Mark your calendars, your Wednesdays in August just got busy.
Stuff blowing up!Microsoft isn't known for being terribly forthcoming when it comes to Xbox Live Arcade release dates. We all know this. But the company at least gave the world at a look at the August calendar today by nailing down games for the rest of the summer. Here's how it's going to shake out...
07/30 - Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2
08/06 - Braid
08/13 - Bionic Commando: Rearmed
08/20 - Galaga Legions
08/27 - Castle Crashers
You can't crash a castle without elemental powers.That's big stuff. It's crazy to think that we live in a world where Castle Crashers is finally going to be released. It feels like we've been waiting for that one for years... oh wait, that's because everyone first started hearing about it in July 2006! I got to play the first level of Castle Crashers back at E3, and it seems like the sort of hot mix of charming looks and frantic gameplay that'll make it worth the wait. Actually, of all these games, Galaga Legions is the only one I'm feeling a little iffy about. It felt like an interesting take on the Galaga-style shooter, but it didn't necessarily feel like a Galaga game, either. The rest of these are Day One buys in my book... how about you?
Stuff blowing up!Microsoft isn't known for being terribly forthcoming when it comes to Xbox Live Arcade release dates. We all know this. But the company at least gave the world at a look at the August calendar today by nailing down games for the rest of the summer. Here's how it's going to shake out...
07/30 - Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2
08/06 - Braid
08/13 - Bionic Commando: Rearmed
08/20 - Galaga Legions
08/27 - Castle Crashers
You can't crash a castle without elemental powers.That's big stuff. It's crazy to think that we live in a world where Castle Crashers is finally going to be released. It feels like we've been waiting for that one for years... oh wait, that's because everyone first started hearing about it in July 2006! I got to play the first level of Castle Crashers back at E3, and it seems like the sort of hot mix of charming looks and frantic gameplay that'll make it worth the wait. Actually, of all these games, Galaga Legions is the only one I'm feeling a little iffy about. It felt like an interesting take on the Galaga-style shooter, but it didn't necessarily feel like a Galaga game, either. The rest of these are Day One buys in my book... how about you?
*Head explodes* Can't freaking wait! I don't know what I am excited about the most, I would have to say everything except Braid. Either Rearmed or Castle Crashers are my #1 buys.
I've been looking forward to Castle Crashers since it was first announced. I reckon I can't not buy it at this point. I have fond memories of Bionic Commando, so Rearmed is on my list to check out along with Braid.
Sorry Galaga but you and Geometry Wars are the only no's on my list. I already own the first GW and don't think it's necessary to buy the second. People seem to be sleeping on Braid and they shouldn't. Looks like I'll be out $30 (at least) by the end of August.
I absolutely cannot wait for Geometry Wars 2 and Castle Crashers. The only thing I'm pissed about is that Castle Crashers comes out on the day I go back to school... >:(
Nice lineup! +1 to microsoft for actually giving release dates. I think braid looks potentially awesome, dont know though, ill wait on a review from one of the bombers. I will definitly be picking up rearmed even though i never played the original bc (it was before my time dont blame me :/) castle crashers also looks tight. maybe now the producer guy or whatever will shave his beard.
Yup... I think they're all 1st day buys for me too... I haven't seen anything from the new Galaga, but if it's half as fun as Pac Man CE or the new Space Invaders, then I'M IN!!!...
Now I hate Microsoft. Why the hell would you put Castle Crashers so far away? Geo Wars 2, BC, Galaga, these games were announced in E3 this year and are already ready to go? But Castle Crashers, which was announced way  before these games, has to be the last one? WTF.
This might be the best idea Microsoft has had in a long while. All the games get good promotion (something online games really need...) We get rewarded just for trying the trials (even though Im buying geometry wars and bionic commando day one.) Everyone wins...crazy to see Microsoft actually give back like this, lol. Oh, and BIONIC COMMANDO!!!
I'm pretty stoked to be off work for the next two weeks now. I'm also really happy to realize that I haven't seen a remake of an arcade "classic" gumming up the works in quite a while.
XBLA comes out swinging after a bit of a lull. I demo'd Schizoid and 1942 recently, but neither crossed the purchase line.
However, I'm all over Braid, Bionic Commando, and Castle Crashers.
Geometry Wars will be good for the 9 people that don't own the first one. Galaga Legions is just late to the game, but probably won't be awful. (How's that for a compliment?)
Man, that lineup is strong. I'm stoked for all of those--a bit less so for Legions, which I don't know enough about, but I understand the people behind Pac-Man CE are involved, so I'm definitely intrigued. I've followed some of the Braid development stuff and am really eager to play it. That game looks like it could really be something special.
146 Comments