Over at Planet C&C, I recently asked people their views on the DRM that would be shipped and included with the upcoming release of Red Alert 3 for the PC, and if it had affected their decision to buy the product.  That edition of the Mailbag is up and can be viewed here.

At the end of that particular Mailbag, I gave my 2 cents on Red Alert 3's DRM (and DRM in general): -

My views on this DRM debacle are all over the place at the moment.

I can totally understand what EA are trying to do, they're protecting their product from piracy. But unfortunately we've already seen this fail completely in regards to Spore. Pirate versions were available to download days before the product hit the shelves, stripped of the DRM that was supposed to protect it. I'm not sure what that means in terms of further support (patches, etc), but the game was there for anyone who wanted it. Before anyone reads into that incorrectly, I do not condone or support piracy in any form. 

DRM is something a lot of consumers hate to have on their products, especially if it is restrictive to the point where the product will become useless at some point down the line. It doesn't matter what number of installs you give, 5 or 100, someone will always reach that limit eventually.

The backlash for Spore was huge, and while EA are doing their best to address the DRM on that game as well as Red Alert 3 in the future they could have just looked at successful protection methods already "in the wild" and adapted them to suit their needs. It does little to sooth my rage when I read that the install limit problem will be addressed in the future, especially as it could have been addressed before the game went gold.

And to answer my own question, it hasn't put me off buying the game. Like "Heron" I'm a complete nut for C&C games, and it's one of the reasons I'm working for this site (alongside world domination, and the fan girls that constantly show up at my lair). I'm actually getting two copies (I actually have two copies of every C&C game, lol), one for my newly upgraded PC, and one for my shiny Xbox 360. If I could change the DRM, I would keep online activation only when trying to play online. In a similar method to that of Company of Heroes, I'd allow the option of signing in online to allow the use of the game without the need for the CD/DVD.

I recently upgraded my main PC from this: -

• Processor: Intel Pentium 4 2.80GHz (with HT).
• Display: 17inch TFT monitor.
• Memory: 1.5gb (Corsair).
• HDDs: 160gb, 120gb.
• Media drives: Floppy disk drive, Zip Drive, Pioneer region free DVD player, Pioneer DVD-RW.
• Video: ATI Radeon 9800 Pro.
• Network: 10/100 Ethernet.
• Sound: Sound Blaster Live Audigy.
• Keyboard: Logitech Deluxe Keyboard.
• Mouse: Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0.
• Operating system: Windows XP Pro/Ubuntu 8.04 LTS.

To this: -

• Processor: Intel Pentium Core 2 Quad 2.80Ghz (Q9550).
• Display: 17inch TFT monitor.
• Memory: 4gb (Corsair TwinX XMS2 6400 - DDR 2).
• HDD: 500gb SATA 2.
• Media drives: Floppy disk drive, Pioneer region free DVD player, Pioneer DVD-RW.
• Video: Nvidia GeForce 9800 GTX+ (512mb, PCI-E).
• Network: 10/100 Ethernet.
• Sound: Sound Blaster Live Audigy.
• Keyboard: Logitech Deluxe Keyboard.
• Mouse: Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0.
• Operating system: Windows Vista Home Premium (64bit).

These updated specifications have been added to my setup post, and as the PC still looks the same on the outside as it did before, the video of it running is still valid and available to view.

This was perhaps the longest upgrade I've ever done, taking a full day for the backing up data, installing new hardware, and eventually Windows.  It then took a further two days to get my usual system software up and running again, but it was definitely worth it.

My apologies for the absence over the past few days, I've been upgrading/rebuilding my PC (details on that in a future post).

