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Title: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Velorath on January 04, 2008, 03:07:19 AM As an apology for recent service issues with Live (http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080104/bs_nm/microsoft_xboxlive_dc):
Quote Microsoft Corp said on Thursday it will offer a free downloadable video game to users of its Xbox online gaming service after the network was plagued with connection troubles over the holidays. Xbox Live General Manager Mark Whitten said the problems stemmed from a "massive increase" in new users of the service over the holiday season, when sales of video game hardware and software surge. "While the service was not completely offline at any given time, we are disappointed in our performance," Whitten said in a statement. Whitten said all Xbox Live members around the world would be able to freely download one game over the service. Games sold on Xbox Live typically cost from $5 to $20, and Whitten said Microsoft would give details of the offer in the coming weeks. Before the holiday sales surge, Xbox Live had more than eight million members, many of whom were paying $50 a year for the premium service that lets them play online against others. Whitten did not give details of the cause of the problems, but gaming Web sites and forums have been filled in recent days with complaints from users frustrated with the inability to sign on to the service or play online. Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: NiX on January 04, 2008, 04:04:29 AM Rez HD please!
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Moaner on January 04, 2008, 07:44:13 AM I hope they mean an Xbox original, but I doubt it.
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: schild on January 04, 2008, 07:54:16 AM I expect it, like all of their giveaways to be bad. Carcasonne was better than I ever expected them to give and that was pretty recent. So... yea. I would take Pac-Man CE. What? It's Pac Man!
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Riggswolfe on January 04, 2008, 08:15:25 AM My choice would be some free MS points but it will probably be a shitty live game.
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Yegolev on January 04, 2008, 08:17:45 AM Space Giraffe?
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: schild on January 04, 2008, 08:18:44 AM Space Giraffe? FRUIT FUCKER CUNT, CUNT HORSE SMEGMA Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Yegolev on January 04, 2008, 08:19:57 AM It gave you epilepsy, too?
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: schild on January 04, 2008, 08:28:18 AM It gave you epilepsy, too? (http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/5305/sg5xd3.jpg) I can't believe I remembered what it said. First released screenshot. Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Yegolev on January 04, 2008, 08:36:45 AM MY EYES!
Also: good one, I hadn't seen that. Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: NiX on January 04, 2008, 11:37:21 AM Wait, WTF? That's in a game?
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Rendakor on January 04, 2008, 11:53:02 AM That image just divided by 0, oh shi-
Think they'll give us free credit, or just a worthless game for free? (Round 2 posting here, from a computer this time so no new/reply thread!) Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Moosehands on January 04, 2008, 11:59:29 AM Looks more like "fluff" than "fruit" to me. Which makes even less sense.
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: schild on January 04, 2008, 12:00:22 PM I meant fluff. Damn.
Sigh. Whatever. Still, that game is weird. And whathisname is even more weirder. Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Jain Zar on January 04, 2008, 03:36:15 PM I expect it, like all of their giveaways to be bad. Carcasonne was better than I ever expected them to give and that was pretty recent. So... yea. I would take Pac-Man CE. What? It's Pac Man! Pac Man CE is worth buying PERIOD. Its possibly the best version of Pac Man ever made. Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Tairnyn on January 04, 2008, 03:42:05 PM If they give away a specific game then everyone who has purchased it already will be pretty ornery, I'm sure.
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Velorath on January 04, 2008, 03:44:40 PM If they give away a specific game then everyone who has purchased it already will be pretty ornery, I'm sure. Unless it ends up being something they release the day they announce the details. Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: sidereal on January 04, 2008, 03:46:48 PM A specific game is the only way I can think they'd be able to do it. Otherwise, how would they manage the logistics? Would you get some kind of coupon in your live account that sits next to your points? Does every one of 50 different Desktop screens have to be updated to show whether or not you have a coupon? Does the whole backend have to be updated to manage coupons? Doubt it. My guess is they'll either just give out free points to everyone (like 800 or so. . whatever the average is for a live game) or pick a specific game they're about to launch (so no one could have already bought it).
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Strazos on January 04, 2008, 04:51:13 PM I had no problems, so this sounds good to me.
