How to Backup Xbox 360 Games - The Best Software to Backup 360 Games

How to Backup Xbox 360 Games – Software That...

All gamers have at some stages asked the question of how to backup xbox 360 games safely.

The good news is that backing up Xbox 360 games can be done, but only using specialist software, which is available for immediate download and use on PC and Mac.

Standard copying and burning applications are not sufficient when it comes to backing up console games. Purpose-engineered game copy software has the capacity of decode the security encryption as placed by the manufacturer. Until only recently, this disc security feature has prevented such copying.

One great program to do this is called Game Copy Pro.

In order to backup your games, you need:

1. A decent PC or Mac computer and
2. Internal or external DVD Burner, capable of dual layer burning
3. Specialist software installed – designed to copy games

Most burners these days capable of writing DVDs, but please check that yours can do so prior to attempting the backup and burn process.

The Process to Backup Xbox 360 Games

In order to get started, the first thing you need to do is download the game backup software. A following section this will explain the best programs to use. Once you have know which software to use, the procedure is as follows:

A.   Download the game backup software and install it to your PC or Mac
B.   Insert your game disc into the drive and activate the backup
C.   Remove the game disc and insert a blank DVD into the drive
D.   Commence the burn process. Your backup disc is ready!

Xbox 360 Game Backup Software

There are many programs out there that claim to have the power to copy every console game, though after testing the majority of them, we concluded that only two can be recommended to others: Game Copy Pro and Easy Backup Wizard.

Both these programs share similar features in:

Price: They are evenly matched in price, at a mere $29.95. Unfortunately there are not any free programs that possess this encryption deciphering technology, though this is a very small price to pay for the joys that it can bring.

No Hardward Mods: There is no modifying your console at all, software is installed onto your personal computer and does not involve the console at all.

No technical knowledge: The real beauty of these modern backup programs is that anyone can now do it and not just advanced computer hackers. If you can install a program and burn a disc, then you are ready to go.

#1 Choice: Easy Backup Wizard

Website: http://www.easybackupwizard.com

Download Price: $29.95

Available for PC and MAC

Immediate download

Free game and movie download service

Easiest software to install and operate

Exact 1:1 disc cloning of games

Great video tutorials if needed

Excellent email support service

High Speed backup and burn process

Burn Xbox, 360, PS3, PS2, PSP, Wii, Gamecube, DS, Gameboy

# 2 Choice: Game Copy PRO

Website: http://www.gamecopypro.com

Download Price: $29.95

Get it for Mac and PC computers

Download from supplier

No additional hardware needed

Burn a variety of console games

Backup video DVDs

Moderate email support service

Why Backup Your Games

There are a variety of obvious benefits to be realized from backing up your Xbox 360 games, though the primary motivation for most seems to be saving your hard earned dollars.

Free Games - You could quickly increase your Xbox 360 games library when you are able to copy games.Game Copy Pro have a massive library of games and movies to be downloaded, which you will then be able to burn to disc utilizing their software.

Microsoft also have a variety of great free games that can be legally downloaded from their website such as Harms Way, Aegis Wing, Doritos Crash Course and more. You can then burn them to disc and share with your fellow gamers.

Damaged discs - Good games are getting expensive and with every little micro-scratch that is put on the disc, even from everyday natural wear and tear; it is coming closer to the end of its life. Having backup copies means that you never have to worry about this again.

Disc Repair - Can be completed to a certain degree, though the only safe method of doing so is to take your games to a specialist shop that has the professional machine. This is time consuming and can cost up to $5.00 for ever disc they do. Even so, there is no guarantee that they will fix the issue or prolong the life of your disc.

Disc Borrowing - Friends are always wanting to borrow your Xbox 360 games and even if your don’t notice it, they are being returned in worse condition than you left them in. – That’s if they ever get returned at all. Once you have backup copies, you won’t even hold this concern any longer. Perhaps lend your friends the copy version so you can always keep the original.

So by now, we hope you have a deep understanding of the power to be realized from owning the Xbox game copy software. Check out the best software by clicking the download button above, or click this link here.

Dead Island – Reviewed

Admittedly, zombie games are everywhere and it’s not exactly an original concept. However, Dead Island promised to challenge us in an open world environment and create something unique out of a done-to-death genre. So, did we get what we were promised? Or was it in-fact just another horror survival game to put on the shelf?

What’s The Plot?

