Joe Danger backflipping to XBLA

Joe Danger was released to critical acclaim on the PlayStation Network last year, and today it became the first downloadable PSN exclusive to make the jump to Xbox Live Arcade. Hello Games is producing a special edition of the game--as previously rumoured via a ratings slip-up from Microsoft Korea--that will be exclusive to Microsoft's downloadable platform and will be out in time for the holidays.

The special edition of Joe Danger will have double the gameplay time of the original, according to Hello Games, which estimates that it will take at least 30 hours to complete in its new form. The special edition includes new environments, new modes, and new characters. This includes a revamp of the game's multiplayer options and a new laboratory mode, which promises "a little peek behind the scenes." The laboratory will also feature hidden developer challenges, according to Hello Games managing director Sean Murray.

Murray has previously been rather outspoken on the subject of XBLA, publicly suggesting it's "a slaughterhouse," but talking to GameSpot today he clarified his position. "So many indie titles get released [on XBLA] that just don't make an impact, and get lost. I guess what we've seen is that really high-quality games still stand out, and we're really hoping Joe Danger: Special Edition is one of those." He also made it clear there are currently no plans to bring the special edition to the PSN. "We've added so much and changed so many of the fundamentals that I don't think that can happen," Murray said.

Development for the title is going on in parallel with multiplatform sequel Joe Danger: The Movie, according to Murray. Hello Games has expanded beyond its original four-man team, but everyone is still working across both projects. "Rather than split the team, we all work on the same thing at the same time. We're like a little hive mind. So yeah, some days we work on Special Edition, and then it gives us an idea for The Movie, so we go do that. It's kept both really fresh and unique," Murray said.

To get a taste of what to expect in Joe Danger: Special Edition, check out the exclusive trailer below. For more on the original, check out GameSpot's review of Joe Danger for the PS3.