Console Monster writes: "It's been a while since a demo has arrived on the Xbox Live Marketplace and, as we posted earlier, a demo for Fuel is now available. The Skate 2 downloadable content we revealed the achievements for last week has now been released amongst more content. Here is the full Xbox Live Marketplace update for Thursday 9th July 2009:

Game Demos

Fuel Demo
Price: Free (Gold Exclusive offer)
Size: 1 GB
In an alternate present, vast swathes of America have become no-go areas as the devastating effects of global warming ravage the continent. But these danger zones become a playground for a new breed of racer. With a stockpile of fuel to be burned, adrenaline junkies head into the wilderness to compete against each other in spectacular races against themselves and the elements. This playable demo offers a taster of one race and one challenge from the full game, as well as the chance to try out Free Ride in a small section of the wastelands..."
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EA has released new DLC for their title Skate 2 in the form of the Maloof Money Cup Pack, now available for download.
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Console Monster writes: "We have just added the new Achievements for Skate 2 on the Xbox 360. The 4 new achievements are worth 250 GamerScore. Both achievements can only be unlocked in the Skate 2 downloadable content releasing next Thursday (9th July), titled Maloof Money Cup and priced at 240 Microsoft Points.

The list now contains 60 achievements worth 1500 GamerScore..."
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To celebrate the release of the Maloof Money Cup DLC Pack for Skate 2, the team from Black Box is letting you Double Up on in-game Cash and XP starting July 9th to the 12th. Throughout the weekend, anytime you play an online ranked event you'll earn double the cash and XP.
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Skate 2 fans will be able to download and compete in Maloof Money Cup Pack from July 9.The pack is based on the largest pursed event in the history of professional skateboarding...
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Electronic Arts has released details on the next Skate 2 DLC and if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. That's why as of tomorrow, you will be able to download the Tony Hawk Content Pack for Skate 2. EA has worked out a limited deal with Activision allowing for not only the usage of Tony Hawk himself, but the recreation of a few classic spots from previous Tony Hawk games. Included in the DLC pack is the Hangar in Mullet Falls from THPS2, and the all-time classic Warehouse from THPS1.
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The patch that was announced last week has officially gone live today for EA's hit title, Skate 2.
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When Skate 2 was released for the PS3 back in January many PS3 users were a littl let down by the fact that the game didn't support Custom Soundtracks. Thankfully EA and the developers at Black Box listened and Custom Soundtrack support will be added via the game's latest update which will be made available for the PS3 and Xbox 360 on March 23. Besides adding Custom Soundtrack support for the PS3 version the patch includes a bevy of fixes including improved off-board control and fixing some exploits that were in various modes. Check out the rest of the updates at the Shogungamer article.
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EA spread the word today on their Skate 2 blog that they have a patch coming out soon. They seem to be really happy with the patch and what they were able to accomplish. They tweaked off the board controls, made a bunch of fixes for online, added in-game custom soundtrack support for PS3 users and more!
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Leigh Alexander from Gamasutra writes:

"Microsoft is celebrating a 53 percent year-over-year spike in Xbox 360 sales following the release of February's NPD results, which saw sales of the console hit 391,000 units.

The company says Xbox 360's "record-setting" sales pace is largely due to its lower price and value proposition, plus its software library. Comparing Metacritic scores, the company says 135 Xbox 360 games score 80 or higher, versus 94 for rival PlayStation 3."
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More Skate 2 DLC added today. Skateboarding fans just got a treat last week from EA when the Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Plaza skate park DLC was made available. Today some of the most recognizable and favorite spots in San Van have been added in the 'San Van Classic Pack'.
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StalkingSilence of PlayStationLifeStyle writes:

"Thanks to the Hong Kong PlayStation Store team's proclivity for releasing information early - we know when the Skate 2 DLC is being released (in HK at least). Since the DLC is in English for Hong Kong, we could see it hitting here in North America at the same time as well. One of the packs was offered as part of a limited pre-order special, but we don't really know much about the pricing."

<<< N4G UPDATE: San Van Classic Pack will cost $4.99 USD >>>

Read on for more info about the two packs and their release dates:
- Skate 2 : San Van Classic Pack
- Skate 2 : Throwback Pack
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Console Monster writes: "Having already released Mirror's Edge content today, EA have also released content for Skate 2. Titled "Dyrdek's Fantasy Plaza Pack," the new downloadable content weighs in at 236 MB and is priced at 400 Microsoft Points. The dashboard description reads:

Skate the inspiration for the new show Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory, including the surrounding area located in downtown LA.