More content has hit the marketplace over the past few days: -

• Command & Conquer Red Alert 3 Empire Art Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
• EndWar Faction Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Portal: Still Alive Theme Pack: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
• EndWar Theatre of War Video Briefing: Free and available everywhere.
• Command & Conquer Red Alert 3 Empire Art Gamerpics: 100 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Vidzone Tokyo Police Club Your English Is Good: 200 MS Points and available in the UK and Ireland.
• Vidzone Tokyo Police Club Tessellate: 200 MS Points and available in the UK and Ireland.
• Vidzone The Whip Blackout: 200 MS Points and available in the UK and Ireland.
• Vidzone Sebastien Tellier Lucky Number: 200 MS Points and available in the UK and Ireland.
• Vidzone Feeder We Are The People: 200 MS Points and available in the UK and Ireland.
• Vidzone Feeder Tumble and Fall: 200 MS Points and available in the UK and Ireland.
• Vidzone Battles Atlas: 200 MS Points and available in the UK and Ireland.
• Vidzone Armin Van Buuren Burned With Desire: 200 MS Points and available in the UK and Ireland.
• Vidzone Battles Tonto: 200 MS Points and available in the UK and Ireland.
• Vidzone Feeder Into The Blue: 200 MS Points and available in the UK and Ireland.
• Far Cry 2 Buddies Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Banjo-Kazooie Nuts & Bolts Terrarium of Terror Trailer: Free and available everywhere.
• Midnight Club Los Angeles Cops Trailer: Free and available everywhere.
• Civilization SP Map Pack 2: The Surreal: Free and available everywhere.
• BioShock 2 Teaser Trailer: Free and available everywhere.

Having watched the BioShock 2 trailer already, I can't wait for the full game to arrive on 360 as BioShock is one of my favourite games.  Also catching my eye are the Red Alert 3 theme and gamerpics.

• Spider-Man: Web of Shadows Launch Trailer: Free and available everywhere.
• Rock Band - Nirvana “Territorial Pissings" [Track]: 160 MS Points and available everywhere. 
• Rock Band - Nirvana “Stay Away" [Track]: 160 MS Points and available everywhere. 
• Rock Band - Nirvana “Something in the Way" [Track]: 160 MS Points and available everywhere. 
• Rock Band - Nirvana “On a Plain" [Track]: 160 MS Points and available everywhere. 
• Rock Band - Nirvana “Polly" [Track]: 160 MS Points and available everywhere. 
• Rock Band - Nirvana “Lounge Act" [Track]: 160 MS Points and available everywhere. 
• Rock Band - Nirvana “Breed" [Track]: 160 MS Points and available everywhere. 
• Legendary - Developer Walkthrough Part One: Free and available everywhere.
• Alex Gaudino Ft. Crystal Waters - Destination - Ministry of Sound Music Video: 200 MS Points and only available in the UK and Ireland.
• DJ Q featuring MC Bonez - You Wot! - Ministry of Sound Music Video: 200 MS Points and only available in the UK and Ireland.
• Beatfreakz - Somebody's Watching Me - Ministry of Sound Music Video: 200 MS Points and only available in the UK and Ireland.
• Boogie Pimps - Somebody To Love - Ministry of Sound Music Video: 200 MS Points and only available in the UK and Ireland.
• Tom Clancy's HAWX - Elite Pilot Picture Pack: 100 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Xbox Presents My Gig - Highlights: Free and only available in the UK and Ireland.

Portal: Still Alive lands on XBLA next Wednesday for 1200 MS points.

The game features the full Portal single player experience that shipped with The Orange Box, as well as 14 new challenge maps exclusive to XBLA, and 6 additional advanced maps.

GTA: San Andreas will be landing in the Xbox Originals section of the XBL Marketplace on Monday (20th October), for 1200 MS points.

With recent announcements that the NXE will require at least 128mb of storage, a lot of people were left wondering what they would do if they had one of the hard drive-less core/arcade Xbox 360s.

Microsoft recently announced the NXE upgrade program, and I've been waiting patiently to see how this would translate to those of us in the UK.  AceyBongos just made a post about it today, and while pricing details on the HDD option haven't been announced, I can confirm that we will have a similar program here in the UK (and Europe).

You can find full details on your local Xbox.com now at www.Xbox.com/storage (this page also links to the Memory Upgrade Program page), but to try and make it as clear and simple as possible here's the deal:

• To receive the New Xbox Experience when it launches on November 19 you will need at least 128 MB of memory either on your console itself, on a removable Memory Unit, or on a hard drive.
• If you DO NOT have this memory available through any of these methods you may be eligible for a memory upgrade offer - visit Xbox.com/storage for the details. You will need to provide your GamerTag, your console ID number and your console serial number. Instructions on how to find these are on the site.
• Naturally, the more storage memory you have in your console the more you'll be able to enjoy all the downloadable features NXE will bring.

Just to reiterate, you can find all the details and a link to the Memory Upgrade program at your local Xbox.com: www.Xbox.com/storage.

While it's great that MS are offering an upgrade, it does make me wonder if they'll be updating the arcade sku (to include a large enough memory unit), or scrapping it altogether in favour of hard drive only skus.

