Mass Effect 3 is less than a month away, and EA’s been slowly revealing ways to get in on the DLC front. Buying action figures nets you codes for in-game items, a la Skylanders, and they’re taking it a step further by integrating Facebook into the game. Don’t worry, you’re not going to get invites to Rachniville or Blue Suns Wars. At least, not yet.

Mass Effect 3 Mission Command lets Facebook users unlock Xbox Avatar items, DLC, and gear by completing assorted missions. Since it’s tied to Kinect, only Xbox 360 users will be able to get in on the Facebook fun.

via Game Informer

• Mass Effect 3′s Star-Studded Voice Cast Revealed in New Trailer
• Mass Effect Action Figures Come With Mass Effect 3 Content
• PopCap Closes Facebook Game with over 750,000 Users
• Expect Mass Effect 3 for 360 to Come on Multiple Discs
• Mass Effect 3 for PC Will Not Be Available on Steam
• Mass Effect 3 to Feature 3 Different Campaign Modes

It’s Tuesday night US PlayStation Store update time! The Killzone 3 Steel Rain map pack is available for $4.99, free for PS Plus subscribers.

WWE All Star players, have the opportuntity to download the American Dream himself…Dusty Rhodes.

Check it all out below.

Information courtesy of the US PS Blog.

PlayStation Plus

Full Game Trial

• Assassin’s Creed

Featured Games

• Dungeon Hunter (PlayStation Plus price $9.74, regular price $12.99)
• Might & Magic Clash of Heroes (PlayStation Plus price $11.99, regular price $14.99)

Featured Add-On

• Killzone 3 – Steel Rain Map Pack (Free to PlayStation Plus subscribers, regular price $4.99)

Featured Themes & Avatars

• Marvel Vs Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds 38 Avatars bundle (Exclusive to PlayStation Plus subscribers for $3.99)
• Yakuza 4: The Men of Yakuza 4 Dynamic Theme (Free to PlayStation Plus subscribers, regular price $2.99)
• Crane Dance Static Theme (Free and exclusive to PlayStation Plus subscribers)

Updates

Worms 2: Armageddon Battle Pack – Sale – (PS3) (now $3.49, original price $4.99)
Final Fight/Double Impact – Sale – (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
Worms 2: Armageddon – Sale – (PS3) (now $7.49, original price $14.99)

Downloadable Games

Dungeon Hunter: Alliance ($12.99)
Dungeon Hunter: Alliance is the first action RPG game for the PlayStation 3 system that immerses you in the heart of a unique multiplayer experience, local and online. Face the world of Gothicus and its hordes of creatures alone or in teams of up to 4 heroes. The main quest, side quests, and the innumerable items to collect offer hours of play in a superbly modeled gothic universe.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 942 MB

Might And Magic Clash Of Heroes ($14.99)
Might & Magic Clash of Heroes is the ultimate RPG Puzzle game. Set in the classic world of Ashan, follow the adventure of 5 chosen heroes. Each must forge their own dangerous paths to grow in strength, unravel a demonic plot, and ultimately save the world from Chaos.
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 1.57 GB

Assassin’s Creed ($19.99)
Assassin’s Creed is the fastest-selling new IP in videogame history. Set in 1191 AD. The Third Crusade is tearing the Holy Land apart. You, Altair, intend to stop the hostilities by suppressing both sides of the conflict. You are an Assassin, a warrior shrouded in secrecy and feared for your ruthlessness. Your actions can throw your immediate environment into chaos, and your existence will shape events during this pivotal moment in history.
ESRB Rated M
File size: 7.63 GB

Game Demo (free)

Swarm – Demo
Swarm is an action-platformer where you take direct control of 50 pudgy blue morons and drive them through an intense and suicidal gauntlet of destruction. Run, bash, huddle, boost, stack, jump, push and throw your way through a ridiculously dangerous world in your attempt to collect valuable DNA and ensure at least one swarmite survives.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 457 MB

