"Fragging" Your Xbox Live Account

A report from BBC News last week revealed a new malicious tactic some gamers are using to boot people from Xbox Live servers.

According to the report, the 17 million subscriber service is under siege by groups of irate players who are sick of their competition in games such as "Halo 3" or "Call of Duty: World At War."

These players boot their competition from games by flooding their Internet Protocol (IP) address with data so the Xbox Live serves boot the player from the game.

According to the story, games played online via Xbox Live are "hosted" by individual consoles and not the Xbox Live servers themselves. This means that if there are problems with the console transferring data to the servers, Xbox Live will terminate the user from the game.

In this case, the data transfer problem is created by the overflow of traffic created by users that maliciously flood data to the consoles IP address.

Nevertheless, this means that individuals with grudges on Xbox Live can attack fellow users and eliminate them from the game.

This brings up idea that there has been an increased trend in online video games that provide a sense of accomplishment and competition based on individual statistics. Xbox Live users have a "Gamertag" with a score that reflects their performance in video games they play online and off.

Likewise, players are sometimes ranked based off of their play online. For example, "NHL 09" uses a ranking system based on the player's record in online play.

These new hackers are simply and literally eliminating their competition.

VGF Show: 2-25-09

Click on the audio below for the first "VGF Show" podcast.


In today's episode:

I discuss why the Nintendo Wii had no big wins at the Interactive Entertainment Awards
Rumors on the new PSP
Hacking your Xbox Live account
A quick review of NHL 3 vs. 3 Arcade from the Playstation Network

Click below and have a listen:

Little Big Planet wins 8 Interactive Achievement Awards including Game of the Year

Sony's Little Big Planet proved to be the big winner this year at the 12th annual Interactive Achievement Awards on Thursday in Las Vegas.

The user-generated 3D plateformer won awards in numerous categories including Overall Game of Year in what has become the industries premier award ceremony.

Hosted by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences, the Interactive Achievement Awards is a peer-based award ceremony to recognize excellence in the video game industry.

AIAS President had this to say about the awards in a press release:

The Interactive Achievement Awards is the forum for the industry’s leading game makers to honor the best in technical innovation and game play experience. This year’s winners represent the range of interactive entertainment experiences and truly exemplify why video games enjoy so much popularity among adults and children. It’s no wonder that IFC TV, one of the best-known outlets for creative entertainment, is excited to bring the Interactive Achievement Awards to their audience this spring.

Little Bog Planet edged out Left 4 Dead, Grand Theft Auto IV, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, and Fallout 3 for the top spot - many of which were heavily favored. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots even won the VGF Award for Game of the Year.

Nevertheless, the full list of winners at this year's peer-based Interactive Achievement Awards are as follows:

Overall Game of the Year:
Little Big Planet

Console Game of the Year:
Little Big Planet

Computer Game of the Year:
Left 4 Dead

Cellular Game of the Year:
Spore Origins

Hand-Held Game of the Year:
God of War: Chains of Olympus

Casual Game of the Year:
Braid

Fighting Game of the Year:
Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Racing Game of the Year:
Burnout Paradise

Sports Game of the Year:
NHL 09

MMO of the Year:
World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King

Action Game of the Year:
Dead Space

Adventure Game of the Year:
Mirror's Edge

Role-playing Game of the Year:
Fallout 3

Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year:
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3

Family Game of the Year:
Little Big Planet

Outstanding Innovation in Gaming:
Little Big Planet

Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction:
Little Big Planet

Outstanding Achievement in Game Design:
World of Goo

Outstanding Achievement in Character Performance:
Little Big Planet

Outstanding Achievement in Sound Design:
Dead Space

Outstanding Achievement in Soundtrack:
Rock Band 2

Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition:
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

Outstanding Achievement in Adapted Story:
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

Outstanding Achievement in Original Story:
Fallout 3

Outstanding Achievement in Online Gameplay:
Left 4 Dead

Outstanding Achievement in Gameplay Engineering:
Spore

Outstanding Achievement in Visual Engineering:
Little Big Planet

Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction:
Little Big Planet

Outstanding Achievement in Animation:
Prince of Persia

Nintendo DSi Launches April 5., will cost $170

News from Nintendo today states that the newest incarnation of the Nintnedo DS handheld called the Nintendo DSi is coming to the United States on April 5.

