Official Xbox Magazine
Encyclopedia
Official Xbox Magazine is a monthly video game magazine which started in November 2001 around the launch of the original Xbox
. A preview issue was released for E3 2001, with another preview issue for November 2001. The magazine is bundled with a disc
that includes game demo
s, preview video
s and trailers, and other content, such as game or Xbox updates and free gamerpics. The discs also provide the software for the Xbox 360
for backward compatibility of original Xbox
games for those without broadband
and Xbox Live
access.
The magazine features previews, reviews, and cheat codes for Xbox games. On November 22, 2005 the Xbox 360
was released, and the magazine began including Xbox 360 game reviews, previews, and Xbox 360-compatible games on the demo disc. The Official Xbox Magazine reviews every Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox Live Arcade game, as well as downloadable content and expansion packs.
We Heart Xbox
Message Center
Xbox Next
Features
Xbox Now
Xbox 365
UK Edition
Disk Development
Eighteen games have received a 10/10 score from OXM, but only BioShock
and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
have been given this score by both the US and UK editions. The nine 10/10 games from the US edition include: Fight Night Round 3, Gears of War
, Fallout 3
, Halo 3
, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
, Mass Effect
, Gears of War 3
and Batman: Arkham City. Whereas the eight 10/10 games from the UK edition include: Grand Theft Auto IV
, Project Gotham Racing 4
, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
, Mass Effect 2
, Halo: Reach
, Portal 2
, and Deus Ex: Human Revolution.
OXM also has begun reviewing Xbox Live
Downloadable Content (DLC), on a three-point scale: Buy, Fanboys Only, and Deny. The exception is The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles
expansion pack in issue 70, which, due to the game's size, being "much more than a simple map pack" was reviewed on the normal 20-point scale, receiving an 8.5 (Great). (The game was later released as an expansion on DVD.)
and Easter eggs unlockable via inputting a code via the controller. Some material seen only available for download on Xbox Live
was included on demo disks. Currently, most US demo discs include gamer pics centered on a game.
KOXM is the weekly Official Xbox Magazine podcast, hosted by Ryan McCaffrey. Dan Amrich
used to be a McCaffrey's co-host, but he recently left the magazine and podcast to work at Activision/Blizzard. The audio podcast features a recap in the week's past events and game releases, two trivia contests (Name That Xbox Sound Effect and Stick it to the Dan (formerly Dan's Useless Trivia)) for a prize (usually a tee shirt or Xbox Live Arcade
game), and developer interviews. The show is produced by Andy Bauman.
Video Podcast
The OXM Video Podcast is updated much less frequently, with gaps over a month or more. The video podcast slowed until it was picked up again in the form of Inside Xbox, a short Xbox Live program that OXM became a part of in 2008. The OXM Report on Inside Xbox features similar video content to the original video podcast, but with more timely information on games such as Gears of War 2
and Mirror's Edge
It is posted on Xbox Live every other Sunday.
Xbox
The Xbox is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Microsoft. It was released on November 15, 2001 in North America, February 22, 2002 in Japan, and March 14, 2002 in Australia and Europe and is the predecessor to the Xbox 360. It was Microsoft's first foray into the gaming console...
. A preview issue was released for E3 2001, with another preview issue for November 2001. The magazine is bundled with a disc
DVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
that includes game demo
Game demo
A game demo is a freely distributed demonstration or preview of an upcoming or recently released video game. Demos are typically released by the game's publisher to help consumers get a feel of the game before deciding whether to buy the full version....
s, preview video
Video
Video is the technology of electronically capturing, recording, processing, storing, transmitting, and reconstructing a sequence of still images representing scenes in motion.- History :...
s and trailers, and other content, such as game or Xbox updates and free gamerpics. The discs also provide the software for the Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
for backward compatibility of original Xbox
Xbox
The Xbox is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Microsoft. It was released on November 15, 2001 in North America, February 22, 2002 in Japan, and March 14, 2002 in Australia and Europe and is the predecessor to the Xbox 360. It was Microsoft's first foray into the gaming console...
games for those without broadband
Broadband
The term broadband refers to a telecommunications signal or device of greater bandwidth, in some sense, than another standard or usual signal or device . Different criteria for "broad" have been applied in different contexts and at different times...
and Xbox Live
Xbox Live
Xbox Live is an online multiplayer gaming and digital media delivery service created and operated by Microsoft Corporation. It is currently the only online gaming service on consoles that charges users a fee to play multiplayer gaming. It was first made available to the Xbox system in 2002...
access.
