New XBLA releases for October 26, 2011

Sega has really been making a presence for themselves on the Xbox Live Arcade the past several weeks. This week is no different. Today we see one of their arcade classes, Daytona USA, arrive on XBLA. With enhanced graphics, leaderboards, and all that jazz added of course. From the screenshots provided, it looks like the enhanced graphics are probably things like anti-aliasing and higher resolution. The textures definitely have the old school style to them. But if you're a fan of this game you'll definitely want to check it out. The other two games to arrive with Daytona USA are The War of the Worlds and Zombie Apocalypse: Never Die Alone. The great thing about The War of the Worlds is it is narrated by Patrick Stewart! That alone makes it worth it.

Daytona USA - 800 MSP

It’s time to get revved up with Daytona USA! Based on the classic arcade title, Daytona USA features enhanced graphics, tracks for all skill levels, and the original, hit soundtrack! Save your quarters - we’re bringing the arcade straight to your living room with steering wheel and multiplayer support. Challenge your friends with up to eight player online races or the whole world via Xbox LIVE leaderboards!

The War of the Worlds - 800 MSP

The War of the Worlds is a dark and breathtaking new vision of the classic H.G. Wells novel, retold as a 2D side-scrolling platformer, and narrated by the acclaimed actor, Patrick Stewart.

Zombie Apocalypse: Never Die Alone - 800 MSP

Four unlikely heroes find themselves caught in a fight for their lives when the Zombie Apocalypse hits their Canadian community. Banding together for both humor and survival - and armed with everything from guns to cricket bats - the four must find a way off the island... together.

Xbox LIVE Deal of the Week October 25 - October 31, 2011 - Deal Rising

With this week's Xbox Live Deal of the Week, you can get see how the saga of Dead Rising began. Pretty much all is available on sale this week except for Dead Rising 2. Anyway, just in time for Halloween. Check out the deal for this week:

• GoD - Dead Rising $14.99 $19.99
• XBLA - Dead Rising 2: Case West 400 800 Points
• XBLA - Dead Rising 2: Case Zero 200 400 Points

Xbox Games on Demand for October 25, 2011 - Scary Games for Halloween.... plus Rio

Microsoft always seems to have some theme going with the game releases and then ruin it with something completely unrelated. Well, perhaps ruin isn't the right word. However, being that Halloween is drawing near games like Saw II and Blood Drive definitely fit the bill for a Halloween-type game. And then on the side is Rio. Or perhaps it's one of those situations where something doesn't fit and is so cutesy it becomes frightening in and of itself. Maybe? Well anyway, here's the scoop on today's releases for the Xbox Games on Demand.



Blood Drive - $49.99 - 1.69GB

The Games on Demand version supports English. It’s the bloodiest and deadliest entertainment sport for a twisted new age: contestants in weaponized vehicles battle swarms of undead and each other in an orgy of ultra violence and self-preservation. You have stepped into the most ruthless modern-day gladiator arena on the planet. With the last man standing as the only survivor, you’ll need to crash, smash, shoot and mutilate your way to live another day!

Saw II - $39.99 - 2.14GB

The Games on Demand version supports English, French, Italian, German, Spanish. Step into the dark and tormented world of SAW II and experience the gruesome traps that Jigsaw has created to test your will to survive. With newly implemented puzzles and combat system, players will need to think fast and react to pass the rigors of the tests Jigsaw has engineered.

Rio - $59.99 - 1.84GB

The Games on Demand version supports English, French, Italian, German, Spanish. From the makers of the hit ICE AGE series comes RIO, a 3D comedy adventure about taking a walk on the wild side. The game focuses on Blu, a rare domesticated bird who travels to the exotic land of Rio. With the help of his female counterpart, Jewel and a group of wise-cracking and smooth-talking city birds, Blu goes on the adventure of his life! Along the way Blu journeys through Rio, dodging soccer balls, collecting tropical fruits and soaring across the beach. He participates in carnivals with new friends and ultimately, forms a conga line and dances his way to first place at the carnival ceremony. While the main character is Blu, players will also have a chance to play as the other characters from the movie in this multiplayer party game!”

New XBLA releases for October 19, 2011

Finally Dungeon Defenders lands on consoles and the PC. If you have been following this game at all, you may have previously been tricked about earlier release dates. But to the defense of Trendy Entertainment, the game was released on both the iOS and Android platforms. However, those games were somewhat lacking. Whether it be in the controls or the graphics department. The game is also free on Android with the developers opting for an in app purchase system to make money to support the game. However, that is all gone for the console versions. Pay it up front! However the game looks great! The other XBLA game to speak of this weeks is none other than a third installment of our beloved puzzler, Bejeweled. However, the price seems a bit steep for Bejeweled. $15.00? I dunno about that...

