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Rush 'n Attack, Xevious invade XBLA this week
Xbox Live Arcade is set for yet another double shot of goodness this week with the release of both Rush n' Attack and Xevious. Both considered genuine arcade classics Xevious and Rush n' Attack will each be available for 400 MS Points. For those unaware of Rush n' Attack, the game is a side-scrolling action game in which players struggle to free prisoners of war while simultaneously stabbing as many foreign militants as possible. As is expected of retro Arcade releases, the game features both original and enhanced graphics. Xevious is a vertical shooter that tasks players with, um, shooting stuff. Head over to Gamerscore Blog for the full scoop.%Gallery-3332%%Gallery-3331%
IGN gets its Carcassonne on
IGN has posted a lengthy preview of Carcassonne, the tile-based board game heading to Xbox Live Arcade. Like Catan, Carcassonne is a popular European strategy game. The gameboard (composed of 72 tiles) is slowly built by the players as they attempt to build structures like roads, castles, and monasteries. The Xbox Live Arcade version also includes the River I and II expansions, which have players building a river before other structures, giving gameplay a more set path and a different kind of strategy. Sierra plans to offer other expansions as future downloads. All in all, Carcassonne is sounding like a solid addition to the Live Arcade library, especially for those that got a kick out of Catan. Hit the "read" link for the full preview.[Thanks, Jonah Falcon]
Ecco and Sonic receive ESRB ratings for XBLA
Further validating the screenshots of SEGA's Vintage Collection discovered earlier this month, ESRB ratings have been discovered for two of SEGA's classic titles. One of them, Sonic the Hedgehog, we've known about for some time. The other, however, is something of a surprise. Ecco the Dolphin is also listed for the Xbox 360. While we love the original Sonic as much as any self-respecting gamer, we have a special soft spot for Ecco. Given an HD makeover and the spiffy new age soundtrack from the SEGA CD version and we'd really have a special title on Xbox Live Arcade.What other titles would you like to see in the SEGA Vintage Collection? Kid Chameleon, Altered Beast, Phantasy Star?[Via Joystiq]Read
X3F hands-on: Aegis Wing (play it with friends)
Let's get this out of the way right now: if you can avoid it, do not play Aegis Wing alone. Single-player Aegis Wing is almost a complete misrepresentation of the fun that can be had. With that out of the way, we can discuss Aegis Wing, the latest alien-blasting, bullet-dodging, arcade shooter from Microsoft. Sure, there's a story in there. In fact, you'll even get little written snippets of plot between levels. Let's face it though, the point is to shoot everything that moves, and Aegis Wing has that in spades.
Bomberman Live 100% official, local multiplayer
In a daring attempt to reveal a shocking surprise to the world, Hudson Entertainment has announced that it is bringing Bomberman Live to Xbox Live Arcade. While the announcement was rather expected, considering both the game's rating and a video have already been leaked, it's nice to hear it from the horse's mouth. Hudson did reveal a few new bits of information. The game will support 8-player multiplayer via Xbox Live. Also (thank the heavens) the game will support 4-player local multiplayer (which was not supported at all by Bomberman Act: Zero). Finally, characters in Bomberman Live will be fully customizable. That's nice and all, but we'll be sticking with black Bomberman, thank you very much. We always totally have dibs on black Bomberman.
Xbox Live Arcade attacked by aliens, cards
Alright, we know that everyone is playing the Halo 3 beta today, but why not take a little break and give Xbox Live Arcade some love? What's that you say? No? What if we told you that one of today's Arcade games is absolutely free? Ah, now we're getting somewhere. Should you have the strength not to click the "Demos and More" button today, and instead click the "Xbox Live Arcade" button, you will find two brand-spanking-new games, Soltrio Solitaire and Aegis Wing. As if two games at once wasn't awesome enough already, Aegis Wing is completely free (Soltrio Solitaire will set you back 800 points).Ah, who are we kidding. You don't care about this. Just go play the Halo 3 beta. Go ahead, we don't blame you. If you are interested, we'll be posting Aegis Wing impressions later today.Note: Aegis Wing is only available in North America.
Prince of Persia Classic looking snazzy
Leaked last month by the USK, basically Germany's ESRB, Joystiq has uncovered a video of Prince of Persia Classic for Xbox Live Arcade. Those of you out there expecting a be-turbaned hero may be disappointed, as the game uses the Prince as he was in Sands of Time. The entire game gets a graphical overhaul and honestly it looks pretty good. It also looks like the game has been streamlined somewhat to speed up gameplay. The pacing of the original Prince of Persia was a tad slow, so this may not be a bad thing. All in all, Prince of Persia Classic looks to be a top notch title for Xbox Live Arcade.Now how about we get some Out of This World?
