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Atari games on XBLA, holiday titles confirmed
Alongside the press release for Contra hitting XBLA, Microsoft sent another press release outlining a slew of Atari classics heading to Live Arcade next year. The six Atari games to be released are: Centipede/Millipede Battlezone Asteroids/Asteroids Deluxe Missile Command Tempest Warlords All of the games will feature both original and "evolved" versions. The evolved versions, similar to Konami's offerings, will feature revamped graphics and sound. All games will have leaderboards and achievements, and multiplayer games will have Live support. Surprisingly, many of these games are receiving some pretty impressive new features, including Live Vision support for Battlezone and Warlords. It looks like many of the games will receive three dimensional upgrades instead of simply using high definition sprites, too. Finally, and this is not a joke, Centipede evolved has motion blur. Motion. Blur. In Centipede. If that's not worth $5, we don't know what is.Also worth mentioning, the press release confirmed that the following titles should hit the Arcade before the end of 2006: Small Arms Assault Heroes Novadrome (?) Heavy Weapon Defender It should be noted that this isn't necessarily all the titles we'll be seeing by year's end (we're looking at you RoboBlitz). Full press release after the break.
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Contra storms XBLA, original titles to follow this holiday, Atari classics in '07
As Gears of War begins to arrive at retailers across North America this week, Microsoft and Konami will give Xbox Livies a chance to check out one of its forebears. This Wednesday, for 400 points ($5), Contra will be yours, again. The Xbox Live Arcade version includes both original (arcade; not NES) and enhanced modes, featuring Live co-op. And yes, "the code" works (though technically it wasn't part of the arcade original).With the exception of Defender, the rest of XBLA's holiday lineup will be bolstered by a quartet of original titles: Assault Heroes (Wanako/Vivendi Games) - top-down shooter with 2-player co-op Heavy Weapon (PopCap Games) - side-scroller with 4-player support Novadrome (Buena Vista Games) - futuristic racer Small Arms (Gastronaut Studios) - indie Smash Bros. clone (4-player brawler) focusing on ranged attacks Microsoft has also announced a partnership with Atari to bring Asteroids/Asteroids Deluxe, Battlezone, Centipede/Millipede, Missile Command, Tempest, and Warlords to Xbox Live in 2007. As customary, Atari's classics will feature both original and "evolved" modes.[Via Press Release]
Contra codified for XBLA this Wednesday
It looks like someone over at Microsoft realized that a new UNO deck doesn't exactly inspire excitement on Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays, because this week they're getting the word out bright and early. Releasing this Wednesday for 400 points is everyone's favorite old school, alien-blasting shooter, Contra. A side scrolling shooter of the highest order, Contra is one of those games that people have been pining for ever since the Xbox Live Arcade service was announced. Like Frogger, another Konami XBLA release, Contra will feature both original and enhanced graphics and sound. We have to wonder if the enhancements will be an actual improvement or if they will feel as strange as they did in Frogger. The game will also feature Xbox Live and local co-op play, leaderboards, and 12 achievements. What we don't know is whether or not the game will incorporate the Konami code. We realize that the code wasn't actually in the arcade version of Contra but it's the principle of the thing.So, what do you think fanboys? Is Contra so magnificent that it even overshadows that other game that comes out tomorrow, or is it just another retro title clogging the Arcade?
Geometry Wars Mobile published by Sony
It's Sony's turn to reap the benefits of Bizarre's creation. Despite Geometry Wars becoming the poster child for Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade, the mobile port is being published by Sony BMG. Little ironies aside, how the heck are we supposed to control this game? They invented a dual-stick phone yet? Prove us wrong, but this is shaping up to be a classic example of exploiting a known brand. Geometry Wars Mobile just ain't gonna fly. [Thanks, Justin]
XNA beta 2 released, send us games
The 2nd XNA beta was officially released yesterday, bringing with it a boatload of changes that a mere blogger could not possibly comprehend. I'm fairly sure it has something to do with code, pixels, and the relative position of the sun. Basically, it's bigger and badder and includes new 360 development support. You can find the goods on Gamerscore Blog. Also worth mentioning, a closed beta for the new Torque X toolset is beginning as well. Torque X is from GarageGames, creators of several Xbox Live Arcade titles, and contains tools for streamlining the game creation process.Wading through all this talk of assets, component architecture, and whatnot, I was lucky enough to find something I can understand: statistics -- something all bloggers crave with a passion. "The list of universities adopting XNA Game Studio Express into their curricula has grown to more than 30 worldwide. There have been 150,000 downloads of XNA Game Studio Express Beta 1, over 30 new XNA communities launched, 100 user generated tutorials shared online and more than 60 independent games already in development or completed."60 games in development? Wow. That dream of a user created Xbox Live Arcade may not be so far off after all. If you're reading this and you happen to be developing one of those 60 games, let us know. We'd love to check it out. Anyone else out there thinking about making a game?