The game is set in an exotic holiday resort just off the coast of Papua New Guinea. Much like your typical zombie flick, an outbreak of the walking dead besieges the island and so it becomes your mission to survive and make it off the island safely. Thankfully, you play as one of four people who seem to be immune to zombie bites, so you can rest easy about becoming infected. Whilst the game is centrally based around being an RPG, the story is definitely far from being one of the Dead Island’s main attraction points.

The Ins and Outs

Dead Island is essentially a horror survival game that borrows a bunch of fine elements from the Fallout series. With an open-world feel to it, you’ll be able to freely set off on your own adventure and ignore the main plot as much as you like. This definitely adds length to the game as there are more than enough survivors to help out, side quests to complete and a huge skill tree to master.

Dead Island also utilizes first person mechanics, but it is far from becoming any sort of colourless shooter. In fact, you’ll gain far more enjoyment from hacking down zombies with machetes, sickles and baseball bats, than you will with the array of guns you come across. You’ll also be able to experiment with gameplay and you’ll be given the chance to modify weapons and take down zombies by any means necessary.

One thing that is particularly enjoyable within Dead Island is the fact that you can often hop inside a car and mow down any zombies that just so happen to get in your way. Not only does this eliminate issues of lengthy walking which you would usually find in similar games, but it’s a ton of fun too! There is also a fast travel system for those of you who don’t want to explore.

Although polished and nice to look at, there are a few visual errors from time to time and it’s not uncommon for textures to take their time to pop in. Of course this issue is easily overlooked when you’re traversing gorgeous landscapes and watching blood fluently spill out of zombie limbs.

The constant zombie moans and groans really add to the games dark atmosphere and you’ll jump out of your skin numerous times from hearing the footsteps running towards you. The voice acting isn’t too bad either and although it’s a little over the top at times, you’re definitely given a sense of what it would be like surviving on a zombie infested island.

Downsides

Xbox 360 owners can thank their lucky stars that they only have to contend with minor graphical errors as the PS3 version is packed full of screen tearing and random frame drops. The fact that there isn’t any penalty for dying just adds insult to injury and really takes the challenge out of the game.

Overall

Dead Island is definitely a unique experience and the fact that you’re rewarded for your inventive killing and gameplay is really something to commend the game on. Unfortunately there are a few technical problems that could have done with being polished just that little bit more. Regardless, Dead Island is fantastic fun to play and if you want a zombie Fallout game then you should definitely look into buying it.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Review

Chances are that if you were a video gamer in the early 90’s, then you’ll no doubt be a fan of the Castlevania franchise. Ah, those were days! This was back when vampires weren’t sparkly pretty boys that hide in trees. On the contrary, they were gruesome beasts of the night which Konami’s number one vampire hunter known as Simon Belmont, would fight off in several fantastic Castlevania games. The series has been running strong since as early as 1986, so surely Castlevania: Lords of Shadow wasn’t a disappointment, right?

Story

Set in the year 1047 you play as Gabriel Belmont who is part of a group of holy knights known as the Brotherhood of Light. Upon his wife being murdered and the three lords of shadow cutting off the Earth from the heavens, Gabriel takes on the role of saving the world and desperately trying to revive his deceased wife. Sounds brilliant right? Well it gets better! Each Lord of Shadow that Gabriel defeats holds part of a mask. Each mask that Gabriel collects will then have him battling against the darkness that starts to grow inside him. The game is roughly 15 hours long and jam packed with a series of plot twists, events and an absolutely incredible ending that you won’t want to miss!

Gameplay

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is completely different to the side scrolling adventures you’re probably used to. Set in an action packed third person view, you’ll smash your way through twelve intense chapters filled with mind boggling puzzles, Shadow of the Colossus styled boss fights and plenty of hacking and slashing. Along the way you’ll obtain powers which you can then use in previous stages to find all of the secrets hidden away and beef your character up. Gameplay is very similar to the king of hacking and slashing Devil May Cry, in the sense that you’ll build up combos and earn points which you can then spend on new abilities. Things are made twice as fun by having the power to use light and dark magic, as well as dodging and guarding to stay alive.

Graphics

The presentation of the game is superb and the environments are absolutely gorgeous to look at. Whether you’re fighting your way through lush forests or harsh winter environments, you can’t help but become immersed into the games beauty. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow also has an abundance of flawless looking cutscenes which beef up the game to the point where the game has to be spread out over two discs!

Sound

With voice acting from the brilliant Sir Patrick Stewart and even the fantastic Robert Carlyle, you’re quickly impressed by the awesome dialogue. As if that wasn’t good enough, you’ll never tire of the games 120-piece orchestral soundtrack which adds atmosphere in all of the right places!

