Safe Haven

However things take an unexpected turn for the worst, which leads to Alan waking up in the middle of nowhere with a week missing from his memory, after hearing his wife scream in terror. It’s up to Alan to discover the fate of his wife, as well as figure out what happened during the week that he can’t remember.

During his travels, Alan Wake is set upon by a number of humanoid creatures known as The Taken. Fuelled by darkness, Alan quickly finds that light is the ultimate weapon in defeating these new found enemies, as he attempts to unravel the mystery of Bright Falls.

Moonlight

While darkness is essentially your best friend in games like Splinter Cell: Conviction, the exact opposite is true in Alan Wake. When flash light batteries are running low, you’ll find your heart pounding as you search for a light source to keep you safe.

I wish I could tell you more without spoiling things, sadly I can’t. The story is by far the greatest part of Alan Wake, it’s instantly gripping and filled with constant plot twists that will keep you guessing the truth right up until the end credits.

Presented in 6 “episodes” which get progressively longer, and taking inspiration from the likes of Vanilla Sky, the BtVS episode Normal Again, and pretty much every Stephen King novel; Alan Wake will have you constantly questioning if events are real, or merely a figment of Alan’s imagination.

Flare gun

Alan Wake’s controls are simple enough to learn, leaving you free to explore the engrossing game world, dodge attacks, and defend yourself with relative ease. This is all important, because when you’re surrounded by enemies you’ll be able to quickly dispatch them, without fighting the controller.

Sound design shines in this game, whether it’s the general ambience of the forest at night, the radio talk shows, or even Alan’s narration; it all fits perfectly in place, and serves to make you feel truly alone.

There are very few negative aspects to Alan Wake, as the story, the sound design, graphics, gameplay and even the voice acting are at such a high calibre. However it only serves to make you want more. Sadly due to the linear nature of the game, once the main story has been completed, there is very little to draw you back to the game (collectables aside).

Fighting with light (and a revolver)

It’s such a pity, as I can see this game being traded in by many gamers, long before any DLC actually surfaces. While some has already been confirmed (the limited edition DLC goes live in July), I can only hope that there is more in the works. I want more episodes, more Alan Wake, and more of that expertly crafted psychological gameplay; even if it focuses on minor characters from Bright Falls. PLEASE!

Alan Wake is an excellent example of a story driven game, and a refreshing change of pace in today’s market. Gritty and engaging, it’s clear that Remedy have really done their homework, and have once again presented a character whose world you’ll love to explore.

8.5/10

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You can help support Old School Gamer by purchasing Alan Wake from the following sites: -

ShopTo: Standard Edition.
Amazon: Standard Edition.
Play.com: Standard Edition.

Splinter Cell: Conviction

It doesn’t take long for events to spiral out of control, forcing Sam to revisit old friends and contacts in his pursuit of the truth. Sticking to the shadows to avoid detection, and beating information out of his enemies, Sam Fisher’s personal quest for vengeance will instantly grip new and old Splinter Cell fans alike.

Having undergone a serious revamp, Splinter Cell: Conviction includes many changes to the core gameplay, which have helped improve the overall pace of the game. These changes include the removal of the game ending detection rules. Rather than ending a particular level upon detection, Sam is free to seek cover until the coast is clear. This also allows the player to use the distraction to their advantage, and set traps, or completely bypass enemy forces while their attention is focused elsewhere. Other improvements include the ability to quickly mark and execute a number of enemies at once, which can only be obtained after a successful hand-to-hand enemy take down.

Co-op

Basic gameplay remains the same in Splinter Cell: Conviction, stick to the shadows and eliminate enemies at just the right time. However, the introduction of Assassin’s Creed style free running, allows for a much more natural move set. If you’re expecting a tried and true Splinter Cell experience, think again. While SCC is very much a Splinter Cell game, its gameplay, writing, and pace have all been raised to bring about a newer, much more up-to-date instalment in the franchise.

While it may have been stuck in development hell for some time, all the improvements have really paid off. The overall experience is one of pure bliss (if your idea of bliss is clearing rooms of enemies in one fluid motion), and the attention to detail in the level design is second to none.

