The 2009 Video Game Thread - Page 24

Ronnie Dobbs2 · 11-12-2009, 08:30 AM

MW2 spoiler discussion ("No Russian"):

Spoiler

cartman · 11-12-2009, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevew

Please tell me you're going to go snooping on Tom Cochoran.

No way, I don't want to be put in the Lunatic Fringe.

cartman · 11-12-2009, 10:14 AM

So I finished the single player phase of MF2 last night, and I noticed on the screen it only said 50% completed. Do I have to go back and play at a higher difficulty level or something?

Mizzou B-ball fan · 11-12-2009, 12:34 PM

Microsoft blacklisting 600K-1M users off Live. That's 3-5% of their total online users. Surprised that piracy is so frequent on that console.

Microsoft bans up to 1 million Xbox Live users - Games - msnbc.com

spleen1015 · 11-12-2009, 12:35 PM

Why are you surprised?

Mizzou B-ball fan · 11-12-2009, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spleen1015

Why are you surprised?

You're probably right. I shouldn't be. I've honestly never considered any piracy on any consoles I've owned. I suppose the temptation is too much for some people. I used to copy old 5 1/4" disk games on my old Apple, but I was a dumb 7-8 year old kid then and didn't realize that what I was doing was illegal. I'm guessing that most of the people who pirate games on the 360 know it's illegal but do it anyway.

wade moore · 11-12-2009, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

You're probably right. I shouldn't be. I've honestly never considered any piracy on any consoles I've owned. I suppose the temptation is too much for some people. I used to copy old 5 1/4" disk games on my old Apple, but I was a dumb 7-8 year old kid then and didn't realize that what I was doing was illegal. I'm guessing that most of the people who pirate games on the 360 know it's illegal but do it anyway.

Well, if you read the article their scope is relatively broad as well. If you modified your XBOX to have a bigger HD, it is caught in this net.

I'm not sure they can really do anything besides an "all or nothing" approach, but it certainly catches some people with less nefarious intentions.

MizzouRah · 11-12-2009, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronnie Dobbs2

MW2 spoiler discussion ("No Russian"):

Spoiler

about the same.. I even let a few of the wounded live..

stevew · 11-12-2009, 03:14 PM

Why can't i find a demo for modern warfare 2 on PSN? I thought it would be out by now.

Ronnie Dobbs2 · 11-12-2009, 03:15 PM

I don't think they released a demo.

Mustang · 11-12-2009, 04:24 PM

No sympathy on this end from me.

(CNET) -- It's oh-so enticing: you find a copy of a brand new game like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 on a pirate site and the temptation to download it is too strong.

Well, that temptation may have cost up to 1 million users of Microsoft's Xbox Live the ability to use that service. According to a report in InformationWeek, Microsoft has banned as many as a million players from Xbox Live for altering their consoles in order to play pirated versions of games.

This week, Activision's new Call of Duty was released, and InformationWeek speculated that because pirated versions of the game appeared on various sharing sites in advance of the release, the game's developer may have exhorted Microsoft to enact the bans.

"Xbox 360 consoles are equipped with digital rights management technologies designed to detect pirated software," InformationWeek wrote, "but some players have successfully 'modded,' or modified, their machines to circumvent DRM protections."

Even if someone has been banned, their Xbox will still play offline games, InformationWeek said. But it's not at all clear if the bans are permanent or if Microsoft will allow those who have been booted from Xbox Live to return at some point down the line.

In a statement Microsoft said: its "commitment to combat piracy and support safer and more secure gameplay for the more than 20 million members of the Xbox Live community remains a top priority. All consumers should know that piracy is illegal and modifying their Xbox 360 console violates the Xbox Live terms of use, will void their warranty and result in a ban from Xbox Live. We can assure you that if an Xbox Live member follows the Xbox Live terms of use, purchased a retail copy of Modern Warfare 2 and played the game on an unmodified Xbox 360, no action will be taken."

