XBLA's Summer Of Arcade 09: Dates 'n Prices

Straight out the press release, here are the dates and prices for this year's five Summer of Arcade XBLA games. I can't say it's quite as exciting as last year--you simply can't touch the one-two-three punch of Castle Crashers, Braid, and Geometry Wars 2--but then, I'm personally quite interested in Splosion Man and Shadow Complex. I guess two out of five ain't bad.

What are you looking forward to?

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time Re-Shelled 

July 22, 1200 Microsoft Points 

(Ubisoft Singapore®/Ubisoft®): Cowabunga dude! Marking the franchise’s 25 anniversary, everyone's favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game is back with a brand new look in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time Re-Shelled.” The arcade classic has been revamped with all new 3D graphics, but the same classic beat 'em up gameplay.

Marvel vs. Capcom 2

July 29, 1200 Microsoft Points 

(Backbone Entertainment/Capcom): One of the most popular fighting games of all time, “Marvel vs. Capcom 2,” arrives worldwide on Xbox LIVE Arcade. Choose from 56 legendary characters from Marvel Comics and Capcom history, including Ryu and Wolverine. With online multiplayer over Xbox LIVE and enhanced HD graphics, decide your own dream team in the ultimate tag-team fighting experience.

Splosion Man

August 5, 800 Microsoft Points 

 (Twisted Pixel Games/Microsoft): Fools they were, to tread where knowledge should stay forbidden.  For what emerged was not a man - it was a Splosion Man. "And all who saw him were sploded, for he was the fire and they were but meat." Able to splode himself at will, the Splosion Man launches his way through levels as an uncontainable force.  From Twisted Pixel Games, developer of the award winning The Maw™, Splosion Man will keep you on your toes as you play through more than 50 single-player levels and 50 multiplayer levels. Nominated by GameSpy, Gamespot, IGN, and 411mania, this meat-riddled splosion-fest took several Best of E3 awards including Best Platformer and Best Downloadable Game. 

Trials HD

August 12, 1200 Microsoft Points 


(RedLynx/Microsoft): Nominated for GameSpy’s Best Downloadable Game of E3 award, “Trials HD” is guaranteed to get our heart racing.” Put on your helmet, and rev your way through “Trials HD,” a full-featured, physics-based motorcycle racing platformer in stunning HD graphics. Tear up more than 50 tracks and test your metal in two unique game modes: Race and Skill. Create, share and download an unlimited number of free tracks with the level editor, and customize your rider to fit your personality.

Shadow Complex

August 19, 1200 Microsoft Points 

(Chair Entertainment and Epic Games/Microsoft): Winner of numerous Best of E3 awards including Best Downloadable Game from 1UP, IGN, GameTrailers and G4TV, “Shadow Complex” is the next evolution in downloadable games. “Shadow Complex” marries the quality and depth of a full retail title with the stunning visuals of Epic Games’ industry-leading Unreal Engine 3, and a classic side-scroller. Set in the world of Orson Scott Card’s best-selling novel, “Empire,” Shadow Complex provides more than 10 hours of in-depth gameplay and introduces a compelling universe.

Shadow Complex interesting, the rest not so much to me

*cries* so much money i will spend.

Man, I wish I had more money.

None of them really grab me. But Shadow Complex looks interesting.

Shadow Complex is the only thing sparking any interest right now.

I'm interested in Shadow Complex and MvC 2, but otherwise no.

Darn these price increases on arcade games. Remember back when everything was just $5?

This is nowhere near as good as last year. :(

not worth it

I was interested in trying Trials HD, but 1200 points seems too expensive (even if it's that expensive or more on the PC). I was hoping for an 800 point price at most. Ah well.

'Splosion Man still looks too strange for my tastes, but I'll have to try it, given my enjoyment of The Maw.

Can't believe I have to wait til mid august to get Shadow Complex! This is killing me!!

I'm waiting for World of Goo to come out.

