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Borderlands + Zombies = WIN!

The first add-on for Borderlands is coming, and we’re salivating for it in a major way here in the Xbox.com offices. Why? BRAAAIINS! That’s right, 2K Games and Gearbox are adding zombies, one of our favorite things, to Borderlands, one of the most addictive co-op games in recent memory.

“The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned,” the first in a series of add-ons for Borderlands, will be available for download November 24, 2009 for 800 Microsoft Points.

Borderlands_DLC_a

Thought you’ve seen it all? Well, get ready to square off against ferocious brain-eating zombies, carnivorous Were-Skags, and other horrors as you continue your pursuit for all of that sweet, sweet loot.

Deal of the Week thru November 15

The Deal of the Week for Xbox LIVE Gold Members is 30% off the Saints Row 2 Ultor Exposed mission pack, now available for only 560 Microsoft Points. Get it today!

Play Forza 3 with Forzacentral

The community from Forzacentral.com will be online Sunday, November 8 from 8-11 PM ET, to play Xbox LIVE Gold Members in Forza Motorsport 3. Rev up your engines and show them who’s fastest!

Halo Waypoint is Here!

The premier destination for all things Halo, Halo Waypoint, is now available through Xbox LIVE. Halo Waypoint is a unique way to connect your accomplishments across multiple Halo games.

Waypoint_CareerAwards_1280x720 The new tracking system in Halo Waypoint.

At launch, it will track your career across Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and Halo Wars, along with all the relevant game add-ons. But it’s more than just that. You also get special Avatar Awardables for accomplishing certain achievements, and these awards are retroactive in case you’ve already mastered the achievement.

ODST_Helmet_jpg Get an ODST helmet for completing the Campaign on Normal.

And that’s not all. Halo Waypoint is meant to be a content center for all things Halo: interviews, trailers, video footage, community content. And starting this week, there will be exclusive previews of the new Halo Legends anime show with behind-the-scenes looks at the making of the show. Find out more about the product here, visit the product’s official website, and download the FREE title from Xbox LIVE Marketplace today!

Play Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 with the Devs

Set aside Friday, November 6, from 5-7 PM ET and you can play with the team from Vicarious Visions. They’ll be online playing their game Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 with Xbox LIVE Gold Members so check out the Gamertags and see you there!

Gamer Spotlight: Trixie interviews GamergirlSB

She's a data analyst in Des Moines, Iowa who is also a new mom, a writer for GamingAngels.com, and a member of Geezer Gamers.

trixie360: What’s the story behind your gamertag?

GamergirlSB: I really wanted Gamergirl but it was taken. So, I added the SB in honor of the horse Seabiscuit. I'm only 5 ft 2 and I really admired Seabiscuit's small but mighty attitude.

GamergirlSB

trixie360: Where do you live?

GamergirlSB: Des Moines, Iowa.

trixie360: What do you do for a living?

GamergirlSB: By day, I'm a data analyst for a regional wireless coop. By night, I am a staff writer and Mobile Games Editor for GamingAngels.com & full time mommy to Maddie, my 3 month old daughter.

trixie360: What’s the worst or weirdest job you’ve ever had?

GamergirlSB: The summer I graduated from high school, I was a clown for two weeks to earn money for a semi professional production of Godspell that I was in. It was hard work dealing with grumpy children and I didn't even get to keep my pay.

trixie360: How long have you been on Xbox LIVE?

GamergirlSB: Three years.

trixie360: Do you have an arch enemy on Xbox LIVE?

GamergirlSB: LostShakerOSalt. The guy thinks he's the king of Catan or something. I mean REALLY! Its bad enough that he's constantly bugging me for Xbox time.

trixie360: What’s your Xbox set-up like?

GamergirlSB: 42 inch Panasonic Plasma.

trixie360: Not too shabby! What’s the best feature of Xbox LIVE?

GamergirlSB: The gaming community.

trixie360: Woohoo! What is your favorite multiplayer Xbox game?

GamergirlSB: H3 training with the Geezer Gamer Ladies.

trixie360: What is your favorite single player Xbox game?

GamergirlSB: Oblivion.

trixie360: Favorite Arcade or Casual game?

GamergirlSB: Any of the table top games- Catan, Carcassone, Ticket to Ride.

trixie360: What do you think is the best game of all time?

GamergirlSB: My absolute all time favorite game is Oblivion--nothing comes close
.
trixie360: What do you think is the best film of all time?

