My Game Center

A slew of Xbox Live users are reporting that their accounts have been hacked and used to purchase content for either FIFA Soccer 11 or FIFA Soccer 12. Microsoft has responded, rather slowly, to these reports by locking down affected Live accounts for as many as 25 days to investigate the fraudulent activity.

One gamer blogged his story of his hacked account and his interactions with Microsoft trying to revolve the issue.

“sure enough, all of the Microsoft points that were stored in my XBL account had been spent on in game items for FIFA 11(I don’t own that game… hell, I don’t even like soccer video games) and whoever spent my MS points had then tried to purchase more. Presumably, when that purchase failed, they abandoned my account and went on to steal from some other unsuspecting gamer.”

A Reddit thread was also started by another gamer to voice his frustration with Microsoft’s slowness to respond to accounts of hacking.

In all of these accounts the story is largely the same. a Xbox Live user will find a bunch of fraudulent FIFA 11 or FIFA 12 purchases on their account via email confirmations of purchases, missing Microsoft Points, or charges to their credit card. When those users contact Microsoft about the issue their account is locked down so Microsoft can investigate. Microsoft claims it takes 25 days to investigate a claim like this and they need the credit card information on file with the account to remain there for the duration of the investigation.

Neither Microsoft nor FIFA publisher EA is taking responsibility for a security breach. Microsoft responded to Ars Technica’s request for comment by issuing the following statement,

“We do not have any evidence the Xbox LIVE service has been compromised. we take the security of our service seriously and work on an ongoing basis to improve it against evolving threats. however, a limited number of members have contacted us regarding unauthorized access to their accounts by outside individuals. we are working with our impacted members directly to resolve any unauthorized changes to their accounts. as always, we highly recommend our members follow the Xbox LIVE Account Security guidance provided at xbox.com/security to protect your account.”

While it is possible that Microsoft or EA isn’t having a security issue, the account information is coming from somewhere. It’s possible the hackers are reusing login information obtained from another database. The real issue isn’t how the hackers are getting login information but instead how Microsoft is handling it. taking 25 days to investigate a claim like this when a large number of users are reporting the same problem is excessive. Even more annoying is the fact that getting a credit card off your Xbox Live account requires a call to Microsoft instead of a few simple clicks on the account management web page.

There needs to be an easier way to get credit card information off your Xbox Live account and a faster process for investigating claims like this. Waiting nearly a month to get resolution on fraudulent charges is insane. was your account hacked for FIFA downloads? if it was tell us your story in the comments including how your interactions with Microsoft went down.

Planning to shop for a game console this holiday season, and wondering which one will suit your clan? Here’s a look at the three major consoles, as well as at the top five family-friendly titles for each one.

Microsoft Xbox 360

What it is: the dominant home console on the market, the Microsoft Xbox 360 has a large mix of games for everyone in the family. once hooked up to the Internet and supplemented with a subscription to the Xbox Live online service ($60 per year for one Gold membership or $100 for a Gold Family Pack, which supports four users), the Xbox 360 becomes not only a great gaming machine but also a fantastic media console that can stream ESPN and Netflix. Add the Kinect camera, and you have a system that lets you play games without a controller.

Cost: the base console with 4GB of storage is $200; the 250GB model costs $300. a bundle with Kinect costs another $100. all versions require an HDMI cable for top high-def resolutions. New games usually cost $60.

Essential peripherals: most new Xbox 360 family games are powered by Kinect, a motion sensor that enables you to interact with games by using gestures and body movement. by itself (if you already own an Xbox 360), it costs $150, which is not cheap, but it’s a must-have for family gaming.

The bottom line: the Xbox 360 is the “does-everything” console, which is ironic considering that Sony has used that phrase as its marketing mantra for the PlayStation 3. From kids’ titles to hard-core games, the Xbox 360 has something for everyone, and it receives our highest recommendation as the best gaming and entertainment-media machine for your family.

