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Next-Gen Prep: The Evolution of the Xbox 360
The day is May 12, 2005. Apple’s silhouetted iPod commercials mirror the relevance of the device itself and that of MTV. Elijah Wood is in the midst of his post “Lord of The Rings” stardom and the eyes of America are on him as he hosts an Xbox and MTV collaboration event. Microsoft is climbing out of their bunker after the thrashing they received from the Playstation 2, and they are ready to get a head start on the next battle.
Right off the bat they were toting the digital future (promising to change digital entertainment forever) and “the future of gaming” was revealed with a console shot, and the system boot screen. The first official mention of “Xbox 360” was uttered so casually that it made it seem immediately normal, not necessarily as ridiculous as it may have felt in rumors. The reveal videos looked great, including a 100% CGI Madden video and a not-too-shabby Saints Row clip, and the next generation felt in full swing already. This biggest push was that of Perfect Dark Zero, which seemingly scratched that nostalgia itch and ramped up all of gaming in one package. With their big reveal completed, it was clear that they had the momentum. Sony was sitting quietly, confidently. More would be revealed at E3 for both.
That June, E3 came and went. Microsoft showed the console again, referencing the future of entertainment again, and stressing playing with friends and customizing games to ones preference. The first appearance of the “blades” dashboard seemed so great at the time. Clean and organized. Even then, though, the faceplate changing gimmick was lackluster. Games were shown, we all know how these things go, but they mainly made promises of digital entertainment, that they did fulfill eventually, and “the most powerful game console” which is debatable at best from a hardware standpoint. They also shared numbers on their Xbox Live platform, and promised to take it to the next level with the player cards featuring a bio and gamer pictures, among other things. Microsoft came out as clearly a company serious about its games division. They knew what would excite people, and they stuck with what they had, in stark contrast to the company today. The console would release in the holiday season of that year, to no competition from Sony, or Nintendo for that matter, and with its release the origin story of the Xbox 360 ends.
It’s the 23rd day of November in the year 2005. The Xbox 360 hit store shelves yesterday, and reports that Microsoft began mass production on the console a little over two months ago were confirmed by empty spaces that now filled shelves. Well-off families head to Ebay to find their child’s most sought after Christmas gift. Microsoft is off to an amazing start. With a list of decidedly launch-quality games, the Xbox 360 enjoyed the fervor of customers in an uncontested holiday season. The momentum would continue into the foreseeable future as they continue to support the system with quality games. Some bad press would soon hit, however, in the form of a seriously high failure rate due to the “Red Ring Of Death.” The company quickly instituted a longer warranty against the problem and was providing Xbox Live monthly cards for inconvenience when they were replaced. The steps they took severely minimized the general backlash for the systems failing. The first year of the Xbox 360’s reign was a booming success.
Over the course of the next couple years, Microsoft would take to the stage at E3 and continue to push games on their systems. They would introduce HD updates for classic arcade and legacy console games such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Contra in 2006, marking the rise of the Xbox Live Marketplace. That year, they would also debut sequels to some of their most popular series like Fable and Halo, along with some new IPs that would be exclusive in FEAR and Gears of War. The conference in 2007 was again about games, rather than the console itself, with the appearance of Mass Effect and more Halo 3 to scratch that exclusive games itch. The company clearly held games first in its mind, as it had all along, but had yet to truly innovate digital entertainment as they had promised.
It was in 2008 where things really started to change with the Xbox 360, showing that they would continue to up the ante with their system. A complete overhaul to the once-shiny, now-dingy dashboard was in the cards for that fall, as well as the introduction of avatars, to further personalize the console experience. Immediately after the GUI update (dubbed Next Xbox Experience by the founders) the Xbox 360 as it had been recognized was gone, and with that change in appearance seemed to come a change in identity. It was in this period when they started their independent developer friendly system, which lead to the launch of Braid, and that lead directly to other indie projects jumping on board for the next several years, especially when they introduced the Xbox Live Indie Games section in which those who desired could make a game in XNA and attempt to publish through Microsoft.
A year later, when the console was at the height of its life, Microsoft announced the Kinect at E3 2009. In what could be viewed as an extremely late gut reaction to the success of the Wii, the initial announcement of the Kinect was met with a mixture of wonder and reservation. The technology behind the controller-less gaming concept was fascinating, but it remained unclear whether it would pan out in an effective way to make it worthwhile. It would not be until a year later, November 2010, when consumers would get their hands on it (along with a redesigned, slimmer console) to see if it was worth the hype. It was the release and subsequent content focus on the Kinect that may have changed the Xbox 360 landscape once again.