Dungeon Defenders - 1200 MSP

An ancient evil has been unleashed on the land of Etheria and it’s up to you to defend it in this online (and offline) action RPG! Create your own hero from one of four distinct classes to summon towers and traps and fight back hordes of enemies! Customize and level your hero by defeating enemies, looting equipment and upgrading your gear and pets. Take your character through multiple difficulty modes and challenge/survival missions to earn more experience & even better treasure. To top it off, you can do all of this with up to 4 friends on the same console or over Xbox LIVE! With the content of a full retail release and graphics powered by Unreal Engine 3, Dungeon Defenders is one of the true AAA downloadable titles available on Xbox LIVE!

Bejeweled 3 - 1200 MSP

The biggest, brightest Bejeweled ever! Discover all-new ways to play the world’s #1 puzzle game. Find your perfect match with 8 breathtaking game modes that meet all your moods — ease into Classic Bejeweled for cascades of fun, journey through 40 challenging Quest puzzles, charge into the electrifying Lightning for non-stop action, and tailor your experience in Zen for a revolutionary new way to relax. Enjoy the amazing sights and sounds and engage in endless gem-matching fun, and earn flashy achievement badges as you soar to dazzling new heights!

Xbox LIVE Deal of the Week October 18 - October 24, 2011 - Reach for the Halo

Just a couple of deals to report for this weeks Xbox Live Deal of the Week. 50% off a couple of the Halo Reach map packs. Check them out:

• DLC - Halo: Reach - Defiant Map Pack 400 800 Points
• DLC - Halo: Reach - Noble Map Pack 400 800 Points

Visit the Xbox Marketplace Deal of the Week

Xbox Games on Demand for October 18, 2011 - Bakugan! Oh Yeah!

Okay, to be honest, I don't really know much about Bakugan. I get the feeling it's along the lines of Pokemon and Digimon. Probably more the latter judging from the pictures. Little anime kids and giant monsters! With that aside, there are four new games go come to the Xbox Games on Demand today. One is LLWS2010. Strange title, huh? Read more below to find out what that cryptic title stands for. But of course if you are already familiar with it, too bad for you.






Bakugan - $39.99 - 3.13GB

The Games on Demand version supports English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Dutch, Swedish. Bakugan Battle Brawlers is the stunning new video game based on the #1 toy and animated series. Set your Gate card then throw a Bakugan into huge, interactive battlefields. Steer the Bakugan to discover secret areas, collect power-ups and gain the edge! When two Bakugan stand on the same gate card they transform into powerful creatures and an epic interactive battle begins. You’ll need all your skills to boost your Bakugan’s power and emerge victorious! Play in story mode to unlock dozens of Bakugan and new levels in an exciting adventure voiced by the original cartoon cast or just jump straight into battle with up 4 other Brawlers!

Divinity II: The Dragon Knight Saga - $29.99 - 6.47GB

The Games on Demand version supports English, French, Spanish. With both the extensively remastered Ego Draconis and its thrilling conclusion Flames of Vengeance together on one jam-packed disc (plus all previously released DLC), The Dragon Knight Saga is an RPG of staggering scope. You begin as a human, but are soon transformed into a Dragon Knight with the ability to change form at will and take to the skies as a powerful dragon. Explore the open land of Rivellon where every nook and cranny potentially hides a new path to explore, a new quest to solve.

LLWS2010 - Little League World Series Baseball 2010 - $39.99 - 879.71 MB

The Games on Demand version supports English. Swing for the fences this season with Little League® World Series Baseball 2010! Little League welcomes you to the baseball diamond for the first time ever with easy to pick-up-and-play control mechanics that get you right into the action. Play your way from league champions to the regional tournament and, if you have what it takes, go all the way to the World Series in Williamsport, PA! Endless gameplay features that include team and player customization, collectibles, realistic 3D stadiums, talents, skill challenges and more fun than ever for the entire family!

Top Spin 4 - $39.99 - 5.38GB

Top Spin 4 redefines the way you experience the game of tennis. Intuitive controls make gameplay immediately accessible yet deep and rewarding for the tennis experts who want to plan their strategy, target their opponent's weaknesses and become an unstoppable force on the court. The most feature-rich title of the Top Spin franchise, Top Spin 4, puts you front and center of the professional tennis experience with the deepest player roster to date complete with 2K's Signature Style, an enhanced Player Creator with NEW Coaching and Development systems, an incredibly immersive Career mode, all-new visually stunning TV Broadcast presentation elements, and a fully online World Tour Mode. Do you have what it takes to rise above the competition and become #1 in the world?

