Split/Second: May 18th(US) / May 21(UK)

Ever since I heard about Split/Second last year, I've been waiting with profound anticipation for its release. It was unfortunate, that my TV died before the S/S demo was released on XBL a few weeks ago. But, that problem has been resolved and I've been playin' ever since.

The demo lives up to the trailers Disney and Blackrock have been teaser throwing over the last couple of months and I'm quite satisfied.

Usually, demos are small glimpses of what the real game will offer and hope that will be the case here.

I pre-ordered Split/Second back in January. I have but a few days to wait... *drool*

Meanwhile, I dusted off my 3D program and created a Split Second wallpaper favoring the old style typeface. Click the desired image (it'll open in a new window) and right-click to save.

Enjoy!


Size: 1280 x 1024


Size: 1024 x 768


Size: 800 x 600

By the way, here's a vid of me playing the demo.

1vs100 fiasco 11/27/09 - or was it?

Those that know me, understand how much of a hardcore fan I am of 1vs100 on XBL. - Even surgery can't keep me away.

Alas, when trying to play the LIVE game this evening, I ran into quite a bit of network errors.  I tweeted this to 1vs100 and another contact, and within minutes they're replying wanting to know more info as to the problem.

I begin a series of tweets explaining the errors and issues and I even get direct messages and requests to contact yet another individual for further help.

This person contacts Xbox Network Ops center to verify my fiber connection in S.TX/Texas et al.  I heave a sigh of relief knowing the problem didn't appear to come from my end.  Afterall, I would of felt quite the idiot tweeting the issues I was having if their origin was here. Alas, it appears the problem may be closer to XboxLand and they'll know more Monday.

I write this because I've heralded Xbox and especially those running 1vs100 previously on being nearly transparent with their players.  It's a breath of fresh air to have near direct contact with the team - whether it be for game suggestions, comments, complaints and as the case was tonight, when *1* person out of what I would guess were thousands playing, is having a technical problem.

The game, and its premise is unique and quite entertaining, but, in the end, it's the people behind the scenes that really make that game shine!  Tonight, I felt like "The One." - Individuals MADE THE TIME to try to figure out what's going on with some S. Texan's connection problems while a LIVE game was on? Mercy.

The game rocks, yes.  But the people behind it, and their genuine display of concern for the players pushes the envelope of game company and players/fans.

Thanksgiving was yesterday, and many of my thanks were directed to the 1vs100 team.  Their actions tonight further quantifies my loyalty and trust in them.

To those that tried helping me earlier this evening - A deep and heartfelt THANKS!

What's so difficult to understand, Microsoft?

One sends an Xbox console for repair for one issue, it's returned damaged and with even worse issues.  One requests a replacement, just to avoid problems for everyone, and they decide to return the same console?

Are MS console support and service center masochists?  Are they ensuring themselves a job?  At what point do you give to what a company is obligated to do which is to provide customer satisfaction?

I bought the console to play and enjoy, not send off to repair weekly.  Here's the thing, I know the console works (at least for a determinant time frame) as I have a backup console that is working flawlessly.

Wake up Microsoft - I can understand wanting to save costs, but is alienating your customers the best way to do it?  I paid for the console initially.  The repairs obviously aren't making any improvement.

But we'll see.  Once this second repair arrives, I'll give it a whirl on a game I know will immediately tell me if the repair was successful or not.

If all is well, then, I offer my thanks in advance.

If not, prepare for hell.