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GameTap gets Typing of the Dead in October
Although we know we shouldn't be excited about this, we can't help but get a little giddy at knowing Typing of the Dead is coming to GameTap Oct. 11. If you haven't experienced the joy of learning to type (or getting in a little practice) while killing zombies and other grotesque creatures, than we highly recommend you try it out some time. Now we just need that sequel to come out. There is still no word on the Typing of the Dead 2 North American release.There is a list of some other interesting games on the horizon for GameTap, but another game that certainly jumps out is Wing Commander II. Who wasn't upset when Spirit died? Tragedy. The only thing more tragic is that we haven't had a new real Wing Commander in ages -- and Project Sylpheed just didn't cut it. We want evil space kitties to shoot down in epic next-gen battles![Thanks Max]
This Wednesday: Wing Commander Arena and Super Contra battle aliens on XBLA
Considering EA already let the Kilrathi out of the bag, it was no surprise that Wing Commander Arena was coming to Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday. A little less known was that Super Contra is also crashing the alien fighting party. Wing Commander Arena is the -- let's be delicate -- re-imagining of a Wing Commander game to work with the XBLA pew-pew bang-bang concept. Super Contra is the sequel to the original Contra. If you've ever played any Contra game then Super Contra should be familiar territory.Wing Commander Arena is apparently the first XBLA game to have 16 player support and will have four different game modes for 800 MS points ($10). It also appears extremely similar to the upcoming Battlestar Galactica XBLA game which we did actually get hands-on time with at E3. Super Contra is Super Contra, gamers will have one or two player local co-op or through Xbox Live for 400 MS points ($5). Players will be able to choose between original and "enhanced" graphics. Both games have 12 achievements to go with their 200 gamerscore point opportunity. Now can we pick up the conversation back at making a real Wing Commander game?%Gallery-5151%
EA: Wing Commander Arena on XBLA this week for 800 points
Though Microsoft hasn't confirmed the identity of this Wednesday's Xbox Live Arcade title, that hasn't stopped EA from telling Xbox 360 Fanboy that Wing Commander Arena – their arcadey space shooter that borrows the classic IP – will be available on the 25th for 800 points ($10). Longing for Mark Hamill-infused FMV cutscenes? You won't find any of that here, you'll need to tap GameTap for that sort of thing. If you're still not sure what to expect out of WCA and simply can't wait another three days for the demo to drop, then flip through the hefty manual and see if that gives you Kilrathi-scratch fever.%Gallery-1784%
Wing Commander Arena flies in next week
Even though we have yet to receive one of those fancy press releases, we've confirmed with publisher EA that this coming Wednesday's Xbox Live Arcade game is going to be none other than Wing Commander Arena. This 3D arena style remake of Wing Commander will be available July 25th at the 800 Microsoft point price point, so we advise brushing up on your reading materials over the weekend to get a jump on the competition. Screenshot gallery is viewable below and did we mention that we have a little WCA surprise to announce next week that could benefit our X3F readers? Well, we do, so keep your Wing Commander ears perked for incoming news.%Gallery-5094%
Project Sylpheed: Space and inner conflict
GameTrailers has a meaty preview of Xbox 360's Project Sylpheed -- well, it's meaty for anyone who hasn't downloaded the demo yet. Reaction has certainly been mixed about the demo, which can either be the fault of the level choice demo or of the game itself (if it wasn't for the HUD telling you where to shoot would anybody know where the bad guys are?); however, at a next-gen budget price of $39.99, we're far more lenient in our judgment. Imagine if Katamari Damacy had been $49.99 or Shadowrun was $29.99, we think things may have ended quite differently -- price matters!For space shooter fans who are looking for the next Wing Commander (and, no, Wing Commander: Arena does not count), Project Sylpheed may just fit the bill at a budget price. We'll wait and see on July 10 how the game actually is (although we may be a little busy). We're a little upset that the GameTrailers video calls it a dying genre, we like to think of it as an extended leave. Would it really be so hard to make the Kilrathi cool again?
GameTap 'leaks' franchises coming to service
In one of the funnier announcements we've ever seen, GameTap's forums released (and we've confirmed that it's legit) a bevy of franchises coming to the service. Although no release dates have been given -- except for Hitman: Codename 47 coming this Thursday -- we do have the list of franchises expected on the service very soon. Hitman Thief BloodRayne The Legacy of Kain They also announced that Wing Commander IV is coming (the one with Mark Hamill and Thomas "Hey, McFly" Wilson as Maniac). As much as we enjoy getting our GameTap info through forum posts like this, we don't expect it to become a habit -- but it was fun.
Wing Commander Achievements step into the Arena
Wing Commander Arena's Achievements have been uncovered for all fanboys to gaze their eyes upon. It has the Xbox Live Arcade standard of 200 Gamerscore awarded across 12 Achievements. This also is the second Arcade title to be published by Electronic Arts, the first of course being Boom Boom Rocket. The Achievements themselves seem to have a heavier focus on multiplayer than that found in other titles and hopefully will be a lot of fun to unlock should the game be a blast as well. We'd like to remind you that the rumor from back in January, and its source, was right. Stay tuned at X3F as we've got some pretty cool Wing Commander news coming down the pipeline.
