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Star Raiders launch on XBLA this Wednesday
Major Nelson has tweeted that Star Raiders will arrive on Xbox Live Arcade this week. Based on the Atari 800 title of the same name, the new version was developed by Incinerator Studios. Like the original, Star Raiders focuses on galactic navigation and dogfights. It also comes packing multiplayer modes, so space combat fans may want to keep their eyes on it.
MicroBot, Magic Pack 3 join Raskulls on XBLA today
If you haven't already purchased Raskulls through a fellow "Games for the Holidays" title, A World of Keflings or (the officially unreleased) ilomilo, Halfbrick's puzzle-platform is now very clearly available on Xbox Live Arcade for 800 Microsoft Points ($10). Additionally, dual-stick, Innerspace-esque shooter MicroBot (800 points) makes a surprise invasion on the service, in addition to the long-awaited third expansion pack (400 points; free multiplayer version) for Magic: The Gathering. And now for the but-back-to-Innerspace link of the day ... [Thanks, Daniel]
Get into Harms Way, Doritos Crash Course and Bomberman Battlefest on XBLA today
The two final contenders in the Doritos-sponsored "Unlock Xbox" game design contest have been fully realized and released as Xbox Live Arcade games today, for free. Until December 26, you can cast your vote for either Doritos Cash Course (download) or Harms Way (download) through the Xbox Unlock ad on the Dashboard, with the winner to be announced on December 29 and offered a 50G (that's dollars, not Achievement points) part-time, game consulting gig with Doritos. Perhaps overshadowed by the flavorful showdown, the previously announced Bomberman Live sequel, Battlefest (download), is also available on the Arcade today for 800 Microsoft Points ($10). Additionally, the third Lara Croft: GoL challenge pack add-on, "A Hazardous Reunion" (download), has been released for 400 points ($5), along with the "Marvel Pinball" tables (download/trial) for Pinball FX 2, priced at 800 points. Update: The Costume Quest DLC "Grubbins on Ice" (download) has also been released today for 400 points.
Bomberman Live: Battlefest blows up XBLA on December 8
Next Wednesday, December 8, Hudson will launch Bomberman Live: Battlefest on Xbox Live Arcade. It follows the original Bomberman Live, which has dished out more than 500,000 copies since launching in 2007, and sports multiplayer for up to eight players, four new game modes and five new power-ups.
King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match also on XBLA this Wednesday
You'll be doing much more than courting intense card battles with this week's Xbox Live Arcade releases -- you'll also be punching, kicking, and ... uh ... jumpkicking fools with the release of King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match. The fighter gets a facelift and an audio upgrade, alongside an "extensively redesigned" character balance. If that weren't enough, KOF 2002: UM features "the most playable characters ever in the KOF series," with 66 fighters in total. The game will run you 800 MS Points ($10) this Wednesday when it arrives on Xbox Live Marketplace. And hey, for a game that evidently features unlimited matches, that's a heck of a price. [Thanks Brandon!]
Konami deals out 'Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Decade Duels' on XBLA this week
We're not about to start pretending like we understand what Yu-Gi-Oh is all about. (It's like Pokémon with cards or something, right?) Anyway, Konami has tweeted that Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Decade Duels -- try saying that one five times fast -- will be dealt out on Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday. The game seems geared to online play and allows up to four players to duke it out in free-for-all or tag duels. Naturally, players will also be able to bulk up their decks by purchasing new cards on Xbox Live Marketplace. We'd love to close this post with a pithy Yu-Gi-Oh joke but, sadly, our inexperience renders this impossible. So, we'll just have to leave it to YouTube user ipooinyourface. [Thanks, Jason]
Bloody Good Time, Haunted House sneak onto XBLA
We're not sure who's fiddling with all the levers and knobs at Xbox Live Arcade headquarters, but we've received a second day of new releases this week. Call it XBLA Thursday. Bloody Good Time and Haunted House were initially expected -- and then rejected -- to arrive on Wednesday, but it appears they needed another day to cook (or get out of Game Feast's way). You can now explore Haunted House for 800 MS Points ($10) or, if you prefer, have a Bloody Good Time for the bargain price of 400 MS Points ($5).