And on the Xbox support page, Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry Hryb, aka Major Nelson, has addressed some of the circumstances that could lead to a player's being banned.

"Players who find their Gamertags banned from Xbox Live have wound up in that situation due to violations of the Xbox Live Terms of Use," Major Nelson wrote.

"The Xbox Live team monitors players for not just cheating, but also for things like threats, racism, profanity, and just being an all around poor sport and ruining the game for others.

"When a Gamertag comes up as violating our policies for online behavior, the person who owns that Gamertag is punished by being banned from the service. Keep in mind, this isn't just a ban on a particular game. This is a ban on the Xbox Live service as a whole, so you won't be able to go online at all during your ban. Initially, you may be banned for a day, a week, or depending on severity, permanently! Kiss that $50 goodbye."

Lonnie · 11-12-2009, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronnie Dobbs2

MW2 spoiler discussion ("No Russian"):

Spoiler

My take:

Spoiler

Icy · 11-12-2009, 05:47 PM

Umm i'm not sure if to pick MW2 for PC or PS3, i wonder which one will have more online players, PS3 probably (behind 360 that is no an option for me).

Cringer · 11-12-2009, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icy

Umm i'm not sure if to pick MW2 for PC or PS3, i wonder which one will have more online players, PS3 probably (behind 360 that is no an option for me).

Last time I looked at the number of people on line playing MW2 on the PS3 last night it was above 200,000 at that moment. I would be surprised if it is not a record number of people playing MP on the PS3.

mauchow · 11-12-2009, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icy

Umm i'm not sure if to pick MW2 for PC or PS3, i wonder which one will have more online players, PS3 probably (behind 360 that is no an option for me).

Amazon has $20 credit too your account when you purchase MW2... fyi

Cringer · 11-12-2009, 09:01 PM

Two things about the post quoted below. First, I never even knew you could pirate console games through a digital download. Not sure why i never considered it possible but I hadn't. Second, they just ban the username so you can turn around and sign up again? Sure you pay some money, but it doesn't sound like the worlds worst punishment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mustang

No sympathy on this end from me.

(CNET) -- It's oh-so enticing: you find a copy of a brand new game like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 on a pirate site and the temptation to download it is too strong.

Well, that temptation may have cost up to 1 million users of Microsoft's Xbox Live the ability to use that service. According to a report in InformationWeek, Microsoft has banned as many as a million players from Xbox Live for altering their consoles in order to play pirated versions of games.

This week, Activision's new Call of Duty was released, and InformationWeek speculated that because pirated versions of the game appeared on various sharing sites in advance of the release, the game's developer may have exhorted Microsoft to enact the bans.

"Xbox 360 consoles are equipped with digital rights management technologies designed to detect pirated software," InformationWeek wrote, "but some players have successfully 'modded,' or modified, their machines to circumvent DRM protections."

Even if someone has been banned, their Xbox will still play offline games, InformationWeek said. But it's not at all clear if the bans are permanent or if Microsoft will allow those who have been booted from Xbox Live to return at some point down the line.

In a statement Microsoft said: its "commitment to combat piracy and support safer and more secure gameplay for the more than 20 million members of the Xbox Live community remains a top priority. All consumers should know that piracy is illegal and modifying their Xbox 360 console violates the Xbox Live terms of use, will void their warranty and result in a ban from Xbox Live. We can assure you that if an Xbox Live member follows the Xbox Live terms of use, purchased a retail copy of Modern Warfare 2 and played the game on an unmodified Xbox 360, no action will be taken."

And on the Xbox support page, Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry Hryb, aka Major Nelson, has addressed some of the circumstances that could lead to a player's being banned.

"Players who find their Gamertags banned from Xbox Live have wound up in that situation due to violations of the Xbox Live Terms of Use," Major Nelson wrote.

"The Xbox Live team monitors players for not just cheating, but also for things like threats, racism, profanity, and just being an all around poor sport and ruining the game for others.

