Red Powerbrick of Death

After only 3 months of usage my XBOX 360 has experienced problems with not the Red ring of death, but instead the PSU. Who would have thought that the PSU would die after only three months of usage and being kept well elevated from the ground in a cool environment. Fortunately, I was still within the 3 month warranty for supplied accessories as the PSU oddly enough is categorised as an accessory. Therefore, after trying everything on the MS help page for the PSU, I was on the phone to a MS representative presenting my case of dead powerbrick.

Having called the support line, I was greeted with a helpful representative who got me to try a number of things before telling me that my PSU would be replaced by MS free of charge given it was within the warranty period. Soon after they present you with a case ref# and an email with details as to where to send the faulty part to. Fortunately, it was a 'reply paid' address else shipping would have been a good $20 or so given the weight of this thing. Now along with many other customers I am playing the 'waiting' game. I have nothing ill to say about MS' tech support line, as the staff have been most helpful. However, I am heavily disappointed with such a poorly made product given the hefty price tag of the elite console. I will post again with status on the 'waiting period' and customer satisfaction report once I recieve the new PSU. MS, I really like the 360, but you guys need to get your product together if your going to stay ahead in the console department. Looks like Sony has a bright future if MS does not resolve these problematic issues surrounding their flagship console.

Gears of War 2

Alright, I've been busy with all the new releases on the XBOX 360 and honestly it has been quite the challenge to simply keep up with acquiring these games. There have been so many good titles released within a week of each other that, like many of you guys, I believe that our pockets have taken a massive toll.

Gears of War 2 is one of those action packed games that is sure to impress any gamer that is remotely interested in FPS shooters or just feel like being immersed in an awesome experience. Marcus Fenix returns to wage war on the Locust Swarm, likewise he is joined by returning heroes (Alpha Squadron) and Dom Santiago. In contrast to the likeable cast, there are also a number of new faces to add the the lightning fast-paced adventure.

Gears of War 2 will feel similar to returning players, although various factors of the games dynamics have been reworked to make the game run even smoother and feel more realistic than ever before. By pressing the 'X' button your character is able to 'take cover' and in Gears 2 this system has been refined to feel even smoother and more responsive better allowing you to interact with the environments. Players will be happy to know that the arsenal is more extensive this time around, introducing new weapons and finishing moves on downed opponents. One of the nicer touches I have noticed is the ability to use a downed opponent as a shield at pistol-point.

For those of you who are yet to tackle the gears of war experience, now is as good a time as any. In fact, if you own a 360 and remotely like FPS games, or occasionally suffer from an itchy trigger finger you need look no further. Gears 2 is an awesome sequel and enticing game that will keep you occupied for hours on end.