Refunds Issued to Minecraft XBLA Players with SDTVs

Posted by David Sanchez on May 21, 2012 @ 3:32 pm

It was previously revealed that the XBLA version of Minecraft would not support split-screen multiplayer. Even though plenty of people knew about this thanks to the good ol’ internet, it would be impossible for everyone to be aware because Microsoft never made it clear on the game’s Xbox Live Arcade page.

That’s all been fixed, though, and the Minecraft listing now sports a nice little disclaimer that reads, “To experience split-screen functionality a high-definition television is required.”

Obviously, there are a few gamers out there with SDTVs that weren’t exactly aware of the HD barrier that stood in front of them and Minecraft‘s wonderful multiplayer gameplay. These folks feel kind of gypped, so Microsoft has promised to refund gamers who were unaware of the requirements to play Minecraft through its support page.

Now, we can make jokes about how it’s weird that people are playing an HD system on an SDTV, but the fact of the matter is that Microsoft should have included the prerequisite on the Minecraft page right from the get-go. Also, in today’s world where paying the bills and eating are more important than a fancy TV, I don’t think anyone is any position to expect the entire population to own an HDTV, even if they do have an Xbox 360.

The Walking Dead Episode 1 Shoots One Million Sales in the Head

Posted by David Sanchez on May 17, 2012 @ 12:36 pm

Famed adventure game developer Telltale Games has reported that The Walking Dead Episode 1: A New Day has officially hit the one million sales mark. That’s awesome news for both Telltale and The Walking Dead, as the game was received quite well by gamers. What that means is that most of those one million sales are made up of satisfied fans who got a great game.

According to Telltale, The Walking Dead is its fastest-selling series. Episode 1 topped sales charts across Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, and Steam, and because this is just the first of five episodes in the series, we can definitely expect The Walking Dead to continue to rake in revenue for the folks making the games.

Currently, Telltale is planning to release The Walking Dead for iOS platforms this summer. Additionally, Episode 2: Starved for Help is scheduled to land on Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, PC, and Mac next month. Here’s hoping the next chapter in the series is as great as Episode 1, so the franchise can continue selling well, and so fans of The Walking Dead can keep getting content worth being stoked about.

From Dust Is Ubisoft’s Fastest Selling XBLA Title

Posted by Mike Bendel on August 4, 2011 @ 1:07 pm


Ubisoft’s captivating god-sim From Dust is off to a sound start, with the publisher proclaiming today that it has broken digital sales records for the company. First day sales eclipsed all previous Ubisoft offerings to date on XBLA.

While an exact figure wasn’t given, Ubisoft noted that sales were 45 percent higher than its previous best-selling XBLA release. Moreover, Ubi says pre-orders are “tracking very well” for the August 17-bound PC release.

The title is currently exclusive to Xbox 360, though it’s scheduled to hit Steam and other digital storefronts later this month. Availability on PSN will come “soon.”

Mega Man Universe Is No More

Posted by Mike Bendel on March 31, 2011 @ 1:48 am


Capcom’s axed its conceptually promising 2.5D platformer Mega Man Universe. A planned downloadable effort, the title was announced as PSN and XBLA bound last July, with Capcom touting it as a “revolutionary take on the seminal classic.” Indeed, it was a fresh take, with an emphasis on user-generated content. Among its main draws were extensive character customization, in addition to a built-in level editor. Some described it as LittleBigPlanet meets Mega Man.

Capcom vaguely states it made the decision due to “various reasons,” further apologizing to fans for any disappointment in an official statement. The project was conceived by Keiji Inafune, who ended his 23-year run at Capcom last year.

Outland Slated for ‘Late April To Early May’ Release

Posted by Mike Bendel on March 18, 2011 @ 2:28 pm


Ubisoft’s stylish action-platformer Outland is slated for a “late April to early May’ release, the PlayStation Blog has revealed. A separate tweet from developer Housemarque reveals that the XBLA edition is due out “around the same time,” though no exact date was specified.

Announced last September, the title features exploration elements that have been likened to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, in addition to a polarity-driven combat system that allows players to switch between light and dark energy alignments. The concept mimics that of Dreamcast shooter Ikaruga.

The accessible yet involving gameplay, combined with stunning HD visuals on a 2D plane, is shaping up into something special. We think. Check out more screenshots after the break for a closer look. more »

Ubisoft’s I Am Alive Jumps Ship To PSN, XBLA

Posted by Mike Bendel on February 1, 2011 @ 9:36 am


After a lengthy period of silence, French site Jeuxvideo has broke word that Ubisoft’s survival-adventure I Am Alive has been re-positioned as a downloadable effort. It’s now scheduled to hit PSN and XBLA sometime this year.

Ubisoft has remained tight-lipped regarding the title following its initial announcement nearly three years ago. It was also subject to a delay in 2009, which saw development duties transferred to Ubisoft’s Shanghai branch.

Given Ubisoft’s year-end release target, here’s hoping a proper unveiling in on the cards soon.

Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 Swings To PSN, XBLA February 2

Posted by Mike Bendel on January 6, 2011 @ 8:10 pm


The sequel to Capcom’s hit swinging retro-revival, Bionic Commando Rearmed 2, will hit the digital storefronts of PSN and Xbox Live Arcade on February 2, the company announced today.

Rearmed 2 does away with the bolted-down mechanics of the original, introducing what we all take for granted in platformers: the ability to jump.

It’ll set you back $14.99 or 1200 MS Points. There’s no word on a Steam release.

Sega Preps Dreamcast Collection

Posted by Mike Bendel on December 14, 2010 @ 11:49 am


With commerical indie titles still trickling out nearly a decade later, it’s clear the Dreamcast has a strong fan backing.  Sega is aware of this, obviously. That’s why they’re rising to the opportunity to release a ‘Dreamcast Collection’ on current-gen platforms. Company exec Alan Pritchard let the cat of the bag in a recent interview with GameInformer. Retail wrapped releases are reportedly on the cards, along with digital re-releases, some of which have already hit PSN and XBL — Crazy Taxi for one.

The Dreamcast fans are very devoted. You see on eBay people are still buying the games and system. We actually have a Dreamcast collection coming out soon. We are looking to bring some of the old Dreamcast games to market digitally and packaged.

There’s no word on what the compilation will consist of, but expect it to represent some of the best of Dreamcast’s short-lived glory days, akin to the previously released Genesis collection.

Bomberman Live: Battlefest Explodes On XBLA December 8

Posted by Mike Bendel on November 30, 2010 @ 4:56 pm


Hudson’s destruction-masquerading mascot will return to the limelight once again in Bomberman Live: Battlefest next month. It’s due out December 8 on XBLA, the company announced today.

The title is a sequel to Bomberman Live, which has sold more than 500,000 units to date. As 8-person online multiplayer returns, Battlefest spices up Hudson’s age-old run ‘n bomb formula with new power-ups like the cluster bomb, rocket bomb and laser bomb. more »

Splinter Cell HD Remakes Inbound

Posted by Mike Bendel on November 17, 2010 @ 10:47 am


Sam Fisher’s original espionage stints are receiving the HD remake treatment, according to Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot. The revelation was dropped during the company’s 2010-2011 earnings call this week, according to an IGN report.

Beyond the fact that Ubi is prepping a trilogy release of the first three Splinter Cell titles akin to its recent Prince of Persia revival, little is known about these remakes. more »

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