At PokerXbox , we would like to keep you informed with the latest Xbox news. Below you will find a couple of interesting Xbox articles.

World Series of Poker Preview

f you're looking for an entertaining and solid poker title, World Series of Poker looks worth anteing up for.

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I usually don't find myself playing cards that often. Whenever I hit Las Vegas, I'll prefer something of a more high-tech nature for my entertainment. You see, years ago, I decided to give high-rolling a try, and while I found the rush of excitement to my liking, I wasn't too appreciative of the financial downfall I took. So it kind of swore me off really taking money and putting it where my mouth was in terms of gambling. However, I admit, I've taken a bit of fascination to the growing sport of Texas Hold 'Em Poker. It's a variation on poker where the player holds two cards, and, in dramatic fashion, five cards are laid on the table, and the best-of-five come into play. The highest hand takes the pot after the build-up is complete, and then it's on to the next hand. It's simple in how it's built, but it's how it's executed where the flair comes in. Cocky players, newcomers, they all come in and play their way, and it's become so big that we see poker tournaments and such on TV all the time.

Now we'll see a wide variety of Texas Hold 'Em Poker-based video games coming our way, from Stacked! to Golden Nugget to the first title down the line, World Series of Poker from Activision. It's licensed on the TV show of the same name, focusing on high-risk players who enter a game and then place their bets accordingly depending on their hands. The difference this time, of course, is that you can only see your hand in play as the cards come down, and it's a matter of judgment calls in how to hold 'em and how to fold 'em. The computer opponents can be wily, though- maybe a bit too much for their own good.

That's one thing that really bugged me about World Series of Poker, the little things that the computer does so well over you. Granted, I can understand that Left Field wanted to implement some challenge in a poker game, but it's ridiculous how you have a hand built up so high, they re-raise on you, and next thing you know, you're all in and get shut down by a seedy higher hand by some Texan lady or high-attitude player. Their behavior in terms of raising and folding seems to be on the down side a little bit. It's never really to the point that it distracts you entirely from play, but it can really shoot you down in a moment's notice- especially in a tournament where all you want to do is build through your ranks.

Past that, the only other real annoyance I had with the game was its presentation. It wasn't anything miserable, mind you, but there were times it looks like a few corners were cut with character designs and quotes from the players. They don't randomize enough, saying things too often like "You better be careful, I'm gonna call you sooner or later" over and over. However, it's a mild issue. The fact that randomly generated players come in is a nice touch, and change up all the time so you don't read a person too easily. The presentation leans a little on the side of the TV show, complete with camera cutaways, dealer actions, reactions from the players (good and bad, courtesy of a neat little picture-within-a-picture display), and a ticker that tells you who the high table winner is and who leaves. Lon McEachern lends his talents to the game, speaking mildly and giving the occasional praise or criticism, but there's no sign of Norman Chad. He's been replaced by some schlub who isn't too bothersome, but you know it's not Chad. Ahh, well.

Where World Series of Poker is bound to win you over is with its options, which is almost like a treasure chest to hardcore poker players. First off, you're given the ability to build your own player, which actually has a comedic effect to it. You can just go ahead and build yourself, or really invent a personality of sorts. Mine is a Larry the Cable Guy-like dude who has a way with the ladies. Well, okay, there's no ladies to have the way with, but if there were, he'd rule. The options are pretty wide open for creation, and it's surprising to find it in a game such as this.

There's also the ability to create your own custom tournament, choosing the type of players you play against as well as subtleties. It's an enjoyable quirk that I'm sure poker faces everywhere will want to delve into. For those a bit lazier than that who just want to play, you can instantly start up a Texas Hold 'Em match or take part in a number of events in Career Mode, where you attempt to build your great poker legacy (or, of course, lose and end up in 1,761th place). Everything from the Tokyo Showdown to the High Roller Challenge is included for your pleasure, and the fact you can choose from so many is good.

The gameplay is nothing scientific. It's Texas Hold 'Em Poker, plain and simple. There are some tactics that come into play, allowing you to "bet all", "fold", "check", and even raise if you think your full house rules everything, and the interface is very easy to get into. Playing against the computer opponents can get tiresome, however, so it's nice that you have the option to play against multiple players either with System Link or online via Xbox Live. It's great to see Activision open the door to online possibilities and not just keep everything in a contained house.