GamergirlSB: To Kill a Mockingbird. It’s the truest adaptation of a book I have ever seen.

trixie360: What do you think is the best album of all time?

GamergirlSB: Weezer's Red Album. They just keep getting better and better.

trixie360: Rock Band or Guitar Hero?

GamergirlSB: Rock Band.

trixie360: What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever heard on Xbox LIVE?

GamergirlSB: Hmmm... I guess it'd have to be a room full of female gamers playing Cloning Clyde and laughing so had we were all crying

trixie360: Tears of LOL. What is your greatest Xbox LIVE moment?

GamergirlSB: Anytime I play any FPS & get a kill.

trixie360: What’s your favorite TV show?

GamergirlSB: Big Bang Theory or How I Met Your Mother.

trixie360: Who is your inner rock star?

GamergirlSB: Patrick Wilson.

trixie360: If they made a movie about your life, who should play you?

GamergirlSB: Drew Barrymore.

trixie360: No way, she’s playing ME. What’s your karaoke song?

GamergirlSB: “Time After Time”. I'm a child of the '80's.

trixie360: Favorite cartoon character?

GamergirlSB: Buttercup from the Power Puff Girls.

trixie360: Grrr me TOO. You’re a total copycat!! You even had a baby girl after I did!! ;) What super power would you like to have?

GamergirlSB: Teleportation- No more 30 minute commute on ice covered roads & I could always have lunch with my daughter.

trixie360: If you could trade places with anyone for one day, who would it be?

GamergirlSB: Maddie, my 3 month old daughter. I could stay in my jammies all day & people would bring me food whenever I want.

trixie360: I wouldn’t want to sit in a wet diaper—or worse. What celebrity would be the worst roommate?

GamergirlSB: I have to choose just one?!

trixie360: Good point. I’ll give you a pass on that one. How many people are on your Friends List?

GamergirlSB: 95

trixie360: Zoinks! Who's your favorite Superhero?

GamergirlSB: Wolverine.

trixie360: Hot celeb you’d like to be stranded on a desert island with?

GamergirlSB: David Boreanaz. Need I say more?

trixie360: If you could be any video game character, who would it be?

GamergirlSB: Lara Croft.

trixie360: What’s the worst food you’ve ever eaten?

GamergirlSB: Bad sushi is always the worst.

trixie360: What’s the first video game you every played?

GamergirlSB: Pong.

trixie360: What’s the last book you read?

GamergirlSB: Are you serious?! You know I have a 3 month old daughter! Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell.

trixie360: If you could go on tour with any band, which would it be?

GamergirlSB: They Might Be Giants.

trixie360: What do you predict will be the 'next big thing' in gaming?

GamergirlSB: We're just starting to see co-op mobile games. I really think co-op mobile will continue to grow and get better and better.

trixie360: What do you think is the best thing about the Xbox 360?

GamergirlSB: It's where my friends are! Also, Xbox has the type of games I want to play.

trixie360: What is the Xbox 360 Achievement that was hardest to get?

GamergirlSB: While I love my achievements, I really just take what I can get these days.

trixie360: What would you like to be doing in ten years?

GamergirlSB: Having Maddie teach me the latest in technology and gaming.

Want a 50-inch HD TV?

That’s part of the grand prize in The History Channel Play & Win Sweepstakes running now through November 19. Download the free Gamer Pic, then play a multiplayer session of Gears of War 2, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a 50-inch HD TV and other great prizes. Read all about it and register today!

Last Day to Win a Porsche Xbox 360 Custom Skin!

That’s right, today’s the last day of our Need for Speed SHIFT Play & Win Sweepstakes and Game with Fame. All you have to do is download the Gamerpic and play a multiplayer session of Need for Speed SHIFT online to gain an entry to the sweepstakes. You have a chance to win one of 40 custom Porsche Xbox 360 skins. Check out the rules for full info. And if you’re one of the 99 lucky ones who are on Hurley Haywood’s Friends List, races start at 4 P.M. PT. Good luck!

Deal of the Week thru November 8

Our Deal of the Week for Xbox LIVE Gold Members is the Call of Duty 4 Variety Map Pack, now going for only 400 MS Points, a 50% savings. Get it now!

