New XBL Experience Coming November 19

Microsoft's John Schappert revealed during the MS press conference at the 2008 Tokyo Game Show that the highly-anticipated new Xbox Live Experience will go live in 26 different countries on November 19. The new XBL Experience, which will be accessible via free download, will feature customizable avatars, a new party system, a sleeker look, a prime time interactive channel and more.

You can learn all about it right here.

I wonder if we can get EpicBattleAxe t-shirts for our avatars....?

New Xbox Live Experience Web Browser Demo Available

If you're totally stoked for the new Xbox Live "Experience" and you've got a few minutes to kill, we at the Axe thought we'd pass on word that a fully functioning demo of the upcoming service is now available via the web for your interactive pleasure over on the official Xbox site.

This enhanced service, available via automatic download, will supposedly "connect you with your favorite people and allow you to enjoy more games and entertainment online than with any other device connected to your TV." There's no official release date for the revised version of XBL, except that we know it's coming "soon".

Personally, I just want to make a kick-ass 3D avatar...

Blue Bomber Blitzkrieg: Mega Man 9 sells 60,000 Units

VGChartz.com is reporting that Mega Man 9 is tearing up the Wii's virtual console channel, scoring a whopping 60,000 downloads in its first day of release. Capcom's Blue Bomber blasted his way into everyone's heart way back with the original title (and its five sequels) on the NES starting in 1987.

Though the Mega Man X spinoff series, and various modern adaptations of the franchise have been more or less successful, the buzz surrounding MM9 belied just how near and dear this property is to gamers everywhere. With day one sales outpacing some title's entire lifetime on the virtual console channel, Mega Man 9 is set to demonstrate that, when done right, retro games are still a market force to be reckoned with.

Mega Man 9 is available now for Nintendo Wii (Virtual Console) and will blast its way onto PSN this Thursday, Sept. 25th and Xbox 360 on October 1st.

Duke Nukem 3D XBL Release Date Revealed

Last night's edition of GameTrailers TV delivered word that the highly-anticipated re-release of Duke Nukem 3D will take place on September 24, 2008 via Xbox Live. The enhanced version of the game will include 8-player co-op, an in-game theatre complete with user-generated clips, unlockable art galleries, a Tivo-style timeline that helps keep the action going, and of course more attitude than you can shake a cigar at.

While this news is exciting, we're STILL hoping to hear SOMETHING about the release of Duke Nukem Forever before the apocalypse, WWIII or the return of the N-Gage.

HAPPY DOWNLOADING!

Grand Theft Auto IV DLC Scheduled for Arrival This Fall

The summer of 360 love continues today with IGN reporting that the infamous downloadable content exclusive to the Xbox 360 version of Grand Theft Auto IV, is finally on its way.

From the article:

"In autumn there will be news from Liberty City; the first episodes of GTA IV will be available for download exclusively on Xbox LIVE, underlining Xbox 360's leadership role in the field of digital entertainment."

No specific release date or details were available, though rumors run the gamut from new missions to entirely new cities, nay states. Given that word on the street is Microsoft paid north of $50 million to keep the DLC exclusive to 360, I don't think its unreasonable to expect a bit more than just new vehicles/clothes/weapons. Stay tuned.

Geometry Wars 2 Launching Early!

It's no secret that the original Geometry Wars totally rocked! In fact, I know people who bought an Xbox 360 JUST to play that game. Well, Geometry Wars 2 is about to launch on Xbox Live Arcade a full week ahead of it's initially planned date (now launching July 30 instead of August 6)...something you don't hear a lot of in this biz. 

Anyway, the free demo will contain a hearty portion of playability (including multiplayer), but for all the details on various modes and features the full game will contain (it will cost 800MS Points or around $10), just head on over to the game's official site

FREE Gaming Over Windows Live

It seems Microsoft has had a bit of trouble generating interest in its Windows Live initiative, which set out to deliver a unified online experience between 360 consoles and PCs. Well, if having chat, friends list, and cross-platform functionality wasn’t worth the price of admission for gamers (at $50/year), how about having all of that for FREE?!?!? Yep, apparently Microsoft doesn’t really need your money, so, ya know…just take the free service (effective immediately) and start talking trash!