I have to say, I'm still shocked at what I've seen so far from the clips for GTA IV on the web. It's just not something that I thought would be a part of a video game to tell you the truth. Then again, you really make what you want out of any game in the end.

Just in looking at some of the achievements, it doesn't sound like you really have to go on a rampage and kill every living thing in your path. But the game does allow you to do just that if you like. So you can find a parked car and just take it, you can pull someone out of a stopped car and take it, or you can pull someone out at gunpoint, kill them and take it.

Clearly all of this is adult subject matter for a game. The thing about some games these days is they tell more of a story now. They are interactive stories that unfold before your eyes. They are like those choose your own adventures and you select your own ending, only geared towards adults.

So the more I look at the headlines and read about GTA IV, the more I find myself wondering just how in depth this game really gets and how far can you get with out killing everything in site. I don't want to give away anything that I've read so far, but it seems the game has the ability to be a little less shocking, depending on your choices.

That all being said, I think I'm going to find myself actually visiting Liberty City now. It seems that I've received my all expenses paid trip to check things out first hand now. Thanks to U360, I'm the lucky winner of a copy of GTA IV. My plan is to see what I can see and do with out going to "gangsta". Who knows, maybe I can do quite a bit with out killing people. I'm still not sure if the rated M is strong enough and strongly feel this is a title not meant for younger gamers at all.

I'm also hearing more about the Multiplayer aspects of the game and will have to see what is in store for that. This is a title I plan to play late at night and not around my kids for sure. Check back later, I'll have more on my visits to Liberty City and what I really think in the end about this type of game.

So I went to my local Best Buy and picked up the Platinum Editions of Halo: Combat Evolved and Fable: The Lost Chapters for only $9.99 each and as I'm starting to check out, the cashier said to me, "you know these games are rated M for Mature?" I let what she had just said to me soak in for about 5 seconds and replied, "yes I do."

MATURE
Titles rated M (Mature) have content that may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older. Titles in this category may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and/or strong language.

Here's the funny thing about all this, I'm pushing 40 now and I suppose I could have been purchasing these titles for someone as gifts. But the real thing is I don't find these game titles as bad as some others that are out there. Pretty much the Grand Theft Auto line of games comes to mind with its blockbuster release set for midnight tonight.

Now I'm not saying that games like GTA should not be made in this article. Just the same, I personally don't find any value in these titles myself. I have no desire in playing this line of games. In all the content and stuff they've put into this title, its just crazy to me the things this game allows you to do. I know you can choose how much or how little you want to do in this game and its been that way in all the past games too. I still find the violence and subject mater a little more shocking than the Halo and Fable types of games.

I just can't see myself playing a gangster, car jacking someone, killing the police, running innocent people over, and a whole lot more. I know the game is going to sell like crazy and go over well in that respect. It's scoring high on wide spread reviews already and some of the physics are really incredible, even though a few things looked a little more fake in some areas.

Graphically and the storyline are more and likely solid all around, but in the end, its just not the type of game I'd enjoy playing over and over. But to only get a rating of M, what in the world would this game need to to get a stronger rating is what I wonder or does that mean the other games are tagged a little hard to get an M?

It will be interesting to see over the next few days at how well this title does, what news it makes around the internet and see how many of my friends will be actually playing this title. Some of the other game lobbies might be a little lonely, at least for a month or so and until the hype dies back down.

Microsoft partners with Companions in Courage to give young patients outlet for games and chat via private Xbox LIVE network.

REDMOND, WA — April 23, 2008 - Microsoft Corp. today announced a new partnership with Companions in Courage, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children and families who are overcoming life-threatening obstacles. As part of its commitment to providing fun, interactive entertainment for children, Microsoft is supplying hundreds of Xbox 360 game kiosks to playrooms in children’s hospitals across the country, intended to provide a respite for young patients and be a catalyst for fun. In addition to select games, movies and television content, the Xbox 360 kiosks will provide access to a secure, private network that allows hospitalized children across the country to play games and chat over Xbox LIVE, the world’s largest social network connected to television.