Might And Magic Clash Of Heroes Trial
Might & Magic Clash of Heroes is the ultimate RPG Puzzle game. Set in the classic world of Ashan, follow the adventure of 5 chosen heroes. Each must forge their own dangerous paths to grow in strength, unravel a demonic plot, and ultimately save the world from Chaos. Try it now!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 1.57 GB

Add-on Game Content

Bulletstorm Gun Sonata DLC Pack ($9.99)
Download the new Bulletstorm ‘Gun Sonata’ DLC pack and gain access to 2 new Echoes maps: Guns of Stygia and Crash Site as well as 3 new Anarchy maps: Hotel Elysium, Villa and Sewers. As if that wasn’t enough you’ll also be able to use the Flamingo and Pulp leash variants to ensure you’re looking good whilst racking up the skillshots!
File size: 461 MB

Killzone 3 Steel Rain Map Pack ($4.99)
Download this Killzone 3 Steel Rain Map Pack now and set your sights on two brutal multiplayer battles.
File size: 342 MB

Marvel Vs Capcom 3: Fate Of Two Worlds – Shadow Battle 03 ($0.99)
The 3rd installment of Shadow Battle allows you to fight special and unique AI opponents, and win new titles to boot! Do you have what it takes to take on these one-of-a-kind fighters in a match of MARVEL VS. CAPCOM 3!?
File size: 251 KB

Mushroom Wars – Five Maps Pack + Free Online Add-On ($4.99)
Download a pack of 5 new maps and get an Online Add-on for free! Battle over new lands in local mode or online and try your luck in the Global Championship!
File size: 600 KB

Mushroom Wars Premium Pack ($11.49)
Full Mushroom Wars strategy pack plus online add-on and five new maps! Battle over new lands in local mode or online and try your luck in the Global Championship!
File size: 101 MB

Hyperdimension Neptunia: Black Heart Booster 3 ($0.99)
Black Heart’s stat booster.
File size: 100 KB

Hyperdimension Neptunia: Compa Booster 3 ($0.99)
Compa’s stat booster.
File size: 100 KB

Hyperdimension Neptunia: Green Heart Booster 3 ($0.99)
Green Heart’s stat booster.
File size: 100 KB

Hyperdimension Neptunia: IF Booster 3 ($0.99)
IF’s stat booster.
File size: 100 KB

Hyperdimension Neptunia: Neptune Booster 3 ($0.99)
Neptune’s stat booster.
File size: 100 KB

Hyperdimension Neptunia: Quality Certification (Free)
Wing Armor, a security robot created on Lowee, has not met its expected sales goals. The manufacturer is holding a test run of the robot to advertise its functions. Fight the Wing Armor and help the company show off its power!
File size: 100 KB

Hyperdimension Neptunia: White Heart Booster 3 ($0.99)
White Heart’s stat booster.
File size: 100 KB

Red Dead Redemption – Deadly Assassin Outfit ($0.99)
John Marston’s Deadly Assassin outfit causes your Dead Eye meter to regenerate at twice the speed. With more Dead Eye, you have more time to place each shot with total accuracy, making you the deadliest gunslinger in any fight.
File size: 3.47 MB

Red Dead Redemption – Golden Guns Weapon Pack ($0.99)
Available for use in the Red Dead Redemption Single Player story, the player who wields the Golden Guns receives more Fame for each kill. The more Fame you get, the more in-game side missions become available. So there will be more opportunities to duel, more kidnapped townsfolk to rescue and you can bribe lawmen for less.
File size: 3.92 MB

Red Dead Redemption – War Horse Pack ($0.99)
There are countless horses to be found in the massive world of Red Dead Redemption, but none is stronger, faster or tougher than the War Horse. Whether storming gang hideouts, exploring the wilderness for hidden treasure, or outrunning the law, the War Horse gives gunslingers an advantage in nearly every situation.
File size: 2.43 MB

Yakuza 4: Upgrade Pack Free
Unlock your chance to increase your upgrade level even further and build your relationship with Haruka to a higher level! As a bonus, unlock 2 new and unique karaoke songs!
File size: 107 KB

