XBOX 360 BULLY: SCHOLARSHIP EDITION PATCH NOW AVAILABLE

Those of you who have been having issues with the Xbox 360 version of Rockstar's Bully: Scholarship Edition rejoice – a patch that should fix the sound, video and lockup issues many have been experiencing is now available as an automatic update via Xbox Live.

To get the patch, simply connect your console to Xbox Live and pop the Bully disc into your drive – you'll be prompted to download the patch before you can begin playing. Enjoy!

• Bully: Scholarship Edition – Official website

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS: NO NEW RELEASE

Just a quick note here for all of you stalking the Xbox Live Arcade in search of a new game this morning – It appears that there will be no "new" XBLA release this week, so unless you plan on picking up one of the two games reaching "Arcade Hits" status this week (as we filled you in on yesterday, Assault Heroes and Doom will be dropped to 400 points ($5) each), there's nothing to get excited about.

Move along, nothing to see here.

• Two More Xbox Live Arcade Price Drops Incoming – nylatenite.com
• Xbox Live Arcade Titles Become "Hits"! – Gamerscore Blog
• Spring Fever is in the Air – Xbox LIVE Arcade Adds New Arcade Hits and Gives You a Sneak Peek at Upcoming Titles – Official press release
• Assault Heroes – Product page at Xbox.com
• Doom – Product page at Xbox.com

TWO MORE XBOX LIVE ARCADE PRICE DROPS INCOMING

Microsoft has announced that two more titles will be joining the ranks of it's price reduced Xbox Live Arcade Hits series this Wednesday. Both Assault Heroes and Doom will see their prices slashed from 800 points ($10) to 400 points ($5) – not a bad deal if you've been thinking of grabbing either of the two titles

"Whether you’re avoiding spring cleaning or revving up for spring break, be sure to check out the latest Arcade Hits coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade on Wednesday, including “Assault Heroes” and “DOOM.” The Arcade Hits program offers some of the best-selling Xbox LIVE Arcade games at permanently reduced prices. They can be found within the Xbox LIVE Arcade section of the new Game Store, making it easier than ever to build a library of great downloadable games.

• “Assault Heroes” (Sierra Online). Become the only surviving member of an elite special forces unit searching for a secret underground lab. Play the mission alone or fight side-by-side with a friend in the two-player cooperative mode. The winner of IGN’s Xbox LIVE Arcade game of the year for 2006, “Assault Heroes” will be available for 400 Microsoft Points.
  
• “DOOM” (id Software). Originally released in 1993, “DOOM” introduced millions to the white-knuckle excitement of the first-person shooter (FPS). Relive the classic demon-blasting action with up to four players over Xbox LIVE*, complete with 5.1 surround sound and smoother graphics. “Doom” will be available for 400 Microsoft Points." – Microsoft press release

While Doom may not have held up to the test of time that well, Assault Heroes is definitely worth the soon to be reduced price. – even when you consider the fact that Assault Heroes 2 is coming soon. It's a great twin-stick top down shooter that captures that classic arcade feel – check it out, I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed. 

• Xbox Live Arcade Titles Become "Hits"! – Gamerscore Blog
• Spring Fever is in the Air – Xbox LIVE Arcade Adds New Arcade Hits and Gives You a Sneak Peek at Upcoming Titles – Official press release
• Assault Heroes – Product page at Xbox.com
• Doom – Product page at Xbox.com

GUITAR HERO III DROPKICK MURPHY TRACK PACK NOW AVAILABLE

In honor of Saint Patrick's Day, a free song pack from Dropkick Murphy for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of Guitar Hero III is now available for download via the Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Store.

• Guitar Hero III – Official website 

LAZY DAY TRAILERS: ASSAULT HEROES 2

I’ve made no secret in the past that Assault Heroes was one of my favorite "original content" titles to hit the Xbox Live Arcade. The game managed to capture that old school top-down arcade shooter feeling almost perfectly, and very much reminded me of a game I once thought of creating as a teenager. It’s that same fondness that brought a smile to my face in the early hours of this morning when I discovered that a sequel to the game will be hitting the Live Arcade sometime this spring.

Assault Heroes 2 looks to take all the fun of the original and mix in new elements such as upgraded weapons with the ability to commandeer enemy vehicles. Don’t take my word for it though, check out the trailer below courtesy of GameTrailers.com.

For more information on Assault Heroes 2, check out IGN’s exclusive first look at the title as linked below. Assault Heroes 2 is slated for release on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Arcade in Spring 2008. No other platforms have been announced at present.

• Assault Heroes – Official website
• Assault Heroes 2 – Wikipedia
• Assault Heroes 2: First Look – IGN
• Assault Heroes 2 Trailer – GameTrailers.com

 

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – BLISS ISLAND & BRAIN CHALLENGE

Microsoft returns to the two-game formula for Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays with the release of Bliss Island and Brain Challenge. I'm not exactly feeling up to snuff at the moment, so I'll keep the game descriptions brief and let the demos for each game do the talking.

Looking at the somewhat brief description and photos provided for Bliss Island, I can only assume that it's some type of collection of mini-games, and in truth, the fact that Microsoft's marketing department couldn't come up with more to say about it strikes me as a bit of a bad omen. My advice to you is to definitely try the demo before paying 400 points ($5) on this one.

Title: Bliss Island
Developer: PomPom
Publisher:Codemasters Online
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 3/12/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 400 points ($5)
Rating: E (Everyone)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Bliss Island is a fun and engaging pick-up-and-play game, and once you pick it up, you can't put it down! Delve into the world of Bliss Island and help Hoshi win a day off as you take on over 25 unique challenges, spread across nine crazy levels. Mastered single player mode? Challenge your friends online and see who really is the Bliss Island champion.

• Pick up and play: Experience more than 25 unique challenges across nine crazy levels.
• Play with friends: Jump into online multiplayer and challenge your friends online." – Xbox.com

Next up, we've got Brain Challenge, and as you've probably guessed, it's a knockoff of the whole Brain Age concept. Don't act so surprised, you had to know that one of these would be coming along eventually. If you've got a Nintendo DS, I'd say spend the money on a used copy of the original Brain Age (Don't settle for imitations!) instead of the 800 points ($10) being asked for this one – this way you too can get in on the "Blue…BLUE… BROOOOOO!" jokes.

Title: Brain Challenge
Developer: Gameloft
Publisher: Gameloft
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 3/12/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-4 / 2-4 online
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E (Everyone)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Get your brain in shape with fun daily exercises—these challenging and entertaining puzzles act like a vitamin boost for your brain. Brain Challenge™ is more than just a game, it's your personal coach for mental fitness!

Twenty different games in five categories (Memory, Visual, Logic, Math, and Focus) will train all areas of your brain. Keep track of your progress every day, and easily evaluate your level of brain activity. Brain Challenge is the easy and enjoyable way to keep your brain alert.

• Multiplayer fun: Challenge friends with four-player offline and online multiplayer modes.
• Game variety: Thirty games are broken down into different categories—Memory, Visual, Logic, Math, and Focus.
• Training room: Play all the mini-games within each category freely.
• Creative mode: Relax by exploring your brain's creative abilities through five games.
• Stress mode: Test your abilities under stressful conditions.
• Personal coach: Choose your favorite coach to accompany you through all your brain development steps and develop a unique relationship with him or her.
• Brain charts: View your overall performance and progression with detailed stats and graphs" – Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade release, I never got a chance to try Rocketmen: Axis of Evil, so you're on your own! I'm going to go find a bed and collapse in it now. Enjoy!

XBOX 360 MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL 2K8 DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of 2K Sports Major League Baseball 2K8 for the Xbox 360 is now available for download via the Xbox Live Marketplace in The United States, Asia and Canada. Approximate file size is 968.95MB.

Please note: As of late November, it appears that Microsoft has re-instituted the one week wait before free content becomes available to Xbox Live Silver members. As such, if you're not an Xbox Live Gold member, this demo most likely won't be available for download until sometime next week.

• Major League Baseball 2K8 – Official website

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – ROCKETMEN: AXIS OF EVIL

We've got yet another original game coming to the Xbox Live Arcade as Rocketmen: Axis of Evil takes it's place in the Live Marketplace. As with a few of the other recent original titles, I really hadn't heard much about this one prior to it's announcement, but from what I can tell, it's an overhead view futuristic action RPG – I'm guessing it's something like Gauntlet with an RPG flair.

In Rocketmen, up to four players battle the forces of the Legion of Terra (this one is already losing points in my book just for the bad pun) using characters created from a mix of three races and three classes. Now, I don't know about you, but this one sounds like it could go either way. Personally, I get the feeling it's going to stink, but that's just from looking at the screenies and reading the product description – I have not actually tried this game as of yet.

What I'm saying here is that before you shell out the 800 points ($10) being asked for this one, do yourself a favor and download the demo first. Better safe than sorry I always say. That said, let's get on to the particulars.

Title: Rocketmen: Axis of Evil
Developer: A.C.R.O.N.Y.M. Games Inc.
Publisher:Capcom
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 3/05/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-4
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 (Everyone 10+) Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Join Nick Sion, Alec Mink and the Alliance of Free Planets in their white-knuckled, frenzied struggle to free the Solar System from the tyrannical grip of the Legion of Terra! Rocketmen®: Axis of Evil provides non-stop multiplayer action with role-playing game elements, including customizable characters and an engaging story, all wrapped in the game's distinctive cel-shaded art style. Play with up to four players in co-op mode and blast anything that moves.

• Customize your character: Create, customize, and level up your own individual Rocketmen characters with new items, abilities, and looks.
• Multiplayer action: Join with friends to save the galaxy in four-player cooperative play locally or online.
• Your choice: Choose from three races: Human, Mercurian, or Venusian, and from three classes: Warrior, Engineer, or Outcast.
• Explosive action: Simple, addictive, and highly explosive gameplay blasts onto your TV in high-definition with plenty of levels, hordes of enemies, and lots of fun.." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade release, if you're a fan of difficult shmups, then Triggerheart Exelica is for you – those who prefer a more casual shooter experience will probably not find the game nearly as entertaining. Like I always say, be sure to try the demo before you buy a title you may not be sure about – and I'd probably recommend it even when you think you will absolutely love a game.

XBOX 360 CALL OF DUTY 4 PATCH ARRIVES

The wait is over… at least for Xbox 360 Call of Duty 4 owners. Infinity Ward has finally released the long awaited patch for some of the problems plaguing the console version of CoD4. Players will be automatically prompted to receive the download if connected to Xbox Live the next time they play the game. (PC Owners please note; I believe all of these fixes have been available for the PC for quite some time now, so if you haven't patched CoD4 yet, you may want to look into it)

Number one on my wish list was a fix for the accuracy problems that have so far made using a sniper's rifle or ACOG scope more of a detriment than a benefit. According to the patch message, those problems should now be gone. I haven't tested the ACOG scopes yet, but from my experiences, the standard sniper rifles have definitely seen an increase in accuracy, making them once again an enjoyable option.

If that had been the only fix, I would have been a happy man – but Infinity Ward decided that happy wasn't good enough. According to Infinity Ward Community Director Robert "FourZeroTwo" Bowling, the company fixed quite a few issues in yesterday's patch. Let's take a look;

"New Kill Cams – Everything that can kill you has a Kill Cam now. Grenades, Airstrikes, Claymores, C4, M203 Rounds, RPGs, anything. So jump online, get owned alittle and check them out. They’re awesome, especially Grenades and M203 shots that go across the map and through a window.

Host Migration – Host migration was added, so now when the host leaves you won’t get dropped back to your own lobby by yourself. Everyone will stay together. Host Leaves, everyone returns to lobby, selects next best host, and the game starts up again. No more re-inviting, re-partying up because a host ended the game.

Improved Sniper Accuracy – The Sniper rifle accuracy has been improved. No more, WTF? shots now. Your cross hair will be a better representation of where your shot will ultimately land. Try out a sniper class today, let us know how the new accuracy feels.

Improved ACOG Scope Accuracy – ACOG scopes accuracy on any weapon has been improved. Test it out, throw it on one of your classes and give it a go.

Upgraded Spectator Cam – Now when you’re a spectator you have the option to follow in 3rd person or 1st person. As well as rotate 360 degrees around the player you’re watching. Next time you’re dead in Search and Destroy and just watching your team mates do stuff you know you can do better, now do it in 1st person or rotate around them.

Quick Mute Option – Now you can easily and quickly mute players in-game or in-lobby without ever going through the Xbox Live blades. Just go to their gamertag on screen and hit ‘A’ to quick mute in lobby, or via the in-game scoreboard if playing. Quick. Easy. Salvation!

In addition to these feature additions there will also be:

Improved Network Performance For Larger Games – 18 player games now require more bandwidth to host, resulting in smoother performance for players.

Optimized Server Selection for First Match – Server selection is now optimized to select best bandwidth servers associated by LSP.

Fixed “Playlist Older Than Host” Error – Player will no longer get this error when entering games.

Additional Start Spawn Locations in All Maps – Added a minimum of 9 extra start spawns on each side of all maps." – Robert "FourZeroTwo" Bowling

Overall, this is a great patch for the game, taking into account many of player's complaints and suggestions. Sadly, while the patch notes list some network performance fixes, I still found the same old lag in several of the games I played. Looks like there's still some improvement needed on that end.

Finally, lest PlayStation 3 owners feel slighted, FourZeroTwo confirmed that there is a PlayStation 3 version of this patch going through certification at Sony, and will be available as soon as that testing is done.

• Call of Duty 4 – Official website
• Call of Duty 4 Xbox 360 Patch is OUT – Here's What's Changed – IAMfourzerotwo 

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – TRIGGERHEART EXELICA

Okay, this week, the Xbox Live Arcade brings us a top down shooter in the form of Warashi Inc's Triggerheart Exelica. As with most shmups, the backstory here is a little weak. You control a humanoid weapon system (that for some reason was designed to look like a hot woman) that must defend the Earth from the invading forces of an alien race bent on conquest.

Where this one differs from the standard top-down fare (at least according to it's description) is in the player's ability to use captured enemies in varying ways during the battle. It's an interesting idea, if not completely original, that should add some variation to the gameplay. In addition, the game also features a boss-fight difficulty system that will adapt to each player's skills, making the encounters either more or less difficult based on how well the player is doing.

The game carries an 800 point ($10) price tag, and a demo is available. As always, be sure to give it a try before you buy to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Title: Triggerheart Exelica
Developer: Warashi Inc.
Publisher: Warashi Inc.
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 2/27/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 (Everyone 10+) Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Mankind's newest and best weapon is the Triggerheart, a humanoid weapons system with a human-like personality. When the Ver'mith attack, only the Triggerhearts Exelica and Crueltear have the power to destroy the enemy. In the classic vertically-scrolling Japanese arcade shooter Triggerheart Exelica, each weapon has a different combat style, but both can perform unique anchor shots. Anchor an enemy ship, capture it to use as a shield, or throw it back into the fray to cause massive damage. With five levels, three difficulty settings, and all the usual Xbox LIVE® leaderboards and achievements, Triggerheart Exelica is a fast-paced, full-featured arcade shooter masterpiece!

• Unique anchor shot element: The Triggerhearts can anchor enemies, capture them to use as a shield, or toss them back into the field of battle to cause havoc.
• V.B.A.S. (Variable Boss Attack System): The game dynamically reacts to your skill level. If you have a low score, the bosses will be slightly easier to defeat. Carry a higher score, and the bosses become more challenging.
• High-def graphics: Fully compatible with HDTVs, the graphics bring the top-down shooter genre to a new level of intensity.
• New music: New background music willl have you grooving to the rhythm as you destroy the Ver'mith." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade release, I thought that N+ was fun, but ultimately felt a bit too much like a web-based game to justify it's price point. At 400 points ($5), I would have certainly snatched this one up. Your mileage may certainly vary (especially since I am generally not a fan of platformers), and if you really are into the genre, you'll probably find this one a worthwhile addition given both it's length and how well the control scheme works here.

RUMOR CONFIRMED: XBOX 360 HD-DVD DRIVE NOW $49.99

While no one at Microsoft is shouting this one from the rafters, if you take a look at the product page for the Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player over at Xbox.com, you'll notice that the official MSRP is now $49.99.

I'm guessing the lack of any kind of fanfare over this second price drop centers around the fact that Microsoft has officially discontinued the drive and would probably like nothing better than to never hear the words HD-DVD again. Regardless of the reason, if you've been considering grabbing one for either the cheap movies or collectible reasons, now may be the best time to grab one.

(Once again, just in case you aren't aware, Toshiba has officially abandoned the format, and Microsoft has announced they are discontinuing the drive. You have been warned.)

• Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player –  Xbox.com 

XBOX 360 HD-DVD DRIVE NOW $49.99 NEW AT AMAZON

Well, I was planning on hitting the sack, but then I made one last stop in at Amazon.com to check on the Xbox 360 HD-DVD player and, as was the rumor this weekend, the drive is being sold (at least at Amazon right now) for $49.99 brand new. While I haven't seen the price drop at other retailers as of yet, I can't imagine Amazon will be the only one.

(Just in case you aren't aware, Toshiba has officially abandoned the format, and Microsoft has announced they are discontinuing the drive. You have been warned.) 

• Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player – Xbox.com
• Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player $49.99 – Amazon.com
• HD-DVD Statement Issued – Gamescore Blog

UPDATE: 10:42AM – 2/25/08: It looks like the drive is now sold-out at Amazon.

LAZY DAY TRAILERS: GEARS OF WAR 2 GDC 2008 DEBUT TRAILER

You read that right, true believers, it’s official – Gears of War 2 is in production and slated for a November 2008 release exclusively on the Xbox 360. If you recall, this site was pretty much engulfed in Emergence Day fever back in 2006, and I fully expect to once again catch the bug for this next installment. I’d ramble on more and more about this right now, as well as all the other juicy announcements coming out of the 2008 Game Developer’s Conference, but I’m still not really feeling 100% and just want to crawl into bed.

Since this is a Lazy Day Trailers post, it wouldn’t be complete without a video courtesy of the fine people at GameTrailers.com – check it out below!

While we’re talking about Gears of War 2, a free Xbox 360 dashboard theme and gamerpicture set (as well as the above video) are currently available in the Xbox Live Marketplace.

Gears of War 2 will be coming exclusively to the Xbox 360 (though you can just about be sure a PC port will eventually follow) in November of 2008. Expect many updates in the months to come.

• Gears of War 2 – Official website
• Gears of War 2 GDC 2008: Debut Trailer – GameTrailers

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – N+

I'll be perfectly honest – aside from the fact that it's priced at 800 points ($10) and based on a web-based, free-to-play title, I know absolutely nothing about this week's Xbox Live Arcade release N+. I'll also say that I'm really not feeling well enough at the moment to find out more – so for that reason the only recommendation I can make to you is that you download the demo and give it a try for yourself before you decide if it's worth the asking price.

Title: N+
Developer: Slick Entertainment Inc
Publisher: Metanet Software Inc
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 2/20/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-4
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 (Everyone 10+)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"In a futuristic world of inadvertently homicidal robots, a daring ninja must use deft acrobatic skill and guts of steel to survive. N+ is a peerless action-puzzle platformer with more than 300 levels in which to hone your ninja reflexes, plus a built-in level editor for when you're hungry for more. N+ also features unique, physics-based controls, stylish graphics, unlimited lives, competitive and cooperative multiplayer, plenty of gold, and several flavors of sweet, sweet action. Running, jumping, and dying in an unpleasant-yet-comical manner has never been more fun!

• Addictive gameplay: N+ features run-and-jump gameplay with hilarious ragdoll physics. It's easy to get into, but challenging enough for the hardcore gamer.
• Many, many levels: Featuring well over 300 all-new levels, the game also includes a built-in level editor for players to create their own levels. Additional level packs, including the classic N levels from the PC version, and multiplayer level packs, will be available in the future.
• Multiplayer modes: Multiple cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes are included. Try survival, race, or co-op play.
• Replays: Each level can be replayed to see how fast you completed the level.
• Additional content: Check out additional ninja costumes for both single-player and multiplayer games, and skin your dashboard the N+ way." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade releases, While not as bad as Tron or some of the XBLA Atari classics, Discs of Tron still feels like it's just missing something. I'd only recommend it to those who desperately want to experience even a small bit of the game again.

If you think that isn't saying much, get a load of this – I never got the chance to try Commanders: Attack of the Genos, so I'll continue to recommend you just try the demo for yourself (wow, that sounds familiar). Enjoy!

MAGIC: THE GATHERING COMING TO XBOX LIVE ARCADE

I got an e-mail from the fine folks over at Wizards of the Coast yesterday afternoon advising me that they've just announced that Magic: The Gathering, their venerable collectible card game, will be coming to the Xbox Live Arcade at some point in the future.

"RENTON, Wash.—February 18, 2008 — Wizards of the Coast (WotC), the leader in strategy hobby collectible trading card, board and role playing games, and a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS), today announced its plans to extend the Magic: The Gathering® franchise to gamers on Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Xbox LIVE® Arcade and the PC through partnerships with Stainless Games, Ltd. and Mind Control Software, Inc. Stainless Games will develop a game using the Magic: The Gathering IP for both Xbox LIVE Arcade and the PC, while Mind Control will develop a game for the PC and Mac.  