Five great Family Games for the Xbox 360

Sesame Street: once Upon a Monster$50In Once Upon a Monster, you can join Cookie Monster and Elmo as you explore a world of magic and monsters, playing minigames and solving puzzles. And you don’t need to be familiar with controller buttons, because this Kinect game responds to body movement. It’s well suited for small children who might have trouble with a traditional controller.

Rock Band 3About $18 (game only, used)Rock Band 3 (also available for the PS3) turns your brood into the next Partridge Family thanks to instrument-shaped controllers that allow your entire family to play the guitar, drum, and bass lines, as well as to sing along with the set list of hit songs. You’ll find selections for every musical taste, with tunes of every decade from the ’50s to today. Rock Band 3 can even teach you how to play a real guitar–assuming that you invest in the $150 advanced guitar controller and have the patience to follow the extremely well-designed tutorial. Note: the game itself is inexpensive, but the instrument controllers can add up to a big purchase.

Viva PiñataAbout $10 (used)Viva Piñata appeals to players of all ages. Young children will fall in love with the colorful, fuzzy piñata animals, and older players will enjoy the game’s strategy mode, which enables them to breed new piñatas and build habitats. It’s simple fun that works for everyone.

Pac-Man: Championship Edition DX800 Microsoft Points or $10, on Xbox LiveAlso available for the PS3, the downloadable Pac-Man: Championship Edition DX is a simple but fun competitive version of the classic Pac-Man arcade game. Its stunning, bright, neon-colored mazes are a treat for the eyes, and online leaderboards allow you to track your progress against family members or friends.

Plants vs. Zombies$20 retail; 1200 Microsoft Points, or $15, on Xbox LivePlants vs. Zombies, a downloadable tower-defense game also available for the PS3, challenges you to use adorable bits of vegetation to hold off waves of comical undead foes. It’s fun and easy to play, and it has a terrific sense of humor that makes it a perfect cooperative title.

Sony PlayStation 3

What it is: the versatile Sony PlayStation 3 can play high-def Blu-ray discs, stream movies from online services, and store downloaded movies (plus home movies, photos, and music) on its hard drive. You can connect it to the PlayStation Network and PlayStation Store, where you can rent movies as well as buy games, including classic original PlayStation titles. with its Move controller and Eye camera, the PS3 offers motion-controlled gaming, and it can even play some games in 3D on a 3DTV.

Cost: the base model has a 160GB hard drive and costs $250. the PS3 is also available in various bundles, such as a $350, 320GB Move bundle. all require an HDMI cable for top high-def resolutions. most new games cost $60.

Essential peripherals: the PlayStation Move is Sony’s attempt to add Wii-style motion controllers to the PS3, but we don’t think the accessory is an essential purchase, as most Move games are poor quality.

The bottom line: the PlayStation 3 is a media master. most of its exclusive games are suited to older players and hard-core gamers, so it isn’t the best for young families. It’s a superb console if you don’t have small kids.

Five great Family Games for the PlayStation 3

LittleBigPlanet 2$40A multiplayer run-and-jump game that offers plenty of frenetic and crazy action, LittleBigPlanet 2 can sometimes descend into pure, fun chaos. Enhancing the title’s enduring appeal are its gorgeous and playful graphics, its highly endearing characters, and its impressively massive library of free, user-created, downloadable levels.

ModNation Racers$30This cute kart-racing game is fun, but the main lure of ModNation Racers is that it enables you to make your own cars, racers, and tracks, as well as to play with the creations of others. the design tools are staggering, and if you run out of steam or need help, the game’s auto-population tool can fill out your track for you.

Ratchet & Clank Future: a Crack in Time$30Starring the fox-like Ratchet and his robotic sidekick Clank, A Crack in Time mixes frantic run-and-gun play with quirky puzzles that break up the action. it makes for a rollicking adventure. Games in this series are great for youngsters and adults alike.

Lego Star Wars: the Complete Saga$20In The Complete Saga (also available for the Xbox 360 and the Nintendo Wii), you’ll relive all six Star Wars films. Humor pervades most scenes, and although the game has combat, it’s not violent. the cooperative gameplay delivers some fantastic moments as you collaborate to solve puzzles and overcome hordes of enemies, winning the day.