Microsoft is celebrating this partnership and the installation of the first wave of kiosks with three simultaneous events today at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York-Presbyterian, Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center of Seattle and the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, California. Microsoft President, Entertainment and Devices Division, Robbie Bach will attend the Seattle event to commemorate the first wave of Xbox 360 kiosks and the launch of the special Xbox LIVE network.

“Microsoft is committed to keeping kids entertained in a variety of ways within a safe gaming environment, so partnering with Companions in Courage to offer children in hospitals a way to connect through something as universal as games, is a natural fit for the work we do. The goal for this program is to give these kids a chance to have some fun and just be kids,” Bach said.

Companions in Courage founder and NHL Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine said, “Entertainment, creativity and personal connections can be important factors in alleviating some of the isolation and discomfort these children experience each day. Xbox 360 offers young patients a fun escape through games, TV shows, movies and positive interactions with others over the Xbox LIVE network. These gaming stations are a perfect complement to the interactive playrooms.”

The customized and hospital-friendly Xbox 360 kiosks are pre-loaded with a variety of E and E10+ rated games, Y-rated television programs, G-rated movies, as well as Xbox LIVE Headset and LIVE Vision Camera capabilities, which enable patients to communicate over a dedicated Xbox LIVE network. This network, created just for Xbox 360 kiosks and consoles in children’s hospitals, allows patients to play games over Xbox LIVE, but limits chat via voice, text and video to only those children playing from select hospitals across the country. The Xbox 360’s industry-leading parental controls, known as Family Settings, will be used to help restrict access to content outside of ratings parameters, as well as the times during which patients can use the kiosks or consoles.

“It’s extremely gratifying to witness the joy and excitement of these children and teens when they have a chance to break away from the normal hospital routine, and make new friends while playing video games,” said Cynthia Sparer, executive director of Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York-Presbyterian. “We are grateful that our partnership with Companions in Courage helps us meet the needs of our patients and allows kids to be kids even when they're sick.”

To help bring even more Xbox 360 kiosks to children’s hospitals across the country, individuals can visit the Companions in Courage website at http://cic16.org to make a donation.

About Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is a superior video game and entertainment system delivering the best games, unique entertainment features and a unified online gaming network that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 has a portfolio of more than 300 games in nearly 40 countries. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

About Companions in Courage
The Companions in Courage Foundation was founded by NHL Hall of Famer, Pat LaFontaine in 1997. CiC builds interactive playrooms in hospitals throughout North America. Through innovative communications tools, these “Lion’s Den” playrooms replace the isolation of a hospital with a connection to family, friends and celebrities during each hospital stay.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

So I decided this year to help others out and work with some various fundraiser's that I've come in contact with. I think it was the Unscripted 360 effort that first stood out and told me to help a little more. The St Jude ride I'll be apart of next month will be my 2nd time to help out. APHA is where I work and this is an effort we are a part of to  help out St Jude. Then you have Gamer Tag Radio and they are helping LLS out and I sent off a small donation to that group. I wish I could have attended their event and from listening to a podcast about it, sounds like it was a lot of fun and they did well.

Here's the thing, we spend a lot of time and money to have fun and it never seems to stop. I mean we keep spending money on new games and the time mastering them. I'm sure we all have our real lives and events and things to do as well. I've just made it a point to donate some of my funds to a few good causes and plan to add some more. I'm even going to look at volunteering with some groups later this year in other projects and efforts. Some people spend their time and money in various treatments and trying to survive to the next day.

The thing that stood out in my mind is you don't have to give a lot. We are talking a little time here and there and a little cash here and there. I could have picked one only and gave all my money, but I decided to give a little and spread it all around. Something about not putting all my eggs in one basket? Nah, just wanted to try and help out as many as I could and believe me the tiny bits added up. So far I've personally donated at least a total of $90 I think, not counting my time as well and I'm still working on more. Here's a list of a few groups I'm helping with.

• Donate U360 Care
• The Ultimate LLS Guitar Hero Tournament - Direct Donations (still open)
• St Jude Ride (motorcycle rider, I work at APHA)
• Breast Cancer 3-day (60 mile walk, my wife is walking)

The Breast Cancer 3-day is something my wife has taken on this year. I'm helping her train for this and working to raise money as well. I'll be making sure my daughters are looked after and I'm not able to walk with her this year. My work has a Fall show this year and its smack on the dates of the walk. I can only hope that I can get away to maybe see her at the end of each days stage or talk with her on the phone.

