Xbox 360 freezing has become one of the most annoying faults for 360 owners to have to deal with. There is nothing more frustrating than having your Xbox 360 freeze while playing games, especially when playing online.

Let’s look at some of the common causes and what you can do to fix a freezing Xbox 360 console.

1. Check Your Discs

No brainer right? Yes and no, just because your games do not appear to be scratched or damaged does not mean that the data on them is not compromised. More often than not this can trip up gamers believing scratch free discs are good to go.

Do you find that only one particular game is freezing your Xbox 360 or is it occurring during game play of multiple games/discs? Make sure you clean your discs properly and test them.

If your discs are fine then chances are you have a hardware fault.  Download an amazing step by step video guide that will teach you how to fix almost all Xbox 360 hardware errors in under an hour: Click Here to Download a Hi-Def Video Guide

2. Overheating Issues

Overheating issues have plagued the 360 and have lead to many hardware faults like the red ring of death. You need to ensure that your console well ventilated.  Make sure that your 360 has enough “breathing room” and space.

3. Hard Drive Issues

One of the most common causes for an Xbox 360 freezing is a corrupted hard drive or corrupted cache. Remove the hard drive from your console (when turned off) and test your games and see if you experience any freeze ups.

If you are lucky you will find that you do not encounter any freeze ups and you have isolated the cause of the fault.

If none of these tips fix your freezing Xbox 360 console then you have two options.

Option 1: Send Your Console to Microsoft

• This hardware fault can be fixed by Microsoft but beware of two things a) the hefty price tag and b) waiting around 4-6 weeks to get your console back.

• This option is quickly shunned by Xbox 360 gamers who can’t live with giving Microsoft money or the long wait to get their 360 back.

Option 2: Repairing The Fault Yourself

By far the fastest and cheapest solution is to fix your 360 yourself. While it might sound like a daunting task, the fact is that repairing an Xbox 360 freezing issue can be completed by just about anyone.

• All you need to do is get your hands on easy to follow step by step video guide to help you fix just about every Xbox 360 error, including the dreaded Ring Red of Death.

• Having a repair manual at your finger tips is a great little insurance policy should you encounter any hardware fault.

Reliable, Fast and Affordable Solution

If you want to stop the Xbox 360 freezing issue then you can’t look past one of the best Xbox 360 repair guides around, James Dean’s 3 Red Lights Fix.

Don’t let the name fool you, although it is targeted towards resolving the red ring of death issue, this amazing video guide will teach you how to fix just about all the Xbox 360 hardware fault.

Visit the official website here: www.jamesdean3redlightfix.com

This includes the Xbox 360 freezing fault, open tray error, no disc error E68, E71, E73, E74 and of course the dread 3 Red Light fault (Red Ring of Death).

• The price of this product is amazing ($29) when you consider it covers fixes for almost ALL 360 hardware issues – amazingly simple to understand and follow.

• 8 Hi-Def 720p videos – sit back and allow James to show you how to bring your Xbox 360 back to life

• Learn how to fix the most devastating Xbox 360 hardware faults in under 1 hour.

• Over 10,000 gamers have downloaded this amazing step by step video guide – 3 Red Lights Fix is one of the safest and reliable guides you will find.

• Amazing customer service and support. While the videos are extremely simple to follow and understand if you encounter any issues you will not be disappointed by the supported provided by his support team.

If you want to bring your 360 back to life and eliminate the annoying Xbox 360 freezing error than you should check out this great video repair guide today. Click the link below to download the high definition videos right now.

In a video gaming world that’s become dominated by generic first person shooters along with countless hack and slash games, it’s a much needed change of pace to come across a game that’s as gorgeous as Rayman Origins. Keeping things fresh, Rayman Origins is a platform masterpiece unlike no other!