The next few years, leading up to the present, see the console fall from grace in large part. There were a few more drastic dashboard updates, which evolved with Windows 8 and kept the interface from growing stale, but Microsoft was so desperate to push the Kinect, a device that was not catching on with consumers, it seems the company lost focus on its core games. Even its stock of indie games had a severe downgrade in quality and quantity. They even went so far as to hide the Indie Games store front with one of its most recent dashboard overhauls. To their credit, though, they continued to add entertainment apps to the system to further its status as an entertainment hub. From Internet Explorer to an IGN news app, the console was trying to become a living room PC, minus the games, it seemed. Of the few exclusives the console held in the most recent years, most centered around the Kinect, and a large chunk were not received well at all. (I’m looking at you Steel Battalion and Gears of War: Judgement!)
Fast forward to the present day. The Microsoft has released a second console redesign, which looks closer to their next console than the current, the average console has more apps installed on it than games, and a startling one (1) exclusive has been released this year. Microsoft has clearly been prepping for the next generation battle (which is an entirely different subject) at the expense of supporting its current console which will ultimately shun the loyal fans who cannot afford or find an Xbox One on the shelf for the next few months or more. And while they have back-pedaled their way into a pretty nice looking console this fall, they may start the next generation as they ended this one– limping.
Are you tired of playing video games all day long? Why not take a break and watch some video game-based movies on Hulu in NZ? With its vast collection of movies and TV shows, Hulu is the perfect platform to satisfy your gaming cravings.
From action-packed thrillers to heartwarming dramas, we would recommend you to get Hulu in NZ, because Hulu has it all. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 7 video game-based movies that you must watch on Hulu in NZ.
Assassin’s Creed (2016)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Director: Justin Kurzel
Major Cast: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons
Runtime: 1 hour 55 minutes
The first on our list is the movie adaptation of the popular video game franchise “Assassin’s Creed.” Starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, this movie follows the story of Callum Lynch, who discovers he is a descendant of a secret society of assassins. With stunning visuals and breathtaking action scenes, this movie is a must-watch for any Assassin’s Creed fan.
Rampage (2018)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Director: Brad Peyton
Major Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Malin Akerman
Runtime: 1 hour 47 minutes
If you’re a fan of monster movies and video games, “Rampage” is the perfect movie for you. Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, this movie is based on the classic arcade game of the same name. The movie follows a primatologist who teams up with a genetically modified gorilla to stop two other genetically modified animals from destroying the city. With its over-the-top action and humor, “Rampage” is a fun-filled ride from start to finish.
Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Director: Jeff Fowler
Major Cast: James Marsden, Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz
Runtime: 1 hour 39 minutes
For all the Sonic fans out there, “Sonic the Hedgehog” is a must-watch movie. Starring Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, this movie follows Sonic as he teams up with a human cop to stop Dr. Robotnik from taking over the world. With its fast-paced action and lovable characters, “Sonic the Hedgehog” is a movie that both kids and adults can enjoy.
Mortal Kombat (2021)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Director: Simon McQuoid
Major Cast: Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson
Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes
If you’re a fan of the Mortal Kombat video game franchise, you won’t want to miss the 2021 movie adaptation. With its gory fight scenes and iconic characters, this movie is a love letter to the fans of the game. The movie follows a group of fighters who are recruited to participate in a tournament to determine the fate of the world. With stunning visuals and non-stop action, “Mortal Kombat” is a movie that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Warcraft (2016)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Director: Duncan Jones
Major Cast: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster
Runtime: 2 hours 3 minutes
Based on the popular MMORPG game, “Warcraft” tells the story of the battle between humans and orcs. Starring Travis Fimmel and Paula Patton, this movie follows a group of human heroes as they try to stop the orc invasion. With its epic battles and stunning visuals, “Warcraft” is a movie that will transport you to a world of magic and adventure.