As perfect as SCC is, it’s not without its faults. Guards only seem to have a few sentences that constantly repeat (this is much more evident in the Deniable Ops mode), the single player campaign is tragically short, and even on Realistic difficulty Splinter Cell: Conviction is still far too easy.

Take down

And yet, I’m still constantly drawn back to the game. This is partly due to the additional online and offline modes. First of these is a standalone co-op campaign, placing you and a friend in the roles of Archer and Kestrel, agents for Third Echelon and its Russian counterpart. It offers all of the game mechanics from the single player campaign, though the big difference (obviously) is that you get to experience it with a friend.

Second are the various Deniable Ops modes, Hunter, Infiltration (unlockable using in-game Uplay points), and Last Stand. All can be played alone or with a co-op partner, and place you against opposing AI forces. Hunter and Infiltration require you to take down enemies undetected, while Last Stand pits you against waves of AI as you defend an EMP generator. Maps in these modes are lifted straight from the co-op campaign; and in the case of the first two modes, constantly expand as you clear the required number of AI.

Interrogation

To say that Splinter Cell: Conviction is impressive, even despite its short comings, is an understatement. With a serious amount of content that will last long after you’ve completed the main campaign, and the promise of further maps/modes/weapons/armour in planned DLC packs, Splinter Cell: Conviction is one title that will continue to pull you back for more.

9/10

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sites: -

ShopTo: Standard Edition.
Amazon: Standard Edition.
Play.com: Standard Edition.

Lips: I Love The 80s

It was a time of crazy hair, and really strange fashion blunders (which mostly involved neon colours and leg warmers), however most people who lived through the 80s remember its music fondly. With groups like The Communards, Culture Club, Human League, and The Police constantly rocking the charts, the 80s left its distinct mark on music history.

Lips: I Love The 80s attempts to recreate that classic era in your living room, with a string of titles that span the decade. Presented with their original music videos, you and up to 3 other friends can sing through the likes of Tainted Love and The Power of Love.

The Pretenders - Don’t Get Me Wrong

With a simple and stylish interface, songs from Lips: I Love The 80s can easily be selected for a single play-through, or added to a playlist for an extended vocal session. Content isn’t restricted to the 40 included songs, as all Lips DLC will work perfectly with the latest instalment. The added ability to play tracks stored on your mp3 player or HDD, means that you can also sing along to the music in your own personal collection. However this mode, obviously, lacks the on-screen lyrics and videos that make the official tracks stand out.

Each track features sets of pitch waves, each of which must be hit in order to score points and build up your Star Stream (similar to GH’s star power meter), which can be unleashed for a huge score bonus. In addition, during quieter moments, you’ll be able to perform percussion “noise makers” as well as various timed gestures. These also add to your Star Stream, and the rewards are great if you successfully perform all of the events in the song.

Toni Basil - Mickey

I was petrified when I first picked up the wireless microphone, worried that being absolutely tone deaf would hamper progress within the game. However, Lips: I Love The 80s didn’t seem to mind (my neighbours did though), and I was even rewarded for holding the correct pitch and rhythm through a number of songs (which probably means it’s broken).

I found that singing to the on-screen lyrics, and performing the timed noise makers was almost second nature. However with the gestures, I discovered that they were sometimes hit and miss; especially frustrating when trying for that all important “perfect” performance.

The Pretenders - Don’t Get Me Wrong

While I can’t promise that it will help you shine in your X Factor audition, Lips: I Love The 80s will draw in those who are put off by peripheral driven games, and provide your party with an entertaining digital experience. With the promise of further 80s themed track packs, I can only see the 80s coming back into fashion again.

If you’re looking for an interesting experience that is truly accessible to people of all ages, you can’t go wrong with Lips: I Love The 80s. Now excuse me while I grab my body warmer, and jump into my DeLorean; I have a date with a girl called Jennifer.

8/10

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You can help support Old School Gamer by purchasing Lips: I Love The 80s from the following sites: -

ShopTo: Standard Edition (Solus), Deluxe Edition (with Microphone).
Amazon: Standard Edition (Solus), Deluxe Edition (with Microphone).
Play.com: Standard Edition (Solus), Deluxe Edition (with Microphone).

