Official Xbox Live Arcade Thread

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Son of Godzilla said:
I splurged and finally bought Marble Blast Ultra and Mutant Storm with that TRU BOGO 50% deal.

They are both everything I ever hoped they'd be.
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MBU is my fav Live Arcade game to date, you did good.
 
XBLA at TGS Round-Up

IGN XBOX 360 previews Every Extend Extra Extreme

The key to the game is to explode in time with the rhythm of the music. Detonate at the right time and you'll set off a massive chain reaction and score tons of points. Explode at the wrong time and you won't get the same effect. To help you out, a small bar at the bottom of the screen will fill and empty along with the music. The controller vibrates in time with the beat as well, giving you yet another way to follow the tune. This was a life saver on the loud show floor.

Mizuguchi was on hand at the Microsoft booth to watch people enjoy Every Extend Extra Extreme.
Once you piece back together, you're given a brief period of invulnerability to fly around and gather up any power-ups the wasted enemies may have left behind. Some increase the rhythm, sending more obstacles on screen faster. This complicates things but it also allows you to score more points, if you're good. You can increase the rhythm up to 20 times, making things truly hectic.

You can also grab extra time to extend your game. This creates an interesting dynamic. By pressing the B Button, you can cancel an explosion and come back to one piece more quickly. This prevents you from getting massive combos, but it allows you to pick up more time to keep things going. Let the chain reaction go too long and you'll end up running out of time faster than you'll want to.
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IGN XBOX 360 Previews Ikaruga
http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/821/821513p1.html

If you've played Ikaruga before, you should know exactly what to expect out of the Xbox Live Arcade release. There are a few new additions, but the game plays exactly the same as it did before straight down to the enemy patterns. The game is a standard overhead shooter with an interesting color twist. The ship can flip colors with the touch of a button, making it invulnerable to like-colored attacks. Switching colors to stay on the offensive, chain together attacks, and survive is the name of the game here.

The most immediately noticeable new addition is the improved visuals. Running in HD, the game is still taller than it is wide which causes a lot of the screen to be filled up with ugly bars. We didn't have the chance to see if TATE mode is a go. The game field, though, has made a nice transition to the HD era. It's crisp and clean and hasn't been given an ugly overhaul like some games we've seen revived recently.
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1up.com previews Every Extend Extra Extreme
http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3163028

Every Extend Extra Extreme (E4) from Q Entertainment takes the Every Extend formula of exploding your own ship to cause a huge chain-reaction bomb even further by adding a rhythm game layer. The controller rumbles to the beat. In fact, since it will auto-detect the thump of any music (even country) that you stream off your Xbox 360 hard drive. An on-screen rainbow-colored bar at the bottom of the screen fills and empties along, too, so if the rumble feels a little imprecise, you have a back-up a visual indication. Since you can earn score multipliers up to x5, hitting perfectly on the beat for an "excellent" is another strategic move to consider along with how much time you're spending setting up your super chains.

Power ups are familiar types like extra time, faster fodder feed, speed boost, and a longer lasting shield. The limited amount of shielding after respawn means you have to collect the drops fast or you'll end up crashing.
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Finally, for now, IGN XBOX 360 has a few new Rez HD screens.

rez-hd-20070920074314360.jpg


rez-hd-20070920074312673.jpg


Hyperlinked Versions
http://media.xbox360.ign.com/media/963/963109/image_frame.html?image_id=2&screenshot_id=4873367

http://media.xbox360.ign.com/media/963/963109/image_frame.html?image_id=1&screenshot_id=4901681
 
Japan is first to throw down the E4 beat, but the game should be stateside by Q1 next year.


Argh, WTF Q?

This shit was shown at E3...it should be out this year. Oh well. Not surprising though
 
http://www.xblarcade.com/node/1205

The top 10 Xbox LIVE Arcade downloads worldwide:

1. Aegis Wing
2. Uno
3. Texas Hold 'em
4. Geometry Wars Retro Evolved
5. Bankshot Billiards 2
6. Street Fighter 'II Hyper Fighting
7. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1989 Classic Arcade
8. Worms
9. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
10. Contra

XBLArcade's breakdown

1. Aegis Wing D'uh it's free!
2. Uno Only 400MSP and the chance to see boobies for the first time is a large motivation.
3. Texas Hold 'em D'uh it was free!
4. Geometry Wars Retro Evolved 400MSP for one of the best games on the service. Now, it's even a pack-in on the memory unit.
5. Bankshot Billiards 2 Pack-in!! Who bought this at 1200MSP?
6. Street Fighter 'II Hyper Fighting Never underestimate a Street Fighter fan's tolerance for purchasing the same game over and over and over.
7. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1989 Classic Arcade Never underestimate nostalgia and the promise of unlimited quarters. Also just 400MSP.
8. Worms Never underestimate a nerd's willingness to calculate trajectory against wind speed velocity. In his head.
9. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night The reason for the new XBLA size limit. Classic.
10. Contra Konami Code. Spreadshot. 'Nuff Said. Well, also it's only 400MSP.
 
