Toyota To Release Free Yaris Game On Live Arcade

Toyota is the first company to use the 360's Live Arcade as a sole advertising platform. Their game is titled Yaris, and features three versions of the small car; Yaris Sedan, Sports Sedan, and the Liftback.

The game has eight different tracks, and the more coins you collect from races, the more items you can buy to suit up your car. Items include various weapons, shields and tires.

If that wasn't enough, you can even gain 12 achievements from this free game. The game will be available on Live Arcade this Wednesday, and yes it will be free.

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Triple Live Arcade releases

Well who would have thought that Microsoft will be upping the ante with their Live Arcade releases? Two continuous weeks of double releases, and now a triple release.

This week you can get Catan, the classic board game, as well as a two-for-one offering of classics Centipede and Millipede.

Catan

Legendary classic board game Settlers of Catan now gets a next-gen rehash on Live Arcade, where you have to build up your settlement on the land and try to take over the island and its resources. You can battle against historical personalities such as Alexander, Cleopatra and Tokugawa or go on Live and play against your mates.

Catan is available now for 800 MSPoints.

Centipede & Millipede

A double dosage of shoot-em-up from Atari. In Centipede you have to defend the village from an enemy centipedes, spiders, army ants and more. Millipede has you battling the giant arthropods using mushrooms to shoot, destroy and redirect the menacing millipedes.

Both games come in the same package for only 400 MSPoints.

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Another Double Arcade Wednesday

Two weeks, and two double releases means Microsoft have definetly got their groove going about the Live Arcade releases. This week we are given Eets: Chowdown and Pinball FX for our enjoyment. Both games are priced at 800 MSPoints and are available to download now.

Eets: Chowdown

This is a wacky and colourful 2D puzzle game, where your aim is to manipulate the Eets' emotions and guide it to the exit using items such as spouting Prankster Whales, vengeful Marshomechs, Radioactive Ginseng. The game spans 120 levels and also includes the exclusive debut of Marsho Madness, a high-adrenaline action game in which players must keep the impending evil marshmallows at bay.

Pinball FX

Everyone knows what pinball is, and here we're given the first 360 version of the classic game. Pinball FX includes the traditional pinball, but it also includes a new way to play. Those of you who have a Live Vision Camera can now use your hands to control the flippers instead of the controller. The game also supports up to 4 players on Live as well.

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Double Live Arcade releases today

Microsoft have given us not one, but two Arcade titles for our consumption today. The first is an arcade shooter from yesteryear, Gyruss and the second is 3D Ultra MiniGolf Adventures.

Gyruss

The game has you battling enemies, asteroids, satellites and laser beam generators in space on your way from Neptune to Earth. Along the way your ship can be upgraded to better tackle the ever-increasing enemies that attack during the journey to Earth. The game spans 23 levels, and has both local and Live multiplayer options and costs 400 MSPoints.

3D Ultra MiniGolf Adventures

It has been a long time since the Arcade had a new 3D game for download, but this week we get a lovely looking golf game to download. From the creators of Assault Heroes, Sierra Online serves up the ultimate minigolf experience with clever mind-bending, imaginative courses and animated stylish 3D characters.

Courses range from Classic Carnival to Outer Space, and if you get bored of those then you can make your own courses using the course editor that allows you to build your own course design by mixing and matching combinations of tees, straights, corners, cups, junctions and ramps.

There are 36 holes in the game, and if your bored of playing by yourself, then go on Live as the game supports up to 4 players online as well. The game costs 800 MSPoints, if your still wary of buying it then give the demo a try.

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Boom Boom Rocket on Live Arcade

Bizarre and EA join forces in this new Live Arcade title, which is now available to download for all those that are into the rhythm action and bemani games, and even if you're not, then there's always the demo you could try for free.

The game has you travelling through a 3D cityscape, and triggering rockets to the beat of the music, to initiate the fireworks. There are ten original music tracks to choose from and two difficulty levels, Easy and Endurance, as well as local head-to-head multiplayer. There is also a Freestyle mode, for when you want to create your own lightshows.

The game is priced at 800 MSPoints.

