[360] Official XBLA thread. Complain about the new price points but buy the garbage anyway!

This is half of the subject matter of that old thread that was recently destickied. Hopefully, with a tighter focus, this can be kept up to date and relevant.

This is the official Xbox Live Arcade thread. It's purpose, as such, is to discuss any and all XBLA releases, information, or updates. This will hopefully keep down on threads like the Wing Commander one that gets all of 5 responses and will also be a good one stop thread for information.

Anywho, let's start.

This week's game is Aegis Wing.

Originally Posted by xbox.com

Features

Aegis Wing is a side-scrolling space combat game reminiscent of classic eighties arcade hits. It features alien-busting action, slick graphics, an orchestral soundtrack, and devastating power-ups.

Also included is a unique cooperative mode of play in which up to three additional players can "attach" to the leader's ship and become independent, 360-degree gun turrets.

* Old-school genre: Get ready for an action-retro 2-D sci-fi side scrolling shooter, similar to Gradius or Defender.
* Multiplayer gameplay: Up to four players can compete on the same console or on Xbox LIVE®. Attach to each other, and super weapon powers grow as more players attach. After attaching, there's one pilot and each rider rotates fire via a 360-degree gun turret.
* Super weapons: Wield four super weapons, including the Hades Beam (kills everything in it’s path), the Gordon Burst (EMP pulse that kills all bullets and short circuits enemies), the Arcus Missile (heat-seeking missiles), and Lambda Shield (allows bullets to be deflected and used against the enemies).

More screens

Apparently, this was designed by three interns, which is pretty neat, in that they actually are getting it out on XBLA. It's great exposure.

Oh, and it's free. Score. It'll give us something to play while we wait for the Halo 3 beta download to finish, I guess.

----------------

Other newish news is that a version of Bomberman is due out in June. It's gonna support 8 players. This sounds like hot uber sex. There's also DLC planned, and we've got screenshots and video.

More info, courtesy of GAF. (Sorry I couldn't find a source that didn't blow ballsack).

Quote:

Features:
- Developed by Backbone Entertainment
- Offline multiplayer up to 4 players (NO System Link)
- Up to 8 people can play over Xbox Live
- Official tournaments each month
- Customizable Bombermen (according to PR: 10,000 possibilities)
- Power-ups also customizable
- 8 different arena's
- No price revealed yet
- DLC planned (see below)
- Will be released mid June

Add-on packs written in the press release:

First pack (30 days after LIVE date):
- 1 New Game Mode - Most Frags Mode
- 2 arenas – Air Ship, and a Las Vegas Level
- 10 new characters
- 5 Gamer Pics
- 1 Theme

Second pack (60 days after LIVE date):
- Bomb Shelters
- 10 new characters
- 2 arenas -- Race Level, and an Dreamland Level
- 5 Gamer Pics
- 1 Theme

Third pack (90 days after LIVE date):
- 2 new arenas Candy World & Inferno
- 10 new characters
- 5 Gamer Pics
- 1 Theme


Achievements:

Paint the town red!
Win a Zombie match in Local Play against 2+ computer players - 10 points

The Name's Bomb, Dangerous Bomb
Take out 3 CPU players at once in a Local game - 10 points

Exterminator
Win 15 Local matches against 3+ CPU players - 10 points

Totally Bombed!
Win a Local match against 3+ CPU players after being in a Super Revenge Cart - 10 points

Completely Unstoppable!
Remain undefeated for five consecutive 4+ player Xbox Live games - 10 points

You die so good!
Score 25 Frags in an Xbox Live Match in Most Frags mode - 15 points

The Bomb!
Win 30 Xbox Live games - 15 points

Joy of Painting with Bomberman
Claim 130 or more tiles in a Local Zombie match against 3+ CPU players - 20 points

The Good, The Bad and The Bombed
With the full cowboy outfit, Frag another cowboy in an Xbox Live match - 20 points

Girl Power!
With a full female outfit win an Xbox Live 4+ player girl only match - 25 points

Did I just win…AGAIN?!
Go on a winning rampage and win 10 consecutive matches in a Ranked Tournament - 25 points

EXTREME MAKEOVER!
Collect 60 Costume Balls - 30 points

That gets me wet in the shorts. Could be major awesome.

