Luxor 2 on XBLM tomorrow

Luxor 2 is hitting the Marketplace tomorrow (Wednesday, 4/4/07). Here’s the description:

Set, the Egyptian god of chaos, again threatens the Two Lands, and you must save Ancient Egypt from his terrible wrath in Luxor 2. Wielding the powers of Isis, battle your way across Egypt. Use your mystical winged scarab to shoot magical spheres and destroy encroaching colored spheres by making matches of three or more. Stop them all before they can reach the pyramids.

So how is this different from Luxor (1)? Well, you get 88 new levels, some new powerups, etc. Basically, Luxor fans needs only apply. This one will set you back 800 points (roughly $10).

Gears of War update – glitches fixed, new gametype!

A title update for Gears of War is currently undergoing the certification process. The update promises to fix many bugs and glitches, as well as add a whole new multiplayer gametype, named “Annex.” Regarding the new gametype, Mark Reins only had this to say:

Some folks who got to play it a few weeks ago said they think it is our best multiplayer gametype yet but I’ll leave it for you fans to decide what you think for yourself when it shows up soon on Xbox Live. More details next week.

The update will also provide “720p for VGA users running at 1280×1024″ and “a whole bunch” of glitch fixes. I’ll keep you posted when new details arrive.

Via Mark Rein on Epic forums

New Halo 2 maps – details and screenshots

From the press release:

Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios today confirmed the upcoming release of two new, eagerly awaited downloadable maps for “Halo® 2.” The maps will be available as premium downloadable content for Xbox® and Xbox 360™ on April 17.

Fans of the original “Halo” have long requested the addition of some of their favorite maps to the critically acclaimed multiplayer experience of “Halo 2.” These re-creations, developed by Bungie and Certain Affinity Inc., are a perfect way to thank fans for their support as they surpass 800 million hours of “Halo 2” gaming on Xbox LIVE®.

The two maps will bring new life to ancient battlefields and legendary skirmishes, as both are new, improved and redesigned remakes of fan favorites from the original “Halo: Combat Evolved.” For the price of $4 for the pair, these maps bring a fresh burst of action to the seminal “Halo 2” online multiplayer experience. Both of the maps will be available through the “Halo 2” in-game content downloader for both Xbox and Xbox 360.*

The king of “Halo” maps has returned at last. Hang ’Em High, arguably the most popular multiplayer map for the original title, has been reimagined for “Halo 2” as Tombstone, with all-new graphics, features and a few hidden surprises. Now fans will enjoy the dangerous catwalks and trenches that made this the most requested “Halo” multiplayer map ever, with a modernized “Halo 2” flavor.

The second map, Desolation, is a symmetrical, Deathmatch-oriented map and a beautiful remake of the original Derelict. With new graphics and effects and a massive gameplay overhaul, the old favorite is now faster-paced and more balanced than ever — perfect for intense “Halo 2” combat.

EBgames.com lists Halo 3 Xbox Live card

EBgames.com is listing a Halo 3 branded Xbox Live 12 Month Gold Card (pictured left), with a release date of 4/20/07. Is this part of the Halo 3 hype train, or will this specially marked card include an invite to the Halo 3 beta? It’s pure speculation, but it seems like a good way to move Live subscriptions, and there aren’t many other reasons to sell a special Live card. Could the 4/20/07 release coincide with the Beta release?

We want answers!

The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles out on XBLM

Shivering Isles is now available for download on the Marketplace. It weighs in at nearly a gig, and costs a hefty 2400 MS points, but the promised 30 hours of new gameplay seems worth it. Here is info from the official press release:

Shivering Isles features more than 30 hours of new gameplay and allows you to explore an entirely new plane of Oblivion – the realm of Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of Madness. Shivering Isles adds to the existing world of Oblivion so you can continue playing with your existing save game/character, or create an all new character just to explore the new content.

[...]

The Shivering Isles features a bizarre landscape split between the two sides – Mania and Dementia –filled with vast, twisting dungeons mirroring the roots of the trees they are buried within. You’ll encounter more than a dozen new creatures including hideous insects, Flesh Atronachs, skeletal Shambles, amphibious Grummites. Throughout your adventure, you will discover all new items, ingredients, spells, and more, and have the talented craftsmen of Crucible and Bliss forge new armor and weapons just for you.

More details and screenshots here.

Xbox Live down for maintenance next week

Next Tuesday, the 27th, Xbox Live will be undergoing maintenance and be down for *gasp* 14 hours! Before you pull out all your hair, rest assured the down time will be from midnight to 2pm (PST), so it shouldn’t effect your gaming mojo too much. If you really are that pressed for a life, Xbox.com has a convenient list of the top ten things to do on March 27th. Number 9 is my favorite.

Also note, this is just routine maintenance. No updates or fancy business.

via Major Nelson.