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Luxor 2 on Live Arcade

This weeks Arcade release isn't and maybe not worth a purchase, as you've probably played the similar Zuma already released a while back. Both games have the similar concept of firing at a snaking chain of marbles to get three or more of the same colour. Although if your just out for the acievements, theres the obligatory 200 points to be had here, so that may be enticing.

Set -- the Egyptian god of chaos -- and his minions are threatening the land of Ancient Egypt. Use your mystical winged scarab to destroy the encroaching colored spheres by making matches of three or more. Unleash the powers of Isis by catching the falling power-ups, and collect Golden Ankh coins to earn extra lives. Buy the FULL version and battle across the mysterious lands of Ancient Egypt to defeat Set in his temple stronghold.

The game costs 800 MSPoints and is available now.

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Jetpac Refuelled on Live Arcade

Another week and another Live Arcade download. This time it's Rare's revamped version of the 1980's game, Jetpac. Looks like Rare went all out in this Arcade release, as not only have they done the obligatory HD and surround sound implementation we see in all Arcade releases, but they've gone and included 128 levels, compared to 16 in the original in which you can hunt down the aliens and refuel your ship. The game also allows you to play versus, either online or off.

Includes two versions of the game:
- Retro – The classic 1980s version
- Refuelled – Rare’s 2007 remake of the classic Jetpac comes complete with entirely new hi-def graphics, menacing enemies, new smartbombs that produce an electromagnetic pulse, modernized weapon upgrades and updated gameplay for modern gamers
- Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points
- Completely updated graphical look of the game gives Xbox LIVE Arcade gamers a truly hi-def and in-depth gaming experience

The game is up for only 400 MSPoints.

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Castlevania: SOTN released on Live Arcade

Three weeks of consecutive releases, all of which did not disappoint. And now we're are in the fourth week, and it seems like Microsoft can do no wrong, as Castlevania: SOTN is now officially released on Live Arcade for a meagre 800 MSPoints.

- Play the original version of the game or experience it in enhanced mode with improved graphics and modernized audio and sound effects
- New native widescreen and high-definition support
- Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

Give the demo a try if you're wary of shelling out on this, but remember - this is a full console game to be released on the Arcade, and it is definetly one of the best PS1 games released.

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TMNT Arcade released on Live

Microsoft are still on a good streak with their Live Arcade releases, Alien Hominid, Worms and now this.

Played it for the first time ever just now, and it's quite fun. You get to choose one of the Turtles, (Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael. There's a single player option, or multiplayer (both local and Live), where you can have up to three other players fighting along side you. Each of the characters has their own unique weapons and abilities, so should make it an interesting game to play.

And it only costs 400 MSPoints, so there's no excuse!

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Worms hits Live Arcade

Live arcade seems to be on a roll right now, with Alien Hominid released last week and now the wriggly creatures have also arrived after months of waiting.

"Gird your loins, grow a spine, and prepare yourself for war! The worms are back, ready to kick some dirt, and itching to give you all the mayhem you can handle! In the full version, you can battle up to three other players on one of three random landscape themes, change the multitude of game settings, collect all of the 12 achievements, and write your name in the “Worms” hall of fame. Don’t delay, show some backbone, and buy “Worms” now -- the invertebrate army wants YOU!"

The game is playable either by yourself, or multiplayer online or offline (up to 4 players) and will set you back 800 MSPoints.

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Every Extend Extra Extreme coming to Live Arcade

Announced at GDC today was a new addition to the Live Arcade games, in the form of Every Extend Extra Extreme (wow isn't that a mouthful!).

If you don't have a PSP, and don't intend to get one, then this could be your best option as this version will be released to take advantage of HD graphics, surround sound, online play, leaderboards, and most interestingly - the ability to use your own soundtracks!

No release date has been given, but should be out by the end of the year.

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Alien Hominid HD released on Live Arcade

After many a retro release on the Live Arcade, its nice to see that indie developers Behemoths' Alien Hominid has been released today.

As a feisty yet adorable alien, gamers must fend off FBI agents to ensure their spaceship stays safe. With unique, hand-drawn characters and weapons, this award-winning title is the epitome of quirky humor and intergalactic fun. Sixteen levels, seven mini-games, and jump-in anytime multiplayer capability adds to the cosmic mayhem.