The magazine features previews, reviews, and cheat codes for Xbox games. On November 22, 2005 the Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
was released, and the magazine began including Xbox 360 game reviews, previews, and Xbox 360-compatible games on the demo disc. The Official Xbox Magazine reviews every Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox Live Arcade game, as well as downloadable content and expansion packs.
On the Disc
- Every issue contains a demo disc with both Xbox 360Xbox 360The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
and Xbox Live ArcadeXbox Live ArcadeXbox Live Arcade is a type of video game download distribution available primarily in a section of the Xbox Live Marketplace, Microsoft's digital distribution network for the Xbox 360, that focuses on smaller downloadable games from both major publishers and independent game developers...
games. Each demo contains unlockable content like gamer pics and hidden demos. There was, at one point, a sim-like game called 'OXM Universe'. Gamers play the games on disc and view the videos on the disc to gain points, but only 800 points are needed for the unlockable content. The points have another use in which gamers use their points to research and build equipment for the in-game game 'OXM Universe'. 'OXMU' concluded in OXM's 100th issue.
We Heart Xbox
- In this section, new games which are not yet shown to the mainstream public or user-modified hardware such as consoles or faceplates are shown here.
Message Center
- Besides showing readers' mail, the OXM crew reveals their 'Top 5' things on their mind at the moment. The 'Top 5' tradition was broke in Issue #85 of July, 2008, when the staff instead answered to the question "What's your worst habit - and do you even want to break it?"
Xbox Next
- In this section, upcoming games are highlighted and previewed.
Features
- In this section, games may get prolonged previews, or OXM may have an exclusive 6-10 page review for a certain game. There may also be special featured content like Issue #77's 'HDTV Buyer's Guide'.
Xbox Now
- This is the section where every Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox Live ArcadeXbox Live ArcadeXbox Live Arcade is a type of video game download distribution available primarily in a section of the Xbox Live Marketplace, Microsoft's digital distribution network for the Xbox 360, that focuses on smaller downloadable games from both major publishers and independent game developers...
game, and downloadable contentDownloadable contentDownloadable content is official additional content for a video game distributed through the Internet. Downloadable content can be of several types, ranging from a single in-game outfit to an entirely new, extensive storyline, similarly to an expansion pack. As such, DLC may add new game modes,...
is reviewed.
Xbox 365
- This section contains Xbox business articles, gaming news, 'Hard Stuff' (a section that reviews contraptions related to an Xbox console), '2,000 Pennies or Less' (a section that shows the best cheap games that can be bought for either Xbox or Xbox 360), the codes of the month, 'Forza Showroom' (a brief column that shows some of the best Forza Motorsport 2Forza Motorsport 2Forza Motorsport 2 is a racing video game developed by Turn 10 Studios for the Xbox 360 console. It is the second title in the Forza Motorsport series, and is the sequel to the original Forza Motorsport and is followed by Forza Motorsport 3 .The box art features a tuned Nissan 350Z...
car designs that people have made), a section for competing against the OXM crew in games like Lost PlanetLost PlanetThe Lost Planet video game series was published and developed by Capcom. The series consists of two installments, Lost Planet: Extreme Condition, Lost Planet 2, and a gold edition, Lost Planet Colonies...
, Halo 3Halo 3Halo 3 is a first-person shooter video game developed by Bungie for the Xbox 360 console. The third installment in the Halo franchise, the game concludes the story arc begun in Halo: Combat Evolved and continued in Halo 2...
, Gears of WarGears of WarGears of War is a military science fiction third-person shooter video game developed by Epic Games and published by Microsoft Game Studios...