It's Wednesday, time for ... an UNO deck? [update]
Microsoft sent out a press release yesterday trumpeting the latest UNO deck for Xbox Live Arcade. We didn't get around to posting it. So, we start typing up this post when we notice something:"This week's Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday release brings the award-winning Kameo franchise to everyone's favorite card game, UNO." [Emphasis ours.]Now, we like UNO. It's one of our favorite games to use for editorial "meetings." But an UNO deck is not, we repeat not, an Arcade Wednesday release. It's new content for a game that we already have. Yeah, yeah, a new deck introduces new rules, so you could argue that it's like a new game, but why would you? Ah, we're just pissed it wasn't Small Arms. If you're interested, the Kameo deck contains a card that lets you swap hands with another player. Seems kind of mean really. Should you desire this deck, it will only set you back 100 MS points. Now, if you'll excuse us, we're going back to the Rainbow Six demo.Update: This deck has been pulled from Marketplace. Apparently there's a bug in it. Sorry to get your UNO hopes up.
Small Arms' big launch coming "real soon"
In a recent forum post, GastronautDon, a developer at Gastronaut Studios, claimed that Small Arms will be coming our very soon. In his own words:"Soon. Like for real soon, not 'video game industry soon'. If I say more, I'll get in trouble. "This post was made a week ago, so, "soon" could be any day now, say, tomorrow. After all, it's Wednesday, it's November, what more could you want? Come on, GastronautDon! Throw us a molotov cocktail bone here!
RoboBlitz gameplay looking unreal
More impressive looking gameplay footage from RoboBlitz, aka the first Xbox Live Arcade game to boast Unreal Engine 3. Sony loudmouth David Jaffe better remind indie evelopers like Naked Sky, Gastronaut and Ninja Bee that XBLA is only for retro titles.
Dash update, details officially revealed
It's official folks, details of tomorrow's dash update have been confirmed. Oh yeah, and the dash update will be happening tomorrow. Everything we reported earlier today is true. New features include 1080p resolution for games and movies Video playback from data CDs and DVDs, flash drives, even 360 memory units Video streaming with Windows XP and Media Player 11 (sounds familiar ...) Live Arcade enhancements Support for XNA created games The Arcade will now populate almost instantly, which means you won't have to wait for your favorite game to pop up on the list. Another interesting feature is the "Tell a friend" feature, which sends a buddy a message that tells them about a certain Live Arcade game. And the best feature (one we also predicted earlier) is a a feature that automatically downloads the latest trial versions of Xbox Live Arcade games.We've been waiting for this for a long time, especially the video streaming, and we'll be back tomorrow with a full report. See the full press release after the break.
Rift widens between Silver and Gold XBLA memberships
Xbox Live's Major Nelson announced on Wednesday that the newest Gears of War trailer was available online ... to Gold subscribers only. This marks the first time that exclusive XBL content has been delayed (not denied) for the free Silver members, and it's just the tip of the iceberg. Nelson commented on his blog entry after mixed reaction from readers, "So here is the deal ... Silver members WILL get access to this ... probably in about a week. This is going to happen more and more (Gold getting things before Silver) so you may want to think about upgrading if you want all the latest and greatest trailers, demos etc."It's not really a big deal at this point, because the trailer was available online within seconds of appearing on the XBLM. The real problem starts when Gold members start getting demos and downloadable game content before Silver members do; perhaps, eventually, the Silver members won't get them at all. Microsoft will find themselves treading a fine line between how much a Silver member will put up with not having, and how much a Gold member needs to feel justified in paying the cost for their features. It's important to note that this trailer is most likely a trial run by Microsoft (through Major Nelson) to see how things go, since it's not even true "exclusive" content. Nelson (can we just call him Larry, already?) admits that this is the same commercial played last week at X06 Canada. So where's the real super exclusive platinum fanboy stuff, eh?The point is that Microsoft is finally treating the Gold level like what it is supposed to be, a step above the Silver membership. Silver members don't pay for anything; it's a free service meant to provide an "introduction" to XBL. Gold members pay for additional features and, with it, they expect some perks to be delivered. While it's limited to trailers right now, expect to see it expand to demos, downloadable content, and anything else Microsoft can think about leveraging for more subscribers to make the jump up to the next tier while their model for microtransactions seems to be falling apart with the inmates running the asylum.And just because we love you, check out that Gears trailer after the jump in SD, or click here for the HD version.[Thanks, E.J.]