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Tairnyn on January 04, 2008, 04:52:04 PM While some sort of flag that makes your first XBox Original game free would be pretty nice I'd have to guess that they'll choose something small to avoid hosing the servers when the rush to download the new game hits. Considering they probably don't want to shell out the bucks to buy out a third party game they'll probably spend 2 weeks making some crappy mini game to appease the masses.
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Azazel on January 04, 2008, 05:35:28 PM I'd expect it to be either 400 points for free or a "new" low, low-end arcade game.
Expecting an XBox Original for free? That way lies only disappointment and ruin. And the lamentations of de wimmin. Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Lantien on January 06, 2008, 12:32:44 AM Any suggestions on a good XBox Live Arcade title? Off the top of my head, I'm leaning towards Bomberman, although honestly with the exception of Street Fighter, I don't think I've played any of the other games arcade or otherwise extensively/at all. I got Carcassonne and Puzzle Fighter, for what it's worth...
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: schild on January 06, 2008, 12:51:25 AM Pac-Man.
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Yegolev on January 06, 2008, 06:21:29 AM Symphony of the Night, if you really haven't played it.
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Azazel on January 06, 2008, 06:32:34 PM What's the deal with all the pac-man CE love?
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Jain Zar on January 06, 2008, 11:21:39 PM What's the deal with all the pac-man CE love? Its completely fucking awesome? Hearing about it does nothing. Playing the demo shows how cool it really is. If you like Pac Man, its Pac Man perfected in a tournament style design. Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Lantien on January 07, 2008, 01:26:29 AM looking at SOTN, because yeah, I never played it before at all. Although I tend to gravitate more towards games with mindless replay value.
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Bunk on January 07, 2008, 06:45:36 AM Any suggestions on a good XBox Live Arcade title? Off the top of my head, I'm leaning towards Bomberman, although honestly with the exception of Street Fighter, I don't think I've played any of the other games arcade or otherwise extensively/at all. I got Carcassonne and Puzzle Fighter, for what it's worth... Catan? Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Slayerik on January 07, 2008, 07:19:13 AM I was at my friends house, I couldn't believe how poor XBox live was. He could not get in a game of COD4 for the life of him.
I went home and instantly fragged the hell outta some people when I got home. And I got to choose my own server!!! YES! PC > XBox Live Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Yegolev on January 07, 2008, 07:51:48 AM looking at SOTN, because yeah, I never played it before at all. Although I tend to gravitate more towards games with mindless replay value. You will probably like SotN. Murder innumerable monsters for rare drops, become a demigod. Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Azazel on January 07, 2008, 08:50:50 AM I was at my friends house, I couldn't believe how poor XBox live was. He could not get in a game of COD4 for the life of him. I went home and instantly fragged the hell outta some people when I got home. And I got to choose my own server!!! YES! PC > XBox Live XBox Live arcade, which is what we're talking about here, is an entirely different beast to what you're talking about. Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Strazos on January 07, 2008, 04:39:41 PM No, CoD4 service has been complete shit as of late. COMPLETE. You get into a lobby, the game goes to start, and you're booted out.
Or sometimes, you actually get a game in, but the lobby closes right afterwards, starting the join-and-hope process anew. Also, bad lag in some games does not help at all. Just makes me realize how much I wish I could reasonably run this on my old rig. All people do in the 360 version is spray-and-pray (mostly) and nade spam. Fucking talentless nade spam. Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Jain Zar on January 07, 2008, 04:48:33 PM Im coming to see that XBox Live Gold isn't worth crap. Every game I want to play online (Arcade games) seems to have asstastic netcode.
Even more sad? I was playing some Aliens vs Predator 2 before bedtime, getting under 70 ping, and generally coming in 1st or 2nd place. (I kick ass as the marine. Smart gun that hardly gets to autotrack at range, SADAR close in or when Predators come for my head. WE GO TO HELL TOGETHER YOU YATUJA BITCHES!!) Smooth as silk, solid, and suprisingly low asshattery. Bomberman doesn't even play all that hot online. FUCKING BOMBERMAN. Plus less racial, homophobic, and antisemitic slurs. I gotta make sure I cancel my Gold account before it re ups. Its not worth 50 bucks a year. Shit, its not worth 5. Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: WayAbvPar on January 07, 2008, 04:55:01 PM Quote All people do in the 360 version is spray-and-pray (mostly) and nade spam. Fucking talentless nade spam. That is what you get from thumbaimers! :drill: Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Strazos on January 07, 2008, 04:58:08 PM No way, I can actually aim.