New XBLA releases for October 12, 2011

We have two new Arcade games to talk about that were released today on the XBLA Marketplace. One of these is REAL STEEL. No, I am not shouting because I am excited about this game, but that is how they write the title out. Anyway, this game is from YUKE's. They're veterans when it comes to making wrestling and UFC-type fighting games. So perhaps this game might have some merit. The other game is Guardian Heroes. I mentioned it last week too. I really want to try this game. It's developed by Treasure, known for hits like Ikaruga and Gunstar Heroes, and was originally on the Sega Saturn. That's a system I know many of us never had an opportunity to use. This one is a definite download for me (demo first of course!).

REAL STEEL 800 MSP

This is a robot boxing game based on the upcoming film, "REAL STEEL". The player assumes the role of an owner of a fighting robot, and must battle against many different rival robots in an attempt to become champion of several levels of fighting tiers. Players earn in-game money by winning matches and, using this money, must periodically improve their robot, making it stronger and more fit to compete in the higher level match tiers. The vast amount of customizable parts and selectable equipment makes for over 100 million possibilities of custom robots! In addition to single-player mode, the game also supports online multiplayer combat, which means players can search for new opponents from all around the world. Take your own personalized robot and aim for the top of the world of robot boxing!

Guardian Heroes 800 MSP

The classic SEGA Saturn adventure returns to Xbox Live Arcade! Guardian Heroes™ features co-op and online play, multiple game modes, optimised graphics, and brand new achievements.

Xbox LIVE Deal of the Week October 11 - October 17, 2011 - Shadowy Things

This week's Deal of the Week on Xbox Live is all about getting together with others for a nice puzzle, card, or board game. Gather up some opponents either in person or via Xbox Live and get ready for some competition!

Also note it's GoD, Games on Demand! Not God. Just to avoid any confusion.

• XBLA - Shadow Complex 600 1200 Points
• XBLA - Perfect Dark 400 800 Points
• GoD - Saints Row 2 $14.99 $19.99
• DLC - Saints Row 2: Ultor Exposed 400 800 Points
• DLC - Saints Row 2: Corporate Warfare 280 560 Points

Visit the Xbox Marketplace Deal of the Week

Xbox Games on Demand for October 11, 2011 - Get Ready for the Smackdown!

Three new games today have arrived on Xbox Games on Demand. Can't really say that I have much interest in any of them. But for you Wrastlin' Fans, there's WWE All Stars. Perhaps more of the dashing spy type? You can be James Bone in Quantum of Solace. Or if you just want to break out and hit the pavement, there's Test Drive Unlimited 2.

Quantum of Solace - $29.99 - 6.72GB

The Games on Demand version supports English, French. Blending the action and excitement of “Casino Royale” with the upcoming “Quantum of Solace” feature film, the Quantum Of Solace game challenges players to be the ultimate secret service agent, James Bond, and use their stealth, precision shooting and lethal combat skills to survive the dangerous and gritty world of international espionage.

Test Drive Unlimited 2 - $19.99 - 6.55GB

The Games on Demand version supports English, French, Italian, German, Spanish. Chase glory from behind the wheel of the most exclusive performance cars and take the race online to challenge rivals around the world. Customise your life as you tear through the streets and kick up dust off - road on the sun - kissed islands of Ibiza and Hawaii.

WWE All Stars- $49.99 - 5.91GB

The Games on Demand version supports English, French, Italian, German, Spanish. The greatest WWE match ups haven't happened - Until now. WWE All Stars is packed with high-flying, hard hitting and over the top action featuring 30 WWE historic Legends and current Superstars.

New XBLA releases for October 5, 2011

Sega has recently been releasing some of their Saturn and Dreamcast hits onto the Xbox Live Arcade. As those systems never quite had the wide reach of consoles today, this is great news for gamers everywhere! And for those who have already played them, how great is it to be able to download and enjoy them on this current generation of consoles? This week we see Space Channel 5 Part 2 hit the Marketplace. Pretty soon we'll also see the Sega/Treasure Saturn classic Guardian Heroes coming to the Marketplace too. I'm looking forward to that! As for this weeks releases, take a look:



Space Channel 5 Part 2 800 MSP

Hey there, SpaceCats – meet Ulala, the grooviest reporter in the galaxy! She’s got attitude, and she’s got moves. Help her get the scoop on an unidentified Dance Troupe that has captured thousands of people and is forcing them to dance! Will you be able to free the hostages, and uncover who’s behind the kidnappings all while bustin’ some groovy moves to sweet beats?

SEGA Bass Fishing 800 MSP

Explore the exciting sport of bass fishing! Based on the Dreamcast hit, motor out to eight different fishing locations to catch the biggest and baddest bass possible! Choose between fourteen different lures, and compete in four tournaments. Start off as an amateur, and work your way up to the pros in the Masters Classic tournament. Get hooked!