, and more, 'Media Ho!' (a section that talks about movies, books, and other items related to games), 'Live Space' (a section which shows gamers' Xbox Live gamertags, 'Ask Dr. Gamer' (a section in which gamers ask Health doctor, Freddy Chen, gaming related information), and 'The (insert something here) of Xbox' (a section that talks about business and other things of the Xbox gaming world. The column 'The Business of Xbox' was written by Geoff KeighleyGeoff KeighleyGeoff Keighley is a Canadian video game journalist. His work spans online, print, and TV outlets, and he has been writing about games since 1992....
through the May 2007 issue, but the column is currently written, on a less frequent basis, by Chris Morris. As of Issue #71, the end page rotates columnists, with guests including game creators Tim SchaferTim SchaferTimothy Schafer is an American computer game designer. He founded Double Fine Productions in January 2000, after having spent over a decade at LucasArts...
, Denis DyackDenis DyackDenis Dyack is the founder and president of Silicon Knights, a video game developer. He founded Silicon Knights in 1992 after publishing Cyber Empires in 1991. He has a Bachelor of Physical Education Degree from Brock University...
, and Randy PitchfordRandy PitchfordRandall S. "DuvalMagic" Pitchford II is one of five founders of video game developer Gearbox Software and currently the CEO and president of the company.-Career:...
.
Staff
US Edition- Editor in chiefEditor in chiefAn editor-in-chief is a publication's primary editor, having final responsibility for the operations and policies. Additionally, the editor-in-chief is held accountable for delegating tasks to staff members as well as keeping up with the time it takes them to complete their task...
: Francesca Reyes - Executive Editor: Corey Cohen
- Senior Editor: Ryan McCaffrey
- Features Editor: Kevin W Smith
- Managing Editor: Alaina Yee
- Art Director: David Cordon
UK Edition
- Editor in chiefEditor in chiefAn editor-in-chief is a publication's primary editor, having final responsibility for the operations and policies. Additionally, the editor-in-chief is held accountable for delegating tasks to staff members as well as keeping up with the time it takes them to complete their task...
: Jon HicksJon Hicks (journalist)Jon Hicks is the editor-in-chief of the UK edition of the Official Xbox Magazine. He wrote the first published review of Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto IV.... - Deputy Editor: Mike Channell
- Staff Writer: Matt Lees
- Online Editor: Edwin Evans-Thirlwell
- Production Editor: Jenny Meade
- Art Editor: Curtis Phillips-Cozier
- Deputy Art Editor: John Finbow
Disk Development
- Production Manager: Scott Gilchrist
- Development: Marc Reading
- Production: Ben Robinson
Review system
Until issue #52, the Official Xbox Magazine (OXM) used a 100-point system, scoring games out of 10.0 with .1 increments. The games that received at least a 9.0 were given an Editor's Choice award. Beginning with issue #53 (Holiday 2005), the US OXM switched to a 20-point scoring system, scoring games out of 10.0 with increments of 0.5. The UK edition though switched to a 10-point scoring system, scoring games out of 10. This ratings scale is detailed on the introduction page to every issue's review section. A score of 10.0 is not considered perfect, but is called "Classic" and is considered to be "one of those rare and very best of games." OXMs review scale does include a score of 11.0 (termed "Mecha Godzilla's Choice") as "Perfect," however the description for that score is "The unicorn. Will never happen. Never."Eighteen games have received a 10/10 score from OXM, but only BioShock
Bioshock
BioShock is a first-person shooter video game developed by 2K Boston and designed by Ken Levine. It was released for Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360 on August 21, 2007 in North America, and three days later in Europe and Australia. It became available on Steam on August 21, 2007...
and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a role-playing video game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. It is the fifth installment in The Elder Scrolls action role-playing video game series, following The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion...
have been given this score by both the US and UK editions. The nine 10/10 games from the US edition include: Fight Night Round 3, Gears of War
Gears of War
Gears of War is a military science fiction third-person shooter video game developed by Epic Games and published by Microsoft Game Studios...
, Fallout 3
Fallout 3
Fallout 3 is an action role-playing game released by Bethesda Game Studios, and the third major installment in the Fallout series. The game was released in North America, Europe and Australia in October 2008, and in Japan in December 2008 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360...
, Halo 3
Halo 3
Halo 3 is a first-person shooter video game developed by Bungie for the Xbox 360 console. The third installment in the Halo franchise, the game concludes the story arc begun in Halo: Combat Evolved and continued in Halo 2...
, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is a 2007 first-person shooter video game, developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii. A handheld game was made for the Nintendo DS. The game was released in North America, Australia, and...
