Relive ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops II’ on Xbox One starting today

Ask a Xbox One fan what game they'd most like to see added to the console's backwards compability list and you'll probably get Call of Duty: Black Ops II as an answer. It was the most-requested title on the Xbox Feedback site. Even Xbox boss Phil Spe...

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 adds live Twitch streaming for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 (update: timing)

Call of Duty Black Ops 2

Shooter fans who've wanted to show their skills (or endure peer judgment) in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 through a live broadcast have usually had to go the YouTube route. That's fine for many, but some gamers will want to serve their own kind above all -- so it's with some relief that Treyarch is adding built-in streaming to the more game-focused Twitch video service. The new option will send both live audio and video from Black Ops 2 as long as there's an active Twitch account, as well as share word of exploits through Facebook or Twitter. Anyone committed enough to have a Call of Duty Elite subscription can also get a peek at a player's stats. Neither Treyarch nor Twitch has said exactly how soon they'll flick the livestreaming switch, although Wii U owners are once again left high and dry when Twitch support is limited to PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 3 owners.

Update: The company tells us that Twitch should be available as of noon Eastern.

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Must See HDTV (November 12th – 18th)

Must See HDTV November 12th  18th

While the fall TV premiere season may have cooled off (who's excited for the season premiere of Whitney? No one? Ok.) there's a slew of videogames and movies arriving for our home viewing pleasure. That includes several blockbuster titles, plus hits from the archives as varied as Lawrence of Arabia and Bill And Ted's Excellent Adventure. Look below for the highlights this week, followed after the break by our weekly listing of what to look out for in TV, Blu-ray and videogames.

Call of Duty: Black Ops II
It's fall, there's a new Call of Duty game. Killstreaks, multiplayer, elite, etc. A new tweak this time around is the ability to live stream matches via Youtube and other platforms, but we suspect you've already decided whether or not this year's update is a must-buy for you. Joystiq's review should be live soon of course, if you need a final go-ahead.
($59.99 on Amazon)

Friends: the Complete Series
Fans of the series can finally get every single episode in high definition (it was recorded on film and has been airing in HD in syndication for a while, so you should have some idea of the quality) this week. The better news is that while Friends: The Complete Series carries a $300 MSRP, the actual price for all 296 episodes is down to $149 if you're willing to dive in.
($149.99 on Amazon)

Doctor Who: Series Seven, Part 1
While what could be* the final go-round of Matt Smith as the Doctor has not yet concluded, you can get the first half of the season on Blu-ray this week. Companions Amy and Rory are still along for the ride which includes encounters with (of course) the Daleks, and more. At five episodes, it may be worth holding off for the season to finish, but at least it's pretty cheap. (Update: Despite hinting at plans to leave the role, there is not yet confirmation about Matt Smith's Who plans past this season.)
($19.99 on Amazon)

Continue reading Must See HDTV (November 12th - 18th)

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Must See HDTV (November 12th - 18th) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 17:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 has YouTube livestreaming built-in on 360, PS3 and PC, not on Wii U

Call of Duty Black Ops 2 has YouTube livestreaming builtin on 360, PS3, and PC

Competitive multiplayer games, such as industry standard Call of Duty, are what make the world of e-sports a reality. And livestreaming of those games is the lifeblood of that community, primarily done through PCs and various online services (YouTube, Twitch.tv, etc.). Activision clearly knows this, as the next entry in its annual franchise, Black Ops 2, is adding YouTube livestreaming to its Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC versions -- the game is also headed to Wii U, but won't have the functionality built-in. "Wii U will not have this feature at this time, but it is being evaluated for a future update," an Activision rep told us.

The streaming service works in concert with Call of Duty Elite, allowing viewers and gamers alike to delve into all the thrilling numbers behind each online game. The game launches this coming Tuesday on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC, with the Wii U version launching soon after alongside Nintendo's next console, sans streaming.