Joanna Dark

I missed the Perfect Dark boat back in 2000, and it’s something I kicked myself over until I finally got my hands on Perfect Dark Zero for the Xbox 360. Sadly, that experience (as Twitter followers already know) was more than enough to put me off the franchise. So it was with more than a little reluctance that I downloaded the full version recently, when it was released on to the XBL Marketplace.

I’ll say it once, and once only, I’m really glad I did!

Set in the year 2023, Perfect Dark places the player in the shoes of Joanna Dark, a young secret agent working for the Carrington Institute. Originally tasked with the rescue of an important intelligence asset, Joanna’s mission quickly escalates as the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

Cassandra

With a variety of missions within the single player campaign, Perfect Dark will see you deploying stealth tactics at one moment, and running in with all guns blazing the next, as you tackle a number of creatively thought out objectives.

However, if you’re expecting to breeze through each level, forget it; Perfect Dark comes loaded with an old school difficulty level that will see you tearing your hair out. Most of the things that you have probably come to take for granted over the past few years are missing. Health doesn’t recharge if you duck and run for cover, and with a complete lack of health kits each hit you take counts. There is no map, nor a magic guiding line to help you find each objective, you’re on your own kids.

Daniel Carrington

While most people will be put off by this, I found it strangely refreshing. It’s something that pushed me to perfect everything, as I memorised level layouts and enemy placements. That’s not without its downside though, as some levels involved dying numerous times as I attempted to discover every nook and cranny.

As a HD remake of an old classic, Perfect Dark features fully updated visuals while still maintaining everything from the original N64 version. It’s an impressive port, and successfully takes it’s place amongst my favourite remake titles currently on the Xbox Live Arcade (which are Rez HD, Prince of Persia: Classic, and The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition).

Split Screen Action

The control system has been reworked to incorporate the 360′s controller, instantly making it familiar (and easy to control) for any FPS fan; however I found that the pinpoint aiming system seemed far too sensitive. Reworking the controller’s sensitivity didn’t seem to fix this problem, as I found that even the lowest setting was still far too sensitive. For the most part this isn’t an issue (you can avoid looking down the sights of your gun), however when attempting to get a head shot through a sniper rifle, it does become frustrating.

In closing, Perfect Dark for XBLA is a faithful recreation of a classic title. The reworked graphics help bring it up to date, and its old school gameplay should provide more than a challenge for newcomers and die hard fans alike. If, like me, you missed out on the original, don’t hesitate; buy Perfect Dark today!

8/10

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ShopTo: 2100 MS Points, 4200 MS Points.
Amazon: 2100 MS Points, 4200 MS Points.
Play.com: 2100 MS Points, 4200 MS Points.

It’s late at night, and being a hardcore gamer you’re lost deep in a trance as you frag n00bs half way across the world. The only thing to snap you back to the real world? The next door neighbour who isn’t as hardcore, banging on the wall because he/she doesn’t understand why you’d need your sound system so loud at 3am.

Ear Force X31 Headset

Unless you live in a soundproof bubble, or possibly in space, it’s a scenario that many of you will be intimately familiar with, or will stumble across eventually. Don’t despair, Turtle Beach can provide you with the perfect solution to your problem (sadly, they won’t assassinate your neighbour… that’s wrong).

With their X-series of headsets, Turtle Beach have revolutionised 360 gaming. Built from the ground up to provide both in-game sounds and online chat directly to your ears, there is a Turtle Beach headset to match your needs, as well as your budget.

The Turtle Beach Ear Force X31 Headset is the mid tier model which features wireless sound transmission, as well as independent chat and game volume levels.

RF Transmitter

Initial setup is simple, requiring the use of official 360 video cables as red & white sound outputs are required to carry the sound to the included RF transmitter. The transmitter itself is powered via USB, with a cable that is long enough to allow for optimum placement. The headset is powered via 2 AAA batteries, which will give somewhere in the region of 24 hours of use before replacements are required.

Headset Details

As someone who finds that most headsets tend to crush my skull, I was happy to discover that the X31s were extremely comfortable; in fact after a while they were barely noticeable (helped in part by their lightweight design).

The headset’s sound quality is next to perfect. In the heat of battle, each explosion and gun shot came through with crystal clear clarity, with zero lag from the RF transmitter. I also found that even though the headset is a stereo model, I was easily able to distinguish sound direction; which is all important in something as intense as an FPS game.