(GASP!) What has EA done to Wing Commander!
Wow. What the frack did EA do to Wing Commander? Arena is a joke.When word broke that EA was preparing to resurrect Origin's classic franchise after nearly a decade-long hiatus, fans were understandably thrilled. "This has pretty much sold me on my decision to buy a 360 instead of a nice video card," boldly stated one Joystiq commenter. "Simply awesome," mused another. Please, we encourage you to revise your statements below ...%Gallery-1784%
Video and screens of Wing Commander Arena
Hot on the heels of the announcement of Wing Commander Arena for Xbox Live Arcade, GameVideos has posted the first video footage of the game in action. The video showcases some free-for-all action and a game mode that is literally a glorified version of Asteroids. The ships are positively tiny, too. We're a little disappointed that the game is completely 2D in nature, although it is vaguely reminiscent of Subspace which isn't a bad thing. Check out the video after the break.
Wing Commander Arena confirmed for XBLA
Only one day after its discovery in the ESRB database, Electronic Arts has confirmed that Wing Commander Arena is headed to Xbox Live Arcade. Rather than focusing on story, Wing Commander Arena is purely about space combat. The game promises customized ships and up to 16 player battles (in teams or free-for-all). Wing Commander Arena is expected to release this summer. Considering the Arcade releases lately, we'll take that prediction with a sizable chunk of salt.Given the game's combat centered nature, are the Wing Commander fans out there upset? Would you rather see a full-fledged sequel?[Via Joystiq]
In the distant future, Wing Commander Arena for Xbox Live Arcade
Looks like we were right about this one. Not content with just Boom Boom Rocket, Electronic Arts' support for Xbox Live Arcade continues with Wing Commander Arena. As the first original entry in the series in 10 years, Arena leaves the drama at home and focuses instead on the actual space combat. Sixteen players will be able to compete with one another in three different match types (free-for-all, teams and duel) and across eight maps. Beyond that, not much else is known at this time.EA is looking to launch Wing Commander Arena the Summer of this year. Which, in Xbox Live Arcade time, could mean anything from just that to Spring of 20XX. We'll be sure to keep you posted.
EA resurrecting Wing Commander on Xbox 360?
With the exception of a Game Boy Advance port of Prophecy released in 2003, almost ten years have passed since the appearance of a new Wing Commander game. Space sim fans may have something else to thrust into their crosshairs this year with a game called "Wing Commander Arena" popping up on the ESRB database. The game, seemingly published by EA for the Xbox 360, is rated "E" for "fantasy violence." Your own reaction may differ considerably from ours, but when we think "fantasy violence," we think "dogfights and space cats." Rampant speculation regarding the "Arena" subtitle might indicate a Wing Commander for Xbox Live Arcade, complete with multiplayer space combat, shiny HD graphics and gratuitous use of Mark Hamill (also rendered in HD). Unfortunately, since EA did not respond to a request for comment at the time of writing, such wonderful thoughts remain purely speculative for now. Read - ESRB database (sort by Xbox 360 or search for "Wing Commander Arena")
Wing Commander coming to 360?
Siliconera spotted an interesting entry on the ESRB website. It seems that a Wing Commander title from Electronic Arts was recently rated for the Xbox 360 (it got an E). The game's full title is Wing Commander Arena. Wing Commander, for those who don't know, is a classic PC series (it also became an awful movie). This opens up more than a few questions. First, will the game be a retail release or an Xbox Live Arcade port of an older title? The fact that it's already rated means it must be complete, and we find it hard to believe that a new retail title would have remained under wraps this long. Besides, the ESRB has provided us with plenty of good XBLA leads lately.Of course, the most important question of all: will Wing Commander Arena feature Mark Hamill?See also:Rumor: More Arcade titles from EA?
Yet another classics compilation, this time from EA
If the upcoming Capcom Classics Reloaded or the insanely awesome Sega Genesis Collection aren't enough retro games for you, then you might want to check out EA's offering. Gamespot recently spotted a Gamestop listing (these names always confuse me) called EA Replay, and it should feature the following games:B.O.B.--1993--SNES and Genesis Budokan--1990--Genesis Desert Strike--1993--SNES and Genesis Jungle Strike--1993--SNES and Genesis Haunting Starring Polterguy--1993--Genesis Mutant League Football--1993--Genesis Road Rash--1992--Genesis, later on 3DO Road Rash II--1993--Genesis Road Rash III--1995--Genesis Syndicate--1995--SNES, 3DO, Jaguar Ultima: The Black Gate--1994--SNES Virtual Pinball--1993--Genesis Wing Commander--1993--SNES Wing Commander: The Secret Missions--1993--SNESWhile these may franchises may not be as famous as Sonic or Street Fighter, there are still some heavy-hitters there. Personally, I can't wait to get back into Road Rash, while many should get excited about Wing Commander. But, compared to Sega's 30 game offering, will EA's less than blockbuster lineup be able to compete?
