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Marcus

AKA:[H2R]Stratafox Mechassault, Castle Wolfenstein, Ghost Recon, Halo & Halo2

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Long time No See. That was then, This is now.....

A grueling bout with cancer and XbL in general....

Beaverton,OR.-August 20th, 2K5

I felt it neccesary to reach out to those people who have made me whole again. My Family, My Doctors and a special XbL freind....Cyberdude. All of you have helped me to maintain a focused recovery and have been a freind to me in the most emotional and physically risky moments. I have been away for some time as I just was not able to maintain my health and the websites too. Most have forgotton, but some have stuck with me.... in both good and the bad times and have understood the situation. These few, are what I honor most in my life.

In the near future I will be attempting to update the site as best as possible (as my health regains) and bringing you new reports of the hottest Xbox Games. To help me with this task, Cyberdude has accepted the title of Xboxnow's site feature writer, co-author and co-owner. Cyberdude is a welcomed addition to the site and brings vast knowledge of the gaming industry.

As our partner site (XgN) evolves, we will bring you new forums and news features on the gaming industry.

So stay tuned for more updates and special features.

Halo2 is tarnished and a victim of hype....Is anyone gonna wait to jump out of the transport...?

Well, I stood in line with my gaming buddies until 1:30 am that fateful morn. I took the week off from work and was primed for the hottest game to be released in 2 years. As I sat down in my gaming throne, got the 60 HdTV and Surround tuned in and the refreshements and toothpicks ready, I opened the door on my well used Xbox, I anticipated a hit in the making. The opening movie was great. It adequatly brought me up to speed on the life of the sleeping Master Cheif. But that was about the end of it. With the exception of some pretty new and cool features, like dual weilding, a few new weapons, and the advent of a couple of new covenant vehicles. The game played virtually the same, but with alot less time involved this time. I was able to finish the Normal mode within 36 hours of play on Halo2 compared with 130 hours on the Halo. I was left dismayed that one who was so accomplised at the original game, should be so blessed with such a swift victory. Was it the cool online play from XbConnect, where I could keep my practice up, or the repetetive games with my neighbors? This I do not know.

Granted there were a few more repetitions in a few missions in the Original Halo, but at least the complexity changd a little bit. Now.....Heroic is much more appealing and Legendary almost impossible. I finished Heroic in about 40 hours and have spent almost 120 hours in Legendary and on my last two missions. Thats a little better, but not as satisfying as the original. The levels of difficulty are huge between the levels and my clan must think Im crazy for not playing online or spending this much time on the game.....but Im sure they will understand. I've been on radio silence for some time.

I am really a little miffed at the producers of Halo2 (er.... Bungie) just because there have been so many changes from what was first published and just recently in the playability and context of the game. Most of it didnt show in E3 or any of the Xbox Magazines as well. Seems like a covert thing...but who am I to complain. It just seems to me that they were still very much behind in the production of the story line and sequences that they cut a few corners to get it out on time. Once again.......the true fans are screwed.

Dont get me wrong.......Halo2 is a great piece of work. The new environments are killer, there is a lot more character development, there seems to be closure from Halo to a smooth transition to H2 and the new series and the plot is solid. Im just not sure where they are going to go with it from here. I know that Earth wiill be attacked and that MC will be in the thick of things.....but Im not sure myself that I can wait another three years for the release. I also know that MA2 will be out soon.....is that some sort of the grand scheme for MS and Bungie.....hook em on Halo Series and then double team them on the MA series.....

I will continue to be a fan of the Xbox family.....although I thought the fam should be treated a little better. Bill......get a grip. Listen to your stock-holders.

Beaverton,OR. October 29th, 2K4. Here we go boys and girls. Im salivating just enough to really get back into the game after two long years of doing the Halo missions over and over again with a few laggy bouts on XbConnect to hold me over. The wait is finally over. Come 12:01 AM, Nov 9th, I will have in my little sweaty palms, a brand new Copy of Halo2...courtesy of my favorite gamerbuds...Gamecrazy. With the car running and GenG riding shotgun, reading the Game manual with the help of my Saturns directional passenger lights, breifing me along the way on the latest controller commands, we should arrive at the ready and waiting Sandy Cinemas in about 30 minutes for our Private but personal , Big-Screen Launch of Halo2.