Story

Much like your typical platformer with a low age rating, Rayman Origins has a puerile storyline that shouldn’t be taken too seriously. Upon an evil old lady being disturbed by the obnoxious noises coming from the Snoring Tree, an army of dark creatures are sent into the Glade of Dreams and it’s up to Rayman and his friends to restore peace once again. Silly, yes, but Rayman’s selling point is in its captivating gameplay – not its story.

Gameplay

Whether you’re riding on the back of a giant mosquito, swinging from platform to platform using an old mans beard, or dashing through a level to free an imprisoned Nymph, Rayman Origins is definitely one of the most exciting platformers to date. With plenty of variation to keep it from becoming just another lackluster arcade game that should be shelved in the Xbox Live Marketplace, you’ll find yourself struggling to put down your joypad at times.

The aim of the game is to either single-handedly, or co-operatively go through each level to free enough Electoons so that you can then progress to another area on the map. The creative stage designs, hidden areas and the ability to play with four friends, makes what should be a laborious task feel more thrilling than most 3D Sonic games out there!

With plenty of reason to re-visit previous stages and unlock bonus content, Rayman Origins has enough replay value to live through the enthralling game play over and over again!

Graphics

Rayman Origins is a slick 2D side-scroller that’s bursting with bright colours and artistic designs. Visually, it’s one of the most impressive games on any HD console and there are virtually no bugs or frame rate issues present. Whether it’s the constantly impressive surroundings or the charming characters, it’s hard not to adore such a lighthearted platformer that doesn’t give you a headache just from looking at it.

Sound

Rayman’s soundtrack is a mixture of upbeat tribal rhythms, jazz and symphonic chipmunk sounds. Whilst it’s not got the catchiest of soundtracks and you definitely won’t be humming stage music long after completion, the music does work and fits in perfectly with games atmosphere.

Downsides

Unfortunately, Rayman Origins is far less challenging than one would like a platformer to be. Sure, you have to take into account the age rating, but Sonic Unleashed has an age rating of 7+ and just look at how challenging that can be!

Overall

Rayman Origins is one of the best platformers of 2011 and whilst it can be a little on the easy side, the endless amount of fun to be had easily puts it above the rest. The visuals and character designs are jaw dropping, the levels are fast paced and there is more than enough reason replay long after completion. Whilst Rayman games are usually distasteful and monotonous, Ubisoft really went all-out with Origins! Perhaps in the future we can expect a much more dominant Rayman presence.

If there is one thing the Xbox 360 is lacking, it’s Japanese RPG’s. Sure, there are a few great games out there, such as Lost Odyssey, Final Fantasy XIII and Magna Carta II, but for the most part the Xbox is dominated by more than enough open world RPG’s and first person shooters. A long forgotten gem in particular is the ever so charming Blue Dragon! Most avid Xbox 360 gamers would consider Blue Dragon to be a “must-have” title, but is this really the case?

Story

Despite the fact that Blue Dragon is written by the mastermind behind Final Fantasy, Hironobu Sakaguchi, the story feels somewhat hollow. Whilst you do see a developing relationship between five friends as they pursue a tyrant known as Nene, the plot never really has that sense of urgency you would usually expect from a typical Final Fantasy, or any other JRPG for that matter! Feeling more like Eternal Sonata than a tense world threatened by a Sephiroth-type, Blue Dragon starts as three children oppose what appears to be Land Shark. Upon encountering such a mechanical monstrosity they soon discover the man behind all of the evil, Nene! The three then set out on a quest to put an end to the destruction Nene is causing in the world and along the way they encounter more likeable party members.

Blue Dragon sees you adventuring across all kinds of land as well as flying in a ship and helping a King with his assault on Nene’s robotic army. Thrilling as it may sound, it still manages to feel a little too child-like in comparison to other games in the genre.

Gameplay

Much like your average Japanese RPG, Blue Dragon will easily eat into your life as it offers around sixty hours of gameplay, spread over three discs. The combat system is turn based and instead of your characters doing the fighting for themselves, you’ll assign their ‘Shadows’ to attack for them using a time bar to determine when. Whilst this is a very fun way to fight, it’s not anything original since we’ve seen the same style of combat used in Grandia II and other classics.