The Sly Collection$30The Sly Collection gives an HD face-lift to three classics: Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus, Sly 2: Band of Thieves, and Sly 3: Honor among Thieves. Playing as Sly, a raccoon who’s the latest in a line of master thieves, you’ll encounter plenty of running, jumping, puzzle-mastering, and sneaking.

Nintendo Wii

What it is: the Nintendo Wii may be on its way out (the new Wii U console is expected in 2012), but this video game system is responsible for the surge in popularity of motion-controlled gaming and casual titles. And even though it doesn’t display high-definition graphics and it lacks many of the multi­media features of the more advanced Microsoft and Sony consoles, the Wii does boast a number of fine games that are especially approprate for families. the Wii also has a couple of online services–namely the WiiWare channel for various downloadable games, and the outstanding Virtual Console for downloading classic titles found on previous Nintendo systems.

Cost: the console sells for $150 and comes with the popular Mario Kart Wii title. most new games cost $50.

Essential peripherals: You might need a few extra Wii Remote controllers if you want everyone to be able to play at the same time, but otherwise what you get in the box is perfect.

The bottom line: the Wii is very much the all-ages, family-friendly machine. it contains technology that’s inferior to what’s inside the Microsoft and Sony offerings, so don’t expect stellar graphics and amazing sound. what you will get, however, is a lot of fun for everyone.

Five great Family Games for the Wii

Super Mario Galaxy 2$50Improving on Mario’s first planet-hopping adventure in outer space, Super Mario Galaxy 2 features impressive cooperative play in which a second player controls a starlike creature that can help the famous plumber collect items and attack foes. this charming game is just plain fun, and it readily makes both kids and adults smile.

Wii Sports ResortAbout $35 (used)Wii Sports Resort, one of the most family-friendly games available for the Wii, is very easy to play. in a tropical-island setting, players of all ages can compete in assorted activities such as bowling, archery, golf, table tennis, Frisbee (with cute dogs ready to fetch), and–our favorite–swordplay.

Rayman Raving Rabbids$20This collection of ridiculous minigames (also available for download on Xbox Live) will have parents and kids laughing and playing together. Thanks to the built-in instructions, anyone can quickly come to grips with the challenges–most of which require just basic movement and timing skills. Rayman Raving Rabbids’ bright, colorful cartoon style and its sharp sense of humor make it fun for the whole family.

Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree$40A brain-teasing game that actually helps to sharpen your mind while you play, Big Brain Academy tests its players with puzzle-oriented challenges in categories labeled Identify, Memorize, Analyze, Compute, and Visualize. Who’s the smartest person in the family? now you can find out.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl$50Featuring a huge cast of characters consisting of Nintendo’s best-known video game personalities (plus a couple of guest stars), this lighthearted fighting game is great for families. the four-player action in Super Smash Bros. Brawl can be speedy and chaotic, but it’s a lot of fun, and matches are balanced so that even novices have a chance.

The original Halo was such a landmark, you may wish you could go back to 2001 and discover it all over again. but gamer nostalgia doesn’t take Moore’s law into account. If you did go back, you’d say: The graphics are terrible! My TV is so tiny! oh crap, I have to go tell everyone not to see Death to Smoochy! To give gamers the best of both worlds (and make more money off a product they’ve already sold to us once), many publishers are now remastering back-catalog titles for rerelease. among the latest to go retro-modern is Halo: Combat Evolved, just in time for the title’s 10-year anniversary. To make the old Xbox warhorse look like an all-new Xbox 360 release, the resolution of some campaign environments has been boosted up to 8,000 percent, and players who got lost in that foggy swamp level (you know, the one in the sixth campaign) will find that the new iridescent greens and blues of the foliage help them stay on track. but this is just the beginning. “We’re improving the graphics,” says executive producer Dan Ayoub. “but we didn’t want to just up-res it and be done.” The original version of the shooter predated Xbox LIVE, so online multiplayer functionality got added. The orchestral stereo score was rerecorded for 5.1 surround, and the sound effects were all remixed at Skywalker Sound.

