zRandomBlog

At around 1am tonight my bed moved a couple of inches to the left to the left.

So i’m guessing i’m not the only one who felt it considering the sudden blast of msn messages

How many of you felt this shake then????

Picture a November where Microsoft doesn’t do something big…….well its not going to happen, Gears of War 2 has been confirmed for November 2008 believe it or not :O

Whats that I hear? Halo 4? November 2009?? Hey now i’m guessing, don’t shoot me

SAN FRANCISCO — Feb. 20, 2008 — Today at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2008, Microsoft Corp. provided an exciting glimpse at what promises to be another landmark year for games and online entertainment on the Xbox 360 platform and officially announced the launch of “Gears of War 2,” exclusively for Xbox 360 this November.

Providing a dramatic close to Microsoft’s GDC keynote address, Epic Games Inc.’s lead designer Cliff Bleszinski announced that the epic saga of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad continues exclusively on the Xbox 360 this fall with “Gears of War 2.” This highly anticipated sequel to the 4.5 million-selling blockbuster “Gears of War” delves deeper into humanity’s struggle for survival against the nightmarish Locust Horde, and promises to take high-definition visuals to a whole new level.

In addition, acclaimed developer Peter Molyneux of Lionhead Studios took the stage to showcase exciting new multiplayer features for “Fable 2,” introducing dynamic cooperative play, a first to the franchise. Molyneux also announced that later this year, and before the launch of “Fable 2,” gamers can get a sneak peek at the game’s world when the “Fable 2” pub games debut as a stand-alone download on Xbox LIVE Arcade. When “Fable 2” launches, gamers will have the ability to transfer currency earned in the pub games directly to their character in “Fable 2.” This unique and first-of-its-kind experience, which can be found only on Xbox LIVE Arcade, will give the millions of “Fable” fans and gamers all around the globe the opportunity to jump into the “Fable 2” world with money already in the bank.

Tomonobu Itagaki also revealed new “Ninja Gaiden II” game-sharing features, including Ninja Cinema, which is enabled solely through Xbox LIVE, providing exciting and innovative entertainment experiences for the more than 10 million Xbox LIVE members worldwide by allowing players to record and upload their best ninja moves to Xbox LIVE.

“To our team the original game was just a tease, the appetizer to the ‘Gears of War’ characters and new style of gameplay. We were so amped to get to the next chapter, and dig deeper into the universe of this franchise,” said Cliff Bleszinski, lead designer for Epic Games. “‘Gears of War 2’ is an even bigger, better, and more badass experience than the first game, and we can’t wait to get it in the hands of eager gamers this November.”

This year, the most anticipated games will be found exclusively on Xbox 360, including the next chapters of top franchises such as “Gears of War,” “Fable” and “Ninja Gaiden,” as well as new titles such as “Too Human.”

· “Gears of War 2” (Epic Games). “Gears of War 2” is the sequel to the 4.5 million-selling blockbuster that redefined the third-person tactical action game genre. “Gears of War 2” continues the story of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad in an epic saga of survival, loss and retribution. Developed by Epic Games exclusively for Xbox 360, “Gears of War 2” launches this November.

· “Fable 2” (Lionhead Studios). In addition to the dynamic co-op mode unveiled onstage, Peter Molyneux also announced that Carbonated Games is bringing the “Fable 2” experience to Xbox LIVE Arcade. Before the game’s launch, gamers will be able to get an early taste of the “Fable 2” experience and gain a head start on earning currency for use in “Fable 2” by playing “Fable 2”-themed pub games that will be downloadable via Xbox LIVE Arcade. The currency earned in these Xbox LIVE Arcade titles will enable players to purchase items in “Fable 2” when the game launches later this year.

· “Ninja Gaiden II” (TECMO/Team NINJA). Tomonobu Itagaki debuted several tantalizing new Xbox LIVE features of “Ninja Gaiden II,” including the ability to capture and share videos of a player’s glorious battles via the Ninja Cinema feature and upload them to Xbox LIVE. “Ninja Gaiden II” launches worldwide this June.

· “Too Human” (Silicon Knights). Microsoft also showcased the epic action game from renowned Canadian developer Silicon Knights, “Too Human,” at a media event before today’s keynote address. In “Too Human,” players are treated to a nonstop barrage of action powered by the seamless integration of melee and firearms combat, plus deep role-playing elements fueled by breathtaking visuals enabled by the power of Xbox 360.

With online multiplayer gameplay, downloadable content and ways to stay in contact with a global community, these forthcoming blockbusters harness the power of Xbox LIVE to create truly innovative and exciting entertainment experiences. Each game also comes packed with Achievements, so Xbox LIVE members can help add to the more than 1 billion Achievements already unlocked on the service to date. And, as with the “Fable 2” pub games, downloadable content in Xbox LIVE Marketplace allows gamers the opportunity to customize and enhance their gameplay experiences. Since the service launched, Microsoft has seen more than $250 million in digital revenue from Xbox LIVE Marketplace through the purchase of more than 20 billion Microsoft Points.

