Xcast Episode # 14

Xcast Episode #14 - Happy New Year

-The people from waterjets.org decided to have a little fun with their malfunctioning Xbox and Xbox 360... I wonder if they knew Microsoft extended the warranty on the Xbox 360?

-Wiimotes are still flying, a lawsuit was filed against Nintendo due to the broken straps.

-XBL matchmaking down 12/27/06

-Are Sony's PS3's still in demand, because I was able to find one for sale

-I went over a few lists that were given out due to the end of the year

-I went over Marketplace content, reviewed Rainbow Six Vegas (9/10), I gave everyone a review of the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset as well and whatever else I decided to throw in last minute

Download Episode #14 here!

Please post your reviews on the Itunes Music Store. (Link will open Itunes)





Listener Call In Line:1-206-339-4661 (not toll free)
Email: frank@theman661.com


Links to things mentioned in the show:

http://www.time.com/time/topten/2006/full_list.html
http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2006/12/30/2006-top-xbox-live-games.aspx
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360wirelessheadset/default.htm
http://www.waterjets.org/
http://www.gamespot.com/news/6163421.html
http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/21/xbox-xbox-360-taken-to-console-heaven-by-water-jet-cutter/
http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2006/12/30/2006-top-xbox-live-games.aspx
http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2006/12/27/yup-we-know.aspx
http://www.gamespot.com/news/6163586.html?msg_sort=1
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/t/tomclancyrainbowsixvegas/

Xbox Live is back up and running!

Finally after I played a couple levels of Gears on Insane and fell asleep, I woke up to Xbox Live Matchmaking working again. Thanks Microsoft for fixing the problem rather quickly although I do have to say I just renewed my XBL subscription a day or two ago so I was not thrilled when this happened. Anyway everything is working again, so I will see you all in the Gears lobbies!

Xbox Live Not Working.....Microsoft Knows, But I dont know what to do!

Yeah yeah I know XBL matchmaking is down, its late here on the East Coast and I was getting pumped to play some Gears with a guest and with my friends over at Planet Xbox 360, but I guess that cant happen. Private Chat and all other XBL features are working except matchmaking. I just got off Private Chat with Nelson from Planet Xbox 360 and they were about to play some Gears with a bunch of listeners, then this happened!! Major Nelson says that they are working on it, so we shall see. What should I do with my life! Just kidding, but this is pretty frustrating when these things happen. I just renewed my XBL subscription for 13 more months. Hopefully Microsoft will get this worked out and all and I can play some Gears. Anyway I'm out for now, I'm definitely talking about this on the show this week.

Xcast Episode #13

I know I am a little late in delivering this one again, but I am going to try and stay on top of things from now on.

Xcast Episode 13

-I had special guest host Garrett on the show with me, whose gamertag is GJK 2256

-We talked about all the headlines that I have posted on the site, plus the list of the top 25 people of the next generation released by next-gen.biz.

-Talked about the new backwards compatibility list

-We gave you some Gears news, an update on a few patches and informed you on the latest marketplace content.

-Lastly we played the first piece of Xcast listener mail to be recieved from Arizona Jedi.

Download Xcast Episode #13 here.

Please post your reviews on the Itunes Music Store. (Link will open Itunes)

Links Mentioned In The Show:

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6163269.html?tag=latestnews;title;2
http://www.gamespot.com/news/6163240.html
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/backwardcompatibilitygameslist.htm
http://msdn.microsoft.com/directx/xna/gse/
http://msdn.microsoft.com/directx/xna/creators/
http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4395&Itemid=2&limit=1&limitstart=6
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061215/ap_on_hi_te/japan_nintendo_recall
http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2006/12/21/crackdown-demo-details.aspx
http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2006/12/16/major-nelson-is-otg.aspx
http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2006/12/18/major-is-back-on-the-grid.aspx
http://splintercell.us.ubi.com/newspost.php?news_id=4278
http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=152171?cid=otc-rss&attr=cvg-general-rss&skip=yes
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2006/1222-xbox360warrantyextended.htm
http://forums.xbox.com/8976537/ShowPost.aspx
http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3156063
http://maps.live.com


Thanks for Listening

-Frank (Gamertag: TheMan661)



Happy Holidays to you and your family!

Microsoft has extended Xbox 360 warranties for another year!