“We’re excited to bring the Magic brand to new platforms and give our fans new ways to experience this great property,” said Jared Gustafson, Brand Director for Magic: The Gathering at Wizards of the Coast. “It’s partnerships like these that will advance the strategy games category and transform it to meet the needs and desires of today’s digital gamers.”

Magic: The Gathering, introduced in 1993, is the premier and original trading card game that inspired an entirely new game genre. Combining the dynamics of a card game with the excitement of trading and collecting, Magic™ offers fun for casual play, as well as the option of highly competitive tournaments.  Magic: The Gathering currently has a thriving online edition (Magic Online®) made up of more than 350,000 active accounts. The game allows gamers to collect and trade virtual cards, build the perfect deck, get help from mentors, find opponents at all skill levels, and compete for prizes every day without ever leaving the comforts of home.

Specific details on the games Stainless Games and Mind Control will develop using the Magic: The Gathering IP will be announced at a later date." – Official press release

I'm torn over this one. On one hand, I freely admit to single-handedly keeping Wizards of the Coast afloat during the 90's with the number of MTG cards I bought, yet at the same time, I hesitate to play any of the newer online offerings they've made because it would require me to invest in online cards. I just can't justify spending that much cash to play the game the way I'm accustomed to again, you know?

While no announcements have been made as to how exactly the franchise will be making it's XBLA appearance, the smart money is on a console version of the card game with additional cards being available via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Personally, I'd love to see the game appear on XBLA, but instead take the "Duel of the Planeswalkers" route and include a full set of cards. I'd even pay a full release retail price for that one.

Check out the full text of yesterday's press release below. We'll be sure to report more on this one as details become available. 

• Wizards of the Coast – Company website
• Magic: The Gathering – Official website
• Wizards of the Coast Extends It's Magic: The Gathering IP to Multiple Platforms – Official press release

GUITAR HERO III FREE TRACK – “DREAM ON” – FEB 16TH – 18TH ONLY

Just a quick note here – to celebrate the announcement of Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, Activision Blizzard is offering a free download of the band's "Dream On" for use with Guitar Hero III to all PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 owners from February 16th through the 18th via the PlayStation Store and Xbox Live Marketplace.

"Santa Monica, CA – February 15, 2008 – Fire up the fret board, crank the amp to 11 and get ready to rock this way with Activision, Inc.'s (Nasdaq: ATVI) Guitar Hero®: Aerosmith®, the first game built around the legendary music of America's Greatest Rock 'N Roll Band: Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer.  Slated for release this June, this latest installment from the franchise with the #1 best-selling video game in 2007, puts players in the shoes of Perry (guitar), Whitford (guitar) and Hamilton (bass), as they rock out alongside frontman Tyler and drummer Kramer.  Gamers will experience Aerosmith's GRAMMY® winning career, from their first gig to becoming rock royalty, in a way that no other entertainment vehicle offers. 

To celebrate this historic, ground-breaking collaboration, Guitar Hero® III: Legends of Rock fans will have the opportunity to download and jam to Aerosmith's "Dream On." The song will be available for free from February 16-18 on Xbox LIVE^® Marketplace for Xbox 360^® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®Store for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.  For more information, please visit www.guitarhero.com." –  Official press release

 No word on if there will be any future option on the song for Wii owners. That's all I've got for you, so get moving and get it downloaded.

• Guitar Hero – Community website
• Guitar Hero: Aerosmith – GuitarHero.com

XBOX 360 THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Sierra’s The Spiderwick Chronicles for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in Canada and The United States via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 630MB.

Please note: As of late November, it appears that Microsoft has re-instituted the one week wait before free content becomes available to Xbox Live Silver members. As such, if you're not an Xbox Live Gold member, this demo most likely won't be available for download until sometime next week.

•  The Spiderwick Chronicles – Official website

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – DISCS OF TRON & COMMANDERS: ATTACK OF THE GENOS

We've got another Xbox Live Arcade double feature this week, as we get one classic title in the form of 1983's arcade classic Discs of Tron and Commanders: Attack of the Genos – a turn based strategy title making it's debut on the Live Arcade.

I remember the first time I saw a Discs of Tron machine – I was at a small fair in the Pocono mountains, bored as most kids tend to be at those things, when I came across an arcade in the pavilion. Along with the usual machines, there was a large, glowing environmental cabinet… Discs of Tron. Stepping inside, I was hooked – for the time, the game was just an overwhelming experience and a blast to play. I remember racing back and forth to my parents quite a few times for some more quarters. Good times.

Unfortunately, given the treatment Backbone Entertainment gave the original Tron arcade game, I'm not holding out much hope for this one. It's not badly priced at 400 points ($5), but I'd still strongly suggest you download the demo first to see how well the arcade controls have been transferred over to the 360's control pad.

Title: Discs of Tron
Developer: Backbone Entertainment
Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 2/13/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 400 points ($5)
Rating: E (Everyone) Mild Fantasy Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"The arcade classic is back! The electronic battleground of Discs of Tron© transports you into an exciting world of sight, sound, and energy. Take control of Tron as he enters the arena to fight against the evil Sark. Armed with only his disc weapon and limited deflector shield, Tron must withstand Sark's multiple attacks to survive all 12 levels to become the most powerful video warrior in the world.

Discs of Tron is even better this time around with enhanced graphics, CD-quality sound, and two-person multiplayer—face off and find out who truly is the greatest disc warrior!

• Perfect recreation: Discs of Tron for Xbox LIVE Arcade is a perfect recreation of the classic arcade game based on the pioneering computer animated Disney Film.
• Next-gen presentation: Authentic graphics, game play, and audio have been upgraded to take advantage of the Xbox 360 high-def graphics and sound (CD bit rate quality).
• Multiplayer fun: The original arcade game was single player only. The Arcade version is the first version of the game with two-person multi-player functionality—co-op and versus.
• Electronic battleground: Get transported to an exciting world of sight, sound, and energy!
• Disc combat: Play as Tron and fling discs at Sark in an attempt to knock him off his platform.  Sark has his own discs as well as two unique weapons—a chaser and super chaser making defeating him even more difficult.    
• Twelve levels: Beating Sark advances you to levels of even more chaotic platforming mayhem." – Xbox.com

Next up, we've got Commanders: Attack of the Genos… a title I've heard virtually nothing about before it's announcement as one of this week's titles. My understanding is that this is a turn based strategy game with a humorous twist, but don't quote me on that. My advice to you is to download the demo and see what it's all about for yourself before dropping the required 800 points ($10) on the game.

Title: Commanders: Attack of the Genos
Developer: SouthEnd Interactive
Publisher: Sierra Online
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 2/13/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-4
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 (Everyone 10+) Mild Fantasy Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Commanders: Attack of the Genos is an accessible turn-based tactical battle game providing challenge for all levels of players. The genetically enhanced army of the Genos have decided to attack Earth. With your powerful Commander unit, use Missile Launchers, Bombers, Infantry, and other attack units to cripple the enemy and defend your territory—online or off!

• Specialized attack units: Fifteen different units are provided to serve alongside your Commander unit. Use the units' unique powers to conquer the Genos.
• Single-player campaign: Fight fifteen different missions sprawling across three different landscapes, with two levels of difficulty for ease of play.
• Multiplayer modes: Three intense multiplayer modes are included, allowing up to four players in Versus mode. Try the Team Play mode, or take on Skirmish with a friend on the same system.
• Replayability: The game has two distinct endings to encourage replayability.
• Retro-futuristic environment: The science-fiction setting features a gorgeous 30s Art Deco style. It's a blast from the past into the future." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade releases, I'm going to stand by my original statements on the game – Poker Smash is a pretty good "match 3" puzzler with a poker twist. If you haven't already soured on the genre, be sure to pick up the demo and give it a shot.

XBOX 360 FRONTLINES: FUEL OF WAR MULTIPLAYER DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A multiplayer demo of THQ’s Frontlines: Fuel of War for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions except India via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 1.11GB.

Please note: As of late November, it appears that Microsoft has re-instituted the one week wait before free content becomes available to Xbox Live Silver members. As such, if you're not an Xbox Live Gold member, this demo most likely won't be available for download until sometime next week.

• Frontlines: Fuel of War – Official website

LAZY DAY TRAILERS: GRAND THEFT AUTO IV – THE STEINWAY BEER GARDEN

Hey gang, it’s time for yet another edition of Lazy Day Trailers – today well be looking at Grand Theft Auto IV once again as we’ve got a new "commercial" for the Steinway Beer Garden of Liberty City courtesy of the folks over at GameTrailers.com.

If you’re a fan of the mock radio ads in the previous games, you’ll feel right at home with this one. Before you click though, please be advised that due to language, this is probably best considered Not Safe For Work (NSFW). You have been warned.

Grand Theft Auto IV will be coming to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on April 29th, 2008.

• Grand Theft Auto IV – Official website
• Grand Theft Auto IV – The Steinway Beer Garden – GameTrailers

XBOX 360 HD-DVD DRIVE PRICE DROP ANNOUNCED

According to Microsoft's in-house blog, Gamescore Blog, effective immediately the Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive add-on will see a $50 price reduction, bringing it's cost down to $129.99. 

"We’re happy to announce that we’re lowering the price of the popular Xbox 360 HD DVD player from $179 to $129 (estimated retail price) in the U.S. and Canada, effective immediately." – Gamerscore Blog

That's the whole text of the message – which makes me think that Microsoft isn't quite as happy to be making this announcement as they claim to be. I don't know about you, but this one has the smell of desperation written all over it. With the recent upswing in Blu-Ray's install base and the rumored departures of even more studios from the HD-DVD side, I do have to wonder if Microsoft will continue to produce the drives or if this is just their way of clearing inventory. 

One thing is for certain, collectors should begin keeping an eye on the drive, because if history teaches us anything, it's that once the price bottoms out and the spare inventory is gone, the aftermarket cost will explode. It may not happen this month, next month or the even in the next six months depending on how the high-definition video format wars go, but I get the feeling at some point, the drive is going to wind up in the clearance bin.

•  Xbox 360 HD DVD Drops Price to $129.99 in US and Canada – Gamerscore Blog

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – POKER SMASH

This week, Xbox Live Arcade brings us another original title in the form of Void Star Creations' Poker Smash. What we've got here is your standard "match the objects" puzzle game mixed with everyone's favorite card game poker.

I was originally hoping the game would play more like the old Poker Solitaire game found on the Atari 2600 cartridge Casino, but while that little dream may have been crushed, Poker Smash does present an interesting twist to the standard puzzler and offers some fun gameplay all of it's own. Gameplay is simple enough, poker cards appear in columns that are moving towards the top of the screen. Your job is to move cards around sideways from column to column in an attempt to form poker hands. As you create hands, the cards are removed from the column and the game continues until one of the columns reaches the top of the screen. Players are also given the ability to destroy specific cards they target as well as change the speed of the columns movement. Put it all together and you've got a pretty decent puzzler.

Title: Poker Smash
Developer: Void Star Creations LLC
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 2/06/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2 / 2-5 Online
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E (Everyone) Mild Language
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Poker Smash™ is an action-packed puzzle game with a poker twist. Poker Smash expands on the traditional match-three puzzle mechanic with elements of one of the world's most popular card games: poker. Make vertical and horizontal matches by forming poker hands, and play in seven different game modes, including multiplayer. Fast and fluid controls paired with radical features such as super-slow motion and card-blasting bombs make this game a whole new puzzle experience!

• Innovative gameplay: Match-three gameplay with a twist. Create poker hands and form chains to rack up the big score.
• Seven game modes: Intense game modes include action, timed, puzzle levels (55 of them), practice, custom playlist, split screen head-to-head, and multiplayer tournaments.
• Multiplayer experience: Two-player offline and multiplayer over Xbox LIVE® is featured.
• New leaderboards: In addition to the traditional leaderboards, Poker Smash features never-before-seen rivalry tracking and even movie recording with shared playback. 
• Immersive environment: The next-gen 3-D graphics feature eleven different highly detailed environments and background themes, coupled with thirteen new original soundtracks for play." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade releases, I'm going to keep this short as I've been experiencing technical difficulties all day long here and just want to get this up on the site…

As I mentioned in last week's post, I'm not the person to judge Chessmaster Live, so I have nothing to say about how well it plays a game of chess. You're still on your own on that one. Rez HD on the other hand, maintains all the trippiness of it's predecessors while still being a quality rail shooter. Try the demo and I'm sure you'll agree.

XBOX 360 CONFLICT: DENIED OPS DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Eidos Interactive's Conflict: Denied Ops for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions except Germany and Japan via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 736MB.

Please note: As of late November 2007, it appears that Microsoft has re-instituted the one week wait before free content becomes available to Xbox Live Silver members. As such, if you're not an Xbox Live Gold member, this demo most likely won't be available for download until sometime next week.

• Conflict: Denied Ops – Official website

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – REZ HD & CHESSMASTER LIVE

This week, the Xbox Live Arcade brings us two new releases in the form of the Tetsuya Mizuguchi's highly anticipated shooter Rez HD and Chessmaster LIVE.

Many of you probably only know the original Rez from the famous internet story about the game and it's curious peripheral, the Trance Vibrator, posted at GameGirl Advance, but even without the more salacious aspect of the games history, Rez does have a cult following among former Dreamcast and PlayStation 2 owners.

At it's heart, Rez HD – like the original Rez, is a rail shooter that tries to draw the player in by presenting them with a world of color and sound that responds to their every action while simultaneously overloading the senses… and for those of you wondering, while the game does not support the original Trance Vibrator, it will support up to three Xbox 360 controllers for one player – allowing two to be used in that capacity.

Rez HD will be available for download via the Xbox Live Marketplace at a cost of 800 points ($10).

Title: Rez HD
Developer: Q Entertainment
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 1/30/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E – (Everyone) Mild Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Set in a cyberworld, the legendary fast-paced action-shooter Rez HD, created by Tetsuya Mizuguchi, will provide the ultimate audiovisual experience as the player targets the enemies and hacks the system while creating their own beats. Rez will open your senses … let's go to synaesthesia was the watchword when Rez released in 2001 to become a fan favorite. The dynamic, total integration of visual presentation, sound and player input provides the ultimate audiovisual experience.

• Legendary gaming experience: Old-school vector style graphics, sensory response, and beat synchronization sets the title apart and is perfectly recreated in this port for Xbox LIVE® Arcade in high-definition and 5.1 surround sound.
• The world of Rez: Rez consists of five different levels, each with its own unique visual theme and style, musical track and a boss battle at the end. The game also features several different modes and lots of unlockable elements, giving it plenty of replay value.
• Game modes: Play through the five areas in regular or Score Attack mode. Go to the Beyond mode and try Direct Assault, Lost Mode, the free play Trance Mission, or take on all the bosses consecutively in Boss Rush.
• Feel the rhythm: To further enhance the Rez experience, artists including Coldcut, Adam Freeland, Joujouka, Ken Ishii and Keiichi Sugiyama (SEGA's Wave Master) contributed tracks to the game." – Xbox.com

Next up, we have Chessmaster LIVE from Ubisoft – which is, quite naturally, a chess game. While graphics may play a huge role in many titles, I think anyone familiar with chess knows that a chess game can really only be as good as it's artificial intelligence. It's because of this that I really can't say much else about Chessmaster LIVE as I've yet to play the game, not am I a good enough chess player to accurately judge how well the game plays. My advice to you is to try the demo and read any reviews that are released regarding the game before investing your 800 points ($10) in the title.

Title: Chessmaster LIVE
Developer: Ubisoft Sofia
Publisher: Ubisoft Entertainment
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 1/30/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E – (Everyone)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Enjoy playing as a real strategist with the Xbox LIVE® version of the most-acclaimed chess franchise. Chessmaster LIVE allows you to challenge friends and players all over the world in thrilling contests and determine who's the real champ. Choose among several 3-D (or 2-D) sets and play against virtual characters or real opponents over Xbox LIVE. Solve puzzles and discover exciting variations of this classic board game. Beginners can learn the basics of chess, and veteran players can improve their mastery of the game with the advanced scenario. The game is yours … it's your move!

• The challenge of chess: Compete against advanced A.I. characters or challenge other Xbox LIVE members to a match.
• New message chess system: Start a game without any time limit, and play the game at your leisure over the course of days or even weeks.
• Chess puzzles and chess variations: Puzzle over a series of classic challenges such as "find the fork" or "mate in one," and experience new ways of playing chess including Dark Chess, Losing Chess, Extinction Chess, and Progressive Chess.
• Customizable environments: Choose from six 3-D chess sets and three traditional sets, each with their own distinct sound effects, piece and board design.
• Interact with opponents: Video options allow you to see your challenger during the course of the game." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade title, Boogie Bunnies just really didn't do anything for me. Sure, there were plenty of cute bunnies line dancing, but the game itself felt much like so many other puzzlers that I just didn't feel it justified the 800 point ($10) price tag attached to it.

XBOX 360 TUROK DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Touchstone Studios’ Turok for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in North America via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 1.17GB.

Please note: As of late November 2007, it appears that Microsoft has re-instituted the one week wait before free content becomes available to Xbox Live Silver members. As such, if you're not an Xbox Live Gold member, this demo most likely won't be available for download until sometime next week.

• Turok – Official website

XBOX 360 DEVIL MAY CRY 4 DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Capcom's Devil May Cry 4 for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 613MB.

Please note: As of late November 2007, it appears that Microsoft has re-instituted the one week wait before free content becomes available to Xbox Live Silver members. As such, if you're not an Xbox Live Gold member, this demo most likely won't be available for download until sometime next week.

• Devil May Cry 4 – Official website

XBOX 360 TURNING POINT: FALL OF LIBERTY DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Codemasters' Turning Point: Fall of Liberty for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 1.24GB.

Please note: As of late November 2007, it appears that Microsoft has re-instituted the one week wait before free content becomes available to Xbox Live Silver members. As such, if you're not an Xbox Live Gold member, this demo most likely won't be available for download until sometime next week.

• Turning Point: Fall of Liberty – Official website

XBOX LIVE ARCADE FREEBIES – UNDERTOW

Just a quick reminder to all – starting this morning at 5am EST and running through 2:59am EST, Monday, January 28th, Chair Entertainment's Undertow will be made available for free to all Xbox Live members worldwide.

"Marc announced that all Xbox LIVE members (Gold and Silver) around the world would have access to a full Xbox LIVE Arcade game to download free of charge. We’re pleased to announce that beginning next Wednesday, 2:00 a.m. PST through Sunday, 11:59 p.m. PST, Xbox LIVE members worldwide can download the full version of the recent award-winning Xbox LIVE Arcade game, Undertow." – Gamerscore Blog

Microsoft has also been very clear that they are not leaving out those of you who have already purchased this title. If you've already bought Undertow, simply contact Xbox support at 1-800-4MY-XBOX during the promotional period and they will see to it that you get credited the 800 Microsoft points you spent on the game.

Regardless of what you may think of Undertow, free is still free, so I'd definitely suggest downloading this one regardless of whether or not you feel Microsoft could have chosen a better title to offer Live members to make up for all the problems of late. 

• Undertow – Product page at Xbox.com
• Undertow Free of Charge Next Week on Xbox LIVE Arcade – Gamerscore Blog 

XBOX 360 THE CLUB DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Sega & Bizarre Creations' The Club for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in North America via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 1.36GB.

Please note: As of late November 2007, it appears that Microsoft has re-instituted the one week wait before free content becomes available to Xbox Live Silver members. As such, if you're not an Xbox Live Gold member, this demo most likely won't be available for download until sometime next week.

• The Club – Official website

Q ENTERTAINMENT GIVING AWAY CODES FOR XBLA REZ HD

Yup, you heard me right – while the game is going to set most Xbox 360 owners back 800 points ($10) when it hits the Xbox Live Arcade, a select few are going to get their grubby mitts on Rez HD for the low low price of free. I'll let that sink in for a moment… freeeee.

Okay, now that you've been properly prepared, here's the deal – I came across this little tidbit over at Kotaku earlier tonight, and figured this is something most of you with a 360 would probably want to know about. All you have to do is register at Q Entertainment's official website for Rez HD by 11:59pm PST on January 27th AND make sure to click the box that says you want to be participate in the drawing for the free download codes during the registration process. That's it. Pretty easy, huh?

According to the site, within 72 hours of the above deadline, 50 winners will be notified by e-mail that they've won and will receive their codes. Good luck all!

• Rez HD – Official website
• Want Rez HD Free? – Kotaku

XBOX 360 FIFA STREET 3 DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Electronic Arts’ FIFA Street 3 for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 293MB.

Please note: As of late November 2007, it appears that Microsoft has re-instituted the one week wait before free content becomes available to Xbox Live Silver members. As such, if you're not an Xbox Live Gold member, this demo most likely won't be available for download until sometime next week.