----------------

Prince of Persia remake confirmed, by the way.

Quote:

UBISOFT ANNOUNCES PRINCE OF PERSIA® CLASSIC
FOR XBOX LIVE® ARCADE

The Original 1989 Prince of Persia Game Gets a Next-Gen Makeover

Today, Ubisoft announced it will be releasing Prince of Persia® Classic on Xbox LIVE® Arcade early summer. A remake of the 1989 Prince of Persia game that was lauded as THE game that started the platforming genre features the same intricate level design, exciting swordplay, puzzle solving, and storyline from the original. Developed by Gameloft, Prince of Persia Classic has received a brand-new coat of paint with character designs, animations, visuals and lighting effects giving the game a close to 3D look. To freshen the gameplay experience, new traps, puzzles and enemies have also been added. Prince of Persia Classic for Xbox LIVE® Arcade will have an ESRB rating of "T for Teen.

About Prince of Persia Classic
While the Sultan of Persia is away for a war, the evil Vizier seizes the throne for himself. He has also imprisoned the beautiful Princess and has given her an hour to decide her fate - marry him or die. As the courageous Prince, you have 60 minutes to complete the mission of saving the Princess from her deadly fate.

© 2007 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Based on Prince of Persia® created by Jordan Mechner. Ubisoft and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries. Prince of Persia is a trademark of Jordan Mechner in the U.S. and/or other countries used under license by Ubisoft Entertainment. Developed by Gameloft. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox LIVE and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

IGN interviews Vincent Boiteau.

Basically it's the first PoP game, with new and improved MAD GRAFIX, and some new moves for the Prince. Ok, this was...not what I was expecting. Sure, the first PoP is fun, but I dunno if I can stomach another remake of a game that doesn't have the added benefit of online multi. I guess we'll see, though.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

I'm in a similar boat. While the original was great, I don't see how it'll have much staying power on the Arcade, and I'm not that excited for it if it's just a graphical overhaul and doesn't have anything in terms of multi.

I dunno how I forgot this, but Soltrio Solitaire is coming this Wednesday along with Aegis Wing.

Originally Posted by GSB

Soltrio Solitaire will be available worldwide – with the exception of Korea – for 800 Microsoft Points on Wednesday, May 16th, and is rated E for Everyone.

Here are some of the game features:

* Two-player multiplayer via system link or over Xbox LIVE
* Xbox LIVE Vision camera support, making multiplayer solitaire an engaging social experience
* In two-player mode, two games take place at the same time, and both players share the same foundation piles, prompting a fight over the piles in the race to win the game
* In co-op mode, players work together to attempt to finish the game with the best score possible, and players also have the ability to pass cards to each other
* Create new cards when you unlock card elements, show them off to your friends and customize your own decks!
* Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

Gamerscore Blog

10 bucks for a gajillion kinds of Solitaire sounds like a horrible, horrible deal, since most of these are available free on every PC ON THE PLANET. Also multiplayer Solitaire = what. It also drops tomorrow, but I can't picture it being terribly popular. I guess we'll see.

Most amazing jew boots

The game isn't region locked or gold only. A Silver account would allow you to download it, yes.

And Aegis's singleplayer is lacking, but the multiplayer makes the game much better.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

More useless as hell retro shit no one cares about this week.

Originally Posted by GSB

Cold War Combat Heats Up as Rush ‘n Attack Arrives on Xbox LIVE Arcade This Week



A rescue mission to remember, “Rush ‘n Attack” is a heroic arcade action game, equipped with enhanced graphics, music, and sound effects. Fight through four stages of increasing difficulty to free prisoners of war using a trusty knife along with an array of other weapons from which to choose. Opt to rescue compatriots as a lone soldier, or form a united front with a friend utilizing Xbox LIVE’s multiplayer capabilities. “Rush ‘n Attack,” also known as “Green Beret,” will be available for download this Wednesday, May 23 at 2:00 a.m. PDT.



“Rush ‘n Attack” will be available worldwide for 400 Microsoft Points and is rated E10+.