Today's hottest game video: Neo-Geo Emulator on the PSP gone wifi
Well, technically it's the second hottest game video, because the top spot is still occupied by the New Wii Promo trailer from yesterday, with a gargantuan 58,059 views. So we move on to the second spot which only has a paltry 7,824 views. Although it does show some pretty awesome Neo-Geo emulation happening with wifi on some tricked out PlayStation Portables. Sit patiently through the first half of the video which is extremely blurry shots of the two handhelds booting up into emulation mode (someone tell this guy where the macro focus button is). Once you make it through that, you'll be rewarded with some two-player Metal Slug action, happening through the PSP's wifi connection, and has all the graphics and sound effects you've come to love.Nice job! Now make it work on the Nintendo DS. The Game Boy Advance had a version, but no two player mode. Although by the time this emulated version might work on the DS, the Nintendo Wii and Xbox Live Arcade versions may already be out. But still, we want some wireless two player Metal Slug hotness while we're on the go on both our PSP and our DS. Come on, we're not too demanding, are we?
Early details on XNA B2 from CodeCamp Seattle
If you're unable to attend the CodeCamp XNA sessions taking place today in Seattle, but still want to get early deets on XNA Beta 2, you can check out Andy Dunn's extensive notes from yesterday's presentation by Mitch Walker. Check back later for photos of the demo. Meanwhile, Microsoft Game Development Community Maganger Dave Weller has his own comments on the meetings Andy didn't bother to crib, and adds that the second beta will be released "Very, very soon."
Searching for an XBLA Brain Age rip-off
Rip-offs of the Nintendo DS hit Brain Age are starting to show up for the PC, which leads to the question, where's our rip-off for Xbox Live Arcade? It doesn't have to be as blatantly purloined as the shameless example pictured at right -- an homage, extrapolation, etc will do just fine. Besides, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and XBLA could use a killer app for senior citizens.
Light and Lumines
True story: I'm a Lumines newb and a conscious sucker for Microsoft's evil pricing strategy for this game. Last night I was just about to unlock the first time attack achievement when the power went out, plunging my once luminous abode into inky darkness. Because life just isn't bearable without electronic entertainment (Even in a blackout, I can't stomach the load times on a PSP) I had to leave the house immediately. Luckily the lights came on this morning, and I erased my 30 blocks. What's your record for the 1 minute time attack?
Street Trace NYC devs speak
GamerTag Radio interviews some guys from Gaia Industries about their original Xbox Live Arcade title, Street Trace NYC. This game was playable at Digital LIfe, but hasn't gotten much press, despite 3D enviroments, split-screen/online multiplayer and a Michael J. Fox-friendly concept (hoverboards). You can visit the game's official site here. While they're doing their alternative media tour, maybe these hard-working indie developers should grab some toilet paper and remind Sony's snobbish Sgt. Pepper that XBLA has plenty of new IP on the way.
What are you playing: FINISH HIM edition
Another Friday, another edition of -- say it with me now - "What are you playing?" Personally, I've been playing a lot of Xbox Live Arcade lately. All these titles in the last month or so, it feels like an embarrassment of riches. So, this weekend, I'll be playing UMK3, DOOM, Lumines (yeah, I can't help it), and even getting some achievements for Cloning Clyde. I may sprinkle in some LEGO Star Wars II and some Enchanted Arms, too. On a side note, I don't know how many of you have gotten Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, but I had forgotten how incredibly cheap the AI is. It's terrible. It's not just cheap, it's the kind of cheap programming that allows CPU players to cut corners that human players can't. For instance, computers can skip frames of animation so that they can react faster -- like jump kicking you even though you started your jump kick first, etc. It's maddening. And, for the record, Shao Kahn may be the cheapest boss ever. How about all of you? Hmmmm? What will you be playing this weekend?
