This Week in Xbox — 8/29

Contents of Gears of War 2 Bonus DVD Revealed

When Microsoft confirmed that a bonus DVD would be included in the Limited Edition of Gears of War 2, we knew it would contain exclusive making-of-the-game video footage, design galleries, and promotional videos. Now Joystiq.com reports that the British Board of Film Classification has revealed the entire contents of the disc for all to view. Don’t click if you want your DVD to be a spoiler-free experience.

VERDICT: Since the BBFC only included the titles and runtime of each chapter, nabbing this info ahead of the actual release honestly provokes little more than a shrug. Then again, it makes the release date seem that much farther away.

Xbox 360 Price Cut… For Real

We’ve heard the rumors over and over again, but this time the price cut is finally real (maybe). TeamXbox.com grabbed a picture of a K-Mart flyer revealing new prices for the entire Xbox 360 line-up. According to the flyer, the Xbox 360 Arcade will sell for $199.99, the 60GB Xbox 360 for $299.99, and the Xbox 360 Elite for $399.99.

VERDICT: We would say the boy has cried wolf too many times, but that only works if we stop believing him.

Microsoft Shakes Nearly $21 Million Out of Immersion

BusinessWeek.com reports that vibrating controller patent holder Immersion Corp. has agreed to pay Microsoft $20.75 million after a lengthy legal tangle.

In part, Microsoft signed a $26 million licensing deal with Immersion back in 2003 to settle a lawsuit involving the Xbox controller’s force feedback feature. Immersion then promised Microsoft some cash if it won a suit against Sony for pretty much the same thing. Since Immersion won $121 million from Sony, it now owes Microsoft.

VERDICT: Once you sort through the mess, it turns out Sony pretty much handed money to Microsoft for a feature that both megacorporations took from Immersion. It’s funny once it stops being confusing.

Rush’s “Moving Pictures” Delayed

Rock Band lovers will have to jam out to a different tune this week. Rush’s “Moving Pictures,” originally set to release on Tuesday, has been delayed due to technical difficulties according to RockBand.com. It could take a couple of weeks to fix, but don’t fret: a 3-pack of songs from the up and coming band Locksley just hit the market today.

VERDICT: There’s really no silver lining to not playing Rush.

Speaking of Rock Band…

HollywoodInsider.com announced that Rock Band 2 will be stocked to the brim with plenty of full albums. Among those slated to hit the digital shelves the next few months are albums by Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Megadeth, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and a specially compiled Best of collection by No Doubt.

VERDICT: Rocking out to a great song from one of my favorite artists always has me begging for more of their tracks. Still, my MS Points are gonna be hurting.