Also, not exactly a Xbox knock...but I sometimes really hate the random spawn point system in this type of game. Being taken unawares by a freshly-spawned guy is really annoying. Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Fabricated on January 07, 2008, 10:26:46 PM I avoided this situation by
-Being bored by the PC version of Call of Duty 4's multiplayer after 3 hours and never trying it again and -Being stubborn about waiting for a 360 revision that doesn't Red-Ring. Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Slayerik on January 08, 2008, 06:08:06 PM I avoided this situation by -Being bored by the PC version of Call of Duty 4's multiplayer after 3 hours and never trying it again and -Being stubborn about waiting for a 360 revision that doesn't Red-Ring. Wow, 3 hours? Im doubting you could even give the different modes a fair shake in that time...but hey, to each is own. Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Azazel on January 08, 2008, 06:42:44 PM In fairness, if you're being bored by something, I think giving it three hours is more than a fair shake. It's not like one mode would suddenly give him orgasms.
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Fabricated on January 08, 2008, 07:36:05 PM I was an avid player of Call of Duty 1 and 2. I dislike pretty much every map in CoD4, and the level system doesn't really interest me. I missed the bandwagon on the game and I'm sure by now it has fallen into the trap the first 2 games fell into where every server runs 50 megs of stupid server "realism" scripts that make you start with half a clip of bullets, run at 1/4th speed, and makes the guns unable to hit anything at point-blank without the iron sights up.
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Azazel on January 08, 2008, 08:02:42 PM Also, not exactly a Xbox knock...but I sometimes really hate the random spawn point system in this type of game. Being taken unawares by a freshly-spawned guy is really annoying. That happens constantly on the PC as well. Fab, I don't think this game needs realism scripts to get that effect. Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Fabricated on January 08, 2008, 08:49:05 PM Also, not exactly a Xbox knock...but I sometimes really hate the random spawn point system in this type of game. Being taken unawares by a freshly-spawned guy is really annoying. That happens constantly on the PC as well. Fab, I don't think this game needs realism scripts to get that effect. Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Slayerik on January 09, 2008, 08:32:55 AM Also, not exactly a Xbox knock...but I sometimes really hate the random spawn point system in this type of game. Being taken unawares by a freshly-spawned guy is really annoying. That happens constantly on the PC as well. Fab, I don't think this game needs realism scripts to get that effect. I find the PC version does an exceptional job of NOT having fuckwads spawn behind you, I am mostly experienced in the Team Deathmatch and HQ variations though. The spawn points seem to ebb and flow with where the bulk of your team is. I think it is very well done personally. It is extremely rare when I get one of those spawns, so I know it doesn't happen much for others as well. Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Azazel on January 09, 2008, 06:21:26 PM In the FFA game type it's common. TDM and other modes isn't such a problem, but the way Strazos wrote his post sounded like FFA mode.
So anyway, when is MS going to announce this free game? Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Strazos on January 09, 2008, 07:32:47 PM Actually, I refuse to play FFA. I mostly stick with TDM and HQ. Also, Domination, which is where it was happening the most.
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Slayerik on January 10, 2008, 06:00:19 AM Yeah the first (and last ) FFA I played I noticed the high score guy just sat and camped spawn points. Real skillful, guy!
Anyways, sorry about the COD4 derail. Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Bunk on January 10, 2008, 08:45:36 AM Like what the fuck, I jump in here to find out about the free shwag I'm getting for "All those issues I had over the holidays" (while I was out of town and no where near my 360), and all I see is a page long debate about a shooter I don't own. On topic people, jeeze.
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: NiX on January 10, 2008, 09:45:08 AM They all have ADHD. You're better off watching Major Nelson for an update on this one.
