DOOM

Yesterday, word came from X06 that DOOM was ready for download on Xbox Live Arcade for 800 points. It takes me back to the dawn of PC gaming. The game brings all four chapters from the original PC version to the Xbox 360 with smoother graphics and 5.1 Surround Sound. Using the Xbox 360 controller rather than a keyboard seems weird at first, but I definitely adjusted after a few minutes. It supports four player split-screen multiplayer with both cooperative and deathmatch modes. I'm looking forward to spending many nights wasting time with friends mindlessly shooting monsters. And if three friends aren't close at hand, I'll just play on Xbox Live.

There is big news coming from X06, Microsoft's annual event that's taking place in Barcelona this year. Xbox 360 will become host to more exclusive titles in the coming months.

Peter Jackson and Microsoft will partner to bring two new exclusive titles to the Xbox 360. The first will be the next chapter in the Halo series, which is supriseing because many thought Halo 3 would be it. Jackson will help write, design, and produce a game that we'll just call Halo 4 for now. Jackson will also work with his team in New Zealand to create a title that aims to capture the attention of new audiences and bring them into the world of video games.