I did, unfortunately, find that there was a little bit of hiss. This is clearly evident when sound is whisper quiet, or even when sitting at the dash. However, it was not noticeable while in game sounds were being played.

Connection Details

In conclusion, the Turtle Beach Ear Force X31 Headset is the best gaming headset I’ve ever used. With exceptional battery life (even from my ageing rechargeables), crystal clear sounds both in-game and in-chat, and a whole host of additional features to help customise your gaming experience; this is one headset I’ve yet to see beaten outside of the Turtle Beach product line.

If you’re worried about splashing out a serious amount of cash on this product, don’t be. Once you slip on the X31s, you won’t want to take them off (though I’d recommend not taking them into the shower). You’ll make your ears, and your neighbours happy.

9/10

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Amazon: Turtle Beach Ear Force X31 Headset.
Play.com: Turtle Beach Ear Force X31 Headset.

Darwinia

Set in the virtual world of Darwinia, you’re tasked with saving its AI inhabitants from a deadly computer virus that threatens to wipe them out completely. You’re not alone in this task however, aided by Darwinia’s creator “Dr Sepulveda” you’ll work together as you try to restore order to Darwinia, and save his life’s work.

While that may sound like an easy task, it couldn’t be much further from the truth. As an end user in the Darwinia virtual themepark experience (I should trademark that), you only have access to a few select unit types at first. Basic Squad units and Engineers are all that you have at hand, as you are thrust into the deep end in your fight against a seemingly unstoppable enemy.

Virus Infestation

Why is it unstoppable? The virus plaguing the Darwinians doesn’t just simply destroy them, it converts them into the very thing you’re trying to stop. Even the tiniest remnant of it, could potentially lead to the world threatening menace you’re currently facing. It’s not all doom and gloom however, as with each virus unit you destroy, you’ll be able to convert its corrupted soul back into a Darwinian.

Over the course of the game, you’ll be able to use your Engineers to recover various parts of Dr Sepulveda’s research, which will provide new unit types, as well as allowing him to further upgrade the units already at your disposal. Upgrades include increased squad members, and weapon enhancements. You’ll want to track down as much of this research as you can, as it will definitely help against the ever changing virus forces.

It’s the seemingly simple premise which is one of greatest strengths of Darwinia+. It sucks you in, and before you know it you’re deep into a world of frantic action, which will have you gritting your teeth as you move ever closer to the edge of your seat.

Darwinian Moai

However it’s these shining aspects which quickly make Darwinia+’s (very few) flaws apparent. A minor error on the second campaign level left me scratching my head, as I worked to complete the final objective. Moving the Darwinians that I’d rescued to a specially shielded area, I was informed that I hadn’t saved any at all, and indeed the counter remained fixed at zero. After some fevered tinkering, I moved a number of Darwinians a centimetre to the left & voilà: Objective Complete. A simple indicator showing the specific rescue “area” would have spared me from the ultimate n00b frustration. Another flaw is the lack of camera control when you are guiding your squads. The inability to move the camera can sometimes lead to being unable to view the action, which in turn leads to the complete obliteration of your squad. While camera movement gives way to squad movement and targeting, camera rotation could have easily been mapped to the shoulder buttons in this instance, thus making sure that the player can see the battlefield perfectly at all times.

Save Us!

While these problems can be fixed in future patches, something Introversion takes very seriously, it does snap you out of the virtual world and back to reality.

In closing Darwinia+ is a fantastic mix of classic strategy, action, and simple retro graphics that touch upon the various old school elements that were possible influences. From the Spectrum era tape loading screens, to the Tron-like Engineers, Darwinia+ presents a lovingly created world that puts a lot of triple A games to shame.

What are you waiting for? Just buy it already!

8.5/10

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ShopTo: 2100 MS Points, 4200 MS Points.
Amazon: 2100 MS Points, 4200 MS Points.

Camero

It’s a simple sounding premise, however Forza 3 deceptively hides a challenge for complete racing n00bs & hardened race fans alike. With a host of customisable options, difficulty can be tailored to suit your needs and in no time at all you’ll pushing for gold at the chequered line.

