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Microsoft Studios

Microsoft’s Phil Spencer praises Sony and Nintendo

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As the corporate VP of Microsoft Studios, Phil Spencer’s job is to help make Microsoft’s in-house projects the most killer-app software available for any platform. As such, he pays …
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State of Decay: Breakdown review (XBLA DLC)
10 years ago

State of Decay: Breakdown review (XBLA DLC)

The State of Decay: Breakdown downloadable content for State of Decay was developed by Undead Labs and published by Microsoft Studios. It was released November 29, 2012, on the Xbox 360 for $6.99. A copy was provided for review purpose.

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As Undead Labs’ first dose of downloadable content for the infectious zombie-apocalypse simulator State of Decay, State of Decay: Breakdown is more companion piece than linear expansion. It sidesteps the plot progression of the original, offering instead the chance to drop into the heart of Trumbull Valley to scavenge, fortify and eventually escape, with no strings attached. Breakdown is the missing piece of Labs’ initial equation: an endless nightmarish wasteland that ramps up the difficulty with every hard-earned departure, for as long as you can take it.

To facilitate this grim cycle of survival, you’re issued a random survivor and a broken down recreational vehicle that’s lurched to a halt at one of several random locations around the valley. Your immediate concern is a defensible shelter, where you’ll foster a community while you search for a new RV and the necessary materials to get it up and running. When you accomplish this goal and take flight from the toxic gash that’s become Trumbull Valley – that’s when Breakdown really begins.

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Killer Instinct pricing scheme detailed
10 years ago

Killer Instinct pricing scheme detailed

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When Killer Instinct was first announced at E3, XBLAfans thought that the pricing model was innovative, allowing for a large install base with a single rotating character for casual players, while introducing a customizable experience for fighting game vets. However, the overall pricing model was a bit confusing for some gamers, so Microsoft recently revealed the pricing structure using a simple chart:

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Best of the rest: Iron Brigade
10 years ago

Best of the rest: Iron Brigade

By  •  Features

Last week, XBLAFans ran down the 25 best XBLA games to be released on the Xbox 360. This week, some of the games that didn’t make the cut get …
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Best of the rest: Perfect Dark HD
10 years ago

Best of the rest: Perfect Dark HD

By  •  Features

Last week, XBLAFans ran down the 25 best XBLA games to be released on the Xbox 360. This week, some of the games that didn’t make the cut get …
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Ascend: Hand of Kul review (XBLA)
10 years ago

Ascend: Hand of Kul review (XBLA)

Ascend: Hand of Kul was developed by Signal Studios and published by Microsoft Studios. It was released into public beta on September 25, 2013, free of charge. This review was conducted over a two-week period.

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There’s a grim stigma attached to the free-to-play moniker that seemingly paints any game foolish enough to hoist its colors as a second-class citizen. That sentiment might have carried degrees of credibility in the past, but a new wave of free-to-play titles have begun to surge, eroding away the lingering stain on the distribution model. Spearheading that effort on Xbox Live, Signal Studios’ action-RPG Ascend: Hand of Kul doesn’t so much prove that free-to-play games can be great, but that great games can be free-to-play.

You begin Ascend: Hand of Kul as a Caos, a newborn thirty-foot humanoid, crafted to serve one of the three new gods that have awoken to challenge the rule of the Titan. You’ll bind yourself to one of these deities, championing their cause and gaining powers associated with their alignment as you gain influence and convert the will of the people. You’ll battle other Caos and countless monstrosities, always pushing further toward the endgame – where allegiances are fickle and the real goal is the pursuit of your own power.

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Happy Wars kicks off first anniversary with ‘Wartober’
10 years ago

Happy Wars kicks off first anniversary with ‘Wartober’

Xbox Live Arcade’s first free-to-play offering, Happy Wars, turns one-year old this week and developer Toylogic is celebrating all month long. The latest in a constant rotation of events, “Wartober” …
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State of Decay ‘Breakdown’ DLC literally never gets easier
10 years ago

State of Decay ‘Breakdown’ DLC literally never gets easier

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Undead Labs, the development team behind the smash Xbox Live Arcade zombie-apocalypse simulator State of Decay, has detailed what to expect when Breakdown hits Trumbull Valley later this month. Breakdown is Labs’ first …
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Minecraft Title Update, Texture Pack now live; new Skin Pack coming
10 years ago

Minecraft Title Update, Texture Pack now live; new Skin Pack coming

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Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition‘s unending stream of updates and downloadable content keeps on flowing, as Title Update 13 and the first original texture pack are now available for consumption. We previously documented the newest title update to make landfall on Minecraft‘s blocky shores, which doesn’t add any new features, but fixes a slew of issues.

The Plastic Texture Pack, 4J Studios’ debut offering of the many original texture packs to come, swaps out the default pixelated aesthetic for vibrant, smooth surfaces. A free trial version can be downloaded to test drive the new look before you buy, but the pack itself can be had for a modest $1/$£0.65/€0.95.

Finally, a sequel to popular Battle and Beasts Skin Pack will make its way to the in-game store this Wednesday, October 9. Aptly dubbed the Battle and Beasts Skin Pack 2, the downloadable collection hosts a ton of new wardrobes from historical warriors and the pelts of many fine animals with which you can transform your teal-shirted protagonist. Microsoft Studios confirmed the pack will run $1.99/€1.89/£1.29, and provided a sampling of screenshots to influence your purchasing power – check out the gallery after the jump.

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State of Decay tops one million downloads

Undead Labs have announced that State of Decay has now reached one million players. The figure includes both Xbox Live Arcade downloads and the Steam Early Access release on …
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