Xbox Live Arcade

Microsoft will begin to remove games from the Xbox Live Arcade if they meet all three of the following criteria:

• more than six months old
• less than 65 Metacritic rating
• demo download to purchase ratio of less than 6%

Gamerscore Blog recently answered a number of common concerns - even if a game is removed from the service, those who purchased it will still be able to play it (including online functionality) and re-download it if required.

As to what games will be removed, here are the games that have less than 65 on Metacritic - obviously I can’t comment on which of these have a conversion rate of below 6% - but I can certainly say I wouldn’t miss any of them:

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Namco Bandai today announced their plans to bring the original Soul Calibur to Xbox Live Arcade. While the only upgrade of note is reworked, high-definition graphics, I’m picturing a shitload of ex-Dreamcast owners chomping at the bit for this game by the planned release in Summer 2008. The Dreamcast version earned a Metacritic rating of 98, making it one of the best console fighters ever.

To answer the inevitable question: there will be no online multiplayer mode added to the game which, to be honest, is perfectly fine by me. While I played Soul Calibur on the Dreamcast until sunrise countless times with my housemate at the time, I have no interest in playing it online (I’m firmly in the “latency makes it a complete waste of [developers|my] time” group).

You might have been ecstatic when we reported that Goldeneye was soon coming to Live Arcade, but it’s time to change your Myspace moods to depressed because the game has been put on an indefinite hold. The reason behind the unfortunate turn of events is a licensing disagreement between Microsoft and Nintendo. It’s no wonder really, given Nintendo probably want their legendary game on their own arcade service.

Want even more hurt? The game was only 2 months away from release and included all the maps and weapons of the original. Worst of all it was all set up for online multiplayer.

If you are of the opinion that online petitions have actually achieved anything, then you might want to head over to this one and help reverse the decision.

via Joystiq

Xbox Evolved have reportedly seen evidence of a recent agreement between Activision, Rareware and MGM Studios that will see the Nintendo 64 classic Goldeneye 007 released on the Xbox Live Arcade.

The game will feature updated graphics and multiplayer over Xbox Live, and is planned for release shortly before the release of the new Bond game from Activision.

Xbox Evolved via Game | Life

Microsoft UK have decided to go the way of Amway and convince you to rope your friends into buying their own Xbox 360. Okay, it’s not really like Amway - because if your friend decides to buy an Xbox 360, both of you receive 10 free Live Arcade games. They aren’t crap games either - the list includes Bomberman Live, Every Extend Extra Extreme, SFII Hyper Fighting and Sonic. Some other European countries have been running the same promo for some months but there is no word on it happening over the pond yet.

via Xbox.com

It’s an ongoing argument - just who would win a fight between pirates and ninjas? Blazing Lizard’s Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball might not answer the question, but it looks like a hoot. As you can see, the game is looking very pretty - pretty enough that it’s a little surprising that it’s a Xbox Live Arcade game and not a full blown release. Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball is due out early next year. Look after the jump for more pictures.

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More high-definition shooter goodness just hit Xbox Live Arcade in the form of Mutant Storm Empire. It’s available in all regions for 800 Microsoft points. Off you go, kids.

Microsoft has finally gotten around to announcing the Xbox 360 Arcade console that has been in stores for some time now. The one thing that needed clarification was whether the included Xbox Live Arcade titles were demos or full versions - we now know they are indeed full versions.

The Xbox 360 Arcade is available now for US$279.99 and features:
* Wireless controller
* HDMI out
* Memory Unit in the box
* Includes full versions of the following Arcade titles on disc:

• PAC-MAN Championship Edition
• Uno
• Luxor 2
• Boom Boom Rocket
• Feeding Frenzy

via Major Nelson

Thanks to a tipster over at Engadget we now know what is in the Xbox 360 Arcade pack before Microsoft even issue a press release. The $279.99 pack features a hard drive-less Xbox 360, 256MB Memory Card, a Wireless controller, an HDMI output (without cable), and a game disc with Xbox LIVE Arcade games: Boom Boom Rocket, Feeding Frenzy, Luxor 2, Pac-Man Championship Demo, and Uno.

via Engadget

Leaks from Amazon.com, Toys R Us and Best Buy have all but confirmed the rumor of a new Xbox 360 Arcade bundle set to replace the existing Core package. The US $279 bundle includes a wireless controller, memory card and five Xbox Live Arcade games, and will be released on October 23 or 25. It is still unknown whether the new console will include an HDMI port.

via TeamXbox