Just in case you missed it, Microsoft has announced the line-up of games that will be available for download from Xbox Live Arcade when Xbox 360 is launched. Most are provided by indie superstars like Popcap, GarageGames and Stainless, but Midway, Bizarre Creations (previously responsible for Geometry Wars - pictured above - on Xbox Live) and Microsoft Games Studios also have titles on the list. The latter donates Hexic HD, a puzzle game designed by world famous Tetris creator Alexey Pajitnov, previously available on the original Xbox's Arcade service.
Futhermore, 40 publishers and developers have apparently signed up to provide Arcade content including EA, Sega, Atari, Q Entertainment, Vivendi and uWink (Nolan Bushnell's company). Microsoft is promising a decent range of downloadable titles, taking in retro classics, casual puzzlers and innovative new titles - it would certainly be interesting to see if this can emerge as a viable mass market solution for indie titles. As long as we don't end up with 300 block-sorting games I don't mind.
Here's a list of all the announced titles, ready for the Xbox 360 launch:
Astropop – Popcap Games
Bankshot Billiards 2TM – pixelStorm, Inc
Bejeweled 2 – Popcap Games
Crystal Quest – Stainless Games
Feeding Frenzy – Popcap Games
Gauntlet – Midway Home Entertainment
Geometry Wars 2 – Bizarre Creations
Hardwood Backgammon – Silver Creek Entertainment
Hardwood Hearts – Silver Creek Entertainment
Hardwood Spades – Silver Creek Entertainment
Hexic HD – Microsoft Game Studios
Hoopworld – Streamline Studios
Jewel Quest – iWin.com
Joust – Midway Home Entertainment
Marble Blast Ultra – GarageGames
Mutant Storm Reloaded – PomPom Games
Outpost Kaloki – Wahoo Studios
Robotron 2084 – Midway Home Entertainment
SmashTV – Midway Home Entertainment
Wik: Fable of Souls – Reflexive Entertainment
Zuma – Popcap Games
