---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

UT 2007 renamed, 360-bound

Epic Games' once-PC-and-PS3-exclusive shooter is now headed to Microsoft's new console with a slightly tweaked title, Unreal Tournament III.

By Tor Thorsen, GameSpot
Posted Jan 26, 2007 4:01 pm PT

LAS VEGAS--For a while, it appeared that Epic Games had appeased both Sony and Microsoft with console exclusives. One year after it had teased audiences with some unidentified footage at the 2005 Electronic Entertainment Expo, the developer announced it was bringing Unreal Tournament 2007 to the PlayStation 3 as well as the PC. Given the legendary stature of the Unreal series, that news appeared to trump Epic's deal with Microsoft to bring an all-new game, Gears of War, exclusively to the Xbox 360.

Now, it appears Epic has had a change of heart. Thursday night at the 2007 Midway Gamers' Day at the Hard Rock Casino, Epic vice president Mark Rein swaggered onto the stage to announce two things. First, that Unreal Tournament 2007 will henceforth be known as Unreal Tournament III. "The new name is to reflect the fact that this game is the next generation of the Unreal series, based on the Unreal Engine 3," said Rein, brimming with confidence.

Then Rein dropped a bombshell, announcing that Unreal Tournament III will also arrive on the Xbox 360 when it hits stores later this year. "The 360 is a platform that we've had a little bit of success on," joked Rein, referencing Gears' record-setting sales. As of last week, Gears of War had sold 3 million units worldwide, making it the fastest-selling Xbox 360 game of all time.

---

---

---

---

Midway fighting World War II on 360

Publisher is prepping Hour of Victory, a new Xbox 360-exclusive, Unreal 3-based shooter, for a summer release.

By Tor Thorsen, GameSpot
Posted Jan 26, 2007 4:00 pm PT

LAS VEGAS--Traditional opinion is that World War II lasted just under six years, from the German invasion of Poland in September 1939 to the Japanese surrender in August 1945. Some historians think that WWII actually started in 1937, when the Japanese invaded China and started a brutal eight-year campaign in Asia.

In the game industry, though, World War II is never-ending. Each year, Activision's Call of Duty, Electronic Arts' Medal of Honor, and Ubisoft's Brothers in Arms--among others--resurrect the epic conflict. Today, Midway announced that it, too, is getting into the WWII game with Hour of Victory, a new shooter in development exclusively for the Xbox 360. The game is not yet rated or priced but is slated to go on sale this summer.

Hour of Victory uses the Unreal Engine 3.0, the same tech framework behind Gears of War and the recently renamed Unreal Tournament III. It features a series of battles from the European and North African theaters, which saw the Americans and the British take on the Germans and the Italians. Players can play each level as one of three characters: a stealthy cover operative, an American sniper, or a British commando fond of frontal assaults. Players will also be able to seize control of and drive any vehicle on the battlefield.

Executive Producer Mark Caldwell said Hour of Victory's more-character-driven, "big sandbox" approach and emphasis on adventure set it apart from other WWII shooters. "It's an Indiana Jones approach, versus a Saving Private Ryan approach," he said.

For more information on Hour of Victory, check out GameSpot's exclusive hands-on preview from the 2007 Midway Gamers' Day.

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

Rewards coming for Xbox 360 Achievements?
Source: Xbox fan site Unscripted 360, which picked up on a "partially torn document."

The official story: Microsoft rep--"We have nothing to say about these rumors or speculation."

What we heard: One of the more surprising innovations from Microsoft's Xbox 360 was the incorporation of Achievement Points into gameplay. By accomplishing certain tasks in Xbox 360 games, players are awarded points which are amassed into a personal GamerScore which spans all Xbox 360 games. The phenomenon has created "Achievement Point Whores," friendly competition, a cash-for-points business, and a cutthroat race to the top of the leaderboards.

However, when all is said and done, Achievement Points really amount to nothing but bragging rights among the geek elite. That's all about to change, if a post from Xbox 360 fan site Unscripted 360 is correct.

The Web site claims to have gotten a hold of "a partially torn document" that gives info an upcoming Achievements-for-Rewards program. According to the blog post, Microsoft has teamed up with some sponsors that would give a limited amount of real-world prizes for in-game goals. The program will be free, only require registration, and launch next month, according to the blog.

As far as credibility, the owner of the blog, who goes by the name DeaconBlade 360, is an Xbox Ambassador and was awarded the Microsoft MVP Award for 2007 in the Xbox category. He also adds a bit of drama to the post, saying "I, along with a few others, are (sic) risking quite a bit bringing this explosive story to you!"

Microsoft isn't saying much about the program, but did give a hint that they are at least thinking about it. "We have nothing to say about these rumors or speculation," a Microsoft representative told GameSpot. "However, what we can tell you is that Xbox is always exploring ideas for how we can reward our loyal customers. As soon as we have anything new to share, we will definitely let you know.”

With the success of Achievement Points catching many off guard, it wouldn't be surprising if Microsoft was looking to cash in on them somehow, and a rewards program makes perfect sense. By signing on sponsors looking to tap the gamer demographic, Microsoft could find another easy source of income for little investment. The only question that remains is "What kind of shwag are we talking about for prizes?"

Bogus or not bogus?: Sounds not bogus, but definitely not confirmed...yet.

---

---

---