And apparently, Arcade NEXT is a fancy way of saying that there will be new XBLA titles hitting beginning April 18th. Two of those games are Fable and Minecraft.
Yes that’s pretty exciting (specifically the Minecraft announcement) but it’s a little confusing too because – aren’t there new Xbox Live Arcade games hitting every week anyway? The answer is probably something along the lines of this being a fairly high profile series of releases.
But enough of my ‘thoughts’! To the games!
TRIALS EVOLUTION (Publisher: Microsoft Studios; Developer: Ubisoft/RedLynx)18th April | 1200 Microsoft Points | PEGI 12
“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. Customise 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 (Publisher: Microsoft Studios; Developer: Climax)25th April | 1200 Microsoft Points | PEGI 18
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 (Publisher: Microsoft Studios; Developer: Lionhead Studios)2nd May | 800 Microsoft Points | PEGI 7
“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 (Publisher: Microsoft Studios; Developer: 4J Studios/Mojang)9th May | 1600 Microsoft Points | PEGI 7
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.
LOL – that dose seem like a rather odd announcement. I'm curious about MInecraft – not for me personally, but my younger two kids absolutely adore it. my son actually spent his birthday money buying the actual game, and still logs a ton of time on it.
I don't agree at all that MS should have done that.