Wow this one surprised me. Microsoft has extended the Xbox 360 standard warranty on all new products and for people (like me) that are within their first year of ownership of a 360. I was jumping for joy when I heard this one because I did not buy an extended warranty when I purchased my 360. I still hope it applies to me and it sounds like it should even though I did not purchase the extended warranty.

Splinter Cell Double Agent Auto Update

Finally Ubisoft has released an update for Splinter Cell DA, here is what it does:


Connection Issues:
Some instances of “the host has ended the session”.
Disconnections in the lobby.
Once the lobby reaches 5 or 6 people, random players drop.
After kicking the 6th player from a team, the leader couldn't invite another player
Group leader hangs in the "joining session" screen if the host quits while he is joining.
Improvement of the server selection so that the server is more reactive.
If a player leaves a session immediately when he arrives and they have some packet loss (he is in a resolving state), the resolving time out is not reset and in the next session he will kick all the players as soon as he arrives !!!!
Only 1 disconnect function to each peer when resolving is timed out.

Lag-related issues:
In-game freezing: treats a limited number of Unreal packets per frame to avoid freezes in some specific conditions.
Increased network thread priority over Sound thread that can reduce lag issues.
Fix the case when a player got flashbanged while lagging as a mercenary; the player can remain permanently flashbanged until the player reboot the game.
Fix FPS loss due to a sound problem.

Others issues :
A new Game Version to avoid LAN matches between master and update versions
The loading video was always the same, now it's changed at random
Fixed a bug on the score calculation of the Max Percent challenge.
Challenge Best score is wrong if the player has just beaten it.
Improved checks to avoid accessing an invalid leaderboard
Allows to write leaderboards of live challenges

Maybe I can actually play on XBL with this update!

Looking for blog authors!

I am now in the process of looking for people to write and post articles, reviews and all things involving the gaming on my blog. The criteria is as follows:

1. You must have some knowledge of the gaming industry and own a major console.
(Xbox 360,PS3,Wii, etc...)(Since this is a blog mainly about Xbox 360 and Microsoft I will be leaning towards entrees who own an Xbox 360)

2. Have to have a well rounded view on the gaming industry.

3. Lastly it would be great if you had some prior experience posting on a blog or writing for a website. (If not you can still apply, but it would help)

When applying please include: your name, gamertag (if you have one), email address to which I can write back to you and the country that you live in.

Please send all entries to frank@theman661.com.

I will try and respond to all entries within 2 days of receiving the application.

Computer Problems....Just Great!

Just to let all of you know I am unable to produce Episode #13 on time. I believe I should be able to do it this weekend. My AC Adapter for my Dell Latitude 110L laptop stopped working so I had to order a replacement part in from Dell and on top of that my battery is dead and I cant even access any of my files. Sorry for the delay, I am looking forward to giving you Episode #13.


Edit: I have received my AC charger and my laptop is back up and running.

Play Gears Of War with the Artist of the Month Tenacious D!

Your Artist of the Month Tenacious D will be playing Gears Of War. To have a chance to play with the band you have to register at this link http://tenaciousd.com/xbox/. Please read all contest rules and regulations to see if you can enter.

-Frank (Gamertag: TheMan661)

Gears Downloadable Content to be Free?

Wow I was amazed when I heard this one. It is true, the title of this post is for real! This surprised me that Epic may give us FREE downloadable content for one of the hottest titles released this year. I don't even care if its just a theme or gamerpicture its FREE. I guess I'm not used to this. I know EA started giving out some FREE downloadable content but of course I didn't have the game :( So if this starts happening, this may change my view on the marketplace in general.

-Frank (Gamertag: TheMan661)

Challenge Kevin (Gamertag: Waffle05)!

A good friend of mine Kevin (Gamertag: Waffle05) has asked me to find him a challenge for Halo 2, he says he needs a good challenge because right now he is unbeatable. So send him a challenge and/or friend request. He is playing on a regular Xbox (The Big Black Beast) so you do not have the wrong Gamertag when you see it is an original Xbox Gamertag. Kevin will be coming on the show sometime hopefully Episode 13 and he will be telling us some scores from his last games. He will most likely be a frequent poster on the blog. His AIM Screen Name is New0005.

-Frank (Gamertag: TheMan661)

Xcast Episode #12

Here it is, the long awaited Xcast Episode #12!

