Xbox Live Update: Ms. 'Splosion Man, L.A. Noire DLC

Microsoft's Summer of Arcade promotion starts next week, but gamers looking for something new this week have more than a few options to choose from.

Leading the pack this week is Ms. 'Splosion Man (800 MS points, or $10), which is due out tomorrow. A follow-up to the original 'Splosion Man, Ms. 'Splosion Man is also a fast-paced 2D platformer, in which players self-combust their way through vibrantly colored, lighthearted levels. The game includes 50 single-player stages, as well as an additional 50 levels that can be played in a multiplayer setting.

Ms. 'Splosion Man splodes onto XBLA tomorrow.

Beyond new stages, Twisted Pixel said that it has implemented a number of updates to the 'Splosion Man formula, including new gameplay mechanics, enhanced network support, and original music. The game also includes collectibles that unlock behind-the-scenes looks at the game's creation.

Gamers looking to solve a new case in Rockstar's well-received L.A. Noire can pick up the Reefer Madness (320 MS points, or $4) downloadable content today. The new case tasks players with pursuing and bringing to justice a Los Angeles drug dealer who deals heroin, morphine, and marijuana.

Two additional Xbox Live Arcade games are due out tomorrow, the first of which is Boulder Dash XL (800 MS points, or $10). An action-puzzle game, Boulder Dash XL is a remake of sorts of the original Boulder Dash, which was released in the 1980s. In the game, players are tasked with collecting sparkling diamonds and avoiding enemies, traps, and boulders.

The final new XBLA game due tomorrow is Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team (800 MS points, or $10). In the game, players assume control of a premier Space Marine unit that has been sent to take out a threatening Ork Kroozer. The interstellar ship of war is en route to an Imperial Forge World, and players will be charged with thwarting its warboss and preventing his world-consuming Waaagh.

Warhammer 40K goes downloadable tomorrow on XBLA.

Kill Team plays out as a third-person arcade shooter, and gamers will be able to assume the role of one of four classes. The sternguard veteran and techmarine offer ranged-combat options, while the vanguard veteran and librarian focus on close-quarters brawling. The game accommodates two-player split-screen.

As an added incentive, those who play through Kill Team's first mission will unlock the power sword for use in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine. The weapon, which is a powerful melee energy weapon, will be available in Space Marine's multiplayer mode.

Gamers looking to try before they buy this week can grab a demo for Catherine today on Xbox Live. The trial will give gamers a first look at and feel for Atlus' puzzle adventure game, which is due out in full on July 26.

Switching to the Games on Demand hub, Microsoft added two new games to this space today, the first of which is Codemasters' racing game Fuel ($25). The other new full-game download available now is G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra ($20).