The XBLA games Ikaruga, E4 and Rez Slated for Q1 2008 in the USA
http://kotaku.com/gaming/tgs07/rez-e...008-301750.php

Kotaku is reporting via a meeting with Chris Early that the three most anticipated XBLA game to emerge from TGS (weep for poor EXIT, Trigger Heart Exelica and Omega Five) will not hit the North American marketplace until the first quarter of 2008. What is especially concerning iis that reports (such as this one http://www.xblarcade.com/node/1204) that E4 will be hitting the Japanese marketplace first, before any other region, not date was given, just that the JPN version would the first out of the gate and might spread to at least Ikaruga as well since I recall seeing the relase date on the Treasure website listed at November. No reason has been cited for this alledged region locking.
 
In stores today I saw a [working! gasp!] Xbox 360 machine. Went through the menus to find both TMNT 1989 and Boom Boom Rocket there - demos you can download onto your memory card.

..

Except neither game is avaliable ON the Australian Marketplace. Boo urns.
 
Rlan said:
Except neither game is avaliable ON the Australian Marketplace. Boo urns.
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I hate this gay region stuff, most of the 360 games are region free. Why do they even impose a damn region system for the marketplace, there's nothing that is that violent or won't pass censorship (even my marketplace has MK3 but does not have heavy weapon).

INSANE!! It's like MS doesn't want my monies!!!!
 
bigswords said:
I hate this gay region stuff, most of the 360 games are region free. Why do they even impose a damn region system for the marketplace, there's nothing that is that violent or won't pass censorship (even my marketplace has MK3 but does not have heavy weapon).

INSANE!! It's like MS doesn't want my monies!!!!
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One word, copyrights.
 
bigswords said:
Hmmmm?
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Example, wanna know why TMNT isn't in Australia? It is because Ubisoft doesn't hold publishing rights there, some unnamed company does and they have to negotiate in order to get the game published there.
 
Shard said:
Example, wanna know why TMNT isn't in Australia? It is because Ubisoft doesn't hold publishing rights there, some unnamed company does and they have to negotiate in order to get the game published there.
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:( that sucks big time, I though that XBLA was an easy way for devs to get their games out without the fuss of publishers?
 
I'm more interested in a top 20 list...as I wonder how arcade classics like Gauntlet, Centipede, Paper Boy, Root Beer Tapper...fare against new games like Marble Blast, Atomic Tank, Zuma, etc.

I also wonder how UMK3 did...because there seems to be some really old classics, but few classics from the same era as UMK3. I mean, NBA Jam was one of the most profitable arcade games out there...and so you'd think it would be on Live (with online play *drool*).
 
bigswords said:
:( that sucks big time, I though that XBLA was an easy way for devs to get their games out without the fuss of publishers?
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National laws are still in effect last time I checked, though in all fairness it effects the XBLM far more direly then the XBLA.
 
Shard said:
Example, wanna know why TMNT isn't in Australia? It is because Ubisoft doesn't hold publishing rights there, some unnamed company does and they have to negotiate in order to get the game published there.
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Actually, Ubisoft does have the rights for it. Well at least calling Ubisoft Australia up to discuss it on the phone as a few have done confirms that, anyway.

Look at this thread on the Australian XBOX forums for more info on the whole deal:

http://forums.xbox.com/11056338/ShowPost.aspx

Though pay most attention to Pidgeo's responses (Pidgeo works at Microsoft Australia) in the last few pages for the most recent updates.
 
XBLA at TGS: IGN XBOX 360 preivews EXIT

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/822/822018p1.html

About time somebody covered this one, it has been getting no love at all.

Not surprisingly, you control Mr. ESC using the left control stick. You can walk left and right using the thumbstick, or simultaneously hold the right trigger and press in a direction to run. You push up to climb ladders and ropes, or climb over boxes and other obstacles. Pressing the "A" makes ESC jump, and you can perform a bounding leap by pressing the "A" button while running, or climb up tall ledges by jumping up to the edge and pulling yourself up. Mr. ESC's final trick is to get on all fours and crawl into low, narrow spaces.

Using a combination of these moves, your ultimate goal is to get Mr. ESC to the exit of the level in a set amount of time, along with any other poor saps who happen to be stuck in the level with you. It's all simple enough in theory, but getting Mr. ESC to the end of each level can be a challenge.

