Official Xbox Live Arcade Thread

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Gowans007 said:
what no release this week?

is it finally a time for the sleeping man on deck chair image to return?

thought Ikaruga passed cert and has just been waiting for a slot?
I would be disgusted if there was no release this week. They need to push out as many titles as they can before GTAIV, Soul Calibur IV, Ninja Gaiden II and the rest of the summer blockbusters start competing for gamers' time.
 
Aaron said:
Just watched that and definitely going to get the game in the future, but I'm a little behind on things. I only just bought Gripshift this week.
Check out Band of Bugs before you consider buying Commanders. But pick up N+ and Poker Smash first.
 
SapientWolf said:
Check out Band of Bugs before you consider buying Commanders. But pick up N+ and Poker Smash first.
Didn't like Band of Bugs at all from the demo. Same with N+. Poker Smash is a likely purchase sometime in the future, though it's not quite my kind of game.
 
From Wits & Wagers XBLA dev blog:

Wits & Wagers has been a fun and popular game since 2005 and I’m very happy we had this opportunity to bring it into more living rooms. We have been working on Wits & Wagers for months now and we can’t wait to dance with everyone on Xbox LIVE when the game is released later this month.

Since there's only one more week left in March (Wednesday the 26th) that'll likely be the next XBLA release.
 
If you are intrested in my interview with Drew Card abou Poker Smash, then why not read it. I think it's intresting enough to be not considered advertising/spamming

How does the current version of Poker Smash compare to the original vision for the game? Are there any elements of Poker you initially tired to introduce into the game that did not work as well as you originally thought?

Drew Card: One of the best parts about game development is the evolution of the game over time. Sometimes things that seem great on paper don’t pan out the way you expect them to. For example originally we allowed straights to happen out of order in Poker Smash, but it totally didn’t work. It made the straights way too frequent, and also pretty tough to recognize. The poker purist in me wanted this to work, but in the end it was just threw the whole game out of balance. We tried several things, but eventually settled on forcing straights to be in order. This really balanced things out by making them easier for the player to see, but at the same time less frequent.

Here is a run down on some other big changes:

- Cards were not color coded! This was crazy hard to play.
- Old double cursor from Tetris Attack
- Six columns instead of five
- Square cards—what were we thinking?!

At one point we had it where you could place a bet and get a challenge hand. Basically it turned into always going all-in and risking your entire stack to double up. The scores were crazy. Now that I think of it that was a lot of fun!

People that have spent some solid time with the game have reported it randomly freezed once or twice on them. Are you aware of this, and do you recognize it as a bug? If so, is there a possible fix around the corner?

Drew Card: Yes, we’re aware of the problem, and we feel horrible about it. This issue is a rare one in that it doesn’t reproduce on a development kit, so we never saw this in testing or in certification. It’s nearly impossible to debug on a retail system, so we’ve had to jump through some hoops to get a setup where we could isolate the problem. Microsoft has been great in helping us out to find the issue, and there is a fix on the way. We’ve submitted a new build for testing and certification, and if all goes smoothly I think a title update will be out within a month.

http://darkzero.co.uk/game-articles/interview-void-stars-drew-card/
 
Hopefully a leaderboard reset won't be necessary :|

By the way, I was looking through a bunch of games on partnernet today and man.. there are a lot of games coming out that fully intent to reap the rewards of additional content afterwards. Games not even out / announced yet have already got some expansion stuff at least half ready.
 
Rlan said:
Hopefully a leaderboard reset won't be necessary :|

By the way, I was looking through a bunch of games on partnernet today and man.. there are a lot of games coming out that fully intent to reap the rewards of additional content afterwards. Games not even out / announced yet have already got some expansion stuff at least half ready.


Can you list some of the unannounced games? :D
 
Chiaroscuro said:
Can you list some of the unannounced games? :D

No, otherwise I'll get in deep trouble by screwing over companies who actually getting paid to make this stuff announced at the correct time and make sure everything is sorted. Otherwise everyone would be talking about them.
 
Rlan said:
No, otherwise I'll get in deep trouble by screwing over companies who actually getting paid to make this stuff announced at the correct time and make sure everything is sorted. Otherwise everyone would be talking about them.

Is any of it old school Sega stuff? ¬_¬
 
Rlan said:
No, otherwise I'll get in deep trouble by screwing over companies who actually getting paid to make this stuff announced at the correct time and make sure everything is sorted. Otherwise everyone would be talking about them.

I was joking, I know that anyone with access to Parternet is basically on NDA.

But is there something you can tell us? Like companies that are making/publishing the games or genres (more japaneses shmups on the way?)

And I second the question about old Sega stuff.

A last question: is Kart Attack (or whatever it is its name now) already on Partnernet? You know, that kart sim make by Simbin partners.
 
Cromulent_Word said:
haha

"i know you are under NDA... but breach the NDA by answering these questions"

I know I am just teasing him. Of course names, concepts and release dates are under NDA, but genres? I think there is something he can tell us, after all he already told us that some games already have expansions in place. After all, he started the teasing telling us that, what else can we do unless ask for more? :D

And Kart Attack was already officially announced.
 