Game Features



* Fight through 4 stages to free the prisoners of war
* Up to two players can play together locally or over Xbox LIVE in either Versus or Co-op mode
* Local multiplayer features split screen action with results captured on Leaderboards
* Players can chose to play with either the authentic, original graphics or with enhanced graphics which features fully rendered 3-D models
* All music and sound effects have been digitally enhanced
* Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade.

anddddd....

Originally Posted by GSB

A Blast From the Past: “Xevious” Lands on Xbox LIVE Arcade This Wednesday



Did you run out of quarters the last time you played Xevious at the arcade? Don’t worry, because this Wednesday gamers will have a second chance to take down the nefarious supercomputer GAMP and defeat the Andor Genesis mother ship in “Xevious.” Newcomers to this arcade classic that helped pioneer the vertical scrolling shooter genre can also experience it for the first time on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday, May 23 at 2:00 a.m. PDT.



“Xevious” will be available worldwide for 400 Microsoft Points and is rated E for Everyone.



Game Features

*
Play the 100% arcade accurate reproduction of “Xevious” for the first time anywhere
*
Test your memory: uncover hidden bonuses that are scattered throughout the levels just like in the arcade version, where shots to the ground uncover power-ups like Sol towers and 1UPs
*
Compare your high score against other “Xevious” players from around the world on the Leaderboards
*
Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade.

So, Rush 'n Attack and Xevious. I guess these are slightly better retro game choices than MS. PAC-MAN but I'm getting sick of old stuff I either already own or have played to death already. I ain't personally spending 5 bucks on either of these.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Doom was an excellent choice, both because the game is a timeless classic and because the deathmatch is still entertaining. I dunno if I could get behind Hexen as much, but retro PC titles would be a welcome change from the swarms of Namco and Konami arcade titles we see dominating the retro section of the marketplace.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by GSB

Mad Tracks Coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade Tomorrow
posted Tuesday, May 29, 2007 9:02 AM by johnporcaro

3D racing party game Mad Tracks will be available for download beginning Wednesday, May 30, at 9:00 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. Pacific Time).

From the media alert just posted:

Players can race through 15 challenges consisting of nine mini-games and six different races behind the wheel of one of 12 sleek compact cars. “Mad Tracks,” from Load Inc., features 12 power-ups to keep engines revved up and players in the fast lane ahead of the competition.

“Mad Tracks” will be available worldwide (with the exception of Korea) for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E for Everyone.

Game Features

* 15 distinct challenges (6 races & 9 mini-games) provide a full-fledged racing game experience
* 12 stackable power-ups (rockets, freezer, oil drop, EMP and more!)
* 12 sleek looking cars to choose from
* 4 player multiplayer over Xbox LIVE and 4 player local multiplayer via split screen mode
* Championship mode & Arcade mode
* 2 free gamer pictures
* Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

I'm late, sorry. Anyway, yeah. Mad Tracks is up, and it's pretty fantastic. Some of the achievements are strange (play one track 20 times in a row. The fuck?), but the game itself is great fun.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Yeah, the worms content adds a fair number of new voice packs. 22, I think. The space level is also a nice change. A shame it didn't come with new background music though.

The more I play Mad Tracks, the more I like it. It's fantastic, and the multi we played last evening was HILARIOUS. Especially the bloody foosball. A shame that the demo alludes that the other race packs will be available in the game you purchase, but are actually DLC to be released at a later date. The wording is kinda funny, so this is just a warning to potential buyers. You only get the one content pack with your purchase. Not all three.

Also, some updates on the only game people should be really giving a shit about; Bomberman.

http://www.hudsonentertainment.com/g...d=75&console=1

Looks like this page will be updated weekly until the thing drops. Right now we've got levels and gimmicks, and a bit on the modes. It's also revealed that camera support will be in, so you can :meatspin: any assholes unfortunate to lose to you.

Y'know, they could charge 1200 points (15 USD if you live in the states) for this and I'd still buy it.

FELIPE NO

If it's not Ikaruga, there's rumblings of an important shooter in the pipeline. We'll see if that turns up anything, though. We can only hope.

What no one mentioned so far is that the "other" piece of XBLA content this week was some update for Small Arms that adds achievement points. No one cares though since Small Arms is utter trash.