Update: According to comments in the linked post above, the 512mb memory card will be free (as they are in the US), while the 20gb HDD will cost £12.99.

• Command & Conquer Red Alert 3 Allied Art Gamerpics: 100 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Command & Conquer Red Alert 3 Allied Art Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Double D Dodgeball Big Bang Boom Pack: New balls and characters. 100 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Brothers In Arms: Hell's Highway Characters Picture Pack 1: 100 MS Points and available everywhere.
• N+ Level Pack #3: Free and available everywhere.
• Fable 2 - Destiny TV Commercial: Free and available everywhere.
• Legendary Behind the Scenes Part 6: Free and available everywhere.
• Tom Clancy's End War Demo: Free.
• Madagascar 2 Demo: Free.

Gamesindustry.biz are reporting that our very own HMV is looking at buying out Gamerbase.  Gamerbase are a multiplayer gaming centre that specialise in (yes, you've guessed it) multiplayer gaming, and currently only have one centre which is based in London.

High Street chain HMV has acquired specialist multiplayer gaming outfit Gamerbase, with plans to expand its in-store gaming concept across the UK.

Gamerbase has been running as a concession in HMVs Trocadero store in London's Piccadilly Circus since late last year, and allows visitors to sample new and forthcoming games, take part in tournaments and buy titles directly from the retailer.

"Where we roll them out, we’ll be looking to locate the Gamerbase centres next to our games departments to bring the whole offer together for our customers - so if someone’s enjoyed playing a game online, they can pre-order or purchase it there and then," commented Tim Ellis, Head of Games at HMV.

When Atheistium visited them in May, my interest was peaked to say the least.  The idea of more centres opening all over the UK is something I'm really looking forward to, as it's an excellent opportunity for a lot of gamers.

We had a few new items hit the marketplace today: -

• FIFA 09 Inside the Game Trailer: Free and available everywhere.
• Gears of War 2: Enter the Horde Trailer: Free and available everywhere.
• Gears of War 2: Never Fight Alone Trailer: Free and available everywhere.
• Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway Demo: Free and available everywhere. 

This week's XBLA title will be Age of Booty, a pirate based (the high seas kind, not the software kind) strategy game that will land on the XBL Marketplace this Wednesday for 800 MS points.  Also, unlike most XBLA titles, you can play the demo online.

In a rather surprising series of announcements, Xbox 360 Fanboy has quoted Major Nelson as saying that the NXE will require at least 128mb of storage.  Not only that, Evil Avatar also reports that the avatar creation system will require a further 256mb (minimum).

The news means nothing if you have either the Premium or the Elite versions of the 360, however those with the arcade sku will be left waiting for MS to clean up the mess.  According to Major Nelson: -

The new Xbox experience will require 128MB of free space. A hard drive is recommended for the optimal experience, to take advantage of some new features, and to be able to enjoy the great movies, TV shows and games available on Xbox LIVE. While we expect the majority of consumers to download the New Xbox Experience without a problem, a small percentage of Xbox 360 owners do not have enough memory to accommodate the update. To help ensure all Xbox LIVE members are able to download the New Xbox Experience and enjoy its new features, Microsoft will be offering storage solutions to the Xbox LIVE community. We are not sharing details of this offering yet. Be sure to check xbox.com for more details in the coming weeks.

Gamerscore Blog have an interesting article detailing a new feature that will roll out alongside the NXE.  The ability to shop for 360 content, and browse the marketplace on your PC is an excellent idea.  Anything you buy, or select to download will be added to your 360s download queue the next time it's switched on; this includes free content such as demos and trailers.

• Spider-Man: Web of Shadows Symbiote Wolverine Trailer: Free and available everywhere.
• Banjo-Kazooie Showdown Town Video: Free and available everywhere.
• The Making of Golden Axe: Beast Rider Act 1: Free and available everywhere.
• The Making of Golden Axe: Beast Rider Act 2: Free and available everywhere.

Major Nelson has just announced that the New Xbox Experience will be launched on November 19th.

John Schappert, Corporate Vice President of Xbox LIVE, Services and Software, announced today during his Tokyo Game Show keynote that the New Xbox Experience will ship to Xbox 360's around the world (in 26 countries, localized in 11 languages) on November 19th 2008.

Three titles have just been released for XBLA: -

• MLB Stickball: 800 MS points.
• Shadow Assault/Tenchu: 800 MS points.
• Beat'n Groovy: 800 Ms points.

Looks like we're back to crap releases, roll on Banjo Kazooie.

