More Atari Classics Are On Their Way
Forget cartridges and quarters, this holiday season Microsoft adds to its already robust catalog of arcade classics with a great mix of original development, arcade classics, and independent game titles for Xbox Live® members.
Today, as part of the Xbox 360™ showcase event, Microsoft provided a preview of some of its holiday and early 2007 releases for Xbox Live Arcade, the premiere destination for downloadable games.
Centipede,
Asteroids, and
Missile Command will be among the many iconic games to visit gamer's homes next year, as Microsoft and Atari, Inc. announced the future arrival of some of the most beloved classic coin-op games on Xbox Live Arcade.
The luscious new look of
Missile Command.
Beginning in January 2007, Atari will release six titles on Xbox Live Arcade throughout the year. Both classic and evolved versions will be available for each of the following titles:
Centipede®/Millipede®: Defend your village against an onslaught of centipedes, spiders, army ants, and more. In addition to the classic version, the evolved mode offers high definition graphics along with special effects like motion blur, trails, and particle-based explosions to make the experience as enjoyable today as it was decades ago.
Battlezone®: The original tank vs. tank action classic has received an Xbox Live overhaul, adding in exciting new multiplayer modes including Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and Capture the Flag. This updated version is truly a must-have for any fan of the original, which is also included! Players can even use the Xbox Live Vision Camera to watch the reactions of the competition!
Asteroids®/Asteroids Deluxe™: Rotate, thrust, flip, fire, and jump to hyperspace as you blast oncoming asteroids to smithereens just like in the 1979 version, but also in updated, beautifully rendered, high definition graphics that complement the classic original.
Missile Command™: Protecting your city from alien missile attacks has never looked better, now that this classic has been overhauled with updated graphics and 3D rendered vistas. Choose from the evolved mode or timeless original gameplay.
Tempest™: Clear a web of enemies before time runs out and advance to the next stage, using an arsenal of weapons at your disposal. The evolved version features a graphics overhaul while maintaining the same addictive gameplay as the original.
Warlords®: A multiplayer classic that resurrects the competitive spirit of arcade games from years gone by. Knock the other kings out of their castles while keeping yourself protected. Join in the action with up to four players, and you can even import your picture to give your castle a personal touch!
The hi-def goodness of a re-worked
Centipede.
Gamers can enjoy a next-gen experience not found anywhere else with these Atari favorites. All Atari games for Xbox Live Arcade feature high definition graphics, enhanced sound effects, full online leaderboard support, TrueSkill™ matchmaking for multiplayer games, and a variety of Achievements. Gamers also have the option to play the original arcade versions of these classic titles.
"With our already diverse library of retro classics, original development, and indie games, plus a host of new games hitting our service in the upcoming months, it's never been more fun to play on Xbox Live Arcade," said Greg Canessa, group manager of Xbox Live Arcade. "The Atari Classics in particular will provide an incredible gaming experience for our community, and I personally can't wait until everyone can play these updated versions for themselves."
"Years ago, we couldn't even have imagined how gorgeous the classic games from 25 years ago would look with high definition graphics, but Xbox 360 has allowed us to make that leap," said Chris Bergstresser, Senior Vice President, Atari Networks. "Enhanced with leaderboards, achievements, and multiplayer support, these classic franchises are brought to a whole new level—offering gamers an experience like they've never had before."
Xbox Live Arcade's diverse library of titles is going to keep growing, with a particular emphasis on new, originally developed games from indie developers and big studios alike. Over 100 indie developers and virtually every major console publisher in the world are working to develop games for Xbox Live Arcade. Some of the diverse titles coming this holiday season include:
- Small Arms (Gastronaut Studios): An indie-developed original title designed specifically for Xbox Live Arcade, featuring frantic multiplayer brawling combined with action and precision shooting.
- Novadrome (Buena Vista Games): An originally developed futuristic racer for Xbox Live Arcade.
- Assault Heroes (Wanako/Vivendi Games): Blast waves of formidable foes in this originally developed top-down shooter, with single player or two player co-op action.
- Heavy Weapon (PopCap Games): Experience this original and irreverent side-scrolling action game that supports up to four players simultaneously.
- Defender (Midway): This space combat classic has been updated for next-gen.
- Contra (Konami): The seminal side-scrolling shooter that started it all will be launching on Xbox Live Arcade, Wednesday, November 8.
Don't miss the coming year in Xbox Live Arcade with all-new original titles and lots of classic games, starting this holiday season!
The King vs. Vader LMAO!
Linear Mode