• FIFA Street 3 – Official website

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – BOOGIE BUNNIES

Xbox Live Arcade brings us an original title this week in the form of Sierra's Boogie Bunnies. I'll say that again slowly to let it sink in… Boogie…Bunnies.

Initial shock aside, what we've got here is some type of puzzler with mass bunny dances thrown in for good measure. I'm not quite sure if someone (*cough* Sierra *cough*) is trying to cash in on the popularity of the Rabbids or what, but they certainly seem to be banking on the cute factor helping to sell this one.

I'm not going to pass judgment on Boogie Bunnies though, as I really don't know what to expect from it besides puzzle-style matching, dancing rabbits and an 800 point ($10) price tag. It's because of this, I'd highly recommend trying the demo of the game before purchasing it.

Title: Boogie Bunnies
Developer: Artech Studios
Publisher: Sierra Online
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 1/16/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E (Everyone)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Help the Boogie Bunnies achieve their dream of superstardom as they shimmy shake their way through exotic, colorful destinations all the way to Hollywood. Only you can ensure they make it. In this revolutionary match-3 puzzle game, Boogie Bunnies lets you match up these wacky disco fur balls from three different sides—left, right, and from the bottom. Score chain combinations and watch them get their groove on. Let's get the party started!

• Multiple game modes: Play this great match-3 game with a twist at your own pace in three different game modes, Classic, Arcade, and Endless.
• Exciting destinations: Travel with the bunnies to the Arctic, Amazon, and Hollywood as they adopt the local culture.
• Stylish 3-D bunnies characters: Discover new bunnies along the way from designer sunglasses-wearing bunnies to completely outfitted diva bunnies.
• Fancy dance animations: Set up extensive chain combinations to trigger the bunnies' creative dance moves to catchy tunes.  
• Family fun play: Join the party online or offline in two-player cooperative or competitive mode for the whole family to enjoy." – Xbox.com

So what about last week's Live Arcade titles? Well, let me start off by saying that Tron is just a travesty. How they could have picked control schemes that bad for the game is just beyond me. The main culprit in this crime against a classic is the use of the right analog stick as the spinner – it just feels unnatural and makes playing the game a bit of a chore. Since that aspect wouldn't affect the light cycle mini-game, they also chose to add in the usual control issues to make that more difficult than need be.

Thankfully, all was not lost as Omega Five, despite a few notable issues, is quite a fun shooter. It's a game that really captivates with it's look and follows up with some solid gameplay. If I had to take issue with it, my only two complaints are the size of your avatar (too large for the playfield – and quite confusingly, your legs don't seem to count as collision points) and the inability to switch between weapon types. Beyond those gripes, what you've got here is a fun shooter that, in my opinion, is worth the 800 point ($10) price. Don't' take my word for it though, download the demo for yourself and give it a try!

XBOX 360 NFL TOUR DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Electronic Arts’ NFL Tour for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in Canada and The United States via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 710MB.

Please note: As of late November 2007, it appears that Microsoft has re-instituted the one week wait before free content becomes available to Xbox Live Silver members. As such, if you're not an Xbox Live Gold member, this demo most likely won't be available for download until sometime next week.

• NFL Tour – Official website

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – TRON & OMEGA FIVE

Xbox Live Arcade returns to it's familiar two-a-week format this time around with the release of both an arcade classic and original title make their way to the Xbox Live Marketplace. That's right, we've got the best of both worlds in the form of 1982's Tron as well as Hudson's new shmup Omega Five.

As indicated above, Tron made it's debut in arcades back in 1982, following the release of the Disney film of the same name, and quickly won over gamers with both it's mix of mini-games and replication of the film's iconic light cycle scene. While I do (once again) question how well the game will control with the 360 control pad, this is still a title that I can see myself picking up even if only for reasons of nostalgia.

Title: Tron
Developer: Backbone Entertainment
Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 1/09/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 400 points ($5)
Rating: E – (Everyone) Mild Fantasy Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"The arcade classic is back! And Tron is even better this time around with enhanced graphics, CD-quality sound and two-person multiplayer.

Battle as mighty video warrior Tron against the insidious Master Control Program and his ruthless right-hand man, Sark. Tron offers a retro-futuristic test of gaming ability. Race life cycles, demolish tanks, dodge grid bugs, and even face off against the MCP himself to find out who truly rules the computer world!

• Enhanced original: Tron is a perfect recreation of the classic arcade game based on the pioneering computer animated Disney film. Authentic graphics, gameplay and audio have all been upgraded to take advantage of the high-definition graphics and CD bit rate quality of Xbox 360™.
• Light cycles rule: Now you can be a part of the most famous scene from the movie. Ride your blue cycle and battle the enemy yellow cycles in a gridline battle royale.
• Great gameplay elements: Exterminate the Grid Bugs and escape into the I/O Tower before time runs out. Demolish all enemy tanks and Recognizers to clear the board. Smash the blocks and move your character into the MCP cone to clear the level. A bonus is awarded if you destroy all the blocks.
• Multiplayer capability: The original arcade game was single player only. Now, Xbox LIVE® Arcade brings you the first version of the game with two-person multiplayer functionality.
• Multiplayer modes: Split screen and online, co-op and versus, there are lots of ways to play Tron. In Versus mode, the players race to achieve the highest score. Try Versus Speed mode, where the first player to reach a host-defined score wins. In Co-op, both players' scores are added together to achieve a high score. And beware the Pressure Cooker where players race to achieve the highest score, but taking the lead after a sub-stage causes the other player's game speed to increase." – Xbox.com

Next up, we have Omega Five – a new shoot-em-up from Hudson. I haven't seen much of the title so far, but the little that I have seen has been encouraging. O5 seems to be a character driven, side-scrolling shooter with a high-def coat of paint on top of it – and that's certainly not a bad thing to be. The game rings in at 800 points ($10), so be sure to try the demo before committing to buy.

Title: Omega Five
Developer: Natsume
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 1/09/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 – (Everyone 10+) Fantasy Violence & Mild Suggestive Themes
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Omega Five is a true next-gen, high-definition shooter, with the most awe-inspiring graphics around. Fly through dangerous 3-D environments in this side-scroller as enemies come at you from all sides, even the background. Grab an extra controller, choose your merc, and engage in two-player local co-op play for more action.

• Unbelievable visuals: This side-scrolling shooter is set in a gorgeous 3-D environment.
• Challenging gameplay: If you're a hardcore player, try your hand at the ultra-challenging ++ Mode, where you're only allowed one hit!
• Local co-op: Grab an extra controller and demolish enemies with a friend by your side.
• Dangerous environments: Enemies come at you from all sides, even from the background.
• Merc variety: Fight as Ruby, Tempest, or other characters, each of whom has three unique main weapons and special attacks.
• Unlockable extras: Discover new characters, game modes, and options.
• Intuitive controls: The modern control scheme uses the right analog stick to aim and fire." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade title, I have to say that I didn't experience any of the problems many reported with Metal Slug 3 – or at least the demo version of it. What I did come to realize is that Metal Slug 3 has never been my favorite of the series, and with my recent purchase of Metal Slug Anthology for the Wii, there really was no
reason to pay a premium price for the game.

MICROSOFT CONFIRMS FREE GAME COMING TO LIVE SUBSCRIBERS

If you remember, last week we reported on a rumor that Microsoft was considering compensating Xbox Live members for the recent string of outages and issues with the service by giving away a free game – as it would turn out, that rumor has now been partially confirmed by Microsoft. 

In a recent post on MajorNelson.com, Xbox Live General Manager Marc Whitten confirmed that the company does plan on giving away a free Live Arcade title to Live subscribers.

"During this past holiday season you helped us break a number of Xbox LIVE records.  This included our largest sign-up of new members to Xbox LIVE in our 5 year history and just yesterday you broke the record for the single biggest day of concurrent members ever on the service. 

 

As a result of this massive increase in usage we know that some of you experienced intermittent Xbox LIVE issues over the holiday break.  While the service was not completely offline at any given time, we are disappointed in our performance.  I would like to take this moment to thank each and every one of you for your patience and understanding as our team has worked around the clock to return the service to a stable state. 

 

At the same time we would like to offer a token of our appreciation to all of you in celebration of record success for the service.  And as a thank you for your loyalty during this holiday period, we will be offering all of our Xbox LIVE members around the world access to a full Xbox LIVE Arcade game that will be available to download free of charge.  In the coming weeks we will be sharing the specific details of this offer with you. 

 

Thank you again for helping make Xbox LIVE everything that it is today!" – Marc Whitten

Interestingly, the above statement doesn't state that the game is being given out because of the issues, but rather as a gift to members because of the growth of the service – something which certainly may have led to the opening several people in Texas felt was needed to file a class-action lawsuit against Microsoft for the aforementioned issues.

 

It still remains to be seen just what game Microsoft plans on giving away, though at this point anything other than a quality title that no one currently owns is certain to just fan the internet flames even more. 

• Xbox LIVE Holiday Performance – MajorNelson.com
• Xbox Live Still Recovering, Rumors of Compensation Surface – nylatenite.com
• Parasites Sue Microsoft for Xbox Live Failures – Destructoid
• Microsoft Taking Care Of It's Gold Members After Last Weeks Live Outage – The Bitbag
• Microsoft to Compensate Customers For LIVE Downtime? – Kotaku

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – METAL SLUG 3

Okay, so it's two weeks in a row I've been late with the Xbox Live Arcade post – sue me. So this post is a day late, sue me. It was New Years, I was having a good time, things like this are to be expected.

This week, I'm guessing Microsoft's plan was to start the new year off with a bang by bringing SNK's classic Metal Slug series to the Live Arcade. As such, Metal Slug 3 was told to put on it's best outfit and wow everyone with it's pure arcade goodness. While I have yet to get the chance to try even the demo of the game (and it's not because I don't love the Metal Slug series, I do), there's been a lot of negative feedback on this one already. Complaints have ranged from graphical glitches to slowdown when the action on screen gets to heavy.

Further complicating the matter is that the game is priced at 800 points ($10) – while Metal Slug 3 is certainly a great game, the fact that it's available in other consoles packaged with all the other games in the series for just a little more money may lead you to decide that you'd rather pick this one up elsewhere even if it does mean sacrificing online co-op.

What I'm saying here is that regardless of your feelings for Metal Slug, be sure to download the demo before you buy it so you know what you're in for.

Title: Metal Slug 3
Developer: SNK Playmore
Publisher: SNK Playmore
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 1/02/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: T (Teen) – Animated Blood & Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Marco, Tarma, Eri, and Fio, the four veterans of the elite Sparrows Unit now come to Xbox LIVE® in METAL SLUG 3™! The popular action shooting series is in all of its original arcade glory, with gorgeous graphics and all the run-and-gun action you can handle. There is no time for indecision. General Morden is on the warpath and you must prevent him from creating the New World Order. Stop the Rebel Army!

• Multiple routes: Different routes through the stages allow for extended replayability.
• Different metal slugs: Various slugs are available for help in battle. Handle all the different slugs to learn their capabilities and complete the mission.
• Individual enemies: Different enemies appear depending on which route the player takes, and each enemy has its own unique characteristics.
• Classic arcade graphics: The classic graphics are faithfully reproduced for your gaming enjoyment." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade titles, I had no intention of playing Spongebob Squarepants Underpants Slam!, so I have nothing to report to you on that end. If you want to know about it, go download the demo and try it for yourself.

XBOX LIVE STILL RECOVERING, RUMORS OF COMPENSATION SURFACE

As many of you have no doubt noticed, Xbox Live has been a bit wonky since just after Christmas. Numerous reports of issues with signing in, buying marketplace content, accessing downloaded content and matchmaking problems in both Halo 3 and Call of Duty 4 have been flooding in since just after the start of the holidays.

Rest assured, the folks at Microsoft are well aware of the situation and, according to Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb, have been working around the clock to get the problems resolved. While most of the service is back up and running, some users may still be experiencing issues – and unfortunately, there is still no ETA on a full fix.

"You may have noticed that the LIVE service has been having a few issues over the past few days. This includes things like signing in, matchmaking and account recovery. Not everyone has had problems, but I know some of you have and I wanted to give you and update. While the service was never completely offline, problems like this are not acceptable. The entire LIVE team has been working day and night to ensure that you can have a great LIVE experience. While we’re not done yet, I wanted to let you know that things are getting better each hour and that no one on the team is going anywhere until the job is done. Thanks for your patience.

Edit: As people have noticed, we have made good progress. We have a bit more work to do, but we’re doing much better now. I know some of you still may be having issues, and we’re working on those. Oh, and Happy New Year to those that are celebrating." – Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb

Before anyone runs off to get the torches, according to a gaming blog called The Bitbag (found by way of Kotaku), an unnamed source at Microsoft confirmed that the company does plan on compensating Xbox Live Gold members for the outage, though no exact details on what that would entail were given.

"I got some info from my Microsoft contact after questioning whether or not Gold Members will get thrown a bone for all the downtime they had to sit through. While nothing has been officially announced, they have stated, “…we will definitely be doing something for our Gold members that weren’t able to get online over the last week.”" – Torrence Davis, The Bitbag

While it's just an unconfirmed rumor at this point, I certainly wouldn't be surprised to see at least a few days added onto everyone's expiry dates or the like.

• Xbox LIVE Status (Updated) – Major Nelson
• Microsoft Taking Care Of It's Gold Members After Last Weeks Live Outage – The Bitbag
• Microsoft to Compensate Customers For LIVE Downtime? – Kotaku

XBOX 360 KINGDOM UNDER FIRE: CIRCLE OF DOOM DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Microsoft's Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in Asia, Australia, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and The United States via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Approximate download size is 1.2GB.

Please note: As of late November, it appears that Microsoft has re-instituted the one week wait before free content becomes available to Xbox Live Silver members. As such, if you're not an Xbox Live Gold member, this demo most likely won't be available for download until sometime next week.

• Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom – Official website

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS UNDERPANTS SLAM!

So this post is a day late, sue me. Because of the holidays and such, it should have been expected… besides, it's not like you're missing all that much…

Yup, if you thought that there'd be something new in the Xbox Live Arcade this week to buy with those points someone gave you for the holidays, you were probably wrong. What we've got this week is Spongebob Squarepants Underpants Slam! – a game that is geared towards kids, and probably is going to be about as entertaining as playing with a box of tissue paper. Maybe it's just me, but any game with a title that sounds like the main character is crapping in their pants is just not going to be high on my list of future purchases. (I'll admit it – I was so non-thrilled about this one, I even forgot it was coming out yesterday)

While I'm really not sure what the story behind this one is, it appears to be a side scrolling platformer, so the kids may indeed like it. As always, a demo is available, so be sure to try it out before shelling out the required 800 points ($10) to purchase it.

Title: Spongebob Squarepants Underpants Slam!
Developer: Blitz Games
Publisher: THQ
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 12/26/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-4
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief & Mild Cartoon Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"SpongeBob SquarePants Underpants Slam! is a fast-paced, side-scrolling multiplayer slapstick collect 'em-up, set deep in the ocean. An incredibly powerful storm current has disrupted a Royal Laundry shipment of the undergarments of Neptune, Lord of the Sea, and has spread his unmentionables across the bottom of the ocean. Neptune now calls upon all the commonfish to collect his lost undergarments, and fix this "delicate" situation. He's offered a bounteous reward to the sea creature who collects the most bloomers!

• All the popular characters: Play as all your favorite characters from the animated series, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Eugene Krabs, Sandy Cheeks, and Sheldon Plankton.
• Visit familiar environs: Search the kitchens of the Krusty Krab, visit the Flying Dutchman's ship, and explore the depths of the all-new Armoury of Atlantis for rare pairs of pants.
• Wild arcade action: It's every sea creature for him or herself! Use your character's slapstick moves to knock down and slow your opponents, and gain special powers from pickups that allow you to move at super speed, hit twice as hard, or even steal pants from other players!
• Single player modes: Take on the tricky Time Attack Mode where beating the clock means everything, or engage in the full Quest Mode, where you must collect 99 pairs of Neptune's underpants to win the game. 
• Multiplayer game modes: Play Tag Mode, and avoid being "it" at Bikini Bottom. Play with a friend offline or take it online to Xbox LIVE® Arcade with up to four players" – Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade titles, due to the issues surrounding it's release, I never got a chance to try Sensible World of Soccer, so you're on your own for that one. Tempest, on the other hand, suffers from the same fate as all the other "updated" Atari classics – the updated graphics actually hurt the game. As with Asteroids, the damn explosions in the "enhanced" Tempest just ruin the experience by making things difficult to see. How anyone could think these versions are improved is just beyond me. Look, If you love Tempest, go right ahead and pick it up (I did) – but don't expect to be wowed by the updated version of the game.

XBOX LIVE ARCADE UPDATE: SENSIBLE WORLD OF SOCCER AVAILABLE AGAIN

Just an update to a previous story – According to Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb, the problems with Sensible World of Soccer have been corrected and the game is once again available for purchase via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

Those of you who purchased the problematic version of the game should delete it from your hard drive and download the corrected version (at no additional charge).

• Sensible World of Soccer – Xbox Live Arcade
• Sensible World of Soccer now available for download – Major Nelson

XBOX 360 DARK MESSIAH: MIGHT AND MAGIC ELEMENTS DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Ubisoft's Dark Messiah: Might & Magic Elements for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions except Japan via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

Please note: As of late November, it appears that Microsoft has re-instituted the one week wait before free content becomes available to Xbox Live Silver members. As such, if you're not an Xbox Live Gold member, this demo most likely won't be available for download until sometime next week.

XBOX LIVE ARCADE UPDATE: SENSIBLE WORLD OF SOCCER TAKEN DOWN

Just a quick note here for any of you who may have logged into Xbox Live looking for Sensible World of Soccer – Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb has advised that due to some technical problems with the game, SWOS has been pulled from the Marketplace temporarily. While the Major advised that everyone is working around the clock to get things right, there is currently no ETA for it's return. 

"This game has been pulled. I’ll post an update when it is available again. In the meantime, if you downloaded this busted version, please delete it and when the new one is available you’ll be able to downloaded it again (at no charge if you purchased it.) While you do that, I’ll go yell at some folks for letting this happen. Apologies and the moment the proper version is available I’ll update this post.

Update: The team is hard at work troubleshooting the problem, but it will take some time. Thanks for your patience.

Update: Ok folks, I am being told that I won't have another update until tomorrow (12/20) mid-day (PT). The teams are working through the night and doing everything they can to get this released as quickly as possible." – Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb, Xbox Live director of programming

On a final note, if you purchased the game before it was pulled, there is no need to stress. As you can see above, according to Major Nelson, you will be able to re-download the fixed version of the game free of charge once it returns.

• Sensible World of Soccer – Xbox Live Arcade
• Arcade: Sensible World of Soccer (Updated) – Major Nelson

XBOX 360 KANE & LYNCH: DEAD MEN DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Eidos Interactive's Kane & Lynch: Dead Men for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions except Japan via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 520.04MB.

Please note: As of late November, it appears that Microsoft has re-instituted the one week wait before free content becomes available to Xbox Live Silver members. As such, if you're not an Xbox Live Gold member, this demo most likely won't be available for download until sometime next week.

• Kane & Lynch: Dead Men – Official website

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – TEMPEST & SENSIBLE WORLD OF SOCCER

Xbox Live Arcade swings for the fences this week as two highly anticipated titles make their way to the Xbox Live Marketplace. It's a double feature of epic proportions as both Tempest and Sensible World of Soccer prepare to thrill (and possibly disappoint) gamers around the world.

First up, we'll talk about Atari's Tempest. If I recall correctly, Tempest was born of a nightmare designer David Theurer had one night and turned out to be a dream come true for arcade players everywhere. The game's premise is fairly simple – you control a ship that travels along the edge of various segmented 3D geometric configurations. Enemies appear at the far end of each configuration and travel towards your ship at the top – naturally, your job is to stop them before they get there or avoid them. As with most games from the era, you also have a limited supply of smart bombs for when things get a little too hectic.

Fast, addictive gameplay is what Tempest is all about – and I really hope that Stainless Games doesn't do their usual botch job on the "enhanced version" of this one. Tempest deserves better – as do most of the classic Atari XBLA games.

Title: Tempest
Developer: Stainless Games
Publisher: Atari
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 12/19/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 400 points ($5)
Rating: E – (Everyone)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Tempest® is one of the most well-known arcade games of all time, a true classic in the realm of video games. This intense shooter requires lots of skill and lightning-quick reflexes. Use unlimited firepower to shoot and destroy enemies in a large geometric battlefield.

Download the full version to play this classic arcade game in its original form and completely re-stylized versions featuring evolved graphics and newly introduced Throttle Monkey™ mode.

• Next-gen presentation: The game supports 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios, including HDTV, with full-screen anti-aliasing and Dolby Digital surround sound.
• Arcade integration: Check top scores on the Leaderboards and master 12 challenging Achievements." – Xbox.com

Of course, our friends from across the ocean are a bit more thrilled about the second of this week's Live Arcade releases – Sensible World of Soccer. Now while I certainly wonder how it is that gamers from countries where soccer is known as football (something that seems to be a bit of a sore point too, mind you) would embrace a game that called itself soccer, there really doesn't seem to be any question that swos has a serious following. I don't doubt that Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb is thrilled to be getting this one into the Arcade so he can stop hearing about it from fans in the comments section of every new XBLA announcement.