Downsides

Clicking on the left stick to collect orbs dropped by enemies can become a little frustrating, especially since they’re usually automatically absorbed in other similar games. The fixed camera is also more cumbersome than helpful, but other than these minor flaws, it’s a fantastic game.

Overall

Take the brilliant platforming from Prince of Persia, combine it with the combat from titles such as Devil May Cry or God of War, throw in a hint of Shadow of the Colossus and you’ve got a next generation Castlevania game. Lords of Shadow is a fantastic new direction to the series and takes away any linear aspects the franchise had and replaces it with a well designed, fun game! Some may argue that since the games original name was just Lords of Shadow, that it wasn’t intended to be part of the Castlevania series – whether or not this is true, it doesn’t take away the fact that the game is just completely awesome!

Top 10 Xbox Live Arcade Games

Without a shadow of a doubt one of the best features to grace the Xbox 360 is its marketplace that’s chockablock with arcade titles. So fantastic are these titles, that they even manage to compete with full retail games – but at a quarter of the cost! Get your own copy of these games by learning how to backup xbox 360 games from the main article on the top of this site. So without further delay, let’s look at which Xbox Live Arcade games are really worth your Microsoft Points

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I

3D Sonics aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, they’re glitchy, full of awful camera angles and the voice-overs aren’t anything to write home about. Needless to say I’m still a big fan but when Sega went back to their roots and released this worthy franchise re-boot, let’s just say I and many others like me were thrilled! It’s still as slick and beautiful as the originals and the nice blend of classic 2D graphics fused with a modern HD finishing touch is impressive to say the least. Aside from the lock on targeting system and upgraded dashes implemented into the game, there isn’t much new in terms of gameplay – but that’s the whole point isn’t it? Look out Mario, the REAL Sonic is back!

Peggle

The plan is simple, eliminate all the orange pegs before you completely run out of balls. Actually, “simple” is an understatement as it requires a large amount of luck and skill to win. It’s a fact that the four player ‘Peg Party’ is the most addictive and entertaining multiplayer out of all Xbox Live Arcade games. Of course a total of 75 challenges and a whopping 55 puzzles is also reason enough to buy this game!

Castle Crashers

Essentially it’s a modern day Golden Axe with HD rendered cartoon graphics and funky little characters. The combat is kept simple by using a mixture of magical and melee attacks whilst the enemies and environment around you is forever changing. The game keeps you on your toes throughout its entirety and though you would expect something so simple to become a repetitive drag, it is definitely far from it! Want some side scrolling hack and slash action? Choose Castle Crashers!

Shadow Complex

Shadow Complex is pretty much Super Metroid set in our modern day world and Samus is replaced with a Solid Snake type of character. It’s got a great story with lots of action and almost perfect gameplay. The graphics are fantastic and there is a great selection of weapons to choose from. Unfortunately it sets you back 1,200 MSP but it has a lot of replay value and is well worth it!

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Despite this game being over 10 years old it is still one of the best! The soundtrack is one of the most memorable to date and the gameplay is incredibly addictive. There is a lot of exploration to be had in this game and more secrets than you can possibly handle. Sure the graphics aren’t particularly impressive but c’mon, it’s Castlevania: Symphony of the Night from 1997!

Street Fighter III 3rd Strike

This game is a new addition to Xbox Live Marketplace, nevertheless it’s a classic from the Sega Dreamcast that still stands the test of time. It introduces a whole range of never seen before Street Fighter characters and is flooded with an exceptional soundtrack. The fighting is extremely fast paced yet fluent and the fact that you can only pick one super art definitely makes things interesting. It’s one of the best, if not the best Street Fighter game to date.

Mega Man 10

Mega Man games are renowned for being extremely fun and extremely addictive and this is definitely no exception. Though I must warn you, it’s one of the hardest Xbox Live Arcade games out there! Of course there isn’t much new to the gameplay but there is a whole new story to make all that stress worthwhile!

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

Okay so it’s not your typical Tomb Raider game but it is still one of the best games on the Xbox Live Marketplace! There is still plenty of puzzle solving to wade through and heaps of exploration. Combat is a lot more full-on in this game and you can even team up with a friend and go through the game co-operatively to make the experience even more engaging! There are all kinds of weapons to choose from and a fantastic isometric camera angle to give you a great view of the lush levels. All in all you don’t have to be a typical Tomb Raider fan-boy to enjoy this little gem!

