When Microsoft launched the SKU’s, the Pro version which comes equipped with 20GB harddrive and a Core version without a hard drive, there has debates if Microsoft made a smart move with this one. It seems that we, gamers would outright tell them that we can’t really enjoy the game or make the most out of our consoles without a hard drive, It sucks, we know, but in terms of commerce, it means offering consumers, us a “choice” and a cheaper price of entry.

I was checking out this post on GameDaily, which clearly tells us, we can’t be cheated with our enjoyment on the games, heck we shelled out the cash to be the console, save money to buy the games at least we have to have a decent console, or the hard drive we so long for to better enjoy our gaming experience.

Rory McGuire, the lead designer on Bourne Conspiracy, has fanned the flames once again, lamenting the lack of a hard drive in the Core system. “In retrospect I wish Microsoft had made the choice to have [mandatory] hard drives like Sony did with the PS3,” he said in an interview with CVG. “They did it with the original Xbox. I’m not sure why they decided to not require a hard drive on the 360. From what I understand they don’t move many [Core/Arcade] units.”

He went on to point out the benefits of having a hard drive for developers and he said Microsoft’s decision ultimately was a mistake. “If you have a hard drive, the whole game loads faster. Obviously you’ll be facing a short install time, but the developer benefits from it and you definitely benefit from it as a player,” he said. “So I think that was one of the mistakes that Microsoft made with the 360.”

With GTA IV coming out this April 29, 2008, Microsoft is offering a sweepstakes to celebrate its arrival, finally the long wait is over GTA IV is coming, and I can finally get my hands on it and play it over and over again. Now as GTA IV is the biggest gaming event of the year, many prizes are up for grabs and all that is needed to enter is a valid Xbox Live gamertag.

On April 23, lucky winners will be chosen from all entries to receive the following prizes:

• Four Grand Prizes: Four winners will score a four-day/three-night trip for two to New York City to attend the Xbox LIVE Gold Grand Theft Auto IV Launch Party.
• One Hundred First Prizes: Custom Xbox 360 Elite console
• Two Thousand Second Prizes: A Rockstar baseball bat
• Five Thousand Third Prizes: 500 Microsoft Points
• Three Thousand Fourth Prizes: 1000 Microsoft Points
• Two Thousand Fifth Prizes: 1600 Microsoft Points
• Five Thousand Sixth Prizes: One-month Xbox LIVE Gold subscription
• Three Thousand Seventh Prizes: Three-month Xbox LIVE Gold subscription
• Two Thousand Eighth Prizes: One-year Xbox LIVE Gold subscription

Entry period is from March 1st until April 14th. One last thing, entry is only available to US residents on or over the age of 18.

For more detailed Info go to the site and Check out the complete rules on Xbox.com

There will be new releases for TV Shows and Movies on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace Video Store this March so better watch out for it. Well according to Microsoft’s Press Release since the monthly sales have gone up to 70% percent since September of 2007 and is doubling month after month, the new additions to the Video lineups will definitely increase the number of subscribers. And a surprise is that U.S. Xbox LIVE members have access to great HD content this month, you can also download content exclusive to Xbox LIVE, even free episodes of some shows. The selections will not only target younger members but also for kids, even adults. Xbox LIVE offerings will be able to serve members of all ages.

Some great movies will be available in the U. S. on Xbox LIVE this month in both SD and HD, including:

• Tyler Perry´s Why Did I Get Married (Lionsgate)
• Bull Durham (MGM)
• Rain Man (MGM)
• Into the Wild (Paramount, Oscar nominated, Best Supporting Actor)
• Things We Lost in the Fire (Paramount)
• Gone Baby Gone (Walt Disney Studios, Oscar nominated, Best Supporting Actress)
• Becoming Jane (Walt Disney Studios)
• August Rush (WB)
• March of Penguins (WB)
• Training Day (WB)
• Unforgiven (WB)

Check Out Xbox LIVE MarketPlace for more listings

Castlevania: Symphony of Night winner of two Xbox Live Arcade Awards. Cool, love playing this game

Other Ocean Interactive announced today that Castlevania: Symphony of Night has won two Xbox Live Arcade Awards. The title developed by Other Ocean and published by Konami Digital Entertainment won awards for Best Classic Game, and Highest-Rated Game from Microsoft at this year’s Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.

“To win 2 out of 10 of the awards with a single title in the inaugural year of the Xbox Live Arcade Awards is an honor and a testament to the hard work and commitment to quality of our team,” said Deirdre Ayre, studio head of Other Ocean Interactive. “Creating the game in Prince Edward Island signals the growing influence of Atlantic Canada within the game development industry as we continue to attract top-tier talent to the region to work on marquee titles.”

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night for Xbox Live Arcade was Ocean Interactive’s first released title, and has already received Editor’s Choice Awards from IGN, TeamXbox, and Game Chronicles. The game had an unprecedented 100% of its reviews scoring over 80% on both metacritic.com and gamerankings.com. It had 23 reviews featured on Gamerankings.com with 13 of the 23 reviews scoring the game above 90 percent for an average of 93%.

via [PlanetXbox360]

Microsoft made it official at GDC: Gears of War 2 is coming exclusively to Xbox 360 this November.

I love this news, Gears of War is my favorite game and this got me really excited when I read the news that its coming this November. This post from Wired that Gears of War 2 is coming this November 2008. Naturally, this got me excited as I loved Gears of war, and having found out that Gears of War storyline is kinda short as I keep on asking for more, anyways my wish has come true and is coming this November.

Although I haven’t looked in the details of the game, but if it’s the continuing saga of the previous one. Heck I’m up for it. And I enjoyed the single player/co-op mode of the first one. I’m definitely looking forward for changes on this new Gears of War

via [Gadzooki]