Tomb Raider (2018)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Director: Roar Uthaug
Major Cast: Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Walton Goggins
Runtime: 1 hour 58 minutes
Based on the popular video game franchise of the same name, “Tomb Raider” stars Alicia Vikander as the iconic Lara Croft. The movie follows Lara as she sets out on a dangerous journey to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance. With its intense action scenes and captivating storyline, “Tomb Raider” is a movie that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
Resident Evil (2002)
Genre: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson
Major Cast: Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Eric Mabius
Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes
Last but not least, we have the classic zombie horror movie “Resident Evil.” Starring Milla Jovovich as Alice, this movie is based on the popular video game franchise of the same name. The movie follows Alice and a group of survivors as they try to escape from an underground research facility infested with zombies. With its tense atmosphere and pulse pounding action, “Resident Evil” is a must-watch for any horror or action movie fan.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the top 7 video game-based movies that you must watch on Hulu in NZ. From the high-flying action of “Assassin’s Creed” to the terrifying zombie outbreak in “Resident Evil,” each movie offers its unique take on the beloved video games that inspired them.
Whether you are a die-hard gamer or a movie enthusiast, these movies are sure to satisfy your craving for pulse-pounding action and adventure.
Hulu in NZ offers a fantastic selection of movies and TV shows that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. With these top 7 video game-based movies, you can immerse yourself in the world of your favorite games and enjoy them on the big screen.
Fighting games have been a major sub-genre of the industry since the dawn of gaming. While the original fist-fighting game came out in 1976, the genre arguably peaked in the 1980s. Dozens of franchises came smashing down arcades, from Mortal Kombat to Tekken.
But gamers do not need to visit the local gaming center anymore to get in on the action, as platform fighters and hand-to-hand combat have long gone mobile. So, are you up for a brawl? Whether you’re into brutal MMA fights or formidable superhero battles, let’s round up some of the best fighting games to play on Android.
Marvel Contest of Champions
While movies and comic books are still at the core of its extended universe, Marvel has also expanded to the gaming medium. Much to mobile gamers’ dismay, though, exhilarating brawler games like Marvel’s Avengers and massive crossovers like Marvel vs. Capcom never made it to smartphones. But Marvel Contest of Champions is more than epic enough to make up for it.
Developed by Kabam, this versus-fighting action game features a pretty strong line-up comprising virtually every Marvel character in the book. Beloved heroes like Wolverine, Spider-Man, and Hulk are all set for battle throughout iconic Marvel locations, such as Asgard, Stark Tower, and Wakanda. Yet players may as well pick supervillains to pit against the good guys. So, assemble the strongest super-heroic team and combine each champion’s unique set of devastating attacks and special abilities. Better yet, this mobile Marvel game allows for competitive multiplayer fighting.
Skullgirls: Fighting RPG
Skullgirls is a solid contender for best mobile fighting game out there. This fighting RPG by Autumn Games has got some incredibly responsive battle animations going for it, and just enough grind to keep players engaged for hours on end. Fun special moves and combos take fast-paced combat to the next level, serviced by colorful background visuals and a jazzy soundtrack that may feel out of place but gives the game that much more flavor.
And all kicking and pummeling aside, Skullgirls has much in the way of the story, too. In an original twist on the genre, this 2D RPG features an all-female cast of quirky yet fierce hand-animated characters. Players may even customize their fighter while searching for the elusive Skullgirl and stopping her from destroying the city of New Meridian.
Mortal Kombat
Alongside Capcom’s Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat is probably the best-known fighting franchise in the world. The series stemmed from the idea of making a video game starring action movie superstar Jean-Claude Van Damme. Funnily enough, JCVD would eventually play center stage in the live-action adaptation of Street Fighter. Still, Mortal Kombat spawned countless installations, TV series, and feature films.
And gamers can now experience the visceral fighting and trademark Fatalities that made the franchise so infamous straight on mobile. Mortal Kombat shows off a whopping roster of over 130 warriors, who level up through challenges of increasing difficulty. Teaming up fighters with matching synergies, mobile players can tackle ferocious enemies in online competitive mode or all on their own. This mobile version of the legendary game also includes a card collection feature.
EA Sports UFC
The intensity of the Octagon translates superbly to the gaming medium. Released by Electronic Arts on multiple platforms, EA Sports UFC quickly became the go-to title for gamers with a knack for mixed martial arts. And the mobile version doesn’t disappoint, pitting up to 97 UFC fighters against one another in heated fashion – and even martial arts legend Bruce Lee as an unlockable bonus. EA Sports UFC may thus be the perfect mobile game to dive into while waiting for the next big superstar comeback.