The main career is split into 6 distinct “years,” which you can fill with a number of minor tournaments while also racing through that year’s championship. Each race will earn you money to spend on new cars and upgrades, as well as experience points. Experience points are applied to both your driver and your car, and earn you discounts on a number of upgrade parts.

Shelby GT500

While the main championship car types and classes will be decided for you, you’ll be able to choose from a number of various tournaments which vary greatly in difficulty. These tournaments can be focused around specific themes (GT vs Camero, for example), giving you the chance to get comfortable with advanced car classes at a pace which suits you.

It’s this approach that makes Forza Motorsport 3 so accessible to anyone who picks it up. Coupled with the difficulty tailoring, Forza 3 can be as easy or as tough as you want it to be; and you can adjust the settings at any time. The Multiplayer aspect of Forza Motorsport 3 is just as customisable, allowing you to easily tailor a game around anything you desire. Want to race a specific car, class, or make? It’s done, with a few simple menu selections.

Ferrari

The only real disappointments I could find with this game lie with its limited soundtrack, and its sometimes complicated menu systems. While the rather bland music selection can easily be addressed by using your own music library, the interface has no such escape clause. The mountain of customisation options on offer can sometimes leave you lost and desperately searching for whatever it is you’re looking for. This is clearly evident while trying to select a game mode for play. Strangely split between Freeplay and Career, some of these options are buried where you’d least expect them. It leaves me wondering if this aspect of the game was outsourced during development to a crazy man, as all the polish and attention to detail is severely lacking in this area.

Peugeot

The menus would be a minor niggle (as the music is), if only the player didn’t have to spend so much time navigating them; and as such they can be a little frustrating at first.

Overall, Forza Motorsport 3 is my favourite racer of 2009, and one that definitely made me appreciate the genre. If you’re after a fun and engaging “high octane” experience, look no further; Forza Motorsport 3 has it all, and then some.

8/10

Support Old School Gamer

You can help support Old School Gamer by purchasing Forza Motorsport 3 from the following sites: -

ShopTo: Standard Edition.
Amazon: Standard Edition.

The Call of Duty franchise is something that needs little introduction, having entertained gamers since 2003.  Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is the latest title in the series, and a direct sequel to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.

Move out

Taking place 5 years after CoD 4, Modern Warfare 2 sets you (for the most part) in the role of “Roach,” a member of elite commando unit called Task Force 141. Facing off against Russian forces as you character hop between a series of levels, it’s up to you to repel Russia’s highly coordinated invasion of the United States.

Modern Warfare 2′s story quickly unfolds as you progress through your objectives, and it’s filled with enough twists, turns, and surprises to make your head explode. I could recount each and every joy filled moment of my play through, but not only would that spoil everything, it wouldn’t do MW2′s campaign justice. It’s simply epic. However, it’s far too short.

Take aim

After a 6 – 8 hour play-through on the Hardened difficulty level, the campaign ends. It’s by far the biggest criticism I can level on this game, and even then it’s only because the campaign leaves you on such a high that when the credits begin to roll it’s an absolute shock. You’ll be left either scratching your head at the sudden (yet epic) ending, or screaming in a fit of rage that there isn’t just “one more level.”

Approaching the Gulag

While disappointing, the Modern Warfare 2 experience doesn’t end with the campaign. In addition there are two further sections, Multiplayer, and Special Ops. Special Ops is by far my favourite mode in Modern Warfare 2. A series of challenges ranging from vehicle races, stealth missions (one of which has been pulled directly from CoD 4), and various objective based assaults, it certainly takes longer to progress through than the campaign.

Assaulting the Gulag

Special Ops can be played solo or via co-op with a friend, and once you start pushing for Veteran difficulty, you’ll be glad to have the back up. It’s fun, challenging, and each level is short enough so that you can pick up and play any time you have a few minutes free.

Humvee

Multiplayer is similar to that of Call of Duty 4, with weapons, perks, and various equipment being unlocked as you gain experience from playing. New additions such as death streak rewards, where you unlock a further “perk” for dying a certain amount of times in a row, and a whole host of new killstreak rewards add a level of character customisation not seen in other FPS games. The only real negative to these new perks, is that a lot of them do seem to be overpowered. Coupled with slightly erratic matchmaking, it can lead to newcomers getting obliterated by a level 55 player with excellent weapon unlocks and a killtacular killstreak setup. The end result is that some games can be over within the first 3 minutes.