Sandy Cinemas, with the latest in Digital Projection systems and THX Surround Sound, should give us plenty of Eye Candy, the perfect atmosphere and ear busting sound effects to make the experience truley memorable. But Wait.......we still have room for two more peeps.....Hmmmm....now it really gets fun.

Sandy Cinemas will have Xboxlive ready and waiting as well as I am bringing my account information to plug into the Xboxlive service courtesy of Sandy Cinemas Fast Comcast Cable. So all you Online fanatics...so look for us [H2R]Stratafox around 3:00 am or so.

Halo2 can support up to 4 players per box in XboxLive. Although 4 players on a 36 inch screen may not be desirable, how about a screen that measures 64 feet X 26 feet in high definition. It just got a lot better my freinds. Well then........I know that Cybrdude would enjoy (he is making a special trip up from California to participate and write the inagural review).....which leaves us one more spot to fill. Be the first to respond to this article and win a chance to play Halo2 on the bigscreen with some of the best players around the Portland area. You have to be a resident of Oregon to participate. All other inquiries will be rejected.

Halo2 is ready to ship, not to mention a Gold Hit Already. So tune in in the next few weeks to get the latest on the biggest hit to come to Xbox in a long time and dont forget to visit XgN, the newest gamers forum and clan site.

Beaverton,OR. March 16th, 2K4. EA Sports will be releasing FIght Night 2004 April 5th. The long awaited Boxing Blockbuster should prove to be one of EA Sports top games of all time, with carefully rendered Champions that are capable of taking you down in the first 15 seconds to the rich detail in the Boxing Arenas. Check this one out if your into close fighting in the ring and beyond.

XBN and XgN will endevour to provide the largest pool of Online gamers in the world. All registered XbN members, active or inactive are urged to join this new format. Register today at XgN and go to the next level of online gaming.

Xboxnow will maintain this site for up to date articles and reviews of your favorite online games. Xboxnow will continue to give you the "Other" perspective on current events, Console gaming and Game reviews. So stay tuned for new updates.

Beaverton,OR. March 1st, 2K4. EA sports just released NFL Street. The gritty, no-holds barred street football game. If your into Sports games, you gotta check it out by clicking on the banner above.

And while your at it check out the "Soon to be released" Fight Night 2004, also by EA., The same folks who brought you True Crimes.

In the next few weeks, Xboxnow will be stripped clean of all member areas and invitations will go out to join this new concept. XgN will endevour to provide the largest pool of Online gamers in the world. All registered XbN members, active or inactive are urged to join this new format. Register today at XgN and go to the next level of online gaming.

New "Hard-core" Gamers Forum makes Debut. Provides Regular Scheduled play and intense opponent pool. XgN and XbN Allied to provide full time gamer Techincal Xbox and PC gaming support.

Beaverton,OR. February 1st, 2K4. XboxNow and Xtremegamersnation have formed a partnership to provide the "Hardest" of hardcore gamers a place to meet, schedule online games, keep stats, swap stories and keep up to date on the latest technology in Console and PC gaming. This new format provides an easy to use Vbulliten format with areas for General Discussion, Game by Game reviews, Console and PC technical support, and features a comprehensive swap, trade or for sale area as well as a brand new online store. In this Online store you can get your Registered Gamertag, custom embroidered and custom sewn onto an official Xbox live hat or Jacket and shipped directly to your home. XgN Members receive monthly updates of registered member stats and invitations to Online Tourneys, pitted against the finest and most rutheless players around.

Beaverton,OR. Dec, 31st 2K3. Allied Nations Members welcome new Member - Merc Archer to the ranks of the AN. His profile will be posted soon on the AN Membership roster. Hes a formidable player and good sport. I just hope we can get him a few copies of the games he wants so he can participate in Ghost Recon and Moto GP. Other gamers to show up for some Awesome Mech Assault play were, Sevenationarmy, Bulldog SG1, Sure X Play, Juggalo Hyde, Just Play 13, Loco Alex, Shattered Glass, Merlo, La SO Zey, xRAMRODx, and Jram174 & Guest. Allied Nation would like to extend an Invitation to all these players to join us on Tuesday nights for more of the same. Final scores of all the games can be found here on a regular basis following game night.

