Xbox Live Update: Microsoft confirms new Darkspawn Chronicles for May 18; Zeno Clash, RayStorm HD, Snoopy Flying Ace, Game Room updates dated.
Microsoft released its Xbox Live schedule for the next few weeks today, and leading that lineup for many is the next chapter in BioWare's multimillion-unit-selling Dragon Age: Origins. On May 18, gamers can pick up Dragon Age's latest add-on, titled Darkspawn Chronicles, for 400 Microsoft points ($5). Unfortunately, Microsoft did not detail what the add-on pack contained, though a BioWare representative said to expect more details shortly.
The Dragon Age update will be preceded by a new add-on for BioWare's other hit role-playing game, Mass Effect 2. Today, BioWare released the Equalizer Pack for MSP 160 ($2) for the Xbox 360 and PC editions of the acclaimed sci-fi RPG. Included in the pack are the Capacitor Helmet, Archon Visor, and Inferno Armor, all of which enhance specific combat, biotic, and negotiation skills for Commander Shepard.
BioWare, of course, isn't the only company bringing new content to Xbox Live gamers. On May 5, Atlus will release Zeno Clash: Ultimate Edition through Xbox Live Arcade. The first-person fantasy brawler costs MSP 1,200 ($15) and sees players assuming the role of Ghat, who, having killed his clan's ruler, must fight through fanatical tribesmen and other monsters to make good his escape.
Also on May 5, Square Enix will release an updated version of Taito's vertical-scrolling shoot-'em-up RayStorm HD, also for MSP 1,200 ($15). The following week, Konami has on tap a revival of its side-scrolling platformer Rocket Knight. The MSP 1,200-point title features Sparkster, an opossum hero equipped with a jetpack who fights to save his kind from a marauding wolf army.
Lastly, Microsoft will release Snoopy Flying Ace on June 2. First mentioned in September, Charlie Brown's mostly loyal canine and the rest of the Peanuts crew take to the skies to take down the Luftwaffe ace Red Baron for MSP 800 ($10).
On Xbox Live's Games on Demand network, Ubisoft will kick things off on May 4 with Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway and 2008's Prince of Persia. The publisher will return on May 11 with Tom Clancy's EndWar. EA takes over during the back half of the month, releasing Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars through the on-demand service on May 18 and Battlefield 2: Modern Combat on May 25.
With Microsoft seemingly ironing out the kinks in its Game Room release schedule, the publisher has also penciled in a batch of new games for its retro hits service. On May 12, the publisher will add Battlezone, Keystone Kapers, and unspecified other titles to the virtual arcade. Those releases will be followed on May 19 by Asteroids, Time Pilot, and others.
Tom Magrino has covered the games industry since 2006. He's been compared to Steve Martin by Ozzy Osbourne and Daniel Craig by Tim Schafer. His voice, heard largely on GameSpot's podcast, recalls that of Kermit the Frog. It ain't easy bein' Magreen.
Hmm, they didn't mention Darkspawn Chronicles for the PC. I would hope it is, and might pick it up if it adds to the game (correcting mistakes in Awakening would be nice) then it might be a maybe. The Mass Effect 2 DLC is out of the question. I don't care about extra toys I want additions to the story or fun quests.
Games on Demand is a cool service in theory, the only problem is that I can get physical copies for a fraction of the price. A couple of examples: EndWar will be 299 NOK on XBL, I bought it for 49 NOK. Prince of Persia will be 299 NOK, I bought it for 99 NOK. Viva Pinata is 299 NOK I bought it for 39 NOK.
Anyone know of lists for offers each week? I want chapters of deciept for Ao2, but I can bet I'll buy it and next week it'll be half price :P
@ Pete5506 Are you kidding me? I can't wait for Raystorm HD (remake of the arcade/PSone game as well as the Sega Saturn game Layer Section II) and Rocket Knight (revival of Sega Genesis/Mega Drive games Rocket Knight Adventures, Sparkster: Rocket Knight Adventures 2 and Super NES game Sparkster). I still play Final Fight: Double Impact everyday (although I'm disappointed that they didn't use the awesome music from the Sega CD version) so I'll have to quit playing that to fit Raystorm and Rocket Knight into my schedule, LOL. Sorry for the over enthusiasm, I'm a sucker for games older than this generation's.
Ugh, tired of the DLC prices. 400 points should be the normal with 800 for the top shelf stuff. Small stuff shouldn't be more then 200. Yeah yeah, I know its better to have something then nothing but at some point you start turning people off. XBL's Deal of the Week is the only reason why I've bought the last 3-4 arcade games.
Not interested in extra armor features for ME2 but might look into Darkspawn Chronicles if it adds any new quests.
why is ms trying to sell 20.00 on demand for 30.00 what a ripoff. Ill take the disc any time.
Isn't Modern Combat already on Demand... I SWEAR I got the disc version the day it came on Demand...and I was ticked too.
Erm Battlefield 2 Modern combat, is there really much point in buying it with battlefield bad company 2 out?
Yawn. Nice the new price point seems to be $15. How about get me a Fat Princess and a Trials discount.
Yes XBLA is one of the main reasons why I keep my 360. I mostly play their beat-'em-ups, TMNT '89, Streets of Rage 2, Altered Beast, and the multiplatform Final Fight Double Impact. Ideal side-scrollers for Arcade purists such as myself.
this is what gives 360 the edge as the best the game system imo. its arcade games are really good and i end up buying one every other week.
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