Aegis Wing hits XBLA this week for free
So, after hearing about Soltrio Solitaire and its 800 MS Point price, perhaps you were somewhat taken aback. Perhaps you thought to yourself, "Self," you thought, "I don't want to play solitaire. I'd much rather destroy aliens. And 800 points seems awfully steep. I sure like free things. And tacos, too. Tacos rule." While we're sorry to inform you that Microsoft Mexico is still working on downloadable tacos, we can satisfy your hunger for free alien destruction. Alongside this week's Solitaire release, Aegis Wing will also be dropping on XBLA. Developed by two MS interns with help from Carbonated Games, Aegis Wing brings old-school side-scrolling goodness to Live Arcade. As if retro co-op alien blasting (complete with co-op maneuvers) wasn't enough, the game is also set to be absolutely free ... in North America. Unfortunately, the game will be unavailable outside of North America at all.At least we all still get Soltrio Solitaire, right?[Via Joystiq. Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]%Gallery-3121%
A few new Puzzle Quest details
There's a Puzzle Quest interview up at GameSpot. While it doesn't reveal much in the way of new details about the upcoming XBLA release, it does give us an idea of the game's genesis. Steve Fawkner, lead designer for the game, did say that the development team plans to take advantage of the features available on Xbox Live Arcade. In fact, Fawkner notes, "XBLA has so many great features that it would be a criminal act if we didn't take advantage of all of them." We take it that means Puzzle Quest will be getting a high definition makeover, online play, and leaderboards at the very least.Now all we need is a release date.[Via Game Stooge]
Live Arcade to be Solitaire-y next week
Remember back in February when we broke the news that a game called Soltrio Solitaire was headed to Xbox Live Arcade? Guess what folks, it's coming next week. That's right, for the low, low price of 800 MS Points, you can revel in the thrill of solitaire. In fact, thanks to the wonder of Xbox Live, you can even play co-op or competitive matches. Competitive matches have players both playing the same deck, competing to finish first. Co-op allows players to play the same game together, trading cards when necessary. There is also a nifty mode called Voyage Adventure which lets you unlock new card elements that players can use to design their own decks.For solitaire, Soltrio Solitaire actually sounds pretty good. If anything, it should serve as a nice buffer between rounds of GOW or Command & Conquer 3. Check out the Soltrio Solitaire image gallery below (hint: it looks like solitaire).%Gallery-3080%
Finally, some Sonic & SEGA XBLA details
For the first time since its announcement back at The Last E3 Evar we finally have some new info regarding SEGA's involvement with Xbox Live Arcade, and the original Genesis/Mega Drive launch title, Sonic the Hedgehog. We were a little worried that Nintendo's Virtual Console scooped Microsoft, as the title's been available since the Wii's launch. SEGA's apparently going to be releasing their XBLA titles under the "SEGA Vintage Collection", with Sonic leading the pack. More screens available by clicking the "Read" link. So, is it about time, or does it really take AGES to be this good?
Double Dragon kicks XBLA in the crotch
Unfortunately, crotch kicking isn't available in Double Dragon, but you get the point. Double Dragon is now available for mass consumption on Xbox Live Arcade. Billy and Jimmy Lee are out to save Billy's poor, gut-punched girlfriend. Lucky for them, Billy and Jimmy are martial arts masters who have also mastered the art of self-resurrection. This arcane power used to cost 25 cents, but now it's as easy as hitting the start button. Should you desire Double Dragon it will set you back 400 MS points.Oh, and we've been critical of the game's enhanced graphics in the past. Having now seen the original, pixelated graphics on high definition screen, we take it back. It's enhanced graphics all the way (unless you feel like cutting yourself on all those jagged edges).
GTR covers last weekend's Street Trace NYC Event
Godfree and the GTR crew posted up their coverage of the Street Trace NYC Community Event in New York City (naturally). They've got a variety of flavors, such as Episode #98 of their weekly podcast, the above video, or the slew of pictures from the event. All in all it was a big success, and apparently had some the best pizza Godfree's ever had the pleasure of eating. We're green with envy, as we're geographically challenged in regards to NYC based events and we love us some pizza. So give it a watch, listen or look, and hopefully you'll enjoy the game itself once it hits Xbox Live Arcade soon.