Needless to say, this one is a soccer game (that's right – it's soccer!) – and supposedly a really good classic version of it. I've never played swos and It may not be for everyone, but it's reputation alone says you should at least give the demo a try.

Title: Sensible World of Soccer
Developer: Kuju Sheffield
Publisher: Codemasters Online
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 12/19/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E – (Everyone)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Sensible World of Soccer™ is the classic nineties soccer game reborn with enhanced graphics! Play against your friends online in this fantastic pick up and play soccer extravaganza. Experience all the excitement of a full season or enter into a quick game against your friends.

Want to be more hands-on? Manage your team over a full season with a fully immersive tactics editor to put yourself in control on the way to the title.

• Online play: Take on your friends online in this fun, fast-paced soccer game.
• Updated for Xbox LIVE Arcade: Play a fully updated Arcade version of this classic game.
• Classic and Enhanced modes: Play online with the graphics you remember, or with the new enhanced HD visuals.
• Retro experience: Utilizing the original '96/'97 code, widely recognized to be the best incarnation of the SWOS series, we are able to deliver an authentic, retro playing experience.
• Influential game: SWOS is one of the ten most influential games of all time. Play the only version that lets you experience both classic SWOS and modern enhanced SWOS." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade titles, there's not much to say. I expected big things from Arkadian Warriors, but the game (or at least the demo) just never seemed to deliver. While Arkadian Warriors does indeed play quite a bit like Diablo, it never really captures the same feel. I don't know if it's the cutesy characters, the easy battles or just the way the game presents itself (it often comes across with a very generic RPG vibe), but the game never truly grabbed my attention. I certainly wouldn't call it a bad game, and much like Exit, I do plan on going back and seeing if maybe I'd like it a little more if I was in a different mood. Arkadian Warriors is certainly one you'll need to try for yourself.

The other new Xbox Live Arcade en
trant last week was GripShift, a game that I still have not had the opportunity to really sit down and play – probably because of the fact that I wasn't exactly thrilled with I tried it for the PlayStation 3. I'm going to suggest you try this one first as well – and really, that is always the best advice for Xbox Live Arcade titles – that's why the demos are there.

XBOX 360 BURNOUT PARADISE DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Electronic Arts’ Burnout Paradise for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions except Asia via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 835.53MB.

Please note: As of late November, it appears that Microsoft has re-instituted the one week wait before free content becomes available to Xbox Live Silver members. As such, if you're not an Xbox Live Gold member, this demo most likely won't be available for download until sometime next week.

• Burnout Paradise – Official website

XBOX 360 FRONTLINES: FUEL OF WAR DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of THQ’s Frontlines: Fuel of War for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions except India via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 1.69GB.

Please note: As of late November, it appears that Microsoft has re-instituted the one week wait before free content becomes available to Xbox Live Silver members. As such, if you're not an Xbox Live Gold member, this demo most likely won't be available for download until sometime next week.

• Frontlines: Fuel of War – Official website

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – ARKADIAN WARRIORS & GRIPSHIFT

Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays makes it's return following a one week hiatus with a double feature of titles. This week's duo of Arkadian Warriors and GripShift hope to break out of the slump the Live Arcade has been seeing of late by offering fast paced arcade-style play with a mix of both online and offline play. Whether they succeed or not still remains to be seen.

The first title we'll look at it is Wanako Games' Arkadian Warriors – a title that, at least at first glance, seems to be an action RPG very much along the lines of Diablo. As you can imagine, if done right, that will easily move Arkadian Warriors to the top of many an Xbox Live Arcade want list. The game features three character classes (Soldier, Archer and Sorceress), each of which apparently had the ability to shapeshift into a specific creature (Phoenix, Lion or Dragon) to add some variety to the combat.

If all goes well with the gameplay, this one could easily be worth the 800 points ($10) it's going for in the Live Marketplace – especially when you factor in the random dungeon generator described in the game's feature list. I'll be sure to talk more about this one in next week's Live Arcade thread to let you know how it all turned out. As always, a demo of the game will be available in the marketplace so you can try it before you make a purchase decision.

Title: Arkadian Warriors
Developer: Wanako Games
Publisher: Sierra Online
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 12/12/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 – (Everyone 10+) – Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Define your legacy. Awaken your inner beast. Fight as one of the three powerful warriors of Artemis as you confront Gorgon herself in Arkadian Warriors. Embark on a trek of epic proportions, traverse treacherous dungeons, fight off hordes of hideous enemies, and take on heinously powerful bosses. You must save the goddess Artemis and return the mythical land of Arkadia to the people. Warriors … unite and defend!

• Three mighty warriors: Choose to play as a Soldier, Archer, or Sorceress To save the land of Arkadia.
• Unique abilities: Each warrior has unique fighting and shape-shifting abilities. Turn into a Phoenix, Lion, or Dragon to increase your power and crush your foes.
• Character development: Build up your warrior's skills and inventory along the way with more powerful magic, deadlier weapons, and stronger defensive units.
• Unique dungeon generator: Never battle enemies in the same dungeon twice.
• Intense multiplayer co-op action: Play side-by-side with a friend, or take the battle online and conquer Gorgon in co-op multiplayer." – Xbox.com

Next up, we've got GripShift from Sidhe Interactive. PlayStation 3 owners should be familiar with this game, as it's been on sale in the PlayStation Store for quite some time. It's an arcade style stunt racer (so think a lot of loops and physics defying turns) that, if memory serves me correctly, didn't exactly thrill me on the PS3 due to somewhat loose controls. I'd definitely recommend trying the demo before picking this one up for 800 points ($10).

Title: GripShift
Developer: Sidhe Interactive
Publisher: Sidhe Interactive
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 12/12/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1 / 2-4 Online
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 – (Everyone 10+) – Mild Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"GripShift® combines high-flying platform gaming with extreme stunt driving action. Test your reflexes and bend your brain as you stunt your way through 120 twisting Challenge Mode levels across four uniquely themed worlds. 

Collect power-ups, avoid traps, and beat the clock as you compete for top leaderboard slots in single player mode, or deploy an arsenal of funky weapons and go head-to-head across 25 Race Mode tracks and 20 Deathmatch arenas in online multiplayer. Choose your driver, unlock faster vehicles, and customize your ride with new skins. GripShift is a gravity-defying thrill ride every racing fan must experience!

• Challenge: Race through 120 single-player Challenge Mode levels.
• Race: Put the pedal to the metal for 25 rubber-burning Race Mode tracks.
• Deathmatch: Fight for survival in 20 deadly Deathmatch arenas.
• Multiplayer: Jump into Xbox LIVE® online multiplayer and leaderboard." – Xbox.com

As for the last XBLA release, Asteroids/Asteroids Deluxe, I seem to recall I worried that once again, the "updated" version of the game offered in the download would suffer from poor design, and sure enough Atari managed to do screw things up quite nicely once more.

While the core gameplay is still solid in the classic versions (though I personally feel that the emulation isn't quite spot-on), It's the re-imagined version of the game that's the train wreck here. For some unknown reason, someone decided to make the explosions so colorful and large that you cannot even easily see where parts of each asteroid are going following a hit. This problem is inexcusable from a gameplay standpoi
nt and was completely avoidable from a design standpoint. It really feels as if someone just took what made Asteroids so much fun and just tossed it right out the window. If you want a high-def Asteroids-type experience (and happen to have a PlayStation 3), pick up Super Stardust HD in the PlayStation Store. It's worlds above this re-constituted mess.

BIOSHOCK UPDATE AND PLASMID PACK NOW AVAILABLE

Just a quick note here for those of you with BioShock for either Windows or the Xbox 360 – an update for the game is now available via the Xbox Live Marketplace (Xbox 360 version) or your favorite file download site (Windows version).

This update not only fixes several issues with the game, including the game's "widescreen" issues (it will now play in true widescreen), but also adds new plasmids and tonics to further enhance the experience that is the City of Rapture. It's a free download, so be sure to check it out!

• BioShock – Official website
• The Cult of Rapture – 2KGames

XBOX 360 CULDCEPT SAGA DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Namco Bandai’s Culdcept SAGA for the Xbox 360 is now available for download via the Xbox Live Marketplace in The United States and Canada. Approximate download size is 620.21MB.

Please note: As of yesterday, it appears that Microsoft is re-instituting the one week wait before free content becomes available to Xbox Live Silver members. As such, if you're not an Xbox Live Gold member, this demo won't be available until sometime next week.Culdcept SAGA – Official product page

• Culdcept SAGA – Official product page
• FYI: Free Xbox Live Marketplace content and Silver accounts – Major Nelson

XBOX 360 FALL DASHBOARD UPDATE TO GO LIVE TODAY

After months of build-up, Microsoft is finally ready to release the Xbox 360 Fall 2007 Dashboard Update. While the most anticipated features will certainly be the ability to buy downloadable versions of original Xbox games via the Xbox Live Marketplace and expanded support for video codecs (DivX Support included), there are a wealth of other little features in there that should further refine the 360's online experience.

"As promised, Microsoft is bringing some early gifts to your Xbox 360® just prior to the holiday season. Beginning at 0200 A.M. PST on December 4, 2007, the Xbox 360 Fall Dashboard Update will be available for all connected Xbox 360 consoles free of charge, bringing an array of new features and enhancements to the leading gaming and entertainment system.

Among the key new enhancements are the previously announced Xbox Originals game download service, Family Timer parental control feature, and expanded social networking experiences. Xbox 360 owners can also look forward to enhanced navigation, profile, and video features and Xbox LIVE® Arcade Hits.

This free update will be digitally distributed over Xbox LIVE to the more than eight million Xbox LIVE members worldwide (Xbox LIVE Silver and Gold) with no disc or hard drive required. If you don't have an Xbox LIVE account, you can easily sign up for the free network by connecting your console to a broadband Internet connection. New features and enhancements include:

MORE DOWNLOAD OPTIONS

• Xbox Originals: With this new service, announced on November 13, you can download-to-own full original Xbox® games that were previously only available at retail. The digital shelves will always be stocked with classic titles, such as Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex, Crimson Skies®: High Road to Revenge™, Halo®, Fable®, Fuzion Frenzy®, Psychonauts™, and more as the catalogue grows over time, at 1200 Microsoft Points per game.

• Xbox LIVE Arcade Hits: On Xbox LIVE Arcade, the Arcade Hits program kicks off as some of the best-selling Xbox LIVE Arcade games become available at permanently reduced prices, making it easier than ever for everyone to build a library of downloadable games! The first games to become Arcade Hits will be Bankshot Billiards 2™ and Lumines™ Live!, which will be available for 800 Microsoft Points each, and Marble Blast Ultra, Small Arms™, and Zuma® Deluxe, which will be available for 400 Microsoft Points each. With free trial downloads for every game and over 100 games to choose from, Xbox LIVE Arcade offers something for every member of the family.

NEW WAYS TO KEEP UP TO DATE AND CONNECTED

• Inside Xbox: A new direct feed brings current news straight from Xbox.com into the Xbox LIVE Dashboard providing an easy, predictable entry point where you can discover what's new in game releases, events, Xbox LIVE Marketplace offers, and lots more.

• Enhanced online profile: If you're interested in sharing a few more details about yourself you can go beyond your motto and further personalize your profile with an expanded bio. The extended bios will be visible to "Friends Only" or the entire Xbox LIVE community.

• Expanded Friends List access: A quick and easy way for gamers to expand their personal community on Xbox LIVE, members will be able to see the Friends Lists of other Xbox LIVE members, boosting their social networking experience on the service.

ENHANCED OVERALL EXPERIENCE AND CONTROL

• Enhanced Parental Controls: Family Timer, a strong and flexible new addition to the Xbox 360 Family Settings, enables parents to set the amount of time their Xbox 360 can be used on a per-day or per-week basis by their children or other members of the household.

• New video features: The convenience of full-screen movie previews and enhanced video codec support further expand the options when it comes to the Xbox 360 entertainment experience.

• Easy-to-use navigation features: With several noteworthy changes in the Xbox LIVE Dashboard, from the new Game Store button to the Video Store button to enhanced visuals and descriptions in the video library, Xbox LIVE members can find what they want, when they want it." – Xbox.com

Those of you wishing to check out the full list of features added in the Fall 2007 Dashboard Update should be sure to check out the "December 2007 System Update" post from Gamerscore Blog linked below. While we're at it, let's also all keep our fingers crossed that the update doesn't cause a mass-bricking.

• 2007 Fall Dashboard Update – Xbox.com
• December 2007 System Update – Gamerscore Blog

FREE HALO 3 THEME SONG FOR XBOX 360 GUITAR HERO III

Okay, so I'm really late on this one – I meant to post it over the Thanksgiving weekend, but obviously that didn't happen due to issues involving gluttony and tryptophan. What I'm talking about here is the long-rumored release of the Halo 3 theme for the Xbox 360 version of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.

While some may gripe that it was first rumored to be a downloadable track for Guitar Hero II, the fact remains that it was never officially promised by Microsoft, Bungie or Activision, so it's not like GHII owners are missing out on something that they were told they'd be getting by anyone other than the internet water cooler.

While the news about the Halo 3 track is good, the second part of the announcement is even better… it's a free download. If you've got the 360 version of GHIII, you've got no excuse to head over to the Xbox Live Marketplace and add this one to your hard drive. Get to it!

• Guitar Hero III – Official website
• Guitar Hero III: Halo Theme Mjolnir Mix (Free) – Major Nelson

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – ASTEROIDS / ASTEROIDS DELUXE

Hey, you! Straighten up that tie and tuck your shirt in – you're in the presence of royalty today. Two more all-time classic arcade games come to the Xbox 360 via Xbox Live Arcade as both Atari's Asteroids and Asteroids Deluxe make their way to the marketplace in one neat package. That's right, you get both games for 400 ($5) points.

Now I won't lie – given the way Missile Command turned out, I am a bit concerned for Atari's dynamic duo. There are quite a few ways his one could be screwed up, and as always, the thought of the 360's controller and classic games makes me cringe. Microsoft, I implore you – release an arcade style controller already – It really is tiring dragging out all the equipment I need to make my customized X-Arcade stick work with the 360.

There's not much else to say about these two, as I'm sure just about everyone reading knows what they are all about. Give the demo a try and decide if the games are worth the five bucks for yourself. (and if you're a PlayStation 3 owner and feeling a bit left out at the moment, I will advise you that I think Super Stardust HD (available via the PlayStation Store) is a worthy modern day successor to the genre and a steal at $7.99.)

Title: Asteroids / Asteroids Deluxe
Developer: Stainless Games
Publisher: Atari
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/28/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1
Full Game: 400 points ($5)
Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Fantasy Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Two of the all-time classic arcade games come to Xbox LIVE® Arcade in Asteroids©, Asteroids Deluxe©, a combo of intense action where players must save earth from a deadly bombardment of asteroids. The full historic game is available in its original form, along with a completely re-stylized version featuring evolved graphics.

• The original Asteroids: Released in 1979 by Atari, the simple black and white game was a masterpiece of vector graphics game design, and had millions of arcadegoers entranced by its simple mechanic of controlling a spaceship firing at and destroying asteroids.
• The release of Asteroids Deluxe: The sequel to the original, released in 1980, Asteroids Deluxe featured the same classic gameplay but added a new shield feature and dangerous satellite enemies. Play both the original and its sequel in all of its classic old-school style.
• Next-gen evolution: But now, both games have evolved. Support is provided for both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios, including HDTV. Full-screen anti-aliasing and Dolby Digital surround sound complete the gaming experience.
• Throttle Monkey mode: Both game versions come with a high-speed version known as Throttle Monkey. Can you survive?
• Achievements and leaderboards: Twelve new achievements for you to earn, and new leaderboards to conquer. Show your friends who is the master at Asteroids and Asteroids Deluxe." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade release, Undertow just wasn't everything I hoped it would be. As I mentioned in last week's post, I was hoping for a side scrolling, twin-stick shooter and instead found myself playing a side scrolling team based shooter with serious gameplay issues.

XBOX 360 GETS ANOTHER BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY UPDATE!

Football fans everywhere let out a massive cheer as Microsoft rolled out the latest Backwards Compatibility list for the Xbox 360 and at long last, ESPN NFL 2K5 made the list. That's right, the game that is, in my opinion, still the best football game out there is now playable on the Xbox 360.

Today's update list included quite a few other titles people have been pining for, I'm just overjoyed (as you can obviously tell) that at long last 2K5 has arrived on the 360. Now to wait for people to figure out how to transfer roster updates over…

While I'm waiting, why don't you check out the list of newly added Xbox BC titles below – enjoy!

2006 Fifa World Cup Germany
25 to Life
AMF Bowling 2004
Apex
Arena Football
Armed and Dangerous
Baldurs Gate: Dark Alliance
Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu
Bionicle
Blade II
Blinx: The Timesweeper
Blitz: The League
Blood Omen 2
Blowout
Breakdown
Burnout 2: Point of Impact
Cabelas Dangerous Hunts 2
Championship Manager 2006
Colin McRae Rally 2005
Crime Life: Gang Wars
Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2
Dungeons & Dragons Heroes
ESPN College Hoops 2k5
ESPN NFL 2k5
Fantastic 4
FIFA 06 Soccer
Fight Night: Round 3
Final Fight: Streetwise
Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone
Freedom Fighters
Freestyle Street Soccer
Future Tactics: The Uprising
Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee
Godzilla: Save the Earth
Goldeneye: Rogue Agent
Greg Hastings Tournament Paintball Max'd
High Heat MLB 2004
Hunter: The Reckoning
Indiana Jones And The Emperors Tomb
MLB Slugfest Loaded
MVP Baseball 2003
MVP Baseball 2004
Nascar Thunder 2002
Nascar Thunder 2003
NBA 2k3
NBA Ballers
NBA Inside Drive 2002
NBA Street V3
NCAA College Basketball 2k3
NCAA March Madness 2005
NCAA March Madness 2006
NFL 2k2
NFL 2k3
NHL 2005
NHL 2K3
NHL Hitz Pro
Nightcaster: Defeat The Darkness
NTRA Breeders Cup: World Thoroughbred Championships
Playboy: The Mansion
RLH: Hunt or be Hunted
Robin Hood: Defender of the Crown
Rocky
Rugby 2006
Shattered Union
Shrek Super Party
Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter
Starsky & Hutch
Syberia II
Techmo Classic Arcade
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
Test Drive
The Bard's Tale
The Chronicles of Narnia The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
The Guy Game
The Lord Of The Rings: The Third Age
Thousand Land
Thrillville
Tom and Jerry in War of the Whiskers
Turok: Evolution
Van Helsing
WarPath
Worms 3D
Zathura

XBOX 360 HALF-LIFE 2: EPISODE 2 DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Valve’s Half-Life 2: Episode 2, one of the games included in The Orange Box, for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions except Germany, India and Japan via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 723.93MB.

• The Orange Box – Official website
• Half-Life 2: Episode 2 – Product page

NEW XBOX 360 BLACKSITE: AREA 51 DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A second demo of Midway’s Blacksite: Area 51 for the Xbox 360 is now available for download via the Xbox Live Marketplace in all regions except India. Approximate download size is 988.11MB.

• Blacksite: Area 51 – Official website 

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – UNDERTOW

It's a rare solo release week in the Xbox Live Arcade as Chair Entertainment's Undertow rises from the depths. What we've got here is a twin-stick shooter that tries to encompass some of the more popular team game mods seen in most modern first person shooters.

I've got to say I was originally really excited about this title, but once I discovered that all it featured were "capture the checkpoints" and "Team Deathmatch" game modes, my enthusiasm diminished. Based on the demo, the game just doesn't play tight enough to make those type of modes fun, and the loss of what could have been a great scrolling solo shooter does indeed make me sad. It could have been a contender for my 800 points ($10), but instead it will just sink beneath the waves of indifference.

While I wallow in sadness over this one, you can check out the particulars;

Title: Undertow
Developer: Chair Entertainment Group
Publisher: Chair Entertainment Group
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/21/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2 / 2-16 online
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 (Everyone 10+) – Fantasy Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Undertow is a fast-paced action-shooter that sends you underwater as you battle up to 16 players for control of the oceans! Non-stop conquest-style battles push the envelope of onscreen effects and combat action and boast some of the most stunning graphics ever seen in an Xbox LIVE® Arcade title.

• Combat control: Undertow features relentless high-speed combat with simple and intuitive controls.
• Visual style: The incredible next-gen graphics resonate with a vibrant underwater visual style.
• Multiplayer matches: Undertow features 16-player multiplayer battles and two-player co-op modes.
• Races and upgrades: The game includes three different playable races, each with four unique upgradeable units.
• Single-player campaign: The 15-level single player campaign has a compelling story told through cutscenes." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade releases, I went into detail about them in last week's post, so just click here for the required info. I can't wait until the Live Arcade starts pushing out classic titles again, because these original releases of late have left me kind of numb.

