Official Xbox Live Arcade Thread

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Jonnyram said:
All I know is, if Mr. Driller gets culled, I'm gonna be pissed and go on a rampage. That game has been so unfairly treated, considering MS is supposed to have a fucking certification process in place.
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Hopefuly they look beyond the metacritic scores and perhaps take into account user scores at places like gamerankings.com
 
Ace of the Galaxy reminds me of the early StarFox console games before that series eventually starting sucking for me.

Whats this game sell for 5-10 bucks?
I'm down for a game like this.
 
Ace to the Galaxy looks good. I don't think I'm going to buy it ASAP, but hopefully I grab it before it's delisted.
 
Delisted?

C'mon its got a chance of staying on the board if it sells decently.
Though if it were 5 bucks cheap bastards like me would be even more excited.
:lol
 
Archie said:
With the stupidity MS has exhibited in the past 6 months with XBLA, anything is possible.
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I seriously don't understand you people. Are you going to buy the game and enjoy it? Or fuck around and try to buy it later just so it might be pulled so you can come on here and bitch about it?

Jesus Christ.
 
Archie said:
The second one.
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Ok,well atleast your being honest.
:b

I wouldn't mess around though. It could somehow be pulled like you said. And there aren't enough of these games floating around on Xbox Live.

All the game needs is a little chatter box in the lower screen with Fox Cloud chatting it up and it'd be StarFox at this point. Looks very fun.
 
I'll eat my own testicles if they delist a Namco game.

And I think a B- is pretty fair. Culling is idiotic, but the DRM fix is a bigger plus than culling is a minus. And the release schedule has been solid if not spectacular, bolstered by some excellent games as you noted, Shard.
 
CrapSandwich said:
I'll eat my own testicles if they delist a Namco game.

And I think a B- is pretty fair. Culling is idiotic, but the DRM fix is a bigger plus than culling is a minus. And the release schedule has been solid if not spectacular, bolstered by some excellent games as you noted, Shard.
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Thanks for the feedback.
 
Shard said:
Xbox Live Arcade

My, my, my, my, what a turbulent couple of months it has been for the XBLA. Indeed, the bad news has been flowing like rancid wine for a few months now, size cap issues, royalty rate cuts, the recent delisting snafu. Indeed the XBLA has seen some major failings due to the absolutely asinine policy choices of those in charge of the service, yet, in spite this maelstrom of stupidity the XBLA, one thing has thus far remained unaffected and that is top-rate content for the service. Oh sure, it has gotten a fair bit of shovelware (Discs of Tron, Wits and Wagers, Bliss Island, Battlezone, et al) but overall we have been graced with the likes of Rez HD, Ikaruga, N+, Poker Smash, ect, ect. Moreover, we got a nice preview of the XNA Initiative, the size cap issue has actually been resolved, not as much as Neo GAF would like, but all things considered, we are lucky to get even a size increase. Kudos are also appended to the XBLA for still having good worldwide distribution system, one submission and a publisher is good to go around the world, slight marks off for treating the Asian sector (Korea, Japan) like second-class areas though. Excellent third party support at this point in time with new games being announced or uncovered almost daily. Bonus marks for finally expanding first party development beyond Carbonated Games and expanding the Arcade Hits programs, yet more could be done in this area (more price drops, week-long price drop/free game promotions). DLC Expansion Packs have been steady but honestly unremarkable. Finally, Microsoft has pledge to fix the broken DRM issue. but that is supposed to occur later this month if it happens at all, so tha has to be left out of the grading issue one way or the other.

Final mid-term grade: B-
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Real good breakdown, covered most of the points it looks like. I do think the DLC expansion for Pinball FX have been pretty good though. They came out with a free one, and then one they charged for (I didn't buy it...yet).

There's one thing that you didn't address...mainly because it shouldn't need to be addressed, but there still exists a pre-conception regarding original vs. arcade ports on the system, and though much of it comes from fanboys who dislike anything MS at the moment, such a view would be well founded if you followed Live for the first year, and didn't bother checking it out for the last 1 and a half years, and I know some who are like that (anecdotal evidence, I know). The current release balance between original vs. arcade content is a very good balance and anyone checking out new releases would see this.

We are also seeing a lot more original content that serves niche tastes (ie more shooters, original puzzle/card games, attempts at children games in the form of Shrek and Spongebob). Though the quality of some (especially the latter mentioned) is questionable, I'm glad that these niches are being filled.

