What could be better that summer time? BBQ's in the garden, long lazy summer evenings, dips in the pools? When you need a break from your frivolous sun blessed shenanigans, Microsoft has something they hope will keep you coming back to XBLA.
Starting on July 21st, Summer of Arcade will bless us five top class XBLA titles, all priced at 1200 MSP But don't forget bargain hunters! Buy all 5 to receive 1200 MSP back from Microsoft. Buying three of the five titles will earn you a rebate of 400 MSP. Let's take a look at our titles of choice, shall we? I'll include some screenshots below, but as many of the titles have trailers, I'll leave you with the link so as not to make the articles load time too long.
July 21st kicks things off with Limbo. Quite the juxtaposition to the sunlight streaming through your windows. A dark platformer, Limbo heavily exercises the darker pallet and receives an 18+ rating.
Here's the the shortest blurb on any game, ever:
Uncertain of his Sister's Fate, a Boy enters LIMBO.
Official page on Xbox.com: http://www.xbox.com/games/l/limboxbla/
July 28th is Hydro Thunder's time to shine. You may recall the title from the arcades and the SEGA Dreamcast. Here's the full word from Xbox.com:
This all-new sequel to the legendary arcade hit features amazing dynamic water physics, transformable rocket-powered boats, gorgeous visuals and over-the-top interactive environments. Single player games include Race and Championship, and two brand new modes: Ring Master and the explosive Gauntlet. Combine local 4-player split-screen and online multiplayer games with 8 players over Xbox LIVE.
Official page on Xbox.com: http://www.xbox.com/games/h/hydrothunderhurricanexbla/
August 4th brings Castlevania: Harmony of Despair (a full run down of which we published not long ago). Featuring the classic Castlevania experience with a multi-player element added in (whether to joy or despair of long time fans), Xbox.com gives the following description:
Step into the shadows of the hell house: Castlevania is back in all its pixel-powered 2D glory, this time in full 1080p! Call upon the series' most hallowed heroes and vanquish your nemesis, Dracula! All-new multiplayer modes like 6-player Co-op and Survival have been whipped up for you, too... but enough talk. Have at it!
Official page on Xbox.com: http://www.xbox.com/games/c/castlevaniahdxbla//
August 11th brings us Monday Night Combat, a third person shooter in the format of a television game show with up to twelve players online. Time to settle those family feuds in a more fatalistic manner perhaps?
Monday Night Combat for Xbox LIVE Arcade is a class-based, third-person shooter…and the most lethal sport of the future! It blends combat, finishing moves, gameshow-like challenges and rewards. The game features grapple moves, upgradable skills and a deep meta-game. Blitz mode pits 1 to 2 players on a split screen or up to 4 players over Xbox LIVE against waves of robot armies. In Crossfire mode, players play competitively, 6 versus 6, to destroy the enemy's Money Ball while protecting theirs aided by robots. Enjoy an extensive Career Mode that lets players to use their money to customize classes and show off their accomplishments with hundreds of new ProTags.
Official page on Xbox.com: http://www.xbox.com/games/m/mondaynightcombatxbla/
August 18th brings the final crescendo with Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light (remember, that's LCATGOL to you and me). There was an article on this recently, so rather than duplicate everything again, here's what Xbox.com has to say:
Experience the first ever co-op action-adventure game featuring Lara Croft. Team up with a friend or go at it alone as you traverse and solve deadly traps, fight hordes of undead enemies, and collect over 60 artifacts and relics. Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light offers fast-paced action and breathtaking visuals shown through an isometric view.
Official page on Xbox.com: http://www.xbox.com/games/l/laracroftgolxbla/
So there you have it. A good line up of games for our summer of gaming. When you finally tire of the heat, hayfever, sweating, bites and stings, these should keep you entertained.
Happy summer everyone! (And to my UK friends, pack an umbrella and don't hate the hosepipe ban - embrace it).