XBOX 360 MX VS ATV UNTAMED DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of THQ’s MX vs ATV Untamed for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions except Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 911.78MB.

• MX vs ATV Untamed – Official website

XBOX 360 COLLEGE HOOPS 2K8 DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of 2K Sports College Hoops 2K8 for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in Canada and The United States via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Approximate file size is 725.78MB.

• College Hoops 2K8 – Official website

XBOX 360 NCAA MARCH MADNESS 08 DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Electronic Arts’ NCAA March Madness 08 for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in Canada and The United States via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 927.81MB.

• NCAA March Madness 08 – Official website

XBOX 360 GUITAR HERO III BOSS BATTLE SONG PACK NOW AVAILABLE

If you've been waiting to be able to play the tracks used in the boss battles of Guitar Hero III as regular songs on the Xbox 360, you're in luck. The Guitar Hero III Boss Battle Song Pack is now available via the Xbox Live Marketplace, and best of all, it's a free download. Approximate download size is 75mb. Enjoy!

• Guitar Hero III – Official website 

XBOX 360 TIMESHIFT MULTIPLAYER DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A multiplayer demo of Sierra’s Timeshift for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 867.07MB.

• Timeshift – Official website

XBOX LIVE TURNS FIVE YEARS OLD – FREEBIES HIT MARKETPLACE

Xbox Live turns five years old today, and to celebrate Microsoft is rolling out a bunch of freebies for the masses via the Xbox Live Marketplace. That's right – Xbox Live is having a birthday, but we get the presents.

"Wait… presents? What presents?", you ask – well, let me tell you all about them;

• Carcassonne
• On Thursday, November 15th and Friday, November 16th, Carcassonne – the Xbox Live version of the classic European board game – will be made available to all Xbox Live subscribers as a free download. The game is normally priced at 800 points ($10), so be sure to grab it during this 48 hour window.
• Xbox Dashboard Themes
• Microsoft will be offering the following "special edition" Dashboard Themes available as free downloads;
• Live is 5ive – A dashboard theme celebrating five years of Xbox Live.
• Return to Castle Wolfenstein – A dashboard theme based on the game of the same name.
• Gears of War – A dashboard theme based on the game of the same name.
• Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 2 – A dashboard theme based on the game of the same name.
• Halo 2 – A dashboard theme based on the game of the same name.
• Mech Assault – A dashboard theme based on the game of the same name.
• Special 5 Year Member Bonus
• Xbox Live members who have been with the service since the very beginning will be receiving 500 Microsoft points ($6.25) and a few bits of "exclusive content" as Microsoft's way of saying "Thank You". According to the promotional page, those eligible will be receiving more details via e-mail. I've been a member since day one and haven't seen that e-mail yet, so I'm assuming it won't be sent out until the promotion is fully underway.

It's definitely been a fun five years and I think just about everyone will agree that Xbox Live is without a doubt THE defining feature of the Xbox 360. It really is amazing when you stop and think just how fast the service has grown since the launch of the 360.

Think about it – at the time Live was launched, many people said it would never work, that no one would be willing to pay for the privilege of playing their games online.  Microsoft took that challenge and presented a solid service on the original Xbox that many (myself included) felt was well worth the price and then massively expanded the concept with the Xbox 360 while raising the quality of that service even farther. If there is one thing Microsoft has done right since their entry into the console market, it would have to be Xbox Live.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY XBOX LIVE – SEE YOU AT THE 10 YEAR MARK! 

• Xbox Live is 5ive – Xbox.com 

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – SCREWJUMPER! & SHREK-N-ROLL

You know, it's been awhile since I've been thrilled by an Xbox Live Arcade release and it looks like the string of yawners is going to continue for at least another week. Sure, last week's set had one passable, yet overpriced, game in the form of Switchball but I still find that, of late, there just hasn't been much to get excited about. I'm hoping that it's due to the end-year rush of A-List titles and no one wanting to get lost in the shuffle. Oh well, as they say, the show must go on… which leads us to Screwjumper! and Shrek-n-Roll.

We'll open up with Screwjumper! – a game that certainly qualifies for the "games that sound dirty, but really aren't" genre. I sometimes look at the flavor text the marketing folks at Xbox.com come up with for these games and wonder if they have as much of a hard time finding things to say that are interesting about the game as I do writing about Live Arcade games that I couldn't care less about. That little bit of random trivia aside, I decided that I'd give Screwjumper! a fair shake and load up the demo to see what it was all about. The game itself isn't horrible, it's just a little too basic. Fall down a shaft, avoid some obstacles while hitting others. Then do it in reverse. Try the demo and see for yourself – I think you'll agree that there are better Live Arcade titles for the money they're asking.

Title: Screwjumper!
Developer: Frozen Codebase
Publisher: THQ
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/14/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2 / 2-4 Online
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 – (Everyone 10+) – Mild Violence, Tobacco Reference
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Take the plunge in Screwjumper!™ Freefall into the depths of the chaotic underworld as a Screwjumper, and drive the aliens back to their home world by destroying their precious mining equipment. Demolish structures in freefall as you increase your destructive power by increasing your velocity. Use dynamite to pick off hazards and high value targets. Destroy the mine core and jetpack out alive. Dead screwjumpers don't get paid!

• Multiple levels and characters: Descend and destroy 20 mines on four different planets with six different characters, including Skruii the foreman of the Screwjumpers Union, Filch the reckless thrill-seeker, Zyree the unpredictable, Xoona the aloof, Ula the mad, and Zomar the mysterious.
• Ultimate destruction: Chain your destruction by plunging through objects at ultra-terminal speeds. You're a screwjumper. Go for it!
• Single player modes: Risk your neck in four single-player modes including Destruction, Race, Time Trial, and Score.
• Multiplayer: Compete with your friends via split screen and Xbox LIVE® multiplayer." – Xbox.com

Which brings us to the second release of the week, Shrek-n-Roll. Looking at this title, all I can say is "at least they didn't try to release it as a retail title for $59.99". It looks much like that kids game where you bounce a marble down a board with pegs in it to see what prizes you get. In other words, certainly not something worth playing as a videogame nor something worth 800 points. ($10) – Needless to say, unless someone comes along and says this is the greatest thing since ice-cream, I'm not even going to bother with the demo.

Title: Shrek-n-Roll
Developer: Backbone Entertainment
Publisher: Activision
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/14/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E – (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Join Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots, and 20 other twisted fairy tale friends in Shrek-N-Roll, an addictive and hilarious puzzle game designed for ogres of all ages!

Navigate through 16 challenging mazes across four unique evironments in Far Far Away's newest competitive tournament. Test your tilting and rolling skills in Single Player mode, challenge others in Versus mode, work together with friends and family in Co-op mode, or gain bragging rights with the highest points in Score Attack mode.

• Adventure through Shrek's world: Start rolling at Worcestershire Academy, venture forth onto the Pirate's ship, visit Shrek's Swamp and brave the Evil Queen's Castle. Mastering each of the 16 levels allows you to move on to more fun and challenging puzzles.
• Play the whole Shrek gang: Play with 24 twisted fairy tale characters, including Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots and other unlockable heroes and villains.
• Enjoy signature Shrek humor: From fast-talking Donkey to sword-fighting Puss in Boots, the animation, dialogue and environments throughout the game bring the humor of Shrek alive!
• Experience multiple game modes: Test your tilting and rolling skills in Single Player mode, challenge others in Versus mode, work together with friends and family in Co-op mode, or gain bragging rights with the highest points in Score Attack mode." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Arcade titles, like I mentioned earlier, Switchball was an enjoyable enough game that, while not having the same charm as Marble Madness, at least kept things varied enough to stay interesting throughout the demo. Unfortunately, while I would have rated it a buy at 400 points ($5), I don't quite feel the same about it at 800 ($10). As for Word Puzzle, I didn't even bother with the demo and I doubt I ever will. Don't encourage trash is my motto.

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – SCREWJUMPER! & SHREK-N-ROLL

You know, it's been awhile since I've been thrilled by an Xbox Live Arcade release and it looks like the string of yawners is going to continue for at least another week. Sure, last week's set had one passable, yet overpriced, game in the form of Switchball but I still find that, of late, there just hasn't been much to get excited about. I'm hoping that it's due to the end-year rush of A-List titles and no one wanting to get lost in the shuffle. Oh well, as they say, the show must go on… which leads us to Screwjumper! and Shrek-n-Roll.

We'll open up with Screwjumper! – a game that certainly qualifies for the "games that sound dirty, but really aren't" genre. I sometimes look at the flavor text the marketing folks at Xbox.com come up with for these games and wonder if they have as much of a hard time finding things to say that are interesting about the game as I do writing about Live Arcade games that I couldn't care less about. That little bit of random trivia aside, I decided that I'd give Screwjumper! a fair shake and load up the demo to see what it was all about. The game itself isn't horrible, it's just a little too basic. Fall down a shaft, avoid some obstacles while hitting others. Then do it in reverse. Try the demo and see for yourself – I think you'll agree that there are better Live Arcade titles for the money they're asking.

Title: Screwjumper!
Developer: Frozen Codebase
Publisher: THQ
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/14/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2 / 2-4 Online
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 – (Everyone 10+) – Mild Violence, Tobacco Reference
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Take the plunge in Screwjumper!™ Freefall into the depths of the chaotic underworld as a Screwjumper, and drive the aliens back to their home world by destroying their precious mining equipment. Demolish structures in freefall as you increase your destructive power by increasing your velocity. Use dynamite to pick off hazards and high value targets. Destroy the mine core and jetpack out alive. Dead screwjumpers don't get paid!

• Multiple levels and characters: Descend and destroy 20 mines on four different planets with six different characters, including Skruii the foreman of the Screwjumpers Union, Filch the reckless thrill-seeker, Zyree the unpredictable, Xoona the aloof, Ula the mad, and Zomar the mysterious.
• Ultimate destruction: Chain your destruction by plunging through objects at ultra-terminal speeds. You're a screwjumper. Go for it!
• Single player modes: Risk your neck in four single-player modes including Destruction, Race, Time Trial, and Score.
• Multiplayer: Compete with your friends via split screen and Xbox LIVE® multiplayer." – Xbox.com

Which brings us to the second release of the week, Shrek-n-Roll. Looking at this title, all I can say is "at least they didn't try to release it as a retail title for $59.99". It looks much like that kids game where you bounce a marble down a board with pegs in it to see what prizes you get. In other words, certainly not something worth playing as a videogame nor something worth 800 points. ($10) – Needless to say, unless someone comes along and says this is the greatest thing since ice-cream, I'm not even going to bother with the demo.

Title: Shrek-n-Roll
Developer: Backbone Entertainment
Publisher: Activision
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/14/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E – (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Join Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots, and 20 other twisted fairy tale friends in Shrek-N-Roll, an addictive and hilarious puzzle game designed for ogres of all ages!

Navigate through 16 challenging mazes across four unique evironments in Far Far Away's newest competitive tournament. Test your tilting and rolling skills in Single Player mode, challenge others in Versus mode, work together with friends and family in Co-op mode, or gain bragging rights with the highest points in Score Attack mode.

• Adventure through Shrek's world: Start rolling at Worcestershire Academy, venture forth onto the Pirate's ship, visit Shrek's Swamp and brave the Evil Queen's Castle. Mastering each of the 16 levels allows you to move on to more fun and challenging puzzles.
• Play the whole Shrek gang: Play with 24 twisted fairy tale characters, including Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots and other unlockable heroes and villains.
• Enjoy signature Shrek humor: From fast-talking Donkey to sword-fighting Puss in Boots, the animation, dialogue and environments throughout the game bring the humor of Shrek alive!
• Experience multiple game modes: Test your tilting and rolling skills in Single Player mode, challenge others in Versus mode, work together with friends and family in Co-op mode, or gain bragging rights with the highest points in Score Attack mode." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Arcade titles, like I mentioned earlier, Switchball was an enjoyable enough game that, while not having the same charm as Marble Madness, at least kept things varied enough to stay interesting throughout the demo. Unfortunately, while I would have rated it a buy at 400 points ($5), I don't quite feel the same about it at 800 ($10). As for Word Puzzle, I didn't even bother with the demo and I
doubt I ever will. Don't encourage trash is my motto.

XBOX LIVE DOWN FOR MAINTENANCE THIS MORNING

Just a quick note here – according to Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb, Xbox Live (and Xbox.com) will be down for maintenance in the early hours of this morning (11/13) and should be back online some time after 5:00am EST.

"On Tuesday November 13th from 0000-0200 PT our engineering team will be performing server maintenance. 

Specifically, Xbox.com maintenance will begin at 0000 while the Xbox LIVE service maintenance will begin at 0100.

That means you can stay on LIVE until approximately 0100.

Click this link to find out what time the maintenance will begin in your time zone

Both Xbox.com and Xbox LIVE will be available again at 0200.

This is for maintenance only, there will be no new features that will appear on Xbox.com, your dashboard or Xbox Live when we return to service. It’s not time for the dashboard update…yet." – Major Nelson

I'll keep my fingers crossed that everything goes as planned for those of you who happen to have the day off and were hoping to get some online gaming in today.

• Xbox Live Maintenance (11/13) – Major Nelson 

LAZY DAY TRAILERS: MASS EFFECT

Now this is what Lazy Day Trailers are all about! I’m not talking about Mass Effect, I’m talking about days where I’ve overslept so badly that I need something I can toss online to entertain you. See? I do really care about you and your entertainment needs!

Today we’ve got an exclusive look at Mass Effect direct from the good folks over at GameTrailers.com. Check it out!

Mass Effect will be hitting retail on November 20th exclusively for the Xbox 360.

• Mass Effect – Official website
• Mass Effect: Exclusive Launch Trailer – GameTrailers.com
• Mass Effect Video Page – GameTrailers.com 

XBOX 360 TWO WORLDS DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Reality Pump's Two Worlds for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 566.51MB.

• Two Worlds – Official website

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – SWITCHBALL & WORD PUZZLE

Another Wednesday, another two Xbox Live Arcade titles. This week we have two offbeat titles in the form of Switchball and Word Puzzle. These two titles have been completely off my radar, so I really don't know what to expect beyond that which their descriptions and screen shots would seem to imply. What I can say based on that is that I'm really not too enthusiastic about either title given the fact that both are tagged at 800 points ($10) apiece.

According to it's description, Switchball seems to be a game very much along the lines of Atari Games' classic arcade title Marble Madness. Players control a ball that must be guided through a maze packed with obstacles within a set time limit. Let's take a look;

Title: Switchball
Developer: Atomic Elbow
Publisher: Sierra Online
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/07/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E – Everyone
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Control an ever-changing ball along a narrow winding maze suspended in midair in Switchball™. Stunning 3-D environments including Skyworld, Iceworld, and Caveworld are the background for this puzzle game based on real-world physics. Maneuver your way through challenging levels jam-packed with obstacles and traps. Transform the marbleball with metal, electric and lighter-than-air properties to quickly get through each area. Then go online and play the competitive multiplayer courses.

• Action puzzler: Inventive and fun puzzle-driven play is based on real world physical interactions.
• Exciting game environments: Beautiful and elegant 3-D graphics offer panoramic views of 30 single player levels in five amazing environments: Skyworld, Iceworld, Caveworld, Cloudworld, and Lavaworld. 
• Traps and obstacles: Navigate more than 40 interactive objects including wooden blocks, sheets of cloth, spinning fans, magnets, cannons, and many more.
• Transform: Morph your marble to take advantage of the unique physical properties of the dense and heavy metalball, the super-charged powerball, or the floating airball, and find your way through the level.
• Multiplayer modes: Join in the fun with co-op and competitive racing courses." – Xbox.com

Next up we have… Word Puzzle. Seriously. Could they have tried any less on this game's title? Probably not seeing how this seems to just be an electronic version of the word search games we all played as children. How this is going to relate to a fun experience or even come close to being worth 800 points ($10) is beyond me.

Title: Word Puzzle
Developer: Interserv International Inc.
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/07/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2 / 2-4
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E – (Everyone)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"You'll never think about word search puzzles the same way again.Word Puzzle takes a new spin on the classic game, plunging you into an action-packed arcade experience complete with combos, exploding word bombs, unique 3-D boards, achievements, and the chance to prove your textual superiority against other players. Five different game modes and frequently updated downloadable word packs give you nearly unlimited flexibility and excitement. So put down that pen and paper, because this is a word search for the 21st century!

• New twists: Exploding word bombs, prop cards used to distract your opponents, 3-D game boards, and other effects combine to provide a word search game like you've never played before.
• Five unique gameplay modes: Try Freeplay for traditional word search fun, Arcade mode to score impressive combos, Local Battle for competitive play on a single console, Live Multiplayer with support for up to 4 players online, and check out the unique Survival Mode where word bombs can explode, and have to be defused.
• Camera-enabled: The game supports the Xbox LIVE® Vision camera during live match play.
• Achievements and leaderboard: Twelve new achievements to master and a leaderboard to compare your word search skills with others." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade title, Mutant Storm Empire was a bit of a let down. The game simply felt uninspired – and given the fact that while they did indeed remove the loading screens between levels, they did it by making the player travel through another area where nothing happens. So really, they just replaced a static loading screen with an interactive one. I had high hopes for MS:E, but the levels felt too short and there was that feeling that I'd "been there and done that" in every part of the game I played. It's another game that I'd have to say isn't a bad game, but certainly isn't one that I'd purchase.

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – SWITCHBALL & WORD PUZZLE

Another Wednesday, another two Xbox Live Arcade titles. This week we have two offbeat titles in the form of Switchball and Word Puzzle. These two titles have been completely off my radar, so I really don't know what to expect beyond that which their descriptions and screen shots would seem to imply. What I can say based on that is that I'm really not too enthusiastic about either title given the fact that both are tagged at 800 points ($10) apiece.

According to it's description, Switchball seems to be a game very much along the lines of Atari Games' classic arcade title Marble Madness. Players control a ball that must be guided through a maze packed with obstacles within a set time limit. Let's take a look;

Title: Switchball
Developer: Atomic Elbow
Publisher: Sierra Online
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/07/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E – Everyone
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Control an ever-changing ball along a narrow winding maze suspended in midair in Switchball™. Stunning 3-D environments including Skyworld, Iceworld, and Caveworld are the background for this puzzle game based on real-world physics. Maneuver your way through challenging levels jam-packed with obstacles and traps. Transform the marbleball with metal, electric and lighter-than-air properties to quickly get through each area. Then go online and play the competitive multiplayer courses.

• Action puzzler: Inventive and fun puzzle-driven play is based on real world physical interactions.
• Exciting game environments: Beautiful and elegant 3-D graphics offer panoramic views of 30 single player levels in five amazing environments: Skyworld, Iceworld, Caveworld, Cloudworld, and Lavaworld. 
• Traps and obstacles: Navigate more than 40 interactive objects including wooden blocks, sheets of cloth, spinning fans, magnets, cannons, and many more.
• Transform: Morph your marble to take advantage of the unique physical properties of the dense and heavy metalball, the super-charged powerball, or the floating airball, and find your way through the level.
• Multiplayer modes: Join in the fun with co-op and competitive racing courses." – Xbox.com

Next up we have… Word Puzzle. Seriously. Could they have tried any less on this game's title? Probably not seeing how this seems to just be an electronic version of the word search games we all played as children. How this is going to relate to a fun experience or even come close to being worth 800 points ($10) is beyond me.

Title: Word Puzzle
Developer: Interserv International Inc.
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/07/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2 / 2-4
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E – (Everyone)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"You'll never think about word search puzzles the same way again.Word Puzzle takes a new spin on the classic game, plunging you into an action-packed arcade experience complete with combos, exploding word bombs, unique 3-D boards, achievements, and the chance to prove your textual superiority against other players. Five different game modes and frequently updated downloadable word packs give you nearly unlimited flexibility and excitement. So put down that pen and paper, because this is a word search for the 21st century!

• New twists: Exploding word bombs, prop cards used to distract your opponents, 3-D game boards, and other effects combine to provide a word search game like you've never played before.
• Five unique gameplay modes: Try Freeplay for traditional word search fun, Arcade mode to score impressive combos, Local Battle for competitive play on a single console, Live Multiplayer with support for up to 4 players online, and check out the unique Survival Mode where word bombs can explode, and have to be defused.
• Camera-enabled: The game supports the Xbox LIVE® Vision camera during live match play.
• Achievements and leaderboard: Twelve new achievements to master and a leaderboard to compare your word search skills with others." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade title, Mutant Storm Empire was a bit of a let down. The game simply felt uninspired – and given the fact that while they did indeed remove the loading screens between levels, they did it by making the player travel through another area where nothing happens. So really, they just replaced a static loading screen with an interactive one. I had high hopes for MS:E, but the levels felt too short and there was that feeling that I'd "been there and done that" in every part of the game I played. It's another game that I'd have to say isn't a bad game, but certainly isn't one that I'd purchase.

XBOX 360 AMERICA’S ARMY: TRUE SOLDIERS DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Ubisoft's America's Army: True Soldiers for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in The United States only via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 535.46MB.