World Series of Poker isn't going to set your world on fire. It's got a mostly generic presentation that lacks any sort of keen current generation polish, and there are times that computer opponents can just be ridiculous with their tactics and taunts. However, thanks to the additions in creativity and the options to play against others in the same living room or online, it still delivers greatly. And it's only $30 on the wallet, which is definitely a safe bet considering that you can easily drop $10,000 in a single hand. This option doesn't look so bad after all.



by Robert Workman

Xbox 360 the star of entertainment expo

Poker superstar Howard Lederer ponders whether to call a raise from his opponent, while Phil "The Brat" Helmuth is taking all Texas Hold-Em comers over at another table.

Oh, and over there, Microsoft is introducing the next generation of home gaming.

Poker wasn't just the hottest trend in video games at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles recently. It was also an apt parallel to the high-stakes poker game taking place between Microsoft, which unveiled the next-generation console dubbed Xbox 360, and Sony Entertainment, which is waiting in the wings to deliver the Playstation 3.

But once the initial excitement of the new Xbox wore off, this year's E3 was lackluster at best, as software developers seem content waiting for the next generation consoles to unveil the next wave of great games and use this year to promote simple and marketable titles with big name celebrities.

Microsoft Xbox 360

The console combines the power of a top-of-the-line desktop PC with the design and capabilities of a state-of-the-art home entertainment unit. It's no mistake that the Xbox 360 works well with Microsoft's home-entertainment-friendly Media Center PC platform, which has floundered in its first two years of availability.

New online communities through the Xbox 360 encourage the integration of video and music in not only gaming but in specialized commerce.

How such communities will bear out in reality remains to be seen. But Xbox 360's power as a machine was left without doubt at E3.

At the core of the Xbox 360 is a group of processors running at 3.2 Ghz each. Most PC's on the market today would be happy to have one processor at that speed. Throw in the 360's built-in wireless networking, USB 2.0 ports and a Microsoft mandate that game designers create titles capable of video output of at least 780p high-definition quality and it's clear to see why so many fans and software developers were drooling.

Early titles on display at the show were heavily patrolled by security guards preventing picture and video taking. But the few titles shown for the 360's initial release prove that the idea is to take games to the level of cinema.

Activision's "Call of Duty 2" is a first-person shooter set in World War II. The game play at E3 featured a level where the player and a team of Allied troops storm Normandy. The Xbox's already stellar 5.1 Dolby Digital Sound combined with the 360's new graphic capabilities created an experience that seemed to place players right in the middle of "Saving Private Ryan."

From photo realistic car games to anatomically startling sports titles, Microsoft has definitely set the bar high for Sony. If the Playstation is to continue its dominance at the next-generation gaming table, Sony will have to have some great cards to call Microsoft's raise.

Sony Playstation

And while many software companies anxiously promoted 2006 and some 2007 games for PS3, it was clear that Xbox 360 was the star of the show.

Many Sony software developers said that they have yet to see many of the titles that are slated for release next year for Playstation 3, suggesting it may not hit markets later than spring.

Instead, Sony went small, focusing on the continued growth of the handheld Playstation Portable (PSP).

The star of last year's E3, the PSP proves that while the living room might still be up for grabs, Sony has certainly proven to be the force in the personal entertainment field. This year's batch of games continue to take advantage of the PSP's wireless connectivity and even integrate game play with the Playstation 2 on games such as "Madden Football 2006" where games played on the handheld affect games on the Playstation 2. Of course, players must have two copies of the game.

That trend applies to many of the PSP games, proving that Sony sees the PSP not as a stand-alone gaming platform but as an accessory in a gamer's arsenal, which most likely includes the PS2.

Nintendo DS

From its release last year, the titles for the dual-screened system from the makers of the Game Boy have been whimsical and out of the ordinary. This year's slate continues that weirdness, headed by "Nintendogs," a simulator that lets players raise and train dogs through interaction with either the DS's stylus or touch-screen. But when it comes to the next-generation showdown, Nintendo is certainly the short stack at the poker table.

The success of the Game Cube has certainly been much smaller than their competitors at Microsoft and Sony. And while announcements have been made of a next-generation system dubbed "Revolution" under development, not much else has been announced.