, Mass Effect
Mass Effect
Mass Effect is an action role-playing game developed by BioWare for the Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows by Demiurge Studios. The Xbox 360 version was released worldwide in November 2007 published by Microsoft Game Studios...
, Gears of War 3
Gears of War 3
Gears of War 3 is a third-person shooter video game developed by Epic Games and published by Microsoft Studios exclusively for the Xbox 360. Originally due for release in April 2011, the game was delayed and eventually released on September 20, 2011....
and Batman: Arkham City. Whereas the eight 10/10 games from the UK edition include: Grand Theft Auto IV
Grand Theft Auto IV
Grand Theft Auto IV is a 2008 open world action video game published by Rockstar Games, and developed by British games developer Rockstar North. It has been released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 video game consoles, and for the Windows operating system...
, Project Gotham Racing 4
Project Gotham Racing 4
Project Gotham Racing 4 is the fourth title in the main Project Gotham Racing series, developed by Bizarre Creations and published by Microsoft Game Studios.-Development history:...
, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is a first-person shooter video game developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 video game consoles and the Microsoft Windows operating system. Officially announced on February 11, 2009, the game was released worldwide on...
, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is a single-player action role-playing video game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks and the Take-Two Interactive subsidiary 2K Games...
, Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2 is an action role-playing game developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts for Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The game was released for Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360 on January 26, 2010 and for PlayStation 3 on January 18, 2011...
, Halo: Reach
Halo: Reach
Halo: Reach is a first-person shooter video game developed by Bungie and published by Microsoft Game Studios for the Xbox 360 console. Reach was released in North America, Australia, and Europe on September 14, 2010. The game takes place in the year 2552, where humanity is locked in a war with the...
, Portal 2
Portal 2
Portal 2 is a first-person puzzle-platform video game developed and published by Valve Corporation. The sequel to the 2007 video game Portal, it was announced on March 5, 2010, following a week-long alternate reality game based on new patches to the original game...
, and Deus Ex: Human Revolution.
OXM also has begun reviewing Xbox Live
Xbox Live
Xbox Live is an online multiplayer gaming and digital media delivery service created and operated by Microsoft Corporation. It is currently the only online gaming service on consoles that charges users a fee to play multiplayer gaming. It was first made available to the Xbox system in 2002...
Downloadable Content (DLC), on a three-point scale: Buy, Fanboys Only, and Deny. The exception is The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles
The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles
The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles is the largest official expansion pack for the role-playing game The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Announced on January 18, , the expansion was developed, published, and released over the Xbox Live Marketplace by Bethesda Softworks; its retail release was...
expansion pack in issue 70, which, due to the game's size, being "much more than a simple map pack" was reviewed on the normal 20-point scale, receiving an 8.5 (Great). (The game was later released as an expansion on DVD.)
Bonus materials
Some disks have come with additional material for Xbox games. Early issues' demo disk included a costume expansion to Dead or Alive 3Dead or Alive 3
Dead or Alive 3 is a fighting game in the Dead or Alive series. It was released exclusively on the Xbox as a launch title.-Gameplay:...
and Easter eggs unlockable via inputting a code via the controller. Some material seen only available for download on Xbox Live
Xbox Live
Xbox Live is an online multiplayer gaming and digital media delivery service created and operated by Microsoft Corporation. It is currently the only online gaming service on consoles that charges users a fee to play multiplayer gaming. It was first made available to the Xbox system in 2002...
was included on demo disks. Currently, most US demo discs include gamer pics centered on a game.
- Issue #53 contained the free exclusive beta for Final Fantasy XIFinal Fantasy XI, also known as Final Fantasy XI Online, is a MMORPG developed and published by Square as part of the Final Fantasy series. It was released in Japan on Sony's PlayStation 2 on May 16, 2002, and was released for Microsoft's Windows-based personal computers in November 2002...
. - Issue #67 contained the Wizard's Tower and Thieves Den quests for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
- Issue #69 contained Chapter 2 for Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced WarfighterTom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced WarfighterTom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter is the third installment in the popular Ghost Recon tactical shooter video game series, published by Ubisoft in 2006. As in previous Ghost Recon games, players command their team of Ghosts while neutralizing hostile forces and completing various mission...