Moon Diver – Silence And Score Attack Mode: Flow! ($0.99)
Download this DLC pack and get a new playable character and a new mode. Unlock and use Silence, a character you have battled countless times. Also included is the brand-new Score Attack Mode and a special stage designed just for it.
File size: 100 KB

WWE All-Stars: American Dream Pack ($1.99)
Get funky like a monkey if you will and download the American Dream Pack, featuring 2 new downloadable characters for WWE All Stars: WWE Hall Famer Dusty Rhodes and his son, “Dashing” Cody Rhodes.
File size: 100 KB

WWE All-Stars: Honky Tonk Man (Free)
Don’t be cruel! Download and play as the Greatest Intercontinental Champion of all-time, the Honky Tonky Man, in WWE All Stars!
File size: 100 KB

Yoostar 2: Blade Runner Scene Pack ($4.99)
Blade Runner Scene Pack – Pack includes 3 scenes from the sci-fi classic: “Voight-Kampff empathy test,” “More human than human,” and Hollywood Set “Flying over LA in the year 2019.”
File size: 371 MB

Yoostar 2: We Got Both Kinds: Country And Western ($1.99)
The Blues Brothers – On their “mission from God,” Jake and Elwood land at bar Bob’s Country Bunker and tell the waitress they’re the band.
File size: 153 MB

Yoostar 2: We Don’t Drink On Duty ($1.99)
Beverly Hills Cop – Axel jumps in the back of the car of the detectives tailing him, startling Taggart and Rosewood.
File size: 90 MB

Yoostar 2: A Bullet In The Buttocks ($1.99)
Forrest Gump – Forrest, a simpleminded man, sits on a park bench and tells a disbelieving stranger about his experience fighting in Vietnam.
File size: 81 MB

Yoostar 2: Am I Missing A Tooth? ($1.99)
The Hangover – In the wreckage of their trashed hotel suite, Stu realizes something’s wrong.
File size: 83 MB

Yoostar 2: Please Step Aside, Sir! ($1.99)
Meet the Parents – Greg tries to board his plane.
File size: 149 MB

Yoostar 2: I Love You Too, Sweetheart ($1.99)
The Terminator – Sarah Connor is on the run from the Terminator, a killing machine from the future, and calls her mother – or so she thinks – at her cabin in the woods to check in.
File size: 119 MB

Yoostar 2: Derek’s ‘eugoogly’ ($1.99)
Zoolander – Derek, clad in white haute couture, laments the loss of his male model friends and muses that chiseled abs and stunning features don’t protect anyone from a freakish death.
File size: 84 MB

Super Stardust HD – Impact Mode ($1.99)
Download this pack today for access to Super Stardust HD’s all-new Impact Mode! in place of the weapon system your ship is now fitted with an experimental new matter-to-energy boost engine technology, which means once you activate the boost, you can stay in boost as long as you can hit meteors and enemies with it!
File size: 100 KB

Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock
For all song credits please visit http://www.guitarhero.com/.

• “Lifelong Dayshift” – Middle Class Rut ($1.99)
• “Across 5 Oceans” – Madina Lake ($1.99)
• “Beyond The Life You Know” – Darkest Hour ($1.99)
• “Doomsayer” – Darkest Hour ($1.99)
• “Hey Superstar” – Madina Lake ($1.99)
• “Ignorance” – Paramore ($1.99)
• “New Low” – Middle Class Rut ($1.99)
• “Sad To Know” – Middle Class Rut ($1.99)
• “Savor The Kill” – Darkest Hour ($1.99)
• “That’s What You Get” – Paramore ($1.99)
• “Middle Class Rut Track Pack” ($5.49)
• “Darkest Hour Track Pack” ($5.49)
• “Emo Edge Track Pack” ($7.49)

File size: 31 – 43 MB (singles), 116 – 138 MB (track pack)