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Slayerik on January 10, 2008, 01:25:16 PM Like what the fuck, I jump in here to find out about the free shwag I'm getting for "All those issues I had over the holidays" (while I was out of town and no where near my 360), and all I see is a page long debate about a shooter I don't own. On topic people, jeeze. Obviously there isn't much else to say about lame ass XBL service that hasn't been said. Good luck chum! Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Velorath on January 10, 2008, 01:34:32 PM Like what the fuck, I jump in here to find out about the free shwag I'm getting for "All those issues I had over the holidays" (while I was out of town and no where near my 360), and all I see is a page long debate about a shooter I don't own. On topic people, jeeze. The only time frame MS has given us for when they'll release the details of the offer is "in the coming weeks". Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: sidereal on January 18, 2008, 01:20:35 PM If they give away a specific game then everyone who has purchased it already will be pretty ornery, I'm sure. Winner! http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/50821 Quote According to Microsoft's Gamerscore Blog, the peace offering will come in the form of Chair Entertainment's side scrolling shooter Undertow. The title will be available for free to all Xbox Live members from 2AM PST on Wedenesday, January 23 until 11:59PM PST on Sunday, January 27. "If you have already purchased the game, you can contact support and they will take care of you," wrote Xbox Live programming director Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb. Xbox customer support can be reached by calling 1-800-4MY-XBOX. Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Yegolev on January 18, 2008, 01:22:58 PM Weak.
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Tairnyn on January 18, 2008, 01:48:48 PM I suppose they could've picked a (much) worse game, but weak indeed.
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: NiX on January 19, 2008, 07:37:00 AM The worst part is the service is still in bad condition. I haven't seen this much lag in games for a long time.
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Moaner on January 19, 2008, 07:39:21 AM Bah! The Undertow demo seemed very good IMO but I didn't buy it because there is no one to play online with. Now, I'm assuming there will be. Works for me.
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: schild on January 19, 2008, 07:40:43 AM Bah! The Undertow demo seemed very good IMO but I didn't buy it because there is no one to play online with. Now, I'm assuming there will be. Works for me. Do you realize the irony in that statement? Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Moaner on January 19, 2008, 07:50:54 AM Do you realize the irony in that statement? Haha. No, to be honest I didn't when I posted it. :lol: I honestly think the game was overlooked because of the holiday season though. It seems to have gotten favorable reviews and my impressions were quite positive as I said. Do I think it's the best choice? Not by a long stretch. I'd much rather see them give away Ikaruga. But, I'm not going to complain too much as I really wasn't affected by the downtime. Had I been sitting around for 2 weeks trying to play CoD4 I might feel otherwise. Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Jain Zar on January 19, 2008, 01:47:44 PM I'd rather get Speedball 2 or Sensible Soccer. A game I ACTUALLY WANT.
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Azazel on January 19, 2008, 05:25:42 PM They're cheap. If there are XBLA games you really want, like, a lot. They're cheap enough to buy in small increments.
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: schild on January 19, 2008, 05:48:28 PM I'd rather get Speedball 2 or Sensible Soccer. A game I ACTUALLY WANT. Yes, they should've let us pick. But giving people Sensible Soccer or Speedball would've been a slap in the face to most gamers. Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Azazel on January 19, 2008, 05:51:42 PM I'd have been happier with 400 live points. But I think that's a foregone conclusion.
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: schild on January 19, 2008, 05:52:42 PM I'd have been happier with 400 live points. But I think that's a foregone conclusion. Yup. Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Jain Zar on January 20, 2008, 01:33:54 PM I'd rather get Speedball 2 or Sensible Soccer. A game I ACTUALLY WANT. Yes, they should've let us pick. But giving people Sensible Soccer or Speedball would've been a slap in the face to most gamers. So most gamers hate good videogames? IT EXPLAINS SO MUCH! Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Rasix on January 20, 2008, 01:37:39 PM So most gamers hate good videogames? IT EXPLAINS SO MUCH! Do you realize how big of an opening you've just given him? :grin: Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: schild on January 20, 2008, 08:37:29 PM Nah, that's way too easy.
Title: Re: Microsoft to offer Live users 1 free downloadable game... Post by: Yegolev on January 21, 2008, 09:20:13 AM Sigh. I never get tired of it. Maybe next time you can do a better job of goading schild into an extended monologue.
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