Snowmobile

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 will be, for some, the most anticipated game of the year. With hopes so high, it’s safe to say that it certainly delivers a solid gameplay experience, with eye watering visuals to match. If you can overcome the short campaign, and embrace both the Special Ops and Multiplayer aspects of Modern Warfare 2, you won’t be disappointed.

8.5/10

Support Old School Gamer

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ShopTo: Standard Edition, Hardened Edition.
Amazon: Standard Edition, Hardened Edition.

This article will consist of two parts, in the first I’ll walk you through a step by step setup of your TV tuner via Windows Media Center (WMC). Secondly, I’ll walk you through linking your Xbox 360 to WMC, so you can stream all of the movies (though there are limitations) and music stored on your PC, to your 360.

TV Tuner Set Up

Windows Media Center - Main Menu

Please be aware that Windows Media Center is currently available with Windows XP Media Center Edition, Windows Vista Home Premium and Ultimate; and in Windows 7 Home Premium, Ultimate, Professional, and Enterprise. If you do not have one of versions of Windows mentioned, then this guide will not work.

For the purpose of my walkthrough, I’ll be using the AVerTV Hybrid Volar HX TV Tuner, with Windows Vista Home Premium. While I expect that the set up within WMC will be the same, it is possible that some steps may differ depending on your TV Tuner, and Windows version.

After installing your TV Tuner card, and the drivers that came with it, activate Windows Media Center (WMC).

1. From the main menu, use the arrow keys to navigate to the “Tasks” tab.
2. Scroll left, until you reach “Settings,” and press Enter.
3. Select “TV,” and hit Enter.
4. Select “Set Up TV Signal,” and press Enter.
5. Use the mouse to click “Next,” confirm your TV region, and click “Next” to continue.
6. Confirm that you wish to download the latest TV settings, and click “Next” to continue.
7. After downloading the settings, WMC will ask you which type of signal the TV Tuner is receiving. In most cases, this will be “Antenna.” Select your signal, and click “Next” to continue.
8. WMC will then ask you to select which type of signal is being received by the TV Tuner. With the advent of the digital switch over in the UK, all new TV Tuners will include some form of Freeview decryption. Select “Digital Terrestrial,” and click “Next” to continue.
9. If the signal that your TV Tuner is receiving is routed through a set-top box, then select “Yes” and click “Next” to continue. If it’s just a simple antenna wire, select “No“, and click “Next” to continue.
   • Note: If your TV Tuner contains a Freeview decoder, that does not mean you’re using a set-top box.
10. Select “Set Up Guide Listings,” and click “Next” to continue.
11. Click “Next” to begin setting up your program guide and channels.
12. Select “Yes,” and click “Next” to continue.
    • Note: If you do not download the guide, you will be unable to scan for any Freeview channels.
13. Carefully read through the Terms of Service, selecting “I agree,” and clicking “Next” to continue.
14. WMC will ask you how you wish to download future guide updates. For ease of use, I suggest “Download when connected.” Select either option, and click “Next” to continue.
15. Enter your postcode, and click “Next” to continue.
16. A list of TV signal providers will appear. Select one, and click “Next” to continue.
17. WMC will then download the latest version of the channel guide using the provider you selected. This will take less than a minute, depending on your region and internet connection speed.
18. Once the download is complete, click “Next” to continue.
19. Click “Start Scan” to scan for your regions Freeview channels & services. This will take about 5 minutes, depending on your region and internet connection speed.
20. Once the scan is complete, click “Next” to continue.
21. Click “Finish.”

Set Up Complete

Congratulations, you’ve successfully integrated your TV Tuner into Windows Media Center. To watch TV via WMC, return to the main menu (click the Windows symbol), navigate to the “TV + Movies” tab, and select “Live TV.”

Connecting your Xbox 360 to Windows Media Center.

Windows Media Center - Main Menu

For the purpose of this walkthrough, I will have to assume that your Xbox 360 and PC are connected via a home network. If they’re not, then I suggest following the information from Xbox.com before proceeding with the following steps.