But we have a lot to do between now and then with training and building up to walk at least 20 miles a day. When we are not walking, we're working on Garage Sales, Craft Sales, Looking for Donations, and setting up Fundraiser efforts. We have until the end of October more or less to get all the funds needed for the walk and train.

I'm not even going to touch on Christmas toy drives or other things like that. In the end its good to give a little and if you can spread that love around, you'll be amazed at how a little bit here and there can go along way to help a lot of people all over.

If you haven't heard by now, then let me tell you about the recent battle that was won, due to the video protest from SarcasticGamer.com. EA was wanting to charge originally for some weapons in the upcoming Battlefield Bad Company game and a protest has been a huge success and caused a retreat of sorts now. I can't tell you how many people have had issues with this and complained about this subject of charging for weapons.

EA has heard from blogs, forum posts, podcasts, and much more that the we as gamers would not accept this. Reminding me of that scene in Christmas Vacation of the boss being tied up for trying an idea that appeared good on paper and then being called out on it comes to mind at this time. Now I'm not telling any gamers to actually go out and kidnap a developer, but its clear that if you speak your mind and let them know how you feel, that its possible to influence changes.

So for fans of the game, you can purchase the Gold Edition and that will come with an Unlock mode for these additional weapons at launch or you can take the following steps to Unlock these for free.

It's power in numbers and using our voice from Gamers. Way to stand united and let them know what you think. Thanks Sarcastic Gamer, you guys do great work and you helped gamers gather together and make a change for the better.

Some friends over at Unscripted360.Com were kind enough to post these up and share with us. I have to say these are some good video clips and worth a peek in my book. First comes from the wonderful world of Halo 3 and playing on Live. Now I'm sure anyone who has played Halo has heard the phrase Betrayal! It's one of those things that happen and in most cases you more and likely go Opps, sorry buddy and know what you've done. This was not one of those times and if these guys don't get some special armor for this from Bungie, I don't know what deserves the armor then. Take a look at some Big Team Battle action like none other and make sure to watch all three parts.

This is a very clever piece of work and for anyone who plays Rockband or even the Guitar Hero line, you'll find this a very enjoyable clip. This is the perfect song for that drive time traffic, for those gamers that commute daily. I only wish the song would have finished with a Big Rock Ending and maybe you'll understand how my drive is at times.

Thanks for stopping on by and if you've seen these clips already, then great. If not I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did and feel free to pass these on to your friends.

Download the Legendary Map Pack from Bungie today for only 800pts at XBLM and start having some fun with some old faves. The Legendary Map pack has a couple reimagination maps from the past with the new Avalanche, a Halo:CE Sidewinder upgrade and an all time favorite of Halo fans, this new map is set in the frozen tundra and will provide lots of cool goodies for everyone to enjoy. Then move on to every Halo 2 fans favorite with the new Blackout, a fresh new look for Lockout fans of old. I've seen some demo footage of this map and it feels just like Lockout. Then Bungie throws in something new with Ghost Town a sure to be favorite for the Halo fan, set in the jungles of Africa.

After you get the new maps its time to Rock & roll them for almost two weeks and then make sure you sign up for the Legendary Map Pack Play & Win Weekend. That's right sign up and be entered to win prizes just for playing Halo 3 with the new Maps. As if they had to entice Halo fans with prizes to play on these new maps. As a bonus offer, anyone downloading the new Maps is also getting signed up for four months with the Bungie Pro file sharing services, that means more space for everyone to play with for videoclips and photo uploads.

Also if you haven't done this yet, make sure you get the Heroic Map Pack that is now available for free as well. So lots of maps to choose from and lots of Halo action awaits you on Xbox Live now.

Are you looking for something different and want to hear some of the latest in gaming news? Then check out LAGtv.Com and the LAGtv show that airs LIVE every Mon, Wed, and Fri at 9PM EST. Take some time off from gaming and check out the hosts CuRAzy Heath, Jen Lee, and Chris Trentham as they serve up a great show and entertain you at the same time.