Rlan said:
Hopefully a leaderboard reset won't be necessary :|

By the way, I was looking through a bunch of games on partnernet today and man.. there are a lot of games coming out that fully intent to reap the rewards of additional content afterwards. Games not even out / announced yet have already got some expansion stuff at least half ready.

I know you can't talk about the titles but can you tell me: Are these games the same casual stuff we're starting to see become the norm? Because I want games like we were getting, the more errr, normal games? Stuff like Geo Wars, Cloning Clyde, N+ and so forth, the "smaller" games not the casual stuff...

Just out of curiosity, becoming rather concerned with XBLA atm :(
 
http://devblog.thebehemoth.com/?p=34

Castle Crashers Dev Blog updated

Character List

We currently have about 22 unlockable characters in Castle Crashers. Throughout the game you will have the opportunity to add these characters to your arsenal by various different means (was that vague enough). The chart below will be updated as we get closer to launch with more of these playable characters.

-Emil

selectscreen4.png
 
http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/03/18/oxm-hints-at-imminent-ikaruga/

It seems the April issue of Official Xbox Magazine has some information about the highly anticipated XBLA release Ikaruga. Specifically, it sounds like the game will be coming out very soon, as the magazine notes the game is already available with a graphic that reads "Out Now." It doesn't get much clearer than that. Unfortunately, given the nature of magazine lead times (people get April issues in March, etc.) it's hard to say exactly when Ikaruga will show up, but it's probably safe to say it should be out before the end of April. Oh, and for what it's worth, OXM gave Ikaruga a 9 out of 10, so things are looking up.
 
Peter Molynuex talks up the three Fable 2 linked XBLA Titles

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6188034.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;3

Three upcoming XBLA games will be 'Fable 2 compatible'
Molyneux explains that a trio of titles set to launch this summer which will allow gamers to stockpile in-game gold for the upcoming RPG.
By Emma Boyes, GameSpot UK
Posted Mar 19, 2008 7:22 am PT

Those gamers who are counting down the days until Fable 2 comes out are soon going to have something else to do to keep them busy while they wait. According to Lionhead Studios managing director Peter Molyneux, speaking on the Major Nelson podcast (hosted by Larry Hryb, director of programming for Xbox Live), Carbonated Games is working on three casual games which he describes as being "Fable 2-compatible."

Molyneux told Hryb, "It's a really big thing of mine--why don't games talk to each other?" Carbonated Games, which is owned by Microsoft, has previously worked on games such as Uno, Hexic, and Texas Hold Em, and will be bringing out three new games this summer.

Scotching rumours that the game might be released much sooner than anticipated, Molyneux told Hryb that the three games would be released in the summer, before Fable 2 hits stores.

The three Xbox Live Arcade games coming from Carbonated Games will be Keystone, Wizard's Tower, and Mage Dice. When gamers win, they will accrue Fable gold, which they can then use in-world when the role-playing game is released.

Molyneux had previously explained at his keynote at this year's Game Developers Conference in San Francisco that gold would not be dropped in Fable 2 when enemies are killed (a common gameplay mechanic in RPGs) but will instead have to be earned by doing things such as virtual jobs, or playing as a henchman for another player.

He also added that everything in the game was buyable--not only including houses, but dungeons, castles, and pretty much anything else the player finds. Buying these things will unlock "a few little quests" as well. And, if they are rich enough to buy all the houses in a town, the gamer will be given the title of Mayor. If they buy all the houses in a region, their character will be named King, and if they somehow manage to acquire all the property in the whole of the game world of Albion, they will be Emperor.
 
ESRB Watch:

Gin Rummy Vivendi Games E No Descriptors Xbox 360
Lode Runner Tozai, Inc. E Mild Fantasy Violence Windows PC, Xbox 360
 
Psychotext said:
Good news on poker smash. Will buy it if they get a patch out for it.
Yes, I'm excited for it too. I stopped playing after 2 straight instances of beating my highscore and having my system freeze. I'll come back once the issue is fixed and get that damned 24x achievement.

From Gamespots Bliss Island Review said:
The bad : Minigames go on for far too long
So incredibly agree. I played the first minigame for 5 minutes, realizing there was no real end in sight, and never played the game again.
 
The following achievement lists have been duly uncovered.