The only thing I thought you missed is the lack of high quality AAA Arcade games released during the last year. NBA Jam is one of the biggest arcade games of all time in terms of revenue, even beating out Pac Man as the top earner. Yet it's not on the system. 4P support, Live play, it's the ultimate candidate for Live, yet we don't see it. Yes, this is completely up to Acclaim (who got the rights for NBA Jam off of Midway IIRC), and perhaps there are some licensing issues...but to me this game makes a lot of sense, like TMNT, which has sold well it seems. Maybe MS should push for it?

I think there should be some debate in regards to the old, old skool arcade games, versus the mid to late 90's Arcade games. XBLA has done an EXCELLENT job of capturing the "Golden Age of Arcade Games", but I would argue that Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, NBA Jam, are more relevant to the perhaps largest 360 demographic of 20-30 year olds.

Personally, when I think "popular arcade titles"...I think of games like Tekken, Rave Racer, Virtua Fighter, Daytona, SEGA Rally from Namco and SEGA. I'm not even asking for those as I understand the technical hurdles involved (an ideal port would emulate the Model series of arcade boards at high res, include online play support, and leaderboard support). I'm not even asking for those, I just want the last series of 2D games that died in the late 90's. Which to me shouldn't be that bad since they are already emulated on PCs.

Sorry to respond to your well thought out and succinct post with these ramblings...
 
Well, I can tell you that NBA Jam would be a nightmare of licensing issues, not just that whole Acclaim thing, but also the NBA and the NBAPA side of things.
 
The non-automatic chain gun isn't the only throwback choice Artech made with Aces of the Galaxy. In true hardcore arcade fashion, each game is a one-shot chance at glory with no continues, no saves, no checkpoints and no quarter. There's also no "opening up" of levels in Aces of the Galaxy for later play. If you die in level seven, there's no going back to play previous levels a la carte.
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Wow. I don't know if that's awesome or just annoying. I guess they mean business though.
 
Shard said:
Well, I can tell you that NBA Jam would be a nightmare of licensing issues, not just that whole Acclaim thing, but also the NBA and the NBAPA side of things.
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That's what I was thinking, originally. I noted that there wasn't a VC release and that could have been the reason.

But then I recently thought that perhaps in the actual licensing agreement, they would go a bit further and make it future proof in this regard. This isn't like any other sports title, where they are released on a yearly basis. The life of NBA Jam: TE spanned multiple years and Midway probably realized that. It just makes sense, y'know what I mean? NBA videos and documentaries and such, relating to the past...wouldn't have such issues.

Anyways, that is the most likely answer. A remake with new teams and rosters would be nice, though it would take some work. An HD remake would be unreal but it'll never happen.
 
 
Kafel said:
Did you get to play the game ?
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Yup. I actually have a little access to an Xbox Test kit and hence Partnernet. I've played most anything up there right now. But I can't talk a thing about it at all until they're either officially announced or I go and get permission from the company making them :)
 
I searched the last three pages and am probably blind, but what is coming out tomorrow or do I not want to know?

*Edit: It would be nice if the OP could be putting what is coming out when in the OP so people like me don't have to bother people every time.

Shard said:
Bionic Commando Rearmed
Fortress Gameplay
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*Bows to the Cap-gods*
 
Illuminati said:
I searched the last three pages and am probably blind, but what is coming out tomorrow or do I not want to know?

*Edit: It would be nice if the OP could be putting what is coming out when in the OP so people like me don't have to bother people every time.

*Bows to the Cap-gods*
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I can't even remember the last time Jesiatha posted in this thread.

Anyway, the Stick of Joy has a very interesting feature up vis a vis the XBLA delisting scandle as they have gone through all of the potantial candidates fore delisting and given them a capsule review.

http://www.joy stiq.com/photos/xbla-potential-delisters/831660/
 
picture2d44e9.png


Just took a peek and and wanted to share. Oh Shard, never change.
 
http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/878/878952p1.html

IGN XBOX 360 Review of Roogoo

8.0 Presentation
Easy to navigate menus that keep the Roogoo feel, but the online options should include a party system so play can continue after one match.
8.0 Graphics
Nothing too fancy but what’s here works, especially when it comes to those cute little aliens. Few framerate drops don’t hurt much.
8.5 Sound
A soundtrack that sticks with the themes of the game very well. Roogoo succeeds in being effective in its audio delivery but not over-bearing or redundant.
9.0 Gameplay
The strategy that you’ll need to use changes throughout Roogoo but it’s always fun and exciting. Later levels will turn your brain to mush.
8.0 Lasting Appeal
Only 45 levels is actually a little shallow for an XBLA puzzler, but the multiplayer is fun despite its design flaws and the single-player, while short, is no cake walk.
8.5
Great OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average) See All Award Recipients
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rating_ecaward.gif
 