In a press release, Nintendo annoucned the suggested retail price of the handheld is $169.99 and will include a plethora of additional features that will place the handheld in more direct competition with Sony’s Playstation Portable and Apple’s iPod Touch.

Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing Cammie Dunaway said Nintendo has proven to be a leader in handheld gaming in the company’s press release adding:

Nintendo DSi builds on Nintendo’s commitment to bringing fun and creative entertainment to everyone, and will allow consumers to personalize and share their very own experiences.

Checkout the full list of additional features from information found on InformationWeek.com as well as the official press release:

• Two 0.3 megapixel cameras, one on the front and the other facing the player.
• A new DSi sound application that allows players to manipulate mp3 files that are stored on a SD card or audio recorded directly to the console by changing the tempo and pitch of their audio.
• A new online store called DSiWare where players can download games directly to the DSi using the console’s Wi-Fi capabilities and built-in web browser.
• Both screens will be larger than the Nintendo DS at 3.25 inches.
• The console will come packaged with the rythm game “Rythm Heaven.”
• Available in blue and black.

This marks Nintendo’s inclusion into the video game trend of consolidating various interactive mediums into one.

The DSi is an attempt to replace other digital companion devices such as the iPod by integrating music, video games, cameras, and potentially a web browser into one unit. However there is no official word if the built-in web browser can be used to access anything other than the DSiWare online store.

Nevertheless, continued updates are to be posted at www.nintendodsi.com between now and the April 5 launch date.

Video Games in the Mail Via Blockbuster, Blu-ray movie/video game discs on PS3

Gamespot.com reported yesterday that the home video rental chain "Blockbuster" will soon offer a mail-in service for video game rentals.

Similar, to both the GameFly and Netflix services, the new "Blockbuster" package will allow subscribers to rent DVDs, Blu-rays, and video games via a mail-in exchange program.

According to the report on Gamespot.com a representative from "Blockbuster" said subscribers will charge $4.99 per month for the service and will allow for free movie and discounted video game rentals when video games are returned to the store.

Subscribers will be able to select from titles from the Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, Playstation 2, Playstation 2, and Xbox.

It still is uncertain how many games can be exchanged in a month or how many can be held at one time.

Nevertheless, this continues to me a continued trend for alternative access to video games and its further integration with films as both Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 services allow gamers to download movies directly to the consoles' hard drive.

Now it looks like it may take a step further.

Videobusiness.com reported yesterday that Sony is looking into integrating Blu-ray discs that not only hold feature films, but video games based on the movie on the same disc.

The Sony Playstation 3 is the only console with a Blu-ray based game format that can hold upward to 50 GB of data - a DVD can hold about 9 GB.

This would further integrate the convergence of media as many DVDs and Blu-ray discs are now sold with a digital copy of the film making them available to be stored and viewed on computers and other digital media devices such as iPods.

Review - Call of Duty: World At War

8.0 out of 10

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare was easily one best games of 2008 and many fans of the franchise were upset when hearing that Activision's newest installment was returning to its World War II roots.

They were of course talking about Call of Duty: World At War.

Simply put, World At War is Call of Duty 4 with a World War II facade - which is certainly a good thing although not too incredibly innovative. World At War returns the classic control scheme, visual elements, outstanding online mulitplayer gameplay, and even heads-up-display from Call of Duty 4.

The game plunges players in two theaters of the war: one as an American marine invading the various Japanese islands and the other as a Soviet sniper marching with fellow comrades into the heart of Germany.

These two campaigns are very different in their gameplay strategies and overall tone although they are played nearly simultaneously. Trudging through the trench and jungle infested Japanese landscapes facing enemies in trees and underground trenchs is very different from marching across ruined Europeam landscapes in a mericless path for vengence - those Russian's were nasty.

This stark contrast provides a unique perspective on the war as two very different environments conisisting of four different nations were all fighting in one war. That granderous scope is further exlempified by actual footage and statistics from the war to place the gruesome conflict in perspective - this was not a glorified picnic.

World At War can be stright-up hard and unforgiving at times. Players can expect to be met with an unfair amount of gunfire and grenade launches in their direction at certain points. So much so, that it becomes overly burdernsome and frustrating.