But the family-friendly Nintendo has proven time and again that interesting and different titles will always find a market that doesn't always intersect with its competitors.

http://www.desertsunonline.com

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Microsoft aims next-gen Xbox beyond gamers

It's sleek, white and may change the way you use your living room.

At least that's the hope of Microsoft, which unveiled its new Xbox 360 console Thursday night on an MTV special. Scheduled for release this holiday season, the Xbox 360 will be the first of the next-generation consoles to hit stores, beating the PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Revolution which are expected out next year.

While the Xbox 360's massively beefed up specs promise improved gaming, Microsoft clearly hopes that the machine's other attributes will convince non-gamers to buy in.

The 360 will play both DVDs and music, and a peripheral camera allows for video chats with other Xbox users. It will also allow players to replace in-game music with their own favourites.

"We want to change the way people think about having fun, give people a new entertainment experience," says Xbox boss Robbie Bach.

With high-definition TV gradually creeping into homes, Microsoft sees the 360 as an ideal accompaniment, for example, allowing people to put on a family photo show on their big television rather than a small PC monitor.

The game controllers are wireless. Plus a remote will be included. The hard drive is detachable and upgradable.

There's no word on price yet, although Microsoft corporate vice-president J Allard says it will cost less than an IPod photo, which starts at $439 Cdn. The original Xbox, which has sold more than 20 million copies since its release in November 2001, currently retails for about $199 Cdn.

Microsoft has been tight-lipped about backward compatibility, saying at a recent roundtable in Redmond, Wash., for Canadian reporters that it was not ready to talk about that yet. That does not bode well.

Corporate vice-president Peter Moore did say production of the original console will continue, with accompanying game production expected into 2007.

The original Xbox also plays DVDs but a special accessory pack is needed. Microsoft promises a more seamless experience this time.

While the Xbox 360 is white, it can be customized with faceplates -- just like cellphones. That ability to customize is all part of appealing to what Xbox guru J Allard calls the Remix Generation whose mantra may soon become Pimp My Xbox.

While you can't surf the Net, the 360 is still big on connectivity, providing the user has broadband service. The controllers and 360 feature a so-called ring of light button that flashes an alert when a voice or video message comes in -- or a request to play from another gamer.

Xbox is also upgrading the information available on other gamers, including performance ratings and gamesmanship.

Microsoft is lifting the curtain on its Xbox Live online service, which currently has 1.5 million users worldwide. The Xbox 360 will offer two levels of online service -- the Cadillac model includes multiplayer online action while a streamlined version offers everything but online multiplayer.

The so-called Silver Club will allow users to access the Xbox Live marketplace, allowing them to buy new content for games as available. Free weekends will be held to induce people to upgrade their online service.

Gamers won't have to use credit cards to buy such material online. Pre-paid points cards, with codes that allow shopping, will be available in stores.

Microsoft promises strong parental controls on the 360, which will be handy given the addition of the camera to the system.

As for the games themselves, samples shown in Redmond looked promising.

Footage of basketball star LeBron James from an early version of NBA 2K6 by Visual Concepts of San Rafael, Calif., was especially eye-catching from the way the fabric moved on his clothes to the player's musculature and movements.

Ghost Recon 3, developed by Ubisoft's Montreal studio, also looked sharp.

"You're going to be right in the battle," said Moore.

The launch lineup will be a minimum 10, maximum 16 titles.

Microsoft has yet to make money on Xbox and says it will take a while to get into the black.

"As with any platform in the initial years, making a lot of money on the hardware is not part of the business plan," Moore said. "It's getting a strong installed base.

"Every platform when it launches has always been a loss-leader."

Microsoft's Home and Entertainment division, which covers Xbox, reported losses of $154 million US in the fiscal third quarter ending March 31.

Like other gaming companies, Xbox is looking to expand beyond hardcore gamers. Bach estimates video game penetration in North American households at 35 per cent, compared to 90-plus for other forms of entertainment.

His goal is to make games more accessible -- easier to play and to draw new players into the scene with the likes of social games such as Texas Hold Em Poker complete with video links.

In the words of Allard:

"It can't just be about gaming any more. Gaming is at the soul of everything we do with Xbox, just like the thing in my pocket is about making phone calls.

"But the thing in my pocket was purchased knowing that I wanted a colour screen and I wanted a camera and I needed to do text messaging on it as well ... I think it would be unwise for us to ship a video game console that didn't play movies or didn't play music, for example."

