips: Number One Hits, the game will feature a setlist of chart-toppers and ultimate party hits from across the decades, some of the most memorable titles to ever a #1. The game is set to release exclusively for the Xbox 360 this October. Utilizing LED microphones, players sing along to recorded tracks and attempt hit appropriate notes to fill the adjoining bars that scroll across the screen. New songs are regularly released for download via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

Confirmed tracks for the title include:

• “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay
• “Disturbia” by Rihanna
• “U Can’t Touch This,” by MC Hammer
• “More Than Words,” by Extreme
• “Apologize” by Timbaland featuring OneRepublic
• “Karma Chameleon” by Culture Club
• “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye
• “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison
• “Ready, Set, Go!” by Tokio Hotel

"Scratch: The Ultimate DJ" Controller Revealed

27 May

Cumberland, R.I. – May 27, 2009

click for full size

click for full size

Numark Industries, the world’s foremost developer of DJ equipment, and Genius Inc., released today the first images for the controller, the “Scratch Deck,”  for the upcoming music-rhythm game, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ for Xbox 360 and PS3. The controller will be featured for display and demonstration at next week’s E3 during a “special event” yet undiscussed. The controller looks to combine two of the most basic elements of DJ-ing into one easy-to-use device, which contains a touch-sensitive, free-spinning version of the iconic DJ turn-table (with cross-fader) and 5 Akai Pro drum pads. Both features allow for real-time song manipulation and custom track building, with real effects common to modern hip-hop track recording. Players can perform alongside one of the 60 samples that ships with the title, or upload one of their own with an included USB-connected microphone. The game is set to release for both the Xbox 360 and PS3 this fall.

“For decades, Numark has been developing turntables, DJ mixers and digital DJ controllers.  We know what professional DJs demand, and we used that knowledge to produce SCRATCH DECK,” said Adam Cohen, Director of Business Development, Numark. “It was critical that we deliver an authentic DJ experience to gamers, whether they be experienced DJs or players who have never put a needle to vinyl.”

“Being involved with Hip-Hop for so long, Numark has consistently been the standard for innovation and leadership in computer DJ controllers, their quality is second to none,” said Quincy Jones III of QD3 Entertainment. “We are very excited to partner with them to deliver the most authentic DJ experience for gamers and look forward to letting gamers and Hip Hop enthusiasts get their hands on the controller for the first time at E3.”

Editor’s Note: Have any questions for Numark or Genius Inc. about this upcoming IP or controller? Want some detailed photos from the special event? Drop by the Elder-Geek forums and let us know!

Zune Music Service to be Made Available on Xbox Live

27 May

Reading, UK – May 27, 2009

Microsoft today announced that the end-to-end entertainment service formerly tied exclusively to their Zune portable media player, will now be expanded and made available internationally on the Xbox Live service this autumn. Zune will bring its premium music-and-video capabilities to the console, available for the first time in Europe, and will bring along with an impressive catalog of television shows and films to the Xbox Live Marketplace. The service integration will presented for the first time at E3 next week. Costumers will now have the option to watch the Zune’s catalog of entertainment in many forms, either by streaming, or downloading for rent or to own. In addition to this announcement, Microsoft has announced the next generation of the device, the Zune HD.

“The Zune experience is growing beyond a music player in the U.S. Zune’s international expansion starts with video on Xbox LIVE; eventually we’ll offer the full digital entertainment experience spanning screens, devices, platforms and geographies,” said Chris Stephenson, General Manager of Consumer Marketing for the TV, Video and Music Business. “Delivering on Microsoft’s connected entertainment vision; this news marks a turning point for Zune as it brings cross-platform experiences and premium video content to living rooms around the world.”