Related Links | Thrilling new Xbox LIVE Arcade recruits
Here are seven new incredible reasons to make Xbox LIVE Arcade your regular Xbox 360 chill-out zone, just announced at E3. The quality is flowing thick and fast on LIVE Arcade between now and the end of the year – arcade classics from Japan, a visionary computer game from our very own Bungie, and sequels to casual games that you’ll return to again and again. This year’s LIVE Arcade line-up is simply so great we almost feel like apologising for the duress. Just be strong.
Let’s kick off with Bungie Studio’s “Marathon: Durandal”. Before Halo on Xbox, Bungie was celebrated for its sci-fi first-person shooter series Marathon. Although it has been more than 10 years since Marathon first appeared, Bungie was already leading the way with dual-wielded weapons and voice-chat during multiplayer games. Durandal is the first sequel, released in 1995, famed for its imaginative multiplayer modes and a gripping one-player storyline. It’s coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade. Yikes. We’re eyeing the arrival of puzzle games “Hexic 2” and “Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords” with mixed emotions of joy and fear. You may never forge yourself that cluster of black pearls in Hexic but you can’t resist trying, right? Wait until you see the devices Carbonated Studios have in place for Hexic 2. “Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords” will use its fusion of RPG and puzzle game elements to have you figuring out strategies in your sleep. Played in high-definition widescreen in multiplayer across Xbox LIVE, Puzzle Quest will be compelling beyond belief. The original party game Bomberman gets its ultimate incarnation on Xbox LIVE Arcade: “Bomberman Live”. As many as eight friends can compete across Xbox LIVE in the same arena, trapping opponents with bombs using panic-stricken tactics and nervous dexterity. You can customise your Bomberman from over 10,000 variations – ideal to foster your infamy within the regular Xbox LIVE global tournaments. In contrast to Bomberman’s colourful simplicity, Chair Entertainment’s “Undertow” makes a graphical stride forward for Xbox LIVE Arcade. Undertow is a strategic battle game that takes place beneath the sea, imagining that the entire planet has been engulfed by water and mankind is struggling for its share. There is a compelling solo quest in which you can hone your shooting skills, but the 16-player versus modes on Xbox LIVE are where Undertow really shines. The simple premise of capturing enemy bases while protecting your own means that anyone can dive in. Last, and certainly not least, we have the legendary “Sonic the Hedgehog” and “Golden Axe” from Sega, two timeless classics from the 16-bit era that we love so much we’ve written a separate story about. This is especially worth reading because both games arrive on Xbox LIVE Arcade today, 11 July. We think Xbox LIVE Arcade has long since surpassed expectations of what a games-on-demand download service can deliver. The choice is now broader, deeper and more accessible than ever before. Incredibly it looks as though we’re only just getting started. |