This episode I had Special Guest Host Paul on the show, his gamertag is PaulisaPler. We talked about the Halo series and told you how to enlist in the Halo 3 beta. I gave you a review of Superman Returns (just rent it!) and Viva Pinata (pretty cool). We talked news going around the gaming industry as well. I completely forgot during the show but I would like to throw a shout out to APK Jester who is a great sport and he knows how to deal with me on Gears when I am not doing that well and Arizona Jedi who just started listening to the show. More Interviews to come soon! Thanks Paul for coming on the show.

Download Episode #12 here!

Listener Call In Line: 1-206-339-4661 (not toll free)

Email: frank@theman661.com

Thanks for listening!

-Frank (Gamertag: TheMan661)

Things Mentioned In the Show:
http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3155393
www.halo3.com
http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2006/11/28/xbox-live-security.aspx
http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2006/11/28/arcade-heads-up.aspx
http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2006/11/30/dashboard-update-aka-the-1080p-fix.aspx
http://www.planetxbox360.com
http://www.teemorris.com
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/default.mspx

Xcast Episode #12 Delayed Until Next Week

Hey everyone,

Xcast Episode #12 is going to have to be delayed until later on this week or until next week due to some family matters. I will try and get it done sometime this week, but later on than I expected. I have tons of notes and things to share with you for Episode #12 so get ready for a packed episode.

Thank you for your patience,

-Frank (Gamertag: TheMan661)

Delay of Xcast Episode #12

Hey everyone,

Im away from my recording studio this weekend and will not be able to produce Episode 12 this weekend. I will be recording the episode on Monday (12/4/06) and it will hopefully be out Monday or Tuesday.

-Frank (Gamertag: TheMan661)

Xcast Episode #11

Welcome To Xcast Episode 11

-I welcomed Special guest hosts Nelson and Natalie from the Planet Xbox 360 Podcast to the show.

-Gave you a Wii review (havent played PS3 yet)

-Went over some ideas going around the gaming industry

-Announced some new marketplace content

Download Episode 11 here!

Links for Episode 11
http://www.planetxbox360.com
http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2006/11/23/video-marketplace-status.aspx
http://www.gamespot.com/news/6162230.html?q=Gears%20Of%20War




Please post reviews for the show on the Itunes Music Store! (link will open Itunes and take you to the Xcast page)

Listener Call In Line:1-206-339-4661 (not toll free)
Email: frank@theman661.com

Happy Birthday Xbox 360!

I would like to wish Xbox 360 a Happy 1st Birthday. Please check out the new shows featured on the brand new video marketplace in the Media blade.

-Frank (Gamertag: TheMan661)

Xcast Episode #10

The Xcast is now entering double digits, thank you for listening. This episode I talked about the PS3 and Wii launches, as well as the wireless steering wheel and HD-DVD Player being released and much more... This episode I also reviewed...










Sorry no interviews this episode but there are more coming don't worry! Send all of your comments about the show to frank@theman661.com.

Download Episode 10 here!

Remember to Post Reviews for the Xcast on the Itunes Music Store! (this link will open Itunes and take you to the Xcast page)

Thanks for listening!

-Frank (Gamertag: TheMan661)

Links to Items mentioned in the show:

COD 3
Wireless Steering Wheel
HD-DVD Drive
Knuckles Dawson's Podcast
Shoutout to CoolhandM3

Zune Going to out sell Ipod this Holiday season?

(Courtesy of a Google Image Search)

Alright here is what I think about this whole issue. It depends what people are looking for at what price. The Zune holds video,music, has a built in radio tuner and wi-fi capability*. The price point of the Zune is 250 dollars (not sure for how much storage*) Now an Ipod Video sells for around 350 dollars (I think base storage is a little more storage than Zune, not sure), If you buy music from the Itunes Music Store, it comes in a protected format so it cannot be used for any other device except if you burn it to a disk which gets kind of annoying after the first disk or two. But the Music Store supposedly is one of the biggest if not the biggest online music stores around. So I guess we are going to have to wait and see this holiday season, though a nice thing about Zune is since the dash update it is very compatible with the 360 (wi-fi). So thats my take on it, wait and see.

-Frank (Gamertag: TheMan661)

*Visit the Zune website for more information on the Zune and Apple's website for more information on the Ipod.

Happy Birthday to the X that started it all, the original Xbox!

Wow can you believe it? I sure cant, on November 15th the console that started Microsoft's jump into the console wars, the original Xbox turns 5 years old! Check out what some gamers had to say here. 6 days after this birthday, we have another birthday in the Xbox family, the Xbox 360 turns 1 year old and as we all now HD/Standard Definition Movies for rent and TV Shows are published on marketplace. So keep your eyes open for that!

