Microsoft Raises Price On Xbox Live Gold Subscriptions; My Xbox Breaks, Again

September 1st, 2010 by Mike

In a move sure to piss off the entire Internet, Microsoft has decided to raise prices on their Xbox Live Gold subscriptions starting November 1. Yearly subscriptions have gone up $10, to $59.99. All the other subscriptions have been adjusted accordingly:

- 1-Month Gold Subscription – $9.99 (was $7.99)
- 3-Month Gold Subscription – $24.99 (was $19.99)
- 12-Month Gold Subscription – $59.99 (was $49.99)

Microsoft is quick to point out all the awesome services provided by Live Gold, including:

- Last.fm
- Facebook
- Twitter
- ESPN
- Video Kinect (video chat with Kinect)
- Hulu Plus
- Netflix

All of which are not exactly great selling points for me, personally, as I don’t use any of them. I already have a computer connected to the T.V. allowing most of those features, I don’t plan on getting Kinect because the last thing I want to do is move around while playing games, etc. I’m not really sure why it should cost me $60 just to connect to other Xbox 360 users to play games, I honestly don’t even feel like $50 is a fair price, $40 is more reasonable. I think at this point Microsoft should introduce tiered pricing because I really only want to play games online and cross-game chat with friends.

On top of all that, I can’t use any of the services right now because my Xbox broke, AGAIN. It’s the same issue I had the first time, the three red lights error (“red ring of death”) that has caused so many problems for so many other Xbox 360 users. It honestly has to be one of the worst feelings in the world to come home on a Friday night ready to play games and having your console break on you.

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Vanquish E3 2010

June 19th, 2010 by Mike

Platinum Games’ (Bayonetta, Mad World) latest game, Vanquish, is a third-person shooter featuring a cover system similar to Gears of War and the ability to slow down time. Looks pretty interesting, I like the jet pack allowing the player to move quickly to get under cover. Also, an important warning. Elect a female president and next thing you know San Francisco is gone and Russia has a robot army.

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Kirby Epic Yarn E3 Trailer

June 19th, 2010 by Mike

Those are some crazy yarn graphics. I think it’s pretty cool how they incorporate the theme into the game play by allowing the player to pull the environment together in parts.

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Okamiden E3 Trailer

June 19th, 2010 by Mike

If only it was coming to the 3DS…

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Trine 2

June 19th, 2010 by Mike

Atlus has announced a sequel to Trine, a puzzle / platformer. Looks pretty nice. Trine 2 will be available digitally Spring, 2011.

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Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game

June 17th, 2010 by Mike

Timed exclusivity for the PSN sucks, but it still looks cool.

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Civilization V E3 Trailer

June 17th, 2010 by Mike

Great video if you aren’t too familiar with the series.

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Journey Announced

June 17th, 2010 by Mike

Journey is a new game from thatgamecompany, the creators of PSN titles Flower and Flow. It’s an “online adventure experience”, not sure exactly what that means, but it looks totally awesome. Journey is currently scheduled for release on the PS3 sometime in 2011.

More screenshots below…

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Castlevania: Harmony of Despair E3 Gameplay Trailer

June 17th, 2010 by Mike

Online co-op is awesome, that music is awesome, and the zoom out feature is really awesome.

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Atlus Announces Rock of Ages

June 17th, 2010 by Mike

My mind is blown right now, I don’t even know what to say. A mix of strategy and…controlling a giant rock, all while travelling through art history. I’m not sure if this is for PC, XBLA, and PSN, does “digital distribution” mean all platforms?

A rock-solid combination of deep strategy, rock-rolling action, and captivating art and music from throughout history!

Two castles stand opposed, bridged by an uneven, narrow pathway. One is yours, and you’re quite fond of it. See how the parapets catch the sunlight ever so stylishly? The other is your enemy’s; they’re a jerk, and their crappy crenellations are driving down your property values. Also, their castle sucks, justification enough to try crush it using an enormous rolling stone. Unfortunately, they’ll have a chance to plan and build up some security, doing everything they can to derail your razing rock. Get through their defenses and you’re one step closer to crushing their unsightly tower (see also: their hopes and dreams). But don’t take your turn for granite. Once your turn is over, your opponent’s begins…

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