Next week is also rumoured to be Carcassonne. Unfortunately these things are hard to know for certain until very shortly before they drop. I don't give a shit about anything until Bomberman, though.

Most amazing jew boots

Originally Posted by GSB

Prince of Persia Classic Coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade
posted Monday, June 11, 2007 9:01 AM by johnporcaro

It's official. Prince of Persia Classic will be available for download on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 beginning Wednesday, June 13, at 9 a.m. GMT (1 a.m. PDT).

From the media alert:

In Ubisoft’s “Prince of Persia Classic,” gamers take on the role of the prince as he embarks on a mission to rescue the princess before she has to wed the wicked Jaffar – all of which must be accomplished in under 60 minutes! Jumping across platforms and avoiding traps, the prince must collect bottles of potions to keep his power bar charged as he duels enemies on his way to the princess.

“Prince of Persia Classic” is available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated T for Teen (Animated Blood and Violence).

* Enhanced character designs, animations and visuals
* New traps, puzzles and enemies to tackle further augment the classic experience
* 12 Achievements will be available – ranging from the simple (finding the sword in the first level) to the near impossible (finding all the potions in the game or finishing the game without dying!)
* The title will feature 3 different leaderboards:
o Normal Mode: Complete the game as fast as possible, which saves at the end of each level
o Time Attach Mode: Complete the game as fast as possible – but be prepared to start from the beginning if you fail to save the Princess in under 60 minutes
o Survival Mode: Complete the entire game in under 60 minutes – without dying

Again with the late. I'm horrible. Sorry. Anywho, yeah, it's official, it's out this week. I *should* care, but I find it hard to be impressed since it's not something I'd play through more than once or twice. Plus, it's not like I haven't played the classic PoP a million times over.

Bring on Bomberman.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Wednesday is Band of Bugs.

Originally Posted by GSB

Band of Bugs Coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade This Wednesday
posted Monday, June 18, 2007 9:01 AM by johnporcaro

A brand new turn-based tactical strategy game is coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday. The third Xbox LIVE Arcade title from NinjaBee, “Band of Bugs” will be available for download beginning Wednesday, June 20th at 9 a.m. GMT (2 a.m. PDT). Available worldwide, “Band of Bugs” can be downloaded for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E for Everyone.

From the media alert:

Game Features

* Choose to play through a story-based campaign, stand-alone missions or skirmishes
o Story-based campaign: Action and adventure in a single-player campaign story! Follow the adventures of young Maal as he leads an elite team of bug warriors to protect the kingdom from evil insect enemies.
o Stand-alone missions: Try your hand at one of these unique single-level scenarios. These short battles include a background story, unique events and custom goals.
o Skirmish: Test your skills on a variety of individual maps, including custom maps designed by the player with the in-game editor! Select a game type (Elimination, Capture, or Escape) and choose to control any party in the battle to demonstrate your superior tactical skill.
* Four unique multiplayer modes for up to 4 players either locally or over Xbox LIVE, including:
o Elimination: The first team to lose all the bugs in one party loses the battle!
o Capture: Capture (or defend) a strong point.
o Escape: Reach an escape point, or stop the enemy from reaching it.
o Mission: A unique scenario with custom story, events, and goals.

* Challenge friends to Spider Hunter, a more relaxed game that allows up to 8 people to join and leave on the fly!
* Use the game’s built-in level editor to design your own custom scenarios for play against others over Xbox LIVE (a first for an Xbox LIVE Arcade game!)

* Xbox LIVE Vision camera support in all Xbox LIVE multiplayer modes.

* Mystery leaderboard where players earn points for items they are not told about – Players can check the board and figure out what will help them get to the top of the leaderboard!
* Earn up to 200 Gamerscore and 12 Achievements.

God, I seriously thought Carcassone was gonna be this week. Ah, well. This looks pretty cool too. And before you ask, the other games they did was Cloning Clyde, and Outpost Kaloki X.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

It's weird. I first heard about this game a *while* ago (when it was known as Bugs of War), but I didn't realize until sometime last week that it was close to completion. There was a small article on it in IGN or something. I was under the impression that we wouldn't see it for a while, ala Castle Crashers or something.