You’ll often find yourself traversing the world map on foot for a large majority of the game. Usually such a task would become tiresome after the fourth or fifth battle, fortunately Blue Dragon offers you the chance to learn skills which you can use on the field. Barrier skills will allow you to instantaneously defeat opponents on contact in exchange for MP, whilst other abilities will see you scaring off weaker enemies. This is a fantastic way to cut out a chore which has plagued Japanese RPG’s for years.

Unfortunately, Blue Dragon is a game that starts off slow and repetitive and it isn’t until things start to pick up that you see a change in gameplay. From various challenging mini games to heart pumping boss battles, the more time you put into Blue Dragon, the more you’ll enjoy it.

Graphics

With Blue Dragon’s artwork produced by Mr. Dragonball himself, Akira Toriyama, you’d expect nothing less than amazing! Character designs are brilliant and Dragonball Z inspired, colours are bold and beautiful and each area is crafted in great detail. Unfortunately, the game is prone to a few frame rate issues when too many enemies appear on-screen at once, but this certainly doesn’t spoil the enjoyment the it offers.

Sound

Blue Dragon’s soundtrack was composed by Nobuo Uematsu – the genius behind most Final Fantasy games, Chrono Trigger, Romancing SaGa 2 and many other incredible soundtracks! Understandably, the boss music is something you’ll either love or hate, but for the most part Blue Dragon’s soundtrack is simply beautiful.

The voice acting on the other hand can be a little unbearable at times. With your main character feeling as obnoxious and cheesy as a Naruto episode, you constantly have to remind yourself of the games age rating. Thankfully, there is an option to change over to the Japanese voice acting or simply mute it altogether – either way will make the game a much more enjoyable experience.

Overall

Blue Dragon is a lighthearted, easy-going game that’s a nice experience but doesn’t offer much of a challenge. It’s a game that certainly won’t be remembered years from now, but it definitely deserves a rent at best – especially if you’re a modern day anime fan.

Despite all of the action packed online multi-players that are filling up the Xbox 360 library, there is still nothing more satisfying than inviting a few guys and gals over for take-aways, drinks and video games! If you are struggling to come up with a few fantastic ideas, here are a couple of suggestions that should keep things interesting.

Rayman: Origins

Not only is this possibly the most entertaining and charming game to come out of 2011, but the fact that it is a 4-player co-op game makes it a perfect choice for a night in with your friends. Melee each other to death and race to collect the most yellow lums before the level is over. Alternatively, you can work as a team to save The Glade of Dreams. Either way, the end result is that you will no doubt have hours of fun with this game!

Street Fighter IV

This game is fantastic for super fast, winner stays on action! Matches generally only last around 60 seconds and those eagerly waiting for their turn can have a quick drink or two before rushing back into combat. Street Fighter games are perhaps the most entertaining in their genre since they require a keen eye and lots of skill. Of course, those of you who are not so fond of Capcom’s ever so popular franchise could always fight it out on a Mortal Kombat or Soul Calibur game – just as fun but with less co-ordination involved. Probably a good thing if you have been drinking!

Scene It: Box Office Smash

Let’s admit it, there’s always that one guy or girl that doesn’t seem to ever partake in any of the intense, survival games. Thankfully, there is a game dedicated to just them! Scene It: Box Office Smash will see you competing to answer movie based questions before your rivals. It’s fun, easy and there are plenty of puzzling games to take part in. You don’t have to be an avid gamer to be entertained by such a party favourite!

Monopoly Streets

Much like the Scene It games, Monopoly Streets is something suitable for anyone. The game plays out like you would expect from Monopoly, the only difference is that it’s brought to life in some very entertaining 3D madness! The great thing about Monopoly Streets is that it can literally last for hours.