Then there is the matter of the engine that renders the physics of the game. The temptation was to just swap in the brawnier engine that powered the latest sequel, last year’s Halo: Reach. “but there would have been subtle changes to gameplay if we did that,” says development director Frank O’Connor. “We had to keep it absolutely identical.” so the reissue runs on two engines simultaneously—the original powers the gameplay physics and artificial intelligence, and a new one renders the graphics. Result: The look of the game is a revelation, but the feel is precisely the same. If that doesn’t work for you, there’s also a sop to sticklers who want the unvarnished experience—just hit the Back button to see the game in all its pixelated 2001 splendor.

Microsoft has announced today the expansion of its television offering through Xbox Live, including 40 new suppliers. This update of the TV service will arrive in the next three months (possibly by mid of November) with the updated dashboard of Xbox 360.

The updated service will be available on leading TV and entertainment  suppliers, including Bravo, Comcast, HBO GO, Verizon FiOS and Syfy in the U.S.; BBC in the U.K., Telefónica in Spain; Rogers On Demand in Canada; Televisa in Mexico; ZDF in Germany; and MediaSet in Italy.

More contents will be accessible with a simple gesture, voice control, and motion control or via a Windows Phone. Xbox users with Kinect will be able control their remotes and channels changing using hand gestures. This offering is the new service that Microsoft promises to provide to 35 million subscribers worldwide through its online service Xbox Live and Bing voice search.

Xbox 360 brings live and on-demand TV, movies, games, sports, music and more as what you want to experience.

“Today’s announcement is a major step toward realizing our vision to bring you all the entertainment you want, shared with the people you care about, made easy,” said Don Mattrick, president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “Combining the world’s leading TV and entertainment providers with the power of Kinect for Xbox 360 and the intelligence of Bing voice search will make TV and entertainment more personal, social and effortless.”

Microsoft is already providing Xbox 360 services through AT&T, Netflix and Hulu+ in the U.S., TELUS in Canada, BSkyB in the U.K., Canal+ in France, Vodafone Portugal, VimpelCom in Russia, and FOXTEL in Australia. The company also offers live and on-demand content from ESPN in the U.S., UFC in the U.S. and Canada, GolTV in Spain and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment/Real Sports in Canada.

On each passing day, new developments and new services are being unveiled to make consumer more excited about connected devices and technology. Microsoft competitor Sony unveiled their SMP-N200 player during the IFA in Berlin last month, which turn an ordinary TV into a connected TV. Google is also gearing up to reintroduce its Google TV service this year.

Microsoft seems to be very aggressive on pushing personal cloud implementation into living room and introducing the new services of Xbox TV and Xbox Live alongside the worldwide partnership with TV, entertainment and cable provider will make them an industry leader in Internet TV. The company recently teamed up with Comcast and Verizon to provide next level of entertainment experience to consumer.

Microsoft has Xbox Live sales down. every week, a few new games come out, a few specials kick off, DLC is uploaded, and costumes for Avatars are released. An “extreme sale” has kicked off today, and looks to be running all week. 16 games are at least 33% off, alongside DLC, themes, and Avatar gear. these sales are on top of the standard weekly deals on Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale and might and Magic: Clash of Heroes.

Gamers can get Bionic Commando: Rearmed, Blade Kitten, Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime, Islands of Wakfu, Outland, Serious Sam HD: the first Encounter, Star Raiders, the Maw, trouble Witches Neo!, and Yar’s Revenge for 400 points. For 600 points, Bionic Commando: Rearmed 2, Moon Diver, Monday Night Combat, Shank, and Trials HD can be had. Section 8: Prejudice runs for 800 points. Assassin’s Creed II, Dragon Age: Origins, and Section 8: Prejudice have DLC for download. if you have points to blow, themes and Avatar outfits are also on sale.