For all his abilities, Mr. ESC depends on the people he saves -- called Companions -- to help him out. You'll find four types of companions in Exit. The first, simply known as Young People, have abilities very close to Mr. ESC; they can run, jump, climb and use items. The second type of companion -- Adults -- move slower than Young Adults and can't climb without some assistance. They can, however, push large boxes due to their strength. Kids, on the other hand, can't push things or climb by themselves, but they can crawl through small spaces. Finally, there are the totally helpless Patients, who can't do anything without being carried.
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I have it on PSP, first couple dozen stages are great, actually it's probably about half the game, which is quite a lot. Then you get to ones that take 20 minutes and if you mess up once you have to start over from scratch...I lost interest there tbh.
 
SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION, the U.S. publishing arm of the SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION, today announced its 2007/2008 line-up at the Tokyo Game Show 2007, being held Sept. 20-23 at Makuhari Messe in Tokyo.

"We're pleased to once again be bringing fans more of the quality fighting and great arcade games they've come to expect from us," said Ben Herman, president of SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION, "and with the addition of a number of downloadable console titles, SNK aficionados will have even more options available to them."

The SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION Tokyo Game Show 2007 line-up is as follows:

--THE KING OF FIGHTERS COLLECTION: THE OROCHI SAGA (Wii, PlayStation 2, PSP)
--METAL SLUG 7 (Nintendo DS)
--SNK ARCADE CLASSICS Volume 1 (PlayStation 2 system, PSP system)
--SAMURAI SHODOWN ANTHOLOGY (Wii, PlayStation 2 system)
--METAL SLUG 3 (Xbox LIVE Arcade)
--SAMURAI SHODOWN 2 (Xbox LIVE Arcade)
--FATAL FURY (Wii Virtual Console)
--WORLD HEROES (Wii Virtual Console)
--MAGICIAN LORD (Wii Virtual Console)

In addition to console titles, SNK PLAYMORE will also be announcing three new arcade titles at the Tokyo Game show:

--THE KING OF FIGHTERS XII
--KING OF FIGHTERS: MAXIMUM IMPACT REGULATION "A" 2
--SAMURAI SHOWDOWN SEN (JAPANESE TITLE)
 
No6 said:
I am leaning towards a dual release of SWOS and Castle Crashers next week. I can taste it in the wind, I can.
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Grecco said:
Ill definetly be all over SS2 and the SS collection.

Any early guesses on next week? Puzzle quest? or War World?
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Puzzle Quest and Castle Crashers are not coming out next week, or the week after that.
 
Castle Crashers is 2008, Castle Crashers is 2008, Castle Crashers is 2008, Castle Crashers is 2008, Castle Crashers is 2008, Castle Crashers is 2008, Castle Crashers is 2008, Castle Crashers is 2008, Castle Crashers is 2008, Castle Crashers is 2008, CASTLE CRASHERS IS 2008 DAMN IT!
 
Shard said:
Castle Crashers is 2008, Castle Crashers is 2008, Castle Crashers is 2008, Castle Crashers is 2008, Castle Crashers is 2008, Castle Crashers is 2008, Castle Crashers is 2008, Castle Crashers is 2008, Castle Crashers is 2008, Castle Crashers is 2008, CASTLE CRASHERS IS 2008 DAMN IT!
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Theres so much hype for the game though. It will probably be the best selling Arcade game of 08 by far. Unless Capcom releases Marvel vs Capcom somehow there, or Konami somehow talks with Activision and releases Xmen.
 
No6 said:
I am leaning towards a dual release of SWOS and Castle Crashers next week. I can taste it in the wind, I can.
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I think it's Rez and E4 next week, super Mizuguchi release week
 
Moving along, Joystick has hands-on impressions.

Every Extend Extra Extreme

TGS hands-on: Every Extend Extra Extreme

12 Comments by Andrew Yoon Sep 21st 2007 1:51PM
Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Puzzle, TGS

Don't let the ridiculous title fool you: Every Extend Extra Extreme has a lot going for it. Q? Entertainment's upcoming XBLA game expands upon the ideas of Every Extend Extra and provides a refreshing twist on a familiar concept. Unlike other shooters where players must protect their ship at all costs, E4 has players actually blowing up their own ships. The explosions caused by the self-detonated destruction ripple across, creating a domino effect that destroys all enemy ships within range of the connecting string of explosions.

E4 improves upon the previous titles by making true on the promise of the PSP E3. Mizuguchi's trademark music synesthesia style was merely cosmetic in that title, with almost no interactivity between the music and gameplay. E4 is different, however. As if taking a cue from Everyday Shooter, the explosions now add to the musical tapestry of the game, as they'll add an interesting and catchy beat to the music playing in the background. Detonating at the top of a beat will make the resulting blast even more powerful, so internalizing the music will only add to the gameplay experience.

E4 also adds a new shield system that encourages players to pick up power-ups as quickly as possible before they become vulnerable once again. The balance created by the new shield system creates a much faster-paced game than before, one where players will opt to trigger explosions more frequently -- it also makes the game a lot more accessible than the PSP title, which was somewhat notorious for its difficulty.