Rocket Knight

For those of you who don’t remember, Rocket Knight Adventures was a brilliant Konami game released on the Mega-Drive (Genesis) all the way back in the 90’s. It also spawned a sequel entitled Sparkester which was equally as fantastic! This new and improved Rocket Knight is extremely addictive and follows the same kind of gameplay as the originals. You’ll still find yourself using a jetpack to reach unreachable places and you’ll still use your sword to eliminate enemies. Of course this game isn’t just a simple re-make, it has a completely new story and fights which are far more challenging than the originals. A lot of the original music is back and re-vamped to spice the game up for all the old fans out there and characters such as Axel Gear also make an appearance. Overall it’s a fun little game that deserves to be on your hard drive.

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: The Game

The game is about as crazy as the movie was. It follows the same storyline and your mission is to still beat those 7 evil exes as well as take on anyone else who stands in your way. The game is pretty much like any old school side scrolling beat ‘em up but with look and humor of the old comic books. From giant flying piggy banks to evil zombies, this game has it all and is well worth your Microsoft Points!

The 7 Deadly Achievements

For the casual gamers out there it’s all about getting through the story as fast as possible on normal mode in your own time without a care in the world for achievements. However, for the elite, achievement hunting, hardcore gamers out there, it’s all about veteran modes and grinding. Forget finishing Captain America on easy difficulty, this article will cover some of the most formidable achievements to date;

#1 Mile High Club – Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

This is of course sixty seconds of pure hell! Just when you thought you had finished the whole game on veteran mode you’re then thrown into the epilogue of doom. It becomes almost second nature to run down the corridor, knife the guy in the toilet, shoot the guy in the room on the left and then chuck a grenade at those three soldiers waiting to light you up. After you’ve attempted Mile High Club for the millionth time you eventually unlock the achievement and just stare at the television screen in amazement.

#2 Heartland: Guerrilla – Homefront

Guerrilla difficulty isn’t actually that hard to be honest. In fact it’s pretty much a walk in the park give or take a few cheap deaths here and there! That is until you reach chapter 5 and witness an unlimited spawn of enemies towards the end of the mission. It doesn’t feel like it’s physically possible after several attempts at wading through enemies that are replaced in a matter of seconds. The only effective way to do it is to take the path on the right, clean up guys as you see them and hope for the best. It’s glitchy, it’s time consuming and it’s hard – but there is hope!

#3 Sonic Episode: Mastered – Sonic the Hedgehog

3D Sonic games are renowned for being difficult to bag yourself some ‘S’ ranks, but this achievement is ridiculous! Silver and Shadow’s missions were child’s play compared to getting ‘S’ ranks on all of Sonic’s stages. Why? Simply because of the “speed up” sections incorporated into the stages. As if things weren’t bad enough trying to dodge enemies and keep an impressive score, you’re faced with stages such as Kingdom Valley and Crisis City which change the games mechanics completely and you lose the ability to fully control Sonic. Of course the dodgy camera angles and countless glitches also add to the difficulty of this achievement!

#4 That’s Just Crazy – Gears of War 3

You would think that after beating Halo 3 on legendary mode and Call of Duty 4 on veteran mode that beating Gears of War 3 on insane mode would be easy. Well if you think that then you’re definitely in for a surprise as it has to be one of the hardest achievements to date. Upon finishing the first Act you are lured into a false sense of security. You begin to actually believe the game requires nothing more than a little patience and skillful aiming. That is until you face your first set of boomers and realize just what you’re in for. Oh, and as if that wasn’t bad enough there are several interactive cutscenes that make life hell. It’s not impossible, but you will be forced to hurl all sorts of abusive insults at your television.

#5 Deathsmiles Virtuoso – Deathsmiles

Deathsmiles is of course one of the hardest games to obtain 1000G on, simply because it’s so insane. So having to clear all the maps on level 3 without using a single continue really is a nightmare! The first few stages are possible but when you reach towards the end of the game that’s when things really start heating up. Trust me, you don’t want to get all the way to Tyrannosatan and then end up using one of your continues!

#6 King of the Palace – Devil May Cry 4

If you thought Dante Must Die mode was hard, then clearing all of the Bloody Palace stages with an ‘S’ rank will really make your blood boil! The word “hard” doesn’t quite sum up the immensely tough challenge this is.

#7 Mr. Perfect – Mega Man 10

Of course we can’t have a list of hardest achievements without the Mr. Perfect achievement making its way onto the list. The rules of this achievement are simple – clear the game without taking any damage whatsoever! Simple? SIMPLE?! It has to be the hardest achievement to date and I’ve yet to meet someone who has managed to unlock it. What makes things worse is that you only get a measly 30G for doing it!

To read more about awesome xbox games, visit: http://www.xbox.com