I first heard about this show from LAGTV Producer Tappedout when he was vistint the Unscripted360.Com, 10x10 Live show. The cool thing I learned about LAGtv is how well its produced and how connected up they are to everything. I'm telling you they have it all from Live phone ins, Video Chats over Xbox Live, Voice Chats, and Instant Messages (GAMERTAG: LAGTV). The shows also bring you great video game footage and I'm talking live on the air gamer action at times for you to see.

So give it a try and don't just watch and listen to the show, join in with the show and interact with the hosts. Take a break from your gaming for a little while and visit LAGtv. If you can't make it on these days, then check out Tue, Thr, and Sat for the Live CSTN shows at 9PM EST. and the latest in competition & pro gaming news.

Voice commands in video games sound really cool, but some problems could crop up on you with this feature. Still it sounds like a great way to give your AI commands and a feature I'm looking forward to checking out when I start playing R6V2 soon.

That's right as you play in the campaign mode of the game you can direct your AI support team into action with the sound of your voice. You point your sights to the location and issue the command with your voice and they'll spring into action for you. But like I said, it might not always work smoothly.

With a quick search on You Tube, I found a clip submitted by a gamer using this feature. The only issue is the game didn't respond to his Scottish Accent so much. In general the commands were followed as he issued them, but some didn't come across to the AI as well. It's a little comical to watch and listen, but illustrates the minor problems with this feature. I could only picture the AI support thinking, "What did he just say!"

I can only hope I'll have an easy time with this feature. Even though I'm from Texas, I don't have a Texas drawl like most people would think. I also don't have any horses, cows, or oil wells in my backyard too. I'll have to report back later on my success and/or failures with this feature.

I'm looking forward to this game and trying this feature out. R6V also had this feature but I didn't experience it, I had borrowed a copy and only did a terrorist hunt and never saw that feature of the game. From what I've heard, it had its issues and I'm not sure if all those bugs have been worked out in the new version. Tom Clancy End of War will be out later this year and it has voice commands too and the demos of this look really cool.

Any questions about which is the favorite game on the Xbox 360 and XBL have been clearly answered at this time, with the launch of the the new CoD4 Variety Map Pack. The new maps were suppose to launch yesterday at some point and were delayed for some reason. Not to worry, they are finally here, but good luck on getting them.

For what ever reason it might be, the maps did not hit until around 8:30am CDS on Friday April 4th. So here's the problem, you have the much anticipated maps, for the number 1 game, at the start of the weekend. The weekends are when people play the most. Hello.... is this thing on here... In case your wondering what the image above means, in short it means your not getting anything from XBL at this time, that is anything from the Marketplace pretty much.

That's right the cool maps are bringing XBL to their knees and its not that you just can't get the maps. You can't get anything to show up in the realm of other downloads and such as that. Just great, now I have to wait for people to get tired and give up on these. Did I mention I stayed up until around 1am looking for these. Word was they were delayed last night and would come out real late to early morning.

Well XBL is aware of the issues and working on things. I was so looking forward to trying out new maps on CoD4, but a quick look at my friends list shows they aren't playing it either and must be in the same boat as me. Best of luck if your wanting these.

It's time for four more maps on CoD4, talk about a breath of fresh air for the game of the year title. A little something for everyone is available in this collection and I can honestly say that I think I'm looking forward to every map in this pack.

Broadcast was one of my favorite levels in the campaign and I like close combat fighting and looking forward to some team death match with my friends on this map. Plenty of places to move and multiple levels, not to mention various methods to assault the main room.

Creek is a snipers playground and I'm looking forward to checking out every part of this map and working on my sniping skills. A lot of people like to run and gun, but I get more fun watching and picking off from a distances sometimes, not to mention its just cool when someone walks right by you hiding in some grass and never looking twice.

Chinatown is the nighttime map in the bunch and looks to be very promising from screen shots and video clips that I've seen so far. Finishing up the pack is the Free For All Killhouse and could be fun for some custom practice on take a buildings and such as that. Why not use it for some practice and general tactics right, its what the thing was built for, right?

Check out the Xbox Live Marketplace tomorrow and grab this sure to be instant hit for only 800 MS points. If you don't have enough on hand, I'm sure they'll help you out and bill your card at checkout time. I'll see you in the battle, unless you see me first that is.