Catan makes for civility on Xbox Live?
Connectivity, friends, fun, racial epithets: unfortunately, all of these things are trademarks of Xbox Live. You can also throw in the screeching voices of the prepubescent and those who think their personal soundtrack should also be heard through everyone else's headset. And of course, there are even a few wretched souls who insist on singing.But not in Catan apparently. Joystiq's Alexander Sliwinski reports that Catan is a veritable bastion of civility and grace in the sophomoric minefield of Xbox Live. It seems he has been able to play game after game without one player-related issue. Not one. He even played a round with our own David Dreger (who must have held himself in check). As Sliwinski notes, Catan presents a different kind of experience on Xbox Live and it presumably attracts a different kind of player. If this is the kind of precedent set by board games on XBLA, Microsoft may just be in for an unexpected jump in sales.800 points for some peaceful, enjoyable gaming doesn't sound bad at all, now does it?
Gabe plays Catan ... at least, we think it's Gabe
Friday's Penny Arcade pertained to last week's XBLA release Catan, starting off with the revelation of Gabe, of all people, sitting down to play a round. Obviously, that's slightly out of character, although it is revealed in the accompanying podcast that Mike actually has played the real life counterpart, and much to everyone's surprise, hated the game. Today's strip is a continuation of the storyline, but no longer relates to Catan anymore, for obvious reasons. We spent the better part of our weekend trading wool for ore, what about you? Expect a full X3F review on Catan to come later this week.
Video: new Tron tastes just like old Tron
Retro titles on Xbox Live Arcade generally have two flavors: original and enhanced. Above we have a video of Tron in its original state for the Xbox Live Arcade. After the break is a video of the "enhanced" version (find high res versions here). Now, we know Tron is a classic and many don't want it tampered with, but the enhanced version barely looks different at all. Honestly, we can hardly tell the difference. Sure, we play for the gameplay, but if this is all the "enhancement" that's being done it seems like a waste of developer resources. We put this question to our readers: if this passes for enhanced visuals, is it even worth it? Would you rather see developers enhance both visuals and gameplay, as Rare did with Jetpac Refuelled?
Double Dragon kicks XBLA next week?
According to its publisher, Empire Interactive, Double Dragon is headed to Xbox Live Arcade next week. The press release actually concerns the announcement that Empire Interactive is bringing Speedball II to Xbox Live Arcade. A quote from the Clive Kabatznik, CEO of Silverstar Holdings, of which Empire Interactive is a subsidiary, spilled the beans. According to Kabatznik, "Double Dragon will launch next Wednesday, and will be our first foray onto Xbox LIVE Arcade." While we love our futuristic death sports as much as the next gaming blog, the impending release of Double Dragon has us all atwitter. As we've reported before, the game features "enhanced" graphics, but they actually seem less detailed than the original. We'll be sticking with the retro graphics, thanks.How much would you be willing to pay for the classic brawler?[Via Joystiq. Thanks, DJ Dunk]
Two Tron titles confirmed for XBLA
It wasn't long ago that Discs of Tron was leaked as an Xbox Live Arcade title on the ESRB website. Disney has now stepped up to the plate and confirmed that Discs of Tron, along with Tron itself, is heading to Microsoft's download service. Both games will feature enhanced graphics and online multiplayer. The game is being developed by Backbone Entertainment, more commonly known on XBLA under the Digital Eclipse label. Given the age of these games, we hope that Backbone goes the extra mile and really enhances the gameplay rather than merely slapping on a fresh coat of pixels. Either way, we're looking forward to some serious light cycle matches on Xbox Live.
Win Catan from Uncle Gamer
Angry that you can't download the trial version of Catan? Too frightened to pony up 800 Microsoft Points for a game you haven't played? If so, why not get Catan for free? Our friends at Uncle Gamer scored a copy and they're giving it away to one lucky winner. What do you have to do? Simple, just answer one little question: what's your favorite board game? If you'd like your shot at a free copy of Catan, head over to Uncle Gamer and give it a go.Keep in mind, leaving a comment here will win you absolutely nothing (except love and affection from us, of course).
Catan trial issues surface, fix inbound
As many of our commenters pointed out, the trial version of Catan has disappeared from Xbox Live Arcade. Major Nelson informs us that the trial version was pulled because of a "technical" issue. The Live team is currently working on a fix for the trial version and will put it back on Live as soon as possible. If you've already managed to download the trial version it should work fine (in other words, you don't have to delete it).Of course, if you like taking risks, the full version is still available for 800 points.