Allard knows the 360 inside and out, but even he isn't sure what it will bring to the table.

"We have the opportunity to enlist tens of millions of people to bring something to the party," he said. "Not just to experience it, not just slack-jawed drool on the controller, have the fun the way we intended them to have fun.

"Let's have them create the magic. I don't even know what it's going to look like."

Microsoft is already talking about a spectator side to gaming, allowing people to watch the best players in sponsored tournaments.

http://www.ctv.ca

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Become a Poker Champ, One Hand at a Time, with the Release of Chris Moneymaker's World Poker Championship from ValuSoft

Latest Release is Sequel to ValuSoft's Top Selling World Poker Championship Game

MINNEAPOLIS , Minn. -- (PRNewswire-FirstCall) -- ValuSoft, a division of THQ Inc., and a leading global publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and productivity software, today announced the release of Chris Moneymaker's World Poker Championship(TM). This high stakes PC poker game will be available at retailers throughout North America for $19.99 SRP.

"The passion for poker is sweeping the nation, and ValuSoft has been a leading publisher of poker on the PC with our top-selling World Poker Championship* game," said Scott Zerby, Vice President of ValuSoft. "Our newest poker game not only offers players a realistic, challenging game of poker, but now World Series of Poker(TM) champion Chris Moneymaker shares his personal poker tips and strategies for all skill levels, from novice to advanced."

Become a poker champ, one hand at time, with Chris Moneymaker's World Poker Championship(TM). Players can learn to play like a pro in with 'No Limit Texas Hold 'Em, 7 Card Stud, 5 Card Draw, and Omaha Hold 'Em.

Ten different exciting and exotic international casinos serve as the background, as players challenge their poker skills against real opponents via online games. Players win their way through the ranks against 20 tough computer opponents featuring advanced game Al. Then when it's time for the final round, players go head-to-head against the world champion to test their skills.

"Poker playing is fast, fun, and furious in my World Poker Championship(TM) PC game," said poker champion Chris Moneymaker. "In addition to playing a variety of poker games, players get an up close look at how to become a champ. This game is designed for all skill levels, whether players are just learning to shuffle the deck, or ready to sharpen their skills and go for the title of 'champion'."

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Myelin Media has released eleven new screenshots from its upcoming poker game, Stacked with Daniel Negreanu.

A Texas Hold 'em game that captures the spirit of the professional poker tour, Stacked apparently utilizes powerful artificial intelligence and a detailed tutorial system to deliver thrilling and realistic poker gameplay that helps players expand their game while they play.

The all-star lineup of poker talent in Stacked includes leading pros Josh Arieh, Jennifer Harman, Erick Lindgren, Carlos Mortensen, Evelyn Ng and David Williams in addition to Daniel Negreanu. Sharpening their game in the single player mode, players can then go online to test their skills in huge online tournaments or a casual game with friends. "STACKED" is coming to the PlayStation 2, Xbox, PSP and PC this summer.

http://www.xbox365.com

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Xbox and EA Present the FIFA Interactive World Cup

Xbox named the Official Licensed Video Game Console of 2006 FIFA World Cup™.

August 19, 2004, Leipzig, Germany—FIFA, Xbox®, and Electronic Arts are teaming up to bring a newly developed FIFA Competition, the FIFA Interactive World Cup, to soccer lovers around the world.

Additionally, Xbox will serve as the Official Licensed Video Game Console of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, which will be held from June to July in 2006 in stadiums across Germany . Xbox will work with FIFA to introduce specially branded retail offers celebrating the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Xbox and Electronic Arts will be the presenting partners of the FIFA Interactive World Cup, a new series of tournaments combining online and offline soccer action featuring EA’s FIFA Soccer 2005 on Xbox and Xbox Live™. Kicking off this year, the FIFA Interactive World Cup will travel to six continents from October to December in 2004, with the finals being played at the FIFA Player of the Year Gala in Zurich in December 2004.

Throughout the three-month tournament on Xbox Live, each heat will see players in the FIFA Interactive World Cup compete on EA’s FIFA Soccer 2005. Players will also enjoy participating in real-life soccer drills and tips-and-tricks sessions with international soccer experts in-between heats. Additionally, a host of guest appearances, prizes, and musical surprises are planned throughout the tour. More details on these events will be released later this year.