Nevertheless, Call of Duty 4 fans will feel right at home with World At War although the single-player campagin feels short and cleched at times - running in slow motion after an explosion with a full chorus in the background can get old.

The true star of the game is its outstanding online mulitplayer presentation.

On this level, World At War is almost exactly like Call of Duty 4 with added content such as co-op campaign modes, added challenges, and an exhilerating new "Nazi Zombie" a la Left 4 Dead.

I found myslef focusing so much on the online-multiplayer modes that completeing the campaign almost felt like a chore. Online content of World At War easliy overshadows its single player campagin because of its close resemblence to Call of Duty 4.

Having said that, Call of Duty: World At War feels like a WWII solo mission and map pack expansion of Call of Duty 4, but a fun one at that.

Bonus Level: Limit Break Radio International Fan Quotes

Due to the limitations of my college newspaper Central Michigan Life, I was unable to include all of the wonderful comments I received about Limit Break Radio in my story.

So I figured, why not publish them here? Below are additional quotes from Limit Break Radio fans across the globe:

Zero Serenity
Liverpool, New York

Personally, I think Aniero (Nathan's Pen Name) has come up with quite possibly one of the most popular things to hit the Final Fantasy XI community in a long time. With his team of wild personalities at his disposal, great audio and an editing style making sure just about everything is as close to perfect as possible, it makes for a wonderful listening experience. What he probably doesn't know is his reach and how one little weekly (or more like monthly now) webcast has blown up into a wildly large community with spanning the entire game and a network of several other shows that bring all sorts of content to the table but the site has also gone in on a constantly running web radio network. The show is witty, funny, informative and always mispronounced (an LBR charm) with the only complaint anyone can level is what keeps him from releasing more at a time.

John Knasinski
Lapeer, Michigan

In the end, it winds up a lot like the game: There is plenty to keep you entertained and occupied, but beware of how much time it can steal away from you. When you manage to balance that one issue, the show can be enough to bring new players and old players alike to Vana'Diel with great excitement.

Johan Sorman
Sweden

I love the humor and the issues they bring up every show. Its to bad the character Juxtaposition isn't on the main show as much anymore though.

Nathaniel Hockenberry
Fort Wayne, Indiana

I love Limit Break Radio because the hosts care about their fan base and do
their shows for their fans. I listen to Limit Break Radio because the episodes are fun and informative.

Dónal Ó Ciaráin
Ireland

I guess I listen to it for two main reasons. Firstly no one I know irl (in real life) plays the game, so it's nice to hear other people talk about it and to hear their views. Secondly, it's just plain entertaining and well produced. The community also provides a good cross-server discussion base (and parts of LBR deal with this on the show).

As well as the show being informative (even to those Vetern Players who may pick up small bits of info they missed out on) it's a comedy. The hosts interact well with the community through the forums and guest hosts on the show, they take suggestions about the show on board too.

Don't really have much else to say.... except a thanks to the LBR Crew for all their work and dedication in creating such a great community.

Jacob Burg
Montana, USA

They started up about two years ago and I listened on a "eh, I have nothing better to do" kind of moment and I keep listening and contribute with what I can because they are both very professional and highly entertaining. How they do the entire show in our game world of "Final Fantasy XI" and in their characters adds a special twist to the show that is very pleasant.

James Jones
Utah, USA

Ultimately, I listen to LBR for a number of reasons. The reason explained above is one of the major reasons I enjoy the show. Others include, it gives me new content to listen to regularly. I will often have it playing on my MP3 player while at work. It also keeps me up to date with the latest news, and opinions of other players via e-mail reading and other regularly occuring segments. I feel as if I am much better informed of the state of the virtual world Final Fantasy XI players share by listening to Limit Break Radio.

Rebecca Burton
Phoenix, Arizona

I come from a server that is home to another large FFXI related podcast. It's a good show as well. However, what keeps me going back to Limit Break Radio are the hosts. Their connection with eachother and their fans make it fun to listen to, even when they run 4 hours long. It's like you're sitting in a room with your friends, listening to them crack jokes and give eachother pointers on a game you all love.

I was highly impressed the first time I read their online forum. They love their fans almost as much as their fans love them. If a fan shows off their artistic talents on the forum, the LBR crew are always among the first ones to show their support and cheer them on.

