Embarrassment of Riches: 02.04.09

If you powered on your Xbox 360 yesterday, you were prompted with a mandatory dashboard update. It apparently fixes an issue with audio and HDMI connections, which miraculously enough isn’t something I have ever experienced. I guess the Microsoft gods decided my multiple encounters with the infamous Red Ring of Death were sufficient. For now at least anyways. Anybody have any wood handy? And no, I don’t mean that kind of wood you sickos.

In Arcade news, coin-op classics R-Type & R-Type II recently secured a spot in the XBLA library. Game wise, it’s a twofer as you get both of these classic shooters (which gives you the option of playing the originals or the updated 3D versions) in one handy-dandy bundle. Price wise, it’s a threefer as this pack will drain your Microsoft Points account of 1200. Remember the good ol’ days when retro games only cost 400? Someone bring me my walking stick so I can bash it over the head of whoever is making these pricing decisions.

So, did you happen to hear who’s back in town? The boys are! That’s right, this week Rock Band 2 brings you the Thin Lizzy Pack 01 which includes “The Boys Are Back in Town,” “Cowboy Song,” and “Jailbreak” (all of which are the live versions). Individually they will run you 160 with the entire pack being available for 440. Other random song offerings include “Precious” by The Pretenders (160), “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benetar (160), and “Break My Heart” and “Don’t Tell Me” (both by Nikko costing 80 apiece). I seem to remember “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” being on GHIII, meaning you can play it on that game for free (assuming you have it of course). Just sayin’. Not available on GHIII but instead on Guitar Hero World Tour is the “Dig Out Your Soul” album by Oasis. The entire album costs 1520 and includes “To Be Where There’s Life,” “The Turning,” “The Nature of Reality,” “Soldier On,” “I’m Outta Time,” “(Get Off Your) High Horse Lady,” “Falling Down,” and “Ain’t Got Nothin’“. All the songs are also available as 160 single purchases.

On a completely unrelated note, why am I just now noticing the resemblance of the Microsoft Point icon to Master Chief’s helmet? From this point forward, I will be using this image for Microsoft Points: . Anyways, enjoy last week’s embarrassment of riches! Or not.