Mom's Minute

Xbox 360 Microsoft Points

Transitioning from one payment system to another can be laborious and costly.  Could these be the reasons that Microsoft seems to be in no hurry to overhaul its points system for the Xbox 360 to the simple currency model being used by other video game systems?  

Xbox 360 has used the point system since its inception 

Microsoft's point system is not only relegated to the Xbox 360, but also to its other digital offerings such as Games for Windows and its Windows Phone Marketplace.  

Microsoft Points Conversion sample

You may have no problems or qualms with the points system.  However, Microsoft should, in my opinion, keep it simple, and transition from the points system to the dollars and cents payment method.  To give credit where credit is due, Microsoft always used the monetary system in its Games for Demand content on its Xbox Live Marketplace.

Of course, the video game being played is probably more important than how it was paid for.  That being said, the conversion process of Microsoft points to dollars and cents has to be taken into account as well.

Microsoft may be heeding the call to phase out the points system.  In light of striving to have a big presence in the mobile phone market, it is  "rumored" that the Microsoft Points system will be phased out and replaced with dollars and cents.

When will this actually happen?  For now, we will just have to wait and see.

Microsoft to Phase Out Its Points System Read More

Resident Evil: Revelations

Some saw it coming; while others may ask why this was not done at the "get-go."  This reference is to the prospect of the Nintendo 3DS video game, Resident Evil: Revelations being available for play on the consoles, i.e. the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3.

Scene from Resident Evil:  Revelations

According to X3A.org, Resident Evil: Revelations is coming to the Xbox 360.  It is expected that this game will be a full retail release for the Xbox 360, given in part to the slate of  achievements and gamerscores.

Resident Evil: Revelations

While not specifically mentioned, it is also expected that this game will be exported for play on the PlayStation 3 -- in addition to the Xbox 360. Since the original 3DS title was made on Capcom's multi-platform MT framework engine, there should be ease in importing the game to the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3.

A release date for this game to be available on the console systems was unavailable at press time. 

Scene from Left 4 Dead 2

Have you been waiting to create your own campaigns, weapons, items and clothing in a video game?  If so, you may be happy to hear that Valve has announced that the beta mode for the video game, Left 4 Dead 2 is now live and open. Before this launch, Valve used the services of several content creators to provide over a thousand campaigns, with thousands of other items which will appear in the game soon. Now you can add your creative content to the mix.

Left 4 Dead 2 workshop is live on Steam for the PC

Allowing users' collaboration on their video games is not new for Valve.  This method was used for some of their previous video games such as Portal 2 and Team Fortress 2 where you can build your own levels and items.

Left for Dead 2

There is an "add-on" option for Left 4 Dead 2 at the site's main menu which allows you to go through a catalogue or look for new ones via the online store.

When using the Left 4 Dead 2 workshop, in addition to adding content, you can also rate and discuss it as well as find out the most popular and talked about added content.

Mud:FIM Motocross World Championship

Are you ready to play a video game and possibly win a World Championship?  You can if you play and win against opponents on Namco Bandai's game, Mud:FIM Motocross World Championship.  Bike enthusiasts and others will enjoy racing along the various terrains and tracks.  There will be both MX1 and MX2 championships.

Don't expect a smooth ride.  As a video game player, you will have to overcome sharp curves, straights, corners, jumps and slides if you want to win the championship.

Enjoy high jumps playing Mud:FIM Motocross World Championship

If this game sounds like one you are interested in, you do not have to wait long to play it.  Namco Bandai has announced this game will be released in North America on February 26, 2013.

MUD:FIM Motocross World Championship is rated T for Teen and will be playable on the Xbox 360, PS3, Vita and the PC.

Metal Gear Solid  5

Will the veil of mystery be lifted from Metal Gear Solid 5 to let you know for sure if The Phantom Pain  leak  involves  a totally different game or is it merely an add on for  Metal Gear Solid 5 or something else.  In other words --  is The Phantom Pain a separate video game,  in and of itself, or is it a name added to the  Metal Gear Solid  5 title?   It has long been rumored that the "two" games were somehow connected -- the question is how?

Metal Gear Solid 5

The Phantom Pain?

To take you out of suspense, it has been leaked that the connection is only with the names.  The Phantom Pain is not a separate video game, but is the subtitle of Metal Gear Solid 5.   Instead of the video game being called  Metal Gears Solid 5, the complete, full name will be Metal Gears Solid 5:  The Phantom Pain.  Looks like all the hype for the new game The Phantom Pain was all for naught. But hold on to your horses, there is still some time before the game is actually finished -- this may or may not change.

Scene from Metal Gear

Metal Gear Solid 5 will be playable on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 and has a pending rating.  A release date for this video game was unavailable at press time.