Xcast Episode 9

Xcast Episode 9: Happy Official Emergence Day and the first Xcast Interview!

This episode as you can tell from the title was the first Xcast Interview with interview candidate Knuckles Dawson! Also Happy Emergence Day, Check out Marketplace for some new Gears Of War content. As far as news goes, Is Sony running there mouth, along with EA?-two seperate links. Also remember to check out Knuckles Dawson's site. Feel free to email me: frank@theman661.com to let me know what you think. Ill see you around in the Gears lobbies! Download Episode 9 here!

Sorry about the shaky editing job with the beginning intro, I wanted to bring the content to you faster and I tried to launch it on Sunday, but server problems got in the way, so I didnt preview it as much as I normally would have.

Thanks,
Frank (Gamertag: TheMan661)

Is Gears stealing the spotlight this week?

Over the past week many great titles have been released. These titles are Gears Of War,Call of Duty 3, Tony Hawk's Project 8 and Viva Pinata.(sorry if I missed any) Of all these titles, Gears is said to have been the most popular. I feel as though the other games released this week arent recieving as much attention as they should be. Gears is a great game, dont get me wrong but please be sure to check out the other titles that also released this past week.

Episode 8

Welcome To Episode 8 Xbox Live's: TheMan661's Xcast For the week of November 5 2006!

This episode I discussed the "console wars" and where I stand on that, I did a Gears Of War review,mentioned an upcoming interview (you will find out with who when it happens, you will find it very interesting!). I also went over some new halo 3 content that was announced, and much more newsbits. Movies and TV Shows coming in both high and standard definition on marketplace on November 22nd 2006 to celebrate the Xbox 360 Launch Anniversary."Gamer Content"-custom made 360 faceplates and "Gamer Opinion" What do you think about gold members getting content before silver?

P.S.- While I was in gamestop picking up Gears, I saw a Wii display, I do not think it was hooked up though, so if you want you can check into that. I took a picture of it with my phone, but it is not that clear, I will try and post it later on.

Download Episode 8 Here

My email address: frank@theman661.com
Listener Call In Line (not toll free)- 1-206-339-4661

Links mentioned in the show:

http://www.nyko.com/gamefacecommunity/ "Gamer Content" Faceplates made by gamers!
http://www.gamespot.com/news/show_blog_entry.php?topic_id=25091223&sid=6160605 -Halo 3 content announcement
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/marketplace/moviestv.htm -Movies and TV Shows on Marketplace!
http://www.gamespot.com/news/6161190.html?part=rss&tag=gs_news&subj=6161190 -Best Buy cancels some PS3 preorders.



Thanks for listening!

Frank (Gamertag: TheMan661)

COD 3 Launch!

Today COD 3 was launched, I know I made a post with Gears Of War that they were launched the same day, but COD 3 was shipped the day Gears launched. Sorry, my mistake.

(new episode coming soon!)

-Frank (Gamertag: TheMan661)

New Games Released Today

Happy Emergence Day-Gears Of War

-Frank (Gamertag: TheMan661)

-Post edited: 11/8/06

Emergence Day Tomorrow! (11/7/06)

Most of you reading this post are going to say, What is Frank talking about?, Emergence Day is the 12th. Yes officially it is the 12th but most dedicated game stores (Gamestop,EB...) will be recieving Gears Of War tomorrow, but If you reserved your copy you Should be able to pick it up tomorrow. I will be bringing you my Gears Of War review tomorrow when I post my next podcast. I reserved and I am picking the game up tomorrow.

Thanks for listening!

-Frank (Gamertag:TheMan661)

Release Confirmed-Wireless Headset Has Been Released!

Like I was saying in episode 7, I was not sure if the wireless headset was released. Now I have recieved word that it has been released, so pick up one soon, they have already been back-ordered on gamestop!

-Frank (Gamertag: TheMan661)

Gamer Opinion Poll #2 Episode 7

Which system do you think is going to come out on top this holiday season (Xbox 360,Wii or PS3) and why?

Please respond in the form of:

Response

First Name and/or Gamertag

Gamer Opinion Poll #1 Episode 7

Do you think the PS3 is too expensive?