A huge load of content was spew onto the XBL Marketplace today, and here's the list: -

• Viva Piñata 2- Trouble in Paradise Demo: Free and available everywhere.
• The Official NBA 2K9 Demo: Free and available everywhere.
• Fallout 3 Teaser Trailer 2: Free and available everywhere.
• Warhammer: Battle March Trailer: Free and available everywhere.
• Dead Space Concept Art Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Dead Space Paintings Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
• FIFA 09 Live Season - Barclays Premier League: 560 MS Points and available everywhere.
• FIFA 09 Live Season - Liga BBVA: 560 MS Points and available everywhere.
• FIFA 09 Live Season - Ligue 1: 560 MS Points and available everywhere.
• FIFA 09 Live Season - Bundesliga: 560 MS Points and available everywhere.
• FIFA 09 Live Season - Serie A: 560 MS Points and available everywhere.
• FIFA 09 Live Season - Primera División de México: 560 MS Points and available everywhere.
• FIFA 09 Live Season - All Leagues Pack: 1600 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Heroes of Mass Effect Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Jade Empire Characters Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 - INTRO MOVIE: Free and available everywhere.
• EndWar Voice Command Video Briefing: Free and available everywhere.
• EndWar Combat Chain Video Briefing: Free and available everywhere.
• Brother In Arms Hell's Highway Making of Video #1: Operation Market Free and available everywhere. Garden:
• Brother In Arms Hell's Highway Making of Video #2: Roll Call Free and available everywhere.
• Alex Gaudino - Watch Out: 200 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Basshunter - All I Ever Wanted: 200 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Basshunter - Angel In The Night: 200 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Basshunter - Now You're Gone: 200 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Bob Sinclar - What I Want: 200 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Eric Prydz - Pjanoo: 200 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Platnum - Love Shy: 200 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Tomb Raider- Underworld Beneath The Surface 1 Video: Free and available everywhere.
• Tomb Raider- Underworld Beneath The Surface 2 Video: Free and available everywhere.

• Command & Conquer Red Alert 3 Soviet Art Gamerpics: 100 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Command & Conquer Red Alert 3 Soviet Art Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Fable 2 - Dev Diary - Episode 7: Free and available everywhere.
• Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 Demo: Free.

This news broke late yesterday evening over at Planet C&C, and has since turned up on numerous sites.  Tiberium (an FPS game set in the Command & Conquer universe) has been cancelled.  Mike Verdu from EA LA had this to say: -

It is with a heavy heart that I announce an end to all work on Tiberium effective immediately. I've consulted with Nick Earl and Frank Gibeau at the EA Games Label and together we have reached the conclusion that given the time and resources remaining, we will not be able to deliver this product to an appropriate level of quality.

The game had fundamental design challenges from the start. We fought to correct the issues, but we were not successful; the game just isn't coming together well enough to meet our own quality expectations as well as those of our consumers.

Unfortunately, this action will result in several individuals on the team being released. We will make every effort to place affected individuals on projects within the studio – and where that isn't possible, to connect them with opportunities in other teams at EA.

This is the right move for the studio and the company, but it's particularly hard for me because of the impact it will have on our people. Many individuals contributed their time and talents to this game. I spent time in the trenches with them and I was continually impressed by their work.

Moving forward, we need to make sure this doesn't happen again. I believe we are already doing a better job of engineering success in from the start. The quality bar has been raised. Now we need to step up our focus on great design and execution, catching any problems early and correcting them quickly.

We will strive to live up to our values: To make great games, treat people right, keep our commitments, and grow our business.

Such a pity, I was actually looking forward to another dose of FPS C&C (the first being Renegade for the PC).

• Pure Gamerpics: 100 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Pure Speed Theme Game Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Pure Adrenaline Theme: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Soul Calibur IV Unusual Weapon Set: 300 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Soul Calibur IV Ultimate Weapon Set: 300 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Mega Man R9 Gamer Iconpack #1: 100 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Mega Man R9 Gamer Iconpack #2: 100 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Mega Man R9 Theme pack #1: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
• Mega Man R9 Theme pack #2: 150 MS Points and available everywhere.
• The Red Hot Chili Peppers' full album Blood Sugar Sex Magick is available for 1600 MS Points, or as individual tracks for 160 MS Points each (These tracks are for Rock Band).
• Mega Man 9: XBLA, 800 MS points.
• War World: XBLA, 800 MS points.