While at DigitalLife '07, I actually wound up running into Red Storm Entertainment's Randy Greenback on the floor and we discussed what the company hopes will set America's Army: True Soldiers apart from the other military simulations on the market – realism combined with teamwork.

Simply put, if you don't work with, and take care of, your teammates, don't expect to last long in America's Army. The game may have the real-life slower pacing of combat, but if you prefer being a one-man show, this is definitely not the title for you.

To assist in making players understand the need for true teamwork, the game will have such real world features as voice proximity (at a certain distance, your teammates can no longer hear you even if you shout), realistic injuries, a specialist system that makes each player a unique part of a team, a feedback system that rewards players who play the game as intended and of course, all the little touches that working directly with the U.S. Army allowed Red Storm Entertainment to craft into the title.

While I may be a fan of more run n' gun style shooters, I do believe this title could definitely interest those who find the somewhat over the top technology of the Ghost Recon series a little too unrealistic.

• America's Army: True Soldiers – Official website

XBOX 360 FREEBIE: BUCCANEER TABLE FOR PINBALL FX

Stix over at Gamer's Lounge clued me in to the fact that Buccaneer, a free downloadable table for owners of Pinball FX, is now available in all regions for the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is 30.01MB.

While that alone would be great news, it gets better. Not only is the new table being provided to owners of Pinball FX for free, but it just happens to be a pirate themed table. Take that, Ninjas. 

"Content: Buccaneer Table
Price: Free
Availability: All Xbox LIVE Regions
Dash Text: [ESRB: E (Everyone) MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Avast, scurvy dogs, there be treasure in these waters! Weigh anchor, hoist the Jolly Roger, and set sail for BUCCANEER, a pirate-themed table that will shiver your timbers!" – Major Nelson

A big thanks to Stix for pointing this one out as it was buried inside of Major Nelson's 10/31 marketplace roundup post.

• Pinball FX new FREE table released … Buccaneer  – Gamer's Lounge
• Marketplace Roundup for October 31, 2007 – Major Nelson

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – MUTANT STORM EMPIRE

While one might assume that today's Xbox Live Arcade release would have a somewhat spooky flavor to it in honor of Halloween, that just isn't the case. What we do get is Mutant Storm Empire, the sequel to one of the Live Arcade's earliest titles Mutant Storm Reloaded.

While I haven't had a chance to try Empire yet, according to the product description and most of the previews I've read, Pom Pom Games has done away with my biggest complaint about it's predecessor – namely, the "level-based" nature of the game. Mutant Storm Empire promises to play all sixteen of it's levels as one continuous experience. If you're like me and prefer that your arcade games to ramp up the difficulty without any kind of break in the action, this could well be a major selling point for you. There is also one other new option worthy of note here – the game will now support two-player co-op action, which should certainly add a whole new flavor to the game.

Ultimately, I think my purchasing decision for Mutant Storm Empire will be based less on it's price tag (800 points – $10), and more on just how long each of said levels are. Mutant Storm Reloaded was a game where each level seemed to end just as it was becoming exciting, and while Empire may remove the delay between levels, if each level is still overly short, those sixteen levels could go by far too quickly. Call it a personal preference, but I feel the best arcade-style shooters are the ones that have that never-ending feeling. Mind you, they don't have to actually be never ending, just make the game long enough that it will take a good while to attain the necessary skill to reach that end. As an example, while it wasn't a shooter, I think many (including myself) felt cheated every time that timer ran out in Pac-Man Championship Edition. (Do you hear me Namco? I'm more than willing to pay again for a version of the game with no timers!) Without a doubt, one of the great features of some of the earliest arcade games was their ability to be played forever on a single coin.

My lecture on arcade game design done, it's time to take a look at the particulars surrounding Mutant Storm Empire;

Title: Mutant Storm Empire
Developer: Pom Pom Games
Publisher: Pom Pom Games
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/31/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 (Everyone 10+) – Fantasy Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"There's this evil emperor, see, and … well, he's evil. Now someone has decided to put a stop to the whole evilness thing, and that someone is you. It's the right thing to do! Besides, in Mutant Storm Empire, it'll be fun. Battle through line after line of the emperor's minion horde, destroying absolutely everything you can! Blast through bunches of robots, crush colonies of aquatic monsters, smash swarms of UFOs, and demolish devastating bosses. It's a continuous adventure through four immense, strikingly vibrant worlds, and you can fight alone or join forces with a friend in two-player cooperative mode. Enjoy the frenzy!

• The art of blasting: Practice the way of "Blastikkidoo" or the art of blasting, as you plow through the different worlds in Mutant Storm Empire. This all-new sequel to Mutant Storm Reloaded ratchets up the competitive challenge!
• Numerous levels: The four different worlds feature sixteen challenging levels, all in gorgeous high-def 3-D graphics.
• Multiplayer modes: Play co-op offline with a friend, or head into Xbox LIVE® territory and go multiplayer for up to 2 people.
• Achievements: Twelve new achievements to master ranging from easy, such as getting a single combo of beasties, to difficult, such as completing the game on the Black Belt level." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade releases, I stand by my comments on each – Battlestar Galactica is still trash and Exit is a game that has a bit of potential for those who enjoy puzzle solving platformers. While I may never even look at BSG again, I'll certainly be revisiting Exit at some point in the future.

MICROSOFT ANNOUNCES UPCOMING XBOX LIVE ARCADE TITLES

You'll have to pardon how brief I keep this post, but I'm feeling quite a bit under the weather at the moment and really want nothing more than to crawl back into bed and go to sleep.

My health aside, what we're here to talk about is the Xbox Live Arcade – namely the fact that Microsoft not only announced which title would be seeing release this week (Mutant Storm Empire – 800 points), but also gave us a peek into what games will be coming in the immediate future. 

While Castle Crashers is still nowhere in sight, here are a few of the titles we can expect to see in the coming weeks;

• N+ (Slick Entertainment and Metanet Software) – Play as an acrobatic ninja in this addictive action-puzzle platformer.  N+ features inadvertently homicidal robots, stylish graphics, a level editor and intense multiplayer awesomeness.
• Screwjumper! (THQ) – Players take the plunge in "Screwjumper!" and free-fall into the depths of the chaotic underworld as a Screwjumper, driving aliens back to their home world by destroying their precious mining equipment.
• SHREK-N-ROLL (Activision) – Gamers join "Shrek®," "Fiona," "Donkey," "Puss in Boots" and 20 other twisted fairy tale friends in this hilarious puzzle game designed for ogres of all ages.
• SpongeBob SquarePants: Underpants Slam (Nickelodeon and THQ) – In this quick and fun game, players search the kitchen of the Krusty Krab, the Flying Dutchman's ship and the Armoury of Atlantis for 99 pairs of underpants.
• Switchball (Sierra Online) – Based on real-world physics, "Switchball" is an intricate puzzle game set in a stunning 3-D world where players control an ever-changing ball along a narrow, winding course suspended in midair.
• Undertow (Chair Entertainment Group) – This fast-paced action-shooter sends gamers underwater as they battle up to 16 players for control of the oceans! Players race to upgrade their units as they engage in non-stop conquest-style battles through multiple levels of combat action with some of the most stunning graphics ever seen in an Xbox LIVE Arcade title.
• Word Puzzle (InterServ International) – The classic pen-and-paper word search game is brought to a new level of excitement on Xbox LIVE Arcade, complete with combos, high-score achievements and the ability to compete against others online.

While a few of those titles sound like they could have potential, I have to say that nothing there really gets me excited – then again, the way I'm feeling right now, not much probably would. It's kind of hard to sound enthusiastic when your only goal in life at the moment is to go back to bed.

XBOX 360 CLEARANCE ITEMS AT WALMART

About an hour ago, I went out in search of a store that would have the Wood Swarm theme deck for The Eye of Judgment in stock, and happened to stop in my local Walmart on the long shot that they would have it. While I didn't find the theme deck, what I did find were a few accessories for the Xbox 360 on clearance.

While I can't say for certain that the same will be in effect at every Walmart, this store had the following items on clearance;

• Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote (Microsoft branded) – $10.00
• Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows – $10.00
• Xbox 360 512mb Memory Unit – $40.00

While many gamers won't care about the remote or memory card, the Wireless Gaming Receiver is a nifty little item that will allow you to use your wireless Xbox 360 accessories on your PC.

Bottom line? If you're in the vicinity of a Walmart anytime soon, you may want to stop in and check out the gaming section to see if there are any deals available. 

XBOX 360 SCENE IT? LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Screenlife Games' Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions except Asia via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 619.00MB.

• Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action – Xbox.com

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – BATTLESTAR GALACTICA & EXIT

It’s wednesday, and you know what that means – it’s time for another edition of Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays. Once again, it’s a double feature week as two more original titles find their way to the Live Arcade in the form of Battlestar Galactica and Exit.

Battlestar Galactica is a top down, free roaming shooter based on the current incarnation of the show of the same name. You take the side of either the human race or Cylon empire and fly about, performing missions to advance your cause in either a free-play mode or a campaign. Online, the game also offers domination and multiplayer dogfight game modes for up to 8 players.

Having just finished playing both of today’s releases, I feel pretty confident in saying that while Battlestar Galactica is a pretty game, there’s not much meat to it. At 800 points ($10), I certainly could think of better games to spend the money on, so my advice to you is to be sure to try the demo before you buy this one.

Title: Battlestar Galactica
Developer: Auran
Publisher: Sierra Online
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/24/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-4 / 2-8 Online
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 – Everyone 10+ (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Enter the Battlestar Galactica universe in Battlestar Galactica™. Sign up to defend the Galactica, or play as the ruthless Cylons as they seek to remove the Human Race from existence. Pilot iconic ships from the Viper II to the Heavy Raider and lead your squadron in enormous fast-action multiplayer space combat (with up to eight players online) or play through the exciting single-player campaign.

• Single-player campaign: Pilot various ships and complete memorable missions from the TV series.
• Multiplayer game mode: Play online with up to eight players in this relentless space-based action shooter in Firefight, Skirmish, and Domination modes.
• Spaceships: Pilot four human and four Cylon ships, from the Viper II to the Heavy Raider, each with unique weapon capabilities.
• Special weapons: Coordinate attacks with an arsenal of destructive weapons including missiles, guns, and more.
• Defensive maneuvers: Avoid annihilation with the barrel roll, quick turnabouts, and other aerial moves." – Xbox.com

The second Live Arcade title of the week shows a little more promise if side scrolling platform puzzle games are to your liking. Exit is a stylized take on the classic platformer where your mission is to escape from a series of buildings using items found throughout each of the game’s levels. Adding to the mix is the need to rescue other people trapped in the building, and in many cases use them to help solve the puzzle that will allow you to escape unharmed.

The tutorial levels that I tried are fairly straight-forward and didn’t include any truly mind-bending puzzles, so I really don’t know whether or not this one is going to live up to it’s promise. As usual, my advice is for you to download the demo and see whether or not the game suits your tastes.

In my case, while I liked the puzzle solving aspect of the game (despite the tutorials simplicity), I found that it was just a little too slow paced for me to really get into – which is why I didn’t play the tutorial levels all the way to their completion. it’s one of those titles that I’ll probably go back to soon in order to see if it still leaves me cold or if I was just feeling a bit impatient today. I guess the best thing I can say about Exit is that it reminds me of a cross between the Castle of Dr Brain and Mario vs Donkey Kong.

Title: Exit
Developer: TAITO Corporation
Publisher: TAITO Corporation
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/24/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E (Everyone) Cartoon Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Meet Mr. ESC, otherwise known as Mr. Escape. Mr. ESC is an escape artist whose objective is to save people from disastrous situations, clearing each danger-filled stage within a limited amount of time. Save lives in EXIT®, a frantic, mind-stretching, action-packed puzzle game!

• Frantic rescue action: As Mr. ESC, take control and rescue people from dangers like fires and earthquakes. Turn them into Companions and lead them to safety.
• Puzzle-solving skills required: Use your Companions by commanding them to use items, solve puzzles, and reach the exit within the time limit.
• Companion abilities: The different Companions you save have different abilities. Young Companions have average abilities, Adults are strong, and Kids can make it through tight passages. Be sure to save the injured Patients as well.
• Multiple stages: There are over 120 challenging stages to escape, and even more stages will be available for download.
• Twelve new achievements and leaderboard: Master twelve new achievements, and compete for the best stage times on the leaderboards to prove you are the greatest escape artist in the world!" – Xbox.com

As for last week’s Live Arcade titles, I couldn’t really get into either of them. Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe suffers from both control issues and a general lack of solid fun that easily makes it (imho) not worth the price that’s being asked for it. Every Extend Extra Extreme, while a good title, just didn’t fit my tastes. The game’s design makes you feel more of a spectator than an active participant, and I found myself growing bored of it quickly. It’s not a case where I’ll say it’s a bad game, just one that I’ll say I don’t particularly care for.

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – BATTLESTAR GALACTICA & EXIT

It’s wednesday, and you know what that means – it’s time for another edition of Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays. Once again, it’s a double feature week as two more original titles find their way to the Live Arcade in the form of Battlestar Galactica and Exit.

Battlestar Galactica is a top down, free roaming shooter based on the current incarnation of the show of the same name. You take the side of either the human race or Cylon empire and fly about, performing missions to advance your cause in either a free-play mode or a campaign. Online, the game also offers domination and multiplayer dogfight game modes for up to 8 players.

Having just finished playing both of today’s releases, I feel pretty confident in saying that while Battlestar Galactica is a pretty game, there’s not much meat to it. At 800 points ($10), I certainly could think of better games to spend the money on, so my advice to you is to be sure to try the demo before you buy this one.

Title: Battlestar Galactica
Developer: Auran
Publisher: Sierra Online
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/24/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-4 / 2-8 Online
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 – Everyone 10+ (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Enter the Battlestar Galactica universe in Battlestar Galactica™. Sign up to defend the Galactica, or play as the ruthless Cylons as they seek to remove the Human Race from existence. Pilot iconic ships from the Viper II to the Heavy Raider and lead your squadron in enormous fast-action multiplayer space combat (with up to eight players online) or play through the exciting single-player campaign.

• Single-player campaign: Pilot various ships and complete memorable missions from the TV series.
• Multiplayer game mode: Play online with up to eight players in this relentless space-based action shooter in Firefight, Skirmish, and Domination modes.
• Spaceships: Pilot four human and four Cylon ships, from the Viper II to the Heavy Raider, each with unique weapon capabilities.
• Special weapons: Coordinate attacks with an arsenal of destructive weapons including missiles, guns, and more.
• Defensive maneuvers: Avoid annihilation with the barrel roll, quick turnabouts, and other aerial moves." – Xbox.com

The second Live Arcade title of the week shows a little more promise if side scrolling platform puzzle games are to your liking. Exit is a stylized take on the classic platformer where your mission is to escape from a series of buildings using items found throughout each of the game’s levels. Adding to the mix is the need to rescue other people trapped in the building, and in many cases use them to help solve the puzzle that will allow you to escape unharmed.

The tutorial levels that I tried are fairly straight-forward and didn’t include any truly mind-bending puzzles, so I really don’t know whether or not this one is going to live up to it’s promise. As usual, my advice is for you to download the demo and see whether or not the game suits your tastes.

In my case, while I liked the puzzle solving aspect of the game (despite the tutorials simplicity), I found that it was just a little too slow paced for me to really get into – which is why I didn’t play the tutorial levels all the way to their completion. it’s one of those titles that I’ll probably go back to soon in order to see if it still leaves me cold or if I was just feeling a bit impatient today. I guess the best thing I can say about Exit is that it reminds me of a cross between the Castle of Dr Brain and Mario vs Donkey Kong.

Title: Exit
Developer: TAITO Corporation
Publisher: TAITO Corporation
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/24/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E (Everyone) Cartoon Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Meet Mr. ESC, otherwise known as Mr. Escape. Mr. ESC is an escape artist whose objective is to save people from disastrous situations, clearing each danger-filled stage within a limited amount of time. Save lives in EXIT®, a frantic, mind-stretching, action-packed puzzle game!

• Frantic rescue action: As Mr. ESC, take control and rescue people from dangers like fires and earthquakes. Turn them into Companions and lead them to safety.
• Puzzle-solving skills required: Use your Companions by commanding them to use items, solve puzzles, and reach the exit within the time limit.
• Companion abilities: The different Companions you save have different abilities. Young Companions have average abilities, Adults are strong, and Kids can make it through tight passages. Be sure to save the injured Patients as well.
• Multiple stages: There are over 120 challenging stages to escape, and even more stages will be available for download.
• Twelve new achievements and leaderboard: Master twelve new achievements, and compete for the best stage times on the leaderboards to prove you are the greatest escape artist in the world!" – Xbox.com

As for last week’s Live Arcade titles, I couldn’t really get into either of them. Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe suffers from both control issues and a general lack of solid fun that easily makes it (imho) not worth the price that’s being asked for it. Every Extend Extra Extreme, while a good title, just didn’t fit my tastes. The game’s design makes you feel more of a spectator than an active participant, and I found myself growing bored of it quickly. It’s not a case where I’ll say it’s a bad game, just one that I’ll say I don’t particularly care for.

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – BATTLESTAR GALACTICA & EXIT

It’s wednesday, and you know what that means – it’s time for another edition of Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays. Once again, it’s a double feature week as two more original titles find their way to the Live Arcade in the form of Battlestar Galactica and Exit.

Battlestar Galactica is a top down, free roaming shooter based on the current incarnation of the show of the same name. You take the side of either the human race or Cylon empire and fly about, performing missions to advance your cause in either a free-play mode or a campaign. Online, the game also offers domination and multiplayer dogfight game modes for up to 8 players.

Having just finished playing both of today’s releases, I feel pretty confident in saying that while Battlestar Galactica is a pretty game, there’s not much meat to it. At 800 points ($10), I certainly could think of better games to spend the money on, so my advice to you is to be sure to try the demo before you buy this one.

Title: Battlestar Galactica
Developer: Auran
Publisher: Sierra Online
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/24/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-4 / 2-8 Online
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 – Everyone 10+ (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Enter the Battlestar Galactica universe in Battlestar Galactica™. Sign up to defend the Galactica, or play as the ruthless Cylons as they seek to remove the Human Race from existence. Pilot iconic ships from the Viper II to the Heavy Raider and lead your squadron in enormous fast-action multiplayer space combat (with up to eight players online) or play through the exciting single-player campaign.

• Single-player campaign: Pilot various ships and complete memorable missions from the TV series.
• Multiplayer game mode: Play online with up to eight players in this relentless space-based action shooter in Firefight, Skirmish, and Domination modes.
• Spaceships: Pilot four human and four Cylon ships, from the Viper II to the Heavy Raider, each with unique weapon capabilities.
• Special weapons: Coordinate attacks with an arsenal of destructive weapons including missiles, guns, and more.
• Defensive maneuvers: Avoid annihilation with the barrel roll, quick turnabouts, and other aerial moves." – Xbox.com

The second Live Arcade title of the week shows a little more promise if side scrolling platform puzzle games are to your liking. Exit is a stylized take on the classic platformer where your mission is to escape from a series of buildings using items found throughout each of the game’s levels. Adding to the mix is the need to rescue other people trapped in the building, and in many cases use them to help solve the puzzle that will allow you to escape unharmed.

The tutorial levels that I tried are fairly straight-forward and didn’t include any truly mind-bending puzzles, so I really don’t know whether or not this one is going to live up to it’s promise. As usual, my advice is for you to download the demo and see whether or not the game suits your tastes.

In my case, while I liked the puzzle solving aspect of the game (despite the tutorials simplicity), I found that it was just a little too slow paced for me to really get into – which is why I didn’t play the tutorial levels all the way to their completion. it’s one of those titles that I’ll probably go back to soon in order to see if it still leaves me cold or if I was just feeling a bit impatient today. I guess the best thing I can say about Exit is that it reminds me of a cross between the Castle of Dr Brain and Mario vs Donkey Kong.

Title: Exit
Developer: TAITO Corporation
Publisher: TAITO Corporation
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/24/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E (Everyone) Cartoon Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Meet Mr. ESC, otherwise known as Mr. Escape. Mr. ESC is an escape artist whose objective is to save people from disastrous situations, clearing each danger-filled stage within a limited amount of time. Save lives in EXIT®, a frantic, mind-stretching, action-packed puzzle game!

• Frantic rescue action: As Mr. ESC, take control and rescue people from dangers like fires and earthquakes. Turn them into Companions and lead them to safety.
• Puzzle-solving skills required: Use your Companions by commanding them to use items, solve puzzles, and reach the exit within the time limit.
• Companion abilities: The different Companions you save have different abilities. Young Companions have average abilities, Adults are strong, and Kids can make it through tight passages. Be sure to save the injured Patients as well.
• Multiple stages: There are over 120 challenging stages to escape, and even more stages will be available for download.
• Twelve new achievements and leaderboard: Master twelve new achievements, and compete for the best stage times on the leaderboards to prove you are the greatest escape artist in the world!" – Xbox.com

As for last week’s Live Arcade titles, I couldn’t really get into either of them. Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe suffers from both control issues and a general lack of solid fun that easily makes it (imho) not worth the price that’s being asked for it. Every Extend Extra Extreme, while a good title, just didn’t fit my tastes. The game’s design makes you feel more of a spectator than an active participant, and I found myself growing bored of it quickly. It’s not a case where I’ll say it’s a bad game, just one that I’ll say I don’t particularly care for.