"When a Gamertag comes up as violating our policies for online behavior, the person who owns that Gamertag is punished by being banned from the service. Keep in mind, this isn't just a ban on a particular game. This is a ban on the Xbox Live service as a whole, so you won't be able to go online at all during your ban. Initially, you may be banned for a day, a week, or depending on severity, permanently! Kiss that $50 goodbye."

Atocep · 11-12-2009, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cringer

Two things about the post quoted below. First, I never even knew you could pirate console games through a digital download. Not sure why i never considered it possible but I hadn't. Second, they just ban the username so you can turn around and sign up again? Sure you pay some money, but it doesn't sound like the worlds worst punishment.

The console gets banned. Kotaku actually put a warning out for those buying used consoles to check and make sure it worked on XBox Live before the return on it is up.

Big Fo · 11-12-2009, 11:00 PM

Giant Bomb Quick Look: New Super Mario Bros. Wii

Four player co-op/competitive looks chaotic and awesome, I'll be getting this on Sunday for sure. Single-player meets the standard set by the rest of the series from what I've read too.

JonInMiddleGA · 11-12-2009, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atocep

I'm a disabled vet. My wife has done a tour in Iraq on top of that and very well could be going for a 2nd time in April.

Anyone who has a problem with people playing Modern Warfare 2 on veteran's day is completely out of touch with today's society. If you think that somehow equates to disrespecting anyone then I can only assume you're the type of person that goes out looking for things to offend you.

I have to agree with your take especially with regard to that being a pretty out of touch reaction if for no reason so much as knowing that troops in the Middle East today play the COD series while in country, going to some lengths to set up LAN play so they can do multiplayer. Literally on patrol in the morning & playing COD by nightfall.

I'm not really sure how playing the games is that much different than watching any of the gung-ho war movies that tend to air on/around the holiday. It's entertainment that happens to have a combat setting.

Vince, Pt. II · 11-12-2009, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Fo

Giant Bomb Quick Look: New Super Mario Bros. Wii

Four player co-op/competitive looks chaotic and awesome, I'll be getting this on Sunday for sure. Single-player meets the standard set by the rest of the series from what I've read too.

I've been looking forward to this a bunch since I heard about it a few weeks ago. Can't wait to try it out.

SackAttack · 11-13-2009, 01:09 AM

I'm all over it, but I don't know if I'll snag it on Sunday or a few days later.

Fidatelo · 11-13-2009, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

I have to agree with your take especially with regard to that being a pretty out of touch reaction if for no reason so much as knowing that troops in the Middle East today play the COD series while in country, going to some lengths to set up LAN play so they can do multiplayer. Literally on patrol in the morning & playing COD by nightfall.

I'm not really sure how playing the games is that much different than watching any of the gung-ho war movies that tend to air on/around the holiday. It's entertainment that happens to have a combat setting.

I don't have a problem with the games (I've owned the last 3 and bought MW2 this week), and I do know that soldiers play them. I just think it's kind of tasteless to release on Remembrance Day, like they did last year (and so close to it as they did this year). It seems to me that a bunch of kids will be home playing war instead of going to services or actually taking time to remember those that have fallen. I don't think that's an 'out of touch' statement, it's just a point of view. I'm not saying "jeez, kids these days with their video games... hey, get off my lawn!". I just think that the makers of CoD could stand to class it up a little and release the thing a week earlier or a week later so that they aren't essentially turning the holiday into "Call of Duty Day" instead of "Remembrance Day".

spleen1015 · 11-13-2009, 08:36 AM

The thing is, they would be home playing another game if MW2 wasn't out.

These kids don't give a shit about Veteran's Day.

Cringer · 11-13-2009, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atocep

The console gets banned. Kotaku actually put a warning out for those buying used consoles to check and make sure it worked on XBox Live before the return on it is up.

Ok, that is much better then and a real punishment I guess.

