Microsoft Announces Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays
There had been some rumors floating around for the last few days, but nothing I was set to report on, but thanks to reader Matt for the following story:
Microsoft has confirmed a new program called ‘Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays’, which features a regular weekly launch schedule for new Xbox Live Arcade games over the Xbox 360 online service, seemingly addressing multiple recent game delay issues for the much-vaunted service.
Starting today, Xbox Live Arcade users will now go live on Wednesdays at 0800 GMT (Midnight Pacific) to download the first in what will be a series of new releases.
The program will start with a release of Konami’s 1981 arcade classic Frogger. Other Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays titles debuting in the coming weeks include Cloning Clyde, Street Fighter II Hyper Fighting, Galaga and Pac-Man. Details on pricing for each game were not immediately released.
Xbox Live Arcade’s Frogger has been enhanced for the Xbox 360, and features new, enhanced artwork that matches and complements the original style. In addition, according to Microsoft, the game’s audio, including sound effects and music, has been modernized to sound crisp and clear on today’s high performance sound systems.
The complete schedule is announced as follows:
- July 12 – Frogger (400 points)
- July 19 – Cloning Clyde (800 points)
- July 26 – Galaga (400 Points)
- August 2 – Street Fighter II Hyper Fighting (800 points)
- August 9 – Pac-Man (400 Points)
“There’s no better way to revisit the 80s than to throw a retro-themed Gold Experience party - complete with the right classic arcade games, music, and pizza,” said Ami Blaire, Global Marketing Director for Xbox Live. “So this summer, live it up on your Xbox 360 and enjoy our new twists on the old classic faves.”
UPDATE: More information in the comments section regarding future Arcade releases, thanks to Caleb.
July 11th, 2006 at 2:09 pm
Yes! They’re finally starting to roll out the XBL Arcade games. Did they list the point cost for each game?
July 11th, 2006 at 2:51 pm
No point values so far
July 11th, 2006 at 3:08 pm
I would almost certainly say Frogger will be 800 points.
July 11th, 2006 at 5:06 pm
I’m just glad that Microsoft has finally decided to put a little more time and investment behind XBLA since information was lacking. I’ve posted often on my blog about strange happenings regarding XBLA releases. I’m very interested to see how much they’ll be charging for these games. I can only hope they sell for 400 points.
July 11th, 2006 at 5:10 pm
Sweet! Glad to see these comming, and once a week. Nice MS. I can’t wait for SFII
July 12th, 2006 at 10:10 am
In addition to its August 2 release date on XBLA, Microsoft and Capcom have confirmed an 800 points, or $10 street price for Street Fighter II Hyper Fighting. The four other classic games to be released will be available at midnight PDT for the following number of points ($):
July 12 - Frogger, 400 points ($5)
July 19 - Cloning Clyde, 800 points ($10)
July 26 - Galaga, 400 points ($5)
August 2 - Street Fighter II’ Hyper Fighting, 800 points ($10)
August 9 - Pac-Man, 400 points ($5)
So it appears that larger and new titles will be priced around $10 with older games selling for $5, though that has yet to be confirmed. Microsoft reps did say that while they can’t guarantee a new Xbox Live game each Wednesday, the day will become the expected launch day for future XBLA games.