Looks potentially really awesome, if the level editor is as powerful and easy to use as it's being said it is.

Achievement list:

Quote:

Achievement - Description - Gamerscore
Recruit - Completed the tutorial - 10
Skilled - Used 25 skills or spells - 20
Let Loose the Bugs of War - Completed the single-player campaign - 40
Tactical Maneuvers - Earned five of every hit bonus type outside of the tutorials - 20
Wet Bug Smell - Defeated an opponent by knocking him into the water - 15
Big Game Hunter - Showed Barbarians up in food hunt - 10
Third Time's the Charm - Won three multiplayer games - 5
Gold Digging Ants - Earned 20 gold medals - 20
Spider Tamer - Earned 30 points in a single Spider Hunter game - 10
Ice Maker - Froze 50 water tiles - 15
Good Host - Hosted 10 multiplayer games - 15
Bouncer - Won a scenario by knocking all opponents out of playable area - 20

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

I really am the only one talking in most of these 360 threads, aren't I?

Aw well, one of two pieces of next week's content has been announced. And no, it's not the game. Instead, we've got Lumines Content.

Originally Posted by Gamespot

A new wave of updates for Lumines Live! is set to hit Xbox Live Marketplace next Wednesday, and Q Entertainment will be using it, at least in part, to promote a global cause.

From June 27 to July 17, Q will donate a portion of the revenue generated by the SOS Charity Campaign Pack to climate protection organizations and causes. Featured in the pack will be a remixed version of Genki Rockets' "Heavenly Rocket" skin, as well as "House66" by Sugiurumn, "4x4 Bricks" by Techriders, and "Cosmic Humming" by Muku. The skin pack will run for 350 Microsoft points ($4.37).

Benevolence aside, an update for Lumines Live!'s challenge mode will also be available next Wednesday. The booster pack will inject 20 new skins into the rhythm game. Of note from the new content is a specially designed skin featuring the work of artist/musicisan Masakatsu Takagi. The booster pack will cost 600 Microsoft points ($7.50).

Also available will be four new picture packs that feature five different avatars each, as well as the game's Xbox Live theme pack, designed by game art director Katsumi Yokota. Each picture pack runs for 100 Microsoft points ($1.25), while Theme Pack 1 will cost gamers 150 Microsoft points ($1.87).

While no one gives a shit about the gamerpics and stuff, the new challenge skin pack and the new artist pack might be interesting. Does anyone know anything about these artists?

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by nuttyturnip

Also loling at Lumines milking even more cash from the saps that bought it.

I'll probably end up buying it, actually. I really, really like Lumines Live. I've tricked myself into thinking it's a full priced piece of software available through the Marketplace, and even though that's not true it's the justification I use to not feel bad about buying it. Besides, it's easily my most played arcade game and according to some stat tracking pages, like my fifth most playe game over all.

Still, the prices are ri-fucking-diculous. You think they would have learned from the last batch, since Puzzle/VS. CPU/Genki Rockets didn't sell a whole fuck ton. At 600 for both they'd be a no brainer, but for 950 it's seriously pushing it. That's like 15 bucks Canadian.

Originally Posted by Lazyguy

Hey skills do you know when bomberman is coming cause it looks pretty sweet and i cnt wait to pick it up

I really, really wish I could tell you. I don't want to take an official guess, since I've been wrong the last two weeks. Carcassonne is basically done and just sitting in the pipeline. I seriously thought it would show two weeks ago, but I've been wrong on both counts. It could be this coming week, I just don't know anymore. For all we know it could be EXIT or Sensible World of Soccer.

As for Bomberman, It'll be July sometime, I imagine. Hopefully the first week of it, but we'll see.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by GSB

Missile Command Coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade Wednesday
posted Monday, July 02, 2007 9:01 AM by johnporcaro

I spent a lot of money on this one as a kid. I've long since recovered from the blisters spinning the arcade ball, and the quarters I spent back then could have paid for my kids' college tuitions. I can't wait to try out this enhanced version coming from Atari.

From the media alert:

“Missile Command” will be available worldwide for 400 Microsoft Points and is rated E for Everyone.

