New XBLA releases for August 1st, 2012 - Deadlight

This week we see one new title hitting the Xbox Live Arcade: Deadlight. It looks like a 2D platformer similar to a previous XBLA game called Shadow Complex. However Deadlight looks like it uses an interesting lighting style. Characters in the foreground appear darker - almost black and white - in contrast to the detailed and colorful backgrounds. However, here's perhaps a better description:

Deadlight - 1200 MSP

The world has ended. There is no hope. No new beginning. Only the survivors. DEADLIGHT follows the journey of Randall Wayne, a man searching for his family across Seattle during the aftermath of a 1980s event that has decimated life on earth. This visually stunning Cinematic Survival Platformer will challenge you to run, jump, climb, and struggle for your life as you look for answers and the ones you love.

New XBLA releases for July 18, 2012 - Wreckateer

To be more correct, perhaps it should say new release instead of releases. This week we get one new title on the Xbox Live Arcade roster: Wreckateer Featuring Avatar Famestar. Avatar Famestar? I don't know what that is. I haven't had a change to try it out yet. Also note, this is a Kinect Arcade title meaning that the Kinect is required to play this game. From the looks of it, you get to use your Xbox avatar and wreak havoc and destroy various castles throughout the realm with a ballista. Better to do this in the digital world than in the real world!

Wreckateer Featuring Avatar Famestar - 800 MSP

Wreckateer uses the Kinect to put you in control of a massive castle-wrecking Ballista. With the help of Wreck and Tinker, use 6 magic projectiles to travel the land and destroy 60 castles.

New XBLA releases for July 18, 2012 - Tony Hawk is back?

Tony Hawk refuses to retire! Either that or Activision is still trying to wrench every dollar that can from that franchise still. Activision has a history with these kind of practices. $$$$. How many of you have played Diablo III? Is the in-game auction house just ridiculous? Anyway, just a few new titles today that have hit the Xbox Live Arcade to speak of. Yup, one of them is a Tony Hawk title. The other is actually a version of a free-to-play action MMORPG on PC called Dungeon Fighter. As always, I recommend playing the trials before throwing any money at Activision or other companies.

Tony's Hawk Pro Skater HD - 1200 MSP

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD is a downloadable title for Xbox LIVE Arcade that takes the best elements of the classic THPS games and gives them a fresh update to create an all new skateboarding experience. Tapping into fans’ muscle memories, the gameplay returns to controllers and focuses on the satisfaction of linking sick tricks for maximum points. Combining sharp visuals with the best controls ever in a Tony Hawk game, the feel is cutting edge yet timeless. The game was rebuilt and polished by Robomodo using Neversoft’s original code and includes the best seven levels from THPS and THPS2 (Warehouse, School 2, Mall, Phoenix, Hangar, Marseilles and Venice). There is a combination of new school and old school pros (Nyjah Huston, Chris Cole, Eric Koston, Andrew Reynolds, Rodney Mullen, Lyn-z Adams Hawkins Pastrana, Riley Hawk and Tony Hawk himself) and the soundtrack is half classic THPS tracks and fresh ones. Multiple online multiplayer modes round out the action!

Dungeon Fighter LIVE: Fall Of Hendon Myre - 800 MSP

Hack-and-slash action and 2D side scrolling meet multiplayer mania in Dungeon Fighter LIVE: Fall of Hendon Myre. Take on the role of three classic Dungeon Fighters—Slayer, Gunner, and Fighter—to defend Hendon Myre from monsters spreading Phantasmalia. Customize your heroes by creating and enhancing gear, and deliver unique attacks by chaining and combining skills, all while playing with up to 4 players on the same console or via Xbox LIVE!

Back with Xbox Live Reward News!

Sorry for the long hiatus, folks. Sometimes life just gets a bit crazy. But I look to get right back into the thick of things! Let's first start with some of the offerings from the Xbox Live Rewards program for the month of February.

The big news this month is their "Stay Gold and get 5% back on your February Marketplace purchases." To qualify for this you basically have to have Xbox Live Gold status through the entire month of February, 1st through the 29th. So not much you have to do for this deal if you're already Gold. Just make sure your subscription doesn't expire before the 29th or that you renew the same day it expires. And lastly, it requires you buy something from the Marketplace.

In addition to the 5% back, the survey for the month of February rewards you 40 Microsoft points. That's double the usual 20 points they give you. So head on over to the rewards page and fill out the survey!

Another great way to earn some reward points is to Refer-a-Friend. No friends or all your friends already Gold? Sorry. But how do you take advantage of this? Just enter your friend's gamertag on this page and they will be sent a message. And if they sign up, bam! 100 point for you!

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.

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!

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.

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!

New XBLA releases for September 28, 2011

Wednesday! That of course means new releases on the Xbox Live Arcade. Let's take a look at this weeks crop of games... Probably the most notable is Worms Ultimate Mayhem. If you've played the angle and fire turn based worms game before you're in for a bit of a change. 3D gameplay. It is supposed to preserve some of the turn-based aspects though. I'll have to try out the demo. I was never really too keen on the Worms or Worms clone games. The other two games are: a sort of racing game where you slide a blob of goo or mercury around a course called Mercury Hg and a baseball game with encephalitic baseball players called MLB Bobblehead Battle. Oh, I get it, Hg is the periodic symbol for Mercury. Clever. Anyway, scroll below for more details.

Mercury Hg 400 MSP

Mercury is back, all new and in HD! Explore 60 levels of tilting tension, color it, split it and watch the levels pulse to the beat of your own music. Can you attain the top position on the leaderboards and have the world race against your ghost? With the help of the ghost replays shave split seconds off your time and achieve higher scores. Discover the 20 bonus elements and 10 challenges as you explore the world of Mercury Hg.