Beaverton,OR. Dec, 30th 2K3. At This time I would like to invite the following Current Allied Nations Members to renew their Free Membership by dropping by the Main Xbox Dashboard on Tuesday Nights @ 9:00 PM (An Members who already appear on the freinds list) or you can go here to renew online The founding members have decided on Tuesday Nights as it seems the best time for online gamers to play their favorite games, at least on the West Coast. We will meet in the Main dashboard @ 9:00 PM for about 10-15 Minutes to decide on which games and format to play then start creating fully public rooms to start the massacre. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun and destruction.

This is a brand new format and will be continued as of Jan 1st. So stay tuned for details and visit the XBN Site often within the next few weeks for more details. We are now forming a AN Halo Players network to get ready for the Release of Halo 2. So Become an AN member today and Join the Online Fun ! All scores will be recorded and posted on XboxNow following Game Night.

Beaverton,OR. Dec, 16th 2K3. Well..getting close to Christmas and my wish list is done....(as well as the kids).

I purchased a brand new Xbox and 4 new S's for the great new games coming this season. With Crimson skiies, Counter Strike and True Crimes added to my playing portfolio and online antics...my personal level of excitement is growing for the new release of NFL Streets. Will the newest releases and best games ever end?......nope. I've never been much of an online football fan, but this game is going to rule in many circles, including mine.

Ever had a touch football game with you freinds or neighbors?. Well, hold onto your jockstraps because this game rocks. Forget any NFL rules....this game is "no holds barred" raunchy, street football at its best with a variety of characters to play that surpasses even Madden. Its cool on the "cause and effects" of each play and has richly detailed playing maps that sets it apart from the rest of the normal, football games.

NFL Streets will be introduced to the Online masses in early January and XbN's new aquaintance, Buzztone, is having a great promotion and contest to make sure the game launches with style. Up for grabs is a trip to the BIG GAME in Houston on February 2nd including 2 tickets, round-trip airfare for you and a guest, hotel accommodations and $1000 spending cash for the weekend. So Enter now at Buzztone and get in on the contest. Click HERE for more details or click on any banner on this site that advertizes NFL Streets

At This time I would like the following current members to renew thier free Memebership to AN an hold onto something sturdy....'cause were in for a fun ride. Go here to renew

This is a brand new format and will be launched Jan 1st. So stay tuned for details and visit the XBN Site often within the next few weeks for more details. We are now forming a AN Halo Players network to get ready for the Release of Halo 2. So Become an AN member today and Join the Online Fun !

Beaverton,OR. Nov,30th 2K3. Activison has provided another great "Driver style" game to add to their list of incredible hits like Tony Hawk and Return to Castle Wolfenstine. The story line and plot are solid, the action is intense and the game maps are damn near flawless. The Metro Los Angeles area has been dulpicated with uncanny detail for 250 square miles of roaming fun. You can actually tell where your going when in the game because you can read the DOT Interstate signs and take the right exits to get to your destination. Its near scary....almost like driving in a real car. To test the maps...I got out a "trucking" map and checked the routes and mileages.....to my suprise...the game is right on. The missions are done right too. During the Driving portions of the game, you can roam with no time limit to take in the full effects of the graphics and detailed surroundings and gives you unlimited time without penalty to earn rewards and unlock upgrades to make the next missions easier.

True Crime - Streets of LA is a little coarse in Language and Violence, hence the ESRB Mature rating, but its a game that really needs to be in anyones collection. Its fast and furious and filled with "Reality". The Charachters are real in personality and the rendering, movements and gameplay are very well done. I think I've found a new favorite Driving/Mission game. Guess its time to bring the old PS to Goodwill along with my only remaining PS Games - Driver and Driver II.

New Reviews and information about the new Activision games, The Sims Next generation, and NFL Streets will be coming soon. I havent received my Thrustmaster yet, so I cant do a review at this time....damn things on backorder. Maybe MS will try to nudge the producer to get on with it and get their act together. I know a few more gamers that would like theirs too.

New Site for Professional Console Gamers

Beaverton,OR. Nov,11th 2K3. Here is some interesting information on a Professional Console Gamers Network. Great Format and Good Payouts too. Read about the Latest Events and recent winners Here.

NYC Event Results

MLG's first Major in NYC went down on 10/25 and 26 and the results are in: hundreds of happy fans and over $10,000 in the pockets of some of the country's best gamers. Check out the winners!