As for Modern Warfare 2, finished the story last night. 10 of game play for me, all of it very cool. Spec Ops will keep me busy for a while when I want solo play from here on out, that crap can get hard.

Mizzou B-ball fan · 11-13-2009, 01:26 PM

North American release date set for FFXIII. March 10, 2010.......

FINAL FANTASY XIII – The Time Has Come – PlayStation.Blog.Europe

February and March are absolutely stacked with releases at this point. God of War 3, Heavy Rain and Gran Turismo 5 are also scheduled in the same timeframe. Save those X-mas gift cards.

Honolulu_Blue · 11-13-2009, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

North American release date set for FFXIII. March 10, 2010.......

FINAL FANTASY XIII – The Time Has Come – PlayStation.Blog.Europe

February and March are absolutely stacked with releases at this point. God of War 3, Heavy Rain and Gran Turismo 5 are also scheduled in the same timeframe. Save those X-mas gift cards.

Awesome! It's chocobo racin' time!

Mizzou B-ball fan · 11-13-2009, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Awesome! It's chocobo racin' time!

Forgot about White Knight Chronicles also being released in that timeframe. Geez.

DataKing · 11-13-2009, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

North American release date set for FFXIII. March 10, 2010.......

FINAL FANTASY XIII – The Time Has Come – PlayStation.Blog.Europe

February and March are absolutely stacked with releases at this point. God of War 3, Heavy Rain and Gran Turismo 5 are also scheduled in the same timeframe. Save those X-mas gift cards.

BioShock 2 on February 9th.

Mizzou B-ball fan · 11-13-2009, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DataKing

BioShock 2 on February 9th.

I think the Feb/Mar timeframe has become the defacto holiday season this year. There's been so many huge titles that weren't quite ready for the holiday season, so the next best time was to put those games at the start of 2010. Most gaming and electronic companies have a fiscal year that starts on April 1st, so they put their big games in the month or two before that to boost profits. It used to be that gamers didn't have enough $$$ to buy all of the blockbuster holiday season games. Now that has moved back three months beyond the holiday season.

bob · 11-15-2009, 05:33 PM

Did anyone pick up New Super Mario Bros. today? If so, how is it? I know reviews are great but I tend to trust you guys more than the in-the-pocket reviewer that plays for about 3 hours.

Big Fo · 11-15-2009, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob

Did anyone pick up New Super Mario Bros. today? If so, how is it? I know reviews are great but I tend to trust you guys more than the in-the-pocket reviewer that plays for about 3 hours.

I've beaten the first two worlds (just beating all the levels, going back and getting all the big coins will be a lot harder) and I'm enjoying it so far. I like the new powerups, the levels have had a lot of variety already, and it's pretty difficult by the second world. One of the few things I didn't like about Super Mario Galaxy was that it was too easy for the opening third of the game or so, this one doesn't ease you in as much. On the first stage of World 2 I triggered the Super Guide option (The eighth death on a level will activate a green block you can hit, after which Luigi will start going through the level and you can take over from the CPU at anytime. It's meant to help people get past difficult sections. I haven't activated it yet though.) which was pretty embarrassing. The handful of levels I played two-player were hilarious since the other person was not good at all but with enough advice and cooperation I was able to get them through most of the levels, I can't wait to play with a few people who know what they're doing.

The main annoyance for me so far is that I sometimes trigger the spin (done by waggling) when I don't mean to, it's hard to keep my hands still enough all of the time. The tilt control aspects work well but they are not very frequent, I'd prefer being able to use a classic controller (I also like that D-pad better than the smaller Wiimote D-pad) and tilt those platforms with L and R to avoid spinning when I don't want to but no such option exists.

Compared to recent Mario games I'd place it above NSMB on DS (which was still pretty good imo) and below Mario Galaxy so far but like I said I'm less than a quarter of the way through single-player and yet to experience multiplayer with a halfway competent gamer.