Continue reading Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 has YouTube livestreaming built-in on 360, PS3 and PC, not on Wii U

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Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 has YouTube livestreaming built-in on 360, PS3 and PC, not on Wii U originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 16:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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These are the 23 games launching with the Wii U on November 18

These are the 23 games launching with the Wii U on November 18

Nintendo's nailing down a specific date for nearly half of its Wii U "launch window" lineup, and it's the same day that the console arrives in North America: November 18. 23 games will land at retail alongside the Wii U this November, including Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, New Super Mario Bros. U, and FIFA Soccer 13. Minigame collection Nintendo Land will launch with the 32GB, $350 version of the Wii U console, and will also be available separately on Nov. 18 -- all Nintendo first-party games will be available digitally at launch as well. Earlier this month, the company revealed just over 50 titles planned for the Wii U's "launch window," which comprises November 18, 2012 through March 31, 2013. The full list of all titles is just below.

Continue reading These are the 23 games launching with the Wii U on November 18

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These are the 23 games launching with the Wii U on November 18 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 11:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Call of Duty: Black Ops II limited editions unveiled, $180 ‘Care Package’ includes aerial drone

Activision never disappoints when it comes to limited edition Call of Duty release bundles, and for the upcoming Black Ops II, it actually may have outdone itself. Besting the RC-XD from its predecessor, $180 will let you snag the Care Package edition for Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3. This massive bundle is actually boxed as an in-gamed care package (aerial drop-off not included) that's loaded with a remote controlled MQ-27 Dragonfire quadrocopter drone (!) -- we really wish we'd picked up those Modern Warfare 2 night vision goggles now (not at all for full-fledged, after hours recon of our Aol office-mates...). Naturally, it also comes loaded with the requisite DLC goodies; namely, two extra maps (Nuketown Zombies and Nuketown 2025), exclusive weapon camo, a pair of Player Card backgrounds and copy of the soundtrack. Furthermore, PS3 owners will get a pair of dynamic themes, while those with 360s will receive an XBL Zombie avatar and Claw prop. Lastly, you'll also receive a couple more tangible items in the way of an art book and a duo of "Challenge" coins.

Not looking to terrorize your local airspace? Shave off the $100 premium for the drone and case (not too shabby if the AR.Drone is too expensive for your budget) and you'll be able to grab the Hardened edition packed with everything else. Last, and seemingly least in this case, Activision is putting out a Digital Deluxe for PC users -- similar to the Hardened variant, but with a download code for the aging World at War in place of the physical goodies and PSN / XBL content. Wallet already prepared for the future of secret warfare? You'll find details to place your own pre-order ahead of the November 13th launch at the source links below and trailer courtesy of Joystiq after the break.

Continue reading Call of Duty: Black Ops II limited editions unveiled, $180 'Care Package' includes aerial drone

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Call of Duty: Black Ops II limited editions unveiled, $180 'Care Package' includes aerial drone originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 22:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official Black Ops II gaming headsets unveiled by Turtle Beach, coming ‘weeks’ ahead of game release (hands-on)

Official Call of Duty II gaming headsets unveiled by Turtle Beach, coming 'weeks' before the game handson

The crowds that filed towards the hulking Call of Duty: Black Ops II stand at Gamescom prove it deserved all that floor space and nearby, Turtle Beach was finally showing off its range of companion gaming headphones, ranging from in-ear buds to top-of-the-range wireless gaming cans with some heavy-duty audio customization options in tow. We managed to take a look at the whole selection (which repackages several models from the XP series and the incoming Seven series). While these were still developmental models (the Call of Duty decals will be painted on, not the stickers seen here), it should give you a good idea how the headphones will appear when they arrive in the next few months. We've got details on all the headsets (and the press release) after the break.

Continue reading Official Black Ops II gaming headsets unveiled by Turtle Beach, coming 'weeks' ahead of game release (hands-on)

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Official Black Ops II gaming headsets unveiled by Turtle Beach, coming 'weeks' ahead of game release (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 05:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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