Zune HD's first 3D games now available, free

Microsoft updates portable media player's online store with new versions of Project Gotham Racing, Audiosurf, and more.

When Microsoft debuted its Zune HD portable media player in September, it also revealed plans to bring 3D games to the device. The company announced a trio of titles that would be available by the end of the year: Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition, Audiosurf Tilt, and Vans Sk8: Pool Service.

It's tough to beat free.

Microsoft didn't reveal a price for the games at the time because, perhaps, there wasn't one to reveal. Those three games--along with Lucky Lanes Bowling, Piano, and Checkers--have finally arrived on the Zune Marketplace, and all of them are downloadable for free by Zune HD owners.

PGR features a dozen different Ferraris and 33 events on London, Tokyo, and New York race courses. Taking advantage of the Zune's wireless capabilities, the game also supports four-player races and time trials against a friend's best run.

As the name implies, Audiosurf Tilt lets players control the action by tilting the Zune. The game can make levels out of any song and features more than 30 different themes.

Vans Sk8: Pool Service features 10 different events to tear up with Bucky Lasek and Omar Hassan, as well as unlockable board designs. Checkers and Lucky Lane Bowling are self-explanatory, although the latter game also features golf- and blackjack-themed scoring modes. Finally, Piano isn't so much a game as a virtual keyboard with a full 88 keys and a sustain pedal.

For more on the latest free offerings, check out Microsoft's official Zune site.

32 Comments

  • angelGP32

    Posted Nov 16, 2009 11:14 am PT

    i bought a Zune HD over the weekend over the prospect of what could be. This is, however, the worst software launch of all time. The quality is fine, but there's literally a dozen things, that's it!!! There should have been probably 35-40 various apps to download, free or not, not 10-12. Overall I'm satisfied, and if it ends up being like live arcade, it will be good, but the software releases need to be ramped up.

  • Hellian00

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 5:29 pm PT

    Honestly, I like what Microsoft is doing with the apps. It ensures that there aren't any really crappy apps released.

  • enoslives7

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 12:40 pm PT

    woohoo, now all 14 Zune owners can play games

  • gatsbythepig

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 8:50 am PT

    Didn't M$ say this is not a gaming device. It is not intended to be a gaming device. Did M$ lie to us?

  • BloodMist

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 2:11 am PT

    You still can't beat a real portable game system, no matter how hard these devices try.

  • havok72202

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 8:35 pm PT

    Just downloaded AudioSurf. It is indeed awesome.

  • BlackBladeRune

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 7:56 pm PT

    Audiosurf is awesome. I don't like PGR but I've never been big on racing games besides mario kart. Same goes for the skating game, but it's not bad, just never been my thing.

  • karpenterskids

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 6:04 pm PT

    Apparently, I need to get a Zune HD...

  • Metroid827

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 5:47 pm PT

    @mjc0961

    It's not a game console! If it were, Microsoft would charge for their games. And I'm so glad these are free! (unlike ipod games) btw, Audiosurf is AMAZING.

  • gamer082009

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 5:28 pm PT

    My brother had one of the first gen Zunes and I always thought they were pretty amazing devices with something the iPods lacked. And after seeing video of the Zune HD in action it's a pretty cool device..and free games too..woot!

  • Ryusuke_Akihiro

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 5:09 pm PT

    It'd be nice if the Zune was a not only a portable media player but also a portable gaming device. If only to show the power of Nvidia's Tegra. Seems like what the Zune is right now is a complete waste of money, considering the other cheaper options people have.

  • teirdome

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 5:08 pm PT

    Thanks for the heads up, downloading at work now.

  • mjc0961 posted Nov 11, 2009 5:00 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    mjc0961

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 5:00 pm PT (hide)

    Oh good so now the Zune is a game console too. *rolls eyes*

  • mattdv

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 4:57 pm PT

    AudioSurf on an MP3 player is an awesome idea, but I can't see tilt controls working out all that great without really changing the underlying game.

  • TBoogy

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 4:29 pm PT

    I'm currently using Zune Pass with a Sansa player (downloaded over 5,000 in a little over a month!), but I really look forward to getting a HD soon. I just need them to add flash support, some useful apps, and a few more games then I'm all in.

  • feryl06

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 4:22 pm PT

    awesome news for Zune owners.

  • alexkn64

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 4:00 pm PT

    I still prefer my COWON s9. If I want to game on the go, I'd use my PSP.

  • ColdfireTrilogy

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 3:22 pm PT

    okay... audiosurf ... wow now thats pulling out all the stops! i wish we had that on Iphone XD

  • NearlyPrescient

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 3:20 pm PT

    @ Somebody89
    I'm class of '09. I bought a fifth generation ipod back in my freshman year, more than four years ago.
    I bought a Zune 8 when it came out, and when I ran out of space, upgraded to a 120.
    it's never too late to start again. and the zune pass makes that very easy.
    though my massive music collection means a Zune HD would be a little difficult for me to manage, as much as I want one.

  • k0r3aN_pR1d3

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 2:50 pm PT

    Audiosurf is probably the best deal you can get. Pretty much endless replay value.

  • chibi-acer

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 2:49 pm PT

    I don't really care about playing games on my portable media player, but Audiosurf would be kind of cool. Free? Sure, I'd play it.

  • Generic_Dude posted Nov 11, 2009 2:45 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Generic_Dude

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 2:45 pm PT (hide)

    Fun Fact: Games found on MP3 players are casual garbage!

  • izmickey

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 2:36 pm PT

    Its about time, my zunehd needs some new games. The zune HD is SICK compared to the ipod touch. The screen surpasses anything in the market now, hands down.

  • i_PWN_fanboys posted Nov 11, 2009 2:34 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    i_PWN_fanboys

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 2:34 pm PT (hide)

    I like iPods better.

  • japanesegoth

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 2:27 pm PT

    can i trade my 80gb for the new one? teehee. i've used itunes and zune and i just think zune's interface is much easier to manage the music

  • ibanezdropd

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 2:10 pm PT

    /my zune was just stolen a couple days ago... so zune HD is looking more tempting. My only issue is that i hate the zune software because its locked into windows. make a mac client damnit!

  • Somebody89

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 2:04 pm PT

    I really would like to get a zune because the recent update makes the product more appealing but I bought an ipod long before the release of zune and once you got an ipod, chances are your too heavily involved in itunes to make the switch over to zune marketplace.

  • joeborg14

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 1:37 pm PT

    Freakin' sweet!

  • kingjazziephiz

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 1:33 pm PT

    Dec 31, 1969

  • monson21502

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 1:26 pm PT

    i might have to get one of these

  • Flint247

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 1:21 pm PT

    Looks tight. I gotta save up for one. My 4GB Zune is still good, though.

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