Vince, Pt. II · 11-15-2009, 11:32 PM

I'm a big fan so far, and I'm about halfway through world 2. I was playing two-player co-op the whole time with my girlfriend - a self-professed video game hater - and she was having a blast the whole time. She's pretty terrible, but managed to do some pretty impressive (read: lucky as hell) things. The co-op mode is a little difficult at first - it's odd to get used to bumping into someone, and that led to quite a few deaths on both of our parts when navigating some of the smaller platforms. I'd imagine with 4 players simultaneously the world feels incredibly crowded, but I'd also imagine it'd be fun as all hell. I'll also echo Big Fo - the difficulty ramps up CONSIDERABLY in the second world. It's still not "hard," I'd say, but it's definitely not mind-numbingly easy.

The game feels like they took Super Mario Brothers 3 (NES) and Super Mario World (SNES), combined them into one game, and then polished it up for the new system.

stevew · 11-16-2009, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob

Did anyone pick up New Super Mario Bros. today? If so, how is it? I know reviews are great but I tend to trust you guys more than the in-the-pocket reviewer that plays for about 3 hours.

My wife was an a-hole and "forgot" to go pick up my copy today. I guess I'll go get it tomorrow.

Nugget699 · 11-16-2009, 02:25 AM

I'm finding the game incredibly tough. Used the super guide on the water level in the first world. I'm so crap haha. Although just cracked the second world now, so lets see how I fair this time.

Cringer · 11-16-2009, 04:18 PM

Started out earlier with the plan of going down and trading in Skate 2 and inFamous and grabbing one of the newer games out. Was thinking Dragon Age, Uncharted, or FIFA. After a couple stops for work I just came home. Can't decide what to get, none really stand out as THE ONE to get from those. I will give it a few weeks I guess.

Eaglesfan27 · 11-16-2009, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cringer

Started out earlier with the plan of going down and trading in Skate 2 and inFamous and grabbing one of the newer games out. Was thinking Dragon Age, Uncharted, or FIFA. After a couple stops for work I just came home. Can't decide what to get, none really stand out as THE ONE to get from those. I will give it a few weeks I guess.

Dragon Age is game of the year by a wide margin, IMHO.

Mizzou B-ball fan · 11-16-2009, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Dragon Age is game of the year by a wide margin, IMHO.

You obviously haven't played Uncharted 2. Dragon Age may be GOTY, but the wide margin part is silly talk given the number of great games.

Eaglesfan27 · 11-16-2009, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

You obviously haven't played Uncharted 2. Dragon Age may be GOTY, but the wide margin part is silly talk given the number of great games.

I have played it. It's an excellent game, but in my opinion, Dragon Age is much better. Dragon Age is a game of the decade type of game.

Mizzou B-ball fan · 11-16-2009, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

I have played it. It's an excellent game, but in my opinion, Dragon Age is much better. Dragon Age is a game of the decade type of game.

Wow. I'll disagree even more with the decade comment, but that's what opinions are for. Dragon Age would be 3rd best IMO for this year.

Edit: I should also note that I haven't played any 360 exclusives, so I may be missing out on a great game amongst that lineup.

EagleFan · 11-16-2009, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Dragon Age is game of the year by a wide margin, IMHO.

I haven't played it yet but I cannot see how it maks it by a wide margin, if at all. Uncharted 2 gave me one of the best gaming experiences ever in a game.

EagleFan · 11-16-2009, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cringer

Started out earlier with the plan of going down and trading in Skate 2 and inFamous and grabbing one of the newer games out. Was thinking Dragon Age, Uncharted, or FIFA. After a couple stops for work I just came home. Can't decide what to get, none really stand out as THE ONE to get from those. I will give it a few weeks I guess.

FIFA - fun but not much more than a little extra pollish from last year

Uncharted 2 - A GREAT game which had a nice mix of platforming, fighting and puzzle solving. This is a rare game that makes you feel like you are playing through a great action movie. The cut scenes are well done and the interaction between the characters is very believable and I didn't see anything that seemed like forced dialogue.