Really looking forward to Shadow Complex. Looked good enough to make me check up on Empire, which I then read, and which makes me even more want to play Shadow Complex. As a side note, Chair actually originally approached Card with the idea for the world and situation while designing the game, and let him build the story to have it make sense, for all those wondering... yeah. All two of you.

Splosion Man, and Shadow Complex look sick

Looking forward to Shadow Complex. It's the only one of these games that I will probably buy. None of the others interest me that much.

All of those look great... 

They will all likely be added to my "Games Library" except for Splosion Man... he will be pending a review.

Where's Serious Sam?

Nothing surprising here. I'll be getting Marvel vs Capcom, Ninja Turtles, and Shadow Complex.

Little pricey ..... not that I won't buy most of them ..... still, a bit steep.

Shadow Complex and MvC2 for me!

I only care about Shadow Complex, I love a Metroidvania type game.

Sweetz, definitely getting 'Splosion Man und Shadow Complex

No Trine on XBLA? Also, is Trials HD like Motocross Maniacs?

1200 for the Turtles game?  Thats retarded.  800 points is right on.

" No Trine on XBLA? Also, is Trials HD like Motocross Maniacs? "

I don't mind getting a game like Braid, Castle Crashers or 1943 for 1200 MSP but Trials, TMNT and MvsC are all remakes.

Trials HD and Shadow Complex are on my shopping list. Trials HD looks like an instant classic. Shadow Complex will be my Bionic Commando Rearmed for this season. Got them Microsoft Points ready since months and they itch in my pocket like hell.

The first purchase of this summer has been made. Battlefield 1943. Awesome, awesome game. Must-buy for anybody who enjoys military shooters and especially vehicular warfare. The planes are rad. Tanks, Jeeps, emplacement MGs and AA turrets. Great graphics, sound and price. Love all around.

The launch hiccups with the server capacity is a little unfortunate, but I've managed to play a good 14 hours anyways. Once I manage to grab a spot on server, it's smooth sailing. Lagfree. Great times.

It's good to be a gamer these days. Even in the summer season, there are great new games coming out.

I'm looking forward to TMNT and Shadow Complex.
I'd rather have MVC2 on PS3.

Wow, and here I thought summer was a drought when it came to gaming.  I've probably only said this twice in my life but I'm proud of you xbla!

IF I hada 360 (and the money), MvC 2, TMNT, and Shadow Complex.

Shadow Complex is a must buy and I have a keen eye on Splosion Man.

I think thats a pretty good lineup. 

MvsC 2 I'll buy. Maybe Splosion Man. Even less of a maybe for Shadow Complex.

wish shadow complex was coming out on PC so i could actually enjoy playing it and buy it.

Don't forget Joy Ride and the Monkey Island re-release!

Trials HD looks like an instant classic.

" wish shadow complex was coming out on PC so i could actually enjoy playing it and buy it. "

Wish Shadow Complex was earlier than the 19th, since its the only one I'm interested in. Still though, nice to hear it's only 15 bones.

The only thing that really caught my eye was Shadow Complex, which looks dreamy. Can't wait to try out the trial.

Shadow Complex. I'm suprised it was only 1200 points. It sounded like it could have gotten up to 1600.

Whoever shows no interest towards any of the titles above, I am flabbergasted. MVC2 alone should satiate arcade nuts( like myself) for months, but with turtles and other promising titles? This is the best summer of xbla yet!

I'm going to get TMNT and MvC2.  I might get Shadow Complex, haven't decided yet.

Woaahahh HELLA BRO the summers starting now it's gonna be SICK AND ILLEST summer EVER BRO TOTALLY BBQ arcade rad.

Marvel vs Capcom 2 and Shadow Complex are very possible buys for me if they don't come out broken.

Most of them seem expensive, summer of expensis.

where is PERFECT DARK aaaaaarrrrr

I don't like the new graphics for Turtles in Time. They lack character.