“We’re excited to be part of the 2006 FIFA World Cup,” said Corporate Vice President Mitch Koch, Microsoft Home Entertainment Division. “The world’s most popular sporting event is teaming with the world’s most powerful and exciting video game console to give fans a whole new reason to love [soccer]—and they can only experience it through Xbox Live. With the FIFA Interactive World Cup, we’re starting a new tradition of virtual [soccer] on Xbox and Xbox Live. Fans will truly understand why ‘it’s good to play together.’”

“This innovative project concept will enable us to exploit further opportunities to promote and develop the game of [soccer] at all levels worldwide,” said FIFA General Secretary Urs Linsi. “The FIFA Interactive World Cup will be launched just as FIFA steps into the second century of its existence and will give fans an additional reason to love [soccer]. The FIFA Interactive World Cup will herald a new tradition of [soccer] games and test [soccer] players’ virtual abilities in a completely new way. We are proud to pay tribute to a completely new category of [soccer] player at the next FIFA World Player Gala.”

“The FIFA Interactive World Cup is going to be the place for authentic, interactive play for [soccer] fans all over the world, and we’re pleased to be working with Xbox and FIFA to bring it to life,” said Vice President of Marketing and Sales Jan Bolz, EA Europe. “Our game enthusiasts asked us for a way to broaden the scope of their gaming challenge, and this event is for them, combining the excitement of FIFA Soccer 2005 from EA with Xbox Live support and real-world [soccer] tournaments to test their physical as well as virtual abilities in a completely new and interactive way.”

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The Stars Shine for Xbox

Did you know some of the biggest Halo and Xbox fans are part of the Hollywood crowd? From Justin Timberlake to Julia Roberts, the stars are aligned with Xbox and Halo, and they're not afraid to admit it. That's why Xbox created the Halo® 2 Council and Playaz Club last year.

Xbox Playaz Club
The Xbox Playaz Club is kind of like the American Express Black Card for VIP Xbox fans. The Xbox Playaz Club consists of the top 50 celebrities that are the most dedicated Xbox fans and has included such stars as Britney Spears, Charlize Theron, Hilary Duff, Jack Osbourne, Jimmy Fallon, John Mayer, Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg, and even adult-film star Jenna Jameson.

The initial Playaz Club Kit included 20 games, an Xbox console, an Xbox Live™ subscription, and an Xbox DVD kit. Members periodically receive new games and accessories and have the opportunity to call Xbox directly for all of their needs.

Halo 2 Council
This elite title is reserved for only the most religiously addicted Halo celeb gamers. The Halo 2 Council consists of seven hand-picked members: Aisha Tyler, Wilmer Valderrama, Linkin Park , Jeremy Shockey, Ben McKenzie, Incubus, and Hoobastank.

These celebrities have been given the opportunity of a lifetime: to take part in the making of Halo 2. Each council member has been offered VIP tours of Bungie Studios (to meet with game creators and developers), voice-over recording sessions for game integration, access to Halo 2 during the development process, and their very own personalized Halo 2 Pelican Case.

Halo 2 Pelican Case
This is the ultimate portable Halo 2 kit, and only seven exist in the entire world. Each kit contains an Xbox, a flat-screen HDTV, a pre-release copy of Halo 2, and Xbox controllers, all sleekly concealed in a portable briefcase. Basically, it's a Halo fan's dream come true.

The Halo 2 Pelican Case was designed because Linkin Park and Incubus wanted a portable Xbox that they could take with them on tour and because a lot of celebrities complain that they don’t have enough time to play Xbox while traveling. Now, at least the "elite seven" have no excuse not to play 24-7.

Who’s the Top Player on the Council?
That’s a difficult question because we have yet to get them all in the same room. Wilmer Valderrama or Incubus might think they are the best players, but Aisha Tyler and Linkin Park would definitely give them a run for their money. Aisha also has the advantage of being an attractive female gamer, which can fool and stun the competition … until she kicks their asses, which happens often. 

Access Denied
Sometimes Hollywood star thinks they should get Xbox VIP treatment just because they were an extra in a commercial or something. Xbox tries to be accommodating, but can’t give away products to every aspiring actor or singer. Let’s just say a few phone calls have to be dodged every now and then.

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