XBLA 'Arcade NEXT' announced - Fable, Minecraft dated
Trials Evolution, Bloodforge in latest XBLA promotion
By Andy Robinson for computerandvideogames.com
Microsoft's announced its latest Xbox Live Arcade promotion, 'Arcade NEXT', dating Minecraft and Fable Heroes in the process.
As previously rumoured, starting in April, all new Xbox Live Arcade games will include up to 400 Gamerscore, with up to 30 Achievements available to unlock, Microsoft's confirmed.
Here's the list (in Microsoft's words):
TRIALS EVOLUTION, April 18 for 1200 Microsoft Points
"Trials Evolution" is on every front, the next dimension of the smash-hit, award-winning "Trials HD." Bust out of the warehouse into an outdoor world of night and day, curved driving lines, and spectacular scenery. Multiplayer comes alive in your living room or on Xbox LIVE. Build your own tracks with the in-game editor or download those of any other player from the new Track Central. Customize your bike and rider with awesome gear and unique parts, enjoy innovative skill games, try ghost racing, beat your friends' scores and more! Don't miss the madness!
BLOODFORGE, April 25 for 1200 Microsoft Points
With a brutal combat system, stunning art style, and a deeply compelling story, "Bloodforge" empowers you to slaughter hordes of demonic soldiers, deformed worshippers, and the gods themselves, using ferocious Rage Kills, devastating Rune attacks, and furious Weapon Combos. Help seal Crom's fate - and the fate of the rest of the world - in this dark, visceral story of revenge, betrayal, and destiny.
FABLE HEROES, May 2 for 800 Microsoft Points
"Fable Heroes" is an action-packed, hack-and-slash adventure built for Xbox LIVE Arcade. It delivers a fresh spin on the "Fable" franchise with a unique art style and gameplay that takes playful competition to the next level. Whether on the couch or using Xbox LIVE, up to four players work together to defeat enemies while also competing with one another to collect gold coins and level up. Precious gold collected in Fable Heroes can be imported into the forthcoming Kinect title, Fable: The Journey, providing players with a valuable head start from day one.
MINECRAFT: XBOX 360 EDITION, May 9 for 1600 Microsoft Points
The infinite possibilities in "Minecraft" just got bigger. "Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition" brings the global phenomenon to console gamers for the first time. The Xbox LIVE Arcade version of the game features an innovative new crafting interface, natural controller movements, a full Tutorial mode to teach the basics and for the first time in "Minecraft," split-screen multiplayer as well as over Xbox LIVE.
Andy Robinson
Acting Editor
Andy has written about video games for ten years for publications such as PC Zone, T3, The Sunday Mirror and of course, CVG. Read more
Comments
13 comments so far...
StonecoldMC on 22 Mar '12 said:
I'm going to have to buy some more MS points!
Does anyone know if GAME are having a sale?
bamozzy on 22 Mar '12 said:
I am looking forward to Trials Evolution the most!! 1200 ms points looks like a BARGAIN!!!
Don't know much about Bloodforge though.....
As for Whether or not 'GAME' are having a sale - If you can find one open, I am sure they would accept ANY offers atm...
...Just don't order online!!!
WHERESMYMONKEY on 22 Mar '12 said:
Looks like another great set of games. Looking forward to finally giving Minecraft a go on the 360.
ricflair on 22 Mar '12 said:
I thought Fez might be part of that, but Trials is more than enough for me. Got 2100 points the other day, so 1200 on Trials and 600 on Joe Danger next week!
brookie_2001 on 22 Mar '12 said:
I was hoping for Fez but Trials Evolution will do.
Doubt i will go with Minecraft as the PC version still sucks most of my time away. 1600 Points is a bit steep, unless they plan to update it frequently.
StonecoldMC on 22 Mar '12 said:
Aye true, Fez is probably being held back for Summer of Arcade. It'll be worth the wait though !
Is there a better platform for Games than XBLA?
Currychips on 22 Mar '12 said:
Will have to get Trials, that was one infuriating game! Loved it...
dicky1993 on 22 Mar '12 said:
xbla is picking up lately and i'm surprised fable heroes is only 800ms points not a greedy 1200!
ps come to xbox forums! need more people there!
Imaduck on 22 Mar '12 said:
I'm skint
Going to have to start pole dancing or some s**t.
silent moose on 22 Mar '12 said:
if they think they can get away with charging 1600 points for minecraft just because its popular they've got another thing coming (rolls up sleeves).
illage2 on 23 Mar '12 said:
1600 for Minecraft are you having a f**king laugh? I only paid 5 for the PC version when it was first out, why do I have to spend nearly 20 on it >:(
ricflair on 23 Mar '12 said:
Isn't it near 20 now on PC? I'm sure the PC version has more flexibility, but 11/12 isn't too bad in comparison and MS have to cream off some of that money too!
It'll be a shame if after all this time they hold Fez back by another four months or so for Summer of Arcade (that's August, right?).
bamozzy on 23 Mar '12 said:
As I said I am most looking forward to Trials: Evolution - It will be interesting to see how they do the user created tracks etc - I wonder if there will be as many as Little Big Planet...
About time Xbox had this option!!
Bllodforge looks quite impressive (I checked on youtube as I knew nothing about this game) and could be worth getting. Not so sure about Fable and definitely not Minecraft either.
Is it just me or are XBLA titles looking a lot more impressive these days and also having a lot more playability too... I would say that some are looking better AND have longer playtime than some full priced big budget titles!!