Not all the hosts might know this, but they actually helped me find love! Thanks to their Christmas 2007 show and forum, I met and started talking to their former guest host. For that, to them, I am eternally grateful.

Simon Fritschi
Southern Germany

I listen to LimitBreakRadio because its the most informative and best produced FFXI related podcast ever. I also like it, that its a very funny one to listen to, and I enjoy it every time when a new episode is released. The hosts and the whole community are just awesome and open minded for anything new. They do their best to bring the community together to do events such as Extra Life and others. I'm proud to be a part of this community.

Lisa Lancaster
California, USA

I started listening because they supplied a combination of humor and information to the community. I continued listening because I found them to be a very likable group. I consider many of them to be very close friends/adoptive family at this point and always look forward to any new podcasts that they come out with.

Additionally I'd like to add that I'm not your typical gamer, falling well away from the demographic. I'm a 45 year old female that thoroughly enjoys the game and the FFXI community as a whole.

Michael Bailey
USA

I listen to LBR for the simple fact that the hosts and all guests are there to have fun and to teach people about the world of Vanadiel.

Kevin Hughes
Livingston, Texas

I found Limit Break Radio just about 5 months ago and it has been a blast to here what these guys have to say when a podcast comes out. It keeps me going when I am doing my driving back and forth from College and work and keeps my Passion for Final Fantasy XI ignited. I will Never forget when my friend from California told me about Limit Break Radio and all the other Podcast I have found.

Jordan Man
Ireland

The main reason I listen to Limit Break Radio is for the community aspect of Final Fantasy XI. They talk about various topics relevant to the game and also outline guides and what not with their experiences + comments. They also have guests on which is good as it adds a different viewpoint from the usual hosts. It's very well produced but the podcasts come out rather slow although this is completely understandable due to collage life, real life events and the amount of editing they do to the show prior to it's release.

As I said I live in Ireland and I've never known anyone in game from here. I've made a lot of friends but hearing other people actually talking about the game is interesting and gives a good insight into how other view various aspects of this rather large and sometimes complex game.

Caterina Ienco
Toronto, Ontario

I started playing FFXI in 2003 and played for a couple years off and on.

In March of 2008 I decided that I wanted to join the game again and so I did.

I was instantly overwhelmed because of the sheer volume of changes to the content of the game.

I left the account active for a couple months but seriously thought about giving up and cancelling.

As a last attempt, I attempted to look up information on the changes to the game and just refreshes on the basics with no avail.

It was then that I stumbled upon LBR, and podcasting in general. I had no idea such a thing existed. (Thanks to them I have a whole new resource available to me!)

Since that day I have begun listening to the show religiously. I have actually downloaded every other historical episode and have listened through each minute of each one. I even went as far as purchasing an ipod touch specifically for this show. (Ever since haven’t bothered with uploaded actual music!)

There are several other Final Fantasy related podcasts that I have since begun to, but honestly LBR in my opinion is superior for several reasons. The show itself is highly entertaining, and I burst out laughing numerous times per episode. Aside from the sheer entertainment factor, the topics discussed to me are incredibly valuable audible resources.

When I listen to a show, it helps me to really understand the topic… much more then if I had read it on a website. I very often find myself going back and re-listening to topics to assist me with retaining the information.

From an aesthetic point of view, the incredible efforts & tools that the LBR crew utilizes create a superior sounding & professional podcast show.

The “other” shows are entertaining; however the quality of the LBR produced show makes a world of a difference.

I have written to the hosts (and had the wonderful opportunity of briefly meeting with Aneiro at the 2008 FanFest) and have expressed my thanks to them.

If it wasn’t for the valuable information that they provided I would have quit the game long ago, seriously.

One more thing I would like to add….in October 2008 Aneiro brought to the attention of the FFXI community the Texas Children’s Hospital fundraiser.

By doing such, I personally feel, that we will literally save lives of children for MANY years to come.

The outpour from the community that came to the rescue and participated in this fantastic event was phenomenal.

I am incredibly happy to have been part of that, and without Anerio’s communication this would have gone by with no notice. I can only assume that we will see more of this in the future, and I eagerly await their next great idea!

The future for all the hosts will be nothing short of spectacular; these guys are hard-workers, intelligent individuals & great human beings. When the day comes that the show ceases to exist will be a very very sad day in my eyes.

Cheers to LBR for making my days brighter!