This Wednesday: Pinball FX 2 comes to XBLA [Update 3: Bloody Good Time or Haunted House released late]
It's set to be another packed Wednesday for Xbox Live Arcade releases. First, the previously delayed Pinball FX 2 will bring its bumpers to the table. Plus, Ubisoft's humorous FPS Bloody Good Time is set to debut. And as if those weren't enough, GamerBytes reports 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures 2 (finally, a sequel!) and Atari's reboot of Haunted House will be released this Wednesday, as well. Oh, no -- we're not done yet: The Hydro Thunder Hurricane Tempest Pack DLC is also coming out this Wednesday ... Okay, we're done now. Update: Microsoft's Graeme Boyd (a.k.a. AceyBongos) has tweeted that both Bloody Good Time and Haunted House are not confirmed for release this week. Of course, Boyd's wording indicates that both releases could still happen. Update 2: Wednesday has arrived and, sure enough, only 3D Ultra MiniGolf Adventures 2 and Pinball FX2 have been released. Update 3: Okay, last one, we promise. Bloody Good Time and Haunted House have now been released. A day late.
XBLA in Brief: Space Invaders: Infinity Gene, KOF Sky Stage, Sonic Adventure
With TGS in full swing, it's only appropriate that this week's trio of Xbox Live Arcade releases comes courtesy of Japan. There's Sonic Adventure, a King of Fighters-branded shooter and a new twist on Space Invaders -- not to be confused with that other new twist on Space Invaders. Watch the latest episode of XBLA in Brief and see if any of these games deserves a closer look. iTunes] Subscribe to XBLA in Brief directly in iTunes. [Zune] Subscribe to the XBLA in Brief directly. [RSS] Add the XBLA in Brief feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [M4V] Download the M4V directly.
This Wednesday: The epic battle of Plants vs. Zombies on XBLA ... plus 'Dance! It's Your Stage'
A friendly reminder that the XBLA ports of Plants vs. Zombies and Dance! It's Your Stage sashay in a shambling manner onto Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday. The XBLA version of the flora versus undead tower defense title will cost 1200 Microsoft Points ($15), while that dancing game will be 800 points ($10). The XBLA version of PvZ features co-op and versus multiplayer, along with your very own customizable house. The XBLA version of Dance! It's Your Stage features, um -- did we mention Plants vs. Zombies is coming out this week? %Gallery-98993%
This Wednesday: Shank and Scott Pilgrim beat up XBLA
It's a great week for Xbox 360 owners who possess a great deal of pent-up aggression, as the two-week PSN exclusivity of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World comes to a halt this Wednesday, August 25. The highly stylized, chiptune-enhanced beat 'em up will run you 800 Microsoft Points ($10), which is roughly equivalent to the price of a Scott Pilgrim movie ticket -- an item apparently covered in some kind of fatal, diffusive poison. If you're looking for a beat-'em-up with more ... well, stabbing, you'll also be able to pick up Klei Entertainment's Shank for 1200 Microsoft Points ($15). That's a little bit more than the entry fee to Scott Pilgrim, but we're sure that's only because of discrepancies in the Canadian/American currency exchange rate. %Gallery-95506%
Madden 11 demo leads rush of Xbox Marketplace content
The Xbox 360 forecast is absolutely droughtful this week at retail, with the Clash of the Titans theater DVD release tie-in drying up store shelves. Thankfully, the Xbox Live Marketplace is overflowing with new content this week, including today's release of the new Madden demo. Additionally, DLC for a pool of recent releases -- Alan Wake, Lost Planet 2 and Transformers, to name a few -- flowed out today, and the "Summer of Arcade" shines on tomorrow with Hydro Thunder Hurricane. (Did you read our review yet?) Finally, Borderands' trio of add-ons is on sale through Sunday. Check out complete details of the week's XBLM content after the break.
Joyswag: Get stuck in Limbo [update: giveaway closed]
Update: The giveaway is now over, and confirmation emails have been sent to the winners. Check your inbox! Since we've already reviewed Limbo -- check it out! -- there won't be an XBLA in Brief preview this week. In its place is this giveaway: Four lucky entrants will receive Limbo and enough creeps to last a lifetime. To enter: Leave a comment telling us the scariest thing you've ever seen in the dark. You must be 13 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person. This entry period ends at 6:00PM ET today, Wednesday, July 21. At that time, we'll randomly select four grand prize winners to each receive a download code for Limbo (ARV $15). [Code requires an Xbox Live account to redeem.] For a list of complete rules, click here. Update: We've recieved three additional codes and are now offering the game to four winners! What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.