The new Endless mode is a great addition to the franchise, as it allows players to enjoy the simple pleasures of the gameplay without having to think too deeply. In order to extend time in Endless mode, players will still need to pick up Extend power-ups, but so long as they do, the game can continue indefinitely, perfect for competitive point earners and casual gamers alike.

It's easy to say that Every Extend Extra Extreme is an improvement for the franchise. It offers accessible gameplay that works well for both the hardcore and the casual, and includes a plethora of modes that will certainly keep players interested. The shooter mode, for example, returns the game to more traditional roots. The only misstep seems to have taken is in its visuals. Compared to the vibrant and varied themes found in E3, E4 looks somewhat uninspired. Also, the boss characters have been removed from E4. Sure, they were much too difficult in the previous game, but they could've added a lot of potential for quick strategic thinking. However, E4 is a clear progression forward for the series, one that deserves to get a bit more attention on XBLA.
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Ikaruga XBLA

TGS hands-on: Ikaruga (XBLA)

24 Comments by Andrew Yoon Sep 21st 2007 2:55PM
Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Action, TGS

There are many gamers that don't know of, let alone know how to pronounce, Treasure's Ikaruga. Unfortunate, considering it's the definitive shooter of the last console generation. With its arrival on Xbox 360, a whole new set of gamers can enjoy Treasure's masterpiece, which was previously only available on the Dreamcast and Gamecube.

Those that have already played the game can rest assured that the game is identical in every way to the original. Every enemy pattern that we've seen in our short time with the game remains exactly as it was years ago. There is one key enhancement: the video has now been upgraded to run in HD, making the game look as good as you remember it. Admittedly, you won't be concentrating at the backgrounds while playing the game, simply for the sake of staying alive. However, it's a good addition to know will be in this remastered re-release.

Those that haven't played the game will find Ikaruga to be one of the games that's easy to learn, but difficult to master. The game only uses two buttons: A and B. One button will let you shoot a barrage of bullets, while the other will let you switch polarity. Polarity becomes the big theme of the game, as your ship changes strengths and weaknesses when changing affinities. Being a white ship will allow you to destroy black ships twice as quickly, but it will leave you vulnerable to any attack from black fire. The opposite is true for black ships. Your ship can absorb the bullets of the same color, which you can then throw back at enemies. These rules are the construct for devilish enemy patterns and level designs that will have you memorizing each level just for fun. It's brutally difficult, but immensely satisfying, and easily one of the best additions to XBLA.
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Did ANYONE buy Geon?

I dug the demo so picked it up (I'm a sucker for $10 pricetags - I'll buy almost ANYTHING at $10. I'll buy 6 $10 games before 1 $60 game).

I haven't played it much because I got a PS3 this week too, but what I DID play beyond the demo was pretty neat. A nice selection of modes, etc.

The 1v1 multiplayer worked great (I got spanked every game), but both team games I got into were lagged all to hell.
 
GDJustin said:
Did ANYONE buy Geon?

I dug the demo so picked it up (I'm a sucker for $10 pricetags - I'll buy almost ANYTHING at $10. I'll buy 6 $10 games before 1 $60 game).

I haven't played it much because I got a PS3 this week too, but what I DID play beyond the demo was pretty neat. A nice selection of modes, etc.

The 1v1 multiplayer worked great (I got spanked every game), but both team games I got into were lagged all to hell.
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Review Round-Up: Gamespot on GEON: Emotions

http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/geonemotions/review.html?sid=6179682
 
http://www.xblarcade.com/node/1223

Factor Five's Julian Eggebrecht goes on the record regarding the idea of a revived Turrican.

Yeah absolutely, both for XBLA and PSN, it’d be fantastic. I think that probably a high-res Turrican more based on the Amiga Turricans would be great on those platforms. We obviously have the Virtual Console out there on the Nintendo side, and that’d obviously work well for the Genesis and Super Nintendo Turricans. So yeah, we’re talking!
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So, Turrican for all, Huzzah.
 
No6 said:
Now someone tell how and who approved GEON? I mean, what gap does this fill in the XBLA roster? The boring game gap? Even the bad XBLA games like Mad Tracks or Street Trace are still interesting, just broken/messy. This is just dull.
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Seriously. Who is responsible for making such decisions? There are like a hundred awesome games that should be on XBLA, but instead they give us Geon.
 
Any other predictions for Wednesday?

I know Halo 3 is dropping this week, but it would be nice if I had a little something or two to go alongside it, like SWOS :3
 
Well, War World is still a pretty good contender for release this week, not sure if it is worthwile though.

Same deal with Undertow.
 
Gah, now I have to see if War World has some links that are work viewable... or does it have a good old fashioned Gaf Topic of all info required somewhere else?
 
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