MLB Bobblehead Battle 800 MSP

(ONLINE INTERACTIONS NOT RATED BY THE ESRB) Knock a curveball out of the ballpark with MLB® Bobblehead Battle! This MLB® bobblehead challenge features all of your favorite teams and players with a unique twist – it’s entirely focused on batting! Create customized fields with various obstacles such as walls and slopes while outsmarting your opponent with a dynamic card system that allows customization of players and more.

Worms: Ultimate Mayhem 1200 MSP

Worms™: Ultimate Mayhem is the definitive 3D Worms™ game! Load your weapons and experience a whole new dimension in destructive turn-based cartoon action! Taking the game into 3D creates all-new strategic and gameplay possibilities. With over 80 single-player missions and challenges, Xbox LIVE multi-player for up to 4 players, 5 multi-player modes, unprecedented customization of both worms and weapons, and fully destructible environments, it’s bursting with anarchic mayhem. Battle and puzzle your way through all of the missions from both “Worms™ 3D” and “Worms™ 4: Mayhem” - it’s essentially two games in one, and is the ultimate 3D Worms™ collection.

Xbox LIVE Deal of the Week August 30 - September 5, 2011

There doesn't seem to be an obvious overall theme for this week's deals. But taking a closer look, it appears it may be games with robots. Is a Big Daddy a robot in BioShock? That was never too clear to me. But check out the list of deals:

• XBLA - Gatling Gears 400 800 Points
• XBOX - Metal Arms: Glitch in the System 800 1200 Points
• DLC - BioShock 2: Minerva's Den 400 800 Points
• DLC - Borderlands: New Revolution 400 800 Points

Xbox Marketplace Link

Xbox LIVE Deal of the Week August 9 - August 15

Sorry folks! Been on a bit of a summer hiatus but we're back now bringing you the Xbox news! Here are the deals for this week on Xbox Live. Looks like Microsoft is hoping for you to dust off those drum sets and plastic guitars with some Rock Band deals.

• DLC - Rock Band Metallica Pack 01 320 440 Points
• DLC - Rock Band Blink-182 Pack 02 320 440 Points
• DLC - Rock Band Lady Gaga Pack 01 400 560 Points
• DLC - Rock Band 3 Greatest Hits: Rock Band Edition 1200 1600 Points
• DLC - Rock Band Queen Pack 01 960 1280 Points

Xbox Marketplace Link

Xbox LIVE Deal of the Week June 14 - June 20

Prepare to dance your heart out with this weeks Xbox LIVE Deal of the Week. Is your dance routine in Dance Central getting a little dry? Spice it up with some new tunes and moves!

• DLC - Dance Central: Marathon Pack - Various 1680 3360 Points
• DLC - Dance Central: Dance Pack 01 - Various 640 960 Points
• DLC - Dance Central: Dance Pack 02 - Various 640 960 Points
• DLC - Dance Central: Dance Pack 03 - Various 640 960 Points
• DLC - Dance Central: Dance Pack 04 - Various 640 960 Points
• DLC - Dance Central: "I Gotta Feeling" -The Black Eyed Peas 160 240 Points
• DLC - Dance Central: "Heard 'Em All" 160 240 Points
• DLC - Dance Central: "Straight Up" 160 240 Points
• DLC - Dance Central: "Word Up" 160 240 Points
• DLC - Dance Central: "Weapon of Choice" - Fatboy Slim 160 240 Points

Xbox Marketplace Link

Xbox LIVE Deal of the Week June 7 - June 13

Lots of hype the past few days for Modern Warfare 3. Microsoft looks to pick up on some of that by offering Modern Warfare 2 and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare downloadables under their Deal of the Week. I just mention it being under the deal of the week since it appears only one item has a reduced price. Anyway, check it out:

• DLC - Modern Warfare 2: Resurgence Pack 1200 Points
• DLC - Modern Warfare 2: Stimulus Pack 1200 Points 600 Points
• Xbox 360 Game Download - Call of Duty 4 $29.99
• DLC - Call of Duty 4: Variety Map Pack 800 Points
• Avatar -Modern Warfare 2 Gas Mask 240 Points

Xbox LIVE Deal of the Week May 31 - June 6

Looking to add some more rock into the your life? Or at least into the life of your copy of Rock Band? Microsoft has you covered with their Deal of the Week. Five different add-ons for Rock Band. Dust off that drum kit and prepare to Rock!

• DLC - Rock Band: Ozzy Osbourne Pack 01 800 Points 560 Points
• DLC - Rock Band: Avenged Sevenfold Pack 01 440 Points 320 Points
• DLC - Rock Band: All That Remains Pack 01 440 Points 320 Points
• DLC - Rock Band: Dr. Feelgood (Album) 1280 Points 880 Points
• DLC - Rock Band: “Screaming for Vengeance” Album 1200 Points 800 Points

Xbox LIVE Deal of the Week May 24 - May 30

It's Bethesda week over at the Xbox LIVE Marketplace this week. Pick up some DLC or Avatar items from two of Bethesda most biggest hits: Fallout 3 and Oblivion!

• DLC - Fallout 3: Mothership Zeta 800 Points 400 Points
• DLC - Fallout 3: Broken Steel 800 Points 400 Points
• DLC - Fallout 3: Operation: Anchorage 800 Points 400 Points
• DLC - Oblivion: Horse Armor Pack 200 Points 100 Points
• DLC - Oblivion: Knights of the Nine 800 Points 400 Points
• DLC - Oblivion: Shivering Isles 2400 Points 1200 Points
• Avatar - Fallout 3: Vault 101 Suit 240 Points 120 Points
• Avatar - Fallout 3: Vault Boy Head 160 Points 80 Points