The content can be added to your download queue from here. Similarly to Mirror's Edge, Skate 2 has now been capped off to 1250 GamerPoints thanks to 10 new achievements worth 25 GamerScore each. The list now contains 56 achievements worth 1250 GamerScore..."
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Electronic Arts Inc. announced today that gamers will be able to extend their Skate 2 experience with the download of Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Plaza, starting today in the PLAYSTATION Store for $5.00 in North America and on XboxLIVE! Marketplace for 400 points. The Downloadable Content features Rob Dyrdek's new skate plaza, the centerpiece of his MTV show, Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory, as well as the surrounding downtown Los Angeles area.
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How much are you loving Skate 2? Do you play it every single day like me? Are you ready for some more places to skate? According to EA Community Manager Ron Yatco's Twitter, you just might be getting your wish soon.
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EA has just released some more DLC for Skate 2 called the "Filmer Pack", and while being an odd price, it looks like this DLC could be worth the points.
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Console Monster writes: "Today's Xbox Live Marketplace contains some downloadable content which came out of the blue. The first of which is for Lord of the Rings: Conquest for the very cheap price of free. Skate 2 receives new content too with something known as the Filmer Pack (is that a real word?) which is available for 600 Microsoft Points. And after Noel Gallagher claimed "playing a guitar is not a f**king videogame," he'll be glad to know his band's latest album is available to download on Guitar Hero: World Tour. Here is the full Xbox Live Marketplace for Thursday 29th January 2009:

LOTR: Conquest: Hero Arena bonus
Price: Free (Gold Exclusive Offer)
Availability: All Xbox Live Regions
Size: 135 MB
Description: Download a new way to play Hero Team Deathmatch for The Lord of the Rings: Conquest. Hero Arenas let you pit Good and Evil heroes against each other in a 1v1 or 2v2 showdown!

Skate 2: Filmer Pack
Price: 600 Microsoft Points
Availability: All Xbox Live Regions
Size: 163 MB
Description: Upgrade skate.Reel with advanced camera controls for the replay editor, custom watermarks, expanded online storage (share up to 5 minutes of footage) plus extra gear for your skater. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts..."
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EA has released a game add-on pack for its recently released Skate 2. The pack costs 400 points and opens up all areas and skaters. Msxbox-World raises the issue that developers used to release cheat codes for free rather than charging for them.
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Console Monster writes: "It's been a good year for demos and F.E.A.R. 2 can be added to the list. With the Resident Evil 5 demo next week, releasing it now could prove to be a good tactical move. Another bit of content I certainly didn't expect was for Skate 2, which releases across Europe tomorrow. The content unlocks all locations, skaters and gears for 400 Microsoft Points. I'm sure that will go down well… Here is the full Xbox Live Marketplace update for Thursday 22nd January 2009:

F.E.A.R. 2 Single Player Demo
Price: Free (Gold Exclusive Offer)
Availability: Not available in Asia or Germany
Description: A routine mission turns into a fight for survival when an explosion of unknown origin decimates the city and unleashes the wrath of Alma Wade, whose terrifying power threatens to surge out of control unless Special Forces Sgt. Michael Becket and his squad can find a way to destroy her.
Size: 759 MB

Skate 2: Time is Money Pack
Price: 400 Microsoft Points
Availability: All Xbox Live Regions
Description: If you are busy, or just plain lazy, "Time is Money" will unlock all locations, skaters and gear that can be earned by playing through Skate 2's career and online modes. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Size: 124 KB..."
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411mania gives a rundown on this week's game releases. Highlights include Ar tonelico II: Melody of Metafalica, Star Ocean: Second Evolution, Commander in Chief, Big Bang Mini, The Excitement of Haruhi Suzumiya, and Ultimate Shooting Collection.

Ar tonelico II
"Overall, the better-than-average story, unique battle system, and all the little things that you can do in the game help to make this a worthy purchase for those of you who like JRPGs and do not mind buying PS2 games this late in the system's life."

Star Ocean: Second Evolution
"As far as changes go, you can expect new playable characters, updated artwork, cut scenes, and voice work, as well as new dialog."

Commander in Chief
"While I am apprehensive about juggling so many issues at once, I was sold on the idea that I can 'determine the course of world events by invading a neutral country, toppling an unfriendly regime, or plotting assassinations' and then face the 'economic, political, and military consequences.'"

Big Bang Mini
"Obviously, maneuvering around enemy fire, debris, or anything else that's moving about is done with the stylus. To keep the controls completely on the touch screen, the game requires you to flick the stylus toward the top screen to launch attacks. Making it through the game requires you to figure out when to attack and when to move your ship to safety."

Suzumiya Haruhi no Gekidou
"The main game plays simply enough - all you have to do is watch the bar at the bottom of the screen and wave the Wii remote as instructed."

Ultimate Shooting Collection
"Despite its shovelware-looking cover and shovelware-sounding name, the three games that are included might actually be worth more than the shovelware-price, at least if you are a shmup fan."
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