Lumines Live lights up Xbox Live

Microsoft confirms rumors that Q Entertainment's popular puzzler is the next Arcade title--and is now available.

Earlier this week, rumors began to swirl that Lumines Live, the Xbox 360 version of Q Entertainment's popular puzzle game, would soon hit Xbox Live. The reasoning went that, with only a few months left in the year, the game had to be released sometime soon, and unconfirmed reports had it being released as early as this week.

Now, it's official. This afternoon, Microsoft announced that Lumines Live has been released as part of the latest push in the company's Xbox Live Wednesdays campaign. As of 1:00 a.m. PDT (0800 GMT), the game is available on Xbox Live Marketplace for 1,200 Microsoft points ($15).

Designed by legendary game-maker Tetsuya Mizuguchi (Space Channel 5, Rez), the first Lumines arrived in 2005 on the PlayStation Portable to rave reviews. Earlier this year at E3, Microsoft announced that the franchise would also be coming to Xbox Live Arcade. Sporting the same Tetris-esque gameplay as its predecessor, Lumines Live includes six single-player modes--challenge, skin edit, mission, puzzle, versus CPU, and time attack. It also features two-player head-to-head multiplayer via Xbox Live and unnamed music videos that Microsoft reps could not identify.

Besides the regular version of Lumines Live, Microsoft is also selling a Lumines Live! Advance Pack separately for 600 Microsoft points ($7.50). According to the company, the Advance Pack will include 22 new skins with new music tracks. Microsoft also said more updates would be on the way in the form of unspecified "exclusive downloadable content to enhance and extend the gameplay experience."

For more on Lumines Live, peruse GameSpot's previous coverage, and check back later in the week for a full review.

195 Comments

  • Thorpe89 Site moderator

    Posted Oct 20, 2006 3:32 am PT

    With all these new games we're going to need bigger hard drives one day.

  • clubkill237

    Posted Oct 19, 2006 12:59 pm PT

    meh

  • shasam712

    Posted Oct 19, 2006 12:07 pm PT

    LegionOSH

    Hehe, when I said "What was the price of the original Lumines" it was more of a rhetorical question. I bought the original myself, although I am in the UK, so I was just making a point that it is comparitively cheaper.

    The main problem with the cost is that this isn't an arcade game, it's a full title. That's a first for XBLA, so the cost is unexpected. Perhaps we will see more games like this in the future, but Lumines should never have been looked at as a small, short play title like Pac-Man of Dig Dug.

  • enemyvillain

    Posted Oct 19, 2006 2:03 am PT

    i hope this game comin to japan coz last time i checked its still not in the marketplace.

  • puppiemaster

    Posted Oct 19, 2006 12:56 am PT

    I paid 99p for the mobile version in the UK,

  • wwonka666

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 9:58 pm PT

    $15 is a steal for this game, have you downloaded it yet? It's frigging awesome. Plus, think about it this way, they could have put it out on a disk and charged $39.99-59.99 for it, but were getting it for $15. It makes me sad to think that I will have to pay an additional $7.50 for the download pack and they will probably have quite a few of them, but it will keep the game looking frigging sweet for years to come. Thank you Q entertainment and MicroSoft for allowing me to play such an awesome game on my big-screen rather than in the palm of my hands.

  • lumines_god

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 8:36 pm PT

    I do not have a 360 and know nothing of how microsoft runs xbl So i was wondering if you have encounter a hard drive failure, would you loose content you purchased or would you retain the rights from the original download and be able to download it again?

  • lumines_god

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 8:29 pm PT

    RunnerGunner480
    Keep in mind that you will have to buy updates so eventualy, the $15 will turn into $40 and even more. So if you want officialy compare the price, wait a few years.

    On a side note, if i had a 360, i would get it regardless of the price.

  • kenerhai

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 8:23 pm PT

    If they are gonna charge so much for this game why dont they just release it as regular game and not as an arcade title. This is the kind of nickel and diming we are all afraid of. And I'm afraid this kind of business model will continue. The one thing everyone was afraid of was that we would pay full price for an incomplete game and then have to pay extra for content that should be in the game in the first place. Sure, one could obviously argue that if I dont want it, then dont buy it. But perhaps I do want it, but I dont feel I need to pay extra money for content that should be there. And I do have the money and job to afford it, but I don't feel it's justified. It is this kind of disrespect that Microsoft is pushing on its loyal customers. A console that is suffering from technical problems that are forcing consumers to have their console repaired continuesly. Constant nickel and diming for game content that should be availabe from the get go. And leaving gamers in the dark with many things we feel we should know about, like what and when of upcoming arcade titles. As well as the total disregard for the supposed backwards compatibility. I have no respect for the business model Sony has planned for the PS3 and find it totaly outrageous, but my faith in Microsoft has begun to waiver and continues. There are serious considerations that need to be made if Microsoft plans on winning the stupid console wars.