XBLA in Brief: Deadliest Warrior, DeathSpank
XBLA is all about death this week. First up we have gruesome, deadly martial arts with Deadliest Warrior: The Game and then we have just, heroic, loot-driven murder with DeathSpank. Honestly, both causes of death have their appeal. Watch the latest XBLA in Brief and see just how fun death can be. [iTunes] Subscribe to XBLA in Brief directly in iTunes. [Zune] Subscribe to the XBLA in Brief directly. [RSS] Add the XBLA in Brief feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [M4V] Download the M4V directly. There are new Xbox Live Arcade games released every week. We realize that our readers are busy, attractive people, and may not have time to download and examine each and every new XBLA game. You've got busy, attractive person stuff to do, after all. Not to worry though, because we've done the work for you, downloading every single trial game and giving you a taste of what to expect. Watch XBLA in Brief every week to see which games deserve a closer look. When you have the time, of course.
This Wednesday: Monkey Island 2, Blacklight tango on XBLA
Newly remasted, LucasArts' Monkey Island 2 Special Edition: LeChuck's Revenge has charted a course for Xbox Live Arcade, where it will arrive alongside Blacklight: Tango Down tomorrow, July 7. LeChuck's Revenge plan hasn't deviated since it was finalized a week ago, but the scheduled Blacklight drop zone was called into question last week when the game's publisher, Ignition Entertainment, could not confirm the date. Today, Ignition formally announced the multiplayer shooter's deployment on XBLA for tomorrow, adding that the PSN and PC versions will arrive in "the coming weeks." BlackLight: Tango Down will be available for 1200 Microsoft Points ($15). Monkey Island 2 Special Edition: LeChuck's Revenge can be had for 800 MSP ($10).
Puzzle Quest 2 and Ancients of Ooga hit XBLA June 30
It's pretty much accepted that none of us here at Joystiq are good people. We have to wonder, then, just what we did to deserve a much-desired sequel and a new NinjaBee game in the same week. It's a mystery for sure, but Major Nelson has announced that both Puzzle Quest 2 (as previously dated) and Ancients of Ooga are slated to arrive on Xbox Live Arcade next week. If you want to dip into some puzzle-fueled role-playing, you'll need 1200 MS Points ($15) for Puzzle Quest 2. Meanwhile, the gastronomic platforming of Ancients of Ooga will run you 800 MSP ($10). Check out a new trailer for Ancients of Ooga after the break.
XBLA in Brief: NeoGeo Battle Coliseum, Earthworm Jim HD
First, yes, there is another game out this week. That game is NeoGeo Battle Coliseum, an SNK fighting game. But enough about that, because Earthworm Jim HD is upon us. It is, by and large, Earthworm Jim, which should make old school fans happy, and undoubtedly delight the uninitiated. Check out the latest XBLA in Brief and see what the fuss is about. [M4V] Download the M4V directly. Xbox.com: Add NeoGeo Battle Coliseum trial version to your Xbox 360 download queue Xbox.com: Add Earthworm Jim HD trial version to your Xbox 360 download queue
This Wednesday: Soar like an eagle in Snoopy Flying Ace on XBLA
Grab your bomber jackets, folks. On June 2, Snoopy: Flying Ace soars to the Xbox Live Arcade for 800 ($10), and if you recall from our previous hands-on experience with the game, it's something we're looking forward to. In Snoopy: Flying Ace, players can take on the role of the famous Peanuts crew or use their own Avatar to pilot fully customizable aircraft. The part we're most excited about? Outmaneuvering the competition online with graceful tricks reminiscent of the original Xbox gem Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge. We look forward to shooting you out of the sky. %Gallery-89568%
This Wednesday: Voodoo Dice, Doom 2 demonize XBLA [update]
Normally, voodoo isn't something to be taken lightly. As dear old pa liked to say, "Just because you don't believe in voodoo, it don't mean you laugh in the witch doctor's face." Wise words indeed, but then pappy didn't know about Voodoo Dice, this week's Xbox Live Arcade release -- a puzzle game of sorts from Ubisoft and Exkee. All we really know is that it involves dice, includes single-player and multiplayer and will cost 800 ($10). Thus far, it appears to be free of vengeful witch doctors itching for an excuse to zombify us, so that's a relief. Update: This week's XBLA update will also include id's classic first-person shooter Doom II, as well as Ben 10 Alien Force: The Rise of Hex -- for 800 ($10) each. [Via Major Nelson]
This Wednesday: Metal Slug XX and Aqua launch (missiles) on XBLA
Whether it's by land or by sea, you'll have ample opportunity to make things go kaboom this week on Xbox Live Arcade. SNK is offering another side-scrolling actionfest in Metal Slug XX (1200), while Games Distillery launches a steampunk naval warfare title, Aqua (800). Not since the end of Commando has there been such a long line of dudes ready to buy their own farms. Xbox.com: Add Metal Slug XX to your Xbox 360 download queue (1200) Xbox.com: Add Aqua to your Xbox 360 download queue (800)