I’m looking at Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime, Outland, and trouble Witches Neo!.

(Credit:Capcom) (CBS) – the Resident Evil survival horror series re-released two of its most popular titles for Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network. both Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil Code: Veronica X received an HD makeover, while retaining the gameplay they are known for.

Code Veronica’s fixed cameras and clunky controls return with no improvement but should please fans looking for a bit of nostalgia.

Resident Evil 4, which now is available on every system since the GameCube, brings with it the same gameplay that revitalized the series for modern gamers and paved the way for the amazing Resident Evil 5.

Fans of the series should be pleased with these two very different re-releases. Replaying these titles really shows the evolution of the franchise over the years from a tense survival horror game to the modern cinematic action/horror experience it is today.

Resident Evil 4 HD and Resident Evil: Code Veronica X HD are rated M for Mature by the ESRB. They are available now for Xbox Live and PlayStation Network.

Video games, specifically sports video games, have come an incredibly long way. it wasn’t long ago that you had to manually edit a player’s ratings in Madden if you wanted to make them better or worse. now, with Madden NFL 12, all it takes is a quick download on XBOX Live or the Playstation Network, and you have a completely new roster file.

Donny Moore, the man in charge of Madden’s ratings, made a myriad of changes following Week 1 of the NFL season with regards to player ratings and transactions. By virtue of strong performances in the NFL’s opening week, here are three players who received big ratings bumps this week.

Scott Chandler – Buffalo Bills

A virtual unknown prior to his breakout Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler received a generous boost in his overall rating, going from 63 to 73. Chandler, who had just one career reception prior to last week, exploited the middle of the field following safety Eric Berry’s season-ending injury.

The 6’7″ tight end was a favorite target of Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in Week 1 as he nabbed five passes for 63 yards and the first two touchdowns of his young career. it has been quite a long time since the Bills have had a legitimate threat at tight end, so hopes are high for Chandler. If he continues to play like this, he has plenty of ratings boosts in his future.

Cam Newton – Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers quarterback was much-maligned as he entered the NFL as the no. 1 overall pick. Many observers were skeptical about whether his skill set could translate to the professional level. Newton silenced his critics by putting on the greatest debut passing display in NFL history last week against the Arizona Cardinals.

Newton threw for a whopping 422 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for an additional score. thanks to that performance, Newton’s overall was increased from 77 to 81. Such a high rating is quite rare for a rookie quarterback, but Newton certainly earned it. While he can’t be expected to throw for 400 yards every week, it will be interesting to see if Newton can live up to his new rating. 

Aaron Rodgers – Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers may have only been bumped up by one overall point this week, but the reason he makes this list is because that one point allowed him to join the mystical 99 overall club. In the game of Madden, 99 overall represents the cream of the crop and is reserved only for the NFL’s elite players.

If Rodgers wasn’t already in the conversation after winning the Super Bowl last season, he certainly is now after decimating the New Orleans Saints defense last week with surgical precision. Rodgers completed a whopping 77 percent of his throws in the season’s opening week for 312 and three touchdowns.

If ratings could go higher than 99, then Rodgers would probably continue to improve throughout the season. he has already reached the top of the mountain, though, and is likely to stay there.  

It was teased back at the end of June, but it seems Rockstar’s promised free DLC pack for “Red Dead Redemption” is finally heading our way. Titled “Myths and Mavericks,” the pack will include a whopping 14 new maps for play in multiplayer, as well as eight new character skins, letting players take on the roles of some of the memorable NPCs from the campaign. The pack is scheduled to release on September 13 for Xbox Live and PSN.

The list of new maps to be included in “Myths and Mavericks” are as follows, with the last three being returning maps that can now be played in the Stronghold mode.