To begin, you’ll need to find your Xbox 360′s unique Setup Key: -

1. On your Xbox 360, head to the “My Xbox” tab, scroll right until you reach the Windows Media Center icon, and press “A.”
2. Highlight “Continue,” and press “A.”
3. After the 360 has checked your network, it should present an 8 digit Setup Key. Make a note of this key, and press “A” to continue.
4. Leave the Xbox 360 on this screen while you configure WMC on your PC.

With the Setup Key close at hand, activate Windows Media Center on your PC: -

1. From the main menu, use the arrow keys to navigate to the “Tasks” tab.
2. Scroll right, until you reach “Add Extender,” and press Enter.
3. With your mouse, click “Next” to continue.
4. Enter the 8 digit Setup Key that you obtained earlier, and click “Next” to continue.
5. Click “Next” to continue.
6. Choose if you would like to use Away Mode, and click “Next” to continue.
7. Select if you would like to use the share the default media folders from your PC to your Xbox 360, and click “Next” to continue. (Make sure that your Xbox 360 is on, and at Step 4 of the previous list, before clicking “Next.”)
   • Note: You can configure which folders you wish to use at any time. Tasks → Settings → Library Setup.
8. Click “Finish.” If successful your Xbox 360 should have switched to the Windows Media Center interface.

Set Up Complete

Congratulations, your Xbox 360 is now configured to work with WMC on your PC, just select the WMC icon from your dashboard to access the service. You can now stream movies (remember, there are limitations) and music via your network, to your Xbox 360. If you’ve configured a TV Tuner as well, then you’ll be able to stream live (or recorded) TV through the 360. While this may not be useful for everyone, it is beneficial to those who do not have their 360′s TV connected to a TV source.

Problems?

If you have encountered any errors or problems while following the advice in this article, please feel free to contact me via this form, entering “Windows Media Center” as the subject line.

Alternatively, you can leave a comment here and I’ll address it ASAP.

Support Old School Gamer

You can help support Old School Gamer by purchasing an AVerTV Hybrid Volar HX TV Tuner from the following sites: -

Amazon: AVerTV Hybrid Volar HX.

As part of the current 360 preview program, I’ve been given early access to Halo Waypoint. Like the new features for the dashboard update, Halo Waypoint is a separate downloadable module, found on either the My Community or Games Marketplace tabs; and once installed can be activated from your Games Library.

Halo Waypoint

The main difference between this and the other preview features (Twitter, etc.), is that Halo Waypoint will show up on your gamercard. While there are no unlockable achievements or gamerscore, Halo Waypoint does contain a host of Avatar awards; some of which are dependant on achievement progress within the three separate Halo titles.

Its simple interface offers two options at first; Intel, and Career. The Intel section has everything you would expect; the latest Halo related news, community screenshots, and archive with information on the games and books that have been released. I expect the archive will also fill up after launch with older news stories, as they’re pushed from the main “What’s New” list.

The Career section is split down further into Career Milestones, Waypoint Awards, and Achievements categories.

The combination of gamerscore and achievements from all three 360 Halo games (Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and Halo Wars) are added together to form your Career Milestones. Currently there are 40 milestones, however it is expected that this number will increase as new Halo games, and Halo DLC, is released.

Waypoint Awards are groups of achievements based around certain themes. These include the use of special weapons to kill enemies, or completing the campaigns of each game. These awards show up on your Halo service record, and have multiple tiers. Though gaining a few tiers on an award may seem easy, it will require the use of all three titles to achieve the highest ranks available. A further challenge for those who want to show they’re the best of the best.

The Achievements section speaks for itself. It’s a simple list of achievements from all Halo games, making it easy to see which ones you’re missing for your Career progression, and those all important Waypoint Awards.

It’s great to have everything all in one place, and even better to see that Halo Wars has been have incorporated into the mix as well. However it’s limited. While Halo Waypoint has pretty much everything that most Halo fans will need, it doesn’t really offer much that the Bungie site doesn’t already contain.

Career

It’s important to note that Halo Waypoint is still in its early days (this is after all, a preview), and with the promise of the animated Halo shorts (Halo Legends) becoming available to stream via Waypoint, its future looks bright.

Halo Waypoint will become available for all Xbox LIVE members on November 5th.  A gold subscription will be required, however a trial peroid will be available for silver subscribers.