Guitar Hero: World Tour

You and your friends are given the opportunity to mimic some of the most legendary music artists to date using Microsoft’s very own assortment of instruments – what can be more entertaining than that?! There’s a reason this game has become almost a pre-requisite for any successful party.

Of course, if it’s just a quiet night in with your roommate, why not venture through Halo 3 co-operatively, or pull together and download one of the many brilliant Xbox Live Arcade games that thrive on 2-player action. Video games are great alone, but when they’re played with your friends they become so much more fun!

With all the blistering bullet action and post-apocalyptic stories that the games of today seem to fall in line with, sometimes it’s great to just kick back, relax and spend 200MSP on a good old retro game from yesteryear!

Addictive, charming and oozing with nostalgia, it’s easy to still hold a place in your heart for the video games you grew up with. Join me as I countdown the top 10 retro games you must purchase from the Xbox Live Marketplace!

#10 Banjo-Kazooie

Banjo-Kazooie lost all respect from me after the appalling 2008 release of Nuts and Bolts. Thankfully, the original 1998 N64 release has stationed itself nicely within the Xbox Live Marketplace for everyone to rekindle that long lost love! Step back in time and re-live the all-famous platform game before you had to repetitively customize a God-awful car to get from A to B.

#9 Perfect Dark

Can you believe it? It’s been a whole 12 years since the slick, stealth first person shooter found its way onto the Nintendo 64. Anyone who’s anyone knows just how much of a must-have this game really is! 800MSP might seem quite steep, but taking a walk down memory lane with such a defining game really is worth it.

#8 Gunstar Heroes

Anyone who grew up religiously playing on Sega consoles will agree that Gunstar Heroes is one of the most dynamic and innovative games of the early 90’s. One minute you’re performing hand to hand combat with a soldier, the next you’re choosing from one of 14 weapons to take down a giant morphing robot. You constantly have to plough your way through new and exciting areas whilst encountering some of the most challenging boss fights since Mega Man. Needless to say, if you want action, choose this game!

#7 Altered Beast

It’s a given that such a classic deserves a mention. Whether it’s for nostalgic reasons or you simply want to finally complete what was almost impossible as a child, Altered Beast deserves to be on your hard drive.

#6 Streets of Rage 2

On the Xbox Live Marketplace you have a choice between this or Golden Axe. It seems like an obvious decision to me. Whilst Golden Axe does have the whole “ye olde” thing going on, there’s no denying just how awesome the Streets of Rage games are. Known for their catchy soundtracks and memorable boss fights, if you’re a 90’s kid then you owe it to yourself to buy this game!

#5 Street Fighter II

Sure, it’s not quite on par with 3^rd Strike, nor will you be pulling off any fancy EX combos or the raging demon, but Street Fighter II is definitely one of the best fighting games to date. Ah, I remember it like it was yesterday. Heading over to the arcade machines only to lose all your money to the kid who always picks Dhalsim! I hate that guy.

#4 TMNT 1989

As a kid, if you didn’t wake up early every Saturday morning to catch the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on TV then you weren’t human! These four green warriors dominated the world as we know it, so it’s only right that if you missed out on the NES action that you purchase such a brilliant game!

#3 Phantasy Star II

Believe it or not, Phantasy Star was once a good game! Although RPG’s aren’t to everyone’s taste, if you do happen to be partial to a little storyline every now and then, perhaps Phantasy Star II deserves a place on your Xbox?

#2 Contra

Before there was Call of Duty, there was Contra! A sidescroller so difficult that it makes today’s generic games look like a walk in the park. Yeah, I’m talking about you Modern Warfare 3! Contra will provide you with manly, edge of your seat experience that most present day games fail to deliver.

#1 Sonic CD

This game arrived just in time for Christmas 2011 and not a moment too soon! Not only does it boast one of the greatest video game soundtracks of all time, but it allows you to time travel in the game and open up an even bigger experience! Beware, it’s not the easiest of classic Sonic games and obtaining all chaos emeralds will prove to be a challenge.