Xbox LIVE members have been using a large portion of those Microsoft Points in Xbox LIVE Arcade, which is the premier destination for digitally distributed, high-definition original and classic games. With over 116 games to choose from on Xbox LIVE Arcade, everyone’s invited to get instantly immersed in the fun. Xbox LIVE Arcade is also home to the world’s most innovative independent developers, with more than 25 independent studios serving as the creative fuel behind the original games that represent more than a quarter of the Xbox LIVE Arcade library. The following titles represent a sample of games launching on Xbox LIVE Arcade in the near future from the world’s leading independent developers:

· “Braid” (Number None Inc.). Developed by Independent Games Festival Winner and experimental game designer Jonathan Blow, “Braid” is a platform experience that bends all the rules with the manipulation of time. “Braid” will launch this spring.

· “Castle Crashers” (The Behemoth). “Castle Crashers” is the second title currently in development by award-winning independent developer The Behemoth, creator of “Alien Hominid HD.” The role-playing game (RPG) adventure will let up to four players hack, slash and smash their way together through a visually stunning hand-drawn landscape. “Castle Crashes” launches this summer.

· “Defense Grid: The Awakening” (Hidden Path Entertainment LLC). “Defense Grid: The Awakening” is the definitive tower defense game experience designed specifically for Xbox LIVE Arcade and launches this summer.

· “Go! Go! Break Steady” (Little Boy Games). An Xbox LIVE Arcade exclusive, “Go! Go! Break Steady” is the debut title from independent developer Little Boy Games. The combination music and puzzle game combines break dancing with novel gameplay and launches this summer.

· “Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness” (Hothead Games). The first video game collaboration between Penny Arcade creators Mike “Gabe” Krahulik and Jerry “Tycho” Holkins and legendary game designer Ron Gilbert, “Penny Arcade Adventures” is an RPG-adventure game set in a highly stylized 1920s universe filled with bizarre characters, outrageous combat and adult humor. The first episode of the game launches this summer.

Egypt, who overcame the Ivory Coast 4-1 in Thursday’s semi-final, believe they are on course for a sixth Africa Cup of Nations triumph.

The defending champions will now meet Cameroon in Sunday’s final in a repeat of a group game that Egypt won 4-2.

Goalkeeper Essam Al-Hadari, who made a series of stunning saves, said: “I’m the happiest man in the world.”

Assistant coach Shawki Gharib said of their win over the tournament favourites: “We’re delighted with the performance and the result.

“All the Egyptian players like South American football, we like Argentina, we like Brazil, we like this style of football.

“But the most important thing is that we play with our minds. First of all, we think about what we are going to do on the pitch.

“Now, we will win the final.”

Amr Zaki netted twice as Egypt stunned the pre-tournament favourites, while Ahmed Fathi and Mohamed Aboutrika also scored.

Ivory Coast lost goalkeeper Boubacar Barry to injury in the first-half with the Elephants losing 1-0. Barry was replaced by Stephan Loboue.

Ivory Coast coach Gerard Gili insisted Barry’s injury did not cost his team the game.

“The exit of my goalkeeper was not the reason we lost,” said Gili.

“His absence only meant I lost a chance to make another substitution. We simply had an off day.

“We didn’t expect to lose by such a wide margin but the Egyptians played well and pulled it off.”

Important for Cameroon people
Egypt will face Cameroon in Sunday’s final after the Indomitable Lions overcame hosts Ghana 1-0 in Accra. Alain Nkong’s second-half strike broke the deadlock in a tense encounter.

Cameroon coach Otto Ofister said: “Getting through to the final isn’t important for me, it’s important to the president of Cameroon and his people.

WorldSoccer.com

Cameroon 1 - 0 Ghana

A second-half goal from Alain Nkong proved too much for hosts Ghana, whose involvement in the African Cup of Nations thus ends at the semi-final stage…

Cameroon found the finish in what was a largely even and less-than-beautiful encounter in Accra.Still, what the game lacked in finesse, it made up for with vigour. With Gyan out, Ghana moved Quincu Owusu-Abeyie up front with Agogo, and his side set about attacking early.Within five minutes, Sulley Muntari was able to play in a fine cross, but Eric Addo could do nothing with it at the far post.

Soon afterwards, though, some more planning could have seen Cameroon take the lead, but Eto’o collided right into Kingson in an attempt to connect with Song’s cross.

For the most part, there was a lot of hoofing and punting, but relatively little football on display, but Ghana wree occasionally proving themselves capable of the odd passing move.

Still, as with much of the tournament, long-range efforts were the order of the day, with Achille Emana coming close with a dipping volleyed effort 20 minutes in.

Ghana had another chance on the half hour mark through a Dede Ayew solo effort, but it was a routine save for Kameni.

At the other end - and it was end-to-end - Geremi so nearly made it 1-0 with a sensational 40-yard free-kick, but his effort clipped the post and flew wide.

