If you or someone you know is thinking of picking up a previously-owned (read: used) Xbox 360 for the Holidays, there’s one important thing to keep in mind. There are people out there who modify their consoles, cheat, pirate games, etc. When Microsoft finds these people, their consoles get banned from Xbox LIVE, the system’s online service. The worst part is, it’s a permanent ban. Ergo, if you buy a used system that happened to be banned from Xbox LIVE, you’re out of luck.

So if you’re buying from a friend or even from a place like GameStop, make sure to have the system plugged in so you can test the Xbox Live connection. That is, if you care about Xbox LIVE, which you should, because everyone needs to…pwn some n00bs as the kids say.

One of the nifty things about the Nintendo DSi (hand-held video game console) is that it has a built-in camera. It has two cameras, in fact; one that faces the user and one that faces away. I haven’t paid much attention to it because I already have a DS Lite and I hate it when companies make their own products obsolete after a year (not you, Apple..please keep releasing new stuff). Anyways, this is the first instance of “holy crap that’s brilliant” I’ve experienced in reading about this thing. (more…)

I’ve never paid close attention to the Guinness Book of World Records. I guess I never gave a crap how big a ball of rubber bands could be. But this record is something I can get behind. House of the Dead: Overkill, a raunchy new zombie shooting game for the Nintendo Wii, has been inducted into the book for using the F-word more than any other video game ever; 189 times to be exact. Well done, Sega. I guess you’re good for something besides destroying my childhood memories with horrific Sonic the Hedgehog games.

[OhGizmo!]

One thing I’ve always wanted to do with Average-Dudes is go cover some kind of event as a member of the “press.” This weekend, that dream becomes a reality! We’re heading to the Orlando Science Center to check out Otronicon, a five-day video game event that starts on Friday, January 16th. In its fourth year, Otronicon hosts a number of competitions, workshops, and even a Halo-themed wedding. Ok, I’m all about the competitions and stuff, but I can’t promise that I won’t laugh out loud at a bunch of people dressed up in Halo garb watching two gamers get married. Although, if they offer me a piece of the Halo cake, they’re alright with me.

Anyways, Dyna, Steve and I are psyched to check this thing out. We’ll probably be totally out of our element, but that’ll just make for some great photos. The Science Center always hosts some awesome events and I’m sure this one won’t disappoint. Read on for a press release about the event. (more…)

If you were ever interested in getting a Guitar Hero game or an extra wireless guitar for GH3, Best Buy is peddling the Guitar Hero Aerosmith bundle for the PS3 for only $40. That includes a slick Aerosmith wireless Les Paul guitar controller and the game. According to Best Buy’s web site, the Wii and Xbox 360 versions are $50 which makes absolutely no sense to me, but maybe if you go in and raise a little hell, you can get that $10 knocked off.

For comparison’s sake, Amazon, usually with the lowest prices in town, is selling the same Guitar Hero bundle for $80. Yes, you should go buy it now while supplies last.

I’m going to keep this one short and sweet. Not because I’m lazy, but because I feel like I’ve pretty much already reviewed this game. That’s probably because Call of Duty: World at War is essentialy the same game as Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, just with World War 2 stuff painted all over it. To get an idea of the graphics, sound, and controls, please refer to my review of CoD4. If you’re already familiar with the series, read on. (more…)

I really don’t know what to say about this.  I just can’t see myself putting in the countless hours to master something like Guitar Hero 2 just so I can see a “You Rock” screen at the end.  I look for something a little more out of life….not much, but maybe at least a high five.

I guess video game companies are wising up on how to sell their wares. Heidi Klum in her undies is one way. New York Jets cheerleaders also work.

Although, Heidi lost a little bit of her lustre when I saw her Halloween costume this year… (more…)

I think I heard something about a video game involving cheerleading. It’s really tough to be sure though…

[Nintendo Wii Fanboy]

Here’s a list of the Blu-rays, DVDs, and video games that were released today. Go easy on that credit card…Black Friday is just around the corner. (more…)