Two games bundled with every Xbox 360

The acclaimed Forza Motorsport 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance will both be included for the recently reduced prices of $349.99 for Xbox 360 and $449.99 for Xbox 360 Elite. Both bundles will be available at your favorite game retailer by the end of October.

[N4GayFanturds]

is starting to get deep!

[THE TERMINATOR]

$449 for an xbox elite!?! Man that aint gonna sell, not with 399$ Ps3 regardless of what is bundled with it.

[PimpHandHappy]

i thought i heard some fanboy say yesterday they where going to bundle COD4

that would have been way cooler then Forza and Marvel

anyway

still a nice bundle

[BLaZiN PRopHeT]

im not a fanboy and i posted it as a rumor. and that was for EU the article is talking about the us

[PimpHandHappy]

im sure u have more then one name and with a name like that ur going to need it....

hahahahahahaha 640p

hahahahahahaha 640p

Yea im going to wait on getting the Elite because u know they will drop the price within 6 months to around 350 bucks

[Meus Renaissance]

Seems like Microsoft can't drop the price. I expected a more aggressive strategy from this in reaction to Sony's price cut; I think we all did.

[fjtorres]

They just cost-reduced the 360 by moving to 65nm, after all.
They *choose* not to cause they believe people buy consoles to play games and they have all the must-have games. From their point of view, $279 is cheap enough for an HD gaming console that has hundreds of quality games, dozens of AAA titles already out, the premiere online gaming environment, and a fully mature digital media downloads service. Today. Not tomorrow or next year, but today.

They may be right or they may be wrong but they aren't going to cut prices just for the sake of cutting prices.

And, at least when MS issues press releases these days its to *add* things to 360, not to take out necessary features in order to cut prices.

[DwightOwen]

"... hundreds of quality games, dozens of AAA titles already out..."

Bill Gates called. He wants you to stop by and finish the blowjob you started after school.

[fjtorres]

But Metacritic:
http://www.metacritic.com/g...
...lists 254 360 games of which, 210 rate 60 or better and 70 rate 80 or better. That does sound like hundreds of games good enough to buy (considering what PS3 fans are putting their money into) and dozens *anybody* would want to buy.
And that is without including the Backwards-compatible XBOX games:
http://www.metacritic.com/g...

...which adds a extra 30+ 90-or-better games to the kitty. Remember, it was Sony that said backwards compatibility matters. Don't complain if MS plays that card too.

[DG]

Im not a fanboy but how is anything he mentioned not true.
-Good Games
-Low Price
-HD Downloads
-Good Online Service
This is oppinion based but I would say there is at least 12 good titles out. Although it did seem a little corporate.

[DwightOwen]

If you want to factor BC into the mix, the PS3 rapes the Xbox 360, steals its money, then leaves it in the alley to rot in shame and humiliation.

As far as "Average Reviewers Scores" go... WHOOP-DE-FRICKIN'-DOO. You said it yourself, it's all a matter of opinion, and in MY opinion, most reviewers are biased, retarded, or flat out apathetic towards anything that doesn't interest them personally, or isn't the way THEY think it should be. They're a bunch of elitist douchebags (kind of like self-proclaimed "professional gamers") preaching their preferences as the gospel to the unwashed masses who are all too eager to accommodate them. Additionally, they are not immune to the hype caused by massive marketing campaigns, as they seemingly brought their knee pads to Bungie's offices for their Halo 3 review, just in case they needed to thank Frankie and Co.

It's amazing how much knowledge is attained simply from seeing the Console War from both perspectives.

[Microsoft Knight]

this will surly counter the pos3 price drop why would anyone buy a pos3 with no games that is a Trojan blueray player when you can get a 360 with 2 games that is a superior machine.

[PStriple703]

"ps3 has not games"
I have 11

"Trojan blueray player"
The blu-ray player is amazing, oh you wouldn't kno that
cause ur playing ur dead format HD DVD

[HarryEtTubMan]

Wow funny stuff man

[Bathyj]

Hmmmm. Bad choice of games. The PS3 bundle was good because it had the two games 99% of buyers were guaranteed to get anyway. Forza, maybe, but more of a niche title. Marvel, no way. Who wants that in a bundle. Bargain bin dross.

[fjtorres]

You can't bundle in Mature titles that would limit the (legal) sale of the package as another nameless outfit did.

Generally, Racing games are popular for bundles because they get rated E. Forza, in addition to being a very good game (aggregate reviews of 90) has a strong online component so its a good showcase of what 360 gaming is about.