Please respond in the form of:

Response

First Name and/or Gamertag

Episodes 1-3-Here is the story

Episodes 1-3 will be reposted on Itunes ASAP. I deleted them to make room on my sever.(I use LibSyn) Episodes 1-3- here is the story on these episodes. I had brought up to some gamers that I knew and ran into that I would be starting the show. They all wanted to be in it so I threw them in. So that is the story on episodes 1-3. These episodes are not content that will be featured on other episodes nor were they made with the new equipment in Episode #7 So if things seem a little out of order in these episodes I apologize in advance. For the uniform order of content that will be used from now on I suggest that you check Episode #7 (which can be downloaded here). So I will be trying to get these episodes out ASAP, storage space permitting. I thank you for bringing this up to me and I thank you for your listenership!

P.S- If you would like to be a co host please email me and I will try to get you on the show like the co hosts featured in episodes 1-3!

-Frank (Gamertag:TheMan661)

TheMan661's Xcast Episode 7: Xcast Show Overhaul

This show the Xcast went through a complete show overhaul! I am now bringing you hi-def and more detailed episodes. I will still give you the Xbox 360 news, reviews,interviews and more... But on top of that I added brand new content to represent YOU the gamer. I added a new segment in which I will share with the world your opinions. The segment is called "Gamer Opinion" I will be having blog based polls on my blog at www.theman661.com and I will relay most of your comments to the world on my podcast. My next new segment is called "Gamer-Created Content" In this segment I will speak about content created by you the gamer and possibly share (audio reviews) on my show. Send all content created by you whether it be drawings, audio or anything to frank@theman661.com. I also mentioned new content and reviewed Cabela's Alaskan Adventures. Also I talked about the world-wide "so called" problem of microtransactions.

Links that I mentioned in the show:

http://developer.saintsrow.com/agecheck.php?page=%2Fnews%2F2006%2F10%2F30%2Fsaints_row_title_update_on_xbox_live- Saints Row Auto Update Information

http://youtube.com/watch?v=e_wR1wDy5I4 -Major Nelson on G4
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/personality/elle/20061030-update.htm -Elle's article on the Fall update features.
http://forum.teamxbox.com/showthread.php?t=413263&page=1&pp=15 -360 song
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=20569 - Xbox 360 Selling Stats in Australia
www.theman661.com - My website (I put this on if you are viewing the Libsyn blog or .tk)
frank@theman661.com - My new email address

New Listener Call In Line (Not toll free)

Call in number: 1-206-339-4661 (not a toll free number)

Fall Dash Update Is Almost Here!

The fall dash update is being launched on Tuesday October 31st at 5:00 am here in New York. (This varies from timezone to timezone). You will automatically recieve the update as soon as you login to xbox live. Here is a full list of features for the new dash update. I cannot wait for the dash update even though it is only a few hours away! The new features are going to be awesome. New Podcast is being published soon!

P.S. I was about to record a podcast tonight when I recieved word that the dash update is taking effect tomorrow, so I will wait and podcast about the new features in the dash update.

Thanks

-Frank (Gamertag:TheMan661)

Gears of War Commercial

Check out the new Gears of War Commercial here.

This content is rated M for mature audiences only!

Episode 6: For the week of October 22nd 2006

This episode I discussed news as to why xbox live was down for maintenance. I gave some info on the new dash update(dont expect that until the end of the year). Also I went over a PS3 article I found.

As far as game reviews go: Lego Star Wars 2

And

Splinter Cell Double Agent

Download Here

Hope you enjoy! Got an opinion? Email me at frank@theman661.tk

For My New Listeners-Introduction of TheMan661

Alright now here is a little bit about me. You may just come and listen to my podcast thinking that this is just another Xbox 360/Microsoft Podcast, but let me tell you its not just any old 360 podcast. I myself do not work for any major gaming publisher or Microsoft. So when I say I am giving you the gamer's perspective on things I Mean IT!. I give you all the regular news you could hear anywhere else but I also try and put my spin on things and I try to be the voice of you the regular gamer. I will give you what I think as a regular gamer myself. I will also throw in reviews, news, interviews, leaderboards and more.... So if you would like to voice your opinion about something to do with the gaming industry as a whole drop me a email at frank@theman661.tk. Alright enough about me. I hope you enjoy the show!

Thanks,

Frank (Gamertag: TheMan661)

Welcome to the new blog format!

See I told you I would update the blog! This is my new blog which i will post all xbox 360 news manually instead of a hard to edit automatic blog. So this will help me customize the blog a little easier!

Thanks For Listening!

-Frank (Gamertag: TheMan661)