XBOX 360 NEED FOR SPEED PRO STREET DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Electronic Arts’ Need for Speed Pro Street for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 654.64MB.

• Need for Speed Pro Street – Official website

XBOX 360 GUITAR HERO III: LEGENDS OF ROCK DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Activision’s Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 544.82MB.

• Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock – Official website

XBOX 360 PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2008 DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in North America via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 1.18GB.

• Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 – Official website

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – EVERY EXTEND EXTRA EXTREME & SPEEDBALL 2: BRUTAL DELUXE

Welcome to another edition of Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays. This week, Microsoft is giving Xbox 360 owners another double dose of action with the releases of Every Extend Extra Extreme and Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe, so let’s get right to it and take a look at our two contestants…

Every Extend Extra Extreme is the latest iteration in the Every Extend series, and promises to provide players with more of the music-based, chain-blasting action fans of the previous games have come to expect. One perk found in the Xbox 360 version will be the ability to stream your own music to the 360 for use in the game, which should add a great deal of variety depending on what kind of music you choose to use.

For those of you who are completely lost at this point, let me explain… Every Extend Extra Extreme is a game where the actual frequency of enemies and the timing of the combos players can make is controlled by the music being played in the game. The premise is simple – players sacrifice their onscreen avatar by crashing into the enemies on screen, thereby setting off a chain reaction of explosions that generate their score. Naturally, the longer and more complex the chain reaction is, the more points the player scores.

If you’re still confused, my advice is to try the demo available in the Xbox Live Marketplace or download Every Extend, the original freeware game, for your PC to see if this is a game worth your 800 points ($10).

Title: Every Extend Extra Extreme
Developer: Q Entertainment Inc.
Publisher: Q Entertainment Inc.
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/17/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: Not available
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"The latest creation by Q Entertainment, EVERY EXTEND EXTRA EXTREME (E4) is a unique action-packed shooter. Time your self-destruction perfectly, create chain reactions by exploding enemies, and extend the game life. Enjoy a trippy, trancey clubbing experience through the combination of highly addictive gameplay, music, and sharp visuals. E4 features five exciting game modes as you collect bonus items and detonate your craft to the beat to multiply your scores.

• Wildly fun gameplay: Unique, fun, addictive gameplay mixed with hip and cool original music offers a club-like experience in the living room.
• Next-gen challenge and graphics: Outrageous visuals and high-quality sound add to the richness of the gameplay. There are a hundred times more enemies, a hundred times more chain reactions, and a stylish collection of newly designed visualizers all exploding in high definition with 5.1 surround sound support.
• Multiple game modes: Play E4 The Game Unlimited, a reverse action-shooter where the goal is to self-destruct, create large chain reactions of explosions by defeating enemies, and extend the life of the game by collecting the items they leave behind. Other game modes include E4 The Game Limited, that challenges with a Time Attack version of the main mode. Take on R4 The Revenge, a genuine shooter with up to 100 stages. And go head to head in H4 Versus Live, against other players on Xbox LIVE®.
• Your own music: Add your own music in the S4 Wiz Ur Muzik mode. Enjoy a customized E4 gameplay experience by adding your own tracks and playing to your favorite music." – Xbox.com

If Every Extend Extra Extreme didn’t sound like your kind of game, then perhaps Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe, a remake of the 1991 game of the same name, will be more to your liking.

Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe is a futuristic sports game where players in an enclosed arena attempt to score by throwing a ball into their opponent’s goal. Those are the entire set of rules – how your team does that is entirely up to them, meaning that violence is sure to ensue. I don’t have much first-hand knowledge of this game, so I’m going to highly recommend that you try the demo before shelling out the required 800 points ($10) to purchase this one.

Title: Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe
Developer: The Bitmap Brothers
Publisher: Empire Interactive, LTD.
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/17/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E (Everyone) Mild Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"In the year 2326, rival gangs form an ultra-violent streetsports league called Speedball to settle their deadly disputes. Get your steel ball into the opponent’s goal. That’s it, there are no other rules, and anything goes. The sport becomes quite popular, but it is also extremely dangerous. Ten years later, Speedball becomes the national sport with sponsors, professional teams, and insanely brutal action.

Now, the Bitmap Brothers and Empire Interactive bring you the legendary futuristic sports game Speedball™ 2: Brutal Deluxe completely remastered for Xbox LIVE® Arcade. Play the fast-paced and utterly brutal game with its classic 2-D graphics, or go full on with the new super-enhanced high definition 3-D visuals. Smash your way to the top of the league in the solo game or go head to head locally or on Xbox LIVE. The game features 32 teams, 4 leagues, cup and knockout competitions, team enhancements, management and training options, and Ranked Preset or Ranked Career games.

• Updated classic: Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe brings you both the original version with its violently fast action and 2-D graphics, and the exciting new high-def enhanced 3-D graphics for players and arenas.
• Multiplayer mode: Win as many professional matches as you can, join the upper leagues, and unlock new content in the online store. Play locally or on Xbox LIVE. Compete head to head in friendly or ranked matches.
• Expanded gameplay: The solo game includes 32 teams, league championship, cup and knockout competitions.
• Management options: Use your management skills to train your players or buy star players as you mount your challenge for the championship." – Xbox.com

As for last week’s Live Arcade titles, I can sum it up pretty shortly with the following statements… If you don’t already own Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords for another system, you really owe it to yourself to pick it up for the Live Arcade – it’s every bit as addictive as it’s handheld cousins. As for Yaris, it’s a very rare thing for me to say that a free game isn’t worth the time to download, but Yaris accomplishes that feat quite well. It just isn’t even worth the hard drive space it occupies.

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – EVERY EXTEND EXTRA EXTREME & SPEEDBALL 2: BRUTAL DELUXE

Welcome to another edition of Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays. This week, Microsoft is giving Xbox 360 owners another double dose of action with the releases of Every Extend Extra Extreme and Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe, so let’s get right to it and take a look at our two contestants…

Every Extend Extra Extreme is the latest iteration in the Every Extend series, and promises to provide players with more of the music-based, chain-blasting action fans of the previous games have come to expect. One perk found in the Xbox 360 version will be the ability to stream your own music to the 360 for use in the game, which should add a great deal of variety depending on what kind of music you choose to use.

For those of you who are completely lost at this point, let me explain… Every Extend Extra Extreme is a game where the actual frequency of enemies and the timing of the combos players can make is controlled by the music being played in the game. The premise is simple – players sacrifice their onscreen avatar by crashing into the enemies on screen, thereby setting off a chain reaction of explosions that generate their score. Naturally, the longer and more complex the chain reaction is, the more points the player scores.

If you’re still confused, my advice is to try the demo available in the Xbox Live Marketplace or download Every Extend, the original freeware game, for your PC to see if this is a game worth your 800 points ($10).

Title: Every Extend Extra Extreme
Developer: Q Entertainment Inc.
Publisher: Q Entertainment Inc.
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/17/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: Not available
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"The latest creation by Q Entertainment, EVERY EXTEND EXTRA EXTREME (E4) is a unique action-packed shooter. Time your self-destruction perfectly, create chain reactions by exploding enemies, and extend the game life. Enjoy a trippy, trancey clubbing experience through the combination of highly addictive gameplay, music, and sharp visuals. E4 features five exciting game modes as you collect bonus items and detonate your craft to the beat to multiply your scores.

• Wildly fun gameplay: Unique, fun, addictive gameplay mixed with hip and cool original music offers a club-like experience in the living room.
• Next-gen challenge and graphics: Outrageous visuals and high-quality sound add to the richness of the gameplay. There are a hundred times more enemies, a hundred times more chain reactions, and a stylish collection of newly designed visualizers all exploding in high definition with 5.1 surround sound support.
• Multiple game modes: Play E4 The Game Unlimited, a reverse action-shooter where the goal is to self-destruct, create large chain reactions of explosions by defeating enemies, and extend the life of the game by collecting the items they leave behind. Other game modes include E4 The Game Limited, that challenges with a Time Attack version of the main mode. Take on R4 The Revenge, a genuine shooter with up to 100 stages. And go head to head in H4 Versus Live, against other players on Xbox LIVE®.
• Your own music: Add your own music in the S4 Wiz Ur Muzik mode. Enjoy a customized E4 gameplay experience by adding your own tracks and playing to your favorite music." – Xbox.com

If Every Extend Extra Extreme didn’t sound like your kind of game, then perhaps Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe, a remake of the 1991 game of the same name, will be more to your liking.

Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe is a futuristic sports game where players in an enclosed arena attempt to score by throwing a ball into their opponent’s goal. Those are the entire set of rules – how your team does that is entirely up to them, meaning that violence is sure to ensue. I don’t have much first-hand knowledge of this game, so I’m going to highly recommend that you try the demo before shelling out the required 800 points ($10) to purchase this one.

Title: Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe
Developer: The Bitmap Brothers
Publisher: Empire Interactive, LTD.
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/17/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E (Everyone) Mild Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"In the year 2326, rival gangs form an ultra-violent streetsports league called Speedball to settle their deadly disputes. Get your steel ball into the opponent’s goal. That’s it, there are no other rules, and anything goes. The sport becomes quite popular, but it is also extremely dangerous. Ten years later, Speedball becomes the national sport with sponsors, professional teams, and insanely brutal action.

Now, the Bitmap Brothers and Empire Interactive bring you the legendary futuristic sports game Speedball™ 2: Brutal Deluxe completely remastered for Xbox LIVE® Arcade. Play the fast-paced and utterly brutal game with its classic 2-D graphics, or go full on with the new super-enhanced high definition 3-D visuals. Smash your way to the top of the league in the solo game or go head to head locally or on Xbox LIVE. The game features 32 teams, 4 leagues, cup and knockout competitions, team enhancements, management and training options, and Ranked Preset or Ranked Career games.

• Updated classic: Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe brings you both the original version with its violently fast action and 2-D graphics, and the exciting new high-def enhanced 3-D graphics for players and arenas.
• Multiplayer mode: Win as many professional matches as you can, join the upper leagues, and unlock new content in the online store. Play locally or on Xbox LIVE. Compete head to head in friendly or ranked matches.
• Expanded gameplay: The solo game includes 32 teams, league championship, cup and knockout competitions.
• Management options: Use your management skills to train your players or buy star players as you mount your challenge for the championship." – Xbox.com

As for last week’s Live Arcade titles, I can sum it up pretty shortly with the following statements… If you don’t already own Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords for another system, you really owe it to yourself to pick it up for the Live Arcade – it’s every bit as addictive as it’s handheld cousins. As for Yaris, it’s a very rare thing for me to say that a free game isn’t worth the time to download, but Yaris accomplishes that feat quite well. It just isn’t even worth the hard drive space it occupies.

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – EVERY EXTEND EXTRA EXTREME & SPEEDBALL 2: BRUTAL DELUXE

Welcome to another edition of Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays. This week, Microsoft is giving Xbox 360 owners another double dose of action with the releases of Every Extend Extra Extreme and Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe, so let’s get right to it and take a look at our two contestants…

Every Extend Extra Extreme is the latest iteration in the Every Extend series, and promises to provide players with more of the music-based, chain-blasting action fans of the previous games have come to expect. One perk found in the Xbox 360 version will be the ability to stream your own music to the 360 for use in the game, which should add a great deal of variety depending on what kind of music you choose to use.

For those of you who are completely lost at this point, let me explain… Every Extend Extra Extreme is a game where the actual frequency of enemies and the timing of the combos players can make is controlled by the music being played in the game. The premise is simple – players sacrifice their onscreen avatar by crashing into the enemies on screen, thereby setting off a chain reaction of explosions that generate their score. Naturally, the longer and more complex the chain reaction is, the more points the player scores.

If you’re still confused, my advice is to try the demo available in the Xbox Live Marketplace or download Every Extend, the original freeware game, for your PC to see if this is a game worth your 800 points ($10).

Title: Every Extend Extra Extreme
Developer: Q Entertainment Inc.
Publisher: Q Entertainment Inc.
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/17/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: Not available
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"The latest creation by Q Entertainment, EVERY EXTEND EXTRA EXTREME (E4) is a unique action-packed shooter. Time your self-destruction perfectly, create chain reactions by exploding enemies, and extend the game life. Enjoy a trippy, trancey clubbing experience through the combination of highly addictive gameplay, music, and sharp visuals. E4 features five exciting game modes as you collect bonus items and detonate your craft to the beat to multiply your scores.

• Wildly fun gameplay: Unique, fun, addictive gameplay mixed with hip and cool original music offers a club-like experience in the living room.
• Next-gen challenge and graphics: Outrageous visuals and high-quality sound add to the richness of the gameplay. There are a hundred times more enemies, a hundred times more chain reactions, and a stylish collection of newly designed visualizers all exploding in high definition with 5.1 surround sound support.
• Multiple game modes: Play E4 The Game Unlimited, a reverse action-shooter where the goal is to self-destruct, create large chain reactions of explosions by defeating enemies, and extend the life of the game by collecting the items they leave behind. Other game modes include E4 The Game Limited, that challenges with a Time Attack version of the main mode. Take on R4 The Revenge, a genuine shooter with up to 100 stages. And go head to head in H4 Versus Live, against other players on Xbox LIVE®.
• Your own music: Add your own music in the S4 Wiz Ur Muzik mode. Enjoy a customized E4 gameplay experience by adding your own tracks and playing to your favorite music." – Xbox.com

If Every Extend Extra Extreme didn’t sound like your kind of game, then perhaps Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe, a remake of the 1991 game of the same name, will be more to your liking.

Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe is a futuristic sports game where players in an enclosed arena attempt to score by throwing a ball into their opponent’s goal. Those are the entire set of rules – how your team does that is entirely up to them, meaning that violence is sure to ensue. I don’t have much first-hand knowledge of this game, so I’m going to highly recommend that you try the demo before shelling out the required 800 points ($10) to purchase this one.

Title: Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe
Developer: The Bitmap Brothers
Publisher: Empire Interactive, LTD.
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/17/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E (Everyone) Mild Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"In the year 2326, rival gangs form an ultra-violent streetsports league called Speedball to settle their deadly disputes. Get your steel ball into the opponent’s goal. That’s it, there are no other rules, and anything goes. The sport becomes quite popular, but it is also extremely dangerous. Ten years later, Speedball becomes the national sport with sponsors, professional teams, and insanely brutal action.

Now, the Bitmap Brothers and Empire Interactive bring you the legendary futuristic sports game Speedball™ 2: Brutal Deluxe completely remastered for Xbox LIVE® Arcade. Play the fast-paced and utterly brutal game with its classic 2-D graphics, or go full on with the new super-enhanced high definition 3-D visuals. Smash your way to the top of the league in the solo game or go head to head locally or on Xbox LIVE. The game features 32 teams, 4 leagues, cup and knockout competitions, team enhancements, management and training options, and Ranked Preset or Ranked Career games.

• Updated classic: Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe brings you both the original version with its violently fast action and 2-D graphics, and the exciting new high-def enhanced 3-D graphics for players and arenas.
• Multiplayer mode: Win as many professional matches as you can, join the upper leagues, and unlock new content in the online store. Play locally or on Xbox LIVE. Compete head to head in friendly or ranked matches.
• Expanded gameplay: The solo game includes 32 teams, league championship, cup and knockout competitions.
• Management options: Use your management skills to train your players or buy star players as you mount your challenge for the championship." – Xbox.com

As for last week’s Live Arcade titles, I can sum it up pretty shortly with the following statements… If you don’t already own Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords for another system, you really owe it to yourself to pick it up for the Live Arcade – it’s every bit as addictive as it’s handheld cousins. As for Yaris, it’s a very rare thing for me to say that a free game isn’t worth the time to download, but Yaris accomplishes that feat quite well. It just isn’t even worth the hard drive space it occupies.

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – EVERY EXTEND EXTRA EXTREME & SPEEDBALL 2: BRUTAL DELUXE

Welcome to another edition of Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays. This week, Microsoft is giving Xbox 360 owners another double dose of action with the releases of Every Extend Extra Extreme and Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe, so let’s get right to it and take a look at our two contestants…

Every Extend Extra Extreme is the latest iteration in the Every Extend series, and promises to provide players with more of the music-based, chain-blasting action fans of the previous games have come to expect. One perk found in the Xbox 360 version will be the ability to stream your own music to the 360 for use in the game, which should add a great deal of variety depending on what kind of music you choose to use.

For those of you who are completely lost at this point, let me explain… Every Extend Extra Extreme is a game where the actual frequency of enemies and the timing of the combos players can make is controlled by the music being played in the game. The premise is simple – players sacrifice their onscreen avatar by crashing into the enemies on screen, thereby setting off a chain reaction of explosions that generate their score. Naturally, the longer and more complex the chain reaction is, the more points the player scores.

If you’re still confused, my advice is to try the demo available in the Xbox Live Marketplace or download Every Extend, the original freeware game, for your PC to see if this is a game worth your 800 points ($10).

Title: Every Extend Extra Extreme
Developer: Q Entertainment Inc.
Publisher: Q Entertainment Inc.
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/17/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: Not available
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"The latest creation by Q Entertainment, EVERY EXTEND EXTRA EXTREME (E4) is a unique action-packed shooter. Time your self-destruction perfectly, create chain reactions by exploding enemies, and extend the game life. Enjoy a trippy, trancey clubbing experience through the combination of highly addictive gameplay, music, and sharp visuals. E4 features five exciting game modes as you collect bonus items and detonate your craft to the beat to multiply your scores.

• Wildly fun gameplay: Unique, fun, addictive gameplay mixed with hip and cool original music offers a club-like experience in the living room.
• Next-gen challenge and graphics: Outrageous visuals and high-quality sound add to the richness of the gameplay. There are a hundred times more enemies, a hundred times more chain reactions, and a stylish collection of newly designed visualizers all exploding in high definition with 5.1 surround sound support.
• Multiple game modes: Play E4 The Game Unlimited, a reverse action-shooter where the goal is to self-destruct, create large chain reactions of explosions by defeating enemies, and extend the life of the game by collecting the items they leave behind. Other game modes include E4 The Game Limited, that challenges with a Time Attack version of the main mode. Take on R4 The Revenge, a genuine shooter with up to 100 stages. And go head to head in H4 Versus Live, against other players on Xbox LIVE®.
• Your own music: Add your own music in the S4 Wiz Ur Muzik mode. Enjoy a customized E4 gameplay experience by adding your own tracks and playing to your favorite music." – Xbox.com

If Every Extend Extra Extreme didn’t sound like your kind of game, then perhaps Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe, a remake of the 1991 game of the same name, will be more to your liking.

Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe is a futuristic sports game where players in an enclosed arena attempt to score by throwing a ball into their opponent’s goal. Those are the entire set of rules – how your team does that is entirely up to them, meaning that violence is sure to ensue. I don’t have much first-hand knowledge of this game, so I’m going to highly recommend that you try the demo before shelling out the required 800 points ($10) to purchase this one.

Title: Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe
Developer: The Bitmap Brothers
Publisher: Empire Interactive, LTD.
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/17/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E (Everyone) Mild Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"In the year 2326, rival gangs form an ultra-violent streetsports league called Speedball to settle their deadly disputes. Get your steel ball into the opponent’s goal. That’s it, there are no other rules, and anything goes. The sport becomes quite popular, but it is also extremely dangerous. Ten years later, Speedball becomes the national sport with sponsors, professional teams, and insanely brutal action.

Now, the Bitmap Brothers and Empire Interactive bring you the legendary futuristic sports game Speedball™ 2: Brutal Deluxe completely remastered for Xbox LIVE® Arcade. Play the fast-paced and utterly brutal game with its classic 2-D graphics, or go full on with the new super-enhanced high definition 3-D visuals. Smash your way to the top of the league in the solo game or go head to head locally or on Xbox LIVE. The game features 32 teams, 4 leagues, cup and knockout competitions, team enhancements, management and training options, and Ranked Preset or Ranked Career games.

• Updated classic: Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe brings you both the original version with its violently fast action and 2-D graphics, and the exciting new high-def enhanced 3-D graphics for players and arenas.
• Multiplayer mode: Win as many professional matches as you can, join the upper leagues, and unlock new content in the online store. Play locally or on Xbox LIVE. Compete head to head in friendly or ranked matches.
• Expanded gameplay: The solo game includes 32 teams, league championship, cup and knockout competitions.
• Management options: Use your management skills to train your players or buy star players as you mount your challenge for the championship." – Xbox.com

As for last week’s Live Arcade titles, I can sum it up pretty shortly with the following statements… If you don’t already own Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords for another system, you really owe it to yourself to pick it up for the Live Arcade – it’s every bit as addictive as it’s handheld cousins. As for Yaris, it’s a very rare thing for me to say that a free game isn’t worth the time to download, but Yaris accomplishes that feat quite well. It just isn’t even worth the hard drive space it occupies.