Dragon Age - haven't played

Vince, Pt. II · 11-16-2009, 10:01 PM

I'm going to have to play Uncharted 2. I'm only three or four hours into Dragon Age, and I'm with Eaglesfan27 in that I think it's easily a game of the decade competitor. It's already one of the best games I've ever played.

SackAttack · 11-17-2009, 01:26 PM

So, uh, just to be clear.

When you rescue a Toad in NSMB Wii, you aren't supposed to throw him down the nearest gap. Right?

Honolulu_Blue · 11-17-2009, 01:32 PM

Kotaku just posted a very glowing review for Assassin's Creed II. It sounds like the solved a lot of the problems that plagued the first one.

Mizzou B-ball fan · 11-17-2009, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Kotaku just posted a very glowing review for Assassin's Creed II. It sounds like the solved a lot of the problems that plagued the first one.

Yeah, it's another big week for releases. Left 4 Dead 2, Assassin's Creed 2, new Tony Hawk game, God of War Collection, and Little Big Planet (PSP) just to name a few.

Kodos · 11-17-2009, 02:10 PM

IGN gave L4D2 a 9.0, FWIW. Said it is better in every way over the original.

Mustang · 11-17-2009, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Kotaku just posted a very glowing review for Assassin's Creed II. It sounds like the solved a lot of the problems that plagued the first one.

I haven't done the research on AC II, but If they haven't solved the repetitive game play then they haven't solved anything.

Atocep · 11-17-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mustang

I haven't done the research on AC II, but If they haven't solved the repetitive game play then they haven't solved anything.

IGN says it's fixed. They actually said that if the series continues to improve the next will be on par with the GTA games.

Honolulu_Blue · 11-17-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mustang

I haven't done the research on AC II, but If they haven't solved the repetitive game play then they haven't solved anything.

According to the review I read, that's exactly what they solved.

It was clear to anyone who played the game for more than a few hours that the repetive game play was by far the worst issue with that game. I played it one night, saw the issue and became immediately bored by the entire thing.

Mustang · 11-17-2009, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atocep

IGN says it's fixed. They actually said that if the series continues to improve the next will be on par with the GTA games.

Cool. Guess I'll have to pay attention to this one again. Loved the universe, fighting and general basics of the game, but that repetition.. ugh...

11-12-2009, 08:30 AM	#1151
Ronnie Dobbs2 Pro Rookie Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Bahston Mass	MW2 spoiler discussion ("No Russian"): Spoiler Ok, so what's everyone's take on the airport scene? I enjoyed it but definitely felt a little creeped out during it. They seem to be trying (a little too hard) to make some political/philosophical points in this game, what with all the quotes when you die. Also, fighting those guys with the riot shields was tough! __________________ There's no I in Teamocil, at least not where you'd think Last edited by Ronnie Dobbs2 : 11-12-2009 at 01:21 PM.

11-12-2009, 10:14 AM	#1153
cartman Death Herald Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Le stelle la notte sono grandi e luminose nel cuore profondo del Texas	So I finished the single player phase of MF2 last night, and I noticed on the screen it only said 50% completed. Do I have to go back and play at a higher difficulty level or something? __________________ Thinkin' of a master plan 'Cuz ain't nuthin' but sweat inside my hand So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent So I dig deeper but still comin' up with lint

11-12-2009, 12:35 PM	#1155
spleen1015 Coordinator Join Date: Sep 2003	Why are you surprised? __________________ Why choose failure when success is an option?