Thirsty for more gaming competition? Check out the Halo and Madden leagues about to start at GTN in NYC. The leagues are using official MLG gametypes and rules, keep your skillz sharp for the next MLG Event!

It's Time To Get Your Game On

Major League Gaming is the first console-only, professional video game league. The MLG inaugural season is a 10-city tour, with large cornerstone events in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago and a championship in Las Vegas.

Major League Gaming is dedicated to building a worldwide organization that will support hundreds of the best gamers in the world as full time professionals. This means hundreds of cash prize tournaments, sponsorships, endorsements and the complete rockstar treatment.

New Reviews and information about the new Sims, True Crime and the Thrustmaster Fox Pro 2 Coming soon. See ya on the Virtual Frontlines.

Happy Veterans Day

Never forget our heros, freedom is never easy - and remember those who are protecting our freedoms today

Marcus AKA: H2R Stratafox

Crimson Skies...High Road to Revenge....

Beaverton,OR. Oct 27th, 2003. Lotsa Bling Bling in this game.....nice

I"ve always been a fan of the Microsoft Flight sims....Now with the release of "Crimson Skies - High road to revenge" it seems the stakes are a little higher now for the "other" FS game producers. From Combat Flight Simulator comes a new breed of graphics generators that surround you in richley detailed action and surroundings. The Simulation is almost "Roddenberry Form" and is safe at any altitude. Trust me....I've crashed alot...heh...gotta get me a new flight stick I guess. The absense of clues in the game manual lead notions to the Myst Series, where you are plunged into conflict and game scenarios....heh...gaming at it finest. MS is going strong. They are still forking out the big bucks to make a FS that works for the masses and doing well on the project. Many Downloads are on the way in the coming 2 months from what I can tell from my sources.

Adapting the Crimson flight controls on this Golden Beast of a game has proven to be almost flawlesss. Combining complex flight models with recent technology in rendering have produced a game of un-parralelled beauty. The maps are big and rich in detail, the flight simulation is near perfect (you really never feel the G's unless your in a real plane), and the action is heart pounding. The missions have proved to be addictive and the XboxLive online crowd seems to be growing at a record pace for this game alone

I have seen more of the regular players, like BSURFIN< CYBRDUDE, I WILL RULE YOU and other flocking to this game for the simple reason that is is "Almost Right" in every sense. Its becoming the epitimey of the "Air Experience". Playing the game is a bit daunting at first as the players that usually join for a game are High Novice or better....but you just have to get in there and prove yourself. I crashed and burned more times than I would like to admit but there is a competitive force in this game that sets it way apart from the rest. Many Varied players and a "Whoooolllootttaaa" games to play. MS keep going dudes....your on it !!! :)

Thrustmaster should prove to handle the work load though....but I cant seem to find a flight stick to purchase anywhere...except online. Best Buy, ToyRus, CompUSA, Fry's and a host of other retail giants cant seem to remember ever seeing a flight contoller for the xbox being stocked at their stores or even hearing of one. So I'll settle for an online purchase. Darn, now I gotta wait...patience. Heres the link to buy yours online. Thrustmaster Fox 2 Pro Flight Stick.

I'll have a review as soon as I get mine....

My Take on this Game: Great Game....need to practice before joining XBL But the missions are flawless. Buy It Now before the supplies are depleated. Enhance your portfolio of games. Best Flght Sim Produced so far.....and who wouldhave thunk......heh....MS...high five....;)

I give it a Great Job MS.....keep it up. One Note*. XbConnect is still a dominant force in Online gaming...you really need to check em out

See ya on the Virtual Frontlines

Marcus

AKA: H2R Stratafox

H2R STRATAFOX	BSURFIN	CASSIOPEA	MACHINE MAGE
Founding Members		Honorary	Honorary
AN Members in Last Attendance Mech Assault, Crismson Skiies & Unreal Championship The Allied Nations would like to invite the following Online Gamers from previous play to join us for regular games on Tuesday Nights CYBRDUDE - LTJ Seal - NOT U AGAIN - I WILL RULE U - WHITE COLLIE - GENG - POOPYSHOES - DAEDIN - JW PEPPER - GREYMANDER Complete AN Member Roster


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