  • RunnerGunner480

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 6:39 pm PT

    I'm addicted to the trial version! I might buy the full game. The PSP game cost like $40 when it came out so $15 is nothing compared to that.

  • nerzhin

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 6:32 pm PT

    Bought the "full" game-after 5 puzzles completed in puzzle mode, you are prompted to buy the puzle pack if you want to do anymore-after one round against the computer in vs mode, your are prompted to buy the vs pack to play any more rounds-essentialy its 15 dollars for a Lumines "system", and more money for the "game carttridges"-just a comparison, but the pay to play structure for this particular game is a total, unapologetic attempt to suck money out of every square inch of our already paying too much for video gaming hides

  • chickenoverlord

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 5:54 pm PT

    I can't connect either...
    I just phoned microsoft and they told me that I will need to wait ANOTHER 24h! Hopefully just a generic response.
    She said some people are able to connect already tho so "the system is still upgrading"....
    Anyone know exactly what is being upgraded?

  • kordelskithai

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 5:52 pm PT

    I'm in Boston and I cant connect to XBL. Am i the only one?

  • StumpyTrash

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 5:27 pm PT

    The digital distribution age is beginning to show its ugly head to gamers. Had this game been available on a disc, I could have picked it up at a store and logged nearly three hours of play on it by now. Instead, I have to wait for Xbox Live to get up and running again before I can play the damn game. If they had enough foresight (like Valve did) to allow people to download the game ahead of time and then just activate it the day of release, we wouldn't have this bullsh*t problem that we do now. Hopefully this will be a lesson to them for future major releases on Xbox Live.

  • clcwolf

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 5:16 pm PT

    Can anyone even connect to XBL right now?

  • mike_mgoblue

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 4:44 pm PT

    Lumines is hyped as a really awesome Xbox Live Arcade game that is as revolutionary, yet simple, as Tetris. HOWEVER, I just think that $15 is too much for an Xbox Live Arcade game. I don't mind paying $10 for an awesome game like Street Fighter 2: Hyper Fighting or Ultimate Mortal Komat 3, but $10 is the most I will pay. Or in other words, 800 points is the most I will pay for any game. Also, I think that awesome retro-arcade games like Geometry Wars: Evolved are priced right at $5 (400 points). I also think that some of the games that are currently priced at 400 points, such as Gauntlet and Pac Man, should be priced at 200 points or less!!!

  • MarshyMan50

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 4:37 pm PT

    when will the advance pack be avaliable for download?

  • mattrix33

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 4:03 pm PT

    worth ever point...best game on Arcade

  • Psychotix666

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 3:57 pm PT

    "Ugh... download keeps failing. What's going on here? You just HAD a day off -- GET BACK TO WORK, XBL!"

    Yea...the download keeps failing for me too. -_-"

  • Generic_Dude

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 3:28 pm PT

    Ugh... download keeps failing. What's going on here? You just HAD a day off -- GET BACK TO WORK, XBL!

  • TheShowStopper

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 2:02 pm PT

    I want to get this, but i thought the Max for arcade games was gonna be 800 points, this seems like a joke to me... Also considering i bought my XB Vision camera expecting to use my 'Any Game Code' on a new game, tthen relising that it was for my already purchased Uno only, is another Joke in the XBLA service... Dont get me wrong i love XBLA, but the amount for this is stupid.. Why not do that they did for Texas Hold Em, and give it to everyone for free, do not annouce that its free, if you are a fan and dedicated enough, you will check on the Wednesday, and as a treat for checking in everyweek, you get it for free, the following day its now full price... Shoudl be that gift to those gamers who are always Xbox Live Aware..

  • prioritymail

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 1:34 pm PT

    Too expensive. I will stick to full length games.

  • kellypimps

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 1:22 pm PT

    1200 points for what is essentially a demo? I think I'll pass.

  • LegionOSH

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 12:14 pm PT

    javajoe96work

    Oh I know I can use my credit card, but I am going to have to buy more points I actually need, which was my original point (I may have been vague about it, my apologies).

    Yeah I'll probably us my credit card...well I am going to the mall after work anyway, I may just get the 1600 point card with case and get the smallest amount on XBL with my credit card. I have 3 hours to decide..lol..

    Kevin

  • weesheng

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 11:31 am PT

    Btw, you basically have to get at least 2 out of the 3 add-on packs for the full experience. Beats the PSP version hands down in my opinion.

  • weesheng

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 11:29 am PT

    Loving this game!!!

    Move over Geometry Wars! XBLA has a new champion!

  • rdo

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 11:20 am PT

    what is ms thinking? you can get pgr3 for $20 and they want $22.50 for this? i think i'll pass.

  • fetusfart18

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 10:40 am PT

    To JoeAdvanced,

    You can buy pre-paid Microsoft Points cards in stores. 1,600 points for twenty bucks. You pop in a code and you've got points. Plus, since the game is 1,200 points, that leaves just enough left over for another XBLA game.