Sunday, November 1 Events

Sunday’s a big day. Starting at 3-5 P.M. ET, singer Henry Santos of the bachata band Aventura will be in our Game with Fame playing The Ballad of Gay Tony from Grand Theft Auto IV. Our Community Playdate features the same game which you can play with folks from the GamingTruth website from 8-11 P.M. ET. And if you love the webcomic Penny Arcade, or the blog, or the charity site, or PAX (!), then you’ll want to play Tekken 6 with Penny Arcade creators Jerry “Tycho” Holkins and Mike “Gabe” Krahulik in our Game with Fame from 10-11 P.M. ET. That’s a full day of gaming!

Call of Duty Double XP Weekend

It’s a Call of Duty: World at War Double Experience Points weekend through November 1, and even better, the World at War Map Packs are half off. Find out more and get playing!

Busy Friday? Busy Friday!

We’ve got lots of things happening on Xbox LIVE Friday, October 30. You can play with Rockstar who will be online having fun in their new add-on for Grand Theft Auto IV, The Ballad of Gay Tony, from 5-10 P.M. ET. Be sure to pick up the Gay Tony add-on from Marketplace first.

ilmOmahaSteaksFiletImage[1] Why are we picturing meat? Read on!

You can warm up for the Rockstar event by participating in our Game with Fame as we play Halo 3: ODST with the duo Insane Clown Posse from 4-6 P.M. ET. And if that isn’t enough, from 5:30-8:30 P.M. ET, you can Game with the Developers who helped to make the recent Xbox LIVE Arcade hit South Park LET’S GO TOWER DEFENSE PLAY!

OK, why the meat? Because the Splosion Man Play & Win Sweeps, which runs from now through November 22, is offering tons of great Omaha Steaks as prizes! Check out the full details for how to register for your chance to win. And maybe someone can help me get through the floating platforms on Level 2-5 when you’re done.

Play Tim Schafer and Devs in Brutal Legend Oct. 28

The developers of Double Fine Productions, the folks who made the brilliant rock and roll game Brutal Legend, will play their game with Xbox LIVE Gold Members Wednesday, October 28, from 8-10 P.M. ET. This is YOUR chance to get that elusive Six Degrees of Schafer achievement so come on and play!

Gamer Spotlight: Trixie interviews ThrallMind

He’s a Georgia gamer, a frequent tweeter (@thrallmind) and reviews potato chips on www.taterrater.com. Get to know ThrallMind!

trixie360: What's the story behind your gamertag?

ThrallMind: When Xbox LIVE came around and I had to chose a screen name, I began thinking of what would suit me. My friends always said I had an uncanny ability to get people to do the things I want, so I ended up taking the word Thrall, since it is apparently defined as “a person who is mentally ruled by some power, influence, or the like,“ and tacked the word Mind onto the end. Essentially, The mind behind Thralls, or “He who controls others” :P

Thrallmind

trixie360: Where do you live?

ThrallMind: Alpharetta, Georgia.

trixie360: What do you do for a living?

ThrallMind: I write the software which goes into credit card terminals. Sounds exciting, right?

trixie360: Hacking it sounds more exciting. What's the worst or weirdest job you've ever had?

ThrallMind: Working at Hallmark as a "Sales Associate." We had a lot of strange customers, one of which who would come in and whisper to himself. If any of you get me a Christmas card, make sure it's not from Hallmark...

trixie360: How long have you been on Xbox LIVE?

ThrallMind: At least 4 years!

trixie360: Do you have an arch enemy on Xbox LIVE?

ThrallMind: I have destroyed all my arch enemies! Muahahah!

trixie360: What's your Xbox set-up like?

ThrallMind: A nice-sized flat screen TV, hooked up to two Xbox 360's for side by side play! And look, a picture!

thrallmindsrig

trixie360: What's the best feature of Xbox LIVE?

ThrallMind: Co-op on any game which supports it! I love being able to game alongside my friends.

trixie360: What is your favorite multiplayer Xbox game?

ThrallMind: Left 4 Dead. I love killing zombies. And I love how you must work together with your teammates.

trixie360: What is your favorite single player Xbox game?

ThrallMind: Phantom Dust. It was such an awesome game, and I believe it was overlooked.

trixie360: What do you think is the best game of all time?

ThrallMind: Hmm, that's a hard one. It's either Psychonauts or Perfect Dark from the 64. I can't wait for Perfect Dark on XBLA!

trixie360: What do you think is the best film of all time?