Rock Band 3
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

• “Dreams” – Fleetwood Mac ($1.99)
• “Gold Dust Woman” – Fleetwood Mac ($1.99)
• “Landslide” – Fleetwood Mac ($1.99)
• “Rhiannon” – Fleetwood Mac ($1.99)
• “Edge Of Seventeen (Just Like The White Winged Dove)” – Stevie Nicks ($1.99)
• “Stand Back” – Stevie Nicks ($1.99)
• “Fleetwood Mac/Stevie Nicks Pack 01″ – ($9.99)

File size: 11 – 55 MB (singles), 219 MB (track pack)

Rock Band Network

• “[&] Delinquents” – Woe, Is Me ($1.99)
• “Devoid Of Thought” – Evile ($1.99)
• “Evil Inside Me” – Amberian Dawn ($1.99)
• “Jamie All Over” – Mayday Parade ($1.99)
• “Lexington (Joey Pea-Pot With A Monkey Face)” – Chiodos ($1.99)
• “Love During Wartime” – The Main Drag ($0.99)
• “Sexual Man Chocolate” – Attack Attack! ($1.99)
• “The Fire And The Fury” – Firewind ($1.99)
• “Those In Glass Houses” – Of Mice & Men ($1.99)
• “What’s Your Favorite Dinosaur?” – The Main Drag ($0.99)

File size: 17 – 44MB (singles)

Avatars

Marvel Vs Capcom 3: Fate Of Two Worlds – Avatar Pack #1 ($1.25)
File size: 400 KB

Marvel Vs Capcom 3: Fate Of Two Worlds – Avatar Pack #2 ($1.25)
File size: 410 KB

Marvel Vs Capcom 3: Fate Of Two Worlds – Avatar Pack #3 ($1.25)
File size: 400 KB

Marvel Vs Capcom 3: Fate Of Two Worlds – Avatar Pack #4 ($1.25)
File size: 410 KB

Marvel Vs Capcom 3: Fate Of Two Worlds – Avatar Pack #5 ($1.25)
File size: 434 KB

Game Videos (free)

Portal 2 30 sec. TV Spot
File size: 45 MB

Castlevania:Lords Of Shadow Trailer (ad buy)
File size: 141 MB

Crysis 2 – Be Fast Trailer
File size: 63 MB

Crysis 2 – Be Invisible Trailer
File size: 70 MB

Crysis 2 – Prophet’s Journey
File size: 110 MB

Dragon Age II TV Spot
File size: 22 MB

Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Freedom Of Choice Trailer
File size: 119 MB

Fireburst Trailer
File size: 60 MB

Top Spin 4 – Controls Trailer
File size: 123 MB

Music

SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs – Soundtrack ($9.99)
File size: 146 MB

PS3 Themes

• Yakuza 4: The Men Of Yakuza 4 Dynamic Theme ($2.99) File size: 6.05 MB
• Call Of Duty: Black Ops Zombies Ascension Theme ($1.99) File size: 4.84 MB
• Call Of Duty: Black Ops Iconic Theme ($1.99) File size: 4.55 MB
• Call Of Duty: Black Ops Special Ops Theme ($1.99) File size: 4.88 MB
• Call Of Duty: Black Ops World Tour Theme ($1.99) File size: 7.51 MB
• Exodus Theme ($1.49) File size: 3.02 MB
• Statue of Liberty Dynamic Theme ($2.99) File size: 2.55 MB
• Source Code Dynamic Theme ($2.99) File size: 1.32 MB
• Scrapbook Theme ($0.99) File size: 3.4 MB
• Rango Premium Theme (static) ($1.99) File size: 3.32 MB
• Azmodeus Dark Angels 5 Premium Theme ($1.99) File size: 3.13 MB
• Commando Tiger Camo Premium Theme ($1.99) File size: 2.87 MB
• Soccer England Dynamic Theme ($2.99) File size: 11 MB
• Soccer Spain Dynamic Theme ($2.99) File size: 11 MB
• Convert The Wack Project Theme ($2.99) File size: 5.58 MB
• Shakur’s Desert Strike Theme ($2.99) File size: 6.95 MB

PS3 Wallpapers (free)