Game Features

* Beautifully rendered 3D graphics and updated music and sound effects
* Up to two players can play together locally or over Xbox LIVE
* Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade.

Oh, boooooooo.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Didn't make an entry this week because of E3 and because the games were so bullshit. This week, we had Sonic and Golden Axe. Woulda been swell if, y'know, these weren't on every compilation disc known to man already. So, :noonecares:.

However, here's where :EVERYONECARES:. Major Nelson has said "Sup bitches, Bomberman's next week."

Fuck. Yes.

FELIPE NO

After Wing Commander last week with Super Contra, we've got Spyglass Board Games and Marathon this week. Frackin' awesome.

Originally Posted by GSB

Marathon: Durandal and Spyglass Board Games Coming to XBLA
posted Monday, July 30, 2007 9:00 AM by johnporcaro

This week, we have two anticipated titles coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade, Marathon Durandal, and Spyglass Board Games. Both will come to Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 this Wednesday, August 1, beginning at 9:00 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. Pacific).

Marathon: Durandal
ESRB Rating M (Mature)
800 Microsoft Points
Available Worldwide

MarathonDurandal_screenshot8

Seventeen years ago, you survived a vicious Pfhor assault on the U.E.S.C. Marathon. Now you have been awakened by the enigmatic, sentient A.I. called Durandal and sent to an alien world to uncover the mysteries of their advanced technology. In Marathon: Durandal, armed with only a pistol, you are humanity’s last champion!

* Epic story: Exclusive to Xbox LIVE® Arcade, Marathon: Durandal is a cult classic first-person shooter (FPS) that continues the tradition of great gameplay while remaining faithful to the spirit of Bungie lore as the predecessor to the Halo franchise.
* Upgraded visuals: All images in the game have been redrawn in high definition.
* Modern networking: Marathon: Durandal features a new modern networking layer built with Xbox LIVE in mind.
* Superior control: The redesigned controls take full advantage of the Xbox 360 Controller and enhance playing a first-person shooter on a home console.
* For more details on “Marathon: Durandel”, please visit http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/m/ma...boxlivearcade/.

Freeverse is a registered trademark of Freeverse, Inc.

Spyglass Board Games
ESRB Rating E (Everyone)
400 Microsoft Points
Available Worldwide

Spyglass_screenshot9

Spyglass Board Games offers a fun new take on classic board games, like Chess, Checkers, Mancala, and Reversi. Play and chat socially on Xbox LIVE®, or play against the computer. Use the Xbox LIVE Vision camera to personalize the game board, playing pieces, and video effects. Each game has custom pieces to choose from, such as a rook made of stone, or a furry checkers piece with cute gleaming eyes. Make each game your very own!

* Full featured games: Four classic board games to choose from. Play Chess, Checkers, Mancala, or Reversi.
* Video integration with Xbox LIVE Vision camera: Fully integrated video chat lets you see your opponent. Use the video effects to personalize your game.
* Customizable pieces: Choose custom game pieces that range from traditional marble, to metallic silver, to fuzzy and wiggling gel.
* Twelve achievements: Twelve achievements are offered ranging from easy, such as playing all four games, to more challenging, such as taking all four corners in Reversi.
* For more game details on “Spyglass Board Games”, please visit http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/s/sp...boxlivearcade/.

How ya doing, buddy?

Track and Field today. Yeah, THAT Track and Field. I'm as uninterested as you are.

Quote:

Track and Field Coming This Wednesday

This Wednesday, you can log virtual track time and give your fingers and thumbs a workout with “Track & Field” from Konami. Originally released in 1983, Track & Field was an arcade smash. The updated version for Xbox LIVE Arcade features the same button mashing game mechanic as the original, and now allows for up to four player multiplayer competition on one Xbox 360 or over Xbox LIVE. The game will be available to download on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday, August 8 beginning at 9:00 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. PDT).

Track & Field
400 Microsoft Points
ESRB Rating E (for Everyone)

On your mark! Get set! Go! The world title is on the line and you have to compete in 6 events to cement your legacy as a World Champion. Race in the 100 Meter Dash and 110 meter hurdles, test your skills with the Javelin and Hammer Throw, and hop to it with the Long Jump and High Jump. Global rankings will compare your skills to see where you truly rank in the world.