11-12-2009, 03:15 PM	#1160
Ronnie Dobbs2 Pro Rookie Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Bahston Mass	I don't think they released a demo. __________________ There's no I in Teamocil, at least not where you'd think

11-12-2009, 04:24 PM	#1161
Mustang Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Wisconsin	No sympathy on this end from me. (CNET) -- It's oh-so enticing: you find a copy of a brand new game like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 on a pirate site and the temptation to download it is too strong. Well, that temptation may have cost up to 1 million users of Microsoft's Xbox Live the ability to use that service. According to a report in InformationWeek, Microsoft has banned as many as a million players from Xbox Live for altering their consoles in order to play pirated versions of games. This week, Activision's new Call of Duty was released, and InformationWeek speculated that because pirated versions of the game appeared on various sharing sites in advance of the release, the game's developer may have exhorted Microsoft to enact the bans. "Xbox 360 consoles are equipped with digital rights management technologies designed to detect pirated software," InformationWeek wrote, "but some players have successfully 'modded,' or modified, their machines to circumvent DRM protections." Even if someone has been banned, their Xbox will still play offline games, InformationWeek said. But it's not at all clear if the bans are permanent or if Microsoft will allow those who have been booted from Xbox Live to return at some point down the line. In a statement Microsoft said: its "commitment to combat piracy and support safer and more secure gameplay for the more than 20 million members of the Xbox Live community remains a top priority. All consumers should know that piracy is illegal and modifying their Xbox 360 console violates the Xbox Live terms of use, will void their warranty and result in a ban from Xbox Live. We can assure you that if an Xbox Live member follows the Xbox Live terms of use, purchased a retail copy of Modern Warfare 2 and played the game on an unmodified Xbox 360, no action will be taken." And on the Xbox support page, Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry Hryb, aka Major Nelson, has addressed some of the circumstances that could lead to a player's being banned. "Players who find their Gamertags banned from Xbox Live have wound up in that situation due to violations of the Xbox Live Terms of Use," Major Nelson wrote. "The Xbox Live team monitors players for not just cheating, but also for things like threats, racism, profanity, and just being an all around poor sport and ruining the game for others. "When a Gamertag comes up as violating our policies for online behavior, the person who owns that Gamertag is punished by being banned from the service. Keep in mind, this isn't just a ban on a particular game. This is a ban on the Xbox Live service as a whole, so you won't be able to go online at all during your ban. Initially, you may be banned for a day, a week, or depending on severity, permanently! Kiss that $50 goodbye." __________________ You, you will regret what you have done this day. I will make you regret ever being born. Your going to wish you never left your mothers womb, where it was warm and safe... and wet. i am going to show you pain you never knew existed, you are going to see a whole new spectrum of pain, like a Rainboooow. But! This rainbow is not just like any other rainbow, its...

11-12-2009, 12:34 PM	#1154
Mizzou B-ball fan General Manager Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kansas City, MO	Microsoft blacklisting 600K-1M users off Live. That's 3-5% of their total online users. Surprised that piracy is so frequent on that console. Microsoft bans up to 1 million Xbox Live users - Games - msnbc.com

11-12-2009, 03:14 PM	#1159
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	Why can't i find a demo for modern warfare 2 on PSN? I thought it would be out by now.

11-12-2009, 05:47 PM	#1163
Icy Pro Starter Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Toledo - Spain	Umm i'm not sure if to pick MW2 for PC or PS3, i wonder which one will have more online players, PS3 probably (behind 360 that is no an option for me). __________________

11-12-2009, 11:00 PM	#1168
Big Fo Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2005	Giant Bomb Quick Look: New Super Mario Bros. Wii Four player co-op/competitive looks chaotic and awesome, I'll be getting this on Sunday for sure. Single-player meets the standard set by the rest of the series from what I've read too.

11-13-2009, 01:09 AM	#1171
SackAttack Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Green Bay, WI	I'm all over it, but I don't know if I'll snag it on Sunday or a few days later.

11-13-2009, 08:36 AM	#1173
spleen1015 Coordinator Join Date: Sep 2003	The thing is, they would be home playing another game if MW2 wasn't out. These kids don't give a shit about Veteran's Day. __________________ Why choose failure when success is an option?