• Dragon’s Lair II: Time Warp Wallpaper File size: 176 KB (SD), 975 KB (1080)
• DC Universe – Catwoman Wallpaper File size: 242 KB (SD), 992 KB (1080)
• DC Universe Online – Batman Wallpaper File size: 320 KB (SD), 891 KB (1080)
• Free Realms: Chatty And Friends Wallpaper File size: 329 KB (SD), 764 KB (1080)
• Free Realms: Chatty Welcome Wallpaper File size: 385 KB (SD), 987 KB (1080)
• Free Realms: Pixie Wallpaper File size: 348 KB (SD), 739 KB (1080)
• Free Realms: Racing Wallpaper File size: 338 KB (SD), 760 KB (1080)
• Free Realms: Warrior Wallpaper File size: 320 KB (SD), 761 KB (1080)
• Free Realms: World Map Wallpaper File size: 345 KB (SD), 855 KB (1080)

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 Storefront)

• Patapon 3 ($19.99) The critically-acclaimed rhythm-based adventure game is now available offering new quests, increased customization and all-new online battles. As a special thank you to all the Patapon fans, we are also including a Digital Guide playable on your PSP to help get you started. ESRB Rated E. File size: 616 MB

Add-on Game Content (also available from PS3 Storefront)

• Patapon 3 Online Entitlement ($9.99) This Online Entitlement Voucher is used to activate the multiplayer features of Patapon 3. For those purchasing the game second-hand, the entitlement voucher will need to be purchased and entered into a PSN account prior to activating the multiplayer features. The entitlement voucher will be tied to purchasing PSN account and cannot be used by another account.  File size: N/A
• Lord Of Arcana – Pack 5 (Free) New quests come to LORD OF ARCANA! This pack contains the missions “The King’s Domain,” “Despair in Hope,” “Beauty and Beast,” and “True Ruler’s Test.” Help a vain warrior defeat the Azure Dragon Lord, stop an invasion coming out of the Old Glestal Mines, save an idiotic husband from death, and prove yourself to be a true ruler in these all-new missions! More quests will be available soon—check back on the PlayStation Store! File size: 908 KB

PSP minis (also available from PS3 Storefront)

• 3D Twist & Match – Minis ($2.49) ESRB Rated E.  File size: 22 MB

PSP Themes (also available from PS3 Storefront)

• Scrapbook PSP Theme ($0.99) File size: 404 KB

• US PlayStation Store Update 1-18-11
• US PlayStation Store Update – July 5, 2011
• US PlayStation Store Update – June 28th 2011
• US PlayStation Store Update 2-22-11
• US PlayStation Store Update 2-15-11
• US PlayStation Store Update July 19, 2011

Straight from the mouth of Xbox 360′s Major Nelson in his personal blog.  The changes to Xbox.com will take effect tomorrow 10/20.  Here’s what the ‘Major’ had to say:

Tomorrow, Xbox.com will be getting a massive facelift and I want to give you a preview of what you can expect. In addition to support for the 9 new Xbox LIVE regions that will happen next month, Xbox.com will get a brand new look as well as some new features.

Here are some highlights:

Browser based Avatar editor: Edit your avatar and preview avatar items before purchase

Combined views for messages, friend and game requests

Improved notification of your account subscription

Leverage Family Reports to understand what your family is doing and how they are using LIVE

Play web games with your Xbox LIVE friends on the web or on Windows Phone 7

Marketplace: More powerful search and more intuitive ways to browse and filter

Those are just a few of the changes, starting tomorrow you’ll be able to explore the entire thing yourself. Until then, I’ve uploaded a few screen shots to get hold you over until then.

Note:In order to prepare for these changes, starting at 0500 ET/0200 PT/0900 GMT on October 20th (tomorrow) Xbox.com and the Xbox forums will be offline and unavailable for a short period of time. When it returns, you’ll see the new site.

The Xbox LIVE service is not affected by this upgrade and will remain available during this time.