  • Kai_Ozu

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 10:37 am PT

    I love this damn game.

  • the_one_finn

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 10:12 am PT

    well, i got the game and its darn cool (and i have the original PSP version), BUT..

    1) i dunno if its just me or not, but the controls feel a bit laggy at times, and this could/has severely impacted my skill. anyone else notice this?

    2) as soon as i start the game, it disconnects me from xbox live, and as such it wont let me dl the additional content as it says 'you must be connected to xbox live', which i was until the game disconnected me, whats up with that?

    apart from that, i still like

  • audioust

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 10:06 am PT

    Love lumines!!

  • doomsoth

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 10:02 am PT

    I wasn't really impressed with the demo.

  • Lepuke

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 9:55 am PT

    Bah, wheres UMK3 and Contra dammit!

  • JoeAdvanced

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 9:46 am PT

    I'm playing the demo now and can't wait to unlock the final. The thing is the points are 1200 and they only have 1000 and 500. Can't u just literally BUy the game instead of buying excess of poitns?!

  • dannyodwyer

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 9:45 am PT

    chiefmegadeth - your friends are cheap.

    Get new friends.

    Im not cheap, and i just bought it, and its great.

    Stop wining about your lack of funds and go get a delicious job somewhere.

  • javajoe96work

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 9:18 am PT

    LegionOSH:

    If you have a credit card you can buy the points on the system so that you do not have to go out a purchase a point card. That is what I do. If you do not have a credit card then I guess you have no choice.

  • FrankieLA

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 9:16 am PT

    terrabreak13 - amazing compression.

  • LegionOSH

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 9:05 am PT

    shasam712

    The original Lumines when it was new was around $40 I think. It recently dropped down to $20 new though. Also, what is the advanced mode of play you mentioned? I guess I'm not familiar with it..

    Kevin

  • javajoe96work

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 9:03 am PT

    I do not get why some members of this forum b*tches about the price of an Xbox Live Arcade game. If you do not like the title and or the price, then do not buy it. This is the way things work. I personally will be buying it. If you do not like this system on Live then do not participate in it. It is all choice; no one is making you purchase one title or another. Maybe they could have released it on a disc as a 360 game for 19.99 - 29.99 or how much they would price a game like this if it was released on disc. Either way it would be a budget title. The solution is if you feel you are getting ripped off do not buy it, so there is no reason to complain.

  • LegionOSH

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 9:00 am PT

    Well looks like I'll have to get some more points today. I knew I was going to as I am down to 150 points on my account, but what sucks is the points card is 1600 points, I have 150. To get the advanced pack I am to need to get like 50 MORE points. Talk about frustrating..lol..

    Still I have been waiting for this game for a while and I am glad it's finally out.

    I'll probably get the demo first "just in case", but I was a huge fan of the original on the PSP (I have owned a PSP twice, and that was the one game I bought both times), so I don't see how I couldn't like this one.

    I DO wish the advance pack would've been a little less though. I just hate to have to buy a point card AND come up with 50 measly points. Oh well.

    Here's to hoping everyone likes it. Kevin

    legionosh@msn.com

  • terrabreak13

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 8:57 am PT

    I'll download the demo later. But how the hell do they fit music videos in the background yet the game is so small in MB?

  • shasam712

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 8:48 am PT

    Oh, you also need the advanced pack to play advanced mode.Which isn't covered in the news story.

  • shasam712

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 8:44 am PT

    I am downloading now. I don't see how this could be expensive either, how much did the original lumines cost?

    And this one has achievements!

  • jonfigs

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 8:34 am PT

    Why do some many people feel this is expensive for a highly rated game?

    I know I'm happy with it and its was well worth the wait.

  • chickenoverlord

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 8:16 am PT

    clearly you don't care at all...
    how does it taste?

  • chiefmegadeth

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 8:06 am PT

    1200 points NO WAY!!
    Are they crazy it should be free
    Bad choice making it cost so much

    I swear all my friends said no way to that price im with them
    rip off...

  • kinglink2

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 8:03 am PT

    It's sad because you know they will get money for it, I didn't love the game on the PSP but it's a fun game.

    It'll sell but it's still not the best game out there. I personally liked Mecury for the PSP a lot more. But this one is ok.

  • dantess_

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 8:01 am PT

    denied again gamespot

  • tcampbell1976

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 8:00 am PT

    chickenoverlord has a life? He doesn't have a life if he's trolling some Lumines Live comment board with multiple comments. If he remotely had a life, he wouldn't be whining upset on a Lumines Live forum that XBL is down at all. So for that level of degeneracy, I say bravo.

    Double posted because GS site errored upon submission. None the less you clearly enjoy the taste of failure. Keep trolling away on here, no one cares my friend.

  • chickenoverlord

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 7:57 am PT

    bravo for the double post... hmmm... i say... bravo!

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