11-13-2009, 01:26 PM	#1175
Mizzou B-ball fan General Manager Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kansas City, MO	North American release date set for FFXIII. March 10, 2010....... FINAL FANTASY XIII – The Time Has Come – PlayStation.Blog.Europe February and March are absolutely stacked with releases at this point. God of War 3, Heavy Rain and Gran Turismo 5 are also scheduled in the same timeframe. Save those X-mas gift cards. Last edited by Mizzou B-ball fan : 11-13-2009 at 01:27 PM.

11-15-2009, 05:33 PM	#1180
bob College Starter Join Date: Oct 2004	Did anyone pick up New Super Mario Bros. today? If so, how is it? I know reviews are great but I tend to trust you guys more than the in-the-pocket reviewer that plays for about 3 hours.

11-15-2009, 11:32 PM	#1182
Vince, Pt. II Pro Starter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Somewhere More Familiar	I'm a big fan so far, and I'm about halfway through world 2. I was playing two-player co-op the whole time with my girlfriend - a self-professed video game hater - and she was having a blast the whole time. She's pretty terrible, but managed to do some pretty impressive (read: lucky as hell) things. The co-op mode is a little difficult at first - it's odd to get used to bumping into someone, and that led to quite a few deaths on both of our parts when navigating some of the smaller platforms. I'd imagine with 4 players simultaneously the world feels incredibly crowded, but I'd also imagine it'd be fun as all hell. I'll also echo Big Fo - the difficulty ramps up CONSIDERABLY in the second world. It's still not "hard," I'd say, but it's definitely not mind-numbingly easy. The game feels like they took Super Mario Brothers 3 (NES) and Super Mario World (SNES), combined them into one game, and then polished it up for the new system.

11-16-2009, 02:25 AM	#1184
Nugget699 H.S. Freshman Team Join Date: Nov 2006	I'm finding the game incredibly tough. Used the super guide on the water level in the first world. I'm so crap haha. Although just cracked the second world now, so lets see how I fair this time.

11-16-2009, 04:18 PM	#1185
Cringer Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Edinburg,TX	Started out earlier with the plan of going down and trading in Skate 2 and inFamous and grabbing one of the newer games out. Was thinking Dragon Age, Uncharted, or FIFA. After a couple stops for work I just came home. Can't decide what to get, none really stand out as THE ONE to get from those. I will give it a few weeks I guess. __________________ You Stole Fizzy Lifting drinks! You bumped into the ceiling which now has to be washed and steralized, so you get NOTHING! You lose!

11-16-2009, 10:01 PM	#1192
Vince, Pt. II Pro Starter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Somewhere More Familiar	I'm going to have to play Uncharted 2. I'm only three or four hours into Dragon Age, and I'm with Eaglesfan27 in that I think it's easily a game of the decade competitor. It's already one of the best games I've ever played.

11-17-2009, 01:26 PM	#1193
SackAttack Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Green Bay, WI	So, uh, just to be clear. When you rescue a Toad in NSMB Wii, you aren't supposed to throw him down the nearest gap. Right?

11-17-2009, 01:32 PM	#1194
Honolulu_Blue Hockey Boy Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Royal Oak, MI	Kotaku just posted a very glowing review for Assassin's Creed II. It sounds like the solved a lot of the problems that plagued the first one. __________________ *Steve Yzerman*: 1,755 points in 1,514 regular season games. 185 points in 196 postseason games. A First-Team All-Star, Conn Smythe Trophy winner, Selke Trophy winner, Masterton Trophy winner, member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Olympic gold medallist, and a three-time Stanley Cup Champion. Longest serving captain of one team in the history of the NHL (19 seasons).

11-17-2009, 02:10 PM	#1196
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	IGN gave L4D2 a 9.0, FWIW. Said it is better in every way over the original. __________________ Author of The Bill Gates Challenge, as well as other groundbreaking dynasties.

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