• Xbox Live System Update Oct 11th – What it Changed
• New 360 Dashboard Update is Entirely Optional
• Skyrim Update 1.4 is Live on Xbox, PS3 Later Today – Full List of Changes
• Mass Effect 3 Has Facebook Features to Unlock XBL Avatar Items
• Xbox Live Arcade House Party Line-up Revealed, Dated and Priced
• Xbox Dashboard Update Takes Color Out of Your Life; Microsoft Working on Fix

Street Fighter fans rejoice as you can now dress up your Xbox Live avatars in Super Street Fighter IV costumes.

Super Street Fighter IV costumes inspired by your favorite characters are available now for 320 Microsoft points, with costumes for both male and female avatars. There are also black shirts with the SSFIV logo on them available for 80 MS points. You can view and purchase them from the Xbox Live dashboard or by clicking here.

Which costumes are you thinking about dressing your avatar in?

Source: Capcom-Unity

• Pets Coming To Xbox Avatars
• Xbox Dashboard Update Takes Color Out of Your Life; Microsoft Working on Fix
• Microsoft Tweaks Indie Game Size Limits and Pricing On Xbox Live
• Xbox 360 Dashboard Update Coming December 6th
• RipTen Review: Sonic Generations (Xbox 360)
• Xbox Live Hits 35 Million Users

Following a widely publicized leak earlier this evening, Microsoft tonight confirmed that they will launch “Game Room” — a new service featuring fully-functional virtual arcade machines — this Spring on both Xbox LIVE and their PC-based Games for Windows LIVE service.

Developed by Krome Studios, the service will allow players to to create and customize their own virtual arcades by purchasing authentic arcade cabinets and decorations, and invite friends (and their Xbox LIVE Avatars) to compete for high scores.

1up.com reports that users can expect to pay between 240-400 Microsoft Points ($3-5) per arcade cabinet, or 40 MS Points (50 cents) for a single play, akin to dropping in a pair of quarters into the machine — the latter option a raw deal for gamers used to getting free demos on Xbox LIVE. Giant Bomb adds that all titles will have online leaderboards and Xbox LIVE Achievements to boot.

30 titles will accompany the launch, including classics from Atari, Intellivision and Konami, with weekly releases thereafter; a Microsoft press release boasts that  “over 1,000″ titles will hit the service over the next three years. See what it looks like in the launch trailer, below:

[Source: Microsoft, Joystiq, 1up, Giant Bomb]

• Pets Coming To Xbox Avatars
• New 360 Dashboard Update is Entirely Optional
• Forza 4 “American Le Mans Series Pack” Available Today
• Stephen “Stepto” Toulouse and Microsoft No More
• The Simpsons Arcade Game Coming to XBL and PSN
• Rumor: Microsoft to Allow Real Money on Xbox Live this Year

Avatars are just like people. They have clothes, they receive awards, they have an interconnected system of veins and muscles that make up the human body shoes- but that’s not enough. No, our online representations need to be more realistic. They need sidekicks. They need pets. Or so Microsoft says.

Major Nelson today announced their plan to add 12 pets to the Xbox LIVE Avatar Marketplace, in case your avatar ever gets lonely when your Xbox is off.

The pets, Large Dog, Pug Dog, Dog in Bag, Cat, Siamese Cat, Long Haired Cat, Goldfish, Guinea Pig, Monkey, Bird, Snake, and Pony, will be available for 240 MS points/$3 each tomorrow, so go ahead and load the necessary points into your XBL account and purchase your very own “Dog In Bag.”

(via Major Nelson)

• Xbox Dashboard Update Takes Color Out of Your Life; Microsoft Working on Fix
• Microsoft Tweaks Indie Game Size Limits and Pricing On Xbox Live
• RipTen Review: Sonic Generations (Xbox 360)
• Microsoft Announces New Bluetooth Headset and Media Remote For Xbox 360
• Avatar Kinect Now Available as Part of Kinect Fun Labs!!
• Microsoft Reveals Indie Games Summer Uprising Line-up

Sony Computer Entertainment’s Shuhei Yoshida made an appearance at this year’s Tokyo Game Show as one would expect he would. He was there generally representing Sony, but checking out the competition as well.

