While this might just be one of those things that is getting blown out of proportion thanks to the fact that the previous model of the Xbox 360 crashed more often than a Kennedy on a bender, it has been reported that the new Xbox 360 “Slims” are getting a “Dot of Death” from overheating much as their predecessors did.

The new 360s cannot get a RRoD, of course, because they have no red lights and they’ve that handy shutdown feature, but that doesn’t seem to be stopping them from crashing. Microsoft has responded to the issue with this quote:

“We couldn’t be more proud of the consoles we are building now, as well as the new Xbox 360. This console is the culmination of years of continuous innovation in design, testing and learning. This day we’re confident we’re shipping a high quality product.”

Uhhh, thanks for not responding to the issue at all. Glad you think you’ve been innovating and all that, but if these new 360s are going to pull the same sh*t the old ones did we’re just going to have to keep buying them and playing your games like we did on those as well. That’ll show you, Microsoft.

Microsoft Responds To 360 Red Dot Claims [NowGamer, via Ripten]

Via Destructoid

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Some of this footage will be a repeat of what was shown at E3, so if it looks vaguely familiar, there you go.

Once again, we’re reminded what an absolute piece of eye candy Crisis 2 is. I’m hopeful that Crytek has a better handle on the tech side of development with this sequel, making story and all other major elements able to naturally fall into place.

And if it ends up simply being an engaging, thrill-ride-style game, I have the ability to live with that too. Let’s hope they strive for bigger things — and follow through by hitting their goals, of course.

Via Destructoid

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Valve’s Portal 2 for Personal computer, Mac, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360!

With so many quality games at E3, I’d like to state that it was a close race, but I’d be lying. Despite going head-to-head with some incredible choices, Portal 2 was chosen for top honors, coming in far ahead of its competition. Taking a tiny bit of the old (in one blue hole, out the orange hole technology!) with the new (co-op, a whole new set of tricks and puzzle variables), Valve looks to have a winner with its sequel when it hits next year.

A note about how this was decided: staff was asked to select their top five games (in order of preference) from our nominees. The number-one game was weighted heavier than the number-five title, with the final score tallied to decide our winner.

But the choice didn’t come easy, as many staff members felt that certain games — their personal favorites, even — weren’t properly represented among our nominees. With that in mind, hit the jump to see our individual picks for “E3 Game of the Show.”

Hamza Aziz

Halo: Reach (Bungie – Xbox 360)

Yeah, massive surprise, right? Truthfully, I can see past the fanboy-ism with this game when needed, and from what I have seen so far, it looks like it’s making up for a lot of letdowns from the previous Halo games. The graphics are stunning, your team’s AI actually looks competent and the new Firefight is going to be even more addictive than before. The hype for Reach will actually be worth it this time.

Nick Chester

Bulletstorm (People Can Fly/Epic Games – Personal computer, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360)

What, did you anticipate me to pick Rock Band 3? Don’t get me wrong, I was tempted; as a fan of the series, I’m head-over-heels thinking about all of the stuff Harmonix is cramming into the latest edition to the music title.

But when it comes down to it, thanks to my love of twitch action shooters (and over-the-top, comic violence), the brief time with People Can Fly’s and Epic Games’ Bulletstorm had me completely hooked. It’s like Burnout meets Painkiller meets The Club, with a fast-paced skill-shot point system that has you using your head (and twisted wit) to pull of some of the most out-of-control kills seen in a shooter.

And yeah, you can (and I did) kick a motherfucker into a cactus; I simply can’t wait to do it again.

Chad Concelmo

Three-way Tie: Donkey Kong Country Returns (Retro Studios/Nintendo – Wii) /