Ghana closed the half strongly with a header from Ayew after Muntari’s cross, and it appeared that their use of the ball in the final third was superior to that of Cameroon.

Indeed, Essien, who had been rather quiet in his enforced defensive role, was involved in a pacy attacking move just after the break, but he and Owusu-Abeyie were caught by some fine defending at the last second.

Essien was called into action at the other end with a tackle of his own against the onrushing Eto’o a few minutes later as the game continued its end-to-end status.

Both teams made their changes, but it was for Cameroon that it paid off, as they took a brilliant goal, inevitably on the break, seventy minutes in.

Alain Nkong took advantage of a brilliant through ball from Samuel Eto’o to hit Ghana on the counter, the journeyman forward’s brilliant effort across Richard Kingson rendering the ‘keeper helpless, and the hosts on the verge of elimination.

It was a tough break for Ghana, who had been in fact the better side from perhaps the 40th minute onwards, but the quality of Cameroon’s goal was undeniable.

In response, the Black Stars tried to press forward, but the Black Stars were initially met with a wall of opposition.

Although, ten minutes after that opener, Ghana were given a perfect opportunities to equalise, but somehow squandered it. Agogo had a golden chance as he is picked out at the penalty spot by a cross from the right, but he incredibly headed over despite being under no pressure at all.

That spooked Cameroon, who began to waste time, milking “injuries” and set pieces as an apoplectic Claude Le Roy looked on. Carlos Kameni got in on the act after racing to snatch the ball ahead of Gyan, who insisted that the two made no contact.

Barusso came on for Ayew as Ghana looked to grab a dramatic equaliser, but the dying minutes were characterised not so much by chances, but by time-wasting and thinly-veiled Ghanaian frustration.

This boiled over into some unsightly “handbags” just before stoppage time, but in fact it was a Cameroonian who - quite deservedly - received their marching orders.

Rigobert Song, down and seemingly incapacitated, was about to be loaded onto a stretcher-trolley as security staff looked on. Andre Bikey inexplicably shoved one of the stadium staff members to the ground, picking up a red card for his troubles.

Ghana sensed that they had a chance to seize a dramatic equaliser, and when they were given a free-kick deep into stoppage time, it seemed to be the ideal time to do so. So important was this kick that Ghana even requested a new ball for the occasion.

However, Barusso skied his effort way, way over the bar, and with the sailing ball went his side’s chances of progression.

Goal.com

Dear All,

The death is reported of the GREEN EAGLE at the Ohene Djan sports Stadium on the 03-Feb-08. The body was laid in state at the forecourt of the Fiesta Royale Hotel, North Dworwulu (adjacent to the head offices of Nestle Ghana Ltd), Accra.

According to Doctor’s post mortem report, the GREEN EAGLE died of two teaspoonfuls of goals. It was revealed by doctors that the eagles showed signs of ill-health at the Essipon stadium in Sekondi between 20-Jan-08 and 03-Feb-08 before being flown to Ohene Djan for intensive care, but gave up the ghost after 93 minutes of soccer surgery.

Chief Mourner: Alhaji Umar Musa Yar’adua (Aso Rock, Abuja – Nigeria)

Children: Augustine Eguavon, Stephen Keshi, Rashid Yekini, Garba Lawal, Friday Ekpo, Sunday Oliseh, Sampson Siasia, Emmanuel Amunike, Mitiu Adepoju, Finidi George, Agu Alloy, Amokachie.

Grand Children: Nwanko Kanu, Joseph Yobo, John Utaka, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Obafemi Martins, Mikel Obi, Nsorfor , Nwaneri, Austin Ejide, Taiwo Taye, Odemwienge, Danny Shittu.

Uncles: Olusegun Obasanjo, Mahamadu Buhari, Abdulsalam Abubakar, Wole Soyinka, Sani Abacha, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, Chief Emeka Anyaoku.

IN-LAWS: Dele Momodu, Dr. Adanugu, Clem Ohameze, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Zack Orji, 2Face idibia, John Okafor.

Meanwhile, the BLACK STARS of Ghana were invited to the Osu police station for interrogation in connection with the murder of the Green Eagle. During prosecution at the Accra fast track high court, Captain John Mensah pleaded guilty to the murder charge.

Presenting the case, the bias referee Mohammed Benouza from Algeria( May his sins be forgiven), revealed that he saw Junior Agogo & Michael Essien putting 1 teaspoonful of poisonous dosages of goals each into the cocoa-net of goal keeper Austin Ejide in the 38th & 83rd minutes respectively.

Though the rest of the STARS were acquitted and discharged, Essien & Agogo were sentenced to 1 goal each with surety to appear at the semi final match with Cameroon

Meanwhile, reports reaching us indicates that SOS messages have been sent from Alata to the EAGLES camp that only one member ( Mikel Obi) of the deceased family would be allowed to enter Alata. The rest return at their own risk & danger.