SuperSite Blog : Video games, Vista

Get Tinker and Texas Hold 'Em ... For Free

pthurrott — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:00:21 GMT

Microsoft will soon make the Vista-era Ultimate Extras games Tinker and Texas Hold 'Em available for one and all, for free, via Games for Windows Live:

Tinker and Hold 'Em are coming to Games for Windows!

Need a break? If you like classic platform puzzles, or just want to play a quick hand of cards, we have a couple of great new games coming soon to Games for Windows!

Tinker
Even robots get lost, sometimes! Help this one get home by solving puzzles that untangle a surreal and misleading world...but be careful! Tinker only has a limited amount of energy, so you'll have to use it wisely or he'll be lost forever! A classic mental challenge for the entire family, Tinker features an original score, compelling visuals, and 60 levels of classic puzzling fun!

Hold 'Em
Pit yourself against the computer for a high-stakes experience that won't empty your pocket! Play with up to five computer opponents, and customize the look of the card deck and playing table. Have fun and bet what you want — the computer can't make you pay up!

Here's the best part...both of these games will be absolutely FREE!!

Keep an eye out here on www.gamesforwindows.com, both here and in the forums...we will be sure to let you know when these games are released!

Thanks to Resplendent for the tip!

Games for Windows - LIVE Redistributable v2.0

pthurrott — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:05:51 GMT

Typically, you get this with a new game, but if you’re curious about the new Games for Windows LIVE, here you go.

Brief Description

Redistributable package for Games for Windows - LIVE v2.0. Upgrades the version of Games for Windows - LIVE on a user's machine to version 2.0.

Now, if I could just figure out a way to launch the UI without buying a new game. :)

Games for Windows Celebrates Two-Year Anniversary Like a Rockstar

pthurrott — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:40:01 GMT

A washed up, drugged out, over-the-hill rockstar. I’ve derided Microsoft’s “Games for Windows” initiative since I first heard about it (see my review) for a variety of reasons—the experience is nowhere near as seamless as that of Xbox Live, Microsoft originally charged for features other games have offered for free for years, and the promised Xbox/Windows interoperability was as much a sham as it was a one-time novelty. But they’ve made some changes. And this year, they’re back. With this.

Microsoft celebrates its second anniversary of the Games for Windows initiative this month with the news that the year’s biggest blockbuster, “Grand Theft Auto IV” (Rockstar Games), will debut on the PC this November exclusively as a Games for Windows-branded title, joining a growing list of more than 85 top PC games from today’s hottest publishers. Liberty City comes to life through a revitalized Games for Windows – LIVE experience, including expanded online matches, cutting-edge DirectX 10 graphics, and new LIVE features such as a redesigned game interface, out-of-game client and marketplace.

In addition to “Grand Theft Auto IV,” some of the year’s most-anticipated titles will take advantage of Games for Windows – LIVE, including “Fallout 3” (Bethesda Softworks LLC), “Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II” (THQ Inc.) and “James Bond: Quantum of Solace” (Activision Publishing Inc.).

Games for Windows – LIVE delivers a truly connected experience for PC gamers, letting users enjoy a common Gamertag, Gamerscore, and unified friends list that carries across both supported PC games and the Xbox 360 console, as well as single and multiplayer Achievements, voice chat, text messaging and TruSkill online matchmaking.

So. Not much, in other words. I can’t imagine this brand is going to have any legs. And it’s time for Microsoft to stop treating the big gaming audience in the world—Windows gamers—like second class citizens. I’m talking simultaneous Halo releases on both Xbox and the PC. And an Xbox Live Marketplace that works identically across the console, the PC, the Zune, and Windows Mobile. It’s time for real integration, not half-hearted copying of certain features.

Too late, too little: Games for Windows LIVE will be free

pthurrott — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:15:38 GMT

When I reviewed Games for Windows LIVE last year, I wasn't impressed. And while Microsoft appears to be making the right moves here, let's be honest. This ship has sailed. Free multiplayer gaming has been available forever on the PC. So welcome to the party, Microsoft. You may find there's no more room for you at the buffet, however.

Introducing Games for Windows – LIVE, the free gaming service built for Windows that makes great Windows games even better. With Games for Windows – LIVE, you get an online identity – called a gamertag – and a friends list that works across multiple games, the XBOX 360, and even the Zune music service. You can easily find and communicate with your friends online with text and voice chat. Earn achievements and Gamerscore that lets you track and compare your accomplishments.

Play multiplayer games with your friends, or play against new opponents online using our exclusive TrueSkill matchmaking system – with other Windows players or with or against XBOX 360 players (in supported games.)

All of this is possible today – and at no charge.

Thanks Dave.

Not to really beat up Microsoft for something that may seem irrelevant, but I'd love for there to be some consistency on the Live branding stuff. For example, why is it sometimes "LIVE" and sometimes "Live"? Why is "gamertag" not capitalized, but "Gamerscore" is (see above)? Why is Xbox all capitalized above (XBOX)? And why is Games for Windows LIVE actually called out as "Games for Windows – LIVE"?

Silly.