* Authentic original gameplay of the arcade classic
* Up to 4 player gameplay over Xbox LIVE Arcade
* Players can chose to play with either the authentic original graphics or the enhanced graphics including new sprite, backgrounds and special effects
* Original arcade split screen multiplayer allows up to 4 players to compete at once
* Xbox LIVE Versus Mode allows up to 4 players to compete online
* 12 achievements worth 200 gamer points

Jam it back in, in the dark.

The rest of August is War World, Ecco, and Hexic 2. We're not getting Puzzlefighter or anything terribly awesome for a bit, now. (Not entirely discounting any of those games, but they certainly aren't on my must buy list)

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Elixir

I hope not, I don't want my copies of Ikaruga (sealed, DC) and Silvergun to decrease in value. Then again the release of Ikaruga on XBLA isn't showing that the value of Ikaruga for DC will decrease.

Haha, what? "I don't want other people to have a chance to enjoy these games because I want my copies to retain a high dollar value, even though I'll never sell them."

I think you collect for the wrong reasons, boy.

And nothing's been said or heard about in regards to Ikaruga for ages now. It's almost safe to say that it's a rumour that hasn't panned out. I wouldn't totally discount it, but it's appearance would be a considerable surprise.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

No one's arguing for or against the benefits of having a physical copy instead of a downloaded copy. What people have an aversion to is you saying the latter shouldn't exist so you have a higher valued item. I coudln't care LESS if some of my high valued games turned out to be worth 5 fucking cents tomorrow if it means that more people got to play it. The monetary value is unimportant. Games are not a worthwhile investment to turn around and sell later. And your argument about people being less interested in specific titles doesn't make sense.

And just because it shows on Partnernet doesn't mean it's destined to hit. Partnernet has given us too many rumours that hasn't played out to trust it entirely. Especially considering Ikaruga was nothing more than a title entry in the list. There wasn't any content under it. All we're basing this on is a name. Wait until someone somewhere shows some footage, or it's actually ANNOUNCED, or something of that nature.

How ya doing, buddy?

Yeah, I've seen that before. The thing about that interview is it confirms fuck all for Ikaruga, and it sounds like he's far more willing to do an original title for the service than port Ikaruga again.

Fan speculation on this matter overrides most common sense though.

Most amazing jew boots

Originally Posted by GSB

Hexic 2 and Ecco the Dolphin Coming This Week to XBLA
posted Monday, August 13, 2007 9:00 AM by Gamerscore News

This week, we're happy to announce two family-fun additions to Xbox LIVE Arcade: Hexic 2 and Ecco the Dolphin. Both games will be available to download this Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. PDT).

Hexic 2
Carbonated Games
Rated E (for Everyone)
800 Microsoft Points

Hexic2_screenshot (15)

Building on the success of Hexic HD, Hexic™ 2 brings all-new pieces to the board and a new multiplayer mode, so you can compete with friends in your living room or over Xbox LIVE®. The basic gameplay is straightforward, familiar, and addictive—just spin a trio of hexes to create a group of three or more matching colors, or build a formation of hexes to create more advanced pieces. Whether you want a relaxing puzzle break or a frantic race against the clock, Hexic 2 has you covered!

* Acclaimed developer: Hexic 2 is another challenging puzzle hit from Alexey Pajitnov, the original creator of Tetris®.
* New challenges: All-new special pieces, different formations, and modes keep Hexic 2 challenging even for the veteran Hexic player.
* Multiplayer competition: Amp up the gaming excitement playing multiplayer on the same console or over Xbox LIVE (up to two players) in Battle Mode.
* Easy to learn: The gameplay is straightforward, approachable, and highly addictive.
* Stunning visuals: The game is rendered in full 3-D with stunning special effects such as reflections, glow, and spectacular highlights.
* For more details on “Hexic 2”, please visit Xbox.com.

Ecco the Dolphin
Sega
Rated E (for Everyone)
400 Microsoft Points

Ecco the Dolphin 5

Gamers can also travel through time this Wednesday with “Ecco the Dolphin” (SEGA), a fun, whimsical update of the classic undersea exploration game featuring an online leaderboard that tracks “Best Time,” and includes enhanced graphics and sound.