What’s interesting about Yoshida is instead of bashing on his company’s competitors, he prefers to compliment them instead.

When asked about his feelings on the Xbox 360′s upcoming dashboard revamp, labeled as the New Xbox Experience (NXE), Yoshida responded:

“Yes, I’ve seen the videos, some screenshots and write-ups. I think it’s quite nice. I like the Avatar designs they’re working on.”

He said that the Avatar’s are a “little bit older-looking” than Mii’s when asked if he had noticed a similarity. However, Microsoft’s Avatars are “closer to [Yoshida's] personal preference”.

Hey, at least he’s a nice guy.

• Mass Effect 3 Has Facebook Features to Unlock XBL Avatar Items
• Sony: Vita to be “Easiest and Most Well Supported” Platform Yet
• US PlayStation Store Update 4-12-11
• Yoshida – Porting PS3 Games to NGP is “Simple and Quick”
• Xbox.com to Receive ‘Massive Facelift’
• Super Street Fighter IV Xbox Live Avatar Costumes Now Available

It was an idea that we had before Miis were a part of the gaming scene

Turns out Rare had been playing with the idea for a long time, and only when the revamped 360 Dashboard came into existence was there a place for it. Oh well. You’ll get the jump on them next time.

Source: Eurogamer via Shacknews

• Mass Effect 3 Has Facebook Features to Unlock XBL Avatar Items
• Xbox Dashboard Update Takes Color Out of Your Life; Microsoft Working on Fix
• US PlayStation Store Update 4-12-11
• Xbox.com to Receive ‘Massive Facelift’
• Super Street Fighter IV Xbox Live Avatar Costumes Now Available
• Rare Says Controllers are Too Convoluted, Motion Controls Key to Reaching Technophobes

Now here’s a heck of a scoop, provided it’s for real. Xbox 360 Fanboy has what may be the first glimpse at the character customization options for the 360′s avatars, which will be part of the upcoming Fall update.

It appears to be a much richer suite of tools than the Nintendo Wiis, but to be honest, this still doesn’t make me too excited for this Wii wannabe. Also, is it me, or does that extended ring finger on the right side look like it’s flipping us off?

Source: Xbox 360 Fanboy

• Pets Coming To Xbox Avatars
• Total PS3 Sales Close to Xbox 360 But Gap May Widen
• Rumors Say The Next Xbox Will Play Blu-rays, But Not Used Games
• Gears 4? Epic Hiring Technical Artist to Prototype for Next-Gen Hardware
• Xbox Dashboard Update Takes Color Out of Your Life; Microsoft Working on Fix
• Microsoft Tweaks Indie Game Size Limits and Pricing On Xbox Live

Major Nelson let loose on his latest podcast that the upcoming Dashboard update for the Xbox 360 will be entirely optional.  Well, you’ll most likely still have to download it, but you can continue to use the old blades system and even forgo the new Miis Avatars and stick with your Gamerpic.  Oh, and you can do it all in game.

Here are the words straight from the Major’s mouth:

“The Dashboard as you know it today, in other words the ‘blades’; Games, Live, Media and System, We’ve taken those blades and moved them to the Guide. Every single function that you can do today in the Dashboard you are going to be able to do in the New Xbox Experience in the Guide.

When you press the Guide button on the Xbox 360 controller, the new Guide will come up and you’re going to be able to do everything in there. You’re going to be able to contextually browse Marketplace, did you know that? So when you have Gears of War 2 of Halo 3 in there you’re going to be able to go straight to that section. And if you don’t like the avatars, they’re not required. You can use your Gamer Pictures.”

Yay!  Microsoft is doing one of the things that I actually like about them: they’re giving me options.  Now they just need to release a Blu-Ray player, and everyone will be happy.