-Sixteen levels and seven mini-games, including “All You Can Eat” and “PDA,” now with online multiplayer support
-Main and Mini-games high scores are tracked on the Xbox Live Leaderboard
-players offline or on Xbox Live in Mini-games.
-Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

The game is up for 800 MSPoints, and you can try the demo out before you buy.

From what I've played of it, the game looks super-lovely in HD and, apart from its toughness, is super addictive.

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Ikaruga coming to Live Arcade?

Earlier today reports started circulating regarding Ikaruga appearing on Partnernet, the Xbox Live debug network accessable to developers.

Ikaruga was first released on Dreamcast, and then later ported onto the Gamecube. The game was not recieved well with the massmarket, but was hailed by critics and Shumup fans as a marvellous piece. It was developed by Treasure, who gave us the likes of Gunstar Heroes, Bangai-O and Radiant Silvergun.

Great news if this turns out to be an actual release in the near future!

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Next ten Xbox Live Arcade releases

Here's a look at the next ten Xbox Live Arcade games to be released on the 360. Microsoft are expected to start releasing them this month, but no release dates have been given.

1. 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures
From developer Wanako Games and publisher Sierra Online, allows gamers to putt their way through 36 fun-filled holes of manic minigolf action on wild courses that range from the Old West to outer space and feature a bevy of crazy hazards and obstacles.



2. Alien Hominid HD
From The Behemoth features side-scrolling, hysterical cartoon action with a quirky twist and exclusive Xbox Live Arcade features.



3. Band of Bugs
From NinjaBee is a fast-paced tactical strategy game that offers gameplay deep enough to satisfy tactical genre fans and friendly enough to appeal to casual gamers. Creative gamers can even design their own levels with the built-in level editor, then play them solo or over Xbox Live with friends.



4. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
From Konami is a faithful version of this legendary classic updated for Xbox Live Arcade and featuring the game’s full soundtrack and memorable side-scrolling vampire-hunting action.



5. Catan
From developer Big Huge Games Inc. and publisher Microsoft® Game Studios, is a faithful remake of the immensely popular strategy board game.



6. Eets: Chowdown
From Klei Entertainment Inc. is a completely revamped version of the popular PC title of the same name. It offers new items, 120 new levels and the exclusive debut of Marsho Madness, a high-adrenaline action game in which players must keep the impending evil marshmallows at bay.



7. LUXOR 2
From developer MumboJumbo LLC, sets a new standard for action puzzlers as players match and shoot their way through the land of ancient Egypt.



8. Paperboy
From developer Digital Eclipse and publisher Midway, is a classic coin-op hit, specially enhanced for Xbox Live Arcade.



9. Root Beer Tapper
Also from developer Digital Eclipse and publisher Midway, features fast-paced reflex action as players scramble to keep thirsty patrons happy without dropping root beer mugs in the scramble to earn the biggest tips.



10. Worms
From developer Team 17 Software Ltd. features armies of adorable weapon-toting worms locked in tactical combat.

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Another ZootFly announcement

ZootFly making the headlines again here, and this time with a charming looking Xbox Live Arcade title, Toy Wars. No information has been given regarding the release date, but in a Gamespot interview, ZootFly's CEO had this to say:

"We’re working on an Xbox Live Arcade/E-Distribution title called Toy Wars. This time it’s about toys that have taken over the house and the backyard. It’s a multiplayer-only game where players control a variety of toys–from bulldozers to robots–and fight it out in sandboxes and living rooms."

Screens:



Source: [XBLArcade]

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Open that can of Worms!

Xbox Live Arcade has been a source of a many retro titles - Street Fighter, Frogger, Galaga, Doom, Mortal Kombat and loads more. The only one that was highly anticipated was Street Fighter, and even that was not as good as I expected, with the controllers clunky D-Pad and the games fairly difficulty bouts.

Following that travesty of a release I haven't kept much eye on the Live Arcade foyer, until today, after finding out that next weeks release (10/01/2007), is going to be the highly enjoyable multiplayer title that is Worms.

The game will cost 800M$ (£6.80/€9.60/$10), will include Live play and Team 17 have said that there will be downloadable content in the future.

Sounds excellent, lets hope the game is as well!

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