I liked Hexic the first, dunno if I"ll buy the second one though, and Ecco's a damn good console classic choice. Better than Sonic and Golden Axe at least.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by GSB

Space Giraffe and Street Trace Coming to XBLA This Week
posted Monday, August 20, 2007 9:00 AM by johnporcaro

[Edit: Space Giraffe is 400 points.]

This week, two great games hit Xbox LIVE Arcade. Space Giraffe and Street Trace: NYC will each be available for download this Wednesday, August 22, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. PDT).

Space Giraffe
Llamasoft
400 Microsoft Points
ESRB Rating E for Everyone
Worldwide

Space Giraffe features uniquely beautiful graphics and 100 levels of lovingly hand-crafted shoot-em-up action gameplay from the makers of Llamatron and Tempest 2000. Collect power-ups to activate Bonus Rounds and master the strategies necessary to maximize your score on every level!

SpaceGiraffe_screenshot19

* Extensive gameplay: Play through 100 levels of shooting and strategy.
* Level design: Enjoy the unique graphical appearance of each level due to the use of the Neon engine.
* Special features: Learn special moves to increase the Bonus Multiplier, and collect power-ups to gain access to the Bonus Round.
* Bonus challenges: Finish all 100 levels to unlock a hidden gameplay mode.

More information on the game can be found on Wikipedia (including how the title got its name), and for an interesting glimpse into the dev process, check out Jeff Minter's blog.

For more details on “Space Giraffe,” please visit http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/s/sp...livearcade.htm



Street Trace: NYC
Gaia Industries
800 Microsoft Points
ESRB Rating E for Everyone
Worldwide (except Korea)

Street Trace:NYC is fast-paced street racing and arena combat set against a grim futuristic corporate-controlled environment. Choose one of nine hoverboard-riding street soldiers to carve a plasma trail as you battle and grind through six areas, including abandoned highways and war-torn arenas. Play all of the seven different games in tournaments or exhibition matches, and upgrade your hoverboard and weapons as you play. Master the trials of the Single Player Campaign or compete with up to four players split-screen or up to eight online via Xbox LIVE®.

StreetTraceNYC_Screenshot5

* A different kind of racing: Race and battle your opponents on decked-out hoverboards in three different arenas and three different street circuits. Grind your hoverboard along metal rails to gain an advantage. Your board's emissions give passing players a strategic speed boost, allowing those falling behind to rubber-band off the race leaders.
* Numerous game modes: Take on the single player campaign with 18 time trials and five champion tournaments, or go multiplayer with four-player split-screen or up to eight players on Xbox LIVE. Choose from four different arena game types, Flag, Hunter, Chaos, and Takedown, and from three different street game types, Screamer, Chaos, and Street Trace.
* Multiplayer join-in-progress: The Street Trace:NYC lobby shows how many people are playing online, allows players to join tournaments in progress, and to follow games as they progress.
* Decked-out hoverboards: Upgrade your board's engine, boost, shields and jump capabilities, and use weapons such as lasers, mines, stampede, and rockets. Gotta love rockets.
* Game goals: Earn your spot on the Leaderboards, and gain twelve new Achievements to increase your Gamerscore.

Don't miss Godfree's report on the Street Trace Community Event, on Gamertag Radio.

For more details on “Street Trace: NYC,” please visit http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/s/st...boxlivearcade/

Screen shots for both are up on Flickr.

Also, don’t miss out on themes and gamer pics for “Street Trace: NYC”, as well as new downloadable content for “Soltrio Solitaire.” For more details please visit www.xbox.com/livearcade.

Street Trace looks forgettable. Space Giraffe is basically Tempest on an acid trip, and at the very least looks quite visually impressive. At 5 bucks it's hard to say no to as well. I'll *probably* snap that one up.

FELIPE NO

If I remember right, the original plan was to roll out Bomberman updates at the 30, 60, and 90 day marks after it's release. Has it already been a month? I guess that's about right.

I dunno if they're gonna stick to that, or if the plan's changed, or what. But the more the merrier when it comes to this one.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

It was originally scheduled for August. I am unsure of what it's status is now.

Jam it back in, in the dark.