Kotaku claims Commando 3 and 1942: Joint Strike are really short:

They share some of the same quirks, will a strikingly similar presentation and very short length. Both games look like they can be blown through in about 30 minutes or less, especially if you've got a co-op buddy helping you out.
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xbhaskarx said:
Kotaku claims Commando 3 and 1942: Joint Strike are really short:
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And so were the original games! MERCS would only take about 30 minutes to complete, you really don't want a whole lot more for what is essentially an Arcade game on the XBLA.

Hell I'd say Assault Heroes, which can be about 2.5 hours long, is far, FAR too long and drawn out that it gets boring.

Edit: And they say there isn't "much challenge" when the game has, like, 4 or 5 different settings of difficulty. If you're playing on Easy / Normal, of course it's not hard!
 
Rlan said:
Hell I'd say Assault Heroes, which can be about 2.5 hours long, is far, FAR too long and drawn out that it gets boring.
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But you don't have to play the whole game at once, you can just play a few levels and then stop. The Assault Hero games can be played for just half an hour!
 
xbhaskarx said:
But you don't have to play the whole game at once, you can just play a few levels and then stop. The Assault Hero games can be played for just half an hour!
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True, but I've been playing it, and the game just seems to go for such a long time. Like they've just extended the game by making you move slower through the environment. If theh game was set to be only an hour long total with better pacing, it would have been much more fun.

Anyhow:

XBLA Delisting - Developer Response Part 2 - Merscom LLC

http://www.xblah.net/2008/06/xbla-delisting-developer-response-part_03.html
 
Just tried the demo for Aces of the Galaxy.

Basic impressions: Starfox but faster and more frenetic. Great graphics, tight controls, crazy amount of shit going on at any point in time (almost to the point of sensory overload). No boss fights in the demo though, not sure if there are any in the full game.
 
http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1513/Wolf-of-the-Battlefield-Commando-3/p1/

Team Xbox review for... Commando 3? I assume they assumed the date, then? Or just plum forgot to re-designate the release period?

Anywhoo - 7.0 / 10. NOT reviews by David Chapman, surprisingly. He does, like, every damn XBLA review for them. Instead it's Tom Price.

Claims (I assume the review goes back down soon)

- New graphic style is great
- "repetitive" - always shooting things
- A lot more fun Coop

Eh, that's fine. I don't see whats wrong with Repetitive. I'd rather them NOT "change things up", since that usually causes MORE problems. It's sort of the point of the car sections anyway, right?
 
Well I think I can put my impressions about XBLA last titles.

- Soul Calibur: the same that DC game, no more, no less. The control is good (the DC controller are pretty same that x360 controller). The "screen borders" are ugly, I think SEGA must adapted to 16:9, is my main complain about the game.

- RTW Commando 3: really really fun. Cooperative with 3 players is the best game mode. Is difficult and not very short (maybe because its difficulty).

- 1942: pretty the same that the original, same graphics that commandos 3. I hope that Capcom fix the freezes sometimes when there are many elements in the screen. Short.

I have to test the other new titles.
 
Keyser Soze said:
Things on Wheels is set to hit XBLA 19th August
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Isn't it a little... early to set a date? We've barely seen any GAME to begin with. We've seen two cars go around furniture - we haven't seen any kind of 4 player, in-game screens, the weapons...
 
Rlan said:
Isn't it a little... early to set a date? We've barely seen any GAME to begin with. We've seen two cars go around furniture - we haven't seen any kind of 4 player, in-game screens, the weapons...
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Well it's from the latest SouthPeak release list. The same list says RooGoo is coming to Wii/DS in November. I think that is new info too.
 
lherre said:
Well I think I can put my impressions about XBLA last titles.

- Soul Calibur: the same that DC game, no more, no less. The control is good (the DC controller are pretty same that x360 controller). The "screen borders" are ugly, I think SEGA must adapted to 16:9, is my main complain about the game.
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I think you mean Namco should adapt to 16:9. I agree that the borders are ugly, but to change the aspect ratio without scretching the screen would have been too much to do.

And my main complain about this port: there is no mission mode!!! The coolest mode in the DC version is nowhere to be see. So this <<<<< DC version.
 
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