Ikaruga

http://inside.mygamercard.net/2008/03/18/ikaruga-youkaruga-everybodykaruga-for-achievements/

Target: Eboshidori
Destroy Eboshidori!
10

Target: Buppousou
Destroy Buppousou!
10

Target: Uzura
Destroy Uzura!
15

Target: Misago
Destroy Misago!
15

Target: Tageri
Destroy Tageri!
15

Good grade
Complete Chapter 1 in any mode with a grade of A or better
20

Fine Grade
Complete Chapter 2 in any mode with a grade of A or better
20

Excellent grade
Complete Chapter 3 in any mode with a grade of A or better
20

Stellar grade
Complete Chapter 4 in any mode with a grade of A or better
20

Star player
Complete the Final Chapter in any mode with a grade of A or better
20

Unstoppable
Clear the game in any mode without using Continue
25

Dot Eater
Clear a certain chapter in any mode without shooting at all
10

Battlezone

http://inside.mygamercard.net/2008/03/18/another-classic-lives-again-battlezone-with-achievements/

Private
Destroy a Super Tank
Classic game - Normal difficulty
5

Specialist
Destroy a Tank by piloting a Missile
Multiplayer game - Ranked match
5

Maniac
Score 50000
Classic game - Throttle Monkey mode
10

Corporal
Score 100000
Classic game - Normal difficulty
10

Sergeant
Win a game
Multiplayer game - Ranked match
10

Ensign
Destroy 10 Saucers
Evolved game - Normal difficulty
15

Lieutenant
Have 5 lives in hand
Evolved game - Normal difficulty
15

Commander
Get a 5-frag killing spree
Multiplayer game - Ranked match
20

Captain
Destroy 10 missiles in 1 game
Classic game - Normal difficulty
25

Major
Win a game without dying
Multiplayer game - Ranked match
25

Colonel
Have three enemies in play at once
Evolved game - Normal difficulty
30

General
Score 1000000
Classic game - Normal difficulty
30

Mr. Driller Online

http://inside.mygamercard.net/2008/03/18/mr-driller-achievements/

Amateur Yankee Driller
Complete the America Stage [500m].
5

Pro Mummy Driller
Complete the Egypt Stage [1,000m].
10

King of Moscow Drillers
Complete the Russia Stage [3,000m].
15

God of Arctic Drillers
Dig 5,000m in the North Pole Stage.
25

Brainy Quest Genius
Complete 10 consecutive Quests.
20

Lifesaving Air Maestro
Obtain 50 Air Capsules.
5

Tireless Block Destroyer
Drill 5,000 Blocks.
15

Continuous Chain Linker
Chain 30 Blocks in a row.
25

Fighting Battle Warrior
Win 10 consecutive Solo Battles.
15

Friendly Tag Champion
Win 10 consecutive Tag Battles.
15

Supreme Point Master
Beat the opposing team in Tag Battle by 200,000 points.
20

Infinite Drilling Conqueror
Win 20 consecutive Solo and Tag Battles.
30


TiQal

http://inside.mygamercard.net/2008/03/18/tiqal-my-achievement/

Magician
Make a match with each color available during the single player game.
10

Gatherer
Catch all power-ups spawned during a single player non-bonus round.
10

Drummer
Make ten consecutive matches during a single player non-bonus round.
15

Shaman
Collapse a group of 20 or more blocks during a single player non-bonus round.
15

Guardian
Create a single collapse with 3 or more colors during a single player non-bonus round. 15

Eagle
Catch one of each power-up type during a single player non-bonus round.
15

Defender
Collect 10 hearts during a single player non-bonus round.
20

Warrior
Collapse a group of 40 or more blocks during a single player non-bonus round.
20

Treasurer
Earn ten million points during a single player game.
20

Scribe
Play a perfect level during a single player non-bonus round.
20

Sun King
Collapse a group of 60 or more blocks during a single player non-bonus round.
20

Pacal
Complete the single player game.
20
 
New Xbox.com Splash Page uncovered

TiQal

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/t/tiqalxboxlivearcade/

In TiQal, you have been chosen to make an epic journey through many obstacles to seek the help of the gods. The village of TiQal is in deep trouble! Destroy the block walls in your way by moving your magic Dropper left and right, rotating blocks, and dropping them into place to create squares of color. Build up multiple squares to score bonus points and unlock helpful power-ups. Do you have the skill and courage to complete your quest and save TiQal from certain destruction?

* Loads of fun: The full game includes 120 action-packed levels for you to master.
* Fun and challenging: TiQal is addictive and easy to learn, yet presents challenging gameplay.
* Power-ups galore: Unlike other games in the genre,TiQal includes fourteen formidable power-ups to assist you in your block destruction.
* Multiplayer modes: Play with a friend in the co-op Adventure mode, or go online and challenge a buddy.
 
International Ratings Watch

http://www.xblah.net/2008/03/ratings-update-more-games-get-more.html

irst, the OFLC for Australia Classification. Double D Dodgeball - which popped up on the USK a week or so back - still no official word or announcement of the game though.

The second game - Block Breaker Deluxe - is pure speculation. It's a game made by GameLoft for Mobile Phones, iPods as well as PC, and is essentially a clone of Breakout or Arkanoid. However, it hasn't been rated before this, and I don't believe iPod or Mobile games have required ratings before either. At the same time, their previous game - Brain Challenge - at least mentioned Microsoft, while this one does not. Keep a look out though!


The USK has two new inclusions - Penny Arcade Episode 1 (I doubt "On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness" worked well in German) has been rated - the other is also up in the air - Golf: Tee it up! A game being published by Activision, I'm adding it here since I can't find ANY information about the game at all anywhere - which usually means something. We'll have to wait and see if it pops up anywhere else.
 
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