Everything You Need to Prepare for Ryse: Son of Rome December 4, 2013

Greetings to all the Sons of Rome out there.  The game, Ryse: Son of Rome launched alongside the Xbox One last week, but there was a lot of content that Microsoft released before the game’s launch that I never had the chance to post up on this site.  So, for anyone who is currently working on completing the game or starting on their later playthroughs, here’s some interesting content which should provide further information on the game’s universe and set up the game’s story.

First off, there is a four part live action series, Ryse: Son of Rome – The Fall.

The second thing is a three part comic series which details a history of the game’s mythology.  The cool part about this is that by checking out these comics you can get the chance to unlock free gold for use in the game, as long as you tie it to your Xbox Live GamerTag as you read.  You can check out the comic and earn yourself some free multiplayer gold here.

Ryse: Son of Rome is out now exclusive to the Xbox One.

Gears of War Free From Games With Gold December 2, 2013

Microsoft’s Games With Gold promotion continues this month with one of the first truly killer apps for the console on its first year of release, Gears of War.  The game that made us ask the question why hasn’t anyone put a chainsaw at the end of an assault rifle before?

I have many fond memories playing this game with friends.  It’s drop in and drop out cooperative play is common in today’s games but it was revolutionary when it was released.  Previously, if a game even supported co-op at all (and there weren’t many that did), getting a friend into the game was a complex and annoying process that frequently didn’t work.  After Gears of War proved cooperative play could work in a major title, it has become the gold standard for cooperative single-player campaigns.

Gears of War will be free until the 15th of the month to all Xbox Live Gold Subscribers.  Just download the game on your Xbox 360 and its yours forever, even if your Gold account expires.  Once you have the game downloaded, don’t forget to download the game’s two multiplayer map packs free off Xbox Live Marketplace as well.

Gears of War is out now.  After the 16th, it looks like the Xbox Live Arcade game Shoot Many Robots will be the next Games With Gold free game.

Nintendo Direct – 3DS Louvre Guide Video November 27, 2013

One of the most famous museums in the entire world is the Louvre located in Paris, France.  Let’s face it, unless you are an art buff, you may not be aware of all the important details behind many famous works of art, and tour guides aren’t always available.  Since at least the 90s, many museums have offered special audio tours provided on an interactive CD-ROM.

Well, the Louvre has done something different.  When you ask for an interactive tour, they give you a Nintendo 3DS.  Now, that program that the Louvre offers will soon be available to download on the Nintendo eShop, and yes, it will work if you bring it with you to the museum.

Speaking as someone who’s already been to the Louvre, this makes me want to go back.