. - Issue #73 contained an exclusive demo for the Japanese RPG Eternal SonataEternal Sonatais an original role-playing video game created by Tri-Crescendo. The Xbox 360 version of the game was released on June 14, 2007 in Japan, September 17, 2007 in North America, and October 19, 2007 in Europe...
. - Issue #74 contained an exclusive demo for Beautiful KatamariBeautiful KatamariBeautiful Katamari, released in Japan as , is a video game by Namco Bandai for the Xbox 360. Beautiful Katamari is the fourth game in the Katamari series of games following Katamari Damacy, We Love Katamari and Me & My Katamari....
. - Issue #77 contained a special demo for Guitar Hero III: Legends of RockGuitar Hero III: Legends of RockGuitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is a music video game, the third main installment in the Guitar Hero series, and the fourth title overall...
. (The demo is also found in copies of Tony Hawk's Proving GroundTony Hawk's Proving GroundTony Hawk's Proving Ground is a video game developed by Neversoft for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 video game consoles; by Page 44 Studios for the PlayStation 2 and Wii; and by Vicarious Visions for the Nintendo DS...
.) - Issue #80 contained the Harmonix Track Pack 01: 3 exclusive songs for the popular video game Rock Band.
- Issue #82 contained the downloadable song HaloHalo (series)Halo is a multi-million dollar science fiction video game franchise created by Bungie and now managed by 343 Industries and owned by Microsoft Studios. The series centers on an interstellar war between humanity and a theocratic alliance of aliens known as the Covenant...
Theme MJOLNIR Mix for Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. - Issue #46 (UK edition) contained the NXE update for the Xbox 360 dashboard.
- Issue #54 (UK edition) contained a Left 4 Dead 2Left 4 Dead 2Left 4 Dead 2 is a cooperative first-person shooter video game. It is the sequel to Valve Corporation's award-winning Left 4 Dead. The game launched on November 17, 2009, for Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360 in the United States and November 20 in Europe; in 2010, Left 4 Dead 2 was made available to...
Xbox 360 theme. - Issue #116 contained an Assassin's CreedAssassin's CreedAssassin's Creed is an award-winning historical third person, stealth action-adventure video game developed by Ubisoft for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows. The bulk of the game takes place during the Third Crusade, with the plot revolving around a sect known as the Secret Order of...
pamphlet.
Podcasts
Audio PodcastKOXM is the weekly Official Xbox Magazine podcast, hosted by Ryan McCaffrey. Dan Amrich
Dan Amrich
Dan Amrich is an American writer, author, actor, musician, and social media expert. He graduated from Ithaca College with a major in Audio Production and minor in Writing and became a professional journalist and critic with numerous video game and music magazines and websites...
used to be a McCaffrey's co-host, but he recently left the magazine and podcast to work at Activision/Blizzard. The audio podcast features a recap in the week's past events and game releases, two trivia contests (Name That Xbox Sound Effect and Stick it to the Dan (formerly Dan's Useless Trivia)) for a prize (usually a tee shirt or Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live Arcade is a type of video game download distribution available primarily in a section of the Xbox Live Marketplace, Microsoft's digital distribution network for the Xbox 360, that focuses on smaller downloadable games from both major publishers and independent game developers...
game), and developer interviews. The show is produced by Andy Bauman.
Video Podcast
The OXM Video Podcast is updated much less frequently, with gaps over a month or more. The video podcast slowed until it was picked up again in the form of Inside Xbox, a short Xbox Live program that OXM became a part of in 2008. The OXM Report on Inside Xbox features similar video content to the original video podcast, but with more timely information on games such as Gears of War 2
Gears of War 2
Gears of War 2 is a third-person shooter video game developed by Epic Games with lead design by Cliff Bleszinski, and published by Microsoft Game Studios for the Xbox 360. It is the second installment of the Gears of War series. The game was officially released in North America, Europe and...
and Mirror's Edge
Mirror's Edge
Mirror's Edge is a single-player first person action-adventure video game developed by EA Digital Illusions CE and published by Electronic Arts. The game was announced on July 10, 2007, and was released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in November 2008. A Microsoft Windows version was released...
It is posted on Xbox Live every other Sunday.