VampireG’s Blog

There’s a new addition to the family of party games available on Xbox 360™! “Rocky and Bullwinkle” is available exclusively on Xbox LIVE® Arcade, along with an enhanced version of the tank vs. tank action classic “Battlezone” this Wednesday, 16th April, at 09.00.

Based on the popular US cartoon series of the 1960s, “Rocky and Bullwinkle” on Xbox LIVE Arcade is a fast and fun party experience packed with more than 100 micro games. Eight playable characters from Frostbite Falls are back in the living room, including Rocky, Bullwinkle, Boris, Natasha, Dudley Do-Right and many more. “Rocky and Bullwinkle” features five difficulty settings, as well as support for up to 12 players in local hot-seat mode.

The game takes visual inspiration from the 1960s with a decidedly retro art style, but the fun is as modern as it gets. In fact, those who want to get up and move will enjoy 25 micro games that work with the Xbox LIVE Vision Camera. By moving around and expressing gestures – like rowing a boat or throwing darts – players can control the action in the game!

“Battlezone” on Xbox LIVE Arcade adds exciting new multiplayer modes for up to two players both locally and over Xbox LIVE, including Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag. Plus, players can use the Xbox LIVE Vision Cam to challenge opponents on the battle field. Combine these features with new special effects for weapon firing, impacts and explosions and this revamped version of “Battlezone” is a must-have classic that fans and newcomers will enjoy.

To score points in “Battlezone,” players must shoot and destroy the enemy’s brigade including a standard enemy tank, supertank and a flying saucer.

Gamecock Media Group announced today that due to pirated copies of Blazing Lizard’s upcoming Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball being on the loose the game will be revamped and held until later this Spring.

“We see the irony in all this,” noted Christopher Stockman, Studio Director at Blazing Lizard. “Rest assured, we have a crack team of Ninjas on the case and hunting down all pirates. On the positive side it gives us a chance to go back and add in additional content to the game.”

What this means for fans of Pirates (the sea-faring kind) and Ninjas is more bang for their buck when the game releases (this also includes fans of the other teams in the game, Robots and Zombies). In addition to the free-flinging arcade dodgeball events already in place (look out for Peg-Leg Stomps and Shuriken Attacks.), Blazing Lizard is adding more traditional rules dodgeball modes where teams stay only on their side and multiple dodgeballs are in play. Now we can settle the score once and for all.

For more info visit www.piratesvsninjas.com. If you are one of the pirates, watch your back!

[disclaimer: the game has not been pirated but they wanted an excuse to announce the wait for the game and the new game mode.]

Football comes home as Sensible World of Soccer returns to Xbox LIVE Arcade.

“SWOS has currently been pulled from Xbox Live Arcade due to some issues, Apparently it will be available again at 9pm GMT on the 19th December 2007″ 

“Update: Apparently SWOS should be online today 20th December 2007, I am not too sure about this ‘Massive’ advertising engine that is built into it however, apparently takes anonymous information from your console whilst you play the game and the game also has in game marketing and adversts. Surely if there are ads within the game then the game should be cheaper for us to buy”

Codemasters Online have today announced their football game that shaped an entire generation Sensible World of Soccer has been re-released on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

Sensible World of Soccer brings with it all the classic elements to a new generation of players across Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360. The game keeps all of the original touches that made it such a genre defining title, as well as introducing all-new optional enhancements to bring the game bang up to date. Sensible World of Soccer introduces players for the first time to all-new online multiplayer modes allowing players globally to take up the challenge and compete in intense online football matches in true Sensible Soccer style. The game also includes both original & updated custom graphics modes from the original designer of SWOS allowing players to experience the game in all-new High Definition.
Read more…

GripShift®, the award winning racing platformer developed and published by Sidhe Interactive is now available for download on Xbox LIVE® Arcade (XBLA), the premier destination for digitally distributed, high-definition original and classic games.

Featuring an extensive single-player experience, two multiplayer modes, stunning visuals and amazing sound, GripShift is available for 800 Microsoft points under the Games tab on the XBLA Dashboard.

“Bringing GripShift to the Xbox LIVE Arcade gives a whole new audience the chance to experience some frantic racing fun,” said Mario Wynands, Managing Director of Sidhe Interactive. “We think 360 owners will get a lot for their money with this game, as it offers a ton of content which can be played repeatedly for those who are intent on topping the leaderboards.”

Sidhe has also made available a list of Xbox LIVE achievements along with two new trailers from GripShift, showing fly-throughs of two intense Challenge courses.

Read more…

Prepare for an action-packed dungeon crawl with Sierra Online’s “Arkadian Warriors” and experience the innovative cross genre gameplay of “GripShift®,” by Sidhe Interactive, this week on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for Xbox 360™. Both games launch on Wednesday, 12th December, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. GMT.

Three heroic shape-shifting warriors fight to release the Land of Arkadia from the evil Gorgon’s stony gaze. In the uniquely expansive “Arkadian Warriors,” randomly generated dungeons and cooperative multiplayer hack & slash action enhances a deep single-player campaign. The robust cooperative multiplayer mode is available for two players both locally and over Xbox LIVE. Upgrading is key as players hone their skills, acquire loot and master powerful magic spells and numerous deadly weapons in a journey of mythical proportions.

Through a mix of sky-high platforming and stunt driving, “GripShift” combines automotive and puzzle solving skills across 120 challenging levels, 25 rubber burning race tracks and 20 deadly deathmatch arenas across four themed worlds. Zoom to victory with four players over Xbox LIVE or race solo, all while enjoying a customisable music experience! Choose your driver, unlock faster vehicles and customise your ride with new skins. Developed by Sidhe Interactive, “GripShift” is a gravity-defying thrill ride every racing fan must experience!

Where can I get “Arkadian Warriors” and “GripShift “ from?

Arkadian Warriors: available for 800 MS Points from 9:00 a.m. GMT, Wednesday 10th December 2007

GripShift: available for 800 MS Points from 9:00 a.m. GMT, Wednesday 10th December 2007

They are rated 12+.

 PS: Don’t forget that today you should now be able to download movies to your XBox as the Video Marketplace should be switched on today! I will confirm this when I get a chance.

You may be too old to go trick-or-treating, but you’re never too old to game. October has been a month of fun treats on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for Xbox 360™, and there’s plenty to get excited about in the coming weeks. Here’s a sneak peek at this week’s freaky title, as well as several additional games that are coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade in the next few weeks.

Just in time for Halloween, “Mutant Storm Empire” is packed with sci-fi action as players crush gangs of robots, smash swarms of UFOs and demolish massive enemy bosses. “Mutant Storm Empire,” the latest shooter from PomPom games and the sequel to “Mutant Storm Reloaded,” features 16 unique levels spread over four richly detailed and varied worlds.

The game offers a seamless experience where players move from room to room without having to enter a loading screen, in addition to offline co-op and multi-player LIVE support for two people.