Meanwhile, prominent fighters like Valentina Shevchenko and Nikita Krylov will keep fans on the edge of their seats in upcoming UFC events. And MMA enthusiasts can even spruce up the experience with a gamble. Reviewers like SBO have laid down the most profitable online bookies for punters to explore. The best sportsbooks offer a range of betting options on MMA, ranging from method of victory to total rounds. Lofty bonuses and welcome packages also await newcomers. And online punters can make bank out of even more sports, from the ultra-popular to the niche.
Fighting games are as old as time. But with improved gameplay and ever-so-striking aesthetics, they’ve remained fresh throughout the decades. And players can now get their fists to do the talking on mobile, from retro titles to inventive entries.
The 21st century has been a great time for gaming and online casinos. We’ve seen explosive growth in both sectors, with new technologies and platforms emerging constantly. The following 10 years promise to be even more exciting, as we’ll see even more innovation and growth in the gaming industry, as well as the online gambling industry.
In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the trends that we think will shape the next decade of gaming and online casino development. So whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore gambler, read on to find out what the next 10 years have in store for you!
The increasing popularity of online casinos and gaming
With many people stuck at home, they turned to digital platforms for entertainment, including gaming and slots sites. As a result, these sectors have seen explosive growth over the past few years. With the increasing popularity of technology, games have moved from physical pieces to digital pixelated ones, allowing for even more immersive and engaging gaming experiences.
With the online world ever-growing, it was only a matter of time before gambling followed suit. Nowadays, casinos are looking for ways to pull in more business through rewarding online slots promotions, as opposed to the regular operations in brick-and-mortar casinos. In addition, advancements in technology have allowed for the development of online slots, poker rooms, and other casino games that are not only secure and safe to play but also offer a level of quality that is comparable to land-based casinos.
Although we have made a lot of progress, especially with online casinos and online slots games, there is still more to come. Here are some of the changes we predict for this billion-dollar online casino industry in the next ten years:
The increasing legalization of online casinos globally
As online gaming becomes more and more popular, we are seeing an increased push for the legalization of online gambling in countries all around the world. With more people playing on digital platforms and experiencing the benefits of online casinos, governments are recognizing this trend and moving towards changing laws to allow for wider access to these online gambling sites.
For example, in the United States, more states are beginning to implement legal gambling solutions due to the US federal government softening its regulations. And this trend will likely continue in the coming years, as more countries begin to recognize the benefits of legalizing online casinos which include increased tax revenues and a better way to regulate gambling in the digital age.
Virtual reality gaming
With the rise of virtual reality technology, we can expect to see casinos offer more immersive gaming experiences. Players will be able to experience realistic casino environments and games through VR headsets, allowing for an even more realistic gaming experience. Game developers are constantly releasing new concept games to online casinos, and we can expect these same sorts of fun, attractive experiences to be available in the next few years.
Blockchain Technology for Transparent and Fair Gambling Systems
Another major trend that we will see in online casinos and gaming over the next decade is the use of blockchain technology. With this technology, players can rest assured that they are getting a fair chance to win while enjoying secure transactions and transparent gambling systems. Blockchain technology allows for all casino transactions to be recorded on an open ledger, making it difficult for casinos to manipulate the outcomes of games. As a result, players can enjoy more trust, transparency, and fairness in their online gaming activities.
Game development
When visiting an online casino, it is essential to find an operator that provides a good variety of games. For instance, slots games are very popular in the digital environment, finding a provider with a good variety of slots games will chance your experience. You could find different slots themes and choose the slot game you like the most. In the next ten years, we could be expecting new games integration with better graphics, creative and fun. Game developers will have a higher demand and they will be providing cool slots themes and other casino games.
Top of the line Live Dealer Games
Finally, we will also see more sophisticated live dealer games in online casinos and gaming over the next decade. With the rise of 4K and 5K resolution cameras, online casino providers have been able to offer gamers a much more realistic viewing experience.
These live dealer games can be streamed from various locations, allowing more people to join and play different types of online games. With a more advanced streaming quality, players can now interact with real dealers in real time and enjoy a variety of table games such as roulette, slots, blackjack, and baccarat. With so many exciting changes coming our way, we can look forward to even more engaging gaming experiences in the years ahead!
In Summary
Overall, it’s clear that the gaming and online casino industries are undergoing major changes as we look toward the future. Whether you’re an avid gamer or just a casual player, there are exciting developments on the horizon that will shape how we interact with these platforms – and how they affect our daily lives. So if you’re looking for the best possible experiences from the gambling and casino industry, in particular, be sure to keep an eye out for these exciting online casino trends as well as online slots promotions that suit your playing style.
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