NBA JAM: On Fire Edition 1200 MSP

HE'S ON FIRE! NBA JAM: On Fire Edition from EA SPORTS™ is heating up and available for download! NBA JAM: On Fire Edition is everything you love about NBA JAM, dialed up to 11! Featuring bigger rosters, 30+ unlockable secret teams, legendary players, monster dunks, all-new online modes, and so much more. Of course, the voice of NBA JAM – Tim Kitzrow – is back with tons more original commentary. Download today, you’ll be on fire in no time!

Orcs Must Die! 1200 MSP

Slice them, burn them, skewer them, and launch them - no matter how you get it done, orcs must die in this fantasy action-strategy game from Robot Entertainment. As a powerful War Mage with dozens of deadly weapons, spells, and traps at your fingertips, defend twenty-four fortresses from a rampaging mob of beastly enemies, including ogres, hellbats, and of course, a whole bunch of ugly orcs. Battle your enemies through a story-based campaign across multiple difficulty levels, including brutal Nightmare mode! Will you roast orcs in pits of lava, pound them flat with a ceiling trap, or freeze and shatter them with a slash? No matter the weapons and traps you choose, you’re sure to have an orc-killing blast!

Xbox Games on Demand for October 4, 2011 - We have a Crysis!

Last week we saw Crysis 2 release on Xbox Games on Demand. What better way to follow that up than to release the original Crysis? Also, if you want to play a Crysis game and perhaps don't have the 60 bucks to spend on Crysis 2, this might be the more affordable route since you'll only have to drop 20 clams to download. Any more money slang I can use? Scrilla, scratch, dinero, simoleons? Anyway, three new games to mention that have hit the Xbox Games on Demand today.




Crysis - $19.99 - 4.09GB

The Games on Demand version supports English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Czech, Russian, Japanese. Earth, 2019. A team of US scientists makes a frightening discovery on an island in the South China Sea. All contact with the team is lost when the North Korean Government quickly seals off the area. The United States responds by dispatching an elite team of Delta Force Operators to recon the situation. As tension rises between the two nations, a massive alien ship reveals itself in the middle of the island. The ship generates an immense force sphere that freezes a vast portion of the island and drastically alters the global weather system. Now the US and North Korea must join forces to battle the alien menace. With hope rapidly fading, you must fight epic battles through tropical jungle, frozen landscapes, and finally into the heart of the alien ship itself for the ultimate Zero G showdown.

Darkest of Days - $19.99 - 2.55GB

Tannenberg, Antietam, and Little Bighorn are some of the bloodiest days of battle in World history. Live through these events taking on hundreds of men at the same time! Travel through time saving individuals that were never supposed to die in these horrific events, while wielding powerful futuristic weaponry. Can you set history back to the way it was . . . or will you forever change the fate of the world?

Shift 2 Unleashed - $39.99 - 5.59GB

The Games on Demand version supports English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Russian. The critically acclaimed SHIFT franchise returns to the track with SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED™. The most immersive racing experience to date brings the True Driver’s Experience to life with all the intensity and exhilaration of being behind the wheel and competing in the Driver’s Battle. From the all-new helmet cam to night racing to frighteningly real physics and crashes, SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED delivers all the violence and excitement of race day in a groundbreaking authentic racing experience.

Xbox LIVE Deal of the Week October 4 - October 10, 2011 - Puzzle and Card Games

This week's Deal of the Week on Xbox Live is all about getting together with others for a nice puzzle, card, or board game. Gather up some opponents either in person or via Xbox Live and get ready for some competition!

Also note it's GoD, Games on Demand! Not God. Just to avoid any confusion.

• XBLA - Shadow Complex 600 1200 Points
• XBLA - Perfect Dark 400 800 Points
• GoD - Saints Row 2 $14.99 $19.99
• DLC - Saints Row 2: Ultor Exposed 400 800 Points
• DLC - Saints Row 2: Corporate Warfare 280 560 Points

Visit the Xbox Marketplace Deal of the Week

New Xbox Live Rewards Microsoft Point Earning Opportunity for October

Right now, purchase or redeem 2800 Microsoft Points (or more) and you'll get 140 Microsoft Points back. Not a bad deal if you're a bit spender on the Xbox Marketplace.

Purchase or redeem 2800 Points or more and get 140 back.

For more reward earning opportunities check out the chart below. Click the image to blow it up:

20 Free Microsoft Points! - New Xbox Live Rewards Survey for October

A new month has just rolled around the corner this past weekend. By now, Xbox Live Rewards members, you should know that means a new opportunity to earn an easy 20 Microsoft Points from completely a short survey. How do you get these points? First of, yes, you must be a Xbox Live Rewards member (don't fret, membership is free!) and second you must complete a short survey on the Xbox Live Reward web site. So what are you waiting for? Grab those points! Head on over to the Xbox Live Reward web site now!