Yoko Jaffe pops off about XBLA
Whilst extolling the superiority of Kutaragi's oh-so original Electronic Delivery Initiative to a sycophantic Newsweek reporter, Sony-loving developer David Jaffe embarks on an extended musical metaphor that should win him a Grammy for pretentious assitude: The way I was describing it to somebody yesterday who'd never heard of EDI, I said, 'God of War, Twisted Metal, Resistance and Gran Turismo, those are like operas. These are like pop songs.' For me, it's been a lot more fun to write pop songs than operas. And in the future, because I think these services are going to be really successful, I think it's actually going to end up being more lucrative to write pop songs, just like in the real world, than operas....I would say that there are pop songs by Ashlee Simpson and pop songs by the Beatles. My goal is to write pop songs like the Beatles, not like Ashlee Simpson. If you want Ashlee Simpson pop songs, go to Xbox Live Arcade. Actually, they're the oldies station, because all you're getting is Scramble and Pac-Man.Yeah, and Geometry Wars: Evolved and Small Arms and Space Giraffe and Mad Tracks and Cloning Clyde. Let's put it this way, if XBLA is an Ashlee Simpson (post-nose job hopefully) top 40 single, then Sony's rip-off is the poorly translated J-pop karaoke version produced by Simon Cowell and performed by William Hung.Do you suppose all the sphincter-love Mr. Jaffe received for God of War went to his head just a little? The dude thinks he's John Lennon, but he comes off like Yoko, right down to the "I'm an artist" ego-slobber. You'd think he invented the concept of casual games. Mastering this level of operatic bullsh-t is a real achievement -- or in Sony's retarded nomenclature, a real "entitlement."
Major Nelson on G4: microtransactions "are about choice"
Last night on G4's Attack of the Show, host Kevin Pereira held a debate between Major Nelson and 1UP's Andrew Pfister on the much-discussed topic of microtransactions. During the segment, entitled The Loop, Major Nelson pressed that it is "about choice," while Pfister spoke for the gaming community when he said that "it doesn't appear that anybody is in control of the situation." With the recent Godfather and Lumines debacles, we're inclined to agree.Unfortunately, the segment's lead-in was awkward and the debate was way too short for either side to make an argument, but what we heard was engaging. Please, G4, give The Loop its own half-hour time slot; we'd watch it. Continue reading for the video.
David Jaffe compares Xbox Live to Ashlee Simpson
David Jaffe is a fiery voice who's not afraid to speak his mind. Speaking to Newsweek's N'Gai Croal, Jaffe took some jabs at Microsoft's Xbox Live service and its penchant for retro material.While discussing Jaffe's upcoming PS3 download title Criminal Crackdown, he and Croal entered an extended metaphor comparing game format to music. It is at this point where Jaffe, under the guise that God of War is Opera in this analogy, remarked that Xbox Live is more like the pop stylings of Ashlee Simpson, or of an oldies station (hence Pac Man and XBLA's other retro titles). Criminal Crackdown, on the other hand, is closer to the Beatles. We're assuming post-Revolver era, as "I wanna hold your hand" really isn't much better than the bubblegum pop of today.While we love to see Jaffe take part in inane allegories that are usually reserved for Iwata and Kojima, we can't help but want to extend this metaphor further, throwing in some Mizuguchi and Guitar Hero -- we'll save it for the comments. As all of Jaffe's titles have been published by Sony, we're not surprised he's supportive of his financial backer and antagonized by their competitor. But invoking Ashlee Simpson? That's just cruel.Jaffe also used his interview time to discuss his feelings on God of War sequels, noting that if "it was up to me , he would have fallen off the mountain in the first game and actually died."See Also:Jaffe abandons PSP, releasing quick-turnaround PS3 title
XBLA, Contra and Gyruss coming "soon"
There's a small section devoted to Xbox Live Arcade in the latest issue of Konami's newsletter -- creatively titled, "Konami News". In the newsletter, Konami announces that both Contra and Gyruss are coming "soon." How soon is soon? We don't know, but there are ten more Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays this year, and we can only hope that these games are destined for two of them. (Small Arms first, please.)The article contains some previously unreleased info on both games. Contra will feature updated graphics and sounds, online multiplayer (!), and leaderboards. But does it have "the code?!" That's all we want to know. Gyruss will feature updated graphics, new versus and co-op modes, and leaderboards. We have to hand it to Konami for actually upgrading its old arcade games for XBLA. That's the kind of thing more developers should do -- unlike Namco, who actually removed multiplayer from games like Pac-Man and Galaga. So, are you excited for Contra? Any other Konami games you'd like to see resurrected?[Thanks, J.Goodwin]