Source: Play.tm

• Xbox Dashboard Update Takes Color Out of Your Life; Microsoft Working on Fix
• Microsoft Accepting Applicants for New Xbox Live Dashboard Preview
• Xbox LIVE is Coming to Windows 8
• EPSN On Xbox 360 Getting Update This August
• Xbox 360 System Update Coming Tomorrow
• Xbox Live Summer Of Arcade Starts Today – Dates and Prices

When I got the chance to ask Jorgen Tharaldsen, the man in charge of the massive Age of Conan MMO (massively massive), I went straight to the heart of importance: sex, God, and why it was developed for the Xbox 360 and not the PS3. Check it out!

Zungre: I’ve seen a lot of the violence in the game, but what are the sexual aspects of Age of Conan? Can you get married or do you just go around getting freaky…

Tharaldsen: Yeah you can, of course you can get married. We haven’t put a system to it, but there is no sexual aspect to the game.

Zungre: There is none?

Tharaldsen: No, there is no sexual aspect to the game. And that’s the thing. And a lot of people will say “Conan, it’s a mature game.” You can get undressed, you know, you can see your nipples. You can be completely naked. And there are certain quests, like you speak to a brothel mama, you rescue a prostitute, stuff like that, but you can’t actually have sex in the game, and we’ve been very careful in avoiding any of that.

When we [originally] said there would be no nipples in the US, there was, like, an uproar. “What?! No nipples in the US! It’s a major crisis!” We had, like, comics being made about it and thousands of forum posts.

Nipples are in… and by that I mean they are out.

And there was a leak that we were reportedly having mini sex games like in God of War in the game and the Internet went crazy. “Whoa, will this mean rape?” and will this mean this and that. People just went off and we’ve never had it.

Zungre: Are there any type of religious aspects to the game? Can you worship Crom?

Tharaldsen: Definitely, all of that. All the different cultures have their own gods, and you’ll see all the cities and all the cultures being made with that in mind. You can see how [our created character] is a Stygian guy. You know that Stygians worship Set, the snake god. And you can see [how he has Set and pictures of snakes in his clothing].

The red lights in the hotel room make Jorgen look like he was born of fire and brimstone.

And you can get the avatars of the gods. There’s some demi-gods you can interact with. And, of course, there’s demons. Like [our created character] could shape into his demon form.

[The gods] aren’t coming down, with the finger from the sky, kind of Monte Pythonist approach, but they’re really there. Close. And people worship them.

Zungre: Did you learn anything from the release of the Conan game that came out last October? It was kind of greeted very luke-warmly. Did you learn anything from that?

Tharaldsen: No, not really. (Zungre laugh!) No, we didn’t learn anything valuable. I think we have chosen a very different focus for our game. And we spent a great many years on building an MMO world, where they built a single player world. So we have gone for a very different approach.

There you could play Conan, where in our game Conan is a more distant character as a king. So, we have had a very different focus for our game.

Don’t worry — Age of Conan’s “different focus” still involves lots of violence.

Zungre: What about the interaction with the people on Xbox Live? Do you have any hopes for that?

Tharaldsen: Yes, but first we’re coming with a complete community focus. And we’re going to reveal that once we’re done with the PC version, simply because we are faced with a large set of challenges which single player games simply aren’t met with in the same way. What about Achievement Points for a game that never ends? That kind of stuff, you know. How do people chat, how do they interact outside the game? Can PC gamers and Xbox gamers play together? Yes, we would like them to. We’ll see how it eventually winds up and what Microsoft wants as well. So we’re guinea pigging our way into this. It’s an interesting challenge.

Zungre: Why did you make the decision to go Microsoft (Windows and Xbox) instead of Sony?

Tharaldsen: Because it’s a very similar code. Xbox and PC are very similar in terms of the code base. And at the time when we started the development of Conan there was only one company with an online strategy, and that was Microsoft.

Zungre: Because this was five years ago.

Tharaldsen: Yes, exactly. They’ve done a fantastic job at bringing online to the consoles, and it was simply easier for us. A Wii version would have been impossible. Playstation 3 would mean putting it up as a completely different game with its own code base. There’s quite a lot of code run in this game. It’s a lot larger than any of the normal single player games.

Video and Pics from the event soon! I held the Conan Sword!

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