Marvel alliance, in addition to being a good game in its own right (aggregate reviews in the 80's) is a single screen *local* multiplayer game for up to four simultaneous gamers. A *very* good choice.

Finally, do consider this: MS is bundling *games* with the 360, while the PS3 XMAS bundle we've heard about bundles a *movie*. What would you rather do, watch Spider-man in a movie or *play* Spider-man in Marvel ultimate Alliance (along with all the other Marvel characters; XMEN, FF, New Avengers, etc)?

Different people make different choices and their choices reflect what kind of people they are.

The kind of people Microsoft is targetting with these bundles are gamers. If nothing else, because that is what consoles are supposed to be about, first and foremost.

[DG]

Thats actually a good point never thought about it that way. Forza is a great game. Marvel didnt float my boat but it does appeal to the masses.

[THE TERMINATOR]

"superior machine" LOL

[cuco33]

These rumors I guess are true. Free games is always good especially when they are 2 quality titles like MarvelU and Forza 2. Hits 2 different market of gamers and neither is an FPS that all the trolls think XBOX is all about.

The 40gb PS3 isn't worth it in my book. No BC means no 40gb for me. Why no BC is beyond retarded ESPECIALLY after Sony went on bashing MS for not being 100% BC. It's obvious anything Sony says is A-OK to the fanboy, but to the other neutral masses like myself it's not. I'll either buy a used 60gb or hold out some more to when the 60gb models really drop to a clearance price.

[Devr]

Crap bundle. I got excited when I saw the title and thought you could choose the games, but damn...

[Keowrath]

Agreed, I browsed over the article briefly and saw Mass Effect and PGR4. Then when it turns out it's Forza and Marvel (!?) Seriously surprised they didn't try to bundle Halo3 in instead of Marvel. H3 wouldn't make much difference to myself but to most people I'd imagine they'd love it.

[fjtorres]

At the retail level, not from MS, but not this month or next.
Maybe in January if any Halo 3 consoles remain, BB and the like will bundle the Halo Ltd edition 360s with the slower selling Halo game (surprisingly, its the middle version, not the Legendary) in a promo bundle.
They did the same with Halo2 and the translucent green Xboxes last time around.

[DG]

"They did the same with Halo2 and the translucent green Xboxes last time around."

Ooohhhhh...I would buy a translucent green Elite with 65NM chip with the HDMI.

[Silver360]

Has already reached the stage where they can add bundled games. That is good it saves parents from spending extra money on games during the holidays. And two Teen rated games. I know others might like some shooters, but this is designed for concerned parents to by for their children.

[DrRage77]

i was kinda hoping microsoft would drop the price more for their sku's for the holidays..they really need to get the core down below $250 rather than bundling games...people respond to price drops, not game bundles. sony already tried bundling games and it didn't do so well as when they actually cut the price.

with a $399 ps3 headed this way soon, i think it would be better for microsoft to place the following price cuts on their sku's:

360 core - $249
360 Premium - $299
360 Elite - $349

the problem is that microsoft dropped the price too soon ahead of the Halo3 release, so now they can't drop the price again this holiday season. they really should have waited til after Halo3 was released, then drop the price by $50-$100 on each system, rather than the tiered price drop they did of $20, $30 and $50

oh well, at least when i use my bestbuy replacement plan to upgrade to the elite in november for $50, i will get 2 free games with it

[dragonJP]

Bubble for you... I'm not sure if either of these bundles ALONE are gonna put Microsoft over the top this Christmas. Since I was planning to upgrade my 360 Pro to an Elite this Christmas, I'll make my comparison there. $449 Elite w/Forza 2 & Marvel Alliance vs. $399 PS3 w/Blu-ray & Spiderman 3(rumoured)? You make the call, but as a loyal 360 fan, suddenly I have a difficult decision ahead of me. I'm no blind follower; I am in it for the games, and you would have to have blinders on not to notice the PS3 at (a FINALLY affordable) $399. Of course, the lineup of MGS4, KZ2, GT5, Ratchet & Clank, Uncharted, and inevitably God of War 3 would give any gamer pause, even 360 fanboys. I'm sorry MS, I got my original Xbox back in 2002 at Best Buy as a bundle (remember Sega GT/Jet Set Radio Future? Best Buy threw in Jedi Starfighter), but as nice as a Forza 2/Marvel Alliance bundle sounds, Elite bundle vs. $399 PS3 is going to give me nightmares for awhile... what will gamers do...?