ThrallMind: That's another difficult one. It would either be Equilibrium, or V for Vendetta. Both have great stories with some awesome action scenes. But, since I have to choose, Equilibrium.

trixie360: What do you think is the best album of all time?

ThrallMind: I'm the Supervisor, by Infected Mushroom

trixie360: Rock Band or Guitar Hero?

ThrallMind: Rock Band. No contest. I enjoy the variety of all the various instruments. That, and the drums rock.

trixie360: What's the funniest thing you've ever heard on Xbox LIVE?

ThrallMind: When a few of my friends and I played Horde Mode on Gears of War 2. All the various comments flung around while trying to complete each wave. Good times. :)

trixie360: What is your greatest Xbox LIVE moment?

ThrallMind: Again, Gears of War 2. We were in Horde Mode, and all my teammates had fallen. By some miracle, I managed to complete the wave alone so we could advance to the next one. I will never be able to do that again.

trixie360: What's your favorite TV show?

ThrallMind: It would be Dexter, hands down. I've gotten many people addicted to watching it.

trixie360: It IS a great show! Who is your inner rock star?

ThrallMind: According to this quiz. I'm Josh Dies. Whoever that is.

trixie360: *shrugs* Maybe his mom writes quizzes for quizfarm. If they made a movie about your life, who should play you?

ThrallMind: Johnny Depp. He's the only one cool enough to be able to portray my awesomeness.

trixie360: What's your karaoke song?

ThrallMind: Me? Sing? HA!

trixie360: Ooookay then: Favorite cartoon character?

ThrallMind: GIR, from Invader Zim!

trixie360: What super power would you like to have?

ThrallMind: Telepathy!

trixie360: If you could trade places with anyone for one day, who would it be?

ThrallMind: Bill Gates. Then I can create a Swiss bank account in my name, and siphon all his money into it!

trixie360: Original. What celebrity would be the worst roommate?

ThrallMind: Paris Hilton.

trixie360: True dat. How many people are on your Friends List?

ThrallMind: 61.

trixie360: Who's your favorite Superhero?

ThrallMind: You keep causing me to make choices! Hmm...Gambit. Definitely Gambit.

trixie360: Hot celeb you'd like to be stranded on a desert island with?

ThrallMind: The Human Torch! Then he could fly us off the island. Superheroes are celebs, right?

trixie360: Actually they’re imaginary, but okay. If you could be any video game character, who would it be?

ThrallMind: The Protagonist, from Phantom Dust :D

trixie360: What's the worst food you've ever eaten?

ThrallMind: Anything with liver in it. Blech.

trixie360: What's the first video game you every played?

ThrallMind: Frogger. On an Atari at my cousins house. I still have the cartridge. Just no Atari. *sadface*

trixie360: What's the last book you read?

ThrallMind: The Lost Symbol.

trixie360: HATED it. If you could go on tour with any band, which would it be?

ThrallMind: Infected Mushroom!

trixie360: What do you predict will be the 'next big thing' in gaming?

ThrallMind: True, 3D virtual reality games. Throw on special glasses with headphones, and actually feel like you are in the game. At the consumer level. With games that not only support it, but take advantage of it. I'm looking forward very much to Natal.

trixie360: What do you think is the best thing about the Xbox 360?

ThrallMind: The games! There is such a huge selection to choose from, anyone could find something they love. Heck, my dad just bought an Elite and has been hitting Silent Hill pretty hard.

trixie360: What is the Xbox 360 Achievement that was hardest to get?

ThrallMind: It was on Resident Evil 5, and it was where you faced this giant zombie-abomination...The NDESU! That's what he's called. On Veteran, it took...a few hours, and a lot of frustration.

trixie360: What would you like to be doing in ten years?

ThrallMind: Hopefully working at, or owning my own game design studio!

It’s no “Folly” to enter this sweepstakes

If you are a fan of Agatha Christie mysteries, or just a fan of traveling on someone else’s dime, you should definitely enter this sweepstakes (provided you are 18 years of age or older and a legal resident of the 50 United States and District of Columbia).

dead_mans_folly293x167_m

Download the trial of Agatha Christie: Dead Man’s Folly at MSN Games for your chance to enter this great sweeps. The grand prize is a 4-day trip for two to the Agatha Christie Festival in England!

And P.S. it’s a great hidden object game with a tricky mystery and everyone’s favorite Belgian detective sporting waxed mustaches and an egg-shaped noggin. I’m having a lot of fun playing it!

Download the trial now! and enter before November 15!

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