XBOX 360 WWE SMACKDOWN VS RAW 2008 DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of THQ’s WWE Smackdown vs RAW 2008 for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions except Korea via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 1.21GB.

• WWE Smackdown vs RAW 2008 – Official website

THE ELDER SCROLLS IV: OBLIVION – THE FIGHTER’S STRONGHOLD RELEASED

Bethesda Softworks has released The Fighter’s Stronghold, the final downloadable content pack for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, for Windows and the Xbox 360, and for the period between October 15th and October 21st, gamers can download the pack free of charge.

“Fighter’s Stronghold – DLC6

Defeat the attacking marauders and become lord of Battlehorn Castle. Located in the Colovian Highlands west of Chorrol, this expansive castle will allow you to live the life of a noble warrior, with private quarters, grand dining hall, wine cellar, barracks, training room and more. And what castle would be complete without a few hidden passages and dark secrets?

• A fully detailed castle for you to explore
• Knights of the True Horn patrol the castle and do your bidding
  
• Secret treasure vault
• Upgrade the furnishings in every area of the castle
• Hire a vintner to create special wines to enhance your fighting abilities
• Hire a combat trainer to spar with
• Hire a taxidermist to craft lifelike trophies for your great hall
• Purchase an ancient Dwemer Forge that buffs your Armorer skill” – The Elder Scolls download page

The Fighter’s Stronghold is available to PC users through the game’s official store, while the Xbox 360 version can be obtained via the Xbox Live Marketplace. No information on what price the pack will carry after the 21st or whether or not the pack will be made available for the PlayStation 3 is currently available.

• The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Official site
• The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – The Fighters Stronghold – Product page

XBOX 360 VIRTUA FIGHTER 5 DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Sega’s Virtua Fighter 5 for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 674.39MB.

• Virtua Fighter 5 – Official website

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – PUZZLE QUEST: CHALLENGE OF THE WARLORDS & YARIS

Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays returns to the two-game format this week with the release of the ever-addictive Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords and Yaris, a free combat racing game sponsored by Toyota.

We’ll open with a look at Puzzle Quest, the game that has already taken the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP by storm. Puzzle Quest is a highly addictive mix of classic puzzle-game strategy with a heavy dose of RPG gameplay built in. As you can probably tell, I’m a big fan of this game and have spent more than a few hours playing it on the DS.

The gameplay premise itself is simple – the game presents a standard map-based RPG experience until the player becomes involved in combat. Once facing an enemy, the game switches to a puzzle grid where players take turns moving colored orbs around to create groups of three or more. Based on the color of the matched orbs, players will either do damage to their opponent or gain magic points related to the color that can be sued to cast spells or use special abilities. As you can imagine with an RPG, items and allies found during your adventures can help tip the balance in your favor for each fight.

The game is one of the higher priced Xbox Live Arcade releases, but at 1,200 points ($15) it’s actually the cheapest version of the game available on any system – and if you don’t already own it on another system, it’s one hell of a bargain.

Title: Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords
Developer: Infinite Interactive
Publisher: D3 Publisher of America
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/10/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 1200 points ($15)
Rating: E10 (Everyone 10+) – Suggestive Themes
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords™ delivers, for the first time ever, classic puzzle-game action backed with an epic story of good versus evil. Challenge your puzzle skills in single-player campaign mode, or battle your friends in multiplayer action. Experience a puzzle game with role-playing elements. It’s like nothing you’ve played before.  

• Unique gameplay: Classic puzzle gameplay is enhanced with the addition of RPG-style character and story elements. The game is incredibly simple to learn for casual players, with seasoned gamers able to utilize deeper strategies.
• Quests: For the first-time ever in a puzzle game, embark on an epic single-player campaign comprising more than 150 challenging quests.
• Role-playing game elements: Create and build a persistent hero from one of four unique classes. Gain skills, spells, weapons, and more over the course of the game. Customize your characters to give them an advantage in battle.
• Battles and conquest: Build your empire as you capture cities, build castles and gain a party of companions that will aid you in battle. Battle other warlords for supremacy in multiplayer mode." – Xbox.com

Next up, we’ve got Yaris, a free combat racer where players can battle it out across eight different tracks… oh hell, let’s face it – this one is an advergame from the folks over at Toyota. I really don’t have high hopes for it at all, and the best thing I can find to say about it is that it’s free. Free is always good.

Title: Yaris
Developer: Backbone Entertainment
Publisher: Microsoft
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/10/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: Free
Rating: E10 (Everyone 10+) – Cartoon Violence

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Hop into a Toyota Yaris and drive it on crazy tracks loaded with stubborn obstacles, cool powerups, and intense enemy action. The relentlessly twisted courses in Yaris might have loops or even be tube-shaped, but the Yaris never has to worry about sliding off track, as it defies gravity by scaling side-walls and going all topsy-turvy. Equip your Yaris with an arsenal of weapons to take out your adversaries, but be careful to avoid enemy fire, because once your shields are depleted, so is the game.

• Customizable cars: Drive either a Yaris Sedan, Sports Sedan, or the Liftback. Collect coins on the track and outfit your Yaris with weapons, shields, and tire configurations.
• Game modes: Race and take out your enemies in either single player or player vs. player game mode.
• Wild tracks: Drive on eight different tracks of progressive difficulty.
• FREE download: Yaris is a free Xbox LIVE® Arcade game. Play it today.
• Gallery feature: Browse through the game’s cast of characters, including all the Yaris cars.
• Twelve new achievements and new Leaderboard: Twelve new achievements to unlock, and a new Xbox LIVE® Arcade leaderboard for you to dominate. Get in your Yaris and drive!" – Xbox.com

As for last week’s Live Arcade release, Tetris Splash, as expected it was… well, Tetris. There’s really not much else to say about that, now is there?

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – PUZZLE QUEST: CHALLENGE OF THE WARLORDS & YARIS

Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays returns to the two-game format this week with the release of the ever-addictive Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords and Yaris, a free combat racing game sponsored by Toyota.

We’ll open with a look at Puzzle Quest, the game that has already taken the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP by storm. Puzzle Quest is a highly addictive mix of classic puzzle-game strategy with a heavy dose of RPG gameplay built in. As you can probably tell, I’m a big fan of this game and have spent more than a few hours playing it on the DS.

The gameplay premise itself is simple – the game presents a standard map-based RPG experience until the player becomes involved in combat. Once facing an enemy, the game switches to a puzzle grid where players take turns moving colored orbs around to create groups of three or more. Based on the color of the matched orbs, players will either do damage to their opponent or gain magic points related to the color that can be sued to cast spells or use special abilities. As you can imagine with an RPG, items and allies found during your adventures can help tip the balance in your favor for each fight.

The game is one of the higher priced Xbox Live Arcade releases, but at 1,200 points ($15) it’s actually the cheapest version of the game available on any system – and if you don’t already own it on another system, it’s one hell of a bargain.

Title: Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords
Developer: Infinite Interactive
Publisher: D3 Publisher of America
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/10/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 1200 points ($15)
Rating: E10 (Everyone 10+) – Suggestive Themes
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords™ delivers, for the first time ever, classic puzzle-game action backed with an epic story of good versus evil. Challenge your puzzle skills in single-player campaign mode, or battle your friends in multiplayer action. Experience a puzzle game with role-playing elements. It’s like nothing you’ve played before.  

• Unique gameplay: Classic puzzle gameplay is enhanced with the addition of RPG-style character and story elements. The game is incredibly simple to learn for casual players, with seasoned gamers able to utilize deeper strategies.
• Quests: For the first-time ever in a puzzle game, embark on an epic single-player campaign comprising more than 150 challenging quests.
• Role-playing game elements: Create and build a persistent hero from one of four unique classes. Gain skills, spells, weapons, and more over the course of the game. Customize your characters to give them an advantage in battle.
• Battles and conquest: Build your empire as you capture cities, build castles and gain a party of companions that will aid you in battle. Battle other warlords for supremacy in multiplayer mode." – Xbox.com

Next up, we’ve got Yaris, a free combat racer where players can battle it out across eight different tracks… oh hell, let’s face it – this one is an advergame from the folks over at Toyota. I really don’t have high hopes for it at all, and the best thing I can find to say about it is that it’s free. Free is always good.

Title: Yaris
Developer: Backbone Entertainment
Publisher: Microsoft
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/10/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: Free
Rating: E10 (Everyone 10+) – Cartoon Violence

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Hop into a Toyota Yaris and drive it on crazy tracks loaded with stubborn obstacles, cool powerups, and intense enemy action. The relentlessly twisted courses in Yaris might have loops or even be tube-shaped, but the Yaris never has to worry about sliding off track, as it defies gravity by scaling side-walls and going all topsy-turvy. Equip your Yaris with an arsenal of weapons to take out your adversaries, but be careful to avoid enemy fire, because once your shields are depleted, so is the game.

• Customizable cars: Drive either a Yaris Sedan, Sports Sedan, or the Liftback. Collect coins on the track and outfit your Yaris with weapons, shields, and tire configurations.
• Game modes: Race and take out your enemies in either single player or player vs. player game mode.
• Wild tracks: Drive on eight different tracks of progressive difficulty.
• FREE download: Yaris is a free Xbox LIVE® Arcade game. Play it today.
• Gallery feature: Browse through the game’s cast of characters, including all the Yaris cars.
• Twelve new achievements and new Leaderboard: Twelve new achievements to unlock, and a new Xbox LIVE® Arcade leaderboard for you to dominate. Get in your Yaris and drive!" – Xbox.com

As for last week’s Live Arcade release, Tetris Splash, as expected it was… well, Tetris. There’s really not much else to say about that, now is there?

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – PUZZLE QUEST: CHALLENGE OF THE WARLORDS & YARIS

Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays returns to the two-game format this week with the release of the ever-addictive Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords and Yaris, a free combat racing game sponsored by Toyota.

We’ll open with a look at Puzzle Quest, the game that has already taken the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP by storm. Puzzle Quest is a highly addictive mix of classic puzzle-game strategy with a heavy dose of RPG gameplay built in. As you can probably tell, I’m a big fan of this game and have spent more than a few hours playing it on the DS.

The gameplay premise itself is simple – the game presents a standard map-based RPG experience until the player becomes involved in combat. Once facing an enemy, the game switches to a puzzle grid where players take turns moving colored orbs around to create groups of three or more. Based on the color of the matched orbs, players will either do damage to their opponent or gain magic points related to the color that can be sued to cast spells or use special abilities. As you can imagine with an RPG, items and allies found during your adventures can help tip the balance in your favor for each fight.

The game is one of the higher priced Xbox Live Arcade releases, but at 1,200 points ($15) it’s actually the cheapest version of the game available on any system – and if you don’t already own it on another system, it’s one hell of a bargain.

Title: Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords
Developer: Infinite Interactive
Publisher: D3 Publisher of America
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/10/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 1200 points ($15)
Rating: E10 (Everyone 10+) – Suggestive Themes
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords™ delivers, for the first time ever, classic puzzle-game action backed with an epic story of good versus evil. Challenge your puzzle skills in single-player campaign mode, or battle your friends in multiplayer action. Experience a puzzle game with role-playing elements. It’s like nothing you’ve played before.  

• Unique gameplay: Classic puzzle gameplay is enhanced with the addition of RPG-style character and story elements. The game is incredibly simple to learn for casual players, with seasoned gamers able to utilize deeper strategies.
• Quests: For the first-time ever in a puzzle game, embark on an epic single-player campaign comprising more than 150 challenging quests.
• Role-playing game elements: Create and build a persistent hero from one of four unique classes. Gain skills, spells, weapons, and more over the course of the game. Customize your characters to give them an advantage in battle.
• Battles and conquest: Build your empire as you capture cities, build castles and gain a party of companions that will aid you in battle. Battle other warlords for supremacy in multiplayer mode." – Xbox.com

Next up, we’ve got Yaris, a free combat racer where players can battle it out across eight different tracks… oh hell, let’s face it – this one is an advergame from the folks over at Toyota. I really don’t have high hopes for it at all, and the best thing I can find to say about it is that it’s free. Free is always good.

Title: Yaris
Developer: Backbone Entertainment
Publisher: Microsoft
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/10/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: Free
Rating: E10 (Everyone 10+) – Cartoon Violence

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Hop into a Toyota Yaris and drive it on crazy tracks loaded with stubborn obstacles, cool powerups, and intense enemy action. The relentlessly twisted courses in Yaris might have loops or even be tube-shaped, but the Yaris never has to worry about sliding off track, as it defies gravity by scaling side-walls and going all topsy-turvy. Equip your Yaris with an arsenal of weapons to take out your adversaries, but be careful to avoid enemy fire, because once your shields are depleted, so is the game.

• Customizable cars: Drive either a Yaris Sedan, Sports Sedan, or the Liftback. Collect coins on the track and outfit your Yaris with weapons, shields, and tire configurations.
• Game modes: Race and take out your enemies in either single player or player vs. player game mode.
• Wild tracks: Drive on eight different tracks of progressive difficulty.
• FREE download: Yaris is a free Xbox LIVE® Arcade game. Play it today.
• Gallery feature: Browse through the game’s cast of characters, including all the Yaris cars.
• Twelve new achievements and new Leaderboard: Twelve new achievements to unlock, and a new Xbox LIVE® Arcade leaderboard for you to dominate. Get in your Yaris and drive!" – Xbox.com

As for last week’s Live Arcade release, Tetris Splash, as expected it was… well, Tetris. There’s really not much else to say about that, now is there?

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – PUZZLE QUEST: CHALLENGE OF THE WARLORDS & YARIS

Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays returns to the two-game format this week with the release of the ever-addictive Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords and Yaris, a free combat racing game sponsored by Toyota.

We’ll open with a look at Puzzle Quest, the game that has already taken the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP by storm. Puzzle Quest is a highly addictive mix of classic puzzle-game strategy with a heavy dose of RPG gameplay built in. As you can probably tell, I’m a big fan of this game and have spent more than a few hours playing it on the DS.

The gameplay premise itself is simple – the game presents a standard map-based RPG experience until the player becomes involved in combat. Once facing an enemy, the game switches to a puzzle grid where players take turns moving colored orbs around to create groups of three or more. Based on the color of the matched orbs, players will either do damage to their opponent or gain magic points related to the color that can be sued to cast spells or use special abilities. As you can imagine with an RPG, items and allies found during your adventures can help tip the balance in your favor for each fight.

The game is one of the higher priced Xbox Live Arcade releases, but at 1,200 points ($15) it’s actually the cheapest version of the game available on any system – and if you don’t already own it on another system, it’s one hell of a bargain.

Title: Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords
Developer: Infinite Interactive
Publisher: D3 Publisher of America
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/10/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 1200 points ($15)
Rating: E10 (Everyone 10+) – Suggestive Themes
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords™ delivers, for the first time ever, classic puzzle-game action backed with an epic story of good versus evil. Challenge your puzzle skills in single-player campaign mode, or battle your friends in multiplayer action. Experience a puzzle game with role-playing elements. It’s like nothing you’ve played before.  

• Unique gameplay: Classic puzzle gameplay is enhanced with the addition of RPG-style character and story elements. The game is incredibly simple to learn for casual players, with seasoned gamers able to utilize deeper strategies.
• Quests: For the first-time ever in a puzzle game, embark on an epic single-player campaign comprising more than 150 challenging quests.
• Role-playing game elements: Create and build a persistent hero from one of four unique classes. Gain skills, spells, weapons, and more over the course of the game. Customize your characters to give them an advantage in battle.
• Battles and conquest: Build your empire as you capture cities, build castles and gain a party of companions that will aid you in battle. Battle other warlords for supremacy in multiplayer mode." – Xbox.com

Next up, we’ve got Yaris, a free combat racer where players can battle it out across eight different tracks… oh hell, let’s face it – this one is an advergame from the folks over at Toyota. I really don’t have high hopes for it at all, and the best thing I can find to say about it is that it’s free. Free is always good.

Title: Yaris
Developer: Backbone Entertainment
Publisher: Microsoft
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/10/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: Free
Rating: E10 (Everyone 10+) – Cartoon Violence

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Hop into a Toyota Yaris and drive it on crazy tracks loaded with stubborn obstacles, cool powerups, and intense enemy action. The relentlessly twisted courses in Yaris might have loops or even be tube-shaped, but the Yaris never has to worry about sliding off track, as it defies gravity by scaling side-walls and going all topsy-turvy. Equip your Yaris with an arsenal of weapons to take out your adversaries, but be careful to avoid enemy fire, because once your shields are depleted, so is the game.

• Customizable cars: Drive either a Yaris Sedan, Sports Sedan, or the Liftback. Collect coins on the track and outfit your Yaris with weapons, shields, and tire configurations.
• Game modes: Race and take out your enemies in either single player or player vs. player game mode.
• Wild tracks: Drive on eight different tracks of progressive difficulty.
• FREE download: Yaris is a free Xbox LIVE® Arcade game. Play it today.
• Gallery feature: Browse through the game’s cast of characters, including all the Yaris cars.
• Twelve new achievements and new Leaderboard: Twelve new achievements to unlock, and a new Xbox LIVE® Arcade leaderboard for you to dominate. Get in your Yaris and drive!" – Xbox.com

As for last week’s Live Arcade release, Tetris Splash, as expected it was… well, Tetris. There’s really not much else to say about that, now is there?

XBOX 360 F.E.A.R. FILES DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Sierra’s F.E.A.R. Files for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in Canada and The United States via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 584.87MB.

• F.E.A.R. Files – Official website

XBOX 360 PROJECT GOTHAM RACING 4 DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Microsoft’s Project Gotham Racing 4 for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 1.27GB.

• Project Gotham Racing 4 – Official website

XBOX 360 THE SIMPSONS GAME DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Electronic Arts The Simpsons Game for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 442.71MB.

• The Simpsons Game – Official website

XBOX 360 CONAN DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of THQ’s Conan for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions except Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 483.84MB.

• Conan – Official website

IT’S OFFICIAL – BUNGIE TO SPLIT FROM MICROSOFT

The other day, we reported on a rumor from 8BitJoystick that stated that Bungie was about to break away from Microsoft and once again become an independent developer. At the time, it was hard to believe – even with the explanation 8BitJoystick gave for the split. It was also something that I said I believed was false, but given the recent news out of Microsoft, wouldn’t completely write off either.

Turns out, those rumors were true.

This morning, both Microsoft and Bungie have announced that the two companies will be parting ways, with Bungie returning to being an independent developer and Microsoft becoming an equity holder in the company. As reported before, Microsoft will hold the rights to the Halo franchise.

From what little of the press releases I’ve been able to read so far (damn you, work!), it appears that while Microsoft will hold some stake in Bungie and will continue to work with them on future Halo related projects, Bungie will be an independent entity, free to pursue whatever projects they choose without any input from Microsoft. Based on the wording of the releases, it also appears Microsoft may have the right of first refusal on whatever projects Bungie creates.

Don’t quote me on this though, as I have not had a chance to fully read both releases and other particulars. I could be wrong.

Microsoft Corp. today announced a plan for Bungie Studios, the developers of the Halo franchise, to embark on a path to become an independent company. Microsoft will retain an equity interest in Bungie at the same time continuing its long standing publishing agreement between Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie for the Microsoft owned Halo intellectual property as well as other future properties developed by Bungie. – Microsoft press release

“Bungie and Microsoft Corp. today announced a plan for Bungie Studios, the developers of Microsoft’s “Halo” franchise, to become a privately held independent company, Bungie, LLC, in which Microsoft will hold a minority equity interest. As part of this transaction, Bungie and Microsoft have forged a deep and long-term development and publishing relationship focused on the continued success of the “Halo” franchise. It is also the intent of both parties to expand their partnership to include new IP created and owned by Bungie.” – Bungie press release

I’ll be sure to talk more about this later this evening once I’ve gotten a chance to go over all the available information, but for now, I’ll just link the full press releases from both companies.

• Microsoft – Xbox.com
• Bungie – Company website
• Microsoft and Bungie Studios to Evolve Relationship – Microsoft press release
• Bungie Studios Becomes Privately Held Independent Company – Bungie press release
• Bungie Leaving Microsoft!! You heard it here first folks – 8BitJoystick
• Bungie and Microsoft Are Splitting Up and That’s My Story – 8BitJostick

XBOX 360 BLADESTORM: THE HUNDRED YEARS WAR DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

An Xbox 360 demo of Koei’s Bladestorm: The Hundred Years War is now available for download via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 1.9GB.

• Bladestorm: The Hundred Years War – Official website

XBOX 360 LOONEY TUNES: ACME ARSENAL DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

An Xbox 360 demo of Warner Brothers Games Looney Tunes: ACME Arsenal is now available for download in Canada, Mexico and the United States via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 557.93MB

• Looney Tunes: ACME Arsenal – Official website

XBOX 360 BEE MOVIE GAME DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

An Xbox 360 demo of Activision’s Bee Movie Game is now available for download in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 444.90MB.

• Bee Movie Game – Official website