P.S.: Call of Duty 4 or Mass Effect or PGR 4 bundles would have made more sense, flew off the shelves, and made my decision a LOT easier....

[fjtorres]

...so why give'em away? >;-)

Realistically, you are not the target for those bundles. They're meant to grease the mainstream market rather than dedicated gamers. Thats why they chose a racing game and an action game, both over 6 months old.
New games will sell themselves and if they're good enough (Mass Effect?) might even sell some hardware at full price.

[dragonJP]

Great response... bubble for you (not that you need any!). You are absolutely right... those bundles really ARE for those new to XBOX, not me, the dedicated gamer....

[secur1ty911]

The kids know that those two games offered with the 360 SUCK compared to the real games coming out, if MS said "choose two games of your choice then that is OK.

The PS3 is going to rip the 360 to shreds this holiday season because the BRAND is not going to breakdown unlike Microsoft 360 RROD issues, because it plays BD Movies, because it is NOW $399, because the child gets to choose his/her own awseome game of choice and we all know of the upcoming games scheduled to be released this glorious Christmas season i.e. Drakes Uncharted, HAZE, COD4, Ratchet and Clank, Eye Of Judgement ect, AND by the way did you guys/gals watch the news the UNEMPLOYMENT rate is at its all time lowest since the 1970's so --MS offering crappy games for free with a crappy old console is not going to entice smart intelligent hard working consumers trust me, people have money - they have lots of money and around Christmas time parents/family members will make their gift recipients as happy as possible by listening to the games they want to play.

[DG]

If you were a parent (lets for arguments sake asume you are old enough) would you tell your kid what your getting him/her for christmass and ask them if they like the games before buying it? Or would you keep it a surprise?

[DEADEND]

I don't think this is a good idea simply because not to many people want those games, the only people that are going to buy those bundles are parents trying to save some money and I think most parents are going after a Wii not a 360 for their kids. Most gamers like our selves aren't interested in those game(most of us owns or already played them)we're looking into newer games out and want a price cut.

[cr33ping_death]

ok so....sony droping the price seems desperate to certain fanboys.....but MS including not 1 but 2 games in a bundle doesnt sound desperate to anyone? hhhhmmmmm double standard anyone.

[damnwrx]

Those sh!tty bundles, come on........

[fjtorres]

Generally, you cut prices when sales are weak (July for 360) and bundle in games when you want to grease sales temporarily but are comfortable with the list price long term.
A third option is to drop wholesale price temporarily and keep the list price so retailers can build their own promotional bundles.
MS just cost-reduced the 360 by a good chunk by moving to 65nm chips so they can afford to drop prices but by using promo bundles they can wait to cut prices later when (if) sales actually slow down.
Besides, to *new* buyers, two $60 games are better than a $30 price cut any day of the week.
This will particularly appeal to the "auntie" market.

[Sez]

this is a good deal for people looking to get a 360 with two games packed in.as for a price drop they don't really need at this point. the 360 is selling and with the lineup of games coming this year. makes it a great choice for people looking to get to buy a game with their new system. this just saved them money on buying a game with it.
good for MS

[IRONMAN_357kickback]

two worlds and blue dragon

I LMAO so hard, hahahahaha thinking about watch it happen, lol

[Exia]

I don't understand why they're putting Marvel Ultimate Alliance in their bundle. It should of been a Microsoft developed game.

[CastlevaniaXX]

i this is a great marketing idea.but come on,forza 2 and marvel ulitmate alliance?.i guesss i can resell them on ebay and buy 2 pre-own games.this pack-in strategy is what nintendo used to do back i nthe SNES days.and it help boost 360 sales.compared to the ps3's only 1 pack-in game.

[Douglasp]

Arcade pack for 279, I need another cheap video streamer and with dlink or linksys versions going for 300. This new aracde pack will be loved by my son, he loves BOOM BOOM rocket and Me so I can stream HD and non HD video to my Bedroom TV. I have Vongo + a Digital Tuner using Vista media center, I record un-encrypted HD channels. I will put the HDMI new xbox on my LV and put the older xbox on BR. By the end of the year I will give myself a 120gb drive and put the 20gb on the BR box. For those of you who don't care and talk smack about the poor old CORE aka Arcade think about it and it's the cheapest streamer box + video game system you can get. ITV also cost 300 and doesn't play movies, nor games. All I need now is to wait and in the mean time run a cat 5 to my BR.

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

Not looking to good for the PS3 this year "again"