Windows Live Beta Invites Sent

Just got mine.

The only game to download is something called Bug Bash ... essentially a 3 frame version of Whack-A-Mole using the face buttons. I use the 360/Vista Wireless USB adaptor and a 360 controller and it's seamless. Seems to take forever to actually log into Live, but I had my 360 on in the background and it disconnects the 360 from Xbox Live by signing into Windows Live.

Mostly developers playing Bug Bash. Including someone with what looked like a Halo 3 icon and hundreds of games of Bug Bash already. Can't seem to get higher than 49 hits in the game. I sent a friend invite to one guy mostly to screw him up during the game ... it worked.

Had to sign up for testing times this weekend ... assuming there's going to be more games available, and more 360-Vista crossover coming soon. Only crashed once so far, and the game can get stuck at times ... that's what a beta's for I guess.

Anyone else invited?

I figure they have to be planning on Halo 2 at the very least. Bug Bash is kind of amusing, and I finally hit 50 after scoring 49 countless times, but it's insanely simple. 3 frames of animation simple. Still, it's a good preliminary way to test the system out. It crashed a few times on me in Vista 64.

I really like accessing Live through Windows. Everything works as it does on the 360 ... the guide comes up from the center very smoothly, and access is very quick after the first install. Sent some messages to friends from my PC and was surprised by how well it worked.

I noticed that the Bug Bash leaderboards were just over 1100 last night ... seems like they might have sent out 1500-2000 invites, but I'm just guessing. I'll be trying it out again tonight, if only for a shot at some of those promised free games.

What I'm really hoping they do with Live for Windows is have a background app that allows you to pick up a controller, hit guide, and have the 360 window pop up from anywhere in Vista. Then let you select a game quickly and easily (preferrably without having to insert a disc ... I hate DVD checks for games that are online and need to be verified every time they load anyway). As it is now the only way we have to turn off the controller is to pull the battery.

I got locked in a competitive streak with some guy I found online last night ... most of those 35 were against him. I even sent him a friend invite just before a match to screw him up. Good thing he accepted.