Cochinay – Gold Rush, Shootout, Gang Shootout, StrongholdNekoti Rock – Gold Rush, Shootout, Gang ShootoutEl Presidio – Gold Rush, Shootout, Gang ShootoutPlainview – Gold Rush, Shootout, Gang ShootoutGaptooth Mine – Shootout, Gang ShootoutPike’s Basin – Shootout, Gang ShootoutRio Bravo – Shootout, Gang ShootoutPerdido – Hold Your own, Grab the BagBenedict Point – Hold Your own, Grab the BagBeecher’s Hope – StrongholdTorquemada – StrongholdArmadillo – StrongholdChuparosa – StrongholdTumbleweed – Stronghold

As for the new playable characters, here’s the rundown:

Landon RickettsVicente DeSantaDrew MacFarlaneDeputy EliDeputy JonahJavier EsquellaNastasUncle

Pretty sure there will be a run on Landon Ricketts, what with him being the biggest bad ass in the “Red Dead” universe, though he may require a pretty high experience level to unlock. Thankfully Rockstar has been running bonus XP weekends pretty much non-stop lately, so getting to that top level shouldn’t be too hard. Now that I think about it, I have been seeing many more zebras lately.

Best answers:According to Warner Bros, it should be released today. But, after read-through DLC for Mortal Kombat today, I can tell you that it is fake

by Top Player Hater

I heard today at 5pm…. obviously not.

NR have to do many things to fix this game and releasing dlc late isn’t making anyone more pleased

by Connor

DLCs never come out right at the start of the day, they usually come out later in the afternoon or evening, u just have to be patient.

by Ian

That isnt entirly right, Skarlet was unfilled on my game for download when I woke up at 7:00 a.m. EST on the day she was released, but Kenshi on the other is still nowhere to be seen…particular PSN players have by now been able to download him for the past couple hours,and I have heard of select XBOX Live users able to do so, I reckon thy are rolling him out a small at a time to keep users from overloading the system.With a bit of luck we will see him today soon.

by Carl

We all are aware of the ravishing games that take every gamer on PlayStation and Xbox in its grasp such as Modern Warfare 2, Call of Duty Black Ops, Batman Arkham Asylum, Gears of War etc. This time Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 has topped the charts, which is expected to break the sales records and going to develop a massive internet community by its fans Most of all, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 will lead the charts displaying the most played games of the year on Xbox Live and the PSN.

As the announcement of Modern Warfare 3 was unveiled, gamers at large soar high in their bounds of enthusiasm we all are aware of how things in the realm of videogames have drastically evolved with Modern Warfare 2, and this time, it is certainly going to sweep everyone with its fantastic features and strategies.

As the main developers of the game, the main leads with other co-workers of the Infinity Ward called it quits with their publisher, Activision due to clash over unpaid bonuses, Modern Warfare 3 was announced to bring about a new change, or perhaps surprise in the industry

Modern Warfare 3 is expected to be released this year sometime around the holiday season and this time, the multiplayer feature will be controlled by Sledgehammer games developer to introduce the multiplayer feature in the game while the Infinity Ward will continue to focus on the single player feature

Even though there has been the vibe of loss due to the instability of the Infinity Ward, Warfare 3 is predicted to be the biggest game this year. in fact, double of millions copies will be sold and to add to this, communities have already started developed on the internet alongside MW2 forums.

Yes Call of Duty Warfare 3 has grasped everyone in its grip as reported, around ten thousands and more people have already been on Google to learn more about the game. Moreover, the consumers will surely be going crazy for this game. in fact, it has even been foreseen that players all across the world will fill up Xbox Live and PSN with their demand of the game as reported by Los Angeles Time, Call of Duty Warfare 3 will be released in November, however due to the issues between Activision and Infinity Ward, the title of the game may be altered before the release

Even though the announcement about Call of Duty Warfare 3 has not been formally stated by any of the studios, it is also expected that Activision might postpone the market hit of the game in 2011. hence, it is still not affirmed that the game will be on the shelves in November this year.

Also, rumors have it that the story linear of the game is going to delineate what the Ghost inculcated and the players would have to undergo the levels that were visited in COD4 as well as Modern Warfare 2: now that could be a disappointment for the fans